Joe Gibbs Racing Celebrating 35th Anniversary

JGR will Honor Team's Past Drivers, Employees, Fans and Sponsors

 

Joe Gibbs Racing, the winningest team of all-time across NASCAR’s three national series, is set for its 35th season in 2026. The organization has a variety of activations planned to celebrate the team’s history, fans, partners, and the Gibbs family.

 

Over the team’s history, Joe Gibbs Racing has earned 448 victories in NASCAR national series competition, including 227 NASCAR Cup Series wins and 221 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series wins. JGR’s pedigree includes championships with Kyle Busch, Bobby Labonte, and Tony Stewart in the Cup Series, and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championships with Busch, Ty Gibbs, Daniel Hemric, and Daniel Suárez. The team also helped launch the careers of other standout drivers like Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, Erik Jones and Joey Logano.

 

“It’s hard to believe we’re celebrating our 35th season,” said Dave Alpern, President of Joe Gibbs Racing. “What started as Coach’s dream on a piece of paper has grown into something truly special. From day one, he’s said you win with people—and that’s been true every step of the way. We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with our JGR family, past and present drivers, and all the partners and fans who make all of it possible.”

 

This season, JGR 35th Anniversary branding will be displayed on all of the team’s entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the ARCA Menards Series, as well as on team equipment and apparel.

 

One significant event to celebrate the anniversary will be Joe Gibbs Racing Fan Day returning to the team’s Huntersville, North Carolina, headquarters for the first time since 2019. The event on Friday, October 9, will include appearances from current and past JGR drivers, sponsor activations, and more. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

 

JGR will also reward fans with unprecedented promotions throughout the year, including access to team members, unique experiences both at the track and at the shop, and chances to win one-of-a-kind pieces of memorabilia from the organization’s history.

 

Celebrating the big 3️⃣5️⃣❗️

2026 marks our 35th season! Follow along as we have a variety of activations planned to celebrate the team’s history, fans, partners, and the Gibbs family. pic.twitter.com/9wisK2tWhS

— Joe Gibbs Racing (@JoeGibbsRacing) January 27, 2026

JGR will also shine light on memorable moments from the organization’s 35-year history with behind-the-scenes content across the team’s social media channels – Facebook, X,  Instagram, and TikTok.

 

 

source: Joe Gibbs Racing Media

Smoke Returns to NASCAR

Tony Stewart Joins Ram’s Free Agent Program with Kaulig Racing at Daytona Truck Race

 

NASCAR fans, get ready: Tony Stewart, three-time Cup Series champion and motorsports icon, is officially returning to the NASCAR stage at Daytona in 2026. Stewart will team up with Ram Trucks and Kaulig Racing as the first competitor in Ram’s groundbreaking Free Agent program within the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. 

 

Stewart, known to fans as “Smoke,” last competed in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2005 and the Cup Series in 2016 before shifting his focus to NHRA drag racing with Dodge. His return marks a monumental moment for the sport—blending Stewart’s legendary competitive spirit with Ram’s bold re-entry into NASCAR.

 

 

“I’ve raced just about everything with four wheels at Daytona, but never a truck.

 

So when a seat in the new Ram was offered up for their first race back in NASCAR, I didn’t hesitate,” said Stewart, a 19-time winner at Daytona across the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and IROC.

 

“Ram’s Free Agent program is another great way for me to stay sharp and have a little fun.”

 

The Free Agent program is designed to bring legendary drivers and rising stars into the spotlight, giving fans a unique mix of experience and fresh talent behind the wheel of Ram trucks.

 

“We’re not just returning to the track; we’re rewriting the playbook. Bringing Tony in as the first Free Agent will generate a crazy amount of excitement, which is exactly why we created the program—allowing fans to watch an all-time favorite driver get back into the seat, but this time, it’s a Ram truck,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands, SRT Performance, NA Marketing and Retail Strategy at Stellantis. “This is about honoring a legacy. Tony represents grit, determination, and the spirit of racing—pure adrenaline for the fans.”

 

Ram will field five trucks in the 2026 season with Kaulig Racing, signaling a major investment in NASCAR. Stewart’s involvement and the Free Agent Program underscore Ram’s innovative approach on and off the track.

How 'bout a 360º look at Smoke's No. 25! @TonyStewart | @RamTrucks pic.twitter.com/bMQKVk8A4t

— Kaulig Trucks (@Kaulig_Trucks) January 19, 2026

“Having Tony Stewart in one of our Ram trucks is the kind of thing you dream about,” said Matt Kaulig, Founder and Owner of Kaulig Racing. “He’s a legend—his name alone brings energy to the sport. We couldn’t be more fired up to have him in our camp as we roll into Daytona for our first race. This is going to be a ride worth watching.”

 

In addition to his NASCAR and drag racing success, Stewart is the first and only driver to win all three USAC National championships (Midget, Sprint, Silver Crown) in one year (1995). He also took an Indycar championship in 1997. Stewart’s career is celebrated as a member of the NASCAR (2020) and National Sprint Car (2022) Halls of Fame.

