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

2 months 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

Rumor Mill: Kaulig Starting a Truck Series Team Potentially With New OEM

What’s Happening? A new rumor claims that Kaulig Racing could add a Truck Series team to its fleet in 2025; however, this could be with another OEM rather than Chevrolet. What’s the Rumor? As NASCAR rolls closer to the playoffs, the 2026 NASCAR rumor mill is heating up. Though the Cup Series’ silly season will […]

Published

8 minutes ago

July 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

What’s Happening?

A new rumor claims that Kaulig Racing could add a Truck Series team to its fleet in 2025; however, this could be with another OEM rather than Chevrolet.

What’s the Rumor?

As NASCAR rolls closer to the playoffs, the 2026 NASCAR rumor mill is heating up. Though the Cup Series’ silly season will remain rather quiet into next year, all eyes are closely watching the Craftsman Truck and Xfinity Series garages for news and rumors.

The Daily Downforce is Hiring

Specifically, when it comes to the Truck Series, most fans are curious about NASCAR’s newest OEM, Ram trucks, and what teams they will bring into their fleet for their return to NASCAR in 2026.

On Wednesday, a new rumor gained traction within the NASCAR community, claiming that Kaulig Racing could enter a Craftsman Truck Series team in 2026. Kaulig, owned by businessman Matt Kaulig, has been a long-time staple of the NASCAR Xfinity Series and is in its fourth season of full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition.

Furthermore, the well-known rumor mill account that posted this rumor, nascarrumornostalgia, claimed that Kaulig could enter the Truck Series with Ram, rather than their long-time partner, Chevrolet.

First things first, this is just a rumor, and neither the team nor OEM has commented on this matter. As with any rumor, it’s important to approach this with caution, as even if it is true, deals can fall through just as they’re about to cross the finish line.

Looking past the idea of Kaulig starting a Truck Series team, which is not uncommon for Cup Series teams, a rumor of this magnitude raises a lot of questions about Kaulig Racing, Ram, and potentially Dodge’s long-term NASCAR plans.

The Bigger Picture of Ram and Dodge in NASCAR

Since Ram confirmed its return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition in 2026, fans and insiders have been looking for clues as to who will carry the brand in 2026.

According to reports, ARCA regular Rette Jones Racing, Niece Motorsports, and a returning GMS Racing were among the teams rumored to be interested in joining Ram. With Niece already declaring that they are not leaving Chevrolet and the clock ticking until the 2026 season starts, there is yet to be a straight answer as to who will race Ram trucks in 2026.

Ram’s return is part of a bigger initiative from Stellantis, which plans to bring a new manufacturer, presumably Dodge, to the NASCAR Cup Series by 2027 or 2028. Like new OEMs of the past, such as themselves, Dodge could build a startup team for its first season back, though fans theorize it could be easier to flip one of the three other OEMs’ smaller charter-owning teams.

While Kaulig would be a good fit for this switch, as it is a winning organization with multiple charters, and support from Dodge could push them to the top, a reality in which the team creates a relationship with Ram presents two problems.

First, Kaulig would likely have to enter two different OEMs at once, as Dodge will not be in the Cup for at least one to two more seasons. But, in the past, some teams have entered different OEMs at different levels, such as Petty Enterprises running Rams in the Truck Series and Pontiacs in the Cup Series in the 1990s.

Second, if they were to sever their relationship with Chevrolet, Kaulig would lose their close connection to Richard Childress Racing, which may not be worth sacrificing to get in the good graces of NASCAR’s newest OEM.

What’s Happening?

The 2026 NASCAR Rumor Mill is starting to heat up, as a new rumor names not only Dodge’s first…

Kaulig, RCR, and Chevrolet

It’s no secret that Kaulig Racing has deep ties to Richard Childress Racing. Of course, Childress’ grandson, Ty Dillon, drives Kaulig’s No. 10 entry in the Cup Series; the team also gets its engines from ECR and has its race shop on the RCR campus.

Nonetheless, this past offseason, Kaulig made aggressive moves to improve its team and build it to be more competitive in the future. These efforts included signing Christian Eckes to an Xfinity Series contract and bringing in former DEI, MWR, and Trackhouse executive Ty Norris, who has experience with new OEMs, as its Chief Business Officer.

While there are no visible signs that Kaulig could head out on its own, aligning itself with Ram and Dodge would be a high-risk, high-reward move.

The 2026 NASCAR season is still a ways away. Over the next few months, rumors such as this one will come to the forefront of the NASCAR community. But as always, some will come true, and many will turn out to be false.

