Motorsports

NASCAR Playoff Standings in Upheaval After Austin Dillon Win at Richmond

Published

4 months ago

August 17, 2025

Richmond Raceway, Richmond, VA — August 16, 2025

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Richmond Raceway for the first time since the infamous ending at last year’s Cook Out 400. Fans remember the exciting final turn of the 400-lap race when Austin Dillon wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin in turn four to take the win and qualify for the playoffs.

NASCAR ultimately penalized Dillon by taking away the playoff qualification, but let the victory stand. As a sell-out crowd filled the grandstands for the night race this year, everyone is hoping to see similar action tonight on the exciting, bump and run, short track in the next to last race of the regular season.

NASCAR’s schedule changes eliminated this year’s spring race at Richmond. Since 1959 the only time Richmond has not hosted two races a year was during Covid in 2020. Losing the traditional 2-race weekends was a disappointing development for the community and this historic racetrack. But the series moves forward with expanding it’s presence to more markets. This weekend marks the 137th running of a NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway. Only one of the last 13 Richmond winners was under the age of 30.

Tonight’s race is 400 laps (300 miles) with Stages set for 70/160/170 laps. Ryan Preece put the RFK Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse on the pole with a speed 121.381 mph around the 3/4 mile Raceway. Preece currently sits 17th in the playoff standings, 34 points behind his teammate Chris Buescher who is on the bubble. A win by a driver who has not yet visited victory lane this year will effectively knock both out of contention to point their way into the playoffs and put them in a must win situation when the regular season concludes next week at Daytona.

The other two drivers without wins this year and currently holding playoff spots based on points are Tyler Reddick (starts second tonight) and Alex Bowman. Reddick is a virtual lock, but Bowman will fall onto the bubble if a new winner takes the checkered flag tonight. He would then be vulnerable to the same scenario next Saturday night at Daytona. Five of the drivers not locked into the Playoffs have won at Richmond – Kyle Busch (6 wins), Brad Keselowski (2), Austin Dillon (1), Chris Buescher (1) and Alex Bowman (1).

The driver who led the most laps failed to win the last eight Richmond races. The driver who led the most laps won all three short track races in 2025. The last two races did not have a DNF, the first time in Cup Series history consecutive races had no DNFs. #43 and #11 cars are tied with 13 Richmond wins each, Richard Petty won all 13 for #43 while five different drivers won at Richmond in #11 (Denny Hamlin-5, Cale Yarborough-3, Darrell Waltrip-3, Bill Elliott-1, Ned Jarrett-1). Kyle Busch completed all but one lap at Richmond in his 38 starts there (completed 14,243 of 14,244 possible laps).

Alex Bowman is making his 350th career Cup start this weekend; three drivers have won in the Cup Series on their 350th start – Lee Petty (Martinsville, 1959), Bill Elliott (Rockingham, 1992), Tony Stewart (Talladega, 2008). Ryan Blaney will make his 350th consecutive Cup start this weekend, the fifth longest active streak. Richmond is the only oval Ryan Blaney doesn’t have a top-five finish.

Stage One

Ryan Preece(60) drove off from the pole and led everyone into turn one. AJ Allmendinger(16) moved past the other front row starter, Tyler Reddick(45), into second. Denny Hamlin(11) also worked his way around Reddick. Chase Elliott(9) and Brad Keselowski held the fifth and sixth positions.

Teams began making pit stops 35 laps in. Goodyear brought a soft compound tire to the track for this race and teams were unsure how many laps that would be able to run before tire issues began to severely impact lap times. It is a risky strategy as cars will go a lap down in the process of entering and exiting pit road. Of course, a tire failure would be a worse outcome for those drivers who choose to stay out.

Among the leaders Preece and Elliott stayed out to conserve a set of tires for later in the race. Drivers that did pit were able to unlap themselves and move to the front of the pack. Reddick, Bubba Wallace(23), and Hamlin were the leaders fighting for the Stage win.

