Sunday, February 22, 2026

NASCAR Race Weekend Recap (EchoPark)

#NASCAR Race Weekend Recap (EchoPark)

Winners: Tyler Reddick (Cup); Sheldon Creed (O'Reilly); Kyle Busch (Trucks)


NASCAR Cup

Tyler Reddick Rallies from Multicar Wreck, Rolls to Second Win in a Row in Overtime at EchoPark

Tyler Reddick Rallies from Multicar Wreck, Rolls to Second Win in a Row in Overtime at EchoPark

 

Tyler Reddick landed his second consecutive victory to open the NASCAR Cup Series season, rallying from a final-stage crash and emerging from a frenzied second overtime Sunday at EchoPark Speedway. 

 

Reddick pushed the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota to a 0.164-second margin of victory, leading a race-high 53 of the 271 laps in the Autotrader 400. His first win at the 1.54-mile Atlanta-area track was the 10th of his Cup Series career, coming on the heels of his Daytona 500 triumph last weekend. He becomes the first driver since Matt Kenseth in 2009 to win the opening two races of a campaign.

 

"I mean, that's crazy. Ain't it? How about that? EchoPark Speedway," Reddick said after the win. "I mean, this place, over the years man, it just puts on some amazing racing. Handling matters here, but I don't know, I guess determination out-weighs handling."

 






Pole: Tyler Reddick (Qualifying Cancelled - Weather)



Click Here for Race Results 


Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 3:30 pm ET for the ‘DuraMax Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne’ at Circuit of The Americas.



NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series

Creed Wins First Career O’Reilly Auto Parts Race

Creed Wins First Career O’Reilly Auto Parts Race

 

Incredible. That’s how Sheldon Creed described his first career victory in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and that’s likely how anyone who watched the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 would describe the final dramatic run to the checkered flag Saturday evening at Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway.

 

While racing hard for the win on the final lap, the Chevrolets of five-time EchoPark race winner Austin Hill and NASCAR Cup Series full-timer Ross Chastain collided while running first and second, clearing the way for the 28-year-old Californian Creed to emerge from his third-place position just behind. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Creed raced his No. 00 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet cleanly through the incident coming out of the last turn in front to earn his first career trophy in the series after setting a series record 15 runner-up finishes.

 

“Incredible,” a smiling Creed said after accepting his first series checkered flag from the flagman after the race. “It worked out. finally, a winner.

 

“Obviously had a lot of good runs, but never finished it up, never won,” he said after hoisting his trophy in Victory Lane — his voice a little softer after screaming with emotion on the cool-down lap and later after celebrating with his team.

 

“To finally do that, after it looked like another second place for awhile coming off of [Turn] 2, it just all worked out for us tonight.”

 






Pole: Sam Mayer



Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will return on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 3:00 pm ET for the ‘Focused Health 250’ at Circuit of The Americas..




NASCAR Trucks

Kyle Busch Leads Spire 1-2, Surges to Truck Series Win at EchoPark

Kyle Busch Leads Spire 1-2, Surges to Truck Series Win at EchoPark
Carson Hocevars greets Spire Motorsports teammate Kyle Busch to congratulate
the driver of the No. 7 Chevrolet for winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race


Kyle Busch took his third consecutive and record ninth win of his career in the Fr8 208 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at EchoPark Speedway on Saturday afternoon, capping a dramatic push to the checkered flag to collect his record 68th series victory.

 

In the closing laps, Busch, 40, exchanged the lead with series veteran Stewart Friesen in a flashback from the 2025 race on the 1.54-mile Atlanta high banks when Friesen finished runner-up to him. Ultimately, Busch’s No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet was again able to get the best of the duel, benefiting from a timely push from his teammate, Carson Hocevar, to reclaim the lead for good in the final seven laps.

 

“It got dicey there at the end,” a grinning Busch said after giving his trademark bow to the crowd at the finish line. “Certainly, a great race and it got exciting there at the end.

 

“Had a great teammate [Hocevar] behind me and have to give credit where credit is due. Early on was a little worried he wasn’t helping but there at the end he was right there … definitely made it a whole lot easier.”

 






Pole: Jake Garcia



Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 12:00 pm ET for the ‘OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 at St. Petersburg’ at Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.




