5 KYLE LARSON
 

Age: 32 (July 31, 1992)
 

Hometown: Elk Grove, California
 

Last Week: 21st (All-Star Race)
 

Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
 

Standings: 1st
 
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No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet
 

2025

Cup Career

Charlotte

Races

12

378

14

Wins

3

32

1

Poles

1

22

1

Top 5

8

127

2

Top 10

9

191

6

Laps Led

817

10,073

399

Stage Wins

6

70

3

Average Finish

9.8

14.0

17.7

Kyle Larson will take a second shot at the #H1100 on Sunday, attempting to run in the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. After weather foiled his efforts last year, Larson will look to become only the fifth driver to start both events in the same day since 1994. Only Tony Stewart in 2001 completed every lap of both events. 
During his title season in 2021, Larson scored a win in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, leading 327 of 400 laps and sweeping all four stages in a 70-point night. The victory was the 269th for Hendrick Motorsports, making it the winningest organization in NASCAR Cup Series history. 
Larson is the leader in several statistical categories through the season's first 12 events, including average finish (9.83), top-five finishes (eight), top 10s (nine) and laps led (817). Larson has led 24.5% of all laps run in 2025, the most since Kevin Harvick paced 26.4% of circuits to begin the 2015 season. 
He is also the laps led leader in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with 440 in three starts. 
Entering Sunday's race, Larson has piled up 469 points to lead the standings by 35 over teammate William Byron. That is the most points for any driver over the first 12 races in the Next Gen era (2022-present). His eight stage wins are the most ever in that same time span. 
Larson has been dominant on 1.5-mile tracks thus far. His average finish of 3.75 through four events on such circuits is six positions better than any other driver. He has also won two of the four races on 1.5-mile tracks, claimed four of eight stages and led 36% of all laps. 

 
9 CHASE ELLIOTT
 

Age: 29 (Nov. 28, 1995)
 

Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
 

Last week: 5th (All-Star Race)
 

Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
 

Standings: 4th
 
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No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Patriotic Chevrolet
 

2025

Cup Career

Charlotte

Races

12

334

13

Wins

0

19

1

Poles

0

12

0

Top 5

3

107

5

Top 10

6

177

7

Laps Led

74

5,600

340

Stage Wins

0

38

1

Average Finish

11.7

12.9

14.8

Chase Elliott heads to Charlotte Motor Speedway fourth in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings, 91 markers behind leader and teammate Kyle Larson.
Elliott is one of three drivers to finish in the top 10 in both Charlotte Cup Series races last year – seventh in the Coca-Cola 600 and fifth in the ROVAL event.
Elliott has one Cup Series win on Charlotte’s 1.5-mile oval, coming in a makeup race held in May of 2020. He is a two-time runner-up finisher in the Coca-Cola 600 (2020 and 2021).
Elliott has led laps in each of the last six 600-mile races held at Charlotte.
The 29-year-old’s most recent win at a mile-and-a-half facility came last year at Texas Motor Speedway. He has six top 10s in the last 10 races held on 1.5-mile tracks. He's scored 118 points on such circuits this season, seventh most in the series.
Elliott is the only Cup Series driver this season to finish all 12 races in the top 20. His average finish of 11.7 ranks fourth. 

 
24 WILLIAM BYRON
 

Age: 27 (Nov. 29, 1997)
 

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
 

Last Week: 6th (All-Star Race)
 

Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
 

Standings: 2nd
 
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No. 24 Axalta Patriotic Chevrolet
 

