Dale Earnhardt Jr., just like the rest of the NASCAR community, is keeping a close eye on the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports versus NASCAR antitrust lawsuit trial. Through now eight days of court, Earnhardt has heard some things that he doesn’t particularly like.

23XI and FRM have pointed out that NASCAR, along with Marcus Smith‘s Speedway Motorsports, own most of the racetracks on the Cup Series schedule. Earnhardt is hoping that the teams’ goal is not to get NASCAR to sell the tracks in which they own.

“There’s been a point made about NASCAR owning the racetracks. I don’t know that 23XI wants NASCAR to sell their tracks. I’m hoping that’s not really what they’re asking,” Earnhardt said on Tuesday’s Dale Jr. Download. “I think they’re using that against NASCAR because NASCAR did tell some other people like Marcus Smith and so forth, ‘You’re gonna have to sign an exclusivity deal because we don’t want anyone else running a race before we come into town.’

“That’s not unusual in any other sports and arenas and so forth. But I think there’s been something made about NASCAR owning the racetracks and the way they’ve restricted use of those facilities is helping the argument of 23XI.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. issues warning to 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports

Economist Edward Snyder testified Monday that NASCAR has violated antitrust laws because “teams don’t have anywhere else to sell their services,” citing NASCAR’s ownership of “the tracks, the teams and the cars.” Snyder then brought up the exclusivity agreements NASCAR began entering into with racetracks after the charter system began in 2016.

The agreements keep racetracks from hosting events with rival racing series. Snyder, according to The Associated Press, stated his belief that NASCAR entered into the agreements in an effort to stave off any threats of a potential startup series.

If 23XI and FRM’s position is that NASCAR needs to sell their racetracks, Earnhardt strongly encourages them to reconsider. He noted the current landscape in regard to owning racetracks, which he called a non-lucrative business. Earnhardt questions the future of the sport if NASCAR is forced to sell its racetracks.

“It’s kind of got to be a be careful what you wish for kind of thing because No. 1, no one’s building racetracks. Building a racetrack today is not a financial success. Running a racetrack today is not a lucrative operation,” Earnhardt said. “No one is clamoring to go out there and build any type of racetrack, big or small. … No one’s in the business of owning racetracks. Nobody’s gonna be standing on the steps waiting for those tracks to go to the highest bidder.

“If NASCAR and Marcus don’t own these racetracks, who does? They’re gonna turn into development, they’re gonna be turned into Amazon centers — they won’t be racetracks. What will happen is in 10 years, we’ll be racing on a bunch of street courses and road courses, no sh*t. So, everybody kind of be careful around that because as unique as it is, we need NASCAR to own the tracks they own because it’s really a lost or dying sort of business model.”

Day 9 of the trial will resume Thursday. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Western District of North Carolina courthouse in Charlotte.

MILTON — The Vermont Motorsports Hall of Fame inducted its inaugural class Saturday, honoring nine trailblazing figures in the state’s racing history during a sold-out ceremony at Vermont SportsCar in Milton.

The Dec. 6 event marked the official launch of the new hall of fame and drew a crowd of 175 people — many representing different eras and disciplines of motorsports across Vermont. Restored racecars connected to several inductees were displayed throughout the facility.

The Class of 2025 included John Buffum, Tom Curley, Harmon “Beaver” Dragon, Bobby Dragon, C.V. “Chuck” Elms II, Shirley Muldowney, C.J. Richards, Ken Squier and Gardner “The General” Stone. East Thetford driver Brandon Gray was also recognized as the organization’s first Racer of the Year.

Inductees recognized for decades of contributions

Buffum, of Colchester, is widely considered the top American rally driver of all time, with 23 national championships and 123 major event victories. Vermont SportsCar founder Lance Smith credited Buffum as a driving inspiration for the team and its Milton facility.

Curley — the longtime Thunder Road co-owner and founder of the NASCAR North Tour and American-Canadian Tour — was honored posthumously. The renowned stock car promoter died in 2017.

