If you listen closely enough, you can hear the rumble of change making its way through the garage area. In a move that is shaking up the open-wheel pavement world this Christmas Eve, NASCAR has officially confirmed a massive shift for the upcoming 2026 season.

After decades of running on Hoosier rubber, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is switching to different tires. American Racer Tire has been named the new exclusive tire supplier for the series, marking the end of a long-standing era and the beginning of a fresh chapter for the ground-pounders.

This isn’t just a supplier swap. It’s a fundamental change to the sport’s contact patch. For the drivers, crew chiefs, and car owners who live and breathe the Whelen Tour, this news brings a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and the immediate need to rethink chassis setups honed over years.

A Major Shift for the Whelen Modified Tour

The word came down exclusively to RaceDayCT on Wednesday, confirming rumors that had been swirling around the paddock. Gary Putnam, the series director for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, sent a bulletin to competitors officially announcing the transition. While the public announcement from NASCAR was still pending as of Wednesday afternoon, the message to the teams was loud and clear: American Racer is in, and they are ready to roll.

For the past 26 years, Hoosier Tire has been the one consistent variable in a sport defined by unpredictability. Since 1999, every pole run, every photo finish, and every championship celebration on the Whelen Tour happened on Hoosiers. Before that, older fans remember the fierce “Tire War Era,” where Goodyear and Hoosier battled for dominance. Now, American Racer steps into the spotlight, tasked with keeping the most powerful cars in NASCAR glued to the asphalt.

Why the Switch to American Racer?

This decision wasn’t made in a vacuum. According to the bulletin sent to teams, the move to American Racer addresses some of the most pressing concerns facing modern race teams: cost and availability. Racing is expensive, and there’s simply no way around that. But the new deal with American Racer aims to keep a little more cash in the team owners’ pockets.

The bulletin highlighted that the 2026 tire pricing is set at an MSRP of $195. That figure represents a significant 20% price reduction compared to the 2025 pricing structure. For a team running a full schedule on the Whelen circuit, those savings add up fast, potentially covering the cost of fuel or helping to refresh a tired motor.

Furthermore, American Racer is bringing logistical muscle to the table. They boast two factories capable of production, which is a massive safety net against the supply chain issues that have plagued the motorsports industry in recent years. They have also committed to minimizing production lead times and providing dedicated factory track-side support at NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour events.

Testing the Rubber: The Road to Approval

NASCAR didn’t jump into this partnership blind. The sanctioning body, along with key stakeholders in the Whelen community, put the new rubber through its paces before signing on the dotted line. Verification tests were critical to ensuring the product could handle the immense stress a Modified puts on a right-rear tire.

A test session was held on November 5 at Jennerstown Speedway in Pennsylvania, a fast, sweeping track that demands grip. A second, perhaps more grueling test took place on December 3 at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. New Smyrna is known for its abrasive surface that eats tires for lunch, making it the perfect proving ground for durability.

According to Putnam’s message to the teams, the drivers and squads involved in these verification tests successfully confirmed the product’s quality and consistency. The feedback suggests that the new rubber is ready for prime time.

Financial Relief and Future Growth

Beyond the immediate savings on the tires themselves, the partnership promises to inject more resources back into the series. The agreement includes increased contributions to both the event awards and the year-end point fund for the 2026 season.

In a sport where margins are thin, an increased point fund is a major morale booster. It signals that the series is healthy and looking to grow. As stated in the bulletin to competitors, “The ceiling is high with the possibilities of continued growth and prosperity on The Tour.”

Looking Ahead to New Smyrna

Change is rarely easy in racing. Crew chiefs will spend the winter scratching their heads, analyzing notes, and trying to predict how the new American Racer compounds will react to different track temperatures and banking. But that challenge is part of what makes the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour the best show in short-track racing.

