Jesse Janisch (No. 33) battles with Austin Luczak (No. 188) during Jackpine Gypsies Short Track in 2025. [Photo: Hunter Scott for AMA Pro Racing]Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system The seven-race 2026 AFT AdventureTrackers™ championship will open with the class contenders vying for a $7,500 purse in Daytona DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 25, 2026) – The AFT AdventureTrackers™ title contenders charge into 2026 in search of glory as the class prepares to kick off its expanded championship slate at the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II on Friday, March 6. This marks the first time the class has been featured on the bill when the Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, opens in Daytona. Now entering its third season, AFT AdventureTrackers was originally devised to provide the massively popular and fast-growing Dual Adventure segment a competitive outlet to demonstrate the bikes’ wide-ranging capabilities and impressive versatility even in near-stock guise. With a cadre of championship-caliber riders at the controls, the class has exceeded all expectations in terms of pure spectacle, as some of the series’ most notable athletes have repeatedly performed borderline miracles on these big-bore, 500-plus pound machines as they’ve tangled for checkered flags. AFT AdventureTrackers made its high-profile debut in a showcase event on the Streets of Sturgis in 2024. Last season, the category evolved into a thrilling four-race championship tilt packed into a timeframe of less than two weeks. During its brief existence, Dual Adventure bikes from Harley-Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, and Triumph have featured on AFT AdventureTrackers’ podiums, while decorated riders such as Dan Bromley and Jesse Janisch have logged shocking quick lap times and put on an incredible show in their heated battles for victory. And despite its relative newness, AFT AdventureTrackers has already added to its legend off the track as well. Hearkeni ng to the earliest days of motorcycle sport, there are numerous stories of these near-stock racebikes arriving at the track fresh from dealership showrooms, being ridden down Main Street at Sturgis straight from the podium, and even making a cross-country trek from one round to the next. This growing legend will be added to in 2026, as the class expands its footprint with a seven-round championship fight that will run from early March to late August with a $7,500 purse in play at each event.Next Up The Progressive AFT 2026 season begins with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6. To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack. Following the season opener, the series travels to Senoia Raceway for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track on March 21. To purchase tickets for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-atlanta-short-track-165280.

Legends in the Making: AFT AdventureTrackers Kick Off Expanded 2026 Schedule in DaytonaJesse Janisch (No. 33) battles with Austin Luczak (No. 188) during Jackpine Gypsies Short Track in 2025. [Photo: Hunter Scott for AMA Pro Racing]Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system The seven-race 2026 AFT AdventureTrackers™ championship will open with the class contenders vying for a $7,500 purse in Daytona DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 25, 2026) – The AFT AdventureTrackers™ title contenders charge into 2026 in search of glory as the class prepares to kick off its expanded championship slate at the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II on Friday, March 6. This marks the first time the class has been featured on the bill when the Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, opens in Daytona. Now entering its third season, AFT AdventureTrackers was originally devised to provide the massively popular and fast-growing Dual Adventure segment a competitive outlet to demonstrate the bikes’ wide-ranging capabilities and impressive versatility even in near-stock guise. With a cadre of championship-caliber riders at the controls, the class has exceeded all expectations in terms of pure spectacle, as some of the series’ most notable athletes have repeatedly performed borderline miracles on these big-bore, 500-plus pound machines as they’ve tangled for checkered flags. AFT AdventureTrackers made its high-profile debut in a showcase event on the Streets of Sturgis in 2024. Last season, the category evolved into a thrilling four-race championship tilt packed into a timeframe of less than two weeks. During its brief existence, Dual Adventure bikes from Harley-Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, and Triumph have featured on AFT AdventureTrackers’ podiums, while decorated riders such as Dan Bromley and Jesse Janisch have logged shocking quick lap times and put on an incredible show in their heated battles for victory. And despite its relative newness, AFT AdventureTrackers has already added to its legend off the track as well. Hearkeni ng to the earliest days of motorcycle sport, there are numerous stories of these near-stock racebikes arriving at the track fresh from dealership showrooms, being ridden down Main Street at Sturgis straight from the podium, and even making a cross-country trek from one round to the next. This growing legend will be added to in 2026, as the class expands its footprint with a seven-round championship fight that will run from early March to late August with a $7,500 purse in play at each event.Next Up The Progressive AFT 2026 season begins with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6. To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack. Following the season opener, the series travels to Senoia Raceway for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track on March 21. To purchase tickets for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-atlanta-short-track-165280.

DRAG RACE BRACKET BONANZA BUILDS ON PEAK PERFORMANCE IN 2026

DALLAS (February 25, 2026) — Last year PEAK ramped up their already strong fan engagement presence by joining Drag Race Bracket Bonanza (DRBB), the free bracket game for drag racing fans, as title sponsor for the Route 66 Nationals and World Finals editions of the game as well as sponsor of the race recap email distributed to thousands of players throughout the DRBB season. In 2026 PEAK will continue DRBB sponsorship of the Chicago NHRA national event presented by PEAK and add DRBB sponsorship of the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals. In addition to the PEAK Performance email sponsorship PEAK will be providing 30 PEAK Top Fuel dragster die-casts as additional prizes for top finishers in the DRBB regular season.
 
“The support and engagement DRBB received last year from PEAK and the #PeakSquad was fantastic for our players,” said DRBB creator Elon Werner. “They had complete ownership of the Route 66 Nationals in Chicago on and off the track and the PEAK Performance post-race emails were our most impactful digital program for our thousands of players. Expanding the program to include Dallas as well as offering additional prizes for regular season player success will only make playing Drag Race Bracket Bonanza more fun for our players. PEAK will continue to be able to communicate with new and established fans through DRBB.”

 
PEAK has offered prize packs to the top five overall finishers from the Chicago race the past two seasons and that program will be expanding to include the Texas Fall Nationals. The #PEAKSquad league is one of the most active in the DRBB player universe. Through coordinated social media posts that include participation from John Force Racing driver Jack Beckman as well as other PEAK social media influencers the engagement with drag racing fans is next level.
 
“Drag Race Bracket Bonanza’s community are some of most engaged fans of the sport,” said Brian Bohlander, director of marketing – Sports & Partnership, Old World Industries (OWI). “The #PEAKSquad community thrives when we give them ways to get involved, and DRBB is the perfect platform to do that. The energy, the competition and the creativity make Drag Race Bracket Bonanza a natural fit for the PEAK brand and we’re excited to continue to grow together year after year.”
 
Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, OWI continues to be a leading manufacturer of automotive and heavy-duty products under its PEAK and BlueDEF brands. The company has been a major sponsor in the NHRA for more than three decades, including as an official partner since the 2013 season. PEAK has also been a longtime sponsor of John Force Racing, which in 2026 includes Top Fuel driver Josh Hart, Funny Car world champion Jack Beckman along with Jordan Vandergriff and Alexis DeJoria.
 
DRBB players will have the chance to fill out their brackets for the Route 66 Nationals when qualifying ends at Route 66 Raceway on Saturday, May 16. They will then have until the first round of eliminations begins on Sunday, May 17, to submit their picks. Fans can follow DRBB on social media for cool stats, prize updates, and info on Twitter/X at @dragracebb or @DragRaceBracketBonanza on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. And they can watch the NHRA broadcast on FS1.
 

Moran Repeats Wieland Winter Nationals Opening Night Win at Ocala

OCALA, FL (February 24, 2026) – Devin Moran repeated his performance from one year ago, capturing the opening night of the 2026 Wieland Winter Nationals at Ocala Speedway on Tuesday night. The caution-free 30-lap feature took just eight minutes to complete. Moran, the defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion, took the lead on lap 14 from race-long leader Brandon Sheppard and went on to pace the final 16 circuits, earning his fourth career victory at Ocala. Sheppard, who was seeking his first Ocala win since 2017, finished second, followed by Clay Harris, Brandon Overton, and Hudson O’Neal. In Lucas Oil Victory Lane for the 26th time in his career, Moran earned $7,000 for the win. “No, honestly, Sheppy took off hard there. The dirt’s not hard, but it’s definitely a little gritty. I feel like you build a little bit of heat, so I was just trying to bide my time,” Moran said. “I know how this place is when you get to lapped traffic, and if you can maneuver, you’re going to be really good. My guys provided me with a Longhorn Chassis that could move anywhere on the race track, on either end. So, it was really cool.” Regarding his second win of the season — both coming in caution-free features — Moran discussed his approach to long green-flag runs. “Honestly, I’ve always been better on long green-flag runs. I’m able to find a rhythm and places on the track where I can make speed, and that’s what I did the whole race,” he said. “When you have a car you can maneuver through traffic, it’s so fun. If you have one you can’t, it just makes it tough. Bubba (Clem) and those guys did a great job giving us a track you could move around on. I just love being in Florida for the month.” Sheppard, who set overall fast time and won his heat race, was looking to complete a clean sweep of the night but settled for the runner-up finish. “I think we had a really fast car capable of winning the race,” Sheppard said. “Congrats to Devin — he did a really good job there. I pretty much gave it away in lapped traffic. I was trying to figure out where I could pass those guys because I hadn’t passed anyone yet. I went to the top one lap, and Devin was on me and made the most of it.” Harris, who scored two podium finishes last week at All-Tech, opened the week at Ocala by rounding out the Big River Steel Podium in third. “It’s a lot more fun when you can run up front to start off the year,” Harris said. “We definitely struggled last year — switching cars, switching teams — and I didn’t have much crew help at the beginning of the season. We’ve got a good team this year, good equipment, and good cars. I could run the bottom and kind of maintain, but I couldn’t really make the top work — it would just fall off.” The winning Roger Sellers, Double Down Motorsports, Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine and sponsored by Big River Steel, Millwood Plumbing, C&W Trucking, Phillips CPA, Anthony’s Pizza, Bomag, CarSourceAuto.com, Hazen Services, McHugh Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Elliott Farms, Haulin’ Haskell’s, and Pee Wee’s Wrecker Service. Rounding out the top ten were Brian Shirley, Daulton Wilson, Tyler Erb, Max Blair, and Drake Troutman. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary Wieland Winter NationalsTuesday, February 24, 2026Ocala Speedway | Ocala, FL Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group A: Brandon Sheppard | 14.040 seconds (Overall)Fast Time Group B: Devin Moran | 14.227 seconds Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard[1]; 2. 3S-Brian Shirley[2]; 3. 1T-Tyler Erb[4]; 4. 58-Garrett Alberson[3]; 5. 40B-Kyle Bronson[5]; 6. 09-Michael Leach[6]; 7. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[8]; 8. 18-Chase Junghans[9]; 9. 32J-Justin Weaver[7] Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 6-Clay Harris[1]; 2. 111-Max Blair[5]; 3. 71-Hudson O’Neal[2]; 4. 60-Dan Ebert[3]; 5. 81F-Jadon Frame[8]; 6. 13-Dallon Murty[4]; 7. C4-Freddie Carpenter[7]; 8. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[6]; 9. (DNS) 12L-Dave Loudin Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 99-Devin Moran[1]; 2. 76-Brandon Overton[3]; 3. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[2]; 4. 77-Preston Luckman[6]; 5. 10-Garrett Smith[9]; 6. 22*-Drake Troutman[5]; 7. 15-Clay Stuckey[7]; 8. 79-Cory Hedgecock[8]; 9. 93-Carson Ferguson[4] Simpson Race Products Heat Race #4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 58V-Daulton Wilson[1]; 2. 19M-Brenden Smith[2]; 3. 76N-Blair Nothdurft[3]; 4. 11-Josh Rice[6]; 5. 7-Ross Robinson[4]; 6. 15K-Cody Overton[8]; 7. 17SR-Brody Smith[5]; 8. 8-Dillon McCowan[7]; 9. 6B-Adam Boyd[9] Fast Shafts B-Main Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 40B-Kyle Bronson[1]; 2. 81F-Jadon Frame[2]; 3. 13-Dallon Murty[4]; 4. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[5]; 5. 32J-Justin Weaver[9]; 6. C4-Freddie Carpenter[6]; 7. 18-Chase Junghans[7]; 8. 09-Michael Leach[3]; 9. (DNS) 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr; 10. (DNS) 12L-Dave Loudin UNOH B-Main Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 10-Garrett Smith[1]; 2. 22*-Drake Troutman[3]; 3. 7-Ross Robinson[2]; 4. 15K-Cody Overton[4]; 5. 15-Clay Stuckey[5]; 6. 79-Cory Hedgecock[7]; 7. 17SR-Brody Smith[6]; 8. 8-Dillon McCowan[8]; 9. 6B-Adam Boyd[10]; 10. (DNS) 93-Carson Ferguson Wieland Winter Nationals Feature Finish (30 Laps):Pos – Start – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Earnings1 – 2 – 99 – Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – $7,0002 – 1 – 1 – Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – $3,5003 – 3 – 6 – Clay Harris – Jupiter, FL – $2,0004 – 6 – 76 – Brandon Overton – Evans, GA – $1,5005 – 11 – 71 – Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – $1,4006 – 5 – 3S – Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – $1,3007 – 4 – 58V – Daulton Wilson – Fayetteville, NC – $1,2008 – 9 – 1T – Tyler Erb – New Waverly, TX – $1,1009 – 7 – 111 – Max Blair – Centerville, PA – $1,00010 – 20 – 22* – Drake Troutman – Hyndman, PA – $95011 – 13 – 58 – Garrett Alberson – Las Cruces, NM – $90012 – 8 – 19M – Brenden Smith – Dade City, FL – $85013 – 10 – 28 – Dennis Erb Jr – Carpentersville, IL – $80014 – 12 – 76N – Blair Nothdurft – Renner, SD – $75015 – 17 – 40B – Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL – $72516 – 16 – 11 – Josh Rice – Crittenden, KY – $70017 – 15 – 60 – Dan Ebert – Lake Shore, MN – $70018 – 14 – 77 – Preston Luckman – Coos Bay, OR – $70019 – 21 – 13 – Dallon Murty – Chelsea, IA – $65020 – 18 – 10 – Garrett Smith – Madison, GA – $62521 – 24 – 15K – Cody Overton – Thomson, GA – $62522 – 22 – 7 – Ross Robinson – Georgetown, DE – $60023 – 23 – 12M – Ryan Montgomery – Fairmont, WV – $60024 – 19 – 81F – Jadon Frame – Winchester, TN – $600 Race Statistics  Entrants: 36Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Brandon SheppardMD3 Lap Leaders: Brandon Sheppard (Laps 1-13); Devin Moran (Laps 14-30)Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Devin MoranWieland Feature Winner: Devin MoranMargin of Victory: 1.225 secondsHellraizer Jacks Cautions: n/aMyRacePass Series Provisionals: n/aFast Time Provisional: n/aEmergency Provisionals: n/aTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Devin Moran, Brandon Sheppard, Clay HarrisPenske Shocks Top 5: Devin Moran, Brandon Sheppard, Clay Harris, Brandon Overton, Hudson O’NealBehrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Devin Moran, Brandon Sheppard, Clay HarrisPEM 4th Place Feature: Brandon OvertonDiversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Hudson O’NealWilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Daulton WilsonWehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Garrett AlbersonVelocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Dennis Erb, Jr.XS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Kyle BronsonHoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Drake Troutman (Advanced 10 positions)MD3 Most Laps Led: Devin Moran (17 Laps)Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Brandon SheppardMidwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Brandon OvertonO’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: n/aPro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Sheppard | Lap 1 | 15.098 secondsFK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Michael LeachVictory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Devin MoranOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Chuck KimbleARP Engine Builder of the Race: Cornett Racing EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn ChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Devin Moran | 14.5937 secondsTime of Race: 8 minutes 00 seconds

Team Penske’s season ended on a high note with Josef Newgarden (1st) and Scott McLaughlin (3rd) standing on the podium at the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix.

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Chevrolet Newsroom

Team Penske Location: Mooresville, NCOwner: Roger PenskeSeasons (including 2026) with Chevrolet: 27th

First year with Chevrolet:1968Years with Team Chevy: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 2002, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, & 2026Driver Championships with Chevrolet: 1988 (Danny Sullivan), 2014 (Will Power), 2016 (Simon Pagenaud), 2017 (Josef Newgarden), 2019 (Josef Newgarden) and 2022 (Will Power) Starts with Chevrolet-power:All-time: 1062Since Chevrolet’s return in 2012: 759 Wins with Chevrolet-power:All-time (rank): 124 (1st), with the first win by Rick Mears at Pocono Raceway in 1987 Since Chevrolet’s return in 2012 (rank): 87(1st), with the first win by Helio Castroneves on the Streets Of St. Petersburg in 2012Most Chevrolet-powered wins at Team Penske: Will Power with 30 wins Poles with ChevroletAll-time (rank): 157 earned poles and 161 pole starts (1st), with the first by Mark Donohue at Sonoma Raceway in 1970Since Chevrolet’s return in 2012 (rank): 105 earned and 109 starts (1st), with the first earned pole by Will Power on the Streets Of St. Petersburg in 2012 Most Chevrolet-powered poles at Team Penske: Will Power, with 47 earned and 47 starts Podiums with ChevroletAll-time (rank): 324 (1st), with the first podium by Mark Donohue on the Indianapolis Raceway Park Road Course Since Chevrolet’s return in 2012 (rank): 221 (1st), with the first podium by Helio Castroneves on the Streets Of St. Petersburg in 2012:Most Chevrolet-powered podiums at Team Penske: Will Power with 80 podiums Team Notes: Is one of two teams that have been part of Team Chevy since the Chevrolet brand returned to INDYCAR racing in 2012 124 of the team’s 246 NTT INDYCAR SERIES wins, which equates to 50.4%, have been powered by Chevrolet 157 of the team’s 308 NTT INDYCAR SERIES poles, which equates to 51.0%, have been powered by ChevroletMark Donohue, at Mosport International Raceway in 1968, made the first INDYCAR and Chevrolet-powered INDYCAR start for the team, starting 6th and finishing 4thA total of 19 drivers have made Chevrolet-powered INDYCAR starts for the team, with Will Power leading all drivers with 232 starts powered by the Bowtie at Team Penske.

Driver: Josef Newgarden Age (Birthday): 35 (12/22/1990)Hometown/Residence: Nashville, Tenn./Nashville, TennCar Number: No. 2Best championship finish: 1st (2017 & 2019)2025 championship finish: 12th

Starts with Chevrolet: 181Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 32 (1st/1st) – his first win was at Barber Motorsports Park in 2015Earned Poles with Chevrolet: 19 earned poles/21 pole starts (first pole was at the Milwaukee Mile in 2015)Podiums with Chevrolet: 59 (first podium was at Barber Motorsports Park in 2015) Strategist: Jonathan DiuguidRace Engineer: Luke MasonCrew Chief: Chad Gordon Notable:Newgarden’s win at the Nashville Superspeedway in the final race of 2025o 32 career INDYCAR wins (all with Chevrolet), the 10th most on the all-time career listo At least one win in 11 consecutive INDYCAR seasons  After his third straight early exit in a row at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Newgarden did not give up on his seasono Newgarden moved from 19th in points to 12th after his win at the final in Nashvilleo The driver of the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet led 27.7% of the laps in the final seven racesIs quickly moving up the all-time INDYCAR ranking lists:o 10th in wins (32)o 10th in laps led (4513)o T16th in poles (19)o 17th in podiums (61)o 17th in top 5s (87)o 20th in starts (232)President of Penske Racing, Jonathan Diuguid, will fill the role of Newgarden’s strategist, while Luke Mason and Chad Gordon continue as the two-time champion’s Race Engineer and Crew ChiefAt 35 years old, Newgarden is now the senior member of Team Penske, and the senior member of the Team Chevy contingent in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES  Quotable: Q.  Your lowest finish last year since 2014. What are you looking to recover from that?“To be more consistent. For us we just can’t have as many bad results as we had. There’s a lot of them that could have been different. They’re not. So, we’ve just got to focus on being more consistent. It’s kind of simple to say that, but that’s just what it will come down to. “If we don’t want to finish 12th in the standings, we’ve got to finish more races”. Q.  I don’t want to call you the old guy on the team because you’re only 35; at the same time, once upon a time you were the guy that could lean on Simon, Helio, Juan for the month of May, Will. You’re the guy that people are going to be leaning on. How has that transition been for you?“Fine. You know what, I am the old guy totally. I can’t believe I’ve been doing this for 15 years. I’ve always had a strong sense for what I’ve wanted. That part is not going to change. When I was young, now I’m older, I’ll still have the same projection in my voice on what I think we need to be doing. That part is going to be similar.”

Driver: Scott McLaughlin Age (Birthday): 32 (6/10/1993)Hometown/Residence: Christ Church, New Zealand/Charlotte, North CarolinaCar Number: No. 3Best championship finish: 3rd (2023 & 2024)2025 championship finish: 10th

Starts with Chevrolet: 85Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 7 (T13th/T5th) – his first win was on the Streets Of St. Petersburg in 2022Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 11 (9th/5th) – his first earned pole was on the Streets Of St. Petersburg in 2022Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 22 (13th/6th) – his first podium was at the Texas Motor Speedway in 2021 Strategist: Tim CindricRace Engineer: Raul PradosCrew Chief: Trevor Lacasse Notable:Finished the season off strong with podiums at the Milwaukee Mile and Nashville Superspeedway, and four straight top tensMcLaughlin led Team Penske in qualifying on eight occasions last year, besting his teammates Newgarden and Power, who led qualifying among the trio of drivers six and three times, respectively The No. 3 crew, also known as the “Thirsty Threes,” was the quickest group on pit road during four races, and the fourth best over the course of the season, with the over-the-wall group remaining the sameIs one of three full-time Team Chevy drivers in 2026, along with Pato O’Ward and Christian Rasmussen, to make all their starts with Chevrolet powerMcLaughlin will have a pair of new faces on the timing stand o Spainard Raul Prados, came to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES paddock in 2012, working with A.J. Foyt Racing until joining Team Penske and taking a key role in the team’s sports car effortso Tim Cindric, former Team Penske President and key figure in McLaughlin’s move to America, will be the strategist for the No. 3 Quotable: Q.  What are you looking forward to in 2026?“I guess you could say it’s a bit of redemption in some ways. It was a terrible year on my part last year. I felt like we left a lot on the table.” “Then obviously Indy is the first one that comes to mind, but there was a lot of things that I sort of did last year. Looking back at Nashville, dropped that race from the lead; Detroit, hit Nolan; we were in a good spot. “There are things I’ve got to tidy up, team has got to tidy up, but I think we’ve had a really good off-season, and honestly, the morale on the team is so high and so excited right now. “There’s so much want to be back to where we want to be consistently, and I think there’s a refreshed sort of focus which has been really cool to be a part of and see. I’m really, really excited and just ready to go.”

