By Shardaa Gray

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    CHICAGO, Illinois (WBBM) — Ahead of this weekend’s NASCAR Chicago Street Race in Grant Park, Chicago kids on Thursday raced push karts on part of DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Teens competed on the NASCAR track in Grant Park for the 13th annual X-Stream Push Kart Derby.

The winners of this year’s race, the team from Columbus Park, built their homemade karts in three days.

Michael Curry, 16, said he and his teammates worked well together.

“Like building the kart brick by brick by brick, and building it together all as a unit, that really helped out chemistry and helped our believing in each other,” he said.

Chicago Park District program specialist Sonica Ruiz said they started the races 13 years ago as part of a STEM program in their camps.

“Our first year, we had about a dozen parks, 12, and now we’re up to 38 parks that are racing,” she said.

For years, the races were held in Garfield Park and Humboldt Park, but in 2022, the Park District teamed up with NASCAR for the inaugural Chicago Street Race.

“Hopefully we have new race car fans. Hopefully some of them are potential are NASCAR Cup Series.

The Chicago Park District said 300 kids have been split up into 20 teams to participate in the 13th annual Push Kart Derby race. Ruiz said this was the first time the teens have been able to race on DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

“Last year, they brought NASCAR cars out to us, and this year we’re bringing our karts out to them. So we get to be on the ground. We get to see how the races look pre-race. We get a sneak peek. It’s very exciting,” Ruiz said.

Antwan Curry, 14, pushed his teammate, Michael Curry during the race. He said the derby was an opportunity he’ll never forget.

“I think it’s great. I think it’s really one way to bring the community together. You know, with all the stuff that happens in Chicago, it’s just one thing to distract the kids, like give them something to do, keep them busy, being with the community. I think it’s amazing,” Antwan said.

The Chicago Park District said each year’s race has a theme, and this year they were advocating for the environment.

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Chase Briscoe won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway in a way that surprised a lot of people. He didn’t lead from the start, he didn’t have the fastest car early on, and he wasn’t on anyone’s radar as the favourite. But by the end of the race, Briscoe was standing in Victory Lane, having delivered one of the most complete and smart races of the season.

It was a performance that reminded fans that unexpected wins still exist in motorsport — much like how casinos not on GamStop often catch attention for offering something different outside the mainstream.

A Quiet Start — and Then a Smart Climb

Chase Briscoe didn’t come into this race as the favourite, and his early laps made that clear. He started mid-pack, surrounded by drivers who were pushing hard right out of the gate. Briscoe, on the other hand, stayed patient. He didn’t make any risky moves early on, didn’t dive three-wide into corners, and didn’t try to force overtakes where there wasn’t space.

Instead, he focused on gathering information. Pocono is a difficult track to read — each turn demands something different from the car, and each stint shows new grip levels. Briscoe used the early laps to understand what his car was doing. He spoke calmly on the radio, gave detailed feedback to his team, and adjusted his lines corner by corner.

Other drivers were using up their tyres trying to gain early ground. Briscoe wasn’t interested in that. He played the long game, much like someone who approaches games casino with patience — knowing when to hold back and when to make a move. Once the fuel strategies started kicking in and the field began to spread out, Briscoe had already positioned himself well. He hadn’t moved up many places on track yet, but he was well inside the window for an aggressive strategy shift — and that’s precisely what happened next.

Briscoe’s Crew Did Their Job

In motorsport, the difference between a top-five finish and a win often comes down to what happens on pit road. And at Pocono, Briscoe’s crew didn’t make a single wrong move. Every stop was clean. No missed lug nuts, no slow jacks, no confusion with tyres or fuel. Just fast, consistent work.

But the bigger impact came from the strategy side. When the race was in its second stage, Briscoe’s team made a calculated call to bring him into the pits earlier than the cars around him. The track was clear, the tyre wear was manageable, and the air in front of him was clean. That one call helped Briscoe leapfrog several cars who stayed out longer and ended up in traffic — a move that made sense at this point in the motorsport calendar, where every stage of the season adds pressure to perform.

By the time the final stage began, Briscoe was in the right place. And more importantly, his car was set up to stay there. Tyre pressures, balance adjustments, and fuel strategy were all aligned for one thing: getting him to the front and keeping him there.

Others Made Mistakes — Briscoe Did Not

The second half of the Pocono race was a mess for many teams. The pressure to make bold moves increased as laps counted down, and several drivers made choices that cost them. Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell were taken out after pushing too hard into Turn 2 — both hit the inside wall after slight contact, ending what had been strong runs. William Byron tried to force a pass into Turn 1 to go and lost momentum, opening the door for others to slip past.

Briscoe stayed completely clear of this. He didn’t get caught in side-by-side scraps, didn’t push the limits into braking zones, and didn’t get frustrated when traffic slowed him down. He just picked the right times to go for it — and the rest of the time, he protected his tyres, held his line, and kept his eyes forward.

