Motorsports
Arby’s Brings The Meats and More to Chicago Street Race: Arby’s ‘Race for the Cheesesteak’ Campaign Includes Track Signage, On-Air Sponsorship, Onsite Experiential Display and Full Primary Partnership with Rick Ware Racing – Speedway Digest
Chicago is home to big personalities and big ideas, and for the third annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race, founding partner Arby’s is emulating the style of the Windy City by going big in its activation.
Knowing NASCAR Cup Series drivers are always hungry to win, Arby’s is using the downtown street circuit to debut a winning menu innovation – the new Angus Cheesesteak Sandwich. The largest sandwich drive-thru restaurant brand in the world has literally painted the track red via signage, on-air sponsorship, an onsite experiential display and, of course, a car in Sunday’s headlining Grant Park 165 NASCAR Cup Series race. Arby’s has also created a one-of-a-kind trophy featuring an edible Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak that immortalizes this weekend’s “Race for the Cheesesteak.”
Cody Ware, driver of the No. 51 Arby’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing, leads the way for Arby’s with his red-and-white Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak-emblazoned racecar. Ware will be featured in a 15-second TV spot that will air during TNT’s broadcast of the Grant Park 165, which goes live on Sunday at 2 p.m. EDT. The start time coincides with Arby’s giving away 100,000 Angus Cheesesteaks nationally, available to all Arby’s Rewards Members. Sign up at Arbys.com/deals.
“The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is a marquee moment for Arby’s, and we’re proud to use this event to highlight our new Angus Cheesesteaks,” said Jeff Baker, Chief Marketing Officer, Arby’s. “With a Cheesesteak giveaway and a full track takeover, this activation reflects our fandom and enthusiasm for racing. Our new Cheesesteaks are packed with bold flavor and we’re excited to introduce them in a way only Arby’s can.”
Before Ware races around the 2.2-mile, 12-turn Chicago street circuit, he will turn laps at Arby’s experiential display in the fan zone, located directly inside the North Entry ticket gate on East Jackson Drive.
Fun is the name of the game, as adults can be kids again and race big wheels on a NASCAR-style oval. On Saturday and Sunday of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend, Ware will compete against fans and his Rick Ware Racing counterpart, NHRA Top Fuel driver Clay Millican, who won last year’s U.S. Nationals near Indianapolis with Arby’s adorning his 12,000-horsepower dragster.
And when it’s time for Ware to take his No. 51 Arby’s Ford Mustang onto the Chicago street circuit, he will see red-and-white Arby’s “Race for the Cheesesteak” signage between turns 10-12, including the two pedestrian bridges that span the final corner of the track. Ware will also bring viewers along for all 75 laps of the race by carrying in-car cameras that will feature four distinct views – from the roof, the rear bumper, looking back at Ware behind the wheel, and an interior shot that turns 360 degrees.
“You can’t miss Arby’s this weekend. They’ve turned the Chicago Street Race into a full-on flavor takeover,” Ware said. “From the signage around the track to giving away 100,000 Angus Cheesesteaks, the activation is massive. It’s cool to see a brand go all-in like this, and I’m proud to represent Arby’s on and off the track.”
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is a tentpole event for Arby’s and the launch of its new Angus Cheesesteaks, loaded with a quarter-pound of thin-shaved, 100-percent Angus steak that are available for a limited time at participating locations nationwide.
Known as the home of the meats, Arby’s Angus Cheesesteaks are built on a foundation of premium quality Angus steak – rich, marbled and tender, with a robust flavor that embodies the spirit of quality American beef and lives up to Arby’s name. Each sandwich features a generous portion of thinly shaved Angus steak blended with melted American cheese, topped with a diced bell pepper and onion blend, and finished with a creamy garlic spread on a toasted bun.
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race is the only event of its kind on the NASCAR schedule, and its bold inclusion on the calendar earned “Sports Event of the Year” recognition from the Sports Business Journal.
Ware relishes the opportunity to race on a street course. The 29-year-old has a diverse racing background that includes driving sportscars on a variety of road courses, both domestic and international.
Ware won the 2019-2020 LMP2 championship in the Asian Le Mans Series with co-driver Gustas Grinbergas. In a prelude to that title, Ware was the 2014 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Rookie of the Year. In January 2024 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Ware piloted a Ligier JS P320 to a podium finish in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge LMP3 class. Ware has also competed in Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup and the NTT IndyCar Series.
