The Daytona 500 twin qualifying races, which were commonly known as the Daytona Duels, have received a massive title change ahead of the beginning of the 2026 season. The iconic race kept its name for multiple decades and was a highly revered destination for drivers to win. However, now, following a fallout with the common sponsors such as Gatorade, Budweiser, and Can-Am, the sport has decided to change the name completely.

NASCAR is currently going through a difficult phase financially and losing the trust of many people in the sport. The 23XI-FRM charter lawsuit was definitely one of the more challenging moments for the sport in recent times. Since the case revealed many shocking things about the leadership of NASCAR, some sponsors feel obliged to take a step back and rethink their sponsorship options.

In a shocking turn of events, the common sponsors of the Daytona Duels have refused to pay the asking fee to include their name in the titles as the sport looked for other options. NASCAR did not publicly announce the news; rather, they slyly changed the name and revealed it on the 2026 Daytona 500 flyer. The new name is now set to be America 250 Florida Duels at Daytona.

It will certainly be a bit mouthful for the people who are used to the old and short name of the Daytona Duels. Amid the sport losing core audiences because of its money-hungry business model, this name change will definitely upset many old fans. The 2026 season might also reportedly witness changes to the playoff format. This change is being seen as a positive change by many people, and it will be very exciting to witness what the sport has in store next.

NASCAR NEWS: WITHOUT A SPONSOR FOR THE DAYTONA DUELS, NASCAR FORCED TO CHANGE NAME https://t.co/Qz6NcAsOAL For decades, Daytona 500 twin qualifying races, also known as the Daytona Duels, have been sponsored by brands like Gatorade, Budweiser, and Can-Am. Now, without a sponsor…

— AutoRacing1.com (@AutoRacing1) December 28, 2025

Daytona Speedway President opens up on the shocking name change

The President of Daytona International Speedway, Frank Kelleher, is in favor of the change despite many old fans seemingly against the renaming of the iconic race. Kelleher pointed out how historic Daytona actually is and the depth it holds in the hearts and minds of many people in NASCAR. He boldly claimed that winning the Daytona 500 was the pinnacle of NASCAR, something that every driver wants to achieve.

Bubba Wallace recently won at the Daytona 500 and was extremely overjoyed at winning such an iconic race. Frank Kelleher continued that winning a NASCAR championship was certainly a milestone, but winning at Daytona was a completely different level of achievement for many. Kelleher highlighted that opening and closing races at Daytona make the racing destination all the more exciting.

Winning the DAYTONA 500 is the pinnacle of our sport – the race every driver wants most, A championship is a career milestone, but the DAYTONA 500 stands alone. Opening the season with the DAYTONA 500 and closing the regular season with one last shot to race into the NASCAR Playoffs keeps The World Center of Racing at the heart of sport’s biggest moments.

Frank Kelleher said, as reported by autoracing1.

The 2026 season will witness many changes to NASCAR, as 23XI and FRM will also regain their charter status. The coming season seems action-packed with exciting changes as many drivers hope to remain competitive from the get-go. Despite the uncertainty behind the name change right now, the love for Daytona will remain the same, and fans will show up in the same numbers as before and root for their favorite drivers to win.

Read More: Denny Hamlin’s Parents’ North Carolina House Consumed by Fire

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BMW has been racing motorcycles longer than cars, and started winning championships on two wheels in the mid-Twenties. Now, 100 years later, BMW Motorrad Motorsport is still winning titles and had a very successful 2025. Overall, BMW Motorrad teams and riders had 411 podium finishes with 169 wins in 2025. BMW won the FIM World Superbike championship and wrapped up 12 additional titles with customer teams and riders.

In the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), factory rider Toprak Ratzgatlioglu won the World Championship for a second consecutive year with a BMW M 1000 RR and the RoKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team.

“Toprak’s successful title defense in WorldSBK will remain unforgettable, with no fewer than 21 wins in 36 races,” said Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport Sven Blusch. “In the FIM Endurance World Championship, we were also on course for the title in a dramatic finale until just minutes before the finish, before a technical issue prevented this potentially historic success for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. But next year we will have another chance to become world champions in endurance racing as well.”

Toprak Ratzgatlioglu won his second consecutive FIM Superbike World Championship.