2025

Cup Career

Charlotte

Races

12

264

8

Wins

1

14

0

Poles

2

15

1

Top 5

5

59

3

Top 10

7

111

4

Laps Led

386

3,364

202

Stage Wins

3

26

2

Average Finish

10.2

15.0

15.1

Through 12 races, William Byron has an average finish of 10.2 – second best in the NASCAR Cup Series field. He also is second in the 2025 driver points standings, 35 behind Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson.
In addition, Byron has run 1,272 laps in the top five (third most), 2,292 laps in the top 10 (second most) and led 386 laps in 2025 (second most).
On 1.5-mile tracks this year, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native has an average finish of 9.67 – second best. He’s also scored the third-most points on this track type with 124.
Since the start of 2023, Byron has 10 top-five finishes, 13 top 10s and an average finish of 6.65 at 1.5-mile tracks, all best in the series.
In the Next Gen era, Byron has four wins in night races, most by any driver.
In eight starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Byron has three pole awards, becoming the youngest pole winner for the Coca-Cola 600 in 2019. He's accumulated three top-five finishes, four top 10s and led 202 laps in that span.
This weekend, the 27-year-old driver will also climb behind the wheel of the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series on Saturday. It will mark Byron's second and final scheduled start in the series in 2025. He finished second at Circuit of the Americas on March 1. 

 
48 ALEX BOWMAN
 

Age: 31 (April 25, 1993)
 

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
 

Last Week: 4th (All-Star Race)
 

Crew Chief: Blake Harris
 

Standings: 8th
 
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No. 48 Ally Patriotic Chevrolet
 

2025

Cup Career

Charlotte

Races

12

337

13

Wins

0

8

0

Poles

2

7

0

Top 5

2

42

1

Top 10

7

103

5

Laps Led

110

1,478

228

Stage Wins

0

7

3

Average Finish

16.9

19.3

20.2

After finishing fifth in their respective heat race, Alex Bowman and the No. 48 Ally team rolled off ninth in the NASCAR All-Star Race last Sunday at North Wilkesboro Speedway. A strategic call for right-side tires under the final caution helped facilitate a fourth-place showing, his best career finish in an All-Star Race.
Bowman sits eighth in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings, 144 tallies behind Hendrick Motorsports teammate and series leader Kyle Larson.
The Tucson, Arizona, native has 13 Cup Series starts on the oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He has recorded five top-10 finishes, including one top five effort in 2021. Across those starts, Bowman has led 228 laps with an average start of 17.6 and an average finish of 20.2.
Bowman’s seven top-10 finishes through the first 12 races of 2025 tie a personal best. He has hit that mark three times, all during the Next Gen era (2022, 2024 and 2025).
For Best Friends Animal Society programming, Ally and Bowman will be partnering with Mitchell County Animal Shelter as their selected shelter for this weekend at Charlotte.  
Ally and HendrickCars.com are teaming up again to give fans the chance to win prizes with this year’s “Open Road Sweepstakes.” Fans can win VIP experiences at various races throughout the season and one lucky winner will hit the open road in a Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss with an Airstream camper. Fans can stop by the Ally Fan Zone to enter the sweepstakes in-person and check out the camper. Fans can also enter at ally.com/sweepstakes/nascar. 

 
HENDRICK
MOTORSPORTS /
Hendrick Motorsports
 

2025

All-Time

Charlotte

Races

12

1,393

76

Wins

4

316*

21*

Poles

5*

258*

19*

Top 5

18*

1,297*

71*

Top 10

29*

2,216*

116*

Laps Led

1,387*

83,699*

6,077*

Stage Wins

10*

126

9*

 
*Most all time
**Tied for most all time

Combined, Hendrick Motorsports drivers have led 1,387 laps so far this season, most of all organizations by 670 circuits and the team's most since 2010. That number accounts for 41.6% of laps run through 12 races this year, the organization's highest percentage to begin a season since 1996 (44.1%). 
Entering Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports has claimed the pole for five of the last eight NASCAR Cup Series events. The team's four wheelmen have also combined to claim eight of the last 10 stages.
Hendrick Motorsports has won at least three races in every season since 1994, the longest such streak in Cup Series history. 
The organization is the all-time leader in most statistical categories for the Coca-Cola 600, including wins (12), poles (13), top fives (40), top 10s (64) and laps led (3,832). 
Dating back to last season, Hendrick Motorsports has had at least one driver finish in the top five in 20 straight events, the company's third-longest such streak. No other team has had at least one car in the top five in all 12 events in 2025.

