We break down complex business news to help you understand how money moves in Chicago and how it affects you.
This may be the last NASCAR Cup Series race of the Amazon Prime broadcasts, but the network still features some compelling must-see NASCAR storylines in the four-part “Earnhardt” documentary and, similarly the single-episode “American Thunder,” which chronicles NASCAR’s Garage 56 project from inception to race debut in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. The […]
This may be the last NASCAR Cup Series race of the Amazon Prime broadcasts, but the network still features some compelling must-see NASCAR storylines in the four-part “Earnhardt” documentary and, similarly the single-episode “American Thunder,” which chronicles NASCAR’s Garage 56 project from inception to race debut in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Earnhardt docu-series on Prime Video has received a hugely positive response and features some never-before-seen video and certainly some compelling interviews with those that knew the late seven-time champion best. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt are featured prominently and their stories about their dad heart-felt and captivating.
The “American Thunder: From NASCAR to LeMans” documentary is also intriguing, whether you are a race fan or not. It chronicles the remarkable project from idea to post-race celebration. Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, Formula One champ Jenson Button and sports car legend Mike Rockenfeller shared the seat of the No. 24 Chevrolet.
And so many of NASCAR’s heavy-hitters from series executives Jim France and Steve O’Donnell to the Hendrick team’s Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon to a former NASCAR-to-Le Mans competitor Hershel McGriff are all featured in this behind-the-scenes look at the massive effort it took to develop the car, make the huge-logistical lift in travelling to the small French town of Le Mans and ultimately the drama of the actual race and what the involvement meant to all involved.
Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced today that the 2025 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Scholarship is open to students at select high schools, colleges and universities who are pursuing higher education degrees in one of three fields: automotive technology; hospitality and tourism; or communications and broadcasting. Created by Bristol Motor Speedway in 2017 as a retirement gift […]
Bristol Motor Speedway officials announced today that the 2025 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Scholarship is open to students at select high schools, colleges and universities who are pursuing higher education degrees in one of three fields: automotive technology; hospitality and tourism; or communications and broadcasting.
Created by Bristol Motor Speedway in 2017 as a retirement gift to Earnhardt Jr., the annual scholarship awards the winning student a one-time payment of $2,088 to assist with all college costs including tuition, housing, books and supplies.
Applications are being accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. The winner will be announced on Friday, Sept. 12 during the pre-race ceremonies for the Food City 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race, which features race cars owned by Earnhardt Jr. in competition.
To apply for the $2,088 scholarship, please fill out the online application here: https://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/scholarship/
Applications may also be submitted via email to: [email protected]
Past winners of the BMS Dale Earnhardt Jr. Scholarship are Jaicee Weaver (2018) and Jace Ketron (2019), both of Tennessee High School in Bristol, Tenn., Knoxville, Tenn. student Caleb James Cate (2021), who attended UNOH, and John Clavier (2022) of Elizabethton, Tenn. and UNOH student Chloe Holman of Essex, Mo.; Jamie Sullivan of UNOH from Charlotte, N.C. and Kaleb Kent of Happy Valley High School in Elizabethton (2023); and Trea’zure Cassidy of Science Hill High School in Johnson City and Oswego, Illinois’ Hannah Kelsheimer of UNOH.
In order to be eligible, students must be a senior at one of the 23 designated high schools or attending one of the eight designated colleges and universities in the Appalachian Highlands region surrounding Bristol Motor Speedway or a student at the speedway’s official partnering institution, the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) in Lima, Ohio.
The 23 designated high schools are Abingdon High School; Chuckey-Doak High School; Cloudland High School; Daniel Boone High School; David Crockett High School; Dobyns-Bennett High School; Elizabethton High School; Greeneville High School; Hampton High School; Happy Valley High School; Holston High School; John S. Battle High School; North Greene High School; Patrick Henry High School; Tennessee High School; Science Hill High School; South Greene High School; Sullivan East High School; Virginia High School; West Greene High School; West Ridge High School; Unicoi County High School or Johnson County High School.
The nine designated higher educational institutions are East Tennessee State University; Emory & Henry College; King University; Milligan University; Northeast State Technical Community College; Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Elizabethton; Tusculum University; the University of Virginia’s College at Wise or the University of Northwestern Ohio.
