Motorsports

NASCAR prepares to expand its footprint – and exit its comfort zone

One of the most anticipated events in NASCAR Cup Series history is now just days away. Mexico City began welcoming the haulers Tuesday as the escorted convoy from Laredo, Texas, where teams staged after leaving Michigan International Speedway Sunday night, has officially crossed the border. Sunday will be the first Cup Series race held in […]

Published

4 weeks ago

June 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Sunday will be the first Cup Series race held in Mexico. It will also be the first international points-paying Cup Series race since 1958.

“I hope it’s all worth it because it’s definitely a lot of work,” three-time and reigning Cup Series champion Joey Logano said. “I was at the NASCAR building (recently) and they were having meetings with the truck drivers about how they’re going to get everything there. They don’t do that for any other race. This is a very specific thing. I think it could be great. I think NASCAR is doing a good job so far, from what I can tell, of covering their bases; making sure there are no surprises when we get down there.

“We have to have our faith in them that they’re doing their job and it all ends up going well. I’m sure it will. I think everyone has been down there enough and talked about things enough that it will go well.”

Before the haulers were packed, teams were given instructions for what could and couldn’t be on the haulers (such as liquids), had to create manifests, and take other steps to ensure a smooth trip. Richard Childress Racing was among the teams that also had to remove alcohol or tobacco sponsors from the haulers and any apparel because local laws prohibit those items from being advertised in Mexico.

“I hope the fans enjoy it,” Logano said. “I hope it’s a good turnout. I think there is no doubt that a lot of times when you step outside your comfort zone, it’s uncomfortable. There is risk involved. But there is also high reward for our sport by doing this – stepping out of what we typically do in America and going international. It’s kind of a scary thing to do, let’s be honest. I think everyone … probably has some concerns of how are we going to get there? Where are we going to go? What do we do?

“I don’t know how to speak Spanish. I’m going to be hanging out with [Daniel] Suarez as much as I can. I don’t know where to go. So, the unknown factor is at an all-time high when we go there.”

Logano won’t be alone if he does indeed stick by Suarez, who is making a grand return home to his native country. Suarez has been the face of the event, and NASCAR has used him to do promotional events in Mexico City as well as viral videos where he teaches his fellow drivers Spanish and about Mexican food.

“I really, honestly, don’t know what to expect other than Daniel has said a lot of great things about it,” said Ryan Preece. “I know going into Chicago I had an open mind because I had never traveled to Chicago, even though it’s in the United States. But I had a great experience there and it would be somewhere I would take my family or if we wanted to go sightseeing. So, going to Mexico, I have the same open mind. I hope it’s a great experience and something that is really good for not only myself but for NASCAR as a whole. From what I’ve heard, there are a lot of race fans there and they are very welcoming to us, so we’re excited about it.”

Alex Bowman hopes his Mexico trip results in a trophy. It is much-needed for his Hendrick Motorsports team, who has finished 29th or worse in the last three races. But Bowman also paid attention to what Suarez has said.

“I talked to Suarez and he swears it’s going to be more of a party than any other racetrack that I’ve been to, so I’m excited to see that,” Bowman said. “Hopefully, we all have a good time.”

Large, vocal and passionate crowds are a hallmark of the Mexican GP. NASCAR is hoping for a similar welcome. Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Bowman is also one of the drivers who admitted Mexico will be his first trip outside of the United States. Which means Bowman, Preece, and Josh Berry are among those who had to go through the process of getting a passport. Plenty of others had to renew their passports ahead of this season’s international race.

“It’ll be an experience in itself just to travel and get there,” Berry said. “The one thing I’m excited for, looking at Formula 1 races, is the number of fans there. I think it’s going to be a huge event with a ton of fans. The racetrack, the layout, looks pretty cool and I think that’ll be fun. But just taking in the whole experience is the biggest thing I’m looking forward to.”

Said Bubba Wallace of his hopes for the weekend: “I think just taking it all in. I have no expectations. It’s just going to be me; the family is not going. I have a couple of appearances there early in the week, so to get down there and see and officially say I’ve been to Mexico. And (eating) good food.”

Oh, the food is on the list of many traveling to Mexico City. Kyle Larson spent time there doing promotion events the week before the race at Nashville Superspeedway, and could see how excited the community, including the local media, is about NASCAR bringing both of its national series to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit.

