Lewis Takes Super Hooligan Win, DiBrino In A Twins Cup Runaway, And Knebel Scores Build.Train.Race. Victory
SHELTON, WA – June 29, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz went into Saturday’s Motovation Supersport race at Ridge Motorsports Park knowing it was go-time as he trailed championship leader PJ Jacobsen by 20 points. The South African responded in kind, dropping the hammer in the closing stages of the race to pull away from Jacobsen, who had inherited second place when Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott crashed out while chasing Scholtz with three laps to go.
Now that points gap is down to 15.
Although the battle at the front lacked for passes, it oozed suspense with Scholtz out front and Scott and Rahal Ducati Moto w/XPEL’s Jacobsen applying pressure from behind. With Jacobsen fading a bit in the latter stages, it was a two-man race that looked set to go the distance. However, with three laps to go, Scott crashed his Suzuki GSX-R750 in the chicane in a carbon copy of Scholtz’s crash that ruined his Q2 session earlier in the day.
Riding a Yamaha YZF-R9 with a set-up that was basically unknown to him since he’d crashed early in Q2 and didn’t get to test the team’s latest set-up, Scholtz nabbed the holeshot from pole position (earned in Friday’s Q1) but used patience while making sure the motorcycle was the way he needed it. Turns out it was good enough as Scholtz raced to his third victory of the season by 4.2 seconds over Jacobsen, who had resigned himself to third before Scott crashed his Suzuki.
A resilient Cameron Petersen’s mood turned from dismay to elation as he fought the pain of his injured shoulder to finish third on his Celtic/Economy Lube+Tire/Warhorse HSBK Ducati Panigale V2 for his second podium of the season.
In order to get on the podium, Petersen had to pull off a last-lap pass on Strack Racing’s Blake Davis, beating the teenager to the flag by .333 of a second.
Jacobsen’s teammate Kayla Yaakov was fifth with Scott remounting to finish sixth. Altus Motorsports’ Jake Lewis was hot on Scott’s heels and just ahead of BPR Racing Yamaha’s Teagg Hobbs, who came out on top of a race-long battle with his teammate Josh Hayes.
Corey Alexander finished 10th on the third of the Rahal Ducatis.
“I just didn’t feel good,” Scholtz said. “From Friday practice, I was pretty bummed with the pace. We made a few changes coming into qualifying two and I crashed in the third or fourth lap, so didn’t get to try any other changes. Damaged the forks. We had to change that. So, coming into this race now, we didn’t have the same set-up that we had yesterday or in qualifying two. We used some of qualifying two, some that we had on Friday afternoon. I wasn’t really sure how the bike would actually feel. So, the first couple laps I was just kind of feeling out the bike, feeling what it would do, and I didn’t feel good. At the halfway point I was sort of feeling a little bit better, hitting my marks more. But I could see that Tyler (Scott) was actually catching me. I think it was maybe four laps to go, I felt like I did a really good lap time, but I couldn’t see. The dashboard wasn’t working properly. So, I wasn’t sure if I was doing 42s or 43s or whatever, but it felt like I did something good. Then one lap turned to 1.5, so I thought he ran off or he crashed or something. So, I kind of chilled for the last three laps. Overall, I’m really happy with how things went. They worked so hard to get the bike ready for this race. It feels like I’m back up on the Superbike podium with Cam (Petersen) and PJ (Jacobsen). So that’s really cool. But overall, I’ve got a lot of things to try and look at and work on for the second race. To get back to a comfortable feeling. Through the middle of the corner, which is usually a strong point for me, I don’t feel confident. So, I’m really happy I managed to do this well with not feeling good there. So hopefully I can come out swinging and come out a little bit better for the second race.”
SC-Project Twins Cup – Di Mario By A Mile
Alessandro Di Mario destroyed the competition in Saturday’s SC-Project Twins Cup race at Ridge Motorsports Park with the Robem Engineering rider completely dominating the 12-lap race on his Aprilia RS 660.
The win wasn’t a surprise as the Kentuckian had plenty in hand all weekend, lapping two seconds quicker than the competition to take pole position for the two Twins Cup races.
After just five laps, Di Mario led by six seconds and it was a margin that continued to grow to the finish, with Aprilia rider crossing the finish line 12.4 seconds ahead of Karns/TST Industries Levi Badie, who came out the better in a fight with RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki’s Mathew Chapin by .214 of a second.
