#NASCAR / #ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Charlotte / Colorado)

Winners: Daniel Suárez (Cup); Ross Chastain (O'Reilly); Layne Riggs (Trucks) plus Trevor Huddleston (ARCA West)

NASCAR Cup

Daniel Suárez Surges in Charlotte, Lands Emotional Coca-Cola 600 Victory

Daniel Suárez does a showman's bow in Victory Lane
following his Coca-Cola 600 triumph in honor of Kyle Busch.

Daniel Suárez claimed the third victory of his career when NASCAR called the event 27 laps short of its scheduled finish after a rainstorm drenched Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

The win was especially poignant for Suárez, who received repeated encouragement and advice from Busch after arriving from his native Mexico and launching his NASCAR career.

 

“It really means a lot,” Suárez said of the victory. “I’ve been saying for years this is my favorite race of the year. I get to have my family here every year. This is most of the time the only race (they) get to come

 

“It’s been a very tough week. Kyle, he was special, man. This one is for Kyle. For Kyle, for (wife) Samantha, for (son) Brexton, for (daughter) Lennix, all his family … definitely, this one has a special flavor because of Kyle. This win is for him. If it wasn’t for Kyle, I wasn’t going to be an Xfinity champion. I wasn’t going to have my shot in the Cup series. To win this race for him is unbelievable.”

 

This win is for Kyle. pic.twitter.com/1pcAKDpOvp

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 25, 2026

Pole: Tyler Reddick

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 7:00 pm ET for the ‘Cracker Barrel 400’ at Nashville Superspeedway.

NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series

Ross Chastain Wins Weather-Shortened O’Reilly Series Race

Ross Chastain does a celebratory bow in honor of Kyle Busch.

 

Ross Chastain drove through a succession of challenges — including a patch of oil and a brush with the outside wall — to win Saturday night’s rain-shortened Charbroil 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

The victory was Chastain’s first in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series since 2019, his first at Charlotte and the third of his career. The race was stopped for rain for the second time after Chastain crossed the finish line to win the second stage on Lap 90

 

With no hope of continuing, NASCAR called the race after Lap 91 and declared Chastain the winner.

 

“I did not think we would win one like this, driving into the fence in liquid,” said Chastain, who was driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. “I have no idea what it was. I went into Turn 1 like normal, and there was something on the track.

 

“No matter how we win, I feel like we could have raced with them again at the end.”

 

Chastain’s thoughts quickly turned to the absence of champion driver Kyle Busch, who on Thursday lost his life to a sudden illness at age 41.

 

“This weekend, it’s just incredible trying to grasp losing Kyle,” Chastain said. “I don’t understand how he’s not here racing. I don’t grasp it mentally or spiritually.

 

“Obviously, racing is the best thing we can to celebrate what he did in the sport and in his life.”

 

A salute to KB in victory lane. pic.twitter.com/kBvUXIKxPC

— NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (@NASCAROReillyAP) May 24, 2026

Pole: Justin Allgaier

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Next Race: The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will return on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at7:30 pm ET for the ‘Sports Illustrated Resorts 250’ at Nashville Superspeedway.

NASCAR Trucks

Layne Riggs Wins Wild, Clock-Shortened Truck Series Race

Layne Riggs Takes a Bow in Tribute to the Late Kyle Busch
after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race. 

 

Layne Riggs made clear what was on his mind as he took the checkered flag under caution to win Sunday’s Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

 

“Did it for Kyle, man, did it for Kyle,” Riggs said in a dedication to two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, who lost his life to a sudden illness Thursday at age 41.

 

In a race thrice delayed by rain from its scheduled Friday night start and run under NASCAR’s adverse conditions provision with a noon ET time limit, Riggs completed 110 of a scheduled 134 laps before the clock ran out.

 

He earned his second victory of the season, his first at Charlotte and the seventh of his career in a race that featured a record 11 cautions.

 

“Our hearts are really heavy this weekend,” he said after giving Ford its first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory on a 1.5-mile intermediate speedway since Ben Rhodes won in 2023 at Charlotte. “I’ve been kind of struggling with it a little bit, just trying to keep my game face on and ride … I was borderline sobbing there at the end.”

 

“But these guys (the No. 34 team) have put a smile on my face. Great job to everybody at Front Row Motorsports. Thank you so much to my teammate Chandler Smith. We had a little teammate restart there (on Lap 104). He stuck with me and pushed me.”

 

Did it for Kyle. 💚 pic.twitter.com/Wr510vCIxW

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) May 24, 2026

Pole: Corey Day

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:00 pm ET for the ‘Allegiance 200’ at Nashville Superspeedway.

ARCA Menard Series West

Trevor Huddleston Dominates at Colorado

Trevor Huddleston solidified his status as the ARCA Menards
Series West championship favorite with his second straight victory of 2026.

