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Spire Motorsports Window World 250 Race Advance – Speedway Digest

In four NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway, Spire Motorsports has earned one win, two top-five and three top-15 finishes. In the 2023 Tyson 250, Kyle Larson started eighth and led 138 of the event’s 250 laps en route to victory. The win marked the second in the young team’s history. […]

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In four NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway, Spire Motorsports has earned one win, two top-five and three top-15 finishes. In the 2023 Tyson 250, Kyle Larson started eighth and led 138 of the event’s 250 laps en route to victory. The win marked the second in the young team’s history. The Mooresville, N.C., organization fields the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados full time in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The Nos. 07 and 7 entries will see a rotating roster of all-star caliber drivers throughout the season, while Rajah Caruth and Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Andres Perez de Lara will pilot the Nos. 71 and 77, respectively, for the full slate of races.
The Window World 250 will be televised live on FS1 Saturday, May 17 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The 10th of 25 races on the 2025 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series calendar will be broadcast live on the NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Kyle Busch – Driver, No. 07 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

Kyle Busch will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 07 Gainbridge Chevrolet Silverado in Saturday’s Window World 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
In Busch’s most recent CRAFTSMAN Truck Series outing, he defended his 2024 victory in the Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, spending all 135 laps in the top 15 while leading a race-high 80 laps and recording a field-leading average running position (3.2) and driver rating (124.6).
While the 40-year-old will make his first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series appearance at the historic 0.625-mile speedway in Wilkes County, he has made two Cup Series starts at the track in the rejuvenated NASCAR All-Star Race. He collected a venue-best 10th-place result last May.
The Las Vegas native holds the record for most CRAFTSMAN Truck Series wins (67) and best finish in series history (6.5), while he ranks second on the series’ all-time laps led list (8,130).
In his past 12 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series appearances, Busch has finished in the first or second position nine times, six of which he ended the day in Victory Lane.
Founded in 2018, Gainbridge® is an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone, no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Its platform provides access to financial products that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge® is headquartered in Zionsville, Ind. For more information, visit www.gainbridge.io or follow and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.
The two-time Cup Series champion has made 33 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts on short tracks, collecting seven wins, 18 top fives and 23 top 10s, including a ninth-place result in his series debut at Indianapolis Raceway Park in August 2001.
In five starts last season with Spire Motorsports, Busch racked up two wins (Atlanta and Texas Motor Speedway), three top fives and 263 laps led.
Busch will reunite with crew chief Brian Pattie and the No. 7 team next week at Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 23), while he returns to the cockpit of Spire’s No. 07 Chevy at Nashville Superspeedway (May 30) and Watkins Glen International (August 8).
“Rowdy” will pilot Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-058 Saturday afternoon. The truck has made 27 starts, reaching Victory Lane four times with Busch (Charlotte, May 2019) and John Hunter Nemechek (Las Vegas, Feb. 2021; Richmond, April 2021; Charlotte, May 2021) in the cockpit.

Kyle Busch Quote
What are your thoughts heading into your second-of-five CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start of the year?
“It’ll be my first time racing a truck at North Wilkesboro and my first time racing with Allen (Hart, crew chief) and the No. 07 group, so practice will be important for us this week. The 07 team has shown good speed winning with (Kyle) Larson and picking up a couple runner-up finishes in recent weeks, so hopefully we can continue the momentum they’ve been building and put our Gainbridge Silverado in Victory Lane this weekend.”
Atop the No. 07 Box – Crew Chief Allen Hart

Allen Hart calls the shots for the No. 07 team, an entry that will see a rotating roster of drivers throughout the 2025 campaign.
Last time out at Kansas Speedway, the No. 07 team and driver William Byron lined up next to teammate Carson Hocevar on a late-race restart and ultimately settled for a second-place finish.
The Midland, Mich., native earned his first career win in a crew chief role in March’s Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. After a spin midway through the Final Stage, Kyle Larson made an impressive run through the field over the event’s final 40 circuits, chasing down the leaders with two laps remaining to make the winning move.
Through nine races, No. 07 team sits fifth in the division’s owner’s championship point standings on the strength of one win, three top-five and three top-10 finishes.

