The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has announced its 2025 television and streaming plans with official broadcast partner SPEED SPORT, bringing the adrenaline-pumping excitement of IHRA drag racing to fan through a dynamic blend of live television and digital streaming on SPEED SPORT 1, SPEED SPORT 2 and IHRA.TV.
As part of this multi-platform media partnership, IHRA events will be professionally produced and distributed across SPEED SPORT 1 and its major streaming and broadcast partners, including Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel, PlutoTV, and more — reaching millions of motorsports fans with premium drag racing content delivered live and free.
“Partnering with SPEED SPORT is a game changer for IHRA and motorsports entertainment,” said Darryl Cuttell. IHRA CEO. “This platform enables us to reach 100s of millions of people on their existing devices anywhere – anytime – internationally – live and recorded at no cost. This will create new fans and racers, thrill the existing, and encourage sponsorship for teams. In addition to live streamed races, we can’t wait to share our content that will go beyond the scenes of racing in 2025 and showcase the human element from team and fan perspectives.”
The broadcast team features some of the most respected names in motorsports media. Ken Stout will serve as play-by-play host, with former NHRA Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson Jr. providing color commentary. Veteran broadcaster Ralph Sheheen will serve as the race-day host at select events, bringing insight and storytelling from years of experience.
Pit reporters Kristen Beat and Kristin Bank will offer exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes access and real-time updates, and powerful interviews from drag racing’s most emotional vantage points.
“We are extremely excited to present an incredibly strong production and broadcast package on SPEED SPORT 1,” said Joe Tripp, SPEED SPORT CEO. “IHRA is a historic, world-class series with tremendous competition — and the streaming and live television complement will reflect that. This is precisely the type of live sports content our distribution partners at Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel, PlutoTV and others look for — and IHRA on SPEED SPORT 1 will deliver right off the line.”
SPEED SPORT has been synonymous with motorsports excellence for more than 90 years. With this new partnership, SPEED SPORT will continue its legacy by delivering high-quality, engaging content that showcases the power, speed and passion of IHRA drag racing.
The production will be led by the experienced team at Windy City Creative Group (WCCG), with industry veteran Steve Grein serving as executive producer. With more than 20 years of experience producing top-tier motorsports content, Grein brings deep expertise and a proven track record to the IHRA broadcast team.
Grein’s résumé includes work with IHRA, ADRL and countless shows under the Lucas Oil Productions banner. He also served as executive producer for MAVTV for five years, helping shape the network’s motorsports identity and bringing professional, action-packed coverage to fans nationwide.
The full event schedule, including streaming and broadcast times, will be released in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to follow IHRA.com and SPEEDSPORT.com for updates and behind-the-scenes previews. Visit SPEEDSPORT1.com for broadcast schedules and viewing options.
Formula Cars are Coming to New Jersey!
Millville, NJ (July 3, 2025) – On August 1 – 3, 2025 one of the oldest organizations in vintage racing, and the only one with a national presence, the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) is coming to the New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ, with the New Jersey Lottery SpeedTour.
Formula Cars from Around the World to Compete Head-to-Head
In addition to an array of vintage cars, the event will feature racing from Formula Race Promotions, Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.) and Formula Regional America Championship (FR Americas), which are both led by Race Director, Scott Goodyear—the former racecar driver and television personality—who will also be on site!
The New Jersey Lottery SpeedTour features F4 U.S. Championships and FR Americas wheel-to-wheel racing! Both series are the first two steps on the Road to F1. New Jersey Motorsports Park’s 14-turn Thunderbolt Raceway is the 16th stop out of 22 stops on the national tour. When the lights go out at NJMP, five countries and 14 states across the USA will be represented across the two championships.
Spectators can get their tickets now at njmp.com . If you can’t make it in person, the races will be shown live, or tape delayed, on SPEED SPORT 1. SPEED SPORT 1 is a FAST channel — Free, Ad-Supported Streaming Television network. It is available on mainstream platforms with reach exceeding 200 million monthly active users, including Amazon Prime, Roku Channel, PlutoTV, SlingTV and more.
This event is in partnership with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). SVRA is committed to presenting the best possible experience for competitors and fans. From 200 MPH Indy and Formula 1 cars to classic Jaguars and Porsches, SVRA events provide a rolling history of motorsport where the cars are the stars.
Car Shows and More Off-Track Fun!
Car enthusiasts will also enjoy the display of classic, vintage and exotic cars at the Hagerty Cars and Caffeine car show right in the Thunderbolt paddock. Spectators who are looking to get behind the wheel themselves are welcome to book an Arrive and Drive go-karting session at NJMP’s outdoor go-karting track! Compete with friends and family to see who can get in the most laps in NJMP’s Sodi gas-powered go-karts.
All guests are welcome to enjoy lunch and dinner at the full-service restaurant and pub, the Finish Line Pub, located right in the center of the facility. Here families can enjoy picnic games like cornhole, horseshoes, and pickleball (bring your own paddle and ball). And when it gets too hot, those with a ticket are eligible for a pool pass to NJMP’s outdoor pool!
