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Motorsports

Atlanta Motor Speedway has changed names

HAMPTON, Ga. — Speedway Motorsports and EchoPark Automotive introduced the new identity of Georgia’s only NASCAR track today; the iconic, 66-year-old facility in Hampton, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, is now EchoPark Speedway. Through a new partnership, the speedway, which hosts two NASCAR Cup Series races annually, including the upcoming June 28 Quaker State […]

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HAMPTON, Ga. — Speedway Motorsports and EchoPark Automotive introduced the new identity of Georgia’s only NASCAR track today; the iconic, 66-year-old facility in Hampton, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, is now EchoPark Speedway.

Through a new partnership, the speedway, which hosts two NASCAR Cup Series races annually, including the upcoming June 28 Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart, will carry the EchoPark brand for the duration of a seven-year, multi-million-dollar agreement.

Specializing in pre-owned vehicle sales, EchoPark Automotive is one of three operating segments of Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company and one of the largest automotive and powersports retailers in the United States. EchoPark Automotive operates 17 locations in 13 markets, including Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, where a majority of Atlanta NASCAR fans travel from each year to visit the historic speedway. From restart zone signage to fan zone activations and race entitlements, the pre-owned car dealership chain has leveraged resources across nine Speedway Motorsports facilities nationwide to activate its brand and reach race fans and potential new customers. Acquiring the naming rights to one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks is the latest and biggest step in this strategy for EchoPark Automotive.

“We have enjoyed serving guests in the Atlanta metro area since EchoPark Atlanta opened its doors in 2020,” David B. Smith, Chairman and CEO of Sonic Automotive, said. “This partnership allows us to share the value of the exceptional EchoPark car-buying experience with more guests in Atlanta and the surrounding area who enjoy the excitement of NASCAR racing at this iconic venue.”

EchoPark Automotive is seen as the number one pre-owned car buying experience, reflected in over 100,000 five-star reviews. Using this iconic sports venue, which is the largest in all of Georgia, will help EchoPark Automotive share the message of the brand to millions locally and nationally through major televised NASCAR events.

EchoPark Speedway’s entire 850-acre facility has undergone a massive facelift in preparation for its upcoming national debut as the opening race for the TNT portion of the NASCAR broadcast schedule and the kickoff event for the new in-season Cup Series tournament. Fans will see the new EchoPark Speedway’s signature green color and the new track logo across track walls, Victory Lane, and throughout the concourse when they attend the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart on Saturday night, June 28, or tune in nationally at 7 p.m. ET on TNT and can be heard live on WDUN AM 550 & FM 102.9.

The winner of the race will also receive a “nearly new” EchoPark Chevy Silverado and a trailer equipped with an 85th Anniversary, Sturgis Motorcyle Rally Limited Edition Harley-Davidson motorcycle. These exclusive motorcycles can be pre-ordered now at SturgisHD.com, but the very first one of only 26 manufactured will go to the winner of the inaugural EchoPark Speedway race. This incredible prize will be presented to the winner in Victory Lane courtesy of EchoPark Automotive. 

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible vehicles we sell at EchoPark and share the exposure with another important entity in our Sonic Automotive family,” Jeff Dyke, President of Sonic Automotive, said. “The Sturgis Rally is right around the corner, and we know NASCAR fans and drivers will not only love the new presentation of this track, but also the opportunity to see this limited edition Harley-Davidson presented in Victory Lane.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with an innovative, customer-focused company like EchoPark Automotive as the entitlement partner of our newly named EchoPark Speedway,” Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith said. “EchoPark Automotive is as committed to exceptional customer service as we are, and we know that together we’ll elevate our fan experience to a new level unmatched for Southern hospitality. This partnership will fuel great experiences for fans attending our speedway for years to come.”

EchoPark Speedway has a storied history in NASCAR, hosting races every year since it opened as Atlanta International Raceway in 1960. The speedway hosted NASCAR’s season finale from 1987-2000, including the epic conclusion of the 1992 campaign which saw “The King,” Richard Petty, compete in his last NASCAR race; future legend Jeff Gordon make his first NASCAR Cup Series start; and Georgia’s own Bill Elliott win the race – narrowly losing the title to underdog owner-driver Alan Kulwicki.