 

Fans can expect exclusive behind-the-scenes content, new Ram Truck announcements, and immersive race-day experiences as part of this historic collaboration at Daytona in February.

 

The Kaulig Racing lineup has one more spot for Daytona:

 

• Brenden “Butterbean” Queen
• Daniel Dye
• Justin Haley
• Tony Stewart (Free Agent)
• Race For The Seat

 

source: Kaulig Racing 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

Tony Stewart Wins His First NHRA Drag Racing Championship

The three-time NASCAR Cup champion adds a regional crown in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series to his impressive list of racing accomplishments.

 

Tony Stewart is now an NHRA drag racing champion.

Fifty-three year old Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup champion who has also won three races and the 1997 Indy Racing League championship in IndyCar and who currently races in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, won the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series North Central Division crown on Saturday at St. Louis. 

 

There was no backing into the championship, either, as the 53-year-old Stewart rocketed his McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol dragster past Gary Pritchett with an ET of 5.216 seconds at 274.16 mph. Pritchett, who led Stewart by 21 points in the championship, ran 13.242 seconds, 73.96 mph.

 

Stewart won the eliminations from the No. 2 qualifying position.

 

This is Stewart's first divisional championship in the Top Alcohol class in his second year of competition. This year, he won three of the five events he entered and finished runner-up in another.

 

"It was a pretty cool deal today. This is redemption from last year at this same event. When we were here a year ago, all we had to do was get through the first round and we would have clinched the division championship.

 

Obviously, we were also racing for the world championship points as well. But, we had a problem. The car shook and the competitor we ran against had their best run of the season against us. It was a bitter pill to swallow. We were having to come from behind today. Even with two wins and a runner-up coming into today, if he (Gary Pritchett) made it to the finals, we had to beat him to win this thing.

 

Out of five races this season, we ran Gary in four of them and we were in the finals together in all four. To win three against him is awesome. He’s a tough competitor and Randy Meyer’s team always does a great job.

 

I’m really proud of my McPhillips Racing team. These guys did an awesome job. It’s a nice redemption weekend for us. We struggled here last weekend in the Top Fuel car. To be able to come here and win the race and have low ET of the event in the finals and win the division championship is just really cool. For everything we’ve done in motorsports, to be able to add this to our resume' is really special."

 

Stewart will be back in action Oct. 9-13 weekend at the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Texas NHRA Fall Nationals. With just three events remaining on the 2023 national schedule Stewart sits ninth in the Top Fuel dragster standings.

 

Got the win at @WWTRaceway and @NHRA North Central Division champ. Today was special. #NHRA | @TonyStewart | @mobil1racing | @Mahindra_USA pic.twitter.com/cbKQ32wTop

— Tony Stewart Racing Nitro (@TSRnitro) October 6, 2024

 

source: Autoweek Media

NASCAR / ARCA / SRX Race Weekend Recap (Indianapolis, Eldora Speedway)

Winners: Michael Mcdowell (Cup); Ty Gibbs (Xfinity); Ty Majeski (Trucks) Jesse Love (ARCA) plus Tony Stewart (SRX) 

 

NASCAR Cup

Michael Mcdowell Wins Cup Series Race at Indy Road Course; Clinches Playoff Berth

 

Michael McDowell dominated Sunday’s Cup Series race at the Indianapolis Road Course to score his first win of the 2023 season after holding off a hard charging Chase Elliott.

 

The driver of the No. 34 becomes the 13th driver to punch his ticket to the postseason on a victory. It’s McDowell’s second career win in the Cup Series. His first came in the 2021 Daytona 500.

 

“I was really trying to pace myself,” McDowell said. “I figured there would be a late-race caution, and I didn’t want to burn my stuff up. I was just trying to maintain that gap.

 

“Then when I got into traffic, (Elliott) started closing, I had to push it, but I just can’t believe it.”

 

Absolutely speechless. We’re going #NASCARPlayoffs racing once again!! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/kxal46YwCs

— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) August 13, 2023

Pole: Daniel Suarez

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on 08/20/2023 for the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Ty Gibbs Distances Field, Wins Xfinity Series Race at Indy Road Course

 

In conjunction with brisk speed out front, Ty Gibbs brushed off a 43-minute weather delay to find Victory Lane in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course Saturday evening.

 

The win was Gibbs’ first in seven Xfinity Series races this season and the 12th of his Xfinity Series career. Sam Mayer finished runner-up, with AJ Allmendinger, Austin Hill and Justin Allgaier rounding out the top five.

 

“Definitely about time,” Gibbs told NBC Sports’ Dave Burns. “Really cool to get one here at the Brickyard. I grew up racing go karts in New Castle down the street, so really special to me. Thank you to He Gets Us, all glory to Jesus Christ.

 

“Awesome car, great car. Thank you, Jason Ratcliff. This is the man right here. Jason did a great job. Thank you. This is just so special to me.”

