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Why Felix Rosenqvist Is Touting School

If you find yourself this weekend asking if Felix Rosenqvist is an alum of Texas A&M (he’s not), you can thank a unique sponsorship between the racer and university for the upcoming Indianapolis 500. The driver of the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda signed an agreement on March 28 to adorn the school’s logo on his […]

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If you find yourself this weekend asking if Felix Rosenqvist is an alum of Texas A&M (he’s not), you can thank a unique sponsorship between the racer and university for the upcoming Indianapolis 500.

The driver of the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda signed an agreement on March 28 to adorn the school’s logo on his helmet and driver suit for the entire 16-race IndyCar season. The $60,000 pact states that the branding must be visible from Rosenqvist’s in-car camera that’ll be used on Fox’s IndyCar broadcasts.

It’s the second motorsports sponsorship deal pulled together by R. Ethan Braden, Texas A&M’s vice president and chief marketing officer. Braden said IndyCar and NASCAR saw prime opportunity to connect with a passionate alumni base of over 600,000 Aggies.

“We saw in Felix a top-five IndyCar driver with a terrific following, a terrific reputation,” he said in a video interview. “The placement of our advertisement to create the storytelling on his helmet is novel, because he’s one of the few that have an inboard camera.”

Rosenqvist is starting his second season with Meyer Shank Racing, which is owned by Michael Shank and four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves. Liberty Media also owns a minority stake.

His car is already an attention-grabber as the livery is adorned by imagery promoting the rock band Creed, which has enjoyed a renaissance of sorts going back to Texas Rangers’ World Series run in 2023. (The multiplatinum record selling group reunited for its “Summer of ‘99” tour last year after splitting up in the early 2000s.)

“[Felix] is a terrific statesman,” Braden said of the Swedish-born driver. “He’s a terrific representative of the sport. He’s invested in veteran and military affairs, and so he’s just a great spokesperson for what we’re about, what we stand for, and why people should care.”

Texas A&M annually boasts of the nation’s largest student bodies with over 79,000 students as of last fall, including 61,000 undergraduates. Yet some officials at the public research university, with its deep military ties, feel the school doesn’t always get the spotlight of SEC peers like Alabama, Florida and in-state rival Texas.

In raising the school’s profile, Braden compared its marketing efforts to the Indy 500 itself. “The first 100 laps of the [Indy] 500 are about getting to the second 100 laps, right?” Braden said. “There’s a lot about grit there. There’s a lot about teamwork. There’s a lot of a culture and collaboration. That’s the story we want to tell.”

The marriage between a university and motorsports is not a new one, as Braden previously put the two together while working at Purdue University in Indiana. NASCAR has marketing deals with several schools, including Alabama. Penn State, Auburn, Maryland and Virginia Tech have also advertised with the stock car racing organization.

Last October, Texas A&M agreed to be the primary sponsor for Stewart-Haas Racing for two NASCAR events at a cost of $160,000. Although Stewart-Haas ceased operations after the 2024 season, the school was pleased enough with the two races that it signed new $275,000 deal with Haas Factory Team, which carried on one of the Stewart-Haas charters.

In motorsports, particularly NASCAR and IndyCar, Braden said that the perception of their audiences being “old, White and Southern” is not the reality he saw when talking with both groups.

Research told Braden that 41% of NASCAR’s fan base is female, and 31% of all NASCAR fans have some connection to the military (veteran, currently enlisted or works adjacent to the military). He also found that “they have an incredible brand affinity that’s as good as any of the sports, frankly, better than any of them, besides maybe the NBA.”

IndyCar doesn’t have the audience that NASCAR has, but Braden said its market is not all that different from the stock car circuit. That said, he wants to see how the Rosenqvist sponsorship—a relatively inexpensive one in his eyes—performs before committing to further marketing through IndyCar.

“It’s a helmet and fire suit sponsorship, an influencer sponsorship at the end of the day,” he said. “I want to see the data. I want to see what we get out of this in terms of our social media following, in terms of earned media exposure, etc.”

In terms of what’s next for Texas A&M’s sponsorships in and out of motorsports, Braden said that its president, four-star retired general Mark Welsh, encourages him to be bold. He also has a certain weekend in mind that will excite the school’s community.

“It’s not lost on me that there’s a very exciting 2026 race in Arlington,” he said of IndyCar’s Grand Prix of that’s scheduled for next March. “The Aggies will show up and show out incredibly well. I do have my eyes on ‘26 in Arlington.”