Stage One Results

Position	Car	Driver	Points
1	45	Tyler Reddick	10
2	23	Bubba Wallace	9
3	11	Denny Hamlin	8
4	3	Austin Dillon	7
5	2	Austin Cindric*	6
6	20	Christopher Bell	5
7	12	Ryan Blaney*	4
8	6	Brad Keselowski*	3
9	21	Josh Berry*	2
10	99	Daniel Suarez	1

*Ford Mustang Dark Horse Drivers

Elliott finished 13th and Preece 15th. The price they paid to avoid using up a set of tires in the first Stage.

Stage Two

Wallace, Reddick, Christopher Bell(20), Austin Cindric(2), Ryan Blaney(12), and Daniel Suarez(99) make up the first three rows for the restart. Stage break pit stops were costly for early race leaders. Denny Hamlin had trouble getting the wheels tight and was penalized for speeding. Allmendinger was also penalized for speeding on pit road, Elliott was penalized for interference pitting out of his pit box, they will both join Hamlin at the back of the pack for the restart. Significant developments for these cars as passing at Richmond is difficult at best.

Out front, Wallace and Bell separated themselves slight from the rest of the leaders. Reddick, Blaney, and Cindric were the next group and they also created some space from the remainder of the pack.

Preece was the first driver to pit for tires on lap 114. Dividing the second Stage’s 160 laps into thirds would require driver to go 53 laps between stops to even out the visits to pit road for a two stop Stage strategy. Pit stops began in earnest starting on lap 123. The leader pitted on lap 129. It was costly for Wallace as he returned to the track behind his teammate Reddick who pitted before him.

The timing of pit stops seem critical as the tire fall off is so severe, staying out too long can result in lost positions.

Wallace returned to the lead on lap 163. Reddick, Blaney, Joey Logano(22), and Cindric were the top five at that point in the race. Pit stop should begin again around lap 176. And right on time, pit road began to fill up. Pit stops create havoc as cars are re-entering the track in heavy traffic while others are slowing to come onto pit road.

That situation developed into a caution as Daniel Suarez(99) pushed Ty Gibbs(54) into Tyler Reddick spinning out the Stage One winner and creating havoc in the running order. Reddick lost a lap in the pits as his crew worked to tape together body panels damaged in the wreck.

Wallace, Suarez, Blaney, Logano, and Austin Dillon(3) were the leaders when the race resumed. However, as usual, cautions breed cautions. Cody Ware spun in turn two and the race was slowed again by the yellow flag.

The same top five led the race back to the green flag when racing resumed on lap 196. Three and four wide racing developed quickly. Another incident broke out in turn three as multiple cars were involved. Kyle Busch(8) ran into the back of Chase Briscoe(19) spinning Briscoe up into the outside wall. Chase Elliott got turned hard into the safer barrier and the mess was on.

Elliott’s car was towed to the garage, the first time this year that Chase has not finished a race ending his streak of top 20 finishes. Justin Haley(7) joined Elliott behind the wall. Several cars suffered minor damage. Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, Brad Keselowski, Chase Briscoe, William Byron, Erik Jones, and Cole Custer were all involved.

Bubba Wallace, Daniel Suarez, Ryan Blaney, Austin Dillon, Joey Logano, and Ryan Preece make up the first three rows heading back to the green flag with 17 laps to go in Stage Two.

Wallace steps out to a huge lead as the rest of the field settles into single file or two wide racing to finish off the laps in Stage Two.

Stage Two Results

Position	Car	Driver	Points
1	23	Bubba Wallace	10
2	99	Daniel Suarez	9
3	12	Ryan Blaney*	8
4	3	Austin Dillon	7
5	48	Alex Bowman	6
6	60	Ryan Preece*	5
7	77	Carson Hocevar	4
8	2	Austin Cindric*	3
9	24	William Byron	2
10	5	Kyle Larson	1

*Ford Mustang Dark Horse Drivers

The biggest loser in the wrecks late in Stage Two was Chase Elliott. His 38th place finish is going to eliminate him from an opportunity to win the Regular Season Championship.

