Motorsports

Chevrolet in Indycar: Barber Motorsports Park Friday Practice Recap – Speedway Digest

Published

8 months ago

May 3, 2025

Will Power led five Team Chevy drivers in top-nine of final order in combined practice one times

· Two-time and defending Barber winner Scott McLaughlin posted the eighth quickest time that included making a remarkable on-track save in turn 14

· With rain expected Saturday for practice two and qualifying, laps in today’s three-segment 64-minute practice was critical with race-day forecast conditions similar to those today

BIRMINGHAM, ALA (MAY 2, 2025) – Will Power showed the way for Chevrolet in today’s first practice session for the Children of Alabama INDY Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park.

The driver of the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet posted a fasted lap of one minute, 7.7869 seconds around the 2.3-mile, 17-turn natural terrain road course in preparation for Sunday’s 90-lap race.

Two-time and defending winner Scott McLaughlin, showed amazing car control during today’s session when the rear end of his No. 3 Good Ranchers Team Penske Chevrolet stepped out in turn-14 and McLaughlin managed to right the car, miss the wall and continue on his way.
YouTube link to McLaughlin’s impressive save

The 12 Chevrolet powered drivers will continue the quest for victory with practice two and qualifying on Saturday. Rain is the forecast giving teams a tougher task of determining the optimum set-up for Sunday’s race – round four of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule.

Combined Results of NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 at Barber Motorsports Park

Tune-In Alert

Saturday

· NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 11:30am (ET)/10:30am (CT)/9:30am (MT)/8:30am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

· NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 1:30pm (ET)/12:30pm (CT)/11:30am (MT)/10:30am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Sunday

· NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 10am (ET)/9am (CT)/8am (MT)/7am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

· Children’s Of Alabama Indy Grand Prix (90 laps) – 1:30pm (ET)/12:30pm (CT)/11:30am (MT)/10:30am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

What They’re Saying:

ARROW MCLAREN

Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I love Barber. It’s high commitment and obviously a stunning facility. I have a lot of good memories coming back here. We tested here a couple of weeks ago, but today was a bit different. We’re just working through that but I think we’ll be alright. We just need to look at things and go again tomorrow.”

Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“We had a smooth Practice 1. Everything went to plan, but I think we’re still missing a little bit. We made a lot of changes and learned a bit but didn’t quite fix the problems we needed to fix. We’ll go to work tomorrow morning, and I know we have a bit more pace to find to be up there with the front-runners.”

Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“It’s great to be back on track here at Barber. The car feels good but we still have a bit of work to do, so we’ll work overnight to get in the right window and come out tomorrow ready to fight for pole.”

JUNCOS-HOLLINGER RACING

Conor Daly, No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet

“It was quite a good start for us. We were one of the only teams that didn’t test here, so just trying to catch up a little. The car was very interesting, from the alternate to the primary tire. We know we need for tomorrow. Times are close. It was a decent start for our first time together as a group.”

Sting Ray Robb, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet

“Practice one was OK. The difference in tires was quite shocking from Blacks to Reds. Other than that, it was a pretty smooth session. We learned a lot, and it will all go out the window when it rains tomorrow. When it comes back to dry on Sunday, we’ll have a good package. Conor and I are working well together and we like the same stuff, so we know what direction we want to go.”

TEAM PENSKE

Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Good Ranchers Team Penske Chevrolet:

Q: What do you love about Barber (Motorsports Park)

McLaughlin: “There is a lot of commitment. That’s what I really enjoy. It reminds me of a track back home in Australia, Philip Island, which is a track that I always went really well at in the

Supercar as well. So, hopefully we can keep that trend going. The wins have been great, but it’s going to be a bit more inconsistent than we probably have seen this weekend with the rain.”

Q: Do the difficult areas change, or are they magnified with the rain?

McLaughlin: “Yeah. The high commitment corners get more higher commitment in the rain. You have to try to find the grip or the rubber or get off the rubber as quick as you can. There’s a lot of good drivers in the series that are good on the rain. Qualifying will be just as competitive, regardless if it’s wet or dry. So it’s just a matter of you putting them together yourself”.

