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

Roto-Rooter Joins Trackhouse Racing for 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Season

Leading Innovator in the Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Industry Partners with Connor Zilisch for multiple races

 

Trackhouse Racing announced today that Roto-Rooter has joined the team as part of a multi-year, multi-race agreement and will be the Official Plumbing Installation, Repair and Replacement Services Company of Trackhouse Racing.

 

The relationship with Roto-Rooter and Connor Zilisch dates back to October 2024 at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway when the young driver made his third career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start with JR Motorsports (JRM).

 

We're going Roto Fence Rippin'. 😤

Say hello to @ConnorZilisch 's No. 88 @RotoRooter Chevrolet for @HomesteadMiami . pic.twitter.com/VuJH1DDYdN

— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) October 16, 2024

 

“We’re really looking forward to taking the next step into the Cup Series with Connor and Trackhouse Racing,” said Thad Reinhard, President of Roto-Rooter Corporation. “Connor has been a great representative for Roto-Rooter the past two seasons at JR Motorsports. He’s a great young kid and incredibly talented behind the wheel. We feel very fortunate to have this opportunity and we’re all excited for the 2026 season.”

 

In 2025, Zilisch and Roto-Rooter teamed up to win a thrilling O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. He held off Trackhouse Racing teammate Shane van Gisbergen to win the 79-lap event. Zilisch grabbed the lead for the final time on lap 48 and held on for the next 32 laps, despite intense pressure and a friendly nudge or two from van Gisbergen. Zilisch won his first NASCAR series race at Sonoma and led the most laps (four times for 46 laps).

Connor Zilisch Tops SVG for the #Win in Thrilling Sonoma Battle (2025)

 

It’s awesome to continue the relationship with Roto-Rooter into the Cup Series,” said NASCAR Cup Series Rookie, Zilisch. “I’ve met a lot of great people with the company over the last two years. The win at Sonoma was really cool, and I remember how excited everyone from Roto-Rooter was in victory lane after the race. I can’t wait to grow that relationship this season.”

 

 

Roto-Rooter will make its on-track Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing and Zilisch in April at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway as part of a unique doubleheader. In addition to Roto-Rooter’s Cup debut on April 12, the company will also serve as primary sponsor for Zilisch in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race on April 11 with JRM at the .533-mile concrete oval.

 

 

source: Trackhouse Racing Media

JRM’s Connor Zilisch Named Rookie of the Year

Connor to Cup in 2026

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

At one point he had 6 Xfinity #FastestLap awards in an 8 race span.@ConnorZilisch takes the season-end Xfinity Fastest Lap award in the #XfinitySeries with seven. He has earned a $40,000 donation to @austinhatcherfo. pic.twitter.com/iGbIvcCFhM

— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) November 4, 2025

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

source: JR MotorSports Media

NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, & Truck Championship 4

Phoenix Raceway #Championship4

 

NASCAR Cup Playoff 4

Chase Briscoe; Denny Hamlin; William Byron; Kyle Larson

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Four left in the fight.

This is the #Championship4 in the NASCAR Cup Series! pic.twitter.com/0UT1XbuNrZ

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 26, 2025

NASCAR Xfinity Playoff 4

Connor Zilisch; Carson Kvapil; Justin Allgaier; Jesse Love

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

 

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

 

Four hopefuls. Head-to-head.

One race to settle it all. #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/7B2xwO5qd4

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 26, 2025

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Playoff 4

Corey Heim; Ty Majeski; Tyler Ankrum; Kaden Honeycutt

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

 

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

 

Four drivers.

One goal: Be first to the finish line. pic.twitter.com/SWzQ6JlDrm

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

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR Playoff Picture

NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, & Truck Series Compete at Talladega Superspeedway this Weekend

NASCAR Cup Series

 

Denny Hamlin is back in the Championship 4 with eyes on his first career NASCAR Cup Series title.

 

Hamlin passed teammate Chase Briscoe with four laps to go to take the lead and win the South Point 400 on Oct. 12 at Las Vegas.

 

The driver of the No. 11 Toyota used four fresh tires to work into the top three with 10 laps to go before passing Kyle Larson for second and working past Briscoe for the lead.