Fourth place went to Robem Engineering’s Hank Vossberg in his SC-Project Twins Cup debut. Vossberg was mostly alone, 8.9 seconds behind the battle for second and over 15 seconds ahead of fifth-placed Seth Dahmer.
Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing’s Dominic Doyle was in the battle for second until a mechanical issue slowed him. The South African managed to nurse his Yamaha home to sixth but was hit with a sanction after the race. Doyle’s computer was plugged into his bike for two minutes and 30 seconds too long after the team ignored officials’ instructions to remove the cable. Doyle will start his next race from the back of the grid.
“I had a big crash in qualifying so I can’t thank the team enough. Mike, Matt, Chad, just everybody that’s helped me put the bike back together. I wouldn’t be here without them, so I owe it to them. Thank you so much.”
Royal Enfield. Build.Train.Race. – First Of Three To Knebel
With two more races on the docket tomorrow, the women of Build.Train.Race. will have two more shots at trying to catch and beat Kira Knebel.
Knebel won Saturday’s Royal Enfield battle, topping Shea MacGregor by 7.5 seconds with pole-sitter Mirando Cain a shadow third and just .071 of a second behind MacGregor, who made a last-lap pass on Cain after a race-long battle.
The win was Knebel’s third on the season and it came after a practice crash left her with a badly battered motorcycle.
The top three were 26 seconds clear of fourth-placed Kate West, who in turn had 6.9 seconds on Camille Conrad.
“I couldn’t be here without the team,” Knebel said. “That was a very bad crash, and it’s incredible what they were able to pull off in the time that they were. My mechanic, Sean, I told him I had to win this for him because he flew out here early, rebuilt the entire thing, and it was ready for me to just button up once I got here. It’s so incredible what we’re able to do with the support that we have here with the team and all of the sponsors that help make this possible for us. Huge shout out to Royal Enfield and all of the other sponsors involved for getting us those extras and being able to make this happen for me and all the other women here. It’s really important to us to be able to do that. I appreciate all the people that are here watching us and everybody at home that is also helping make that happen.”
Mission Super Hooligan National Championship Powered By Harley Davidson – Weight No More
Saddlemen Race Development’s Jake Lewis shrugged off the mandated 38-pound weight-gain on his Harley-Davidson Pan America to win Saturday’s Mission Super Hooligan National Championship race with the Kentuckian leading every lap.
At the finish line, it was Lewis taking the victory over KWR Harley-Davidson’s James Rispoli (with his Pan America taking on an additional 24 pounds) by 1.9 seconds.
Third place went to Competition Werkes Racing’s Andy DiBrino and his Triumph 765 RS, with the Oregonian 2.9 seconds ahead of defending class champion Cory West. West had run off track while running second but was able to gather things up to finish fourth.
Rispoli’s KWR teammate Hayden Schultz rounded out the top five.
ARCH Racing’s Corey Alexander was sixth, his best finish of the year thus far on the Keanu Reeves-owned 2S-R.
Mathew Scholtz (1) came out on top of a battle with Tyler Scott (70) and PJ Jacobsen (15) in Supersport action at Ridge Motorsports Park on Saturday. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
The win was Scholtz’s third of the season and it moved him to within 15 points of Jacobsen in the title chase. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Alessandro Di Mario (1) gapped the field in just two corners and ended up winning the SC-Project Twins Cup race by over 12 seconds. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Jake Lewis (85) leads Cory West (1), Andy DiBrino (62), and James Rispoli (43) in the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship race at Ridge Motorsports Park on Saturday. Lewis won the race over Rispoli and DiBrino. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Kira Knebel took her third Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race. victory of the season in Saturday’s race one. Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Saturday photos available HERE
Saturday results:
Complete practice, qualifying and race results are available HERE.For complete 2025 MotoAmerica Media Resources please visit – 2025 MotoAmerica Media
About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com, and MotoAmerica’s social platforms on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on-demand service, MotoAmerica Live+
London, UK – 17 December, 2025 – Multi-Formula 1 championship-winning team boss Ross Brawn will receive the prestigious Autosport Gold Medal at the 2026 Autosport Awards this January, recognising a lifetime of achievement that has shaped the competitive and cultural fabric of modern grand prix racing.
The accolade, introduced in 2021 and previously awarded to Jean Todt, Roger Penske, and Sir Jackie Stewart, celebrates individuals whose service, leadership and innovation leave an enduring legacy for generations of fans and competitors.
Brawn’s influence on Formula 1 spans more than four decades. He engineered Michael Schumacher’s championship success at Benetton and went on to mastermind Ferrari’s dominant era in the early 2000s, forging one of the most successful partnerships the sport has ever seen.
