Motorsports

Cub Scouting family gets “amazing” experience at NASCAR race

It’s been a year of firsts for 5-year-old James Bryan, a Cub Scout from Pack 91 in Edmond, Oklahoma. As a member of his pack’s Lion den, James has experienced his first year in Cub Scouts, his first Pinewood Derby car and, most recently, his first plane ride and first trip to see a professional […]

Published

1 month ago

April 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

A photo of Cub Scout James Bryan sitting behind the wheel of a real race car

It’s been a year of firsts for 5-year-old James Bryan, a Cub Scout from Pack 91 in Edmond, Oklahoma.

As a member of his pack’s Lion den, James has experienced his first year in Cub Scouts, his first Pinewood Derby car and, most recently, his first plane ride and first trip to see a professional stock car race in person, thanks to a partnership between a professional race car driver and Scouting America.

James was the winner of the Zachary Tinkle Pinewood Derby Car Design Contest. By designing and building a Pinewood Derby car with his family and then submitting a photo of that car to Scouting America, James was selected as the winner and received an all-expenses-paid trip for the whole family paid to see a race at legendary Rockingham Speedway earlier this month.

Not only that, the Bryan family also got to spend time with Zachary Tinkle, a former Cub Scout who’s currently racing in the ARCA Menards Series East, a regional stock car racing series owned by NASCAR and the Automobile Racing Club of America.

James and his family got a close-up view of the “pit” — the designated area alongside the track where race cars stop to refuel, change tires and undergo repairs.

And as if that weren’t enough, Tinkle’s car was wrapped — the process of applying a design to a race car’s surface — to mimic James’ Pinewood Derby car design, complete with James’ name on the passenger name rail.

“We had a great time with Zachary and his team,” James says. “It was a lot of fun. I got to meet legendary race car drivers too.”

James was the guest of honor of Zachary Tinkle (back row, middle) and his racing team.

“The coolest thing ever”

James chose to paint his sleek Pinewood Derby car with a cool pattern of blue and orange.

The design was selected as the winner by representatives from the Zachary Tinkle Foundation, along with Tinkle himself. The foundation is a nonprofit that provides funds for a variety of noble causes, including pet rescues, reading programs and programs that benefit U.S. veterans.

“I’m really excited for this contest,” Tinkle told us back in January. “It’s a great opportunity. Having your Pinewood Derby car be on a real race car — I would have loved to do that when I was a Cub Scout.”

And what an experience it was for young James.

He got to sit in the race car as Tinkle’s crew revved the engine. He got to watch part of the race from the car hauler, the massive truck that hauls the car from race to race.

And maybe best of all, he got to meet Tinkle and share his pre-race snack. Tinkle went on to finish a very respectable 11th in the race.

“Zachary is super nice,” James says. “He let me have his PB&J sandwich, and after the race, he ran over and gave me a fist bump.

“And seeing my name on the race car was the coolest thing ever.”

Tinkle’s race car was wrapped to look just like James’ Pinewood Derby car.

“A team effort”

Tinkle is a member of the Fast Track Racing team.

“Cub Scouts was something really fun for me to do after school, and it was a great way for me to socialize with my friends,” he says.

Tinkle is currently based out of Speedway, Indiana, home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

As for James, he’s certainly the envy of his pack.

He says he learned one big thing about racing that you wouldn’t necessarily know from watching it on TV.

“Racing has a lot of rules, and it’s not just about going fast,” he says. “It really is a team effort.”

Photos courtesy of Zachary Tinkle racing

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Motorsports

Scott Bloomquist, racing legend, died by intentional plane crash, suicide, NTSB says

Scott Bloomquist’s 2024 fatal plane crash was intentional and ruled a suicide, the National Transportation Safety Board. “The pilot departed from a private airstrip and overflew his property,” the NTSB statement read. “The airplane subsequently impacted a barn adjacent to the airstrip. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the fuselage was mostly consumed by the […]

Published

28 minutes ago

June 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Scott Bloomquist’s 2024 fatal plane crash was intentional and ruled a suicide, the National Transportation Safety Board.