The new era begins officially on February 7, when the haulers unload at New Smyrna Speedway to kick off the 2026 season. When the engines fire and the cars roll off the grid, they’ll be doing it on American Racer tires. It’s a brave new world for the Modifieds, and we can’t wait to see who figures it out first.

A Christmas gift from Hendrick Motorsports! A collection of rare, behind-the-scenes photos of “Days of Thunder” was revealed for fans. Featuring Tom Cruise, Rick Hendrick, Geoff Bodine, and more, the photos show moments that were largely unseen until now.

“Days of Thunder 2” is likely to happen. Tom Cruise is going to be part of it, if it does happen. It is amazing to look back at these photos, more than 35 years ago, and see how this film came to be.

The collection of photos also includes some from a 1987 IMSA race at Road Atlanta. Cruise shared a Nissan 300ZX Turbo with Rick Hendrick in the race. A mechanical issue hurt their finish in the race.

Check out the photos at the Hendrick Motorsports website. There are a lot of great snapshots into these mostly forgotten moments.

Since “Days of Thunder” came out, Hendrick Motorsports sure has changed a lot. All of the wins, championships, and so much more in the time since 1990. More than 40 years of history in the Cup Series, the story of Hendrick only continues to grow.

Kyle Larson is fresh off his second championship. William Byron was so close to becoming a champion for the third year in a row. Hendrick was not nearly the organization it is now, back when Mr. H was working with Cruise. The sport has completely changed as well.

If “Days of Thunder 2” happens, I am sure that Hendrick will be involved in that effort as well. They are involved in just about every major NASCAR promotion and new venture. Why would the sequel film be any different?

Hendrick Motorsports ready to race for championship again

In the 2026 NASCAR season, Hendrick Motorsports is going to be just as good as they were this year, if not better. Kyle Larson and William Byron are going to be good for about five wins each. Chase Elliott should be back to winning two to three races a year. You have to expect Alex Bowman to win a race or be top-16 in sports.

In the Next Gen era, Larson and Byron have been two of the most successful drivers on the track. In terms of wins, they top the list since 2022. Hendrick knows that they have three legitimate championship drivers in their stable, and a fourth that can win races and be incredibly competitive otherwise.

Hendrick Motorsports is also going to get a new Chevrolet Camaro body. What they discover with that new downforce and how they build speed with it will be very interesting to watch.

Fairfield, OH — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially completed the acquisition of the historic motorsports facility in Millington, Tennessee, formerly known as Memphis International Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park, closing on the property on December 23, 2025.

Originally opened in the late 1980s, the facility has played a significant role in American motorsports history. It has hosted major drag racing events and national touring series and was, at one point, sanctioned by IHRA, hosting IHRA-sanctioned drag racing events during that time. With the property now under IHRA ownership, the acquisition represents a full-circle moment that reconnects the track’s past with a renewed vision for its future.

The facility has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County. Under IHRA ownership, it will operate as a multi-use destination supporting drag racing, stock car competition, grassroots motorsports, and other large-scale events that engage the broader community and region.

“This investment honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park while positioning it for a strong future. IHRA’s acquisition reflects confidence in our region and creates new opportunities for tourism, local businesses, and fan experiences.” said Mayor Paul Young, City of Memphis.

“As the Commissioner for District 1, I am thrilled about IHRA’s acquisition of Memphis Motorsports Park. This investment strengthens our local economy, puts world-class racing back on solid ground, and gives our families and young people a safe, exciting place to create memories for years to come. Having a national organization like IHRA committed to the long-term success of this historic facility is exactly the kind of partnership Shelby County needs.” said Amber Mills, Shelby County Commissioner, District 1, Shelby County Government.

“Memphis Motorsports Park has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County, and IHRA’s acquisition represents a positive step forward for the facility and the community. This investment supports the continued use of the track as a regional destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and future growth. The Millington Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with IHRA as this next chapter takes shape.” said Chris Thomas, Executive Director, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce.

