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The new rule that could force Kyle Larson to choose NASCAR over Indy

Kyle Larson is aiming to join a select group of drivers in completing the Indy 500/Coke 600 ‘Double,’ running both races on the same day this year. Only four drivers have ever done it and the last to successfully accomplish it was Kurt Busch back in 2014. But just as difficult as running the races themselves […]

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Kyle Larson is aiming to join a select group of drivers in completing the Indy 500/Coke 600 ‘Double,’ running both races on the same day this year. Only four drivers have ever done it and the last to successfully accomplish it was Kurt Busch back in 2014.

But just as difficult as running the races themselves is balancing the two schedules between Indianapolis and Charlotte. That proved to be a major problem for Larson in 2024 as rain delayed the start of the Indy 500, forcing him to miss the start of the Coke 600. He made it there mid-race, but the same rain shower that delayed Indy ultimately ended the NASCAR race early, denying him a chance at becoming the fifth driver to complete the Indy-Charlotte Double.

Kyle Larson, Arrow McLaren

Kyle Larson, Arrow McLaren<span class="copyright">Penske Entertainment</span>

Kyle Larson, Arrow McLarenPenske Entertainment

Penske Entertainment

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While he was granted a playoff waiver that kept him eligible for the Cup title, NASCAR has since introduced a new rule that complicates things. They called Larson’s situation “uncharted waters,” and the new guardrails for playoff waivers will essentially force Larson to choose NASCAR over Indy, if faced with that decision again in 2025.

NASCAR has issued playoff waivers to drivers missing races for basically any reason in the past, including suspensions. And to remain eligible for the championship without a waiver, drivers have to attempt every race. Now, NASCAR will punish those who seek playoff waivers for non-medical reasons. Exceptions do include the birth of a child, a family emergency, age restrictions, or some other unique situations beyond the driver’s control.

If Larson misses the start of the Coke 600 because of Indianapolis again, he can still receive a waiver in 2025. However, that will now come with a price. Larson would forfeit all 23 playoff points he has earned so far in the 2025 season, which is more than anyone else in the Cup Series field. Drivers carry those valuable bonus points with them throughout the championship playoffs and they are critical in advancing forward through each round. Additionally, a driver will lose the ability to acquire any future playoff points for the remainder of the regular season as well, forcing a driver like Larson to start the 16-driver playoffs at zero.

Potential clash between Indy 500 Fast 6 and All-Star Race

Because of this, he cannot afford to stay in Indy if it overlaps with the start of NASCAR’s longest race in any way. However, this is not the only potential clash Larson will have to worry about over the next two weeks.

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This weekend, the NASCAR All-Star Race starts at 8pm EST on Sunday, which could become an issue if Larson performs too well in Indy 500 qualifying. If he is fast enough to make the top 12 on Saturday, there won’t be a problem as those drivers will get out on track between 4:05pm and 5:05pm EST on Sunday. But if he’s good enough to get the Arrow McLaren Chevrolet into the Fast 6, he will be faced with a difficult decision. The Fast 6 takes place between 6:25pm 6:55pm EST., which doesn’t leave him much time to get back to North Wilkesboro in North Carolina.

The All-Star Race is an exhibition event, so Larson doesn’t have to worry about it impacting his playoff eligibility if he were to miss it, but even still, he has made it clear that NASCAR takes priority this year “no matter what.”

There is also the fact that if Larson were to miss the North Wilkesboro race, the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team won’t be able to compete without him as one’s entry into the All-Star Race is based on each individual driver’s eligibility (full-time drivers with All-Star wins, active Cup Series champions, race winners from the 2024/2025 seasons). Justin Allgaier will practice and qualify the No. 5 car, but he is not among those eligible to compete in the main event.

Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet<span class="copyright">Chris Graythen - Getty Images</span>

Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletChris Graythen – Getty Images

Chris Graythen – Getty Images

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Speaking after Day 1 of Indy 500 practice on Tuesday, Larson said about a potential conflict between Indy 500 qualifying and the All-Star Race:  “Always for me and definitely for Rick [Hendrick] and Hendrick Motorsports, I think, no matter through this whole experience, especially this year, Cup should be the priority. Yeah, I just assume we’re going to run the All-Star Race no matter what.

“Hopefully we run into that predicament because that means our car is fast, and two, yes, it would be extremely nice to go for the pole at the Indianapolis 500, but at the same time, it’s hard to turn down an opportunity to race for a million dollars.

