NCS Race: Cook Out Southern 500(USA, MRN, SiriusXM at 6 p.m. ET)
NASCAR Cup Series
Darlington Raceway Storylines and Insights:
· This weekend marks the 129th running of a NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway, and the 76th running of the Southern 500.
· This is the sixth time Darlington hosted a Playoff race, and the fifth-time it has hosted the opening race (2020-2023, 2025).
· Darlington Raceway is one of five different tracks to open the postseason for the NASCAR Cup Series alongside New Hampshire (2004-2010), Chicagoland (2011-2017), Las Vegas (2018-2019) and Atlanta (2024).
· Five times the winner of the opening race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs has gone on to win the championship – 2004 (Kurt Busch), 2011 (Tony Stewart), 2012 (Brad Keselowski), 2017 (Martin Truex Jr.) and 2024 (Joey Logano).
· The last seven Darlington Cup races were won by seven different drivers.
· Denny Hamlin, with three wins, is the only repeat winner in the last 11 Darlington races.
· This weekend. eight of the 55 NASCAR Cup Series Darlington race winners are active this weekend.
Active Darlington Race Winners
Wins
Seasons
Denny Hamlin
5
2025, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2010
Brad Keselowski
2
2024, 2018
Erik Jones
2
2022, 2019
Chase Briscoe
1
2024
Kyle Larson
1
2023
William Byron
1
2023
Joey Logano
1
2022
Kyle Busch
1
2008
· The final green flag stretch was less than 17 laps in only two of the last 10 Darlington races.
· The driver who led the most laps finished 22nd or worse in three of the last five Southern 500s.
· Last year’s Southern 500 had 26 lead changes, the most for a race at Darlington since 2008. By contrast, last April’s race at Darlington featured only four lead changes, the fewest for a Cup race at Darlington since the inaugural Southern 500 in 1950.
· William Byron led the opening 243 laps at Darlington in April; the most laps led from the start in the track’s history. He won both stages but finished second in the race.
· A driver swept the stages at Darlington seven times, but only once went on to win (Martin Truex Jr – 05/2021).
· Eight of the 14 stage winners at Darlington in the Next Gen car finished 25th or worse.
· Every winner since 2006 at Darlington had a minimum of 100 career Cup starts.
· Six drivers earned their first Cup Series win at Darlington, four of them got their only Cup victory.
· Nine drivers snapped 50+ race winless streaks at Darlington including both 2024 races; tied for the most among non-drafting tracks with Phoenix.
· Denny Hamlin led in the last 11 Darlington races, the longest streak at the track since Darrell Waltrip’s 17 straight races from 1976-1984.
· Ross Chastain is set to make his 250th Cup start this weekend, six drivers won their 250th Cup start (most recently Chris Buescher at Bristol in September 2022) and two did so at Darlington.
· Ryan Blaney finished in the top-10 in the last six races, his longest ever Cup top-10 streak.
· 2025 is the fifth straight season that a Hendrick Motorsports driver entered the Playoffs seeded #1.
· The average time for the Southern 500 is 4:15:50, the average time for the Coke 600 is 4:26:55.
· Th eventual winner of the Southern 500 didn’t lead for the first time until Lap 158 in eight of the last nine Darlington races.
· The Southern 500 hasn’t ended in overtime since 2014.
NCS Clinch Scenarios For Darlington Raceway (Playoff Race #1):
Already Clinched
· No drivers have clinched a spot in the 12-driver field of the next round.
Can Clinch Via Win
· The following drivers would clinch on their win alone: Kyle Larson, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, Shane Van Gisbergen, Chase Elliott, Chase Briscoe, Austin Cindric, Bubba Wallace, Joey Logano, Ross Chastain, Josh Berry, Tyler Reddick, Austin Dillon, Alex Bowman
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Portland International Raceway Storylines and Insights:
· This weekend marks the fourth running of a NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Portland International Raceway, since the inaugural race in 2022.
· Connor Zilisch won his series-leading seventh race of the season at Daytona last weekend, after relief driver Parker Kligerman got in the car on Lap 13. The first time a relief driver has won since 2007 (Aric Almirola & Denny Hamlin).
· Connor Zilisch’s seven wins this season tied Christopher Bell for most by a rookie all-time in the series.
· Connor Zilisch has won five of the last six races this season.
· Connor Zilisch’s 12 straight top fives since returning from back injury is the third-longest top-five streak all- time; Zilisch is the youngest driver with more than five straight top fives.
· Connor Zilisch won 30% of his starts, the best all-time among drivers with more than three starts.
· Sam Mayer finished top-five in the last four races, his longest ever top-five streak is five races.
· Justin Allgaier, Connor Zilisch and Sam Mayer are separated by 26 points in the Xfinity Series regular season standings; with Allgaier leading the standings by three.
· There are two races left in the 2025 Xfinity Series regular season: Portland and St. Louis.
