Motorsports
North Wilkesboro, after NASCAR All-Star Race success, has a good kind of problem
NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. — As NASCAR has expanded into new markets over the past few years, some of these additions have seen fan support taper off by the third year, the shiny new toys losing their luster. North Wilkesboro Speedway found itself in similar territory this weekend. The rustic short track, once left for dead […]

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. — As NASCAR has expanded into new markets over the past few years, some of these additions have seen fan support taper off by the third year, the shiny new toys losing their luster.
North Wilkesboro Speedway found itself in similar territory this weekend. The rustic short track, once left for dead only to be brought back to life, hosted NASCAR’s non-points All-Star Race for a third consecutive year. Would fans continue to pack the place as they did when NASCAR first returned after a nearly 20-year absence and make it the exception to the rule?
This question was answered emphatically Sunday night, even before Christopher Bell outdueled Joey Logano in the closing laps to claim the $1 million winner’s prize. The sold-out crowd was amped during pre-race ceremonies, singing along to various songs over the public address system and loudly cheering and booing during driver intros. Then came the race itself, which more than delivered.
“For the third straight year, we’ve had tremendous support from fans not only in North Carolina but around the world who are captivated by the return of North Wilkesboro Speedway to the NASCAR circuit,” said Speedway Motorsports president and CEO Marcus Smith, whose company owns the facility. “Like Lambeau Field to football and Fenway Park to baseball, North Wilkesboro Speedway has become America’s throwback racetrack.”
If the idea is that the All-Star Race is supposed to be a special event that causes the crowd to be juiced to another level while also producing a stirring race, then Sunday night’s 250-lapper certainly checked these boxes. North Wilkesboro proved to be a worthy ongoing host, erasing the skepticism a track often faces in its critical third year, which heavily factors into whether it sticks around on the Cup Series schedule.
Going forward, the question surrounding North Wilkesboro isn’t about whether it should remain as host for the All-Star Race, but whether it should host something bigger — a points race.
“I think it deserves it,” Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman said. “I’m sure it has its challenges to pull it off, but it’s a great racetrack. It’s got a great vibe, and it’s a special place.”
Many others shared Bowman’s sentiment throughout the weekend, and this was before the green flag even waved on the main event. Moving forward, expect this drumbeat to grow louder. Even the FS1 broadcast got in on it, with commentators Mike Joy, Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer stumping for this to happen.
“NORTH WILKESBORO – BEST SHORT TRACK ON THE SCHEDULE.”- Christopher Bell after his All-Star win pic.twitter.com/W1Hl8nfIDA
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 19, 2025
Bringing a points race to a new track is rarely straightforward. There is, however, a realistic path for North Wilkesboro.
As NASCAR has worked to overhaul its calendar over the last five-plus years, decision-makers have learned that the sport is best with a schedule featuring greater variety in the tracks across the 38-race schedule (36 points races and two exhibitions). They’ve also become more amenable to making bold changes.
This mindset already worked in North Wilkesboro’s favor in 2023, when the track landed the All-Star Race, something few thought possible. Similar thinking would need to happen this go-round too.
With the Cup schedule already at capacity, adding a new track somewhere requires a spot to be cleared. And this is where it gets complicated.
NASCAR isn’t likely to shift a date from one of the tracks it owns to an outside company, not when each date is worth millions and millions in television dollars and they’re exploring other markets. This means, in all likelihood, Speedway Motorsports would need to shift one of the 15 dates it has within its portfolio. These 15 races are held at one of 10 tracks the company owns outright and another at a venue it rents, Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.
A frequent suggestion is to shift the spring race at nearby Bristol Motor Speedway to North Wilkesboro. Attendance has been so-so at the Tennessee short track, and recent racing has left something to be desired.

With another packed crowd Sunday, there’s been no sign of enthusiasm waning for NASCAR at the revived North Wilkesboro Speedway. (David Jensen / Getty Images)
But, again, there are complications. Although Bristol’s spring race may appear to have sparse crowds, this is somewhat deceiving. The venue can accommodate 140,000-plus spectators, so a race at Bristol that is only one-third full will still outdraw a sellout at North Wilkesboro, where the max capacity is somewhere between 30,000 and 40,000. (Speedway Motorsports is a privately owned company and doesn’t release its exact attendance figures.)
