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Federal judge calls on NASCAR, teams to settle bitter antitrust battle

CHARLOTTE, N.C. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A federal judge urged NASCAR and two of its teams, including one owned by retired NBA great Michael Jordan, to settle their increasingly acrimonious legal fight that spilled over into tense arguments during a hearing on Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell of the Western District of North Carolina […]

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CHARLOTTE, N.C.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A federal judge urged NASCAR and two of its teams, including one owned by retired NBA great Michael Jordan, to settle their increasingly acrimonious legal fight that spilled over into tense arguments during a hearing on Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell of the Western District of North Carolina grilled both NASCAR and the teams — 23XI Racing, which is owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports, owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins — on what they hoped to accomplish in the antitrust battle that has loomed over the stock car series for months.

“It’s hard to picture a winner if this goes to the mat — or to the flag — in this case,” Bell said. “It scares me to death to think about what all this is costing.”

23XI and Front Row were the only two organizations that refused to sign a take-it-or-leave-it offer from NASCAR last September on a new charter agreement. Charters are NASCAR’s version of a franchise model, with each charter guaranteeing entry to the lucrative Cup Series races and a stable revenue stream; 13 other teams signed the agreements last fall, with some contending they had little choice.

The nearly two-hour hearing was on the teams’ request to toss out NASCAR’s countersuit, which accuses Jordan business manager Curtis Polk of “willfully” violating antitrust laws by orchestrating anticompetitive collective conduct in negotiations. NASCAR said it learned in discovery that Polk in messages among the 15 teams tried to form a “cartel” type operation that would include threats of boycotting races and a refusal to individually negotiate.

One of NASCAR’s attorneys even cited a Benjamin Franklin quote Polk allegedly sent to the 15 organizations that read: “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

Jeffrey Kessler, an attorney representing the teams, was angered by the revelation in open court, contending it is privileged information only revealed in discovery. Kessler also argued none of NASCAR’s claims in the countersuit prove anything illegal was done by Polk or the Race Team Alliance during the charter negotiation process.

“NASCAR knows it has no defense to the monopolization case so they have come up with this claim about joint negotiations, which they agreed to, never objected to, and now suddenly it’s an antitrust violation,” Kessler said outside court. “It makes absolutely no sense. It’s not going to help them deflect from the monopolizing they have done in this market and the harm they have inflicted.”

He added that “the attacks” on Polk were “false, unfounded and frankly beneath the dignity of my adversary to even make those type of comments, which he should know better about.”

NASCAR attorneys said Polk improperly tried to pressure all 15 teams that comprise the RTA to stand together collectively in negotiations and encouraged boycotting qualifying races for the 2024 Daytona 500. NASCAR, they said, took the threat seriously because the teams had previously boycotted a scheduled meeting with series executives.

“NASCAR knew the next step was they could boycott a race, which was a threat they had to take seriously,” attorney Lawrence Buterman said on behalf of NASCAR.

Kessler said outside court the two teams are open to settlement talks, but noted NASCAR has said it will not renegotiate the charters. NASCAR’s attorneys declined to comment after the hearing.

Bell did not indicate when he’d rule, other than saying he would decide quickly.

Preliminary injunction status

Kessler said he would file an appeal by the end of the week after a three-judge federal appellate panel dismissed a preliminary injunction that required NASCAR to recognize 23XI and Front Row as chartered teams while the court fight is being resolved.

Kessler wants the issue heard by the full appellate court. The injunction has no bearing on the merits of the case, which is scheduled to go to trial in December. The earliest NASCAR can treat the teams as unchartered is one week after the deadline to appeal, provided there is no pending appeal or whenever the appeals process has been exhausted.

There are 36 chartered cars for the 40-car field each week. If 23XI and Front Row are not recognized as chartered, their six cars would have to compete as “open” teams — which means they’d have to qualify on speed each week to make the race and they would receive a fraction of the money guaranteed for chartered teams.

Discovery issues

Some of the arguments Tuesday centered on Jonathan Marshall, the executive director of the RTA. NASCAR has demanded text messages and emails from Marshall and says it has received roughly 100 texts and over 55,000 pages of emails.

NASCAR wants all texts between Marshall and 55 people from 2020 through 2024 that contain specific search terms. Attorneys for the RTA said that covers more than 3,000 texts, some of which are privileged, and some that have been “deleted to save storage or he didn’t need them anymore.”

That issue is set to be heard during a hearing next Tuesday before Bell.

