Behind the scenes, work is already in full swing at all engine manufacturers for 2026, with Red Bull Powertrains and Ford no exception. Mark Rushbrook, boss of Ford Motorsport and Ford Performance, already stated that most internal goals are being met, although he emphasised that it’s impossible to hit all milestones straightaway. Rushbrook also acknowledged that the competition is difficult to gauge, although he shares Christian Horner’s view that Mercedes seems confident.

An equally significant variable for next year, as much as the competition, is the future of Max Verstappen. Although the Dutchman has a contract with Red Bull that runs until the end of 2028, his future remains a major talking point. The four-time world champion has been linked to Mercedes on many occasions – with Toto Wolff admitting in Zandvoort that talks were held until last year’s summer break – and Verstappen has also been linked to Aston Martin, where Adrian Newey is designing the 2026 car and Honda will join as engine supplier.

Verstappen is an important figurehead for Red Bull, and therefore Ford, but Rushbrook makes it clear that Ford’s commitment to the project is not dependent on one individual.

“Everywhere we race we want to have the best team with the best drivers and the best people. But did we sign the deal for any one person in particular? No, because we know that it’s a long-term deal and that those people are going to change. We knew that about Christian Horner, about Adrian Newey, about the drivers and some of them have changed already before we even got on the racetrack,” Rushbrook refers to Newey and Sergio Perez.

“Do we want to see Max stay in the Red Bull-Ford for 2026 and beyond? Of course. He’s a champion. He’s a great person and he elevates the entire team with him, but are we going to run away if Max leaves the team? No. We are committed.”

Red Bull Ford Powertrains

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

When asked if he fears Verstappen could leave the team, Rushbrooks smiles: “You like to use the word fear, don’t you? Again, I wouldn’t call it a fear, but we want to take the right actions to make sure that the team with Red Bull Powertrains-Ford continues to win races. As I said, all the people in the programme are an important part of that. So do you take actions to keep a driver like Max in there? You’re already taking those actions anyway because you want to win, but do you also keep a pulse on the people? Of course, so I guess the answer is yes [that we’d like to keep him].”

This is naturally because Rushbrook understands how important Verstappen is for the current competitiveness of the team, in both the drivers’ and the constructors’ championship. “He’s a champion for a reason. Obviously his talent, but also that he wants every part of the team and the programme to be the best it can be.”

Is the current Red Bull form reason for concern?

The bigger picture is that Rushbrook said last year that Ford wants to work with the best teams in all championships it takes part in. At the start of last season, Red Bull was still the dominant force in F1, but this is no longer the case. Is that a concerning prospect for the Blue Oval brand?

“We know that in all forms of motorsports, but especially in Formula 1, there are dynasties of teams that just win, win, and win. But then they go through spells where they don’t, so there’s always that ebb and flow. Do we want Red Bull to still be winning races at the end of last year and this year? Of course, but we know that the team still has great people who are capable of winning consistently.”

Having said that, the 2026 regulations will be the first major technical overhaul in Red Bull’s history that has to be taken on without Adrian Newey. It is another unknown, but Rushbrook makes clear that he has full confidence in the technical team that remains in place. “The feeling is still the same. A few weeks ago, we were in Milton Keynes and met with Pierre Wache and all the technical people. We still believe in the people, in the team that is there and in their ability to win races.”

​It’s the unofficial kickoff to summer with the Victoria Day long weekend now just a day away, and Toronto Motorsports Park is ready to welcome thousands through the gate.

The Victoria Day Weekend Spectacular kicks off on Friday and runs until Sunday, and offers no shortage of attractions for all types of racing lovers.

Race Director Neale Armstrong says there’s nothing like drag racing, and says the park is better than ever.

When it comes to the lineup of vehicles taking to the drag strip, there’s no shortage of variety there either.

Armstrong says no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it.

Outside of his title as Race Director, Armstrong also races himself as he sits behind the wheel of the Northern Warrior Jet Dragster, which boasts a jet engine.

He says it doesn’t take long to make it through a quarter mile.

Passes can be purchased for individual days, or as a weekend bundle for Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Toronto Motorsports Park’s website.

(Written by: Matt Latour)

​

CLAREMONT, N.H. — Claremont Motorsports Park is set to ignite Memorial Day Weekend with an action-packed doubleheader, featuring two nights of adrenaline-fueled racing as part of the NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Weekly Racing Series.

The excitement begins on Friday night, May 23, with the ASETEX Tire and Auto 604 Modifieds, Outlaw Late Models, R.E. Hinkley Super Streets, Lavalley Building Supply Pure Stocks, and the J.P.’s Trucking Ridge Runners taking to the track. Fans will also be treated to a special appearance by the Junior Champ 206 class from the Claremont Karting Series, showcasing the next generation of racing talent.

The high-octane action continues on Sunday, May 25, when MDP Motorsports Promotions presents Day 2 of the weekend with another full slate of stock car action. The Granite State Pro Stock Series will return to where it all began 14 years ago with a 125 Laps Main event paying S4,000 to the winner. Co-highlighting the day will be the inaugural Todd Martel Memorial for the R.E. Hinkley Super Streets going the distance of 60 laps with $2,000 going to the winner. 

“Todd was a staple around the speedway for years weather [SIC] it was as a car owner or overseeing the infield crew , the speedway and his family all wanted to do something in his honor Todd,” said Mike Parks, general manager.

This event will be round one of the Summer Six Pack Series. Rounding out the card will be the Lavalley Building Supply Pure Stocks, Six Shooters and our first four-cylinder Enduro of the 2025 season.

“Memorial Day Weekend is always a special time at Claremont Motorsports Park, and this doubleheader is the perfect way to celebrate,” Parks said. “We’re thrilled to bring fans two nights of unforgettable racing and the chance to see the stars of tomorrow in the Junior Champ 206 class.”