One of the most iconic racecar drivers of all time, Earnhardt Jr. serves as an analyst for Prime Sports and TNT Sports coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series. In addition to race coverage, Earnhardt hosts The Dale Jr. Download, a weekly interview program focused on motorsports. Voted by fans as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver for an unprecedented 15 consecutive years (2003-17), Earnhardt, a 26-time winner in the NASCAR Cup Series including two Daytona 500s, is a third-generation driver who followed his legendary father Dale Earnhardt Sr., and his grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt, into the sport. As a team owner, Earnhardt founded and manages JR Motorsports, which fields four full-time entries in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In the summer of 2020, Earnhardt was selected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
Earnhardt Jr.’s only Bristol victory in the Cup Series came in the 2004 Night Race in dramatic fashion where he famously declared, “It’s Bristol, Baby!” in Victory Lane following the win.
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race weekend features three nights of electrifying NASCAR Playoff action under the lights including Saturday night’s Cup Playoff race, the Bass Pro Shops Night Race (7:30 p.m., USA Network, PRN Radio). The weekend also includes the Food City 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff race on Friday night, Sept. 12 (7:30 p.m., The CW and PRN Radio). The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will get the Playoff fun started on Thursday night, Sept. 11, with the running of the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics (8 p.m., FS1 and PRN Radio). The ARCA Menards Series will open Thursday’s racing to make it a doubleheader night when the future stars of the sport compete in the Bush’s Beans 200 (5:30 p.m., FS1).
To purchase tickets or obtain more information about the race weekend, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com or call (866) 415-4158.
BMS PR
We break down complex business news to help you understand how money moves in Chicago and how it affects you. The third NASCAR Chicago Street Race revs up this weekend, once again sparking mixed feelings about the event’s economic impact and who benefits. For the past two years, the event has brought tens of thousands […]
We break down complex business news to help you understand how money moves in Chicago and how it affects you.
The third NASCAR Chicago Street Race revs up this weekend, once again sparking mixed feelings about the event’s economic impact and who benefits.
For the past two years, the event has brought tens of thousands to downtown Chicago and was televised to millions of viewers. But some locals and business owners near the Loop racecourse say disruptive street closures, blockades and noise drive customers away during what should be a bustling holiday weekend.
Some businesses benefit. This year, Chicago-based sports caterer Levy is bringing 20 local eateries to a festival for NASCAR ticketholders in Grant Park over the weekend. They include Mr. Beef, Josephine’s Southern Cooking, Bronzeville Winery and Cloud Cookie, as well as two Levy restaurants, Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap and River Roast.
This weekend, NASCAR is also partnering with the Chicago Loop Alliance to bring free live music, puppets and other entertainment to Monroe Street.
The race “has been a highly successful addition to our city’s dynamic summer programming, and we anticipate millions of dollars in direct economic impact to the Loop,” said Ariella Gibson, marketing director of Loop Alliance.
Last year’s Chicago Street Race generated an estimated $128 million in local economic impact — a 17% increase compared to 2023. Last year, more than 53,000 unique visitors attended, up from 47,405 in 2023, thanks partly to the introduction of single-day tickets.
But after the first race weekend in 2023, critics pointed out that the city shouldered more costs than NASCAR was paying. Expenses included an estimated $3.5 million in police overtime and road construction. Meanwhile, NASCAR paid $620,000 to the Chicago Park District. For the 2024 race, the city negotiated with NASCAR, which paid $2 million to cover extra costs.
Miller’s Pub in the Loop is among the businesses that welcome the NASCAR race.
Some local businesses welcome NASCAR. Miller’s Pub, 134 S. Wabash Ave. in the Loop, is used to the city hosting many large events throughout the year, said co-owner Andrew Gallios. “We believe the inconveniences they may cause are more than worth it for the financial value and exposure they provide for the businesses and the city itself.”
Mindworks, 224 S. Michigan Ave., a science exhibition space located along the racecourse, also welcomes the race. “We are interested in bringing different audiences to Mindworks, and NASCAR engages new groups to explore the Loop,” said Amy Boonstra, Mindworks executive director.
