Motorsports

Hamlin’s Cup title quest begins as antitrust battle with NASCAR heats up

Published

4 months ago

August 27, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Denny Hamlin, with three Daytona 500 wins and 58 career victories, is considered the greatest driver to never win a Cup Series championship.

His quest to finally win a title begins Sunday at Darlington Raceway, just four days after he stares down NASCAR in federal court over antitrust claims lodged by the team he co-owns with Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.

Hamlin does not believe that this bitter fight over antitrust claims will factor into what he or the 23XI Racing drivers can do over the next 10 races. Front Row Motorsports and 23XI have lodged antitrust claims against NASCAR surrounding its charter system; they are the only two organizations out of 15 that did not accept NASCAR’s final offer on an extension on charters — the equivalent of a franchise in other sports — and this lawsuit has grown quite contentious.

Hamlin drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, but as one of the most popular and veteran drivers in the sport, the host of a podcast, a media go-to and the face of 23XI, he’s a thorn in NASCAR’s side.

Even so, he believes he will have a fair chance to finally win a Cup title.

Why?

“I think we’re treated fairly by the NASCAR officials that are at the race track, yes,” Hamlin said Wednesday.

That insinuated that he and the 23XI cars driven by playoff drivers Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace get fair treatment from the officials and technical inspectors each week at the track. But it also insinuated he’s receiving pushback from others.

When asked who, he only said, “the others” in a likely reference to NASCAR’s senior leadership. He said none of it affects him on or off the track.

“It just makes me angrier,” said Hamlin, who insisted he’s able to focus on his job despite how bitter its become between NASCAR and 23XI and FRM. ”I want to win the championship. I want to win 60 or more races and so that is my No. 1 goal and so I’m not going to let anyone distract me from that no matter what their motivations might be.”

When Reddick won the regular-season title a year ago, there was grumbling that no NASCAR executive was on hand to present him the trophy. And so began a narrative that NASCAR doesn’t like 23XI Racing because of this lawsuit — and the argument is only bolstered by court filings in which NASCAR has claimed it can’t be forced to do business with those it doesn’t want to do business with.

FRM and 23XI are currently racing as “open” teams after their injunction to be recognized as chartered through the duration of the court case was overturned. They’ve appealed and want the injunction put back in place and have argued that being “open” teams will not only put them out of business but cause irreparable harm in that drivers and sponsors can leave if the cars are not chartered; Reddick has such a clause.

Despite the animosity at the most important time of the season, Wallace agrees with Hamlin that it has always been business as usual by the NASCAR officials at the track. He does not have any concern that NASCAR will try to prevent Hamlin, Reddick or Wallace from winning the championship in November and then going to court Dec. 1 for the start of the trial.

“I don’t see that at all,” Wallace said. “It would be really selfish if that was the case, but no, I feel like when we show up to the track, we have equal opportunities and equal chances, just like the other 38, 40 guys that are out there. All good.”

Reddick, who is expected to be a centerpiece in Thursday’s court hearing because of the clause in his contract that puts 23XI in breach if his Toyota is not chartered, has consistently declined to comment on the lawsuit. Regular-season champ a year ago, he barely slid in this season and only made it as the 15th seed in a so-far winless season.

Reddick said he’s been treated fairly by NASCAR since the suit was filed last fall and he won’t let it distract him from trying to turn his season around at the most important part of the year. Reddick last season made it to the championship finale.

“We’re staying focused on the playoffs and the races that lie ahead, not bothered by it,” he said.

___

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

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Motorsports

Veteran Automotive Executive Andy Thomas Named Vice President of Manufacturer Relations At Ten Tenths Motor Club

Published

2 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CONCORD, N.C., Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ten Tenths Motor Club has named longtime automotive executive Andy Thomas as its new Vice President of Manufacturer Relations, bringing more than three decades of global experience in luxury automotive sales, marketing and brand management to the newly opened motorsports and lifestyle destination.

In a first-of-its-kind partnership combining unparalleled motorsports history, automotive heritage and business expertise, officials with Speedway Motorsports and business leader Rick Hendrick today announced the creation of the Ten Tenths Motor Club. (PRNewsfoto/Speedway Motorsports)

In his new role, Thomas will develop and maintain relationships with OEM partners to understand their needs, perspectives and objectives, while working to identify opportunities for growth by leveraging new and existing partnerships to increase facility usage.

Click here for photos to support this release.