That discipline paid off. When it was time to restart the race after the final caution, Briscoe had track position and no damage. The cars behind him were dealing with worn tyres, bent fenders, and lost rhythm. Briscoe had none of those problems — just a clean car, a clear head, and the lead.

The Final Laps Were All About Pressure

Once Briscoe took the lead during a late restart, the race entered its most intense phase. With just ten laps to go, he was being chased by Denny Hamlin, with Ryan Blaney also pushing hard. 

Briscoe had never been in this exact situation before. Leading a race at Pocono, with top-tier names breathing down his neck, is a pressure cooker. One wrong corner entry, one late shift, or one missed braking point could cost him everything. But what made his performance stand out wasn’t raw speed — it was how calm he stayed under that pressure.

Lap after lap, the gap hovered around half a second. Larson tried to close it, but every time he got close, Briscoe responded by staying clean and steady. On the final lap, Larson had one last shot, but Briscoe didn’t leave an opening. He took the chequered flag with a 0.682-second lead, a small margin — but one that came from total control, not luck.

A Real, Honest Celebration

As soon as the race ended and Briscoe crossed the line, the emotion hit him. You could hear it in his voice on the radio. He wasn’t shouting or showboating — he was overwhelmed, and it was real. “We did it, boys. We really did it”, he said, with a mix of disbelief and relief.

This wasn’t just another win for the team. It was his first Cup Series victory in over a year. He’d faced a tough season, with mechanical problems, poor finishes, and pressure over his spot in the Stewart-Haas lineup. For months, it felt like things weren’t going his way. This win changed that.

On pit road, there were hugs. His crew chief was visibly emotional. The team knew how much they’d worked for this. Briscoe just thanked his team and said how proud he was of how they stuck together.

Why This Win Was Important

This race mattered more than most. Not just because of the points or the playoff spot — those things are important, of course. But the bigger reason is that Briscoe proved he could win in clean air, with pressure behind him, on a track that punishes small mistakes.

He didn’t inherit the lead through strategy or pit stops in the final laps. He earned it earlier in the race, held onto it through smart restarts, and defended it like a veteran. There was no drama, no contact, and no controversy. Just a clean, hard-fought drive from someone who’s had to fight for respect.

For Stewart-Haas Racing, this win also sends a message. The team has had a rough run. Kevin Harvick was their anchor for years, and since his retirement, they’ve struggled to find consistent frontrunners. Briscoe stepping up with a well-managed victory helps change the story. 

And for fans watching this race showed that NASCAR can still produce great racing without relying on crashes or overtime finishes.

Pocono is Not an Easy Track

There’s a reason Pocono is called “The Tricky Triangle.” It’s not a nickname for show — it’s a reflection of the unique layout that challenges drivers in a way no other oval does. Instead of four turns like most tracks, Pocono has three. And none of them are the same.

Turn 1 is fast and wide, built like a traditional oval corner. Turn 2, also known as “The Tunnel Turn,” is tight and bumpy — drivers can’t relax there for even a second. Turn 3 is long and flat, which means drivers need perfect balance and throttle control to carry speed onto the main straight. If your car setup is good in one turn but bad in another, you’ll lose time. If you get all three wrong, you’ll be off the pace by a mile.

That’s what makes Briscoe’s win even more impressive. His car worked well in all three corners — something that requires not just a strong setup, but constant communication with the crew and in-race adjustments. The track itself has also evolved over the years, embracing environmental efforts that make it stand out on the NASCAR calendar.

Pocono also demands tyre management. Drivers can’t just push flat out every lap. They have to know when to save rubber, when to lean on the right front, and when to back off. Briscoe got that balance right. That’s how he avoided falling off in the final 10 laps when others started sliding or overdriving.

Fans in the UK Took Notice

It’s not always easy for UK viewers to follow NASCAR. Races often run late at night, and the sport isn’t always covered as much as F1 or MotoGP. But this race got attention. People were posting about it online, sharing clips, and talking about how refreshing it was to see a proper race — no gimmicks, just driving.

One fan said, “It reminded me why I used to stay up for NASCAR years ago”. That’s the kind of impact a race like this can have.

What’s Next for Briscoe?

Now that he’s got a win, Briscoe is locked into the NASCAR Playoffs. But it’s not just about qualifying — it’s about what kind of momentum he takes into the final part of the season.

This win gives him belief. It also gives his team confidence to back him, invest more in his car setup, and go into future races knowing they can run up front.

In preparation for Vittorio Ghirelli’s debut in the NASCAR Canada Series debut at the iconic Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières (GP3R), NASCAR Euro Series President Jerome Galpin and Vice President Anne Galpin traveled to Canada to lay the groundwork for the historic appearance. The visit underlined the championship’s continued commitment to providing its drivers with elite international career opportunities within the NASCAR framework.

The 2024 EuroNASCAR Champion and current 2025 points leader following the NASCAR GP UK at Brands Hatch, Ghirelli earned the opportunity to compete at GP3R thanks to his strong first half of the season. He will be supported by Rousseau Metal, a leading Canadian manufacturer of premium-quality storage solutions, and Festidrag.tv, both key partners in this cross-continental collaboration.