“Like I said, I hope we’re in that predicament.”

Larson is a three-time winner of NASCAR’s All-Star Race, earning the $1 million bonus in 2019, 2021, and 2023. Should he win it again this year, he will join Jimmie Johnson as the only four-time winner of the All-Star Race.

Read Also:

IndyCar on FOX shifts start times for five races to avoid conflicts

Kyle Busch reveals he lost Indy 500 McLaren drive to Kyle Larson

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NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr set for shock debut at Pocono

Cup Series legend Dale Earnhardt Jr is set for a shock NASCAR debut at Pocono Raceway this weekend. Earnhardt Jr is the owner of JR Motorsports, a racing team that competes full-time in the Xfinity Series with four entries, including Connor Zilisch in the No. 88. However, Zilisch’s crew were facing a big dilemma ahead […]

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Cup Series legend Dale Earnhardt Jr is set for a shock NASCAR debut at Pocono Raceway this weekend.

Earnhardt Jr is the owner of JR Motorsports, a racing team that competes full-time in the Xfinity Series with four entries, including Connor Zilisch in the No. 88.

However, Zilisch’s crew were facing a big dilemma ahead of this weekend’s action having been hit with a penalty at Nashville earlier this month.

Having found two unsecured lug nuts in post-race inspection that day, NASCAR fined the team $10,000 and also suspended the No. 88’s crew chief, Mardy Lindley. However, this one-race suspension was deferred for the race in Mexico City last weekend, meaning Lindley will miss this weekend’s action at Pocono.

Now, JR Motorsports have announced that it will be Earnhardt Jr replacing him on top of the pit box and calling the shots for the No. 88 this weekend, making his debut as a crew chief.

“This weekend, Earnhardt Jr will be filling in for Mardy Lindley as crew chief of the No. 88 as Lindley serves his one race suspension for loose lug nuts following the NXS race in Nashville two weeks ago,” a JR Motorsports statement confirmed.

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NASCAR fans react to Earnhardt Jr crew chief debut

Having raced in 631 Cup Series races over a 19-year career in the sport, Earnhardt Jr remains one of the most popular NASCAR figures in the United States, even after retirement.

This is evidenced by the fact that his merchandise continues to be amongst the best-sellers every year, along with his legendary father, seven-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt Sr.

Naturally, then, when the news dropped that he was set for crew chief duties this weekend, fans were sent into somewhat of a frenzy.

One X user wrote: “Man Dale just out there doing everything he can in NASCAR .. this is a really cool thing .. I’m excited to hear how it goes after he does it. Will be a fun download next week hearing his recap of it all.”

Elsewhere, another user added: “If Z wins it will make for the coolest dual auto diescast.”

“THIS IS AWESOME,” another user said, with another member of the X community stating: “Coolest s**t ever if this car wins.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr is set for his crew chief debut at Pocono

Despite Earnhardt Jr’s popularity and esteemed career, there are some doubters, however.

“Uhm, does he have crew chief qualifications? Did y’all check the resume?” one user wrote.

Another doubted Earnhardt Jr’s ability to get the job done independently, writing: “I suspect there will be heavy cell phone conversations on the 88 box during the race.”

It will certainly be interesting to see how Earnhardt Jr gets on and what the feedback is from Zilisch post-race!

Saturday’s Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway, known as the
Explore the Pocono Mountains 250, will kick off at 3:30 pm ET.

READ MORE: Three-time NASCAR Cup Series driver announces RETIREMENT plans

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Running on the Power of Sour: Candy Dynamics Carves Out Its Place in NASCAR

Running on the Power of Sour: Candy Dynamics Carves Out Its Place in NASCAR Running on the Power of Sour: Candy Dynamics Carves Out Its Place in NASCAR PR Newswire INDIANAPOLIS, June 19, 2025 INDIANAPOLIS, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Candy Dynamics, owner of the Toxic Waste® Hazardously Sour Candy® brand, is proud to announce […]

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Running on the Power of Sour: Candy Dynamics Carves Out Its Place in NASCAR

Running on the Power of Sour: Candy Dynamics Carves Out Its Place in NASCAR

PR Newswire

INDIANAPOLIS, June 19, 2025

INDIANAPOLIS, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Candy Dynamics, owner of the Toxic Waste® Hazardously Sour Candy® brand, is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership with NASCAR driver Brennan Poole for the 2025 season. Having worked with Poole the last two seasons, the company is eager to see even more success from this sponsorship – partnering for three races this year!