ARCA

ARCA Racing Off Week







Next Race: The ARCA West Series will return on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 5 p.m. PT for the ‘Oil Workers 150 presented by the West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame’ at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway..



 

source: NASCAR Media
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Saturday, February 21, 2026

Garcia and Mayer Win Poles for Today’s Doubleheader Races

Garcia and Mayer Win Poles for Today’s Doubleheader Races

Truck Series Race at 1:30 p.m. / O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at 5 p.m.,

Day one of NASCAR weekend at EchoPark Speedway wrapped up with Sam Mayer and Georgia native Jake Garcia scoring pole positions.

 

They will lead their respective fields to green during Saturday’s doubleheader, which includes the Fr8 Racing 208 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race (1:30 p.m., FS1 and PRN Radio) and the Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race (5 p.m., The CW and PRN Radio).

 

Sam Mayer #Wins #NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Pole

 

Mayer set the pace in both rounds of O’Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying and ultimately claimed the top spot with a speed of 174.318 mph in his No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevy.

 

He outran Carson Kvapil for the pole. Kvapil will start second in his No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevy after turning a lap at 173.875 mph.

 

In this race last year, Mayer was swept up in a crash, relegating him to a 36th-place finish. He experienced the same fate in last week’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season opener and looks to rebound this weekend at EchoPark Speedway in the Bennett 250.

 

“I feel like it’s going to be very good,” Sam Mayer said after winning the pole. “It’s my first speedway pole—it feels really good, very rewarding, everyone at Haas Factory Team did a great job. The pushes are a lot different with this [Chevy] nose, and it’s something I had to relearn last week at Daytona and it’s going to be even bigger here.”

 





Jake Garcia #Wins #NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Pole

 

Jake Garcia, a native of Monroe, Ga., is running his fourth season in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, and earned his fourth career pole in his 77th career start.

 

The driver of the ThorSport Racing No. 98 Ford F-150 powered to a 172.980 mph lap in the second round of qualifying to claim the top spot.

 

“It’s huge to start up front here in Atlanta. If you can control a lane, you put yourself in a good position to get stage points,” Garcia said after winning the pole. “It’s really special to start on the pole here. It’s a home track for me. I’m excited to lead the field to green in front of this Georgia crowd.”

 

Garcia’s teammate Ben Rhodes will start second in his No. 99 Ford F-150, completing the front row with a speed of 172.726 mph. Kyle Busch, defending winner of this race making his first Truck Series start of the season in the No. 7 Chevrolet, will roll off third with a lap of 172.662 mph.

 





 

source: EchoPark Speedway Media
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Friday, February 20, 2026

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Announces 30th Anniversary Ride Route

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Announces 30th Anniversary Ride Route

The 30th Anniversary Ride will take place from May 1 – May 9, 2026, starting in Sonoma, California, and ending in Charlotte, North Carolina, crossing 11 states in just nine days.

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Announces 30th Anniversary Ride Route

 

Former NASCAR driver and current racing analyst Kyle Petty officially announced the complete route and overnight stops for the 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (KPCRAA). For the milestone edition, the 30th Anniversary KPCRAA will truly cross the United States, starting in Sonoma, California, on May 1, 2026, and concluding in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 9, 2026.

 

The 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will be book-ended by trips to two iconic Speedway Motorsports (SM) racetracks, Sonoma Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, and will see Petty lead roughly 150 motorcycles over 3,400 miles across 11 states in just nine days to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction – a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with serious and chronic medical conditions. Since 1995, more than 9,575 riders have logged 13.3 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised more than $23 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.

 

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the 30th Anniversary KPCRAA will ride historic Highway 50, the ‘Loneliest Road in America,’ and parts of the original Route 66, both of which are celebrating their Centennial in 2026. The Ride is working closely with America 250 to highlight iconic stops along the way, and contribute to the “Our American Story,” program in which stories of everyday Americans will be recorded for posterity.