· Four Playoff spots remain open.
· Carson Kvapil is the highest in standings without a win.
· Carson Kvapil, Sheldon Creed and Taylor Gray could clinch Playoff spots on points if they leave Portland 57 points ahead of 12th place in Playoff Standings.
· Harrison Burton gained six points to the Playoff cut line with a 16th-place finish at Daytona and now sits +36, the largest bubble gap of the season.
· Jeb Burton lost six points to the Playoff cut line at Daytona and now sits -36.
· JR Motorsports had at least one car finish inside the top-5 in a record 26 straight races.
· JR Motorsports won 14 races this season with a series-record six different drivers, all six drivers won in the last 15 races (does not include Parker Kligerman who won in relief role at Daytona).
· JR Motorsports won nine of the last 11 races this season with four different drivers.
· Portland is the sixth of seven road course races this season.
· Connor Zilisch has won four of the last seven road course races.
· Connor Zilisch’s 67% win percentage and 1.83 average finish on road courses are both best all-time.
· Connor Zilisch won four of last seven poles on road courses and won three of those races.
· Four active drivers won on road courses: Connor Zilisch (4), Sam Mayer (4), Justin Allgaier (3), Jeremy Clements (1).
· JR Motorsports won all five road course races this season with three different drivers, they also won all five poles in 2025.
· JR Motorsports won the last seven road course races dating back to last year, the longest ever streak of road course races won by a team.
· Chevrolet won the last 13 straight road course races, the longest streak of road course races won by a manufacturer.
· No past Portland Xfinity Series winner will be in the race this weekend: AJ Allmendinger, Cole Custer, Shane van Gisbergen.
· Justin Allgaier is the only driver to finish inside the top-10 in all three Portland races.
· The pass for the win occurred on a restart in the final four laps in all three Portland races.
· Justin Allgaier was passed for the win in each of the last two Portland races.
· 2024 Supercars champion Will Brown will make Xfinity Series debut in Kaulig Racing #11, he has two Cup starts.
· Supercars veteran Jack Perkins will make second career start in Joe Gibbs Racing’s #19, he finished 32nd in his debut at Chicago in July.
· Rolex 24 at Daytona winner Joey Hand will make his Xfinity Series debut in RSS Racing #28.
· Connor Zilisch leads the series with seven wins, 13 top fives, a 9.1 average finish and five poles this season.
· Justin Allgaier leads the series with 695 laps led this season.
· Jesse Love leads the series with 16 top 10s this season.
· Justin Allgaier won the Fastest Lap Award five times this season, no other driver has more than two.
· Justin Allgaier’s 28 career wins are ninth on the all-time wins list and one away from tying Matt Kenseth.
· Chevrolet led 2,868 of 3,763 laps this season (76%).
· Chevrolet won 21 of 24 races, the most all time by a manufacturer through 24 races in series history.
· Toyota is winless in the last 16 races, their longest winless streak since the first NXS win in 2007.
· JR Motorsports passed Richard Childress Racing at Daytona with 102nd career win, both teams reached 100 this season.
· Five crew chiefs got their first NXS win in 2025: Chad Haney at Atlanta, Sam McAulay at Darlington, Adam Wall at Bristol, Cory Shea at Mexico City & Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Pocono.
· Daytona snapped a streak of ten straight races without an overtime finish, the longest streak without an OT since Aug-Oct 2020.
· Five races this year ended with a last lap pass.
· O’Reilly Auto Parts will replace Xfinity as title sponsor starting in 2026 becoming the fifth different title sponsor of the series.
Xfinity Series Pit Stop Procedure at Portland:
· Field will be frozen at time of caution and all cautions will be quickie yellows.
· Fuel may only be added during stage breaks
· Tires may be changed at any time
· Stage breaks will consist of a three-minute break. Three minutes will start after the last vehicle stopped in their pit stall.
· No crew members on pit road until all cars are stopped
· Cannot change tires and fuel at the same time. Tires must be changed first, then fuel may be added
· If tires are changed on green flag pit stops, must not complete stop faster than the minimum time allotted from yellow line to yellow line, 63 seconds
· If tires are clearly flat entering pit road, they may be changed without being subject to minimum time
NXS Clinch Scenarios Following Daytona International Speedway:
Already Clinched
· The following eight drivers have clinched a spot in the 12-driver postseason field: Justin Allgaier, Connor Zilisch, Sam Mayer, Jesse Love, Austin Hill, Brandon Jones, Sammy Smith, Nicholas Sanchez.
Can Clinch Via Points
· If there is a repeat winner or a win by a driver who cannot advance to the playoffs, the following drivers could clinch by being 57 points above the 4th winless driver in the standings. The same point requirements listed below would hold true if a new win comes from among Carson Kvapil, Sheldon Creed or Taylor Gray.
