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Denny Hamlin vows 23XI Racing will go on, answers will come in December in court battle with NASCAR

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DOVER, Del. (AP) — NASCAR race team owner Denny Hamlin remained undeterred in the wake of another setback in court, vowing “all will be exposed” in the scheduled December trial as part of 23XI Racing’s federal antitrust suit against the auto racing series.

A federal judge on Thursday rejected a request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to continue racing with charters while they battle NASCAR in court, meaning their six cars will race as open entries this weekend at Dover, next week at Indianapolis and perhaps longer than that in a move the teams say would put them at risk of going out of business.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell denied the teams’ bid for a temporary restraining order, saying they will make races over the next couple of weeks and they won’t lose their drivers or sponsors before his decision on a preliminary injunction.

Bell left open the possibility of reconsidering his decision if things change over the next two weeks.

After this weekend, the cars affected may need to qualify on speed if 41 entries are listed — a possibility now that starting spots have opened.

The case has a Dec. 1 trial date, but the two teams are fighting to be recognized as chartered for the current season, which has 16 races left. A charter guarantees one of the 40 spots in the field each week, but also a base amount of money paid out each week.

“If you want answers, you want to understand why all this is happening, come Dec. 1, you’ll get the answers that you’re looking for,” Hamlin said Saturday at Dover Motor Speedway. “All will be exposed.”

23XI, which is co-owned by retired NBA great Michael Jordan, and FRM filed their federal suit against NASCAR last year after they were the only two organizations out of 15 to reject NASCAR’s extension offer on charters.

Jordan and FRM owner Bob Jenkins won an injunction to recognize 23XI and FRM as chartered for the season, but the ruling was overturned on appeal earlier this month, sending the case back to Bell.

Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, co-owns 23XI with Jordan and said they were prepared to send Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst to the track each week as open teams. They sought the restraining order Monday, claiming that through discovery they learned NASCAR planned to immediately begin the process of selling the six charters which would put “plaintiffs in irreparable jeopardy of never getting their charters back and going out of business.”

Hamlin said none of the setbacks have made him second-guess the decision to file the lawsuit.

“Dec. 1 is all that matters. Mark your calendar,” Hamlin said. “I’d love to be doing other things. I’ve got a lot going on. When I get in the car (today), nothing else is going to matter other than that. I always give my team 100%. I always prepare whether I have side jobs, side hustles, more kids, that all matters, but I always give my team all the time that they need to make sure that when I step in, I’m 100% committed.”

Reddick, who has a clause that allows him to become a free agent if the team loses its charter, declined comment Saturday on all questions connected to his future and the lawsuit. Hamlin also declined to comment on Reddick’s future with 23XI Racing.

Reddick, one of four drivers left in NASCAR’s $1 million In-season Challenge, was last year’s regular-season champion and raced for the Cup Series championship in the season finale. But none of the six drivers affected by the court ruling are locked into this year’s playoffs.

Making the field won’t be an issue this weekend at Dover as fewer than the maximum 40 cars are entered. But should 41 cars show up anywhere this season, someone slow will be sent home and that means lost revenue and a lost chance to win points in the standings.

“Nothing changes from my end, obviously, and nothing changes from inside the shop,” Front Row Motorsports driver Zane Smith said. “There’s not typically even enough cars to worry about transferring in.”

Smith, 24th in the standings and someone who would likely need a win to qualify for NASCAR’s playoffs, said he stood behind Jenkins in his acrimonious legal fight that has loomed over the stock car series for months.

“I leave all that up to them,” Smith said, “but my job is to go get the 38 the best finish I can.”

___

AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer contributed to this story.

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.



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Motorsports

Hitachi Energy Signs as Title Sponsor for Late Model Division at South Boston Speedway

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Two Event Entitlements Included in Multiyear Deal, Partnership Expansion with Hitachi Energy

SOUTH BOSTON, VA…..Hitachi Energy has expanded its partnership with South Boston Speedway to become the title sponsor of South Boston Speedway’s Late Model Stock Car Division, which will be known as the Hitachi Energy Late Model Stock Car Division starting in 2026.

In addition, Hitachi Energy will sponsor two events at the speedway in both 2026 and 2027 as part of a two-year agreement.

“Hitachi Energy is proud to extend our partnership with South Boston Speedway by sponsoring the Late Model Stock Car Division for the next two years, along with two marquee events,” said Ryland Clark, Senior Corporate Real Estate Facility & Capital Projects Manager for Hitachi Energy.

“South Boston Speedway is a cornerstone of our community, and we’re excited to support the drivers, fans, and families who make this place so special. Investing in local traditions like SoBo strengthens the connection between our team, our neighbors, and the future of Halifax County.”

