Motorsports
Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona
Welcome to Racing America On SI’s live NASCAR race updates post for Saturday night’s NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. This post will be updated throughout the day and night on Saturday with key updates leading into and through the final race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series regular season.
Video highlights of crashes or incidents will be populated along with lead changes, stage and race results, and more. Continue checking back for additional updates on the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway throughout the day.
Lap 24: Back to Green!
Ryan Blaney has led the opening 23 laps of this race, and he continues to lead on this restart, but Bubba Wallace gets a big shove into Turns 1 and 2, and he slides up in front of Blaney to take the lead and as Wallace crosses the stripe on Lap 24, we have our first official lead change of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona.
Lap 18: Caution!
Disaster for NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs hopeful Tyler Reddick, who was involved in a Lap 18 crash with Todd Gilliland on the exit of Turn 4. Gilliland and Reddick came together and went spinning off the turn, Reddick’s car would collide nose-first into the inside wall at pit road entrance.
Here’s the early-race incident which could be what keeps Tyler Reddick from advancing to the Playoffs… long way to go though. pic.twitter.com/hRZTLcu53A
— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) August 24, 2025
Lap 16: Back to Green!
Ryan Blaney continues to lead. He has led the opening 16 laps of the race.
Lap 13: Buescher On Pit Road With Brake Issues
Chris Buescher’s No. 17 RFK Racing team is addressing brake issues that the driver has experienced early in the race.
Lap 11: Caution!
Casey Mears, who is making his second NASCAR Cup Series start of the season, seemingly suffered a cut right rear tire and went spinning in Turn 4 on Lap 11. Mears clipped the outside wall, and we are under caution.
That’s some heads-up driving by @StenhouseJr! pic.twitter.com/cyZcBYlKRY
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 24, 2025
This will allow William Byron to collect the free pass, which will put him back on the lead lap.
Lap 10 Running Order
1. Ryan Blaney
2. Joey Logano
3. Daniel Suarez
4. Denny Hamlin
5. Brad Keselowski
6 Kyle Busch
7. Bubba Wallace
8. Austin Cindric
9. Carson Hocevar
10. Michael McDowell
Lap 6: Byron Lapped
William Byron, who had to perform a stop and go penalty after the green flag of the race, has been lapped by the leaders on Lap 6. Byron is the free pass driver, and if a caution comes out, he is the only driver a lap down.
Lap 3: Blaney Leads As Outside Lane Shows Strength
The outside lane of cars, led by Ryan Blaney who started from the pole, has surged ahead and has the clear advantage. The top-five or so cars from the top lane are out front by themselves as the rest of the field is three-by-three behind them.
Green Flag!
Ryan Blaney has brought the field to the green flag, and he has Alex Bowman, who is looking to secure his place in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, beside him. The field is cleanly through Turns 1 and 2, and it looks like Blaney has the advantage for now.
Engines Fired
The motors under the hoods of the 40 cars in tonight’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona have roared to life. Cars have driven onto the banking at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, and pace laps have begun!
William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Team Penalized for Unapproved Splitter Adjustment
The good news is that William Byron’s No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet passed pre-race inspection for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona on the first attempt through the inspection bay.
Unfortunately, after the car passed inspection, NASCAR Officials spotted the No. 24 team making an unapproved adjustment to the splitter on the front of the car. As a result, NASCAR sent the No. 24 team back to the inspection bay, where the car was run on the USS (Underbody Scanning Station) where it failed inspection due to the unapproved adjustment to the splitter.
NASCAR ejected Rudy Fugle, Byron’s crew chief, for the remainder of the weekend. Byron’s team will also lose their pit selection for this weekend, will have to drop to the rear of the field for the start of the race, and after the green flag, Byron will have to perform a stop-and-go penalty.
Thankfully, Byron secured the NASCAR Cup Series regular season championship a week ago, so the penalties will likely only impact his ability to rack up additional Playoff Points prior to the start of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs next week.