“This is a special place in American motorsports,” said Darryl Cuttell, CEO of IHRA. “This facility has a deep history in drag racing and stock car competition, and our goal is to honor that legacy while building a strong, sustainable future. We are committed to bringing meaningful racing back to this property while expanding its role as a destination for a wide range of events that serve racers, fans, and the surrounding community.”

“This acquisition represents more than reopening a racetrack,” said Leah Martin, President of IHRA. “It is about restoring opportunity for racers, families, and the community. This facility aligns with IHRA’s racer-first vision and our commitment to grassroots motorsports, while also allowing the property to support diverse uses that strengthen its year-round impact.”

“Memphis Motorsports Park holds a special place in our hearts,” said Daniel Horton, Assistant Director of the IHRA Stock Car Series. “Bobby Hamilton won the 2004 Craftsman Truck Series race here in a truck built by Tim and with Danny as the crew chief. With the facility now under the IHRA umbrella, we can give grassroots racers a chance to compete where legendary drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Randy LaJoie, and the late Greg Biffle have won. We are extremely excited to bring stock car racing back to Memphis and continue the legacy of this iconic track.”

In the coming days, IHRA will begin facility improvements and operational preparations. Fans and community members are encouraged to follow IHRA across its social media platforms for updates and behind-the-scenes coverage as revitalization efforts get underway. Further announcements regarding schedules and programming will be released in the near future.

To stay informed on the latest news from IHRA, CLICK HERE!

What’s Happening?

As 2025 comes to a close, we ask you to take a moment with us to remember those in the NASCAR family who passed away during the past calendar year.

Media Members

Ed Hinton

Born: 1948 | Died: February 6, 2025

Hinton was a long-time motorsports and sports writer for several publications during his lengthy career, including Sports Illustrated and ESPN.

Al Pearce

Born: 1942 | Died: April 9, 2025

Pearce was a long-time staple of NASCAR media known for his time with Autoweek, where he recently served as the brand’s NASCAR editor. During his career, he covered 56 consecutive Daytona 500s, including the race’s 67th edition earlier this year.

Keith Waltz

Born: 1960 | Died: September 27, 2025

Waltz served in many roles, both as a journalist and as a PR representative in the sport. During his time in the sport, Waltz worked for publications like Speed Sport and NASCAR Pole Position Magazine, and as a member of the communications team at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In 2025, prior to his passing, Waltz tied Ted Schmidt for the Jim Hunter Writer of the Year award at the 52nd Annual Eastern Motorsport Press Association.

Crew Members

Steve ‘Birdie’ Bird

Born: 1955 | Died: September 6, 2025

During his NASCAR career, Bird only called the shots for one NASCAR Cup Series race, as his true success would be found in the NASCAR Busch Series. Across his ten seasons in the series, Bird, atop the box for drivers like Rob Moroso, Kenny Wallace, Johnny Benson Jr., and Randy LaJoie, won 18 total races and three series championships.

Zachary Yager

Born: 1990 | Died: August 23, 2025

Yager was well known around the NASCAR garage area for his time with many teams across the sport’s National Series. In recent seasons, Yager found himself with teams like Team Penske and JTG Daugherty Racing, winning the Daytona 500 as a member of JTG’s No. 47 crew in 2023, and was serving as a member of ThorSport Racing’s No. 88 team at the time of his passing.

Owners

Shigeaki “Shige” Hattori

Born: 1963 | Died: April 5, 2025

Hattori, a racer in his own right, went on to own one of the more fan-favorite operations in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series of the past decade after hanging up his helmet. From 2013 to 2024, Hattori Racing Enterprises fielded the likes of Brett Moffitt and Ryan Truex, among others, to 14 wins and the 2018 series championship alongside entries in the ARCA Menards and NASCAR Xfinity Series. He was 61.

Bill Baumgardner

Born: 1947 | Died: January 13, 2025

Baumgardner was a long-time owner of the NASCAR Busch Series team BACE Motorsports, with his drivers, including but not limited to Johnny Benson Jr, Randy LaJoie, and Tony Raines, entering 389 races from 1993 to 2004, collecting 16 wins and three series championships along the way.

