We’ve already looked back at the 2025 Wisconsin auto racing season and the questions raised a year ago as potential hot topics.

IndyCar and the Milwaukee Mile, a sprint car smorgasbord, various topics related to short-track racing and the persistent, agonizing question of NASCAR’s future in the state all were considered.

Not surprisingly, some of those return to the look-ahead list for 2026.

A full-time season for Thomas Annunziata in the ARCA Menards Series. Nitro Motorsports signs another young star. Annunziata has a few starts in the NASCAR ranks at this point. The 20-year-old is embarking on his first full-time season in a stock car.

From New Jersey, Thomas Annunziata has been slowly getting his footing in the NASCAR ranks. He ran part-time for Cope Family Racing this season in the Xfinity Series. He had his best finish of P17 at the Chicago Street Course.

Annunziata has experience in Trans AM, ARCA, and NASCAR. Is he a championship contender in the ARCA Menards Series this season?

With less than two months to go until the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway, the Playoff format remains a mystery.

NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell had previously admitted that change was incoming after endless criticism of the 10-race format, which culminated in a winner-takes-all finale.

However, beside the TV broadcast schedule revealing that the final 10 races will remain playoff-related, exactly what format they’ll ultimately form has yet to be revealed, although Kaulig Racing boss Chris Rice is confident fans will be happy with the end result.

Speaking on ‘The Kenny Wallace Show,’ Rice admitted any announcements regarding the Playoffs “got put on a back burner.” This is presumably down to the recent tragic death of legend Greg Biffle and his family in a plane crash in North Carolina.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation; however, NTSB Investigator-In-Charge Dan Baker explained in a press conference on Friday that Biffle’s Cessna 550 Citation, built in 1981, took off at around 10:05 am EST from Runway 28, turning left and flying for around five minutes before making a U-turn.

Sign up to our NASCAR newsletter here.

“The initial point of impact was a runway light stanchion located about 1,800 feet from the runway threshold,” Baker said. “The airplane subsequently impacted trees, two other runway light stanchions, and the airport perimeter fence short of the runway threshold before coming to rest near the runway threshold. The airplane also came to rest oriented on an easterly heading.

“Post-impact fire consumed the majority of the fuselage and the inboard wing sections. All four corners of the airplane and flight control surfaces have been identified in the wreckage and the debris field. Both engines were present with the main wreckage.”

With the NASCAR world in mourning, any discussions regarding the upcoming season have recently been put on hold. However, with the clock ticking, and the non-points-scoring Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium scheduled for February 1, the topic of the Playoffs was bound to return soon.

Rice told Wallace that he’s confident, “You’re gonna like [the format]. You will like it.”

“It’s not exactly what everybody’s posting about. They hadn’t made a final decision the last time I was involved,” he explained. “We need an adjustment. Do we need an overhaul? No. But we need an adjustment.

“I enjoy going back to Homestead. But we don’t need one race to make the difference. We know going to Homestead, if Kyle Larson’s in the final four, who the heck you think’s gonna win? Yeah. If Tyler Reddick’s in the final four, who the heck you think’s gonna have a shot? Come on. So they recognize that.

“The fans have been vocal. ‘Kenny Wallace is a big, big advocate of this. I’ve watched so many times. Kenny, change the direction of the lawsuit by saying X.’ And I’m like, geez, that’s good. We’ve listened as a sport. And it’s gonna be great.

“What I do know is I feel like 75 percent of the people are gonna love it. 10 percent are gonna be, ‘Ah, okay,’ right? And that’s gonna leave [five percent] of the people that’s gonna hate it.”

Despite this, Rice insisted that change was necessary, citing his belief that the sport risked alienating its younger audience if it went back to the pre-Playoff full 36-race championship.

“So with that being said, the traditional way of doing points would be tough to do in this era. Because we are looking towards a younger group of people, right?” he said.

“So that’s what we got to think about. Me and you, man, I’ll go back and watch them old races on Tubi. And like, dude, it might be one car in the lead lap. And somebody’s winning the point series by 487 points. Like, I mean, that ain’t exciting to the young guy or the young woman.