 

The Ride will also make stops at the original Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri; tour Elvis Presley’s home and museum Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee; explore the Coker Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee; ride the famous 318-curve and 11-mile Dragon through the Appalachian Mountains; visit Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina; capped off with a trip to Victory Junction before heading to Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

“The reason I am so excited about this year’s Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is because this is our 30th year,” Petty said. “America 250 – the anniversary of our great country’s independence, the 100th anniversary of Highway 50 – the ‘Loneliest Road in America,’ the 100th anniversary of Route 66 – another iconic highway. There is just so much to celebrate this year. The places we are stopping – Bass Pro Shops, Coker Museum, Graceland, riding the Dragon - just like the kid’s book says, ‘Oh the places you’ll go!’ I feel like a kid and I’m ready to do it.”

 

Rutledge Wood, NASCAR Race Mom and Kyle Petty 2014 Carlsbad KPCR
Rutledge Wood, NASCAR Race Mom and Kyle Petty 2014 Carlsbad KPCR
Spectators and Race fans along the 2026 route will have loads of fun! 

 

Spectators and race fans along the 2026 route are encouraged to attend one of the Ride’s nine overnight stops or daily pit stops to greet Petty and the riders, purchase memorabilia, collect autographs and make donations to Victory Junction.

 





Full 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule:

  • Day 1, Friday, May 1 – Sonoma, CA to Ely, NV
  • Day 2, Saturday, May 2 – Ely, NV to Moab, UT
  • Day 3, Sunday, May 3 – Moab, UT to Colorado Springs, CO
  • Day 4, Monday, May 4 – Colorado Springs, CO to Wichita, KS
  • Day 5, Tuesday, May 5 – Wichita, KS to Springfield, MO
  • Day 6, Wednesday, May 6 – Springfield, MO to Memphis, TN
  • Day 7, Thursday, May 7 – Memphis, TN to Chattanooga, TN
  • Day 8, Friday, May 8 – Chattanooga, TN to Asheville, NC
  • Day 9, Saturday, May 9 – Asheville, NC to Charlotte, NC


The start and end points for the 30th Anniversary Ride also replicates the first route taken by Kyle Petty and friends during the initial Ride in 1995. The first Ride kicked off May 8, 1995, following the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, and wrapped up in Charlotte eight days later.

 

Among the celebrities participating in this milestone 30th Anniversary Ride are NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty; NASCAR Hall of Famer and NASCAR Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth; NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton; former NASCAR drivers Clint Bowyer, David Ragan, Ken Schrader, and Kenny Wallace; former Formula 1, Champ Car, and NASCAR driver Max Papis; former IndyCar driver JR Hildebrand; TV personalities Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood; and great-grandson of William A. Davidson, one of the Harley-Davidson founders, VP & Global Brand Ambassador Bill Davidson.

 

Since the inaugural year in 1995, the KPCRAA has had 10 total NASCAR Hall of Fame members and two Landmark Award winners participate in the Ride including: Richard Petty, David Pearson, Terry Labonte, Ray Evernham, Robert Yates, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Herschel McGriff, Donnie Allison, Harry Gant, NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton, and NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France.


“Once you go on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, you become part of the Charity Ride family,” Petty said. “It’s hard to explain to somebody that doesn’t understand it. We have around 50 people who have gone 20 years or more on this Ride.

 

“This year we have 150 motorcycles going with us, and we still had to turn people away. It is the hardest thing to tell people it didn’t work out for this year’s Ride.” he said. “We tell those people to come back next year, get on the list, and we will look at those people first. We have two doctors and two nurses that go with us, paramedics that follow the bikes, retired Highway Patrol motor officers who act as our Ride Motor Marshals, we have a hotel and luggage team, a media team, Coca-Cola sends a team and truck with products, Harley-Davidson sends a truck and technicians – there are an additional 30+ people that go with us just to make sure we can ride every day. The level of commitment from our team, our valued partners and many volunteers is really something special.”

  

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Alonso Salinas Making ARCA Menards Series West Debut

Alonso Salinas Making #ARCA Menards Series West Debut

With PP1M at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway

Alonso Salinas Making ARCA Menards Series West Debut

 

Alonso Salinas, a 24-year-old driver from Mexico, will drive the iconic No. 77 for Performance P-1 Motorsports (PP1M) in the 2026 ARCA Menards West Series season opening race at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. 

 

The goal is to be able to participate in the full season, subject to additional funding, and to win the Rookie of the Year title.

 

“I started competing at 12 years old and grew up watching all kinds of motorsports like Motocross and Supercross, F1, MotoGP, NASCAR and IndyCar,” Salinas said.