There are other factors in play too. NASCAR already has several races in the Mid-Atlantic region, with eight tracks (Atlanta, Bowman Gray, Bristol, Charlotte, Darlington, Martinsville, North Wilkesboro and Richmond) hosting a combined 13 races. Bristol also has strong corporate support in the form of Food City, which since 1992 has served as entitlement sponsor for the spring race — the second-longest active race sponsorship. COTA is widely considered the likeliest candidate to move, since its contract with Speedway Motorsports is up for renewal, but this confined geographical setup makes moving a race from Texas to North Wilkesboro a head-scratcher.
“Whatever Marcus wants, it’s his place,” Trackhouse driver Ross Chastain said. “So if he wants to go to NASCAR and pitch something; I’m sure there’s a lot more than just saying, What do we want?’ It’s up to the track owners and promoters and our sanctioning body, so for me to even begin to comment, I’m like, ‘Whatever they want to do.’ But that was a great race. We definitely better keep coming back here.”
It’s a good problem to have for North Wilkesboro. Definitely better than what would’ve likely come if Sunday’s race failed to produce strong ticket sales and a solid race.
Instead, the fans showed out, the racing delivered, and North Wilkesboro’s spot on the Cup schedule — one way or another — is very much secure.
(Top photo of Sunday’s NASCAR All-Star Race: David Jensen / Getty Images)
Motorsports
Hendrick’s Kyle Larson announcement forces broadcasters into change – Motorsport – Sports
Kyle Larson was supposed to be in the broadcast booth this Saturday during the Pennzoil 250 Xfinity Series Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 32-year-old was meant to be one of several drivers experimenting with broadcasting hits for their post-racing careers alongside Ross Chastain (Charlotte and Mexico City), Austin Cindric (Nashville), Ryan Blaney (Pocono), […]

Kyle Larson was supposed to be in the broadcast booth this Saturday during the Pennzoil 250 Xfinity Series Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The 32-year-old was meant to be one of several drivers experimenting with broadcasting hits for their post-racing careers alongside Ross Chastain (Charlotte and Mexico City), Austin Cindric (Nashville), Ryan Blaney (Pocono), AJ Allmendinger (Chicago), Christopher Bell (Sonoma), and Denny Hamlin (Dover).
Instead, Larson has been drafted by Hendrick Motorsports to run their No. 17 Chevy in Saturday’s afternoon race, marking the second time he will try to complete a double this season. He is not the only driver on double duty and The CW Network, set to air the race, will now need to find a late replace.ent.
The former Cup Series winner was victorious in his last Xfinity Series race, winning the 2025 Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 in Texas (this race came part of a triple attempt: Larson narrowly finished second in Friday’s Truck race).
Larson’s victory in Texas came for JR Motorsport, with which he also won the 2022 Sunoco Go Reward 200 at the Glen. Most of his Xfinity Series racing experience, including his two 2024 wins, has come for Hendrick Motorsports.
Larson certainly has a number of years left before he has to pivot to broadcasting. Kyle Busch may bot have many, and he explained to The Athletic for trying the new gig
“I’m just dipping my toe into this and giving it a shot and seeing what the networks think, what the producers think, and everybody behind the scenes to see if I have a voice and an opinion later on down the road,” he explained.
Motorsports
Zac Brown Band and HendrickCars.com to Rock NASCAR Playoffs with ‘Stone Skull’ Paint Scheme
Kyle Larson will race special No. 5 Chevrolet at Las Vegas ahead of band’s Sphere concert dates CONCORD, N.C. (July 22, 2025) – Zac Brown Band and HendrickCars.com are teaming with Hendrick Motorsports for a show-stopping presence in the NASCAR playoffs to promote the group’s just-announced 2025 limited engagement at Sphere Las Vegas. The collaboration will […]

Kyle Larson will race special No. 5 Chevrolet at Las Vegas ahead of band’s Sphere concert dates
CONCORD, N.C. (July 22, 2025) – Zac Brown Band and HendrickCars.com are teaming with Hendrick Motorsports for a show-stopping presence in the NASCAR playoffs to promote the group’s just-announced 2025 limited engagement at Sphere Las Vegas. The collaboration will feature a special paint scheme on Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet during the Oct. 12 Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Zac Brown Band will perform at Sphere Las Vegas on Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 to coincide with the release of their seventh full-length studio album, “Love and Fear.” Known for fusing country, rock and Southern roots, the multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning group’s immersive live shows will be elevated by Sphere’s state-of-the-art technology and storytelling capabilities that deliver a concert experience like no other.
