This year marked the seventy-fifth anniversary of Mexico’s Carrera Panamericana, and as you’d expect, Porsche was right there as one of the race’s lead sponsors. The Panamericana is hugely important to the company’s history, providing the origin story for both the Carrera and Panamera names. But here, just a few weeks before Mexicans gather together to celebrate the Dia de los Muertos holiday, the race belongs to a brand that’s been dead for nearly sixty years.
In first place, El Malditillo. Close behind in second, El Commander. Rounding out the podium, a 1953 Studebaker Champion, driven by Carlos Manuel Garcia and Eduardo Solis, was the final part of the Stude sweep. And, perhaps most incredibly, this isn’t a one-off, but echoes a 2015 podium lockout for Studebaker drivers, the consistently most-winning name in recent Panamericana history.
La Panamericana
Thus, while Porsche had a modern 911 GT3 piloted by Timo Bernhard at this year’s Panamericana, paying tribute to the original 550 Spyder from the 1954 race, the laurels belong to South Bend, Indiana. Considering that the Carrera is based on the likes of the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio, you’d expect that nimble fare from Datsun, Lancia, or Alfa-Romeo would be in the winners’ circle. For years, though, Mexican road racing has belonged to Commanders and Champions, both cars living up to their names.
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The original Carrera Panamericana lasted just five years, beginning in 1950 and killing almost thirty people in that time. The original course covered just over 2000 miles, and while several races were won by European entries from Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz (memorably, one 300SL co-driver was knocked senseless when a vulture crashed through the windshield at high speed), American marques were well-represented, too.
But not so much Studebaker. Between 1950 and 1954, Studebaker was bleeding cash, caught in the crossfire of a sales race between Ford and General Motors, the company was living on borrowed time, and the South Bend factory would shutter its doors not long into the 1960s.
However, as would later be seen with the supercharged versions of the Avanti, briefly the fastest production car in the world, Studebaker was the kind of company to go down swinging. In 1953, designer Robert Bourke, an employee at Raymond Loewy’s design studio, came up with a streamlined shape that became the coupe version of both the fourth-generation Studebaker Champion and Commander.
Even today, a “Loewy Coupe” Studebaker doesn’t look like it hails from the actual 1950s, but from some retro-futuristic fiction like the Fallout universe before the A-bombs started falling. It has all the chrome-and-optimism lashings of the post-war America boom, but is low-slung and slippery, more Corvette than midwestern-accented daily driver.
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As they were launched in 1953, some privateer team could have entered a Champion or Commander in the original Carrera races, but there was never really a chance. After 1954, Mexico’s government banned the race. Many of those killed over the years had been bystanders and spectators, and, coupled with the disaster at the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans, there was a certain amount of backlash against the dangers of motorsport.
Starting in 1988, organizers brought back the Carrera Panamericana as a more professional race, this time with additional safety built in. It’s still very dangerous, with multiple mountain stages and narrow, winding roads. You need to stay on your toes, and it’s little surprise that repeat winners tend to be locals with plenty of experience. If you want to win, you need to know the roads—and, evidently, you need to have a Studebaker.
The landspeed record folks, those with Bonneville salt in their veins, already know that Studebaker aerodynamics make for class-winning builds. When it comes to the cars that contest the Carrera Panamericana, that shape is pretty much all that remains.
La Panamericana
Take this year’s winner, “El Malditillo.” The name is related to the Spanish for “cursed,” and the car wears a jagged, toothy grin painted on its front bumper. A 1953 Studebaker Champion, it was driven by the duo of Mexican-born Ricardo Cordero and Marco Hernández, who have won the race together seven times. Hernández was also co-driver for a win with a different driver on a previous running of the event, making him the most successful navigator at the Carrera.
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El Malditillo and El Commander and their rivals run in the Panamericana’s top-tier Turismo Mayor class—basically, Gran Turismo—which is restricted to cars built in 1954 or earlier. Heavy modification is allowed, along with the usual safety requirements, and the professional teams really go to town.
The Studebaker inline-sixes are long gone, replaced by 6.0-liter Chevrolet V-8s capable of making as much as 600 hp on regular pump gas. Yes, not race fuel: as a long-distance road race, the Panamericana requires cars to deal with harsh and often rural conditions. The motors need to have the flexibility to run at various altitudes as the course snakes across Mexico, and there has to be sufficient cooling to not overheat when transiting between competitive stages at normal traffic speeds.
