ROSSBURG, OH (June 3, 2026) – The dirt Late Model world knew ahead of time that the inaugural Blaster 57 Special at Mansfield Speedway was going to be a big weekend. But no one knew quite how big it would become.

Thanks to some unprecedented generosity from the Niss family, drivers competed for two $100,000 paydays on the same weekend for the first time in the history of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision. When it was all set and done, Series regulars Tyler Erb and Nick Hoffman emerged victorious on the biggest nights of their respective careers.

Due to the last-minute nature of the gesture, drivers didn’t realize what was at stake on Friday’s opening night until they were on the track preparing to go green for what they thought was a standard $12,000-to-win Feature. Moments before the field rolled off, race director Mitchell Hedstrom came over the one-way radio with a message Erb in particular will never forget.

“It was just wild,” Erb said of the last-minute purse boost. “Never really heard of anything like that. Wasn’t on my radar that it would ever happen, but you know, it did, and we were in the right position and it worked out.”

Erb was starting on the outside of the front row when he got the news, so his mind was instantly on the prospect of winning $100,000. It was a slightly different story for Hoffman, who was starting sixth with only 40 laps to get to the front.

“It makes you drive way harder,” Hoffman said. “At that point, I’m starting decent, but I don’t want to kill myself, just get out of here with an OK points night, which is how it ended up for me, anyway. I just ended up seventh, and it was just whatever, it was OK. [Saturday], they tell us that, and I’m starting in an even better spot. I feel like I’ve got a better car I set up a little bit different. It was unreal.”

In the moments after their triumphs, both drivers got the chance to thank the one who made it possible. While he preferred to stay behind the scenes for most of the weekend, Dan Niss came down to the frontstretch on both nights to congratulate the winners and take a photo in Victory Lane.

“Obviously, that guy’s got it,” Erb said. “He was just super excited. He loves the community, and that was kind of what he was telling me. Obviously, I’ve never met this guy, I don’t know who he is. It was really cool, super nice guy, super nice family. I really appreciate his wild idea to just throw 88 grand on top of the pot right there last second. Just really cool, really special, happy that I was able to be the best benefactor of it all.”

“He was very gracious to me,” Hoffman added. “He felt like I earned that race and he was proud to give me that extra money and stuff. So, very thankful for him.”

Of course, Mansfield was the first of two huge weeks of racing in the state of Ohio, the second being Eldora Speedway’s Dirt Late Model Dream. Many teams made the 150-mile drive across the state immediately after action concluded at Mansfield, but not Hoffman’s. They had to make the eight-hour tow back to Mooresville, NC to pick up the car built with only one mission – winning at Eldora.

Reserving a car specifically for “The Big E” that otherwise sits in the corner of the shop for 50 weeks a year isn’t a new strategy. It’s one utilized by Hoffman’s close friend, Jonathan Davenport, whose “Eldora car” is arguably the most successful chassis in the history of the sport with three Dream wins, two World 100s and the 2022 Eldora Million under its belt since it rolled out of the Longhorn Chassis shop in 2021.

Hoffman’s “Eldora car” made him the only driver in the sport to finish on the podium in the Dream and the World last year, and his Mansfield victory has him among the favorites to break through for another six-figure payday on Saturday night.

“Definitely way more confident, for sure,” Hoffman said. “Luckily, our car that we ran in both the Dream and the World last year was sitting there pretty much ready to go. We buttoned that thing up on Monday and Tuesday and got over to the racetrack. Super confident, I know our cars are good enough.”

Erb’s recent hot streak is one of a multitude of reasons for him to look forward to Eldora. For one, it has become his home track, as he lives near the Best Performance Motorsports shop in St. Marys, OH, 40 minutes from Eldora. Erb will also unload a tribute wrap honoring Kyle Busch at the Dream, as his ride resembles the No. 51 Super Late Model that “Rowdy” drove to victory in several of the biggest pavement short track races in the nation.

Additionally, a portion of his merchandise revenue this week will be donated to the Future Family Development Program at Texas Children’s Hospital. The gift is a continuation of Erb’s support for the facility where he was once a patient while battling cancer as a child.

“Just trying to bring good to the world,” Erb said. “Same as last year when we did the other wrap [designed by children at the hospital]. You know, we can’t really do the same wrap we did last year, so it was just a perfect play. The things that his [Bundle of Joy Fund] has done is similar, obviously on a larger scale. A lot of bad and hateful stuff goes on in what we do, just trying to bring some light and good to it every night.”

Whether or not Erb crosses his first Eldora crown jewel win off his to-do list on Saturday, his five-race top-10 streak in World of Outlaws competition has him in an enviable position when the season resumes next weekend at West Virginia Motor Speedway. Erb is up to third in points and has built a 40-point gap between himself and Drake Troutman in fourth ahead of Erb’s debut at the newly-reconfigured 3/8-mile, which kicks off the busiest portion of the season with 15 race nights packed into 30 days.

“I’m excited,” Erb said. “I like racing no matter where we go or what we do. It’s a new track, basically, a new experience. We’ll hit it headfirst and see what happens.”

Erb, Hoffman and the rest of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will continue the 2026 season at West Virginia Motor Speedway on Friday and Saturday, June 12-13. Get your tickets in advance by clicking here.

Want to watch the World of Outlaws? Stream every race live on DIRTVision.

Six-Figure Success Has Erb, Hoffman Rolling Into Eldora, World of Outlaws Summer Stretch

ROSSBURG, OH (June 3, 2026) – The dirt Late Model world knew ahead of time that the inaugural Blaster 57 Special at Mansfield Speedway was going to be a big weekend. But no one knew quite how big it would become.

Thanks to some unprecedented generosity from the Niss family, drivers competed for two $100,000 paydays on the same weekend for the first time in the history of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision. When it was all set and done, Series regulars Tyler Erb and Nick Hoffman emerged victorious on the biggest nights of their respective careers.

Due to the last-minute nature of the gesture, drivers didn’t realize what was at stake on Friday’s opening night until they were on the track preparing to go green for what they thought was a standard $12,000-to-win Feature. Moments before the field rolled off, race director Mitchell Hedstrom came over the one-way radio with a message Erb in particular will never forget.

“It was just wild,” Erb said of the last-minute purse boost. “Never really heard of anything like that. Wasn’t on my radar that it would ever happen, but you know, it did, and we were in the right position and it worked out.”

Erb was starting on the outside of the front row when he got the news, so his mind was instantly on the prospect of winning $100,000. It was a slightly different story for Hoffman, who was starting sixth with only 40 laps to get to the front.

“It makes you drive way harder,” Hoffman said. “At that point, I’m starting decent, but I don’t want to kill myself, just get out of here with an OK points night, which is how it ended up for me, anyway. I just ended up seventh, and it was just whatever, it was OK. [Saturday], they tell us that, and I’m starting in an even better spot. I feel like I’ve got a better car I set up a little bit different. It was unreal.”

In the moments after their triumphs, both drivers got the chance to thank the one who made it possible. While he preferred to stay behind the scenes for most of the weekend, Dan Niss came down to the frontstretch on both nights to congratulate the winners and take a photo in Victory Lane.

“Obviously, that guy’s got it,” Erb said. “He was just super excited. He loves the community, and that was kind of what he was telling me. Obviously, I’ve never met this guy, I don’t know who he is. It was really cool, super nice guy, super nice family. I really appreciate his wild idea to just throw 88 grand on top of the pot right there last second. Just really cool, really special, happy that I was able to be the best benefactor of it all.”

“He was very gracious to me,” Hoffman added. “He felt like I earned that race and he was proud to give me that extra money and stuff. So, very thankful for him.”

Of course, Mansfield was the first of two huge weeks of racing in the state of Ohio, the second being Eldora Speedway’s Dirt Late Model Dream. Many teams made the 150-mile drive across the state immediately after action concluded at Mansfield, but not Hoffman’s. They had to make the eight-hour tow back to Mooresville, NC to pick up the car built with only one mission – winning at Eldora.

Reserving a car specifically for “The Big E” that otherwise sits in the corner of the shop for 50 weeks a year isn’t a new strategy. It’s one utilized by Hoffman’s close friend, Jonathan Davenport, whose “Eldora car” is arguably the most successful chassis in the history of the sport with three Dream wins, two World 100s and the 2022 Eldora Million under its belt since it rolled out of the Longhorn Chassis shop in 2021.

Hoffman’s “Eldora car” made him the only driver in the sport to finish on the podium in the Dream and the World last year, and his Mansfield victory has him among the favorites to break through for another six-figure payday on Saturday night.

“Definitely way more confident, for sure,” Hoffman said. “Luckily, our car that we ran in both the Dream and the World last year was sitting there pretty much ready to go. We buttoned that thing up on Monday and Tuesday and got over to the racetrack. Super confident, I know our cars are good enough.”

Erb’s recent hot streak is one of a multitude of reasons for him to look forward to Eldora. For one, it has become his home track, as he lives near the Best Performance Motorsports shop in St. Marys, OH, 40 minutes from Eldora. Erb will also unload a tribute wrap honoring Kyle Busch at the Dream, as his ride resembles the No. 51 Super Late Model that “Rowdy” drove to victory in several of the biggest pavement short track races in the nation.

Additionally, a portion of his merchandise revenue this week will be donated to the Future Family Development Program at Texas Children’s Hospital. The gift is a continuation of Erb’s support for the facility where he was once a patient while battling cancer as a child.

“Just trying to bring good to the world,” Erb said. “Same as last year when we did the other wrap [designed by children at the hospital]. You know, we can’t really do the same wrap we did last year, so it was just a perfect play. The things that his [Bundle of Joy Fund] has done is similar, obviously on a larger scale. A lot of bad and hateful stuff goes on in what we do, just trying to bring some light and good to it every night.”

Whether or not Erb crosses his first Eldora crown jewel win off his to-do list on Saturday, his five-race top-10 streak in World of Outlaws competition has him in an enviable position when the season resumes next weekend at West Virginia Motor Speedway. Erb is up to third in points and has built a 40-point gap between himself and Drake Troutman in fourth ahead of Erb’s debut at the newly-reconfigured 3/8-mile, which kicks off the busiest portion of the season with 15 race nights packed into 30 days.

“I’m excited,” Erb said. “I like racing no matter where we go or what we do. It’s a new track, basically, a new experience. We’ll hit it headfirst and see what happens.”

Erb, Hoffman and the rest of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will continue the 2026 season at West Virginia Motor Speedway on Friday and Saturday, June 12-13. Get your tickets in advance by clicking here.

Want to watch the World of Outlaws? Stream every race live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/six-figure-success-has-erb-hoffman-rolling-into-eldora-world-of-outlaws-summer-stretch/

Winning design, selected by Josh Berry, to be featured as pit wall banner at IndianapolisSTUART, Va. (June 3, 2026) – Wood Brothers Racing, in partnership with PPG, is excited to announce the return of the Kids Color PPG contest, a fan-favorite initiative designed to engage young racing enthusiasts through creativity and racing tradition.Now open to fans 15 and under, this year’s edition of the contest invites kids to design a custom PPG pit wall banner themed around “America’s Birthday Celebration” in honor of America’s 250th birthday. One lucky winner will have their artwork, selected by Wood Brothers Racing driver Josh Berry, brought to life and displayed as the No. 21 team’s pit wall banner during the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 26, where Berry will pilot the No. 21 PPG Ford Mustang Dark Horse.In addition to seeing their design featured on pit road at one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events, the winner and their family will also receive a VIP race-day experience at The Racing Capital of the World. The winning entry will additionally receive the race-used pit wall banner and the original artwork as a keepsake.Templates are available for download at WoodBrothersRacing.com and can also be picked up at select locations, including the Wood Brothers Racing Museum, Team Penske Gift Shop and the Wood Brothers/Team Penske merchandise unit in the fan zones at Michigan International Speedway and Pocono Raceway.To enter, participants must complete their design using markers only, take a photo holding their finished template, and post it to Facebook, X or Instagram using the hashtag #KidsColorPPG while tagging Wood Brothers Racing and PPG.The deadline to submit entries is Monday, June 22 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The winning design will be announced the week of July 6 on Wood Brothers Racing social channels, and the winner will be contacted through the same social media platform used to submit their entry.“The Kids Color PPG contest is always a fun program because it gives young fans a chance to feel connected to our team in a creative way,” said Berry. “I’m looking forward to seeing all of the designs and having one of them featured with the No. 21 team at Indianapolis during such a big race weekend.”The complete rundown of the program details can be found below or at WoodBrothersRacing.com.How To EnterDownload or pick up the official template from WoodBrothersRacing.comCreate your design on the printed template using markers onlyHave a parent or guardian take a photo of you holding your finished designPost the photo on Facebook, X or Instagram using the hashtag #KidsColorPPG and tag the accounts listed below:FacebookHashtag: #KidsColorPPGTags: @WoodBrothers21 / @PPGRefinish / @PPGIndustriesX Hashtag: #KidsColorPPGTags: @WoodBrothers21 / @PPGRefinish_NA / @PPGInstagramHashtag: #KidsColorPPGTags: @WoodBrothers21 / @PPGIndustries / @PPGRefinishContest RulesThe deadline to enter is Monday, June 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ETThe contest is open to kids 15 years old and under with permission from a parent or guardianDesigns must be completed using markers only to be eligibleThe winner will be notified through the same social media platform used to submit their entryThe winning design will be publicly announced the week of July 6 on Wood Brothers Racing social media channelsThe winner must mail their original artwork to Wood Brothers Racing for banner productionThe original artwork will be returned to the winner along with the race-used banner and signed diecastWhere To Pick Up A Coloring SheetDownload the template at WoodBrothersRacing.comWood Brothers Racing Museum – 21 Performance Drive, Stuart, VA 24171Team Penske Gift Shop – 200 Penske Way, Mooresville, NC 28115Wood Brothers Racing/Team Penske at-track merchandise hauler – Michigan International Speedway, Pocono Raceway

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (June 3, 2026) – Motivation comes in many forms for many different reasons and Alexis DeJoria sees a centuries-old New England family tie as such motivation for success when she and her John Force Racing Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car team compete in the June 5-7 NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire.

NHRA drag racing is a sport defined by revolutions, whether it’s the revolutions per minute (rpm) of a 12,000-horsepower, nitromethane-burning Funny Car engine or the revolutions made by the spinning 36×17.5-inch Goodyear racing slicks during smoky burnouts. But it’s a family tie to revolution DeJoria has that uniquely motivates her to capture her first Funny Car event win under the John Force Racing banner.

DeJoria’s mother’s family came to New England, specifically Rhode Island, in 1638 and, nearly 140 years later, family members fought in the American Revolution. She sees a win this Sunday as a fantastic way, patriotic perhaps, to celebrate the United States’ 250^th anniversary even if it is a month before the nation’s independence celebration.

The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Funny Car point standings after seven of 20 races are: 1. Ron Capps, 540; 2. J.R. Todd, 524; 3. Chad Green, 500; 4. Matt Hagan, 493; 5. Jordan Vandergriff, 485; 6. Alexis DeJoria, 427; 7. Jack Beckman, 412; 8. Spencer Hyde, 370; 9. Austin Prock, 323; 10. Daniel Wilkerson, 264.

Quotes

You consider this one of your home tracks so what does it mean to be racing again at New England Dragway?

“My mother’s family is from Rhode Island so I’ve always considered New England Dragway to be a home track. Her ancestors came to North America in 1638 and fought in the American Revolutionary War, which allowed her to become a member of the prestigious Daughters of the American Revolution. It’s something we take a lot of pride in so it makes racing in Epping that much more special.”

What would it mean to get your first win for John Force Racing at Epping?

“I’ve had some success in the past at New England Dragway, with a runner-up finish in 2014 and a semifinal finish last year. To get the win in this year’s NHRA New England Nationals, which would be my first win for John Force Racing, would be incredibly gratifying and special for many reasons. It’s been a while since we’ve been in the winner’s circle but I know we’ve got what it takes to get back there. I have all the confidence in the world that, on any given Sunday, this John Force Racing Bandero Cafe Chevy SS Funny Car will be the victor.”

Weekend Appearances

DeJoria will be signing autographs at the John Force Racing merchandise trailer in the NHRA Midway on Fri., June 5, from 4-4:30 p.m. ET. She will also participate in an autograph session at the Cornwell Tools display in the NHRA Midway on Sat., June 6, from 10-10:30 a.m. ET.

Track Schedule

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5:30 and 8 p.m. ET on Fri., June 5, with the final two rounds Sat., June 6, at 12:30 and 3 p.m. ET. Final eliminations are scheduled for Sunday, June 7, at 11 a.m. ET.

TV Schedule

Television coverage on FS1 includes a qualifying show Fri., June 5, from 8 – 9:30 p.m. ET, a second qualifying show Sat., June 6, from 10 – 11 p.m. ET, and the eliminations broadcast Sunday, June 7, from 3 – 6 p.m. ET on FOX.

Race Results

Epping	Race Result	Round Wins	Round Loss	Qualified	Event Record
2013 (FC)	1st round		Loss to C. Force	14th	0-1
2014 (FC)	Runner-up	Def. T. Pedregon Def. T. Johnson Jr Def. J. Force	Loss to R. Capps	5th	3-2
2015 (FC)	2nd round	Def. R. Capps	Loss to T. Johnson Jr	8th	4-3
2016 (FC)	1st round		Loss to D. Worsham	10th	4-4
2017 (FC)	1st round		Loss to B. Tasca	11th	4-5
2021 (FC)	1st round		Loss to R. Hight	5th	4-6
2022 (FC)	2nd round	Def. T. Wilkerson	Loss to R. Hight	9th	5-7
2023 (FC)	1st round		Loss to R. Hight	10th	5-8
2024 (FC)	1st round		Loss to C. Green	9th	5-9
2025 (FC)	Semi-finals	Def. R. Capps Def. P. Lee	Loss to J. Todd	6th	7-10

Wins: 0

No. 1 Qualifiers: 0

Round Record: 7-10

2026 Results

DEJORIA HOPES NEW ENGLAND ROOTS PAY DIVIDENDS

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (June 3, 2026) – Motivation comes in many forms for many different reasons and Alexis DeJoria sees a centuries-old New England family tie as such motivation for success when she and her John Force Racing Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car team compete in the June 5-7 NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire.

NHRA drag racing is a sport defined by revolutions, whether it’s the revolutions per minute (rpm) of a 12,000-horsepower, nitromethane-burning Funny Car engine or the revolutions made by the spinning 36×17.5-inch Goodyear racing slicks during smoky burnouts. But it’s a family tie to revolution DeJoria has that uniquely motivates her to capture her first Funny Car event win under the John Force Racing banner.

DeJoria’s mother’s family came to New England, specifically Rhode Island, in 1638 and, nearly 140 years later, family members fought in the American Revolution. She sees a win this Sunday as a fantastic way, patriotic perhaps, to celebrate the United States’ 250^th anniversary even if it is a month before the nation’s independence celebration.

The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Funny Car point standings after seven of 20 races are: 1. Ron Capps, 540; 2. J.R. Todd, 524; 3. Chad Green, 500; 4. Matt Hagan, 493; 5. Jordan Vandergriff, 485; 6. Alexis DeJoria, 427; 7. Jack Beckman, 412; 8. Spencer Hyde, 370; 9. Austin Prock, 323; 10. Daniel Wilkerson, 264.

Quotes

You consider this one of your home tracks so what does it mean to be racing again at New England Dragway?

“My mother’s family is from Rhode Island so I’ve always considered New England Dragway to be a home track. Her ancestors came to North America in 1638 and fought in the American Revolutionary War, which allowed her to become a member of the prestigious Daughters of the American Revolution. It’s something we take a lot of pride in so it makes racing in Epping that much more special.”

What would it mean to get your first win for John Force Racing at Epping?

“I’ve had some success in the past at New England Dragway, with a runner-up finish in 2014 and a semifinal finish last year. To get the win in this year’s NHRA New England Nationals, which would be my first win for John Force Racing, would be incredibly gratifying and special for many reasons. It’s been a while since we’ve been in the winner’s circle but I know we’ve got what it takes to get back there. I have all the confidence in the world that, on any given Sunday, this John Force Racing Bandero Cafe Chevy SS Funny Car will be the victor.”

Weekend Appearances

DeJoria will be signing autographs at the John Force Racing merchandise trailer in the NHRA Midway on Fri., June 5, from 4-4:30 p.m. ET. She will also participate in an autograph session at the Cornwell Tools display in the NHRA Midway on Sat., June 6, from 10-10:30 a.m. ET.

Track Schedule

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5:30 and 8 p.m. ET on Fri., June 5, with the final two rounds Sat., June 6, at 12:30 and 3 p.m. ET. Final eliminations are scheduled for Sunday, June 7, at 11 a.m. ET.

TV Schedule

Television coverage on FS1 includes a qualifying show Fri., June 5, from 8 – 9:30 p.m. ET, a second qualifying show Sat., June 6, from 10 – 11 p.m. ET, and the eliminations broadcast Sunday, June 7, from 3 – 6 p.m. ET on FOX.

Race Results

Epping	Race Result	Round Wins	Round Loss	Qualified	Event Record
2013 (FC)	1st round		Loss to C. Force	14th	0-1
2014 (FC)	Runner-up	Def. T. Pedregon Def. T. Johnson Jr Def. J. Force	Loss to R. Capps	5th	3-2
2015 (FC)	2nd round	Def. R. Capps	Loss to T. Johnson Jr	8th	4-3
2016 (FC)	1st round		Loss to D. Worsham	10th	4-4
2017 (FC)	1st round		Loss to B. Tasca	11th	4-5
2021 (FC)	1st round		Loss to R. Hight	5th	4-6
2022 (FC)	2nd round	Def. T. Wilkerson	Loss to R. Hight	9th	5-7
2023 (FC)	1st round		Loss to R. Hight	10th	5-8
2024 (FC)	1st round		Loss to C. Green	9th	5-9
2025 (FC)	Semi-finals	Def. R. Capps Def. P. Lee	Loss to J. Todd	6th	7-10

Wins: 0

No. 1 Qualifiers: 0

Round Record: 7-10

2026 Results

Event	Qualify	Round by Round	Round Record	Points Position
Gainesville	11	Beat Cruz Pedregon, Spencer Hyde, J.R. Todd; lost to Chad Green	3-1	2
Phoenix	12	Lost Jordan Vandergriff	3-2	6
Pomona1	7	Beat Dave Richards; lost to Ron Capps	4-3	7
Charlotte	5	Won 1st Quad; lost 2nd quad	5-4	6
Valdosta	10	Beat Cruz Pedregon, Matt Hagan; lost to J.R. Todd	7-5	6
Chicago	12	Beat Spencer Hyde, Dave Richards, Matt Hagan; lost to Chad Green	10-6	6
Maryland	7	Lost to Ron Capps	10-7	6

sAPULPA, OK (June 3, 2026) — When the American Sprint Car Series visited Benton Speedway on May 8, Ryder Laplante was sitting at home, waiting for the chance to drive a Sprint Car again. 

The week beforehand, the Calcera, OK native, was involved in a violent crash at Texas Motor Speedway that destroyed his No. 88R machine. 

While he climbed out of the car and walked away under his own power, he knew he needed to take a step back to prioritize his health, taking a week of rest while the Series competed in Missouri. 

“Mainly after the crash, I really couldn’t feel my right arm at all for about an hour, then I got feeling back,” Laplante said. “My bicep to my shoulder was really black and purple, I really couldn’t touch or move it for about a week. Then, my head was really foggy, so that’s when I knew I needed to calm down, sit back, and put my health first before I got back in the car again.” 

After two weeks of resting and healing, Laplante returned to the seat at Hunt County Raceway but finished 19th after an early DNF. 

The week after, he visited Southern Oklahoma Speedway with a 305 c.i. engine under the hood and returned to contending for victory. While Laplante led the first half of the night’s Feature, he came home in second place while trying to regain confidence in himself after the injury. 

“It’s taken me some time,” Laplante said. “We raced last week, and I still wasn’t 100% with my head. Mentally, I wasn’t driving the car as I should. We did really good, but I wasn’t Ryder Laplante behind the wheel. So, I’m still trying to get my head right. I’m going back to the gym, getting my routine back, keeping up with my dieting, and doing all that I need to do daily.” 

Laplante will make his return to full-time American Sprint Car Series competition in the Don Swope Classic at Creek County Speedway. The next day, he’ll travel northwest to Kansas for 81 Speedway’s Salute to Service Sprint Car Showdown. 

The 19-year-old “Sooner State” racer has two Micro Sprint wins at “Creekadega” and finished top-10 in the 2025 edition. After Friday, it’ll be the last Series race at a 1/4-mile until Worthington Speedway on July 30, but the challenge of bigger tracks has Laplante unfazed by pressure. 

“My mentality at Creek County is always, if you can come out there and finish the race, that’s a win,” Laplante said. “Anything else is a bonus. It’s a tough track, but we can get a top-10 there. I think we could finish podium or top five really easily. 

“I’m really starting to get comfortable on these high-speed tracks. Me and my dad, our communication is getting better with the car, and our results are showing for it. I’m really starting to favor these fast tracks. I don’t know why. I used to hate them, but it’s good to be excited about.” 

Despite Laplante’s absence at Benton, his sophomore season with the ASCS National Tour has not shown signs of a slump. He earned two top-10s at Volusia Speedway Park and Central Arizona Speedway, sitting seventh place in the points standings through the first nine races. 

“We’ve picked up a lot of speed, and we’ve learned a lot this year,” Laplante said. “Last year was just a rookie year. We were basically in school all of 2025, and I feel like we’re putting down what we learned now. 

“We got eighth at Volusia from the back of the field against the best guys in the world racing 360 Sprint Cars, then we had that sixth place at Case Grande. It’s just about getting back into our rhythm, getting back into the top five in points, then build on from there.” 

Laplante will get back behind the wheel of the Oklahoma Truck Driving Academy No. 88R at Creek County Speedway for the Don Swope Classic on Friday, June 5, and the Salute to Service Sprint Car Showdown at 81 Speedway on Saturday, June 6. The ASCS Sooner Region will join the National Tour for both nights, while the ASCS Gunsmoke Region will tag along for the Saturday event. 

CREEK COUNTY INFO 

81 SPEEDWAY INFO  

Where can you watch every lap of the American Sprint Car Series? Live on DIRTVision. 

Ryder Laplante Returns to Daily Routine, Preparing for ASCS National Tour Comeback   SAPULPA, OK (June 3, 2026) — When the American Sprint Car Series visited Benton Speedway on May 8, Ryder Laplante was sitting at home, waiting for the chance to drive a Sprint Car again. 

The week beforehand, the Calcera, OK native, was involved in a violent crash at Texas Motor Speedway that destroyed his No. 88R machine. 

While he climbed out of the car and walked away under his own power, he knew he needed to take a step back to prioritize his health, taking a week of rest while the Series competed in Missouri. 

“Mainly after the crash, I really couldn’t feel my right arm at all for about an hour, then I got feeling back,” Laplante said. “My bicep to my shoulder was really black and purple, I really couldn’t touch or move it for about a week. Then, my head was really foggy, so that’s when I knew I needed to calm down, sit back, and put my health first before I got back in the car again.” 

After two weeks of resting and healing, Laplante returned to the seat at Hunt County Raceway but finished 19th after an early DNF. 

The week after, he visited Southern Oklahoma Speedway with a 305 c.i. engine under the hood and returned to contending for victory. While Laplante led the first half of the night’s Feature, he came home in second place while trying to regain confidence in himself after the injury. 

“It’s taken me some time,” Laplante said. “We raced last week, and I still wasn’t 100% with my head. Mentally, I wasn’t driving the car as I should. We did really good, but I wasn’t Ryder Laplante behind the wheel. So, I’m still trying to get my head right. I’m going back to the gym, getting my routine back, keeping up with my dieting, and doing all that I need to do daily.” 

Laplante will make his return to full-time American Sprint Car Series competition in the Don Swope Classic at Creek County Speedway. The next day, he’ll travel northwest to Kansas for 81 Speedway’s Salute to Service Sprint Car Showdown. 

The 19-year-old “Sooner State” racer has two Micro Sprint wins at “Creekadega” and finished top-10 in the 2025 edition. After Friday, it’ll be the last Series race at a 1/4-mile until Worthington Speedway on July 30, but the challenge of bigger tracks has Laplante unfazed by pressure. 