Driver: David Malukas Age (Birthday): 24 (9/27/2001)Hometown/Residence: Chicago, Illinois/Charlotte, North CarolinaCar Number: No. 12Best championship finish: 11th (2025)2025 championship finish: 11th

Starts with Chevrolet: 17Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 1 (T50th/T25th) – his first podium was at the Indianapolis 500 (IMS Oval) in 2025 Strategist: Travis LawRace Engineer: James SchnabelCrew Chief: Blaine Hardy Notable:Malukas finished his lone season with A.J. Foyt Racing in 11th place in the standings, the best championship finish of his short career His season came to life with a second-place finish at the Indianapolis 500, after which his average starting position improved by 3.1 positions, and his average finishing position was 1.6 positions betterThe last three newcomers to Team Penske and their championship finishes:o 2015 – Simon Pagenaud – 11tho 2017 – Josef Newgarden – championo 2021 – Scott McLaughlin – 14thThe 24-year-old has moved from Chicago, Illinois, to Indianapolis, Indiana, to the Charlotte, North Carolina area, making it three cities in three years, this time to be closer to the Team Chevy shopWhile the team is new to Malukas, not all the faces on his timing stand will be unfamiliar, as his race engineer in 2025, James Schnabel, will make the move to the No. 12 with the driver Quotable: Q.  What do you think a successful 2026 looks like for you?“Consistency. I think that’s what really matters in INDYCAR. We have so many different circuits. You have street, road, ovals. Through all of it, they’re all just so different. “To have consistency between all of them, that would be a successful year for me.” Q.  Playing off of that, how important for a fast start — obviously 2024 you didn’t start until midsummer; last year your first top 10 came at Indy with that second-place finish, but there’s expectations for you this year as there’s always going to be on a Penske driver. How important is it for you to get off to that fast start?“Yeah, I think it’ll be important. But either way, like you said, since 2024 I’ve been jumping teams like crazy. I think a little bit more familiar on what it takes now as the priorities of jumping into a new team. I know what to run through it, but also not going to fret if things are taking some time and learning this new car, it’s not going to be the end of the world. “It’s just going to be trying to make sure we’ll get there, because eventually we will ge there. We’ll learn it, as I have with any other car previously. Not really too pressured on that. I think it’ll be fine.” Q.  How convenient is it that the Chevy simulator is just right up the street from you now?“It makes a world of difference because before you’d have to do a whole flight and multiple days. Now I can just drive right up there. “And it’s a lot better because honestly, the big difference I’d say is just from an energy perspective because I would always do like the early morning flight and then go straight go the sim, so even just performance on the sim is definitely better now since I’m having a full proper sleep.”

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season gets underway this week with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.  Tune-In Alert Friday, February 27 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 – 1:30pm (ET)/12:30pm (CT)/11:30am (MT)/10:30am (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Saturday, February 28 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 9:30am (ET)/8:30am (CT)/7:30am (MT)/6:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 4:30pm (ET)/3:30pm (CT)/2:30pm (MT)/1:30pm (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Sunday, March 1NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 9am (ET)/8am (CT)/7am (MT)/6am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (100 laps) – noon (ET)/11am (CT)/10am (MT)/9am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Team Penske’s season ended on a high note with Josef Newgarden (1st) and Scott McLaughlin (3rd) standing on the podium at the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix.

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Chevrolet Newsroom

Team Penske Location: Mooresville, NCOwner: Roger PenskeSeasons (including 2026) with Chevrolet: 27th

First year with Chevrolet:1968Years with Team Chevy: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 2002, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, & 2026Driver Championships with Chevrolet: 1988 (Danny Sullivan), 2014 (Will Power), 2016 (Simon Pagenaud), 2017 (Josef Newgarden), 2019 (Josef Newgarden) and 2022 (Will Power) Starts with Chevrolet-power:All-time: 1062Since Chevrolet’s return in 2012: 759 Wins with Chevrolet-power:All-time (rank): 124 (1st), with the first win by Rick Mears at Pocono Raceway in 1987 Since Chevrolet’s return in 2012 (rank): 87(1st), with the first win by Helio Castroneves on the Streets Of St. Petersburg in 2012Most Chevrolet-powered wins at Team Penske: Will Power with 30 wins Poles with ChevroletAll-time (rank): 157 earned poles and 161 pole starts (1st), with the first by Mark Donohue at Sonoma Raceway in 1970Since Chevrolet’s return in 2012 (rank): 105 earned and 109 starts (1st), with the first earned pole by Will Power on the Streets Of St. Petersburg in 2012 Most Chevrolet-powered poles at Team Penske: Will Power, with 47 earned and 47 starts Podiums with ChevroletAll-time (rank): 324 (1st), with the first podium by Mark Donohue on the Indianapolis Raceway Park Road Course Since Chevrolet’s return in 2012 (rank): 221 (1st), with the first podium by Helio Castroneves on the Streets Of St. Petersburg in 2012:Most Chevrolet-powered podiums at Team Penske: Will Power with 80 podiums Team Notes: Is one of two teams that have been part of Team Chevy since the Chevrolet brand returned to INDYCAR racing in 2012 124 of the team’s 246 NTT INDYCAR SERIES wins, which equates to 50.4%, have been powered by Chevrolet 157 of the team’s 308 NTT INDYCAR SERIES poles, which equates to 51.0%, have been powered by ChevroletMark Donohue, at Mosport International Raceway in 1968, made the first INDYCAR and Chevrolet-powered INDYCAR start for the team, starting 6th and finishing 4thA total of 19 drivers have made Chevrolet-powered INDYCAR starts for the team, with Will Power leading all drivers with 232 starts powered by the Bowtie at Team Penske.

Driver: Josef Newgarden Age (Birthday): 35 (12/22/1990)Hometown/Residence: Nashville, Tenn./Nashville, TennCar Number: No. 2Best championship finish: 1st (2017 & 2019)2025 championship finish: 12th

Starts with Chevrolet: 181Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 32 (1st/1st) – his first win was at Barber Motorsports Park in 2015Earned Poles with Chevrolet: 19 earned poles/21 pole starts (first pole was at the Milwaukee Mile in 2015)Podiums with Chevrolet: 59 (first podium was at Barber Motorsports Park in 2015) Strategist: Jonathan DiuguidRace Engineer: Luke MasonCrew Chief: Chad Gordon Notable:Newgarden’s win at the Nashville Superspeedway in the final race of 2025o 32 career INDYCAR wins (all with Chevrolet), the 10th most on the all-time career listo At least one win in 11 consecutive INDYCAR seasons  After his third straight early exit in a row at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Newgarden did not give up on his seasono Newgarden moved from 19th in points to 12th after his win at the final in Nashvilleo The driver of the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet led 27.7% of the laps in the final seven racesIs quickly moving up the all-time INDYCAR ranking lists:o 10th in wins (32)o 10th in laps led (4513)o T16th in poles (19)o 17th in podiums (61)o 17th in top 5s (87)o 20th in starts (232)President of Penske Racing, Jonathan Diuguid, will fill the role of Newgarden’s strategist, while Luke Mason and Chad Gordon continue as the two-time champion’s Race Engineer and Crew ChiefAt 35 years old, Newgarden is now the senior member of Team Penske, and the senior member of the Team Chevy contingent in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES  Quotable: Q.  Your lowest finish last year since 2014. What are you looking to recover from that?“To be more consistent. For us we just can’t have as many bad results as we had. There’s a lot of them that could have been different. They’re not. So, we’ve just got to focus on being more consistent. It’s kind of simple to say that, but that’s just what it will come down to. “If we don’t want to finish 12th in the standings, we’ve got to finish more races”. Q.  I don’t want to call you the old guy on the team because you’re only 35; at the same time, once upon a time you were the guy that could lean on Simon, Helio, Juan for the month of May, Will. You’re the guy that people are going to be leaning on. How has that transition been for you?“Fine. You know what, I am the old guy totally. I can’t believe I’ve been doing this for 15 years. I’ve always had a strong sense for what I’ve wanted. That part is not going to change. When I was young, now I’m older, I’ll still have the same projection in my voice on what I think we need to be doing. That part is going to be similar.”

Driver: Scott McLaughlin Age (Birthday): 32 (6/10/1993)Hometown/Residence: Christ Church, New Zealand/Charlotte, North CarolinaCar Number: No. 3Best championship finish: 3rd (2023 & 2024)2025 championship finish: 10th

Starts with Chevrolet: 85Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 7 (T13th/T5th) – his first win was on the Streets Of St. Petersburg in 2022Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 11 (9th/5th) – his first earned pole was on the Streets Of St. Petersburg in 2022Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 22 (13th/6th) – his first podium was at the Texas Motor Speedway in 2021 Strategist: Tim CindricRace Engineer: Raul PradosCrew Chief: Trevor Lacasse Notable:Finished the season off strong with podiums at the Milwaukee Mile and Nashville Superspeedway, and four straight top tensMcLaughlin led Team Penske in qualifying on eight occasions last year, besting his teammates Newgarden and Power, who led qualifying among the trio of drivers six and three times, respectively The No. 3 crew, also known as the “Thirsty Threes,” was the quickest group on pit road during four races, and the fourth best over the course of the season, with the over-the-wall group remaining the sameIs one of three full-time Team Chevy drivers in 2026, along with Pato O’Ward and Christian Rasmussen, to make all their starts with Chevrolet powerMcLaughlin will have a pair of new faces on the timing stand o Spainard Raul Prados, came to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES paddock in 2012, working with A.J. Foyt Racing until joining Team Penske and taking a key role in the team’s sports car effortso Tim Cindric, former Team Penske President and key figure in McLaughlin’s move to America, will be the strategist for the No. 3 Quotable: Q.  What are you looking forward to in 2026?“I guess you could say it’s a bit of redemption in some ways. It was a terrible year on my part last year. I felt like we left a lot on the table.” “Then obviously Indy is the first one that comes to mind, but there was a lot of things that I sort of did last year. Looking back at Nashville, dropped that race from the lead; Detroit, hit Nolan; we were in a good spot. “There are things I’ve got to tidy up, team has got to tidy up, but I think we’ve had a really good off-season, and honestly, the morale on the team is so high and so excited right now. “There’s so much want to be back to where we want to be consistently, and I think there’s a refreshed sort of focus which has been really cool to be a part of and see. I’m really, really excited and just ready to go.”

Driver: David Malukas Age (Birthday): 24 (9/27/2001)Hometown/Residence: Chicago, Illinois/Charlotte, North CarolinaCar Number: No. 12Best championship finish: 11th (2025)2025 championship finish: 11th

Starts with Chevrolet: 17Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 1 (T50th/T25th) – his first podium was at the Indianapolis 500 (IMS Oval) in 2025 Strategist: Travis LawRace Engineer: James SchnabelCrew Chief: Blaine Hardy Notable:Malukas finished his lone season with A.J. Foyt Racing in 11th place in the standings, the best championship finish of his short career His season came to life with a second-place finish at the Indianapolis 500, after which his average starting position improved by 3.1 positions, and his average finishing position was 1.6 positions betterThe last three newcomers to Team Penske and their championship finishes:o 2015 – Simon Pagenaud – 11tho 2017 – Josef Newgarden – championo 2021 – Scott McLaughlin – 14thThe 24-year-old has moved from Chicago, Illinois, to Indianapolis, Indiana, to the Charlotte, North Carolina area, making it three cities in three years, this time to be closer to the Team Chevy shopWhile the team is new to Malukas, not all the faces on his timing stand will be unfamiliar, as his race engineer in 2025, James Schnabel, will make the move to the No. 12 with the driver Quotable: Q.  What do you think a successful 2026 looks like for you?“Consistency. I think that’s what really matters in INDYCAR. We have so many different circuits. You have street, road, ovals. Through all of it, they’re all just so different. “To have consistency between all of them, that would be a successful year for me.” Q.  Playing off of that, how important for a fast start — obviously 2024 you didn’t start until midsummer; last year your first top 10 came at Indy with that second-place finish, but there’s expectations for you this year as there’s always going to be on a Penske driver. How important is it for you to get off to that fast start?“Yeah, I think it’ll be important. But either way, like you said, since 2024 I’ve been jumping teams like crazy. I think a little bit more familiar on what it takes now as the priorities of jumping into a new team. I know what to run through it, but also not going to fret if things are taking some time and learning this new car, it’s not going to be the end of the world. “It’s just going to be trying to make sure we’ll get there, because eventually we will ge there. We’ll learn it, as I have with any other car previously. Not really too pressured on that. I think it’ll be fine.” Q.  How convenient is it that the Chevy simulator is just right up the street from you now?“It makes a world of difference because before you’d have to do a whole flight and multiple days. Now I can just drive right up there. “And it’s a lot better because honestly, the big difference I’d say is just from an energy perspective because I would always do like the early morning flight and then go straight go the sim, so even just performance on the sim is definitely better now since I’m having a full proper sleep.”

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season gets underway this week with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.  Tune-In Alert Friday, February 27 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 – 1:30pm (ET)/12:30pm (CT)/11:30am (MT)/10:30am (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Saturday, February 28 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 9:30am (ET)/8:30am (CT)/7:30am (MT)/6:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 4:30pm (ET)/3:30pm (CT)/2:30pm (MT)/1:30pm (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Sunday, March 1NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 9am (ET)/8am (CT)/7am (MT)/6am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (100 laps) – noon (ET)/11am (CT)/10am (MT)/9am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Sting Ray Robb on track during testing Phoenix Raceway

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Chevrolet Newsroom

Juncos Hollinger Racing Location: Speedway, Ind. Owner: A.J. FoytSeasons (including 2026) with Chevrolet: 18th

First year with Chevrolet: 2017Years with Team Chevy: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, & 2026Starts with Chevrolet-power: 138Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 1(T31st/9th), with the first podium by Conor Daly at the Milwaukee Mile in 2024 Notes:Rinus VeeKay (2019) and Sting Ray Robb (2020) both won USF Pro 2000 championships while driving for Juncos Hollinger Racing, and both drove for the Speedway, Indiana-based team in the INDY NXT by Firestone championshipA dozen drivers have made Chevrolet-powered INDYCAR starts for the team, with Callum Ilott leading all drivers with 36 starts powered by the Bowtie at Juncos Hollinger RacingA pair of Daves with Formula 1 experience lead racing operations at Juncos Hollinger Racingo Team Principal Dave O’Neill held team manager roles at Jordan, Marussia and Haas in Formula 1 prior to joining Juncos Hollinger Racing just before the 2024 seasono Technical Director David Brown, who joined Juncos Hollinger Racing prior to the 2025 season, spent over 20 years as a race engineer in Formula 1 with Williams, McLaren and Jordan, before a move to the United States where a short stint with RuSport in the Champ Car World Series led to technical director and race engineer roles in sports cars before a return to open wheel

Driver: Rinus van Kalmthout (VeeKay) Age (Birthday): 25 (11/11/2000)Hometown/Residence: Hoofddorp, Netherlands/Carmel, IndianaCar Number: No. 76Best championship finish: 12th (2021 & 2022)2025 championship finish: 14th

Starts with Chevrolet: 80Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 1 (T27th/T15th) – his first win was on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2021Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 2 (T24th/T12th) – his first pole was on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2020Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012) : 4 (T27th/15th) – his first pole was on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2020 Strategist: Dave O’NeilRace Engineer: Townsend LucasCrew Chief: Adam Farrer Notable:Signing with Juncos Hollinger Racing is a homecoming for VeeKay, who spent two of his three seasons on the INDYCAR ladder with Ricardo Juncos’ teamo   In 2018, the Dutch driver won seven times, started on pole six times and stood on ten podiums on the way to the USF Pro Championshipo   Next up was the 25-year-old’s lone season of INDY NXT by Firestone, where he won six times, started on pole seven times and stood on 14 podiums on the way to second place in the championship. In seven NTT INDYCAR SERIES seasons, VeeKay has only finished 12th (2021 & 2022), 13th (2024) or 14th (2020, 2023 & 2025) in the championshipSix of his seven seasons, including his one win, two poles and four of five podiums, have been with Team Chevy Like his driver, VeeKay’s engineer Townsend Lucas also made his way to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES via Juncos Hollinger Racing’s ladder seriesTeam principal Dave O’Neill will serve as VeeKay’s strategist Quotable: Q.  You’re coming into JHR kind of having worked with the team before in the Road to Indy. Does that sense of familiar faces and the team and the name you know before give you a really good launching pad coming into 2026?“Yes, there’s definitely a few faces that I recognize from that time. Not too many, though. There’s been a lot of changes. “But no, it’s been really good within the team so far. I’ve been in the shop a few times a week doing pit stops with the guys and just talking about life, which is a great way to get to know everybody. “Yeah, I feel like I’ve got a good connection with my crew already, and within the engineering office, as well. I feel like we are ready for our first days on track. I already feel like I’ve been at this team for a while.” Q.  You’re back with a Chevy power unit. How good does it feel to return back to normalcy after that one year of Honda with Dale Coyne?“Yeah, it still felt like an INDYCAR. It wasn’t completely different. It is nice to be back, though. I’ve spent so much time with Chevy power in the past that it’s just nice to be back, nice to use all the namings for all the tools that are in my head instead of just getting confused every time. That’s very nice.“Of course, I’ll find the biggest change of going back to Chevy when we go out on track.”

Driver: Sting Ray Robb Age (Birthday): 24 (9/3/2001)Hometown/Residence: Payette, Idaho/Indianapolis, IndianaCar Number: No. 77Best championship finish: 20th (2024)2025 championship finish: 25th

Starts with Chevrolet: 34Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0 Strategist: Ricardo JuncosRace Engineer: David BrownCrew Chief: Ryan Lall Notable:The 2026 season will be Robb’s fourth in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, but it is the first time he’s returned to the same teamThe Idahoan finished ahead of where he started in 14 of 17 races in 2025, gaining a total of 45 positions, the fourth most in the series last yearRobb’s three seasons across the USF Pro 2000 and INDY NXT by Firestone championships with Juncos Hollinger Racing Ladder included seven wins, 17 podiums and the 2020 USF Pro 2000 title. Technical Director and former Formula 1 race engineer David Brown will guide Robb’s program from the technical side, and team owner Ricardo Juncos will call his strategyRobb and his wife Molly, recently bought a house in Indianapolis that they are renovating, and busy raising chickens Quotable:Q.  You talked about the consistency of being with the same team. Has there been a lot of turnover at the team level as far as the staff or anything like that? Do you feel that’s fairly consistent, as well?“There hasn’t been a lot of turnover, thankfully. Mechanics-wise we have a solid group. I think we were one of the most reliable teams in the series last year, so that was really good to see. “But our engineering staff has been what it was as last year, pretty much. I will, I think, be working with someone new, same person on the team but someone new to me on my car, which is fun. “But yeah, the staff, they’re working well together, I think. The continuity from last year — I think to be fair, there was a few guys that were lost at the beginning of last season, went to other teams, and there was a bit of recovery to be done because of that. “I think having the same group held together year to year is going to be a huge advantage.” Q.  Looking at your stats from last year, your finishing position was higher than your starting position, which is awesome, but I think your average starting position was like 22, so what would it mean to be able to improve that, and do you think you can get more top 10s if you can start up higher in the field?“Yeah, qualifying is hugely important. You see issues with cars all the time where they can come from the back of the field. My race at Long Beach, I think we started 17th or 18th at that event and finished where we did. It’s not impossible by any means. “But I did have my best qualifying results of the year last year. It’s just the consistency wasn’t there. I think just building that consistency in is probably our biggest focus this year. Still have those key performances that move us forward, but if we can build in that consistency and shrink that window of performance down, so to speak, I think that’s the key part of what we need to be able to do.” Q.  How is home remodeling? Do you know what you’re doing?“Home remodeling has been fun. It’s nice being a homeowner. Molly and I, we’ve been settling in as much as we can in Indy. Obviously, she’s a local, so that’s been nice. We’ve got some chickens at home that we’ve been taking care of, so learning how to take care of chickens, having our own little farmstead going on here in Indianapolis has been good. “Working on little things here and there. The racing season is coming up close so, Molly has a honey to-do list for me just about every day when I get home, which is nice. I’ve got things to do.” Q.  What’s the most difficult thing about chickens?“Getting them not to peck each other. You never heard of the pecking order? I didn’t realize this was a thing. I thought it was just like a fun phrase. It’s a real thing.” Q.  How many chickens are we talking?“11, currently.”