 

p1 💥 P1 ⁰⁰@TyGibbs wins the @_Pennzz 150 presented by @AdvanceAuto.⁰⁰#NASCAR | @JoeGibbsRacing 🍾🧱 pic.twitter.com/UuKP0aeUrI

— Indianapolis Motor Speedway (@IMS) August 13, 2023

Pole: AJ Allmendinger

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on 08/19/2023 for the Shriners Children's 200 at Watkins Glen International. 

 

 

NASCAR Trucks

Ty Majeski Dominates Truck Series Playoff Opener at IRP

 

Ty Majeski took the checkered flag Friday night at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park to open the Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs.

 

The win marked the first of the 2023 season for the No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford and locks Majeski into the Round of 8.

 

“We’re peaking at the right time. This is exactly when we peaked last year. It looks like we’re trending in the same direction. Hopefully this is just the start of our playoff run. We want to go and win Milwaukee, right? That’s my home race. Go win Kansas. We’ve had great trucks at all those places. Bristol and Homestead we’ve won, and Phoenix we’re in the mix to the end. That’s the end goal,” Majeski said.

 

An incredible rebound from Richmond, but @TyMajeski and the No. 98 team are just getting started in the #NASCARPlayoffs. pic.twitter.com/KklWPaPpf0

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) August 12, 2023

Pole: Christian Eckes

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on 08/27/2023 for the Clean Harbors 175 at the Milwaukee Mile.

 

 

ARCA

Jesse Love Bags Seventh Win of 2023 in Reese’s 200 At IRP

 

After getting passed in the late stages of the ARCA race by Luke Fenhaus, Jesse Love executed the final restart of the evening perfectly to regain the lead from Fenhaus and drive away to Victory Lane in Friday’s Reese’s 200 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

 

“This is such a phenomenal team,” Love said. “I didn’t think I did a great job at saving my stuff and that came back to bite me when [Fenhaus] came by. He was really fast and I was giving this thing all it was worth. I cooled [my tires] down as much as I could [before the restart] hoping it would pay dividends and it did.”

 

7th win of the season for Jesse!!!#FlyTheV #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/sUw1VuKvqP

— VenturiniMotorsports (@VenturiniMotor) August 12, 2023

Pole: Jesse Love

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on 08/18/2023 for the General Tire 100 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International at Watkins Glen International.

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series West will return on 08/19/2023 for the NAPA Auto Parts ARCA 150 at Evergreen Speedway.

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on 08/20/2023 for the Dutch Boy 100 at Springfield Mile at Illinois State Fairgrounds.

 

 

Superstar Racing Experience

Tony Stewart Wins His Home SRX Race at Eldora

 

For the fourth time in five dirt races for the Camping World SRX Series, Tony Stewart went to victory lane.

 

On Thursday night, Stewart took the win at the track he owns, Eldora Speedway, in the 75-lap feature race for the SRX superstars. It was a sweep of the night for the 2021 series champion, as he also won both heat races leading into the feature event. The first-ever heat race sweep gave Stewart the luxury of starting on the pole for the feature, and he would not relinquish the top spot.

 

“What an awesome night at Eldora Speedway Brought home the win and got to climb the fence again for our friends at Bass Pro Shops! Great having Ron Capps join the Superstar Racing Experience. Thanks to all the fans that came out and to Camping World for their support.” Tony Stewart

 

Just like old times… 🥹 pic.twitter.com/2tyLvVxFO7

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) August 12, 2023

Pole: Tony Stewart

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Superstar Racing Experience will return on 08/17/2023 for the season finale at Lucas Oil Speedway.

 

 

source: NASCAR / ARCA / SRX Media

No Surprise - Tony Stewart Wins in the Dirt

SRX Race at Eldora Speedway

 

Smoke (Tony Stewart) drove around Eldora Speedway like he owned the place during Thursday's SRX event at the Rossburg, Ohio dirt track. Oh wait - Stewart has owned the Big E (Eldora Speedway) since 2004.  Last night, he led all 75 laps of the main event to claim his first SRX win of the 2023 season.

 

With the win, Stewart is now a perfect two-for-two in SRX races at the track that he owns. The win was his fifth overall SRX victory and his fourth win at a dirt track. In addition to his two wins at Eldora, the three-time #NASCAR Cup Champion also has victories at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 and Knoxville Raceway. The only dirt track SRX race he hasn't won came last year at Sharon Speedway, where he finished second.

 

Stewart won both heat races to claim the pole for Thursday's race and dominated the main event before needing to hold off a hard-charging Hailie Deegan to claim the win. Deegan was in a back-up car after being involved in a six-car crash during the first heat race.

 

 

What was a bit of a surprise was the hard-charging drive delivered by second place finisher Hailie Deegan.

 

“That’s one thing people don’t realize, Hailie Deegan is a hell of a dirt track racer,” Stewart said. “If she gets to second, she’s going to put on pressure. I just had to try to get some clean laps on restarts, get in a rhythm and get going.”

