NASCAR Race Weekend Recap (Las Vegas)

Winners: Denny Hamlin (Cup); and Kyle Larson (O'Reilly);

NASCAR Cup

Hamlin Overcomes Speeding Penalty en Route to Las Vegas Win

 

A refocused and rejuvenated Denny Hamlin drove the dominant car to victory in Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

 

The NASCAR Cup Series victory was Hamlin’s first of the season, his third overall and second straight at the 1.5-mile track and the 61st of his career, good for 10th on the all-time list.

 

“I knew it took a few weeks to feel like driving,” Hamlin said. “Over the last couple weeks, I definitely regained my love of it, got refocused. These are great opportunities for us.”

 

His 61st victory broke a tie on the career list with Kevin Harvick.

 

“My name stands out amongst … there’s the legends of the sport,” said the 45-year-old Hamlin. “I feel very fortunate to be on the list. Those guys were far more talented than I have ever thought about being.

 

“I just work really hard. I still, to this day, work really hard at my craft to try to continue to get better. Days like today certainly make me feel happy about where I’m at in the sport still and what I can still do.”

 

SMOKESHOW 💨 #Pennzoil400 pic.twitter.com/HWZNgzsbc1

— Las Vegas Motor Speedway (@LVMotorSpeedway) March 15, 2026

Pole: Christopher Bell

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 3:00 pm ET for the ‘Goodyear 400’ at Darlington Raceway.

NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series

Kyle Larson Wins O’Reilly Series Sin City Sizzler!

 

No matter the series, Las Vegas Motor Speedway agrees with Kyle Larson. 

 

Surging into the lead from the seventh position moments after the final restart on Lap 154 of 200, Larson pulled away to win The LiUNA!, becoming the fifth different winner in five NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races this season.

 

Larson crossed the finish line in Saturday’s race 2.557 seconds ahead of Chase Briscoe, who recovered from a brush with the outside wall and resulting flat tire to finish second.

 

“I was a bit nervous,” Larson said of the final run. “I knew the 00 (Creed) and Briscoe were ripping the top. I tried it once, and I didn’t feel good up there at all.

 

“I don’t know — clean air just must have meant a lot today. So, glad I was able to get the lead when it mattered.”

 

Kyle Larson is the best show in town for a reason. pic.twitter.com/9aBiMPmVgV

— NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (@NASCAROReillyAP) March 15, 2026

Pole: Sam Mayer

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will return on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 5:30 pm ET for the ‘Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200’ at Darlington Raceway.

NASCAR Trucks

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series did not race this weekend

Ready to get back to work! https://t.co/D2M2VxSB7X X @Freedomwarranty X @FreedomRacing76 pic.twitter.com/atHgOIqDV0

— Spencer Boyd (@SpencerBoyd) March 12, 2026

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 7:30 pm ET for the ‘Buckle Up South Carolina 200’ at Darlington Raceway.

ARCA

The ARCA Series did not compete this weekend

rate this burnout 😤 pic.twitter.com/mdsYIQPuON

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) March 10, 2026

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. EST for the ‘Hickory 200’ at Hickory Motor Speedway..

 

source: NASCAR Media

Goodyear Presents Gold Car to Kyle Larson

2025 NASCAR Cup Series Champion

 

Executives from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company presented the Goodyear Gold Car award to 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson on Friday, Jan. 23 in a special ceremony at Hendrick Motorsports.

 

The prestigious trophy has been awarded to the NASCAR Cup Series champion driver every year since 1985. Today’s ceremony marks the first time the presentation took place within the winning team’s shop, highlighting the significant teamwork needed to win the championship.

 

The Gold Car, which is often cited by champion drivers as their favorite trophy, is a 1/12-scale replica of Larson’s No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro, plated in 24k gold. This Gold Car, presented by Goodyear CEO and President Mark Stewart, is the second for Larson, who also won the Cup Series championship in 2021.

 

“We’re honored to present Kyle Larson with the Goodyear Gold Car in the shop where the actual championship car was born,” Stewart said. “Hendrick Motorsports and Goodyear have always been a winning combination in NASCAR and the team remains a historic partner for us, having won 15 championships on Goodyear tires, and playing a pivotal role in milestone wins throughout our NASCAR history.”

 

 

“Receiving the Goodyear Gold Car is incredibly special,” said Larson. “It’s such a unique trophy in our sport, and it represents everything it takes to win a NASCAR Cup Series championship.

 

To be able to accept it on the Hendrick Motorsports campus, in front of the men and women that work so hard, makes it even more meaningful. This championship was even more meaningful because it was a full team effort.”

