Organization Poised to Deliver Excitement to Fans at the Intersection of Bicycle Racing and Motorsports

Indianapolis, IN – June 25, 2025 – StadioBike, transforming bicycle racing into a non-stop action-packed stadium sport at iconic motorsports tracks across America, announces the addition of two influential leaders to their ownership team – motorsports marketing executive and retired professional cyclist Kristin Labonte and globally respected cycling event architect James Pope. Labonte and Pope add global expertise and unique experience, amplifying StadioBike’s position as a fan-centric stadium-style sporting event at the intersection of bicycle racing and motorsports.

“I am thrilled to join StadioBike because it allows me to merge two worlds I love and know very well—bike racing and motorsports,” said Labonte. “To help build a racing property that delivers the opportunity for all those super-fast local riders to finally have a shot against elite bike racers, and in a format that is specifically designed for all race fans, is really exciting!”

StadioBike defines a new discipline of bicycle racing. Contested on banked oval motorsport tracks, where its unique format requires teams to complete a series of relay-style rider substitutions, adding drama and strategy that play out right in front of the fan’s eyes on pit road. Looking ahead, StadioBike will officially hold its inaugural race in 2026 and a nation-wide race series in 2027 that culminates in a series championship.

Labonte, a former Masters National Champion in the individual time trial, criterium and road racing disciplines, is Managing Partner of Breaking Limits, a premier strategic sports marketing agency based in North Carolina. Her insider perspective—shaped by her experience as a former professional cyclist, her business experience at the highest levels of motorsports, and as the wife of 2000 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Labonte—brings an unmatched blend of authenticity, strategy, and access to the motorsport’s world. She will lead efforts in strategic marketing and partner marketing, and function as the organization’s Chief Marketing Officer.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what cycling events can be—creating experiences that excite fans and elevate the sport,” said Pope. “The vision and ambition behind StadioBike immediately stood out to me. Transforming bike racing into a stadium sport with high-stakes action and dynamic storytelling is exactly the kind of innovation our industry needs. I’m excited to join the team and help shape this bold new chapter in competitive cycling.”

James Pope is a globally respected event architect with over two decades of experience creating and scaling marquee cycling events. His portfolio includes work with the UCI Track Champions League, GCN Events, Revolution Series, and the award-winning Nocturne Series. Pope brings a deep understanding of fan engagement, venue production, and international scalability. He will guide StadioBike’s event operations and global expansion strategy.

“We believe American racing fans will love StadioBike,” said Courtney Bishop, CEO of StadioBike and famed 3-time winning coach of Indiana University’s iconic Little 500. “We’re building a highly entertaining can’t-look-away kind of racing event where all the action happens right before your eyes and brings fans to their feet – and we’re giving local cycling heroes a shot to show what they’re made of against the pros. To have James and Kristin believe in us, come on board as investors and help us build this, is really validating and exciting.”

In October 2024, StadioBike held a test event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway featuring six Continental Pro teams and confirmed the viability and the appeal of its unique racing format. The race’s relay-style rider substitutions created real-time strategy decisions for coaches, a physically taxing racing environment for riders and a compelling visual for fans. The format’s success drew praise from across the cycling world, including from Chris Aronholt of Medalist Sports, a leading figure in U.S. cycling event production.

“The test event at Las Vegas was strong,” said Aronholt. “The StadioBike team proved the concept worked from a competitive standpoint, and it was really exciting to watch as a spectator.”

Several high-profile cyclists also attended the test event including Rahsaan Bahati, a highly respected American professional cyclist, 10-time USPRO National Champion and a co-owner of StadioBike.

“I have been involved in the sport of cycling for over three decades, witnessing numerous changes while also recognizing the enduring aspects of the sport,” said Bahati. “When I was presented with the concept of a bike race for sports enthusiasts at motor speedways, I immediately recognized its potential to be transformative, not just for the racers but for the sport as a whole. Having raced on professional teams and managed my own, I understand the importance of supporting athletes. I am thrilled to lead Athlete Strategy for StadioBike in our mission to make the greatest bike racing spectacle.”

With momentum growing and a foundation built on early and robust investment, StadioBike is now opening the door to new partners—brands, investors, venues, and content platforms alike—who want to shape a new form of American bicycle racing.

About StadioBike

StadioBike is reimagining bicycle racing as a bold, stadium-based sport, driven by a unique racing format that delivers nonstop action through relay-style rider substitutions. Creating fandom rooted in an “us-versus-them” rivalry, StadioBike fuels community engagement by allowing local teams to race against top professionals in pursuit of victory. Held at some of America’s most iconic oval motorsports tracks, it is short and simple – with a winner crowned in about two hours when the first rider crosses the finish line!

