NASCAR / ARCA Race Recap (EchoPark / Lime Rock)

Winners: Chase Elliott (Cup); Nick Sanchez (Xfinity); Corey Heim (Trucks) plus Thomas Annunziata (ARCA)

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 

NASCAR Cup

Chase Elliott Wins Wild, Action-Packed Race at EchoPark Speedway

 

Timing his pass on the last lap to perfection, Georgia native Chase Elliott charged past Brad Keselowski and held off the driver of the No. 6 Ford to win Saturday night’s Quaker State 400 at Echo Park Speedway. 

The popular victory in the first event of the NASCAR Cup Series ‘In-Season Challenge’ broke a 44-race drought for Elliott dating to last year’s win at Texas Motor Speedway. The win was the second at EchoPark for the driver of the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and the 20th of his career.

 

Elliott crossed the finish line 0.168 seconds ahead of Keselowski and 0.170 seconds in front of teammate and third-place finisher Alex Bowman.

 

“Unbelievable … unbelievable. How about that? Are you kidding me?” Elliott said with an uncharacteristic display of emotion. “I’ve never in my life. … This is unbelievable. Thank you guys so much.

 

“What a special car, and just a huge thanks to NAPA Auto Parts and everything they do for me and to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Rhealynn Mills, a cancer patient designed the fast NAPA Chevrolet tonight, so this was a lot of fun. This right here is something I’ll never forget.”

 

Winners in ATL! 🏁 Rhealynn and all the kids at @childrensatl this one’s for you 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/MPicMcDTAn

— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) June 29, 2025

Pole: Joey Logano

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET for the ‘Challenge Round 2 - Grant Park 165’ at the Chicago Street Race.

NASCAR Xfinity

Nick Sanchez Earns First Career Xfinity Series Win

 

Nick Sanchez charged to the front after a restart with seven laps left in Friday night’s Focused Health 250 and held off fellow Sunoco rookie Carson Kvapil to secure his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory.

 

Sanchez, who rallied from a spin through the frontstretch grass at EchoPark Speedway on Lap 68, lost the top spot to Jesse Love on the final restart on Lap 157 of 163, but regained it on the following circuit.

 

Sanchez spent the next five laps doing everything in his power to keep Kvapil behind him. The win earned the 24-year-old from Miami, Fla., a berth in the Xfinity Series Playoffs.

 

“It’s a weight lifted off my shoulders, that’s for sure,” Sanchez said after climbing from his car on the front stretch. “Now we can go chase checkered flags.”

 

What a night for @Nicksanchez080! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8OkXw3DMCu

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) June 28, 2025

Pole: Sheldon Creed

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at 4:30 pm ET for the ‘The Loop 110’ at Chicago Street Race.

NASCAR Trucks

Heim Dominates to Win Inaugural Craftsman Truck Race at Lime Rock Park

 

Corey Heim’s victory in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ debut at Lime Rock Park wasn’t just a case of domination. It was an eyelash away from perfection.

 

Heim led 99 of 100 laps at the 1.478-mile road course in bucolic Lakeville, Connecticut, to win the LiUNA! 150 — his fifth victory of the season and the 16th of his career.

 

“Yeah, that was nothing short of incredible,” Heim acknowledged. “These road courses — I really look forward to them, pre-event and whatnot, and I really prepare for them, so to see all that pay off with Safelite, Tricon, Toyota, it’s super special.

 

"Nothing short of incredible."

Couldn't agree more, @CoreyHeim_. pic.twitter.com/jJgFXMCwha

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) June 28, 2025

Pole: Corey Heim

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 8:00 pm ET for the ‘TSport 200’ at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

ARCA

Thomas Annunziata Perseveres to Score His First ARCA Win

 

Thomas Annunziata, who qualified on the General Tire Pole with a blazing lap Friday, crossed the finish line first Saturday to score his maiden ARCA Menards Series win in just his fifth start. He did so despite getting spun on the first corner of the race.

 

“It means a lot, especially after what happened in the (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) race,” said Annunziata, who also competed in Saturday’s LiUNA! 150. “We got taken out at the beginning of this race, too. I wasn’t very cool, and (my team) helped me stay calm.

 

“I can’t thank Toyota, Nitro Motorsports, Venturini enough for taking the chance on me. This is the first time I’m in real winning equipment, and I get to showcase my talent. There was no better way to win that than to go back to last and have to make a comeback.”

