NASCAR has announced that The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 2 is sold out as fans eagerly anticipate the return of the NASCAR Cup Series to this historic venue for the first time since 1971.
NASCAR also announced expanded action on Saturday with the Madhouse Classic, an exhibition race from Bowman Gray Stadium’s Weekly Modified Division, along with Cup Series on-track activity.
“The sell out of The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium speaks volumes about the monumental nature of the event at this historic venue,” said NASCAR’s Justin Swilling, Project Lead for the NASCAR Clash. “We’re honored to bring such an incredible race weekend to Winston-Salem that will provide an opportunity to place the stars of Bowman Gray Stadium’s Modified Division in the national spotlight.”
Participation for competing in Saturday’s Madhouse Clash is by invitation only, based on the top 20 from the 2024 Bowman Gray Stadium Modified points standings. Saturday’s schedule will include a practice session, single-car qualifying, and a dedicated 125-lap feature race.
As part of the Saturday weekly show, race fans will be treated to Bowman Gray Stadium racing format classics like the Fan’s Challenge, where the four fastest competitors from qualifying will each be given a chance to forego their starting position and drop to the rear of the field. Entries that accept this challenge will become eligible for an event bonus paid out to those that find their way back to their initial top 4 starting position or higher.
A sparse number of tickets remain for Saturday’s on-track activity at Bowman Gray Stadium, Feb. 1. A full schedule of weekend activities will be released in the near future. The Clash will be broadcast live on FOX on Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to visit NASCARClash.com to secure remaining experiences while supplies last. Those that have purchased tickets should also be on the lookout for information regarding parking, as it will be at a premium throughout the event weekend.
To learn more about the 2025 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series season with weekly modified, sportsman, street stock and stadium stock competition, visit bowmangrayracing.com.
In one of the closest races in recent history, Top Fuel driver and motorsports legend Tony Stewart was named the 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
Stewart was awarded Rookie of the Year honors Monday at the NHRA awards ceremony at the Pechanga Resort Casino. He was part of a standout field and a hotly-contested race that included Brandon Foster, Richard Gadson, Derrick Reese, Jasmine Salinas, Sienna Wildgust, Daniel Wilkerson and Ida Zetterstrom.
“It’s a big honor to win this award this season,” Stewart said. “There are some great drivers in the NHRA and it’s one of the most diverse forms of motorsports I’ve been a part of. I’ve had a really good time working with the series this season to promote and continue to grow the sport.”
Making his Top Fuel debut in 2024, Stewart advanced to a pair of final rounds, four semifinals, a berth in the Countdown to the Championship and a ninth-place finish in Top Fuel points. Stewart took over driving duties for his wife, Top Fuel standout Leah Pruett, this year as the couple focused on starting a family.
Pruett gave birth to the couple’s first child, Dominic James Stewart, early Sunday morning, as Stewart then traveled back to Pomona to compete at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals that same day. He advanced to the semifinals to close out the NHRA season, one that also included a career-best run of 3.688-seconds at 334.73-mph in his 11,000-horsepower dragster.
Stewart is one of motorsports’ most accomplished stars, winning championships in both NASCAR and IndyCar. He formed the two-car Tony Stewart Racing NHRA team in 2022 and raced in the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series sportsman ranks before moving to Top Fuel in 2024.
“It was an honor to be part of this group this year,” said Stewart, a NASCAR Hall of Famer. “The two main coaches I had were Matt Hagan and my wife, Leah. Thank you Leah for giving me this opportunity and I want to thank everyone at NHRA. It’s been a blast this year.”
Pro Stock Motorcycle rising star Richard Gadson finished third in points in the two-wheeled category, advancing to a trio of final rounds and four semifinals. Gadson also won a Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge race.
Salinas and Zetterstrom both made impressive Top Fuel debuts during the 2024 season, showing their potential to become major stars in the sport. Salinas, who took over driving for her father, Mike, had three round wins, dipping into the 3.60s for the first time at the finale in Pomona. Zetterstrom, the 2023 European Top Fuel world champion, made her NHRA debut in Brainerd, competing in the last eight races of 2024 and picking up three round wins as well.
