INDIANAPOLIS — It took Tony Kanaan a dozen tries to win the Indianapolis 500, and, much later, four years to accept it was time to retire and find something else to do outside a racecar.

His 2023 start in the Indy 500 was supposed to be the last of his career and perhaps will ultimately go down as his final appearance in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

But that final 500 led to a full-time job with Arrow McLaren Racing, where in under two years Kanaan has been promoted to team principal and the man in charge of making the decisions while McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown focuses on Formula 1.

And, in a worst case weather scenario May 25, Kanaan might just find himself back in the field of 33 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. After two days of rain delays, Kanaan on Thursday completed the veteran refresher course required for him to be the emergency replacement driver for Kyle Larson should Larson have to leave Indianapolis early to make it back to North Carolina for the the Coca-Cola 600.

A long rain delay in Indy last year ruined Larson’s attempt to complete motorsports 1,100-mile “Double” and he never turned a lap in Charlotte. NASCAR made clear to Larson and Hendrick Motorsports that the Coca-Cola 600 must be his priority or it will cost him dearly in the Cup Series championship race.

Although Kanaan said the refresher course rekindled his passion for Indianapolis, he would prefer not to replace Larson and race again at age 50. He’d have to start last if Larson leaves Indianapolis before the race begins.

“My retirement, I think my biggest fear was how much I was going to miss this,” Kanaan said. “But not sure I want to start 33rd and try to pass everybody and suffer for 2 1/2 hours. I did go out on my own terms and I don’t have the need to go back and run this race again.”

Kanaan will be on Larson’s timing stand during the race and cannot replace him in the car once the race begins.

His acceptance of being a retired racer comes from the massive responsibility he’s been given by Brown. With Brown based in England, Kanaan is the day-to-day boss at Arrow McLaren and thriving in the new role.

“The team loves him, I haven’t had that since I started the IndyCar team. He leads by example. He’s a workaholic. He’s motivated, and that rubs off on people,” Brown told The Associated Press. “None of that surprises me. What did surprise me about TK is the dude can talk and listen at the same time. He takes a lot of advice, which is a bit unusual. He talks to our board members all the time — probably more than me — and he knows what he doesn’t know and doesn’t want to make mistakes, he’s decisive, and he ain’t scared.

“If I tell him to do something — and it’s something unpleasant — Tony’s like ‘OK, I’ll do it.’ Then 10 minutes later he calls me and tells me its done.”

Kanaan doesn’t look at his new job as the guy tasked with doing Brown’s dirty work — and there was a lot of it last year as the IndyCar team had a slew of driver hiring and firings.

He said he understands the difficult business side of motorsports and noted Michael Andretti fired him in 2010 despite an existing contract over a loss of sponsorship. It was then he truly understood the brutal nature of the sport and has carried it with him into his role as leader at Arrow McLaren.

“I think the way I want to run the team, Zak and I think the same. It’s not that he doesn’t want to do it, it’s that I’m in charge and I should do it,” Kanaan said. “If he’s going to do everything for me, why am I here? When you’re being honest, good or bad, it’s going to be uncomfortable.

“I had to do a few things these with people that were my friends,” he continued. “It’s not about that. We run a company now. It’s also my reputation and how I want this team to be perceived to be successful. If people are not able to separate the friendship to the professional, then too bad. I think it’s just a choice that I made. I think I’m a fair person. I think I try to run the team as fair as I can. If you’re lacking, I will tell you. Or if you’re doing good, I’ll tell you. I will never forget, Zak told me one day, ‘You don’t need a title. If 10 people walk in the room, they should be able to pick who the boss is.’”

Arrow McLaren fields three full-time entries for Pato O’Ward, Christian Lundgaard and Nolan Siegel, and a fourth car at Indy for Larson. O’Ward has embraced the feedback he receives from his new boss because Kanaan “still thinks he’s a racing driver.

“I think it drives everybody forward. Obviously, always has a good spirit, lots of energy,” O’Ward said. “I always like to hear the negative feedback more, I would say, than the positive because I feel like the positive, it’s always very dependent on just results. But I feel like behind the results, there’s a lot of things that happen, and you always learn more from the things that you’re doing maybe not optimal. I always welcome it.”

