Chase Elliott returned to victory lane and the playoffs this year, delighting his fan base that once again rewarded him with the National Motorsports Press Association’s Most Popular Driver award.
Elliott was announced as the award’s recipient Friday night during the annual NASCAR Awards Ceremonies at the Charlotte Convention Center. It is the seventh consecutive year Elliott has been voted the winner. The Dawsonville, Ga., native has won the award in seven of his nine seasons as a NASCAR Cup Series driver.
The only major NASCAR award determined solely by the vote of race fans, Elliott received 266,363 votes. Elliott’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson finished second in the voting, while Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney placed third.
Elliott’s father, NASCAR Hall of Fame member Bill Elliott, holds the record for the most award wins at 16. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the award 15 times.
“That award is a reflection of the entire (Elliott) story, not just about me,” Elliott said. ‘I’ve tried to pay my respect that way.”
A driver must have declared for NASCAR Cup Series points to be eligible for the award.
The Most Popular Driver award has been presented to either an Elliott or an Earnhardt for 34 consecutive years.
The NMPA Most Popular Driver Award is one of the longest-running awards presented annually by the National Motorsports Press Association.
The founding Rogers Family, owners and operators of Grandview Speedway, will once again be presenting professional auto racing action on the one-third-of-a-mile high-banked clay oval, and are announcing some key race dates for the upcoming 2025 racing season.
Speedway management is also announcing that they will once again be offering the always popular season passes. The season pass is a great Christmas idea for those who are looking for that special gift. The grandstand passes cover all Saturday night events, from the season opening Bruce Rogers Memorial Money Maker through to the Freedom 38 Sportsman and Freedom 76 Modified championship races in September.
The season pass does not include the Rogers Family/Bob Miller promoted Thunder on the Hill special events, or the Outlaw Enduro/Vintage Series race events.
Season passes, priced at $400 per pass, can be ordered by sending a check or money order to Grandview Speedway, 87 Wilt Road, Bechtelsville, Pa. 19505. When ordering please be sure to indicate the name of the pass holder. To speed up the delivery process, please send along a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The 2024 season may have ended in October, but the Grandview Speedway track crew has been busy getting the Speedway and facility ready for next season before winter sets in. The track crew has added truckloads of fresh clay onto the racetrack in preparation for next season.
The Saturday night racing schedule for the 2025 season will look similar to past seasons with the two division Modified and Sportsman shows making up the racing program each week, with an occasional third division added to the schedule.
The traditional Free-to-the-public open practice session will kick things off on Saturday, March 29 starting at 12 Noon, allowing racers the opportunity to test their race cars before the official start of the new season.
Fans will be able to see the new race equipment for the new season with free grandstand admission.
The following Saturday, April 5, will feature the opening of the 63rd season of professional stock car racing with the 8th annual Bruce Rogers Memorial Money Maker for Modifieds joined by the 602 Sportsman, honoring the late track owner and promoter who passed away in 2017.
Three Thunder on the Hill Racing Series dates have been set, with the High Limit 410 Sprint Racing Series on Tuesday May 20 (rain date May 21), the USAC National Sprint Tour arriving on Tuesday, June 17 for the Jesse Hockett Classic, followed by the ever popular Pennsylvania 410 Sprint Car Speed Week Series race on Tuesday, July 1, featuring the $10,000 to win Hodnett Cup.
The summer schedule will see the traditional 55th annual Firecracker 40 for the Sportsman on July 12 (rain date July 19), and the 55th annual Forrest Rogers Memorial 50 for the Modifieds on August 9 (rain date August 16).
As has been tradition for many seasons, the schedule will wrap-up with the Freedom weekend of racing in September. The 12th annual Freedom 38 Sportsman race will be staged on Friday, September 19, followed by the 55th annual Freedom 76 Modified Championship on Saturday, September 20. The Freedom 76 carries a rain date of September 27.
Modified race teams are reminded that they can have their engines sealed prior to the upcoming race season. To do so they can contact Ed Scott at 610-298-2408 for information or to set up an appointment. The cost of sealing the engines will be $200.
Track Officials are reminding all race teams, that the 602 engines in the Sportsman division may be rebuilt if they have problems, at a local rebuilding center that is available under the supervision of the RUSH racing series.
The rebuild center is KB Performance 6807 Mosserville Road, New Tripoli, Pa. 18066, phone number is 610.751.9650. KB was selected and certified by RUSH as our local rebuild and repair center. KB Performance is accepting engines, just contact them for further details.