Read Complete Story, here.
Mother Nature Hands Ryan Blaney Top Starting Spot
Persistent lightning in the area surrounding Daytona International Speedway led to the cancellation of NASCAR Cup Series qualifying on Friday. As a result, the starting lineup for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona was set by way of the NASCAR Rule Book.
Ryan Blaney, who had the best score in NASCAR’s Performance Metric Formula, was awarded the pole position, which will not count as an official pole on his career stat sheet. Alex Bowman, who heads into this race as the final driver inside of the Playoffs cutline, will start from the outside of the front row.
Coke Zero Sugar 400 Starting Lineup
|
Pos |
Car |
Driver |
Metric Score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
12 |
Ryan Blaney |
3.600 |
|
2 |
48 |
Alex Bowman |
4.100 |
|
3 |
5 |
Kyle Larson |
5.400 |
|
4 |
22 |
Joey Logano |
6.400 |
|
5 |
2 |
Austin Cindric |
7.400 |
|
6 |
11 |
Denny Hamlin |
7.600 |
|
7 |
3 |
Austin Dillon |
8.200 |
|
8 |
24 |
William Byron |
8.700 |
|
9 |
19 |
Chase Briscoe |
11.500 |
|
10 |
6 |
Brad Keselowski |
12.000 |
Click here for the complete Coke Zero Sugar 400 Starting Lineup
RFK Confident of Chances at Daytona Win, Bowman ‘Stressed’ About Daytona
There couldn’t have been any bigger difference in mood between RFK Racing, which heads into this weekend’s race with all three of its cars outside of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs cutline, and Alex Bowman, who is the final driver inside the cutline.
With Daytona International Speedway, the ultimate crapshoot, serving as the final race of the regular season, a win by any Playoff eligible driver, not already locked into the Playoffs, could very well eliminate Bowman.
“It’s just stressful, right? And I’m going to stress myself out about whatever our situation ever is,” Bowman said in a media scrum on Friday afternoon in the Daytona International Speedway media center.
Bowman told Racing America On SI that he kept his mind off the stress of Saturday night’s race with a full schedule of other activities this week.
“Well, it’s been a super busy week. Tested Kershaw on Tuesday, so that was a whole day of testing. Wednesday, we had a production day deal at Hendrick, and then yesterday kind of just had a bunch of regular life s— that I had to do,” Bowman laughed. “Yeah, I mean, I think it being busy, as much as I’ve complained about that all week because I’ve been like running all over the Earth all week, it’s probably a good thing that it was that way. Yeah, took my mind off of it.”
While he’s nervous that he could end up on the bad side of the unpredictability of Daytona, RFK Racing teammates Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece are bullish in their thoughts that an RFK Racing car will reach victory lane on Saturday night.
“If you’re going to try to win this race, I guarantee you’re going to have to go through an RFK car to win,” Preece, the driver of the team’s No. Ford Mustang said during a Friday media availability. “So, I feel like we’re in a strong position to get one of our cars in, and good luck to the other ones that are going to have to get through us.”
Buescher says while the RFK Racing teammates will do everything they can to place all three of their cars at the front of the field in the closing laps, that it will still be a battle amongst them if they are able to occupy the top-three spots on the final lap.
“You know, ultimately, there’s only ever one winner. Every time you come into a superspeedway race and you work with your teammates, you always have the mindset of pushing each other and getting each other as far forward as possible until there are no cars left to pass, and then you work it out amongst yourselves, right,” Buescher, who drives the team’s No. 17 Ford said. “I still say, there’s no doubt in my mind that you come off of Turn 4, and if you’re helping each other all day, then all bets are off at that point. Or maybe earlier, I don’t know. But it’ll be a race.”
Playoff Picture
Heading into Saturday night’s NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale, 14 drivers have solidified their slot in NASCAR’s Playoffs by way of winning races during the 2025 season.