Milton natives Beaver and Bobby Dragon were celebrated for their legacies on asphalt tracks across the region. Beaver Dragon won back-to-back NASCAR North Tour titles in 1979 and 1980 and was a multi-time track champion at Airborne Park Speedway and Catamount Stadium.

His brother Bobby remains the winningest Vermont-born asphalt stock car driver in history with 145 documented victories and 21 championships.

Elms, who died in 1989, played a pivotal role in establishing Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford and previously served as president of Northeastern Speedway. His award was accepted by family members.

Muldowney, a South Hero-raised pioneer known worldwide as “The First Lady of Drag Racing,” became the first woman licensed by the NHRA in 1965 and earned three Top Fuel world championships.

Richards, a well-known dirt track promoter from Fair Haven, founded Devil’s Bowl Speedway and managed multiple venues across Vermont and New York before his death in 2012.

Waterbury native Squier — a legendary broadcaster and co-founder of both Thunder Road and Milton’s former Catamount Stadium — was inducted posthumously. Squier, who died in 2023, was added to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2018.

Stone, of Middlebury, was recognized for decades of success in tractor pulling, stock car racing and drag racing. A five-time NTPA Grand National champion, he earned an NHRA national event win at age 74.

Racer of the Year

Gray, 28, captured the VMHoF’s first Racer of the Year award following an 18-win season across multiple divisions, including the Super Street championship at Claremont Motorsports Park. He also earned Rookie of the Year honors at Thunder Road in Late Models.

Gray was selected from among 20 nominees through a committee vote and a public fan vote that drew more than 500 responses.

A community gathering

VMHoF president Justin St. Louis emceed the ceremony. Family members accepted awards on behalf of several inductees who have passed.

The event was supported by underwriting partners including G. Stone Motors of Middlebury, Goss Cars of South Burlington and New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Dinner was catered by The Roving Feast of Waterville, with technical support from VT Audio Visual of Burlington.

The organization plans to open nominations soon for the Class of 2026. More information is available at vermontmotorsports.net/halloffame.

While Rick Hendrick has not taken to the stand in the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports versus NASCAR antitrust lawsuit trial in Charlotte, North Carolina, a letter from the longtime team owner has helped shed light on his frustrations with the 2024 charter agreement at he heart of the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges “monopolistic” practices from NASCAR in response to the controversial charter agreement, which is set to run through 2031, and neither 23XI nor FRM signed up for by the September 6, 2024, deadline.

As a result, both teams eventually lost their charters late in the 2025 season, totaling six rides, ahead of the lawsuit, which will help shape the future of NASCAR and its charter system.

Throughout the course of the trial thus far, it has become clear that there was hesitance from other teams to sign the agreement, including Joe Gibbs Racing, as per co-owner Heather Gibbs, and Richard Childress Racing, as per its namesake.

One major sticking point during negotiations between NASCAR bosses and team owners was the latter’s desire for permanent charters, with letters from RFK Racing’s Jack Roush, Team Penske’s Roger Penske, and Hendrick Motorsports’ Rick Hendrick all being presented as proof of this, as per Jayski.

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Hendricks’ letter to NASCAR CEO Jim France from April 2024 has since made its way onto social media, via Bob Pockrass, in which he offers a fascinating insight into the team’s financial structure, noting how teams have “reached a breaking point.”

“You and I have become good friends. I have tremendous respect for you and truly value our personal relationship. In turn, I understand you must prioritize business and the best interests of your company, your family and your employees,” Hendrick wrote. 

“But for the sake of transparency, I want to share my dismay at the state of these negotiations and the ineffective process we’ve endured over the last two years. Both sides have wasted a tremendous amount of time and resources, and we find ourselves at an unnecessary impasse.”

Hendrick explained how, despite winning two Cup Series titles in the previous five years, his team has still run at a total loss of $20 million, going on to label the existing model as “unsustainable for teams and cannot continue without substantive, fundamental change.”

He added how his team has helped bring in key sponsors to the sport, such as Ally and NAPA Auto Parts, while they spend $20 million annually on “sponsorship and advertising with NASCAR’s broadcast partners.”