Christopher Bell’s crew had trouble with the left front wheel on his car during their pit stop. He left his stall and was called back so the crew could make sure they got it tight. A costly error that will put him at the back of the field for the restart.

The Final Stage

Michael McDowell only changed two tires on his stop and left pit road first. Wallace, Blaney, Austin Dillon, and Suarez followed him off pit road.

Austin Dillon, Bubba Wallace, and Alex Bowman all passed McDowell during the first two laps of green flag racing. It was three wide for the lead at one point. Carson Hocevar joined them a lap later, with Suarez settling into fifth . McDowell continued to fall back in the field, disappearing from the top ten by lap 250. The top five moved away from the pack as cars settled into single file racing. Dillon, Bowman, and Hocevar do not have a win yet in 2025.

Based on pit stops in Stage Two, it would be expected that teams will come to pit road for the first time in the Final Stage around lap 287.

Hocevar was the first of the leaders to pit on lap 280. Stops were spread out more on this cycle. Austin Dillon came in on lap 291. Bubba Wallace’s crew failed to get the left rear wheel tight on his car. Wallace left his pit and the wheel came off. His crew grabbed the tire and put it on the car properly. But the time lost likely cost Wallace a shot at the win.

As pit stops cycled through, Hocevar was the leader briefly until Blaney, Austin Dillon and Byron caught and passed him with tires just a few laps fresher. Josh Berry(21) ran in the fifth place as the race entered the final 100 laps.

If the race stays green, the final pit stops should come with around 55 laps to go.

Blaney moved to the lead for the first time passing Dillon with 90 laps to go. Bowman advanced to the third position as he tries to lock himself into the playoffs with a win.

Teammates Preece and Buescher battling for the final playoff spot on points both fell a lap down and will be unlikely to win their way in this week. A Dillon victory would send the playoff picture into chaos. A win by Bowman would keep things relatively calm, he would advance past Reddick in the standings. With his crash trouble earlier in the evening, Reddick is two laps down with 75 to go and running at the rear of the lead lap.

Dillon closes on Blaney and they run side-by-side allowing Bowman to creep closer to the two leaders. Timing of and the execution during the final pit stop will be critical to the contenders hoping to enter victory lane in just 65 laps.

Dillon came to pit road on lap 342, just after getting past Blaney for the lead. Blaney came on lap 345, along with Bowman. Both returned to the track well behind Dillon, but with three lap fresher tires. How long with the advantage last and can Dillon conserve his tires for the final 58 laps.

Dillon leads Blaney by six seconds with 46 laps to go. Bowman is another three seconds behind Blaney.

Intervals are closing for the top three. Behind them, Suarez, Logano, and Cindric are lurking. A late race caution will certainly lead to chaos over the final laps of the race.

With 30 laps to go, Blaney is 3.5-seconds behind with Bowman 6.8- seconds back. Suarez, Cindric, and Logan are all 10 seconds behind the top three.

With 15 laps to go Bowman passes Blaney whose tires seem to have gone away. Dillon still has a lead of 3.6-seconds.

Austin Dillon does it again, going back to back at Richmond. This time the ticket to the playoffs will remain with the Richard Childress Racing team and next Saturday night in Daytona a wide open contest will determine who it the final driver to gain entrance into the postseason.

NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Standings

RANK	DRIVER	POINTS	STATUS
1	Denny Hamlin	758	In Win(4)
2	Shane van Gisbergen	464	In Win(4)
3	Kyle Larson	758	In Win(3)
4	Christopher Bell	743	In Win(3)
5	William Byron (Series Points Leader)	837	In Win(2)
6	Chase Elliott	771	In Win
7	Ryan Blaney*	744	In Win
8	Chase Briscoe	698	In Win
9	Bubba Wallace	619	In Win
10	Joey Logano*	616	In Win
11	Ross Chastain	589	In Win
12	Austin Cindric*	534	In Win
13	Josh Berry*	474	In Win
14	Austin Dillon	446	In Win
15	Tyler Reddick	704	+79
16	Alex Bowman	679	+54
NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Cut Line
17	Chris Buescher*	625	-54
18	Ryan Preece*	586	-93
19	Kyle Busch	537	-142
20	Ty Gibbs	512	-167

