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Ex-NASCAR team owner forced to cough up $2.5 million – Motorsport – Sports

Former NASCAR team BK Racing was officially ordered to pay Front Row Motorsports $2.5 million in a federal court ruling regarding the sale of a NASCAR Cup Series charter spot. The judgment required former team owner Ronald Devine and his partner, Michael DiSeveria, to pay Front Row Motorsports $2.1 million in settlement fees. The duo also had […]

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Former NASCAR team BK Racing was officially ordered to pay Front Row Motorsports $2.5 million in a federal court ruling regarding the sale of a NASCAR Cup Series charter spot.

The judgment required former team owner Ronald Devine and his partner, Michael DiSeveria, to pay Front Row Motorsports $2.1 million in settlement fees. The duo also had to pay nearly $400,000 in attorney fees, as well as additional expenses.

The US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reviewed the case and determined that settling for $2.1 million was reasonable under the circumstances. In Dec. 2016, Front Row Motorsports agreed to purchase a NASCAR charter from BK Racing for $2 million, on the understanding that the charter would be conveyed free and clear of any liens or encumbrances.

FRM had Crew Chiefs Bob Osborne and Bonnie Wingo in 2016, with two chartered drivers in Landon Cassill and the rookie season of Chris Buescher. But BK Racing had an outstanding loan from Union Bank and Trust on that very charter.

Nobody at Front Row was aware of the original debt when they closed the deal, paying one million dollars at signing and promising another million six weeks later. When Front Row learned of Union Bank’s claim, the team refused to pay the second million until BK Racing’s principals agreed to defend against any claims by the bank.

DiSeveria and Devine signed the agreement, and a third major player declined. Yet, Front Row accepted it and paid the remaining million. Union Bank then sued to collect a debt exceeding nine million dollars and to foreclose its lien on the charter.

Front Row settled that action for $2.1 million, but DiSeveria and Devine refused to honor their obligation. They then sued them in federal court in North Carolina, as DiSeveria and Devine argued that because the third BK principal hadn’t signed, no valid contract existed.

The district court rejected each of those defenses on summary judgment. The court found that the figure was both reasonable and made in good faith, noting that Front Row faced a potential liability of over nine million, and that Devine had previously proposed even higher settlement figures.

DON’T MISS

Devine was previously indicted on four federal charges for failing to disburse payroll taxes amounting to nearly $ 400,000, which he also attempted to appeal. He was ordered to pay $31 million following the BK’s bankruptcy in 2018, broken down into $11 million in debt, $6 million for the money Devine paid to company affiliates, and more.

Devine also failed to disclose his finances during the case, which led the judge to impose the full penalty. He testified by calling himself an “honest” person, but to no beneficial result in court.

FRM has three chartered 2025 Cup Series season drivers in Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland, and Zane Smith. The team ranks No. 23 in NASCAR’s Owner standings out of 47 slots.



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Best NASCAR Cup Series Venue | Newsweek Fans’ Choice Awards

Atlanta Motor Speedway | Hampton, GA Photo courtesy of Getty Images Photo courtesy of Getty Images With newly increased turn angles and a narrower track, Atlanta Motor Speedway now provides the superspeedway draft-style race NASCAR fans have come to love. There’s also plenty of excitement in the Fan Zone before drivers take the quad-oval, including […]

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Atlanta Motor Speedway | Hampton, GA

Atlanta Motor Speedway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

With newly increased turn angles and a narrower track, Atlanta Motor Speedway now provides the superspeedway draft-style race NASCAR fans have come to love. There’s also plenty of excitement in the Fan Zone before drivers take the quad-oval, including concerts, autograph signings and even occasional sea lion shows. Want to get closer to the action? Take advantage of the track’s impressive on-site camping facilities.


Bristol Motor Speedway | Bristol, TN

Bristol Motor Speedway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Get ready to feel the noise at Bristol Motor Speedway! Cars constantly zoom by due to the track’s small size, and the tall arena-style seating enhances the sound of fans’ cheers while giving them a bird’s-eye view of the action. And the action is in no short supply—Bristol is known for its intense close racing and exciting crashes. This high-banked short track has earned its nickname as the Last Great Colosseum.