Hendrick went on to break down his team’s gargantuan spending, saying, “To allow our racing programs to operate, Hendrick Automotive Group did $1 billion in business with Hendrick Motorsports sponsors in 2023, including:

“Ally: 22,000 loan originations ($951 million in retail paper)

“UniFirst: 24,000 uniforms leased ($4 million)

“Axalta: 33,000 gallons of Axalta paint used ($8.5 million purchased)

“Valvoline: 887,000 gallons of oil poured

“NAPA: 1.2 million parts purchased ($9 million)”

Hendrick felt that despite investing in and promoting NASCAR for four decades, “The message I continue to hear from NASCAR is that the teams bring no value, our rights are worthless, and we don’t know how to run a viable business.

“To be made to feel that my family’s investments and sacrifices are not appreciated, valued or respected by NASCAR is disappointing, to put it mildly,” he said. “To be asked to consider a lesser deal, as your most recent proposal suggests, is a slap in the face. I will not agree to it.”

He called upon France to meet with team owners as a collective to find a mutually beneficial middle ground, commenting, “In my heart, I know there is a win-win solution that will allow all of us to thrive for many, many more years.”

However, Hendricks’ pleas fell on deaf ears, with France testifying regarding permanent charters, via Pockrass, “I don’t have a sightline to the future and I don’t want to make a promise forever that I can’t keep.” His stance remains that permanent charters would remove any sense of flexibility from NASCAR’s structure moving forward.

The intersection of digital precision and high-octane reality takes center stage as the 2025 Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show returns to the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium.  

Running from Dec. 11-13, the trade show highlights a rapidly expanding sector of the motorsports world: sim racing and esports. 

This year’s event features a robust lineup of activations designed to bridge the gap between virtual competition and professional track racing. Leading organizations, including Dallara-AK ESports, Podium 1, SIMCraft, SRO America and Team America/Init Esports, will showcase professional-grade simulators and host competitive events throughout the week. 

“SIM racing has grown into an exciting part of the motorsports world, and the 2025 PRI Show brings multiple activations together in one place,” PRI President Michael Good said. “Attendees have the chance to see top competitors, test advanced simulators, and experience the energy of esports racing firsthand. This lineup highlights the innovation, talent, and collaboration that make the PRI Show a must-attend event for the motorsports community.” 

SRO America returns to the show with an expanded SIM Racing Arena, emphasizing the technological leaps in the industry. The arena hosts daily invitational races where top esports competitors utilize rigs that mirror the equipment used by professional drivers. These setups feature Fanatec Clubsport GT cockpits and high-performance MSI gaming PCs, ensuring the highest level of realism. 

All competitions in the arena will be streamed live on SRO Motorsports’ Twitch and GTWorld YouTube channels. 

Podium 1 brings a celebrity element to the floor, joining forces with the McLaren Arrow team and racing legend Tony Kanaan. Attendees can meet Kanaan during scheduled autograph sessions on Dec. 11-12. 

Furthermore, fans can attempt to beat Kanaan’s lap times on Podium 1’s industry-leading motion systems for a chance to win official team merchandise. 

The Podium 1 activation also serves as a launchpad for new hardware, including the unveiling of the Simucube SC3 Pro and VPG Porsche Wheel. 

The intensity ramps up with Team America, powered by Init Esports. The organization is bringing the top 12 athletes from the 2025 Team America Talent Scouts Competition to Indianapolis for a live showdown. These finalists earned their spots through a nationwide inquiry and will compete on Dec. 13 in the Time Trial Challenge. 

Nevertheless, the grid is not yet set in stone. In a unique engagement opportunity, PRI attendees can try to set hot laps at the Team America booth on Dec. 11-12. The fastest attendees could earn one of the final spots on the Saturday grid, racing alongside the nation’s best. 

“Team America is all about taking our incredible online community and putting it side-by-side in real life, and there’s no better place to do that than at PRI,” founder of Init Esports Stefy Bau said. 

The focus on sim racing comes as the PRI Show continues to demonstrate significant growth. This year’s show features over 1,000 exhibitors, including more than 100 first-time participants. The event remains a critical economic driver; according to PRI’s Motorsports Economic Impact Study, the motorsports industry contributes $69.2 billion to the U.S. economy and supports over 318,000 jobs. 

