Motorsports
Kyle Larson Earns 21st Starting Spot after Hectic Qualifying Day
Kyle Larson was being honest Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “I don’t like qualifying here,” he said, forcing a smile that spoke of respect for how challenging these runs can be. “(The runs) just get sketchier each time you go out.” Unfortunate circumstances put the NASCAR Cup Series points leader in the qualifying line one […]

Kyle Larson was being honest Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I don’t like qualifying here,” he said, forcing a smile that spoke of respect for how challenging these runs can be. “(The runs) just get sketchier each time you go out.”
Unfortunate circumstances put the NASCAR Cup Series points leader in the qualifying line one more time than he desired on Day 1 of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying. The first run on the iconic 2.5-mile oval was straightforward since his Arrow McLaren crew loaded a significant amount of aerodynamic downforce on the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet to get Larson back in a rhythm following a spin into the Turn 4 wall a day earlier.
Larson couldn’t describe what chassis changes were made, but he could tell that the car “cut through the wind a little better.”
“It was good to go faster,” he said without much flair in his voice.
As the four-lap average of 230.053 mph ranked 16th of the 17 cars that had completed a run, Larson knew he had to give it another go. The team made adjustments that would help him go quicker, and he did, posting an average of 231.326 mph that elevated him significantly.
As it turned out, both qualifying runs would have been enough to earn a starting spot as the top 30 are now guaranteed a starting position in next week’s Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. But his efforts were rewarded as the first run would have slotted him 29th. Instead, he will roll off 21st and can bypass Sunday’s qualifying in favor of NASCAR’s All-Star race later in the evening at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina.
Larson was conflicted when asked by FOX Sports if he wanted to make a third attempt. He said he was “content” with his situation and didn’t seem eager to go again, a sign of just how difficult it was for he and others Saturday.
Larson is a racer through and through, and last year’s debut as an NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver resulted in a fifth-place “500” starting position and a solid run in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” although he finished 18th, one of 21 cars finishing on the lead lap. For his quick adaptation to this different form of motorsports, Larson was named the event’s Rookie of the Year.
2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Larson’s return to the “500” has similarities to that of Fernando Alonso. The two-time Formula One champion glided through his rookie May in 2017, qualifying fifth and leading 27 laps in the race. But in Alonso’s second try, in 2019, he was bumped from the field by Kyle Kaiser.
Larson has earned starting positions both years, but it has been far from smooth sailing. In last month’s Open Test at IMS, Larson got his first chance to drive a car using the engine boost that is offered in qualifying. On his first lap, he lost control and slammed the Turn 1 wall, his first such impact in one of these cars. He wasn’t injured, but the incident ended his second day sooner than he wanted. Then this week, as he again tried a hot lap with the boost, he spun in Turn 4, hitting the wall hard enough to necessitate more repairs.
The two accidents meant that Larson effectively went into qualifying without having made a four-lap simulation run, and he wasn’t confident in how to adjust for the additional weight that INDYCAR’s hybrid technology has added year over year.
“It was just a bit hectic in qualifying trim for us,” Larson said. “It was good to maintain some balance and get at least some speed, but it was slow.”
Arrow McLaren Team Principal Tony Kanaan is overseeing Larson’s program this month, and he said the team purposefully kept the car in a conservative setup to help the star driver.
“We wanted to give him something he could work on and not have it surprise him like (when he crashed),” 2013 “500” winner Kanaan said. “Look, it’s amazing that those (incidents) didn’t faze him at all, but the car has to be (predictable), and that’s not easy on a day with this wind and how tricky (the rear of the car is) the (heavy) hybrid.”
On a scale of 1 to 10 based on difficult conditions at IMS, Kanaan rated Saturday as an 8. Even for a driver with Larson’s immense talent, that’s a lot to negotiate for someone with so little INDYCAR experience.
Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon said he couldn’t be more impressed with how Larson has handled this month’s challenges – weather, hybrid and bouncing back from crashes.
“I’ve never seen him rattled about anything,” the NASCAR legend said. “Kanaan was telling me right after what happened in (the Open Test) that Kyle was itching to go again. That’s him.
“Yeah, things have been tough (this year), but you’d never know it by talking to him.”
Motorsports
TNT Sports to Exclusively Present Toyota/Save Mart 350 from Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, July 13 — Round Three of In-Season Challenge Presented by DraftKings Sportsbook – Speedway Digest
Jamie McMurray, Parker Kligerman& Shannon Spake to Host NASCAR Nation presented by Vanda PharmaceuticalsPre-Race Coverage On-Site, Starting at 3 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV & HBO Max Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Letarte & Adam Alexander to Call Race Action on TNT & HBO Max;NASCAR In-Season Challenge Altcast presented by DraftKings Sportsbook to Feature Jeff Burton, […]

