NASCAR Pole Position Turn 2

Dale Earnhardt

THROUGH

THE LENS From the

NFL to Pit Road

Favorite

FINDS DRIVER PROFILES

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ANDRES

PEREZ DE LARA

Jeb Burton

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All of the biggest families in NASCAR under one roof. Bring your family to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and make new memories in our racing simulator and pit crew challenge or get up close with the iconic cars along Glory Road. With over 850 artifacts and 50 interactive exhibits that span generations, everyone will find something for the scrapbook. THIS IS OUR SPORT. THIS IS OUR HOUSE.

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Toxic Waste® Trackside Trivia

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Show Us Your Collection

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Victory Junction: A Search for Belonging Leads to Camp

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From the NFL to Pit Road

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My Favorite: Landen Lewis

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Opti-Coat Ceramic Coatings

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Chasing the Checkered Flag: Tryson Pinion

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Mini Tyrrell’s Race for the Seat

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Setting a New Example with NASCAR Driver Armani Williams NASCAR Fan Must-Haves Pride Mobility: Quality.

Innovation. Proven Performance.

NASCAR 25 Paint Schemes Losi: Bring Your RC Competition Up to Champion Caliber Eric Estepp Takes On Las Vegas in a Street Legal Stock Car Safety First: Whelen Engineering’s Impact

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Setcom Joins DGM Racing for the 2026 Season

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Cup Series Profile: Tyler Reddick is All-In

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NASCAR’s Biggest ”What-if”: Justin Allgaier

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Catching Up with Sheldon Creed

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Craftsman Truck Series Profile: Andrés Pérez de Lara

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Favorite Finds

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NASCAR Drivers Posterized

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Through the Lens: Dale Earnhardt

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UP-AND-COMING DRIVER

MINI TYRRELL’S

RACE FOR THE SEAT This past offseason, Ram Trucks and Kaulig Racing set out to find one lucky short-track driver to give them the opportunity of a lifetime to race full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026.

After several challenges, including both races and off-track competitions, Virginia’s Mini Tyrrell, a winner in the CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour, emerged victorious, scoring a spot in Kaulig Racing’s No. 14 Ram for the upcoming season.

Despite all his success and experience on short tracks, Tyrrell’s rookie season started out in unfamiliar territory, including a superspeedway in Daytona, the modified drafting track in Atlanta, and a street circuit at St. Petersburg.

Nonetheless, the 21-year-old is pushing through and hopes to prove his win on Ram: Race For the Seat was no fluke.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A PART OF NASCAR HISTORY IN HELPING RAM RETURN TO THE SPORT THROUGH WINNING RAM: RACE FOR THE SEAT? “It showed everybody that there’s an avenue for a young guy like me that doesn’t necessarily have the funding required to get to this level. But they [Ram] took a chance on me, and they’re giving me a shot, and it’s just really WORDS: KAUY OSTLIEN PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

awesome to be a part of an organization that’s coming back to NASCAR, and I’m hoping that I can continue to play a vital role in Ram’s success in the future.”

THE SCHEDULE TOOK YOU TO SOME TOUGH TRACKS TO START THE SEASON. WHO ARE SOME PEOPLE IN THE GARAGE YOU HAVE TURNED TO FOR ADVICE TO GET THROUGH THAT TOUGH STRETCH? “I think one of the biggest people that have reached out and been there is Layne Riggs... We were very good buddies competing in the CARS Tour with them. And Kaden Honeycutt, as well, has been really successful in the Truck Series, and he’s a good friend of mine, so it’s kind of cool to talk to him week in and week out.”

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO SEE SO MANY FORMER SHORTTRACK DRIVERS YOU’VE COMPETED AGAINST RACING AT THIS LEVEL? “It’s awesome to see guys you’ve grown up with and have raced against, like Layne [Riggs] and Kaden [Honeycutt], and obviously, Brenden [Queen], which we were, I guess, rivals in the CARS Tour. We raced each other really hard for a long time, but it’s really cool to see everybody come together and hang out with each other and race at this level.”

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

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TRACKSIDE TRIVIA

ROOKIE QUESTIONS (10 POINTS EACH)

Brennan

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Prior to his tenure at Team Penske, Ryan Blaney drove for and won with which of these NASCAR Cup Series teams? a. Roush-Fenway Racing b. Rick Ware Racing c. Wood Brothers Racing d. Gaunt Brothers Racing

Which manufacturer has the most teams racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026? a. Chevrolet b. Ford c. Toyota d. Equal Split

Denny Hamlin has a career best six wins at which of these race tracks? a. Martinsville Speedway b. Pocono Raceway c. Daytona International

Prior to its 2026 return to NASCAR, Hardee’s sponsored which of these NASCAR legends in his back-to-back Daytona 500 wins in 1983 and 1984? a. Bobby Allison b. Sterling Marlin c. Cale Yarborough d. Jeff Gordon

Speedway

d. Richmond Raceway

ADVANCED QUESTIONS (15 POINTS EACH) Who of the following was the last NASCAR Cup Series driver to win a race at Chicagoland Speedway? a. Chase Elliott b. Kyle Busch c. Denny Hamlin d. Alex Bowman

TEST YOUR RACING KNOWLEDGE! This section includes 10 NASCAR trivia questions, divided into three levels of difficulty: 🏁

Rookie (4 Questions):

🏁

Advanced (4 Questions):

🏁

Expert (2 Questions):

Perfect for casual fans or newcomers.

In 2025, Prime Video and TNT Sports debuted their NASCAR Cup Series broadcast booth featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr, Steve Letarte, and ____? a. Adam Alexander b. Leigh Diffey c. Rick Allen d. Matt Yocum

In his 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut, NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson drove for which of these pro sports Hall of Famers? a. Randy Moss b. Wade Boggs c. Michael Jordan d. Mike Modano In what year did Trackhouse Racing expand to two full-time NASCAR Cup Series teams? a. 2021 b. 2022 c. 2023 d. 2024

EXPERT QUESTIONS (20 POINTS EACH) The first-ever NASCAR race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was held in what year? a. 1924 b. 1959 c. 1996 d. 1994

Which track did NASCAR legend Greg Biffle win his firstever NASCAR Cup Series race at in 2003? a. Darlington Raceway b. Daytona International Speedway

c. Chicagoland Speedway d. Michigan International Speedway

A challenge for seasoned NASCAR followers.

Only true NASCAR enthusiasts will ace this section!

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POLE POSITION 2026

FIND THE ANSWERS AT DAILYDOWNFORCE.COM/ANSWER-KEY/

MERCHANTS OF MERCH

SHOW US YOUR COLLECTION NASCAR fans come from all walks of life, and no matter where they end up, their love for the sport continues on. Nick Thames has the pleasure not only of being a lifelong NASCAR fan but also of working in the industry as the Director of Marketing for Driven Trackside.

While Nick may spend more time at the track than most, he is still, at his core, a fan of the sport and boasts an impressive collection that would rival even the most seasoned collectors in the NASCAR community.

CONCENTRATED HERBAL PAIN RELIEF

WORKS WHERE IT HURTS®

Nick has been a NASCAR fan for over three

One of the largest portions of Nick’s collection

decades, with his father helping grow his interest

is his collection of 1:64 scale diecast. Like many

in the sport from a young age. He went to his first

fans, this collection began with the Racing

race in 1987, around the same time he started

Champions line of diecast and grew to well over

growing his collection of NASCAR memorabilia

1,000, including an impressive case collection of

and diecasts.

program cars from different races.

Though he has slowed his additions to the race-winning collection, Nick’s lineup is still Despite his massive

extremely impressive. This

Of course, Nick’s collection

collection of 1:64s, Nick

includes production, custom,

goes beyond just diecast, with

turned his attention solely

and diecast models of race-

special items like ticket stubs

to collecting 1:24-scale,

winning cars dating back to

from his lifetime as a NASCAR

race-winning diecasts in the

the first race he attended as

fan, and some autographed

late 2000s. Of course, as

a kid, as well as notable races

items. But, a notable recent

an industry member, Nick’s

like the 1998 Daytona 500 and

addition from the past season

collection of race winners grew

Ricky Craven’s bruised Tide

is his ring from Driven driver

to the point where he changed

ride from the 2003 Carolina

Brenden “Butterbean” Queen’s

his parameters again, now

Dodge Dealers’ 400.

first ARCA Menards Series

focusing on wins from drivers

win at Daytona International

in the Driven brand family.

Speedway in 2025.

VICTORY JUNCTION

A Search for Belonging Leads to Camp For the White family, finding a place where their son Asher feels included has always been a priority. From their first family weekend to Asher’s transformative summer camp experience, the impact of Victory Junction was a game-changer. For the Whites, Victory Junction isn’t just a camp – it’s a place where they have discovered belonging.

Please take a moment to read the full story and scan the QR code to watch a short video!

For Marissa and Zach White, finding a place where their son Asher feels fully included has always been a priority. The family, from Asheville, NC, first attended a Victory Junction family weekend last year, and it was an experience that left a lasting impression.

“There are not many places in the world that are made for people with disabilities,” Zach shared. “This place is perfect. The thoughtfulness and detail that go into programming… it really blew us away.”

From the beginning, Victory Junction was created to offer campers and families a welcoming environment where accessibility is a priority. In addition, enthusiastic staff work hard to create an inclusive atmosphere where families feel at home.

“The eagerness of the staff makes everybody feel so welcome and wanted,” Marissa said. “It’s amazing for our kids to be around different abilities, where it’s just accepted and normal.”

