Bristol Monster Truck show a homecoming for Tennessean Dalton Widner – Speedway Digest
Dalton “DT” Widner may be the third most famous celebrity from his former high school, Knox Gibbs in Corryton, Tennessee, but on Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway he’ll be one of the most popular drivers on the track when the Overdrive Monster Truck Series invades The Last Great Colosseum. Widner, who drives the popular Jurassic […]
Dalton “DT” Widner may be the third most famous celebrity from his former high school, Knox Gibbs in Corryton, Tennessee, but on Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway he’ll be one of the most popular drivers on the track when the Overdrive Monster Truck Series invades The Last Great Colosseum.
Widner, who drives the popular Jurassic Attack truck, attended the nearby Tennessee high school famous for producing country music stars Kenny Chesney and Morgan Wallen, but Widner, who played high school football there and then college football at UNC-Charlotte, says he’s just a regular guy.
“Morgan Wallen and Kenny Chesney are way, way up here, and I am way, way down here,” Widner said with a grin recently during a preview event for the Bristol Monster Truck event. “I’m just a lucky guy who gets to do what I love for a living.”
And this weekend, for the first time, he will get to do it in front of his hometown family and friends. A few years ago. Widner was up in these same grandstands watching Monster Trucks do their stunts. Now, he will be behind the wheel of one of the behemoths.
“I will probably have 40 or 50 people up in the stands pulling for me,” Widner said. “I’m excited to be a part of the show and finally perform for people who have never seen me before.”
Widner, 25, says the path to the cockpit for Monster Trucks can be a long one. After volunteering to help, he was able to go fulltime with a team five years ago. He then became a backup driver and eventually was able to become a full-time driver.
“There’s not really a straight path for it,” Widner said.” When I was starting out I started volunteering for teams. Trying to have a little presence in the industry. I worked as a volunteer guy. In college, I got a job offer to do it fulltime and eventually got a spot to drive and have been doing it now for four years.”
If you are looking for him on the track, Widner will be the one driving the truck with horns. His 10-foot tall, 2,000- horsepower machine is designed after a dinosaur. While it’s a favorite with the kids, he says don’t let the playful appearance fool you, it’s got some real bite.
“It’s pretty wild,” said Widner, who also has driven Kamikaze, Velociraptor and Wrecking Machine. “It’s like riding your favorite roller coaster, but you are in control of it. It took me about a year to get all of the different stunts down, but I can do them all now. It’s a lot of fun to drive.”
He says his days as a football player at the D1 level in college also come in handy, especially from the mental side of things.
“It helps me not focus on who I am going up against,” Widner explained. “ There are a lof of the greatest drivers here and there’s a little pressure that comes along with it. What I bring from football helps me because I don’t worry about who is across from me and I just do my thing and control what I can control.”
Widner says while driving the truck is his passion, it’s also great to be able to try to inspire as many kids in the audience as possible.
“Just showing kids that if you have a dream and want it bad enough you can do it,” Widner said. “I fought my way up to be able to do it. I’m living proof that it’s possible.”
In addition to Widner, many of the most popular Monster Trucks in motorsports compete with the Overdrive series. Those who are expected to join Widner and compete tomorrow afternoon at Bristol Motor Speedway include:
Block Head driven by Daron Basl of Salem, Oregon
Dirt Crew driven by Jerry Beck of Lafayette, Ind.
Cyber Attack driven by Jared Smith of Lafayette, Ind.
Tail Gator driven by Tim Jones of Saint James, Mo.
Vendetta driven by Mike Christensen, Ogden, Utah
Bad News Travels Fast by Brandon Derrow, Elkton, Va.
Colossus driven by Elliott Miller, Grand Rapids, Mich.
The Virginia Giant driven by Cliff Vowell of Fairfax, Va.
Bad Company driven by John Gordon of Hiram, Ga.
Smashosaurus driven by Tripp Jones of St. James, Mo.