William Byron, the regular-season champion, has two wins this season, but would have been locked in regardless as the winner of the regular-season title. Denny Hamlin (4 wins), Shane van Gisbergen (4 wins), Kyle Larson (3 wins), Christophe Bell (3 wins), Ryan Blaney (1 win), Bubba Wallace (1 win), Austin Cindric (1 win), Chase Briscoe (1 win), Joey Logano (1 win), Chase Elliott (1 win), Ross Chastain (1 win), Josh Berry (1 win), and Austin Dillon (1 win) are also ocked in heading into Saturday night’s race.
Two drivers, Tyler Reddick and Alex Bowman, head into the Coke Zero Sugar 400 inside the Playoff cutline by way of points, but they’re not safe in any definition of the word.
Reddick holds a 29-point lead over Bowman, but with big crashes lurking around every corner at Daytona, as well as the chance at accruing Playoff Points, there’s a chance that Bowman, who starts second on Saturday night, can work around Reddick’s point total.
Whichever driver of the two ends up with the most points on the season at the end of Saturday night’s race will secure their place in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs regardless, but the driver, who doesn’t win that battle will be required to hope that a driver not currently in the Playoff field doesn’t win the race.
Notable drivers not currently inside the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, who could threaten the Playoff status of Reddick or Bowman include Chris Buescher, Ryan Preece, Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, Ty Gibbs, AJ Allmendinger, Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar.
Coke Zero Sugar 400 Pre-Race Info
The Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway will be televised on NBC and can be streamed on the HBO Max streaming platform, as well as the NBC Sports App and Peacock. The race broadcast will begin at 7:30 PM ET.
The Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will provide the radio broadcast of Sunday’s race. For subscribers of the HBO Max streaming service, NASCAR Driver Cam, which streams live in-car camera footage from every car in the field, will be available for today’s race.
The overall race purse, which teams will fight for their portion of in Sunday’s race, is a total of $9,797,935.
The race distance is 160 laps around the 2.5-mile superspeedway, which equates to a 400-mile race distance.
The Coke Zero Sugar 400 will be broken up into three Stages. Stage 1 will end at the conclusion of Lap 35. Stage 2 will end at the conclusion of Lap 95. And the race is scheduled to finish at the end of Lap 160, barring an Overtime finish.
The winner of Stages 1 and 2 will be awarded one Playoff Point, and the overall race winner will be awarded five Playoff Points. The Playoff Points will be added to the reseeded point totals if the drivers make it into the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, and will be carried through each round of the Playoffs.
This race is the final race of the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, which means the full 16-driver Playoff field will be finalized upon the conclusion of Saturday night’s race.
Harrison Burton, who is not in the field for the event, is the defending winner of this race.
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Tragedy Strikes: NTSB Launches Deep Investigation into Fatal Greg Biffle Plane Crash
In a devastating turn of events, the aviation world was rocked last Thursday when NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, his family, and three others tragically lost their lives in a plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now on a mission to uncover the harrowing details behind this catastrophic incident, with a press conference held Saturday shedding some light on the ongoing investigation.
NTSB Board Member Michael Graham and Investigator-In-Charge Dan Baker addressed the media, but the information was limited as the investigation is still in its infancy. “We still do not know the circumstances which led the aircraft … to attempt to return to the airport,” Graham stated, emphasizing the urgent need to piece together the events that led to this heart-wrenching disaster.
One chilling revelation from the conference was a text message exchange between Biffle’s wife, Cristian Grossu Biffle, and her mother, Cathy Grossu. Cathy recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the crash: “Then she said something like ‘We’re in trouble, emergency landing.’ And I texted back, ‘What’s wrong with the plane?’” The gravity of the situation escalated when Cathy received an SOS alert, signaling a dire emergency. Graham confirmed that the NTSB is aware of this critical communication, stating, “We are not aware of any other communications from passengers on board the aircraft to those on the ground.”
