NASCAR Pole Position | August-September 2025

Fast, Young & Hungry Honeycutt, Riggs, Sanchez and More Shine in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

DRIVERS Posterized

Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, Justin Allgaier & More

Where Racing Superstars First Made Their Mark

Honorably discharged Veterans can shop the best brands tax-free for life at ShopMyExchange.com. Disabled Veterans can shop in-store. Visit ShopMyExchange.com/vets to learn more.

FUELED BY A HISTORY OF SERVICE

» Serving those who serve since 1895

» Department of Defense’s largest retailer

» Quality-of-Life force multiplier

» Military-exclusive pricing

» Tax-free savings

THE MILITARY STAR CARD - A WINNING CREDIT

OPTION

» Lowest APR among all unsecured store credit options, regardless of credit score

» 10% off first-day’s purchases for new cardmembers

» 5 cents off every gallon of gas at Express fuel locations

» Free standard shipping on ShopMyExchange.com orders

» Unlimited 2% rewards everywhere the card is accepted

Losi NASCAR RC Cars Built for True Race Fans

BY MATT HIGGINS

A quick stroll down any toy aisle reveals an array of radio-controlled cars. But let’s be honest – most are just that: toys.

For NASCAR fans used to speed, control and real racing performance, a basic toy won’t cut it. That’s where a company like Losi fills the void.

Losi is no stranger to high-performance RC. The company has been in the game for decades, with a reputation for championship-level engineering and truly hobby-grade machines. Their latest NASCAR line is fully licensed and built to reflect the quality that true race fans expect.

Here’s how a Losi RC car stacks up – and why it’s nothing like the toys that line department store shelves.

wheel a little or giving it full throttle, the car responds like a real NASCAR race car. The precision allows for smoother handling and more realistic driving, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced RC racers.

Modular Construction: Under the hood, toy-grade RC cars are typically one-board machines with no replaceable parts. Hobby-grade cars like the Losi NASCAR RC are built with modular components, making them easier to repair, upgrade and fine tune. That design difference leads to two major advantages: serviceability and customization.

Precise Control: When we asked Losi about what sets hobby-grade cars apart, they started with control – and for good reason. Most toy RC cars have three basic steering settings: full left, full right or straight. The throttle is usually just as limited: slow, medium or fast. That’s not racing – that’s barely driving.

Losi’s hobby-grade RC cars offer fully proportional control. Whether turning the

Repairable: Clip a curb or hit a wall and a toy-grade car is usually headed for the trash. But Losi RC cars are built to take hits – and more importantly, built to be repaired. Replacement parts are readily available, and the modular layout means most components can be swapped or fixed with ease. It’s a product that’s built to last.

Upgradable: This is where hobby-grade RC really separates itself. With the Losi NASCAR RC, everything from the tires and suspension to the motor and electronics can be upgraded. This means better performance over time and a machine that evolves with your skills. The body can even be custom wrapped or switched out for your favorite driver’s scheme.

Adjustability: Ask any NASCAR crew chief – racing is all about adjustments. That same principle applies here. Unlike toygrade RC cars, Losi’s models are built to be tuned. From the suspension setup to handling tweaks, your RC car can be dialed in to match different surfaces or racing styles. It’s about performance and authenticity.

NASCAR POLE POSITION

AN OFFICIALLY LICENSED

PUBLICATION OF NASCAR 23110 STATE ROAD 54, SUITE 293 LUTZ, FL 33549

EMAIL: INFO@AE-ENGINE.COM

WEB: POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM; AE-ENGINE.COM

THE CREW

PUBLISHER: CRAIG BARONCELLI

COMMERCIAL

VICE PRESIDENT: DAVID WATSON

DIRECTORS: MATT SMITH, JOSH FORREST, JACOB HALPAIN, ROWLAND GEORGE, ARNOUT KOK

CONTENT

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOE RABUCK

DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR: NICOLE COOPER

DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR: JOSH MULL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: ERIC ESTEPP

COPY EDITOR: KEITH WALTZ

EDITORIAL: KAUY OSTLIEN, ARMANY DEPAUL, CODY WILLIAMS

SOCIAL MEDIA: BRYAN AGUIAR

CONTRIBUTORS: RICK HOUSTON, JARED TURNER, DUSTIN ALBINO, BRYAN AGUIAR

STAFF ASSISTANTS: AIDAN ANDERSEN, ETHAN ANDERSEN, SHOGUN

SPECIAL THANKS TO: HEATHER GREENE, ALEX POHLMAN (NASCAR)

A.E. ENGINE SPECIFIES THAT POST-PRESS CHANGES MAY OCCUR TO ANY INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PUBLICATION AND TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOODS OR SERVICES ADVERTISED.

NASCAR® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR STOCK CAR AUTO RACING, INC.

MAIL ORDER: TO RECEIVE A SUBSCRIPTION TO NASCAR POLE POSITION MAGAZINE, SEND A CHECK OR MONEY ORDER FOR $30.95 TO: A.E. ENGINE, 23110 STATE ROAD 54, SUITE 293, LUTZ, FL 33549. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR RETURN MAILING ADDRESS AND AN EMAIL ADDRESS AND MAKE THE CHECK PAYABLE TO A.E. ENGINE

ONLINE ORDER: SUBSCRIPTIONS AND INDIVIDUAL COPIES CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE AT DAILYDOWNFORCE.COM/SHOP

DISTRIBUTION: IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS OR AN ORGANIZATION INTERESTED IN DISTRIBUTING COPIES OF NASCAR POLE POSITION MAGAZINE, PLEASE CONTACT CRAIG BARONCELLI AT CB@ AE-ENGINE.COM.

The Losi NASCAR RC Race Car is a full-featured, hobby-grade machine built for real NASCAR fans. At 1/12 scale, it’s large enough to feel fast, while small enough for any neighborhood driveway or RC track. It comes ready-to-run out of the box –no extra gear required. The included LiPo battery charges fast via USB and gives solid runtime and performance.

Best of all, these cars are fully licensed. And there’s no need to pick one, Losi has seven spoton offerings for 2025.

Those looking to bring home a piece of NASCAR that drives like the real thing, this is it. You can find your Losi NASCAR Racecar at your local hobby store or at Horizon Hobby’s online superstore horizonhobby.com.

SALES INQUIRIES: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING OR WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE, PLEASE CONTACT DAVID WATSON AT DKW@AE-ENGINE.COM.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

LOSI NASCAR RC RACE CAR

Q&A with Rising Star THOMAS ANNUNZIATA

BY ARMANY DEPAUL

NASCAR driver Thomas Annunziata is one of the sport’s rising young stars. The 20-year-old from Colts Neck, New Jersey, took a different path compared to most aspiring racers, but that hasn’t stopped him from collecting trophies and making a name for himself while rising through the ranks. After winning his first ARCA Menards Series race June 28 on the serpentine circuit at Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park, Annunziata is looking to the future, taking advantage of every opportunity that comes his way.

WHAT HAS YOUR RACING JOURNEY LOOKED LIKE?

I began racing go-karts at 10 years old in Englishtown, New Jersey. It started as just some friends and I racing local go-kart championships around the parking lot for five years. It wasn’t until I was around 14-15 years old when I was on the national karting scene, and I was able to quickly adapt and start winning races.

My dad and I were trying to figure out how to get me into an actual car and we decided on the Mazda route in 2022. I did the IMSA Mazda MX-5 Cup for a few years before jumping into the Trans-Am Series the following year. I was the only rookie to win a race, or take pole position, in any of the races that season, and then won the Young Guns championship a year later.

Last year, I got to drive Jeff McClure’s ARCA machine. I ran Daytona, Talladega, Mid-Ohio and Watkins Glen, and ran very well. I finished second at Daytona, almost won Mid-Ohio and ran some awesome paint schemes as well. It was then when I got the call from JD Motorsports, and I got three free races to run for him in the Xfinity Series, which was an amazing experience to work with the great people over there, and Joey Gase gave me three free races as well. It led to today, where Derrick Cope hired me to drive for his new team, Cope Family Racing, splitting the No. 70 car with Leland Honeyman; and we’ve been growing ever since.

WHO HAVE BEEN YOUR KEY MENTORS ALONG THE WAY?

I’ve been lucky to have a lot of great mentors. Nick Tucker is my team owner, who use to be a race car driver. Cope of course. He’s watched my Trans-Am stuff and has been a big mentor for me. Billy Venturini, Paul Menard, Adam Andretti and Ryan Newman are all important mentors for me. WHAT’S IT LIKE HAVING SUCH A BUSY SCHEDULE?

It can be tough, but it’s really cool. Time feels very slow, but goes by very quickly when you’re all over the place. I had to move from New Jersey to North Carolina, so now it’s just me and my dad. You’re constantly grinding and working hard to get to where you want to be and reach your goals. I feel like I’m living in five different people’s lives at once.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WIN IN THE ARCA MENARD SERIES?

It means a lot. I started five to seven years later than anyone else. I’ve raced with guys like Connor Zilisch and Brent Crews, and they got into cars a year or two before I did, so I felt like I was chasing them my whole career. Watching them win lit a fire underneath me because I wanted to win in NASCAR and do burnouts like they do. When the opportunity came at Lime Rock, I had to take it.

It doesn’t feel real when you’re getting posted by FOX Sports, NASCAR and all of these big channels, but I love the attention. My whole family was there, so it was a cool experience, and it felt amazing.

CAREER-WISE, WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS?

In the next two years, I hope to be either in the Xfinity Series or the Cup Series, racing for a competitive team, competing for wins and championships. In the next 10 years, I’d like to dip my feet into some endurance racing like the 24 Hours of Daytona and Le Mans.

COLLECTORS’CORNER

Show Us Your Collection

NASCAR is truly unique in how it allows fans to connect to the sport through a variety of means. For some, this can be as simple as making a tradition of watching the race every week, or collecting various pieces of NASCAR memorabilia.

Collectors hunt for everything from die-cast cars to race-used sheet metal and fire suits, some of which are displayed on small shelves while others rest in professional-grade display cases.

Nathan is a NASCAR fan who takes his love for the sport to the next level. His collection even includes one of the best race-day setups we’ve seen.

NATHAN IS A LONGTIME NASCAR FAN, having watched for more than 20 years. Like many fans, a love for cars and racing drew him to the sport at a young age. He told NASCAR Pole Position that his love for NASCAR “has grown into a lifelong passion that will never cease.”

TO SOME, THE BASIS FOR any NASCAR collection is consistency; this could be one car number or one driver. For Nathan, his focus is his current favorite, Trackhouse Racing NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain. Nathan claims to have all but one of Chastain’s die-casts.

NATHAN’S COLLECTION FEATURES A VARIED mixture of NASCAR memorabilia, some new and some old. These pieces are surrounded by more than 900 1:64-scale and 150 1:24-scale NASCAR die-casts displayed across the room’s walls. He says his collection took off in 2022, when a Ross Chastain die-cast gifted to him by his now-wife re-ignited his interest in the hobby.

HIS COLLECTION INCLUDES special die-casts, such as Chastain’s 2016 National Watermelon Association No. 4, a hard-to-find die-cast Chastain drove for JD Motorsports. However, the collection goes beyond Chastain, featuring 1:24- and 1:64-scale die-cast cars of Jeff Gordon, Nathan’s original favorite driver, and an assortment of top competitors.

EACH CAR IS CAREFULLY positioned as this collection surrounds one of the cleanest race-day setups we’ve come across. The arrangement includes his TV surrounded by even more Chastain diecasts, including the now iconic “Hail Melon” car the former watermelon farmer drove into the Championship Four in 2022.

COLLECTORS’CORNER

Rev Up Your Smart Home with Amazon’s Limited-Edition NASCAR Echo Pop!

NASCAR fans can now bring the thrill of the track into their homes with the new Officially Licensed NASCAR LimitedEdition Echo Pop, available to purchase starting June 4th, exclusively on Amazon.com and available while supplies last. This special collaboration between NASCAR and Amazon celebrates their growing partnership, which includes Prime Video’s coverage of select NASCAR races throughout the 2025 season.

The compact smart speaker features a custom-designed NASCAR faceplate and comes with a sleek black silicone sleeve, making it the perfect addition to any race fan’s collection. Like the standard Echo Pop, this limited-edition version packs impressive sound in its semi-spherical design, delivering full bass and clear vocals that fill any room.

The NASCAR Echo Pop, which works with Alexa, lets fans control their smart home devices, set reminders for upcoming races, check weather conditions at their favorite tracks, and even play their preferred pump-up music before race day. The device’s front-firing speaker and compact design make it perfect for nightstands, desks, or kitchen counters. The smart speaker features a tap-to-pause sensor and microphone disable button for privacy control. Don’t miss out on this exclusive piece of NASCAR tech history! The NASCAR Limited-Edition Echo Pop represents the perfect fusion of racing heritage and smart home innovation, available while supplies last.

Petty vs. Pearson

THE RIVALRY THAT SHAPED NASCAR

In Petty vs. Pearson: The Rivalry That Shaped NASCAR, award-winning journalist Mike Hembree dives deep into the fierce competition between Richard Petty and David Pearson—two legends whose clashes defined stock car racing. From their very first showdown in a Cup event to countless head-to-head battles, this book captures how their on-track duels fueled NASCAR’s

national rise. Hembree also explores the drivers’ backgrounds, the memorable races that became instant classics, and the pivotal moments that paralleled major changes in the sport itself. With a foreword by Terry Labonte, this 248-page hardcover is a must-have for fans eager to relive an era of grit, glory, and unforgettable racing stories. Available now at your favorite bookseller.

2025 DONRUSS RACING TRADING CARDS

Get ready for the 2025 Official NASCAR Trading Cards!

Start collecting your favorite drivers, teams, autographs, trade with your friends and more with the upcoming 2025 Donruss NASCAR Cards!

Look for the iconic Rated Rookie cards, retail only Velocity Parallels, chase the hobby only Downtown Inserts and look for top prospect Connor Zilisch rookie cards! Available at Walmart, Target, local hobby shops, other retailers and www. paniniamerica.net.

FIND INFORMATION ON THE 2025 NASCAR VIP SWEEPSTAKES TO ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN FOUR TICKETS TO THE 2026 DAYTONA 500®!

START YOUR NASCAR COLLECTION TODAY!

UNLOCK YOUR ENGINE’S TRUE POTENTIAL

Experience increased horsepower, smoother operation, and reduced noise and vibration. Feel the difference in every drive!

70,000+ PEOPLE ARE USING PROLUBE OIL!

UP-AND-COMINGDRIVER

UP-AND-COMING DRIVER Q&A Yes, There are 2 Austin Hills

BY KAUY OSTLIEN

Don’t be surprised if two drivers with the same name – Austin Hill – attempt to qualify for the NASCAR Xfinity Series starting field on Aug. 9 when NASCAR’s version of AAA baseball visits the Watkins Glen International road course in upstate New York.

