NASCAR has been engaged in a legal battle with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports since the two teams rejected the sanctioning body’s final Charter Agreement proposal last September. 23XI and FRM instead decided to file an antitrust lawsuit, accusing NASCAR and its CEO Jim France of “unlawful monopolization of premier stock car racing in order to enrich themselves at the expense of the premier stock car racing teams.”

But nearly a year later, NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps still isn’t sure why the teams are suing them. Phelps said he doesn’t know what the teams’ demands are, adding that NASCAR would be open to a settlement.

“I don’t know what’s gonna happen,” Phelps told John Ourand of Puck. “The lawsuit is supposed to be an antitrust lawsuit. I don’t believe it’s an antitrust lawsuit. I think it’s just a contractual dispute. We had 13 of the 15 charter holders representing 32 teams sign. On balance, if there are winners and losers to the charter extension, I think the teams won. The number one thing the teams wanted was more money, which is exactly what we gave to them.

“We’re either gonna settle or we’re gonna go to court. Do I think we’d be willing to entertain a settlement? Yeah. To date, they have not come with anything. I don’t even know what their demands are. I don’t even know what they’re suing for.”

NASCAR vs. 23XI, Front Row lawsuit takes another turn

The final Charter Agreement proposal came Sept. 6, 2024. 23XI and FRM were the two holdouts among the 15 Cup Series teams. The final offer included a nearly 50 percent increase that teams earned from NASCAR’s record $1.1 billion per year television deal that went into effect in 2025 and also runs through 2031.

Monday, 23XI and FRM filed another restraining order against NASCAR and a new preliminary injunction in order to save their charter status for the remainder of the 2025 season. The teams filed the restraining order and new preliminary injunction after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit denied the teams’ request to rehear their case after a three-judge panel overturned the preliminary injunction which granted charter status to the teams throughout the duration of their lawsuit against NASCAR.

The Court of Appeals initially vacated the preliminary injunction June 5. 23XI and FRM are currently set to lose their chartered status on Wednesday. The teams wanted NASCAR to file a response by Tuesday afternoon. The judge has given NASCAR until 5 p.m. ET Wednesday to respond. Judge Ken Bell of North Carolina’s Western District urged both sides to settle before the case goes to trial Dec. 1.

“It’s hard to picture a winner if this goes to the flag — in this case,” Bell said June 18. “It scares me to death to think about what all this is costing.”

Kyle Busch remains outside a playoff spot with six races left in the regular season, but he closed the gap after last weekend’s race at Sonoma Raceway.

Busch’s 10th-place finish helped him gain nine points on the cutline. He goes into Sunday’s race at Dover Motor Speedway 37 points behind Bubba Wallace for the final playoff spot.

Ryan Preece remains the first driver outside a playoff spot. He is three points behind Wallace after losing one point to Wallace at Sonoma.

Twelve different drivers have won a race this season, leaving four playoff positions via points at this time.

Tyler Reddick is 149 points above the cutline. Chris Buescher is 34 points above the cutline, and Alex Bowman is 32 points above the cutline, held by Wallace.

Here is a look at the playoff standings heading to Dover (those in yellow have won this season):

DOVER, Del. — Rajah Caruth will return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in a Jordan Anderson Racing car July 19 at Dover Motor Speedway.

Caruth will wheel the No. 32 Events DC Chevrolet Camaro at Dover. It will be his first Xfinity Series start since finishing 14th with Hendrick Motorsports in the 2023 season finale at Phoenix Raceway.

“This weekend marks a special moment for our team as rising star Rajah Caruth joins us in the No. 32 Chevrolet at Dover with the support of Events DC. Rajah’s proven talent and hometown pride make this a powerful opportunity to showcase what we can achieve together on one of NASCAR’s toughest tracks – the Monster Mile,” Jordan Anderson Racing stated on social media.

Since his most recent Xfinity start, Caruth has been racing full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Spire Motorsports with full backing from HendrickCars.com. Three races into his first season with Spire, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 2024, Caruth earned his first career win and locked himself into the playoffs. Then, in May 2025, Caruth earned his second playoff berth with a fierce win at Nashville Superspeedway.

