Chicago, the streets are closing as the city prepares to welcome NASCAR on July 5 and 6. But you probably already noticed that on your way about town.

The race will return for its third year to a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course winding through Grant Park, along DuSable Lake Shore Drive and up Michigan Avenue — all of which will be closed off and lined with fences, grandstands and hospitality suites.

What has been less observed is the tidy little subsidy the state approved for NASCAR in this year’s budget in exchange for its Chicago spectacle: a $5 million check.

This news comes on the heels of the exciting announcement that the Chicago Fire, led by owner and Chicago philanthropist Joe Mansueto, is building a $650 million privately funded stadium at The 78, the 62 long-fallow acres of former railroad-owned land bordered by Roosevelt Road to the north, Clark Street to the east, 16th Street to the south and the South Branch of the Chicago River to the west.

That plan was met with enthusiasm by all — it’s a boon for Chicago not only because it brings a world-class facility to our MLS team and the city’s many soccer fans, but also because it showed us all that people are willing to make big investments here without incentives from the government. That the news came out as other teams, including the Chicago Bears and the Chicago White Sox, are seeking taxpayer funding made it all the more significant.

And so the NASCAR check rubs us the wrong way, to put it bluntly, even though this payment does mark a decline in state funding support for the race. As we’ve written before, the jury remains out on whether NASCAR ought to become a fixture of downtown Chicago summers going forward.

There are virtues to NASCAR that go beyond tax revenues, hotel stays and cash registers ringing at restaurants and bars. The gorgeous views of downtown Chicago are no small part of what makes the race so distinctive. Viewers from around the country are treated to an hourslong advertisement for a city that these days can use all the good PR it can get, especially in the red states where our city often plays the role of punching bag.

But should taxpayers the state over be required to subsidize an event that primarily benefits Chicago?

Before this budget passed, the state doled out $7 million to NASCAR. A $2 million cut is good, but it’s still hard to justify given the state’s massive public debt and the rapid acceleration of state spending since just prior to COVID.

Asked about the funding at a June 16 news conference, Gov. JB Pritzker said he couldn’t speak for the specific reason for it, but he was proud of the increased investment during his tenure as governor. 

“Very importantly, it has brought enormous benefit to the state. Specifically, the investment in tourism yields revenue for the state that is vastly more than the investment that gets made by our tourism office,” he said.

That’s a fine political pivot, but let’s not forget that NASCAR’s economic impact hasn’t always been what was promised, despite the significant disruptions city residents face so the show can go on. In 2023, the economic impact was $109 million — less than the $113.8 million NASCAR projected. That shortfall may not seem dramatic, but it casts doubt on the optimistic assumptions used to justify ongoing subsidies.

We support NASCAR in Chicago, but the reality of the state’s fiscal situation means the downwards trajectory of those millions in state money should continue.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

The 2026 American International Motorcycle Expo is making its Southern California debut Jan. 7-9, at the Anaheim Convention Center, and registration for North America’s premier powersports trade show is now officially open.

The 2026 AIMExpo will also be coinciding with the opening round of the 2026 Supercross season, ensuring next year’s AIMExpo at Anaheim to be a powersports-packed experience.

“California is a major hub for the powersports industry, and the timing with Supercross gives dealers and exhibitors another exciting reason to attend,” says Cinnamon Kernes, Motorcycle Industry Council vice president of market expansion. “This move strengthens our ability to bring the industry together and create meaningful, lasting connections.”

AIMExpo is expanding its footprint to more than 293,000 square feet to meet growing demand. More than 175 exhibitors have confirmed attendance, including major OEMs such as American Honda Motor Co., Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Yamaha and others. Leading distributors such as Automatic Distributors, Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties, and Turn 14 Powersports, are also set to return.

The 2026 event brings back the features that attendees look forward to each year. Dealer Excellence will return in partnership with MPN and include expert-led sessions packed with strategies dealers can apply immediately. In the Digital & Tech Sector, Tech Talks will feature candid, small-group conversations with innovators exploring real-world challenges and emerging technologies. New Product Central will also return, giving dealers and media a front-row seat to the latest vehicles, gear, tech, and tools set to shape the future of powersports.