• Carson Kvapil: Would clinch with 29 points
• Sheldon Creed: Could only clinch with help
• Taylor Gray: Could only clinch with help
· If there is a new winner from Harrison Burton or another winless driver lower in the standings but still eligible to advance to the playoffs, the following drivers could clinch by being 57 points above the 3rd winless driver in the standings.
• Carson Kvapil: Would clinch with 56 points
• Sheldon Creed: Could only clinch with help
Can Clinch Via Win
· The following drivers would clinch on their win alone: Carson Kvapil, Sheldon Creed, Taylor Gray, Harrison Burton, Jeb Burton, Ryan Sieg, Dean Thompson, Christian Eckes, Brennan Poole, Daniel Dye, William Sawalich, Jeremy Clements, Matt DiBenedetto, Anthony Alfredo, Parker Retzlaff, Blaine Perkins, Kyle Sieg, Ryan Ellis
Can Clinch Regular Season Championship
· Additionally, the Regular Season Championship could be clinched by the following drivers:
• Justin Allgaier: Could only clinch with help
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Darlington Raceway Storylines and Insights:
· This weekend marks the 13th running of a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Darlington Raceway, and the first time as a Playoff race during the track’s traditional Labor Day Weekend since 2021.
· Darlington has hosted at least one Truck Race since 2020, after previous annual stints from 2001-04 and 2010-11.
· 2025 is the 10th season of Playoffs in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (2016-2025).
· Darlington serves as the first track of the seven-race NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs and the first race of the Round of 10: Darlington, Bristol and New Hampshire, two drivers will be eliminated after New Hampshire.
· The following drivers make up the NCTS Playoff Field: Corey Heim, Layne Riggs, Chandler Smith, Daniel Hemric, Tyler Ankrum, Ty Majeski, Grant Enfinger, Rajah Caruth, Kaden Honeycutt, and Jake Garcia.
· Grant Enfinger (+4) and Rajah Caruth (+2) sit as the last two drivers over the cutline, whereas Kaden Honeycutt (-2) and Jake Garcia (-3) are the first two below it.
· This is the first time Darlington is the opening race of the Playoffs; it is the seventh different track to open the Playoffs.
· This is only the second time Darlington was part of the Playoffs (2021 and 2025).
· The opening race of the Playoffs was won by a Playoff driver in seven of the previous nine seasons, all but 2021 when Sam Mayer won and 2024 when Layne Riggs won.
· The eventual Champion won the opening race of the Playoffs once (Christopher Bell, 2017).
· Ben Rhodes is the only former Truck Series Darlington winner entered this weekend.
· Corey Heim’s seven wins in 2025 are tied with Ron Hornaday Jr. (1997) for the most through 18 races all-time (a driver has never won eight times through 19 races in a season).
· Corey Heim (three) and Layne Riggs (two) combined have won the last five races of 2025.
· Corey Heim’s average finish at Darlington is 20.5, his worst among all tracks.
· The last four races with qualifying were won from pole.
· The driver leading the most laps won nine of the 18 races this season.
· The gap between first place Heim and second place Riggs (39 points) is greater than the gap from second to 10th (24 points)
NCTS Clinch Scenarios Following Richmond Raceway:
Already Clinched
· No drivers have clinched a spot in the 8-driver field of the next round.
Can Clinch Via Points
· If there is a win by a driver who cannot advance to the next round, the following drivers could clinch by being 123 points above the 7th winless driver in the standings. The same point requirements listed below would hold true if a new win comes from Layne Riggs, Chandler Smith, Daniel Hemric, Ty Majeski or Tyler Ankrum.
• Corey Heim: Could only clinch with help
· If there is a new winner from Grant Enfinger or another winless driver lower in the standings but still eligible to advance to the next round, the following drivers could clinch by being 123 points above the 6th winless driver in the standings.
• Corey Heim: Could only clinch with help
Can Clinch Via Win
· The following drivers would clinch on their win alone: Corey Heim, Layne Riggs, Chandler Smith, Daniel Hemric, Ty Majeski, Tyler Ankrum, Grant Enfinger, Rajah Caruth, Kaden Honeycutt, Jake Garcia.
NASCAR & Darlington, Etc.
Historical & Significant Events at Darlington Raceway:
Darlington Raceway was originally built as a 1.25-mile paved superspeedway in 1949-1950.
In 1949, Darlington, South Carolina native Harold Brasington leased cotton and peanut farmland on the west side of town from his poker playing friend Sherman Ramsey. On that property Brasington created an egg-shaped oval with one corner tighter, narrower, and more steeply banked because he promised Ramsey that the new track wouldn’t disturb his minnow pond at the west end. He broke ground on December 13, 1949 and almost single handedly built the track in spite of continually having to find necessary funding.
Known as NASCAR’s oldest superspeedway, Darlington Raceway also has earned the nicknames – ‘Lady In Black’ and ‘The Track Too Tough To Tame.’