Charlotte Motor Speedway | Concord, NC

Charlotte Motor Speedway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Charlotte Motor Speedway’s traditional quad-oval layout allows drivers to reach speeds in the 180s, making it one of the fastest tracks on the circuit. Once a year, the track is reconfigured into “The Roval,” which adds nearly a mile and 13 new turns to the course. Families love the infield camping options and Turn 4 Sun Deck: a pavilion with food, games and a Ferris wheel.


Darlington Raceway | Darlington, SC

Darlington Raceway 2
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Called “The Track Too Tough to Tame” and “The Lady in Black,” Darlington Raceway challenges even the most seasoned drivers. The asymmetrical layout creates two distinctive sets of turn radiuses, and the racing line puts drivers directly next to the track’s outside walls, setting the stage for exhilarating tests of speed and endurance. The venue is also home to the Darlington Raceway Hall of Winners museum.


Daytona International Speedway |
Daytona Beach, FL

Daytona International Speedway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Each season, drivers gather at Daytona for the first race where they can earn points. The 2.5-mile tri-oval course is one of just three officially recognized superspeedways on the circuit. It features some of the sport’s highest banked turns, meaning higher speeds and better views for spectators. Fans appreciate the grandstands’ wide seats and the concession stands spread throughout the three concourse levels.


Dover Motor Speedway | Dover, DE

Dover Motor Speedway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

At exactly 1 mile long, Dover’s Monster Mile combines the best elements of short and intermediate tracks. The course’s 24-degree banked turns and concrete surface make for a true test of driver handling and vehicle performance. In addition to heart-pounding races, fans love the venue’s 46-foot-tall monster statue (cleverly named “Miles”) and its location within Bally’s Dover Casino Resort.


Homestead-Miami Speedway | Homestead, FL

Homestead-Miami Speedway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Homestead-Miami Speedway brings the South Beach vibes with its pastel colors and palm-tree-lined backstretch. But the racing at this track is no day at the beach—its progressive banking creates higher angles closer to the outside wall, leading to photo-finish showdowns. Before the green flag drops, fans with pre-race pit passes can visit pit row to learn more about the crews supporting their favorite drivers.


Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Photo courtesy of inhauscreative/iStock by Getty Images

The Brickyard isn’t just a favorite among NASCAR fans; racing enthusiasts from around the world flock to this historic venue for Indy car, IMSA, SVRA and other races year-round. And with more than 250,000 permanent seats, it has the highest capacity of any venue on the circuit. When fans aren’t watching the action on the perfectly symmetrical oval track, they can visit the on-site museum.


Kansas Speedway | Kansas City, KS

Kansas Speedway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Surrounded by popular shopping and entertainment venues (including a casino), Kansas Speedway feels more like a destination than a racetrack. Fans can cheer their favorite drivers from the grandstands around the 1.5-mile tri-oval or from the Highline District: a paved fan zone with yard games, live music and exclusive drink offerings. Infield RV camping and outside campsites are also available.


Las Vegas Motor Speedway | Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Race day festivities kick off long before lap one at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Fans with a pre-race track pass can walk on the actual racing surface and enjoy a concert on the infield stage. Even more excitement awaits in the Neon Garage, which grants spectators access to live entertainment, driver Q&A sessions, Victory Lane celebrations and a unique view of the race from pit road.


Martinsville Speedway | Ridgeway, VA

Martinsville Speedway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Martinsville has been a part of the NASCAR Cup Series since the beginning, hosting a race every year since 1949. While its history may be long, it’s the shortest track on the circuit and relatively flat, leading to thrilling showdowns in tight quarters. Extensive perimeter seating provides fans with sweeping views of the entire paperclip-shaped course and a great place to enjoy a famous Martinsville Hot Dog.


Michigan International Speedway | Brooklyn, MI

Michigan International Speedway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

As the fastest track on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, it’s no wonder why Michigan International Speedway is popular among race fans. The long straightaways allow drivers to reach speeds over 190 miles per hour, and the stadium seating makes it easy for spectators to keep their eyes on the action. Free parking and extensive camping options round out the fan experience for an unforgettable race weekend.


