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

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Race officials say the tire tests have failed

Today, it’s the final day of the Tulsa Shootout. The event on the 1/5-mile dirt track takes place indoors on the same track as the Chili Bowl Nationals.

As the event was ongoing, officials released another set of tire sample tests. One driver has failed to conform to the benchmark.

This set of sample results were from Thursday night’s portion of the show.

“Samples taken from the car owned by Dave Mac Motorsports, and driven by Kale Drake in Stock Non-Wing have come back not conforming to the benchmark, and as a result, Drake has been disqualified. Samples were taken following race No. 244 from the mandated ASCS2 Right Rear,” the event release stated.

Race 244 Results

The tire samples were taken in the Tech Area just as the race was completed. The samples were taken using the team’s own tire groover.

“All samples were placed into a vial and then put into a numbered evidence bag. Each sample, including the date it was taken, race number, tire compound, tire serial number, evidence bag number, official’s initials, and a team representative’s signature.”

“In all classes, tire samples will be taken and sent to be tested. Any doping of tires is illegal and will result in the disqualification and forfeiture of all purse money.”

Two samples of the same tire were tested. Both failed to meet the benchmark.

Yesterday, officials released the first lab test results from tire samples. All drivers conformed to the benchmark.

The finale of the event is currently ongoing.

Links

Tulsa Shootout

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SEASON 30: Schatz Feeling Revitalized, Grateful for Opportunity with CJB Motorsports

CONCORD, NC (January 2, 2026) – Donny Schatz stepped on stage feeling bad for Johnny Gibson.

The suited men sat in front of hundreds at the 2025 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Awards Banquet. Thousands more watched at home on DIRTVision. So many eyes fixed on them. Gibson’s job? To find the good in every competitor’s campaign as an avenue of introduction.

“How could he possibly spin this positively,” Schatz wondered. The 48-year-old had been in this position several times before when Gibson needed no creative optimism. Schatz’s résumé boasts so many successful seasons with The Greatest Show on Dirt that have occurred right alongside Gibson’s tenure.

Schatz knew 2025 was not among them. He went winless for the first time since his rookie year in 1997. Headlines showed his name, but not in the fashion he’s accustomed to. The Sprint Car world was rocked when Schatz and Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing parted ways in August, ending a run that began in 2008. The Fargo, ND native then split time driving four different cars to finish the season. No way Gibson could find a sliver of sunlight in an entirely overcast sky, right?

But the longtime Series announcer proved Schatz wrong. All it took was a little math.

“Like five minutes before I went up to go on stage, I actually said to myself, ‘I’m not sure what Johnny Gibson, and he’s the best at his job, could possibly talk about with me in front of the crowd here that has a silver lining,’ and I said that to him when I got up there,” Schatz said. “And he said, ‘It’s 30 years next year.’ And I said, ‘No, Johnny, it’s not 30 years. It’s 29.’ And he said, ‘No, it’s 30.’ I guess you just lose track of anything past the first couple. It’s crazy to think about.”

Since that realization washed over Schatz, more reasons to be hopeful have entered his life. Along with reaching a major milestone by contesting his 30th season in 2026, he’ll open a new chapter.

The 10-time Series champion recently inked a deal with Chad Clemens’ CJB Motorsports for the upcoming season. The move pairs Schatz with one of the sport’s most legendary mechanics, Barry Jackson. After enduring one of the most trying years of his career, the move rejuvenated the 48-year-old as he prepares for his World of Outlaws career to span three full decades.

“I wasn’t to my full potential to finish out the season probably mentally,” Schatz admitted. “When things happen, it’s like a snowball effect. When bad things happen, they just keep going. I had a lot of people stick their neck out for me, and I felt like I did the best I could to get to the end and we got there. But the off-season has been a big reset. It’s been a mental reset. It’s been a physical reset. For me to start over and recharge the batteries and refresh the attitude and all the things it takes. I’m super pumped. I’m ready to get back racing.”

It’s also a dream come true for Clemens as the team owner. He’s had plenty of the sport’s best drive for him in the past. Sammy Swindell, David Gravel, and Paul McMahan are just a few who’ve piloted CJB machines. Now, he gets to add one of Sprint Car racing’s most accomplished wheelmen ever to the list.