The No. 5 Zac Brown Band HendrickCars.com Chevrolet will feature the band’s signature “Stone Skull” logo on the hood with a matte black and gold chrome color palette. Primary sponsor HendrickCars.com will remain prominently featured on the car.
“Hitting the track with Hendrick Motorsports and Kyle Larson is a badass way to get the word out about our shows at Sphere,” said Zac Brown, frontman and lead vocalist of Zac Brown Band. “Mr. H has been an awesome friend for many years, and we’re thrilled to have this opportunity with his team. These performances are going to be unlike anything we’ve ever done – and this car is just a preview of the spirit we’re bringing to Vegas.”
Hendrick Motorsports fans can access an exclusive presale offer for Zac Brown Band’s Sphere Las Vegas concerts at www.zacbrownband.com using the promo code HENDRICK from 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 23, to 1 a.m. ET on Friday, July 25. Tickets will be available to the general public beginning Friday, July 25.
“Zac and the band are great friends of our organization,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group. “They always put on an incredible show, and I personally can’t wait to see what they come up with at Sphere – it’s going to be unbelievable. There’s a natural connection between the energy of rock and roll and the intensity of NASCAR. Las Vegas is one of Kyle’s best tracks, and we hope to deliver a performance for our fans that matches what the band brings to theirs.”
Larson, 32, has been dominant at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Elk Grove, California, native is a three-time winner on the 1.5-mile oval and has led 690 laps there. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion has gone to victory lane twice in his last four starts at the track.
“It’s always cool when two different worlds come together like this,” Larson said. “The paint scheme has a killer edge to it. I’m pumped to take something to Vegas that our No. 5 team fans and Zac Brown Band fans will all be excited about. I love that HendrickCars.com wanted to make this collaboration happen and is going all in. It’ll be a lot of fun.”
ABOUT HENDRICK AUTOMOTIVE GROUP:
Representing 134 franchises and 26 manufacturer nameplates from the Carolinas to California, Hendrick Automotive Group is the largest privately held automotive retail organization in the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company employs more than 11,000 people in its 97 dealership locations, 21 collision centers and four accessories distributor installers in 13 states. For more information, please visit CONCORD, N.C. (July 22, 2025) – Zac Brown Band and HendrickCars.com are teaming with Hendrick Motorsports for a show-stopping presence in the NASCAR playoffs to promote the group’s just-announced 2025 limited engagement at Sphere Las Vegas. The collaboration will feature a special paint scheme on Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet during the Oct. 12 Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
ABOUT HENDRICKCARS.COM:
HendrickCars.com is the online home for everything Hendrick Automotive Group. Visitors can shop more than 30,000 thousand new or pre-owned vehicles, locate centers for service and collision repair, receive a value to sell or trade their car, chat online with customer service, discover career opportunities, learn more about vehicle protection programs, and explore how the company gives back to the community.
ABOUT ZAC BROWN BAND:
Zac Brown Band is a multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning, Southern rock group led by front man, Zac Brown. Throughout their career spanning more than a decade, Zac Brown Band has had six consecutive albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and five consecutive albums debut at #1 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. To date, the group has won three GRAMMY® Awards, including Best New Artist in 2010, sold more than 30.5 million singles, 10.8 million albums, amassed over 11.2 billion catalog streams, achieved 16 #1 radio singles and are the second act to top both the Country and Active Rock formats. Zac Brown Band has headlined nine North American Tours and currently holds the record for most consecutive sold-out shows at the iconic Fenway Park. Symbolic of their massive success at the ballpark, in July 2022, Zac Brown Band was inducted into the Fenway Music Hall of Fame, joining music icons Paul McCartney and Billy Joel. Since their debut, Zac Brown Band has developed a reputation with critics and fans alike as one of the most dynamic live performers, marked by strong musicianship that defies genre boundaries.
ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (317) and laps led (more than 84,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 41 different seasons, including an active streak of 40 in a row (1986-2025). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 150 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X..