What’s Happening?

One major storyline to keep up with during the 2025 NASCAR season and beyond is the ongoing saga of…

Let us know your thoughts on this! Join the discussion on Discord or X, and remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more updates.

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RCR Race Preview: Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Speedway Digest

Published

9 minutes ago

July 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… Richard Childress Racing has a long and storied history at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In 76 combined starts on the track’s oval configuration dating back to NASCAR’s debut at the historic facility in 1994, RCR has earned three Brickyard 400 wins with drivers Dale Earnhardt (1995), Kevin Harvick (2003), and Paul Menard (2011). The team also has a win on the track’s road course configuration with Tyler Reddick (2022). RCR has earned three pole positions at the storied track with Harvick (2003, oval), Jeff Burton (2006, oval) and Reddick (2022, road course). The Welcome, N.C., organization has racked up a total of 12 top-five and 29 top-10 finishes in the Brickyard 400.

RCR in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… In 31 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, RCR has nine top-five and 21 top-10 finishes, notably earning a win at the historic track with Ty Dillon in 2014. Last season, Austin Hill led the RCR contingent with a sixth-place result.

Did You Know? Richard Childress is the only NASCAR Cup Series car owner to win races on both the oval and road course configuration at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Tickets to the 2025 Carolina Cowboys Home Stand Are Available Now… Driven by the same passion for performance that guides his race team, Richard Childress’ latest endeavor brings Professional Bull Riding to the Carolinas. The Carolina Cowboys represent the Carolinas in the PBR Team Series, an elite league featuring the world’s top bull riders competing in games throughout the country. The team is owned by Richard Childress and Jeff Broin with 2018 Daytona 500 Champion Dillon serving as General Manager. Don’t miss the Carolina Cowboys 2025 “Cowboy Days” Home Stand September 12-14 at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Tickets are on sale at PBR.com and Ticketmaster.

Catch the Action on Saturday… The NASCAR Xfinity Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be televised live Saturday, July 26, beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET on The CW. The race will be broadcast live on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Friday’s practice session and Saturday’s qualifying session will be shown for free on The CW App.

Watch Us on TNT Sports… The Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, July 27, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on TNT Sports. The race will be broadcast live on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. The NASCAR Cup Series practice session on Friday and qualifying session on Saturday will be broadcast on truTV and Max. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race.
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Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Get Bioethanol Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… In nine previous appearances at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Dillon has two top-10 finishes, including a best finish of ninth in 2016. In his most recent appearance at the track in 2024, the Welcome, North Carolina native finished 13th. Dillon has made four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the track, earning a best finish of fifth in 2012.

Delivering Performance on the Track and For the Planet… Dillon will race the Get Bioethanol Chevrolet this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway showcasing the benefits of racing with earth-kind and engine-smart bioethanol blended fuel, Sunoco Green E15. Whether it’s delivering cleaner and cooler high-octane on the track or on your drive to the grocery store, plant-based bioethanol makes a positive impact on our planet and for future generations. NASCAR drivers have now officially raced 25 million NASCAR miles on Sunoco E15, a notable milestone since NASCAR introduced the fuel in 2011. Learn more about what fueling up with bioethanol means for you here.

Mutual Respect… A fan of all sports, Dillon and his teammate, Kyle Busch, are scheduled to attend Indianapolis Colts Training Camp on Saturday, July 26. The RCR drivers will watch practice, participate in a jersey swap and hang out with Blue, the team’s mascot.

Meet Dillon… Dillon is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Fan Midway on Sunday, July 27 at 10:10 a.m. Local Time. Stop by to meet the driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet and get new merchandise to wear on race day. Immediately following, Dillon is scheduled to visit the Team Chevrolet Stage for a Q&A session on Sunday, July 27 at 10:50 a.m. Local Time.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What are your expectations going back to Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

“Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been good for our No. 3 Get Bioethanol team. We’ve been able to have solid races in the past. Last year, we had a pretty good qualifying effort starting 11th. I’m excited to get there. Speed is something I like. That track is very line-sensitive with trying to hit your marks as precisely as you can. You’re looking for those white lines and just trying to put the car in the perfect place. From our standpoint, we should have a good Chevrolet going from Richard Childress Racing, and the ECR engines always run well on those types of tracks. It’s good to have straightaway speed on a track that’s tough to pass at.”

You’ve won two out of the four Crown Jewel races on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. How special would it be to get another one in the Brickyard 400?