 

For Trevor Huddleston, every triumph in the ARCA Menards Series West carries its own unique distinction.

 

Saturday’s victory in the Legendary Billy Green 150 at Colorado National Speedway for Huddleston was another one for him to remember. While it was his first West Series checkered flag at the complex, Huddleston also had another reason to celebrate.

 

“I have a lot of special moments in racing,” Huddleston said. “I proposed to my girlfriend at the race track, and we’re excited to announce we’re expecting our first child in November. That’s pretty special.

 

“We already looked it up. Four and a half is the age when they can start quarter midgets. We’ll start with that.”

 

This one’s for Rowdy. pic.twitter.com/iV2GmpZw2J

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) May 24, 2026

Pole: Robbie Kennealy

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA Menard Series will return on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET for the ‘Henry Ford Health 200’ at Michigan International Speedway.

Next Race: The ARCA Menard Series will return on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 8 p.m. PT for the ‘NAPA Auto Care 150 Greg Biffle Memorial’ at Tri-City Raceway.

 

source: NASCAR  and ARCA Menard Media

Texas Motor Speedway #NASCAR Race Schedule

Trucks on Friday; O’Reilly’s on Saturday; Cup Series on Sunday (ARCA East & ARCA West Race on Saturday)

 

Texas Motor Speedway is a 1.500 mi quad-oval intermediate speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. The facility will play host to a #NASCAR Tripleheader this weekend.

 

WARNING: The latest forecast shows a rain-heavy Friday, followed by a sharp shift into warm, stable conditions for the rest of the weekend — a split that could impact everything from track time to race execution.

 

Friday, May 1, 2026

• 9:00 AM---NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Haulers Enter
• 11:00 AM---NASCAR Cup Series Haulers Enter
• 1:00 PM ---Fan Parking Lots Open
• 1:00 PM---Fan Assistance Shuttles & Trams Running
• 1:00 PM---Fan Zone Open
• 1:30 PM---Gate 4 & Pedestrian Tunnel Open
• 1:35 PM---NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Practice
• 2:35 PM---NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Machinery Auctioneers & Byrd Oilfield Services Qualifying
• 4:00 PM---NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Practice
• 4:30 PM---Gates 3,5, Turn 1 Terrace & Suites Open
• 5:05 PM ---NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Machinery Auctioneers & Byrd Oilfield Services Qualifying
• 6:40 PM---NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver Introductions
• 7:00 PM---SpeedyCash.com 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race
• Stages:
• 40
• 80
• 167
• = 250.5 Miles)

Saturday, May 2, 2026

• 9:30 AM---Fan Parking Lots Open
• 9:30 AM ---Fan Assistance Shuttles & Trams Running
• 10:00 AM---Fan Zone Open
• 11:00 AM---Gates 3,4,5,6, Turn 1 Terrace, Pedestrian Tunnel & Suites Open
• 11:00 AM---Speedway Children's Charities Live Auction (Cracker Barrel Fan Stage)
• 11:30 AM---NASCAR Cup Series Practice
• 12:40 PM---NASCAR Cup Series Machinery Auctioneers & Byrd Oilfield Services Qualifying
• 1:25 PM---Neon Prophets (Cracker Barrel Fan Stage)
• 1:50 PM---NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Driver Introductions
• 2:30 PM---Andy's Frozen Custard 340 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Race
• Stages:
• 45
• 90
• 200
• =300 Miles
• 5:30 PM---Dirt Track Gates & Suites Open
• 7:30 PM---Drydene Stockyard Stampede Powered by RelaDyne Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing
• 8:00 PM---Big Hoss TV: Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning

Sunday, May 3, 2026

• 8:30 AM---Fan Parking Lots Open
• 9:00 AM---Fan Assistance Shuttles & Trams Running
• 9:00 AM---Fan Zone Open
• 9:30 PM---TXARM Church Service (LoneStar Circle Campground Tent)
• 11:00 AM---Gates 3,4,5,6, Pedestrian Tunnel, Turn 1 Terrace & Suites Open
• 11:00 AM---Track Pass Access Open
• 12:30 PM---Crav'n Flavor Pre-Race Concert featuring Chris Janson (Start/Finish Line)
• 1:55 PM---NASCAR Cup Series Driver Introductions
• 2:30 PM---WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY NASCAR Cup Series Race
• Stages=
• 80
• 165
• 267
• = 400.5 Miles

A Trophy fit for Texas. 😮‍💨 @ParkerCoBeef | #WURTH400 pic.twitter.com/rTwICRlBAy

— Texas Motor Speedway (@TXMotorSpeedway) April 30, 2026

NOTE:

 

The ARCA Menard Series East will race on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. CT in the ‘Cook Out Music City 150’ at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.