ABOUT HENDRICKCARS.COM:
HendrickCars.com is the online home for everything Hendrick Automotive Group. Visitors can shop more than 30,000 thousand new or pre-owned vehicles, locate centers for service and collision repair, receive a value to sell or trade their car, chat online with customer service, discover career opportunities, learn more about vehicle protection programs, and explore how the company gives back to the community.
ABOUT ZAC BROWN BAND
Zac Brown Band is a multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning, Southern rock group led by front man, Zac Brown. Throughout their career spanning more than a decade, Zac Brown Band has had six consecutive albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and five consecutive albums debut at #1 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. To date, the group has won three GRAMMY® Awards, including Best New Artist in 2010, sold more than 30.5 million singles, 10.8 million albums, amassed over 11.2 billion catalog streams, achieved 16 #1 radio singles and are the second act to top both the Country and Active Rock formats. Zac Brown Band has headlined nine North American Tours and currently holds the record for most consecutive sold-out shows at the iconic Fenway Park. Symbolic of their massive success at the ballpark, in July 2022, Zac Brown Band was inducted into the Fenway Music Hall of Fame, joining music icons Paul McCartney and Billy Joel. Since their debut, Zac Brown Band has developed a reputation with critics and fans alike as one of the most dynamic live performers, marked by strong musicianship that defies genre boundaries.
ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS
Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (317) and laps led (more than 84,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 41 different seasons, including an active streak of 40 in a row (1986-2025). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 150 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
Source: Hendrick Motorsports
Motorsports
Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Preview: Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
NIECE MOTORSPORTSNCTS RACE ADVANCE: LUCAS OIL INDIANAPOLIS RACEWAY PARKEvent: TSport 200 (200 laps / 137.2 miles)Round: 16 of 25 (Regular Season)Track: Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway ParkLocation: Clermont, IndianaDate & Time: Friday, July 25 | 8:00 PM ETTune-In: FOX Sports 1 | NASCAR Racing Network (NRN) | SiriusXM Ch. 90 Team Stats & Notes Niece Motorsports […]

NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE ADVANCE: LUCAS OIL INDIANAPOLIS RACEWAY PARK
Event: TSport 200 (200 laps / 137.2 miles)
Round: 16 of 25 (Regular Season)
Track: Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
Location: Clermont, Indiana
Date & Time: Friday, July 25 | 8:00 PM ET
Tune-In: FOX Sports 1 | NASCAR Racing Network (NRN) | SiriusXM Ch. 90
Team Stats & Notes
- Niece Motorsports IRP Stats: Niece drivers have made a combined total of 12 starts at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) since the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) made its return to the track in 2022. The team has captured one top-five finish delivered by Carson Hocevar in 2023. Last year, Ross Chastain was the highest-finishing driver for the team in 11th.
No. 42 J.F. Electric / Utilitra Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Matt Mills | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett
Matt Mills Racing
- Mills’ IRP Stats: Matt Mills has made two prior NCTS starts at IRP, coming home 23rd in his first start in 2023. Mills bested that result by one spot last year, when he finished 22nd.
- Shiplett’s IRP Stats: Mike Shiplett has only competed in one NCTS race held at IRP which came last year, where he finished 26th with Bret Holmes. Shiplett also made one NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) start at the short track in 2007, finishing in 35th with Deac McCaskill.
- On the Truck: Mills’ No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from longtime partners J.F. Electric and Utilitra, who will serve as his anchor partners for the entire 25-race season.
- Recapping Lime Rock: Matt Mills and the No. 42 team fought hard all afternoon at Lime Rock, but lost all their track position after going off course at the end of the race. Mills started the 100-lap event in 21st, and battled a tight-handling truck in the opening two stages. After making wholesale changes to the setup ahead of the final stage, the J.F. Electric Chevy gained speed. Unfortunately for Mills, once he locked up the brakes and slid off in turn one, his results were shot down, finishing in 26th.
- Points Rundown: Following his 26th-place result in Lime Rock, Mills remains 19th in the championship points standings. With only three races remaining in the regular season (IRP, Watkins Glen, and Richmond), Mills finds himself in a must-win situation to enter the Playoffs as he sits 189 points below the cutline.
- Quoting Mills: Given your history at short tracks like Richmond where there is a considerable amount of tire fall off, do you think that should be in your benefit this week?