“This is a dream of a lifetime,” Clemens said of having Schatz drive for him. “Not only is he a hell of a driver and has a lot left in him yet, but he’s also a good friend too. It’s not like I just know him as a race car driver. I know him as a friend. It’s more than just a race car driver. He’s just a really down-to-earth, good person. His family is awesome. I always talked to his father at the races. I’ve always talked to his mom. I’ve talked to his sister. It’s going to be a dream come true.”

Hiring Schatz meant expanding to a two-car team as CJB continues to field the No. 5 for Brenham Crouch. Assembling a crew and the many resources for a second top-tier Sprint Car operation is no small task. But when the opportunity with Schatz arose, Clemens and Jackson didn’t wonder if it was possible. It was merely a question of how they could make it work.

“When this whole thing came to possibly happening, my first comment to Barry was, ‘I know we can’t let this not happen. We have to make this happen somehow,’” Clemens said. “I asked him, ‘Are we able with our current situation and equipment, and are you willing to go back to the Outlaws?’ And the answers were, ‘Yes and yes.’”

Teaming up is far from the first connection between Schatz and Jackson. Their relationship dates back several years as Jackson’s path crossed with Schatz’s longtime crew chief, Ricky Warner.

“Barry is a Carlisle, Pennsylvania native, and he grew up with Rick Warner,” Schatz said. “Obviously, me and Rick have a good history together. Rick was someone that always confided in Barry for a lot of things. There was a time when Barry was building his own race cars, and I think we tried one a time or two at Oskaloosa and I think on the west coast. So, Barry is someone that’s been close back when I raced with Rick Warner. Ultimately, we respected each other. Barry is a very passionate, fiery person. You know what’s on his mind. I’m kind of the same way. I respect that.”

Roughly a month remains before the 2026 campaign begins. Luckily for the CJB crew, it ignites at a track that’s been kind to Schatz over the years. Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park is the destination in early February, and Schatz has won 24 times in 99 Sprint Car races at the 1/2 mile. With Schatz’s laps and Jackson’s extensive notebook, Schatz is optimistic they can come out of the gate swinging.

“It’s not going to take us six months to get going or get a win,” Schatz said. “I feel like we can get going right away because of Barry’s experience and my experience and obviously a fresh start. Those guys have been open to anything. They’ve asked me a lot, what it is I want to do here and there.”

Clemens shares his driver’s confidence.

“I think they’re going to start meshing right off the bat,” Clemens said. “Barry has a mindset that he wants to win and he’s driven and he’s dedicated, and Donny has the same mindset. When you have two guys that have the same mindset, I’m not going to put a projection on what I think we’re going to do, but I think it’s going to be a very positive year. I think it’s going to be a good year, and I have trust in both of them.”

Schatz’s plans are set. The season is nearing. Season number 30. A milestone that means so much to the kid from North Dakota that committed his life to Sprint Car racing. A number that’s put things in perspective and brightened his outlook as he readies for what’s ahead. He knows there’s plenty left in the tank. Schatz intends to contend in 2026.

“When it all comes together and we get to the first race, I think that’s when everybody is going to swallow hard and say, ‘Man, it took a lot to get to this point, but this is very rewarding and let’s go out and get some gators in Florida and get ourselves in a good position to race for a championship,” Schatz said.

Schatz and the CJB Motorsports No. 15 team will begin the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Feb. 4-7. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.

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Daniel Suarez is at an interesting place in his NASCAR Cup Series career. 

After it was announced that he wouldn’t return to Trackhouse Racing in 2026, Suarez was signed by Spire Motorsports for 2026 in what may as well be a prove-it deal for the 33-year-old from Monterrey, Mexico. 

Suarez, who turns 34 on Jan. 7, has driven for four organizations in nine seasons; Spire will make it five in 10. 

The 2016 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion will be under a great deal of pressure in 2026. He hasn’t won in nearly two calendar years and is yet to make the NASCAR playoffs in back-to-back seasons. He’s won only twice in 323 starts. 

Suarez has bounced back from similar adversity before, but not since 2020 has his career seemingly hung in the balance like this. Justin Marks and Trackhouse Racing won’t be coming through the door to save Suarez if he can’t perform in 2026. 

Why Daniel Suarez could bounce back in 2026

There is reason to believe that Suarez could bounce back, however. 

