Connor Zilisch, driver of the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will not compete in this weekend’s race at Texas Motor Speedway after a hard wreck on the final lap last week at Talladega Superspeedway.

JR Motorsports released the following statement Wednesday afternoon: “Kyle Larson will sub for Connor Zilisch behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway as Zilisch continues to recover from a lower back injury sustained last weekend at Talladega.”

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Leading last Saturday‘s race at Talladega on the final lap, Zilisch got turned down the backstretch after a push from Jesse Love, spinning hard into the inside wall nose first.

The impact was enormous, as pictured above, but Zilisch exited the car under his own power before getting evaluated and released from the infield care center. He gave a post-race interview on The CW after being cleared, saying “I’m OK. … Very grateful to drive safe JR Motorsports race cars.”

RELATED: Texas schedule | Xfinity standings | Zilisch driver page

Zilisch has a win at Circuit of The Americas and three top 10s in his rookie season, and he is sixth in driver points. His average running position (10.8) is fifth best in the series through 11 races.

Saturday‘s Andy‘s Frozen Custard 300 at Texas is set for 2 p.m. ET (The CW, PRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

The opening line from A Tale of Two Cities described Team Penske’s day at Talladega last Sunday. “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.”

The best was Austin Cindric’s win, his first of the season, first at Talladega, and third career victory. The worst was Ryan Blaney’s early departure, caught up in Brad Keselowski’s wreck with Kyle Busch, and Joey Logano’s disqualification in post-race inspection.

For RFK racing it was an altogether bad day with Keselowski and Chris Buescher taken out in wrecks and Ryan Preece’s second-place finish nullified with a post-race disqualification. The good news for the whole Cup garage was the lack of a “big one,” with all the wrecks limited to two or three cars. Kyle Larson advanced to second, William Byron third, Noah Gragson fourth, and Chase Elliot fifth after the disqualifications. And Katherine Legge led laps in Saturday’s Xfinity race and ran consistently in the top 15 until a mistake by Aric Almirola ended her day.

•••

This weekend the series moves on to the high-speed 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway oval. Hendrick Chevrolets have done well there in recent years with Elliot winning in 2024, Byron in 2023, and Larson in 2021.

In all eight active drivers have posted wins in Texas with Kyle Busch taking the checker four times and Denny Hamlin three. In addition to the Hendrick boys, Tyler Reddick, Austin Dillon, and Joey Logano have each won there once.

Cup qualifying airs Saturday at 9:10 a.m. on FS1 with the Xfinity race at 11 a.m. on the CW. FS1 will broadcast Sunday’s Wurth 400 at 12:30 p.m.

•••

The Formula 1 circus is in its fourth year at the Miami street course. Like Las Vegas, it’s an event that’s as much for the rich and famous to see and be seen as it is about the racing.

Max Verstappen won the first two outings while Lando Norris took last season’s Miami victory. I think those two will be in contention this year, along with Lando’s teammate Oscar Piastri, Mercedes driver George Russell, and perhaps the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton. It’s also the second sprint weekend of the season. Hamilton won the sprint in China but was disqualified from Sunday’s race.

The Sprint race airs at 9 a.m. Saturday with qualifying at 1 p.m., both on ESPN. ABC will broadcast Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix at 1 p.m.

•••

And to round out a busy weekend of racing, the NTT IndyCar series will be at Barber Motorsports Park for the Children’s Alabama Indy Grand Prix. Barber is a natural road course in a lush, green park setting, one of the most beautiful venues on the circuit.

Team Penske has been dominant over the years at Barber, winning eight of the 14 races there. Each of Penske’s current drivers have won back-to-back races starting with Will Power in 2011-12. Josef Newgarden won in 2017-18 with a third win for CFH Racing in 2015. And Scott McLaughlin has won the last two outings at Barber. Other current drivers who have Barber victories are Arrow-McLaren’s Pato O’Ward and Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou.

Palou is the current points leader with 142 points, taking two wins and a second-place finish in the first three races of the season. Long Beach winner Kyle Kirkwood is second with 108 points, Christian Lundgaard has 96, Felix Rosenqvist 88, and Scott Dixon 86. Barber is one of the few tracks on the IndyCar schedule where Dixon hasn’t won, so he’s overdue.

Saturday’s action includes practices at 8:30 a.m. and qualifying at 11:30, both on FS1. FS1 will air pre-race warmup at 7 a.m. Sunday with the race on FOX at 10:30.

In a groundbreaking move in the world of NASCAR, a female Arab driver has received an incredible $60 million sponsorship deal from a reality star. This monumental partnership aims to empower minorities in the overwhelmingly male-dominated sport, setting the stage for a new era of diversity and inclusion on the racetrack.