 

The ARCA Menard Series West will race on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. PT in the ‘Bill Schmitt Memorial 173 presented by the West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame’ at Shasta Speedway.

 

Two series. Two races. One ARCA Night in America.

📺 NASCAR Channel and @FloRacing
⏰ Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET pic.twitter.com/3q9Ybafy6l

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) April 28, 2026

 

source: Texas Motor Speedway Media

Texas Motor Speedway #NASCAR Dignitaries

Tom Araya, Cooper Flagg plus Fan Zone Entertainers

Tom Araya Named Grand Marshal for WÜRTH 400 Presented by LIQUI MOLY

 

Tom Araya will undoubtedly take “pedal to the metal” to a whole new level – pedal to the thrash metal – as the Grand Marshal of Sunday’s WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. 

 

Araya, the unmistakable lead vocalist and bassist for the legendary thrash metal band Slayer, will deliver the command for drivers to start their engines ahead of the WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY (2:30 p.m. CT, TV: FS1, Radio: PRN, SiriusXM) as Texas Motor Speedway celebrates its 30th anniversary season.

 

“Excited to be the Grand Marshal for the WÜRTH 400,” Araya said. “Slayer, NASCAR Reign in speed!”

 

Dallas Mavericks Rookie Star, Cooper Flagg Named Honorary Pace Car Driver

 

Dallas Mavericks rookie sensation Cooper Flagg has been named the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, May 3, at Texas Motor Speedway.

 

Flagg will have the distinction of driving a 2026 Chevrolet Corvette to pace the NASCAR Cup Series field to the green flag for the start of the WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY beginning at 2:30 p.m. CT (TV: FS1, Radio: PRN, SiriusXM). It will mark his first-ever NASCAR race experience – and it comes with the best seat in the house.

 

“Being asked to drive the official pace car at Texas Motor Speedway is such an honor,” Flagg said. “My Mom and Dad are both big NASCAR fans so we’re excited; this is going to be a special experience for our family.”

 

.@Cooper_Flagg winning Kia @NBA Rookie of the Year was expected, what’s next isn’t ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/XEGE6BLpLb

— Gatorade (@Gatorade) April 27, 2026

Texas Motor Speedway Fan Zone Entertainment

 

Headlining the Fan Zone entertainment lineup is the crowd-favorite Sea Lion Splash show, where these whiskered performers wow fans with balancing acts, basketball shots, dancing routines and plenty of personality. Equal parts athleticism and comedy, the show delivers a fun, family-friendly spectacle that has become a fan favorite wherever it travels.

 

The lineup of high-energy performers and roaming entertainers includes: 

• KARDENNI the Magician: Think you’ve seen every trick in the book? KARDENNI is ready to prove otherwise. This high-energy magician blends sleight-of-hand wizardry, interactive comedy and mind-bending illusions that leave crowds laughing, guessing and wondering how he did it. A favorite on stages from theme parks to festivals, KARDENNI brings a little mystery – and a lot of fun – to the Fan Zone acts.
• Jason D’Vaude, The Circus Man: Part stuntman, part comedian and all entertainer, Jason D’Vaude brings a modern circus spectacle to the Fan Zone. His fast-paced act mixes daring balance tricks, juggling mastery, fire artistry and “laugh-out-loud” comedy into a performance that keeps fans glued to the action from start to finish.
• Funkanometry: Precision, rhythm and serious swagger. The fan-favorite viral dance duo Funkanometry returns to TMS to dazzle fans with their signature blend of hip hop, popping and robotic-style choreography that has earned millions of views online and a memorable run on “America’s Got Talent.” Expect slick moves, perfect timing and routines that continue to impress.
• AmirrorCAN MEN: These roaming performers in dazzling red, white and blue mirrored suits reflect everything around them, creating a walking patriotic show across the Fan Zone. Equal parts art installation and crowd favorite, the glimmering trio turns every stroll through the midway into a moment worth capturing with a selfie.
• Animal Stilt Walkers: Towering above the crowd, these larger-than-life performers bring the wild side of entertainment to the Lone Star Sideshows. Dressed as safari favorites like giraffes, zebras and lions, the colorful stilt walkers roam the Fan Zone greeting fans, posing for photos and adding a playful, high-flying energy to the weekend atmosphere.
• Cracker Barrel Trackside Live Stage: The stage will come alive throughout the weekend with driver appearances from all three NASCAR national series. Check out the latest from some of the biggest NASCAR names as they stop by for entertaining and informative on-stage Q&A sessions.

 

source: Texas Motor Speedway Media

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America

Riding for the Cause since 1995

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.

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.