 

Three playoff drivers had major issues at Vegas. Ryan Blaney blew a tire early and crashed, finishing 38th. William Byron, in 2nd inside of 40 laps to go, crashed after running over a slowing Ty Dillon at the opening of pit road. Chase Elliott had a pit road penalty and never recovered back into the top 10, finishing 18th.

 

Three #Championship4 tickets remain.

Who's next to join @dennyhamlin? pic.twitter.com/NGo2y2b7kJ

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 13, 2025

Xfinity Series

 

Aric Almirola denied Connor Zilisch a ticket to the Championship 4 with a pass with 10 laps to go to win the Focused Health 302 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Oct. 11 at Las Vegas.

 

Almirola made the pass and cleared Zilisch despite contact between the two leaders down the backstretch.

 

Zilisch can clinch a spot win or lose as soon as next week at Talladega given his playoff cushion (+82 to the playoff cutline), but he missed out on the win at Vegas.

 

Talladega looms next as a possible major shakeup around the playoff cutline, with the playoff field now knowing at least two drivers will advance to the final four on points.

 

There are still four tickets to the #Championship4 up for grabs. pic.twitter.com/iVIK17p1me

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 12, 2025

Craftsman Truck Series

 

The Craftsman Truck Series returns to the track Friday for the second event in the round of eight. Only Corey Heim is assured a spot in the next round for the championship race at Phoenix Raceway.

 

Heim rallied to win October 3rd Ecosave 250 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, setting a single-season NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series record with his 10th win of the 2025 campaign, breaking the tie with Greg Biffle!

 

You cannot get any closer than this. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/NG7W9R69JW

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) October 3, 2025

 

source: The Tennessean Media

NASCAR / ARCA Race Recap (Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course/Toledo Speedway)

Winners: Shane van Gisbergen (Cup); Connor Zilisch (Xfinity); Corey Heim (Trucks) plus Max Reaves (ARCA)

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 

 

NASCAR Cup

The Reign Of Shane: Van Gisbergen Triumphs in Bank of America ROVAL™ 400

 

Shane Van Gisbergen put on another road-racing masterclass on Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, taking the checkered flag in an action-packed Bank of America ROVAL™ 400.

 

Van Gisbergen set the tone early in his No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, taking the Stage 1 win after a hard-fought battle at the front of the field.

 

In the closing laps, Van Gisbergen and Kyle Larson swapped the lead in a spirited battle before Van Gisbergen ultimately pulled away to secure the victory by 15.167 seconds over Larson and Christopher Bell.

 

Van Gisbergen’s fifth consecutive road-course victory put the New Zealander in a tie with NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Gordon for the most consecutive Cup Series wins on a road course.

 

“An amazing day. The car was just unbelievable. I think we did a pretty good job of making some tweaks from [Saturday]. In the start of that third stage, Kyle [Larson] and Christopher [Bell] were really good. I lost control of the lead and lost control of the race. I couldn't match them, really. They were a bit better than me. Whatever we did that last stop was great. From there, we were just magic. I was watching on the big screen, wondering how Ross was doing [in the final laps, trying to clinch a Round of 8 berth]. There was a bit of a race the last 10 laps, trying to see what was going on the big screen. I was hoping a caution wouldn't come out. I was trying to watch the race.” Race Winner Van Gisbergen.

 

Kyle Larson finished second; Christopher Bell placed third; Chris Buescher came in fourth and Michael McDowell completed the top five.

 

A counterattack from @shanevg97!

The No. 88 is back to the point with 10 to go! pic.twitter.com/AHKGdVdY69

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 5, 2025

Pole: Tyler Reddick

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 5:30 pm ET for the ‘South Point 400’ at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

NASCAR Xfinity

Connor Zilisch Wins 10th Race of 2025 in OT Thriller

 

It was another routine victory for NASCAR Xfinity Series rookie phenom Connor Zilisch, who hit double digits with his 10th win of the season.

 

For the record, after leading practice and winning his eighth pole position of the season, Zilisch led 61 of 68 laps and collected the victory when NASCAR called the sixth caution for oil on the track after Zilisch had taken the white flag.