Sammy Smith – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

Sammy Smith will drive Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 TMC Transportation Chevrolet Silverado in the Window World 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
The Johnston, Iowa, native earned a fifth-place finish at North Wilkesboro Speedway last May behind the wheel of Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Silverado. Smith started 31st after qualifying was cancelled due to inclement weather, but registered the second-most green flag passes (78) and fifth-most quality passes (43) in the field en route to a series-best finish.
The 20-year-old made four CRAFTSMAN Truck Series appearances aboard Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Silverado in 2024. He collected one top-five and three top-10 finishes while maintaining an average finish of 9.0.
The Super Late Model phenom was victorious in a star-studded combination ARCA CRA Super Series/Southern Super Series race at the 0.625-mile oval in August 2022. After qualifying second, Smith took the lead on the race’s initial start and led wire-to-wire en route to the Racetrack Revival victory.
In 87 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, Smith has earned three wins, 17 top-fives and 39 top-10s, claiming victories at Phoenix Raceway (March 2023), Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway (Oct. 2024) and Rockingham (N.C.) Speedway (April 2025).
The two-time ARCA Menards Series East champion has racked up eight wins across 15 starts in the regional stock car series. He claimed his second-consecutive East Series title in a dominant 2022 campaign, winning five of the seven races while maintaining an average finish of 1.7.
Smith doubled-up in 2022, earning the ARCA Menards Series Sioux Chief Showdown crown. Smith emerged victorious four times in the series, did not finish outside of the top five in all 10 events, and maintained a 2.2 average finish.
The short track ace has earned wins in some of the country’s most notable Late Model races including the Winchester 400, Red Bud 400 and Florida Governor’s Cup. He snagged a CARS Pro Late Model Tour victory in 2021 at Jennerstown (Pa.) Speedway and four pavement super late model wins that same season.
TMC Transportation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 and is the nation’s largest employee-owned open deck transportation company. TMC provides expert transportation services and supply-chain management solutions throughout the 48 contiguous states. Founded in 1972, TMC is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, and is known for its integrity, innovation, superior safety record, and dedication to quality and customer service. The company’s claim-free, on-time delivery record is the best in the business and is consistently recognized by its customers. Visit tmctrans.com.
Smith will pilot Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-062. The truck has collected seven top five-finishes in 22 appearances, most recently with Smith at North Wilkesboro last May.

Sammy Smith Quote
What are your thoughts heading into your second CRAFTSMAN Truck Series appearance of the season with Spire Motorsports?
“I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the No. 7 TMC Transportation Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports at North Wilkesboro this weekend. The team always puts together a fast Silverado, and with the support of TMC, I am confident we will have a great race and a strong showing.“
Atop the No. 7 Box – Crew Chief Brian Pattie

Brian Pattie stands atop of the No. 7 pit box, an entry that will see a plethora of all-star caliber drivers behind the wheel throughout the 2025 season.
Last weekend at Kansas Speedway, Pattie called Carson Hocevar to his fifth-career CRAFTSMAN Truck Series victory in dominating fashion, leading 75 of the event’s 134 laps.
The Zephyrhills, Fla., native has called two CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at North Wilkesboro, highlighted by a fifth-place finish with Sammy Smith last season.
The 24-year veteran spent 14 seasons in NASCAR’s premier division. As a crew chief, he has earned six wins in Cup Series competition, 11 in the Xfinity Series and seven in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. He stands as one of 11 crew chiefs to win races across all three of NASCAR’s national touring series.
Earlier this season, the No. 7 team defended its 2024 victory in the Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway with Kyle Busch behind the wheel. The Las Vegas driver spent all 135 laps in the top 15 while leading a race-high 80 laps and recording a field-leading average running position (3.2) and driver rating (124.6).
Through nine races, No. 7 team sits ninth in the division’s owner’s championship point standings on the strength of two wins, three top-five and three top-10 finishes.