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Cook Out Summer Shootout Roars Back for 32nd Season – Speedway Digest

Buckle up as the Cook Out Summer Shootout returns to America’s Home for Racing for its 32nd thrilling season. This summer tradition is back and more jam-packed than ever, delivering high-speed racing, outrageous theme nights and interactive family fun every week for two straight months. Each week, watch as more than 175 of the nation’s […]

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Buckle up as the Cook Out Summer Shootout returns to America’s Home for Racing for its 32nd thrilling season. This summer tradition is back and more jam-packed than ever, delivering high-speed racing, outrageous theme nights and interactive family fun every week for two straight months.

Each week, watch as more than 175 of the nation’s top grassroots racers hit the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway quarter-mile, putting on an adrenaline-pumping show under the lights. From bumper-to-bumper battles on the track to games, giveaways and surprises in the stands, every night offers something new for fans of all ages.

From rising young talents chasing their racing dreams to appearances from motorsports stars like Bubba Wallace, Shane van Gisbergen and Scott McLaughlin and more, this summer’s action on the frontstretch quarter-mile is shaping up to be unforgettable.

The season’s green flag drops with a doubleheader on Monday, June 9, and Tuesday, June 10. Kick off the season right on Monday with the Cook Out Kickoff, presented by Cook Out. Swing by your nearest Cook Out, grab a fancy milkshake or a giant tea, and bring your cup to the gate for FREE admission to a full-throttle night of racing fun.

Then don’t miss Tuesday’s Media Mayhem, presented by DSM Luxury Motorsports, where local media personalities trade their microphones for helmets in a high-stakes school bus slobberknocker. Will your favorite newscaster cross the finish line first? Come find out — get the inside scoop live from the track!

Whether it’s dressing up in your best cowboy hat or watching fireworks burst over the track, each night brings a one-of-a-kind experience. Here’s the full lineup for this season’s Cook Out Summer Shootout:

Monday, June 9: Cook Out Kickoff presented by Cook Out

  • FREE entry with a Cook Out cup

Tuesday, June 10: Media Mayhem presented by DSM Luxury Motorsports

  • Local media personalities face off in a school bus scramble

Tuesday, June 17: Laps and Lassos presented by DSM Luxury Motorsports

  • Dress up in your best western gear, get $5 off

Tuesday, June 24: NASCAR Night presented by NASCAR Hall of Fame

  • Wear your favorite NASCAR driver gear, get $5 off

Tuesday, June 30: Night of Games presented by Bojangles

  • The 100th person through the gate gets a BIG prize

Monday, July 1: Red, White and Vrooms presented by Pro FABrication Headers & Exhaust

  • First responders and military personnel get in FREE
  • $15 ticket – includes post-race firework show & driver autograph session

Tuesday, July 8: Lug Nut’s Birthday Party

  • Bring a toy donation for Lug Nut, and get in FREE

Tuesday, July 15: Camping Night presented by DSM Luxury Motorsports

  • Boys & Girls Scouts in uniform get in FREE

Tuesday, July 22: Speedway Sports Night presented by DSM Luxury Motorsports

  • Rep your favorite team, get $5 off

Tuesday, July 29: Champions Night presented by DSM Luxury Motorsports

  • Round 2 of the school bus smackdown
  • Buy a Round 10 ticket for a chance to win four FREE tickets to the Cook Out Monster Truck Bash!
  • $15 ticket – includes post-race firework show & driver autograph session

DRIVE OUT HUNGER:

All summer long, fans who bring a canned food donation to the gate will receive $2 off their ticket. Donations will directly benefit local Blessing Boxes.

ABOUT COOK OUT SUMMER SHOOTOUT:

Celebrating its 32nd season, the Cook Out Summer Shootout is a 10-race showcase of speed, featuring eight racing divisions of Legend Cars and Bandoleros. Races are held each Tuesday night under the lights with championship points on the line all summer long.

TICKETS:

Tickets are $10; kids 12 and under get in FREE. For tickets, schedules and more details about all the happenings at Charlotte Motor Speedway, visit www.charlottemotorspeedeay.com/tickets.

KEEP TRACK:

Follow all the thrilling Cook Out Summer Shootout action at Charlotte Motor Speedway on X, Facebook and Instagram.

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Tickets on sale now for 2025 INDYCAR and NASCAR race weekends at Portland International Raceway – Speedway Digest

 Public ticket sales began today (June 2) at 10 a.m. PT for all multi-day tickets for two major August race events at Portland International Raceway (PIR) – the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland, featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and Pacific Office Automation 147, headlined by the NASCAR Xfinity Series.  The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, featuring the […]

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 Public ticket sales began today (June 2) at 10 a.m. PT for all multi-day tickets for two major August race events at Portland International Raceway (PIR) – the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland, featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and Pacific Office Automation 147, headlined by the NASCAR Xfinity Series. 

