NASCAR’s iconic Daytona 500’s Duels have received a one-off title for 2026, as the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday.

The announcement was made on Monday by the Speedway, with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as the sponsor of ‘The America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona.’

Both Duels one and two are scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 12, setting the starting grid for the Daytona 500, which will kickstart the NASCAR season in earnest that Sunday.

The decision for FDOT to become a sponsor of the event was made as part of an existing partnership between the organization and the Speedway, with the ultimate goal of promoting safe driving in the region.

In a statement, the Speedway’s president, Frank Kelleher, said, “It’s an honor to welcome the Florida Department of Transportation as our new sponsor for the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona to help kick off Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth in 2026.

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“This sponsorship is a commitment to FDOT’s continued efforts to help keep Volusia County’s roadways safe. As we move forward on the shared journey toward a brighter future in Florida, there’s no better place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence than at The World Center of Racing.”

Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who also serves as the chair of Florida’s Semiquincentennial Commission also released a statement, saying, “The history of automobile racing in Florida began in 1903 with a line drawn on the Florida sand, and throughout the years, the sport has rapidly grown in the state to make the Daytona 500 the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.

“Duel at Daytona is an exciting way to commemorate that history for the America250FL initiative which celebrates Florida’s role in the 250th (semiquincentennial) anniversary of our nation’s founding.

“Visit America250FL.com and follow America250FL on X, Facebook, and Instagram to stay informed about ways to commemorate America250FL and our history.”

Meanwhile, FDOT’s secretary, Jared W. Perdue, P.E., said he felt the Duel was “an ideal opportunity to honor Florida’s storied history” with the nation celebrating its founding.

The 2026 race will mark the 68th edition of the Daytona 500, one of the most renowned in American motorsports.

Reigning back-to-back winner, Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron, who was also recently named to the Drivers’ Advisory Council board, will be looking to become just the fifth three-time 500 winner, joining Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, and Bobby Allison. He would also become the first driver in history to win it three times in a row.

Currently, the record for most wins all-time at the track is appropriately held by the winningest driver in Cup Series history, seven-time champion Richard “The King” Petty. The 88-year-old won the race on seven occasions between 1964 and 1981.

However, a win for Byron would extend Hendricks’ lead as the most successful team at the track, with 10 wins to date, one ahead of Petty Enterprises.

Spire Motorsports and NASCAR Cup driver Carson Hocevar will again be backed in 2026 by Zeigler Automotive Group, a family-owned dealership network that generates over $2 billion in annual revenue.

The team announced on Monday afternoon that Zeigler will serve as the primary sponsor for 11 NASCAR Cup Series races, placing its branding on the No. 77 Chevrolet. Races will include events at tracks including Michigan, Pocono, Indianapolis, Bristol, Kansas, and Martinsville.

Zeigler has now tied itself to the driver previously penalized for his racing style across multiple seasons. The privately-backed company believes that the relationship synergy is much deeper than branding on the side of a car.

“Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77. It’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business,” said the president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing, Aaron Zeigler.

“Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.”

The 22-year-old driver posted multiple top-10 finishes last year and led laps at Bristol and Michigan. His best finishes were two seconds at Nashville during the Cracker Barrel 400 won by Ryan Blaney, and in Atlanta for the Ambetter Health 400, which was the first of three consecutive wins for Christopher Bell.

“I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group,” said Hocevar. “I grew up right down the street from their headquarters in Kalamazoo, so it is cool to see how it has all come full circle.”

“The whole Zeigler family has been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one,” he continued. “I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in Victory Lane this year.”

Hocevar found himself in hot water with drivers over the course of last season and has angered the likes of established veterans Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Blaney called Hocevar a “moron” for the way he raced in Atlanta.

Zane Smith expressed a desire to punch Hocevar after their collision, which was initiated by the No. 77 at Bristol, which saw Hocevar get loose and spin Smith into a barrier.