Travis Carter

Born: 1949 | Died: June 10, 2025

Carter served as a Crew Chief for many of NASCAR’s top drivers in the 1970s and 1980s, including an eight-year run calling the shots for Harry Gant, where the pair won nine total races. However, after his days atop the pit box came to a close, the NASCAR Cup Series Champion moved to ownership,

Charlie Henderson

Born: 1937 | Died: June 14, 2025

Henderson fielded entries across NASCAR’s National Series for many years. However, his true impact on the sport would come with Henderson Motorsports’ run in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which began in 2013. Since their first season in the Truck Series, Henderson’s team has served as one of the most competitive part-time underdogs in the sport, winning two races, including a third that NASCAR disqualified in the 2025 season opener.

Larry McClure

Born: 1944 | Died: June 25, 2025

McClure owned one of the most iconic cars in NASCAR history, with his team, Morgan McClure Motorsports, co-owned by Tim Morgan, fielding the No. 4 car in the NASCAR Cup Series from 1987 to 2007, with sponsor Kodak gracing the car’s hood for the majority of that run. In total, the team won an impressive 14 races with the likes of Ernie Irvan, Sterling Marlin, and Bobby Hamilton, including three Daytona 500s between Irvan and Marlin.

Bill Davis

Born: 1951 | Died: September 7, 2025

Davis was one of the most influential owners of the late 1990s and early 2000s in the NASCAR Cup Series, with his team giving many drivers, like Bobby Labonte, Ward Burton, and Dave Blaney, their first real shot at the sport’s highest division. Over his 16 years racing in the highest level of NASCAR, the team won five races, including the 2002 Daytona 500 with Sterling Marlin.

Drivers

Martin Truex Sr.

Born: 1958 | Died: January 17, 2025

Truex Sr. was a true racing legend of the northeastern racing scene, making over 135 starts in the former NASCAR Busch North Series, now known as the ARCA Menards Series West. His legacy continued into NASCAR, where his sons Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Truex have won races and championships across the sport’s three national series.

Wayne Andrews

Born: 1937 | Died: February 2, 2025

Andrews was a long-time racer who made many starts in the NASCAR Cup and the now-defunct Grand National East Series and NASCAR Grand American Series, winning the 1972 series title in the latter of the two.

Mike Chase

Born: 1952 | Died: April 18, 2025

During his time in NASCAR, Chase was one of the stars of the sport’s grassroots levels, though he would make the occasional start in the National Series. In his efforts racing in lower divisions of the sport, Chase won 19 races and a 1997 series championship in the NASCAR Southwest Tour, and 10 races, and the 1994 series championship in the NASCAR Winston West Series.

Rex White

Born: 1929 | Died: July 18, 2025

White was one of the sport’s greatest drivers during the early days of NASCAR. From 1956 to 1964, White won 28 races and scored 163 top ten finishes in 233 career starts. In 1960, the future NASCAR Hall of Famer scored six wins, 25 top fives, and 35 top tens en route to his first and only NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

Phil Barkdoll

Born: 1937 | Died: September 2, 2025

Though he only made 23 career starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR fans remember Barkdoll as a true underdog of the sport, with his Barkdoll Racing No. 73 serving as an early iteration of what modern fans would now call an “open car.”

Michael Annett

Born: 1986 | Died: December 2, 2025

Annett played the role of a journeyman driver during his NASCAR career, racing across the three National Series from 2008 to 2016, before finally settling down in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he raced for JR Motorsports from 2017 to 2021. During his time with JRM, Annett found his groove, making the playoffs three times and finally winning his first career race at Daytona in 2019. He retired from racing after the 2021 season.