As a sour candy fanatic, and fan of the brand in his youth, Brennan Poole will be representing the Toxic Waste brand at three races in 2025:

  1. The Loop 110 in Chicago, IL (July 5, 2025)
  2. Pennzoil 250 in Indianapolis, IN (July 26, 2025)
  3. NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Race in Martinsville, VA (October 25, 2025)

“To me, it’s more than a sponsorship. I feel so close to the Toxic Waste brand.”

“This is the biggest partnership with Toxic Waste yet,” says Poole who sleeps with a Toxic Waste Drum in his bedside table. “To me, it’s more than a sponsorship. I feel so close to the Toxic Waste brand.” The excitement can surely be felt on the track with fans roaring as the uniquely designed, vividly colored Toxic Waste car whips past them. Fans continue to rave about the brand off track as samples from the Toxic Waste brand are given out at racetracks across the country.

With the company headquartered in the suburbs of Indianapolis, racing has always been part of the DNA. “We have always dreamed of seeing a Toxic Waste car on track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” says Laura King, president of Candy Dynamics. This dream became a reality in 2023 when the brand partnered with Poole for a single NASCAR race in Indianapolis. In 2024, Candy Dynamics sponsored Poole for The Loop 110 as part of the Chicago Street Race. “The atmosphere at this race was electric, and we knew we needed to pursue it further,” continues King. Candy Dynamics has faced amazing success with Brennan, growing the reputation for the daring brand within the fast-paced, enduring sport.

About Candy Dynamics

Candy Dynamics Inc, previously known as Family Sweets, founded the Toxic Waste® brand in 2001. Its flagship product, Toxic Waste® Hazardously Sour Candy® answers the call for an extremely sour product that remains sour the whole way through. Its one-of-a-kind double-action sour hard candy treat has become a hit with candy lovers of all ages worldwide. The brand experienced a colossal boost with the virality of Slime Licker® on social media – garnering over 360 million views on the hashtag. The Toxic Waste appeal has spread worldwide with major markets in North America, South America, Europe, South Africa, Middle East and Australia. This international success has propelled the brand into a wide range of products including Sour Smog Balls®, Nuclear Fusion®, Atomz® and many others from the Slime Licker® brand!

About Brennan Poole

Brennan Poole, a native of The Woodlands, TX, is a veteran of over 150 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts and raced full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. He’s racked up 1 pole, 10 top-5 finishes and 39 top-10 finishes. He qualified for the first two Xfinity Series Playoffs In 2016 and 2017 with a career best 6th place in drivers points standings. Known as “The Bull” and as a fan-favorite, Poole finished 16th in his debut Daytona 500. In 2025, Poole returns to Alpha Prime Racing for the 2nd straight season – after punching above his weight in 2024 by finishing 16th in driver points, a season-best result for Alpha Prime Racing.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/running-on-the-power-of-sour-candy-dynamics-carves-out-its-place-in-nascar-302486494.html

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Race to the Cup Playoffs reaches the final stretch with 10 to go – Speedway Digest

After a thrilling inaugural event in Mexico City last weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series returns stateside with Sunday’s The Great American Getaway 400 at the historic Pocono (Pa.) Raceway (2 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen punched his 2025 Playoff spot with a dominating victory on […]

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After a thrilling inaugural event in Mexico City last weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series returns stateside with Sunday’s The Great American Getaway 400 at the historic Pocono (Pa.) Raceway (2 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen punched his 2025 Playoff spot with a dominating victory on the Mexico City road course last weekend, the 10th driver to earn a bid by virtue of a win. There are 10 regular season races remaining now to set the 16-driver Playoff field.

Back on the grid this week is Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin, who was awarded a championship waiver after missing the Mexico race to be home for the birth of his son. The driver of the No. 11 JGR Toyota is the winningest driver in Pocono Raceway history. Hamlin earned his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory at Pocono in 2006 and his seven wins are the most for the perennial championship contender at any single track on the schedule.

To that end, Hamlin is the only repeat winner in the last eight Pocono races – hoisting a trophy three times in that stretch. His JGR team has won a series best six of the last 10 Pocono races.

As with Hamlin, defending race winner, Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney earned his career first victory at Pocono – in 2017.