In addition to series regular and title contender Austin Hill, who lives in Winston, Georgia, and drives Richard Chil dress Racing’s No. 21 Chevrolet, Joey Gase Motorsports has tapped 17-year-old road racing ace Austin Hill, of Frankfort, Ohio, to make his series debut in the Wat kins Glen event.

The younger Hill has an extensive road-racing résumé, including back-to-back Atlantic champion ships in 2022 and 2023. He recently took time to answer our questions.

WHAT MOTIVATED THE MOVE FROM SPORTS CARS TO STOCK CARS?

For us, it was a no-brainer to go ahead and try to make it down this path of stock cars. And if it leads down another path,

it leads down another path; and we’re fine with that. That’s what we’re here for.

I always said from the time I started racing cars, I used to want to do IndyCar. But realistically, from a driver’s standpoint, I guess I’d rather be racing anything and making a career out of it rather than racing nothing for the rest of my life.

HOW ARE YOU FITTING PREPARATIONS FOR THE WATKINS GLEN RACE INTO YOUR DAILY SCHEDULE?

With us being a solo car team, usually I’m working on the cars throughout the week to get them ready for the next weekend. But whenever I get home for the night, if it’s not super late, I usually hop on my simulator, on iRacing and try to run 50 laps in a row, try to figure out the car, figure out the track. Simulators are never perfect. They never can be, but they can get you at least close.

NOT MANY NASCAR DRIVERS COME FROM OHIO. HOW WILL IT FEEL TO CARRY THE BANNER FOR YOUR HOME STATE AT WATKINS GLEN?

Honestly, it’s great; not just from the Ohio standpoint but also from my small town of Frankfort. I couldn’t ask for better support or more support from the community. They’ve followed me since I was in go-karts, hoping I can make it into my career or make it my life. And so far, I’ve been fairly successful at that, as far as moving on up and keeping the dream alive. None of them have stopped supporting me.

MY FAVORITE WITH Riley Herbst

As a rookie in the NASCAR Cup Series, Riley Herbst has endured quite a few growing pains this year. But while the struggle has been real at times on the race track, the firstyear 23XI Racing driver is trying to make the most of his opportunity – which includes having NBA legend Michael Jordan and threetime Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin as his team owners. Herbst recently sat down with NASCAR Pole Position to talk about some of his favorite things in life – which undoubtedly help him navigate some of the challenges that come with being a NASCAR Cup Series newcomer.

BY JARED TURNER

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE DAY IN RACING SO FAR?

THAT WOULD have to be last year, winning (the Xfinity Series race) at Indianapolis Motor Speedway –The Brickyard. That’s such a historic place, and it was really cool to get that done. As of right now, it’s definitely Indianapolis.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOT?

TO BE honest with you, it’s just to go home. This season and this schedule are so grueling, so getting to go home, back home to Vegas, is

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?

THAT ONE IS pizza, for me. I love pizza. Any type of pizza is the best pizza, and I try to get it in every race city we go to. My favorite type of pizza would be New York-style.

WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE NASCAR DRIVER GROWING UP?

IT WAS Jimmie Johnson. He was my favorite driver as a child –watching him win all those championships and races. I also liked that he is a West Coast kid like myself and just grew up racing on the West Coast and in the desert, so I thought that was really cool.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RACE TRACK?

I LOVE Richmond, Virginia. That place is a short track, like we all grew up racing on. It’s just so much fun to drive.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PERSON IN NASCAR?

I HAVE QUITE a few friends. I would say Zane Smith and Noah Gragson are probably my two best friends in the sport. We’ve known each

Noah Gragson

NASCARLICENSEE

In recent years, NASCAR fans have embraced the idea that what’s old can be new again. Whether it’s the return to historic tracks like Rockingham and North Wilkesboro or a surge in retro T-shirt designs, nostalgia is back in style. That same spirit is now fueling a revival of an old favorite: slot car racing.

Thanks to Carrera, one of the most established names in the hobby, NASCAR slot car racing is experiencing a fullspeed comeback. In 2024, the brand launched a new line of officially licensed NASCAR slot cars, introducing a new generation of fans to a pastime that once captivated racing enthusiasts worldwide.

With more than 60 years of experience in slot car manufacturing, Carrera was well-positioned to lead NASCAR’s return to the slot car scene. According to Afia Ntiamoah, Carrera’s marketing manager, the brand’s diverse line of products is what sets it apart.

“Carrera demonstrates a strategic grasp of how various product lines can work in accordance with one another by combining these distinct innovations and play patterns. We can cater to a wide range of age groups and interest levels, from novices to avid collectors, thanks to our multi-category approach,” she said. Carrera previously had a brief presence in the

NASCAR WATKINS GLEN DUEL

■ Carrera GO!!! slot car racing set

■ Track length: 11.81-ft.

■ Scale: 1:43

■ Cars included: NASCAR Camaro NextGen ZL1 “Hendrick Motorsports, William Byron, No.24” and NASCAR Camaro NextGen ZL1 “Hendrick Motorsports, Kyle Larson, No.5”

■ Carrera GO!!! slot car racing set

■ Track length: 16.08-ft.

■ Scale: 1:43

■ Cars included: NASCAR Camaro

NextGen ZL1 “Hendrick Motorsports, Chase Elliott, No.9” and NASCAR Camaro

NextGen ZL1 “Hendrick Motorsports, Alex Bowman, No.48”

• Carrera GO: A 1:43-scale set designed for quick fun and younger racers. The GO lineup includes sets like the Watkins Glen Duel with Larson and Byron, and the Talladega Competition with Elliott and Bowman.

• Carrera EVOLUTION: A step up, this 1:24-scale track comes with 1:32-scale cars and dual-speed modes for a range of skill levels. The Darlington Showdown set includes cars from Larson and Byron and is aimed at racers ages 8 and up.

• Carrera DIGITAL 1:32: The most advanced option, the Daytona Challenge set offers a 1:24-scale track with cars

from Elliott and Bowman. This version allows up to six racers at once and fea tures customizable speed and braking for each car.

And the collection continues to grow. This year, Carrera is adding four new paint schemes from the current Cup Se ries season, including updated designs for Byron’s Raptor No. 24 and Bowman’s Ally No. 48. In addition to Hendrick Mo torsports, Richard Childress Racing is now part of the Carrera lineup, with Kyle Busch’s Cheddar’s No. 8 car and Austin Dillon’s Bass Pro Shops No. 3 entry mak ing their 1:32-scale debuts.

Fans attending races this season can see Carrera’s slot car displays in action and give their racing skills a shot! The brand will appear at the NASCAR Kids Zone at several events, and if you’re head ing to the Bristol Night Race, keep an eye out for their on-site setup for some handson fun.

Though still early in the partnership, Carrera has made a strong impression. As Ntiamoah notes, the NASCAR lineup is “really creating a lot of traction for us.”

With a growing catalog and an enthu siastic fan response, Carrera is proving that slot car racing isn’t just back – it’s racing into the future.

Alex Bowman, Evolution 1:32

Kyle Larson, Evolution 1:32

William Byron, Evolution 1:32

Chase Elliott, Evolution 1:32

NASCAR TALLADEGA COMPETITION

NASCAR Show Cars

A TIME-TESTED STAPLE OF FAN ENGAGEMENT

BY KOLBY DEWITT

NASCAR teams and sponsors have long employed “show cars” – retired or specifically built replicas of race cars – for promotional purposes. These cars serve as powerful marketing tools, engaging NASCAR fans to get up-close and personal to the cars they watch on Sundays.

The practice of using show cars dates back to the 1970s and ’80s when NASCAR’s popularity began to grow. Stock car racing evolved from a regional sport to a national, major-league sensation. With that came national sponsors, putting NASCAR on “main street” and capturing the attention of major household brands.

One near-constant in the show car industry during that period has been Wood Brothers Racing, which is currently in its 75th year of continuous operation. Rick Lechner, of Charlotte, North Carolina, is the man who has towed the famed No. 21 Motorcraft Quick Lane show car across the United States for the past 16 years.

According to Yvonne Harrison, an account executive for Campbell Marketing, Lechner’s 2024 schedule featured 36 show days in 25 locations as he traveled a total of 16,008 miles.

Lechner has seen a lot of changes in the two decades he’s worked in the show car industry. He started with Hyak Motorsports (formerly JTG Daugherty Racing), which placed him with brand titans like Armor All, Kingsford, the U.S. Air Force and more.

The honor of joining the storied Wood Brothers Racing family is not something Lechner has taken for granted.

“They set a high standard that I live up to, and part of my job is to keep their reputation high,” said Lechner, noting that this expectation manifests in even the smallest of details. “The car we travel with is a real race car, complete with a motor.”

He’s proud that they bring a real NASCAR Cup Series race car to each stop, and not a simulator or a mere shell and chassis.

“When you come to our event, you can reach out and touch it,” said Lechner.

The intimate proximity they facilitate cannot be replicated for the typical fan, even for most racegoers.

“They may not realize it from watching on television, and sometimes even those who go to the track, the high level of craftsmanship that goes into these cars,” said Lechner. “For example, seeing the fact that drivers get in and out through such a small window shows you that they’re much more athletic than the public gives them credit for.”

Considerable attention goes into the display and execution of a No. 21 Motorcraft show car event. Lechner aims to maximize the location through selecting the perfect site.

“I like choosing places that are highvisibility for passing foot or vehicle traffic, but also not right next to loud music, or bounce houses or other distractions,” he noted. “We also do something different at our events … I like to start the car.”

Firing up the 900-horsepower Roush Yates Ford FR9 EFI V-8 engine is part of the show.

“The sound of the engine often draws people in that otherwise might not have come by,” Lechner noted.

This one-man operation travels with a tent that allows for more socializing. When making dealership visits, Lechner also incorporates a sought-after production car to tie in and showcase the Ford brand, completing the display and making the tie-in unmistakable. He also shares the history of Wood Brothers Racing whenever possible.

“Lots of drivers got their first Cup wins with us,” he acknowledged, nodding to drivers such as Kyle Petty, Dale Jarrett, Trevor Bayne, Ryan Blaney and more.

The No. 21 Motorcraft Quick Lane team is not the only one that fields an aggressive show car program. The No. 22 Pennzoil and the No. 20 DeWALT teams also run robust programs across the country with regular visits, as do other brands.

However, the increasing lack of year-round sponsorships poses a challenge to the show car programs of the future.

“This makes me grateful for the brands that are investing in their show car programs and really activating their sponsorship,” said Lechner.

Lechner often finds himself serving as an ambassador not just for Wood Brothers Racing, or the No. 21 Motorcraft Quick Lane car, but for motorsports as a whole.

“Whenever I see a child take interest, I try to encourage them to head to their local track. And if they can’t race go-karts or something, get involved however they can,” he said. “Help a racer with their car, or anything. That’s how this sport will live on.”

Permanently Fix Leaks in the:

• Radiator

• Water Pump Casing

• Heater Core

• Freeze Plug

• Block / Head

• Head Gasket

Also Seals Cracked Heads & Cracked Porous Blocks

• Can be added to a hot or cold engine*

• NOT liquid glass / sodium silicate

• Can be added to the overflow tank

• Safe for use in all water cooled engines

• Mixes with all types of antifreeze

MORE THAN JUST A SUMMER CAMP

THE MEDICAL CARE THAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE

BY JARED TURNER

Every summer, hundreds of children spend a few days at Victory Junction – a camp for kids living with complex medical and physical needs – to escape the realities of the challenges they may face on an ongoing basis.

Still, the health needs of these children can’t be ignored when they’re at the Randleman, North Carolina-based camp founded by NASCAR’s legendary Petty family.

For the campers to enjoy the best possible experience, they must take any needed medications on the same schedule that they would at home. Campers – and their parents – must also have assurances that properly trained medical personnel will be available to treat them if a medical need arises.

Thankfully, Victory Junction is fully equipped in these areas, thanks in large part to its director of medical operations, Amy McDowell, and a robust team of staff members and volunteers that typically includes at least six on-site nurses each week of camp. The team includes a pediatric ICU nurse, an emergency room nurse and medical personnel especially trained in the area of the diagnoses with which most campers deal.

In addition, Victory Junction has what it calls its Body Shop, a room stocked with various medical supplies designed to meet the everyday needs of campers. Among the vast array of items found here – and paid for by generous donors to Victory Junction – are diabetic and basic first aid supplies, IV therapy, respiratory and feeding care, urinary catheters and sunscreen.

On camp check-in day, parents hand-deliver all medications in their original bottles to a Victory Junction team member, so there’s never any confusion about who a certain medicine belongs to.

The goal is to put the minds of both campers and their parents at ease with regard to the medical piece of their stay at Victory Junction.

“The key to having it covered is our application process, which usually starts in December before camp,” said McDowell, a registered nurse whose medical credentials include a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and Master of Science in Nursing. “We reviewed over a thousand applications for this summer. The parents provide a lot of information about what their camper needs, and, also, the physicians supply us with info on what the kiddos need to be successful at camp. We review them early, and then once we have kids that are accepted to camp, our medical team is going back and calling parents at least a week or two before camp and just kind of getting updates.

“It’s really just communicating with the parents, and we do a lot of asking, ‘How do you do this at home?’ It’s just picking out those details and how we can fine-tune it and work with parents to kind of make their home schedule work with camp schedule.”

McDowell and other members of the medical team also never hesitate to reach out to parents once camp weeks are underway.

“My philosophy is that I don’t want parents having any surprises when they come pick their children up from camp,” said McDowell, a mother of four. “If their child scrapes their knee because they fell, it’s, ‘Please call the parents and let them know.’ If you start a child’s feeding and something just doesn’t seem right, it’s, ‘Please don’t assume you know, but please call the parents – they are the experts.’

“So, we are on the phone touching base, not to bug parents, but we’re not going to assume that we know. We always call parents and ask them.”

McDowell considers it “an honor” and “very humbling” to be tasked with ensuring that the children at Victory Junction can have fun and make lifelong memories without needing to worry about whether they’ll have the proper medical care and attention when they get there.

“It feeds my soul. It really does,” McDowell said. “I get more from the children, I’m sure, than they get from me. They really just provide a sense of true purpose and what it is to care for the most precious people on earth. The Lord gives us these beautiful children and expects us to take care of them. It’s just amazing. I just love it. Everyday.”

To sign up to camp, volunteer or join the summer staff, and to learn more about Victory Junction’s application process and program offerings, including its family weekend camps and day programs, visit VictoryJunction. org/Discover.

KICKTHE TIRES LightTHE fIRES

At Victory Junction, we believe every child deserves to laugh out loud, dream fearlessly, and race toward a life filled with endless possibilities. But for kids with serious and chronic medical conditions, these experiences can often feel out of reach.

Learn more and discover how you can get involved at

Founded by NASCAR legends Richard and Kyle Petty, Victory Junction puts fun at the forefront – at no cost to campers or their families. Every activity is carefully designed to help children build confidence, foster independence, and discover their incredible potential.

Kids and families need your support.