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Turtle Wax, a world-renowned brand in car care, announced a multiyear collaboration with Indianapolis Motor Speedway that includes a presenting sponsorship of Fast Friday at the Racing Capital of the World.

Fast Friday presented by Turtle Wax will take place Friday, May 16. It is the final practice and the last opportunity for teams to test and refine their setups before PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18.

“The increased boost levels available on Fast Friday make it one of the most exciting practice days in the lead-up the Indianapolis 500,” INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The partnership with Turtle Wax provides a boost to the day for fans and teams alike.”

The Turtle Wax story started with the launch of the first-ever bottled car wax in 1944. More than 75 years later, Turtle Wax still captures the attention of the car care industry with a wide range of products for cleaning, shining and protecting vehicles inside and out, including washes, waxes, interior cleaners and other detailing products.

As part of the relationship, Turtle Wax will provide products for the entire fleet of IMS event vehicles.

“We’re thrilled about this alliance between two iconic Midwest-based brands – Turtle Wax and Indianapolis Motor Speedway – each with a rich history in the automotive world,” Turtle Wax Chief Marketing Officer Daren Herbert said. “As part of this collaboration, Turtle Wax products will help maintain the IMS fleet, continuing our legacy of trusted performance related to any vehicle’s appearance, so IMS can stay focused on what it does best. Simply put: It’s a match made in speed and shine, and we’re ready to go.”

Visit ims.com to purchase tickets for Fast Friday presented by Turtle Wax on May 16 and for more information on the complete Month of May schedule at IMS.

For additional information about Turtle Wax products, visit www.TurtleWax.com.

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IRVINE, CA – May 15, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Andria Yu is the new Vice President of Communications for the Motorcycle Industry Council, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. Yu served as Director of Media Relations since joining the powersports associations in 2016, and before that had been the front-page editor at USA Today and chief night editor at The Baltimore Sun.

Bringing more than 17 years of journalism experience to the associations, she expanded national media outreach for powersports in her media relations role, helped shape public-facing communications campaigns, and elevated the visibility of motorcycling, ATV riding, and side-by-side driving – and safety awareness – across a wide range of audiences.

Yu has played a key role in cultivating relationships with journalists, influencers, and industry stakeholders across the country. She’s also a longtime on- and off-road motorcyclist and a certified MSF RiderCoach and DirtBike School Coach, and has led training events and media rides that have helped introduce many beginners to the world of two-wheeling. She is also an ATV Safety Institute Instructor and ROHVA DriverCoach.

“Andria brings clarity, strategy, and a rider-first perspective to everything she does,” said Christy LaCurelle, President and CEO of the MIC, MSF, ROHVA, and SVIA. “She’s played a key role in shaping how we communicate with our industry, our members, and the public. Her insight and leadership are invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve. For nearly a decade, she’s helped tell the story of motorcycling to millions, worked with journalists and influencers across the country, and led media and influencer rides that assisted people in riding the right way. Her impact on the industry and our associations has been tremendous.”

Yu is also an experienced spokesperson – who regularly appears on live TV –  and video producer, contributing to major campaigns, press events, and educational programs across the associations. In late 2024, she assumed a leadership role following the departure of the previous Communications VP, serving as the primary point of contact for the department. Her guidance ensured communications continuity across the associations during a pivotal transition.

“Strong and consistent communications, across our industry and especially for potential new riders, matter a great deal during this time of economic and marketplace change,” Yu said. “Our current and future association members need to know what’s happening in our industry, how the associations can benefit their companies, and how we can all pull in the same direction and make a difference through collective efforts. And we need to keep reaching out, through all forms of today’s mass media, with messages about the fun and joy that powersports brings to our lives and how to go about it safely. ​I look forward to working with all our associations’ departments – Membership, Government Relations, Market Expansion, Rider Education, Training Operations, Research, Events, and more, to help keep our members apprised of the work that we do so we can grow engagement and opportunities for all.”