“My mentality at Creek County is always, if you can come out there and finish the race, that’s a win,” Laplante said. “Anything else is a bonus. It’s a tough track, but we can get a top-10 there. I think we could finish podium or top five really easily. 

“I’m really starting to get comfortable on these high-speed tracks. Me and my dad, our communication is getting better with the car, and our results are showing for it. I’m really starting to favor these fast tracks. I don’t know why. I used to hate them, but it’s good to be excited about.” 

Despite Laplante’s absence at Benton, his sophomore season with the ASCS National Tour has not shown signs of a slump. He earned two top-10s at Volusia Speedway Park and Central Arizona Speedway, sitting seventh place in the points standings through the first nine races. 

“We’ve picked up a lot of speed, and we’ve learned a lot this year,” Laplante said. “Last year was just a rookie year. We were basically in school all of 2025, and I feel like we’re putting down what we learned now. 

“We got eighth at Volusia from the back of the field against the best guys in the world racing 360 Sprint Cars, then we had that sixth place at Case Grande. It’s just about getting back into our rhythm, getting back into the top five in points, then build on from there.” 

Laplante will get back behind the wheel of the Oklahoma Truck Driving Academy No. 88R at Creek County Speedway for the Don Swope Classic on Friday, June 5, and the Salute to Service Sprint Car Showdown at 81 Speedway on Saturday, June 6. The ASCS Sooner Region will join the National Tour for both nights, while the ASCS Gunsmoke Region will tag along for the Saturday event. 

CREEK COUNTY INFO 

81 SPEEDWAY INFO  

Where can you watch every lap of the American Sprint Car Series? Live on DIRTVision. 

ARTICLE:https://ascsracing.com/news/ryder-laplante-returns-to-daily-routine-preparing-for-ascs-national-tour-comeback/

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE Michigan International SpeedwayJune 6-7, 2026

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

NASCAR will make its annual appearance in “Motor City” this weekend as two of the sport’s national divisions, the Cup and Craftsman Truck Series, are set to take on the two-mile oval of Michigan International Speedway. Located just outside of Detroit, the home of General Motorsports’ headquarters, Michigan International Speedway has an over five-decade long history with NASCAR – a timespan that has seen Chevrolet collect 50 victories across the sport’s national touring series at the track. Michigan International Speedway will welcome back the Truck Series for the 23rd time in history, with each of Chevrolet’s entrants looking for their first victory at the track in Saturday’s DQS Solutions & Staffing 250. Among the manufacturer’s full-time drivers includes special appearances by three Team Chevy Cup Series regulars – Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ross Chastain and Carson Hocevar – as well as Cleetus McFarland, who will reunite with Niece Motorsports for his second career start in the division. On Sunday, Chevrolet’s Cup Series drivers and teams will compete for the coveted Michigan Heritage Trophy in the FireKeepers Casino 400. The series’ reigning champion, Kyle Larson, will represent the Bowtie brand on the elite list of just seven active past Michigan winners.

Heritage Trophy History: An additional honor will be up for grabs at the conclusion of Sunday’s 400-mile event – the prestigious Michigan Heritage Trophy. Exclusive to Michigan International Speedway, the award was introduced to the series during the 2013 season to recognize the winning manufacturer of each NASCAR Cup Series race. Since its debut, Chevrolet has brought the Michigan Heritage Trophy back to Detroit six times. Jimmie Johnson delivered Chevrolet its first trophy in June 2014, with Jeff Gordon (Aug. 2014) and Kurt Busch (June 2015) adding a pair of victories to extend the Bowtie brand’s streak to three-straight. The honors returned to Chevrolet in Aug. 2016 when Kyle Larson drove the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet to the win – his first in NASCAR’s top division – going on to make it three-in-a-row with a sweep of the 2017 events.

THE START OF A CHAMPIONSHIP CAREERA visit to Michigan International Speedway during the 2016 season saw Kyle Larson break through as a first-time winner in NASCAR’s top division, with the Team Chevy driver joining NASCAR Hall of famer, Dale Jarrett, as one of just two drivers in history to earn their first career victory at the track. Going on to sweep both Michigan races the following season, Larson heads into the weekend as the series’ winningest active driver at the track with three career victories to his name. In his 17 career starts at the track, Larson’s three wins have been accompanied by eight top-five and 10 top-10 finishes, including an impressive stretch of results no worse than seventh in five of the last six races. While a last-lap misfortune stripped away a deserving finish for the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team at Nashville Superspeedway last weekend, the strength of the reigning champions still prevailed with a runner-up finish in Stage One and 56 laps led – just one short of the race winner Denny Hamlin – to maintain the sixth position in the points standings.

MOMENTUM BUILDING IN MICHIGANLate night chaos in “Music City” saw a pair of Team Chevy drivers come home with season-high results and a boost of momentum for the upcoming Michigan race weekend.

For the second time this season, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and the No. 47 Hyak Motorsports team earned the spot as the best finishing Chevrolet. With a four-tire call by veteran crew chief, Mike Kelley, to set up for a four-lap dash to the finish, Stenhouse Jr. made an impressive charge from 13th to fourth to earn the team’s best intermediate oval finish of the season. The night ended with an accumulation of 41 points – the second highest of the race behind the race winner Denny Hamlin – to move the team up three positions in the standings to start the second-half of the regular season.

Shane van Gisbergen continues to impress in his progression on the oval tracks. Battling within the top-10 through much of the race, the New Zealand native took the checkered flag in the fifth position to earn his season-high, and career-best, result on a traditional oval track. The showing extended a stellar stretch for the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team – earning an average finish of 5.67 over the last three races, which is the second-best in the series behind the points leader, Tyler Reddick.

BRYON READY TO REBOUND William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team have earned runner-up finishes in two of the last five NASCAR Cup Series races at Michigan International Speedway. But it was one year ago that the North Carolina native came just short of his first Michigan triumph when late-race fuel mileage woes took the team out of contention. Despite the finishing result, Byron’s overall performance throughout the race proves the driver will be one to watch in Sunday’s event. In the 2025 race, Byron turned a fourth-place starting spot into a pair of top-two stage finishes en route to a race-high 98 laps led.

ENFINGER EYEING OPPORTUNITY CR7 Motorsports’ Grant Enfinger left Nashville Superspeedway with a strong four position gain in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series points standings, with the Alabama native heading to a track where he’s built a stout resume. When the series returned to the Irish Hills last season after a five-year hiatus, Enfinger came just one spot short of a trip to victory lane, ultimately leading Chevrolet with a runner-up finish. With the result, the veteran driver has finished no worse than eighth in five of his six career starts at the track. The No. 9 Chevrolet team is also coming off one of their best performances on pit road of the season, with the team’s veteran pit crew topping the speed chart in “Music City” with the best average four-tire pit stop time of 14.16 seconds.

BOWTIE BULLETS:·        Chevrolet will serve as the official pace vehicle for the doubleheader weekend at Michigan International Speedway, with the Corvette Stingray pacing the NASCAR Cup Series and the Silverado RST pacing the Craftsman Truck Series. ·        Victories by active Chevrolet drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway:  Kyle Larson – three wins (2016, 2017 sweep) ·        In 108 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Michigan International Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded 26 victories and 27 poles. ·        Since the Michigan Heritage Trophy was introduced to the series in 2013, Chevrolet has taken the honor six times, with the last three courtesy of Kyle Larson’s three-peat (Aug. 2016, 2017 sweep).  ·        Daniel Suarez’s Coca-Cola 600 win marked Chevrolet’s fourth consecutive trip to victory lane in NASCAR’s premier series, setting the season record for the longest points-paying win streak by a single manufacturer.  ·        At Talladega Superspeedway, Chevrolet tallied six top-10 finishes, marking the second time this season a manufacturer has placed six cars in the top-10 of a Cup Series event. The Bowtie brand took it one step further by achieving the highest representation of different organizations within those results with five Chevrolet organizations placing drivers in the top-10.  ·        With seven-straight victories to start the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Chevrolet set the record for the longest season-opening streak by a single manufacturer in the division’s history.  ·        In 158 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 72 victories – a winning percentage of 45.6%.  ·        Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025.  ·        With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 886 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history. FOR THE FANS: Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Michigan International Speedway, which features a variety of vehicles including: Silverado 1500 ZR2, Silverado 2500 ZR2, Colorado Trail Boss, Silverado EV RST, Traverse Z71, Tahoe Z71, Equinox RS, Corvette Grand Sport, Next Gen Camaro ZL1 Show Car, 1973 Laguna. Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:Friday, June 5: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6: 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  Sunday, June 7:: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.   Team Chevy Driver Appearances at the Display:Saturday, June 6Grant Enfinger: 12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. Andres Perez de Lara: 12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 7Daniel Suarez: 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Carson Hocevar: 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: 11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Connor Zilisch: 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Cole Custer: 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. William Byron: 12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400Sunday, June 7, at 3 p.m. ETAmazon Prime, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90  NASCAR Craftsman Truck SeriesDQS Solutions & Staffing 250 powered by Precision Vehicle LogisticsSaturday, June 6, at 1:30 p.m. ETFS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

QUOTABLE QUOTES:Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletThe best you’ve finished at Michigan is sixth, which came in your last race. What’s something you can do or the team can do to get you into the top-five? “Yeah, the balance and the pitch of the car, getting that set and having that right when we unload plus qualifying well for sure. We can watch other drivers’ commitment level. The team can make adjustments to the car with air pressure and things right before we qualify, based on our teammates. It starts with a good metric score, which rolls into a good qualifying effort after a good practice session and then go race. I’ve taken us out of the shot to win there by crashing on a pit cycle when I didn’t need to. Avoiding that would be top of mind for me as well.” Michigan is your final double duty race when it comes to the Craftsman Truck Series. How do you feel about that and why do you continue to race in the other series?“I wish I could race more Truck series races. I love the series and I like to take any opportunity I can to get behind the wheel and get more laps during a race weekend. For me personally, I feel like running the other series makes me a better driver in the Cup car. I get more reps and I think that’s good for me. Unfortunately, NASCAR has a limit on the number we can race, but I’m going to take advantage and run every race I can. I still have three more O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this year, so I’m looking forward to those.” Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat do you enjoy most about racing at Michigan and how do you prepare for it each year?“I have lots of good memories at Michigan. I enjoy the track and how fast it is, how wide it is, and how many different lines you can run. It really lets you be aggressive, but you also have to be smart with tire management and track position. This place has been good to me in the past, and it’s definitely one I look forward to every time we come back. The fans are incredible, the atmosphere is electric and the racing is always exciting. When everything clicks – the car, the strategy, and the team – you can really make a statement. I’m always looking to build on those past experiences and push for another strong performance this weekend.”   Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing ChevroletWhat are your thoughts after last week’s strong run by both Kaulig Racing cars?“I’m really proud of everyone at Kaulig Racing. We overcame a lot Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway and still got our best finish of the season. It would have been easy for everyone to give up when we were two laps down, but we didn’t, and it paid off. Kaulig Racing is working hard. Everyone knows the challenges we face, but that’s not stopping us from giving the best effort we can every day. A 12th-place finish isn’t our goal, but it shows our progress. We want better for Matt Kaulig, our sponsors and everyone who supports us. We’re digging. We’re fighters. We don’t give up no matter what comes our way, and I feel like our team is building. So, we’re learning, improving, and now it is on to Michigan with a little bit of momentum.”   AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletWhat are your thoughts on Michigan and the test at Indy this week?“The last couple years at Michigan, we’ve had a had a decent balance and we ran okay there last year. It’s just track position oriented and restarts are important, depending on what lane you get in. In qualifying, you’re about wide open, if not totally wide open. It’s just a fast race track where balance is really key there. We’re testing this week in Indy (at Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and we’re hoping to learn some things that we can carry over to Michigan. It’s the same mindset where we are trying to learn each weekend.”   Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“Nashville was a great step forward for our whole team, and coming away with a fourth-place finish definitely gives us something to build on heading into Michigan. The guys at the shop have been working hard and we’ve started putting together some strong runs lately. Michigan is a place where speed matters a lot, and with Pylon Aviation on board, we’re looking forward to carrying that momentum into another solid weekend for the No. 47 team.”   Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet“Michigan is about as fast as it gets. You’re just about wide-open, and completely wide open when your car’s right and the track conditions are right. It takes a mega-level of commitment to keep your foot to the floor. You’ve got to tell yourself not to lift when you really want to going into the corner.”   Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat do you look for in your race car at Michigan?“Michigan is always a track I look forward to. It’s one of those places where you really get a sense for where everyone stacks up from a performance standpoint. With the speed we’ve had over the last month at Spire Motorsports, especially on the intermediate and larger tracks, I’m excited about what we can do this weekend. The horsepower from the Hendrick engine shop has been a huge help for us this year, and Michigan is a place where that can really make a difference. It’s a fast track with plenty of downforce and being efficient aerodynamically while maximizing horsepower is going to be key all weekend. It feels like there is nowhere to hide, and everything gets amplified. Since Watkins Glen, we have started to get back on the right track. I think we could have two more top-10 finishes. We have the speed and momentum is building for our No. 71 group. So, a good clean race in Michigan with Garner Trucking will be great for us heading into this next four-race stretch.”   Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat do you remember about taking the lead late in the race last year, and how do you use that as motivation for this weekend?“I remember that moment last year really well. I got to (Kyle) Larson’s right rear, and I knew he lost a lot of momentum from it so I shot out to the lead. I always have tunnel vision while racing. The sky could turn purple and I’d have no idea. But for some reason, I actually looked in the stands when I was coming off of Turn 4. It is a really long straightaway, and I remember seeing so many of them jumping up and cheering. It’s definitely one of the coolest racing memories I have – one I will cherish for a long time. Michigan is somewhere I am really comfortable and we have shown we have the speed to compete up front. Hopefully I can give all the Michigan fans something to cheer for on Sunday.” Zeigler returns to the No. 77 this week for their first points race of the year. What does it mean to have a Michigan-based company on your car for your home race?“Harold, Aaron and the whole Zeigler family have been really great to me. The Zeigler headquarters is actually just a few miles down the road from where I grew up in Kalamazoo and remember passing it all the time when I was a kid. When you represent the Zeigler family and Zeigler Auto Group, you feel like you are representing the Kalamazoo and Portage areas. Could be a really special day if we can get it done.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat are your thoughts entering this week’s race at Michigan?“I’m excited to go to Michigan again. The first time I went there was in an ARCA car and we were able to get the win. It’s a fun track, really fast and really big. I’m really looking forward to going to Michigan with Trackhouse in a Next Gen Cup car and try to figure it out as fast as I can. It’s awesome to have WeatherTech back on board. We have won a lot of races together. This is our first race in the Cup Series together so I’m looking forward to having them back as a partner.” What do you remember about the ARCA race from a couple of years ago?“The ARCA cars were wide open there. I was leading the race and holding it wide open and not having to do too much. This will be my first time getting to experience Michigan where the racetrack is actually a little bit tricky. I’m looking forward to it and it’s my first time there in anything except an ARCA car so I’m going to have a lot to learn when we show up. Hopefully qualifying doesn’t get rained out like it has been in the past few weeks and I can give myself a chance to start in a better spot. I definitely have a lot to learn going to Michigan.” Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat are your thoughts on Michigan International Speedway?“It’s alright, it’s a super-fast track. Hopefully we just keep showing improvement and keep some momentum going. It’s been great for our points the last few weeks. We just have to keep that going.” Is this No. 97 team going in the right direction?“It definitely feels like it! We had a bad couple of months, but it feels like it’s definitely turned around the last couple of weeks. It’s a real momentum based sport and confidence based as well. We just need to keep that going and lift our teammates up with us. If we are all running good, it will really help the whole team.” The last two weeks, you’ve qualified in the top 10. Does that prove how important track position is? “It’s 100% proven, two weeks in a row, you start up front, you run up front, stay there and it gives you more options. That’s really the answer. So, I’m sure we will have a proper qualifying this weekend, we just need to make sure we get it right on our qualifying lap.” Overall, though, with being at the front more frequently, where have you seen the biggest improvement?“I think it’s always just time and always learning stuff. The further up front you are, the better people race you, as well, so that’s always nice. It’s a real dogfight in the back, so getting away from that is a nice break. I think it really shows the importance of qualifying, getting up front, making no mistakes, and you can stay out there all day.”

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCEMichigan International SpeedwayJune 6-7, 2026

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

NASCAR will make its annual appearance in “Motor City” this weekend as two of the sport’s national divisions, the Cup and Craftsman Truck Series, are set to take on the two-mile oval of Michigan International Speedway. Located just outside of Detroit, the home of General Motorsports’ headquarters, Michigan International Speedway has an over five-decade long history with NASCAR – a timespan that has seen Chevrolet collect 50 victories across the sport’s national touring series at the track. Michigan International Speedway will welcome back the Truck Series for the 23rd time in history, with each of Chevrolet’s entrants looking for their first victory at the track in Saturday’s DQS Solutions & Staffing 250. Among the manufacturer’s full-time drivers includes special appearances by three Team Chevy Cup Series regulars – Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ross Chastain and Carson Hocevar – as well as Cleetus McFarland, who will reunite with Niece Motorsports for his second career start in the division. On Sunday, Chevrolet’s Cup Series drivers and teams will compete for the coveted Michigan Heritage Trophy in the FireKeepers Casino 400. The series’ reigning champion, Kyle Larson, will represent the Bowtie brand on the elite list of just seven active past Michigan winners.

Heritage Trophy History: An additional honor will be up for grabs at the conclusion of Sunday’s 400-mile event – the prestigious Michigan Heritage Trophy. Exclusive to Michigan International Speedway, the award was introduced to the series during the 2013 season to recognize the winning manufacturer of each NASCAR Cup Series race. Since its debut, Chevrolet has brought the Michigan Heritage Trophy back to Detroit six times. Jimmie Johnson delivered Chevrolet its first trophy in June 2014, with Jeff Gordon (Aug. 2014) and Kurt Busch (June 2015) adding a pair of victories to extend the Bowtie brand’s streak to three-straight. The honors returned to Chevrolet in Aug. 2016 when Kyle Larson drove the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet to the win – his first in NASCAR’s top division – going on to make it three-in-a-row with a sweep of the 2017 events.

THE START OF A CHAMPIONSHIP CAREERA visit to Michigan International Speedway during the 2016 season saw Kyle Larson break through as a first-time winner in NASCAR’s top division, with the Team Chevy driver joining NASCAR Hall of famer, Dale Jarrett, as one of just two drivers in history to earn their first career victory at the track. Going on to sweep both Michigan races the following season, Larson heads into the weekend as the series’ winningest active driver at the track with three career victories to his name. In his 17 career starts at the track, Larson’s three wins have been accompanied by eight top-five and 10 top-10 finishes, including an impressive stretch of results no worse than seventh in five of the last six races. While a last-lap misfortune stripped away a deserving finish for the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team at Nashville Superspeedway last weekend, the strength of the reigning champions still prevailed with a runner-up finish in Stage One and 56 laps led – just one short of the race winner Denny Hamlin – to maintain the sixth position in the points standings.

MOMENTUM BUILDING IN MICHIGANLate night chaos in “Music City” saw a pair of Team Chevy drivers come home with season-high results and a boost of momentum for the upcoming Michigan race weekend.

For the second time this season, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and the No. 47 Hyak Motorsports team earned the spot as the best finishing Chevrolet. With a four-tire call by veteran crew chief, Mike Kelley, to set up for a four-lap dash to the finish, Stenhouse Jr. made an impressive charge from 13th to fourth to earn the team’s best intermediate oval finish of the season. The night ended with an accumulation of 41 points – the second highest of the race behind the race winner Denny Hamlin – to move the team up three positions in the standings to start the second-half of the regular season.

Shane van Gisbergen continues to impress in his progression on the oval tracks. Battling within the top-10 through much of the race, the New Zealand native took the checkered flag in the fifth position to earn his season-high, and career-best, result on a traditional oval track. The showing extended a stellar stretch for the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team – earning an average finish of 5.67 over the last three races, which is the second-best in the series behind the points leader, Tyler Reddick.

BRYON READY TO REBOUND William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team have earned runner-up finishes in two of the last five NASCAR Cup Series races at Michigan International Speedway. But it was one year ago that the North Carolina native came just short of his first Michigan triumph when late-race fuel mileage woes took the team out of contention. Despite the finishing result, Byron’s overall performance throughout the race proves the driver will be one to watch in Sunday’s event. In the 2025 race, Byron turned a fourth-place starting spot into a pair of top-two stage finishes en route to a race-high 98 laps led.

ENFINGER EYEING OPPORTUNITY CR7 Motorsports’ Grant Enfinger left Nashville Superspeedway with a strong four position gain in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series points standings, with the Alabama native heading to a track where he’s built a stout resume. When the series returned to the Irish Hills last season after a five-year hiatus, Enfinger came just one spot short of a trip to victory lane, ultimately leading Chevrolet with a runner-up finish. With the result, the veteran driver has finished no worse than eighth in five of his six career starts at the track. The No. 9 Chevrolet team is also coming off one of their best performances on pit road of the season, with the team’s veteran pit crew topping the speed chart in “Music City” with the best average four-tire pit stop time of 14.16 seconds.

BOWTIE BULLETS:·        Chevrolet will serve as the official pace vehicle for the doubleheader weekend at Michigan International Speedway, with the Corvette Stingray pacing the NASCAR Cup Series and the Silverado RST pacing the Craftsman Truck Series. ·        Victories by active Chevrolet drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway:  Kyle Larson – three wins (2016, 2017 sweep) ·        In 108 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Michigan International Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded 26 victories and 27 poles. ·        Since the Michigan Heritage Trophy was introduced to the series in 2013, Chevrolet has taken the honor six times, with the last three courtesy of Kyle Larson’s three-peat (Aug. 2016, 2017 sweep).  ·        Daniel Suarez’s Coca-Cola 600 win marked Chevrolet’s fourth consecutive trip to victory lane in NASCAR’s premier series, setting the season record for the longest points-paying win streak by a single manufacturer.  ·        At Talladega Superspeedway, Chevrolet tallied six top-10 finishes, marking the second time this season a manufacturer has placed six cars in the top-10 of a Cup Series event. The Bowtie brand took it one step further by achieving the highest representation of different organizations within those results with five Chevrolet organizations placing drivers in the top-10.  ·        With seven-straight victories to start the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Chevrolet set the record for the longest season-opening streak by a single manufacturer in the division’s history.  ·        In 158 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 72 victories – a winning percentage of 45.6%.  ·        Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025.  ·        With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 886 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history. FOR THE FANS: Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Michigan International Speedway, which features a variety of vehicles including: Silverado 1500 ZR2, Silverado 2500 ZR2, Colorado Trail Boss, Silverado EV RST, Traverse Z71, Tahoe Z71, Equinox RS, Corvette Grand Sport, Next Gen Camaro ZL1 Show Car, 1973 Laguna. Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:Friday, June 5: 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6: 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  Sunday, June 7:: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.   Team Chevy Driver Appearances at the Display:Saturday, June 6Grant Enfinger: 12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. Andres Perez de Lara: 12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 7Daniel Suarez: 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Carson Hocevar: 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: 11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Connor Zilisch: 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Cole Custer: 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. William Byron: 12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400Sunday, June 7, at 3 p.m. ETAmazon Prime, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90  NASCAR Craftsman Truck SeriesDQS Solutions & Staffing 250 powered by Precision Vehicle LogisticsSaturday, June 6, at 1:30 p.m. ETFS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

QUOTABLE QUOTES:Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletThe best you’ve finished at Michigan is sixth, which came in your last race. What’s something you can do or the team can do to get you into the top-five? “Yeah, the balance and the pitch of the car, getting that set and having that right when we unload plus qualifying well for sure. We can watch other drivers’ commitment level. The team can make adjustments to the car with air pressure and things right before we qualify, based on our teammates. It starts with a good metric score, which rolls into a good qualifying effort after a good practice session and then go race. I’ve taken us out of the shot to win there by crashing on a pit cycle when I didn’t need to. Avoiding that would be top of mind for me as well.” Michigan is your final double duty race when it comes to the Craftsman Truck Series. How do you feel about that and why do you continue to race in the other series?“I wish I could race more Truck series races. I love the series and I like to take any opportunity I can to get behind the wheel and get more laps during a race weekend. For me personally, I feel like running the other series makes me a better driver in the Cup car. I get more reps and I think that’s good for me. Unfortunately, NASCAR has a limit on the number we can race, but I’m going to take advantage and run every race I can. I still have three more O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this year, so I’m looking forward to those.” Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat do you enjoy most about racing at Michigan and how do you prepare for it each year?“I have lots of good memories at Michigan. I enjoy the track and how fast it is, how wide it is, and how many different lines you can run. It really lets you be aggressive, but you also have to be smart with tire management and track position. This place has been good to me in the past, and it’s definitely one I look forward to every time we come back. The fans are incredible, the atmosphere is electric and the racing is always exciting. When everything clicks – the car, the strategy, and the team – you can really make a statement. I’m always looking to build on those past experiences and push for another strong performance this weekend.”   Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing ChevroletWhat are your thoughts after last week’s strong run by both Kaulig Racing cars?“I’m really proud of everyone at Kaulig Racing. We overcame a lot Sunday night at Nashville Superspeedway and still got our best finish of the season. It would have been easy for everyone to give up when we were two laps down, but we didn’t, and it paid off. Kaulig Racing is working hard. Everyone knows the challenges we face, but that’s not stopping us from giving the best effort we can every day. A 12th-place finish isn’t our goal, but it shows our progress. We want better for Matt Kaulig, our sponsors and everyone who supports us. We’re digging. We’re fighters. We don’t give up no matter what comes our way, and I feel like our team is building. So, we’re learning, improving, and now it is on to Michigan with a little bit of momentum.”   AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletWhat are your thoughts on Michigan and the test at Indy this week?“The last couple years at Michigan, we’ve had a had a decent balance and we ran okay there last year. It’s just track position oriented and restarts are important, depending on what lane you get in. In qualifying, you’re about wide open, if not totally wide open. It’s just a fast race track where balance is really key there. We’re testing this week in Indy (at Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and we’re hoping to learn some things that we can carry over to Michigan. It’s the same mindset where we are trying to learn each weekend.”   Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“Nashville was a great step forward for our whole team, and coming away with a fourth-place finish definitely gives us something to build on heading into Michigan. The guys at the shop have been working hard and we’ve started putting together some strong runs lately. Michigan is a place where speed matters a lot, and with Pylon Aviation on board, we’re looking forward to carrying that momentum into another solid weekend for the No. 47 team.”   Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet“Michigan is about as fast as it gets. You’re just about wide-open, and completely wide open when your car’s right and the track conditions are right. It takes a mega-level of commitment to keep your foot to the floor. You’ve got to tell yourself not to lift when you really want to going into the corner.”   Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat do you look for in your race car at Michigan?“Michigan is always a track I look forward to. It’s one of those places where you really get a sense for where everyone stacks up from a performance standpoint. With the speed we’ve had over the last month at Spire Motorsports, especially on the intermediate and larger tracks, I’m excited about what we can do this weekend. The horsepower from the Hendrick engine shop has been a huge help for us this year, and Michigan is a place where that can really make a difference. It’s a fast track with plenty of downforce and being efficient aerodynamically while maximizing horsepower is going to be key all weekend. It feels like there is nowhere to hide, and everything gets amplified. Since Watkins Glen, we have started to get back on the right track. I think we could have two more top-10 finishes. We have the speed and momentum is building for our No. 71 group. So, a good clean race in Michigan with Garner Trucking will be great for us heading into this next four-race stretch.”   Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat do you remember about taking the lead late in the race last year, and how do you use that as motivation for this weekend?“I remember that moment last year really well. I got to (Kyle) Larson’s right rear, and I knew he lost a lot of momentum from it so I shot out to the lead. I always have tunnel vision while racing. The sky could turn purple and I’d have no idea. But for some reason, I actually looked in the stands when I was coming off of Turn 4. It is a really long straightaway, and I remember seeing so many of them jumping up and cheering. It’s definitely one of the coolest racing memories I have – one I will cherish for a long time. Michigan is somewhere I am really comfortable and we have shown we have the speed to compete up front. Hopefully I can give all the Michigan fans something to cheer for on Sunday.” Zeigler returns to the No. 77 this week for their first points race of the year. What does it mean to have a Michigan-based company on your car for your home race?“Harold, Aaron and the whole Zeigler family have been really great to me. The Zeigler headquarters is actually just a few miles down the road from where I grew up in Kalamazoo and remember passing it all the time when I was a kid. When you represent the Zeigler family and Zeigler Auto Group, you feel like you are representing the Kalamazoo and Portage areas. Could be a really special day if we can get it done.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat are your thoughts entering this week’s race at Michigan?“I’m excited to go to Michigan again. The first time I went there was in an ARCA car and we were able to get the win. It’s a fun track, really fast and really big. I’m really looking forward to going to Michigan with Trackhouse in a Next Gen Cup car and try to figure it out as fast as I can. It’s awesome to have WeatherTech back on board. We have won a lot of races together. This is our first race in the Cup Series together so I’m looking forward to having them back as a partner.” What do you remember about the ARCA race from a couple of years ago?“The ARCA cars were wide open there. I was leading the race and holding it wide open and not having to do too much. This will be my first time getting to experience Michigan where the racetrack is actually a little bit tricky. I’m looking forward to it and it’s my first time there in anything except an ARCA car so I’m going to have a lot to learn when we show up. Hopefully qualifying doesn’t get rained out like it has been in the past few weeks and I can give myself a chance to start in a better spot. I definitely have a lot to learn going to Michigan.” Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat are your thoughts on Michigan International Speedway?“It’s alright, it’s a super-fast track. Hopefully we just keep showing improvement and keep some momentum going. It’s been great for our points the last few weeks. We just have to keep that going.” Is this No. 97 team going in the right direction?“It definitely feels like it! We had a bad couple of months, but it feels like it’s definitely turned around the last couple of weeks. It’s a real momentum based sport and confidence based as well. We just need to keep that going and lift our teammates up with us. If we are all running good, it will really help the whole team.” The last two weeks, you’ve qualified in the top 10. Does that prove how important track position is? “It’s 100% proven, two weeks in a row, you start up front, you run up front, stay there and it gives you more options. That’s really the answer. So, I’m sure we will have a proper qualifying this weekend, we just need to make sure we get it right on our qualifying lap.” Overall, though, with being at the front more frequently, where have you seen the biggest improvement?“I think it’s always just time and always learning stuff. The further up front you are, the better people race you, as well, so that’s always nice. It’s a real dogfight in the back, so getting away from that is a nice break. I think it really shows the importance of qualifying, getting up front, making no mistakes, and you can stay out there all day.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics Manufacturer Championships:Total (1949-2025): 44First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)Most recent: 2025 Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Driver Championships:Total (1949-2025): 34First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most recent: Kyle Larson (2025)Driver and Manufacturer Championship Sweeps: 29 Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2025 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)                2026 STATISTICS:                                                                                                    Wins: 5Poles: 3Laps Led: 1,139Top-Fives: 26Top-10s: 51Stage Wins: 12 CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 886 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 769Laps led to date: 257,873Top-fives to date: 4,462Top-10s to date: 9,202                                                                                                          Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:                    General Motors: 1,220           Chevrolet: 886           Pontiac: 154           Oldsmobile: 115           Buick: 65            Ford: 848                                                                                          Ford: 748           Mercury: 96           Lincoln: 4            Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467           Dodge: 217           Plymouth: 191           Chrysler: 59            Toyota: 211

Inside Line Promotions – WATSONVILLE, Calif. (June 3, 2026) – Dominic Scelzi recorded two more feature victories and four top-five finishes in the month of May.