___

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

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press






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CEO admits ‘discussing’ Vasseur’s Ferrari future

(GMM) One of Ferrari’s top bosses is “discussing” the future with endangered Formula 1 team boss Frederic Vasseur. Speculation is still raging that Ferrari’s chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna (pictured) are so disappointed with progress that they are considering not extending Vasseur’s expiring three-year contract. So far, Vasseur’s superiors have stayed conspicuously quiet […]

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(GMM) One of Ferrari’s top bosses is “discussing” the future with endangered Formula 1 team boss Frederic Vasseur.

Speculation is still raging that Ferrari’s chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna (pictured) are so disappointed with progress that they are considering not extending Vasseur’s expiring three-year contract.

So far, Vasseur’s superiors have stayed conspicuously quiet about the Vasseur topic – but Vigna was a notable attendee at the British GP.

“I like coming here and seeing the team united,” the Maranello based marque’s CEO told Sky Italia at Silverstone.

“I love being with the people because they are the ones who always make the difference.”

Vigna doesn’t hide that Ferrari has had various issues so far in 2025.

“Teams grow with difficulties,” he insisted. “Unity is strength and we have that at Ferrari – and I can breathe it in here.”

As for the intense uncertainty surrounding Vasseur’s place on the Ferrari pit wall for 2026, however, Vigna admitted he has no answer yet.

“He is the team principal,” he said. “It is July and we are discussing.

“We just had lunch together,” Vigna smiled.

Ferrari Formula 1 team boss Frederic Vasseur and CEO Benedetto Vigna in 2023. Photo supplied by Ferrari



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NASCAR Chicago Street Race” with contract over, will race return to Grant Park next year?

3rd annual race weekend is currently final year of contract with city; electric vehicles showcased Monday, July 7, 2025 10:54AM The 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race is over and fans are wondering if it will return to Grant Park next year. CHICAGO (WLS) — Roads are reopening Monday morning around Grant Park after this weekend’s […]

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3rd annual race weekend is currently final year of contract with city; electric vehicles showcased

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Monday, July 7, 2025 10:54AM

With contract over, will NASCAR return to Chicago?

The 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race is over and fans are wondering if it will return to Grant Park next year.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Roads are reopening Monday morning around Grant Park after this weekend’s NASCAR races and many fans are wondering if NASCAR will return to Chicago.

People came in from all over the country to watch Shane Van Gisbergen cross the finish line.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

This now marks an end to the final year of the three-year NASCAR contract in Chicago. But there are options included to possibly extend the race to 2026 and 2027.

RELATED: Street closures for Chicago NASCAR race

Over the past few years, Chicagoans have complained about the traffic caused due to the race. But this year the traffic changes that were made by the city has people wanting to see the race here again.

“It’s worth it, absolutely,” Chicago resident Kashif Charania said. “I love being in Chicago for all of these types of events, just the culture, everything is great.”

Discussions between NASCAR and the city are expected to begin now that race weekend is over.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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Danica Patrick shares her lower back tattoo with unique meaning

Danica Patrick has been celebrating the July 4th weekend with friends and family, and she took the opportunity to share the meaning behind her unique tattoo on her lower back Danica Patrick enjoyed a successful career in motorsports(Image: Getty Images) Former NASCAR and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick has opened up about the personal significance of […]

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Danica Patrick has been celebrating the July 4th weekend with friends and family, and she took the opportunity to share the meaning behind her unique tattoo on her lower back

Danica Patrick enjoyed a successful career in motorsports
Danica Patrick enjoyed a successful career in motorsports(Image: Getty Images)

Former NASCAR and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick has opened up about the personal significance of her American and racing checkered flag tattoo located on her lower back as she celebrated Independence Day.

The 43-year-old, who is a huge fan of United States President Donald Trump and recently visited the White House, posted an intimate snapshot of the ink that pays tribute to both her homeland and racing career.

After spending three years as a teenager in the United Kingdom, Patrick returned to the United States and commemorated her homecoming with the tattoo. She revealed the ink just days after making her feelings clear about being a “sex symbol” in NASCAR.

READ MORE: Emma Raducanu sparked anger with Wimbledon outfit that flouted long-standing dress codeREAD MORE: John McEnroe fears ‘something serious’ could happen at Wimbledon after Carlos Alcaraz incident

“I got that American / checkered flag tattoo (no Picasso) when I came back from living in the uk for 3 years from 16-19… Because I was proud and grateful to be home. Thank you to those who make safe and free,” Patrick shared on Instagram.

Though she hung up her racing helmet in 2018, Patrick hasn’t completely left the world of motorsports. She engages in various pursuits and business endeavors. As a pioneering figure for women in motorsport, she joined FOX’s broadcast team for this year’s Indy 500.

