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Another close finish at Talladega

Another week in the Cup Series and edition of the NASCAR Power Rankings. Talladega shook up the playoff picture, but did we learn anything? I’m not sure if we know anything we didn’t already know in the first nine weeks of the season after this race. However, the NASCAR Power Rankings do look a little […]

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Another week in the Cup Series and edition of the NASCAR Power Rankings. Talladega shook up the playoff picture, but did we learn anything? I’m not sure if we know anything we didn’t already know in the first nine weeks of the season after this race.

However, the NASCAR Power Rankings do look a little different this week. We have to take into account that these teams and drivers actually did do something on Sunday. Whether that’s wrecking out early or finding a way to finish high in the running order.

Track position remains king, and pit road is where most passing is going to happen. Heading into Texas, here are the top drivers in the Cup Series.

1. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports (+1)

How about Kyle Larson finishing P2 at Talladega? Now he’s back on top of the NASCAR Power Rankings. He even won his first stage at the track!

Larson has two wins and five stage wins this season. That is a total of 15 playoff points. Only Christopher Bell has more at this time in the season. The 5 team will be a factor again this week.

2. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports (+2)

Texas might be where William Byron makes up for that Darlington loss. He finished P3 at Talladega in a relatively quiet day at the track.

Byron remains the points leader by 31 points. He has the most stage points this year but Bubba Wallace, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Larson are slowly catching up.

3. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing (-2)

Denny Hamlin
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

A very quiet day for Denny Hamlin. The biggest highlights were him wrecking Christopher Bell and getting blocked majorly by Ross Chastain. So, he drops a couple of spots in the NASCAR Power Rankings.

P21 this week, whatever. At least he didn’t get into a crash at the end. Hamlin has been solid at Texas lately. Another top-10 finish is likely on the way.

4. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske (-1)

Out early in this race, Ryan Blaney drops two spots in the points standings. He is still having a solid season, but his four DNFs currently lead all drivers in the Cup Series.

Blaney has to get to the finish line this week. A strong run at Texas would go a long way to getting this group back into the regular-season championship picture.

5. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing (-)

Still quiet after his three straight wins, Christopher Bell had an early end to his day courtesy of Denny Hamlin. Still, those wins have done a lot to keep his season afloat despite recent struggles.

I think that the 20 team will be fine in the long run. I’m not sure Texas is the race they will bounce back at, I at least don’t see them winning. But would it be shocking? Not at all.

6. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports (-)

Chase Elliott
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Another top-10 for Chase Elliott. He keeps racking them up, but the winning speed and that extra edge just isn’t there for this group. Will they find that edge at Texas, where they won a year ago?

If this were the pre-playoff, pre-Chase era of NASCAR, Elliott would be doing great. He is consistent and finishes well every week. He will likely win one or two races this year. But fans expect more from Elliott. For now he stays put in the NASCAR Power Rankings.

7. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing (+2)

Bubba Wallace now has the second-most stage points this season behind only William Byron. He is one of four drivers to have over 90 stage points in 2025.

Charles Denike has made this team a points machine, and Wallace can take credit for that, too. They are playing the game, and it has helped them overcome some poor finishes. Four top-10s and two top-fives on the season don’t hurt, either.

8. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing (-)

While Tyler Reddick has more points than Bubba Wallace, I have him below Bubba this week. More or less, I’ve credited Wallace for being the only Toyota to finish in the top-10.

23XI is having a really solid season, and I think one of these two are going to find the win column soon. Reddick won at Texas in 2022 in his final victory at RCR.

9. Ross Chastain – Trackhouse Racing (-2)

Ross Chastain
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Ross Chastain made the biggest move of the race when he threw a block on Denny Hamlin and the Toyotas. He also managed to finish one spot better than Hamlin at the end.

Chastain has been having a quietly good season. Trackhouse is still looking for that extra bit of speed to take them to the next level.

10. Chase Briscoe – Joe Gibbs Racing (-)

To be honest, I couldn’t really decide who to put in the final spot in the NASCAR Power Rankings. So, Chase Briscoe gets to stay. Again, what did we really learn this week from the on-track product?

I guess I could put Austin Cindric here, but I don’t really believe he’s a top-10 driver in the Cup Series right now. Great win, but he is still not to that level. Briscoe could be one to watch at Texas as well.



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Dorman Revs up its Brand in NASCAR as the Primary Sponsor of Haley’s No. 7 Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway – Speedway Digest

On Sunday, June 22nd, Dorman Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:DORM) will be taking its place on the grid at one of the biggest motorsports events of the year: The NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway. “Our sponsorship with Spire Motorsports is something we put a lot of value in — not just for the exposure, […]

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On Sunday, June 22nd, Dorman Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:DORM) will be taking its place on the grid at one of the biggest motorsports events of the year: The NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.