Rinus VeeKay on track during testing Phoenix Raceway

Sting Ray Robb on track during testing Phoenix Raceway

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Chevrolet Newsroom

Juncos Hollinger Racing Location: Speedway, Ind. Owner: A.J. FoytSeasons (including 2026) with Chevrolet: 18th

First year with Chevrolet: 2017Years with Team Chevy: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, & 2026Starts with Chevrolet-power: 138Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 1(T31st/9th), with the first podium by Conor Daly at the Milwaukee Mile in 2024 Notes:Rinus VeeKay (2019) and Sting Ray Robb (2020) both won USF Pro 2000 championships while driving for Juncos Hollinger Racing, and both drove for the Speedway, Indiana-based team in the INDY NXT by Firestone championshipA dozen drivers have made Chevrolet-powered INDYCAR starts for the team, with Callum Ilott leading all drivers with 36 starts powered by the Bowtie at Juncos Hollinger RacingA pair of Daves with Formula 1 experience lead racing operations at Juncos Hollinger Racingo Team Principal Dave O’Neill held team manager roles at Jordan, Marussia and Haas in Formula 1 prior to joining Juncos Hollinger Racing just before the 2024 seasono Technical Director David Brown, who joined Juncos Hollinger Racing prior to the 2025 season, spent over 20 years as a race engineer in Formula 1 with Williams, McLaren and Jordan, before a move to the United States where a short stint with RuSport in the Champ Car World Series led to technical director and race engineer roles in sports cars before a return to open wheel

Driver: Rinus van Kalmthout (VeeKay) Age (Birthday): 25 (11/11/2000)Hometown/Residence: Hoofddorp, Netherlands/Carmel, IndianaCar Number: No. 76Best championship finish: 12th (2021 & 2022)2025 championship finish: 14th

Starts with Chevrolet: 80Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 1 (T27th/T15th) – his first win was on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2021Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 2 (T24th/T12th) – his first pole was on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2020Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012) : 4 (T27th/15th) – his first pole was on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2020 Strategist: Dave O’NeilRace Engineer: Townsend LucasCrew Chief: Adam Farrer Notable:Signing with Juncos Hollinger Racing is a homecoming for VeeKay, who spent two of his three seasons on the INDYCAR ladder with Ricardo Juncos’ teamo   In 2018, the Dutch driver won seven times, started on pole six times and stood on ten podiums on the way to the USF Pro Championshipo   Next up was the 25-year-old’s lone season of INDY NXT by Firestone, where he won six times, started on pole seven times and stood on 14 podiums on the way to second place in the championship. In seven NTT INDYCAR SERIES seasons, VeeKay has only finished 12th (2021 & 2022), 13th (2024) or 14th (2020, 2023 & 2025) in the championshipSix of his seven seasons, including his one win, two poles and four of five podiums, have been with Team Chevy Like his driver, VeeKay’s engineer Townsend Lucas also made his way to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES via Juncos Hollinger Racing’s ladder seriesTeam principal Dave O’Neill will serve as VeeKay’s strategist Quotable: Q.  You’re coming into JHR kind of having worked with the team before in the Road to Indy. Does that sense of familiar faces and the team and the name you know before give you a really good launching pad coming into 2026?“Yes, there’s definitely a few faces that I recognize from that time. Not too many, though. There’s been a lot of changes. “But no, it’s been really good within the team so far. I’ve been in the shop a few times a week doing pit stops with the guys and just talking about life, which is a great way to get to know everybody. “Yeah, I feel like I’ve got a good connection with my crew already, and within the engineering office, as well. I feel like we are ready for our first days on track. I already feel like I’ve been at this team for a while.” Q.  You’re back with a Chevy power unit. How good does it feel to return back to normalcy after that one year of Honda with Dale Coyne?“Yeah, it still felt like an INDYCAR. It wasn’t completely different. It is nice to be back, though. I’ve spent so much time with Chevy power in the past that it’s just nice to be back, nice to use all the namings for all the tools that are in my head instead of just getting confused every time. That’s very nice.“Of course, I’ll find the biggest change of going back to Chevy when we go out on track.”

Driver: Sting Ray Robb Age (Birthday): 24 (9/3/2001)Hometown/Residence: Payette, Idaho/Indianapolis, IndianaCar Number: No. 77Best championship finish: 20th (2024)2025 championship finish: 25th

Starts with Chevrolet: 34Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0 Strategist: Ricardo JuncosRace Engineer: David BrownCrew Chief: Ryan Lall Notable:The 2026 season will be Robb’s fourth in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, but it is the first time he’s returned to the same teamThe Idahoan finished ahead of where he started in 14 of 17 races in 2025, gaining a total of 45 positions, the fourth most in the series last yearRobb’s three seasons across the USF Pro 2000 and INDY NXT by Firestone championships with Juncos Hollinger Racing Ladder included seven wins, 17 podiums and the 2020 USF Pro 2000 title. Technical Director and former Formula 1 race engineer David Brown will guide Robb’s program from the technical side, and team owner Ricardo Juncos will call his strategyRobb and his wife Molly, recently bought a house in Indianapolis that they are renovating, and busy raising chickens Quotable:Q.  You talked about the consistency of being with the same team. Has there been a lot of turnover at the team level as far as the staff or anything like that? Do you feel that’s fairly consistent, as well?“There hasn’t been a lot of turnover, thankfully. Mechanics-wise we have a solid group. I think we were one of the most reliable teams in the series last year, so that was really good to see. “But our engineering staff has been what it was as last year, pretty much. I will, I think, be working with someone new, same person on the team but someone new to me on my car, which is fun. “But yeah, the staff, they’re working well together, I think. The continuity from last year — I think to be fair, there was a few guys that were lost at the beginning of last season, went to other teams, and there was a bit of recovery to be done because of that. “I think having the same group held together year to year is going to be a huge advantage.” Q.  Looking at your stats from last year, your finishing position was higher than your starting position, which is awesome, but I think your average starting position was like 22, so what would it mean to be able to improve that, and do you think you can get more top 10s if you can start up higher in the field?“Yeah, qualifying is hugely important. You see issues with cars all the time where they can come from the back of the field. My race at Long Beach, I think we started 17th or 18th at that event and finished where we did. It’s not impossible by any means. “But I did have my best qualifying results of the year last year. It’s just the consistency wasn’t there. I think just building that consistency in is probably our biggest focus this year. Still have those key performances that move us forward, but if we can build in that consistency and shrink that window of performance down, so to speak, I think that’s the key part of what we need to be able to do.” Q.  How is home remodeling? Do you know what you’re doing?“Home remodeling has been fun. It’s nice being a homeowner. Molly and I, we’ve been settling in as much as we can in Indy. Obviously, she’s a local, so that’s been nice. We’ve got some chickens at home that we’ve been taking care of, so learning how to take care of chickens, having our own little farmstead going on here in Indianapolis has been good. “Working on little things here and there. The racing season is coming up close so, Molly has a honey to-do list for me just about every day when I get home, which is nice. I’ve got things to do.” Q.  What’s the most difficult thing about chickens?“Getting them not to peck each other. You never heard of the pecking order? I didn’t realize this was a thing. I thought it was just like a fun phrase. It’s a real thing.” Q.  How many chickens are we talking?“11, currently.”

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season gets underway this week with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.  Tune-In Alert Friday, February 27 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 – 1:30pm (ET)/12:30pm (CT)/11:30am (MT)/10:30am (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Saturday, February 28 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 9:30am (ET)/8:30am (CT)/7:30am (MT)/6:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 4:30pm (ET)/3:30pm (CT)/2:30pm (MT)/1:30pm (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Sunday, March 1NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 9am (ET)/8am (CT)/7am (MT)/6am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (100 laps) – noon (ET)/11am (CT)/10am (MT)/9am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Chevrolet Newsroom

ECR Location: Indianapolis, Ind./Westfield, Ind.Owners: Ed Carpenter, Ted Gelov, Tony George and Stuart ReedSeasons (including 2026) with Chevrolet: 15th

First year with Chevrolet: 2012Years with Team Chevy: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, & 2026 Starts with Chevrolet-power: 432Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 9 (T4th/T2nd), with the first win by Ed Carpenter at California Speedway in 2012Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 6 earned poles and pole starts (T5th/4th), with the first pole by Ed Carpenter at the Indianapolis 500 (IMS Oval) in 2013Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 26 (6th/4th), with the first podium by Ed Carpenter at California Speedway in 2012  Team Notes: Is one of two teams that have been part of Chevrolet since the iconic Detroit, Michigan brand returned to racing in 2012 100% of the team’s all-time wins (9) and poles (6) have come with Chevrolet power A total of 16 drivers have made Chevrolet-powered INDYCAR starts for the team, with Ed Carpenter leading all drivers with 94 starts powered by the Bowtie at ECRFormerly known as Ed Carpenter Racing, the team’s name is now ECR.Currently headquartered on Georgetown Road in Indianapolis, Ind., the team will be moving into a newly constructed shop at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind., prior to the beginning of the 2027 seasonThe team made some significant organizational changes over the offseasono Tim Broyles, the team’s first employee, has been promoted to Team Presidento Matt Barnes, another early hire, has been promoted to Vice President of Engineeringo Joining ECR as Team Manager is Derek Davidson, an experienced INDYCAR hand, who has served in every non-engineering competition roleo Joining ECR as Senior Project Engineer is Robert Gue, an experienced developmental engineer who has helped teams win three Indianapolis 500 pole positions, including in 2025 o Chase Campbell has joined the team in the role of Strength and Conditioning Coach and Pit Stop Coach. The team finished last year as the 14th and 20th-best teams on pit road

Driver: Alexander Rossi Age (Birthday): 34 (9/25/1991)Hometown/Residence: Nevada City, California/Indianapolis, IndianaCar Number: No. 20Best championship finish: 2nd (2018)2025 championship finish: 15th

Starts with Chevrolet: 50Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 2 (T41st/21st) – his first podium was on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2023   Strategist: Ed CarpenterRace Engineer: Quentin MontigaudCrew Chief: Austin Shepherd Noteable:The veteran finished off the season strong, with three straight top tens, including a pair of top five finishes, moving to 15th in the championship standings from 18thFinished better than his teammate in ten of 17 races, and outqualified him 11 to six Team Owner Ed Carpenter moved back into the role of Rossi’s strategist for the last few races of the 2025 season, and will continue in that role for this season (excepting the Indianapolis 500)Quentin Montigaud, a Frenchman who was most recently the Senior Tire and Simulation Performance Engineer, will move into the role of race engineer for Rossi  Quotable:Q.  When you had your post-season debrief meeting with the team, what was the general feeling? Did y’all feel like you accomplished what y’all set out to do?“Yes and no. I think we were pleasantly surprised with some aspects of the year, and felt we came up short in some others, which is probably the same for every team, right? “I think what was generally quite good was qualifying performances, and then – at least on the 20 car side. And then a little bit of a disappointment on race day, just not quite turning the decent starting spots into big results. “There’s been a lot of focus on that and our approach to how you manage a race. There’s been a lot of investment and time put into what we’re doing from a pit crew standpoint and the training that goes into that. “The whole organization is just really looking at all of the boxes and making sure we’re ticking as many of them as humanly possible. Ted has given a very clear direction and expectation of what he wants from the whole team, drivers included. “He wants a certain standard upheld, and that’s cool to be a part of ’cause there’s an expectation. There’s some pressure that goes along with that, but in the best kind of way. “We’re all excited for the opportunity. Like I said, it’s hard to really talk about it too much because this is all just in conference rooms and meetings you’ve had. It’s not until you get to the track where you can really all put it into action.” Q.  How do you contrast the position the team was in at the start of last season to the position the team is in now?“Expectations are much higher. I kind of talked about that before in terms of Ted has made it very clear that he’s involved in this, yes, because he loves the sport and yes, because he uses it as a good marketing arm for his products, but also because he’s a competitor and he’s here to win. “I think the atmosphere within the organization, everyone is excited. Everyone believes that after a long time that we are now starting to get the pieces together to go out and compete with the best.“Now, does that happen overnight? Absolutely not. Are we all of a sudden going to be a CGR? No. Are we going to take a big step forward over where we have been? Yes”.

Driver: Christian Rasmussen Age (Birthday): 25 (6/29/2000)Hometown/Residence: Copenhagen, Denmark/Indianapolis, IndianaCar Number: No. 21Best championship finish: 13th (2025)2025 championship finish: 13th

Starts with Chevrolet: 31Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 1 (T27th/T15th) – his first win was at the Milwaukee Mile in 2025Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0 Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 2 (T41st/21st) – his first podium was at World Wide Technology Raceway At Gateway in 2025 Strategist: Brent ‘Woody’ HarveyRace Engineer: Pete CraikCrew Chief: Jimmie Johnson Notes:Rasmussen finished higher than he qualified in 12 of 17 races last year, gaining 62 spots from his qualifying spot across the 2025 season, the third most among the fieldo   He was particularly effective on ovals, where his average starting position was 22.6, and his average finishing position was 10.2 The Dane scored 173 points across the 2025 oval races, trailing only Álex Palou and Pato O’Ward in points scored in the six oval racesWas the third driver to win all three U.S. Open Wheel Championships on the way to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the USF2000 Championship (2020), the USF Pro 2000 Championship (2021) and the INDY NXT by Firestone Championship (2023). Grew up racing with, and is close friends with, fellow Danish and Team Chevy driver Christian Lundgaard  Quotable:Q.  If you had to pick one area that you think needs improving, what would it be?“I think for us on the (No.) 21 car, particularly, I think our qualifying pace wasn’t what we — our qualifying performance wasn’t what we wanted it to be. Also, a lot of effort has gone into that in the off-season to try and improve that. So also excited to see what that is going to amount to in 2026. Q.  Obviously, a lot is made of your style of oval racing being a bit more on the edge than others, for example, especially by the broadcast. When you’re sitting in the car, do you feel you’re more on edge than others, and how do you know where the line is where you don’t go too far over that limit?“Yeah, it’s definitely something that you develop all the time and try to get better at judging and whatever. “When looking at it, I think we did a pretty good job of it, not a perfect job of it. Obviously, Nashville we didn’t really get to see much other than the first corner. But also, overall I was the third highest scoring points on the ovals combined out of all the drivers in INDYCAR last year, so we must have done something right.“We’re honing, getting better all the time, but I think we’re on the right path at least.”

ECR drivers Christian Rasmussen and Alexander Rossi celebrate Rasmussen’s victory at the Milwaukee Mile

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Chevrolet Newsroom

ECR Location: Indianapolis, Ind./Westfield, Ind.Owners: Ed Carpenter, Ted Gelov, Tony George and Stuart ReedSeasons (including 2026) with Chevrolet: 15th

First year with Chevrolet: 2012Years with Team Chevy: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, & 2026 Starts with Chevrolet-power: 432Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 9 (T4th/T2nd), with the first win by Ed Carpenter at California Speedway in 2012Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 6 earned poles and pole starts (T5th/4th), with the first pole by Ed Carpenter at the Indianapolis 500 (IMS Oval) in 2013Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 26 (6th/4th), with the first podium by Ed Carpenter at California Speedway in 2012  Team Notes: Is one of two teams that have been part of Chevrolet since the iconic Detroit, Michigan brand returned to racing in 2012 100% of the team’s all-time wins (9) and poles (6) have come with Chevrolet power A total of 16 drivers have made Chevrolet-powered INDYCAR starts for the team, with Ed Carpenter leading all drivers with 94 starts powered by the Bowtie at ECRFormerly known as Ed Carpenter Racing, the team’s name is now ECR.Currently headquartered on Georgetown Road in Indianapolis, Ind., the team will be moving into a newly constructed shop at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind., prior to the beginning of the 2027 seasonThe team made some significant organizational changes over the offseasono Tim Broyles, the team’s first employee, has been promoted to Team Presidento Matt Barnes, another early hire, has been promoted to Vice President of Engineeringo Joining ECR as Team Manager is Derek Davidson, an experienced INDYCAR hand, who has served in every non-engineering competition roleo Joining ECR as Senior Project Engineer is Robert Gue, an experienced developmental engineer who has helped teams win three Indianapolis 500 pole positions, including in 2025 o Chase Campbell has joined the team in the role of Strength and Conditioning Coach and Pit Stop Coach. The team finished last year as the 14th and 20th-best teams on pit road

Driver: Alexander Rossi Age (Birthday): 34 (9/25/1991)Hometown/Residence: Nevada City, California/Indianapolis, IndianaCar Number: No. 20Best championship finish: 2nd (2018)2025 championship finish: 15th

Starts with Chevrolet: 50Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 2 (T41st/21st) – his first podium was on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2023   Strategist: Ed CarpenterRace Engineer: Quentin MontigaudCrew Chief: Austin Shepherd Noteable:The veteran finished off the season strong, with three straight top tens, including a pair of top five finishes, moving to 15th in the championship standings from 18thFinished better than his teammate in ten of 17 races, and outqualified him 11 to six Team Owner Ed Carpenter moved back into the role of Rossi’s strategist for the last few races of the 2025 season, and will continue in that role for this season (excepting the Indianapolis 500)Quentin Montigaud, a Frenchman who was most recently the Senior Tire and Simulation Performance Engineer, will move into the role of race engineer for Rossi  Quotable:Q.  When you had your post-season debrief meeting with the team, what was the general feeling? Did y’all feel like you accomplished what y’all set out to do?“Yes and no. I think we were pleasantly surprised with some aspects of the year, and felt we came up short in some others, which is probably the same for every team, right? “I think what was generally quite good was qualifying performances, and then – at least on the 20 car side. And then a little bit of a disappointment on race day, just not quite turning the decent starting spots into big results. “There’s been a lot of focus on that and our approach to how you manage a race. There’s been a lot of investment and time put into what we’re doing from a pit crew standpoint and the training that goes into that. “The whole organization is just really looking at all of the boxes and making sure we’re ticking as many of them as humanly possible. Ted has given a very clear direction and expectation of what he wants from the whole team, drivers included. “He wants a certain standard upheld, and that’s cool to be a part of ’cause there’s an expectation. There’s some pressure that goes along with that, but in the best kind of way. “We’re all excited for the opportunity. Like I said, it’s hard to really talk about it too much because this is all just in conference rooms and meetings you’ve had. It’s not until you get to the track where you can really all put it into action.” Q.  How do you contrast the position the team was in at the start of last season to the position the team is in now?“Expectations are much higher. I kind of talked about that before in terms of Ted has made it very clear that he’s involved in this, yes, because he loves the sport and yes, because he uses it as a good marketing arm for his products, but also because he’s a competitor and he’s here to win. “I think the atmosphere within the organization, everyone is excited. Everyone believes that after a long time that we are now starting to get the pieces together to go out and compete with the best.“Now, does that happen overnight? Absolutely not. Are we all of a sudden going to be a CGR? No. Are we going to take a big step forward over where we have been? Yes”.

Driver: Christian Rasmussen Age (Birthday): 25 (6/29/2000)Hometown/Residence: Copenhagen, Denmark/Indianapolis, IndianaCar Number: No. 21Best championship finish: 13th (2025)2025 championship finish: 13th

Starts with Chevrolet: 31Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 1 (T27th/T15th) – his first win was at the Milwaukee Mile in 2025Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0 Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 2 (T41st/21st) – his first podium was at World Wide Technology Raceway At Gateway in 2025 Strategist: Brent ‘Woody’ HarveyRace Engineer: Pete CraikCrew Chief: Jimmie Johnson Notes:Rasmussen finished higher than he qualified in 12 of 17 races last year, gaining 62 spots from his qualifying spot across the 2025 season, the third most among the fieldo   He was particularly effective on ovals, where his average starting position was 22.6, and his average finishing position was 10.2 The Dane scored 173 points across the 2025 oval races, trailing only Álex Palou and Pato O’Ward in points scored in the six oval racesWas the third driver to win all three U.S. Open Wheel Championships on the way to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the USF2000 Championship (2020), the USF Pro 2000 Championship (2021) and the INDY NXT by Firestone Championship (2023). Grew up racing with, and is close friends with, fellow Danish and Team Chevy driver Christian Lundgaard  Quotable:Q.  If you had to pick one area that you think needs improving, what would it be?“I think for us on the (No.) 21 car, particularly, I think our qualifying pace wasn’t what we — our qualifying performance wasn’t what we wanted it to be. Also, a lot of effort has gone into that in the off-season to try and improve that. So also excited to see what that is going to amount to in 2026. Q.  Obviously, a lot is made of your style of oval racing being a bit more on the edge than others, for example, especially by the broadcast. When you’re sitting in the car, do you feel you’re more on edge than others, and how do you know where the line is where you don’t go too far over that limit?“Yeah, it’s definitely something that you develop all the time and try to get better at judging and whatever. “When looking at it, I think we did a pretty good job of it, not a perfect job of it. Obviously, Nashville we didn’t really get to see much other than the first corner. But also, overall I was the third highest scoring points on the ovals combined out of all the drivers in INDYCAR last year, so we must have done something right.“We’re honing, getting better all the time, but I think we’re on the right path at least.”

