F4 U.S. Driver Champion: Cooper Shipman, Kiwi Motorsport

The second-generation Ligier JS F422 chassis continued to prove its competitiveness, with four drivers taking checkered flags this season, and eight standing on the podium throughout the championship’s 17 races. At first, the 2025 championship appeared to be anyone’s to win. Kekai Hauanio (No. 29 N-E-Where Transport / Crosslink Motorsports Ligier JS F422), Alex Popow (No. 55 Dr. Michael Thompson MS DDS PPLS / MLT Motorsports Ligier JS F422) and Caleb Campbell (No. 68 Kids Help Phone / Camtacc Properties / Legacy Foundation of Canada / LC Racing Ligier JS F422) split the victories during the first six races at NOLA Motorsports Park and Road America, but after that came Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, and once Cooper Shipman (No. 14 Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422) pulled into Victory Lane at Mid-Ohio, no one could kick him out.

For the next nine rounds, Shipman never skipped a beat, taking checkered flag after checkered flag until he tallied nine-consecutive wins. Surpassing five-time INDYCAR winner Kyle Kirkwood and the inaugural F4 U.S. series champion Cameron Das on the list for longest win streaks, Shipman set a new standard for the series record books. Accruing nine wins, 13 podiums, 14 top fives, 15 top 10s, four poles and seven fastest race laps, Shipman locked in the championship by the conclusion of Round 15 at VIRginia International Raceway.

With the title, Shipman earned a scholarship to compete in Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) in 2026. Perhaps giving a preview of what can be expected next season, the Texan used 2025’s final round to get some experience in the FR Americas car, driving to a podium finish in his series debut at Barber Motorsports Park.

“Wow, so many people to thank for this year,” said Shipman while accepting the F4 U.S. Championship trophy. “First of all, my parents for supporting me and helping me all the way through my motorsports career to get to this point. Thanks to Scott [Goodyear] for helping me get into this series and get my feet on the ground.

“But most importantly, thanks to Kiwi Motorsport for all of their support this year. Teena [Larsen], Garry [Orton], all of my driver coaches that I worked with this year, the number of different engineering mechanics—some in person, and some unfortunately not able to be here with us. You guys all helped me be fast every single time we went on track this year. This record of nine wins in a row and this championship would not have been possible without any of you. So, I just can’t thank you guys enough. I hope to be up here again next year talking to you guys. Thank you.”

Valued at more than $295,000, Shipman’s prize package includes the lease of a Ligier JS F3 chassis from Ligier Automotive, an engine from Mountune USA, three sets of tires per event from Hankook Motorsports and race entry fees from Racing America. In addition to earning valuable FIA Super License Points, Shipman was awarded a variety of other prizes, including a carbon Bell helmet, custom OMP racing suit, bespoke Omologato timepiece, Haas F1 Team guest experience at a 2026 F1 event, and an invitation to the FIA Prize Giving Ceremony.

READ MORE: 2025 Driver Points Championship Standings

Share:

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced the acquisition of Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas, reinforcing IHRA’s long-term commitment to preserving motorsports history while reimagining legendary venues for the future.

Originally opened in 1963 as Topeka Dragway, the facility later evolved into Heartland Motorsports Park and became one of the most versatile motorsports complexes in the country. Over the decades, Heartland has hosted major national drag racing events, road racing, karting, motocross, and countless grassroots competitions, earning its reputation as a cornerstone of Midwest motorsports.

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.

“Heartland Motorsports Park is one of those places that simply matters to racing,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of the International Hot Rod Association. “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.”

A Destination for Racing, Music, and Community

IHRA’s long-term vision for Heartland Motorsports Park extends well beyond competition weekends. Planned restoration and redevelopment efforts will focus on creating a year-round destination that blends motorsports with live entertainment and community engagement, including:

· 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 added. “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 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.

Renovation planning will begin immediately, with additional announcements regarding redevelopment phases, event schedules, and community partnerships expected in the coming months.

There are more videos on the Cycledrag Youtube channel (please subscribe here) and like the Cycledrag Facebook page (Please like here) and more will be coming soon. Also subscribe to our NEW Youtube channel “Racing Jack” and Check back daily.

Share:

NASCAR superstar Denny Hamlin has broken his silence after a tragic house fire killed his father, Dennis, and left his mother, Mary Lou, hospitalized. On Sunday, it was revealed that a devastating fire broke out at the Hamlin family home in North Carolina, and that there was one casualty, and another person was left hospitalized.

On Monday, the casualty was confirmed to be Hamlin’s father, Dennis, 75, who was already seriously ill and had to watch his son’s outstanding 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season from home. Hamlin dedicated his race wins, including his 60th Cup victory in Las Vegas, to his father and had hoped to end his 20-year Cup Series championship drought in Phoenix last month, before his father passed away.

However, Hamlin was pipped in overtime by Kyle Larson after being undercut on pit road, leaving the 45-year-old Joe Gibbs Racing star devastated. Hamlin looked broken before climbing out of the No. 11 and being comforted by his partner, Jordan Fish.