Dirt Crew Dozer driven by David Olfert of Shaw, Oregon
The Track Party Experience kicks off when gates open at 2 p.m. and runs until 5 p.m. Fans will be able to walk the track and enjoy a meet and greet session with the drivers. The Track Party Experience, which includes a driver autograph session, is only $5 per person added to your original ticket cost.
While the Track Party Experience is going on, the popular Monster Truck Ride Experience, available to all ages, will offer the ride of a lifetime to anyone with the courage to crawl up inside a behemoth Monster Truck. The Monster Truck Ride Experience will be available to guests from 2-5:45 p.m. at an additional cost of $20 per ride, per guest. For an additional extra $5 ($25) you can head to the Fast Pass line, where you will be able to get your ride in quicker by skipping the long line for the general $20 ride.
The big show begins at 6 p.m., so you and your clan will want to head to your seats to enjoy some high-flying action from the biggest, loudest and most acrobatic Monster Trucks on the planet.
Tickets start at $29 for adults and tickets for children 11 and under start at $15. A Family 4-Pack General Admission package is $84.95. To purchase tickets for the Overdrive Monster Trucks series please visit BristolMonsterTrucks.com.
Overdrive Monster Trucks Bristol Motor Speedway, Saturday May 10 (schedule):
Kurt Busch, Hendrick, Gant voted into NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Given his resume, Kurt Busch knew it was a matter of when, not if, he would be selected into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Still, getting voted in on the first ballot Tuesday was a huge relief for Busch, who let out an emotional sigh of relief after hearing his named called […]
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Given his resume, Kurt Busch knew it was a matter of when, not if, he would be selected into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Still, getting voted in on the first ballot Tuesday was a huge relief for Busch, who let out an emotional sigh of relief after hearing his named called at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
“I’m very grateful and thankful that it happened this first time,” Busch said. “You want to have that answer as fast as you can.”
Ray Hendrick and Harry Gant were also voted Tuesday into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, while executive Humpy Wheeler was named the Landmark Award winner for his contribution to the sport. A ceremony will be held to officially induct the Class of 2026 into the Hall of Fame in March.
The 46-year-old Busch held off Jimmie Johnson to win the 2004 Cup Series championship and went on to win 34 Cup races, including at least one victory in 19 of his 21 full-time seasons on the premier circuit before he retired in 2023.
His journey to NASCAR stardom began in 2000 with a Truck Series rookie season that foreshadowed greatness. His big breakthrough came in 2004, when he became the first driver to win the title under NASCAR’s “playoff” system — a feat that proved both his excellence and adaptability.
The consistent Busch finished in the top 10 in the Cup Series standings 10 times.
“Things happened fast for me in this sport and I don’t know how or why,” Busch said. “There was no template, there wasn’t the ladder that these days you see the kids that have a system where it is going to be this or that. For me it was being in the right place at the right time and the universe smiled down on me.”
Hendrick, who died in 1990 at age 61, was the original “Mr. Modified.”
He is one of the winningest drivers of all time, with than 700 modified and late model sportsman wins between 1950-88. His success started in his home state of Virginia, where his No. 11 was well know. He won five track championships at South Boston Speedway — four modified and one late model sportsman.
He was known as a driver that was willing to race “anywhere and everywhere,” and did just that. He filled his schedule with modified and late model sportsman races across the East coast. Hendrick was known best for his wins on short tracks, but also produced victories at Talladega, Charlotte and Dover.
Despite never winning a Modified Division championship, Hendrick finished in the top 10 in the standings nine times from 1960-69.
The 85-year-old Gant, known as the “Bandit” for his long-time sponsorship with Skoal Bandits, won 18 Cup Series races, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. In the five seasons from 1981 through 1985, he finished in the top five in points four times, including a runner-up championship finish to Terry Labonte in 1984.
He also won 21 Xfinity Series races.
Members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel met Tuesday in an in-person closed session at the Charlotte Convention Center to debate and vote on the 15 nominees for the induction class of 2026 and the five nominees for the Landmark Award.
The 49-person voting panel included representatives from NASCAR, the Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks, media members, manufacturer representatives, competitors (drivers, owners, crew chiefs), recognized industry leaders, a nationwide fan vote conducted through NASCAR.com and the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion (Joey Logano).