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, featuring the stars and cars of the Indianapolis 500, returns to the Rose City on Aug. 8-10, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ fourth annual event at PIR on Aug. 29-30 over Labor Day weekend. With both major motorsport events slated to bring high-speed thrills to Pacific Northwest race fans in the same month, August is ‘Speed Month’ at the historic 12-turn permanent road course. 

As of this morning, multi-day Grandstand seats, General Admission tickets and parking passes are available for purchase for both action-packed weekends. Single-day tickets will be released later in the summer for both events. 

“Portland International Raceway is the place to be for race fans in the Pacific Northwest this August. ‘Speed Month’ will be action-packed in Portland with the thrilling NTT INDYCAR SERIES, fender-bending NASCAR Xfinity Series and much more,” said Jerry Jensen, vice president and general manager of Green Savoree Portland, LLC, which owns and operates the event at PIR. “Now is the time for fans to select their preferred spots at PIR with multi-day tickets available for both exciting weekends!” 

Grandstand seats are available at multiple price points for both events with 3-Day Grandstand seats at the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland starting at $85 and 2-Day Grandstand tickets starting at $80 for the Pacific Office Automation 147. Both events offer weekend General Admission tickets for $75.

For the NTT INDYCAR SERIES weekend only, fans can also purchase Pit and Paddock passes, plus Champions Club and Champions Club+ options to further enhance the race weekend experience. For a limited time while supplies last, the Champions Club membership includes an NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock Pass and offers premium access and exclusive benefits such as a personalized event credential, pre-race grid walk and more. Champions Club+ includes all the above benefits plus a Pit Pass which provides access to pitlane during practice and qualifying sessions. A Paddock Pass offers entry to “the locker room of motorsports” to get up close to the drivers, cars and teams throughout the weekend.

Both events offer a tremendous family value. Children 12 and under receive free General Admission when attending either event with a ticketed adult. Additionally, Rookie Racers memberships are on sale offering unique, behind-the-scenes experiences for kids ages 5-12. 

All ticket pricing and options, including parking passes and RV Club spaces, are posted online at RacePortland.com. Both events feature no fees on order processing for online orders. Stay up to speed on these premier Portland events on social media all year long by following #PortlandGP and #NASCARPortland or by signing up for the E-Club on the website. 

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Atlanta Motor Speedway teases ‘major news announcement’ after eagle-eyed NASCAR fan sparks rumors

Atlanta Motor Speedway looks to be setting up for something big. According to Joseph Srigley of TobyChristie.com, the racetrack will be making a “major news announcement” at 11:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday. Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith, track general manager Brandon Hutchinson and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will be present for the announcement. Christopher Bell […]

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Atlanta Motor Speedway looks to be setting up for something big. According to Joseph Srigley of TobyChristie.com, the racetrack will be making a “major news announcement” at 11:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday.

Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith, track general manager Brandon Hutchinson and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will be present for the announcement. Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing and Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing will also be in attendance.

While the official reveal will come in less than 24 hours, the expectation is that Atlanta will be undergoing a name change. This past weekend, a fan on Reddit (u/Positive_Action_7539) posted a picture of the grandstands. Where it would normally say “Atlanta Motor Speedway,” it now says “EchoPark Speedway.”

Atlanta Motor Speedway set for name change?

EchoPark already has a substantial presence in NASCAR. The car dealership serves as the main sponsor for the Cup Series race at COTA, as well as Dover Motor Speedway. Now, a track sponsorship appears to be next. Along with the new name, it looks like the grandstands got a new paint job as well. A lot of change at Atlanta in recent years and this is just the next step.

Formerly known as Atlanta International Speedway, the 1.54-mile track has been hosting Cup races since 1960. It’s recognized as one of the more exciting tracks on the schedule due to its intermediate/superspeedway layout, and it hosts two races each season.

Atlanta’s second date comes later this month, the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart. The race, broadcasted on TNT, kicks off the inaugural five-race NASCAR In-Season Tournament.



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Corey LaJoie Reuniting With Spire Motorsports for 9 Truck Races

Corey LaJoie will attempt to make nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts for Spire Motorsports, the team announced June 2. LaJoie will run the No. 07 in all nine events. LaJoie will debut with the team this Saturday (June 7) at Michigan International Speedway. The rest of his schedule includes Richmond Raceway (Aug 15), Darlington […]

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Corey LaJoie will attempt to make nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts for Spire Motorsports, the team announced June 2.