 

Deegan was involved in a first heat crash when Austin Dillon, making his SRX debut, lost his radiator hose and slid straight into the outside wall.

 

“When it happened, I was immediately right behind him (Dillon),” Deegan told Frontstretch. “Nothing I could do in that situation. That’s the first time that’s happened to me, where someone’s blown up directly in front of me.”

 

Deegan finished the race in her backup car and received a huge standing ovation and tons of cheers from fans.

 

“Oh man, I don’t know what’s happened the last couple of weeks or what’s changed, but I feel a lot more confidence the last couple of months,” Deegan said with a broad smile on her face. “I feel like these last two or three races, it’s coming (together) and I’m starting to get those finishes, getting more speed and it’s all coming together.

 

“I’ve been working real hard the last couple of weeks and it’s really paying off.”

 

 

 

IT’S A SMOKE CLEAN SWEEP IN ELDORA🧹🧹🧹

Tony Stewart wins all 3 events in his backyard! Only 1 more SRX race left in 2023… pic.twitter.com/DZ1scH7NCV

— Rubbin is Racing (@rubbinisracing) August 11, 2023

SRX at Eldora Speedway Results

1. Tony Stewart
2. Hailie Deegan
3. Ryan Newman
4. Bobby Labonte
5. Matt Kenseth
6. Marco Andretti
7. Chase Briscoe
8. Ken Schrader
9. Brad Keselowski
10. Ron Capps
11. Austin Dillon (DNS)
12. Tony Kanaan (DNS)

Tony Stewart is BACK in victory lane in Thursday Night Thunder.

Hear straight from Smoke following a dominate performance at Eldora. pic.twitter.com/yKDDhBB0e6

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) August 11, 2023

.@HailieDeegan talks about her rollercoaster night that saw her come back from wrecking in the heats to earning her best career #SRX finish of second.

🎥:@AnthonyDamcott pic.twitter.com/TV0ooamuQp

— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) August 11, 2023

𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬: Eldora.#CampingWorldSRX | @EldoraSpeedway pic.twitter.com/P9JBOnXOnn

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) August 11, 2023

 

source: Floracing Media

SRX - Thursday Night Thunder

Hailie Deegan and Tony Stewart are on the Front Row for Heat 1

 

Remember tonight’s ‘Thursday Night Thunder.’ This evening is the second event of the ‘Camping World SRX Series.’ Due to unprecedented flooding at the Thunder Road Speedbowl, race number two of the 2023 season returns to Stafford Speedway again.

 

Denny Hamlin won the 2023 Camping World SRX Series season-opener last week at Stafford. Hamlin, a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, is not competing full-time in SRX, and will not race on Thursday evening.

 

If you are not lucky enough to be in the stands, you can catch all the action at 9:00 pm ET on ESPN or the ESPN App.

 

Heat One Starting Line-Up

1. Hailie Deegan
2. Tony Stewart
3. Paul Tracy
4. Ryan Newman
5. Greg Biffle *
6. Ken Schrader
7. Brad Keselowski
8. Daniel Suarez *
9. Bobby Labonte
10. Marco Andretti
11. Ryan Preece *
12. Kenny Wallace *
13. Tony Kanaan *

Note: * designates a guest driver

Every single lap makes a difference. That's why we're adding more😏

This week's Stafford race will feature an altered race format compared to Race No. 1, adding more laps per race segment for even more on-track action. #CampingWorldSRX pic.twitter.com/5koDIPQvTr

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 20, 2023

 

source: SRX Media

New Season of SRX Series Racing Begins Tonight

“Thursday Night Thunder” Back to ESPN

 

Kicking off six consecutive Thursday nights of prime-time racing action, the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) Series makes its debut on ESPN on Thursday, July 13, at 9 p.m. ET, bringing “Thursday Night Thunder” back to ESPN. The Camping World SRX Series pits champion-level drivers from different racing series against each other in identically-prepared race cars, competing on some of America’s iconic short tracks.

 

The first event will be at the half-mile Stafford (CT) Motor Speedway and will include 12 drivers from NASCAR and IndyCar racing in competition. Previous NASCAR Cup Series champions Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Bobby Labonte and Brad Keselowski will be in the field racing against former IndyCar stalwarts Marco Andretti, Tony Kanaan and Paul Tracy. Rising star Hailie Deegan also will be in competition as will NASCAR Daytona 500 winners Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman and former NASCAR stars Clint Bowyer and Ken Schrader.

 

Two-time NASCAR champion Joey Logano will serve as guest analyst for the first race, joining lap-by-lap announcer Allen Bestwick in the booth to call the action. ESPN SportsCenter anchor Nicole Briscoe will host the telecast while Matt Yocum will report from the pits.

 

The event launches a new, multi-year media rights agreement between SRX and ESPN that will see the series air exclusively on ESPN, bringing back the Thursday Night Thunder branding.

