Motorsports

Nick Tandy isn’t focused on the Triple Crown — He just wants to win Le Mans

Nick Tandy knows he’s standing on the precipice of history. With wins at Daytona and Sebring this year, he’s in the unique position — alongside fellow Porsche Penske Motorsport drivers Felipe Nasr and Laurens Vanthoor — to be the first to win the triple crown of endurance racing within the space of a calendar year. But, […]

Published

2 weeks ago

June 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

“Of course it would be something unbelievably special, however… the idea of winning Le Mans in any year stands alone by itself,” Tandy tells Motorsport.com, “If you get it and you add to making a triple crown, it’s just extra special, of course, but it doesn’t change what we’re going to do, it doesn’t change anything preparation wise or anything going into Le Mans because as a standalone event, it’s our World Cup final, it’s premier event in motorsport.

“Anytime you go there with a good car and a good team, and a potential chance to win, you have to put in a 100-percent effort and 100-percent preparation in any way.”

#7: Porsche Penske Motorsports, Porsche 963, GTP: Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy, Laurens Vanthoor, on the podium celebrating their 2025 Rolex 24 win

Photo by: LAT Images

Tandy’s Daytona win in January made him the first driver to win all the major 24-hour endurance races in the world outright, Daytona, Spa, Nürburgring, and Le Mans. He says that it was only after the Daytona win that he started to appreciate the feat. He has a similar view about Le Mans.

“When you look back after, and see the accomplishment, that’s when it starts to mean something,” he says. “When you’re actually part of the event, or part of the race, or part of the sport, each event and each week is just as important as any other. For sure it would be great in 30 years to say, ‘Wow, we were the first, or the only drivers and team to do the Triple Crown in a single season,’ but the focus and being in the moment now, winning Le Mans is its own standalone event.”

This year, Tandy will run in the #4 Porsche Penske Motorsport 963, an additional entry for Le Mans, alongside his IMSA teammate Nasr and defending Formula E champion Pascal Wehrlein. With Nasr, Tandy has won the first three of five rounds already completed in the 2025 IMSA Sportscar Championship, with podiums at every race. And while Ferrari has dominated WEC this year and won Le Mans the last two, you can never count out Porsche at Le Mans.

Tandy says that the prep has been “a lot” smoother this year than in previous years, simply because of this team’s prior experience with this car at Le Mans. “We’re better prepared for sure. We know what to expect, we know what we’re going to struggle with, what we’re going to be good with, and how to manage those things. So, from a driver’s point of view, it’s no real changes.” He also notes that the 963’s reliability has improved in its two years of running.

Still, smoother prep doesn’t mean there’s no pressure. “When Porsche Motorsport goes to Le Mans with any car, any entry, they’re going for a reason,” Tandy says. There is a big pressure racing for a brand like that because you’re expected to be performing, you’re expected to be at the front, and you’re expected to win ultimately.”

But the team’s operational improvements and the car’s reliability gains alleviate some pressure and allow Tandy and the team to focus on finer details. “If it’s all relaxed and nobody’s worried about ‘Are we going to get this right? Are we going to get this wrong? Are we capable of doing things? Are we not?’ Everyone has more mental capacity and more time to focus on performance.”

#4 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963: Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy, Pascal Wehrlein

Photo by: Andreas Beil

Tandy also has the fun challenge of integrating Wehrlein into the team. Not only is this his first 24 Hours of Le Mans, but it’s also his third endurance race ever. He made his debut with a Porsche customer team at Daytona earlier this year and ran with the factory team at the Spa 6 Hours in prep for this race.

“Pascal’s a world-champion professional, so we’ll find out on race weekend, but it didn’t work out too badly the last time Porsche got a group of drivers that hadn’t raced together and put them in a car at Le Mans,” Tandy says. He’s of course referring to his 2015 Le Mans victory in the Porsche 919, where he was paired with Earl Bamber and Nico Hulkenberg.