“It would be huge for me and everyone at Richard Childress Racing to win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I think only four or five drivers have won all four in the past, and it would be special to add one more to that list.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 zone Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… Kyle Busch will make his 18th career NASCAR Cup Series start at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Sunday’s Brickyard 400. Over his previous 17 starts at the track, he has completed 2,570 of 2,749 laps (93.5 percent) competed and finished inside the top-10 in 70.6 percent of those races. Busch has scored two Brickyard 400 victories and holds an average finishing position of 12.8.

A First to Remember… In 2015, Busch secured his maiden Cup Series win at the iconic oval in Speedway, Indiana. The Las Vegas, Nevada native maintained the lead on the final restart and held off a late-race charge from Joey Logano during a green-white-checkered finish.

Speedway Success… Busch has a strong track record at speedways over two miles in length. Throughout his career, the two-time Cup Series Champion has racked up 15 wins, 55 top-five finishes, 87 top-10 finishes, and has led a total of 2,875 laps.

Beyond the Cup Series… Busch has made seven NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, earning four victories. The veteran racer has completed 100 percent of green-flag laps (663), leading a total of 358 circuits in commanding style.

Clean Sweep… At Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2015, Busch not only won the Cup Series event but also dominated the weekend by capturing a victory in the Xfinity Series.

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KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

What expectations do you have of going into the Brickyard 400 this weekend?

“I love coming to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I’ve had a lot of success over the years and have won the Brickyard 400 twice. We should have won it in 2017 and got wrecked out on a late restart. The Chevrolet camp has been really fast over the years. I think we should be pretty close heading into Sunday. We had a fast No. 8 Chevrolet last year. We were right there in the top-five coming down on the closing laps, and Kyle Larson stole the win, so we want to improve this weekend and get a win.”

How would you assess your season so far?

“It is not due to a lack of effort. Everybody at Richard Childress Racing is working as hard as they can to figure it out, looking at all the notes to find out where the speed is at. The balance and drivability of the cars have been good this year, and we’ve had good improvements over the last couple months.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… Jesse Love has made one career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, driving the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet last season. The Menlo Park, California native was collected in a multi-car accident on lap one but recovered to finish in the 13th position.

Season In Review… With 20 races complete in the Xfinity Series regular season, Love has earned one win (Daytona International Speedway), five top-five and 13 top-10 results. Leading 170 laps, the 2024 Sunoco Rookie of the Year has completed 96.7 percent of laps competed (3119 of 3227).

Points Check… Love currently holds the fifth position in the Xfinity Series driver championship point standings – 27 points behind fourth-place Austin Hill.

Double Duty… Love will make his fourth career NASCAR Cup Series start on Sunday when the 20-year-old pilots the No. 62 C4 Ultimate Energy Chevrolet for Beard Motorsports.

About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, and we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

Whelen Everyday Champion… The Whelen Everyday Champion program celebrates community heroes and allows Whelen the opportunity to show their respect and deep gratitude for the acts of those who work tirelessly to make their communities better and safer places to live. Each year, Whelen honors one individual or team who exemplifies bravery, selflessness, and dedication by inducting them into the Whelen Hall of Champions at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C. Nominate your Everyday Champion before August 15 at www.whelen.com/evc/.

Meet Love… On Saturday, July 26 at 11:45 a.m. Local Time, Love and his teammate Austin Hill are scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Midway, located in the infield of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Stop by to meet the young gun before the green flag waves.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

Describe racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“I’m comfortable with racing at Indianapolis. With our Xfinity Series package, I wish we had big horsepower so we could make moves. I say that and last year’s race had a pretty crazy finish, but for the most part, it’s sometimes lully. Our Whelen Chevrolet should be good there though. We are going way differently than we were last year. Racing double duty should be fun too, so looking forward to that. The goal is to learn as much as I can both days and prepare.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… Austin Hill has made two career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, earning two top-10 results (ninth in 2019, sixth in 2024). One season ago, the Winston, Georgia native started from the rear after unapproved adjustments, consistently moved forward, and captured a sixth-place finish.

Closing In on Playoffs… Through 20 Xfinity Series regular season races, Hill has claimed three wins (Atlanta Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway), nine top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. Leading 287 laps, the 31-year-old has completed 93.7 percent of laps competed (3025 of 3227).

Standings Update… Hill currently sits in the fourth position in the Xfinity Series driver championship point standings – only five points behind third-place Sam Mayer.