For Asher, camp has been fun and

transformational. He attended summer camp for the first time last year, and his parents saw an immediate impact.

“The look on his face when I picked him up - I get chills thinking about it,” Zach said. “There was a calm confidence about him. I could tell he had a great time and was a little sad to leave. It really fostered his independence and confidence.”

Marissa echoed the sentiment, and found comfort knowing Asher was surrounded by people who understood him.

“He didn’t have to explain his differences. People just got it. He could be himself without worrying about being self-conscious,” she said.

For families considering Victory Junction, the White family has one piece of advice: give it a try.

“If you’re unsure, start with a family weekend,” Marissa suggested. “Whatever you’re worried about has probably already been considered. Camp here isn’t roughing it… it’s pretty swanky!”

Anyone interested in learning more and referring a family or camper can visit The Camper Zone at: VictoryJunction.org/CamperZone.

PHOTOGRAPHY: VICTORY JUNCTION

Victory Junction

believes every child deserves to laugh, dream, and explore endless possibilities - but for kids with complex medical and physical needs, these things can sometimes feel out of reach.

Founded by NASCAR legends Richard and Kyle Petty, Victory Junction makes fun free and accessible, and helps kids build confidence and independence.

Kick the Tires by learning what makes camp life-changing.

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and discover how you can get involved at victoryjunction.org/discover

PIT CREW SPOTLIGHT

JONATHAN WILLARD’S JOURNEY FROM THE NFL TO PIT ROAD

BY KAUY OSTLIEN At every NASCAR race, the world’s 40 best stock car drivers show off one of the most unique forms of athleticism with their ontrack skills. And down pit road, over 100 other athletes await their 15 seconds of glory to show off their own unique athletic talents.

To become a racecar driver, most start at a young age, building a resume on dirt, asphalt, or anything that has an engine and wheels.

But how does a pit crew member find their way to the sport?

Believe it or not, a majority of these brave athletes jumping over the wall on any given Sunday may not have set out to be a pit crew member or even be in motorsports.

Some pit crew members started as top power lifters or wrestlers, while others established themselves as top football players in collegiate conferences like the ACC, BIG 12, or SEC, and some even found their way to the NFL. One NFL alumnus you’ll find on pit road is RFK Racing’s Jonathan Willard.

Prior to his time as a tire carrier for RFK’s No. 60 entry, Willard recorded a combined 204 tackles in four full seasons as a linebacker at Clemson University, before moving to a stint on the Tennessee Titans practice squad.

While some race teams recruit pit crew members directly from universities, Willard took the long route to a

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POLE POSITION 2026

career in racing, first working for the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. Though this offered him stability and a clear career path, he missed the competitiveness of football.

Growing up, many of Willard’s friends were involved in drag racing, and with this knowledge of motorsports and his desire to “do something a little bit different than what everybody else was doing,” the future tire carrier filled out an application to be a driver at the NASCAR Racing Experience.

During one of his first days on the job, Willard says a fellow driver asked him if he had ever considered working on a pit crew, setting up a meeting with pit coach Phil Horton and beginning his training as a crewman, eventually landing at Chip Ganassi Racing.

While this may not have been the path Willard thought he would take as a professional athlete, he admits that he wished he had known about it sooner.

“If I had known about this opportunity, I would have pursued it faster, I guess now I’m 13 years in,” Willard said.

Of course, with many former pro and collegiate football players coming through NASCAR’s pit crew development system, the week-to-week training required for the job is familiar territory.

This schedule starts light with Monday workouts. From there, the intensity increases on Tuesday, when crew members review film from past races at that weekend’s track, practice various pitstop types, and prepare for different scenarios on pit road.

On Wednesday, the teams will do a “car check,” looking over that weekend’s car to make sure everything will run smoothly during pit stops, followed by even more practice on Thursday before a period of rest on the two days leading up to race day.

Now, it’s no secret that all these hours of practice, rehearsing, and working out are all for what amounts to roughly a minute and a half of pit stops on Sunday.

Even though pit crew members often train like football players, Willard says he gets a different type of adrenaline on race day compared to what he got pre-game, having to keep himself focused and calm to perform his job just like he did during practice.

“I have to remember to calm myself down because it’s not the same football energy that I need to put out,” Willard said. “Right now, my job is mostly about precision, whereas football is more about being able to run, energy, pump my guys up, but now I’m trying to calm my guys down.”

MY FAVORITE

MY FAVORITE WITH

Landen Lewis With the growth of grassroots racing series like the CARS Tour, a new

generation of drivers from late models and dirt tracks are finding their footing at the sport’s highest levels.

Among the crowded pack of short track drivers getting their first taste of NASCAR in 2026 is the reigning CARS Late Model Stock Tour Champion, Landen Lewis, a 20-year-old protege of NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick.

Get to know Landen as he hopes to turn short track success into wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with a limited schedule driving Niece Motorsports No. 45.

What’s Your Favorite Movie?

Probably Days of Thunder, because it’s a cool movie, and it was cool to get to see all the cars that were in it in person.

What’s Your Favorite Race Track?

North Wilkesboro, because of the history behind it, how they’ve brought it back to life, and just seeing all the history that was there and the people who have raced there.

What’s Your Favorite Piece of Racing Memorabilia?

The North Wilkesboro moonshine still that we won last year. That was really cool to be able to have that in the trophy room and being able to look at that and say that I won at North Wilkesboro.

Who Was Your Favorite Driver Growing Up?

Probably Kevin Harvick, not just because I drive for him, but at the same time, I thought that he was very fierce and didn’t really care what people thought about him, and I liked that side of him.

What’s Your Favorite Food?

I love fried food, but it’s not good for you. So grilled chicken is probably something that I go to, that’s just easy on the stomach.

What is Your Favorite NASCAR Paint Scheme?

There’s quite a bit, but probably Jeff Gordon’s Dupont scheme, that’s probably every kid’s favorite scheme.

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POLE POSITION 2026

REAL. REAL. RAW. RAW. NASCAR NASCAR HISTORY. HISTORY. LEARN MORE AT

dailydownforce.com/the-scene-vault

At The Scene Vault Podcast, it’s NASCAR history, all the time. This is the people side of NASCAR. The moments behind the headlines. The stories that built the sport.

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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.

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FRESH FACES IN RACING

CHASING THE CHECKERED FLAG:

Tryson Pinion t just 13 years old, Tryson Pinion is already carving out

his place in the racing world, proving that passion— when sparked early and fueled consistently—can turn into something much bigger. For Tryson, racing isn’t just a hobby; it’s been a way of life he’s always known.

Before he ever climbed into a race car, Tryson was immersed in the sights, sounds, and energy of the track. Family trips to NASCAR races at places like Bristol, Nashville, and Talladega weren’t occasional outings—they were tradition. In fact, racing has been part of his story since the very beginning. Tryson took his first steps in the campground at Bristol Motor Speedway, a few days before his first birthday and a few hours before Carl Edwards claimed his third Bristol sword. What his family didn’t realize then was just how fitting of a start that moment was for someone whose life would soon revolve around speedways and checkered flags in a bigger way.

Now, that lifelong passion has carried him into competitive racing. Tryson currently drives the No. 5 U.S. Legend car, a number inspired by his favorite NASCAR driver, Kyle Larson. It’s a fitting tribute, as Larson’s aggressive yet calculated style is something Tryson admires and studies closely.

Before making the jump to Legends cars, Tryson spent three years developing his skills in Bandoleros, claiming the Tennessee State Championship for the Bandit Division in 2025. That time proved invaluable, giving him a foundation in racecraft, car control, and competition. The transition to the U.S. Legends division marked a new chapter—one with faster cars, tougher competition, and bigger opportunities.

Today, Tryson races at tracks across the Southeast, building experience and confidence with every lap. From his home track at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway to iconic

venues like EchoPark Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Dillon Motor Speedway, he’s steadily making a name for himself.

Each track presents its own challenges, but Tryson approaches them all with the same determination, focus, and eager to learn and succeed.

Off the track, his passion for racing never really slows down. His room is filled with an extensive collection of NASCAR diecasts and memorabilia, a reflection of both his fandom and his deep appreciation for the sport’s history. When he’s not at the track behind the wheel or as a fan, he’s often on iRacing, sharpening his skills in the virtual world. The simulator isn’t just a game to him—it’s another tool to improve, learn new tracks, and stay competitive.

Despite his young age, Tryson carries himself with the mindset of a seasoned racer. He understands that success in motorsports takes more than talent—it requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to keep learning. With a strong support system behind him and years of track experience already under his belt, his future in racing looks bright.

For Tryson Pinion, the journey is just beginning.

But if his story so far is any indication, this “fresh face” won’t stay new to the spotlight for long.

AUTISM AWARENESS

Setting a New Example

V

O

L

U

M

E

1

|

E

D

IT

IO

N

T CE S R FI RA

1

t Firs The istic Aut AR C NASver Dri

With NASCAR Driver Armani Williams

BY KAUY OSTLIEN

I

t’s amazing how one small moment

can change a person’s entire life, especially the way it did for NASCAR driver and autism awareness advocate Armani Williams.

Though the 25-year-old’s family did have a minor connection to the automotive world, with his great-grandfather owning an auto body shop in downtown Detroit, Williams, a native of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, did not grow up in a racing family.

In fact, he attributes his love for racing to toy cars and being gifted a toy model of a NASCAR race car at a young age, something that sparked a love affair with racing that turned into a career in one of America’s highest forms of motorsports.

