Spire Motorsports has confirmed its crew chief lineup for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, with two months to go until the green flag finally flies at the Daytona 500.

However, what’s most notable about the announcement is who has not been included, with Chris Gabehart nowhere to be seen, despite persistent rumors recently linking him with an offseason move from Joe Gibbs Racing.

Gabehart had served as Denny Hamlin’s crew chief with the No. 11 Toyota team for six Cup Series seasons, helping him win 22 races along the way, prior to transitioning to become JGR’s Competition Director in 2025, much to the driver’s surprise.

With Gabehart replaced by Chris Gayle, he and Hamlin would win a Cup Series-high six races in 2025, including the 60th of the 44-year-old’s career, tying him with Kevin Harvick for the 10th most of all-time. Unfortunately for Hamlin and JGR, they wound up stumbling at the finishing line, leading the finale at Phoenix Raceway for 208 laps until, with four to go, a caution caused pit road chaos, prompting a mixture of tire strategies, which dropped Hamlin behind eventual title winner, Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports.

As for Gabehart, he wound up back in the pit box mid-season to help an ailing Ty Gibbs in the No. 54. “It’s no secret that what I’m most familiar with is these game-time situations,” Gabehart told RACER upon his return to pit road. “There are a lot of other things I do throughout the week, but the decision was made once we got three of the four [locked] in to put all we could put behind the [No.] 54 to try to get it in, too, and when you have a bench that’s got assets on it, you use it. That’s part of it.”

Sign up to our NASCAR newsletter here.

The decision paid off, with Ty finishing runner-up to Shane van Gisbergen at the following race in Chicago, going on to rack up another two top fives and four top 10s.

Despite this, it has emerged Gabehart has left JGR with Hamlin having no words for his shock departure..

While his exit has yet to be officially announced, his rumored move to Spire also doesn’t appear to have yet taken place. In the team’s crew chief announcement on Friday, it lists Ryan Sparks as Daniel Suarez’s crew chief, Travis Peterson as that of Michael McDowell, and Luke Lambert of that of Carson Hocevar. Furthermore, Matt McCall is listed as the Cup Series Competition Director.

Where this leaves Gabehart, who is still listed on JGR’s site as the Competition Director, is unclear. Should he end up leaving, Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently said on his podcast that he believes this would mark “a big loss for JGR, and it kind of makes you wonder what the general temperature is, I guess, when a guy like that’s going to leave the building.

“It appeared that he had position, he had been elevated out of the away from the crew chief position from Denny Hamlin into the Director of Competition, which is a very critical, important role. And I thought, ‘Man, this guy is perfect for this, and they will be well-positioned with him in that role,’” Earnhardt recalled.

“So it’s hard to imagine how he got away or what would have been the result or the cause, I guess, of the departure.”

NHRA officials are thrilled to announce today that Holly Springs Motorsports Park has joined the NHRA Member Track Network.

A standout facility located in Holly Springs, Miss., Holly Springs Motorsports Park is home for some of the most competitive bracket racing in the area. A new ownership group featuring Dominic Blasco, Raymond Poirier and Jack Ludvigsen purchased the track earlier this year, becoming an NHRA-sanctioned track starting in the 2026 season.

As part of the exciting move to the NHRA Member Track Network, Holly Springs Motorsports Park will also have the opportunity to host a Summit E.T. Finals event in the Summit Racing Series in 2026. Further details about the Summit E.T. Finals and the Summit Racing Series World Championship in Las Vegas will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We are excited to be part of the NHRA family by becoming an NHRA member track, as well as becoming a new home of a Summit E.T. Finals,” Blasco said. “This partnership represents a huge milestone for our facility and it reflects the work our team has put in to becoming a first-rate facility. Aligning with NHRA shows our commitment to the highest standards of safety and racing, and we believe this will bring more racers and more opportunities to our community. We’re thrilled to begin this next chapter of the track with NHRA.”

By joining the NHRA Member Track Network, Holly Springs Motorsports Park will be eligible to offer racers in the area a variety of NHRA-sanctioned racing opportunities in the future, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Street Legal, NHRA Jr. Street and more. Additionally, the track will have the chance to host NHRA specialty events like the NHRA Summit King of the Track and more.

Along with hosting several big events, drawing top racers and an impressive level of competition, Holly Springs Motorsports Park also gets access to NHRA’s extensive support programs as part of the member track network, insurance benefits and national marketing platforms

“We’re pleased to welcome Holly Springs Motorsports Park to the NHRA Member Track Network. The track has built a strong reputation for providing a competitive, racer-focused environment, and its commitment to growth aligns with NHRA’s mission to continue to strengthen grassroots drag racing,” NHRA Sportsman Manager Jason Galvin said. “We look forward to supporting those efforts and expanding opportunities for racers in the region, including the track hosting a Summit E.T. Finals race.”

For more information on NHRA, including the 2026 schedule, visit www.nhra.com.

This story was originally published on December 12, 2025.

