Motorsports
What caused early Daytona melee?
There were 14 drivers already locked in before the green flag with Tyler Reddick holding a 29-point advantage for the penultimate spot. This matters because in the case of a new winner from below the cutline, the driver lowest in points between them would be eliminated.
Reddick suffered marginal damage in the first crash of the night but then Bowman was outright eliminated from the race in a multi-car incident with 12 laps remaining in the first stage.
“When they crash in front of you, there is nothing I could have done differently,” Bowman said.
With a push from Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace converged down on Joey Logano and Kyle Busch. This was also notable for Busch, a two-time Cup series champion, who needed nothing short of a win to make the playoffs as well on Saturday night.
There were 11 drivers designated as involved and amongst them was Ricky Stenhouse Jr. who also needed nothing short of a win to advance into the Round of 16.
Noah Gragson, Front Row Motorsports Ford, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet, Riley Herbst, 23XI Racing Toyota
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
“I was in the position that we wanted to be,” Stenhouse said. “It felt like we were gonna kind of going to run fifth or sixth, and try to finish the stage out but, yeah, it didn’t happen.”
“I feel like I had a car that could win and felt really, really good. I was stable, felt like I had a little more speed than I normally feel like I have, which I was excited about. I felt like I put my car in really good spots, went from the back to the front like we normally do.”
“Blame Bubba Wallace”
Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota, Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Wallace took blame for the incident, albeit with a little bit of sarcasm laced into his commentary.
“I need another look at it but it looks like I was three-wide and (Larson) hit me and got me down there, and it is what it is,” Wallace said. “I hate it that we got tore up and tore up a bunch of cars. I think I looked and it was blame Bubba Wallace National Day today so I’ll take the blame for it.”
Similar to Stenhouse, Noah Gragson needed to win to make the playoffs and he just didn’t understand why there was so much side-by-side racing with the leaders mixing it up halfway through the first stage.
“We’re only on lap 27, 28 and there are guys trying to make it four-wide at the front of the pack,” Gragson said. “I was just collateral damage at that point. It’s definitely a bummer, but I’m still super proud of our team. We started almost towards the back, 32nd I think, and we were up in the top 10 20 laps in, so it’s not from a lack of effort.”
Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota, Austin Cindric, Team Penske Ford
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Austin Cindric is already locked into the playoffs but shared the sentiments from Gragson that it was too early for this level of aggression.
“I thought I made it through the bulk of it and then (Wallace) came back up across the racetrack, so yeah, it’s just a shame and not really sure what else we can do there,” Cindric said. “I take responsibility for us losing track position early.
“But just kind of middle lane stacked and the intensity was just picking up way too early for this race, but yeah, I’m totally fine.”
Again, the math is simple for Bowman, because a new winner from below the cutline eliminates him and he has nothing to do for the rest of the race but watch and see how it unfolds.
“I don’t own a jet so I’m going to stick around unless my bosses decide otherwise,” Bowman said. “I’m on Jeff Gordon’s time so I’m sure he’s going to stick around. I’m going to cheer my teammates on. There’s still thee chances for Hendrick Motorsports to win and they have really fast cars and I hope it works out for them.”
And again, if any of them win, it’s good for Bowman too, because it locks him into the Field of 16.
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Motorsports
Tyler Reddick Adds SupplyHouse Sponsorship
SupplyHouse will sponsor Tyler Reddick in several NASCAR Cup Series races this season, 23XI Racing announced Jan. 12.
It’ll first be aboard the No. 45 at Kansas Speedway on April 19.
“As anticipation heats up for the 2026 season, I’m excited to welcome SupplyHouse to the 23XI team,” Reddick said in a team release. “SupplyHouse supports some of the most vital workers in our economy and I’m honored to represent all those tradespeople and the work they do.”

Chumba Expands 23XI Sponsorship
The exact number of races was not revealed.
Reddick enters his fourth season with 23XI. Last year he earned seven top fives and 14 top 10s, finishing ninth in the standings.


Joy joined Frontstretch in 2019 as a NASCAR DraftKings writer, expanding to news and iRacing coverage in 2020. She’s currently an assistant editor and involved with photos, social media and news editing. A California native, Joy was raised watching motorsports and started watching NASCAR extensively in 2001. She earned her B.A. degree in Liberal Studies at California State University Bakersfield in 2010.
Motorsports
NASCAR Truck: Ross Chastain remains with Niece


By AMANDA VINCENT
NASCAR Cup Series regular Ross Chastain will run a partial NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule for Niece Motorsports.
