NASCAR has issued a new rule that allows them to limit entries to just 40 cars

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are currently suing NASCAR with antitrust claims. Originally, the teams won a preliminary injunction allowing them to keep their charters while the lawsuit is ongoing.

NASCAR lawsuit opened by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports

Recently, NASCAR won an appeal in court against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. It removes all six charters from the team.

The team responded with a restraining order request.

Now, NASCAR has issued a new rules bulletin limiting entries to 40 cars. This will prevent any car from being sent home. This prevents 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports from seeing repairable damage from missing a race due to the lost charters.

Had the teams missed a race, it certainly would have been an argument they could use in court.

NASCAR wins court appeal to claim charters from 23XI / FRM

Updated Rule Book

Here’s the updated rules book:

Rule 5.1.F. – “NASCAR, at its sole discretion, may elect to limit the number of entries for a race to 40. In such instances, Open Teams will be determined based on the Team Owner Points standings.”

Rule 7.9.1.1.B. – “Four Open Teams will be eligible for starting grid positions based on the fastest single lap speed posted to each Open Team’s vehicle in the first Qualifying round.”

Rule 7.9.1.1.C. – “Up to six Open Teams will be eligible for starting grid positions based on the highest ranked Team Owner Points standings.”

The trail from 23XI and FRM is expected in December.

NASCAR commissioner speaks on the antitrust lawsuit

Links

NASCAR

NASCAR is pressing pause on its Chicago Street Race, answering at least one major question about its schedule for next season.

NASCAR raced on a street course in downtown Chicago on the first weekend in July each of the last three years. But it had a three-year contract with the city, leaving the future of the event in question.

Writing to Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday, race president Julie Giese said the plan is to explore the potential of a new event weekend with his office and other community leaders while also working on a more efficient course build and breakdown.

“Our goal is for the Chicago Street Race to return in 2027 with an event that further enhances the experience for residents and visitors alike, as we work together towards a new potential date, shorter build schedule, and additional tourism draws,” Giese wrote in her letter to Johnson.

Giese said NASCAR is keeping its Chicago Street Race office and plans to continue its community partnerships.

“We deeply value our relationship with the City of Chicago and remain steadfast in our commitment to being a good neighbor and partner,” she said in the letter.

NASCAR is replacing its Chicago stop with a street race in San Diego.

A message was left Friday seeking comment from Johnson’s office.

NASCAR’s Chicago weekend featured Xfinity and Cup Series races on a 12-turn, 2.2-mile course against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and Grant Park — to go along with a festival-like atmosphere with music and entertainment options.

The goal was an event that appealed to both a new audience in one of NASCAR’s most important regions and the most ardent racing fans. NASCAR used to race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, a 45-mile drive from downtown, but it pulled out after the 2019 season.

Johnson’s predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, was in charge when the three-year contract for the downtown weekend was finalized.

It wasn’t exactly a popular move in Chicago. Local businesses and residents were frustrated by the street closures in a heavily trafficked area for tourists in the summer. But organizers shrunk the construction schedule from 43 days in 2023 to 25 this year, winning over some of the race’s critics.

Drivers and their teams had some concerns about the course ahead of the first weekend. But the setup was widely praised by the time the third year rolled around — both the course and the ability to walk to the circuit from their downtown hotel.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson called Chicago “probably my favorite event in NASCAR each year.”

The racing in downtown Chicago has been dominated by Shane van Gisbergen, who won the Xfinity and Cup races this year from the pole. He also won in Chicago in his Cup debut in 2023 and last year’s Xfinity Series race.

“I love the track,” he said after this year’s Cup win. “It’s a cool place to come to. You feel a nice vibe. You feel a good vibe in the mornings walking to the track with the fans. It’s pretty unique like that.”

July 22, 2025 — Nitro Motorsports is proud to announce that rising young talent Sam Corry will make his ARCA Menards Series debut this weekend at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP), driving in partnership with Venturini Motorsports. Corry, known for his accomplishments in open-wheel racing and the Trans Am Series Presented by Pirelli, is the latest driver to step into Nitro’s growing driver development pipeline.

