Watching NASCAR races on TV is one way to spend a race weekend. However, if you’re lucky enough to attend an actual race, the experience is always better. That’s exactly what this past weekend was like for me. I spent the weekend at my home track, Michigan International Speedway. It wasn’t my first time, since I’ve been going to races since I was a little boy. MIS never disappoints. Hence why I like going every year.

What does a weekend at Michigan International Speedway look like?

There is racing action from Friday until Sunday, when NASCAR visits the Irish Hills. A little advice: Sure, the ARCA Menards Series raced on Friday, but that is also the best day to get your merchandising shopping done. I am a big die-cast collector myself. So when I made my way to the Chase Elliott hauler looking for his Amazon Prime 1/64 die-cast, I was very lucky. I got the last one, as the workers at the hauler had to pull the car from their display case. Sometimes you can’t be as fortunate.

Elsewhere, Friday was a good day to get an idea of where your favorite driver could be appearing. Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson would both be signing at their haulers on Sunday. Only 100 wristbands were being given on Friday, plus fans had to purchase a 1/24 die-cast to receive the wristband. I won’t lie, I was one of those people as I got a wristband to get Larson’s autograph.

Another great thing about MIS was seeing all the sponsors with their activation booths. That included a huge RAM Trucks display. Which I’ll get back to more on, given all the rumors that were floating around over the past weekend.

That Truck Wreck on Saturday Was Wild

The best part of going to a NASCAR race is that you never know what could happen. I like taking my dad to the races, and we both had a great time. The Craftsman Truck Series on Saturday didn’t disappoint. From great racing on track for the first time in the series in five years. To maybe one of the craziest moments seen in years.

The truck racers had a big moment with under 10 laps to go on a restart, as none of them got going, leading to a massive wreck. The best part of that incident was that it happened right in front of where I was seated in the grandstands. I’ve seen some wild things in my 28-plus years in NASCAR, but to see that in person was insane.

If that wasn’t enough to see such a great crowd for the Truck Series was simply special. I don’t have a total number, but boy, was everyone around me having a great time. Especially the rowdy group that was throwing Jello-shots at everyone else in the crowd. I suppose that’s just how NASCAR fans do it at Michigan. There is nothing wrong with that.

Cup Race Didn’t Disappoint

Sunday was a great day all around. Sure, plenty of people weren’t happy with Denny Hamlin crossing the line first, but that didn’t ruin my weekend. I got to see hard racing and plenty of drama around the race track.

I spent the morning listening to plenty of the drivers speak at their Q&A sessions. That was before I had to go jump in line to get Kyle Larson’s autograph. While I was doing that, my sister lucked out, as she was at the race with me. She got to get her favorite driver’s autograph on her hat. She got it signed by Elliott at the Chevy display.

It’s great to see all these drivers making appearances, and especially for the fans to interact with their favorite driver. It’s the biggest opportunity I’ve seen for people to get a chance to get something signed by the drivers at MIS in several years. While all that was going on, the biggest reason why I knew the RAM Display was so important was that the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series had a huge announcement at 1 pm on Sunday before the Cup race.

It’s not a secret anymore. Dodge RAM is returning to the Truck Series. I knew it was true the minute I saw the display on Friday. So welcome back, Dodge. As for the racing action on Sunday. From my seat at the end of pit road heading into turn one, I got to see all of the action. From Alex Bowman’s massive head-on crash into the outside wall off of turn two, to Denny Hamlin outdueling William Byron before he ran out of fuel.

Read More: RAM Trucks returning to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026

Not to mention the pair of Larson fans who were making the rounds on Social Media for cheering him on every lap. Those guys were about four rows below me to the right.

Just some good ol boys cheering on Kyle Larson. They’ve been doing this all race for every car Larson passes. Needless to say they’ve done it a lot love their energy!! #Nascar #KyleLarson pic.twitter.com/m11Oq93kcV

— ACS Racing Network (@ACS_onYouTube24) June 8, 2025

It was yet another great NASCAR weekend at Michigan International Speedway. I’m glad to have been there, and will continue to go to my hometown for as long as possible. There’s nothing like living just about 45 minutes away from a NASCAR track.

Read Next: Chevy Flexes Power, But Denny Hamlin Stands Tall in Irish Hills

Main Photo: Meg Oliphant, Getty Images

Recording Date: 6/8/2025

With NASCAR’s annual visit to Pocono Raceway just over a week away, limited grandstand tickets remain for next Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.COM while all camping is sold out for the tripleheader weekend.