Talladega Superspeedway | Talladega, AL

Talladega Superspeedway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

With the longest track length and the highest-banked turns, Talladega puts the “super” in superspeedway. This enormous tri-oval features a wide raceway, setting the stage for dramatic passes and photo finishes. Fans rave about the tailgating and community found in the extensive infield and outside campsites. Premium experiences are also available, including pre-race driver meet-ups and Victory Lane admission.


Texas Motor Speedway | Fort Worth, TX

Texas Motor Speedway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Between racing pigs, ’90s country music cover bands, lucha libre matches and free-roaming dancing robots, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy at Texas Motor Speedway. And that’s just the action in the Fan Zone! On the track, spectators can expect thrilling showdowns around high-banked turns, all visible on Big Hoss: the world’s largest LED TV. RV camping and tailgating inside the quad-oval is also popular.


Watkins Glen International Raceway |
Watkins Glen, NY

Watkins Glen International Raceway
Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Known simply as the Glen, this scenic road track offers a unique experience for drivers and fans alike. Eleven thrilling turns spread across 2.5 miles of asphalt take the drama of race day to the next level. Fans especially love the infield camping. RV and tent campsites are available all around the track, including pit road and the track’s notorious Boot turns.

About Newsweek Fans’ Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of journalists and sports fans. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at fanschoice@newsweek.com.




Our Featured Panelists

Cherith Fluker Gray-headshot-Newsweek Fans Choice

Cherith Fluker


Cherith Glover Fluker is an Alabama-based freelance writer. She specializes in travel, self-care, and lifestyle content. With a blend of experience, creativity, and Southern warmth, Cherith’s writing resonates with readers seeking inspiration and authenticity. Her work has appeared in Food, Wine, & Travel Magazine, SheBuysTravel, LakeLife 24/7, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Motherly and more. She also shares her voice on her blog www.WhatCherithinks.com. Cherith grew up in a sports-loving family and continues to find joy in catching games and events at fun venues. She’s especially drawn to how local sports culture reflects a city’s identity, energy, and untold stories.


Melissa Garcia

Melissa Garcia


Daniel and Melissa Garcia are the husband-and-wife team behind RoamingMyPlanet, a travel blog inspiring everyday people to explore the world. From luxury resorts to RV adventures, cruises to national parks, they share real-life travel tips, hidden gems, and experiences. Their work is syndicated to MSN and featured in USA Today’s 10Best and Newsweek’s Consumer Choice Awards. With over two decades as content creators, they blend storytelling and video to bring destinations to life. A lifelong NASCAR and Tony Stewart fan, Daniel has passed his love of the sport on to Melissa. For more on the Garcia’s adventures visit www.RoamingMyPlanet.com.


Sarah Gilliland-headshot-Newsweek Fans Choice

Sarah Gilliland


Sarah Gilliland is a freelance writer with decades of experience in the theme park and family travel sectors. Her work has appeared on Business Insider, YahooLife, Condé Nast Traveller, Thrillist, and MSN. Sarah has written a travel book about her home state titled “Perfect Day Alabama,” which was published in late 2024. She lives in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama with her husband and three kids. Sarah is an avid fan of college football, basketball, and softball, especially if the games involve her alma mater, Auburn University. For more on her adventures, visit www.ontheroadwithsarah.com.