“So we got to make it exciting. And our attention spans, my social media guy says, ‘Remember, Chris, 30 seconds long, not four hours. 30 seconds.’”

Unifirst Corporation’s stocks have been trading up by 16.23 percent after unveiling robust third-quarter financial results.

• Engine Capital owns about 3.2% of UniFirst’s shares and has been pressing for a ‘value-maximizing sale’, hoping to better align company management with shareholder interests.

• Recently, there has been significant support for Engine Capital’s nominees at the UniFirst annual meeting, signaling increasing dissatisfaction with current leadership.

• The re-election of critical board members, like Steven S. Sintros and Joseph M. Nowicki, indicates both stability and shareholder support, although pressures for strategy reevaluation remain high from some investors.

• UniFirst’s involvement in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, backing Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team, might help in enhancing public engagement and brand visibility.

Live Update At 17:04:15 EST: On Monday, December 22, 2025 Unifirst Corporation stock [NYSE: UNF] is trending up by 16.23%! Discover the key drivers behind this movement as well as our expert analysis in the detailed breakdown below.

Quick Overview of Financials and Performance

When it comes to successful trading, discipline and timing are crucial. Traders are often tempted to rush into positions, driven by emotion rather than strategy. However, it’s essential to remember what seasoned professionals advocate. As millionaire penny stock trader and teacher Tim Sykes, says, “Be patient, don’t force trades, and let the perfect setups come to you.” This philosophy encourages traders to wait for ideal conditions rather than forcing positions in the market, emphasizing the importance of strategy and timing over impulsive decisions.

Despite the tumultuous governance environment, UniFirst is not standing still. Recent market numbers show a stock value bounce up and down, indicating high volatility. For instance, on Dec 25, 2025, the stock opened at $213.22 and closed at $197.64, after a rollercoaster of a day. Such fluctuations often suggest uncertainty among investors about future company performance. Intraday, the stock saw highs of over $218 and lows near $191, reflecting market volatility.

Financial reports show UniFirst’s management is cautiously navigating a challenging economic landscape. The recent earnings report highlighted an increase in operational revenue totaling $614.45M for the quarter, alongside significant operating expenses. Yet, the company maintained a healthy gross profit margin, showcasing the viable nature of their core business.

Growth metrics show UniFirst boasts a profitability edge. With an EBIT margin of 7.6% and gross margins near 36.6%, their financial health seems sound. Key ratios, like a low total debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, suggest a leveraging strategy built for resilience rather than risk, critical in these times.

What’s interesting is how certain catalysts seem to be missing in propelling UniFirst’s stock. Poor strategic decisions are cited by some shareholders, costing millions in value loss. This sentiment is shared across various articles, echoing a louder call for potential systemic changes.

Influence of News on UniFirst’s Stock

The narrative around UniFirst is increasingly drawing attention, not because of groundbreaking innovations but due to internal governance dynamics and market presence decisions, like the NASCAR campaign. How does this impact numbers on a quarterly basis? The financials indicate a consistent revenue inflow, with a quarterly total of over $614M in operating revenue, keeping the business afloat. Yet, many believe a revamp of tactics might unlock further potential swiftly.

UniFirst’s profits, though steady, seem parked on a plateau. Shareholder calls for action reverberate among investors like Engine Capital, focusing attention on the need for strategic direction realignments. Pushing for a bold sales strategy might initiate a ripple effect, impacting stock perception across markets.

The willingness to embark on high-profile sponsorship ventures targets increased brand recognition, painting an optimistic picture about future revenue channels. Still, some concerns loom. With a current ratio of 3.2, UniFirst holds liquidity strength, allowing it to safely navigate immediate liabilities while investing in ventures like the NASCAR sponsorship.

More Breaking News

As the tug-of-war continues between those advocating change and those reinforcing current trajectories, the stock market keeps observing, waiting and speculating. Investors, thus, are glued to any developments relevant to management decisions.

The Demand for Strategic Reforms: Unchartered Waters

From what can be seen across the media lynchpins, UniFirst’s situation draws a fascinating question mark. Will they evolve under pressure?

