Motorsports

Hamlin undeterred by ruling siding with NASCAR in lawsuit filed by Jordan-owned 23XI and Front Row | National News

BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) — Denny Hamlin is unfazed that a three-judge federal appellate panel vacated an injunction that required NASCAR to recognize 23XI, which he owns with Michael Jordan, and Front Row as chartered teams as part of an antitrust lawsuit. “That’s just such a small part of the entire litigation,” Hamlin said Saturday, a […]

Published

4 weeks ago

June 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

“That’s just such a small part of the entire litigation,” Hamlin said Saturday, a day ahead of the FireKeepers Casino 400. “I’m not deterred at all. We’re in good shape.”

Hamlin said Jordan feels the same way.

“He just remains very confident, just like I do,” Hamiln said.

NASCAR has not commented on the latest ruling.

23XI and Front Row sued NASCAR late last year after refusing to sign new agreements on charter renewals. They asked for a temporary injunction that would recognize them as chartered teams for this season, but the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday ruled in NASCAR’s favor.

“We’re looking at all options right now,” Hamlin said.

The teams, each winless this year, said they needed the injunction because the current charter agreement prohibits them from suing NASCAR. 23XI also argued it would be harmed because Tyler Reddick’s contract would have made him a free agent if the team could not guarantee him a charter-protected car.

Hamlin insisted he’s not worried about losing drivers because of the uncertainty.

“I’m not focused on that particularly right this second,” he said.

Reddick, who was last year’s regular-season champion and competed for the Cup title in November, enters the race Sunday at Michigan ranked sixth in the Cup Series standings.

The charter system is similar to franchises in other sports, but the charters are revocable by NASCAR and have expiration dates.

The six teams may have to compete as “open” cars and would have to qualify on speed each week to make the race and would receive a fraction of the money.

Without a charter, Hamlin said it would cost the teams “tens of millions,” to run three cars.

“We’re committed to run this season open if we have to,” he said. “We’re going to race and fulfill all of our commitments no matter what. We’re here to race. Our team is going to be here for the long haul and we’re confident of that.”

The antitrust case isn’t scheduled to be heard until December.

NASCAR has not said what it would do with the six charters held by the two organizations if they are returned to the sanctioning body. There are 36 chartered cars for a 40-car field.

“We feel like facts were on our side,” Hamlin said. “I think if you listen to the judges, even they mentioned that we might be in pretty good shape.”

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

Link

Motorsports

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 […]

Published

7 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

(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

Link

Motorsports

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 […]

Published

33 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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

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.

Link

Motorsports

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 […]

Published

57 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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 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(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.

Link

Motorsports

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 […]

Published

58 minutes ago

July 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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.

Link

Motorsports

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 […]

Published

1 hour ago

July 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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.

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.”

Losing valuable time

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.

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.

Chris Graythen – Getty Images

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Chris Graythen – Getty Images

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Chris Graythen – Getty Images

Motorsports

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 […]

Published

1 hour ago

July 7, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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.