Busch and Gant both received 61 percent of the “modern era” ballot votes. Jeff Burton finished third, followed by Harry Hyde and Randy Dorton.
Hendrick received 31 percent of the “pioneer” ballot votes. Bob Welborn finished second.
Gant raced into his 50s, and still holds premier series records for oldest driver to win a race (52 years old) and a pole (54). He drove the first race car with a telemetry system installed in it at Talladega in 1985 and relayed the data to CBS during its coverage of the event.
This was the Gant’s seventh time on the ballot. He did not attend the announcement ceremony on Tuesday and was not available for comment.
All three were among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers and one of NASCAR Modified’s All-Time Top 10 Drivers.
Wheeler became synonymous with promotion and innovation.
He spent 33 years as the president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway and played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a world-class facility.
Wheeler added a new dynamic to the sport, a visionary whose leadership and creativity helped shape today’s fan experience with the introduction of dramatic prerace ceremonies and the development of night racing at superspeedways.
He was known for his innovative promotions and stunts.
NASCAR driver pays a visit to Thomas Jefferson Elementary – Newton Daily News
NASCAR driver Cole Custer is used to being bombarded by questions from the press, but the third graders from Thomas Jefferson Elementary School took it to the next level. These amateur reporters weren’t messing around either. They hit him with about 30 questions at a time, and they just had to know one thing: Who […]
NASCAR driver Cole Custer is used to being bombarded by questions from the press, but the third graders from Thomas Jefferson Elementary School took it to the next level. These amateur reporters weren’t messing around either. They hit him with about 30 questions at a time, and they just had to know one thing:
Who is your favorite “Mario Kart” character?
It’s Toad, in case you are wondering.
Cole Custer, a professional NASCAR driver, speaks with third-grade students on May 15 at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.
Custer paid a visit to Newton students on May 15 for a brief Q&A session. He talked about how racing has been a part of his life ever since he was 5 years old. By third grade, he told Newton News he was competing in quarter midget racing. He kept driving go-karts until he was about 13 years old.
Questions about “Mario Kart” aside, Custer was asked several questions about his career as a professional racecar driver. They wanted to know how he got into racing and the hardest parts about his job. Kids had a genuine interest, and it was exciting for Custer to see how passionate they were.
“I think that speaks to how passionate people here in Iowa are about racing, too,” Custer said. “You see the passion when you go out to the racetrack and see how packed the stands are. It’s really cool to see them today and answer some questions and have them have a cool experience.”
By the time kids are getting ready for the new school year, Custer will be back in Newton to compete in the second NASCAR Cup Series at the Iowa Speedway. After a successful debut last year, the Iowa Corn 350 Powered By Ethanol will make return on Aug. 3 at the Newton racetrack. Custer is ready.
“I think the biggest thing, from a racing standpoint, is how the track has changed from last year,” he said. “The pavement now has another year on it, so it’s figuring out how that changes things. And also the fans. There is such a crazy weekend with how packed everything is and seeing the passion from everybody.”
Cole Custer, a professional NASCAR driver, talks with media after answering a barrage of questions from with third-grade students on May 15 at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. (Christopher Braunschweig)
Vantage Wins “Best Motorsports Sponsorship” for Scuderia Ferrari HP Partnership
PORT VILA, Vanuatu, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets, the award-winning multi-asset broker, has been honoured with the prestigious “Best Motorsports Sponsorship” award at the Forex Sports Awards 2025 for its dynamic partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP, one of the most legendary names in motorsports.
Vantage […]
PORT VILA, Vanuatu, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets, the award-winning multi-asset broker, has been honoured with the prestigious “Best Motorsports Sponsorship” award at the Forex Sports Awards 2025 for its dynamic partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP, one of the most legendary names in motorsports.