Jamie McMurray, Parker Kligerman
& Shannon Spake to Host NASCAR Nation presented by Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Pre-Race Coverage On-Site, Starting at 3 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV & HBO Max
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Letarte & Adam Alexander to Call Race Action on TNT & HBO Max;
NASCAR In-Season Challenge Altcast presented by DraftKings Sportsbook to Feature Jeff Burton, Larry McReynolds & Special Guests on truTV & HBO Max
NASCAR Cup Series Practice & Qualifying to
Air on truTV & HBO Max Saturday, July 12 at 1:30 p.m.
The In-Season Challenge
presented by DraftKings Sportsbook
revs up for Round Three as the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at
Sonoma Raceway gets underway on Sunday, July 13 at 3:30 p.m. ET
across TNT, truTV and HBO Max.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Letarte and
Adam Alexander will provide commentary for Sunday’s race on TNT and HBO Max, as well as practice and qualifying on
Saturday, July 12, starting at 1:30 p.m. on truTV and HBO Max.
Sunday’s race coverage will be preceded by
NASCAR Nation presented by Vanda Pharmaceuticals pre-race show at 3 p.m., live from Sonoma Raceway, hosted by
Shannon Spake with analysts Jamie McMurray, winner of the 2010 Daytona 500, and
Parker Kligerman, former NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Pit reporters
Alan Cavanna, Danielle Trotta and Marty Snider will be live from pit road throughout TNT Sports’ race coverage, bringing fans live reports, exclusive insights and driver interviews. Bleacher Report correspondent
Mamba Smith will also contribute to live coverage.
Additionally, former Crew Chief
Larry McReynolds and 21-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Jeff Burton will host the
NASCAR In-Season Challenge Altcast presented by DraftKings Sportsbook on
truTV and HBO Max. The alternate viewing experience will take fans inside the individual driver bracket storylines each week, along with a rotation of special guests joining throughout the race.
Picture
TNT Sports In-Season Challenge Coverage from Sonoma Raceway:
DATE
TIME (ET)
PROGRAM/COMMENTATORS
NETWORK
Saturday, July 12
1:30 p.m.
NASCAR Cup Series Practice & Qualifying
Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Steve Letarte & Adam Alexander
truTV & HBO Max
Sunday, July 13
3 p.m.
NASCAR Nation presented by Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Jamie McMurray, Parker Kligerman & Shannon Spake
TNT, truTV & HBO Max
~3 p.m.
NASCAR Driver Cam presented by DraftKings Sportsbook and Straight Talk Wireless
HBO Max
3:30 p.m.
Toyota/Save Mart 350
Earnhardt, Letarte & Alexander
TNT & HBO Max
3:30 p.m.
NASCAR In-Season Challenge Altcast presented by DraftKings Sportsbook
Larry McReynolds & Jeff Burton
truTV & HBO Max
Post-Race
NASCAR Nation
McMurray, Kligerman & Spake
TNT, truTV & HBO Max
TNT/WB PR
Motorsports
Dollar Tree expends partnership with Legacy Motor Club
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB today announced a contract extension with Dollar Tree that secures the continued sponsorship of the Dollar Tree brand on the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE of John Hunter Nemechek and the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE of Erik Jones NASCAR Cup Series entries through 2028. First activated in January 2024 under a multi-year deal […]