About the MIC

The Motorcycle Industry Council, under its marquee market expansion brand, Ride With Us, is working to introduce everyone to the incomparable thrill of riding a motorcycle. The MIC is a not-for-profit trade association representing motorcycle manufacturers, distributors, aftermarket companies, dealers, retailers, and a variety of related organizations providing vital support to the powersports industry. The MIC advocates for fair policy and regulatory environments, works to deliver valuable data to the industry, and strives to bring the joy of riding to everyone, everywhere.

Established in 1914, the MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. Keep up with the industry association on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, online at MIC.org, and through the weekly MIC RideReport.

About the MSF

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by MSF have been recognized worldwide since 1973. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; BMW Motorrad USA; Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.; Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc.; Indian Motorcycle; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; KTM North America, Inc.; Suzuki Motor USA, LLC; Triumph Motorcycles America; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. For safety information or to enroll in an MSF Basic RiderCourse near you, or to learn more about the many other MSF course offerings, visit MSF-USA.org or call (800) 446-9227. To keep up with the latest updates, follow the MSF onInstagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

About ROHVA

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is the not-for-profit national industry association promoting safe and responsible use of ROVs (also called side-by-sides or UTVs). Accredited by the American National Standards Institute, ROHVA develops standards for the equipment, configuration, and performance requirements of ROVs.

Based in Irvine, Calif., ROHVA is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Polaris Inc.; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. For safety information or to enroll in the ROV Basic DriverCourse nearest you, visit ROHVA.org or call (866) 267-2751.

About SVIA

The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America is the not-for-profit national industry association promoting safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) through rider training, public awareness campaigns, and state legislation. The SVIA also works to preserve access to off-road riding areas and expand riding opportunities. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute, the SVIA develops standards for equipment, configuration, and performance requirements of ATVs. Based in Irvine, Calif., the SVIA is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.; CFMOTO Powersports, Inc.; Champion Motorsports Group, LLC; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Polaris Inc.; Suzuki Motor USA, LLC; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. Visit SVIA.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse nearest you, visit ATVSafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

Source: Motorcycle Industry Council

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Whether you’re a hardcore race fan or just tuning in for some of the sport’s major events, this page will feature a complete and comprehensive guide to NASCAR betting. If you’re new to betting and looking to learn how to bet on NASCAR, our guide will show you what you need to know. 

Finding the best U.S. sportsbook for NASCAR betting

Sportsbooks offer large catalogs with various ways to bet on NASCAR. Major sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics and bet365 also offer promo codes and welcome bonuses that can be used for NASCAR betting. 

Here are some of the best betting apps for NASCAR betting: 

Finding the best NASCAR odds on betting apps

Using multiple sports betting apps is very useful, considering that one may find either more opportunities to bet or more advantageous odds at one sportsbook compared to another. 

For example, DraftKings may set Ross Chastain’s odds of winning at +1800, but Fanatics may set it at +1900. Odds can vary across sportsbooks and betting markets.

Seeking out the most favorable odds is a basic but strong opportunity to capitalize on your knowledge of NASCAR. It is the fastest way to increase your potential payouts.

What NASCAR odds mean

Generally, each driver in each week’s NASCAR Cup Series race is given a set of odds by sportsbooks of achieving a certain finishing position. For example, Kyle Larson’s chances of winning may be set at +450, with his odds of a top-three finish set at +130, his odds of a top-five finish set at -175, and his odds of a top-10 finish set at -500.

Using this example, a $100 bet on Larson to win the race would pay $550 ($450 in profit, plus the initial $100 bet) should he score the victory. By contrast, you would have to bet $175 on Larson’s chances of finishing in the top five in order to make a $100 profit (plus a return of the original $175 wager).

Betting on a longshot offers the potential for far greater profits in the event that a certain scenario actually unfolds. For instance, J.J. Yeley’s odds of winning may be set at +100000, with his odds of a top-three finish at +25000, his odds of a top-five finish at +10000, and his odds of a top-10 finish at +2800. In this case, if you were to bet $100 on a Yeley win, you would receive a staggering $100,100.

