In an exciting move for NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, 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.”
 

Richard Childress’ partnership with Chase Briscoe’s current sponsors, Bass Pro Shops, has always been one of the most visible and enduring alliances in the NASCAR garage. For 28 years, the brand and the veteran team owner have marched in lockstep, building a relationship that grew far beyond a sponsorship contract. So when leaked text messages revealed senior NASCAR officials hurling insults at Childress, Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris delivered a sharp and detailed denunciation aimed directly at the sport’s leadership.

Morris began by reaffirming his affection for NASCAR and his decades-long friendship with Childress, noting how deeply he values the bond formed through competition, conservation work, and shared community initiatives.

But his tone shifted quickly as he addressed the outrage simmering among Bass Pro Shops employees, independent dealers, loyal customers, and members of the outdoor and military communities who hold Childress in high regard.

He said he was stunned by the disclosure of “shockingly offensive and false criticisms” made by NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps. Morris emphasized that hearing Phelps repeatedly refer to Childress as “an idiot,” “a dinosaur,” “a stupid redneck,” and “a clown” cut directly against everything Childress represents.

To Morris and Co., those comments dishonored a man who, in his view, has contributed as much to NASCAR’s growth and legacy as anyone in the sport’s modern era. He then turned to the remarks that spotlight NASCAR’s governance integrity.

“The commissioner’s recently revealed contempt for Richard Childress makes it abundantly clear that he and his lieutenants are not capable of being fair and objective when it comes to impartially enforcing the rules and regulations that govern the sport, including the objective assessment of fines and penalties. This is a threat to the very integrity of the sport,” Morris wrote.

One of the recent incidents that illustrates his point happened when NASCAR left Childress and his team feeling singled out. At Indianapolis, Austin Dillon received a one-race suspension after contact from his No. 3 car sent Aric Almirola into a wreck. Before that, during the race, NASCAR had also issued a five-lap penalty to Austin Hill for reckless driving.

Childress argued publicly that a suspension was excessive, especially since officials refused to penalize Austin Cindric during the race at COTA when he hooked Ty Dillon, admitted fault, and turned him into the right rear. NASCAR later docked Cindric 50 points and fined him $50,000, but the lack of immediate action fed Childress’ belief that RCR is treated differently.

Morris echoed that sentiment, amplifying Childress’ view that RCR is a “blue-collar team” often held to a harsher standard than larger, more politically insulated organizations. Taken alongside the leaked messages, he suggested the pattern reveals something deeper, a bias he believes undermines competitive fairness.

From Morris’s perspective, the issues extend beyond a few insults sent over text. They point to a leadership culture he sees as compromised, one that cannot credibly administer penalties or steward the rule book without prejudice.

Given how he defended Childress and how he challenged NASCAR’s management, his statement surely is one of the strongest public admonishments the sanctioning body has faced in years.

NASCAR, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are pleased to announce a mutually agreed-upon resolution that delivers long-term stability and creates the conditions for meaningful growth for all teams in a more competitive environment.

This resolution reflects our shared commitment to maintaining a fair and equitable framework for long-term participation in America‘s premier motorsport, one that supports teams, partners and stakeholders while ensuring fans enjoy uninterrupted access to the best racing in the world. The agreement allows all parties to move forward with a unified focus on advancing stock car racing and delivering exceptional competition for our fans.

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With this matter now resolved, all parties look forward to working together, alongside all chartered race teams, to deliver world-class events, dynamic sponsorship and partner activation opportunities, and continued growth for generations to come.

As a condition of the settlement agreement, NASCAR will issue an amendment to existing charter holders detailing the updated terms for signature, which will include a form of “evergreen” charters, subject to mutual agreement. The financial terms of the settlement are confidential and will not be released.

What all parties have always agreed on is a deep love for the sport and a desire to see it fulfill its full potential. This is a landmark moment, one that ensures NASCAR‘s foundation is stronger, its future is brighter, and its possibilities are greater. We extend our sincere thanks to Judge Kenneth Bell and mediator Jeffrey Mishkin for their professionalism, and guidance throughout this process and to their jury for their time.

Quotes

Michael Jordan, Co-Owner, 23XI Racing

From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress. It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees and fans. With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come. I‘m excited to watch our teams get back on the track and compete hard in 2026.

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Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner, 23XI Racing

“I‘ve cared deeply about the sport of NASCAR my entire life. Racing is all I‘ve ever known, and this sport shaped who I am. That‘s why we were willing to shoulder the challenges that came with taking this stand. We believed it was worth fighting for a stronger and more sustainable future for everyone in the industry. Teams, drivers and partners will now have the stability and opportunity they deserve. Our commitment to the fans and to the entire NASCAR community has never been stronger. I‘m proud of what we‘ve accomplished, and now it is time to move forward together and build the stronger future this sport deserves.