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Tow-Away and RV… Bennett DriveAway provides comprehensive and reliable tow-away services for a range of trailers including travel, cargo, horse and utility trailers. With a team of highly experienced drivers and a network of terminals across the United States, Bennett offers safe and timely delivery of your RVs and trailers anywhere in the US and Canada. Bennett’s services also include RV transportation with connections to fifth wheel or ball hitch, hauling of multiple units on specialized trailers, manufacturer-to-dealer and dealer-to-dealer transfers, and regular shipment status updates. Trust Bennett for all your towing and RV delivery needs.

Meet Hill… On Saturday, July 26 at 11:45 a.m. Local Time, Hill and his teammate Jesse Love are scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Midway, located in the infield of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Stop by to meet the veteran racer before the green flag waves.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:

Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the most historic tracks in all of motorsports. Does that give any extra motivation for drivers, knowing the place carries emotion?

“Yeah, for me personally, every racetrack we go to, I treat them all the same way. I just want to go out there and do the best job that I can for our No. 21 Bennett team. But in saying that, Indianapolis is special and carries so much history, so it does add a little bit extra to the piece of the pie. Going into that race, you want to leave there victorious, and you want to be the one holding the trophy up.”

Describe racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“It’s a very unique racetrack with four different corners. And then on top of that, last year we ran with our speedway, restricted plate package which put a whole different element into the racing. It’s a cool place to go to when you’re going down the front stretch and have the stands on both sides. It almost feels like you get tunnel vision for a second down the front stretch. Overall, it’s a really, really cool event.”

RCR PR

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Motorsports

Full-time NASCAR team permanently out after Dover race

In a move that many saw coming, Our Motorsports decided to cut ties with Kris Wright after his recent 29th place finish at Sonoma Raceway, which came just one week after he failed to qualify for the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on the streets of Chicago. Wright’s performance in his first year behind the wheel […]

Published

30 minutes ago

July 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Wright’s performance in his first year behind the wheel of the No. 5 Chevrolet was a far cry from what the team had gotten last year out of Anthony Alfredo, who placed 17th in the championship standings with seven top 10 finishes, including two in the top four.

Wright posted just three top 23 finishes in the first 19 races, and he had four DNFs less than halfway into the season. Alfredo had four DNFs all of last year.

Our Motorsports out before Brickyard race

The team called upon Kaz Grala to replace Wright behind the wheel of the No. 5 car for this past weekend’s race at Dover Motor Speedway. However, they neglected to make any further confirmation.

And so before Grala even took the green flag, they confirmed the inevitable: they would be shutting down following the Dover race, which Grala ended up finishing in 31st.

The team had competed full-time in the Xfinity Series since 2020, fielding cars for both full-time drivers and part-time drivers along the way, but now they have officially closed their doors ahead of this weekend’s Pennzoil 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Their unfortunate decision to leave the sport before Saturday’s race at the Brickyard should serve as yet another stark warning to NASCAR teams across all series that money ultimately cannot buy race results.

Tune in to the CW Network at 4:30 p.m. ET this Saturday, July 26 for the live broadcast of the Pennzoil 250 from Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Begin a free trial of FuboTV now and don’t miss any of the NASCAR Xfinity Series action from the Brickyard!

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Motorsports

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Feels the Pressure as JR Motorsports Closes in on 100 Wins: “I Don’t Want to Miss It”

Owning a NASCAR team is like having a child. You want to be there for all the high points of its life. That’s why Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a little nervous right now. He has several family events coming up that he has to attend, he emphasizes. But there’s a family event of another sort […]

Published

51 minutes ago

July 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

But there’s a family event of another sort that Junior would absolutely kick himself for missing, namely, the 100th Xfinity Series win in JR Motorsports’ history. JRM also has two prior wins when it fielded a truck in 2015-16.

JRM has 99 Xfinity wins to date heading into Saturday’s big race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Junior plans on being there, but right afterward, he’s off to a one-week family vacation in Florida, which could potentially prevent him from attending the next race on the Xfinity schedule: next Saturday at Iowa.

When Junior and wife Amy were making vacation plans back in early spring, they felt they had a significant cushion to plan a summer week away. But they obviously weren’t planning that their team would rack up 11 wins thus far this season among six drivers. And there’s still 13 races left.

Not that they’re complaining, mind you. This has been the second-most successful season wins-wise for JRM since its founding back in 2005. Their record is 15 wins in 2022.

With their daughters preparing for school, the Earnhardts have only a few off weeks left. That’s why they have no choice but to go to Florida next week. While sister and JRM co-owner Kelley Earnhardt Miller will be on hand for No. 100, Dale Jr. is starting to sweat that he’ll miss the milestone victory.

