Motorsports

Judges may overturn injunction related to NASCAR lawsuit

RICHMOND, Va. — A three-judge federal appellate panel indicated Friday it might overturn an injunction that allows 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to compete as chartered teams in NASCAR’s top-tier Cup Series this season while the two organizations sue the stock-car sanctioning body for alleged antitrust violations. NASCAR attorney Chris Yates argued the injunction, […]

Published

1 week ago

May 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NASCAR attorney Chris Yates argued the injunction, granted in December by U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell of the Western District of North Carolina, forced the series into an unwanted relationship with unwilling partners. Yates also said it harms other teams because they earn less money.

Yates said the district court broke precedent by granting the injunction, saying the “release” clause in the charter contracts forbidding the teams from suing is “common.” He argued, essentially, that the teams should not have the benefits of the charter system they are suing to overturn.

Overturning the injunction would leave the two organizations able to race but without any of the perks of being chartered, including guaranteed weekly revenue. They would also have to qualify at every Cup Series race to make the field, which currently has only four open spots for each points race; 23XI and Front Row are each running three cars in Cup Series competition this season.

Judges Steven Agee, Paul Niemeyer and Stephanie Thacker, at multiple points during the 50-minute hearing at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth District, pushed back on the argument made by plaintiffs’ attorney Jeffrey Kessler, who accused NASCAR of being a monopoly.

“There’s no other place to compete,” Kessler told the judges, later noting that overturning the injunction would cause tremendous damage to the two teams, which could lose drivers and sponsors. “It will cause havoc to overturn this injunction in the middle of the season.”

The teams filed the antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR on Oct. 2 in the Western District of North Carolina, arguing the series bullied teams into signing new charters that make it difficult to compete financially. That came after two years of failed negotiations on new charter agreements, which are NASCAR’s equivalent of franchise deals in other pro sports leagues.

Of 15 charter-holding organizations, just two refused to sign the new agreements in September: 23XI Racing — which is co-owned by Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin, retired NBA star Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk, the basketball great’s longtime business partner — and Front Row Motorsports, which is owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins.

The charters, which teams originally signed before the 2016 season, have twice been extended. The most recent extension runs until 2031, matching NASCAR’s current media rights deal. It guarantees that 36 of the 40 available spots in weekly races will go to teams holding charters.

The judges expressed agreement with Yates’ argument that the district court had erred in issuing the injunction allowing the teams to race, because it mandated they sign the NASCAR charter but eliminated the contract’s release.

“It seems you want to have your cake and eat it, too,” Niemeyer told Kessler.

At another point, the judge pointedly told Kessler that if the teams want to race, they should sign the charter.

Yates contended that forcing an unwanted relationship between NASCAR and the two teams “harms NASCAR and other racing teams.” He said that more chartered teams would earn more money if not for the injunction, and he noted the two teams are being “given the benefits of a contract they rejected.”

Kessler argued that even if the district court’s reasoning was flawed, other evidence should lead the circuit court to uphold the injunction. Niemeyer disagreed.

“The court wanted you to be able to race but without a contract,” the judge said.

A trial date is set for December, and Agee strongly urged the sides to meet for mediation — previously ordered by a lower court — to attempt to resolve the dispute over the injunction.

“It’ll be a very interesting trial,” Agee said with a wry smile.

The prospect of successful mediation seems unlikely, though, with Yates telling the judges: “We’re not going to rewrite the charter.”

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Motorsports

Shwartzman shocks the field as he becomes 1st Indy 500 rookie since 1983 to win the pole

Robert Shwartzman, a 25-year-old with dual nationality in Israel and Russia, became the first Indy 500 rookie to qualify on the pole since 1983 when he did it for Prema Racing. Robert Shwartzman, of Israel, celebrates after winning the pole position during qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, […]

Published

2 minutes ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Robert Shwartzman, a 25-year-old with dual nationality in Israel and Russia, became the first Indy 500 rookie to qualify on the pole since 1983 when he did it for Prema Racing.

Robert Shwartzman, of Israel, celebrates after winning the pole position during qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)(AP/Michael Conroy)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A rookie driver for a brand new team won the pole for the Indianapolis 500 on a strange day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Team Penske was disqualified before the final two rounds of qualifying.

Robert Shwartzman, a 25-year-old with dual nationality in Israel and Russia, became the first Indy 500 rookie to qualify on the pole since 1983 when he did it for Prema Racing.

