Four days of Speediatrics camp curriculum at Newton YMCA led to a vibrant and energetic field day for 160 area kids to kick off the NASCAR race weekend.
Youngsters who participated in the Speediatrics Fun Day Festival on Friday got to enjoy the Iowa Speedway first before crowds gathered for the Atlas 150, Hy-Vee Perks 250 and Iowa Corn 350. Behind the racetrack grandstands was the NASCAR Experience, the place where the kids would spend their morning.
They were greeted by Chase, the mascot of the NASCAR Foundation, and a bevy of friendly-faced volunteers manning different stations of activities. Teams took turns flipping tires, finding lug nuts in a pool of ping pong balls, filling canisters full of water and changing tires like a real pit crew.
Newton YMCA campers participate in Speediatrics Fun Day Festival activities Friday, Aug. 1 at the Iowa Speedway during the NASCAR race weekend. (Christopher Braunschweig)
ARCA Series drivers Quinn Davis and Austin Vaughn were also on hand for a meet-and-greet and to sign autographs. At the end of the festival, each kid got to go home with a new pair of brand-name sneakers to further encourage them to stay active and healthy. Strong wellness is what got them here in the first place.
For the past week, the kids had been wearing pedometers to track their steps in and outside the YMCA camp. The NASCAR Foundation then recognized the top steppers — Olivia Welch with more than 50,000 steps and Kenta Buckner with more than 64,000 steps — with certificates at the start of the festival.
Newton YMCA campers participate in Speediatrics Fun Day Festival activities Friday, Aug. 1 at the Iowa Speedway during the NASCAR race weekend. (Christopher Braunschweig)
George Sorensen, CEO of Newton YMCA, said the cool part about Speediatrics is its emphasis on promoting health and wellness. NASCAR teams have to be fit and in tip-top shape, he said, and it helps the foundation’s mission aligns with the YMCA and its community goals of youth development and healthy living.
“Kids need to be thinking about healthy living at this age,” Sorensen said in an interview with Newton News during the festival. “That’s what the curriculum teaches them, but it also incorporates it into NASCAR. We have a beautiful track here in Newton, so why not be a part of it. It’s awesome.”
Newton YMCA campers participate in Speediatrics Fun Day Festival activities Friday, Aug. 1 at the Iowa Speedway during the NASCAR race weekend. (Christopher Braunschweig)
The NASCAR Foundation operates as the charitable arm of NASCAR, and it provided the YMCA with a curriculum for campers. Sorensen said the curriculum was implemented Monday through Thursday mornings, along with other activities the YMCA offered to allow kids to get their steps in.
“For us, we felt it was a really great tie-in to who we are and what NASCAR (Foundation) is trying to promote,” Sorensen said.
Newton YMCA campers participate in Speediatrics Fun Day Festival activities Friday, Aug. 1 at the Iowa Speedway during the NASCAR race weekend. (Christopher Braunschweig)
As a national charity, the NASCAR Foundation works to impact the lives of children through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing he delivery of health and wellness programs and services to kids in racing communities.
More than 1.7 million children have been impacted by the NASCAR Foundation, and more than $46 million has been given to help children in need.
Newton YMCA accepts a donation during the Speediatrics Fun Day Festival activities Friday, Aug. 1 at the Iowa Speedway. (Christopher Braunschweig)
YMCA wrote a grant application for the NASCAR Speediatrics program around the time Sorensen was hired on as the new CEO. The organization was accepted and it turned into an “awesome experience” for more than 150 kids from Jasper County. Sorensen said partnerships like these are important.
“Iowa Speedway is an important fixture in Newton,” Sorensen said. “Our heritage and what we’ve been to the community for 150 years and bringing the two of us together, it seems like a real natural fit. At the end of the day, the kids get an experience and get exposed to NASCAR in a different way.”
Kyle Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports protégé, Corey Day, put NASCAR on notice following a standout debut in Australia in the Burson Auto Parts Boxing Day Bonanza ahead of the 2025 High Limit Racing International at Perth Motorplex. The 20-year-old is enjoying the NASCAR offseason ahead of his first full-time season in stock car racing at Hendrick Motorsports in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Day, dubbed 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion Larson’s protégé, enjoys competing on dirt and did so Down Under, making his debut in Australia. The California-born motorsport star started the Burson Auto Parts Boxing Day Bonanza from 28th and managed to fight his way all the way up to second, finishing behind race winner Buddy Kofoid in the 30-lap affair.
Day will return to action in Perth on Sunday when High Limit kicks into gear. “First night in the books down under, and it was a wild one. P28 to P2 in a non-stop feature. Ready to go with High Limit starting Sunday,” Day said on X.
