Thursday, November 20, 2025

Fans Vote Keelan Harvick CARS Tour PLM Most Popular Driver

Fans Vote Keelan Harvick CARS Tour PLM Most Popular Driver

“Being voted Most Popular Driver means a lot and is a huge honor for me,”

 

Keelan Harvick was named the CARS Tour Pro Late Model Most Popular Driver during the season-ending awards banquet at the Speedway Club at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

Voting for the MPDA, which was presented by CARS Tour broadcast partner FloRacing, ran from Oct. 17 – Nov. 5 and allowed fans to vote for their favorite driver daily. Any driver who competed in more than half of the season’s events was eligible.

 

“Being voted Most Popular Driver means a lot and is a huge honor for me,” Harvick said. “The fans are everything in racing, and this is their award to give, so it’s special that they took the time to vote for me. There are so many great CARS Tour drivers who have won this in the past, and I’m really humbled to win it this year.”

 

This marks Harvick’s first Most Popular Driver Award in any series and complements the 13-year-old’s strong CARS Tour PLM season that included four wins (Hickory Motor Speedway, Florence Motor Speedway, South Boston Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway), four top-five and five top-10 finishes, along with two poles in seven starts.

 





 

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Inaugural Grand National Bash

Inaugural Grand National Bash

NASCAR Awards Celebrating All Stock Car Racing Teams in 2025

Tommy Joe Martins
Tommy Joe Martins

 

The first-ever NASCAR awards event, called the Grand National Bash, presented by ChaLew Performance, is set to bring fresh attention to every level of stock car racing in 2025.

 

The new celebration was created by Xfinity Series and team owner Tommy Joe Martins.



The new celebration was created by Xfinity Series and team owner Tommy Joe Martins, who wanted an event that doesn’t just honor the top NASCAR Cup Series teams, but also the smaller NASCAR teams working hard behind the scenes.

 

Martins has spent most of his career racing with limited resources, and he explained his hope for this event. “Throughout my career, I’ve primarily competed with smaller organizations… I’ve often felt the effort it takes to simply participate gets overlooked and under-appreciated.” He added that the Bash is built to include everyone: “All of us are racing for something… It doesn’t exist without all of us. And that should be celebrated!”

 





























































 

source: Heavy Sports Media

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Keelan Harvick Likes Racing Where His Father Raced

Keelan Harvick Likes Racing Where His Father Raced

Keelan and Kevin Were At Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on November 8th 2025

Keelan and Kevin Were At Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on November 8th 2025

 

Keelan Harvick, who turned 13 this past summer, was at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on Nov. 8, where he made his debut on the 0.58-mile track. He finished eighth in a 34-car field in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour All American 100. Corey Deuser won the race.

 

"When COVID hit, I had nothing to do, so I asked my dad if I could go to the go-kart track and I've loved it ever since," Keelan said. "I got hooked on racing and my dad has supported me since then. I didn't know I'd be this far along in just a few years, but I'm really happy to be here."

 

Keelan was on the same track his father Kevin raced early in his career, which eventually included 60 NASCAR Cup wins, the 2007 Daytona 500 championship and three Brickyard 400 victories.

 

Keelan said the tracks he likes to run the most are those like Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, for a couple of reasons.

 

"One, I just think it's neat to be on the same track he was on, and also because he knows the track and can tell me what to look out for," Keelan said.

 

What Kevin Harvick told his son about the unique Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway paved oval with an 18-degree banking was that it can be tricky.

 

"It's a very difficult track," Keelan said. "But I like that. I like being uncomfortable. It pushes you to the edge. And I like a track where you have to save tires, and you definitely have to save tires on this track. I'm pretty good at saving tires, sometimes."

 





Keelan Harvick Likes Racing Where His Father Kevin Raced

 

 

source: The Tennessean Media

JRM’s Connor Zilisch Named Rookie of the Year

JRM’s Connor Zilisch Named Rookie of the Year

Connor to Cup in 2026

JRM’s Connor Zilisch Named Rookie of the Year

 

At the annual NASCAR Xfinity Series Awards Banquet, JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch was honored for achievements during the 2025 season.