“I think it’s important to pass on your experience and let them know what’s likely to be expected from all of us, and honestly, it’s like building a family bond,” Tandy says. “Because this is the thing, you give your baby, effectively, which is the race car, you might be with your baby for three to four hours on track, and then you hand it off to somebody else.”

Tandy says it’s his job to elevate the team as much as it is to turn quick laps. “I think an underestimated part of endurance racing especially is being able to motivate and work with and help teammates and help the team.

“It hasn’t worked too badly for us in the past, and in the recent past, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Motorsports

NASCAR team owner Larry McClure passes away

ABINGDON, Va. — Larry McClure, one half of the unique Morgan-McClure Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team, has died. McClure’s family confirmed he passed away Wednesday at a hospital in Abingdon, Virginia. In 1983, McClure formed Morgan-McClure Motorsports with business partner Tim Morgan. From their very first start, at Talladega Superspeedway that May, to their final […]

Published

14 minutes ago

June 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

ABINGDON, Va. — Larry McClure, one half of the unique Morgan-McClure Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team, has died.

McClure’s family confirmed he passed away Wednesday at a hospital in Abingdon, Virginia.

In 1983, McClure formed Morgan-McClure Motorsports with business partner Tim Morgan. From their very first start, at Talladega Superspeedway that May, to their final attempt, at Bristol in August 2010, they fielded a No. 4 car.

The number was just as iconic as some of the drivers who attached their name to it – including Mark Martin.

Then a 24-year-old driver who was down on his luck after losing his ride early on in the 1983 season, Martin scored the team’s first top-10 start and finish at Talladega. He finished 10th after starting eighth. Martin made six starts and was among a plethora of drivers in the early years.

Finally, in 1990, they landed Ernie Irvan. In three seasons, Irvan earned six wins and finished no worse than 11th in points with at least 226 laps each season. In 1991, he won the Daytona 500 and finished fifth in points.

After Irvan left for Robert Yates Racing, the team hired Sterling Marlin in 1994. Marlin brought the No. 4 Kodak car to six more wins, including victories in the 500 in 1994 and 1995.

L: Sterling Marlin hoists his trophy after winning the 1995 Daytona 500. R: Ernie Irvan duels Dale Earnhardt to the finish line in the 1993 Diehard 500, one of the closest finishes in NASCAR Cup Series history. Photos: Getty Images, courtesy of NASCAR Media

From 1990 to 1996, the yellow No. 4 Kodak car earned 13 wins. That made the car as much of a 1990s NASCAR icon as the drivers the car faced, like Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace and Jeff Gordon.

Bobby Hamilton earned the team’s final win and top-10 points finish in 1998. The team shut down in 2010.

Former drivers, like Marlin and Mike Wallace, remembered McClure fondly.

“My heart hurts finding out Larry McClure passed away this morning. He took a chance on me saying, ‘I know you’ll drive the hell out of it.’ He gave me a fast race car and back to back Daytona 500s, he was innovative, smart and a hell of a guy. Glad I got to see him last year. I’m gonna miss him,” Marlin said.

“My heart felt condolences to the McClure family on the passing of a great person and legend in the NASCAR Cup world owner of the #4 car, Larry McClure. RIP my friend,” Wallace said.

Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.

A Twin Valley, MN, native, Fjeld became a motorsports fan at just three years old (first race was the 2002 Pennsylvania 500). He worked as a contributor and writer for TRE from 2010-18. Since then, he has stepped up and covered 24 NASCAR race weekends and taken on a larger role with TRE. He became the co-owner and managing editor in 2023 and has guided the site to massive growth in that time.

Fjeld has covered a wide array of stories and moments over the years, including Kevin Harvick’s final Cup Series season, the first NASCAR national series disqualification in over 50 years, Shane van Gisbergen’s stunning win in Chicago and the first Cup Series race at Road America in 66 years – as well as up-and-coming drivers’ stories and stories from inside the sport, like the tech it takes for Hendrick Motorsports to remain a top-tier team.