While their primary sponsorship of a competitive NASCAR team captures attention, innovations surrounding core business offerings remain under review by many. Investors and analysts are showing a penchant for companies prioritizing adaptive strategies instead of stagnant operations.

This innovative push is threading into the corporate ethos of shareholder activists focused on constructive adaptations, party to using available avenues for reaching success.

Meanwhile, Engine Capital voices an opinion, making clear that underlying value destruction cannot carry on. A strategic shake-up, many argue, would unshackle hidden prospects for UniFirst.

In essence, the story continues to play out—a beautifully tangled narrative of investor aspirations, management ethos, and market realities. Stakeholders watch, strategize, and wait for the next chapter in UniFirst’s evolution. The outcome, however, lies between the call for innovation and steering current paths through calm and storm alike.

Conclusion: Harnessing Potential in an Evolving Landscape

The current trader atmosphere surrounding UniFirst is one of anxious anticipation entwined with belief. As millionaire penny stock trader and teacher Tim Sykes, says, “Preparation plus patience leads to big profits.” How these strategies unfold is central to whether UniFirst continues on its present course or veers towards innovative terrains, maximizing shareholder value. As uncertainty mingles with hope, this story, one of corporate intrigue, represents a crossroads for a company craving directional clarity. The coming days could bring profound changes to the narrative unfolding within UniFirst’s financial odysseys. Where it heads will have ramifications for more than just its shareholders—indeed, the industry observes a piece of history in the making.

This is stock news, not investment advice. Timothy Sykes News delivers real-time stock market news focused on key catalysts driving short-term price movements. Our content is tailored for active traders and investors seeking to capitalize on rapid price fluctuations, particularly in volatile sectors like penny stocks. Readers come to us for detailed coverage on earnings reports, mergers, FDA approvals, new contracts, and unusual trading volumes that can trigger significant short-term price action. Some users utilize our news to explain sudden stock movements, while others rely on it for diligent research into potential investment opportunities.

Dive deeper into the world of trading with Timothy Sykes, renowned for his expertise in penny stocks. Explore his top picks and discover the strategies that have propelled him to success with these articles:

Once you’ve got some stocks on watch, elevate your trading game with StocksToTrade the ultimate platform for traders. With specialized tools for swing and day trading, StocksToTrade will guide you through the market’s twists and turns.
Dig into StocksToTrade’s watchlists here:

CONCORD, N.C., Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ten Tenths Motor Club has named longtime automotive executive Andy Thomas as its new Vice President of Manufacturer Relations, bringing more than three decades of global experience in luxury automotive sales, marketing and brand management to the newly opened motorsports and lifestyle destination.

In his new role, Thomas will develop and maintain relationships with OEM partners to understand their needs, perspectives and objectives, while working to identify opportunities for growth by leveraging new and existing partnerships to increase facility usage.

Click here for photos to support this release.

Thomas joins Ten Tenths Motor Club after serving as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for McLaren Automotive North Americasince 2015, where he led strategic marketing, communications and global strategy that helped drive record sales growth. During his decade with McLaren, Thomas oversaw experiential events in over 30 major metro markets and developed retail programs that significantly increased sales conversions and owner engagement.

“Andy’s reputation and relationships within the global automotive community are unmatched,” said Rick Hendrick, who founded Ten Tenths Motor Club in partnership with Speedway Motorsports. “His leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our partnerships with manufacturers and luxury brands as we continue to establish Ten Tenths as a world-class venue for automotive experiences.”

Prior to McLaren, Thomas served in leadership roles with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in both Goodwood, U.K. and North America, where he guided global brand alignment and oversaw international marketing strategy across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Earlier in his career, he held key marketing and sales roles with BMW of North America, Ferrari North America and Land Rover North America, gaining experience in dealer relations, product marketing and luxury customer engagement.

“Our vision for Ten Tenths Motor Club is to establish the facility as not only a premier experience for passionate automotive enthusiasts, but also to create a destination for corporate events that is unmatched in the automotive industry,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “We look forward to Andy joining our efforts to invite manufacturers from around the world to Ten Tenths Motor Club and the greater Charlotte region.”