 

The road-course ace got it done at @limerockpark pic.twitter.com/rKqEmtd3i7

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) June 28, 2025

Pole: Thomas Annunziata

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA West Series will return on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. PT for the ‘General Tire 200’ at Sonoma Raceway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

Lime Rock Park #NASCAR Race Schedule

Truck Series ‘LiUNA! 150’ and the ARCA Menards Series ‘Lime Rock Park 100’ on Saturday

 

After a 14-year hiatus, NASCAR will once again race at Lime Rock Park as the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series makes its debut at the Connecticut circuit on June 27-28, 2025. This weekend will be the first Truck Series race at Lime Rock Park, and the first held in Connecticut. Lime Rock is the first of three Truck Series road course races scheduled this season. The stages will end on Laps 35, 70, and 100.

 

Friday, June 27, 2025

• 1:05 p.m.: Truck Series Practice – FS2
• 2:30 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series Practice – No TV
• 3:45 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series Qualifying – No TV

Saturday, June 28, 2025

• 9:30 a.m.: Truck Series Qualifying – FS1
• 1 p.m.: Truck Series LiUNA! 150 – FOX/SiriusXM/MRN
• 4 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series Lime Rock Park 100

Gearing up for our @limerockpark debut. 😤 pic.twitter.com/eU6M0jHReU

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) June 25, 2025

 

source: Speedway Media

EchoPark Speedway’s #NASCAR Race Schedule

The 'Focused Health 250' Xfinity Series Race on Friday / the 'Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart' #NASCAR Cup Series Race on Saturday

 

Fans get more opportunities to get up close to their racing heroes whenever NASCAR heads to EchoPark Speedway. 

 

Sports fans relish any chance to interact with the stars and no sports stars are more accessible than NASCAR’s. That is doubly true at EchoPark Speedway, where there are several chances to meet some of the best racers on the planet every time NASCAR comes to Atlanta.

 

Thursday, June 26, 2025

• 11:00 a.m.---Speedway and NASCAR Credentials Open
• 4:00 p.m.---Pedal Power Bike Ride
• 5:30 p.m.---Gates Open (Gate 14)
• 6:00 p.m.---Legends & Bandolero Racing (Quarter-Mile Track)
• 6:00 p.m.---THOR Camper Appreciation Party (EchoPark Fan Zone Stage)
• 6:00 p.m.---Speedway Children's Charities Cornhole Tournament presented by Renasant Bank (EchoPark Fan Zone)

Friday, June 27, 2025

• 7:30 a.m.--- NASCAR Cup Series Hauler Parade presented by Raceway Ministries
• 9:30 a.m.--- Speedway and NASCAR Credentials Open
• 11:30 a.m.--- Parking Lots Open
• 12:00 p.m.--- Fan Zone Opens
• 12:30 p.m.--- Xfinity Series Autograph Session - EchoPark Automotive Fan Zone
• 2:45 p.m.--- Gates Open
• 3:00 p.m.--- NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying
• 5:05 p.m.--- NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying
• 7:30 p.m.--- Focused Health 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series Race
• Stages 45/90/163 
• Laps = 251.02 Miles
• 9:30 p.m.--- Peach Pit Party featuring Tim Duggar

Saturday, June 28, 2025

• 11:30 a.m.--- Parking Lots Open
• 12:00 p.m.--- Fan Zone Opens
• 12:30 p.m.--- Speedway Children's Charities Track Walk presented by Classic Tents & Events
• 2:00 p.m.--- Smokey Jones and The 3 Dollar Pistols perform on the EchoPark Fan Stage
• 2:30 p.m.--- Speedway and NASCAR Credentials Open
• 3:00 p.m.--- Gates Open
• 3:45 p.m.--- Pre-Race Track Pass Access Opens
• 4:00 p.m.--- Trackside Live! with Kenny Wallace & John Roberts (EchoPark Fan Zone Stage)
• 5:00 p.m.--- Pre-Race Concert featuring Jet Black Roses
• 6:25 p.m.--- Driver Introductions
• 7:00 p.m.--- Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart NASCAR Cup Series Race
• Stages 60/160/260 
• Laps = 400.4 Miles

Happy Race Week! Here's a few words from our Executive VP & GM, Brandon Hutchison. The Quaker State 400 available at Walmart is going to be a race you WON'T want to miss. 👏 #QS400 | #ATLNightRace pic.twitter.com/FOa7KdczjI

— EchoPark Speedway (@EchoParkSpdwy) June 23, 2025

 

source: EchoPark Speedway Media

Ross Chastain Tours Southern Belle Farm Ahead of QS400

“Racing is a hobby that I turned into a career, but I was born into agriculture, so I grew up in fields,” said Chastain.