 

“It’s so much fun getting to race in my hometown,” Zilisch said. “The JR Motorsports cars were so fast this weekend … It feels really good to get 10. Double digits is pretty awesome for my first year in the series.

 

“Now we’ve got to go win the championship.”

 

 

Austin Green finished second; Sammy Smith placed third; Kaz Grala came in fourth and Connor Mosack completed the top five.

 

Another @ConnorZilisch smoke show! 💨 pic.twitter.com/qoN3xPqdKM

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 4, 2025

Pole: Connor Zilisch

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 7:30 pm ET for the ‘Focused Health 302’ at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

NASCAR Trucks

Heim Battles Back for Record-Breaking 10th Truck Win of 2025

 

Recovering from a first-lap crash in “Calamity Corner,” Corey Heim rallied to win Friday’s Ecosave 250 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, setting a single-season NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series record with his 10th win of the 2025 campaign, breaking the tie with Greg Biffle.

 

Driving a heavily taped No. 11 Tricon Garage Toyota, Heim took the lead by staying out for an overtime restart while teammate Brent Crews, who had led a race-high 56 laps, pitted for fuel and tires.

 

Heim drove away on the restart and beat runner-up Crews to the finish line by 1.338 seconds, leading the first-ever 1-2-3 finish for Tricon, with rookie Gio Ruggiero coming home third.

 

“It was not easy today — I think it was probably the toughest one of the year so far,” said Heim, who secured a spot in the Oct. 31 Championship 4 finale at Phoenix Raceway. “Just shows the resilience of this Tricon team. They fixed it up so good for me after that incident on the first lap — just kind of out of our control.

 

“I thought we were done, honestly. The right front completely folded when it hit the wall over there.”

 

Brent Crews finished second; Gio Ruggiero placed third; Rajah Caruth came in fourth and Connor Zilisch completed the top five.

 

10 wins on the season! What a day for our @TRICONGarage @mobil1racing group. All eyes on Pheonix 👊 pic.twitter.com/K1Ai44gqXN

— Corey Heim (@CoreyHeim_) October 3, 2025

Pole: Corey Heim

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 4:00 pm ET for the ‘Love's RV Stop 225’ at Talladega Superspeedway.

ARCA

Max Reaves Scores Dominant, Season-Ending Win at Toledo

 

As has been a theme with Reaves in his limited ARCA Menards Series starts this year, he was infallible after earning the General Tire Pole for Saturday’s Owens Corning 200 at Toledo Speedway. Reaves successfully pulled away from Brenden Queen in the closing laps to earn his third national victory of 2025 and his sixth overall on the platform.

 

The result did not come without mild contact between the two frontrunners, as Reaves and Queen exchanged bumps with the former ultimately moving the champion out of the groove in Turn 1. Reaves expressed remorse over the aggressive racing but was more than happy to end his first national ARCA Menards Series campaign with a win.

 

“I’ve got to apologize to [Queen] for getting into him like that,” Reaves said. “I didn’t mean to do that. I misjudged it. I’ve got to thank all my guys [at Gibbs], my mom, my dad and the good Lord above for getting me here.”

 

Brenden Queen finished second; Tristan McKee placed third; Isabella Robusto came in fourth and Tyler Reif completed the top five.

 

🏁 FINAL LAP of the 2025 ARCA Menards Series season!

Max Reaves closes it out at @ToledoSpeedway! pic.twitter.com/wEjF6nNA9W

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) October 4, 2025

Pole: Max Reaves

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA Series West will return on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. PT for the ‘Star Nursery 150’ at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

Zilisch Ready to Keep the Throttle Mashed

Xfinity Series Playoffs Ignite At Bristol's Food City 300 Friday Night

 

The Food City 300 has produced plenty of thrilling finishes over the years and certainly has earned its place as one of the crown jewel events for the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

 

This year it will once again serve as the Xfinity Series Playoff opener for the Round of 12. Drivers and teams will be looking for a strong showing on Bristol’s high banks to ensure that they get off to a strong start in the Xfinity post-season.

 

As Justin Allgaier begins the defense of the long-awaited NASCAR Xfinity Series title he won at Phoenix Raceway last year, the focus, appropriately enough, is on his rookie JR Motorsports teammate, Connor Zilisch.

