• Charlotte Motor Speedway Senior Director of Human Resources/IT Susan McKee named O. Bruton Smith Award recipient
• Dover Motor Speedway President and General Manager Mike Tatoian earned Promoter of the Year
• Las Vegas Motor Speedway received Speedway of the Year honors
• Sonoma Raceway won the third annual Acceleration Award

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Nov. 22, 2024) – Speedway Motorsports officials, in recognition of exemplary performance and exceptional service on behalf of and its world-class entertainment facilities, recognized the 2024 recipients for the company’s O. Bruton Smith Award, Promoter of the Year, Speedway of the Year and the Acceleration Award. Announcements were made Thursday night at the Duke Mansion in Charlotte, where the NASCAR industry is celebrating Champions’ Week.

Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Susan McKee was named the 2024 O. Bruton Smith Award winner, while Dover Motor Speedway President and General Manager Mike Tatoian earned Promoter of the Year honors. Las Vegas Motor Speedway received the Speedway of the Year award and Sonoma Raceway earned the third annual Acceleration Award.

“It is an honor to recognize some of the company’s standout leaders and our teams across the country whose commitment to excellence drive our company forward,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. “Our success is possible because of their hard work and dedication to making every event remarkable, and I am grateful for the efforts our teammates put forth to achieve success.”

O. Bruton Smith Award

Charlotte Motor Speedway Senior Director of Human Resources and IT, Susan McKee, received the 2024 O. Bruton Smith Award.

Established 12 years ago to recognize one employee annually across all of Speedway Motorsports and its subsidiaries, the recipient of this prestigious award is someone who exhibits Speedway Motorsports’ founder O. Bruton Smith’s traits: character, enthusiasm, drive, a heart for helping others, respect/appreciation for team members, vision and determination.

A 36-year veteran of Speedway Motorsports, McKee oversees the day-to-day HR and IT needs across Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 1,000-acre campus. She also leads the speedway’s Pit Crew, planning, organizing and directing volunteer efforts throughout the year. In August, McKee oversaw Charlotte Motor Speedway’s annual Day of Service, during which 84 employee volunteers came together for a work day that netted more than 275 hours of labor, supporting six area nonprofits. Following Hurricane Helene’s devastation across western North Carolina, McKee spearheaded a month-long donation drive that yielded 650 pallets of food, water, clothing and supplies to be donated to impacted areas across the western part of the state.

“Susan stands out among our team in a way that makes us all so proud, and she is certainly deserving of this honor,” said Smith. “You can’t delegate or trust people to do things who don’t get it done, and she gets it done. She goes above and beyond.”

Promoter of the Year

Dover Motor Speedway President and General Manager Mike Tatoian was named Promoter of the Year. The annual award is chosen by the selection committee and given to one Speedway Motorsports general manager who best displayed the creativity, innovation, leadership and execution that are fundamental to Speedway Motorsports’ way of doing business.

Tatoian and his team were heralded for efforts around civic and government relations, hosting one of the biggest events of the year for Speedway Motorsports, and for a tireless commitment to creating a remarkable fan experience for each person who visits the Delaware track.

“Mike and the team at Dover Motor Speedway have been firing on all cylinders this year,” said Speedway Motorsports Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Burch in presenting the award. “Dover is one of our top ticket-selling venues, driven by Mike’s exceptional promotional efforts both at the track and in the community. Their fan zone is unmatched, featuring unique entertainment like the Philadelphia Mummers, the world’s largest rubber duck, and a host of engaging displays. Mike’s ability to connect with civic, business, and military leaders has amplified Dover’s presence, making it a must-visit destination for race fans and a pillar of the local community.”

Speedway of the Year

Las Vegas Motor Speedway received Speedway of the Year recognition, edging out 10 state-of-the-art Speedway Motorsports entertainment complexes to earn top honors 10 of the last 13 years. The award was presented to LVMS President and General Manager Chris Powell for the best overall performance during 2024 in such aspects as fan friendliness, attendance, financial performance, sponsor relations and creativity.

In presenting the award, Smith highlighted the facility’s outstanding performance in generating revenue, including a record year for the Electric Daisy Carnival multi-day music festival that drew nearly 200,000 people per day this year.