As investigators delve deeper, the question of who was at the controls during the crucial moments of the flight remains unanswered. Both Greg Biffle and his companions, Dennis and Jack Dutton, were licensed pilots. Graham noted, “We do anticipate that all the information about all the pilot-rated occupants will be included in our preliminary report.” This report is expected within 30 days, but the agency’s final analysis could take up to 18 months.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the pilot’s identity, Graham revealed that the NTSB has a “degree of confidence” about the individual in the left seat, although verification is still required. He stressed the importance of accuracy in the investigation: “We want to know where everyone was sitting, and that is a little more difficult in a crash like this.”
In a shocking update, Graham shared that early indications from multiple sources suggest the aircraft was stable and configured for landing with its lights on. However, it was flying dangerously low. This crucial information aligns with the physical evidence found at the crash site, including debris located approximately 1800 feet from the runway threshold.
The investigation is ramping up as the NTSB meticulously documents the wreckage, evaluates the flight voice recorder, and analyzes various components. “All of these are being sent to NTSB recorders labs in Washington, D.C.,” Graham explained, highlighting the importance of recovering critical data to determine the probable cause of this tragedy.
Amidst the chaos, a drone was deployed to assist in the investigation, although high winds initially hampered its operations. As conditions improved on Saturday, the team was able to resume their efforts to gather evidence from the crash site.
With so many unanswered questions and the clock ticking, the NTSB is committed to uncovering the truth behind the demise of Greg Biffle and his companions. As the agency continues its exhaustive investigation, the families and fans of those lost are left grappling with the profound loss and searching for closure in this heartbreaking saga.
What’s Happening?
Throughout the racing year, now and then, race fans are blessed with a handful of special days in which NASCAR, IndyCar, and F1 all race on one calendar date. In 2026, this will occur eight separate times. Here’s a look at those race days.
- Of course, these are all subject to time and date, and, in some cases, these races could realistically happen with 12 hours of one another.
- The first date that all three series race on is March 15, with Formula One racing at Shanghai International Circuit for the Chinese Grand Prix, IndyCar racing on the streets of Arlington, Texas, for the first time, and NASCAR racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
- On May 24, all three series will race on U.S. soil on the same day. Formula One will race in the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, with IndyCar hosting the 110th Indianapolis 500 that same afternoon, and NASCAR kicking off the 67th Coca-Cola 600 later that evening.
- The final triple header will be on September 6, with Formula One racing at Monza, IndyCar racing in their season finale at Laguna Seca, and NASCAR hosting, what is at press-time, a playoff race in the 77th Southern 500.
March 15
- NASCAR: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
- IndyCar: Grand Prix of Arlington
- Formula One: Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai)
March 29
- NASCAR: Martinsville Speedway
- IndyCar: Barber Motorsports Park
- Formula One: Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)
April 19
- NASCAR: Kansas Speedway
- IndyCar: Grand Prix of Long Beach
- Formula One: Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Jeddah)
May 24
- NASCAR: Charlotte Motor Speedway
- IndyCar: Indianapolis 500
- Formula One: Canadian Grand Prix (Montréal)
June 7
- NASCAR: Michigan International Speedway
- IndyCar: World Wide Technology Raceway
- Formula One: Monaco Grand Prix (Monaco)
July 5
- NASCAR: Chicagoland Speedway
- IndyCar: Mid‑Ohio Sports Car Course
- Formula One: British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
July 19
- NASCAR: North Wilkesboro Speedway
- IndyCar: Nashville Superspeedway
- Formula One: Belgian Grand Prix (Spa‑Francorchamps)
September 6
- NASCAR: Darlington Raceway
- IndyCar: WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Formula One: Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
What do you think about this? Let us know your opinions on Discord or X, and don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Robert “Rob” Iannucci
OBITUARY
Visionary, Motorsports Pioneer, Attorney, Preservationist
