Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace joined in on the ongoing debate regarding the value fans receive for the price of their tickets to attend races.

Speaking on his ‘Coffee with Kenny’ segment on X, Wallace detailed his frustrations with NASCAR’s ticketing strategy in recent years, which has prevented fans from enjoying a full and affordable experience at the racetrack and caused a decline in attendance.

Through the introduction of the one-ticket-for-everything bundle, which prohibits fans from buying a ticket to just the race or practice, many fans’ interest in attending live races has deteriorated, Wallace claimed.

“People say that the price of the ticket is relatively cheap when you consider inflation, people aren’t complaining about the price to get in the race track,” Wallace said, detailing a phone call he had with a NASCAR track owner.

“Here’s what they’re complaining about… what I’m hearing through a NASCAR track owner is that the fans are upset there’s nothing going on at the racetrack.”

Entry level tickets at low-end races fall within the $40 to $60 range, but most tracks have increased general admission and basic grandstand seats closer to $100. Single tickets to higher profile events, such as the Daytona 500, can cost $350 or more.

But that is just the base level. Camping, VIP passes, infield access and other experiences add to those costs significantly, sometimes exceeding four figures for one individual, much less a family. 

Most fans’ gripes, Wallace said, come from the lack of action around the grounds for what a multi-day ticket costs. Track owners want to pack the campgrounds and encourage fans to come on Thursday night and stay through Sunday’s race, but there just isn’t enough exposure to Cup Series action throughout the weekend.

In recent seasons, the Cup Series moved most practice and qualifying activity into tight windows on Saturday afternoon, giving fans eager to see the stars of the sport little reason to show up as early as Thursday night.

“Back in the day, say, I don’t know, 15 years ago, when you went to the racetrack you had a reason to get there on Thursday night,” Wallace said.

“My track owner says that’s why the camping grounds are not packed anymore because Cup practice is at 4:30 on Saturday night right now. And the times change for everything, nothing is consistent. Nobody knows what the f— is going on.”

Wallace then sent a plea to NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell to enact change.

“Steve O’Donnell, my dear friend, if you’re listening to this, ‘You are the president of NASCAR. Let’s get some practice in on Friday and Saturday. Let’s do some things. Let’s give, let’s give these, these fans a reason to get to the racetrack early.”

January 1, 2026

Racing America is devastated to confirm the sudden passing of Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup. Michael was an icon in motorsports, a great partner and a friend. His passion for racing and commitment to the industry made a lasting impact on the sport. He will be deeply missed. Racing America sends our thoughts and condolences to Michael’s family, friends and colleagues.

Michael first joined Racing America in July 2023 as the President of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). In January 2024, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, as well as all racing operations. A native of Hamburg, N.Y., Michael spent nearly three decades working for NASCAR, most notably in the role of president of Watkins Glen International. He was also president of Americrown and oversaw the Levy food service contract for 12 NASCAR-owned racetracks.

“For more than 15 years, Michael has been a great friend, from a lot of fun times together at Watkins Glen to being massively helpful to me in my new role this past year,” said Trans Am President Andy Lally. “I leaned on him a lot for advice in so many areas, and he was incredibly generous with his time. I’m going to miss him terribly.”

Michael leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, two boys Brendan (Caitlin) and Matthew, and two granddaughters, Sophia and Vivienne.

A memorial service for Michael will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home (303 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483).

FAIRFIELD, Ohio — The International Hot Rod Association announced the purchase of Rockingham Speedway, one of the most iconic and storied venues in American motorsports.

The move reflects IHRA’s commitment to preserving motorsports heritage while thoughtfully reinvesting in legendary racing properties.

Known worldwide as “The Rock,” Rockingham Speedway has played a pivotal role in NASCAR and American racing history for decades and remains deeply tied to the identity and pride of the City of Rockingham and Richmond County.

“IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.”

IHRA intends to restore Rockingham Speedway to its former glory while enhancing the venue as a multi-use destination. Planned improvements include facility upgrades, expanded fan amenities, and the addition of entertainment elements such as concerts and festival-style experiences alongside marquee racing events.