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season gets underway this week with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.  Tune-In Alert Friday, February 27 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 – 1:30pm (ET)/12:30pm (CT)/11:30am (MT)/10:30am (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Saturday, February 28 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 9:30am (ET)/8:30am (CT)/7:30am (MT)/6:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 4:30pm (ET)/3:30pm (CT)/2:30pm (MT)/1:30pm (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Sunday, March 1NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 9am (ET)/8am (CT)/7am (MT)/6am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (100 laps) – noon (ET)/11am (CT)/10am (MT)/9am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

The No. 5, No. 6 and No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolets, that will be piloted by Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard during the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season (Image Courtesy of Arrow McLaren)

Arrow McLaren Location: Indianapolis, Ind. Owner: McLaren RacingSeasons (including 2026) with Chevrolet: 7th

First year with Chevrolet: 2020Years with Team Chevy: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026Starts with Chevrolet: 254Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 9 (T4th/T2nd), with the first win by Pato O’Ward at Texas Motor Speedway in 2021Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 12 earned poles ( 3rd/2nd) with the first pole by Pato O’Ward at Road America in 2020Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 44 (2nd/4th), with the first podium by Pato O’Ward at Road America in 2020.  Notable:Arrow McLaren drivers accounted for 55.9% of Chevrolet’s manufacturer points in 2025, scoring 609 points, almost double any of the other Team Chevy squadsThe Tony Kanaan-led team finished the season with a Team Chevy best 12 podiums A total of 13 drivers have made Chevrolet-powered INDYCAR starts for the team, with Pato O’Ward leading all drivers with 98 starts powered by the Bowtie at Arrow McLarenArrow McLaren recently moved into their new home in Indianapolis, Indiana, the almost 90,000 square foot McLaren Racing Centero The space is three times the size of their former home, which was tight for their original 30 employees and it means the entire group of 120 employees can work out of one facility again o   The new facility will allow the team to bring outsourced manufacturing in-house with a large fabrication area, including state-of-the-art 3D printing capabilities Arrow McLaren made two high-profile engineering hires in the off-seasono   Eric Cowdin, Director of Engineering, is one of the most experienced engineers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES paddock, and was Team Principal Tony Kanaan’s race engineer for much of his career, will lead the trackside engineering groupo   Another engineer who was part of Kanaan’s 2013 Indianapolis 500 win at KV Racing Technology, Olivier Boisson, has joined the team as the Head of Damper Engineering, and will immediately help the team’s street circuit program

Driver: Pato O’Ward Age (Birthday): 26 (5/6/1999)Hometown/Residence: Monterey, Mexico/Monterey, Mexico & Indianapolis, IndianaCar Number: No. 5Best championship finish: 2nd (2025)2025 championship finish: 2nd

Starts with Chevrolet: 106Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 9 (T8th/4th) – his first win was at Texas Motor Speedway in 2021Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 7 (11th/6th) – his first earned pole was at Road America in 2020Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 32 (6th/3rd) – his first podium was at Road America in 2020 Strategist: Nick SnyderRace Engineer: Will AndersenCrew Chief: Chris Nash Notable:O’Ward finished in the top five of the championship in five of six full-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES seasonsO’Ward completed the first 1891 laps of the 2025 season, before a mechanical issue brought his hopes of a perfect season (100% of scheduled laps completed) to an endThe 26-year-old’s speed was consistent throughout the seasono O’Ward’s average fastest lap was 7.29, which trailed only champion Álex Palou o O’Ward had the fastest lap of the race twice (The Thermal Club and Iowa Speedway Race #1) and had one of the ten fastest laps in 15 of the 17 racesHe accounted for 38.9% of Chevrolet’s manufacturer points, leading all Team Chevy drivers in 2025O’Ward’s No. 5 crew, which finished third in the Firestone Pit Stop Performance Award standings last year, is unchanged for 2026Since 2020, when the Mexican driver joined Arrow McLaren, he is tied with Josef Newgarden and Will Power for most podiums by a Chevrolet-powered driver over those six seasons at 32 Quotable: Q. You got a new shop now. That’s got to be a big asset to the whole overall program for next year because now you guys aren’t crammed in like a shoehorn over at the old shop. Does that momentum, do you sense that momentum that now the team has a lot more tools to work with than in the past?“Yeah, I mean, it feels like we’re going from a studio apartment to the penthouse considering where we were. Obviously in terms of atmosphere and motivation, we’re surrounded by just an HQ that’s a lot cooler. It excites you to go to work every day. You see the pictures and you see what we’ve been able to accomplish so far and so much more that we want to accomplish. “All that means something even if it’s not like right in your face. It’s in your subconscious every day that you walk through there and see that. “I think it’s coming at the perfect time. I would say probably a little bit late, but better late than never. It really is a cool part not just for me being able to see the journey of what the team was six years ago, this is my seventh season, I’ve been a part of that and they’ve been a part of my growth as well. That’s been very, very cool to see” Q.  Obviously you know Palou has been the guy to beat the last few years. You had your highest finish coming up second. What do you think it will take for you to get over the hump and win the series?“Get over the Palou hump?”Q.  Yes.“The guy, we keep saying he can’t raise the bar the previous year. I have no idea how he’s going to raise the bar from last year. If he does, then I think everyone is toast. We got to keep chasing, keep on going and seeing how we can make him slow a little bit more. It’s been too easy for him.”

Driver: Nolan Siegel Age (Birthday): 21 (11/9/2004)Hometown/Residence: Palo Alto, California/Indianapolis, IndianaCar Number: No. 6Best championship finish: 22nd (2025)2025 championship finish: 22nd

Starts with Chevrolet: 27Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0 Strategist: Tim KeeneRace Engineer: Kate GundlachCrew Chief: Will Schneider Notable: Before an unfortunate incident at Iowa Speedway in Race #1, Siegel had begun to string some solid results togethero Siegel had finished the previous two races at Road America and the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 8th and 11th, moving from 21st to 17th in points, and was running 7th at the tricky short oval when he made contact with the outside wall with just over 25 laps remaining o Seigal qualified a season’s best 4th at Mid-Ohio and, after rolling off in 8th for Race #1, was due to start from inside the third row for Race #2The 21-year-old spent most of the off-season in LMP2 machinery, finishing third in class at the 2026 24 Hours Of Daytona, and finishing on the second step of the podium at the Asian Le Mans Series finale at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE Kate Gundlach will be Seigel’s race engineer for the second year in a row, but the Californian will have a pair of new faces on his timing stando Tim Keene, most recently a race strategist at Wayne Taylor Racing, spent time in management at Action Express Racing, Meyer Shank Racing, DeltaWing Racing Cars, and for a long time at Chip Ganassi Racing o Will Schneider, Seigel’s new crew chief, was promoted from the team’s No. 5  Quotable: Q.  Where do you feel you need to make gains after your first full year in the series?“I think for me, we had a lot of weekends where the pace was actually really good. Just the execution wasn’t quite there in a lot of different ways. For me, it’s been a learning experience being a part of such a big team and being a leader in that team. “I think I’ve kind of grown in that role and gotten better in that role. That’s been a challenge, but something I’ve kind of embraced and really tried to learn from, again, my more experienced teammates, Tony. T.K. is really good at that, a good leader and someone that people want to work hard for. I think seeing that mindset from him has been helpful for me. “I think from an actual driving standpoint, in INDYCAR I feel like there are very critical phases of the races. Some phases where you can kind of chill and save fuel, save tires, save yourself, then portions of the race during pit sequences where you really have to push. That’s where you really make a difference.“For me, kind of understanding when those critical phases are I think is important and something that I learned in 2025. There were a couple races where we lost some ground just from me kind of not reading the race properly from in the car.“I’ve reviewed all of that and I think that I can make big gains there for ’26.”

Driver: Christian Lundgaard Age (Birthday): 24 (7/23/2001)Hometown/Residence: Hedensted, Denmark/Indianapolis, IndianaCar Number: No. 7Best championship finish: 5th (2025)2025 championship finish: 5th

Starts with Chevrolet: 17Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 1 (T28th/T15th) – his first earned pole was at Portland International Raceway in 2025Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 6 (24th/12th) – his first podium was at The Thermal Club in 2025 Strategist: Kyle MoyerRace Engineer: Chris LawrenceCrew Chief: Todd Phillips Notable:The Danish driver finished the season on a high note, scoring the second most points across the final five races of the season, which included a street circuit, two natural terrain road courses and a pair of ovalsLundgaard scored the second most points across the 11 road and street course races during the 2025 season, ending up with a finishing average of 7.4 on natural terrain road courses and a finishing average of 8.0 on street circuitsWith an average starting position of 9.9 and an average finishing position of 9.6, Lundgaard joined Álex Palou and O’Ward as the only three drivers to have average starting and finishing positions in the single digits Kyle Moyer, Arrow McLaren’s Director of Competition and a multi-championship and Indianapolis 500 winning strategist, will move to the No. 7 timing stand to work with LundgaardRyan Hunter-Reay, the team’s fourth Indianapolis 500 driver, as well as series champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, has spent time with the team in the off-season, primarily working with Lundgaard Quotable: Q.  With yourself, obviously the goal is to get better across the board. Your oval game picked up significantly this past season. When you’re looking at eyeing wins, a championship push, where are the incremental places you feel you have to get better? “There is not specific areas where I feel I personally need to take a big step. I think where we ended the ’25 season on ovals I think is really where we want to carry on from. I’ve done a lot of work at home in the simulator just doing laps because at the end of the day it’s the only thing we really can do. “Had a lot of meetings within the team what do we need, what do I need, as a group, which direction do we need to take, setup, for it to help more. Again, it’s really just a progression. You can’t jump from A to F from one year. You really have to take it in small increments. I think that’s what the ’25 season was really for. “As I said before, the 500 was the first race last year and it’s the one that counts the most. This year we have Phoenix before. I think looking at where we are in Phoenix will really determine where I am, where the team is, in May.” Q.  How much stronger of a team going into the month of May with a winner in Ryan Hunter-Reay?“You said it yourself, he’s a winner.”

The No. 5, No. 6 and No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolets, that will be piloted by Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard during the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season (Image Courtesy of Arrow McLaren)

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Arrow McLaren Location: Indianapolis, Ind. Owner: McLaren RacingSeasons (including 2026) with Chevrolet: 7th

First year with Chevrolet: 2020Years with Team Chevy: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026Starts with Chevrolet: 254Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 9 (T4th/T2nd), with the first win by Pato O’Ward at Texas Motor Speedway in 2021Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 12 earned poles ( 3rd/2nd) with the first pole by Pato O’Ward at Road America in 2020Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 44 (2nd/4th), with the first podium by Pato O’Ward at Road America in 2020.  Notable:Arrow McLaren drivers accounted for 55.9% of Chevrolet’s manufacturer points in 2025, scoring 609 points, almost double any of the other Team Chevy squadsThe Tony Kanaan-led team finished the season with a Team Chevy best 12 podiums A total of 13 drivers have made Chevrolet-powered INDYCAR starts for the team, with Pato O’Ward leading all drivers with 98 starts powered by the Bowtie at Arrow McLarenArrow McLaren recently moved into their new home in Indianapolis, Indiana, the almost 90,000 square foot McLaren Racing Centero The space is three times the size of their former home, which was tight for their original 30 employees and it means the entire group of 120 employees can work out of one facility again o   The new facility will allow the team to bring outsourced manufacturing in-house with a large fabrication area, including state-of-the-art 3D printing capabilities Arrow McLaren made two high-profile engineering hires in the off-seasono   Eric Cowdin, Director of Engineering, is one of the most experienced engineers in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES paddock, and was Team Principal Tony Kanaan’s race engineer for much of his career, will lead the trackside engineering groupo   Another engineer who was part of Kanaan’s 2013 Indianapolis 500 win at KV Racing Technology, Olivier Boisson, has joined the team as the Head of Damper Engineering, and will immediately help the team’s street circuit program

Driver: Pato O’Ward Age (Birthday): 26 (5/6/1999)Hometown/Residence: Monterey, Mexico/Monterey, Mexico & Indianapolis, IndianaCar Number: No. 5Best championship finish: 2nd (2025)2025 championship finish: 2nd

Starts with Chevrolet: 106Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 9 (T8th/4th) – his first win was at Texas Motor Speedway in 2021Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 7 (11th/6th) – his first earned pole was at Road America in 2020Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 32 (6th/3rd) – his first podium was at Road America in 2020 Strategist: Nick SnyderRace Engineer: Will AndersenCrew Chief: Chris Nash Notable:O’Ward finished in the top five of the championship in five of six full-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES seasonsO’Ward completed the first 1891 laps of the 2025 season, before a mechanical issue brought his hopes of a perfect season (100% of scheduled laps completed) to an endThe 26-year-old’s speed was consistent throughout the seasono O’Ward’s average fastest lap was 7.29, which trailed only champion Álex Palou o O’Ward had the fastest lap of the race twice (The Thermal Club and Iowa Speedway Race #1) and had one of the ten fastest laps in 15 of the 17 racesHe accounted for 38.9% of Chevrolet’s manufacturer points, leading all Team Chevy drivers in 2025O’Ward’s No. 5 crew, which finished third in the Firestone Pit Stop Performance Award standings last year, is unchanged for 2026Since 2020, when the Mexican driver joined Arrow McLaren, he is tied with Josef Newgarden and Will Power for most podiums by a Chevrolet-powered driver over those six seasons at 32 Quotable: Q. You got a new shop now. That’s got to be a big asset to the whole overall program for next year because now you guys aren’t crammed in like a shoehorn over at the old shop. Does that momentum, do you sense that momentum that now the team has a lot more tools to work with than in the past?“Yeah, I mean, it feels like we’re going from a studio apartment to the penthouse considering where we were. Obviously in terms of atmosphere and motivation, we’re surrounded by just an HQ that’s a lot cooler. It excites you to go to work every day. You see the pictures and you see what we’ve been able to accomplish so far and so much more that we want to accomplish. “All that means something even if it’s not like right in your face. It’s in your subconscious every day that you walk through there and see that. “I think it’s coming at the perfect time. I would say probably a little bit late, but better late than never. It really is a cool part not just for me being able to see the journey of what the team was six years ago, this is my seventh season, I’ve been a part of that and they’ve been a part of my growth as well. That’s been very, very cool to see” Q.  Obviously you know Palou has been the guy to beat the last few years. You had your highest finish coming up second. What do you think it will take for you to get over the hump and win the series?“Get over the Palou hump?”Q.  Yes.“The guy, we keep saying he can’t raise the bar the previous year. I have no idea how he’s going to raise the bar from last year. If he does, then I think everyone is toast. We got to keep chasing, keep on going and seeing how we can make him slow a little bit more. It’s been too easy for him.”

Driver: Nolan Siegel Age (Birthday): 21 (11/9/2004)Hometown/Residence: Palo Alto, California/Indianapolis, IndianaCar Number: No. 6Best championship finish: 22nd (2025)2025 championship finish: 22nd

Starts with Chevrolet: 27Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0 Strategist: Tim KeeneRace Engineer: Kate GundlachCrew Chief: Will Schneider Notable: Before an unfortunate incident at Iowa Speedway in Race #1, Siegel had begun to string some solid results togethero Siegel had finished the previous two races at Road America and the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 8th and 11th, moving from 21st to 17th in points, and was running 7th at the tricky short oval when he made contact with the outside wall with just over 25 laps remaining o Seigal qualified a season’s best 4th at Mid-Ohio and, after rolling off in 8th for Race #1, was due to start from inside the third row for Race #2The 21-year-old spent most of the off-season in LMP2 machinery, finishing third in class at the 2026 24 Hours Of Daytona, and finishing on the second step of the podium at the Asian Le Mans Series finale at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE Kate Gundlach will be Seigel’s race engineer for the second year in a row, but the Californian will have a pair of new faces on his timing stando Tim Keene, most recently a race strategist at Wayne Taylor Racing, spent time in management at Action Express Racing, Meyer Shank Racing, DeltaWing Racing Cars, and for a long time at Chip Ganassi Racing o Will Schneider, Seigel’s new crew chief, was promoted from the team’s No. 5  Quotable: Q.  Where do you feel you need to make gains after your first full year in the series?“I think for me, we had a lot of weekends where the pace was actually really good. Just the execution wasn’t quite there in a lot of different ways. For me, it’s been a learning experience being a part of such a big team and being a leader in that team. “I think I’ve kind of grown in that role and gotten better in that role. That’s been a challenge, but something I’ve kind of embraced and really tried to learn from, again, my more experienced teammates, Tony. T.K. is really good at that, a good leader and someone that people want to work hard for. I think seeing that mindset from him has been helpful for me. “I think from an actual driving standpoint, in INDYCAR I feel like there are very critical phases of the races. Some phases where you can kind of chill and save fuel, save tires, save yourself, then portions of the race during pit sequences where you really have to push. That’s where you really make a difference.“For me, kind of understanding when those critical phases are I think is important and something that I learned in 2025. There were a couple races where we lost some ground just from me kind of not reading the race properly from in the car.“I’ve reviewed all of that and I think that I can make big gains there for ’26.”

Driver: Christian Lundgaard Age (Birthday): 24 (7/23/2001)Hometown/Residence: Hedensted, Denmark/Indianapolis, IndianaCar Number: No. 7Best championship finish: 5th (2025)2025 championship finish: 5th

Starts with Chevrolet: 17Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 1 (T28th/T15th) – his first earned pole was at Portland International Raceway in 2025Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 6 (24th/12th) – his first podium was at The Thermal Club in 2025 Strategist: Kyle MoyerRace Engineer: Chris LawrenceCrew Chief: Todd Phillips Notable:The Danish driver finished the season on a high note, scoring the second most points across the final five races of the season, which included a street circuit, two natural terrain road courses and a pair of ovalsLundgaard scored the second most points across the 11 road and street course races during the 2025 season, ending up with a finishing average of 7.4 on natural terrain road courses and a finishing average of 8.0 on street circuitsWith an average starting position of 9.9 and an average finishing position of 9.6, Lundgaard joined Álex Palou and O’Ward as the only three drivers to have average starting and finishing positions in the single digits Kyle Moyer, Arrow McLaren’s Director of Competition and a multi-championship and Indianapolis 500 winning strategist, will move to the No. 7 timing stand to work with LundgaardRyan Hunter-Reay, the team’s fourth Indianapolis 500 driver, as well as series champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, has spent time with the team in the off-season, primarily working with Lundgaard Quotable: Q.  With yourself, obviously the goal is to get better across the board. Your oval game picked up significantly this past season. When you’re looking at eyeing wins, a championship push, where are the incremental places you feel you have to get better? “There is not specific areas where I feel I personally need to take a big step. I think where we ended the ’25 season on ovals I think is really where we want to carry on from. I’ve done a lot of work at home in the simulator just doing laps because at the end of the day it’s the only thing we really can do. “Had a lot of meetings within the team what do we need, what do I need, as a group, which direction do we need to take, setup, for it to help more. Again, it’s really just a progression. You can’t jump from A to F from one year. You really have to take it in small increments. I think that’s what the ’25 season was really for. “As I said before, the 500 was the first race last year and it’s the one that counts the most. This year we have Phoenix before. I think looking at where we are in Phoenix will really determine where I am, where the team is, in May.” Q.  How much stronger of a team going into the month of May with a winner in Ryan Hunter-Reay?“You said it yourself, he’s a winner.”

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season gets underway this week with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.  Tune-In Alert Friday, February 27 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 – 1:30pm (ET)/12:30pm (CT)/11:30am (MT)/10:30am (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Saturday, February 28 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 9:30am (ET)/8:30am (CT)/7:30am (MT)/6:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 4:30pm (ET)/3:30pm (CT)/2:30pm (MT)/1:30pm (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Sunday, March 1NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 9am (ET)/8am (CT)/7am (MT)/6am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (100 laps) – noon (ET)/11am (CT)/10am (MT)/9am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

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A.J. Foyt Racing Location: Speedway, Ind. Owner: A.J. FoytSeasons (including 2026) with Chevrolet: 18th

First year with Chevrolet: 1985Years with Team Chevy: 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2002, 2005, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, & 2026 Starts with Chevrolet-power:All-time: 407Since Chevrolet’s return in 2012: 319 Wins with ChevroletAll-time (rank): 1 (T14th), with the lone win by Airton Dare at Kansas Speedway in 2002Since Chevrolet return in 2012: 0Most Chevrolet-powered wins at A.J. Foyt Racing: Airton Dare with 1 win Poles with ChevroletAll-time (rank): 1 earned pole and 1 pole start (T15th), by Santino Ferrucci at Portland International Raceway in 2024Since Chevrolet return in 2012 (rank): 1 earned pole and 1 pole start (T7th), by Santino Ferrucci at Portland International Raceway in 2024Most Chevrolet-powered poles at Team Penske: Santino Ferrucci with 1 earned pole and 1 pole start Podiums with Chevrolet:All-time (rank): 7 (12th), with the first podium by Airton Dare at Texas Motor Speedway in 2002Since Chevrolet return in 2012 (rank): 5 (T7th) with the first podium by Tony Kanaan at World Wide Technology Raceway At Gateway in 2019 Most Chevrolet-powered podiums at Team Penske: Santino Ferrucci with 3 podiums Notes: A.J. Foyt Racing, with its shop on Main Street in Speedway, Indiana, contributed 176 points to Chevrolet’s season-long haul in 2025, the third most among Team Chevy’s contingent of six teamsThe team continues to move up the grid, with David Malukas and Santino Ferrucci combining for their best two-car finish since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012, and their six combined top fives were tied for the most for the team since 1999 A total of 36 drivers have made Chevrolet-powered INDYCAR starts for the team, with Santino Ferrucci leading all drivers with 50 starts powered by the Bowtie at A.J. Foyt RacingHas one championship (1998 – Kenny Brack) and one Indianapolis 500 win (1999 – Kenny Brack) with General Motors brand Oldsmobile

Driver: Caio Collet Age (Birthday): 23 (4/2/2002)Hometown/Residence: Sao Paulo, Brazil/Sao Paulo, BrazilCar Number:  No.4Best championship finish: rookie2025 championship finish: rookie

Starts with Chevrolet: rookieWins with Chevrolet: rookiePoles with Chevrolet: rookiePodiums with Chevrolet: rookie Strategist: Michael ArmbresterRace Engineer: Michael ArmbresterCrew Chief: Steve McKenzie Notable: The 23-year-old rookie won four races and stood on 15 podiums while finishing 3rd and 2nd in the last two seasons of INDY NXT by Firestone competition Collet will be the 7th Brazilian to drive for the legendary team, joining Marco Greco (1996), Airton Dare, Felipe Giaffone, Vitor Meira, Tony Kanaan, and Matheus Leist Collet is the lone Team Chevy driver going for rookie of the year and will be matched up against Dennis Hauger (Dale Coyne Racing) and Mick Schumacher (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing), the Sao Paulo driver would be the sixth Brazilian to win INDYCAR Rookie of the Year, joining Gil de Ferran (CART 1995), Tony Kanaan (CART 1998), Airton Dare (INDYCAR 2000), Felipe Giaffone (INDYCAR 2001) and Raphael Matos (INDYCAR 2009Chevrolet has powered 31 INDYCAR wins by Brazilian drivers, including Emerson Fittipaldi (18), Helio Castroneves (7), Gil de Ferran (2), Tony Kanaan (2), Airton Dare (1), and Felipe Giaffone (1) Quotable: Another Brazilian driver in INDYCAR. There’s a long lineage there, a lot of history there, a lot of champions. Is it cool to wear the Brazilian flag in INDYCAR again?“Yeah, for sure. It’s a lot of proud to be representing Brazil. Like you said, a lot of good names that represented the country so well. A lot of wins, championships, Indy 500s. It’s a country with a lot of history, and hopefully I can be the next one carrying the flag.” Q.  Caio, as any rookie does, you’re going to be going for that Rookie of the Year this year. You raced against Dennis last year in NXT and he won that series. Going into the season, what do you think it’ll take for you to be the best of those three rookies?“Definitely, consistency. It’s what you need to win any championship or especially the rookie championship. I think the level this year is quite high. Dennis is someone that I’ve been racing since 2016 in go-karts, so I know him quite well, and obviously last year we had a pretty good battle all season long and have a lot of respect for each other.“Mick for sure is a driver that has a lot of experience and is very good and talented, so I think this year will be a nice battle between the three of us. Hopefully we can come out on top.”

