Motorsports
Harrison Burton to make unexpected Cup return in the All-Star Race
Harrison Burton, 24, started 109 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series, but none this year. While it’s just an exhibition race and doesn’t count towards the championship, he will take part in the 2025 All-Star Race this weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Burton will pilot the No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Ford Mustang in the All-Star Race. Burton is one of 20 drivers who automatically qualify for the main event due to his shock win at Daytona last summer. Cody Ware, who normally drives the No. 51, will be in the No. 15 for the Open, which is the race to make the All-Star Race. The Open will feature 18 drivers. With Burton in the seat, RWR will take part in the All-Star Race for the very first time.
“Being a part of the NASCAR All-Star Race for the first time is a milestone moment for our organization,” said Rick Ware, team owner. “It’s an honor to have a place in the main event, and we’re just as proud to provide Harrison the opportunity to compete in the All-Star Race. He definitely earned his spot and he deserves to be here. It’s a big opportunity for both of us.”
A first for RWR, but also for Burton
Harrison Burton, Wood Brothers Racing Ford
Photo by: Sean Gardner / Getty Images
Burton lost his full-time ride in the Cup Series after the Wood Brothers decided to let him go last year, signing Josh Berry as his replacement. However, his unexpected victory in the penultimate round of the regular season took him from last in the standings to inside the playoffs. It was Burton’s only win as a Cup driver and the 100th for the legendary Wood Brothers team. This will be his first appearance in the All-Star Race as well, having previously competed in the Open on three occasions without advancing.
“The All-Star Race is one of those events you grow up dreaming about, so to have a spot on the grid is really special,” said Burton. “Winning at Daytona last year was a huge moment in my career, and I’m thankful to Rick and the entire RWR team for giving me the opportunity to make that win count by putting me in their car for the All-Star Race. We’ve been building some great momentum in the Xfinity Series, and I’m looking forward to carrying that into North Wilkesboro and competing against the best in the sport.”
Burton ended up placing last in the 16-driver playoffs last year, but found a new ride in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for 2025. Driving for AM Racing, he has performed solidly with one top five and six top tens in the first 12 races of the year. He currently sits tenth in the overall standings.
In this article
Nick DeGroot
NASCAR Cup
Harrison Burton
Rick Ware Racing
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Motorsports
Java House Grand Prix of Arlington Event Schedule Announced
The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington will feature three days of on-track action, including the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDY NXT by Firestone, Toyota GR Cup Series, and USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire. The weekend includes practice sessions, qualifying, support races, and fan experiences.
Additional entertainment to be announced next week.
The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington is a premier motorsports event bringing high-speed competition and immersive fan experiences to the heart of Arlington, Texas. Designed to celebrate innovation, athleticism, and community, the event transforms the city into a dynamic race-week destination, featuring elite racing, engaging activations, and unforgettable moments for fans, teams, and partners alike. This isn’t just another race, it’s a transformative moment for North Texas, blending world-class racing, live entertainment, and community events in one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports hubs.
Schedule
*All times are listed in CT and may be subject to change.
Friday, March 13, 2026
- 9:00 am: All Admission Gates Open
- 9:05 am – 9:35 am: Toyota GR Cup Series Practice 1
- 11:30 am – 12:05 pm: USF Pro 2000 Practice
- 12:35 pm – 1:05 pm: Toyota GR Cup Series Practice 2
- 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm: INDY NXT by Firestone Practice 1
- 3:05 pm – 4:25 pm: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1
- 4:45 pm – 5:00 pm: Toyota GR Cup Series Qualifying (Race 1)
- 5:15 pm – 5:45 pm: USF Pro 2000 Qualifying
Saturday, March 14, 2026
- 8:00 am: All Admission Gates Open
- 8:35 am – 9:55 am: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 2
- 10:15 am – 11:00 am: INDY NXT by Firestone Practice 2
- 11:20 am – 12:05 pm: Toyota GR Cup Series Race 1
- 12:25 pm – 1:05 pm: USF Pro 2000 Race 1
- 1:35 pm – 3:00 pm: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying
- 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: INDY NXT by Firestone Qualifying
- 4:20 pm – 4:35 pm: Toyota GR Cup Series Qualifying (Race 2)
- 4:55 pm – 5:35 pm: USF Pro 2000 Race 2
Sunday, March 15, 2026
- 7:30 am: All Admission Gates Open
- 8:00 am – 8:45 am: Toyota GR Cup Series Race 2
- 9:05 am – 9:35 am: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm-Up
- 10:00 am – 11:00 am: INDY NXT by Firestone Race
- 11:15 am – 12:10 pm: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Pre Race
- 12:10 pm: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race
Motorsports
American Communications Construction and Aloha Beauty Lounge Extend Primary Sponsorship With NHRA Top Fuel Driver Tony Schumacher Through 2032
TOMBALL, Texas (Jan. 9, 2026) – Texas-based American Communications Construction (ACC) and Aloha Beauty Lounge have each extended its primary sponsorship of NHRA Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher and the No. 15 Top Fuel dragster he pilots for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) through the 2032 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.