The last rookie to qualify on the Indy 500 pole was Teo Fabi. Coincidentally, he was an Italian — just like Prema, which also was founded in ’83. Prema is established in Europe and races in the Formula 2 series. It made its IndyCar debut this season.

Shwartzman initially raced under the Russian flag until the start of the war with Ukraine. He now races under the Israeli flag, which makes the Tel Aviv native the first driver from Israel to make “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

Prema is the first team making its debut in the Indy 500 to land on the pole since Mayer Motor Racing put Tom Sneva there in 1984.

Shwartzman, who has never before raced on an oval, was mobbed by a sea of red-clad team members as soon as his pole-winning run became official.

“Honestly it feels like I’m dreaming. I just had it in my dreams when I was going how would it feel to do such a good job in quali,” he said. “It’s the Indy 500. It’s the main race of the year. Honestly it feels unbelievable.”

Shwartzman had been pursuing a career in Formula 1 and was part of the Ferrari development program as well as its reserve driver from 2021 until the end of last season — when Prema nabbed him for its two-car team.

He was the fourth of six drivers to make their qualifying attempt and took the pole from Takuma Sato of Rahal Letterman Lanigan. But he still had to wait for Pato O’Ward of McLaren and Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing to make their runs, and he nervously watched from pit lane.

O’Ward went first and landed in the third spot and Rosenqvist dropped to fifth, sandwiched in the second row between Chip Ganassi Racing teammates Scott Dixon and Alex Palou. It was a strange finishing order as the Ganassi cars were expected to battle each other for the top starting spot in next Sunday’s race.

“Rookie on pole with Shwartzman — how wild does that get? New team. I didn’t see that coming at all,” said 2008 winner Dixon.

The pole was wide open for the taking first when Team Penske was disqualified from qualifying for an illegal modification on the cars of two-time defending Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden and Will Power, and Scott McLaughlin destroyed his car in a Sunday morning crash during practice.

The three Penske drivers all started on the front row last year, but will be 10th, 11th and 12th in the fourth row together next weekend. That put the odds in Ganassi’s favor, but they had a surprising drop in speed from Saturday to Sunday.

So then Sato, in his first race in nearly a year, sat atop the scoring pylon until Shwartzman’s shocking run.

“I don’t even know what to say. The car felt amazing,” he said, “Coming here for my first oval race, I couldn’t even expect to be in this position. Big thanks to everyone. Big thanks to the fans cheering for me. It’s unbelievable.”

Shwartzman’s engineer is Eric Leichtle, who spent a season with Team Penske as the engineer for Newgarden in 2022. Leichtle left motorsports and spent the past two years working for SpaceX as a senior structures engineer.

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

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© 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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Motorsports

Carolina Handling Partners With Spire At Talladega Race

Kathy Laughlin | Marketplace Greenville Carolina Handling Partners With Spire At Talladega Race Carolina Handling, a material handling solutions provider and a support center for Raymond Solutions, will partner with Michael McDowell at Talladega (Alabama) Superspeedway on Oct. 19. McDowell drives Spire Motorsports No. 71 Chevrolet ZL1. The race will be the NASCAR Cup Series […]

Published

26 minutes ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Kathy Laughlin
| Marketplace Greenville

Carolina Handling Partners With Spire At Talladega Race

Carolina Handling, a material handling solutions provider and a support center for Raymond Solutions, will partner with Michael McDowell at Talladega (Alabama) Superspeedway on Oct. 19.

McDowell drives Spire Motorsports No. 71 Chevrolet ZL1. The race will be the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500.

“Carolina Handling is thrilled to partner with Spire Motorsports, an organization that shares our core values of respect, teamwork and innovation, and aligns with our drive to be elite in service to our customers and our community,” said Brent Hillabrand, President and CEO of Carolina Handling.

“Our affiliation with Spire Motorsports and winning NASCAR driver Michael McDowell gives the Carolina Handling brand significant visibility and offers us the opportunity for dynamic customer, associate and consumer engagement.”

Talladega Superspeedway is known for high-speed, nose-to-tail action where the difference between winning and losing is usually fractions of a second.

McDowell, the 2021 Daytona 500 champion, joined Spire Motorsports for the current season. He has been in NASCAR’s premier division for 18 years.

The crew chief is Travis Peterson.