“The pilot departed from a private airstrip and overflew his property,” the NTSB statement read. “The airplane subsequently impacted a barn adjacent to the airstrip. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the fuselage was mostly consumed by the postimpact fire that ensued. The pilot was fatally injured. An autopsy of the pilot was performed by the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center, Johnson City, Tennessee.

“The autopsy report listed the cause of death as blunt force injuries and the manner of death as suicide.”

According to MSN, Bloomquist was struggling with health issues that included lower-body injuries suffered in a motorcycle crash during 2019 Daytona Bike Week, a diagnosis of prostate cancer, back surgery, and a recent hospitalization due to complications from a horsefly bite that went unnoticed due to numbness from the 2019 motorcycle crash.

Bloomquist, 60, was the winningest driver ever in the Lucas Oil dirt Late Model series and is also a World of Outlaws Late Model champion.

He was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002. He won over 30 Late Model races in the World of Outlaws and had over 90 wins in the Lucas Oil dirt Late Model series.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

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Motorsports

ARCA Berlin Entry List

After competing at Michigan International Speedway, the ARCA Menards Series stays in the state, heading to the short track Berlin Raceway. Twenty-four drivers are entered for the 200-lap race so all will make the show. Three full-time entries are not on the list: Sigma Performance Services’ No. 23, Andy Jankowiak in the KLAS Motorsports No. […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

After competing at Michigan International Speedway, the ARCA Menards Series stays in the state, heading to the short track Berlin Raceway.

Twenty-four drivers are entered for the 200-lap race so all will make the show.

Three full-time entries are not on the list: Sigma Performance Services’ No. 23, Andy Jankowiak in the KLAS Motorsports No. 73, and Nitro Motorsports’ No. 46. Treyten Lapcevich is entered in the No. 70 Toyota for Nitro as the organization announced he will replace Thad Moffitt, who has dropped to part-time status due to a partner withdrawal.

Treyten Lapcevich Joins Nitro, Thad Moffitt Moving to Part Time

Max Reaves makes his national series debut in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18. Reaves has won his first three ARCA Menards Series East races in 2025, tying the series record.

Mason Mitchell will make his second start of the season in the Venturini Motorsports No. 25.

Fast Track Racing will field five entries at Berlin: Don Thompson in the No. 9, Matt Kemp in the No. 10, Tony Cosentino in the No. 11, Trevor Ward in the No. 12 and Jeff Smith in the No. 01.

Other notables include City Garage Motorsports fielding Becca Monopoli in her No. 85 and Michael Clayton in a second entry, the No. 5. Mullins Racing returns with team owner Willie Mullins in the No. 3. Also, Dale Shearer will make his second start of the year in his No. 98.

Rise Motorsports team owner Tim Goulet will pilot the No. 31, Mandy Chick will drive the Maples Motorsports No. 67 and Chris Golden will drive the No. 86 for Clubb Racing Inc.

The 24 drivers will take the green flag on Saturday, June 14 at 7 p.m. ET with TV coverage provided by FOX Sports 1.

Mark Kristl joined Frontstretch at the beginning of the 2019 NASCAR season. He is the site’s ARCA Menards Series editor. Kristl is also an Eagle Scout and a proud University of Dayton alum.

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Motorsports

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing unveils liquid hydrogen-fueled “GR LH2 Racing Concept” at Le Mans

As part of its efforts to make ever-better cars through motorsports as the starting point, and to realize a carbon-neutral society, Toyota has advanced its technologies in the challenging environment of motorsports, including the Super Taikyu series in Japan. It has also accelerated its efforts to expand the production, transportation, and use of hydrogen together […]

Published

4 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

GR LH2 Racing Concept As part of its efforts to make ever-better cars through motorsports as the starting point, and to realize a carbon-neutral society, Toyota has advanced its technologies in the challenging environment of motorsports, including the Super Taikyu series in Japan. It has also accelerated its efforts to expand the production, transportation, and use of hydrogen together with partners inside and outside the industry, towards the realization of a carbon-neutral society.

Toyota has taken on the challenge of hydrogen engine development in motorsports, initially through Rookie Racing’s participation in the Japanese Super Taikyu series with the hydrogen-engine Corolla, which initially used gaseous hydrogen from 2021, before the introduction of a liquid hydrogen-powered car from 2023. The potential of hydrogen engines in rallying was showcased in 2022 when the GR Yaris H2 completed demonstration runs on Ypres Rally, a round of the FIA World Rally Championship.

