NASCAR / ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Mexico & Berlin)

Winners: Shane van Gisbergen (Cup); Daniel Suarez (Xfinity); plus Treyten Lapcevich (ARCA)

Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and Berlin Raceway

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 

NASCAR Cup

Shane van Gisbergen Triumphs in Inaugural Cup Series Race in Mexico City

 

An overcast sky and early afternoon drizzle could not dampen the enthusiasm or energy of the huge crowd at Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez Sunday for the first points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race outside the United States in half a century.

 

And they were not disappointed.

 

As he did at another NASCAR “inaugural race” — on the streets of Chicago two years ago in his national series debut — New Zealander Shane van Gisbergen, 36, prevailed again. This time, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, he claimed a huge 16.567-second victory over Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell in the Viva Mexico 250 – the largest margin of victory in the Cup Series since Texas in November 2009.

 

The three-time Australian Supercars champion van Gisbergen — in his first full-time season at the NASCAR Cup Series level — won pole position and led 60 of the race’s 100 laps, including the final 32, easily pulling away from the field to claim his first ever provisional berth in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs with the win. He extended his margin of victory by nearly a second in each of the final five laps.

 

“What a week. I’ve really enjoyed myself here, but felt like rubbish this morning,” said van Gisbergen, whose victory was only his second top-10 finish of the season.

 

“Our car was amazing,” he added. “The 54 [Ty Gibbs] was close, but that last stint, what a pleasure, just ripping lap after lap and watching them get smaller in the mirror.”

 

Call that the Kiwi Kick. 🏉 pic.twitter.com/EIhmK6k3K3

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 16, 2025

Pole: Shane van Gisbergen

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET for the The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.COM at Pocono Raceway.

NASCAR Xfinity

Daniel Suárez Scores Massive Xfinity Series Win at Home in Mexico City

 

In all his high hopes and hard work over the last year to promote NASCAR’s return to his home country of Mexico, even Daniel Suárez could not have imagined the amazing story of his dramatic win in Saturday’s The Chilango 150 — coming from last place on the grid in a backup car and charging to Victory Lane.

 

After victory spinouts, the 33-year-old native from Monterrey, Mexico climbed out of his No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, stood on the car’s roof, pounded his chest and pointed upward to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez grandstands — shouting to the thrilled crowd in his native Spanish and thanking his loyal fans for their support.

 

“It’s everything I was looking for, just a special day,” said an emotional Suárez, the 2016 Xfinity Series champion, who led a race-best 19 of the race’s 65 laps and beat Taylor Gray to the checkered flag by .598 seconds in a backup car the team rebuilt after he crashed in the morning qualifying session.

 

“It’s a very special day, very, very special to be here in front of my people, all these people that have supported me for many, many years and known me since my NASCAR Mexico days, now I’m fighting with the big boys,” said Suárez who was forced to use the “international provisional” starting position after his incident in qualifying.

 

Así se vive la emoción por @Daniel_SuarezG en el NASCAR Mexico City Weekend. 🇲🇽 🙌🏻
¡Recuerda que hoy veremos competir al piloto en la primera carrera de NASCAR Cup Series en México! 🔥 Últimos boletos: https://t.co/SYDqvcUDNG 📲#NASCARMexico #NASCARMexicoCity pic.twitter.com/AsMQE1Pyej

— NASCAR México (@NASCARMexico_) June 15, 2025

Pole: Connor Zilisch

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 3:30 pm ET for the Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 at Pocono Raceway.

NASCAR Trucks

The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Did Not Race This Weekend.

We're back in America's motorsport, the HEMI® V8 is back, and we ain't here to mess around. LFG. pic.twitter.com/H6EqU5d1VN

— Ram Trucks (@RamTrucks) June 8, 2025

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 5:00 pm ET for the MillerTech Battery 200 at Pocono Raceway.

ARCA Series

Treyten Lapcevich Secures Dominant First ARCA Menards Series Victory at Berlin

 

When the 2025 season began for Treyten Lapcevich, he knew it was important to capitalize on every available opportunity.

 

A third-place showing for the Canadian driver at Phoenix Raceway earlier this year reinforced his belief that he could excel in the United States. The ride with Venturini Motorsports that evening was only for one race, which left Lapcevich waiting for the next moment to showcase his talent in the ARCA Menards Series. 

 

Nitro Motorsports provided Lapcevich with a chance in Saturday’s Berlin ARCA 200 at Berlin Raceway, one he didn’t let go to waste. Leading every lap from the pole, Lapcevich faced minimal opposition from the field and easily cruised to Victory Lane in his second ARCA Menards Series appearance.

 

“I don’t even know what to say,” Lapcevich said. “A big thanks to Nitro Motorsports. [My crew chief] Shannon [Rusch] and the guys had this thing hooked up. I haven’t been in the seat a whole lot this year and these guys came together and made this possible for me. A huge thanks to Nitro for truly giving me a rocket ship.”

