Kyle Larson talks hydration, preparation, and the physical toll of racing the “Memorial Day Double”
Kirkwood is currently second in the IndyCar championship standings and is optimistic about his chances in the Indy 500 -despite qualifying 23rd.
Hunter-Reay, a former series champion, is making his 17th Indy 500 start.
SPEEDWAY, IN – As host to the 109th Running of the Indy 500, Indianapolis always has been considered one of sport’s “boom towns,” the center of it all in the middle of auto racing’s biggest weekend – major races all day in all the world’s premier series.
And this week – as with so many years previously – South Florida has contributed substantially to the great Indy 500 race’s cast of renowned power players. Four of the 33 drivers on this year’s starting grid either call South Florida home now or did only months ago – from breakout star Jupiter’s Kyle Kirkwood, to Fort Lauderdale 2014 Indy winner Ryan Hunter-Reay. Four-time Indy champion Helio Castroneves and young standout Rinus Veekay both lived in Miami until a couple of months ago.
The 2014 Indy 500 winner and 2012 IndyCar Series champion, Hunter-Reay, grew up in Fort Lauderdale, went to Cardinal Gibbons High School and his family of five lives in the same area now. A part-time competitor at this point, this will be Hunter-Reay’s 17th start in the Indy 500.
And this week 12-year old Ryden Hunter-Reay was able to join his father for race activities – even sitting at the podium during a news conference and fielding a couple of questions with ease.
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Missing out on a couple days of school versus being at the most famous race in the world with his father, who will start 25th, seemed like a no-brainer.
“I think it’s better, way better,” Ryden allowed with a huge smile.
Kirkwood easily has become one of the sport’s favorite competitors. The 26-year old is one of only two race winners this season – claiming his second trophy at the renowned Long Beach Grand Prix in April. He currently sits second in the championship, 97 points behind this season’s only other race winner, four-time victor Alex Palou.
True to his good nature, Kirkwood smiled recalling how after his big win at Long Beach a few weeks ago, a Southern California newspaper mistakenly identified him as “Kirk” Kirkwood in a big headline. With all the kidding he’s received from his teammates and fellow racers, he conceded that “Kirk Kirkwood,” is almost like an alter ego for him now.
“I’m going to start making hats, using that golf font that they always put ‘Brickyard’ on the front, it’s just going to be ‘Kirk,’ “ Kirkwood said this week, laughing. “I’m hoping to get some sales with that. I’m just accepting it now.”
The always challenging Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been a steady and positive progression for Kirkwood – as with all drivers it’s a learning curve getting a handle on the unique 2.5-mile track. He is coming off a career-best finish in the 500 – leading his first laps (two) in the race and finishing seventh last year in only his third start.
On May 25, his No. 26 Andretti Global Honda takes the green flag from the 23rd position on the grid – his starting place not truly indicative of his performance at Indianapolis this month. He was consistently among the top 10 in five days of practice and seemed quite optimistic about his chances in front of about a dozen of his family and friends from Florida who will be among a sold-out crowd of 325,000.
“It was a little bit of a head-scratcher this past weekend because we came out of the first few days, no-tow speeds were amazing, race pace was amazing,” Kirkwood said of qualifying.
Kyle Kirkwood optimistic about Indy 500 chances
Despite the slight qualifying setback, Kirkwood said he’s actually never been more optimistic about his chances on race day.
“Fortunately,” he said. “I have a wizard on the stand, [strategist] Bryan Herta, who has helped me, guided me to the lead or at least close to the lead in the past couple of years. I’m excited for it. This is the best race car I’ve ever had around this place. I don’t want to see it go to waste.”
Castroneves, who just recently moved from Miami to Atlanta, won all four of his record-tying Indianapolis 500 trophies while living in South Florida. A fifth Indy 500 in his No. 06 Meyer Shank Racing Team Honda would make Castroneves the all-time winningest driver in the race’s history. And as with his fellow eighth-row starter Kirkwood, Castroneves has been faster than his starting position indicates. And like Hunter-Reay, this is his first start of the season.
“Wow, 25, 25th edition, which is amazing,” the Brazilian Castroneves said of his total Indy starts, which are most in the field. “If I wouldn’t be in so much love with this place, I wouldn’t be coming back for sure. But this place has been good to me. This place is amazing. I want to try to get what a lot of people (want) and especially rewrite history.