Racing enthusiasts have long celebrated EchoPark Speedway’s high-speed, close-quarters racing action and exhilaratingly close finishes. Since its reconfiguration to a 28-degree banked, superspeedway-style track in 2021, that reputation has only been further bolstered. Three- and four-wide racing with abundant lead changes has become the norm when NASCAR visits Atlanta. In February 2024, EchoPark Speedway saw the closest three-wide finish in NASCAR history with race winner Daniel Suárez eclipsing Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch by just 0.003 and 0.007 seconds, respectively. Earlier this year, a new record was set for most lead changes at the speedway. This month’s Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart is expected to continue that trend of thrilling NASCAR action in Atlanta.

EchoPark Speedway will host two NASCAR national touring series during the spectacular June 26-28 summer event. Schedules, tickets, and camping for the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend, can be found online at www.EchoParkSpeedway.com.

 



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Registration now open for 2025 PRI Show

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Registration is officially open for the 2025 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show, the world’s largest and most influential gathering for motorsports professionals. Set to take place December 11–13 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the event will bring together thousands of racing industry members for three days […]

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Registration is officially open for the 2025 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show, the world’s largest and most influential gathering for motorsports professionals. Set to take place December 11–13 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the event will bring together thousands of racing industry members for three days of innovation, networking, and business growth. Attendees can register now at PRI2025.com/Attend.

More than 1,000 exhibiting companies will showcase cutting-edge products, services, and technologies—from race parts and machinery to simulation tools, trailers, and more—making the PRI Show the ultimate destination for motorsports professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve.

“Motorsports is a powerful economic engine, and the PRI Show is where that impact becomes tangible—where the industry gathers to innovate, collaborate, and drive the business of racing forward,” said PRI President Michael Good. “As we open registration for 2025, we’re proud to continue building a platform that fuels growth and opportunity across every segment of the motorsports community.”

Racing drives jobs, wages, and revenue in every corner of the country, a point proven by the recently released PRI Motorsports Economic Impact Study. The landmark study found that the motorsports industry contributes more than $69.2 billion in annual economic impact to the American economy, supports more than 318,000 American jobs, and generates more than $22.1 billion in wages and benefits.

The PRI Show plays a critical role in sustaining that momentum – serving as a central hub where businesses across the motorsports ecosystem come together to showcase innovation, forge partnerships, and strengthen the industry’s economic foundation.

The 2025 PRI Show will feature exclusive experiences and activations designed to deliver unmatched value to attendees, including:

• Grand Opening Breakfast – The traditional kickoff to the Show, held Thursday morning before the exhibit halls open.

• Featured Products Showcase – A curated display of the newest and most in-demand motorsports products.

• PRI Education Program – A robust lineup of seminars offering insights, strategies, and solutions for today’s racing businesses.

• TOPS HQ – A dedicated lounge and workspace for track operators, promoters, and sanctioning bodies to connect and collaborate.

• Trailer Exhibit Area – A side-by-side comparison zone for the latest race trailers, haulers, and motorhomes.

• Sim Racing Arena – A fully immersive experience into the fast-growing world of sim racing.

• PRI Paddock – The place to get helpful information about the Show and see the famous hanging race car.

• Machinery Row – Live demonstrations of precision machining equipment in action.

• PRI Full Throttle Social – A reimagined industry networking event that brings the entire PRI Show motorsports community together to celebrate the first day of the Show.

“The 2025 PRI Show will deliver an unmatched experience for racing professionals at every level,” said PRI Show Director Karin Davidson. “From hands-on product demos and immersive activations to targeted networking spaces and world-class education, this year’s Show is designed to help attendees discover new opportunities, make meaningful connections, and leave inspired to take their businesses to the next level.”

The PRI Show draws attendees from all 50 states and around the globe, including race teams, retailers, engine builders, fabricators, media, and more. Early registration ensures attendees receive their credentials in advance—starting in October—saving time and avoiding lines at the Show.
To register, book hotel accommodations, and learn more about the 2025 PRI Show, visit PRI2025.com/Attend.

