Motorsports

How motorsports are driving economic growth in Alabama’s capital

In the heart of Alabama, two motorsports venues roar with more than just engines – they generate real economic horsepower for the River Region. While Montgomery continues to grapple with challenges in crime, education and development, it’s worth shining a light on two institutions that have quietly and consistently contributed to the local economy and […]

Published

3 weeks ago

May 6, 2025

Your Sports Nation

In the heart of Alabama, two motorsports venues roar with more than just engines – they generate real economic horsepower for the River Region.

While Montgomery continues to grapple with challenges in crime, education and development, it’s worth shining a light on two institutions that have quietly and consistently contributed to the local economy and community: Montgomery Motor Speedway and Montgomery International Dragway.

Established in 1953, Montgomery Motor Speedway is Alabama’s oldest active racing track. Its legendary half-mile oval has hosted icons like Bobby Allison and Richard Petty. Today, it remains a regional hotspot, with events like the “Show Me the Money Pro Late Model Series” drawing dozens of drivers and fans from across the Southeast.

A short drive away, the Montgomery International Dragway (formerly Capital City Motorsports Park) is experiencing a revival under new ownership. Major facility upgrades and a renewed event calendar – including the 2024 WDRA Summit Sportsman World Championships – are helping put the dragway back on the national radar.

Together, these two venues serve as hubs for both amateur and professional motorsports. More importantly, they attract visitors – and dollars – to Montgomery.

According to the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, the region’s tourism sector supports over 10,000 direct jobs and 35,000 indirect ones. Visitors spend an average of $530 per day per travel party, contributing more than $1.9 million daily in lodging, food, fuel and taxes.

While state-funded tourism campaigns often focus on historical landmarks and Southern cuisine, motorsports events are steadily carving out a loyal – and lucrative – fan base. Hotel bookings spike during race weekends. Restaurants see increased foot traffic. Gas stations and auto shops benefit too. Even local law enforcement and emergency services play a role, building stronger public-private partnerships.

In recent years, Montgomery has experienced a disturbing rise in illegal street racing and reckless driving. One tragic example occurred in 2017 when Ladarius Laffitte, racing another vehicle at speeds approaching 150 mph on Vaughn Road, crashed into an oncoming car – killing a mother and her two young children.

Rather than trying to legislate street racing out of existence, Montgomery leaders should embrace motorsports as a tool to redirect that energy into safe, sanctioned environments.

Three Ways Montgomery Can Use Motorsports to Curb Street Racing

1. City-Backed “Race Nights” for At-Risk Youth
Partner with the Montgomery Police Department and community organizations to sponsor monthly “Race Safe” nights – legal, supervised opportunities for young drivers to race at the drag strip. Similar initiatives, like Houston’s “Take It to the Track,” have led to measurable declines in street racing incidents.

2. Youth and Technical Education Programs
Collaborate with local schools, trade programs, and the Alabama Community College System to host vocational events and automotive camps. These programs can introduce teens to the technical side of racing – from engine tuning to safety mechanics – while building marketable skills in a high-demand industry.

3. Public Awareness Campaigns and Incentives
Launch a city-backed campaign that promotes responsible driving, featuring local racers as spokespeople. Offer discounts on race admission for those who report illegal racing activity or participate in awareness programs. Engaging car clubs in the process builds trust and shows respect for their passion – channeled through the right venues.

Too often, local governments invent new solutions while ignoring what’s already working. Montgomery doesn’t need another expensive sports complex or underperforming anti-violence initiative. It already has two powerful engines of change.

Montgomery Motor Speedway and Montgomery International Dragway can – and should – be central to a new strategy that blends economic development with community safety.

I urge city leaders to promote these venues with the same energy they give to cornhole tournaments and pickleball courts. With vision, leadership, and a little creativity, Montgomery can embrace its motorsports legacy to drive forward a safer, more prosperous future.

Sometimes, all it takes is the courage to think outside the box – and to listen a little closer to the roar of the engines.

Jason Davenport is a digital media consultant and owner of the independent digital radio station xloungeradio.com. He can be reached at [email protected].

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].

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Motorsports

Why NASCAR Fans Oppose the Sport Entering Its Own Car

What’s Happening? On Thursday, a new report revealed one of the most important stories of this young NASCAR season. The report claimed that NASCAR CEO Jim France was planning to fund a car to be entered by Spire Motorsports at Sonoma Raceway this summer. Though this is no longer happening, the gravity of this news […]

Published

14 minutes ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

What’s Happening?