Hitachi Energy has played a big role at South Boston Speedway including its sponsorship of the lucrative Championship Loyalty Bonus Program which provided awards for eligible drivers in South Boston Speedway’s NASCAR-sanctioned racing divisions.

In addition, South Boston Speedway and Hitachi Energy partnered to collect donations of non-perishable food items to be donated to the Feed Halifax organization at the track’s CARS Tour event in September. Each non-perishable item donated earned a fan one chance at being chosen to wave the green flag for the start of one of the two late model features that night. The Feed Halifax organization set up a trailer at the speedway during the event to collect donations.

South Boston Speedway and Hitachi Energy will revisit the Feed Halifax initiative for 2026.

“We are very appreciative of Hitachi Energy’s partnership with the speedway,” said South Boston Speedway General Manager Brandon Brown, “and are excited about Hitachi Energy extending its partnership to include becoming the title sponsor of our Late Model Stock Car Division and sponsoring two of our events for the next two years.

“Hitachi Energy is a tremendous supporter of the South Boston-Halifax County community through its partnerships with community events and its donations and assistance to community organizations and schools. We thank Hitachi Energy for its support and bringing a new level of excitement and interest in racing at South Boston Speedway for competitors and fans alike.”

The Late Model Stock Car Division is South Boston Speedway’s featured racing division, with the upcoming 2026 season being the 43rd year of the division being the track’s feature division. There have been 103 different winners in 757 NASCAR-sanctioned Late Model Stock Car Division races at South Boston Speedway.

One of the closest championship points battle in the track’s history was waged in the Late Model Stock Car Division this season, with Peyton Sellers of Danville, Virginia winning a record eighth South Boston Speedway title by a narrow two-point margin over Trevor Ward of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Sellers broke the previous record of seven South Boston Speedway titles held by David Blankenship of Mosely, Virginia which had stood for 27 years.

South Boston Speedway will open its 2026 season on Saturday afternoon, March 21, with one of the biggest events of the season, the SMART Modified Tour’s King of the Modifieds event. The track’s Late Model Stock Car Division competitors will be in action as well.

The first event of the season to feature all four of the track’s regular NASCAR-sanctioned racing divisions will be on Saturday afternoon, April 4.

South Boston Speedway’s 2026 season schedule can be found on the speedway’s website, www.southbostonspeedway.com. Additional information about South Boston Speedway is available on the speedway’s website and through the track’s social media channels. Information may also be obtained by calling the speedway at 434-572-4947 or toll free at 1-877-440-1540 during regular business hours.

Source: South Boston Speedway



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Raptor battles for Dakar Rally title in Saudi desert

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Updated Jan. 7, 2026, 1:07 p.m. ET

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — In 1966, France’s 24 Hours of Le Mans put Ford on the map as one of the world’s premier sports car manufacturers. Sixty years later, Ford is determined to make its mark again — this time as one of the world’s premier off-road makers by taking on the world at the 14-day, 2026 Dakar Rally in the desert of Saudi Arabia.

Ford v Ferrari meets Ford v Toyota.

The Japanese manufacturer, builder of the internationally-ubiquitous Hilux trucks, has dominated this race in recent years, just as Ferrari dominated Le Mans in the early 1960s.

Ford Racing is determined to dethrone Toyota at the end of this Jan. 3-17 race and, in the process, establish its Raptor truck performance badge (synonymous with its F-150, Bronco and Ranger bruisers) as a global icon just as Le Mans made GT40 an international sports car icon (ultimately, GT40 became a movie as well with its Oscar-winning turn).



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Cummins Powers Back Into NASCAR With Kaulig Racing

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After decades of building some of the most respected engines in the world, Cummins Inc. is officially returning to NASCAR’s national spotlight in a big way. The global power technology leader has signed on as the full-season primary sponsor of Brenden Queen and the No. 12 Ram 1500 for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, fielded by Kaulig Racing.

For Mopar fans and racing enthusiasts alike, this partnership hits on multiple levels. It reunites two legendary American brands—Cummins and Ram—on one of the most visible motorsports stages in the country, while also backing one of stock car racing’s fastest-rising young drivers.

Cummins branding will appear on the primary livery of Queen’s No. 12 Ram 1500 for every Truck Series race in 2026. The deal represents the latest chapter in a relationship between Cummins and Ram that dates back to 1989, when the first Cummins-powered Dodge Ram rolled off the line. Since then, more than 3.5 million Ram trucks have been powered by Cummins diesel engines, setting the benchmark for durability and capability in the heavy-duty pickup segment.

