Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will compete in the 2026 Daytona 500, Legacy Motor Club announced Thursday (Dec. 18).

Johnson will attempt the race in the No. 84 Toyota sponsored by Carvana.

2026 will mark Johnson’s fourth consecutive attempt at The Great American Race in the No. 84, and 23rd attempt overall. The 50-year-old NASCAR Hall-of-Famer won the race in 2006 and 2013.

Johnson finished third in the race last year.

With the announcement, Johnson has confirmed two Cup Series races in 2026, with his other being the street course event at the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego in June.

The 2026 Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 15.

Dominic Aragon is currently the editor-in-chief for The Racing Experts.

From Grants, New Mexico, USA, Aragon started watching NASCAR in 2004 and has been covering the sport since 2009. Aragon is a 2012 graduate of Grants High School and a May 2016 graduate of the University of New Mexico with a B.A. in Mass Communications & Journalism. Aragon has worked in local and national media, as a musician, and an educator. He is co-author of the 2024 book “All of It: Daytona 500 Champion Tells the Rest of the Story” with racer Geoff Bodine.

Aragon, his wife Feliz, and son Christopher currently reside in Grants, New Mexico, USA.

You can reach Dominic at daragon@theracingexperts.net.

William Byron is looking to win his first NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2026. After making the Championship 4 event at Phoenix Raceway in 2025, Byron wrecked with three laps to go while running in second place. The Hendrick Motorsports driver hopes to rebound from the defeat; however, one of his sponsors won’t be as involved.

Liberty University has cut down its sponsorship for Byron’s No. 24 team ahead of the 2026 season, the university announced. Liberty will sponsor Byron in three races during the 2026 NASCAR season, which is down from six races in 2025 and 12 races in 2024.

The driver of the No. 24 car will have Liberty as a sponsor at Watkins Glen International, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the second event at Martinsville Speedway. It is unclear if Liberty will drop Byron entirely in 2027, but for now, the races are continuing to decrease with the No. 24 team.

CHICAGO — Instituto del Progreso Latino received a $20,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and NASCAR Chicago Street Race. The organizations are teaming up to provide education, training and workforce opportunities to Chicagoland residents and their families.

“Our grant to Instituto is driven by our continued commitment to the communities we serve,” said BCBSIL President Brian Snell. “Helping to provide resources for sustainable careers helps those individuals build physical and financial security, which improves their overall well-being.”

As part of its efforts to improve health equity statewide, BCBSIL provides support to community organizations dedicated to upskilling, developing career paths and providing resources like education and training to help people build stable careers. The Instituto grant supports its nursing program, which will create sustainable careers for its participants and help replenish the health care workforce. 

“We are profoundly grateful to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and NASCAR for this gift to Instituto,” said Karina Ayala-Bermejo, president and CEO of Instituto del Progreso Latino. “This investment directly supports our efforts and Instituto’s college nursing programs, expanding opportunities for students to enter the health care workforce and serve our communities. With support from NASCAR and Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we can fasttrack the preparation of new nurses and keep our community’s health care workforce moving forward at full speed.”

# # #

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurer in Illinois, serving nine million members and operating in all 102 Illinois counties. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Learn more at bcbsil.com and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn

About Instituto del Progreso Latino
Instituto del Progreso Latino is a leading Chicago nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of Latino and immigrant families through education, workforce development, and community empowerment. Its programs create opportunities for individuals of all ages to succeed in school, careers, and civic life.

About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.

Man. Denny Hamlin almost had me. It’s not like I had anything against the veteran NASCAR Cup driver: I was just sort of a Hamlin agnostic, sometimes a little put off by his aggressively carpy personality, but late this season, it seemed like a different Denny: He was handling the contentious lawsuit that he and 23XI team co-owner and NBA great Michael Jordan filed against NASCAR with a focused grace, plus he was driving exceptionally well as he marched toward a season championship, which would be his first in 20 years of trying.

Right up to the last race at Phoenix. (Where, incidentally, 12 years ago I had asked Hamlin for his opinion of the then-new generation-six car, and he honestly answered, which in part resulted in him being fined $25,000 by NASCAR, which does not like to be criticized by its drivers, much less sued).

This year, Denny, as you may know, had this last race and the resulting championship in hand right up to the end, when a crash caused a caution period, and the top cars dove for the pits. They all changed two tires, except Hamlin, who changed four. And the resulting delay sent him back on track late, and he lost the race, and the championship, to a flabbergasted Kyle Larson. Hamlin was understandably crushed. But he handled that with grace as well: I’m liking this guy.