“Our sponsorship with Spire Motorsports is something we put a lot of value in — not just for the exposure, but for what it represents. It’s a connection to a passionate community that shares our love for cars, performance, and problem-solving. Partnering with Spire Motorsports allows us to celebrate that shared spirit and be a part of incredible events like the Pocono race,” said Steve Gisondi, Vice President, Marketing.

The Dorman car will be driven by 26-year-old Justin Haley, who has 234 points after 15 races in the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series Championship standings. Haley is not only a rising star in NASCAR and a key driver for Spire Motorsports — he’s also a strong ambassador for the Dorman brand.

Haley’s car will be emblazoned with Dorman logos over a striking orange and black paint scheme and is the centerpiece of a multi-prong brand marketing campaign directed at fans attending race weekend at Pocono, as well as television and internet audiences around the world.

Director of Marketing Communications Justin Hall noted, “This marks our fifth year partnering with Spire Motorsports and the No. 7 car at Pocono. This race delivers top-tier brand exposure, and we’re excited to be a part of this year’s event with Spire.”

Dorman’s presence at Pocono represents more than just a marketing milestone — it is a celebration of the shared values that unite Dorman, Spire Motorsports, and the NASCAR community. From the garage to the grandstands, Dorman is proud to support a sport that reflects the determination, innovation, and hands-on spirit that defines the brand.

This event marks an exciting step forward as Dorman looks to build on the momentum and continue engaging with the passionate fans and professionals who drive the automotive world ahead. For more information about Pocono Race Weekend visit https://www.poconoraceway.com/

Visit our website at www.dormanproducts.com.

The Investor Relations section of the website contains a significant amount of information about Dorman, including financial and other information for investors. Dorman encourages investors to visit its website periodically to view new and updated information.

Spire Motorsports PR



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Time, TV channel for Amazon Prime Video

Daytona Motor Mouths: Breaking down NASCAR races on Amazon Prime Video After Denny Hamlin’s win at Michigan, NASCAR makes a notable visit to Mexico City and enters Race 4 on Amazon Prime Video. The guys break it all down. NASCAR’s Cup Series returns to international competition for the first time since 1958 with a race […]

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  • NASCAR’s Cup Series returns to international competition for the first time since 1958 with a race in Mexico City.
  • The race will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video.

Not sure if you’ll be able to tell the difference in front of your color TV, but NASCAR is literally in foreign territory this weekend.

Last time it happened for a Cup Series points race, it was 1958 and, unlike this week, it was north of the border, where Lee Petty won in a field of 19 at the Canadian Exposition Stadium in Toronto, where a one-third-mile track held a one-off NASCAR event.

Want some serious trivia? Sure you do. In that most recent big-league international race, the dude finishing 17th out of 19 was Lee’s boy, Richard. And guess what. It was the very first of King Richard’s 1,184 Cup races.

Where were we?

Watch NASCAR on Amazon Prime Video

Ah, Mexico City, and the Rodriguez Brothers speedway, a 14-turn road course at 7,200 feet above sea level. Wanna watch? Well, you can, assuming you’ve made arrangements with the streamers at Amazon Prime Video. And assuming your CW affiliate isn’t showing a Rockford Files re-run.

Let’s go to the lineup.

Friday: Practice, practice, practice

1:05 p.m.: Cup Series practice (Prime).

2:05: Xfinity Series practice (CW).

3: Cup Series practice (Prime).

3:30: Xfinity Series practice (CW).

Saturday: Cup Series qualifying, Xfinity Series race in Mexico City

11:05 a.m.: Xfinity Series practice (CW).

12:10: Xfinity Series qualifying (CW).

2:05: Cup Series qualifying (Prime).

4:30: Xfinity Series, Chilango 150 (CW).

Sunday: NASCAR’s first Viva Mexico 250

3 p.m.: Cup Series, Viva Mexico 250 (Prime).



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Roger Penske Shaken by Disqualifications: Motorsport Legacy in Jeopardy

Roger Penske & Co Face Severe Backlash After Disqualification Scandals Rock Motorsports World The legendary Roger Penske, known for his rise from humble beginnings to motorsport royalty, is currently facing a tumultuous period in his illustrious career. From a modest $75,000 loan from his father, Penske built an empire in the racing world, marked by […]

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Roger Penske & Co Face Severe Backlash After Disqualification Scandals Rock Motorsports World

The legendary Roger Penske, known for his rise from humble beginnings to motorsport royalty, is currently facing a tumultuous period in his illustrious career. From a modest $75,000 loan from his father, Penske built an empire in the racing world, marked by precision and hard decisions. However, recent disqualification scandals at two prestigious events have cast a shadow over his legacy.