“I’m nervous ’cause there’s some weekends I can’t be there,” Junior said on this week’s Bless Your ‘Hardt podcast. “Don’t know how to feel about that.”

Amy replied, “I feel like you should be fine in the next few weeks to be there. The chances are high it’ll happen in the next few weeks.”

To which Junior replied, “I mean, Indy’s this weekend. If we do it there, if we do it this weekend, I’m there. Next weekend, we’re out of town. And then it’s like out of town, out of town, out of town. So, we’ll see.

“I think Watkins Glen (9th August), we’ve got a great shot with Connor (Zilisch) and we should have some firepower in the team that weekend. I can get there. We’re spending that week here at the beach, but I could shoot up there for the day to see that race.”

Amy replied that she doesn’t want her husband to miss No. 100, but Junior quipped, “No, I don’t want to miss it, but some of the stuff, I ain’t got a choice but to be at these other things. Not sure how to handle that. They’re going to be like, ‘Where’s he at? Why ain’t he here?’”

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Motorsports

CW Sports Goes Bananas With NASCAR And Baseball Crossover

KANSAS CITY, KS – MAY 06: Split, the mascot of the Savannah Bananas dances before the start of a … More banana ball game against the the Kansas City Monarchs at Legends Field on Friday, May 6, 2022 in Kansas City, KS. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Los Angeles Times via […]

Published

52 minutes ago

July 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

KANSAS CITY, KS – MAY 06: Split, the mascot of the Savannah Bananas dances before the start of a … More banana ball game against the the Kansas City Monarchs at Legends Field on Friday, May 6, 2022 in Kansas City, KS. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

While most of the attention in NASCAR broadcasting this season has gone to the Cup Series—with all eyes on Amazon Prime’s flashy debut—a different kind of network has quietly been using the NASCAR Xfinity Series to rewrite the rules of sports television. And frankly, it’s doing it with a lot more guts, and just the right amount of bananas.

Enter The CW.

Yes, that CW—the one that grew out of the smoldering remains of the WB and UPN in 2006. For years, it was a haven for capes, teenage angst, and endless spin-offs from the DC Comics multiverse. The Flash, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow—they all had a home there.

It wasn’t exactly a profitable few years for the network, so The CW’s new owners at Nexstar decided it was time to chart a new course. Gone were superheroes and teenage dramas. They were replaced by unscripted programs, game shows, and—perhaps most surprisingly—a full-on charge into the world of live sports. But not just any sports. The CW Sports didn’t pick up NFL rights or chase March Madness. No, they went rogue, became a disruptor of sorts.

They signed deals with LIV Golf. Then WWE’s NXT. Then the AVP (beach volleyball), the PBA (bowling), and most recently, professional bull riding. If there’s a sport too wild, weird, or off-brand for the legacy networks, chances are The CW is giving it a primetime slot.

Signing NASCAR’s Xfinity series last year made perfect sense for the network. It was a smart move. The Xfinity Series audience is loyal and deeply engaged—just the kind of fanbase a network with big sports ambitions could rally around.

A Savannah Bananas and CW-themed No. 99 Chevrolet, driven by Matt DiBenedetto, will be on-track … More during the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, July 26.

Viking Motorsports

But then came a twist a few months after the deal was announced. Originally set to begin broadcasting NASCAR Xfinity Series races starting in 2025, The CW didn’t wait. They jumped the green flag, taking over race coverage in September 2024.

Next up on The CW? Baseball. But not the kind of baseball that gently hums Take Me Out to the Ballgame. This is Banana Ball—the high-octane, choreographed, TikTok-dominating, foul-ball-caught-by-a-fan-is-an-out baseball circus that’s selling out stadiums and redefining what a “game” actually is. Think Harlem Globetrotters meet Jackass, played in cleats.

And NASCAR fans will be getting a glimpse of it Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The CW and the Savannah Bananas have partnered with Viking Motorsports to bring the spirit of Banana Ball to the track. The No. 99 Chevrolet, driven by Matt DiBenedetto, will carry a full Savannah Bananas and CW-themed livery in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway—a high-speed billboard for the team’s live broadcast debut the very next day.

Since their inception in 2016 the Savannah Bananas have turned baseball on its head. With choreographed dances, celebratory antics, flaming bats (yes, literal flaming bats), and a firm commitment to entertaining the crowd first and worrying about the score later, the Bananas have become a cultural phenomenon. With over 9.8 million followers on TikTok, they’ve surpassed every team in MLB, NFL, NBA, and NHL, and yes even NASCAR, in social reach. And every game at their home field, Savannah’s historic Grayson Stadium, has sold out since day one.