 

Zilisch, who led the series in victories with ten (10), was named Rookie of the Year for his performance, which included a run of nine wins in 14 races throughout the summer. His 10th and final win of the year came at the Charlotte Roval in October.

 

Despite winning ten races, Connor suffered a heartbreaking third-place finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship race.

 

“Left my heart on the track. Myself and @jrmotorsports gave 110% all year long and that is something I’ll forever be proud of. Although we aren’t going to walk out of Phoenix tonight as champions, I have already achieved more than 10 year old me ever thought I would. I can’t wait for my future in this sport and thank you to everybody who has supported me this year.❤️” Connor Zilisch

 

No offence, to Jesse Love, the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champ – Many fans have expressed their lament that despite his dominant performance all season including winning the regular season championship.– Connor was not crowned 2025 Xfinity Champion.

 





In 2026, nineteen year old Connor Zilisch will compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, joining teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen. Randall Burnett will be his crew chief, and Red Bull and WeatherTech are the primary sponsors on his #88 ride. 


Connor Zilisch will compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing in 2026.


source: JR MotorSports Media

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Jimmie Johnson Set to Return to Hometown For NASCAR San Diego Weekend

Jimmie Johnson Set to Return to Hometown For #NASCAR San Diego Weekend

For Johnson, the weekend symbolizes not only a return to competition, but a celebration of his roots.

Jimmie Johnson Set to Return to Hometown For NASCAR San Diego Weekend

 

On November 5, 2025 at BrandWeek in Atlanta, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and Legacy Motor Club owner Jimmie Johnson announced he will return to his California roots next June, as it is his intention to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series event during the inaugural NASCAR San Diego Weekend.

 

The event, slated for June 19–21, 2026, marks NASCAR’s first-ever race at Naval Base Coronado, bringing the sport’s top stars to one of America’s most iconic coastal settings. For Johnson, born and raised in nearby El Cajon, California, the race represents a deeply personal “bucket-list” moment in a career already filled with milestone achievements.

 

For Johnson, the weekend symbolizes not only a return to competition, but a celebration of his roots.

 

“Growing up just miles from San Diego, I dreamed about racing here in a NASCAR vehicle someday, but I never thought it would be possible. I just came to the realization that there would be no way NASCAR could race in that city – as there would be nowhere to put a track,” said Johnson. “So, it’s just mind-blowing to me that NASCAR made this a reality. To come back home, compete in front of my community, the military, my family, and friends, and do it with Carvana and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, this is one of those full-circle experiences I will never forget. It’s a lifelong dream.”

 

For Johnson, the weekend symbolizes not only a return to competition, but a celebration of his roots.

 

“When I think about everything this sport has given me and where it all started, being able to race in San Diego at this level feels like my career has come full circle,” Johnson added. “Starting out on two wheels racing motorcycles throughout the west coast and now being able to race on four in the same region is something I never thought I would see. Additionally, my grandparents were military and are buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery nearby the base, so it’s an honor to race there – this is going to be very special.”

 

Carvana, a longtime partner of Johnson’s, will once again be along for the ride in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE for this special “SoCal” appearance. The partnership continues a multi-year relationship built on creativity, authenticity, and storytelling—values that perfectly align with Johnson’s own legacy.

 





Carvana will unveil the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE paint scheme that will compete in San Diego in the near future.

 

 

Saturday, November 8, 2025

If I Could Give Vicory Junction Anything . . .

If I Could Give Vicory Junction Anything

it would be lots of Love and a Rollercoaster

 

When Kyle Petty and his family founded Victory Junction to honor his son Adam’s legacy, they never imagined that, two decades later, more than 135,000 life-changing camp experiences would have impacted children and families from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and four countries—each camp experience a story of courage, healing, and hope.