Bob Jenkins, Owner, Front Row Motorsports

After more than 20 years in this sport, today gives me real confidence in where we‘re headed. I love this sport, and 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. I‘m excited for the road ahead — for the people in the garage, the folks in the stands and everyone who loves this sport.

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Curtis Polk, Co-Owner, 23XI Racing

My goal as a member of the Team Negotiating Committee was to help create an economic model that would create a more sustainable model for teams and create a more equitable and transparent system within NASCAR. This settlement achieves significant progress toward the Four Pillars. The result brings NASCAR and the chartered teams into better alignment and supports future growth and sustainability for all stakeholders and a better sport for the fans.

Jim France, CEO & Chairman, NASCAR

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. We are excited to return the collective focus of our sport, teams and race tracks toward an incredible 78th season that begins with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

NASCAR and Michael Jordan’s racing team, 23XI, have settled an antitrust lawsuit. On Thursday, the parties reached an agreement over NASCAR’s alleged monopoly on U.S. premier stock car racing.

Jordan’s team, which he co-owns with driver Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports Inc. reached a deal with NASCAR on the ninth day of their federal trial. The financial agreement will not be publicly disclosed as part of the settlement terms.

“This resolution reflects our shared commitment to maintaining a fair and equitable framework for long-term participation in America’s premier motorsport, one that supports teams, partners, and stakeholders while ensuring fans enjoy uninterrupted access to the best racing in the world,” according to a joint statement. “The agreement allows all parties to move forward with a unified focus on advancing stock car racing and delivering exceptional competition for our fans.” 

Last year, 23XI and Front Row Motorsports accused NASCAR of anticompetitive and exclusionary practices that financially compromised teams. The lawsuit followed failed negotiations between NASCAR and the racing teams over a new charter agreement, which guarantees money and racing spots in the Cup Series.

“From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress,” Jordan said in a statement after the settlement. “It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees and fans. 

“With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come.” 

In 2016, NASCAR implemented charter agreements, similar to franchising. The 36 teams involved in the charter agreements were guaranteed entry into every season race and a larger share of purse money than non-charter teams. After the previous agreement expired at the end of the 2024 season, NASCAR gave teams less than one day to agree to the 2025-2031 charter agreement. NASCAR claimed it was its final offer after months of negotiations. Most teams signed on, but 23XI and Front Row Motorsports held out, leading to the lawsuit.

Judge Bell said the solution was “the right thing to do.”

“This is going to be great for the entity NASCAR, the industry NASCAR, the teams, the drivers, and as you have so often said yourselves, ultimately the fans,” Bell said.

South Georgia Motorsports Park has tabbed respected racer, veteran, and industry figure Don O’Neal as its new General Manager, tasking him with leading the facility into a new era ahead of a packed 2026 schedule that includes the return of the NHRA Southern Nationals.

O’Neal, a U.S. Army veteran with extensive experience across motorsports, business, and event operations, will oversee all day-to-day activity at the Valdosta-area facility. His role includes racer and fan experience, partner development, community engagement, and the continued evolution of SGMP into a true multi-use destination while keeping drag racing at its core.

“SGMP is a special place for racers and fans,” O’Neal said. “Our goal is simple: run efficient shows, improve the racer and fan experience, and build strong community and sponsor partnerships.”

Track owner Raul Torres says O’Neal’s blend of on-track experience and operational leadership made him the clear choice to guide SGMP’s next phase.

“Don combines practical race operations with sponsor and community insight,” Torres said. “We’re investing in facility upgrades and a sustainable schedule, and Don will lead that plan with accountability. This is about boosting tourism, educational opportunities, and economic growth for South Georgia and North Florida.”

Under O’Neal’s leadership, SGMP is focusing on several near-term priorities, including:

• Operational efficiency: on-time shows, improved traffic flow, and a reinforced safety-first culture.
• Enhanced racer and fan experience: better communication, improved wayfinding and signage, and hospitality upgrades.
• Multi-purpose programming: adding concerts, festivals, and lifestyle events that complement traditional race weekends.
• Regional economic impact: deeper alignment with hotels, tourism officials, and workforce programs while tracking local economic output through periodic reporting.
• Community and partner alignment: strengthening local partnerships and defining measurable ROI for sponsors.

The announcement comes as SGMP prepares for one of its most significant seasons yet, highlighted by the NHRA Southern Nationals returning to the facility in May 2026.

For more information and event updates, visit GoRaceSGMP.com or follow @GoRaceSGMP on social media.

This story was originally published on December 11, 2025.

CONCORD, N.C. – As 2026 rapidly approaches, Hendrick Motorsports is slowly rolling out its new looks for the new year. 

With four cars and drivers and a number of new paint schemes to keep track of, we’ve put decided to put them all in one convenient place for you!

Merry Christmas!

All four of the team’s drivers – Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron and Alex Bowman – will sport fresh liveries on their Chevrolets next season. Here’s a look at what they will look like. 

Make sure to keep checking in as new schemes are released!