Motorsports

Judge dismisses NASCAR counterclaims against 23XI, Front Row

Published

2 months ago

October 29, 2025

NASCAR’s allegation that it paid too much to the Teams in the 2025 Charters is not itself an injury to competition; rather, it is only a private economic loss to NASCAR.

This is a key line, in a document full of them, in which Judge Kenneth D. Bell dismissed NASCAR’s summary judgement counterclaims against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports in the ongoing antitrust dispute between the two parties.

The Western District of North Carolina judge, in a filed written order, says that the very idea of competition itself was not harmed by the teams collectively negotiating with the Sanctioning Body. In fact, the judge says competition was aided by the fact that NASCAR could and did reach deals with 13 of 15 teams that compete in the Cup Series as a result of individual meetings.

NASCAR alleged antitrust violations against 23XI and Front Row, including 23XI investor Curtis Polk, over what it argued was an illegal ‘cartel’ ‘conspiracy’ to have ‘horizontal competitors’ jointly negotiate when there is no legal avenue for them to do so.

Regardless of any of this, Judge Bell writes that there is no evidence of antitrust injury to competition, and that NASCAR’s own experts could not provide any evidence to where joint negotiations even resulted in an increase to teams in charter revenue terms.

In fact, during a hearing last week on the matter, NASCAR could not produce this evidence when asked by the judge and said it would provide it after the hearing. In legalese, NASCAR did not establish a genuine issue of material fact on the matter.

Beyond even the lack of injury to competition, Judge Bell asked NASCAR for evidence that the Sanctioning Body was even harmed, and could not.

“Simply put, if the supposed increased payments did not harm competition, they could not cause any antitrust injury to NASCAR.”

Much of the order written by Judge Bell is just a rehash of the charter extension negotiating timeline, detailing how NASCAR was able to negotiate both individually and with the larger groups, in the form of the Race Team Alliance and Team Negotiating Committee.

From Judge Bell’s order:

“Both the TNC and individual negotiations contributed to the final language of the 2025 Charters. While NASCAR has suggested in argument that the individual negotiations were ‘meaningless,’ that assertion is not supported in the record. To the contrary, NASCAR described at oral argument how one particular team had requested a provision that became part of the 2025 Charters (for all teams).

“And most significantly, all but two of the teams individually agreed to the terms of the 2025 Charters, even though the terms fell well short of the TNC ‘joint’ negotiating position.”

And, that once those 13 charter agreements were signed, they were all identical to each other.

Judge Bell writes that for NASCAR to prove an antitrust violation, it must show antitrust injury, and it has not in regards to the charter extension negotiations.

“NASCAR’s evidence fails to establish either an unreasonable restraint of trade or that it suffered antitrust injury.”

A frequently cited precedence, of which both sides have used to frame their arguments is the 1979 Broadcast Music Inc. v CBS, Inc antitrust decision reached by the Supreme Court.

Judge Bell cited in ruling that NASCAR was able to negotiate with both individuals and collective parties. He writes:

“In other words, if a buyer has a ‘realistically available’ choice to deal with the sellers either collectively or individually, then the joint activity of the sellers does not effectively restrain trade because the buyer has a choice of how to pursue its purchase. Again, the goal of the antitrust law is to protect competition and the competitive process.

“Where, as here and in the cases cited above, there are pro-competitive reasons to support collective activity. In its earlier Order, the Court explained that the ‘NASCAR Cup Series is in all respects a collective, not an individual sport,’ requiring common rules for a fair competition. Indeed, NASCAR sought to and did reach the same agreement with all the Teams in both the 2016 and 2025 Charters, including the same percentage of media revenue, intellectual property rights and rules related to tires and other elements of racing – all of which would be difficult if not impossible to negotiate differently for each team.

“And still, as discussed at length above, NASCAR had a choice. It could and did negotiate individually with the Teams, ultimately concluding agreements with the vast majority of the Teams, notwithstanding the significant differences between the joint negotiating offers and the final terms of the 2025 Charters.”

Again, Bell says NASCAR has not shown injury to competition.