The reimagined Rev ‘n Roll for Riley Children’s Foundation brought the motorsports community together for an evening of bowling and fun on Wednesday night at Western Bowl in Indianapolis, ultimately raising $13,000 for the nationally-ranked children’s hospital foundation. A star-studded lineup of drivers from NHRA, INDYCAR, USAC, and other professional series joined current and alumni Riley Kids, racing industry professionals, and friends and fans for a memorable night of giving, serving as a purpose-driven kickoff to the annual Performance Racing Industry show, which got underway this morning.
 
After opening ceremonies and driver introductions, the celebration began with a ceremonial “first roll,” led by Alexis DeJoria, Buddy Hull, Lex Joon, Alexander Rossi, Tony Stewart, Ida Zetterström, and others, who paired up with Riley Kids to officially open the event.
 
Participants enjoyed the evening decked out in specially designed, nitro-inspired bowling shirts supplied by ProThings. Fundraising efforts were further boosted thanks to the support of Joe and PJ Maynard, owners of Brownsburg-based JCM Racing, as well as AB Motorsports, Arrow McLaren, Bandero Premium Tequila, Impact Racing, NHRA, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, Summit Racing Equipment, and others, who contributed items to the silent auction, helping to further the event’s impact.
 
Three-time NASCAR champion and current NHRA Top Fuel competitor Tony Stewart emphasized his excitement for the night of giving, saying, “When (event co-organizer) Mike Lewis called and asked if I could be a part of the event, I told him yes before I even looked at my schedule to see if I had that date open. It is special to do this. Beginning the night hearing the kids’ stories is probably the best part of the whole evening, hearing the journey it took to get healthy again; the success stories, that’s the best part.” 
 
“We’re thrilled,” said Hali Warnick, who spearheaded the return of the annual fundraiser alongside Lewis. “I was thinking earlier today, Mike and I are no longer coworkers, and our careers have taken us in different directions, but we’ve crossed paths with so many people over the years, whether it be vendor relationships, former colleagues, or friends from the race track. To have everyone come back together and celebrate like this, it’s so meaningful. To see the night as successful as we’d hoped it to be, that’s incredible.”
 
For more information about Riley Children’s Foundation, visit RileyKids.org. 

This story was originally published on December 12, 2025.

https://www.dragracecentral.com:443/DRCStory.asp?ID=414764

The resource you have requested in no longer available.

You have used an outdated link.

If you have followed an outdated link from one
of our other pages, please accept our apologies.

We have logged the error and sent email to the webmaster.

We will do our best to locate and correct the problem as soon as possible.

NHRA has announced the 2026 Hot Rod Heritage Series schedule, featuring a thrilling lineup of nostalgia drag racing events at legendary venues across North America competitors in a celebration of drag racing heritage as part of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary season.

The 2026 season kicks off Feb. 13–14 with the Tucson Dragway Reunion at Tucson Dragway in Tucson, Ariz., featuring Group 1 and 2 classes. The excitement continues March 5–8 at the legendary Famoso Dragstrip in Bakersfield, Calif., for the Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet, where all classes will compete.

In the spring, the action moves to Firebird Motorsports Park in Chandler, Ariz., for the Cactus Clash from April 24–26, showcasing Group 1 and 2. May brings two thrilling events: the NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor Nitro Opener presented by The Blower Shop at Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho, from May 15–17, spotlighting Funny Car competition, followed by Funny Car Fever at Redding Motorsports Park in Redding, Calif., May 22–23, again with Group 1 and 2.

Summer heats up with the National Hot Rod Reunion at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky., June 18–20, featuring Top Fuel. The Americana at Great Bend takes place July 3–4 at SRCA Dragstrip in Great Bend, Kan., also with Top Fuel. The Rocky Mountain Nationals roar into RAD Torque Raceway in Edmonton, Alta., July 10–11, with Funny Car action.

August brings the Nightfire Nationals presented by Bi-Mart back to Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho, August 7–9, with both Top Fuel and Funny Car classes. Later in the month, the Nostalgia Summer Nationals take over Woodburn Dragstrip in Woodburn, Ore., August 28–30, with Funny Car and a double event for Group 1 and 2.

As autumn approaches, the Thunder Under the Lites event lights up Redding Motorsports Park in Redding, Calif., Sept. 11-12, with Top Fuel and Group 1 and 2. The season concludes Oct. 23–25 back at iconic Famoso Dragstrip, with the California Hot Rod Reunion, featuring Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Group 1 and 2.