Day will be hoping to stake a big claim in NASCAR’s second-string national series, following in the footsteps of Connor Zilisch, who has made the jump up to a full-time Cup Series seat. HMS have high hopes for Day, who could be a Cup driver in the near future.
“That was what I was working towards this year,” Day told NASCAR.com. “It wasn’t announced or anything, but my contract was written as next year was an option if this year went well. I guess I did a good enough job to get that option picked up. To say I’m going to run a NASCAR series full-time next year is something I’ve dreamed about doing since I was a little kid. It’s really cool.”
Sign up to our NASCAR newsletter here.
“I’m ready, I’m excited,” Day added. “This year, I ran a lot of different race cars, which is really challenging to be able to progress a lot in all of them.
“I learned a lot in each and every one of them. It’s hard to be really good at one of them when you only get to do it a certain amount of times per year.”
Day can also lean on the experience of Larson, who claimed a second Cup title last month in Phoenix. Larson was left impressed by Day’s early exploits in the Truck Series this year.
At Nashville and Indianapolis Raceway Park, Day finished fifth and second, prompting praise from Larson. “It was good to see him have a strong run there. It was a track that I thought may, you know, suit his style, being able to move around and search for grip and things,” Larson said.
“He was probably one of the first, if not the first, running below the apron that night and found some speed that way. So, it just lends itself to a dirt guy’s background, probably. But yeah, he’s been slowly getting better here lately in the stock car stuff, and I’m sure gaining confidence. So yeah, I’m hopeful and excited to see how he keeps going in the #17 car,” he added.
This weekend’s action Down Under will pit Day against Larson, who won the $100,000 High Limit International at Perth Motorplex last year.
A historic motorsports facility in Millington, Tennessee, is set to make its return to the motorsports calendar after being acquired by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).
The IHRA is launching a new stock car series, set to rival NASCAR, with substantial prizes available for competitors. The IHRA Stock Series will offer a $2 million purse for the winner of eight races set for next year, starting in March.
The announcement was made while NASCAR was embroiled in a lawsuit with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, and the new Tennessee facility will host two events next year. The track, formerly known as Memphis International Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park, will return.
The location has hosted major drag race events, while also staging touring series races. The property is now officially owned by the IHRA and will be used by the organization next year, reviving the location after it was opened in the late 1980s.
“This investment honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park while positioning it for a strong future,” said City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young. “IHRA’s acquisition reflects confidence in our region and creates new opportunities for tourism, local businesses, and fan experiences.”
Sign up to our NASCAR newsletter here.
Amber Mills, Shelby County Commissioner, District 1, Shelby County Government, added, “As the Commissioner for District 1, I am thrilled about IHRA’s acquisition of Memphis Motorsports Park. This investment strengthens our local economy, puts world-class racing back on solid ground, and gives our families and young people a safe, exciting place to create memories for years to come.
“Having a national organization like IHRA committed to the long-term success of this historic facility is exactly the kind of partnership Shelby County needs.” Chris Thomas, Executive Director, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce, added, “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.”
Members of the IHRA also spoke about the excitement ahead of a big year. “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.”
Leah Martin, President of IHRA, added, “This acquisition represents more than reopening a racetrack. It is about restoring opportunity for racers, families, and the community. This facility aligns with IHRA’s racer-first vision and our commitment to grassroots motorsports, while also allowing the property to support diverse uses that strengthen its year-round impact.”
After years of racing out of residential garages, take a look inside Ricky Thornton Jr’s new race shop
Ricky Thornton Jr won 31 races in the 2025 season. He went on to finish 2nd in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series standings.
He’s has been racing since 2005. And until now, he has only used residential garages outside of other teams he’s raced for.
400+ wins and 30+ championships later, he has opened a new shop in Iowa. Koehler Motorsports will continue to use their shop in Mount Airy, NC. But, the Iowa shop will also be used when the team is in the area.
Take a look at the photos of the Ricky Thornton Jr Racing shop below.
Ricky Thornton Jr Racing comments
The team shared the following update:
“After a career of racing out of residential garages, (and some beautiful shops of others) Ricky finally has his very own personal race shop. A true dream come true,” the team opened via social media.
“Graystone Companies- thank you Troy for the time you put into this project. Deadlines & expectations were heavily exceeded! If you’re looking to build anything in the Des Moines metro, Graystone Companies is what you’re looking for! Thank you to Ganoe Excavating, Inc. for the dirt work, D and E Outside Services for the tree removal, and Matt Allen for the floor finish!”