Caruth has 18 other Xfinity starts under his belt, all with Alpha Prime Racing. He raced for them seven times in 2022 and 11 times in 2023 and earned his career-best finish – 12th – two years in a row in the fall Martinsville race. In all, he has seven top-20 finishes with Alpha Prime, mostly at driver-focused tracks like Martinsville, Phoenix, Darlington, Bristol and the Charlotte Roval.

Meanwhile, Jake Finch will step into his old Xfinity ride – the No. 17 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports – for his series debut.

MORE: Jake Finch to make NASCAR Xfinity debut with Hendrick Motorsports

Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.

A Twin Valley, MN, native, Fjeld became a motorsports fan at just three years old (first race was the 2002 Pennsylvania 500). He worked as a contributor and writer for TRE from 2010-18. Since then, he has stepped up and covered 24 NASCAR race weekends and taken on a larger role with TRE. He became the co-owner and managing editor in 2023 and has guided the site to massive growth in that time.

Fjeld has covered a wide array of stories and moments over the years, including Kevin Harvick’s final Cup Series season, the first NASCAR national series disqualification in over 50 years, Shane van Gisbergen’s stunning win in Chicago and the first Cup Series race at Road America in 66 years – as well as up-and-coming drivers’ stories and stories from inside the sport, like the tech it takes for Hendrick Motorsports to remain a top-tier team.

Currently, he resides in Albuquerque, N.M., where he works for KOB 4, an NBC station. He works as a digital producer and does on-air reports. He loves spending time with friends and family, playing and listening to music, exploring new places, being outdoors, reading books and writing among other activities. You can email him at fjeldjonathan@gmail.com

NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney talks about his interest in dirt track racing

The Blaney family has long been involved in dirt track racing. Ryan Blaney’s father Dave Blaney made his name with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series before moving to the NASCAR Cup Series.

For over two decades, Dave Blaney has been a part of the ownership group of Shanon Speedway. As of this year, Ryan Blaney has joined that ownership group of the Ohio dirt track.

Ryan Blaney joins ownership group of Ohio dirt track

Ryan Blaney has spent time in a dirt sprint car but it’s been awhile. Now, he’s expressing interest in driving one again…

Ryan Blaney confirms interest in dirt sprint car racing

“Man, I watch all forms of motorsports,” Ryan Blaney stated via the Rubbin’ Is Racing podcast.

“Like, I just love racing. You know, I watch a ton of Indycar. Just because our group has an Indycar team.”

“I watch F1, I watch Moto GP. You know, dirt sprint cars.”

“I love dirt sprint car racing. I didn’t do a ton of it growing up. But, it’s what my dad did through the 80s and 90s.”

“I got a lot of friends that you know are in it or used to do it. And those cars are just super unique.”

“So, I’d love to be able to wheel a sprint car. It’s been probably 13-14 years since I’ve got behind the wheel of one of those.”

He added, “But, I would love to do that at some point.”

Ryan Blaney and Gianna Tulio have a Baby Blaney on the way

Ryan Blaney talks sprint car racing

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025 – Tyler Kicera delivered a standout performance for Nitro Motorsports this past weekend at Watkins Glen International, finishing second overall, before being elevated to the win in Round 8 of the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series Presented by Pirelli. His result capped a successful weekend for Nitro Motorsports, which saw five drivers finish inside the top-ten at one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar.

Driving the #10 Nitro Motorsports Toyota Camry, Kicera started fifth but quickly asserted himself near the front of the field, showcasing both speed and racecraft to secure a hard-fought podium at the historic New York venue. However, following the race, a rash of both technical and on-track penalties were handed out to drivers, pushing Kicer to the win.

“This was a fantastic weekend,” said Kicera. “Watkins Glen is one of the most challenging tracks we go to, and the team gave me an incredible car. We had great pace from the start, and it felt like we could really push the leaders. I’m proud to deliver this result for Nitro Motorsports and grateful for all the work behind the scenes to get us here.”

