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Justin Haley was not involved in ‘unexpected’ crew chief exit

Justin Haley is likely just looking for a little bit of stability in the 2025 NASCAR Cup season after losing four crew members, his car chief and now his crew chief since the beginning of April.  Car Chief Robert “Cheddar” Smith left at the start of the month to take over those same duties for Ty […]

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Justin Haley is likely just looking for a little bit of stability in the 2025 NASCAR Cup season after losing four crew members, his car chief and now his crew chief since the beginning of April. 

Car Chief Robert “Cheddar” Smith left at the start of the month to take over those same duties for Ty Gibbs at Joe Gibbs Racing. His replacement, Doug Powers, was actually ejected from Talladega after Haley’s car failed pre-race inspection twice. Haley also has four new pit crew members after both his front and rear tire changers, jackman and tire carrier were given to Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team in a swap between the allied organizations.

But the most shocking move is the loss of championship-winning crew chief Rodney Childers, who abruptly exited the organization earlier this week. Both parties conceded how the situation wasn’t working for either of them in their respective statements, resulting in Spire appointing Ryan Sparks (who already works as director of competition) as Haley’s new crew chief.

Haley was not involved

Speaking on how it all transpired in a Friday press conference at Talladega Superspeedway, Haley explained that he had no say in the decision.

“I was not (involved), no,” said Haley. “I showed up on Tuesday. We had our normal Tuesday, 8am meeting with the No. 7 team to see how we’d come here (Talladega) and try to win the race. And then after my meetings on Tuesday, I was notified. Yeah, it was unexpected, but to be honest with you, I don’t think anything in this sport surprises me anymore, so you have to deal with adversity and change.

Spire is no stranger to mid-season changes. Haley himself took over the wheel of the No. 7 Chevrolet in the middle of the 2024 season, replacing Corey LaJoie. And yet, the loss of Childers felt more chaotic to him than that surprising moment last fall.

“Last year, (I) came to Spire Motorsports midway through the year, and somehow, it was a way crazier thing that happened to me than this week,” said Haley. “My life has been full of craziness the last six months. Yeah, hopefully we can find some consistency here with (Ryan) Sparks. Had a lot of fun working with him the back half of the season. I think he’s the plan for now and I enjoy working him.”

Justin Haley, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Justin Haley, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Photo by: Getty Images

Moving forward, Haley has some work to do. The driver has had strong runs this year, but dismal days as well, leaving him 23rd in the championship standings. So where does he go from here?

“For me, (it’s) showing up and doing my job to the best of my ability each week,” said Haley, who faces the longest winless streak among active Cup drivers. “Obviously, it’s an unexpected change and not something you ever want to do in the middle of a season but super proud to be with a race team and owner like Jeff Dickerson that’s not scared to make changes for maybe the better. It was a fit thing, I think. I think Jeff said in his interview with The Athletic, nothing super wrong that stood out.

“I think at the end of the day, we’re in the Cup Series to compete, and on a Sunday in the Cup Series, everything has to be right. If one little thing isn’t right, you’re not going to win races, and that’s what we’re trying to do. That’s what Spire is trying to do. They’ve been putting some much time, effort and resources, money, ability, put people in the right places to try to win races. I don’t think they’re scared to do anything to win a race.”

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Claremont Motorsports Park kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with thrilling doubleheader – eagletimes.com

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 […]

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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.


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‘Fastest Seat In Sports’ returns for Indy 500 with 2 legendary athletes aboard

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 […]

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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.

RELATED: Why was Pete Rose banned from baseball? What to know after MLB’s hit king reinstated

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.

The Source: This story was reported from Los Angeles. The Associated Press, FOX Sports contributed.

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NASCAR TV schedule this weekend: North Wilkesboro 2025

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. Photo: Kyle Stephens/The Racing Experts 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 […]

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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.

Photo: Kyle Stephens/The Racing Experts

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.



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NASCAR star Denny Hamlin issues worrying health update on lingering injury

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 […]

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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’.”

READ MORE: Michael Jordan-owned 23XI team could leave NASCAR MID-SEASON after appeal hearing

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Kyle Busch outlines path for son Brexton to enter NASCAR

Kyle Busch shared details on how his son, Brexton, will compete in NASCAR. While speaking to Denny Hamlin on the Actions Detrimental podcast, Busch was asked if there’s a right path for Brexton to follow. “I don’t think there’s a right path,” Busch said. “He’s getting more into the Legend car right now. He turns […]

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Kyle Busch shared details on how his son, Brexton, will compete in NASCAR. While speaking to Denny Hamlin on the Actions Detrimental podcast, Busch was asked if there’s a right path for Brexton to follow.

“I don’t think there’s a right path,” Busch said. “He’s getting more into the Legend car right now. He turns 10, he can’t race a Legend car until he turns 10. That’s this week, so he’ll actually race his Legend car debut this week at Hickory. There’s a lot more racetracks around our area for Legends cars, pavement racing Legend cars than there are the Dirt Micro.

“…For KBM (Kyle Busch Motorsports), KMB still exists, it’s the Legends cars, the Micros, the Bandoleros. It’s just that stuff that I’ll keep doing with Brex. But the next level, so when he turns 12, it will be Late Model stuff, so getting him into Dirt Late Models, getting him into Pavement Late Models. I’d like to keep him on both, just learning that sense of all the different vehicles that you can drive. Don’t stay in anything too long that you learn those bad habits that keep you good at that, that doesn’t allow you to keep your mind open and fresh to new things.”