For more information, visit claremontmotorsportspark.com.

INDIANAPOLIS – Fox Sports is continuing its crossover with IndyCar by featuring two iconic athletes in the “Fastest Seat in Sports” at this year’s Indianapolis 500.

The “Fastest Seat in Sports” is a specially designed two-seat Indy car that takes ceremonial laps ahead of IndyCar races. This marks the first time since 2019 that the two-seater will lead the field before the Indy 500.

Tom Brady, Jimmie Johnson will lead Indy 500

Behind the wheel will be none other than seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, teaming up with NFL analyst and former quarterback Tom Brady.

What they’re saying:

Johnson, who has 29 IndyCar starts under his belt, shared his excitement with FOX Sports.

“I love the Indy 500,” Johnson shared. “There is an energy and excitement around the 500 that is unlike anything I have experienced before.

FILE: #6: Nolan Siegel, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet prior to the NTT IndyCar Series 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 14, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Credit: Michael L. Levitt/Lumen via Getty Images)

He added: “Certainly, pre-race ceremonies are the ultimate racing experience that I’ve had outside of the car. I’m thrilled to be a part of the program and to see the stands full one more time. I’m extremely honored to come back and do it and to be able to also share this experience with another seven-time champion.”

How to watch ‘Fastest Seat in Sports’

What’s next:

Fox Sports is in its first year as IndyCar’s broadcast partner and has vowed to make the Indianapolis 500 its biggest televised event of the year. 

It kicked off the season with baseball analyst Alex Rodriguez in the Fastest Seat in Sports at the opener in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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The 2025 Indy 500 race will be broadcast on FOX and available to be streamed live on the FOX Sports website and the FOX Sports App. 

The ride will occur just before the green flag, scheduled for 12:45 p.m. Eastern on May 25. The FOX coverage of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 begins at 10 a.m. Eastern.

Jimmy Johnson, Tom Brady’s careers

Dig deeper:

Johnson, who transitioned to IndyCar for two seasons after retiring from NASCAR, was named the Indy 500 top rookie in 2022.

A NASCAR Hall of Famer, Johnson spent 19 seasons behind the wheel of the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. He now serves as the majority owner of Legacy Motor Club, a NASCAR team that recently formed a partnership with Knighthead Capital Management—a private equity firm in which Tom Brady holds a stake.

After giving Brady his high-speed ride at the Indy 500, Johnson will fly to North Carolina to race in the Coca-Cola 600, marking his 700th career NASCAR start. Brady is expected to join him at the event.

Brady considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history with seven Super Bowl championships. He is also a five-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time Associated Press Most Valuable Player, 15-time Pro Bowler and the 2007 Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year.

NASCAR is racing at North Wilkesboro Speedway with two national touring races scheduled to take place at the .625-mile North Carolina speedway this weekend.

NASCAR TV schedule for Friday, May 16

Practice and Qualifying for NASCAR Cup Series

• 4:30 p.m. ET (Open)
  • TV: FS2
  • Radio: MRN & SiriusXM Channel 90
• 6 p.m. ET (All-Star)
  • TV: FS1
  • Radio: MRN & SiriusXM Channel 90

NASCAR TV schedule for Saturday, May 17

Qualifying for NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ Window World 250 Race

• 1:30 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Radio: NRN & SiriusXM Channel 90

All-Star Heat Races for NASCAR Cup Series

• 5 p.m. ET
• TV: FS2
• Radio: MRN & SiriusXM Channel 90

NASCAR TV schedule for Sunday, May 18

NASCAR Cup Series’ All-Star Open

• 5 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Radio: MRN & SiriusXM Channel 90

NASCAR Cup Series’ All-Star Race

• 8 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Radio: MRN & SiriusXM Channel 90

Dominic Aragon is currently the editor-in-chief for The Racing Experts.

From Grants, New Mexico, USA, Aragon started watching NASCAR in 2004 and has been covering the sport since 2009. Aragon is a 2012 graduate of Grants High School and a May 2016 graduate of the University of New Mexico with a B.A. in Mass Communications & Journalism. Aragon has worked in local and national media, as a musician, and an educator. He is co-author of the 2024 book “All of It: Daytona 500 Champion Tells the Rest of the Story” with racer Geoff Bodine.

Aragon, his wife Feliz, and son Christopher currently reside in Grants, New Mexico, USA.

You can reach Dominic at daragon@theracingexperts.net.

Denny Hamlin has revealed an injury which has bothered him throughout the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

The veteran driver has already secured his playoff spot with a win at Martinsville, perhaps making him more willing to admit a little short-term weakness with his post-season spot already assured.

NASCAR HEADLINES: Cup Series leader demoted as dozens of in-race penalties confirmed

The 56-time Cup Series winner was talking to fellow veteran Kyle Busch on his Actions Detrimental podcast this week, having needled the two-time champion about ‘dodging’ an appearance on the show.

Hamlin recalled: “You dodged me for a year, I think you were supposed to be on here after Indy of last year? You wrecked my ass…you were inside of me and lost control.”

Hamlin: My wrist is still not the same

The pair bickered good-naturedly for a bit before Hamlin admitted: “I felt that he was dodging me to not take responsibility for crashing into me, but then it turned out he actually did have a wrist issue.”

That turned into the pair sharing stories on their recent injury histories, with Hamlin admitting that he’s still suffering from the impact of a wreck in the first race of the 2025 Cup Series.

“I got in a wreck in Daytona this year and my wrist is still not the same,” he said. “In February, that’s three months now and it’s still not right.”

Busch sympathized, adding: “Mine took until about the end of the year to be right. There’s still times when I work out that I’m like ‘hmm, it’s gonna be sore for this week’.”

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