NASCAR has also alleged a conspiracy from Polk to orchestrate a ‘boycott’ of the 2023 Duel at Daytona. That never materialized. However, the team owners did boycott a meeting with NASCAR in April 2023.

The judge found that such a boycott was simply a negotiating tactic that had no impact of the final charter terms anyway.

“The Teams’ one time decision not to attend a TOC meeting in April 2023 was, to be sure, a negotiating tactic (which appeared to have little impact as the record reveals that soon after the meeting NASCAR informed the Teams that it wanted to have meetings with individual teams and did so in May and June 2023).

“As such, NASCAR was not denied any ‘supply, facility, or market’ necessary for it to compete (as would, for example, refusing to participate in a racing event). Therefore, the Teams’ failure to attend the TOC meeting is not subject to per se liability. Rather, the same Rule of Reason / BMI analysis discussed above applies. And again, in the absence of a genuine issues of material fact regarding whether individual negotiations were a realistic alternative to joint negotiations (and they occurred soon after the TOC meeting), there is no proof of an unreasonable restraint of trade.”

The judge says NASCAR ultimately paying the teams more than it wanted to was not an injury to competition but just a byproduct of negotiations that they lost out on.

“Even assuming that the joint negotiations NASCAR challenges caused it economic harm, that does not equate to a harm to competition. Rather, NASCAR getting more or less in contract negotiations is simply that – a hit to its bottom line, not ‘competition.’

“NASCAR’s core claim is that the Teams’ ‘conspiracy’ forced them to pay a higher price for the teams’ services in the 2025 Charter Agreements. However, NASCAR has produced no evidence linking the payment increase under the 2025 Charter Agreement to the joint negotiations as opposed to the individual negotiations that resulted in the agreement of the remaining teams (or other market factors).”

The full order can be downloaded and read in PDF form here.

23XI, Front Row Statement

“We are thankful for Judge Bell’s thoughtful consideration of the facts and the law, and his decision to grant Summary Judgment in my clients’ favor against the NASCAR counterclaim. Today’s decision has only reaffirmed my clients’ unwavering pursuit of a more fair and equitable sport. Their determination remains strong as we continue our efforts for a resolution that benefits everyone – teams, drivers, employees, partners and fans.”
-Lead attorney Jeffrey Kessler

NASCAR statement

“We respect the Court’s decision, though we respectfully disagree with its legal reasoning. Our priority remains resolving this matter quickly so all parties can focus on Championship weekend and continuing to grow the sport. Should a resolution not be reached, we intend to appeal the decision at the appropriate time.”

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Motorsports

2025 O. Bruton Smith Awards: Speedway Motorsports Honors Promoter, Speedway of the Year, and Innovation

Published

38 minutes ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The engines have cooled, and the grandstands are quiet, but for the team at Speedway Motorsports, the work never truly stops. As the 2025 season officially comes to a close, the industry giant took a moment to pause and recognize the men and women who keep the gears turning behind the scenes.

In a company-wide town hall that felt less like a corporate meeting and more like a family reunion, Speedway Motorsports leadership handed out its most prestigious hardware. It was a day to celebrate the grit, creativity, and sheer determination that define the sport. From the high banks of Bristol to the safety command centers in Dover, the winners of the O. Bruton Smith Award, Promoter of the Year, Speedway of the Year, and Acceleration Award represent the absolute best of the business.

A Salute to Safety: The O. Bruton Smith Award

There is perhaps no greater honor within the company than the award bearing its founder’s name. The O. Bruton Smith Award isn’t just about performance metrics. It’s about character. It’s for the person who embodies the drive, enthusiasm, and heart that Bruton Smith used to build an empire.

This year, that honor went to Jim Hosfelt, the Vice President of Safety and Security at Dover Motor Speedway. If you know race day, you know that safety and security are the invisible foundations of the entire experience.

When fans walk through the gates, they expect to be safe. It’s a massive responsibility, and Hosfelt has shouldered it with a quiet, professional intensity since joining the Monster Mile in 2014.

