Motorsports

How E-cigarettes Are Changing The Game In Motorsports

E-cigarettes, once seen as a niche alternative to traditional tobacco, are now taking center stage in motorsports. With rising popularity among consumers and shifting advertising strategies from vaping companies, the intersection of e-cigarettes and racing is becoming a central talking point in the industry. From eye-catching sponsorships to debates about public health and athlete behavior, […]

Published

3 weeks ago

May 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

From eye-catching sponsorships to debates about public health and athlete behavior, e-cigarettes are reshaping how motorsports are financed, promoted, and perceived. While some celebrate these partnerships’ financial support, others are voicing concern over the ethics and image associated with these products.

This growing presence is raising essential questions. What is the role of e-cigarettes in a sport rooted in speed, discipline, and danger? Are these partnerships helping or harming the sport’s reputation? And what responsibilities do racing organizations have when it comes to promoting wellness?

Motorsports have a long history of being tied to high-risk industries. In the 1980s and 1990s, tobacco companies dominated racing sponsorships, funding some of history’s most iconic teams and cars. But by the 2000s, tightening global regulations forced tobacco ads out of most major racing circuits.

Enter e-cigarettes. These vapor-based alternatives have slid into a gray area where advertising is not yet as heavily restricted as with traditional cigarettes. Vaping brands have found motorsports to be fertile ground for visibility. Fast-paced visuals, brand-friendly demographics, and international broadcasts make racing events ideal for promoting e-cigarette products.

Companies like Blu, Logic, and Vuse have partnered with high-profile teams in Formula One, MotoGP, and NASCAR. Their logos are on team liveries, driver uniforms, and event signage. The result is a new wave of corporate influence that has brought millions of dollars into motorsports while reigniting debates about sponsorship ethics.

Shaping the Racing Image

E-cigarette marketing in motorsports does more than raise money. It also shapes how fans, especially younger ones, view the sport. With sleek branding, futuristic technology, and flavors that appeal to youth culture, vaping companies align themselves with the thrill and sophistication of racing.

Many critics worry about the subliminal messaging this sends. Although e-cigarettes are promoted as safer than traditional smoking, public health experts remain cautious about their long-term effects. Young fans who see these products associated with winning drivers and elite teams may be more likely to experiment with vaping themselves.

This concern is amplified when considering motorsports’ digital reach. Social media, live streams, and behind-the-scenes content often highlight sponsor involvement. Even when age restrictions are in place, the overlap between entertainment and promotion makes it difficult to shield younger audiences from exposure.

Conflicting Health Messages

The rise of e-cigarette sponsorships comes at a time when motorsports is also embracing wellness and mental health initiatives. Drivers and teams regularly speak out about managing stress, maintaining focus, and recovering from the rigors of competition. Many now follow structured training regimens, adopt plant-based diets, or use natural supplements for recovery.

This creates a complicated picture. On one hand, teams are promoting healthier lifestyles. On the other hand, they are partnering with companies whose products are still under scientific scrutiny. While e-cigarettes may be less harmful than combustible tobacco, they are not risk-free. Health organizations have linked them to respiratory issues, especially among youth and non-smokers.

In some cases, drivers have expressed personal discomfort with vaping partnerships. Others remain neutral, citing the need for financial backing in a sport where budgets often make or break a season.

The conflicting signals raise questions about consistency and credibility. Can a sports champion maintain health while promoting a product that may compromise it?

Regulatory Tensions

The involvement of e-cigarette companies in motorsports is also challenging regulators. Countries have varying rules about how and where these products can be advertised. A legal sponsorship deal in one region may be banned in another, forcing teams to adapt branding on a race-by-race basis.

Formula One, for example, has faced difficulties with Vuse and similar sponsors when racing in countries with strict advertising rules. Sometimes liveries must be redesigned at the last minute, or brands are replaced with alternative messaging that complies with local laws.

This inconsistency creates logistical challenges for teams and dilutes the impact of sponsorships. It also adds legal pressure, as governing bodies must navigate between commercial interests and public policy.

Some race organizers have begun calling for more straightforward guidelines or uniform global standards. Others believe the current model, where sponsorships are evaluated case-by-case, gives racing series the necessary flexibility.

Athletes as Influencers

In today’s media landscape, drivers are more than competitors. They are influencers with millions of followers and significant sway over public opinion. When athletes are associated with e-cigarette brands, that relationship extends far beyond the track.