 

 

A champion in the Rotax Max Challenge Senior series in 2017 and 2020, he then moved to stock car racing in Mexico in the NASCAR Trucks Mexico Series in 2021. He won the championship in 2024. In 48 races, he has 4 wins, 22 top-5 finishes, and 35 top-10 finishes.

 

In 2025, he moved up to the NASCAR Mexico Challenge (a class integrated into the NASCAR Mexico Series) and in his first season, he finished in the top eight of the regular season and participated in the playoff final. In 14 races, he achieved four top-five finishes and 13 top-ten finishes with the Alpha Racing team.

 

What is Salinas’ goal at Bakersfield?

 

“Getting to know the car and the team. Also, the race regulations are different from those in Mexico, so finding my pace as quickly as possible,” Salinas said.

 

The No. 77 Toyota will be sponsored by King Taco, REX MD, and Wallace Signs. Other sponsors will be announced later. The experienced Roger Bracken will be his crew chief.

 

The 2026 ARCA Menards West Series championship will consist of 13 races between February and October, with appearances at prestigious tracks such as Phoenix Raceway and Sonoma Raceway.

 

 


Salinas will debut at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway half-mile paved oval in Bakersfield, CA on Saturday, Feb. 28, for the first race of the season, the Oil Workers 150 presented by the West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame. 


The race will be streamed live on FloRacing.

 

 

source: ARCA Racing Media
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Dignitaries for #NASCAR’s Autotrader 400

Dignitaries for #NASCAR’s Autotrader 400

Commander Charles Levinge (Grand Marshal); Brigadier General Kris Marshall (Honorary Pace Car Driver); Cox Automotive Executive Ken Kraft (Honorary Starter); Tenor Timothy Miller (National Anthem Singer); 189th Airlift Wing (Flyover); Musician Drake Milligan (Pre-race entertainment); Outdoor Enthusiast Michael Waddell (Honorary Race Official)


As NASCAR visits Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway for its second race of the 2026 season, several special guests and dignitaries have roles to play leading up to the start of Sunday’s Autotrader 400.

 

Here’s the dignitaries and notable guests for the Autotrader 400:





Grand Marshal: On behalf of his father, the late Captain Claude Levinge, and to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, retired naval flight officer and aerospace engineer Commander Charles Levinge will say the most famous words in motorsports.


Brigadier General Kris Marshall



Honorary Pace Car Driver: Leading the NASCAR Cup Series field to the green flag from behind the wheel of the Ford Mustang on Sunday will be Brigadier General Kris Marshall, United States Army National Guard.

 

 



Cox Automotive Executive Ken Kraft




Honorary Starter: Cox Automotive Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Ken Kraft will wave the green flag to begin the Autotrader 400 on Sunday.

 





National Anthem Singer: Atlanta’s Operatic Tenor Timothy Miller will perform the Star Spangled Banner during Autotrader 400 pre-race ceremonies Sunday.

 

 

Flyover: Punctuating Miller’s performance of the national anthem with a flyover is a C-130 from the 189th Airlift Wing based at Little Rock Air Force Base.

 

Musician Drake Milligan 

 

Pre-race entertainment: Country musician Drake Milligan will get fans revved up for the Autotrader 400 with a pre-race concert Sunday at 1 p.m. New for the Autotrader 400, Milligan’s pre-race concert will be held at the Speedway Experience with Cracker Barrel with free stage-front access for all fans attending the race.

 

Michael Waddell  “Bone Collector”

 

Honorary Race Official: Attending the Autotrader 400 as an honorary race official is Michael Waddell,  outdoor enthusiast and creator of the “Bone Collector” hunting show.

 

 

source: EchoPark Speedway Media
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Thursday, February 19, 2026

‘Autotrader 400’ NASCAR Schedule

‘Autotrader 400’ #NASCAR Schedule

NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts and Craftsman Truck Series Race on Saturday / NASCAR Cup Series Races on Sunday

 

EchoPark Speedway is located thirty miles south of Atlanta on Highways 19 &41 - 1500 Tara Place. The track was built in 1959-1960; it’s reconfiguration was completed in 1997; and it was repaved and re-profiled to 28 degree banking in 2021.

