Note: The Penske Entertainment editorial staff is looking back at the five biggest moments of 2025 in INDY NXT by Firestone in this year-end series, with one installment appearing on the site per day in countdown fashion from Dec. 27-31.

Myles Rowe ended the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone season in style, scoring a commanding victory in the season finale Aug. 31 at Nashville Superspeedway.

Rowe led 20 of 65 laps to earn his second career win in the INDYCAR development series – both coming during a breakout 2025 season.

That feat marked a satisfying conclusion to a year defined by growth and resilience. ABEL Motorsports originally signed Rowe following a difficult rookie INDY NXT campaign with HMD Motorsports/Force Indy in 2024, when he went winless in 14 starts despite entering the series as the reigning USF Pro 2000 champion.

In 2025, he rewarded ABEL’s confidence by delivering two wins in his final six races, providing a timely boost to his upward trajectory.

Winning once – his breakthrough July 12 triumph at Iowa Speedway – would have been meaningful on its own. Winning twice made a stronger statement.

“It’s nice when the results start to match what you believe in your heart,” Rowe said.

Rowe’s rise has been anything but typical. After beginning in karting, he advanced to the Lucas Oil Formula Car Race Series in 2017 and 2018, but financial limitations forced him to step away in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated sponsorship prospects, and Rowe shifted his focus to photography while attending Pace University, unsure if he would ever return to racing.

That changed with the launch of Penske Entertainment’s Race for Equality & Change initiative in 2020, which created new pathways for minorities and women in motorsports. From that effort, Force Indy was established. In 2021, Rod Reid – founder of NXG Youth Motorsports – offered Rowe a lifeline with a USF2000 opportunity.

Rowe seized it, becoming the first Black driver to win a race in the series with a breakthrough victory at New Jersey Motorsports Park. He remained in USF2000 in 2022 with Pabst Racing, while Force Indy moved up to INDY NXT. Rowe delivered five wins that season and finished just six points short of the championship, placing second to Michael d’Orlando.

His ascent continued in 2023 with Pabst and continued Force Indy support in USF Pro 2000. Five more wins secured the title and made Rowe the first Black driver to win a North American open-wheel championship.

That achievement earned him a career enhancement scholarship to step up to INDY NXT in 2024. But his rookie year proved challenging, as he finished 11th in the standings. In 2025, he rebounded convincingly with six podium finishes, including an impressive 2.5 average finish across four oval starts. He added three podiums on road and street circuits, underscoring his versatility.

Rowe returns to ABEL Motorsports in 2026, aiming for the championship.

BROOKFIELD, CT — Recent death notices from Brookfield.

Barry David Padroff, 85, died Dec. 21, 2025, the founder, president and CEO of BrewMaster Coffee Service, which he launched in 1965 and led for 28 years, and a longtime enthusiast of stock-market tracking, cruising, beachgoing, estate sales, landscape design and stamp collecting.

Kevin Shail, 70, died Dec. 16, 2025, a longtime lithographic printer with Modern Printing and Quebecor Printing and an avid “Fan Man” known for collecting antique hot air fans and mechanical devices and for regularly attending steam-engine and antique machinery shows.

Christian Richard Chemero, 59, died Dec. 15, 2025, an artist and craftsman educated in studio art whose pursuits included drumming, woodworking, photography, mountain climbing, biking, fishing, wildlife rescue, and documenting the natural world through his lens.

Virginia M. “Ginny” DeLuca, 90, died Dec. 10, 2025, a business owner of NAPROCO LLC and lifelong auto-racing enthusiast who sponsored drivers, founded Petty Cash Motorsports, followed weekly races at the track or on Flo, and centered her days around motorsports, faith, and Christmas.

Francis J. (Fran) Collins, 92, an attorney and longtime public servant who founded a private law practice, served in the Connecticut General Assembly, and enjoyed golf, skiing, hiking and fitness, died Dec. 6, 2025.

Judith “Judy” Bradley, 79, died Nov. 15, 2025, after a long illness, a career executive secretary most recently in municipal Parks and Recreation whose sharp wit, quick humor, and gift for keeping gatherings lively defined her days beyond work.

The Mid-West Drag Racing Series (MWDRS) has announced a schedule adjustment for its upcoming event at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, along with added prize money across several classes. The move comes as part of the series’ effort to support both the track and the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals scheduled there in September.