In 2023, the hydrogen-engine Corolla completed a demonstration lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe, while a hydrogen engine concept car, the GR H2 Racing Concept, was presented to preview a potential future hydrogen category at Le Mans. Since then, development of the technology intensified, reaching a new milestone with the unveiling of the liquid hydrogen-powered GR LH2 Racing Concept. It is based on the GR010 HYBRID Hypercar which currently participates in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Through future track testing, the GR LH2 Racing Concept will support Toyota’s continuous development of hydrogen technology and infrastructure, as well as helping build relationships to expand the possibilities of hydrogen through the challenge of motorsports.

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Motorsports

AUTO RACING: Denny Hamlin earns 57th career win in Michigan and NASCAR heads to Mexico | Auto Racing

All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES Viva Mexico 250 Site: Mexico City. Track: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Race distance: 100 laps, 241 miles. Schedule: Friday, practice, 1:05 p.m., practice, 3 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, noon; Sunday, race, 3 p.m. (Prime Video and MAX). Last year: Inaugural race. Last race: After passing Byron with three to go, Denny […]

Published

7 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

All Times Eastern

NASCAR CUP SERIES

Viva Mexico 250

Site: Mexico City.

Track: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Race distance: 100 laps, 241 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 1:05 p.m., practice, 3 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, noon; Sunday, race, 3 p.m. (Prime Video and MAX).

Last year: Inaugural race.

Last race: After passing Byron with three to go, Denny Hamlin earned his third series victory alongside his 57th career win in Michigan.

Next race: June 22, Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

The Chilango 150

Site: Mexico City.

Track: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Race distance: 65 laps, 157.3 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 2:05 p.m., practice, 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, 10:30 a.m., race, 4:30 p.m. (CW).

Last year: The previous race, which was held in 2008 and named the Corona Mexico 200, saw Kyle Busch earn the victory after passing Scott Pruett with 7 laps to go.

Last race: Justin Allgaier took the his third series win of the season in Nashville while holding off a late surge from rookie teammate Connor Zilisch.

Next race: June 21, Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES

Last race: Stewart Friesen held off Enfinger late to secure the victory in Michigan, breaking a 72-race losing streak and grabbing his first win since 2022.

Next race: June 20, Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

FORMULA ONE

Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada

Site: Montreal.

Track: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

Race distance: 70 laps, 189.6 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 1:25 p.m., practice, 4:55 p.m.; Saturday, practice, 12:25 p.m., qualifying, 3:55 p.m.; Sunday, race, 2 p.m. (ABC).

Last year: Verstappen secured his 60th career win, taking the lead after a restart in a thrilling race that saw rain showers and a string of safety car appearances.

Last race: Oscar Piastri secured the victory and held off teammate Lando Norris in Spain to take back momentum after Norris’s previous win at Monaco.

Next race: June 29, Spielberg, Austria.

Online: http://www.formula1.com

INDYCAR

Bommarito Automotive Grand Prix

Site: Madison, Illinois.

Track: Worldwide Technology Raceway.

Race distance: 260 laps, 310.6 miles.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 11:30 a.m., qualifying, 3 p.m. high line & final practice, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, race, 8 p.m. (FOX).

Last year: Josef Newgarden took his fifth win out of nine visits to the Madison track, holding off teammate McLaughlin after a late restart with six laps to go.

Last race: Kyle Kirkwood surged ahead on a late restart in Detroit to take his second win of the season.

Next race: June 22, Elkhart, Wisconsin.

Online: http://www.indycar.com

NHRA DRAG RACING

Next race: June 22, North Dinwiddie, Virginia.

Online: http://www.nhra.com

WORLD OF OUTLAWS

Premier Chevy Dealers Clash – Night 1

Site: Knoxville, Iowa.

Track: Knoxville Raceway.

Premier Chevy Dealers Clash – Night 2

Site: Knoxville, Iowa.

Track: Knoxville Raceway.

Next events: June 18-23, Brandon, South Dakota, Pevely, Missouri, Independence, Iowa.