 

Regular szn champs baby!!!🤙🏼🤙🏼 pic.twitter.com/tiptmlf573

— Connor Zilisch (@ConnorZilisch) September 7, 2025

The 19-year-old driver of the No. 88 Chevrolet has won seven of the last eight races, including the last four straight, tying Sam Ard (1983) and Noah Gragson (2022) for the Xfinity Series record for consecutive victories.

 

Zilisch, the Regular Season Champion, is 59 points above the current elimination line for the Playoffs’ Round of 12 entering Friday night’s Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway (7:30 p.m. ET on CW, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

 

He plans to keep his remarkable streak going as the postseason begins.

 

“This No. 88 team has been on a run this year, and four wins in a row is a rare feat, but we aren’t going to take any of that for granted going into the Playoffs,” Zilisch said. “(Crew chief) Mardy (Lindley), my whole team and my pit crew continue to execute every week, and we don’t plan on turning down the intensity anytime soon.

 

“It has been awesome to have the success we have had this season, and we plan to unload another fast WeatherTech Chevrolet this Friday.”

 

At 30 points above the current cut line, Allgaier is the only Playoff driver besides Zilisch with any degree of comfort entering the Playoffs.

 

Allgaier has taken his new teammate’s success in stride.

 

“One thing I love is that they’ve had success," Allgaier said of the Zilisch nine-win run. “As a company we’re still winning and we’re still doing all the right things … it doesn’t matter what race team you work at, when at least one of your cars is having success everybody’s elevated, everybody is ready to keep pushing and keep going.

 

“We’ve got four fast race cars every week, we just haven’t been able to show what we’re capable of and I’m hoping once these Playoffs start we can do a better job of executing. I know I have the team behind me.”

 

One season ends, another one begins.

The Xfinity Series Playoffs start this weekend at @ItsBristolBaby. pic.twitter.com/STGSvcsemm

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) September 10, 2025

The remaining 10 Playoff drivers, from Sam Mayer in third to Austin Hill in 12th, are covered by a spread of 16 points. Mayer is 11 points to the good while Hill, who lost his regular-season Playoff points under penalty for wrecking Aric Almirola at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is five points below the elimination line.

 

Hill is motivated by his position entering the Playoffs.

 

“For me, I think going into the Playoffs and not having the Playoff points and all that just kind of gave me a little bit more determination in these last few races before the Playoffs started, kind of fired me up a little bit more," Hill said. “Almost made me angry in a sense… just that I want to show the world and all the outside noise what this 21-team is capable of and what I’m capable of doing and that’s to try and win a championship and I think we can do that no matter if our backs are to the walls or not."

 

The tight Playoff field all but guarantees an intense scramble for position in Friday night’s Playoff opener on Bristol’s concrete high banks.

 

Others to watch among a mix of the circuit regulars and Playoff contenders include RCR’s Jesse Love, veteran Sheldon Creed, Christian Eckes, William Sawalich, Brandon Jones, Carson Kvapil, Harrison Burton and surging Taylor Gray.

 

A few moonlighting drivers to keep on your radar for the race include Brendan “Butterbean” Queen, a rising star in the stock car racing world who will be making his Xfinity debut in the No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevy. The race will mark the return of Jeffrey Earnhardt to Bristol, grandson of Dale Earnhardt Sr., who will be driving the No. 24 machine for Sam Hunt Racing. The No. 17 of Hendrick Motorsports which won here in the spring with Kyle Larson at the controls, will be piloted at this event by Corey Day, who is also entered in Thursday’s Truck race in the No. 7 Chevy for Spire. Finally, Cup veteran and semi-retired racer Aric Almirola also will be back in action at this event, driving the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing entry. Almirola seemed to have a knack for navigating Bristol during his Cup days.

 

source: Bristol Motor Speedway Media

NASCAR Race Recap (World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway)

Winners: Denny Hamlin (Cup) and Connor Zilisch (Xfinity).

