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

The path to professional motorsports is rarely linear, but for Vinnie Meskelis, the road to the 2026 NASCAR Euro Series has been paved with exceptional grit. Today, the 19-year-old Dallas resident was officially confirmed for the 2026 PRO championship, securing his place on the grid after an impressive showing at the December NASCAR Recruitment Test in Fontenay-Le-Comte, France.

Meskelis will also assume the role of Official Brand Ambassador for the series in both the United States and Brazil. This dual role is personal for Meskelis, who was born in Brazil and immigrated to the U.S. with his parents in 2014. His ascent from a grassroots dreamer to an international competitor is a testament to the blue-collar work ethic that defines the spirit of NASCAR racing.

Unlike many of his contemporaries who began racing almost before they could walk, Meskelis got a late start. It wasn’t until 2020 that he purchased his first used kart. To fund the operation, he mowed lawns throughout his neighborhood, saving every dollar to buy into the 206 class at his local track.

The timing coincided with the global pandemic. With his father on furlough and later working from home, the duo turned a challenging global situation into an intense training regimen, hitting the track four to five times a week. This condensed timeframe allowed Meskelis to accelerate his development, quickly mastering race craft that usually takes years to refine.

Meskelis brings a unique “garage-first” mentality to the European paddock. Lacking the budget for a full crew during his formative years, he served as both driver and lead mechanic. He taught himself the intricacies of chassis tuning and data analytics to save costs, often competing as a privateer operation against powerhouse teams with deep pockets.

This mechanical aptitude has translated directly to his academic life, where he is currently a second-year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Texas at Dallas. His ability to interpret data and understand the physics of the vehicle will be a critical asset as he transitions to the heavy, high-horsepower V8 machinery used in the European circuit.

“I’m incredibly excited to begin this new chapter in my career by stepping into the NASCAR Euro Series PRO division,” Meskelis stated. “After driving the car for the first time during the NASCAR Recruitment Test, I knew immediately that this was the right next step.”

Meskelis views his entry into the series not just as a personal milestone, but as a platform to advocate for diversity in American motorsports. By carrying the flag for both the U.S. and Brazil, he aims to bridge the gap between two passionate racing cultures.

While the specific team and car number for the 2026 season will be announced at a later date, Meskelis’s goal remains the same as it was when he was mowing lawns to buy tires: outwork the competition and park it in Victory Lane.

NASCAR Euro Series PR

In an exciting move for NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, NHRA officials announced today that U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, a standout facility in Martin, Mich., has joined the NHRA Member Track Network as part of NHRA’s North Central Division (Division 3).

Known as “The Fastest Track in Michigan,” the track is one of the Midwest’s premier drag racing facilities and is well established as a favorite for both racers and fans.

U.S. 131 Motorsports Park first opened in 1962 and has an extensive schedule each year, including grassroots, regional and national events. Home to everything from nitro matches and jet cars to a standout bracket racing scene, the facility has continued to be a standout destination under Jason Peterson and his family for more than two decades.

“Our decision to move to NHRA sanctioning comes from listening closely to our racers and looking toward the long-term future of the sport,” said Peterson, VP of Operations at US 131 Motorsports Park. “The NHRA provides an incredible platform for growth, safety, and competitive opportunity. We’re excited to bring our racers expanded programs, national-level support, and a stronger path for advancement. This is a major step forward for our entire racing community.”

By joining the NHRA Member Track Network, U.S. 131 Motorsports Park will be eligible to offer racers in the area a variety of NHRA-sanctioned racing opportunities in the future, including the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Street Legal, NHRA Jr. Street and more. Additionally, the track will have the chance to host NHRA specialty events like the NHRA Summit King of the Track and more.

Next year, the facility will host an NHRA national open on July 8-9, leading into a Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional event on July 10-12.

NHRA is also eager to introduce new programs to engage grassroots racers, as well as expanding opportunities in junior drag racing and helping build events to showcase the standout competitors in the area. The track will also get access to NHRA’s extensive support programs, insurance benefits and national marketing platforms as it enters an exciting stage in its existence.