Kyle Busch wants the Kyle Larson path for Brexton

Busch also said that when Brexton turns 13 and 14, he will get him into the Super Late Models and a few Late Model Tours “for the dirt world.” The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion wants Brexton to race on both pavement and dirt because Kyle Larson has done the same thing in his career.

“I look at Kyle, ‘Tiny’ Kyle Larson,” Busch said on the Door Bumper Clear podcast in April. “I would say he’s obviously one of the top talents right now in our space and in the dirt world space as well. He can get in anything anytime and go fast. I feel like the dirt world and having that expertise and feeling comfortable crooked and being sideways and not having the grip has helped him a lot over the years and just being able to carry cars further than they were potentially worth. And then obviously the pavement side as well, just kind of get that craft as well of being on the pavement.”



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Front Row Motorsports: North Wilkesboro Speedway NCTS Race Advance- Layne Riggs / Chandler Smith

Layne Riggs | Chandler SmithNorth Wilkesboro Speedway NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race AdvanceWindow World 250Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025Event: Race 10 of 25Series: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck SeriesLocation: North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625-miles)#of Laps: 250Time/TV/Radio: 1:30 PM ET on FS1/SiriusXM channel 90 Layne Riggs Notes Layne Riggs heads to North Wilkesboro, North Carolina this Saturday for 250 […]

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Layne Riggs | Chandler Smith
North Wilkesboro Speedway NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Advance
Window World 250
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Event: Race 10 of 25
Series: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Location: North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625-miles)
#of Laps: 250
Time/TV/Radio: 1:30 PM ET on FS1/SiriusXM channel 90

Layne Riggs Notes

Layne Riggs heads to North Wilkesboro, North Carolina this Saturday for 250 laps at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. This will be Riggs’ second NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at the short track. In his previous start in 2024, Riggs started 23rd and finished third, earning his first top-five finish of the 2024 season. After last week’s race at the Kansas Speedway, Riggs is now ninth in the Truck Series’ Driver Championship points standings.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte will join Riggs and the No. 34 Ford F-150 team for their first race of the 2025 season. For Riggs, the relationship with the University extends beyond the partnership. In 2024, Riggs earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University while also making his rookie debut in the Truck Series with Front Row Motorsports.

“My education is something I take a lot of pride in,” said Riggs. “When I started my journey at Charlotte, I put a big emphasis on taking what I learned in the classroom and applying it to my racing career, something I still do today driving for Front Row Motorsports. Both my crew chief and my engineers have an engineering background, so when I joined the team, I was able to apply my degree in not only SIM sessions but also at the track to help them make the proper adjustments. I owe a lot of my success to my Alma Mater and my former professors, so it’s special to me that I get to represent them on track. Hopefully, I can make current students and professors proud with a trip to Victory Lane.”

“North Wilkesboro Speedway is my type of track,” said Riggs. “Growing up in the late model world, I feel most comfortable at the short-track circuits and Wilkesboro is just that. The team and I are hungrier than ever and with the momentum we have, I think we can get the job done this weekend and lock ourselves into the Playoffs.”

Road Crew

Driver: Layne Riggs

Crew Chief: Dylan Cappello

Truck Chief: Alex Lacognata

Engineer: Jonathan Coates

Mechanic: Clark Houston

Mechanic: Brandon Selph

Tire / Interior Specialist: Robert Benzenhafer

Spotter: Josh Williams

Transporter Driver: Joe Haresky

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Blake Hickman

Rear Tire Changer: Steven Chereek

Tire Carrier: Alvin Wilson

Jackman: Landon Honeycutt

Fueler: Patrick Gaddy

Chandler Smith Notes

Chandler Smith will make his first North Wilkesboro Speedway Truck Series start this weekend. Smith has one previous start at the historic short track, competing in the Cup Series’ All-Star Open race in 2023 with Kaulig Racing.

Following last week’s race at the Kansas Speedway, Smith remains second in the NCTS Driver Championship points standings. Through the first nine races of the season, Smith has earned one win, three top-five, and six top-10 finishes.

“I’m looking forward to North Wilkesboro,” said Smith. “Kansas didn’t go how we wanted, but I’m still confident in my team and truck heading into this weekend. This is my first time racing a truck at Wilkesboro, so we’ll have to maximize our practice session to ensure we qualify up front and stay there. I think we can do that.”

Road Crew

Driver: Chandler Smith

Crew Chief: Jon Leonard

Truck Chief: Ron Schutte

Engineer: Caleb Williams

Mechanic: Levy Bixler

Mechanic: Alex Campbell

Tire / Interior Specialist: Kyle Clark

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard

Transport Driver: Mark Hadley

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Garrett Wager

Rear Tire Changer: Jacob Ray

Tire Carrier: Paul Steele

Jackman: Ryan Selig

Fueler: Chris Webb

ABOUT UNC CHARLOTTE

More than 31,000 students choose to call North Carolina’s urban research university home. As Charlotte’s only R1 institution, UNC Charlotte drives innovation and discovery in one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. The University has an award-winning focus on student success, internationally recognized research and creative activity, and a deep commitment to community engagement and cultural vibrancy that makes it one of U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 Public Universities. Learn more about what’s great—only at Charlotte.

ABOUT QUICKTIE

Quick Tie Products, Inc., (“QuickTie”) manufactures and distributes the QuickTie™ System (a proprietary, patented hold-down system for high wind and seismic construction) and a full line of framing hardware including u-hangers, hurricane clips, straps, structural wood screws, truss connectors and foundation connectors.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 Craftsman Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.





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