 

Morgan and our Motor Marshals are going over every mile, every turn, and every light along the route! This detailed planning is essential to ensure a safe Ride! pic.twitter.com/VadnYcoO8H

— KylePettyCharityRide (@KPCharityRide) April 29, 2026

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.”

 

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.

 

The bikes are unloaded and all we’ve got left to do is ride! pic.twitter.com/eZSwa8Abkr

— KylePettyCharityRide (@KPCharityRide) April 28, 2026

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

 

Applications for the 2026 Ride are closed, and all riders have been selected. The Ride accepted 26 new riders, and applications for the 30th Anniversary Ride filled up in record-setting time – less than 72 hours after applications were distributed. All told, there will be riders from 35 different states, plus two Canadian provinces, taking part in this year’s Ride.

 

“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.”

 

Kyle Petty with wife Morgan and sons Overton, Cotton and Davant. 

 

 

source: Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (KPCRAA) Media

First-Time NASCAR Cup Series Winner Hocevar Leads "Fast Five" Storylines

for WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY

Texas Motor Speedway will celebrate its 30th anniversary season this weekend with a NASCAR tripleheader featuring the WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY Cup Series race.

 

Sunday’s WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY (2:30 p.m. CT, TV: FS1, Radio: PRN, SiriusXM) will mark the 46th NASCAR Cup Series race run at “The Great American Speedway!” since the Fort Worth venue debuted in 1997.

 

Here’s the “Fast Five” storylines heading into the WÜRTH 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY:

 

1)  A hurricane warning may be in effect for Fort Worth this weekend – and Carson “Hurricane” Hocevar is the storm to watch.

 

Rise & shine race fans, it’s race week. ☀️#WURTH400 | @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/63EBYtMHIx

— Texas Motor Speedway (@TXMotorSpeedway) April 27, 2026

Hocevar arrives riding the strong winds of his first NASCAR Cup Series victory, which came in Sunday’s race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

 

The 23-year-old Spire Motorsports driver earned a dramatic 0.114-second victory over RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher in his 91st Cup Series start. It also marked just the second win for the three-car organization, dating to Justin Haley’s victory at Daytona in July of 2019.

 

And Hocevar celebrated it in unforgettable fashion. It was only fitting he had a unique victory lap celebration planned, sitting on the driver side window opening while somehow steering his No. 77 Chevrolet to soak it all in.

 

“So I had thought of just like, man, I have really long legs, I wonder if I can hit the throttle and sit on the door and ride, just kind of see everybody,” said Hocevar, who drives the No. 77 Chevrolet. “I just wanted them (fans) to get as loud as possible. I felt like they would if they could see me seeing them. I mean, ultimately, I just wanted to make sure I soaked every bit of it in. I think I could tell you what everybody was wearing, where every seat was, where every (No.) 77 shirt was.”

 

Now he heads to Texas Motor Speedway, which also served as the site of another career first. Last season, he earned his first Cup Series pole there, leading 22 laps and finishing 24th. Hocevar has made three Cup Series starts at TMS, with a best finish of 10th coming in 2024.

 

2) Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson is about to run a Texas triple, and nobody will log more laps or chase more hardware this weekend.

 

Larson is known for his racing versatility – whether it be stock cars, Indy cars or dirt machines – and that talent will be on full display this weekend as he competes in three racing series at TMS.

 

In addition to his usual NASCAR Cup Series driving duties in the No. 5 Chevrolet, he also will compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on the 1.5-mile oval and the Interstate Batteries High Limits Racing Series Stockyard Stampede at the Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track.

 

Larson’s race week will begin Thursday with the opening night of the dirt track event. On Friday, Larson will practice and qualify in the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Andy’s Frozen Custard 340.

 

On Saturday, he will get a taste of all three series, beginning with practice and qualifying for the Cup Series Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY. An hour after qualifying, he’ll jump into the No. 88 entry for the Andy’s Frozen Custard 340, where he is the defending race winner. He’ll close out the busy day by hustling over to the dirt track for the final night of racing in the High Limits Racing Series.

 

Larson will then return to the big track Sunday looking to secure his second Cup Series win at TMS in the Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY. His lone win came in 2021 from the pole.

 

3) The last time Tyler Reddick visited the Lone Star State he made history … and he hasn’t stopped since.

 

Reddick, who drives the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR star Denny Hamlin, became the first driver in NASCAR history to win the first three races of the Cup Series season. After victories at the season-opening Daytona 500 and Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway, he set the mark with a win at Circuit of The Americas in Austin on March 1.

 

He added a fourth win in the season’s first six races at Darlington, joining only NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt (1987) and Bill Elliott (1992) in that elite company. His fifth came two races ago at Kansas Speedway, giving him victories in half of the races run this season.

 

Reddick’s dominant start has provided him with a 110-point cushion over second-place Hamlin and 140 over third-place Ryan Blaney of Team Penske in the NASCAR Cup Series standings.