Hosfelt’s Stint With Dover Motor Speedway

Hosfelt isn’t your average security executive. He’s a Cumberland, Maryland native who spent a quarter-century in law enforcement, retiring as the Chief of Police for the Dover Police Department. He’s an Air Force veteran and a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

When Speedway Motorsports acquired Dover in 2021, they quickly realized they had a star on their hands. Hosfelt didn’t just manage Dover. He stepped up as the Director of Safety and Security for the entire company, acting as the critical link between the tracks, NASCAR, and federal agencies.

Speedway Motorsports COO Mike Burch put it best when he noted that while Hosfelt’s work is often low-profile, it is arguably the most vital thing the company does. Ensuring families can come to a race, feel safe, and go home with happy memories is a heavy burden, and Hosfelt carries it with grace.

Channeling a Legend: Promoter of the Year

The H.A. Humpy Wheeler Promoter of the Year award is special. Humpy was the P.T. Barnum of stock car racing, a man who believed that if you weren’t thinking big, you weren’t thinking at all.

Jerry Caldwell, the President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, proved he has that same wild spark of creativity in 2025. Caldwell took home the hardware after pulling off one of the most audacious crossovers in sports history: The Speedway Classic.

Turning “The Last Great Colosseum” into a baseball diamond sounded crazy on paper. But Caldwell and his team didn’t just make it work. They made history. The event shattered records, selling over 91,000 tickets, the highest single-event sales figure in Major League Baseball history.

It was a massive swing that connected for a home run, proving that Bristol isn’t just a race track; it’s a global entertainment destination. Marcus Smith noted that Humpy Wheeler himself would have loved the ambition behind building a stadium inside a speedway.

The Gold Standard: Las Vegas Wins Speedway of the Year

Consistency is the hardest thing to achieve in the sports business, yet Las Vegas Motor Speedway makes it look routine. For the 11th time in 14 years, the Las Vegas team took home the Speedway of the Year award. This year was unique for the Vegas crew.

They navigated a significant leadership transition as longtime boss Chris Powell retired, passing the baton to Patrick Lindsay. Usually, a changing of the guard leads to a momentary dip in momentum, not in Vegas. Under Lindsay’s leadership, the track continued its dominance, excelling in attendance, fan friendliness, and financial performance.

To edge out 10 other world-class facilities is no small feat. It requires firing on all cylinders from corporate sales to operations. The fact that Las Vegas continues to hoard this trophy speaks volumes about the culture of excellence embedded in that team.

Gaining Momentum: The Acceleration Award

For the second year running, Sonoma Raceway claimed the Acceleration Award. This recognition is all about year-over-year growth, taking what you have and making it significantly better. Accepted by GM Brian Flynn, the award highlighted Sonoma’s impressive strides in 2025.

The raceway has turned its Turn 11 facility into a hub of activity, driving up track rentals and finding new ways to monetize the beautiful California property. It wasn’t just about making more money, though. It was about smart operations. The team implemented cost-efficiency measures that streamlined the business without sacrificing the fan experience.

Final Thoughts

As 2025 closes, these awards serve as a reminder that while the cars are the stars on Sunday, it’s the people working on Monday morning who keep the sport alive and thriving. Cheers to many more years of success.

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Motorsports

‘Emergency landing’ text sent before plane crash that killed Greg Biffle, 6 others, NTSB confirms

Published

54 minutes ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Emily Mikkelsen and Michaela Ratliff

13 hours ago

<br />

STATESVILLE, N.C. (WGHP) — Officials offered an update Saturday after a deadly plane crash that claimed the life of NASCAR star Greg Biffle and six other people, including his children, on Thursday morning.

The Statesville Regional Airport confirmed a crash just after 10 a.m. Thursday on social media.

NASCAR said that the seven people who died in the crash were Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina Grossu, their son Ryder Jack and his daughter from a previous marriage Emma Elizabeth. Craig Wadsworth, as well as Dennis Dutton and his son Jack Dutton, were also killed in the crash.

The NTSB says a preliminary report should be available within 30 days, but a full report will take closer to a year.

During a conference on Friday, the NTSB said that initial findings showed that the plane took off, turned west and then turned again, back towards the airport. It was flying low, according to witnesses, and then it hit the approach lighting at the airport and trees before coming to rest near a runway and catching fire. The debris field is described as very large and scattered. The crash happened about ten minutes after takeoff.