But other businesses near the heart of the racecourse lose out. Exile in Bookville, 410 S. Michigan Ave. in the Fine Arts Building, will close Saturday and Sunday, as it did last year. Again, the bookstore is not holding any author events the week before or after the race during teardown.
“Navigating downtown with street closures presents too many challenges for both authors and customers alike,” said co-owner Kristin Gilbert. “It is very unfortunate that we have to close, as the Fourth of July weekend is a big tourist weekend for Chicago as a whole, and Exile in particular.”
Next door, Osaka Sushi & Fresh Fruit Smoothies at 400 S. Michigan Ave. will close for the third year for NASCAR from Friday to Monday. Much of its business is delivery, and Michigan Avenue will be blocked off to Uber Eats drivers and customers during the race, said manager Barry Cheung. But he added that his daughter likes the closure because he takes time off from his long workdays.
Osaka Sushi and Fresh Fruit Smoothies, 400 S. Michigan Ave., will close from Friday to Monday due to the NASCAR race in Grant Park.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file
Surrounding street closures began in late June earlier than scheduled because pavement near Grant Park buckled during the recent heat wave.
This year could be the last Chicago Street Race as NASCAR’s three-year deal with the city expires after this season. However, the deal includes options to continue the event.
Gilbert hopes this is the last year. “Every day counts for small businesses, and bookstores in particular rely on certain parts of the year to carry them through slower times,” she said.
“I can appreciate the city trying to bring in new demographics of tourists, to bring something ‘unique’ to downtown, but I just don’t think NASCAR is the right fit.”
Celebrating 249 years of Independence, the Ohio CAT Great Lakes Super Sprints Presented by PERFIT & ARP are headed into the Holiday weekend with three races and three tracks on the schedule. Waynesfield Raceway Park kicks off the weekend on Thursday, Limaland Motorsports Park holds the middle of the weekend on Friday, with the quarter-mile […]
Celebrating 249 years of Independence, the Ohio CAT Great Lakes Super Sprints Presented by PERFIT & ARP are headed into the Holiday weekend with three races and three tracks on the schedule. Waynesfield Raceway Park kicks off the weekend on Thursday, Limaland Motorsports Park holds the middle of the weekend on Friday, with the quarter-mile at Millstream Raceway wrapping up the tripleheader.
In the first visit to Waynesfield Raceway Park in May, Devon Dobie dominated from the front of the field. Collecting his first win of the 2025 season, nearly 10 years to the day since his first career win, Dobie executed precision around “The Field of Speed” alongside timely cautions to get the win over Bryan Sebetto, Kasey Jedrzejek, Max Stambaugh, and Jared Horstman.
Limaland Motorsports Park has hosted four GLSS races in 2025, three of which have seen Stambaugh go to Victory Lane. Jedrzejek was the lone driver who interrupted the Stambaugh winning streak back on May 23rd.
As for Millstream Speedway, a trip to the quarter-mile awaits on Saturday after the first trip to the half-mile was cancelled in May. The Great Lakes Super Sprints were the first ever sanction to race on the quarter-mile when track conditions on the half-mile resulted in the event being moved to the quarter-mile. Zane DeVault, who won both visits to Millstream last season, held off Greg Wilson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Chase Dunham, and Narin Naida for the first ever Millstream quarter-mile win.
The 2025 Championship Points battle remains tight for the Great Lakes Super Sprints Tour. Max Stambaugh and Jared Horstman both collected their fifth win of the season with wins at Tri-City and Crystal respectively. Horstman holds an 18 point advantage over Stambaugh heading into the weekend with Dustin Daggett third 181 points back.
In the Ohio CAT Division, Stambaugh has a 106-point advantage on Jared Horstman, but the top six in points remain one night’s full-points away from the lead. With 225 points available per night, Devon Dobie sits third 114 back, Phil Gressman fourth 168 behind, defending Ohio CAT Champion, Dustin Daggett sits 169 points behind Stambaugh, and Chase Dunham is 171 points back.
Gates open at 4:00 PM on Thursday at Waynesfield, 5:00 PM Friday at Limaland, and 4:00 PM Saturday at Millstream. Fans who can’t make the trip can watch all the action LIVE at www.GreatLakesSprints.Tv.