 

✅ First win for @TreytenL!
✅ First win for @racewithnitro! pic.twitter.com/jM7t5sY6p5

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) June 15, 2025

Pole: Treyten Lapcevich

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 8:14 p.m. CT for the Shore Lunch 250 Presented By Dutch Boy at Elko Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

Lucas Oil Partners with RCR and Kyle Busch for NASCAR’s Historic Return to International Racing in Mexico City

Decade-Long Technical Partnership with RCR and ECR Engines Key to Tackling Demanding High-Altitude Track Conditions at NASCAR’s First International Points Race in Nearly 70 Years

 

Lucas Oil, the leader in high-performance lubricants and a long-time partner of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), will brandish its iconic blue livery as the primary sponsor for RCR’s No. 8 Chevrolet, driven by two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, for the upcoming Viva México 250 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City on Sunday, June 15.

 

This highly anticipated race marks the first points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race held outside the United States since 1958, showcasing NASCAR's commitment to expanding its international presence. At 7,350 feet above sea level, the 2.674-mile circuit places extraordinary strain on engines, cooling systems and lubricants, robbing naturally aspirated Cup engines of up to a quarter of their horsepower, while pushing fluid temperatures higher than teams typically see at other tracks.

 

“We’re always excited to push the envelope with Kyle and RCR, and Mexico City presents an ultimate test of endurance and performance, which is exactly the kind of challenge where Lucas Oil’s products shine,” said Brandon Bernstein, Director of Partnership Marketing for Lucas Oil. “This is one of the most extreme racing circuits in the world - the significant elevation expectantly reduces engine power and for the same reason managing braking and engine heat becomes even more critical. On top of all that, teams must adjust aerodynamics within NASCAR specs to account for the thinner air and reduced downforce. It’s in demanding conditions like these where our race-proven products can help teams succeed. We can’t wait to see the RCR team in action.”

 

Over the past decade, Lucas Oil and ECR have collaborated to develop proprietary, race-day engine oils engineered to maintain optimal viscosity and performance even under extreme conditions — such as reduced air density, thinner oxygen levels and higher engine temperatures expected in Mexico City.

 

“With the extreme altitude in Mexico City, the demands on our engines will be unlike anything we’ve seen this season. Having Lucas Oil’s expertise and products in our corner gives us great confidence heading into this historic race,” said Bob Fisher, senior vice president of ECR. “We are more than up for the challenge and thrilled to be back racing at the Autódromo in front of an international fanbase and showcasing high performance racing engines on a global stage.”

 

Fans can watch Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet compete at the Viva México 250 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Sunday, June 15, with the race broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.

 

¡Vamos a México!@bootbarn | @Lucas_Oil | @WhelenEng | @WhelenMTRS | @BennettFamilyCo | #Drive4Bennett pic.twitter.com/jenchwSymJ

— RCR (@RCRracing) June 10, 2025

 

source: RCR PR

About the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

NASCAR Cup Series will race for points next week on an international land for the first time in nearly 67 years.

Pedro and Ricardo Rodriguez

 

Located in Mexico City, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a 4.304 km circuit bearing the name of two iconic racing drivers, Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez.  The circuit earned its title after the untimely death of Ricardo during a practice session for the non-Championship 1962 Mexican Grand Prix. Sadly, nine years later, Pedro also lost his life while racing.

 

When the brothers — Pedro, twenty-one and Ricardo then just nineteen — paired up in the 1,000 Kilometers of Paris in 1961 to clinch one of their first major grand-touring victories, a trio of festive mariachi muchachos serenaded their steel-gray Ferrari at the finish, strumming guitars in their sombreros as they straddled the straw-bale trackside barrier.

 

Years later, Pedro Rodríguez became the first Mexican driver to win a Formula One race, realizing one of his lifelong dreams in the 1967 South African Grand Prix. The triumph was a singular feat for decades until countryman Sergio Pérez’s F1 breakthrough in 2020.

 

“I felt an immense satisfaction for Mexico,” Pedro Rodríguez, the elder of the two brothers, said post-race. “On the victory lap, tears started to flow from my eyes.”

 

What happened next amid the fanfare nearly prompted Rodríguez to choke on his victory champagne. After the young driver rose to the top step of the podium, the band assembled trackside realized it did not know the Mexican national anthem. Instead, the musicians improvised by playing a tune called Jarabe Tapatío, or as it’s known in English, the “Mexican Hat Dance.” According to legend, Rodríguez always traveled with a recording of Himno Nacional Mexicano from that point forward.

 

That pride lives on in the circuit that bears their names.