Wilkerson took over for his father and longtime standout, Tim Wilkerson, in the Funny Car ranks, advancing to the final round at the Charlotte 4-Wide race. He finished seventh in points and also advanced to three semifinals.
Pro Stock drivers Foster, Reese and Wildgust also took to the track in the very competitive class.
Last season, Chase Van Sant was named the 2023 Rookie of the Year. Other recent winners include Pro Stock’s Camrie Caruso in 2022 and Dallas Glenn in 2021, Top Fuel’s Justin Ashley in 2020 and Austin Prock in 2019. Prock won his first world championship in Funny Car in 2024.
The NHRA Rookie of the Year award recognizes the top rookie competitor who also represents the future of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. The nation’s leading auto racing journalists select the winner through a voting system based on the following criteria: number of events competed in, performance on and off the racetrack, participation in NHRA promotions, and relationships with fans, sponsors, and media.
Toyota driver Antron Brown won his fourth NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel world championship after racing action at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Sunday. The championship is Brown’s first since 2016, adding to his already legendary accolades that also includes the 2012 and 2015 Top Fuel titles. Brown’s triumph also marks the eighth Top Fuel title for Toyota since they joined the category in 2007.
Brown won six races in the 2024 season, while also scoring 33 round wins over 20 races to claim the Top Fuel championship.
TOYOTA FAST FACTS
Brown’s six wins this season were at Route 66 Raceway (May), Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park (June), Sonoma Raceway (July), Maple Grove Raceway (September) zMAX Dragway (September) and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip (November).
Each time Brown made the final round this season, he captured victory
Brown moved into second all-time in Top Fuel victories this season, now with 64 overall to his name. He’s also Toyota’s all-time winningest NHRA racer with all 64 wins as part of the Toyota family.
The 2024 championship makes Brown the fourth Top Fuel driver with at least four world championships.
This is the first world championship for Brown’s AB Motorsports, which was started in 2022.
Brown’s 2024 championship adds to Toyota’s legacy in NHRA Top Fuel racing, accompanying the championships by himself in 2012, 2015 and 2016; Larry Dixon (2010); Del Worsham (2011); Shawn Langdon (2013); and Doug Kalitta (2023).
TOYOTA QUOTES
ANTRON BROWN, Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, AB Motorsports
“It’s all right here with this Mission Foods (championship) trophy! When everybody sees that AB Motorsports logo, it has that cross in the middle, all the glory goes to God. He gives us the strength to make this happen and to do it, because I didn’t have the faith in myself to do it, to start a team, for us to ever do this on our own like we did. But he gave us the faith, gave us the will and here we are with all these great partners like Matco Tools, Summit Racing, Toyota. They all make this possible for us and keep this going each and every day. And Sirius XM always has us tuned in. I tell you what, this team is resilient. We never quit, we never stop and when we lined up this weekend, and we saw our matchup as we didn’t qualify where we wanted to – it was like doomsday. Justin Ashley in the first round, then you go to Shawn Langdon, and we were both trying to throw at it and go down. And in that semifinal round against Brittany (Force), we had to go down the track. Hit the tree and go down track and if they run a 3.64 or 3.65, so be it, but we at least have to give ourselves a fighting chance. That 3.68 came right on time and I got down through there. To get this (championship), I tell you what, is incredible. Truly a blessing. I love all my family at home, my kids, everybody. We love you! This is coming back to Indianapolis, Indiana, and I can’t believe we did it!”
Shortening the off-season.
Utica-Rome Speedway will kick off its 2025 campaign on the very first day of the New Year – January 1 – with a huge Enduro event to satisfy the appetite of race-starved fans. The afternoon program at the Home of Heroes is headlined by a 100-lap Enduro event.
The event winner receives a $500 winner’s prize. Additional bonuses and awards will be sought as the event approaches.
The most recent New Year’s Day Enduro at Utica-Rome took place on Jan. 1, 2020, won by current-day Modified racer Chris Mackey.
Rules for the event have been posted on the Utica-Rome website at the following link: https://www.uticaromespeedway.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UREnduroRulesJan1.pdf
Registration is $75 per car and includes a pit pass for the driver. The online registration link follows: https://www.myracepass.com/tracks/2781/registrations/10615
Pit gates open at 9 a.m. Grandstand gates unlock at 11 a.m. Racing begins at noon.