 

Thursday Night Thunder, which originally aired on ESPN in the 1980’s, saw legends of racing, including SRX co-founder Stewart, launch their careers.

 

About SRX:

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) was created by Sandy Montag and The Montag Group, Investor and former NASCAR COO, George Pyne, NASCAR Hall of Famer and legendary driver Tony Stewart, and NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief and Owner Ray Evernham. Over the first two seasons of SRX, the six-race series has featured drivers from a variety of racing backgrounds with an emphasis on champion-level drivers. SRX has seen some of the sport’s biggest names compete including: Tony Stewart, Bill Elliott, Chase Elliott, Tony Kanaan, Paul Tracy, Bobby Labonte, Willy T. Ribbs, Hailie Deegan, Ryan Blaney, Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle, Marco Andretti, Matt Kenseth, Michael Waltrip, Josef Newgarden, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Helio Castroneves, and many more.

 

CHAMP.#CampingWorldSRX | @MarcoAndretti pic.twitter.com/CRwkt4X85f

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 13, 2023

In 2022, the series field featured a total of five NASCAR Cup Series Championships, three IndyCar Series Championships, four Daytona 500 Winners, five Indianapolis 500 Winners and four NASCAR Hall of Fame Drivers. Tony Stewart claimed the inaugural SRX Championship in 2021 and Marco Andretti claimed the 2022 Championship.

 

 

SRX Entry List
Stafford Motor Speedway

1. Kevin Harvick
2. Denny Hamlin
3. Ryan Newman
4. Tony Stewart
5. Hailie Deegan
6. Brad Keselwoski
7. Marco Andretti
8. Ken Schrader
9. Paul Tracy
10. Tony Kanaan
11. Bobby Labonte
12. Clint Bowyer

#4EVER a Superstar.#CampingWorldSRX |@KevinHarvick pic.twitter.com/MmUJyNstQX

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 13, 2023

 

source: ESPN Media

Superstar Racing Experience Announces Additional 2023 Drivers

Marco Andretti, Paul Tracy and Ryan Hunter-Reay will compete full-time, with Josef Newgarden and Tony Kanaan racing part-time.

 

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) has announced a slew of world- class open wheel drivers who will compete in the 2023 SRX Series. Marco Andretti, the reigning SRX Champion, will defend his title, racing full-time this summer. He is joined by IndyCar legend and SRX veteran, Paul Tracy, and IndyCar Series and Indy 500 Champion, Ryan Hunter-Reay, who is back with SRX full-time after making his debut last summer.

 

The trio is joined by their IndyCar contemporaries, Tony Kanaan and Josef Newgarden, who will be racing part- time in 2023. Kanaan, an IndyCar series, and Indy 500 Champion himself, will race in SRX 3 times this summer (Stafford, Thunder Road and Eldora). Josef Newgarden, a current driver for Team Penske and 2-time IndyCar Series Champion, will return to SRX for his second race, joining the field at Motor Mile on July 27th.

 

Andretti, Tracy, Hunter-Reay, Newgarden and Kanaan join previously announced all-stars: Hailie Deegan, Brad Keselowski, Bobby Labonte, Ryan Newman, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Helio Castroneves, Clint Bowyer, Kenny Wallace and Tony Stewart – as 2023 SRX drivers. SRX will air on six consecutive Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and the ESPN App, bringing back the iconic “ESPN Thursday Night Thunder” branding.

 

2023 SRX Series Announced Drivers:

 

Stafford (7/13):

1. Denny Hamlin
2. Clint Bowyer
3. Kevin Harvick
4. Tony Kanaan
5. Brad Keselowski
6. Hailie Deegan
7. Bobby Labonte
8. Ryan Newman
9. Paul Tracy
10. Ryan Hunter-Reay
11. Marco Andretti
12. Tony Stewart

 

Thunder Road (7/20):

1. Tony Kanaan
2. Brad Keselowski
3. Hailie Deegan
4. Bobby Labonte
5. Ryan Newman
6. Paul Tracy
7. Ryan Hunter-Reay
8. Marco Andretti
9. Tony Stewart

 

Motor Mile (7/27):

1. Helio Castroneves
2. Kyle Busch
3. Clint Bowyer
4. Josef Newgarden
5. Brad Keselowski
6. Hailie Deegan
7. Bobby Labonte
8. Ryan Newman
9. Paul Tracy
10. Ryan Hunter-Reay
11. Marco Andretti
12. Tony Stewart

 

Berlin (8/3):

1. Helio Castroneves
2. Kyle Busch
3. Kevin Harvick
4. Brad Keselowski
5. Hailie Deegan
6. Bobby Labonte
7. Ryan Newman
8. Paul Tracy
9. Ryan Hunter-Reay
10. Marco Andretti
11. Tony Stewart

 

Eldora (8/10):

1. Tony Kanaan
2. Brad Keselowski
3. Hailie Deegan
4. Bobby Labonte
5. Ryan Newman
6. Paul Tracy
7. Ryan Hunter-Reay
8. Marco Andretti
9. Tony Stewart

 

Lucas Oil (8/17):

1. Helio Castroneves
2. Clint Bowyer
3. Kenny Wallace
4. Brad Keselowski
5. Hailie Deegan
6. Bobby Labonte
7. Ryan Newman
8. Paul Tracy
9. Ryan Hunter-Reay
10. Marco Andretti
11. Tony Stewart

 

Marco Andretti Quotes:

 

Marco Andretti:

“My Thursday nights are a lot more interesting this year. Looking forward to driving against even more of my fast friends this season. SRX keeps getting bigger and better. Pumped to put on a fun show for the fans.”