 

He is no stranger to success at Texas Motor Speedway, where he owns a win in 2022 with Richard Childress Racing and three top-five finishes in seven starts overall. His best performance with 23XI Racing came in 2024 when he started and finished fourth. Reddick also has led at least one lap in his last four visits, including 36 or more in three of those races.

 

4) Will Texas deliver the next NASCAR Cup Series first-time winner? The trend says don’t rule it out.

 

A recent trend has emerged with first-time Cup Series winners in two of the last three races.

 

Hocevar was the latest Sunday at Talladega while Joe Gibbs Racing’s Ty Gibbs started it April 12 with his first Cup Series win at Bristol Motor Speedway in his 131st career start.

 

Will a third emerge at Texas Motor Speedway? There are nine full-time entrants still chasing that elusive first win. Ty Dillon of Kaulig Racing has the most career starts among the group with 291 while Ryan Preece of RFK Racing is second with 233. Preece did open the season by winning the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, though that race is classified as an exhibition event.

 

The others include Front Row Motorsports’ Todd Gilliland (154 starts), Rick Ware Racing’s Cody Ware (152), Legacy Motor Club’s John Hunter Nemechek (123), Front Row Motorsports’ Noah Gragson (121), Front Row Motorsports’ Zane Smith (91), 23XI Racing’s Riley Herbst (54) and Trackhouse Racing rookie Connor Zilisch (13).

 

Who’s next?

 

5) RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher, the only full-time, Texas-bred driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, nearly snapped a 53-race winless drought with a runner-up finish Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway.

 

The 33-year-old Prosper native’s last victory came at Watkins Glen in September of 2024, and since then he has been close with two second-place finishes and five performances among the top four.

 

Buescher is off to a strong start this season, ranking seventh in the Cup Series standings behind five top-10 finishes in 10 starts.

 

It would be fitting for him to end the now 54-race drought at his “home track,” but Texas Motor Speedway has not been kind to him. Buescher is still chasing his first top-10 finish after 16 career starts at TMS, with his best effort being 14th in 2023. Still, there are signs of progress – he has finished 18th or better in his last three visits.

 

 

source: Texas Motor Speedway Media

Carson Hocevar’s Unusual Victory Celebration

Explained in His Own Words

Carson Hocevar commemorates his Talladega Superspeedway win
 and celebration with a unique burnout session after driving
down the frontstretch, sitting outside of the driver window.

 

    

Fitting for his first career NASCAR Cup Series win, Carson Hocevar turned in an ultra-original victory celebration sitting on the window ledge of his No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet while driving around the massive 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway,  soaking up the emotions that will forever define and reward his first victory lap.

 

Question: People many years from now will be talking about your celebration. Can you take us through how you planned this?

 

CARSON HOCEVAR: It wasn’t clean by any means. It took me a while. I don’t know if the TV saw it, but I felt like I was really close to the inside wall and I did not have that steering wheel on, so I was panicking for a second.

 

I’ve dreamt about that in the off-season. I just wanted to have something that was meaningful for me. I mean, obviously being a Jr. fan, I remember that iconic clip, he was inside the car, helmet off, enjoying the fans going backwards.

 

But the fans, they don’t really get to know if they hear ’em or see ’em and everything. So I had thought of just like, Man, I have really long legs, I wonder if I can hit the throttle and sit on the door and ride, just kind of see everybody. I just wanted them to get as loud as possible. I felt like they would if they could see me seeing them.

 

Yeah, I mean, ultimately I just wanted to make sure I soaked every bit of it in. I think I could tell you what everybody was wearing, where every seat was, where every 77 shirt was. I think I could have pointed it all out to you because I remember it so clearly right now. That means more than anything else to me, just that I know this has been a blur. I could tell you exactly just off turn four, it was like, I have it, to right now, I could tell you every second.

 

Question: You were standing up?

 

CARSON HOCEVAR: No, I was sitting on the door. I had my left foot… What I had to do is I couldn’t get — I couldn’t twist my foot around with the steering wheel on to drop the clutch. I had to drop the clutch with the wheel off.

 

So I had the wheel off, I dropped the clutch, and I was hustling to get the wheel on. And I got the wheel on, turned around. So it just kind of idled for me. And then as I felt more comfortable riding on the door, I was just kind of moving the steering wheel a little bit, stayed straight. Then I started giving it gas. Yeah, that’s how I did it.

 

I was really worried about how I was going to hit the wall and do the burnout against it. It wasn’t that hard of a hit. Just burned it down. I wanted to at least burn it down next to the deal. That was the biggest thing. It took me a while to figure out how to do it. Once I did it, I haven’t had a phone, I haven’t seen anything, hopefully it was cool.