 

Renowned model builder Michael Dunlap has built each Goodyear Gold Car since 1985. He uses precise measurements of the actual race car to create an exact replica, including the exterior, interior, and vehicle systems such as the chassis and suspension.

 

Every detail from the hood pins and lug nuts to each dash switch are exactly as they appear on the champion’s car.

 

In addition to Mark Stewart and Goodyear Racing leadership, the event was attended by Hendrick Motorsports executives and team members, as well as NASCAR executives.

 

The @goodyear Gold Car presentation took place at Hendrick Motorsports, with the entire shop on hand to celebrate @KyleLarsonRacin's championship season.https://t.co/j8oRtSdKi7

— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) January 23, 2026

 

source: Hendrick Motorsports Media

2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race Of Champions Field

NASCAR Drivers Jesse Love; Christopher Bell; Corey Day; and Kyle Larson Listed

The O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions. The annual showdown to kick off the Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink, featuring Chili Bowl winners, series champions, and invited talent, is on Monday, January 12, 2026.

 

Set to be the 18th edition of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions, the 2025 event was topped by Christopher Bell, marking the third time since 2020 that the Norman, Okla. driver has captured the win in the 25-lap affair. One of 24 overall drivers in this year’s field, the roster is steeped with talent at all levels.

 

2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions Roster:

• • 1 Sammy Swindell – A legend of the sport, and the winningest driver in Chili Bowl history.
• • 1S Spencer Bayston – Winner of the 2023 O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions.
• • 2H Jesse Love – Invited to compete as the 2025 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Champion.
• • 11F Kaylee Bryson – Invited to compete as the 2025 Trans Am GTX Champion. Kaylee is also the first woman to ever lock into Saturday night’s A-Feature.
• • 12H Sam Hafertepe, Jr. – Invited as the 2025 National Champion of the American Sprint Car Series. He is now a six-time titlist with the series.
• • 17W Shane Golobic – A lot of solid runs atop Tulsa Expo Raceway clay, last year’s podium finish locked Shane into the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions.
• • 19R Ricky Thornton, Jr. – Invited to compete as the 2025 regular season champion of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.
• • 21AU Kaidon Brown – Invited to compete as the now two-time Australian Speedcar Champion.
• • 21CB Christopher Bell – The three-time Chili Bowl powered by NOS Energy Drink Champion, Bell, enters this year as an owner/driver.
• • 27X Kalib Henry – With the Napa Auto Parts All Stars Circuit of Champions presented by Valvoline back in full swing, the invite is again extended to their champion, and in 2025, that was Kalib.
• • 39A Emerson Axsom – Winner of Wednesday’s York Plumbing Qualifying Night in 2025.
• • 39G Kyle Cummins – Invited to compete as the 2025 USAC Amsoil Sprint Car National Champion.
• • 39 Logan Seavey – Back-to-back Chili Bowl powered by NOS Energy Drink champion in 2023 and 2024, Seavey also picked up Friday’s Hard Rock Hotel Casino, Tulsa preliminary night in 2025.
• • 41 Corey Day – Meeting criteria via a third-place finish in 2024, the defending Turkey Night Grand Prix champion will go full-time in 2026 in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series for Hendrick Motorsports.
• • 54NZ Michael Pickens – A legend of New Zealand Midget racing, the 10x National Champion is invited to be part of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions.
• • 57 Kyle Larson – The defending Champion of the Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink, as well as 2025 NASCAR Cup Series titlist.
• • 57W Landon Brooks – Tuesday’s Warren CAT qualifying night win lands the California driver in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions
• • 67 Jacob Denney – Invited to compete as the 2026 Xtreme Outlaw Midget and POWRi Midget National Champion.
• • 71 Ryan Timms – Invited to compete as the 2025 winner of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s.
• • 71W Buddy Kofoid – Getting the nod from his runner-up finish in 2024, Kofoid is also the 2025 New Zealand Midget champion, which he also topped in 2024.
• • 71K Cannon McIntosh – Invited to compete as the 2025 USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Champion.
• • 86 Daison Pursley – A runner-up finish in the 2025 championship event and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions puts Daison in this year’s showdown.
• • 87 Justin Grant – Invited to compete as the 2025 USAC Silver Crown Champion.
• • 88T Tanner Thorson – Champion of the Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink in 2022, Thorson also won Thursday’s Hasty Bake qualifying night in 2025.