Driver: Santino Ferrucci Age (Birthday): 27 (5/31/1998)Hometown/Residence: Woodbury, Connecticut/Dallas, TexasCar Number: No. 14Best championship finish: 9th (2024)2025 championship finish: 16th

Starts with Chevrolet: 52Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 1 (T29th/T15th) – his first earned pole was at Portland International Raceway in 2024Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 3 (T29th/T16th) – his first podium was at the Indianapolis 500 (IMS Oval) in 2023 Strategist: Adam KolesarRace Engineer: Adam KolesarCrew Chief:  Nick Cooper Notable:After finishing 9th in the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES title chase, Ferrucci fell to 16th in the standings, but that drop of seven positions doesn’t tell the entire storyo After a slow start to the season, an engineering change that saw performance engineer Adam Kolesar promoted to race engineer, led to four straight top five finishes, and a move from 15th to 9th in points o Despite being 10 pounds overweight, a slight miscalculation on the driver ballast cost the driver and team 26 points at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix oContact during morning warm-up on a damp track in Toronto, meant the Connecticut driver missed the race and lost at least two more pointso If you add those 28 points to his season-ending total, Ferrucci would have moved into 10th on the points tableFerrucci exhibited excellent race craft all season long, gaining 98 positions from where he qualified, the most spots gained among the 27 full-time driversThe 27-year-old finished fifth in the Indianapolis 500, extending his steak of top ten finishes in the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” to seven years, and dropping his average Indianapolis 500 finish to an impressive 6.1 Ferrucci is heading into his fourth season with A.J. Foyt Racing, bringing consistency to both driver and team o The last time the iconic team had a four-year run with a driver was with Takuma Sato from 2013 through 2016o Ferrucci is scheduled to make his 100th NTT INDYCAR SERIES start at this year’s Indianapolis 500, which will be his 58th start with A.J. Foyt Racing  Quotable: Q.  You obviously had some of the big highs last season, but where do you think some of the inconsistencies came in last year compared to the consistency we saw from you in 2024?“Yeah, I think some of the inconsistencies are kind of more on my side of things than anything else. I think the team really straightened everything out come the 500 to the end of the season. I kind of made some enforced errors in a couple of races, which kind of put us on a back foot. “Being able to go through those and get everything sorted going into this year will be a big deal. I think having a more consistent platform this year with the team will be a big help and a big change for us as far as a steadier pace. “I think there’s no reason as to why we can’t keep that same pace that we had in the middle of the season this year with a couple of podiums and top 5s.” Q.  I know this is a kind of stability you’ve not really had in your INDYCAR career now being the fourth year with the same team. What’s this relationship with Foyt been like, and why is it different from what came before in your INDYCAR career?“Yeah, obviously every year we continue to build the team with Larry. I think me coming back and working with the engineers and mechanics, like I said, this is the first year — I talked with Larry, I think it’s one of the first years in a long time the team has had almost zero turnover, if any at all, year after year as far as mechanics and engineers go. So it’s a really big deal. “We’re building something consistent, something that is competitive, and I’m just really happy to be a part of it, and with now the full-time sponsor of Homes For Our Troops, the livery won’t change all year, which is another big thing. Less work for the mechanics, less things to worry about come race weekends.“Very excited about all those things.”

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season gets underway this week with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.  Tune-In Alert Friday, February 27 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 – 1:30pm (ET)/12:30pm (CT)/11:30am (MT)/10:30am (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Saturday, February 28 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 9:30am (ET)/8:30am (CT)/7:30am (MT)/6:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 4:30pm (ET)/3:30pm (CT)/2:30pm (MT)/1:30pm (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Sunday, March 1NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 9am (ET)/8am (CT)/7am (MT)/6am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (100 laps) – noon (ET)/11am (CT)/10am (MT)/9am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Team owner A.J. Foyt with Santino Ferrucci after qualifying for the Indianapolis 500

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Chevrolet Newsroom

A.J. Foyt Racing Location: Speedway, Ind. Owner: A.J. FoytSeasons (including 2026) with Chevrolet: 18th

First year with Chevrolet: 1985Years with Team Chevy: 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2002, 2005, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, & 2026 Starts with Chevrolet-power:All-time: 407Since Chevrolet’s return in 2012: 319 Wins with ChevroletAll-time (rank): 1 (T14th), with the lone win by Airton Dare at Kansas Speedway in 2002Since Chevrolet return in 2012: 0Most Chevrolet-powered wins at A.J. Foyt Racing: Airton Dare with 1 win Poles with ChevroletAll-time (rank): 1 earned pole and 1 pole start (T15th), by Santino Ferrucci at Portland International Raceway in 2024Since Chevrolet return in 2012 (rank): 1 earned pole and 1 pole start (T7th), by Santino Ferrucci at Portland International Raceway in 2024Most Chevrolet-powered poles at Team Penske: Santino Ferrucci with 1 earned pole and 1 pole start Podiums with Chevrolet:All-time (rank): 7 (12th), with the first podium by Airton Dare at Texas Motor Speedway in 2002Since Chevrolet return in 2012 (rank): 5 (T7th) with the first podium by Tony Kanaan at World Wide Technology Raceway At Gateway in 2019 Most Chevrolet-powered podiums at Team Penske: Santino Ferrucci with 3 podiums Notes: A.J. Foyt Racing, with its shop on Main Street in Speedway, Indiana, contributed 176 points to Chevrolet’s season-long haul in 2025, the third most among Team Chevy’s contingent of six teamsThe team continues to move up the grid, with David Malukas and Santino Ferrucci combining for their best two-car finish since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012, and their six combined top fives were tied for the most for the team since 1999 A total of 36 drivers have made Chevrolet-powered INDYCAR starts for the team, with Santino Ferrucci leading all drivers with 50 starts powered by the Bowtie at A.J. Foyt RacingHas one championship (1998 – Kenny Brack) and one Indianapolis 500 win (1999 – Kenny Brack) with General Motors brand Oldsmobile

Driver: Caio Collet Age (Birthday): 23 (4/2/2002)Hometown/Residence: Sao Paulo, Brazil/Sao Paulo, BrazilCar Number:  No.4Best championship finish: rookie2025 championship finish: rookie

Starts with Chevrolet: rookieWins with Chevrolet: rookiePoles with Chevrolet: rookiePodiums with Chevrolet: rookie Strategist: Michael ArmbresterRace Engineer: Michael ArmbresterCrew Chief: Steve McKenzie Notable: The 23-year-old rookie won four races and stood on 15 podiums while finishing 3rd and 2nd in the last two seasons of INDY NXT by Firestone competition Collet will be the 7th Brazilian to drive for the legendary team, joining Marco Greco (1996), Airton Dare, Felipe Giaffone, Vitor Meira, Tony Kanaan, and Matheus Leist Collet is the lone Team Chevy driver going for rookie of the year and will be matched up against Dennis Hauger (Dale Coyne Racing) and Mick Schumacher (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing), the Sao Paulo driver would be the sixth Brazilian to win INDYCAR Rookie of the Year, joining Gil de Ferran (CART 1995), Tony Kanaan (CART 1998), Airton Dare (INDYCAR 2000), Felipe Giaffone (INDYCAR 2001) and Raphael Matos (INDYCAR 2009Chevrolet has powered 31 INDYCAR wins by Brazilian drivers, including Emerson Fittipaldi (18), Helio Castroneves (7), Gil de Ferran (2), Tony Kanaan (2), Airton Dare (1), and Felipe Giaffone (1) Quotable: Another Brazilian driver in INDYCAR. There’s a long lineage there, a lot of history there, a lot of champions. Is it cool to wear the Brazilian flag in INDYCAR again?“Yeah, for sure. It’s a lot of proud to be representing Brazil. Like you said, a lot of good names that represented the country so well. A lot of wins, championships, Indy 500s. It’s a country with a lot of history, and hopefully I can be the next one carrying the flag.” Q.  Caio, as any rookie does, you’re going to be going for that Rookie of the Year this year. You raced against Dennis last year in NXT and he won that series. Going into the season, what do you think it’ll take for you to be the best of those three rookies?“Definitely, consistency. It’s what you need to win any championship or especially the rookie championship. I think the level this year is quite high. Dennis is someone that I’ve been racing since 2016 in go-karts, so I know him quite well, and obviously last year we had a pretty good battle all season long and have a lot of respect for each other.“Mick for sure is a driver that has a lot of experience and is very good and talented, so I think this year will be a nice battle between the three of us. Hopefully we can come out on top.”

Driver: Santino Ferrucci Age (Birthday): 27 (5/31/1998)Hometown/Residence: Woodbury, Connecticut/Dallas, TexasCar Number: No. 14Best championship finish: 9th (2024)2025 championship finish: 16th

Starts with Chevrolet: 52Wins with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 0Earned Poles with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 1 (T29th/T15th) – his first earned pole was at Portland International Raceway in 2024Podiums with Chevrolet (rank all-time/since 2012): 3 (T29th/T16th) – his first podium was at the Indianapolis 500 (IMS Oval) in 2023 Strategist: Adam KolesarRace Engineer: Adam KolesarCrew Chief:  Nick Cooper Notable:After finishing 9th in the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES title chase, Ferrucci fell to 16th in the standings, but that drop of seven positions doesn’t tell the entire storyo After a slow start to the season, an engineering change that saw performance engineer Adam Kolesar promoted to race engineer, led to four straight top five finishes, and a move from 15th to 9th in points o Despite being 10 pounds overweight, a slight miscalculation on the driver ballast cost the driver and team 26 points at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix oContact during morning warm-up on a damp track in Toronto, meant the Connecticut driver missed the race and lost at least two more pointso If you add those 28 points to his season-ending total, Ferrucci would have moved into 10th on the points tableFerrucci exhibited excellent race craft all season long, gaining 98 positions from where he qualified, the most spots gained among the 27 full-time driversThe 27-year-old finished fifth in the Indianapolis 500, extending his steak of top ten finishes in the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” to seven years, and dropping his average Indianapolis 500 finish to an impressive 6.1 Ferrucci is heading into his fourth season with A.J. Foyt Racing, bringing consistency to both driver and team o The last time the iconic team had a four-year run with a driver was with Takuma Sato from 2013 through 2016o Ferrucci is scheduled to make his 100th NTT INDYCAR SERIES start at this year’s Indianapolis 500, which will be his 58th start with A.J. Foyt Racing  Quotable: Q.  You obviously had some of the big highs last season, but where do you think some of the inconsistencies came in last year compared to the consistency we saw from you in 2024?“Yeah, I think some of the inconsistencies are kind of more on my side of things than anything else. I think the team really straightened everything out come the 500 to the end of the season. I kind of made some enforced errors in a couple of races, which kind of put us on a back foot. “Being able to go through those and get everything sorted going into this year will be a big deal. I think having a more consistent platform this year with the team will be a big help and a big change for us as far as a steadier pace. “I think there’s no reason as to why we can’t keep that same pace that we had in the middle of the season this year with a couple of podiums and top 5s.” Q.  I know this is a kind of stability you’ve not really had in your INDYCAR career now being the fourth year with the same team. What’s this relationship with Foyt been like, and why is it different from what came before in your INDYCAR career?“Yeah, obviously every year we continue to build the team with Larry. I think me coming back and working with the engineers and mechanics, like I said, this is the first year — I talked with Larry, I think it’s one of the first years in a long time the team has had almost zero turnover, if any at all, year after year as far as mechanics and engineers go. So it’s a really big deal. “We’re building something consistent, something that is competitive, and I’m just really happy to be a part of it, and with now the full-time sponsor of Homes For Our Troops, the livery won’t change all year, which is another big thing. Less work for the mechanics, less things to worry about come race weekends.“Very excited about all those things.”

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season gets underway this week with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.  Tune-In Alert Friday, February 27 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 – 1:30pm (ET)/12:30pm (CT)/11:30am (MT)/10:30am (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Saturday, February 28 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 9:30am (ET)/8:30am (CT)/7:30am (MT)/6:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 4:30pm (ET)/3:30pm (CT)/2:30pm (MT)/1:30pm (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Sunday, March 1NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 9am (ET)/8am (CT)/7am (MT)/6am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (100 laps) – noon (ET)/11am (CT)/10am (MT)/9am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 24, 2026) – Three weeks off is more than enough. The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series is ready to get back to business.

The Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals ignited the 2026 campaign with a trio of wild races at Volusia Speedway Park in early February. After some time to regroup, The Greatest Show on Dirt is about to really get rolling.

The world’s best Sprint Car drivers are heading back to Volusia this coming week on Sunday-Monday, March 1-2 for the Bike Week Jamboree. As the name suggests, the four-wheel and two-wheel worlds collide as Sprint Cars join in on the fun of Florida’s famed Bike Week.

Fans don’t have only Sunday and Monday’s action to enjoy. World of Outlaws staff will be on site at Saturday’s DeLand Bike Rally offering giveaways. Brock Zearfoss plans to have his car and trailer on display and be signing autographs and taking photos.

The trip to the “Sunshine State” signals the start of the true grind for World of Outlaws teams. From now through the season-ending World of Outlaws World Finals on Nov. 4-7, there are only three scheduled off weekends as the tour takes teams to 80-plus races at more than 40 tracks in 22 states coast-to-coast along with a Canadian province. Let the fun begin.

BUY TWO-DAY VOLUSIA TICKET PACKAGE HERE
BUY SUNDAY VOLUSIA TICKETS HERE
BUY MONDAY VOLUSIA TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the five biggest stories to watch during Bike Week:

KNOTTED UP

It’s a small sample size, but if DIRTcar Nationals is any indicator, we’re in for a fun championship battle in 2026.

Plenty of eyes were on Michael “Buddy” Kofoid to see if he could keep pace with David Gravel at Volusia, a track that’s historically one of Gravel’s best and not among Kofoid’s favorites. The result? Kofoid out-dueled Gravel to top the first points paying event of the season and bag his first gator. The next night Kofoid wheeled from 21st to fourth while Gravel again finished second, leaving the two tied atop the standings entering the Bike Week Jamboree.

Kofoid and his Roth Motorsports crew need to keep Gravel within sight for two more nights at Volusia. Gravel’s résumé at the 1/2 mile is remarkable. He’s made 29 appearances there since joining forces with Big Game Motorsports and racked up seven wins, 16 podiums, and finished outside the top five only four times. The Watertown, CT native swept last year’s Bike Week visit.

MARCHIN’ MACEDO

Gravel and Kofoid might’ve grabbed the headlines heading into 2026, but Carson Macedo doesn’t intend to let the title fight be a two-horse race. He hasn’t finished worse than third in points since teaming with Jason Johnson Racing in 2021 and fell just shy of besting Gravel in 2024.

The Lemoore, CA native was on the move during DIRTcar Nationals. He passed a total of 20 cars over the trio of races leading to three podiums. That was enough to slot him only four markers behind Kofoid and Gravel.

Volusia has been kind to Macedo over the years, especially with the recent addition of a March trip. He’s topped a pair of Bike Week races (2021 and 2023). The 29-year-old has never finished worse than seventh over seven Volusia Features during the month of March.

ON THE MOVE

Carson Macedo wasn’t the only driver that proved to have no issue passing cars during DIRTcar Nationals.

Donny Schatz debuted in the CJB Motorsports No. 15 and was a one-man show. The 10-time champion marched from 21st to fifth in the season opener. He backed that up with a 21st to sixth drive. Then in the finale, Schatz wheeled from 19th to 10th. Add it all up, and Schatz drove by a total of 40 cars in Feature competition, an average of 13.33 per night.

Spencer Bayston wasn’t far behind Schatz in the category. The Lebanon, IN native opened the year on top with a charge from 10th to victory aboard the Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17. He closed out the week with performances of 22nd to 10th and 25th to 14th.

Series sophomore Cole Macedo spent his week climbing, moving by a total of 27 cars across the trio of Features. The highlight was taking the TwoC Racing ride from 17th to ninth.

These three are worth keeping your eyes on no matter where they line up on the grid with two more nights at Volusia ahead.

SUNSHINE STATE RESET

Last month’s Florida visit may have provided plenty of promise for some, but others are ready for a reset this week as they look to rebound following a subpar start.

Sheldon Haudenschild opened his time with KCP Racing and couldn’t quite crack the top 10 during DIRTcar Nationals, his best outing an 11th on the final night. It’ll be no surprise if the Wooster, OH native comes back strong as he’s topped three races at the 1/2 mile.

Bill Balog also struggled for results at the season opening event. The “North Pole Nightmare’s” top drive was a charge from 20th to 12th. Balog proved he can have speed at Volusia a year ago, bagging a pair of top 10s. He’ll look to regain that form this weekend.

GOING SOUTH

Several more competitors are expected to join the cast of 17 full-time World of Outlaws competitors in Florida.

Anthony Macri plans to make the trip from Pennsylvanian as long as weather cooperates. He made the PA Posse proud last month by not only winning the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals finale worth $20,000 but also taking the Big Gator back to the porch.

Another Pennsylvania-based operation will venture south as Kreitz Racing has the Bike Week Jamboree on their schedule. They’ll have 2013 World of Outlaws champion Daryn Pittman behind the wheel of their famed No. 69K. The Oklahoman owns six Volusia victories spread across a trio of teams (Titan Racing, Kasey Kahne Racing, and Roth Motorsports).

Kerry Madsen and Vermeer Motorsports intend to fire off their 2026 in the “Sunshine State.” Volusia is home to the “Madman’s” first career World of Outlaws triumph, which he snagged in 2007 aboard the Selma Shell No. 11H.

Other drivers expected include Brent Marks (Myerstown, PA), Austin McCarl (Altoona, IA), Chase Randall (Waco, TX), and more.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Sunday-Monday, March 1-2 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL

AROUND THE TURN
Friday, March 6 at Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, AL
Saturday, March 7 at Magnolia Motor Speedway in Columbus, MS

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (3/86 Races):
1. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (382 PTS)
2. Anthony Macri – Macri Motorsports No. 39M (-0 PTS)
3. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (-0 PTS)
4. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-4 PTS)
5. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-16 PTS)
6. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-18 PTS)
7. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-24 PTS)
8. Parker Price-Miller – Bernie Stuebgen No. 71 (-38 PTS)
9. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-40 PTS)
10. Cole Macedo – TwoC Racing No. 2C (-42 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (3 Drivers):
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Michael Kofoid, Anthony Macri

FEATURE LAPS LED (5 Drivers):
28 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
25 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid
10 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston
6 Laps Led – Brian Brown, Brock ZearfossPODIUM FINISHES (5 Drivers):
3 Podiums – Carson Macedo
2 Podiums – David Gravel, Anthony Macri
1 Podium – Spencer Bayston, Michael Kofoid

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (3 Drivers):
1 Quick Time – David Gravel, Logan Schuchart, Ashton Torgerson

HEAT RACE WINNERS (7 Drivers):
3 Heat Wins – David Gravel, Logan Schuchart
2 Heat Wins – Anthony Macri
1 Heat Win – Chase Dietz, Carson Macedo, Justin Peck, Ashton Torgerson

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (16 Drivers):
3 Dashes – David Gravel, Anthony Macri, Logan Schuchart
2 Dashes – Michael Kofoid, Brent Marks
1 Dash – Brian Brown, Chase Dietz, Sheldon Haudenschild, Kasey Jedrzejek, Carson Macedo, Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Ryan Timms, Ashton Torgerson, Garet Williamson, Brock Zearfoss

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (2 Drivers):
2 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz
1 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (3 Drivers):
1 Hard Charger – Michael Kofoid, Donny Schatz, Garet Williamson

ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (3 Drivers):
1 Fastest Lap – Michael Kofoid, Anthony Macri, Brock Zearfoss

RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (3 Drivers):
1 Hottest Lap – David Gravel, Austin McCarl, Logan Schuchart

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
Mon, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Fri, March 6 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL
Sat, March 7 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS
Fri, March 13 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX
Sat, March 14 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX
Fri, March 20 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK
Sat, March 21 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK
Fri, March 27 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO
Sat, March 28 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS
Fri, April 10 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Sat, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Fri, April 17 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL
Sat, April 18 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN
Fri, April 24 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sat, April 25 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, May 1 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH
Sat, May 2 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Tues, May 5 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA
Fri, May 8 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, May 9 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Fri, May 15 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, May 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, May 23 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sun, May 24 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, May 29 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sun, May 31 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
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
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
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-volusias-bike-week-jamboree-kicks-world-of-outlaws-campaign-into-high-gear/

TOP FIVE STORYLINES: Volusia’s Bike Week Jamboree Kicks World of Outlaws Campaign into High Gear

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 24, 2026) – Three weeks off is more than enough. The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series is ready to get back to business.

The Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals ignited the 2026 campaign with a trio of wild races at Volusia Speedway Park in early February. After some time to regroup, The Greatest Show on Dirt is about to really get rolling.

The world’s best Sprint Car drivers are heading back to Volusia this coming week on Sunday-Monday, March 1-2 for the Bike Week Jamboree. As the name suggests, the four-wheel and two-wheel worlds collide as Sprint Cars join in on the fun of Florida’s famed Bike Week.

Fans don’t have only Sunday and Monday’s action to enjoy. World of Outlaws staff will be on site at Saturday’s DeLand Bike Rally offering giveaways. Brock Zearfoss plans to have his car and trailer on display and be signing autographs and taking photos.

The trip to the “Sunshine State” signals the start of the true grind for World of Outlaws teams. From now through the season-ending World of Outlaws World Finals on Nov. 4-7, there are only three scheduled off weekends as the tour takes teams to 80-plus races at more than 40 tracks in 22 states coast-to-coast along with a Canadian province. Let the fun begin.

