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Young’s Motorsports Phoenix Raceway Fall Team Preview

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Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series
Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway | Truck Series Championship Race

Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Nathan Byrd
Primary Partner(s): GMS
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado RST
Crew Chief: Jason Miller
2025 Driver Points Position: 28th
2025 Owner Points Position: 29th
Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

● Welcome Back: The 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series season stretch drive will waive the checkered flag this weekend, with Young’s Motorsports proud to welcome back rookie Nathan Byrd to pilot the team’s flagship No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST in Friday night’s Truck Series Championship Race at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.

The 25-race campaign began under the lights at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway — where dreams come true at the World Center of Racing — and fittingly concludes under the lights in the desert on Halloween night, where Friday’s finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway will make its own mark by crowning the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series champions.

● About Nathan: Byrd, 24, began racing go-karts in 2018, just after graduating High School, and he entered his first car race in February 2020.

Since then, the Goodyear, Ariz. native has raced over 30 types of cars in 348 total races at 67 different race tracks, effectively becoming one of the most diverse and interesting race car drivers in the world.

Completing more than 300 races in the first four years of his career, Byrd is no stranger to piloting race cars.

In 2024, the Indianapolis, Ind. resident turned his attention to NASCAR. He successfully made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Portland International Raceway and delivered a respectable 21st-place finish for DGM Racing.

In September 2024, Byrd made his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series debut at Kansas Speedway, earning a respectable 19th-place finish after starting 32nd.

This season, Byrd has had a very eclectic racing schedule, including 14 Truck Series starts, highlighted by career-best 14th-place finishes twice consecutively at Rockingham (N.C.). Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway, respectively.

● All Board: For the 25th of 25 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races this season, GMS will serve as the primary marketing partner for Friday night’s 150-lap showdown.

GMS is a professional employer organization (PEO) and a Benefits Administrator. We serve companies of all sizes nationwide.

We make employee management simpler, safer, and stronger. We save you time and money. You retain full control over your employees and regain the opportunity to focus on growing your business.

GMS was founded by Mike Kahoe in 1996 and has helped thousands of companies take control of their HR functions.

● Nathan Byrd Truck Series Phoenix Raceway Stats: Friday night’s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series Championship Race will mark Byrd’s second career Truck Series start at the iconic 1.0-mile Phoenix Raceway — a venue he proudly calls his home track.

In his track debut last November at Phoenix Raceway, Byrd qualified his No. 02 Sonesta International Hotels Chevrolet Silverado 33rd. Still, throughout the race, he continued to build confidence and acquire precious track time,

delivering a respectable 26th-place finish at the checkered flag.

Friday night at Phoenix Raceway brings the curtain down on a memorable 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series season — a 25-race journey that’s carried teams from coast to coast, through triumphs and challenges alike, now culminating under the desert lights where a champion will be crowned and milestones will be celebrated.

At 1.0 mile in length, Phoenix Raceway blends the feel of a short track with superspeedway speed. Its unique dogleg, varying banking and shifting racing grooves create countless opportunities for bold moves — and costly mistakes.

Track position, pit strategy and execution will be crucial in the battle for the championship.

While the spotlight will shine brightest on the Championship 4 drivers and teams, non-Playoff organizations like Young’s Motorsports are eager to make their own mark — aiming to close out the season with strong performances that demonstrate growth, resilience and momentum heading into 2026.

Following Friday night’s Truck Series finale, the NASCAR Xfinity Series will crown its champion on Saturday, November 1, with the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race, while the NASCAR Cup Series closes the year on Sunday, November 2, with the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race — officially bringing the 2025 NASCAR season to a close at Phoenix Raceway.

● Nathan Byrd Truck Series Career Stats: Entering Phoenix, Nathan Byrd has 17 career NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts, carrying a steady average finish of 25.2.

The popular driver made his series debut with his family-owned team at Kansas Speedway in September 2024, earning an impressive 19th-place finish. He returned at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway and capped his rookie campaign by competing in the season finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.