 

El Autódormo Hnos. Rodríguez cada vez más cerca del NASCAR Mexico City Weekend. 🔥 🇲🇽#nascar #nascarmexico #ah pic.twitter.com/vN3q5XxRrp

— Autodromo Hnos. Rodriguez (@autodromohr) June 9, 2025

Get out your google translation app - NASCAR Cup Series will race for points next week on an international land for the first time in nearly 67 years.

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR / ARCA Michigan Race Weekend Recap

Winners: Denny Hamlin (Cup); Stewart Friesen (Trucks) plus Brenden Queen (ARCA)

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 

NASCAR Cup

Denny Hamlin Manages Michigan Mileage, Seals Third Cup Series Win of Season

 

Denny Hamlin landed his third victory of the NASCAR Cup Series season, coming out ahead in a fuel-mileage contest Sunday afternoon at Michigan International Speedway.

Hamlin led just five of the 200 laps in Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400, guiding the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to a 1.099-second margin of victory. His third win at the 2-mile Michigan track was the 57th of his Cup Series career.

 

Chris Buescher placed second in the No. 17 RFK Racing Ford. Ty Gibbs wound up third with Bubba Wallace fourth and Kyle Larson completing the top five.

 

“No, not really,” Hamlin said, insisting he wasn’t overly worried about running out of fuel in the closing laps. “I wanted to get the lead, and obviously he [Byron] was doing a really good job defending.

“Sorry, but I beat your favorite driver,” a grinning Hamlin – in his 701st career series start – addressed the rowdy Michigan crowd.

“This whole team just stepped up,” he said. “Great job. We’ve been so fast this entire year, just haven’t finished it for one reason or another, so it feels good to come to Michigan, where we’ve been so close the last couple of years. 

“Such a gratifying day to restart 11th or 12th and charge to the front,” added Hamlin, who has now won multiple races in the last seven consecutive seasons.

You nailed that note, @dennyhamlin. 🎤 pic.twitter.com/sDVUzFzTnj

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 8, 2025

Pole: Chase Briscoe

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 3:00 pm ET for the Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

NASCAR Xfinity

Xfinity Series Did Not Race This Weekend.

NEXT WEEK!

The @NASCAR_Xfinity Series travels south of the border to Mexico City for the first time in 17 years 🇲🇽

Saturday, June 14 at 4 pm ET on The CW! pic.twitter.com/Ki4vHg1cD0

— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) June 4, 2025

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 4:30 pm ET for the The Chilango 150 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

NASCAR Trucks

Stewart Friesen Snaps 72-Race Winless Streak in Truck Series at Michigan

 

Stewart Friesen hoisted his first trophy of the season in Saturday afternoon’s triple overtime DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 at Michigan International Speedway — a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series vrace that didn’t want to end, ultimately featuring 14 extra laps.

 

The victory snapped a 72-race winless streak for the Canadian driver Friesen, who had not been among the race’s front-runners all day but was where he needed to be when it counted, collecting his first trophy since 2022 at Texas Motor Speedway. His No. 52 Halmar Friesen Racing Toyota beat Grant Enfinger’s Chevrolet by 0.111 seconds.

 

With most drivers opting for the outside row for lane choice on the final restart, Friesen moved up and took the inside position on the front row alongside Enfinger. The two of them dueled it out over the next two overtime laps to settle the trophy. Neither had a win this season coming into the race.

 

“I don’t know what to say, thank you to Chris, Halmar and all these sponsors and all these race fans, I know there’s a lot of Canadians and a lot of Americans,” Friesen said as the crowd began a huge roar of approval for the 41-year-old Ontario native as he celebrated his fourth career win.

 

With @StewartFriesen's return to Victory Lane today, he has snapped a 72-race winless streak! pic.twitter.com/NMtzMrBsk5

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) June 7, 2025

Pole: Luke Fenhaus

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 5:00 pm ET for the MillerTech Battery 200 at Pocono Raceway.

ARCA

Brenden Queen Fends Off Corey Heim for 3rd ARCA Menards Series Victory of 2025

 

Earning another ARCA Menards Series checkered flag on Friday evening required Brenden Queen to put on a defensive clinic.

 

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Corey Heim, a late addition to Friday’s race, was a constant presence in Queen’s rearview mirror during the closing stages of the Henry Ford Health 200 at Michigan International Speedway. The only things Queen could do were break the draft and dump as much dirty air on Heim’s front bumper as he could.

 

Queen withstood Heim’s spirited charge to claim his third ARCA Menards Series victory across seven career starts. The final laps featured plenty of stress and included contact with Gio Ruggiero on the final restart, but the always jovial Queen was elated to celebrate a win in his first trip to Michigan.

 

“I have so much respect for [Heim] and Gio [Ruggiero],” Queen said. ‘What happened with me and Gio going into [turn] three [on the last restart], I’m not sure if I turned in early. If it was my fault, I’m sorry. We were racing for the win there.”

 

“I knew I was going to have to hold off Heim Time there, but it’s Bean Nation time tonight!”