In some cases, drivers have been featured in ads or social campaigns promoting their sponsors’ products. Even when not directly endorsing them, their presence lends a sense of credibility or coolness to the brand.

This raises ethical questions about athlete responsibility. Should drivers use their platform to promote potentially addictive products, mainly when their fan base includes impressionable audiences? Or is it simply a business decision, no different from promoting energy drinks, fast food, or performance gear?

Some drivers have opted out of these partnerships, stating that their values or personal health choices do not align with the brand. Others see it as a necessary part of the sponsorship ecosystem that supports the sport they love.

The Consumer Shift

Part of what has made e-cigarettes attractive to motorsports is the cultural shift around smoking and vaping. While traditional cigarette use has declined in many regions, vaping has surged, particularly among adults seeking alternatives. For many users, e-cigarettes represent harm reduction, not initiation.

Motorsports fans are typically adults with disposable vapes, a key demographic for vaping brands. As more fans move away from conventional tobacco, they may be more open to brands that align with change and innovation, traits both the racing and vaping industries claim to represent.

Still, the perception problem lingers. While some fans appreciate the technology and design of vaping products, others view them as part of a larger health issue affecting communities around the world. Balancing these perspectives remains a challenge for event organizers and league officials.

Looking to the Future

As the role of e-cigarettes in motorsports evolves, so will the debates around them. Some industry insiders predict stricter regulations are on the horizon, especially as more research on vaping health impacts becomes available. Others believe the industry will self-regulate, limiting youth-targeted marketing and prioritizing responsible messaging.

There is also a growing push for wellness-based sponsorships. Some teams are shifting toward these alternatives as plant-based wellness and recovery products gain popularity. Products like CBD oils, herbal supplements, and recovery tools are starting to appear in the sponsorship mix. However, the inclusion of anything linked to the cannabis plant remains controversial in some regions.

E-cigarettes may remain part of the motorsports ecosystem for the foreseeable future. Still, they must adapt to changing consumer values, evolving science, and the sport’s deepening commitment to health and responsibility.

Conclusion

E-cigarettes have undoubtedly changed the game in motorsports. They have brought new money, new controversy, and a renewed conversation about what it means to balance commercial success with public image. As teams, drivers, and governing bodies navigate this complex terrain, they are not just shaping the future of racing but influencing global conversations about health, youth culture, and ethical sponsorship.

In a sport where every decision counts and every second matters, the debate around e-cigarettes may ultimately serve as a test of values as much as velocity.

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Motorsports

Ryan Blaney races to first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the year at Nashville

Ryan Blaney ran away down the stretch for his first Cup Series victory of the year Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway, then he celebrated with a burnout in front of the roaring fans after what he called a rough year. NASCAR Kansas Auto Racing Denny Hamlin (11) and Chase Briscoe (19) head down the front […]

Published

19 minutes ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

**NASCAR Kansas Auto Racing** Denny Hamlin (11) and Chase Briscoe (19) head down the front straightaway during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, May 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)

**NASCAR Nashville Auto Racing** Ryan Blaney celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

**NASCAR Nashville Auto Racing** Ryan Blaney straps on his helmet before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

**NASCAR Nashville Auto Racing** Denny Hamlin waits for the start of a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

**NASCAR Nashville Auto Racing** Drives speed past the green flag at the start of a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

**NASCAR Nashville Auto Racing** The pit crew for AJ Allmendinger (16) jumps over the wall for a pit stop during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

**NASCAR Nashville Auto Racing** The pit crew for Ryan Blaney rushes to work on the car during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

**NASCAR Nashville Auto Racing** Drivers speed through turn four as the sun sets during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

**NASCAR Nashville Auto Racing** Ryan Blaney does a burnout after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

LEBANON, Tenn. (AP) — Ryan Blaney and Team Penske have been fast with his No. 12 Ford Mustang this year only to have races slip away when it mattered most.

Not Sunday night.

Blaney ran away down the stretch for his first Cup Series victory of the year Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway, then he celebrated with a burnout in front of the roaring fans after what he called a rough year.

“I’m ready to go celebrate,” Blaney said.

The 2023 Cup champ had been racing well with five top-five finishes over the first half of this season. He finally got to victory lane for his 14th career victory and first since Martinsville in November after leading a race-high 139 laps.