“We have so many people who contribute to this,” Powell said of the award. “It’s not just the sales people who create the revenue. It’s the hard-working maintenance people who make sure that a track rental on Friday night is turned over for a different rental on Saturday. All of our employees across the speedway make it happen, and I appreciate all of them.”

Acceleration Award

Sonoma Raceway received the third annual Acceleration Award, presented to a Speedway Motorsports subsidiary in recognition of year-over-year improvement across a number of different metrics. Sonoma Raceway’s Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Flynn accepted the award on behalf of the Sonoma Raceway team.

Bolstered by increased use of the raceway’s luxury Turn 11 facility for track rentals and a range of cost-saving measures that improved efficiencies across the property without impacting the overall fan experience, Sonoma Raceway excelled in 2024, Flynn’s first full year with the company.

“First I spent 25 years with Richard Petty and now I get to work with the Smiths, so I’m blessed,” said Flynn. “These guys put up with our hair-brain ideas. We try to get better every day. We try to keep our nose clean, take care of the team, take care of our corporate clients and take care of the business. It’s really those legs that make everything work.”

“We lead the way,” said Burch. “We constantly have people from other sports, other facilities, come to us and saying, ‘How did you do this? How did you do that?’ We’re more than willing to give them our play books because it’s not about the processes; it’s not about the facilities. You need those things, but it comes down to the people. That’s what makes the difference, and you cannot copy our people. You cannot copy our culture.”

About Speedway Motorsports:

Speedway Motorsports is a leading marketer, promoter and sponsor of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the following premier facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway and Kentucky Speedway. Speedway Motorsports provides souvenir merchandising services through its SMI Properties subsidiaries; manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars and parts through its U.S. Legend Cars International subsidiary; and produces and broadcasts syndicated motorsports programming to radio stations nationwide through its Performance Racing Network subsidiary.

Source: Speedway Motorsports

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Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 Mavis Tire Toyota, drives during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2024 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo Credit: Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images)

Both Gabehart and Gayle have been mainstays at Joe Gibbs Racing for a number of years. This season, both led their teams to the Cup Series Playoffs and top-15 finishes in the overall point standings.

“We have a lot of pride in the depth of talent we have throughout our organization,” said Joe Gibbs, owner and founder of Joe Gibbs Racing. “Chris Gabehart will now be an asset across all four of our teams as competition director and we thought it was important to have him transition into his new role immediately. Chris Gayle will bring his own perspective to the 11 team while also maintaining the consistency and continuity they have developed with Denny (Hamlin) over the past several years. While we are still in the process of finalizing the new crew chief for the 54 team, we believe all these moves ultimately make our team stronger as we prepare for 2025.”

Gabehart joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 2012 as a race engineer. He transitioned to a crew chief position with the team’s NASCAR Xfinity Series program from 2016-2018. After three successful seasons where his teams earned nine victories with multiple drivers, Gabehart was promoted to be the crew chief of the No. 11 team in 2019. The Hamlin-Gabehart combination proved to be a threat immediately by winning the 2019 DAYTONA 500 on the way to three consecutive Championship 4 appearances. In six seasons together, Gabehart and Hamlin claimed 22 victories, including a pair of DAYTONA 500s and the 2021 Southern 500.

Chris Gabehart

Gayle’s resume includes a pair of Cup Series victories, 37 Xfinity Series wins, and the 2022 Xfinity Series championship. He began his time with Joe Gibbs Racing as an engineer in 2003. In 2013, Gayle moved into a crew chief position with JGR’s Xfinity Series team. After an impressive four-year stint from 2013-2016 where his teams claimed 20 victories, Gayle spent 2017 as a crew chief for Furniture Row Racing. He rejoined JGR in 2018 in the Cup Series with Erik Jones.

He led the young driver to his first career win in 2018 and followed that up with a Southern 500 victory in 2019. In 2021, the Little Rock, Arkansas native guided JGR’s No. 54 Xfinity Series team to a whopping 10 wins with four different drivers. The next year, Gayle led Ty Gibbs to seven victories and the series championship before the duo moved to the Cup Series together in 2023. In 2024, Gayle oversaw the No. 54 team’s growth in Gibbs’ second season as they earned eight top-five finishes, 12 top-10s, two pole awards, and 417 laps led.