Then came the courtroom drama, which was settled late in the proceedings last week, marketed by both sides, on the courthouse steps, as a trial where there were no losers, only winners! Then everybody hugged.

Though, as ESPN reported, “There was no doubt that the victory belonged to the teams over the sanctioning body.” We’ll get to that in a moment.

A central issue in the suit was that of the 15 NASCAR teams that held charters (think of them as franchises), 13 signed the new charter agreement, but 23IX and Front Row Racing didn’t, because they didn’t like the terms. Afterwards, comments made by Hamlin, and even Jordan, seemed measured and professional.

And then came Wednesday morning, when Hamlin responded online to an inoffensive “Good morning” social media post from Larry McReynolds, a mostly-retired crew chief who began working in NASCAR 50 years ago, and who won a pair of Daytona 500s, with Dale Earnhardt and Davey Allison. McReynolds now works in broadcasting as a TV analyst, and he and NASCAR TV reporter Danielle Trotta have a show on the SiriusXM NASCAR channel, number 90 on the dial, called “On Track.”

The post from McReynolds was about Tuesday afternoon’s show. To which Hamlin responded on X: “Now that the case is settled and the evidence is out will you or anyone on channel 90 be issuing an apology for what you all said about 23XI/FRM when the lawsuit was filed?”

Which ought to be required, Hamlin continued, “because I believe that once the actual facts and documents were released it was contradictory to the narrative that was being pushed. Larry is a very hard-working analyst. Hopefully he took the time to analyze the situation post settlement and revise his thoughts.”

Among those thoughts, Hamlin tweeted: “I believe it was ‘How dare them for trying to come in and change the sport. 23XI hasn’t been around long enough and FRM wasn’t good enough.’ Also how about ‘I don’t know what their problem is, 13 other teams signed it.’ Just to name a few examples.”

I’ve heard of sore losers, but a sore winner? Sigh. Hamlin seemed mostly incensed by comments made by McReynolds on the day the suit became public, back in October of 2024. I happened to be listening to McReynolds and Trotta that day, and it was memorable: An upset and incensed McReynolds, an undeniable NASCAR loyalist, took some of the suit’s incendiary language as an unmitigated attack on a series that, since it began in 1949, has made a whole lot of people millionaires. Including Hamlin, as we learned, who testified that he makes $14 million a year.

McReynolds, genuinely pissed, indeed ranted that day, and you know what? It was damned refreshing. NASCAR backs SiriusXM channel 90, and normally, seldom is heard a discouraging word from the hosts regarding anything that involves the sanctioning body, aside from an occasional rule, or ruling. And that includes throwing excessive shade at any of the well-funded teams.

But McReynolds was angry that the anti-trust lawsuit, funded largely out of NBA legend Michael Jordan’s deep pockets, threatened to comprehensively splinter NASCAR, which the suit contended is an illegal monopoly.

Trotta, acting as a voice of reason, especially in view of the NASCAR channel’s ultimate mission of promoting NASCAR and avoiding controversy, attempted to dial the fuming McReynolds back, but he wasn’t having it.

So if that’s what Hamlin is mad about, I don’t have a lot of sympathy. McReynolds was responding to specific language in the lawsuit, such as the assertion that NASCAR and its CEO Jim France, who was the only person specifically named in the suit, had a tradition of using “anticompetitive and exclusionary practices” to “enrich themselves at the expense of the premier stock car racing teams.”

“The France family and NASCAR are monopolistic bullies,” the suit said. “And bullies will continue to impose their will to hurt others until their targets stand up and refuse to be victims. That moment has now arrived.”

And that made McReynolds angry. Understandably, I’d submit. In the year or so that followed, I do suspect Hamlin has had something to legitimately be annoyed about, as he says NASCAR Channel 90’s hosts, when they couldn’t avoid talking about the suit at all by deferring to driver interviews or “top-10 moment”-type chatter, were on NASCAR’s side. Understandable: It’s the NASCAR channel.

But McReynolds has nothing to apologize for. And Hamlin is presumptuous in asking for one.

As far as the settlement goes, I’m not quite as ready as ESPN to deed over the win to the teams. NASCAR gave those 36 charters to teams in 2016 for free. Their value has increased to about $40 million, and teams can sell or lease the charters to other teams that want to add a car. By far, the single greatest concession made by NASCAR and Jim France in the lawsuit settlement is that instead of the charters being renewed by NASCAR every seven years, when broadcast rights are renegotiated, the charters are now permanent. The cost to NASCAR? Nothing.