LaJoie will run the No. 07 in all nine events.

LaJoie will debut with the team this Saturday (June 7) at Michigan International Speedway. The rest of his schedule includes Richmond Raceway (Aug 15), Darlington Raceway on Aug. 30, Bristol Motor Speedway on Sept. 11, New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sept. 20, Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 3, Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 17, Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 24 and Phoenix Raceway on Oct. 31.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the seat and chasing some NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series wins,” LaJoie said in a team release. “I put in a lot of work in the early days to help shape Spire Motorsports, and I still have some friends that have been there since day one, so it’ll be good to see them. The No. 07 team has been bringing some fast trucks to the track this year and are looking for a spot in the owner’s playoffs.

”It’ll be nice to have some consistency with the team to get acclimated to these vehicles, chase some wins and hopefully, a Craftsman Truck Series owner’s championship.”

LaJoie, a former Cup driver for Spire through last season, has driven for the team’s Truck Series program three times prior, with his best result being a 16th-place finish at Darlington in 2023.

“While discussing our best path to bring Spire our first Craftsman Truck Series championship and describing what we needed in a driver, the driver we were all talking about without saying his name was Corey LaJoie,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “So, when I ran into Corey in the motorhome lot one morning earlier this spring, I asked him what he thought about coming home and doing this. He is synonymous with what we’ve built here over the last few years and deserves this opportunity.

”I’m looking forward to getting him in the truck at Michigan to work out some kinks and start getting a game plan together for the playoffs.”

In 2025, LaJoie has run part-time for Rick Ware Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. His best result so far for the team after three starts is 22nd in the Daytona 500.

Spire’s No. 07 truck currently sits ninth in Truck Series owner points and has seen eight drivers behind the wheel so far. The truck has one win courtesy of Kyle Larson at Homestead-Miami Speedway.




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2025 INDYCAR and NASCAR race weekend tickets at Portland International Raceway for sale

2025 INDYCAR and NASCAR race weekend tickets at Portland International Raceway for sale Published 2:36 pm Monday, June 2, 2025 The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to Portland International raceway this summer along with other major reces. (Courtesy photo submitred by Green Savoree) August is set to be a very busy ‘Speed Month’ in Portland. Race […]

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2025 INDYCAR and NASCAR race weekend tickets at Portland International Raceway for sale

Published 2:36 pm Monday, June 2, 2025

The NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to Portland International raceway this summer along with other major reces. (Courtesy photo submitred by Green Savoree)

August is set to be a very busy ‘Speed Month’ in Portland. Race fans will celebrate the return of the NTT INDYCAR BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland on August 8-10 and then the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pacific Office Automation 147 just two weeks later on August 29-30.

Initial ticket sales for both events launched at 10 am on Monday, June 2. The sale includes multi-day Grandstand seats, General Admission tickets and parking passes for both events. Single-day tickets will be released later in the summer.

This year’s event will be the fourth race in Portland for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, featuring the stars and cars of the Indianapolis 500. Last year’s race was won by Australian driver Will Power, with Alex Palou of Spain finishing in second place. However, Palou has been on a strong winning streak, claiming five victories in the first seven INDYCAR races this year. Power has yet to win a race this year, so we can expect a tight race between the two champions.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series is also returning for the fourth time, and last year’s standout driver Justin Allgaier ultimately claimed the driver’s championship for 2024. He’s back again this year, leading the driver points race with three wins and 10 top five finishes in 14 races.

“Portland International Raceway is the place to be for race fans in the Pacific Northwest this August. Speed Month will be action-packed in Portland with the thrilling NTT INDYCAR SERIES, fender-bending NASCAR Xfinity Series and much more,” said Jerry Jensen, vice president and general manager of Green Savoree Portland, LLC, which owns and operates the event at PIR. “Now is the time for fans to select their preferred spots at PIR with multi-day tickets available for both exciting weekends.”

Grandstand seats are available at multiple price points for both events with 3-Day Grandstand seats at the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland starting at $85 and 2-Day Grandstand tickets starting at $80 for the Pacific Office Automation 147. Both events offer weekend General Admission tickets for $75.

For the NTT INDYCAR SERIES weekend only, fans can also purchase Pit and Paddock passes, plus Champions Club and Champions Club+ options to further enhance the race weekend experience. For a limited time while supplies last, the Champions Club membership includes an NTT INDYCAR SERIES Paddock Pass and offers premium access and exclusive benefits such as a personalized event credential, pre-race grid walk and more. Champions Club+ includes all the above benefits plus a Pit Pass which provides access to pitlane during practice and qualifying sessions. A Paddock Pass offers entry to “the locker room of motorsports” to get up close to the drivers, cars and teams throughout the weekend.