“Yeah, I think there are some similar characteristics between those places. The first year I raced at IRP, I ran pretty well there, but last year, I put our team in a hole immediately by spinning on lap three of practice. Hopefully, I can help give our team a better notebook this year through practice, because I feel like we can find a good balance of what we need. I think this is a track that suits Niece Motorsports and myself, so hopefully we can rebound from where we were last year. I know we can be fast here.”
About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.
About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.
No. 44 Illiana Watermelon Association Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Ross Chastain | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers
Josh Bilicki Racing
- Chastain Returns: Ross Chastain makes his NCTS return this weekend driving the No. 44 Silverado for Niece Motorsports. Chastain has competed in three events this season, finishing as high as second-place at Charlotte Motor Speedway. His tour will wrap up at Watkins Glen International on August 8th.
- Chastain’s IRP Stats: Chastain has competed in two previous NCTS races held at IRP. In 2011, the Florida native made his series debut at the short track and finished in 10th. Last year, he made his return to the track in over 10 years, recording an 11th-place finish for the No. 45 team.
- Rogers’ IRP Stats: Wally Rogers has competed in five NCTS races at IRP, and has one top-five and two top-10s to his credit. Rogers’ best result at the track came in 2005 when he ran third with Ron Hornaday, and his team finished 29th last year with Conor Daly after suffering a cut tire mid-race. In six NXS starts at this track, Rogers’ record reflects similar numbers, including a fifth-place result with Hornaday in 2007.
- On the Truck: Chastain’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from the Illiana Watermelon Association, who has had a longstanding relationship with the veteran.
- Recapping Lime Rock: Josh Bilicki and the No. 44 team successfully parlayed a mid-range day into a top-10 finish. Bilicki qualified 18th and noted that his truck lacked front end grip in the opening two stages, but the team made big swings on adjustments to make it better. Not afraid to think outside the box, Wally Rogers called for a four-tire pit stop with five laps left in the race. Once chaos ensued on the restart, Bilicki maneuvered his way around the carnage to sneak away in seventh-place.
- Owner Points Rundown: Coming off their top-10 run in Lime Rock, the No. 44 team remains 17th in the owner championship. The group closed in on 16th-place’s No. 17 team from TRICON Garage, now only five points behind. They have a 35-point gap above 18th-place, currently occupied by the No. 81 team from McAnally-Hilgemann Racing.
- Quoting Chastain: Your team brought a fast truck here last year, but you weren’t able to get the finish you hoped for. What more are you looking for to be better on Friday night?
“We just have to try and get the trucks to turn better. Front turn is the main goal for us this time around. Last year, what hurt us mainly was I missed our pit stall on the last stop. I turned in too late and got it all jacked up for the pit crew. That’s what lost us the most spots. But yeah, for Wally and the guys, I think the biggest thing we remember that we need to fix is helping our trucks turn a little bit more.”
About Illiana Watermelon Association: Over 70% of our production is produced in and around Knox County, Indiana. Most of that production is within 15 miles east and west of a 50 mile corridor running along US Hwy 41. It has been said many times that you can stand in one farm’s watermelon field and throw a rock in another neighboring watermelon field. Not that we would throw rocks at each other, or anything so crude. We produce over 7,000 acres of watermelon on our farms. If you’re lucky enough to live close to our market areas you already know you can taste the difference. Many travelers stop at our roadside stands to experience the taste of Indiana and Illinois watermelon.
No. 45 DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Kaden Honeycutt | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Kaden Honeycutt Racing
- Honeycutt’s IRP Stats: Kaden Honeycutt will make his first NCTS start at IRP on Friday night. Honeycutt has competed in one ARCA race at the short track, finishing 19th after an early exit due to a mechanical failure in 2018.
- Gould’s IRP Stats: Phil Gould has called three NCTS races at IRP, including one top-five finish. While working with Carson Hocevar in 2023, Gould’s team earned a respectable fourth-place result. Last year, Gould guided Ross Chastain to an 11th-place finish.
- On the Truck: Honeycutt’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from DQS Solutions & Staffing, who will serve as his anchor partner for the majority of the season.
- Mr. & Mrs.: Last Friday, Honeycutt became a married man after tying the knot with wife, Jessica, in Trinity, North Carolina. The driver will have a special “Just Married” decal with strings and cans on the back of his truck celebrating the event. Congratulations to the happy couple!