“It is clear that our MWDRS Racers, along with competitors from many other series, have a genuine affection for the Martin, Michigan track,” said MWDRS founder Keith Haney. “We are proud to announce our support for both US 131 and the NHRA, specifically regarding the NHRA’s September race at the venue.”

To help build momentum around that event, MWDRS has elected to shift its US 131 race weekend to July 31–August 1. Haney noted that the schedule change is intended to benefit both organizations.

“We feel that by adjusting our schedule July 31st – August 1st, both organizations will ultimately benefit,” Haney said.

As part of the continued collaboration with US 131 Motorsports Park and the Peterson family, MWDRS also announced additional purse money for racers across multiple categories. Thanks to US 131, bonuses include:

• Pro Mod Slammers: $2,000 added
• Top Sportsman: $1,000 added
• Top Dragster: $1,000 added

MWDRS is also contributing to the purse structure, with an extra $250 going to both the Pro Jr. Dragster and Sportsman Jr. Dragster classes.

Haney emphasized the series’ longstanding relationship with the Peterson family and the track’s Northern Nationals tradition.

“We are thrilled to continue our strong relationship with the Peterson Family and the tradition of their Northern Nationals,” he said. “While we have not hosted a race in July or August for the past three years, we have elected to move our race in order to support our friends and the track, building excitement around the NHRA event.”

The Michigan stop has become one of the most anticipated on the MWDRS calendar, drawing passionate local and regional fan support alongside deep racer participation. The added purse and cooperative scheduling are designed to continue strengthening that footprint while supporting the broader drag racing community.

More information about the Mid-West Drag Racing Series season schedule and class purse structure can be found at www.MidWestDragRacingSeries.com.

This story was originally published on December 29, 2025.

Despite winning a championship and having a couple of the top pit crews in NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports is still working. In the offseason, the pit crew members at Hendrick have been practicing and refining their skills and choreography.

Since the Next Gen car debuted with the single lug wheels, it has changed pit stops and pit crews entirely. We saw Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing try to reinvent the pit stop with a new kind of choreography that was a boom-or-bust style. It either worked or it ruined the stop.

This season, teams implemented a new move for the jackmen that involved swinging the jack around the back as they ran from the right side to the left. The momentum from swinging it around proved to be a slight improvement over lugging it the old-fashioned way.

While we talk about cars and drivers and crew chiefs and pit strategy, the real work is being done behind the scenes. The folks at Hendrick Motorsports know improvement is a must. If you don’t improve, everyone else will. While the No. 9 crew won the Most Valuable Pit Crew Award for 2025, they could easily fall behind without putting in the work now.

“We know we have the right athletes here, so, now it’s finding the right combination to make it work. So, we’ve been doing that,” said Hendrick pit crew coach Jacob Claborn. “That’s been our focus the first couple of weeks this December, focusing on mixing and matching some groupings and trying to find the right combination and bringing along our development guys. They’ve probably been practicing the most of anybody since Phoenix.”

For the 2026 season, we could see more tricks and moves from these pit crew members. Hendrick Motorsports works so hard on making these improvements, no matter how big or small, and it shows during the season. Hendrick might have new choreography for the new year.

“We’re always trying to keep an open mind to choreography – is there a better way?” Claborn said. “I think you saw this year whereas some of our jackmen went to different takeaways on the right side, trying to find speed there, we have some additional practice going into this offseason realizing that while they’re currently fast in the way they’re doing it, there may be a faster way. So, we’ve been practicing some of that choreography with some of the individual positions.”

It sounds like hard work. We are talking about pit crews that can put down 8.5-second stops. So, how do you improve on a time quicker than the world record for the 100m dash? That’s where the small improvements come in.

When it comes to late race pit stops, tenths of a second matter. Winning races in the Next Gen era means having a great pit crew. Hendrick Motorsports is finding new ways to improve. Will we see other teams discover new ways of changing four tires?

In the world of motorsports, numbers are more than just identifiers; they are legacies. They represent history, triumph, and sometimes, profound loss. This January, as the engines roar to life at the World Center of Racing, one number will carry a heavier weight than usual.

Kohr Motorsports has announced they will run a special tribute livery on their No. 60 Ford Mustang GT4 to honor the late Greg Biffle, his family, and friends lost in a tragic plane crash earlier this month. The tribute is set to debut at the season-opening IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge race at Daytona International Speedway. On this track, Biffle’s grit and talent were often on full display.