The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, who finished 14th at Mexico City, said this summer race line-up, in particular, is enjoyable because of the varying tracks. From inaugural Mexico City road course race, to the 2.5-mile three-turn Pocono track to the Chicago street race and Sonoma, Calif. road course in just the next month.

“It’s a fun part of the schedule where you’re going to very different places each week, and I think teams really enjoy that – at least I enjoy it because it really switches it up and keeps it fresh,” said Blaney, who claimed his first win of the season three weeks ago at the 1.33-mile Nashville oval.

“It can also be frustrating if you’re not very good at those places. You could have a stretch of some bad weeks. Hopefully, we’re not on that boat, but I like this part of the schedule. There’s a lot of different things going on this summer.”

There are eight former Pocono winners in the field. And three of the last five race winners are still looking for their first trophy of the 2025 season – Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman (2021), Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch (2022) and Hendrick’s Chase Elliott (2023).

Elliott – who was declared the 2023 race winner when first and second place drivers Hamlin and Busch were disqualified following post-race inspection – leads all drivers in points earned at Pocono in the Next Gen car era.

His teammate, NASCAR Cup Series’ championship leader William Byron boasts the best average finish (9.36) at the track. Defending race winner, Blaney joins four-time Pocono winner Busch as the only other multi-time Pocono winners.

The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champ Elliott is coming off his best finish (third place at Mexico City) of the season – his second top-10 in the last six races. Bowman turned in a stellar fourth-place showing in Mexico City.

Busch was involved in an early race accident and finished last in the 37-car field in Mexico. The two-time series champion has only a single top-10 – eighth at Michigan – in the last eight races. But. … he is a four-time winner at Pocono – a win tally second only to Hamlin’s among this weekend’s field of drivers. From 2016-21 he had nine top-10s in 10 races, including four wins and a runner-up finish. He hasn’t had a top-10, however since his win in 2020.

This is the last of three races to set the seeding for the In Season Tournament that will start with the June 28 night race at Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway.

Practice followed by Busch Light Pole Qualifying starts at 12:30 p.m. ET Saturday (Amazon Prime, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain started from pole position last year.



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Ranking Every NASCAR Driver’s Playoff Chances With 10 Races To Go

Ten races left, and the pressure is suffocating. With the NASCAR playoffs looming, jobs, millions, and legacies are on the line — and some of the sport’s biggest names are hanging by a thread. From champions clinging to hope, to winless drivers quietly building momentum, this updated breakdown of the Cup Series playoff picture might […]

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Ten races left, and the pressure is suffocating. With the NASCAR playoffs looming, jobs, millions, and legacies are on the line — and some of the sport’s biggest names are hanging by a thread. From champions clinging to hope, to winless drivers quietly building momentum, this updated breakdown of the Cup Series playoff picture might surprise you. The field is tightening. The chaos is coming. Who’s in, who’s out, and who’s just praying for a Daytona miracle?

  • Which former champions may miss the playoffs entirely?
  • Why Chase Elliott and Tyler Reddick should be swinging for stage wins now
  • Carson Hocevar and Ryan Preece as legit wildcard spoilers? Believe it.
  • And could Darlington be Daniel Suárez’s last stand with Trackhouse?

From consistent grinders to win-it-or-go-home road course ringers, this playoff field isn’t just competitive, it’s volatile. One lucky break or one blown strategy call could change everything. Whether you’re rooting for the underdog or the dynasty, this video dives deep into every bubble battle and ticking time bomb on the path to the postseason. Watch the full breakdown, then hit the comments. Who do you think sneaks in, shocks the system, or watches it all slip away?

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. handed shock new role after brutal NASCAR suspension

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will wear a new hat for JR Motorsports at Pocono Raceway, stepping in as crew chief for Connor Zilisch after Mardy Lindley was suspended for loose lug nuts Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be crew chief for Connor Zilisch this weekend(Image: Getty) Dale Earnhardt Jr. is gearing up to support his JR Motorsports […]

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. will wear a new hat for JR Motorsports at Pocono Raceway, stepping in as crew chief for Connor Zilisch after Mardy Lindley was suspended for loose lug nuts

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be crew chief for Connor Zilisch this weekend
Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be crew chief for Connor Zilisch this weekend(Image: Getty)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is gearing up to support his JR Motorsports team in a shock new role this weekend. With crew chief Mardy Lindley serving a one-race suspension for loose lug nuts discovered at Nashville Superspeedway, Earnhardt Jr. will step in as the crew chief for the No.88 car, driven by rising star Connor Zilisch at Pocono Raceway.