 

Below is this weekend’s NASCAR Schedule:

 

Thursday, February 19, 2026

  • 9:00 AM EPS Credentials Open
  • 2:00 PM Infield Campgrounds Open
  • 2:00 PM Fishing with Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
  • 4:00 PM Pedal Power Bike Ride
  • 5:00 PM EPS Credentials Close
  • 6:30 PM Laps for Charity

Friday, February 20, 2026

  • 9:00 AM EPS & NASCAR Credentials Open
  • 12:00 PM Hauler Parade
  • 2:00 PM EPS Parking Lots Open (Champions Lot)
  • 2:45 pm Gate 13 Open
  • 3:00 PM FR8 208 Qualifying
  • 5:00 PM Bennett 250 Qualifying
  • 6:00 PM KZ RV Camper Appreciation Party
  • 6:30 PM EPS & NASCAR Credentials Close
  • 7:00 PM Legends and Bandolero Races

Saturday, February 21, 2026

  • 8:30 AM EPS & NASCAR Credentials Open
  • 8:30 AM Parking Lots Open (Champions, Earnhardt, Blue, Red, Green, Purple)
  • 9:00 AM Fan Zone Open
  • 10:00 AM NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver Autograph Session
  • 10:30 AM Gates and Suites Open (10,12,13,14,15)
  • 11:00 AM Autotrader 400 Qualifying
  • 1:10 PM FR8 208 Driver Introductions
  • 1:30 PM FR8 208 STARTS
  • 4:40 PM Bennett 250 Driver Introductions
  • 5:00 PM BENNETT 250 Green Flag
  • 5:00 PM EPS & NASCAR Credentials Close
  • 8:00 PM Peach Pit Party

Sunday, February 22, 2026

  • 8:30 AM Parking Lots Open (Champions, Earnhardt, Blue, Red, Green, Purple, Weaver)
  • 8:30 AM SCC Hot Laps
  • 9:00 AM Fan Zone Open
  • 10:30 AM EPS & NASCAR Credentials Open
  • 11:00 AM Gates and Suites Open (1,10,12,13,14,15)
  • 11:45 AM Pre-Race Track Pass Access Open
  • 1:00 PM Pre-Race Concert on Fan Stage
  • 2:30 PM NASCAR Cup Series Driver Introductions
  • 3:00 PM AUTOTRADER 400 STARTS
  • 3:00 PM EPS & NASCAR Credentials Close




 

source: EchoPark Speedway Media
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Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Feb. 28th Night of Destruction + ARCA West

Feb. 28th Night of Destruction + ARCA West

Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway

Feb. 28th Night of Destruction + ARCA West

 

Night of Destruction returns to Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway to kick off the 2026 season in explosive fashion. Spectator gates open at 3:00 PM, with main events starting at 5:00pm as the sun sets and the lights take over.

 

The night is headlined by the ARCA Menards Series West Oil Workers 150, bringing elite stock car racing to Bakersfield.

 

Fans will also experience Kern Raceway’s signature specialty events, including Enduro racing, Figure-8, Skid Plate racing, Drag-A-Boat, and the Jet Car. Cool evening temperatures and a stacked lineup make this one of the biggest nights of the year.

 





Click Here for Tickets 

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Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Rebel Bourbon Rolls Out Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Rebel Bourbon Rolls Out Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Single Barrel 2026 Selected By Kyle Busch

Rebel Bourbon Rolls Out Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

 

The Official Bourbon of Richard Childress Racing launches annual limited-edition release for a second year with every barrel hand-picked by Busch

Rebel Bourbon fans have a new reason to get rowdy. The official bourbon of Richard Childress Racing announced the release of Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel Selected By Kyle Busch. With guidance from Rebel Bourbon Master Distiller John Rempe, the two-time NASCAR® Cup Series champion and driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet hand-picked every barrel for this limited-edition release, which is bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV) in honor of Rebel's RCR sponsorship.

 

Handcrafted according to Rebel's original time-honored wheated recipe since 1849, Rebel Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel is aged for a full four years to ensure robust flavor and a velvety smooth finish with a hint of spice. The special edition ships this month and will be available nationwide at a minimum suggested retail price of $39.99 per 750mL bottle.