 
QUOTABLE /
 

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet, on the prospects of completing all the laps in the #H1100: “It should be a good chance. We finished the (Indianapolis) 500 last year and we would’ve had a good shot in the (Coca-Cola 600) had we gotten to run it. But, yeah, there’s just a lot that has to go your way and both of them are crazy races.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet, on the Coca-Cola 600 and Memorial Day Weekend: “I have always felt like NASCAR – and Charlotte Motor Speedway in particular – has always done a really good job of showcasing and showing that appreciation that we, as the industry, have for our servicemen and women around the world. I think it’s really special to be a part of a sport that has that type of showcasing, on a yearly basis. And it seems like it just gets bigger and better every year. It really makes me proud to be a part of it.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet, on Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Coca-Cola 600: “I love racing at Charlotte (Motor Speedway). It’s my home track and where I grew up going to watch races. Plus it’s so close to Hendrick Motorsports. We always run well at Charlotte, and honestly I really thought we had a shot to win last year before it started raining. This is a race that I have circled every year on my calendar. I really want to this one. Not only is it a crown jewel event but it would just mean more.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet, on the Coca-Cola 600: “The 600’s one of the toughest races we run all year. It’s long, the track changes a ton as the sun goes down, and it really pushes you mentally and physically. But it’s also one of the most meaningful races we get to be a part of. Having HM2 Kempel’s name on our windshield makes it even more special. It’s an honor to carry his name and represent his sacrifice and his family. Hopefully we can keep the No. 48 up front and give them a strong run to remember.”

Hendrick Motorsports PR

Sadly, Steve Huff – trailblazing racer, custom bike builder, electric dragster innovator, and tireless cancer warrior – passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by teammates, friends and family, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

He was 58.

Born on October 16, 1966, on Whidbey Island, Washington, Steve’s life was defined by velocity, vision, and a heart as powerful as his engines. Originally born in Oak Harbor, WA he graduated from South Whidbey High School.

A professional racing career spanning more than 30 years, Steve set more than 20 national and world speed records. In 2020, he made global headlines as the designer, builder, and driver of the world’s first 200 mph electric dragster. He earned international exposure through the NHRA and established himself as a pioneer and innovator of the drag racing’s electric future.

Steve’s talents didn’t stop at the track. A master custom motorcycle builder, his bikes graced the covers of major magazines and turned heads across the country, each one a work of art infused with precision, attitude, and always speed. Steve was once named the “Best bike builder you’ve never heard of.”

In 2020, Steve was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic upper tract urothelial cancer – a challenge that he met with the same determination and grit he brought to all aspects of his life and racing career.

Despite the diagnosis, Steve called 2022 the best year of his life. That year, he achieved his first National Championship, the APBA National Hydroplane Championship, a dream realized on the water that brought him deep pride and joy.

In addition, Steve and the Huff Motorsports team (headquartered in SeaTac) made 4 NHRA Nationals events with the Electric Dragster, and appearances at Cancer Care facilities and childhood learning events across the nation.

In his words:

“In the years since my cancer diagnosis I finally became ‘the man I always wanted to be’ living with intention, surrounded by love, and giving back in every way I could.”

Steve’s greatest victories weren’t just in motorsports. Steve gave back to his community through outreach and mentorship of young people, especially those with alternate learning styles. Inspiring young minds to chase their own kind of greatness, embracing their unique Superpowers. He didn’t just break records—he broke molds, redefining what it means to live fully, and leave a legacy worth celebrating.

Steve was a long term resident of Des Moines, WA and the City of SeaTac where he worked on his racing teams and their vehicles for over 20 years. September 22nd was named officially Steve Huff Motorsports Day by the City of SeaTac mayor in 2020, in honor of setting the first ever 200 mph record in the electric dragster.

He is survived by a community of racers, builders, dreamers, and fighters who will carry his legacy forward on the road, on the water, and in the hearts he touched.