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 

NASCAR Cup

Denny Hamlin’s Late Surge Sews Up Fifth Win of Season, Round of 12 Playoff Spot

 

In a race that featured a strange brew of divergent strategies, pole winner Denny Hamlin claimed his series-best fifth victory of the season and advanced to the Round of 12 of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

 

Finishing 1.620 seconds ahead of Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe in front of a sellout crowd, Hamlin won Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway to earn his first victory at the 1.25-mile track and 59th of his career-11th all-time and one win short of Kevin Harvick in 10th.

 

Hamlin also delivered the 200th victory for Toyota. After taking the checkered flag, the 44-year-old driver had some choice words for his detractors in the grandstands.

 

“You can either get on the bandwagon or get run over by it,” Hamlin told the crowd, generating another chorus of boos.

 

But the reality is that Hamlin announced emphatically his stature as a serious contender for the championship that has eluded him during his 20-year Cup career.

 

“Yeah, it’s so big for everyone at Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing,” Hamlin said. “Progressive Toyota was great there at the end. So happy to get this victory. My dad’s not feeling well at home. Just shout-out to him…

 

“Fantastic day. Man, couldn’t be better.”

 

Chase Briscoe finished second; Chase Elliott placed third; Ryan Blaney came in fourth and Joey Logano completed the top five.

 

Five wins in 2025.

59 wins in his career. @dennyhamlin just keeps on rolling. 🏁 pic.twitter.com/AlgE4QC4Ry

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 7, 2025

Pole: Denny Hamlin

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 7:30 pm ET for the ‘Bass Pro Shops Night Race’ at Bristol Motor Speedway.

NASCAR Xfinity

Connor Zilisch Pours It on at Gateway, Lands Fourth Consecutive Xfinity Series Win, Regular-Season Title

 

Connor Zilisch’s dream season continued on a track he’d never raced before.

 

Holding off the rest of the NASCAR Xfinity Series field over a succession of restarts late in Saturday night’s Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, Zilisch achieved a litany of milestones with his ninth victory as a rookie and 10th career.

 

First, and perhaps most important, the 19-year-old phenom secured the Regular Season Championship and accompanying bonus of 15 playoff points, beating reigning series champion Justin Allgaier for that distinction by 53 points.

 

With four straight victories, Zilisch tied the series record for consecutive wins shared by Sam Ard (1983) and Noah Gragson (2022). His win was the 16th this year for JR Motorsports, a single-season record for the team.

 

“Four in a row, seven of the last eight, that’s awesome,” said Zilisch, who enters next week’s playoff opener at Bristol Motor Speedway with 59 playoff points. “We’re going to celebrate this — and the Regular Season Championship.

 

“Man, this is going to be tough to keep up, honestly. It’s rare that you can go on a run like this. Every week I show up thinking, ‘Man, this is going to be the weekend that we just run eighth,’ and just aren’t great, but every weekend we show up and we’re a winning race car, and my pit crew executes, my team executes, everybody does their job, and we end up doing burnouts on the frontstretch.

 

“Yeah, it’s awesome to be able to do this and win this many races.”

 

William Sawalich finished second; Christian Eckes placed third; Brandon Jones came in fourth and Jesse Love completed the top five.

 

So much momentum for the playoffs.@ConnorZilisch picks up the #XfinitySeries #FastestLap for the 2nd straight week. pic.twitter.com/lF4DiTCCWZ

— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) September 7, 2025

Pole: Connor Zilisch

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 7:30 pm ET for the ‘Food City 300’ at Bristol Motor Speedway.

NASCAR Trucks

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Did Not Race

Seven more tickets remain. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/S6pcXl9qXn

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) August 30, 2025

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 8:00 pm ET for the ‘UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics’ at Bristol Motor Speedway.

ARCA

There Were No ARCA Races Last Weekend

Overheard: Isaac Kitzmiller talking about his 19-point lead over Tyler Reif... 🙉 pic.twitter.com/6DJbAODPSZ

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) September 4, 2025

Next Race: The ARCA Menard / East Series will return on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. ET for the ‘Bush’s Beans 200’ at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Next Race: Next Race: The ARCA West Series will return on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 7:45 p.m. PT for the ‘NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by the West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame’ at All American Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR / ARCA Race Recap (Darlington; Portland; DuQuoin State)

Winners: Chase Briscoe (Cup); Connor Zilisch (Xfinity); Corey Heim (Trucks) plus William Sawalich (ARCA West) and Brenden Queen (ARCA Menard)

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 

NASCAR Cup

Chase Briscoe Wins Back-To-Back Southern 500s, Clinches Round of 12 Spot

 

Chase Briscoe was perfection in a world of mistakes, a no-funny-business driver in a comedy of errors.