 

“Can’t wait to have a shot at trying to win it again. I’m feeling more and more comfortable in the cup guy’s sandbox. A lot more talent this year to continue to learn from.”

 

SRX CEO, Don Hawk:

“We at SRX welcome back Marco and look forward to him having the bullseye on his back as he begins his quest to defend his 2022 Championship.”

 

“Marco is intense, he’s competitive and he’s going to find himself in a very strong field that’s full of drivers that just want to win each race each week.”

 

 

Paul Tracy Quotes:

 

Paul Tracy:

“I am super excited to be going into my 3rd season with SRX. To see this concept start from nothing, and be where it is today has been incredible. I’m also super excited to be back on ESPN with the revival of Thursday night thunder. It’s a win/win for the drivers and race fans.”

 

Don Hawk:

“It’s exciting for SRX to announce the return of our own Mr. Excitement. Paul has been working hard all off-season to bring a new mindset and physical conditioning to his SRX program. I believe he’s got the talent to see the podium several times in 2023 (following up his first SRX podium in 2022).”

 

 

Ryan Hunter-Reay Quotes:

 

Ryan Hunter-Reay:

“What an honor it is to be selected as one of the full-time drivers for the 2023 SRX season competing against some of the most accomplished names in motorsports. Tony Stewart, Don Hawk and the entire SRX operation have done a phenomenal job building this series to where it is today. Last season we all witnessed a huge surge in momentum for SRX and that trend has strengthened with the signing of more top drivers as well as the shift to racing on Thursday nights on ESPN.”

 

“Obviously, this discipline of racing was completely out of my wheelhouse, however, I learned a tremendous amount last season and look to apply those lessons for a strong showing this summer.”

 

Don Hawk:

“Here’s my sleeper pick as the most improved driver from 2022. I believe that Ryan will be very consistent, and sneaky competitive as he now knows the car better and how to race these guys to maximize points.”

 

“Ryan Hunter Reay has a year under his belt with SRX and has the big picture in mind for 2023. He knows how to race and how to win so watch out for this dark horse every Thursday Night on ESPN.”

 

 

Josef Newgarden Quotes:

 

Josef Newgarden:

“One of the most appealing things to me about competing in SRX is the ability to run at some of these historic short tracks where some of the legends of motorsports have competed. Last year’s race at the Nashville Fairgrounds was a perfect introduction to the series at an iconic facility that is working to make it back to big time racing. Motor Mile Speedway is another historic track that has hosted racing for decades. I’ve heard it’s a true short track with demanding racing and lots of paint swapping. It should be a great race.”

 

Don Hawk:

“Having Josef back again is something we wanted to make happen. Thank you to Roger Penske for approving this one – Josef is a blast to watch race and we are lucky to have him back behind the wheel of an SRX car.”

 

 

Tony Kanaan Quotes:

 

Tony Kanaan:

 “I’m so happy to be racing in SRX for the third season in a row. Having been with the series since the beginning, it’s so exciting to see the way the competition has grown. Let’s go!”

 

Don Hawk:  

“Having a driver the caliber of Tony returning to SRX for several races this year is something we wanted to have happen from day one of the seasons planning.” CEO Hawk

 

“With Tony announcing he’s retiring from Indy Car this year, it’s a huge plus for SRX and the fans to be part of the tour to honor a special shoe like him. We’re excited to have Tony back and we will have something special on tap to recognize his many motorsports accomplishments.”

 

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) was created by Sandy Montag and The Montag Group, Investor and former NASCAR COO, George Pyne, NASCAR Hall of Famer and legendary driver Tony Stewart, and NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief and Owner Ray Evernham. Over the first two seasons of SRX, the six- race series has featured drivers from a variety of racing backgrounds with an emphasis on champion-level drivers. SRX has seen some of the sport’s biggest names compete including: Tony Stewart, Bill Elliott, Chase Elliott, Tony Kanaan, Paul Tracy, Bobby Labonte, Willy T. Ribbs, Hailie Deegan, Ryan Blaney, Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle, Marco Andretti, Matt Kenseth, Michael Waltrip, Josef Newgarden, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Helio Castroneves, and many more.