 

Ross Chastain is known for two things: going really fast in his No. 1 Trackhouse Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup and his enthusiasm for the agriculture industry.

 

On Wednesday, the eighth-generation watermelon farmer saw his two passions come together at Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, Ga. — the source of EchoPark Speedway’s traditional Victory Lane peaches that each NASCAR race winner receives.

 

“Racing is a hobby that I turned into a career, but I was born into agriculture, so I grew up in fields,” said Chastain. “It’s so cool to see this farm thriving so close to the city and the people that come out to this agritourism venue.”

 

Chastain received a tour of the farm, picked the brains of its staff about their efforts to grow peaches and other crops, and then picked the peaches that will be given out after Saturday night’s Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart.

 

“Pulling (peaches) right off the tree — they taste pretty sweet,” Chastain said, adding, “But I figure they’re going to be even sweeter on Saturday night if we win.”

 

Since the track was reconfigured for the 2022 season, Chastain has scored a pair of runner-up finishes and four top-10s in seven starts at EchoPark Speedway. Once a skeptic, he is now a fan of the “new” EchoPark Speedway and embraces the challenge it provides as he pursues his first win in Atlanta.

 

“I was in the camp that it was good how it was and we didn’t need to mess with it, but I was wrong, and I’m man enough to admit that,” Chastain said. “It’s better now. The Smith Family and Speedway Motorsports have done an incredible job of taking a mile-and-a-half track and creating superspeedway-style drafting like Daytona and Talladega.”

 

Adding to the challenge is the introduction of NASCAR’s first-ever In-Season Tournament, which starts Saturday night at EchoPark Speedway. The bracket-style elimination tournament will see 32 drivers compete for a $1 million prize. As the 13th seed, Chastain is in a head-to-head matchup with 20th seed Erik Jones; whichever driver finishes better in that pairing will advance to the next round at the Chicago Street Course – the other will be eliminated.

 

Chastain said the added wrinkle of the In-Season Tournament hasn’t changed his approach to Saturday night’s race, “but I do know that if that 43 car is in front of me, I definitely don’t want to finish behind him.”

 

Chastain and the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series competitors will hit the track for qualifying on Friday evening. They’ll then compete for 400 miles under the lights on Saturday night at 7 p.m. in the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart.

 

🍉 🤝 🍑

From passing out watermelons to campers to learning all about peaches at @SouthernBelleFa, we had a DAY with @rosschastain! #QS400 | #ATLNightRace pic.twitter.com/z6as2HmT1p

— EchoPark Speedway (@EchoParkSpdwy) June 25, 2025

 

source: EchoPark Speedway Media

Atlanta's Night Race Comes with Higher Stakes

#NASCAR's First-Ever In-Season Tournament

When the stars of NASCAR duel on EchoPark Speedway’s high banks this Saturday night, the race will carry higher, never-before-seen stakes.

The Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart will not only be a pivotal event for drivers competing to race their way into NASCAR playoffs or bolster their championship hopes; the event will also be the first in 32 drivers’ quest to win $1 million in NASCAR’s first-ever In-Season Tournament.

 

Seeding for the field of 32 drivers in contention for the $1 million prize was set based on the results of the NASCAR Cup Series events in Michigan, Mexico City, and Pocono. These drivers will compete over the course of five races – starting with Saturday night’s Quaker State 400 in Atlanta – in head-to-head, bracket-style elimination matchups to determine who will be the inaugural winner of the NASCAR In-Season Tournament.

 

Saturday night’s event at EchoPark Speedway will feature 16 head-to-head matchups at one of the series’ wildest and most intense tracks:

 