“Denny is obviously a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” said Gayle. “I’m looking forward to working with him and the guys on the No. 11 team. He and Gabehart have established an incredible culture that is a very good barometer for our other drivers and teams to strive to match. I have all the confidence in the world we can hit the ground running and continue the success that this group is accustomed to in 2025.”

The No. 54 crew chief will be announced at a later date.

About Joe Gibbs Racing

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is one of the premier organizations in NASCAR with four NASCAR Cup Series teams, four NASCAR Xfinity Series teams, an ARCA Series team, and a driver development program. JGR is based in Huntersville, N.C., and owned by 2020 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Joe Gibbs, who also earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was named as one of the NFL’s top 10 coaches of all-time with a winning career that included three Super Bowl Championships as head coach of the Washington franchise.

JGR has competed in NASCAR since 1992, capturing more than 400 wins over that span. No team has more combined wins across the sport’s three national series in the history of NASCAR. In addition, JGR has won five Cup Series championships along with four Xfinity Series driver championships and six Xfinity Series owner’s championship.

The organization also has captured four Daytona 500 titles, considered to be NASCAR’s premier event each season.

Source: Joe Gibbs Racing

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Grass Roots Racers are Duly Honored at NASCAR Awards Ceremony (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

As NASCAR president Steve Phelps put it in introducing Thursday night’s NASCAR Regional and International Awards at the Charlotte Convention Center, “Grass roots racing is at the core of what we do as a sport.”

The homage to the roots of racing also featured a decidedly international flavor — and even an impromptu marriage proposal from one of the racing champions.

Mexican driver Andrés Pérez de Lara of Rev Racing fashioned a remarkably consistent season in becoming the first foreign-born driver to win the ARCA Menards Series championship, beating teammate and Bounty rookie of the year Lavar Scott by 41 points.

“I’m just super proud of what all this means,” said Pérez de Lara, who posted 10 top fives and 17 top 10s in 20 starts to claim the title. “I’m just trying to enjoy it and take some cool pictures. It means a lot—the whole year’s work.

“I think this ARCA championship means a lot in terms of my career and how many opportunities it can bring me. There’s very good stuff coming, moving into the NASCAR world. I’m not able to say more details right now, but it’s definitely a good thing.”

Two drivers who have revealed what they’re doing next year are ARCA Menards Series East champion William Sawalich and runner-up Connor Zilisch, who battled throughout the year in a championship race decided by 12 points.

Sawalich will race full-time in the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Series Toyota and looks forward to renewing the competition with Zilisch, who will drive the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports next season.

“We know how to race each other really good, really clean,” Sawalich said at the red-carpet festivities before the Awards. “We figured each other’s craft out, how we race and what our characteristics are… I can’t wait to race him next year in Xfinity.”

Zilisch, who won his Xfinity Series debut from the pole at Watkins Glen in September, engendered high expectations with three top fives in four starts in the series.

“That was pretty incredible,” said Zilisch, who expects to drive in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January. “It set the bar high for me. Every race, you have to learn to be better. I expected to do well at my first Xfinity race, considering it was on a road course, but I feel like I still have work to do.

“I’m going into next year with a lot of things I can improve on. I’m looking forward to it. Just got to continue to work hard and not let the success get to me.”

The recognition of Sean Hingorani as ARCA Menards Series West Champion for the second straight season completed the ARCA trifecta.

One of the highlights of the Awards was NASCAR Canada Series champion Marc-Antoine Camirand’s proposal from the stage to his girlfriend of 27 years, Sophie Marcotte, as their son and daughter teared up in the audience.

Hosted by broadcasters Jamie Little and Adam Alexander, the Awards also celebrated the accomplishments of NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Justin Bonsignore and NASCAR México Series champion Rubén García Jr.., both of whom have won multiple titles in their respective series.

Bonsignore beat Ron Silk by 32 points to win his fourth modified championship for owner Ken Massa.

“Fifteen years ago, I saw something in him that told me we could be champions,” Massa said of his driver.

Bonsignore, who finished 22nd in his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in June, may have more of a presence on the stock car side of NASCAR next year. The 36-year-old from Holtsville, N.Y., is working on a deal that could land him as many as 10 races in the Joe Gibbs Racing all-star car.