In 2009, his own team, Brawn GP, stunned the world by winning both the F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in its only season, with Jenson Button’s title run becoming one of the most remarkable stories in the sport’s history. Widely regarded as one of the true architects of modern Formula 1, Brawn later played a defining role in shaping the sport’s current regulatory landscape and competitive future.
The Autosport Gold Medal incorporates the Gregor Grant Award, honouring Autosport’s founder and the values that continue to define the sport today. In 2025, the Awards marked a milestone moment by recognising Bernie Ecclestone with a special 75th Anniversary Trophy, underscoring the legacy awards among motorsport’s most significant distinctions.
Werner Brell, CEO at Motorsport Network, added: “The Autosport Awards are about celebrating the very highest achievers in motorsport. After recognising so many legends over the years, we’re delighted to be able to honour Ross Brawn in January. Ross has been one of the iconic figures of Formula 1 in the last 40 years. Starting out as an engineer he went on to lead the technical department at Benetton and won multiple world titles. His partnership with Michael Schumacher continued at Ferrari, where they dominated the sport in the 2000s. He then won the world championship with a team in his own name. I can’t think of a more worthy recipient for the Gold Medal. It should be a great night when he receives his medal honoured by his peers.”
BUSINESS OF RACING NOMINEES REVEALED
Alongside honouring icons of the sport, Autosport Awards also recognise the broader ecosystem driving motorsport forward – across innovation, commercial leadership, promotion, and fan engagement.
Brand Partnership of the Year
Brand partnerships continue to play a central role in how motorsport teams and series connect with audiences, deliver value, and build long-term brand equity. This year’s nominees reflect partnerships that have gone beyond visibility to drive meaningful engagement and storytelling across the sport.
Nominees: Elemis (Aston Martin), Marriott Bonvoy (Mercedes), Santander (F1), Shell, IBM (Ferrari), Ford (Red Bull Racing)
Promoter of the Year
From global destination races to heritage events with decades of history, promoters are increasingly responsible for shaping the live motorsport experience. According to the Motorsport Network x Formula 1 2025 Global F1 Fan Survey, intent to attend in-person events is rising: 41% of surveyed fans who haven’t attended an F1 fan experience plan to do so in the future.
The 2026 nominees recognise events that delivered strong attendance, commercial success, and continued investment in the fan experience.
Nominees: Miami Grand Prix, Goodwood Festival of Speed, Silverstone, Singapore Grand Prix, Las Vegas Grand Prix
Pioneering & Innovation
As motorsport enters a period of rapid change, innovation is increasingly shaping how the sport is raced, regulated, and experienced. This year’s nominees reflect the ideas and initiatives actively redefining motorsport’s next chapter.
Nominees: More than Equal, A2RL, Le Mans Ultimate, Formula E Pit Boost
Ends
About Autosport Awards
A Motorsport Network event, the prestigious Autosport Awards are an annual celebration of excellence in motorsport, uniting champions and innovators from across the sport, from Formula 1 to MotoGP, Formula E, IndyCar, NASCAR, World Rally Championship and more. At the heart of the Autosport Awards are the fans, who vote on eight major categories, from Driver of the Year, to Rookie of the Year and Moment of the Year. This year, a new category, Creator of the Year reflects the rise of creator-led storytelling and the expanding influence of fan-driven voices in the sport. Since 2024, the Autosport Awards have been held at the iconic Roundhouse in London, with the 38th edition taking place on 21 January, 2026.
About Motorsport Network
Motorsport Network is the world’s largest independent motorsport and automotive media platform, reaching more than 40 million unique users each month and engaging over 15 million followers across its social media channels. Its portfolio includes leading global brands such as Motorsport.com, Autosport, InsideEVs, RideApart, Motor1, and GPOne. Motorsport Network connects fans, brands, and the wider motorsport community, partnering with companies worldwide on sponsorship, advertising, and event collaborations that shape the future of the industry.
About Autosport Business Exchange
Launched in 2025, Autosport Business Exchange (ABX) is a global event series that serves as the premier platform for strategic dialogue and networking in the motorsport industry. Following successful editions in London, New York and Monaco, ABX has brought together senior leaders from across the world of racing, featuring headline speakers such as Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, and Apple’s Eddy Cue. The U.S. debut of ABX in New York centred on the theme of The Rise of Racing in America, marking a major milestone for the series. The next edition will take place in London on the morning of 21 January, 2026, ahead of the Autosport Awards.