A Nod to a Championship Legacy

For race fans, the No. 60 is inextricably linked to Biffle’s dominance in the early 2000s. The livery chosen by Kohr Motorsports isn’t just a design. It’s a time capsule. The team is recreating the iconic paint scheme from Biffle’s 2002 NASCAR Busch Series championship run.

That 2002 season was a masterclass in consistency and speed. Driving for Roush Racing, Biffle secured four wins and 20 top-five finishes, cementing his place as one of the sport’s elite talents. By bringing this specific look back to the track on a modern Ford Mustang GT4,

Kohr Motorsports is bridging eras, reminding everyone of the “Biff’s” hard-nosed driving style that earned him a spot among NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers.It’s a fitting homage. Just as Biffle wheeled a Ford to glory two decades ago, Evan Slater and Ray Mason will pilot this modern Ford Mustang GT4, carrying his memory through the high banks of Daytona.

The Emotional Weight Of The Roar Before The 24

The timing of this tribute adds another layer of emotion to an already charged atmosphere. The Roar Before the Rolex 24 and the subsequent BMW M Endurance Challenge are the traditional kick-off to the North American racing calendar. It’s usually a time of optimism and fresh starts. However, the loss of Biffle, a figure known as much for his off-track humanitarian efforts as his on-track aggression, has cast a somber shadow over the garage area.

Kohr Motorsports took to Instagram to share their motivation, stating, “In light of last week’s tragedy involving one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers and off-track humanitarian, Greg Biffle [including his family & friends], Kohr Motorsports will be running a tribute 2002 NASCAR Busch Championship No. 60 Ford livery.”

This gesture goes beyond marketing or branding. It speaks to the tight-knit nature of the racing community. When a legend passes, especially under such heartbreaking circumstances involving family, the paddock comes together. The No. 60 won’t just be competing for position. It will be racing for a memory.

Drivers Slater and Mason Ready for the Challenge

While the Kohr livery is the headline, the race itself remains a grueling test of endurance. Drivers Evan Slater and Ray Mason have been tapped to share the driving duties for the No. 60. For Slater and Mason, the pressure will be palpable. Daytona is unforgiving.

The road course layout, which utilizes the high-banked oval turns, requires precision and nerve. Driving a car that is essentially a rolling memorial adds a psychological element that few drivers ever have to manage. Every lap turned will be a salute to Biffle’s enduring impact on Ford performance and American racing culture.

Tuning In: How to Watch the Tribute

Fans wanting to see the Kohr tribute car in action won’t have to wait long. The racing action kicks off with the Roar Before the 24, leading up to the main event. The 4-hour BMW M Endurance Challenge begins at 1:45 PM ET on Friday, January 23rd.

This race serves as the curtain-raiser for the 64th annual Rolex 24, setting the stage for a weekend of intense competition. For those who can’t make the pilgrimage to Daytona Beach, live streaming coverage will be available starting at1:40 PM ET on Peacock.

Ode To A Legend

As the No. 60 Ford Mustang GT4 takes the green flag, it will serve as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of a racer’s legacy. Greg Biffle may be gone, but thanks to Kohr Motorsports, his colors will fly at Daytona once more.

Formula 1 drivers are among the most recognizable athletes in the world, known not only for their precision on the track but also for their carefully managed public image off it. From tailored fashion choices to luxury watches and grooming routines, every detail contributes to how these global sports figures present themselves. In recent years, fans and lifestyle media alike have shown growing curiosity about a more personal detail: the fragrances Formula 1 drivers choose to wear. While performance defines their careers, scent plays a quieter yet meaningful role in their off-track identity.

Luxury Fragrance as Part of the F1 Lifestyle

The interest in Formula 1 drivers’ perfume choices reflects a broader fascination with the luxury lifestyle surrounding the sport. Drivers frequently partner with premium brands and appear at high-profile events where presentation matters. Retail platforms such as Parfumdreams have observed increased interest in high-end fragrances often associated with motorsport culture, reinforcing the idea that scent has become part of modern athlete branding. For fans, discovering the colognes/perfumes linked to their favorite drivers offers a sense of connection to a world that otherwise feels distant and exclusive.

Do Formula 1 Drivers Publicly Share Their Cologne Choices?