At Saturday’s conference, officials confirmed that they still do not know the cause of the crash.

“We do not know the circumstances which led the aircraft… to attempt to return to the airport, but that is the focus of our investigation,” officials said.

They also confirmed that a text reading “Emergency landing” was sent from someone on the plane.

“I can confirm that the NTSB is aware of one brief text from a passenger on board the aircraft to a family member that read, and I quote, ‘Emergency landing.’”

“We are not aware of any other communications from passengers on board the aircraft to those on the ground.”

The NTSB also says that at this time, it does not know who the pilot of the plane was.

You can watch the news conference in the video player above.

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Motorsports

William Byron Faces a Primary Sponsor Setback Ahead of the 2026 Season

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

William Byron emerged as one of the better drivers in the 2025 season, especially after winning the regular season championship. Byron even managed to make it into the Championship-4, but a last-moment incident caused him to lose out on the title win. Now, with the 2026 season start right around the corner, the #24 driver is facing a massive sponsorship setback with Liberty University.

Notably, Liberty University has been backing William Byron for more than a decade now. The educational institution has been sponsoring him since his junior NASCAR days, as he continued to achieve success leading up to the Cup Series. Even for the 2026 season, Liberty was believed to continue the alliance, but potentially at a reduced commitment with the HMS star.

Liberty University had sponsored 12 of William Byron’s races in the 2024 season. But it was significantly cut down to just six races in the 2025 season. Now, for the 2026 season, the educational institute is sponsoring him for just three races. This might mean that the sponsor is looking to back out of the deal completely in the near future, following Byron’s championship-less streak in the Cup Series.

The three races that William Byron will be supported by Liberty University are the Watkins Glen Race, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Martinsville Speedway over the 2025 season. The three-race sponsorship means that the number of races sponsored is cut down to half of what it was in the previous season. As such, Byron must look for other primary sponsors for more races to continue to fund his Cup Series dream with Hendrick Motorsports.

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Motorsports

Shadows in the F1 Dyno Rooms: The 2026 Compression Whisper

Published

5 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

In the dim glow of the dyno cells at Brackley and Milton Keynes, alarming whispers had started circulating weeks before the Christmas lights went up in 2025. Formula 1’s 2026 power unit regulations were meant to usher in a new era: more sustainable, more electric, and—crucially—more equal.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The FIA had dropped the geometric compression ratio of the internal compression engine portion of the overall F1 power unit from 18:1 to 16:1, a deliberate step to curb outright power from the internal combustion engine while ramping up the hybrid contribution to nearly 50/50.

But in the high-stakes world of F1 engine development, rules are never just words on paper. They are battlegrounds.

The rumor began as a quiet murmur among technicians: two power unit manufacturers—Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains—had allegedly cracked a way to bend the new limit without breaking it.

The key? Thermal expansion.

By crafting connecting rods (or possibly other components in the piston assembly) from exotic alloys that swell dramatically when the engine hits full operating temperature, the piston could be pushed fractionally higher at top dead center during a hot run. On the cold dyno bench, where the FIA measures compression statically at ambient temperature, the ratio stays safely at 16:1.

But on track, under race conditions, that clever expansion could squeeze the combustion chamber tighter—effectively restoring an 18:1 ratio and unlocking an extra 15 horsepower, or roughly three-tenths of a second per lap.

It was brilliant, if true. And infuriating to the others.

Ferrari’s engineers, poring over their own dyno data in Maranello, were the first to raise the alarm. “If they’re doing this,” one senior figure reportedly told the FIA technical working group, “it’s not just an advantage—it’s a gulf.”

Honda, preparing to supply Aston Martin, and Audi, gearing up for their debut with Sauber, echoed the concern. They lobbied for clarification, arguing that the rules’ static measurement method—unchanged since the hybrid era—left a loophole wide enough to drive a turbo through.

The FIA’s response was measured: “The regulations clearly define the maximum compression ratio and the method for measuring it, based on static conditions at ambient temperature.”