Thomas joins Ten Tenths Motor Club after serving as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for McLaren Automotive North Americasince 2015, where he led strategic marketing, communications and global strategy that helped drive record sales growth. During his decade with McLaren, Thomas oversaw experiential events in over 30 major metro markets and developed retail programs that significantly increased sales conversions and owner engagement.

“Andy’s reputation and relationships within the global automotive community are unmatched,” said Rick Hendrick, who founded Ten Tenths Motor Club in partnership with Speedway Motorsports. “His leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our partnerships with manufacturers and luxury brands as we continue to establish Ten Tenths as a world-class venue for automotive experiences.”

Prior to McLaren, Thomas served in leadership roles with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in both Goodwood, U.K. and North America, where he guided global brand alignment and oversaw international marketing strategy across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Earlier in his career, he held key marketing and sales roles with BMW of North America, Ferrari North America and Land Rover North America, gaining experience in dealer relations, product marketing and luxury customer engagement.

“Our vision for Ten Tenths Motor Club is to establish the facility as not only a premier experience for passionate automotive enthusiasts, but also to create a destination for corporate events that is unmatched in the automotive industry,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “We look forward to Andy joining our efforts to invite manufacturers from around the world to Ten Tenths Motor Club and the greater Charlotte region.”

A Clemson University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Thomas also serves on the Board of the Erwin Center for Brand Communication at his alma mater. In that role, he mentors students, sponsors real-world marketing projects and connects students with opportunities across the automotive and luxury brand landscape.

A native of Salisbury, Maryland, Thomas began his career in dealer operations at Fox Chevrolet in Baltimore before joining the OEM side of the industry. His work has taken him across the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe, building a broad network and a deep understanding of international brand collaboration.

“I’m thrilled to join Ten Tenths at such an exciting time,” Thomas said. “The club’s vision represents the next evolution of automotive lifestyle and performance culture. I look forward to connecting global manufacturers with this extraordinary facility and to becoming part of the Charlotte community.”

Located adjacent to the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ten Tenths Motor Club combines exclusive track access, curated events and premium hospitality to create an unparalleled environment for members and partners. The facility has quickly become a premier destination in the Charlotte metropolitan area for automotive launches, luxury brand activations, enthusiast experiences and special events. Tickets are now on sale for Ten Tenths Motor Club signature public event, Heritage Invitational, April 9-11, 2026.

About Ten Tenths Motor Club

Based in Concord, North Carolina, Ten Tenths Motor Club is a private automotive and lifestyle destination designed for those who live and breathe performance. Located beside Charlotte Motor Speedway, the club offers members access to exclusive driving experiences, signature events, and brand collaborations with the world’s most respected automotive manufacturers and luxury partners.

Learn more at www.tententhsmotorclub.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veteran-automotive-executive-andy-thomas-named-vice-president-of-manufacturer-relations-at-ten-tenths-motor-club-302648064.html

SOURCE Speedway Motorsports

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Motorsports

Mobil 1, Autodromo Again Partner on Limited-Edition, Auto-Inspired Watch

Published

2 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Mobil 1 brand has again teamed up with Autodromo to introduce a limited-edition, automotive-inspired wristwatch—the Group B Mobil 1 Edition. After the sellout success of their first collaborative timepiece, the Monoposto Mobil 1 Edition, the companies return with a new design crafted for motorsports enthusiasts.

Inspired by the Group B rally era, a short-yet-iconic period from 1982-86, the watch draws from a chapter widely regarded as one of motorsports’ most thrilling, according to officials. Group B combined fearless driving with advanced materials and bold engineering, producing the kind of speed and spectacle that helped define modern performance culture. Drivers charged across mountain passes, desert roads and snowy forest stages in machines that continue to shape the way fans view the sport today.

Autodromo’s interpretation of this era blends that history with modern craftsmanship. The Mobil 1 Group B Pegasus Edition features a bimetallic case construction with a lightweight 39mm titanium capsule housed within a stainless steel outer structure. Designed with a unisex fit, the watch offers a versatile wear experience for collectors and fans alike.

mobil 1 + autodromo logos

The integrated stainless-steel bracelet is finished with a black DLC coating for a sharp, contemporary look, and a high-contrast dial inspired by vintage racing tachometers reinforces the motorsports influence. Each piece arrives in a handcrafted aluminum box, and the bracelet can be easily removed with a spring bar tool for those who prefer to swap in a strap.

Blending Innovation & Passion

Only 70 watches will be available at Autodromo.com (retail value: $995).