“The addition of US 131 Motorsports Park to the NHRA North Central Division has been a long-standing goal, and we are thrilled to see it become a reality,” NHRA North Central Division Director William Tharpe said. “Jason Peterson and his family have built a world-class facility that is widely respected throughout the industry, offering competitors an exceptional experience. Their inclusion will play a key role in strengthening NHRA’s presence in Michigan and elevating the overall experience for racers and fans alike.

“The timing couldn’t be better as we celebrate NHRA’s 75th Anniversary. Consistency has always been one of our greatest strengths, and we look forward to extending that same level of support and stability to Jason and the US 131 Motorsports Park team.”

For more information on NHRA, including the 2026 schedule, visit www.nhra.com.

This story was originally published on December 12, 2025.

The 2025 motorsport season has concluded with a stunning FIA Awards show in Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent. Gathering the champions and stars from across the FIA’s seven World Championship categories, it was a night to remember not only for the winners but also for the 2,500 motorsport fans who joined their heroes in Tashkent’s Humo Arena for the first time ever.

In the presence of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov, the ceremony officially crowned the winning drivers, co-drivers and navigators following an intense season of competition, with the event being hosted by the National Automobile and Karting Federation of Uzbekistan (NAFKU) and supported by partners Rolex, DHL, Hankook and AlphaTauri.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “Here in Tashkent, we have celebrated the members of our motorsport family whose commitment, spirit and dedication sit at the very heart of our sport. We have also looked toward the champions of tomorrow, those at the start of their journeys, taking their first steps and achieving their first successes.

“My sincere congratulations to all our deserving winners; it is an honor to celebrate with you.”

From their earliest days of competition, motorsport athletes dream of one day becoming a World Champion, and the storied trophies handed out on stage at the FIA Awards are the culmination of those dreams becoming a reality. The evening’s theme – Dreams of a Champion – was woven into the spellbinding show which told the story of 2025’s epic seasons that saw multiple World Champions clinch victory on the final day of their respective campaigns.

Max Verstappen Sick, unable to attend, sent this message:

From its earliest days, motor sport has always driven society forward, and to honour those who have not just created better racing but have improved all our lives, the FIA President’s Innovation Award this year went to a truly legendary figure – Enzo Ferrari. The award was received by Enzo’s son and Ferrari Vice Chairman Piero Ferrari, with Formula 1 star Charles Leclerc also making the trip to Uzbekistan in support of the legendary marque and its continued success across the globe.

Among the new features for 2025 was the FIA WRC of the Year Award, which was presented to an organization that has shown outstanding commitment to rally sport – a discipline close to the President’s heart as a former champion rally driver.

The inaugural Rally del Paraguay exceeded all targets and expectations, working hand-in-hand with the FIA administration, the host ASN, the national and regional government authorities, the media and commercial partners in the true collaborative spirit of rallying. Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña received the award on stage from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

A new champion was crowned in the FIA Formula One World Championship as Lando Norris realized his boyhood dream to reach the very pinnacle of the sport. Norris’ McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri was in the hunt to the final checkered flag, and takes home the third-place trophy from Tashkent. The McLaren team secured the Constructor’s trophy for the second time in style, with Zak Brown and Andrea Stella taking home the silverware having moved out of reach of their rivals at the Singapore Grand Prix.

It was an evening of elation for Ferrari in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The Scuderia secured not only the Manufacturers’ title, but third for the #50 car, second for the #83 AF Corse trio and the World Championship for Drivers with the triumphant crew of car #51 – Alessandro Pier Guidi, Antonio Giovinazzi and James Calado.

In the off-road and rally world it was Japanese manufacturer Toyota flying high once again, with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing teams triumphing in the FIA World Rally and World Rally-Raid Championships in 2025.