They acknowledged thermal expansion as a natural phenomenon but noted no hot-condition testing was required, or even possible. Yet behind closed doors, discussions intensified. Some feared protests at the first race in Australia; others worried that if the “trick” was allowed, rivals wouldn’t have time to retrofit stronger pistons and rods without compromising reliability.

In the paddock, the rumor grew legs. Anonymous sources pointed fingers at Mercedes’ meticulous engineering culture and Red Bull’s aggressive development under their new in-house program. One engineer joked, “It’s like the old days of blown diffusers—clever, but someone always cries foul.” Another dismissed it as mind games: “Spread enough doubt, and you slow your rivals down chasing ghosts.”

As the first pre-season test approached in late January 2026, the tension was palpable. Teams will be arriving at Barcelona in January with engines humming at new volumes, but eyes will on the dyno logs. Would the FIA demand hot measurements? Would they close the loophole? Or would the clever ones start the season with an invisible edge?

In F1, the line between genius and cheating is often drawn in microns. And in 2026, that line just got a little hotter.

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Motorsports

Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair Expands Jet Ski Rental

Published

7 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

A young man and woman wearing life jackets pose together on a bright green and black Sea-Doo Spark personal watercraft on a calm lake.

Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair announces fleet expansion and service enhancements for Lake Austin and Lake Travis, including new Sea-Doo watercraft, extended hours, and professional captain services for Central Texas water sports.
Jet ski rental Lake Austin services have reached a new level with Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s announcement of significant enhancements to its watercraft rental operations. The company is positioning itself as a premier destination for water recreation on Lake Austin and Lake Travis. The expansion includes upgraded equipment, extended service hours, and enhanced customer accessibility, addressing the growing demand for Austin water sports rentals in the Central Texas region.

New Fleet Additions Transform Lake Austin Recreation Options

The company has introduced modern Sea-Doo watercraft to its rental lineup, featuring both the high-performance Trixx 2-seater model and the versatile Spark 3-seater option. These additions reflect Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Epic+Boat+Rentals+%26+Motorsports+Repair/@30.296114,-97.7198925,53465m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8644c956647d680b:0x4f61d9a883e7a25e!8m2!3d30.296114!4d-97.7198924!16s%2Fg%2F11bws8pjgz?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoKLDEwMDc5MjA3MUgBUAM%3D] commitment to providing quality equipment for water recreation enthusiasts. The Sea-Doo Trixx caters to adrenaline seekers with trick-capable features, while the Spark model offers fuel efficiency and ease of handling for families and groups. Both watercraft models are now available for hourly, half-day, and full-day rental periods across both Lake Austin and Lake Travis locations.

Extended Hours Meet Rising Demand for Water Recreation

Responding to increased interest in Central Texas water activities, Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair now operates seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The extended schedule accommodates working professionals, weekend visitors, and tourists seeking flexible rental options. This availability positions the company competitively among Austin water sports rentals providers while serving customers who prefer early morning launches or evening lake excursions. The consistent daily schedule eliminates confusion about operational hours and allows for better trip planning.

Professional Captain Services Expand Group Activity Options

The company’s captained boat charter service has gained traction among groups seeking guided lake experiences. Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair [https://epiclakerentals.com/] operates a 21-foot Moomba ski boat that accommodates up to eight passengers, with professional captains handling navigation and safety protocols. This service appeals to bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and corporate team-building events. Activities include wakeboarding, tubing, swimming, and leisure cruising to popular Lake Austin and Lake Travis destinations. The captain’s option removes the barrier of boating experience, making water recreation accessible to a broader audience.

Strategic Location Serves Two Major Central Texas Lakes

Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s operational area covers both Lake Austin and Lake Travis, two of Central Texas’s most frequented water recreation destinations. Lake Austin offers a more intimate setting with calmer waters, ideal for those searching for boat rentals near me with less crowded conditions. Lake Travis provides expansive open water suitable for high-speed activities and larger gatherings. The company’s ability to serve both lakes gives customers flexibility in choosing their preferred environment. Popular destinations include Devil’s Cove and Party Cove, both accessible through the rental service.