“Group B represents a moment in motorsports where innovation and passion were at their highest. It still inspires so much of what the Mobil 1 brand stands for,” says Austin Johansen, North America marketing manager on behalf of the Mobil 1 team. “We loved seeing the response to our first watch, and we are excited to bring fans a second collaboration that celebrates both performance and lifestyle.”

For Autodromo, the Group B silhouette is one of the brand’s most iconic designs, known for its slim profile, precision and early-1980s high-tech aesthetic.

“The Mobil 1 brand sits at the heart of automotive culture, so this collaboration continues to feel purposeful and exciting for us,” says Bradley Price, founder of Autodromo. “This edition is a chance to honor an unforgettable motorsports era and create something that feels fresh, collectible and full of character.”

Key features include:

Bimetallic titanium and stainless steel case
Stainless steel integrated bracelet with hidden butterfly clasp and black DLC coating
Miyota 9015 automatic movement
Sapphire crystal with antireflective coating
Water resistant to 50 meters
39mm case diameter
9mm case thickness
75 mm lug to lug
20 mm lug width
Packaged in a handcrafted aluminum collector’s box

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Motorsports

Bigrock Motorsports Crowned Indian Supercross Racing League Season 2 Champions

Published

2 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Season 2 concluded spectacularly with a historic Grand Finale at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Calicut. Megastar and ISRL Brand Ambassador Salman Khan was present on the ground, adding star power to an electrifying night of high-octane racing and live entertainment.

The finale witnessed a record-breaking turnout of over 32,000 fans, marking the highest-ever attendance for a motorsport event in India and reinforcing Kerala’s strong connection with motorsport and large-scale live sporting experiences.

Indian Supercross Racing League Season 2

Amid roaring crowds and intense on-track action, Team Bigrock Motorsports was crowned ISRL Season 2 Champions, capping off a fiercely competitive championship that unfolded across Pune, Hyderabad, and Calicut. The season showcased a compelling blend of international excellence and emerging Indian talent.

Also Read: Tesla Model Y’s HEPA Filter Can Filter Out 99.97 Pc Of Pollutants: Watch Video

The Calicut round delivered thrilling racing across all categories. Matt Moss from team BigRock Motorsports (Australia) claimed victory in the 450cc International class aboard the Kawasaki KX 450, while Calvin Fonvieille from team Apollo Indewheelers (France) dominated the 250cc International category on the Yamaha YZ 250. The 250cc India-Asia Mix class was won by Delvinator Alfarizi (Thailand) riding the KTM 250 SX – F, drawing thunderous applause from the packed stadium.

Indian Supercross Racing League Season 2 Result

Megastar Salman Khan, Brand Ambassador, ISRL, said: “Watching the Grand Finale in Calicut was truly special. The passion of the fans and the intensity of competition show how far Indian motorsport has come. ISRL is creating a platform where Indian riders can compete confidently alongside the world’s best.”

Also Read: Nissan Previews New Nismo Concept Ahead Of Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Debut

Reflecting on the season, Veer Patel, Managing Director, ISRL, said: “Season 2 reflects the growing belief in Supercross across India. From Pune to Hyderabad and now Calicut, the record-breaking fan response shows the sport has truly found a home here, while we continue building strong pathways for Indian riders alongside world-class racing.”

Over the course of Season 2, 36 international riders from 21 countries, including Australia, France, the USA, Germany, Thailand, and South Africa, competed alongside India’s top riders such as Rugved Barguje, Ikshan Shanbhag, Prajwal Vishwanath, and Shlok Ghorpade, highlighting ISRL’s growing global stature.

Beyond the races, the Reise Moto ISRL Fan Park transformed EMS Corporation Stadium into a complete motorsport festival, featuring live music, racing simulators, interactive brand zones, food experiences, merchandise, and rider interactions, creating an immersive fan experience for families and enthusiasts alike.

Also Read: Tata Sierra EV Snapped Testing In India; Here’s What We Know So Far

With Season 2 concluding on a historic high, the Indian Supercross Racing League now looks ahead to expanding its footprint, strengthening grassroots development, and further positioning India on the global Supercross map.

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Motorsports

Nissan plans to double NISMO lineup by 2028

Published

2 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

On the Dash:

Nissan plans to expand its global NISMO lineup from five models to 10 by 2028.
The move supports a broader turnaround strategy focused on motorsports and performance vehicles.
U.S. availability remains limited, and not all future NISMO models will reach every market.

Nissan plans to significantly expand its high-performance NISMO lineup as part of a broader turnaround strategy to reverse years of slowing sales and rebuild brand momentum.