 

Very special to get our third win of the season at @MISpeedway.

Just shows how hard this @RacePRG team works back at the shop week after week. https://t.co/Ru0VmDUA8A

— Brenden Queen (@03Butterbean) June 7, 2025

Pole: Brenden Queen*

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 7 pm EST for the Berlin ARCA 200 at Berlin Raceway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

Weekend Weather for Michigan International Speedway

The ARCA,  Truck and Cup series will be racing at Michigan International Speedway this weekend on three consecutive days. Below is the weather report for the event.

 

Friday, June 6, 2025

Cloudy with a high of 76 degrees and winds from the east-northeast at 5 to 10 mph. It’s expected to be 74 degrees with a 6% chance of rain at the start of the ARCA race.

 

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Cloudy with a high of 76 degrees and light winds. It’s expected to be 71 degrees with a 2% chance of rain at the start of the Truck race

 

Sunday, June 8 , 2025

Partly cloudy with a chance for a shower or thunderstorm and a high of 77 degrees and winds from the south at 5 to 10 mph. It’s expected to be 74 degrees with a 15% chance of rain at the start of the Cup race

 

Noon Update 🚨 https://t.co/I61wyFvmbA

— NASCARWX (@nascarwxfcst) June 6, 2025

 

source: NBC Sports Media

Race Schedule (#NASCAR & #ARCA) – Michigan International Speedway

Friday – ARCA; Saturday – Trucks; Sunday - Cup

 

Michigan International Speedway will play host to the NASCAR Cup, Truck and ARCA series this weekend as NASCAR racing on the 2-mile oval returns to June for the first time in six years.

 

Since dropping to one annual Cup race weekend in 2020, Michigan had held its races in August. The most recent winner of a late spring race at the track was Joey Logano on June 10, 2019.

 

Friday, June 6, 2025

Garage Open

• 12:30 - 5:30 p.m. — Cup Series
• 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. — Truck Series
• 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. — ARCA

Track Activity

• 1 - 1:50 p.m. — Truck Series practice
• 2 - 2:50 p.m. — ARCA practice
• 3:05 - 3:25 p.m. — ARCA qualifying (FS1)
• 5 p.m. — ARCA race (100 laps, 200 miles; FS2, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Garage Open

• 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Cup
• 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. — Truck

Track Activity

• 8:05 - 9 a.m. — Truck qualifying (FS1)
• 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. — Cup practice (Prime, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
• 10:40 - 11:30 a.m. — Cup qualifying (Prime, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
• 12 p.m. — Truck race (125 laps, 250 miles, Stage 1 at Lap 30, Stage 2 at Lap 60; Fox, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Sunday, June 8 , 2025

Garage Open

• 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. — Cup

Track Activity

• 2 p.m. — Cup race (200 laps, 400 miles, Stage 1 at Lap 45, Stage 2 at Lap 120; Prime, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

(All Times Eastern)

#FireKeepersCasino400 | #DQS250 | #HFH200 pic.twitter.com/gImNCLz0IL

— Michigan International Speedway (@MISpeedway) June 2, 2025

 

source: NBC Sports Media

Henry Ford Health 200 at Michigan International Speedway Schedule

ARCA Menard Series

 

The ARCA Menards Series' annual visit to Michigan International Speedway never fails to deliver what such a massive venue promises: pure, unapologetic speed. Located in Brooklyn, Michigan, on more than 1,400 acres in the Irish Hills of the southeastern part of the state, the two-mile asphalt oval with its wide surface and steep corner banking almost always produces the highest average speed among tracks on the series' schedule.

 

In 2012, @Chris_Buescher beat @Alex_Bowman at @MISpeedway in the RainEater Wiper Blades 200! pic.twitter.com/FyQVitk8W8

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) June 5, 2025

Friday, June 6, 2025

• 5 – 11 a.m. --- Backstretch Vehicle Crossover Gate Open
• 5:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. --- Credentialing Hours
• 6:30 a.m. --- Haulers Enter (Unload On Pit Road)
• 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. --- Garage Hours
• 6:35 a.m. --- Crew Chief Meeting (AMS Administration Hauler)
• 8 a.m. --- Haulers Move To Paddock
• 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. --- Driver/Team Track Walk (No Motorized Vehicles Authorized)
• 11 a.m. --- Track Services Meeting (Drivers Meeting Room)
• 12 p.m. --- Driver And Spotter Meeting (AMS Administration Hauler)
• 12:15 p.m. --- AMS Rookie Meeting (AMS Administration Hauler)
• 12:30 p.m. --- First Time AMS Driver Meeting (AMS Administration Hauler – Drivers With No Previous AMS Platform Experience)
• 1 – 1:50 p.m. --- Truck Series Practice
• 2 – 2:50 p.m. --- Arca Menards Series Practice
• 3:05 – 3:25 p.m. --- General Tire Pole Qualifying (Timed Session)
• 3:30 – 3:45 p.m. --- Final Adjustments
• 3:45 p.m. --- Move Cars to Starting Grid
• 4:30 p.m. --- Drivers Report for Pre-Race (Victory Lane)
• 4:35 p.m. --- Driver Introductions
• --- Invocation
• --- National Anthem
• --- Command to Start Engines
• --- Field Rolls from Grid
• 5 p.m. --- Start of ‘The Henry Ford Health 200’ (100 Laps / 200 Miles)
• 7 p.m. --- Backstretch Vehicle Crossover Gate Open
• 8:30 p.m. --- Haulers Exit