Rajah Caruth – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

Rajah Caruth will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Silverado in Saturday afternoon’s Window World 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
The 22-year-old has made two CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at the Wilkes County short track, highlighted by a 14th-place result last May.
Last time out at Kansas Speedway, Caruth qualified sixth and spent a majority of the night racing inside the top-five. He was caught speeding on pit road during a late-race green-flag pit stop. A caution flag interrupted the cycle and trapped the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet one lap down. He was unable to make his lap up and ended up 21st in the final rundown.
Through the first nine events on the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series calendar, Caruth has tallied two top fives and five top 10s, while pacing the field for 115 circuits – doubling his total of 56 from the 2024 campaign.
HendrickCars.com is the online home for everything Hendrick Automotive Group. Visitors can shop more than 30,000 new or pre-owned vehicles, locate centers for service and collision repair, receive a value to sell or trade their car, chat online with customer service, discover career opportunities, learn more about vehicle protection programs, and explore how the company gives back to the community.
The 2024 season marked a career year for Caruth where he tallied one win, a pair of Cometic Gasket Pole Awards and five top-five finishes, all of which were the first of his young career. The 12 top-10 finishes on the season tripled Caruth’s total of four in 2023, while his average starting position of 10.7 was four positions higher than 2023 and his 11.6 average finish was an impressive seven positions higher.
With his first career CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last season, Caruth became the third African-American driver to win a NASCAR National Touring Series race, joining 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Wendell Scott and current Cup Series star Bubba Wallace.
Caruth and the No. 71 team qualified for the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series playoffs in 2024, the first such appearance for the former Washington, D.C., resident. Despite reaching the Round of 8, mechanical issues stalled his championship bid in the season’s penultimate event at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
The blue and white HendrickCars.com colors will wrap Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-070. In 20 starts, the truck visited Victory Lane three times with Chandler Smith (Phoenix, Nov. 2021; Las Vegas, March 2022; Richmond, Aug. 2022), paced the field for 318 circuits and recorded an 8.7 average finish. Nick Sanchez piloted the chassis to a fourth-place result last November at Phoenix Raceway.
Fans who donate $25 or more to The NASCAR Foundation NASCAR Day Giveathon before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14 can get their name on the bedcover of Rajah Caruth’s No. 71 Silverado at North Wilkesboro. Go to nascardaygiveathon.org to make a donation.

Rajah Caruth Quotes
You’ve put a lot of emphasis on improving at short tracks over the last year. How do you feel you have improved heading into North Wilkesboro?
“I have definitely improved by leaps and bounds over where I was at this point last year. I have put a lot of work into becoming a better short-track racer, and I expect to be really competitive at North Wilkesboro, in particular. I feel confident and ready to go.”

As a self-proclaimed student of the sport, what is it like to race at the hallowed grounds in Wilkes County?
“It is super cool to go to North Wilkesboro. I enjoy driving up U.S. Route 421 on race day morning with the scenic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Then when you get there, you feel like you are in Days of Thunder. The facility is nice, and despite all the restorations and renovations made, it still has that retro feel. Every time we’ve gone back, there is something new at the facility, so I’m excited to walk around the grounds this weekend and check it out.”
Atop the No. 71 Box – Crew Chief Kevin “Bono” Manion

Veteran crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion has called two CRAFTSMAN Truck Series events at North Wilkesboro, highlighted by Kyle Larson’s dominant 2022. “Yung Money” led 138 of the event’s 252 laps en route to the second win in the series for Spire Motorsports.
Last season, the 52-year-old helped Nick Sanchez to a seventh-place finish at North Wilkesboro, his fifth consecutive top-10 finish.
Manion, a 31-year veteran of the sport, founded Spire Motorsports’ CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program alongside industry veteran Mike Greci in 2022. The team claimed their first victory in their second outing with William Byron behind the wheel at Martinsville Speedway.
The 53-year-old has racked up six Cup Series victories – including the 2010 Daytona 500 – 17 NASCAR Xfinity Series triumphs and 11 CRAFTSMAN Truck series wins. Manion is also one of 11 crew chiefs to have called wins across all three of NASCAR’s national touring series.
In 2023, Manion became one of few to call a race in all three of NASCAR’s national series in a single season, all of which came under the Spire Motorsports banner. He led the part-time effort on the No. 7 Silverado in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, helped in limited starts for Carson Hocevar in the Xfinity Series and took the reigns during the second half of the Cup Series season for Ty Dillon and the No. 77 team.