“I never gave up hope that’s for sure,” Blaney said. “We’ve had great speed all year. It just hasn’t really been the best year for us as far as good fortune. But (No.) 12 boys are awesome. They stick with it no matter how it goes.”

He became the ninth different winner this season and the fifth driver to win in as many races at Nashville. He also gave Team Penske a second straight Cup win at Nashville’s 1.33-mile concrete track.

Blaney, who started 15th, quickly drove his way to the front as he won the second stage. He easily held off Carson Hocevar by 2.83 seconds. Hocevar matched his career-best finish at Atlanta in February after complaining during the race that his No. 77 Chevrolet was undriveable.

“Either I’m really dramatic or they’re really good on adjustments,” Hocevar said. “Probably a little bit of both, but, yeah, proud of this group proud of this car. A place that is really, really difficult to pass, we’re able to go 26th to second.”

Denny Hamlin finished third in his 700th career Cup Series race, matching the third-place finish by Jeff Gordon at Darlington in 2013 for the best finish in a driver’s 700th race. Joey Logano, who won here last year, was fourth and William Byron fifth.

Hamlin was hoping for one more caution that never came after seven cautions for 35 laps.

“Just couldn’t run with the 12 (Blaney) there in the super long run,” Hamlin said. “After 40 laps, I could maintain with him. But then after that, he just pulled away and stretched it on us.”

There was a sprint to the finish under green forcing teams and drivers to pick and choose went to pit. Blaney had led 107 laps when he went to the pits under green flag on lap 248. Hamlin took the lead before going to pit road on lap 256.

Crew chief Jonathan Hassler said they decided on Blaney’s fifth and final pit stop trying to make sure he could get back out into the cleanest air possible.

“It was really nice just to finish off a race,” Hassler said.

Brad Keselowski had the lead when he went to the pits on lap 269. Blaney took the lead for the final 31 laps.

Waiting on a call

Hamlin raced Sunday night hoping to take advantage of his starting spot spot beside pole-sitter Chase Briscoe. Whether Hamlin would chase his third win this season had been in question with his third child, a boy, due the same day.

Hamlin practiced and qualified well, so he drove his No. 11 Toyota even as Joe Gibbs Racing had Ryan Truex on standby in case Hamlin got the call that his fiancee was in labor. Hamlin won the first stage and survived the final stretch without water or fresh air.

Tyler Reddick beat his boss Hamlin, a co-owner of his 23XI Racing team, to new parent status, which Reddick announced on social media earlier Sunday.

His family welcomed their second son at 2:20 a.m. on May 25, then Reddick followed up hours later by finishing 26th in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte.

Early night

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. didn’t finish his first race this year. He was the first out when Hocevar tapped his No. 47 Chevrolet, spinning Stenhouse into the wall between Turns 3 and 4 for the second caution of the race on lap 106.

Punishment and more penalties possible?

AJ Allmendinger started at the back of the field and served a stop-and-go penalty after the green flag for an unapproved adjustment to the splitter during Saturday’s practice. His No. 16 Chevrolet was sent back to the garage and then the scanning station before practice and qualifying.

The No. 66 Ford of Chad Finchum failed inspection twice leading to engineer Austin Webb’s ejection. The Garage 66 team also lost pit stall selection.

Up next

NASCAR heads to Michigan International Speedway for the Cup Series on June 8.

___

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

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© 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Motorsports

Blaney wins first NASCAR Cup Series race of the year at Nashville

LEBANON, Tenn. (AP) — Ryan Blaney kicked off the second half of the NASCAR season by running away down the stretch for his first Cup Series race of the year Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway. The 2023 Cup champ had been racing well with five top-five finishes over the first half of this season. He finally got […]

Published

48 minutes ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

LEBANON, Tenn. (AP) — Ryan Blaney kicked off the second half of the NASCAR season by running away down the stretch for his first Cup Series race of the year Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway.

The 2023 Cup champ had been racing well with five top-five finishes over the first half of this season. He finally got to Victory Lane in the No. 12 Ford Mustang for Team Penske for his 14th career victory and first since Martinsville in November.

He became the ninth different winner this season and the fifth driver to win in as many races at Nashville.

Blaney, who started 15th, quickly drove his way to the front as he won the second stage. He easily held off Carson Hocevar by 2.83 seconds. Hocevar matched his second-place finish at Atlanta in February.

This race featured seven cautions using up 35 laps.

