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 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
Motorsports
Former Watkins Glen President Michael Printup 1965-2025
Racing America is devastated to confirm the sudden passing of Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup at 60 years of age. Michael was an icon in motorsports, a great partner and a friend. His passion for racing and commitment to the industry made a lasting impact on the sport. He will be deeply missed. Racing America sends our thoughts and condolences to Michael’s family, friends and colleagues.
Michael first joined Racing America in July 2023 as the President of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). In January 2024, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, as well as all racing operations. A native of Hamburg, N.Y., Michael spent nearly three decades working for NASCAR, most notably in the role of president of Watkins Glen International. He was also president of Americrown and oversaw the Levy food service contract for 12 NASCAR-owned racetracks.
Michael leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, two boys Brendan (and wife Caitlin) and Matthew, and two granddaughters, Sophia and Vivienne.
A memorial service for Michael will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home (303 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483)
Motorsports
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing Announce Strategic Partnership for 2026 Mustang Challenge
CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.
Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).
Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts.
“As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”
The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.
“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”
Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities:
– Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season.
– Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars.
– Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.
Bill Johnson
Wheelhouse
+1 910-658-1447
email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
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Motorsports
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing Announce Strategic Partnership for 2026 Mustang Challenge
CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.
Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).
Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts.
“As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”
The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.
“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”
Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities:
– Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season.
– Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars.
– Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.
Bill Johnson
Wheelhouse
+1 910-658-1447
email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
![]()
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media
Motorsports
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering To Celebrate the World’s Most Iconic Vehicles
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering returns to Monterey Car Week Aug. 14, 2026, to celebrate the world’s most iconic automotive brands and historic vehicles, company officials stated in a press release. The event will showcase four featured classes and an exclusive collector series. The 23rd annual event will also include more than a dozen vehicle debuts from top OEMs and designers and a curated display of hundreds of rare and unique vehicles.
Four celebrated classes will take center stage at next year’s event: The 100th Anniversary of Route 66, The Lamborghini Diablo, The Legacy of Japanese GTs, and The Ferrari F40.
The 100th Anniversary of Route 66
Spanning nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 symbolizes freedom, adventure and the enduring spirit of the American road trip, noted the release. This special featured class will pay tribute to the highway’s cultural impact through a curated lineup of classic vehicles that once traveled America’s “Mother Road,” each honoring Route 66’s role in shaping American automotive history and inspiring generations of travelers.
The Lamborghini Diablo
The Lamborghini Diablo featured class will celebrate the “poster car” of the 1990s. Lamborghini’s first model capable of exceeding 200 mph and a former holder of the world’s fastest production car title, the Diablo stands as an icon of futuristic design and breakthrough engineering, solidifying Lamborghini’s standing as a trailblazer in modern supercar performance, event organizers said. The class will include Diablo examples, highlighting rare specifications and limited-production editions.
The Legacy of Japanese GTs
Celebrating the legacy of Japanese automotive craftsmanship, the artistry of customizable styling and advanced technology, The Legacy of Japanese GTs class will showcase a selection of the most influential and sought-after models. Famous for their distinctive blend of performance, precision and tunability, Japanese GTs have earned a devoted following among enthusiasts worldwide.
The Ferrari F40
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will honor an iconic Ferrari model for the second consecutive year with The Ferrari F40 featured class. Celebrated as one of the most iconic supercars ever built and introduced in 1987 to commemorate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the F40 was the final Ferrari model to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. This class will highlight the raw performance and engineering excellence that continue to define Ferrari’s legacy.

The Bruce Meyer Collection
The Quail will also introduce an all-new collector series that will highlight unique collections from renowned collectors and enthusiasts. Among them, Bruce Meyer is widely recognized as one of the most passionate and influential car collectors in the hot rod and classic car spaces. Driven by his signature mantra, “never lift,” Meyer has assembled one of the finest private collections of Le Mans-winning race cars, Bonneville land speed cars, trend-setting hot rods and many other cars and motorcycles of historical significance. The Bruce Meyer Collection will present an exclusive selection that reflects his profound appreciation for the automotive hobby.
Timeless Craftsmanship & Heritage Will Be on Display at The Quail
“Our new featured classes, alongside the debut of the collector series, are propelling The Quail into an exciting new era,” said Gordon McCall, director of motorsports at The Quail. “Collectively, they showcase emerging technologies and design philosophies, while upholding the timeless craftsmanship and heritage that have been at the heart of this event for more than two decades.”
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will also include eight returning traditional classes, including Custom Coachwork, Pre-War Sports and Racing Cars, Post-War Sports Cars 1945-60, Post-War Sports Cars 1961-75, Post-War Racing Cars, Sports and Racing Motorcycles, Evolution of the Supercar and The Great Ferraris.
The vehicle entrant application is currently open.
Motorsports
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Motorsports
Business Leader and Former NASCAR Team Marketing Executive Tony Priscaro Releases His New Book Still Standing, A Real-World Guide to Building Credibility When the Stakes Are High – Speedway Digest
Tony Priscaro, founder of PK Velocity Sports & Entertainment and a veteran sports marketing executive, has released his debut book, Still Standing, now available on Amazon and Kindle. The book delivers a candid, practical look at leadership, resilience, and value creation drawn from decades operating at the intersection of professional sports and business.
Unlike traditional business books rooted in theory, Still Standing is built on real-world execution—closing high-stakes deals, navigating career pivots, managing risk, and rebuilding momentum when circumstances collapse.
“This isn’t a book about success,” said Priscaro. “It’s about what happens between success—the pressure, the setbacks, the moments where quitting feels logical but staying the course matters most.”
Priscaro’s career spans professional sports marketing, NASCAR sponsorship strategy, corporate partnerships, and brand development. In Still Standing, he translates lessons learned in high-pressure sports environments into actionable insights for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals.
“In sports, there’s no room for excuses,” Priscaro said. “You either deliver or you don’t. That same reality exists in business—especially when trust, reputation, and credibility are on the line.”
A Business Book Disguised as a Story
While the book draws on experiences from NASCAR, professional basketball, and national brand partnerships, Still Standing is ultimately about business fundamentals: decision-making under uncertainty, earning trust without credentials, and creating value when resources are limited.
“Brands don’t care where you went to school,” Priscaro noted. “They care if you can reduce risk, execute consistently, and deliver results. That lesson applies to every industry.”
The book has already begun resonating with professionals navigating career transitions, leadership challenges, and entrepreneurial risk.
Supporting Speaking & Executive Engagements
The release of Still Standing coincides with Priscaro’s expanded focus on executive speaking engagements and business workshops. His talks center on leadership under pressure, credibility over credentials, and what professional sports reveal about how decisions are really made in business.
“I didn’t write this book to sell books,” said Priscaro. “I wrote it to start conversations—with leaders, teams, and organizations that want to perform when the stakes are real.”
Tony Priscaro PR
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