South Georgia Motorsports Park has tabbed respected racer, veteran, and industry figure Don O’Neal as its new General Manager, tasking him with leading the facility into a new era ahead of a packed 2026 schedule that includes the return of the NHRA Southern Nationals.

O’Neal, a U.S. Army veteran with extensive experience across motorsports, business, and event operations, will oversee all day-to-day activity at the Valdosta-area facility. His role includes racer and fan experience, partner development, community engagement, and the continued evolution of SGMP into a true multi-use destination while keeping drag racing at its core.

“SGMP is a special place for racers and fans,” O’Neal said. “Our goal is simple: run efficient shows, improve the racer and fan experience, and build strong community and sponsor partnerships.”

Track owner Raul Torres says O’Neal’s blend of on-track experience and operational leadership made him the clear choice to guide SGMP’s next phase.

“Don combines practical race operations with sponsor and community insight,” Torres said. “We’re investing in facility upgrades and a sustainable schedule, and Don will lead that plan with accountability. This is about boosting tourism, educational opportunities, and economic growth for South Georgia and North Florida.”

Under O’Neal’s leadership, SGMP is focusing on several near-term priorities, including:

• Operational efficiency: on-time shows, improved traffic flow, and a reinforced safety-first culture.
• Enhanced racer and fan experience: better communication, improved wayfinding and signage, and hospitality upgrades.
• Multi-purpose programming: adding concerts, festivals, and lifestyle events that complement traditional race weekends.
• Regional economic impact: deeper alignment with hotels, tourism officials, and workforce programs while tracking local economic output through periodic reporting.
• Community and partner alignment: strengthening local partnerships and defining measurable ROI for sponsors.

The announcement comes as SGMP prepares for one of its most significant seasons yet, highlighted by the NHRA Southern Nationals returning to the facility in May 2026.

For more information and event updates, visit GoRaceSGMP.com or follow @GoRaceSGMP on social media.

This story was originally published on December 11, 2025.

CONCORD, N.C. – As 2026 rapidly approaches, Hendrick Motorsports is slowly rolling out its new looks for the new year. 

With four cars and drivers and a number of new paint schemes to keep track of, we’ve put decided to put them all in one convenient place for you!

Merry Christmas!

All four of the team’s drivers – Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron and Alex Bowman – will sport fresh liveries on their Chevrolets next season. Here’s a look at what they will look like. 

Make sure to keep checking in as new schemes are released!

NHRA officials are thrilled to announce today that Holly Springs Motorsports Park has joined the extensive NHRA Member Track Network.

A standout facility located in Holly Springs, Miss., Holly Springs Motorsports Park is home for some of the most competitive bracket racing in the area. A new ownership group featuring Dominic Blasco, Raymond Poirier and Jack Ludvigsen purchased the track earlier this year, becoming an NHRA-sanctioned track starting in the 2026 season.

As part of the exciting move to the NHRA Member Track Network, Holly Springs Motorsports Park will also have the opportunity to host a Summit E.T. Finals event in the Summit Racing Series in 2026. Further details about the Summit E.T. Finals and the Summit Racing Series World Championship in Las Vegas will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We are excited to be part of the NHRA family by becoming an NHRA member track, as well as becoming a new home of a Summit E.T. Finals,” Blasco said. “This partnership represents a huge milestone for our facility and it reflects the work our team has put in to becoming a first-rate facility. Aligning with NHRA shows our commitment to the highest standards of safety and racing, and we believe this will bring more racers and more opportunities to our community. We’re thrilled to begin this next chapter of the track with NHRA.”

By joining the NHRA Member Track Network, Holly Springs Motorsports Park will be eligible to offer racers in the area a variety of NHRA-sanctioned racing opportunities in the future, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Street Legal, NHRA Jr. Street and more. Additionally, the track will have the chance to host NHRA specialty events like the NHRA Summit King of the Track and more.