Rooted in equal opportunity, StadioBike offers identical prize money for men’s and women’s races. Chosen racetracks make the action 100% viewable from the comfort of a box seat. Blending competition with immersive entertainment, real-time metrics, and eSports-style interactivity, it’s built for today’s fan.

StadioBike delivers a stadium game-like spectacle tuned for modern sports culture, launching a new American discipline and league that is designed to captivate fans, sponsors, and riders alike.

Find out more at StadioBike.com.

The seeding is set for the first round of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge, which ends with the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 27 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

A field of 32 drivers will be whittled to just two who will square off at IMS to take the coveted $1 million prize at the checkered flag at IMS. The final two will race at the same time as all the other competitors in the NASCAR Cup Series classic, with the driver finishing ahead earning the big bonus.

The top 32 drivers in points after the Cracker Barrel 400 on June 1 at Nashville Superspeedway became eligible for the Challenge, with races June 8 at Michigan International Speedway, June 15 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and June 22 at Pocono Raceway determining the seeding by each driver’s best finish in those events.

Drivers advance by finishing ahead of their opponent within each of the races. All competition takes place within the regularly scheduled Cup Series race.

The 32-driver, single-elimination tournament begins Sunday, June 28 at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway), where the field will be trimmed to 16 drivers. Just eight will continue after the Chicago Street Course race Sunday, July 6, with the final four set after the race Sunday, July 13 at Sonoma Raceway. The race Sunday, July 20 at Dover Motor Speedway will set up the final two drivers for a showdown in Indianapolis.

Ticket information for the Brickyard Weekend, which includes the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 26 and the Pennzoil 250 for the NASCAR Xfinity Series, is available at IMS.com.

First-Round Pairings:

Top half of draw

• No. 1 Denny Hamlin vs. No. 32 Ty Dillon
• No. 16 Kyle Busch vs. No. 17 Brad Keselowski
• No. 8 Alex Bowman vs. No. 25 Joey Logano
• No. 9 Bubba Wallace vs. No. 24 Daniel Suarez
• No. 12 John Hunter Nemechek vs. No. 21 Josh Berry
• No. 5 Chase Elliott vs. No. 28 Austin Dillon
• No. 13 Ross Chastain vs. No. 20 Erik Jones
• No. 4 Christopher Bell vs. No. 29 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Bottom half of draw

• No. 2 Chase Briscoe vs. No. 31 Noah Gragson
• No. 15 Ryan Preece vs. No. 18 William Byron
• No. 7 Ryan Blaney vs. No. 26 Carson Hocevar
• No. 10 Kyle Larson vs. No. 23 Tyler Reddick
• No. 11 Michael McDowell vs. No. 22 AJ Allmendinger
• No. 6 Ty Gibbs vs. No. 27 Justin Haley
• No. 14 Zane Smith vs. No. 19 Austin Cindric
• No. 3 Chris Buescher vs. No. 30 Todd Gilliland

Highlands Motorsports, a prominent team led by veteran crew chief and team co-owner Josh Reeves, is excited to announce a new strategic alliance with Rette Jones Racing and Port City Racecars. This collaboration aims to elevate competitiveness through shared expertise, innovative engineering, and advanced chassis development in the ASA STARS National Tour.

Mid-Season Transition to Port City Racecars and Ford Bodies

Beginning mid-season, Highlands Motorsports will transition to Port City chassis and Ford bodies, aligning more closely with Rette Jones Racing’s established setup and engineering philosophy. This strategic move is designed to optimize performance, enhance handling, and provide a competitive edge as the team advances through the latter part of the ASA STARS National Tour season and prepares for the 58th running of the Snowball Derby.

“We’re excited to partner with Rette Jones Racing and Port City Racecars and integrate their proven chassis and engineering support,” said Josh Reeves. “This move strengthens our program and equips our driver with the tools needed to succeed at the highest level of super late model racing. I’m genuinely excited about what this partnership will bring for Highlands Motorsports and our future in racing.”

Expanding the Rette Jones Racing Family

Mark Rette, co-owner of Rette Jones Racing alongside Terry Jones, expressed enthusiasm about the alliance:

“This partnership adds another team to our Rette Jones Racing/Port City Racecars family,” Rette stated. “We’ve seen the success Port City Racecars can deliver led by Gary Crooks and we’re eager to bring Highlands Motorsports and veteran driver Derek Thorn into the fold. Sharing resources will help us all reach new heights.”

Josh Reeves, owner of Highlands Motorsports, again shared his excitement:

“Rette Jones Racing and Port City Racecars are leaders in short-track racing, and to be partnering with them is a huge step forward for our program. We’re confident this alliance will bring new levels of performance and driver development to Highlands Motorsports.”