The automaker announced this week that it intends to double the number of NISMO models offered globally, growing the lineup from five vehicles today to 10 by 2028. The expansion is tied to Nissan’s ongoing transformation plan, which places renewed emphasis on motorsports, performance engineering and enthusiast-focused products.

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NISMO, short for Nissan Motorsports, represents the company’s performance division and delivers upgraded versions of standard models. These vehicles typically feature more powerful engines, sport-tuned suspensions and distinctive exterior styling cues that set them apart from the core lineup.

In the U.S., Nissan currently offers just two NISMO-branded vehicles. The NISMO Z delivers an additional 20 horsepower compared with the standard Z and includes track-focused upgrades such as an oil cooler, performance tires and racing-style seats. The NISMO Armada, a recent addition, produces 35 more horsepower than the standard full-size SUV and includes suspension revisions and exterior enhancements.

While Nissan confirmed the global expansion, it did not specify which vehicles will receive NISMO variants or how many will be sold in the U.S. The company also indicated that not all 10 models are expected to be available in every market.

As part of the strategy, Nissan said it is open to working with external performance partners to broaden the NISMO portfolio. Those collaborations could help accelerate development and expand the brand’s reach without relying solely on in-house resources.

The NISMO push signals a shift in priorities for Nissan as it looks to reconnect with driving enthusiasts and strengthen its brand image. Performance models have historically served as halo vehicles, helping attract showroom traffic and reinforce engineering credibility across the broader lineup.

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Motorsports

The Inside Lane | Ep. 109: Matt Kaulig & Chris Rice

Published

3 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Devon Henry drives the inside lane, going inside the world of racing in the State of Arizona and NASCAR. In this episode of ‘The Inside Lane,’ Devon is joined by 29-time NASCAR National Series winners, two-time Xfinity Series regular season champions, and partners of the NASCAR Foundation. The Owner and the CEO of Kaulig Racing, in Welcome, North Carolina, it’s Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice.

Devon, Matt, and Chris dig into Chris’ health journey, the Speediatrics Fun Day, and NASCAR Foundation Speedy Bear Brigade. The trio also takes a deep dive into the philanthropy at Kaulig Racing and how it is affecting communities and children across North America.

0:59 Chris’ health journey

2:55 Kaulig Racing and Kaulig Giving charity and competition

4:37 The Speedy Bear Brigade

6:16 Building and growing the Speediatrics Fun Day

8:11 Giving back to the communities with the NASCAR Foundation

9:12 Mike Helton and winning the Betty Jane France Poker Tournament

10:28 How Kaulig Giving has impacted communities across North America

12:57 Teaching how to be philanthropic

15:46 How giving affects Matt and Chris

16:45 When Matt won a bike as a kid

17:12 The long lasting effect of the Speedy Bears

19:05 Samantha’s Gift of Hope

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Motorsports

Lindblad to drive Red Bull F1 car on Delhi streets in 2026 showrun

Published

3 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Red Bull team does more to promote Formula 1 around the world than any other team. Formula 1 owes Red Bull a debt of gratitude. Arvid Lindblad will make his first Formula 1 showrun as a Racing Bulls driver by taking a Red Bull F1 car onto the streets of Delhi for the Red Bull Moto Jam 2026

The ultimate celebration of motorsports is back says Red Bull!

Red Bull Moto Jam is one of India’s biggest motorsports festivals. After a first edition in Chennai, the motorsports spectacle visits the country’s capital with the second edition in 2026 taking place in Delhi NCR.

This first-of-a-kind multi-discipline motorsports extravaganza provides an immersive experience to thrill Indian fans.

The event will feature world-class athletes, including Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 driver Arvid Lindblad, who will dazzle the audience in a VCARB-branded F1 car.

Motorsports disciplines at Red Bull Moto Jam 2026:

F1 car showrun
Drifting
Stunt biking
Freestyle motocross (FMX)
Stunt cars

“Yeah, obviously very excited,” Lindblad said of the upcoming event to Autocar India. “The news is out about Red Bull Moto Jam. I think it’s going to be a really cool event. It’s going to be amazing driving an F1 car on the streets of Delhi.

“Even more special, it’s going to be my first showrun as a Formula 1 driver and doing that here in India with my heritage and background is obviously something I’m very excited about.

“I think it’s going to be an amazing event. It’s going to be just before the F1 season starts. So really looking forward to coming back to India and having some fun.”

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