Located in the northwestern part of South Carolina, just outside of Greenville, Foothills Motorsports has been operating in the Upcountry since 1972, but took new ownership 23 years ago. How that new ownership came about was a little bit of a happenstance.

Back in 2002, Foothills’ current owner, Steve Crowe, wasn’t in the powersports business. The former star basketball player at Presbyterian College in nearby Clinton, South Carolina, owned a Swagelok valve sales and service center.

Meanwhile, the previous owners of Foothills were getting out of the powersports business and looking to sell the dealership. On the other hand, Crowe’s son Eric — who is currently the sales manager at Foothills — was just getting into motocross, and he and his dad went to the dealership looking to buy a bike. What happened after that … well, let’s say Steve came out with a little more than a motocross bike.

“Eric was getting into motocross, and one thing led to another, and Steve ended up buying the business,” recalls Jamie Willis, general manager of Foothills. “You know what they say, if you’re getting into racing, you better love it and you better live it.” Now a proud owner of a powersports dealership — a truly unique experience for Steve — his first order of business was to hire someone in the industry. Willis, who at the time worked as a sales associate for a competing dealership across town, was offered the general manager position.

“Steve was looking to expand the business. The old owners were enthusiasts but weren’t trying to grow the dealership, and I gladly took the opportunity,” Willis says.

Soon after Willis was aboard, Crowe wasted little time with his expansion and quickly relocated the dealership to its current location, which features 25,000 square feet of showroom space, with an additional 7,000 square feet for parts and services.

Now, 23 years later, Foothills is a full-service, multi-line powersports business. Its current inventory includes more than 500 motorcycles, dirt bikes, PWCs ATVs and side-by-sides, and features top brands such as CanAm, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Alta, Sea-Doo, Polaris, Husqvarna, and more.

Located in Piedmont, South Carolina, Foothills is near the Saluda River and surrounded by diverse waterways and off-road trails. Willis says that access to various environments allows the dealership to sell a variety of vehicles.

Inventory and sales

Overall, inventory has been moving steadily as of late. This year, Willis says he’s been seeing a slight uptick in the on-road and side-by-side segments. And while ATV sales have been slightly down, personal watercraft sales have remained flush.

Willis gives partial credit to OEMs such as BRP and Polaris for their aggressive promotions to help inventory move along at a good pace. Both Polaris and BRP have been leaning into finance incentives this spring to get ahead of the selling season. But despite the dealership plugging away on major unit sales, Willis admits sales have come back to pre−2020 levels.

“Let’s face it, this isn’t Covid times. There was a panic-purchase atmosphere during the pandemic, and demand was at an all-time high. Now is more the norm,” he says. “Right now, we’re sitting on around a three- to six-month supply of most products. Inventory is not an issue, but OEMs are still trying to adjust to the new, post-Covid demand.”

And as the powersports business has been in a minor slump over the last couple of years, Willis says Foothills is still in a good financial state.

“It’s not doom and gloom over here. We aren’t cutting off the lights anytime soon,” he says.

“And that’s a great testament to Foothills and our very friendly atmosphere. We have 23 employees, and very little turnover. We have a lot of repeat business, and our family atmosphere and win-win attitude is what sets us apart.”

F&I and tech

Other than major unit sales, Foothills says it has relied on its finance and insurance services to help keep business in the black. The dealership aims to capitalize on the complete customer ownership experience.

To retain repeat business, Foothills focuses on not just the sale of the unit, but prepaid maintenance and protection packages that focus on the lifecycle of the customer. Outside of financing, customers can also add parts and accessories, an extended service plan, and everything else you need to complete the full-ownership experience.

“Between the financing and protection service, customers are typically leaving here with a plan,” says Harrison Herron, finance manager.

“We try to make the purchases a super smooth, transparent, and simple process where customers don’t feel the burden like they do when buying a car.”

Herron says the dealership recently implemented a software platform, Revvable, to help the purchasing process be more efficient and elevate customer experience.