Any questions call Grandview tech officials Cliff Quinn 484-357-2587 or Ed Scott 610-298-2408.
Members of the media who wish to cover events at Grandview Speedway in 2025, are asked to visit the speedway website at www.grandviewspeedway.com click on the rules/forms tab, fill out the media credentials form and return it to Tina Rogers no later than February 28, 2025. Please be sure to meet the deadline date.
A huge thank you to the members of the media who covered events at the Speedway during the 2024 race season.
Since the 1960’s, Grandview Speedway has been presenting exciting wheel to wheel NASCAR stock car racing every Saturday Night starting in April and running through October, plus special events.
Grandview Speedway is located at 43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, Pa. 19505, just off Route 100, ten miles north of Pottstown, Pa.
Information is always available at www.grandviewspeedway.com or on Facebook, or by telephone at 610.754.7688.
𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒:
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟓 – 𝟔𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 – 𝟖𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎 – 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟒𝟏𝟎 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 (𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟓/𝟐𝟏)
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟕 – 𝐔𝐒𝐀𝐂 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏 – 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝟒𝟏𝟎 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟐 – 𝟓𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝟒𝟎
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟗 – 𝟓𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝟓𝟎
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗 – 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝟑𝟖𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎 – 𝟓𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝟕𝟔𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
According to this Bubba Wallace signed a 5 year , $215,159,700 contract with the Hendrick Motorsports, including $215,159,700 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $43,031,940.
THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE A DONE DEAL BUT NO MUCH BEING SAID.: Bubba Wallace signed a 5 year , $215,159,700 contract with the Hendrick Motorsports, including $215,159,700 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $43,031,940.
Bubba Wallace’s new contract with Hendrick Motorsports marks a significant milestone in both his career and in the NASCAR world. The deal, valued at $215,159,700 over five years, is one of the most lucrative in the sport’s history. The contract not only establishes Wallace as one of the highest-paid drivers in NASCAR, but it also signals Hendrick Motorsports’ strong commitment to the future of the sport and the diversity Wallace brings to it.
Bubba Wallace’s journey in NASCAR has been groundbreaking, making him a trailblazer for African-American drivers in a traditionally white-dominated sport. Since joining the Cup Series, Wallace has become a powerful figure both on and off the track. His prominence grew even more when he became the first Black driver to win a Cup Series race in 58 years at the 2021 rain-shortened Talladega race. This victory was a landmark achievement for Wallace and for NASCAR as a whole, as it symbolized the sport’s ongoing efforts to be more inclusive and diverse.
Wallace’s new contract reflects his growing influence in the sport. The terms of the contract are staggering, with an average annual salary of $43,031,940. The guaranteed amount of $215,159,700 underscores the faith Hendrick Motorsports has in his talent and his ability to help the team compete at the highest level. Wallace’s performance in recent years, including multiple strong finishes and a reputation for being a consistent contender, has cemented his place among the sport’s elite drivers. This financial commitment suggests that Hendrick Motorsports sees Wallace not only as a top-tier driver but also as a key figure in the team’s future success.
Hendrick Motorsports, one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history, has had a long history of working with high-profile drivers, including legends like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. By signing Wallace, the team is not only securing a driver with immense potential but also sending a message about its commitment to evolving with the times. Wallace’s partnership with the team offers a dynamic blend of experience and ambition. With a driver like Wallace behind the wheel, Hendrick Motorsports positions itself to continue competing for championships in the coming years while also broadening its fan base and appeal to a more diverse audience.
The five-year term of the contract is an indication of Wallace’s central role within the team over the next half-decade. As NASCAR continues to evolve with younger, more diverse drivers, Wallace’s presence at Hendrick Motorsports ensures that the team will remain at the forefront of those changes. The contract also speaks to the financial health of NASCAR as a whole, as the sport increasingly draws attention from corporate sponsors and a wider viewership, driven in part by Wallace’s strong social media presence and advocacy for social justice causes.
Wallace’s deal is one of the largest ever signed by a NASCAR driver, reflecting both his talent and the growing commercial appeal of the sport. This landmark contract is a win not only for Wallace but for the future of diversity in motorsports and the continued relevance of NASCAR in a rapidly changing sports landscape.
We are waiting to see if it is true.
RFK Racing expanding to three cars with Ryan Preece, Kroger joins as sponsor
Beginning with the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series racing season, Kroger will move its primary sponsorship to Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing. In addition, RFK Racing will begin fielding a third Ford Mustang in 2025 with Ryan Preece joining the team to pilot the No. 60. Kroger and nearly 20 brands will appear across the RFK Racing cars of Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher and Preece throughout the season.