So far in 2025, Byrd has competed in 14 Truck Series events, gaining valuable seat time across a diverse mix of tracks — including Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway, Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway, Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Rockingham (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway, Michigan International Speedway, Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, and most recently Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway earlier this month.

Throughout his rookie season, Byrd has done a commendable job honing his craft and adapting to the competitive nature of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series.

He continued to showcase that progress in the most recent event at Talladega, delivering a noteworthy and respectable 18th-place finish after starting 31st — a performance that underscored his patience, race management and ability to capitalize on opportunities in the draft during just his second superspeedway start.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Byrd as crew chief of the No. 02 GMS Chevrolet Silverado RST is veteran Jason Miller.

On Friday night, Miller will make his 158th NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start atop the pit box.

In his previous 157 races, he has collected one win, eight top-five finishes and 28 top-10 efforts.

This weekend’s 25th race of the season will mark Miller’s sixth Truck Series appearance as a crew chief at Phoenix Raceway. It also represents his 15th start in that leadership role this year.

In his previous five Truck Series leadership Phoenix Raceway efforts, he led veteran David Starr to back-to-back top-10 finishes in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Phoenix Raceway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ 22nd NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start at Phoenix Raceway.

The organization posted a team-best finish at the track of eighth in the 2023 edition of the CRAFTSMAN® 150 on November 3, 2023, with Truck Series contender Kaden Honeycutt at the wheel.

Since 2014, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 25.7 and an average finish of 24.1 in 21 overall starts at Phoenix Raceway.

The Young’s Motorsports team also brings additional Phoenix Raceway experience, having made three NASCAR Xfinity Series starts — highlighted by an impressive 11th-place finish from rookie driver Leland Honeyman Jr. in March 2024.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series History: Since entering the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series in 2012, the Mooresville, N.C., – based organization has logged 540 starts from 75 drivers, resulting in solid performances that include two victories (Talladega Superspeedway 2019 and 2021), seven top-five finishes and 33 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 23.4 and an average finishing position of 22.3.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Nathan Byrd, please visit byrdracing.com, like him on Facebook (Nathan Byrd), and follow him on Instagram (@nathanjbyrd) and X |Twitter (@nathanjbyrd).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Nathan Byrd Pre-Race Quotes:

On Phoenix Raceway: “I’m really excited to be back with Young’s Motorsports this weekend at Phoenix Raceway.

“It’s been a big year of learning and growing for me, and to close out the season at a track where I made my first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start with the team feels special.

Phoenix is a challenging place, but I’m confident in what we’ve built together and ready to finish the year strong for everyone at Young’s Motorsports and our partners.”

On Phoenix Raceway Preparation: “Phoenix is a track that really challenges you as a driver.

“I’ve focused a lot on learning how to manage the different corners, the dogleg and how the track transitions as the race goes on.

“The Young’s Motorsports guys have worked hard preparing a great truck, and I’m looking forward to putting everything I’ve learned this year to use and finishing the season on a strong note.”

On Goals for Phoenix Raceway: “The goal for Friday night is to take everything I’ve learned this season and put together a complete race.

“We’ve had a lot of ups and downs, but every lap has helped me grow as a driver. I gained valuable experience at Phoenix last year, and I think that understanding how the track changes under the lights will help me make smarter decisions throughout the race.

“If we can stay out of trouble, execute on pit road, and be in position late, I think we can leave the desert and put an exclamation point on the season with a result everyone at Young’s Motorsports can be proud of.”

On the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series Season: “Looking back on the 2025 Truck Series season, it’s been a tremendous year of growth,” said Byrd. “Every race has taught me something new — about the tracks, the trucks, and the competition at this level.

“I’m really proud of how far we’ve come as a team, and I’m thankful for the opportunity Young’s Motorsports has given me to learn and keep improving.

“This season has laid a strong foundation for what’s ahead, and I’m excited to keep building on it.”

