Motorsports

Transcript: Brian Wilson and Michael Nelson – Press Conference – 04.27.25 – Speedway Digest

THE MODERATOR: We are joined by Michael Nelson, president of NASCAR operations for Team Penske, and Brian Wilson, race-winning crew chief. We’ll open it up for questions. Q. Brian, yesterday Austin admitted could have, should have won the Daytona 500, should have won Atlanta. To have these fast race cars and not have the results […]

Published

2 weeks ago

April 29, 2025

Your Sports Nation

THE MODERATOR: We are joined by Michael Nelson, president of NASCAR operations for Team Penske, and Brian Wilson, race-winning crew chief.

We’ll open it up for questions.

Q. Brian, yesterday Austin admitted could have, should have won the Daytona 500, should have won Atlanta. To have these fast race cars and not have the results is a little frustrating. To win today, to do it on a superspeedway, finally check that box after how strong you’ve been, how much of a relief is that?

BRIAN WILSON: Yeah, I feel like it’s rewarding. I think ‘rewarding’ is the right word. Austin, our spotter Doug, put in a whole lot of work. Everyone at Team Penske puts in a lot of work to the superspeedway program, everybody at Roush-Yates.

Rewarding to get a win. As you said, we felt like we were in contention, had cars we thought should potentially win those first two races.

To get it done today is definitely rewarding.

Q. Mike, the IMSA side has been winning. NASCAR and INDYCAR sides have not gotten a win. What was the aura in the shop just as far as was there frustration, or were you feeling good about performance, just not results?

MICHAEL NELSON: Yeah, I think you’re always frustrated about not getting the results. I think the INDYCAR season is underway. I think those guys, I feel like they’re pretty strong going into Indianapolis here in a few weeks.

But no, we’ve had fast cars on the NASCAR side. I felt like almost every weekend just something ends up happening, costing us a win.

We weren’t down, but there’s definitely a level of frustration that builds when it just doesn’t come through, doesn’t happen at the end.

Happy to get the 2 car in Victory Lane today.

Q. Could you speak to Austin and what he’s done to make himself better, to put in the type of work that you talked about. How rewarding is it to see that pay off?

MICHAEL NELSON: I’ve known Austin for a really long time, since he was a kid. Watched him grow and develop over time. The amount of work he’s put in, in multiple series.

Once getting into the Cup Series, the amount of effort that he’s put in and everything that he’s gone through. I know he was really frustrated to not have won a couple of these races so far.

Yeah, it’s really rewarding to see people go through, put the work in and achieve something that they set out to do.

Q. (No microphone.)

BRIAN WILSON: Yeah, absolutely. Austin has a great work ethic. I think the first time I crew chiefed him was about 10 years ago. I’ve seen him grow quite a bit.

I think he’s the type of guy that he takes all information in, he really retains it, he wants to study it. I think the type of driver he is really fits the way that Team Penske operates.

We’re data-driven really. We love to provide things for him to be able to study. I think he’s really done a great job applying it.

Q. Mike, at the end of the second stage, Joey was livid on his radio at Austin about not helping him. He said it allowed Bubba to win the stage. By the time the race was over, Joey was like, It’s good to see a Team Penske guy. How long does that stuff last? Do you ever have to address it internally?

MICHAEL NELSON: I think our team has done a really good job of working together as a team over the years, especially at these races.

But when you see that, you realize how difficult it is behind the scenes. I guess it again proves these guys that we have, they want to win the races, right? They want to win for their team.

At the end of the day it’s just like a normal family. We have to go in and close the door when we’re not in front of everybody else and work through the issues that we have.

There was obviously some frustration there. Heat-of-the-moment situation, for sure. No, I think we’ve done a better job than most. It just shows you that there’s still more work to do, that it’s something you have to continually work on race after race.

Q. Brian, on the Toyota said, someone said you essentially saw what they did by short pitting early in stage two. Did the opposite. That was the race-winning move. Was there any reaction on the part of the Ford camp to run long or was that a preplanned decision?

BRIAN WILSON: Yeah, I think that’s something we always evaluate. We try to look at what the lap times are. If somebody does short pit, you try to watch and see where they’re going to cycle out.

