Shawn Langdon’s Top Fuel final-round victory at the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals has been officially overturned following a post-race disqualification due to a technical violation. The NHRA announced Monday that Langdon’s run did not comply with SFI Spec 6.2, which mandates a minimum of 12 bolts securing the bellhousing inspection cover.
A post-run inspection revealed the cover on Langdon’s Kalitta Motorsports dragster was missing bolts, triggering the disqualification. In accordance with NHRA rules, runner-up Justin Ashley has been awarded the event win – his first of the 2025 season and the 16th of his Top Fuel career.
Ashley’s road to the final at Virginia Motorsports Park included wins over Doug Foley, Steve Torrence, and Doug Kalitta, further solidifying his return to form after a slow start to the season. The win also catapulted him to third in the NHRA Top Fuel points standings, marking his fifth final-round appearance in the last six races.
Kalitta Motorsports issued a statement Monday acknowledging the disqualification and offering an explanation for the infraction.
“Some of the bolts rattled loose during the run and fell into the belly pan,” said Chad Head, General Manager of Kalitta Motorsports. “The bolts were in place before the run, but some were not in place after because they came loose and fell into the belly pan. That’s on us.”
Head emphasized the team’s respect for NHRA’s safety regulations and accepted the ruling, stating:
“We respect NHRA as the sanctioning body and understand that safety is always the most-important thing. We certainly apologize to our corporate partners, the race fans, and our fellow competitors. We did not win yesterday’s race, but we’re moving on and are now focused on the next race.”
The team noted that this would be its only comment on the issue.
Langdon, a former Top Fuel world champion, appeared to have secured his first victory of the 2025 campaign in what was shaping up to be a momentum-building result for Kalitta Motorsports. Instead, the team is left regrouping as the series turns toward its next stop on the Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series schedule.
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For Ashley and the Davis Motorsports team, the unexpected win marks a major turning point in their season, as they aim to continue climbing the championship ladder during the heart of the summer stretch.
This story was originally published on June 23, 2025.
Arby’s has the meats, and, by proxy, so too does JR Motorsports. On Tuesday, the race team announced a multi-year partnership with the fast food chain that boasts a lineup of more than 3,500 locations in six global markets. Arby’s, which is never afraid to get its message across, is a major asset as a sponsorship partner, according to Dale Earnhardt Jr., the co-owner of JR Motorsports.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to have Arby’s partner up with our companies,” said Earnhardt Jr. in a press release. “Arby’s is very aggressive with their activation and we pride ourselves on being a tremendous asset when it comes to offering a variety of unique marketing platforms, so I’m looking forward to how we can work together to continue to grow their business.”
For the 2026 season, Arby’s will serve as an eight-race primary sponsorship partner of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series team, and the eight race commitment will be shared between three drivers in the JR Motorsports stable.
Carson Kvapil will kick off the partnership with Arby’s as he will carry the brand’s colors on the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the event at EchoPark Speedway on Saturday, February 21. In all, Kvapil will carry the Arby’s logo in four races in 2026, while Sammy Smith (3) and Justin Allgaier (1) will fill out the rest of the Arby’s primary sponsorship slate.
Allgaier will also carry the company’s logo as a full-season associate sponsor on his No. 7 Chevrolet in 2026.
In addition to the sponsorship of the JR Motorsports team in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Arby’s will also enter into a personal service agreement with Earnhardt Jr., who is a NASCAR Hall of Fame driver, and Arby’s will also partner with Earnhardt Jr.’s media company, Dirty Mo Media.
“We’re thrilled to begin this multi-year partnership with JRM and Dirty Mo Media,” said Jeff Baker, Chief Marketing Officer at Arby’s. “Arby’s has always been about delivering high-quality, impactful experiences with speed. Joining forces with such respected organizations in the racing community allows us to connect with NASCAR fans in meaningful new ways – both on and off the track. Plus, Arby’s food makes everything better, and can’t wait to deliver with JRM and Dale Jr. all season long.”
Last year, Arby’s served as a primary sponsorship partner for Rick Ware Racing, and its driver, Cody Ware, in 12 NASCAR Cup Series events.