During their trip, Jerome and Anne Galpin together with Festidrag.tv’s Martin D’Anjou visited Rousseau Metal’s headquarters, where they met with Mélissa Barrette, Marketing Manager, and Randy Peardon, Director of Canadian Sales and Business Development. The visit served as an important step in building relationships and aligning visions for Ghirelli’s program in Trois-Rivières.

“We are very pleased to have visited Rousseau and to have met such passionate and professional people,” said Jerome Galpin. “We were truly impressed by the company and their values, and we’re proud to count them among our partners for this initiative. This is another perfect example of how the NASCAR Euro Series continues to create real career opportunities for its drivers. Every racer who dreams of competing in NASCAR should consider the NASCAR Euro Series as the most competitive and the most cost-effective way to open those doors.”

As for Rousseau, this bold Canada-Europe partnership reflects their active role in supporting motorsports while showcasing talent. “We are grateful to GP3R, Festidrag, and NASCAR Europe for this opportunity. We’ve been involved in the GP3R for several years now, notably through Les 60 Tours Rousseau Métal,” said Barrette. “We’re always excited to continue this tradition, and it’s always a pleasure to award a high-quality special edition toolbox, made by our teams in Quebec, to the winner- who knows, it might even make its way back to Europe with Ghirelli this year!”

The initiative further highlights how the NASCAR Euro Series stands as a proven launchpad for global motorsport careers — offering the visibility, performance, and connections needed to reach the next level.

The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières will take place on August 8–10, bringing thousands of passionate fans to the streets of one of North America’s most iconic temporary circuits. Ghirelli will represent the NASCAR Euro Series on Canadian soil with strong backing and a clear goal: to make an impact on the international NASCAR stage.

Meanwhile, the NASCAR Euro Series will return to action on August 30–31 at the NASCAR GP Czech Republic at Autodrom Most, as the championship heads into the final stretch of the season.

NASCAR Euro Series PR

DHL has officially been announced as the Global Logistics Partner for the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the world’s motorsport governing body. As part of the collaboration, DHL will provide essential infrastructure and installations required for racing events in Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3. This will include transport, set-up, and maintenance of the FIA’s mobile office units, garages, and racetrack signaling equipment. The collaboration will be shaped by a commitment to sustainability, with DHL using seven trucks powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in Europe.

The scope of DHL’s involvement will go beyond traditional transportation. The logistics giant will handle the movement, setup, and upkeep of key race infrastructure such as mobile office units, team garages, and critical trackside signaling equipment. With this responsibility, DHL reinforces its growing footprint in the world of motorsports, where precision and timing are everything.

A notable highlight of the partnership is its clear focus on sustainability. In Europe, DHL will deploy seven trucks powered by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable diesel alternative, to help transport equipment in a more environmentally responsible way. This aligns with both DHL and the FIA’s shared commitment to decarbonization and greener operational practices.

Paul Fowler, Head of Global Motorsports Logistics at DHL, emphasized the alignment of values between the two organizations: “The FIA is a long-standing pillar of the motorsport community, so taking the role as its Global Logistics Partner is a great match for us. We share essential values such as safety, quality, speed, and precision, and we are both deeply committed to sustainability.”

Echoing this sentiment, Craig Edmondson, Chief Commercial Officer of the FIA, said, “This partnership with DHL is a great opportunity to collaborate not only on the vital behind-the-scenes work that goes on at any track event but also to drive sustainable practices across our industry.”

DHL’s expanded presence in motorsport logistics now includes a robust portfolio of top-tier series, with existing roles as the Official Logistics Partner for Formula 1, Formula E, and the World Endurance Championship (WEC). This new engagement with the FIA further cements its leadership position in motorsports logistics.

As global motorsport continues to evolve, the collaboration between DHL and the FIA stands out as a forward-thinking model, combining operational excellence with a drive toward a more sustainable racing future.

(GMM) Contrary to expectations, Ferrari is not ready to debut a highly anticipated new rear suspension layout.

Rumors had suggested that, following the success of the new floor in Austria, the next step would arrive immediately at Silverstone.

Loic Serra, Ferrari’s new technical director, has reportedly been working on the innovation for months, having identified it as a key weakness of the 2025 car that was inked last year by his predecessor Enrico Cardile.

But specialist Italian media reports say the Maranello based team wants to ensure the significant upgrade really is better by running it during a ‘filming day’ at Mugello some time in July.

“When you end up last year like we did, fighting for victories, fighting for the constructors’ championship, we started this year hoping that at least we’d start in the same position,” Charles Leclerc rued at Silverstone.

“But now we are finding our way again with the development. I know there are more things coming, hopefully as soon as possible, which will help us to close the gap to McLaren and to Red Bull as well,” he added.

As for teammate Lewis Hamilton, he seems much more interested in Serra’s work on the 2026 project.

“I’m working with Loic,” he confirmed, “and the rest of the team to ensure the next car has some of my DNA in it,” said the seven time world champion.

“I want a car to win next season.”