The recipient of this game-changing sponsorship is none other than Toni Breidinger, a trailblazer in NASCAR who is making waves as the first Arab American woman to compete in the sport. Known for her exceptional talent behind the wheel, Breidinger has now solidified her status as a powerhouse in NASCAR with the backing of a high-profile sponsor.

The $60 million deal comes from none other than Kendall Jenner’s brand, 818 Tequila, marking a significant moment of collaboration between two influential women breaking barriers in their respective industries. The partnership will see 818 Tequila as the primary sponsor for Breidinger’s #5 Truck in 2025, with branding prominently featured throughout the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

With a strong focus on empowering female drivers in NASCAR, Kathleen Braine, the CMO of 818 Tequila, highlighted the alignment between Kendall Jenner’s experience as a female founder in the alcohol industry and Breidinger’s journey in the world of racing. By joining forces, the two aim to increase their visibility and make a lasting impact in NASCAR’s competitive landscape.

Beyond her racing prowess, Breidinger’s massive social media following of over 5 million followers and her success as a fashion model have further solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with both on and off the track. Her ability to attract lucrative brand deals and her unique position as a dual-threat in racing and modeling have set her apart in the world of motorsports.

Despite facing some challenges at the start of the 2025 Truck Series campaign, Breidinger remains determined to improve her performance and showcase her potential as a driver. With unwavering sponsorship support and a drive to succeed, she is on a path to make a lasting impact in NASCAR and inspire a new generation of diverse talent in the sport.

As the NASCAR landscape continues to evolve and embrace diversity, the partnership between Toni Breidinger and 818 Tequila stands as a beacon of progress and empowerment, shaping the future of racing for years to come. Stay tuned as this dynamic duo paves the way for a more inclusive and exciting era in NASCAR.

Barber Motorsports Park, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is one of the premier racing facilities in the United States. Opened in 2003, the park spans over 880 acres and features a 2.38-mile, 17-turn road course that challenges drivers with its elevation changes and technical corners. Designed with both performance and aesthetics in mind, the track is surrounded by meticulously maintained landscaping and unique sculptures, creating a visually stunning environment that sets it apart from traditional racing venues.

The park is home to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of motorcycles and Lotus race cars. This museum attracts enthusiasts from around the globe, offering a rich historical perspective on motorsports. The combination of world-class racing and a deep appreciation for the sport’s history makes Barber Motorsports Park a year-round destination for fans and collectors alike.

In addition to hosting the annual NTT IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Alabama, the park is a frequent venue for amateur and professional racing events, including sports car and motorcycle races. It also serves as a testing ground for automotive manufacturers and racing teams due to its challenging layout. With its unique blend of speed, history, and artistry, Barber Motorsports Park continues to be a cornerstone of American motorsport culture.

Barber Motorsports Park Weekend Schedule

Thursday May 1 

12:00 pm USF Juniors Test No. 1
1:00 pm RCNA Test No. 1
1:50 pm USF Juniors Test No. 2
3:40 pm USF Juniors Practice No. 3
5:00 pm USF Juniors Qualifying

Friday May 2

10:45 am USF Juniors Race No. 1
1:25 pm USF Juniors Race No. 2
2:30 pm Indy NXT Practice No. 1
3:35 pm NTT IndyCar Series Practice No. 1, TV/Streaming: FS2

Saturday May 3

9:00 am USF Juniors Race No. 3
10:10 am Indy NXT Practice No. 2
11:30 am NTT IndyCar Series Practice No. 2, TV/Streaming: FS1
1:30 pm Indy NXT Qualifying
2:35 pm NTT IndyCar Series Qualifying, TV/Streaming: FS1

Sunday May 4

10:00 am NTT IndyCar Series Warmup. TV/Streaming: FS1
11:30 am Indy NXT Race, FS1
1:30 pm NTT IndyCar Series Race, TV/Streaming: FOX

Previous Winners

NTT IndyCar Series: Scott McLaughlin
Indy NXT: Jacob Abel

Weather

Rain could be an issue leading up to Sunday. The temperature goes from 80 before dropping to 67 for Saturday. Sunday’s races will have a high of 71.

As a proud partner of NASCAR, Xumo will also deliver immersive experiences at select races through its “Easy Street Pit Stop”

PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Xumo, Comcast’s and Charter’s joint venture that offers consumers nationwide a simple, easy way to stream all their favorite shows and movies and proud partner of NASCAR, today announced that the NASCAR Channel, NASCAR’s official FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) channel, will launch on Xumo Play. The channel offers race fans round-the-clock NASCAR content, including classic races, re-airs of the season’s events, original series, documentaries and more.