Limited seats remain in the 100, 200 and 300 sections as Pocono Raceway seeks a third consecutive sellout of the marquee NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 22, beginning at 2 p.m. ET (TV: Amazon Prime, Radio: MRN, SiriusXM). The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.COM already has attracted fans from 50 states and 13 international countries. Click HERE for more information and remaining grandstand ticket options.

The entire inventory of 3,300 camping sites on property sold out earlier this week, with infield camping selling out for the fifth consecutive year.

Tickets remain available for the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series MillerTech Battery 200 on Friday, June 20, at 5 p.m. and Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 on Saturday, June 21, at 3:30 p.m.

For additional information about The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.COM race weekend, please visitwww.poconoraceway.com.

Pocono Raceway PR

In this week’s Motion Motorsport Report, Dave Mathers is revved up about the return of the ISMA Supermodifieds to Delaware Speedway last Friday. He also looks at other news and races around Ontario and the racing world.

GRAND SLAM HOME RUN! Delaware Speedway played host last Friday night to the return – after eight long years – of the bad, fast, and exciting Super Modifieds, and the results were nothing short of spectacular! The largest crowd in many years filled the stands and the parking lots – and reportedly cleaned out the concession stands.

As always, the pit rumor mill was buzzing, with many suggesting the series will be back next year on the Saturday of the Canada Day weekend. Thanks to the new ownership group, the track was wisely repaved a few years ago, making side-by-side racing possible – something that simply wasn’t feasible on the old surface. Race results are found below.

In yet another head-scratching move from the IndyCar technical staff, A.J. Foyt Enterprises’ car, driven by second-place finisher Santino Ferrucci in Detroit, was fined $25,000 and docked 25 driver points for – get this – having a driver ballast that didn’t meet the 185-pound combined weight requirement by less than a pound, violating the narrow tolerance of 0.00 to +1.00 pounds. Yes, the ‘Danica Patrick Rule’ is intended to prevent unfair advantages for lighter drivers, but here’s the kicker: the car was TEN pounds overweight! Really?

Rumours are swirling that NASCAR may increase horsepower for the Cup cars. Teams have been lobbying for more power to better complement the Next Gen chassis, and let’s face it – what driver doesn’t want more horsepower? While we’re unlikely to return to the 900+ HP days, a bit more oomph could certainly spice things up.

From Jayski.com: A three-judge panel from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated the preliminary injunction that allowed 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to compete as chartered teams and receive the associated financial benefits. Good news for NASCAR.

Reports are also circulating about NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps attending a NASCAR Brazil race, igniting speculation that a Cup Series race could be headed there. But what about CANADA? Tons of fans here, and no international flights required!

After many years, I finally got to meet superstar race photographer Alan Arseneault last Friday night at Delaware. I’ve admired his incredible racing photos for years but had never met him in person. Great guy.

At a press event at Michigan International Speedway (MIS), Stellantis announced its return to NASCAR. RAM trucks will initially enter the Truck Series, with strong rumors of a future move to Xfinity and Cup. Good news!

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FAMILY FUN WEEKEND AT ST. THOMAS DRAGWAY

The group that brings you the exciting 660 Sportsman Nationals is presenting the inaugural Family Fun Weekend June 20-22 at St. Thomas Dragway.

The jam-packed drag racing event will feature: Rick Ream’s Wheelstanding Studebaker Firetruck, Neale Armstrong’s Northern Warrior Jet Dragster, Nostalgia Funny Cars – Matt Stambaugh Generation X vs Paul & Brian Noakes new ’67 Chevy II dubbed Wheeler Dealer (below), CJR Hellcats, Canada’s fastest Durango & 9-second Trackhawk, a Batmobile, the Ecto1 from Ghostbusters, the Blues Brothers Car, Ontario Nostalgia Drag Racing and bracket racing. First Responders and Service Club members receive special discount pricing!

Click on the flyer at right for more info, and visit the 660 Sportsman Nationals Facebook page for the latest news and everything you need to know about this first-time event.

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NASCAR Cup Series – At MIS qualifying, Chase Briscoe (Toyota) snagged his third straight pole, edging out Kyle Busch (Chevy) and Denny Hamlin (Toyota). The field featured 36 cars: 15 Chevys, 12 Fords, and 9 Toyotas. Tyler Reddick had to start at the back after some “unapproved adjustments.”

Stage 1 went smoothly, with Chris Buescher taking the stage win. The first caution came on lap 59 when Noah Gragson and John Hunter Nemechek spun on the backstretch. Soon after, Cole Custer and Alex Bowman collided, with Bowman hitting the wall hard. Briscoe and Daniel Suarez also got caught up, prompting a yellow and then red for debris.