That deep-rooted history makes this return to NASCAR feel less like a marketing move and more like a homecoming.

“Cummins has racing in its DNA,” said Brett Merritt, Vice President and President, Engine Business, Cummins. “From Clessie Cummins winning the first Indianapolis 500 as a crew member to our leadership in commercial power, we’ve always pushed the limits of what’s possible. Brenden Queen represents that same spirit – talented, hardworking, and full of momentum. Partnering with both Kaulig Racing and Ram provides the opportunity for us to continue to write our motorsport legacy.”

Queen, known to fans as “Butterbean,” enters 2026 as one of the most talked-about prospects in the sport. The 28-year-old Chesapeake, Virginia native put together a dominant run in the ARCA Menards Series, earning eight wins and finishing in the top five in 17 of 20 races en route to a championship. That success opened the door to five NASCAR Xfinity Series starts late in 2025, where Queen delivered strong, confidence-building performances against deeper competition.

Those results made him the first driver announced as part of Ram’s highly anticipated return to the Truck Series, and now he’ll carry one of the most recognizable names in American engineering on his truck.

To Queen, the opportunity is both humbling and motivating. Driving a Ram-backed truck with Cummins on the hood connects modern NASCAR ambition with decades of truck and diesel heritage that fans instantly recognize.

Brenden “Butterbean” Queen’s No. 12 Cummins Kaulig Racing NASCAR Craftsman Truck Entry. (Kaulig Racing).

For Kaulig Racing, landing Cummins as a full-season primary sponsor is a major statement of intent. The organization has built its reputation through competitive Xfinity and Cup programs, and 2026 marks an aggressive push to establish itself as a consistent contender in the Truck Series.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Cummins to the Kaulig Racing family,” said Chris Rice, Chief Executive Officer of Kaulig Racing. “Their engineering excellence and commitment to innovation are a perfect match for our vision. Brenden is an exceptional talent, and we’re building a program around him that we believe can compete for wins and make a playoff run right away.”

The No. 12 Cummins Ram 1500 will officially hit the track at the 2026 season opener at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 13. Under the lights at Daytona, one of America’s most iconic engine builders will once again be part of NASCAR’s national conversation—this time paired with a new generation of driver talent and a familiar Ram badge.

For Cummins, Ram, and Kaulig Racing, 2026 isn’t just about sponsorship. It’s about legacy, performance, and proving that American engineering still belongs at the front of the field.





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Jackson Tovo Joins Nitro Motorsports TA2 Program for 2026

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“Jackson has grown tremendously over the last couple of seasons, and stepping into TA2 is the natural next move for his development,” addedNitro Motorsports Co-Owner Nick Tucker. “His approach, attitude, and work ethic have been great, and pairing him with our other TA2 drivers will only strengthen the overall program. We expect Jackson to continue making big strides in 2026, and we’re excited to help guide him through this next phase of his career.”

77 Grounds Coffee, a local dog-friendly coffee shop in Davidson, North Carolina, will partner with Tovo in his move to the Trans Am Series.

“As a new coffee shop in the heart of Davidson, 77 Grounds Coffee is committed to giving back to the community that has already shown us so much support,” explained Madalyn and Sean Hutchinson, owners of 77 Grounds. “Partnering with Jackson and becoming part of the Nitro Motorsports family is something we’re incredibly proud of.



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Motorsports

Vote for your 2025 NASCAR Driver of the Year!

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Kyle Larson made it count when it mattered most, winning the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Championship after a dramatic late-race restart in the Phoenix Raceway finale. But will the now-two-time champ get your vote for NASCAR Driver of the Year?  

The Hendrick Motorsports driver started his 2025 campaign with three wins and five more top-five finishes in the first dozen races, then saw his form dip dramatically, before digging deep to stay in Playoffs contention and finally seal the deal.

Before that final restart, Denny Hamlin looked to be cruising to a seventh win of the season and a first Cup Series championship, but was left to rue another one that got away. Will the outpourings of goodwill and sympathy Denny received convert into votes? It’s your call, readers. 

Or how about Shane van Gisbergen, who’s switched from the Australia-based Supercars Championship and took an unprecedented five road-course wins in his first full Cup Series season with Trackhouse Racing? That was impressive stuff – as was William Byron’s second-straight Daytona 500 win, a hard-fought first regular season championship and his third-straight Championship 4 appearance.      

Outside of the Cup Series, rising star Connor Zilisch won 10 races in the Xfinity Series, including seven of the final eight regular season rounds, but was pipped to the title by Jesse Love in the Phoenix season-closer. Meanwhile, Corey Heim dominated the Craftsman Truck Series with 12 wins from 25 races, including five wins in the seven-race Playoffs.      

