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US President Donald Trump began his war against offshore wind turbines with a bang in January, but the writing of defeat is already on the wall. Despite his efforts here in the US, the domestic offshore wind industry is not an entirely lost cause, and activity continues apace overseas. Additionally, the global shipping industry is beginning to rediscover wind power, a trend with significant potential to help push fossil fuels out of the maritime transportation picture.

The Strange New World Of Maritime Wind Power

New fuel and propulsion technologies are providing the global shipping industry with a growing menu of decarbonization alternatives, and old traditions are also at work. Wind power has been making a comeback. The options include modern but relatively conventional sails and sail-like structures, as well as next-generation devices that leverage wind power in new and different forms (see more hard sail background here).

The UK firm GT Wings (formerly Green Energy Technologies) falls into the latter category. GT Wings surfaced on the CleanTechnica radar in 2023, when it proposed the “AirWing,” a compact, space-saving, wind-harvesting device based on aerodynamic principles adapted from Formula 1 racing, aerospace engineering, and high-tech racing racing yachts. To emphasize the cross-industry inspiration, GT describes the general approach as “Jet Sail Technology,” with the AirWing model being the first Jet Sail available commercially.

The 2023 proposal earned GT Wings a thumbs-up from the cleantech funding agency Innovate UK, attracted by the potential for 10–30% fuel savings for retrofitted ships and up to 50% for new ships. The Innovate UK award of £155,000 enabled GT to conduct feasibility and commercialization studies. “Among partners in the project is the aerodynamics firm SABE Fluid Dynamics, which launched in 2019 and soon became known for its work in the Americas Cup sailing race,” CleanTechnica noted.

Not letting the grass grow under its feet, last year GT began work on the first major real-world tryout for the AirWing, involving a 124-meter cargo ship. Though not nearly as long as the biggest ships of today, the relatively modest size of the ship helps support GT’s case for a compact, energy dense system that takes up as little deck space as possible, making it an economical option for smaller ships as well as larger ones.

Next Steps For The AirWing Jet Sail

At the beginning of this year, GT Wings’ CEO, George Thompson, set the stage for the mass adoption of wind power during an interview with BBC News, in which he estimated that about 40,000 vessels, equal to about half the existing global fleet, could be retrofitted with AirWing devices.

In July, the UK government validated GT’s business plan with an award of £1 million through its CMDC6 program, earmarked for accelerating the development and integration of key AirWing systems including adaptive control, self-learning trim automation, weather routing, and propeller pitch control. The new £1 million award is the latest in a series of grants earned by GT, bringing the total to more than £5 million.

Last week, GT nailed down another round of funding, this time from the private sector. The effort — which yielded an undisclosed amount — was spearheaded by the firm Grieg Kapital, a branch of the family owned Norwegian firm Grieg Group. The parent company traces its roots in maritime industries back to the 1880s. Blackfinch Ventures and One Planet Capital are also investors in GT, among others.

“GT Wings is preparing for large-scale installation volumes over the coming years, driven by strong demand signals and a rapidly expanding order pipeline,” GT explained in a press announcement about the new cash infusion dated December 11.

“The investment will enable GT Wings’ growth plans, support the broader commercial deployment of AirWing™, and accelerate the company’s global supply-chain and manufacturing readiness, as demand for wind propulsion increases with an evolving regulatory framework,” GT Wings emphasized.

“Wind-assisted propulsion is one of the most cost-effective and immediate levers available to drive adoption across multiple vessel segments,” the company emphasized again for good measure.

The Significance Of New-Build Ships

Grieg family member Stian Grieg also chipped in his two cents for the press. “Wind-propulsion is emerging as a transformative technology for decarbonising global shipping, and GT Wings has developed a practical, scalable solution that addresses real operational constraints for shipowners,” Grieg said.

As evidence of the potential for a rapid transition, GT Wings drew attention to a census of wind-enabled propulsion devices on ships undertaken by the leading global certification organization DNV. According to DNV, a fleet of 52 ships is already operating with wind power on board, primarily consisting of retrofits. That doesn’t seem like a lot, but DNV also takes note of approximately 100 more new-build ships on order, twice as many as the existing fleet.

