LEBANON, TENN. — Ryan Blaney broke through at Nashville Superspeedway for his first win of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Photo courtesy of Team Penske
Blaney led a race-high five times for 139 of 300 laps, including the final 33 laps. It is his 14th career win in the NASCAR Cup Series and first at Nashville Superspeedway. Most importantly, he is no longer the only other Team Penske driver who is winless on the season.
“The 12 boys are awesome. They stick with it, no matter how it goes, and it was great to finish one out tonight,” Blaney said after doing a rare burnout. “It’s nice that it’s finally happening so I’m going to go celebrate.”
Blaney’s closest competitor throughout the night was Denny Hamlin who, in his 700th start, finished third. Hamlin matched an all-time best mark Jeff Gordon set when he made his 700th start at Darlington Raceway in May 2013.
In total, Hamlin led five times for 79 laps. Toward the end, he didn’t have the pace he needed as the track changed. Worse yet, he also didn’t have any cooler air pumping in nor any water to drink.
“I got hot,” Hamlin said. “I just couldn’t run with the 12 [Blaney] in the super long run. Our best strategy was to run long, catch a caution… but then we got jumped by the 77 [Hocevar]. Then the track went through a really weird phase in the last 30 laps where everyone was pinned to the bottom. There weren’t enough cars running the middle so it threw dust up there and made it like ice so that definitely hurt the passing.”
Sandwiched between the favorites was Carson Hocevar who backed up a stellar run in the Coca-Cola 600 with a second-place finish. Hocevar pitted four laps before Blaney which put him in clean air for those laps and boosted him to second during the final green-flag pit stop cycle.
“This proves how strong this group is to go from the disappointment last week to having a really bad qualifying draw, qualifying bad, to sticking through and having a shot, like a straightaway, I’m just proud of this group. Our average with this car is 38th so this is a big upgrade,” Hocevar said.
Photo: Dominic Aragon/TRE
Hocevar had a great drive Sunday night, going from 26th in the first stage to seventh in the second stage and second in the end.
STAGE 1 TOP-10 (LAP 90): Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, Chase Briscoe, William Byron, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Michael McDowell, Joey Logano, Ross Chastain.
In contrast to the first stage, which went caution-free, the second stage featured four cautions.
On lap 107, Carson Hocevar ran hard into turn three and spun Ricky Stenhouse Jr. into the wall, ending his night last (39th).
Photo: Dominic Aragon/TRE
Stenhouse wasn’t happy.
“A lap or two before, he tried to dive in there from around 10 car lengths. That time, I opened my entry and he drilled us in the bumper. I’d say it’s not out of the ordinary for him but I wasn’t expecting it,” Stenhouse said. “I definitely have something to do about this at some point.”
Photo: Jeff Ames/TRE
Hocevar said he needed to see a replay but defended himself.
“I’ve seen a bunch of people do that same move and get shipped. He was the only one who got wrecked. I feel like it was a common move with how big of a run I had,” Hocevar said.
On the restart seven laps later, in the same corner on lap 114, Alex Bowman got loose and bumped Noah Gragson. The contact left both of them crashed and relegated to 36th and 38th on the night.
Six laps later, on lap 120, Christopher Bell threw a block on Erik Jones as they ran well inside the top-10. Jones fought back and spun Bell around. Bell hit the wall while Jones carried on.
On lap 132, Corey Heim received a “Welcome to the NASCAR Cup Series” gesture from Brad Keselowski. Heim tried to get around Keselowski exiting turn four but wasn’t clear, causing him to hit the wall and end his night in 37th.
When the race went green again, Denny Hamlin controlled the race but Ryan Blaney kept him honest. Blaney challenged Hamlin until William Byron got by and led a lap on lap 167. Then, Hamlin led a lap before Blaney and Byron took control to the end of the stage.
Bell grinded out a top-10 stage finish and held on to the track position through the end of the race. Bubba Wallace rose to the top-10 after a drive-through penalty in the first stage. Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick also made their way into the top-10 after they each had to pit under green for tire issues.
Despite all of the storylines swirling around, Blaney took control. He led 81 of the final 102 laps and took home his first win of 2025.
NASCAR CUP SERIES AT NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY TOP-10 FINISHERS (LAP 300): Ryan Blaney, Carson Hocevar, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, William Byron, Bubba Wallace, Erik Jones, Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell.