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB today announced a contract extension with Dollar Tree that secures the continued sponsorship of the Dollar Tree brand on the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE of John Hunter Nemechek and the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE of Erik Jones NASCAR Cup Series entries through 2028.
First activated in January 2024 under a multi-year deal spanning all 38 NASCAR Cup Series events, the partnership with Dollar Tree and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB has provided strong visibility for Dollar Tree nationwide.
“We’re excited to extend our partnership with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB through 2028,” said Rick McNeely, Chief Merchandising Officer, Dollar Tree. “This continued collaboration puts our brand in front of millions of loyal NASCAR fans and gives us the opportunity to drive deeper engagement with customers in a bold, high-energy environment. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead with Jimmie (Johnson), John Hunter, Erik, and the entire LEGACY MC team.”
Nemechek, driver of the No. 42, added, “It’s an honor to continue carrying the Dollar Tree brand on our cars. Their support helps us deliver results on track, bring value back to their vendor partners and helps build fandom of the CLUB.”
Jones, driver of the No. 43, also shared his enthusiasm: “Having such a recognizable brand like Dollar Tree with us for years to come gives the CLUB stability and energy. We are building a legacy together and hope to enjoy success for years to come.”
Cal Wells III, CEO of LEGACY MC emphasized the impact of the partnership: “Dollar Tree is a foundational partner to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. Their continued investment and commitment will enable us to execute our competitive vision and strengthens our ability to support championship aspirations.”
This weekend, the Nos. 42 and 43 teams head to Sonoma Raceway. Nemechek sits 20th in the point standings, 68 points below the playoff cutoff line and Jones is 17th in the standings, 50 points below the playoff cut line with seven races to go in the regular season.
Motorsports
Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR team just scored a massive multi-year deal with $22billion retail giant
Legacy Motor Club, co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, has announced a huge sponsorship extension with Dollar Tree. The $22.3 billion company will be a full-season partner through 2028, providing long-term support for the growing NASCAR team. Dollar Tree joined Legacy at the start of the 2024 season and signed a multi-year […]

Legacy Motor Club, co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, has announced a huge sponsorship extension with Dollar Tree. The $22.3 billion company will be a full-season partner through 2028, providing long-term support for the growing NASCAR team.
Dollar Tree joined Legacy at the start of the 2024 season and signed a multi-year deal to put its branding on the team’s Cup Series cars for all 38 races.
With the extension, Dollar Tree will continue to sponsor John Hunter Nemechek’s #42 car and Erik Jones’ #43 car and be front and center at NASCAR weekends for years to come.
The renewed deal gives Jimmie Johnson’s team stability as it grows, and Dollar Tree exposure to one of the most loyal fanbases in sports. NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass first reported the news which was later confirmed by the team and the company.
“We’re excited to extend our partnership with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB through 2028,” said Rick McNeely, Chief Merchandising Officer, Dollar Tree.

Stability for Legacy Motor Club
Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club has been working on being more consistent in the Cup Series. They rebranded in 2023 and then switched manufacturers from Chevrolet to Toyota in 2024. So the team has been adding pieces to the puzzle on and off track. The lucrative Dollar Tree extension is another step towards building something long-term.
Team CEO Cal Wells III called Dollar Tree “a foundational partner” and said the continued support will allow Legacy to focus on performance and build towards its championship goals.
That’s important. Nemechek in his first full-time Cup ride with Legacy grabbed a top-five at Daytona earlier this season. Jones after an injury early in the year, has been working his way back into form. Both drivers are still on the bubble of playoff contention but showing signs of progress.
With Dollar Tree staying on board the team has more runway to keep improving. And for the retailer the NASCAR platform continues to offer massive reach, especially with fans that closely match its nationwide customer base. Dollar Tree will be on the car this weekend and for years to come.

