Kris Wright will drive for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series next season, the team announced Dec. 9.

He’ll pilot the No. 81 after running two events for the team in 2025.

Darren Fraley will be the crew chief; he served the role in four total races for Christian Eckes and Wright in 2025.

Christian Eckes Back at MHR for 2026

“I’m really looking forward to next year and being a part of the MHR program,” Wright said in a team release. “This is the biggest organization I’ve had the chance to race with, and it’ll be a great opportunity to put the resources to good use. I felt really good about working with Darren [Fraley] in the two races we ran this fall. There’s a lot of familiarity there, so I’m really encouraged that we can have a strong season in 2026.”

Wright has made 41 Truck Series starts, earning a best finish of 11th at Talladega Superspeedway last season.

Connor Mosack drove the No. 81 last season.

Joy joined Frontstretch in 2019 as a NASCAR DraftKings writer, expanding to news and iRacing coverage in 2020. She’s currently an assistant editor and involved with photos, social media and news editing. A California native, Joy was raised watching motorsports and started watching NASCAR extensively in 2001. She earned her B.A. degree in Liberal Studies at California State University Bakersfield in 2010.

Phase 1 Site Plan

Premier 600-Acre Automotive Destination to Feature Private Racetrack, Luxury Trackside Condominiums, Exclusive Garages, and Karting Track

JACKSONVILLE, FL, UNITED STATES, December 9, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — North Florida Motorsports Park Announced: Premier 600-Acre Automotive Destination Coming to Nassau County
World-Class Racing Facility is proposed, led by Indy 500 Champion and motorsports legend Bobby Rahal to Feature Private Racetrack, Luxury Trackside Condominiums, Exclusive Garages, and Karting Track

North Florida Motorsports Park, a groundbreaking 600-acre automotive lifestyle destination, was announced today, bringing a sophisticated motorsports experience to Florida’s First Coast. The premier development will combine a professional-grade racetrack with luxury residential offerings and public amenities, establishing a new benchmark for automotive enthusiasts in the region.

Strategically located in Nassau County with convenient access to Interstate 95 and County Road 108, the project honors Northeast Florida’s rich exotic and luxury car heritage, building upon the legacy of the world-renowned Amelia Island Concours d ‘Elegance. The development will seamlessly blend high-performance driving experiences with refined residential living for those who share a passion for automotive excellence.

“This region has an incredible automotive culture, and North Florida Motorsports Park will provide enthusiasts with an exceptional venue to celebrate that passion,” Bobby Rahal noted. “We’re creating more than a racetrack – we’re building a community.”

Bobby Rahal’s involvement brings unparalleled credibility and vision to the project. The three-time IndyCar champion, 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner, and successful team owner has been instrumental in shaping American motorsports for decades.

Rahal’s role will be prominent, ensuring not only world class off-track facilities but also track design with world leading architects, delivering what promises to be a true driver and owner focused experience, from start to finish.

Planned Features Include:
• Professional Racing Circuit: A meticulously designed racetrack meeting international safety and performance standards
• Trackside Condominiums: Luxury residences offering unparalleled views and direct access to the circuit
• Exclusive Garage Facilities: Climate-controlled, secure spaces for automotive collections
• Members-Only Club: Private membership opportunities with exclusive track access and premium amenities
• Public Karting Experience: A premier one stop solution karting facility welcoming enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, built to the highest international standards and certification.

The project will benefit from the expertise of affiliated partner Atlanta Motorsports Park, one of the nation’s premier private motorsports clubs, bringing proven operational excellence to North Florida.

Distinguished project partners include:
• Bobby Rahal: Hall of Fame racing driver, team owner, and automotive industry leader
• NF Sports Development: Financial advisory and motorsports project development
• M2 Real Estate Advisors: Real Estate strategy and development
• Atlanta Motorsports Park: Operational expertise and motorsports management

“North Florida Motorsports Park represents a transformative opportunity for Nassau County. This project blends innovation, recreation, and economic development in a way that strengthens our community and elevates our region. We are proud to welcome a world-class motorsports destination” said Taco Pope, County Manager – Board of County Commissioners

“This Project represents a unique convergence of passion and place,” said Michael McNaughton, President of M2 Real Estate Advisors. “The trackside condominium concept offers an unprecedented real estate opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts who want to live where they play. We’re seeing tremendous interest in experiential luxury real estate, and this project positions Nassau County, North Florida at the forefront of that trend.”