About Performance Racing Industry: Performance Racing Industry fuels the passion for motorsports by building, promoting, and protecting the worldwide racing community. PRI supports racers, builders, tracks, sanctioning bodies, and businesses through legislative advocacy, its monthly magazine Performance Racing Industry, and the world’s premier motorsports trade event—the PRI Show. The motorsports industry contributes $69.2 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports over 318,000 American jobs, and generates more than $22.1 billion in wages and benefits. Learn more at PerformanceRacing.com.



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Jake Finch Set for NASCAR Xfinity Series Debut with Hendrick Motorsports at Dover Motor Speedway

Chris Knight Chris Knight has served as a senior staff writer and news editor for CATCHFENCE.com since 2001. In his 20-plus years with CATCHFENCE.com, he has covered NASCAR’s top three national series, often breaking news and providing exclusive at-track content, including in-depth race weekend coverage. He also offers insider coverage of the entire Motorsports platform, […]

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Chris Knight

Chris Knight has served as a senior staff writer and news editor for CATCHFENCE.com since 2001.
In his 20-plus years with CATCHFENCE.com, he has covered NASCAR’s top three national series, often breaking news and providing exclusive at-track content, including in-depth race weekend coverage. He also offers insider coverage of the entire Motorsports platform, including the ARCA Menards Series.
In 2022, Knight became co-owner of CATCHFENCE.com.
In addition to his active duties at CATCHFENCE.com and other Motorsports-related endeavors, he is also a frequent contributor to SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @Knighter01 or on Instagram, Snapchat, or Threads at @TheKnighter01. He can be reached by email at [email protected].



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Shane van Gisbergen’s disruptor-level NASCAR success opens the door to more

Imagine you are a NASCAR team owner today with a multi-car organization, and some of your cars are currently out of the playoffs with six races remaining in the regular season. You’ve watched as Shane van Gisbergen has won three road course races in a month to leap your cars in the standings, get his […]

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Imagine you are a NASCAR team owner today with a multi-car organization, and some of your cars are currently out of the playoffs with six races remaining in the regular season. You’ve watched as Shane van Gisbergen has won three road course races in a month to leap your cars in the standings, get his team into the playoffs, and prepare to cash in on the accompanying extra money he’ll get from finishing in the top 16 of the Cup Series points.

Heck, the guy is third in the playoff standings as a rookie. He’s tied for the series lead in wins this year! So what do you do as an owner? Would you be able to avoid being a prisoner of the moment? Because it sure would be tempting to allow van Gisbergen’s success to change the calculation for how you run a race team.

Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks, always with a mind on being the “disruptor,” surely has done it this time. He figured out a way to game the NASCAR playoff system in a way no one else has.

While we knew there was an opportunity for a road course ringer to win their way into the playoffs — AJ Allmendinger has long been proof of that — no road racer with this type of dominance has come along until now. You can say it’s the perfect combination of van Gisbergen’s background (touring cars in Australia which are a distant cousin to NASCAR’s Next Gen) and timing (the Next Gen is a spec car, which gives van Gisbergen equal equipment to his competitors).

But van Gisbergen hasn’t just won a single race. He’s won three. And no matter what playoff format NASCAR comes up with, there’s always going to be a spot in the field for multi-time race winners.

Even if they shrunk the field to 12 drivers, he’d be in. And back in the traditional 10-race Chase, NASCAR tweaked the format to allow for a “wild card” spot (the highest driver outside the points with the most wins). So van Gisbergen, with three wins, is a playoff driver no matter how you slice it.

If you don’t think teams notice this, you’re lying to yourself.

“This is showing the relevance of mastering (road course) races (in) NASCAR,” former open-wheel and NASCAR driver Max Papis posted Sunday night on X. “This will open (the) door to a variety of racers that might never had a (shot) at it.”

That’s how it always works in NASCAR. A short-track racer finds success in the Cup Series, and suddenly that’s the hot area to look for prospects. An open-wheel driver successfully makes the transition and then team owners give someone else a try. Sprint car drivers show their adapability to stock cars and suddenly everyone races to find the next star from the dirt world.