Terri Guthrie

Terri Guthrie


Terri Guthrie is a travel journalist based in Dallas, Texas. Her syndicated work appears in numerous publications across Texas, North America, and beyond. She has visited 60+ countries across six continents. Terri’s writing, podcasts, and photography focus on luxury and multi-generational travel. Terri and her husband, a retired fighter pilot, share “a need for speed” and are passionate about NASCAR, Indy Car, Formula One, Sprint Car Top Fuel, and Road Racing. She’s even been known to serve on a pit crew or two. Find more from Terri at www.travelwithterri.podbean.com or on Instagram at @travelwithterri


Susan Lanier-Graham

Susan Lanier-Graham


Susan Lanier-Graham is the founder and publisher of WanderWithWonder.com and an accomplished storyteller, journalist, and creative strategist. With more than 75 published books and hundreds of articles to her name, she crafts content that informs, inspires, and connects with readers through authenticity and purpose. Susan’s sports journey began on horseback and grew to include a passion for horse racing, basketball, soccer, and motorsports. She played basketball in junior high and high school and remains a devoted fan. She’s also drawn to the global energy of soccer fans and is an avid NASCAR enthusiast, having taken hot laps at top tracks across the U.S. With a gift for storytelling and a commitment to meaningful work, Susan brings heart, strategy, and a sense of wonder to everything she creates.


Karon Warren

Karon Warren


The daughter of a drag racer, Karon Warren was born with a need for speed. She routinely visits NASCAR tracks and NHRA dragways around the country to see her favorite racers in action. When she’s not watching racing, she writes for a variety of outlets, including USA Today’s 10Best, U.S. News & World Report, AAA, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She also is the author of “100 Things to Do in the North Georgia Mountains Before You Die.” For more on Karon and her travels, check out www.thisgirltravels.com.





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Logan Bearden Partners With T3 Vodka at Nashville Superspeedway

Logan Bearden is set to make his 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at the Nashville Superspeedway in the No. 14 Chevrolet Camaro, with T3 Vodka as his primary sponsor. T3 Vodka, a Knoxville-based brand, emphasizes its commitment to quality and heritage, enhancing its presence in the racing world. The partnership aims to connect with NASCAR’s […]

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Logan Bearden is set to make his 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at the Nashville Superspeedway in the No. 14 Chevrolet Camaro, with T3 Vodka as his primary sponsor. T3 Vodka, a Knoxville-based brand, emphasizes its commitment to quality and heritage, enhancing its presence in the racing world. The partnership aims to connect with NASCAR’s dedicated fan base and expand T3 Vodka’s distribution in Tennessee and beyond. Bearden expresses enthusiasm for representing a homegrown brand as he competes in this significant race.

By the Numbers

  • T3 Vodka won Gold Medals at both the 2024 TAG Global Spirits Awards and the 2024 SIP International Spirits Competition.
  • The Tennessee Lottery 250 is the 14th of 33 races in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule.

State of Play

  • Bearden is competing at an influential venue that aligns with T3 Vodka’s target market.
  • T3 Vodka is expanding its reach into Virginia, Georgia, and Nevada, enhancing brand visibility during the race.

What’s Next

Bearden’s performance this weekend could significantly impact T3 Vodka’s brand growth and partnerships in the NASCAR community. A strong showing may lead to further sponsorship opportunities and enhance distribution strategies.

Bottom Line

This partnership represents a strategic alignment between a local brand and a rising driver, maximizing visibility in a loyal fan base. The collaboration not only highlights T3 Vodka’s quality but also reinforces its commitment to community engagement and brand growth through motorsports.





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“PINKS” returns to the Rock

William R. Toler ROCKINGHAM — One driver will need a trailer to haul off his seven new cars when “PINKS” returns to Rockingham Dragway during POWERfest. The two-day motorsports festival, scheduled for June 13-14, is being billed by promoter Brian Bossone as the “world’s biggest automotive gameshow.” “PINKS,” created by Rich Christensen, first aired on […]

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William R. Toler

ROCKINGHAM — One driver will need a trailer to haul off his seven new cars when “PINKS” returns to Rockingham Dragway during POWERfest.

The two-day motorsports festival, scheduled for June 13-14, is being billed by promoter Brian Bossone as the “world’s biggest automotive gameshow.”

“PINKS,” created by Rich Christensen, first aired on SpeedTV in 2007 — jumpstarting the drag racing reality genre and paving the way for “Street Outlaws” — featuring drivers competing for vehicle titles or “pink slips,” according to Bossone.

The reboot of the show will be aired on POWERtube TV and feature a King of the Hill winner-take-all format, where the loser of each race loses his ride and the overall winner will leave with all the competitors’ cars.