Growing up in Michigan, Williams spent a lot of time focused on the details of his toy cars. He enjoyed the way they looked and how they moved, which is a common trait for many children who are later diagnosed with autism. This early interest gave him a way to connect with the world around him.

As he got older, that interest turned into a deep knowledge of how race cars work. His family noticed that he had a natural ability to stay focused on racing for long periods of time, which eventually helped him when he started competing in actual races.

After working his way through the lower levels of youth racing, since the late 2010s, Williams has charted a path from the lowest rungs of NASCAR’s structured development system, all the way to the sport’s top divisions, all while dealing with the challenges present to him as one of the first professional NASCAR drivers openly diagnosed with autism.

Williams, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age, says that he sees his platform as an opportunity not only to help

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teach those who may not understand the challenges and achievements of those with autism, but also to show his fellow members of the autism community everything they can achieve.

“I feel like by sharing everything that I’ve experienced in more of a positive way, I can help people understand what autism is all about and the strengths that come with autism,” Williams said, adding that he hopes his story “can kind of create some light of hope for everyone in the autism community.”

It is through his story of triumph that Williams has worked his way across the country, advocating for and teaching about autism. Along the way, he has had many incredible opportunities to find new ways to tell his story to the world.

In early 2026, Williams was given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take part in a sit-down interview with former United States Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice as part of a series of recorded interviews featuring Dr. Rice at Stanford University.

Recognizing her impact on American history, Williams felt honored to receive the invitation and the opportunity to get to know each other better and discuss the challenges they have both faced in building their careers.

Even though Rice and Williams have worked their way into very different career paths, facing many different battles along the way,

Anything is possible with autism as long as you believe in yourself and stay encouraged

Williams says his biggest takeaway from the interview with Dr. Rice was the similarities they shared in their journey to the top of their respective worlds.

“I think mainly it was more so how much in common we have, how much we could relate,” Williams said. “And that’s what made that conversation a lot easier, it’s a moment I won’t forget for a long time in terms of people I’ve met throughout my life, that’s for sure.”

During this interview with Dr. Rice, Williams acknowledged his drive to overcome challenges to his parents, with his father, an African American, and his mother, a Serbian immigrant, setting a strong example for the future racer to follow.

As a result of his success, Williams now finds himself in the spotlight as a role model for the many individuals diagnosed with autism across the country.

Initially, Williams, laser-focused on his goals of racing in NASCAR, saw public speaking as a way to help build his skills off the track. But, using the lessons learned from his parents, he has used this skillset to tell his life story and his triumphs to as many people as he can.

Working with schools, companies, and organizations, Williams uses his story, platform, and achievements to bookend what he calls the “ups and downs” that he has faced as a professional athlete with autism.

When Williams speaks to these groups, he often talks about the importance of having a strong support system. He credits his family and his team for helping him reach his goals in NASCAR. He explains to the audiences that everyone faces different kinds of obstacles, and having autism is just one part of his story. During these visits, he answers questions from students and parents who want to know more about how he manages his daily life as a driver. These conversations help break down the barriers and the many misunderstandings that people sometimes have about the autism community.

Of course, as someone who was once a child learning how to manage the highs and lows of autism, Williams has found a special connection with the many children he meets at schools, and is proud of being someone a child with autism can look up to.

Serving as a role model for some of these kids, Williams preaches that you can still

achieve your dreams no matter the obstacles placed in front of you.

“My main message to them is if you have a dream of something that you want to grow up to be or something that you want to be successful at, go for it,” Williams said.

“At the end of the day, we all share this great world, and I think no matter what you have, you can be successful at whatever you want to accomplish.”

While Williams may not have a chance to share his story with every kid across the country, his net is getting even wider with the development of his new coloring and activity book.

This new book tells the story of Armani’s journey and is filled with interactive games and educational coloring sheets.

The Michigan native landed on this idea after trying to find a new and creative way to share his story, and now, after months of development, this project is nearing completion.

The idea for the book came from a desire to reach younger children who might not be able to attend a race or a speaking event.

Williams wanted to create something that was both fun and educational for families to use at home. The book includes stories about his own childhood and the steps he took to become a professional driver.

By including coloring pages and games, he hopes to make the information more relatable for kids. He believes that starting these conversations at a young age can help children with autism feel more confident about their own futures and what they can achieve in life.

Through this book, Williams hopes to not only educate about the day-to-day life of those with autism, but also bring families together through fun activities and information about his upbringing and journey to NASCAR. Of course, for Williams, who, alongside being a race car driver, is a graduate of Oakland University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, the addition of a coloring and activity book to his resume was an unexpected, yet fun experience.

“Anything is possible with autism as long as you believe in yourself and stay encouraged,” Williams said. “Work hard at whatever you’re doing to try and help you move up the ladder and continue your life forward.”

COOL STUFF FOR RACE FANS

NASCAR Fan Must-Haves

NASCAR fans are, at their core, traditionalists, maintaining the habits that have grown with the sport over the past 75-plus years of racing.

Baked into these traditions are many “must-haves,” things that every diehard NASCAR fan has come to own, or gone out of their way to own, during their time following the sport.

This list of must-haves includes everything from collectible diecast models and merchandise at home to things like tailgating and campground necessities for your many adventures at the track during the NASCAR season.

So, what are some of these core things that every NASCAR fan must have?

AT HOME A NASCAR DIECAST

NASCAR MERCHANDISE

Every NASCAR fan has to have at least

Diecast isn’t the only things that draw the

one NASCAR diecast, right? Whether you own one 1:64 or have a whole case of 1:24 race-winning diecast, at some point in your time as a fan of the sport, a NASCAR diecast has found its way into your possession. But, if you are the rare fan who has yet to take part in the hobby, or someone new to the sport looking for ways to show off your NASCAR pride, a diecast car is a necessary step in your NASCAR fandom.

To get started, it’s as simple as finding a car from your favorite driver, the winner of the favorite race, or just a good-looking paint scheme.

eyes of your fellow race fans, and extends the lines at every hauler during a race weekend. The merchandise game in NASCAR is one of the best, with teams allowing graphic designers the freedom to create shirts and hats with eye-catching designs.

Some fans like to own a new shirt or hat, one featuring the latest paint scheme from their favorite driver, or one commemorating a special event, like a race win or a throwback paint scheme. Others, however, go on the hunt online and at thrift stores for old school designs, the type that make their peers jealous and old fans nostalgic.

A TOKEN FROM THE TRACK

Every NASCAR race weekend is special, and whether or not your favorite driver, or least favorite, went to victory lane, it’s hard to walk out of the gates once the celebration is over. To keep the memory of race weekends gone by, the NASCAR community has, unsurprisingly, found momentos to collect or bring home from the track. One popular option is collectible pins, usually showing the race’s name and date. After a while, a pinboard packed with race-day pins can serve as a wall of your journey as a NASCAR fan. Other fun options to bring the track home with you include race day merch or a program, giving you something to wear or display that reminds you of an afternoon at the track.

A FAVORITE _____

Okay, we’ve covered the physical collectibles, but no list of NASCAR “must-haves” is complete without a favorite track or a favorite driver. A favorite track gives you something to look forward to on the schedule,

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while a favorite driver gives you a reason to tune in week in and week out, win or lose. Having trouble picking a favorite?

No problem. For a track, if you like scenic beauty, how about Watkins Glen, or, if you like the classics, how about North Wilkesboro Speedway? Looking to get a favorite driver? If you’re looking for someone with a blue-collar background, what about Ross Chastain, or maybe you favor someone with a strong personality like Carson Hocevar?

HERO CARDS

To non-NASCAR fans, hero cards may be one of the weirdest collectibles in the sport. Nonetheless, even the newest of fans have likely come across a glossy, cardstock picture of a driver and their car, with a few fun facts or stats on the back to boot, and maybe even an autograph. When it comes to hero cards, the real collectors don’t joke, with many packing binders full of them, or, in some cases, covering their NASCAR fan cave wall to wall with hero cards. If you don’t have a hero card, getting one is as easy as it gets, as some teams and sponsors hand them out for free in the Fan Zone throughout each race weekend.

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

AN EBIKE

Not every NASCAR track has tight confines and close-up camping. In fact, some feature camping lots outside the track, and even then, some that do often have infield areas consisting of multiple miles of roads and paths to get around. That’s where things like an ebike come in, giving the rider the ability to cruise at their preferred speed around the track or their campsite.

Ebikes come in all shapes and sizes, and some brands like Lectric eBike Company have already taken notice of the NASCAR fanbase’s transportation needs come race weekend.

FAVORITE AT-TRACK FOOD

NASCAR fans go to the race track for

AT THE TRACK A HIGH-END COOLER

In the modern world of tailgating, a flimsy hard-side plastic, or even styrofoam cooler doesn’t cut it anymore, and a walk through the infield of a NASCAR track during the weekend will show you just how far, and wacky, the world of coolers has come.

Fortunately, this high level of involvement leaves you with plenty of options for your race weekend. These include coolers built to withstand nearly anything, coolers with built-in stereos, and even backpack coolers from brands like Yeti. The backpack style has become a popular item at the track, with many fans packing them full and bringing them into the track without lugging them around all day long.

RACING ELECTRONICS HEADSET

If you’ve ever been to a NASCAR race or just watched one on TV, you have very likely seen the ruby red headsets worn by every team on pit road and thousands of fans in the stands. These headsets, made PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

by Racing Electronics, are one of the most important items any NASCAR fan owns.

Sometimes, headphones and the NASCAR app can get you through a NASCAR race weekend. Still, a Racing Electronics headset and scanner take that to the next level, offering you the real-time at-the-track radio call and the option to tune into every team’s radio frequency for uncensored listening.

many things beyond the actual race.