Q: The “Month of May” is coming up, is hard to keep the focus when you come to a track like this race because it pays an equal amount of points as the Indianapolis 500?

McLaughlin: “It’s a nice feeling to hopefully start our month off on the right foot and get the momentum going. Because momentums everything in this series, and if you can roll into the biggest race of the year with some momentum, that’s always a good thing. I feel really, really, really strong, you know, for the month. I had a great open test. It’s probably the strongest I’ve I’ve felt, ever. So that was a really good feeling. So, it’s just a matter of putting it together and see where we’re at.”

Q: Has the Hybrid changed a place like Barber Motorsports Park?

McLaughlin: “Oh, for sure. We tested here not long ago, and it was definitely a lot different. A lot more different than I thought it was going to be. The feeling and weight will be interesting, as well as how we all tackle it and the different philosophies between cars. Let’s see where we go.”

Will Power, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet:

“This is one of the nicest places that we come to. The promoters do a really great job of presenting this place. You drive in here, and you know you are at a special event. The car has a really good balance; needing just minor changes. It could be a mixed-up session (qualifying) with the weather, but we’ll see how it goes. If we can qualify in the top six, we’ll have a shot at a podium. In the top four, we’ll have a shot at a win. That’s what I’ve struggled with this year (qualifying).”

Pato O’Ward

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Joined by Pato O’Ward, driver of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. Fourth quick in group two this afternoon. Of course, he is the 2022 winner here at Barber Motorsports Park. Currently 6th in the overall championship. How would you describe, Pato, your start to the weekend here?

PATO O’WARD: I love Barber. I love this place. It’s high commitment. It’s obviously a stunning facility. I have a lot of good memories to remember whenever I come back here, but today has been — we tested here a couple of weeks ago, and today has definitely been a little bit different.

So we’re just looking through that, but I think it’s all right. Just little clean-ups that we have to do here and there. Nothing. We’ll get it right where we need to.

THE MODERATOR: Questions for Pato O’Ward.

Q. Pato, you just said a minute ago you tested here, and now it’s different. Is it maybe weather-related? Was it cooler when you were testing here?

PATO O’WARD: It’s a little bit warmer, more humid right now. The wind has changed a bit. That will obviously have an influence of what the car is doing. Especially with such you high-speed corners. We also didn’t get to try the alternate, and I would say that’s the one that was kind of like, What?

So, yeah, we just really need to dig into the data from all three cars really and just get a better read on that, I would say. But, yeah, nothing too crazy. Not yet at least.

Q. With the weather so uncertain, does that really affect the way you prepare, or are you one of those that just it happens as it happens, and you get out there?

PATO O’WARD: I kind of just go with the flow. We are expecting rain tomorrow, but it’s obviously under no one’s control beside Mother Nature. It can say that it’s going to be maybe crazy, and then it decides to kind of clean up a little bit or maybe a window opens up in qualifying where half of it’s going to be dry and half of it not. It doesn’t look like that, but you can’t count any of that out.

So we’re just going on with our program. Tomorrow obviously if it rains, it’s going to change things a lot, but for everyone. So it’s the same for everybody. We just need to stay on top of it and really just kind of know what we need from — or at least I need to know what I need from the car in order to get it done in qualifying.

Q. Pato, back to the red tires this weekend after running the greens at St. Pete and Long Beach. After running the greens for so many years, is there a massive difference in how the side walls and all that feel still?

PATO O’WARD: You can definitely tell. It’s a different feeling, but sometimes it always seems to have the same balance shift from primes to reds or a little bit more consistent. Today I would say was a little bit of a different story. That’s just what I kind of — I just couldn’t wrap my head around it and understand.

It just starts doing all sorts of things, and you are, like, What do we need to fix? It’s like, Well, sadly everything. Yeah, that requires a lot of data analyzing by the engineers and us to really see what problems do we want to prioritize?