1. #1 Denny Hamlin (No. 11 Toyota) vs. #32 Ty Dillon (No. 10 Chevrolet)
2. #2 Chase Briscoe (No. 19 Toyota) vs. #31 Noah Gragson (No. 4 Ford)
3. #3 Chris Buescher (No. 17 Ford) vs. #30 Todd Gilliland (No. 34 Ford)
4. #4 Christopher Bell (No. 20 Toyota) vs. #29 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (No. 47 Chevrolet)
5. #5 Chase Elliott (No. 9 Chevrolet) vs. #28 Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet)
6. #6 Ty Gibbs (No. 54 Toyota) vs. #27 Justin Haley (No. 7 Chevrolet)
7. #7 Ryan Blaney (No. 12 Ford) vs. #26 Carson Hocevar (No. 77 Chevrolet)
8. #8 Alex Bowman (No. 48 Chevrolet) vs. #25 Joey Logano (No. 22 Ford)
9. #9 Bubba Wallace (No. 23 Toyota) vs. #24 Daniel Suárez (No. 99 Chevrolet)
10. #10 Kyle Larson (No. 5 Chevrolet) vs. #23 Tyler Reddick (No. 45 Toyota)
11. #11 Michael McDowell (No. 71 Chevrolet) vs. #22 AJ Allmendinger (No. 16 Chevrolet)
12. #12 John Hunter Nemechek (No. 42 Toyota) vs. #21 Josh Berry (No. 21 Ford)
13. #13 Ross Chastain (No. 1 Chevrolet vs. #20 Erik Jones (No. 43 Toyota)
14. #14 Zane Smith (No. 38 Ford) vs. #19 Austin Cindric (No. 2 Ford)
15. #15 Ryan Preece (No. 60 Ford) vs. #18 William Byron (No. 24 Chevrolet)
16. #16 Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) vs. #17 Brad Keselowski (No. 6 Ford)

 

The 16 drivers who finish better than their head-to-head opponent will advance to the next round at the Chicago Street Course; the other 16 drivers will be eliminated from the tournament.

 

The added intrigue of the tournament matchups will unfold amongst some of the fastest and most awe-inspiring racing NASCAR has to offer. Fresh off another tantalizing event that saw a track record 50 lead changes in NASCAR’s spring visit to EchoPark Speedway in February, fans expect to see another thrilling affair under the lights on Saturday night at 7 p.m.

 

The drivers aren't the only ones competing for a Million Dollar Prize. Create a perfect NASCAR in-Season Change Bracket and win BIG!

 

The drivers aren't the only ones competing for a $1 million prize.

Create a perfect NASCAR In-Season Challenge bracket and win big! 💰

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 24, 2025

Click Here to Enter 

Click Here for Challenge Rules

 

source: EchoPark Speedway Media

NASCAR / ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Pocono / Elko)

Winners: Chase Briscoe (Cup); Connor Zilisch (Xfinity); Layne Riggs (Trucks) plus Max Reaves Wins (ARCA)

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 

 

NASCAR Cup

Chase Briscoe Wins Pressure-Packed Cup Series Race at Pocono

 

Chase Briscoe has earned a NASCAR Cup Series season-best four pole positions and led laps in eight races in his first season driving the famous No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, and finally – finally – on Sunday afternoon that hard work translated into his first trophy, edging his JGR teammate Denny Hamlin in The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPA.com at Pocono Raceway.

 

It came down to the suspenseful very final laps, Briscoe having to save as much fuel as possible while maintaining the lead the last 34 laps with Pocono’s all-time winningest driver Hamlin and two-time Pocono winner, Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney, directly in his rearview mirror, pushing him lap after lap.

 

But Briscoe did it — perfectly executing throttle control to maintain the lead and not run his car out of gas — ultimately beating Hamlin across the line by .682-second to formally punch his win-and-in 2025 Playoff ticket. The 30-year-old Indiana-native led a race-best 72 of the 160 laps on the day and even had enough fuel for the well-deserved victory celebration.

 

“There was a lot [of pressure],” a smiling Briscoe conceded. “It was kind of weird. I wasn’t driving hard, so it’s not like I was on the ragged edge, but it was just so hard having a guy chasing you, especially the guy that’s the greatest of all time here, to be trying to save fuel and everything else.

 

“Just an amazing day for our race team,” he continued, “Really the first race we’ve executed all year long.”

 

Shredded ‘em! 🛞💨#PAGetaway400 pic.twitter.com/PAN1pfIc5P

— Pocono Raceway (@PoconoRaceway) June 23, 2025

Pole: Denny Hamlin

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 7:00 pm ET for the ‘Challenge Round 1 - Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart’ at EchoPark Speedway.

NASCAR Xfinity

Connor Zilisch Wins Xfinity Race Dale Jr. as Crew Chief

 

In a day of varying strategies and dramatic restarts among the frontrunners, JR Motorsports rookie Connor Zilisch prevailed in a late-race sprint to the checkered flag in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 at Pocono Raceway — the first oval win of this young talent’s career.