Race Information:

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series Championship Race (150 laps | 150 miles) serves as the 25th of 25 races on the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series schedule. A full 50-minute practice will occur on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 4:35 p.m. to 5:25 p.m. Qualifying will follow on race day, Friday, October 31, beginning at 12:35 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 4:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. ET), with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (MT).

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series

Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway | Xfinity Series Championship Race

Fast Facts

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Anthony Alfredo

Primary Partner(s): Hypersteel™ Buildings

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott

2025 Driver Points Position: 24th

2025 Owner Points Position: 25th

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

● Year Two, Full Throttle: In January, Young’s Motorsports announced that NASCAR Xfinity Series veteran Anthony Alfredo would compete full-time for the team in its second year of Xfinity Series competition.

Alfredo is driving the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race schedule, which concludes with Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.

● About Anthony: A popular driver, Alfredo, a native of Ridgefield, Connecticut, joins Young’s Motorsports with an array of Motorsports experience, including starts in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, respectively.

The 2025 season will mark Alfredo’s fourth full-time Xfinity Series campaign, and he joins the Mooresville, N.C.-based team after spending the 2024 season with Our Motorsports.

The 25-year-old finished 15th in the 2024 Xfinity Series driver standings, highlighted by a Dash 4 Cash victory at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway. He added two more top-five finishes and seven top-10s to his career totals, further strengthening his résumé across 150 Xfinity Series starts.

● All-Aboard!: For the 33rd of 33 Xfinity Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back Cornerstone Building Brands, who partner with the Mooresville, N.C.-based team, promoting their product Hypersteel™ Cold-Form Buildings as the primary partners on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 200-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

Hypersteel™ cold-formed buildings are engineered for speed, offering the hyper-fast design and production turnaround that sets them apart from traditional pre-engineered metal buildings.

They deliver all the benefits of steel while minimizing time, complexity, and installation effort.

With a streamlined design and build process, Hypersteel™ structures are easier to install than rigid frame buildings of similar design, often without the need for large crews, heavy equipment or specialized labor.

● Anthony Alfredo Xfinity Series Phoenix Raceway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s second trip to Avondale, Ariz., will mark Alfredo’s eighth career start at the iconic 1.0-mile speedway.

Alfredo earned a track-best 10th after starting 20th in the 2024 edition of the Call 811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200 for Our Motorsports.

The Xfinity Series veteran driver will look to improve his average finish at Phoenix Raceway of 26.9.

Additionally, Alfredo has two NASCAR Cup Series starts at Phoenix Raceway with a best effort of 34th after starting 30th in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race, driving for Front Row Motorsports.

The Ridgefield, Connecticut native also has a lone NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start in 2019, driving for TRICON Garage. He finished 24th after starting 13th in the Lucas Oil 150.

Thirty-two races into the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season — and as the curtain falls on the year — Anthony Alfredo and the Young’s Motorsports No. 42 team remain determined to finish strong and make some noise in the desert at Phoenix Raceway.

While they won’t compete for a championship, they still have the chance to chase a victory and close out the season on a high note in the Xfinity Series finale.

The fast, 1.0-mile tri-oval in Avondale, Arizona, blends short-track intensity with superspeedway-style momentum — a place where patience, precision and strategy are tested from green to checkered.

For Alfredo and the No. 42 Chevrolet team, the mission remains simple: deliver a strong performance, stay out of trouble, and seize every opportunity that comes their way — perhaps even with a late-race charge toward the front.

A breakthrough performance at Phoenix would serve as the ultimate reward for the group’s perseverance and progress this season while helping the team end the campaign with momentum heading into 2026.

Saturday’s season finale at Phoenix Raceway anchors NASCAR Championship Weekend in The Copper State, where all three of NASCAR’s national series will settle their titles beneath the setting Arizona sun.

The weekend kicks off Friday night, October 31, with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series finale, followed by Saturday afternoon’s Xfinity Series Championship Race.

Then on Sunday, the spotlight shifts to the NASCAR Cup Series with the Championship Race, where the sport’s biggest prize and highest emotions will close out the 2025 season.