Brad Keselowski had the lead when he went to the pits on lap 269, and Blaney took the lead for the final 31 laps.

Waiting on a call

Tyler Reddick beat his boss Hamlin, a co-owner of his 23XI Racing team, to new parent status, which Reddick announced on social media earlier Sunday.

His family welcomed their second son at 2:20 a.m. on May 25, then Reddick followed up hours later by finishing 26th in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte.

Early night

Punishment and more penalties possible?

The No. 66 Ford of Chad Finchum failed inspection twice leading to engineer Austin Webb’s ejection. The Garage 66 team also lost pit stall selection.

Up next

NASCAR heads to Michigan International Speedway for the Cup Series on June 8.

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Motorsports

Blaney completes Penske playoff entries with commanding Nashville win

Ryan Blaney claimed his first victory of the 2025 season Sunday night in the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway. The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion led a commanding race-best 139 of the 300 laps to finally secure that all-important Playoff position. Blaney has come so close this season to hoisting a trophy only to […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Blaney has come so close this season to hoisting a trophy only to have random bad luck break his heart and challenge his resolve, but Sunday the sport’s popular 31-year-old, third-generation racer ultimately drove his No. 12 Team Penske Ford to a 2.830s win over 22-year-old Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar in a 103-lap green flag run that closed out the race.

He was so thrilled to take the win he climbed on top of his Ford, raised his arms in triumph and then jumped off the car and ran up and into the track’s front grandstands to claim the checkered flag before handing it off to an excited young fan.

“I never gave up hope that’s for sure,’’ said Blaney, whose victory puts all three drivers of the reigning champion Penske team into the 2025 Playoffs. “We’ve had adversity, and this hasn’t really been a good year for us in terms of good fortune, but the No. 12 boys are awesome. They stick with it no matter how it goes.”

Hocevar’s runner-up finish ties a career-best effort turned in at Atlanta in February.

“It just proves how strong this group is to go from the disappointment last week,” said Hocevar, who looked strong and led laps at Charlotte Motor Speedway last Sunday only to retire early with mechanical problems. “Sticking to it and having a shot, just proud of this group.

“We were one spot short again, but hopefully this is a step in the right direction,’’ he added.

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin, who won the opening stage and led 79 laps, finished third despite his helmet hose and hydration system issues. Blaney’s Penske teammate Joey Logano finished fourth with current NASCAR Cup Series championship leader, Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron rounding out the top five.

“I just couldn’t run with the No. 12 there in the super long run. After 40 laps I could maintain with him, but after that he’d just pull away and stretch it on us,’’ said Hamlin, whose fiancé Jordan is expecting to deliver the couple’s third child at any time.

Joey Logano, the defending race winner, also led laps but ultimately wasn’t able to challenge at the end, giving up positions to Hocevar and Hamlin.

“The No. 12 was just lights-out which gave them a huge lead and we just weren’t able to hold onto second. The No. 11 [Hamlin] got by me,’’ Logano said, adding, “Good execution and proud of Team Penske. All our cars have a win now and that’s pretty impressive to have everybody with a win. All the teams are really strong.’’

23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace, Legacy Motor Club’s Erik Jones, Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson, 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick and JGR’s Christopher Bell rounded out the top 10. The effort marked a particularly significant comeback for Larson, who started 28th on the grid and was involved in an incident on lap 115.

There were 18 lead changes in all among nine drivers with Hamlin (stage one) and Blaney (stage two) claiming the stage wins.

New this year, the Nashville race sets the 32-car field for the inaugural NASCAR In-Season Challenge – a bracket-style tournament taking place during the TNT broadcast’s five-race stretch this summer. The tournament starts June 28 at Atlanta followed by the races at Chicago, Sonoma, Dover and Indianapolis with the winner receiving a $1 million prize.

The next three races – Michigan, Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez and Pocono – will determine the bracket seeding based on a driver’s best finish out of those races.

Former series champion Brad Keselowski claimed the 32nd position for the competition by only 21 points over Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen.

Byron continues to lead the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings, now 48 points up on Hendrick Motorsports teammate Larson with 12 regular season races remaining to set the 16-driver Playoff field. Their teammate Chase Elliott, who finished 15th Sunday, is the highest-ranked driver (fifth) without a win.

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to action next Sunday afternoon in the Firekeeper’s Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway (2 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Reddick is the defending winner at the two-mile speedway – traditionally one of the drivers’ favorite venues on the schedule.