La Panamericana
Which is all to say that, should a Studebaker fan’s pockets be deep enough, it is theoretically possible to build a road-going Commander that could hit 200 mph on a closed road course and also be capable of driving over to Costco for a cheap hot dog and a tank of regular octane fuel. Try that in your million-dollar Singer resto-mod 911.
Or you can just enjoy a tastefully restored Champion or Commander, and tuck away the breed’s dominance in storied Mexican road racing as a fun anecdote. Today, nearly every Porsche 911 is a Carrera, unless it’s a Turbo or a GT3. Once upon a time, though, only the most special Porsches carried the name Carrera.
But at the actual Carrera Panamericana, the finish line is almost always a celebration of the Day of the Dead automaker. The race belongs to Studebaker-driving champions.
Dale Earnhardt Jr is one of NASCAR’s most vocal critics of the sport’s frequent changes at the Cup level and beyond, arguing that their experiments often hinder the sport. Now, one of his former rivals noted that NASCAR may be leaving its experimental phase and entering a period of correction.
Kenny Wallace expressed frustrations but also noted that NASCAR’s leadership has been significantly humbled by recent decisions that did not meet expectations. He mentioned that he knows for certain the league is actively working to address its major problems. Dale Jr. also shared his thoughts on what lies ahead after NASCAR settled its antitrust lawsuit.
“I know for a fact that NASCAR is all hands on deck,” Wallace said on his YouTube channel. “They realized what happened, and it took them a while, but they definitely made some decisions that were not the way to go. They just went all in, all in, and now you look back and realize how much they messed up.”
Wallace added that despite past missteps, positive changes may still come. He said, “NASCAR has been humbled mightily. I know for a fact they hear y’all. They are going to go on tour in 2026, and they’re going to make it right.”
Earnhardt Jr. previously said NASCAR tries a bunch of things…that don’t pan out.”
The 2026 season will already see big changes previous season. NASCAR is increasing engine horsepower from 670 to 750 on tracks under 1.5 miles and on road courses, including Bristol, Darlington, Dover, Nashville, and Gateway. Safety updates, including the introduction of mandatory A-post flaps at all tracks, are being implemented after years of concern.
Eligibility criteria were also relaxed next season to allow full-time Cup drivers with a minimum of three years of experience to participate in up to 10 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races and eight Craftsman Truck Series races, while continuing to protect playoff events.
Chicagoland Speedway makes its return for the first time since 2019, while a new street race at Naval Base Coronado near San Diego brings NASCAR back to Southern California. The Chicago Street Course and Mexico City were skipped, with Homestead-Miami Speedway once again serving as the championship finale instead of Phoenix.
Earnhardt Jr. cautions that changing rules and structure alone won’t be enough to revitalize NASCAR. He previously stated his vision for the sport to have more notable “rock stars,” as evidenced by drivers like his father, Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty, and Jimmie Johnson, who have ascended to superstardom beyond the track.
“We need some rock stars,” he said. “It’s all about having some driver come in here and captivate the hell out of us and make people who aren’t watching go, ‘Who the hell is that?'”
Dale Jr.’s 2026 season with JR Motorsports will feature playoff driver Justin Allgaier returning to the No. 7 car in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, alongside Sammy Smith, who is in his third season with the team. The team aims to secure a championship after a 2025 season where three of four drivers, including Conor Zilisch, competed for the title but ultimately fell short against Jesse Love.
NASCAR is closing out the year with one of its most tragic Decembers ever.
The latest heartbreaking incident came on Dec. 18 when legendary driver Greg Biffle, his family and some friends were killed when their plane crashed at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
Biffle’s Cessna 550 was reportedly attempting to land at around 10:15 a.m. at the airport just outside of Charlotte when the crash occurred.
Fans flocked to social media to remember Biffle, 55, who made headlines in 2024 when he flew his helicopter into hard to reach areas in North Carolina to provide relief to those trapped following Hurricane Helene.
Biffle had a 16-year career behind the wheel in the NASCAR Cup Series, starting 515 races and winning 19. He had 175 top ten finishes.