A Clemson University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Thomas also serves on the Board of the Erwin Center for Brand Communication at his alma mater. In that role, he mentors students, sponsors real-world marketing projects and connects students with opportunities across the automotive and luxury brand landscape.

A native of Salisbury, Maryland, Thomas began his career in dealer operations at Fox Chevrolet in Baltimore before joining the OEM side of the industry. His work has taken him across the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe, building a broad network and a deep understanding of international brand collaboration.

“I’m thrilled to join Ten Tenths at such an exciting time,” Thomas said. “The club’s vision represents the next evolution of automotive lifestyle and performance culture. I look forward to connecting global manufacturers with this extraordinary facility and to becoming part of the Charlotte community.”

Located adjacent to the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ten Tenths Motor Club combines exclusive track access, curated events and premium hospitality to create an unparalleled environment for members and partners. The facility has quickly become a premier destination in the Charlotte metropolitan area for automotive launches, luxury brand activations, enthusiast experiences and special events. Tickets are now on sale for Ten Tenths Motor Club signature public event, Heritage Invitational, April 9-11, 2026.

About Ten Tenths Motor Club

Based in Concord, North Carolina, Ten Tenths Motor Club is a private automotive and lifestyle destination designed for those who live and breathe performance. Located beside Charlotte Motor Speedway, the club offers members access to exclusive driving experiences, signature events, and brand collaborations with the world’s most respected automotive manufacturers and luxury partners.

Learn more at www.tententhsmotorclub.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veteran-automotive-executive-andy-thomas-named-vice-president-of-manufacturer-relations-at-ten-tenths-motor-club-302648064.html

SOURCE Speedway Motorsports

The Mobil 1 brand has again teamed up with Autodromo to introduce a limited-edition, automotive-inspired wristwatch—the Group B Mobil 1 Edition. After the sellout success of their first collaborative timepiece, the Monoposto Mobil 1 Edition, the companies return with a new design crafted for motorsports enthusiasts.

Inspired by the Group B rally era, a short-yet-iconic period from 1982-86, the watch draws from a chapter widely regarded as one of motorsports’ most thrilling, according to officials. Group B combined fearless driving with advanced materials and bold engineering, producing the kind of speed and spectacle that helped define modern performance culture. Drivers charged across mountain passes, desert roads and snowy forest stages in machines that continue to shape the way fans view the sport today.

Autodromo’s interpretation of this era blends that history with modern craftsmanship. The Mobil 1 Group B Pegasus Edition features a bimetallic case construction with a lightweight 39mm titanium capsule housed within a stainless steel outer structure. Designed with a unisex fit, the watch offers a versatile wear experience for collectors and fans alike.

The integrated stainless-steel bracelet is finished with a black DLC coating for a sharp, contemporary look, and a high-contrast dial inspired by vintage racing tachometers reinforces the motorsports influence. Each piece arrives in a handcrafted aluminum box, and the bracelet can be easily removed with a spring bar tool for those who prefer to swap in a strap.

Blending Innovation & Passion

Only 70 watches will be available at Autodromo.com (retail value: $995).

“Group B represents a moment in motorsports where innovation and passion were at their highest. It still inspires so much of what the Mobil 1 brand stands for,” says Austin Johansen, North America marketing manager on behalf of the Mobil 1 team. “We loved seeing the response to our first watch, and we are excited to bring fans a second collaboration that celebrates both performance and lifestyle.”

For Autodromo, the Group B silhouette is one of the brand’s most iconic designs, known for its slim profile, precision and early-1980s high-tech aesthetic.

“The Mobil 1 brand sits at the heart of automotive culture, so this collaboration continues to feel purposeful and exciting for us,” says Bradley Price, founder of Autodromo. “This edition is a chance to honor an unforgettable motorsports era and create something that feels fresh, collectible and full of character.”

Key features include:

• Bimetallic titanium and stainless steel case
• Stainless steel integrated bracelet with hidden butterfly clasp and black DLC coating
• Miyota 9015 automatic movement
• Sapphire crystal with antireflective coating
• Water resistant to 50 meters
• 39mm case diameter
• 9mm case thickness
• 75 mm lug to lug
• 20 mm lug width
• Packaged in a handcrafted aluminum collector’s box