For more information on the Great Lakes Super Sprints, log onto www.GreatLakesSprints.com. Find Great Lakes Super Sprints on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
GLSS PR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE International Hot Rod Association and Official Broadcast Partner SPEED SPORT 1 Announce Production and Broadcast Plans Drag Racing fans across the nation and around the globe will have free access to world-class coverage of IHRA events on multiple digital and television platforms including Prime Video, The Roku Channel, PlutoTV and more… […]
FAIRFIELD, Ohio (July 3, 2025) — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has announced its 2025 television and streaming plans with official broadcast partner SPEED SPORT, bringing the adrenaline-pumping excitement of IHRA drag racing to fan through a dynamic blend of live television and digital streaming on SPEED SPORT 1, SPEED SPORT 2 and IHRA.TV.
As part of this multi-platform media partnership, IHRA events will be professionally produced and distributed across SPEED SPORT 1 and its major streaming and broadcast partners, including Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel, PlutoTV, and more — reaching millions of motorsports fans with premium drag racing content delivered live and free.
“Partnering with SPEED SPORT is a game changer for IHRA and motorsports entertainment,” said Darryl Cuttell. IHRA CEO. “This platform enables us to reach 100s of millions of people on their existing devices anywhere – anytime – internationally – live and recorded at no cost. This will create new fans and racers, thrill the existing, and encourage sponsorship for teams. In addition to live streamed races, we can’t wait to share our content that will go beyond the scenes of racing in 2025 and showcase the human element from team and fan perspectives.”
The broadcast team features some of the most respected names in motorsports media. Ken Stout will serve as play-by-play host, with former NHRA Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson Jr. providing color commentary. Veteran broadcaster Ralph Sheheen will serve as the race-day host at select events, bringing insight and storytelling from years of experience.
Pit reporters Kristen Beat and Kristin Bank will offer exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes access and real-time updates, and powerful interviews from drag racing’s most emotional vantage points.
“We are extremely excited to present an incredibly strong production and broadcast package on SPEED SPORT 1,” said Joe Tripp, SPEED SPORT CEO. “IHRA is a historic, world-class series with tremendous competition — and the streaming and live television complement will reflect that. This is precisely the type of live sports content our distribution partners at Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel, PlutoTV and others look for — and IHRA on SPEED SPORT 1 will deliver right off the line.”
SPEED SPORT has been synonymous with motorsports excellence for more than 90 years. With this new partnership, SPEED SPORT will continue its legacy by delivering high-quality, engaging content that showcases the power, speed and passion of IHRA drag racing.
The production will be led by the experienced team at Windy City Creative Group (WCCG), with industry veteran Steve Grein serving as executive producer. With more than 20 years of experience producing top-tier motorsports content, Grein brings deep expertise and a proven track record to the IHRA broadcast team.
Grein’s résumé includes work with IHRA, ADRL and countless shows under the Lucas Oil Productions banner. He also served as executive producer for MAVTV for five years, helping shape the network’s motorsports identity and bringing professional, action-packed coverage to fans nationwide.
The full event schedule, including streaming and broadcast times, will be released in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to follow IHRA.com and SPEEDSPORT.com for updates and behind-the-scenes previews. Visit SPEEDSPORT1.com for broadcast schedules and viewing options.
About the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA)
Founded in 1970, the IHRA is one of the premier drag racing sanctioning bodies in North America, committed to supporting grassroots racers, tracks and communities through championship events and world-class competition. For series schedules, rules, tickets and more, visit IHRA.com.
About SPEED SPORT 1
SPEED SPORT 1 is the first network dedicated to FREE, LIVE motorsports — presenting hundreds of LIVE events, and thousands of hours of the finest motorsport content and lifestyle programming from around the globe. SPEED SPORT 1 is designed for the sport’s most passionate fans. Backed by SPEED SPORT — America’s original motorsports media company, SPEED SPORT 1 delivers authentic, timely motorsports content 24/7. For more information, viewing options and more, visit SPEEDSPORT1.com.
Garage 66 and Pure Kick® are teaming up again for the 2025 Grant Park 165 NASCAR Cup Series race, bringing bold flavor and fan-focused energy to one of the sport’s most exciting venues: the Chicago Street Course. Driver Josh Bilicki will pilot the No. 66 Pure Kick Ford Mustang Dark Horse featuring an all-new Blood […]
Garage 66 and Pure Kick® are teaming up again for the 2025 Grant Park 165 NASCAR Cup Series race, bringing bold flavor and fan-focused energy to one of the sport’s most exciting venues: the Chicago Street Course.