Currently, he resides in Albuquerque, N.M., where he works for KOB 4, an NBC station. He works as a digital producer and does on-air reports. He loves spending time with friends and family, playing and listening to music, exploring new places, being outdoors, reading books and writing among other activities. You can email him at fjeldjonathan@gmail.com

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Motorsports

NASCAR penalizes Hendrick Motorsports Xfinity team for Pocono violation

NASCAR has penalized the Hendrick Motorsports Xfinity team Chase Elliott drove for last weekend at Pocono for a violation. The team was fined $40,000 and docked 40 car owner points and 10 playoff points Wednesday. Crew chief Adam Wall has been suspended for the next three Xfinity events (through Sonoma) for the L1 violation. The […]

Published

14 minutes ago

June 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NASCAR has penalized the Hendrick Motorsports Xfinity team Chase Elliott drove for last weekend at Pocono for a violation.

The team was fined $40,000 and docked 40 car owner points and 10 playoff points Wednesday. Crew chief Adam Wall has been suspended for the next three Xfinity events (through Sonoma) for the L1 violation.

The No. 17 team is not entered for Friday night’s race at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. The car is scheduled to compete next on July 12 at Sonoma with Corey Day as the driver.

The team was cited for a violation related to main frame rail conical receivers. The No. 17 car was one of two taken to the NASCAR R&D Center for further evaluation after the Pocono race. Elliott finished fourth in that race.

NASCAR cited Section 14.3.3.2.1.1.K of the Xfinity Rule Book, which states: “Main frame rail conical receivers will not be permitted to be moved without having the chassis re-certified prior to the Event at which that chassis will compete.”

NASCAR also cited 14.3.3.2.1.1.L of the Xfinity Rule Book, which states: “Modifications to main frame rail conical receivers that were made to circumvent NASCAR inspection processes, measurement equipment, and/or gauges will not be permitted.”

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Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports penalized for Pocono infraction

CONCORD, N.C. — NASCAR penalized Hendrick Motorsports’ Xfinity Series team for an infraction found on Chase Elliott’s No. 17 Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway. Photo by Dominic Aragon/TRE Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images NASCAR fined the team $40,000 and suspended crew chief Adam Wall for the next three Xfinity Series races. The suspension goes through Sonoma […]

Published

36 minutes ago

June 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CONCORD, N.C. — NASCAR penalized Hendrick Motorsports’ Xfinity Series team for an infraction found on Chase Elliott’s No. 17 Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway.

NASCAR fined the team $40,000 and suspended crew chief Adam Wall for the next three Xfinity Series races. The suspension goes through Sonoma Raceway — the next race for the No. 17 team. That means Wall will only have to sit that race out.

According to a penalty report issued Wednesday, officials found an infraction with the main frame rail conical receivers in post-race technical inspection. Officials cited infractions pertaining to rulebook sections 14.3.3.2.1.1 K&L:

K: Main frame rail conical receivers will not be permitted to be moved without having the chassis re-certified prior to the Event at which that chassis will compete.
L: Modifications to main frame rail conical receivers that were made to circumvent NASCAR inspection processes, measurement equipment, and/or gauges will not be permitted.

NASCAR also docked the team 40 owner points and 10 playoff points. The playoff points are a moot as the No. 17 team isn’t eligible for the playoffs.

Chase Elliott won the pole for Saturday’s Xfinity Series race at Pocono. Elliott led three times for a race-high 38 laps. He lost the lead on a restart with 13 laps to go and finished fourth.

The No. 17 team now has two wins and seven Top-5 finishes in 10 races this season.

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Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.

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Motorsports

NASCAR’s Steve Phelps on media rights, international racing

The CNBC Sport videocast brings you interviews with the biggest names in the business. In this week’s episode, CNBC’s Brian Sullivan sits down with Steve Phelps, NASCAR Commissioner. They discuss NASCAR’s media deal with Amazon, the sport’s international growth and the latest on the lawsuit against Michael Jordan’s racing team. Watch the full conversation above, […]

Published

37 minutes ago

June 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The CNBC Sport videocast brings you interviews with the biggest names in the business. In this week’s episode, CNBC’s Brian Sullivan sits down with Steve Phelps, NASCAR Commissioner.