“No, I didn’t talk to him. And it’s just you’re not going to get anything from it. Like, I don’t really know how else you can explain that,” said Smith. You want to go up to him and punch him in the face, but that’s $75,000, and that’s not very cool.”

The 2026 NASCAR regular season begins at Daytona on Feb. 15.

Slowly but surely Carson Hocevar is establishing himself as one of the superstar racers of the sport, by punching above his weight in the Spire Motorsports Chevy. He had a strong 2025 season that saw him almost winning the Atlanta race, and being a challenger in multiple events. P2 finishes at Atlanta and Nashville has been him bets moments of the year.

Now he is rewarded for the strong season, as Zeigler Automotive Group one of his primary sponsors has signed a contract extension with him. They are set to sponsor him for 10 points paying races and the Clash. Carson Hocevar sees the support from ZAG as full circle moment, as he grew up a street away from the company’s HQ in Kalamazoo.

I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group. I grew up right down the street from their headquarters in Kalamazoo, so it is cool to see how it has all come full circle.

Carson Hocevar said (via TRE).

From day one of Carson Hocevar signing with Spire to drive the No:77 Chevy, the Zeigler family has had his back. He is more determined than ever to grow the partnership and wats to get the Zeigler Chevrolet to the victory lane. It would be really special to win his maiden Cup race for his biggest sponsor.

The whole Zeigler family have been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one. I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in victory lane this year.

Carson Hocevar added.

Zeigler Auto Group CEO explains why they extended Carson Hocevar deal

In the statement announcing the extension, Zeigler Auto Group CEO Aaron J. Zeigler has also shared his thoughts on the extension. He sees Hocevar as the future of NASCAR as well as the future of their business as a whole.

Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77. It’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business.

Aaron J. Zeigler said

He pointed out that the Chevy driver is special because of the intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive he has. Zeigler expects these characteristics to earn him more success in NASCAR in the coming years and the company seems to banking on thar success.

Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.

Aaron J. Zeigler added.

The comments from the Zeigler Auto Group CEO seems rational and on point regarding Carson Hocevar. Many expects him to be future superstar the sport needs to grow and the only big question is whether he needs to move from Spire to achieve this success.

Also Read: Shane van Gisbergen Insist Austin Cindric’s Poor Supercars Debut Might “Scare Off” NASCAR Racers

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Zeigler Automotive Group announcing on Monday that it will return to Spire Motorsports to partner with Michigan native and 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year Carson Hocevar for multiple races in 2026.

“Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77 — it’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business,” said Aaron J. Zeigler, president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing. “Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.”

Zeigler.com and Zeigler Auto Group will be showcased as the team’s primary sponsor in 11 Cup Series races in 2026 beginning with the season-opening Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The distinct yellow and black Zeigler paint scheme will be featured aboard Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevy Camaro at the following races in 2026:

Bowman Gray Stadium – February 1

Michigan International Speedway – June 7

Pocono Raceway – June 14

Chicagoland Speedway – July 5

Atlanta Motor Speedway – July 12

Indianapolis Motor Speedway – July 26

Iowa Speedway – August 9

Richmond Raceway – August 15

Bristol Motor Speedway – September 19

Kansas Speedway – September 27

Martinsville Speedway – November 1

Hocevar, 22, is fresh off a 2025 campaign featuring two top-five and nine top-10 results, including a pair of career-best runner-up finishes at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway. The sophomore driver also secured his first-career pole award at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

“I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group,” said Hocevar. “I grew up right down the street from their headquarters in Kalamazoo, so it is cool to see how it has all come full circle. The whole Zeigler family have been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one. I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in Victory Lane this year.”

The Portage, Mich., native impressed throughout his rookie season in 2024, earning top rookie honors on the strength of one top-five, six top-10 and 13 top-15 finishes. His 686 points accumulated out-distanced his next closest competitor by a handsome 107-point advantage.

The 22-year-old made his Cup Series debut for Spire Motorsports on June 4, 2023 at World Wide Technology Raceway. In addition to his first appearance in NASCAR’s premier division, Hocevar made four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts for Spire Motorsports in 2023, earning top-10 finishes at Darlington Raceway (sixth) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (eighth).