Be advised, however, that equipment is a major variable in NASCAR betting, and drivers with the longest odds may not be in cars capable of winning or running beyond the middle or back of the pack from week to week. Discrepancies in equipment are usually not as pronounced at tracks where the equalizer of the draft comes into play, such as Daytona, Talladega and Atlanta, and these tracks are usually better opportunities to bet on longshots. For example, a bettor once won nearly $1 million on a $13 four-leg parlay in which they bet that Cody Ware, B.J. McLeod, Landon Cassill and David Ragan would all earn top-10 finishes in a race at Daytona in August 2022.

Types of NASCAR bets

As we just went over, the most common type of NASCAR odds are outright odds, namely when it comes to picks to win. But there’s more than just one way to bet on NASCAR.

NASCAR prop bets

Many sportsbooks offer driver prop bets, which can be split between head-to-head matchups and groups of drivers. For instance, you can bet that either Chase Elliott (-110) or Bubba Wallace (-125) will have a better finishing position, or you can bet that Tyler Reddick (+280) will have the best finishing position out of a group that also includes Kyle Larson (+190), Ryan Blaney (+300) and Denny Hamlin (+300).

Along with driver props, there are also race props to wager on. The most prominent race prop is betting on which manufacturer—Chevrolet, Ford or Toyota—will win the race. From there, you can also bet which Chevrolet driver, Ford driver or Toyota driver will be the highest finisher among those driving the same make of car. Race props now also include odds for which driver will set the fastest lap in a race, which is now worth a bonus point towards the NASCAR championship standings beginning in 2025.

NASCAR futures betting

In addition to race lines and odds from week to week, NASCAR betting also includes futures betting, namely on which driver will win the championship at the end of the season. Most sportsbooks will offer odds for the NASCAR Cup Series championship, as well as the championship in the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series—the two other national touring series that serve as the support races to Cup events.

For example’s sake, a three-race win streak early in the season for Christopher Bell may help his futures odds considerably, as he was given +340 odds of winning the Cup Series championship after the first few races of the season. Be advised, though, that futures odds are subject to change throughout the year, particularly given the length of NASCAR’s schedule, which runs all the way from mid-February through the start of November.

The NASCAR Cup Series Championship is determined through a playoff system in which the 16 drivers who qualify compete over the final 10 races for the series title. The playoffs are split into four rounds, with each of the first three rounds containing three races leading up to the championship race and season finale.

Drivers can automatically advance to the next round of the playoffs by winning a race or by being above the cut line to advance to the next round on points. The four drivers at the bottom of the playoff standings at the end of each round are eliminated from playoff contention, a process that continues until the Championship 4 are determined prior to the season finale.

The driver with the best finishing position of the Championship 4 in the season finale earns the NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

NASCAR parlays

In some cases, sportsbooks may allow you to combine bets on NASCAR in order to create a parlay. While most bettors can not and should not expect to win nearly $1 million off a parlay involving multiple longshots (in Daytona 2022’s case, the parlay was greatly aided by a sudden rain shower that caused a massive pileup that eliminated most of the lead pack), there are certain instances where bets can be combined to create greater payouts in the event of a winning bet.

Sportsbooks offering parlays on NASCAR may offer specials based on each race. For instance, a special in which both Tyler Reddick and Brad Keselowski finish inside the top 10 may be offered at +160, while another special in which Ryan Blaney wins the race, Denny Hamlin finishes in the top five, and Bubba Wallace finishes in the top 10 may be offered at +2500.

Live betting on NASCAR

While some may choose to bet on NASCAR in the lead-up to a race, others may elect to make their bets live on a race weekend or during the race itself. This may be easier for some bettors, though there are certain factors to take into consideration.

For instance, the money lines for a certain driver may shift based on their performance in practice and qualifying. A driver who previously had longer odds may see their odds get a bump from either qualifying up front or from putting together good lap times in practice. As a race progresses, a driver’s odds may go up or down depending on their performance and where they’re running in the field, and things can change very quickly. As is the very nature of racing, a driver who is leading the race could only be a few hundred yards away from a crash, a cut tire, or a mechanical failure that could completely ruin their day.