I mean, to be fair, sometimes one set will do that, and then the next one is like, Wow, it’s half a second quicker. So I have no idea.

Q. How important is it to compartmentalize the month of May because here we are kicking it off at Barber and then next week it’s going to be the INDYCAR Grand Prix at IMS, and then we roll into the Indy 500. Then after that it’s off to Detroit. So a lot is going to happen in a hurry. How important is it for you to pace yourself through this whole month and focus on each task at hand?

PATO O’WARD: Learn how to say no, I would say. If the five years or six now — this is my sixth year here. I can’t believe it, but if the six years that I’ve been here have taught me something, it’s learn how to say no and don’t feel bad about it, because you’re the one driving the car. If someone is asking something, say, Do you want me to win the race or not?

Q. (Off microphone)

PATO O’WARD: Everybody wants a piece of you at the end of the day, and they want you here and here and bah, bah, bah. Ultimately, why are we doing this? We do this to win races. We do this because we want to win the Indy 500. That’s the most important one on the calendar. I mean, I guarantee you they will forgive you if you win that race (laughing).

Q. Just curious, you are talking about how much fun Barber is for you. I’m curious, is it as much fun with the hybrid and the extra weight, or are you not able to hustle the car as much now?

PATO O’WARD: No, it’s less fun. The cars have gotten a lot more boring, to be honest. This is one of the tracks where you would really enjoy being able to throw it around.

You can still kind of do it, but the windows narrow down a lot. You can piss it off a lot quicker. So, yeah, you definitely feel the added weight. The tires feel the added weight. It’s definitely something you have to change quite a bit on the car in order to kind of get it back into the window because it’s definitely shifted a lot of the balance.

Q. The reds versus the blacks debate… Ericsson ended up going fastest overall on the blacks. Colton said when he came in here, he didn’t feel like one was necessarily over the other. I know you’re a little lacking on data yourself.

PATO O’WARD: Ericsson blacks? 67 something? Oh, he was on reds.

Q. Right at the end. Yeah, for a while, though, it looked like he was going — the black lap was even still going to be fastest. How do you feel overall on the debate? Do you feel like one is going to be better than the other going into qualifying and race?

PATO O’WARD: I mean, I think the red is going to be quicker. I don’t know what the delta — the delta doesn’t really seem that big or as big as I thought because I think Firestone told us the prime is more durable. The red is the 23 red, I believe, so there should be a pretty significant gap in terms of performance, but I don’t think we saw that big of a gap as we were expecting. At least I didn’t see as big of a difference.

So, yeah, I don’t know. Surprise, surprise I guess. I think tomorrow is going to be rain tire. It’s going to be on pole, so…

THE MODERATOR: We’ll see how good everybody is in the rain tomorrow perhaps. Knock on wood. You never know. Thanks for coming, Pato.

GM PR

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4 NASCAR Cup cars unlikely returning for the 2026 Daytona 500

Published

25 minutes ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The entry list for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, which is now just over a month and a half away, is slowly but surely coming together.

In addition to the 36 chartered cars that are locked into the 68th running of the 200-lap race around the four-turn, 2.5-mile (4.023-kilometer) high-banked Daytona Beach, Florida oval, three non-chartered (open) cars have also been confirmed.

Justin Allgaier is set to drive the No. 40 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, B.J. McLeod is set to drive the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports, and Jimmie Johnson is set to drive the No. 84 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club.

There are four spots open in the 40-car field, though that number could be increased to five if somebody (likely Johnson) is granted a world-class driver provisional and does not manage to successfully qualify either on speed or his Duel result.

Regardless, there will likely be multiple drivers sent home from the Duel races disappointed, as there are still expected to be five more cars added to the entry list between now and February, setting up a battle between eight drivers for either four or five spots. However, four cars once considered potential entries will likely not be a part of that battle.

Here’s a look at four possible Daytona 500 entries that are unlikely to return in 2026.