As a group, there’s a lot of great communication amongst the Ford camp, absolutely. We saw what they were doing. I think we reacted really well to it.

It really comes down to executing on pit road. Every step of that I think we did really well.

Q. Was it odd to see one of these races go green all the way to the end?

BRIAN WILSON: I don’t know if it’s odd or not. I know we were all on the pit box worried that a caution was going to come out.

When you’re in those situations, you always think about those things. Just glad it worked out.

Q. NASCAR talked to the teams about running a run what you brung to the All-Star Race. Good idea? Bad idea?

MICHAEL NELSON: I think for us, obviously I heard about this. Just heard at some point that it wasn’t going to happen.

Really our goal at the end of the day is just to try to win with whatever rules they give us. I think we always give our opinion when we’re asked. Again, if it was going to be that, we’d go do our best at that.

So yeah, we just bring it on. Whatever the rules are, whenever the races are, we just try to take that for what it is. It’s out of our control to a certain extent. We try to be successful at it.

BRIAN WILSON: Absolutely. I echo what Michael said there. If they change the rules, I feel like there’s always opportunity there. Our group does a good job of trying to maximize that early on.

Whatever the rules are, we tend to find ourselves towards the front.

Q. (No microphone.)

MICHAEL NELSON: Well, I mean, look, at the end of the day I’m glad we’re having those conversations. It’s always cool to talk about what’s next. That’s the thing that I’m most excited about really, is that we’re always talking about how to make the sport better, some new ideas. Definitely appreciate those ideas.

As far as where we stand, I think the opinion is different depending on which crew chief you ask (laughter).

We support having the conversation. Yeah, we just want to go race, so… We’re happy to take whatever the rules are and try to figure it out.

Q. Mike, earlier this year Austin had the big penalty. It seemed like, Who is this guy? Seems to run well some weeks, but tends to have that issue that he had at COTA. Has he done anything differently over the last six weeks since then?

MICHAEL NELSON: No, I mean, I feel like he gained a lot of momentum towards the latter stages of last year, and really has continued to carry that on.

We’ve had some bumps in the road. There’s been a few races where our cars haven’t been contenders to win. All in all, I feel like he’s really started to take another step towards the last part of last year into this year. I think you’re seeing some of that like today.

Q. Brian, I know everybody is equal in the organization. With Joey winning the championship, Ryan… Do you ever feel you have something to prove or you’re the third team, not as regarded as the other two?

BRIAN WILSON: Yeah, I mean, we’ve got a young team, whether it’s my driver or a lot of my pit crew guys, my mechanics.

I think it’s very motivating when you see your teammates and you know what they do day to day, week in, week out, you see the success that they have. Obviously you want to get to that point.

I think for Austin, it’s a very high measuring stick when you have the back-to-back-to-back champions in-house. It’s a great situation where you know what they do, you can emulate them, try to take some of the things they do in.

As team, we try to do that as well. Whether it’s the 12 or the 22, what are they doing to their cars or setups to make speed.

It’s really a great situation to be in. It’s very motivating.

Q. (No microphone.)

BRIAN WILSON: Yeah, absolutely. It definitely motivates Austin. Top down on my team, we want to prove that he with can contend at that level.

THE MODERATOR: This is the 200th points-paying race for Roush-Yates. What does that mean for your organization?

MICHAEL NELSON: It’s really great. It’s really cool to look Doug Yates in the eyes out there in Victory Lane at a superspeedway, of all places, Talladega. I think if there’s a couple tracks he would pick to achieve this goal, I think this was probably one of them.

We got a chance to celebrate with him a little bit out there. We appreciate the partnership, what they’ve contributed with strong engines and the great mileage to be able to come here and win today.

We’re looking forward to some celebrations to come for that one.

THE MODERATOR: Congratulations.

NASCAR PR

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Motorsports

Lawmakers push permanent tax break for IMS, motorsports facilities

Published

17 minutes ago

May 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

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).