 




Victory Junction is more than a camp. It’s a medically safe, fully accessible “home away from home” where children with medical and physical needs can do things they never thought possible like ziplining and riding horses. Where kids can sing around campfires and build friendships that last a lifetime.

 

And, with your support, Camp will remain a place where kids can be kids – where they laugh, play and grow in confidence. Where they experience adventure, find belonging, and grow in confidence.

 

Make a gift today and help fuel the power of possibility for Victory Junction campers. Your generosity ensures Camp remains completely free for children and their families while creating thousands of life-changing experiences filled with courage, joy, and belonging.

 

Click below to hear campers share their heartfelt answers to “If I could give Victory Junction anything this holiday season, it would be…” — and make your gift today!

 

Watch and Donate Wonder

 

On a personal note: NASCAR Race Mom (me) has been supporting Victory Junction for years; both as a monthly contributor and media advocate. I was lucky enough to take a tour of the facility in 2017 - it did not disappoint! 

 

source: Victory Junction PR Media

Monday, November 3, 2025

NASCAR / ARCA Race Recap (Phoenix)

#NASCAR / #ARCA Race Recap (Phoenix)

Winners: Ryan Blaney (Cup); Jesse Love (Xfinity); Corey Heim (Trucks) plus Brent Crews (ARCA)

Winners: Ryan Blaney (Cup); Jesse Love (Xfinity); Corey Heim (Trucks) plus Brett Crews (ARCA)
Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 


NASCAR Cup

Ryan Blaney Banks Season Finale

Ryan Blaney Banks Season Finale

 

Ryan Blaney won the NASCAR Cup Series season finale in overtime at Phoenix Raceway, making a last-lap pass of Brad Keselowski for his fourth victory this season and 17th of his career.

 

Blaney, who led three times for 20 laps, earned his first win at Phoenix in his 20th start on the 1-mile oval in Avondale, Arizona.

 

It’s the second time in the 11 races of the elimination playoffs era that the winner of the season finale came from outside the Championship 4 (Ross Chastain won in 2023 while Blaney earned the title).

 

The race featured nine cautions for 65 laps as several drivers — including all of the Championship 4 drivers — struggled with tire problems.

 

“It’s just cool to end it on a good note. It’s just cool and obviously we had a fast car all day. Those other guys were just kind of faster getting going and I could never retain the lead.”

 

”Those guys were just really good and it took my car a while to come in, but it was a really good call for two there and keeping track position. I got a decent restart and I was able to kind of roll the bottom in three and four and eek the 6 out at the line.”

 

”I’m just really proud of the whole group and cool to end it in Victory Lane. It’s a shame we weren’t in the Championship 4. Congrats to Kyle and that whole team. I’m happy for this team that we could end it the best way we could. You just go try to win the race. I didn’t really have any of them in front of me. There wasn’t really two of them side-by-side. I tried to race those guys really good all day and gave them respect and tried to let them race it out at time, and at times I could go if it got gapped, but you’re just aware of everybody that’s around you. You don’t want to be the storyline to mess up a guy’s championship, so it was good that we were able to just run our race and run it clean to the end.”

 

Brad Keselowski finished second; Kyle Larson placed third; Joey Logano came in fourth and Kyle Busch completed the top five.

 






Pole: Denny Hamlin



Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, February 1, 2026 for the ‘Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium’ at Bowman Gray Stadium.


NASCAR Xfinity

Love prevails at Phoenix to Win Race, Xfinity Series Championship

Love prevails at Phoenix to Win Race, Xfinity Series Championship

 

Jesse Love turned in the ultimate season bookend, winning the opening race of the NASCAR Xfinity Series 2025 schedule at Daytona International Speedway, then closing it out with the biggest win of his young career to claim the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Saturday night at Phoenix Raceway.