A three-time winner this year, with 12 top 10s in 13 starts, García was recognized as the NASCAR México Series champion for the fifth time.

“To me, I’m trying to work to race at the national level here (in the United States),” García said. “There’s a lot of stuff to do, a lot of work to do, sponsorship hunting to do, but having a NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico City (next year) definitely helps.”

NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion Vittorio Ghirelli is another driver with his eyes on the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Ghirelli won the pole for all seven Euro Series races this season. He has competed on ovals twice, winning both races from the pole.

From the Awards stage, NASCAR Brasil Series co-champion Alex Seid touted the growing popularity of NASCAR Racing in that country.

“It was a tough season,” remarked Seid, who won the title with teammate Gabriel Casagrande. “All the best drivers in Brazil are moving to NASCAR.”

Affable Connor Hall, who will drive full-time for JR Motorsports on the CARS Tour next season, won the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Series national championship for the second straight year.

First-generation racer Caity Miller of Idaho was honored with the 2024 Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award.

Source: Reid Spencer | NASCAR Wire Service

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Erik Jones

Comcast will award $60,000 to Jones for the Erik Jones Foundation, which was established in 2021 to provide charitable donations to organizations and offer direct-to-individual programs within communities across the country.

“The foundation is something we talked about for a long time, and to be here now, putting in the work and receiving this recognition, means a lot,” said Erik Jones.

“Being named the 2024 Comcast Community Champion of the Year is a testament to our team’s hard work, from our board to my mom and my wife, Holly. These funds will help ensure the foundation’s sustainability long after my racing career and make a big difference in our grant-making efforts to support the areas we care about.”

The Erik Jones Foundation is built on three key pillars: early cancer screening and detection, reading literacy, and animal welfare — each inspired by Jones’ personal experiences. After losing his father to cancer in 2016 and supporting his mother through her breast cancer battle, Jones has prioritized promoting early cancer detection. In its first year, the Foundation donated $20,000 to the Melanoma Research Foundation and distributed hundreds of thousands of sunscreen samples to raise awareness about sun safety.

Additionally, the Foundation partnered with the Sun Bus, a mobile skin screening center, to bring free screenings to race fans. Its signature program, the ‘Window of Hope’ pink window net initiative, raises critical funds for breast cancer care and screenings.

Jones has also dedicated himself to improving literacy among youth. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched #ReadWithErik, which began as a weekly Facebook Live series and has grown to include in-person readings at racetracks and schools nationwide.

The Foundation has donated book vending machines to schools and introduced a pen pal program to encourage reading and writing. Furthermore, Jones’ commitment to animal welfare has led to partnerships with organizations like the Mid-Michigan K9 Association, Adopt-A-Pet Fenton, and Rescue Ranch, as well as donations to animal shelters across the country.

“Erik has consistently demonstrated his passion for meeting people where they are—offering support, resources, and hope,” said Matt Lederer, Vice President of Brand Partnerships and Amplification, Comcast. “His dedication to early cancer detection, youth literacy, and animal welfare shows how one individual can create meaningful change. We are proud to name Erik Jones as the 2024 Comcast Community Champion of the Year.”

Jones was selected by a panel of Comcast and NASCAR executives, including 2023 Comcast Community Champion Ryan Vargas, who was honored last year for his work supporting children with Craniosynostosis.

In addition to the winner, this year’s finalists were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their communities. Scott Crowell, Senior Manager of Facility Operations for NASCAR Productions, will receive a $30,000 donation to Willow’s Wish Foundation, which creates inclusive public spaces for children with disabilities.

Susan McKee, Senior Director of HR | IT at Charlotte Motor Speedway, will receive a $30,000 donation to Speedway Children’s Charities, which supports children and families in need.

Since its inception in 2015, the Comcast Community Champion of the Year program has donated over $1 million to 30 nonprofit organizations, amplifying the efforts of NASCAR community members who dedicate their time and energy to helping others. Comcast remains committed to strengthening communities, leveraging its resources to drive positive and lasting change.

About Comcast Corporation:

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide.