Patrick’s decision to step away from racing seven years ago was driven by a sense of fulfillment.

Patrick got the tattoo as a teenager after living in the United Kingdom
Patrick got the tattoo as a teenager after living in the United Kingdom(Image: Instagram/Danica Patrick)

“It just wasn’t in my heart anymore,” she told Nightline. “What I loved about racing was the chance to improve, to get better, to finish higher, and ultimately to win.

“But over time, I felt like that was becoming less and less within my control.

“I choose to focus on the positive. And I’ve had a really great career and I’m really thankful for it.”

With an amazing driving career behind her, Patrick’s financial situation is nothing short of spectacular, as Celebrity Net Worth flags her fortune at a cool $80 million.

During the pinnacle of her vrooming ventures, she was pocketing a reported $10 million a year, combining prize money and sponsorships.

Her branding partnerships boast heavy hitters like Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, Nationwide Insurance, and Tissot.

Showing off her entrepreneurial spirit, Patrick has sped ahead with her wine venture, Somnium, which possesses a sprawling 24-acre vineyard nestled in St. Helena, California, known for its varied altitude, taking you between 1,000 to 1,375 feet off the ground.

Further showcasing her savvy, Patrick has dived into the fashion world with an athleisure brand named Warrior by Danica Patrick, thanks to a partnership with G-III Apparel Group.



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NASCAR Chicago Street Race’s fate uncertain after third year – NBC Chicago

The 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race wrapped up Sunday, with Shane van Gisbergen dominating both events: the Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series races. For the last three years, the event has taken over the streets of downtown Chicago. But as the two-day spectacle wrapped up this weekend, the future of the race remained unclear. This […]

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The 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race wrapped up Sunday, with Shane van Gisbergen dominating both events: the Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series races.

For the last three years, the event has taken over the streets of downtown Chicago. But as the two-day spectacle wrapped up this weekend, the future of the race remained unclear. This summer marked the final year of the three-year agreement, which NASCAR and the city of Chicago reached prior to the 2023 edition of the event.

According to the terms of the contract the two sides signed, NASCAR would have to request a date for the 2026 race within 90 days of the conclusion of this week’s events. While the race’s future is uncertain, at least one official is calling on the city to move the date from the Fourth of July weekend if they were to bring it back next year.

The race costs about $5 million to put on annually.

“July 4th is a very family-friendly weekend and we want families to be able to use the park july 4th, and this prevents that from happening a bit…” said Ald. Bill Conway, of Chicago’s 34th Ward. “But not only do we have to make sure that we are making this as convenient as possible for the constituents, but also make sure the city is recouping its cost of putting on the race.”

Businesses directly across from the tracks said they have seen a huge boost to their bottom line over the past three years.

“Between the races, it was pretty busy. Even during the race, there was people like lining up outside. Even just to get the sound of the race, it was really really cool to see, and there was a lot of foot traffic,” said Anthony Guida, manager of Fontanos Italian Café.



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Why Tyler Reddick passing 15 cars in 12 laps wasn’t enough for a Chicago win

When the caution flew late in the NASCAR Cup race at Chicago, Tyler Reddick and the 23XI Racing team made the bold decision to pit from third on track in favor of fresh tires and some extra fuel. He restarted 18th with just 12 laps left, evading several spinning cars as he began his rapid […]

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When the caution flew late in the NASCAR Cup race at Chicago, Tyler Reddick and the 23XI Racing team made the bold decision to pit from third on track in favor of fresh tires and some extra fuel.

He restarted 18th with just 12 laps left, evading several spinning cars as he began his rapid march forward. Reddick was up to 14th by the time the final caution of the race flew, leaving him nine laps to get to the front of the pack.

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After that, it was all precision from Reddick as he drove his way all the way up to third. If not for the race-ending caution, he likely would have gotten around Ty Gibbs for second place as well.

“Shane was just a little too far ahead,” said Reddick, who remains the highest driver in points without a win this year.

“When we did pit and put those tires, a couple cars got spun on the restart and we were just in the wrong lane and stacked up .. Lost time trying to pass them and then passing those cars on the older tires. Just part of it. Chaos on a street course at the end there, but I was really proud of our whole 23XI Racing team.

”This Jumpman Toyota Camry was really fast, it just – we needed that restart to go a little differently. I definitely think we had the pace to get to Shane. It was hard to say how much he was saving or not, but it felt good to have a shot of it.”

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Losing valuable time

Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota

Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota

Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota

Reddick ended up losing some time avoiding the late-race wrecks, which could have been the difference between catching SVG and ultimately finishing third.