NASCAR Channel Launches on Xumo Play

NASCAR’s FAST channel will anchor a new comprehensive hub for all things NASCAR across Xumo’s streaming devices, Xumo Stream Box and Xumo TV. Whether it’s the roar of re-aired races, behind-the- scenes stories from NASCAR Studios, or fan-favorite video podcasts, the new destination will bring together NASCAR-related programming available across streaming apps, giving viewers an easy way to dive deep into the culture, history, and adrenaline of the sport. Users can easily access the destination by saying “NASCAR” into their Xumo voice remote.

“Our new partnership with NASCAR marks an exciting new chapter for our brand and for motorsports fans everywhere,” said Fern Feistel, Vice President, Marketing at Xumo. “Whether watching at home or live at the track we’re making it easy for fans to enjoy all the adrenaline and drama of NASCAR through the launch of the NASCAR FAST channel, our NASCAR hub, and on-site experiences. This partnership is just the beginning of how Xumo is redefining the future of NASCAR streaming content.”

In addition to the at-home experiences, Xumo will have a physical presence at multiple NASCAR races throughout the season, starting with the Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY at Texas Motor Speedway the weekend of May 4^th. Fans in attendance can stop by the Xumo ‘Easy Street Pit Stop,’ where they’ll be able to charge their phones, enjoy snacks and refreshments, and stay cool to recharge throughout the weekend’s events.

“Our partnership with Xumo represents an important step in expanding NASCAR’s digital footprint and making our sport more accessible to fans across multiple platforms,” said John Dahl, NASCAR Senior Vice President of Content. “The launch of the NASCAR Channel on Xumo Play is the first of many exciting projects we have planned together.”

The NASCAR Channel joins a host of other sports-focused options on Xumo Play including The NBA Channel, NBC Sports NOW, NFL Channel, PBR RidePass, and PGA TOUR. In addition to streaming through Xumo TVs and Xumo Stream Boxes, Xumo Play is available on all major streaming platforms including Amazon, Android, Apple, Roku, Samsung, Sony, Xfinity, Xumo and more.

The simplicity of Xumo’s streaming devices is made possible by the platform that powers it. It is the same global entertainment operating system that powers tens of millions of devices from Comcast and its partners across the globe, bringing some of the TV’s best features, like seamless content discovery, voice search and personalization, to life. Xumo TVs are currently available in retail locations across the country, including Walmart, Best Buy, BJ’s and more, and Xumo Stream Boxes are currently offered through major U.S. operators including Comcast’s Xfinity, Charter’s Spectrum, Mediacom, Cox and GCI.

To learn more about Xumo and their work with NASCAR please visit Xumo.com/nascar-partnership.

About Xumo

Xumo, a joint venture between Comcast and Charter, was formed to develop and offer a next-generation streaming platform for the entire entertainment industry. The company consists of three primary lines of business: Xumo devices, Xumo Play, and Xumo Enterprise.

Powered by Comcast’s global entertainment platform, Xumo devices feature a world-class user interface that includes universal voice search capabilities, making it easy for consumers to find and enjoy their favorite streaming content. Xumo Play is a free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service with hundreds of ad-supported linear channels and on-demand options that anchors the free content offering on Xumo devices and is also available as an app on other major streaming platforms. Xumo Enterprise is the business-to-business arm of the joint venture, providing content makers, distributors and advertisers with tools and services to make FAST content more accessible.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250501648715/en/

Debbie Frey

Comcast Corporation

Debbie_Frey@Comcast.com

Source: Xumo

Betting has revolutionized the racing industry, especially in the U.S. following a 2018 ruling that legalized sports betting in many states. This shift has led to a significant increase in betting companies, primarily focused on motorsports, and transformed sponsorship dynamics within the racing sector. With the rise of online gambling, motorsports—historically overshadowed by horse racing—are now leveraging partnerships to drive new revenues. Moreover, niche motorsports are gaining exposure as betting markets expand to include diverse racing events, further fueling growth in audience engagement.

By the Numbers

• Sports betting has generated tens of billions in tax revenue annually since 2018.
• States like Pennsylvania saw a dramatic rise in motorsports betting following the legalization of sports betting.

State of Play

• The U.S. racing industry is seeing increased sponsorship from betting companies, particularly since the start of the 2020s.
• Mobile technology has facilitated 24/7 betting markets and in-play betting options, enhancing user engagement.

What’s Next

The trend of integrating betting into motorsports is expected to grow, particularly as more states adopt sports betting legislation. This growth will likely expand the visibility of niche motorsports and create new revenue streams through innovative betting options.

Bottom Line

Betting has become intertwined with the racing industry, significantly shaping its economic landscape. As technology and legislation evolve, motorsports must continue to adapt, leveraging the betting market to broaden their appeal and increase overall engagement.