What’s Happening?

NASCAR 25 Producer Matt Lewis addressed the lack of alcoholic beverage sponsors in the new NASCAR console game during a recent interview, explaining the intricate factors that go into their inclusion in the game.

Though NASCAR fans have enjoyed iRacing’s NASCAR 25, they have had a hard time overlooking one specific thing missing from the newest NASCAR console game.

When NASCAR 25 opened early access in October, fans quickly found out that the game does not include sponsorships from companies that sell alcoholic beverages, such as Traveller Whiskey, Busch Light, and Rebel Bourbon.

This is nothing new to NASCAR fans, and the resulting lack of these sponsors brought back the “kid-friendly” paint schemes that populated NASCAR games of the past.

For example, in NASCAR 25, Justin Allgaier’s Traveller Whiskey No. 40 is simply the JR Motorsports No. 40, similar to cars like the “Dale JR No. 8 (replacing Budweiser) or the Sterling Marlin No. 40 (replacing Coors Light) in the EA line of NASCAR games.

Despite this familiar alteration of these paint schemes, more modern NASCAR games, mostly from the past decade, have included these sponsors, leading fans to wonder how and why this happened in NASCAR 25, and if NASCAR 26 could see these sponsorships make a return.

During a recent interview with Eve Hannah, Matt Lewis, a Producer at iRacing, explained what goes into getting approval to add these sponsors to NASCAR video games and what fans can expect in the future.

Lewis says that while there are ways of adding these sponsors to games without younger players having access to any of their paint schemes, via previously used age-gating services, the decision ultimately comes down to these companies deciding they “want to be associated with video games.”

“For better or for worse, there’s still a perception out there that video games and kids are sort of hand in hand. And even though the vast majority of our audience for this game are well above, not just 18, but even the drinking age, there is that concern, right? So in a lot of cases, it’s the beverage companies themselves who say, ‘We don’t, we don’t really need to be in a video game because that’s predominantly kids.’” — Matt Lewis.

Though Lewis did not directly say this is why the sponsors were not in NASCAR 25, he also didn’t rule out their inclusion in future games, saying it “depends on each development year.”

“We have the conversation almost every year of whether we’re going to allow it and how we’re going to allow it,” Lewis said. “So it’s another one that I would say is on on the radar. We’ll kind of see how things play out.”

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Sam Corry will return to Nitro Motorsports for a pair of ARCA Menards Series races in 2026, the team announced Dec. 12.

Corry will drive in the national series event at Watkins Glen International, plus in the ARCA Menards Series West race at Portland International Raceway.

Corry’s car number for the races wasn’t announced.

In addition to his ARCA starts, Corry is also competing for Nitro as part of its TA2 entry in the Trans Am Series.

“I’m really excited to be back with Nitro Motorsports for 2026 and to make a full run at the TA2 championship,” Corry said in a team release. “Last year showed me how competitive and demanding this class is, and I feel like we’ve built the foundation we need to fight for wins right away.

“My goal is simple — contend for the championship, fight for race wins and podium results, continue improving every weekend, and make the most of the opportunity to grow through the ARCA races as well. I’m grateful to Nick (Tucker) and Joe (Tovo) and everyone at Nitro Motorsports for believing in me and giving me the tools to keep moving forward.”

Mia Lovell Running ARCA West for Nitro

“Sam has been a key part of our program and someone we’ve believed in from the start,” Tucker said. “He’s mature, fast, and incredibly focused — exactly what you need to succeed. His pace last year showed he’s ready to fight at the front and giving him a couple of ARCA starts will only accelerate his growth and possibly provide a look into the future. We’re excited to have him back and fully expect him to be a championship contender in 2026.”

In 2025, Corry made three starts, all on ovals, between Nitro and Venturini Motorsports. His best finish of seventh came at Iowa Speedway.

Executive Editor at Frontstretch

Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.

At his day job, he’s a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio — you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced Friday its acquisition of Maple Grove Raceway.

Established in the early 1960s, Maple Grove Raceway has earned national recognition as one of the fastest and most respected drag racing venues in the United States. For generations, it has served as a destination for racers and families, building a legacy rooted in community, competition, and tradition.

Under the leadership of the Koretsky family, Maple Grove has undergone a period of revitalization—pairing modern operational enhancements with the family-focused culture that has defined the racetrack for decades. Their commitment has preserved the track’s heritage while positioning it for long-term growth. The Koretsky family will continue to play an active role throughout the transition and in guiding Maple Grove’s future direction.

“This is a track with deep roots and an even stronger future,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “Maple Grove represents what racing should be—competitive, welcoming, and centered around racers and families. Bringing it under the IHRA umbrella is not just a business decision; it’s a commitment to strengthening the sport and investing in its long-term success.”

The Koretsky family emphasized the personal significance of this transition.

“Maple Grove has always been more than a racetrack to our family—it is home, not just for us, but for generations of racers,” the Koretskys said. “Our mission has always been to preserve this facility and ensure it remains a premier racing destination. Seeing Maple Grove join the IHRA family feels like a natural and meaningful next step for the sport.

“Meeting Darryl and Leah from the IHRA was truly eye-opening. Their vision, work ethic, and genuine passion for racers and fans are unmatched. Their innovative, forward-thinking approach is exactly what this sport has been missing. The IHRA shares our values—making racing affordable, fun, and family-centered. This new chapter is about honoring Maple Grove’s legacy while elevating the experience for future generations.”

The Koretsky family looks forward to working closely with the IHRA throughout 2026 and beyond.