Get your tickets now for this thrilling family weekend event at njmp.com!
Big Diamond Speedway is pleased to announce the newest addition to the proud line-up of marketing partners of the 3/8-mile dirt oval in Minersville, PA.
DBR Industrial Services LLC of Pottsville has recently come onboard as a track sponsor. They are a family run business that specializes in providing exceptional epoxy flooring and overlays. Their team of experts are dedicated to transforming floors and surfaces with high-quality epoxy coatings and stunning overlays.
DBR Industrial Services LLC does many different flooring applications that range from industrial to residential. Their epoxy coatings and overlays enhance both the durability and aesthetics of your floors, ensuring they stand the test of time while adding visual appeal.
They also provide professional blasting and painting services to meet specific needs.
DBR Industrial Services LLC owner Bill Robinson has been in business for the past 29 years and he’s no stranger to Big Diamond Speedway.
He first started attending races at Big Diamond when he was in high school, but because of his work schedule he’s been limited to getting there as much as he’d like to. He’s also competed here a few Hare Scrambles.
“I know a lot of people who go to the races and as a business owner we’re looking to advertise and get with the right people and I feel this is a good fit for us,” said Robinson.
DBR Industrial Services LLC is a current sponsor of the No. 102 358 Modifieds driven by Shawn and Tim Fitzpatrick and Ryan and Logan Watt. They are also adorned on the rear deck of Joe Bassininsky’s No. 1 Roadrunner.
With his reputation for providing top quality work, Robinson has done jobs throughout the region and surrounding states and even as far away as Arizona.
“I’ll go wherever we have to go,” said Robinson.
They have a very informative website which details the entire process and can be found at https://dbrindustrialservices.com/
The business address is 120 Mill Creek Avenue, Pottsville, Pa., 17901. They can also be reached by phone at 570-527-0307 or email dbrindustrial@comcast.net as well as Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DBRIndustrialServices/
On Friday evening, August 15, it will be DBR Industrial Services LLC Night at Big Diamond which is the “Prelude to the Coalcracker.” The Quandel Concrete 358 Modifieds will be battling for a winner’s share of $10,000 over a distance of 50 laps. The night will also feature the USS Achey Inc., 602 Crate Sportsman and Red White and Blue Autos Inc., Roadrunners.
“IT’S A VIBE“: Why Atmosphere is the Currency of Modern Sports and Entertainment. This comes from Joe Skotnicki and Racing Promotion MonthlyNewsletter.
In 1991, the Buffalo Bandits entered the National Lacrosse League (NLL). What began as another expansion franchise has since transformed into one of professional lacrosse’s most remarkable success stories—drawing record-breaking attendance, generating national television ratings, and most importantly, creating a vibe.
Yes, a vibe. A feeling. An energy. An experience.
Owned by the Pegula Sports empire, which also holds the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, the Bandits have turned their home games at KeyBank Center into electric, can’t-miss events. Music pulses through the arena during play, fans are energized—not scolded—and the pace rarely slows. The result? A deeply loyal fan base and an in-game atmosphere that has become its own attraction.
In 2025, during just nine home games, the Bandits averaged 18,471 fans per game, including five sellouts and a championship night gate of 19,070. That figure not only set a new league record, it outdrew the NHL’s Stanley Cup Final broadcast on TNT that same night.
Average ticket prices range from $15 to $150, and fans line up to pay. Why? The team wins, yes—but more than that, the product feels good to consume.
In speaking with a lacrosse insider, we learned that during playoffs, players receive a portion of the gate—a unique motivator that further connects the performance on the floor to the experience in the stands.
So what’s the secret sauce? How has a mid-sized market like Buffalo managed to build something so vibrant while other NLL franchises have changed hands, folded, or struggled to gain relevance?
The entire product and experience. That’s the answer.
It’s not just about wins and losses—it’s the tone, the energy, and the attitude. The PA announcer doesn’t just introduce the next play—he invites the crowd into the action. The music isn’t background noise—it keeps the arena alive. Social media channels reflect joy, not infighting or controversy. The Bandits have a vibe—a positive vibe—and that might be the single most valuable thing in all of sports and entertainment today.
Contrast this with the atmosphere at many short tracks across North America, and the disparity is obvious.
Why Is Atmosphere So Important?
We often talk about the value of positivity, but we rarely take consistent action to eliminate the negativity that plagues our industry. A toxic environment—whether it’s in-person, online, or in pit road whispers—chases people away faster than a rainout.
We’ve studied the Savannah Bananas, another franchise that exploded in popularity through creative reinvention and unwavering focus on fan experience. We’ve observed their leader, Jesse Cole, build an entire culture around fun, inclusion, and intentional design. The common thread with the Bandits? A relentless commitment to creating a positive atmosphere.
How Do You Create a Good Atmosphere?
Start by cutting out the negativity. That’s not just social media bans or referee ejections—it’s cultivating a culture where being decent is expected and being disruptive is not tolerated.