On lap 72, Nemechek backed it into the wall in Turn 4. Another yellow. Ryan Blaney spun entering pit road on lap 109 – yet another yellow. William Byron claimed Stage 2. On lap 145, Todd Gilliland hit the wall in Turn 2 after a left rear tire blew.

At the checkered flag, it was Denny Hamlin with a fuel-mileage victory over Chris Buescher and Ty Gibbs. Three of the top four finishers near the Motor City were Toyotas. In the points, William Byron leads Kyle Larson by 41, and Hamlin by 82.

Next race: Mexico City, Friday, 3 p.m. on TSN 3

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Bonfield Event Park, located east of North Bay, Ontario, plays host to the Spring Bracket Race (June 13-15). Visit www.thebafm.com or call (705) 487-3663 for info.

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Xfinity Series – Next race: Mexico City, Saturday, 4:30 p.m. on CW

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Saturday at MIS, Luke Fenhaus (Ford) earned the pole over Carson Hocevar (Chevy) and Matt Crafton (Ford). Canadian Stewart Friesen (Toyota) started 17th. The 32-truck field included 16 Chevys, 10 Fords, and 6 Toyotas – still no RAMs. Corey Heim took both Stage 1 and 2 wins. At halfway, Heim led over Kaden Honeycutt and Hocevar.

The first caution came just three laps into the restart when Jack Wood backed it into the wall in Turn 4. Rajah Caruth also found the Turn 2 wall shortly after, with a little help. A tangle between Nathan Byrd and Morgen Baird led to another yellow and eventually a red for wall repairs.

The final 20 laps were wild, with the lead changing several times. Ross Chastain got fully sideways after contact with Hocevar but saved it. A tire carcass caused another yellow with 9 to go. On the restart, a wreck collected Daniel Hemric, Chastain, and eight others, after Tanner Gray turned Chastain. And once again, Live Timing had a meltdown – showing Hemric 15 laps down and Corey LaJoie 12 laps back with four laps to go.

NASCAR overtime! Lawless Alan Body slammed the wall after contact but kept rolling. Hemric blew a tire with two to go – another yellow. On the third green-white-checkered attempt, Friesen took advantage of others going high and restarted on the inside front row. At the flag, it was “Oh, Canada!” – Friesen took the win over Grant Enfinger and Fenhaus.

In points, Heim (finished 18th) leads Chandler Smith by 133 and Hemric by 151. Friesen sits 10th, 258 points back.

Next race: Pocono, Friday, June 20

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CASC-OR – The VARAC Vintage Grand Prix returns to CTMP June 12-15. And the BARC Canadian Touring Trophy Races are slated for July 26-27 at CTMP. Click HERE to visit the CASC-OR homepage.

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Formula One next race: Montreal, Sunday

IndyCar next race: Gateway, Sunday

IMSA – At Mid-Ohio, the BMW of Machavern/Selldorff won GS, beating the Mercedes of Morad/Ward and the Porsche of Heylen/Mars. In TCR, Gottsacker/Filippi’s Hyundai triumphed over teammates Brown/Dupont and the Honda trio of Yoshihara/Montour/Wittmer. 22 GS and 15 TCR entries. Next race: Watkins Glen, Sunday, June 22

24 Hours of Le Mans: Saturday & Sunday

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This Saturday, Flamboro Speedway hosts the annual Don Biederman Memorial featuring the Outlaw Super Late Models, the Canadian Vintage Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Pure Stocks and a Cruise Night. Biederman was a legendary stock car racer who was a prominent racer at Flamboro. Here’s a link to a gallery of images featuring Biederman. And click HERE or on the banner above for more info about the Biederman Memorial Night.

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NHRA – Back in 1967, I asked a tech guy at Bristol why they called it Thunder Valley. “Wait for the first pair of Top Fuelers,” he said. When they ran, the sound echoed back 30 seconds later. We both laughed.

Top Fuel – Tony Stewart led qualifying with a 3.755 at 325.77. Canadian Dan Mercier was 10th. Stewart also won the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge over Doug Kalitta. Steve Torrence took the event win over Justin Ashley. Two upsets, 10 smokers.

Funny Car – Austin Prock led qualifying with a 3.931 at 329.10. Canadian Spencer Hyde qualified 11th. J.R. Todd won the Challenge over Jack Beckman. Ron Capps won the final. Five upsets, 10 smokers.

