Motorsports
Zane Smith captures first-career pole for Talladega Cup race – Field Level Media – Professional sports content solutions
TALLADEGA, Ala. — Front Row Motorsports maintained its strong position out front at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway with 24-year driver Zane Smith convincingly claiming the first pole position of his NASCAR Cup Series career — the third consecutive at the track for his team. Smith, the 2022 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, will lead the field […]

TALLADEGA, Ala. — Front Row Motorsports maintained its strong position out front at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway with 24-year driver Zane Smith convincingly claiming the first pole position of his NASCAR Cup Series career — the third consecutive at the track for his team.
Smith, the 2022 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, will lead the field to the green flag in Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 (3 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) at the sport’s biggest track with two-time series champion Kyle Busch starting alongside Smith on the front row — his best start since earning pole position at Dover, Del. last Spring.
Smith earned his first pole position with a lap of 182.174 mph in the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford — bettering Busch’s time by a slight .132-second on the 2.66-mile circuit.
“Obviously a lot of speed,” said Smith, who was fastest in opening-round time trials and improved that time in the final round. “Just really proud of how our whole team has been working together before our one-week break (last week) and I feel like that one-week break was perfect not to reset but to digest and think about what we need to re-build on.
“And now we’re off to a good start for this next long stretch. Proud of the speed and everything we’ve been doing, just need to execute a little bit better but a ton of speed this weekend. Long race tomorrow and a lot of things are going to happen and go on, but obviously we have the speed to do it. We’ll see how it goes.”
Seven Fords, a pair of Chevrolets and a single Toyota advanced to that 10-car final round.
Reigning series champion, Team Penske’s Joey Logano and Roush Fenway Keselowski’s Ryan Preece will start from row two.
Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon, RFK’s Chris Buescher, Penske’s Austin Cindric, Wood Brothers’s Josh Berry, Penske’s Ryan Blaney and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Ty Gibbs (the only Toyota) rounded out the second round qualifiers.
Defending race winner Tyler Reddick will roll off 26th in the 23XI Racing No. 45 Toyota. Championship points leader, Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron, will start 16th on the 39-car grid.
NOTEBOOK
KESELOWSKI’s OPPORTUNITY
Brad Keselowski is a former NASCAR Cup Series champion — claiming the title in 2012 in only his 16th full-time year competing in the series — and leads all drivers with six Talladega Superspeedway trophies. That’s all encouraging, but the 41-year old owner-driver of the No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford would really like to resume that big track magic this weekend and jumpstart an uncharacteristically “off” start to the 2025 season.
Keselowski is still racing for his first top-10 of the year — an 11th place showing at the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway is his best result and he sits an uncharacteristic 31st in the championship standings.
The 2.66-mile Talladega high banks, however, presents a level of confidence for the former champ. He won his very first NASCAR Cup Series start at the track in 2009. He’s got 12 top-five showings — including three runner-up finishes — and has finished in the top-10 in half of his 32 starts, a remarkable statistic at a drafting track.
“It’s definitely not my best (season) start,” Keselowski allowed. “It doesn’t feel like my best start, but I’ve got my eternal optimist glasses on and I see the potential. The potential for this team is higher than any team I’ve had the last four or five years and we just have to recognize it. There’s a lot of talent and a lot of fresh faces and the mistakes that come with that. We have to clean that up and recognize our potential.”
CHAMPIONSHIP CREW CHIEF CHILDERS OUT AT SPIRE
Spire Motorsports announced this week that it and veteran crew chief Rodney Childers had parted ways effective immediately.
Childers, who guided Kevin Harvick to the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series championship, was in his first year with Spire after spending 11 years with the Stewart-Haas Racing team which left the series at the end of 2024. He has served as a crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series since 2005 and has 30 victories and nearly a 50 percent top-10 percentage, his cars scoring 299 top 10s in 685 combined starts.
“I know this is a shock, but also know that not everything works out perfect all the time,” Childers wrote on social media this week, thanking Spire Motorsports for his time there and wishing them “the best in the future.”
“This was just one of those things that just wasn’t working for either of us.”
The pairing with Haley at Spire Motorsports, however, was slow to start with only a single top-10 (10th at Homestead-Miami) through the opening nine races. Haley sits 23rd in the championship points standings. He finished 26th and 31st in the championship the previous two seasons. He qualified 37th for Sunday’s race.