“Road racing is where I did a lot of my growing up and learning how to race,” Ware said. “There was a lot of back and forth between stock cars and GT cars and sportscars over the years as I found my place in NASCAR. So I’m always, ‘The more the merrier,’ when it comes to road racing.”
Practice for the Grant Park 165 begins Saturday at 12 p.m. CDT/1 p.m. EDT followed by qualifying at 1 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. EDT. The race goes green Sunday at 1 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. EDT with live, flag-to-flag coverage provided by TNT and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
RWR PR
🎄 Merry Christmas from AutoRacing1.com 🎅
As the holiday season races in, we want to take a moment to thank you for being part of our journey this year. Your passion for motorsports fuels everything we do, and we’re incredibly grateful for your continued support.
From all of us at AutoRacing1.com, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and high-octane Christmas. May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and plenty of horsepower!
Here’s to a thrilling new year ahead — we can’t wait to cross the finish line with you in 2026.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
🏁
The AutoRacing1.com Team.
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (WMC) – The dilapidated Memphis International Raceway will see tires on the track again.
This week, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) closed on the property at 5500 Victory Lane, which is also known as the Memphis Motorsports Park.
It’s been closed since 2022 and currently sits empty.
Located in the neighboring City of Millington, the Memphis International Raceway has played a significant role in the national motorsports scene since its opening in the late 1980s.
“This is a special place in American motorsports,” said Darryl Cuttell, CEO of IHRA. “This facility has a deep history in drag racing and stock car competition, and our goal is to honor that legacy while building a strong, sustainable future. We are committed to bringing meaningful racing back to this property while expanding its role as a destination for a wide range of events that serve racers, fans, and the surrounding community.”
Under its new ownership, the track will operate as a multi-use destination for drag racing, car competitions, and more.
“Memphis Motorsports Park has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County, and IHRA’s acquisition represents a positive step forward for the facility and the community. This investment supports the continued use of the track as a regional destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and future growth. The Millington Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with IHRA as this next chapter takes shape,” said Chris Thomas, executive director of the Millington Area Chamber of Commerce.
IHRA officials say facility improvements and operational preparations will begin in the coming days.
An event schedule has yet to be released.
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Photo credit: Porsche
Porsche Motorsport North America is adding an indoor-karting pipeline to its driver development ladder through a new multi-year partnership with K1 Speed, the companies announced. The agreement is aimed at turning K1’s points-based monthly racing structure into a more direct on-ramp for standout drivers to reach Porsche Sprint Challenge North America or Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West.
The arrangement has a public-facing branding component and a competitive incentive. Porsche Motorsport branding will be displayed across all 72 K1 Speed karting centers in the United States, while K1 Speed decals will appear on the front bumper of cars competing in Porsche Carrera Cup North America, Porsche Sprint Challenge North America, Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West, and Porsche Endurance Challenge North America.
At the sporting level, the companies plan to select two drivers from among the top racers who reach K1 Speed’s national competition, one from the teen class and one from the adult class. For those two drivers, the entry fee for a future season in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America or USA West will be waived, according to the announcement.
‟K1 Speed hosts thousands of motorsports enthusiasts each year and all of us at PMNA look forward to connecting with them,” Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America, said. ‟Whether they are casual fans of motorsport or are searching for a path into professional racing, we are excited to introduce them all to the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and the opportunities that it offers.”
K1 Speed said its arrive-and-drive model and monthly race series create an accessible starting point, with points earned locally and top finishers advancing to state and then national-level competition. ‟It’s an immense honor for K1 to partner with Porsche Motorsport North America to provide up-and-coming American racers with an extraordinary opportunity,” said David Danglard, CEO and Founder of K1 Speed and K1 Circuit. ‟We built K1 on the belief that future champions start here, and this partnership with Porsche creates a pathway to take them from our indoor tracks to the country’s greatest circuits.”
In honor of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, who, along with his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder, died in a plane crash on December 18, KOHR Motorsports has announced that it will be paying tribute to the 55-year-old with a special livery at Daytona.
Biffle and his family died alongside fellow passengers Craig Wadsworth, and Dennis and Jack Dutton in the 19-time Cup Series race winner’s Cessna 550 Citation at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
Exactly who was flying the aircraft at the time, as three of those on board had licenses, was unclear as of a National Transportation Safety Board press conference on Friday.
NTSB Investigator-In-Charge Dan Baker explained that having taken off from Statesville at around 10:05 am, the plane took a left turn, flying for around five minutes before turning back toward its origin.