The standards for an invitation are:

• • Drivers finishing in the Top 3 of Saturday night’s A-Feature during the previous five Chili Bowls will be eligible.
• • Drivers finishing in the Top 2 of the past five Race of Champions events will be eligible.
• • Preliminary Night Winners from the most recent Chili Bowl will be eligible.
• • Series Champions from the most recent calendar year in the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, American Sprint Car Series National Tour, High Limit National and Mid-Week, USAC National Midgets, USAC National Sprint Cars, USAC Silver Crown, and POWRi Midget League, and Xtreme Outlaw Midgets will be invited to compete.
• • Champions and Drivers of other Tours and Series may be added at the Chili Bowl’s discretion.
• • No Driver substitutions or alternates from a sanctioning body will be allowed.
• • Starting Lineup for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race Of Champions will be set by Group Qualifying. Drivers will draw for their qualifying position, then qualify in groups of three to four. Drivers will get two warmup laps, then three green flap laps to set their time. The driver with the fastest overall time in Qualifying will draw for the inversion (0, 4, 6, or 8).

The 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink takes place January 12-17, 2026, under the giant roof of the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Okla. Fans unable to attend the Chili Bowl Nationals can watch every lap live at http://www.floracing.com.

For continued updates on the Chili Bowl Nationals, fans can follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with @CBNationals. All official press, updates, and results on the Chili Bowl Nationals can be found online at http://www.chilibowl.com.

 

source: Chili Bowl Media

What Is the Difference Between the Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout?

 

What is the Tulsa Shootout?

The Tulsa Shootout in Tulsa, Oklahoma is the largest event for micro sprint racing in the world.

 

Going into the 41st year of this prestigious event, many drivers dream of bringing home the Golden Driller. With the numbers of entries growing every year, the event record stands 1,855 entries received for the 2025 event. Of those, 1,798 were confirmed. The number of entries has exceeded the millennium mark since 2015. With such a massive following, the Tulsa Shootout is an event for every race fan and driver to experience.

 

A multi-day event that encompasses 6 different racing classes including 600cc Outlaw Winged and Non-Winged Micros, 600cc Stock Winged and Non-Winged Micros, Restricted Micros, and the exciting Junior Sprint class for the kids from 6-12, you’ll see drivers from all over the country in attendance, ranging from amateur to professional, ages 6 to 60! Invite your friends, invite your family. This is something you do not want to miss!

 

What is the Chili Bowl?

The Chili Bowl is primarily known as the world's premier indoor midget car dirt racing event, held annually in Tulsa, Oklahoma, attracting top drivers from NASCAR, IndyCar, and other series to compete for the Golden Driller trophy on a temporary track. It's considered the "Super Bowl" of midget racing, featuring intense competition and a unique, temporary dirt oval built inside the SageNet Center.

 

What Is the Difference Between the Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout?

The Tulsa Shootout is an annual micro sprint racing event held in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It features six divisions of Micro Sprints: Jr. Sprints, Restricted A-Class, Winged A-Class, Stock Non-Wing, Non-Wing Outlaw, and Winged Outlaw.

 

The Chili Bowl is considered the Super Bowl of midget racing. It is an annual event held at Tulsa Expo Raceway in Oklahoma, attracting more than 300 competitors from across the United States and the world.

 

The midgets happen to be a little bigger than the micros, but from a distance look very similar. What do both races have in common? They both have the same trophy, a Golden Driller you take home for winning!

 

𝑭𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒚 🔥 There’s nothing quite like Christopher Bell vs. Kyle Larson fighting for a Golden Driller in Tulsa.

The 2025 #TulsaShootout Non-Wing Outlaw race was unforgettable. 👇 pic.twitter.com/JIL1WzeVQ3

— FloRacing (@FloRacing) December 27, 2025

What Is a Golden Driller?

It’s the single-most recognizable trophy in all of dirt track racing, and everyone wants a piece of it.

 

Seven elusive Golden Drillers will be given out inside the SageNet Center, and nearly 2,000 total entries will be chasing the iconic award.

 

The first six are available at the 37th annual Lucas Oil Tulsa Shootout (Dec. 29 – Jan. 1) with the big one coming at the 36th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals (Jan. 10-15). Both events can be seen live on FloRacing. 

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

Chili Bowl Past Winners

Kyle Larson Wins 2025 Chili Bowl

 

Chili Bowl results

Kyle Larson added another trophy to his legendary collection with his third Chili Bowl Nationals victory last year. After taking consecutive Chili Bowl crowns in 2020 and 2021, he earned his third with an epic drive in the 40-lap main event in 2025.

Legendary sprint car driver Sammy Swindell, a three-time World of Outlaws champion, holds the record with five Chili Bowl A-Main victories (1989, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2009). He is once again entered in 2024.

Swindell’s son Kevin ranks second in Chili Bowl A-Main victories with four (all in a row from 2010-14), though injuries sustained in a 2015 crash ended his driving career.