*Ford Mustang Dark Horse Drivers

The Austin Dillon win knocks both RFK Racing teammates, Ryan Preece and Chris Buescher out of contention for pointing their way into the top 16 positions in the standings. It also puts Alex Bowman on the bubble. Bowman is not mathematically out of contention to climb ahead of Tyler Reddick next week. But you could say that is highly unlikely to happen. Another first time winner in 2025, other than Bowman will drop him out of the postseason. Bowman should treat the race as a must win situation because the likelihood of a new winner is probable.

Also, William Byron has clinched the Regular Season Points Championship and the 15 Playoff Point Bonus that goes with it and follows him every round of the postseason.

Results of the Cook Out 400 from Richmond Raceway

Position	Car	Driver	Laps	Behind
1	3	Austin Dillon	400	—
2	48	Alex Bowman	400	2.471
3	12	Ryan Blaney	400	8.246
4	22	Joey Logano	400	8.491
5	2	Austin Cindric	400	9.270
6	5	Kyle Larson	400	10.186
7	99	Daniel Suarez	400	11.385
8	21	Josh Berry	400	14.063
9	6	Brad Keselowski	400	15.124
10	11	Denny Hamlin	400	15.429
11	38	Zane Smith	400	15.780
12	24	William Byron	400	21.588
13	19	Chase Briscoe	400	23.984
14	88	Shane Van Gisbergen	399	1 lap
15	77	Carson Hocevar	399	1 lap
16	8	Kyle Busch	399	1 lap
17	71	Michael McDowell	399	1 lap
18	54	Ty Gibbs	399	1 lap
19	1	Ross Chastain	399	1 lap
20	10	Ty Dillon	399	1 lap
21	20	Christopher Bell	399	1 lap
22	16	AJ Allmendinger	399	1 lap
23	47	Ricky Stenhouse Jr.	399	1 lap
24	41	Cole Custer	399	1 lap
25	34	Todd Gilliland	399	1 lap
26	43	Erik Jones	398	1 lap
27	4	Noah Gragson	398	2 laps
28	23	Bubba Wallace	398	2 laps
29	67	Corey Heim	398	2 laps
30	17	Chris Buescher	398	2 laps
31	35	Riley Herbst	398	2 laps
32	51	Cody Ware	397	3 laps
33	33	Jesse Love	396	4 laps
34	45	Tyler Reddick	396	4 laps
35	60	Ryan Preece	396	4 laps
36	42	John Hunter Nemechek	389	10 laps
37	7	Justin Haley	198	OUT
38	9	Chase Elliott	197	OUT

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Motorsports

Bubba The Love Sponge and Cycledrag Discuss The State of Motorsports – Drag Bike News

Published

3 minutes ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

It’s episode No. 3 of the Racing Jack Show and we sit down with media mogul “Bubba The Love Sponge” to Talk about what’s really hurting the racing business and what the sport must do to bring fans back to NHRA, NASCAR, Dirt Races and a whole lot more. After an in-depth discussion on the state of motorsports and racing the leader of the Bubba Army shocks us when he calls his good buddy and motorsports legend Tony Stewart.

We ask Bubba how the next generation of race fan has changed, how difficult it is to run a track and an organization and how racing organizations can follow the successful formula of WWE and UFC. We also discuss the controversial decision by the NHRA to cancel its final race of the season and discuss some of the interworking of NHRA drag racing and how it functions as a not for profit organization. Bubba also talks about what it’s like to climb the ladder in NASCAR in today’s climate compared to how it once was in the days of greats like Dale Earnhardt Sr. Finally we discuss Bubba’s reporting on the untimely death of Hulk Hogan and how the wrestling legend’s passing changes the way Cycledrag operates.

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.