New for 2026, the Dealer Evolution stage will showcase presenters leading high-level conversations designed to challenge assumptions and spark new ideas. Additional interactive features are in development for the 2026 show and will be announced in the months ahead.

“The industry left AIMExpo 2025 energized. The momentum built over our years in Vegas is carrying us forward and setting the stage for a show unlike anything we’ve seen before,” says Andre Albert, MIC director of marketing and events. “In the coming months, we’ll be rolling out even more features and new ways for the industry to connect, both on and off the show floor.”

England’s GeoPura is using high-performance motorsports to help prove the viability of hydrogen technology with grid-supporting potential.

It’s a fascinating advancement for scaling a cleaner version of the fuel, often called green hydrogen.

“Designed with modular scalability in mind, the unit can be deployed independently or paired with external battery systems for hybrid configurations,” according to Environment+Energy Leader.

The report stated the innovation can energize more than 1,000 homes for a day. But first it will power the FIA Extreme H World Cup, a race featuring hydrogen fuel cell cars later this year. It’s an event designed to showcase the power source’s potential, according to race organizers. The invention has already been tested with racing at a site in Newcastle, as well.

HPU2 is a collection of breakthroughs needed to overcome what have been substantial hurdles for hydrogen, including harmful nitrogen oxide emissions released when it’s burned to make power. Government experts said the fumes can irritate human airways if inhaled. It’s among concerns the Sierra Club has voiced about the alternative fuel.

In answer, GeoPura makes hydrogen using electrolysis, leveraging electricity from renewables to split water into hydrogen and oxygen with no planet-warming fumes. It also eliminates the need for fossil fuels that are used in the common production process, per U.S. government reports.

From there, it’s transported to an HPU2 unit, the next generation of GeoPura’s technology. The setup is about the size of a storage container. It uses fuel cells, not combustion, to make electricity. Reusable water is one of the harmless byproducts, according to the company.

Inside the unit, the electricity is converted into a current that’s ready to bail out the grid when it can’t handle demand, powering electric vehicle charging stations and more, per a GeoPura video clip.

“At its core, the HPU2 combines fuel cell technology, battery storage, and advanced power electronics,” per the company website. The modular design makes it a good fit for remote settings, as well.

The versatility is needed, as power demand for data centers is forecast by Goldman Sachs to increase 165% by 2030. That’s in addition to growing grid demand for air conditioners and other tech used to keep worsening heat waves at bay. NASA has linked the severe weather to the planet’s warming, which is fueled by fossil fuel use that the invention avoids.

That’s partly why switching to cleaner heat pumps can be a value for the grid and your pocketbook, too. You can save up to a grand a year in home heating and cooling expenses as compared to the use of aging, inefficient HVAC systems. Tax breaks are still available to help pay for the upgrade, too.

For its part, hydrogen fuel is being developed for use in interesting settings around the world, powering cranes, boats, and other machines. Planes are even a possibility.

When made with electrolysis and used in a fuel cell, it has the potential to eliminate harmful air pollution from numerous industries.

The U.S. Department of Energy cited cost and durability as some obstacles to wider use. But it seems GeoPura might have the tech to eliminate production, transportation, and use hurdles. The next milestone will be powering hydrogen-based racing events. But that’s only the beginning, according to company officials.

“We provide zero-emission energy wherever it’s needed,” per the clip.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

The largest outdoor waterpark in Pennsylvania will kick off its grand reopening this week with a NASCAR driver meet-and-greet, live music, prize giveaways and more.

The Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark will host the grand reopening celebration for its 27th season Thursday through Sunday at 301 Resort Drive in Pocono Township, a news release announced.

“The weekend celebration features 37 waterpark slides and rides, a lazy river, Olympic-sized pool, waterfalls, geysers, and amenity-stocked cabanas for all-day relaxation,” the news release said.