Grandstand admission is $10. Kids 11 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $25. Kids 12 and under pay $10.
MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT- On behalf of the ATLANTIC COAST OLD TIMERS and JENNERSTOWN SPEEDWAY, we have the pleasure to announce the "BIG 'J' VINTAGE JAMBOREE" scheduled for July 17-19, 2025at the famed 1/2-mile paved track just about an hour east of Pittsburgh, PA.
Vintage cars in several divisions are welcomed including Midgets, Sprint Cars, Champ Cars, Super Modifieds, Indy Cars and Stock Cars. Each division will "run with their own" in several on-track sessions throughout the weekend.
The tentative schedule includes in-loading on Thursday, July 17 and early Friday morning July 18 followed by on-track sessions during the day. Friday night a BIG COUNTRY MOUNTAIN JAMBOREE is in the works complete with a catered BBQ and "KICKING BLUE GRASS BAND". Be sure to bring your straw hats and country garb.
Saturday morning into early afternoon has more on-track sessions followed by a VINTAGE RACE FEST Saturday night which will include meet and greets, autograph alley, interview corner, special guests, book signings, art displays and so much more for the regular Saturday nightJennerstown crowd. PLUS FLO TV is scheduled to TELEVISE the VINTAGE RACE FEST and ON-TRACK SESSIONS in front of the crowd.
The initial list of speakers for the thirteenth annual Race Track Business Conference - 2024 have been released for the gathering on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 said Tim Frost, publisher of National Speedway Directory.
There will be eight sessions with respected industry professionals, giving RTBC-2024 attendees insights on the business of racing.
We are pleased to announce these speakers for RTBC - 2024:
Clay Hershaw | Associate Professor | Winston-Salem State University
Joe Jankowski | Principle | Trackside Systems NA
Kurt Johnson | President | Total Venue Concepts
Jack Hall | CoFounder – COO | Game Point Capital
Immanuel Martinez | Division Manager – Public Works | Sunland Asphalt
Sean Patrick MacDonald | Co-Founder | SimCraft
Chris Meegan | Partnership Executive | Xtreme Xperience
Andy O’Gara | President | Whiteland Raceway Park
Matt Stallknecht | Partnership Executive – Motorsports | Tixr
Jim Sweener | Director of Advertising | My Race Pass
(The lineup for sessions and speakers - tentative and subject to change.)
Additional details on topics and speakers will be posted soon.
About RTBC Registration
The cost to attend RTBC - 2024 is $250. Additional information can be found at (www.racetrackbusinessconference.com) or by contacting Tim Frost at (twfrost@speedwaysonline.com) or (847) 778-9475 (cell).
About PRI Show Registration
NOTE: PRI Show Registration is required to enter the trade show flow. Industry professionals must be PRI Members to attend the PRI Show.It will not be part of the RTBC registration.
PRI Show Registration and PRI Membership can be found here...
https://www.performanceracing.com/trade-show/attend
Register early to receive your credential in the mail. Registration is accepted at the show. A valid show badge will be required. PRI Membership is required to register for the 2024 PRI Show. Memberships start at $40 for an individual..
About National Speedway Directory
National Speedway Directory (www.speedwaysonline.com) is an information source for the motorsports industry. The website has listings tracks, sanctions, publications, and museums.
About Performance Racing Industry
Performance Racing Industry, (www.performanceracing.com) monthly business magazine, is recognized as "The Voice of Racing Marketplace." Targeted at the racing trade, PRI connects manufacturers of racing products and technology with the distribution channels of retailers, builders, distributers, and teams. The PRI Show is the world's largest auto racing trade show.
Driving 101, which operates the NASCAR Racing Experience, the leader in authentic NASCAR driving experiences, is thrilled to unveil its highly anticipated 2025 schedule. Race fans across the country can now plan their NASCAR dream experience with the release of dates at 17 premier speedways nationwide, including iconic tracks like Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The 2025 schedule kicks off in January and runs through December, offering fans more opportunities than ever before to take the wheel of a real NASCAR race car. Whether fans are looking to fulfill a lifelong racing dream or searching for the perfect gift for the adrenaline junkie in their life, this experience puts fans in the driver’s seat to feel the thrill of NASCAR firsthand.