Carolina Handling started in 1966 as a gas station in North Carolina. The company, headquartered in Charlotte, now provides integrated logistics and warehouse solutions across the Southeast.

McDowell said the pairing makes sense. “I think this is the perfect opportunity to showcase how our industries can continue to integrate technology into our workforce with confidence,” he said.

“Being able to represent a company that has such a strong tie to the Carolinas is important for our industry and our community. It should be a great race at Talladega, and we look forward to having Carolina Handling join the Spire team.”

The YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway is the 34th of 36 points-paying races in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series.

Carolina Handling is the Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and part of Florida. The company provides forklifts, automation solutions, parts, racking, storage, lighting, and dock and door equipment to manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers.

The company has branch offices in Atlanta, Birmingham, Greensboro, Raleigh and Greenville, and an equipment distribution center in Piedmont.

Fair At Heritage Park In Simpsonville Until May 25

The Fair at Heritage Park will showcase new foods, rides and shows in Simpsonville through May 25.

Admission and ride specials are available every day. The Fair at Heritage Park is at 861 S.E. Main St. On-site parking is free.

A new ride is the Cyclops 2.0, the second-generation Cyclops with more flips, dips and heart-pounding swoops. The FireGuy show is new; he holds the Guinness World Record for performing with fire.

For kids, movie characters such as Tinker Bell, Stitch, Ariel and more will roam the fairgrounds daily for photo opportunities. All shows are free to fair guests.

Admission is a flat rate of $10 for ages 11 and up. Fair-goers under age 10 are admitted free. Visitors can pay one price for unlimited rides. Individuals under the age of 17 will not be allowed after 5 p.m. without parents, and a clear bag policy is in place.

The fair is family-owned and family-run.

For information about daily promotions, hours, safety policies and attractions, go to FairAtHeritagePark.com or contact info@trzlive.com. For changes due to weather, go to The Fair at Heritage Park Facebook page.

Lima One Capital Hires Senior Director of Underwriting

Lima One Capital in Greenville, a lender nationwide for real estate investors, has hired Greg Larsen as its new Senior Director of Underwriting.

Larsen will lead the Lima One team that underwrites borrowers and loans. He has nearly two decades of commercial real estate lending and credit experience and a record of building high-performing teams, managing complex loan portfolios, and driving strategic growth, according to a press release.

Most recently, Larsen served as Director of Credit at Builders Capital and led initiatives in underwriting standards, product development and credit strategy. Previously, Larsen spent 17 years with Bank of America, where he held leadership roles in underwriting, credit risk and portfolio management.

“I’m excited to join Lima One. The team’s energy, drive and commitment to making a real impact in the real estate space is inspiring,” Larsen said.

Larsen’s accomplishments include designing and implementing a program that delivered over $800 million in commitments to sponsors in its first five months and managing a team that underwrote and closed $3 billion of real estate transactions in one year.

“Greg is passionate about credit quality, team development and process improvement, and I am confident that he will continue to improve our already talented team,” said Lima One CEO Josh Woodward.

Since its inception in 2010, Lima One Capital has funded over $10 billion in business-purpose real estate loans. With a reach across 46 states, Lima One operates as a capital partner for real estate investors and brokers by financing residential investment strategies including fix and flips and rental and new construction. In 2021, Lima One was acquired by real estate investment trust MFA Financial Inc.

Homes of Hope Celebrates Two Workforce Graduates

As addiction remains a pressing concern, two Upstate men are rewriting their stories.

Cade Cope and Austin Allen recently graduated from the Homes of Hope Men’s Workforce Development program – an initiative designed to help men rebuild their lives as they overcome addiction and homelessness.

The Homes of Hope MWD program pairs safe housing, life skills coaching, and hands-on workforce training that the men need to succeed beyond recovery.

“Addiction shows no favoritism. It can entangle anyone, often trapping them in long, dark, seemingly endless cycles of despair,” said Steve Vicari, Director of Men’s Workforce Development. “But recovery is a fresh start, full of promise.”

Overdose deaths have risen by nearly 60% in recent years, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Cope has been hired by John Norwood, who graduated from the MWD program several years ago and founded Old Timey Electric. He is “paying it forward” by offering Cope a full-time position and mentorship.

Allen secured full-time employment at Viper Services.

“It is truly inspiring to see generational change happen,” said Don Oglesby, President and CEO of Homes of Hope.

