In the high-octane world of open-wheel racing, few careers capture the raw unpredictability of motorsport like that of Tarso Marques. Born on January 19, 1976, in Curitiba, Brazil, Marques burst onto the scene as a prodigy, winning the Brazilian Formula Chevrolet championship at just 16 years old.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
By 1993, he was dominating Formula Three Sudamericana, and soon after, he became the youngest driver to claim victories in both that series and the European Formula 3000, showcasing a blistering pace that turned heads across the Atlantic.
His talent was undeniable, but as with many drivers from modest backgrounds, the path to the top was paved with financial hurdles and fleeting opportunities. Marques’ journey would take him from the glamour of Formula 1 to the gritty ovals of American open-wheel racing, and ultimately, to an unexpected arrest in his home country—a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in the racing world.
The Formula 1 Dream: Teammate to a Future Legend
Marques’ big break came in 1996 when he debuted for the Minardi team in Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport. At 20 years old, he raced in the Brazilian and Argentine Grands Prix, filling in for the injured Giancarlo Fisichella. Though both outings ended in retirements, his raw speed impressed team principal Giancarlo Minardi.
1996 Tarso Marques and Fernando Alonso Minardi F1 launch
The following year, 1997, saw him return for nine races, replacing Jarno Trulli mid-season. Again, results were modest—no points in an era when only the top six scored—but Marques showed flashes of potential amid Minardi’s perennial struggles with funding and reliability.
After a year off the grid in 1998, Marques made a triumphant return in 2001, this time as a full-season driver for the newly acquired Minardi team under Australian owner Paul Stoddart.
It was here that his career intersected with one of Formula 1’s greatest talents: Fernando Alonso. The young Spaniard, just 19, was making his rookie debut alongside the more experienced Brazilian.
The pairing was a study in contrasts—Alonso, a prodigy backed by Renault’s junior program, versus Marques, a journeyman fighting for every lap. Neither scored points that season, but Marques edged out his teammate in the final standings on countback, thanks to two ninth-place finishes at his home race in Brazil and in Canada. Those results stood as Minardi’s best of the year, a small victory in a car that often qualified last.
Yet, the season was bittersweet. Minardi’s chronic financial woes meant drivers like Marques, who brought no sponsorship dollars, were on precarious race-by-race contracts.
Stoddart was candid: “Tarso is not a pay driver… but if somebody came along that provided the team with a serious budget and talent, we would change.”
That somebody was Alex Yoong, whose Malaysian government backing injected vital funds. With three races left, Marques was replaced, graciously stepping aside and noting, “Yoong brought the sponsor for the team already two or three races ago, so he should be in the car.”
It was a poignant end to his F1 tenure—24 starts over three seasons, zero points, but forever linked to Alonso, who would go on to win two world championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006.
Marques later reflected warmly on their time together, calling Alonso “by far the best” of his teammates and even rating him above legends like Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna.
“If I had to pick one driver for my team, I would choose Fernando,” he said in a 2024 interview. Their bond endured, a testament to the camaraderie forged in the backmarkers.
Venturing to America: The CART IndyCar Chapter
With F1 doors closing, Marques sought greener pastures across the Atlantic in 1999, diving into the cutthroat world of CART—the Champ Car World Series, a high-speed oval and road-course spectacle that rivaled IndyCar during the infamous “split era” of American open-wheel racing.
This period, from 1996 to 2003, saw CART and IndyCar divided by philosophical and financial disputes, with CART emphasizing road courses and attracting international talent like Juan Pablo Montoya and Gil de Ferran. It was a bold move for Marques, who had no prior experience in the series’ powerful Reynard chassis and turbocharged engines.
His CART debut came with none other than Team Penske, the legendary squad owned by Roger Penske. Stepping in for the injured Al Unser Jr., Marques contested six races that year, scoring four points with a best finish of ninth at Interlagos in Brazil.
1999 Tarso Marques at Portland driving for Team Penske
It was a solid if unspectacular start, hampered by mechanical gremlins and the learning curve of ovals like Michigan and California Speedway.
In 2000, he switched to the underfunded Dale Coyne Racing, a perennial backmarker, where he ran most of the 20-race season. His highlight was a career-best seventh place at the California Speedway (Fontana), earning 11 points and finishing 25th in the championship.
These results showcased Marques’ adaptability—he thrived on road courses like Road America but struggled on the high-banked ovals that defined CART’s spectacle.
Marques returned sporadically in 2004 and 2005 with Dale Coyne, making four more starts but without the same spark. By then, CART was crumbling under financial strain and the IRL-IndyCar dominance, collapsing in 2003 before a brief revival as Champ Car until its 2008 merger with IndyCar.