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Motorsports

NASCAR may be Returning to Chicagoland Speedway, and it Could be for the Championship Race

What’s Happening Chicagoland Speedway, the 1.5-mile venue that hosted Cup Series events from 2001 to 2019, was dropped from the schedule in the 2020 season amidst COVID-19 concerns. It has been mostly inactive since then, with zero NASCAR races at the track. However, recent developments have raised speculation that the racetrack may return to the […]

Published

19 minutes ago

May 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

What’s Happening

Chicagoland Speedway, the 1.5-mile venue that hosted Cup Series events from 2001 to 2019, was dropped from the schedule in the 2020 season amidst COVID-19 concerns. It has been mostly inactive since then, with zero NASCAR races at the track. However, recent developments have raised speculation that the racetrack may return to the NASCAR schedule soon.

Website Updates: The official Chicagoland Speedway website was recently refreshed to match the modern aesthetic used by other active NASCAR venues. Notably, it features a message reading “Check back soon for new events,” suggesting future scheduling announcements may be imminent.
New Track Map and Features: A new layout map on the site includes a “Turn 4 Club” area, which was not previously advertised, implying recent infrastructure planning or upgrades.
Inclusion in a Fan Poll: Chicagoland Speedway is officially listed as an option in a “Which track would you like to see host the championship race?” run by NASCAR, a poll allowing fans to vote for tracks they’d like to see as the finale, which does not mean it necessarily will. Its inclusion indicates NASCAR is at least gauging public interest in a potential return.

While no official statement has been issued by NASCAR or track operators, the rumor is backed by the fact that the current Chicago Street Course contract is unlikely to be renewed. With Chicago being a huge market for NASCAR, it is probable that they are looking to keep a race date within the city. NASCAR has also revitalized some of its long-unused racetracks for recent events, such as North Wilkesboro and Rockingham Speedway.

Would you like to see Chicagoland return to the NASCAR schedule? You can check out their website HERE. Let us know your thoughts on our Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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Motorsports

North Central Division prepares for 2025 series launches, new programs for racers

The NHRA North Central Division and Oakley Motorsports are proud to announce updates to the 2025 Oakley Motorsports Super Quick Series, including a revised schedule and exciting new program features that promise to elevate the competition and reward racers like never before. Schedule Update: Doubleheader at Beech Bend Raceway Park The season opener, originally scheduled […]

Published

38 minutes ago

May 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Schedule Update: Doubleheader at Beech Bend Raceway Park

The season opener, originally scheduled for World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) on April 5–6, was postponed due to severe weather and flooding. While a reschedule was not possible, the series will make up one of the missed events with a Doubleheader at Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Ky., on May 24–25, 2025.

This weekend will now feature two full rounds of Oakley Motorsports Super Quick Series competition, offering racers a chance to earn double points and payouts.

Spotlight: James Shown Memorial Race: Bigger than ever

The James Shown Memorial Race, held during the Beech Bend doubleheader, will feature an enhanced purse and increased prestige:
•   $5,000 Winner
•   $1,000 Runner-Up
•   $500 Semi-Finals
•   $250 Quarter Finals
•   Entry Fee: $250
This special event honors the legacy of James Shown and is supported by Steve Conley Racing, which is offering an $1,800 bonus to the winner. Decals are required to be eligible for this bonus.

New for 2025: Holley MSD Power Grid Lockdown Perfect Run Program

Holley is bringing added excitement to the series with the MSD Power Grid Lockdown Perfect Run Program. Any racer who achieves a perfect run during eliminations will be awarded a complete MSD Grid system.

To qualify:
• Racers must display the MSD Power Grid Lockdown Perfect Run sticker on both sides of their vehicle prior to the race.
This program rewards precision and performance, adding another layer of competition to each round.

Law Chevrolet Super Quick Series Shootout: A race within a race

The 2025 season introduces the Law Chevrolet Super Quick Series Shootout, a prestigious race-within-a-race event. Qualifying points earned at the first nine events of the season will determine the elite eight-car field for this special showdown.

The Shootout will take place during the Fall Classic National Open at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on Oct. 18, 2025.