Andres Perez de Lara – Driver, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

Andres Perez de Lara will pilot the No. 77 Telcel Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports in Saturday’s Window World 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
While the 20-year-old will make his first start at the Wilkes County short-track this weekend, Perez de Lara made 12 short track starts across his two full-time seasons in the ARCA Menards Series. He earned nine top fives, including a pair of runner-up finishes last season at Indianapolis Raceway Park and Salem (Ind.) Speedway, while maintaining an average finish of 4.5.
The Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender has made two short-track starts in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series this season, earning a career-best seventh-place finish at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
The 2023 NASCAR Mexico Series Rookie of the Year saw success on short tracks during his time in Mexico’s premier stock car series. His lone win in the series came at Ovalo Aguascalientes, a 0.875-mile oval. In 13 appearances on short tracks in the series, Perez de Lara tallied four top fives and nine top 10s.
Telcel is Mexico’s leading telecommunications company, providing nationwide coverage, cutting-edge mobile connectivity, and high-speed internet services to millions of users. With over 30 years of experience, Telcel continues to innovate in digital communication, offering solutions that keep people connected anytime, anywhere.
Beyond technology, Telcel is committed to supporting excellence in sports, particularly in motorsports. As a proud and long-time sponsor of Perez de Lara, Telcel fuels the passion for speed, precision and performance, driving success both on and off the track. Telcel will be a season-long partner with Perez de Lara and the No. 77 team.
The Mexico City native has made 10 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts, nine of which were behind the wheel of a Spire Motorsports Chevy Silverado. He earned his first-career top 10 in his CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut last June at World Wide Technology Raceway via a ninth-place result. His career-best seventh-place finish at Martinsville Speedway in March marked his second top 10 in the division.
The 2024 ARCA Menards Series champion juggled his duties last season while also competing full time in the NASCAR Mexico Series. In 2023, he earned the Rookie of the Year award while finishing fourth in the division’s championship point standings and reaching the series’ version of the NASCAR playoffs.
Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-056 will be driven by Perez de Lara on Saturday. The truck has two wins in its 23 starts, visiting Victory Lane with John Hunter Nemechek at Pocono (June, 2021) and Kansas (September, 2022). He drove the chassis to a career-best seventh-place finish at Martinsville in its last appearance.

Andres Perez de Lara Quotes
What are your thoughts on heading to North Wilkesboro for the first time?
“I’m excited to head up to North Wilkesboro for the first time. It should be a good weekend for the 77 team. We’ve been competitive on short tracks and our best run of the year came at Martinsville, so there’s no doubt we can end up with a great result. Our sim work has been productive and I feel confident in the setup we are bringing to the track will be what we need for a good finish. I know that all of our Spire Motorsports Silverados will be fast. Hopefully we can get a good result and start building momentum for the summer stretch.”

What do you think about the history and storied past of North Wilkesboro?
“Even though I’ve never been to North Wilkesboro before, the history is something that is special. The throwback atmosphere is something that I like a lot. Everyone that is someone in NASCAR has won there. The track is so unique to anywhere else we race. I have heard stories of races that have taken place up there, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to race there.”