The event marks an exciting new chapter in Corry’s career as he looks to build on his diverse racing experience and take on the competitive ARCA Menards Series with two powerhouse teams behind him.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Nitro Motorsports and Venturini Motorsports for this opportunity in the ARCA Menards Series,” explained Sam Corry. “They’ve built a winning program, and I’m honored to be part of it. I’ve been working hard to take this next step, and I’m ready to learn, grow, and compete at this level. I can’t thank Nick Tucker, Billy Venturini, and everyone at Nitro/Venturini Motorsports enough for believing in me and giving me the chance to showcase what we can do together.”

Team owner Nick Tucker expressed confidence in Corry’s abilities as he embarks on this next phase of his career.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sam to the Nitro Motorsports ARCA program for his series debut,” said Tucker. “Sam has shown speed, determination, and professionalism across every discipline he’s raced in, and we know he’ll rise to the challenge this weekend at IRP. Our partnership with Venturini Motorsports continues to produce strong results, and we’re excited to see what Sam can achieve with this opportunity.”

Corry’s debut underscores Nitro Motorsports’ commitment to developing young drivers and providing them with pathways to success across multiple racing disciplines. This weekend’s race at IRP will be another exciting milestone as the team continues to expand its footprint in stock car racing alongside Venturini Motorsports, one of the most successful teams in ARCA history.

With a victory and a second-place result in the past two ARCA Menards Series event weekends with two different drivers, Corry is looking to continue that streak this weekend in Indianapolis.

The race at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park is set for Friday, July 25 at 5:30pm EDT with live coverage available on FS1.

For more information on Nitro Motorsports, please visit them online or contact Nick Tucker via email HERE or visit them online at www.RaceNitro.com.

Source: Nitro Motorsports

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.”

Hendrick Motorsports PR

Round 13 of the 2025 F1 season takes us to the Belgian Grand Prix.

Everything You Need to Know About the Belgian Grand Prix

The Belgian Grand Prix dates back to 1925, with its most recent outing set for July 25 and 27. FP1 will open the 2025 weekend, with Sprint qualifying following that same afternoon.

Origins at Spa-Francorchamps and Bois de la Cambre

The Belgian Grand Prix was first held in 1925, staged at the original 9-mile Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes. Antonio Ascari won the inaugural race in a works Alfa Romeo. He was killed at the French Grand Prix mere weeks later.

The Grand Prix returned in 1930 with a modified circuit, including a bypass of the Malmedy chicane. Louis Chiron claimed victory that year. The following decade saw drivers such as Tazio Nuvolari and Rudolf Caracciola dominate, while the 1939 race introduced the Raidillon corner.

World War II brought racing to a halt. It was not until 1946 that Grand Prix racing returned to Belgium, this time in Brussels’ Bois de la Cambre park. Frenchman Eugène Chaboud took the win in a Delage.

READ MORE: Zak Brown: “Clean” Norris and Piastri Can Handle Title Fight

The Evolution of Spa

By the early 1950s, Spa had evolved into one of the world’s fastest circuits. Only La Source remained a slow corner thanks to the new 8.7-mile circuit.

The invention of the Formula One World Championship in 1950 saw Juan Manuel Fangio and Nino Farina dominate the Belgian Grand Prix in their Alfa Romeos. Fangio claimed the first Spa victory of the F1 era, while Farina triumphed the following year.

Alberto Ascari took a commanding win in 1953, with his Ferrari outlasting the Maseratis.

Rain played a role in 1956, when Stirling Moss lost a wheel at Raidillon but managed to continue in his teammate Cesare Perdisa’s car to finish in third place. Peter Collins claimed victory after Juan Manuel Fangio’s Ferrari succumbed to gearbox failure.

The late 1950s saw Spa’s reputation intensify. Drivers feared the circuit’s lack of margin for error. Cars frequently sped off into telegraph poles, stone walls, or trees.

Tragedy struck in 1960. During practice, Stirling Moss crashed at Burnenville, suffering serious injuries. Mike Taylor’s career ended after his Lotus crashed at Stavelot due to a steering failure. The Belgian Grand Prix itself claimed lives.

Chris Bristow was killed in an accident at Malmedy, and just five laps later, Alan Stacey was fatally struck by a bird at 140 mph, crashing off the Masta straight.

Jack Brabham won the race, but the weekend caused emotional damage. Jim Clark, who scored his first F1 points there, famously hated the circuit thereafter.

Anger in the 1960s

Despite the dangers, the Belgian Grand Prix continued. Ferrari dominated in 1961 with a 1-2-3-4 finish, while Clark won the next four editions.