Leaving Nashville, 17 drivers are within a race worth of points of the cutline — either above or below:
Bubba Wallace: 343 (+54 points to the cutline)
Chase Briscoe: 342 (+53)
Alex Bowman: 334 (+45)
Chris Buescher: 297 (+8)
Kyle Busch: 291 (+2)
Ryan Preece: 289 (-2 points to the cutline)
Carson Hocevar: 287 (-4)
Ricky Stenhouse Jr: 285 (-6)
AJ Allmendinger: 284 (-7)
Michael McDowell: 278 (-13)
John Hunter Nemechek: 267 (-24)
Todd Gilliland: 261 (-30)
Erik Jones: 259 (-32)
Zane Smith: 255 (-36)
Austin Dillon: 252 (-39)
Ty Gibbs: 236 (-55)
Daniel Suarez: 231 (-60)
Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.
A Twin Valley, MN, native, Fjeld became a motorsports fan at just three years old (first race was the 2002 Pennsylvania 500). He worked as a contributor and writer for TRE from 2010-18. Since then, he has stepped up and covered 24 NASCAR race weekends and taken on a larger role with TRE. He became the co-owner and managing editor in 2023 and has guided the site to massive growth in that time.
Fjeld has covered a wide array of stories and moments over the years, including Kevin Harvick’s final Cup Series season, the first NASCAR national series disqualification in over 50 years, Shane van Gisbergen’s stunning win in Chicago and the first Cup Series race at Road America in 66 years – as well as up-and-coming drivers’ stories and stories from inside the sport, like the tech it takes for Hendrick Motorsports to remain a top-tier team.
Currently, he resides in Albuquerque, N.M., where he works for KOB 4, an NBC station. He works as a digital producer and does on-air reports. He loves spending time with friends and family, playing and listening to music, exploring new places, being outdoors, reading books and writing among other activities. You can email him at fjeldjonathan@gmail.com
Calicut (Kerala) [India], December 21 : The Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Season 2 concluded in spectacular fashion with a historic Grand Finale at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Calicut. Megastar and ISRL Brand Ambassador Salman Khan was present on ground, adding star power to an electrifying night of high-octane racing and live entertainment, as per a release.
The finale witnessed a record-breaking turnout of over 32,000 fans, marking the highest-ever attendance for a motorsporting event in India and reinforcing Kerala’s strong connection with motorsport and large-scale live sporting experiences, the release said.
Amid roaring crowds and intense on-track action, Team Bigrock Motorsports were crowned ISRL Season 2 Champions, capping off a fiercely competitive championship that unfolded across Pune, Hyderabad and Calicut. The season showcased a compelling blend of international excellence and emerging Indian talent.
The Calicut round delivered thrilling racing across all categories. Matt Moss from team BigRock Motorsports (Australia) claimed victory in the 450cc International class aboard the Kawasaki KX 450, while Calvin Fonvieille from team Apollo Indewheelers (France) dominated the 250cc International category on the Yamaha YZ 250. The 250cc India-Asia Mix class was won by Delvinator Alfarizi (Thailand) riding the KTM 250 SX – F, drawing thunderous applause from the packed stadium.
Megastar Salman Khan, Brand Ambassador, ISRL, said, “Watching the Grand Finale in Calicut was truly special. The passion of the fans and the intensity of competition show how far Indian motorsport has come. ISRL is creating a platform where Indian riders can compete confidently alongside the world’s best,” as quoted from a release.
Reflecting on the season, Veer Patel, Managing Director, ISRL, said, “Season 2 reflects the growing belief in Supercross across India. From Pune to Hyderabad and now Calicut, the record-breaking fan response shows the sport has truly found a home here, while we continue building strong pathways for Indian riders alongside world-class racing.”
Over the course of Season 2, 36 international riders from 21 countries, including Australia, France, the USA, Germany, Thailand and South Africa, competed alongside India’s top riders such as Rugved Barguje, Ikshan Shanbhag, Prajwal Vishwanath and Shlok Ghorpade, highlighting ISRL’s growing global stature, as per the release.
Beyond the races, the Reise Moto ISRL Fan Park transformed EMS Corporation Stadium into a complete motorsport festival, featuring live music, racing simulators, interactive brand zones, food experiences, merchandise and rider interactions, creating an immersive fan experience for families and enthusiasts alike.
With Season 2 concluding on a historic high, the Indian Supercross Racing League now looks ahead to expanding its footprint, strengthening grassroots development and further positioning India on the global Supercross map.
Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor
The Hakone Ekiden is a race with a tradition spanning more than 100 years, dating back to its founding in 1920. Toyota began providing certain operational vehicles in 2003 to help nurture the next generation of young athletes and has supported the event as a sponsor since 2011. Throughout its involvement, Toyota has continually considered how to reduce vehicle emissions to make the race more athlete- and planet-friendly.