On Thursday, a new report revealed one of the most important stories of this young NASCAR season. The report claimed that NASCAR CEO Jim France was planning to fund a car to be entered by Spire Motorsports at Sonoma Raceway this summer. Though this is no longer happening, the gravity of this news should not be overlooked.

What’s Happening?

Thursday morning, a shocking report revealed that NASCAR owner Jim France almost entered a car for the upcoming Cup…

The initial report from Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic claimed that Jim France, the CEO of NASCAR and a member of NASCAR’s founding family, was going to team up with Spire Motorsports to enter a fourth car for the July 13 race at Sonoma Raceway.

It is important to note that Spire would have owned this ‘open’ car, not the NASCAR CEO, with France supplying the funding. The report also stated that France was initially interested in entering the car through Hendrick Motorsports; however, NASCAR’s four-car limit in the NASCAR Cup Series prevented this.

France’s plans were even far enough along that Jack Aitken, a winner in IMSA, was the planned driver. However, France has put his plan aside as, according to the initial report, “Many in the garage were uncomfortable with the idea of competing against someone who also owned the series, given the potential conflict of interest.”

Nonetheless, the reaction to this news in the NASCAR community was no different than that of those in the garage area. Many fans were concerned about what this plan, had it gone through, could have led to in the future.

A Conflict of Interest?

A Racing Series owner entering a race team in their series is nothing new to motorsports. For example, Roger Penske owns not only his NTT INDYCAR series team but also Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the NTT INDYCAR Series itself.

France is no stranger to such conflicts of interest himself. Though he is part of IMSA’s ownership, the 80-year-old NASCAR CEO also owns Action Express Racing, the team Jack Aitken drives for in IMSA. Furthermore, rumors have been circulating that members of the France family have been interested in owning a NASCAR Cup Series team, along with a charter, since last fall.

In early September, a now-confirmed rumor spread that members of the France family could own a charter and enter cars in NASCAR as part of the new NASCAR Charter Agreement. This new provision in the NASCAR Charter Agreement was immediately met with backlash from fans.

What’s Happening?

Seemingly forgotten in NASCAR’s charter negotiations is the rumor that NASCAR wants to own a charter and field entries…

Why Does This Matter?

For the majority of NASCAR’s history, those in the NASCAR offices stayed out of the garage area as owners. Though he wouldn’t have owned the car, fans and perhaps some teams are worried that France’s funding of the car could lead to NASCAR’s first family owning a team at some point.

That scenario alone would open up a Pandora’s box of conflicts of interest in the garage area. INDYCAR fans are no strangers to this, as during Roger Penske’s reign of ownership, his team has been at the center of several controversies.

However, it’s not that the Frances would be out to rig races for their team or even show any bias towards their potential team. It’s the fact that owning a team would create an existing conflict of interest, something that could likely only further drive a wedge between the sport’s ownership and team owners.

To make matters all the more interesting, according to the initial report, the idea of doing this could still happen this season as Aitken’s schedule opens up for two road courses. But if the France family has learned anything from this, staying away from the ownership side of the garage area, even if it wasn’t their car, might be the best thing to do going forward.

What’s Happening?

On Wednesday Morning, Team Penske announced the “departure” of several executives, including Tim Cindric, a long-time staple of the…

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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Motorsports

Nashville NASCAR Practice Groups / Qualifying Order

Related Ryan Rantz President, founder and visionary of “ifantasyrace.com, the way you fantasy race”. Follow me on Twitter and LIKE my Facebook page. Fantasy NASCAR Scouting Report – Michigan Truck Series Nashville Practice Speeds and 10 Lap Averages Link 0

Published

16 minutes ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Ryan Rantz

President, founder and visionary of “ifantasyrace.com, the way you fantasy race”. Follow me on Twitter and LIKE my Facebook page.