The weekend schedule includes the meet-and-greet with NASCAR driver Patrick Emerling alongside his car from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday as well as the live DJ set and prize giveaways with BEN FM weekday morning host Kristen Herrmann from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Food options include burgers, fries and fruit and vegetable platters from Cleo’s Café near Pharaoh’s Phortress as well as ribs, chicken and pulled pork from PipeLine by the Wave Pool.

Other summer activities include daily swim lessons through Aug. 15, fireworks on Fridays beginning July 4 and magic shows from illusionist Jason Bishop.

Guests can purchase tickets and season passes through the Camelback Resort website.

Originally Published: June 18, 2025 at 4:06 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A federal judge urged NASCAR and the two Cup Series teams suing the stock-car sanctioning body to settle their increasingly acrimonious legal fight that spilled over into tense arguments during a hearing Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell of the Western District of North Carolina grilled both NASCAR and suing teams 23XI Racing (which is co-owned by Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin, retired NBA star Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk, the basketball great’s longtime business partner) and Front Row Motorsports (which is owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins) on what they hoped to accomplish if the lawsuit continues. A trial is scheduled for December if a settlement is not reached before then.

“It’s hard to picture a winner if this goes to the mat — or to the flag — in this case,” Bell said. “It scares me to death to think about what all this is costing.”

Front Row Motorsports is owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins and has three full-time Ford entries — Noah Gragson in the No. 4, Todd Gilliland in the No. 34 and Zane Smith in the No. 38 — while 23XI Racing, which is co-owned by Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin, retired NBA star Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk, the basketball great’s longtime business partner, has three full-time Toyota entries: Bubba Wallace in the No. 23, Riley Herbst in the No. 35 and Tyler Reddick in the No. 45.

These were the only two organizations in the top-tier Cup Series that refused to sign a nonnegotiable offer last September on a new agreement for charters, which are NASCAR’s equivalent of a franchise in other professional sports leagues. Each charter guarantees entry to the lucrative Cup Series races and a stable revenue stream. Thirteen other organizations — most of them with multiple cars — signed the agreements last fall, although some felt they had little choice.

Tuesday’s hearing, which lasted nearly two hours, was about the teams’ request to toss out NASCAR’s countersuit, which accuses Polk of “willfully” violating antitrust laws by orchestrating anticompetitive collective conduct in negotiations. NASCAR said it learned in discovery that Polk in messages among the 15 teams tried to form a “cartel”-type operation that would include threats of boycotting races and a refusal to individually negotiate.

One of NASCAR’s attorneys even cited a Benjamin Franklin quote Polk allegedly sent to the 15 organizations that read: “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

Jeffrey Kessler, an attorney representing the teams, was angered by the revelation in open court, contending it is privileged information only revealed in discovery. Kessler also argued none of NASCAR’s claims in the countersuit prove anything illegal was done by Polk or the Race Team Alliance during the charter negotiation process.

“NASCAR knows it has no defense to the monopolization case, so they have come up with this claim about joint negotiations, which they agreed to, never objected to, and now suddenly it’s an antitrust violation,” Kessler said outside court. “It makes absolutely no sense. It’s not going to help them deflect from the monopolizing they have done in this market and the harm they have inflicted.”

He added that “the attacks” on Polk were “false, unfounded and frankly beneath the dignity of my adversary to even make those type of comments, which he should know better about.”

NASCAR attorneys said Polk improperly tried to pressure all 15 teams that comprise the RTA to stand together collectively in negotiations and encouraged boycotting qualifying races for the 2024 Daytona 500. NASCAR, they said, took the threat seriously because the teams had previously boycotted a scheduled meeting with series executives.

“NASCAR knew the next step was they could boycott a race, which was a threat they had to take seriously,” attorney Lawrence Buterman said on behalf of NASCAR.

In other comments made outside the courtroom, Kessler said the two teams are open to settlement talks, but he noted NASCAR has said it will not renegotiate the charters.

NASCAR’s attorneys declined to comment after the hearing.

Bell did not indicate when he’d rule, other than saying he would decide quickly.