Charters are now expected to double in value, meaning that a new team that seriously wants to compete in NASCAR will need to pay somebody around $80 million per car, and that’s before you buy your first tire (about $600 each, and you’ll need maybe 28 per race, per car).

Teams have also been told they will have a bigger say in NASCAR governance. We’ll see. And teams will be receiving a chunk of revenue from “international” rights, which they should have been getting anyway. Teams will also get a third of the revenue from “intellectual property rights,” which may be helpful, though NASCAR critics will insist that intellect is already scarce.

And that whole illegal monopoly thing? Gone, even though the court had already said that NASCAR was indeed a monopoly, but never ruled on whether or not that was illegal. So NASCAR gets to keep everything it owns, and vice-versa—NASCAR’s owners, Jim France and niece Lesa France Kennedy, get to keep NASCAR. If that monopoly was so evil, and it was, according to the lawsuit, how could Hamlin and Jordan and lawyer Kessler possibly let it continue? You’ll have to ask them.

And why did Jim France decide to settle? You’d have to ask him, but multiple observers would suggest that the turning point may have been a letter from Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, and a longtime NASCAR sponsor. “It is painful for all fans to watch the current conflict and division occurring within the sport we love,” Morris wrote. “We hope the France family and team owners will reflect carefully on the damage that’s being done to NASCAR in the ongoing dispute and dig deep and strive hard for compromise.”

Morris is a close friend of Jim France, and somebody he listens to, one billionaire to another. (Forbes says Johnny Morris’ $9.4 billion outranks both France, at $1.8 billion, and Jordan, at $3.5 billion, and even team owner Roger Penske’s $6.2 billion). And we know that in motorsports, money talks.

Well, I guess it does. We learned during the trial that most every NASCAR team owner claims to be losing money under the previous NASCAR business model: Bob Jenkins, whose Front Row Motorsports was the other team that filed suit along with 23XI’s Hamlin and Jordan, said that he has lost $100 million keeping his team afloat. To which I suggest: Then that’s not a business, it’s a hobby.

All that said, before the settlement, page after page of discovery and testimony bloodied both sides, especially NASCAR, which was simply out-lawyered by Jeffery Kessler, who made the sanctioning body and its executives seem petty at best, incompetent at worst. Texts between NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps and President Steve O’Donnell were just vicious, especially what Phelps said about longtime team owner Richard Childress over comments he made on SiriusXM’s NASCAR channel, calling him a “total ass clown” who should be “taken out back and flogged. He’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR.”

Even the media covering NASCAR wasn’t spared in this. Immediately before the trial started, Hamlin tweeted that fans “have been brainwashed with their talking points for decades. Narratives pushed by media who are intimidated by them. Lies are over starting Monday morning. It’s time for the truth. It’s time for change,” which makes Hamlin sound like he’s running for Congress.

I covered my first NASCAR race 36 years ago. I was startled to have Hamlin report that I’ve been “intimidated” by NASCAR, and brainwashing readers.

Consequently, per Denny, you’d best read all this with caution.

Motorsports Sensor Market

As per Market Research Future Analysis, the global Motorsports Sensor Market is projected to register a CAGR of 5.22% to reach USD 289.75 million by 2035. This analysis includes different market types and applications.

The automotive industry is entering a new era defined by electrification, intelligent mobility, and sustainability-driven engineering. Within this evolving landscape, Motorsports Sensor Market has become a transformative force, enabling manufacturers to integrate advanced systems, enhance vehicle performance, and optimize operational efficiency. From next-generation propulsion units to connected vehicle platforms and predictive maintenance solutions, Motorsports Sensor Market is increasingly shaping the trajectory of modern mobility.

Driving Vehicle Advancement with Motorsports Sensor Market

Motorsports Sensor Market serves as a cornerstone for modern automotive development. By supporting modular designs, AI-assisted diagnostics, and digital control systems, it enables automakers to accelerate innovation cycles, improve energy efficiency, and enhance safety standards. Vehicles built with Motorsports Sensor Market capabilities can adapt to autonomous features, connectivity requirements, and changing regulatory landscapes more effectively.

Integrating Motorsports Sensor Market also facilitates predictive analytics, remote monitoring, and real-time system optimization, helping manufacturers reduce operational costs while ensuring vehicles meet durability and environmental standards. Its influence spans both consumer-focused passenger vehicles and large-scale commercial fleets, allowing diverse stakeholders to benefit from improved reliability, scalability, and performance.