Greg Biffle

Born: 1969 | Died: December 18, 2025

Throughout his NASCAR career, Biffle proved himself to be a true wheelman, winning in everything he got behind the wheel of, including 17 wins and a series championship in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 20 wins and a series championship in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and 19 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. One of the most impressive moments of his racing career came at Texas Motor Speedway in 2019, when he won in his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start since 2004, and his first race since retiring from full-time action in 2016.

Biffle and his family, alongside three others, lost their lives in a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina, on December 18.

Industry Professionals

Jon Edwards

Born: 1972 | Died: April 10, 2025

Edwards was a long-time PR representative for Jeff Gordon throughout the driver’s lengthy NASCAR career. Eventually, Edwards would be elevated to Director of Racing Communications at Hendrick Motorsports while also working with Kyle Larson. The week of his death, Larson and HMS would find their way to an emotional victory at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Dr. Jerry Petty

Born: 1935 | Died: April 20, 2025

Petty, a neurosurgeon, was one of the most important figures in the medical side of motorsports, being honored for his many contributions to NASCAR drivers by winning the 2006 Bill France NASCAR Award of Excellence. In a statement following his passing, NASCAR said Petty “was a constant and caring figure within the NASCAR garage, lending his immense medical knowledge and skills to treat competitors every single week.”

H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler

Born: 1938 | Died: August 20, 2025

Wheeler is often cited as the sport’s greatest track promoter, known for pulling every string possible to make race fans feel that they must be at the track on raceday. His legendary run at Charlotte Motor Speedway includes many spectacles and stunts, and groundbreaking innovations, such as the 1992 NASCAR All-Star Race, which was the first time the race was held “under the lights.” Wheeler was chosen as the recipient of the 2026 Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR prior to his passing.

Grant Lynch

Born: 1953 | Died: October 2, 2025

Lynch helped make Talladega Superspeedway into the icon it is today during his long tenure as the track’s president and chairman. During his time at Talladega, which began in 1994 and concluded upon his retirement in 2019, the superspeedway saw many changes to its look, but continued to be one of, if not the sport’s most feared venue.

These members of the NASCAR family, among many others, were remembered throughout the year through many online notes, posts, and tributes.

Maserati’s modern return to top-level GT racing has quickly turned from a comeback story into a momentum-driven success story. As the curtain closes on an impressive 2025 campaign, the House of the Trident is now firmly focused on an even more ambitious 2026 season—one that expands its footprint globally, including a major push into North American racing.

After stepping back into closed-wheel competition in 2023, Maserati Corse has wasted little time proving it belongs. The Maserati GT2 has already delivered championships, race wins, and credibility across multiple series. In 2025, that momentum peaked with a dominant Am-class title in the GT2 European Series, where consistent performance and reliability showcased exactly what Maserati set out to achieve with its customer racing program.

What makes this resurgence notable isn’t just the trophies—it’s the structure behind it. Maserati isn’t chasing one-off headline results. Instead, it’s building a sustainable racing ecosystem that supports teams, drivers, and series organizers. That approach carries directly into 2026, when the GT2 platform will again compete in the GT2 European Series while also aligning with the broader SRO ladder system, including pathways that eventually connect to GT World Challenge competition.

For American fans, the biggest news is Maserati’s growing presence stateside. In 2026, both the Maserati GT2 and the extreme, track-only Maserati MCXtrema will be eligible for competition in the U.S.-based International GT series, competing in the GTX category. This marks a significant step for the brand, putting modern Maserati race cars on legendary circuits that resonate deeply with American motorsports culture.

The International GT calendar reads like a bucket list for road racing fans, with stops at iconic venues such as Sebring International Raceway, Road Atlanta, Road America, Watkins Glen, Laguna Seca, and Circuit of the Americas. For Maserati, this isn’t just about participation—it’s about visibility. Racing on these tracks puts the Trident in front of U.S. teams, drivers, and enthusiasts who may be encountering modern Maserati motorsport hardware up close for the first time.