No. 91 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

For the first time since 2023, Trackhouse Racing brought back their PROJECT91 program for the 2025 Daytona 500, fielding the No. 91 Chevrolet for Helio Castroneves. Castroneves locked into the race via the world-class driver provisional, making the Daytona 500 the first since 1993 to feature exactly 41 cars.

PROJECT91 did not return for the rest of the 2025 season, and it is unlikely to be back for the season opener next year, as the Justin Marks-owned team aim to place full focus on their three-car full-time lineup.

No. 01/No. 15 Rick Ware Racing Ford

Rick Ware Racing expanded to two cars for four races in 2025, each race for Corey LaJoie as he drove the No. 01 Ford. That schedule included the Daytona 500 and two other superspeedway races at Atlanta Motor Speedway, plus the spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway. It did not include any races during the second half of the season.

A second entry has not been completely ruled out by the team for 2026, but it is unlikely to make an appearance at Daytona, ever after LaJoie was competitive and led laps in 2025.

No. 50 Team AmeriVet Chevrolet

Team AmeriVet (formerly The Money Team Racing) have quietly competed in the NASCAR Cup Series for four consecutive years, though they have not competed in the Daytona 500 since over a year before their 2024 rebrand.

This underdog team still managed to qualify for the race in both of their previous attempts back in 2022 and 2023, but they are unlikely to make a third attempt this coming February.

No. 56 Tricon Garage Toyota

Tricon Garage did what JR Motorsports did in 2025 by moving up to the Cup Series for the first time and making their debut in the Daytona 500. They did so with Martin Truex Jr. behind the wheel of the No. 56 Toyota. but Truex is not expected back in 2026.

Additionally, Corey Heim, who won the Truck Series championship for the team in 2025, is expected to run a fourth 23XI Racing entry, so a Tricon Garage return for the “Great American Race” has been all but ruled out.

Expected Daytona 500 entry list additions: No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet, No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet, No. 66 Garage 66 Ford, No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota

Single-car qualifying for the 68th annual Daytona 500 is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, followed by the two Duel qualifying races on Thursday, February 12. Fox’s live coverage of the race itself is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 15.

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Aaron Rodgers gives his Steelers linemen $20K vehicles for Christmas

Published

2 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Aaron Rodgers delivered the “gift of horsepower” to this offensive lineman.

The Steelers quarterback purchased each of his protectors a Can-Am Maverick side-by-side vehicle for Christmas.

Rodgers’ generosity was documented Thursday on TikTok and Instagram by Mosite Motorsports, which showed the future Hall of Famer riding next to his linemen in the off-road vehicles outside the Steelers’ practice facility.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) running off the field after a game. — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) runs off the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“This Christmas, Aaron Rodgers gave his offensive line the gift of horsepower. Safe to say, it delivered. Merry Christmas from Mosites Motorsports,” the dealership wrote in its TikTok video.

The 2026 Maverick 3X goes for $19,999 on the Cam-Am website, putting Rodgers’ tab around $100,000 for his five linemen.

“Unleash unbeatable off-road dominance with this revolutionary machine, now the most affordable in its category,” Cam-Am describes the Maverick on its website. “Engineered with a lightweight chassis, experience lightning-fast agility and breathtaking speed that constantly shatters expectations.”

It was a different approach than Russell Wilson took last year in the Steel City.

During his one season with he team, he gifted his linemen a $10,000 Airbnb gift card, a Black and Gold Louis Vuitton duffle bag, a bottle of his wife Ciara’s Ten To One Rum and custom shoes from his own Good Man Brand.

Rodgers, 42, has plenty to be happy with from his group during his first season in Pittsburgh, as he’s been sacked a total of 25 times this season, with only five coming in the past five weeks as Pittsburgh makes a push for the playoffs and the AFC North title.

The former Jets signal-caller has had a strong season with the Steelers, throwing for 2,860 yards, 23 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 98.2 quarterback rating.

Pittsburgh (9-6) can clinch the division title with a win over the Browns or a Ravens’ loss to Rodgers’ former team, the Packers.