Both events offer a special value for families. Children 12 and under receive free General Admission when attending either event with a ticketed adult. Additionally, Rookie Racers memberships are on sale offering unique, behind-the-scenes experiences for kids ages 5-12.

All ticket pricing and options, including parking passes and RV Club spaces, are available online at RacePortland.com. Both events feature no fees on order processing for online orders. You can stay up to speed on these premier Portland events on social media all year long by following #PortlandGP and #NASCARPortland or by signing up for the E-Club on the website.



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Niece Motorsports to Highlight Partnership Impacts at Michigan International Speedway – Speedway Digest

 In a unique showing, the Nos. 42, 44 and 45 trucks of Niece Motorsports will take to the track June 7 bearing corresponding paint schemes to highlight the power of collaboration and partnership as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) returns to Michigan International Speedway (MIS) for the DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 Powered by […]

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 In a unique showing, the Nos. 42, 44 and 45 trucks of Niece Motorsports will take to the track June 7 bearing corresponding paint schemes to highlight the power of collaboration and partnership as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) returns to Michigan International Speedway (MIS) for the DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics.

As it celebrates its tenth consecutive season of competition, Niece Motorsports and its partners look to underscore the value of B2B connections and opportunities for growth through investment in the sport. The schemes will carry the logos of AutoVentive, DQS Solutions & Staffing, J.F. Electric, Precision Vehicle Logistics and Utilitra — brands which are now working together utilizing complementary competencies thanks to introductions through the team.

“We knew there would be some business opportunity when we first got involved in sponsoring Niece Motorsports,” said Jason Wilson, Vice President of Precision Vehicle Logistics. “But we didn’t expect there to be so many connections with like-minded companies who could fill the gap we needed to execute on strategic business initiatives. We’ve particularly enjoyed engaging more broadly with General Motors, through Niece’s OEM relationship, to explore opportunities for us to better support their EV charging needs, among others.”

Michigan-based DQS Solutions & Staffing and Precision Vehicle Logistics have not only deepened existing ties thanks to their sponsorships with Niece Motorsports — they’ve now paired with Utilitra, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)-Certified cross-disciplinary technology, engineering, management, and construction brand affiliated with J.F. Electric, to utilize Niece’s fabrication capabilities to build and deliver security trailers for job sites, storage facilities and other projects where remote monitoring is a practical, scalable solution.

The collaborative investment by DQS and Precision to entitle the race at MIS further reinforces their commitment to one another and underscores the opportunities both see in connecting with NASCAR fans and brands alike.

“The NASCAR audience is the most brand-loyal of any sport and many of them work in automobile manufacturing, facility, and distribution supply chains, so it makes perfect sense that we’re working to connect with them at the track and expose them to DQS’s capabilities both in Michigan and nationally,” said Josh Morris, CEO of DQS. “It’s been practical business development spend for us, because we know we’re going to get back what we put in, and more, as we really dial in our sponsorship program year over year. We appreciate that a team like Niece, with their decade-plus of experience, has been so thoughtful in their recommendations for how we can effectively reach the right decision makers.”

Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has worked with more than 35 brand partners and built a marketing platform tailored to driving business value for sponsors beyond logo exposure at track. As it enters its second decade, the team continues to expand its own competencies – from training its own pit crews to completing the entire build for its competition vehicles in house – ensuring it can evolve as both motorsports and current and future sponsor needs change.

“We want to be able to deliver what our partners need from us — whether that’s making introductions to the right people in the garage or extending our in-house capabilities to meet their needs,” said Cody Efaw, President and CEO of Niece Motorsports. “We are a smaller team, but I think because of that, we’re more invested in our partnerships and take a holistic approach to making sure their investment with us goes beyond just race exposure — we want to help them achieve their business goals so they’re able to stay partnered with us for the long run. It’s fun for us to get a little outside our comfort zone sometimes, too, and get creative with the ways we can think about leveraging our assets for them.”   

In addition to the three corresponding schemes on track in Michigan, current Niece Motorsports sponsors will come together to engage in the Fan Zone throughout race weekend, hosting meet-and-greets with Niece drivers and showing off equipment including snowmobile/charging vehicles/lift trucks/etc.

The DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 7; the race will air on FOX and SiriusXM.

Niece Motorsports PR



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