“I can’t name them all, but unfortunately, we kind of just got stuck in the wrong lane where I had to check up,” said Reddick. “Those cars that we were on the same tire strategy as I got behind, so we just lost a bit of time there passing those cars back.”

Reddick is now fifth in the regular season standings, but due to his lack of race wins, he sits an uncomfortable 13th in the playoff standings.

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He’s an impressive 142 points above the cut-line, but four new winners in the final two months of the regular season could still push him out of the playoff picture.

Photos from Chicago – Race

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Chris Graythen – Getty Images

Nascar electric cars

Nascar electric cars

Nascar electric cars

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Nascar electric cars

Nascar electric cars

Nascar electric cars

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Nascar electric car

Nascar electric car

Nascar electric car

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Nascar electric cars

Nascar electric cars

Nascar electric cars

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Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

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Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

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Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

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Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

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Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

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General view

General view

General view

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Fans

Fans

Fans

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Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

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Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

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Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse Chevrolet

Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse Chevrolet

Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse Chevrolet

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Todd Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports Ford

Todd Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports Ford

Todd Gilliland, Front Row Motorsports Ford

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Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

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Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

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General view

General view

General view

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Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota, Austin Cindric, Team Penske Ford

Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota, Austin Cindric, Team Penske Ford

Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota, Austin Cindric, Team Penske Ford

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Chris Buescher, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

Chris Buescher, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

Chris Buescher, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

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Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

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Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

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Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford

Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford

Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford

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Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

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Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

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Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford

Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford

Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford

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Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

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Katherine Legge, Chevrolet

Katherine Legge, Chevrolet

Katherine Legge, Chevrolet

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Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

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Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

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Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Ford

Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Ford

Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Ford

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Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

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Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

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Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

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Fans

Fans

Fans

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Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

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Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford

Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford

Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford

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Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

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Katherine Legge, Chevrolet

Katherine Legge, Chevrolet

Katherine Legge, Chevrolet

James Gilbert / Getty Images

Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota

Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota

Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota

Logan Riely / Getty Images

Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford

Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford

Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford

Logan Riely / Getty Images

General view

General view

General view

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Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Chris Graythen – Getty Images

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Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

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Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

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Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

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Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Chris Graythen – Getty Images

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Chris Graythen – Getty Images

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Chris Graythen – Getty Images

Read Also:

Bubba Wallace “ran me into the fence” says Alex Bowman after intense battle

Joey Logano confronts Ross Chastain after Chicago smash-up

Shane van Gisbergen sweeps Chicago weekend with chaotic NASCAR Cup race win

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Bubba Wallace “ran me into the fence” says Alex Bowman

In the closing laps of the NASCAR Cup race at Chicago, a tense battle unfolded at the backend of the top ten. Alex Bowman and Bubba Wallace were trading paint and slamming fenders in a dramatic battle for position. However, it wasn’t just a top ten on the line in this situation. Bowman and Wallace […]

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In the closing laps of the NASCAR Cup race at Chicago, a tense battle unfolded at the backend of the top ten. Alex Bowman and Bubba Wallace were trading paint and slamming fenders in a dramatic battle for position.

However, it wasn’t just a top ten on the line in this situation. Bowman and Wallace were also matched up in Round 2 of NASCAR’s new in-season challenge, and the driver who finished higher would advance into the next round. The prize for winning this tournament is $1 million, equal to a victory in the All-Star Race.

As the two drivers battled, there was a lot of contact that ended with Wallace spinning off the nose of Bowman. While the Hendrick Motorsports driver went on to finish eighth, Wallace ended the day in 28th as he was eliminated from the in-season challenge.

The two drivers shared a cordial conversation after the race as they talked through what happened on the track. 

“I didn’t really expect it when I passed him [Wallace] and we got into (Turn) 12 and he just shipped me, and then he ran me into the fence in (Turn) 1, and ran us into the fence off of (Turn) 2,” said Bowman after the race.

“He’s just not clear. I don’t have anywhere to go. We’re going straight and we just got hooked together and he ends up crashing. I didn’t really feel like it was necessary.”

The impact of the $1 million challenge

 

Bowman later added: “I guess the in-season tournament is more important than I expected.” 

In the end, Bowman is now one of the final eight drivers in a tournament that began with 32, and the last representative for Hendrick Motorsports. Bowman noted that the challenge wasn’t even on his mind at the time, and wondered if that’s what caused Wallace to race him as hard as he did.

“I don’t know if that’s worth driving into the corner and clearing the guy out and then driving him into the fence and doing all the things that happened there,” concluded Bowman.

Photos from Chicago – Race

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