Despite Dennis being seriously ill and the Hamlin family unsure how long they had left with the figurehead, the manner of his passing was truly devastating. Well wishes from across the NASCAR world have poured in, from Hamlin’s competitors of past and present, as well as some of the sport’s best-ever,  such as Richard Petty.

Dennis’s passing and Mary Lou’s hospitalization are the latest tragedies in the short offseason. NASCAR lost former driver Michael Annett, who died at the age of 39, followed by Greg Biffle, his wife, his two children, and three others in a fatal plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina.

Sign up to our NASCAR newsletter here.

Hamlin, whose emotions surrounding his father’s health were clear last season, has broken his silence. The NASCAR star has thanked those who have shown support following Dennis’ death and provided an update on his mom as she remains hospitalized.

Hamlin posted on social media: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences on my father’s passing.

“My mother continues to improve, and our family truly appreciates the oupuring of support and respect for our privacy during this time.” 

23XI Racing, the team he co-owns with Michael Jordan, shared their support in a statement on Tuesday. They wrote: “Everyone at 23XI Racing is deeply saddened by the tragic news concerning the Hamlin family.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Denny and the entire Hamlin family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and his mom.” 

Joe Gibbs Racing posted: “Please join all of us at Joe Gibbs Racing in praying for @dennyhamlin, his family, and his Mom. We appreciate the outpouring of support.” 

A NASCAR statement read: “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.”

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 Writer Jenna Fryer contributed to this story.

___

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.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has acquired Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kansas.

The facility opened in 1963 as Topeka Dragway and later became Heartland Motorsports Park. Over the years, it has hosted national drag racing events as well as road racing, karting, motocross and grassroots competitions, becoming a long-standing motorsports venue in the Midwest.

According to IHRA Owner Darryl Cuttell, the organization plans to restore and redevelop the property while respecting its history.

“Heartland Motorsports Park is one of those places that simply matters to racing,” said Cuttell. “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.”

IHRA’s plans include revitalizing drag racing operations, expanding motorsports and special event programming, adding live music and festival events, improving hospitality and fan areas, and hosting community-focused events. Renovation planning will begin immediately, with further details on redevelopment and future events expected in the coming months.

For more information, visit ihra.com.

Image courtesy of IHRA

NASCAR Cup Series team RFK Racing’s longstanding partnership with Castrol is set to continue, despite the oil company’s recent majority sale by bp for $10.01 billion.

It was announced on December 24 that bp had sold 65 percent of Castrol to New York-based investment firm, Stonepeak, with the former retaining the remaining 35 percent of its shares.

While the deal won’t be finalized for around another year, once completed, the funds will help bp reduce its net debt, which it is aiming to drop to between $14 and $18 billion by the end of 2027, as per a press release. This comes with bp’s net debt at the end of the third quarter in 2025 being recorded at $26.1 billion.

“Today’s announcement is a very good outcome for all stakeholders,” bp’s interim CEO Carol Howle said. “We concluded a thorough strategic review of Castrol, that generated extensive interest and resulted in the sale of a majority interest to Stonepeak.

“And with this, we have now completed or announced over half of our targeted $20bn divestment programme, with proceeds to significantly strengthen bp’s balance sheet.

Sign up to our NASCAR newsletter here.

“The sale marks an important milestone in the ongoing delivery of our reset strategy. We are reducing complexity, focusing the downstream on our leading integrated businesses, and accelerating delivery of our plan. And we are doing so with increasing intensity – with a continued focus on growing cash flow and returns, and delivering value for our shareholders.”

Despite this eventual shift in Castrol’s ownership structure, the brand will continue to serve as one of RFK’s sponsors during the 2026 Cup Series season, as per Adam Stern.

Castrol and RFK’s partnership dates back to 2019, and while the team has not publicly commented on its supposedly ongoing relationship with the brand since the takeover was announced, it appears that the two were already in line to continue working together regardless.

Last year, the team “announced that its longstanding relationship with iconic brand Castrol will continue into the 2025 NASCAR season and beyond.”

In a statement, team president Steve Newmark said, “For years now, Castrol has been an integral part of our success both on and off the track.

“From product superiority to collaborations around sustainability and content with the family of Castrol drivers and Ford Motor Company, Castrol has ensured we operate at peak performance and powered us through several years of success.”

RFK, which debuted way back in 1988 as Roush Racing, has two Cup Series titles and 143 race wins to its name thus far. However, despite the backing of a firm the size of Castrol, RFK failed to reach victory lane in 2025, with Chris Buescher finishing a team-best 17th in the driver standings, thanks to his five top-five finishes and 11 top 10s.

While this winless run is far from ideal, it faces a more fundamental issue entering 2026, which is the health of co-owner and driver of the No. 6, Brad Keselowski. The 41-year-old former Cup Series champion recently suffered a broken leg while on a skiing trip and has since had to undergo surgery.

Still bedbound, Keselowski has stated that his goal is to be back for the season-opening Daytona 500 on February 15.