BMW Motorrad customer teams had great success around the world with the M 1000 RR, winning 12 titles, including two here in the U.S. Cameron Beaubier won the MotoAmerica Superbike championship with Tytlers Cycle Racing, and Andrew Lee won the MotoAmerica Superstock championship with the Orange Cat Racing team. “The BMW M 1000 RR is one of the best bikes in international racing—and this season once again showed that our customers can rely on it in championships around the globe,” said Uwe Geyer, Head of BMW Motorrad Customer Racing. “We are proud to be able to provide private teams and riders with such a strong package.”

Davey Todd on his way to a win on the streets of Macau.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport was also victorious in some of the most prestigious standalone road races in 2025. Davey Todd and Michael Dunlop finished one-two in the Isle of Mann Tourist Trophy, and Todd also won three of the five races that make up the North West 200, while Dunlop won the other two. Todd also won the Macau Motorcyle Grand Prix, with BMW riders Peter Hickman and Erno Kostamo finishing second and third to make it a BMW podium sweep. “All these successes fill us with great pride,” said Sven Blusch. “They prove that the BMW M 1000 RR is a true winning motorcycle and that our global BMW Motorrad Motorsport family is stronger than ever.”

—David Haueter
[Photos courtesy BMW]

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has acquired the historic motorsports facility in Millington, Tennessee, previously known as Memphis International Raceway, as of December 23, 2025. Opened in the late 1980s, it has a storied history in American motorsports, having hosted major drag racing events and was once sanctioned by IHRA itself. The acquisition aims to revitalize the facility as a multi-use destination for drag racing, stock car events, and community engagement, reflecting IHRA’s commitment to the region and its economic potential. Local officials praise the acquisition, highlighting its positive impact on tourism and local businesses.

By the Numbers

• Facility opened in the late 1980s.
• Acquisition finalized on December 23, 2025.
• Previously hosted major drag racing events.

State of Play

• Facility under IHRA ownership will support diverse racing events.
• IHRA plans to begin facility improvements and operational preparations soon.

What’s Next

IHRA will announce updates and improvements as revitalization efforts commence, with a focus on reestablishing the facility as a premier racing destination. Future schedules and programming details will be shared shortly.

Bottom Line

This acquisition not only honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park but also positions it for renewed success within the motorsports community, fostering economic growth and community engagement for years to come.

Kohr Motorsports will have a special paint scheme on its No. 60 Ford Mustang GT4 in the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season-opener at the Daytona Road Course.

Biffle, who was named one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers and a winner of 56 races across all three national divisions of the sport, was tragically killed in a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina, earlier this month. He was among seven killed in the tragic accident, including his wife Cristina, son Ryder, and daughter Emma.

The Kohr Motorsports entry will resemble the car Biffle drove to the 2002 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (then known as Grand National) Series championship. Evan Slater and Ray Mason will share driving duties

53 of of Biffle’s 56 wins, including all 19 of his Cup victories came with Ford.

“In light of last week’s tragedy involving one of Nascar’s 75 Greatest Drivers and off track Humanitarian, Greg Biffle [including his family & friends],” said the team in a social media statement.

“KOHR Motorsports will be running a tribute 2002 NASCAR Busch Championship No.60 Ford livery on our IMPC No.60 Ford Mustang GT4 during the upcoming IMSA Roar Before The 24 and 4 Hour BMW M Endurance Michelin Pilot Challenge.”

The event takes place on Friday, January 23rd, with the green flag flying around 1:45pm EST.

We want your opinion!

– The Motorsport.com Team

BMW has been racing motorcycles longer than cars, and started winning championships on two wheels in the mid-Twenties. Now, 100 years later, BMW Motorrad Motorsport is still winning titles and had a very successful 2025. Overall, BMW Motorrad teams and riders had 411 podium finishes with 169 wins in 2025. BMW won the FIM World Superbike championship and wrapped up 12 additional titles with customer teams and riders.

In the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), factory rider Toprak Ratzgatlioglu won the World Championship for a second consecutive year with a BMW M 1000 RR and the RoKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team.

“Toprak’s successful title defense in WorldSBK will remain unforgettable, with no fewer than 21 wins in 36 races,” said Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport Sven Blusch. “In the FIM Endurance World Championship, we were also on course for the title in a dramatic finale until just minutes before the finish, before a technical issue prevented this potentially historic success for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. But next year we will have another chance to become world champions in endurance racing as well.”