JR Motorsports announced Tuesday a multi-year partnership with Arby’s beginning with the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. Arby’s, the popular fast-food chain, will serve as a primary sponsor eight O’Reilly Auto Parts events this upcoming season with drivers Carson Kvapil, Sammy Smith and Justin Allgaier.
In addition, Arby’s will serve as a season-long associate partner for Allgaier and the No. 7 team. Arby’s JRM debut will come with Kvapil and the No. 1 team at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Arby’s will sponsor Kvapil at Atlanta, Rockingham Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway. Smith will carry the Arby’s banner at Talladega Superspeedway, Naval Base Coronado (San Diego) and the Charlotte ROVAL. Allgaier will have Arby’s as a primary sponsor at Darlington Raceway.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to have Arby’s partner up with our companies,” JRM co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. “Arby’s is very aggressive with their activation, and we pride ourselves on being a tremendous asset when it comes to offering a variety of unique marketing platforms, so I’m looking forward to how we can work together to continue to grow their business.”
JR Motorsports, Arby’s enter into a multi-year partnership
It’s another landmark day for JRM, arguably the best and deepest team in the series. JRM has won four championships– all since 2014. This past season, Kvapil, Allgaier and Connor Zilisch made up three of the four spots in the Championship 4.
Zilisch had a historic season. He won 10 races and set a record with 18 consecutive top five finishes. However, it was Richard Childress Racing’s Jesse Love who took the checkered flag in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway to win the championship.
JRM will return in 2026, looking to win another championship. Arby’s, along with JRM’s other partners, would love to see that.
“We’re thrilled to begin this multi-year partnership with JRM and Dirty Mo Media,” said Jeff Baker, chief marketing officer at Arby’s. “Arby’s has always been about delivering high-quality, impactful experiences with speed. Joining forces with such respected organizations in the racing community allows us to connect with NASCAR fans in meaningful new ways – both on and off the track. Plus, Arby’s food makes everything better and can’t wait to deliver with JRM and Dale Jr. all season long.”
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 09: NASCAR Hall of Famer and JR Motorsports owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacts to Justin Allgaier, driver of the #7 BRANDT Chevrolet, winning the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on November 09, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
JR Motorsports announced a multi-year partnership with Arby’s that will begin during the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. Arby’s will serve as a primary sponsor for eight races in 2026 and will also appear as a season-long associate partner on Justin Allgaier’s No. 7 Chevrolet.
The agreement includes a personal services deal with JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. The partnership brings together JR Motorsports, Arby’s, and Dirty Mo Media as part of a broader marketing effort tied to racing and fan engagement.
The agreement also expands Arby’s involvement in NASCAR through digital media, in-market promotions, and coordinated campaigns designed to reach fans during race weekends and throughout the season.
Arby’s race schedule and driver assignments
JR Motorsports confirmed that Arby’s will serve as a primary sponsor across multiple cars during the 2026 season. Carson Kvapil, Sammy Smith, and Justin Allgaier will all carry Arby’s branding as part of the eight-race sponsorship package.
The partnership begins with Kvapil and the No. 1 Chevrolet at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Feb. 21, 2026. Arby’s will appear on Kvapil’s car for four races during the season. Smith’s No. 8 Chevrolet will feature the brand for three events, while Allgaier’s No. 7 Chevrolet will carry Arby’s sponsorship for one race as a primary partner.
In addition to the eight primary races, Arby’s will remain on Allgaier’s No. 7 Chevrolet as a season-long associate sponsor. The Atlanta race is scheduled to air on CW, with radio coverage on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacts to new partnership
Dale Earnhardt Jr. addressed the agreement in the team’s official announcement and pointed to the marketing potential between the organizations.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to have Arby’s partner up with our companies, Earnhardt said .” “Arby’s is very aggressive with their activation and we pride ourselves on being a tremendous asset when it comes to offering a variety of unique marketing platforms, so I’m looking forward to how we can work together to continue to grow their business.”
Earnhardt Jr. will also take part in promotional efforts as part of the personal services agreement. Those activities will be handled in coordination with Dirty Mo Media.
Arby’s leadership and team background
Arby’s Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Baker also commented on the partnership in the JR Motorsports release.