 

Well, Carson . . . you are not my favorite driver, but that was COOL!

 

 

THAT’S HOW YOU RIDE THE DENTE!!!!! @CarsonHocevar @SpireMotorsport https://t.co/uyUolX6HFT

— Chili's Grill & Bar (@Chilis) April 26, 2026

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR / ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Talladega)

Winners: Carson Hocevar (Cup); Corey Day (O'Reilly); plus Andy Jankowiak (ARCA)

NASCAR Cup

Carson Hocevar Earns First Career Cup Win in Talladega Thriller

 

Carson Hocevar earned the first victory of his NASCAR Cup Series career, outdueling Chris Buescher with a last-lap pass at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday.

 

Hocevar, who drives the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, joined Ty Gibbs (who won two weeks ago at Bristol Motor Speedway), as the second first-time winner this season.

 

“I’m so thankful. This is the biggest dream I’ve ever thought of,” Hocevar said after a thrilling celebration. “Thank you, everybody. I couldn’t have done it in any better way. Hopefully my grandpa’s watching. My grandma died last year, so I’m so thankful that I can give my grandpa a trophy now. Wish my parents were here. All thanks to (team co-owner) Jeff Dickerson. Heat Wave (sponsor). Everybody is here. Unbelievable. I’m just so thankful, thank you.”

Hocevar, who has made headlines for angering veterans with aggressive moves, won in his 91st start in NASCAR’s premier series. The 23-year-old from Portage, Michigan, used a drafting push from Alex Bowman’s No. 48 Chevrolet to edge past Buescher’s No. 17 Ford by 0.114 seconds.

 

Chase Elliott and Zane Smith unofficially completed the top five after a crash coming to the checkered flag unfolded in the tri-oval. Contact between Ryan Preece, Austin Dillon, Christopher Bell and Shane van Gisbergen ended the event after a three-lap dash to the finish.

 

HE IS DRIVING THE CAR AND CELEBRATING WITH THE FANS ... AT THE SAME TIME!!! pic.twitter.com/8DaQUd6pbl

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 26, 2026

Pole: Tyler Reddick (Lineup Set By Rulebook Metric)

Click Here for Unofficial Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 3:30 pm ET for the ‘Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY’ at Texas Motor Speedway.

NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series

Corey Day Wins First Career O’Reilly Race

Hendrick Motorsports drivers Corey Day (left) and Kyle Larson (middle)
celebrate with spotter Tyler Monn (right).

 

Corey Day claimed the first NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory of his career Saturday afternoon, driving to the yellow and checkered flags in the Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway — his No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet leading only the last lap to earn his first trophy in his first full-time season.

 

The 20-year-old Californian sprint car driver delivered the multi-time Cup Series championship-winning Hendrick team its first O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory at Talladega and this weekend earned a win for a special “guest” crew member, former NFL great Jason Kelce, who dressed out in Hendrick blue and helped transport tires for the team on pit road Saturday.

 

“I sure as heck didn’t think it [first win] would be at a superspeedway,” said a grinning Day, who also won a sprint car race in Nebraska earlier this week. “My 17 guys just built a rocket ship.

 

“I feel like we’ve been close, had a good day at Rockingham and had a couple other good days and just didn’t finish it off, so this is super cool.”

 

We hope this is the first of many for @corey_day_. pic.twitter.com/AZAW9AdBlX

— NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (@NASCAROReillyAP) April 25, 2026

Pole: Jesse Love

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will return on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 3:30 pm ET for the ‘Andy's Frozen Custard 340’ at Texas Motor Speedway.

NASCAR Trucks

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series did not race this weekend

We're happy to have you back in a truck, @CBellRacing. pic.twitter.com/nSSzjj1ISn

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) April 11, 2026

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 8:00 pm ET for the ‘SpeedyCash.com 250’ at Texas Motor Speedway.

ARCA

Andy Jankowiak Wins His First ARCA Menards Series Race

 

A bold move from Andy Jankowiak around the outside of Cleetus McFarland and Gus Dean at Talladega Superspeedway propelled him to his first career ARCA Menards Series victory on Saturday afternoon.

 

Amidst the chaos of the situation, Jankowiak stayed in the throttle, not knowing the overtime attempt was just one lap.

 

When reality did set in, the emotions quickly overwhelmed Jankowiak, who has worked tirelessly during the 2020s to find sustainability on the ARCA Menards Series platform. Jankowiak initially did this through his own program before becoming the primary driver for KLAS Motorsports after they purchased the operation.

 

“I thought there was one more lap,” Jankowiak said. “The radio was super staticky. I’m still waiting to wake up here. Everything that got me to ARCA and everything that’s come after with [co-owners] Kevin Lapierre, Andy Seuss and Mike Dayton, there’s never been more of a team effort standing in Victory Lane at Talladega.

