Motorsports
NASCAR Xfinity championship tests integrity and brotherhood
The emotion afterwards was palpable.
On pit road, immediately after the race, newly crowned NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Jesse Love was in tears at earning a major career accomplishment. On the other end of the spectrum, Connor Zilisch was in tears because he was denied a championship that surely would have been his under any other format.
“I feel like emotion is part of the sport,” Zilisch said in his post-race press conference. “You work so hard for 38 weeks, yeah, coming up short sucks.”
10 wins
20 top 5s
32 starts
About an hour later, the vibe in the garage was just as surreal because there were three JR Motorsports teams amongst the final four and they all lost to a Richard Childress Racing driver that hadn’t won since the season opening event at Daytona.
To put it simply, JR Motorsports had a 75 percent chance of winning the championship at a minimum, but Zilisch, Justin Allgaier and Carson Kvapil got beat in the smallest sample size possible to decide a motorsport champion.
Right next to the four JRM haulers, were the two RCR haulers, and it was a total party with countless drinks and cigars being consumed to celebrate the moment. The polarity juxtaposed against the expectations was once again palpable in every sense of the word.
Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images
And even more powerful was the fact that Love and Zilisch are famously best friends. The absolute best of friends.
“In our group chat, the three amigos, me, Brent (Crews) and Connor, have always expected the most out of each other,” Love said. “Been really hard on each other at times. Always been there for each other.
“We’ve cultivated a really good culture between the three of us. I’m really happy for Brent to start to turn the corner. He had a tough summer. He kept his head down and he kept digging. Now he’s starting to really look really good.
“Yeah, it’s definitely great. We’re definitely going to celebrate.”
Zilisch congratulated Love in Victory Lane but it’s too be decided how quickly they can be bros in the traditional sense.
“I’m not sure how Connor is going to react to all this,” he said. “He came to me in Victory Lane because he’s a great person, but I don’t know, again, how he’s going to react to tonight. I’m not going to fault him in any way however he decides to react.
“We’ll see. Obviously, I’m going to be happy about it because I pulled the long end of the stick or the wishbone. But we’ll see.”
Watch: Connor Zilisch falls short: ‘Didn’t have what we needed’
Zilisch says this is going to be an example of separating his ‘professional’ and ‘personal’ lives.
“We travel with each other 38 weeks a year,” Zilisch said. “If you don’t have friends, you’re going to become miserable.
“I feel like I am a very personable person. I like to be friends with everybody. At times it can be hard to kind of put those two together. Yeah, you have to be able to separate them and understand what’s professional life and what’s just friendships.
“It’s tough to balance at times. I feel like Jesse and I have done a good job at that.”
‘Little known fact’ as Duke Love, Jesse’s father, put it after the race, Zilisch lived with them for about a year ‘when Connor’s family was remodeling their house.’
The whole families have a bond.
“Connor lived at our house and, and I got to know him up close and personal and he is just one of the most amazing kids I have ever met,” the elder Love said. “He is so pure-hearted but also has the heart of a lion on the track as we have seen.”
But the elder Love also says Zilisch accomplished the biggest goal of all this season no matter how this night played out.
“If I could take a 10,000 foot view perspective of this, I would say the purpose of the Xfinity level is to prove yourself and prove your mettle in order to do what,” he asked, hypothetically. “In order to reach the Cup level.
“Connor has reached that goal. Obviously a phenomenal season but I think a clear confluence of events for the season coming together for 2 team, Jesse and everyone at Richard Childress Racing.”
‘The format is the format’
Connor Zilisch, JR Motorsports Chevrolet
Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images
It was a challenging night for everyone in the sport, be it a fan or industry professional, because how do you reconcile Zilisch not winning the championship while also trying to credit Love for winning the game under the rules agreed upon?
That was best answered by Allgaier.
“You don’t,” Allgaier said. “Now, that being said, we had this conversation with Joey (Logano). Look, at the end of the day the format is the format. We have to race to the format, right? It doesn’t matter if it’s a one-race format, 33 races, five, seven, 10. Our job as racers and as teams is to go out there and make the most of it.
“I don’t dislike the format. It’s bit me way more than it’s ever helped me. Last year when it benefited us, it was great, right?
“I don’t know what the right answer is. I know last night social media was abuzz because Corey actually won. Tonight it’s probably going to be flip-flopped because Connor didn’t win.”
Understatement
“Look at the season that Jesse has had, and you look at what he did, not only did he win the championship, he won the race,” Allgaier said. “He drove by all of us. He did all the right things. That to me is doing what your job is and excelling at it. They rose to the occasion and we didn’t.