 

In 2022, the series field featured a total of five NASCAR Cup Series Championships, three IndyCar Series Championships, four Daytona 500 Winners, five Indianapolis 500 Winners and four NASCAR Hall of Fame Drivers. Tony Stewart claimed the inaugural SRX Championship in 2021, and Marco Andretti claimed the 2022 Championship.

 

 

Before anyone asks…

Yes, all of our tracks this year have lights. 😉 https://t.co/IdsUVXMcYq

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) February 28, 2023

 

 

 

source: SRX PR Media

Sellout Crowd Set to Watch Camping World SRX Series Finale

Saturday At Sharon; Event To Broadcast Live On CBS

 

 

 

One of the most anticipated events in the long and storied history of Sharon Speedway, which dates back to 1929, is set to take place this Saturday night (July 23) at the Hartford, Ohio facility. The second year Camping World SRX Series will compete on the 3/8-mile red clay oval for their season finale. The event is a sellout with no tickets available on Saturday; however, the event will be live on CBS at 8 p.m.

 

Nothing like a little Saturday Night Showdown at Sharon between father and son. 😏 #CampingWorldSRX pic.twitter.com/vMwx83f7ng

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 22, 2022

A star-studded lineup of 13 high profile racers will take part including the much-anticipated battle between track co-owner Dave Blaney and his son Ryan, who have rarely raced against each other. Dave owns 37 career wins at his home track led by 34 in the "410" Sprint Car division including a popular 2021 World of Outlaws victory. Ryan made one Limited Sprint Car start at Sharon many years ago.

 

Sharon Speedway will always hold a special place in Tony Stewart's heart as it was the site of his first career winged "410" Sprint Car victory, which came in the inaugural "Lou Blaney Memorial" in 2009. Stewart is the defending SRX Champion and is fresh off a win at I-55 Speedway last weekend to remain perfect on dirt.

 

Other SRX stars that will be competing include 2020 NASCAR Cup Champion Chase Elliott, 2003 NASCAR Cup Champion Matt Kenseth, 2000 NASCAR Cup Champion Bobby Labonte, former Daytona 500 winners Ryan Newman and Michael Waltrip, former NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series Champion Greg Biffle, 2003 KART Champion Paul Tracy, Mario Andretti's grandson Marco Andretti who leads the Series points, along with Ryan Hunter-Reay and Tony Kanaan.

 

We are now official SOLD OUT for Saturday's @SRXracing event...THANK YOU FANS! Please do not show up Saturday without a ticket. The event will be live on CBS beginning at 8 PM.

— Sharon Speedway (@SharonSpdwy) July 21, 2022

Fans can not only experience viewing from the frontstretch and backstretch grandstands, but also from the infield fan zone, which includes concessions and restrooms. Sharon is the only track in the area to have viewing from the unique infield perspective. There will be times throughout the night when fans can cross on the frontstretch back and forth. If you plan on utilizing the infield fan zone, we recommend you bring lawn chairs or lawn chairs are available for purchase.

 

The entire covered grandstand is for reserved ticket holders only. The following are available for general admission on the frontstretch; Section D Rows I-P Seats 1-54 (turn 1); Section F Rows I-P Seats (turn 4). The entire backstretch grandstands (located on the East side of the track) is available for general admission.

 

There will be handicap accessible viewing areas both on the frontstretch and backstretch. Handicap parking is available on the West side of the track (frontstretch). A limited amount of handicap parking will be available at the East side entrance, but recommend to arrive early.

 

Parking lots will open at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. All admission gates will open at 2 p.m. The Whatchamacallitz Band will be playing in the pavilion from 2-4 p.m. and then from 6-7 p.m. SRX practice will take place from 4-6 p.m. Racing is scheduled for 8 p.m. As a reminder, coolers nor outside food or beverages are not permitted. Pit passes are not available for this event.

 

Camping is also sold out. Camping opened at 5 p.m. Thursday and campers are asked to arrive prior to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, if possible, before the parking lots open. You must be checked in before setting up. Those that arrive late Thursday or Friday night, can spend the night, but are asked not to setup until being checked in during the morning.

 

Fans may utilize all of the grounds except the HOT PIT AREA, which will be fenced and monitored; however, fans may get up to the fence to hopefully see their favorite driver(s) with the ability to take pictures and possibly some interaction. There is NO organized autograph session.

 

Coming up next Saturday (July 30) will be a "Super Series" event featuring the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply "410" Sprint Cars for $3,000 to-win along with the Gibson Insurance Agency Pro Stocks, HTMA/Precise Racing Products RUSH Sportsman Modifieds, and Whelen Econo Mods. Race time is 7 p.m. 

 

 

 

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located at 3241 Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter @sharonspdwy.

 

 

source: Sharon Speedway

NASCAR / SRX Race Weekend Recap (NHMS & I-55)

Winners: Christopher Bell (Cup); Justin Allgaier (Xfinity); plus Tony Stewart (SRX)

 

NASCAR Cup

Christopher Bell Lands First Win of Season

 

Christopher Bell has quietly established himself as a New England force over the past three years coming up the NASCAR ranks and on Sunday afternoon, he convincingly earned his biggest triumph to date there, a victory in the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter 301 and a ticket to the 2022 Playoffs.