They discuss NASCAR’s media deal with Amazon, the sport’s international growth and the latest on the lawsuit against Michael Jordan’s racing team.

Watch the full conversation above, and sign up to receive future editions of the CNBC Sport newsletter straight to your inbox.

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Motorsports

StadioBike Welcomes Kristin Labonte and James Pope to Ownership Team

Organization Poised to Deliver Excitement to Fans at the Intersection of Bicycle Racing and Motorsports Indianapolis, IN – June 25, 2025 – StadioBike, transforming bicycle racing into a non-stop action-packed stadium sport at iconic motorsports tracks across America, announces the addition of two influential leaders to their ownership team – motorsports marketing executive and retired […]

Published

57 minutes ago

June 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Organization Poised to Deliver Excitement to Fans at the Intersection of Bicycle Racing and Motorsports

Indianapolis, IN – June 25, 2025 – StadioBike, transforming bicycle racing into a non-stop action-packed stadium sport at iconic motorsports tracks across America, announces the addition of two influential leaders to their ownership team – motorsports marketing executive and retired professional cyclist Kristin Labonte and globally respected cycling event architect James Pope. Labonte and Pope add global expertise and unique experience, amplifying StadioBike’s position as a fan-centric stadium-style sporting event at the intersection of bicycle racing and motorsports.

“I am thrilled to join StadioBike because it allows me to merge two worlds I love and know very well—bike racing and motorsports,” said Labonte. “To help build a racing property that delivers the opportunity for all those super-fast local riders to finally have a shot against elite bike racers, and in a format that is specifically designed for all race fans, is really exciting!”

StadioBike defines a new discipline of bicycle racing. Contested on banked oval motorsport tracks, where its unique format requires teams to complete a series of relay-style rider substitutions, adding drama and strategy that play out right in front of the fan’s eyes on pit road. Looking ahead, StadioBike will officially hold its inaugural race in 2026 and a nation-wide race series in 2027 that culminates in a series championship.

Labonte, a former Masters National Champion in the individual time trial, criterium and road racing disciplines, is Managing Partner of Breaking Limits, a premier strategic sports marketing agency based in North Carolina. Her insider perspective—shaped by her experience as a former professional cyclist, her business experience at the highest levels of motorsports, and as the wife of 2000 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Labonte—brings an unmatched blend of authenticity, strategy, and access to the motorsport’s world. She will lead efforts in strategic marketing and partner marketing, and function as the organization’s Chief Marketing Officer.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what cycling events can be—creating experiences that excite fans and elevate the sport,” said Pope. “The vision and ambition behind StadioBike immediately stood out to me. Transforming bike racing into a stadium sport with high-stakes action and dynamic storytelling is exactly the kind of innovation our industry needs. I’m excited to join the team and help shape this bold new chapter in competitive cycling.”

James Pope is a globally respected event architect with over two decades of experience creating and scaling marquee cycling events. His portfolio includes work with the UCI Track Champions League, GCN Events, Revolution Series, and the award-winning Nocturne Series. Pope brings a deep understanding of fan engagement, venue production, and international scalability. He will guide StadioBike’s event operations and global expansion strategy.

“We believe American racing fans will love StadioBike,” said Courtney Bishop, CEO of StadioBike and famed 3-time winning coach of Indiana University’s iconic Little 500. “We’re building a highly entertaining can’t-look-away kind of racing event where all the action happens right before your eyes and brings fans to their feet – and we’re giving local cycling heroes a shot to show what they’re made of against the pros. To have James and Kristin believe in us, come on board as investors and help us build this, is really validating and exciting.”