Along with hosting several big events, drawing top racers and an impressive level of competition, Holly Springs Motorsports Park also gets access to NHRA’s extensive support programs as part of the member track network, insurance benefits and national marketing platforms

“We’re pleased to welcome Holly Springs Motorsports Park to the NHRA Member Track Network. The track has built a strong reputation for providing a competitive, racer-focused environment, and its commitment to growth aligns with NHRA’s mission to continue to strengthen grassroots drag racing,” NHRA Sportsman Manager Jason Galvin said. “We look forward to supporting those efforts and expanding opportunities for racers in the region, including the track hosting a Summit E.T. Finals race.”

Spire Motorsports is “all in” for 2026. In addition to its NASCAR-focused efforts, the Mooresville, N.C.-headquartered organization will campaign a 410 winged sprint car entry full time for the 66-race Kubota High Limit Racing series with standout open-wheel pilot Giovanni “Gio” Scelzi. The team will work closely with Clauson Marshall Racing and chase the division’s 2026 championship.

Celebrated crew chief Eric Prutzman, who won six consecutive national championships with driver Brad Sweet, has joined Spire Motorsports and will lead the team’s efforts during the upcoming season.

Scelzi, 24, is the son of former NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car champion Gary Scelzi and the 2023 World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year. On the national stage, the Fresno, Calif., native has collected 12 wins, 88 top-five and 232 top-10 finishes.

Prior to the 2026 High Limit season opener, the California racer will compete in the 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Okla., in a Spire Motorsports’ Chili’s-sponsored entry prepared by legendary midget car owner Keith Kunz.

“Going on the road with High Limit is like a dream come true and to do this with people I have deep respect and appreciation for makes it even better,” said Spire Motorsports Co-Owner Jeff Dickerson. “We’ve worked with and for Kyle (Larson), Brad (Sweet), Kendra (Jacobs) and JP (Josh Peterman) for years and I have an immense amount of gratitude to them for not only building a great series but for making a series that offers long-term growth to all of us in a sport we all love. I’m thankful to Tim Clauson and the Marshalls for providing us a launch pad to make this jump and look forward to working closely this season.

“We are not a NASCAR team that is going dirt racing. We are dirt racers who happen to have a NASCAR team. This is in our blood and we can’t wait to get to Vegas in March.”

Spire Motorsports’ High Limit team will carry a High Roller Club membership card when the season opens with the Blackjack Bash March 12 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The team completed the purchase of High Limit Racing’s “9 Card” from Jason Myers Racing, following the 2025 season finale at the Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track.

The High Roller Club, which focuses on creating a sustainable business model for race teams, will distribute up to $18 million in total value over the next four years. Membership cards grant permanent, long-term participation rights designed to drive alignment between Kubota High Limit Racing and its team owners, while guaranteeing annual payouts and providing stability for those in possession.

In 2018, Scelzi became the youngest winner in World of Outlaws history at 16-years-old, claiming victory in the prestigious National Open at Williams Grove (Pa.) Speedway. One year later, he added another milestone to his resume when he became the youngest winner in Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway history with an All-Star Circuit of Champions victory.

He dabbled in pavement racing to further build his resume and won in his first-ever start in a spec late model at Southern California’s Irwindale Speedway. In 2020, he competed in 11 ARCA Menards Series West races where he earned seven top-five and nine top-10 finishes, including a win at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif.

Over the next two seasons, Scelzi shifted his focus back to his open-wheel roots, racing with both the World of Outlaws and the All Star Circuit of Champions where he combined for seven poles, three wins, 32 top fives and 87 top 10s.

The 2023 season saw him competing full time with the World of Outlaws, where he posted three poles, one win, 18 top-five and 48 top-10 finishes with his impressive freshman campaign earning him Rookie of the Year honors. The following season, he captured four wins, including a Knoxville Nationals preliminary victory, to compliment 23 top fives and 53 top 10s.

“To see the enthusiasm from the employees at Spire Motorsports, that’s really something that made an impact on me,” said Scelzi, who began his racing career at six-years-old, competing in Jr. Micro Sprints in the central California area. “The NASCAR stuff is their job but it’s pretty obvious they enjoy sprint car racing. We’ll likely run 80 to 90 times a year at probably 50 different race tracks, but when you have an owner like Jeff who truly loves sprint car racing and comes from that background, it really makes this an exciting opportunity.