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The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Field by the Numbers

Published

3 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

What’s Happening?

It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and winning to make it to the NASCAR Cup Series, and the 36 full-time drivers slated to take on the series championship in 2026 are no different. Here are all the notable accolades, race wins, and championships boasted by the 2026 Cup Series lineup.

What’s Happening?

The 2026 NASCAR Season is fast approaching, and teams are setting their lineups for the coming season. This article…

Crown Jewel Wins

The four Crown Jewel races tell the NASCAR Cup Series season in four parts. Starting with the season-opening Daytona 500, moving to the start of the summer with the Coca-Cola 600, finishing the summer with the Brickyard 400, and starting the run to the championship with the Southern 500.

Former Daytona 500 Champions

No. 2 | Austin Cindric | Team Penske
No. 3 | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing
No. 11 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske
No. 24 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 47 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | Hyak Motorsports
No. 71 | Michael McDowell | Spire Motorsports

Former Coca-Cola 600 Champions

No. 1 | Ross Chastain | Trackhouse Racing
No. 3 | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing
No. 5 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 6 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing
No. 8 | Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing
No. 11 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 12 | Ryan Blaney | Team Penske
No. 20 | Christopher Bell | Joe Gibbs Racing

Former Brickyard 400 Champions

No. 5 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 6 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing
No. 8 | Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing
No. 23 | Bubba Wallace | 23XI Racing

Former Southern 500 Champions

No. 5 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 6 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing
No. 8 | Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing
No. 11 | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 19 | Chase Briscoe | Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 43 | Erik Jones | Legacy Motor Club

Lower Division Champions

NASCAR’s lower divisions include racing on short tracks in select areas of the country, all the way up to racing on the high banks of Daytona in the ARCA Menards Series. In an ever-changing world, these drivers prove that winning at even NASCAR’s lowest levels can turn into a successful career at the top.

ARCA Menards Series

No. 10 | Ty Dillon | Kaulig Racing
No. 17 | Chris Buescher | RFK Racing
No. 19 | Chase Briscoe | Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 54 | Ty Gibbs | Joe Gibbs Racing

ARCA Menards Series East

No. 5 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske
No. 24 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports

ARCA Menards Series West

No. 34 | Todd Gilliland | Front Row Motorsports

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

No. 60 | Ryan Preece | RFK Racing

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champions

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is NASCAR’s lowest National Series. Though the competition may not be as deep as the NASCAR Cup Series garage, the Truck Series makes young drivers prove their worth against underdogs, up-and-comers, and salty veterans.

Former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champions

No. 3 | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing
No. 20 | Christopher Bell | Joe Gibbs Racing
No. 38 | Zane Smith | Front Row Motorsports
No. 43 | Erik Jones | Legacy Motor Club

O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champions

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series is often viewed as the final step before achieving NASCAR Cup Series glory. Though drivers can prove their worth just by winning in the series, a championship shows that you are ready for whatever the sport has to throw at you at the very top.

Former NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Champions

No. 2 | Austin Cindric | Team Penske
No. 3 | Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing
No. 6 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing
No. 7 | Daniel Suarez | Spire Motorsports
No. 8 | Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing
No. 17 | Chris Buescher | RFK Racing
No. 24 | William Byron | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 41 | Cole Custer | Haas Factory Team
No. 45 | Tyler Reddick | 23XI Racing
No. 47 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | Hyak Motorsports
No. 54 | Ty Gibbs | Joe Gibbs Racing

NASCAR Cup Series Champions

The NASCAR Cup Series is the big dance, a 36-race grind in a field of drivers battling it out for the right to be champion. The drivers on this list are future Hall of Famers, living legends, and the names that currently serve as the backbone of the Cup Series garage.