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Motorsports

Sport Bike Crashes at Biggest Grudge Event of the Year – Drag Bike News

Published

19 minutes ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

We head to the biggest motorcycle drag racing grudge race of the year where we unfortunately see one fast racer on a Suzuki GSXR blow an en engine and suffer a big top end crash at Orlando Speedworld Dragway. It’s motorcycle drag racing gone wrong as this veteran driver suffers an incident but the good news is he was alert and awake and the Orlando safety team was right on top of it. We also see some unbelievable motorcycle drag racing as nitrous and turbo Suzuki Hayabusa and GSXR 1000 and Kawasaki ZX-14 stretched bikes go for big money win at the biggest Grudge race of the year, Kings of Grudge Grinchmas from Orlando, FL

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We rank the top-10 NASCAR Cup drivers of 2025

Published

3 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season was a 36-race saga of raw speed, strategy, and sheer misfortune, ending with Kyle Larson claiming his second championship at Phoenix Raceway—despite Denny Hamlin delivering what many consider the most statistically dominant campaign of the modern era. Hamlin’s six wins led the series, but a heartbreaking late caution in the finale snatched victory away, allowing Larson to capitalize. Points reset in the playoffs obscure the full picture of performance across ovals, road courses, and superspeedways.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

This ranking prioritizes overall impact: wins, poles, consistency, laps led, playoff pushes, and overperformance—elevating those who truly excelled beyond the trophy. In a year of road-course brilliance, veteran grit, and cruel twists, here are the top 10 drivers who defined 2025.

1. Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing) – The True Season Dominator

#11: Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing, Progressive Toyota Camry. Photo courtesy of Toyota

Rank in Point Standings: 2nd
No. of Wins: 6
No. of Poles: 5
No. of Wins vs. Teammate: Led JGR
No. of Poles vs. Teammate: Strong

Hamlin’s six victories were the most in the series, backed by aggressive restarts, bold strategy, and unmatched hunger at age 44. He dominated the finale at Phoenix, leading a record 208 laps from pole—only for a late caution (unrelated to him) to erase his lead and hand the title to Larson. Heartbreakingly close after superior raw stats all year, Hamlin proved he’s among NASCAR’s all-time greats, championship or not.

2. Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports) – The Opportunistic Champion

Kyle Larson poses for a photo during NASCAR Production Days at the Charlotte Convention Center on January 21, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Rank in Point Standings: 1st
No. of Wins: 3
No. of Poles: 1
No. of Wins vs. Teammate: Tied high at Hendrick with Byron
No. of Poles vs. Teammate: Competitive

Larson’s versatility and calm execution sealed his second title, leading over 1,100 laps with 15 top-fives and minimal errors. A smart two-tire call in Phoenix overtime turned Hamlin’s dominance into victory. Deserving champion, but Hamlin’s superior wins and poles make this a debated crown.

3. Shane van Gisbergen (Trackhouse Racing) – The Road-Course Phenom

Shane Van Gisbergen poses for a photo during NASCAR Production Days at the Charlotte Convention Center on January 21, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Rank in Point Standings: 12th
No. of Wins: 5
No. of Poles: 3
No. of Wins vs. Teammate: Dominated road courses
No. of Poles vs. Teammate: Led on twisties

In his full-season debut, SVG monopolized road courses with five wins (often by massive margins) and Rookie of the Year honors. Playoff qualifier with oval improvements, his raw talent overperformed the No. 88 Chevy—turning heads and redefining road-ring mastery.

4. Chase Briscoe (Joe Gibbs Racing) – The Qualifying Ace and Adapter

Chase Briscoe, driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota poses for photos after winning the the Busch Light Pole Award during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Rank in Point Standings: 3rd
No. of Wins: 3
No. of Poles: 7
No. of Wins vs. Teammate: Competitive
No. of Poles vs. Teammate: Led JGR

Switching to JGR after replacing Truex Jr., Briscoe exploded: series-high seven poles, three wins, and a Championship 4 berth. Massive speed gains and aggression made him a breakout, dragging his team deep into the playoffs.