Spotted flying low, Baker said, “The initial point of impact was a runway light stanchion located about 1,800 feet from the runway threshold.
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“The airplane subsequently impacted trees, two other runway light stanchions, and the airport perimeter fence short of the runway threshold before coming to rest near the runway threshold. The airplane also came to rest oriented on an easterly heading.
“Post-impact fire consumed the majority of the fuselage and the inboard wing sections. All four corners of the airplane and flight control surfaces have been identified in the wreckage and the debris field. Both engines were present with the main wreckage.”
Brutal footage showing the plane landing at Statesville, leaving behind a trail of flames and dense black smoke, has since made its way onto social media.
The NASCAR community was quick to rally, honoring the memories of those lost in the tragic accident with the likes of Richard Petty, Denny Hamlin, and Kevin Harvick among those to share moving tributes.
KOHR is now doing its part to pay tribute to Biffle, sharing renderings of its special livery for an upcoming race, along with the caption, “In light of last week’s tragedy involving one of Nascar’s 75 Greatest Drivers and off track Humanitarian, Greg Biffle [including his family & friends].
“KOHR Motorsports will be running a tribute 2002 @nascar Busch Championship No.60 Ford livery on our IMPC No.60 @fordracing Mustang GT4 during the upcoming IMSA Roar Before The 24 and 4 Hour BMW M Endurance Michelin Pilot Challenge.
“The race begins 1:45PM ET on Friday, January 23rd at Daytona International Speedway ahead of 64th annual Rolex 24.”
The black, white, grey, and red sweeping design imitates that of Biffle’s title-winning Ford Taurus. That 2002 season saw Biffle win four races in the No. 60 Roush Racing Ford, finishing in the top five a further 16 times and the top 10 another five.
The following year, he took to the wheel of the No. 16 Roush Racing Ford in the Cup Series for what was his first full-time season in the series. He won one race in his rookie season, continuing to race full-time in the Cup Series through 2016.
Biffle briefly returned in 2022 to make four appearances in the No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet, marking the final chapter in his NASCAR career.
Motorsports
12-year-old off-road racing champion Kroi Ryan prepares for AMA 2026 WORCS season and life challenges
As only a sixth-grader, Kroi Ryan has already made waves in Pahrump’s off-road racing scene, earning dual WORCS ATV championships in the 90cc class.
But while his trophies are impressive, it is his mindset and approach to life that set him apart.
As WORCS Racing joins forces with the American Motorcyclist Association to form the AMA 2026 West Regional Grand Prix, Kroi is gearing up for a full year of racing, mountain biking — and he’s eager to inspire other kids to face their fears and pursue their goals.
A new era for WORCS Racing and Kroi’s goals
Starting in 2026, WORCS will expand its schedule to 10 rounds across six states and merge with the AMA, introducing updated rules and age limits.
Kroi is excited to tackle at least four WORCS races next year, riding his APEX 90 ATV and Yamaha TTR 125 dirt bike.
He also plans to try some MRANN races, which are exclusive to dirt bikes, and is branching into mountain biking tournaments, as well as basketball, baseball, and soccer with Trojans basketball and AYSO 808 soccer.
“Even though we won’t be chasing a WORCS championship next year, our life will not be slowing down by any means. Nor will we be leaving the world of off-road racing,” Kroi’s mother Nicole said.
He’s also currently completing his hunter’s safety course, hoping to start hunting in 2026 — another challenge he’s excited to take on with the same mindset he applies to racing.
Fear, focus, and the joys of racing
For Kroi, racing isn’t just about speed or podiums — it’s about confronting fear and pushing personal limits.
“I am excited and afraid on the track. When I’m racing against someone as good or better than me, I feel a full-on ‘let’s do this’ competitive mindset. But when I’m done, I feel pride in myself for conquering my fears and finishing my goals. I love making it on the podium!”
He describes the thrill of racing as a pure rush of joy, whether going faster, jumping higher, or navigating tricky corners. At the same time, he’s aware of the risks: crashing, overshooting jumps, or hitting corners too hard. Safety gear helps, but it doesn’t eliminate the challenge — which is part of what makes the sport exciting for him.
“Fear is normal, just like failing. But if you let that stop you, that’s how you become a failure,” Kroi said. “Never let something control you. If you face your fears and your failures, you will always be in control.”