This long-term agreement will have the winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history in a 12,000-horsepower dragster for a fourth decade, allowing Schumacher to add to his 88 event wins and series-best eight championships.
“This commitment allows us to be strategic and make the necessary investments in procuring the best and brightest crew, team leadership and equipment that will allow us to compete for championships beginning in 2026,” said Schumacher, a 2025 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee.
ACC and Aloha partnered with RWR and Schumacher for the final seven races of 2025, debuting in the NHRA U.S. Nationals.
“My wife, Summer, and I have gotten to know American Communications Construction president Aven McBride, and his wife Tracey, and their incredible employees, all last season when we first partnered together. It was quickly apparent how well we all got along, and had the same goals and ideals about family, business and enjoying life,” Schumacher said.
“Anyone who knows the McBrides all say the same thing – that they’re kind, philanthropic, driven people who care about their employees and the success of their respective companies. They love to have fun and win, which is what this race team is all about. It makes for a perfect match. I’m excited for the future.”
Schumacher will have veteran tuner Jim Oberhofer as his crew chief, and a strong teammate in Top Fuel driver Clay Millican, the winningest driver in IHRA history and a six-time IHRA champion.
“This long-term partnership with Tony Schumacher and American Communications Construction allows our Top Fuel program to compete at the highest level. It provides continuity and confidence for our entire operation,” said team owner Rick Ware.
“Pairing Tony with Clay Millican gives us one of the most experienced driver lineups in NHRA. Both of them raise the bar every time we unload and they’re integral to the success of our race team.”
McBride, owner and president of American Communications Construction, is adamant this multiyear commitment will pay dividends on the racetrack.
“We’re building this team into one that is a threat to win at every race we enter, and this extension shows our commitment to doing just that. We can keep our focus on having the best people and getting all the parts and pieces we need to make this ACC/Aloha Top Fuel dragster go fast and straight down the track,” McBride said.
“Tracey and I are committed to our driver, Tony Schumacher. His records are unmatched, and he has many more wins and championships to come. We want to be part of that, and our employees at ACC and Aloha love racing, and they want to be a part of it too. It’s a natural fit for our family to be a part of this racing family.
“Rick Ware Racing is a class-act organization, and we have the best of everything. The best team, the best driver, the best crew chief – we have it all. We’re excited to get to Gainesville and get the season started.”
The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series kicks off its milestone 75th season with the NHRA Gatornationals March 5-8 at Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway. Livestreaming of every round can be seen on NHRA.tv with FS1 providing tape-delayed coverage.
About American Communications Construction:
Since 2001, American Communications Construction, Inc., has been a trusted leader in building the backbone of communication across the greater Houston, Texas, area and beyond. ACC specializes in every aspect of the communications industry, including aerial and underground fiber optic placement, single-mode and multi-mode fiber splicing, cable testing, structured wiring, and complete infrastructure design for both commercial and residential projects.
Our experienced team – many with more than 20 years in the industry – takes pride in delivering precision, safety and efficiency on every job. Whether it’s connecting entire communities through large-scale fiber optic networks or providing tailored solutions for businesses and homes, our mission is to ensure reliable, high-quality communication systems that stand the test of time.
Beyond our technical expertise, we are deeply committed to giving back, supporting local organizations, and investing in the communities we serve. At American Communications Construction, we don’t just build networks – we build connections that last.
About Aloha Beauty Lounge:
Since 2007, Aloha Beauty Lounge has been a trusted destination for beauty, self-care and connection in the heart of Tomball, Texas. Offering a full range of services – all delivered by a skilled and passionate team dedicated to helping clients look and feel their absolute best.
Our philosophy is simple: every guest who walks through our doors is treated like family. We take pride in creating a welcoming, relaxing environment where beauty meets genuine care. Beyond our services, we are committed to giving back, supporting local schools, sponsoring community events and partnering with charities that make a difference. At Aloha Beauty Lounge, beauty is just the beginning. Our true passion lies in uplifting our community, one client at a time.