The Men’s Workforce Development program has graduated more than 330 men since its inception.

For information about Homes of Hope and the Men’s Workforce Development program, go to homesofhope.org.

Homes of Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Greenville. The organization’s dual mission is to provide affordable housing while helping men in the MWD program find stability. Since its founding in 1998, Homes of Hope has built 704 homes.

AIRSYS Cooling Headquarters Slated For Spartanburg County

AIRSYS Cooling Technologies, a cooling solution provider, announced that it will expand its global headquarters by building in Spartanburg County. The company’s $40 million investment will create 215 jobs.

AIRSYS, celebrating three decades in business, is currently headquartered in Greer. The company develops and manufactures cooling equipment for information and communication technology. The company’s energy-efficient cooling solutions are used in data centers, schools and telecom cabinets worldwide.

AIRSYS will construct its global headquarters at 6228 Hwy. 101 in Woodruff. The existing manufacturing site will be expanded.

The new campus will have one of the world’s largest 3D printing factories and will make customizable spray liquid cooling components for high-density computing servers, according to a press release.

Operations are expected to be online in 2026.

Xoted Biotechnology Establishing Operation In Duncan

Xoted Biotechnology Labs, a research and development center, has announced plans to establish a presence in Spartanburg County.

The $4.2 million investment is a significant advancement in sustainable biotechnology and scientific innovation, according to a press release. The company will create 34 jobs.

Xoted is a subsidiary of DRC Ventures and TRB Holdings. Xoted works in the biotech, nutraceutical and environmental industries.

The new facility, in the Spark Center at 1875 East Main St. in Duncan, will focus on plant-based detoxification, seed research, and next-generation applications in textiles and cleanroom technology. In addition to product development, the operation will serve as a hub for STEM education and scientific research.

Upstate Forever Protects 1,100 Acres In ’24

Upstate Forever protected 1,130 acres in 2024.

Conservation easements were finalized in Abbeville, Greenville and Pickens counties. The permanent protections include forests, farmlands, waterways and green space.

Upstate Forever protects land in partnership with landowners through conservation easements – voluntary contracts that allow landowners to legally restrict certain uses on their property (including residential subdivisions and commercial or industrial operations), while allowing traditional rural uses, such as farming, grazing, hunting and timbering.

The agreement is permanent and remains with the land, even if it is sold or passed to heirs.

Easements are:

Abbeville County

Morrow Creek Timbers, a 236-acre addition to 429 acres protected by conservation easement in 2021. The protected lands contribute to forest and wildlife habitat and local water quality. The S.C. Conservation Bank and Upstate Land Conservation Fund provided funds.

Greenville County

Fern Springs, a 37-acre recreational and wildlife habitat in northern Greenville and one of the last undeveloped parcels in a private community. The protected property contributes to water quality in the headwater streams of the Saluda River Watershed.

Hereford Hill Farm, a 101-acre working family-owned ranch in southern Greenville County. In addition to permanently protecting the property’s scenic value and pastureland for 50 cattle, the project contributes to local water quality. The land has more than 6,600 feet of tributary streams in the Saluda River Watershed. The Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust, S.C. Conservation Bank and Upstate Land Conservation Fund provided funding.

Horsepen Creek, 45 acres that are part of a neighborhood strategy to protect key wetlands and creek frontage on Horsepen Creek in southern Greenville County. It is adjacent to 34 acres of Horsepen Creek property protected in 2023. The Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust, S.C. Conservation Bank and Upstate Land Conservation Fund provided funding.

Pearl Bottoms, a 60-acre cattle farm in the Tigerville community. The property is at the confluence of three tributaries that serve as a headwater source of the South Tyger River. The Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust, S.C. Conservation Bank and Upstate Land Conservation Fund provided funding, with a reimbursement grant from S.C. Department of Environmental Services.

White Tract, 512 acres near the boundary with North Carolina. It expands an existing network of public and private protections along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. The perpetual protection of the natural area will help preserve access to the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area and its ecological biodiversity. Partners and funders include Naturaland Trust, S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, and Upstate Land Conservation Fund.

