The NHRA North Central Division and Oakley Motorsports are proud to announce updates to the 2025 Oakley Motorsports Super Quick Series, including a revised schedule and exciting new program features that promise to elevate the competition and reward racers like never before.

Schedule Update: Doubleheader at Beech Bend Raceway Park

The season opener, originally scheduled for World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) on April 5–6, was postponed due to severe weather and flooding. While a reschedule was not possible, the series will make up one of the missed events with a Doubleheader at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky., on May 24–25, 2025.

This weekend will now feature two full rounds of Oakley Motorsports Super Quick Series competition, offering racers a chance to earn double points and payouts.

Spotlight: James Shown Memorial Race: Bigger than ever

The James Shown Memorial Race, held during the Beech Bend doubleheader, will feature an enhanced purse and increased prestige:
•    $5,000 Winner
•    $1,000 Runner-Up
•    $500 Semi-Finals
•    $250 Quarter Finals
•    Entry Fee: $250
This special event honors the legacy of James Shown and is supported by Steve Conley Racing, which is offering an $1,800 bonus to the winner. Decals are required to be eligible for this bonus.

New for 2025: Holley MSD Power Grid Lockdown Perfect Run Program

Holley is bringing added excitement to the series with the MSD Power Grid Lockdown Perfect Run Program. Any racer who achieves a perfect run during eliminations will be awarded a complete MSD Grid system.

To qualify:
•    Racers must display the MSD Power Grid Lockdown Perfect Run sticker on both sides of their vehicle prior to the race.
This program rewards precision and performance, adding another layer of competition to each round.

Law Chevrolet Super Quick Series Shootout:  A race within a race

The 2025 season introduces the Law Chevrolet Super Quick Series Shootout, a prestigious race-within-a-race event. Qualifying points earned at the first nine events of the season will determine the elite eight-car field for this special showdown.

The Shootout will take place during the Fall Classic National Open at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on Oct. 18, 2025.

Shootout Payouts:
•    $2,000 Champion
•    $400 Runner-Up
•    $200 Semi-Finalists
•    $100 Quarterfinalists

Law Chevrolet, a trusted name in Booneville, Indiana, brings nearly two decades of automotive excellence and community support to this new chapter in the Super Quick Series.

A season of high stakes and high performance

With 9 races, four doubleheaders, and a championship prize package valued at nearly $10,000, the 2025 Oakley Motorsports Super Quick Series is set to be one of the most competitive seasons yet.

Championship Awards Include:
•    $2,000 Champion Cash Prize
•    NHRA Gold Card
•    Champion’s Trophy and Jacket
•    Runner-Up: $1,000 | Third Place: $500
•    Top Five: Oakley Motorsports Super Quick Series Coats

Supporting Sponsor Highlights:
•    Alliance Racewear: Driving suit for the Champion
•    Holley: Helmet and head/neck restraint
•    Hoosier Tires Midwest: Buy-one-get-one slicks offer
•    Fuel Factory: 5-gallon pail of race fuel for each event winner
•    Driven Racing Oil: Product awards at each race
•    Steve Conley Racing: $800 bonus to each event winner
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Stay Connected
For full event details, rules, and updates, visit the NHRA North Central Division website and follow Oakley Motorsports on social media.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR issued an L-1 level penalty to RFK Racing and driver Chris Buescher following an inspection violation discovered at the R&D Center in Concord this week, the sanctioning body announced Thursday. 

NASCAR says Buescher’s team violated rules for the maximum reinforcement allowed for its front bumper. As a result, Buescher and the team were each penalized 60 championship points, in addition to five playoff points. Crew chief Scott Graves was suspended for the next two races, including this weekend’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. 

It’s unclear if the team will appeal the penalty. 

Buescher finished eighth in the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas. He will drop from 12th in the championship standings to 24th. Before the penalty, Buescher was 33 points ahead of the playoff cut line. He’s now 27 points below the final playoff spot. Coincidentally, his teammate Ryan Preece is now the final playoff driver heading into the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

The second day of Indianapolis 500 practice saw fast speeds and more rain as Alex Palou was fastest on the day. 

The Indianapolis area saw heavy rain overnight and into the early morning hours, resulting in a delayed start to practice, at 1:05 p.m. The refresher program for 2013 “500” champion Tony Kanaan was slated for 10 a.m., but due to the rain, will be ran tomorrow at 10 a.m. 

Palou, a three-time IndyCar champion, piloted the No.10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to a speed of 227.546 mph, the fastest speed of the week so far. Palou’s speed was two miles-per-hour quicker than second place, Will Power. Power, who was fastest yesterday, put 225.584 mph on the board on Wednesday.  