Merch haulers, driver meet and greets, and the many booths and tents in the fan zone all top that list. But often overlooked is having a favorite at the track snack or food to look forward to every year. This favorite food may come from a local vendor or restaurant invited to the track yearly, or it may be the signature dish of the track’s concession stand, such as the classic Martinsville Hot Dogs. If you don’t have a favorite food at your home track, this is also the perfect excuse to explore other tracks and what they have to offer across the NASCAR schedule.

EAR PLUGS

A headset can be fun and add an extra level to a race weekend. But sometimes you want to let the engines do the talking, after all, the noise and feel of the cars ripping it around the track is one of the most important parts of any NASCAR race weekend.

While this ambiance is nice to take in, and means you won’t need to worry about keeping up with headphones or a headset, there is still the glaring problem of noise.

That’s why many race fans have turned to high-quality earplugs as a way to relax and watch the race the old-fashioned way.

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ACCESSIBILITY AT THE TRACK

Quality. Innovation.

Proven Performance.

Jazzy® Is In The Power Mobility Pole Position.

An industry leader for 30 years, Jazzy® is the most trusted name in power mobility. With models that meet a variety of needs, Jazzy is more than just an electric wheelchair.

It means getting to enjoy making memories with friends and family, continuing the activities you love, and having the freedom to explore the world.

In the simplest terms – it means remaining independent throughout your daily life.

There are many imitators, but only ONE authentic Jazzy brand. It’s been redefining the power wheelchair experience ever since Pride Mobility® launched its first model in 1996. That started us on a relentless path of innovation to lead the way in offering the very best power mobility products in the world.

Here are the ways Jazzy is lapping the field: SUPERIOR QUALITY

We “pride” ourselves (pun intended) on the quality of our Jazzy power chairs. All products are subject to the most rigorous testing standards in the industry, which is why all Jazzy power chairs receive an FDA Medical Device designation. But conforming to industry standards is only one part. In addition, Pride Mobility conducts its own independent testing to further ensure that every product is safe and reliable.

From the motors to the parts, from the seat to the frame, every part of a Jazzy power chair is comprised of the highest quality material, so you can be confident that you’re getting a power mobility device the stands out above the rest.

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RELENTLESS INNOVATION

We are constantly at the forefront of the latest research and development in power mobility. Whether it’s our elevating models such as the Jazzy Air® 2, lithium battery-powered ones such as the Jazzy® EVO 613 Li, or lightweight, foldable units such as the Jazzy® Carbon HD – which weighs only 32.2 lbs. (without the battery) yet holds a weight capacity of 400 lbs. – our team is always setting the industry standard by which all other mobility devices are measured.

Recently, much of our focus has been on travel mobility. In addition to the Jazzy Carbon 27X, we offer the Jazzy® Carbon HD, the Jazzy® Carbon 27, and the Jazzy® Ultra Light. All are lightweight, fold quickly, are easy to pick up, and fit into most car trunks. Whether by land, air, or sea, you can travel confidently with Jazzy at your side.

PROVEN PERFORMANCE

The Mission Pride Mobility’s mission is to design and manufacture quality, technologically advanced mobility products for people with disabilities and mobility impairments.

Driven by a passion for helping others, our team is committed to the pillars of quality, innovation, and performance, constantly striving to improve our mobility devices so that you may enjoy greater independence, no matter where life takes you.

Let’s put it this way: Jazzy may be leading the pack in power mobility, but that doesn’t mean we can coast to the checkered flag. By remaining fully committed to developing the next generation of

There’s a reason why the name “Jazzy” has become eponymous with power mobility of any kind. For three decades, our power chairs have simply gotten the job done by providing millions with the gift of greater independence in their everyday lives. Thanks to highquality construction and cutting-edge technology, Jazzy has earned its reputation as the world’s most popular power chair brand.

In fact, it’s evident that Jazzy has been elevated to “pop culture” status over the years, and the brand has recently been referenced on such popular television programs such as Saturday Night Live and Only Murders in the Building. That kind of recognition reflects decades’ worth of proven performance as a worldclass mobility brand.

PHOTOGRAPHY: PRIDE MOBILITY

power wheelchairs, we will continue to set the pace with the ultimate goal of helping you LIVE YOUR BEST. We invite you to begin your mobility journey with us at PrideMobility.com or by calling 844-357-2668.

NASCAR GAMING

These Drivers Have the Most Paint Schemes in NASCAR 25

BY KAUY OSTLIEN

G

etting the attention of the NASCAR fanbase can be hard;

after all, great race finishes and winning can only get drivers so far in connecting with those at home.

That’s why some drivers look to add a bit of flair to their brand through sheer personality or even by making sure they are always piloting a slick-looking race car.

It’s through these small components, like popular paint schemes, that fans can connect with their favorite drivers, collecting diecast models of their favorite eye-catching design or piloting their favorite car to victory lane in a NASCAR video game.

This past year, iRacing Studios launched their first-ever NASCAR console game, NASCAR 25, breaking a stretch dating back to 2021 in which NASCAR fans did not have a new NASCAR video game to play.

From the start, iRacing made it clear that a major part of this new NASCAR game was downloadable content, with the developer planning multiple DLC packs to allow fans to load up on paint schemes from their favorite drivers.

Of course, when it came to the most prominent display of paint schemes on NASCAR 25’s roster page, some drivers stood out more than the rest, with a few drivers even sporting ten or more paint schemes for fans to choose from.

In fact, the three drivers to hit the mark of ten or more paint schemes in NASCAR 25 all represent the NASCAR Xfinity Series in-game.

Coming in third on this list is fan-favorite driver Parker Retzlaff, whose No. 4 team tallied ten total paint schemes in NASCAR 25, with a healthy showing for his sponsors and a good-looking throwback scheme as part of the game’s November DLC.

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combined for an impressive lineup of unique primary and oneoff looks that stole the show on multiple race weekends.

Some standouts from last season include his neon-inspired Rich Mar Florist paint scheme at Nashville Superspeedway, his football-themed Tablo TV ride from Kansas Speedway, or even the Halloween-themed Southern Elevator car he drove at the fall Martinsville race weekend.

All these paint schemes, alongside a whole host of others, made their way into his lineup of 19 total paint schemes in NASCAR 25.

Funnily enough, when iRacing released the game in midOctober, Ellis had only a handful of paint schemes, with just one base paint scheme and one additional look in the game’s first DLC pack.

But by the time November rolled around, NASCAR 25’s second DLC pack opened the floodgates for Ellis, with iRacing dropping five additional looks for the No. 71, including a throwback paint scheme from the 2025 Darlington throwback race weekend.

But Ellis’s footprint in NASCAR 25 kept growing even after the second DLC pack, with the team adding 12 more paint schemes to their lineup through NASCAR 25’s third DLC pack in December, including those fan-favorite paint schemes mentioned above.

After this DLC pack’s release, the NASCAR community took notice of Ellis’ impressive presence in the game, with some joking online that the pack should have been called something like the ‘Ryan Ellis Expansion Pack’.

Now, as of press time, iRacing has yet to make any formal announcement about the next game in its line of NASCAR console games.

But, when all is said and done, expect Ellis to be leading the way in the paint scheme department once again with his new No. 02 ride at Young’s Motorsports, as the new combo of driver and team has already gotten a jump on the new season with some fresh looks.

The driver in second place should be no shock at all, with former series champion and six-time NASCAR Xfinity Series Most Popular Driver Justin Allgaier, bringing 14 total paint schemes to NASCAR 25.

But the driver who has the honor of having the most paint schemes in NASCAR 25 might be a real surprise to some, as fellow fan-favorite Ryan Ellis and his former No. 71 team at DGM Racing contributed a total of 19 different paint schemes to iRacing’s first-ever NASCAR console game.

Ellis’ massive presence in NASCAR 25 blows away his fellow Xfinity Series competition and even some of the top names in the NASCAR Cup Series, like Larson, Elliott, and Hamlin, who all failed to crack the top three.

Beyond the fun of this statistic, some fans have taken Ellis’ status in NASCAR 25 as a sign of good things to come from iRacing, pointing out that the developer is showing a willingness to break the mold of focusing on bonus paint schemes for drivers at the top level of the sport, and give a new look to diehard fan favorites like Ellis.

To most of these diehard fans of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Ellis’ status as the top dog of NASCAR 25 Paint Schemes is no surprise, as last season, he and his sponsors

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e h T est B eal e D th n o rack T

Losi RC NASCARs bring race-day energy to your hands, now at a new everyday low price that makes it easier than ever to join the action.

NEW LOW PRICE

$169

.99

NASCAR LICENSEE

Bring Your RC Competition Up to Champion Caliber with the Losi Hendrick Motorsports Track Upgrade Pack NASCAR fans have come to know and love Losi’s line of 1/12 scale NASCAR RC Cars thanks to their high speeds and real-world feel.

Since their introduction in 2024, these cars have given race fans one of the highest-quality NASCAR RC experiences ever created, with top names in the Cup Series garage like Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney featured in their 2024 and 2025 lineups.

Alongside this lengthy lineup of drivers in RC form, the brand also distinguishes itself from past NASCAR RC cars by bringing the sport into the world of high-quality, long-lasting, hobby-grade

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RC cars, offering a laundry list of ultraimpressive customization options.

Race fans can change out their tires for accurately designed versions of Goodyear’s wet-weather tire, or buy a clear body to design and build a fully customized, one-of-a-kind NASCAR RC car.