We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

So proud of the foundation team tonight. This is a huge honor and testament of the work put forth to the causes I truly care about! Thank you to Comcast for the recognition and to all who have supported us pic.twitter.com/tYHeQRp8DK

— Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) November 22, 2024

Source: Comcast Corporation

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Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Hyak Motorsports will continue to implement Smith’s plan to bring the team fresh, new energy and demonstrate his commitment to advancing the team’s legacy both on and off the racetrack.

“Hyak,” which means “fast” in Chinook Jargon, is a trade language of the Pacific Northwest that incorporates terms from Chinook, Chehalis, and many other local languages. The ownership transition promises to fuel Hyak Motorsports with a competitive edge by enhancing its approach to performance, innovation and fan engagement.

Smith will be one of four co-owners of the Harrisburg, N.C.-based team alongside Brad Daugherty, Mark Hughes and Ernie Cope. All four remain dedicated to maintaining the team’s high standards while introducing updated strategies and resources to help bring the team to a new level.

“Becoming the owner of Hyak Motorsports brings an exciting opportunity,” said Gordon Smith, team owner and CEO. “I look forward to building on the team’s accomplishments, investing in its future, and driving toward new successes in partnership with our fans, sponsors and team members.”

The team’s commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering thrilling performances will continue in the 2025 season starting with the inaugural NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray on February 2, 2025, at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

“I’m really excited about 2025 as our company continues to evolve,” added Daugherty. “Our goal is to compete and win races at the highest level of NASCAR. The name change signifies that commitment and desire to be our very best.”

Cope is concentrated on continuing to help elevate the team at the sport’s pinnacle level.

“2025 will begin a new era for this company,” offered Cope, team co-owner. “We’re still committed to being a winning team with Ricky and the entire No. 47 crew. This is just the next step in elevating the team to another level.”

Hyak Motorsports Logo

The team has scored a win in each of the last two years and plans to continue this trajectory. Its pinnacle Daytona 500 win came on February 19, 2023, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who will continue to pilot the No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro next season.

Stenhouse joined Hyak Motorsports in 2020 and finished a career-best 16th in the championship standings during the 2023 season.

“Rebranding a team can be exciting, I’m looking forward to continuing building this team up with a lot of the same great crew members we have had here,” sounded Stenhouse. “I’m focused on the competition side and getting our performance back that we had in 2023.

“We learned a lot in 2024 and ready to get back to the track.”

Hyak Motorsports has not named a primary partner for the team in 2025. Additional announcements are forthcoming, according to the team.

Kroger, which had a long-lasting relationship under the team’s old banner, has shifted its presence to RFK Racing and drivers Chris Buescher, Brad Keselowski and new driver Ryan Preece for the upcoming season.

Founding JTG team owners Tad and Jodi Geschickter, who have relinquished their ownership stakes in Hyak Motorsports, own BAM LLC., which oversees the Kroger Racing program.

Follow Chris Knight on X (Twitter) @Knighter01 or email at cknight@catchfence.com.

The article JTG Daugherty Racing Rebrands as Hyak Motorsports Ahead of 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Season is from Catchfence.

NASCAR and FloSports Sign Multi-Year Media Extension

The agreement makes FloRacing, FloSports’ dedicated motorsports platform, the essential home of NASCAR Regional Series properties, including: the ARCA Menards Series East & West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour™, and NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series™.

The deal also ensures the Snowball Derby, zMAX CARS Tour, and more prestigious short track racing events will be showcased on FloRacing and supported by a full breadth of content, social, and marketing efforts.

Since NASCAR and FloSports joined forces in 2021, interest in short track racing has grown and flourished, paving the way for the renewal. FloRacing covers and distributes a comprehensive collection of more than 1,000 race events annually for motorsport fans of all kinds across dirt, pavement and drag.

“Our partnership with FloSports has helped NASCAR to continue our unparalleled investment into grassroots racing – the foundation of our sport,” said NASCAR EVP, Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer Ben Kennedy. “We look forward to delivering fans the best in short track racing, but also to re-investing in the grassroots community to keep stock car racing thriving.”

“NASCAR is the number one name in motorsports and an unbelievable partner that cares about short track racing,” said Mark Floreani, Co-Founder and CEO of FloSports. “This agreement will allow us to work alongside NASCAR to provide our customers with more marquee events and series throughout the year, ensuring that a FloRacing subscription is the best value in all of motorsports.”