Motorsports
Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin claim NASCAR has “too many road courses”
For the longest time, NASCAR had just two road courses on the Cup schedule — Sonoma Raceway and Watkins Glen. However, the series has rapidly expanded that number in recent years with Cup races at the Indianapolis Road Course, Daytona Road Course, Road America, Charlotte Roval, Circuit of the Americas, as well as events in […]

For the longest time, NASCAR had just two road courses on the Cup schedule — Sonoma Raceway and Watkins Glen.
However, the series has rapidly expanded that number in recent years with Cup races at the Indianapolis Road Course, Daytona Road Course, Road America, Charlotte Roval, Circuit of the Americas, as well as events in Mexico City and on the streets of Chicago.
Some of these tracks have since fallen off the schedule, but the number of road/street courses is currently at six total. NASCAR officials are also close to securing a new street race in San Diego, but those plans have yet to be finalized.
However, not every driver is excited about the prospect of more road and street course events, suggesting NASCAR actually remove some of them from the schedule.
In the past few days, both 2012 NASCAR Cup champion Brad Keselowski and three-time Daytona 500 Denny Hamlin have called for fewer road courses, but neither indicated that their unfavorable opinion of these events has anything to do with Shane van Gisbergen’s recent dominance.
Too many road courses?

Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
Photo by: Logan Riely / Getty Images
“We went from 2 to 6 road course races, possibly 7 next year,” Keselowski posted on social media. “NASCAR was successfully built as a primarily oval racing series. IMSA was built as the primary road course series in North America. IMSA will always do road racing better than NASCAR and that’s ok … Yes, TOO many road courses in NASCAR.”
Hamlin made his thoughts known on his weekly podcast, Actions Detrimental. “I’m not a road course fan,” he said. “I still believe we have too many of them on the schedule … Six is a lot, considering that we are NASCAR. We’re short track racing, oval racing, full contact type racing.”
However, Hamlin also threw his support behind the Chicago Street Course, believing the event is important enough to keep on the schedule. As for the rest of them, Hamlin said he could “take it or leave them.”

Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images
A few weeks ago, NASCAR legend Richard Petty also took aim at road courses, but his opinion seemed more focused on how it impacts the championship after SVG’s Mexico win.
“You got somebody that’s 30th in points that’s going to make the playoffs,” said Petty. “Hey man, what happened to the guy that 15th, 16th, or 18th (that’s) been running good and finished good everywhere? You’re making a championship situation by winning a road course, which is not really NASCAR to begin with. From that standpoint, I think they’re going to have to jockey around and change some of this kind of stuff.”
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Motorsports
NASCAR’s Mike Forde reveals details behind Ross Chastain-Joey Logano Chicago incident review
Mike Forde, NASCAR’s managing director of racing communications, shared details on the governing body’s review of the incident between Ross Chastain and Joey Logano at Chicago. On the Hauler Talk podcast, Forde said NASCAR was still reviewing the incident as of Tuesday afternoon. “They have done some research into the audio and reviewed some video,” […]