In a shocking turn of events, a Porsche Penske Motorsport car was disqualified at the 24 Hours of Le Mans after being found underweight during a post-qualifying inspection. The disqualification resulted in the team starting at the back of the Hypercar field, a significant blow to Penske’s reputation for perfection and excellence in the sport.

Furthermore, Penske-owned cars driven by Josef Newgarden and Will Power were also embroiled in controversy at the Indianapolis 500 for using illegally modified rear attenuators. These safety-critical parts were found to violate clear IndyCar rules, leading to severe penalties for the team and a public apology from Roger Penske himself.

These recent scandals are not the first time Penske’s team has faced scrutiny, with previous incidents involving illegal software usage resulting in disqualifications. Questions have arisen within the racing community about whether these are isolated incidents or indicative of a broader culture within Team Penske.

As if the disqualification scandals were not enough, Formula 1 has now set its sights on challenging Penske’s dominance in motorsports. With the Canadian Grand Prix scheduled to clash with the iconic Indianapolis 500 in 2026, F1 is making a bold statement by encroaching on Penske’s turf.

The battle for supremacy in American motorsports is intensifying, with F1’s strategic move posing a direct challenge to Penske and IndyCar. As pressure mounts from multiple fronts and scandals rock his racing empire, Roger Penske faces a critical juncture in his storied career. Will he be able to weather the storm and maintain his position at the pinnacle of motorsports hierarchy?



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Haulers spotted traveling with armed vehicles

This weekend, the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series are racing in Mexico City, and they have a few friends helping along the way. The Mexican National Guard and local law enforcement were on hand to escort the hundreds of haulers and other vehicles carrying cars, people, and equipment. NASCAR races have all kinds of security […]

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This weekend, the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series are racing in Mexico City, and they have a few friends helping along the way. The Mexican National Guard and local law enforcement were on hand to escort the hundreds of haulers and other vehicles carrying cars, people, and equipment.

NASCAR races have all kinds of security at and around the track. This is perhaps another step up from that, as the haulers and other NASCAR-related vehicles made the long journey across the border and into the country for this historic race.

Stoney Greene, a hauler driver for Spire Motorsports, shared a photo of Mexican National Guard members standing in the back of trucks, armed with rifles.

Corey LaJoie, a broadcaster this weekend for Prime Video, shared his own point of view while arriving at the track. More of the same as a truck led LaJoie’s vehicle to its destination with security.

Everyone wants this weekend to go off without an issue. So, the security is going to be higher than it would typically be. Working with Mexico and local officials, NASCAR is going to put on a show in Mexico City.

For what it’s worth, journalists are walking around Mexico City during the night and seemingly without the presence of heavily armed guards. With all of the valuable equipment and cars on the haulers, it makes sense to be better safe than sorry in this situation.

NASCAR racing in Mexico City for historic event

To have a points-paying race outside of the United States is a big deal. The NASCAR Xfinity Series has done it before in Mexico City and in Canada. However, for the Cup Series, this is a new thing entirely. The first time in the modern era that the series has crossed the border to the north or south for an official race.

Jeff Gordon is going to give the command for the Viva Mexico 250. One of the biggest names in the sport to this day, Gordon is hoping that he can give a little luck to one of his Hendrick drivers with his “start your engines” command.

This road course race is going to open the door for certain drivers to make or break their season. AJ Allmendinger, Daniel Suárez, Shane van Gisbergen, and others will be dying to get a win in Mexico and punch a ticket to the playoffs. Meanwhile, in the Xfinity Series, I think this is Connor Zilisch’s race to lose.

NASCAR in Mexico City. Who thought we would ever get here? The crowd is going to be loud and electric. When the green flag drops, it is every driver for themselves.



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Travel issues force NASCAR to change Mexico schedule and delay practice

Earlier today, it was reported that a chartered plane carrying several members of the NASCAR industry was grounded after an engine issue, causing major delays. That, along with other air travel challenges, has forced NASCAR to adjust its schedule for the weekend ahead. “Due to two aircraft issues that grounded multiple race teams in Charlotte, […]

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Earlier today, it was reported that a chartered plane carrying several members of the NASCAR industry was grounded after an engine issue, causing major delays. That, along with other air travel challenges, has forced NASCAR to adjust its schedule for the weekend ahead.

“Due to two aircraft issues that grounded multiple race teams in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, NASCAR has adjusted the on-track schedule for this weekend’s activities at Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez,” a statement from the sanctioning body read.