Maybe now Supercars drivers are the answer. Except it’s not that simple, and it doesn’t give van Gisbergen the proper credit for what he’s achived.

Instead of just assuming it’s all because of his background or experience level, why not point to his unbelievable skill? The bottom line is team owners can hire other drivers in a similar mold, but there might be only one SVG.

Playoff field forecast

Because of the opportunity for drivers like van Gisbergen — who was outside the top 32 in points last month and missed the cut for the In-Season Challenge bracket — to get into the playoffs win a single victory, road course races have lately been viewed as “wild card” events similar to superspeedways.

Except … nah. Not anymore, with van Gisbergen such a heavy favorite. The playoff-bubble drivers are quite fortunate that he has won three in a row, because it has prevented someone like a Michael McDowell or Ty Gibbs from nabbing a spot and moving the cutoff line upward.

Check out the bubble now: Tyler Reddick is 149 points up on the cutoff and is the only “safe” driver on points. Chris Buescher (+34), Alex Bowman (+32) and Bubba Wallace (+3) could all see their tentative spots wiped away if there were new winners from outside the top 16.

But how many more winners will there be? Let’s rank the final six regular-season races by upset potential:

1. Daytona (Aug. 23): Very likely. You almost have to pencil in an upset winner here and assume that will be another new playoff entry.

2. Watkins Glen (Aug. 10): About 50-50. Again, not really a wild card anymore, but if van Gisbergen doesn’t win again, it does open the door for McDowell, Gibbs, Buescher or Allmendinger.

3. Richmond (Aug. 16): Not likely. It should be a driver from one of the big teams. Then again, remember Austin Dillon in this race last year?

4. Iowa (Aug. 3): Not likely. Probably a Christopher Bell/Kyle Larson/Ryan Blaney type win from someone already in the top 10 of the standings.

5. Dover (Sunday): No way. There hasn’t been an upset at Dover in the last 20 years.

6. Indianapolis (July 27): Slim to none. Not with every team bringing their A-game for a crown jewel race.

So in reality, we’re looking at maybe two more different winners? That’s two spots available on points, which would lock Reddick in before Daytona and make the race between Buescher and Bowman — and possibly Wallace if he can string a few good weeks together — for the last playoff position.

Brad Keselowski


Brad Keselowski called for a reduction in road courses in NASCAR’s premier circuit, which is up to six such tracks on the schedule. (Meg Oliphant / Getty Images)

Back to left turns

Brad Keselowski last week argued there are too many road courses in NASCAR.

“NASCAR was successfully built as a primarily oval racing series,” Keselowski wrote on X. “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.”

He’s right. For a series that had traditionally had two per year (Sonoma and Watkins Glen) as novelties, to have expanded to six in less than a decade has felt like overkill — especially with the IMSA-like Next Gen car, which doesn’t put on particularly compelling shows on those circuits.

But what is the sweet spot for NASCAR road racing? Keselowski said two to four is “plenty enough.” We’d lean toward four, because that would perhaps cut the Roval and Circuit of the Americas (despite being a beautiful track in a great market) and leave NASCAR with: Sonoma and Watkins Glen (the traditional NASCAR road races), a street race (Chicago, San Diego, etc.) and an international race (Mexico City, Montreal, somewhere in Europe).

Any more than that starts to give road-course fatigue, when in reality most NASCAR followers are oval fans first who will tolerate the occasional right turns — as long as it’s not overdone. And right now feels like it’s too much.

Lawsuit latest

The two teams suing NASCAR for being an illegal monopoly, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, filed another request for a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order on Monday in a last-ditch attempt to retain their charter status for this weekend’s race at Dover Motor Speedway. NASCAR has until Wednesday to respond, and a ruling by the district court judge could come before the Dover weekend begins.

With a federal appeals court overruling an earlier preliminary injunction that allowed the teams to race with charter status for 2025 while their lawsuit is pending, their combined six entries would have to race as “open” cars at Dover, barring a legal victory this week.

Further adding urgency to the matter is NASCAR’s letter to the teams informing them there is interest to reassign or sell the charters, which puts the teams at risk of going out of business should they lose their charter status permanently. NASCAR has said in court it does not want to be forced into a contractual relationship with teams it does not want to do business with, which describes its current feelings about 23XI and Front Row.

