The No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsport 963 has been disqualified from Wednesday evening’s Le Mans 24 Hours Qualifying session for failing to meet the minimum weight in post-qualifying technical inspection.

As a consequence, defending FIA World Hypercar Endurance Champions Kevin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor, and co-driver Matt Campbell, will start from the rear of the Hypercar class grid on Saturday. Vanthoor is one of three Porsche Penske drivers attempting to win all three legs of the Triple Crown of Endurance Racing in the same year.

The Stewards’ decision reads: “After having examined the Technical Delegate report, the Stewards considered the minimum car weight did not comply with the relevant regulations.

“During the hearing, the Team Manager confirmed and accepted the procedure of the scrutineering and the measurements. Consequently, the Stewards decided to impose the disqualification of car 6 from the qualifying session. The car 6 will start at the back of the grid of his category according to the Article 10.2.2 of 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans supplementary regulations.

It also states: “As a result, the Stewards decided that the competitors classified behind car 6 at the end of the qualifying session will be moved up in the classification in accordance with article 12.19 of FIA Sporting Code.” 

This confirms that the No. 009 Aston Martin THOR Team Valkyrie, which had originally finished 16th in first Qualifying after being bumped outside the top 15 at the checkered flag, will move back into the top 15 and participate in Hyperpole 1.

With the addition of one Aston Martin, seven of the eight Hypercar manufacturers will have at least one car in the first Hyperpole session which begins at 9:05 PM CET.

NASCAR Cup Series teams and drivers are preparing for a number of different variables that come with racing in Mexico City this weekend, and that includes the altitude.

The circuit, Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, sits 7,500 feet above sea level. It will be the highest-elevation race the Cup Series has ever experienced. And high altitude means thinner air.

Toyota wanted to make sure their drivers were prepared for any physical effects. At the Toyota Performance Center in Mooresville, N.C., the company, through Caitlin Quinn, director of performance at TPC, created an environment for drivers to train. It focused on being in a hypoxic environment, which means it has low oxygen levels. Stephanie Fernandes, the sports dietitian at TPC, also played a large role.

“It started with a question from one of our Cup (Series) drivers saying, ‘Hey, are we getting ready for Mexico?’” Quinn said recently. “I was like, ‘What do you mean?’”

Quinn started digging into research and the numbers as far as elevation. Once it was realized how high above sea level the track sits, she acknowledged “that can have a significant impact on performance. … It could have a pretty serious effect on some of the drivers.”

The ill effects that some might feel in high altitude can include headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea. All of the Toyota drivers were given the same information and chance to train. While all of them heard Quinn out, some went all in like Tyler Reddick on the Cup Series side, and others chose what would work best for them or how far they wanted to take the training.

The training started about nine weeks ago. Quinn didn’t go into specifics – understandably not wanting to give the proprietary information TPC has developed – about the training or nutrition program but she explained that some of it involved exercises to deal with heat tolerance and Fernandes provided supplements to help with the training effects.

Some of the issues that drivers might have to deal with behind the wheel include cooling, dehydration and even some inner ear or central nervous function. In other words, as Quinn said, all the things drivers need to do their jobs well. And so, Quinn wanted to find a way to expose the drivers to a lower oxygen environment or have them exercise in such an environment.

Reddick, for example, wanted to balance both training and sleeping in the hypoxic environment. His wife Alexa supported his taking the measures needed to prepare but being late in her pregnancy with their second child, the sleeping away from home didn’t thrill her.

“I definitely noticed a difference from the start until where I’m at now,” Reddick said. “It was fun. It was a new challenge, as well. I’ve always enjoyed training but doing this has been fun. The setting, atmosphere is all different and you’re testing yourself in new ways. Pretty early on I was starting to notice the benefits.

“I was really thankful for all the work that (everyone) was putting in, the sport’s dietician … helping out with all things we might need in our body to go with it. I really enjoyed it, honestly. It is different sleeping in a hypoxic environment but it’s really cool to see the changes so far and I’m excited to see what it’s going to be like when I get to Mexico City.”

The investment at the TPC will not go to waste on one race. Quinn explained there are plans to implement it in the future for drivers to use as a tool for other races, and not just one at high altitude. She also understands that while some drivers might feel negative effects in Mexico City, there will be others who will be fine without doing anything special to prepare for it.

“Maybe these guys are going to feel awesome and not just fine,” she said of the Toyota competitors. “It’s an advantage, potentially. Not necessarily that everyone will be at a detriment when they go. I understand that. We knew that from day one.

