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

NASCAR Cup Kansas Qualifying Results

Starting Lineup for the ‘AdventHealth 400’

Tyler Reddick Earns his third 2026 #NASCAR Cup Pole

 

Tyler Reddick is on the pole for the AdventHealth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on April 19 at Kansas Speedway. 

 

It is the third pole for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. Reddick has also won a Cup-best four wins in 2026. Reddick has the points lead by 62 points over Ryan Blaney of Team Penske.

 

Reddick had a lap time of 29.142 seconds, to edge Denny Hamlin, who co-owns 23XI Racing which Reddick drives for by .019 seconds. Ty Gibbs, who won his first NASCAR Cup race a week ago at Bristol, qualified third.

 

Kyle Larson (Chevrolet) is the first non-Toyota in the lineup. He qualified fourth for Hendrick Motorsports.

 

Here's the full starting lineup for Sunday's NASCAR race at Kansas.

 

NASCAR Kansas qualifying results, starting lineup

• 1. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
• 2. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
• 3. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
• 4. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
• 5. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
• 6. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
• 7. Chris Buescher, No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
• 8. Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
• 9. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
• 10. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota
• 11. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
• 12. Ryan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing Ford
• 13. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
• 14. William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
• 15. Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
• 16. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 HYAK Motorsports Chevrolet
• 17. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
• 18. Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
• 19. Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
• 20. Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
• 21. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Ford
• 22. Riley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota
• 23. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
• 24. Corey Heim, No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota
• 25. Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford
• 26. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford
• 27. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
• 28. Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford
• 29. Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet
• 30. Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
• 31. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
• 32. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
• 33. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
• 34. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford
• 35. Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet
• 36. Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
• 37. Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

Pole winners in Kansas! 👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/5N4dOECaOL

— Tyler Reddick (@TylerReddick) April 18, 2026

 

source: Tennessean Media

Where to watch ARCA Menards Series Today

Tide 150 at 12:30 p.m. ET Today

 

A full weekend of NASCAR racing action kicks off at the Kansas Speedway, starting with the ARCA Menards Series ‘Tide 150’ on today at 12:30 p.m. ET.

 

Here’s what you need to know about the race, and how to watch it for free.

 

The ARCA Menards Series at Kansas will air on FS1, and streams live on fuboTV (free trial).

 

• What: Tide 150, an ARCA Menards Series race
• When: Saturday, April 18
• Where: Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, Kansas
• Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Live stream: fuboTV (free trial), DIRECTV (free trial), Sling, Hulu + Live TV

Kansas is calling ☀️

📺 Saturday at 11:30 a.m. CT / 12:30 p.m. ET on @FS1 pic.twitter.com/VDdY5Cd5u8

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) April 15, 2026

Frank Kimmel has the most Kansas wins in ARCA Menards Series history with three (2002, 2006, 2013). Alex Bowman, Connor Mosack, Nick Sanchez and Corey Heim each have two wins at the venue. Nobody else has more than one win at this particular track in the ARCA Menards Series. Kimmel also has one win at Kansas in what’s now the ARCA Menards Series West, which has raced at the track just twice (2001 and 2002).

 

source: Syracuse.com Media

2026 Tucson Race Review

ARCA Menards West Series

 

The third race of the 2026 ARCA Menards West Series, held this Saturday, April 11th, at Tucson Speedway in Tucson, AZ, saw 15-year-old rookie Cole Denton claim his first career victory for Jan's Racing Team. The race was characterized by strategic maneuvering to conserve tires and be able to attack in the closing laps. The 150-lap race had no midway break, and drivers were required to complete the entire race on the same set of tires. Last year's race presented a similar pattern, except that only a third of the drivers adopted this strategy. Since it proved successful then, this year all the drivers ran conservatively.

 

That said, this race was psychologically demanding for the 17 drivers who had to preserve their tires, avoid falling too far behind, and, above all, be alert to the crucial moment when one of them would truly accelerate for the lead. With 17 cars so closely matched in terms of performance, gaining positions when the pace was high became much more difficult.

 

Practice / Qualifying sessions

First, it should be noted that Bobby Hillis, Jr. (Fierce Creature Racing) was ultimately absent due to an unresolved technical issue with his car. Trevor Huddleston (High Point Racing) was fastest during practice, ahead of Hailie Deegan (Bill McAnally Racing) and Cole Denton. Huddleston also completed the most laps with 64, as did his teammate Andrew Chapman (13th).

 

During the qualifying session, Cole Denton dominated, securing his first career pole position. He edged out Huddleston by 0.156 seconds. Mason Massey (Bill McAnally Racing) and Jade Avedisian (Central Coast Racing) occupied the second row. David Smith (Shockwave Racing) qualified 17th and last.

 

Green flag!

As night fell, the green flag waved, and Denton was caught off guard by the 2025 champion. Huddleston led the first lap, securing an extra bonus point in the championship. But he was quickly overtaken by Denton, who regained the lead. The rookie even set the fastest lap of the race on the second lap with a time of 16.328 seconds. Behind them, the drivers, especially the favorites for the win, went into conservation mode and let themselves slide to the back of the field… But it was a traffic jam, as almost everyone wanted to be in last place. And it was absurd, but the pace of the race became very slow. Some drivers didn't hesitate to lap in 20 or 21 seconds! Reading the standings is becoming a nightmare… Positions change every lap, drivers are running two, three, even four abreast… Up front, Denton, who had built up almost a two-second lead while driving “slowly,” is caught by his teammate Robbie Kennealy and lets him take the lead on lap 23, securing him an extra point, very useful in his fight for the championship. Two laps later, Kennealy hands the lead back to Denton.