“I’ve known Eric (Prutzman) for a long time. When I was probably 10- or 12-years-old, when Donny Schatz was driving for Tony Stewart Racing, those guys would work out of my dad’s shop during that three-week West Coast swing and Eric was the tire guy at the time, so we became friends and stayed in touch. I’ve watched Eric’s career and he’s had amazing success. The guys who run up front all have really good equipment so, now more than ever, it’s the people. Having someone as accomplished as Eric is just as important as the equipment.”

In 2025, Scelzi parted ways with KCP Racing mid-season following a four-plus year run and finished the year in the No. 7BC for Clauson Marshall Racing as a substitute for the injured Tyler Courtney.

With nearly 400 entries expected for this year’s Chili Bowl, it’s no wonder only a select handful – 24 to be exact – have the opportunity to compete for the storied “Golden Driller” trophy. Scelzi raced his way into the A-Main in 2018, where he started 16th but was sidelined early in the 55-lap feature, and ultimately credited with a 24th-place finish.

He is the youngest winner in Tulsa Shootout history, the precursor to the Chili Bowl Nationals, where he won the 2015 Winged A-Class feature.

“I’m thrilled to race the Chili Bowl, again,” said Scelzi. “I’ve run it three times in the past. I ran for Clauson Marshall Racing my first time and made the show. The two years after that, I was there with Chad Boat Racing. To race a car prepared by Keith Kunz at the Chili Bowl is a dream come true. They’ve won prelim after prelim and Saturday after Saturday. The Chili Bowl is an event where being lucky is just as important as having a fast race car and putting yourself in position to win a race. I’m really looking forward to getting back there. I’m really grateful to Jeff, Keith and the whole team at Chili’s for the opportunity.”

Spire Motorsports PR

After over a year of back-and-forth litigation and a trial that lasted nine days, a settlement has finally been reached in the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports vs. NASCAR antitrust lawsuit.

The two parties appeared outside the courthouse with 23XI co-owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin standing shoulder-to-shoulder with NASCAR CEO Jim France. A key pillar of the compromise will be permanent charters, and an updated charter agreement will be finalized ahead of the 2026 season.

They’ve also released a joint statement, which reads as follows:

“NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports are pleased to announce a mutually agreed-upon resolution that delivers long-term stability and creates the conditions for meaningful growth for all teams in a more competitive environment.

“This resolution reflects our shared commitment to maintaining a fair and equitable framework for long-term participation in America’s premier motorsport, one that supports teams, partners, and stakeholders while ensuring fans enjoy uninterrupted access to the best racing in the world. The agreement allows all parties to move forward with a unified focus on advancing stock car racing and delivering exceptional competition for our fans.

“With this matter now resolved, all parties look forward to working together, alongside all chartered race teams, to deliver world-class events, dynamic sponsorship and partner activation opportunities, and continued growth for generations to come.

“As a condition of the settlement agreement, NASCAR will issue an amendment to existing charter holders detailing the updated terms for signature, which will include a form of “evergreen” charters, subject to mutual agreement. The financial terms of the settlement are confidential and will not be released.

“What all parties have always agreed on is a deep love for the sport and a desire to see it fulfill its full potential. This is a landmark moment, one that ensures NASCAR’s foundation is stronger, its future is brighter, and its possibilities are greater. We extend our sincere thanks to Judge Kenneth Bell and mediator Jeffrey Mishkin for their professionalism, and guidance throughout this process and to their jury for their time.”

Michael Jordan, Co-Owner, 23XI Racing

“From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress. It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees, and fans. With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come. I’m excited to watch our teams get back on the track and compete hard in 2026.”

“I’ve cared deeply about the sport of NASCAR my entire life. Racing is all I’ve ever known, and this sport shaped who I am. That’s why we were willing to shoulder the challenges that came with taking this stand. We believed it was worth fighting for a stronger and more sustainable future for everyone in the industry. Teams, drivers, and partners will now have the stability and opportunity they deserve. Our commitment to the fans and to the entire NASCAR community has never been stronger. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and now it is time to move forward together and build the stronger future this sport deserves.”