 

The 20-year-old Californian had to beat his best friend, the season’s 10-race winner Connor Zilisch, to claim the career-changing victory and title. Love ultimately passed the JR Motorsports driver Zilisch for the lead with 24 laps to go at the desert 1-miler and then had to hold off veteran Aric Almirola after the Joe Gibbs Racing driver also got around Zilisch with eight laps remaining.

 

“I just feel so clean and relieved,” said Love, whose margin of victory was 0.861 seconds. “It’s been a tough year for me, and I’ve put so much work into it, and people like my dad and [driver coach] Scott Speed and my whole No. 2 team worked just as hard for my dream as I have for my own.

 

“It really hasn’t set in yet. All these emotions, it doesn’t feel real, doesn’t feel real at all,” Love said, referring to the close contest with Zilisch. “He’s my best friend in the whole world, but not when we’re racing each other. We race each other hard but fair. … He ran a really great race tonight, but my car was just better tonight.”

 

Aric Almirola finished second; Connor Zilisch placed third; Brandon Jones came in fourth and Justin Allgaier] completed the top five.

 






Pole: Brandon Jones



Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, February 14, 2026 for the ‘United Rentals 300’ at Daytona International Speedway.




NASCAR Trucks

Corey Heim Claims 2025 Truck Series Title, Season Finale Victory

Corey Heim Claims 2025 Truck Series Title, Season Finale Victory

 

The best man won on Friday night, but it was far from a foregone conclusion.

 

The statistics might suggest otherwise. In winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway, Corey Heim swept the first and second stages, led a race-high 100 of 161 laps and took the checkered flag 0.993 seconds ahead of defending series champion Ty Majeski in a second overtime.

 

“I just am so grateful to be where I’m at,” Heim said. “So thankful for the Tricon Garage, Toyota taking a chance on me years ago, (sponsors) Safelite, Mobil 1, Yahoo, Celsius, for every bit of their support.

 

“I was so stressed out ever since we went to the (Charlotte) Roval (where Heim won from the pole Oct. 3 to advance to the Championship 4). I’ve been, like, so terrible to talk to as a person, so stressed out.

 

“This is just such a relief, to say the least. So thankful for everybody.”

 

Ty Majeski finished second; Kaden Honeycutt placed third; Layne Riggs came in fourth and Rajah Caruth completed the top five.

 






Pole: Layne Riggs



Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, February 13, 2026 for the ‘NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race At Daytona’ at Daytona International Speedway.




ARCA

Brent Crews Dominates West Series Finale at Phoenix

Brent Crews Dominates West Series Finale at Phoenix

 

The outcomes of the two ARCA Menards Series events at Phoenix this year were nearly identical. Brent Crews won both in a Gibbs Toyota with the Pinnacle Racing Group No. 28 following closely behind.

 

Crews’ first Phoenix win in March was much more intense compared to Saturday’s finale. ARCA Menards Series champion Brenden ‘Butterbean’ Queen appeared poised to claim his second victory of the season in March until a caution on the final lap set up a one-lap shootout between him and Crews.

 

Heading into turn three on the final lap, Crews dove under Queen and proceeded to muscle him up out of the groove. Queen made slight contact with the outside wall while Crews pulled ahead, prevailing in his first ARCA Menards Series appearance behind the wheel of Gibbs’ No. 18.

 

This time, there was no need for last-lap heroics. Carson Brown, the new driver of Pinnacle Racing Group’s No. 28 Chevrolet, made some inroads on Crews during the closing stages but ultimately ran out of time to avenge his team’s previous Phoenix defeat.

 

“It helps when you have a super fast Mobil 1 Toyota Camry,” Crews said.

 

“That was a blast to drive all day. [We were] loose all day, and it’s been super slimy, but these guys never stopped working on this thing. We were able to be fastest in practice, [get] the pole and lead all the laps. It’s an honor to be here.

 

“Having my dad here was cool, but Coach [Joe Gibbs] in Victory Lane for the first time is a new one for me.”