No License Requirement Removes Barriers to Water Recreation

A significant advantage of Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s service model is the elimination of boating license requirements for watercraft rentals. This policy opens water sports access to visitors and residents without formal boating credentials. The company provides safety briefings and operational instructions before each rental, ensuring customers understand handling procedures and lake regulations. This approach has proven effective in attracting first-time riders and tourists unfamiliar with Texas waterway requirements. The ease of access contributes to the company’s growth among Austin water sports rental options.

Combination Packages and Flexible Booking Address Customer Preferences

Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair has implemented a booking system that displays real-time pricing and availability, streamlining the reservation process. Customers can combine watercraft options with captained boat charters for comprehensive lake day experiences. The flexibility in rental duration-from two-hour minimum periods to full-day adventures-accommodates various schedules and budgets. Pricing starts at $250 for two hours on the Sea-Doo Spark 3-seater, $260 for the Sea-Doo Trixx 2-seater, and $300-$330 for captained boat charters, depending on the lake. The transparent pricing structure and online booking capability reflect industry trends toward customer convenience and accessibility, making it easier for those searching for boat rentals near me to secure watercraft without lengthy phone negotiations.

The company’s expansion reflects broader trends in outdoor recreation as Central Texas residents and visitors increasingly seek water-based activities. Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair’s investment in modern equipment and service infrastructure positions the business to meet this demand while maintaining safety standards and customer satisfaction. The combination of quality watercraft, professional captain services, and accessible booking systems creates a comprehensive offering for water recreation enthusiasts in the Austin area.

Location: https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d232819.71099728424!2d-97.71989245!3d30.296113950000002!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x8644c956647d680b%3A0x4f61d9a883e7a25e!2sEpic%20Boat%20Rentals%20%26%20Motorsports%20Repair!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sph!4v1766071478036!5m2!1sen!2sph

Media Contact
Company Name: Epic Boat Rentals & Motorsports Repair
Contact Person: Mitchell
Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=epic-boat-rentals-motorsports-repair-expands-jet-ski-rental-lake-austin-operations-with-enhanced-fleet-and-services]
Phone: +17372474936
Country: United States
Website: https://epiclakerentals.com/

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Motorsports

Toyota GR Corolla Rally Car Will Take on American Rally Championship in 2026

Published

7 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Toyota GR Corolla takes inspiration from the automaker’s successful World Rally Championship (WRC) team, but the closest it’s gotten to a stage so far is the parking lot. That’s about to change, as Toyota has confirmed that a rally car based on the hot hatch will bring the Corolla name back to rallying in 2026. But instead of the WRC, the Corolla rally car will compete in the American Rally Association (ARA) championship.

Toyota showed a GR Corolla rally car concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January of this year, and finally confirmed Friday that a fully-developed version would compete in the ARA season. Officially known as the GR Corolla RC2, it will compete in the RC2 class, which Toyota describes as “roughly equivalent” to the Rally2 class in international rallying. It’ll retain the 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine used in the GR Corolla road car, but the release was otherwise light on technical details.

Toyota plans to enter a single car starting with the second round of the 2026 season, the 1000 Acre Wood Rally in Missouri. American Seth Quintero will drive while also running a Toyota-backed campaign in the World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC). His co-driver will be Finn Topi Luthtinen.

Toyota GR Corolla RC2 rally car — Toyota

The Corolla has a long history in rallying, from Hannu Mikkola’s 1975 1000 Lakes Rally win to the 1999 WRC manufacturer’s championship. Toyota withdrew from rallying after that, returning in the late 2010s with the Yaris, which has become a dominant force in the series. The Corolla’s comeback in the ARA will help with “developing cars on North American roads and making ever-better motorsports-bred cars,” the automaker said in a statement. That’s in line with motorsports-obsessed chairman Akio Toyoda’s goal of building more cars for driving enthusiasts.

The GR Corolla RC2 will also be a gift to American rally fans. It could create a manufacturer battle between Toyota and Subaru, which (via partner Vermont Sports Car) has been the only consistent manufacturer presence in the ARA championship for some time. It’ll be great to see a remix of those 1990s WRC Corolla vs. WRX battles play out across rural America.

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