Shootout Payouts:
•   $2,000 Champion
•   $400 Runner-Up
•   $200 Semi-Finalists
•   $100 Quarterfinalists

Law Chevrolet, a trusted name in Booneville, Indiana, brings nearly two decades of automotive excellence and community support to this new chapter in the Super Quick Series.

A season of high stakes and high performance

With 9 races, four doubleheaders, and a championship prize package valued at nearly $10,000, the 2025 Oakley Motorsports Super Quick Series is set to be one of the most competitive seasons yet.

Championship Awards Include:
•   $2,000 Champion Cash Prize
•   NHRA Gold Card
•   Champion’s Trophy and Jacket
•   Runner-Up: $1,000 | Third Place: $500
•   Top Five: Oakley Motorsports Super Quick Series Coats

Supporting Sponsor Highlights:
•   Alliance Racewear: Driving suit for the Champion
•   Holley: Helmet and head/neck restraint
•   Hoosier Tires Midwest: Buy-one-get-one slicks offer
•   Fuel Factory: 5-gallon pail of race fuel for each event winner
•   Driven Racing Oil: Product awards at each race
•   Steve Conley Racing: $800 bonus to each event winner
________________________________________
Stay Connected
For full event details, rules, and updates, visit the NHRA North Central Division website and follow Oakley Motorsports on social media.

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Motorsports

Chris Buescher, RFK Racing levied major penalty by NASCAR for rules violation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR issued an L-1 level penalty to RFK Racing and driver Chris Buescher following an inspection violation discovered at the R&D Center in Concord this week, the sanctioning body announced Thursday. NASCAR says Buescher’s team violated rules for the maximum reinforcement allowed for its front bumper. As a result, Buescher and the […]

Published

39 minutes ago

May 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NASCAR says Buescher’s team violated rules for the maximum reinforcement allowed for its front bumper. As a result, Buescher and the team were each penalized 60 championship points, in addition to five playoff points. Crew chief Scott Graves was suspended for the next two races, including this weekend’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

It’s unclear if the team will appeal the penalty.

Buescher finished eighth in the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas. He will drop from 12th in the championship standings to 24th. Before the penalty, Buescher was 33 points ahead of the playoff cut line. He’s now 27 points below the final playoff spot. Coincidentally, his teammate Ryan Preece is now the final playoff driver heading into the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

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Motorsports

Indianapolis 500 Day 2 Practice Report: Palou and Power fastest so far

The second day of Indianapolis 500 practice saw fast speeds and more rain as Alex Palou was fastest on the day. The Indianapolis area saw heavy rain overnight and into the early morning hours, resulting in a delayed start to practice, at 1:05 p.m. The refresher program for 2013 “500” champion Tony Kanaan was slated […]

Published

60 minutes ago

May 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The second day of Indianapolis 500 practice saw fast speeds and more rain as Alex Palou was fastest on the day.

The Indianapolis area saw heavy rain overnight and into the early morning hours, resulting in a delayed start to practice, at 1:05 p.m. The refresher program for 2013 “500” champion Tony Kanaan was slated for 10 a.m., but due to the rain, will be ran tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Palou, a three-time IndyCar champion, piloted the No.10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to a speed of 227.546 mph, the fastest speed of the week so far. Palou’s speed was two miles-per-hour quicker than second place, Will Power. Power, who was fastest yesterday, put 225.584 mph on the board on Wednesday.

“I think we’ve got a reasonable package right now,” Power said. “Seems very difficult to pass when you are in the back of the pack, but car stayed really consistent through the rounds.”

Following Power was Team Penske teammate Josef Newgarden at 225.545 mph, Scott Dixon at 225.092 and Conor Daly, in the ampm No. 76 Chevrolet for Juncos Hollinger Racing, at 224.931 mph.

There were two other rain delays that halted the on-track action, but, despite the delays, 2,450 laps were ran. Palou completed 99 laps, almost half of the “500” distance.

A new team made their first appearance on the speed charts this week in Dreyer and Reinbold Racing/Cusick Motorsports. DRR, an Indianapolis-based team, only run the “500”, a tradition that has slowly died out over the years but kept alive by DRR and partner Don Cusick, owner of Cusick Motorsports.