“With most installations so far focusing on retrofits, this surge in newbuild commitments signals both integration from the design stage and a faster pace of adoption ahead,” GT explains, referring to advanced materials and ship design strategies that can optimize wind power from beginning stages of ship-building.

What’s Behind The Demand For Wind Power

In addition to the cost-shaving potential of wind power, government policy can also motivate the adoption of new, fuel-saving propulsion systems. President Trump is not inclined to support efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry, but the rest of the world has sailed on, so to speak.

Front and center in the minds of GT and shipping stakeholders is the decarbonization schedule stipulated by the European Commission’s FuelEU Maritime regulations, which went into force on January 1, 2025. The schedule calls for an initial decrease of 2% in the greenhouse gas emissions intensity of the energy used by ships calling at EU ports, ramping up to 80% by 2050. FuelEU also covers methane and nitrous oxide emissions along with carbon dioxide.

The limit applies to all ships above 5,000 gross tonnage regardless of their flag, the European Commission emphasizes, meaning that US-flagged ships will have to obey the same rules as everyone else.

So much for American Exceptionalism. The only thing exceptional about the US today is the exceptional venality, malevolence, and outright criminality on display at the White House, or rather, what’s left of the White House. If you have any thoughts about that, drop a note in the comment thread. Better yet, find your representatives in Congress and let them know what you think.

Photo: Wind power is making a comeback in the global shipping industry, with an assist from the aerospace, motorsports, and yacht racing industries (cropped, courtesy of GT Wings).

NHRA announced today that Factory Motor Parts (FMP), a leading global distributor of premium automotive parts, solutions and services, has been named the title sponsor of the upcoming NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park as part of an exciting multi-year partnership.

Celebrating its 41st year in 2026, the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs will take place March 20-22 as the second of 20 races during the NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. The annual “Duel in the Desert” remains one of the most popular stops on the NHRA tour, repeatedly drawing sellout crowds as part of the thrilling annual race weekend.

The 2025 race saw sellout crowds on both Saturday and Sunday, as Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Paul Lee (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) raced to wins at the historic facility.

“FMP is proud to deepen our partnership with NHRA and bring our name to such an iconic event in Phoenix,” said Andy Gorski, Vice President of Marketing at FMP. “The Arizona Nationals embody the passion, performance and competitive spirit that drive our business, and we’re excited to help elevate the fan and racer experience during this milestone season.”

As part of the title sponsorship in Phoenix, FMP will receive on-site signage and integration at the track during the race weekend, as well as significant exposure leading up to and during the highly-anticipated event.

The title sponsorship also adds to the recent noteworthy momentum for the race and facility, as NHRA and Firebird Motorsports Park previously announced a multi-year extension for the popular event.

The famed facility also made a series of significant track improvements and renovations leading up to last year’s race, as the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs continues to be a marquee NHRA event.

“Adding Factory Motor Parts to our Firebird family is the next great step in what has been a massive wave of positive momentum over the last 24 months for both our national event and the facility in general,” Firebird Motorsports Park Track Manager Casey Buckman said. “It is these key additional partners that truly anchor our success not only at the Arizona Nationals, but throughout all of our events. We look forward to the years of success that both of the FMP brands can share with each other as we build for the future.”

The 2026 event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the thrilling NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

The FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs first became a Southwest fixture in 1985 and it has been a must-see race for any NHRA fan, delivering record performances and incredible early-season action.

The track’s rich history includes major achievements from the sport’s biggest stars, as Top Fuel’s Tony Schumacher’s has five Phoenix wins, while Funny Car legend John Force has eight wins at the facility. Top Fuel’s Antron Brown, Funny Car drivers Ron Capps and Matt Hagan, and Pro Stock’s Anderson all have three wins at Firebird Motorsports Park.

“Phoenix and Firebird Motorsports Park has always delivered an incredible weekend for our fans and racers, and adding FMP and NGK as the event’s title sponsor adds even more excitement to a standout early-season stop in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series,” said Brad Gerber, NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “We’re thrilled to welcome such respected partners to this event, and we look forward to working with FMP and NGK to elevate the experience for everyone in Phoenix.”