Online: http://worldofoutlaws.com

_____

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing

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Motorsports

Dale Earnhardt Jr. pays tribute to former NASCAR crew chief, team owner Travis Carter

Former championship-winning crew chief Travis Carter has died at age 75, leaving the NASCAR world in mourning. He was a staple in the sport for multiple decades, serving in various capacities over the years. Following his death, Dale Earnhardt Jr. weighed in on social media. He wrote on Twitter: “Sad news. Travis added a lot […]

Published

8 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Former championship-winning crew chief Travis Carter has died at age 75, leaving the NASCAR world in mourning. He was a staple in the sport for multiple decades, serving in various capacities over the years.

Following his death, Dale Earnhardt Jr. weighed in on social media. He wrote on Twitter:

“Sad news. Travis added a lot to NASCAR,” Earnhardt wrote. “It was really nice to get to talk with him in recent months. I’m in awe of the men like him that shaped the NASCAR I grew up in.”

Carter, who was born in 1949, was previously a car owner and crew chief in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. He won championships with multiple drivers there, first with Benny Parsons in 1973 and then with Cale Yarborough in 1978. Notably, he split crew chief duties with Tim Brewer during the 1978 title run.

Additionally, he owned Travis Carter Motorsports from 1970 to 2003. He’s also the father of NASCAR driver Matt Carter.

But Carter’s legacy touched many. Dozens in the sport reached out following his death, including Earnhardt and other drivers.

“Just heard about Travis Carter passing away,” wrote Brian Keselowski on Twitter. “If you didn’t know him, you missed out on a great guy. When we first moved to NC in 2010 we rented a shop from him. He was so happy for us when we made Daytona in 2011, I’ll never forget it. Rest easy my friend.”

ESPN personality Ryan McGee, who has covered NASCAR at various points, also weighed in on Carter’s death. The two were fond of each other.

“Godspeed Travis Carter. He used to greet me with ‘Hey, Cousin McGee’ because I was from Rockingham, NC and he was from Ellerbe, NC and ‘that’s close enough,’” McGee wrote. “What a NASCAR legend and what a damn nice guy.”

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Motorsports

Travis Carter, longtime NASCAR team owner, dies at 75

RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. — Travis Carter, a longtime NASCAR team owner and championship-winning crew chief, died on Tuesday, according to various racing personalities. He was 75. Carter was a native of Ellerbe, North Carolina, in Richmond County, a short drive from Rockingham Speedway. He owned Travis Carter Enterprises, a team that competed from 1990 to […]

Published

8 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Your Sports Nation

RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. — Travis Carter, a longtime NASCAR team owner and championship-winning crew chief, died on Tuesday, according to various racing personalities. He was 75.

Carter was a native of Ellerbe, North Carolina, in Richmond County, a short drive from Rockingham Speedway. He owned Travis Carter Enterprises, a team that competed from 1990 to 2004 and was based in Statesville.

As the crew chief for Benny Parsons, he won the 1973 NASCAR Cup Series championship. It was the lone title for Parsons, a NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee.

Carter won 11 races as the crew chief for Parsons and Harry Gant, most notably the 1975 Daytona 500 with Parsons and the 1984 Southern 500 with Gant.

In 1990, Carter left the pit box to start up his own team. Carter Enterprises never won a race but was a mainstay on the NASCAR scene in the 1990s and early 2000s. Jimmy Spencer, Todd Bodine, and Joe Nemechek were some of the most notable drivers to race for Carter. Darrell Waltrip’s final two seasons were behind the wheel of Carter’s No. 66 K-Mart Ford in 1999 and 2000.

Carter left the Cup Series in 2004 and made a brief return in 2007 before dipping out for good.

Several NASCAR personalities offered their condolences and memories on social media.

“Travis added a lot to NASCAR,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said on X. “It was really nice to get to talk with him in recent months. I’m in awe of the men like him that shaped the NASCAR I grew up in.”

“He is one of the reasons I exist as a NASCAR team owner,” Carl Long, owner of MBM Motorsports, said. “If it was not for Travis Carter, I am not sure how my path would have developed. I will always be grateful for his assistance.”

Ryan McGee, a NASCAR reporter for ESPN, noted that Carter would call him “Cousin McGee” for being from Rockingham, which is about nine miles from Ellerbe.

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