 

"Kyle and the RCR team stand out as real rebels, doing things their own way with a defiant attitude to drive to win, and that lifestyle is what Rebel Bourbon is all about," said Philip Lux, Rebel Bourbon brand manager. "Every bottle of our new Rebel Single Barrel is a one-of-a-kind, made in tribute to that rebel spirit in Kyle and all of us."

 

Bottled in the signature Rebel Bourbon bottle featuring Lux Row Distillers embossing, Rebel Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel features a distinctive gold label with a checkered flag pattern underneath bold RCR branding and the No. 8 graphic along with Busch's signature. Each label also displays the bottle's unique barrel details including the number and fill date.

 





"For the third year now I'm proud to race with the Rebel brand, and having the opportunity to create another run of KB 108 with Rebel's John Rempe has been a total thrill," said Busch. "I'm proud to have my name and the No. 8 on every bottle and I think fans are really going to enjoy it."

 

 

Rebel Bourbon Rolls Out Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

 

source: PR Newwire Media
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Monday, February 16, 2026

NASCAR / ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Daytona)

#NASCAR / #ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Daytona)

Winners: Tyler Reddick (Cup); Austin Hill (O'Reilly Series); Chandler Smith (Trucks) plus Gio Ruggerio (ARCA)

NASCAR Cup

Tyler Reddick Triumphs in 68th running of Daytona 500

Tyler Reddick Triumphs in 68th running of Daytona 500

 

Tyler Reddick waited for the last possible moment to make his move – and it paid off with victory in Sunday’s 68th running of the Daytona 500.

In the final 500 yards of the “Great American Race,” Reddick got a welcome push from teammate Riley Herbst, muscled his way past Chase Elliott and powered his No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota toward the finish line.

 

As the Daytona track exploded in chaos behind him, when Herbst tried an ill-fated late block on Brad Keselowski and a knot of cars slid sideways across the finish line, Reddick already was celebrating a 0.308-second victory over 2023 Daytona 500 winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

 

Reddick was the 25th different leader — a record for the race — and the only lap he led was the last one.

 

“Last year was really hard for all of us, hard for me,” Reddick said. “When you’re a Cup driver and you get to this level and drive for Michael Jordan, it’s expected you win every single year.

 

“For us to go on that drought, it made us look hard in the mirror, and I am really proud of everyone on our Chumba Casino Toyota Camry. Worked really hard in the offseason, and there were many points in this race where we weren’t making decisions we wanted to, but we just reset, and every opportunity we got to reset, we went back at it.

 

“Just speechless. I didn’t know if I’d ever win this race. It’s surreal, honestly. The best part is my son (Beau) asked before this race, ‘Are you finally going to win this race?’ Something about today just felt right.”

 






Pole: Kyle Busch



Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 3:00 pm ET for the ‘Autotrader 400’ at EchoPark Speedway.


NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series

Austin Hill Wins O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Season Opener

Austin Hill Wins O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Season Opener

 

Austin Hill continued his mastery of NASCAR’s big tracks, dominating Saturday’s United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway — the Georgia native’s fourth win in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season opener here in the last five years.

 

And as so typically happens on Daytona’s 2.5-mile superspeedway, the outcome came down to the dramatic last few laps and the race was decided by a split second.

 

Although he started from pole position and led a race high 78 of the 120 laps, Hill was tested all night — ultimately having to prevail on three restarts in the final 12 laps. His No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet beat JR Motorsports driver Justin Allgaier’s Chevrolet to the finish line by 0.081 seconds.

 

It marked Richard Childress Racing’s fifth consecutive win in this race, tying a mark set by Dale Earnhardt Inc. from 1990-94. It was Hill’s 15th career victory and 11th on a drafting style track.

 

“Just shows how good this team is,” Hill said of being able to pit late and out of sequence but still move forward when it mattered most. “It was a really tough decision to go from being 14th or wherever it was we restarted. But it just goes to show how good this team was. We had that restart and no one was going middle, so I was like, ‘Sure I’ll take it.’ Drove right up through there.”

 

“Daytona has just been so good to me,” said Hill, who swept both stage wins in addition to leading the most laps. “I love this place and it’s always fun to win.”

 






Pole: Austin Hill



Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will return on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET for the ‘Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250’ at EchoPark Speedway.