Kyle Larson got the Golden Driller Saturday, adding the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals to 2020 & 2021 wins. Skillful driving & some luck – his car stalled then restarted after contact with Brenham Crouch, then he avoided flipping after a wall climb on lap 37. #ChiliBowl #KyleLarson pic.twitter.com/hYdhLjJ9va

— Dan Snyder Motorsports (@DanMotorsports) January 21, 2025

Below is the complete list of Chili Bowl winners from 1987-2025.

Year	Chili Bowl A-Main Winner
1987	Rich Vogler
1988	Scott Hatton
1989	Sammy Swindell
1990	Johnny Heydenreich
1991	Lealand McSpadden
1992	Sammy Swindell
1993	Dave Blaney
1994	Andy Hillenburg
1995	Donnie Beechler
1996	Sammy Swindell
1997	Billy Boat
1998	Sammy Swindell
1999	Dan Boorse
2000	Cory Kruseman
2001	Jay Drake
2002	Tony Stewart
2003	Dan Boorse
2004	Cory Kruseman
2005	Tracy Hines
2006	Tim McCreadie
2007	Tony Stewart
2008	Damion Gardner
2009	Sammy Swindell
2010	Kevin Swindell
2011	Kevin Swindell
2012	Kevin Swindell
2013	Kevin Swindell
2014	Bryan Clauson
2015	Rico Abreu
2016	Rico Abreu
2017	Christopher Bell
2018	Christopher Bell
2019	Christopher Bell
2020	Kyle Larson
2021	Kyle Larson
2022	Tanner Thorson
2023	Logan Seavey
2024	Logan Seavey
2025	Kyle Larson

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR Drivers to Compete it the 40th Running of the Chili Bowl

2025 Cup Drivers: Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs, J.J. Yeley and Josh Bilicki.

 

The Chili Bowl, scheduled to take place from January 12-17 inside the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the largest Midget car racing event in the world. This year marks the 40th running of the event, which began in 1987 and has continued to grow in prestige each year since.

 

The event annually draws more than 300 entries from across the globe to compete on a temporary, quarter-mile dirt oval built inside the SageNet Center.

 

A number of NASCAR drivers have made their way to the Chili Bowl through the years, and select handful have won the prestigious Golden Driller trophy. Among them is two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, the three-time and defending Chili Bowl winner. Christopher Bell is also three-time Chili Bowl champion. Three-time Cup champion Tony Stewart has won the Chili Bowl twice, and Dave Blaney, a veteran of more than 450 Cup races, won the Chili Bowl in 1993.

 

Five drivers who competed in the Cup Series last year are entered in the 2026 Chili Bowl: Larson, Bell, Ty Gibbs, J.J. Yeley and Josh Bilicki.

 

The tentative prelim night lineup of drivers is now live at https://t.co/4BfnFBpA0k pic.twitter.com/2KqiJ4E7Le

— Chili Bowl Nationals (@cbnationals) January 5, 2026

 

source: NASCAR Media

ARCA West - Set for Sonoma

Sonoma Raceway to Host West Series on Friday as Part of Companion Weekend with #NASCAR's National Series

 

• RACE-General Tire 200
• PLACE-Sonoma Raceway
• LOCATION-Sonoma, California
• DATE-Friday, July 11, 2025
• TIME-3:30 p.m. PT/6:30 p.m. ET
• TV CHANNEL/LIVE STREAM-FloRacing
• RADIO-ARCARacing.com
• TRACK LAYOUT-1.990-mile road course
• LAPS-64

For many decades, Sonoma Raceway has been a significant race for ARCA Menards Series West competitors every time the venue appears on the calendar.

 

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, West Series drivers competed in a combination event with the NASCAR Cup Series at Sonoma once a year. Although the West Series now only has as a support event for the Cup Series weekend, the opportunity still exists for regulars to prove themselves against the upcoming generation of stars.

 

Seven of the last 10 West Series events at Sonoma have been won by a driver who has competed full-time in either the Cup Series or NASCAR Xfinity Series. The list of Sonoma West Series winners comprises names like Kevin Harvick, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Chase Briscoe and Sam Mayer, who emerged victorious in last year’s race.

 

As has become tradition with the West Series event at Sonoma, Friday is set to be a battle between the championship contenders and drivers seeking to gain experience. With the top five in the standings only separated by 18 points, a strong run at Sonoma is crucial toward sustaining momentum in the West Series title hunt.