“That’s pretty badass,” Bossone said. “It’s never been done before, so we’re going to make history here at the Rock again.”

Brian Bossone stands outside the front office of Rockingham Dragway in late April making preparations for POWERfest and the return of "PINKS" in June.

Brian Bossone stands outside the front office of Rockingham Dragway in late April making preparations for POWERfest and the return of “PINKS” in June.

William R. Toler – Richmond Observer


A spin-off of the original show, “PINKS: All Out,” filmed at the Rock in 2015, and the show returns for its kickoff within a few weeks of being exactly a decade later.

“We’re super excited about coming back here,” Bossone said while at the track in late April. “Out of all the tracks we talked to about coming back, they were probably the most gracious, most willing to work with us.” 

“Pinks was on the forefront of reality TV in drag racing and has strong roots here at Rockingham Dragway,” said co-owner Dan Vanhorn, who bought the track with Al Gennarelli in late 2022 from Steve Earwood — owner when the show was last at the Rock.

“It’s exciting to have its reboot here in Richmond County and at the Rock,” Vanhorn continued. “We look forward to being part of another rebirth in our community where motorsports is such a fantastic draw and a part of our daily lives.”

Hosting the reboot of “PINKS” is four-time NHRA champ and motorsports personality Bruno Massel. 

“He’s perfect for it,” said Bossone. “He’s got the chops to back it up.”

In addition to being the face of “Garage Squad” and “Truck U,” Massel has also provided NHRA coverage as a reporter and analyst for FOX Sports.

Late Tuesday, Bossone announced that all eight drivers were locked in: Carl Balzer of Ohio; Stefan Slisz, Doug Johnson, Jason Sample and Don Burns of Texas; James Rowlett of Tennessee; Zach Beasely of Louisiana; and Wayne Willoughby of Georgia.

According to Bossone, some of the racers have been to the Rock before.

“I can’t see why anybody wouldn’t want to see this,” said Bossone. “They came out for the original stuff — and this is going to be three times more insane than it was before.”

RO file photo


Cameras will also be rolling for the reboot of “The Call Out,” a competitive show featuring a 16-car small-tire, no-prep, run-what-you-brung shootout.

One spectator for the weekend will also win the losing car in the USA v. Canada Border Budget Build-off between Justin “Danger” Nunley and Shaun “No Way” Umscheid; and builders Shaun Barney and Jeff “Dice” Disinter will face off in a 48-hour junkyard-to-racetrack challenge. 

Other activities for POWERfest include:

  • A Power Wheels racing competition for kids
  • Mega Truck drag racing exhibitions
  • A car show featuring classic, modern and import rides

There will be a meet-and-greet with the racers on June 12 at Texas Roadhouse in Aberdeen.

“Anybody can get on camera,” Bossone said, “because we’re going to shoot the event as an actual show.”

That hour-long POWERfest special will air on POWERtube TV, which is available online as well as through Direct TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Apple TV.

Discounted tickets are available at thefoat.com. Active duty military personnel will receive free admission.

Rockingham Dragway
PINKS
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reality TV
television
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Lions All-Pro safety to serve as grand marshal at Michigan NASCAR race

ALLEN PARK — Kerby Joseph is the latest member of the Detroit Lions to land a grand marshal gig. The All-Pro safety will serve as the grand marshal for the FireKeepers Casino 400 NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway on June 8 in Brooklyn, Michigan. It was announced last week that team president Rod Wood […]

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ALLEN PARK — Kerby Joseph is the latest member of the Detroit Lions to land a grand marshal gig.

The All-Pro safety will serve as the grand marshal for the FireKeepers Casino 400 NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway on June 8 in Brooklyn, Michigan. It was announced last week that team president Rod Wood would handle those duties at the Detroit Grand Prix.

“Detroit sports fans bring unmatched energy to everything they do, and I know it’s about to be ZUPER crazy at Michigan International Speedway for real,” Joseph said in a news release from MIS. “Going from picking off quarterbacks to giving the command to start engines is definitely a change of pace, but man, I’m bringing that same intensity to race day.