In addition to Kicera’s win, Nitro Motorsports’ Gian Buffomante found himself on the podium when results were made official, celebrating with a third-place result with teammates Seamus McKendree and Sam Corry finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. Cale Phillips finished 16th overall but eighth in the Pro / Am class to add another top-ten result for Nitro Motorsports. 

Nitro Motorsports owner Nick Tucker praised Kicera’s performance and the depth of the team’s results. 

“Tyler drove a smart, aggressive race and showed why he’s one of the top talents in the series,” explained Tucker. “Our entire team stepped up this weekend with five cars in the top-ten, but Tyler’s result really set the tone. It’s the kind of momentum we want as we head into the critical part of the season.”

Tucker added, “Two drivers on the podium and four in the top-five are the results that we are used to. It’s on now for the rest of the season!”

With this podium, Kicera continues to establish himself as a championship contender as Nitro Motorsports turns its attention to the next round at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park north of the border in one month.

For more information on Nitro Motorsports, please visit them online or contact Nick Tucker via email HERE or visit them online at www.RaceNitro.com.

NASCAR Cup Series champions Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson are scheduled to participate in interviews on the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza shortly before the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, July 20.

Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR champion, Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR champion and Larson, the 2021 NASCAR champion, highlight the dozens of driver appearances that will take place throughout the July 18-20 NASCAR tripleheader weekend in and around the Fan Zone, long cited as NASCAR’s best with countless free entertainment offerings and unexpected surprises.

Whether you’re a diehard NASCAR fan or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone this summer at The Monster Mile.

Fans can find a full schedule of announced Fan Zone attractions and shows as it’s updated at https://www.dovermotorspeedway.com/fans/fan-zone/. The Fan Zone opens at the following times each day:

• Friday, July 18: Noon
• Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20: 9 a.m.

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

MONSTER MONUMENT INTERVIEWS: See some of your favorite NASCAR drivers and personalities at the famous 46-foot Monster Monument at Victory Plaza on Sunday, July 20. Scheduled driver appearances at the Monster Monument include:

• • Chase Elliott, 11 a.m.: Driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
  • Kyle Larson, 11 a.m.: Driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
  • Ryan Blaney, 11:15 a.m.: Driver of the No. 12 Ford for Team Penske
  • Josh Berry, 11:15 a.m.: Driver of the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing

Other driver appearances are planned throughout the property, including:

• ARCA Menards Series Autograph Session, General Tire Display, Fan Zone, 3:30 p.m., Friday, July 18
• Chase Briscoe Q&A, Miles Beach Stage, Noon, Saturday, July 19
• Ryan Preece Q&A, Crown Royal Stage at Miles Beach, 12:15 p.m., Saturday, July 19
• Matt DiBenedetto Q&A, Crown Royal Stage at Miles Beach, 1:45 p.m., Saturday, July 19
• Daniel Dye, Lock-In (Your Tickets) Lounge, 2:15 p.m., Saturday, July 19
• Ryan Blaney, Todd Gilliland, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Guest Bartending, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware (Times TBD)
• Ryan Blaney, Todd Gilliland, John Hunter Nemechek, SCC-Dover Dunk Tank, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware (Times TBD)
• Ty Dillon, Guest Bartending, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, 6 p.m., Saturday, July 19
• Ty Dillon, SCC-Dover Dunk Tank, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, Fan Zone, 6:15 p.m., Saturday, July 19
• Justin Haley, Guest Bartending, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, Fan Zone, 6:15 p.m., Saturday, July 19
• Justin Haley, SCC-Dover Dunk Tank, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, Fan Zone, 6:30 p.m., Saturday, July 19
• Ross Chastain, Lock-In (Your Tickets) Lounge, 10 a.m., Sunday, July 20
• Christopher Bell Q&A, Miles Beach Stage, 10:30 a.m., Sunday, July 20
• Ryan Preece, Lock-In (Your Tickets) Lounge, 10:30 a.m., Sunday, July 20
• Bubba Wallace Q&A, Crown Royal Stage at Miles Beach, 10:45 a.m., Sunday, July 20
• Michael McDowell,Lock-In (Your Tickets) Lounge, 11:15 a.m., Sunday, July 20

Keep track of all the latest NASCAR weekend driver appearances at https://www.dovermotorspeedway.com/events/autotrader-echopark-automotive-400/appearances/.