 

Late-race restarts determined the day and ultimately it came down to a duel between Zilisch and his best friend, last year’s Rookie of the Year, Jesse Love. Zilisch pulled his No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet alongside Love’s car as they crossed the start/finish line with four laps to go and then he took the lead for good with three laps remaining – .437-seconds ahead of the field.

 

It was that kind of resolute day for the 18-year-old Zilisch, who had some key help in his headset from a first-time crew chief. His team owner, NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., filled in for the team’s full-time leader, Mardy Lindley, who was serving a one-race suspension.

 

“Just a great job putting us in position to succeed, we had a lot of things go our way, a lot of good luck, good race strategy, had a little help from [his former NASCAR Cup Series crew chief Steve] Letarte,” a grinning Earnhardt said, applauding Lindley’s preparation for the weekend.

 

“Hats off to everybody on this team,” he continued. “It’s been amazing all weekend long. Great race car driver. Connor Zilisch is going to be a big deal in this sport for a long time. A lot of fun for me today.”

 

“I’ve been dying for this one for a while now, I’ve been so close on the ovals lately,” Zilisch said. “I finished second at Charlotte, second at Nashville.

 

“And Dale Jr., not too bad on the box,” he said smiling, saying he appreciated Earnhardt’s advice throughout the race. “Pretty cool to have him up there. Thank you so much to the entire JR Motorsports team. … this one is definitely special. I’ve been chasing an oval win for a while now.”

 

The @colepearn victory selfie. pic.twitter.com/bgrKXrL4Bl

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) June 22, 2025

Pole: Chase Elliott

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Friday, June 27, 7:30 pm ET at 7:30 pm ET for the ‘Focused Health 250’ at EchoPark Speedway.

NASCAR Trucks

Layne Riggs Seizes Pocono Victory Following Corey Heim’s Tire Trouble

 

Layne Riggs capped one of the best race weekends of his young career, claiming his first-ever pole position then leading the final 20 laps of Friday’s MillerTech Battery 200 to take his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory of the season in the opening race of a NASCAR tripleheader weekend at Pocono Raceway.

 

Riggs’ No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford beat Tricon Garage driver Tanner Gray to the checkered flag by a healthy 3.64 seconds, delivering the young star his third career series win.

 

“That’s just a testament to this team, that thing was bad fast, especially that last run right there,” said Riggs, the 23-year-old son of former NASCAR Cup Series standout Scott Riggs.

 

“I really hate the 11 [Heim] fell out and not sure what the seven [Hocevar] was doing on the restart there, but made sure to take advantage of it.

 

“But, hey, I’m a happy man right now. This is not what I had circled. Last year, we wrecked in practice, didn’t qualify and ran dead last all day. And today we were the best. It’s amazing.”

 

Spinning right into Victory Layne! pic.twitter.com/aipj4mrI0L

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) June 20, 2025

Pole: Layne Riggs

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Saturday, June 28, 1:00 pm ET for the ‘LIUNA 150’ at Lime Rock Park.

ARCA

Max Reaves Masters Elko Speedway for first ARCA Menards Series Victory

 

Max Reaves, the 15-year-old from Trinity, North Carolina, secured his first ARCA Menards Series victory Saturday night thanks to a spirited drive late in the Shore Lunch 250 presented by Dutch Boy at Minnesota’s Elko Speedway. 

 

Reaves, who has won all three of the ARCA Menards Series East events he’s started this season, made his second ARCA Menards Series start Saturday after finishing second last week at Berlin Raceway.

 

“It’s crazy,” Reaves said in Victory Lane. “I won in the East (Series) three times in a row. That was crazy, but to win in the national series like this is just awesome.”

 

Cookin' when it counted.

15-year-old Max Reaves earns his first ARCA Menards Series (national) win in convincing fashion at @Elko_Speedway! pic.twitter.com/1BtNWs7wRH

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) June 22, 2025

Pole: Brenden Queen

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. ET for “The Lime Rock Park 100’ at Lime Rock Park.

 

source: NASCAR Media

Attorney General Announces 7th Annual Drug Take Back

Office of Attorney General staff will be at the race weekend, June 20-22, collecting unused, expired prescription medications

 

Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that his office is again partnering with Pocono Raceway for its annual Drug Take Back event during NASCAR race weekend at the track from June 20 to 22 for “The Great American Getaway 400.”

 

Attendees on any of the three event days can bring unused and outdated prescription medications to the track and safely dispose of them at the Office of Attorney General’s station outside the main entrance at the raceway, under the flag pole.

 

Those who drop off prescription drugs will be given a voucher to return to the Pocono Raceway on Tuesday, July 8, to drive their own vehicle around “The Tricky Triangle.”