“For me, just showing up and trying to do my job to the best of my ability each week and obviously it’s an unexpected change and not something you ever want to do in the middle of the season, but super proud and thankful to be with a race team and owner like Jeff Dickerson who isn’t scared to make some changes for maybe the better,” said Haley, who said he only found out about the situation after a day of regularly scheduled meetings last Tuesday.
“It was just a ‘fit’ thing, I think, nothing super wrong that stood out or super left or right. I think at the end of the day we’re in the Cup Series and to compete on a Sunday in the Cup Series everything has to be perfect and if one little thing isn’t perfect, you’re not going to win races. And that’s what we’re trying to do.”
*LARSON LUCK ON SUPERSPEEDWAYS
Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson is widely regarded as one of the best race car drivers in the world — the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion wins in every sort of car he drives and is poised to make his second Indianapolis 500 start next month.
The one missing style of trophy in the 32-year old’s large trophy case, however, is a superspeedway-type victory. A 31-race winner, he is 0-for-20 on Talladega’s high banks with a best showing of fourth last October. He is 0-for-22 at Daytona with no top-fives. His best showing is sixth there.
Even bolstered with a pair of wins already this season, he says it doesn’t necessarily change his approach for Sunday — doesn’t mean he will race any more aggressively.
“Sure, it’s nice to have a win before coming here, but it’s kind of been that way for me since joining Hendrick (2021) we’ve always had a win before going to Talladega,” Larson said. “I don’t know what it would be like mentally if we didn’t have a win. So yeah, I just believe in treating every weekend the same. It would be nice to get a win here but you don’t put any more or any less emphasis on it than every weekend.”
*GIBBS RESURGENCE
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Ty Gibbs is coming off his best showing of the 2025 season — a third-place finish at the Bristol Motor Speedway short track as he arrives at the series’ biggest track, the 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway.
It’s a significant uptick for Gibbs who has jumped from 34th place in the championship standings three races ago to 20th coming into Sunday’s race at Talladega thanks to the Bristol result and a ninth place the preceding race at Darlington. It marks the first back-to-back string of top-10 finishes of the season for the 22-year old former NASCAR Xfinity Series champion and first since last summer when he scored a third place finish at Michigan and a fifth at Daytona.
Most importantly, it shows a notable sign of improvement for his No. 54 JGR Toyota team which has a new crew chief this year in Tyler Allen and several new crew members. He was the only Toyota driver to advance to the second round qualifying Saturday at Talladega and will roll off 10th in Sunday’s race.
“For us, I feel the results have shown for sure,” Gibbs said of the recent change in tide. “But there is not a time where I’ve felt I was down on my team or was bummed out. I just think it’s part of the process, we have a new team and I think our guys are really good and I have a lot of faith in our guys. There’s a lot of things behind the scenes and everyone makes a judgement call, but I know I can run good and that our team is capable of that.
“Sometimes it takes time, and we’ll get there. I have confidence in our team.”
–By Holly Cain, NASCAR Wire Service. Special to Field Level Media.
Motorsports
DVIDS – News – DeCA, NASCAR, Commissary, Fort Gregg-Adams, Fort Gregg-Adams News 2025
By Ericka Gillespie Fort Gregg-Adams Public Affairs FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. — NASCAR driver Justin Allgaier rolled into the installation on Wednesday to unveil a new patriotic paint scheme on his No. 7 Hellmann’s Chevrolet — this time with a special twist. The event, held at Fort Gregg-Adams Commissary and hosted by DeCA supplier Unilever, […]

By Ericka Gillespie
Fort Gregg-Adams Public Affairs
FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. — NASCAR driver Justin Allgaier rolled into the installation on Wednesday to unveil a new patriotic paint scheme on his No. 7 Hellmann’s Chevrolet — this time with a special twist.
The event, held at Fort Gregg-Adams Commissary and hosted by DeCA supplier Unilever, featured a life-size racing car simulator wrapped in the new livery. The scheme proudly sported the Defense Commissary Agency logo, which will also appear on Allgaier’s car during the May 24 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway — just ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
“This partnership with DeCA and Unilever means a lot, especially going into Memorial Day,” Allgaier said. “It’s a way for us to honor the military community and thank them for their service and sacrifice.”