To purchase tickets to the 41st annual FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, fans can visit www.nhra.com/tickets.

This story was originally published on December 12, 2025.

Rick Hendrick has long been viewed as one of the most powerful figures in NASCAR, a team owner synonymous with championships, stability, and financial muscle. 

But as the sport’s ongoing antitrust battle exposes the economics behind the scenes, Hendrick, who wasted no time sharing his thoughts on NASCAR’s recent settlement, has acknowledged a far more complicated reality, one that includes staggering losses despite outward success.

The Hendrick Motorsports owner recently admitted that even his elite organization has been operating at a significant deficit, revealing how the current NASCAR business model strains even its most successful participants. 

That admission has renewed interest not only in Hendrick’s influence within the sport, but also in his overall wealth and how racing fits into a much larger financial empire.

What is Rick Hendrick’s net worth?

As of 2025, Rick Hendrick’s estimated net worth sits at approximately $1 billion, according to Celebrity Net Worth. That figure reflects decades of success well beyond the racetrack, driven primarily by his ownership of the Hendrick Automotive Group, one of the largest privately held auto dealership networks in the United States. 

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While Hendrick Motorsports is his most visible venture, it represents only a portion of his overall wealth.

Hendrick Automotive Group operates more than 100 dealerships across multiple states and generates billions in annual revenue. That business foundation has allowed Hendrick to sustain a NASCAR operation that has won 14 Cup Series championships and shaped the careers of legends such as Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Chase Elliott. 

However, Hendrick has made clear that racing itself is not the profit engine many fans assume it to be.

In a letter submitted as part of the ongoing antitrust lawsuit involving NASCAR, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, Hendrick disclosed that his team has lost a combined $20 million over the past five years despite winning two championships during that span. 

He described the current charter system as “unsustainable,” warning that teams have reached a financial breaking point without meaningful structural change.

According to the letter, Hendrick Automotive Group did $1 billion in business with Hendrick Motorsports sponsors in 2023 alone. That figure was not profit, but spending tied directly to sponsor relationships that support the race team.

Hendrick detailed the scope of those commitments, citing Ally’s $951 million in retail loan originations, more than a million NAPA parts purchased, nearly 900,000 gallons of Valvoline oil used, and tens of thousands of uniforms and gallons of paint supplied by UniFirst and Axalta.

NHRA officials have announced the addition of Greenfield Dragway in Greenfield, Nova Scotia to the NHRA Member Track Network as part of the NHRA’s Northeast Division (Division 1).

Greenfield Dragway sees race vehicles of all styles on the scenic track. From hotrods to motorcycles and snowmobiles, Canadian grassroots racers have always been eager to visit Greenfield Dragway.

“We at Greenfield Dragway are grateful and excited for the opportunity to join the family of NHRA member tracks,” said the Greenfield Dragway Board of Directors. “We are looking forward to extending the immediate benefits of membership to our racers and anxiously look ahead to the possibilities that may come down the road for our great little track here in mainland Nova Scotia. Here’s to a long and prosperous partnership.”

As part of the NHRA Member Track Network, Greenfield Dragway will have access to NHRA’s extensive and robust support programs, insurance benefits and national marketing platforms. Greenfield Dragway will also be eligible to offer racers in the area a variety of NHRA-sanctioned racing opportunities in the future, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Street Legal, NHRA Jr. Street and more.

With this new partnership, the facility will play a key role in promoting grassroots NHRA drag racing and fostering a strong community of racers and fans in the area.

“We are proud to welcome Greenfield Dragway to the Northeast Division,” said Mark Dawson, NHRA Northeast Division Director. “Greenfield Dragway will mark NHRA’s 11th Canadian member track and we are thrilled with see the continued growth of our international member track family.”

For more information on Greenfield Dragway, visit nsdra.ca. For more information on NHRA, including the 2026 schedule, visit NHRA.com.

This story was originally published on December 12, 2025.

Michael Jordan and his 23XI Racing team secured a favorable settlement (alongside Front Row Motorsports) from NASCAR to quash a 14-month saga. As the antitrust lawsuit has come to an end, Express U.S. Sports has taken a look at Jordan’s involvement and accomplishments in NASCAR through the years.