 

And at the end of the final green-flag run on Sunday night at Darlington Raceway — after a 20-lap stint of unrelenting tension — Briscoe was a back-to-back winner of the Cook Out Southern 500 and a guaranteed participant in the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

 

“Yeah, I think this is definitely what we’re capable of doing,” said Briscoe, who led Toyota drivers to their third 1-2-3-4 finish in Cup Series history, the last coming at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2017. “We haven’t been able to go out and dominate a race like that. The potential has been there from day one.

 

“So cool to win two Southern 500s in a row … A great way to start our playoffs. That was a lot of fun.”

 

Briscoe is the first driver to win consecutive Southern 500s since Greg Biffle accomplished the feat in 2005 and 2006.

 

Tyler Reddick finished second; Erik Jones placed third; John H Nemechek came in fourth and AJ Allmendinger completed the top five.

 

It was a Briscoe beatdown!

His 309 laps led in last night's #Southern500 is the most since Bobby Allison's 1971 win. pic.twitter.com/zzXxB4hR4p

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 1, 2025

Pole: Denny Hamlin

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 3:00 pm ET for the ‘Enjoy Illinois 300’ at World Wide Technology Raceway.

NASCAR Xfinity

Zilisch Prevails in Overtime at Portland for Eighth Xfinity Series Win of 2025

 

A dramatic overtime pass for the win punctuated a nearly perfect afternoon for JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch at Portland International Raceway, where the 19-year-old claimed his series-best eighth NASCAR Xfinity Series win of the season – the best series victory total ever for a rookie driver.

 

Only weeks removed from breaking his collarbone celebrating another win at Watkins Glen International, Zilisch claimed pole position, won both stages, set fastest lap and celebrated it all in Victory Lane of the famed 1.967-mile road course in the scenic Pacific Northwest.

 

“To come back two weeks after collarbone surgery, it hurt, but it hurt so good,” said a grinning Zilisch, who now has 13 consecutive top-five finishes. “So proud of this 88 team. It’s been such a fun year. Let’s go get ourselves a championship.”

 

William Sawalich finished second; Nick Sanchez placed third; Christian Eckes came in fourth and Austin Hill completed the top five.

 

He was not giving this one up.

This how it all went down for @ConnorZilisch. pic.twitter.com/KOoXHoY8FG

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) August 31, 2025

Pole: Connor Zilisch

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 7:30 pm ET for the ‘Nu Way 200 Sauced by Blues Hog’ at World Wide Technology Raceway.

NASCAR Trucks

Business as Usual: Corey Heim Tames Darlington in Truck Series Playoffs Opener

 

Although the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series changed the clock from the regular season to the playoffs, it was still “Heim Time” on Saturday at Darlington Raceway.

 

Pulling away after a restart on Lap 134 of 147, Corey Heim won the playoff-opening Sober or Slammer 200 at the challenging 1.366-mile South Carolina track. The win was Heim’s eighth of the year, one short of Greg Biffle’s record nine-victory season in 1999.

 

Heim crossed the finish line 0.766 seconds ahead of fellow playoff driver Daniel Hemric to collect his first victory at the “Lady in Black” and the 19th of his career. With the win, Heim earned automatic advancement to the Round of 8.

 

The break at the end of Stage 2 proved fortunate for the race winner. Heim felt a tire losing air shortly before the end of the stage, but he survived the stage in second place and brought the No. 11 Tricon Garage Toyota to pit road before the tire went flat.

 

“Lucky it wasn’t a complete blowout — otherwise we would have been in trouble,” Heim said. “I could make a little bit of speed on the wall, but it was such a high-risk play if you scrubbed it. You saw so many people have those right-front issues.”