Could a season like Heim’s or Zilisch’s put the stars of the Cup Series in the shade? It’s your call and your votes, and we’re looking forward to finding out who you’ve put top.

Voting will remain open for 72 hours, and we’ll be announcing your 2025 NASCAR Driver of the Year on January 15.

Plus, coming soon: vote for your sports car racing marque of the year.



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Motorsports

Nissan and NMC announce new initiatives for the NISMO brand — TradingView News

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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Nissan Motorsports & Customization Co. Ltd. (NMC) announced new initiatives aimed at strengthening Nissan’s overall brand power through the expansion of motorsports activities and the NISMO car lineup. As part of the Re:Nissan product strategy, “heartbeat models” play a key role in defining Nissan’s brand DNA by sparking emotion and driving passion, with NISMO positioned at the center of this ambition.

NMC will support this strategy by further showcasing the pursuit of performance through motorsports and delivering excitement through NISMO products, supported by new business initiatives spanning racing, customization, and heritage programs.

The pursuit of performance through motorsports

Under the motto “road to track, track to road,” Nissan continues to leverage the technology and driving spirit cultivated through top-tier racing series such as Super GT and Formula E. Insights and innovations developed on the track are transferred into the NISMO car lineup, reinforcing the brand’s performance credibility and emotional appeal. Nissan will continue to challenge itself in series including Super Taikyu, while expanding into new types of racing.

From fiscal year 2026, Nissan plans to introduce prototype vehicles for racing activities to accelerate technological advancements in both hardware and software, supporting future motorsports participation and NISMO lineup expansion.

NISMO car lineup: delivering emotion and excitement

Building on the success of its current portfolio, Nissan aims to double the number of NISMO models available globally from five to ten. Market availability of NISMO vehicles will also be expanded, with annual shipment volumes targeted to increase from approximately 100,000 units to 150,000 units by 2028. Overseas sales are expected to grow from approximately 40% to 60% during this period.

In pursuit of greater customer value, Nissan will actively consider collaborations with external partners to further expand its NISMO business and deliver products that enhance driving excitement and performance.

Showcasing NISMO at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026

As part of this evolution, Nissan and NMC will present the latest expression of NISMO’s performance and innovation at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, taking place from January 9 to January 11 at Makuhari Messe. Marking the first public expression of NISMO’s future direction, the concept will serve as a tangible representation of the brand’s performance philosophy and design ambition.

Alongside the debut of the NISMO concept model, the booth will feature vehicles that highlight Nissan’s motorsports DNA and driving passion, including the Fairlady Z NISMO MT, offering a manual transmission option for customers seeking a heightened driving experience.

Motorsports heritage will also be celebrated with the display of the MOTUL AUTECH GT-R from the 2016 Super GT season, honoring the career of Tsugio Matsuda following his retirement from Super GT at the end of the 2025 season.

Heritage and restoration programs

Alongside its future-facing initiatives, NMC will continue to grow its heritage and restoration businesses. The global auto restoration market, currently valued at approximately 500 billion yen and projected to exceed 1.2 trillion yen by 2032, represents a key growth opportunity.

NMC will initially focus on restoration, restomod, and parts sales centered around the Skyline GT-R R32, R33 and R34, with additional vehicles and regional offerings planned for the future. These programs aim to preserve Nissan’s performance heritage while delivering renewed excitement for long-time fans and collectors.

Yutaka Sanada, President and CEO of NMC, said: NISMO continues to elevate the excitement and innovation of Nissan vehicles. Moving forward, we aim to infuse our passion and driven excitement into Nissan’s other product lines.”

Through continued motorsports activities, expansion of the NISMO lineup, and growth of customization and heritage businesses, Nissan and NMC aim to deliver new excitement to NISMO and Nissan fans worldwide.

About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan is a global car manufacturer that sells a full line of vehicles under the Nissan and INFINITI brands. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in four regions: Japan-ASEAN, China, Americas, and AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania).

For more information about our products, services, and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit Nissan AMI. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

For more information, please contact:

Media Relations  

Hatoun Bushnaq  

GM Corporate Communications  

Nissan Saudi Arabia Co. Ltd.   

Email: hatoun.bushnaq@nissan-me.ae   

Faisal Ghouth  

DGM Corporate Communications  

Nissan Saudi Arabia Co. Ltd.   

Email: faisal.ghouth@nissan-me.ae    

Naif Al Shahrani  

Senior Media Relation Director

Edelman Saudi Arabia  

Email:  naif.alshahrani@edelman.com   

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