His last race with the series came in the 2022 Geico 500 in Talladega.
Biffle also drove 244 races on the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He won 20 of those and logged 149 more top 10 finishes. He also was behind the wheel for 83 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races, winning 17 of those with 55 top 10 finishes.
His death followed the passing of Nick Joanides on Dec. 5 and Michael Annett on Dec. 2.
Joanides, 55, was a star on the West Coast scene most recently making three starts in the ARCA West Series. He also drove in the NASCAR Xfinity Series when it was called the Nationwide Series.
Annett, 39, drove for JR Motorsports from 2017 through 2021 and the team shared the news of his death on social media.
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Annett was behind the wheel for 106 NASCAR Cup Series races, but never managed to finish in the top 10. While his results at that level were not eye-popping, Yahoo Sports noted he drove for a pair of “underfunded teams” in Tommy Baldwin Racing and HScott Racing.
Annett had more success on the Xfinity Series where he drove in 321 races with 95 top-10 finishes. His lone win came in the 2019 NASCAR Racing Experience 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
He also drove in nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races with two top-10 finishes.
ARCAposted a statement on Xabout both the deaths of Joanides and Annett that read, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of ARCA Menards Series driver Michael Annett and ARCA Menards Series West driver Nick Joanides, both of whom passed away recently.”
Kyle Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports protégé, Corey Day, put NASCAR on notice following a standout debut in Australia in the Burson Auto Parts Boxing Day Bonanza ahead of the 2025 High Limit Racing International at Perth Motorplex. The 20-year-old is enjoying the NASCAR offseason ahead of his first full-time season in stock car racing at Hendrick Motorsports in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Day, dubbed 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion Larson’s protégé, enjoys competing on dirt and did so Down Under, making his debut in Australia. The California-born motorsport star started the Burson Auto Parts Boxing Day Bonanza from 28th and managed to fight his way all the way up to second, finishing behind race winner Buddy Kofoid in the 30-lap affair.
Day will return to action in Perth on Sunday when High Limit kicks into gear. “First night in the books down under, and it was a wild one. P28 to P2 in a non-stop feature. Ready to go with High Limit starting Sunday,” Day said on X.
Day will be hoping to stake a big claim in NASCAR’s second-string national series, following in the footsteps of Connor Zilisch, who has made the jump up to a full-time Cup Series seat. HMS have high hopes for Day, who could be a Cup driver in the near future.
“That was what I was working towards this year,” Day told NASCAR.com. “It wasn’t announced or anything, but my contract was written as next year was an option if this year went well. I guess I did a good enough job to get that option picked up. To say I’m going to run a NASCAR series full-time next year is something I’ve dreamed about doing since I was a little kid. It’s really cool.”
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“I’m ready, I’m excited,” Day added. “This year, I ran a lot of different race cars, which is really challenging to be able to progress a lot in all of them.
“I learned a lot in each and every one of them. It’s hard to be really good at one of them when you only get to do it a certain amount of times per year.”
Day can also lean on the experience of Larson, who claimed a second Cup title last month in Phoenix. Larson was left impressed by Day’s early exploits in the Truck Series this year.
At Nashville and Indianapolis Raceway Park, Day finished fifth and second, prompting praise from Larson. “It was good to see him have a strong run there. It was a track that I thought may, you know, suit his style, being able to move around and search for grip and things,” Larson said.
“He was probably one of the first, if not the first, running below the apron that night and found some speed that way. So, it just lends itself to a dirt guy’s background, probably. But yeah, he’s been slowly getting better here lately in the stock car stuff, and I’m sure gaining confidence. So yeah, I’m hopeful and excited to see how he keeps going in the #17 car,” he added.
This weekend’s action Down Under will pit Day against Larson, who won the $100,000 High Limit International at Perth Motorplex last year.
A historic motorsports facility in Millington, Tennessee, is set to make its return to the motorsports calendar after being acquired by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).
The IHRA is launching a new stock car series, set to rival NASCAR, with substantial prizes available for competitors. The IHRA Stock Series will offer a $2 million purse for the winner of eight races set for next year, starting in March.
The announcement was made while NASCAR was embroiled in a lawsuit with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, and the new Tennessee facility will host two events next year. The track, formerly known as Memphis International Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park, will return.