An incredible record-equalling ninth FIA World Rally Championship Drivers’ crown was awarded to Sébastien Ogier, with his co-driver Vincent Landais receiving the World Champion trophy for the first time. The pair were pushed all the way to the last stage of the last rally of the season in Saudi Arabia by Toyota stablemates Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin.

There was a new driver at the summit of the driver standings in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship as an emotional Lucas Moraes received his award on-stage at the Humo Arena, while in the battle for Navigator’s Championship glory, Edouard Boulanger took the title for the second consecutive season.

It was familiar ground for World Rallycross star Johan Kristoffersson at the FIA Awards, as the Swedish driver surged to an amazing eighth championship victory at the wheel of his VW Polo RX1e. Tommy Kristoffersoson joined his son to take home the teams’ title for KMS.

Back to circuit racing, and a fairytale campaign for Oliver Rowland that secured the Nissan driver his first ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. It was only an illness-enforced absence from the round in Portland that denied Oliver Rowland a genuine shot at the Season 10 crown, but 12 months on, the Briton was not to be denied, as he swept to title glory in fine style. In the battle for both Teams’ and Manufacturers’ glory it was one of motor sport’s most storied brands with TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team and Porsche securing the respective crowns.

The drivers on the first step of the global ladder, the FIA’s Karting World Championships, were center stage on the night that celebrated the Dreams of a Champion. Britain’s Noah Baglin began his journey up the motor sport pyramid with his title victory in the OK-Junior category, while Belgium’s Thibaut Ramaekers and Dutch driver Senna van Walstijn took the title win in OK and KZ classes respectively.

The FIA Rookie of the Year is always a barometer for future stardom, rewarding those drivers that truly stand out in their first season of a new category – the likes of Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri are all former winners of this award. This year, the honour went to newly-crowned FIA Formula 3 Champion Rafael Câmara.

For the full list of 2025 champions and award winners, view the official FIA Prize Giving brochure here.  For pictures from the gala click here.

Drag racing rising star Jordan Vandergriff has been named as the driver of John Force Racing’s Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

The announcement was made Friday at the NHRA booth during Day 2 of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

“This is a dream come true to have the opportunity not only with John Force Racing, the premier team in NHRA Drag Racing, but to drive the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Funny Car for the greatest Funny Car driver of all time,” said Vandergriff. “As a kid growing up in the sport, you look at John and you see the greatness he’s portrayed, so the fact that I get to drive a Funny Car for him is amazing.”

The California native had two NHRA starts in 2025, driving in relief of injured Top Fuel driver Shawn Reed at Brainerd and Indianapolis. In the 11 Top Fuel races of his rookie season in 2019, Vandergriff earned a runner-up finish at Dallas and two other semi-final showings. He has served as an NHRA on FOX reporter the past two seasons.

“I think the transition to Funny Car is going to be fine. I’ve proven that I can drive the Top Fuel car well and the Funny Car presents a new fun challenge. It’s a shorter wheelbase and a lot more violent but I did some test hits in 2024 in John’s car and, ever since, I’ve had to itch to drive these cars.”

Cornwell Quality Tools began its partnership with John Force Racing in 2019 and has steadily expanded its presence. They have been the primary sponsor of the Funny Car program the past two seasons and held the primary position on Brittany Force’s Top Fuel dragster team at the 2025 U.S. Nationals when she set the national speed record of 343.51 mph. Cornwell Quality Tools is also the Official Professional Tools of NHRA.

“We are incredibly excited about today’s announcement from John Force Racing and to welcome Jordan Vandergriff to the Cornwell Tools Funny Car program,” said Cornwell Quality Tools CEO Bob Studenic. “Jordan is a dynamic talent with the skill, professionalism, and competitive fire that align perfectly with Cornwell’s values and our commitment to excellence.

“With more than 810 hardworking, USA-based Cornwell dealers representing our brand coast to coast, this partnership is bigger than racing—it’s a celebration of the drive, integrity, and craftsmanship that define who we are. Our dealers, employees, and customers have helped build Cornwell Tools into a championship-caliber organization, and we look forward to standing beside Jordan and the entire JFR team as we chase even greater success in the year ahead.