About Rick Ware Racing:
Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware transitioned out of the driver’s seat and into fulltime team ownership. He has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that competes fulltime in the elite NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning winning teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track (AFT), FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) and zMAX CARS Tour.
Motorsports
SCC Atlanta gives $100k to help local kids in need – Speedway Digest
Organizations helping local kids in need received a boost for their causes this morning as Speedway Children’s Charities Atlanta distributed $100,000 in grants.
The charity’s annual Grant Distribution Ceremony benefited 30 local nonprofits which each received a grant in EchoPark Speedway’s victory lane. In total, recipients will use these grants to support various needs of 12,000 kids in metro Atlanta and Georgia. Causes supported include housing assistance for families in crisis, cancer support services, meal programs, and more.
“It’s an honor to help so many nonprofits who are making a difference for thousands of children in our area,” said SCC Atlanta Chapter Director Kathy Bradley. “This is the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work by our volunteers and the generous support of our donors.”
SCC Atlanta holds fundraisers throughout the year in conjunction with EchoPark Speedway events, including its two NASCAR Cup Series race weekends. The chapter also collects donations through standalone initiatives such as Laps for Charity events at the speedway, the Kids Win Clay Shoot, and more.
SCC Atlanta is one of 11 local chapters of Speedway Children’s Charities nationwide. In 2025 alone, these chapters collectively distributed more than $4.9 million to 489 nonprofits, benefiting 268,020 children. Since its inception in 1982, Speedway Children’s Charities has distributed more than $77 million to organizations across the country.
For more information about Speedway Children’s Charities or to learn how to volunteer or donate to your local chapter, visitwww.speedwaycharities.org.
SCC PR
Motorsports
USCS Sprint Cars Added to Bakersfield Speedway Schedule on May 30 and Sept 12 – Speedway Digest
Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway has added the Ultimate Sprint Car Series to the 2026 schedule. The combined 410 and 360 cubic inch series will hit the one-third mile dirt track on May 30 and Sept 12.
USCS made two stops at Bakersfield Speedway in 2025 with Bakersfield’s Brody Fuson and Camarillo’s Ricky Lewis scoring the victories. The series averaged 26 entries across the two events.
May 30 features California 305 Sprint Cars, American Stocks and National Dwarf Cars.
Western Racing Association vintage racers have been added to the action for the September 12 event along with Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, and Mini Stocks.
Slight division changes have been made to other dates on the schedule as well to prevent conflicts with other dirt tracks in the region.
Tickets for the Winter Clash featuring the season opener for the IMCA championships along with the USAC Western States Midgets on February 20-21 will go on sale on February 1.
For more information on Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, visit www.BakersfieldSpeedway.com or follow the speedway on social media. Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway is located at 13500 Raceway Blvd, near Enos Ln and Interstate 5 in Bakersfield.
FEBRUARY
20- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS
21- USAC WESTERN STATES MIDGETS, IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, SOCAL DWARFS
MARCH
7- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, MINI STOCKS
20- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS
21- CALIFORNIA 305 SPRINTS, IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS
APRIL
11- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, CA LIGHTNING SPRINTS
18- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS
MAY
2- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, NATIONAL DWARFS
9- CALIFORNIA 305 SPRINTS, IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS
30- USCS SPRINTS, CALIFORNIA 305 SPRINTS, AMERICAN STOCKS, NATIONAL DWARFS
JUNE
13- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, SO CAL DWARFS
27- MCGOWAN MEMORIAL – IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS
JULY
25- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS
AUGUST
29- MIKE MOSHIER CLASSIC – IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS
SEPTEMBER
12- USCS SPRINTS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, MINI STOCKS, WRA VINTAGE
26- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, SOCAL DWARFS
OCTOBER
9-10 BUD NATIONALS – IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, SO CAL DWARFS
NOVEMBER
24- JASON LEFFLER MEMORIAL USAC NATIONAL MIDGETS, SPORT MODS
Bakersfield Speedway PR
Motorsports
Byron and Phorm Energy Boosts NASCAR Sponsorship
As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season revs closer, Hendrick Motorsports’ star driver William Byron is getting a fresh boost of energy—literally. On January 9, 2026, Anheuser-Busch announced that its fast-rising energy drink brand, Phorm Energy, will step up as the primary sponsor for Byron’s iconic No. 24 Chevrolet for two high-profile races this year.
The dynamic partnership builds on the multi-year deal first inked in June 2025 between Phorm Energy and Hendrick Motorsports, the most successful team in NASCAR history with 14 Cup Series championships. Phorm Energy, a collaboration between Anheuser-Busch, premium nutrition brand 1st Phorm, and UFC President Dana White, launched in June 2025 and has quickly climbed to become a top-15 energy drink brand nationwide, now available in over 59,000 stores.