 

The West Series heads to @RaceSonoma for its first road-course race of 2025!https://t.co/AZwyUmVcei

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) July 7, 2025

 

source: ARCA Racing Media

Meet the NASCAR Cup Contenders

Who to Watch Heading Into Race Weekend at Nashville Superspeedway

 

As the engines warm up and the anticipation builds for race weekend at Nashville Superspeedway, all eyes are on the drivers poised to make some serious noise. Nashville’s concrete beast isn’t easy to tame, and only the best rise to the challenge. Here’s a look at some of the top contenders heading into the weekend.

 

Joey Logano

A former Cup Series champion, Joey Logano brings a mix of grit, strategy, and confidence to every track he visits. Known for his aggressive style and sharp race instincts, he’s especially dangerous late in a race when the pressure is on. He’s no stranger to chaotic restarts or bold moves when it matters most. At a track like Nashville, where tire wear and late cautions shake things up, he’s exactly the kind of driver who can capitalize. Don’t be surprised if the No. 22 finds his way to the front when it counts.

 

Joey Logano finished the last cup race in seventeenth (17) position.

Finished 17th in yesterday’s #CocaCola600 at @CLTMotorSpdwy . Not the final result we wanted, but at the end of the night, we remember how thankful we are to do what we love, because of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to those who are currently sacrificing so much to… pic.twitter.com/iubOB9WhbS

— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) May 26, 2025

Kyle Larson

When it comes to versatility and raw talent, Kyle Larson is always in the conversation. He’s proven time and again he can run up front on just about any track, including Nashville. With Hendrick Motorsports behind him and momentum on his side, Larson’s a threat to win every time he straps in.

 

Kyle Larson crashed and finished the last cup race in thirty-seventh (37) position.

"When it's cooler the track has more grip and the speed stays faster..

Typically I prefer warmer conditions..

I'm always studying to see which moves work"@KyleLarsonRacin #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/nGMp7T4Iqt

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 21, 2025

Denny Hamlin

Denny knows how to run smart, manage tire wear, and position himself when it counts. If the race turns tactical (and it often does at Nashville), Hamlin could be right there when it matters most.

 

Denny Hamlin finished the last cup race in sixteenth (16) position.

Denny held Byron up… from behind him? 🤣@dennyhamlin | https://t.co/z9Owlg8rlm pic.twitter.com/SJsdy0TPMn

— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) May 27, 2025

Ross Chastain

Aggressive? Sure. Entertaining? Always. Ross Chastain doesn’t back down, and his fearless driving style helped him claim victory here in 2023. Don’t be surprised if he’s mixing it up near the front again this year, especially if the race turns wild.

 

Ross Chastain won the last cup race! (#1)

Nashville #NASCAR fans, this is your chance to meet last week's #CocaCola600 race winner @rosschastain before he shreds the track at the #CrackerBarrel400

- WHEN: Saturday, May 31st at 10am
- WHERE: 2500 Murfreesboro Pike #106, Nashville, TN 37217@jrmotorsports @teamtrackhouse pic.twitter.com/dJT5pjaTil

— Acceptance Insurance (@AcceptanceHQ) May 27, 2025

William Byron

Byron’s having a breakout season, racking up wins and running with confidence. He’s matured as a driver and has shown he can handle the pressure of big moments. On a track where precision matters, Byron has the tools to shine.

 

William Byron finished the last cup race in second (2) position.

A strong night in Charlotte pushes @WilliamByron to the top of the Cup Series standings.https://t.co/Y1J5lca6yN

— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) May 27, 2025

Christopher Bell

Bell’s dirt track background gives him a smooth, steady style that works well on rougher surfaces. He’s been quietly consistent and always seems to be lurking when it counts. Don’t sleep on the No. 20 car.

 

Christopher Bell finished the last cup race in eighth (8) position.

Built for the unbreakable 💪@cbellracing and @dewalttough Concrete Solutions: the perfect pairing for Nashville Superspeedway’s 1.33 mile concrete track. pic.twitter.com/SReOtBfNAS

— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) May 28, 2025

The Wild Cards

And of course, don’t forget the underdogs and up-and-comers. A long race, late cautions, or strategy shakeups can put unexpected names at the front. Keep an eye on guys like Tyler Reddick (26th), Alex Bowman (29th), or even a rookie looking to make their mark.

 

Who Will Conquer the Concrete?

Nashville Superspeedway is a unique challenge. The concrete surface, tire wear, and the heat make it as much a mental battle as a physical one. These contenders have what it takes, but as we’ve seen before, anything can happen on race day.

 

 

source: Nashville Superspeedway Media

NASCAR & ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Kansas Speedway)

Winners: Kyle Larson (Cup); Carson Hocevar (Trucks) plus Brenden Queen (ARCA)

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 

NASCAR Cup

Kyle Larson Claims Kansas in Dominant Fashion for 3rd 2025 Victory

 

On Sunday, after putting his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet on the pole on Saturday, Kyle Larson defended his victory in far more decisive fashion, leading 221 of 267 laps to win the AdventHealth 400 at the 1.5-mile track (Kansas Speedway).