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Motorsports

Rain Washes Out White Mountain Motorsports Park, Again

Rain Washes Out White Mountain Motorsports Park, Again – RaceDayCT.com We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Manage consent Copyright 2018 E-Media Sports Website Designed by Thirty Marketing […]

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30 minutes ago

May 31, 2025

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Rain Washes Out White Mountain Motorsports Park, Again – RaceDayCT.com

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Motorsports

NASCAR on Prime Heads to Nashville Superspeedway for Second Race of 2025 Campaign – Speedway Digest

After an incredible debut, NASCAR on Prime heads to Nashville for its second race of the 2025 campaign with the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway. Ahead of the green flag, host Danielle Trotta, alongside NASCAR Hall-of-Famer Carl Edwards and current Cup Series Driver Corey LaJoie, kick off the coverage beginning at 6:30 PM ET. […]

Published

31 minutes ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

After an incredible debut, NASCAR on Prime heads to Nashville for its second race of the 2025 campaign with the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway.

Ahead of the green flag, host Danielle Trotta, alongside NASCAR Hall-of-Famer Carl Edwards and current Cup Series Driver Corey LaJoie, kick off the coverage beginning at 6:30 PM ET. Joined by NASCAR on Prime analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr. for select segments, the all-star announce crew present the following from the heart of the action, right next to Victory Lane:

“Concrete Carl,” breaks down the secret to racing on concrete surface as he returns to a track where he won six times
The crew relives last season’s thrilling five-overtime finish in Nashville, where Joey Logano ultimately captured the checkered flag
Steve Letarte once again serves up some wisdom to his new puppet pals at a local watering hole
Our team talks to the drivers as they prepare for the race under the lights

Starting last Sunday with the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Prime Video will exclusively stream five consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races to conclude the first half of the season. Adam Alexander serves as race announcer alongside analysts Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve Letarte in the booth, with Trevor Bayne, Kim Coon, and Marty Snider patrolling pit road. Danielle Trotta hosts Prime Video’s on-site studio coverage, joined by analysts Carl Edwards and Corey LaJoie.

Fans in the U.S. will be able to watch NASCAR live at home or on the go, and across hundreds of compatible devices, streaming from the web, or using the Prime Video app on smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, game consoles, and connected TVs. For a complete list of compatible devices, visit amazon.com/howtostream. If you’re not a Prime member yet, join today or start a free 30-day trial.

NASCAR on Prime Remaining Cup Series Schedule (All times ET).

Sunday, June 1: NASCAR Cup Series Race at Nashville Superspeedway — 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 8: Firekeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway — 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: NASCAR Cup Series Race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City — 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 22: NASCAR Cup Series Race at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania — 1:00 p.m.

Amazon Prime PR

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Motorsports

Kirkwood fastest in Detroit Grand Prix practice after nudge from Power

Detroit — Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global Racing took the No. 1 spot in Friday’s practice to start the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix weekend. The opening practice featured some controversy with Will Power of Team Penske using his No. 12 Chevrolet to give Kirkwood a tush-push, then getting around his No. 27 Honda. It’s a […]

Published

47 minutes ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Detroit — Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global Racing took the No. 1 spot in Friday’s practice to start the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix weekend.

The opening practice featured some controversy with Will Power of Team Penske using his No. 12 Chevrolet to give Kirkwood a tush-push, then getting around his No. 27 Honda.

It’s a huge weekend with Chevrolet being the race sponsor and needing a win in the Motor City, especially since they are 0-for-6 in races this season. Alex Palou has won five times in Honda power for Ganassi Racing and Kirkwood winning at Long Beach.

It’s also important for Team Penske drivers since the organization was involved in a cheating scandal during qualifying for the Indianapolis 500, costing team president Tim Cindric and two others their jobs. Power and his teammates Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden all struggled in the Indy 500 with McLaughlin crashing in the warm-up lap and Power finishing 19th and Newgarden 22nd.

Power talked about his push of Kirkwood, saying: “I felt since I touched him, I should just keep pushing him so I could get a gap.”

Kirkwood, who was involved in an incident with A.J. Foyt driver Santino Ferrucci in last year’s practice, simply said: “I don’t care. I’m not upset. I’m P1 anyway. The track is not big enough (for 20-car field). He got frustrated and pushed me.”

Kirkwood topped the field, going around the nine-turn, 1.7-mile temporary street course in 1.01.750 with McLaughlin second (1.02.03), followed by Power (1.02.386) and Newgarden (1.02.481).

David Malukas of A.J. Foyt Racing had a first-hand look at Power and Kirkwood going at it, saying: “It was cool to see him (Power) push him (Kirkwood), and then see him (Kirkwood) throw his arm out, like to say, ‘What the hell is going on.’”