The biggest triumph occurred on May 2 at Santa Maria Speedway in Santa Maria, Calif., where Scelzi qualified fifth quickest, won a heat race and placed second in the dash before he captured his first NARC King of the West Sprint Car Series triumph since June 2024.

“I felt like we did everything we needed to do and things went our way,” he said. “We ran second the first half of the race and then we started to pressure the leader. Once we got into traffic, he misjudged a car and got upside down. We inherited the lead and took advantage. It was a great night for us.”

Scelzi backed it up with a victory six days later at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. It marked his first time with back-to-back wins since August 2023.

“We ran second for the first six or seven laps,” he said. “I was able to get by (Sean) Becker down the back straightaway. He closed the door into turn three and missed the bottom. I was able nail the bottom to drive into the lead off turn four. I felt really good all night and was able to make the most of it.”

Scelzi also produced a fourth-place finish at Watsonville Speedway on May 15 and a fifth-place result at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif., on May 16. He capped the month last Friday by racing from last to 14^th place in the NARC King of the West Sprint Car Series main event to garner the Hard Charger Award for passing the most cars.

“All in all, I’m happy with the speed we carried throughout the month,” he said. “The high point was the two wins. The low points were a couple of bad finishes with the majority of them coming from part failures and issues like that. I think this month showed we have the speed to contend for wins, but we also have areas where we can improve.”

Up next for Scelzi is a NARC King of the West Sprint Car Series race this Saturday at Silver Dollar Speedway before he heads to Oregon, Washington and Montana for 10 races with the NARC King of the West Sprint Car Series and Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing during the following three weeks.

“I think we’re on the right foot,” he said. “With the car, I feel well rounded and where we need to be. It’s a matter of qualifying well to put ourselves in position. Last year we ended up second during the NARC Speedweek deal. Overall, we were pretty strong. I expect the same and to be competitive.”

QUICK RESULTS –

May 1 – Watsonville Speedway in Watsonville, Calif. – Qualifying: 8; Heat race: 2 (2); Feature: 20 (8). 

May 2 – Santa Maria Speedway in Santa Maria, Calif. – Qualifying: 5; Heat race: 1 (1); Dash: 2 (4); Feature: 1 (2). 

May 8 – Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. – Qualifying: 3; Heat race: 3 (4); Feature: 1 (2). 

May 9 – Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. – Qualifying: 15; Heat race: 3 (3); Feature: 18 (11). 

May 15 – Watsonville Speedway in Watsonville, Calif. – Qualifying: 10; Heat race: 4 (5); Feature: 4 (8). 

May 16 – Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif. – Qualifying: 6; Heat race: 2 (1); Feature: 5 (8). 

May 29 – Watsonville Speedway in Watsonville, Calif. – Qualifying: 11; Heat race: DNF (3); Feature: 14 (23). 

SEASON STATS –

10 races, 3 wins, 7 top fives, 7 top 10s, 8 top 15s, 10 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Dominic Scelzi Highlights May With Back-to-Back Trips to Victory Lane 

Inside Line Promotions – WATSONVILLE, Calif. (June 3, 2026) – Dominic Scelzi recorded two more feature victories and four top-five finishes in the month of May.

The biggest triumph occurred on May 2 at Santa Maria Speedway in Santa Maria, Calif., where Scelzi qualified fifth quickest, won a heat race and placed second in the dash before he captured his first NARC King of the West Sprint Car Series triumph since June 2024.

“I felt like we did everything we needed to do and things went our way,” he said. “We ran second the first half of the race and then we started to pressure the leader. Once we got into traffic, he misjudged a car and got upside down. We inherited the lead and took advantage. It was a great night for us.”

Scelzi backed it up with a victory six days later at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. It marked his first time with back-to-back wins since August 2023.

“We ran second for the first six or seven laps,” he said. “I was able to get by (Sean) Becker down the back straightaway. He closed the door into turn three and missed the bottom. I was able nail the bottom to drive into the lead off turn four. I felt really good all night and was able to make the most of it.”

Scelzi also produced a fourth-place finish at Watsonville Speedway on May 15 and a fifth-place result at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif., on May 16. He capped the month last Friday by racing from last to 14^th place in the NARC King of the West Sprint Car Series main event to garner the Hard Charger Award for passing the most cars.

“All in all, I’m happy with the speed we carried throughout the month,” he said. “The high point was the two wins. The low points were a couple of bad finishes with the majority of them coming from part failures and issues like that. I think this month showed we have the speed to contend for wins, but we also have areas where we can improve.”

Up next for Scelzi is a NARC King of the West Sprint Car Series race this Saturday at Silver Dollar Speedway before he heads to Oregon, Washington and Montana for 10 races with the NARC King of the West Sprint Car Series and Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing during the following three weeks.

“I think we’re on the right foot,” he said. “With the car, I feel well rounded and where we need to be. It’s a matter of qualifying well to put ourselves in position. Last year we ended up second during the NARC Speedweek deal. Overall, we were pretty strong. I expect the same and to be competitive.”

QUICK RESULTS –

May 1 – Watsonville Speedway in Watsonville, Calif. – Qualifying: 8; Heat race: 2 (2); Feature: 20 (8). 

May 2 – Santa Maria Speedway in Santa Maria, Calif. – Qualifying: 5; Heat race: 1 (1); Dash: 2 (4); Feature: 1 (2). 

May 8 – Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. – Qualifying: 3; Heat race: 3 (4); Feature: 1 (2). 

May 9 – Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif. – Qualifying: 15; Heat race: 3 (3); Feature: 18 (11). 

May 15 – Watsonville Speedway in Watsonville, Calif. – Qualifying: 10; Heat race: 4 (5); Feature: 4 (8). 

May 16 – Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif. – Qualifying: 6; Heat race: 2 (1); Feature: 5 (8). 

May 29 – Watsonville Speedway in Watsonville, Calif. – Qualifying: 11; Heat race: DNF (3); Feature: 14 (23). 

SEASON STATS –

10 races, 3 wins, 7 top fives, 7 top 10s, 8 top 15s, 10 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Saturday at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Calif., with the NARC King of the West Sprint Car Series

Chad Cose (No. 49) chases Briar Bauman (No. 3) during the 2026 ThrottleFest heat race. [Photo: Scott Hunter for AMA Pro Racing]Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 3, 2026) – The 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, resumes this weekend with the inaugural Caterpillar Nashville Short Track presented by Memphis Shades at Sons of Speed Nashville Short Track in Hohenwald, Tennessee, this Saturday, June 6.  It’s not just the first-ever stop at the venue formerly known as Tennessee National Raceway, this weekend will mark the Grand National Championship’s first visit to the Volunteer State in 17 years. It’s a welcome return for America’s Original Extreme Sport® considering the state’s proud motorsports heritage along with its extensive collection of some of the finest motorcycle roads to be found anywhere in the nation.  Meeting the Moment The early-season advantages that Mission AFT SuperTwins points leader Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) and reigning Grand National Champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) stacked up on Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Jacob Construction/Parts Plus Harley-Davidson XG750R) have nearly vanished.   What had been point differences of 26 and 22 in favor of Kopp and Daniels, respectively, now stand at just nine and two.  Bauman has completely flipped the script with his recent run of form and must be considered the pre-race favorite heading into any given round shorter than a Mile until proven otherwise. He comes into this weekend with three consecutive wins in tow, a streak that has elevated him into a tie for sixth all-time on the career wins list alongside Kenny Coolbeth, Jr., at 37. And he’s quickly zeroing in on the top five with the legendary Ricky Graham now just two wins away.  Don’t expect Bauman to ease up now. The Caterpillar Nashville Short Track stands as the sixth of seven STs on the calendar, and the Rick Ware Racing star has dominated the discipline as of late.   With 13 Short Track wins to his name, Bauman boasts four more than any other rider in Grand National Championship history. That unprecedented tally has been assembled in large part since first throwing his leg over the Harley-Davidson XG750R at the start of 2025, having won eight of the last 11 STs dating back to early last season.  While momentum is quite obviously on Bauman’s side, the padding Kopp and Daniels earned over the opening three rounds served its purpose, as Bauman still ranks third even with three successive wins on his side.   They will have used the extended layoff granted with the rescheduling of the Appalachian Harley-Davidson Williams Grove Half-Mile to regroup and reset. And this weekend in Nashville represents an ideal opportunity to meet the challenge that’s been presented. It’s new to all involved – a stark contrast to Williams Grove where Bauman has shined in previous stops – making it as good a place as any to make a stand.  All Aboard “Freight Train” Logan McGrane (No. 14 Schaffers MotorSports/RVR KTM 790 Duke) has been on an upward trajectory this season, boasting both his career-best Progressive AFT Main Event finish (eighth at the Ventura ST) and a top-ten Mission AFT SuperTwins championship ranking.  McGrane stepped up to the premier class in 2024 with relatively little Progressive AFT experience under his belt, having qualified for just four KICKER AFT Singles Mains with no top-ten finishes.  That doesn’t mean he was lacking professional race experience or success, however, considering that McGrane is a four-time World Championship ICE Racing Series champ.  Ironically, McGrane may have enjoyed his biggest leap yet in terms of the average fan’s estimation of his abilities despite leaving Budds Creek with a 14-place finish – his worst Main Event result of the ‘26 season.  By the time the Main Event rolled around, he’d already won – literally and figuratively. McGrane accomplished that by earning a front-row grid position and entry in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Once there, he didn’t back down despite lining up next to Daniels, Bauman, and long-time multi-class ace Chad Cose (No. 49 Parker Racing/Pro Roofing Yamaha MT-07). The opposite in fact – McGrane stormed past Daniels to claim the upset win, and then turned around to let ‘em know.  Besides bolstering his own reputation, McGrane also did well to honor the memory of a fellow Pennsylvanian, the late Ryan Varnes, whose legacy he represents on the RVR KTM 790 Duke.  VDK Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) will be back in the mix this weekend after making his season debut at Budds Creek where he rode in place of the injured Brandon Robinson on the Mission Roof Systems Harley.  Despite his absence to start the season, few have forgotten about VanDerKooi’s skills. Those few who did were reminded at Budds Creek, even if somewhat obscured by rust and mechanical misfortune.   Until getting struck down by a late-race bike issue, “VDK” was all set for a sixth-place ride despite still in the process of shaking things down.   With some more seat time and a bit more luck, a return to the podium is not beyond his reach.   The Roller Coaster Nine points separate first from third in the Mission AFT SuperTwins points. 43 points separate third from fourth.  That difference is largely down not to outright speed but consistency.  Consider the following collection of premier-class contenders:

Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet) Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust Advisors Harley-Davidson XG750R) Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Roof Systems KTM 790 Duke) Hunter Bauer (No. 24 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) Chad Cose (No. 49 Parker Racing/Pro Roofing Yamaha MT-07)

Progressive AFT Returns to Tennessee Ready for Battle

Chad Cose (No. 49) chases Briar Bauman (No. 3) during the 2026 ThrottleFest heat race. [Photo: Scott Hunter for AMA Pro Racing]Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 3, 2026) – The 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, resumes this weekend with the inaugural Caterpillar Nashville Short Track presented by Memphis Shades at Sons of Speed Nashville Short Track in Hohenwald, Tennessee, this Saturday, June 6.  It’s not just the first-ever stop at the venue formerly known as Tennessee National Raceway, this weekend will mark the Grand National Championship’s first visit to the Volunteer State in 17 years. It’s a welcome return for America’s Original Extreme Sport® considering the state’s proud motorsports heritage along with its extensive collection of some of the finest motorcycle roads to be found anywhere in the nation.  Meeting the Moment The early-season advantages that Mission AFT SuperTwins points leader Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) and reigning Grand National Champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) stacked up on Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Jacob Construction/Parts Plus Harley-Davidson XG750R) have nearly vanished.   What had been point differences of 26 and 22 in favor of Kopp and Daniels, respectively, now stand at just nine and two.  Bauman has completely flipped the script with his recent run of form and must be considered the pre-race favorite heading into any given round shorter than a Mile until proven otherwise. He comes into this weekend with three consecutive wins in tow, a streak that has elevated him into a tie for sixth all-time on the career wins list alongside Kenny Coolbeth, Jr., at 37. And he’s quickly zeroing in on the top five with the legendary Ricky Graham now just two wins away.  Don’t expect Bauman to ease up now. The Caterpillar Nashville Short Track stands as the sixth of seven STs on the calendar, and the Rick Ware Racing star has dominated the discipline as of late.   With 13 Short Track wins to his name, Bauman boasts four more than any other rider in Grand National Championship history. That unprecedented tally has been assembled in large part since first throwing his leg over the Harley-Davidson XG750R at the start of 2025, having won eight of the last 11 STs dating back to early last season.  While momentum is quite obviously on Bauman’s side, the padding Kopp and Daniels earned over the opening three rounds served its purpose, as Bauman still ranks third even with three successive wins on his side.   They will have used the extended layoff granted with the rescheduling of the Appalachian Harley-Davidson Williams Grove Half-Mile to regroup and reset. And this weekend in Nashville represents an ideal opportunity to meet the challenge that’s been presented. It’s new to all involved – a stark contrast to Williams Grove where Bauman has shined in previous stops – making it as good a place as any to make a stand.  All Aboard “Freight Train” Logan McGrane (No. 14 Schaffers MotorSports/RVR KTM 790 Duke) has been on an upward trajectory this season, boasting both his career-best Progressive AFT Main Event finish (eighth at the Ventura ST) and a top-ten Mission AFT SuperTwins championship ranking.  McGrane stepped up to the premier class in 2024 with relatively little Progressive AFT experience under his belt, having qualified for just four KICKER AFT Singles Mains with no top-ten finishes.  That doesn’t mean he was lacking professional race experience or success, however, considering that McGrane is a four-time World Championship ICE Racing Series champ.  Ironically, McGrane may have enjoyed his biggest leap yet in terms of the average fan’s estimation of his abilities despite leaving Budds Creek with a 14-place finish – his worst Main Event result of the ‘26 season.  By the time the Main Event rolled around, he’d already won – literally and figuratively. McGrane accomplished that by earning a front-row grid position and entry in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Once there, he didn’t back down despite lining up next to Daniels, Bauman, and long-time multi-class ace Chad Cose (No. 49 Parker Racing/Pro Roofing Yamaha MT-07). The opposite in fact – McGrane stormed past Daniels to claim the upset win, and then turned around to let ‘em know.  Besides bolstering his own reputation, McGrane also did well to honor the memory of a fellow Pennsylvanian, the late Ryan Varnes, whose legacy he represents on the RVR KTM 790 Duke.  VDK Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) will be back in the mix this weekend after making his season debut at Budds Creek where he rode in place of the injured Brandon Robinson on the Mission Roof Systems Harley.  Despite his absence to start the season, few have forgotten about VanDerKooi’s skills. Those few who did were reminded at Budds Creek, even if somewhat obscured by rust and mechanical misfortune.   Until getting struck down by a late-race bike issue, “VDK” was all set for a sixth-place ride despite still in the process of shaking things down.   With some more seat time and a bit more luck, a return to the podium is not beyond his reach.   The Roller Coaster Nine points separate first from third in the Mission AFT SuperTwins points. 43 points separate third from fourth.  That difference is largely down not to outright speed but consistency.  Consider the following collection of premier-class contenders:

Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet) Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust Advisors Harley-Davidson XG750R) Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Roof Systems KTM 790 Duke) Hunter Bauer (No. 24 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) Chad Cose (No. 49 Parker Racing/Pro Roofing Yamaha MT-07)

All six of them have finished inside the top five this year, with podiums for Fisher, RoosEvans, and Cose.  On the flipside, all six have also finished outside the top ten or failed to qualify for a Main Event. Those swings have arguably been most pronounced in the case of Fisher – who is routinely as quick as Kopp, Daniels, and Bauman but also burdened by a pair of 15th-place finishes, multiple trips to the LCQ, and without a remaining provisional start.  And what about Cose? His best finish of the season was a 13th until he blasted his way to third last time out to pick up his first premier-class podium since achieving his first-ever premier-class podium some eight seasons back.  The depth of talent lining the Mission AFT SuperTwins grid this season has created the conditions that have led to increased volatility. Even making the Main can be a struggle, let alone breaking into the top ten.  Regardless, the top three are out of sight at this point. It would take some massive happenings indeed for anyone else to work their way into genuine Grand National Championship contention. However, fourth is ripe for the taking should any of the above manage to start stringing together strong results with increased frequency.  Life In the Fast Lane The Caterpillar Nashville Short Track presented by Memphis Shades is a unique collaboration between Progressive AFT and Billy Lane’s Sons of Speed racing series, a vintage flat track competition inspired by the board track racing era of the 1910s and ‘20s.   Lane – who will serve as the event’s Grand Marshal – is renowned for his innovative and evocative designs at Choppers Inc, his iconic appearances on “Biker Build Off” and “Monster Garage,” and his passion for pushing the limits of speed and style.   With four decades of custom bike building experience behind him, Lane founded Sons of Speed to pay tribute to the daring early years of American motorcycle racing when Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior, and Pope went bar-to-bar on massive wooden board tracks all across the nation.  Sons of Speed has exploded in popularity since its 2017 debut, and Progressive American Flat Track fans will have a perfect opportunity to find out why for themselves.  The weekend will feature a full slate of Sons of Speed competition featuring the raw power and style of vintage 1000cc V-twins and 750cc American flatheads. The vintage heats are scheduled for Thursday with finals on Friday ahead of Saturday’s Progressive AFT action.  Ticket Options Galore Standing Room Only tickets are available for just $37 including fees ($18 for kids 12 and under), while General Admission tickets are $49 ($22.50 for kids), with Reserved Grandstand and Premium Reserved Grandstand seating available for $59 ($26 for kids) and $70 ($31 for kids), respectively.  Military/First Responders and Students can purchase tickets for just $30 at the door with valid ID.  The Harley-Davidson VIP Experience includes GA seating, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line – photo ops included – a meet-and-greet with the Harley-Davidson riders, and exclusive swag. The H-D VIP Experience is available for $150 ($64 for kids), along with the option to be purchased as a $95 add-on to upgraded seating options.  And no matter what ticket option you select, pit access is included, providing fans an opportunity to get an up-close look at the racebikes and meet the riders and their teams.  To purchase tickets for the Caterpillar Nashville Short Track presented by Memphis Shades visithttps://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/nashville-short-track-186630.  Gates will open for fans at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on Saturday with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.  How to Watch FloRacingFor those that can’t catch the live action at the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive American Flat Track. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026. FloSports is available by visitinghttps://flosports.link/AFT2026 or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.  This weekend’s livestream will also be available for FREE on the FloRacing 24/7 channel, which you can watch on Prime Video, Roku Channel, and Fubo. FS1FOX Sports coverage of the Caterpillar Nashville Short Track, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, June 13, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The full listing of American Flat Track’s television premieres can be found at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.

Quartet of Corvettes seek to extend program’s winning history at French classic DETROIT (June 3, 2026) – Chevrolet and Corvette Racing will look to extend its run of success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with four Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs that will contest the famed French endurance race on June 13-14. The Corvette quartet at the twice-around-the-clock classic is the largest group of Corvettes at Le Mans in a decade, and all are under the Corvette Racing umbrella. The program has a stellar record at the race with nine class victories – the most recent coming in 2023. The GT3-spec Corvette finished third in class at Le Mans in 2025, its first podium in the race since its 2024 debut.

The Corvette lineup includes three cars from TF Sport – including its two FIA World Endurance Championship entries plus a third that will feature drivers and crew from Johor Motorsports Racing. The fourth Corvette is from 13 Autosport, which is back at Le Mans after winning a second consecutive Bob Akin Award in the 2025 IMSA season.  All four entries will take part in Sunday’s Test Day, which is the first time for the field to run on the 8.48-mile circuit since the end of last year’s race. The lineup:

Corvette Racing Media Resources Documents | Statistics | Photos | Factory Driver Bios | Chevrolet NewsroomLe Mans Driver Q&As: English | French

· No. 33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Nicky Catsburg/Jonny Edgar/Ben Keating· No. 34 Racing Team Turkey by TF Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Charlie Eastwood/Salih Yoluc/Peter Dempsey· No. 2 TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Ben Green/Lorcan Hanafin/HH Prince Jefri Ibrahim· No. 13 13 Autosport Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Matt Bell/Orey Fidani/Lars Kern TF Sport’s No. 33 and No. 34 Corvettes hope to use a Le Mans victory or podium to propel up the FIA WEC LMGT3 championship standings. The 24 Hours is a double-points race, and success there usually bodes well. Every LMGT3 championship winner since 2021 has won in class at Le Mans. Catsburg, Edgar and Blake McDonald – subbing for an injured Keating in the first two events – are fourth in points on the strength of a runner-up finish in the season-opening race at Imola. Meanwhile, the No. 34 trio finished ninth in the most recent race at Spa-Francorchamps to score its first championship points of the season. The No. 2 TF Sport Corvette is the result of the team claiming the 2025 European Le Mans Series championship. Of the three drivers, only Hanafin has raced at Le Mans although his two teammates have extensive experience in the Corvette at races like the Spa 24 Hours and Bathurst 12 Hours, where they were Pro-Am runners-up in February. 13 Autosport placed 10th in its Le Mans debut a year ago. The striking Canadian red Corvette was an instant hit with fans, and the driver lineup is the same as in 2025. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET / 4 p.m. CET on Saturday, June 13. Live streaming coverage of all on-track sessions – including qualifying and Hyperpole – plus timing and scoring is available through a subscription on FIA WEC Plus with additional live streaming on the HBO Max app in the U.S. Radio Le Mans also will provide live streaming audio coverage of all sessions as well.

CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R PRE-EVENT DRIVER QUOTES

NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “The last time (in a Corvette at Le Mans) it worked out well! 2023 is the last time I raced there in a Corvette. I have raced the years in between in a prototype. So I feel like I’m still up to date with the track and so on. But it’s been a few years since I’ve been there with Corvette. I haven’t been there yet in a GT3-spec car, so that’s going to be new. But it’s something I’m really, really looking forward to. So let’s see.”(What makes Le Mans special?) “Le Mans is simply the most prestigious endurance race out there. And I always like the moment before the weekend when we all get to go to the drivers briefing. It’s just one big room and it’s just a collection of all motorsport legends… former legends, current legends, the who’s who of motorsport. I always feel very proud to be a part of that.”

BEN KEATING, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “One step at a time, one day at a time. You know what? All I need to worry about right now is trying to win Le Mans. I’ve often said that every car in this race is a long shot, and I still feel that way. But there are even more variables this year than normal to me. Just because of my elbow and this is my first time to be in this car, in this specific chassis. We were missing a little something last year. I’ve done a lot of work in the offseason to try to help find it. I would say I go into Le Mans with a lot of anticipation that hopefully we can be competitive. Hopefully, we can have a clean race and everybody that drives around us keeps their head on straight and doesn’t wreck into us. If we can have a reliable car and a clean car for the full 24 hours, then I think that we have a pretty good chance.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 34 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “We do need to just start getting some proper results, and no better place for it than Le Mans. The Corvette’s always so good there. It’s been great the last two years, and it’s a great chance for us to get 50 points and a nice trophy. Obviously, the good thing on my side is I can literally do half of the race… up to 12 hours of it. So I am doing everything I can to get myself ready for those long stints, lack of sleep and try to manage the adrenaline so that you are not completely busted after a couple of stints, but I like the challenge. I did it last year. We obviously got a podium, which was great. That’s three of the last four starts at Le Mans for me with one being a win. The record there is going pretty well. But I’d like to get another win on the board, and I don’t see a reason why we can’t.”

PETER DEMPSEY, NO. 34 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I think we’re going there in the mindset that, hopefully, it’s our strongest race of the year, and we can try to get a result for the two cars. Obviously, we want to win and so do our teammates. But if he can get two of them on a podium together, I think that would be a huge success. I think that’s our goal. We’ve been building all year to be ready to perform for 24 hours, and then after that you worry about the rest of the year. But we’ve been building, I think, at a good rate over the last first two events to go there and perform. And I think the team is ready for it.”

MATT BELL, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It wasn’t my first one last year, but it was all the team’s. I would say they were leaning on me for my experience and advice on how to approach a lot of things and also specific things to focus on.“Now I am seeing everybody go, ‘Right. Let’s go and grab this by the horns.’ Which is exactly the response that I kind of thought a competitive team like we have would go back with. It’s actually been really a joy to watch everybody go through that process and analyze what we all did and what we can do better. There is certainly a lot of hunger in the team.”

OREY FIDANI, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “(Le Mans in 2025) definitely exceeded my expectations. You hear about it, but till you actually go and experience it, it’s two different stories. It’s absolutely in a world of its own. I was dumbfounded; my head was on a swivel and I was just taking everything in. It’s absolutely amazing.“For me, there’s a better understanding of things like the slow zones and learning all that. I think we got one or two penalties because of that last year. It’s one thing looking at them on a map, and it’s another thing looking at them at speed at 300 kph. So now I have a better understanding of where those are, the rules and the procedures. Hopefully we can eliminate those penalties because I mean, it’s tough. Once you fall behind there, you never get it back.”