“It’s a blessing to represent the Lions and connect with our amazing fans in a different environment.”

RELATED: Lions team president to serve as Grand Marshal at Detroit Grand Prix

RELATED: Lions, Texans finalize plans for joint practice ahead of preseason finale

It’s been a big offseason for Joseph. The Lions made him the NFL’s highest-paid safety after he led the league in interceptions and earned a first-team All-Pro nod.

Joseph’s extension totals $86 million over four years, eclipsing the $84.1 million deal the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave safety Antoine Winfield Jr.

The 24-year-old has 17 career interceptions in 49 games, which already puts him in the top 20 in franchise history through only three seasons. Joseph is back with Brian Branch to form one of, if not the league’s best safety duos next season, and he has his eyes set on two major milestones.

“My goals? Man, I want to be the best,” Joseph said after signing his extension. “I need to be the best. I need to put on that gold jacket. I feel like it’s just everything I’ve ever worked for all my life. I just feel like that gold jacket, you mix that with a Super Bowl, a Super Bowl champion, I feel like that’s just a great little mix right there.

“You can never take that away from me. So that’s just two things that I really want to go for. The Super Bowl for my team, as a teammate, and as a player for the Lions, and just to put on that gold jacket one day and be recognized for all my talent.”



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Netflix’s new F1 series puts spotlight on female drivers

LONDON — Abbi Pulling never thought so many people would want to watch her chase her Formula 1 dream. Following “Drive to Survive,” which sparked a boom in F1’s audience through its mix of on-track action and behind-the-scenes insight, “F1: The Academy” debuts on Netflix on Wednesday. It’s set to bring unprecedented attention to a […]

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LONDON — Abbi Pulling never thought so many people would want to watch her chase her Formula 1 dream.

Following “Drive to Survive,” which sparked a boom in F1’s audience through its mix of on-track action and behind-the-scenes insight, “F1: The Academy” debuts on Netflix on Wednesday. It’s set to bring unprecedented attention to a women-only racing series.

The documentary is “a huge opportunity,” said Pulling, a 22-year-old British driver whose run to the 2024 title forms the backbone of the series. The series follows F1 Academy, a competition that can make or break careers and runs as a support series to F1 Grand Prix races.

“It’s definitely changed my life and helped my career progress,” Pulling said. “Little 8-year-old me that started karting definitely would never have imagined how it’s all exploded and become so big.”

Operating a women-only racing series has been controversial among some F1 fans. Mocking, even abusive social media comments are part of the scenery for the series and its drivers.

For the drivers, it offers funding and an opportunity to build a brand. Pulling, who’s shown sharing a house with her manager, says she couldn’t have afforded to keep racing if not for F1 Academy or to continue for 2025 if not for winning the title.

The atmosphere in F1 Academy also is different in subtle ways. “No friends on track” is the title of the opening episode of the docuseries, but the drivers are a close-knit group off the circuit. To an audience accustomed to the F1 feuds of “Drive to Survive,” seeing drivers consoling each other after mistakes and organizing birthday parties is a little different.

“As a woman, it’s like you go in there, you have your own safe space,” said Bianca Bustamante, a driver from the Philippines.

F1 Academy is part of a wider culture shift in auto racing. In 2018, F1 abolished the role of “grid girls” — models paid to stand in front of drivers’ cars — and while auto racing remains male-dominated, teams increasingly employ more women in engineering and strategy roles.

“Five, 10 years ago … the motorsport world, community, was very, very different,” Bustamante said. “The only time girls were ever on the grid was if they were grid girls or umbrella girls or podium girls. All these things that we don’t see nowadays because of the representation.”

No female driver has started an F1 world championship race for 49 years or even entered qualifying since 1992, and the last woman to take part in an official F1 session was Susie Wolff in British Grand Prix practice in 2015. Wolff is now the managing director of F1 Academy.

“I’ve lived it. I know how tough it is,” Wolff said. “It’s my job to set something up which gives young female drivers opportunity for the future, and from start to end I think we’ve made a huge amount of progress so far in a very short space of time.”