“We’re thrilled to begin this multi-year partnership with JRM and Dirty Mo Media, Baker said.” “Arby’s has always been about delivering high-quality, impactful experiences with speed. Joining forces with such respected organizations in the racing community allows us to connect with NASCAR fans in meaningful new ways, both on and off the track.”
JR Motorsports is co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and Rick Hendrick. The organization competes full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and has won championships in 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2024. The team currently fields four full-time entries.
Arby’s was founded in 1964 and operates more than 3,500 restaurants across six global markets. The company is part of Inspire Brands. Additional details, including paint schemes and promotional plans, are expected to be released ahead of the 2026 season.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
Arby’s will sponsor JR Motorsports’ NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series teams in 2026, JRM announced Dec. 16.
The fast food chain will be a primary sponsor for eight races in 2026, split between drivers Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and Carson Kvapil.
It’ll also be an associate sponsor for Allgaier’s No. 7 for the full season.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to have Arby’s partner up with our companies,” JRM’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. said in a team release. “Arby’s is very aggressive with their activation and we pride ourselves on being a tremendous asset when it comes to offering a variety of unique marketing platforms, so I’m looking forward to how we can work together to continue to grow their business.”
Justin Allgaier, JRM Attempting 2nd-Straight Daytona 500 in 2026
Kvapil’s No. 1 will be sponsored in four events, kicking off at EchoPark Speedway. Smith’s No. 8 will have three races with Arby’s, followed by Allgaier with one.
All three drivers ran full time for JRM in 2025. Allgaier earned three wins, 15 top fives and 20 top 10s, while Kvapil scored seven top fives and 14 top 10s and Smith nabbed one win, eight top fives and 18 top 10s.
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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.
Sam Hunt Racing has announced a multi-race primary sponsorship agreement with Dead On Tools for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. The deal places Dead On Tools on Harrison Burton’s No. 24 Toyota GR Supra for 12 races, beginning with the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 14.
Burton will return to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series full-time while joining Sam Hunt Racing, which is set to run two full-time cars for the first time in team history. The partnership continues a working relationship between Burton and Dead On Tools that began during the 2025 season and gives the team early stability as it expands its program.
“Couldn’t be more excited to continue working with Dead On Tools, we have a great friendship and partnership that I can’t wait to build on!, Burton said.”
Dead On Tools joins Sam Hunt Racing for multi-race deal
Dead On Tools will serve as the primary sponsor for 12 races during the 2026 season. Those races include Daytona, Martinsville, Bristol, Charlotte, Sonoma, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Darlington, World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, Las Vegas, Talladega, and Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Sam Hunt, owner of Sam Hunt Racing, said the partnership was a natural fit after early discussions between the two sides.
“I am beyond proud to have Dead On Tools join the Sam Hunt Racing family in 2026, Hunt said.” “From my first conversation with their leadership, I knew there was a ton of symmetry with what our respective teams are trying to accomplish, and how we go about doing so.”
Hunt added that the company shares the team’s approach to growth and long-term development. The sponsorship provides key backing for the No. 24 team as Sam Hunt Racing prepares for a full season with two entries in the series.
Harrison Burton continues a relationship with a sponsor
The agreement continues the partnership between Harrison Burton and Dead On Tools. The two first worked together during the 2025 season, and the brand followed Burton as he moved to Sam Hunt Racing for 2026. Burton will pilot the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra on a full-time basis in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Joseph Ardell, marketing manager for Dead On Tools, said the company is excited to continue working with Burton and to join Sam Hunt Racing.
“Everyone at Dead On Tools is thrilled to be able to continue to grow our partnership with Harrison, Ardell said.” “To be with a team like Sam Hunt Racing, we know the No. 24 will be in great hands and are excited for a terrific 2026 season.”
Dead On Tools entered NASCAR in 2020 as a race sponsor and has expanded its involvement over time. The company stated that its continued presence in the sport reflects steady growth and an ongoing focus on reaching NASCAR fans.
Sam Hunt Racing set for expanded 2026 season
The 2026 season marks a major step for Sam Hunt Racing as it fields two full-time cars in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Burton will drive the No. 24, while Dean Thompson will compete in the team’s second entry.
With a defined race schedule, a returning sponsor, and an expanded team structure, the race team enters the 2026 season with a clear plan as it moves forward with Harrison Burton and Dead On Tools.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