Robert “Rob” Iannucci, a retired New York attorney, motorsports pioneer, and preservationist, passed away on December 7, 2025, at the age of 80. Rob was known for an unshakable passion for history in all its forms. Whether he was restoring buildings, reviving forgotten boats, or bringing legendary motorcycles back to life, he approached every endeavor with curiosity, conviction, and a passionate spirit. As a young adult working in auto garages, Rob discovered a fascination with how things worked. That early curiosity stayed with him for the rest of his life. Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Rob began his professional path in public service. He worked as a Brooklyn Assistant District Attorney, a social worker, and a probation officer in both New York and New Jersey. His commitment to community extended far beyond local borders. During his service in the Peace Corps in Jamaica and Barbados, he helped establish commercial fishermen’s cooperatives. It was an early reflection of his desire to strengthen communities by giving people the tools to succeed. It was also there that he met his wife and lifelong business partner, Sonia Ewers. Rob’s legacy shone brightly in the world of motorsports. As the founder of Historic Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the United States, he created Team Obsolete, a pioneering presence on the international racing stage. Between 1978 and 2002, his team competed in more than 1,800 races across the globe, from Norway to Japan, earning respect, admiration, and countless accolades. His riders included icons such as Giacomo Agostini, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Kenny Roberts, and Dave Roper, the only American to win the Isle of Man TT. Team Obsolete built one of the world’s most admired collections of museum-quality Grand Prix motorcycles, including the rare 1965 Honda RC165 250/6 and the AJS E95 Porcupine. The team continued to travel to race events, carrying Rob’s passion forward. Rob had a rare gift for recognizing potential where others saw only decline. In real estate, he restored and revived unique and distressed properties throughout the United States and the Caribbean. In Kingston, New York, the former capital of the state, he assembled and prepared for development three-quarters of a mile of waterfront property, acquiring 37 parcels in less than two years and building a strong working relationship with the City that continues today. In Downtown Brooklyn, he transformed a 50,000-square-foot commercial loft building, giving the building new purpose and providing the first office for the now-famous Etsy.com. His devotion to preservation extended to the water. Rob worked tirelessly to rescue WWII naval vessels through his nonprofit, the Fleet Obsolete Restoration Project. He saved several World War II PT Boats, an Army tug, and a 180-foot former floating hospital barge. Some of these vessels had seen action in the Pacific Theater and at Normandy. Under his care, they found new life and purpose, with ongoing efforts to prepare them for educational and humanitarian missions. Rob Iannucci lived with bold ambition and a deep reverence for the past. He believed that history deserved to be protected, honored, and shared. Whether it roared around a racetrack, sailed into danger, or stood weathered on a forgotten shoreline, he worked to keep it alive. His legacy endures in every engine he restored, every structure he saved, and every life he influenced along the way. He leaves behind family, longtime colleagues, and many friends. Each of them carries with them the inspiration of his work, his relentless curiosity, and his extraordinary passion.
Motorsports
Experience The Thrill Of Gran Turismo In Abu Dhabi As The World Series Kicks Off In The Middle East
Published on
December 21, 2025
Abu Dhabi will be hosting one of the most historic events in March 2026, as the Gran Turismo World Series will be making its debut in the Middle East. The tournament will be taking place at the Space42 Arena, where the most elite Gran Turismo drivers of the world will now be able to compete live in an exciting championship. This further confirms Abu Dhabi’s prominence in the esports and motorsports activities and will position the emirate as a primary esports gaming destination, as well as a developing location for esports in general.
With the top Gran Turismo players in the world coming to Abu Dhabi for the opening event, the world will be able to witness the potential Abu Dhabi has in esports. This event also confirms Abu Dhabi’s commitment to becoming an innovative and leading destination in entertainment and gaming.
What Abu Dhabi and the Middle East have never experienced before
During the GT World Series 2025 World Finals that happened in Fukuoka, Japan, the 2026 season opener for the GT World Series was announced to take place in Abu Dhabi, making it the first time that the Gran Turismo World Series will take place in the Middle East. This announcement was made by H.E. Saeed Al Fazari, the Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. This is amazing for Abu Dhabi, and it shows how the Middle East is becoming more and more relevant in both esports and motorsports.