The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium will kick off racing festivities for the 2026 season and will be televised live on FOX Sunday, February 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. NASCAR’s annual pre-season exhibition race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

*article courtesy Spire Motorsports

It’s been a bit since Tony Stewart has attended the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, but the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and overall motorsports legend is synonymous with the Tulsa Expo Center and that will be celebrated next week.

‘Smoke’ has been named Grand Marshal for Championship Saturday.

“Not only is Tony a winner here, but he was also part of what really made the Chili Bowl take off in the early 2000s, and was the one who really started to rebuild the connection between dirt track and NASCAR fans. He’s an ambassador to our sport at more levels than anyone; he’s a great friend, and they don’t make them like Tony anymore, so being able to honor him as our Grand Marshal means a lot to me, and this event,” stated Chili Bowl co-founder, Emmett Hahn. “I remember, we made Tony an award in 2014 to recognize what he has done for Sprint Car racing, but this is our chance to let him know how much the Chili Bowl appreciates him.”

Stewart won the Chili Bowl main event in 2002 and 2007 and has 12 starts in the main event over 14 attempts, producing three podiums, four top-5s, seven top-10s with his last start coming in 2013. Stewart also spent the years after working with the track prep crew alongside Brad Chandler (aka Gravel), Steve Hahn, Matt Ward, and Martin Edwards.

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– The Motorsport.com Team

Daren Lucas—a 35-year career professional in sports marketing, private equity, fundraising, college athletics and motorsports—has been named president of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA). The appointment returns Lucas to the Daytona Beach area, where he previously held several executive business development, management and revenue-generating positions with both Daytona International Speedway (DIS) and NASCAR from 2000 through 2006, officials stated in a press release.

Most recently, Lucas spent the past 10 years in his own sports consultancy, which has kept him at the forefront of sports sponsorship and digital and social marketing. Previously in Daytona, Lucas led all sales and marketing at DIS and all consumer marketing and ticketing for NASCAR-owned tracks, in support of such major events as the Daytona 500, the Rolex 24 At Daytona sports car race and the Daytona 200 motorcycle road race and other major motorsports events.

Lucas Brings Experience in Building Partnerships & the Sports Travel & Tourism Industry

In his agency work, Lucas executed more than 100 official partnership deals, including with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and the Indianapolis 500. Lucas also brings extensive career experience in the sports travel and tourism industry at Super Bowls, Olympics, Masters and Kentucky Derbys. Lucas earned a bachelor of arts (BA) degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which was followed by a Master of Sports Administration (MSA) at Ohio University.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to join the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America as president,” Lucas said. “The impressive MSHFA Museum has grown extensively since relocating nearly 10 years ago in the DIS Ticket and Tours building, which is located just outside of the Speedway’s NASCAR Turn 4. The MSHFA administrative headquarters facility is housed in the same offices I worked in earlier in this century with DIS and NASCAR. Now, I look forward to working with both the MSHFA board of directors and the MSHFA team in my next chapter in Daytona and, most importantly, the next phase of success and growth for the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.”

Lucas Succeeds Retiring President George Levy

Lucas takes over MSHFA’s leadership from the retiring George Levy, who served as president from late 2019 through the end of 2025. Levy was just the MSHFA’s second president following the late Ron Watson, who initially held the presidential position from 1989 until his unexpected passing in October of 2019.

“The future of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is solid but has room to continue to grow,” said MSHFA board of directors chair Paul Doleshal. “With the hiring of Daren, we feel that we are poised for that growth. We are more than confident that we have found the right person with Daren, who can help advance the Hall into its next chapter of success. The MSHFA presidential search committee managed a long and thorough process, culling through more than 50 applications, interviewing dozens via video interviews, and then meeting with our final eight candidates through in-person interviews in both Daytona and Charlotte. We want to thank the entire search committee and sincerely thank George Levy, and we are proud of his ongoing efforts and the solid growth he led in the last six years.”