Motorsports
NASCAR’s Newest Series Sponsor Will Be Music To Your Ears (Or Not)
FORT WORTH, TX – APRIL 04: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 NOS Energy Drink Toyota, signs the wall in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series O’Reilly 300 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 4, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Getty Images for NASCAR
If you’re a fan of the catchy jingle from O’Reilly Auto Parts, good news: you’ll be hearing a lot more of it. If not, well—sorry about that.
NASCAR announced Monday that the automotive replacement parts company will be the new title sponsor of the second-tier touring series currently known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
“Like the great sport of NASCAR, O’Reilly Auto Parts was born in America and built on the hard work and drive of passionate people,” said NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell in a press release. “This new partnership allows us to continue to fuel that passion for the next generation of NASCAR’s stars and fans while celebrating the journey we’ve been on together for decades.”
The company, founded in 1957, is already a familiar name to NASCAR fans. O’Reilly first appeared in the sport in 1999 as a race entitlement sponsor for a Truck Series event at Texas Motor Speedway. In 2008, it became the “Official Auto Parts Retailer of NASCAR,” and since then has had its logo plastered across races in all three national series as well as several contingency awards. And of course, O’Reilly has been a longtime radio sponsor across NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports channels, armed with that jingle that’s either a stroke of marketing genius—or the soundtrack to your nightmares.
Now, starting in 2026, the company will step onto a bigger NASCAR stage than ever before.
“Our company is rooted in the same values that define NASCAR—teamwork, enthusiasm, and dedication,” said O’Reilly Auto Parts President Brent Kirby. “You’ll see those in action when our customers walk through our doors. We know they need fast service, and Team O’Reilly will get them the parts they need quickly, with excellent customer service. We welcome all fans to stop by our stores and see how our team can help keep them running.”
NASCAR’s version of Triple-A baseball dates back to 1982, when the sanctioning body cobbled together a collection of regional series and quickly landed a sponsor in Busch beer. That pairing of beer with a Cup Series fueled by Winston cigarettes was a perfect for the time, and the Busch Grand National Series soon became simply “the Busch Series.”
Over the decades, the series evolved into both a ladder for aspiring stars and a playground for established Cup drivers looking for extra track time—or a safety net for those needing to take a step back. Its sponsorship history has mirrored NASCAR’s shifting eras: from beer to insurance to broadband, as the sport moved from blue-collar roots toward corporate polish and eventually into the digital age.
Now it will bring its sponsorship back to the garage as NASCAR looks to appeal to a mechanical, DIY-minded fan base.
Early last year, Comcast said that while Xfinity would remain a “premier partner,” its run as title sponsor would end after this season.
That opened the door for O’Reilly, which will gain a major spotlight thanks to NASCAR’s relatively new broadcast partnership with The CW Network. The network is currently in its first full season carrying the series and will showcase the O’Reilly name from coast to coast.
“The success of NASCAR on The CW has shown that millions of fans will consistently tune in for these adrenaline-fueled races every week,” said Brad Schwartz, President, The CW Network. “This exciting new partnership with O’Reilly Auto Parts gives us the opportunity to expand that reach even further by tapping into our mutually strong presence in local communities nationwide and continuing to grow our passionate audience in the years to come.”
And while the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series might not roll off the tongue quite as smoothly as Busch, Nationwide, or Xfinity, at least nobody will ever forget the soundtrack. The jingle department already has that covered. Who knows, perhaps next season the drivers won’t be saying their car was “as fast as Xfinity Wi-Fi” and instead will just start signing. “Oh, oh, oh, O’Reilly…” well, you already know the rest.
Motorsports
PRI Featured Products Showcase Award Winners Announced
![251215 PRI Featured Product Showcase [678] 251215 PRI Featured Product Showcase [678]](https://i0.wp.com/motorsportsnewswire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/251215-PRI-Featured-Product-Showcase-678.jpg?resize=678%2C381&ssl=1)
The awards recognize the most innovative products powering the racing industry
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – December 15, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) — Performance Racing Industry presented 22 manufacturers with a Featured Products Showcase Award during the 2025 PRI Show, recognizing the most innovative and cutting-edge advancements powering the racing industry.
The Featured Products Showcase is the PRI Show’s premier destination for media, buyers, and professionals to discover the latest innovations driving motorsports. More than 400 products vied for top honors from a panel of 12 judges consisting of track operators, sanctioning body representatives, content creators, and media. Each product was evaluated for its breakthrough engineering, influence, and business potential. These standout products represent the technologies and trends that will revolutionize racing performance in 2026.
In addition to voting for their favorite top products, each judge had an opportunity to present one exhibitor with a Judge’s Pick Award, which represented their favorite product displayed in the entire showcase.