- Recapping Lime Rock: Kaden Honeycutt and the No. 45 team had impressive speed all throughout the day in Lime Rock, but were collected in a crash on the final restart. Honeycutt started sixth and finished there in both stages, earning a total of 10 extra points. The team appeared to be en route to a top-five there at the end, but were punted off the race track and had to settle back in 12th-place.
- Points Rundown: Consistency has been key for Honeycutt, who gained a spot in the points standings after Lime Rock. Now up to fifth-place overall thanks to the help of a strong amount of stage points, Honeycutt has a 67-point cushion over the Playoffs cutline. Since there have been seven different race winners so far, he’ll need to maintain that consistency over the next three races in order to qualify for the postseason.
- Quoting Honeycutt: You’ve never raced at IRP before, but have had a good amount of short track reps in a truck. What will be the biggest key to help you adapt here?
“I haven’t raced at IRP since I made my first ARCA start back in 2018, so it’s been a long time since I’ve been there, but the way our short track package has been going, it’s been pretty good all year. So, I’m looking forward to going back to another short track to try and lock ourselves into the Playoffs. We’ll look to have a solid night there and continue our momentum that we’re building on. Each week, we’re continuously getting faster and finishing better in stages, and I think we’re closing in on our first win. IRP is a really worn out racetrack, so it’s going to be about tire management and keeping ourself in a good position to be successful.”
About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom solutions that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District.
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2025, the team celebrates its 10th consecutive season competing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) where it fields the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45. Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 200+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a trusted build shop for the Chevrolet Silverados of multiple NCTS teams as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.
Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).
Motorsports
NASCAR TV Ratings: Dover Motor Speedway (July 2025)
Dover Motor Speedway TV numbers for the NASCAR Cup Series race On Sunday, Dover Motor Speedway hosted the NASCAR Cup Series. Denny Hamlin held them off in an overtime finish. View NASCAR TV numbers below. The race was seen by 2.009M viewers on average. The numbers were reported by Adam Stern. Viewership is down compared […]

Dover Motor Speedway TV numbers for the NASCAR Cup Series race
On Sunday, Dover Motor Speedway hosted the NASCAR Cup Series. Denny Hamlin held them off in an overtime finish.
View NASCAR TV numbers below.
The race was seen by 2.009M viewers on average. The numbers were reported by Adam Stern.
Viewership is down compared to last year’s race which brought 2.401M. The rain delay caused viewership of the 2025 race to sharply decline.
Indycar’s race in Toronto brought in 734,000 viewers for FS1.
Dover Results: July 20, 2025 (NASCAR Cup Series)
Dover Motor Speedway
TV Numbers
July 20, 2025
Viewers: 2.009M
truTV
April 28, 2024
Viewers: 2.401M
FS1
May 1, 2023
Viewers: 1.067M
FS1
May 1, 2022
Viewers: 1.487M
FS1
May 16, 2021
Viewers: 2.430M
FS1
August 22, 2020
Viewers: 1.771M
NBCSN
Links
Dover Motor Speedway | NASCAR
Motorsports
Court sets new date for hearing over 23XI, Front Row charter status
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports will be heard in court on August 28 over the new preliminary injunction they are seeking to race as charter teams in the NASCAR Cup Series. The order was made on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell while giving the two organizations and NASCAR dates earlier that month […]

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports will be heard in court on August 28 over the new preliminary injunction they are seeking to race as charter teams in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The order was made on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell while giving the two organizations and NASCAR dates earlier that month to file their responses. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are currently competing as open teams after their preliminary injunction was vacated by a three-judge panel in June. A new request was filed on July 14, along with a request for a temporary restraining order.
The court denied the restraining order last week. That had been requested to keep NASCAR from revoking the charters and then selling them.
In his Tuesday order, Bell stated that before the hearing is conducted, “NASCAR represents it will not effectuate any sale or transfer or otherwise convey in any manner the six 2025 Charters offered to the Plaintiffs or purchased until the court rules on the Motion for Preliminary Injunction,” and that “NASCAR represents that Plaintiffs’ six race cars will qualify for all Cup Series races (if they choose to race) similarly until the Court rules on the Motion.
“In the event NASCAR learns of any reason either of those representations may no longer hold, NASCAR shall promptly inform Plaintiffs and the Court so that the Court can consider implementing any relief it deems necessary.”