The Gran Turismo World Series is an annual tournament held to find the best player of the Gran Turismo game. Players compete to qualify for the live events that take place in some of the most famous venues around the world. They also participate in online races to qualify. The GT World Series for 2026 is starting in Abu Dhabi and is sure to take the event to the highest level of competition and exposure compared to previous events in the series.
H.E. Al Fazari stated that hosting the Gran Turismo World Series opener is important for the emirate’s development in esports and motorsports. It demonstrates that Abu Dhabi is fully committed to being a place that fosters limitless ventures and is a global center for gaming, entertainment, and innovative ventures.
Abu Dhabi’s Impact on the World of Esports and Motorsports
The partnership of Abu Dhabi Gaming and Gran Turismo Series developer Polyphony Digital is one of the central pieces of the emirate’s ambition to be a leader in the worldwide gaming and esports arena. Gaming Abu Dhabi is a government initiative through DCT Abu Dhabi that seeks to position the emirate as a destination for gaming and esports, focusing on the attraction of major events and internationally recognized talent.
Marcos Muller-Habig, Sector Enablement Director at Abu Dhabi Gaming, emphasized that the milestone is part of the emirate’s ambition to be a global hotspot for esports and gaming. He stated that the hosting of the Gran Turismo World Series opener is a part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to fast-track economic development, nurture homegrown talent, and establish impactful collaborations with foreign gaming and entertainment sectors.
Yas Marina Circuit’s Iconic Role in Gran Turismo 7.
We are excited to announce the new addition of Yas Marina Circuit to Gran Turismo 7 for the 2026 GT World Series. Yas Marina Circuit is one of the most unique locations in the world of motorsports. For almost 15 years, Yas Marina Circuit has been a critical part of the motorsport history of Abu Dhabi. Yas Marina Circuit has hosted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and has been a staple of the world of F1. Thanks to GT7, players will be able to race on the track in the game, featuring Abu Dhabi, cementing Abu Dhabi’s presence in the world of motorsports.
Yas Marina is one of the most designed and loved racetracks in the world, and we are thrilled to have one of the very first racetracks in the UAE have its digital counterpart in the Gran Turismo Series. Yamauchi-san, along with the Minister of Culture and Youth, honors the privilege of bringing Gran Turismo to Abu Dhabi. With Gran Turismo, players can simulate the experience of racing on the world’s most sophisticated circuit. For Yas to be a part of the game brings Abu Dhabi’s real-world racing to the virtual ecosystem and is a improvised experience for gamers.
Esports and Entertainment in Abu Dhabi
For a long time, Abu Dhabi has been recognized for hospitality, infrastructure, and for being a great host for various global events. Now, with the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series opener, Abu Dhabi would be recognized for esports, motorsports, and entertainment. This event would garner international interest for competing in gaming with Abu Dhabi for the first time, being a part of the global esports gaming community.
Adding to the growing esports portfolio in Abu Dhabi, the emirate is a motorsports hub with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, bringing in fans and competitors from around the world. This emirate has world-class facilities and a diverse offering to host major global events. This constant innovation and entertainment in the emirate reinforces its position as a global entertainment hub.
Looking Ahead: Abu Dhabi’s Growing Influence in Esports
Most people think of the opening of the 2026 Gran Turismo World Series happening in Abu Dhabi. But the Abu Dhabi officials think of it as the beginning of something much larger. The emirate of Abu Dhabi has invested a lot in the gaming, esports, and motorsport industries. The company’s focus on building world-class infrastructure for international competitions and sports innovation will lead Abu Dhabi to foster a unique sports and gaming community. The 2026 Gran Turismo World Series will be a focal point for the emirate’s vision of world-class infrastructure focused on innovation in competitive gaming and motorsports. The world will see the entertainment and innovation capabilities of Abu Dhabi. The emirate will become a global hotspot for innovation and entertainment.