Better yet, as a hobby-grade car, Losi offers a full line of interchangeable parts to improve the handling, speed, and performance of your Losi NASCAR RC car.

This means not only that every part and piece can be repaired, replaced, or upgraded, but also that Losi NASCAR RC cars give fans a real chance to fine-tune and set up their cars like real NASCAR race teams do every week.

At first, these upgrades seem overwhelming, as it’s hard to tell which improvements will best fit your Losi NASCAR RC car right out of the box and which you may need in your toolbox to get your PHOTOGRAPHY: LOSI

car set up for any races in your future.

Well, this just got a lot easier: Losi is launching a new way to ensure your NASCAR RC Car runs with the best, teaming up with experts at Hendrick Motorsports to create the Official Hendrick Motorsports Track Upgrade Pack, compatible with all Losi 1/12-scale NASCAR RC Cars.

Of course, with a team like Hendrick Motorsports, the stats speak for

themselves: 321 NASCAR Cup Series wins, ten Daytona 500 wins, 15 NASCAR Cup Series Championships, coming off a season in which the team won both the Cup Series Championship and the Daytona 500.

So, who better to help Losi bring about an upgrade pack designed to help you get the most out of your car with a professional touch?

The Hendrick Motorsports Track Upgrade Pack brings six key upgrades to your stock Losi RC Chassis, featuring a limited run of machined 6061-T6 aluminum parts with an exclusive dual red and black anodizing These include additions like an Aluminum Bell Crank Set that eliminates “play” and makes steering more consistent. This upgrade is complemented by an adjustable Aluminum Shock Set, which keeps a smooth ride, no matter where you’re racing, be that on concrete or asphalt.

If you’ve ever wanted to set your car up like the pros, this is your chance, as the Hendrick Motorsports Track Upgrade Pack also features a lineup of six different springs to fine-tune your car’s suspension.

The springs range from 8.0 lbf/in to 11.0 lbf/in in various colors.

When it comes to improving the overall durability of your Losi NASCAR RC car’s chassis, the Hendrick Motorsports Track Upgrade Pack also has you covered, featuring an Aluminum Spindle Set and an Aluminum Rear Hub Set. While the ruby red and black build of these parts gives off that iconic Hendrick Motorsports color scheme, the cherry on top of the Hendrick Motorsports Track Upgrade Pack is the special Hendrick Motorsports 380 Motor Heatsinks This heatsink helps your car during long runs, keeping the motor cool and enabling better performance when the going gets tough.

While its addition brings a major upgrade to your car’s performance, it’s hard to overlook the legendary Hendrick Motorsports badge on the heatsink, which brings a real piece of HMS under the hood, or body, of your Losi NASCAR RC car.

The Hendrick Motorsports Track Upgrade Pack is available for a limited time, so make sure to give your Losi NASCAR RC car the championship touch before it’s too late.

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OUT OF THE GROOVE x DEMCO

A

ERIC ESTEPP TAKES ON LAS VEGAS IN A STREET LEGAL STOCK CAR A I had a different set of wheels for my trip out west

this year. My friends at Demco invited me out for a ride in their street-legal NASCAR stock car, and little did I know, that ride would take place on the Las Vegas Strip. I grew up watching the NASCAR awards banquet on TV, seeing race cars on the Strip. I never thought I’d get to live it all these years later. Other motorsports may think they own these streets, but this car begs to differ.

B

B Check Out This Ride

Built by the team at Jeffrey Earnhardt Racing Experience, the

DEMCO® No. 02 Chevrolet is equal parts street car and racing machine (with headlights, taillights, and a license plate included!)

From the steel-block small-block Chevy under the hood to the DOT-approved street tires, this stock car was built to look raceday ready while staying street legal.

No hauler required. This NASCAR stock car rolls under its own power.

C What’s the Ride Like?

C

“I could barely fit in the shotgun side of this thing.” Eric captures

the tight quarters of a stripped-down NASCAR cockpit from the passenger seat.

No creature comforts, just a five-point harness, a roll cage, and the roar of a small-block Chevy. Eric reports live from the co-driver’s seat.

D What Makes it Street Legal?

TURN SIGNALS & LIGHTING: Directionals, hazards, high beams,

low beams, reverse lights, and a windshield wiper with working washer fluid A/C & HEATER: A functional compressor under the hood and a heater core running engine coolant keep VIP passengers comfortable. A rare comfort in an otherwise strippeddown cockpit.

ENGINE & SUSPENSION: An all-steel small-block Chevy (iron block with steel heads), similar to what you’d find in a late-model stock car. The suspension is a typical road course setup, but after seeing the obstacles on the Vegas street course, we added a few rounds of jack bolts to gain roughly an extra inch of ride height.

FUEL: The dry break valve in the quarter panel is disconnected.

Fuel is filled directly into the cell through the decklid. The car runs on 110-octane leaded racing fuel, staying true to its heritage, even as modern NASCAR has transitioned to an ethanol blend.

TIRES: Goodyear racing slicks swapped out for DOT-approved street tires. The slicks can go back on for show or track days, but street duty demands rubber rated for public roads.

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D

E

F E Out on the Road

The DEMCO stock car looks right at home cruising Nevada

highways en route to the Las Vegas Strip.

The ride is a little stiffer than your average commuter.

The team added an extra inch of clearance front and rear to handle speed bumps and dips (and to keep the front splitter intact).

F Hitting the Las Vegas Strip

The DEMCO No. 02 Chevrolet makes its own grand entrance

ahead of race weekend.

Other racing series may have made their mark on these streets, but the rumble of a small-block Chevy announces that stock car

G

racing has arrived in Las Vegas.

“NASCAR goes west.” The DEMCO street-legal stock car rolls past the lights of the Las Vegas Strip, setting the stage for race weekend.

I grew up watching race cars on this Strip during the NASCAR awards banquet. Riding shotgun in one all these years later? That hit different.

G Meet the Fans

Race weekend hadn’t even started yet, and fans were already

lining the Strip for a closer look at the DEMCO No. 02 Chevrolet.

Phones out, jaws dropped. Vegas is no stranger to spectacle, but a NASCAR stock car rolling down the Boulevard still turns heads.

The whole point of the build was fan engagement: letting people touch and experience a stock car up close. Mission accomplished on the Las Vegas Strip.

SECONDS MATTER

Don’t waste your time fighting with an annoying coupler.

EZ-Latch™

Upgrade to the patented EZ-Latch coupler. It snaps on your hitch ball with a tight, secure fit. No pins necessary!

demco-products.com Legal Notice: Product(s) shown protected by one or more U.S. and international patents. For a complete list of applicable patents, please visit www.demco-products.com/about-demco. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Registered trademarks are indicated with ®.

SILENT SUPERSTARS

Safety First: Whelen Engineering’s Impact On, Off, and at the Racetrack hroughout NASCAR’s modern era, several sponsors have become true staples and consistent players in the sport. Names like Coca-Cola, Busch, and Bass Pro Shops are just a few of the sponsors that have supported drivers, races, and events.

While these are among the elite few brands in the sport, few have had the impact of Whelen Engineering.

Over a nearly 30-year span as a sponsor in NASCAR, the Connecticut-based company has made its mark as a former sponsor of series like the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, and through its continuing sponsorships like the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and drivers like Jesse Love.

Of course, the brand’s reach as a business goes far beyond its role as one of the most well-known names and sponsors in NASCAR, as its products play a part in most people’s everyday lives, whether they know it or not.

Founded by George W. Whelen in 1952, Whelen has grown into one of the largest manufacturers of warning lights, sirens, and outdoor warning systems.

As a key player in the world of public and industrial safety, people are around Whelen products and systems on a daily basis.

The brand is active in the production of systems for things such as roadside support vehicles, fire trucks, and even aviation.

Whelen’s presence even extends beyond the United States, as products like their outdoor warning system, which can notify people over a multi-mile radius, are used by governments and companies at sites such as nuclear power plants, colleges, and natural disaster-prone areas.

Though it may seem odd that a brand so important to public safety would become a NASCAR sponsor, one look at a NASCAR race weekend quickly answers any questions about Whelen’s role in NASCAR beyond sponsorship.

Their sponsorship of race cars dates back to 1997, and Whelen’s work as an industry player began even earlier in the 1980s, outfitting NASCAR’s pace cars with their safety lights, a feature still seen on the sport’s pace cars to this day.

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Nowadays, as the Official Warning Lights of NASCAR, if you see a safety vehicle at a NASCAR track, be that a NASCAR official’s vehicle, track dryer, or NASCAR wrecker, it has a Whelen light on it.

For Whelen, the bar doesn’t stop at vehicle lights either, as the brand is also an innovator in NASCAR officiating.

Whelen General Manager of Motorsports, Peter Tiezzi, put their involvement in NASCAR officiating plainly, asking, “If you were to take all the Whelen lights away from a racetrack, what kind of confusion would you have?”

The on-track signals provided by Whelen play a crucial role in track safety and officiating.

This includes their development of the Whelen Race Track Series Caution Light, seen on the catch fences of nearly every race track, which was developed at the behest of NASCAR to unify the caution light system across tracks in the mid-2000s.

On pit road, the infamous pit entry light and the now-defunct (but still remembered) pit exit light were also developed by Whelen, as were the backup caution lights that operate from a battery to inform drivers of a caution should the main system lose power.

As a sponsor, Whelen entered NASCAR through Marsh Racing in the NASCAR Busch Grand National North Series (now ARCA Menards Series East) in 1997, with a small 12-inch decal on Ted Christopher’s No. 13.