NASCAR made a change to its Rule Book on Monday that will also ensure that 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports do not miss a race. Among the wording in the Rule Book, it now states that Open Teams will be eligible for starting positions based on rankings in the owner standings.
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports had no issue with making the field at Dover Motor Speedway, where there were 37 teams entered. The organizations will remain Open Teams until the hearing.
The hearing will be heard two days before teams are on track at Darlington Raceway for the final race of the regular season. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports will have run six races before then, in which they will earn one third of the prize money that charter teams do.
Motorsports
2025 NASCAR Indianapolis Entry List: All 39 drivers for Brickyard 400
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The NASCAR Cup Series takes on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway yet again on July 27th for the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG. Here’s a look at the full entry list for this weekend’s race in Indy. 2025 NASCAR Indianapolis Entry List Ross Chastain (#1, Trackhouse Racing) Austin […]

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The NASCAR Cup Series takes on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway yet again on July 27th for the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG.
Here’s a look at the full entry list for this weekend’s race in Indy.
2025 NASCAR Indianapolis Entry List
- Ross Chastain (#1, Trackhouse Racing)
- Austin Cindric (#2, Team Penske)
- Austin Dillon (#3, Richard Childress Racing)
- Noah Gragson (#4, Front Row Motorsports)
- Kyle Larson (#5, Hendrick Motorsports)
- Brad Keselowski (#6, RFK Racing)
- Justin Haley (#7, Spire Motorsports)
- Kyle Busch (#8, Richard Childress Racing)
- Chase Elliott (#9, Hendrick Motorsports)
- Ty Dillon (#10, Kaulig Racing)
- Denny Hamlin (#11, Joe Gibbs Racing)
- Ryan Blaney (#12, Team Penske)
- AJ Allmendinger (#16, Kaulig Racing)
- Chris Buescher (#17, RFK Racing)
- Chase Briscoe (#19, Joe Gibbs Racing)
- Christopher Bell (#20, Joe Gibbs Racing)
- Josh Berry (#21, Wood Brothers Racing)
- Joey Logano (#22, Team Penske)
- Bubba Wallace (#23, 23XI Racing)
- William Byron (#24, Hendrick Motorsports)
- Todd Gilliland (#34, Front Row Motorsports)
- Riley Herbst (#35, 23XI Racing)
- Zane Smith (#38, Front Row Motorsports)
- Cole Custer (#41, Haas Factory Team)
- John Hunter Nemechek (#42, Legacy Motor Club)
- Erik Jones (#43, Legacy Motor Club)
- Tyler Reddick (#45, 23XI Racing)
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (#47, HYAK Motorsports)
- Alex Bowman (#48, Hendrick Motorsports)
- Cody Ware (#51, Rick Ware Racing)
- Ty Gibbs (#54, Joe Gibbs Racing)
- Ryan Preece (#60, RFK Racing)
- Jesse Love (#62, Beard Motorsports)
- Josh Bilicki (#66, Carl Long)
- Michael McDowell (#71, Spire Motorsports)
- Carson Hocevar (#77, Spire Motorsports)
- Katherine Legge (#78, Live Fast Motorsports)
- Shane van Gisbergen (#88, Trackhouse Racing)
- Daniel Suárez (#99, Trackhouse Racing)
-
College Sports2 weeks ago
Why a rising mid-major power with an NCAA Tournament team opted out of revenue-sharing — and advertised it
-
Motorsports3 weeks ago
Team Penske names new leadership
-
Youtube3 weeks ago
🚨 BREAKING: NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signs the RICHEST annual salary in league history
-
Sports2 weeks ago
New 'Bosch' spin
-
Fashion1 week ago
EA Sports College Football 26 review – They got us in the first half, not gonna lie
-
Sports6 days ago
Volleyball Releases 2025 Schedule – Niagara University Athletics
-
College Sports2 weeks ago
MSU Hockey News – The Only Colors
-
Sports2 weeks ago
E.l.f Cosmetics Builds Sports Marketing Game Plan Toward Bigger Goals
-
Health1 week ago
CAREGD Trademark Hits the Streets for Mental Health Month
-
College Sports1 week ago
Buford DB Tyriq Green Commits to Georgia