 

Daniel Hemric finished second; Grant Enfinger placed third; Ty Majeski came in fourth and Trevor Bayne completed the top five.

 

Round Won. @CoreyHeim_ | #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/0UgmMzvXeM

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) August 30, 2025

Pole: Layne Riggs

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 8:00 pm ET for the ‘UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics’ at Bristol Motor Speedway.

ARCA West

Battle for the Win: William Sawalich Vs. Thomas Annunziata at Portland

 

Thomas Annunziata finished second; Alon Day placed third; Greg Biffle came in fourth and Trevor Huddleston completed the top five.

 

Two West Series road-course races in 2025. Two wins for @WilliamSawalich!

The @JoeGibbsRacing driver gets it done at @portlandraceway 🏁 pic.twitter.com/r7J0lstGPm

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) August 30, 2025

Pole: William Sawalich

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA West Series will return on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 7:45 p.m. PT for the ‘NAPA Auto Parts 150 presented by the West Coast Stock Car Motorsports Hall of Fame’ at All American Speedway.

ARCA Menards Series

Brenden Queen Shows off His Dirt Track Experience with Victory at Duquoin

 

Known for his success in Late Model Stocks, ARCA Menards Series points leader Brenden Queen also has plenty of dirt experience on his résumé including Sunday’s win at Du Quoin State Fairgrounds.

 

Competing at tracks across the Southeast like Dixieland Speedway and Natural Bridge Speedway provided Queen with plenty of knowledge that he could apply to the two dirt venues on the ARCA Menards Series schedule. A top five at the Springfield Mile only fueled Queen’s desire to prove he could find Victory Lane on dirt with the Pinnacle Racing Group.

 

“I haven’t won a dirt race since 2022 when I ran full-time,” Queen said. “I think everybody counted me out to win one of these, but that’s why you never give up. These guys went to work after Springfield. We weren’t quite where we wanted to be, but we just hung in there all night and knew we had a good car.”

 

Lawless Alan finished second; Kelly Kovski placed third; Isabella Robusto came in fourth and Tim Monroe completed the top five.

 

He loves dirt, too!

Make it 6️⃣ wins for @03Butterbean in 2025 as he conquers the Southern Illinois 100 at the @DQStateFair! pic.twitter.com/S5yJUaLdz8

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) September 1, 2025

Pole: Lawless Alan

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA Menard / East Series will return on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. ET for the ‘Bush’s Beans 200’ at Bristol Motor Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR / ARCA Race Recap (Daytona International Speedway / Madison International Speedway)

Winners: Ryan Blaney (Cup); Connor Zilisch (via Parker Kligerman) (Xfinity); plus Max Reaves (ARCA)

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 

NASCAR Cup

Blaney Wins Four-Wide Dash to Finish

 

Not that a rescue mission was top of mind for Ryan Blaney, but his dramatic victory in Saturday night’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway saved Alex Bowman from playoff oblivion.

 

Blaney rocketed forward from 12th in the running order with three laps left in the final NASCAR Cup Series regular-season race and crossed the finish line 0.031 seconds ahead of runner-up Daniel Suárez.

 

Blaney’s second win of the season, his second at Daytona and 15th of his career, vaulted the driver of the No. 12 Team Penske Ford into second place in the regular-season standings, earning him a bonus of 10 playoff points.

 

“What a wild last couple laps, honestly,” Blaney said. “I was with Cole, I kind of asked him on the restart, if you go to the top I’m going with you. We kind of just waited and waited and then the opportunity came, and he made a good move to get to the top, and we were able to really get good shoves.

 

“A couple good guys behind us, and then it kind of cleared the way for us when the 7 (Haley) and 41 (Custer) got racing, and I was able to clear on the top and just barely hold out for the win.”

 

Daniel Suarez finished second; Justin Haley placed third; Cole Custer came in fourth and Erik Jones completed the top five.

 

We could watch this on repeat. 🔁 pic.twitter.com/3HV86OA9n1

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 24, 2025

Pole: Ryan Blaney

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at 6:00 pm ET for the ‘Cook Out Southern 500’ at Darlington Raceway.

NASCAR Xfinity

Relief Driver Parker Kligerman Scores Daytona Xfinity Win for Zilisch,

 

The record book will list Connor Zilisch as the winner of the Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway.