Jack Harvey, veteran IndyCar driver turned FOX Sports pit reporter, posted 224.361 mph to put the No.24 INVEST Chevrolet in ninth when the checkered flag flew.

In terms of no-tow, Kyle Kirkwood in the No 27 Siemens Honda for Andretti Global was the fastest for the second day in a row at 222.760, over three miles-per-hour faster than yesterday. Following Kirkwood was the Ed Carpenter Racing duo of sophomore Christian Rasmussen at 222.116 mph and 2016 “500” winner, Alexander Rossi at 221.277 mph.

Rasmussen was 10th overall on the day at 224.180 mph, making him the second different ECR car to place in the top 10.

While there are big names at the top of the charts, there are also big names on the bottom end. Ed Carpenter and Santino Ferrucci were 34th and 33rd, respectively. Ferrucci, piloting the No.14 for A.J. Foyt Racing, spent most of the day in the garage as the team made drastic setup changes, only allowing for Ferrucci to turn 26 laps. The driver of the HomesForTroops.org Chevrolet, was not happy with the current state of the car, so the crew switched over to last year’s setup, more to Ferrucci’s liking.

Callum Ilott is the only driver over two days of practice to sit below 30th on both days. The Englishman driving for Prema Racing was 34th on Tuesday and 31st on Wednesday. The team is using brand new race cars, never ran on-track before. They are figuring out the kinks of racing at Indianapolis and leaning on the veteran in Ilott. At the Open Test in April, Prema used road course cars and start the month on the backfoot, a place a brand new IndyCar team does not want to be.

Rain looks to be gone for awhile as Thursday in Speedway, IN will see a high of 88 degrees with a low of 67 degrees. Teams will look to prepare for qualifications this weekend and the addition of the added horsepower boost that comes with it. Practice for all 34 entrants is set to begin at Noon and lasting until 6 p.m.

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Motorsports

Kyle Larson Replacement Confirmed For NASCAR All-Star Weekend Amid IndyCar Clash

Hendrick Motorsports has confirmed that Justin Allgaier will step in for Kyle Larson in the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet during practice and qualifying for the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Allgaier, who usually pilots the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, will also be ready to replace Larson in the All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola […]

Published

1 hour ago

May 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Allgaier, who usually pilots the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, will also be ready to replace Larson in the All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600 if Larson’s current IndyCar commitments prevent him from making it to the race.

Larson is attempting to compete in the Indy500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. This weekend, the 32-year-old driver is taking part in testing and qualifying for the Indy500, meaning he will miss practice and qualifying for the All-Star Race.

Cliff Daniels, crew chief for Larson’s No. 5 team, said, via a press release from Hendrick Motorsports:

Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on May 11, 2025 in Kansas City, Kansas.

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

“We’re fortunate to have Justin and we appreciate him stepping in to help. He and Kyle are very similar in size, so there’s a lot in the cockpit that’s common between the two.

“I think that serves him well and it serves us well. He’s had some time in the simulator driving the track and he did the wheel-force test there a year ago, so he’s got some experience in the Cup car at North Wilkesboro. We’re looking to put in a solid practice and make sure the car drives good.”

Daniels also spoke about the track evolution at North Wilkesboro, adding:

“I think no matter what there’s going to be a general progression of balance from Friday through Sunday. The track is going to take more rubber. Friday, the groove is going to be a bit more narrow and Sunday I think it’s going to open up a bit. So, there’s still some changes regardless of Justin or Kyle that we would plan to progress through throughout the weekend.

“At the end of the day, I just want to make sure Justin is comfortable in what he feels and he, of course, trusts the feedback he’s going to give us. If there’s something he can provide to us to make the car faster, we’re going to listen. We’re going to do those little things and then we’re going to kind of stick to a little bit of what we think the track is going to evolve through, throughout the weekend.”

Speaking about his attempt to take on both iconic races, Larson explained, as quoted by NBC Sports:

“I hope it’s not the last.

“I hope this year is not the last time we ever see anybody do it because I think it’s huge for motorsports. It’s huge for IndyCar, probably even bigger for NASCAR. Hopefully the schedules will work out in the future and maybe the rules will change a little bit, too.”

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