“I’m not mad about it. I just got to go work harder next year. If the format is the same, make the most of it. If not, we’ll do something different.”
But how does Love feel about the people who say his championship isn’t legitimate?
“I really don’t give a shit what people think,” Love said. “I get a big old trophy. I get a nice check. I get a lot of things that come out of this. Yeah, I don’t know. … At the same time, like, I’m not somebody that devalues what the fans say either, which kind of sounds contradicting now.
“When I say stuff and people call me out on Twitter or something, I do actually listen. Their opinions are valid. Obviously the world would be kind of a boring place if we all agreed on everything. That’s never going to happen.
“Yeah, I’m going to look at it like ‘I don’t really care’ at the end of the day. But I still like to be a part of I guess the circle of life and see how people react to certain things. I have my thoughts on it. They’re going to have theirs. That doesn’t bother me at all.”
Love is the champion.
And for the first time in quite awhile, Love was able to wrestle back some of the top prospect star power he had started to lose in comparison, mostly because Zilisch just kept on winning until getting beat head-to-head in Phoenix.
“It’s been really hard this year, right,” Love said. “At the end of the day, I want to walk in the room and feel like the man, right? I did tonight. For quite a while, once I had like my breakout ARCA season, I was the hottest thing for the most part with the exception of probably Corey (Heim) and then Connor kind of took that away from me.
“It’s been really tough, right? Hard to deal with that — just the way that your friends look at you, the way the fans look at you, it’s all tough. It was a hard pill for me to swallow.”
Jesse Love, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
Photo by: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Love stopped comparing himself to his best friend.
“I decided I can’t control what Connor does, right, but I can control what I do,” Love said. “Every day I woke up, he’s motivated me to be better, right? I don’t like losing to him. I’ve woke up every day trying to beat him, probably, more than myself.
“As much as tonight makes me feel really good, I’m not going to have Connor to compare myself to next year. I’m going to have to change that mindset pretty quick.”
The next time they race each other as full-time competitors, and they absolutely will, it will be on Sundays and in a different championship format.
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Motorsports
Former Watkins Glen President Michael Printup 1965-2025
Racing America is devastated to confirm the sudden passing of Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup at 60 years of age. Michael was an icon in motorsports, a great partner and a friend. His passion for racing and commitment to the industry made a lasting impact on the sport. He will be deeply missed. Racing America sends our thoughts and condolences to Michael’s family, friends and colleagues.
Michael first joined Racing America in July 2023 as the President of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). In January 2024, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, as well as all racing operations. A native of Hamburg, N.Y., Michael spent nearly three decades working for NASCAR, most notably in the role of president of Watkins Glen International. He was also president of Americrown and oversaw the Levy food service contract for 12 NASCAR-owned racetracks.
Michael leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, two boys Brendan (and wife Caitlin) and Matthew, and two granddaughters, Sophia and Vivienne.
A memorial service for Michael will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home (303 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483)
Motorsports
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing Announce Strategic Partnership for 2026 Mustang Challenge
CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.
Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).
Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts.
“As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”
The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.
“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”
Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities:
– Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season.
– Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars.
– Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.
Bill Johnson
Wheelhouse
+1 910-658-1447
email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
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Motorsports
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing Announce Strategic Partnership for 2026 Mustang Challenge
CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.
Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).
Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts.
“As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”
The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.
“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”
Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities:
– Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season.
– Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars.
– Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.
Bill Johnson
Wheelhouse
+1 910-658-1447
email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
![]()
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media
Motorsports
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering To Celebrate the World’s Most Iconic Vehicles
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering returns to Monterey Car Week Aug. 14, 2026, to celebrate the world’s most iconic automotive brands and historic vehicles, company officials stated in a press release. The event will showcase four featured classes and an exclusive collector series. The 23rd annual event will also include more than a dozen vehicle debuts from top OEMs and designers and a curated display of hundreds of rare and unique vehicles.
Four celebrated classes will take center stage at next year’s event: The 100th Anniversary of Route 66, The Lamborghini Diablo, The Legacy of Japanese GTs, and The Ferrari F40.
The 100th Anniversary of Route 66
Spanning nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 symbolizes freedom, adventure and the enduring spirit of the American road trip, noted the release. This special featured class will pay tribute to the highway’s cultural impact through a curated lineup of classic vehicles that once traveled America’s “Mother Road,” each honoring Route 66’s role in shaping American automotive history and inspiring generations of travelers.