 

The triumph was Larson’s third of the season, tying race runner-up Christopher Bell for most in the series so far this year. The win was Larson’s third at Kansas and the 32nd of his career, tying NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett for 29th on the career list.

 

“Great car, great execution today, too, for our team,” said Larson, who now will start to concentrate on the Indianapolis 500/Coca-Cola 600 double he’ll attempt for the second time later this month.

 

“Glad to not win by an inch right here this time and a little bit safer gap. But thanks again to the team. Congrats to all of Hendrick Motorsports, the engine shop, everybody there.”

 

Larson reached several significant milestones on Sunday. His career laps led reached 10,073, behind only Kyle Busch (19,440) and Denny Hamlin (15,613) among active full-time drivers.

 

Smoked 'em to make his way to @mobil1racing Victory Lane 💨 pic.twitter.com/8qlwMMcl3l

— Kansas Speedway (@kansasspeedway) May 11, 2025

Pole: Kyle Larson

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 5:30 pm ET for the NASCAR All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

NASCAR Xfinity

NASCAR Xfinity Series Off Until May 24th

Where champions and names are made.

More moments like these coming soon. pic.twitter.com/hZdTmzvmTv

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) May 6, 2025

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 4:30 pm ET for the BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

NASCAR Trucks

Hocevar Holds Off Riggs for Truck Series Win at Kansas

 

Carson Hocevar survived last-lap contact from the Ford of Layne Riggs, bounced off the outside wall and half a lap later took the checkered flag to win Saturday night’s Heart of Health Care 200 at Kansas Speedway.

 

The victory was Hocevar’s first of the season in his second NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start this year, his first at the 1.5-mile track and the fifth of his career.

 

“I just thought I’d make it entertaining,” Hocevar quipped after climbing from his truck for a frontstretch interview. “That 34 truck (Riggs) was super, super good. This truck was really good on the short runs — I didn’t think he would get to us for how far back he was, but he was super good.

 

“Yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve been in a finish like that where it’s been all out there. So credit to him. I know he was going for everything there.”

 

We were for sure entertained! pic.twitter.com/E8QaBdcW7M

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) May 11, 2025

Pole: Jake Garcia

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 1:30 pm ET for the Window World 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

ARCA

Brenden Queen Survives One-Lap Shootout to Win the Tide 150

 

An unfortunate sense of déjà vu befell Brenden Queen when he saw the caution flag come out only a few hundred yards away from the start-finish line at Kansas Speedway.

 

It was only a few of months ago at Phoenix Raceway when a spin by Tim Viens on the final lap while Queen was leading forced him to defend the top spot during a one-lap shootout. An aggressive dive by Brent Crews in Turn 3 moved Queen out of the groove, handing Crews the victory and spoiling what had been a dominant performance by Queen.

 

Queen ensured no one got within range of his back bumper during the one-lap shootout that settled Friday’s Tide 150. A perfectly executed restart provided Queen the launch he needed to pull away from the rest of the field, resulting in his second ARCA Menards Series victory in his fifth career start.

 

“I let one get away at Phoenix,” Queen said. “Of course, that was going through my mind at the end of this race, but at the same time, that’s what a race car driver lives for, the opportunity to redeem yourself. These guys work so hard on this car, so the only thing I can do is take them to Waffle House tonight.”

 

🧇🏁 A restart and a winner interview worthy of an All-Star Special.@03Butterbean | @AmandaBusick pic.twitter.com/rOrDjsMvra

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 10, 2025

Pole: Lawless Alan

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The ARCA East Series will return on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 7:50 p.m. ET for the Dutch Boy 150 at Flat Rock Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR / ARCA Weekend Recap (Texas & Nashville)

Winners: Joey Logano (Cup); Kyle Larson (Xfinity); Corey Heim (Trucks) plus Max Reaves (ARCA)

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics

 

NASCAR Cup

Joey Logano Survives Texas Attrition, Lands First Win of 2025 in Overtime

 

On an overtime restart, Joey Logano made it look easy. The reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion cleared teammate Blaney through the first two corners, as RossChastain charged into second from the bottom lane.

 

Two laps later, Logano was on his way to Victory Lane, having scored the second straight win for Team Penske after Austin Cindric won last Sunday at Talladega.

 

“The sport changes so quickly,” Logano said after climbing from his car. “It’s crazy how you can just ride these rollercoasters and just proud of the team. Finally got (sponsor) AAA Insurance into Victory Lane. They’ve been a partner of mine since I’ve been to Penske, so 13, 14 years. I’ve yet to win with them. It was awesome to get that done here.”