“It was (about), can we gain a competitive advantage from feeling really good there as opposed to just fine.”

Chase Elliott will again have his No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet decorated by a child to bring attention to and help raise funds for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

This marks the ninth edition of the “Desi9n to Drive” program through the Chase Elliott Foundation. “Desi9n to Drive” has raised nearly half a million dollars for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Elliott will run the special scheme on his Hendrick Motorsports car at EchoPark Speedway, the track formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway.

“At first (the program) kind of started off with shoes and really NAPA’s involvement kind of took it to the next level, honestly,” Elliott said. “It’s been rewarding, but I think more than anything it’s had an impactful difference on people’s lives.”

Elliott’s car and uniform for the June 28 race will feature a design created by 11-year-old Rhealynn Mills, chosen among submissions from patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s.

She was diagnosed with Metastatic Osteosarcoma in October 2022. She had her right leg amputated, one of 19 surgeries she has undergone.

Photo: Hendrick Motorsports

Her design illustrates her desire to be a nurse and features symbols of hope and healing, including gold childhood cancer ribbons, stethoscopes, heart monitors and the words “Cure Cancer” and “healing kids like me” on the No. 9 car.

“For her to kind of exemplify and show the fight that she’s gone through and that attitude that she’s had throughout the process, I think, is really important,” Elliott said of Mills’ design. “Excited to have her and meet here and spend some time with her family, too. I’ve said this before, it’s not just her, the whole family and what they go through and deal with through the process, it’s a lot of weight on a lot of different people.”

Elliott said that having such interactions are special to him.

“I say this a lot, if you can help make 1% of somebody’s day a little better in that situation, I think it’s worth the time,” he said. “I think that’s always a good reminder. We obviously have a lot going on, too, and everybody has their things in their own lives. I think there’s a lot of lessons in all of that.

“I think one of the biggest ones I’ve taken is you just don’t really know what someone is going through when you walk past them on the street. I think that’s just a really important thing to remember. If people can take that away from some of this, you might see these people or family members or her and have no idea, right?

“Just showing them some respect and hopefully making their days better and giving them an experience they might not have, whether they’re race fans or not, I think, is a good thing. We’re just trying to help.”

Race fans can enter the online sweepstakes fundraiser at desi9ntodrive.org to win part of Elliott’s race-worn Atlanta uniform, or a VIP race day meet and greet experience with Elliott. The donations will benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s. The sweepstakes start June 12 and closes July 7.

Rev up your engines as NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon takes on Le Mans in an adrenaline-fueled journey like never before! Get ready to witness “American Thunder,” the documentary that will have you on the edge of your seat ahead of its debut on Prime Video.

In this high-octane adventure, Gordon declares, “We’re representing America,” as he gears up for the ultimate test of skill and speed at Le Mans. The NASCAR icon gives fans a sneak peek into the heart-pounding action and intense competition that awaits in this thrilling documentary.

Join Gordon as he shifts into high gear and delves into the world of Le Mans, showcasing the grit, determination, and raw talent that define American racing. With behind-the-scenes access and exclusive interviews, “American Thunder” offers a front-row seat to the pulse-pounding excitement of one of the most prestigious races in the world.

Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the rush of NASCAR taking on Le Mans like never before. Buckle up and get ready for a white-knuckle ride as Jeff Gordon and his team rev up for glory in “American Thunder.”

In sad news ahead of the NASCAR Cup Mexico City, it has been confirmed that Travis Carter, NASCAR team owner and founder of Travis Carter Enterprises, has died at the age of 75. After staying in a hospice towards the end of his life, Carter died on June 10, 2025.

NASCAR issued the following statement:

“From his early days atop the pit box to his years as a respected team owner, Travis Carter embodied the competitive spirit, integrity, and passion that define NASCAR. NASCAR extends its heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and many friends.”

Carter became crew chief for Benny Parsons, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, and put a championship win under his belt with the team.

In 1990, the North Carolina native put his own car and team into a race.

A number of NASCAR personalities and stakeholders have shared their condolences.