 

The two Jan’s Racing Team drivers are cruising far ahead of the pack, yet they too are managing to preserve their tires. Strike Mamba Racing teammates Tyler Tomassi and Memphis Villarreal are both in the top five, as is David Smith. The Canadian veteran is having a great race and has worked his way through the pack, finding himself in the lead on lap 48! It’s the first time in his career. He also becomes the oldest driver in West Series history to lead a race. At 76, he broke the record set in Las Vegas in 1998 by the legendary Hershel McGriff, who was "only" 70 at the time. It was McGriff, in fact, who gave the "Start your engines" today.

 

First caution

On lap 60, Smith caught up with the pack of backmarkers, half the field, and was considering lapping them when Will Robinson (Jerry Pitts Racing) suffered a puncture to his front right tire and stopped at the exit of turn 2. This ultimately brought out the first caution of the race on lap 62. There was no free pass because all the drivers were on the leader's lap. By the time he got his car back to the pit lane, located on the outside of the oval here at Tucson, and repaired it, Robinson had lost about twenty laps. It's worth noting that Jade Avedisian experienced a technical problem at the exact same time, forcing the young driver of car No. 13 to retire. This would be the only retirement of the race. Truly unlucky. Especially since last year it was her CCR team that won the race.

 

The restart was given on lap 68, and Denton immediately took the lead from Smith. The latter quickly lost positions due to a loss of engine power. He also received a "love tap" from Mia Lovell (Nitro Motorsports), who took him for a spin on the grass between turns 3 and 4, but without caution. He found himself 15th and last on the leader's lap. Denton led the race ahead of Villarreal and Performance P-1 Motorsports driver Quinn Davis, who was doing a remarkable job. Tomassi and Kennealy completed the top five.

 

The halfway point was reached on lap 75, and the complete standings were as follows. Cole Denton leader ahead of Memphis Villarreal, Tyler Tomasi, Quinn Davis, Mia Lovell, Robbie Kennealy, Gavin Ray (Jerry Pitts Racing), Trevor Huddleston, Eric Rhead (WIT Racing #66), Andrew Chapman, Julian DaCosta (Nitro Motorsports), Mason Massey, David Smith, Hailie Deegan, Eric Johnson, Jr. (Jerry Pitts Racing, Jade Avedisian (out) and Will Robinson (pit / -15 laps).

 

The tire war is in full swing!

Apart from Denton, the race leader, who was running alone, everyone else was in tight formation. It felt like being on a highway during rush hour! But one thing was certain: at this stage, it was impossible to know who was capable of winning the race.

 

On lap 100, Cole Denton led by seven-tenths of a second over Villarreal. Davis was third, five seconds back, Tomassi six seconds behind, and Kennealy nine seconds back. Ray, sixth at ten seconds, led the rest of the pack. It's worth noting that Robinson had rejoined the race 21 laps down.

 

Then suddenly, Tyler Tomassi spun out in the frontstretch after a contact with Eric Johnson, Jr., who was on the outside. This brought out the second and final yellow flag of the race. David Smith received a free pass and rejoined the lap.

 

The restart was given on lap 120, and the race dynamic began to change. There was more aggression within the pack as everyone wanted to position themselves as best as possible for the final laps. Villarreal became a threat to the leader, Denton, but unfortunately, he lost a cylinder and plummeted down the order. Davis also lost positions, her car becoming difficult to handle. Johnson, Jr., and Huddleston then led the charge behind the leader. But Denton was in complete control. He had built a 1.5-second gap and maintained a consistent pace until the finish.

 

Mason Massey scuffed heavily into the outside wall exiting turn 4 on lap 129. The championship leader struggled to finish the race, as the impact severely damaged his car's handling. He finished 12th. Davis lost a lap, and Smith lost three due to engine problems.

 

With 10 laps to go, Huddleston overtook Johnson, Jr. for second place, but he couldn't close the gap and finished second behind Cole Denton, who took his first victory in only his third career race. The top 10 was rounded out by Kennealy, Ray, Rhead, Deegan, Lovell, Villarreal, and DaCosta. Chapman, Massey, Davis, Tomassi, Smith, and Robinson also crossed the finish line.

 

"I can't believe this, first pole, first win, in my third ARCA race. They've done a great job (Jan Qualkenbush, owner and Chris Greaney, crew chief) coaching me and my driver coach Robbie Kennealy has done a great job. I can’t believe this. It’s so awesome. I love this track, there's a track back home on the East coast called Lanier Raceplex, it's so much like this. You're turning the whole time, this track is so fun, I just love it!” Denton said.

 

At 15 years, 8 months, and 16 days of age, Denton becomes the fourth-youngest winner in West Series history behind Jesse Love, Todd Gilliland, and Taylor Gray.

 

In the championship standings, Trevor Huddleston leads with 123 points. He is the only driver to have achieved three top-five finishes in three races. He is five points ahead of Mason Massey. Hailie Deegan is third (-15), followed by Eric Johnson, Jr. (-18) and Cole Denton (-20).

 

The next race is on May 2nd in Anderson, CA at Shasta Speedway, another 0.375-mile short track.

 

ICYMI: Highlights from the West Series at @Tucson_Speedway on Saturday night! pic.twitter.com/9sgFvg1Z3J

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) April 13, 2026

 

source: West Series Media