Former NASCAR Cup Series Champions

No. 5 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 6 | Brad Keselowski | RFK Racing
No. 8 | Kyle Busch | Richard Childress Racing
No. 9 | Chase Elliott | Hendrick Motorsports
No. 12 | Ryan Blaney | Team Penske
No. 22 | Joey Logano | Team Penske

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Speedway Motorsports Announces Promoter of the Year – Drag Bike News

Published

7 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Speedway Motorsports officials, in recognition of exemplary performance and exceptional service on behalf of and its world-class facilities, recognized the 2025 recipients for the company’s O. Bruton Smith Award, Promoter of the Year, Speedway of the Year and the Acceleration Award. Announcements were made during a company-wide town hall meeting this week as the industry-leading company wraps up a successful year hosting entertainment and motorsports events across the country.

Dover Motor Speedway’s Jim Hosfelt earned the 2025 O. Bruton Smith Award, while Bristol Motor Speedway President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell received Promoter of the Year honors. Las Vegas Motor Speedway was named Speedway of the Year award and Sonoma Raceway earned the fourth annual Acceleration Award.

“At Speedway Motorsports, our goal is to exceed expectations in sports and entertainment by delivering unforgettable moments at every touchpoint,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. “That mission is only possible because of the passion, dedication and effort our teams across the country bring to their work each day. It’s a privilege to celebrate the leaders and teammates across our footprint whose commitment fuels our momentum and helps transform every event into a truly remarkable experience for our fans.”

Bruton Smith Award

Dover Motor Speedway Vice President of Safety and Security, Jim Hosfelt, received the 2025 O. Bruton Smith Award.

Established 13 years ago to recognize one employee annually across all of Speedway Motorsports and its subsidiaries, the recipient of this prestigious award is someone who exhibits Speedway Motorsports’ founder O. Bruton Smith’s traits: character, enthusiasm, drive, a heart for helping others, respect and appreciation for team members, vision and determination. It is the company’s highest honor.

Hosfelt joined Dover Motor Speedway in 2014 to oversee the day-to-day security and event-time public safety at the facility. Shortly after Speedway Motorsports acquired Dover in 2021, Hosfelt added the title of Director of Safety and Security for Speedway Motorsports, working as a liaison for NASCAR and federal agencies at events across the company’s portfolio of properties.

Prior to his speedway tenure, the Cumberland, Md. native spent 25 years in law enforcement with the Dover Police Department, where he retired as Chief of Police.

Away from the track, Hosfelt serves as a coordinator for food distribution events conducted by the speedway with the Food Bank of Delaware. An Air Force veteran and graduate of the FBI National Academy, he was elected to seats on Dover City Council (2015-2017) and Kent County Levy Court (2017-2019).

“The contributions Jim makes, the relationships he has across the sport, thankfully it’s a low profile thing, but (public safety) is one of the most important things we do,” said Speedway Motorsports Chief Operating Officer Mike Burch. “We talk about ‘safe, clean and comfortable.’ He’s invaluable to making sure our fans from across the nation are safe when they come to our race tracks.”

“When we finished the transaction to acquire Dover Motorsports, we had no idea what an amazing fit our teams would be,” Smith added. “Jim, specifically, is just remarkable – how he is able to be everywhere and always deliver so professionally. It’s really impressive and he’s made a tremendous impact on our company.”

H.A. Humpy Wheeler Promoter of the Year

Recognized for his team’s effort around the Speedway Classic partnership with Major League Baseball and continued success in NASCAR and other secondary events, Bristol Motor Speedway President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell was named H.A. Humpy Wheeler Promoter of the Year for 2025. The annual award, named in honor of the legendary promoter who passed away in August, is chosen by the selection committee and given to the Speedway Motorsports general manager who best displayed the creativity, innovation, leadership and execution that are fundamental to Speedway Motorsports’ way of doing business.

A first-of-its-kind event in baseball, the Speedway Classic saw the highest ticket sales for a single event in the history of Major League Baseball with over 91,000 tickets sold.

“Humpy was known as the PT Barnum of motorsports,” Smith said. “He inspired a lot of people to think outside the box. To name Jerry as this year’s promoter is very fitting as he’s done a great job in leading the team to phenomenal success this year. Bristol has a reputation where people aren’t going to question if something like building a baseball stadium inside a race track can happen – they know it can.”