The development comes after Earnhardt Jr. recently named three current NASCAR stars that remind him of his legendary father before he shared his financial concerns for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team and weighed in with a strong view on leaked NASCAR plans.

JR Motorsports announced the temporary crew chief switch: “This weekend, @DaleJr will be filling in for Mardy Lindley as crew chief of the No. 88 as Lindley serves his one-race suspension for loose lug nuts following the NXS race in Nashville two weeks ago.”

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The suspension was handed down after post-race checks at the May 31 Xfinity Series event in Nashville revealed two unsecured lug nuts on Zilisch’s Chevrolet. Consequently, team owner Lindley was hit with a $10,000 penalty and a suspension from race-day activities, though NASCAR opted to apply the crew chief’s suspension at Pocono rather than immediately after the Nashville race.

For Dale Earnhardt Jr., already an analyst for the Cup race broadcast on Prime Video, this presents a new challenge and a rare opportunity to return to hands-on team leadership. With two Xfinity championships, 24 wins, and 26 Cup victories under his belt—including two Daytona 500s—Dale Jr. brings a wealth of experience and a unique dual perspective as part-owner and media figure.

Eighteen year old Connor Zilisch, in his rookie Xfinity season and currently fifth in the standings, recently scored a career-best P2 finish at Nashville. As Zilisch tackles Pocono’s tricky, 2.5-mile triangular layout for the first time, Earnhardt’s guidance from the pit box could prove invaluable.

Earnhardt Jr. ‘s decision to step behind the scenes underscores his dedication to JR Motorsports and its driver development philosophy. Since its inception in 1998 under Earnhardt’s leadership, the team has become a mainstay of the Xfinity Series, striving not only to win races but also to cultivate future talent.

Earnhardt Jr. debuted for Prime Video in 2025
Earnhardt Jr. debuted for Prime Video in 2025(Image: Getty)

From a wider perspective, the situation underscores NASCAR’s strict enforcement of technical regulations, regardless of a team’s fame or ownership. Loose lug nuts are viewed as both a safety risk and a competitive threat, and NASCAR’s prompt response reflects its increasing rigor.

However, the deferred suspension has sparked debate about consistency: while Lindley must sit out Pocono, some argue that the delay benefits JR Motorsports.

This weekend, all attention will be on Earnhardt Jr. as he juggles his broadcasting role with his duties as a crew chief. His extensive racing knowledge, love for the sport, and connection with Zilisch could prove beneficial, possibly leading to a solid performance at Pocono – further cementing JR Motorsports’ reputation as a dominant force in nurturing NASCAR talent.



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Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster sponsoring Fast Motorsports

Watch the video of the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster below Fast Motorsports will have sponsorship from Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster for the upcoming race at EchoPark Speedway. The coaster is set to open for business in the Smoky Mountains on June 20th. BJ McLeod is the co-owner of the Pigeon Forge, TN business and is […]

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Watch the video of the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster below

Fast Motorsports will have sponsorship from Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster for the upcoming race at EchoPark Speedway.

The coaster is set to open for business in the Smoky Mountains on June 20th. BJ McLeod is the co-owner of the Pigeon Forge, TN business and is also a co-owner of the NASCAR team.

The coaster offers, “side-by-side tracks for a high-speed, competitive ride you won’t forget.”

Coaster Location: 115 Conner Heights Rd Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

BJ McLeod comments

“We’re excited to have Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster onboard to celebrate their grand opening,” said BJ McLeod, driver of the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevy Camaro and Co-Owner of the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster.

“We know this wouldn’t be possible without the fans so can’t wait to giveaway this experience to allow them to be a part of it.”

Giveaway

With the sponsorship, they are also offering a giveaway to race fans:

Prize Package Includes:

– “A 4-day / 3-night stay in a luxury cabin in scenic Pigeon Forge, TN on dates of your choosing (some exclusions may apply, excluding holidays)”

– “4 free tickets to ride the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster”

To Enter:

1. Follow @teamlivefast, @bjmcleod78, and @pigeonforgeracingcoaster on Instagram

2. Comment on the official giveaway post who you would bring along for the ride

Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster Video

https://twitter.com/pfracingcoaster/status/1935770177188360673

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Fast Motorsports | Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster | NASCAR





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