“The venue looks amazing,” Larson said. “I love Mexican food, so I’m super pumped to go eat some authentic Mexican food. It’s going to be a great time and a great event. It’ll be cool to go race in a different country and in front of race fans who have maybe never seen us race in person.”

NASCAR does have local series that compete in other countries, including Mexico, but there is a push to bring its biggest stars international. Brazil was rumored to be the 2026 host of the Clash, but that now seems to be a way off, if it does happen at all. NASCAR perhaps sees how the NFL and MLB have taken their games international, and is trying to expand its footprint beyond the events in Mexico City that the Xfinity Series once ran (2005-2008), in Montreal (2007-2012) and the Craftsman Truck Series in Ontario (2013-2019).

There is a multiyear deal between NASCAR and Mexico City. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit is well known for the Formula 1 events it has hosted, however NASCAR will not run the same exact course but a 2.49-mile layout that has 14 turns.

Additionally, it will be the highest elevation race ever held for the Cup Series, with the altitude at 7,350 feet. Cup Series teams will be dealing with reduced horsepower because of the thin air, and some drivers have done attitude training to prepare for how different the conditions will be behind the wheel.

Brad Keselowski has raced internationally with NASCAR before (in Canada in the Xfinity Series). Once this weekend is complete, he knows he’ll be able to speak more about the Cup Series taking on Mexico City, but his expectations and thoughts are very much in line with many others.

“It’s an interesting event and there are all kinds of sentiments, positive and negative,” he said. “I think it’s good for the Cup Series in general to see the schedule variability that has been driven over the last half a dozen years or so. An international race fits the bill with everything else we’ve been doing.

“I’m really curious about the reception from the fans. I think the reception from our partners has been strong, which is always fun and great for the teams. But I’m really curious about the reception from the fans here and in Mexico. Will they turn out the way we think they are going to turn out? What will the fans here think?”

NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series events in Mexico City begin Friday, with each series getting two practice sessions. The NASCAR Mexico Series will be the companion event to the weekend, running a race on Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon. The inaugural Cup Series event Sunday afternoon caps off the weekend.

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Motorsports

New Jersey Lottery SpeedTour Comes to Millville NJ

On August 1 – 3, 2025 one of the oldest organizations in vintage racing, and the only one with a national presence, the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) is coming to the New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ, with the New Jersey Lottery SpeedTour. Formula Cars from Around the World to Compete Head-to-Head In […]

Published

17 minutes ago

July 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Formula Cars from Around the World to Compete Head-to-Head

In addition to an array of vintage cars, the event will feature racing from Formula Race Promotions, Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.) and Formula Regional America Championship (FR Americas), which are both led by Race Director, Scott Goodyear—the former racecar driver and television personality—who will also be on site!

The New Jersey Lottery SpeedTour features F4 U.S. Championships and FR Americas wheel-to-wheel racing! Both series are the first two steps on the Road to F1. New Jersey Motorsports Park’s 14-turn Thunderbolt Raceway is the 16th stop out of 22 stops on the national tour. When the lights go out at NJMP, five countries and 14 states across the USA will be represented across the two championships.

Spectators can get their tickets now at njmp.com. If you can’t make it in person, the races will be shown live, or tape delayed, on SPEED SPORT 1. SPEED SPORT 1 is a FAST channel — Free, Ad-Supported Streaming Television network. It is available on mainstream platforms with reach exceeding 200 million monthly active users, including Amazon Prime, Roku Channel, PlutoTV, SlingTV and more.

This event is in partnership with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). SVRA is committed to presenting the best possible experience for competitors and fans. From 200 MPH Indy and Formula 1 cars to classic Jaguars and Porsches, SVRA events provide a rolling history of motorsport where the cars are the stars.

Car Shows and More Off-Track Fun!

Car enthusiasts will also enjoy the display of classic, vintage and exotic cars at the Hagerty Cars and Caffeine car show right in the Thunderbolt paddock. Spectators who are looking to get behind the wheel themselves are welcome to book an Arrive and Drive go-karting session at NJMP’s outdoor go-karting track! Compete with friends and family to see who can get in the most laps in NJMP’s Sodi gas-powered go-karts.