In 1966, engine regulations changed, doubling power output. Jackie Stewart’s crash at the Masta Kink, where he was trapped in his fuel-soaked BRM for nearly half an hour, inspired his campaigning for greater driver safety.

Dan Gurney won in his Eagle in 1967, the constructor’s only F1 victory. The following year, wings made their F1 debut, and Bruce McLaren secured his team’s maiden victory.

However, the race was overshadowed by another serious crash. Brian Redman suffered severe injuries after colliding with a parked car.

By 1969, drivers had had enough. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association asked for safety improvements, which were rejected by circuit owners. The race was cancelled.

Although a final event was held in 1970, won by Pedro Rodriguez, it was clear that Spa was no longer suitable for F1 in its original form.

A Brief Period at Zolder and Nivelles

In the early 1970s, the Belgian Grand Prix rotated between Zolder and the modern Nivelles circuit. Emerson Fittipaldi won both events at Nivelles in 1972 and 1974, but the uninspiring layout and financial issues led to it being removed from the calendar.

Zolder hosted the bulk of the races from 1973 to 1984. Memorable moments included Niki Lauda’s back-to-back wins in 1975 and 1976, as well as the death of Gilles Villeneuve during qualifying in 1982.

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Return to a Reimagined Spa

In 1979, Spa-Francorchamps was revised and shortened to just over 4.3 miles to meet rising safety standards.

F1 returned to Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix in 1983, with Alain Prost taking victory.

Ayrton Senna then went on to win at Spa five times. His 1985 win came after the race had to be postponed due to the newly laid asphalt breaking up in the heat.

The 1990 Belgian Grand Prix was restarted twice, first after a pile-up at the La Source hairpin, then again when Paolo Barilla crashed at Eau Rouge. In 1992, Michael Schumacher claimed his maiden F1 victory for Benetton, a year after debuting at Spa.

In 1993, Damon Hill battled both Senna and Schumacher to clinch a hard-fought win.

Following the deaths of Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at Imola in 1994, Spa temporarily added a chicane at the foot of Eau Rouge. By 19995, the chicane was removed, and Schumacher began a dominant run, winning three consecutive Belgian Grands Prix.

His dominance at Spa continued into the 2000s. In 2001, he surpassed Prost’s record with his 52nd career win at the circuit. In 2004, he clinched his seventh World Championship title at Spa.

Present Day

In 2003, the Belgian Grand Prix faced disruption and was omitted from the calendar due to Belgian tobacco advertising laws. A further cancellation followed in 2006 when local authorities failed to complete essential upgrades.

The event returned in 2007 with Kimi Räikkönen taking victory, his third in succession at Spa.

In 2008, rain once again played havoc. Lewis Hamilton overtook Räikkönen twice in the closing laps on a wet track, eventually winning after the Finn crashed out. However, a post-race penalty for cutting the Bus Stop chicane demoted Hamilton to third, handing victory to Felipe Massa.

The 2021 race had no green-flag racing due to torrential rain. Two laps were completed behind the safety car before it was red-flagged, and Max Verstappen was declared the winner. Backlash over the decision to award half points prompted the FIA to revise its points system for shortened races in 2022.

In January 2025, the Belgian Grand Prix was secured in 2026-2027, 2029, and 2031.

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

READ NEXT: Revisiting Pato O’Ward’s Career Milestones 

Main Photo

Credit: IMAGO / ABACAPRESS 

Recording Date: 07/28/2024

Zionville-based AES Restaurant Group will welcome NASCAR driver Cody Ware to its Westfield Arby’s location for a “Meat N’ Greet” fan event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 24, ahead of the Brickyard 400 NASCAR Series race July 27 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Ware will appear at the restaurant at 1399 Chatham Commons Blvd. along with the Rick Ware Racing No. 51 Arby’s racecar. Arby’s is an anchor sponsor of the No. 51 car — a Ford Mustang Dark Horse — for 12 races in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series.

Fans can register to win two tickets to the Brickyard 400, and the first 51 customers will receive a free sandwich.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early.

The AES Restaurant Group also invites guests to download the Arby’s app for exclusive deals and updates throughout the year.

Learn more about the AES Foundation — AES Restaurant Group’s charitable organization — at AESFoundation.com.