BEN GREEN, NO. 2 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It’s always been the dream to go to Le Mans. I think it’s every endurance or GT driver’s dream. I had some chances before that never came off, and now it’s fantastic obviously to join with Prince Jefri and Johor Racing to go to Le Mans in the Corvette. It’s going to be a fantastic week or two weeks even. I’m really looking forward to it.”

HH PRINCE JEFRI IBRAHIM, NO. 2 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “The Le Mans 24 Hours is a race that I’ve always wanted to do, a race that I’ve always wanted JMR to compete in. It took us seven years to get here, and finally it’s happening. Unlike some of our previous endurance races, this time we have two other categories racing together at the same race. That will be the challenge of having those other cars around you as well. And it’s an iconic track, so I can’t wait to see how we go there.”

In Her Own Words: Andrea Hidalgo, Corvette Racing Program Manager

How have the first six months on the job been for you?“It’s been really busy but also really exciting. Luckily I came into this role already familiar with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R and with many of the teams and drivers. My past experience was mainly in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA, so I’ve been learning more about how some of the other series operate. I’ve been to races in both championships plus the Paul Ricard round for GT World Challenge Europe round. Each race has been eye-opening in seeing how much fan engagement there is and the crowd turnout. In my past role, I was mainly based in and around the garage with the cars and crews. Now I’m learning more about the world outside of the garages – the championship organizers, the drivers, team managers, press, media and of course the fans. It’s all been very educational and very rewarding.”

Having spent time as powertrain support on the factory team and then with TF Sport, is there a sense of pride that comes with leading the Corvette Racing program?“Absolutely. There is so much history in Corvette Racing, and there is definitely a sense of pride and gratitude that comes with being able to lead this program. I was extremely fortunate to have been able to contribute to our Le Mans win in 2023, then help develop and launch the GT3 program. So now the opportunity to lead the program is an amazing one. I care deeply about Corvette Racing and its relevance to the road car, as well as its legacy of success in motorsports.” We’re now on to Le Mans. What is the outlook for the four Corvettes in the race?“It’s a big opportunity for us to support four Corvette GT3s in this year’s race. This is our third year there with the Z06 GT3.R, but we know that Le Mans is a race that never gets easier. Much of that is because the quality of the teams and manufacturers keeps rising year after year. That places extra importance on the preparation that our group does to assist each of our teams. Our Corvette Racing factory drivers are contributing as well via sessions in our Driver-in-the-Loop simulator. All of that data and feedback informs our pre-race recommendations for TF Sport’s three cars plus 13 Autosport’s entry. Then it comes down to the execution by each of the crews, engineers and drivers. Each team has proven they can win races, and we will be there in full force to support them in this year’s quest.” What makes Le Mans special to you?“Le Mans has always been the biggest race of the year, and competing there was one of the reasons Corvette Racing began. For me personally, Le Mans represents the pinnacle of endurance racing and all the emotion that comes with it. There was nothing like winning the race in 2023 – it was the highlight of my career – and there is nothing that hurt like the end of the 2022 race – it’s something I never want to repeat. Plus there is everything else that makes Le Mans special: the history, the circuit, Le Pesage, the parade through the town and the electricity that fills the paddock and city leading up to the race. There is nothing like it and I am so excited to get back this year.”

2026 FIA World Endurance Championship PointsLMGT3 Drivers Standings1. Riccardo Pera/Richard Lietz/Yasser Shahin – 302. Antares Au/Marvin Kirchhöfer/Thomas Fleming – 263. Anthony McIntosh/Dan Harper/Parker Thompson – 254. Blake McDonald/Jonny Edgar/Nicky Catsburg – 225. Alessio Rovera/Francois Heriau/Simon Mann – 2013. Charlie Eastwood/Peter Dempsey/Salih Yoluc – 2 LMGT3 Teams Standings1. No. 92 The Bend Manthey – 302. No. 10 Garage 59 – 263. No. 69 Team WRT – 254. No. 33 TF Sport – 225. No. 21 Vista AF Corse – 1013. No. 34 Racing Team Turkey by TF – 2 Corvette Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (wins in bold)2000 – No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/Justin Bell – 4th in GTSNo. 64 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 3rd in GTS 2001 – No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Scott Pruett – 1st in GTSNo. 64 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 2nd in GTS 2002 – No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Oliver Gavin – 1st in GTSNo. 64 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 2nd in GTS 2003 – No. 53 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Franck Freon – 3rd in GTSNo. 50 Corvette C5-R: Oliver Gavin/Kelly Collins/Andy Pilgrim – 2nd in GTS 2004 – No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 2nd in GTSNo. 64 Corvette C5-R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GTS  2005 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 2nd in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GT1 2006 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 7th in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GT1 2007 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Jan Magnussen – 2nd in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Max Papis – 14th in GT1 2008 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Jan Magnussen – 2nd in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Max Papis – 3rd in GT1 2009 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Johnny O’Connell/Antonio Garcia – 1st in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Marcel Fässler – 4th in GT1 2010 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Johnny O’Connell/Antonio Garcia – 12th in GT2 (DNF)No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Emmanuel Collard – 10th in GT2 (DNF) 2011 – No. 73 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Tommy Milner/Antonio Garcia – 1st in GTE ProNo. 74 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen/Richard Westbrook – 14th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2012 – No. 73 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 5th in GTE ProNo. 74 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 6th in GTE Pro 2013 – No. 73 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 4th in GTE ProNo. 74 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 7th in GTE Pro 2014 – No. 73 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 2nd in GTE ProNo. 74 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 4th in GTE Pro 2015 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – DNS (Qualifying crash)No. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Jordan Taylor – 1st in GTE Pro 2016 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ricky Taylor – 7th in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Jordan Taylor – 10th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2017 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 3rd in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 8th in GTLM 2018 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 4th in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 15th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2019 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 8th in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 16th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2021 – No. 63 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 2nd in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Alexander Sims – 6th in GTE Pro 2022 – No. 63 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 7th in GTE Pro (DNF)No. 64 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Alexander Sims – 6th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2023 – No. 33 Corvette C8.R: Nicky Catsburg/Ben Keating/Nico Varrone – 1st in GTE Am (Keating pole, Varrone fastest race lap) 2024 – No. 81 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Charlie Eastwood/Rui Andrade/Tom Van Rompuy – 15th in LMGT3No. 82 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Daniel Juncadella/Sebastien Baud/Hiroshi Koizumi – 11th in LMGT3 2025 – No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Matt Bell/Orey Fidani/Lars Kern – 10th in LMGT3No. 33 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Daniel Juncadella/Jonny Edgar/Ben Keating – 7th in LMGT3No. 81 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Charlie Eastwood/Rui Andrade/Tom Van Rompuy – 3rd in LMGT3

CORVETTE RACING AT LE MANS: A Fantastic Four!Quartet of Corvettes seek to extend program’s winning history at French classic DETROIT (June 3, 2026) – Chevrolet and Corvette Racing will look to extend its run of success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with four Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs that will contest the famed French endurance race on June 13-14. The Corvette quartet at the twice-around-the-clock classic is the largest group of Corvettes at Le Mans in a decade, and all are under the Corvette Racing umbrella. The program has a stellar record at the race with nine class victories – the most recent coming in 2023. The GT3-spec Corvette finished third in class at Le Mans in 2025, its first podium in the race since its 2024 debut.

The Corvette lineup includes three cars from TF Sport – including its two FIA World Endurance Championship entries plus a third that will feature drivers and crew from Johor Motorsports Racing. The fourth Corvette is from 13 Autosport, which is back at Le Mans after winning a second consecutive Bob Akin Award in the 2025 IMSA season.  All four entries will take part in Sunday’s Test Day, which is the first time for the field to run on the 8.48-mile circuit since the end of last year’s race. The lineup:

Corvette Racing Media Resources Documents | Statistics | Photos | Factory Driver Bios | Chevrolet NewsroomLe Mans Driver Q&As: English | French

· No. 33 TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Nicky Catsburg/Jonny Edgar/Ben Keating· No. 34 Racing Team Turkey by TF Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Charlie Eastwood/Salih Yoluc/Peter Dempsey· No. 2 TF Sport Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Ben Green/Lorcan Hanafin/HH Prince Jefri Ibrahim· No. 13 13 Autosport Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Matt Bell/Orey Fidani/Lars Kern TF Sport’s No. 33 and No. 34 Corvettes hope to use a Le Mans victory or podium to propel up the FIA WEC LMGT3 championship standings. The 24 Hours is a double-points race, and success there usually bodes well. Every LMGT3 championship winner since 2021 has won in class at Le Mans. Catsburg, Edgar and Blake McDonald – subbing for an injured Keating in the first two events – are fourth in points on the strength of a runner-up finish in the season-opening race at Imola. Meanwhile, the No. 34 trio finished ninth in the most recent race at Spa-Francorchamps to score its first championship points of the season. The No. 2 TF Sport Corvette is the result of the team claiming the 2025 European Le Mans Series championship. Of the three drivers, only Hanafin has raced at Le Mans although his two teammates have extensive experience in the Corvette at races like the Spa 24 Hours and Bathurst 12 Hours, where they were Pro-Am runners-up in February. 13 Autosport placed 10th in its Le Mans debut a year ago. The striking Canadian red Corvette was an instant hit with fans, and the driver lineup is the same as in 2025. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET / 4 p.m. CET on Saturday, June 13. Live streaming coverage of all on-track sessions – including qualifying and Hyperpole – plus timing and scoring is available through a subscription on FIA WEC Plus with additional live streaming on the HBO Max app in the U.S. Radio Le Mans also will provide live streaming audio coverage of all sessions as well.

CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R PRE-EVENT DRIVER QUOTES

NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “The last time (in a Corvette at Le Mans) it worked out well! 2023 is the last time I raced there in a Corvette. I have raced the years in between in a prototype. So I feel like I’m still up to date with the track and so on. But it’s been a few years since I’ve been there with Corvette. I haven’t been there yet in a GT3-spec car, so that’s going to be new. But it’s something I’m really, really looking forward to. So let’s see.”(What makes Le Mans special?) “Le Mans is simply the most prestigious endurance race out there. And I always like the moment before the weekend when we all get to go to the drivers briefing. It’s just one big room and it’s just a collection of all motorsport legends… former legends, current legends, the who’s who of motorsport. I always feel very proud to be a part of that.”

BEN KEATING, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “One step at a time, one day at a time. You know what? All I need to worry about right now is trying to win Le Mans. I’ve often said that every car in this race is a long shot, and I still feel that way. But there are even more variables this year than normal to me. Just because of my elbow and this is my first time to be in this car, in this specific chassis. We were missing a little something last year. I’ve done a lot of work in the offseason to try to help find it. I would say I go into Le Mans with a lot of anticipation that hopefully we can be competitive. Hopefully, we can have a clean race and everybody that drives around us keeps their head on straight and doesn’t wreck into us. If we can have a reliable car and a clean car for the full 24 hours, then I think that we have a pretty good chance.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 34 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “We do need to just start getting some proper results, and no better place for it than Le Mans. The Corvette’s always so good there. It’s been great the last two years, and it’s a great chance for us to get 50 points and a nice trophy. Obviously, the good thing on my side is I can literally do half of the race… up to 12 hours of it. So I am doing everything I can to get myself ready for those long stints, lack of sleep and try to manage the adrenaline so that you are not completely busted after a couple of stints, but I like the challenge. I did it last year. We obviously got a podium, which was great. That’s three of the last four starts at Le Mans for me with one being a win. The record there is going pretty well. But I’d like to get another win on the board, and I don’t see a reason why we can’t.”

PETER DEMPSEY, NO. 34 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I think we’re going there in the mindset that, hopefully, it’s our strongest race of the year, and we can try to get a result for the two cars. Obviously, we want to win and so do our teammates. But if he can get two of them on a podium together, I think that would be a huge success. I think that’s our goal. We’ve been building all year to be ready to perform for 24 hours, and then after that you worry about the rest of the year. But we’ve been building, I think, at a good rate over the last first two events to go there and perform. And I think the team is ready for it.”

MATT BELL, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It wasn’t my first one last year, but it was all the team’s. I would say they were leaning on me for my experience and advice on how to approach a lot of things and also specific things to focus on.“Now I am seeing everybody go, ‘Right. Let’s go and grab this by the horns.’ Which is exactly the response that I kind of thought a competitive team like we have would go back with. It’s actually been really a joy to watch everybody go through that process and analyze what we all did and what we can do better. There is certainly a lot of hunger in the team.”

OREY FIDANI, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “(Le Mans in 2025) definitely exceeded my expectations. You hear about it, but till you actually go and experience it, it’s two different stories. It’s absolutely in a world of its own. I was dumbfounded; my head was on a swivel and I was just taking everything in. It’s absolutely amazing.“For me, there’s a better understanding of things like the slow zones and learning all that. I think we got one or two penalties because of that last year. It’s one thing looking at them on a map, and it’s another thing looking at them at speed at 300 kph. So now I have a better understanding of where those are, the rules and the procedures. Hopefully we can eliminate those penalties because I mean, it’s tough. Once you fall behind there, you never get it back.”

BEN GREEN, NO. 2 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It’s always been the dream to go to Le Mans. I think it’s every endurance or GT driver’s dream. I had some chances before that never came off, and now it’s fantastic obviously to join with Prince Jefri and Johor Racing to go to Le Mans in the Corvette. It’s going to be a fantastic week or two weeks even. I’m really looking forward to it.”

HH PRINCE JEFRI IBRAHIM, NO. 2 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “The Le Mans 24 Hours is a race that I’ve always wanted to do, a race that I’ve always wanted JMR to compete in. It took us seven years to get here, and finally it’s happening. Unlike some of our previous endurance races, this time we have two other categories racing together at the same race. That will be the challenge of having those other cars around you as well. And it’s an iconic track, so I can’t wait to see how we go there.”

In Her Own Words: Andrea Hidalgo, Corvette Racing Program Manager

How have the first six months on the job been for you?“It’s been really busy but also really exciting. Luckily I came into this role already familiar with the Corvette Z06 GT3.R and with many of the teams and drivers. My past experience was mainly in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA, so I’ve been learning more about how some of the other series operate. I’ve been to races in both championships plus the Paul Ricard round for GT World Challenge Europe round. Each race has been eye-opening in seeing how much fan engagement there is and the crowd turnout. In my past role, I was mainly based in and around the garage with the cars and crews. Now I’m learning more about the world outside of the garages – the championship organizers, the drivers, team managers, press, media and of course the fans. It’s all been very educational and very rewarding.”

Having spent time as powertrain support on the factory team and then with TF Sport, is there a sense of pride that comes with leading the Corvette Racing program?“Absolutely. There is so much history in Corvette Racing, and there is definitely a sense of pride and gratitude that comes with being able to lead this program. I was extremely fortunate to have been able to contribute to our Le Mans win in 2023, then help develop and launch the GT3 program. So now the opportunity to lead the program is an amazing one. I care deeply about Corvette Racing and its relevance to the road car, as well as its legacy of success in motorsports.” We’re now on to Le Mans. What is the outlook for the four Corvettes in the race?“It’s a big opportunity for us to support four Corvette GT3s in this year’s race. This is our third year there with the Z06 GT3.R, but we know that Le Mans is a race that never gets easier. Much of that is because the quality of the teams and manufacturers keeps rising year after year. That places extra importance on the preparation that our group does to assist each of our teams. Our Corvette Racing factory drivers are contributing as well via sessions in our Driver-in-the-Loop simulator. All of that data and feedback informs our pre-race recommendations for TF Sport’s three cars plus 13 Autosport’s entry. Then it comes down to the execution by each of the crews, engineers and drivers. Each team has proven they can win races, and we will be there in full force to support them in this year’s quest.” What makes Le Mans special to you?“Le Mans has always been the biggest race of the year, and competing there was one of the reasons Corvette Racing began. For me personally, Le Mans represents the pinnacle of endurance racing and all the emotion that comes with it. There was nothing like winning the race in 2023 – it was the highlight of my career – and there is nothing that hurt like the end of the 2022 race – it’s something I never want to repeat. Plus there is everything else that makes Le Mans special: the history, the circuit, Le Pesage, the parade through the town and the electricity that fills the paddock and city leading up to the race. There is nothing like it and I am so excited to get back this year.”

2026 FIA World Endurance Championship PointsLMGT3 Drivers Standings1. Riccardo Pera/Richard Lietz/Yasser Shahin – 302. Antares Au/Marvin Kirchhöfer/Thomas Fleming – 263. Anthony McIntosh/Dan Harper/Parker Thompson – 254. Blake McDonald/Jonny Edgar/Nicky Catsburg – 225. Alessio Rovera/Francois Heriau/Simon Mann – 2013. Charlie Eastwood/Peter Dempsey/Salih Yoluc – 2 LMGT3 Teams Standings1. No. 92 The Bend Manthey – 302. No. 10 Garage 59 – 263. No. 69 Team WRT – 254. No. 33 TF Sport – 225. No. 21 Vista AF Corse – 1013. No. 34 Racing Team Turkey by TF – 2 Corvette Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (wins in bold)2000 – No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/Justin Bell – 4th in GTSNo. 64 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 3rd in GTS 2001 – No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Scott Pruett – 1st in GTSNo. 64 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 2nd in GTS 2002 – No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Oliver Gavin – 1st in GTSNo. 64 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 2nd in GTS 2003 – No. 53 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Franck Freon – 3rd in GTSNo. 50 Corvette C5-R: Oliver Gavin/Kelly Collins/Andy Pilgrim – 2nd in GTS 2004 – No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 2nd in GTSNo. 64 Corvette C5-R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GTS  2005 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 2nd in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GT1 2006 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 7th in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GT1 2007 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Jan Magnussen – 2nd in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Max Papis – 14th in GT1 2008 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Jan Magnussen – 2nd in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Max Papis – 3rd in GT1 2009 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Johnny O’Connell/Antonio Garcia – 1st in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Marcel Fässler – 4th in GT1 2010 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Johnny O’Connell/Antonio Garcia – 12th in GT2 (DNF)No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Emmanuel Collard – 10th in GT2 (DNF) 2011 – No. 73 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Tommy Milner/Antonio Garcia – 1st in GTE ProNo. 74 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen/Richard Westbrook – 14th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2012 – No. 73 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 5th in GTE ProNo. 74 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 6th in GTE Pro 2013 – No. 73 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 4th in GTE ProNo. 74 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 7th in GTE Pro 2014 – No. 73 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 2nd in GTE ProNo. 74 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 4th in GTE Pro 2015 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – DNS (Qualifying crash)No. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Jordan Taylor – 1st in GTE Pro 2016 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ricky Taylor – 7th in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Jordan Taylor – 10th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2017 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 3rd in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 8th in GTLM 2018 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 4th in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 15th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2019 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 8th in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 16th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2021 – No. 63 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 2nd in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Alexander Sims – 6th in GTE Pro 2022 – No. 63 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 7th in GTE Pro (DNF)No. 64 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Alexander Sims – 6th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2023 – No. 33 Corvette C8.R: Nicky Catsburg/Ben Keating/Nico Varrone – 1st in GTE Am (Keating pole, Varrone fastest race lap) 2024 – No. 81 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Charlie Eastwood/Rui Andrade/Tom Van Rompuy – 15th in LMGT3No. 82 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Daniel Juncadella/Sebastien Baud/Hiroshi Koizumi – 11th in LMGT3 2025 – No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Matt Bell/Orey Fidani/Lars Kern – 10th in LMGT3No. 33 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Daniel Juncadella/Jonny Edgar/Ben Keating – 7th in LMGT3No. 81 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Charlie Eastwood/Rui Andrade/Tom Van Rompuy – 3rd in LMGT3

HARTFORD, MI (June 2, 2026) – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series is gearing up for a full weekend of action with three races at three different tracks in three nights.

First on the agenda is a highly anticipated return to Michigan. The tour hasn’t crossed into the state’s border since 2019, but that’ll change on Friday, June 5, when Hartford Speedway takes center stage for the Pure Michigan Showdown.

Then, it’s around the southern rim of Lake Michigan and up to Wisconsin’s Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, June 6, for the Cheese Town Showdown. The World of Outlaws returned to the “Badger State” track in thrilling fashion a year ago after two decades away.

Finalizing the weekend is a Sunday, June 7, stop at Sun Prairie, WI’s Angell Park Speedway. It’ll be a special night as the tour honors the man responsible for the World of Outlaws with the Ted Johnson Memorial Race at the track where he fell in love with the sport.

A tripleheader at three dirt tracks awaits. The Greatest Show on Dirt is ready to log some miles this weekend.

BUY HARTFORD TICKETS HERE
BUY PLYMOUTH TICKETS HERE
BUY ANGELL PARK TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the top stories to watch:

NIGHTMARE’S HOME

Few fanbases appreciate a local hero the way Wisconsin loves Bill Balog. His route is a bit unconventional in spending multiple decades racing on a primarily local basis before deciding to hit the road with the World of Outlaws. He amassed a huge following in the “Badger State” over that time, and they’re always eager to welcome him to familiar territory.

The numbers are enormous for Balog at both Wisconsin tracks ahead. He’s won a whopping 20 times at Plymouth with the Interstate Racing Association (IRA). Two of those were co-sanctioned events with the All Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC). Balog was seventh at last year’s Cheese Town Showdown. His versatility has been on display at Angell Park with 16 victories spread across Wing Sprint Cars, Non-Wing Sprint Cars, and Midgets.

Balog heads home still chasing his first checkered flag of the season. He’s been close with laps led at multiple races and a Kennedale Speedway Park runner-up. History says don’t be surprised if he’s in contention this weekend.

MIGHTY IN MICHIGAN

There’s only one driver on the tour currently with a World of Outlaws win at Hartford, and it’s the two-time and defending champion, David Gravel.

The Watertown, CT native took the CJB Motorsports No. 5 to Victory Lane in 2017. He backed that up two years later in a different ride, the Jason Johnson Racing No. 41, by being the last of a three-leader thriller at Hartford. That made him the first and only competitor to top consecutive visits.

Friday will be Gravel’s first visit to the “Great Lakes State” since climbing aboard the Big Game Motorsports No. 2, but the team itself finished on the podium at Hartford in 2011 with Craig Dollansky. Gravel enters the weekend atop the standings with a 114-point advantage.

UNDEFEATED

Sheldon Haudenschild will put his perfect Angell Park record on the line Sunday at Angell Park.

He debuted at the 1/3 mile during a 2014 IRA race aboard Chris Hartnell’s No. 48H and got the job done. The Wooster, OH native didn’t return for 11 years, but once he did, the result was the same as he steered the Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 from third to the front. He’ll aim to make it three wins in three rides Sunday as he makes the trip with the KCP Racing crew.

Recent weeks have produced a stretch of consistency for Haudenschild in the NOS Energy Drink No. 18. He’s bagged six top fives in the last eight races, including a pair of runner-up results. He and Donny Schatz have traded the fourth spot in points several times this year, and Haudenschild’s May speed has given him the advantage by six markers entering June.

SUN PRAIRIE SPEED

Haudenschild might be the only one with a perfect record at Angell Park, but he’s not the lone World of Outlaws competitor to find some speed in Sun Prairie, WI.

Donny Schatz’s first visit to Angell Park ended in Victory Lane. He claimed the World of Outlaws debut at the oval in 2016 aboard the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing No. 15 and will head there this Sunday in the CJB Motorsports No. 15.

Before his time on the World of Outlaws tour began, Carson Macedo topped a POWRi Midget race at Angell Park a decade ago. His best Sprint Car result there is seventh at a 2016 IRA race aboard Jimmy Davies’ No. 99X. Macedo enters the weekend as the most recent Series winner, courtesy of charging from ninth to the checkered flag at River Cities Speedway on Friday.

SUMMER OF MONEY LOOMS

The time is now for World of Outlaws teams to make sure their cars are firing on all cylinders.

The beginning of the “Summer of Money” is less than three weeks away. What began as the Month of Money has evolved into a three-month stretch filled by pocket-stuffing races. From June 17 through Sept. 19, the teams will tackle 14 races that send the winner home with at least $20,000. Four of them serve up a six-figure payday, including the largest in Series history, the $300,000-to-win finale of the BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals on June 20. That’s part of a massive week at Huset’s Speedway that also boasts the $150,000-to-win Hefty Seed Huset’s Hustle on June 18.

The stretch also features the $200,000-to-win Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway (July 17-18) and the $200,000-to-win NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s at Knoxville Raceway (Aug. 12-15). It’s punctuated by the $83,000-to-win Dennis Roth Classic at California’s Stockton Dirt Track (Sept. 18-19).