He explains how the entire Foothills team uses technology to help the customer throughout the buying process. The sales team utilizes prequalification tools via QR codes on the back of their business cards so customers can quickly access secure digital credit applications. Technicians, each armed with their laptop, can communicate both throughout the dealership and outside it with different manufacturers.

“We are just following the tech curve, and it’s been a huge help,” Herron adds.

Marketing and community

On the marketing side of things, Foothills primarily uses social media to promote new products and special offers. The dealership currently has more than 8,000 followers between its Facebook and Instagram pages, and the sales team posts walk-through videos on YouTube to showcase inventory, with its 115 videos having garnered more than 225,000 views.

“We try to utilize our following on social media to cast the widest net possible,” Herron says. “We really pride ourselves on follow-up calls and encourage engagement for customer reviews.”

Foothills also takes pride in its community outreach throughout Anderson County. It has donated units to local schools and collaborates with Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, holding events and organizing rides. The dealership also works closely with Anderson Area YMCA, an organization Willis says played a huge role in the owner Steve Crowe’s life growing up, and “was a great mentor to (Steve), and is something that is still near and dear to his heart.”

Foothills also works closely with Inspire Abilities of Anderson County, a local nonprofit that provides a support system for Above: Foothills Motorsports is a full-service, multi-line powersports business based in South Carolina. Below: Foothills carries a massive inventory of over 500 new and pre-owned vehicles that includes everything from Can-Am and Kawasaki, to Polaris and Suzuki. those with a diagnosis of intellectual disability, related disability, autism spectrum disorder, and head and or spinal cord injuries. The dealership employs one of Inspire Abilities’ clients. “She puts a smile on the face of everyone who walks through the door,” Willis says.

As for what’s next for Foothills Motorsports, Willis says, at the moment, he and his team have hit a sweet spot and are remaining focused on the dealership’s day-to-day but will remain business savvy.

“We’re pretty comfortable where we are. (That might change) if an opportunity arrives for us to remain competitive, but we feel we’re pretty in tune right now — just trying to be as proactive as possible and not reactive,” Willis says.

• The NASCAR Racing Experience at Daytona International Speedway allows fans to drive real NASCAR race cars for timed sessions, with passing allowed.
• Driving experiences range from 5 to 48 minutes and can be purchased online or by phone.
• Ride-along experiences with professional drivers are also available, lasting 3 or 6 laps.
• The Daytona 500 is scheduled for February 15, 2026.

Always wanted to be a professional NASCAR race driver? Here’s your chance.

EDINBURG, Texas — Many consider the Chevrolet Bel Air the classic American car.

It was certainly a classic ride for Cole Herbolt, who drove his beautiful red and silver Bel Air to victory in the No Box class Saturday at the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Summit SuperSeries races at Edinburg Motorsports Park.

Noe Martinez finished runner-up to Herbolt in the No Box final at the South Texas track. Jay Fitzgerald highlighted the list of other winners as he beat Leroy O’Bryant in the Electronics (Box) final. Raylynn “Speedy” Reeser captured the Junior Dragster victory, dispatching Brian Lopez in the final-round.

There were a couple of fantastic Index races as well. Mike Gaitan emerged the winner in the 5.80 Index race with Rigo Trevino taking runner-up honors. Manuel Rodriguez won the 7.0 Index race as Bobby Rodriguez (no relation) was lined up beside him in the final round.

Edinburg Motorsports Park has more IHRA Summit SuperSeries racing scheduled for June 20-21. Check out the EMP Facebook page as more exciting events are coming up at this South Texas facility.

Don’t miss out on your chance to race in the IHRA Summit SuperSeries, the most prestigious program in bracket racing. Sign up today to be part of the action at your own local drag strip.

Welcome back to This Week in iRacing, your guide to the daily, even hourly racing that members can get into, based on where their license level is at. There are also some special series that run at specific times that anyone can jump into, with the right credentials, that offer a more meaningful sim racing experience.