PRI Featured Products Showcase Top Product Award Winners
- AFCO Performance Group — New Elite Wireless Load Sticks from Longacre
- Antigravity Batteries — Antigravity Batteries Re-Start Sodium Battery
- ARP — BMW B58 ARP2000 Crank Pulley Bolt Kit
- DYME PSI — DYME Hose and Fittings
- EPIC Racewear — Custom Trailer Curtains
- Flagtronics by Ballenger Motorsports — Flagtronics FT200 / FT-RD / FT-AIO)
- FuelTech ECU — FT700 VCU
- GZERO Additive — GZERO Additive 43 Series 3D Printer
- Harts Turbo — 136mm Hartscharger
- Hoosier Racing Tire — TrackAttack Pro
- HP Race Brands — HPT F5 Dual Entry Turbine Housing
- INTERCOMP — Classic Weigh XBT Scales
- Katech Engineering — Katech TrackFlow LS7 & LS3 Billet High-Capacity Scavenge Oil Pump | KAT-A7936
- King Engine Bearings — King Racing Top Fuel Connecting Rod Bearings Set For Chrysler V8 Big Block 361CI 383CI – CR 806TFC
- Modern Driveline — 94-04 Mustang Stealth In-Dash Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder Kit
- MOTEC — MoTeC STW195 Steering Wheel
- NecksGen — NecksGen REVX
- ProCharger Superchargers — LS Air-to-Water intercooled Intake Manifold
- Racing Electronics — RE4000 Bluetooth Racing Scanner
- Redhorse Performance — RHP-HCM-888-2 Portable Crimp Machine Kit
- Sonic Tools USA — Mobile Track Kit
- SRI — Ocean Lagoon
Judge’s Pick Award Winners
- AFCO Performance Group — New Elite Wireless Load Sticks from Longacre
- CSM Performance — Precision Hub Stands–Motorsports
- Flagtronics by Ballenger Motorsports — Flagtronics SB-100 LED Signboards
- FuelTech ECU — FT700 VCU
- HP Race Brands — HPT F5 Dual Entry Turbine Housing
- King Engine Bearings — King Racing Top Fuel Connecting Rod Bearings Set For Chrysler V8 Big Block 361CI 383CI – CR 806TFC
- Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems — Lifeline Zero Formula Car Cockpit
System (selected by two judges) - Modern Driveline — 94-04 Mustang Stealth In-Dash Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder Kit
- ProCharger Superchargers — LS Air-to-Water intercooled Intake Manifol
- ProCharger Superchargers — F-4X-140-1
- Race Winning Brands — Chevrolet Gen V LT Billet CCW Crankshaft
The 2025 PRI Show is taking place Dec. 11-13 in Indianapolis with more than 1,060 exhibitors confirmed, including 161 first-time participants. This overwhelming response underscores the industry’s deep commitment to PRI as the central hub for connecting, innovating, and driving business forward. For more information, visit PerformanceRacing.com.
About Performance Racing Industry
Performance Racing Industry fuels the passion for motorsports by building, promoting, and protecting the worldwide racing community. PRI supports the interests of racers, enthusiasts, builders, tracks, sanctioning bodies and businesses through legislative action and advocacy, its monthly business magazine Performance Racing Industry, and the world’s premier motorsports trade show, the PRI Show. PRI also supports businesses by providing market research, education and best practices in motorsports business and racing technology. For more information, visit PerformanceRacing.com.
Source: Performance Racing Industry

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Motorsports
JR Motorsports’ path to NASCAR Cup takes big hit after charter news
Dec. 15, 2025, 11:20 a.m. ET
JR Motorsports has been linked to a potential move to the NASCAR Cup Series for years. Led by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller, the organization made its Cup Series debut in the 2025 Daytona 500 with Justin Allgaier, earning a top 10 finish. However, JR Motorsports’ path to a full-time opportunity has taken a hit.
NASCAR has settled with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, making charters “permanent” moving forward. Following the settlement, the value of NASCAR charters may have doubled, as reported by the Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern. This puts the value of a charter possibly around $90 to $100 million.
JR Motorsports previously struggled with the finances to buy a charter, so a full-time opportunity in the Cup Series is very unlikely without some help. The NASCAR organization will likely have to find partners to acquire a charter in the Cup Series. While the long-term acquisition of a charter might be good for business now, the price to buy one has skyrocketed, leaving JR Motorsports with a tough path ahead.
Motorsports
NHRA to kick off 2026 Countdown to the Championship with debut at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park
U.S. 131 Motorsports Park will have a Mission Foods Drag Racing Series event in 2026, with the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals set to open the 2026 Countdown to the Championship playoffs.
The event will take place Sept. 18-20 at the standout facility in Martin, Mich., serving as the 15th of 20 races during NHRA’s special 75th anniversary season and the first of six playoff races. Tickets go on sale for the inaugural NHRA Great Lakes Nationals on Feb. 1.
It marks the first NHRA national event at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, giving NHRA four new national event facilities during the 2026 campaign and further displaying NHRA’s growth during the special milestone season that includes a premier list of national event tracks in 19 markets across the country.
“Hosting an NHRA national event underscores our continued commitment to excellence, safety, and delivering unforgettable motorsports entertainment,” U.S. 131 Motorsports Vice President of Operations Jason Peterson said. “We are honored to welcome the NHRA, its competitors, sponsors and fans, and we look forward to showcasing our facility, our staff and our passionate racing community that makes this region so special.”