“It’s great to be back with Niece Motorsports in a larger capacity this year,” Chastain said. “When I heard about the rule change, I knew we had to run more races together. We’ve got a great core group of people here in Salisbury and I want to bring them all back to victory lane. I’m thankful to have the opportunity and appreciate the ownership group and our partners for making it happen, along with everyone at Trackhouse for allowing me to run in the Truck Series.”
NASCAR recently modified a rule to increase the number of Truck Series races a Cup Series driver is allowed to enter to eight. Chastain’s specific schedule with Niece has not been released. He will share the No. 45 Chevrolet with Landen Lewis. Phil Gould will be crew chief.
“We’re thrilled to have Ross in our trucks for more races this year,” Niece Motorsports CEO Cody Efaw said. “Ross has been a huge part of our team since he first joined us, and his input is invaluable. Considering the young group of drivers we have in the fold this year, Ross will be a tremendous asset for those guys to learn from. We look forward to having him contend for wins each time he straps into the No. 45 truck this year.”
Chastain has been with Niece since 2018 and has five wins with the team, including Niece’s first win at Kansas Speedway in 2019. He raced full-time in the Truck Series in 2019 and finished that season second in the championship standings.
Motorsports
23XI Racing, Reddick Announce Multi-Race Partnership with SupplyHouse
Tyler Reddick and the No. 45 23XI Racing team will have a new multi-race primary sponsorship partner for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, as SupplyHouse, an e-commerce provider of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies, has signed on as an Official Partner of the organization.
“We are excited to welcome SupplyHouse to the 23XI family and proud to bring another new brand into the sport,” said Steve Lauletta, 23XI team president, in a press release. “We know that many of the professionals who rely on SupplyHouse are also NASCAR fans, and we look forward to representing them throughout the season and giving them a team to cheer for each weekend.”
According to a press release from 23XI, SupplyHouse will serve as a primary sponsorship partner for Reddick and the No. 45 team beginning with the April 19 event at Kansas Speedway, and will return for “several” races in 2026. A full sponsorship schedule and the total number of races that SupplyHouse will adorn the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE were not revealed in Monday’s announcement.
In addition to the primary sponsorship agreement, SupplyHouse will also serve as a full-season associate sponsorship partner for Reddick and the No. 45 team, and will be featured on the team’s equipment and Reddick’s driver uniform this season.
SupplyHouse feels the partnership with Reddick and 23XI Racing gives the company a chance to further connect with its customer-base in a platform that they already enjoy — NASCAR racing.
“This partnership gives us a meaningful way to connect with the pros who drive our industry forward,” said Kaylin Staub, Chief Marketing Officer of SupplyHouse. “Our customers value hard work, smart problem-solving, and high performance – the same qualities that define 23XI. Partnering with them allows SupplyHouse to show up in a space our customers already enjoy, while giving us a unique platform to highlight the importance of the trades. From a marketing standpoint, it’s an opportunity to deepen relationships, build visibility, and engage with current and future customers in an environment that reflects our shared energy for rolling up our sleeves, doing great work, and celebrating a job well done.”
SupplyHouse, which was founded in 2004, plans to host tradespeople at various races during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season in an effort to show appreciation for those who are involved in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work. Representing the tradespeople in the field is a great honor for Reddick.
“As anticipation heats up for the 2026 season, I’m excited to welcome SupplyHouse to the 23XI team,” said Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE. “SupplyHouse supports some of the most vital workers in our economy, and I’m honored to represent all those tradespeople and the work they do.”
Reddick, 30, is an eight-time race winner in the NASCAR Cup Series ranks, and has made the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in each of the last five seasons. Last year, Reddick saw his three-season streak of capturing a win in the series come to an end, but he finished the year ninth in the championship standings despite the lack of a win.
In addition to his Playoff run, Reddick had to navigate the personal struggles of the health of his infant son, Rookie Reddick, who was hospitalized during the Playoffs last season with signs of heart failure, but has since returned home.
Reddick and the No. 45 23XI Racing team will look to return to victory lane in 2026.
Motorsports
Razgatlıoğlu’s MotoGP leap begins in Siena with new bike unveiling
Three-time World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlıoğlu will take his first official step into MotoGP on Tuesday, when his 2026 machine is unveiled in Siena, Italy, marking the start of a new era for both the Turkish star and Yamaha.
Razgatlıoğlu, a Red Bull athlete and one of the most dominant figures in WorldSBK history, will make his MotoGP debut with factory-supported Prima Pramac Yamaha.
The unveiling will present the Pramac Yamaha bike he will race in 2026, his rookie season in the premier class, as anticipation builds around one of the most talked-about transitions in modern motorcycle racing.
After winning WorldSBK titles in 2021, 2024 and 2025, Razgatlıoğlu opted to chase his long-held MotoGP ambition rather than extend his reign in superbikes.