2020: Jordan and Denny Hamlin set out to purchase a charter, even considering obtaining a stage in Richard Petty Motorsports. Instead, they purchase a charter from Germain Racing and keep most of the Germain crew and facilities. After months of deciding, they settle on 23XI Racing as the name.  

2020: 23XI Racing signs Bubba Wallace — departing Richard Petty Motorsports — and assigns him the No. 23 car (named after Jordan’s longtime NBA number) for the 2021 season. 

2021: Wallace, the only black driver in NASCAR, finishes 21st in his first season with 23XI Racing. Kurt Busch is recruited to drive the new No. 45 car for 2022. 

2022: After Busch struggles, 23XI Racing buys out the talented Tyler Reddick. In 2024, Reddick becomes the first 23XI driver to reach the Championship Four.  

Years since: Riley Herbst is recruited to drive the No. 35 in 2025. 23XI Racing employs the No. 50 and No. 67 part-time with a rotating cast of drivers. 

2024: On October 2, 23XI files a lawsuit against NASCAR, calling for charters to become permanent while labeling the racing giants as monopolistic bullies. A temporary injunction allows the 23XI Racing drivers to compete in 2025. 

December 2025: After eight days in court, NASCAR agrees to make charters permanent while being forced to pay over $300 million in damages. 

Jordan, standing next to longtime NASCAR CEO Steve Phelps outside the courthouse, addressed the media. “Like two competitors, obviously we tried to get as much done in each other’s favor,” he said.

“I’ve said this from Day 1: the only way this sport is going to grow is if we have to find some synergy between the two entities. I think we’ve gotten to that point. Unfortunately, it took 16 months to get here, but I think level heads have gotten us to this point where we can actually work together and grow this sport. I am very proud of that, and I think Jim feels the same.”

What’s Happening?

NASCAR 25 Producer Matt Lewis addressed the lack of alcoholic beverage sponsors in the new NASCAR console game during a recent interview, explaining the intricate factors that go into their inclusion in the game.

Though NASCAR fans have enjoyed iRacing’s NASCAR 25, they have had a hard time overlooking one specific thing missing from the newest NASCAR console game.

When NASCAR 25 opened early access in October, fans quickly found out that the game does not include sponsorships from companies that sell alcoholic beverages, such as Traveller Whiskey, Busch Light, and Rebel Bourbon.

This is nothing new to NASCAR fans, and the resulting lack of these sponsors brought back the “kid-friendly” paint schemes that populated NASCAR games of the past.

For example, in NASCAR 25, Justin Allgaier’s Traveller Whiskey No. 40 is simply the JR Motorsports No. 40, similar to cars like the “Dale JR No. 8 (replacing Budweiser) or the Sterling Marlin No. 40 (replacing Coors Light) in the EA line of NASCAR games.

Despite this familiar alteration of these paint schemes, more modern NASCAR games, mostly from the past decade, have included these sponsors, leading fans to wonder how and why this happened in NASCAR 25, and if NASCAR 26 could see these sponsorships make a return.

During a recent interview with Eve Hannah, Matt Lewis, a Producer at iRacing, explained what goes into getting approval to add these sponsors to NASCAR video games and what fans can expect in the future.

Lewis says that while there are ways of adding these sponsors to games without younger players having access to any of their paint schemes, via previously used age-gating services, the decision ultimately comes down to these companies deciding they “want to be associated with video games.”

“For better or for worse, there’s still a perception out there that video games and kids are sort of hand in hand. And even though the vast majority of our audience for this game are well above, not just 18, but even the drinking age, there is that concern, right? So in a lot of cases, it’s the beverage companies themselves who say, ‘We don’t, we don’t really need to be in a video game because that’s predominantly kids.’” — Matt Lewis.

Though Lewis did not directly say this is why the sponsors were not in NASCAR 25, he also didn’t rule out their inclusion in future games, saying it “depends on each development year.”

“We have the conversation almost every year of whether we’re going to allow it and how we’re going to allow it,” Lewis said. “So it’s another one that I would say is on on the radar. We’ll kind of see how things play out.”

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