5. William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports) – The Consistent Frontrunner

William Byron, driver of the #24 Raptor Chevrolet, spends time on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol at Iowa Speedway on August 03, 2025 in Newton, Iowa. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Rank in Point Standings: 4th
No. of Wins: 3
No. of Poles: 3
No. of Wins vs. Teammate: Tied with Larson
No. of Poles vs. Teammate: Strong

Regular-season points leader Byron claimed three wins (including back-to-back Daytona 500s) and led thousands of laps. Dominant stretches and clutch Martinsville playoff advance highlighted his evolution into a perennial threat.

6. Ryan Blaney (Team Penske) – The Clutch Closer

Ryan Blaney poses for a photo during NASCAR Production Days at the Charlotte Convention Center on January 21, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Rank in Point Standings: 6th
No. of Wins: 4
No. of Poles: 2
No. of Wins vs. Teammate: Most at Penske
No. of Poles vs. Teammate: Competitive

Blaney’s four wins included a late surge, capping with Phoenix victory. Leading 852 laps despite inconsistencies, his momentum and improvements made him Penske’s leader.

7. Christopher Bell (Joe Gibbs Racing) – The Reliable Winner

Christopher Bell poses for a photo during NASCAR Production Days at the Charlotte Convention Center on January 22, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Rank in Point Standings: 5th
No. of Wins: 4
No. of Poles: 1
No. of Wins vs. Teammate: Tied high at JGR
No. of Poles vs. Teammate: Solid

Bell’s four wins and series-high 22 top-10s showed reliability across tracks. Steady playoff runs positioned him as a future champion in JGR’s lineup.

8. Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports) – The Resurgent Favorite

Rank in Point Standings: 8th
No. of Wins: 2
No. of Poles: 0
No. of Wins vs. Teammate: Solid
No. of Poles vs. Teammate: Competitive

Elliott returned strong with two wins, consistent top-10s, and playoff pushes. Balanced oval/road performance rebuilt his momentum.

9. Joey Logano (Team Penske) – The Experienced Fighter

Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Autotrader Ford, poses for photos after winning the pole award during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart at Echo Park Speedway on June 27, 2025 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Rank in Point Standings: 7th
No. of Wins: 1
No. of Poles: 2
No. of Wins vs. Teammate: Led at times
No. of Poles vs. Teammate: Strong

An “off” year for the defending champ still yielded a win and poles through savvy racing, keeping Penske competitive amid challenges.

10. Tyler Reddick (23XI Racing) – The Quiet Maximizer

Tyler Reddick poses for a photo during NASCAR Production Days at the Charlotte Convention Center on January 21, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Rank in Point Standings: 9th
No. of Wins: 0
No. of Poles: 2
No. of Wins vs. Teammate: Overperformed
No. of Poles vs. Teammate: Competitive

Winless but consistent with runner-ups and top-10s, Reddick extracted maximum from 23XI amid hurdles—excellent racecraft in a rebuilding effort.

2025 blended triumph, heartbreak, and emerging stars. While Larson holds the trophy, Hamlin’s dominance and SVG’s flair captured imaginations. NASCAR’s depth shines—on to 2026!

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Motorsports

4 NASCAR Cup cars unlikely returning for the 2026 Daytona 500

Published

4 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The entry list for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, which is now just over a month and a half away, is slowly but surely coming together.

In addition to the 36 chartered cars that are locked into the 68th running of the 200-lap race around the four-turn, 2.5-mile (4.023-kilometer) high-banked Daytona Beach, Florida oval, three non-chartered (open) cars have also been confirmed.

Justin Allgaier is set to drive the No. 40 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, B.J. McLeod is set to drive the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports, and Jimmie Johnson is set to drive the No. 84 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club.

There are four spots open in the 40-car field, though that number could be increased to five if somebody (likely Johnson) is granted a world-class driver provisional and does not manage to successfully qualify either on speed or his Duel result.

Regardless, there will likely be multiple drivers sent home from the Duel races disappointed, as there are still expected to be five more cars added to the entry list between now and February, setting up a battle between eight drivers for either four or five spots. However, four cars once considered potential entries will likely not be a part of that battle.