It’s Week 13! Happy New Build Week! We’ve got some special series and races to participate in regarding our latest updates, features, and content.

Here are a few of the highlighted series taking place this week — 2025 Season 2, Week 13 — from June 10th to June 16th in 2025.

WEEK 13 SERIES

On Tuesday, June 10th, the 2025 Season 3 build is scheduled to release with new content and updates across the service. Members who want to get in on the new content will get the chance to do so in some of our curated week-long series. This new content will also feature in various Week 13 festivities.

New Content and Features Series* for 2025 Season 3 Week 13 (*all start after build):

• 13^th Week iRacing GT3 Challenge – Fixed: New GT3 physics, The Bend
• 13^th Week Funny Forecast: TCR, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Ferrari 296 Challenge at Nurburgring Nordschleife (rain expected)
• 13^th Week iRacing Wet & Wild: Lotus 79, Super Formula, Skip Barber Formula 2000
• 13^th Week Shiny New Shakedown: Gen 4 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Ford Taurus (includes NASCAR Refresh tracks)
• 13^th Week IR18 Shakedown: Dallara IR18 (updated tires)
• 13^th Week Touring Car Challenge: TCRs at The Bend

For more information regarding the Week 13 schedule -> CLICK HERE

NASCAR iRACING SERIES

Back again in 2025, the NASCAR iRacing Series (Open Setup and Fixed Setup) follows the NASCAR Cup Series schedule for a 36-week racing season. The series visits the tracks on the real-world schedule, utilizing the NASCAR Next Gen Stock Cars from Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota.

Week 16 of 36 will take place at Daytona International Speedway – NASCAR Road. This race will utilize the Sports Car license this week.

The races this week are scheduled for:

Fixed Schedule: Wednesday, 21:00 GMT; Friday, 01:00 GMT; Saturday, 10:00 GMT and 16:00 GMT; Monday, 01:00 GMT
Open Schedule: Thursday, 01:00 GMT and 19:00 GMT; Saturday, 01:00 GMT; Sunday, 14:00 GMT

For more information on the NASCAR iRacing Series -> CLICK HERE

INDYCAR iRACING SERIES

The INDYCAR iRacing Series is an Open Setup season that predominantly follows the real world INDYCAR schedule, utilizing the Dallara IR-18. It will have full length races on road courses, while utilizing amended race distances for the ovals during the 16-week racing season.

Week 8 of 16 will take place at World Wide Technology Raceway (Gateway) – Oval.

The races this week are scheduled for:

Thursday 01:00 GMT, Friday 20:00 GMT, Saturday 18:00 GMT, Sunday 02:00 GMT

For more information on the INDYCAR iRacing Series -> CLICK HERE

iRACING GRAND PRIX TOUR

The fastest, most challenging, most exciting road racing series on the iRacing service, the iRacing Grand Prix Tour features the Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 E Performance on many of the world’s most fabled and demanding circuits, in either fixed or open setup series.

Week 10 of 24 will take place at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

The races this week are scheduled for:

Fixed Schedule: Thursday, 10:00 & 19:00 GMT; Friday, 01:00 & 04:00 GMT; Saturday, 10:00 & 19:00 GMT; Sunday, 01:00 & 04:00 GMT
Open Schedule: Friday, 10:00 & 19:00 GMT; Saturday, 01:00 & 04:00 GMT; Sunday, 10:00 & 19:00 GMT; Monday, 01:00 & 04:00 GMT

For more information on the iRacing Grand Prix Tour -> CLICK HERE

VINTAGE GRAND PRIX TOUR

New for 2025, the iRacing Vintage Grand Prix Tour brings the Lotus 79 on a tour that loosely resembles the 1978 World Driver’s Championship.

Week 6 of 16 will take place at Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto – Moto.