 

“The opioid epidemic continues to plague communities across Pennsylvania, and I have made prevention, deterrence, and treatment as top priorities for my office,” Attorney General Sunday said. “This take back event is the perfect opportunity to dispose of potentially dangerous medication in a safe way that keeps the drugs out of the wrong hands. I am thankful for the continued partnership with the Pocono Raceway on this proactive measure that can save lives.”

 

Since 2017, the Office of Attorney General’s statewide Drug Take Back program has collected and destroyed nearly 400 tons of prescription drugs.

 

“Pocono Raceway is a proud partner of the Office of Attorney General and remains focused on doing our small part to help our guests dispose of unused and expired prescription medications in a safe manner,” Ben May, Pocono Raceway President, said. “We encourage everyone visiting Pocono Raceway between June 20-22nd to visit the Office of Attorney General’s booth – next to our large American flag behind the grandstands – to safely dispose of your medications.”

 

Representatives from the Office of Attorney General will also host a table on Saturday, June 21, at Kids’ Day, where activities and swag will be available to youth and their families.

 

In 2022, the Office of Attorney General released a special report on fentanyl becoming the dominant opioid in Pennsylvania that is increasingly found in counterfeit pills. The report notes that just one fentanyl-laced counterfeit pill is enough to cause an overdose.

 

Pocono Raceway Drug Take Back Weekend is the only large-scale drug take back program of its kind in Pennsylvania. It hopes to provide an example for other large venues and sports teams and show how important it is to take part in these initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic and keep the Commonwealth safe.

 

Read more: https://t.co/2ZtysLUTQW pic.twitter.com/ynKcI8D7TI

— PA Attorney General Dave Sunday (@PAAttorneyGen) June 12, 2025

 

source: Pocono Raceway Media

NASCAR Pocono Raceway Schedule

CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race on Friday; Xfinity Series on Saturday; Cup Series on Sunday

 

Pocono Raceway is a 2.5-mile tri-oval track in Blakeslee, Pennsylvania. The track has held a variety of events since its opening in 1969, including NASCAR, IndyCar Series, and IMSA GT Championship races.

 

This weekend Pocono will host the NASCAR Cup Series; Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series events.

 

Thursday, June 19, 2025

• 12:00 p.m. – RV/ Camping Registration Opens
• 12:00 pm. – 7:00 p.m. Pocono Mountains Activities & Welcome Center Open
• 6:00 p.m. – The Beast Infield Block Party Live Music- Jack Wilder – Camping Guests
• 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Welcome to Pocono Track Walk
• 8:00 p.m. – The Beast Infield Block Party Live Music–M80 -Camping Guests

Friday, June 20, 2025

• 10:00 a.m. Parking Lots Open
• 12:00 p.m. Grandstand Gates, Fan Fair, Paddock Opens
• 12:35 p.m. NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series – Practice
• 1:40 p.m. NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series – Qualifying
• 4:45 p.m. NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series – Driver Introductions
• 5:00 P.M. MillerTech Battery 200 – NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series- Race 
• 80 Laps
• 200 Miles

Saturday, June 21, 2025

• 6:00 a.m. Parking Lots Open
• 8:00 a.m. Grandstand Gates, Fan Fair, Paddock Opens
• 10:00 a.m. NASCAR Xfinity Series – Practice
• 11:05 a.m. NASCAR Xfinity Series – Qualifying
• 12:35 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series – Practice
• 1:45 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series – Qualifying
• 3:00 p.m. NASCAR Xfinity Series – Driver Introductions
• 3:30 p.m. Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 – NASCAR Xfinity Series Race 
• 100 Laps
• 250 Miles

Sunday, June 22, 2025

• 6:00 a.m. Parking Lots Open
• 8:00 a.m. Grandstand Gates, Fan Fair, Paddock Opens
• 1:25 p.m. NASCAR Cup Series – Driver Introductions
• 2:00 p.m. The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA – NASCAR Cup Series Race 
• 160 Laps
• 400 Miles

All Times are ET.

Check out our Event Guide for all your @NASCAR race weekend information!

Driver appearances, schedules, important fan info & more. All in one place!

Visit: https://t.co/sFwhzGrXWt.#MillerTech200 #ExplorePocono250 #PAGetaway400 #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/nZ1cNfuwYl

— Pocono Raceway (@PoconoRaceway) June 13, 2025

 

source: Pocono Raceway Media

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