As a NASCAR fan, you know every race begins with preparation – “kicking the tires” to make sure everything’s ready before “lighting the fires” to power your favorite driver across the finish line.

We invite you to Kick the Tires by learning more about what makes Victory Junction a life-changing experience.

Feeling inspired? Then Light the Fires by helping send kids to camp. Refer a camper, or make a donation today!

SILENTSUPERSTAR

DRIVEN SUNGLASSES

MAKING WAVES FOR MORE THAN ITS SHADES

BY KAUY OSTLIEN

During any given NASCAR weekend – in addition to the race on the track – sponsors and corporate partners run their own race for the right to be called a top brand of the sport. Driven Sunglasses is one of the participants, and the company’s marketing team is making waves in NASCAR for more than its shades.

Driven Sunglasses provides sleek, high-quality, reasonably priced sunglasses and considers itself to be the “affordable eyewear to the motorsports world.” Since its founding in late 2022, Driven has utilized partnerships with top drivers and teams to grow from rather humble beginnings.

In late 2023, Driven executives made a splash by partnering with Josh Berry and Ryan Preece. With these two drivers, the brand set its sights on new heights.

Last season was a year of major growth, the Driven brand made waves both in the garage area and on pit road. Driven is unique, as it not only provides sunglasses ranging from casual to Z87+ approved, but also provides teams with items such as crew shirts for race weekends.

While the Driven team enjoyed success with their eyewear last season, including the signing of New Zealand superstar Shane van Gisbergen, the brand still wanted to focus on growing the apparel side of its business.

“We just kept grinding in the garage,” said company co-founder Nick Thames. “Being at 20-something races in 2024, promoting our drivers, promoting our eyewear, but still trying to work on the bigger race teams to promote our apparel brand.”

Driven finally struck gold when the now-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing reached out, creating what Thames deemed a “launch pad” for the future of Driven’s apparel. Though SHR shut its doors after 2024, Driven completed the season with the team and re-upped with SHR’s new identity, the Haas Factory Team, for 2025.

But Driven didn’t stop there. The brand has expanded its apparel partnerships to Brad Keselowski’s RFK Racing, Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club and even NASCAR’s Official Tire, Goodyear.

Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean Driven has stopped building its roster of drivers. Names like Ty Dillon, Cole Custer, Sam Mayer, Ben Rhodes and even NHRA Funny Car champion Ron Capps, among many others, have joined the lineup of drivers wearing Driven Sunglasses.

These partnerships have not only helped spread the word about Driven in the garage area, but they also helped the brand expand its reach with race fans around the world.

For example, Van Gisbergen’s international popularity forced the Driven team to rethink its shipping method.

“We actually changed our entire shipping method on our website to be able to include New Zealand and Australia,” Thames said. “So there’s only really three countries that we ship to.”

Prior to co-founding Driven, Scotty Banks had more than 25 years of experience working for some of the most well-established eyewear brands in NASCAR. Banks is thankful for the continued support his relationships in the NASCAR industry have given the young brand.

“When I approached people about what we were going to be starting and doing, everybody had my back,” Banks said. “They said they would go with me or work with me in any way. And it’s kind of (a) surprise; you never know if they’re going to or not, and everybody’s really stuck with me.”

While Driven continues to enjoy growing sales, Thames and Banks have revised their goals, such as becoming a single-source supplier for the race teams with which they have partnership deals. This means Driven would be the sole supplier of items like quarter zips and hoodies, streamlining fulfilment of these race team necessities.

The drive to be new and different has set Driven apart from other brands in the NASCAR garage area, and Thames believes that’s been a key factor in the company’s growth.

“We like to be in the trenches with these guys, and we go and ask them, ‘What do you need or what would make our product better?’” Banks said. “We work with these guys, so they say we’re there, and that goes a long way.”

The Driven Sunglasses team: Hunter Privette, Nick Thames and Scotty Banks.

Whether sweeping some of the most well known race tracks in America or cleaning the streets in your neighborhood –Elgin sweepers have a reputation for performance, reliability, durability. With over 100 years of experience, a full line of sweepers for every application, and industry-leading green technology – Elgin can always be trusted to get the job done, and take care of the environment along the way.

Scan to learn more about Elgin’s trusted performance – or tune into any NASCAR® - sanctioned race to witness it for yourself.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

ON THE RACE TRACK, AND IN YOUR HOME

State Water Heaters is excited to partner with Jeb Burton on the race track and the whole Burton family on their outdoor TV show Crossroads with the Burtons. Just like Jeb Burton knows the value of high performing equipment on the track, we know the importance of high performing equipment in your home. Our ProLine® water heaters are designed to provide tough, commercialgrade performance that your family can rely on.

Jeb Burton

No. 27 State Water Heaters Chevrolet Camaro

ROOKIE QUESTIONS (10

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season will conclude at which track?

a. Homestead Miami Speedway

b. Phoenix Raceway

c. Atlanta Motor Speedway

d. Bowman Gray Stadium

During his rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Matt Kenseth drove the No. 17 car fielded by which team?

a. Roush Racing

b. Joe Gibbs Racing

c. Reiser Enterprises

d. Chip Ganassi Racing

Kyle Busch signed a developmental contract with what team to start his NASCAR career?

a. Hendrick Motorsports

b. Richard Childress Racing

c. Team Penske

d. Roush Racing

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has NOT driven a NASCAR Xfinity Series car for which of these teams?

a. Hendrick Motorsports

b. Dale Earnhardt Inc.

c. NEMCO Motorsports

d. Wellrich Motorsports

ADVANCED QUESTIONS

Of

Who

a.

c.

Founded in 1948, what is the oldest

a. NASCAR Cup Series

b. NASCAR Xfinity Series

c. NASCAR Whelen

Modified Tour

d. NASCAR Convertible Series

Who was the first driver born in Indiana to win the Brickyard 400?

a. Ryan Newman

b. Jeff Gordon

c. Tony Stewart

d. Chase Briscoe Which

Which track was formerly known as “The Beast of the

a.

b.

c.

d.

FIND THE DIFFERENCE

Spot the 5 differences between photo A and B.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW ALL TRACKSIDE TRIVIA ANSWERS ON

NEW YEAR, NEW DRUM INTRODUCING THE TOXIC WASTE BLUE DRUM

THE WORLD’S SOUREST CANDY JUST GOT EVEN BETTER! Experience a new flavor sensation with the Toxic Waste Blue Drum, a spin on the iconic Toxic Waste Yellow Drum. This new Toxic Waste Drum follows the format of its predecessor with five unique flavors: Blue Lemonade, Cotton Candy, Blutti Frutti, Concord Grape and Blue Umeboshi. These delicious sour candies pull blue-themed flavors from around the world for a taste unlike anything else on the market.

fast, young & hungry FRESH FACES SHINE IN NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES

BY BRYAN AGUIAR

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is full of fresh faces and fearless talent, with young drivers taking big swings at making their mark. From sim racers turned pros to second-generation wheelmen and rising international stars, this group is busy racking up wins –and learning a few lessons – on their climb through the ranks. Here’s a look at the next wave of drivers keeping the Truck Series fast and unpredictable.

Layne Riggs

Born June 11, 2002, in Bahama, North Carolina, Riggs is a fulltime NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racer, wheeling the No. 38 Ford F-150 for Front Row Motorsports. This is his second full season in the series, and Riggs continues to build on a successful transition from short track and regional NASCAR competition to the national level.

The son of former NASCAR Cup Series driver Scott Riggs, Layne’s career began in grassroots rac ing at Orange County Speedway. He advanced through Limited Late Models and then to the CARS Tour, where he claimed multiple wins and established himself as a regional standout.

In 2022, Riggs captured the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series national championship with 16 wins, becoming the youngest champion in series history at age 20. That same year, he made his Truck Series debut with three starts for Halmar Friesen Racing,

earning a best finish of seventh at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Riggs signed with Front Row Motorsports ahead of the 2024 season to drive the No. 38 truck and his rookie campaign exceeded expectations. He scored two wins and completed the 2024 season with 10 top-10 finishes and was named rookie of

Riding a wave of momentum, Riggs opened the current campaign with multiple top-10 finishes and nearly won at Kansas against Cup Series regular Carson Hocevar before a post-race disqualification dropped him from second place. Another runner-up finish came at Homestead, where he led laps and was consistently among the frontrunners. By midseason, Riggs ranked inside the top 10 in points and was in playoff contention.

Riggs’ affiliation with Front Row Motorsports places him in a competitive seat with manufacturer support from Ford. The team has a championship history with Zane Smith (2022), and Riggs’ early results suggest the potential for similar success. With two career wins already and continued growth in qualifying and race execution, Riggs is viewed as a rising contender in the series.

Jake Garcia

AGE: 20 TEAM: Thorsport Racing

HOMETOWN: Monroe, GA

Born March 3, 2005, in Monroe, Georgia, Garcia is a full-time driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, piloting the No. 13 Ford F-150 for ThorSport Racing with primary sponsorship from Quanta Services. At 20 years old, Garcia is in his third full season of competition at the national level.

Garcia’s racing career began at age 5 in quarter midgets and advanced through the Allison Legacy Series and USAC Eastern Midgets. By his mid-teens, he had transitioned into Late Model competition, becoming the youngest Southern Super Series champion in 2021. Additional highlights from his short-track career include track championships at Five Flags Speedway and Montgomery Motor Speedway.

The following year, he ran the full Truck Series schedule in the team’s No. 35 Chevrolet, earning three top-five finishes and nine top-10 results with a career-best second-place finish at Phoenix.

For 2024, Garcia moved to ThorSport Racing. Driving the No. 13 Ford, he delivered nine top-10 finishes and led 44 laps over the course of the season. The year marked a significant step forward in both consistency and race pace.

In 2022, Garcia made his NASCAR Truck Series debut with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, running a five-race schedule highlighted by strong qualifying efforts and clean race execution.

Continuing with ThorSport this year, Garcia started the season with improved results. Notable performances included a runner-up finish at Rockingham, where he also earned his first career pole. His average finish has shown marked improvement, and he has consistently been among the top 10 in points.

The combination of ThorSport equipment and crew chief Jeriod Prince’s leadership – an engineer with playoff experience working with former series champions – has elevated Garcia’s performance.

Still seeking his first career Truck Series victory, Garcia is widely viewed as one of the top young prospects in the series, showing continued consistency, improved speed and playoff-caliber performance during the early season races.

Jake Garcia

Layne Riggs

Dawson Sutton

CRAFTSMANTRUCKSERIESSPOTLIGHT

Andres Perez de Lara

AGE: 20 TEAM: Spire Motorsports

Pérez de Lara, born April 2, 2005, in Mexico City, Mexico, is a full-time driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports under the leadership of crew chief Chad Walter.

Pérez de Lara’s racing career began in karting at age 11 before transitioning to NACAM Formula 4 in 2019. That year, he became the youngest winner in series history with four victories and he finished third in the overall standings while earning rookie-of-the-year honors. In 2020, he shifted focus to stock cars, winning the NASCAR Mexico Truck Series championship at age 15. He followed that with the 2022 NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series title, establishing his reputation as one of Mexico’s top young racing talents.

In 2022, Pérez de Lara made one ARCA Menards Series start with David Gilliland Racing before moving to Rev Racing for

HOMETOWN: Mexico City, MX

full-time ARCA Menards Series competition in 2023 and 2024 as part of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program. In 2023, he finished second in the ARCA national standings, recording 10 top-five finishes and 15 top-10 results.

The following year, he captured the 2024 ARCA Menards Series championship, becoming the first foreign-born driver to win the ARCA national title. His 2024 campaign included 17 top-10 finishes in 20 starts.

Pérez de Lara made his Truck Series debut with Spire Motorsports at Gateway in 2024, qualifying 16th and finishing ninth. The performance helped secure a full-time ride for 2025 with Spire.

Pérez de Lara is widely viewed as one of the series’ top rookies. With an ARCA championship, proven consistency and Spire Motorsports’ growing presence in the series, he is considered a legitimate contender for rookie of the year. Backed by Chevrolet and operating within a competitive organizational structure, Pérez de Lara’s long-term trajectory points toward becoming a key figure among NASCAR’s next generation of international talent.

Dawson

Sutton

Born Jan. 28, 2006, in Lebanon, Tennessee, Sutton is a full-time driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 26 Chevrolet Silverado for Rackley W.A.R.

In his first full national series season, the 19-year-old racer is competing for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in the trucks.

Sutton’s driving career began in 2022 with a Legends Car schedule that included the Southeast Legends Tour, the INEX Nashville Spring and Summer Series and Thursday Thunder events. His quick progression led to a 2023 season focused on Pro Late Models at Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville, where he collected two wins and notched 16 top-five finishes in more than 30 starts. That same season, he placed seventh in

the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing standings.

Last year, Sutton expanded into Super Late Model racing with a full ASA STARS National Tour schedule. His path accelerated further when he joined Rackley W.A.R.’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program midseason.

Making his Truck Series debut at North Wilkesboro in May 2024, Sutton went on to run the final five races of the year in the team’s No. 25 entry. His standout performance came at Kansas Speedway where he secured a fifth-place finish.

In October 2024, Rackley W.A.R. introduced Sutton as the full-time driver of its newly renumbered No. 26 truck for the 2025 season, paired with crew chief Willie Allen. Early this season, Sutton’s stats included one top-10 finish – ninth at Texas – and multiple top-15 qualifying efforts. He had shown incremental improvement in both qualifying speed and race pace.

With support from team co-owner Curtis Sutton and a strong foundation at Rackley W.A.R., Dawson Sutton continues building toward long-term growth in NASCAR’s national ranks.

AGE: 19

TEAM: Rackley W.A.R.

HOMETOWN: Lebanon, TN

Kaden Honeycutt

AGE: 22

TEAM: Niece Motorsports

HOMETOWN: Willow Park, TX

SPONSOR:

Honeycutt, born June 23, 2003, in Willow Park, Texas, competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series aboard the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Niece Motorsports.

At 22 years old, Honeycutt is in his first full Truck Series season, building momentum following strong performances in part-time Truck and ARCA Series schedules.

Honeycutt began racing Bandoleros at age 9 and progressed through Legend Cars, securing multiple wins at regional tracks such as The Las Vegas Bullring. At 15, he made his ARCA Menards Series debut, competing part time during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Transitioning into Super Late Models and Late Model Stocks by 2020, he earned Rookie-of-the-Year honors in the CARS Late Model Stock Tour in 2021.

His part-time national series

experience expanded in 2022 and 2023 with multiple Truck Series starts. Concurrently, he competed in ARCA Menards Series West, scoring two wins and contributing to the owners’ championship in 2023.

A key milestone came in late 2024 when Honeycutt won the prestigious Snowball Derby, a premier Super Late Model event run in Pensacola, Florida. That same year, he made 14 Truck Series starts, registering six top-10 finishes. That led to him signing with Niece Motorsports for a fulltime Truck Series ride.