As the brand enters its 30th year as a motorsports sponsor, it works with one of the most popular drivers and prospects in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series garage: Richard Childress Racing’s Jesse Love.

When Childress first approached Whelen regarding a sponsorship for Love’s 2024 rookie season, the Whelen team recognized it as a significant opportunity to invest in the future of the sport.

As Tiezzi notes, the company has a long-standing commitment to supporting and developing emerging young drivers.

That shared dedication has proven successful, culminating in Love bringing the brand to victory lane at Phoenix Raceway last fall. The win secured a historic milestone, marking the first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship for both Love and Whelen, and the sixth for RCR. WORDS: KAUY OSTLIEN PHOTOGRAPHY: WHELEN

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SILENT SUPERSTARS • The Gosselins of DGM Racing – Michelle, Mario and Megan – pose with Lori Oquendo, Setcom’s director of sales and marketing, and CEO Russ Rudolph.

A Durable and Dependable Combo

SETCOM JOINS DGM RACING FOR THE 2026 SEASON

hen running a NASCAR team, every piece of the puzzle counts.

Your pit crew needs to be fast, your hauler driver needs to be on time, and even your communications systems, whether on or off the track, need to be top-notch to ensure that every race week is as perfect as possible.

This season, a veteran team in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series brought a veteran of the communications industry into the fold as DGM Racing introduced its new Official Team Communications Provider, Setcom.

Though racing fans may not know who Setcom is, those who work in the public safety or industrial sectors likely know their line of wireless headsets and communications systems, used across the country by countless first responders.

Their long line of wireless headsets and communications systems is used by firefighters, EMS, and law enforcement, and their products can be found in other industries like construction and oil and gas, building communications systems for individuals working in fields that need rugged and reliable products.

This experience in loud mission-critical environments translates naturally to the world of racing, where clarity, durability, and simplicity are just as essential. Still, while Setcom may have an established record in the public sector, motorsports is a major step, albeit a somewhat familiar one for Setcom.

In the past, Setcom supported select motorsports applications, but nearly two decades have passed since that work. Now, re-entering the sport at the second-highest level of stock car racing, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, marks a meaningful and exciting step forward for the brand.

With NASCAR established in its track communications systems, Setcom needs to find a unique way to work within the sport, setting its sights on helping family-owned NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series team DGM Racing beef up its communications around race day, including pre-race and post-race needs.

DGM Racing, owned by NASCAR veteran Mario Gosselin and his family, has proven to be one of the most consistent and competitive underdogs in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series garage for nearly a decade now.

Over the past few seasons, DGM has shown that even in the ever-changing sport of NASCAR, hard work can still take a team a long way.

As Setcom Director of Sales & Marketing, Lori Oquendo, explained, DGM was the right fit for Setcom as the team brings the same mindset to the race track week in and week out that the team at Setcom sees in their customers.

“They have the same grit, the same consistency, and that crew-first or team-first mindset,

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and that mirrors a lot of our customers and what they do,” Oquendo said. “So, for us, it feels kind of like a natural extension to our mission to provide critical communication to first responders and industrial crews.”

To get DGM integrated with Setcom systems, the team has turned to its wireless LiberatorMAX system to help them communicate in the loud pre- and post-race environments you’ll find during a NASCAR race weekend.

The LiberatorMAX system allows up to eight DGM crew members to work together and communicate hands‑free in full‑duplex (everyone can talk and hear each other simultaneously). The system offers no base station, no pairing, and simple operations.

The system also offers up to sixteen selectable communication groups, allowing multiple crews or VIP groups to operate side‑by‑side without cross‑talk.

Setcom is also giving DGM a leg up with their VIP guests during races, as part of a unique application to DGM’s VIP pit box experience, allowing the team’s VIPs to talk to one another while also listening to live team radio through a handheld race‑day scanner plugged directly into the headset. This creates an immersive, premium pit‑box experience that traditional scanner headsets can’t replicate.

NASCAR fans are used to seeing brands and products on the sides of racecars or in the hands of crew members and drivers, but rarely do they get to see these brands used by teams competing at the highest levels of NASCAR and by those serving the public in the real world.

This rare air makes the pairing of DGM and Setcom an eye-catching combo at the track, an area in which Setcom felt a need to prove itself.

Oquendo says that loud, high-stress environments are exactly where Setcom shines.

With decades of experience supporting firefighters, police motor units, and industrial teams, NASCAR provides a high‑visibility proving ground to demonstrate the same durability, clarity, and simplicity that their mission‑critical customers rely on.

“This is a high-visibility opportunity to demonstrate our credibility in different spaces and show our customers exactly what our equipment is built for,” Oquendo said.

WORDS: KAUY OSTLIEN PHOTOGRAPHY: SETCOM

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Tyler Reddick’s blistering start to 2026 has him looking like NASCAR’s next driver to turn early success into something much bigger.

BY STEVEN TARANTO For most, the odds are that if they keep returning to the table and trying their hand, the dice will roll just right and they’ll be able to say they’ve won. Getting the hot hand and hitting the jackpot, however, is a much different and more exclusive matter.

To this point, 206 drivers in history have been able to say they’ve won a NASCAR Cup Series race at least once. Of that group, 144 of those have been able to win at least twice, 89 have won at least five times, 67 have won 10 or more times, and a mere 43 drivers have managed to win more than 20, illustrating that while winning just one race is a major accomplishment, it takes much more for a driver to take their career to the next level and start piling up trophies.

Generally when examining the careers of the winningest drivers, there is a demarcation between the point at which they were a Cup race winner and the point that they leveled up, hit the jackpot, and took their winning ways to the next level. Dale Earnhardt was a Cup champion and a multi-time winner in his first few seasons, but it wasn’t until he won 16 races and two Cup championships between 1986 and 1987 that he became The Intimidator. Jeff Gordon’s first two wins in 1994 were a major breakthrough, but he was still Boy Wonder until his reign of 40 wins and three Cup championships between 1995 and 1998 made him something far greater.

Time will tell whether it truly comes to be or not, but the early portion of the 2026 season suggests that Tyler Reddick may very well be experiencing this very metamorphosis in his Cup career.

Reddick began the year with a last lap pass to win his first Daytona 500, but that seismic accomplishment proved just the tip of the iceberg. With wins in the next two races at Atlanta and Circuit of the Americas, Reddick became the first driver in NASCAR history to win the opening three races of a Cup season. A few weeks later, Reddick won Darlington to make it four wins in the first six races, something that had only been done before by Dale Earnhardt in 1987 and Bill Elliott in 1992.

It isn’t just Reddick’s recent string of success that has proved a turning point in his career, though. Equally as important to Reddick’s accomplishments on the racetrack, if not even more, is the fact that he is bringing celebrity team co-owner and basketball icon Michael Jordan along for the ride.

MJ’s presence at the track and in Victory Lane alongside his driver has been inextricable from Reddick’s success, and it has vaulted him into the national spotlight as the face of Michael Jordan’s success as a NASCAR car owner. Reddick has been in demand from programs ranging from CBS Mornings to Pat McAfee that are well beyond the typical scope of stock car racing press. Victory Lane recreations of some of Jordan’s most famous photos, from three fingers up after three straight NBA titles to later four fingers and a cigar, have put Reddick front and center at the intersection of NASCAR history, NBA callbacks, and the national sports consciousness.

Tyler Reddick is far from the only driver in the current Cup Series field to have gone through a transformative period in his career.

Some of the other biggest stars in NASCAR have experienced the change from a trickle to an onslaught of success themselves, including none other than its reigning champion.

As heralded as his talent has been from the time he first stepped foot into stock cars, consistent massive success did not come quickly for Kyle Larson. Between 2014 and 2019, Larson only won six times, had a mere three seasons with a win, and never finished better than sixth in the championship standings. While held in high regard as one of NASCAR’s top young talents, it wasn’t until Larson joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2021 that he truly became a superstar and one of the best drivers of his generation.

Larson’s first year with Hendrick was one for the ages, as he had one of the most statistically dominant seasons in Cup Series history, 10 wins, 20 top fives, 26 top 10s, 2,581 laps led and an average finish of 9.1, on his way to his first Cup championship. It brought Larson to NASCAR’s pinnacle, a place where he has stayed ever since while adding another Cup title in 2025.

Taking a career to the next level isn’t just a young driver’s game, either. Sometimes, as in the case of Denny Hamlin, a driver can already be an established Cup star yet still find that there are even greater things ahead.

Between 2006 and 2018, Denny Hamlin had earned 31 career wins, including a victory in the closest Daytona 500 finish ever and two victories in the Southern 500 at Darlington. But from 2019 onward, and even as he approached and then surpassed age 40, Hamlin has arguably been better than he had ever been before.

Nearly half of Hamlin’s 61 career Cup wins have come in his last eight seasons, including three seasons with six or more wins. In that time frame, Hamlin has added two more Daytona 500 wins, another Southern 500, a Coca-Cola 600, and has finished in the top five of the final championship standings six times while coming so tantalizingly close to his first Cup championship.

With the Cup Series season still in its opening stanza, it remains to be seen exactly where this transformative stretch of Reddick’s career will lead. His string of victories to start the year has given him a very comfortable points lead, which projects to provide significant runway toward contending for the Cup championship. Reddick’s early success could be the prelude to much larger accomplishments, or it could prove to be a more contained burst of brilliance, like the September 1991 streak that turned Hall of Famer Harry Gant from a cagey veteran into the legendary “Mr. September.”