Motorsports
Jordan Launches its First Official Drag Race at the Dead Sea Signals Growth in Motorsport and Sports Tourism, Offering New Economic Benefits and Global Tourism Opportunities
Published on
December 21, 2025
This marks the beginning of a historic era where motorsports are soon going to become a part and parcel of the economy of the country. As motorsports are a favorite among the youth, this motorsport event at the Dead Sea track on the 16th of December, 2025, marks the beginning of a new era for the youth as well, as it will continue to generate enthusiasm among them and become a regular part of the country’s economy. This motorsport, drag race, marks the beginning of a historic era in the sports tourism industry in the country of Jordan.
Motorsport Tourism: A New Frontier for Jordan
The success of the first official drag race in Jordan illustrates the country’s untapped potential for sports tourism, especially in the field of motorsports. With the Dead Sea as a stunning backdrop, the region is becoming an attractive location for international motorsport events, including drag racing, rallying, and drifting competitions. By establishing Jordan as a prime motorsport hub, the country is positioning itself to draw global sports tourism that will provide economic opportunities for the local economy. The growth of motorsport tourism will have a ripple effect, benefiting industries such as hospitality, transportation, local restaurants, and tourism services that support these events.
Looking ahead, the development of motorsport-related tourism will create new channels for international travelers to visit Jordan specifically for motorsport events, which could elevate the country’s status as a sports tourism destination. This will also help establish Jordan as a competitor in the regional sports tourism market, attracting motorsport fans from across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.
Long-Term Economic and Tourism Benefits from Sports Events
Sports tourism has been proven to stimulate local economies by increasing demand for tourism infrastructure, local accommodations, and services. As drag racing and other motorsport events grow in prominence, Jordan is likely to see a rise in international spectators and competitors who come for the events. This influx of visitors will drive higher spending across sectors such as hospitality, tourism-related services, and entertainment, benefiting local businesses and the broader economy.
Furthermore, the growing presence of international motorsport competitions in Jordan will open opportunities for international partnerships and sponsorships, attracting more global brands and increasing media exposure for the country. The economic impact from sports tourism is not just limited to the direct influx of tourists but also includes long-term investments in infrastructure, which will benefit local communities in Jordan and create jobs in the sports tourism industry.
A Foundation for Expanding Sports Tourism in Jordan
As the success of the inaugural drag race grows, the Jordan Motorsport Federation and other stakeholders plan to expand the competition in the coming years. This expansion will create new opportunities for local and international visitors, ensuring that Jordan continues to gain recognition as a premier destination for sports tourism. Events like these will gradually elevate Jordan’s international standing as a host for global motorsport events, opening the door for other sports to flourish in the country.
The focus on sports tourism also aligns with global trends where cities and countries are increasingly investing in hosting major sports events as a way to attract international visitors and stimulate local economies. With the expansion of drag racing and the inclusion of other sports events in the coming years, Jordan’s tourism strategy is set to include a more robust sports tourism portfolio that can attract more diverse visitors year-round.
Future Expansion of Sports Tourism Beyond Motorsports
Looking to the future, sports tourism in Jordan is expected to diversify. While motorsports will remain a cornerstone, sports tourism growth will likely include events across other sports such as football, basketball, and cycling. The success of motorsport events can serve as a springboard to attract other international sporting competitions to Jordan, allowing the country to build a strong reputation for hosting a wide range of sports tourism events.
Furthermore, as the world continues to prioritize sustainable travel and eco-friendly tourism, Jordan’s efforts to promote sports tourism with an emphasis on sustainability and environmentally conscious travel practices will position it as a model for responsible tourism in the Middle East. The integration of sustainable practices into future events will further enhance the long-term appeal of the country as a sports tourism destination.