F1 Academy uses modified Formula 4 cars, meaning even the series’ best drivers have multiple steps to reach the F1 grid. While it may take years to develop a female driver through F1’s ultracompetitive feeder series, Wolff says that’s not the only goal.

Helping a driver launch a sustainable long-term racing career in any series is a win for F1 Academy, Wolff argues, and so is encouraging more girls to start out in go-kart events or join the increasing numbers of female engineers in F1.

“It’s much more welcoming now, compared to how it was when I started back in 2001,” said Alice Powell, who mentors girls in karting series, alongside being Pulling’s manager and a development driver in the Formula E all-electric series. She says she’s seeing more girls starting out at the grassroots in Britain, and they’re having more success too.

“Female drivers are much more accepted,” she said. “There are a lot more female drivers in the karting paddock, which is really nice to see. A lot more female mechanics are getting involved and helping the younger drivers as well.”

It’s not always easy to follow what F1 Academy winners do next.

The unprecedented attention on F1 Academy compared with other development series means that moving up means leaving the spotlight — at least for now.

Pulling’s reward for winning the title was a fully funded seat in the British-based GB3 series this year. That costs far more than Pulling could have paid and gives her a much faster car but has a fraction of F1 Academy’s audience.

Bustamante, who uses her social media influencer skills to keep her career moving, also has raised the funds to join Pulling in GB3, while other former F1 Academy drivers such as 2023 champion Marta Garcia have moved into sportscar racing.

Drivers get a maximum two years in F1 Academy, with their costs heavily subsidized by F1. The vast costs of auto racing — which only increase as the cars get more expensive and powerful — mean that failure in F1 Academy easily could end a career.

“I don’t shy away from the harsh realities of sport,” Wolff said. “So failure will become part of the journey for many drivers who are not racing at the front.”

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2025 NASCAR odds: Kyle Larson favorite for Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Nashville this weekend for the Cracker Barrel 400. When it comes to the odds, bettors can also dive into that action and place wagers on which driver they think has what it takes to win outright. Last week at Charlotte, Kyle Larson (+340) closed as the favorite. But he […]

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The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Nashville this weekend for the Cracker Barrel 400.

When it comes to the odds, bettors can also dive into that action and place wagers on which driver they think has what it takes to win outright.

Last week at Charlotte, Kyle Larson (+340) closed as the favorite. But he encountered misfortune at both the Indy 500 and then at the Coca-Cola 600, and Ross Chastain (+1800) ended up getting into victory lane.

Will Larson redeem himself at Nashville Superspeedway or will another driver take the checkered flag?

Check out the latest odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 28.

Cracker Barrel 400 2025

Kyle Larson: +450 (bet $10 to win $55 total)
Denny Hamlin: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Christopher Bell: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
William Byron: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Ryan Blaney: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)
Tyler Reddick: +1000 (bet $10 to win $110 total)
Ross Chastain: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
Chase Elliott: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Joey Logano: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Chase Briscoe: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Chris Buescher: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Brad Keselowski: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Ty Gibbs: +2800 (bet $10 to win $290 total)
Kyle Busch: +2800 (bet $10 to win $290 total)
Josh Berry: +2800 (bet $10 to win $290 total)
Alex Bowman: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Carson Hocevar: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Ryan Preece: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Bubba Wallace: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Austin Cindric: +5000 (bet $10 to win $510 total)
Daniel Suarez: +7000 (bet $10 to win $710 total)
Corey Heim: +7000 (bet $10 to win $710 total)
AJ Allmendinger: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Zane Smith: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Noah Gragson: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Erik Jones: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Michael McDowell: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Austin Dillon: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Todd Gilliland: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
Justin Haley: +25000 (bet $10 to win $2,510 total)
John Hunter Nemechek: +30000 (bet $10 to win $3,010 total)
Cole Custer: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)
Shane van Gisbergen: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)
Riley Herbst: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)
JJ Yeley: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Cody Ware: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Chad Finchum: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)
Ty Dillon: +100000 (bet $10 to win $10,010 total)

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