Pro Mod – Mason Wright topped 21 entries with a 5.803. Canadians Jordan Lazic and Justin Bond qualified 6th and 10th. JR Gray beat Mike Stavrinos in the final by 0.011 seconds. Two upsets, three smokers.

Pro Stock – Dallas Glenn topped qualifying. Aaron Stanfield won the Challenge. Greg Anderson beat Glenn in the final. Two upsets, seven smokers.

Pro Stock Bike – Brayden Davis led qualifying. Gaige Herrera won the Challenge, but Richard Gadson beat Herrera in the final. Three upsets.

Mountain Motor Pro Stock – John DeFlorian Jr. led qualifying and won the final. Three upsets.

Factory Stock Showdown – Lee Hartman topped qualifying. Mark Pawuk won the final over James Betz. Four upsets, one smoker.

Next race: Virginia, Sunday, June 22

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WASAGA BEACH CRUISERS – CRUISE FEST WEEKEND

The Wasaga Beach Cruisers are holding their Cruise Fest Weekend on Saturday, June 21 in Klondike Park in Wasaga Beach, ON. Their weekly Monday night cruise events started May 12 at the Stonebridge Gazebo across from the Walmart parking lot. The cruise nights start between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. and run until dusk. Click HERE for more information about Cruise Fest.

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NASCAR Canada Series – The race at Chaudière was postponed to Saturday, August 2 due to weather. Next race: Sunset, Saturday, June 21

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APC Series – At Flamboro Speedway, Jake Sheridan earned the pole over Kyle Steckly and Cole Quinton. At the flag, Steckly won over Shae Gemmell and Sheridan. Eight cars finished on the lead lap. In the points, Josh Stade leads Gemmell and Shawn Chenoweth by five. Next race: Peterborough, Saturday.

Ontario Sportsman Series – Next race: Sunset, Saturday

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Brockville Ontario Speedway: This Saturday at The BOS the Surprenant Truck Shop Crate Sprints, Modified, Sportsman, Novice Sportsman, Street Stocks and Pro Stocks take to the track. Click HERE for more info. Looking ahead, the Empire Super Sprints make their way to The BOS on June 21. And on July 12, the Ogilvie’s Triple Crown Series takes to the track. And you won’t want to miss the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds on July 30!

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Delaware Speedway – As Rodney Dangerfield would say: “What a crowd!” 18 Super Modifieds thrilled fans on the repaved half-mile. Vermillion, Ohio’s Tyler Shullick smashed Ryan Litt’s longstanding track record with a 15.383. Mike Ordway was second, Kyle Edwards third, and London’s Mark Sammut seventh. Heat winners were Josh Sokolic, Mike McVetta, and Sammut. In the

50-lap feature, Trent Stephens passed pole-sitter Ordway on lap 10 and led the rest of the way. A single caution flew when Johnny Benson spun on lap 33. At the finish, it was Stephens over Ordway and Edwards. Sammut advanced from 10th to finish fifth. Canadian Mike Lichty finished seventh.

In Super Stocks, Cody Wilds and Trevor Collver won the heats, with Collver winning the feature over Carson Nagy and Nic Ramsay. In V8 Stocks (14 cars), Lucas Orr and Jeremy Taggart won the heats. Barry Watson took the feature over Taggart and Kaden Patrick. The crowd enjoyed a laugh when the spectator lights were finally turned on at 9:30 p.m.!

Next race: Autograph Night – V8 Stock, Bone Stock 40 Special, Friday

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Edmonton International Raceway – This Saturday (June 14) is First Responders & Health Car Workers Appreciation Night at EIR. The evening will feature a Meet the Drivers Autograph Session, Late Models, Pure Stocks, Future Stocks, IMCA and Stackers. Click HERE for more info related to Saturday and additional news about all the things happening at Western Canada’s only NASCAR-sanctioned speedway.

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Other Ontario Short Track/Drag Racing Notes:

Buxton Speedway: Late Models, TS, MOD, MM, MS – Saturday

Bonfield Event Park: The Spring Bracket Race takes place June 13-15 at the facility located 30 minutes east of North Bay, ON.