 

“What an adventure.”

 

WHAT A FINSH AT ‘DEGA! 🤯

📺 @FS1 pic.twitter.com/SSMgs5MSAg

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) April 25, 2026

Pole: Gio Ruggiero (Field Set by 2026 Owner Points)

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA Menard Series East will return on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. CT for the ‘Cook Out Music City 150’ at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.

Next Race: The ARCA Menard Series West will return on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. PT for the ‘Bill Schmitt Memorial 173 presented by the West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame’ at Shasta Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR  and ARCA Media

Talladega Superspeedway #NASCAR / #ARCA Race Schedule

ARCA and O’Reilly’s on Saturday / Cup on Sunday

 

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series spring weekend at Talladega Superspeedway is scheduled for April 24–26, 2026, featuring the Jack Link's 500 on Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET on FOX.

 

The weekend includes ARCA Menards Series and O'Reilly Auto Parts Series racing.

 

2026 Talladega Weekend Schedule (April 24-26)

Friday, April 24, 2026

• 3:30 p.m. ET: ARCA Practice
• 5:30 p.m. ET: O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Qualifying (CW App)

Saturday, April 25, 2026

• 10:30 a.m.: Cup Series Qualifying (Prime Video)
• 12:30 p.m.: ARCA Series Race (FS1)
• 4:00 p.m.: O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Race (CW)

Sunday, April 24, 2026

• 3:00 p.m.: Jack Link's 500 Cup Series Race (FOX)

All Times are Eastern Time (ET)

 

At @TALLADEGA, it's not over until the checkered flag flies. pic.twitter.com/0lGIH2c6Zn

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 23, 2026

 

source: NASCAR Media

Big One on the Boulevard Returns

to Talladega Spring Race Weekend

 Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a driver parade and on-stage games with guests of honor

Big One on the Boulevard returns to Talladega Superspeedway  for the spring Jack Link’s 500 race weekend. Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a driver parade followed by on-stage games with guests of honor.

 

“The Big One on the Boulevard kicks off the weekend with an infield party that brings fans closer to their favorite drivers and the excitement that makes Talladega so special,” said Josh Harris, Region President, Talladega Superspeedway and Darlington Raceway. “The energy of the parade and interactive games on stage creates an interactive experience for our fans and drivers that you can only have here.”

 

Big One on the Boulevard will kick off on Friday, April 24th at 7:30 p.m. CT with the parade down Talladega Boulevard. The parade will include driver parade vehicles carrying famed NASCAR Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and ARCA Menards Series drivers.

 

Immediately following the parade, fans are encouraged to head to the stage behind Infield 5 Points Bar, where the NASCAR Wide Open Trax DJ team and NASCAR TV Host Daryl Motte will be ready to provide an exciting and interactive game show. Several drivers will be introduced as guests of honor including Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Connor Zilisch, Noah Gragson, Cleetus McFarland and more.

 

Hell yeah, brother!

The Big One on the BLVD is back! pic.twitter.com/mGXXD2WlZm

— Talladega Superspeedway (@TALLADEGA) April 3, 2026

The drivers will select a fan from the crowd to join them on-stage in games with the chance to win prizes. Fan and driver teams will be competing for the grand prize of garage and pit passes, allowing for even closer access to the action at Talladega Superspeedway. To conclude the evening, Tailgate Revival will perform an hour-long live show.

 

The spring race weekend action at Talladega Superspeedway kicks off on Saturday, April 25, with a doubleheader. The ARCA Menards Series will hit the track in the Alabama Manufactured Housing 200 at 12:30 p.m. ET followed by the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Ag-Pro 300 at 4:00 p.m. ET. On Sunday, April 26, the NASCAR Cup Series stars will duke it out during the Jack Link’s 500 to close out the weekend at 3:00 p.m. ET. 

 

source: Talladega Superspeedway Media

NASCAR / ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Kansas Speedway)

Winners: Tyler Reddick (Cup); Taylor Gray (O'Reilly); plus Gio Ruggiero (ARCA)

NASCAR Cup

Reddick Prevails in OT for Fifth Cup Series Win of 2026

Tyler Reddick holds out his five fingers, indicative of his race wins so far in 2026.

 

Tyler Reddick holds out his five fingers, indicative of his race wins so far in 2026.

Tyler Reddick scraped the outside wall in the closing laps. His fuel system stumbled at a critical moment. He collided with fellow Toyota driver Christopher Bell in overtime. He fell behind defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson on the final restart.

 

Yet, in a magical season for the driver of the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota, Reddick won Sunday’s AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway in spite of all the adversity.

 

Reddick cleared Larson through the final two corners and crossed the finish line 0.118 seconds ahead of the reigning champion.