The races this week are scheduled for:

Tuesday 02:00 GMT, Sunday 07:00 GMT, Sunday 22:00 GMT, Monday 18:00 GMT

For more information on the iRacing Vintage Grand Prix Tour -> CLICK HERE

OFF THIS WEEK:

• CREVENTIC Endurance Series | Next Race (#3 of 5) at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli – Grand Prix (iRacing Season 3, Week 1)
• Dirt 410 Sprint Car Tour | Next Race (#18 of 37) at Huset’s Speedway (iRacing Season 3, Week 1)
• Dirt Super Late Model Tour | Next Race (#20 of 39) at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (iRacing Season 3, Week 1)
• Super Late Model Tour | Next Race (#10 of 23) at Slinger Speedway – Oval (iRacing Season 3, Week 1)
• NASCAR Modified Tour | Next Race (#10 of 21) at Southern National Motorsports Park (iRacing Season 3, Week 2)
• iRacing Nürburgring Endurance Series | Next Race (#4 of 9) at Nürburgring Combined – Gesamtstrecke VLN (iRacing Season 3, Week 5)

For more information on the iRacing CREVENTIC Endurance Series -> CLICK HERE
For more information on the Dirt 410 Sprint Car Tour -> CLICK HERE
For more information on the Dirt Super Late Model Tour -> CLICK HERE
For more information on the Super Late Model Tour -> CLICK HERE
For more information on the NASCAR Modified Tour -> CLICK HERE
For more information on the iRacing Nurburgring Endurance Series -> CLICK HERE

NEXT iRACING SPECIAL EVENT: iRacing 6Hrs Of The Glen presented by VCO

June 27th – June 28th | iRacing 6Hrs Of The Glen presented by VCO (VCO Grand Slam #3) (iRacing Season 3, Week 2)

For more information on the 2025 iRacing Special Events calendar -> CLICK HERE

For more information on iRacing and for special offers, visit www.iracing.com.

¡Vamos! NASCAR brings its premier Cup Series south of the border this week for its first international points race since 1958, as well as the first-ever Cup Series event in Mexico.

This season’s signature new event marks a significant step in NASCAR’s international plans and a key test to determine if the sport’s popularity in the United States, with its unique stock car brand, can be translated elsewhere.

The timing is especially good given NASCAR has a Mexico native on one of the top teams: Daniel Suárez, who is a two-time Cup Series race winner for Trackhouse Racing — a resume which includes a road course victory at Sonoma Raceway.

The race will be held at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, on a road course most known for hosting Formula One grands prix. NASCAR has only slightly modified the track and will use an altered 2.49-mile layout versus F1’s 2.67-mile layout, rounding out a corner at Turn 4 and eliminating two corners there vs. the F1 configuration. The Cup Series will also have 29 more laps than the F1 race, making it significantly longer (242.9 miles compared to 189.7 miles for F1).

“You can see the excitement from the media people, the venue looks amazing, and I love Mexican food,” said Kyle Larson, who visited the track recently for a promotional event. “It’s going to be a great time, a great event and cool to go race in a different country in front of race fans who maybe have never seen us race in person.”

Before NASCAR makes its run for the border, here’s what you need to know about Mexico’s premier racing circuit.

How it all began

(Note: This section previously appeared in our F1 Mexico City Grand Prix circuit breakdown.)

The track’s origins are captured in its name, which quite literally translates to “autodrome of the Rodríguez brothers.”

Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez helped increase the popularity of motorsport in Mexico. Their father served as an advisor to Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos, and he suggested the president create a motorsport circuit using existing internal roads in Mexico City’s Magdalena Mixiuhca sports park. The president agreed, and the circuit was built less than a year later.

But the Rodríguez brothers’ lives were marred by tragedy. F1 arrived in 1962 with a non-championship grand prix, but Ricardo Rodríguez died during practice when his car overturned and caught fire. Then, in 1971, Pedro Rodríguez suffered fatal injuries in a sports car race. The track was then officially named Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in the early 1970s.

F1 brought its first world championship event to the track in 1963, a race dominated by Jim Clark. The series stayed until the 1970s, but due to safety concerns, it was dropped until the mid-1980s. It underwent a renovation, and the sport returned from 1986 until 1992. But Mexico fell off the calendar until 2015.