Here’s a look at four possible Daytona 500 entries that are unlikely to return in 2026.

No. 91 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

For the first time since 2023, Trackhouse Racing brought back their PROJECT91 program for the 2025 Daytona 500, fielding the No. 91 Chevrolet for Helio Castroneves. Castroneves locked into the race via the world-class driver provisional, making the Daytona 500 the first since 1993 to feature exactly 41 cars.

PROJECT91 did not return for the rest of the 2025 season, and it is unlikely to be back for the season opener next year, as the Justin Marks-owned team aim to place full focus on their three-car full-time lineup.

No. 01/No. 15 Rick Ware Racing Ford

Rick Ware Racing expanded to two cars for four races in 2025, each race for Corey LaJoie as he drove the No. 01 Ford. That schedule included the Daytona 500 and two other superspeedway races at Atlanta Motor Speedway, plus the spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway. It did not include any races during the second half of the season.

A second entry has not been completely ruled out by the team for 2026, but it is unlikely to make an appearance at Daytona, ever after LaJoie was competitive and led laps in 2025.

No. 50 Team AmeriVet Chevrolet

Team AmeriVet (formerly The Money Team Racing) have quietly competed in the NASCAR Cup Series for four consecutive years, though they have not competed in the Daytona 500 since over a year before their 2024 rebrand.

This underdog team still managed to qualify for the race in both of their previous attempts back in 2022 and 2023, but they are unlikely to make a third attempt this coming February.

No. 56 Tricon Garage Toyota

Tricon Garage did what JR Motorsports did in 2025 by moving up to the Cup Series for the first time and making their debut in the Daytona 500. They did so with Martin Truex Jr. behind the wheel of the No. 56 Toyota. but Truex is not expected back in 2026.

Additionally, Corey Heim, who won the Truck Series championship for the team in 2025, is expected to run a fourth 23XI Racing entry, so a Tricon Garage return for the “Great American Race” has been all but ruled out.

Expected Daytona 500 entry list additions: No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet, No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet, No. 66 Garage 66 Ford, No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota

Single-car qualifying for the 68th annual Daytona 500 is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, followed by the two Duel qualifying races on Thursday, February 12. Fox’s live coverage of the race itself is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 15.

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Aaron Rodgers gives his Steelers linemen $20K vehicles for Christmas

Published

6 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Aaron Rodgers delivered the “gift of horsepower” to this offensive lineman.

The Steelers quarterback purchased each of his protectors a Can-Am Maverick side-by-side vehicle for Christmas.

Rodgers’ generosity was documented Thursday on TikTok and Instagram by Mosite Motorsports, which showed the future Hall of Famer riding next to his linemen in the off-road vehicles outside the Steelers’ practice facility.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) running off the field after a game. — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) runs off the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“This Christmas, Aaron Rodgers gave his offensive line the gift of horsepower. Safe to say, it delivered. Merry Christmas from Mosites Motorsports,” the dealership wrote in its TikTok video.

The 2026 Maverick 3X goes for $19,999 on the Cam-Am website, putting Rodgers’ tab around $100,000 for his five linemen.

“Unleash unbeatable off-road dominance with this revolutionary machine, now the most affordable in its category,” Cam-Am describes the Maverick on its website. “Engineered with a lightweight chassis, experience lightning-fast agility and breathtaking speed that constantly shatters expectations.”

It was a different approach than Russell Wilson took last year in the Steel City.

During his one season with he team, he gifted his linemen a $10,000 Airbnb gift card, a Black and Gold Louis Vuitton duffle bag, a bottle of his wife Ciara’s Ten To One Rum and custom shoes from his own Good Man Brand.

Rodgers, 42, has plenty to be happy with from his group during his first season in Pittsburgh, as he’s been sacked a total of 25 times this season, with only five coming in the past five weeks as Pittsburgh makes a push for the playoffs and the AFC North title.

The former Jets signal-caller has had a strong season with the Steelers, throwing for 2,860 yards, 23 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 98.2 quarterback rating.