Spire is a team on the rise, having nearly won several races in 2025 with Carson Hocevar. Suarez will be teammates with Hocevar and veteran driver Michael McDowell — a formidable, three-car team that boasts drivers in three separate stages of their careers. 

Suarez has also shown out with his back up against the wall before. His 2024 win at Atlanta and subsequent playoff berth helped earn him a one-year contract extension with Trackhouse for 2025. 

He’ll need a similar effort — and maybe more — if he wants to stay at Spire and keep his Cup Series career alive. 

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Bubba “The Love Sponge” of Bubba Army and Jack Korpela of Cycledrag discuss the biggest problem facing racing organizations like NHRA, NASCAR, IHRA and many other forms of motorsports which is an aging fan base. In this video Bubba and Cycledrag talk about what it will take to get the younger Gen Z fan out to the races and what is next for originations facing this problem

There are more videos on the Cycledrag Youtube channel (please subscribe here) and like the Cycledrag Facebook page (Please like here) and more will be coming soon. Also subscribe to our NEW Youtube channel “Racing Jack” and Check back daily.

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A quick review of the run of show by event officials will see an adjustment to Championship Saturday at the 41st annual Hyper Racing Tulsa Shootout powered by NOS Energy Drink.

Pushing through event No. 389 of 433 on Friday, officials will adjust the start time on Saturday, January 3, 2026, to 10:00 A.M. (CT). Teams and fans needing to get in before the first green flag of the day will be able to do so starting at 8:00 A.M. (CT).

Opening Ceremonies and the Parade of States are slated to begin at 3:00 P.M., followed by track work. Last Chance Qualifiers kick off the evening program at roughly 5:00 P.M. (CT).

Tickets are available online at http://www.tulsashootout.com or at the event. All seating is General Admission at the Tulsa Shootout. Admission is $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and military, $15 for youth, and free for kids six and under. The Pit Pass is all-access and is $45.

Saturday’s order of events is as follows:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3

Expo Opens: 8:00 A.M.

Engine Heat: 9:15 A.M. – 9:20 A.M.

Racing: 10:00 A.M.

Opening Ceremonies: 3:00 P.M.

B Mains:

390-397: Stock Non-Wing (12 Laps: 8 – Top 2 from each Advance to LCQ)

398-405: Outlaw Non-Wing (12 Laps: 8 – Top 2 from each Advance to LCQ)

406-413: Outlaw Winged (12 Laps: 8 – Top 2 from each Advance to LCQ)

414-421: A Class Winged (12 Laps: 8 Top 2 from each Advance to LCQ)

Opening Ceremonies

Last Chance A Main Qualifiers (12 Laps):

422: Stock Non-Wing (Top 8 Advance to A Main)

423: Junior Sprints (Top 8 Advance to A Main)

424: Outlaw Non-Wing (Top 8 Advance to A Main)

425: Restricted A Class (Top 8 Advance to A Main)

426: A Class Winged (Top 8 Advance to A Main)

427: Outlaw Winged (Top 8 Advance to A Main)

Championship A Mains:

428: Stock Non-Wing (30 Laps)

429: Junior Sprints (20 Laps)

430: Outlaw Winged (30 Laps)

431: Restricted A Class (25 Laps)

432: A Class Winged (30 Laps)

433: Outlaw Non-Wing (55 Laps)

Fans and teams can follow along on the MyRacePass App.

The six divisions headlining the 41st annual Hyper Racing Tulsa Shootout powered by NOS Energy Drink include Sawyer Chassis Winged Outlaw Micros, Hyper Racing Non-Wing Outlaw, JST Motorsports A-Class Winged, Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing, K&B Motorsports Restricted A-Class, and Flying A Motorsports Junior Sprints.

Fans not able to attend the 41st annual Hyper Racing Tulsa Shootout powered by NOS Energy Drink can see every lap of action on http://www.floracing.com.

The Hyper Racing Tulsa Shootout powered by NOS Energy Drink takes place at the Tulsa Expo Raceway, located inside the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Okla. All official rules, event information, and dates are online at http://www.tulsashootout.com. Fans can also follow the Hyper Racing Tulsa Shootout powered by NOS Energy Drink at https://www.facebook.com/TulsaShootout and on Twitter (@TulsaShootout).

Tulsa Shootout PR