Early this season, Honeycutt showed promise, posting a career-best third-place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway and recording consistent top10 performances. His versatility extends beyond the Truck Series as he continues to compete on dirt in Super Late Models.

FEATUREDCHARITY

Changing Lives, One Dog at a Time

America’s VetDogs’ National Mission is to Support Veterans and First Responders

America’s VetDogs, a 501(c)(3) charity headquartered in Smithtown, New York, is making a tremendous and lasting impact on the lives of military veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with physical and emotional disabilities.

Since 2003, the non-profit organization has trained and placed nearly 1,200 service dogs with the men and women who have served the nation throughout all 50 U.S. states and territories.

These animals – primarily Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Lab/Golden crosses – are purpose bred at America’s VetDogs headquarters and training center on Long Island in New York. In most cases, these puppies then enter the organization’s prison puppy program when they are 8 to 10 weeks old. In this special program, incarcerated individuals at more than a dozen correctional facilities up and down the East Coast, with support from expert advisers, help raise and train puppies who will one day work as service dogs. In many facilities, incarcerated veterans participate in the program, which gives them an emotional connection to their dog’s future handler and partner.

VetDogs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place one dog.

While the monetary contributions of individuals, corporations, foundations, businesses, and service and civic clubs certainly play a critical role in helping America’s VetDogs accomplish its mission, the same is true of the puppy raisers who devote countless hours to helping prepare the animals for life with their future owner.

“We rely on between 1,400 and 1,600 volunteers – the majority of whom are raising puppies for us either full-time or part-time throughout the year,” said Mike Rosen, chief marketing officer for America’s VetDogs. “It is an incredibly selfless way to give back to America’s heroes. You’re investing a year or so of your life into raising a puppy, and then you’re giving it back to us so that dog can change, and sometimes even save, the life of a veteran or first responder.”

Each weekend, the puppies go home with a volunteer weekend puppy raiser. These weekend puppy raisers – who generally live within 30 miles of the facility – teach house manners, socialize them to car rides and traffic noise, visit stores, restaurants and hospitals, and hang out with kids and families so that they will be confident wherever their future veteran partner will go. When the puppies are between 14 and 16 months old. these special canines return to the headquarters of America’s VetDogs. For the next three to four months, they will work with a certified service dog or guide dog mobility instructor as they continue their formal training to become a guide or service dog.

After an extensive evaluation process, a dog will be matched and custom trained for a military veteran, active-duty service member or first responder who has gone through the application process. Thanks to generous donors, these dogs and training are provided at no cost to the people the organization serves. It costs America’s

The job of a volunteer puppy raiser is twofold. It starts with basic obedience training, which involves the volunteer following the curriculum set by America’s VetDogs. “It’s ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ ‘come,’ and ensuring the pups stay off the furniture and don’t beg for food, etc.,” Rosen said. “The most important role of a puppy raiser is socialization – getting that puppy accustomed to the sights, sounds and smells of the world that their future veteran or first responder handler may one day experience.

“We want our raisers to take them to work, take them into restaurants and bars, take them shopping, have them be around families and kids and other dogs. That way, they’ll really get used to anything that their future handler may one day walk into.”

Some puppy raisers have dedicated their time and energy to training more than 20-plus dogs for America’s VetDogs and its sister nonprofit, the Guide Dog Foundation, over the course of many years.

“If you or somebody you know may benefit from a service dog, apply,” Rosen said. “If you want to give back to the veteran and first responder community, volunteer. And if you have the wherewithal, consider donating. It’s an incredible way to give back and help save or change the life of a veteran or first responder who has served our nation or served your community.”

Learn how to apply, volunteer and donate at VetDogs.org/PolePosition.

RICKY STENHOUSE JR.

Hyak Motorsports Has the Garage Area’s Attention

BY DUSTIN ALBINO

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s 2013 arrival in the NASCAR Cup Series was accompanied by a considerable amount of hype and hoopla. The then-25-year-old former sprint car racer from Olive Branch, Mississippi, was a hot commodity.

He was coming off of consecutive Xfinity Series championships for Roush Fenway Racing when he got the call to replace first-ballot NASCAR Hall of Famer Matt Kenseth, who left the Roush stable to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing.

But Stenhouse’s first full season at NASCAR’s premier level proved to be a struggle, and he didn’t score his first top-10 finish until the regular season finale at Richmond Raceway. Stenhouse capped his rookie campaign with a trio of top-10 efforts, highlighted by a podium finish during the fall visit to Talladega Superspeedway.

Ultimately, his performance was good enough to capture the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award, ahead of Danica Patrick and Timmy Hill.

Stenhouse spent more than a decade with the organization now known as RFK Racing until team owner Jack Roush brought 2015 Xfinity Series champion Chris Buescher back into the fold. Stenhouse shifted to the No.47 JTG Daugherty Racing entry in what was essentially a driver trade between the two companies.

“I look back at a lot of things I’ve learned and look back at my Cup career; I feel like I was fighting an uphill battle,” Stenhouse recalled. “You saw (Kenseth) and Carl (Edwards) bail out of (Roush), leaving me, Trevor (Bayne) and Greg (Biffle) hanging on. Now, when I talk to Brad (Keselowski) about some of the things he sees over there and how he turned that place around, it gives me a little more of a comfortable feeling of what I was challenged with. I feel like I can put that in the past and reset over here.”

Stenhouse enjoyed immediate success with JTG, claiming the pole for the 2021 Daytona 500. Two years later, he won The Great American Race and the No. 47 team remained consistent throughout the 2023 campaign, ending the regular season 17th in the series standings.

A key component to Stenhouse’s success in the No. 47 Chevrolet is veteran crew chief Mike Kelley. It was Kelley who called the shots during Stenhouse’s reign over the Xfinity Series in 2011 and 2012, collecting eight checkered flags and placing inside the top 10 in 52 out of 67 races.

“I think he just brings confidence to me,” Stenhouse said. “He keeps that in perspective for me. I also feel like he’s a good team leader and gets the best out of all the guys, not just me: our pit crew, road crew, shop guys. Everyone loves working for him and going the extra mile for Mike. I think that’s important in this garage, especially now that the cars are so close to each other.

“Our guys, we have all the scanners and things at the shop, so we’re pushing just like everyone else. If it’s not right, those guys aren’t going to send it out the door. I think that’s from the leadership of Mike, and he’s got his hands on the car and in the shop with them because we have 20 people working on this car. That helps as well in the way he runs a race team.”

Reports swirled throughout the 2024 season that there would be an ownership change at JTG Daugherty Racing, the team with which Stenhouse has scored two of his four Cup Series victories. Kroger was moving its sponsorship to RFK Racing, and longtime team owners Tad and Jodi Geschickter planned to enjoy a new phase of life.

Gordon Smith, a businessman who quietly became the team’s principal owner in November 2023, stepped up and assumed a more prominent role alongside minority team owners Mark Hughes, Ernie Cope and NBA great Brad Daugherty.

Under Smith’s guidance, JTG Daugherty Racing was rebranded Hyak Motorsports. In Chinook Jargon, a trade language of the Pacific Northwest, the word “Hyak” means fast.

From the competition side, everything remained intact from the previous regime.

“Still got the same guys working on the car, same processes, same team meetings. Literally, nothing on the competition side has changed, even from 2023,” Stenhouse stated. “I think 2024 was a big off year for us. We were four or five spots worse than we thought we should have been based off the year before. We’re still scratching our head at why that was. I think we were struggling for speed in 2024; we struggled on the execution side, finishing races where we should or capitalizing on other people’s mistakes and not finishing as high as we should.

“Over the offseason, we sat down as a group and said, ‘The one thing that we can control once the race starts is execution and no mistakes.’ That is what we focused on at the start of the year – and even now, it’s just execution. Coming up with strategies, different gameplans as the race goes to get the best possible finish out of the car.

“Everything on the competition side stayed the same, which made the transition easy. It’s not moving into a brand new shop, all new people, totally different. That has helped the transition be seamless on the competition side.”

At a performance deficit due to a lack of manufacturer support, Stenhouse has remained patient. Through 17 races this year, his average starting position failed to meet expectations, but he had put together a series of solid finishes despite multiple midseason dustups with the No. 77 Spire Motorsports entry driven by Carson Hocevar.

“We pay Hendrick (for support),” said Stenhouse. “A lot of our guys have been at other teams that were manufacturer teams

in the past, and we do know there is a lot of information that we don’t get. I tell my engineers all of the time that it’s easy for me to get frustrated like, ‘Come on, why can’t we get our car faster,’ but we’re doing it as a one data-point team every weekend. When we go out to practice, we will make a run and I’ll come back in and we’ll make a decent sized change just so we have two data points. If you have a four-car team, if every one of them makes one or two adjustments, they have eight, 12, 16 data points to hone in on what they need for that given weekend.

“We’re out there on a little life raft doing our thing. On one hand, it’s cool because everyone knows what level of support each team has. There are a lot of people that respect what we’ve done this year in the garage. That is important to me and Mike Kelley, when you have other people in the garage come up and talk about the job that we’re doing, knowing the support that we have.”

Funding isn’t an issue for Hyak Motorsports and Stenhouse vows that the No. 47 team doesn’t lack resources, though it has had to make piecemeal deals with numerous companies to fill out its sponsorship portfolio. Stenhouse also has his own partners that he brings to the table with NOS Energy Drink and SunnyD.

Smith is willing to add money out of his own pocket if needed, which stings for Stenhouse as he’s a World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series team owner and doesn’t like spending his personal money to support the race team.

“Hyak doesn’t lack in spending money,” Stenhouse confirmed. “It’s spent in the right places as far as keeping our equipment looking nice, taking care of our employees. We’re not cutting corners. We’re a full race team, it’s just we’re doing it with – when I say limited resources, it’s not on the funding side or the spending money side – it’s on the information that we have coming in the door.

“That is frustrating at times; knowing if we had more information I feel like we could run a lot better. You have to remind yourself that when you’re running 10th, 15th, you’re beating a lot of good cars that have that information coming in.”

Stenhouse is proud to know the rest of the Cup Series garage is paying attention to what the No. 47 team is accomplishing.

“There are definitely times where we’ve overachieved,” said Stenhouse. “At the same time, the times we’ve had good cars, we’ve executed at a high level and got good finishes and good points. I feel like we’ve overachieved on a handful of races where we might be a 28th-place car on speed and we finish 18th. Those are the days that make or break a season for a team like ours is when you can take that 27th-, 28th-place car on speed or average running position and finish 17th, 18th; that’s 10 spots, 10 points. If you can do that multiple times throughout the year, now you’re gaining 50 points from where you would have been on your average running position. You still have to take care of it when you have good race cars.

“For me, it’s about finishing races and getting as many points as we can without tearing the race car up and making more work for my guys. That seems to be paying off really well for us.”

DEAN THOMPSON

‘This Team and This Car Really Suit Me’

BY JARED TURNER

As a rookie in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season, Dean Thompson has endured some growing pains. Those are to be expected, of course.

But Thompson – a 23-year-old native of Anaheim, California –has shown flashes of major potential. In fact, it could be argued that he’s far exceeded expectations.

After all, Sam Hunt Racing – the organization for which he competes – is at a competitive disadvantage to organizations like Joe Gibbs Racing and JR Motorsports, which have the resources of a NASCAR Cup Series outfit at their proverbial fingertips.

Even so, the independently owned and operated team is nipping at the heels of the series’ big boys and making major strides under the leadership of owner Sam Hunt, who founded the organization that bears his name in 2019.

Thompson has few interests outside of racing. But one of them is a hobby that most people might not expect him to pursue.

“I love fighting and UFC,” Thompson said. “I did an amateur kickboxing fight two years ago. I did two fights in one day, and I won one and lost one. That was pretty fun. I trained for that for a while. I love fighting.”

Like an undersized fighter going up against competition two or three times its size, Sam Hunt Racing – which netted four top-five finishes each of the past two Xfinity Series seasons with other drivers – has continued its progression with Thompson as its lone full-time driver in 2025.

We’re bringing faster and faster and faster cars, and I’ve got to keep up with the cars. We’ve been getting a lot better.

“Every single year, Sam and the teams have been getting better and getting better, and now we’re starting to run with the Gibbs guys on a regular basis, right?” Thompson said. “So, it’s kind of nice to see them start shaking in their boots a little bit. It’s been great. We’re bringing faster and faster and faster cars, and I’ve got to keep up with the cars. We’ve been getting a lot better.”

Like most young people trying to climb the NASCAR ranks,

As of roughly the midway point of the year, Thompson had posted four top-10 results that included a season-best fifth-place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“It was massive for me and the team,” Thompson said of his Charlotte result. “That was Sam Hunt Racing’s best finish on a non-superspeedway intermediate – so not counting Atlanta, obviously. It was huge for all of us. That’s been a big focal point for the team – getting better at Charlotte.

“I feel like we took a big step forward in the right direction there. I feel like that track really suits me as a driver and how I like to drive. I made my debut there last year, at that track, so that

was a full circle moment for me, and it’s really just helped us get better.”

While Charlotte is a high-speed 1.5-mile quadoval, the other places where Thompson had recorded top-10 finishes as of the season’s midway point were two short tracks (Bristol and Martinsville) and a superspeedway (Daytona). The rookie Xfinity Series driver also owned a pair of 11th-place finishes (Rockingham and Atlanta) and a 12thplace finish on the road course in Mexico City.

All told, Thompson finished outside of the top 20 just four times in his first 17 races as the fulltime driver of the No. 26 Sam Hunt Racing Toyota. Those are robust stats for someone still finding his way in NASCAR’s No. 2 division. And the numbers beg a natural question: Could a win be just around the corner for Thompson and his team?

As of press time, Sam Hunt Racing drivers had been shut out of Victory Lane over a total of 205 starts since the organization’s inception.

“I feel like the team is really close, definitely,” Thompson said. “We’ve been making big strides and started running way better and way better. I think it’s definitely on the radar. It’s in the area, right? I think it’s going to have to play out for us. I don’t think we’re in a position at the moment to go dominate a race.

“I think it’s going to have to be something where the opportunity just kind of falls in our lap, and it’s up to us to take it or not. I think we’re pretty close, but it’s so, so hard to say when it might happen. It’s so hard to win these races. So, hopefully, soon.”

Although Thompson is short on Xfinity Series experience compared to most of the drivers he’s competing against each weekend, he’s no newcomer to NASCAR’s big leagues. Before going full-time racing in the Xfinity Series this year with Sam Hunt Racing, Thompson spent three full seasons in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series after making his truck debut with a single start in 2021.

Thompson made steady gains over his trio of seasons in a truck, improving from a 23rd-place points finish in 2022 to a 16th-place ranking at

the end of last season. As a Truck Series rookie for Niece Motorsports in 2022, Thompson didn’t record a top-10 finish. But at the end of that season, Thompson joined TRICON Garage and enjoyed an immediate uptick in performance.