Vantage Wins “Best Motorsports Sponsorship” for Scuderia Ferrari HP Partnership
The Forex Sports Awards, organised by Sports Media Gaming Limited, recognise excellence in sports sponsorship within the forex industry, celebrating brands that have made significant investments in high-profile sporting collaborations. Winners are selected through a rigorous process, combining open voting with an independent judging panel of esteemed professionals from the sports and media industries.
As Official Partner of the Formula 1 team, Vantage has strengthened its global presence through high-impact campaigns that highlight the shared values of innovation and excellence between both brands. This partnership engages motorsports fans and traders worldwide, celebrating the relentless pursuit of progress.
In its commendation, the Forex Sports Awards noted: “The Scuderia Ferrari HP brand is one of the most iconic names that has transcended the world of sport into a global lifestyle brand. By partnering with Scuderia Ferrari HP, Vantage has created a superb brand alignment to promote itself on the global stage.”
“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition for our partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP,” said Marc Despallieres, CEO of Vantage Markets. “Just as Scuderia Ferrari HP represents the pinnacle of motorsports, Vantage is committed to delivering excellence in trading. This collaboration has allowed us to connect with a passionate global audience, reinforcing our brand’s values of speed, precision, and innovation. We look forward to continuing this exciting journey with Ferrari and bringing even more thrilling experiences to our clients and fans.”
Visit Vantage Markets website, for more information about Vantage’s award-winning services and upcoming initiatives.
About the Forex Sports Awards
The Forex Sports Awards, created by Sports Media Gaming Limited, honour brands in the forex industry for their outstanding contributions to sports sponsorship. The awards ensure impartiality through a two-stage selection process: an open vote shortlists the top three brands in each category, followed by a final decision from an independent panel of sports and media experts.
About Vantage
Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.
With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.
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RISK WARNING: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you understand the risks before trading.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or solicitation of any financial products or services. The content is not intended for residents of any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Readers are advised to seek independent professional advice before making any investment or financial decisions. Any reliance you place on the information presented is strictly at your own risk.
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NASCAR Announces NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Landmark Award – Speedway Digest
NASCAR announced today the inductees who will comprise the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The three-person group – the 16th since the inception of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010 – consists of Kurt Busch, Harry Gant and Ray Hendrick. In addition, Humpy Wheeler was named the recipient of the Landmark Award […]
NASCAR announced today the inductees who will comprise the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The three-person group – the 16th since the inception of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010 – consists of Kurt Busch, Harry Gant and Ray Hendrick. In addition, Humpy Wheeler was named the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.
Members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Panel met today in an in-person closed session at the Charlotte Convention Center to debate and vote upon the 15 nominees for the induction class of 2026 and the five nominees for the Landmark Award.
The Class of 2026 was determined by votes cast by the Voting Panel, including representatives from NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks, media members, manufacturer representatives, competitors (drivers, owners, crew chiefs), recognized industry leaders, a nationwide fan vote conducted through NASCAR.com and the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion (Joey Logano). In all, 49 votes were cast. The accounting firm of EY presided over the tabulation of the votes.
Busch and Gant both received 61% of the Modern Era ballot votes. Jeff Burton finished third, followed by Harry Hyde and Randy Dorton. Ray Hendrick received 31% of the Pioneer ballot votes. Bob Welborn finished second.
Results for the NASCAR.com Fan Vote were: Ray Hendrick (Pioneer); Kurt Busch and Harry Gant (Modern Era).
The two Modern Era inductees came from a group of 10 nominees that included: Greg Biffle, Neil Bonnett, Tim Brewer, Jeff Burton, Kurt Busch, Randy Dorton, Harry Gant, Harry Hyde, Randy LaJoie and Jack Sprague.
Nominees for the Pioneer Ballot included: Jake Elder, Ray Hendrick, Banjo Matthews, Larry Phillips and Ralph Moody.
Nominees for the Landmark Award included Alvin Hawkins, Lesa France Kennedy, Dr. Joseph Mattioli, Les Richter and Humpy Wheeler.
Ten nominees appeared on the Modern Era ballot, which was selected by the traditional Nominating Committee. The same committee selected the five Landmark Award nominees. The Pioneer ballot, which included five nominees whose careers began in 1966 or earlier, was selected by the Honors Committee.
The Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony is set for Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets for the Induction Ceremony will be available later this month on NASCARHall.com.
Class of 2026 Inductees:
Kurt Busch
Kurt Busch’s journey to NASCAR stardom began in 2000 with a Truck Series rookie season that foreshadowed greatness. With four wins and a championship runner-up finish, Busch signaled to fans and competitors alike that he would soon be a force at the top level of the sport. By 2002, Busch was already making waves in the NASCAR Cup Series. His first win came at the famed Bristol Motor Speedway, he finished third in points, and from there, his career soared to new heights. Busch’s big breakthrough came in 2004, when he captured the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, becoming the first driver to win the title under NASCAR’s ‘playoff’ system – a feat that proved both his excellence and adaptability. Busch earned 34 Cup Series wins in 776 starts, including a thrilling victory in the 2017 Daytona 500.
Harry Gant
Harry Gant was a man with many nicknames: “Handsome Harry” for his good looks, the “Bandit” due his long-time sponsor Skoal Bandit, “Mr. September” after his four consecutive premier series and two Xfinity series wins in September of 1991 and “High Groove Harry” because of his proficiency in taking the high line through the corner. Gant won 18 premier series races, including the Southern 500 in 1984 and 1991. The North Carolinian also registered 21 wins in the Xfinity Series. In the five seasons from 1981 through 1985, Gant finished in the top five in points four times, including a runner-up championship finish to Terry Labonte in 1984.
Ray Hendrick
The original “Mr. Modified,” Ray Hendrick is one of the winningest drivers of all time, amassing more than 700 modified and late model sportsman wins between 1950-88. Hendrick’s success started in his home state of Virginia, where his famous No. 11 was known to all. He won five track championships at South Boston Speedway – four modified and one late model sportsman. Despite never winning a Modified Division championship, Hendrick finished in the top 10 in the standings nine times from 1960-69. Hendrick was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers and one of NASCAR Modified’s All-Time Top 10 Drivers.
Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR:
Humpy Wheeler
Humpy Wheeler’s name is synonymous with promotion and innovation. Best known for his 33-year tenure as President and General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Wheeler played a pivotal role in transforming the venue into a world-class facility that attracted a wide range of fans and corporate sponsors. Most notably, Wheeler spearheaded the construction of the iconic Turn 4 grandstands and introduced the “NASCAR Experience,” which brought fans even closer to the action. Adding a new dynamic to the sport, Wheeler’s visionary leadership and creativity helped shape today’s fan experience with the introduction of dramatic pre-race ceremonies and the development of night racing at superspeedways.
‘I just put their life in danger:’ NASCAR leader’s grandson tied to motorcycle stunt videos on Central Florida roads
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The grandson of NASCAR’s chief executive officer was involved in a YouTube channel that featured videos of motorcycles appearing to weave through traffic on Central Florida roadways at high speeds, running red lights and performing risky stunts, like wheelies, News 6 has learned. “I just put their life in danger!” an […]
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The grandson of NASCAR’s chief executive officer was involved in a YouTube channel that featured videos of motorcycles appearing to weave through traffic on Central Florida roadways at high speeds, running red lights and performing risky stunts, like wheelies, News 6 has learned.
“I just put their life in danger!” an unidentified motorcycle operator exclaimed in one of the videos while passing other motorists in Winter Park. “Be careful, you almost died! I almost killed you!”
Speedometers seen in some of the YouTube videos indicated the motorcycles accelerated to speeds exceeding 150 mph while zigzagging around other vehicles on Interstate 4, Florida’s Turnpike, the 417 expressway, Semoran Boulevard and other local thoroughfares.
News 6 could not independently confirm the accuracy of the speedometer readings captured in the videos.
The Florida Highway Patrol said it has assigned an investigator to review the “Speed Demon 407” YouTube channel after a News 6 viewer expressed concern that the high-speed motorcycle stunts could get an innocent motorist hurt or killed.