It’s a weekend built for celebration, competition and reflection — and for Alfredo and Young’s Motorsports, Phoenix represents one final chance to make noise before the year comes to a close.

● Anthony Alfredo Xfinity Series Career Stats: Entering Phoenix, Alfredo has 150 NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best third-place finish twice, most recently at Talladega Superspeedway after starting 11th in the 2024 edition of the Ag-Pro 300 for Our Motorsports.

Since 2020, he has earned one pole, five top-five, and 23 top-10 finishes and has an average finish of 20.3.

● Martinsville Speedway | IAA and Ritchie Bros. 250 Race Recap: The NASCAR Xfinity Series returned to one of the sport’s most legendary short tracks this past weekend at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway for the penultimate race of the season.

The Young’s Motorsports team returned to the 0.526-mile paperclip oval looking for redemption after a mechanical failure halted a strong top-10

performance for Alfredo and his team in the spring.

Building off their notes from practice, Alfredo qualified his No. 42 The Roth ID Tag™ Chevrolet Camaro in the 29th position.

From the drop of the green flag, Alfredo methodically and smartly maneuvered his Chevrolet through the field and, with some strategy, found himself back inside the top-10 at one of the sport’s oldest venues.

A hard-fought effort for Alfredo, which included avoiding several late race skirmishes, brought the Young’s Motorsports team a respectable 16th place finish in overtime.

With the arrival of the homestretch, Young’s Motorsports will lean on their experience and never-give-up attitude to propel them forward through the remainder of the season.

This closing stretch features the intermediate Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway to close out the year.

● Calling the Shots: Guiding Alfredo as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday night, he will be crew chief in his 162nd NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 161 races, he has four top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 33rd race will be his 10th tango at Phoenix Raceway as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

In his nine previous leadership efforts at Phoenix, Abbott has earned a track-best 10th-place finish with driver Jeremy Clements in the 2020 fall edition of the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 200.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at Phoenix Raceway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ fourth NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Phoenix Raceway.

In the team’s three previous Xfinity Phoenix Raceway starts, the team earned an Xfinity track-best of 11th after starting 24th with rookie Leland Honeyman Jr. at the wheel in March 2024.

Earlier this year, the team qualified 25th for the GOVX 200. From the drop of the green, the team moved quickly towards a top-10 finish, only to see their hard and impressive work halted by mechanical gremlins, resulting in a 32nd-place finish.

While the family-owned team has limited NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Phoenix, it has posted an average starting position of 25.7 and an average finish of 24.1 in 21 overall Truck Series starts at Phoenix Raceway since 2014.

The organization posted a team-best finish at the track of eighth in the 2023 edition of the CRAFTSMAN® 150 on November 3, 2023, with Truck Series contender Kaden Honeycutt at the wheel.

● Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 65 starts and maintains an average starting position of 25.7 and an average finish of 23.8.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on Anthony Alfredo, please visit AnthonyAlfredo.com, like him on Facebook (Anthony Alfredo Racing), follow him on Instagram (@anthonyalfredo) and X | Twitter (@anthonyalfredo).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Anthony Alfredo Pre-Race Quotes:

On Returning to Phoenix Raceway: “We had a really solid car at Phoenix earlier this year before an electrical issue took us out of the race.

“Hopefully, we can get redemption for our partners and every employee on the Young’s Motorsports team.”

On Biggest Challenges at Phoenix Raceway: “Phoenix Raceway is a pretty technical track and it’s difficult to get the balance of the car where you need it.

“I’m hoping that with a full practice session on Friday, we are able to get our No. 42 Hypersteel™ Buildings Chevrolet dialed in.

“I think the heat throughout the weekend will allow for more strategy as the tires will wear more and the track will take more rubber.”

On Keys to Success at Phoenix Raceway: “Staying in the hunt all race long and executing throughout the race will be key towards having a good finish, especially if we have a late race caution.”

On Racing Phoenix Raceway in the Fall: “I don’t feel like there is a big difference between the spring and fall race at Phoenix, except for the time of day, which may affect rubber build-up.