“We’re excited to announce the 2025 schedule and continue offering race fans the chance to experience NASCAR like never before,” said Robert Lutz, President and CEO of NASCAR Racing Experience. “There’s nothing quite like being behind the wheel of a real race car, feeling the power, speed, and excitement that comes with it. This year, we’re bringing that thrill to more fans across the nation.”
With 17 locations on the calendar, NASCAR Racing Experience continues to expand its reach, giving fans coast to coast the opportunity to drive on the same tracks where NASCAR legends have raced. Spots are limited at each speedway, so early booking is highly encouraged.
For the full 2025 schedule, pricing, and booking details, visit www.NASCARRacingExperience.com.
About NASCAR Racing Experience: NASCAR Racing Experience is the leading experiential racing company in North America, offering the most realistic racing programs available to motorsports fans nationwide. There’s no lead car to follow and drivers race without an instructor alongside. The drivers compete in real NASCAR race cars driven by NASCAR drivers including Joey Logano, Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, Michael McDowell, Ty Gibbs and Corey Lajoie, among others.
Reservations can be made at www.NASCARRacingExperience.com. Gift Cards are available for any amount and never expire. The customer service department is available seven days a week. NASCAR Racing Experience programs are conducted at 17 race tracks across the United States and offer a vast array of corporate outings and motorsports themed events. For more information call 704-886-2400 or visit www.NASCARRacingExperience.com
Jimmie Johnson returning in 2025 for select races with Legacy Motor Club
Legacy Motor Club co-owner and seven time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will compete in select races during the 2025 season.
Johnson confirmed the news to Jayski during Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway, reflecting on his second season as a car owner.
“For 2025, we will make sure we use the [No. 84] car in the right capacity and in the right way so it doesn’t take anything away from the [Nos.] 42 or the 43,” Johnson said. “We will see how many times Jacob [Canter, director of competition at Legacy Motor Club] lets me go out and drive.”
Johnson said he “absolutely” wants to drive to get more experience with the Next Gen car. In two partial seasons driving the No. 84 car, Johnson has an average finish of 31.8. The 26th-place effort last weekend at Phoenix is his best finish since rounding out the top five in his final full-time race with Hendrick Motorsports in 2020, also at Phoenix.
By racing a partial season, Johnson’s approach is to be smart and to get up to speed. The goal is to help Legacy’s engineering department build a notebook. The No. 84 car has “various agendas,” giving Johnson a purpose to be on the track.
“I’m a result-oriented guy,” he added. “It’s hard not to have that weigh on you at times. Picking a goal, having a reason and a purpose for why we’re running a third car is very helpful.”
The sport has evolved and Johnson is continuing to adjust. The way he used to prepare for races is a complete 180 from how the bulk of Cup drivers do it today. That has also been a change.
“One, the sport is different. Two, it’s not my full-time job,” Johnson said. “I walked into these gates for decades knowing I had my stuff in order and was brought up in a system where preparation equals confidence. I can’t prep today like I used to prep when I was a full-time driver. Plus, not being a full-time driver, there are a lot of unknowns and details to get these cars around track.”
Johnson has spearheaded changes within Legacy over the last few months, adding Canter and Brian Campe (technical director) to the competition department. Bobby Kennedy was also brought on in July as the general manager.
The 2025 Kubota High Limit Racing schedule has been finalized with 61 events planned at 36 unique facilities across 20 states for the second-year national sprint car series.
The 2025 campaign is once again headlined by a trio of six-figure paydays between the Joker’s Jackpot at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio on July 16-17, the 71st Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California on August 21-23, and the Skagit Nationals at Skagit Speedway in Burlington, Washington on August 28-30.
Pennsylvania’s Port Royal Speedway, AKA “The Speed Palace,” will remain a staple on the Kubota High Limit Racing calendar with the Bob Weikert Memorial expanding to a three-day event on May 23-25 and the 58th edition of the famed Tuscarora 50 continuing on September 4-6.