This is life-changing money on the line as the sport of Sprint Car racing continues to reach new heights.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Friday, June 5 at Hartford Speedway in Hartford, MI
Saturday, June 6 at Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, WI
Sunday, June 7 at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, WI

AROUND THE TURN
Friday-Saturday, June 12-13 at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA (TICKETS)

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (25/84 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (3510 PTS)
2. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-114 PTS)
3. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-126 PTS)
4. Sheldon Haudenschild – KCP Racing No. 18 (-194 PTS)
5. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-200 PTS)
6. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-270 PTS)
7. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-434 PTS)
8. Cole Macedo – TwoC Racing No. 2C (-460 PTS)
9. Chris Windom – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-520 PTS)
10. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-538 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (13 Drivers):
6 Wins – Michael Kofoid
5 Wins – David Gravel
3 Wins – Carson Macedo
2 Wins – Anthony Macri
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Sheldon Haudenschild, Donny Schatz, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Rico Abreu, Logan Schuchart, Aaron Reutzel

FEATURE LAPS LED (22 Drivers):
148 Laps Led – David Gravel
137 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid
69 Laps Led – Carson Macedo
44 Laps Led – Bill Balog
40 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
37 Laps Led – Tyler Courtney, Aaron Reutzel
35 Laps Led – Donny Schatz
33 Laps Led – Brady Bacon
28 Laps Led – Ryan Timms
26 Laps Led – Sheldon Haudenschild
25 Laps Led – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne
21 Laps Led – Kasey Jedrzejek
20 Laps Led – Logan Schuchart
17 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston
15 Laps Led – Rico Abreu
11 Laps Led – Giovanni Scelzi
10 Laps Led – Cole Macedo
7 Laps Led – Brian Brown
6 Laps Led – Brock Zearfoss
1 Lap Led – Christopher ThramPODIUM FINISHES (25 Drivers):
14 Podiums – David Gravel
11 Podiums – Carson Macedo
10 Podiums – Michael Kofoid
5 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Podiums – Donny Schatz
3 Podiums – Anthony Macri, Ryan Timms, Spencer Bayston, Rico Abreu
2 Podiums – Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Aaron Reutzel
1 Podium – Ashton Torgerson, Bill Balog, Scott Bogucki, Tyler Courtney, Emerson Axsom, Brad Sweet, Chase Dietz, Kasey Kahne, Justin Whittall, Troy Wagaman Jr., Giovanni Scelzi, Logan Schuchart, Kasey Jedrzejek

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (13 Drivers):
10 Quick Times – David Gravel
3 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild
2 Quick Times – Logan Schuchart
1 Quick Time – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Brady Bacon, Will Armitage, Michael Kofoid, J.J. Hickle, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel

HEAT RACE WINNERS (32 Drivers):
18 Heat Wins – David Gravel
12 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
7 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo
6 Heat Wins – Bill Balog
5 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart
4 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid, Donny Schatz
3 Heat Wins – Ashton Torgerson, Emerson Axsom, Rico Abreu, Cole Macedo
2 Heat Wins – Anthony Macri, Chase Dietz, Kasey Kahne, Aaron Reutzel, Kasey Jedrzejek
1 Heat Win – Chase Dietz, Justin Peck, Tanner Holmes, Scotty Thiel, Will Armitage, Rees Moran, Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Justin Whittall, Chad Trout, Giovanni Scelzi, Joel Myers Jr., Spencer Bayston, Austin McCarl, Andy Pake

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (54 Drivers):
21 Dashes – David Gravel
19 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild
15 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
9 Dashes – Carson Macedo
8 Dashes – Bill Balog
6 Dashes – Ashton Torgerson, Emerson Axsom, Logan Schuchart, Donny Schatz, Cole Macedo, Garet Williamson
5 Dashes – Kasey Jedrzejek
4 Dashes – Anthony Macri, Ryan Timms, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel
3 Dashes – Brent Marks, Kerry Madsen, Chase Dietz, Tanner Holmes, Brian Brown, Spencer Bayston
2 Dashes – Scotty Thiel, Chris Windom, Kasey Kahne, Troy Wagaman Jr., Brady Bacon, Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Justin Henderson, Austin McCarl
1 Dash – Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Brock Zearfoss, Bryce Lucius, Christopher Thram, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Rees Moran, Bryce Norris, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Danny Dietrich, Logan Rumsey, Daryn Pittman, Kody Hartlaub, Freddie Rahmer, Justin Whittall, Chad Trout, Brenham Crouch, Giovanni Scelzi, Joel Myers Jr., Joe B. Miller, Conner Morrell, Andy Pake

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (18 Drivers):
3 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz
2 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid, Chris Windom, Garet Williamson, Spencer Bayston
1 LCS Wins – Cameron Martin, Bill Balog, Blake Hahn, Landon Crawley, Bryce Norris, Giovanni Scelzi, Logan Schuchart, Doug Hammaker, Daryn Pittman, Kerry Madsen, Skylar Gee, Justin Henderson, Emerson Axsom

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (15 Drivers):
5 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo
3 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz
2 Hard Chargers – Garet Williamson, Michael Kofoid, Spencer Bayston, Chris Windom
1 Hard Charger – Giovanni Scelzi, Ryan Timms, Logan Schuchart, Brady Bacon, Sheldon Haudenschild, Tyler Ross, Cameron Smith, David Gravel, Emerson Axsom

ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (16 Drivers):
4 Fastest Laps – Michael Kofoid
2 Fastest Laps – Bill Balog, David Gravel, Brady Bacon, Carson Macedo, Aaron Reutzel, Kasey Jedrzejek
1 Fastest Lap – Anthony Macri, Brock Zearfoss, Sheldon Haudenschild, Cole Macedo, Ryan Timms, Brad Sweet, Kelby Watt, Kasey Kahne, Giovanni Scelzi

RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (13 Drivers):
7 Hottest Laps – David Gravel
3 Hottest Laps – Michael Kofoid, Sheldon Haudenschild
2 Hottest Laps – Logan Schuchart, Garet Williamson
1 Hottest Lap – Austin McCarl, Brent Marks, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Daryn Pittman, Giovanni Scelzi

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:
Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner
Wed, Feb 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Spencer Bayston (1)
Fri, Feb 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Michael Kofoid (1)
Sat, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (1)
Sun, March 1 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)
Mon, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (2)
Fri, March 6 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL / Donny Schatz (1)
Fri, March 13 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / David Gravel (1)
Fri, March 20 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK / David Gravel (2)
Sat, March 21 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK / David Gravel (3)
Fri, March 27 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / Carson Macedo (1)
Sat, March 28 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS / Michael Kofoid (2)
Fri, April 10 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (3)
Sat, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (4)
Sun, April 19 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Tyler Courtney (1)
Fri, April 24 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brad Sweet (1)
Sat, April 25 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (4)
Tues, May 5 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Michael Kofoid (5)
Fri, May 8 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Kasey Kahne (1)
Sat, May 9 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (5)
Fri, May 15 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (1)
Sat, May 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Logan Schuchart (1)
Tues, May 19 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / Carson Macedo (2)
Sat, May 23 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Aaron Reutzel (1)
Mon, May 25 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (6)
Fri, May 29 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Carson Macedo (3)
Fri, June 5 / Hartford Speedway / Hartford, MI
Sat, June 6 / Plymouth Dirt Track / Plymouth, WI
Sun, June 7 / Angell Park Speedway / Sun Prairie, WI
Fri, June 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sat, June 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Wed, June 17 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Thurs, June 18 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, June 20 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, June 26 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Sat, June 27 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Fri, July 10 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI
Sat, July 11 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI
Tues, July 14 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH
Fri, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Tues, July 21 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada
Wed, July 22 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada
Sat, July 25 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY
Sun, July 26 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY
Wed, July 29 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA
Fri, July 31 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Aug 1 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Fri, Aug 7 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Sat, Aug 8 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Wed, Aug 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Thurs, Aug 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Fri, Aug 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Sat, Aug 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, Aug 21 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Sat, Aug 22 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN
Fri, Aug 28 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sat, Aug 29 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND
Sun, Aug 30 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Fri, Sept 4 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, Sept 5 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sun, Sept 6 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, Sept 11 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS
Sat, Sept 12 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS
Mon, Sept 14 / El Paso County Raceway / Calhan, CO
Fri, Sept 18 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Sat, Sept 19 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Tues, Sept 22 / Kings Speedway / Hanford, CA
Fri, Sept 25 / Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway / Bakersfield, CA
Sat, Sept 26 / Ventura Raceway / Ventura, CA
Fri, Oct 2 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Oct 3 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Thurs, Oct 8 / Millstream Speedway / Findlay, OH
Fri, Oct 9 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Sat, Oct 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Fri, Oct 16 / Lincoln Park Speedway / Putnamville, IN
Sat, Oct 17 / TBA
Fri, Oct 23 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Sat, Oct 24 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Wed, Nov 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thurs, Nov 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Fri, Nov 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Sat, Nov 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC

*denotes unofficial split-field prelim race.

TOP FIVE STORYLINES: Three Tracks in Three Nights Open Major Month of June

HARTFORD, MI (June 2, 2026) – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series is gearing up for a full weekend of action with three races at three different tracks in three nights.

First on the agenda is a highly anticipated return to Michigan. The tour hasn’t crossed into the state’s border since 2019, but that’ll change on Friday, June 5, when Hartford Speedway takes center stage for the Pure Michigan Showdown.

Then, it’s around the southern rim of Lake Michigan and up to Wisconsin’s Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, June 6, for the Cheese Town Showdown. The World of Outlaws returned to the “Badger State” track in thrilling fashion a year ago after two decades away.

Finalizing the weekend is a Sunday, June 7, stop at Sun Prairie, WI’s Angell Park Speedway. It’ll be a special night as the tour honors the man responsible for the World of Outlaws with the Ted Johnson Memorial Race at the track where he fell in love with the sport.

A tripleheader at three dirt tracks awaits. The Greatest Show on Dirt is ready to log some miles this weekend.

BUY HARTFORD TICKETS HERE
BUY PLYMOUTH TICKETS HERE
BUY ANGELL PARK TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the top stories to watch:

NIGHTMARE’S HOME

Few fanbases appreciate a local hero the way Wisconsin loves Bill Balog. His route is a bit unconventional in spending multiple decades racing on a primarily local basis before deciding to hit the road with the World of Outlaws. He amassed a huge following in the “Badger State” over that time, and they’re always eager to welcome him to familiar territory.

The numbers are enormous for Balog at both Wisconsin tracks ahead. He’s won a whopping 20 times at Plymouth with the Interstate Racing Association (IRA). Two of those were co-sanctioned events with the All Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC). Balog was seventh at last year’s Cheese Town Showdown. His versatility has been on display at Angell Park with 16 victories spread across Wing Sprint Cars, Non-Wing Sprint Cars, and Midgets.

Balog heads home still chasing his first checkered flag of the season. He’s been close with laps led at multiple races and a Kennedale Speedway Park runner-up. History says don’t be surprised if he’s in contention this weekend.

MIGHTY IN MICHIGAN

There’s only one driver on the tour currently with a World of Outlaws win at Hartford, and it’s the two-time and defending champion, David Gravel.

The Watertown, CT native took the CJB Motorsports No. 5 to Victory Lane in 2017. He backed that up two years later in a different ride, the Jason Johnson Racing No. 41, by being the last of a three-leader thriller at Hartford. That made him the first and only competitor to top consecutive visits.

Friday will be Gravel’s first visit to the “Great Lakes State” since climbing aboard the Big Game Motorsports No. 2, but the team itself finished on the podium at Hartford in 2011 with Craig Dollansky. Gravel enters the weekend atop the standings with a 114-point advantage.

UNDEFEATED

Sheldon Haudenschild will put his perfect Angell Park record on the line Sunday at Angell Park.

He debuted at the 1/3 mile during a 2014 IRA race aboard Chris Hartnell’s No. 48H and got the job done. The Wooster, OH native didn’t return for 11 years, but once he did, the result was the same as he steered the Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 from third to the front. He’ll aim to make it three wins in three rides Sunday as he makes the trip with the KCP Racing crew.

Recent weeks have produced a stretch of consistency for Haudenschild in the NOS Energy Drink No. 18. He’s bagged six top fives in the last eight races, including a pair of runner-up results. He and Donny Schatz have traded the fourth spot in points several times this year, and Haudenschild’s May speed has given him the advantage by six markers entering June.

SUN PRAIRIE SPEED

Haudenschild might be the only one with a perfect record at Angell Park, but he’s not the lone World of Outlaws competitor to find some speed in Sun Prairie, WI.

Donny Schatz’s first visit to Angell Park ended in Victory Lane. He claimed the World of Outlaws debut at the oval in 2016 aboard the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing No. 15 and will head there this Sunday in the CJB Motorsports No. 15.

Before his time on the World of Outlaws tour began, Carson Macedo topped a POWRi Midget race at Angell Park a decade ago. His best Sprint Car result there is seventh at a 2016 IRA race aboard Jimmy Davies’ No. 99X. Macedo enters the weekend as the most recent Series winner, courtesy of charging from ninth to the checkered flag at River Cities Speedway on Friday.

SUMMER OF MONEY LOOMS

The time is now for World of Outlaws teams to make sure their cars are firing on all cylinders.

The beginning of the “Summer of Money” is less than three weeks away. What began as the Month of Money has evolved into a three-month stretch filled by pocket-stuffing races. From June 17 through Sept. 19, the teams will tackle 14 races that send the winner home with at least $20,000. Four of them serve up a six-figure payday, including the largest in Series history, the $300,000-to-win finale of the BillionAuto.com Huset’s High Bank Nationals on June 20. That’s part of a massive week at Huset’s Speedway that also boasts the $150,000-to-win Hefty Seed Huset’s Hustle on June 18.

The stretch also features the $200,000-to-win Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway (July 17-18) and the $200,000-to-win NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s at Knoxville Raceway (Aug. 12-15). It’s punctuated by the $83,000-to-win Dennis Roth Classic at California’s Stockton Dirt Track (Sept. 18-19).

This is life-changing money on the line as the sport of Sprint Car racing continues to reach new heights.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Friday, June 5 at Hartford Speedway in Hartford, MI
Saturday, June 6 at Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, WI
Sunday, June 7 at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, WI

AROUND THE TURN
Friday-Saturday, June 12-13 at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA (TICKETS)

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (25/84 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (3510 PTS)
2. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-114 PTS)
3. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-126 PTS)
4. Sheldon Haudenschild – KCP Racing No. 18 (-194 PTS)
5. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-200 PTS)
6. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-270 PTS)
7. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-434 PTS)
8. Cole Macedo – TwoC Racing No. 2C (-460 PTS)
9. Chris Windom – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-520 PTS)
10. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-538 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (13 Drivers):
6 Wins – Michael Kofoid
5 Wins – David Gravel
3 Wins – Carson Macedo
2 Wins – Anthony Macri
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Sheldon Haudenschild, Donny Schatz, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Rico Abreu, Logan Schuchart, Aaron Reutzel

FEATURE LAPS LED (22 Drivers):
148 Laps Led – David Gravel
137 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid
69 Laps Led – Carson Macedo
44 Laps Led – Bill Balog
40 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
37 Laps Led – Tyler Courtney, Aaron Reutzel
35 Laps Led – Donny Schatz
33 Laps Led – Brady Bacon
28 Laps Led – Ryan Timms
26 Laps Led – Sheldon Haudenschild
25 Laps Led – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne
21 Laps Led – Kasey Jedrzejek
20 Laps Led – Logan Schuchart
17 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston
15 Laps Led – Rico Abreu
11 Laps Led – Giovanni Scelzi
10 Laps Led – Cole Macedo
7 Laps Led – Brian Brown
6 Laps Led – Brock Zearfoss
1 Lap Led – Christopher ThramPODIUM FINISHES (25 Drivers):
14 Podiums – David Gravel
11 Podiums – Carson Macedo
10 Podiums – Michael Kofoid
5 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Podiums – Donny Schatz
3 Podiums – Anthony Macri, Ryan Timms, Spencer Bayston, Rico Abreu
2 Podiums – Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Aaron Reutzel
1 Podium – Ashton Torgerson, Bill Balog, Scott Bogucki, Tyler Courtney, Emerson Axsom, Brad Sweet, Chase Dietz, Kasey Kahne, Justin Whittall, Troy Wagaman Jr., Giovanni Scelzi, Logan Schuchart, Kasey Jedrzejek

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (13 Drivers):
10 Quick Times – David Gravel
3 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild
2 Quick Times – Logan Schuchart
1 Quick Time – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Brady Bacon, Will Armitage, Michael Kofoid, J.J. Hickle, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel

HEAT RACE WINNERS (32 Drivers):
18 Heat Wins – David Gravel
12 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
7 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo
6 Heat Wins – Bill Balog
5 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart
4 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid, Donny Schatz
3 Heat Wins – Ashton Torgerson, Emerson Axsom, Rico Abreu, Cole Macedo
2 Heat Wins – Anthony Macri, Chase Dietz, Kasey Kahne, Aaron Reutzel, Kasey Jedrzejek
1 Heat Win – Chase Dietz, Justin Peck, Tanner Holmes, Scotty Thiel, Will Armitage, Rees Moran, Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Justin Whittall, Chad Trout, Giovanni Scelzi, Joel Myers Jr., Spencer Bayston, Austin McCarl, Andy Pake

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (54 Drivers):
21 Dashes – David Gravel
19 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild
15 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
9 Dashes – Carson Macedo
8 Dashes – Bill Balog
6 Dashes – Ashton Torgerson, Emerson Axsom, Logan Schuchart, Donny Schatz, Cole Macedo, Garet Williamson
5 Dashes – Kasey Jedrzejek
4 Dashes – Anthony Macri, Ryan Timms, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel
3 Dashes – Brent Marks, Kerry Madsen, Chase Dietz, Tanner Holmes, Brian Brown, Spencer Bayston
2 Dashes – Scotty Thiel, Chris Windom, Kasey Kahne, Troy Wagaman Jr., Brady Bacon, Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Justin Henderson, Austin McCarl
1 Dash – Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Brock Zearfoss, Bryce Lucius, Christopher Thram, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Rees Moran, Bryce Norris, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Danny Dietrich, Logan Rumsey, Daryn Pittman, Kody Hartlaub, Freddie Rahmer, Justin Whittall, Chad Trout, Brenham Crouch, Giovanni Scelzi, Joel Myers Jr., Joe B. Miller, Conner Morrell, Andy Pake

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (18 Drivers):
3 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz
2 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid, Chris Windom, Garet Williamson, Spencer Bayston
1 LCS Wins – Cameron Martin, Bill Balog, Blake Hahn, Landon Crawley, Bryce Norris, Giovanni Scelzi, Logan Schuchart, Doug Hammaker, Daryn Pittman, Kerry Madsen, Skylar Gee, Justin Henderson, Emerson Axsom

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (15 Drivers):
5 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo
3 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz
2 Hard Chargers – Garet Williamson, Michael Kofoid, Spencer Bayston, Chris Windom
1 Hard Charger – Giovanni Scelzi, Ryan Timms, Logan Schuchart, Brady Bacon, Sheldon Haudenschild, Tyler Ross, Cameron Smith, David Gravel, Emerson Axsom

ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (16 Drivers):
4 Fastest Laps – Michael Kofoid
2 Fastest Laps – Bill Balog, David Gravel, Brady Bacon, Carson Macedo, Aaron Reutzel, Kasey Jedrzejek
1 Fastest Lap – Anthony Macri, Brock Zearfoss, Sheldon Haudenschild, Cole Macedo, Ryan Timms, Brad Sweet, Kelby Watt, Kasey Kahne, Giovanni Scelzi

RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (13 Drivers):
7 Hottest Laps – David Gravel
3 Hottest Laps – Michael Kofoid, Sheldon Haudenschild
2 Hottest Laps – Logan Schuchart, Garet Williamson
1 Hottest Lap – Austin McCarl, Brent Marks, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Daryn Pittman, Giovanni Scelzi

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:
Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner
Wed, Feb 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Spencer Bayston (1)
Fri, Feb 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Michael Kofoid (1)
Sat, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (1)
Sun, March 1 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)
Mon, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (2)
Fri, March 6 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL / Donny Schatz (1)
Fri, March 13 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / David Gravel (1)
Fri, March 20 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK / David Gravel (2)
Sat, March 21 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK / David Gravel (3)
Fri, March 27 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / Carson Macedo (1)
Sat, March 28 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS / Michael Kofoid (2)
Fri, April 10 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (3)
Sat, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (4)
Sun, April 19 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Tyler Courtney (1)
Fri, April 24 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brad Sweet (1)
Sat, April 25 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (4)
Tues, May 5 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Michael Kofoid (5)
Fri, May 8 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Kasey Kahne (1)
Sat, May 9 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (5)
Fri, May 15 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (1)
Sat, May 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Logan Schuchart (1)
Tues, May 19 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / Carson Macedo (2)
Sat, May 23 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Aaron Reutzel (1)
Mon, May 25 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (6)
Fri, May 29 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Carson Macedo (3)
Fri, June 5 / Hartford Speedway / Hartford, MI
Sat, June 6 / Plymouth Dirt Track / Plymouth, WI
Sun, June 7 / Angell Park Speedway / Sun Prairie, WI
Fri, June 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sat, June 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Wed, June 17 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Thurs, June 18 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, June 20 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, June 26 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Sat, June 27 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Fri, July 10 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI
Sat, July 11 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI
Tues, July 14 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH
Fri, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Tues, July 21 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada
Wed, July 22 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada
Sat, July 25 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY
Sun, July 26 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY
Wed, July 29 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA
Fri, July 31 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Aug 1 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Fri, Aug 7 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Sat, Aug 8 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Wed, Aug 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Thurs, Aug 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Fri, Aug 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Sat, Aug 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, Aug 21 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Sat, Aug 22 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN
Fri, Aug 28 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sat, Aug 29 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND
Sun, Aug 30 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Fri, Sept 4 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, Sept 5 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sun, Sept 6 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, Sept 11 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS
Sat, Sept 12 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS
Mon, Sept 14 / El Paso County Raceway / Calhan, CO
Fri, Sept 18 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Sat, Sept 19 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Tues, Sept 22 / Kings Speedway / Hanford, CA
Fri, Sept 25 / Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway / Bakersfield, CA
Sat, Sept 26 / Ventura Raceway / Ventura, CA
Fri, Oct 2 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Oct 3 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Thurs, Oct 8 / Millstream Speedway / Findlay, OH
Fri, Oct 9 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Sat, Oct 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Fri, Oct 16 / Lincoln Park Speedway / Putnamville, IN
Sat, Oct 17 / TBA
Fri, Oct 23 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Sat, Oct 24 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Wed, Nov 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thurs, Nov 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Fri, Nov 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Sat, Nov 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC

*denotes unofficial split-field prelim race.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/top-five-storylines-three-tracks-in-three-nights-open-major-month-of-june/

Jun 1, 2026 | Featured, Race Results

Randy Meyer Racing made a strong first appearance at the inagural NHRA Potomac Nationals at Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville, Maryland, with Gary Pritchett driving to a runner-up finish in Top Alcohol Dragster competition while teammate Matt Cummings qualified for race day.

Pritchett qualified the Hoopes Fire Prevention, Hedinger’s Equipment, and NGK Spark Plugs & Ignition Coils-backed dragster in the No. 5 position with a strong 5.267-second pass at 276.58 MPH. Cummings secured the No. 7 spot in the GUNK dragster with a 5.309 ET at 271.95 MPH.

In the opening round of eliminations, Cummings faced Jackie Fricke. Cummings gained the starting line advantage but encountered tire shake early in the run and was forced to click the car off. Fricke stayed planted down the groove and advanced to the next round.

NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS

On the other side of the ladder, Pritchett squared off against legendary drag racer Angelle Sampey in the first elimination matchup between the two drivers. Sampey left first, but Pritchett made up the difference by the 330-foot mark and never looked back, taking a narrow victory with a 5.270 at 271.95 MPH over Sampey’s 5.293 at 271.90 MPH. The margin of victory was just .011 seconds — approximately four feet at the finish line.

Pritchett continued his momentum into the second round on Sunday against Richard Bourke, once again using a starting line advantage to control the race from start to finish. The Randy Meyer Racing driver laid down the quickest and fastest pass of his career, running an impressive 5.210 at 276.75 MPH to defeat Bourke’s 5.248 at 273.05 MPH.

The semifinal matchup proved to be another thriller as Pritchett faced off against Jamie Noonan. Pritchett delivered a stellar .009 reaction time and used the holeshot advantage to hold off the quicker elapsed time from Noonan. Pritchett’s 5.261 at 276.92 MPH edged out Noonan’s quicker 5.216 at 278.06 MPH, sending the Randy Meyer Racing entry to the final round with lane choice.

NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS

In the final, Pritchett matched up against Jackie Fricke. Fricke gained the starting line advantage and never surrendered it, while Pritchett encountered tire smoke off the starting line. Despite pedaling the car multiple times in an attempt to recover, the dragster was unable to regain traction, and Pritchett coasted to an 11-second pass to finish as the runner-up.

“Not the outcome we were looking for, but still a special weekend for us and the Randy Meyer Racing team,” said Pritchett. “Proud to bring home a Runner-Up finish at a place that feels like home. We had some incredible close races all weekend. Congrats to Jackie and the team on the win. I’m looking forward to getting back to Maryland International Raceway next year.”

Gary Pritchett Drives Randy Meyer Racing to Runner-Up Finish at NHRA Potomac Nationals

Jun 1, 2026 | Featured, Race Results

Randy Meyer Racing made a strong first appearance at the inagural NHRA Potomac Nationals at Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville, Maryland, with Gary Pritchett driving to a runner-up finish in Top Alcohol Dragster competition while teammate Matt Cummings qualified for race day.

Pritchett qualified the Hoopes Fire Prevention, Hedinger’s Equipment, and NGK Spark Plugs & Ignition Coils-backed dragster in the No. 5 position with a strong 5.267-second pass at 276.58 MPH. Cummings secured the No. 7 spot in the GUNK dragster with a 5.309 ET at 271.95 MPH.

In the opening round of eliminations, Cummings faced Jackie Fricke. Cummings gained the starting line advantage but encountered tire shake early in the run and was forced to click the car off. Fricke stayed planted down the groove and advanced to the next round.

NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS

On the other side of the ladder, Pritchett squared off against legendary drag racer Angelle Sampey in the first elimination matchup between the two drivers. Sampey left first, but Pritchett made up the difference by the 330-foot mark and never looked back, taking a narrow victory with a 5.270 at 271.95 MPH over Sampey’s 5.293 at 271.90 MPH. The margin of victory was just .011 seconds — approximately four feet at the finish line.

Pritchett continued his momentum into the second round on Sunday against Richard Bourke, once again using a starting line advantage to control the race from start to finish. The Randy Meyer Racing driver laid down the quickest and fastest pass of his career, running an impressive 5.210 at 276.75 MPH to defeat Bourke’s 5.248 at 273.05 MPH.

The semifinal matchup proved to be another thriller as Pritchett faced off against Jamie Noonan. Pritchett delivered a stellar .009 reaction time and used the holeshot advantage to hold off the quicker elapsed time from Noonan. Pritchett’s 5.261 at 276.92 MPH edged out Noonan’s quicker 5.216 at 278.06 MPH, sending the Randy Meyer Racing entry to the final round with lane choice.

NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS

In the final, Pritchett matched up against Jackie Fricke. Fricke gained the starting line advantage and never surrendered it, while Pritchett encountered tire smoke off the starting line. Despite pedaling the car multiple times in an attempt to recover, the dragster was unable to regain traction, and Pritchett coasted to an 11-second pass to finish as the runner-up.

“Not the outcome we were looking for, but still a special weekend for us and the Randy Meyer Racing team,” said Pritchett. “Proud to bring home a Runner-Up finish at a place that feels like home. We had some incredible close races all weekend. Congrats to Jackie and the team on the win. I’m looking forward to getting back to Maryland International Raceway next year.”

The runner-up finish continues an impressive stretch for Pritchett with Randy Meyer Racing, further adding to an already successful partnership between driver and team.

MATTOON, IL (June 2, 2026) — For the first time in track history, Coles County Speedway will host the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models and DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals in a one-night-only showdown on Friday, June 12.

This event replaces the originally scheduled event at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL.

With Tri-City Speedway not set to be ready in time, the Gundaker family has kept the best interest of drivers, teams and fans in mind in reaching an agreement with Coles County Speedway to shift all operations of the event to the neighbor facility.

Coles County will award the first $10,000 check of the season to the winner of the 40-lap Late Model Feature, while the 25-lap Modified Feature winner will pocket $1,500.

Tickets for the event will be sold at the track on race day. If you can’t be there, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

Coles County Speedway Replaces Tri-City Speedway on Summer Nationals Slate June 12

MATTOON, IL (June 2, 2026) — For the first time in track history, Coles County Speedway will host the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models and DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals in a one-night-only showdown on Friday, June 12.

This event replaces the originally scheduled event at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL.

With Tri-City Speedway not set to be ready in time, the Gundaker family has kept the best interest of drivers, teams and fans in mind in reaching an agreement with Coles County Speedway to shift all operations of the event to the neighbor facility.

Coles County will award the first $10,000 check of the season to the winner of the 40-lap Late Model Feature, while the 25-lap Modified Feature winner will pocket $1,500.

Tickets for the event will be sold at the track on race day. If you can’t be there, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://dirtcarsummernationals.com/news/coles-county-speedway-replaces-tri-city-speedway-on-summer-nationals-slate-june-12/

The ASCS National Tour will visit Creek County Speedway for the first time in 2026 for the Don Swope Classic with the ASCS Sooner Region on Friday, June 5. 

On Saturday, both tours will travel 190 miles northwest to Park City, KS, to join the ASCS Gunsmoke Region for the Salute to Service Sprint Car Showdown at 81 Speedway. 

Drivers will chase a $4,000-to-win payday both nights. Tickets for both events will be sold at the track on race day. 

CREEK COUNTY INFO 

81 SPEEDWAY INFO 

WATCH ON DIRTVISION 

Here are the top storylines to look for: 

Repeat Sweep? – Sam Hafertepe Jr. enjoyed his visits to both tracks on the weekend’s slate in 2025, winning the Don Swope Classic and a September visit to 81 Speedway. 

The National Tour points leader has the most wins of any driver at the “Sooner State” facility with six and is tied with Jason Martin for the most at 81 with back-to-back Feature triumphs in 2024 and 2025. 

Success at Creek County has helped the Sunnyvale, TX, racer reach the Series championship multiple times. His Feature wins at the bullring in 2016, 2018-19, and 2025 helped lead him to hoist the Emmett Hahn Trophy at year’s end. 

Podium Standoff – Matt Covington and Seth Bergman have seen similar avenues towards earning a podium spot in the Series standings. Still, both drivers are chasing a second Feature win in the year to reach Hafertepe for the top spot. 

Covington has finished in the top-10 in every Feature since the opening night of the Sonoran Clash, including three podiums and his first win of the year on the second night at Central Arizona Raceway. The Glenpool, OK, racer’s night at Benton Speedway saw him rally from an early incident to finish third. 

Bergman had to go back to the drawing board after a sluggish start at Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. The refresh paid dividends for the No. 23 Oklahoma Chillers Sprint Car with four straight top-10 finishes at Central Arizona, two straight podium finishes, and his first win of the year at Benton. 

Growing Pains – Kyler Johnson’s fourth-place standing is the highest he has ever been with the National Tour. Entering Creek County and 81, he’ll be seeking redemption from his 24th-place finish during the last Series race at Benton. 

A broken O-ring in the engine’s barrel valve at Benton ended Johnson’s night before he could even compete in the event. In his first race after visiting Missouri, Johnson dominated the night at Phillips County Raceway to score his first win of 2026 with the ASCS Western Plains and Gunsmoke Regions. 

While the Quinter, KS driver is hunting his first top-10 at Creek County since 2023, 81 stores the memories of his first United Rebel Sprint Series win and first National Tour podium. He’ll look to make the weekend the sight of his first career Series win. 