Pittsburgh (9-6) can clinch the division title with a win over the Browns or a Ravens’ loss to Rodgers’ former team, the Packers.

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Motorsports

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Field by the Numbers

Published

6 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

What’s Happening?

It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and winning to make it to the NASCAR Cup Series, and the 36 full-time drivers slated to take on the series championship in 2026 are no different. Here are all the notable accolades, race wins, and championships boasted by the 2026 Cup Series lineup.

What’s Happening?

The 2026 NASCAR Season is fast approaching, and teams are setting their lineups for the coming season. This article…

Crown Jewel Wins

The four Crown Jewel races tell the NASCAR Cup Series season in four parts. Starting with the season-opening Daytona 500, moving to the start of the summer with the Coca-Cola 600, finishing the summer with the Brickyard 400, and starting the run to the championship with the Southern 500.

Former Daytona 500 Champions

No. 2 | Austin Cindric | Team Penske
No. 3 | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing
No. 11 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske
No. 24 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 47 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | Hyak Motorsports
No. 71 | Michael McDowell | Spire Motorsports

Former Coca-Cola 600 Champions

No. 1 | Ross Chastain | Trackhouse Racing
No. 3 | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing
No. 5 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 6 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing
No. 8 | Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing
No. 11 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 12 | Ryan Blaney | Team Penske
No. 20 | Christopher Bell | Joe Gibbs Racing

Former Brickyard 400 Champions

No. 5 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 6 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing
No. 8 | Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing
No. 23 | Bubba Wallace | 23XI Racing

Former Southern 500 Champions

No. 5 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 6 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing
No. 8 | Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing
No. 11 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 19 | Chase Briscoe | Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 43 | Erik Jones | Legacy Motor Club

Lower Division Champions

NASCAR’s lower divisions include racing on short tracks in select areas of the country, all the way up to racing on the high banks of Daytona in the ARCA Menards Series. In an ever-changing world, these drivers prove that winning at even NASCAR’s lowest levels can turn into a successful career at the top.

ARCA Menards Series

No. 10 | Ty Dillon | Kaulig Racing
No. 17 | Chris Buescher | RFK Racing
No. 19 | Chase Briscoe | Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 54 | Ty Gibbs | Joe Gibbs Racing

ARCA Menards Series East

No. 5 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske
No. 24 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports

ARCA Menards Series West

No. 34 | Todd Gilliland | Front Row Motorsports

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

No. 60 | Ryan Preece | RFK Racing

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champions

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is NASCAR’s lowest National Series. Though the competition may not be as deep as the NASCAR Cup Series garage, the Truck Series makes young drivers prove their worth against underdogs, up-and-comers, and salty veterans.

Former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champions

No. 3 | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing
No. 20 | Christopher Bell | Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 38 | Zane Smith | Front Row Motorsports
No. 43 | Erik Jones | Legacy Motor Club

O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champions

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is often viewed as the final step before achieving NASCAR Cup Series glory. Though drivers can prove their worth just by winning in the series, a championship shows that you are ready for whatever the sport has to throw at you at the very top.

Former NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champions

No. 2 | Austin Cindric | Team Penske
No. 3 | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing
No. 6 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing
No. 7 | Daniel Suarez | Spire Motorsports
No. 8 | Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing
No. 17 | Chris Buescher | RFK Racing
No. 24 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 41 | Cole Custer | Haas Factory Team
No. 45 | Tyler Reddick | 23XI Racing
No. 47 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | Hyak Motorsports
No. 54 | Ty Gibbs | Joe Gibbs Racing

NASCAR Cup Series Champions

The NASCAR Cup Series is the big dance, a 36-race grind in a field of drivers battling it out for the right to be champion. The drivers on this list are future Hall of Famers, living legends, and the names that currently serve as the backbone of the Cup Series garage.

Former NASCAR Cup Series Champions

No. 5 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 6 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing
No. 8 | Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing
No. 9 | Chase Elliott | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 12 | Ryan Blaney | Team Penske
No. 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske

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