The move also brings him full circle to Yamaha, the manufacturer with which he claimed his first world championship and established his reputation as an elite talent.
In 2026, Razgatlıoğlu will race with the No. 7 and benefit from full access to Yamaha’s factory data, technical support and development resources, an uncommon level of backing for a MotoGP rookie.
That support is designed to ease his adaptation from production-based machines to MotoGP prototypes, where margins are razor-thin and development is relentless.
Prima Pramac Racing, one of the paddock’s most respected independent teams, enters a fresh chapter alongside Razgatlıoğlu.
The Italian outfit made history in 2024 by winning the MotoGP riders’ title, underlining its ability to compete at the highest level.
Now aligned with Yamaha, Pramac aims to play a key role in the manufacturer’s push to return to the front of the grid.
Razgatlıoğlu’s WorldSBK resume speaks for itself.
He ended Jonathan Rea’s long-standing dominance in 2021, then delivered back-to-back titles with BMW, combining fearless braking, aggressive race craft and adaptability across different machinery.
Those traits have fueled belief that, while the MotoGP learning curve will be steep, his ceiling is exceptionally high.
Motorsports
Chef Boyardee Returns to Nascar at the Daytona 500 with Record Fan Giveaway and New NASCAR Cup Series Motorsports Partnership
CHICAGO, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hometown Food Company acquired the Chef Boyardee business from Conagra in June 2025 and is now significantly increasing the marketing investment behind the famous Chef Boyardee brand. Chef Boyardee is heading to the Daytona 500 in a big way—fueling race fans with food, fun, and nostalgia through a new NASCAR Cup Series motorsports partnership with KHI Management and Hyak Motorsports.
Through this partnership, Chef Boyardee will activate alongside Hyak Motorsports’ No. 47 Chevrolet, driven by Ricky Stenhouse Jr., delivering the brand’s largest-ever race-week fan experience and celebrating the next chapter of growth following the brand’s recent acquisition by Hometown Food Company, a portfolio company of Brynwood Partners.
Ricky has been an incredible ambassador for our brands in the 12 years that we have been sponsoring his car in the Cup Series,” said Henk Hartong, Chairman and CEO of Brynwood Partners. “We are excited to bring Chef Boyardee back to the track at Daytona and Talladega this season, both places where Ricky has taken the checkered flag previously. We look forward to bringing the Chef Boyardee 47 to Victory Lane at Daytona in February.”
Fueling Fans with a Record-Setting Giveaway
Throughout race week, Chef Boyardee will seek to distribute more than 100,000 meals directly to fans, marking one of the largest single-event food giveaways in the brand’s history. The effort comes at a time when grocery prices remain top of mind for households nationwide, reinforcing the brand’s role as a familiar, affordable staple for generations of families.
Meet the Ravioli Roamer
At the center of the activation is the Ravioli Roamer, a custom Chef Boyardee vehicle that will travel across the infield, midway, and campgrounds delivering surprise-and-delight meal giveaways during peak moments—from campground check-ins to post-race snack runs and late-night munchies.
Additional fan experiences include:
- A Chef Boyardee Fan Hub with interactive games and photo moments
- Surprise appearances by Ricky Stenhouse Jr., joining fans in select zones for meet-and-greets and giveaways
- High-energy sampling moments designed to keep fans fueled all weekend long
A Look Ahead Under New Ownership
The Daytona 500 activation offers a preview of what’s next for Chef Boyardee under Brynwood’s ownership, with plans for brand refreshes, product innovation, and new product launches beginning in 2026, while staying true to the flavors and formats that have made the brand a household name.
By pairing one of motorsports’ most iconic races with one of America’s most iconic food brands, Chef Boyardee’s Daytona 500 presence celebrates comfort, culture, and connection—one plate at a time.
A Motorsports Partnership Built for Fans
The Daytona 500 activation brings together legacy brands and high-performance racing at one of the most culturally significant sporting events in the country. KHI Management, a full-service sports and entertainment marketing agency founded by NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick, played a critical role in connecting Chef Boyardee and Hyak.
Chef Boyardee will activate through Hyak Motorsports, the NASCAR Cup Series team formerly known as JTG Daugherty Racing. Rebranded in late 2024, Hyak Motorsports is led by principal owner Gordon Smith alongside co-owners Brad Daugherty, Mark Hughes, and Ernie Cope, and fields the No. 47 Chevrolet for Stenhouse Jr. The team maintains a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports. The name “Hyak,” meaning “fast,” reflects the organization’s renewed focus on performance on and off the track.