Screenshot of Speed Demon YouTube channel. (Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
Dallas Ashley appeared in several videos posted on the YouTube channel.
Ashley, 25, is the great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. and the grandson of the family-owned racing company’s billionaire CEO Jim France, court records and interviews confirm.
Multiple videos on the YouTube channel showed motorcycles entering the Daytona Beach International Speedway, where NASCAR races are run, and stopping by bronze statues that honor Ashley’s great-grandfather and other France family members.
In at least two YouTube videos, Ashley shared a quote about motorcycle safety that he later told News 6 he learned from his grandfather Jim France: “You’ve got to treat every car like it’s a bullet with your name on it.”
Ashley claims he is currently estranged from his mother Amy Lea France’s side of the family that owns NASCAR and said he has not spoken with his grandfather or other France relatives recently.
Representatives of NASCAR and the France family did not provide comment for this story.
After News 6 contacted Ashley last week with questions about the YouTube channel, more than 120 videos were deleted or set to private and could no longer be viewed publicly.
YouTube later removed some of the videos for violating the company’s community guidelines.
“YouTube prohibits videos that encourage dangerous or illegal activities,” a spokesperson for the video-sharing website told News 6.
When the YouTube channel was fully active, Ashley appeared on camera in videos providing information about motorcycle operations, including one titled “5 Things NOT To Do When Riding a Motorcycle.”
Screenshot of YouTube video titled, “5 Things NOT To Do When Riding A Motorcycle!” (Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
Most other videos on the YouTube channel showed an unidentified man riding motorcycles through Central Florida at what appeared to be high speeds.
The footage was captured by a camera mounted on the operator’s helmet that displayed the rider’s point of view. Shots showing the biker’s face were intentionally blurred.
News 6 could not immediately confirm who was driving the motorcycles.
In a phone call with News 6, Ashley repeatedly denied he was the biker who appeared in the videos performing risky stunts.
Ashley also suggested some of the footage may have been digitally altered for entertainment purposes.
“You can’t prove who was riding,” Ashley told News 6. “You can’t trust anything you see on the internet.”
Ashley said he understood why some observers might be disturbed by the YouTube videos that appeared to show motorcycles putting other Central Florida motorists in danger.
“I do have concerns for other people,” said Ashley. “Is anybody going to get injured? Hopefully not.”
In a video titled “Orlando to Daytona in 20 mins,” a motorcycle’s speedometer could be seen hitting 154 mph as the bike travelled on I-4 from Maitland to the Daytona International Speedway. The maximum posted speed limit on the interstate is 70 mph.
YouTube sceenshot of video titled, “Orlando to Daytona in 20 mins…” (Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
The video showed the motorcycle driving between two side-by-side vehicles in a maneuver called “lane splitting” and traveling on the shoulder of the interstate to pass slower vehicles. Both driving techniques are prohibited by Florida law.
After cruising through the tunnel of the Daytona International Speedway and parking in the infield to watch a Bike Week event on the track, the unidentified biker spoke to a fellow spectator.
“Good to meet you, Dallas,” the spectator could be heard saying on the video.
Most of the videos on the YouTube channel showed motorcycles appearing to drive at high speeds around Winter Park and Orlando.
“That person right there, I just put their life in danger,” an unidentified biker said as his motorcycle passed an SUV on Semoran Boulevard. The speedometer indicated that the bike was travelling 35 mph over the posted speed limit.
“Watch out! Here comes a menace!” he exclaimed while gesturing at other vehicles.
The motorcycle’s speedometer displayed a speed of 130 mph as it passed by vehicles attempting to turn into apartment complexes on the same road, the YouTube video showed.
Another video appeared to show a motorcycle doing a wheelie on State Road 436, passing other vehicles as the speedometer read 154 mph and narrowly avoiding a collision with an oncoming vehicle that was making a U-turn, all within 30 seconds.
A different video captured another near collision. A car with a flashing turn signal attempted to change lanes on Semoran Boulevard as the motorcycle approached from behind. The bike’s speedometer indicated it was travelling more than 20 mph over the posted speed limit.