LEVY FOOD TRUCKS/CONCESSIONS: Dover Motor Speedway’s hospitality partner Levy is providing the following delicious food and refreshing beverage options from your favorite regional spots throughout the weekend:

• Beach Bites Specialty Stand: Beach fries, crab cake poutine fries, crab cake grilled cheese, hot dogs, cheeseburgers
• New York Pizza: Authentic, fresh New York-style pizza
• Holy Smoked Meats: Smoked brisket, pork sandwiches, burgers and fries
• Woodson’s Wrap Shack: Chef-inspired wraps and fresh cut fries
• Wing King: Chef-inspired wings and burgers with fresh cut fries
• Bunting’s Popcorn: Homemade popcorn/kettle corn, burgers, sausage sandwiches and pretzels
• Zeny’s: Chicken tenders and fries, burgers, corndogs, Philly steaks
• Philly Steak on a Roll: Authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks
• Martin’s Concessions: Crab cake sandwiches, Crab mac & cheese
• Snell’s Ice Cream: Soft serve ice cream and desserts
• Cup’R Cone: Homemade ice cream
• Scoop O Dough: Homemade milkshakes and desserts
• Lemonade Factory: Fresh-squeezed lemonade
• Auntie Anne’s: Pretzels
• Philly Pretzel: Homemade pretzels
• Kona Ice: Flavored ice treats
• Rita’s Italian Ice: Italian Ice
• Travelling Tom’s Coffee: Fresh coffee
• Boardwalk Specialties: All your beach favorites in one place
• White’s Treats: Funnel cakes and chicken tenders
• Talkin’s Funnel Cakes: Funnel cakes, candy

DANA KUNZE’S WATERSHOW PRODUCTIONS: The famed world champion high-diver brings spectacular shows to Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware. Daily performances to feature an assortment of springboard and tower diving, comedy, tumbling, trampoline acts and high dives reaching 80 feet. SHOWTIMES: Friday, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:15 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

SHARK WEEK DISPLAY: Discovery Channel’s popular Shark Week program series returns for its 37th year starting Sunday, July 20. Shark Week will have a large activation within Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, including:

• Giant shark inflatable provides the entrance to Miles Beach
• A talented sand sculptor constructs a Shark Week-related masterpiece on Friday and Saturday to be ready for full display on Sunday.
• Shark fin giveaways on Saturday and Sunday.

USO MILITARY VILLAGE PRESENTED BY WASTE MASTERS: Huge area open all weekend that displays our country’s finest military assets. Learn how this group assists service members and their families around the world. Check out various military vehicles and apparatus.

MAGICIAN NICK RAFF: Dazzling tricks to be on display throughout the Fan Zone all weekend from a performer with more than 300,000 TikTok followers.

BUBBA & THE GUMPS: Performing on the Crown Royal Stage at Miles Beach on Sunday, July 20, this powerhouse four-piece country/pop/rock/blues band hails from Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE MASCOTS/CHEER SQUADS: Blue Hen mascots YoUDee and Baby Blue, along with cheerleading teams, will entertain fans near the Monster Monument on Sunday, July 20.

BUMPER CARS: One of your favorite summer activities is back at the Fan Zone. Display your skills behind the wheel before watching America’s best drivers do the same around The World’s Fastest One-Mile Oval.

LET’S DO TRIVIA: Throughout the weekend, trivia games, music, and more will be available in Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, and hosted by one of the region’s top pub-game providers.

SOUL CHASE: The premier reggae and funk band at the Maryland Eastern Shore beaches.