Another day and another Nitro Motorsports signing. Toyota development driver Jade Avedisian is the latest to sign on. Avedisian is a rising star in motorsports. She has done things on dirt that no other woman has ever done. Now, she’s running part-time in ARCA.
In 2023, she became the youngest female to make the Chili Bowl Nationals A-Main and the first female to ever make the podium in the prestigious event. She claimed the Xtreme Outlaw Series Midget championship in the same year. Avedisian also has a win in the CARS Tour Pro Late Model division from earlier this year.
Jade Avedisian made a few ARCA starts this year with varying success. Now, she is back for another part-time schedule as she continues to develop her skills as a driver. Nitro Motorsports has a deep and diverse group of drivers already signed on for next year.
There are many in NASCAR who believe Jade Avedisian is going to pan out as a legitimate talent. She is one of a handful of women who have come up through the ranks in recent years with aspirations of making a real career out of the sport. Isabella Robusto is running full-time with Nitro and is another young woman who is going to be competitive in 2026.
As Nitro Motorsports fills out its roster of drivers, we get a clearer picture of who will be on track next year. Taking over the Venturini Motorsports operation is going to be tough. It appears that they are going to field a healthy number of cars. Will one of their drivers win the ARCA Menards Series championship in 2026, and keep the Venturini winning tradition alive?
Jade Avedisian has already impressed so many
You will find that Jade Avedisian has earned herself plenty of fans already. She wins races, is a great role model for girls younger than her in racing, and is someone who is pretty easy to root for. With Toyota and Nitro Motorsports, she should be able to develop and take her time adapting to stock cars.
She’s already won and been competitive in Pro Late Models. The CARS Tour is as good a series as any to develop racecraft and talent in a stock car. It is interesting that Avedisian is going to a part-time schedule. With her dirt background, I’m surprised she isn’t racing more in stock cars for 2026. Still, it is a new challenge, and that’s exciting for the young driver.
“I’m really excited to take the next step in my career with Nitro Motorsports,” Avedisian said in a press release. “Nitro Motorsports has been a huge part of my growth and transition into asphalt competition. Each level has taught me something new, and now getting the opportunity to move into ARCA is something I’ve worked hard for. I know there’s a lot to learn with these cars and these tracks, but I’m ready for the challenge and grateful to have Mobil 1, Yahoo, and Toyota supporting this next chapter.”
Nitro Motorsports is positioning itself as the Toyota development ladder team. That is their purpose now that they have taken over the Venturini organization. Joe Gibbs Racing will have the 18 car with a young and talented driver, or multiple drivers. But Nitro has a full operation.
Nitro has karts, Toyota GR Cup, Trans AM A2, and now ARCA. From the ground up, essentially. Jade Avedisian is taking her next step in 2026 with Nitro. It could be an audition for a full-time ride in 2027.
Darian Boesch wins 6 times in 10 finals to lead the DragChamp TD/TS Top 10 List, presented by Laris Motorsports Insurance
12/17/25 – Welcome to the 2025 DragChamp Top Dragster / Top Sportsman Racer of the Year Top 10 List presented by Laris Motorsports Insurance. We ranked the best racers of the year from the fastest sportsman classes. Read below to see which racers made the biggest impact over the 2025 season.
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Want to check out previous Top 10 Lists, click here.
DragChamp Top 10 List
1 – Darian Boesch
Darian Boesch wins six times in ten final round appearances to earn the 2025 DragChamp TD/TS Racer of the Year title. Boesch went to five finals in both his Top Sportsman Camaro and his Top Dragster winning three times in each category. His 2025 Top Sportsman campaign ended with him earning his second Top Sportsman world championship.
2 – Casey Plaizier
Casey Plaizier captured the 2025 Top Dragster championship in dramatic fashion by winning the NHRA World Finals to claim the championship. Casey was a perfect three for three in final rounds in his championship run which also earned him the Division 6 championship.
3 – Michael Chitty
Michael Chitty drove to six final rounds on the season winning four times to earn the #3 spot. Chitty finished #6 nationally and won the Division 5 championship.
4 – Dan Lafferty
Dan Lafferty made a run at the Top Sportsman championship but ended up 2nd in the world. Lafferty won four times in four finals on his way to the Division 6 championship.
5 – Jessica Eastburn
Jessica Eastburn led the Top Dragster standings on the last day of the season but ultimately finished in second place when Casey Plaizier won the final round at the World Finals. Eastburn had a great season winning four times in four finals on her way to the Division 1 championship.