Spire Motorsports PR



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Dale Earnhardt Jr. handed shock new role after brutal NASCAR suspension

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will wear a new hat for JR Motorsports at Pocono Raceway, stepping in as crew chief for Connor Zilisch after Mardy Lindley was suspended for loose lug nuts Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be crew chief for Connor Zilisch this weekend(Image: Getty) Dale Earnhardt Jr. is gearing up to support his JR Motorsports […]

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June 19, 2025

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. will wear a new hat for JR Motorsports at Pocono Raceway, stepping in as crew chief for Connor Zilisch after Mardy Lindley was suspended for loose lug nuts

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be crew chief for Connor Zilisch this weekend
Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be crew chief for Connor Zilisch this weekend(Image: Getty)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is gearing up to support his JR Motorsports team in a shock new role this weekend. With crew chief Mardy Lindley serving a one-race suspension for loose lug nuts discovered at Nashville Superspeedway, Earnhardt Jr. will step in as the crew chief for the No.88 car, driven by rising star Connor Zilisch at Pocono Raceway.

The development comes after Earnhardt Jr. recently named three current NASCAR stars that remind him of his legendary father before he shared his financial concerns for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team and weighed in with a strong view on leaked NASCAR plans.

JR Motorsports announced the temporary crew chief switch: “This weekend, @DaleJr will be filling in for Mardy Lindley as crew chief of the No. 88 as Lindley serves his one-race suspension for loose lug nuts following the NXS race in Nashville two weeks ago.”

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The suspension was handed down after post-race checks at the May 31 Xfinity Series event in Nashville revealed two unsecured lug nuts on Zilisch’s Chevrolet. Consequently, team owner Lindley was hit with a $10,000 penalty and a suspension from race-day activities, though NASCAR opted to apply the crew chief’s suspension at Pocono rather than immediately after the Nashville race.

For Dale Earnhardt Jr., already an analyst for the Cup race broadcast on Prime Video, this presents a new challenge and a rare opportunity to return to hands-on team leadership. With two Xfinity championships, 24 wins, and 26 Cup victories under his belt—including two Daytona 500s—Dale Jr. brings a wealth of experience and a unique dual perspective as part-owner and media figure.

Eighteen year old Connor Zilisch, in his rookie Xfinity season and currently fifth in the standings, recently scored a career-best P2 finish at Nashville. As Zilisch tackles Pocono’s tricky, 2.5-mile triangular layout for the first time, Earnhardt’s guidance from the pit box could prove invaluable.

Earnhardt Jr. ‘s decision to step behind the scenes underscores his dedication to JR Motorsports and its driver development philosophy. Since its inception in 1998 under Earnhardt’s leadership, the team has become a mainstay of the Xfinity Series, striving not only to win races but also to cultivate future talent.

Earnhardt Jr. debuted for Prime Video in 2025
Earnhardt Jr. debuted for Prime Video in 2025(Image: Getty)

From a wider perspective, the situation underscores NASCAR’s strict enforcement of technical regulations, regardless of a team’s fame or ownership. Loose lug nuts are viewed as both a safety risk and a competitive threat, and NASCAR’s prompt response reflects its increasing rigor.

However, the deferred suspension has sparked debate about consistency: while Lindley must sit out Pocono, some argue that the delay benefits JR Motorsports.

This weekend, all attention will be on Earnhardt Jr. as he juggles his broadcasting role with his duties as a crew chief. His extensive racing knowledge, love for the sport, and connection with Zilisch could prove beneficial, possibly leading to a solid performance at Pocono – further cementing JR Motorsports’ reputation as a dominant force in nurturing NASCAR talent.



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Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster sponsoring Fast Motorsports

Watch the video of the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster below Fast Motorsports will have sponsorship from Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster for the upcoming race at EchoPark Speedway. The coaster is set to open for business in the Smoky Mountains on June 20th. BJ McLeod is the co-owner of the Pigeon Forge, TN business and is […]

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June 19, 2025

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Watch the video of the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster below

Fast Motorsports will have sponsorship from Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster for the upcoming race at EchoPark Speedway.

The coaster is set to open for business in the Smoky Mountains on June 20th. BJ McLeod is the co-owner of the Pigeon Forge, TN business and is also a co-owner of the NASCAR team.