Short track racing will be on full display this weekend as Florence Motor Speedway hosts more than 50 cars, including the No. 8 car of Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the South Carolina 400.

To watch and gain access to more than 1,000 races annually, please visit https://floracing.com.

About NASCAR:

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing LLC (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series™, NASCAR Canada Series™, NASCAR Mexico Series™, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series™), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series™, ARCA Menards Series East & West™ and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour™) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series™).

The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA.

Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and Snapchat.

About FloSports:

Founded in 2006, FloSports is a global independent sports media company delivering live events, award winning original content, always-on social experiences, and comprehensive sports data solutions to passionate and underserved sports communities interested in more than 25 different sports.

Its portfolio includes the top destinations for avid fans seeking comprehensive live and on-demand access for the sports they love: motorsports (FloRacing), hockey (FloHockey), wrestling (FloWrestling), Jiu-Jitsu (FloGrappling), Track & Field (FloTrack and MileSplit), cheer (FloCheer and Varsity), a variety of NCAA sports, and more. Strategic partnerships with NASCAR, USA Wrestling, ECHL, Tour de France, top NCAA Conferences, and others, fuel more than 24,000 live events streamed annually across the globe and accessed via monthly or annual subscriptions.

For more information, please visit: flosports.tv.

Source: NASCAR Communications

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Chad Kendrick

Kendrick returns to the organization after spending a year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. During that timeframe, he scored two poles, two top 5s and four top 10s.

He says he’s happy to reunite with the North Carolina-bound race team and has high expectations for the new race season.

“My departure from Rackley W.A.R. was strictly a geographic move,” said Kendrick. “My wife was homesick, and it was honestly just a matter of doing what made the most sense at the time. Willie [Allen, co-owner] and Curtis [Sutton, co-owner] have worked very hard to reposition this team to make it competitive on a consistent basis and I think the move from Nashville to Statesville [N.C.] demonstrates just how much they are committed to building a championship race team.

“I’m excited to be back and even more excited to work with another young driver like Dawson Sutton who has shown immense capability. He has a bright future ahead of him if we all do our jobs behind him.”

The veteran crew chief spent three years as crew chief on the No. 25 Rackley W.A.R. Chevrolet Silverado from 2021 through 2023 and led the team to its first playoff berth with driver Matt DiBenedetto in 2023.

“I’m really glad we were able to have Chad come back with us for my rookie of the year run next year in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. He brings so much success and experience to us, and I’m glad the team’s move to North Carolina allowed us to work with him again. It’s another great step in a positive direction for sure,” said Dawson Sutton.

Willie Allen, in agreement with Sutton, added that, “Chad’s experience with developing young drivers makes him a perfect fit for this next step with Dawson. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to Rackley W.A.R. as we continue building for a competitive 2025 season.”

Kendrick has multiple seasons of experience in the NCTS. He debuted atop the pit box in 2008 with Bobby Hamilton Racing and has worked with drivers like Timothy Peters, Brad Keselowski, Ross Chastain and Joey Logano. Throughout his career, he has earned seven wins, 10 poles, 61 top 5s and 128 top 10s in the series.

The NCTS makes its 2025 debut at Daytona International Speedway for the Fresh from Florida 250 on Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be broadcast live on FS1.

About Rackley W.A.R.:

Rackley W.A.R. offers motorsports competition, development, marketing, management, and a suite of other industry-related services for professional race car drivers, race teams and industry sponsors. Rackley W.A.R. competes nationally in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series as well as operating a driver development program based at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and in regional Super and Pro Late Model events.

Rackley W.A.R. is headed and co-owned by Curtis Sutton (Rackley Roofing, Inc.) and Willie Allen (Willie Allen Racing and W.A.R. Shocks, LLC).

Source: Rackley W.A.R.

The article Chad Kendrick to Return as Crew Chief for Rackley W.A.R. Racing NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Team in 2025 is from Catchfence.

Michigan International Speedway Logo

Fans can donate a new unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item and take a lap around MIS in their personal vehicle

BROOKLYN, Mich, (Nov. 21, 2024) – Michigan International Speedway will kick off the holiday festivities with the 16^th annual MIS Cares Charity Track and Toy Drive event on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9:00 am – Noon. Fans are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy in exchange for a drive around the track in their own personal vehicle.