Darlington Raceway hosted the first 500-mile race in NASCAR history, the first on an oval-track longer than a mile and the first on asphalt on September 4, 1950 – 75 cars competed in the inaugural event.
Qualifying for the first race at Darlington was held ‘Indianapolis style’ over 15 days from August 19th-Sept 2nd. The five fastest cars each day qualified for the race. Curtis Turner was the fastest on the first day and won the pole. The fastest qualifier was Wally Campbell. Many competitors drove their racecars to the track.
For the first NASCAR cup Series race at Darlington, Curtis Turner won the pole at 82.034 MPH, and the race was won by Johnny Mantz (Plymouth, 75.250 MPH). The race took 6 hours, 38 minutes, and 40 seconds to complete.
The three longest races in NASCAR History were all held at Darlington and all three were over 6 hours and 30 minutes.
The longest race in the history of NASCAR lasted 6 hours, 42 minutes and 37 seconds and was held at Darlington on September 1, 1952 and won by Fonty Flock.
In 1953 the track was expanded to 1.375 miles by rebuilding turns one and two (now three and four) and raising the banking to 25 degrees. In the early years there was a pedestrian crossover that spanned the backstretch (now front).
The largest field ever in a NASCAR race was in the September 3, 1953 race at Darlington when 82 cars competed in the race and for the record, pole winner Frank Mundy finished last, and Herb Thomas won from second.
The largest Margin of Victory ever was at Darlington on September 6, 1965 when Ned Jarrett won by over 14 laps.
In 1970 the track was measured at 1.366 miles (like it is today) after retaining walls were added around the track and turns three and four (now one and two) banked at 23 degrees.
The track was repaved in 1995.
Prior to the 1997 Southern 500 the track was ‘reversed’ switching the front and back stretches.
Lights were added in the fall of 2004. The 2005 race was the first Saturday night race at Darlington Raceway.
The track was again repaved prior to the 2008 season.
The Throwback theme started in 2015.
In 2020, multiple races were run at the track in the same week without fans in attendance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first live major sporting event back up and running during the pandemic.
In total, there have been 127 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina.
From 1960 – 2004 the track hosted two Cup Series races per year and from 2005 – 2019 it was just one race per season. The series returned to multiple races per season in 2020.
Darlington has hosted a race in all but the first season of the NASCAR Cup Series (1950-present).
Latest News & Events at Darlington Raceway:
Darlington Raceway has announced that in celebration of the venue’s 75th anniversary, the track will be unveiling and highlighting the 75 greatest moments to have taken place at The Lady in Black. The campaign will be showcasing the legacy, culture, and evolution of the track “Too Tough to Tame,” while engaging fans across digital, social, and at track experiences in lead-up to the 2025 Cook Out Southern 500, Aug. 31.
The 75 greatest moments from NASCAR’s original superspeedway will be revealed as “eras” in chronological order as opposed to a countdown list, beginning this week with crucial moments in the track’s infancy. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite all-time moments from the track that will be spotlighted prior to the Labor Day race weekend. The rollout will occur over a 10-week period and take place across Darlington Raceway’s X, Facebook, and Instagram pages as well as at darlingtonraceway.com/75Moments.
As part of its 75th Anniversary celebrations, Darlington Raceway will host several events throughout the community as the anticipation builds for the opening round of the NASCAR Playoffs.
Wednesday, Aug. 27 – Track Laps for Charity with Zane Smith: From 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., fans can drive their own personal vehicle around the famed Darlington Raceway and get a taste of what it’s like to tackle the Lady in Black. Those wishing to participate can sign up with a price of $30 per car for 3 laps and a photo in Mobil 1 Victory Lane with NASCAR Cup Series driver Zane Smith. For more information, visit this LINK.
Thursday, Aug. 28 – Hauler Showcase and Parade with Cole Custer: At 4:00 p.m., fans are invited to nearby Florence-Darlington Technical College, where they can take photos by their favorite, colorful haulers from all the 36 NASCAR Cup Series teams. The haulers will depart Florence-Darlington Technical College at 6 p.m. and parade through downtown Darlington and onto the historic Darlington Raceway where they will load into the NASCAR Cup Series Garage, with NASCAR Cup Series Driver Cole Custer acting as the Grand Marshal, giving the commands for the hauler drivers to start their engines.
Friday, Aug. 29 – The NASCAR Foundation Speediatrics Fun Day Festival with Austin Dillon: On Friday at 9:00 a.m., The NASCAR Foundation and Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillon will host kids from the Black Creek Elementary School at the NASCAR Experience in the Fan Zone at Darlington Raceway for the Speediatrics Fun Day Festival. The NASCAR-themed field day inside the NASCAR Experience display promotes healthy lifestyle habits for children in local racing communities through racing-themed lifestyle programming.