New in 2025 – in fitting fashion – Kubota High Limit Racing will shift the season-opening event to “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” bringing Sprint Cars back to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on NASCAR weekend. The Nevada 1/2-mile will host races on Thursday, March 13 and Saturday, March 15, culminating in a $25,000-to-win finale.
Fort Worth’s Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track will again host the All-In Championship Weekend when the High Rollers conclude their campaign on Friday and Saturday, October 17-18. It will be the series’ second trip of the year to TMS following an early-season stop for the Stockyard Stampede on May 1 and May 3, another collaboration with NASCAR weekend at the big track.
The popular 11-race Midweek Series is still highlighted by the Eagle Nationals, a one-night only stop at Nebraska’s Eagle Raceway for big-time money on Tuesday, June 10.Also included in the Midweek Series is now the Rayce Rudeen Foundation Race - moving to 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wisconsin on Tuesday, June 3. A bonus point fund will be paid out to the top-three finishers in the Midweek Series.
Additional noteworthy events include the Diamond Classic at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, the Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup and Commonwealth Clash at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pennsylvania, the Kentucky Sprint Nationals at Florence Speedway in Union, Kentucky, the 4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway, and the Heartland of America Showdown at Lakeside Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.
Of the 36 tracks scheduled, these 15 will be hosting their first-ever Kubota High Limit Racing event in 2025: Las Vegas (NV), Bakersfield (CA), Perris (CA), Central Arizona (AZ), Vado (NM), Route 66 (TX), Dodge City (KS), Texarkana (AR), 81 (KS), Fremont (OH), Ransomville (NY), 141 (WI), Red Cedar (WI), Florence (KY), and Path Valley (PA).
Among the 20 different states on the slate, fans from Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and Kentucky will welcome the High Rollers for the first time in 2025.
Along with the schedule release, Kubota High Limit Racing officials have confirmed a few rule changes coming to the Sprint Car Series in 2025.
All events will be streamed live on FloRacing.
Follow Kubota High Limit Racing on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all upcoming announcements.
About High Limit Racing
Founded by NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson and five-time World of Outlaws series champion Brad Sweet, Kubota High Limit Racing is a premier sprint car series in the United States. High Limit Racing’s mission is to improve the sprint car ecosystem and create growth opportunities for drivers, teams, and tracks, all while providing highly entertaining, time efficient events. High Limit Racing event will be streamed on FloRacing. For more information, visit highlimitracing.com.
About FloSports
Founded in 2006, FloSports is a subscription video streaming service dedicated to sports, offering live and on-demand access to hundreds of thousands of competition events across 25+ vertical sport categories in the US and abroad. FloSports’ vision is to give underserved sports the love they deserve. With a growing library of more than 300,000 hours of premium content including news, expert commentary, films, documentaries and more, FloSports has established itself as an innovator and leader in sports streaming. Finally, your sport has a home. For more information, please visit flosports.tv.
2025 High Limit Racing Schedule
Day, Date - Track Name - Location
Thursday, March 13 – The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, Nev.
Saturday, March 15 – The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, Nev.
Wednesday, March 19 – Thunderbowl Raceway – Tulare, Calif.
Friday, March 21 – Bakersfield Speedway – Bakersfield, Calif.
Saturday, March 22 – Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, Calif.
Friday, March 28 – Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, Ariz.
Saturday, March 29 – Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, Ariz.
Tuesday, April 1 – Vado Speedway Park – Vado, N.M.
Friday, April 4 – Route 66 Motor Speedway – Amarillo, Texas
Saturday, April 5 – Dodge City Raceway Park – Dodge City, Kan.
*Wednesday, April 30 – Texarkana 67 Speedway – Texarkana, Ark.
Thursday, May 1 – Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track – Fort Worth, Texas
Saturday, May 3 – Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track – Fort Worth, Texas
*Wednesday, May 7 – 81 Speedway – Park City, Kan.
Friday, May 9 – Lakeside Speedway – Kansas City, Kan.
Saturday, May 10 – Tri-City Speedway – Granite City, Ill.
*Monday, May 12 – Kokomo Speedway – Kokomo, Ind.
*Wednesday, May 14 – Fremont Speedway – Fremont, Ohio
Friday, May 16 – Ransomville Speedway – Ransomville, N.Y.