Marques’ CART stint—14 races, 15 points, no podiums—highlighted the era’s chaos: immense speed (cars hit 240 mph on ovals) but instability for drivers like him, who lacked the deep pockets of stars like Cristiano da Matta. It was a far cry from F1’s global spotlight, yet it kept him racing, honing skills that later fueled his success in Brazil’s Stock Car series, where he competed until 2018 and even won races.
2022 – Tarso Marques Brazilian Stock Car Series
The Arrest: A Dramatic Turn Off the Track
Fast-forward to August 31, 2025, and Marques, now 49, found himself in headlines for all the wrong reasons. In the early hours of the morning, São Paulo police pulled over a red Lamborghini Gallardo speeding along the Ponte Cidade Jardim bridge. The car had no license plates, a glaring red flag during a routine Operation Direction patrol.
As officers approached, Marques—accompanied by two women—attempted to hastily affix plates, claiming the vehicle was a “show car” for exhibition purposes. But a quick database check revealed a nightmare: the Lamborghini, owned by a company previously convicted of illegal practices like financial pyramids, carried a staggering 1.3 million Brazilian reals (about $240,000 USD) in unpaid taxes, fines, and IPVA fees dating back to 2013. It also had judicial restrictions and a prior report of embezzlement.
Marques was arrested on the spot for alleged illegal possession (receptação) and tampering with vehicle identification signals, per São Paulo’s police statement.
Taken to the 14th District Police Station in Pinheiros, he was held briefly before posting 22,000 reals ($4,000 USD) in bail during his custody hearing. In a statement to Brazilian media like Estadão and Motorsport.com, Marques denied any wrongdoing, insisting the car belonged to a client and that he was unaware of its issues.
“I was just the faithful depositary,” he explained, noting he was driving it to a nearby gas station after it arrived without plates for a video shoot. “If they wanted to seize it, I would resolve everything later.” His lawyer has yet to comment publicly, but the incident has sparked speculation about his post-racing ventures.
These days, Marques has pivoted from the cockpit to the screen and studio, serving as a Formula 1 commentator for Rádio Jovem Pan since 2014 and hosting segments on TV Globo’s Caldeirão do Huck, where he customizes vehicles in the “Lata Velha” feature. He also runs Tarso Marques Concept (TMC), a thriving design firm specializing in bespoke cars, motorcycles, yachts, and even aircraft—earning accolades like “Best of Show” at the 2018 Daytona Bike Week for his hubless-wheeled TMC Dumont. A planned 2022 NASCAR comeback fizzled out, but his entrepreneurial spirit has kept him in the public eye.
Marques’ saga is a microcosm of motorsport’s highs and lows—prodigy to pay-driver, F1 teammate to TV host, CART warrior to arrested entrepreneur. As he resolves this chapter, fans can’t help but wonder: in a sport that chews up dreams, has the Brazilian finally found his off-ramp?
Dennis Hamlin, father of NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin, died Sunday night at the age of 75 from injuries sustained in a house fire at the family’s home. Hamlin’s mother, Mary Lou, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services issued a press release stating that first responders were dispatched to the home in the Stanley community at 6:19 p.m. ET. They arrived eight minutes later and found the residence engulfed in flames. There were two occupants discovered outside the home who were transported to a nearby hospital.
Dennis Hamlin later died at the hospital. Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, was transferred to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where officials said she is “actively being treated.”
Denny Hamlin’s parents were instrumental in helping him pursue his career in NASCAR. In 2006, he signed with Joe Gibbs Racing and has claimed 60 Cup Series wins with the team.
He dedicated his victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to his father.
“He’s the one that got me into racing,” Hamlin said, “He just took me to a racetrack when I was 5 and then made all the sacrifices financially to keep me going. Sold everything they had. We almost lost our house a couple times, just tried to keep it all going. I’m glad he was able to see 60. That was super important to me.”
Due to extensive damage, the cause of the fire has not been determined as the investigation continues.
NASCAR issued the following statement on Dec. 30: “NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family. Dennis Hamlin instilled a love of racing in his son, and sacrificed greatly to develop Denny into a world-class talent in the sport. We also continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to Denny’s mother, Mary Lou, and hope for her full recovery.”
Natalie Decker and her husband, Derek Lemke, are embracing life as new parents, spending the holiday season between Christmas and New Year focused on family while keeping one eye firmly on the road back to NASCAR. Decker last took the green flag in August 2025 at Daytona, where she finished 22nd, marking her return to competition months after welcoming their son in February. While she is currently savoring motherhood and marriage, another long-held ambition remains front and center, one she shares with her husband and intends to chase down.
A year ago, during an interview with Frontstretch, Decker sat down with Wyatt Watson ahead of her second career start at Charlotte Motor Speedway and laid out several personal goals. She spoke about a dream partnership with Bikini Zone, highlighted the importance of promoting sponsorship alongside her family, reflected on married life, and opened up about a shared vision with Lemke, which is lining up against him on the racetrack.