Rick Mast posted to X: “In 1989 Travis Carter, while in a desperate situation trying to save his team, took a chance on an unproven, unpolished rookie race car driver at @DAYTONA. He was rewarded with running up front, leading, and a 6th place finish. (Could’ve won had we gambled on fuel like Darrell did). This race propelled me into the spotlight and reaffirmed Travis’s place in our sport. That man took a chance on me because he ‘saw something.’ Travis was a visionary and was hailed with the upmost [sic] respect in our industry. RIP dear friend. ‘It’s ah dupping'”

ESPN writer Ryan McGee posted: “Godspeed Travis Carter. He used to greet me with ‘Hey, Cousin McGee’ because I was from Rockingham, NC and he was from Ellerbe, NC and ‘that’s close enough.’ What a NASCAR legend and what a damn nice guy.”

Brett Griffin also added to the tributes: “RIP Travis Carter. Got to see him a lot over the last few years at basketball games. His son Matt coached Bode for several seasons. Great family. Glad I snagged this pic of him last year to send to a buddy of mine.”

Brian Keselowski said his goodbyes: “Just heard about Travis Carter passing away. If you didn’t know him, you missed out on a great guy. When we first moved to NC in 2010 we rented a shop from him. He was so happy for us when we made Daytona in 2011, I’ll never forget it. Rest easy my friend.”

Today, NASCAR announced that Arby’s will join the league as the newest Founding Partner of the 2025 Chicago Street Race, which returns to downtown Chicago’s Grant Park on July 5-6. The announcement amplifies Arby’s involvement within the sport, as the brand serves as an anchor partner for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) and driver Cody Ware in the NASCAR Cup Series. Arby’s joins Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Xfinity’s Xumo brand as the third Founding Partner of the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race – the highest level of sponsorship for the event.

“It’s a watershed moment anytime you have a new brand joining the sport for the first time, especially when it’s a partner like Arby’s with such a unique, recognizable brand,” said Craig Stimmel, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, NASCAR. “The fact that we’re welcoming Arby’s to NASCAR on the streets of Chicago speaks to the tremendous momentum behind the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and the sport overall.”

In addition to joining the NASCAR Chicago Street Race as a Founding Partner, Arby’s will adorn RWR’s No. 51 Ford Mustang, with Cody Ware scheduled to make a special fan appearance at the track during the Chicago Street Race Weekend. The Arby’s team will also bring unique activations, surprise appearances, and product offers during the Independence Day Weekend event.

Fans can also look for a special sweepstakes at Arby’s 47 local restaurants throughout the Chicago area, for a chance to win tickets to the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend.

“Arby’s is thrilled to hit the track as a Founding Partner of the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race,” said Jeff Baker, Chief Marketing Officer at Arby’s. “This marks an exciting moment for our brand in the world of motorsports, with one of the most dynamic and groundbreaking events in racing. Nothing goes better with NASCAR than one of our delicious Arby’s sandwiches, and we can’t wait to bring the meats to the streets for race fans and Arby’s fans in Chicago and beyond.

Arby’s, the beloved fast-food chain renowned for its delicious sandwiches and signature sauces offers a variety of high-quality proteins and innovative, crave-able sides, such as Curly Fries and Jamocha shakes. Arby’s restaurant services feature a unique blend of quick-serve speed combined with the quality and made-for-you care of fast casual. Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the franchisor of the Arby’s Brand and is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. Arby’s, founded in 1964, is a leading sandwich drive-thru restaurant brand with more than 3,600 restaurants globally.

“Arby’s is all about bringing joy to their fans, and that’s exactly our goal with the NASCAR Chicago Street Race,” said Julie Giese, NASCAR Chicago Street Race President. “As anticipation rises in the Chicago market, we know that Arby’s will be a perfect fit for the fun and enjoyment that we plan to bring back to Grant Park this Independence Day Weekend.”

The NASCAR Chicago Street Race – which was named “Sports Event of the Year” by Sports Business Journal – previously announced new ticket options, along with reduced prices throughout the footprint, and a shorter overall build schedule. Guests will also enjoy significantly lower price points on Grounds Pass tickets and reserved seating (which now includes a new single-day option as well). Single-day Grounds Pass tickets start at $123.08 including ALL taxes and fees (35% less than last year), and Frontstretch Premier Grandstands Reserved seats are available at nearly a 50% reduction from 2024 prices.

Fans can subscribe to receive exclusive NASCAR Chicago Street Race emails for ticketing alerts. For a complete listing of ticketing options or to purchase tickets, fans can visit NASCARChicago.com or call 888-629-7223. Follow @NASCARChicago on Instagram,  X and Facebook and download the NASCAR Tracks App for the latest real-time updates on all aspects of the event.

NASCAR PR