Pickens County

Horse Gap Forest, 69 acres of fields, forests, seeps, bogs, and a pond along the Wadakoe Mountain Ridge that separates Hwy. 11 from the Eastatoe Valley. The property is bordered by tributary streams of Little Eastatoe Creek and 534 acres maintained by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources as a Wildlife Management Area. The S.C. Conservation Bank, S.C. Conservation Bank, Upstate Land Conservation Fund and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service provided funding, with a reimbursement grant from S.C. Department of Environmental Services.

Keowee Ridge, a 66-acre organic hobby farm on a peninsula of Lake Keowee. The farm produces free-range eggs, apples, honey and goat byproducts, distributed through the Clemson Area Food Exchange. The easement protects scenic views, agricultural potential, and natural habitat amid rapid lakefront development. The S.C. Conservation Bank and Upstate Land Conservation Fund provided funding, with a reimbursement grant from S.C. Department of Environmental Services.

Upstate Forever’s stewardship team will support the landowners and monitor each tract to ensure the terms of the easement are upheld. Currently, the team monitors 219 stewardship sites.

In addition to enacting and stewarding conservation easements, Upstate Forever supports conservation partners on projects that benefit the Upstate.

Upstate Forever partnered to protect an additional 1,900 acres in the Upstate. Partners were Conserving Carolina, The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina, State of South Carolina, Spartanburg County Parks Department, Spartanburg Area Conservancy and The Tyger River Foundation.

Since Upstate Forever’s founding by Greenville attorney Brad Wyche in 1998, the organization has permanently protected more than 44,000 acres through conservation easements and partner efforts across the 10-county Upstate.

Casting Cleaning Resources Expands In Greenwood County

Casting Cleaning Resources, a provider of casting cleaning services, is expanding its Greenwood County operations with a $5 million investment that will create 42 additional jobs.

Founded in Indiana in 1992, CCR provides cleaning services for industrial applications. The company’s Greenwood County operation, established in 2019, specializes in casting finishing services and other post-mold services for foundries.

CCR will operate in a standalone building at 104 Stoneridge Court in Greenwood.

Agent Joins BrownStone

Kem Swenson has joined BrownStone Real Estate agency.

A Greenville native with over two decades in real estate, Swenson began her career in 1999 at a firm specializing in custom-built neighborhoods. Later, she helped agents with listings, contracts and buyer relations.

“Kem embodies our mission of personalized service and community connection,” said Rhett Brown, broker and owner of BrownStone.

Founded by Brown and Kirby Stone, Greenville-based BrownStone Real Estate carries forward a family legacy of real estate sales and development. BrownStone’s services include customizable pre-listing concierge assistance to help sellers maximize the value of their homes.

First Presbyterian Church Presents Fine Art Exhibit

First Presbyterian Church, in partnership with the Galleries at First Presbyterian, will hold an art exhibition, “Looking Up,” through Aug. 31. The exhibit will feature the works of George Stone, Joe Craighead and Mark Baral.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. The works will be displayed on the first and second floors of the Galleries at First Presbyterian, 200 W. Washington St.

Stone is known for representational oil paintings; Craighead focuses on plein-air oil landscapes; Baral specializes in landscape and representational oil paintings.

For information, go to firstpresgreenville.org/events/signature-events.

Book Explores Beach Music

McBryde Publishing of New Bern, North Carolina, has released “The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story,” an account of one of Carolina’s most iconic bands.

The biography – written by McBryde CEO Bill Benners, Chris Jones and journalist Skip Crayton – explores Tomlinson, founding drummer of The Embers, and the band’s 60 years as pioneers of beach music.

Founded in 1958 by Bobby Tomlinson and Jackie Gore, The Embers made their debut in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a signature sound that blended blending rhythm and blues, soul, and the swing of beach music.

“The Embers: The Bobby Tomlinson Story” is available in eBook, hardcover and paperback at major online retailers, including Amazon, and at BuyBeachMusic.com., off Church Street.

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Motorsports

Ford Performance NASCAR: Mustang Mach-E NASCAR Prototype Takes First Laps in Front of Fans – Speedway Digest

Earlier this afternoon, David Ragan made a demonstration run for fans at North Wilkesboro Speedway in the Ford Mustang Mach-E NASCAR Prototype. It marked the first time this demonstrator vehicle appeared on an oval in front of fans. Ragan completed a handful of laps that included a standstill start using the car’s ‘launch mode and […]

Published

49 minutes ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

This is the ninth vehicle in the Ford Performance EV Demonstrator portfolio, which includes the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck that won last year’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb. The Ford Mustang Mach-E NASCAR Prototype has the same chassis and safety components as the current NASCAR Cup Series Mustang. It’s equipped with three motors, one in the front and two in the rear, and is capable of producing 1360 horsepower.