While the teams have committed to running as “open” for the remainder of the season and paying the financial difference out of pocket, being non-charter teams does not appear to be a viable model for NASCAR organizations in the long run. There’s simply too much money at stake. Plus, Reddick could become a free agent as soon as this week if the charters go away; a clause in his contract requires the team to provide him with a chartered entry.

Of course, another preliminary injunction from the district court would buy more time and possibly get the teams through to the end of the season and the Dec. 1 trial date. But without that order, the teams will be facing a different reality beginning at Dover.

(Top photo of Shane van Gisbergen celebrating Sunday’s win: Trinity Machan / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)





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Honda and MMG Make it a Double-Double at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 120

#93 MMG Honda of Karl Wittmer and LP Montour claims victory on home soil MMG only 110 points back in the TCR class championship following back-to-back wins Honda returned to victory lane for the second-consecutive time, as the #93 MMG Honda Civic Type R TCR of Karl Wittmer and LP Montour took […]

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  • #93 MMG Honda of Karl Wittmer and LP Montour claims victory on home soil
  • MMG only 110 points back in the TCR class championship following back-to-back wins

Honda returned to victory lane for the second-consecutive time, as the #93 MMG Honda Civic Type R TCR of Karl Wittmer and LP Montour took the win at their home track in the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 120. Things took a dramatic turn in the sixth round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season, but MMG executed cleanly amidst the chaos, taking the checkered flag first and bolstering their position in the championship fight.

After qualifying in second position the day prior, just a mere 0.040 seconds off the pole position time, LP Montour rolled off as the race went green, carrying forward the team’s strong momentum throughout his stint. He moved up into the lead by the fifth lap over the polesitter, but found himself overtaken by another competitor four laps later.

The team had to complete a pit stop earlier than originally anticipated, as they suffered an unexpected left front tire delamination. Montour managed to dive into pit lane to address the sudden issue, and thus put Karl Wittmer on a major fuel-saving strategy as he took over driving duties.

During Wittmer’s stint, a drive-through penalty for a pit lane speed violation was handed to the then-leading car in the TCR field, promoting MMG to first place, although Wittmer still had a big task ahead of him to save enough fuel to the end

With 40 minutes remaining in the two-hour event, an incident involving multiple vehicles in Turn 7 brought out a lengthy full course caution. The second and third-place runners were involved, taking them out of contention. The caution allowed Wittmer to save additional fuel. The green flag running resumed with 20 minutes to go, and Wittmer went on to cross the finish line with a 2.149 second buffer between him and the car behind, securing his fifth and Montour’s second career series wins.

Following their top form at both Watkins Glen International and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, the Honda outfit currently sits third in the TCR championship standings, just 110 points out of the lead.

The #5 KMW Motorsports with TMR Engineering Honda Civic Type R TCR of William Tally and Tim Lewis recovered from a spin on lap 2, battling a subsequent rear-alignment issue for the remainder of the race, to cross the line in 10th.  

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 120 Honda Race Results

  • Finished 1st – #93 MMG Honda Civic Type R TCR, Karl Wittmer, LP Montour
  • Finished 10th – #5 KMW Motorsports with TMR Engineering Honda Civic Type R TCR, William Tally, Tim Lewis

Quotes
LP Montour (#93 MMG Honda Civic Type R TCR) Finished first: “Happy to have won the race with Karl. It’s a whole Canadian team here on Canadian soil. It means a lot for the whole team to be able to secure back-to-back wins; it’s very good for the points in the championship. Can’t be happier than that for my friends and family; Honda and MMG did everything right and it paid off.”

Karl Wittmer (#93 MMG Honda Civic Type R TCR) Finished first: “Honda gave us a great car. Everyone at MMG and HRC is working so hard to make this program happen for us and the results are showing it. Proud to be Canadian, proud to be part of HRC and MMG, and we will probably throw the biggest party in our hometowns to celebrate!”

Next
Honda will return for the seventh round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season, the two-hour Road America 120, on Saturday, August 2nd at 2 PM CT / 3 PM ET.