Over two full years with TRICON Garage, Thompson recorded a total of 11 top-10 finishes that included a pair of top-fives. The best part of 2023 and 2024, however, might have been gleaning wisdom and knowledge from team owner and fellow Californian David Gilliland, a former NASCAR Cup Series driver who made 333 starts in the sport’s top division.

“David was very helpful – just to see everything from a driver’s perspective and just to give me tips and pointers during my years there at TRICON,” Thompson said. “He was really someone I could relate to.”

Looking back now, Thompson couldn’t be more thankful for his three years in a truck – which carried benefits that extended beyond just getting seat time in one of NASCAR’s major divisions.

“I love the Xfinity Series and where I’m at right now,” Thompson said. “This team and this car really suit me, and I love where I’m at now, but I couldn’t have gotten here without those years in trucks. I learned a lot of race craft, I learned a lot about how to become a race car driver and how to be and just exist as a race car driver in a totally new place – in North Carolina – being from California.”

Thompson is convinced his Truck Series run also helped prepare him for his promotion this year to the even more competitive Xfinity Series.

“I’m glad I got my feet on the ground in the trucks, and I feel like now in the Xfinity Series, we’re starting to walk before we run,” he said. “It was really helpful for me to drive in the Truck Series. Jumping in the deep end into Xfinity, I feel like, would have been a big mistake. So, yeah, I learned a lot in trucks, and I’m glad I waited until now to get to where I am now.”

Similarly, Thompson says he’s in no major hurry to make the leap to the NASCAR Cup Series. Sure, that’s the end goal – as it is with virtually every young stock car driver – but Thompson has a deep appreciation for this leg of his journey. A journey made possible by his current team owner, a man with whom he established an instant rapport that preceded his time at Sam Hunt Racing.

“We clicked right away,” Thompson said. “He’s just a salt of the earth kind of guy. When I met him, I met the team, and it all just kind of made sense right then. All the guys are pretty awesome, and Sam’s pretty awesome, so I’m pretty lucky.”

RACINGROOTS

RACING’S SHORTTRACK ROOTS Where These NASCAR Stars First Made Their Mark

BY BRYAN AGUIAR

The stars of today’s three NASCAR national series all rose from rather humble beginnings and found success at a race track close to home. As part of 50 States of Short Tracks, here’s a look at the venues where these 14 racers first made their mark.

Daniel Hemric KANNAPOLIS, NORTH CAROLINA

Hemric is the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion and driver of the No. 19 Chevrolet campaigned in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series by McAnallyHilgemann Racing.

He grew up racing at North Carolina’s Concord Speedway. Originally a fourtenths-mile dirt oval, the track was paved in 1986 and redesigned in 1991 into a unique half-mile tri-oval with a dog-legged backstretch.

It was best known for the Big 10 Series for Super Late Models and the North-South Shootout event. Despite its rich history, the facility closed in July 2019, marking the end of an era for this iconic short track.

Brandon Jones ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Jones drives the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He grew up racing at Caffeine and Octane’s Lanier Raceway, a threeeighths-mile asphalt oval located near Braselton, Georgia.

Born with a dirt racing sufrace in 1982, the track was paved during the mid-1980s and hosted a variety of touring series, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 1988 to 1992.

Ryan Blaney

HIGH POINT, NORTH CAROLINA

Blaney is the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion and drives the No. 12 Ford for Team Penske. His racing journey began in Quarter Midgets and his first competitive laps came in 2003 at Pocono Quarter Midget Raceway, which is located outside Turn 3 of Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

In 2022, the venue was acquired by High Octane Trackside, which produces the Caffeine and Octane car shows, and it has since become a hub for automotive enthusiasts, offering events like Friday Night Drift and karting experiences.

In July 2023, Blaney served as the grand marshal for the NASCAR Youth Series’ Dirt Nationals race at the same one-fourteenth-mile track, showing his connection with the oval track that launched his career.

Corey LaJoie CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA

Third-generation racer Corey LaJoie is runnng a limited schedule of NASCAR Cup Series races this season in the No. 01 Ford fielded by Rick Ware Racing. He competed full time in the Cup Series from 2019 to 2024.

LaJoie’s early racing career included many nights of door-to-door racing at Hickory Motor Speedway, which is

Christopher Bell NORMAN, OKLAHOMA

Driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, Bell began his racing career at I-44 Riverside Speedway, a one-eighthmile dirt track located just outside of Oklahoma City. He earned the Lucas Oil ASCS2 championship in 2010 before winning the 66 Mike Phillips Memorial Micro-Sprint Car race in 2011.

In 2013, an EF5 tornado struck the area, devastating the speedway. Bell, deeply connected to the track, assisted in its reconstruction – demonstrating a deep commitment to his racing roots.

The rebuilt I-44 Riverside Speedway has since hosted numerous marquee events, including a 2022 POWRi 600cc Outlaw Micro feature that Bell led from flag to flag.

Toni Breidinger HILLSBOROUGH, CALIFORNIA

Breidinger drives the No. 5 TRICON Garage Toyota in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. She began racing go-karts at age 9 alongside her twin sister, Annie, at Califofornia’s Sonoma Raceway.

frequently referred to as the “World’s Most Famous Short Track.”

Located in Newton, North Carolina, the track opened in 1951 and has been instrumental in developing numerous NASCAR drivers. LaJoie’s participation in races at this venue paved the way for his progression through the NASCAR ranks.

Carson Kvapil MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Kvapil, the oldest son of 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil, competes full time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 1 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports.

While working his way through the racing ranks, Kvapil ran with the Southeast Limited Late Model Series, securing victories at tracks like Dillon Motor Speedway.

Located in Dillon, South Carolina, this four-tenths-mile oval opened as a dirt track in the mid-60s under the name Dillon County Raceway. After muliple promoters were unable to successfully operate the track, former NASCAR driver Ron Barfield purchased and revitalized the facility. The track was paved and reopened as Dillon Motor Speedway in time for the 2007 season.

The track has since become a staple of the regional racing scene, contributing to the development of drivers like Kvapil.

This early exposure ignited Breidinger’s passion for racing. She graduated from go-karts to Midgets, where she became the winningest female driver in USAC history. Breidinger won 19 USAC Midget features and earned the 2016 USAC Western U.S. Asphalt Midget Series championship befor advancing to the next step in her career.

Sonoma Raceway, located in California’s NAPA Valley, is a renowned motorsports complex that features a 2.52-mile road course and a quarter-mile dragstrip. Opened in 1968, it has welcomed NASCAR, IndyCar and NHRA events.

Josh Berry

HENDERSONVILLE, TENNESSEE

Berry, driver of the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing, began his career at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, earning Legend Car championships before transitioning to Late Model competition and joining JR Motorsports in 2010.

Last June, Berry returned to the historic fairgrounds track to race a Late Model in the Battle of Broadway 150. He finished fifth. Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, established in 1904, is the second-oldest active U.S. race track. The 0.596-mile track hosted NASCAR Cup races from 1958 to 1984. Recent efforts to renovate the facility and bring major NASCAR racing back to the track have generated debate, with supporters emphasizing its legacy and economic impact while opponents raise urban development concerns.

RACINGROOTS

Ryan Preece

BERLIN, CONNECTICUT

Preece began his racing career at legendary Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Connecticut.

In 2011, Preece claimed the SK Modified Series championship at Stafford, coinciding with his future wife, Heather DesRochers, being named the series’ Rookie of the Year. Preece has scored multiple victories at Stafford, including nine NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour triumphs

This year, Preece joined Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing where he wheels the No. 60 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series. Preece is scheduled to return to Stafford Motor Speedway to compete in the Monaco Modified Tri-Track Series event on July 16.

Kyle Busch LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

A two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Kyle Busch had won a record 232 NASCAR national series races as of April 8. And it all began at The Bullring, a three-eighths-mile short track that’s part of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway complex.

Busch notched 65 wins and captured two track championships at The Bullring between 1999 and 2001. That success led to his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at just 16 years old.

The Bullring, established in 1985, offers a path for drivers to hone their skills with hopes of eventually advancing to a NASCAR national series.

Busch’s connection to his hometown track is evident as he occasionally returns to The Bullring, not only to compete but also to support and inspire emerging young drivers.

Martin Truex Jr. MAYETTA, NEW JERSEY

NASCAR Cup Series champion and two-time Xfinity Series titlist Martin Truex Jr. began his racing career at New Jersey’s Wall Stadium. The second-generation driver graduated to the track’s premier Modified division when he was only 18 years old.

Located near the Jersey Shore, Wall Stadium is a one-third-mile paved oval with 30 degrees of banking in the turns. The track opened in the spring of 1950 and has operated for at least part of every year since.

Connor Zilisch

MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Zilisch is a top NASCAR prospect who currently drives the No. 88 Xfinity Se ries car for JR Motorsports. He began his racing journey in karting, transitioning to sports cars and, eventually, stock cars. His performances led to a contract with Trackhouse Racing. Notably, in his first NASCAR Xfinity Series start, Zilisch secured a dominant victory.

Trackhouse Motorplex, formerly GoPro Motorplex, is a premier outdoor karting facility located in Zilisch’s hometown of Mooresville, North Carolina. The seven-tenths-mile, 11-turn sprint karting track is modeled after Italy’s historic Kartdromo Parma Circuit, renowned for hosting multiple World and European Championships.

The Motorplex is home to some of the largest professional karting series races in the United States.

Chris Buescher PROSPER, TEXAS

Chris Buescher, driver of the No.17 Ford for RFK Racing, began his driving career in 2005, wheeling Legend Cars on the various tracks that are part of the Texas Motor Speedway complex.

Buescher won more than 100 Legend Car races before claiming the 2012 ARCA Menards Series championship and the 2015 NASCAR Xfinity Series title. This is his 10th year as a full-time Cup Series driver and he has six series victories.

Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth is mainly known for its 1.5-mile quad-oval track that has hosted major racing events since 1997. Within its complex, the speedway also includes a one-fifth-mile paved oval and The Dirt Track, a four-tenths-mile clay oval whose major events include the season finale for the High Limit Sprint Car Series.

Kyle Larson ELK GROVE, CALIFORNIA

Wall Stadium is best known for hosting the annual Turkey Derby, a Thanksgiving weekend spectacular, and the Garden State Classic.

Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion and driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, launched his racing career in 1999 at northern California’s Cycleland Speedway.

He scored more than 130 feature victories in the various divisions of Outlaw Kart racing before graduating to Sprint Car compeitition.

Established in 1963, Cycleland Speedway is a dirt track located near Chico, California. The speedway gained prominence under the stewardship of former motorcycle racer and owner-promoter Lowell Moural. In 1985, Moural transformed Cycleland into a oneeighth-mile oval and introduced Outlaw Kart racing to the venue.

INVEST IN SOUTH AFRICA –THE HOME OF OPPORTUNITY!

South Africa is not just a country – it’s your strategic trade partner with a vibrant and diversified economy. The country is not only the biggest economy in the African continent, but also a champion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA). South Africa connects businesses to growing markets across the continent, unlocking new trade opportunities. Positioned as a premier market access hub, South Africa connects business with a rapidly growing African market of over 1.3 billion consumers and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.

This beautiful country on the Southern tip of the continent and the US share strong economic ties, with trade exceeding $21 billion annually. South African companies are expanding into the US market, and we welcome US businesses looking to establish operations in South Africa. Our nations are connected by shared values, innovation, and a commitment to the betterment of our people.

RACINGROOTS

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Where NASCAR’s Top Racers Honed Their Craft

INSEASONPRIMER

Opti-Coat Ceramic Coatings

FOR VEHICLES, BOATS, RVS, MOTORCYCLES ... AND RACE CARS

Opti-Coat of Memphis, Tennessee, was the first company to release automotive ceramic coatings in the USA, and they’ve made history once again by introducing ceramic coatings to NASCAR.

Opti-Coat’s blue-and-white logo was featured on the hood of Jeb Burton’s No. 27 Jordan Anderson Racing/Bommarito Autosport Chevrolet Camaro last fall at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In the October 2024 race, the No. 27 car was not just wearing Opti-Coat’s logo on the hood – the car entered the race with Opti-Coat’s Pro Ceramic Coating installed on the vehicle.

As far as we know, it’s the first time a ceramiccoated race car competed in a NASCAR race.

Ceramic coatings create a barrier between your vehicle’s paint and the elements, helping keep your vehicle looking new.

BENEFITS OF CERAMIC COATINGS

• Warrantied Protection from all the elements and sun damage

• Long-Lasting Shine & Gloss

• Ease of Maintenance

• U.V. Protection

• Chemical & Stain Resistance

• Scratch & Swirl Resistance

• Resistance to Dirt & Water Spots

• Water Beading

times the thickness of standard ceramic coatings with four layers of Silicon Carbide (SiC) protection.

• 10-Year Warranty with no yearly maintenance required

• Optional Lifetime Warranty

OPTI-COAT PRO PLUS

A two-layer SiC protective coating, delivering even more gloss and slickness than single-layer coatings while maintaining the same durable chemical structure as Opti-Coat Pro.

• Enhanced Water Beading and Dirt-Release Properties

• 7-Year Warranty

OPTI-COAT PRO

The original professional ceramic coating. A permanent bonding, single-layer Silicon Carbide (SiC) coating offering long-term protection.

• Up to 10 years of durability

• 5-Year Warranty

OPTI-COAT ULTRA SHINE

An SiO2-based ceramic coating offering extreme gloss, shine, and slickness at a lower price point.

• Can fill minor scratches and swirls

• 2-Year Warranty

MOTORCYCLE CERAMIC COATING

OPTI-COAT PRO MOTORCYCLE CERAMIC COATING

Designed specifically for motorcycles, this includes:

• Opti-Coat Pro – Paint protection

Ceramic coatings were first developed in the 1970s for military and aerospace applications. In 2007, Opti-Coat introduced the first automotive ceramic coating for sale in the United States. This new type of coating was designed to protect the modern, damage-prone clear coat paint found on today’s vehicles.

Opti-Coat coatings are unique in composition, utilizing Silicon Carbide (SiC) – also known as industrial diamond – because it is much longer lasting and more durable than the more commonly used Silicon Dioxide (SiO2). A single application of an SiC coating has a lifespan of at least 10 years, compared to 1-3 years for SiO2 coatings.

Opti-Coat Ceramic Coatings are not just for cars, trucks and SUVs. Opti-Coat has specialized coatings for boats, RVs, motorcycles and even race cars. Opti-Coat is installed by top Professional Detailers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

To find a Professional Installer near you, visit https://opticoat. com/pages/installers

AUTOMOTIVE CERAMIC COATINGS

OPTI-COAT PRO3

The most advanced ceramic coating available, featuring four

• Opti-Guard Leather – Leather & vinyl protection

• Opti-Metal – Metal & chrome protection

• Protects motorcycle paint, leather, vinyl, metal, chrome, and even exhaust pipes

• 5-Year Warranty

RV & MARINE CERAMIC COATING

OPTI-COAT RV & MARINE

A protective ceramic coating designed for gelcoat surfaces found on RVs and boats.

