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).

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.

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 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.

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 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. 

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.