The coaster offers, “side-by-side tracks for a high-speed, competitive ride you won’t forget.”

Coaster Location: 115 Conner Heights Rd Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

BJ McLeod comments

“We’re excited to have Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster onboard to celebrate their grand opening,” said BJ McLeod, driver of the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevy Camaro and Co-Owner of the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster.

“We know this wouldn’t be possible without the fans so can’t wait to giveaway this experience to allow them to be a part of it.”

Giveaway

With the sponsorship, they are also offering a giveaway to race fans:

Prize Package Includes:

– “A 4-day / 3-night stay in a luxury cabin in scenic Pigeon Forge, TN on dates of your choosing (some exclusions may apply, excluding holidays)”

– “4 free tickets to ride the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster”

To Enter:

1. Follow @teamlivefast, @bjmcleod78, and @pigeonforgeracingcoaster on Instagram

2. Comment on the official giveaway post who you would bring along for the ride

Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster Video

https://twitter.com/pfracingcoaster/status/1935770177188360673

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Fast Motorsports | Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster | NASCAR





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NASCAR prepares for 3rd annual street race in Grant Park; could it be the last in Chicago?

Is NASCAR crossing the finish line for the final time in Chicago? That’s the big question as preparations begin for another professional street race through downtown next month. Several city streets will be affected over the next few weeks for the third year in a row as NASCAR prepares for the third Chicago Street Race […]

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June 19, 2025

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Is NASCAR crossing the finish line for the final time in Chicago? That’s the big question as preparations begin for another professional street race through downtown next month.

Several city streets will be affected over the next few weeks for the third year in a row as NASCAR prepares for the third Chicago Street Race through Grant Park.

NASCAR and the city agreed to a three-year deal for the race, but representatives said they’re continuing positive discussions with city leaders about keeping the event in Chicago beyond 2025.

Soon, several sets of bleachers for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race will emerge in Grant Park, though spectators don’t arrive for another 16 days for the two-day event on July 5 and 6.

Ticket, schedule information for 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race

Andrew Shusterman watched the race from the bleachers last year, but he was underwhelmed.

“You kind of just have to peek through some holes and barely see the turns, or you can just settle at looking at a straightaway, but then it gets really loud,” he said.

However, the city’s tourism arm, Choose Chicago, has been pleased with the money the event has brought in for the city.

They estimated NASCAR brought in $236 million for Chicago over the first two years of the race in 2023 and 2024, despite rain interrupting festivities both years.

You can imagine the storm that might be swirling at City Hall with a recent report by The Athletic that NASCAR won’t be extending its stay in Chicago and is in talks to bring a street race to San Diego instead.

A spokesperson for that San Diego’s mayor had no comment.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s team did not respond to requests for comment on the future of the NASCAR race in Chicago, although city offices were closed Thursday for the Juneteenth holiday.

NASCAR representatives were mum about talks with San Diego, but said a 2026 street race in Chicago isn’t off the table.

“This has got to be a top tier venue for a NASCAR race; like, a huge park in the middle of the city, surrounded by these beautiful buildings,” Shusterman said.

Professional street racing in Chicago might not be a thing of the past, even if NASCAR doesn’t stay.

CBS News Chicago has learned that, as of last month, Formula 1 racing officials have officially registered the trademark Formula 1 Grand Prix of Chicago.

Formula One’s media team did not respond to a request for comment on possible plans for a Chicago race.

As for NASCAR, for now they’re going full throttle on this year’s street race.

Keep an eye out for road closure signs downtown. They’ll be multiplying in the coming days as the race draws near.

Lauren Victory

Lauren Victory is a Morning Insider reporter for CBS2 Chicago. Lauren joined the station in May 2016 and is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.