BUY TWO-DAY VOLUSIA TICKET PACKAGE HERE
BUY SUNDAY VOLUSIA TICKETS HERE
BUY MONDAY VOLUSIA TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the five biggest stories to watch during Bike Week:

KNOTTED UP

It’s a small sample size, but if DIRTcar Nationals is any indicator, we’re in for a fun championship battle in 2026.

Plenty of eyes were on Michael “Buddy” Kofoid to see if he could keep pace with David Gravel at Volusia, a track that’s historically one of Gravel’s best and not among Kofoid’s favorites. The result? Kofoid out-dueled Gravel to top the first points paying event of the season and bag his first gator. The next night Kofoid wheeled from 21st to fourth while Gravel again finished second, leaving the two tied atop the standings entering the Bike Week Jamboree.

Kofoid and his Roth Motorsports crew need to keep Gravel within sight for two more nights at Volusia. Gravel’s résumé at the 1/2 mile is remarkable. He’s made 29 appearances there since joining forces with Big Game Motorsports and racked up seven wins, 16 podiums, and finished outside the top five only four times. The Watertown, CT native swept last year’s Bike Week visit.

MARCHIN’ MACEDO

Gravel and Kofoid might’ve grabbed the headlines heading into 2026, but Carson Macedo doesn’t intend to let the title fight be a two-horse race. He hasn’t finished worse than third in points since teaming with Jason Johnson Racing in 2021 and fell just shy of besting Gravel in 2024.

The Lemoore, CA native was on the move during DIRTcar Nationals. He passed a total of 20 cars over the trio of races leading to three podiums. That was enough to slot him only four markers behind Kofoid and Gravel.

Volusia has been kind to Macedo over the years, especially with the recent addition of a March trip. He’s topped a pair of Bike Week races (2021 and 2023). The 29-year-old has never finished worse than seventh over seven Volusia Features during the month of March.

ON THE MOVE

Carson Macedo wasn’t the only driver that proved to have no issue passing cars during DIRTcar Nationals.

Donny Schatz debuted in the CJB Motorsports No. 15 and was a one-man show. The 10-time champion marched from 21st to fifth in the season opener. He backed that up with a 21st to sixth drive. Then in the finale, Schatz wheeled from 19th to 10th. Add it all up, and Schatz drove by a total of 40 cars in Feature competition, an average of 13.33 per night.

Spencer Bayston wasn’t far behind Schatz in the category. The Lebanon, IN native opened the year on top with a charge from 10th to victory aboard the Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17. He closed out the week with performances of 22nd to 10th and 25th to 14th.

Series sophomore Cole Macedo spent his week climbing, moving by a total of 27 cars across the trio of Features. The highlight was taking the TwoC Racing ride from 17th to ninth.

These three are worth keeping your eyes on no matter where they line up on the grid with two more nights at Volusia ahead.

SUNSHINE STATE RESET

Last month’s Florida visit may have provided plenty of promise for some, but others are ready for a reset this week as they look to rebound following a subpar start.

Sheldon Haudenschild opened his time with KCP Racing and couldn’t quite crack the top 10 during DIRTcar Nationals, his best outing an 11th on the final night. It’ll be no surprise if the Wooster, OH native comes back strong as he’s topped three races at the 1/2 mile.

Bill Balog also struggled for results at the season opening event. The “North Pole Nightmare’s” top drive was a charge from 20th to 12th. Balog proved he can have speed at Volusia a year ago, bagging a pair of top 10s. He’ll look to regain that form this weekend.

GOING SOUTH

Several more competitors are expected to join the cast of 17 full-time World of Outlaws competitors in Florida.

Anthony Macri plans to make the trip from Pennsylvanian as long as weather cooperates. He made the PA Posse proud last month by not only winning the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals finale worth $20,000 but also taking the Big Gator back to the porch.

Another Pennsylvania-based operation will venture south as Kreitz Racing has the Bike Week Jamboree on their schedule. They’ll have 2013 World of Outlaws champion Daryn Pittman behind the wheel of their famed No. 69K. The Oklahoman owns six Volusia victories spread across a trio of teams (Titan Racing, Kasey Kahne Racing, and Roth Motorsports).

Kerry Madsen and Vermeer Motorsports intend to fire off their 2026 in the “Sunshine State.” Volusia is home to the “Madman’s” first career World of Outlaws triumph, which he snagged in 2007 aboard the Selma Shell No. 11H.

Other drivers expected include Brent Marks (Myerstown, PA), Austin McCarl (Altoona, IA), Chase Randall (Waco, TX), and more.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Sunday-Monday, March 1-2 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL

AROUND THE TURN
Friday, March 6 at Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, AL
Saturday, March 7 at Magnolia Motor Speedway in Columbus, MS

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (3/86 Races):
1. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (382 PTS)
2. Anthony Macri – Macri Motorsports No. 39M (-0 PTS)
3. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (-0 PTS)
4. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-4 PTS)
5. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-16 PTS)
6. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-18 PTS)
7. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-24 PTS)
8. Parker Price-Miller – Bernie Stuebgen No. 71 (-38 PTS)
9. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-40 PTS)
10. Cole Macedo – TwoC Racing No. 2C (-42 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (3 Drivers):
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Michael Kofoid, Anthony Macri

FEATURE LAPS LED (5 Drivers):
28 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
25 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid
10 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston
6 Laps Led – Brian Brown, Brock ZearfossPODIUM FINISHES (5 Drivers):
3 Podiums – Carson Macedo
2 Podiums – David Gravel, Anthony Macri
1 Podium – Spencer Bayston, Michael Kofoid

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (3 Drivers):
1 Quick Time – David Gravel, Logan Schuchart, Ashton Torgerson

HEAT RACE WINNERS (7 Drivers):
3 Heat Wins – David Gravel, Logan Schuchart
2 Heat Wins – Anthony Macri
1 Heat Win – Chase Dietz, Carson Macedo, Justin Peck, Ashton Torgerson

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (16 Drivers):
3 Dashes – David Gravel, Anthony Macri, Logan Schuchart
2 Dashes – Michael Kofoid, Brent Marks
1 Dash – Brian Brown, Chase Dietz, Sheldon Haudenschild, Kasey Jedrzejek, Carson Macedo, Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Ryan Timms, Ashton Torgerson, Garet Williamson, Brock Zearfoss

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (2 Drivers):
2 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz
1 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (3 Drivers):
1 Hard Charger – Michael Kofoid, Donny Schatz, Garet Williamson

ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (3 Drivers):
1 Fastest Lap – Michael Kofoid, Anthony Macri, Brock Zearfoss

RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (3 Drivers):
1 Hottest Lap – David Gravel, Austin McCarl, Logan Schuchart

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
Mon, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Fri, March 6 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL
Sat, March 7 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS
Fri, March 13 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX
Sat, March 14 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX
Fri, March 20 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK
Sat, March 21 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK
Fri, March 27 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO
Sat, March 28 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS
Fri, April 10 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Sat, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Fri, April 17 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL
Sat, April 18 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN
Fri, April 24 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sat, April 25 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, May 1 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH
Sat, May 2 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Tues, May 5 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA
Fri, May 8 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, May 9 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Fri, May 15 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, May 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, May 23 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sun, May 24 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, May 29 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sun, May 31 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
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
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
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-volusias-bike-week-jamboree-kicks-world-of-outlaws-campaign-into-high-gear/

EVENT INFO: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/schedule/event-info/?event=4548492
TRACK INFO: https://volusiaspeedwaypark.com/

CLEWISTON, FL (February 24, 2026) – Like most of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision field, Bobby Pierce rolled into Hendry County Motorsports Park for the Swamp Cabbage 100 with no idea of what to expect.

He knew the sandy 1/3-mile would present a radically different challenge than the lightning-fast 1/2-mile at Volusia Speedway Park where the season began. But as Pierce has proven time and time again over the years, he views a blank notebook as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

“I think I kind of have a little upper hand, because I like it when we go to new places that nobody really knows,” Pierce said. “Because this, for example, kind of reminded me of a couple Summer Nationals tracks and different things. Kind of reminded me of a New Zealand track, too. Had that shape and flatness to it; you kind of just go in there, lay over on the right-rear. So, I feel like I had a little upper hand. In a way, it felt like Gateway, as surprising as that sounds.”

Regardless of the hand Pierce was dealt by the track, he came into the weekend at Hendry County in need of a pair of strong showings. Three podium finishes in the three World of Outlaws nights at Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals was something to hang his hat on, but it still wasn’t enough to match the outright domination Nick Hoffman laid down at Volusia on his path to the Big Gator.

“Going into the last three nights of Volusia, we weren’t that great,” Pierce said. “And then we didn’t qualify good, but we made up for it every night in the Feature. So, it was like, ‘OK, we got third, third, second, that’s exactly what I needed to get back in the mix of the lead of the points, to have those good nights, because Nick was having those good nights, too. You know, he’s winning every night, so we needed that. That gave us a lot of confidence heading into here.”

So, when Pierce parked the No. 32 in Victory Lane on Friday night, there was no lack of reasons for the team to celebrate. It was Pierce’s first World of Outlaws win since August of 2025 at Arrowhead Speedway, which meant he finally surpassed Billy Moyer for fifth on the all-time wins list after spending six months tied with him. It was also Pierce’s first win anywhere since topping the final night of the Wild West Shootout over a month prior.

But most importantly, the win swung the momentum back in Pierce’s favor in what could shape up to be one of the most entertaining championship battles the World of Outlaws has seen in years.

“Practicing [Thursday], we were pretty good,” Pierce said. “And then [Friday], I drew a late pill, and I was like, ‘Oh man, that might hurt us.’ I had to really get up on the wheel to qualify. We got fifth, so I was like, ‘If we’re going out that late, we weren’t bad.’ And then once we made that bottom groove work in the Heat Race and made the last-lap pass on ‘T-Mac,’ it gave me a pretty good amount of confidence for the Feature. I don’t think anyone else was really able to stick down there good.

“Then in the Feature, it was a tire gamble, what are we going to go with? But I think everyone had the same thing out there. Fell back to fourth, I was a little worried, but the second I got to the top, I got rolling and was like, ‘OK, here we go, we can win this thing as long as the seas stay parted for us.”

There have also been some behind-the-scenes changes at Bobby Pierce Racing since their previous victory at Central Arizona Raceway in January. Shortly after that event, tire specialist Austin Hemmen informed Pierce of his decision to leave the team after five years to relocate to Scottsdale, AZ with his girlfriend, Christine Mahnke. That opened the door for someone new to join one of the most successful teams in modern-day dirt Late Model racing.

The role was filled by Florence, AL native Brilee Putnam, the son of regional Late Model racer Josh Putnam. One of the main job requirements at BPR is a willingness to have your picture taken in Victory Lane dozens of times per year, and Hendry County marked the first one with the new lineup.

“It’s great. We’ve got Darian [Delattre] doing tires now, Brilee, this is his first win with the team,” Pierce said. “Everyone’s working hard, jiving together well. It’s always tough when you get thrown those challenges of having to find more help, having to train. Austin did my tires, so to have to throw someone else on that job and then also have to find someone else on top of that, it was a bit of a challenge, but it worked out well.”

Pierce had the car on Saturday night to complete the weekend sweep, but he admittedly wasn’t aggressive enough at the right moments in the race to keep Hoffman behind him and ultimately came home second. Nevertheless, morale is high in the No. 32 camp going into the springtime schedule, which begins with a Tennessee doubleheader that is significant for Pierce at both ends.

His engines are built three miles from Volunteer Speedway at Vic Hill Race Engines in Mosheim, TN, and Hill has been instrumental in adding several major events to the track’s schedule in recent years, including a visit by the World of Outlaws for the first time in five years. Pierce’s on-track performances at “The Gap” haven’t been anything to write home about though, with a best finish of 11th in four starts. It’s a different story 90 minutes down the road at Smoky Mountain Speedway, where Pierce won in his first start at the track last March in World of Outlaws action and is looking to go back-to-back next month.

“We should have never lost the lead if I was just on the gas harder,” Pierce said of his Saturday run at Hendry County. “I’m just glad we were able to put on a show. Second’s really good, but of course I was going hard for the win. I’m just glad it was a good show.”

Pierce and the rest of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will resume the 2026 season at Volunteer Speedway on Friday, March 13, and Smoky Mountain Speedway on Saturday, March 14. Tickets for both events are available in advance by clicking here.

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

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/pierce-rounding-into-top-form-after-win-near-miss-at-hendry-county/

EVENT INFO: Rocky Top Rumble, Tennessee Tipoff
TRACK INFO: Volunteer Speedway, Smoky Mountain Speedway

Pierce Rounding Into Top Form After Win, Near Miss at Hendry County

CLEWISTON, FL (February 24, 2026) – Like most of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision field, Bobby Pierce rolled into Hendry County Motorsports Park for the Swamp Cabbage 100 with no idea of what to expect.

He knew the sandy 1/3-mile would present a radically different challenge than the lightning-fast 1/2-mile at Volusia Speedway Park where the season began. But as Pierce has proven time and time again over the years, he views a blank notebook as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

“I think I kind of have a little upper hand, because I like it when we go to new places that nobody really knows,” Pierce said. “Because this, for example, kind of reminded me of a couple Summer Nationals tracks and different things. Kind of reminded me of a New Zealand track, too. Had that shape and flatness to it; you kind of just go in there, lay over on the right-rear. So, I feel like I had a little upper hand. In a way, it felt like Gateway, as surprising as that sounds.”

Regardless of the hand Pierce was dealt by the track, he came into the weekend at Hendry County in need of a pair of strong showings. Three podium finishes in the three World of Outlaws nights at Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals was something to hang his hat on, but it still wasn’t enough to match the outright domination Nick Hoffman laid down at Volusia on his path to the Big Gator.

“Going into the last three nights of Volusia, we weren’t that great,” Pierce said. “And then we didn’t qualify good, but we made up for it every night in the Feature. So, it was like, ‘OK, we got third, third, second, that’s exactly what I needed to get back in the mix of the lead of the points, to have those good nights, because Nick was having those good nights, too. You know, he’s winning every night, so we needed that. That gave us a lot of confidence heading into here.”

So, when Pierce parked the No. 32 in Victory Lane on Friday night, there was no lack of reasons for the team to celebrate. It was Pierce’s first World of Outlaws win since August of 2025 at Arrowhead Speedway, which meant he finally surpassed Billy Moyer for fifth on the all-time wins list after spending six months tied with him. It was also Pierce’s first win anywhere since topping the final night of the Wild West Shootout over a month prior.

But most importantly, the win swung the momentum back in Pierce’s favor in what could shape up to be one of the most entertaining championship battles the World of Outlaws has seen in years.

“Practicing [Thursday], we were pretty good,” Pierce said. “And then [Friday], I drew a late pill, and I was like, ‘Oh man, that might hurt us.’ I had to really get up on the wheel to qualify. We got fifth, so I was like, ‘If we’re going out that late, we weren’t bad.’ And then once we made that bottom groove work in the Heat Race and made the last-lap pass on ‘T-Mac,’ it gave me a pretty good amount of confidence for the Feature. I don’t think anyone else was really able to stick down there good.

“Then in the Feature, it was a tire gamble, what are we going to go with? But I think everyone had the same thing out there. Fell back to fourth, I was a little worried, but the second I got to the top, I got rolling and was like, ‘OK, here we go, we can win this thing as long as the seas stay parted for us.”

There have also been some behind-the-scenes changes at Bobby Pierce Racing since their previous victory at Central Arizona Raceway in January. Shortly after that event, tire specialist Austin Hemmen informed Pierce of his decision to leave the team after five years to relocate to Scottsdale, AZ with his girlfriend, Christine Mahnke. That opened the door for someone new to join one of the most successful teams in modern-day dirt Late Model racing.

The role was filled by Florence, AL native Brilee Putnam, the son of regional Late Model racer Josh Putnam. One of the main job requirements at BPR is a willingness to have your picture taken in Victory Lane dozens of times per year, and Hendry County marked the first one with the new lineup.

“It’s great. We’ve got Darian [Delattre] doing tires now, Brilee, this is his first win with the team,” Pierce said. “Everyone’s working hard, jiving together well. It’s always tough when you get thrown those challenges of having to find more help, having to train. Austin did my tires, so to have to throw someone else on that job and then also have to find someone else on top of that, it was a bit of a challenge, but it worked out well.”

Pierce had the car on Saturday night to complete the weekend sweep, but he admittedly wasn’t aggressive enough at the right moments in the race to keep Hoffman behind him and ultimately came home second. Nevertheless, morale is high in the No. 32 camp going into the springtime schedule, which begins with a Tennessee doubleheader that is significant for Pierce at both ends.

His engines are built three miles from Volunteer Speedway at Vic Hill Race Engines in Mosheim, TN, and Hill has been instrumental in adding several major events to the track’s schedule in recent years, including a visit by the World of Outlaws for the first time in five years. Pierce’s on-track performances at “The Gap” haven’t been anything to write home about though, with a best finish of 11th in four starts. It’s a different story 90 minutes down the road at Smoky Mountain Speedway, where Pierce won in his first start at the track last March in World of Outlaws action and is looking to go back-to-back next month.

“We should have never lost the lead if I was just on the gas harder,” Pierce said of his Saturday run at Hendry County. “I’m just glad we were able to put on a show. Second’s really good, but of course I was going hard for the win. I’m just glad it was a good show.”

Pierce and the rest of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will resume the 2026 season at Volunteer Speedway on Friday, March 13, and Smoky Mountain Speedway on Saturday, March 14. Tickets for both events are available in advance by clicking here.

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

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/pierce-rounding-into-top-form-after-win-near-miss-at-hendry-county/

EVENT INFO: Rocky Top Rumble, Tennessee Tipoff
TRACK INFO: Volunteer Speedway, Smoky Mountain Speedway

FAN 101: https://about.worldofoutlaws.com/

James Ott (No. 19) leads the field into turn one during the Mission Challenge at Silver Dollar Speedway in 2025. [Photo: Tim Lester for AMA Pro Racing]

Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 23, 2026) — Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, has opened ticket sales for the West Coast rounds of the 2026 season: the Ventura Short Track on Saturday, April 25, at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California, and the Silver Dollar Short Track on Saturday, May 2, at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California. The back-to-back California events will showcase the sport’s premier divisions, Mission AFT SuperTwins and KICKER AFT Singles, along with the newly launched AFT ProSport 450 class at both venues. AFT ProSport 450 serves as a direct development bridge between amateur competition and the professional ranks, creating a clear pathway for rising talent to advance to Progressive American Flat Track. As part of the Road to AFT initiative, the class features the top 12 finishers from the Amateur CTR event held the day prior, earning them the opportunity to compete on the sport’s biggest stage. By placing emerging riders in front of professional teams and national audiences, AFT ProSport 450 helps accelerate the next generation of flat track stars. The all women class of Build. Train. Race. will join the series at Ventura Short Track. AFT AdventureTrackers are making the classes first trip to California at the Silver Dollar Short Track as part of their expanded schedule in 2026. Ventura Raceway’s tight, 1/5-mile dirt oval, located just steps from the Pacific Ocean, has quickly earned a reputation for close-quarters action and capacity crowds. One week later, teams will head north to Chico, where Silver Dollar Speedway’s high-banked, 1/4-mile clay oval provides a distinctly different challenge and a proven stage for bar-to-bar racing. In addition to a full slate of racing, fans at both events can expect vendor displays, big-screen viewing, designated motorcycle parking and a wide range of food and beverage options. Ventura Short Track Ticket Information General Admission Grandstand tickets are $50 for adults. Students can purchase tickets for $30 with a valid student ID at the event. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult ticket. Reserved Grandstand seating is available for $65 (all ages). The Trackside Fan Experience is available for $135 (all ages), or $95 as an add-on. The package includes general admission seating with full pit access, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line, photo opportunities and infield viewing of Opening Ceremonies and one segment of racing action. A Practice Viewing option is also available for $110 (all ages), or $70 as an add-on, and includes infield viewing of a practice segment. Quantities are limited. No alcohol is permitted in the paddock or infield, and open-toe shoes are prohibited. Pit Passes are $50 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. Military and first responders can access a special General Admission discount through GovX via the event ticket page. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-ventura-short-track-168769 Silver Dollar Short Track Ticket Information General Admission Grandstand tickets are $40 for adults. Students can purchase tickets for $30 with a valid student ID at the event. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult ticket. Reserved Grandstand seating is $65 (all ages). Pit Grandstand tickets are $80 (all ages), offering seating along the backstretch in the pits. Trackside Box seats, located along the front stretch and sold individually within four- to eight-person boxes, are $95 (all ages). The Trackside Fan Experience is available for $135 (all ages), or $95 as an add-on, and includes general admission seating, full pit access, a guided infield tour, podium and start/finish photo opportunities, and up-close viewing of Opening Ceremonies and a segment of racing. A Practice Viewing option is available for $110 (all ages), or $70 as an add-on. Quantities are limited. No alcohol is permitted in the paddock or infield, and open-toe shoes are prohibited. Pit Passes are $50 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. Military and first responders can access a special General Admission discount through GovX via the event ticket page. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-silver-dollar-short-track-168776. Ticket prices for both events include fees and are subject to change. For additional information, visit AmericanFlatTrack.com.