Families and fans gathered for a festive afternoon that included face painting, a balloon animal artist, live DJ music, prize giveaways, and a food station offering free deli sandwiches, chips and drinks.
Allgaier, a veteran driver with more than a dozen career wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will carry the DeCA logo into competition at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where patriotic paint schemes are a Memorial Day tradition.
“This is more than just a paint scheme,” Allgaier said. “It’s about recognizing the men and women who serve — and making sure they know they’re appreciated both on and off the track.”
Date Taken: | 05.16.2025 |
Date Posted: | 05.16.2025 11:33 |
Story ID: | 498188 |
Location: | FORT GREGG-ADAMS, VIRGINIA, US |
Web Views: | 7 |
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Motorsports
SSR Motorsports Chosen as U.S. Distributor for QJMotor
Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/upload/2025/05/4264d59a86bbb94cf10ba5ef66867f46.jpg SSR Motorsports has taken on the role of distributor for QJMotor products in the U.S. Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co., Ltd. (QJMotor) [https://global.qjmotor.com/], the parent company of Benelli Motorcycles, is a global leader in motorcycle design, engineering and manufacturing that produces a comprehensive line of street models. QJ models, which have been available in […]

Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/upload/2025/05/4264d59a86bbb94cf10ba5ef66867f46.jpg
SSR Motorsports has taken on the role of distributor for QJMotor products in the U.S. Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co., Ltd. (QJMotor) [https://global.qjmotor.com/], the parent company of Benelli Motorcycles, is a global leader in motorcycle design, engineering and manufacturing that produces a comprehensive line of street models. QJ models, which have been available in the U.S. since the spring, complement SSR’s popular line of on-road motorcycles, off-road motorcycles and side-by-sides.
“QJMotor has models that are right for the U.S. market and hit some key price points and model segments,” said Greg Blackwell, SSR’s vice president of sales and marketing.
The initial QJ lineup features 11 models, from the SRF135 street mini to the mighty SRT750X adventure bike.
Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/upload/2025/05/db53d7b728e94ce9731c5a4749c11556.jpg
QJMotor SRF 135
“Dealers are signing up with SSR to sell QJ because we can supply dealer demand; we have the inventory ready to ship,” Blackwell said. “We’ll also help the dealers promote QJ in their own market. QJ models look great and perform even better.”
SSR is adding new QJ dealerships each week as the network – and product offerings – grow.
Along with its well-known off-road and on-road models, SSR is embracing QJ’s international marketing strategy by focusing on the QJMOTOR brand while still selling Benelli models, with special pricing available.
Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/upload/2025/05/895de2be91f2ad4c50b12e2f7b340747.jpg
QJMotor [https://global.qjmotor.com/] SRT 750X
True to the SSR way, current Benelli riders can count on the company for any necessary warranty work, and SSR continues to stock replacement parts through its national network of SSR dealers.
Media Contact
Company Name: QJMOTOR
Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=ssr-motorsports-chosen-as-us-distributor-for-qjmotor]
Address:No. 169 Jimping Rd. Wenling
City: Taizhou city
State: Zhejiang
Country: China
Website: https://global.qjmotor.com/
Legal Disclaimer: Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. ABNewswire makes no warranties or responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you are affiliated with this article or have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article and would like it to be removed, please contact retract@swscontact.com
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Motorsports
NHRA hosting education day for local students at Toronto Motorsports Park
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Educations Services Day is taking place today. Located at Toronto Motorsports Park, this event is bringing students in from the District School Board of Niagara and showing them more about the world of racing and trades. One of the speakers is Conestoga College teacher Jason Hardie, who explains a […]


The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Educations Services Day is taking place today.
Located at Toronto Motorsports Park, this event is bringing students in from the District School Board of Niagara and showing them more about the world of racing and trades.
One of the speakers is Conestoga College teacher Jason Hardie, who explains a bit about what students can expect to see that day.
Hardie teaches Heavy Equipment Repair, and he is always hoping to see more students pass through his class.
He just went to a recent meeting where it was made clear that a focus on the trades is needed.
Hardie says reaching directly to students like this, in a new and exciting way, can go a long way in helping fill this gap.