“We’re going to have hard work to go up there, but a great row here. I feel like we’re going to be up front very soon.”
Ryan Hunter-Reay’s car catches fire during ‘Carb Day’ practice
Hunter-Reay had a tougher than usual final “Carb Day” practice as his No. 23 Dreyer Reinbold Chevy caught fire midway through the two-hour session. Hunter-Reay pulled off the track and got out quickly. He was OK, the car was towed back to the team garage and the team went to work on it. Disappointed, but not disillusioned, Hunter-Reay acknowledged it is part of the drama of this race.
“That caught my attention,” Hunter-Reay said, adding, “Just have to figure out why.”
Hunter-Reay said it never gets old competing at Indianapolis.
“It’s not like it becomes less stressful,” he said. “You just deal with it in a different way, and you manage that a bit more. Yeah, it’s always come with a lot of pressure and obviously consequences on the racetrack and all that stuff. It’s part of the job.”
As the news conference closed, young Ryden Hunter-Reay was asked to make the ultimate prediction as to who will be celebrating on race day.
Since acquiring the International Hot Rod Association itself in late 2024, owner Darryl H. Cuttell has pursued an ambitious growth strategy, snapping up multiple historic motorsports facilities across the United States (more about Rockingham Speedway below) to bolster IHRA’s presence in drag racing and beyond.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
This buying spree has focused primarily on drag strips but has also extended to multi-discipline venues, aligning with IHRA’s diversification into stock car racing, powerboating, and entertainment-focused events.
IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell
Key recent acquisitions include:
– Memphis International Raceway (Millington, Tennessee): Revived as a major drag racing hub and oval with plans for national events. – Heartland Motorsports Park (Topeka, Kansas): Announced just days before the Rockingham purchase on December 29, 2025, this versatile facility is slated for redevelopment into a year-round motorsports and entertainment destination, blending drag racing with concerts and community events. – Piedmont Dragway (Julian, North Carolina): Purchased in August 2025, this grassroots favorite joined IHRA’s portfolio with promises of infrastructure upgrades and enhanced racer experiences. – National Trail Raceway (Hebron, Ohio): Renamed Darana Raceway – Hebron, it became part of a wave of drag strip acquisitions. – Milan Dragway (Milan, Michigan): Rebranded as Darana Dragway – Milan following its purchase, hosting events like the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series.
Earlier in 2025, IHRA announced agreements in principle for several other premier drag strips, though some (such as Maryland International Raceway, Darlington Dragway, and GALOT Motorsports Park) later clarified they remained independently owned. Additionally, IHRA expanded globally by fully acquiring IHRA Australia and New Zealand operations, and absorbed the World Drag Racing Alliance (WDRA) in November 2025, instantly adding dozens of member tracks to its network.
The acquisition of Rockingham Speedway on December 31, 2025, stands out as IHRA’s boldest move into oval track racing, complementing the launch of its new Stock Car Series in 2026. This aggressive expansion reflects Cuttell’s vision to transform IHRA into a comprehensive motorsports powerhouse, preserving legacies while investing in modern amenities and cross-discipline programming.
IHRA Acquires Iconic Rockingham Speedway, Bolstering Revival and Future Racing Prospects
In a significant move for motorsports enthusiasts, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially purchased Rockingham Speedway, the legendary North Carolina oval affectionately known as “The Rock.” This acquisition, announced on December 31, 2025, marks the latest chapter in the track’s storied history and underscores IHRA’s aggressive expansion into preserving and revitalizing historic racing venues.
Rockingham Speedway, a 0.94-mile oval located in Rockingham, North Carolina, first opened its gates in 1965 and quickly became a staple of NASCAR racing. It hosted NASCAR Cup Series events until 2004, earning a reputation for its abrasive surface and challenging layout that tested drivers’ skills to the limit. After falling into disuse, the track saw brief revivals, including NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races in 2012 and 2013 under previous owner Andy Hillenburg. By 2018, it was acquired by Rockingham Properties LLC for $2.8 million, with subsequent upgrades funded in part by government assistance, including COVID-19 relief packages. These efforts culminated in a triumphant return to the NASCAR calendar in 2025, featuring successful races in the Xfinity Series (now the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series), Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series East over Easter weekend. The track also diversified its events, hosting drift competitions, concerts by artists like Struggle Jennings, the Tailgate N’ Tallboys Festival, and electronic dance music events.