 

Trevor Huddleston put the finishing touches on a championship year in the West Series by scoring a 10th-place finish.

 

Carson Brown finished second; Thomas Annunziata placed third; Tristan McKee came in fourth and Leland Honeyman completed the top five.

 






Pole: Brent Crews



Click Here for Race Results 


Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.



 

source: NASCAR Media

Friday, October 31, 2025

NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, & Truck Championship 4

The NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, & Truck Championship 4

Phoenix Raceway #Championship4

 

NASCAR Cup Playoff 4

Chase Briscoe; Denny Hamlin; William Byron; Kyle Larson

The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Championship 4 field is cemented after William Byron’s  walkoff win on Sunday at Martinsville Speedway.

 

Both Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe clinched Championship 4 spots by winning earlier in the semifinal round, and despite having engine issues at Martinsville, they will fight for the Bill France Cup next Sunday at Phoenix Raceway (3 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock, HBO Max, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, NBC Sports App).

 

Kyle Larson clinched the final spot in the title-deciding round by seven points over Christopher Bell.

 

Only one this is for certain; it will be a Joe Gibbs Racing Driver (Briscoe or Hamlin) or a Hendrick Motorsports Driver (Byron or Larson) with the championship cup next weekend.

 





NASCAR Xfinity Playoff 4

Connor Zilisch; Carson Kvapil; Justin Allgaier; Jesse Love

Of the four drivers fighting for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship next weekend.JR Motorsports teammates Connor Zilisch and Justin Allgaier were already locked in before Martinsville, but they will be joined by teammate Carson Kvapil, so JRM drivers will make up 75% of the final four.

 

The other driver is a fellow member of Team Chevrolet, ensuring a bowtie-backed driver wins it all. That will be Jesse Love  for Richard Childress Racing.

 





NASCAR Craftsman Truck Playoff 4

Corey Heim; Ty Majeski; Tyler Ankrum; Kaden Honeycutt

Corey Heim has had a dominant season, shattering a win record that has been standing since the 1990s. He has led over 1500 laps, and is in a completely different universe when his stats are compared to his title rivals. Further, Heim has also been here before, making the Championship 4 in both 2023 and 2024 as well.

 

Nevertheless, Corey will have to best Ty Majeski; Tyler Ankrum; Kaden Honeycutt to win the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship.

 





 
source: NASCAR Media

Sunday, October 26, 2025

NASCAR Race Recap (Martinsville)

NASCAR Race Recap (Martinsville)

Winners: William Byron (Cup); Taylor Gray (Xfinity); Corey Heim (Trucks)

#NASCAR Martinsville Winners - Byron; Gray; Heim
Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 


NASCAR Cup

Byron Hits Dominant Martinsville Walkoff as Champ 4 is Set

Byron Hits Dominant Martinsville Walkoff as Champ 4 is Set

 

William Byron powered past Ryan Blaney with 43 laps to go and held him off on a late restart to win Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs elimination race at Martinsville Speedway, clinching a Championship 4 berth for the third consecutive season.

 

Byron, who led 304 laps, won by 0.717 seconds and will compete for his first championship alongside Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson, who clinched the lone spot on points.

 

“Damn, I got a lot to say,” Byron told NBC Sports’ Marty Snider. “Things have a way of working out, and we’ve been tested, and this is just unbelievable. I’m out of breath.

“All these guys work so hard and you put everything into Sundays and sometimes you don’t get anything in return. And that’s been the last couple weeks and honestly throughout the year, we had some close calls, but sometimes life is that way, but you just got to keep being resilient, and we were and just feels damn good.”

 

Ryan Blaney finished second; Chase Elliott placed third; Ross Chastain came in fourth and Kyle Larson completed the top five.

 






Pole: William Byron



Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 3:00 pm ET for the ‘NASCAR Cup Series Championship’ at Phoenix Raceway.