“We’ll see.”

On Strategy and Track Position at Phoenix Raceway: “Track position is huge at Phoenix Raceway, but the tires fall off enough that there is an opportunity to be aggressive with when you put a new set on.”

On Goals for Phoenix Raceway: “I would be thrilled to end the season with a top-10 finish. It would be great to head into the off-season with a good result and end the year on a high note.”

On Goals for the Remainder of 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season: “We need to continue performing at a high level and finishing well.

“Our team has fought a lot of adversity this year, but we need to remain focused on running our own race each week and controlling what we can control through the end of the season.

“Our main goal for this weekend is to execute at a high level and control what is in our control. That’s really all we can do and hopefully that allows us to finish the year on a high note.”

On the Most Recent NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at Martinsville Speedway: “We had a solid car at Martinsville Speedway and were able to bring home a good finish after racing inside the top-10 for most of the event.

“It felt good to be competitive and compete at the front of the field with the bigger teams.”

Race Information:

The Xfinity Series Championship Race (200 laps | 200 miles) is the 33rd of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. A full 50-minute practice will occur on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 1:35 p.m. to 2:25 p.m. Qualifying will follow on race day, Saturday, November 1, beginning at 12:30 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 4:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (MT).



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Exciting year ahead at Sebring Raceway | Highlands News-Sun

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There are a few deviations from recent years, but the local race calendar looks to be another strong one at Sebring International Raceway. As usual, much of the early action at the track will come in the form of preseason testing, some of it private team testing and other test days are sanctioned by the corresponding series.

The SSCA has a general test slated for Jan. 8, while the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli will take over the track Jan. 21-22. IndyCar make its typical stop at Sebring on Feb. 9-10, where the cars test over the raceway’s short course.



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Jeff Gordon Feels That Hendrick Motorsports’ Car Is Now on a Level-Playing Field With Rivals

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Chevrolet revealed its revised NASCAR Cup Series bodywork in November, shortly after Kyle Larson secured his second Cup championship at Phoenix. The updated body draws inspiration from a performance accessories package developed for the street-going version of the car. On track, the Camaro race body will now carry a taller hood dome, a reshaped front grille, and reworked rocker panels.

Chevrolet explained that those elements mirror the Carbon Performance Package Accessories Kit, which features carbon-fiber components on the hood and rockers, along with a new grille and front splitter. The changes have already sparked renewed belief inside the walls of Hendrick Motorsports.

According to Jeff Gordon, the updated Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 could prove transformative when it makes its competitive debut at the season-opening Cook Out Clash exhibition at Bowman Gray Stadium. The new body underwent on-track testing in November, and the early indicators seemingly left the organization encouraged.

“When you’ve done what we’ve done with our car and our teams and one of those things is winning a lot of races and winning a championship, I get really excited when I think we’ve got something that’s an upgrade. I don’t want to get too caught up in that because sometimes, it takes time to fine-tune that change.”

Gordon acknowledged that HMS had been trailing some rivals in aerodynamic efficiency, particularly when comparing HMS Chevrolet entries to competitors. With the revised body now in hand, he believes the gap has closed. “I feel like we’ve gotten ourselves on a level playing field with them, so I’m very excited about that,” he said.

Though the visual changes appear restrained, their purpose runs deeper because the engineers designed the refinements to enhance stability and trim drag, a combination that could sharpen performance as Chevrolet aims to extend its run of five consecutive manufacturer championships. Improved airflow management should translate into greater downforce and a steadier balance at speed.

Chevrolet first introduced the Camaro ZL1 to NASCAR competition in 2018, replacing the outgoing Chevy SS. The body evolved into the Camaro ZL1 1LE in 2020, before transitioning to a Next Gen version when the platform arrived in the Cup Series two years later. On the consumer side, Chevrolet closed the chapter on the passenger-car Camaro after the 2024 model year.