Toprak Ratzgatlioglu won his second consecutive FIM Superbike World Championship.

BMW Motorrad customer teams had great success around the world with the M 1000 RR, winning 12 titles, including two here in the U.S. Cameron Beaubier won the MotoAmerica Superbike championship with Tytlers Cycle Racing, and Andrew Lee won the MotoAmerica Superstock championship with the Orange Cat Racing team. “The BMW M 1000 RR is one of the best bikes in international racing—and this season once again showed that our customers can rely on it in championships around the globe,” said Uwe Geyer, Head of BMW Motorrad Customer Racing. “We are proud to be able to provide private teams and riders with such a strong package.”

Davey Todd on his way to a win on the streets of Macau.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport was also victorious in some of the most prestigious standalone road races in 2025. Davey Todd and Michael Dunlop finished one-two in the Isle of Mann Tourist Trophy, and Todd also won three of the five races that make up the North West 200, while Dunlop won the other two. Todd also won the Macau Motorcyle Grand Prix, with BMW riders Peter Hickman and Erno Kostamo finishing second and third to make it a BMW podium sweep. “All these successes fill us with great pride,” said Sven Blusch. “They prove that the BMW M 1000 RR is a true winning motorcycle and that our global BMW Motorrad Motorsport family is stronger than ever.”

—David Haueter
[Photos courtesy BMW]

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially completed the acquisition of the historic motorsports facility in Millington, Tennessee, formerly known as Memphis International Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park, closing on the property on December 23, 2025.

Originally opened in the late 1980s, the facility has played a significant role in American motorsports history. It has hosted major drag racing events and national touring series and was, at one point, sanctioned by IHRA, hosting IHRA-sanctioned drag racing events during that time. With the property now under IHRA ownership, the acquisition represents a full-circle moment that reconnects the track’s past with a renewed vision for its future.

The facility has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County. Under IHRA ownership, it will operate as a multi-use destination supporting drag racing, stock car competition, grassroots motorsports, and other large-scale events that engage the broader community and region.

“This investment honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park while positioning it for a strong future,” said Mayor Paul Young, City of Memphis. “IHRA’s acquisition reflects confidence in our region and creates new opportunities for tourism, local businesses, and fan experiences.”

“As the Commissioner for District 1, I am thrilled about IHRA’s acquisition of Memphis Motorsports Park,” said Amber Mills, Shelby County Commissioner, District 1, Shelby County Government. “This investment strengthens our local economy, puts world-class racing back on solid ground, and gives our families and young people a safe, exciting place to create memories for years to come. Having a national organization like IHRA committed to the long-term success of this historic facility is exactly the kind of partnership Shelby County needs.”

“Memphis Motorsports Park has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County, and IHRA’s acquisition represents a positive step forward for the facility and the community,” said Chris Thomas, Executive Director, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce. “This investment supports the continued use of the track as a regional destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and future growth. The Millington Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with IHRA as this next chapter takes shape.”

“This is a special place in American motorsports,” said Darryl Cuttell, CEO of IHRA. “This facility has a deep history in drag racing and stock car competition, and our goal is to honor that legacy while building a strong, sustainable future. We are committed to bringing meaningful racing back to this property while expanding its role as a destination for a wide range of events that serve racers, fans, and the surrounding community.”

“This acquisition represents more than reopening a racetrack,” said Leah Martin, President of IHRA. “It is about restoring opportunity for racers, families, and the community. This facility aligns with IHRA’s racer-first vision and our commitment to grassroots motorsports, while also allowing the property to support diverse uses that strengthen its year-round impact.”

“Memphis Motorsports Park holds a special place in our hearts,” said Daniel Horton, Assistant Director of the IHRA Stock Car Series. “Bobby Hamilton won the 2004 Craftsman Truck Series race here in a truck built by Tim and with Danny as the crew chief. With the facility now under the IHRA umbrella, we can give grassroots racers a chance to compete where legendary drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Randy LaJoie, and the late Greg Biffle have won. We are extremely excited to bring stock car racing back to Memphis and continue the legacy of this iconic track.”

In the coming days, IHRA will begin facility improvements and operational preparations. Fans and community members are encouraged to follow IHRA across its social media platforms for updates and behind-the-scenes coverage as revitalization efforts get underway. Further announcements regarding schedules and programming will be released in the near future.

This story was originally published on December 29, 2025.