Toyota is advancing its multi-pathway approach, offering electrified vehicle options tailored to diverse energy circumstances in each country and region and to varied customer needs. Accordingly, the company felt that its diverse lineup of vehicles, including BEVs and FCEVs, could contribute to the Hakone Ekiden.
In total, 40 electrified vehicles will be provided for the race. The joint camera truck filming leading runners and the Century serving as a race headquarters vehicle will be provided as original FCEV models. These vehicles are equipped with fuel cells instead of engines and powered by motors that generate electricity through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. They are extremely quiet and emit only water.
Vehicles transporting people and equipment for the race will also be electrified. e-Palettes will serve as emergency response vehicles for all situations, while FCEV Coasters will transport related personnel.
Each university team operations vehicle will be an HEV used in combination with low-carbon E10 gasoline, which contains 10% biofuel. ENEOS Corporation will provide E10 fuel made from ethanol derived from non-edible sorghum plants produced through the Research Association of Biomass Innovation for Next Generation Automobile Fuels*. These initiatives will reduce exhaust gases and carbon dioxide emissions from these vehicles.
Sports give people courage and touch their hearts. Toyota, which has supported athletes through various activities since its founding, will continue to help make the Hakone Ekiden a sustainable race that is both athlete- and planet-friendly through these initiatives.
FOX Sports paid a touching tribute to the NASCAR icon Greg Biffle during the Carolina Panthers’ win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On Sunday, the Panthers took a significant step toward winning the NFC South by securing a 23-20 victory over the Buccaneers, improving to 8-7. Bryce Young completed 21 of 32 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns in a crucial win.
But coverage of the showdown was interrupted as FOX decided to pay tribute to Biffle. The NASCAR favorite tragically died on Thursday in a plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport. FOX paid tribute during its live NFL coverage, after Terry Bradshaw was forced to duck for cover in a chaotic moment during Saturday’s special show.
Biffle, along with his wife, Cristina, and two children, perished in the horrific crash. During the Panthers game, broadcaster Chris Myers honored Biffle by highlighting his fine work off the track as well as his fine career.
“Greg Biffle, a NASCAR legend who had career success at all three levels of the sport, did great humanitarian work, died this past Thursday in a plane crash with his family,” Myers said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him, the NASCAR family, and all friends.”
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Biffle raced for 16 seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series. He earned 19 wins competing in an era with the likes of Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson.
The 55-year-old was supposed to fly with his family to the Bahamas, although a stop was scheduled in Sarasota, FL. The plane instead was attempting to re-land at the Statesville airport in North Carolina, around 40 miles away from Charlotte. The crash occurred around 10:20 AM ET.
The mother of Biffle’s wife, Cathy Grossu, told PEOPLE magazine what her last texts with her daughter, Cristina, were. Cathy revealed: “She texted me from the plane, and she said, ‘We’re in trouble.’ And that was it. So we’re devastated. We’re brokenhearted.
DON’T MISS
“To think that they would be killed on a birthday trip, that was just such a fun time for the family. And to see the horrific way that it ended, it’s just, it is so hard to bear. I cannot believe they’re gone.
“I don’t remember what the last words that I said to my daughter or to Greg or to my precious Ryder (her granddaughter). I don’t remember. I know we hugged, but I don’t remember those last words, and that’s going to haunt me. But they were happy.”
Not many NASCAR drivers can say they retired on a win — but the Late, Great Greg Biffle can. Biffle made his NASCAR debut in the Busch Series in 1996, driving part-time before moving to the Truck Series in 1998.
He later progressed to full-time Cup Series competition, building a highly successful career across all three national series. Biffle won titles in the Truck and Xfinity series and nearly completed the Grand Slam in 2005, finishing second in the Cup. The North Carolinian won a total of 56 races across NASCAR’s three national series during his career: 19 in the Cup Series, 20 in the Xfinity (Busch) Series, and 17 in the Craftsman Truck Series.
He retired from full-time competition after the 2019 season, but won his last-ever NASCAR race, the Truck event in Texas at the SpeedyCash.com 400. It was Biffle’s first Truck win in 15 years. On Thursday, Biffle, his wife Cristina, and two of his children, Emma, 14, and Ryder, 5, were four of seven killed in a tragic plane crash in Statesville, NC.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days from the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation. Three of the people on board, including former stock car racer Biffle, had their pilot’s license.