Ohsweken Speedway: Halloween in June – Friday

Full Throttle Motor Speedway: Midgets, Legends – Saturday

Sunset Speedway: Ontario Sportsman Series – Saturday

Grand Bend Speedway: NASCAR Weekly Series – Saturday

Grand Bend Motorplex: Great Canadian Truck Show – this weekend

St. Thomas Dragway: FUN WEEKEND – this weekend

Toronto Motorsports Park: Motorsports Mayhem – this weekend

Speed Promotions Racing (No Prep): TMP – weekend of July 12

Can Am Stock/Super Stock: Grand Bend – this weekend

Quick 32 Sportsman Series, Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS), and 5.50 Super Series: June 21, Empire Dragway

John Scotti NHRA Canadian Championship Series: Luskville – this weekend

Shannonville Drags: July 18–20

Any comments can be sent to Dave Mathers via email at motionman@rogers.com or by Facebook Messenger.

NASCAR heads south of the border to race in Mexico for the first time in 17 years with the Cup and Xfinity Series.

Here is the TV schedule for this upcoming NASCAR weekend in Mexico City.

NASCAR TV Schedule for Friday, June 13, 2025

Practice for NASCAR Cup Series

• Prime Video
• 1 p.m. (All times Eastern U.S.)
• 3 p.m.

Practice for NASCAR Xfinity Series

• The CW app
• 2 p.m.
• 3:30 p.m.

NASCAR TV Schedule for Saturday, June 14, 2025

Qualifying for NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Chilango 150

Qualifying for NASCAR Cup Series’ Viva Mexico 250

The NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Chilango 150

NASCAR TV Schedule for Sunday, June 15, 2025

NASCAR Cup Series’ Viva Mexico 250

More from the racing experts

Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.

A Twin Valley, MN, native, Fjeld became a motorsports fan at just three years old (first race was the 2002 Pennsylvania 500). He worked as a contributor and writer for TRE from 2010-18. Since then, he has stepped up and covered 24 NASCAR race weekends and taken on a larger role with TRE. He became the co-owner and managing editor in 2023 and has guided the site to massive growth in that time.

Fjeld has covered a wide array of stories and moments over the years, including Kevin Harvick’s final Cup Series season, the first NASCAR national series disqualification in over 50 years, Shane van Gisbergen’s stunning win in Chicago and the first Cup Series race at Road America in 66 years – as well as up-and-coming drivers’ stories and stories from inside the sport, like the tech it takes for Hendrick Motorsports to remain a top-tier team.

Currently, he resides in Albuquerque, N.M., where he works for KOB 4, an NBC station. He works as a digital producer and does on-air reports. He loves spending time with friends and family, playing and listening to music, exploring new places, being outdoors, reading books and writing among other activities. You can email him at fjeldjonathan@gmail.com

Arby’s has made a major splash in NASCAR by becoming a founding partner of the Chicago Street Race. The fast food giant, which is part of the $40 billion Inspire Brands family, replaces McDonald’s as a top-tier sponsor for the July 5-6 event at Grant Park.

This partnership marks Arby’s first major NASCAR event sponsorship and signals growing commercial momentum for the sport’s only street race.

Arby’s Makes Its Mark on NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race

The partnership positions Arby’s alongside Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Xfinity’s Xumo as the third founding partner for 2025. This represents a significant shift in the event’s sponsorship landscape after McDonald’s held the position for two years.

Chicago street race has signed Arby’s as one of its main/primary presenting sponsors.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 11, 2025

Jeff Baker, Arby’s Chief Marketing Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the new venture: “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.”

And the sponsorship goes much further than just branding. The Arby’s brand will be showcased on the Rick Ware Racing No. 51 Ford Mustang with driver Cody Ware, who will also make fan appearances throughout the race week. The brand also increased its motorsports presence in 2025, acting as primary sponsor on 12 Cup Series races.

The deal comes as NASCAR negotiates with Chicago on extending the event beyond the original three-year agreement.

Chicago Street Race Gets Fan-Friendly Upgrades

NASCAR has added a number of enhancements to make the sport more fan friendly in 2025. Prices have dropped substantially, with single-day grounds passes priced from $123.08, taxes and fees included, a 35% reduction compared to last year. The Premier grandstand seats are nearly 50% off 2024 prices.

Children 12 and under receive free admission all weekend with an accompanying adult’s grounds pass. The event features a streamlined experience with shortened setup and breakdown timelines, reduced concert lineup, and more accessible hospitality options.

Fans can participate in Arby’s ticket sweepstakes through June 22 at 47 Chicago area locations. The brand will have major on-site activations, product offers, and surprise appearances throughout the weekend at the 2.14-mile and 12-turn street course.

NASCAR’s Chief Commercial Officer Craig Stimmel called Arby’s entry a “watershed moment” for both the event and sport. The Chicago Street Race earned “Sports Event of the Year” recognition from Sports Business Journal after its debut, reflecting NASCAR’s growing urban appeal and mainstream relevance.