Veteran Driver Talent Integration

A key highlight of this alliance is the inclusion of Derek Thorn, one of the most respected and accomplished drivers in Super Late Model racing. Known for his dominance in recent years at the Snowball Derby and a 2022 winner along with multiple championships, Thorn’s move to Port City chassis with Highlands Motorsports marks a significant milestone in his career, adding valuable experience to Highlands Motorsports, Port City Racecars, and Rette Jones Racing.

“I’m excited to start this new chapter,” Thorn said. “The partnership between Highlands Motorsports, Port City, and Rette Jones Racing is outstanding. We’re eager to finish the ASA season strong and set our sights on the Snowball Derby in December.”

Thorn will join a talented Port City Racecars driver roster that already includes up and coming Kyle Steckly, veteran Kole Raz, and NASCAR Cup star Noah Gragson.

Adding to the excitement, Noah Gragson, a NASCAR Cup star, and co-owner of Port City Racecars, shared his enthusiasm:

“This is badass! I can’t wait to get to Pensacola this year and have Thorn “the Goat of Pensacola in our camp.” said Gragson.

Looking Ahead

VP of Business Development Greg Zipadelli stated, “We are all very excited and optimistic about the future, with the alliance poised to deliver improved performance, innovative engineering, and opportunities for driver development”. Fans can expect to see Highlands Motorsports competing with new equipment and a revitalized focus as they target strong finishes in upcoming races.

ASA PR

Joe Gibbs Racing announces the SONIC will be a primary sponsor for Ty Gibbs

SONIC is making a return. They’ll be the primary sponsor for Ty Gibbs this weekend at EchoPark Speedway.

The car will feature both SONIC® and Grillo’s Pickles. The new menu combinations are available at SONIC locations beginning June 30th.

View the SONIC NASCAR paint scheme below.

Ty Gibbs comments

“I’m excited to have our team take part in the launch of the Big Dill Meal this week,” said Ty Gibbs, driver of the No. 54 Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing stated via the team release.

“SONIC and Grillo’s joining forces will not only make a great tasting pickle-themed meal, but it is also going to be a lot of fun to have them on board with us in Atlanta.”

EchoPark Speedway Qualifying Order: June 2025 (NASCAR)

SONIC comments

“At SONIC, we believe in choosing fun and living free – and what captures that better than racing 180 mph in a NASCAR showdown?” said Ryan Dickerson, Chief Marketing Officer at SONIC.

“NASCAR fans love a comeback story, so even if it’s just for one race, we knew bringing a SONIC-branded car back to track for the first time since 2020 had to be bold.”

“Our partnership with Grillo’s Pickles and Joe Gibbs Racing is all about delicious, innovative flavors and making every moment on the road a little more fun – and packed with a lot more pickles.”

The green flag drops at EchoPark Speedway on Saturday, June 28th.

NASCAR Bracket set for In-Season Challenge at EchoPark Speedway

Ty Gibbs
SONIC Paint Scheme

Links

Ty Gibbs | EchoPark Speedway | NASCAR

NASCAR and FloSports today announced that seven live events will be simulcast on the NASCAR Channel and FloRacing.

• June 30 – Cookout Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway (INEX US Legend Cars)
• July 1 – Cookout Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway (INEX US Legend Cars)
• July 11 – ARCA Menards Series West General Tire 200 at Sonoma Raceway
• August 23 – Season Finale at Bowman Gray Stadium
• September 27 – ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway
• October 12 – NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park
• December 5 – Snowball Derby Qualifying Day at Five Flags Speedway

* Races and dates are subject to change

Earlier this month, FloSports and NASCAR contributed $50,000 to the purse for the Virginia Triple Crown, which is capped off by the prestigious ValleyStar Credit Union 300 NASCAR Late Model race at Martinsville Speedway. The simulcasts continue their commitment to bolstering local short track racing.

“We are fully committed to building a great experience for our fans on the NASCAR Channel. While we already provide a lot of original and archival content, it’s really important to bring live events onto the platform,” said Dan Barker, NASCAR Managing Director, Media Strategy. Fortunately, we have a great and innovative partner in FloSports who have worked closely with NASCAR to deliver these events. It’s a win for NASCAR fans and regional racing.”

Michael Rigsby, GM of FloRacing added, “As our partnership with NASCAR continues to grow and develop, this is an excellent opportunity for us to match that growth and meet more fans in different places. We believe strongly that this is some of the best racing in America, so we’re working with NASCAR to expand distribution and bring in new fans, new audiences and have that excitement reach them wherever they are watching.”

The NASCAR Channel provides 24/7 programming and content to fans for free. It airs classic races, delayed broadcasts of this season’s races, select live coverage of races and events, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s The Morning Drive, and NASCAR Studios original content and video podcasts. It is available on Tubi, Xumo Play, Samsung TV Plus and Prime Video. No subscription or registration is needed.

Fans can watch all the listed events and more than 1,000 races annually live or on demand with a FloRacing subscription at www.floracing.com or via the FloRacing app.

NASCAR PR