6 – David Cook
David Cook made a run at the Top Sportsman title but finished third nationally after winning three times in four finals. Cook also won the Division 7 championship.
7 – Doug Crumlich
Doug Crumlich won three times in four finals on the season to finish 4th nationally and 5th in the Division 2 standings.
8 – Jeff Brooks
Jeff Brooks won the Division 1 championship and finished 5th nationally after winning three times in four final round appearances.
9 – Jeff Strickland
Jeff Strickland earned the Division 1 title after winning twice in 2025. He also finished 5th in the national standings to earn a Top 10 List spot.
10 – Jim Prevo
Jim Prevo closes out the TD/TS Top 10 List. Prevo won two of his three finals which helped him finish 4th in the national standings and third in the Division 3.
Let us know what you think about the DragChamp Top 10 List. We want to hear from you. Check us out on Facebook and share it with your friends.
And remember, look for our DragChamp Top 10 List nominations Facebook post every Monday evening. You can nominate your favorites in the comments of the post for consideration on the list.
DragChamp is your online source for sportsman drag race results, news, and updates.
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, reacts after the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Denny Hamlin is again at the center of NASCAR’s charter debate, this time after a major legal settlement. Following the end of the federal antitrust lawsuit between NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports, Hamlin publicly called for an apology from SiriusXM NASCAR Radio hosts. His comments came days after the case was settled in the U.S. District Court.
The lawsuit focused on NASCAR’s charter system and how teams share revenue and gain entry into races. Denny Hamlin, a co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside Michael Jordan, said earlier criticism from media voices now looks misplaced based on the evidence presented during the trial. The dispute has added another chapter to the ongoing tension between team owners, NASCAR leadership, and media voices tied closely to the sport.
Lawsuit settlement restores charters
The antitrust lawsuit ended on December 11, 2025, after nine days in federal court. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports challenged NASCAR’s charter system after refusing to sign. Trial testimony included claims that NASCAR owed the teams $364.7 million and underpaid all chartered teams by $20.3 billion. The case settled before a verdict, restoring six charters to 23XI and Front Row Motorsports under undisclosed terms.
Denny Hamlin challenges the NASCAR media
After the settlement, Denny Hamlin posted on social media and addressed SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, including Larry McReynolds. Responding to a promotional post for McReynolds’ show “On Track,” He wrote, “Good morning. Now that the case is settled and the evidence is out, will you or anyone on channel 90 be issuing an apology for what you all said about 23XI/FRM when the lawsuit was filed?”
Hamlin followed up with another post, listing examples of remarks he believed were unfair. “I believe it was ‘how dare them for trying to come in and change the sport. 23XI hasn’t been around long enough, and FRM wasn’t good enough. Also, how about ‘I don’t know what their problem is, 13 other teams signed it’? Just to name a few examples.”
When the lawsuit was filed, 13 other teams signed the charter agreement. SiriusXM hosts, including McReynolds, questioned why 23XI and Front Row Motorsports did not follow the same path.
Fan reactions follow Hamlin’s comments
Hamlin’s posts sparked reaction from fans online, including listeners of SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Some echoed his call for accountability and pointed to past coverage of the lawsuit.
“I’m waiting for Moody’s apology for the shitty way he was when he interviewed Mr. Kessler at the very beginning. I’m sure you realize how many hours of On Track have been entirely devoted to you for the last year. Figdets said.”
Another fan expressed doubt that any apology would come. “Why would they! They don’t have the decency. But don’t worry, we all know all the B.S they spewed and how bad it makes them look. Greg said.”
The lawsuit itself arose from broader concerns among team owners regarding NASCAR’s control over revenue, intellectual property, and barriers to new teams. With the legal case resolved, attention now turns to how the charter system operates moving forward. NASCAR has said the agreement strengthens partnerships and focuses on long-term growth.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Amy Earnhardt do not shy away from sharing stories about life at home with their daughters, Isla and Nicole. Over time, on their podcast Bless Your Hardt, they have revealed that their daughters have two very different personalities. However, it has been a while since the NASCAR icon last spoke about Amy’s pregnancy.
Junior has admitted that parenting often tests his patience, joking about how challenging the girls can be for both him and Amy. Still, those everyday frustrations never overshadow the memory of the moment his life shifted in a way no racetrack ever could.