“North Florida Motorsports Park is the evolution of automotive lifestyle communities,” said Bruno Fusaro, of NF Sports Development. “We’re creating an environment where driving enthusiasts can pursue their passion while enjoying world-class amenities and the camaraderie of like-minded individuals. “The public karting facility will ensure North Florida Motorsports Park serves as an accessible gateway to motorsports for families and aspiring racers, while the private club and residential components will cater to serious collectors and driving enthusiasts.

For membership inquiries, residential opportunities, or additional information about North Florida Motorsports Park, visit www.NorthFloridaMotorsportsPark.com , follow @nfmotorsportspark on social media, and sign up for breaking news, updates and new developments.

About North Florida Motorsports Park North Florida Motorsports Park is a planned 600-acre premier automotive lifestyle destination in Nassau County, Florida, featuring a world-class racetrack, luxury trackside residences, exclusive garage facilities, private membership club, and public karting experience.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: Contact@NorthFloridaMotorsportsPark.com

Michael H McNaughton
North Florida Motorsports Park
+1 617-869-8615
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Earlier this year, we saw the news out of the NBA involving federal charges and arrests.

Initially seeing the news, I wasn’t surprised to hear something like this could possibly happen. However, when something like this makes headlines, it’s quite shocking to think an athlete could possibly jeopardize their career – and potentially face charges – over an alleged scheme to make money that way. 

When money gets involved in betting, it can ruin everything. 

It just doesn’t make sense. Athletes, especially basketball players, make a lot of money. They are paid substantially to play their game and be involved in the sport they have a lot of passion for.

Nowadays, people who race in NASCAR and work for either the teams or NASCAR undergo extensive training to protect the integrity of the sport.

Back when I raced full-time, we didn’t have gambling/ethics training like those in the sport have today.

The landscape was much different, though. It’s only with changes to the law in the last few years that sports betting and gambling has been prominent outside of Las Vegas.

I hope NASCAR is never hit with even the possibility of a betting scandal.

Formula 1 drivers, IndyCar, short track racers across the country… I don’t know any racecar driver who doesn’t want to win when they go out on the track. 

Would a driver throw a race for money? I don’t think so. 

Racers have a ton of pride and honor. They’ve worked so hard to get to the top and know the hard work that goes into the preparation and getting their racecars ready. 

On the contrary, even if I could have bet on myself to win a race, I wouldn’t have. There are too many variables with racing: flat tires, blown engines, crashes, the weather… the list goes on.

Plus, you know you’re not out there by yourself. Too many things can happen.

Today, they release betting lines for the races throughout the week and the broadcasters talk about them.

Truthfully, I don’t know how all those numbers work, I’m not a good gambler! When I used to go to Vegas, I used to play the slots. That’s easy! Put the money in, pull the lever and push the button.

Bottom line. We all need money. Unfortunately, it can make people do bad things. It’s not just sports. It’s drugs, it’s stealing… you could go on.

The only sure bet I know of in racing is that everything is unsure.

—

The only other sure bet I know of is being able to get an autographed copy of “All of It,” my tell-all autobiography about my time in racing, faith journey, and more.

We still have copies available and I’d be happy to sign yours. You can order yours at the Team Bodine website.

Recently, BMR announced that Nick Sanchez, despite having been promised a contract through 2026, has been cut by the team right before the 2026 season is set to dawn. That is a totally horrible way to treat one of the sport’s best up-and-coming talents.

Why Big Machine Racing Really Cut Nick Sanchez

This is a lack of funding on his part. With Sanchez saying it was “unfortunate timing and circumstances, but it’s strictly business.” The same driver who last year got the team its second-ever win and third straight playoff appearance.

Plus, Nick Sanchez has never brought funding to the table, with Gainbridge coming from Spire and Spiked Coolers coming from Big Machine Racing. But it’s not like BMR can’t find more funding; the owner is not strapped for cash.

Scott Borchetta, who owns Big Machine Racing, also owns Big Machine Label Group, a record company that’s not a small player in the music industry. And by not a small player, I mean the current label of Mötley Crüe and the former and first-ever label of Taylor Swift.

So he has plenty of ways to fund Nick Sanchez’s ride if they really wanted to. Making Nick Sanchez’s firing only that much more unfair. Scott is obviously first and foremost responsible for his actions. One of the reasons he did this was because of the culture NASCAR teams have cultivated.

Nick Sanchez And Drivers Like Him Vs. NASCAR Team Laziness

We’re always told that pay drivers are a needed evil. Because of how expensive racing is and how needed sponsors are. And while that may be true, pay drivers are not the only solution to this problem.