 

Logano had to work his way forward from his 27th-place starting position. He did so relentlessly and without the sorts of mistakes that doomed the winning chances of others.

 

“Slowly, methodically, a couple at a time,” Logano said of his drive. “We had a really tough pit stall situation. The pit crew did a good job of managing that and just grabbed a couple (of positions) here and there.

 

“The car was fast. I knew that yesterday. We just did a poor job qualifying. Just grinded it. Just keep grinding a couple here and a couple there and eventually get a win here. It’s nice to get one. Real nice.”

 

Joey, it's time to be a cowboy. 😂 pic.twitter.com/xYOKyHyUdJ

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 5, 2025

Pole: Carson Hocevar

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Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, May 11, 2025 3:00 pm ET for the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway.

NASCAR Xfinity

Larson is a Super-Sub in Texas, Grabs Xfinity Win in Double OT

 

Crew chief Mardy Lindley called his shot.

 

“We’ve got to stop to win,” Lindley radioed to driver Kyle Larson,  subbing for injured Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet.

Lindley was right. Larson made a late pit stop and proceeded to win Saturday’s Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 at Texas Motor Speedway in two overtimes.

 

The victory was Larson’s second of the season, his second at Texas and the 17th of his Xfinity career, with Larson charging from the seventh position on a Lap 194 restart — behind six cars that stayed out on older tires — to win in two extra periods.

 

“It was a lot of survival, I felt like in that race,” Larson said. “I got in some wrecks, the balance we had to work on quite a bit. So, it was fun. I felt like if I could ever get the lead, I could stretch it out, but I couldn’t get by Justin (Allgaier). He was running where I needed to be.

 

“Thanks to JRM for letting me come run this thing here today. Obviously, I wish Connor was in the car, but it means a lot that they thought of me to call up to run this thing.”

 

He did what he had to do to get the win. pic.twitter.com/9Q8yhOUVN9

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) May 3, 2025

Pole: Austin Hill

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Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 4:30 pm ET for the BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

NASCAR Trucks

Corey Heim Tames Texas, Surges to Third Craftsman Truck Series Win of 2025

 

At age 22, Heim is the youngest driver in series history to reach 14 wins. Friday night’s Truck Series race also was the first to go to overtime after 21 straight events had ended in regulation.

 

Heim was barely ahead when caution stalled the first overtime almost before it began. The restart in the second extra period packed a surfeit of drama into the final two laps.

 

Starting second to Heim’s outside, Ben Rhodes held his ground, racing side-by-side through the first two corners. As the drivers navigated Turn 3, both had to lift off the gas, allowing Daniel Hemric to make a strong move to the inside at the start/finish line.

 

But Heim pressed the accelerator, charged between trucks and surged into the lead, clearing Hemric and Rhodes in Turn 1. Heim pulled away slightly to beat Hemric to the stripe by 0.279 seconds, as Rhodes lost momentum and faded to sixth.

 

“I wasn’t going to let that one get away from me,” said Heim, who led a race-high 96 of 174 laps and gained an extra playoff point by winning Stage 2. “I’ve given up too many this year so far. I’m just overwhelmed — so many restarts there at the end and guys were taking me three-wide.

 

“I wasn’t going to let them take it from me… They tried to take me three-wide into (Turn) 1, and I drove until I couldn’t anymore.”

 

A little Texas flavor from Victory Lane. 🤠 pic.twitter.com/WfzPMikmoT

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

Pole: Tyler Ankrum

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Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 7:30 pm ET for the Heart of Health Care 200 at Kansas Speedway.

ARCA

Max Reaves Scores Another Convincing Victory

 

Max Reaves put on a clinic Sunday afternoon at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, capturing his second ARCA Menards Series East victory of the 2025 season with a powerful and poised performance in the Music City 150.

 

Piloting the Cook Out-sponsored Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, Reaves led the majority of the race and only briefly relinquished the top spot following a restart where Tyler Reif surged ahead momentarily. Reaves wasted little time regaining control and drove away to the checkered flag, adding to his growing résumé in the ARCA East ranks.

 

Reif settled for a hard-fought second-place finish, while Nashville’s own Hunter Wright thrilled the hometown crowd with a strong third-place effort. Isaac Kitzmiller and Zachary Tinkle rounded out the top five.

 

The remainder of the top ten included Jackson McLerran, Takuma Koga, Becca Monopoli, Quinn Davis, and Nate Moeller.

 

Reaves’ victory at the historic Nashville Fairgrounds marks a major step forward in the young driver’s campaign, as he continues to establish himself as a title contender in the ARCA Menards Series East standings.