That moment dates back to 2017, when Dale Jr. appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and reflected on how Amy revealed her first pregnancy. At the time, Amy was expecting Isla. Junior recalled that the day had already felt special long before he stepped through the front door. A lifelong Washington Redskins fan, he had been invited to a luncheon that served as the team’s season kickoff. The invitation alone thrilled him.
The event turned out to be better than he could have imagined, as Junior took the stage for a Q&A session in front of the entire team, soaking in an atmosphere he described as unforgettable. In his words, it felt like the greatest day. Riding that high, he returned home eager to tell Amy every detail, unaware that something far more significant awaited him.
The Earnhardts shared a household rule shaped by their shared addiction to Amazon shopping. Packages arrived frequently, but neither opened the other’s deliveries. That routine held firm until that day. Amy casually mentioned that she had opened one of his packages, a detail that barely registered with him at first. As Junior moved toward the parcel, Amy quietly started recording him.
What happened next was something surreal to Dale Jr. “So I reach into this little pouch, and I pull out a onesie. And I’m like, I don’t, I mean, I know right away what that means. And I’m like, just weird words are coming out of my mouth. I don’t even know what I said. It made zero sense.”
Before he could gather himself, Amy urged him to keep going. “And then she’s like, ‘Well, there’s more in the bag.’ So I reach in there. I pull out the pregnancy test. And so we’re crying. She’s crying, I’m crying.”
The shock gave way to emotion. Junior described how overwhelming the moment felt because of the big news itself. He later explained that he wanted to preserve that instant forever. He planned to place the onesie and the pregnancy test inside a Ziploc bag and store them safely downstairs.
To him, those items were the first tangible proof of his child’s existence. He wanted to keep them intact so that one day he could show his daughter the very test that confirmed she was on the way.
Now, as Bless Your ‘Hardt prepares for its next episode, the story might come full circle. Viewers might be eager to learn whether Junior followed through on that intention and ever showed Isla the onesie and pregnancy test.
The Comeback with a Backbone: Single-Mom Alli Owens Charges into ARCA to Champion Blue-Collar America and Empower the Next Generation of Women – Speedway Digest
Alli Owens is no stranger to grit. As a sole-custody single mother of three, a lifelong racer, and a woman carved from the blue-collar foundation of grassroots America, she is officially announcing her return to the ARCA Menards Series — and she’s coming back with purpose, conviction, and a message the sport needs to hear.
The Daytona Beach, Fla. native will make her official return in next month’s open practice session at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, before arriving for her return to series competition at the “World Center of Racing” for the season-opening race on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
She will pilot a car for Kimmel Racing, a mainstay organization in the ARCA Menards Series.
Owens’ comeback to the high banks isn’t just about racing again; it’s about reshaping the narrative of who belongs in motorsports.
Raised on hard work, built by real American families, and strengthened by the battles she’s faced off the track, Owens is stepping back into the driver’s seat to represent those who rarely get the spotlight — the working moms, the dreamers, the underdogs and the girls who need someone in the arena showing them what strength looks like.
“This comeback isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about responsibility,” said Owens.
“I’m returning to ARCA to carry the stories of the families who built this sport. The blue-collar men and women who passed racing down through generations.
“And I’m doing it to show young girls — including my daughters — that even when life hits hard, you can still rise, rebuild and lead.”
Her return also aligns with the community-focused nonprofit Raising Hearts Building Futures Foundation (RHBFF), run by Owens and founded by Terri Lynn Brearey, which works directly with middle – and high-school students, single parents and struggling families.
Together, the mission is simple: bring heart, history, mentorship, and human connection back into communities that feel overlooked.
Owens plans to bridge the world of motorsports with real-life impact by integrating career-driven programs, school engagement, youth sports empowerment, and storytelling rooted in lived experience.
Through the ARCA Menards Series, she aims to give a platform to the families and kids who deserve to be seen, heard and believed in.
Her presence in ARCA marks a refreshing shift at a time when NASCAR’s grassroots audience craves authenticity.
Owens isn’t returning quiet, polished or packaged — she’s returning real, driven by the people who built the sport: blue-collar, hardworking Americans who understand grit better than anyone.
“Women aren’t here just to fill a quota, we’re here to lead,” explained Owens. “My journey has been messy, painful, beautiful and brave — and I’m stepping back into ARCA to prove that motherhood doesn’t end dreams; it multiplies the purpose behind them.”
As anticipation builds for her Daytona return, Owens is inviting partners, brands and organizations who share her passion for impact, authenticity and community storytelling to join her mission.
Her comeback isn’t about getting back in the game. It’s about changing it.
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