Denny Hamlin was the straw that stirs the drink in the final Final Four press conference prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race on Sunday at Phoenix Raceway.
First, Hamlin was much looser than he was on Friday following a mechanical scare, aided by the fact that he scored pole position on Saturday afternoon. During the NextGen era, the finalist that qualified the best of the four ultimately went on to win the championships.
Hamlin was also fastest of the four in practice and had the best five lap average on Friday while also fighting a clutch issue that didn’t warrant any overnight changes. He walked into the media center in advance of this final press conference all smiles.
He was told that he is the sentimental favorite of NASCAR fans according to a poll from Jeff Gluck of The Athletic.
“I think it’s chat bots that are skewing those polls,” he said with a laugh. “I just appreciate the support.”
Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
How does Byron and the other three contenders feel about the wave of support for the veteran?
“I mean, I don’t really look at the app, Twitter,” Byron said with a smirk. “So I don’t know.”
Without skipping a beat, Hamlin had a retort.
“Just so you know, it’s called ‘X’ now,” Hamlin said with a guffaw.
Larson and Hamlin, while occasionally hard rivals, are also longtime friends.
“I think because, yeah, everybody likes a story like that where somebody nearing the end of their career wins, all that. It’s great,” Larson said, earnestly. “I mean, I can see why people would cheer for him. I’m a competitor. I obviously want to win. But it would be really cool to see somebody who has put in so much time to this sport and been so close so many times. 60 wins. I agree.”
But …
“I’m going to want to kick his ass tomorrow, but it’s not going to kill me if he wins, unless he runs me in the fence again.”
(Laugher across the room)
While everyone tried to insinuate that Hamlin was the favorite due to a myriad of historical statistics, the 44-year-old turned it around on the media and made it awkward on them right back.
For example, before Jenna Fryer of The Associated Press went to ask her question, Hamlin asked if there was a reason she was seated so far back in the room.
“Did you make someone mad?”
In fact, Fryar had drew the ire of NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell by asking a question on Friday insinuating that any hypothetical penalty against Hamlin could be perceived as controversial since he is suing the Sanctioning Body.
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Hamlin told Fryar ‘he’s behind you,’ in reference to NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps.
Fryar said ‘what are you doing’ and Hamlin said ‘I’m just lightening the mood,’ to laughter around the room.
But no, seriously, is this going too well for Hamlin?
“No, I don’t think so,” Hamlin said. “You can only help the things that you can control. Obviously, we’ll just do the best we can tomorrow for 312 laps. I hope it’s enough.”
As for the stat about the best qualifying driver winning the championship four of the past five years?
“Every time’s different,” Hamlin said. “I mean, I don’t know. Did William’s win from last week just automatically give him all this momentum? I finished last. I don’t really (pause) This sport is so week to week, it’s hard to draw. I know there’s always connections to statistics. Again, there’s just more variables this time around.
“It sounds good. It really does sound good. Statistics don’t do the work.”
What about his long clutch throw from Friday?
“Today everything felt pretty normal to me,” Hamlin said. “There was nothing alarming today that got my attention.”
Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Photo by: Meg Oliphant / Getty Images
Byron is going to start the race from the front row alongside Hamlin. Larson is going to start third behind them. Briscoe starts 12th and you can’t wonder how much his effort has been hurt by a flat tire in the first lap of practice on Friday that limited his track time.
Briscoe said he was ‘slow.’
“Yeah, I mean, I said ‘slow’, I was kind of joking,” Briscoe said. “They’re 1-2-3 and I’m 12th, right? Going back and trying to see what I can to for tomorrow. I didn’t get a lot of practice laps. I don’t really know what my car is going to do on the long run.
“That’s the big thing, trying to go see how the car drove differently from lap 1 through 5 to 20 on. I don’t know how my car is going to drive. Kind of see how they’re going to trend. That will be the biggest thing.”
Byron and Larson like their chances with what Hendrick Motorsports has given them.
“Yeah, I feel good,” Byron said. “I think so far it’s kind of what we’ve been working on and trying to improve. Yeah, I’m optimistic. I think everything so far this weekend has been pretty solid.”
His teammate agreed.
“I mean, I think for me, like fuel-wise, it doesn’t feel way different than normal like I was expecting,” Larson said. “I felt like pace-wise it seemed a little bit better than what I have been here in other practices in years past.
“It’s so hard to get a true judge on things in practice, so you just really got to see how it’s going to be tomorrow. “
There was a question about the warmer than usual temperatures for the November race at Phoenix. Larson took that as an opportunity to jab his opponents for wearing a cooling device under their fire suits, something the old school Hamlin doesn’t subscribe to.
“Talk to the guys that wear the cool suits,” Hamlin said, nudging Larson. “I like the elements for guys who don’t wear cool suits, so…” Larson “Nothing wrong with a little luxury.” Hamlin
While Larson absolutely wants another championship and Byron and Briscoe want their first, they also recognize what this opportunity means for Hamlin, racing for the championship in what is scheduled to be his third to last season.