All donations from the event will support local charitable foundations including the Brooklyn Food Pantry, St. Mary’s of Good Counsel Parish Food Pantry, Jackson County Toys for Tots, and Lenawee County Toys for Tots.

“The MIS Cares Charity Track and Toy Drive is the perfect way to spread holiday cheer throughout our local community,” said Michigan International Speedway President Joe Fowler. “From all our staff at MIS, we’re so honored to help those in need during the holiday season. Our community is the backbone of Michigan International Speedway here in the Irish Hills and these donations will make the holiday season special for so many families.”

Michigan International Speedway Track Laps guidelines include:

• Speed limit of 65 MPH and no passing allowed (Will be enforced).
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be 18 years or older to drive.
• Must be properly insured and be able to show proof of insurance.
• No burnouts anywhere on property.
• You are responsible for ensuring all passengers are properly restrained.
• You must maintain the speed of your group.
• Must stay above the yellow line. Street legal passenger vehicles only. No RV’s, motorcycles, or tractor trailers.
• For safety reasons, Michigan International Speedway officials may refuse track access at their discretion.
• Guests can access the event via the US-12 entrance. If inclement weather prevents driving on the track, a make-up date will be scheduled for a later time.

Nite Lites, Michigan’s largest Christmas Light display, will be held at the track Nov. 22 through January 5.  Hours for the five-mile drive-thru display are 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, Sunday – Thursday; 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm, Friday & Saturday.  Admission prices are $35 per car/vehicle, limos, motorhomes and minibuses are $50 each, while tour buses are $100.  Cash and credit cards are accepted.  For more information, go to www.nitelitesshow.com.

Fans can purchase tickets for the 2025 NASCAR race weekend race at Michigan International Speedway at www.mispeedway.com.

To view the full NASCAR schedule for 2025, please visit www.nascar.com/schedule.

About Michigan International Speedway

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway (MIS) is one of the fastest tracks in NASCAR. The two-mile track – with 18 degrees of banking and 73-feet wide sweeping turns – has hosted the NASCAR Cup Series for more than 50 years. Beyond the on-track action, MIS offers a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment options for fans of all ages. MIS is the largest registered campground in the state of Michigan with nearly 9,000 campsites across 1,400-plus acres. In addition to the annual NASCAR weekend, MIS hosts non-racing events including Faster Horses Festival and Nite Lites. For more information, visit mispeedway.com.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Pinty’s Series (Canada), NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

Source: Michigan International Speedway | NASCAR Communications

The article 16th Annual MIS Cares Charity Track and Toy Drive Event to Benefit Local Communities on December 7 is from Catchfence.

RFK Racing Tabs Jeremy Bullins to Lead No. 6 Team

Bullins Reunites with Driver Brad Keselowski for 2025 and Beyond

CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 21, 2024) – RFK Racing has announced that Jeremy Bullins, veteran crew chief in NASCAR, has joined the organization, reuniting with driver/co-owner Brad Keselowski to lead the No. 6 team beginning in 2025.

“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with BK again, this time in the iconic No. 6 car with RFK,” said Bullins. “We were able to accomplish a lot as a team previously, but we had a couple of unfinished goals like a Daytona 500 win and a championship together and I’m ecstatic we get the opportunity to compete together again. From the outside looking in it’s been obvious the trajectory RFK is on, and I look forward to being part of the growth and future success of the team.”

Bullins – a winner of 31 races in the sport – joins RFK after a decade-plus stint in the Cup Series with Wood Brothers Racing and Team Penske, working with drivers Ryan Blaney, Keselowski, Austin Cindric, and Harrison Burton. He most recently led the No. 21 team, earning the organization’s famed 100^th victory at Daytona this summer.

Prior, he was paired with Austin Cindric and the No. 2 team, which came on the heels of Keselowski’s departure of Team Penske at the end of the 2021 campaign. Together, Bullins and Keselowski finished second in the 2020 points standings, and won five races in the Cup Series in the 2020-21 seasons.