We have characters. We have stories. We have great racing. Many of our facilities are state-of-the-art. But if the perception is negative, the potential is wasted. That perception is shaped by participants, not just promoters. A snide Facebook comment can undo an entire marketing campaign. That’s why, within our own promotions and Series, we’ve started banning individuals for repeated ignorance and destructive commentary. Drama doesn’t sell tickets—experience does.
What Draws People?
The short answer: a positive experience.
Customer service matters. Attitude matters. And how you respond to conflict or criticism might matter most. The shiny new toy—whether it’s a repave, a new scoreboard, or a marquee driver—can attract attention. But what keeps people coming back is how they feel when they leave.
How Do You Satisfy Competitors?
It’s not easy. But it starts by partnering with them, not just managing them. When competitors feel included in the process, they become your most effective ambassadors. They help promote the event. They help enforce the tone. And they help drive progress instead of drama.
We reference the recent MSN article, “We Might Be the Last Generation to Experience Grassroots Racing,” which raised serious concerns about the sport’s longevity. To survive, we need to bring participants into the mission—not just onto the track.
Does a Positive Atmosphere Really Drive Attendance?
Ask the Bandits. Ask the Savannah Bananas. Ask tracks like Albany-Saratoga, Madison International, Knoxville, Skagit, or Port Royal.
Success stories are emerging where positivity leads the way. Energy is contagious. And when fans want to be there, everything else follows—ticket sales, sponsors, media attention, and long-term growth.
A Personal Note
We live in a region that, frankly, hasn’t fully grasped this yet. In many ways, our local racing culture is still eating itself from the inside out. We’ve taken heat for many things—some of it warranted, some of it wildly unfair. We’ve been told we wear too many hats. And maybe we do. But when we look around at what’s working elsewhere, we’re inspired to keep pushing, to keep fighting—for atmosphere, for experience, for the vibe.
So this month, we’ve borrowed from Jesse Cole’s "Fans First" philosophy. Here are some of his foundational ideas that we believe every track operator, race team, and series promoter can benefit from:
The Fans First Way: The 5 E’s to Create Raving Fans
Eliminate Friction: Make it easy for fans to buy, attend, and enjoy.
Entertain Always: Never let the energy drop.
Experiment Constantly: Innovate. Evolve. Adjust.
Engage Deeply: Make fans feel like insiders.
Empower Action: Let your team and your fans help shape the experience.
Design the Ultimate Customer Experience
Map the full journey—from awareness to follow-up.
Convert customers into fans and advocates.
Never lose a customer again—wow them after the sale, not just before it.
The Bottom Line?
If your event doesn’t have a vibe—you need to build one. It’s not optional anymore. It’s the difference between fading into irrelevance and becoming something unforgettable.
Let’s give fans a reason to show up. And let’s make them want to come back.
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB today announced a new partnership with WorkMoney, the nonprofit organization dedicated to lowering costs and raising wages for working people across America. The collaboration marks WorkMoney’s first foray into NASCAR and represents a shared commitment to community, hard work, and making everyday life more affordable.
As a partner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, WorkMoney branding will debut on the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE in select NASCAR Cup Series races throughout the 2025 season. The partnership will also include digital content integration, grassroots fan activations, and storytelling that spotlights everyday Americans and their financial challenges and victories.
“We’re excited to welcome WorkMoney to the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB family,” said Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “They’re doing meaningful work to support working people across the country, and that aligns with everything we believe in—family, perseverance, and building a better future.”
WorkMoney is a nonprofit that advocates for policies and provides tools to help families save money on essentials like groceries, utilities, and healthcare. With over 8 million members nationwide, WorkMoney helps everyday Americans spend less and save more—and now, they have a presence in the fast-paced, fan-driven world of NASCAR.
“At WorkMoney, we believe everyone who works hard deserves a good life,” said Carrie Joy Grimes, CEO of WorkMoney. “That’s why we’re proud to partner with NASCAR and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. We share the same values: hard work, grit, pride in where you’re from, and deep love for family and country. NASCAR fans are WorkMoney members. And we’re showing up for them—on the track and in their everyday lives—to help make that good life a little more affordable.”
The partnership will kick off officially at the Chicago Street Course on July 6 with the presence of the LEGACY MC No. 43. The partnership is a collaboration rooted in the American spirit—working hard, lifting others up, and driving change.
Williams Grove Announces Sept. 12 Schedule Change
358 sprints added to lineup
Mechanicsburg —In coordination with the PA Sprint Series, Williams Grove Speedway has made a change to its schedule on Friday, September 12.
Originally slated to include action for the PASS 305s, the HJ Towing & Recovery 358 sprints will now replace the PASS on the schedule.
The oval has yet to complete a 358 sprint car race this season due to the uncanny timing of rain each time a race has been attempted thus the revision to the lineup on September 12.
The change will give the 358 sprint teams a much-needed opportunity to compete and make up for at least one of the many races lost on the season.
Williams Grove Speedway appreciates the understanding of PASS management and all PASS teams and fans as both organizations work together to effect this change in scheduling.