“Anybody with common sense knows that Denny is more than capable of being a champion,” Briscoe said. “You don’t win 60 races … I think it would be a shame, right, if whenever he does decide to hang it up, he would be the best ever that’s never one, right? I think everyone knows that he is more than capable.
“Even myself, right? Like Kyle said, I’m a competitor. Like if I don’t win, I want Denny to win just so he can kind of have that on his résumé. So yeah, I think it doesn’t surprise me at all that the fans feel the same way.”
Dennis Hamlin, father of NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin, died Sunday night at the age of 75 from injuries sustained in a house fire at the family’s home. Hamlin’s mother, Mary Lou, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services issued a press release stating that first responders were dispatched to the home in the Stanley community at 6:19 p.m. ET. They arrived eight minutes later and found the residence engulfed in flames. There were two occupants discovered outside the home who were transported to a nearby hospital.
Dennis Hamlin later died at the hospital. Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, was transferred to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where officials said she is “actively being treated.”
Denny Hamlin’s parents were instrumental in helping him pursue his career in NASCAR. In 2006, he signed with Joe Gibbs Racing and has claimed 60 Cup Series wins with the team.
He dedicated his victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to his father.
“He’s the one that got me into racing,” Hamlin said, “He just took me to a racetrack when I was 5 and then made all the sacrifices financially to keep me going. Sold everything they had. We almost lost our house a couple times, just tried to keep it all going. I’m glad he was able to see 60. That was super important to me.”
Due to extensive damage, the cause of the fire has not been determined as the investigation continues.
NASCAR issued the following statement on Dec. 30: “NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family. Dennis Hamlin instilled a love of racing in his son, and sacrificed greatly to develop Denny into a world-class talent in the sport. We also continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to Denny’s mother, Mary Lou, and hope for her full recovery.”
Natalie Decker and her husband, Derek Lemke, are embracing life as new parents, spending the holiday season between Christmas and New Year focused on family while keeping one eye firmly on the road back to NASCAR. Decker last took the green flag in August 2025 at Daytona, where she finished 22nd, marking her return to competition months after welcoming their son in February. While she is currently savoring motherhood and marriage, another long-held ambition remains front and center, one she shares with her husband and intends to chase down.
A year ago, during an interview with Frontstretch, Decker sat down with Wyatt Watson ahead of her second career start at Charlotte Motor Speedway and laid out several personal goals. She spoke about a dream partnership with Bikini Zone, highlighted the importance of promoting sponsorship alongside her family, reflected on married life, and opened up about a shared vision with Lemke, which is lining up against him on the racetrack.
As Decker put it, “That’s literally our goal and dream. We talk about that daily. So here’s the thing: Derek has never beaten me. We talk about that all the time.” She explained that the two have raced each other only a handful of times so far, but they plan to settle the score properly by competing head-to-head in either a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race or an Xfinity Series event in the near future.
The intention, she said, is “We have to make it happen, and then we can then determine who is better after that race.”
When discussing married life, Decker shared that very little has changed beyond the wedding bands now on their fingers. Their lives, she noted, had already been connected long before the ceremony. Once Lemke was fully committed to supporting her racing career, they immediately approached everything as a team.
Decker added that they have been together for more than eight years (now over nine), and married for some time, and she finds it deeply fulfilling. For the 28-year-old, one of the highlights of getting married was celebrating alongside friends and family, hosting a large gathering that turned into an unforgettable occasion.
In 2025, Decker also joined a select group of women who returned to NASCAR competition after becoming mothers.
Beyond Shawna Robinson, one of only 17 women to start a NASCAR Cup Series race, who had two children in the late 1990s before competing in 21 races across NASCAR’s three national divisions between 2001 and 2005, drivers such as Sara Christian, Jessica Friesen, Tina Gordon, Ethel Mobley, Alli Owens, and Kelly Sutton also raced after entering motherhood.
Backed by sponsorship from Wawa, Decker drove the #92 DGM Racing Chevy in the NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Daytona International Speedway, and might be ready to do that in 2026 as well.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon was awarded a knighthood Wednesday in New Zealand’s New Year honors list.
“I’ve been called a lot of things, but I never thought that ‘Sir’ was going to be one of them,” Dixon said. “That was kind of crazy. Totally out of the blue … You automatically go back to the start like the first time driving a go-kart and then all the rest of the memories happened at warp speed.”
Scott Ronald Glyndwr Dixon, now a Knight Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit, was born in Australia to New Zealand-born parents who later returned to live in Auckland.
Dixon, who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2008, received the knighthood for services to motor sport. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2024.
“Sir Scott is a hero to young New Zealand motor sport fans and his work fundraising for children’s charities is invaluable,” New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said.
Dixon won karting titles in Australia and New Zealand before heading to the United States where he raced in Indy Lights and CART series before moving to IndyCar in 2003.
Dixon has had 23 consecutive seasons for Chip Ganassi Racing in IndyCar with 58 wins and 142 podium finishes from 380 starts. He has started 32 times from pole position and won the championship in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2020.
“It’s all about outside racing giving back to the community and the partnerships you make away from the track and causes you get involved in,” Dixon said.