Lundgaard of Aaron McLaren was fifth fastest (1.02.604), followed by Kirkwood’s teammate Colton Herta (1.02.614).

Alex Palou, who has won five of the first six races for Chip Ganassi Racing, wasn’t among the top 10 in practice, finishing 15th in the 20-car field, and having to go in a runoff after locking up his brakes and missing a corner on one lap.

Malukas said he jumped into a simulator to run 100 laps to get ready for this weekend, especially since the series is going from an oval to a bumpy, tight street course.

“Thankfully I went on a simulator and went 100 laps because it’s so technical and the margin for error is very small,” Malukas said. “Turn 1 looks inviting, wide in the entrance and very tight on exit, and then the bumps are mid to out and that takes you to a wall.”

Sounds like a recipe for an accident or two or at least a tush-push in the days ahead.

Qualifying is set for Saturday at 12:20 p.m., with the race Sunday at 12:30.

Young gun Palou exhausted

Chip Ganassi driver Alex Palou is the young gun of the Indy Car series, already winning three series championships and well on the way to his fourth.

Palou, 28, is coming off an Indianapolis 500 win and flew into Detroit exhausted.

“I’m tired, exhausted, but it was the best moments of my life,” said Palou when he arrived in Detroit Thursday afternoon. “I went to the Pacers game on Sunday night (following 500 win), then flew to New York (for Monday and Tuesday) where I had a lot of events, doing media, then getting the chance to see the Empire State Building and Times Square.

“Now, it’s on to Detroit where I won the first time on the new track. It’s a very demanding track, narrow and bumpy where you have to stay out of trouble to have a chance at winning.”

Palou got his DHL No. 10 Honda on the nine-turn, 1.7-mile temporary street course down the streets of downtown on Friday afternoon for practice to prepare for Sunday’s Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix.

Palou wasn’t at his best either, finishing 15th fastest, locking up his brakes on one lap, forcing him to the runoff lane.

The event moved from Belle Isle to the downtown track two years ago and Palou quickly mastered the bumpy, narrow and short course to reach Victory Lane.

Palou has won series championships in 2021, ’23 and ’24 and is the first driver since A.J. Foyt (1979) to win five of the first six races to start a season this year.

While Palou is the king of the young guns, he has a lot of competition, led by 26-year-old Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren, 25-year-old Colton Herta of Andretti Global, 26-year-old Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global, 23-year-old Christian Lundgaard of Arrow McLaren, 23-year-old David Malukas of A.J. Foyt Racing and 26-year-old Santino Ferrucci, Malukas’ teammate.

O’Ward has seven career wins during his six seasons with Arrow McLaren, winning three races and finishing fifth in points last year.

O’Ward has earned 194 points this season, a distant second to Palou with Kirkwood, who won at Long Beach, third (180) and Lundgaard, fourth at 177.

O’Ward has consistently run up front in the past few races, finishing sixth at Alabama, third in the Indy Grand Prix and third in the Indy 500.

Herta started in the series as a teenager, then joined Michael Andretti’s organization where he quickly made a name for himself in 2020 when he had seven top 5s, including a win at Mid-Ohio to place third in points.

Herta was runnerup to Palou in the battle for the championship last season with wins at Toronto and Nashville. He has struggled this season where he heads into this weekend ninth in points.

Lundgaard is having a brilliant season in his first year at Arrow McLaren after spending his first four years in the series with Rahal Lettermen, owning three podiums (top three finishes).

Ferrucci finished last season on a high note, placing fourth in both races in a doubleheader in Milwaukee and sixth in Nashville to finish ninth in points.

Ferrucci showed his grit and competitiveness in last year’s Detroit Grand Prix, getting into numerous battles with Kirkwood and Herta in practice and qualifying, ultimately finishing ninth in the race.

Malukas, in his first year of driving for Foyt, has struggled in the five road and street course races with his best finish of 13th in St. Petersburg IndyNXT.

Now, it’s time to watch rookies Louis Foster and Jacob Abel with the 21-year-old Foster winning the Indy NXT title last season and the 24-year-old Abel finishing second.

Foster is now competing in the big show for Rahal Letterman, running in the No. 45 Honda with Abel in the No. 51 Honda for Dale Coyne Racing.