As Decker put it, “That’s literally our goal and dream. We talk about that daily. So here’s the thing: Derek has never beaten me. We talk about that all the time.” She explained that the two have raced each other only a handful of times so far, but they plan to settle the score properly by competing head-to-head in either a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race or an Xfinity Series event in the near future.
The intention, she said, is “We have to make it happen, and then we can then determine who is better after that race.”
When discussing married life, Decker shared that very little has changed beyond the wedding bands now on their fingers. Their lives, she noted, had already been connected long before the ceremony. Once Lemke was fully committed to supporting her racing career, they immediately approached everything as a team.
Decker added that they have been together for more than eight years (now over nine), and married for some time, and she finds it deeply fulfilling. For the 28-year-old, one of the highlights of getting married was celebrating alongside friends and family, hosting a large gathering that turned into an unforgettable occasion.
In 2025, Decker also joined a select group of women who returned to NASCAR competition after becoming mothers.
Beyond Shawna Robinson, one of only 17 women to start a NASCAR Cup Series race, who had two children in the late 1990s before competing in 21 races across NASCAR’s three national divisions between 2001 and 2005, drivers such as Sara Christian, Jessica Friesen, Tina Gordon, Ethel Mobley, Alli Owens, and Kelly Sutton also raced after entering motherhood.
Backed by sponsorship from Wawa, Decker drove the #92 DGM Racing Chevy in the NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Daytona International Speedway, and might be ready to do that in 2026 as well.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon was awarded a knighthood Wednesday in New Zealand’s New Year honors list.
“I’ve been called a lot of things, but I never thought that ‘Sir’ was going to be one of them,” Dixon said. “That was kind of crazy. Totally out of the blue … You automatically go back to the start like the first time driving a go-kart and then all the rest of the memories happened at warp speed.”
Scott Ronald Glyndwr Dixon, now a Knight Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit, was born in Australia to New Zealand-born parents who later returned to live in Auckland.
Dixon, who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2008, received the knighthood for services to motor sport. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2024.
“Sir Scott is a hero to young New Zealand motor sport fans and his work fundraising for children’s charities is invaluable,” New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said.
Dixon won karting titles in Australia and New Zealand before heading to the United States where he raced in Indy Lights and CART series before moving to IndyCar in 2003.
Dixon has had 23 consecutive seasons for Chip Ganassi Racing in IndyCar with 58 wins and 142 podium finishes from 380 starts. He has started 32 times from pole position and won the championship in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2020.
“It’s all about outside racing giving back to the community and the partnerships you make away from the track and causes you get involved in,” Dixon said.
___
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
One of the Southeast’s biggest early-season pavement events is taking shape, as SpeedFest 2026 at Cordele Motor Speedway announces that tickets are now on sale. Fans can secure their spot for the two-day racing festival at a discounted rate by purchasing in advance.
General Admission Tickets:
SpeedFest returns Friday–Saturday, January 23-24, 2026, featuring a powerful lineup headlined by the ASA Southern Super Series presented by Sunoco Super Late Models and the Southern Pro Series Pro Late Models. Also joining the weekend will be INEX Legends and Bandoleros, bringing a mix of national talent and rising young stars to Crisp Motorsports Park.
Friday, January 23 will include practice and qualifying for all four divisions, setting the stage for an action-packed Saturday afternoon. Feature racing begins at 1 PM on Saturday, January 24. Teams will also have the option to participate in an open test session Thursday, January 22 from 12:00–4:00 PM.
Online entries are now open for both Super Late Models and Pro Late Models, with early entries starting to come in.
Weekend Schedule Overview
Thursday – January 22, 2026 • Optional Open Test: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Friday – January 23, 2026 • Practice & Qualifying for All Classes
Saturday – January 24, 2026 • Feature Events Begin at 1:00 PM
SpeedFest has long served as a season-opening measuring stick for short track racers, and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be no different. Fans can expect a blend of powerhouse Super Late Model talent, hungry Pro Late Model contenders, a strong regional and national presence, and the next generation of racers in Legends and Bandoleros.
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced the acquisition of Heartland Motorsports Park on Dec. 29.
The acquisition aligns with IHRA’s broader racer-first philosophy, which includes direct investment in facilities and infrastructure that strengthen grassroots racing, elevate national competition and create sustainable motorsports ecosystems, said a IHRA news release.
Advertisement
With this acquisition, Heartland Motorsports Park enters a new chapter — one that honors its storied past while positioning the property as a modern destination entertainment complex, said the news release.
Owner of the International Hot Rod Association, Darryl Cuttell said Heartland Motorsports Park is one of those places that simply matters to racing.
“It has history, soul, and a footprint that allows us to think bigger than just a racetrack. Our goal is to restore this facility with respect for its legacy while building something that serves racers, fans, and the community for generations,” said Cuttell.