Driver Josh Bilicki will pilot the No. 66 Pure Kick Ford Mustang Dark Horse featuring an all-new Blood Orange paint scheme, designed to highlight the boldest flavor in the hydration lineup. The race will air live on TNT at 2:00 PM ET on Sunday, July 6, with radio coverage provided by MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
This year’s activation marks Pure Kick’s third consecutive appearance in Chicago, and their second Cup Series race with Bilicki. In addition to the new flavor-forward car design, the brand is launching a major giveaway and fan engagement experience:
• Blood Orange Harley-Davidson Giveaway: On Thursday, July 3, Pure Kick will unveil a custom Blood Orange-themed Harley-Davidson® motorcycle on display at their NASCAR Fan Zone booth. Fans can enter for a chance to win the bike all weekend long.
• Josh Bilicki Autograph Signing: On Race Day (Sunday, July 6), Bilicki will appear at the Pure Kick Fan Zone display for an exclusive autograph session from 10:00–10:45 AM.
“This is one of the most exciting races of the year, and the energy in Chicago is unmatched,” said Josh Bilicki. “I’m proud to help launch the Blood Orange campaign with Pure Kick and give fans something bold to cheer for—on and off the track.”
Garage 66 PR
Many NASCAR fans are accustomed to seeing the National Guard name on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races. Recently, however, the Guard added another driver and racing series to its roster. This weekend, driver Landon Cassill will be sponsored by the National Guard in the Mountain Dew 250 […]
Many NASCAR fans are accustomed to seeing the National Guard name on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
Recently, however, the Guard added another driver and racing series to its roster.
This weekend, driver Landon Cassill will be sponsored by the National Guard in the Mountain Dew 250 Fueled by Winn-Dixie NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala.
The sponsorship of Cassill, who drives the No. 81 truck, at Talladega ties in with Guard recruiting and retention events to be held during the race, said Army Lt. Col. Joseph Day, chief of Army National Guard marketing programs.
Those events are scheduled to include an appearance by Cassill as well as a performance after the race by the band Three Doors Down, whose song “Citizen/Soldier” honors Army National Guard soldiers. Guard recruiting booths will be set up along the track during the race.
For Cassill, this weekend’s race will be his seventh start as part of the 2008 season of the truck series. While this is Cassill’s rookie season, he placed in the top 10 at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May and finished third at the Milwaukee Mile in June.
Those wins, Cassill said, largely have been from the efforts of the team behind the No. 81 truck. He said he hopes that, as well as the Guard sponsorship, will bring him success at Talladega.
“We’ve got the National Guard on board, and I think it’s a perfect combination for my first race at Talladega,” he said in a news release.
This isn’t Cassill’s first time racing for the Guard. He also drives the National Guard-sponsored No. 5 car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He took first place in the 2007 Busch Series 250 race.
Saturday may mark Cassill’s first race at Talladega in the truck series, but he is scheduled to make the rounds of Talladega’s 2.66-mile course the day before behind the wheel of the No. 88 car in the Automobile Racing Club of America’s Re/Max series race. That race, he said, will give him experience with drafting that he can build on for the truck race the following day.
“I learned a lot in Daytona this winter about drafting, but I also learned even more about drafting at some of the truck races that I’ve ran this year at fast tracks,” he said. “It’s going to take a lot of focus to catch on to the drafting techniques on race weekend, but I think the seat time and experience that I’ll get from the ARCA race will be able to transfer right over to the truck.”
And perhaps that is something that will translate into a win.
“Obviously, we want to put the National Guard truck in victory lane for [the Guard members], and I feel confident Landon and all the guys on the team can do just that,” said Randy Moss, co-owner of Randy Moss Motorsports, which owns the No. 81 truck.
(Army Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Story by Army Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy, Special to American Forces Press Service
Date Taken: | 10.01.2008 |
Date Posted: | 07.03.2025 19:30 |
Story ID: | 521053 |
Location: | WASHINGTON, US |
Web Views: | 2 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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