Inspiration beyond racing
Kroi knows his story inspires other kids with apraxia — he’s recognized in town and the racing community by strangers who read about his achievements in articles.
That directly motivates him to share his mindset and push others to overcome their own adversities.
“Life is hard. Something hard is a challenge. Overcoming a challenge is an adventure, with small achievements. Like a plaque on a WORCS podium,” Kroi says. “But the more achievements you make come true, the more you achieve your ultimate reward: your dreams.”
Kroi believes most in competing with yourself, improving every day, and celebrating personal victories.
His goal isn’t just to win races but to show that facing fear, staying persistent, and embracing challenges can lead to success in any part of life.
Contact Jacob Powers at jpowers@pvtimes.com. Follow @jaypowers__ on X.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Two action packed weeks of racing in The Sooner State kicks off with the 2026 Tulsa Shootout, which begins December 29 and concludes January 3 inside the SageNet Center.
With a record-breaking number of entries (1,939 and counting), event officials recently released a tentative daily schedule for the six days of racing in Tulsa.
This year’s schedule has been adjusted to include a full day of practice on Monday, December 29 prior to the start of heat racing on Tuesday, December 30. Adjustments to the schedule have also allowed on-track action for the Junior Sprint division to be held earlier in the day.
“Those poor kids last year, when we had a couple days run long, it was forcing parents to wake their kids up to race, and as a parent, that really bothered me and knew that was something we needed to fix, so with the way were able to move things, I feel like this will be better not just for those teams, but everyone as a whole,” stated Tulsa Expo Raceway Chief of Operations, Matt Ward.
The tentative daily schedule for this year’s Tulsa Shootout can be viewed below. All six days of the 2026 Tulsa Shootout will be streamed live on FloRacing.
2026 Tulsa Shootout Daily Schedule
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
Parking: 8:00am
Sign-in: 12:00pm – 7:00pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
Parking: 8:00am
Sign-in: 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Tech for Restricted: 3:00pm
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29
SageNet Center Opens: 7:00am
Engine Heat: 8:15am – 8:20am
Practice: 9:00am (One round per class)
Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing
Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw
K&B Motorsports Restricted
Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw
Flying A Motorsports Junior Sprints
JST Motorsports A-Class
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30
SageNet Center Opens: 7:00am
Engine Heat: 8:15am – 8:20am
Racing: 9:00am
Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing FuelTech Heats
Flying A Motorsports Junior Sprints FuelTech Heats
JST Motorsports A-Class FuelTech Heats
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
SageNet Center Opens: 7:00am
Engine Heat: 8:15am – 8:20am
Racing: 9:00am
Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw FuelTech Heats
K&B Motorsports Restricted FuelTech Heats
Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw FuelTech Heats
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1
SageNet Center Opens: 7:00am
Engine Heat: 8:15am – 8:20am
Racing: 9:00am
Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing E-Mains
Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing D-Mains
Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing C-Mains
Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing Qualifiers
Flying A Motorsports Junior Sprints Qualifiers
Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw Qualifiers
K&B Motorsports Restricted Qualifiers
Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw Qualifiers
JST Motorsports A-Class Qualifiers
Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw D-Mains
Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw C-Mains
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2
SageNet Center Opens: 7:00am
Engine Heat: 8:15am – 8:20am
Racing: 9:00am
Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw E-Mains
Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw D-Mains
Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw C-Mains
Flying A Motorsports Junior Sprints C-Mains
Flying A Motorsports Junior Sprints B-Mains
K&B Motorsports Restricted C-Mains
K&B Motorsports Restricted B-Mains
JST Motorsports A-Class E-Mains
JST Motorsports A-Class D-Mains
JST Motorsports A-Class C-Mains
SATURDAY, JANUARY 3
SageNet Center Opens: 7:00am
Racer’s For Christ Service: 7:30am
Engine Heat: 8:15am – 8:20am
Racing: 9:00am
Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing B-Mains
Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw B-Mains
Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw B-Mains
JST Motorsports A-Class B-Mains
OPENING CEREMONIES, PARADE OF STATES
Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing LCQ
Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw LCQ
K&B Motorsports Restricted LCQ
JST Motorsports A-Class LCQ
Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw LCQ
Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing A-Feature
Flying A Motorsports Junior Sprints A-Feature
Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw A-Feature
K&B Motorsports Restricted A-Feature
JST Motorsports A-Class A-Feature
Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw A-Feature
**Schedule is subject to change without notice. Any updates will be posted to http://www.tulsashootout.com.
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