“This is an exciting moment for Cornwell Tools. We’re proud to continue our longstanding relationship with John Force Racing, and we can’t wait for our dealers to experience another season of world-class competition with the Cornwell Tools Funny Car.”

“I have a great relationship with Cornwell Quality Tools and I’m super happy they decided to pick me,” said Vandergriff. “They’re such a quality brand and they’ve done so much in the world of NHRA Drag Racing. I’m excited that I get to help their dealers sell tools and celebrate race wins together!”

John Force Racing’s full 2026 lineup will include 2012 Funny Car Champion Jack Beckman, Alexis DeJoria and Vandergriff in Funny Car and Josh Hart in Top Fuel.

“We’re proud to announce Jordan Vandergriff as the driver of the Cornwell Quality Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car for John Force Racing,” John Force said. “We worked closely with the folks at Cornwell Tools to make sure we had the right fit for their program. Jordan did a great job when he tested with us a couple of years ago but we didn’t have a place for him at the time. Now that we have all of our drivers in place, we can focus 100 percent on preparing our cars and teams for the 2026 season.”

Veteran crew chief Chris Cunningham will move to the Cornwell Tools team from John Force Racing’s Peak Antifreeze and Coolant Funny Car with 2012 Funny Car Champion Jack Beckman. Cunningham has been a key part of John Force Racing in various positions since 2016.

“This is the opportunity I’ve been working towards. I’ve always wanted to run a full season and compete for a championship,” said Vandergriff. “I want the chance to run with the best and prove that I can be one of the best. This car has won two championships in a row, and Cunningham has so much experience. I have great respect for what he’s done in the sport, and I’m honored that I get to work with him.”

Further announcements from John Force Racing will be made in the coming weeks.

This story was originally published on December 12, 2025.

Motor racing’s Nascar series has reached a settlement with its 23XI and Front Row Motorsports teams with which it has been embroiled in a long-term legal feud over antitrust concerns surrounding stock car racing.

Front Row Motorsports and 23XI (co-owned by NBA icon Michael Jordan) accused Nascar of monopolistic practices relating to its revenue-sharing “charter” model, introduced in 2016 and renewed in 2024, through which the pair claimed Nascar worked to prevent competition.

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The settlement, financial terms of which will remain confidential, has ended the case, with a number of notable concessions that could change the landscape of Nascar for the future.

Both 23XI and Front Row Motorsport have regained their charters, three each, which were suspended amid the court proceedings.

Furthermore, the 36 charters of all 15 Nascar teams will now become ‘evergreen’, effectively making them permanent rather than expiring, and those teams now have an increased say in the governance of the series, and crucially, an increased share in the series’ overall revenue.

The teams have, reportedly, already been made aware of these changes in a Thursday meeting, with the new rules to be implemented at a later date.

Also reinstated is the three-strike rule, now expanded to five strikes, which allows teams to flag complaints with Nascar rule changes and, if a team were to reach that three (now five) strike threshold, they could depart to race for a rival stock car series.

The decision came after both plaintiffs rested their case after eight days of court in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Following the conclusion of the case, Bob Jenkins, owner of the Front Row Motorsports team, commented: “After more than 20 years in this sport, today gives me real confidence in where we’re headed.

“It was clear we needed a system that treated our teams, drivers, and sponsors fairly and kept the competition strong. With this change, we can finally build long-term value and have a real voice in Nascar’s future.”

In a separate statement, Nascar chief executive and chair Jim France added: “This outcome gives all parties the flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans, which has always been our highest priority since the sport was founded in 1948.

“We worked closely with race teams and tracks to create the Nascar charter system in 2016, and it has proven invaluable to their operations and to the quality of racing across the Cup Series. Today’s agreement reaffirms our commitment to preserving and enhancing that value, ensuring our fans continue to enjoy the very best of stock car racing for generations to come.”

The next season of Nascar will begin on February 15, 2026, with the iconic Daytona 500 race.

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