(All Times ET)

  

source: ARCA Media

MISCamping.com Infield Sold Out for Fourth Year

#NASCAR Weekend at Michigan International Speedway

 

Michigan International Speedway announced that the MISCamping.com infield for the June NASCAR weekend has officially sold out for the fourth year in a row. General camping, grandstand tickets, and hospitality are still available for fans to experience NASCAR’s return to the Irish Hills.

 

“I want to thank our unbelievable fans for making a fourth consecutive infield camping sell out possible for the FireKeepers Casino 400 race weekend,” said Michigan International Speedway President Joe Fowler. “This incredible streak is a testament to the unwavering passion and enthusiasm of our fans and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for an action-packed weekend this June.”

 

During the 2024 FireKeepers Casino 400, a late caution with Martin Truex Jr. made the race go into overtime. Tyler Reddick and William Byron battled for the lead in overtime when another caution involving Ross Chastain made the race go into a second overtime. Reddick came out of the second overtime victorious, the second of his three wins in 2024.

 

See ya Monday campers!#FireKeepersCasino400 pic.twitter.com/4UGC7Wgffh

— Michigan International Speedway (@MISpeedway) May 31, 2025

About Michigan International Speedway

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway (MIS) is one of the fastest tracks in NASCAR. The two-mile track – with 18 degrees of banking and 73-feet wide sweeping turns – has hosted the NASCAR Cup Series for more than 50 years. Beyond the on-track action, MIS offers a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment options for fans of all ages. MIS is the largest registered campground in the state of Michigan with nearly 9,000 campsites across 1,400-plus acres. In addition to the annual NASCAR weekend, MIS hosts non-racing events including Faster Horses Festival and Nite Lites. For more information, visit mispeedway.com.

 

 

source: Michigan International Speedway Media

NASCAR Nashville Race Weekend Recap

Winners: Ryan Blaney (Cup); Justin Allgaier (Xfinity); RajahCaruth (Trucks)

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 

NASCAR Cup

Ryan Blaney Breaks Through to Take Victory in Cracker Barrel 400

 

A season full of near misses and hard-luck finishes for Ryan Blaney disappeared in a magical Music City night.

 

At a sold-out Nashville Superspeedway, with fireworks and cheers washing over him, Blaney was finally able to celebrate a victory.

 

Blaney, driving the No. 12 Ford for Penske Racing, led a race-high 139 laps, earned his first NASCAR Cup Series win of the year and the 14th victory of his career by taking the checkered flag in the Cracker Barrel 400.

 

“We've had great speed all year -- just hasn't been the best year for us as far as good fortune,” said Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion. “The 12 boys are awesome; they stick with it no matter how it goes, and it was great to finish one out tonight.”

 

Blaney gained top position early by making a two-tire stop, won the second stage after surviving a wave of caution flags and held on through a green-flag pit stop cycle in the third stage to beat Carson Hocevar to the start-finish line by 2.83 seconds.

 

“I never gave up hope,” said Blaney, who won his first Cup Series race since last fall in Martinsville, a span of 15 events.

 

“I thought [two tires] was a good call. We drove up to seventh there in the first stage, and I thought two tires were great. I thought my car was really good, and that really set us up for the rest of the race.

 

“It’s nice that it’s finally happening. It’s time to go celebrate!”

 

He wanted one, he got one! 🔥😤@Blaney | #CB400 pic.twitter.com/TnrLNll06B

— Nashville Superspeedway (@NashvilleSuperS) June 2, 2025

Pole: Chase Briscoe

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET for the Firekeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

NASCAR Xfinity

Justin Allgaier Holds on to Win the Tennessee Lottery 250 at Nashville Superspeedway

 

Justin Allgaier, driving the No. 7 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, swept all the stages on his way to his third NASCAR Xfinity Series win of the year, his second at Nashville Superspeedway, and the 28th victory of his career, good for ninth all-time. Chevrolet has won 12 of the first 14 Xfinity Series races of the season – a Series first.

 

“There’s no cooler feeling than to win at a place like this,” said Allgaier in front of the grandstands with fireworks exploding behind the backstretch. “These fans are incredible. I really wanted to get a second guitar. [My daughters] can fight over one of them or both of them.”