“The Kroger Racing program and collaboration with participating brands has been a successful staple in Kroger’s portfolio for more than a decade,” said Erin Sanchez, vice president of grocery for Kroger. “We’re very excited to be teaming up with RFK Racing and know having three drivers as members of the Kroger Racing Family will be an added benefit for all our brand sponsors involved in the program. The opportunity to utilize multiple drivers in their marketing strategies both in our stores and within their merchandising initiatives is something we’re all looking forward to with the start of the 2025 season.”
Kroger has been a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Cup Series dating back to the 2010 season when it joined JTG Daugherty Racing. During their tenure together, three wins were amassed including the 2023 DAYTONA 500 and this year’s second event at Talladega Superspeedway, both with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. behind the wheel.
“Kroger’s relationship with JTG Daugherty Racing, and most recently, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., have really been something special,” said Brent Cox, director of health and baby care for Kroger. “Everyone at Kroger and all our participating sponsors wish the team and Ricky nothing but the best and thank them for all they’ve done for us over the years. We are excited to continue working with Tad and Jodi Geschickter through their marketing firm, BAM (Brand Activation Maximizer), as we move into this new chapter with RFK Racing. BAM will continue to represent the Kroger Racing program, and we know it’s in good hands with their team.”
RFK Racing will continue to field the No. 6 Mustang for Keselowski and the No. 17 Mustang for Buescher in 2025 along with adding the No. 60 Mustang for Preece. Alongside Kroger, additional sponsorships will be showcased from BuildSubmarines.com, Castrol, Fastenal and many others.
“We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Kroger Racing and excited by the new partnership with RFK racing and drivers Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher,” said Shane Faucet, Senior Vice President-Customers, Bimbo Bakeries USA. “Together, we’re united in our commitment to excellence both on and off the track and look forward to creating more unforgettable moments for fans.”
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is scheduled to kick off with The Clash at Bowman-Gray Stadium in Winston Salem, N.C. on February 2 before the official schedule begins with the DAYTONA 500 on February 16.Announcements regarding the brand joining Kroger on the paint scheme and driver for those events and the season will be made at a later date.
Quotes from Participating Brand Representatives:
“We’ve had so much fun partnering with JTG Racing over the years and we’re excited about the 2025 season,” said Kelley McClellan, brand manager for Kimberly-Clark. “Kimberly-Clark and its’ Cottonelle, Kleenex, Viva and Scott Brands look forward to another exciting year of high-octane racing and unforgettable moments with the NASCAR community.”
“We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Kroger Racing and excited by the new partnership with RFK racing and drivers Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher,” said Shane Faucet, Senior Vice President-Customers, Bimbo Bakeries USA. “Together, we’re united in our commitment to excellence both on and off the track and look forward to creating more unforgettable moments for fans.”
“General Mills is a proud, long-standing partner of Kroger Racing, and we are excited to enter into this new chapter with Kroger and RFK Racing,” said Molly Jagoditz, Kroger Lead, General Mills. “This program continues to bring home the win for us both in-store and at the track, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 brings.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Kroger for our third year of the racing program, which underscores Coca-Cola’s long-standing commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Katie Grabosky, Sr Sales Director, Coca-Cola Kroger Team. “This collaboration provides a unique platform to connect with our passionate consumers and support the dynamic world of motorsports. We look forward to fueling the excitement and camaraderie that racing brings to fans together!”
“We are thrilled for the future of the Kroger Racing program and the new partnership with RFK,” said Adam Clay, Director of Kroger Oscar Mayer and Lunchables. “This program has provided a great opportunity to supply race fans with visibility to some of their racetrack favorites like Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, Heinz Ketchup, Kraft Mayonnaise, and exciting innovation. We’re looking forward to hitting the track together in February and driving growth both in stores and in victory lane!”
“CELSIUS is thrilled to partner with Kroger Racing and bring ESSENTIAL ENERGY to fans and drivers around the nation,” commented Kyle Watson, CMO at CELSIUS. “This is a great opportunity to further strengthen our relationship with consumers through a synergistic partnership, providing value both in-store and on the track. We look forward to seeing what we accomplish in the 2025 season!”
“Blue Buffalo is proud to partner with the Kroger Racing program and we look forward to this new chapter alongside RFK Racing,” said George DeGrella, Blue Buffalo Director for Grocery and Ecommerce. “The partnership allows us to share our mission of loving, feeding and treating all pets like family with the millions of NASCAR fans who are pet parents. Working alongside Kroger in this program also gives us the opportunity to join the motorsports industry in advancing philanthropic initiatives that are so important to our brand’s purpose.”