Bullins’ debut in Cup came in 2014 with 2023 Cup Champion Ryan Blaney, as the two were successful from 2014-19, winning three races with the No. 12 team. Prior to Cup, the Walnut Cove, North Carolina native was atop the box for several drivers at Penske. In total, he amassed 21 victories in the Xfinity Series in just 100 starts.

Bullins attended North Carolina State University studying Mechanical Engineering.

Keselowski enters his 16^th full season in Cup in 2025, and fourth as Co-Owner/Driver at RFK. He’s fresh off his 10^th appearance in the current NASCAR Playoffs format and will enter the 2025 campaign third amongst active drivers in total wins (36).

About RFK Racing

RFK Racing, in its 38^th season in 2025, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

Source: RFK Racing

The article RFK Racing Tabs Jeremy Bullins to Lead No. 6 Team is from Catchfence.

Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway’ Logo

• Drive-thru light presentation open every evening through Jan 5.
• Several theme and discount nights, including $5 Military Mondays on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, planned throughout the schedule.
• Buy tickets at GiftOfLightsDover.com

DOVER, Del. (Nov. 21, 2024) – The magic and spirit of the holiday season will be on full display to close 2024 when the “Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway” drive-thru event returns to the Monster Mile.

The third annual Gift of Lights event runs every evening from Thanksgiving through Jan. 5, with more than 100 scenes and 2.5 million lights set up along an almost two-mile pathway winding through Dover Motor Speedway campgrounds.

Gift of Lights is produced by Winterland, Inc., a holiday services firm headquartered in Marion, Ind., with more than three decades of experience, along with support from partners including Dover Behavioral Health System, Delaware Lottery, Carter Machinery and Visit Central Delaware.

The schedule for the in-car experience includes:

• Regular Hours
  • Sunday-Thursday: 5-9 p.m.
  • Friday-Saturday: 5-10 p.m.
    
• Holiday Hours, Thursday, Dec. 19 through Sunday, Dec. 29
  • All days: 5-10 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at GiftOfLightsDover.com or upon arrival, with rates of $35 per car and $60 for buses and limousines. No advance reservations are required. Vehicles will enter the display via 1229 Persimmon Tree Lane and exit on Leipsic Road. Follow traffic signs for directions and up-to-date messaging.

Several theme and discount nights are planned for Gift of Lights, including:

• $5 Military Mondays, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9: All active-duty airmen, reservists, guardsmen, guardians and veterans with valid IDs receive admission for $5 (for them and their car load).
• Monday, Dec. 2: Pajama Night ($5 off per car if wearing pajamas).
• Tuesday, Dec. 3: Giving Tuesday ($5 off per car). Speedway Children’s Charities, Dover Motor Speedway chapter is the beneficiary of this discount.
• Wednesday, Dec. 4: Pet Night ($5 off per car if you bring a furry friend).
• Wednesday, Dec. 11: Christmas Sweater Night (Wear your most festive holiday sweater for $5 off per car).

“After only two seasons in The Woodlands, Gift of Lights is a regional holiday tradition that everyone looks forward to,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover Motor Speedway’s president and general manager. “Our team always enjoys hosting this wonderful family event and sharing the magic of the holiday season with all our guests.”

NASCAR TICKETS:

Dover Motor Speedway’s full 2025 race schedule includes:

• Friday, July 18: General Tire 150 ARCA Menards Series race (5 p.m., FS1)
• Saturday, July 19: BetRivers 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race (4:30 p.m., The CW)
• Sunday, July 20: NASCAR Cup Series race (2 p.m., TNT)

Visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com to buy tickets or register for the Speedway’s email list to receive updates and announcements.

The July 20 NASCAR Cup Series race is the Monster Mile’s 107th NASCAR Cup Series race. 2025 marks 56 consecutive years that Dover Motor Speedway has hosted a NASCAR Cup Series event. The Monster Mile is one of only 10 tracks in the country to host 100 or more NASCAR Cup Series races.

FOLLOW US:

Keep track of all of Dover Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook, X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok (@MonsterMile). Keep up with all the latest information on DoverMotorSpeedway.com and our mobile app.

Follow Gift of Lights on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Find more information on the Dover Motor Speedway event at GiftOfLightsDover.com.

Source: Dover Motor Speedway

The article ‘Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway’ Returns Through the Holiday Season, Starting on Thanksgiving is from Catchfence.