 

“JR Motorsports brought some incredible Chevrolets today,” Allgaier said. “That final restart was the key. Having clean air, and being out front … you have to make the most out of having good days. “This team never gives up. [My pit crew] deserves this more than anything. This [car] was on rails.”

 

Perfection.

61 points for @J_Allgaier tonight and leads #XfinitySeries with five Xfinity #FastestLap bonus points, three more than any other driver. pic.twitter.com/d8xUY4CcVB

— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) June 1, 2025

Pole: William Sawalich

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 4:30 pm ET for the The Chilango 150 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

NASCAR Trucks

Rajah Caruth Holds Off Rivals Heim and Riggs to Win Rackley Roofing 200

 

In an exhilarating three-way fight for the checkered flag, Rajah Caruth powered to the victory in the Rackley Roofing 200 Craftsman Truck Series race at Nashville Superspeedway Friday night.

 

Caruth, driving the No. 71 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, held off Truck Series points leader Corey Heim and Stage 1 winner Layne Riggs on his way to his second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win of his career.

 

“I didn’t expect that at all,” said Caruth after hearing roars of approval from the Nashville crowd. “Those guys were breathing down my neck the whole time. My pit crew won the race for us. We’ve been off this year but it’s good to get it done tonight.”

 

Heim held on for second, with Riggs finishing third, Daniel Hemric placing fourth and Corey Day coming in fifth.

 

Driver. Team. Family.

That's what it's all about. pic.twitter.com/KidBYMT5Oh

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) May 31, 2025

Pole: Corey Heim

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 12:00 pm ET for the DQS Solutions & Staffing 200 Powered by Precision Vehicle Logistics at Michigan International Speedway.

ARCA

There were no ARCA races to Report

#WeBuildChampions https://t.co/KqN8Y8R7xE

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) May 31, 2025

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. ET for the Henry Ford Health 200 at Michigan International Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

Welcome George Reddick

Congratulations to Tyler, wife Alexa, and son Beau on the arrival of 'rookie' George on 05/25/2025.

Well, the secret is out! At 2:20am on 5/25, we welcomed the newest addition to the Reddick family. Everyone meet Rookie George Reddick.

The household has now become a family of four, and we are so blessed. pic.twitter.com/RZCILUhmKt

— Tyler Reddick (@TylerReddick) June 1, 2025

 

Big Brother Beau with George

Let's Go See Dad, Harper!

As dad (Justin Allgaier) holds off eighteen-year-old rookie and JR Motorsports teammate, Connor Zilisch, daughter Harper Grace waited at the track for the checkered flag.

LET’S GO SEE DAD, HARPER! pic.twitter.com/ocmfRhtgTM

— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) June 1, 2025

After her dad's second guitar win, Harper ran joyfully to join "little Gator" at his winning race car. 

Justin with Harper at her first NBA game.

Interesting note:  Harper is only seven years younger than Zilisch,

ERNEST Named Grand Marshal for Cracker Barrel 400

The Nashville native, hailed as “The Charmer” will give the command to start engines for the ‘Cracker Barrel 400’ #NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday.

 

Nashville Superspeedway announced that chart-topping singer-songwriter ERNEST will serve as the grand marshal for the Cracker Barrel 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday. The Nashville native, hailed as “The Charmer” by MusicRow and a triple-threat talent who “creates a sound all his own” (Pollstar), will give the command to start engines as Amazon Prime Video broadcasts the event to its world-wide audience.

 

“ERNEST embodies the heart and soul of Nashville, making him the ideal grand marshal for the Cracker Barrel 400,” said Matt Greci, general manager of Nashville Superspeedway. “His remarkable talent, deep connection to Music City and ability to captivate audiences will bring an unforgettable energy to our race weekend.”

 

ERNEST, a four-time ACM Award nominee, including a 2024-25 nod for Artist-Songwriter of the Year, and three-time CMA Triple Play Award winner, has cemented his status as one of Music City’s defining artist-writers. With influences spanning Eminem to George Jones, he has penned 13 No. 1 hits, including the Hot 100 record-breaking “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen, earning a 2025 GRAMMY nomination.

 

His sophomore album, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, featuring 26 tracks with collaborations alongside Lainey Wilson, Lukas Nelson, Jelly Roll and HARDY, has been lauded by The Tennessean for honoring Music City while proving ERNEST’s dynamic artistry. Short-listed as a “Best of the Year So Far” by Billboard, The Tennessean and Country Now, the album follows his critically acclaimed FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM) and its deluxe edition, Two Dozen Roses.

 

In 2024, ERNEST joined Morgan Wallen’s “One Night at a Time Stadium Tour” and Jelly Roll’s “Beautifully Broken Tour,” showcasing his high-energy performances.