Whatever the future has in store, Reddick still holds the hot hand in the present. And as the high roller of the Cup field, the roll he is on may very well lead to an even greater jackpot, one that takes the Corning, California, native’s career to new heights.

This now reads much more naturally without the quotes. The grade on this version is around an A- / B+ range structurally, with the biggest remaining opportunity being a final polish pass for magazine rhythm and a few sentence-tightening edits.

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O’REILLY AUTO PARTS SERIES PROFILE

Justin Allgaier is still answering

NASCAR’S BIGGEST ”WHAT-IF”

In the great career of Justin Allgaier, the biggest “what-if” is what he could have done at the Cup level if he had been given a better opportunity. Every now and then, when circumstances allow, that question gets at least partially answered.

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mong the many titles Allgaier has earned in his career as an O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion is reserve driver for Hendrick Motorsports, a role that calls on him to race one of Hendrick’s Cup cars if one of its full-time drivers is unable to compete. In the past, Allgaier has performed admirably in that role, most notably when he finished 12th in the 2024 Coca-Cola 600 driving Kyle Larson’s car. But that does not mean the opportunity is necessarily welcome when it comes.

In the third race of the season at Circuit of the Americas, all seemed normal for Hendrick’s No. 48 team until driver Alex Bowman began feeling so unwell that he had to bring the car to the garage and climb out midway through the race. He was later diagnosed with vertigo, which has kept him out of the seat for more than a month. After Anthony Alfredo filled in for Bowman at Phoenix, substitute duties for the No. 48 have belonged to Allgaier from Las Vegas onward.

Allgaier admitted that while he appreciates the opportunity to drive the No. 48, he is in a tough spot because of the circumstances surrounding Bowman and his health. It has also created an unfamiliar challenge, as for the first time in his career he is regularly pulling double duty, splitting time between his full-time ride with JR Motorsports in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and his Cup ride at Hendrick.

“I don’t want to not give 100 percent for either side,” Allgaier said.

“When you’re driving the No. 7 and we’re battling on a weekly basis, you want to give the 7 guys the best job you can give them and be the best race car driver you can be. But also for the Cup side, I want to do the best job I can for the No. 48 guys and make sure that they’re in a position where they can go try to be the best they can.

“My weeks of racing are so unique, because I’m literally studying for two different final exams every week. I’m studying everything I need to know about the O’Reilly Series and what I can do to be better, and then inversely I’m doing the same thing for the Cup side. It’s definitely a lot harder to navigate the Cup world and do it on short notice. I mean, luckily we’ve had a couple races now where we kind of knew we were doing this, but they’re still trying to build around what I want, whereas they already knew Alex, they know what his driving style is, they know what he likes in a race car. We obviously drive quite a bit differently, so we’re still trying to figure out what that sweet spot looks like and what we need to do to be better and put ourselves in position to have some success on the racetrack.

“I just think it’s been a unique experience, but it’s also been fun to get to fill in and be back on the Cup side. I love the Cup side, and it is a blast and it is so much fun. So you hope that you’re doing the best job you can, and for us I think when it’s all said and done, hopefully you can look back at these races and feel like we got better and learned more and they can have a notebook for when Alex does get back that they can go and have some success. That’s really what the goal comes down to.”

With Bowman out for an extended period, there is more to Allgaier’s substitute role than simply driving the No. 48 on Sundays. There are team meetings to attend, simulator sessions to complete, data to study, and sponsor appearances to make, all of which Allgaier has had to handle in Bowman’s absence. There is also the matter of coordinating his schedule between crew chiefs Blake Harris in Cup and Andrew Overstreet in O’Reilly so he can meet obligations to both teams.

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SECTION TITLE O’REILLY AUTO PARTS SERIES PROFILE Fortunately for Allgaier, there is plenty working in his favor when it comes to handling double duty. For one, he has years of experience behind the wheel, even if he still faces the challenge of adapting to a different group of competitors in Cup, many of whose tendencies he is still learning in real time.

There is also something to be said for the fact that even stepping into a Hendrick car, Allgaier does not need to press to prove himself. Unlike a younger or less established driver, one who might feel that a chance with a top Cup team could make or break his career, Allgaier already has a decorated résumé at the O’Reilly level. Even so, he still understands the pressure that comes with driving equipment capable of winning.

“You’re jumping into a Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, you want to run good. And obviously we haven’t had the results on the track that I think we would’ve liked to have had,” Allgaier said. “But sometimes the finishes are important, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like we have a job to do and we need to learn. And some of the stuff that we as a race team are learning can help all four of the Hendrick Chevrolets, right? So you’re kind of in a nice position.

“I want to see this team grow. And if we can keep running better and better, do I want to go out there and win races in the Cup Series?

Absolutely. But let’s be honest, that’s probably the hardest thing in the world to do. So I just have to go out there and keep making our program better. And if all of that stuff happens, then we’ll put ourselves in position to have some better finishes and hopefully, like I said, help this team.”

If there is any veteran driver who can attest to how difficult the Cup Series is, it is Allgaier. After rising to stardom and winning races as a young driver at the O’Reilly level, Allgaier got his chance to race full-time in Cup beginning in 2014. But with a mid-tier team running hand-me-down equipment, he had little opportunity to be consistently competitive.

After two unsatisfying years and just a single Top 10 finish in Cup, Allgaier returned to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with JR Motorsports in 2016, where he has since built a legacy that has become a frequent topic of conversation.

With three wins to start the 2026 season, Allgaier moved to 31 career O’Reilly wins, tying NASCAR Hall of Famer Jack Ingram on the series’ all-time wins list. With one more victory, Allgaier will become the all-time winningest driver among those who built their NASCAR careers racing full-time at the O’Reilly level.

Ask Allgaier, and that kind of distinction is about appreciating what he has been able to do and being thankful for the opportunities

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he has had in NASCAR. Ask others, though, and you will get a range of opinions on how his career stacks up. Some would say Allgaier is a future Hall of Famer, and maybe even the greatest O’Reilly Series driver ever. Others may not view Allgaier, or any driver whose accomplishments did not come primarily at the Cup level, as worthy of that honor.

That thought, however, flies in the face of Jack Ingram’s existing Hall of Fame spot, along with the candidacies of other O’Reilly Series legends such as Sam Ard, Randy LaJoie, and many others who have earned serious consideration. And it certainly is not an idea Allgaier will let go unchallenged.

“I hate the fact that there are people that believe that the Hall of Fame should just be Cup guys only. I don’t appreciate that opinion,” Allgaier said. “Because I feel like there’s so many guys that have grown this sport to what it is today that are people that I looked up to. You mentioned Sam Ard, you mentioned Jack Ingram, you mentioned Randy LaJoie, all guys that were heroes. They were guys that I feel like you looked up to, you appreciated what they accomplished.

“I never took anything away from any of those guys because I thought that they weren’t good at what they did. I always valued what they did. And look, I’ve probably chosen to stay in the O’Reilly Series for different reasons than others. But I feel good about that decision. I wouldn’t change that.”

In another timeline, with another opportunity, perhaps Allgaier could have accomplished more in the Cup Series than his O’Reilly Auto Parts Series career, or these occasional substitute appearances, have allowed him to show. But in this timeline, and with the opportunities he has had, Allgaier is just as quick to recognize what he has built and to be proud of it.

And even if he does not know whether it will ultimately put him in the Hall of Fame, what has been, for Justin Allgaier, may be just as meaningful as any what-if.

“Yeah, money’s great, fame is great. But sometimes that’s not really what drives a human being to do what they love to do,” Allgaier said. “And so for me, I’ve been super lucky to have great people around me and fantastic race cars to drive. And if I had gone to the Cup Series many years ago, maybe I don’t have this career that I have today, you know what I mean?

“It’s a unique mindset, but I’ll never second guess what I’ve chosen to do.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

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CATCHING UP WITH

Sheldon

Creed

BY JOSEPH WOLKIN

Sheldon Creed is obsessed with racing. But this is not just a job for the California native.

“It’s gotta be fun,” Creed says. “You’re doing it so many weeks each year, traveling away from your family, so my number one rule is it’s gotta be fun.”

Creed, 28, has stayed positive despite several difficult years in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He made a name for himself not by winning races, but finishing in second place a record 15 times.

The plague carried over from team-to-team, from Richard Childress Racing to Joe Gibbs Racing and, eventually, Haas Factory Team.

After competing for two seasons in RCR’s flagship No. 2 Chevrolet, Creed departed the team in disappointing fashion. He entered the seat as one of NASCAR’s hottest prospects, fresh off capturing the 2020 Craftsman Truck Series championship. Creed was constantly competing at the front of the Truck Series field, and he was expected to do the same with RCR. But that isn’t what happened. Instead, he raced in the middle of the pack for the majority of his two years with the No. 2 team.

However, he had flashes of brilliance, with his first runner-up result coming at the end of his rookie season at Martinsville, followed by six more second-place results in his sophomore campaign.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

“I always try to look at the glass as half full,” Creed says.

“I try to keep confidence in myself and in my team. I just struggled for some reason to go fast every week. We had glimpses of really good days. I put a lot of pressure on myself. I don’t know if the industry put a lot of pressure on me, but I felt pressure like, ‘Is this guy going to win or is he going to give up and go home?’ To finally do it was incredible, and now I’m going to try to do it a lot more.”

Each year, these close calls added up. If Creed turned those near-wins into actual victories, his career could look vastly different. He could have been a championship contender. Instead, he has yet to crack the top five in the standings, even after he developed to become one of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ most consistent drivers.