DAVID RAGAN, Driver, Ford Mustang Mach-E NASCAR Prototype – HOW DID THAT DEMONSTRATION RUN GO? “It was really a quick test session for this Ford Mach-E NASCAR Prototype. The first time here at North Wilkesboro Speedway and this thing has over 1000 horsepower, so it’s incredible the amount of power that this car has. It stops really well. I was trying to get a good burnout at the end without shredding the tires all the way, so that was fun.”

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOW THIS CAR DRIVES VERSUS A CUP CAR? “The cars really drive similarly in the middle of the corner. This is the same chassis that the current Cup cars are running with in the Next Gen race car, so the steering, the side force, the handling feels very similar. Where the Mach-E just outperforms the other car is that pure acceleration. The amount of torque that it has is incredible and it’s instant torque because being an all-wheel drive car, you’ve got a lot of torque when you’re on the throttle. When you hit the brakes, it stops on a dime and it’s quiet. I can hear myself thinking and it’s really weird to hear some of the rubber banging off the inside of the car. You can hear the tires squealing a little bit, so you don’t have that loud noise to drown yourself out.”

YOU STARTED THE RUN IN SOMETHING CALLED ‘LAUNCH MODE’. HOW DOES THAT WORK? “You need to take a look inside the car at the steering wheel. There are a lot more buttons than I even know what to do with, but there’s a launch mode that revs the electric motor up to a really high RPM and when I release that button the car just instantly goes. With this being an all-wheel drive Mach-E that has traction control, it sets you back in the seat so you better make sure you’re pointed and you’re going exactly where you want to go. There’s a lot of acceleration and a lot of bells and whistles on the steering wheel that the driver can play with.”

THIS IS ANOTHER IN A LONG LINE OF EV DEMONSTRATORS FOR FORD PERFORMANCE. HOW DOES THIS COMPARE? “We’re really scratching the surface with the power and the potential with these full EV demonstrators at Ford Performance. I’ve been a big fan of some of the Pikes Peak Hill Climbs with the SuperVan and F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, so there’s always a lot of new technology rolling out and it’s changing really fast. I’m really thrilled to see the Mach-E as a part of this because that’s my daily driver. I love driving it around town, so to see the power on a NASCAR style race car is exciting. Keep in touch because over the next several months, and certainly later this year, I think we’ve got some really cool things up our sleeves.”

Ford Performance PR

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Motorsports

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour At North Wilkesboro Speedway Results

The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour kicked off the final day of NASCAR All-Star Weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday afternoon with 150 laps of racing at the historic oval. A race filled with attrition ended with Craig Lutz in NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory lane for the fifth time in his career. 2025 NASCAR […]

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

2025 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at North Wilkesboro Speedway

The race was slowed by 10 different cautions, many of which collected multiple contenders, and ended with Lutz fending off Luke Baldwin and riding the elevator to victory lane. The win was Lutz’s first tour victory since August 17, 2022.

Defending NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Justin Bonsignore, who was one of many drivers collected in an incident. rebounded to finish third. Jacob Lutz and Austin Beers completed the top five.

Patrick Emerling, who entered the race atop the championship standings, was involved in an incident and finished 28th.

Next up for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is a trip to Seekonk Speedway on May 31.

To watch every NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race this season, including a replay of Sunday’s race at North Wilkesboro, sign up for a FloRacing subscription today.

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at North Wilkesboro Speedway Results

Position	Driver
1	Craig Lutz
2	Luke Baldwin
3	Justin Bonsignore
4	Jacob Lutz
5	Austin Beers
6	Stephen Kopcik
7	Tommy Catalano
8	Joey Braun
9	Jeremy Gerstner
10	Luke Fleming
11	Ken Heagy
12	Teddy Hodgdon
13	Ryan Newman
14	Corey LaJoie
15	Trevor Catalano
16	John-Michael Shenette
17	Mike Marshall
18	Tyler Barry
19	Tyler Rypkema
20	Joey Coulter
21	Jake Crum
22	Matt Hirschman
23	Joey Cipriano III
24	Kyle Bonsignore
25	Kyle Ebersole
26	Brian Sones
27	Carson Loftin
28	Patrick Emerling
29	Bobby Labonte
30	Dave Sapienza
31	Eric Goodale