****

The centerpiece of the Fan Zone remains the previously announced Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, area, a 1-acre showcase celebrating a “Monster Mile Summer” with attractions including:

• 600 tons of sand to help create Miles Beach along with a huge wood planked boardwalk
• 25-foot lighthouse designed for Dover Motor Speedway
• The World’s Largest Rubber Duck
• WHITE LIGHTNING Bar + Arcade, presented by BetRivers
• Delicious traditional boardwalk food and refreshing beverages, including the State of Delaware’s official alcoholic drink, the famed Orange Crush!
• Live appearances & performances all weekend long on the Crown Royal Stage at Miles Beach
• Huge, 22-ton sand sculpture to kick off Shark Week on The Discovery Channel
• Miles Beach Patrol to keep the party going armed with beach balls and other giveaways
• Free beach-side caricaturist
• Numerous selfie photo opportunities with Miles the Monster in beach-themed designs, large surfboards and imported palm trees
• Dunk Tank, benefitting Speedway Children’s Charities, Dover Motor Speedway Chapter
• Cornhole boards
• Free Miles Beach posters (while supplies last) courtesy of Visit Delaware
• Tiki tents, shade cabanas and comfortable Adirondack chairs

Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, hours:

• Thursday, July 17: 3-9 p.m.
• Friday, July 18: Noon to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, July 19: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monster Mile Bash, presented by THOR, begins at 6 p.m.)
• Sunday, July 20: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Other previously announced Fan Zone events and attractions include, in alphabetical order:

• Amirrorcan Men
• The Amazing Tyler: World famous balancing performer
• Axe Throwing
• Katie Whitley Cirque: Amazing fire performances that will wow fans of all ages.
• The Bubble Factory: The amazing art of bubbles are brought to life with a blend of humor and showmanship
• Cast In Bronze: Nationally recognized carillon performer featuring 35 bells, weighing four tons
• Del Rods Car Club Shows
• Dialed Action extreme motorcycle/bicycle attraction
• Emily Moses McNatt: Acoustic musical artist and Dover resident
• Historical Highlights display: Top Monster Mile moments
• Homestead Bluegrass Band
• Joe Gibbs Game Plan For Life: Joe Gibbs appearance, Sunday, July 20, Noon
• The Little Farm Petting Zoo
• Mariachi Arrieros Band
• Mike Hines & The Look concert (Saturday, July 19, 6 p.m., Miles Beach stage as part of the Monster Mile Bash, presented by THOR)
• Monster Mile After Dark Tours, benefiting Speedway Children’s Charities Dover Motor Speedway chapter
• Monster Mile Bash, presented by THOR (Saturday, July 19, 6 p.m.)
• Monster Truck Rides
• NASCAR Kids Zone, presented by Drink Blocks
• The Red Hot Ramblers
• 10-foot tall Rock It Robot roaming the Fan Zone
• Saturday Night Fireworks, presented by Visit Central Delaware(Saturday, July 19, 9 p.m.)
• Sky High Balloon Guy
• Nationally-known ‘Ultimate ’80s New Wave Tribute’ Spazmatics concerts (Sunday, July 20, 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., Grove Stage)
• Track Treasures Trailer, benefiting Speedway Children’s Charities, Dover Motor Speedway chapter
• Trinidad North Steel Drum Band
• Uptown String Band: Philadelphia Mummers

The weekend’s racing centerpiece, the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race is race No. 4 in NASCAR on TNT’s debut five-race in-season tournament, which concludes July 27 in Indianapolis with a $1 million prize going to the winner.

2025 marks 56 consecutive years that Dover Motor Speedway has hosted a NASCAR Cup Series event. The Monster Mile is one of only 10 tracks in the country to host 100 or more NASCAR Cup Series races.

NASCAR TICKETS:

Dover Motor Speedway’s full 2025 race schedule includes:

• Friday, July 18: General Tire 150 ARCA Menards Series race (5 p.m., FS1)
• Saturday, July 19: BetRivers 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race (4:30 p.m., The CW, Performance Racing Network)
• Sunday, July 20: Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race (2 p.m., TNT, Performance Racing Network)

Visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com to buy tickets or register for the Speedway’s email list to receive updates and announcements.

FOLLOW US:
Keep track of all of Dover Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook, X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok (@MonsterMile). Keep up with all the latest information on DoverMotorSpeedway.com and our mobile app.

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