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Former NFL players find a new home as part of a NASCAR pit crew

Former NFL player Marshall McFadden knew absolutely nothing about NASCAR before stepping into racing. Neither did Super Bowl champion safety Josh Bush. But now, the two Trackhouse Racing pit crew members are part of a growing group of retired athletes finding a new career in racing, and they’ll both be in the pit for Sunday’s […]

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June 19, 2025

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Former NFL player Marshall McFadden knew absolutely nothing about NASCAR before stepping into racing. Neither did Super Bowl champion safety Josh Bush.

But now, the two Trackhouse Racing pit crew members are part of a growing group of retired athletes finding a new career in racing, and they’ll both be in the pit for Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono race.

After retiring from football after a three-year NFL career and one year in the CFL, McFadden moved back home to Charlotte, N.C., the home base of NASCAR, to figure out his next steps. A friend of his, Curtis Walls, had gotten involved with NASCAR years earlier and became a pit crew coach. He invited McFadden to come along to a team practice, and McFadden was immediately intrigued.

» READ MORE: Temple law student Stephen Mallozzi interns at a law firm during the week and drives NASCAR trucks on the weekend

“It’s a team, about 20-25 guys,” McFadden said. “They were all out in the car. They looked like me, athletic, big, fast, strong. The music was going. They had their own training facility, coaches. It was almost like everything that I left off from football, and I was like, ‘This might be a smooth transition for me.’”

McFadden kept working, and after a few months, the coaches pulled him aside to see just how serious he was about pursuing pitting. Soon after that, McFadden signed his first professional contract, and eight years later he works with Ross Chastain’s No. 1 car crew through Trackhouse Racing every Sunday.

Bush also found his way to racing through a friend. He grew up in Lexington, N.C., near the Richard Childress Racing facility, but had never seen a race before meeting NASCAR driver Austin Dillon while doing nonprofit work. The two struck up a friendship at a Thanksgiving charity event, and eventually started golfing together.

“He just kept asking me, ‘Hey, would you be interested in joining NASCAR?’” said Bush, who played for the Jets and Broncos in a five-year NFL career.

Initially, Bush wasn’t interested. Instead, he planned to try out football coaching, and got an internship with the Las Vegas Raiders — which was promptly canceled, thanks to COVID. Left with nothing to do but golf, often with Dillon, he finally decided to jump into racing.

Now, Bush is expanding past just the pit crew for Daniel Suárez‘s No. 99 car. After finishing morning pit crew practice, he also works in sponsorship and marketing at Trackhouse Racing, and even gives tours of the facility.

Making the leap

So what actually makes a good pit crew member? It’s not just ex-football players who are succeeding in the role, but when making tire changes or replacing broken parts, every second counts. Literally. That means athletes with explosive speed are a premium.

» READ MORE: From 2024: Former college football players find a new field: On high-pressure NASCAR pit crews

“Marshall [McFadden], running around the car for him looks effortless,” pit crew captain Shane Wilson said. “It looks so easy for him to run at a very high pace around a car. Other people look like they’re doing everything they can do to get to the same speed as somebody like him, because he’s trained so long in quickness and agility and speed and strength.”

Many athletes come into NASCAR knowing little about racing or cars, like Bush or McFadden, so learning how to make the corrections necessary can be challenging.

McFadden said he had to learn to “fail fast,” and unlike football, there’s no one there to back you up if you make a mistake. But Wilson said athletes are uniquely suited to meet the moment.

“That’s pressure that you can’t just learn,” Wilson said. “That’s something that’s bred into you. That translates really well into pit stops. You come down with five laps to go in a race, and it’s all on the pit crew to send the driver back out in the spot they were at or even better. That’s a different type of switch that gets turned on in their head. Athletes are really good at being prepared for that situation and not letting the moment be too big.”



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Could NASCAR move its Chicago Street Race to San Diego?

After two years of rain-soaked July Fourth weekend events, could the NASCAR Chicago Street Race be heading west to eternally sunny San Diego? The Athletic reported Wednesday that NASCAR and the Southern California city’s sports tourism commission are in negotiations to hold a race on the streets of San Diego in 2026. A NASCAR spokesperson […]

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After two years of rain-soaked July Fourth weekend events, could the NASCAR Chicago Street Race be heading west to eternally sunny San Diego?