But when Creed made the move from Joe Gibbs Racing to the newly rebranded Haas Factory Team in 2025, expectations were high. And he believed he would finally make his way into the Winner’s Circle following a 2024 campaign in which Creed was second in the series in top fives (16) and tied with Cole Custer for the most top 10s (23).

“Switching manufacturers and teams three years in a row has its challenges,” Creed explains. ”When I came in here last year, I felt good and comfortable. It’s easy to communicate with everyone and the team inside of the shop. They all work together really well. The [Nos.] 00 and 41 teams work really well together. It obviously took me some time with crew chiefs for them to learn about me and what I like in the car, and for me to learn what their adjustments are and how big of changes they make.

We’d struggle for a bit, get good, then struggle. We were just seeing what I liked and what the car liked, building a notebook. We’ve made improvements all around.”

Creed’s first year with Haas Factory Team became more of the same, with another pair of runner-up results at Martinsville and Bristol, respectively.

In 2026, Creed entered the year with high hopes again.

This time, Haas Factory Team was truly ready, as the organization left Ford to rejoin the Chevrolet camp, reuniting Creed with the bow tie for the first time since he split PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

with RCR after the 2023 season. And to make matters better for Creed, he is now part of Josh Wise’s Wise Optimization program once again, a training he believes is already improving his on-track performance.

Come the second race of the year at Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway, Creed, a great drafter, was on Cloud 9. His No. 00 Chevrolet was near the front of the field for the majority of the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250. Essentially, he was on the opposite end of the luck spectrum for the first time.

Creed entered the final lap in third place on the outside of Jesse Love, who was competing in his old No. 2 car. Entering Turn 3, Ross Chastain went low underneath Creed’s old RCR teammate Austin Hill, who attempted to block the hard-charging No. 32 car. But it didn’t work and Creed flew right by the colliding cars to win his first career race, breaking a 137-race winless streak.

“I was ecstatic to finally do it after four years of trying and going into my fifth year in the series,” Creed recalls. “It took way too long. Fifteen second-place finishes, and that was my 138th start. It was obviously way too long. There was a lot of built-up pressure.

“Our cars are more competitive this year than they were last. I wouldn’t say it’s been easier to run up front, but I feel like I’m making better decisions and the car being faster helps a lot. I feel like I don’t wear 100 pounds on my shoulder anymore like I was searching for that first win. I’m focused on racing and just trying to improve every week.”

Now, Creed can take a deep breath. He is finally an O’Reilly Auto Parts Series winner. His focus has shifted to winning more frequently, rather than just getting into Victory Lane once.

Creed believes his No. 00 team, led by crew chief Jonathan Toney, can advance deep into the Chase.

“It would be incredible,” Creed says of potentially capturing the championship victory. “If I can win this, then I’d have an ARCA, Truck and O’Reilly championship going into a Cup ride hopefully in the next couple of years. Then, hopefully you have a competitive team in the Cup Series and try to win a championship there, as well. Obviously, it gets harder at every level. If you look at Cup right now, there’s a ton of really good drivers and they’ve all won at some point.”

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Andrés

Pérez de Lara

CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES PROFILE

Pérez de Lara brings Mexican roots to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

BY JOSEPH WOLKIN

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Andrés Pérez de Lara is a name NASCAR fans need to get used to, and fast.

The 21-year-old Mexican racer is stepping up to the occasion with Niece Motorsports, attempting to become the Craftsman Truck Series’ first-ever international champion. He accomplished this feat in the ARCA Menards Series in 2024 with Rev Racing, putting him on the map for a ride in NASCAR’s third-tier division with Spire Motorsports in 2025.

“I started back in Mexico,” Pérez de Lara recalls of his racing journey’s beginning. “My dad was a racing driver, so I’ve been in this for a while. I started road course racing in karting in Mexico. I transitioned into NASCAR with Rev Racing and the Drive for Diversity program. I started racing in Trucks full-time last year, and I’m back for more this year.”

While karting throughout Mexico, the young racer was competing against his brother, Pablo, developing his racing abilities while turning left and right. By 2020, he was a champion in the NASCAR Mikel’s Truck Series.

The journey – to say the least – has been anything but easy for Pérez de Lara.

“It’s always been a hard jump, and it has its challenges,” Pérez de Lara explains. “But it’s also been really cool and I’ve enjoyed the experience. It’s a challenge moving from Mexico to the U.S., and you have the cultural differences and the language. There are so many things that you have to adapt to. It makes it a new challenge, and it’s helped me grow as a driver and as a person. I feel like I’m already up to speed here in NASCAR and in the U.S.” In 2022, Pérez de Lara applied to the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, being accepted in his first try with Rev Racing.

The Rev Racing folks opted to warm him up with sporadic starts across the different ARCA Menards Series divisions before giving him a chance to race full time in 2023.

At 18, Pérez de Lara put his name on the map. His goal was to follow Drive for Diversity graduates, such as Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, Rajah Caruth, Nick Sanchez and someone who became his close friend, Daniel Suarez.

Pérez de Lara became a weekly force in the ARCA Menards Series, running in the top-five week-in and week-out. Though he never scored a win in the division, his consistency was second to none in 2024. He became a champion at just 19 years old.

Despite Pérez de Lara’s consistency in the ARCA Menards Series, the results did not transfer over so quickly with Spire Motorsports. The prospect largely competed in the middle of the pack, with just two top 10s through the first 17 races. So he took a gamble and made a rare mid-season swap, joining Niece Motorsports for the final eight contests in 2025.

“It was definitely a big jump,” he recalls of his rookie season.

“Obviously, things didn’t work last year at Spire. We had some success, but there were also struggles. Making the move to Niece midway during the year was an unknown, but it was really a good move for me and we ran well. It was a good change, and to continue it this year has been great. I feel like the team has a lot of motivation.”

The decision paid off, and Pérez de Lara’s potential was slowly beginning to develop. He ran exceptionally well at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, leading 47 laps before eventually PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

fading in the second half of the race. But to lead the field was enough to give him the confidence that he can indeed get the job done.

“We want to be in the Chase,” Pérez de Lara says of his 2026 goals. “We’ve been consistent enough, so we want to fight for the championship and that comes with consistency. My personal goal is to get a race win. That would be really cool to have. It’s something I’ve been working really hard to have. If we put everything together, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be able to compete in the top in the Truck Series.

“Consistency is going to be really important, so we need to put good results together. We want to win the race, and that will help even more.”

With veteran crew chief Wally Rogers at the helm, the No. 44 team could be one to watch for as the season rolls on. And when the Chevrolet Silverado visits tracks for the second (sometimes, the third time) this year, Pérez de Lara wants to be out front.

“The first one that comes to mind is Watkins Glen,” he says of tracks he’s circled in 2026. “I have a road course background and I’ve performed really well there the last couple of years. There’s a lot of others that I’m excited for. Last year, New Hampshire wasn’t a track I was looking forward to – it was just a track that was there – and I didn’t have any expectations, but it ended up being one of our best ones. We led a couple of laps and ran in the top five. If that’s the case this year, it can be at any race that we’re going to put everything together.”

As Pérez de Lara continues to develop his on-track skills, his brand is also expanding. This year, he inked a deal with Tajín and Zambos via parent company Mexilink Inc., welcoming these two snack brands to NASCAR for the first time. Telcel is also continuing to back him, and Acceptance Insurance joined the No. 44 team.

“The support I bring from Mexico has been awesome,” Pérez de Lara says of his partners. “Having brands from Mexico support me in the U.S. has been really cool, and it’s also helped me a lot to be in this position. This year, we added Acceptance Insurance and all of the other stuff that we’re working on is really cool. I feel like things are starting to work out better in that area. Me coming from Mexico opens the doors for having those opportunities to bring partners, as well.”

And to make things even sweeter, his friendship with Suarez is what led to signing Acceptance Insurance.

“I see him a lot, and he’s been supportive and he’s always there,” Pérez de Lara says of Suarez. “And the partner connection with Daniel has made it stronger. More than advice, the way he looks at his career and all of the stuff we did coming from Mexico to the U.S. requires further learning, and there’s so many things we can get out of it. We support each other.”

As Pérez de Lara looks forward, his goal is quite clear. He wants to be the next Drive for Diversity graduate to make it to the top and make his country proud.

“My short-term goal is to win a race and be in the Chase,” he says of his future. “My long-term goal is to be in the Cup Series.

However that path looks like, I still don’t know. But I want to be in the Cup Series and I want to keep growing my career here in the U.S. That’s what I work for everyday.”

POLE POSITION MAG.COM

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POLE POSITION 2026

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NASCAR LEGENDS

THROUGH THE LENS

DALE EARNHARDT Indianapolis photographer Brian Spurlock shares a few favorite Dale Earnhardt images.

Photographer Brian Spurlock has spent years behind the camera covering many sports, including NASCAR. He followed a path that runs in the family, as his father photographed sports before him. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Spurlock shot NASCAR extensively during the 1990s and early 2000s, building a collection of images from that period.

To honor Dale Earnhardt, he wanted to share a few images he has always enjoyed, giving NASCAR Pole Position readers a chance to look back at one of the sport’s most recognizable figures through his perspective.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: BRIAN SPURLOCK

SECTION TITLE

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POLE POSITION 2026

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

POLE POSITION MAG.COM

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TO WATCH FOR IN 2026 75 THINGS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE ULTIMATE NASCAR POLE POSITION

RACING BUCKET LIST TRACKSIDE

TRIVIA

THE CHASE IS ON...

AGAIN The Intimidator’s Presence Still Strong After 25 Years

II

FE BRUARY-MARC H 2026

2026

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