“I think we’ve got a reasonable package right now,” Power said. “Seems very difficult to pass when you are in the back of the pack, but car stayed really consistent through the rounds.”

Following Power was Team Penske teammate Josef Newgarden at 225.545 mph, Scott Dixon at 225.092 and Conor Daly, in the ampm No. 76 Chevrolet for Juncos Hollinger Racing, at 224.931 mph. 

There were two other rain delays that halted the on-track action, but, despite the delays, 2,450 laps were ran. Palou completed 99 laps, almost half of the “500” distance.

A new team made their first appearance on the speed charts this week in Dreyer and Reinbold Racing/Cusick Motorsports. DRR, an Indianapolis-based team, only run the “500”, a tradition that has slowly died out over the years but kept alive by DRR and partner Don Cusick, owner of Cusick Motorsports. 

Jack Harvey, veteran IndyCar driver turned FOX Sports pit reporter, posted 224.361 mph to put the No.24 INVEST Chevrolet in ninth when the checkered flag flew. 

In terms of no-tow, Kyle Kirkwood in the No 27 Siemens Honda for Andretti Global was the fastest for the second day in a row at 222.760, over three miles-per-hour faster than yesterday. Following Kirkwood was the Ed Carpenter Racing duo of sophomore Christian Rasmussen at 222.116 mph and 2016 “500” winner, Alexander Rossi at 221.277 mph. 

Rasmussen was 10th overall on the day at 224.180 mph, making him the second different ECR car to place in the top 10. 

While there are big names at the top of the charts, there are also big names on the bottom end. Ed Carpenter and Santino Ferrucci were 34th and 33rd, respectively. Ferrucci, piloting the No.14 for A.J. Foyt Racing, spent most of the day in the garage as the team made drastic setup changes, only allowing for Ferrucci to turn 26 laps. The driver of the HomesForTroops.org Chevrolet, was not happy with the current state of the car, so the crew switched over to last year’s setup, more to Ferrucci’s liking. 

Callum Ilott is the only driver over two days of practice to sit below 30th on both days. The Englishman driving for Prema Racing was 34th on Tuesday and 31st on Wednesday. The team is using brand new race cars, never ran on-track before. They are figuring out the kinks of racing at Indianapolis and leaning on the veteran in Ilott. At the Open Test in April, Prema used road course cars and start the month on the backfoot, a place a brand new IndyCar team does not want to be. 

Rain looks to be gone for awhile as Thursday in Speedway, IN will see a high of 88 degrees with a low of 67 degrees. Teams will look to prepare for qualifications this weekend and the addition of the added horsepower boost that comes with it. Practice for all 34 entrants is set to begin at Noon and lasting until 6 p.m. 

Hendrick Motorsports has confirmed that Justin Allgaier will step in for Kyle Larson in the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet during practice and qualifying for the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Allgaier, who usually pilots the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, will also be ready to replace Larson in the All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600 if Larson’s current IndyCar commitments prevent him from making it to the race.

Larson is attempting to compete in the Indy500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. This weekend, the 32-year-old driver is taking part in testing and qualifying for the Indy500, meaning he will miss practice and qualifying for the All-Star Race.

Cliff Daniels, crew chief for Larson’s No. 5 team, said, via a press release from Hendrick Motorsports:

“We’re fortunate to have Justin and we appreciate him stepping in to help. He and Kyle are very similar in size, so there’s a lot in the cockpit that’s common between the two.

“I think that serves him well and it serves us well. He’s had some time in the simulator driving the track and he did the wheel-force test there a year ago, so he’s got some experience in the Cup car at North Wilkesboro. We’re looking to put in a solid practice and make sure the car drives good.”

Daniels also spoke about the track evolution at North Wilkesboro, adding:

“I think no matter what there’s going to be a general progression of balance from Friday through Sunday. The track is going to take more rubber. Friday, the groove is going to be a bit more narrow and Sunday I think it’s going to open up a bit. So, there’s still some changes regardless of Justin or Kyle that we would plan to progress through throughout the weekend.

“At the end of the day, I just want to make sure Justin is comfortable in what he feels and he, of course, trusts the feedback he’s going to give us. If there’s something he can provide to us to make the car faster, we’re going to listen. We’re going to do those little things and then we’re going to kind of stick to a little bit of what we think the track is going to evolve through, throughout the weekend.”

Speaking about his attempt to take on both iconic races, Larson explained, as quoted by NBC Sports:

“I hope it’s not the last.

“I hope this year is not the last time we ever see anybody do it because I think it’s huge for motorsports. It’s huge for IndyCar, probably even bigger for NASCAR. Hopefully the schedules will work out in the future and maybe the rules will change a little bit, too.”

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, 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.