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Motorsports

Christopher Bell crowned 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race winner

Published

3 hours ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Christopher Bell passed Joey Logano with nine laps remaining and cruised to victory in an action-packed NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday night.In a slam-bang affair that set a record for lead changes, Bell won by 0.829 seconds over Logano to earn his first All-Star Race victory. Ross Chastain finished third, followed by Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott.Logano elected to stay on track rather than pit during the final yellow. The decision proved to be costly while trying to hold off Bell, who had pitted for two fresh tires.The field was bunched for the final time on Lap 216 with the “ Promoter’s Caution,” thrown by two-time Daytona 500 winner and Fox Sports personality Michael Waltrip, who dropped the yellow flag on the track. The gimmick to guarantee a late restart was a sidebar to an eventful race.After lackluster showings in the first two outings on the 0.625-mile oval (including Logano leading 199 of 200 laps to win last year ), the All-Star Race delivered much more action in its third year at North Wilkesboro Speedway. There were 17 lead changes, breaking the mark of 13 (set in 2016) for the most in the event’s 41-year history.Pole-sitter Brad Keselowski and Logano traded the lead twice in the first 10 laps and often ran side by side for the lead. There were six leaders and 10 lead changes in the first half of the race, which topped the total number of leaders (four) and lead changes (five) in the past two All-Star Races combined.After leading 62 laps, Keselowski’s bid for his first All-Star Race victory ended with a crash on Lap 177.All-Star Open resultsCapitalizing on pit strategy, Carson Hocevar led the final 46 laps to win the All-Star Open and advance into the NASCAR All-Star Race.Runner-up John Hunter Nemechek also advanced to the main event by finishing second in the 100-lap warmup race. Noah Gragson won an online fan vote to earn the final transfer spot to the All-Star Race, whose field will include 20 other drivers competing for $1 million over 250 laps Sunday night.Pole-sitter Shane van Gisbergen finished 13th after leading the first 54 laps on the 0.625-mile oval. The New Zealand native, who is in his first full Cup Series season after winning three Supercar championships in Australia, fell from first to sixth on a four-tire pit stop during the halfway caution.“I don’t know whether to smile or cry,” said van Gisbergen, who is ranked 35th in the points standings with one top 10 this season. “It’s been a dismal year for us, but I feel like we’re getting better every week. This shows it.”Costly penaltyRyan Preece finished 11th in the Open after being sent to the rear from second place on a restart with 17 laps remaining. Preece said he unintentionally ran over the commitment line before which drivers must choose whether they are restarting on the inside or outside lane.“It’s really nonexistent from inside the car,” Preece said. “You can’t see it. I’m frustrated because if you have a situation like that, put a cone out there so we can see it. Our Ford Mustang was super fast, and I think we were the only one that was making some waves. It’s heartbreaking to have a run like that taken away.”NASCAR repainted the restart commitment line before the start of the All-Star Race.More moneyThe All-Star Race winner’s share has been $1 million since the 2003 event, and some drivers have grumbled that an increase for inflation is well overdue.“I definitely think it should get raised,” 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney said this week. “That’s the only thing about the All-Star Race I’d probably change. I don’t want to get greedy, but I think you can raise it to $3 million.”Bubba Wallace said he’d suggest $5 million but would be good for a bump to $3 million.“They’ve got more TV money, so why not,” Wallace said, referring to NASCAR’s media rights raising to $1.1 billion annually in a deal starting this year.Up nextThe Cup Series will race May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600, the longest race of the season. Christopher Bell won last year’s race, which was shortened from 600 to 374 miles by rain.Kyle Larson missed the 2024 race after arriving late because the Indianapolis 500 was delayed by rain. The Hendrick Motorsports star again will attempt to become the fifth driver to race the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. —

Christopher Bell passed Joey Logano with nine laps remaining and cruised to victory in an action-packed NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday night.

In a slam-bang affair that set a record for lead changes, Bell won by 0.829 seconds over Logano to earn his first All-Star Race victory. Ross Chastain finished third, followed by Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott.

Logano elected to stay on track rather than pit during the final yellow. The decision proved to be costly while trying to hold off Bell, who had pitted for two fresh tires.