Acura and HRC US social media content and video links can be found on:

    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • TikTok 
    • YouTube

# # #



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MOTORSPORTS: Trans-Am race thrills at WGI | Sports

WATKINS GLEN — Twenty-two years after making his first-career start at Watkins Glen International in the NASCAR Cup Series, Paul Menard finally took the checkered flag at the historic racetrack in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s 50th race at The Glen. After rolling off third in his No. 3 Pittsburgh Paints/Menards Ford Mustang, […]

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WATKINS GLEN — Twenty-two years after making his first-career start at Watkins Glen International in the NASCAR Cup Series, Paul Menard finally took the checkered flag at the historic racetrack in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s 50th race at The Glen. After rolling off third in his No. 3 Pittsburgh Paints/Menards Ford Mustang, the 2024 champion made the pass for the lead on lap 17 and was engaged in a cat-and-mouse game with Adam Andretti (No. 17 Top Liner Chevrolet Camaro) until the checkered flag waved.

When the green flag waved, polesitter Chris Dyson (No. 16 GYM WEED Ford Mustang) was immediately passed on the outside by second-place Andretti, who shot out to a massive 10-car length lead. Andretti nurtured his multi-second advantage for the first nine laps while Menard fought with Dyson for the second position. On lap 10, Menard made the pass on Dyson and slowly began to hunt down Andretti. Andretti’s gap began to shrink, and on lap 17, Andretti made a mistake on the exit of the boot, allowing Menard to get by. For the remaining 13 laps, Andretti was on Menard’s bumper, attempting to regain the point position, but when the race reached its conclusion, it was Menard who drove into GYM WEED Winners Circle, followed by Andretti and Dyson. Tomy Drissi (No. 8 Trench Shoring Co./Motul Chevrolet Camaro) finished fourth, and Amy Ruman (No. 7 McNichols Co./Valley Automotive Group Chevrolet Camaro) finished fifth in a car borrowed from Drissi Motorsports following a crash in testing which heavily damaged her Corvette.

Notes of Interest

Paul Menard earned his 11th-career Trans Am victory in the series’ 50th start at Watkins Glen International. The victory was Menard’s fourth of the season.

The 2024 champion won for the first time at Watkins Glen International. He has been competing at the track since 2003 in NASCAR’s top-three series.

Menard has made 28 previous starts at Watkins Glen in the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series and one in the Trans Am Series. Before today, his best finish was second in both Trans Am and Xfinity.

Menard leaves the track with the points lead and a 31-point advantage over Adam Andretti.

Adam Andretti scored his sixth podium in eight races this season. He is tied with Menard for the most podium finishes in 2025.

“It’s great to be back in the Trans Am Series at Watkins Glen, one of my favorite racetracks,” said Menard. “It’s just a bad-ass racetrack, and I told Adam [Andretti], we just did 100 miles of qualifying. We were on it every single lap. The car held up; I got a little loose at the end. We had a tough weekend; we battled a lot of different gremlins and my boys put it all together for the race. The car was just solid all race. On to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. I love that track up there; another bad-ass, high-speed track. Adam is keeping us honest in the points and we’ll keep at it.”

TA Top Five

1. Paul Menard, No. 3 Pittsburgh Paints/Menards Ford Mustang

2. Adam Andretti, No. 17 Top Liner Chevrolet Camaro

3. Chris Dyson, No. 16 GYM WEED Ford Mustang

4. Tomy Drissi, No. 8 Trench Shoring Co./Motul Chevrolet Camaro

5. Amy Ruman, No. 23 McNichols Co./Valley Automotive Group Chevrolet Corvette

SGT Results

For the seventh time this season, Joshua Carlson in the No. 36 Enseva/Diercks Ltd./TC Fab Ford Mustang dominated the SGT class. He was the fastest competitor in practice, qualifying and the race, and he led every lap. Ray Mason (No. 00 Alloy Employer Services Ford Mustang) showed quick pace, crossing the finish line second, and 2022 champion Milton Grant (No. 55 Sentry Self Storage/Springhill Suites Porsche 991.1) finished third.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” said Carlson on the podium. “We led the whole weekend in practice, qualifying, and the race. I’d like to thank Enseva. Without them, I wouldn’t be racing this weekend. I had a lot of fun racing with Milton [Grant] and Ray [Mason]. I hope to see them out at the next race.”