RESULTS

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Motorsports

NASCAR Results Today: Ryan Blaney stars at Nashville as Denny Hamlin denied landmark victory

Another weekend of NASCAR Cup Series racing is in the books, with Team Penske star and former champion Ryan Blaney winning the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway. Blaney had suffered a poor qualifying session on Saturday, only starting Sunday’s race in 15th, but the 31-year-old ensured he was the man on top after 300 […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Another weekend of NASCAR Cup Series racing is in the books, with Team Penske star and former champion Ryan Blaney winning the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway.

Blaney had suffered a poor qualifying session on Saturday, only starting Sunday’s race in 15th, but the 31-year-old ensured he was the man on top after 300 laps of racing action to take his first victory of the season.

Earlier in the race, it had looked like being an excellent day for Denny Hamlin in the event in which he was marking his 700th Cup Series race start. However, after winning stage one, Blaney and William Byron beat him after some exciting racing in stage two, and the Joe Gibbs Racing star had to settle for third overall come the black and white checkered flag.

Carson Hocevar ultimately brought the No. 77 home in second, but in reality, it was a comfortable ending to the race for Blaney, whose hard work had been done before the latter stages.

Elsewhere at Nashville, Blaney’s Team Penske team-mate Joey Logano came home in fourth, with Byron rounding out the top five.

Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace, Erik Jones, Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell rounded out the top 10, in that order.

With that said, let’s take a look at Sunday night’s results in full!

READ MORE: NASCAR announce driver disqualification at Nashville as official statement released

NASCAR Cup Series: Who won the Nashville race today?

Pos	Driver	No.	Team
1	Ryan Blaney	12	Team Penske Ford
2	Carson Hocevar	77	Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
3	Denny Hamlin	11	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
4	Joey Logano	22	Team Penske Ford
5	William Byron	24	Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
6	Bubba Wallace	23	23XI Racing Toyota
7	Erik Jones	43	Legacy Motor Club Toyota
8	Kyle Larson	5	Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
9	Tyler Reddick	45	23XI Racing Toyota
10	Christopher Bell	20	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
11	Ross Chastain	1	Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
12	Kyle Busch	8	Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
13	Zane Smith	38	Front Row Motorsports Ford
14	Chris Buescher	17	RFK Racing Ford
15	Chase Elliott	9	Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
16	Daniel Suarez	99	Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
17	Chase Briscoe	19	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
18	Austin Cindric	2	Team Penske Ford
19	Cole Custer	41	Haas Factory Team Ford
20	AJ Allmendinger	16	Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
21	Michael McDowell	95	Leavine Family Racing Chevrolet
22	Todd Gilliland	38	Front Row Motorsports Ford
23	Brad Keselowski	6	RFK Racing Ford
24	Riley Herbst	98	Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
25	Shane van Gisbergen	23	Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
26	Ty Dillon	10	Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
27	John Hunter Nemechek	42	Legacy Motor Club Toyota
28	Ryan Preece	19	RFK Racing Ford
29	Austin Dillon	3	Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
30	Josh Berry	21	Wood Brothers Racing Ford
31	Ty Gibbs	54	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
32	Justin Haley	11	Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
33	Cody Ware	51	Rick Ware Racing Ford
34	J.J. Yeley	44	NY Racing Team Chevrolet
35	Chad Finchum	66	Garage 66 Ford
36	Alex Bowman	48	Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
37	Corey Heim	67	23XI Racing Toyota
38	Noah Gragson	4	Front Row Motorsports Ford
39	Ricky Stenhouse Jr.	47	JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet

NASCAR Cup Series: Nashville Stage 2 results

Pos	Driver	No.	Team
1	Ryan Blaney	12	Team Penske Ford
2	William Byron	24	Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
3	Denny Hamlin	11	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
4	Joey Logano	22	Team Penske Ford
5	Erik Jones	43	Legacy Motor Club Toyota
6	Austin Cindric	2	Team Penske Ford
7	Carson Hocevar	77	Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
8	Zane Smith	38	Front Row Motorsports Ford
9	Josh Berry	21	Wood Brothers Racing Ford
10	Christopher Bell	20	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