Celebration of Life Soon

Details for a celebration of life will be shared soon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the soon-to-be created Steve Huff Memorial Foundation to establish scholarships (please email pr@stevehuffmotorsports.com for more details).

More information soon.

Share Your Memories

Please also send your memories, stories, and photos to Facebook.com/LookingOverTheFence where we are collecting material for Steve’s biography or garageasylum@yahoo.com.

Previous Coverage

Read our previous coverage of the amazing Steve here.

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Steve Huff—trailblazing racer, custom bike builder, electric dragster innovator, and tireless cancer warrior—passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his teammates, friends and family, on May 21, 2025. He was 58.

Born on October 16, 1966, on Whidbey Island, Washington, Steve’s life was defined by velocity, vision, and a heart as powerful as his engines. A professional racing career spanning more than 30 years, Steve set more than 20 national and world speed records. In 2020, he made global headlines as the designer, builder, and driver of the world’s first 200 mph electric dragster. He earned international exposure through the NHRA and established himself as a pioneer and innovator of the drag racing’s electric future.

Steve’s talents didn’t stop at the track. A master custom motorcycle builder, his bikes graced the covers of major magazines and turned heads across the country, each one a work of art infused with precision, attitude, and always speed. Steve was once named the “Best bike builder you’ve never heard of.”
In 2020, Steve was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic upper tract urothelial cancer—a challenge that he met with the same determination and grit he brought to all aspects of his life and racing career.

Despite the diagnosis, Steve called 2022 the best year of his life. That year, he achieved his first National Championship, the APBA National Hydroplane Championship, a dream realized on the water that brought him deep pride and joy.

In addition, Steve and the Huff Motorsports team made 4 NHRA Nationals events with the Electric Dragster, and appearances at Cancer Care facilities and childhood learning events across the nation.

In his words, in the years since my cancer diagnosis I finally became “the man I always wanted to be” living with intention, surrounded by love, and giving back in every way I could.

Steve’s greatest victories weren’t just in motorsports. Steve gave back to his community through outreach and mentorship of young people, especially those with alternate learning styles. Inspiring young minds to chase their own kind of greatness, embracing their unique Superpowers. He didn’t just break records—he broke molds, redefining what it means to live fully, and leave a legacy worth celebrating.

He is survived by a community of racers, builders, dreamers, and fighters who will carry his legacy forward on the road, on the water, and in the hearts he touched. Details for a celebration of life will be shared soon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the soon to be created Steve Huff Memorial Foundation to establish scholarships. More information soon.

Please also send your memories, stories, and photos to Facebook.com/LookingOverTheFence where we are collecting material for Steve’s biography or garageasylum@yahoo.com.

There are more videos on the Cycledrag Youtube channel (please subscribe here) and like the Cycledrag Facebook page (Please like here) and more will be coming soon. Also subscribe to our NEW Youtube channel “Racing Jack” and Check back daily.

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The Californian is up to second in points with familiar territory ahead

Michael “Buddy” Kofoid might be from Penngrove, CA, but Ohio is a home away from home.

The 23-year-old cut his teeth on the bullrings of the “Golden State,” but he didn’t go right from the West Coast to stardom with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series. There were a couple more stepping stones along the way, including an important stint in the “Buckeye State.”

Kofoid’s efforts in California earned him seat time in Ed Neumeister’s No. 11N toward the end of 2018 with the Linder family overseeing the operation. His first weekend in the car resulted in finishes of fourth and second at Fremont Speedway. The next year, Kofoid moved across the country to Ohio and in with the Linder family for a full season in Neumeister’s Sprint Car.

The pairing picked up four wins in 2019, including one with the All Star Circuit of Champions at Wayne County Speedway. The focus shifted to full-time USAC National Midget racing in 2020 before ultimately making his way to the World of Outlaws in 2024. It may have been brief, but the period spent primarily in Ohio is a time Kofoid holds close to heart.