Regional Market Dynamics and Adoption Trends

In North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, strategic investments in EV infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and intelligent transport systems are accelerating Motorsports Sensor Market adoption. Regional government initiatives, partnerships with global OEMs, and localized R&D efforts are fostering an environment that supports the deployment of cutting-edge vehicle technologies. Urban mobility projects, connected road networks, and sustainable energy programs are further driving market growth, establishing North America, Europe, Asia Pacific as a hub for automotive innovation.

Access a Free Sample Report

Discover detailed insights, forecasts, and competitive intelligence for Motorsports Sensor Market by downloading a free sample here: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/18822.

Technological Innovations Enhancing Motorsports Sensor Market

The integration of cloud platforms, IoT connectivity, AI-driven simulations, and digital twins has expanded the practical applications of Motorsports Sensor Market in vehicle development. Engineers can now perform virtual stress testing, energy optimization, and performance simulations long before physical prototypes are built. Cloud-based platforms facilitate fleet analytics, predictive maintenance, and real-time system monitoring, enabling continuous improvements in operational efficiency.

Materials innovation, lightweight composites, high-capacity batteries, and energy-efficient drivetrains complement the role of Motorsports Sensor Market in improving vehicle efficiency and safety. Automated assembly lines and robotics-enabled quality control ensure that Motorsports Sensor Market can be deployed reliably and scaled efficiently to meet growing global demand.

Industry Leaders Advancing Motorsports Sensor Market

Prominent companies such as Bosch, Continental AG, MoTeC, AIM Sports are actively expanding the global reach of Motorsports Sensor Market through innovation, strategic alliances, and investments in R&D. These organizations are focusing on electrified mobility, AI-based vehicle intelligence, autonomous driving systems, and digital platforms. Their contributions help accelerate adoption, set industry benchmarks, and foster sustainable automotive practices worldwide.

Latest News & Developments Related to Motorsports Sensor Market

Data Democratization in Lower Series: Advanced, low-cost sensor packages (for tire temperature/pressure, suspension load, brake temperature) are trickling down from F1/WEC to junior formulas and even high-end club racing, providing amateur teams with pro-level data.

Focus on Driver Biometrics: Increased use of wearable sensors (in helmets and suits) to monitor driver heart rate, G-force impact, and hydration levels for performance optimization and enhanced safety monitoring.

Simulation Correlation: Teams are investing in more track-side sensors to create higher-fidelity real-world data sets, which are critical for validating and improving the performance models used in driver-in-the-loop simulators.

Purchase the Full Market Report

Access comprehensive insights, forecasts, and segment-level analysis for Motorsports Sensor Market by purchasing the full report: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=18822.

Market Segmentation: Functional Applications of Motorsports Sensor Market

Motorsports Sensor Market Research Report: By Sensor Type (Lambda Sensors, Temperature Sensor, Tyre Pressure Sensor, Rotary Position Sensor, Air Pressure Sensors, Fluid Pressure Sensors, Brake Sensors, Speed Sensors, Vehicle Dynamics Sensors, Others), By Type (Drivetrain, Braking, Electronics, Tires, Suspension, Others), By Racing Type, By Sales Channel (OEM, Aftermarket), and By Region – Market Forecast Till 2035. highlights how Motorsports Sensor Market supports a wide range of automotive applications, including passenger vehicles, commercial fleets, heavy machinery, and industrial transport systems. The shift toward digital, electrified, and autonomous platforms has expanded its role across propulsion management, energy systems, ADAS technologies, and advanced infotainment interfaces.

For consumers, Motorsports Sensor Market enhances safety, connectivity, and energy efficiency. In commercial transport, it supports fleet optimization, predictive maintenance, regulatory compliance, and operational cost reduction, reinforcing the broader adoption of sustainable and intelligent mobility solutions.

Infrastructure and Ecosystem Support for Motorsports Sensor Market

The successful deployment of Motorsports Sensor Market relies heavily on infrastructure and ecosystem readiness in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific. Investments in EV charging stations, renewable energy networks, smart mobility frameworks, and IoT-enabled transport systems provide the necessary foundation for wide-scale adoption. These initiatives allow vehicles to operate efficiently across urban, suburban, and industrial environments.

Cross-industry collaboration among OEMs, energy providers, technology firms, and logistics companies is also fostering innovative mobility solutions, from smart fleet services to circular manufacturing practices. Such partnerships enhance the ecosystem and expand the influence of Motorsports Sensor Market across multiple automotive applications.

Visit Our Research Portal

Explore expert insights, industry updates, and reports on Motorsports Sensor Market through our research hub: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/motorsports-sensor-market-18822.