Tucson Dragway Reunion
Feb. 13–14, Tucson Dragway, Tucson, Ariz.
Classes: Group 1 & 2

Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet
March 5–8, Famoso Dragstrip, Bakersfield, Calif.
Classes: All Classes

Cactus Clash
April 24–26, Firebird Motorsports Park, Chandler, Ariz.
Classes: Group 1 & 2

NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor Nitro Opener presented by The Blower Shop
May 15–17, Firebird Raceway, Boise, Idaho
Classes: Funny Car (FC)

Funny Car Fever
May 22–23, Redding Motorsports Park, Redding, Calif.
Classes: Group 1 & 2

National Hot Rod Reunion
June 18–20, Beech Bend Raceway Park, Bowling Green, Ky.
Classes: Top Fuel (TF)

Americana at Great Bend
July 3–4, SRCA Dragstrip, Great Bend, Kan.
Classes: Top Fuel (TF)

Rocky Mountain Nationals
July 10–11, RAD Torque Raceway, Edmonton, Alta.
Classes: Funny Car (FC)

Nightfire Nationals presented by Bi-Mart
Aug. 7–9, Firebird Raceway, Boise, Idaho
Classes: Top Fuel (TF), Funny Car (FC)

Nostalgia Summer Nationals
Aug. 28–30, Woodburn Dragstrip, Woodburn, Ore.
Classes: Funny Car (FC), Group 1 & 2 (double)

Thunder Under the Lites
Sept. 11-12, Redding Motorsports Park, Redding, Calif.
Classes: Top Fuel (TF), Group 1 & 2

California Hot Rod Reunion
Oct. 23–25, Famoso Dragstrip, Bakersfield, Calif.
Classes: Top Fuel (TF), Funny Car (FC), Group 1 & 2
 

PHOENIX (Dec. 12, 2025) – NHRA announced today that Factory Motor Parts (FMP), a leading global distributor of premium automotive parts, solutions and services, has been named the title sponsor of the upcoming NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park as part of an exciting multi-year partnership.

Celebrating its 41st year in 2026, the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs will take place March 20-22 as the second of 20 races during the NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. The annual “Duel in the Desert” remains one of the most popular stops on the NHRA tour, repeatedly drawing sellout crowds as part of the thrilling annual race weekend.

The 2025 race saw sellout crowds on both Saturday and Sunday, as Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Paul Lee (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) raced to wins at the historic facility.

“FMP is proud to deepen our partnership with NHRA and bring our name to such an iconic event in Phoenix,” said Andy Gorski, Vice President of Marketing at FMP. “The Arizona Nationals embody the passion, performance and competitive spirit that drive our business, and we’re excited to help elevate the fan and racer experience during this milestone season.”

As part of the title sponsorship in Phoenix, FMP will receive on-site signage and integration at the track during the race weekend, as well as significant exposure leading up to and during the highly-anticipated event.

The title sponsorship also adds to the recent noteworthy momentum for the race and facility, as NHRA and Firebird Motorsports Park previously announced a multi-year extension for the popular event.

The famed facility also made a series of significant track improvements and renovations leading up to last year’s race, as the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs continues to be a marquee NHRA event.

“Adding Factory Motor Parts to our Firebird family is the next great step in what has been a massive wave of positive momentum over the last 24 months for both our national event and the facility in general,” Firebird Motorsports Park Track Manager Casey Buckman said. “It is these key additional partners that truly anchor our success not only at the Arizona Nationals, but throughout all of our events. We look forward to the years of success that both of the FMP brands can share with each other as we build for the future.”

The 2026 event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the thrilling NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

The FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs first became a Southwest fixture in 1985 and it has been a must-see race for any NHRA fan, delivering record performances and incredible early-season action.

The track’s rich history includes major achievements from the sport’s biggest stars, as Top Fuel’s Tony Schumacher’s has five Phoenix wins, while Funny Car legend John Force has eight wins at the facility. Top Fuel’s Antron Brown, Funny Car drivers Ron Capps and Matt Hagan, and Pro Stock’s Anderson all have three wins at Firebird Motorsports Park.

“Phoenix and Firebird Motorsports Park has always delivered an incredible weekend for our fans and racers, and adding FMP and NGK as the event’s title sponsor adds even more excitement to a standout early-season stop in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series,” said Brad Gerber, NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “We’re thrilled to welcome such respected partners to this event, and we look forward to working with FMP and NGK to elevate the experience for everyone in Phoenix.”

To purchase tickets to the 41st annual FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, fans can visit www.nhra.com/tickets. For more information on the NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Factory Motor Parts

Factory Motor Parts (FMP) is a leading global distributor of premium automotive parts, solutions, and services for professional repair shops, dealerships, fleets, and do-it-yourself customers. Founded in 1945, FMP has built its reputation on unmatched customer service, extensive product expertise, and a commitment to quality that drives performance for partners across North America.

FMP is the parent company of FVP, a trusted brand of high-performance automotive products including FVP Batteries, the Official Battery of the NHRA. FVP delivers proven reliability, OE-level performance, and nationwide availability to keep drivers, teams, and fans powered with confidence.

To learn more, visit FactoryMotorParts.com or FVPParts.com.

About Niterra North America, Inc.

Founded in 1936, Niterra North America, Inc., formerly NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc., has been the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in designing spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, that tradition continues as they transform their organization’s business portfolio, expanding their core ceramic technologies, exploring capabilities beyond their traditional areas, and challenging themselves to develop solutions and services that use technologies to resolve social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.

NGK Spark Plugs has built a reputation for quality and reliability. As a result, the company will continue manufacturing ignition products under the trusted brand and sensor products under the NTK brand.

In North America, Niterra North America, Inc., is headquartered in Wixom, MI, and maintains manufacturing, inventory, and distribution facilities in Irvine, CA, and Sissonville, WV.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.