Here’s a stunning look at the sleek Phorm Energy paint scheme set to light up the track:
The bold, eye-catching livery—featuring vibrant colors and the Phorm Energy branding—will debut on Byron’s car at Talladega Superspeedway in April and World Wide Technology Raceway (Gateway) in August, two tracks known for their high-speed drama and massive crowds. Fans can expect the scheme to deliver not just visual punch but also tie into Phorm Energy’s mission of fueling performance, with additional integrations like content creation, social media campaigns, in-person appearances by Byron, exclusive giveaways, and more.
Thomas Russell, General Manager of Phorm Energy, expressed excitement about the expanded role:
“Bringing William Byron into the Phorm Energy family is a clear extension of our presence in racing and the work we’re doing with fans. We’re proud to partner with William and Hendrick Motorsports, the most victorious team in the history of racing, as Phorm Energy has big plans to keep driving momentum in 2026, while fueling every mission along the way.”
Phorm Energy stands out in the crowded energy drink market with its clean formula: natural caffeine from green tea extract, an electrolyte blend for hydration, and ingredients designed to support mental focus—all without the crash. Available in four bold flavors—Screamin’ Freedom, Blue Blitz, Orange Fury, and Grape Smash—in 16-ounce singles or 12-packs, it’s crafted for those who “do the work” in sports, life, and on the track.
This sponsorship elevates an already strong alliance. Since 2025, Phorm Energy has served as a full-season associate sponsor on the Nos. 5 (Kyle Larson), 24 (Byron), and 48 (Alex Bowman) cars, with branding on firesuits, helmets, fueler gear, and around the fuel ports. The partnership also extends to Hendrick’s new 35,000-square-foot athletic center, set to open before the 2026 season, where Phorm products will support training, recovery, and health for the team’s athletes and staff.
With Byron coming off a strong 2025 campaign—three wins, multiple top finishes, and a championship near-miss—this new primary backing could provide the extra edge needed for another title run. Die-cast collectors are already buzzing, with pre-orders live for the Phorm Energy No. 24 models.
As NASCAR heads into Daytona for the season opener, Phorm Energy’s high-octane entry signals big things ahead for Byron and the No. 24 squad. Stay tuned—the green flag drops soon, and this partnership is ready to charge full throttle. For more details, check out phormenergy.com.

Motorsports
Porsche runs Panamericana tribute livery at Mexico City
Photo credit: Porsche
Porsche is bringing a piece of its racing past to the streets of Mexico City, where its two factory-run Porsche 99X Electric cars will wear a special livery at the second ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race of the season in the country’s capital. The design nods to the 550 Spyder driven by Hans Herrmann at the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, Mexico’s best-known road race.
Herrmann won the “Sport” category for cars up to 1,500 cc and finished third overall. Porsche says the widely acclaimed result helped underline its early international motorsport standing and, along with further successes in 1952 and 1953, contributed to the creation of the Porsche name “Carrera.”
‟Historically and still today, Mexico is a special place for us,” says Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. ‟Porsche’s story in electric motorsport is still young, but the circuit in Mexico City has played a defining part in it. Our factory team took its first Formula E pole position and first victory here, in 2020 and 2022 respectively. Nowhere else has Porsche been more successful in Formula E. The livery honours our motorsport heritage and the Mexican fans at the same time. It is also a thank-you to a country that welcomes us so warmly in Formula E every year.”
Photo credit: Porsche
The appearance also connects to a milestone ahead. In 2026, Porsche says it will celebrate 75 years of motorsport, a history it traces back to 1951 with the Porsche 356 SL and a class win at Le Mans. Laudenbach draws a parallel between eras, noting that the 550 Spyder was the first Porsche designed specifically for racing, while the 99X Electric is the first Porsche developed solely for all-electric motorsport. Laudenbach: ‟Our heritage in traditional motorsport is unique and is reflected in every Porsche. In the future, we want to be able to say the same in all-electric motorsport. That is why we are competing in Formula E. We want to write stories – and history.”
Porsche also points to how the 550 Spyder’s Panamericana effort reflected an evolving racing landscape. Its aluminium bodywork carried multiple brand logos from companies supporting the campaign, at a time when sponsorship was still a relatively new concept in motorsport. Porsche says that influence helped shape some of the most memorable liveries across 75 years of Porsche Motorsport, and the variety of colors that has become part of its racing identity.
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