NASCAR Xfinity

Taylor Gray Earns First National Series Win

Taylor Gray Earns First National Series Win

 

Taylor Gray finally pulled through in a dramatic late-race battle with his rival, Sammy Smith, to score his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series win at a place that has dealt him so much heartbreak, Martinsville Speedway. Gray led a race-high 52 laps and won by 0.344 seconds in overtime.

 

“About damn time I got me a clock,” Smith said in his victory interview on The CW. “I cannot thank everyone enough on this 54 team, such an awesome racecar. Jason (Ratcliff, crew chief) and the pit crew did an awesome job tonight. Everyone on this crew bring me awesome racecars to the track and give me an opportunity to race for a win every time I come here.”

 

Sammy Smith finished second; Brandon Jones placed third; Sheldon Creed came in fourth and Aric Almirola completed the top five.

 






Pole: Harrison Burton



Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 7:30 pm ET for the ‘NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship’ at Phoenix Raceway.




NASCAR Trucks

Corey Heim Wins 11th Race of Truck Season

Corey Heim Wins 11th Race of Truck Season

 

It was “Heim Time” once again this weekend at Martinsville Speedway as Corey Heim won the Slim Jim 200 for his 11th win of the 2025 season.

 

Heim led a race-high 77 laps en route to the victory, extending his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series single-season wins record in the process.

 

“Definitely a rocky race there, getting behind on track position,” Heim said. “We wanted to capitalize on our day and make the most of it. I really didn’t think we had the truck we did in the spring, but once we got out front, it showed we really had something to work with here.”

 

Kaden Honeycutt finished second; Layne Riggs placed third; Brent Crews came in fourth and Corey LaJoie completed the top five.

 






Pole: Layne Riggs



Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 7:30 pm ET for the ‘NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship Race’ at Phoenix Raceway.




 

source: NASCAR Media

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Remembering Martinsville Spring #NASCAR Event

Remembering Martinsville Spring #NASCAR Event

2025 Spring Victors: Denny Hamlin (Cup); Austin Hill (Xfinity); Daniel Hemric (Trucks)

Martinsville Speedway is a 0.526 mi oval short track in Ridgeway, Virginia, United States, a community of Martinsville, Virginia. The track has held a variety of events since its opening in 1947, primarily events sanctioned by NASCAR. Martinsville Speedway is owned by NASCAR and led by track president Clay Campbell.

 

This weekend, the track is host to another triple header; the last race before the championship winning race finale

 

Below is a recap of the 2025 Spring Martinville event:

 

NASCAR Cup

Denny Hamlin Win Spring Martinville Cup Race

Denny Hamlin Win Spring Martinville Cup Race

 

It didn’t take Denny Hamlin long to find the recipe for success in Sunday’s Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway

 

Hamlin grabbed the lead on Lap 126 of 400 in the seventh NASCAR Cup Series race of the season and never looked back.

 

With flawless work from his pit crew, the driver of the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota led 274 of the last 275 laps — with the only exception a lap credited to polesitter Christopher Bell, who raced side-by-side with Hamlin after the final restart on Lap 326.

 

Hamlin pulled away toward the end of the final 75-lap green-flag run and beat Bell, his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, to the finish line by 4.617 seconds.

 

Christopher Bell finished second; Bubba Wallace placed third; Chase Elliott came in fourth and Kyle Larsoncompleted the top five.

 







Hamlin’s October 2025 win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway guarantees him the opportunity to compete for a Cup Championship at Phoenix.

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Austin Hill Survives NASCAR Overtime for Spring Martinsville Race

Austin Hill Survives NASCAR Overtime for Spring Martinsville Race

 

Diving underneath a trio of wrecking cars in the final corner of overtime at Martinsville Speedway, Austin Hill beat perennial bridesmaid Sheldon Creed to the start/finish line by 0.190 seconds to win Saturday’s US Marine Corps 250, giving Richard Childress his 100th Xfinity Series victory and earning a $100,000 Dash 4 Cash bonus for the unlikely winner.