“Our Koehler Motorsports team will continue to race out of their Mount Airy, NC shop, but our Iowa shop will be a frequent stopping point throughout the summer!”
The 2026 season is set to begin. Thornton Jr is heading to Central Arizona Raceway for the Wild West Shootout beginning on January 10th.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series removes playoff format for 2026
Ricky Thornton Jr Race Shop (Photos)
Ricky Thornton Jr Race ShopBathroom – Ricky Thornton Jr Race Shop – IowaRicky Thornton Jr Race Shop – IowaFormer Shop – Ricky Thornton Jr Race Shop – Iowa
The 2026 season will be a special one for Team Penske, which made its first foray into the racing scene in 1966. Whether it’s NASCAR, IndyCar or IMSA, Team Penske has enjoyed plenty of success and plans to savor many more victories in the future.
Team Penske cars in all three major series will sport special retro livery at select races, while the team will also introduce an anniversary identity that will appear across its race cars, uniforms, digital platforms and merchandise, with the first items available online and in the team store beginning in January.
“Our 60th anniversary is a tremendous milestone for our organization,” Roger Penske said in a team release. “The 2026 season will give us the opportunity to celebrate the people, partners and fans who have helped shape Team Penske since 1966, while also looking ahead to the future. This year ahead is a meaningful one with many terrific moments for our team and story still to come.”
Few teams can match the Penske programs when it comes to success on the track. The team has 20 Indianapolis 500 victories, three Daytona 500 wins and has won at least one major championship for the past 14 years, including last season’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship sweep of the team, drivers and manufacturers titles. It was the second straight season Porsche Penske swept the awards and last season saw the team become the first since 2017 to win Daytona and Sebring in the same season.
With the team not competing in the World Endurance Championship in 2026, Team Penske will focus all of its sportscar racing attention on IMSA. Despite winning the GTP title the past two seasons, there will be some new faces on the team in 2026.
The team will see Kevin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor move from the WEC to drive the No. 6 Porsche 963, while the No. 7 will be in the hands of Felipe Nasr and Julien Andlauer. Matt Campbell, one of the championship drivers this season, will serve as the endurance driver for the No. 6 car at Daytona, Sebring and Road Atlanta, while Laurin Heinrich will serve in the same role for the No. 7 Porsche. All six are Porsche factory drivers.
Porsche Penske will begin its 2026 season in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway Jan. 16-18. The Rolex 24 At Daytona begins Saturday, Jan. 24.
MANAMA: The director of the Kuwaiti Motor Sports Club, Sheikh Sabah Dawood Al-Sabah, praised the outstanding results achieved by the club’s racers in the second round of the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship on Saturday, emphasizing that they reflect the advanced level reached by Kuwaiti champions in this sport. The team director stated that the racers delivered a remarkable performance in the competitions held at the Bahrain International Circuit’s drag strip.
Abdullah Ali Al-Aqab secured first place in the Pro 29.5 category, while Ahmed Zaman took second place in the 8.5 Index category, and Fawaz Al-Awadhi finished third in the same category. The remaining members of the participating delegation also achieved high rankings in the eight rounds.
Al-Sabah affirmed that these achievements are the fruit of the continuous efforts exerted by the racers and the technical and administrative staff.
He noted the club’s commitment to providing all means of support and care to raise Kuwait’s flag high in regional and international events, wishing them continued success in future competitions.
The second round of the Bahrain National Drag Racing Championship, the most popular drag racing championship in the region, kicked off over the past two days at the Bahrain International Circuit’s drag strip. The new season of the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship is scheduled to run until March, with the third and fourth rounds taking place in January and the championship concluding in March. — KUNA
It’s the biggest motorcycle drag racing grudge race of the year, Kings of Grudge Grinchmas from Orlando Speedworld Dragway and we cover this shocker as a fast mini bike calls out a stretched Suzuki Hayabusa grudge bike on the opening day of this event. We also see some motorcycle drag racing gone wrong as a fast Suzuki Hayabusa and GSXR 1000 suffer engine damage. Enjoy some thrilling motorcycle drag racing from Kings of Grudge
There are more videos on the Cycledrag Youtube channel (please subscribe here) and like the Cycledrag Facebook page (Please like here) and more will be coming soon. Also subscribe to our NEW Youtube channel “Racing Jack” and Check back daily.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/Q4WWBFR6KBGYPIF6256RGW7OC4.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/553OYS3S3BEMBL2YRCZ5MWTYDA.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/PCTLKMPZYJGYFKW53SI2THW4SI.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/OYJKRCQVURC6RM7T4IQECS6ZPI.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/7ZUDVYXOEBE73F2METO5JIIBSY.jpg)