Dallara-AK ESports, a joint venture launched earlier this year to establish Indianapolis as a global hub for sim racing, will also be present. They will allow attendees to race GT cars on historic tracks via Assetto Corsa Competizione simulators. 

“From interactive demos to live competitions, the SIM racing activations at PRI 2025 show how technology and motorsports continue to evolve together,” PRI show director Karin Davidson said. “We’re proud to offer attendees opportunities to engage, learn, and compete in a hands-on environment while connecting with the top organizations and emerging talent shaping the future of the sport.” 

Registration for the 2025 PRI Show is now open to qualified attendees, including race teams, media and retailers. For more information, visit pri2025.com/attend. 

Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Parham is the owner of Horsemen Sports Media. For more news, click here.

Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver. He is also the owner and founder of Horsemen Sports Media.

Kevin Harvick to drive No. 29 SoundGear entry in SoundGear 125 at Tucson Speedway

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2025) – Spears CARS Tour West, the West Coast’s premier stock car series, announced today the addition of SoundGear as the entitlement sponsor of the 125-lap Pro Late Model Southwest season opener at Tucson Speedway. The SoundGear 125 — which will award $7,500 to win and $1,500 to start — is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, as part of the venue’s prestigious Chilly Willy weekend, where the Southwest Division will make its series debut at the historic 0.375-mile desert oval.

The worldwide leader in hearing protection and a subsidiary of the manufacturing company Starkey, SoundGear is an established supporter of motorsports, however this marks the organization’s expansion into the CARS Tour West with the opening round of the Southwest PLM Division’s 10-race 2026 season.

“SoundGear has been a strong supporter of grassroots racing from coast to coast, and we’re grateful to have them involved in such a marquee event for the Spears CARS Tour West,” said Kevin Harvick, co-owner of the series. “We can’t continue to grow this series without committed partners like SoundGear. Their support helps elevate West Coast racing, and we’re excited to have them on board.”

Harvick will also drive a SoundGear-branded No. 29 entry in the SoundGear 125, racing alongside Keelan Harvick and William Sawalich in what will be a star-studded field of Spears CARS Tour Southwest PLM regulars.

The full weekend schedule for Spears CARS Tour Southwest and live stream details will be available in the coming weeks. Visit the redesigned CARSTourWest.com for more information.

ABOUT SPEARS CARS TOUR WEST:

Founded in 2024, the Spears CARS Tour West is the premier stock car series of the West Coast. Under the ownership of California natives Tim Huddleston and Kevin Harvick, the series aims to create an organized, structured, and competitive place for racers on the West Coast. Competing at the best tracks on the West Coast, the Spears CARS Tour West provides the space and platform to crown champions and elevate West Coast racing to the top levels of motorsports. For more information, please visit www.carstourwest.com.

ABOUT SOUNDGEAR:

SoundGear represents the latest advancements in hearing protection and enhancement products. The company’s unique technology enhances external sounds to provide situational awareness and directionality, while still protecting hearing. SoundGear products are manufactured by Starkey, a global leader in hearing technology and premier provider in hearing health care headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. As the only privately held, American-owned company in the industry, Starkey innovates hearing solutions that deliver uncompromising performance at exceptional value.

Anthony Alfredo has landed a new ride for 2026. Last week, Viking Motorsports announced that Alfredo will drive the No. 96 car full-time for the organization during the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Series season. The former Young’s Motorsports driver’s addition creates a two-driver lineup for Viking Motorsports with Parker Retzlaff in the No. 99 car.

In 2025, Alfredo finished the season with one top-10 finish, a 24.1 average finishing position, and a 24th-place finish in the point standings. Alfredo improved as the 2025 NASCAR season progressed, but he decided to pursue an opportunity outside Young’s Motorsports for next year.

Viking Motorsports has an excellent two-driver lineup with Retzlaff and Alfredo, two competitors who have excelled in mid-field equipment throughout their O’Reilly Series careers. Now, both drivers have a fantastic opportunity with Viking Motorsports, and the organization hopes to improve even more in 2026.