Friday, Aug. 29 – American Red Cross Blood Drive: From 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Darlington Raceway and the American Red Cross will host a blood driver in front of the Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum & Gift Shop. All donors will receive a free gift from the American Red Cross, and the first 30 donors will receive two (2) tickets to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Sober or Slammer. Donors can register by visiting www.redcrossblood.org using Sponsor Code: DARLINGTONRACEWAY.
Saturday Aug. 30 – Sunday Aug. 31 – Turn 2 Tailgate Zone: As the college football season gets underway on Labor Day weekend, Darlington Raceway invites fans to watch their favorite teams at a new Tailgate Zone in the area outside Turn 2 at the corner of Race Track Road and Harry Byrd Highway. The track will have food vendors and multiple TVs playing a variety of college football games, including the South Carolina vs. University of Virgina matchup on Sunday.
Saturday, Aug. 30 – Terrence Carraway Memorial 5K with Ross Chastain: at 5:30 p.m. runners will take to the track Too Tough to Tame in their own race to the checkered flag in the Terrence Carraway Memorial 5K. Trackhouse Racing Driver Ross Chastain will be joining runners to give encouragement throughout the race. Proceeds from the 5K will go towards the Terrence F. Carraway Foundation. For more information on how to sign-up, please visit https://www.darlingtonraceway.com/events/memorial5k/.
Now – Aug. 31 – 50/50 Raffle: South Carolina residents and NASCAR fans located in the state of South Carolina during the time of the 50/50 raffle can purchase 50/50 raffle tickets to take home a cash prize. Half of the prize will go to the selected winner, with the other half being donated to Darlington Shares, a donor-advised fund of The NASCAR Foundation whose mission of improving the quality of life for the Pee Dee region through the support of youth-focused organizations and life-enriching programs. For more information visit visiting www.darlingtonraceway5050.com.
Unlike mainstream sports that thrive on open fields and basic equipment, motorsports demands far more than raw talent and free afternoons. It requires machinery, beginning with go-karts for young drivers, along with teams, transport, crews, and a steady stream of sponsorship capable of covering staggering expenses. For drivers without a deep-rooted racing lineage, that climb becomes even steeper. Ross Chastain understands that reality better than most.
While Chastain’s father had some familiarity with grassroots racing as a hobby, the family’s livelihood came from watermelon farming, a demanding trade that left little room to bankroll a national racing career. Chastain grew up surrounded by agriculture rather than asphalt.
An eighth-generation farmer from southern Florida, he followed a lineage of fields and harvests, with his father, grandfather, uncle, and generations before them tied to watermelon production. That heritage instilled work ethic and resilience, but it did not come with the financial runway typically associated with professional racing paths.
In 2017, when Chastain began dipping his toes into NASCAR competition on a part-time basis, the financial gap became impossible to ignore. While driving JD Motorsports’ No. 4 Chevrolet in the Xfinity Series, he spoke candidly with Inc. about the numbers behind the dream. His father’s farming operation could support occasional starts in Trucks or Late Models, but the cost of NASCAR racing at higher levels gave a wake-up call. The family immediately searched for ways to bridge the gap and their first stop came naturally.
They approached the National Watermelon Promotion Board, which had previously supported their Late Model efforts, though those contributions covered modest budgets. Melon 1, a distributor and broker, stepped in as well, providing noteworthy backing. Even with that help, the funding puzzle remained incomplete.
Chastain recalled a moment that crystallized the challenge. One evening, the family pulled up a blank image of a race truck on a computer screen and began penciling in potential sponsors. They listed names they believed might contribute five thousand dollars, two thousand five hundred dollars, or perhaps ten thousand dollars.
Before long, the realization hit. The truck simply did not have enough space to fit every name required to cover the costs. “So we figured we might be able to run one race, but after that we would be out of people and money,” he admitted.
He confessed that “That struggle never really ends.” Even while competing nearly full-time, the grind of funding continued. Chastain explained that his team ran thirty-three races each year near the highest level of the sport, yet sponsorship conversations never stopped.
Their vice president of marketing stayed glued to the phone, constantly searching for partners. Progress came, but the financial weight remained severe. “For my team to be competitive costs about $50,000 a race,” he said.
Chastain acknowledged that the figure sounded enormous, yet it remained conservative compared with bigger organizations. Teams like Roush, Gibbs, or Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s operation operated in a different financial universe, often spending between $150,000 and $175,000 per race.
Drivers unable to reach those numbers simply raced with what they could gather, understanding that money directly translated into speed.
Today, Chastain’s circumstances look different. As a Cup Series driver for Trackhouse Racing, sharing the garage with talents such as Shane van Gisbergen and rising prospect Connor Zilisch, his footing has grown firmer. Strong performances over recent seasons have elevated his profile, probably easing the constant scramble for backing.
The engines have cooled, and the grandstands are quiet, but for the team at Speedway Motorsports, the work never truly stops. As the 2025 season officially comes to a close, the industry giant took a moment to pause and recognize the men and women who keep the gears turning behind the scenes.