“That Attica, Fremont area in northwest Ohio is pretty much the most home-type feeling I get not being in California because of the scenery and the familiarity of the area and the tracks,” Kofoid said. “But also, people make a place feel like home, and that’s really a credit to the Linders, the Neumeisters, the Brooks, and everyone involved with that. My first race with the Linders was 2018, so it’s going on seven years now. Everyone there has been really good to me and welcoming.”

The Memorial Day weekend ahead features an all-Ohio agenda for The Greatest Show on Dirt. It’s three nights at three different racetracks as Attica Raceway Park (May 23), Sharon Speedway (May 24), and Atomic Speedway (May 26) make for a big weekend in the “Buckeye State.”

Kofoid heads into the stretch having just taken over the second spot in points. After a somewhat slow start to 2025 riddled by misfortune, Kofoid and the Roth Motorsports crew are rolling with a 5.5 average finish in the last 16 races, including a trio of victories. After their strong conclusion to 2024, many expected Kofoid and company to be in this season’s title fight. Defending champion David Gravel still holds a healthy lead, but the No. 83 is now one spot behind him. And while the recent results have been strong, Kofoid is focused on where they can improve to have a chance at catching Gravel.

“It’s a good feeling for sure to see your name up there and see your face in the top three,” Kofoid said. “There’s still plenty of work to be done, and I feel like there’s some things that I could’ve done better even already this year. I think there’s some things that we can improve on to be similar if not better than how we ended last year.”

One area Kofoid knows they can perform better is Qualifying. It’s one of the most important times of a race night. It sets the tone. Two laps where tenths and even hundredths of a second can dictate the entire trajectory of an event. Kofoid’s average Qualifying result of 7.78 ranks sixth among full-time drivers. Meanwhile, Gravel’s Series-leading 2.61 average has been crucial in allowing him to build a healthy advantage.

“That tenth (of a second) that’ll get you in the top three or four, which is on the front row of a Heat Race, is the hardest tenth to find,” Kofoid said. “To me, it’s kind of similar to what I call finding that last 10 percent. Last year, I felt like I learned how to close out races a lot more, and to me, that was the last 10 percent of the day. Qualifying is almost like the first 10 percent, but it’s a crucial 10 percent, finding that little bit that, and it can make or break your night.”

The weekend ahead serves up three chances in familiar territory for Kofoid to work on making up some points on Gravel. Attica is an especially prime opportunity as he won there a year ago with a thrilling last-lap pass over fellow “Linderville” product Carson Macedo. A moment that truly made Kofoid feel at home despite being thousands of miles from California.

“When we won last year at Attica, it was cool to see the crowd rally for me,” Kofoid recalled. “You feel like one of their own even though you’re not from that area. I think when you’re involved with great people, great things happen. It gives you the want and the drive to come back and the excitement to be in that area, and that’s what I feel.”

Kofoid and the Roth team take on Attica Raceway Park (May 23), Sharon Speedway (May 24), and Atomic Speedway (May 26) this weekend. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the entire 2025 World of Outlaws schedule, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.

Charlotte Motor Speedway once again will be the NASCAR hub for the Cup, Xfinity and Truck series on one of the biggest motorsports weekends of the year.

The Memorial Day weekend extravaganza will begin with an ARCA-Truck doubleheader Friday night at the 1.5-mile oval. Tanner Gray (ARCA) and Nick Sanchez (Trucks) won the races last year.

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Chase Elliott is the defending winner of Saturday’s 300-mile race in the Xfinity Series.

Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600, the longest race on the Cup Series schedule, was shortened to 374 miles last year because of rain with Christopher Bell taking the victory.