Just the kind of chaos The CW seems built for.

“These guys are fun, and we consider ourselves that way,” said Mike Perman, Senior Vice President of CW Sports. “We’re trying to grow the network from a sports perspective and reach younger demos. We just felt like this would align—it would be something fun.”

Perman said the Bananas were a perfect match for a network with a strategy built around bold, unconventional moves. “We had heard ESPN was about to do a deal, and we figured if they’re looking, we should move fast. Our president Brad Schwartz has always leaned into creative risks, and Banana Ball just fits that mold.”

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 13, 2024: The Savannah Bananas perform after a game against the Firefighters … More at Nationals Park on July 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Diamond Images/Getty Images

And it’s more than just a gimmick. Perman emphasized that, while the Bananas bring energy and antics, it’s still competitive sport. “The players are really good athletes. The games still matter. The rules may be different, but they still have to perform. It’s not just a show—it’s competition with a twist.”

Perman also confirmed that this isn’t just a one-off. “We’ve done cross-promotions before with WWE talent at NASCAR races, and we’re doing the same here. Matt DiBenedetto will throw out the ceremonial first banana at the game in Philly on Sunday. We even turned our logo yellow this week—we’re calling it Banana Palooza.”

Sunday, the Bananas make their broadcast television debut live from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. A sold-out crowd of more than 40,000 will be on hand as the Bananas take on the Texas Tailgaters. DiBenedetto, fresh off Saturday’s race, will trade his firesuit for a jersey and throw out the ceremonial first pitch—connecting the dots between motorsport mayhem and baseball bedlam.

What began as a midseason NASCAR promotion might just be the blueprint for how The CW plans to tie its sports properties together and continue being the disruptor. One flaming bat, one painted racecar, and one national broadcast at a time.

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Motorsports

Online creator fosters community at Motorsports events – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic

SPEEDWAY, Ind (WISH) — An online content creator is setting the pace for women at the race track, bringing her series of fan meetups to NASCAR for the first time this weekend at the Brickyard 400. Armed with a wrist full of friendship bracelets and the desire to meet more, Sarah Offenbach started to host […]

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1 hour ago

July 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

SPEEDWAY, Ind (WISH) — An online content creator is setting the pace for women at the race track, bringing her series of fan meetups to NASCAR for the first time this weekend at the Brickyard 400.

Armed with a wrist full of friendship bracelets and the desire to meet more, Sarah Offenbach started to host meetups at IndyCar races last season.

Online, she goes by “Offey on Track.” A year and a half later she has nearly five thousand followers across different platforms and dozens of new friends in person.

She grew up around motorsports, and later married a racing engineer.

Offenbach spends a lot of time at racetracks supporting her husband. She took that time and her passion to start posting motorsports content online.

Along the way, she was waitlisted for tickets to Taylor Swift‘s Eras Tour.

“I knew that I would miss out on the connection of trading the friendship bracelets,” Offenbach said. “So I brought friendship bracelets to a race and started passing them out just to whoever … a lot of guys were like, I don’t know what to do with this.”

Those connections turned into friendships. While she admits she didn’t set out to create a women-focused community — it quickly became one.

Now her meetups are a staple for many on race weekends.

She says the goal is to create a safe space to continue to grow the sport that she loves.

“That is very important to me, making sure everyone feels welcome and kind of teaching new fans, the ropes and how welcoming the community is. There are people that look like you and love this sport and are interested in being involved in the sport.”

As her husband’s career shifts gears, she’s now at more NASCAR races.

Other fans are stepping in to host meetups at the IndyCar events she can’t attend.

Chloe Amaro first met Offenbach at the St. Pete Grand Prix at one of her events. This weekend, she helped organize a meetup this weekend at the Monterry Grand Prix.

She says it’s great to see fans embrace the community they’ve created.

“We had somebody comment on a TikTok that said, like, ‘Hey, I’m going with my mom this weekend. Like, can I bring my mom?” Amora said. “‘Bring mom. We love moms. Come hang out.”

It’s a movement Offenbach hopes can continue to race forward for all.

“It warms my heart that there’s something people look forward to, other than just the race,” Offenbach said. “It’s a community aspect of it.”

This week, “Offey on Track” is hosting her first meetup at a NASCAR race for the Brickyard 400. It’s Sunday at 11 a.m. on Pagoda Plaza.”