All guests are welcome to enjoy lunch and dinner at the full-service restaurant and pub, the Finish Line Pub, located right in the center of the facility. Here families can enjoy picnic games like cornhole, horseshoes, and pickleball (bring your own paddle and ball). And when it gets too hot, those with a ticket are eligible for a pool pass to NJMP’s outdoor pool!

Get your tickets now for this thrilling family weekend event at njmp.com!

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Motorsports

NASCAR on TV This Weekend: Sonoma 2025

Here is the TV schedule for this weekend as the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series take on the Sonoma Raceway road course in Northern California. Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images NASCAR TV schedule for Friday, July 11 NASCAR Xfinity Series practice/qualifying at Sonoma Raceway NASCAR TV schedule for Saturday, July 12 NASCAR Cup Series practice/qualifying […]

Published

18 minutes ago

July 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Here is the TV schedule for this weekend as the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series take on the Sonoma Raceway road course in Northern California.

NASCAR TV schedule for Friday, July 11

NASCAR Xfinity Series practice/qualifying at Sonoma Raceway

NASCAR TV schedule for Saturday, July 12

NASCAR Cup Series practice/qualifying at Sonoma Raceway

Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 Race at Sonoma Raceway

NASCAR TV schedule for Sunday, July 13

Toyota / Save Mart 350 Race NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway

MORE: Odds and more information for Sonoma Raceway

More NASCAR and motorsports news from the racing experts

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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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Motorsports

ARCA West Sonoma Entry List

NASCAR isn’t the only sanctioning body heading to Sonoma Raceway this weekend — the ARCA Menards Series West will also do battle at the track for the General Tire 200. There are 26 cars entered for West’s sixth race of the 2025 season. Eric Nascimento and Nascimento Motorsports are entered in the No. 4 for […]

Published

5 hours ago

July 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NASCAR isn’t the only sanctioning body heading to Sonoma Raceway this weekend — the ARCA Menards Series West will also do battle at the track for the General Tire 200.

There are 26 cars entered for West’s sixth race of the 2025 season.

Eric Nascimento and Nascimento Motorsports are entered in the No. 4 for their first start of the year.

Caleb Shrader returns with Jerry Pitts Racing’s No. 6 for his second appearance of the season.

Corey Day will drive the No. 7 for Spire Motorsports.

1/4 Ley Racing has two cars entered for Sonoma. Jeff Anton is in the No. 8 while owner Dale Quarterley will drive the No. 32.

Davey Magras returns to the series in his self-owned No. 14, his first appearance since 2023.

2025 ARCA Lime Rock Thomas Annunziata trophy (Credit: Kostas Lymperopoulos/ARCA Racing used with permission)

ARCA Power Rankings: Welcome, Lime Rock Winner Thomas Annunziata

Bill McAnally Racing has two cars entered for the first time this season. The team’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series regular Jack Wood is in the No. 16, while Kaulig Racing NASCAR Xfinity Series full-timer (and former BMR driver) Christian Eckes will drive the full-time No. 19.

Kaylee Bryson will make her series debut in Cook Racing Technologies’ No. 17.

Eckes isn’t the only Xfinity regular in the field. William Sawalich will drive Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 18.

Clark Racing’s No. 23 has Spencer Gallagher in the seat, while Sigma Performance Services’ No. 24 is fielding Tyler Reif.

Venturini Motorsports heads West for this race with a single-car effort, the No. 25, driven by Alon Day.

Ryan Philpott and Rodd Kneeland are back in their self-owned Nos. 52 and 68, respectively, for the first time this year. Kneeland’s No. 68 also ran at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway last month with PJ Pedroncelli.

Nick Joanides makes his first start of the year, returning to Performance P-1 Motorsports’ No. 77.

Naake-Klauer Motorsports heads to the ARCA West track for the first time this season, fielding Will Rodgers in its No. 88. Rodgers will also run the Xfinity event for Cope Family Racing.

The General Tire 200 is set for Friday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m. ET. FloRacing is handling the broadcast.

Executive Editor at Frontstretch

Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.

At his day job, he’s a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio — you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.