The Athletic reported Wednesday that NASCAR and the Southern California city’s sports tourism commission are in negotiations to hold a race on the streets of San Diego in 2026.

A NASCAR spokesperson declined to comment on the unconfirmed report, while the San Diego Sports Commission did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Chicago is set to host the third annual street race July 5-6 on a pop-up course in and around Grant Park, completing an inaugural three-year agreement with NASCAR. The deal, struck during former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration, includes a two-year renewal option.

“We continue to have positive conversations with the city of Chicago, and right now, we’re focused on making 2025 the best event yet,” a NASCAR spokesperson said Thursday.

A spokesperson for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. The city, which had an annual 180-day exit clause after the first two races, committed to this year’s event in August.

Adding a San Diego street race next year does not necessarily affect the future of the Chicago Street Race.

Most NASCAR tracks range from a quarter-mile to 2 ½-mile banked ovals, but the Florida-based sanctioning body for stock car racing holds several events at road courses, including Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, in Sonoma, California, and at Watkins Glen in New York. NASCAR might similarly be building its portfolio of urban street races, with Chicago paving the way.

The Chicago Street Race has nonetheless had its challenges in the first two years, including pushback over the disruption and street closures to set up the 12-turn, 2.2-mile course through Grant Park, down DuSable Lake Shore Drive and up Michigan Avenue.

This year, NASCAR has streamlined the buildout and reduced major street closings to 18 days, starting with the shutdown Thursday of Balbo Drive from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. All streets are scheduled to be reopened by July 14.

But the biggest issue facing the first two street races was inclement weather.

In 2023, the inaugural Fourth of July weekend event navigated record rainfall that curtailed races, canceled concerts and left fans soaked. The first Cup Series street race also garnered a huge national TV audience with Chicago as a rainy backdrop, averaging nearly 4.8 million viewers during a four-hour broadcast on NBC.



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Frankie Muniz hopes to light up Pocono with Black Cat sponsorship

Reaume Brothers Racing has announced Black Cat Fireworks is joining as primary sponsor for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway Friday, June 20th. This will be Black Cat Fireworks debut as primary sponsor for the first time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, riding on the No. 33 F-150 driven by Frankie […]

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Reaume Brothers Racing has announced Black Cat Fireworks is joining as primary sponsor for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway Friday, June 20th.

This will be Black Cat Fireworks debut as primary sponsor for the first time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, riding on the No. 33 F-150 driven by Frankie Muniz.

Founded in 1952, Black Cat Fireworks is a leading brand in consumer fireworks, known for its commitment to quality, safety, and innovation. Distributed by Winco Fireworks, Black Cat offers a wide range of products designed to enhance celebrations across the United States.

“We’re excited to bring the explosive energy of Black Cat Fireworks to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series,” said Chris Noland, VP of Marketing and Brand Development at Black Cat Fireworks. “Partnering with Frankie Muniz and Reaume Brothers Racing at Pocono Raceway allows us to connect with fans who appreciate high-octane excitement, both on and off the track.” Noland added.

“I’m honored to have Black Cat Fireworks on board for the Pocono race,” said Muniz. “Their commitment to delivering thrilling experiences aligns perfectly with the excitement we aim to bring to the track. I look forward to putting on a great show for the fans.” Muniz added.

Fans can expect a dynamic Black Cat-themed paint scheme on the No. 33 truck, celebrating the synergy between the adrenaline of racing and the spectacle of fireworks.

Black Cat’s only other NASCAR Sponsorship was with driver Tony Raines, who was the full-time spotter for the No. 33 RBR F-150 in 2024 before stepping back to part-time in 2025.

Through this partnership Black Cat and RBR look to deliver on the shared core audience of adrenaline seekers aiming to combine fireworks and NASCAR. Fans can watch Frankie Muniz in the No. 33 Black Cat Fireworks truck take on Pocono Raceway Friday June 20th, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. The race will be broadcast live on FS1.



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