NASCAR Cup Series: Nashville Stage 1 results

Pos	Driver	No.	Team
1	Denny Hamlin	11	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
2	Tyler Reddick	45	23XI Racing Toyota
3	Chase Briscoe	19	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
4	William Byron	24	Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
5	Christopher Bell	20	Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
6	Chase Elliott	9	Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
7	Ryan Blaney	12	Team Penske Ford
8	Michael McDowell	71	Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
9	Joey Logano	22	Team Penske Ford
10	Ross Chastain	1	Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

READ MORE: NASCAR confirm triple penalty for Cup Series team after Nashville incident

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Motorsports

Kirkwood triumphs in Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Kyle Kirkwood overcame front wing damage to win the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Sunday. This victory marks Kirkwood’s second win of the season and his fourth career NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory. He previously won the Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13, also held on a temporary […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Kyle Kirkwood overcame front wing damage to win the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Sunday.

This victory marks Kirkwood’s second win of the season and his fourth career NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory. He previously won the Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13, also held on a temporary street circuit.

“For some reason, the wing was damaged, but it wasn’t really causing that much of an issue,” Kirkwood said. “This AWS Honda was on rails all weekend long.”

Kirkwood, driving the No. 27 Siemens AWS Honda for Andretti Global, started third and finished 3.5931 seconds ahead of Santino Ferrucci, who achieved a career-best finish in the No. 14 Sexton Properties/AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet.

Colton Herta finished third in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda, marking the first time Andretti Global placed two drivers on the podium since last July in Toronto.

The race saw multiple incidents, including a crash involving Callum Ilott and a collision that ended Alex Palou’s race. Palou, who remains the NTT IndyCar Series points leader, won five of the season’s first six races, including last week’s Indianapolis 500.

The next NTT IndyCar Series event is the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 on Sunday, June 15, at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois.

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Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports exec suggests teams ‘could do’ significant NASCAR horsepower increase

Credit: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Some of the biggest NASCAR news this season came out this past week when executives suggested there could be an increase in horsepower later this season. While the potential increase would only be under specific circumstances, Hendrick Motorsports is highlighting the possibility […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR horsepower — Credit: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Some of the biggest NASCAR news this season came out this past week when executives suggested there could be an increase in horsepower later this season. While the potential increase would only be under specific circumstances, Hendrick Motorsports is highlighting the possibility for even more.

During an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports vice president of powertrain Scott Maxim shed light on the feasibility for engine manufacturers to increase horsepower. Manufacturers already ‘have a pretty good understanding’ of what changes need to be made to get to 750 horsepower. If NASCAR wants to open the door for even more, it would require significantly more changes, but could be done.

Related: NASCAR execs suggest horsepower increase might come later this season

“If we were to have a higher target than [750] then that would require some more extensive changes, which we could do.”

Hendrick Motorsports VP of Powertrain Scott Maxim on increasing NASCAR horsepower in the Cup Series

NASCAR started reducing horsepower in 2015, with a vision of creating a more even playing field between teams. There was a progressive decline from over 800 horsepower (2014) to 750 horsepower (2015) followed by a steep reduction to 550 horsepower and then a slight increase to 670 horsepower in 2022 with the introduction of the Next Gen car.

The sport’s executives got what they wanted, with the field of cars running closer together to create the visual of closer races. However, the quality of races has decreased considerably in recent seasons, with the Next Gen car largely only performing well at mile-and-a-half tracks.

Also Read: Reporter shares when Corey Heim could become a full-time Cup Series driver

Teams, drivers and fans have been calling for a horsepower increase ever since. While NASCAR’s original idea created a more even playing field, teams like Hendrick Motorsports eventually found other advantages. So, while the top teams are winning more consistently, the quality of the races still hasn’t improved and passing remains down.

For the time being, NASCAR officials are only leaving the door open to raising horsepower to 750 on short-track courses. It’s viewed as a starting point by drivers and fans, hopefully the beginning of further increases across all tracks in 2026 and beyond.

Related: NASCAR standings for Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Truck Series

If NASCAR horsepower increases to 750 this season, it should lead to more passing and would be a good test run to see if the change should be approved for all tracks. From there, teams and NASCAR officials can have discussions this offseason about long-term changes.

At the very least, between discussions of increasing horsepower and NASCAR proposing that teams can make limited alterations to the cars for the All-Star Race, it’s clear there’s at least a chance at meaningful change. It might not mean immediate improvements, but it’s a step in the right direction after fans and drivers felt years of frustration were effectively ignored.

Also Read: Insider reveals Denny Hamlin’s future with Joe Gibbs Racing

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