 

“Just really blessed with the late caution,” said Reddick, who won for the fifth time this season, the second time at Kansas and the 13th time in his career. “Was that nuts or what? I couldn’t believe it.

 

“I mean, first off, I feel like I have to say, obviously, just for how I feel. I never like being on the inside of it – really hate that for Christopher Bell. Good, hard racing. The 11 (Hamlin) came up. I mean, I took off tight. Not thrilled I got Christopher there. I hate that for him because he was having a good, solid day.

 

“Man, these late race restarts get crazy. I obviously had a run on the 5 (Larson). I was shocked I was able to get to his inside there. An incredible SupplyHouse Toyota Camry all day long.”

 

Reddick is the first driver since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 – and fourth all-time – to win five of the first nine races of a season in NASCAR’s top division. His series lead increased to 105 points over second-place Hamlin, who won the first stage.

 

This never gets old 😁🏁 pic.twitter.com/deyIkbtUjm

— Tyler Reddick (@TylerReddick) April 19, 2026

Pole: Tyler Reddick

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 3:00 pm ET for the ‘Jack Link's 500’ at Talladega Superspeedway.

NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series

Gray Fends Off Creed for 2nd Career NORAPS Win at Kansas

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Taylor Gray celebrates with his No. 54 Toyota team

 

The early bird got the victory on Saturday night.

 

The first of the frontrunners to pit during the final 95-lap green-flag run in the Kansas Lottery 300, Taylor Gray grabbed the lead during the cycle and held off charging Sheldon Creed to score the second NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series victory of his career.

 

Crew chief Jason Ratcliff, who won at Kansas with driver David Green in 2003, called Gray into the pits on Lap 143 of 200. Creed and Brandon Jones, running first and second on Lap 146, emerged from pit road after stops on Lap 147 roughly three seconds behind Gray.

 

“How about Jason Ratcliff?” Gray exclaimed after climbing from his No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. “That pit call was awesome. We had a car capable of winning. I thought the 20 (Jones) was a little better than us before the green-flag cycle started, but we just had to stay locked in, and we had to be a little bit freer.

 

“Jason made a really good adjustment on the car and a really good pit call and got us in clean air. It’s been a long start to the year, man — not that we’re not bringing speed to the race track. It’s just that things haven’t really gone our way. So it’s nice to finally be able to close one out.”

 

As it turned out, Creed also had plenty of reasons to celebrate. By finishing first among four eligible drivers, he earned a $100,000 Dash 4 Cash bonus for the first time in his career. It was Creed’s fifth attempt to win the Dash 4 Cash prize money.

 

Made a call. Won the race. pic.twitter.com/1yMEpCyxbP

— NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (@NASCAROReillyAP) April 19, 2026

Pole: Carson Kvapil (no qualifying)

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will return on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 4:00 pm ET for the ‘Ag-Pro 300’ at Talladega Superspeedway.

NASCAR Trucks

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series did not race this weekend

A date “WÜRTH” saving. 🤩🗓️

NASCAR rolls through the Lone Star state May, 1-3 2026!

READ MORE: https://t.co/2L2idcjfhq#WURTH400 | #Andys340 | #SpeedyCash250 pic.twitter.com/NeHrwwQhvT

— Texas Motor Speedway (@TXMotorSpeedway) August 20, 2025

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 8:00 pm ET for the ‘SpeedyCash.com 250’ at Texas Motor Speedway.

ARCA

Late-race restarts at Kansas propel Gio Ruggiero

 

In two starts so far during the 2026 ARCA Menards Series season, Gio Ruggiero found Victory Lane in both.

 

Ruggiero’s second win of the year proved to be slightly more difficult compared to his season-opening triumph at Daytona International Speedway. After fading during the final long green flag run, Ruggiero used two overtime restarts to cycle back to the front and emerge victorious Saturday in the Tide 150 at Kansas Speedway.

 

Multiple factors motivated Ruggiero’s drive to the win. Not only was he determined to overcome the loss in speed his car experienced in the closing stages, but he also wanted to reward the hard work his entire crew puts in both on and off the track.

 

“You just got to do whatever it takes to win,” Ruggiero said. “That’s what I did. I thought we had a really strong car, and I just couldn’t let these guys down and lose the race. My crew chief Matt Ross just had a baby, so I needed to get him a nice gift, [which was] to win. I definitely executed on those last restarts and did what it took.”

 

💪 Gio got it done!

A perfect final overtime restart at @kansasspeedway secured @Gio_Ruggiero1 his second career ARCA victory! ✌️ pic.twitter.com/tFq13ZxOE9

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) April 18, 2026

Pole: Jack Wood

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. EST for the ‘Alabama Manufactured House’ at Talladega Superspeedway.

 

source: NASCAR  and ARCA Media