Honoring Don – The Friday showcase at Creek County Speedway honors Don Swope – a close friend of Emmett Hahn and one of the most respected construction workers who transformed the SageNet Center into the home of the Chili Bowl Nationals and Tulsa Shootout. 

Swope passed away from cancer in 2020, and the event was formed in 2021 to honor his contributions to the Tulsa, OK, racing scene. In the inaugural Feature, 14-year-old Ryan Timms held off Michael Faccinto for his third-career Series win. 

Sam Hafertepe Jr. has controlled the Don Swope Classic the last two seasons with wins in 2024 and 2025. The last time the Series visited “Creekadega,” Blake Hahn and Zach Daum closed the season with triumphs in the Fuzzy’s Fall Fling. 

Regional Clashes – The National Tour will be accompanied by the ASCS Sooner Region at Creek County and 81, while the ASCS Gunsmoke Region will join both tours for the Saturday in Park City, KS. 

The Sooner Region opened its 2026 season with the Series in April at Salina Highbanks Speedway and saw Chris Martin claim the win. Gunsmoke began their championship hunt in May with Ryder McCutcheon driving to the win at Dodge City Raceway Park.  

When Gunsmoke and the ASCS Western Plains Region raced together at Phillips County Speedway on Memorial Day weekend, National Tour regular Kyler Johnson captured the win. 

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE 

WHEN AND WHERE 

Friday, June 5, at Creek County Speedway in Sapulpa, OK 

Saturday, June 6, at 81 Speedway in Park City, KS 

AROUND THE CORNER 

Saturday, June 13, at Batesville Motor Speedway in Batesville, AR 

CURRENT TOP-10 STANDINGS 

1. Sam Hafertepe Jr. (919pts) 
2. Matt Covington (-44)
3. Seth Bergman (-65)
4. Kyler Johnson (-126)
5. Whit Gastineau (-167)
6. Brogan Carder (-240)
7. Ryder Laplante(-249) 
8. Austyn Gossel(-252) 
9. Terry Easum (-279)
10. Cole Schroeder (-296)

FEATURE WINNERS (7 Drivers) 

2 wins – Justin Peck, Tyler Courtney 

1 win – Seth Bergman, Chris Martin, Brady Bacon, Levi Hillier, Matt Covington 

FEATURE LAPS LED (14 Drivers) 

52 laps – Justin Peck 

30 laps – Levi Hillier 

23 laps – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

22 laps – Chris Martin 

21 laps – Austin McCarl 

19 laps – Matt Covington 

18 laps – Brady Bacon 

16 laps – Cameron Martin 

13 laps – Brian Brown 

10 laps – Kyler Johnson 

7 laps – Cole Macedo 

6 laps – Tyler Courtney 

5 laps – Seth Bergman 

3 laps – Sean McClelland 

QUICK TIME AWARDS (5 Drivers) 

4 awards – Sam Hafertepe Jr 

1 award – Howard Moore, Chris Martin, Levi Hillier, Kyler Johnson 

HEAT RACE WINNERS (23 Drivers) 

4 wins – Matt Covington 

2 wins – Seth Bergman, Whit Gastineau, Chris Martin, Sam Hafertepe Jr, Justin Peck 

1 win – Jordan Mallett, Sean McClelland, Garrett Benson, Cam Martin, Brady Bacon, Tyler Clem, Emerson Axsom, Brian Brown, Cole Macedo, Garen Linder, Colby Copeland, Nick Parker, Hank Davis, Ryder Laplante, JJ Hickle, Kyler Johnson, Alex Hill 

DASH STARTS (29 Drivers) 

7 starts – Sam Hafertepe Jr 

5 starts – Kyler Johnson, Matt Covington 

4 starts – Whit Gastineau, Levi Hillier 

3 starts – Chris Martin, Tyler Courtney, Brian Brown, Justin Peck 

2 starts – Camerson Martin, Seth Bergman, Emerson Axsom, Austin McCarl, Brady Bacon, Davie Franek 

1 start – Jordan Mallett, Howard Moore, Paul Solomon, Garrett Benson, Brock Zearfoss, Cole Macedo, Tyler Clem, Hank Davis, Ryder Laplante, Nick Parker, Colby Copeland, Garen Linder, JJ Hickle, Alex Hill 

SMITH TITANIUM LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINNERS (7 Drivers) 

2 wins – Braxton Weger 

1 win – DJ Christie, Matt Covington, Tyler Clem, Whit Gastineau, Sterling Cling, Gage Montgomery 

HARD CHARGER AWARDS (9 Drivers) 

1 award – Seth Bergman, Ryder Laplante, Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Sam Hafertepe Jr., DJ Netto, Whit Gastineau, Brogan Carder, Joe B. Miller 

PODIUM FINISHES (15 Drivers) 

4 podiums – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

3 podiums – Justin Peck, Matt Covington 

2 podiums – Seth Bergman, Tyler Courtney, Brady Bacon, Austin McCarl, Levi Hillier 

1 podium – Jordan Mallett, Chris Martin, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Brock Zearfoss, Kyler Johnson, JJ Hickle 

2026 AMERICAN SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE + WINNERS 

Date / Track / City, State / Winner (Total Wins) 

1. Thu, Jan. 29 / Volusia Speedway Park /Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney
2. Fri, Jan. 30 / Volusia Speedway Park /Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney (2)
3. Mon, Feb. 2 / Volusia Speedway Park /Barberville, FL / Brady Bacon
4. Sat, Feb. 21 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Justin Peck
5. Sun, Feb. 21 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Matt Covington
6. Sat, Feb. 28 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Justin Peck (2)
7. Sun, Mar. 1 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Levi Hillier
8. Sat, Apr. 11 / Salina Highbanks Speedway / Salina, OK / Chris Martin 
9. Fri, May 8 / Benton Speedway / Benton, MO / Seth Bergman

TOP FIVE STORYLINES: Doubleheader Across OK, KS Awaits Multiple ASCS Divisions  SAPULPA, OK (June 2, 2026) — The American Sprint Car Series is back in the Great Plains for a two-state weekend against two ASCS regional campaigns. 

The ASCS National Tour will visit Creek County Speedway for the first time in 2026 for the Don Swope Classic with the ASCS Sooner Region on Friday, June 5. 

On Saturday, both tours will travel 190 miles northwest to Park City, KS, to join the ASCS Gunsmoke Region for the Salute to Service Sprint Car Showdown at 81 Speedway. 

Drivers will chase a $4,000-to-win payday both nights. Tickets for both events will be sold at the track on race day. 

CREEK COUNTY INFO 

81 SPEEDWAY INFO 

WATCH ON DIRTVISION 

Here are the top storylines to look for: 

Repeat Sweep? – Sam Hafertepe Jr. enjoyed his visits to both tracks on the weekend’s slate in 2025, winning the Don Swope Classic and a September visit to 81 Speedway. 

The National Tour points leader has the most wins of any driver at the “Sooner State” facility with six and is tied with Jason Martin for the most at 81 with back-to-back Feature triumphs in 2024 and 2025. 

Success at Creek County has helped the Sunnyvale, TX, racer reach the Series championship multiple times. His Feature wins at the bullring in 2016, 2018-19, and 2025 helped lead him to hoist the Emmett Hahn Trophy at year’s end. 

Podium Standoff – Matt Covington and Seth Bergman have seen similar avenues towards earning a podium spot in the Series standings. Still, both drivers are chasing a second Feature win in the year to reach Hafertepe for the top spot. 

Covington has finished in the top-10 in every Feature since the opening night of the Sonoran Clash, including three podiums and his first win of the year on the second night at Central Arizona Raceway. The Glenpool, OK, racer’s night at Benton Speedway saw him rally from an early incident to finish third. 

Bergman had to go back to the drawing board after a sluggish start at Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. The refresh paid dividends for the No. 23 Oklahoma Chillers Sprint Car with four straight top-10 finishes at Central Arizona, two straight podium finishes, and his first win of the year at Benton. 

Growing Pains – Kyler Johnson’s fourth-place standing is the highest he has ever been with the National Tour. Entering Creek County and 81, he’ll be seeking redemption from his 24th-place finish during the last Series race at Benton. 

A broken O-ring in the engine’s barrel valve at Benton ended Johnson’s night before he could even compete in the event. In his first race after visiting Missouri, Johnson dominated the night at Phillips County Raceway to score his first win of 2026 with the ASCS Western Plains and Gunsmoke Regions. 

While the Quinter, KS driver is hunting his first top-10 at Creek County since 2023, 81 stores the memories of his first United Rebel Sprint Series win and first National Tour podium. He’ll look to make the weekend the sight of his first career Series win. 

Honoring Don – The Friday showcase at Creek County Speedway honors Don Swope – a close friend of Emmett Hahn and one of the most respected construction workers who transformed the SageNet Center into the home of the Chili Bowl Nationals and Tulsa Shootout. 

Swope passed away from cancer in 2020, and the event was formed in 2021 to honor his contributions to the Tulsa, OK, racing scene. In the inaugural Feature, 14-year-old Ryan Timms held off Michael Faccinto for his third-career Series win. 

Sam Hafertepe Jr. has controlled the Don Swope Classic the last two seasons with wins in 2024 and 2025. The last time the Series visited “Creekadega,” Blake Hahn and Zach Daum closed the season with triumphs in the Fuzzy’s Fall Fling. 

Regional Clashes – The National Tour will be accompanied by the ASCS Sooner Region at Creek County and 81, while the ASCS Gunsmoke Region will join both tours for the Saturday in Park City, KS. 

The Sooner Region opened its 2026 season with the Series in April at Salina Highbanks Speedway and saw Chris Martin claim the win. Gunsmoke began their championship hunt in May with Ryder McCutcheon driving to the win at Dodge City Raceway Park.  

When Gunsmoke and the ASCS Western Plains Region raced together at Phillips County Speedway on Memorial Day weekend, National Tour regular Kyler Johnson captured the win. 

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE 

WHEN AND WHERE 

Friday, June 5, at Creek County Speedway in Sapulpa, OK 

Saturday, June 6, at 81 Speedway in Park City, KS 

AROUND THE CORNER 

Saturday, June 13, at Batesville Motor Speedway in Batesville, AR 

CURRENT TOP-10 STANDINGS 

1. Sam Hafertepe Jr. (919pts) 
2. Matt Covington (-44)
3. Seth Bergman (-65)
4. Kyler Johnson (-126)
5. Whit Gastineau (-167)
6. Brogan Carder (-240)
7. Ryder Laplante(-249) 
8. Austyn Gossel(-252) 
9. Terry Easum (-279)
10. Cole Schroeder (-296)

FEATURE WINNERS (7 Drivers) 

2 wins – Justin Peck, Tyler Courtney 

1 win – Seth Bergman, Chris Martin, Brady Bacon, Levi Hillier, Matt Covington 

FEATURE LAPS LED (14 Drivers) 

52 laps – Justin Peck 

30 laps – Levi Hillier 

23 laps – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

22 laps – Chris Martin 

21 laps – Austin McCarl 

19 laps – Matt Covington 

18 laps – Brady Bacon 

16 laps – Cameron Martin 

13 laps – Brian Brown 

10 laps – Kyler Johnson 

7 laps – Cole Macedo 

6 laps – Tyler Courtney 

5 laps – Seth Bergman 

3 laps – Sean McClelland 

QUICK TIME AWARDS (5 Drivers) 

4 awards – Sam Hafertepe Jr 

1 award – Howard Moore, Chris Martin, Levi Hillier, Kyler Johnson 

HEAT RACE WINNERS (23 Drivers) 

4 wins – Matt Covington 

2 wins – Seth Bergman, Whit Gastineau, Chris Martin, Sam Hafertepe Jr, Justin Peck 

1 win – Jordan Mallett, Sean McClelland, Garrett Benson, Cam Martin, Brady Bacon, Tyler Clem, Emerson Axsom, Brian Brown, Cole Macedo, Garen Linder, Colby Copeland, Nick Parker, Hank Davis, Ryder Laplante, JJ Hickle, Kyler Johnson, Alex Hill 

DASH STARTS (29 Drivers) 

7 starts – Sam Hafertepe Jr 

5 starts – Kyler Johnson, Matt Covington 

4 starts – Whit Gastineau, Levi Hillier 

3 starts – Chris Martin, Tyler Courtney, Brian Brown, Justin Peck 

2 starts – Camerson Martin, Seth Bergman, Emerson Axsom, Austin McCarl, Brady Bacon, Davie Franek 

1 start – Jordan Mallett, Howard Moore, Paul Solomon, Garrett Benson, Brock Zearfoss, Cole Macedo, Tyler Clem, Hank Davis, Ryder Laplante, Nick Parker, Colby Copeland, Garen Linder, JJ Hickle, Alex Hill 

SMITH TITANIUM LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINNERS (7 Drivers) 

2 wins – Braxton Weger 

1 win – DJ Christie, Matt Covington, Tyler Clem, Whit Gastineau, Sterling Cling, Gage Montgomery 

HARD CHARGER AWARDS (9 Drivers) 

1 award – Seth Bergman, Ryder Laplante, Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Sam Hafertepe Jr., DJ Netto, Whit Gastineau, Brogan Carder, Joe B. Miller 

PODIUM FINISHES (15 Drivers) 

4 podiums – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

3 podiums – Justin Peck, Matt Covington 

2 podiums – Seth Bergman, Tyler Courtney, Brady Bacon, Austin McCarl, Levi Hillier 

1 podium – Jordan Mallett, Chris Martin, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Brock Zearfoss, Kyler Johnson, JJ Hickle 

2026 AMERICAN SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE + WINNERS 

Date / Track / City, State / Winner (Total Wins) 

1. Thu, Jan. 29 / Volusia Speedway Park /Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney
2. Fri, Jan. 30 / Volusia Speedway Park /Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney (2)
3. Mon, Feb. 2 / Volusia Speedway Park /Barberville, FL / Brady Bacon
4. Sat, Feb. 21 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Justin Peck
5. Sun, Feb. 21 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Matt Covington
6. Sat, Feb. 28 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Justin Peck (2)
7. Sun, Mar. 1 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Levi Hillier
8. Sat, Apr. 11 / Salina Highbanks Speedway / Salina, OK / Chris Martin 
9. Fri, May 8 / Benton Speedway / Benton, MO / Seth Bergman

ARTICLE:https://ascsracing.com/what-to-watch-for/top-five-storylines-doubleheader-across-ok-ks-awaits-multiple-ascs-divisions/

June 2nd, 2026 – There are big automobile races throughout the world, but one race matters more than anything to Cadillac Racing – the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  The 94th edition will take place on June 13-14 at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, and Cadillac Racing is bringing three cars and nine of the most experienced drivers in the world to the legendary endurance race.  Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA will lead the manufacturer’s charge with its two entries for the FIA World Endurance Championship: the No. 12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R driven by Will Stevens, Norman Nato and Louis Deletraz, plus the No. 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R driven by Le Mans native Sebastien Bourdais, Earl Bamber and Jack Aitken.  They will be joined by IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship team Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing, which will field the No. 101 V-Series.R driven by Ricky Taylor, Jordan Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque.  Cadillac Racing returns to Le Mans after last year’s edition, when it became the first American manufacturer since 1967 to sweep the front row at Le Mans with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA securing Pole Position and P2.  The pole was the first for Cadillac at Le Mans, coming 75 years after its first Le Mans appearance in 1950 with a pair of Cadillac Coupe DeVille Series 61s, one mostly stock and another modified with a low-profile aluminum body nicknamed “Le Monstre.”  This year the program is targeting a competitive showing to show the strength of Cadillac Racing. To assist in the preparations, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA tested in mid-May at the high-speed Silverstone Circuit.  For 2026, the aero configuration has been upgraded to improve competitiveness in race traffic. The most visually apparent is the rear wing height being much lower than the 2025 Cadillac V-Series.R. Also new for this year is a brake package that aligns suppliers and technology to the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing road car. Albuquerque (2020 LMP2), Bamber (2015 and 2017 overall), Bourdais (2016 LMGTE Pro), Stevens (2022 LMP2 and 2017 LMGTE Am) and Taylor (2015 GTE Pro) have all won at Le Mans in their careers but they, along with their Cadillac teammates, are determined to put Cadillac Racing in contention at Le Mans.

Cadillac returns to Le Mans with eyes on endurance classic June 2nd, 2026 – There are big automobile races throughout the world, but one race matters more than anything to Cadillac Racing – the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  The 94th edition will take place on June 13-14 at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, and Cadillac Racing is bringing three cars and nine of the most experienced drivers in the world to the legendary endurance race.  Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA will lead the manufacturer’s charge with its two entries for the FIA World Endurance Championship: the No. 12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R driven by Will Stevens, Norman Nato and Louis Deletraz, plus the No. 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R driven by Le Mans native Sebastien Bourdais, Earl Bamber and Jack Aitken.  They will be joined by IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship team Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing, which will field the No. 101 V-Series.R driven by Ricky Taylor, Jordan Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque.  Cadillac Racing returns to Le Mans after last year’s edition, when it became the first American manufacturer since 1967 to sweep the front row at Le Mans with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA securing Pole Position and P2.  The pole was the first for Cadillac at Le Mans, coming 75 years after its first Le Mans appearance in 1950 with a pair of Cadillac Coupe DeVille Series 61s, one mostly stock and another modified with a low-profile aluminum body nicknamed “Le Monstre.”  This year the program is targeting a competitive showing to show the strength of Cadillac Racing. To assist in the preparations, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA tested in mid-May at the high-speed Silverstone Circuit.  For 2026, the aero configuration has been upgraded to improve competitiveness in race traffic. The most visually apparent is the rear wing height being much lower than the 2025 Cadillac V-Series.R. Also new for this year is a brake package that aligns suppliers and technology to the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing road car. Albuquerque (2020 LMP2), Bamber (2015 and 2017 overall), Bourdais (2016 LMGTE Pro), Stevens (2022 LMP2 and 2017 LMGTE Am) and Taylor (2015 GTE Pro) have all won at Le Mans in their careers but they, along with their Cadillac teammates, are determined to put Cadillac Racing in contention at Le Mans.

What they’re saying No. 12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R:Will Stevens: “Really looking forward to returning to Le Mans this year. We come off the back of a strong showing last year. We knew the areas we needed to work on and we have had 12 months to work on them. We feel well prepared to get on the streets of Le Mans and see where we stack up compared to the other teams. It’s always a special event and nothing comes close, so let’s hope my 11th time going to Le Mans can be a special one.” Norman Nato: “Very excited to say it’s the Le Mans 24 Hours coming next. Pole position and a fourth-place last year was a great debut for the first time together as Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA. The team has worked hard and brought updates this season which has shown in the strong pace this year. The level in WEC is extremely high, there are a lot of good cars and drivers, so it will be for sure a very cool fight and a great show for the fans. See you in Le Mans!” Louis Deletraz: “I’m excited to be in the No. 12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA for the Le Mans 24 Hours. Spa and the test at Silverstone have been a great preparation for us. I got to know the team and learn the way they work, and we are well prepared for the race. Le Mans is obviously a very important event for us, an iconic race that everyone wants to win. I can’t wait to drive the Cadillac on the streets of Le Mans.” No. 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.RSebastien Bourdais: “The big one is coming, so there is lots of preparation from the entire team and JOTA and Cadillac. It’s been a colossal effort to get everything ready, and it was good to have that test session in Silverstone. We keep learning every time we are on track about the new aero kit to try to optimize our performance with the car. Hats off to everybody; they’ve done really, really well. Now it’s time to see what we really have going toward Le Mans. I think we are all excited but at the same time a little bit apprehensive because obviously when you put in so much effort with so many people, you really hope that the work gets rewarded. But quite excited and looking forward to the big one of the year.” Earl Bamber: “Obviously the next one is the big one coming up. The Cadillac team has done an amazing job on preparation. The Silverstone test was really successful and now it’s all eyes forward to Le Mans. There has been huge amount of work on the new body and new kit for this season and the team on the 38 side have really high hopes. I think the JOTA cars have done a good job and now it’s about execution and going to the race week and we are really excited.” Jack Aitken: “Le Mans is one of the crunch moments of the season, and an absolute highlight. I’m always excited to get there and start the race week, but am also keen to go to the race for the first time as part of a season-long effort. With the crew around me and the experience gained over the last few years with Cadillac, I’m sure we’ll be up to the challenge and put our car in the mix.” No. 101 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.RRicky Taylor: “Personally, I just want to focus on doing my best in the car. Last year you can see how detailed everything must be throughout the race week and going into the second year in the top class, I hope to narrow down all the details that I can control and perform at my best. For the Cadillac WTR team, I think it is a lot of the same: details and execution is key. Le Mans is so different to the style of racing we do in IMSA, so we will be much better prepared for our second year. For the test day, I hope we can run as many laps as possible. I think the track will evolve a lot and gaining confidence through laps before the official race week is always a measured approach. JOTA has been a great partner along with the Cadillac engineering team. I feel this year we have a better understanding of the car and JOTA is an amazing reference for what it takes to be successful in Le Mans.”  Jordan Taylor: “I am so excited to go back to Le Mans for our second shot at it. I think we all knew last year how big of an uphill battle it was going to be with it being our first time there as a team. We definitely made progress over the two weeks, but I feel like we are so much better prepared with an extra year of preparation. Personally, I really enjoyed driving the car there. It was my first time at Le Mans in a prototype, so I’m excited to build on what I learned there last year. The Test Day always goes by so quickly. We obviously learned a lot there last year, but we, as a team, have had a year to digest and go through everything that we learned over those two weeks, so we will have a nice list of items to work through. The track always changes so much over the week, so it’s important not to get too caught up in lap times that day, but more focus on running through all of our protocols, systems checks, and get comfortable being back in France. The relationship with JOTA has been seamless over the past year. There is constant communication back and forth between the teams. If we learn something in IMSA, we send that info over to them for WEC and vice versa. We are all very motivated heading back to Le Mans this year. We didn’t have the best showing there last year, but I feel very confident in what we’ve learned these past 12 months.” Filipe Albuquerque: “Even though it will be my 13th time at Le Mans, I never take it for granted. I am really happy to get to do this race again and with such a great brand like Cadillac, and on top of that with WTR, Ricky and Jordan. I could not ask for more. I know this race very well but at the same time I never stop learning. So, my goal will be to do our best as a team and learn with JOTA as our teammates because setting up the car in WEC is very different than IMSA. The pre-test is to simply do as many laps as we can. These cars are complicated, we have a lot of settings on the steering wheel, and with a 13.6km track that’s a lot. To be trouble free and have things run as smoothly as possible would be the aim. Working together with JOTA has been great. We had some of their engineers in Daytona to speed up with the joker we have in the car, and I am sure we will learn a lot together in Le Mans again.”    An Interview with Jeromy Moore, Chief Engineer – Cadillac LMDh: What are the key differences between the 2025 and 2026 Cadillac?“For this year we redesigned the aero package to improve our ability to follow cars closely with less loss of downforce than the previous aero package. We also changed brake supplier which aligns with what is used on our CT5-V Blackwing road cars.”  How has it been specifically aero-tweaked for Le Mans?“Le Mans is a very drag-sensitive track with the long straights and high top speeds, but also downforce is important in the high-speed Porsche Curves. We can’t make specific bodywork configurations track to track so what we take to Le Mans is what we use throughout the rest of the WEC season. We will optimize the performance of the car for Le Mans with specific mechanical setups to position the car to make it as fast in the straights as possible yet maintain the cornering speeds required to be competitive through the Porsche Curves and other high-speed corners of the track.” How does the Le Mans-specific aero of the car influence the outcome of other races?“As we have just one aero configuration for the whole season what we choose affects all tracks. We targeted to have an aero config that can be competitive at all tracks but of course Le Mans has a high priority. Generally, the homologation window set by the FIA/ ACO/ IMSA is quite small, such that there are no big compromises from one track to the next but as the competition is tight it is down to these small details.” Where will the benefit transpire most? “We should be more competitive in traffic and so lap times should be improved from last year as we have traffic every lap there. We hope to be more competitive in top speeds also.” How does the fact that Le Mans is run on public roads, with a higher abrasiveness, influence race strategies?“Le Mans is one of the ‘kinder’ circuits to the tires due to the long straights and less high energy corners per km to other tracks. Cars can generally run up to three stints on tires whereas some other circuits a double-stint is tricky.” Can a sim take in all the factors which make Le Mans so unique?“It is hard to fully simulate what we get during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The track changes throughout the event with grip building up as the road is cleaned and rubber is put down from the cars. The simulator is a vital tool for preparation but nothing can match testing and racing on the real circuit.” How many hours of sim did the drivers/engineers put in all together to prepare for this year’s Le Mans?“Generally, we test in the sim before and after each event throughout the year to keep improving our correlation of the model and our understanding of the car and tires. Leading into Le Mans we have been in the simulator for four days working on setups and driver preparation. As on track testing is limited by regulation, virtual testing has never been more important.”  Facts & Stats – Cadillac Racing at Le Mans 2025-2023 2025:Fourth (No. 12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R) start first – Alex Lynn, Norman Nato, Will StevensSeventh (No. 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R) start second – Earl Bamber, Sebastien Bourdais, Jenson ButtonRetired (No. 101 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R) start 14th – Ricky Taylor, Jordan Taylor, Filipe AlbuquerqueRetired (No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R) start eighth – Jack Aitken, Felipe Drugovich, Frederik Vesti 2024: Seventh (No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R ) qualified second/start seventh – Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn, Alex PalouDNF (No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R) qualified third/start second – Sebastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande, Scott Dixon29th overall/15th in class (No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R) start 18th – Pipo Derani, Jack Aitken, Felipe Drugovich 2023: Third (No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R) start sixth — Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn, Richard WestbrookFourth (No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R) start eighth — Sebastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande, Scott Dixon17th overall/10th in class (No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R) start 13th — Pipo Derani, Jack Aitken, Alexander Sims

Event: Cracker Barrel 400

Location: Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tennessee 

Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026

Start: 33rd

Finish: 31st

Josh Berry and the No. 21 eero Ford Mustang Dark Horse team overcame a challenging starting position and showed steady improvement throughout Sunday night’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway before a late-race incident cut their evening short.

After inclement weather forced the cancellation of qualifying, the starting lineup was set according to the NASCAR rulebook, leaving Berry to start 33rd in the 300-lap event at his home track.

Rain also delayed the start of the race, but once the green flag waved, Berry and the No. 21 team focused on improving the balance of their eero Ford Mustang Dark Horse and gaining track position. Berry finished Stage 1 in 28th place before advancing to 23rd at the conclusion of Stage 2.

The Hendersonville, Tennessee, native continued to work his way forward during the final stage and broke into the top 20 before trouble struck on Lap 214. An incident ahead caused traffic to stack up entering the corner, leaving Berry with little room to avoid contact. The No. 21 sustained significant front-end damage after making contact with John Hunter Nemechek’s car, ending the team’s chances for a stronger finish.

Berry was credited with a 31st-place result, marking the second consecutive week that an accident prevented the team from capitalizing on a competitive race car.

Event: Cracker Barrel 400

Location: Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, Tennessee 

Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026

Start: 33rd

Finish: 31st

Josh Berry and the No. 21 eero Ford Mustang Dark Horse team overcame a challenging starting position and showed steady improvement throughout Sunday night’s Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway before a late-race incident cut their evening short.

After inclement weather forced the cancellation of qualifying, the starting lineup was set according to the NASCAR rulebook, leaving Berry to start 33rd in the 300-lap event at his home track.

Rain also delayed the start of the race, but once the green flag waved, Berry and the No. 21 team focused on improving the balance of their eero Ford Mustang Dark Horse and gaining track position. Berry finished Stage 1 in 28th place before advancing to 23rd at the conclusion of Stage 2.

The Hendersonville, Tennessee, native continued to work his way forward during the final stage and broke into the top 20 before trouble struck on Lap 214. An incident ahead caused traffic to stack up entering the corner, leaving Berry with little room to avoid contact. The No. 21 sustained significant front-end damage after making contact with John Hunter Nemechek’s car, ending the team’s chances for a stronger finish.

Berry was credited with a 31st-place result, marking the second consecutive week that an accident prevented the team from capitalizing on a competitive race car.