 

But it was part-timer Parker Kligerman who did the heavy lifting in Friday night’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race, driving the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet to victory in relief of the 19-year-old prodigy.

 

With Zilisch determined to protect the collarbone he broke in a fall in Victory Lane two weeks ago at Watkins Glen, Kligerman got behind the wheel in a driver switch under caution on Lap 13.

 

From that point through an overtime that took the race to Lap 104, Kligerman drove a masterful race. His victory was welcome consolation for a heart-wrenching loss at Daytona in February, when Kligerman was first to the finish line in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event but suffered a disqualification for a ride-height infraction.

 

“It’s different in every way, because I didn’t expect to get a call from (team owner) Dale (Earnhardt) Jr. on the day I was leaving for vacation, saying ‘Hey, man, would you come drive this thing?'” Kligerman said. “I hate the circumstances for Connor. He’s an amazing generational talent. I feel honored to have gotten the call to grace the seat that he’s been in, that Kyle Larson’s been in. … For me, it’s such a ‘me’ thing that this will not be on Racing Reference at all.”

 

“It’s weird,” Zilisch said. “It was really weird the last time I did it, and I never thought I’d have to do it again. … But I love Parker. I’ve been a fan of Parker for a long time. He’s another one I’m OK watching win inside my race car. I’m glad that I got to start the race and get the points for my team.”

 

Sammy Smith finished second; Justin Allgaier placed third; Jesse Love came in fourth and Sam Mayer completed the top five.

 

Over 750+ texts. Many calls and a very late night. Thank you all for the wonderful messages ❤️

FINALLY!!

Just too cool of a night. Can’t thank @DaleJr @JRMotorsports enough for the belief to get this done.

And @ConnorZilisch who is so wise beyond his years. Had so much fun… https://t.co/wE2OihD6r4

— Parker Kligerman (@pkligerman) August 23, 2025

Pole: Connor Zilisch

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 7:30 pm ET for the ‘Pacific Office Automation 147’ at Portland International Raceway.

NASCAR Trucks

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Were Off Last Weekend

Ten drivers make the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series playoffs to compete for the championship title. This number has been the standard since the 2020 season, which expanded the playoff field from the previous eight drivers.

 

The stage has been reset. 👀 pic.twitter.com/vn0JNE4MOo

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) August 16, 2025

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 12:00 pm ET for the ‘Sober or Slammer 200’ at Darlington Raceway.

ARCA

Max Reaves Adds His Name to the History Books with a Victory at Flat Rock Speedway

 

Max Reaves etched his name into the history books Saturday night at Michigan’s Flat Rock Speedway.

 

Reaves, just 15, secured his third ARCA Menards Series East win in as many starts when he took the checkered flag in the Dutch Boy 150. He joins Will Rodgers as the only two drivers to win their first three East Series starts.

 

Reaves had his work cut out for him Saturday night at Flat Rock’s tight quarter-mile oval. Starting from the General Tire Pole, he jumped to the lead early but was constantly hounded by Tyler Reif.

 

That wasn’t the end of the battle between the two. Reaves and Reif spent the rest of the race almost nose-to-tail, with Reif occasionally beating on Reaves’ back bumper to remind his rival he was there.

 

“Every time I felt him, I’d get on the brake a little bit and keep it on the bottom, because the second he got me off the bottom, he was getting around and driving away,” said Reaves, who piloted the No. 18 Cook Out Toyota to Victory Lane for Joe Gibbs Racing. “The second he bumped me he got around me on the bottom, but I gave it back. It was good racing.”

 

“I’m going to be the first one to win four,” Reaves added. “I’m confident with that and confident in my team.”

 

Lavar Scott finished second; Brenden Queen placed third; Isabella Robusto came in fourth and Julian DaCosta completed the top five.

 

Highlights from Friday night's ARCA Menards race at @MISRacing! pic.twitter.com/xgHUmrsOke

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) August 23, 2025

Pole: Max Reaves

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA West Series will return on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 4:00 pm PT for the ‘Portland 112’ at Portland International Raceway .

 

source: NASCAR Media