• 5-Year Warranty

• Superior resistance to scratching, chemical etching, and UV fading

• Outstanding dirt-release properties

ABOUT OPTI-COAT

Opti-Coat has been designing and manufacturing ceramic coatings and auto detailing products in the USA since 2001. When looking for the best ceramic protection, paint protection film or auto detailing products to keep your vehicle, boat, RV, motorcycle or race car clean and protected, turn to Opti-Coat. For more information, visit www.opticoat.com.

Opti-Coat Pro

Opti-Coat Pro 3

Opti-Coat Pro Plus

Opti-Coat RV & Marine

Opti-Coat Pro Motorcycle

50STATESOFSHORTTRACKS

Salmon Valley Speedway

DORMANT DIRT TRACK COMES

BACK TO LIFE

Salmon Valley Speedway is the pride of short-track racing in Idaho. Located in Lemhi County, the quarter-mile dirt oval offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a true grassroots racing culture.

Opened in the 1990s, SVS has hosted some of the state’s best racing. However, like many short tracks across the country, Salmon Valley has endured difficult days.

Rises from the Ashes

During its early years, Salmon Valley Speedway enjoyed a solid run, but things took a turn in 1998 when the track fell on hard times and began a period of limited activity. That slowdown lasted until 2019,

SOUTH DAKOTA

when the speedway was forced to close.

Enter Sean Jackson. With a deep racing background, Jackson had already helped revive tracks such as Altamont Raceway Park in California back in the 1990s. He was also a racer himself, competing in both Modifieds and Sprint Cars.

Jackson brought his racing passion to Salmon Valley, where he helped bring the dormant track back to life. On May 15, 2021, under his guidance, the speedway reopened for its first race weekend in two years. For the first time in more than two decades, racing returned to Salmon Valley on a consistent basis.

Sanctioned by IMCA

When Salmon Valley reopened, it began hosting IMCA-sanctioned events, including Modifieds, Sport Mods and Sport Compacts. The track has also welcomed WISSOTA Super Stocks and WISSOTA Street Stocks in past seasons.

The primary track is a quarter-mile, semi-banked dirt oval. An aerial view shows the cars launching down the front straightaway, diving into the first of two semi-banked corners, then racing down the backstretch and repeating it all over again. Inside the main oval is a one-sixth-mile dirt track – adding even more excitement and flexibility.

NICKNAME

TRACK OPENED 1990s, reopened in 2021 TYPE

Fastest

Semi-banked oval LENGTH Quarter mile with a one-sixth-mile inner track

SEATING CAPACITY 800

FEATURED DIVISIONS

DIVISIONS

Pro Stocks, Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks and more.

IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Compacts, WISSOTA Super Stocks, WISSOTA Street Stocks, Renegade Sprint Cars and more.

Lucas Oil Speedway

CROWN JEWEL FACILITY BRINGS TOP-TIER RACING TO TINY MISSOURI TOWN

MISSOURI

Tucked away in the tiny town of Wheatland, Missouri, is Lucas Oil Speedway, a threeeighths-mile clay oval. It’s about an hour from Springfield – the nearest city of any size. But don’t let the race track’s rural location fool you.

Lucas Oil Speedway and the property it sits on have more bells and whistles than most people would ever expect from a venue that even its promoter and general manager, Danny Lorton, admits is “kind of dead smack out in the middle of Missouri.”

First In-Class Amenities

Built by Ron and Mary Jenkins, the track was known as Wheatland Raceway when it opened in 2001. Sweeping changes came to the facility in late 2004, however, when Forrest and Charlotte Lucas – the founders of Lucas Oil Products – added the property to their portfolio of autoracing businesses.

Following a lengthy, multi-million-dollar renovation, the track reopened as Lucas Oil Speedway in 2006 with a new grandstand complex featuring 21 luxury VIP suites. Also new was a gift shop and a paved pit area. The current owners have also added a campground, a drag boat lake and an off-road track on the same property.

“It’s turned into more of a multi-motorsports complex instead of just the dirt track itself,” said Lorton, who assumed his role as promoter and general manager in 2016.

Room for the Masses

The Lucas Oil Speedway campground now features more than 170 individual campsites and 40 acres of dry camping area.

“It’s like we have our own little city out there,” Lorton said.

The dirt track boasts enough paved pit area to accommodate more than 200 cars, and there’s an overflow space just in case extra room is needed.

“Back when I raced here, it was called Wheatland Raceway, and I came through here on a Modified Touring Series and just literally, your pits, you pitted right up next to a bean field,” Lorton said. “That’s how much it’s changed over the years since they bought it. Now it’s just an all-paved pit area with a car wash, a parts store, Sunoco fuel tanks, the whole nine yards.”

Good Eats and Modest Ticket Prices

Lucas Oil Speedway’s five weekly divisions –Limited Late Model Dirt, Super Stocks, Stock Cars, B-Mods and Modifieds – compete at the track 10 weekends between March and October.

General admission tickets for these events are just $5, with ticket prices for special events typically ranging from $15 to $35.

Lucas Oil Speedway is as known for its diverse food selection as it is for the racing. The menu includes chicken tinga, brisket, burgers, hot dogs, cheese curds, tenderloin, pizza, fries and fried pickles.

There’s also the more traditional pickle, which has become quite a hit among track regulars.

“Our marquee menu item that we seem to be getting pretty famous for is our chicken tinga and, believe it or not, we’re famous for our pickles,” Lorton said. “They’re more like a deli-style pickle. They’re pretty good.

“We tried downsizing them one time and, man, we got hammered. Everybody didn’t like the pickles we substituted with, so we had to go back to our famous pickles. We sell them by container for like two bucks. It’s crazy to be known for a pickle.”

FAST FACTS

LOCATION

Wheatland, Missouri

NICKNAME

Diamond of Dirt Tracks

TRACK OPENED 2001

TRACK TYPE

Semi-banked oval

TRACK LENGTH

Three-eighths mile

TRACK SURFACE

Clay SEATING CAPACITY

8,000+ FEATURED DIVISIONS

Limited Late Model Dirt, Super Stocks, Stock Cars, B-Mods, Modifieds, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and High Limit Racing Series.

LEGENDS OF THE TRACK Scott Bloomquist, Tony Stewart, Terry Phillips, Earl Pearson Jr., Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader.

KEY EVENT IN HISTORY

The purchase of the track by Forrest and Charlotte Lucas in 2004.

Lebanon I-44 Speedway

THE ONLY ASPHALT TRACK IN THE SHOW-ME STATE

Located along historic Route 66 in Lebanon, Missouri, Lebanon I-44 Speedway is unique in that it’s had multiple stints with both dirt and asphalt racing surfaces. Currently, it’s the only active paved race track in the state.

With its turns banked at more than 20 degrees, the three-eighths-mile oval presents a formidable challenge to even the most seasoned short-track racers. The facility also includes a one-fifth-mile

Eagle Raceway

EAGLE SOARS WITH WIDE VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT

WORDS: KAUY OSTLIEN

Eagle Raceway’s story began in 1963 when Dale Halvorsen and Harvey Kropp carved a one-third-mile dirt oval into Halvorsen’s farmland in Cass County, Nebraska. Kropp became the promoter, and the track—just 15 miles east of Lincoln—quickly emerged as a hotspot for openwheel racing throughout the 1960s and ’70s.

After a brief closure from 1976 to 1978, the facility was revived by Paul Saenz, who introduced a weekly Late Model Stock Car series. In 1984, John Beecham, his wife Laura, and brother Marty purchased the track, making several improvements including a new concession stand and VIP area, while expanding the race schedule.

In 1997, Craig Cormack and Dean Orth acquired the track under Eagle Entertainment, LLC. By 1999, Cormack had taken full control and further upgraded the venue, adding nearly 2,000 seats and even incorporating unique entertainment events like professional wrestling.

New Racing, New Legends

The upgrades sparked a fresh era of racing. Eagle

interior oval so drivers with less experience can hone their skills.

Racing at I-44 offers a wide range of divisions, including Bandoleros, Chargers, Crown Vics, Radio Flyers, Street Stocks and Late Models. The Radio Flyers division is specifically for children and is part of the track’s broader effort to engage young fans. Events like bike races and water balloon fights add a familyfriendly atmosphere to race nights.

Special events also dot the schedule. The Baby Grand National series will make an appearance in August, while the American Big Rig Series rolls into town in September – each bringing its own brand of spectacle to the high banks.

Beyond racing, Lebanon I-44 provides a unique short-track tailgating experience. While the grandstands seat 2,500 fans, the track also offers tiered tailgate parking – known as the “Wild Side” – with space for 160 to 175 vehicles. It’s one of the most distinctive ways to view the action.

From its racing pedigree to its welcoming atmosphere, Lebanon I-44 Speedway is a true gem in the short-track landscape of the Midwest.

FAST FACTS

NICKNAME

The High Banks

TRACK OPENED 1983

TRACK TYPE

High-banked oval

TRACK LENGTH

Three-eighthsmile exterior and one-fifth-mile interior

TRACK SURFACE

Asphalt

SEATING CAPACITY

2,500

FEATURED DIVISIONS

Late Models, Street Stocks, Bandoleros, Chargers, Crown Vics and Radio Flyers.

Nebraska

hosted Friday night Winged Sprint Cars and Saturday NASCAR-sanctioned Stock Cars. In 1985, the schedules flipped and IMCA Modifieds were added.

In 1987, the Midsummer Midget Classic launched. Four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon won the inaugural race in 1990, while Tony Stewart followed with a win in 1994, adding prestige to the track’s history.

Former Late Model driver Roger Hadan bought the track in 2006. In 2013, he partnered with RaceSaver Sprint Car founder French Grimes and IMCA to sanction the Sprint Car division under the RaceSaver 305 Rule Package—reducing costs and expanding opportunities for new racers.

Let the New Generation Fly

Eagle’s dedication to grassroots racing continued with the creation of Mini E Raceway in 2011—a go-kart track within the infield. Many Mini E drivers have moved up to race on the main track.

“Since 2006, Eagle Raceway has worked to deliver more than just racing,” said track promoter Racine Thompson. “From School Bus Races to Firehose Rodeos, we offer something wild every night.”

In 2010, the track added a haunted house with three unique attractions—proving Eagle Raceway delivers excitement well beyond the checkered flag.

Land of Legends Raceway

AN UPSTATE DESTINATION FOR DIRT-TRACK RACING SINCE 1957

NEW YORK

Land of Legends Raceway in Canandaigua, New York, began its storied history in 1957. Originally opened as Canandaigua Speedway, this historic track has seen its share of thrilling races, heated battles and passionate fans – all drawn in by the sights, sounds and smells of weekly dirt-track action.

This half-mile, semi-banked clay oval is famous for its intense racing, with cars going five and even six wide, and for the high speeds its layout generates. With speeds hitting 120 mph and lap times dipping as low as 15 seconds, Land of Legends delivers an adrenaline-charged experience on the dirt.

Saturday Nights Under the Lights

At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday nights, Land of Legends Raceway comes alive. Headlined by the Big-Block Modifieds, the weekly program also features Full-Fender Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Sportsmen and 305 Sprint Cars. Only the top 20 from each class qualify for the feature races, creating stacked, highly competitive lineups.

Among the field, fans will find drivers from various touring series, with seven to eight Platinum drivers from the Super DIRTcar Series competing nearly every week. The level of competition is second to none – during the 2024 season, nine different drivers claimed victory across 13 Sprint Car events at the track.

With multiple racing grooves and the ability to go five or six abreast, racers constantly battle for position, slicing through the field in dramatic fashion.

Tech-Savvy Racing for the Modern Fan

Land of Legends Raceway is also a leader in fan technology. Each weekend, fans around

the world can tune in to LandofLegendsTV.com, where the races are streamed live and free. Creating a user account is all it takes to access every event, no matter the viewer’s location.

The broadcast experience is elevated with multiple camera angles, including in-car cameras, drones and speed shots. The production team goes all out to make Land of Legends accessible and exciting for everyone.

For those who want even more, a subscription option unlocks full access to archived races. Whether a die-hard fan reliving classic moments or a driver looking to study past performances, the all-access pass is a powerful tool. With extensive footage and years of racing content, this streaming service is can’t-miss TV for racers and race lovers alike.

Haers Memorial: A Crown Jewel Event

Every September, two weeks after Labor Day, Land of Legends Raceway hosts the Gerald Haers Memorial, a marquee event that honors the legacy of Haers and his deep connection to the track. Over two days, the track puts on a show that draws racers and fans from all over.

The event features the Sportsman Fall Championship and a Big-Block Modified showdown with a $10,000 prize going to the winner. In 2024, the Gerald Haers Memorial added another chapter to the track’s legacy by being named “Outstanding Short-Track Event of the Year” by the readers of Racing Promotion Monthly. Whether watching online at LandofLegendsTV. com, catching up on YouTube or listening to the podcast Where Legends Are Made, Land of Legends Raceway makes sure fans are always part of the action.

Visiting this iconic venue should be on every race fan’s bucket list. And while you’re there, don’t forget to try their signature Land of Legends Beer from Dispatch Brewery.

LOCATION

Canandaigua, New York

TRACK OPENED

1957

TRACK TYPE

Semi-banked oval

TRACK LENGTH

Half mile TRACK SURFACE

Clay SEATING CAPACITY

3,700 FEATURED DIVISIONS

Big-Block Modifieds, 360 Empire Super Sprints and 305 Sprint Cars.

LEGENDS OF THE TRACK

Dutch Hoag, Matt Shepard, Steve Payne, Alan Johnson, Danny Johnson, Matt Lanson, Peter Britten, Max McLaughlin and Brett Hearn.

KEY EVENT IN HISTORY

Gerald Haers Memorial, a Big-Block Modified Showdown.

Oswego Speedway

UPSTATE OVAL EQUALS

HISTORY, SPEED & SUPERMODIFIEDS

NEW YORK

Built in 1951 on the grounds of the former Wine Creek Horse Track, Oswego Speedway was brought to life by the visions of Harry, George and William Caruso. Originally a three-eighths-mile dirt oval, the track was paved in 1952 and enlarged in 1961 to a five-eighths-mile asphalt oval.

Located in Oswego, New York, this historic facility has hosted its share of racing legends during more than seven decades of motorsports action. Today, with its long straightaways and sweeping corners, Oswego Speedway generates some of the fastest speeds in short-track racing.

Respectfully known in racing circles as the “Indy of the East,” Oswego’s unique track layout creates a lightning-fast style of racing that’s like no other. It has always put the driver to work from the wave of the green flag.

A Supermodified Showcase

Kicking off the season, fans will find multiple divisions of Supermodified racing at Oswego. From the Small-Block Supermodifieds and Winged Sprint Supermodifieds to the DART Asphalt Modified Tour, Buckeye Super Sprint Cars and ISMA, Oswego Speedway is the place to be from May through September.