The Easter weekend NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event will build on the momentum generated in 2025, when the series’ return to Rockingham delivered strong attendance, national television exposure, and renewed excitement around the historic track.

The April weekend is expected to feature a full slate of on-track activity, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series West, and fan-focused programming throughout the holiday weekend. The event will continue to be promoted by Track Enterprises.

As IHRA looks ahead, the organization anticipates collaborating with experienced event partners as part of its long-term planning for the facility.

IHRA leadership noted that conversations are underway with respected industry operators, including Bob Sargent and Track Enterprises, as Rockingham Speedway is positioned for future events and opportunities beginning in 2026.

“For decades, The Rock has been one of our community’s most recognizable and celebrated tourism icons,” said Meghann Lambeth, Executive Director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority. “We’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).”

IHRA leadership emphasized that Rockingham Speedway will play a meaningful role in the organization’s broader strategy of revitalizing historic motorsports venues while creating sustainable, fan-focused experiences.

“This isn’t about changing what made Rockingham special,” Cuttell added. “It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.”

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch is among the 2,000 entrants at the annual Tulsa Shootout in Oklahoma, where he is set to compete in four classes – all of which could also see him challenge his 10-year-old son, Brexton.

The Busch duo will be competing in the Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw class, Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw class, JST Motorsports A-Class, and the Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing class, while Brexton will also take on the K&B Motorsports Restricted A-Class.

The racing gods appeared to be smiling on the Busch family, drawing father and son against one another in race 182 in the A-Class – something which took them both by surprise.

“Yeah with the amount of heat races that are here, 45 of them or whatever it is for A-Class I mean how in the world do you draw the same heat race,” Kyle told FloRacing. “So crazy. But here we are. He’s got a fast one in front of him with Kaylee, and then obviously he’ll be starting in front of me. So hopefully we can make some ground and get some passing points out of our heat.”

As for Brexton, he admitted to being “excited” to take on his dad yet again, commenting, “This is the biggest race, and hopefully I can go five to one or something good and make the A.”

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Having kept a close eye on Brexton’s progress thus far, Kyle said, “The onboard actions been really good. His cars have been fast. He’s been doing a phenomenal job driving. I mean just quick laps and hot laps, but looks really, really good. 

“So, he’s an all driven stuff, so it makes for familiarity going between car to car to car where I’ve got a storm chassis, a driven chassis, some hyper chassis. So I’m all over the place with my stuff. But just trying to fine-tune and see what works best, and be ready for when he moves up or gets a little bit Older to really challenge for some drillers.”

Challenging for the ‘Golden Driller’ trophies will require some adaptation from Brexton, who admitted he’s been taken aback by the “speed difference” compared to what he’s driven previously. 

Despite this, he’s desperate to beat his dad, pointing out how this would make their record 2-2.

Looking at the bigger picture for the promising youngster, Kyle admitted that “obviously the goal is to make it to NASCAR.

“So eventually he’ll get to some ARCA races, some Truck races, and on to Xfinity on the Cup. So that’s the plan. Anyways, we’ll see how it goes. He’s got a lot of great help and sponsors with him along the way with Lucas Oil and Servpro and StarKist and FloSports, so we’re looking forward to making it all the way.”

The Shootout will be an excellent proving ground for Brexton, given that the competition has now only drawn Cup Series-level talent such as his dad, but also the likes of current champion Kyle Larson and Ty Gibbs, among other top-tier drivers.

Xfinity is clearing the air on its involvement with NASCAR after the company’s second national division change its name from NASCAR Xfinity Series to NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. On X/Twitter, Xfinity Racing shared a meme that had a man saying, “Thank you for changing my life,” to the Xfinity Series logo. That led to a fan replying that they hope it’s not a “goodbye” for Xfinity.

“We’re still a Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series, a team sponsor of [23XI Racing] , have the Xfinity 500 for fall [Martinsville Speedway], & the Xfinity Fastest Lap Award, for all three national series,” Xfinity Racing replied. “It’s only a farewell for that part.”