Good news/bad news for NASCAR Cup teams ahead of Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte

Cup drivers will compete in the longest race of the season Sunday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Coca-Cola 600 schedule at Charlotte Motor Speedway

(All Times Eastern)

Friday, May 23

Garage open

• 10:30 a.m. – 11:55 p.m. — Truck Series

• 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. — ARCA

Track activity

• 1:30 – 2:15 p.m. — ARCA practice

• 2:30 – 2:50 p.m. — ARCA qualifying

• 3:35 – 4:30 p.m. — Truck Series practice (FS2)

• 4:40 – 5:30 p.m. — Truck Series qualifying (FS2)

• 6 p.m. — ARCA race (100 laps, 150 miles, FS1)

• 8:30 p.m. — Truck race (134 laps, 201 miles, Stage 1 at Lap 30, Stage 2 at Lap 60; FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Saturday, May 24

Garage open

• 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. — Xfinity

Track activity

• 11 – 11:55 a.m. — Xfinity practice (CW App)

• 12:05 – 1 p.m. — Xfinity qualifying (CW App)

• 1:35 – 2:35 p.m. — Cup practice (Prime)

• 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. — Cup qualifying (Prime)

• 4:30 p.m. — Xfinity race (200 laps, 300 miles, Stage 1 at Lap 45, Stage 2 at Lap 90; CW, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Sunday, May 25

Garage open

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• 3 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. — Cup

Track activity

• 6 p.m. — Cup race (400 laps, 600 miles, Stage 1 at Lap 1, Stage 2 at Lap 200, Stage 3 at Lap 300; Prime, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Weekend weather

Friday: Partly cloudy with a high of 78 degrees and winds from west to northwest at 10 to 15 mph. It’s expected to be 76 degrees with a 0% chance of rain at the start of the ARCA race. It’s expected to be 73 degrees with a 0% chance of rain at the start of the Truck race.

Saturday: Intervals of clouds and sunshine with a high of 78 degrees and winds from the northwest at 5 to 10 mph. It’s expected to be 76 degrees with a 0% chance of rain at the start of the Xfinity race.

Sunday: Cloudy skies with a slight chance of a rain shower, a high of 78 degrees and winds light and variable. It’s expected to be 77 degrees with a 15% chance of rain at the start of the Cup race.

Memorial Day weekend is a motorsport fan’s Christmas! Kyle Larson is taking part in two of the three biggest races. Larson is once again attempting to complete the Double, 1100 miles of racing between the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Would he rather be racing in Monaco?

NASCAR and IndyCar are as American as it gets. These are the motorsports that America has created, loved, and cherished for generations. As Kyle Larson continues to prove he is one of the most versatile racers to ever live, what are his thoughts on Formula 1 racing?

Larson talked about the difference between F1 to NASCAR, and IndyCar while on the Pat McAfee Show this week. I’m sure fans will have a normal reaction to the comments.

“Never been asked to drive in F1, I think it’s tough coming from my background of dirt tracks and ovals,” Larson said. “But I went to Abu Dhabi in 2021. It was sick, like, the event was awesome. It was incredible. The racing, the racing is not what we are accustomed to in America. There, it’s crazy how big it is because, yeah, you’re right, it’s not super exciting, but I think it’s the stuff outside of it.

“The celebrities that are there, the engineering, the money. Just everything about that. You know, the big brands on the cars and stuff. You know, I feel like NASCAR, IndyCar here in America, like, you can’t find much more exciting racing than what we have here. So, I’m fortunate to get to run both of them, but I would definitely never turn down the opportunity to go [race F1].”

Kyle Larson also didn’t mention the other barrier keeping him out of F1, the fact that he’s an American. That will be a tough hill to climb for any U.S.-born driver to achieve a Super License, despite what he has accomplished in his career.

Now, Larson didn’t say anything bad about Formula 1. In fact, that sentiment is fairly common. In NASCAR, we often complain about a lack of passing, especially in the Next Gen era. But even Larson’s most dominant victories, like Bristol and Homestead this year, have more action than the standard F1 race.

For instance, this weekend. The Indy 500 and Coke 600 races will both have a lot of passing. Throughout the field, for the lead, etc. Pit stops and cautions are guaranteed to change up the makeup of the race. In Monaco for F1? Whoever wins the pole will likely walk away with the win if they just keep their car on track.