The sale to IHRA comes after Rockingham Properties LLC listed the property in May 2025, following the positive reception of the NASCAR weekend. While the exact purchase price for this transaction remains undisclosed, the deal aligns with IHRA’s broader strategy under owner Darryl H. Cuttell, an Ohio-based entrepreneur whose company, Darana Hybrid, specializes in electrical and mechanical contracting for high-profile clients like xAI, Tesla, and SpaceX.
Cuttell emphasized IHRA’s role as caretakers of the venue’s legacy in a statement: “IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world. This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.” He further noted, “This isn’t about changing what made Rockingham special. It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.”
Local officials have welcomed the change in ownership. Meghann Lambeth, Executive Director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority, highlighted the track’s economic impact: “For decades, The Rock has been one of our community’s most recognizable and celebrated tourism icons. We’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).”
Looking ahead, IHRA plans to build on recent restorations, which included a full repave of the track surface. Upgrades will focus on facility enhancements, expanded fan amenities, and transforming the site into a multi-use destination with concerts and festival-style events alongside racing. The organization is already in discussions with industry partners like Bob Sargent and Track Enterprises for event operations starting in 2026.
A key highlight is the confirmed return of NASCAR events. The track is slated to host a triple-header weekend on April 3-4, 2026, featuring the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Truck Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series—ensuring “The Rock” remains a fixture in stock car racing. Additionally, IHRA’s newly launched Stock Car Series for late-model cars will debut in 2026, with Rockingham positioned as a flagship venue in this initiative.
This purchase not only secures Rockingham’s future but also signals IHRA’s ambition to blend tradition with innovation in American motorsports. As fans eagerly await the 2026 season, “The Rock” appears poised for a new era of roaring engines and packed grandstands.
IHRA Press Release
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced the purchase of Rockingham Speedway, one of the most iconic and storied venues in American motorsports.
The move reflects IHRA’s commitment to preserving motorsports heritage while thoughtfully reinvesting in legendary racing properties. Known worldwide as The Rock, Rockingham Speedway has played a pivotal role in NASCAR and American racing history for decades and remains deeply tied to the identity and pride of the City of Rockingham and Richmond County.
“IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.”
IHRA intends to restore Rockingham Speedway to its former glory while enhancing the venue as a multi-use destination. Planned improvements include facility upgrades, expanded fan amenities, and the addition of entertainment elements such as concerts and festival-style experiences alongside marquee racing events.
The Easter weekend NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event will build on the momentum generated in 2025, when the series’ return to Rockingham delivered strong attendance, national television exposure, and renewed excitement around the historic track. The April weekend is expected to feature a full slate of on-track activity, including the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series West, and fan-focused programming throughout the holiday weekend. More information and advance sale tickets for that weekend can be found at www.racetherock.com and www.trackenterprises.com.
As IHRA looks ahead, the organization anticipates collaborating with experienced event partners as part of its long-term planning for the facility. IHRA leadership noted that conversations are underway with respected industry operators, including Bob Sargent and Track Enterprises, as Rockingham Speedway is positioned for future events and opportunities beginning in 2026.
“For decades, The Rock has been one of our community’s most recognizable and celebrated tourism icons,” said Meghann Lambeth, Executive Director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority. “We’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).”
IHRA leadership emphasized that Rockingham Speedway will play a meaningful role in the organization’s broader strategy of revitalizing historic motorsports venues while creating sustainable, fan-focused experiences.
“This isn’t about changing what made Rockingham special,” Cuttell added. “It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.”
Additional announcements regarding the Easter weekend event, facility enhancements, and future schedules will be released in the coming months.
RICHMOND COUNTY, N.C. — New ownership for one of North Carolina’s most famous race tracks.
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announced it purchased Rockingham Speedway in Richmond County.
The IHRA said it’s committing to preserving The Rock’s storied history.
“IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.”
It said it intends to restore The Rock to its former glory while upgrading the venue.