 

He recently launched DeVille Records, signing GRAMMY-nominated Chandler Walters, Rhys Rutherford and Cody Lohden. The label’s debut project, Cadillac Sessions, a mixtape-style album, has garnered attention from Billboard, Complex and Variety.

 

ERNEST continues to tour in 2025, supporting Lainey Wilson and Old Dominion.

 

 

source: Nashville Superspeedway Media

News and Notes Nashville Superspeedway

#NASCAR Triple Header

 

This weekend marks the fifth running of a NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway (2021-2025).

 

At 1.33 miles, Nashville is the longest concrete oval on the NASCAR schedule.

 

Four different drivers have won at Nashville Superspeedway in the NASCAR Cup Series – Kyle Larson (2021), Chase Elliott (2022), Ross Chastain (2023) and Joey Logano (2024).

 

NASCAR Cup Series

• Next Race: Cracker Barrel 400
• The Place: Nashville Superspeedway
• Track Length: 1.33 Mile Concrete Paved Oval
• The Date: Sunday, June 1
• The Time: 7 p.m. ET
• The Purse: $11,055,250
• TV: Amazon Prime, 6:30 p.m. ET
• Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)
• Distance: 399 miles (300 Laps); 
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 90)
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 185)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 300)

This will be the 26th NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Nashville Superspeedway all-time and the fifth since the series returned in 2021. NASCAR didn’t race at Nashville between 2012-2020.

 

After Charlotte, the regular season for the NASCAR Xfinity Series is now at the halfway point.

 

Six of 12 Playoff spots have been filled after 12 races.

 

NASCAR Xfinity Series

• Next Race: Tennessee Lottery 250
• The Place: Nashville Superspeedway
• Track Length: 1.33 Mile Concrete Paved Oval
• The Date: Saturday, May 31
• The Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• The Purse: $1,651,939
• TV: CW, 7 p.m. ET
• Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)
• Distance: 250.04 miles (188 Laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 45)
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 90)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 188)

This weekend marks the 18th running of a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Nashville Superspeedway, and the fifth since NASCAR returned to the track in 2021.

 

The Truck race stage lengths for Nashville: 45 Laps, 50 Laps, 55 Laps.

 

Christian Eckes led all 150 laps at Nashville in 2024 after starting from the third position.

 

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series

• Next Race Rackley Roofing 200
• The Place Nashville Superspeedway
• Track Length 1.33 Mile Concrete Paved Oval
• The Date Friday, May 30
• The Time 8 p.m. ET
• The Purse $782,900
• TV FS1, 8 p.m. ET
• Radio NRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)
• Distance 199.5 miles (150 Laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 45)
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 95)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 150)

Where To Watch NASCAR This Week:

Friday, May 30

• NCTS Practice & Kennametal Pole Qualifying (FS1 at 4:30 p.m. ET)
• NCTS Race: Rackley Roofing 200 (FS1, NRN, SiriusXM at 8 p.m. ET)

Saturday, May 31

• NXS Practice & Kennametal Pole Qualifying (CW App at 2 p.m. ET)
• NCS Practice & Busch Light Pole Qualifying (Amazon Prime, PRN, SiriusXM at 4:30 p.m. ET)
• NXS Race: Tennessee Lottery 250 (CW Network, PRN, SiriusXM at 7:30 p.m. ET)

Sunday, June 1

• NCS Race: Cracker Barrel 400 (Amazon Prime, PRN, SiriusXM at 7 p.m. ET)

Message has been RECEIVED! pic.twitter.com/6Oxu6MkFbI

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 28, 2025

 

source: Nashville Superspeedway Media

Meet Your Favorite #NASCAR Drivers!

Nashville Driver Appearance Schedule

In 2025, the sanctioning body is doing something about it with its new Driver Ambassador Program, which provides compensation to drivers for making appearances. There are several million dollars up for grabs.

 

The system is set up so the drivers earn one point for every 15 minutes of their time doing something considered “promotion.” This includes media interviews or track appearances outside of the mandatory sessions on race weekends.

 

Ryan Blaney greets Fans before Darlington Raceway Event

 

Ryan Blaney earned points when he visited Austin, TX with his new wife, Gianna, to promote the upcoming race at Circuit of the Americas. During an interview with Athlon Sports, the Team Penske driver offered his perspective of the program and why it makes dollars and sense.

 

”Yeah, essentially what that deal is — I guess for example as before, ‘Hey, can you do this favor for us and go promote this race and things like that,” Blaney said. “Or, go do these radio shows and that. And sometimes it wouldn't work into our schedule. Or, maybe you're like, ‘No, I don't really want to do that.”

 

“The best way I could put it is if your boss came to you and said, ‘Hey, can you work overtime? We're not going to pay you for overtime though, but go do it out of good faith.’ You'd have kind of some reservations about it”

 

“But if your boss is like, ‘Hey, we're going to give you overtime, go work overtime. Well, yeah, I'll take it, right? So I think that's the best way I've tried to kind of compare the two. But I think it's good.”