Tickets Now Available for 2026 Ventura and Silver Dollar Short Tracks

James Ott (No. 19) leads the field into turn one during the Mission Challenge at Silver Dollar Speedway in 2025. [Photo: Tim Lester for AMA Pro Racing]

Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 23, 2026) — Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, has opened ticket sales for the West Coast rounds of the 2026 season: the Ventura Short Track on Saturday, April 25, at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California, and the Silver Dollar Short Track on Saturday, May 2, at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California. The back-to-back California events will showcase the sport’s premier divisions, Mission AFT SuperTwins and KICKER AFT Singles, along with the newly launched AFT ProSport 450 class at both venues. AFT ProSport 450 serves as a direct development bridge between amateur competition and the professional ranks, creating a clear pathway for rising talent to advance to Progressive American Flat Track. As part of the Road to AFT initiative, the class features the top 12 finishers from the Amateur CTR event held the day prior, earning them the opportunity to compete on the sport’s biggest stage. By placing emerging riders in front of professional teams and national audiences, AFT ProSport 450 helps accelerate the next generation of flat track stars. The all women class of Build. Train. Race. will join the series at Ventura Short Track. AFT AdventureTrackers are making the classes first trip to California at the Silver Dollar Short Track as part of their expanded schedule in 2026. Ventura Raceway’s tight, 1/5-mile dirt oval, located just steps from the Pacific Ocean, has quickly earned a reputation for close-quarters action and capacity crowds. One week later, teams will head north to Chico, where Silver Dollar Speedway’s high-banked, 1/4-mile clay oval provides a distinctly different challenge and a proven stage for bar-to-bar racing. In addition to a full slate of racing, fans at both events can expect vendor displays, big-screen viewing, designated motorcycle parking and a wide range of food and beverage options. Ventura Short Track Ticket Information General Admission Grandstand tickets are $50 for adults. Students can purchase tickets for $30 with a valid student ID at the event. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult ticket. Reserved Grandstand seating is available for $65 (all ages). The Trackside Fan Experience is available for $135 (all ages), or $95 as an add-on. The package includes general admission seating with full pit access, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line, photo opportunities and infield viewing of Opening Ceremonies and one segment of racing action. A Practice Viewing option is also available for $110 (all ages), or $70 as an add-on, and includes infield viewing of a practice segment. Quantities are limited. No alcohol is permitted in the paddock or infield, and open-toe shoes are prohibited. Pit Passes are $50 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. Military and first responders can access a special General Admission discount through GovX via the event ticket page. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-ventura-short-track-168769 Silver Dollar Short Track Ticket Information General Admission Grandstand tickets are $40 for adults. Students can purchase tickets for $30 with a valid student ID at the event. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult ticket. Reserved Grandstand seating is $65 (all ages). Pit Grandstand tickets are $80 (all ages), offering seating along the backstretch in the pits. Trackside Box seats, located along the front stretch and sold individually within four- to eight-person boxes, are $95 (all ages). The Trackside Fan Experience is available for $135 (all ages), or $95 as an add-on, and includes general admission seating, full pit access, a guided infield tour, podium and start/finish photo opportunities, and up-close viewing of Opening Ceremonies and a segment of racing. A Practice Viewing option is available for $110 (all ages), or $70 as an add-on. Quantities are limited. No alcohol is permitted in the paddock or infield, and open-toe shoes are prohibited. Pit Passes are $50 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. Military and first responders can access a special General Admission discount through GovX via the event ticket page. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-silver-dollar-short-track-168776. Ticket prices for both events include fees and are subject to change. For additional information, visit AmericanFlatTrack.com.

Next Up The 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season will kick off with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA doubleheader at the DAYTONA Flat Track during Daytona’s Bike Week festivities. The twin short track races will take place at the “World Center of Racing” on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6.  To purchase tickets to the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack. After the season opener, America’s Original Extreme Sport will head north for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track at Senoia Raceway on March 21.  Tickets are available to the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track at https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-atlanta-short-track-165280 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 visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. FS1FOX Sports will provide in-depth coverage of the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA doubleheader featuring rider features and thrilling onboard cameras. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding premiere airdates on FS1 and re-airs on FS2. The full listing of American Flat Track’s television premieres will be posted to the AFT website at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.

DALLAS, TX (February 24, 2026) — Drag Race Bracket Bonanza (DRBB), the fan-favorite free bracket game played by NHRA fans, is excited to announce Summit Racing Equipment  will return as the plaque sponsor for all 20 national events in the 2026 season. Awarded to the overall, Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle top finishers and signed by the event winners the DRBB plaques have become one of the most prized pieces of drag race memorabilia each season. DRBB will also award Summit Racing Equipment gift certificates to winners for each national event, as well as The Majors Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals, the U.S. Nationals and the Overall Season Series. Additionally, DRBB will conduct random drawings and social media giveaways for other players throughout the season to receive gift certificates. Altogether, DRBB and Summit Racing Equipment will reward over 100 players with gift certificates throughout the 2026 season.   “Summit Racing Equipment was one of the first sponsors to support Drag Race Bracket Bonanza and seeing this program continue and grow is awesome,” said Elon Werner, Drag Race Bracket Bonanza creator. “The enthusiasm the thousands of players as well as all the NHRA drivers have shown for DRBB is very cool. Summit Racing Equipment is more than race car parts and I am so happy fans will get the chance to shop with one of the coolest companies supporting racers on and off the track.”   During the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, the Drag Race Bracket Bonanza website and fan emails will include Summit Racing Equipment branding, logos and weblinks. The top three finishers in the overall standings for the race will receive gift certificates totaling $150, $50 and $50, respectively. And the top three finishers in each class will also receive gift certificates totaling $50, $25, and $25, respectively.   “Seeing the continued popularity and fan engagement with Drag Race Bracket Bonanza, the opportunity for Summit Racing Equipment to stay involved with the fans, just made sense,” said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Motorsports and Events Manager. “We wanted to support as many elements as possible with an emphasis around our NHRA national event in Norwalk, of course, but we are looking forward to seeing a lot of winners receive and use Summit Racing Equipment gift certificates all season.”   At the conclusion of The Majors Series, a series comprised of the point totals from the Gatornationals, the Winternationals and the U.S. Nationals, the overall top finishers in points will each earn Summit Racing Equipment gift certificates and the top five finishers will also receive a one-of-a-kind The Majors trophy designed by Katie Buttera (@applegirlart).   Finally, at the conclusion of the 2026 Drag Race Bracket Bonanza season the top twenty overall finishers will receive $25 gift certificates. A complete list of the Summit Racing Equipment prize breakdowns can be found at www.dragracebracketbonanza.com in the Help section.   About Drag Race Bracket Bonanza Drag Race Bracket Bonanza is the first dynamic bracket competition for drag racing fans. Launched during the 2023 U.S. Nationals and improved for the 2024 season, fans could fill out brackets for all four professional categories at the conclusion of professional qualifying. The free game includes league play, text notifications and a robust stats package to make playing even easier for fans. Developed and owned by Werner G+E, Drag Race Bracket Bonanza is the first fan-centric offering from the Dallas-based production company.

DALLAS (February 24, 2026) — Hull Racing led by team owner and driver Buddy Hull will start the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series at the historic Gatornationals with new sponsor and marketing partner FS Performance and Sam Pack Ford on their 12,000-horspowered Funny Car. The design will mirror the 2025 high performance Mustang GT Premium that the dealership designed at the end of the year. The limited-edition Ford Mustang “Buddy Hull” specialty car is inspired by the same grit, attitude and adrenaline that drives his Nitro Funny Car program. Over the off-season Hull Racing led by crew chiefs Mike Guger and Matt Bynum have been preparing for the season opener.   “We are taking the opportunity to work with Sam Pack Ford and FS Performance to the next level,” said Hull. “It is one thing to have a car on display, but when you can put that car on the racetrack at the Gatornationals in front of the whole world of drag racing that will be so cool. I was able to be a part of the Mustang GT Premium design process and give them ideas on the performance levels of the Mustang as well as styling suggestions to make it very personal to my brand. I have been doing the same thing with Mike (Guger), Matt (Bynum) and the team on the big show Funny Car.”   FS Performance Funny Car will also carry the branding from Red Line Oil, Gates Belts, 360 Wraps and Hull’s main business Vertex General Contractors. The team will also be promoting Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull, the award-winning television show that will return for its third season in 2026.   “We are building this program with some amazing companies and marketing partners but really Vertex has been a huge part of my business success,” said Hull. “We had a record-setting year last year and we are off to a great start in 2026. The key will be balancing the racing and the business. It is coming together really well and I am excited to be working with Red Line Oil and Gates Belts we have some really cool programs in the works.”   The FS Performance Funny Car will be in Gainesville, Florida early for some pre-race testing with the rest of the Top Fuel and Funny Car teams. Hull will also be attending the Gatornationals FanFest at Josh Hart’s Burnyzz Speed Shop on Wednesday, March 4 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. signing autographs and taking photos with fans at this annual free pre-race event. Throughout the weekend of the Gatornationals Hull will be talking with fans and sponsors. The first qualifying passes will get underway on Friday, March 6 at 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. For more information on Buddy Hull visit www.HullRacing.com.

February 24, 2026

St. Petersburg, FL
12:00 PM ET Sunday, March 1, 2026
Live on Fox

What to Watch For in 2026

• Honda hopes to repeat: Honda had their best NTT INDYCAR SERIES season since the return of multi-manufacturer competition in 2012—winning twelve of 17 races and taking the manufacturers’, drivers’ and rookie of the year titles—as well as victory in the Indianapolis 500. The last time Honda managed a sweep of all three titles and the Indy 500 was in 2005. 
• Can anyone topple the #10 team: Alex Palou had a standout year in 2025, winning eight races, including the Indianapolis 500, en route to his third consecutive title and fourth in just five years at Chip Ganassi Racing.
• Big names and fresh faces: Amidst the musical chairs of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES silly season, some new and returning names will now be powered by Honda for the 2026 season. Two-time IndyCar Champion and the 2018 Indy 500 winner Will Power joins Andretti Global to replace the departing Colton Herta. Power will line up alongside 2022 ‘500’ winner Marcus Ericsson and a three-time race winner last year, Kyle Kirkwood. Mick Schumacher, former F1 driver and son of legend Michael Schumacher, joins Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for his rookie IndyCar season. And Dale Coyne Racing welcomes back former F1 driver Romain Grosjean to pair alongside reigning Indy NXT champion Dennis Hauger.
• Steady as she goes: Two of the five Honda-powered teams return with the exact same driver lineup for 2026. Chip Ganassi Racing will be running the familiar trio of Alex Palou, six-time IndyCar champ Scott Dixon and Kyffin Simpson. While their technical alliance partners, Meyer Shank Racing, will be looking to build on a strong 2025 season with the full-season pairing of Felix Rosenqvist and Marcus Armstrong.

Honda at St. Pete

• Honda-powered drivers have won 12 of the 21 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races at St. Petersburg since the event was revived for the 2005 season. The late Dan Wheldon led a Honda and Andretti Green Racing sweep of the top four positions in the inaugural 2005 event.
• Alex Palou kicked off his incredible 2025 championship run with a victory at St. Petersburg last season, finishing just ahead of teammate Scott Dixon in a Honda-powered 1-2.
• Other Honda winners on the streets of St. Petersburg include Marcus Ericsson in 2023; Colton Herta in 2021; Sebastian Bourdais in 2017-18; Dario Franchitti in 2011; Will Power in 2010; Ryan Briscoe in 2009; Graham Rahal in 2008; and Helio Castroneves in 2006 and ’07.           

2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Honda Lineup

Andretti Global	#26 Will Power (C) (I) (W)
	#27 Kyle Kirkwood (W)
#28 Marcus Ericsson (I) (W)
Chip Ganassi Racing	#8 Kyffin Simpson
	#9 Scott Dixon (C) (I) (W)
#10 Alex Palou (C) (I) (W)
Dale Coyne Racing	#18 Romain Grosjean
	#19 Dennis Hauger (R)
Meyer Shank Racing	#60 Felix Rosenqvist (W)
	#66 Marcus Armstrong
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing	#15 Graham Rahal (W)
	#45 Louis Foster
#47 Mick Schumacher (R)

C – Series Champion I – Indianapolis 500 winner W – Race Winner R – Series Rookie

Where to Watch

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Honda Message Points

• Release
• Photo

February 24, 2026

St. Petersburg, FL
12:00 PM ET Sunday, March 1, 2026
Live on Fox

What to Watch For in 2026

• Honda hopes to repeat: Honda had their best NTT INDYCAR SERIES season since the return of multi-manufacturer competition in 2012—winning twelve of 17 races and taking the manufacturers’, drivers’ and rookie of the year titles—as well as victory in the Indianapolis 500. The last time Honda managed a sweep of all three titles and the Indy 500 was in 2005. 
• Can anyone topple the #10 team: Alex Palou had a standout year in 2025, winning eight races, including the Indianapolis 500, en route to his third consecutive title and fourth in just five years at Chip Ganassi Racing.
• Big names and fresh faces: Amidst the musical chairs of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES silly season, some new and returning names will now be powered by Honda for the 2026 season. Two-time IndyCar Champion and the 2018 Indy 500 winner Will Power joins Andretti Global to replace the departing Colton Herta. Power will line up alongside 2022 ‘500’ winner Marcus Ericsson and a three-time race winner last year, Kyle Kirkwood. Mick Schumacher, former F1 driver and son of legend Michael Schumacher, joins Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing for his rookie IndyCar season. And Dale Coyne Racing welcomes back former F1 driver Romain Grosjean to pair alongside reigning Indy NXT champion Dennis Hauger.
• Steady as she goes: Two of the five Honda-powered teams return with the exact same driver lineup for 2026. Chip Ganassi Racing will be running the familiar trio of Alex Palou, six-time IndyCar champ Scott Dixon and Kyffin Simpson. While their technical alliance partners, Meyer Shank Racing, will be looking to build on a strong 2025 season with the full-season pairing of Felix Rosenqvist and Marcus Armstrong.

Honda at St. Pete

• Honda-powered drivers have won 12 of the 21 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races at St. Petersburg since the event was revived for the 2005 season. The late Dan Wheldon led a Honda and Andretti Green Racing sweep of the top four positions in the inaugural 2005 event.
• Alex Palou kicked off his incredible 2025 championship run with a victory at St. Petersburg last season, finishing just ahead of teammate Scott Dixon in a Honda-powered 1-2.
• Other Honda winners on the streets of St. Petersburg include Marcus Ericsson in 2023; Colton Herta in 2021; Sebastian Bourdais in 2017-18; Dario Franchitti in 2011; Will Power in 2010; Ryan Briscoe in 2009; Graham Rahal in 2008; and Helio Castroneves in 2006 and ’07.           

2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Honda Lineup

Andretti Global	#26 Will Power (C) (I) (W)
	#27 Kyle Kirkwood (W)
#28 Marcus Ericsson (I) (W)
Chip Ganassi Racing	#8 Kyffin Simpson
	#9 Scott Dixon (C) (I) (W)
#10 Alex Palou (C) (I) (W)
Dale Coyne Racing	#18 Romain Grosjean
	#19 Dennis Hauger (R)
Meyer Shank Racing	#60 Felix Rosenqvist (W)
	#66 Marcus Armstrong
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing	#15 Graham Rahal (W)
	#45 Louis Foster
#47 Mick Schumacher (R)

C – Series Champion I – Indianapolis 500 winner W – Race Winner R – Series Rookie

Where to Watch

• Television coverage of Sunday’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg starts at 12:00 PM ET on Fox.  Complete, flag-to-flag race coverage also will be available on the INDYCAR Radio Network, and SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation (Channel 160).
• Practice and qualifying for this weekends’ race will air on FS1 (Practice 2, Morning Warm Up) and FS2 (Practice 1, Qualifying).

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (February 24, 2026) – Matthew Brabham will be the driver of Chris Dyson Racing’s #16 GYM WEED Ford Mustang for all events on the Trans Am by Pirelli 2026 calendar. Chris Dyson, a three-time series champion whose 29 victories place him second on the all-time Trans Am winners list, will drive a second GYM WEED entry as his schedule permits. “I’ve known for a couple of years that at some point my business responsibilities would mean I wouldn’t be able to justify the time a full-season commitment demands,” Dyson said. “But the team deserves that level of effort behind the wheel.  Matty will be the team’s primary driver and will do all the races. I will drive the second car for those races that mesh with the rest of my schedule.  We have the capability of winning every race on the schedule and that’s the goal.” Brabham, who has raced for CD Racing on an as-needed basis since 2021, expressed optimism for the upcoming season. “First, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity Chris and the Dyson family have presented me,” Brabham said. “It’s an honor as I know just how good the team is. I know they will give me a potentially race-winning car every weekend. I also know that for those races where we have two entries I can expect a tough race with Chris.” Brabham’s Record with CD Racing Since 2021, when he substituted for Dyson in the season finale at Circuit of the Americas, Brabham has raced 14 times for CD Racing, winning eight times, including that first start in Texas five years ago. “Matty has always been there when we needed him” Dyson said. “He’s a championship-caliber driver and I’m pleased that CD Racing is providing him with the opportunity to bring our team its fourth Trans Am title and his first.” Brabham’s wins during his four seasons as CD Racing’s regular backup driver include: 2021 – At Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Brabham’s win underlined the team’s first championship 2022 – Leading home a team 1-2 finish at Mid-Ohio and at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) as part of a late-season winning streak for the team. Brabham scored a “last-to-first” drive after a mechanical issue in practice prevented him from posting a qualifying time. 2023 – Wins at the season opener at Sebring (CD Racing 1-2 finish) and at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Brabham led from start to finish. 2025 – Brabham secured three victories during the 2025 season, including Road Atlanta while Dyson recuperated from injuries suffered at the Sebring season-opener; Mid-Ohio where he led a dominant 1-2 finish for CD Racing, winning from the pole; and the season finale at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) with a 15-second margin of victory in  another spectacular, “last-to-first” 100-mile sprint. For more on Chris Dyson Racing. Sebring Schedule Qualifying takes place Saturday, February 28, 3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET The 100-mile race takes the green flag Sunday, March 1, at 9:45 a.m. ET Broadcast Schedule All Trans Am races are live-streamed on Racing America / Trans Am YouTube channel.

BATAVIA, Ohio (February 23, 2026) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated Most Popular Driver Contest, giving fans across the country the opportunity to vote for their favorite driver throughout the 2026 season. The annual contest celebrates the passion and loyalty of dirt racing fans while recognizing the drivers who make the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series one of the premier touring series in motorsports. Voting will take place online and will remain open through the final stretch of the season. The driver receiving the most fan votes will be officially crowned the Velocity Manufacturing Group Most Popular Driver at the year-end awards ceremony and will receive a $500 cash bonus. “Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series fans are some of the most dedicated in all of motorsports,” said Series Director Rick Schwallie. “The Velocity Manufacturing Group Most Popular Driver Contest gives them a direct voice in honoring the driver who has made the biggest impact on and off the track.” Velocity Manufacturing Group, a leader in high-performance racing components and fabrication solutions, becomes the title sponsor of the Most Popular Driver contest for the first time. “At Velocity Manufacturing Group, we’re proud to support the drivers and the fans who fuel this sport,” said Co-Owner Steve Maynard. “This contest is about celebrating the connection between competitors and the fans that support them week in and week out.” Fans can cast their votes by visiting the official Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series website and following the contest link. Voting will continue through December 1, 2025. To be eligible for the 2026 Velocity Manufacturing Group Most Popular Driver Award, a driver must maintain 100% attendance on the tour. Fans may vote for one (1) eligible driver per ballot submission. Voting is limited to one (1) vote per person. For the latest news, results, championship standings, and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, please visit LucasDirt.com. About Velocity Manufacturing GroupAt Velocity Manufacturing Group, our vision is clear: Use our skills, knowledge, and decades of experience in motorsports, aerospace, and defense to deliver high-quality, precision-manufactured products. Velocity Manufacturing Group is driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and reliability. Our goal is not just to participate in these industries, but to become a trusted supplier of precision manufacturing solutions, helping advance the next generation of aerospace, defense, and motorsports technologies. Visit Velocity Manufacturing Group online at VelocityMFG.com.

Voting Open for Velocity Manufacturing Group Most Popular Driver Contest

BATAVIA, Ohio (February 23, 2026) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated Most Popular Driver Contest, giving fans across the country the opportunity to vote for their favorite driver throughout the 2026 season. The annual contest celebrates the passion and loyalty of dirt racing fans while recognizing the drivers who make the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series one of the premier touring series in motorsports. Voting will take place online and will remain open through the final stretch of the season. The driver receiving the most fan votes will be officially crowned the Velocity Manufacturing Group Most Popular Driver at the year-end awards ceremony and will receive a $500 cash bonus. “Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series fans are some of the most dedicated in all of motorsports,” said Series Director Rick Schwallie. “The Velocity Manufacturing Group Most Popular Driver Contest gives them a direct voice in honoring the driver who has made the biggest impact on and off the track.” Velocity Manufacturing Group, a leader in high-performance racing components and fabrication solutions, becomes the title sponsor of the Most Popular Driver contest for the first time. “At Velocity Manufacturing Group, we’re proud to support the drivers and the fans who fuel this sport,” said Co-Owner Steve Maynard. “This contest is about celebrating the connection between competitors and the fans that support them week in and week out.” Fans can cast their votes by visiting the official Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series website and following the contest link. Voting will continue through December 1, 2025. To be eligible for the 2026 Velocity Manufacturing Group Most Popular Driver Award, a driver must maintain 100% attendance on the tour. Fans may vote for one (1) eligible driver per ballot submission. Voting is limited to one (1) vote per person. For the latest news, results, championship standings, and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, please visit LucasDirt.com. About Velocity Manufacturing GroupAt Velocity Manufacturing Group, our vision is clear: Use our skills, knowledge, and decades of experience in motorsports, aerospace, and defense to deliver high-quality, precision-manufactured products. Velocity Manufacturing Group is driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and reliability. Our goal is not just to participate in these industries, but to become a trusted supplier of precision manufacturing solutions, helping advance the next generation of aerospace, defense, and motorsports technologies. Visit Velocity Manufacturing Group online at VelocityMFG.com.