Next up for Berry and the Wood Brothers Racing team is the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

NASCAR Cup SeriesNashville SuperspeedwayCracker Barrel 400Team Chevy Post-Race ReportMay 31, 2026

Stenhouse Jr., Elliott Lead Chevrolet with Top-Five Finishes at Nashville Superspeedway

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Capitalizing on a late-race pit strategy, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and the No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet team drove from outside the top-10 to a fourth-place result in a four-lap dash to the finish to lead Chevrolet to the checkered flag in the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway – the team’s second top-five finish of the season.  RACE RECAP:  Stage One: With the starting lineup set by the rulebook, the Coca-Cola 600 winner, Daniel Suarez, led Team Chevy to the green flag at Nashville Superspeedway from the third position. But it was the 2021 Nashville winner, Kyle Larson, that started an early march towards the lead – making the pass for the third position after just six laps around the 1.33-mile oval. While the field quickly singled out during the opening run, Larson was able to keep the margin to then race leader, Tyler Reddick, to under four seconds as the race approached the scheduled competition caution on Lap 35. Overall happy with the handling of his Chevrolet during the first run, it was a call for four tires and fuel by the Cliff Daniels-led team to put Larson in the fifth position for the restart. Shane van Gisbergen was among the three lead pack cars that employed a two-tire strategy during the competition caution to make an early gain in track position and take over the lead for the restart. The New Zealand native showed impressive speed among those on a four tire strategy, leading 12 laps before Larson capitalized on his fresh set of Goodyear tires to take over the top position on Lap 52 and pace his first laps of the evening. Larson was able to progressively build a nearly one-second lead before the first natural caution of the day flew with just under 20 laps to go in the stage for a brake rotor issue on the No. 88 Chevrolet. This time, it was the Trent Owens-led team that made a gamble on pit strategy to give his driver, AJ Allmendinger, a spot on the front row to lead the field to the green flag for the short run to the end of Stage One. With an one-lap dash to the finish, Allmendinger was able to muscle his No. 16 Chevrolet in a side-by-side battle with Larson all the way to the line – ultimately holding on to the top position to earn the team’s first stage win of the season.  Stage Two: Electing to stay out during the stage break, Larson inherited the top position to lead the field to the green flag in Stage Two. A stellar restart saw the No. 5 jump to a five car length lead, going on to pace the field until a hard charging Chase Briscoe saw the California native fall to the second position as the race hit 128 laps complete. Settled into position, Larson was among the lead cars to kickstart the green flag pit cycle on Lap 139. But an untimely caution came out just five laps later, forcing the No. 5 team to take the wave around and a spot in the eighth position. Among the handful of cars that had yet to hit pit road during the green flag cycle included Chase Elliott, enabling the team to cash in on the track position and make the jump up to his then race-high running position of second. But a late-stage caution opened up the opportunity for another shakeup in pit strategy. Those trading a trip to pit road for track position included Suarez, and with another caution ultimately bringing the stage to a close, last weekend’s winner went on to lead Chevrolet to a stage sweep.  Final Stage: Taking the green flag for the final stage and 109 laps to go, it was Spire Motorsports’ Michael McDowell that took his turn to lead the Bowtie brigade from the third position. But it was the Hendrick Motorsports duo of Elliott and Larson that quickly made their way back up into the top-five early in the run of the final stage. Despite a series of caution periods throughout the beginning portions of the stage, a long green flag run looked like it was going to bring the race to a close, but the 11th caution flag of the evening flew with just 12 laps remaining. Elliott, Larson and Van Gisbergen were among the nine lead pack cars that opted to forgo a trip to pit road and maintain their track position for a four-lap dash to the finish. With a four-tire call from atop the No. 47 Hyak Motorsports pit box, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was able to make a late-race charge to the front to lead Chevrolet to the checkered flag in the fourth position.

Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 ResultsPos.     Driver 4th – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 5th – Chase Elliott7th – Shane van Gisbergen10th – Carson HocevarChevrolet’s season statistics with 14 NASCAR Cup Series races complete: Wins: 5Poles: 3Top-Fives: 24Top 10s: 47Stage Wins: 11

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Michigan International Speedway with the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, June 7, at 3 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on Amazon Prime, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

NASCAR Cup SeriesNashville SuperspeedwayCracker Barrel 400Team Chevy Post-Race ReportMay 31, 2026

Stenhouse Jr., Elliott Lead Chevrolet with Top-Five Finishes at Nashville Superspeedway

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Capitalizing on a late-race pit strategy, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and the No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet team drove from outside the top-10 to a fourth-place result in a four-lap dash to the finish to lead Chevrolet to the checkered flag in the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway – the team’s second top-five finish of the season.  RACE RECAP:  Stage One: With the starting lineup set by the rulebook, the Coca-Cola 600 winner, Daniel Suarez, led Team Chevy to the green flag at Nashville Superspeedway from the third position. But it was the 2021 Nashville winner, Kyle Larson, that started an early march towards the lead – making the pass for the third position after just six laps around the 1.33-mile oval. While the field quickly singled out during the opening run, Larson was able to keep the margin to then race leader, Tyler Reddick, to under four seconds as the race approached the scheduled competition caution on Lap 35. Overall happy with the handling of his Chevrolet during the first run, it was a call for four tires and fuel by the Cliff Daniels-led team to put Larson in the fifth position for the restart. Shane van Gisbergen was among the three lead pack cars that employed a two-tire strategy during the competition caution to make an early gain in track position and take over the lead for the restart. The New Zealand native showed impressive speed among those on a four tire strategy, leading 12 laps before Larson capitalized on his fresh set of Goodyear tires to take over the top position on Lap 52 and pace his first laps of the evening. Larson was able to progressively build a nearly one-second lead before the first natural caution of the day flew with just under 20 laps to go in the stage for a brake rotor issue on the No. 88 Chevrolet. This time, it was the Trent Owens-led team that made a gamble on pit strategy to give his driver, AJ Allmendinger, a spot on the front row to lead the field to the green flag for the short run to the end of Stage One. With an one-lap dash to the finish, Allmendinger was able to muscle his No. 16 Chevrolet in a side-by-side battle with Larson all the way to the line – ultimately holding on to the top position to earn the team’s first stage win of the season.  Stage Two: Electing to stay out during the stage break, Larson inherited the top position to lead the field to the green flag in Stage Two. A stellar restart saw the No. 5 jump to a five car length lead, going on to pace the field until a hard charging Chase Briscoe saw the California native fall to the second position as the race hit 128 laps complete. Settled into position, Larson was among the lead cars to kickstart the green flag pit cycle on Lap 139. But an untimely caution came out just five laps later, forcing the No. 5 team to take the wave around and a spot in the eighth position. Among the handful of cars that had yet to hit pit road during the green flag cycle included Chase Elliott, enabling the team to cash in on the track position and make the jump up to his then race-high running position of second. But a late-stage caution opened up the opportunity for another shakeup in pit strategy. Those trading a trip to pit road for track position included Suarez, and with another caution ultimately bringing the stage to a close, last weekend’s winner went on to lead Chevrolet to a stage sweep.  Final Stage: Taking the green flag for the final stage and 109 laps to go, it was Spire Motorsports’ Michael McDowell that took his turn to lead the Bowtie brigade from the third position. But it was the Hendrick Motorsports duo of Elliott and Larson that quickly made their way back up into the top-five early in the run of the final stage. Despite a series of caution periods throughout the beginning portions of the stage, a long green flag run looked like it was going to bring the race to a close, but the 11th caution flag of the evening flew with just 12 laps remaining. Elliott, Larson and Van Gisbergen were among the nine lead pack cars that opted to forgo a trip to pit road and maintain their track position for a four-lap dash to the finish. With a four-tire call from atop the No. 47 Hyak Motorsports pit box, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was able to make a late-race charge to the front to lead Chevrolet to the checkered flag in the fourth position.

Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 ResultsPos.     Driver 4th – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 5th – Chase Elliott7th – Shane van Gisbergen10th – Carson HocevarChevrolet’s season statistics with 14 NASCAR Cup Series races complete: Wins: 5Poles: 3Top-Fives: 24Top 10s: 47Stage Wins: 11

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Michigan International Speedway with the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, June 7, at 3 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on Amazon Prime, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Post-Race Driver Quotes: Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletSidelined by a brake rotor issue in Stage One. Finished: 37th “We had a right-front brake rotor failure. It came apart and I just put it against the fence. You can’t slow down once the rotor is out of it. The car was okay, but it’s a rule that you can’t replace the rotors. It’s a bummer for Trackhouse Racing and our No. 1 Busch Light Country Chevrolet team. We had a really good car and that’s something to hang our hats on. We had speed and grip, and we were able to pass cars after starting deep in the field. There’s a lot to take away on the good side.”    Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 18th “None of us are happy with finishing 18th at Nashville Superspeedway but after the day the No. 3 BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Chevrolet team had, that’s a pretty good recovery. That’s the way to fight. And how about that last restart? Wish we could have battled like that all day. Well take it.”    Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 5th“It was just green-white-checkered craziness, as always. I was glad to see Tyler (Reddick) get out there at the end. I know that had to have been a big hit. I had my hands full. Ryan (Blaney) tried to give me a shove to the line and I was just out of shape, so it was certainly nothing intentional at all. It was nice to get our No. 9 NAPA Chevy back on the tracks. It’s been a rough month or so, I would say, since Texas (Motor Speedway), so it was nice to get a top-five finish. Hopefully we can build on this from here.”   AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletSidelined by a brake rotor issue at the end of Stage Two. Finished: 35th “A few drivers had brake rotor issues earlier in the race, but I had no warning signs of it. The pedals never went soft and I didn’t feel like I was over-using the brakes, so it was a shock when it happened. It looked like we were going to finish maybe third to fifth in Stage Two. (Michael) McDowell was a little quicker that stage, but I think fifth was going to be the worst we were going to finish there. That was going to be two really good stages. At that point, if you can finish in the top-20, that would have been a big points day. It’s just disappointing, but it’s nobody’s fault. Obviously, we’ve seen that’s been an issue here. I don’t know if it’s lower downforce or carrying more speed with more horsepower down the straightaway and you’re using more brake. I’ve never felt like this is a heavy braking racetrack, in general, so I’m not really sure.”    Austin Hill, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 27th “Not the result we hoped for with the BetMGM Chevrolet. A lot of different things happened throughout the night, but everyone on this team kept making the most of each situation that was thrown our way. I thought we were on our way to a top-20 finish but it just wasn’t in the cards tonight. We’ll continue to learn and fight for RCR heading into Michigan International Speedway next week.”   Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 4th“It was an up-and-down day. I felt like our No. 47 NOS Energy Drink Chevrolet started off really tight and we kind of fell back there. We made some adjustments and stayed out in the second stage to get good stage points. We kind of found our way back into the top-15. This team gave me a great car and we made it better throughout the race. Our brakes were good. I could hustle it really all the way through a whole stage and a whole run, and I felt like that was a benefit for us. Our pit crew did a good job there. We decided to take four tires so we could be on the offense. The lanes just opened up. I was hoping they were going to fight a little bit harder up there so we could back into a win.  It’s just really cool to get this NOS Energy Drink Kyle Busch tribute Chevrolet in the top-five at a place where we struggle at with the Next Gen car. We ran here good with the previous car and we’ve been struggling here as of late, so it’s really cool to come home with a top-five finish.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletSidelined with a brake rotor issue in Stage One. Finished: 38th Did you get any warning of the issue? “There was no warning at all. No pedal fade. The team was telling me that we had a little bit more glow than we would like and that went away as the run went on. It just kind of came as a surprise. It’s unfortunate for our No. 88 Red Bull Chevrolet team. I felt like we were moving in the right direction. We made up around 15 spots in the first few laps of the race. Just hate to cut another night short.”   Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 7th“It was a pretty awesome day for this No. 97 Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge Chevrolet team. Starting up front obviously helps, but it was cool to lead some laps and battle at the front. Our Chevy was running really well all night. I really enjoyed myself tonight. I learned a lot. I learned to be comfortable moving around in (turns) one and two, which I’ve never been able to do before. We just got the balance better on the two-tire strategy. When we were on a four-tire strategy, we were lacking that. The two-tire stop at the end, we were able to get the balance back again. It was a lot of fun. It definitely feels like we’re making headway.”

RACE RECAP – MARYLAND Race 7 of 20

Photography: John Force Racing / Auto Imagery / Gary Nastase

BECKMAN GRABS RUNNER-UP AT POTOMAC NATSVandergriff bows to teammate in semifinal, Hart and DeJoria exit in Rd. 1

RACE RECAP – MARYLANDRace 7 of 20

Photography: John Force Racing / Auto Imagery / Gary Nastase

BECKMAN GRABS RUNNER-UP AT POTOMAC NATSVandergriff bows to teammate in semifinal, Hart and DeJoria exit in Rd. 1

MECHANICSVILLE, MD (May 31, 2026) – Jack Beckman and John Force Racing’s PEAK Chevrolet SS Funny Car team qualified first and set low elapsed time of the meet in eliminations but came up short in the final round of the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals at Maryland International Raceway. Beckman, who earned his 35th No. 1 qualifier the day before and set low elapsed time of the event in the semifinals (3.923 seconds), ran 3.971 seconds at 323.50 mph in the final round but it wasn’t enough to get around Austin Prock’s run of 3.958 seconds at 324.20 mph. Jordan Vandergriff and the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car team rebounded well from their first round exit two weeks ago at Chicago with the semifinal finish against Beckman. Josh Hart and Alexis DeJoria, who both qualified seventh in Top Fuel and Funny Car, respectively, were eliminated in the first round. The runner-up finish was Beckman’s 78th career Funny Car final round appearance (10th for John Force Racing) and second final round appearance this season after finishing runner-up at the 4-Wide Nationals at Charlotte. “Charlotte was our first ‘runner-up’ of the year but I still didn’t think we had jumped that final hurdle to get back to where we needed to be,” said Beckman. “I just didn’t think our season had turned fully in the right direction. It did here. We made eight good runs. We should have been more aggressive in the final. We went out there and ran low ET of the meet in the semifinals. We didn’t want to push any harder. I think the track came to us but it kind of ate up our tuneup. We can kick ourselves all day long but we got outrun by a great run in the other lane.” It was John Force Racing’s sixth final round appearance of the season. In addition to Beckman’s pair, Hart won at the season-opener in Gainesville, Vandergriff earned his career first Funny Car event win at South Georgia, and Alexis DeJoria finished runner-up at both Gainesville and Chicago. “We have two more races in the next two weeks. I’ve been asked if I like these back to back to back races,” said Beckman. “I like them now because our hot rod’s back. Every call Dan and Tim (crew chiefs Hood and Fabrisi) made, the car responded. Before you can win races, you have to run consistently before you can run consistently quick. Our car’s doing what we ask it to do now.” In Rd.1, Beckman dispatched of No. 16 qualifier Joe Morrison with the second-quickest run of the event to that point, covering the 1,000-foot racing surface in 3.939 seconds at 324.69 mph to Morrison’s 5.027 seconds at 161.23 mph. The PEAK SQUAD then eliminated J.R. Todd in Round 2 with a run of 4.003 seconds at 324.05 mph to Todd’s 4.018 seconds at 311.41 mph, setting up the semifinal showdown with Vandergriff. In the all-John Force Racing semifinal, Vandergriff had lane choice but Beckman grabbed the holeshot (.076 to .081) and never looked back, running 3.923 seconds at 328.22 mph to Vandergriff’s 4.122 seconds at 250.83 mph. “I don’t think anybody was going to beat Jack Beckman in the PEAK car that round,” said Vandergriff. “He went low ET of the entire race that round. It was a great weekend for this Cornwell Quality Tools team, a great bounce back weekend after what happened in Chicago. Coming here and going to the semifinals is exactly what we needed as a team to carry momentum into these next two back-to-back races.” Vandergriff dispatched first-round opponent Dave Richards with a run of 3.988 seconds at 322.27 mph to Richards’ 14.327 seconds at 64.45 mph. The Cornwell Tools team then earned the trip to the semifinals and lane choice against Beckman with a second-round win over Chad Green, running 3.996 seconds at 324.98 mph to Green’s 4.008 seconds at 321.81 mph. Vandergriff earned lane choice over Beckman by seven thousandths of a second for the semifinal matchup.  Hart, the No. 7 qualifier in Top Fuel, lined up against No. 10 qualifier Clay Millican in Round 1. They left just four-thousandths-of-a-second apart (Hart’s .065 to Millican’s .061) and Hart was just ahead past halftrack before the Speedmaster Top Fuel Dragster lost traction and spun the tires. Hart slowed to a run of 4.026 seconds at 268.92 mph to Millican’s 3.823 seconds at 330.39 mph. “Well, that’s why they call it racing, not winning,” said Hart. “The car was dancing around really, really good at the top end. I knew it was spinning but kept my foot in it trying to get down the track. I knew we were out on him there for a little bit … until we weren’t. For the Speedmaster team and John Force Racing, I’m really grateful just to even be in this seat so we’ll regather our thoughts. We’ve been working at it, round by round, and we’ll get it figured out. I appreciate everybody.” DeJoria was the No. 7 qualifier in Funny Car, giving the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car team lane choice in Round 1 against No. 10 qualifier Ron Capps. She ran the sixth-quickest run of the round, 4.009 seconds at 326.56 mph, but wasn’t enough to get around the fifth-quickest run of the round, Capps’ 4.001 seconds at 321.12 mph. “I am extremely proud of the Bandero Nitro Funny Car team,” said DeJoria. “I have never driven a better race car. They just drive so well and Neff (Mike Neff, crew chief) and Jonnie (Jonnie Lindberg, co-crew chief) are getting a great handle on it. I love this track. It’s beautiful. We made some good runs this week so we’re progressing. We’re getting better and we just need to get a little bit faster. We got 5 bonus points in qualifying so that helps. We have Epping and Bristol the next two weeks so we don’t have much time in between, which I love, especially after going out first round, I want to get right back in that race car.” The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel point standings after seven of 20 races are: 1. Shawn Langdon, 722; 2. Doug Kalitta, 646; 3. Leah Pruett, 506; 4. Tony Stewart, 424; 5. Josh Hart, 409; 6. Maddi Gordon, 395; 7. Justin Ashley, 364; 8. Billy Torrence, 356; 9. Antron Brown, 345; 10. Clay Millican, 294. The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Funny Car point standings after seven of 20 races are: 1. Ron Capps, 540; 2. J.R. Todd, 524; 3. Chad Green, 500; 4. Matt Hagan, 493; 5. Jordan Vandergriff, 485; 6. Alexis DeJoria, 427; 7. Jack Beckman, 412; 8. Spencer Hyde, 370; 9. Austin Prock, 323; 10. Daniel Wilkerson, 264. NEXT RACEThe eighth of 20 races of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is the June 5-7 New England Nationals presented by bproauto at New England Dragway in Epping, N.H.

MECHANICSVILLE, MD (May 31, 2026) — Racing in a Nitro Funny Car for the first time on the NHRA tour this season “Nitro” Joe Morrison and the Herzhauser Funny Car acquitted themselves with a solid outing at the inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals. The veteran driver drove the Herzhauser Funny Car to the No. 16 qualifier position. The team came into Maryland International Raceway with a plan to make limited runs based on car count as well as the performance of the rest of the Funny Cars in the class. Their solo run on Saturday morning locked them into the 16-car qualified field for the race on Sunday.  Joe Morrison greats the fans during the Potomac Nationals opening ceremonies, photo credit Werner Communications“We’re here without any major sponsorship and we had to race really smart,” said Morrison. “There were 16 cars, so we did one qualifying pass. We smoked the tires. Jimbo knew what he had to do to make sure we would go A to B and keep Beckman honest. We knew we didn’t need to make all four runs to get into the show. This was my third race in the Herzhauser Funny Car this season and I am very comfortable in the racecar. The run on Saturday gave us data we were able to use for race day against No. 1 qualifier Jack Beckman.”   In the first round Morrison pulled up beside Beckman, who is racing for the powerhouse John Force Racing operation. It was a classic David vs. Goliath scenario but for Morrison and the Herzhauser team they were up to the task. Morrison had a solid reaction time advantage off the starting line but by the 330-foot marker Beckman had driven around the Flemington, New Jersey resident. At the finish line it was Beckman making the second quickest pass of the entire weekend, getting the win over Morrison’s improved 5.207 second run.   “I’ve known Jack for a long time and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him,” said Morrison. “I love the fact that he’s a historian of the sport but he’s also a very intelligent, damn good driver. I knew I had to have my stuff together, so I rolled it in a little bit. I had to get every advantage I could. It was trucking on down the track. We’re coming up on the eighth mile and our car is running fine. He was three car lengths ahead of me, so there was no reason to push it. I knew there was no way I was going to beat him, so I shut it off early. It was time to lift and save the parts for the future.”   Morrison kicked off his race weekend with an appearance at the FanFest hosted by the St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development on Thursday night. The event which featured almost two dozen NHRA professional drivers, live music and a car show at The Barns at New Market in Mechanicsville, Md., was a chance for Morrison to meet new fans and get the community excited about the inaugural Potomac Nationals.  The Thursday night FanFest was a great way for Joe Morrison to start the inaugural Potomac Nationals, photo credit Werner Communications“The Fanfest on Thursday night was a blast,” said Morrison. “Any chance you get to spend time with fans before the race is a huge plus. I saw a lot of people on Thursday night come by our pits this weekend to wish us luck. This has been an amazing event. We were sold out on Saturday and I think today was another huge event.”   Morrison is looking at his future plans to see when he can return to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. The veteran driver is balancing his Right2Breathe project obligations with racing opportunities in a variety of professional racing series.   “I would call this a good weekend,” said Morrison. “We were smart about what we did, qualifying wise, and for Jimbo to only have one shot at it, smoke the tires, turn around, and give me a car that’ll go A to B. I can’t complain. We have a good bunch of guys at Herzhauser Racing and I’m honored to be a part of it. It’s a whole lot of fun.”   Qualifying Results Q1: Did Not Run Q2: Did Not Run Q3: 10.872 sec; 82.58 mph, Qual. 16 Q4: Did Not Run   Race Results Jack Beckman, Corona, Calif., Peak Funny Car, (.126), 3.939 sec, 325.69 mph def. Joe Morrison, Flemington, NJ, Herzhauser Racing Funny Car, (.058), 5.207 sec, 161.23 mph

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix1.645-mile, 10-turn Detroit street circuit Detroit, Michigan Sunday Race Report May 31, 2026 DETROIT (May, 31) – Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet was the highest finishing Chevrolet-powered driver, finishing fourth, his sixth top-five finish of the season in the first eight races. His teammate Christian Lundgaard, in the No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, finished just behind his teammate, his fourth top-five finish of the season.  Team Chevy drivers hold five of the top eight spots in the season-long championship, with David Malukas (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet) third, Lundgaard fourth, O’Ward fifth, Scott McLaughlin (No. 3 Clarience Technologies Team Penske Chevrolet) seventh, and Josef Newgarden (No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet) eighth.  Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix results:What they’re saying – Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix: Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished 4th:“It was a pretty entertaining race. I would have loved to have been up there on the podium, but we’ve got work to do. Hats off to the crew for all the hard work that went on yesterday to change the engines. We did our best to fight our way forward today. Just short of a podium again today but I’d love to go get one soon.” Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished 5th:“It was a really frustrating day. It wasn’t the race that we expected to have. We had some sort of hybrid issue on that last stint and a half, so we couldn’t use hybrid then. We’ll have another try at it next year. With the engine changes yesterday, it wasn’t the situation we wanted to find ourselves in, but it proves just how well everybody is working together and how good of a team this is.” Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet finished 10th:“They just used me up is what it kind of felt like whenever they could, so I felt like I was in defense mode most of the race, and certainly there at the end I was in defense mode. I was just trying to protect the car more than anything. The team did an amazing job, just an amazing job to get the car where I could get in it and drive. They did a great race. The only reason we finished where we did is because of what the team did. Great strategy. Great pit stops. We were in the race and now we can go on to the next one.” Rinus VeeKay, No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet finished 12th: “Chaotic race. We stayed out of trouble, did as much as we could with strategy, passed some cars here and there and really good job by the guys in pit lane. It was a bit of a tough day. I don’t think we had the race pace to move our way forward to the pack. We hung in there. Unfortunately, got tapped around halfway through the race by Ferrucci on the lap that I was originally going to pit. That sucks, but it is what it is. I don’t think we lost too much. Good effort by everybody this weekend. Solid 12th place for me, 14th place for Sting Ray, so good a good consistent result here in Detroit. Very looking forward to Gateway next weekend. A short oval with this team is always exciting, so looking forward to there.” Sting Ray Robb, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger – Goodheart Chevrolet finished 14th:“Detroit treated us well finally. Really tough weekend overall. I think the team did a really good job to try and recover. With the limited track time we made as many adaptations as we could. We ran pretty well in the race, just off cycle. It was pretty fun in the end. It got pretty spicy out there running wheel-to-wheel with everybody else. Thank you team, 77 crew, and Goodheart. Hopefully we have a lot more top 15s this year.” Nolan Siegel, No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished 15th:“Disappointing race in Detroit. We had an OK race going and then got shuffled back by a yellow flag coming out when we wanted to come in for a pit stop. Then, we had a little bit of a hiccup on the last pit stop, but overall, we made a lot of progress this weekend. We had potential for a strong result. We just need to put it together and make it happen next week.” Caio Collet, No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet finished 16th:“Tough weekend in general. Think we just struggle all weekend long with pace. Also, little bit from my side, driving was not the best that it was this season, and just struggling a bit with the [hurt] feeling since Friday. And then on the race today, I think we made a couple of wrong calls on the first yellow that we had there, that put us in the back foot, but at the end we just finished the race with what we had.  Also had a couple of incidents as well trying to come back up through the field, so was just a tough day, but glad that at least  we were able to finish the race, and we’ll move on forward.”  Alexander Rossi, No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet finished 17th: David Malukas, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet finished 18th:“I’m not going to lie from start to finish that was one of my worst performances. Mentally, I need to go back and reset and really deep dive on everything. I feel so bad for the team, Verizon, Chevy, everybody involved and all of the sponsors. That was not a good performance for me. I need this week to reset. Take a deep breath and come back for Gateway.” On the incident with Schumacher.“Obviously from Schumacher’s side, his tires weren’t in and I wasn’t expecting it to not be in that much. I’m not even going that quick and he’s still sideways. We had moment in Turn 1, then you go down the hill and I’m pretty sure he locked up and couldn’t slow down, and I got stuck in it. It was unfortunate.” Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Clarience Technologies Team Penske Chevrolet finished 19th:“I had a broken toe-link after the contact. The Clarience Technologies Chevy was super-fast. I don’t know if we had the pace to win with Alex, but we were right there. Probably good enough for third or fourth. We were side-by-side out of Turn 3 and I got a little sideways which made me press him to the wall a lot more aggressively than I wanted which closed the hole. I don’t know whether he’s pissed off because of that. He got me and I was pretty happy with that. It still would have been a good result right now. He’s faster than me on restarts, I’ll let him have it. Going into Turn 3, he locked the right front. I got up the inside of him. Honestly, I was going to go to the outside and he kept turning in and basically gave me no option. The whole way, no option. I went beside him, no option. Turned into the side of me and drove me into the right-side fence and another fence.  “I didn’t want to do that to him. I didn’t want to do that to my day. We’ll talk about it. I have so much respect for Will Power, he’s been my teammate for so many years, and helped me so much. I regard him as a guy with a lot of respect. Today, I felt like he gave me no option and I really didn’t want to see that happen with either of us. I’m super frustrated. We had a great car, and I don’t know what else I could have done.” Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet finished 23rd:“The start was good, made up a lot of spots, we got hit a bunch. It was just moving bumper cars out there. Strategy was good. The guys did a great job in the pit lane. Then we got taken out by the same car that hit us at the start, tried to put us in the wall, bent the front suspension. We came to the same car again, and he’s blocking, blocking, but no penalty. He was so loose that when we got to the corner, I don’t think I even touched him and he spun on his own.  We got the drive through. Then we had a part failure on the pedal throttle and it just stopped. Looking forward to St. Louis.”Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet finished 25th:“It’s my own mistake. Very sorry for the whole No. 21 Splenda ECR crew. They’ve given me a great car this weekend. That was on me.”Up NextFor a fifth straight weekend, the Team Chevy drivers and teams will be on track for the second short oval race of the season under the lights and in the shadow of the Gateway Arch at World Wide Technology Raceway At Gateway. The Bommarito Automotive Group 500, held on the 1.25-mile, four-turn egg-shaped oval just outside St. Louis, will air on FOX at 9 pm (Eastern) on Sunday, June 7.