NASCAR betting tips and tricks

NASCAR is one of the most diverse racing series in the entire world, as the Cup Series’ 36-race schedule sees its drivers compete on many different types of racetracks, all of which are important considerations when choosing drivers to bet on.

Drivers have types of tracks that they tend to finish higher at than others. Matching drivers with their track specialties is one angle to consider in NASCAR betting. Confirming that a driver’s potential ceiling outcomes for that track type in qualifying and practice is another tip, but note that some drivers’ odds will shorten after strong qualifying. 

Here are the track types: 

Superspeedways

Superspeedways are unique to NASCAR in that they are more than 2.5 miles in length and see the field race in packs of cars formed tightly in a draft. Differences in equipment are less pronounced here since a car that isn’t nearly as fast by itself can easily keep up with a faster car in the draft and move to the front of the field. This creates a level playing field and a wide variety of potential winners, but the nature of pack racing also lends itself to large accidents that can eliminate dozens of cars from contention.

In addition to NASCAR’s two main superspeedways at Daytona and Talladega, a recent reconfiguration to Atlanta Motor Speedway has also created pack racing and superspeedway characteristics at that track. However, Atlanta is its own animal, given that it is just 1.5 miles in length, thus, handling is more of a factor.

1.5-mile tracks

The most common type of track on NASCAR’s schedule is 1.5-mile ovals, which place a great emphasis on downforce and quality of equipment. While 1.5-mile tracks have traditionally been dubbed “cookie cutters” for having a common shape, the characteristics of each track may vary. Some tracks, for instance, may see heavier tire wear due to the track’s asphalt being older and more abrasive, which usually means more emphasis on tire conservation and a greater ability to use different grooves to make passes.

Some examples of 1.5-mile tracks include Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.

Short tracks

Short track racing lies at the very heart of NASCAR, as many of the Cup Series stars of today grew up racing on tracks less than a mile in length with short straightaways and tight corners. Short track racing is its discipline, and certain drivers can master it with superior technique compared to their competitors, which, sometimes, can make up for differences in equipment.

The main short tracks on NASCAR’s schedule are Martinsville Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway and Richmond Raceway, as well as the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway that has hosted the sport’s All-Star Race since 2023.

Road courses

While NASCAR remains regarded as an oval racing series, road course racing has become a greater part of the sport over the past decade. While road course racing is a specialized discipline, the growing emphasis on road racing has meant that NASCAR’s series regulars have had to adapt and become much better at it, making it tougher for visiting drivers or “road course ringers” to hop in a Cup car and use their experience and road racing skill to dominate.

NASCAR races on purpose-built road courses like Sonoma Raceway, Watkins Glen International and Circuit of the Americas, a temporary street course in the city of Chicago, and the “Roval” at Charlotte Motor Speedway that combines the track’s oval configuration with its infield road course.

NASCAR betting tips and advice summary

Each NASCAR driver has their strengths and weaknesses, which makes the characteristics of each track, combined with each driver’s past performance there, a major consideration in betting. For example, Josh Berry may be a great bet for a track like Martinsville considering his background in late model short track racing, but he may not be worth betting on at a road course compared to Shane van Gisbergen, who excelled in the V8 Supercars series that races on road and street courses prior to coming to NASCAR.

While NASCAR tries to the best of its ability to make the field as even as possible, not all Cup Series teams are created equal. Some teams have much smaller budgets and less sponsor or manufacturer support, meaning they do not have the equipment or depth of crew necessary to run up front consistently. For example, Rick Ware Racing’s budget is much smaller than that of Hendrick Motorsports or Joe Gibbs Racing, meaning it’s less likely to finish inside the top 10 on an average race weekend than a Hendrick or Gibbs car.

Behind the scenes, work is already in full swing at all engine manufacturers for 2026, with Red Bull Powertrains and Ford no exception. Mark Rushbrook, boss of Ford Motorsport and Ford Performance, already stated that most internal goals are being met, although he emphasised that it’s impossible to hit all milestones straightaway. Rushbrook also acknowledged that the competition is difficult to gauge, although he shares Christian Horner’s view that Mercedes seems confident.