NASCAR Trucks

Chandler Smith Storms through to Triumph

Chandler Smith Storms through to Triumph

 

Chandler Smith  came from the middle of nowhere to win Friday’s ‘Fresh From Florida 250’ at Daytona International Speedway and immediately gave credit where credit was due.

 

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ty Majeski!” Smith shouted after taking the checkered flag in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season opener at the 2.5-mile superspeedway.

 

Driving the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports F-150, Smith was sixth as the lead group rounded Turn 3 on the second lap of overtime, with John Hunter Nemechek out front. But as Nemechek moved up the track to attempt a late block on Gio Ruggiero, Smith steamed through in the open bottom lane with a strong push from Majeski.

 

“He is all credit to how we just won that race, truthfully,” Smith said of Majeski’s push. “He stayed committed to a Ford and pushed a Blue Oval to a win.

 






Pole: Ty Majeski



Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:30 pm ET for the ‘Fr8 Racing 208’ at EchoPark Speedway.




ARCA

Gio Ruggerio Delivers Joe Gibbs Racing its First Daytona ARCA Menards Series Victory

Gio Ruggerio Delivers Joe Gibbs Racing its First Daytona ARCA Menards Series Victory

 

There was plenty of significance behind Gio Ruggiero’s victory Saturday in the General Tire 200 at Daytona International Speedway.

 

Not only was it Ruggiero’s first triumph in the national ARCA Menards Series, but it also marked the first time Joe Gibbs Racing prevailed at Daytona on the platform.

 

Ruggiero was no stranger to success on drafting tracks entering Saturday’s 80-lap race, having earned his maiden NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win at Talladega Superspeedway last year. The comfort Ruggiero has found on drafting tracks is why he felt confident about winning the General Tire 200 in a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota.

 

“Obviously last year, my first ever race in the Truck Series, I finished second,” Ruggiero said. “I think there was a little bit of luck in that with the winner being DQ’d. Since then, I’ve had really strong cars and feel like I’ve just made the right moves on the superspeedways.”

 






Pole: Gus Dean



Click Here for Race Results


Next Race: The ARCA West Series will return on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 5 p.m. PT for the ‘Oil Workers 150 presented by the West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame’ at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway.



 

source: NASCAR Media
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Saturday, February 14, 2026

NASCAR Cup Daytona 500 Schedule Update

#NASCAR Cup Daytona 500 Schedule Update

Moved One Hour Earlier To 1:30 p.m. ET

#NASCAR Cup Daytona 500 Schedule Update

 

The start time for Sunday’s Daytona 500 has been moved one hour earlier because of the threat of inclement weather.

 

NASCAR officials made the schedule adjustment Saturday, coordinating with Daytona International Speedway and TV partners for an official program start at 1:30 p.m. ET (FOX, MRN Radio, HBO Max, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). The green flag is set for 2:13 p.m. ET.

 

The National Weather Service has forecast a 50 percent chance of rain Sunday afternoon, but with a more substantial chance for precipitation moving in that evening. Officials adjusted the schedule to provide a better window for completing all 500 miles on race day.

 

NASCAR's “Great American Race”

 

Pole winner Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe will share the front row when the “Great American Race” gets underway. The event is the first of 36 points-paying races for the NASCAR Cup Series’ 2026 season.

 





 

source: NASCAR Media
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Friday, February 13, 2026

NASCAR Driver Natalie Decker and TN Dickinson

#NASCAR Driver Natalie Decker and TN Dickinson

NASCAR driver Natalie Decker and TN Dickinson’s is bringing the horsepower and the heart to Daytona International Speedway for the O’Reilly Auto Parts United Rentals 300 — and she’s making sure the fans are part of every moment.


NASCAR driver Natalie Decker and TN Dickinson’s is bringing the horsepower . . .


 

From Thursday, February 13th through Sunday, February 15th, Decker & TN Dickinson’s will be hosting a full weekend of meet & greets, autograph signings, and special appearances throughout the Daytona area (see official flyer for locations and times).

 

Known for her high-energy racing style and genuine connection with fans, Decker says the best part of race weekend isn’t just the green flag — it’s the people.

 

“Daytona is electric, but what makes it truly special are the fans,” Decker shared. “I love meeting new faces and reconnecting with the incredible supporters who’ve become part of our racing family with TN Dickinson’s. Watching kids light up when they see the race car or hearing stories from longtime fans — that’s what fuels me.”