SGT Top 51. Joshua Carlson, No. 36 Enseva/Diercks Ltd./TC Fab Ford Mustang

2. Ray Mason, No. 00 Alloy Employer Services Ford Mustang

3. Milton Grant, No. 55 Sentry Self Storage/Springhill Suites Porsche 991.1 Mustang



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NASCAR teams 23XI and Front Row seek urgent court order to retain charters

The two race teams suing NASCAR over antitrust allegations filed for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction Monday to be recognized as chartered organizations for the remainder of 2025. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are locked in a lengthy legal battle over the charter system, which is the equivalent of the franchise model […]

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The two race teams suing NASCAR over antitrust allegations filed for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction Monday to be recognized as chartered organizations for the remainder of 2025.

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are locked in a lengthy legal battle over the charter system, which is the equivalent of the franchise model in other sports. 23XI, owned by retired NBA great Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Front Row, owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, last September rejected NASCAR’s final proposal on extensions and instead filed an antitrust suit.

The case is winding its way through the court system but now with urgency: the teams were set to lose their charters Wednesday and in the latest filing, they allege NASCAR has indicated it will immediately begin the process of selling the six tags that guarantee entry into every race as well as monetary rewards and other benefits.

After the filing NASCAR was ordered to respond by 5 p.m. Wednesday — which means there would be no ruling on if the charters will be revoked likely until Thursday, at the earliest.

“Today we filed a motion in the district court for a renewed preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order to protect the teams’ ability to race chartered for the remainder of the 2025 Cup Series season and prevent irreparable business harm to 23XI and Front Row Motorsports until we can present our case at trial in December,” said Jeffery Kessler, attorney for the teams.

“New information surfaced through the discovery process that overwhelmingly supports our position that a preliminary injunction is legally warranted and necessary. The teams’ love of stock car racing and belief in a better future for the sport for all parties – teams, drivers, employees, sponsors, and fans – continues to motivate their efforts to pursue this antitrust case.”

There were large portions of the filing redacted because the arguments are based on information learned through discovery, making it confidential, for now. But, the urgency is likely tied to NASCAR indicating it plans to immediately begin selling the charters if they are revoked.

Should the teams have their six combined charters revoked, the drivers would have to qualify on speed to make each week’s race and would receive a smaller percentage of the purse. They may also have to refund money paid out through the first 20 races of the year.

NASCAR accused 23XI and Front Row of filing “a third motion for another unnecessary and inappropriate preliminary injunction” and noted it has made multiple requests to the teams “to present a proposal to resolve this litigation.”

“We have yet to receive a proposal from 23XI or Front Row, as they have instead preferred to continue their damaging and distracting lawsuit,” NASCAR said in a statement. “We will defend NASCAR’s integrity from this baseless lawsuit forced upon the sport that threatens to divide the stakeholders committed to serving race fans everywhere.

“We remain focused on collaborating with the 13 race teams that signed the 2025 charter agreements and share our mutual goal of delivering the best racing in the world each week, including this weekend in Dover.”

Also on Monday, Rick Ware Racing and Legacy Motor Club had a short virtual hearing in a North Carolina court over their fight for a charter.

Legacy, owned by seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, contends it had an agreement with RWR to lease one of its two charters in 2026. RWR contends the agreement was for 2027 and it already has a contract with RFK Racing to lease that team a charter next season.

Legacy on Monday asked for and was granted the right to depose RWR over the recent revelation that T.J. Puchyr, one of the founders of Spire Motorsports, plans to purchase the race team. Legacy contends if Ware is selling the team, then one of the charters should be transferred to its organization.

Legacy also argued that Ware did not disclose he was entering into a sales agreement with a third party — Puchyr, who is now a consultant and brokered the initial lease deal between RWR and Legacy — in an April hearing. The judge in that case warned that RWR could be in contempt of court if it misrepresented its intentions in the first hearing.

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

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