Meanwhile, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour drivers such as Matt Hirschman, Byron Chew and Zane Zeiner often call Oswego home. This packed schedule of world-class racers creates an atmosphere of competitive, yet respectful racing across all divisions. Rubbing is racing – but at Oswego, the competition rises with every event.

The Budweiser International Classic

While Oswego Speedway hosts numerous touring series and major races, one event stands above the rest: The Budweiser International Classic. Entering its 69th year, this Labor Day weekend tradition has become a crown jewel in the Modified racing world.

The action never stops, culminating with the Budweiser International Classic 200, featuring the Novelis Supermodifieds. Arguably one of the most iconic events on the open-wheel, short-track circuit, the Classic 200 is the highlight of the year for Oswego and Supermodified fans. Catch it live on FloRacing beginning Aug. 29.

Then, in October, World Racing Group officials transform Oswego into a dirt track in preparation for Super DIRT Week, a Modified racing tradition that started at the New York State Fairgrounds in 1972.

Upgrading the Fan Experience

Now operated by the Torrese family, Oswego Speedway has made major strides in offering modern amenities while preserving its timeless charm. Fans are welcomed by a new ticket booth and main entrance before entering the heart of the speedway.

Inside, tickets grant access to the renovated Gary Witter Memorial Grandstands or VIP booths that are perched above the frontstretch, offering uninterrupted views of the action.

The track’s signature 20-position scoring pylon lights up each race weekend, ensuring fans can follow every moment. When it’s time to relax, the Oswego Speedway Tiki Bar offers a fun, refreshing break. The result is a one-of-a-kind facility that honors its past while embracing the future.

LOCATION

Oswego, New York

NICKNAME

Indy of the East

TRACK OPENED 1951

TRACK TYPE

Oval

TRACK LENGTH

Five-eighths mile

TRACK SURFACE

Asphalt SEATING CAPACITY

10,000 FEATURED DIVISIONS

Multiple divisions of Supermodifieds.

LEGENDS OF THE TRACK Bentley Warren, Doug Didero, Davey Hamilton and Joe Gosek.

KEY EVENT IN HISTORY

Jack Murphy beat Nolan Swift to win the inaugural Budweiser International Classic 200 in 1957.

WORDS: ALLEN WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY: OSWEGO SPEEDWAY VIA RICK NELSON PHOTO

Fulton Speedway

358 MODIFIED HEADLINER PROVIDES GATEWAY TO BIG-BLOCK RACING

WORDS: ALLEN WALKER

In 1961, Millard “Bub” Benway and his brother Ray built a third-mile paved oval known as Mil-Ray Raceway. The track hosted its first race in June 1962, with a dragstrip opening the following month.

For more than 15 years, Mil-Ray Raceway operated as an asphalt track, but in 1978 it underwent a major transformation. Instead of removing the asphalt, however, the owners packed clay on top, creating a high-banked, three-eighths-mile dirt track that opened in 1979. The dragstrip was converted into the pit and access road, a layout that remains today.

Now, every Saturday night, Fulton Speedway comes alive under the lights, hosting 358 Small Block Modified racing.

Brewerton Speedway

Located just about 90 miles south of the Canadian border, Brewerton Speedway is a historic one-thirdmile dirt track that has stood the test of time. Opened in 1949 as a quarter-mile oval, the track was expanded to its current configuration in 1973. Today, Brewerton thrives as a premier DIRTcarsanctioned venue. Anchored by the roaring Big-Block Modifieds, the track’s weekly program continues a tradition that has defined racing in Oswego County for more than seven decades.

Friday Night Lights

Every Friday night from May through August, Brewerton Speedway welcomes fans under the lights for action-packed racing. Owned since 2009 by John and Laura Wright, Brewerton has emerged as a go-to destination for families and groups of friends looking for an entertaining night out.

Touring Series and Local Racing

Over the years, Fulton Speedway has welcomed some of the biggest touring series in dirt racing, including the Super DIRTcar Series, DIRTcar 358-Modified Series, DIRTcar Sportsman Series, DIRTcar Pro Stocks Series, Empire Super Sprints and the World of Outlaws.

While these events bring top-tier talent to the track, the heart of Fulton’s weekly program is the 358-Modified division. This class serves as a crucial stepping-stone for drivers transitioning from Sportsman Modifieds to the powerful Big-Block Modifieds that run at Fulton’s sister track, Brewerton Speedway.

The Headliner

SOUTH DAKOTA

Fulton Speedway’s crown jewel event is the Outlaw 200. Originally called the Victoria 200, the race was rebranded in 2009 but has remained a cornerstone of the northeastern Modified scene since its inception in 1986. The event is exclusive to SmallBlock Modifieds and draws top talent from across the region. The 39th annual Outlaw 200 is Oct. 2-4.

FAST

FACTS NICKNAME

NICKNAME

Home of the High Banks

TRACK OPENED 1961 TRACK TYPE

High-banked oval TRACK LENGTH

Three-eighths mile TRACK SURFACE Clay

CAPACITY 4,500 FEATURED DIVISIONS DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, DIRTcar Sportsman, Novice Sportsman and Hobby Stocks.

New York

As the season winds down in late September, Brewerton caps the year with a special event. Tied to Super DIRT Week in October, the track hosts Hurricane Harvey, a one-day spectacle honoring former promoter Harvey Fink. This event serves as a thank you to the dedicated fans by showcasing high-intensity racing across multiple divisions.

A Commitment to the Next Generation

Brewerton Speedway’s longevity is a testament to management’s forward-thinking. Understanding the importance of fostering the next generation of race fans and competitors, the track offers free admission to anyone aged 18 and younger.

Throughout the season, Brewerton also provides young fans with unique experiences – whether it’s winning a bike, earning prizes or taking a ride in the pace car. These initiatives ensure the passion for dirt racing continues for generations to come.

By blending its rich history with a commitment to the future, Brewerton Speedway remains a cornerstone of short-track racing.

DIVISIONS Big-Block Modifieds, Crate Sportsmen, Mod Light STARS, 358-Modifieds and DIRTcar 4-Cylinders.

Ransomville Speedway

QUARTER-MILE BULLRING HAS RICH HISTORY AND LOYAL FAN BASE

WORDS: CODY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY: RANSOMVILLE SPEEDWAY

NEW YORK

Located 10 miles from the American-Canadian border in Ransomville, New York, sits the moderately banked, high-speed Ransomville Speedway. Affectionately known as “The Big R,” this four-tenths-mile clay oval has been a local staple for nearly 70 years.

Founded in 1958 by racing legend Ed Ortiz, the speedway was born from a desire to keep local teenagers off the streets and give them a safe place to race. Ortiz and 15 of his closest friends, known as the “Slo-Pokes,” raised funds to purchase land behind his father’s car dealership.

Their dream became reality, and the track quickly grew into a weekly racing hotspot for western New York. Ortiz himself claimed the track championship in 1962.

Today, Ransomville Speedway is owned by Parm and Jennie Atwal and operated by Tana Robinson. Thanks to its rich history and loyal fan base, it is a must-visit destination for grassroots racing enthusiasts across the Northeast. Over the years, the track has attracted some of the sport’s biggest names, including drivers from the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series.

“This is what everyone in the community does on Friday nights. We have a very loyal local fan base,” Robinson shared.

That community support is the lifeblood of Ransomville Speedway, ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come.

Local Heroes & National Stars

Ransomville has long been a proving ground for racing talent, producing local heroes and national stars alike. Ortiz was a standout competitor throughout the Northeast before his retirement in 1998. The track also showcased fan-favorites like Chuck Boos, who was a fixture in weekly competition.

Other legends who made their mark include Danny Johnson, Gary Iulg, Merv Triechler, Pete

Bicknell, and Mat Williamson, the defending Super DIRTcar Series champion.

Perhaps Ransomville’s most famous graduate is NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Stewart Friesen. The Friesen family once owned the track, and it served as Stewart’s launching pad toward his NASCAR career.

One of the most storied rivalries in track history is the decades-long battle between Danny Johnson and Charlie Rudolph. Throughout the 1980s, ’90s and early 2000s, these two dirt-track stars were dominant forces at “The Big R.” Combined, they claimed the 358 Modified track title nine times, creating a fierce, yet friendly rivalry that became a cornerstone of Ransomville’s legacy.

A Full Calendar of Action

The track’s 2025 season will kick off in early May and run through September, hosting various series and divisions. Historically, the track has welcomed major series like the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. Currently, it serves as a premier stop for DIRTcar-sanctioned racing, particularly the 358 Modified division.

Like the World of Outlaws, DIRTcar is owned and managed by World Racing Group.

Other regular divisions include the Weekly Sportsmen, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and the Novice Sportsman class – a steppingstone for drivers aspiring to move up.

This year, the track is set to host one of its most anticipated events. On May 16, Ransomville will host the High Limit Sprint Car Series for the first time. NASCAR Cup Series champion and series co-owner Kyle Larson frequently competes in the nomadic Sprint Car series. Hometown hero Stewart Friesen is also trying to make it work within his schedule.

Building Future Racers

One of Ransomville Speedway’s most unique features is its infield go-kart track, affectionately known as “Little R.” Designed to introduce young racers to the sport, Little R serves as a feeder system for The Big R – giving kids the chance to experience fast-paced competition at an early age.

FAST FACTS

LOCATION

Ransomville, New York NICKNAME

The Big R TRACK OPENED 1958 TRACK TYPE Oval TRACK LENGTH

Four-tenths mile

TRACK SURFACE

Clay SEATING CAPACITY

3,300 FEATURED DIVISIONS DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, DIRTcar Sportsman, Street Stocks, Mini-Stocks, and Novice Sportsman.

LEGENDS OF THE TRACK

Ed Ortiz (founding member), Chuck Boos, Stewart Friesen, Danny Johnson and Charlie Rudolph.

KEY EVENT IN HISTORY Rivalry between Danny Johnson and Charlie Rudolph.

Shelby County Speedway

RECONFIGURATION BRINGS

NEW ENERGY TO HISTORIC DIRT TRACK

Shelby County Speedway in Harlan, Iowa, has a rich auto-racing history dating back to the 1940s. Originally a half-mile dirt track designed for horse racing, SCS was reconfigured to a onethird-mile, high-banked oval in 2022, infusing new energy into this historic venue.

Horses to Jalopies

SCS began as a horse-racing venue in the 1930s before transitioning to auto racing with jalopies. During the 1960s, banking was added to the turns in an effort to attract more competitors. A prominent figure in SCS’s history is DeWayne “Tiny” Lund, the 1963 Daytona 500 winner, who hailed from Harlan, Iowa. Lund’s legacy is honored annually with the Tiny Lund

Memorial, a tradition spanning more than three decades.

FAST FACTS Iowa

After a brief closure between the 1960s and 1970s, the speedway reopened in the 1980s and has remained operational since.

2022 Reconfiguration

The reconfiguration breathed new life into the speedway. Initially, some competitors were skeptical about the change. However, after experiencing the new layout, many acknowledged its benefits. With the new layout the pit area was moved from the inside of the track to the outside which gives the fans a more exciting experience seeing the full track.

“Since it’s been changed, all the naysayers have come back around and say it’s the best thing that’s ever happened,” said Gary Hopp, owner of Performance Grading, who played a pivotal role in the transformation.

The track now features two short straightaways flanked by 80-foot-wide, high-banked corners, providing fans with thrilling, closequarters racing.

Diverse Schedule

SCS hosts a variety of racing events, including the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, which visited the track in July 2024. The weekly program features multiple divisions, such as IMCA Late Models, Sport Compacts, Northern Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars.

For fans who can’t make it to the track, select races are available for live streaming through racing broadcast platforms. Ticket information, event schedules and streaming details can be found on the speedway’s official website and social media pages.

LOCATION

Harlan, Iowa

NICKNAME

SCS

TRACK OPENED 1940s

TRACK TYPE

High-banked oval

TRACK

LENGTH

One-third mile

TRACK SURFACE Dirt

SEATING CAPACITY

4,000 FEATURED DIVISIONS IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, Sport Compacts, Sport Mods, and Late Models.

LEGENDS OF THE TRACK

Tiny Lund

KEY EVENT IN HISTORY

Reconfigured from a half-mile to a one-thirdmile track with new lighting in 2022.

F ORWARD C ONTROLS

Knoxville Raceway

THE SPRINT CAR CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Located on the Marion County Fairgrounds, Iowa’s Knoxville Raceway has been a cornerstone of American motorsports since the early 1900s.

Now celebrated as the “Sprint Car Capital of the World,” the half-mile clay oval is home to the annual Knoxville Nationals – a four-day winged Sprint Car spectacle most industry insiders consider to be short-track racing’s premier event.

Establishing the Capital

To understand the significance of Knoxville Raceway, one has to go back to the late 1870s. Like many early fairgrounds tracks, it was built for horse racing. That changed in 1901 when the first auto races were organized. While racing became the focal point, the venue also served other purposes – Knoxville High School’s home football games were played in the infield until the late 1930s.

After World War II, stock car racing boomed across the country. Cars were cheap, plentiful and perfect for dirt-track competition – and Knoxville was no

exception. In 1954, weekly racing became a regular part of the schedule. With the addition of banking, fencing and lights, Knoxville began to transform into the facility fans know today.

The Knoxville Nationals

The track’s modern legacy took shape in 1956 when Iowa native Marion Robinson became the promoter. Under his leadership, Knoxville evolved rapidly, starting with stock cars, then transitioning to Modifieds, then Supermodifieds and eventually settling into its identity with Sprint Cars.

In 1961, Robinson founded the Knoxville Nationals, a late-season special event intended to bring the nation’s top supermodified drivers to Knoxville for two days of racing. Southern Indiana star Roy Robbins won the inaugural race and banked $1,000 from a $5,000 purse.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Since then, the Nationals has grown into the premier Sprint Car event in the world. Twenty-time World of Outlaws champion Steve Kinser holds the record with 12 wins between 1980 and 2002. Donny Schatz is close behind with 11 victories from 2006 to 2022. NASCAR Cup Series star Kyle Larson has also made his mark, winning three of the last four Nationals (2021, 2023 and 2024).

NICKNAME

Sprint Car Capital of the World

TRACK OPENED 1954

TRACK TYPE

Oval

TRACK LENGTH

Half mile

TRACK SURFACE

Zook Clay

SEATING CAPACITY

21,135 (4th largest venue in Iowa)

FEATURED DIVISIONS

410 Sprint Cars, 360 Sprint Cars and Pro Sprints.

Dubuque County Fairgrounds Speedway

A FIXTURE ON THE IOWA SHORT-TRACK SCENE FOR MORE THAN 5 DECADES

WORDS:

IOWA

Centrally located near the Wisconsin-IowaIllinois border in the far eastern portion of the Hawkeye State is Dubuque County Fairgrounds Speedway – a fixture of the local short-track racing scene for more than five-and-a-half decades.