 

Taylor Gray, seeking his first Xfinity Series win, held the lead until Turn 3 of the final lap, when Sammy Smith charged into the corner, spun Gray’s No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota and knocked it into the outside wall.

 

Hill hit the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet of Justin Allgaier from behind, sending him crashing into Smith. Hill sneaked through on the bottom, bringing Creed with him, as Allgaier held on for third. In the surprising victory, Hill led less than a quarter of a mile before taking the checkered flag.

 

Sheldon Creed finished second; Justin Allgaier placed third; Brennan Poole came in fourth and Sam Mayer completed the top five.

 





Hill’s win last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway affords him the opportunity to compete for an Xfinity Series Championship at Phoenix.

 

NASCAR Trucks

Daniel Hemric Captures First Career Truck Win

Daniel Hemric Captures First Career Truck Win

 

During the week before the Boys and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge 200 at Martinsville Speedway, Daniel Hemric practiced his backflip.

 

It was the signature move he had been able to use just once in NASCAR national series competition — when he won the 2021 season finale at Phoenix Raceway to clinch the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship.

 

But on Friday, the 34-year-old from Kannapolis, North Carolina, had a chance to perform the celebratory move once again after capitalizing on the misfortunes of others — notably series leader Corey Heim — to win the first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race of his career.

 

Hemric even stuck the landing, reveling in the race win that earned him a coveted grandfather clock trophy and a $50,000 Triple Truck Challenge bonus as the highest-finishing series regular.

 

Tyler Ankrum finished second; Jake Garcia placed third; Chandler Smith came in fourth and Ben Rhodes completed the top five.

 

As they say, should Hemric manage to win again at Martinsville, he would advance to the Truck Round of Four.

 





 

source: NASCAR Media

Monday, October 20, 2025

#NASCAR Race Recap (Talladega)

#NASCAR Race Recap (Talladega)

Winners: Chase Briscoe (Cup); Austin Hill (Xfinity); Gio Ruggiero (Trucks)

Winners: Chase Briscoe (Cup); Austin Hill (Xfinity); Gio Ruggiero (Trucks) #NASCAR
Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 


NASCAR Cup

Briscoe Wins Talladega Thriller, Clinches Championship 4 Spot

Briscoe Wins Talladega Thriller, Clinches Championship 4 Spot

 

In a typically dramatic push to the Talladega Superspeedway checkered flag, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Chase Briscoe made a last-lap pass on the frantic field to claim victory in Sunday’s YellaWood 500 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs race and earn his first-ever shot at the season title.

 

The 30-year-old Indiana native Briscoe will join his JGR teammate Denny Hamlin, who won last week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, leaving the final two positions in the Championship 4 to be decided in next week’s Round of 8 finale at Martinsville Speedway.

 

Briscoe thanked another JGR teammate, however, 23-year-old Ty Gibbs, for the push forward on the final lap Sunday that resulted in his first-ever superspeedway win, 0.145 seconds over Front Row Motorsports’ driver Todd Gilliland and Gibbs, neither of whom is among the eight-driver playoff field.

 

The runner-up showing was a career best for Gilliland.

 

“Ty Gibbs, just an incredible teammate there,” said an emotional Briscoe, who stood on his No. 19 JGR Toyota waving his arms to the cheering crowd. “I honestly would not have won that race without Ty. It was an amazing team effort. I can’t believe I won a superspeedway race. I’ve never done it at any level.”

 

“It’s not hit me, we’re going to Phoenix,” a grinning Briscoe said of the championship opportunity he now has after leading only 16 laps Sunday, but the most important final one.

 

“Absolutely [a dream come true]. So thankful that the Lord’s blessed me, opening doors and closing doors at times, but certainly opening an incredible door for me here at Joe Gibbs Racing. … Even today, I just had such a ‘peace’ and normally I’m scared to death, nervous around this place, but today, just had such a peace.”