Jordan’s Future as a Premier Sports Tourism Hub
The holding of Jordan’s first competitive drag race is a major move towards ensuring that sports tourism in the country continues to grow. By continually embracing the hosting of various motor racing events and promoting a sustainable sports tourism framework in the country, Jordan can easily be ranked among one of the most preferred destinations for sports lovers around the globe.
The benefits in terms of economic returns that would be contributed by these motor racing events would boost the economy and position the tourism industry in Jordan at the very top globally. The future for sports tourism in Jordan looks very bright, and as events proceed, Jordan would be seen as a number one hub for motor sports tourism and other sports globally.
Everyone is naming Max Verstappen as the Driver of the Year for 2025, even British publications, who normally are biased toward British drivers.
The Mirror’s Daniel Moxon attended every 2025 race and has shared his personal end-of-season awards. Despite British driver Lando Norris winning the World Drivers Championship (because he had a superior car), Moxon and others maintain that Max Verstappen is head and shoulders above the rest.
The Mirror is one of Britain’s most trusted news brands. Since 1903 they have brought words and pictures from the most important world events to millions of readers both in print and, more recently, online.
McLaren dominated the Constructors’ Championship, winning it early and finishing way ahead of everyone else. Lando Norris became the Drivers’ Champion, but he had tough battles with his teammate Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen, and George Russell.
Related Article: Formula 1 News: Experts agree, Verstappen, not Norris was Driver of the Year
Moxon’s Votes
Driver of the Year: Max Verstappen
Even though he didn’t win the championship, Max Verstappen was the best driver overall. He won 8 races—more than Norris or Piastri—and finished super close to the title despite Red Bull’s challenges. He made the most of every opportunity.
To crystallize Verstappen’s dominance amid the controversy, consider these irrefutable stats from his Herculean campaign:
– Most Wins: 8 by Verstappen
– Most Poles: 8 by Verstappen
– Most Driver of the Days: 8 by Verstappen
– Most Laps Led: 454 by Verstappen
– Most Consecutive Podiums: 10 by Verstappen
– Biggest Comeback in F1 History: From a 104-point deficit to a 2-point runner-up finish
– Fastest Lap in F1 History: Set by Verstappen at Monza in Qualifying and in the race
– Fastest Race in F1 History: Monza, won by Verstappen
Related Article: Norris won the title, but everyone knows Verstappen the real champion
Team of the Year: McLaren
They poached design engineer Rob Marshall from Red Bull, and he made McLaren’s comeback amazing. Just two years ago, they were way off the pace. With Marshall now, they’ve won back-to-back Constructors’ titles and finished 364 points ahead of second place. Their car was strong all year.
Race of the Year: British Grand Prix at Silverstone
Silverstone delivered again, especially with rain making things wild. There were strategy mistakes, crashes, and exciting action. Lando Norris won his home race in front of a reported 500,000 fans over the 4-day weekend, and Nico Hulkenberg finally got his first podium after a record 239 starts.
Overtake of the Year: Verstappen on Norris at Zandvoort
Verstappen went around the outside of Norris at Turn 2, slid wildly but saved it without crashing—and kept the position. It was an incredible move.
Runners-up: Verstappen on Piastri at Imola (made everyone gasp) and Piastri on Lewis Hamilton in Melbourne (a bold outside pass at high speed).
Rookie of the Year: Isack Hadjar
Flop of the Year: Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton’s first year at Ferrari was a huge disappointment. After all the hype, he had few highlights (like a Sprint win in Shanghai) and struggled. It was one of the toughest seasons for a seven-time champion. He certainly misses that extra 50 hp and superior Aldo Costa designed chassis that made him unbeatable at Mercedes.
Most Improved: Carlos Sainz Jr.
He was a winner at Ferrari yet lost his ride to washed up Lewis Hamilton who was the ‘flop’ of the year. At Williams, he brought the team podiums they had no business winning.
Numpty (Silly) of the Year: John Elkann (Ferrari Chairman)
Ferrari’s boss claimed everything was fine except the drivers, who should “talk less.”
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