The Dubuque, Iowa, dirt track opened in 1968 and hosted its first full season in 1969. Hence the name, the speedway shares real estate with the Dubuque County Fairgrounds.

Established in 1953, the nonprofit Dubuque County Fair Association oversees a 96-acre property that serves as home to not just the speedway but an outdoor festival area and three rental facilities boasting a combined square footage of more than 32,000.

Torch Passing Has Served Track Well

Although the speedway has been at the fairgrounds since the beginning, it hasn’t always been managed by the DCFA. In fact, over the years, the DCFA rented the clay oval out multiple times to different promoters.

But four years ago, the most recent promoter not associated with the DCFA moved on, leaving the track in the capable hands of four individuals who are connected to the DCFA.

Since these four people took over, the track has enjoyed a significant rise in average weekly attendance.

“We have a passion for racing,” promoter Kevin Kotz said. “We all love it. We’ve all been around it all of our lives.

“What we’re trying to do is make it really good not only for the racers – we want them to be happy because they’re the stars of the show –but we want to make sure when the kids come

in that we’re trying to keep the generations of race fans alive here. And, I think, that’s what’s helped us grow over the last four years.”

Why Sunday Night?

Unlike most local short tracks, Dubuque County Fairgrounds Speedway puts on a Sunday night show that begins at 5:30 local time. The goal is to start early enough for competitors and fans to be on the road and headed home by 9:30.

As for why the speedway is open on Sunday nights and not earlier in the weekend, it’s pretty simple, really: The promoters want to be mindful of the fact that weddings and other special events often take place at the fairgrounds on Fridays and Saturdays.

“We never felt it was fair to screw up a bride or groom’s day, so we decided on Sundays,” Kotz said.

Good Times and Great Food

In an effort to attract as many fans as possible, offering modestly priced tickets and an appealing menu is a top priority.

With this in mind, children 12 and under who are accompanied by an adult attend weekly events free of charge. Students ages 13-17 and senior citizens, meanwhile, can purchase a ticket at a discounted price.

“I think the biggest thing is we’ve made it family-friendly pricing, not only at the gate but at the food lines,” Kotz said. “Our goal is to make sure a family of four can come to the race and feed their kids and have some fun and watch the races for 40 bucks.”

The track’s various food options are headlined by burgers, fries, deep fried pork tenderloin and – most notably – its highly popular turkey and dressing sandwich, which consists of turkey and chicken mixed together with a homemade dressing and placed on a bun.

LOCATION

Dubuque, Iowa

NICKNAME

Dubuque Speedway

TRACK OPENED 1968

TRACK TYPE Oval TRACK LENGTH

Threeeighths mile TRACK SURFACE

Clay

SEATING CAPACITY

7,500

FEATURED DIVISIONS

IMCA Hobby Stocks, Late Models, Northern Sport Mods, Stock Cars and Modified classes.

LEGENDS OF THE TRACK Ed Sanger, Roger Dolan, Ron Barker and Gary Webb. KEY EVENT IN HISTORY

The races held on Dubuque County Fair weekends.

All-Tech Raceway

PROUDLY KNOWN AS THE HIDDEN GEM OF THE SOUTH

FLORIDA

When it comes to short-track racing, there are hidden gems scattered across the United States, but few embody that title better than All-Tech Raceway – proudly known as The Hidden Gem of the South.

Located in Lake City, Florida, the track has a rich history, a reputation for thrilling races and a loyal fan base that continues to grow.

Creating the Gem

All-Tech Raceway dates back to 1972, when it was first known as North Florida Speedway. Over the years, the track underwent several name changes, including a major rebrand as Co lumbia County Motorsports Park, which brought the facility its most significant upgrade. Though it started as a dirt track, CCMP’s racing surface was paved in 1986 and it ran as an asphalt venue for nearly three decades.

Racer and engine builder Wendell Durrance had long dreamed of owning the track. After 13 years of pursuing the opportunity, he connected with Dean Smith. Together, they purchased the speedway, and their first decision was a bold one – tearing up the asphalt and bringing the dirt back.

Thus, the dirt rebirth of the facility that was christened All-Tech Raceway.

Racing at All-Tech

For a dirt track, All-Tech is massive. Its

FAVORITE FINDS

Slime Licker® Spray THE NEWEST SOUR SENSORY INNOVATION

GET READY TO INDULGE YOUR TASTE BUDS WITH THE latest innovation from the Slime Licker® brand, the Slime Licker® Spray; delivering the beloved Slime Licker liquid candy in a new format. Perfect for all ages, this playful innovation brings out the inner child in everyone offering a burst of vibrant flavor and color in a fun and easy-to-use package.

WWW.TOXICWASTECANDY.COM

Opti-Coat

Opti-Coat is the leading brand specializing in advanced ceramic coatings and car care products, designed to protect and enhance vehicle surfaces.

Their professionalgrade coatings provide superior resistance to environmental contaminants, UV damage, and chemical etching while delivering a long-lasting glossy finish. Opti-Coat’s flagship products include Opti-Coat Pro, a permanent ceramic coating, and Opti-Coat Pro Plus, which offers additional shine and durability.

Opti-Coat also offers DIY solutions like Optimum Gloss-Coat and a full spectrum of detailing and maintenance products. Opti-Coat products are engineered to improve the longevity and appearance of vehicles while reducing maintenance efforts.

Widely trusted by detailers and car enthusiasts, Opti-Coat stands out for its innovation, quality, and commitment to excellence in automotive protection.

OPTICOAT.COM

Executive Series Trailers from Aluma

PERFECT FOR YOUR CLASSIC CAR

ALUMA’S EXECUTIVE SERIES 8200 XL TILT TANDEM

Axle Trailer features a 40-in. spread axle and removable fenders that provide convenience, utility, and help protect your classic car by allowing the doors to open without obstruction. Executive Series trailers from Aluma have great premium features such as longer ramps for better loading angles. The Executive Series 8200 XL Tilt Tandem Axle Trailer features an LED GLO lighting package, full length side steps, and cargo storage box and much more.

Aluma offers the most complete aluminum utility and recreational trailer line available including utility trailers, ATV trailers, car haulers, motorcycle and snowmobile trailers and more. Aluma trailers are built in the USA and sold through a nationwide network of dealers.

LEARN MORE AT WWW.ALUMAKLM.COM

Come Take a Ride With Lectric eBikes

The XP4 is the latest iteration of the XP model, a pillar in the eBike industry beloved by more than 400,000 riders. Built for both fun and function, the eagerly anticipated XP4 carries on the tradition of being the ultimate eBike for taking you anywhere you want to go and for anything you want to do! It’s packed full of upgrades for maximum performance and still comes “travel-size”

so you can fold, pack, and go! Redesigned with an in-house torque sensor for an elevated pedaling experience, premium 602 hydraulic brakes for improved safety, more powerful mo tor and larger battery options, the XP4 is ready to take you beyond your neighborhood and into new adventures.

SHOP LECTRICEBIKES.COM

Joe’s Hand Cleaner

CONVENIENCE & PERFORMANCE

America’s VetDogs®

Leaking Coolant System?

America’s VetDogs® is a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of veterans and first responders with disabilities by providing accredited, expertly trained service dogs—free of charge. Our programs address physical and emotional challenges through highly specialized service dogs for mobility, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, vision loss, seizure response, and more. Heroes in need are encouraged to learn about eligibility and Apply.

Individuals and organizations can Volunteer by helping raise future service dog puppies, including supporting our innovative prison puppy programs. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place each dog; your generous Donation ensures our nation’s heroes receive these dogs at no cost. Together, we empower independence and help those we serve Live Without Boundaries®.

LEARN MORE AT

K-Seal is a multi-purpose, one step, permanent coolant leak repair with more than 10 million bottles sold worldwide to date. It permanently seals leaks in the head gasket, block, radiator, heater core, freeze plug and water-pump casing.

Trusted by professional mechanics, technicians and motorists alike, K-Seal is suitable for use with all water-cooled engines, including cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and heavy machinery. No need to drain or flush the system or worry about what type of antifreeze is in the cooling system; just

THIS IS JOE’S ALLPurpose Hand Cleaner, and it’s the cleaner you should have in your shop or garage. This industrial strength waterless hand cleaner removes some of the toughest grease, grime and oils from your skin. It contains lanolin and petroleum jelly to help combat the drying and cracking effects from the over usage of water, and its gentle formula means you can use it multiple times a day. Just apply it to dry skin and then wipe off with a cloth or towel. With its pleasant banana smell, you’ll be amazed at the way your hands look and feel after use: clean, conditioned, and without the greasy or dry feeling associated with most hand cleaners.

TURNBACKTHECLOCK

Jarrett Best Amid Turmoil

“Gentleman” Ned Jarrett, NASCAR’s 1961 Cup Series champion, enjoyed his second championship in 1965 on the strength of 13 wins and 45 top-10 finishes. The native of Conover, North Carolina, excelled on the short tracks.

NASCAR drivers and teams looked to 1965 as a new start in the world of stock car racing, but with NASCAR officials banning Chrysler’s hemi engine the optimism was short-lived.

The Pettys were died-in the-wool Chrysler campaigners, so they decided to go drag racing. Chrysler pulled its financial support of NASCAR, leaving father Lee Petty and sons Richard and Maurice to build a Plymouth Barracuda drag racing car. They labeled it “43 Jr. – Outlawed” and hit the quarter-mile.

From there, Fords were king of NASCAR, but fans didn’t want to just see one manufacturer race against itself. All short tracks and superspeedways on the Cup Series schedule reported low advance ticket sales. Track executives were in dire straits. With few fans coming through their turnstiles, they faced certain financial doom.

After discussions with both NASCAR and USAC, the hemi engine was approved for use in Plymouth Belvederes and Coronets on tracks of one mile or less and road courses.

Track promoters celebrated the progress but needed one more incentive, that being the reinstatement of driver Curtis Turner. Turner had been banned by “Big” Bill France for life after trying to organize a union among NASCAR drivers in 1961. After much persuasion, France finally reinstated Turner.

The Floyd, Virginia, native returned for six races, winning the inaugural event at Rockingham Speedway on Oct. 31, 1965.

Jarrett captured the Cup Series title by 3,034 points over Dick Hutcherson.

BEST D R IVER

NED J ARETT, DRI VING

the No. 11 Ford owned by Bondy Long, began the season showing signs of championship form. He won by the fifth race and continued to show strength throughout the season, amassing 13 wins in 54 starts. His tenacity and determination, including a 14-lap lead in the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, proved he could win NASCAR’s top prize. Many times he looked to be out of contention but came back to win.

BEST R ACE

DRIVING T HE N O. 21

Wood Brothers Racing Ford, Marvin Panch outlasted his overheating Galaxie to win the Dixie 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The Oakland, California, native fought off thoughts of parking the car “a dozen times,” but was saved by caution periods at the right time to cool the engine. With 60 laps remaining, Panch pushed the throttle as instructed by his team via chalkboard. Panch led Darel Dieringer at the end under caution.

T O P C A R S

NED JARRETT DROVE the top car as Bondy Long’s No. 11 Ford scored 13 wins and 45 top-10 finishes in 54 series starts.

Dick Hutcherson, driver of the No. 29 Holman Moody Ford, notched nine wins with 37 top-10 results in 52 races.

SEASON RECAP

DATE LO CATION WINNER

Jan. 17 Riverside International Raceway Dan Gurney

Feb. 12 Day tona International Speedway Dar el Dieringer

Feb. 12 Day tona International Speedway Junior Johnson

Feb. 14 Day tona International Speedway Fre d Lorenzen

Feb. 27 Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds Ned J arrett

Feb. 28 Ash eville-Weaverville Speedway Ned J arrett

March 7 Ric hmond Raceway Junior Johnson

March 14 Ora nge Speedway Ned J arrett

April 11 Atlanta Motor Speedway Mar vin Panch

April 17 Gre enville-Pickens Speedway Dic k Hutcherson

April 18 North Wilkesboro Speedway Junior Johnson

April 25 Mar tinsville Speedway Fre d Lorenzen

April 28 Columbia Speedway Tiny Lund

May 2 Bristol Motor Speedway Junior Johnson

May 8 Dar lington Raceway Junior Johnson

May 14 Langley Field Speedway Ned J arrett

May 15 Bow man Gray Stadium Jun ior Johnson

May 16 Hic kory Speedway Junior Johnson

May 23 Char lotte Motor Speedway Fre d Lorenzen

May 27 Cle veland County Fairgrounds Ned J arrett

May 29 New A sheville Speedway Junior Johnson

May 30 Har ris Speedway Ned J arrett

June 3 Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville Dic k Hutcherson

June 6 Bir mingham Int’l Raceway Ned J arrett

June 13 Atlanta Motor Speedway Mar vin Panch

June 19 Gre enville-Pickens Speedway Dic k Hutcherson

June 24 Ram bi Speedway Dic k Hutcherson

June 27 Val dosta 75 Speedway Cal e Yarborough

July 4 Day tona International Speedway A.J . Foyt

July 8 Old Dominion Speedway Junior Johnson

July 9 Old B ridge Stadium Jun ior Johnson

July 14 Islip Speedway Mar vin Panch

July 18 Wat kins Glen International Mar vin Panch

July 25 Bristol Motor Speedway Ned J arrett

July 31 Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville Ric hard Petty

Aug. 5 Cle veland County Speedway Ned J arrett

Aug. 8 Ash eville-Weaverville Speedway Ric hard Petty

Aug. 13 Smoky Mountain Raceway Dic k Hutcherson

Aug. 14 Pie dmont Interstate Fairgrounds Ned J arrett

Aug. 15 Aug usta International Speedway Dic k Hutcherson

Aug. 19 Columbia Speedway Dav id Pearson

Aug. 24 Dog Track Speedway Dic k Hutcherson

Aug. 25 Bal timore-Washington Speedway Ned J arrett

Aug. 28 Bow man Gray Stadium Jun ior Johnson

Sept. 6 Dar lington Raceway Ned J arrett

Sept. 10 Hic kory Speedway Ric hard Petty

Sept. 14 Lin coln Speedway Dic k Hutcherson

Sept. 17 Old D ominion Speedway Ric hard Petty

Sept. 18 Ric hmond Raceway Dav id Pearson

Sept. 26 Mar tinsville Speedway Jun ior Johnson

Oct. 3 North Wilkesboro Speedway Junior Johnson

Oct. 17 Char lotte Motor Speedway Fre d Lorenzen

Oct. 24 Ora nge Speedway Dic k Hutcherson

Oct. 31 Roc kingham Speedway Cur tis Turner

Nov. 7 Dog Track Speedway Ned J arrett

PRESIDENT Lyndon B. Johnson

NO. 1 AT THE BOX OFFICE The Sound of Music

NO. 1 SONG

“Wooly Bully” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs

POP CULTURE

The Gemini Space Program continued to form the foundation for an eventual moon landing.

GALLON OF GAS

31 Cents