The dragstrip is seen at Heartland Motorsports Park on May 3, 2023.
What is IHRA’s vision for Heartland Motorsports Park?
The IHRA plans to restore Heartland Motorsports Park as a destination for racing, music and community. Those plans include redevelopment for year-round efforts that extend beyond competition weekends which involve the following:
Advertisement
Revitalized drag racing operations with improved racer and fan amenities.
Expanded motorsports and special event programming.
Live music, concerts, and festival experiences.
Enhanced hospitality, vendor and fan-experience areas.
Community-focused events designed to drive tourism and economic impact.
“Motorsports has to evolve to stay strong,” Cuttell said. “The future is about creating places where racing, music, entertainment, and community come together. Heartland has all the pieces to become one of the premier motorsports and entertainment destinations in the country.”
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced the acquisition of Heartland Motorsports Park on Dec. 29.
When will renovations begin?
Renovation planning will begin immediately, with additional announcements regarding redevelopment phases, event schedules and community partnerships expected in the coming months, said the news release.
Heartland previously owned by Kansas City Missouri company
A Kansas City, Missouri-based company called Topeka 77 LLC, had purchased in September the Topeka properties that formerly were the site of Heartland Motorsports Park.
Advertisement
The company registered a deed for those 28 parcels with Shawnee County while giving its mailing address as 2600 Grand Blvd., Suite 700. That is the same address as 145-year-old Kessinger, Hunter & Co., LC, the oldest commercial development company in Kansas City, Missouri, which says on its website that it operates $2 billion worth of real estate and has 200 associates, The Capital-Journal previously reported.
Topeka 77 paid Shawnee County — under protest — $3,402,313.05 in outstanding property taxes owed by the company that sold it the property, Chris Payne’s Raymore, Missouri-based Shelby Development, LLC, said former Shawnee County Treasurer Larry Mah.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: International Hot Rod Association buys Topeka’s Heartland Motorsports
International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has acquired Memphis International Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park. The deal closed on December 23, 2025.
The track first opened in the 1980’s. The complex features a drag strip, 1.77-mile road course as well as a 0.75-mile tri-oval short track.
The IHRA recently announced a new short track racing series. Their season finale is scheduled at Memphis Motorsports Park.
IHRA announces short track series
The facility is set to become “a multi-use destination supporting drag racing, stock car competition, grassroots motorsports, and other large-scale events that engage the broader community and region.”
IHRA CEO Darryl Cuttell
“This is a special place in American motorsports,” said Darryl Cuttell, CEO of IHRA.
“This facility has a deep history in drag racing and stock car competition, and our goal is to honor that legacy while building a strong, sustainable future. We are committed to bringing meaningful racing back to this property while expanding its role as a destination for a wide range of events that serve racers, fans, and the surrounding community.”
IHRA President Leah Martin
“This acquisition represents more than reopening a racetrack,” said Leah Martin, President of IHRA.
“It is about restoring opportunity for racers, families, and the community. This facility aligns with IHRA’s racer-first vision and our commitment to grassroots motorsports, while also allowing the property to support diverse uses that strengthen its year-round impact.”
Daniel Horton Assistant Director of the IHRA Stock Car Series.
“Memphis Motorsports Park holds a special place in our hearts,” said Daniel Horton, Assistant Director of the IHRA Stock Car Series.
“Bobby Hamilton won the 2004 Craftsman Truck Series race here in a truck built by Tim and with Danny as the crew chief. With the facility now under the IHRA umbrella, we can give grassroots racers a chance to compete where legendary drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Randy LaJoie, and the late Greg Biffle have won.”
“We are extremely excited to bring stock car racing back to Memphis and continue the legacy of this iconic track.”
Memphis Mayor Paul Young
“This investment honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park while positioning it for a strong future. IHRA’s acquisition reflects confidence in our region and creates new opportunities for tourism, local businesses, and fan experiences.” said Mayor Paul Young, City of Memphis.
Shelby County Commissioner Amber Mills
“As the Commissioner for District 1, I am thrilled about IHRA’s acquisition of Memphis Motorsports Park,” said Amber Mills, Shelby County Commissioner, District 1, Shelby County Government.
“This investment strengthens our local economy, puts world-class racing back on solid ground, and gives our families and young people a safe, exciting place to create memories for years to come. Having a national organization like IHRA committed to the long-term success of this historic facility is exactly the kind of partnership Shelby County needs.”
Chris Thomas, Executive Director, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce
“Memphis Motorsports Park has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County, and IHRA’s acquisition represents a positive step forward for the facility and the community,” said Chris Thomas, Executive Director, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce.
“This investment supports the continued use of the track as a regional destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and future growth. The Millington Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with IHRA as this next chapter takes shape.”