Speedway of the Year

Las Vegas Motor Speedway received Speedway of the Year recognition, edging out 10 state-of-the-art Speedway Motorsports entertainment complexes to earn top honors 11 of the last 14 years. The award was presented to LVMS President Patrick Lindsay, who replaced the facility’s longtime head Chris Powell upon his retirement earlier this year. The award recognizes the Speedway Motorsports facility with the best overall performance during 2025 in such aspects as fan friendliness, attendance, financial performance, sponsor relations and creativity.

“It’s not easy to grow on an already fantastic performance,” Smith said. “Patrick has carried the torch well and it’s great to have his leadership. It’s a huge effort because everything that happens — from corporate sales to operations and logistics — this team has done a great job and delivered every time.”

Acceleration Award

For the second year in a row, Sonoma Raceway was honored with the Acceleration Award, which recognizes a Speedway Motorsports subsidiary for significant year-over-year gains across multiple performance measures. The award was accepted by Sonoma Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn.

Sonoma Raceway delivered a strong performance in 2025, driven by growing track rental activity in the raceway’s premium Turn 11 facility, along with strategic cost-efficiency initiatives that enhanced operations across the property while maintaining a high-quality fan experience.

“We had multiple speedways that made significant improvements, but we had one that really outdid themselves year-over-year,” Burch said. “They continue to bolster the fan experience, drive down expenses and find new ways to use the speedway to serve their clients.”

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Suzuki Announces 2026 Supercross Team – Drag Bike News

Published

8 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Suzuki Motor USA, LLC and Pipes Motorsports Group are thrilled to unveil their official lineup for the 2026 Supercross season, fielding a trio of elite athletes including Daytona winner Ken Roczen, reigning World Supercross SX1 Champion Jason Anderson, and Colt Nichols—each competing aboard the Suzuki RM-Z450.

With three of the sport’s most accomplished and recognizable riders leading the program, Suzuki heads into the 2026 Supercross season with strong momentum and championship-level aspirations. Building on Roczen’s impressive performances throughout 2025 and in the World Supercross Championship, along with Anderson’s newly secured 2025 World Supercross title, 2026 represents a pivotal year as Suzuki lines up with a proven, competitive roster in the premier class.

Ken Roczen returns to the Progressive Insurance Cycle Gear Suzuki team for his fourth season on the team and he takes on a new role as Global Brand Ambassador for Suzuki. Roczen has had an impressive run on the Suzuki RM-Z450 including 19 podium finishes, a thrilling victory at Daytona, and two overall wins in the 2025 FIM World Supercross Championship, dominating the Buenos Aires opener winning all three main events.

“I am so happy and extremely excited to start the 2026 season with the PMG group, the people that I’ve been with for the last four years, and of course the partnership with Suzuki, ” said Roczen. “I think we have a great motorcycle and we have been able to keep making it better and better. I’ve been having a lot of fun practicing on and racing the RM-Z450.”

“We’ve been doing really well lately and I’m looking forward to carrying some of that momentum into the 2026 season. I’m excited to get it going and we have definitely done our work and now it’s time to have some fun and see where we stack up against the competition.”

New to the team for 2026, but not new to the brand, Suzuki is pleased to welcome Jason Anderson back to Suzuki on the Twisted Tea Suzuki Presented by Progressive Insurance RM-Z450.

Anderson, the 2018 AMA Supercross 450SX Champion who began his career as a Team Suzuki amateur in 2003, brings a proven blend of experience and raw talent to the team—and has already showcased his exceptional speed aboard the RM-Z450 winning the 2025 FIM World Supercross Championship for Suzuki.

“ I’m excited to get 2026 going with Suzuki again, and have been working really hard with the team to get ready to be on the podium!” said Jason Anderson.

Completing the 2026 Suzuki Supercross lineup is proven performer Colt Nichols. Colt had a strong season in 2025 aboard the Suzuki RM-Z450 and is looking forward to racing at the highest level with the Twisted Tea Suzuki Presented by Progressive Insurance team.