In a company-wide town hall that felt less like a corporate meeting and more like a family reunion, Speedway Motorsports leadership handed out its most prestigious hardware. It was a day to celebrate the grit, creativity, and sheer determination that define the sport. From the high banks of Bristol to the safety command centers in Dover, the winners of the O. Bruton Smith Award, Promoter of the Year, Speedway of the Year, and Acceleration Award represent the absolute best of the business.
A Salute to Safety: The O. Bruton Smith Award
There is perhaps no greater honor within the company than the award bearing its founder’s name. The O. Bruton Smith Award isn’t just about performance metrics. It’s about character. It’s for the person who embodies the drive, enthusiasm, and heart that Bruton Smith used to build an empire.
This year, that honor went to Jim Hosfelt, the Vice President of Safety and Security at Dover Motor Speedway. If you know race day, you know that safety and security are the invisible foundations of the entire experience.
When fans walk through the gates, they expect to be safe. It’s a massive responsibility, and Hosfelt has shouldered it with a quiet, professional intensity since joining the Monster Mile in 2014.
Hosfelt’s Stint With Dover Motor Speedway
Hosfelt isn’t your average security executive. He’s a Cumberland, Maryland native who spent a quarter-century in law enforcement, retiring as the Chief of Police for the Dover Police Department. He’s an Air Force veteran and a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
When Speedway Motorsports acquired Dover in 2021, they quickly realized they had a star on their hands. Hosfelt didn’t just manage Dover. He stepped up as the Director of Safety and Security for the entire company, acting as the critical link between the tracks, NASCAR, and federal agencies.
Speedway Motorsports COO Mike Burch put it best when he noted that while Hosfelt’s work is often low-profile, it is arguably the most vital thing the company does. Ensuring families can come to a race, feel safe, and go home with happy memories is a heavy burden, and Hosfelt carries it with grace.
Channeling a Legend: Promoter of the Year
The H.A. Humpy Wheeler Promoter of the Year award is special. Humpy was the P.T. Barnum of stock car racing, a man who believed that if you weren’t thinking big, you weren’t thinking at all.
Jerry Caldwell, the President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, proved he has that same wild spark of creativity in 2025. Caldwell took home the hardware after pulling off one of the most audacious crossovers in sports history: The Speedway Classic.
Turning “The Last Great Colosseum” into a baseball diamond sounded crazy on paper. But Caldwell and his team didn’t just make it work. They made history. The event shattered records, selling over 91,000 tickets, the highest single-event sales figure in Major League Baseball history.
It was a massive swing that connected for a home run, proving that Bristol isn’t just a race track; it’s a global entertainment destination. Marcus Smith noted that Humpy Wheeler himself would have loved the ambition behind building a stadium inside a speedway.
The Gold Standard: Las Vegas Wins Speedway of the Year
Consistency is the hardest thing to achieve in the sports business, yet Las Vegas Motor Speedway makes it look routine. For the 11th time in 14 years, the Las Vegas team took home the Speedway of the Year award. This year was unique for the Vegas crew.
They navigated a significant leadership transition as longtime boss Chris Powell retired, passing the baton to Patrick Lindsay. Usually, a changing of the guard leads to a momentary dip in momentum, not in Vegas. Under Lindsay’s leadership, the track continued its dominance, excelling in attendance, fan friendliness, and financial performance.
To edge out 10 other world-class facilities is no small feat. It requires firing on all cylinders from corporate sales to operations. The fact that Las Vegas continues to hoard this trophy speaks volumes about the culture of excellence embedded in that team.
Gaining Momentum: The Acceleration Award
For the second year running, Sonoma Raceway claimed the Acceleration Award. This recognition is all about year-over-year growth, taking what you have and making it significantly better. Accepted by GM Brian Flynn, the award highlighted Sonoma’s impressive strides in 2025.
The raceway has turned its Turn 11 facility into a hub of activity, driving up track rentals and finding new ways to monetize the beautiful California property. It wasn’t just about making more money, though. It was about smart operations. The team implemented cost-efficiency measures that streamlined the business without sacrificing the fan experience.
Final Thoughts
As 2025 closes, these awards serve as a reminder that while the cars are the stars on Sunday, it’s the people working on Monday morning who keep the sport alive and thriving. Cheers to many more years of success.
STATESVILLE, N.C. (WGHP) — Officials offered an update Saturday after a deadly plane crash that claimed the life of NASCAR star Greg Biffle and six other people, including his children, on Thursday morning.
The Statesville Regional Airport confirmed a crash just after 10 a.m. Thursday on social media.
NASCAR said that the seven people who died in the crash were Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu, their son Ryder Jack and his daughter from a previous marriage Emma Elizabeth. Craig Wadsworth, as well as Dennis Dutton and his son Jack Dutton, were also killed in the crash.
The NTSB says a preliminary report should be available within 30 days, but a full report will take closer to a year.