Challenges Limiting Growth

Despite its rapid uptake, Motorsports Sensor Market faces challenges that may hinder growth. High implementation costs, raw material price volatility, supply chain disruptions, and limited technical expertise in some regions remain key constraints. Digitalization also introduces cybersecurity risks, requiring secure data management and advanced monitoring solutions.

Emerging markets may struggle with insufficient infrastructure, regulatory gaps, and low awareness, slowing adoption. Addressing these barriers will require coordinated efforts from governments, industry players, and technology providers to ensure safe, reliable, and scalable solutions.

Future Outlook and Market Potential for Motorsports Sensor Market

The outlook for Motorsports Sensor Market is highly promising, driven by the growth of EVs, autonomous systems, and connected vehicles. Features like over-the-air updates, real-time fleet analytics, energy optimization, and advanced software architectures will expand the relevance of Motorsports Sensor Market across vehicle platforms. In North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, policy support, infrastructure development, and industrial modernization will continue to accelerate adoption and innovation.

Emerging Trends to Monitor

Expansion of electrified mobility platforms and energy-efficient drivetrains.

Integration of AI, cloud computing, and IoT for real-time vehicle intelligence.

Use of modular and upgradable vehicle architectures.

Collaboration among global OEMs, suppliers, and tech companies for innovation sharing.

Implementation of low-emission policies and sustainability-driven initiatives.

Strategic Importance of Motorsports Sensor Market in Next-Gen Mobility

As the automotive sector shifts toward intelligent, sustainable, and connected mobility, Motorsports Sensor Market will remain a critical enabler of innovation. It supports performance enhancement, predictive safety, operational efficiency, and sustainable energy integration. Companies leveraging Motorsports Sensor Market are better positioned to deliver future-ready mobility solutions that align with consumer expectations and regulatory standards.

Discover More High-Impact Automotive Reports:

In Vehicle Payment Services Market: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/in-vehicle-payment-services-market-24585

Two Wheeler Tires Market: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/two-wheeler-tires-market-24465

X By Wire System Market: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/x-by-wire-system-market-24512

Automotive Tic Market: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-tic-market-25097

Automotive Cluster Market: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-cluster-market-25107

Automotive Backup Camera Market: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-backup-camera-market-25133

Automotive Ultracapacitor Market: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-ultracapacitor-market-25144

Automotive Carbon Monocoque Chassis Market: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-carbon-monocoque-chassis-market-24795

Automotive Active Grille Shutter System Market: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-active-grille-shutter-system-market-24767

Motorcycle Battery Market: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/motorcycle-battery-market-24730

About Market Research Future:

Market Research Future (MRFR) is a global market research company that takes pride in its services, offering a complete and accurate analysis regarding diverse markets and consumers worldwide. Market Research Future has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help answer your most important questions.

Market Research Future (Part of Wantstats Research and Media Private Limited)

99 Hudson Street, 5Th Floor

New York, NY 10013

United States of America

+1 628 258 0071 (US)

+44 2035 002 764 (UK)

Email: mailto:sales@marketresearchfuture.com

Website: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com

This release was published on openPR.

The SCCA Foundation is embarking on an initiative to guarantee that future generations will be able to enjoy the thrill of amateur motorsports. That’s why Bob Crawford, Chairman of SCCA’s Board of Directors, announced the appointment of Clay Turner as the new SCCA Foundation Executive Director. He and Foundation Chairman Jeff Jacobs are now charged with driving the non-profit’s mission of making opportunities in amateur motorsports accessible to all, now and for generations to come.

Turner, a 25-year member of SCCA and current member of SCCA’s BoD, brings extensive leadership experience and business acumen to this pivotal role, as well as a deep passion for motorsports. A seasoned competitor, he was elected to SCCA’s 13-member BoD in 2021 as the Area 8 representative after previously holding several leadership positions at SCCA’s Regional level.

“SCCA Foundation can play a larger role in preserving, protecting and expanding amateur motorsports,” Turner said. “We envision a vibrant future – one where the thrill of competition, the spirit of community, and the legacy of excellence are passed on to the next generation of drivers, volunteers and leaders. As a Club, SCCA is uniquely positioned to pass along a legacy of excellence built by racing legends, ensuring the thrill of competition and spirit of community continues to inspire future generations to experience the rush of auto racing competition.”

Created in 1986, SCCA Foundation’s original signatories included Paul Newman, Carl Haas and former ACCUS-FIA President Nick Craw. As a Sports Car Club of America support organization, the non-profit Foundation has nearly four decades of service to the Club through its education, training and development efforts. For more information or to support the Foundation’s endeavors, visit sccafoundation.org.