Detroit’s Allaer grew up as hockey fan

Detroit native Nolan Allaer had no intention of being an IndyCar driver when he was in grade school or middle school, but everything changed when he was in high school and hopped in a simulator and fell in love with auto racing.

Allaer, 23, was born in Detroit, but his family moved to Tampa Bay, where his father got a job with the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, when he was 2.

Allaer grew up a hockey fan and when his family moved back to Michigan in 2016, he attended Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, and one day got into a simulator where he put in impressive times.

His father, Robert, was a driver — a two-time SCCA National Champion — and told Nolan that if he got within two-tenths of his time he would let him drive his race car for a graduation gift.

Allaer reached his goal, and made the most of his opportunity which led him to winning the Formula F championship. He is now driving the No. 11 for HMD Motorsports in the Indy NXT series — the AAA of the IndyCar series — where he will be competing in Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. race in his Martini-banded livery sponsored car with National Coney Island and Faygo as additional sponsors.

“I loved it, but never dreamed of being a race car driver,” said Allaer on his start in simulators. “Then, I got my start, always thinking this will be the last time I will be in a race car.”

Allaer did get into racing in the Florida Karting series in his younger years, but said at the time he despised the sport because of the pressure he felt.

Now, Allaer enjoys the pressure of sitting in his NXT series car where he will try to move up the ladder after sitting 20th in points after five races with a top showing of 16th in the Indy Grand Prix.

Allaer finished 12th out of 20 cars in Saturday’s practice.

dgoricki@detroitnews.com

Detroit Grand Prix

Where: Temporary street course, downtown Detroit

Main event: IndyCar Series Detroit Grand Prix, Sunday, 12:30 p.m. (Fox)

Support races: Saturday – IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, 3:40 p.m. Sunday – Indy NXT, 10:30 a.m.

Tickets/information: detroitgp.com

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Motorsports

NASCAR Truck Series Qualifying Today: Nashville start times, schedule and how to watch live on TV

The 2025 NASCAR Truck Series hits Nashville Superspeedway on Friday, May 30, for qualifying ahead of the Rackley Roofing 200. Last time out, the Truck Series raced at Concord to follow up the All-Star Weekend, with Corey Heim winning the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 after sweeping the stage wins too. READ MORE: NASCAR Race […]

Published

48 minutes ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The 2025 NASCAR Truck Series hits Nashville Superspeedway on Friday, May 30, for qualifying ahead of the Rackley Roofing 200.

Last time out, the Truck Series raced at Concord to follow up the All-Star Weekend, with Corey Heim winning the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 after sweeping the stage wins too.

READ MORE: NASCAR Race Today: Truck Series at Nashville start times, schedule and how to watch live on TV

With that dominant win, Heim continues to lead the way in the Truck Series standings heading to Nashville this weekend.

The No. 11 driver has a 100-point advantage over Chandler Smith in second, whilst Daniel Hemric, Tyler Ankrum and Grant Enfinger sit third, fourth and fifth respectively.

With that said, let’s get into all the details you need to know ahead of Friday’s qualifying action!

READ MORE: NASCAR penalty appeal has massive impact on Cup Series playoffs

NASCAR Truck Series: Nashvilla qualifying start times

NASCAR Truck Series qualifying Nashville Superspeedway starts on Friday, May 23, at 5:10 pm ET. You can find the start time converted to your local city and time zone below.

City (Time Zone)	Session start time
New York, NY (ET)	5:10 PM
Charlotte, NC (ET)	5:10 PM
Columbia, SC (ET)	5:10 PM
Charleston, WV (ET)	5:10 PM
Augusta, ME (ET)	5:10 PM
Chicago, IL (CT)	4:10 PM
Pierre, SD (CT)	4:10 PM
Nashville, TN (CT)	4:10 PM
Des Moines, IA (CT)	4:10 PM
Montgomery, AL (CT)	4:10 PM
Mexico City, MX (CT)	4:10 PM
Denver, CO (MT)	3:10 PM
Salt Lake City, UT (MT)	3:10 PM
Albuquerque, NM (MT)	3:10 PM
El Paso, TX (MT)	3:10 PM
Los Angeles, CA (PT)	2:10 PM
Las Vegas, NV (PT)	2:10 PM
Seattle, WA (PT)	2:10 PM
Portland, OR (PT)	2:10 PM
San Francisco, CA (PT)	2:10 PM