Students will hear from speakers, speak with professionals, and of course, watch some racing.
The Victoria Day Weekend Spectacular also kicks off on Friday and runs until Sunday, and offers no shortage of attractions for all types of racing lovers. Passes can be purchased for individual days, or as a weekend bundle for Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Toronto Motorsports Park’s website.
(Written by: Matt LeBlanc)
Motorsports
Honolulu Council OKs sponsorship of public facilities
Legislation to allow private sponsorship of city parks and other public facilities in order to garner more revenue for the city was unanimously adopted Wednesday by the Honolulu City Council. Introduced in January by Council member Radiant Cordero, Bill 4 will “create and enhance public-private relationships, including with individuals, corporations, and other organizations, through the […]
Motorsports
CWRU Motorsports team brings home accolades from Arizona Baja SAE competition
CWRU Motorsports, the university’s Baja SAE team, had a record-breaking performance at the Arizona Baja SAE competition, earning first place in Design Presentation and first in the 4-hour-long Endurance race categories both first-time wins for the team. The team placed fourth overall out of more than 80 teams in a highly competitive field. Despite the […]

CWRU Motorsports, the university’s Baja SAE team, had a record-breaking performance at the Arizona Baja SAE competition, earning first place in Design Presentation and first in the 4-hour-long Endurance race categories both first-time wins for the team. The team placed fourth overall out of more than 80 teams in a highly competitive field. Despite the challenge of competing in drastically hotter conditions than they’re used to in Cleveland, the team adapted quickly and pushed through to the finish.
Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports clarifies Kyle Larson plan for North Wilkesboro amid Indy 500 prep
When Kyle Larson is bouncing back and forth this week between North Wilkesboro and Indianapolis, he will be incredibly busy. Justin Allgaier is the substitute for the NASCAR Cup Series points leader, and Allgaier will practice and qualify the car. Hendrick Motorsports is skipping one thing, though. Instead of having Justin Allgaier race in one […]

When Kyle Larson is bouncing back and forth this week between North Wilkesboro and Indianapolis, he will be incredibly busy. Justin Allgaier is the substitute for the NASCAR Cup Series points leader, and Allgaier will practice and qualify the car. Hendrick Motorsports is skipping one thing, though.
Instead of having Justin Allgaier race in one of the two heat races that serve as qualifying on Saturday, Hendrick is skipping it. The No. 5 team will be a DNS for the heats. That means Kyle Larson will start the All-Star Race from the rear.
In 2023, Larson got a penalty that sent him to the back of the field after speeding on pit road. Well, he charged right back through it and took the win. However, that was on the old asphalt. It will be difficult to replicate on a more or less freshly paved surface.
Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports reported on the decision from Hendrick Motorsports. A bold move from the team. If anyone can do it, it’s Kyle Larson, right?
Larson is going to be doing practice sessions and then going into qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 this week. He has to balance that with being at North Wilkesboro and handling his NASCAR duties there.
Should Kyle Larson qualify for the Fast 6 and it causes any kind of issues with the All-Star Race, he does plan to make the NASCAR race over staying in Indy for qualifying. So, no matter what goes on at Indy this week, we will see Larson in the No. 5 car, at the back of the pack, on Sunday.
Kyle Larson wants $1,000,000 over the Indy 500 pole
There are few pole positions as special as the Indianapolis 500. It comes with prestige and at high risk. The speeds these racers are going to qualify at the top of the field are absolutely insane.
Even though the pole at Indy would be a massive deal, Kyle Larson knows where he would rather be – North Wilkesboro. There will basically be just over an hour between Fast 6 qualifying and the All-Star Race at Wilkesboro on Sunday. That is a tight window to make work.
If Larson makes the Fast 6 again, it sounds like he will just take P6 and move on to the All-Star Race. Not a bad idea.
“I think that I would miss the Fast 6 and go to the All-Star Race,” Larson explained to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports a couple of weeks ago. “It’s important to race in, it’s a lot of money on the line, so sure it’d be great to you know, have an opportunity to get the pole, but I’d rather race for a million dollars and start sixth [at Indy]. We’ll see. I mean, you never really know how it’s going to go. Gotta make sure our car’s fast enough to even worry about all that anyways.”
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