Mike Forde, NASCAR’s managing director of racing communications, shared details on the governing body’s review of the incident between Ross Chastain and Joey Logano at Chicago. On the Hauler Talk podcast, Forde said NASCAR was still reviewing the incident as of Tuesday afternoon.
“They have done some research into the audio and reviewed some video,” Mike Forde said. “So that conversation is still going on. “We’re taping this on a Tuesday afternoon right now. So, no word just yet as we continue to look into that. We did hear from Logano, both through the interviews, but he did stop in and talk with us about that situation on Sunday afternoon/evening.
“I would be fairly surprised if we don’t have conversations with both those drivers, whether that’s going to be together or separately in Sonoma to let them know to let them know that our eyes will be peeled on the 1 (Chastain) and the 22 (Logano) to make sure nothing unsavory happens at Sonoma and beyond.”
Shortly after Forde recorded the episode of Hauler Talk, NASCAR confirmed no penalties from the Chicago weekend. That can’t sit well with Logano, who asked NASCAR to fine Chastain for hitting him late in the race. Additionally, Logano said that Chastain told him that he intentionally ran into him.
What happens next with Ross Chastain and Joey Logano?
“He admitted he wrecked me on purpose,” Logano told reporters post-race. “He admitted it — which means he should get fined if he admittedly wrecked someone on purpose. That’s not OK. … It’s just typical Ross. He just sees red and does dumb stuff. That’s all. And that’s twice this year on road courses at the end of these things I’ve been cost by Ross. Just over it.”
The incident happened after the Lap 64 restart. Kyle Larson was sent forward into Chastain, who spun just ahead of Logano. Chastain then bumped into Logano, sending him into Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
“Ross better get the f*cking information right before he goes and wrecks somebody. And there’s f*cking six cars behind me wrecking into me, and then he destroys me from four back. That motherf*cker,” Logano said on his radio.
Ross Chastain finished 10th, and Joey Logano finished 11th. The two have won races this year, meaning they will battle each other in the playoffs at the end of August.
Motorsports
Sun Powersports Announces Massive Polaris Factory Authorized Clearance Event
THORNTON, CO – July 10, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Sun Powersports, Colorado’s largest powersports dealer, announced its “Polaris Factory Authorized Clearance” event, offering unprecedented savings on all remaining 2024 Polaris ATVs and side-by-sides. This limited-time event promises the biggest discounts of the year, including massive rebates of up to $4,000. “We’re pulling out […]

![Sun Powersports [678] Sun Powersports [678]](https://motorsportsnewswire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Sun-Powersports-678.jpg)
THORNTON, CO – July 10, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Sun Powersports, Colorado’s largest powersports dealer, announced its “Polaris Factory Authorized Clearance” event, offering unprecedented savings on all remaining 2024 Polaris ATVs and side-by-sides. This limited-time event promises the biggest discounts of the year, including massive rebates of up to $4,000.
“We’re pulling out all the stops for this Polaris Factory Authorized Clearance,” said Mark Kite, Dealer Principal for Sun Powersports. “We know our customers are looking for incredible value, and with rebates up to $4,000 on every remaining 2024 Polaris ATV and side-by-side, this is the perfect opportunity to get the ride of your dreams. Nobody beats a Sun Deal – nobody.”
The clearance event features significant price reductions across the entire 2024 Polaris lineup still in stock, providing adventurers, workers, and enthusiasts alike the chance to own a top-of-the-line off-road vehicle at an unbeatable price. Whether you’re looking for a rugged ATV for solo expeditions or a versatile side-by-side for group adventures and heavy-duty tasks, Sun Powersports has a wide selection to meet every need.
As Colorado’s leading powersports dealer, Sun Powersports is committed to providing not only the best prices but also exceptional customer service and support. Their knowledgeable team is on hand to assist customers in finding the perfect vehicle to fit their lifestyle and adventure aspirations.
Customers are encouraged to visit Sun Powersports at 8877 North Washington Street in Thornton to explore the extensive inventory and take advantage of these significant savings. For those who prefer to browse inventory from home, all available models and deal information can also be found online at sunpowersports.com.
This clearance event is for a limited time only, and interested buyers are advised to act quickly to ensure the best selection.
About Sun Powersports:
Sun Powersports is recognized as Colorado’s largest powersports dealer, offering a vast selection of new and pre-owned ATVs, side-by-sides, motorcycles, and other recreational vehicles. Committed to customer satisfaction, Sun Powersports provides expert sales, service, and parts to support the powersports community across Colorado and beyond.
Contact:
Mark Kite
Sun Powersports – 8877 N. Washington St. Thornton, CO 80229
(303) 287-7566
[email protected]
www.sunpowersports.com
DISCLOSURE: Terms and conditions apply. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. All riders should take a safety training course.
Source: Sun Powersports
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