During a conference on Friday, the NTSB said that initial findings showed that the plane took off, turned west and then turned again, back towards the airport. It was flying low, according to witnesses, and then it hit the approach lighting at the airport and trees before coming to rest near a runway and catching fire. The debris field is described as very large and scattered. The crash happened about ten minutes after takeoff.
At Saturday’s conference, officials confirmed that they still do not know the cause of the crash.
“We do not know the circumstances which led the aircraft… to attempt to return to the airport, but that is the focus of our investigation,” officials said.
They also confirmed that a text reading “Emergency landing” was sent from someone on the plane.
“I can confirm that the NTSB is aware of one brief text from a passenger on board the aircraft to a family member that read, and I quote, ‘Emergency landing.’”
“We are not aware of any other communications from passengers on board the aircraft to those on the ground.”
The NTSB also says that at this time, it does not know who the pilot of the plane was.
You can watch the news conference in the video player above.
William Byron emerged as one of the better drivers in the 2025 season, especially after winning the regular season championship. Byron even managed to make it into the Championship-4, but a last-moment incident caused him to lose out on the title win. Now, with the 2026 season start right around the corner, the #24 driver is facing a massive sponsorship setback with Liberty University.
Notably, Liberty University has been backing William Byron for more than a decade now. The educational institution has been sponsoring him since his junior NASCAR days, as he continued to achieve success leading up to the Cup Series. Even for the 2026 season, Liberty was believed to continue the alliance, but potentially at a reduced commitment with the HMS star.
Liberty University had sponsored 12 of William Byron’s races in the 2024 season. But it was significantly cut down to just six races in the 2025 season. Now, for the 2026 season, the educational institute is sponsoring him for just three races. This might mean that the sponsor is looking to back out of the deal completely in the near future, following Byron’s championship-less streak in the Cup Series.
The three races that William Byron will be supported by Liberty University are the Watkins Glen Race, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Martinsville Speedway over the 2025 season. The three-race sponsorship means that the number of races sponsored is cut down to half of what it was in the previous season. As such, Byron must look for other primary sponsors for more races to continue to fund his Cup Series dream with Hendrick Motorsports.
In the dim glow of the dyno cells at Brackley and Milton Keynes, alarming whispers had started circulating weeks before the Christmas lights went up in 2025. Formula 1’s 2026 power unit regulations were meant to usher in a new era: more sustainable, more electric, and—crucially—more equal.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
The FIA had dropped the geometric compression ratio of the internal compression engine portion of the overall F1 power unit from 18:1 to 16:1, a deliberate step to curb outright power from the internal combustion engine while ramping up the hybrid contribution to nearly 50/50.
But in the high-stakes world of F1 engine development, rules are never just words on paper. They are battlegrounds.
The rumor began as a quiet murmur among technicians: two power unit manufacturers—Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains—had allegedly cracked a way to bend the new limit without breaking it.
The key? Thermal expansion.
Red Bull Ford Powertrains building
By crafting connecting rods (or possibly other components in the piston assembly) from exotic alloys that swell dramatically when the engine hits full operating temperature, the piston could be pushed fractionally higher at top dead center during a hot run. On the cold dyno bench, where the FIA measures compression statically at ambient temperature, the ratio stays safely at 16:1.
But on track, under race conditions, that clever expansion could squeeze the combustion chamber tighter—effectively restoring an 18:1 ratio and unlocking an extra 15 horsepower, or roughly three-tenths of a second per lap.
It was brilliant, if true. And infuriating to the others.
Ferrari’s engineers, poring over their own dyno data in Maranello, were the first to raise the alarm. “If they’re doing this,” one senior figure reportedly told the FIA technical working group, “it’s not just an advantage—it’s a gulf.”
Honda, preparing to supply Aston Martin, and Audi, gearing up for their debut with Sauber, echoed the concern. They lobbied for clarification, arguing that the rules’ static measurement method—unchanged since the hybrid era—left a loophole wide enough to drive a turbo through.
The FIA’s response was measured: “The regulations clearly define the maximum compression ratio and the method for measuring it, based on static conditions at ambient temperature.”
They acknowledged thermal expansion as a natural phenomenon but noted no hot-condition testing was required, or even possible. Yet behind closed doors, discussions intensified. Some feared protests at the first race in Australia; others worried that if the “trick” was allowed, rivals wouldn’t have time to retrofit stronger pistons and rods without compromising reliability.
In the paddock, the rumor grew legs. Anonymous sources pointed fingers at Mercedes’ meticulous engineering culture and Red Bull’s aggressive development under their new in-house program. One engineer joked, “It’s like the old days of blown diffusers—clever, but someone always cries foul.” Another dismissed it as mind games: “Spread enough doubt, and you slow your rivals down chasing ghosts.”
As the first pre-season test approached in late January 2026, the tension was palpable. Teams will be arriving at Barcelona in January with engines humming at new volumes, but eyes will on the dyno logs. Would the FIA demand hot measurements? Would they close the loophole? Or would the clever ones start the season with an invisible edge?