About Chef Boyardee
Chef Boyardee® is a classic American food brand rooted in Italian culinary tradition. Founded in 1928 by Chef Hector Boiardi, the brand has become a household staple, bringing convenient, comforting pasta meals to families for nearly a century. The Chef Boyardee® plant in Milton, PA, remains the heart of its production and heritage.
About Hometown Food Company
Hometown Food Company, based in Chicago, IL, was formed by Brynwood Partners in August 2018. The portfolio includes the exclusive U.S. rights to the iconic Pillsbury™ brand’s shelf-stable baking products, including Funfetti®, along with Hungry Jack®, Birch Benders®, Arrowhead Mills®, White Lily®, Jim Dandy®, De Wafelbakkers®, Martha White® and Chef Boyardee brands.
About Brynwood Partners
Based in Greenwich, CT, Brynwood Partners, is an operationally-focused private equity firm that has been making control investments in North American-based lower middle market companies since 1984. The firm targets non-core brands and companies operating in the consumer sector. Brynwood Partners currently manages more than $2.3 billion in assets for its limited partners, which include U.S. and international pension funds, fund-of-funds, endowments, foundations, high net worth family investment offices and financial institutions. For more information, please visit www.brynwoodpartners.com.
SOURCE Hometown Food Company

Motorsports
SupplyHouse Joins 23XI Racing as an Official Partner for 2026 Season
Leading Online Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Supplier to be Featured as Primary Partner
with Tyler Reddick and the No. 45 Team
Huntersville, N.C. (Jan. 12, 2026) – 23XI Racing announced today that SupplyHouse, a leading e-commerce provider of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies, has joined the team as an Official Partner.
The partnership will feature the SupplyHouse brand as the primary paint scheme for several races with Tyler Reddick and the No. 45 team, debuting at Kansas Speedway on April 19.
The relationship marks the company’s first entry into the sports world, highlighting its commitment to supporting the trades and expanding its connection with skilled professionals nationwide.
In addition to the SupplyHouse-branded paint schemes on Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE, SupplyHouse will be an associate partner throughout the season and will appear on the No. 45 team’s equipment and Reddick’s driver uniform.
SupplyHouse also plans to host tradespeople at various races to show appreciation for the many men and women who are involved in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work.
Founded in 2004, SupplyHouse provides professional-grade plumbing, HVAC, and electrical products to contractors, trade professionals, and DIYers nationwide.
With more than 280,000 active SKUs, fast shipping from distribution centers across the country, and an industry-leading focus on customer experience, SupplyHouse continues to redefine how the trades shop online.
As part of the partnership, the company will look to grow its loyal customer base by connecting with NASCAR’s passionate community of tradespeople and fans.
“This partnership gives us a meaningful way to connect with the pros who drive our industry forward,” said Kaylin Staub, Chief Marketing Officer of SupplyHouse.
“Our customers value hard work, smart problem-solving and high performance – the same qualities that define 23XI. Partnering with them allows SupplyHouse to show up in a space our customers already enjoy, while giving us a unique platform to highlight the importance of the trades.
From a marketing standpoint, it’s an opportunity to deepen relationships, build visibility, and engage with current and future customers in an environment that reflects our shared energy for rolling up our sleeves, doing great work, and celebrating a job well done.”
“We are excited to welcome SupplyHouse to the 23XI family and proud to bring another new brand into the sport,” said Steve Lauletta, 23XI team president.
“We know that many of the professionals who rely on SupplyHouse are also NASCAR fans, and we look forward to representing them throughout the season and giving them a team to cheer for each weekend.”
“As anticipation heats up for the 2026 season, I’m excited to welcome SupplyHouse to the 23XI team,” said Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE.
“SupplyHouse supports some of the most vital workers in our economy and I’m honored to represent all those tradespeople and the work they do.”
About SupplyHouse:
Founded in 2004, SupplyHouse is a leading e-commerce company specializing in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies.
Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., with distribution centers in Nevada, Texas, Ohio, and New Jersey, the company is redefining what it means to support the trades — from providing access to top-quality products to fostering education and recognition programs that strengthen the future of skilled labor.
About 23XI Racing:
23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI its first-ever victory. 23XI expanded to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion and Hall of Famer Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry.
With a win at Kansas Speedway in May of 2022, Busch earned 23XI the team’s first-ever playoff berth. Tyler Reddick joined the team in 2023 to drive the No. 45 car. In 2024, Reddick won the Regular Season Championship and raced to a spot in the Championship 4, a first for both the team and Reddick.
23XI currently features the lineup of Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE, Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE and Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE.
Corey Heim currently serves as the team’s development driver and races occasionally in the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE.
The team operates out of Airspeed, a state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, N.C.
Source: 23XI Racing
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