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIESChevrolet Detroit Grand Prix1.645-mile, 10-turn Detroit street circuitDetroit, MichiganSunday Race ReportMay 31, 2026 DETROIT (May, 31) – Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet was the highest finishing Chevrolet-powered driver, finishing fourth, his sixth top-five finish of the season in the first eight races. His teammate Christian Lundgaard, in the No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, finished just behind his teammate, his fourth top-five finish of the season.  Team Chevy drivers hold five of the top eight spots in the season-long championship, with David Malukas (No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet) third, Lundgaard fourth, O’Ward fifth, Scott McLaughlin (No. 3 Clarience Technologies Team Penske Chevrolet) seventh, and Josef Newgarden (No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet) eighth.  Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix results:What they’re saying – Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix: Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished 4th:“It was a pretty entertaining race. I would have loved to have been up there on the podium, but we’ve got work to do. Hats off to the crew for all the hard work that went on yesterday to change the engines. We did our best to fight our way forward today. Just short of a podium again today but I’d love to go get one soon.” Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished 5th:“It was a really frustrating day. It wasn’t the race that we expected to have. We had some sort of hybrid issue on that last stint and a half, so we couldn’t use hybrid then. We’ll have another try at it next year. With the engine changes yesterday, it wasn’t the situation we wanted to find ourselves in, but it proves just how well everybody is working together and how good of a team this is.” Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet finished 10th:“They just used me up is what it kind of felt like whenever they could, so I felt like I was in defense mode most of the race, and certainly there at the end I was in defense mode. I was just trying to protect the car more than anything. The team did an amazing job, just an amazing job to get the car where I could get in it and drive. They did a great race. The only reason we finished where we did is because of what the team did. Great strategy. Great pit stops. We were in the race and now we can go on to the next one.” Rinus VeeKay, No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet finished 12th: “Chaotic race. We stayed out of trouble, did as much as we could with strategy, passed some cars here and there and really good job by the guys in pit lane. It was a bit of a tough day. I don’t think we had the race pace to move our way forward to the pack. We hung in there. Unfortunately, got tapped around halfway through the race by Ferrucci on the lap that I was originally going to pit. That sucks, but it is what it is. I don’t think we lost too much. Good effort by everybody this weekend. Solid 12th place for me, 14th place for Sting Ray, so good a good consistent result here in Detroit. Very looking forward to Gateway next weekend. A short oval with this team is always exciting, so looking forward to there.” Sting Ray Robb, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger – Goodheart Chevrolet finished 14th:“Detroit treated us well finally. Really tough weekend overall. I think the team did a really good job to try and recover. With the limited track time we made as many adaptations as we could. We ran pretty well in the race, just off cycle. It was pretty fun in the end. It got pretty spicy out there running wheel-to-wheel with everybody else. Thank you team, 77 crew, and Goodheart. Hopefully we have a lot more top 15s this year.” Nolan Siegel, No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished 15th:“Disappointing race in Detroit. We had an OK race going and then got shuffled back by a yellow flag coming out when we wanted to come in for a pit stop. Then, we had a little bit of a hiccup on the last pit stop, but overall, we made a lot of progress this weekend. We had potential for a strong result. We just need to put it together and make it happen next week.” Caio Collet, No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet finished 16th:“Tough weekend in general. Think we just struggle all weekend long with pace. Also, little bit from my side, driving was not the best that it was this season, and just struggling a bit with the [hurt] feeling since Friday. And then on the race today, I think we made a couple of wrong calls on the first yellow that we had there, that put us in the back foot, but at the end we just finished the race with what we had.  Also had a couple of incidents as well trying to come back up through the field, so was just a tough day, but glad that at least  we were able to finish the race, and we’ll move on forward.”  Alexander Rossi, No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet finished 17th: David Malukas, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet finished 18th:“I’m not going to lie from start to finish that was one of my worst performances. Mentally, I need to go back and reset and really deep dive on everything. I feel so bad for the team, Verizon, Chevy, everybody involved and all of the sponsors. That was not a good performance for me. I need this week to reset. Take a deep breath and come back for Gateway.” On the incident with Schumacher.“Obviously from Schumacher’s side, his tires weren’t in and I wasn’t expecting it to not be in that much. I’m not even going that quick and he’s still sideways. We had moment in Turn 1, then you go down the hill and I’m pretty sure he locked up and couldn’t slow down, and I got stuck in it. It was unfortunate.” Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Clarience Technologies Team Penske Chevrolet finished 19th:“I had a broken toe-link after the contact. The Clarience Technologies Chevy was super-fast. I don’t know if we had the pace to win with Alex, but we were right there. Probably good enough for third or fourth. We were side-by-side out of Turn 3 and I got a little sideways which made me press him to the wall a lot more aggressively than I wanted which closed the hole. I don’t know whether he’s pissed off because of that. He got me and I was pretty happy with that. It still would have been a good result right now. He’s faster than me on restarts, I’ll let him have it. Going into Turn 3, he locked the right front. I got up the inside of him. Honestly, I was going to go to the outside and he kept turning in and basically gave me no option. The whole way, no option. I went beside him, no option. Turned into the side of me and drove me into the right-side fence and another fence.  “I didn’t want to do that to him. I didn’t want to do that to my day. We’ll talk about it. I have so much respect for Will Power, he’s been my teammate for so many years, and helped me so much. I regard him as a guy with a lot of respect. Today, I felt like he gave me no option and I really didn’t want to see that happen with either of us. I’m super frustrated. We had a great car, and I don’t know what else I could have done.” Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet finished 23rd:“The start was good, made up a lot of spots, we got hit a bunch. It was just moving bumper cars out there. Strategy was good. The guys did a great job in the pit lane. Then we got taken out by the same car that hit us at the start, tried to put us in the wall, bent the front suspension. We came to the same car again, and he’s blocking, blocking, but no penalty. He was so loose that when we got to the corner, I don’t think I even touched him and he spun on his own.  We got the drive through. Then we had a part failure on the pedal throttle and it just stopped. Looking forward to St. Louis.”Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet finished 25th:“It’s my own mistake. Very sorry for the whole No. 21 Splenda ECR crew. They’ve given me a great car this weekend. That was on me.”Up NextFor a fifth straight weekend, the Team Chevy drivers and teams will be on track for the second short oval race of the season under the lights and in the shadow of the Gateway Arch at World Wide Technology Raceway At Gateway. The Bommarito Automotive Group 500, held on the 1.25-mile, four-turn egg-shaped oval just outside St. Louis, will air on FOX at 9 pm (Eastern) on Sunday, June 7.

Chevrolet history at the Detroit Grand Prix  Wins – 13 The Raceway On Belle Isle (1992-2002) 2022 – Will Power – Team Penske2021 – Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren (Race #2)2019 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske (Race #1)2016 – Will Power – Team Penske (Race #2)2016 – Sebastien Bourdais – KV Racing Technology (Race #1)2015 – Sebastien Bourdais – KV Racing Technology (Race #2)2014 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske (Race #2)2014 – Will Power – Team Penske (Race #1)1993 – Danny Sullivan – Galles Racing1992 – Bob Rahal – Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing  2.5-mile downtown street circuit (1989-1991) 1991 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1990 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing Earned Poles – 11 The Raceway On Belle Isle (1992-2022) 2022 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2021 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske (Race #2)2021 – Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren (Race #1)2019 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske (Race #2)2016 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske (Race #2)2016 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske (Race #1)2015 – Will Power – Team Penske (Race #1)2014 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske (Race #1) 2.5-mile downtown street circuit (1989-1991) 1991 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing1990 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing1989 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing Podiums: 35 1.645-mile downtown street circuit – 3 Driver Podiums 1.645-mile downtown street circuit (2023-2025): Santino Ferrucci (1), Will Power (1) and Felix Rosenqvist (1) Team Podiums 1.645-mile downtown street circuit (2023-2025): A.J. Foyt Racing (1), Arrow McLaren (1) and Team Penske (1) The Raceway At Belle Isle – 26 Driver Podiums Raceway On Belle Isle (1992-2022): Will Power (7), Josef Newgarden (3), Sebastien Bourdais (2), Pato O’Ward (2), Simon Pagenaud (2), Raul Boesel (1), Helio Castroneves (1), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Stefan Johanson (1), Tony Kanaan (1), Charlie Kimball (1), Juan Montoya (1), Bob Rahal (1), Danny Sullivan (1), and Rinus VeeKay (1) Team Podiums Raceway On Belle Isle (1992-2022): Team Penske (14), Arrow McLaren (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (2), KV Racing Technology (2), Andretti Global (1), Bettenhausen Racing (1), Dick Simon Racing (1), Ed Carpenter Racing (1), Galles Racing (1), and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (1)  Original Downtown Street Circuit – 8 Driver Podiums 2.5-mile downtown street circuit (1989-1991): Emerson Fittipaldi (2), Bob Rahal (2), Mario Andretti (1), Michael Andretti (1), Eddiie Cheever (1) and Arie Luyendyk (1). Team Podiums 2.5-mile downtown street circuit (1989-1991): Galles Racing (2), Newman Haas Racing (2), Doug Shierson Racing (1), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), Patrick Racing (1), and Team Penske (1). Laps Led – 918 Laps Led on the 1.645-mile downtown street circuit (2023-2025) – 64 Driver laps led on the 1.645-mile downtown street circuit (2023-2025): Christian Rasmussen (21), Will Power (15), Santino Ferrucci (14), Pato O’Ward (4), Christian Lundgaard (3), Scott McLaughlin (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Alexander Rossi (1) Team laps led on the 1.645-mile downtown street circuit (2023-2025): ECR (21), Team Penske (21), A.J. Foyt Racing (14), Arrow McLaren (8) Laps led at The Raceway At Belle Isle (1992-2002) – 672 Driver laps led at The Raceway At Belle Isle (1992-2002): Will Power (142), Josef Newgarden (113), Helio Castroneves (93), Simon Pagenaud (75), Juan Montoya (48), Paul Tracy (46), Sebastien Bourdais (38), Danny Sullivan (30), Bob Rahal (29), Ryan Hunter-Reay (20), Emerson Fittipaldi (12), Tony Kanaan (10), Pato O’Ward (6), Ryan Briscoe (5), Mike Conway (4), Scott Dixon (1) Team laps led at The Raceway At Belle Isle (1992-2002): Team Penske (529), KV Racing Technology (48), Galles Racing (30), Rahal Hogan Racing (29), Andretti Global (20), Arrow McLaren (6), Chip Ganassi Racing (6), ECR (4) Laps led on the 2.5-mile downtown street circuit – 182 Driver laps led on the 2.5-mile downtown street circuit (1989-1991): Michael Andretti (128), Emerson Fittipaldi (26), Arie Luyendyk (20), Bob Rahal (6), Mario Andretti (2) Team laps led on the 2.5-mile downtown street circuit (1989-1991): Newman Haas Racing (130), Team Penske (22), Granatelli Racing (20), Galles Racing (6), Patrick Racing (4) Manufacturer History at the Detroit Grand Prix  Wins (with competition)  17 – Honda (2025, 2024, 2023, 2021 Race #1, 2019 Race #2, 2018 Race #2, 2018 Race #1, 2017 Race #2, 2017 Race #1, 2015 Race #1, 2013 Race #2, 2013 Race #1, 2012, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998)11 – Chevrolet (2022, 2021 Race #2, 2019 Race #1, 2016 Race #2, 2016 Race #1, 2015 Race #2, 2014 Race #2, 2014 Race #1, 1991, 1990, 1989)2 – Ford (1996, 1995)1 – Ilmor (1994)1 – Mercedes (1997) Poles (with competition) 15 – Honda (2025, 2024, 2023, 2019 Race #1, 2018 Race #2, 2018 Race #1, 2017 Race #2, 2017 Race #1, 2014 Race #2, 2013 Race #2, 2013 Race #1, 2012, 2001, 1999, 1997)11 – Chevrolet (2022, 2021 Race #2, 2021 Race #1, 2019 Race #2, 2016 Race #2, 2016 Race #1, 2015 Race #1, 2014 Race #1, 1991, 1990, 1989)5 – Ford (1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992)1 – Mercedes (1998)1 – Toyota (2000)

MANSFIELD, OH (May 30, 2026) – Not many drivers can say they’ve earned a six-figure check in one night at a dirt track, but Nick Hoffman is the latest addition to that list.

One night prior, Tyler Erb joined that exclusive club after local philanthropists Dan and Brenda Niss put up a donation that raised Friday’s winner’s payout to a staggering $100,000. As it turned out, they weren’t done there.

Saturday’s Blaster 57 Special finale for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision was already the biggest purse of the season at more than $240,000 in total, with $57,000 going to the winner and $5,700 just to start the Feature. However, midway through the program, track owner Matt Tifft announced that the Niss family had once again boosted Saturday’s top prize to $100,057. It was at that point when Hoffman started licking his chops.

“The Thrill From Mooresville” struggled on Friday and was never a serious contender for the big money. Saturday was a different story though, as Hoffman earned the Simpson Quick Time Award in Qualifying and won his Heat Race prior to the breaking news. He drew a front-row starting spot on the outside of Bilstein Pole Award winner Garrett Alberson, but dropped back to third on the start after Alberson pulled away and fourth-starting Josh Rice cut through the middle and cleared Hoffman exiting Turn 2.

Unflustered, Hoffman stayed with Rice early, briefly nosing out in front on Lap 4. Rice quickly reclaimed the spot on that occasion, but Hoffman got another chance later in the race in a three-wide moment with the lap car of Tristan Chamberlain which Hoffman came out on top of. At that point, Hoffman had the biggest win of his career dangling in front of him and 20 laps remaining to snatch it.

A caution with 11 laps left put Hoffman right on Alberson’s tail, and he immediately seized the opportunity. Alberson went to the top of Turns 1 and 2 while Hoffman ducked low, and when Alberson hit a bump in Turn 2 and lost momentum, he left the door wide open for Hoffman to grab the lead and drive away to what was easily the biggest of his 17 World of Outlaws wins to date.

“It’s unreal,” Hoffman said. “I came here for the Dirt Million [in 2018], those were my first couple starts in a Late Model, and hell, that was eight years ago now. Been through a lot of stuff, a lot of different car owners, great car owners. If it wasn’t for all of them, I wouldn’t be here either. Man, I just don’t know what to say. Thank you Matt Tifft for putting up the extra money.

“Racetrack had character, I had a little bit of a different tire combination on than I feel like the rest of the field. So I knew that the late part of that race, it would come to me. Just pressured and pressured and was able to get by [Alberson].”

Alberson came up one spot short of what would have also been the biggest victory of his career, while Hudson O’Neal put the No. 71 SSI Motorsports machine on the podium in third. Erb backed up Friday’s win with a fourth on Saturday ahead of Brandon Sheppard in fifth.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision returns to the “Mountaineer State” for the RACEFEST Summer Championship at the reopened West Virginia Motor Speedway. Get your tickets in advance by clicking here.

Want to watch the World of Outlaws? Stream every race live on DIRTVision.

RACE NOTES:

Dennis Erb Jr. set the Dirt King Simulators Fastest Hot Lap.

Nick Hoffman won the Simpson Quick Time Award.

Nick Hoffman won Heat 1.

Garrett Alberson won STAKT Products Heat 2.

Josh Rice won Keyser Manufacturing Heat 3.

Trey Mills won Jarrett Rifles Heat 4.

Dustin Sorensen and Drake Troutman won the Last Chance Showdowns.

Garrett Alberson won the Bilstein Pole Award.

Bobby Pierce won the FOX Factory Hard Charger Award.

Trey Mills won the MD3 Rookie of the Race Award.

Garrett Alberson was the WELD Racing Second-Place Finisher.

Hudson O’Neal was the WIX Filters Third-Place Finisher.

Tyler Erb was the ARP Fourth-Place Finisher.

Brandon Sheppard was the MSD Fifth-Place Finisher.

Bobby Pierce was the Swift Springs Sixth-Place Finisher.

Trey Mills was the Penske Racing Shocks Seventh-Place Finisher.

Dustin Sorensen was VP Racing Fuels Eighth-Place Finisher.

Chris Madden was the Lifeline Ninth-Place Finisher.

Drake Troutman was the COMP Cams 10th-Place Finisher.

Tristan Chamberlain was the Quarter Master 11th-Place Finisher.

Ryan Gustin was the Cometic Gaskets 12th-Place Finisher.

Daulton Wilson was the Quarter Master 13th-Place Finisher.

Dallon Murty was the ARP 14th-Place Finisher.

Josh Rice was the Arizona Sport Shirts 18th-Place Finisher.

Feature (57 Laps): 1. 9-Nick Hoffman[2]; 2. 58-Garrett Alberson[1]; 3. 71-Hudson O’Neal[8]; 4. 1-Tyler Erb[9]; 5. 1S-Brandon Sheppard[11]; 6. 32-Bobby Pierce[22]; 7. 14-Trey Mills[3]; 8. 19-Dustin Sorensen[17]; 9. 44-Chris Madden[7]; 10. 22*-Drake Troutman[18]; 11. 20TC-Tristan Chamberlain[5]; 12. 19R-Ryan Gustin[13]; 13. 58V-Daulton Wilson[24]; 14. 13-Dallon Murty[21]; 15. B1-Brent Larson[25]; 16. 74X-Ethan Dotson[23]; 17. 76-Brandon Overton[15]; 18. 11-Josh Rice[4]; 19. 99-Devin Moran[14]; 20. 1Z-Logan Zarin[26]; 21. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[12]; 22. 12-Ryan Montgomery[19]; 23. 111-Max Blair[16]; 24. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[20]; 25. 9M-Tim McCreadie[10]; 26. 1N-Michael Norris[6]

Hoffman Wins 57 Special at Mansfield, Claims First Six-Figure Payday

MANSFIELD, OH (May 30, 2026) – Not many drivers can say they’ve earned a six-figure check in one night at a dirt track, but Nick Hoffman is the latest addition to that list.

One night prior, Tyler Erb joined that exclusive club after local philanthropists Dan and Brenda Niss put up a donation that raised Friday’s winner’s payout to a staggering $100,000. As it turned out, they weren’t done there.

Saturday’s Blaster 57 Special finale for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision was already the biggest purse of the season at more than $240,000 in total, with $57,000 going to the winner and $5,700 just to start the Feature. However, midway through the program, track owner Matt Tifft announced that the Niss family had once again boosted Saturday’s top prize to $100,057. It was at that point when Hoffman started licking his chops.

“The Thrill From Mooresville” struggled on Friday and was never a serious contender for the big money. Saturday was a different story though, as Hoffman earned the Simpson Quick Time Award in Qualifying and won his Heat Race prior to the breaking news. He drew a front-row starting spot on the outside of Bilstein Pole Award winner Garrett Alberson, but dropped back to third on the start after Alberson pulled away and fourth-starting Josh Rice cut through the middle and cleared Hoffman exiting Turn 2.

Unflustered, Hoffman stayed with Rice early, briefly nosing out in front on Lap 4. Rice quickly reclaimed the spot on that occasion, but Hoffman got another chance later in the race in a three-wide moment with the lap car of Tristan Chamberlain which Hoffman came out on top of. At that point, Hoffman had the biggest win of his career dangling in front of him and 20 laps remaining to snatch it.

A caution with 11 laps left put Hoffman right on Alberson’s tail, and he immediately seized the opportunity. Alberson went to the top of Turns 1 and 2 while Hoffman ducked low, and when Alberson hit a bump in Turn 2 and lost momentum, he left the door wide open for Hoffman to grab the lead and drive away to what was easily the biggest of his 17 World of Outlaws wins to date.

“It’s unreal,” Hoffman said. “I came here for the Dirt Million [in 2018], those were my first couple starts in a Late Model, and hell, that was eight years ago now. Been through a lot of stuff, a lot of different car owners, great car owners. If it wasn’t for all of them, I wouldn’t be here either. Man, I just don’t know what to say. Thank you Matt Tifft for putting up the extra money.

“Racetrack had character, I had a little bit of a different tire combination on than I feel like the rest of the field. So I knew that the late part of that race, it would come to me. Just pressured and pressured and was able to get by [Alberson].”

Alberson came up one spot short of what would have also been the biggest victory of his career, while Hudson O’Neal put the No. 71 SSI Motorsports machine on the podium in third. Erb backed up Friday’s win with a fourth on Saturday ahead of Brandon Sheppard in fifth.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision returns to the “Mountaineer State” for the RACEFEST Summer Championship at the reopened West Virginia Motor Speedway. Get your tickets in advance by clicking here.

Want to watch the World of Outlaws? Stream every race live on DIRTVision.

RACE NOTES:

Dennis Erb Jr. set the Dirt King Simulators Fastest Hot Lap.

Nick Hoffman won the Simpson Quick Time Award.

Nick Hoffman won Heat 1.

Garrett Alberson won STAKT Products Heat 2.

Josh Rice won Keyser Manufacturing Heat 3.

Trey Mills won Jarrett Rifles Heat 4.

Dustin Sorensen and Drake Troutman won the Last Chance Showdowns.

Garrett Alberson won the Bilstein Pole Award.

Bobby Pierce won the FOX Factory Hard Charger Award.

Trey Mills won the MD3 Rookie of the Race Award.

Garrett Alberson was the WELD Racing Second-Place Finisher.

Hudson O’Neal was the WIX Filters Third-Place Finisher.

Tyler Erb was the ARP Fourth-Place Finisher.

Brandon Sheppard was the MSD Fifth-Place Finisher.

Bobby Pierce was the Swift Springs Sixth-Place Finisher.

Trey Mills was the Penske Racing Shocks Seventh-Place Finisher.

Dustin Sorensen was VP Racing Fuels Eighth-Place Finisher.

Chris Madden was the Lifeline Ninth-Place Finisher.

Drake Troutman was the COMP Cams 10th-Place Finisher.

Tristan Chamberlain was the Quarter Master 11th-Place Finisher.

Ryan Gustin was the Cometic Gaskets 12th-Place Finisher.

Daulton Wilson was the Quarter Master 13th-Place Finisher.

Dallon Murty was the ARP 14th-Place Finisher.

Josh Rice was the Arizona Sport Shirts 18th-Place Finisher.

Feature (57 Laps): 1. 9-Nick Hoffman[2]; 2. 58-Garrett Alberson[1]; 3. 71-Hudson O’Neal[8]; 4. 1-Tyler Erb[9]; 5. 1S-Brandon Sheppard[11]; 6. 32-Bobby Pierce[22]; 7. 14-Trey Mills[3]; 8. 19-Dustin Sorensen[17]; 9. 44-Chris Madden[7]; 10. 22*-Drake Troutman[18]; 11. 20TC-Tristan Chamberlain[5]; 12. 19R-Ryan Gustin[13]; 13. 58V-Daulton Wilson[24]; 14. 13-Dallon Murty[21]; 15. B1-Brent Larson[25]; 16. 74X-Ethan Dotson[23]; 17. 76-Brandon Overton[15]; 18. 11-Josh Rice[4]; 19. 99-Devin Moran[14]; 20. 1Z-Logan Zarin[26]; 21. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[12]; 22. 12-Ryan Montgomery[19]; 23. 111-Max Blair[16]; 24. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[20]; 25. 9M-Tim McCreadie[10]; 26. 1N-Michael Norris[6]

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/hoffman-wins-57-special-at-mansfield-claims-first-six-figure-payday/

SATURDAY RECAP – MARYLAND Race 7 of 20

Photography: John Force Racing / Auto Imagery / Gary Nastase

BECKMAN, PEAK SQUAD CAPTURE 2ND CONSECUTIVE NO. 1 QUALIFIERVandergriff qualifies fourth, Hart and DeJoria bow out in Rd. 1 of Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge

SATURDAY RECAP – MARYLANDRace 7 of 20

Photography: John Force Racing / Auto Imagery / Gary Nastase

BECKMAN, PEAK SQUAD CAPTURE 2ND CONSECUTIVE NO. 1 QUALIFIERVandergriff qualifies fourth, Hart and DeJoria bow out in Rd. 1 of Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge

MECHANICSVILLE, MD. (May 30, 2026) – Jack Beckman and the PEAK Chevrolet SS Funny Car team earned their second consecutive No. 1 qualifying spot of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and John Force Racing’s other three teams all earned lane choice for the first round of eliminations in Sunday’s inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS at Maryland International Raceway. Beckman earned his 35th career No. 1 spot with Saturday’s Q3 run of 3.935 seconds at 326.79 mph. The PEAK Chevy was on another strong run in Q4 but clicked off early as planned by crew chiefs Daniel Hood and Tim Fabrisi planned to gather further data for eliminations. Beckman will face No. 16 qualifier Joe Morrision, whose best run was just 10.872 seconds at 82.58 mph, in Round 1 of eliminations. Jordan Vandergriff and the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car team made their best run in Q2 Friday, a lap of 3.970 seconds at 321.88 mph which was good enough for fourth place on the 16-car ladder. The Cornwell Tools Chevy was consistent throughout all four qualifying passes, running 4.076 seconds at 306.05 mph in Q1, 4.006 seconds at 321.58 mph in Q3 and 4.002 seconds at 322.81 mph in Q4. Vandergriff will line up in Sunday’s first round of eliminations against Dave Richards, who qualified 13th with a run of 4.058 seconds at 321.42 mph. Alexis DeJoria and her Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car team qualified seventh with a Q4 run Saturday of 3.997 seconds at 326.16 mph. In the first round of Sunday’s eliminations, she’ll face Ron Capps who qualified 10th with a run of 4.024 seconds at 321.65 mph. In DeJoria’s Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge first-round matchup Saturday against Matt Hagan, the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car moved one-thousandth-of-a-second quicker than Hagan’s. Both cars lost traction halfway through their runs but Hagan prevailed, running 4.347 seconds at 217.32 mph to DeJoria’s 4.539 seconds at 189.07 mph. Josh Hart qualified the Speedmaster Top Fuel Dragster in the seventh position with his Friday Q2 run of 3.811 seconds at 333.91 mph. In Sunday’s first round, he will face Clay Millican who qualified 10th with a run of 3.839 seconds at 321.88 mph. Hart faced Shawn Langdon in the first round of the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, their semifinal matchup two weeks ago at Route 66 Speedway. Langdon left first and didn’t look back, running 3.760 seconds at 335.23 mph (low elapsed time of the round) while the Speedmaster Top Fuel Dragster slowed near the finish line to a run of 3.890 seconds at 294.18 mph. Sunday’s first round of eliminations is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET. Quote from Jack Beckman, PEAK Chevrolet SS Funny Car: “It’s no secret, we’ve been stumbling a little bit with the PEAK Chevy and we haven’t been ourselves like last year, when our car could do no wrong. We’re just kind of struggling this year, but it’s because we did some things to try to be quicker, and a lot of times that step backwards takes a while before you recuperate from that, but to know that every dart we’re throwing is hitting near the bullseye means we could make good tune-up calls for tomorrow. This is one of those Saturdays where I’m counting down the hours till the national anthem. I can’t wait to get back out here tomorrow.” Quote from Jordan Vandergriff, Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car: “So far this weekend here in Maryland, our Cornwell Tools Chevy has been really consistent and that gives us a lot of confidence. The last time we had a car that was this good was in South Georgia so that gives me a good feeling about tomorrow. I had a good feeling coming in here this weekend when I saw the track for the first time and I feel the same after these qualifying sessions. I’m going to go after it tomorrow to try to get win number two for Cornwell Quality Tools.” Quote from Alexis DeJoria, Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car: “I was really looking forward to coming out to this racetrack this weekend. It’s absolutely beautiful and I love it out here. The track is absolutely amazing. We almost made it all the way down in the first round of the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, but we broke loose at the top end and got passed by Hagan. But tomorrow’s a new day. I’m really looking forward to it. The Bandero Café Chevy team is in the top half of the field so we have lane choice, which is key. The icing on the cake is that we earned five bonus points this weekend in qualifying so I’m really proud of this team.” Quote from Josh Hart, Speedmaster Top Fuel Dragster: “We made two consistent runs and essentially underestimated the track. This John Force Racing Speedmaster team qualified seventh so we’re on the right side for first round tomorrow and we know what we need to do.” TV ScheduleCoverage of eliminations will be broadcast Sunday, May 31, from 3 – 6 p.m. ET on FS1.