In October 2024, StadioBike held a test event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway featuring six Continental Pro teams and confirmed the viability and the appeal of its unique racing format. The race’s relay-style rider substitutions created real-time strategy decisions for coaches, a physically taxing racing environment for riders and a compelling visual for fans. The format’s success drew praise from across the cycling world, including from Chris Aronholt of Medalist Sports, a leading figure in U.S. cycling event production.

“The test event at Las Vegas was strong,” said Aronholt. “The StadioBike team proved the concept worked from a competitive standpoint, and it was really exciting to watch as a spectator.”

Several high-profile cyclists also attended the test event including Rahsaan Bahati, a highly respected American professional cyclist, 10-time USPRO National Champion and a co-owner of StadioBike.

“I have been involved in the sport of cycling for over three decades, witnessing numerous changes while also recognizing the enduring aspects of the sport,” said Bahati. “When I was presented with the concept of a bike race for sports enthusiasts at motor speedways, I immediately recognized its potential to be transformative, not just for the racers but for the sport as a whole. Having raced on professional teams and managed my own, I understand the importance of supporting athletes. I am thrilled to lead Athlete Strategy for StadioBike in our mission to make the greatest bike racing spectacle.”

With momentum growing and a foundation built on early and robust investment, StadioBike is now opening the door to new partners—brands, investors, venues, and content platforms alike—who want to shape a new form of American bicycle racing.

About StadioBike

StadioBike is reimagining bicycle racing as a bold, stadium-based sport, driven by a unique racing format that delivers nonstop action through relay-style rider substitutions. Creating fandom rooted in an “us-versus-them” rivalry, StadioBike fuels community engagement by allowing local teams to race against top professionals in pursuit of victory. Held at some of America’s most iconic oval motorsports tracks, it is short and simple – with a winner crowned in about two hours when the first rider crosses the finish line!

Rooted in equal opportunity, StadioBike offers identical prize money for men’s and women’s races. Chosen racetracks make the action 100% viewable from the comfort of a box seat. Blending competition with immersive entertainment, real-time metrics, and eSports-style interactivity, it’s built for today’s fan.

StadioBike delivers a stadium game-like spectacle tuned for modern sports culture, launching a new American discipline and league that is designed to captivate fans, sponsors, and riders alike.

Find out more at StadioBike.com.

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Motorsports

Winner of NASCAR In-Season Challenge To Earn $1 Million at Brickyard 400

Denny Hamlin (photo) is the top seed in NASCAR’s inaugural in-season tournament, which concludes Sunday, July 27 at the Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG. The seeding is set for the first round of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge, which ends with the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 27 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A field […]

Published

59 minutes ago

June 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Denny Hamlin (photo) is the top seed in NASCAR’s inaugural in-season tournament, which concludes Sunday, July 27 at the Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG.

The seeding is set for the first round of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge, which ends with the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 27 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

A field of 32 drivers will be whittled to just two who will square off at IMS to take the coveted $1 million prize at the checkered flag at IMS. The final two will race at the same time as all the other competitors in the NASCAR Cup Series classic, with the driver finishing ahead earning the big bonus.

The top 32 drivers in points after the Cracker Barrel 400 on June 1 at Nashville Superspeedway became eligible for the Challenge, with races June 8 at Michigan International Speedway, June 15 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and June 22 at Pocono Raceway determining the seeding by each driver’s best finish in those events.

Drivers advance by finishing ahead of their opponent within each of the races. All competition takes place within the regularly scheduled Cup Series race.

The 32-driver, single-elimination tournament begins Sunday, June 28 at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway), where the field will be trimmed to 16 drivers. Just eight will continue after the Chicago Street Course race Sunday, July 6, with the final four set after the race Sunday, July 13 at Sonoma Raceway. The race Sunday, July 20 at Dover Motor Speedway will set up the final two drivers for a showdown in Indianapolis.

Ticket information for the Brickyard Weekend, which includes the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 26 and the Pennzoil 250 for the NASCAR Xfinity Series, is available at IMS.com.

First-Round Pairings:

Top half of draw