The Lamborghini Diablo
The Lamborghini Diablo featured class will celebrate the “poster car” of the 1990s. Lamborghini’s first model capable of exceeding 200 mph and a former holder of the world’s fastest production car title, the Diablo stands as an icon of futuristic design and breakthrough engineering, solidifying Lamborghini’s standing as a trailblazer in modern supercar performance, event organizers said. The class will include Diablo examples, highlighting rare specifications and limited-production editions.
The Legacy of Japanese GTs
Celebrating the legacy of Japanese automotive craftsmanship, the artistry of customizable styling and advanced technology, The Legacy of Japanese GTs class will showcase a selection of the most influential and sought-after models. Famous for their distinctive blend of performance, precision and tunability, Japanese GTs have earned a devoted following among enthusiasts worldwide.
The Ferrari F40
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will honor an iconic Ferrari model for the second consecutive year with The Ferrari F40 featured class. Celebrated as one of the most iconic supercars ever built and introduced in 1987 to commemorate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the F40 was the final Ferrari model to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. This class will highlight the raw performance and engineering excellence that continue to define Ferrari’s legacy.

The Bruce Meyer Collection
The Quail will also introduce an all-new collector series that will highlight unique collections from renowned collectors and enthusiasts. Among them, Bruce Meyer is widely recognized as one of the most passionate and influential car collectors in the hot rod and classic car spaces. Driven by his signature mantra, “never lift,” Meyer has assembled one of the finest private collections of Le Mans-winning race cars, Bonneville land speed cars, trend-setting hot rods and many other cars and motorcycles of historical significance. The Bruce Meyer Collection will present an exclusive selection that reflects his profound appreciation for the automotive hobby.
Timeless Craftsmanship & Heritage Will Be on Display at The Quail
“Our new featured classes, alongside the debut of the collector series, are propelling The Quail into an exciting new era,” said Gordon McCall, director of motorsports at The Quail. “Collectively, they showcase emerging technologies and design philosophies, while upholding the timeless craftsmanship and heritage that have been at the heart of this event for more than two decades.”
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will also include eight returning traditional classes, including Custom Coachwork, Pre-War Sports and Racing Cars, Post-War Sports Cars 1945-60, Post-War Sports Cars 1961-75, Post-War Racing Cars, Sports and Racing Motorcycles, Evolution of the Supercar and The Great Ferraris.
The vehicle entrant application is currently open.
Motorsports
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Motorsports
Business Leader and Former NASCAR Team Marketing Executive Tony Priscaro Releases His New Book Still Standing, A Real-World Guide to Building Credibility When the Stakes Are High – Speedway Digest
Tony Priscaro, founder of PK Velocity Sports & Entertainment and a veteran sports marketing executive, has released his debut book, Still Standing, now available on Amazon and Kindle. The book delivers a candid, practical look at leadership, resilience, and value creation drawn from decades operating at the intersection of professional sports and business.
Unlike traditional business books rooted in theory, Still Standing is built on real-world execution—closing high-stakes deals, navigating career pivots, managing risk, and rebuilding momentum when circumstances collapse.
“This isn’t a book about success,” said Priscaro. “It’s about what happens between success—the pressure, the setbacks, the moments where quitting feels logical but staying the course matters most.”
Priscaro’s career spans professional sports marketing, NASCAR sponsorship strategy, corporate partnerships, and brand development. In Still Standing, he translates lessons learned in high-pressure sports environments into actionable insights for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals.
“In sports, there’s no room for excuses,” Priscaro said. “You either deliver or you don’t. That same reality exists in business—especially when trust, reputation, and credibility are on the line.”
A Business Book Disguised as a Story
While the book draws on experiences from NASCAR, professional basketball, and national brand partnerships, Still Standing is ultimately about business fundamentals: decision-making under uncertainty, earning trust without credentials, and creating value when resources are limited.
“Brands don’t care where you went to school,” Priscaro noted. “They care if you can reduce risk, execute consistently, and deliver results. That lesson applies to every industry.”
The book has already begun resonating with professionals navigating career transitions, leadership challenges, and entrepreneurial risk.
Supporting Speaking & Executive Engagements
The release of Still Standing coincides with Priscaro’s expanded focus on executive speaking engagements and business workshops. His talks center on leadership under pressure, credibility over credentials, and what professional sports reveal about how decisions are really made in business.
“I didn’t write this book to sell books,” said Priscaro. “I wrote it to start conversations—with leaders, teams, and organizations that want to perform when the stakes are real.”
Tony Priscaro PR
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