“We are thrilled to continue our strategic partnership with the Kroger Racing team,” said Brad Olsen, Vice President of Marketing, Tree Top. “This collaboration, along with the recent launch of our new online store, helps us to continue to expand Tree Top’s consumer reach and increase our brand presence nationwide. Together, we’ve enjoyed the sweetness of success both on and off the track, and we look forward to building on that momentum during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.”
“Just like the passion and sense of community that racing fans share, pizza also has the power to spark togetherness and bring excitement to our lives,” said Roger Galloway, Senior Director of Brand Marketing for Schwan’s Consumer Brands. “At Red Baron®, we are the No. 1 frozen pizza in the U.S. for a reason. Our delicious pizzas, which include favorites like Classic Crust and Deep Dish Singles, are the perfect addition to any moment worth celebrating. We are thrilled to join Kroger in this partnership with NASCAR and be the go-to pizza for race day.”
“As a leading Brand in the allergy space, Allegra is committed to help allergy sufferers to live their life to the fullest and not let their allergies get in the way,” said Samuel Morisse, Allegra US Zone Brand Head. “Allegra not only delivers effective and fast relief but also leverages its unique Science to not affect the brain, leading to no sensation of drowsiness. This is why, Allegra is excited to partner with the Kroger Racing and the RFK Racing team this upcoming season. This partnership allows us to connect with NASCAR’s passionate fan base, drivers and demonstrate our commitment to helping people live their life free from allergies, so they can focus fully focus on the moments that matter, from cheering their favorite driver and teams in NASCAR.”
200 FREE MEALS UP FOR GRABS ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7th!
Big Diamond Speedway owners Jake & Jasmine Smulley, teaming up with Butch & Robin Getz of Butch Getz Motorsports are providing another 200 FREE meals on Saturday, December 7 to the community! See details below.
200 individual meals will consist of Spaghetti with meatballs, side salad, and rolls!
Meals can be picked up starting at 12:00pm on Saturday, December 7 at Tony’s Meat Market located at 17 E North St Minersville, PA. Meals will be first come, first served.
Once again, we would like to acknowledge those who contributed to making Big Diamond Speedway a success!
Big Creek Concrete Inc is owned by Butch & Robin Getz in Kunkletown PA. They specialize in residential and commercial projects such as footings, poured foundations & floors, sidewalks, and much more. Contact Big Creek Concrete Inc at 610-657-7015.
They are also the owners of the #15 Modified that is driven by Duane Howard!
The 53rd Season Opener is now set for Friday, April 4 2025!
Modifieds $4,053 to win, 602 Sportsman $1,053 to win, Roadrunners $453 to win, 602 Rookies!
JR Motorsports (JRM) has announced that Kampgrounds of America, Inc.(KOA), the world’s largest system of privately held campgrounds, will return to the organization during the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. United by a shared commitment to outdoor adventure and community, KOA will be a primary partner for one race with Connor Zilisch and the No. 88 Chevrolet, as well as a full-season associate partner with the rookie driver, and an associate partner on Wyatt Miller’s Micro Sprint.
“As a longtime KOA Rewards camper, I am thrilled for the continuation of our partnership into 2025,” said JRM CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “We are looking forward to a great season with KOA for both Wyatt and the No. 88 with Connor as we continue to work to expand this relationship.”
Recognizing that motorsport fans travel extensively and camp while attending races, KOA campgrounds make a great home away from home. With more than 500 locations featuring practical and convenient amenities near most major tracks, KOA campgrounds allow fans to enjoy both the thrill of the race and the comfort and hospitality of KOA. Accommodation options range from tent sites to well-appointed RV sites and even cabins for campers seeking creature comforts in the outdoors.
“NASCAR fans have a strong connection to the outdoors, with 40% more likely to own an RV, according to MRI Simmons research,” shares Diane Eichler, Senior Vice President of Marketing at KOA. “Partnering with JR Motorsports builds our brand visibility among this dedicated group of campers while inspiring race fans to connect with the outdoors—and each other—through camping.”
With over a third of NASCAR fans planning to take three or more camping trips yearly, JRM and KOA aim to use this opportunity to connect their respective fan bases and expand their reach to new audiences.
Fans can watch Zilisch and the KOA No. 88 Chevrolet take the green flag at Iowa Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 2 on the CW, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