Today, the International Hot Rod Association announced that it has purchased “The Rock,” Rockingham Speedway. After undergoing major updates and repairs, NASCAR and ARCA made their triumphant returns to the track last year. Now, the IHRA has bought the venue.
This is pretty cool news, honestly. It is surprising that NASCAR and/or Speedway Motorsports didn’t buy the track. Perhaps the antitrust lawsuit had something to do with that. Wouldn’t have been a good look to buy yet another track and set up yet another exclusivity agreement.
So, it has ended up in the hands of the International Hot Rod Association. Rockingham Speedway belongs to America’s second-largest sanctioning body for drag racing.
“The move reflects IHRA’s commitment to preserving motorsports heritage while thoughtfully reinvesting in legendary racing properties,” IHRA said in a statement. “Known worldwide as The Rock, Rockingham Speedway has played a pivotal role in NASCAR and American racing history for decades and remains deeply tied to the identity and pride of the City of Rockingham and Richmond County.”
While Rockingham has had updates, the IHRA plans to do more renovations and “restore Rockingham Speedway to its former glory.” The track was listed at $12 million as it was shopped around to various buyers. It is not clear at this time how much IHRA ended up spending.
The Rock is capable of hosting a variety of series and events. There is the big track, the “Little Rock” half-mile track, a quarter-mile track, and even a road course. Of course, there is Rockingham Dragway as well. The NHRA will race at The Rock in 2026 for its 75th anniversary season.
Rockingham Speedway under new ownership
If the IHRA does what it says it is going to do, then Rockingham Speedway is in good hands. More improvements will help make the track and overall venue a true destination for motorsports fans. In the heart of America’s racing capital, North Carolina, it deserves to be a world-class facility.
There has been considerable investment from the state and previous owners recently. It was good enough to get NASCAR to make its return in 2025. The Truck and Xfinity Series put on a great show at the track, and it showed that it still, for the most part, races just like it did all those years ago.
Rockingham Speedway is hosting events again. It is under new ownership, a sanctioning body that is committed to motorsports as a whole. That should be exciting for race fans.
In a packed NASCAR Cup Series field that was breathing strong engine heat under a scorching Texas sun, the easiest way to distinguish Kevin Harvick was by looking out for the Busch Light logo on his car. The former Stewart-Haas Racing icon was sponsored by Anheuser-Busch for over a decade before the association came to an end in 2023, along with his retirement from racing.
Having been in the sport since 1983, the company wasn’t going to just exit altogether, and the driver it chose to back in Harvick’s place was Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain. In a recent NASCAR video, where he answered questions from fans on Reddit, Chastain spoke about how the partnership came to be in 2024.
He said, “We wanted Busch Light. We knew Kevin Harvick was retiring, and we wanted to make our case to him. I drank Busch Light before they sponsored me. I was going to drink it whether they sponsored me or not. So, that made the first conversation really easy.” The multi-year agreement with the brewing magnate was a big step forward for him and his team.
Another question asked of him was whether he had had a drink with Shane van Gisbergen yet. He replied that he hadn’t delved into it too much and that he would wait for the offseason before getting into a drinking contest with the Kiwi racer. Apart from the obvious, there was a pressing reason for Chastain to desire an association with Anheuser-Busch.
Why Chastain values the relationship with Anheuser-Busch highly
Chastain’s family has been deeply rooted in watermelon farming for generations. Heading back home after working hard all day and popping a beer is a relaxing and comforting feeling that they don’t take lightly. By default, beer is also the go-to drink for all celebrations in the household.
The driver pointed this out when his sponsorship with the Busch Light brand was announced, “This sponsorship means so much to me as the brand not only supports NASCAR, but also places value and extends their support to communities that are close to my heart—the humble, hard-working people across the U.S. who enjoy cracking a cold one after an honest day’s work.”
Anheuser-Busch supported Harvick since the start of the 2011 season. It first did so with the Budweiser brand and then moved to the Busch Light brand. The partnership went from his final years with Richard Childress Racing and continued into his stint with Stewart-Haas Racing. Chastain would surely love a similar long-term relationship with the company.