Dale Jr. is skeptical about the new Chevy model

While many teams welcome the update, Dale Earnhardt Jr. finds himself split between anticipation and caution. The JR Motorsports co-owner, who plans another Daytona 500 entry in 2026, admitted the announcement unsettled him. His unease does not stem from budget or preparation but from the uncertainty that accompanies a brand-new body.

From a financial perspective, Junior views the timing as favorable, offering a chance to compete without bleeding resources. Still, the unknowns are haunting. He noted that when manufacturers roll out a new body, early returns at Daytona rarely come easily. Teams must first learn how that shape behaves in race trim, and without inside knowledge of the finer details, he said he will have to take the results as they come.

History also supports his concern. Fresh body designs often force teams into an early-season learning curve, deciphering aerodynamic traits under pressure. The task extends beyond power or mechanical grip, demanding balance where airflow and stability intersect. Manufacturers also tend to prioritize intermediate tracks when refining new bodies, a reality that explains Junior’s apprehension heading into superspeedway competition.





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Team Penske 60 Years Marking a Legendary Journey

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On January 1, 2026, Roger Penske, the legendary founder of one of motorsport’s most enduring empires, released a deeply personal open letter to fans, marking the start of a year-long celebration of Team Penske’s 60th anniversary.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The letter, penned in Penske’s characteristic straightforward and grateful tone, reflects on humble beginnings, unwavering fan support, and a commitment to future success—reminding everyone why “The Captain” has built a legacy that spans generations.

What began in 1966 as a modest operation in a small shop just outside Philadelphia has evolved into a powerhouse with over 650 major race wins, more than 700 pole positions, and 48 championships across IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, and beyond. Penske vividly recalls those early days: victories in the team’s first two outings—the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring—set the stage for decades of dominance, all grounded in core values of integrity, respect, passion, hard work, and an unrelenting will to win.

Yet, amid recounting milestones like 20 Indianapolis 500 triumphs, five NASCAR Cup Series titles, three Daytona 500 wins, and recent back-to-back GTP championships with Porsche Penske Motorsport, Penske reserves his warmest words for the fans. “Your loyalty is unmatched, and your dedication is unparalleled,” he writes, calling supporters the “lifeblood” of the sport whose passion fuels the team through highs and lows.

He also emphasizes the human element—”our human capital”—crediting countless drivers, crew members, partners, and fans for the organization’s longevity. A poignant nod to his father introduces the guiding mantra: “Effort Equals Results,” a principle Penske vows will drive the team forward as they honor the past without resting on it.

The 2026 season promises to be unforgettable, with celebrations including retro paint schemes across entries in multiple series, a refreshed 60th anniversary logo on cars, uniforms, and merchandise, an elevated Team Penske Hall of Fame program, and a special Fan Day offering behind-the-scenes access and driver meet-and-greets.

Highlights include dedicated exhibits showcasing historic cars, trophies, and rare artifacts at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and the Penske Racing Museum in Scottsdale.

Iconic victories like these will be relived throughout the year.

As Penske signs off with sincere thanks, he affirms: “We know the best is still to come.” For a team that has defined excellence in American motorsport for six decades, 2026 isn’t just a milestone—it’s a launchpad for the next chapter. Fans are invited to join the journey using #Penske60.

Roger Penske letter to staff



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Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing Announce Strategic Partnership for 2026 Mustang Challenge

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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

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RFK Racing and the Castrol Conundrum

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In the high-octane world of NASCAR, where sponsorships can make or break a team’s fortunes, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK) finds itself navigating uncertain terrain at the dawn of 2026. The team, co-owned by six-time Cup Series winner Brad Keselowski, had long relied on the steady backing of Castrol, the iconic motor oil brand that powered their engines and adorned their cars since 2019. But as the new year unfolded, whispers of doubt swirled around their partnership, triggered by a massive ownership shakeup at Castrol’s parent company, BP.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

It all started on Christmas Eve 2025, when BP announced it was offloading a 65% majority stake in Castrol to Stonepeak, a New York-based investment firm, in a deal valued at around $6 billion—pushing Castrol’s total enterprise value to a staggering $10.1 billion. BP, grappling with a hefty $26.1 billion in net debt, saw the move as a lifeline, part of a broader $20 billion divestment strategy to slim down and strengthen its balance sheet.