Nichols delivered strong and consistent performances throughout the Supercross season and is already showing momentum heading into 2026, earning an overall podium finish aboard his Suzuki RM-Z450 at the final round of the World Supercross Championship during the South African GP in Cape Town.

“I’m very excited to be back with the HEP Twisted Tea Suzuki team for 2026,” commented Nichols. “ We have a fun team and I really enjoyed working and being around all of these guys. Looking forward to leveling up this year and couldn’t think of a better group to do it with”

Chris Wheeler, Motorsports Manager from Suzuki confirmed the positive mood of the team heading into the 2026 season: “There’s very good energy within our group heading into the 2026 Supercross season. We have a great mix of talent, perspectives, and experience that continues to push the program forward each year. The team is fun, but serious and focused, and we’re seeing improvement across the board—from technical development to communication—which makes the momentum around this program exciting and infectious.”

A multi-time championship winner, Larry Brooks continues to provide a wealth of experience and proven leadership to the program. His talent for matching rider strengths with exceptional Suzuki performance has been critical in the team’s preparation for the 2026 season.

“2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the HEP Suzuki team. We’re thrilled to welcome back Ken Roczen and Colt Nichols, and excited to add Jason Anderson to our team roster,” said Brooks. “That gives us three incredibly strong racers heading into the 2026 Supercross season. As a team, we’re united by a shared goal: giving our absolute best and having fun while doing what we love most—racing motorcycles for a living.”

For the 2026 season, Suzuki and Pipes Motorsports Group continue their focused commitment to the premier 450-class championship, reinforcing a clear objective: deliver peak performance and compete at the highest level of Supercross.

The team now turns its attention to the season opener on January 10 at Anaheim Stadium, where fans can expect intense, high-level racing as Roczen, Anderson and Nichols line up aboard the Championship winning Suzuki RM-Z450.

Suzuki remains proud of its deep racing heritage and moves forward with a program built on elite rider talent, experienced leadership, and strong technical expertise. With momentum on its side, the 2026 season promises plenty of excitement, and Suzuki invites fans to follow along for another action-packed year.

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Motorsports

This Is What Happens When a WRC Co-Driver Gets a Crack at Driving

Published

11 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

It takes a special kind of person to willingly strap oneself into a hatchback aimed at flying through the woods at high speeds. Rally drivers are madmen full-stop, but their shotgun-riding co-drivers are a whole different breed. Don’t discount the amount of driving know-how tucked away in those high-flying passenger seats, however. Hyundai Motorsports co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe recently took the wheel of a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 at the 2025 Rallye du Pays Vençois in France, making fellow co-drivers round the world beam with pride.

While you might not be familiar with Martijn Wydaeghe, you have likely heard of his teammate Thierry Neuville. The two have been driving together since the 2021 season, with Wydaeghe co-driving during Neuville’s 2024 WRC Driver’s Championship effort. This year wasn’t as successful for last year’s champs, with Neuville finishing 5th overall in the standings. The results were largely tempered by two consecutive retirements at the Central Europe and Japan rallies towards the end of the season. The pair came back to win the final event of the year at Rally Saudi Arabia.

While the automaker didn’t put Wydaeghe out in the proper Rally1 machine he’s used to riding in, the Belgian driver made his driving debut in the production-based Rally2 machine. He did previously get a go in the Rally1 car at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, however. I’m sure the co-driver-turned-wheelman wasn’t too upset about the more approachable platform for his first go either.

With co-driver Florian Haut-Labourdette alongside, Wydaeghe pushed the IXO-sponsored Hyundai through the 25-mile rally. His pace was undeniable, with Wydaeghe managing to take home a stage win on his very first attempt. The pair only managed to muster sixth place overall, but fans were more than happy to see Wydaeghe give it a shot. That said, I don’t think Neuville needs to be too worried about job security for the time being. Perhaps the WRC should look at a co-driver shootout event moving forward, though.

Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.

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