Unlike watches, cars, or clothing, colognes and perfumes are rarely disclosed explicitly by drivers. Most Formula 1 professionals keep their fragrance preferences private, and there are few confirmed statements about specific scents they wear. However, interviews, brand partnerships, and lifestyle features occasionally provide clues. In some cases, drivers have been linked to luxury fragrance houses through sponsorships or fashion collaborations, suggesting alignment with certain scent profiles rather than direct confirmation of daily use.

This level of ambiguity has only fueled public interest. Fans often speculate based on a driver’s personality, nationality, or personal style, turning fragrance discussions into part of wider lifestyle conversations rather than factual declarations.

How Personality and Image Influence Fragrance Choices

Fragrance selection is deeply personal and often reflects character traits. In Formula 1, drivers are known for distinctly different personas. Some project a calm, understated image, while others embrace boldness and charisma. These contrasts naturally influence assumptions about fragrance preferences. A driver known for precision and discipline may gravitate toward clean, refined scents, while a more expressive personality may favor intense, statement-making colognes and perfumes.

Lifestyle experts note that athletes at this level often choose fragrances that align with confidence and longevity rather than novelty. Long-lasting compositions that transition well from daytime commitments to evening appearances are particularly popular among high-profile individuals with demanding schedules.

The Role of Sponsorships and Brand Associations

Brand partnerships play a significant role in shaping public perceptions of what Formula 1 drivers wear, including fragrance. Many drivers collaborate with luxury fashion houses that also produce cologne and perfumes. While this does not guarantee personal use, these associations influence consumer assumptions. When a driver becomes the face of a luxury brand, fans often interpret that partnership as a reflection of personal taste.

Fragrance brands benefit from this association as well. Motorsport conveys speed, precision, and excellence—qualities that translate well into luxury marketing. Even without explicit endorsements, the visual and cultural connection between Formula 1 and premium fragrance remains strong.

Regional Influences on Scent Preferences

Formula 1 is a global sport, and drivers come from diverse cultural backgrounds. Regional fragrance preferences can influence personal taste. European drivers may lean toward classic eau de parfums rooted in traditional perfumery, while those from warmer climates might prefer fresher compositions suited to heat and travel. These cultural nuances contribute to the intrigue surrounding driver fragrance choices.

As drivers travel extensively throughout the season, practicality also matters. Scents that perform well across different climates and environments are often favored. This functional approach mirrors the performance-driven mindset seen on the racetrack.

Why Fans Are Increasingly Interested in Driver Grooming Habits

The rise of social media has changed how fans engage with Formula 1 personalities. Formula 1 drivers have a huge female fanbase and they tend to be more interested in every aspect of a driver’s life.  Drivers now share more glimpses of their daily routines, fashion choices, and personal moments. This transparency has extended interest beyond racing statistics to lifestyle habits, including grooming and fragrance.

Cologne and perfume, in particular, appeal to fans because they are accessible. While driving a Formula 1 car is unattainable for most, wearing the same fragrance as a favorite driver feels achievable. This relatability factor has helped fragrances become part of broader fan culture discussions.

Media Speculation and Fragrance Culture

Lifestyle magazines and online platforms frequently explore the topic of celebrity fragrances, and Formula 1 drivers are no exception. These features often combine informed speculation with analysis of a driver’s public image. While not definitive, such articles shape popular narratives and influence purchasing decisions among fans.

This trend reflects the growing intersection between sport, fashion, and lifestyle media. Formula 1 drivers are no longer viewed solely as athletes but as global influencers whose choices, real or perceived, impact consumer behavior.

Cologne and Perfume as a Symbol of Confidence and Routine

For elite athletes, routine plays a crucial role in performance and mental focus. Many rely on consistent habits to maintain stability amid intense competition. Fragrance can be part of that routine, offering familiarity and confidence before public appearances or high-pressure events.

Although drivers rarely discuss this aspect openly, experts in sports psychology suggest that sensory cues, including scent, can contribute to mental preparedness. This perspective adds depth to the fascination with what colognes Formula 1 drivers might choose.

Impact on the Luxury Fragrance Market

Interest in Formula 1 drivers’ lifestyle choices has a tangible impact on the fragrance market. Searches for luxury men’s colognes often spike around major racing events, particularly when drivers appear in fashion or lifestyle features. The association with elite performance enhances the aspirational appeal of premium scents.

Retailers and fragrance houses are increasingly aware of this crossover potential. Motorsport-themed campaigns and partnerships are becoming more common, further blending the worlds of racing and luxury perfumery.