 

NASCAR drivers are already some of, if not the most accessible athletes in all of sports! This new program will only increase that accessibility and, like Blaney said, make the sport healthier because of it.

 

WE. GOT. NEXT. 😤@CrackerBarrel | @TNLottery | @RackleyRoofing pic.twitter.com/fWLrc1flel

— Nashville Superspeedway (@NashvilleSuperS) May 26, 2025

Nashville Driver Appearance Schedule

Friday, May 30, 2025

• 2 p.m.-Daniel Hemric (Fan Zone Stage)
• -Connor Mosack (Fan Zone Stage)
• -Kaden Honeycutt (Fan Zone Stage)
• -Matt Mills (Fan Zone Stage)
• 2:15 p.m.-Corey Heim (Fan Zone Stage)
• 2:30 p.m.-Chandler Smith (Fan Zone Stage)
• 5:15 p.m.-Dawson Sutton (Fan Zone Stage)

Saturday, May 31, 2025

• 3:30 p.m.-Jeremy Clements (Fan Zone Stage)
• 3:45 p.m.-Austin Hill (Fan Zone Stage)
• 4 p.m.-Dean Thompson (Fan Zone Stage)
• -Parker Retzlaff (Lock-In Lounge)
• 4:30 p.m.-Jesse Love (Pit Road Club – Special Ticket Required)

Sunday, June 1, 2025

• 1 p.m.-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Infield Campgrounds)
• 1:15 p.m.-Ross Chastain (Fan Zone Stage)
• 1:30 p.m.-Noah Gragson (Lock-In Lounge)
• 2 p.m.-Trackside Live with John, Jose and Wendy (Fan Zone Stage)
• 2 p.m.-Josh Berry (Fan Zone Stage)
• 2:15 p.m.-Austin Dillon (Fan Zone Stage)
• 2:30 p.m.-Daniel Suárez (Fan Zone Stage)
• 2:45 p.m.-Carson Hocevar (Fan Zone Stage)
• 3 p.m.-Ty Dillon (Pit Road Club – Special Ticket Required)
• 3:15 p.m.-Alex Bowman (Pit Road Club – Special Ticket Required)
• 3:30 p.m.-Joey Logano (Gibson Garage in Fan Zone)
• -Chase Briscoe (Pre-Race Stage)
• 3:45 p.m.-Joey Logano (Pre-Race Stage)
• 4 p.m.-Kyle Larson (Pre-Race Stage)
• 4:15 p.m.-Noah Gragson (Pre-Race Stage)

 

source: Nashville Superspeedway Media

Built for Speed, Fueled by Music This is Nashville Superspeedway

Gibson Guitars are Handed Out as Trophies to Race Winners.

 

Built to bring big-time racing to Music City’s backyard, Nashville Superspeedway has a story that’s as bold as the racing it hosts.

 

Nashville Superspeedway first opened its doors in 2001, with a vision of giving fans a new place to see top-tier motorsports up close. The track itself is unique with a 1.33-mile D-shaped oval made of concrete, not asphalt, which gives races here a different kind of grit. Drivers quickly learned that Nashville wasn’t a place you could take lightly. The track is fast, tough and demands every ounce of focus from start to finish.

 

In its early years, Nashville Superspeedway hosted NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series races and built a loyal fan base. One of the track’s most iconic traditions also got its start during this time -- handing out Gibson guitars as trophies to race winners. Instead of a typical cup or plaque, drivers who conquered Nashville took home a custom-painted guitar, tying the city’s deep music roots right into the heart of race day celebrations.

 

After 2011, the track went quiet for a bit. But the passion for racing in Nashville never faded. Fans wanted it back, and they got it. In 2021, after a decade away, NASCAR racing returned to Nashville Superspeedway with a bang. The Ally 400 Cup Series made its debut, and it was clear the magic was still there. Crowds packed the stands, the racing was intense and the music-fueled atmosphere felt like it had never left.

 

Since then, Nashville Superspeedway has only gotten bigger and better. The race weekend isn’t just about what happens on the track; it’s about live music, fan experiences, tailgating and soaking up a city that knows how to throw a party.

 

From its concrete surface to its rock-and-roll spirit, Nashville Superspeedway has carved out a spot that feels different from anywhere else on the NASCAR circuit. It’s tough. It’s loud. It’s full of heart. And it’s just getting started.

 

Race weekend is right around the corner🏎️

Had so much fun helping host NASCAR’s kickoff luncheon and BIG REVEAL for @NashvilleSuperS today! These are the Gibson guitars for the winning drivers May 30-June 1🎸

I’ll have more tonight @FOXNashville pic.twitter.com/dLPr0GyapG

— Jill Jelnick (@JillJelnick) May 7, 2025

 

source: Nashville Superspeedway Media