Some of the arguments Tuesday centered on Jonathan Marshall, the executive director of the RTA. NASCAR has demanded text messages and emails from Marshall and said it has received roughly 100 texts and more than 55,000 pages of emails.

NASCAR wants all texts between Marshall and 55 people from 2020 through 2024 that contain specific search terms. Attorneys for the RTA said that covers more than 3,000 texts, some of which are privileged, and some that have been “deleted to save storage or he didn’t need them anymore.”

That issue is set to be heard during a hearing next Tuesday before Bell.

Meanwhile, Kessler said he would file an appeal by the end of the week after a three-judge federal appellate panel last week vacated a preliminary injunction granted last December by Bell that required NASCAR to recognize 23XI and Front Row as chartered teams while the court fight is being resolved.

Kessler wants the issue heard by the full appellate court. The injunction has no bearing on the merits of the case. The earliest NASCAR can treat the teams as unchartered is one week after the deadline to appeal, provided there is no pending appeal or whenever the appeals process has been exhausted.

There are 36 chartered cars for the 40-car field each week. If 23XI and Front Row are not recognized as chartered, their six cars would have to compete as “open” teams, which means they’d have to qualify on speed each week to make the race and they would receive a fraction of the money guaranteed for chartered teams.

Spire driver penalized by team

Spire Motorsports has issued a $50,000 fine to Carson Hocevar, the driver of its No. 77 Chevrolet entry for the Cup Series, for derogatory comments he made about Mexico City on a livestream last weekend as NASCAR made a stop there.

Hocevar walked back the comments Sunday night after the Cup Series race with an apology, and the 22-year-old Michigan native admitted it was the first time he’d ever been outside the United States and believed all the negative things he’d read and heard about Mexico City.

“I am embarrassed by my comments,” he posted in a lengthy apology.

Spire also ordered Hocevar to attend training for cultural sensitivity and bias awareness.

He said the $50,000 fine will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities: Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross); Un Kilo de Ayuda, a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early childhood development in rural communities; and Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico), which funds local nongovernmental organizations that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states.

“These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports’ core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel,” the team said in a released statement. “Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we ‘walk the walk’ in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport.

“Carson Hocevar’s recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud.”

Hocevar was the 2024 Cup Series rookie of the year but is still seeking his first win on the top-tier circuit. He has a pair of runner-up finishes this season — at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February and at Nashville Superspeedway earlier this month — but has been outside the top 20 in 10 of 16 points races.

Spire said it informed NASCAR of Hocevar’s penalties and that it satisfied the sanctioning body’s requirements.

“Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR’s global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity,” Spire’s statement read. “We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track.”

June 18, 2025

Lovell Returns to the Track in Ohio

June 18, 2025 – Young, focused, and on the rise, 18-year-old Mia Lovell is set to return to action this weekend at the 2.258-mile, 13-turn Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course as part of the Trans Am Series Presented by Pirelli. Racing with the championship winning Nitro Motorsports team, Lovell enters the event with confidence after a string of impressive performances across both the National and Western Championship TA2 events in 2025.

“This is one of the races I’ve been looking forward to,” expressed Lovell. “Mid-Ohio is super technical, with a great flow, and puts a spotlight on precision. It demands a lot from you as a driver, which I love. I’ve been working hard to prepare for this race, and I’m really pumped to get back behind the wheel.”

Lovell’s 2025 campaign has been a breakout season. In the Trans Am Western Championship, she’s earned multiple podium finishes and has consistently run up front, proving she can hold her own in a competitive field. In the National Championship, she’s gained valuable experience by running with some top racers in the country and achieving multiple top-ten finishes.

“It’s been an amazing experience this season,” she added. “There’s so much to absorb—between the car, the competition, and the tracks—I’ve been lucky to have Nitro Motorsports in my corner. They’ve been awesome in providing me the support necessary to succeed at this level.”

This weekend’s event at Mid-Ohio is a chance to add another strong result to her résumé. 

For more information on Mia Lovell, please contact RTD Media and Management’s Mike Maurini at Info@RTD-Media.com or by phone at 317.270.8723.