“What a f***ing dumb b****,” the motorcycle operator said after swerving to avoid striking the car, the video showed.
The motorcycle then failed to stop at a red light at Aloma Avenue, the video showed. The speedometer indicated the bike was travelling 83 mph when the traffic signal turned red and more than 60 mph as it coasted through the intersection.
In a clip titled “Passing State Trooper Over Double the Speed Limit!,” the motorcycle’s speedometer showed a reading of 148 mph as the bike was driven down the I-4 Express Lanes.
YouTube screenshot of video titled, “Passing State Trooper Over Double The Speed limit!” (Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
The operator reportedly saw a Florida Highway Patrol vehicle in a regular lane, which was separated from the express lanes by concrete barriers.
“Oh no, there’s a trooper right there,” the unidentified biker said on the video. “I ain’t going to jail today, motherf***er.”
Another YouTube video showed officers with the Longwood Police Department stopping a motorcycle on Ronald Reagan Boulevard for alleged equipment violations.
[Watch the Longwood police bodycam footage from the traffic stop below]
Although the audio was muted on the YouTube clip when the biker told police his name, video footage from the officer’s body-worn camera obtained by News 6 confirmed that Ashley was operating the motorcycle at the time of the traffic stop.
The officers issued Ashley three citations with fines totaling nearly $1,400 for operating a motorcycle with an obstructed license plate, folded-in mirrors and no eye protection.
“You guys are f***ing straight f***ing dickheads,” Ashley said as he drove away from the traffic stop while holding up his middle finger, the YouTube video showed. “That’s why nobody f***s with cops. That’s why I should have f***ing left you f***ers in the past.”
The Florida Highway Patrol has previously investigated social media videos that feature motorists exhibiting risky driving on public roads.
The challenge for law enforcement and prosecutors is proving who was operating the vehicles seen in the videos.
A motorcycle vlogger known as Gixxer Brah pleaded guilty to exhibition of speed last year and was sentenced to two weeks in jail after allegedly publishing a YouTube video titled “From Colorado Springs to Denver in 20 minutes”, according to Road & Track.
Years before Ashley became associated with the “Speed Demon 407” YouTube channel, he was the subject of a high-profile child custody dispute that was featured in a tabloid magazine.
Ashley’s father, Andrew Ashley, filed a lawsuit against his former girlfriend, Amy Lea France, in 1999 seeking custody of their son who had been born months earlier, court records show.
Following a decade of litigation, an Orange County judge awarded Amy Lea France sole parental responsibility in 2009.
Court records show the judge’s decision was based, in part, on evidence that Andrew Ashley had published a brochure titled “How NASCAR Stole My Son,” which disparaged the France family.
The brochure was distributed to TV networks, including ESPN, and was reportedly handed out at a NASCAR race in the child’s presence, the judge said.
In a 2010 article published in The National Enquirer, Andrew Ashley publicly accused the France family of interfering in the child custody dispute.
“Jim France has used his millions to take away my 10-year-old son Dallas,” Andrew Ashley told the tabloid.
Earlier this month a message was posted on Andrew Ashley’s public Facebook page referencing the YouTube Channel that read, “I just saw Speed Demon 407” with a motorcycle emoji.
Andrew Ashley told News 6 that he had intentionally avoided watching any of the videos on the channel.
“I hope no one gets hurt,” he said.
Andrew Ashley, a musician who registered to run for president of the United States in 2024 as an independent candidate and currently works as an Uber driver, said he occasionally sees other motorists driving dangerously on local roads.
“I worry about my son’s safety every day,” Andrew Ashley told News 6. “My son has been through way too much.”
A recent photo of Dallas Ashley wearing a T-shirt that read “NASCAR sucks” was posted on his father’s public Facebook page in March.
A man wearing an identical T-shirt whose face had been blurred out appeared in the YouTube video titled “Orlando to Daytona in 20 mins.”
“I’m going to go over to the track,” the unidentified biker said on the video shortly before he is seen entering the Daytona International Speedway. “On the track with this shirt is diabolical, bro.”
Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.
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