Other racing series filled the void in the meantime, including CART (1980-81 and 2002-07) and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Xfinity raced there four times in the mid-2000s (races were won by Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, Juan Pablo Montoya and Kyle Busch) before leaving following the 2008 season.

But those NASCAR races were on a different layout; when F1 returned in 2015, it was reconfigured and now includes a famous cut-through of an old baseball stadium on the property.

— Madeline Coleman

High society

With Mexico City at an altitude of 7,350 feet, this will be the highest elevation race in Cup Series history.

That will require a significant challenge for engine builders, as the motors will generate significantly less horsepower in high altitude. It will also affect the cars’ cooling because water boils at a lower temperature at elevation, and they have options to run different louvers (vents) in the hoods.

It would also affect the drivers themselves, although drivers are split on how much preparation will be necessary.

Chase Briscoe, for example, said he has been sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber (which simulates the conditions felt by the body at high elevations). Briscoe said he hopes it will be helpful, because otherwise he’s been leaving his wife to take care of their young twins at night by herself for nothing.

“If we get to Mexico and all that was a waste of time, I’ll just be in the dog house,” Briscoe said. “You get good sleep because you’re not getting woken up by the kids, but it’s like 90 degrees in this tent. It smells like straight-up plastic.”

Briscoe has also been doing two-a-day workouts on Wednesdays and going to a heat room to try and build up his endurance. Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell said he’s also been doing some altitude training to prepare, just in case it’s necessary.

“The last thing I would want to do is get down there and not feel well and not be able to perform in the car,” Bell said.

Larson said he went for a run during his Mexico visit and didn’t think the extra exertion required was anything particularly notable. Similarly, Ryan Blaney said there wouldn’t be any acclimation process for him. When he visited Mexico City for his own media tour earlier this year, he was told it wouldn’t even be very hot by the time NASCAR returned (temperatures are expected to be in the low 70s with rain).

“I don’t think I’ll do anything differently,” Blaney said.

Bubba Wallace joked he would practice holding his breath and “see if I can get longer and longer.”

But Denny Hamlin scoffed at the notion altogether.

“I’m not soft like these guys,” Hamlin said. “I don’t get bothered by heat or get exhausted. I know the air is thinner and all that, and I know a lot of guys are preparing for it — as they should — but I will not be.”

— Jeff Gluck

NASCAR’s inaugural Cup Series race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez should look a lot different than F1’s annual grand prix on the circuit. (Chris Graythen / Getty Images)

How it will race

Similarly to Circuit of the Americas in Austin — the only other current track shared by both NASCAR and F1 — the cars will race dramatically differently.

In the esses, for example, F1 cars blow through there wide open. But Cup drivers believe they’ll have to meander through that section in second gear.

The famous stadium section (at left in the graphic above) has a turn which will require the Cup cars to slow down to a near stop (“like 30 mph,” Erik Jones estimated) and then make a large arc into the corner — somewhat like the new Charlotte Roval turn that caused some chaos last fall.

Chase Elliott said that could be a controversial turn because there’s no real way to protect against a dive bomb move.

“It’s kind of just, ‘How much respect do you have for your competitors?’ and, ‘How silly do you want to be?’” Elliott said. “Typically, if you’re around guys you share a lot of mutual respect with, you don’t see stupid stuff happen. And when stupid stuff does happen, it’s just a sign of someone who doesn’t respect somebody else. Typically, that is when that stuff gets out of hand.”

But in general, Blaney said, the course will suit NASCAR very well with multiple passing zones.

“They did a really good job on it,” he said. “It has all different aspects from high-speed straightaways, really heavy braking zones, flowy sections and then your really slow stadium section. It has all pieces of road courses we run mashed into one, so it looks like a great racetrack.”

— Jeff Gluck

(Top photo: Manuel Velasquez / Getty Images)