Collection and documentation of the crash will take place, and investigators will begin to piece together what went wrong. A central focus of the investigation will be locating and analyzing the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), which captures all sounds inside the cockpit. Once recovered, the device will be sent to a laboratory in Washington, D.C. for examination.
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Greg Biffle raced in his last-ever NASCAR race in 2019, driving the No. 51 in the Truck Series for the June 7 SpeedyCash.com 400.
Biffle, who tragically died on Thursday in a horror plane crash in Statesville, NC, had retired from full-time NASCAR racing in 2016 after two decades in the sport.
The NASCAR legend won two NASCAR national series Truck and Xfinity titles — but fell short in the Cup, finishing second in 2005.
Those also killed this week were his wife, Cristina, daughter, Emma, son, Ryder, and three others.
The Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Season 2 concluded in spectacular fashion with a historic Grand Finale at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Calicut. Megastar and ISRL Brand Ambassador Salman Khan was present on ground, adding star power to an electrifying night of high-octane racing and live entertainment, as per a release. The finale witnessed a record-breaking turnout of over 32,000 fans, marking the highest-ever attendance for a motorsporting event in India and reinforcing Kerala’s strong connection with motorsport and large-scale live sporting experiences, the release said.
Amid roaring crowds and intense on-track action, Team Bigrock Motorsports were crowned ISRL Season 2 Champions, capping off a fiercely competitive championship that unfolded across Pune, Hyderabad and Calicut. The season showcased a compelling blend of international excellence and emerging Indian talent.
The Calicut round delivered thrilling racing across all categories. Matt Moss from team BigRock Motorsports (Australia) claimed victory in the 450cc International class aboard the Kawasaki KX 450, while Calvin Fonvieille from team Apollo Indewheelers (France) dominated the 250cc International category on the Yamaha YZ 250. The 250cc India-Asia Mix class was won by Delvinator Alfarizi (Thailand) riding the KTM 250 SX – F, drawing thunderous applause from the packed stadium.
Megastar Salman Khan, Brand Ambassador, ISRL, said, “Watching the Grand Finale in Calicut was truly special. The passion of the fans and the intensity of competition show how far Indian motorsport has come. ISRL is creating a platform where Indian riders can compete confidently alongside the world’s best,” as quoted from a release.
Reflecting on the season, Veer Patel, Managing Director, ISRL, said, “Season 2 reflects the growing belief in Supercross across India. From Pune to Hyderabad and now Calicut, the record-breaking fan response shows the sport has truly found a home here, while we continue building strong pathways for Indian riders alongside world-class racing.”
Over the course of Season 2, 36 international riders from 21 countries, including Australia, France, the USA, Germany, Thailand and South Africa, competed alongside India’s top riders such as Rugved Barguje, Ikshan Shanbhag, Prajwal Vishwanath and Shlok Ghorpade, highlighting ISRL’s growing global stature, as per the release.
Beyond the races, the Reise Moto ISRL Fan Park transformed EMS Corporation Stadium into a complete motorsport festival, featuring live music, racing simulators, interactive brand zones, food experiences, merchandise and rider interactions, creating an immersive fan experience for families and enthusiasts alike.
With Season 2 concluding on a historic high, the Indian Supercross Racing League now looks ahead to expanding its footprint, strengthening grassroots development and further positioning India on the global Supercross map.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Drag Racing with CHRISTMAS TREES! Racing Action From Cleetus McFarland’s XMAS Tree Drags 2025 At Bradenton Motorsports Park
Dec 21, 2025Chad Reynolds1320 Event Coverage, 1320 Spotlight, 1320 Videos, BangShift 1320, RACING & ACTION, Videos
Cleetus’ Christmas Tree Race 2025 was a very special race. The race has become kind of a big deal since starting a few years ago, and has some pretty simple rules. You must race with a Christmas Tree on or in your vehicle, it must be a minimum of 6 feet tall, it can’t fall off, and you have to have lights on it. Simple right? Well…
Video Description:
We wrapped up Cleetus McFarland’s XMAS Tree Drags 2025, following the entire event from start to finish. This video covers every round from the OG 32-car field all the way through the Elite 8 — the fastest cars on the property — right down to the finals.
Cleetus lined up in both Mullet and Leroy, alongside a stacked field of big-name cars and a few surprise entries we hadn’t seen before. From first-round shakeups to the final matchups, this one delivered nonstop action.
FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: The 4th Annual Christmas On The Coast Jr. Dragster Races From Gulfport Dragway – Saturday