In F1, the line between genius and cheating is often drawn in microns. And in 2026, that line just got a little hotter.
A young man and woman wearing life jackets pose together on a bright green and black Sea-Doo Spark personal watercraft on a calm lake.
Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair announces fleet expansion and service enhancements for Lake Austin and Lake Travis, including new Sea-Doo watercraft, extended hours, and professional captain services for Central Texas water sports.
Jet ski rental Lake Austin services have reached a new level with Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s announcement of significant enhancements to its watercraft rental operations. The company is positioning itself as a premier destination for water recreation on Lake Austin and Lake Travis. The expansion includes upgraded equipment, extended service hours, and enhanced customer accessibility, addressing the growing demand for Austin water sports rentals in the Central Texas region.
New Fleet Additions Transform Lake Austin Recreation Options
The company has introduced modern Sea-Doo watercraft to its rental lineup, featuring both the high-performance Trixx 2-seater model and the versatile Spark 3-seater option. These additions reflect Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Epic+Boat+Rentals+%26+Motorsports+Repair/@30.296114,-97.7198925,53465m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8644c956647d680b:0x4f61d9a883e7a25e!8m2!3d30.296114!4d-97.7198924!16s%2Fg%2F11bws8pjgz?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D] commitment to providing quality equipment for water recreation enthusiasts. The Sea-Doo Trixx caters to adrenaline seekers with trick-capable features, while the Spark model offers fuel efficiency and ease of handling for families and groups. Both watercraft models are now available for hourly, half-day, and full-day rental periods across both Lake Austin and Lake Travis locations.
Extended Hours Meet Rising Demand for Water Recreation
Responding to increased interest in Central Texas water activities, Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair now operates seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The extended schedule accommodates working professionals, weekend visitors, and tourists seeking flexible rental options. This availability positions the company competitively among Austin water sports rentals providers while serving customers who prefer early morning launches or evening lake excursions. The consistent daily schedule eliminates confusion about operational hours and allows for better trip planning.
Professional Captain Services Expand Group Activity Options
The company’s captained boat charter service has gained traction among groups seeking guided lake experiences. Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair [https://epiclakerentals.com/] operates a 21-foot Moomba ski boat that accommodates up to eight passengers, with professional captains handling navigation and safety protocols. This service appeals to bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and corporate team-building events. Activities include wakeboarding, tubing, swimming, and leisure cruising to popular Lake Austin and Lake Travis destinations. The captain’s option removes the barrier of boating experience, making water recreation accessible to a broader audience.
Strategic Location Serves Two Major Central Texas Lakes
Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s operational area covers both Lake Austin and Lake Travis, two of Central Texas’s most frequented water recreation destinations. Lake Austin offers a more intimate setting with calmer waters, ideal for those searching for boat rentals near me with less crowded conditions. Lake Travis provides expansive open water suitable for high-speed activities and larger gatherings. The company’s ability to serve both lakes gives customers flexibility in choosing their preferred environment. Popular destinations include Devil’s Cove and Party Cove, both accessible through the rental service.
No License Requirement Removes Barriers to Water Recreation
A significant advantage of Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s service model is the elimination of boating license requirements for watercraft rentals. This policy opens water sports access to visitors and residents without formal boating credentials. The company provides safety briefings and operational instructions before each rental, ensuring customers understand handling procedures and lake regulations. This approach has proven effective in attracting first-time riders and tourists unfamiliar with Texas waterway requirements. The ease of access contributes to the company’s growth among Austin water sports rental options.
Combination Packages and Flexible Booking Address Customer Preferences
Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair has implemented a booking system that displays real-time pricing and availability, streamlining the reservation process. Customers can combine watercraft options with captained boat charters for comprehensive lake day experiences. The flexibility in rental duration-from two-hour minimum periods to full-day adventures-accommodates various schedules and budgets. Pricing starts at $250 for two hours on the Sea-Doo Spark 3-seater, $260 for the Sea-Doo Trixx 2-seater, and $300-$330 for captained boat charters, depending on the lake. The transparent pricing structure and online booking capability reflect industry trends toward customer convenience and accessibility, making it easier for those searching for boat rentals near me to secure watercraft without lengthy phone negotiations.
The company’s expansion reflects broader trends in outdoor recreation as Central Texas residents and visitors increasingly seek water-based activities. Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s investment in modern equipment and service infrastructure positions the business to meet this demand while maintaining safety standards and customer satisfaction. The combination of quality watercraft, professional captain services, and accessible booking systems creates a comprehensive offering for water recreation enthusiasts in the Austin area.
Media Contact Company Name: Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair Contact Person: Mitchell Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=epic-boat-rentals-motorsports-repair-expands-jet-ski-rental-lake-austin-operations-with-enhanced-fleet-and-services] Phone: +17372474936 Country: United States Website: https://epiclakerentals.com/
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