Saturday, May 17 – Utica-Rome Speedway – Vernon, N.Y.
*Tuesday, May 20 – Grandview Speedway – Bechtelsville, Pa.
Friday, May 23 – Port Royal Speedway – Port Royal, Pa.
Saturday, May 24 – Port Royal Speedway – Port Royal, Pa.
Sunday, May 25 – Port Royal Speedway – Port Royal, Pa.
Friday, May 30 – Lawrenceburg Speedway – Lawrenceburg, Ind.
Saturday, May 31 – Butler Motor Speedway – Quincy, Mich.
*Tuesday, June 3 – 141 Speedway – Maribel, Wis.
*Wednesday, June 4 – Red Cedar Speedway – Menomonie, Wis.
*Tuesday, June 10 – Eagle Raceway – Eagle, Neb.
*Wednesday, June 25 – Lake Ozark Speedway – Eldon, Mo.
Friday, June 27 – Lucas Oil Speedway – Wheatland, Mo.
Saturday, June 28 – Lucas Oil Speedway – Wheatland, Mo.
Friday, July 11 – Florence Speedway – Union, Ky.
Saturday, July 12 – Florence Speedway – Union, Ky.
Wednesday, July 16 – Eldora Speedway – Rossburg, Ohio
Thursday, July 17 – Eldora Speedway – Rossburg, Ohio
*Tuesday, July 22 – Lernerville Speedway – Sarver, Pa.
Thursday, August 14 – Thunderbowl Raceway – Tulare, Calif.
Friday, August 15 – TBD – California
Saturday, August 16 – Placerville Speedway – Placerville, Calif.
Thursday, August 21 – Silver Dollar Speedway – Chico, Calif.
Friday, August 22 – Silver Dollar Speedway – Chico, Calif.
Saturday, August 23 – Silver Dollar Speedway – Chico, Calif.
Monday, August 25 – Douglas County Dirtrack – Roseburg, Ore.
Thursday, August 28 – Skagit Speedway – Burlington, Wash.
Friday, August 29 – Skagit Speedway – Burlington, Wash.
Saturday, August 30 – Skagit Speedway – Burlington, Wash.
Thursday, September 4 – Port Royal Speedway – Port Royal, Pa.
Friday, September 5 – Port Royal Speedway – Port Royal, Pa.
Saturday, September 6 – Port Royal Speedway – Port Royal, Pa.
Friday, September 12 – Lernerville Speedway – Sarver, Pa.
Saturday, September 13 – Lernerville Speedway – Sarver, Pa.
Friday, September 19 – Eldora Speedway – Rossburg, Ohio
Saturday, September 20 – Eldora Speedway – Rossburg, Ohio
Saturday, September 27 – Bridgeport Motorsports Park – Swedesboro, N.J.
Sunday, September 28 – Path Valley Speedway Park – Spring Run, Pa.
Friday, October 10 – Lakeside Speedway – Kansas City, Kan.
Saturday, October 11 – Lakeside Speedway– Kansas City, Kan.
*Wednesday, October 15 – Lucas Oil Speedway – Wheatland, Mo.
Friday, October 17 – Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track – Fort Worth, Texas
FedEx To End Nascar Sponsorship With Joe Gibbs Racing, Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin has revealed that FedEx will no longer sponsor his No. 11 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Hamlin has been sponsored by FedEx since he made his Nascar Cup Series debut in 2005, making it the longest tenured partnership in Nascar at the moment. The “Thank you, FedEx” video was posted to Hamlin’s Instagram page just one hour before the Nascar Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway.
Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal previously reported that FedEx was reevaluating its investment in Nascar, as the shipping firm has cut back its sponsorship from 30-plus races a year to just 13 years in 2024, including the season finale at Phoenix.
And FedEx responded to Hamlin on X, saying, “What a ride it's been! Denny and the entire Joe Gibbs team, it’s been an incredible 20 years of racing with the best. #TeamFedEx will always be cheering you on.💜🧡”
FedEx began to cut back its Nascar program in 2021. It went from 32-36 races a year down to 30. Then, in 2023, it was the primary sponsor on Hamlin’s No. 11 car for just 12 points-paying events.
Joe Gibbs Racing did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publication.