Another key factor heading into 2026 is the expansion of race formats made possible by Maserati’s Endurance Pack. This update broadens the GT2’s eligibility across more championships and endurance-style events, making it more attractive to customer teams that want flexibility without sacrificing performance. In plain terms, it allows teams to race more often, in more places, with the same core platform.

All of this builds toward a symbolic milestone that gives the 2026 season extra weight. Maserati will celebrate 100 years since its first racing appearance, when the Maserati Tipo 26 debuted at the Targa Florio and won its class. A century later, Maserati is once again leaning into competition as a core part of its identity—not as a nostalgia act, but as a forward-looking performance brand.

As 2026 approaches, the message is clear: Maserati isn’t dabbling in racing. It’s committed. With a growing global schedule, expanding U.S. involvement, and proven on-track results, the Trident is positioning itself for one of the most important seasons in its modern motorsports history.

Dale Earnhardt broke down in tears after his NASCAR stardom allowed him to buy his mom, Martha, a special gift. The NASCAR legend came from humble beginnings, born to a working-class family in North Carolina.

While his father, Ralph, was a racing driver, it was Dale who would go on to alter the family’s trajectory. Earnhardt went on to become one of U.S. motorsports’ most successful and beloved names, winning the joint-most Cup Series championships (7) alongside Richard Petty and Jimmy Johnson.

Sitting at the top of NASCAR also saw Earnhardt become one of motorsport’s most marketable names. He laid the foundations for his two sons, Kerry and Dale Jr., to step into NASCAR, with the latter going on to be one of the sport’s most popular drivers ever. This popularity remains intact to this day, nearly 25 years on from his father’s tragic passing on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.

However, in his younger years, around Christmas time, it wasn’t a straightforward time of year for Dale Sr., who wasn’t able to spoil his family, particularly his mother, as much as he had hoped. Dale Sr.’s gifts to Martha had been modest, usually everyday plug-in items like toasters.

However, in 1980, something shifted. He experienced a moment of clarity that led to an especially emotional exchange with his mother, marking a turning point in their relationship. After winning the Winston Cup in 1980, Earnhardt bought his mom diamond earrings.

Sign up to our NASCAR newsletter here.

Joe Whitlock, his manager at the time, revealed an emotional exchange he had with the NASCAR legend before passing the gift to his mother. “After he had won the Winston Cup crown, we came home, and he’s driving the car, and I’m sitting in the passenger seat,” he said.

“And he starts crying, he’s laughing and crying, it’s not a serious cry. I said, ‘What’s the matter?’ He said, ‘This is the first Christmas that I can buy my mother something that doesn’t plug into the wall.’ It was always a toaster or something. But he bought her diamond earrings.”

Martha continued wearing the earrings for decades until her passing on Christmas Day, 2021, nearly 21 years after her son’s passing. In the 2015 I Am Dale Earnhardt documentary, Martha said: “I still have my diamond earrings, yeah. And it was really a big surprise that he could even afford that, you know. But he was always springing something on you, and I thought it was just amazing how he fought to get to where he was.”

Earnhardt legacy

Earnhardt’s 2001 passing at the Daytona 500 left a long-lasting impact on the sport. NASCAR had lost one of its biggest and most beloved names, while the Earnhardt family lost its figurehead.

Dale Jr. finished second on the day his father had died, and his passing came in just his second full season of Cup Series racing. Despite the pain of her son’s passing, Martha watched Dale Sr. carry the torch, and though he didn’t win a Cup title like his dad, he forged a legendary path of his own.

Dale Jr. is continuing the Earnhardt legacy in NASCAR with JR Motorsports alongside his sister, Kelley. JR Motorsports has won a total of four NASCAR Xfinity Series championships in its history: 2014 (Chase Elliott), 2017 (William Byron), 2018 (Tyler Reddick), and 2024 (Justin Allgaier). The team came mighty close to going back-to-back last year, with Connor Zilisch losing to Jesse Love in Phoenix’s Championship race.