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Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
One of the Southeast’s biggest early-season pavement events is taking shape, as SpeedFest 2026 at Cordele Motor Speedway announces that tickets are now on sale. Fans can secure their spot for the two-day racing festival at a discounted rate by purchasing in advance.
General Admission Tickets:
SpeedFest returns Friday–Saturday, January 23-24, 2026, featuring a powerful lineup headlined by the ASA Southern Super Series presented by Sunoco Super Late Models and the Southern Pro Series Pro Late Models. Also joining the weekend will be INEX Legends and Bandoleros, bringing a mix of national talent and rising young stars to Crisp Motorsports Park.
Friday, January 23 will include practice and qualifying for all four divisions, setting the stage for an action-packed Saturday afternoon. Feature racing begins at 1 PM on Saturday, January 24. Teams will also have the option to participate in an open test session Thursday, January 22 from 12:00–4:00 PM.
Online entries are now open for both Super Late Models and Pro Late Models, with early entries starting to come in.
Weekend Schedule Overview
Thursday – January 22, 2026 • Optional Open Test: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Friday – January 23, 2026 • Practice & Qualifying for All Classes
Saturday – January 24, 2026 • Feature Events Begin at 1:00 PM
SpeedFest has long served as a season-opening measuring stick for short track racers, and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be no different. Fans can expect a blend of powerhouse Super Late Model talent, hungry Pro Late Model contenders, a strong regional and national presence, and the next generation of racers in Legends and Bandoleros.
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced the acquisition of Heartland Motorsports Park on Dec. 29.
The acquisition aligns with IHRA’s broader racer-first philosophy, which includes direct investment in facilities and infrastructure that strengthen grassroots racing, elevate national competition and create sustainable motorsports ecosystems, said a IHRA news release.
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With this acquisition, Heartland Motorsports Park enters a new chapter — one that honors its storied past while positioning the property as a modern destination entertainment complex, said the news release.
Owner of the International Hot Rod Association, Darryl Cuttell said Heartland Motorsports Park is one of those places that simply matters to racing.
“It has history, soul, and a footprint that allows us to think bigger than just a racetrack. Our goal is to restore this facility with respect for its legacy while building something that serves racers, fans, and the community for generations,” said Cuttell.
The dragstrip is seen at Heartland Motorsports Park on May 3, 2023.
What is IHRA’s vision for Heartland Motorsports Park?
The IHRA plans to restore Heartland Motorsports Park as a destination for racing, music and community. Those plans include redevelopment for year-round efforts that extend beyond competition weekends which involve the following:
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Revitalized drag racing operations with improved racer and fan amenities.
Expanded motorsports and special event programming.
Live music, concerts, and festival experiences.
Enhanced hospitality, vendor and fan-experience areas.
Community-focused events designed to drive tourism and economic impact.
“Motorsports has to evolve to stay strong,” Cuttell said. “The future is about creating places where racing, music, entertainment, and community come together. Heartland has all the pieces to become one of the premier motorsports and entertainment destinations in the country.”
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced the acquisition of Heartland Motorsports Park on Dec. 29.
When will renovations begin?
Renovation planning will begin immediately, with additional announcements regarding redevelopment phases, event schedules and community partnerships expected in the coming months, said the news release.
Heartland previously owned by Kansas City Missouri company
A Kansas City, Missouri-based company called Topeka 77 LLC, had purchased in September the Topeka properties that formerly were the site of Heartland Motorsports Park.
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The company registered a deed for those 28 parcels with Shawnee County while giving its mailing address as 2600 Grand Blvd., Suite 700. That is the same address as 145-year-old Kessinger, Hunter & Co., LC, the oldest commercial development company in Kansas City, Missouri, which says on its website that it operates $2 billion worth of real estate and has 200 associates, The Capital-Journal previously reported.
Topeka 77 paid Shawnee County — under protest — $3,402,313.05 in outstanding property taxes owed by the company that sold it the property, Chris Payne’s Raymore, Missouri-based Shelby Development, LLC, said former Shawnee County Treasurer Larry Mah.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: International Hot Rod Association buys Topeka’s Heartland Motorsports
International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has acquired Memphis International Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park. The deal closed on December 23, 2025.
The track first opened in the 1980’s. The complex features a drag strip, 1.77-mile road course as well as a 0.75-mile tri-oval short track.
The IHRA recently announced a new short track racing series. Their season finale is scheduled at Memphis Motorsports Park.
IHRA announces short track series
The facility is set to become “a multi-use destination supporting drag racing, stock car competition, grassroots motorsports, and other large-scale events that engage the broader community and region.”
IHRA CEO Darryl Cuttell
“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.”
IHRA President Leah Martin
“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.”
Daniel Horton Assistant Director of the IHRA Stock Car Series.
“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.”
Memphis Mayor Paul Young
“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.
Shelby County Commissioner Amber Mills
“As the Commissioner for District 1, I am thrilled about IHRA’s acquisition of Memphis Motorsports Park,” said Amber Mills, Shelby County Commissioner, District 1, Shelby County Government.
“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
“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,” said Chris Thomas, Executive Director, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce.
“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.”