An equally significant variable for next year, as much as the competition, is the future of Max Verstappen. Although the Dutchman has a contract with Red Bull that runs until the end of 2028, his future remains a major talking point. The four-time world champion has been linked to Mercedes on many occasions – with Toto Wolff admitting in Zandvoort that talks were held until last year’s summer break – and Verstappen has also been linked to Aston Martin, where Adrian Newey is designing the 2026 car and Honda will join as engine supplier.

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Verstappen is an important figurehead for Red Bull, and therefore Ford, but Rushbrook makes it clear that Ford’s commitment to the project is not dependent on one individual.

“Everywhere we race we want to have the best team with the best drivers and the best people. But did we sign the deal for any one person in particular? No, because we know that it’s a long-term deal and that those people are going to change. We knew that about Christian Horner, about Adrian Newey, about the drivers and some of them have changed already before we even got on the racetrack,” Rushbrook refers to Newey and Sergio Perez.

“Do we want to see Max stay in the Red Bull-Ford for 2026 and beyond? Of course. He’s a champion. He’s a great person and he elevates the entire team with him, but are we going to run away if Max leaves the team? No. We are committed.”

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When asked if he fears Verstappen could leave the team, Rushbrooks smiles: “You like to use the word fear, don’t you? Again, I wouldn’t call it a fear, but we want to take the right actions to make sure that the team with Red Bull Powertrains-Ford continues to win races. As I said, all the people in the programme are an important part of that. So do you take actions to keep a driver like Max in there? You’re already taking those actions anyway because you want to win, but do you also keep a pulse on the people? Of course, so I guess the answer is yes [that we’d like to keep him].”

This is naturally because Rushbrook understands how important Verstappen is for the current competitiveness of the team, in both the drivers’ and the constructors’ championship. “He’s a champion for a reason. Obviously his talent, but also that he wants every part of the team and the programme to be the best it can be.”

Is the current Red Bull form reason for concern?

The bigger picture is that Rushbrook said last year that Ford wants to work with the best teams in all championships it takes part in. At the start of last season, Red Bull was still the dominant force in F1, but this is no longer the case. Is that a concerning prospect for the Blue Oval brand?

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The story behind the Red Bull and Ford deal in Formula 1

“We know that in all forms of motorsports, but especially in Formula 1, there are dynasties of teams that just win, win, and win. But then they go through spells where they don’t, so there’s always that ebb and flow. Do we want Red Bull to still be winning races at the end of last year and this year? Of course, but we know that the team still has great people who are capable of winning consistently.”

Having said that, the 2026 regulations will be the first major technical overhaul in Red Bull’s history that has to be taken on without Adrian Newey. It is another unknown, but Rushbrook makes clear that he has full confidence in the technical team that remains in place. “The feeling is still the same. A few weeks ago, we were in Milton Keynes and met with Pierre Wache and all the technical people. We still believe in the people, in the team that is there and in their ability to win races.”

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

With the Indianapolis 500 nearing, a new bipartisan bill from U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) “would help racing venues like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway make future track improvements and safety updates,” according to Brittany Carloni of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. Young and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) yesterday introduced the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act, a proposal the senators originally introduced in 2023. The legislation “would make permanent a tax break for motorsports assets at tracks,” such as IMS or the Kokomo Speedway, that was set to expire at the end of this year. Under the legislation, the taxable value of upgrades at racing venues “would continue to depreciate at a faster rate,” meaning larger tax breaks for IMS. According to a news release from Young’s office, if the current rate expired, it would “take assets like ticket booths or upgraded race track surfaces longer to lose taxable value and put tracks, including those in Indiana, at a disadvantage.” It could also mean “fewer upgrades to improve the fan experience.” While IMS is “likely the first motorsports track that comes to mind for Hoosiers,” the Kokomo Speedway’s clay track is also a historic racing venue and has been in operation since 1947. Kokomo Speedway President Reece O’Connor said that the legislation from Young and Warner “will impact all levels of Indiana motorsports” (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 5/14).