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Motorsports

Mayor Brandon Johnson discusses 4th of July violence, future of NASCAR Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson says he is open to bringing NASCAR back to Chicago. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch At a news conference with reporters on Tuesday he weighed in on the street race and holiday weekend violence. “I don’t know how those guys and women drive those […]

Published

5 hours ago

July 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson says he is open to bringing NASCAR back to Chicago.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

At a news conference with reporters on Tuesday he weighed in on the street race and holiday weekend violence.

“I don’t know how those guys and women drive those cars in those kind of suits, like, if I had to wear that outfit every single day at work, that would be very difficult,” Johnson said.

He may not have to wear the suit, but Johnson must decide if bringing the street race back to Chicago is worth it.

“The larger question is around, how do neighborhoods across the city benefit from anything that we bring to the City of Chicago,” he said.

While revenue generated from NASCAR is still being added up, the mayor says NASCAR has been supportive of neighborhood programs. However, without getting into specifics, the mayor says everything must be on the table when negotiating with NASCAR.

“Far more people are going to be involved in this process than when it was initially birthed,” he said.

Downtown aldermen are demanding they be part of the conversations with NASCAR.

They say negotiations must include changing the date of the race from 4th of July weekend.

“It’s a heavier burden for our law enforcement, because of so many so much activity that happens in Chicago,” Johnson said.

Despite a long holiday weekend that began with a deadly mass shooting in River North, the mayor says July 4th crime numbers were down compared to years past.

“The decline of violence is a result of the full force of government, working with all entities of government, at every single level of government, and making critical investments, particularly communities that have been starved in decades,” he said.

The mayor said he is worried how those communities will be impacted by President Trump’s big policy bill.

Johnson said his budget team plans to do a complete analysis to figure out the exact impact.

READ ALSO | $10K reward offered for information after 18 shot, 4 killed in River North mass shooting

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Motorsports

DragChamp Jr. Racer Top 10 List – 7/9/25

Ryan Alexander doubles up at the SEJS Brainerd race to lead the DragChamp Jr. Racer Top 10 List presented by Laris Motorsports Insurance. 07/09/25 – Welcome to the DragChamp Jr. Racer Top 10 List presented by Laris Motorsports Insurance. Each week we rank the best Jr. racers across the country based on their weekly performances. […]

Published

5 hours ago

July 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Ryan Alexander doubles up at the SEJS Brainerd race to lead the DragChamp Jr. Racer Top 10 List presented by Laris Motorsports Insurance.

07/09/25 – Welcome to the DragChamp Jr. Racer Top 10 List presented by Laris Motorsports Insurance. Each week we rank the best Jr. racers across the country based on their weekly performances. Nominations are accepted every Monday evening on our Facebook page.

Racecar insurance is more affordable than you think! Laris Motorsports Insurance policies are handled in house so they can provide quotes within minutes and they offer the broadest coverage available. Call (985) 746-4663 today to learn how Laris Motorsports Insurance can protect your racing operation both on and off the track! If you’re a business owner, Laris also offers commercial insurance. Protect your business with a trusted name.

Click here to view previous Top 10 Lists.

DragChamp Jr. Racer Top 10 List

1 – Ryan Alexander

Ryan Alexander takes the #1 spot on this week’s Top 10 list after winning twice at the Southeast Junior Series race at Brainerd Motorsports Park. He kicked off the weekend by winning the Fireworks Shootout Race, then went on to claim both the 12 & Up age group bonus and the overall $10,000 Main Event victory.

2 – Luke Hutchinson

Luke Hutchinson secures the #2 spot on this week’s list after carrying two entries to the 6-9 Age Group final round, earning both the win and runner-up at the Southeast Junior Series event at Brainerd Motorsports Park. He also was the last man standing in the 6-9 age group during the $10K race and advanced to the final five in the $10K main event.

3 – Gage Blair

Gage Blair had a standout weekend at Ethridge Motorsports Park, going undefeated and winning both days in the Junior Dragster class. He didn’t lose a single round all weekend!

4 – Brooklynn Collins

After a win and a runner-up finish at Gainesville, Brooklynn Collins extended her streak by doubling up at South Georgia Motorsports Park.

5 – Bentlee Baehr

Bentlee Baehr rounds out the top 5 of this week’s Top 10 list after sweeping the beginner class this past weekend at the Dragway 42 points race.