Something a lot of teams don’t try, or don’t try enough, is to sell their own drivers and or their own brand to attract sponsors. This could help drivers like Nick Sanchez get the more competitive rides they deserve.

Now this wouldn’t be easy for a few reasons. NASCAR is far from its peak in popularity, and the economy isn’t doing so well either, making it hard for NASCAR to sponsor and harder for sponsors to want to sponsor NASCAR.

But still, NASCAR managers attract sponsors, big and small, for the cars, races, victory lane, and broadcasts. So NASCAR, despite its best efforts, still has some value, and so it’d be smart for teams to milk as much of it as they can. It’d be better for the sport, too.

Why NASCAR Teams Should Sell Themselves

If NASCAR ever wants to get anywhere close to its peak popularity, selling itself is the best thing it can do. While NASCAR’s terrible decision would’ve made a downfall inevitable. The team’s apathy towards selling themselves has only made things worse.

With so many things competing for your eyeballs in the attention economy, if you’re not doing everything you can to try and impress as many people as possible. You’ll be left behind. The days of build it and they will come are over. You have to let people know there’s a racetrack there and why they should come.

It’s why F1, for the first time, was the most popular motorsport in America because both the series and the teams have been doing everything to schmooze and prove their worth to the biggest companies out there.

Thus, they put their money behind them and helped them to get in the eyes of as many people as possible. While NASCAR teams and the series itself twiddle their thumbs, wondering why people aren’t watching.

Final Thoughts

America was built on selling yourself and whatever you brought to the table. And it’s time for NASCAR and its teams to bring back that American spirit to the sport. Thanks a bunch for reading!

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) – Bowman Gray Stadium is getting a new state-of-the-art video board. Work has begun on the removal of the old scoreboard at the stadium with the new video board to be in place by the running of NASCAR’s COOK OUT CLASH at Bowman Gray on February 1, 2026.

NASCAR released information about the new video board, saying it will be a new Samsung LED display, which will significantly expand the stadium’s visual capabilities. The old board is a 19-foot square panel with advertising signage on the sides. The new video board will be 32 feet wide and 19 feet tall, using 10mm pitch LED video panels. According to NASCAR ,the board will provide high-definition clarity, improved brightness, and exceptional color accuracy.

The expanded width of the display will allow the video screen to be used for full-screen, split-screen, and a variety of other configurations.  The board can show live video, real-time scoring, stats, sponsor content and more.

“This new video board is another important step in elevating the fan experience at one of NASCAR’s most iconic and community-rooted venues,” said Joey Dennewitz, NASCAR Regional Managing Director. “The enhanced size, improved clarity, and powerful new content platform will give fans more live action, more data, and more ways to stay connected throughout the event.
Combined with the recent SAFER Barrier installation and Musco’s Total Light Control system, we’re proud to continue our investment in Bowman Gray Stadium’s future as a world-class venue.”

The new video board comes after the Winston-Salem City Council approved a resolution in June authorizing agreements between the city, Winston-Salem Speedway, LLC, and Winston-Salem State University for the acquisition and maintenance of a new Bowman Gray Stadium scoreboard.

“Bowman Gray Stadium has been a gathering place for generations, and this upgrade represents our continued commitment to enhancing the experience for everyone who walks through the gates,” said Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines. “This new board will deliver exciting, interactive, and informative content for fans while helping keep Winston-Salem competitive in attracting top-tier events.”

“WSSU football has an incredible tradition at Bowman Gray Stadium, and our students, alumni, and supporters deserve the best gameday atmosphere we can provide,” said Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Bonita Brown. “This upgrade will bring sharper visuals, richer storytelling, and more impactful celebrations of our teams. We’re excited to see this investment elevate events across the entire community.”

The agreement details set the cost of the videoboard at no more than $1million with the city paying 50 percent, WSSU paying 10 percent and Winston-Salem Speedway LLC, which runs the racing at Bowman Gray for NASCAR, paying 40 percent.

The scoreboard would be leased to the city over five years, allowing the city to pay its share of the total cost over that period, which it plans to do through revenue generated at the stadium. The city reported a net profit of more than $120,000 for the 2025 running of the NASCAR Cook Out Clash.

After five years, the WSSLLC would sell the scoreboard back to the city for a nominal cost.

The proposed agreement between the city and NASCAR also stipulated that Bowman Gray would host 5 years of NASCAR national series races at the historic quarter mile.