Carol Howle, BP’s interim CEO, hailed the transaction: “We concluded a thorough strategic review of Castrol, which generated extensive interest and resulted in the sale of a majority interest to Stonepeak.” While BP retained a 35% minority share, control would shift to Stonepeak once the deal closed in about a year, transforming Castrol into a joint venture.

For RFK Racing, the news hit like a sudden caution flag. Castrol had been more than just a sponsor; it was a cornerstone of the team’s three-car operation—the No. 6 Ford driven by Keselowski, the No. 17 helmed by Chris Buescher, and the No. 60 piloted by newcomer Ryan Preece.

Brad Keselowski livery. Photo Supplied

Over six seasons, the partnership had fueled six Cup Series victories, including Keselowski’s triumphant throwback scheme win at Darlington in 2024, and supported consistent playoff runs. Andreas Osbar, CEO of Castrol Americas, reflected on the collaboration’s success: “RFK has been at the forefront of innovation, testing and winning races with our Castrol MoreCircular engine oils since 2022. Putting our products to the test in extreme racing conditions has been critical.”

Yet, the ownership pivot cast a shadow over the future. The current agreement locked in Castrol’s support through the 2026 season, providing RFK with a buffer to revamp and chase victories after a winless 2025 campaign that left them hungry for redemption. But come 2027, when Stonepeak fully assumes the reins, the commitments would expire, forcing RFK to negotiate anew with the investment firm’s leadership.

Insiders noted that without strong on-track results—like a long-elusive Daytona 500 win for the recovering Keselowski, who vowed not to miss the iconic race despite a recent injury—the new owners might balk at renewing, potentially seeking fresher alliances elsewhere.

RFK president Steve Newmark had previously underscored Castrol’s value: “For years now, Castrol has been an integral part of our success both on and off the track. From product superiority to collaborations around sustainability… Castrol has ensured we operate at peak performance.”

As the team geared up for the 2026 opener, bolstered by other sponsors like Kroger and Fastenal, the uncertainty loomed like storm clouds over Daytona. Would Stonepeak see the same synergy that BP had nurtured, or would RFK need to scout new partners to keep their engines roaring? In NASCAR’s relentless pursuit of speed and stability, only time—and perhaps a few checkered flags—would tell.



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Motorsports

NASCAR News: RFK Racing and the Castrol Conundrum

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RFK Racing faces a critical juncture as it navigates potential changes in its long-standing sponsorship with Castrol, following BP’s major ownership shakeup of the oil brand. The partnership, crucial for team operations since 2019, is now under threat as Castrol transitions to new ownership with Stonepeak Investments. While RFK is secure through the 2026 season, outlooks for future agreements remain uncertain, contingent on performance and new leadership priorities.

By the Numbers

  • Castrol’s parent company BP sold a 65% stake for approximately $6 billion.
  • RFK Racing secured six Cup Series victories during its partnership with Castrol, including one in 2024.

Yes, But

Despite Castrol’s historical support, RFK’s future negotiations could be challenged without strong performances on the track. The new ownership may seek different sponsorships if the team’s results do not align with their business strategy.

State of Play

  • The partnership with Castrol is secured through the 2026 season, but expiration looms in 2027.
  • RFK has other sponsors like Kroger and Fastenal, providing some financial stability amidst uncertainties.

What’s Next

As RFK races into the 2026 season, their success or failure in upcoming events could critically influence negotiations with Stonepeak. A strong showing could retain Castrol, while a lackluster performance might force the team to seek alternative partnerships.

Bottom Line

RFK Racing must capitalize on the 2026 season to establish a robust case for continued support from Castrol’s new owners and ensure stability in sponsorships to remain competitive in NASCAR.





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