Hamlin is one of the most successful drivers in Nascar, competing for Joe Gibbs Racing for the last 20 years. He has 54 Cup Series wins, 13th on the all-time wins list.
This year, with FedEx decreasing its primary sponsorship of the No. 11 car, Mavis Tire sponsored him in seven events, as did SportClips. Interstate Batteries and Yahoo! were also featured on the No. 11 car.
FedEx is the second major sponsor to leave Joe Gibbs Racing in a number of years. Mars Incorporated and its M&M’s brand left Joe Gibbs Racing after the 2022 season, which led to the departure of Kyle Busch.
Following the successful completion of a multi-million dollar repave and renovation project for the 2024 motorsports season, New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) announced that it is continuing its infrastructure investment with the addition of a new course configuration ahead of the 2025 season.
The new section is named “The Devil’s Pass”, and it offers a layout that will be a fast, flowing variation of the Thunderbolt Classic circuit.
The Devil’s Pass VS. Thunderbolt Classic
The Devil’s Pass retains the traditional Thunderbolt circuit through Turn 7, which exits onto a flat-out sweeping bend to the right.
Whereas the Thunderbolt Classic circuit then slows and turns hard right for the tight technical Turn 9 and 10 section of the course called The Devil, The Devil’s Pass variation will continue to accelerate onto an additional straightaway followed by a 90 degree left, which will rejoin the original circuit halfway through the existing Esses.
“This offers the challenging flow of setting up through the sweeping right and subsequent straightaway for a new braking zone and passing opportunity - and a critical turn to execute perfectly for maximum speed down the front straight,” explained Brad Scott, President and Chief Operating Officer of NJMP.
Professional racer Alex Sedgwick agreed. “This will be an interesting new addition, opening up a new passing opportunity for race events and increasing the average speed of the lap, demanding something different from car and driver when compared to what is usually a relatively slow speed, low commitment area of the track.” Sedgwick finished 2nd in the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup North America championship in the top Pro division driving for PT Autosport with JDX Racing and hosts coaching sessions for NJMP’s Drivers Club members.
Devil’s Pass will integrate with the classic circuit.
The Devils Pass is a Game-Changer for NJMP Drivers and Riders
“There are a number of important details involved in getting this right,” Scott continued as he reviewed the design diagram. “There are 358 linear feet of new racing surface, with a slight negative camber in the new turn, and 100 linear feet of what is known as Melbourne curbing. The runoff area is comprised of a grass strip, followed by paved runoff, and finally an FIA grade 12” gravel pit. The guard rails behind the tire bundles will be raised to 4-levels instead of the typical 3-level for additional safety, and movable tire bundles enable the change between circuit configurations. The project also includes the required underground basins to capture water runoff.”
NJMP Managing Director and experienced racer RJ Valentine added: “As racers ourselves, one of the issues Lee (Brahin, fellow Managing Director) and I strongly believe in at any track is flow, and with the creation of this configuration we are certain that we’ll be achieving an interesting new flow and new passing zones. Our goal is to attract additional top-level professional series to NJMP.”
Beginning with the 2025 motorsport season, both the Thunderbolt Classic and Devil’s Pass circuits will be available for NJMP’s drivers, riders, clubs, partners, and professional series. And both retain the option of the Turn 3 chicane, resulting in four unique and enticing layouts for NJMP members and customers.
“This is Phase 2 of our multi-year investment in Thunderbolt,” said Scott. “The Phase 1 repave and renovation received great reviews during the 2024 season, including dozens of new track records set across various racing classes. The Phase 2 construction of a new course configuration is something we are really excited about.”
Created with the help of a team of NJMP members and partners, the Devil’s Pass final design is being led by Bryce Engelhart, Lead Designer at Technical Track Design (TTD), who provides his expertise in track design and safety to the project.
The Future of New Jersey Motorsports Park
Lee Brahin, NJMP Managing Director, emphasized the ongoing commitment to the motorsports complex. “We continue to invest and expand Thunderbolt. And our next focus will be on Lightning, which is near and dear to my heart as it was the first circuit to be run when we opened for the 2008 season. Lightning is very fast and unique in many ways, and I simply love driving it.”