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As a result, NASCAR has pushed the planned NASCAR Cup Series practices to later in the afternoon and pushed all NASCAR Xfinity Series practice sessions to Saturday. The first of two NASCAR Mexico Series races will now run Friday morning, over five hours earlier than originally scheduled.

The Xfinity Series will lose some practice time as a result with just one session on Saturday morning, just before qualifying. There are other slight adjustments as well, but Cup teams will not lose any practice.

The full updated schedule:

Friday, June 13th

11:30am EST — NASCAR Mexico Series race #1 (50 laps)

2:05pm EST — NASCAR Cup practice #1

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3:30pm EST — NASCAR Cup practice #2

Saturday, June 14th

9:05am EST — NASCAR Xfinity Series practice

10:10am EST — NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying

12:05pm EST — NASCAR Cup Series qualifying

5pm EST — NASCAR Mexico Series race #2 will shift to 5 p.m.  (MRN Radio)

Sunday’s schedule remains unchanged. The NASCAR Cup race will still take place at 3pm EST. with the green flag planned for 3:23pm EST.

Read Also:

Denny Hamlin to skip Mexico City NASCAR Cup race, Ryan Truex to drive JGR car

Alex Bowman cleared to race after crash, but Anthony Alfredo will be on standby

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.



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Daniel Suarez coming home for NASCAR’s Mexico City race | News, Sports, Jobs

MEXICO CITY — Daniel Suarez has become the unofficial tour guide for all things Mexico City as NASCAR prepares to race internationally this Sunday for the first international points-paying Cup Series event of the modern era. From where to eat, what to do, how to navigate the city and even basic conversation in Spanish, Suarez […]

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MEXICO CITY — Daniel Suarez has become the unofficial tour guide for all things Mexico City as NASCAR prepares to race internationally this Sunday for the first international points-paying Cup Series event of the modern era.

From where to eat, what to do, how to navigate the city and even basic conversation in Spanish, Suarez has been the go-to guy in the garage since NASCAR said it would take the Cup Series outside the United States for just the third time in 77 years.

The Monterrey native has made multiple trips to NASCAR as the face of Sunday’s race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, where he’s raced on a different course layout 13 times, with three wins in NASCAR’s Mexico Series.

He’d like to win at the Cup level — if he pulls it out in his home country Sunday it will be his first victory of this season — but Suarez is juggling a very difficult balancing act. He’s elated to be racing in front of a home crowd, honored to show of the culture and magic of Mexico City, but at the same time tremendously concerned about his NASCAR future.

Suarez is in a contract year with Trackhouse Racing, which has Ross Chastain and Shane van Ginsberg under contract while Connor Zilisch is its development driver and on loan to several teams at lower national levels of NASCAR racing.

Trackhouse only has three Cup Series seats, math Suarez can’t ignore as he heads into Sunday ranked 28th in the standings.

“It’s not the first time that I’ve been in this position. Definitely the first time with the Mexico race, but it’s not the first time that I’ve been in the position that we have to win or in the position that we have a contract negotiation in the middle of the season,” Suarez said. “It’s definitely a distraction. I won’t sit here and tell you that it doesn’t really matter. I’m trying to be as smart as possible and to put all this stuff on the side and just do my thing on the track.”

RETURN TO MEXICO

Suarez, the only Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR national series race, has two Cup victories, three Xfinity Series wins and one Truck Series win. His 2016 championship in the second-tier Xfinity Series made him the only foreign-born driver to win a national series title.

Suarez has faced adversity before, but never like the pressure he’s feeling hoping to deliver in front of the local crowd. This weekend in Mexico is special to Suarez, who expects well over 100 of the spectators in attendance Sunday to be friends and family.

They’ve watched from afar as he’s worked his way into the NASCAR spotlight, a journey full of ups and downs that have seen Suarez drive for four different Cup teams. He joined Trackhouse Racing in 2021 and last year signed a one-year extension through 2025.

At the time, he said he wanted to reassess where the program was before signing a long-term deal. But it’s been a disappointing start to the season and his average finish of 21st is three spots worse than last year.

“The Mexico race is something that I’ve been hoping and waiting on for many, many years, and I’m not going to let anything else from outside take that week and that moment from myself,” Suarez said. “We have to just continue to put one foot in front of the other and continue to move forward. I think that in Trackhouse, we have found some decent speed in the last few weeks, so that’s promising, and hopefully we can continue to move in that direction.”

Suarez will have Mexican communication company Telcel on his car this weekend.

“For many years, I never had a sponsor deal with a company from Mexico because I wasn’t racing there,” Suarez said. “So right now that we’re going to be having an event down there, it opens a whole new world of opportunities and that’s great, obviously for me, but for the entire sport.”



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