6 – Cameron Davis

Cameron Davis lands the #6 spot on this week’s Top 10 list after doubling up in the Jr. Novice class at the Triple 7K race at Grove Creek Raceway.

7 – Alexandra “Alakazamdra” Elyea

Alexandra ‘Alakazamdra’ Elyea delivered an impressive performance at Walla Walla Dragstrip, sweeping the weekend in Junior Street. She kicked things off on Friday by reaching the semifinals in her Junior Dragster during the big money Gamblers Race. Competing in two classes all weekend, she continued going rounds in her dragster and capped it off by winning Junior Street both days driving a Sunbelt Service truck.

8 – Avery Bolding

Avery Bolding claims the #8 spot on this week’s Top 10 list after securing a win and three semi-final finishes at the Southeast Junior Series event in Brainerd.
On Friday, she advanced to the semi-finals in both the $3,000-to-win Gamblers Race and the Outlaw 330 race. She followed that up on Saturday by winning the $3,000-to-win 12–17 Age Group Race and making it down to the final three in the $10,000 Main Event.

9 – Chloe Pass

Chloe Pass had a fantastic weekend at Alabama International Dragway, winning the IHRA Ironman race on Friday night. She kept the momentum going on Saturday, reaching the sem-finals.

10 – Brayden Hearn

Brayden Hearn earns a spot on this week’s top 10 list after scoring two runner-up finishes at World Wide Technology Raceway.

10 – Riley Sherbondy

Riley Sherbondy rounds out this week’s top 10 list after securing the Junior Dragster win on Saturday at the TB Promotions $100K event. This marks her second TB Promotions victory and the second time she’s taken home a Louisville Slugger.

Let us what you think about the DragChamp Jr. Top 10 List. We want to hear from you. Check us out on Facebook and share it with your friends.

And remember, look for our DragChamp Jr. Top 10 List nominations Facebook post every Monday evening. You can nominate your favorites in the comments of the post for consideration on the list.

If you nominate a racer, please
include their name, their accomplishment, which track(s), and a winners circle
photo. Some racers have missed the list because we didn’t have enough
information and couldn’t find anything online.

DragChamp is your online source for sportsman drag race results, news, and updates.

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Motorsports

NASCAR confirms penalty situation after incident-filled Chicago Street Race

The penalty report from NASCAR for the weekend at Chicago is out. No one was penalized as a result of infractions the governing body picked up. The organization had made it clear it was looking into a few incidents on the track, but it apparently found no cause to issue penalties. Among those incidents was […]

Published

5 hours ago

July 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The penalty report from NASCAR for the weekend at Chicago is out. No one was penalized as a result of infractions the governing body picked up.

The organization had made it clear it was looking into a few incidents on the track, but it apparently found no cause to issue penalties. Among those incidents was contact between Ross Chastain and Joey Logano.

Logano called on NASCAR to fine Chastain for the contact after Chastain reportedly admitted on pit road that he had intentionally wrecked Logano. The two got caught up in traffic in the middle of the race, with Chastain initially taking contact into a tire barrier.

Whatever the case, Chastain seemed to think Logano was at fault for that contact. He came after Logano and spun him in the next section of the track.

Reporters had a chance to catch up with Logano after that incident, and he was blunt. To him, there was no gray area surrounding the wreck and whether it was intentional from Chastain.

“Do I think so? Yes, he admitted he wrecked me on purpose,” Logano told FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass. “He admitted it. Which means he should get fined if he admittedly wrecked someone on purpose. That’s not OK.”

Logano has had more than one run-in with Chastain this NASCAR Cup Series season. That’s part of the reason he was so heated after the race.

“Typical Ross,” Logano said. “He just sees red and does dumb stuff. That’s all. That’s twice this year on road courses at the end of these things I’ve been cost by Ross. I’m just over it.”

Other incidents on the track included some back-and-forth contact between Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman. Wallace was attempting to fend off a pass by Bowman, who had fresher tires late in the race.

After making contact through several turns, eventually Bowman got the better of Wallace and turned the fellow NASCAR driver, taking him out of the race. There were no fireworks after the race, though, as the two met very briefly on pit road before Wallace headed out for the day.

And now we know NASCAR has issued no penalties as a result of the weekend at Chicago. So it’s on to Sonoma.

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