Over its 15-year history, NJMP’s Thunderbolt has hosted major professional automobile and motorcycle racing series, has been enjoyed by grassroots racing clubs with their national and regional events, has played a role in driver and rider education through the many schools and development days held there, and has left countless drivers and riders challenged and smiling after their track days. Thunderbolt is home to the NJMP Drivers Club and NJMP Riders Club. And it has been used by major manufacturers as well as film crews for their projects.
NJMP encourages those who are interested in experiencing the new configuration to learn more about track rentals, NJMP Track Days, and exclusive memberships at NJMP.com.
Building on an outstanding 2024 season, Lime Rock Park is set to welcome fans back for an even bigger year of motorsport action in 2025.
Lime Rock Park will expand its offerings in 2025, increasing from six to eight event weekends. The iconic Connecticut venue will showcase a mix of returning favorites and exciting new events, along with a full lineup of community gatherings, autocross lapping days on the FCP Euro Proving Grounds, Sunday at The Park car shows, and numerous car club races.
The track is pleased to maintain the same ticket pricing for General Admission offerings in 2025 as in 2024. Veterans and active military will continue to receive free general admission to Lime Rock Park ticketed event weekends, and children 12 and under also gain free entry with an adult ticket purchase. General parking, courtesy golf cart shuttle rides and paddock access remain complimentary (except for NASCAR, where the paddock is closed).
Lime Rock Park season passes and general admission tickets go on sale on November 11. A Lime Rock Park Season Pass will be available for $480, representing more than $250 in savings for a full season of action.
A Lime Rock Park Season Pass includes admission to all 8 event weekends and premium parking for select events, including Sunday in The Park.
Fan hospitality upgrades will also be available for select weekends.
For tickets, visit: www.limerock.com/tickets
Please note that Lime Rock Park’s ticketing system, TorkHub, is the only officially authorized ticket seller for the June 27-28 NASCAR event weekend.
The 2025 Kubota High Limit Racing season opener has a fitting new home in “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” bringing Sprint Car Racing back to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday, March 13and Saturday, March 15.
The incorporation of the High Rollers adds an exciting layer to what is already a dream weekend for race fans with five enticing events spread over four days at one world-class motorsports complex in “the city that never sleeps.”
Along with Sprint Cars on the 1/2-mile dirt track on Thursday night and Saturday night, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway 1.5-mile oval - across the parking lot - will also host all three of NASCAR’s premier series. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series runs the Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 on Friday, March 14, the NASCAR Xfinity Series contests The LiUNA on Saturday afternoon, and the NASCAR Cup Series showcases the Pennzoil 400 on Sunday, March 16.
“Las Vegas and High Limit is a match made in heaven, it’s something we’ve had on our radar for a long time,” said High Limit Racing co-owner, Brad Sweet. “It doesn't get any better than opening the season at a state-of-the-art facility like LVMS on an established weekend with NASCAR at a destination location in Las Vegas. I’m excited to see how we build this event and partnership going forward.”
The debut of Kubota High Limit Racing at LVMS marks the first time in six years that a National Sprint Car Series will compete at the Nevada 1/2-mile. From 1996 to 2019, the World of Outlaws hosted 64 races at The Dirt Track headlined by winners like Donny Schatz (13), Mark Kinser (8), Steve Kinser (7), Danny Lasoski (6), and Sammy Swindell (4).
Thursday’s season-opening preliminary, which kicks off an entire weekend of festivities at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, will set the stage for a $25,000-to-win finale on Saturday night.
Ticket packages for the NASCAR Truck Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Cup Series events are already. Tickets for the Kubota High Limit Racing events will be available soon.
All Kubota High Limit Racing events will be streamed live on FloRacing.
ABOUT HIGH LIMIT RACING
High Limit Racing is a national touring 410-winged sprint car series co-founded by NASCAR Champion Kyle Larson and five-time World of Outlaws Champion Brad Sweet. The series’ inaugural season in 2024 hosted 52 events at 32 tracks in 18 states with 16 full-time drivers and teams. Every event airs live on FloRacing, the exclusive broadcast partner of High Limit Racing. For more information about High Limit Racing, visit www.highlimitracing.com and follow High Limit Racing on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