The first two races in the Countdown to the Championship will be at two new facilities in the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, as the Great Lakes Nationals in Martin, Mich., is followed by a trip to historic Rockingham Dragway for the NHRA Nationals at The Rock. Both U.S. 131 and Rockingham are preceded by first-time stops at South Georgia Motorsports Park on May 1-3 and Maryland International Raceway on May 29-31.

Known as “The Fastest Track in Michigan,” U.S. 131 Motorsports Park has maintained its status as one of the Midwest’s premier drag racing facilities for decades, drawing fans from nearby markets in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo. A favorite for both racers and fans alike, the Peterson family has built the track into a marquee destination for more than two decades, making it a prime candidate to host an NHRA national event.
That comes to fruition in 2026, hosting a must-see playoff race during NHRA’s massive 75th anniversary season.
“We are thrilled to welcome U.S. 131 Motorsports Park to the NHRA national event schedule in 2026. It’s a historic milestone for the facility and it’s another terrific way to celebrate our 75th anniversary season, bringing the incredible action of NHRA drag racing to the passionate fan base in Michigan,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said.
“Opening the Countdown to the Championship at U.S. 131 will be extremely meaningful during our 75th anniversary season, as it reflects NHRA’s continued commitment to growing the sport and bringing championship-level NHRA racing to outstanding venues. The track’s dedication to its racers and fans, and its enthusiasm as a new NHRA Member Track makes it an excellent addition to the national tour, and we look forward to launching the Countdown there in 2026.”
U.S. 131 Motorsports Park will also host an NHRA national open on July 8-9, leading into a Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional event on July 10-12.
Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports reveals statement after NASCAR settlement in 2025
Dec. 15, 2025, 10:00 a.m. ET
Hendrick Motorsports is among the teams positively impacted after NASCAR and 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports reached a settlement. Following the trial, NASCAR teams were granted “permanent” charters, ending the “seven-year agreements” that put them on a running clock.
This was one of the biggest moments in NASCAR history, as the sport’s long-term future received a boost. After the news, Hendrick Motorsports revealed a statement from owner Rick Hendrick supporting the decision to end the lawsuit.
“Millions of loyal NASCAR fans and thousands of hardworking people rely on our industry, and today’s resolution allows all of us to focus on what truly matters – the future of our sport,” Rick Hendrick said in a statement. “For more than 40 years, NASCAR racing has been my passion. I believe deeply in what we can accomplish when we work together. This moment presents an important opportunity to strengthen our relationships and recommit ourselves to building a collaborative and prosperous future for all stakeholders. I’m incredibly optimistic about what’s ahead. When our industry is united, there’s no limit to how far we can go or how much we can grow the sport we love.”
Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing are the only two organizations to have four charters, so it is great for both that NASCAR settled. This is an excellent outcome for everyone involved, and Hendrick Motorsports is excited to move past the drama in the courtroom.
Motorsports
Sealmaster renews with Vasser Sullivan team
Vasser Sullivan Championship Racing announced today that SealMaster will continue its long-standing partnership with the team through the 2026 season, further strengthening a relationship that spans nearly a decade across multiple major motorsports platforms.
SealMaster first partnered with Vasser Sullivan during the 2018 IndyCar season and expanded its support to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2022.
For the upcoming 2026 season, SealMaster will be featured on both Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3 entries, the No. 14 GTD PRO car and the No. 12 GTD car. Both machines will showcase the iconic SealMaster branding when they hit the track for the first time in January at the ROAR Before the 24 at the famed Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
Vasser Sullivan Team Principals Jimmy Vasser & James ‘Sulli’ Sullivan:
“SealMaster has been at the nucleus of our success throughout the years. They are industry leaders without question, and it is an honor to represent the SealMaster brand and franchisees across the country as we chase another championship in 2026.”
Jason Hedlesky, SealMaster Director of Franchise Development:
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Vasser Sullivan again in 2026. We pride ourselves in maintaining the world’s pavement as well as long-term partnerships. The relationship with Vasser Sullivan is no exception.”

Motorsports
Spire Motorsports reveals crew chief lineup for 2026 NASCAR season
Dec. 15, 2025, 10:20 a.m. ET
Spire Motorsports has revealed its new crew chief pairings for the 2026 NASCAR season. Ryan Sparks (No. 7 Cup), Travis Peterson (No. 71 Cup), Luke Lambert (No. 77 Cup), Brian Pattie (No. 7 Truck), and Chad Walter (No. 77 Truck) will serve as Spire Motorsports crew chiefs in 2026, the team announced.
All three NASCAR Cup Series teams will have the same crew chiefs, but Daniel Suarez will drive the No. 7 car instead of Justin Haley. Meanwhile, there are only two crew chiefs for the NASCAR Truck Series after the organization fielded three full-time entries in 2026.
It is unclear which drivers will compete in the Truck Series entries after Rajah Caruth signed with JR Motorsports and Jordan Anderson Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series. Spire Motorsports hopes to improve even more for the 2026 NASCAR season, and continuity should help everyone involved.
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