The location has hosted major drag race events, while also staging touring series races. The property is now officially owned by the IHRA and will be used by the organization next year, reviving the location after it was opened in the late 1980s.
“This investment honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park while positioning it for a strong future,” said City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young. “IHRA’s acquisition reflects confidence in our region and creates new opportunities for tourism, local businesses, and fan experiences.”
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Amber Mills, Shelby County Commissioner, District 1, Shelby County Government, added, “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.” Chris Thomas, Executive Director, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce, added, “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.”
Members of the IHRA also spoke about the excitement ahead of a big year. “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.”
Leah Martin, President of IHRA, added, “This acquisition represents more than reopening a racetrack. 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.”
After years of racing out of residential garages, take a look inside Ricky Thornton Jr’s new race shop
Ricky Thornton Jr won 31 races in the 2025 season. He went on to finish 2nd in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series standings.
He’s has been racing since 2005. And until now, he has only used residential garages outside of other teams he’s raced for.
400+ wins and 30+ championships later, he has opened a new shop in Iowa. Koehler Motorsports will continue to use their shop in Mount Airy, NC. But, the Iowa shop will also be used when the team is in the area.
Take a look at the photos of the Ricky Thornton Jr Racing shop below.
Ricky Thornton Jr Racing comments
The team shared the following update:
“After a career of racing out of residential garages, (and some beautiful shops of others) Ricky finally has his very own personal race shop. A true dream come true,” the team opened via social media.
“Graystone Companies- thank you Troy for the time you put into this project. Deadlines & expectations were heavily exceeded! If you’re looking to build anything in the Des Moines metro, Graystone Companies is what you’re looking for! Thank you to Ganoe Excavating, Inc. for the dirt work, D and E Outside Services for the tree removal, and Matt Allen for the floor finish!”
“Our Koehler Motorsports team will continue to race out of their Mount Airy, NC shop, but our Iowa shop will be a frequent stopping point throughout the summer!”
The 2026 season is set to begin. Thornton Jr is heading to Central Arizona Raceway for the Wild West Shootout beginning on January 10th.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series removes playoff format for 2026
Ricky Thornton Jr Race Shop (Photos)
Ricky Thornton Jr Race ShopBathroom – Ricky Thornton Jr Race Shop – IowaRicky Thornton Jr Race Shop – IowaFormer Shop – Ricky Thornton Jr Race Shop – Iowa
The 2026 season will be a special one for Team Penske, which made its first foray into the racing scene in 1966. Whether it’s NASCAR, IndyCar or IMSA, Team Penske has enjoyed plenty of success and plans to savor many more victories in the future.
Team Penske cars in all three major series will sport special retro livery at select races, while the team will also introduce an anniversary identity that will appear across its race cars, uniforms, digital platforms and merchandise, with the first items available online and in the team store beginning in January.
“Our 60th anniversary is a tremendous milestone for our organization,” Roger Penske said in a team release. “The 2026 season will give us the opportunity to celebrate the people, partners and fans who have helped shape Team Penske since 1966, while also looking ahead to the future. This year ahead is a meaningful one with many terrific moments for our team and story still to come.”
Few teams can match the Penske programs when it comes to success on the track. The team has 20 Indianapolis 500 victories, three Daytona 500 wins and has won at least one major championship for the past 14 years, including last season’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship sweep of the team, drivers and manufacturers titles. It was the second straight season Porsche Penske swept the awards and last season saw the team become the first since 2017 to win Daytona and Sebring in the same season.
With the team not competing in the World Endurance Championship in 2026, Team Penske will focus all of its sportscar racing attention on IMSA. Despite winning the GTP title the past two seasons, there will be some new faces on the team in 2026.
The team will see Kevin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor move from the WEC to drive the No. 6 Porsche 963, while the No. 7 will be in the hands of Felipe Nasr and Julien Andlauer. Matt Campbell, one of the championship drivers this season, will serve as the endurance driver for the No. 6 car at Daytona, Sebring and Road Atlanta, while Laurin Heinrich will serve in the same role for the No. 7 Porsche. All six are Porsche factory drivers.
Porsche Penske will begin its 2026 season in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with the Roar Before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway Jan. 16-18. The Rolex 24 At Daytona begins Saturday, Jan. 24.