 

Bell led the last 42 laps of the 301-lapper at the 1.058-mile New Hampshire Motor Speedway, claiming the trophy — and the traditional lobster hoist in Victory Lane — with a massive 5.767-second victory over last week‘s race winner Chase Elliott.

 

It‘s only the second NASCAR Cup Series win for the third-year driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota but oh, so significant as it launches the 27-year-old Oklahoman into a provisional postseason berth. The 14th different winner of the season came into the race ranked last among the top 16 drivers that would advance to the Playoffs. Now he has bolstered his hopes of a title run.

 

“Man, that one was much-needed right there,” said Bell, who won three consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series races at the track from 2019-2021 and was runner-up in last year‘s NASCAR Cup Series race there.

 

Big thank you to @rheemracing, @DEWALTtough, @ToyotaRacing, @Yahoo & @JoeGibbsRacing for all the support. We knew we were due. 🏁 #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/OPg6hCq3RQ

— Christopher Bell (@CBellRacing) July 18, 2022

Pole: Martin Truex Jr

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, July 24 for the M&M's Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono Raceway. 

 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Justin Allgaier Zooms to Xfinity Series

 

Justin Allgaier prevailed in an action-packed Crayon 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, earning his third victory of the season and a very special birthday present for his wife, Ashley. A race trophy.

 

The driver of the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet delivered Chevy’s first win at the 1.058-mile track in 15 years. It’s Allgaier’s third win of the season — coming a comfortable 3.869 seconds ahead of Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota driver Trevor Bayne, who was trying to earn the JGR team its seventh consecutive New Hampshire win.

 

“We finished second here last year to one (Toyota) and I told these guys I really wanted to win here,’’ said Allgaier, who now has three wins in the last eight races. “This place has been so much fun over the years.’’

 

“First of all, it’s my wife’s birthday, so if I can’t be with my wife on her birthday, the best thing to do is take home a trophy to her. Just proud of the team.”

 

3 wins in his last 8 races, @J_Allgaier.

Don’t sleep on the No. 7 as an #XfinitySeries title contender. pic.twitter.com/9mpo2v3M6I

— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) July 16, 2022

Pole: Josh Berry

Click Here for Race Results  

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, July 23 for the Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 at Pocono Raceway. 

 

 

NASCAR Trucks

Trucks Were Off Last Weekend

Siri: 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗

💰 @CoreyHeim_
💰 @RyanPreece_
💰 @pkligerman #TheTrip pic.twitter.com/gSrgZJs548

— NASCAR Camping World Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) July 14, 2022

 

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Saturday, July 23 for the CRC Brakleen 150 at Pocono Raceway. 

 

 

ARCA

The ARCA Series Did Not Race Last Weekend

#MondayMotivation Who will #Deliver a Smokey Burnout this weekend at @PoconoRaceway? #GeneralTireDelivers200 @ARCA_Racing pic.twitter.com/0ZyzUg3n4a

— General Tire (@GeneralTire) July 18, 2022

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Friday, July 22 for the General Tire Delivers 200 at Pocono Raceway.

 

 

Superstar Racing Experience

Tony Stewart Wins in the Dirt

 

Although it's hard to believe that any dirt track in America is brave enough to keep Tony Stewart out of its winner's circle, a win in a feature race at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 had eluded Smoke entering Saturday night. But even as the biggest wreckfest of the 2022 SRX season ensued, Smoke was able to preserve his spotless record in SRX on dirt and finally check an item off his bucket list.

 

"This place is pretty awesome. Kenny Schrader and these fans are diehard race fans, and you aren't gonna find fans that are any more diehard in this country for late models and modifieds and sprint cars than here at Pevely," Stewart told CBS Sports. "… It's hard. It's been a 90 degree day, it's sunny, windy, everything that kills dirt tracks, and their staff did an awesome job giving us an awesome racetrack there.

 

"I love it when it gets up close to the wall like that. That's when I'm having the most fun."

 

That’s a memory that will last a lifetime. #CampingWorldSRX | @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/uDDvRPBt2t

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 17, 2022

Pole:Tony Stewart

Race Results:

1. #14 - Tony Stewart
2. #98 - Marco Andretti
3. #52 - Ken Schrader
4. #39 - Ryan Newman
   
5. #69 - Greg Biffle
6. #99 - Ernie Francis Jr. 
   
7. #15 - Michael Waltrip
8. #3 - Paul Tracy
9. #38 - Hailie Deegan
10. #6 - Tony Kanaan
11. #18 - Bobby Labonte
    
12. #5 - Matt Kenseth
13. #1 - Ryan Hunter-Reay

 

 

Next Race: The SRX Series’ Season Finale will happen on Saturday, July 23 for the at Sharon Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media