DRAG RACE BRACKET BONANZA LAUNCHES ‘MAJOR MOMENTS’ TO LET FANS DECIDE GREATEST MOMENTS IN NHRA HISTORY Season-long fan voting experience begins today with Top Fuel bracket DALLAS (February 23, 2026) — Drag Race Bracket Bonanza (DRBB), the free fantasy game built for NHRA fans, is launching an exciting new season-long feature for 2026: the Major Moments brackets, a fan-driven celebration of the most iconic events from 75 years of NHRA drag racing. Beginning today, DRBB will roll out seeded brackets featuring the Top 64 major moments in each professional class: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle.  Throughout the 2026 season, fans will vote to determine which moments advance, ultimately narrowing each class down to its ultimate moments. The season will culminate in a final Overall Bracket, where players will crown the single greatest moment in NHRA history, comprised of the top 16 finishers from the four classes fan selected brackets.   The first bracket, Top Fuel, is now open and will remain live through March 6, leading into the historic Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals.   After each bracket closes, DRBB will publicly release the fan-voted results, giving the NHRA community a chance to see how opinions stack up and fueling debate across the sport.   “Our goal is to bring fans into the conversation about the moments that define NHRA history,” said Elon Werner, creator of Drag Race Bracket Bonanza. “Every fan has their own list of unforgettable runs, upsets, records and championships. The Major Moments brackets give them a voice, and we’re excited to see the discussions, debates and passion it sparks all season long.”   The Major Moments schedule for 2026:Top Fuel Bracket: February 23 – March 6 (leading into the Gatornationals)Pro Stock Bracket: March 30 – April 10 (between the Arizona Nationals and the Winternationals)Pro Stock Motorcycle Bracket: May 18 – May 29 (between the Route 66 Nationals and the Potomac Nationals)Funny Car Bracket: June 29 – July 17 (between the Norwalk Nationals and the Sonoma Nationals)Overall Bracket: August 24 – September 5 (between the Brainerd Nationals and the U.S. Nationals)  The Major Moments brackets add a new layer of engagement to DRBB’s already popular free-to-play fantasy experience, giving fans a fun, ongoing reason to stay connected to the sport and to each other throughout the season. By releasing each round of fan voting publicly, DRBB hopes to ignite spirited conversations among friends, families and the broader NHRA community about what truly stands as the greatest moments in drag racing history.   Fans can begin voting in the Top Fuel Major Moments bracket today at DragRaceBracketBonanza.com. They can find an example video of the bracket on the DRBB YouTube channel.

Matt Covington Victorious in Sonoran Clash Night 2 at Central Arizona Raceway

CASA GRANDE, AZ (Feb. 22, 2026) — If there’s a fast top line around a dirt track, Matt Covington is sure to find it and use it to get to the front.

Covington, 36, of Glenpool, OK, blasted around the 3/8-mile oval of Central Arizona Raceway Sunday night en route to victory on night #2 of the American Sprint Car Series’ inaugural Sonoran Clash, making the pass on Kyler Johnson for the lead in the closing laps — reminiscent of their battle at I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park last September, which ended in similar fashion.

“I feel bad for those guys; those guys are my friends, and I’ve stole two from him,” Covington said. “They’re doing so good, and [Johnson’s] gonna get there, it’s just traffic — you get it with experience. I didn’t do a very good job of it last night.”

Saturday night’s winner Justin Peck took command of the race early from the pole, jumping out to a 2.5-second lead over Johnson in traffic. That was until the caution flag was thrown 14 laps in, erasing Peck’s deficit and restacking the field on his bumper for the restart. Or so it seemed.

As the lights on the pace truck went out and the field prepared to resume racing, Peck ducked into the infield with a flat right-front tire, surrendering the lead to Johnson with Whit Gastineau and Covington right on his heels.

On the restart, Johnson took off strong and built up a sizable lead as Covington got by Gastineau down the backstretch on Lap 18. Seven laps later, Covington had erased his gap of over 1.5 seconds to Johnson and drove into Turn 3 with great speed on the top side. Rounding the fourth corner with Johnson committed to the bottom lane, Covington zoomed past Johnson into the lead as he crossed the start/finish line to complete Lap 25.

Now with the top spot, Covington paraded the field around the final five circuits without challenge en route to the $6,000 payday and the 23rd Series victory of his career.

“I really can’t believe we won this thing tonight,” Covington said. “The car was great.”

“I feel like we’ve really got things figured out right now. We’ve been off. We kinda got our butts kicked at Volusia — it’s a different track, a tough track. But we got a good rebound, and the rest of the year is looking up for us.”

Johnson held on to finish second while 15-year-old Levi Hillier banked his first career national Sprint Car series podium with a third-place run.

Johnson was the fastest car of all 34 entrants in Qualifying with a lap time of 14.032.

Heat Races were won by Nick Parker, Matt Covington, Hank Davis and Ryder Laplante.

The Honest Abe Roofing Dash was won by Justin Peck, and the Smith Titanium Last Chance Showdown was won by Sterling Cling.

UP NEXT

The American Sprint Car Series is back in action at Central Arizona Raceway, Sat–Sun, Feb. 28–March 1, for the finale of the Sonoran Clash.

Tickets for the event will be sold at the gate. If you can’t attend, stream live on DIRTVision.

Matt Covington Victorious in Sonoran Clash Night 2 at Central Arizona Raceway

CASA GRANDE, AZ (Feb. 22, 2026) — If there’s a fast top line around a dirt track, Matt Covington is sure to find it and use it to get to the front.

Covington, 36, of Glenpool, OK, blasted around the 3/8-mile oval of Central Arizona Raceway Sunday night en route to victory on night #2 of the American Sprint Car Series’ inaugural Sonoran Clash, making the pass on Kyler Johnson for the lead in the closing laps — reminiscent of their battle at I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park last September, which ended in similar fashion.

“I feel bad for those guys; those guys are my friends, and I’ve stole two from him,” Covington said. “They’re doing so good, and [Johnson’s] gonna get there, it’s just traffic — you get it with experience. I didn’t do a very good job of it last night.”

Saturday night’s winner Justin Peck took command of the race early from the pole, jumping out to a 2.5-second lead over Johnson in traffic. That was until the caution flag was thrown 14 laps in, erasing Peck’s deficit and restacking the field on his bumper for the restart. Or so it seemed.

As the lights on the pace truck went out and the field prepared to resume racing, Peck ducked into the infield with a flat right-front tire, surrendering the lead to Johnson with Whit Gastineau and Covington right on his heels.

On the restart, Johnson took off strong and built up a sizable lead as Covington got by Gastineau down the backstretch on Lap 18. Seven laps later, Covington had erased his gap of over 1.5 seconds to Johnson and drove into Turn 3 with great speed on the top side. Rounding the fourth corner with Johnson committed to the bottom lane, Covington zoomed past Johnson into the lead as he crossed the start/finish line to complete Lap 25.

Now with the top spot, Covington paraded the field around the final five circuits without challenge en route to the $6,000 payday and the 23rd Series victory of his career.

“I really can’t believe we won this thing tonight,” Covington said. “The car was great.”

“I feel like we’ve really got things figured out right now. We’ve been off. We kinda got our butts kicked at Volusia — it’s a different track, a tough track. But we got a good rebound, and the rest of the year is looking up for us.”

Johnson held on to finish second while 15-year-old Levi Hillier banked his first career national Sprint Car series podium with a third-place run.

Johnson was the fastest car of all 34 entrants in Qualifying with a lap time of 14.032.

Heat Races were won by Nick Parker, Matt Covington, Hank Davis and Ryder Laplante.

The Honest Abe Roofing Dash was won by Justin Peck, and the Smith Titanium Last Chance Showdown was won by Sterling Cling.

UP NEXT

The American Sprint Car Series is back in action at Central Arizona Raceway, Sat–Sun, Feb. 28–March 1, for the finale of the Sonoran Clash.

Tickets for the event will be sold at the gate. If you can’t attend, stream live on DIRTVision.

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 95-Matt Covington[6]; 2. 45X-Kyler Johnson[2]; 3. 26R-Levi Hillier[4]; 4. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[19]; 5. 7-Brock Zearfoss[11]; 6. 88R-Ryder Laplante[7]; 7. 2-Whit Gastineau[5]; 8. 88N-DJ Netto[15]; 9. 15-Nick Parker[8]; 10. 23-Seth Bergman[9]; 11. 7C-Colby Copeland[16]; 12. 31BW-Braxton Weger[14]; 13. 11J-Wyatt Miller[12]; 14. 88C-Brogan Carder[24]; 15. 2J-Zach Blurton[10]; 16. 2B-Garrett Benson[22]; 17. 88-Terry Easum[23]; 18. 23N-Skylar Gee[18]; 19. 77X-Alex Hill[13]; 20. 16G-Austyn Gossel[20]; 21. 26-Justin Peck[1]; 22. 34-Sterling Cling[17]; 23. 17GP-Hank Davis[3]; 24. 22-Garen Linder[21]

Event: Autotrader 400Location: EchoPark Speedway, Hampton, GeorgiaDate: Sunday, February 22, 2026Start: 10thFinish: 38th Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team showed early speed in Sunday’s Autotrader 400 at EchoPark Speedway near Atlanta before being swept up in a multi-car crash shortly after the start of Stage 2. The damage sustained in the Lap 82 incident was too severe for the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Dark Horse to continue, resulting in a 38th-place finish. Berry started 10th and quickly established himself as a contender, running inside the top five and climbing as high as second during Stage 1. The promising start, however, unraveled early in the second segment and dropped him from 13th to 25th in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings. “It looked like I faded up a little bit to give the 20 room, and Ty [Gibbs] went to make a move it looked like and we got together,” Berry said. “It’s just a racing deal at Atlanta.” Berry said it’s unfortunate to drop out of a race so early. “In this style of racing I think all of us just want to make it out with a decent finish,” he said. “We were able to do that last week [in the Daytona 500], and we were able to do that in the Duel, but not so lucky this time.” Despite the result, Berry was encouraged by the overall pace of his Mustang. “I felt like I was really strong at the beginning,” he said. “We got pretty tight at the end of the first run and tried to make it better. We probably made it worse at the start of [the second Stage]…You lose a little bit of track position, and your car handles so much worse that it’s hard to tell. That’s why we all race so hard to stay up front…because the cars drive so bad in mid-pack, but yet you have no choice. “Overall, the guys did a good job. We had a really good car here last year. I think we have a little bit of work to do coming back here in the summer, but overall, the guys do a really good job here.” Berry and the Wood Brothers team now shift their focus to next Sunday’s DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas.

Chastain Leads Chevrolet to Four Top-Six Finishes in Overtime Finish at EchoPark Speedway

In an overtime attempt, it was Team Chevy’s Ross Chastain that drove his No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet to a third-place finish – marking his first top-five finish of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The 33-year-old Alva, Florida, native led the Bowtie brigade to four top-six results with Spire Motorsports Carson Hocevar and Daniel Suarez in the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, and Trackhouse Racing Shane van Gisbergen in sixth.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Race Recap: With rain washing out yesterday’s qualifying session for the NASCAR Cup Series, the starting lineup was set by the rulebook – putting Team Chevy’s Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Chase Elliott on the second row to lead the Bowtie brigade to the green-flag at EchoPark Speedway. The beginning laps of Stage One saw the majority of the field settle into their double-file formation. But it was Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar that quickly started to make a march through the field – sitting among the top-five of the race’s biggest movers as the No. 77 made his first appearance in the top-10 within just the first 10 laps of the race. But the run went south at the midway point of the opening stage when Hocevar tagged the wall – quickly losing positions before the Michigan native opted to hit pit road with the threat of a tire going down. The 60-lap stage went on caution-free with the reigning champion, Kyle Larson, turning a 16th-place starting position into a battle for the stage win with a pair of his Hendrick Motorsports teammates, with the California native ultimately leading the Chevrolet camp to the first green-white checkered flag in the third position. Among the five Team Chevy drivers that earned points in the opening stage included rookie Connor Zilisch, who made an impressive charge through the field from 31st to a ninth-place result in Stage One.  Following a podium result in Stage One, the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet picked up two positions to win the race off pit road – inheriting a front-row position to start the next 100-lap run. With the first natural caution of the day falling at Lap 82 and sitting within the fuel window, the majority of the field hit pit road for a gas-and-go stop. Maintaining a position in the top-five throughout much of Stage Two, Larson put his No. 5 Chevrolet in prime position for the battle for the stage win. But a fight to the line saw Larson make contact with the No. 97 that ultimately saw his hopes for his first drafting-track win come to an end.  Two-time EchoPark Speedway winner, William Byron, entered the final run of the race with a pair of back-to-back top-four stage points. With the gamble for four tires called by new crew chief, Brandon McSwain, the fresh set paid early dividends for the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team with Ross Chastain making a quick climb back into the top-five with 50 laps to go. With multiple players battling for the lead, a multi-car incident mid-pack led to an overtime attempt to finish the 400-mile event. Leading the Bowtie brigade to the green-flag was the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet of Carson Hocevar, who made the ultimate rebound from his Stage One troubles to a true contender for the win. Lining up for a second overtime attempt saw Hocevar take the outside lane of the front-row with a pair of Team Chevy drivers, Chastain and Daniel Suarez, in tow. But it was Chastain that was able to maneuver his Chevrolet-powered machine up to the third position on the final lap to lead the manufacturer to the checkered-flag.

Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 ResultsPos.     Driver 3rd – Ross Chastain4th – Carson Hocevar5th – Daniel Suarez6th – Shane van Gisbergen Chevrolet’s season statistics with two NASCAR Cup Series races complete: Wins: 0Poles: 1Top-Fives: 5Top 10s: 6Stage Wins: 0

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Circuit of The Americas with the DuraMax Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne on Sunday, March 1, at 3:30 P.M. ET. Live coverage can be found on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

NASCAR Cup SeriesEchoPark SpeedwayAutotrader 400Team Chevy Post-Race ReportFebruary 22, 2026

Chastain Leads Chevrolet to Four Top-Six Finishes in Overtime Finish at EchoPark Speedway

In an overtime attempt, it was Team Chevy’s Ross Chastain that drove his No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet to a third-place finish – marking his first top-five finish of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The 33-year-old Alva, Florida, native led the Bowtie brigade to four top-six results with Spire Motorsports Carson Hocevar and Daniel Suarez in the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, and Trackhouse Racing Shane van Gisbergen in sixth.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Race Recap: With rain washing out yesterday’s qualifying session for the NASCAR Cup Series, the starting lineup was set by the rulebook – putting Team Chevy’s Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Chase Elliott on the second row to lead the Bowtie brigade to the green-flag at EchoPark Speedway. The beginning laps of Stage One saw the majority of the field settle into their double-file formation. But it was Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar that quickly started to make a march through the field – sitting among the top-five of the race’s biggest movers as the No. 77 made his first appearance in the top-10 within just the first 10 laps of the race. But the run went south at the midway point of the opening stage when Hocevar tagged the wall – quickly losing positions before the Michigan native opted to hit pit road with the threat of a tire going down. The 60-lap stage went on caution-free with the reigning champion, Kyle Larson, turning a 16th-place starting position into a battle for the stage win with a pair of his Hendrick Motorsports teammates, with the California native ultimately leading the Chevrolet camp to the first green-white checkered flag in the third position. Among the five Team Chevy drivers that earned points in the opening stage included rookie Connor Zilisch, who made an impressive charge through the field from 31st to a ninth-place result in Stage One.  Following a podium result in Stage One, the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet picked up two positions to win the race off pit road – inheriting a front-row position to start the next 100-lap run. With the first natural caution of the day falling at Lap 82 and sitting within the fuel window, the majority of the field hit pit road for a gas-and-go stop. Maintaining a position in the top-five throughout much of Stage Two, Larson put his No. 5 Chevrolet in prime position for the battle for the stage win. But a fight to the line saw Larson make contact with the No. 97 that ultimately saw his hopes for his first drafting-track win come to an end.  Two-time EchoPark Speedway winner, William Byron, entered the final run of the race with a pair of back-to-back top-four stage points. With the gamble for four tires called by new crew chief, Brandon McSwain, the fresh set paid early dividends for the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team with Ross Chastain making a quick climb back into the top-five with 50 laps to go. With multiple players battling for the lead, a multi-car incident mid-pack led to an overtime attempt to finish the 400-mile event. Leading the Bowtie brigade to the green-flag was the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet of Carson Hocevar, who made the ultimate rebound from his Stage One troubles to a true contender for the win. Lining up for a second overtime attempt saw Hocevar take the outside lane of the front-row with a pair of Team Chevy drivers, Chastain and Daniel Suarez, in tow. But it was Chastain that was able to maneuver his Chevrolet-powered machine up to the third position on the final lap to lead the manufacturer to the checkered-flag.

Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 ResultsPos.     Driver 3rd – Ross Chastain4th – Carson Hocevar5th – Daniel Suarez6th – Shane van Gisbergen Chevrolet’s season statistics with two NASCAR Cup Series races complete: Wins: 0Poles: 1Top-Fives: 5Top 10s: 6Stage Wins: 0

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Circuit of The Americas with the DuraMax Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne on Sunday, March 1, at 3:30 P.M. ET. Live coverage can be found on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Post-Race Driver Quotes: Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 3rd“I needed the No. 19 (Chase Briscoe) to not push the No. 45 (Tyler Reddick) into Turn One there, but he followed him because that was his best bet. And then the No. 45 pulled us down the backstretch like supersonic. That was insane how fast that car with the damage pulled the lane down the backstretch. We were all wide-open and we couldn’t gain anything.  We needed to be turning better with our No. 1 Wendy’s Chevy today. We were just a little too tight in traffic, and then even in clean air, we were scrubbing the fronts too much. We were never quite good enough to get control of the race. We’re always trying to cycle forward. Brandon McSwain (crew chief) made some great calls from the pit box.”   Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 29th “Our Morgan & Morgan Chevrolet was plenty fast to have a great finish today but we ended up with damage in Stage 2. I was in the middle line following my teammate, Kyle Busch, and all of the sudden someone clipped me. We spent the rest of the race salvaging what we could, and our Richard Boswell-led team did a great job making adjustments to give us a shot at a decent finish. Unfortunately, we got clipped again in the closing laps of the race. It was just wrong place, wrong time. I hate it for our No. 3 team and everyone at RCR, ECR and CT Springs because they are putting in the work. We will keep focusing on what we can control and hopefully the luck turns.”   Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletSidelined by damage sustained in an accident coming to the green-white checkered flag to end Stage Two. Finished: 32nd“I just messed up. I knew the No. 45 (Tyler Reddick) was inside of me at one point of the corner, but I got clear of him. I didn’t quite realize that the No. 97 (Shane van Gisbergen) had gotten inside of him. So once I was clear, I just wanted to cut distance and short-cut my way to the stage finish. The No. 97 was out of my mirror. I just hung a quick left and ran right into him. There was nothing anyone else did wrong, it was all on me.  I hate it for this No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet team. We had a great Chevy. I felt like up until that point, I was doing a pretty good job. As always, we’re just trying to build our notebook up on these places. I know we crashed, but I feel like we are still getting better and better when we come to drafting tracks, especially here at Atlanta.”    Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 5th “Honestly, I thought we were in an amazing spot for that last restart. The No. 77 (Carson Hocevar) was leading the top lane and the No. 1 (Ross Chastain) was in front of me. I thought we were in a beautiful spot to make it work. The No. 97 (Shane van Gisbergen) was on my left side and pushed me wide. I felt like that broke down the top lane a little bit. I’m not sure, but I feel like we could have done a little bit better. I feel like we gave that one away because we were in the perfect spot.  But overall, I’m very, very proud of everyone at Spire Motorsports. I couldn’t be prouder, honestly. This team just continues to fight; continues to show up and continues to get better. They never doubt that we can make the car better. I can’t thank everyone at Chevrolet and the Hendrick Engine Shop for the power under the hood. We just need to keep cleaning a few things up to keep getting better, but very excited for the start of the season.”   Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletSidelined by damage sustained in an accident in Stage TwoFinished: 34th  “I just didn’t have the best of exits off of Turn Two and I was a little crooked getting to the wall. I just got rammed by the No. 4 (Noah Gragson); no check-up or anything. He didn’t give me an opportunity to make sure I was straight before hitting me or get into me gently to just try and get the momentum back going again. He just drove right through me. It sucks for this No. 8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet team and everyone at Richard Childress Racing. I thought we had a really good Chevy. We definitely would have finished better than where we were.”   William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 28th “I just didn’t have much grip, so I was searching for air and got loose. It was on me. I was just pushing hard and had to kind of put myself in some weird spots. I didn’t have any steering, so the further I got down the track, I just kept turning to the right. When I slowed down, I was just hoping I could get back to pit road, but then I got clocked.  It was a wild race. It was getting really wild there at the end. I felt like I was in a good spot to at least get a good finish. I don’t think I was going to be able to lead with the damage I had, but I was just trying to mix myself into the top-five. I think I was probably fifth or sixth there. It was crazy, but nothing out of the ordinary, really. Overall, I enjoyed it. Our No. 24 Raptor Chevrolet was pretty good all day.”   Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports ChevroletSidelined by damage sustained in an accident in Stage Two. Finished: 35th “I couldn’t really see a lot in front of me. All of a sudden, the No. 35 (Riley Herbst) turned sideways in front of us. I locked up my brakes as hard as I could, but our No. 47 Chef Boyardee Chevy just came to a stop. We were having some fueling issues and that’s just what kind of got us back further than where we wanted to be. We’ll have to go take a look at that. But I was having a blast. It’s a lot of fun out there. We made a few changes that I felt made our Chevy way better. We worked our way back up there in the later part of Stage Two, so bummed how it ended. We’ll regroup and get ready for COTA.”   Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 4th “I was really happy with this No. 77 Spectrum Chevrolet. Our car was really fast to go from two laps down to getting stage points and finishing fourth. Overall, it was a good points day for us. I was taking every run I could. I’m sure I owe people apologies, but I think we’re all battling for spaces and runs. At the end, all four tires were straight. My toe was knocked out, but it was still pretty fast. Pretty excited about a strong start to the season.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletSidelined by damage sustained in an accident in the final stage. Finished: 30th“I couldn’t see much, really. I was behind the No. 48 (Alex Bowman). He checked up and I just didn’t quite have enough time to check up. I couldn’t see what was going on in front of the No. 48. He had a gap in front of him and he could see it. It’s unfortunate for the No. 88 Tootsies Orchid Lounge Chevrolet team. We were making moves and getting up towards the front. It’s just unfortunate for it to end like that.”