 

🏁 Max Reaves gets his 2nd @ARCA_Racing win in as many tries, dominating the #ARCA East Music City 150 at @RaceFairgrounds! pic.twitter.com/bELekrH4hr

— FloRacing (@FloRacing) May 4, 2025

Pole: Max Reaves

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Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 7 p.m. CT for the Tide 150 at Kansas Speedway

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR Race Weekend Recap (Bristol)

Winners: Kyle Larson (Cup); Kyle Larson (Xfinity); Chandler Smith (Trucks)

Recap Graphic by Rolando Ramirez - RTR Graphics 

 

NASCAR Cup

Larson Hits Half-Mile Haymaker, Dominates Bristol

 

For the second straight day at Bristol Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson dominated a NASCAR race and dedicated the victory to friend and PR representative Jon Edwards, who passed away suddenly during the week leading up to the race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.

 

On Sunday, Larson won the Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race in overwhelming fashion, leading 411 of 500 laps and sweeping both stages.

 

“This one’s definitely for Jon,” said Larson, who finished second in Friday night’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, one spot short of sweeping the weekend. “He’s just a great guy. Successful weekend here. Wish he was going to be here with us to celebrate, but I know he’s celebrating with us in spirit.

 

“Just a flawless race once again here at Bristol for the 5 team. Really, really good car. That was a lot of fun.”

 

💨💨💨💨💨 pic.twitter.com/8TCFtsJPzq

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 13, 2025

Pole: Alex Bowman

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Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 3:00 pm ET for the Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.

NASCAR Xfinity

Kyle Larson Scores Dominant Xfinity Series

 

Pole winner Kyle Larson brought a bazooka to Saturday’s shootout at Bristol Motor Speedway.

 

His 37 opponents brought pea shooters to the “Last Great Colosseum” — or so it seemed, given the degree of domination Larson exhibited in winning the SciAps 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race. 

 

The driver of the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet led 277 of 300 laps in securing his first victory in two series starts this season, his second at Bristol and the 16th of his career. At the finish, there were only 12 cars on the lead lap.

 

To Larson, the victory was a fitting tribute to his friend and PR representative, Jon Edwards, who passed away suddenly during the week leading up to the Bristol race weekend.

“It’s awesome,” said Larson, who finished second in Friday night’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. “I wish I could have won last night – just came up a little bit short. It’s cool to get a win this weekend for Jon and everybody who’s been a part of his life.

 

“We’ve got one more tomorrow (in Sunday’s Food City 500 NASCAR Cup race). There’d be nothing better than to cap it off with a Cup win for Jon and all of Hendrick Motorsports. … I’ve got a great car there for (Sunday). We’ve just got to execute like we did today.”

 

Big Bristol win means a big Bristol burnout. pic.twitter.com/vxyRSlGteV

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) April 12, 2025

Pole: Kyle Larson

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Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, April 19, at 4:00 pm ET for the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire at Rockingham Speedway.

NASCAR Trucks

Chandler Smith Scores Truck Series Victory at Bristol, Pockets Triple Truck Challenge Prize

 

After charging into the lead in Friday night’s Weather Guard Truck Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Chandler Smith’s work was far from over.

 

The driver of the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford then had to hold off NASCAR Cup Series moonlighter Kyle Larson over a seven-lap dash to the finish to claim his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory of the season, his second at the 0.533-mile short track and the sixth of his career.

 

Smith also won the $50,000 Triple Truck Challenge bonus that goes to the highest-finishing Craftsman Truck Series.

 

“I’m more excited for the team than I am for myself,” said Smith, whose tenure in the No. 38 F-150 came in an 11th-hour deal at season’s end. “This group came together-we hired my crew chief (Jon Leonard) two weeks before Daytona … My life’s been really, really crazy recently, and there were a lot of unknowns about my future going into the season, and we kind of had our backs against the wall putting this group together like I said. But holy (crap), I wouldn’t want any different of a group than I had behind me.”

 

POV you're $50,000 richer. #TheTrip pic.twitter.com/E91v6UkaIl

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) April 12, 2025

Pole: Daniel Hemric

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Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 5:00 pm ET for the Black’s Tire 200 at Rockingham Speedway.

ARCA

No ARCA Events to Recap

 

We're going back to The Rock.

For the first time in more than a decade, the ARCA Menards Series East is returning to @Rockingham1965 this Saturday afternoon. Everything you need to know ⬇️ https://t.co/cmbQBx7Juc

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) April 14, 2025

Next Race: The ARCA Series East will return on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET for the Rockingham ARCA 125 at Rockingham Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media