The field was bunched for the final time on Lap 216 with the “ Promoter’s Caution,” thrown by two-time Daytona 500 winner and Fox Sports personality Michael Waltrip, who dropped the yellow flag on the track. The gimmick to guarantee a late restart was a sidebar to an eventful race.

After lackluster showings in the first two outings on the 0.625-mile oval (including Logano leading 199 of 200 laps to win last year ), the All-Star Race delivered much more action in its third year at North Wilkesboro Speedway. There were 17 lead changes, breaking the mark of 13 (set in 2016) for the most in the event’s 41-year history.

Pole-sitter Brad Keselowski and Logano traded the lead twice in the first 10 laps and often ran side by side for the lead. There were six leaders and 10 lead changes in the first half of the race, which topped the total number of leaders (four) and lead changes (five) in the past two All-Star Races combined.

After leading 62 laps, Keselowski’s bid for his first All-Star Race victory ended with a crash on Lap 177.

All-Star Open results

Capitalizing on pit strategy, Carson Hocevar led the final 46 laps to win the All-Star Open and advance into the NASCAR All-Star Race.

Runner-up John Hunter Nemechek also advanced to the main event by finishing second in the 100-lap warmup race. Noah Gragson won an online fan vote to earn the final transfer spot to the All-Star Race, whose field will include 20 other drivers competing for $1 million over 250 laps Sunday night.

Pole-sitter Shane van Gisbergen finished 13th after leading the first 54 laps on the 0.625-mile oval. The New Zealand native, who is in his first full Cup Series season after winning three Supercar championships in Australia, fell from first to sixth on a four-tire pit stop during the halfway caution.

“I don’t know whether to smile or cry,” said van Gisbergen, who is ranked 35th in the points standings with one top 10 this season. “It’s been a dismal year for us, but I feel like we’re getting better every week. This shows it.”

Costly penalty

Ryan Preece finished 11th in the Open after being sent to the rear from second place on a restart with 17 laps remaining. Preece said he unintentionally ran over the commitment line before which drivers must choose whether they are restarting on the inside or outside lane.

“It’s really nonexistent from inside the car,” Preece said. “You can’t see it. I’m frustrated because if you have a situation like that, put a cone out there so we can see it. Our Ford Mustang was super fast, and I think we were the only one that was making some waves. It’s heartbreaking to have a run like that taken away.”

NASCAR repainted the restart commitment line before the start of the All-Star Race.

More money

The All-Star Race winner’s share has been $1 million since the 2003 event, and some drivers have grumbled that an increase for inflation is well overdue.

“I definitely think it should get raised,” 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney said this week. “That’s the only thing about the All-Star Race I’d probably change. I don’t want to get greedy, but I think you can raise it to $3 million.”

Bubba Wallace said he’d suggest $5 million but would be good for a bump to $3 million.

“They’ve got more TV money, so why not,” Wallace said, referring to NASCAR’s media rights raising to $1.1 billion annually in a deal starting this year.

Up next

The Cup Series will race May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600, the longest race of the season. Christopher Bell won last year’s race, which was shortened from 600 to 374 miles by rain.

Kyle Larson missed the 2024 race after arriving late because the Indianapolis 500 was delayed by rain. The Hendrick Motorsports star again will attempt to become the fifth driver to race the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.

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Norman Native Christopher Bell beats Joey Logano in action-packed NASCAR All-Star Race

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4 hours ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Christopher Bell passed Joey Logano with nine laps remaining and cruised to victory in an action-packed NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday night.

Logano elected to stay on track rather than pit during the final yellow. The decision proved to be costly while trying to hold off Bell, who had pitted for two fresh tires.

After leading 62 laps, Keselowski’s bid for his first All-Star Race victory ended with a crash on Lap 177.

All-Star Open results

Capitalizing on pit strategy, Carson Hocevar led the final 46 laps to win the All-Star Open and advance into the NASCAR All-Star Race.

Costly penalty

NASCAR repainted the restart commitment line before the start of the All-Star Race.

More money

The All-Star Race winner’s share has been $1 million since the 2003 event, and some drivers have grumbled that an increase for inflation is well overdue.

Bubba Wallace said he’d suggest $5 million but would be good for a bump to $3 million.

“They’ve got more TV money, so why not,” Wallace said, referring to NASCAR’s media rights raising to $1.1 billion annually in a deal starting this year.