Bob Jenkins, Owner, Front Row Motorsports

“After more than 20 years in this sport, today gives me real confidence in where we’re headed. I love this sport, and it was clear we needed a system that treated our teams, drivers, and sponsors fairly and kept the competition strong. With this change, we can finally build long-term value and have a real voice in NASCAR’s future. I’m excited for the road ahead—for the people in the garage, the folks in the stands, and everyone who loves this sport.”

Curtis Polk, Co-Owner, 23XI Racing

“My goal as a member of the Team Negotiating Committee was to help create an economic model that would create a more sustainable model for teams and create a more equitable and transparent system within NASCAR. This settlement achieves significant progress toward the Four Pillars. The result brings NASCAR and the chartered teams into better alignment and supports future growth and sustainability for all stakeholders and a better sport for the fans.”

Jim France, CEO & Chairman, NASCAR

“This outcome gives all parties the flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans, which has always been our highest priority since the sport was founded in 1948. We worked closely with race teams and tracks to create the NASCAR charter system in 2016, and it has proven invaluable to their operations and to the quality of racing across the Cup Series. Today’s agreement reaffirms our commitment to preserving and enhancing that value, ensuring our fans continue to enjoy the very best of stock car racing for generations to come. We are excited to return the collective focus of our sport, teams and racetracks toward an incredible 78th season that begins with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.”

We want your opinion!

– The Motorsport.com Team

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A federal antitrust case accusing NASCAR of being a monopolistic bully was settled Thursday after the stock car racing series agreed to make the charters at the heart of its business model permanent for its teams.

The lawsuit filed by Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports had shadowed NASCAR for more than a year. The retired NBA great pushed ahead, telling the jury he felt he was one of the few who could challenge the series.

Jordan, 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin and Front Row owner Bob Jenkins joined NASCAR Chairman Jim France as they stood together outside the courthouse. The group announced that that charters — at the heart of NASCAR’s revenue model — will be made permanent for all Cup Series teams. Both 23XI and Front Row Motorsports, the two plaintiffs, will get them back after racing uncharted most of this past season.

“Today’s a good day,” Jordan said.

The financial terms were not disclosed. An economist earlier testified 23XI and Front Row were owed over $300 million in damages.

The settlement came on the ninth day of the trial before U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell, who set aside motions hearing for an hour-long sidebar. Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row, emerged from a conference room at the end of the hour to inform a court clerk “we’re ready.” Kessler then led Jordan, Hamlin and Bob Jenkins to another room for more talks.

23XI and Front Row filed their lawsuit last year after refusing to sign agreements on the new charter offers NASCAR presented in September 2024. Teams had until end of day to sign the 112-page document, which guarantees access to top-level Cup Series races and a revenue stream, and 13 of 15 organizations reluctantly agreed. Jordan and Jenkins sued instead and raced most of the 2025 season uncharted.

Both teams said a loss in the case would have put them out of business.

“What all parties have always agreed on is a deep love for the sport and a desire to see it fulfill its full potential,” NASCAR and the plaintiffs said in a joint statement. “This is a landmark moment, one that ensures NASCAR’s foundation is stronger, its future is brighter and its possibilities are greater.”

Bell told the jury that sometimes parties at trial have to see how the evidence unfolds to come to the wisdom of a settlement.

“I wish we could’ve done this a few months ago,” Bell said in court. “I believe this is great for NASCAR. Great for the future of NASCAR. Great for the entity of NASCAR. Great for the teams and ultimately great for the fans.”

All teams felt the previous revenue-sharing agreement was unfair and two-plus years of bitter negotiations led to NASCAR’s final offer, which was described by the teams as “take-it-or-leave it.” The teams believed the new agreement lacked all four of their key demands, most importantly the charters becoming permanent instead of renewable.

The settlement followed eight days of testimony in which the Florida-based France family, the founders and private owners of NASCAR, were shown to be inflexible in making the charters permanent.

When the defense began its case Wednesday it seemed focused more on mitigating damages than proving it did not act anticompetitively.