 

Todd Gilliland finished second; Ty Gibbs placed third; Bubba Wallace came in fourth and Cole Custer completed the top five.

 






Pole: Michael McDowell



Click Here for Race Results 


Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET for the ‘Xfinity 500’ at Martinsville Speedway.


NASCAR Xfinity

Austin Hill Completes Talladega Sweep with Xfinity Series Win

Austin Hill Completes Talladega Sweep with Xfinity Series Win

 

Once again, Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill proved himself the driver to beat on NASCAR’s big drafting-style tracks, the veteran holding off the field on a dramatic overtime restart with two laps remaining at Talladega Superspeedway to earn the victory in Saturday’s United Rentals 250.

 

Hill’s No. 21 RCR Chevrolet led a race-best 48 of the 100 laps to earn a season sweep at the 2.66-mile speedway, NASCAR’s biggest track. The 31-year-old Georgia native claimed both stage wins and the .105-second victory over JR Motorsports playoff driver Carson Kvapil. The victory now gives him 10 wins at drafting style tracks – having already eclipsed the previous record set by NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart, who each had eight victories on that style of track.

 

Although Hill has been eliminated from contention for the Xfinity driver’s title, his win Saturday does guarantee his RCR team a car in the 2025 owner’s championship.

 

“If you have any questions and it’s green-white-checkered, you probably just go to the bottom [of the track] because of how crazy the second and third lane was there at the end,” an elated Hill said after climbing down from the hood of his Chevy, where he waved his hands and encouraged the huge crowd’s loud reaction.

 

“Being able to race for Richard Childress is always special, and to be able to deliver wins like this,” Hill continued. “As the playoff started and us getting knocked out the way we did, it stung a lot, but once we knew we were still in it for the owner’s championship, I decided I’d do it just like I would going for a driver’s championship.

 

“To be able to lock ourselves in and go to Phoenix knowing we’re going for an owner’s championship and be able to try and deliver one to Richard Childress Racing means the world to me.”

 

Carson Kvapil finished second; Justin Allgaier placed third; Christian Eckes came in fourth and Caesar Bacarella completed the top five.

 






Pole: Jesse Love



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Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 7:30 pm ET for the ‘IAA and Ritchie Bros. 250’ at Martinsville Speedway.




NASCAR Trucks

Gio Ruggiero Scores First Career Truck Series Win

Gio Ruggiero Scores First Career Truck Series Win

 

Rookie Gio Ruggiero capped a typically dramatic afternoon of racing on the Talladega Superspeedway high banks with the 19-year-old’s first career trip to NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Victory Lane in Friday’s Love’s RV Stop 225.

 

Though not in the playoffs, Ruggiero held off his Tricon Garage teammate and current championship leader Corey Heim in a two-lap overtime duel to the checkered flag, his No. 17 Toyota leading the way by a mere .059 seconds. The effort rewarded an absolutely strong day for the young driver, who won pole position and led a race-best 37 of the 90 laps.

 

“Super thankful all the guys on this 17 truck, they worked their butts off today and definitely brought the best piece today,” the Massachusetts driver Ruggiero said. “We showed it in qualifying and throughout the race there that we had the fastest piece. Thanks to Toyota and everybody who supports me. Great to win a race with my mom and dad here.”

 

Corey Heim finished second; Ty Majeski placed third; Dawson Sutton came in fourth and Layne Riggs completed the top five.

 






Pole: Gio Ruggiero



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Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 6:00 pm ET for the ‘Slim Jim 200’ at Martinsville Speedway.




ARCA

ARCA was off track this Weekend

The ARCA Menard Series (AMS) and ARCA Menard East Series (AMES) have concluded their 2025 Season. Brenden Queen won the AMS Championship while Isaac Kitzmiller captured the top spot in the AES

 







Next Race: The ARCA West Series will return on Saturday, November1, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. MT for the ‘Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100’ at Phoenix Raceway. This will be the last ARCA race of the 2025 Season..



 

source: NASCAR Media