Editor’s note: This is last in a series from NASCAR.com reviewing the top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series in reverse order of the 2025 final standings
Driver: Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Crew chief: Cliff Daniels
Final 2025 ranking: 1st
Key stats: 3 wins, 15 top fives, 22 top 10s, 1,106 laps led
How 2025 ended: In the best possible way, hoisting the Bill France Cup at season’s end. Larson entered the ranks of multi-time Cup Series champions with his second title, vaulting past Denny Hamlin on the final round of pit stops in the Phoenix Raceway finale and holding on in overtime for a third-place result, best among the Championship 4 field. He became the 18th driver in NASCAR history with more than one Cup Series championship, and the third to score more than one for Hendrick Motorsports, joining seven-time champ Jimmie Johnson and four-time title winner Jeff Gordon.
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Best race: Two max-points days stand out, but Larson’s springtime victory at Bristol Motor Speedway was a masterclass performance that provided the No. 5 team with a needed lift. Larson led 411 of the 500 laps, sweeping both stages along the way. The triumph followed another Bristol romp a day earlier in the Xfinity Series, where he led 276 of the 300 laps from the pole, but it also prompted a heartfelt dedication just days after the loss of longtime Hendrick Motorsports PR representative Jon Edwards.
Other season highlights: Larson had similar strength on display at Kansas Speedway in May, when he logged a stage-sweeping victory to repeat in the Advent Health 400. He started from the pole position and led 221 of the 267 laps, vaulting into the Cup Series points lead for the first time in 2025. Larson’s day marked another historic distinction: the most laps led by any driver in a 400-mile race on a 1.5-mile track in series history.
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Quotable: “I don’t think any of us foresaw us getting a second championship in the fashion that we did today. That probably makes it seem even different. Nonetheless, we’re on the list two times. That’s something to be proud of. As far as for legacy, I really don’t put a whole lot of thought into that yet. Like I’ve mentioned many times before, I think it’s really hard to think about that sort of thing right now as you’re still competing and plan to compete for quite a while. We’re still going to try and go out there and win more races. The legacy will kind of take care of itself as we approach that.” – Larson, in the hours after clinching the championship in Phoenix.
Looking ahead: If Larson ends up in title contention again next year, he’ll enter the season finale at new host track, Homestead-Miami Speedway, as the defending race and series champion.
The Rock has found itself a new owner, with the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) announcing on Wednesday that it has purchased the historic Rockingham Speedway.
The IHRA’s decision to add Rockingham to its portfolio follows NASCAR’s long-awaited return to the D-shaped track last season, with both the Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series racing at the 60-year-old facility.
In a statement, IHRA owner, Darryl Cuttell, said, “IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world.
“This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.”
The press release also made it clear that the IHRA intends to invest in modernizing the venue, with the intention of restoring it “to its former glory while enhancing the venue as a multi-use destination.
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“Planned improvements include facility upgrades, expanded fan amenities, and the addition of entertainment elements such as concerts and festival-style experiences alongside marquee racing events.”
However, looking to avoid any potential concerns about the IHRA’s plans, Cuttell went on to add, “This isn’t about changing what made Rockingham special. It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.”
First opened in 1965, the North Carolina track played host to Cup Series races annually between 1966 and 2004, with the facility hosting both spring and fall races throughout most of this period. However, in 2004, the fall race headed instead to Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. A year later, the Cup Series left the track altogether, heading to Texas Motor Speedway instead.
NASCAR’s return in 2025 marked its first visit to the 0.94-mile track since 2013, when the Truck Series held its second of just two prior races there.
The organization is set to return to the Rock in 2026 with the Craftsman Truck Series Race at Rockingham slated for April 3, and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Rockingham scheduled for the following day. What’s more, the ARCA Menards Series East will also return to the Rock on April 4.
JR Motorsports’ Sammy Smith will be looking to defend his win in the newly-renamed O’Reilly’s Series in 2026, while Tyler Ankrum will attempt to do the same for McAnally–Hilgemann Racing in the Truck Series. As for the ARCA Menards Series, with Brent Crews now having moved to the O’Reilly’s Series, a new winner will be crowned in the ARCA 125.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the winningest driver in Cup Series history and seven-time champion, Richard Petty, remains the most successful series driver at the track with 11 across both the spring and fall races, all won between 1967 and 1983.
Mark Martin holds the record for the O’Reilly’s Series with 11 wins between 1988 and 2000, while Ankrum, Kyle Larson, and Kasey Kahne have all won one a piece in the Truck Series.