With IHRA ownership, Maple Grove Raceway is expected to see continued investment in racer-focused services, fan amenities, youth and grassroots development, safety programs, and infrastructure improvements. This acquisition reinforces IHRA’s broader vision to elevate drag racing at every level while protecting the traditions that have made it a cornerstone of American motorsports.

Additional announcements regarding upcoming events, programming, and future initiatives at Maple Grove Raceway will be released in the coming months.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is a global motorsports sanctioning body dedicated to racer-first competition, fan engagement, and the advancement of motorsports across multiple disciplines—including drag racing, stock car racing, offshore powerboating, drag boat racing, snowmobile competition, and more. IHRA is committed to innovation, safety, and the long-term sustainability of competitive racing.

This story was originally published on December 13, 2025.

Spire Motorsports announced its crew chief lineup and competition director roles for the 2026 season on Dec. 12 and in doing so confirmed its return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

The team will field a pair of trucks, the Nos. 7 and 77, in the series alongside its previously announced three-car NASCAR Cup Series effort.

Both the Cup crew chief lineup (Ryan Sparks, Travis Peterson and Luke Lambert) and Truck roster (Brian Pattie for the No. 7, Chad Walter for the No. 77) remain unchanged.

2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Awards

Matt McCall, who had been the team’s director of vehicle performance, is now the Cup competition director, while Bono Manion, previously crew chief of the team’s No. 71 entry in the Truck Series, will be its Truck competition director.

Spire has not yet announced who will drive its Truck entries. In 2025, the Nos. 7 and 77 were piloted by a variety of drivers, while the No. 71 was driven by Rajah Caruth, who has since moved to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

Executive Editor at Frontstretch

Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.

At his day job, he’s a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio — you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.

The North Florida Motorsports Park (NFMP), spearheaded by racing legend Bobby Rahal, has been announced as a premier 600-acre automotive destination in Nassau County, FL. The project features a world-class private racetrack designed by Rahal, a celebrated figure in motorsports, and aims to blend high-performance driving with refined community living. Additional offerings include luxury trackside condos, exclusive garages, a members-only club, a public karting track, and on-site villas. Together with operational expertise from Atlanta Motorsports Park, NFMP aims to become a sanctuary for automotive enthusiasts. This venture marks an exciting new chapter for motorsports in Florida.

By the Numbers

• 600-acre site in Nassau County, FL.
• Includes luxury trackside condominiums, exclusive garages, and a public karting track.

State of Play

• The site is strategically located just west of Interstate 95, near the Georgia border.
• Design plans emphasize safety and performance, with input from leading architects.

What’s Next

The NFMP project will continue its development phase, gearing up for construction and eventual opening. Anticipation is growing among automotive enthusiasts and investors for membership opportunities and events. Future plans may include hosting major racing events and automotive-themed gatherings.

Bottom Line

The NFMP promises to redefine the motorsport experience in Florida, catering not only to racers but also to families and enthusiasts alike. This innovative community approach could set a new standard for automotive destinations, blending luxury living with high-octane excitement.

Alexander Dunne (pictured) ended 2025 in fine form, setting the fastest lap of the final day of the Yas Marina post-season test.

The Rodin Motorsport driver’s 1:37.153 led the way in the morning session, before Oliver Goethe continued his strong performances over the three days with 1:38.274 in the afternoon.

MORNING

New medium tyres were used by most teams to start the day, with Van Amersfoort Racing’s Rafael Villagómez leading the way after the first laps with a 1:39.387.

On the next push lap, Kush Maini went to P1 with a 1:39.864, only for Dunne to eclipse that by 0.105s to go to the top.

There was a brief Red Flag period just after, with Sebastián Montoya having stopped on track at Turn 14.

Once the action resumed, VAR switched to the Supersoft tire with Villagómez and Nicolás Varrone, and the former went quickest on a 1:37.715. He then improved to a 1:37.502, putting over half a second between he and Cian Shields in P2, with his teammate in P3.

As the first hour came to a close, Villagómez improved to a 1:37.300, with Maini his closest rival, 0.169s down in P2.

The gap continued to come down to Villagómez, with Nikola Tsolov, Mari Boya and Rafael Câmara all taking turns going up to second.

Maini eventually beat the VAR driver’s time by 0.137s, before Dunne returned to P1 with a 1:37.153, putting him just 0.010s clear out in front.

Race runs, pit stop and race start practices were then the focus for the rest of the session, with Dunne ending up on top ahead of Maini, Villagómez, Dino Beganovic and Câmara.

AFTERNOON

Boya got the afternoon underway with the fastest time of a 1:40.152. But he was later moved down to P2 by Goethe, who went quickest on a 1:38.274.

Long runs then became the focus for most of the afternoon session, as the drivers looked to get their final race simulations in for the year.

However, a few did move up the timesheets with Montoya going to P2 ahead of his PREMA teammate Boya.

Then came Laurens van Hoepen for TRIDENT in third, as well as Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak, who jumped up to P4 with just under an hour to go.

Into the final 20 minutes and Roman Bilinski moved up to fifth for DAMS Lucas Oil.

Heading into the last five minutes, Rodin sent their drivers out for a couple of flying laps. Dunne was just 0.083s shy of Goethe’s time in second, while Stenshorne followed him across the line to go to P3.

The duo went for second push attempts but could not improve, leaving Goethe on top in the afternoon.

That wraps up the 2025 season, but 2026 is just around the corner with Round 1 in Melbourne set for March 6-8.

DAY 3, MORNING SESSION

DAY 3, AFTERNOON SESSION