 

As the driver of the TN Dickinson’s no. 35 Chevrolet with Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen, Decker continues to build a powerful brand rooted in authenticity, family, and fan engagement. Whether she’s signing hero cards, taking selfies with fans, or sharing stories from behind the wheel, Decker brings an approachable energy that resonates with longtime NASCAR enthusiasts and first-time race fans alike.

 






Race weekend in Daytona is more than an event — it’s a reunion of a growing racing family. And Natalie Decker is making sure everyone feels like they’re part of the team.

 

Fans are encouraged to stop by one of the scheduled appearances, grab an autograph, snap a photo, and experience the excitement leading up to one of NASCAR’s most anticipated weekends of the season.


 

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Joey Logano and Chase Elliott Win Duel Races

Joey Logano and Chase Elliott Win Duel Races #NASCAR

Casey Mears, BJ McLeod Claim Final Daytona 500 Spots

Joey Logano won the fourth America 250 Florida Duel of his career on Thursday night to secure a third-place starting spot in Sunday’s Daytona 500 (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX, HBO Max, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

 

Joey Logano wins the fourth America 250 Florida Duel of his career.

 

“Just a lot of teamwork all the way through,” Logano said of the win. “I think about the 22 team in particular. Nick Hensley, our gas man, did a fantastic job getting us in position out of pit road. (Spotter) Coleman Pressley up on the roof giving us great information. My teammate Ryan Blaney being committed and working together.

 

“It’s nice when everything works out the way it’s supposed to.”

 





In a second Duel that ran caution-free, Chase Elliott took control of the race on Lap 53 of 60 and held off Carson Hocevar by 0.065 seconds to win his third 150-mile qualifying race and earn the fourth starting position for the Daytona 500.

 

Chase Elliott took control of the race on Lap 53 of 60 for the #Win.

 

“A great way to get the blood pumping for sure on a Thursday night,” said Elliott, who is seeking his first Daytona 500 win. “There was a lot going on those last handful (of laps). Really, ever since we came off of pit road after the cycle, we were getting after it. It was a lot of fun.

 





Casey Mears came from a lap down to earn the one Open position in the Daytona 500 available from the first Duel. Mears advanced when fellow Open competitor Corey LaJoie — running in the top five at the time — turned into the outside wall in a chain-reaction collision on the final lap of overtime.

 

Anthony Alfredo had a relatively stress-free run to claim the Daytona 500 spot available to Open cars in the second Duel, or so he thought. Though Alfredo finished 18th, 23 seconds ahead of BJ McLeod — the next-best Open driver — his finish was disallowed after post-race inspection, and McLeod will compete in the “Great American Race” on Sunday.

 

According to NASCAR Cup Series director Brad Moran, a transmission cooling hose on Alfredo’s No. 62 Chevrolet was not fastened properly, and another hose was disconnected, affecting both cooling and airflow.

 





 

source: NASCAR Media
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Tuesday, February 10, 2026

High banks of Daytona await ARCA Menards Series Drivers for 2026 Season-Opener

High banks of Daytona await ARCA Menards Series Drivers for 2026 Season-Opener

 

Just like NASCAR’s three premier divisions, the ARCA Menards Series opens every season with a trip to the historic Daytona International Speedway.

 

Daytona has hosted events for the ARCA Menards Series since the 1964 season, with the first checkered flag belonging to Nelson Stacy. Since that day, numerous other notable names have visited Daytona’s Victory Lane in an ARCA Menards Series race, such as Iggy Katona, Jack Bowsher, Benny Parsons, Tim Richmond, Bobby Gerhart and Kyle Busch.

 

The racing at Daytona has changed in numerous regards over the past several decades. Following the introduction of restrictor plates, drafting is now a cornerstone of every ARCA Menards Series Daytona event, which requires drivers to be patient and time out their runs to move toward the front and avoid getting collected in a major accident.

 

Daytona’s prestige has once again attracted a large field of competitors for this year’s race, with 50 cars vying for 40 starting positions. Every driver entered has the same goal in mind: Keep the car in one piece and fight for an opportunity to be immortalized as a Daytona ARCA Menards Series winner.

 





 

source: ARCA Racing Media
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