2025-04-21

NASCAR Announces Nominees For NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Landmark Award

NASCAR Announces Nominees

For NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026, Landmark Award

Busch and LaJoie join ballot for the first time; Wheeler up for Landmark nod

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 21, 2025) — NASCAR today announced the 15 nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 and the five nominees for the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.

 

Kurt Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion, joins the Modern Era ballot for the first time, alongside Randy LaJoie, a two-time champion in what is now known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Additionally, Jake Elder, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series championship crew chief, returns to the Pioneer ballot.

 

Ten nominees appear on the Modern Era ballot, five on the Pioneer ballot – designed to honor those whose careers began more than 60 years ago. Two Modern Era candidates and one Pioneer candidate will be elected as the Class of 2026.

 

The Landmark Award honors those who made significant contributions to the growth and esteem of NASCAR. Former President and General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, Humpy Wheeler, joins the Landmark Award ballot for the first time.

 

The NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting panel will meet in person to discuss and vote for the Class of 2026 and Landmark Award on Tuesday, May 20. Once again, the fans have a voice in the selection process via the NASCAR.com Fan Vote (www.nascar.com/halloffame). The Fan Vote is currently open and will close on Sunday, May 18 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

  

The Modern Era Ballot and Landmark Award nominees were selected by the Nomination Committee, which consists of representatives from NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, track owners from major facilities and historic short tracks. The Honors Committee, largely comprised of all NASCAR Hall of Famers, Landmark Award winners and Squier-Hall Award winners, selected the Pioneer Ballot.

 

The following are the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026 nominees and Landmark Award nominees:

 

Modern Era Ballot

 

Greg Biffle, 2000 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion and 2002 Xfinity Series champion

 

Neil Bonnett, won 18 times in the NASCAR Cup Series including consecutive Coca-Cola 600 victories

 

Tim Brewer, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion crew chief

 

Jeff Burton, won 21 times in the NASCAR Cup Series including the Southern 500 and two Coca-Cola 600s

 

Kurt Busch, 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2017 DAYTONA 500 winner

 

Randy Dorton, built engines that won over nine championships across NASCAR's national series

  

Harry Gant, winner of 18 NASCAR Cup Series races, including two Southern 500 victories

 

Harry Hyde, 1970 NASCAR Cup Series championship crew chief

   

Randy LaJoie, two-time Xfinity Series champion and 1985 North Series champion

 

Jack Sprague, three-time NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion

 

 

Pioneer Ballot

 

Jake Elder, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion crew chief, including the DAYTONA 500 and two Southern 500s

 

Ray Hendrick, won over 700 times in NASCAR Modified and Late Model Sportsman

  

Banjo Matthews, built cars that won more than 250 NASCAR Cup Series races and three championships

 

Larry Phillips, first five-time NASCAR weekly series national champion

 

Bob Welborn, winner of nine NASCAR Cup Series races and three Convertible Division championships

 

 

Landmark Award

 

Alvin Hawkins, NASCAR's first flagman; established NASCAR racing at Bowman Gray Stadium with Bill France Sr.

 

Lesa France Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice Chair and one of the most influential women in sports

 

Dr. Joseph Mattioli, founder of Pocono Raceway

 

Les Richter, long-time NASCAR executive oversaw competition, helped grow the sport on the West Coast

 

Humpy Wheeler, former President and General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, transformed the venue into a world-class facility


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 21.4.25 0 comments

Madie Wallace Looks at 2025 as Her Bounce-Back Racing Season

Madie Wallace Looks at 2025 as Her Bounce-Back Racing Season
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
Local short track racing can be a game of inches. A matter of give and take at the right time can make or break a driver's season.

With a new schedule of action at Brockville Ontario Speedway just a few weeks away, Madie Wallace is looking forward to getting back into battle for the new year. The 19-year-old from Munster, Ontario ran only a handful of races during the 2024 season before a crash ended her run and left her with a broken rib and a concussion.
Wallace – whose boyfriend Kalen Draper scored a 2024 season-ending 358 Modified win at Brockville Speedway – has put together an active schedule for the 2025 season. She'll campaign her No. 17M Sportsman-Modified weekly at Brockville, while committing to a part-time Sunday night program at Cornwall Motor Speedway. In addition to returning to the Sportsman ranks, Madie Wallace will also run Wednesday nights in the Senior Stock karting program and plans a limited schedule in the same class Tuesday nights at Cornwall.

"I'm looking forward to getting as much seat time as possible this year," said Wallace, who has been working on a dairy farm while taking a year off between finishing high school and starting her post-secondary education. "I've always enjoyed being at the track, but having to sit-out most of last year wasn't much fun. It was great to spend some time with Kalen, but I really wanted to be in the car."
Now that she's recovered from last year's injuries, been given a clear bill of health and the go-ahead to resume racing, Madie Wallace – who enjoys hockey, farming, baseball and fishing in her time away from the racetrack – is ready for the initial green flag of the 2025 schedule. After posting some impressive stats during her Karting and Novice Sportsman runs, the team is ready for its first full season in the Sportsman-Modified field. Thanks to the support crew of her parents, grandfathers Dave Wallace and Ron Ridge, uncle Bruce Wallace, brother Trent Wallace and her boyfriend Kalen Draper, they're all set to go.
The No. 17M Sportsman program is proudly supported by Brendave Plumbing, Fat Les's Chip Stand, Draper Doors, Crawford Sheds Inc., FFS, www.motortrendsonline.ca, Perkins Lumber, VW Restoration, Marlborough Pub & Eatery, Ottawa Prime Developments, JMP Hay Services & Brokering and Turn 3 Media.
Family, friends and fans can follow Madie Wallace during the 2025 season at the track or through her personal Facebook page.
Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
After an injury kept her sidelined for most of last year's schedule, Munster, Ontario's Madie Wallace (No. 17M) is looking forward to kicking-off the 2025 DIRTcar Sportsman-Modified season.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 21.4.25 0 comments

Counting Down to the 2025 Season Opener at Peterborough Speedway

Counting Down to the 2025 Season Opener at Peterborough Speedway
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
Central Ontario race fans are getting ready for another exciting season of action at Peterborough Speedway.
This year's inaugural Great Canadian RV green flag is slated for Saturday, May 17th as part of the Pure Country 105 Season Opener, featuring free spectator grandstand admission and a driver autograph session midway through the program. Track owner and promoter J.P. Josiasse says this event is the perfect way to launch the new line-up.
"Our crowd for the opening night has traditionally been one of the biggest of the entire season," said Josiasse. "Everyone is excited to have a first look at the new cars and get back to the track for a night of family entertainment after another long winter."
From a Junior Late Model runner making their first career start, to a multi-time KOD Disposal Late Model track champion in search of another title, every lap turned at Peterborough Speedway builds on a motorsports legacy spanning more 55 years. The home track Battlefield Equipment Rental Bone Stocks will have a 50 lap Shootout Saturday, June 14th in conjunction with the 50 lap Dayco Super Stock and 100 lap APC Late Model tour events.
SwitchTire Mini Stock teams have a 50 lap Shootout scheduled for the Cottage Country Bash – Saturday, August 2nd – with the Bone Stocks, Junior Late Models and Late Models. Full 2025 schedule details are available now at on the track's website and social media channels.
In addition to the great weekly racing, track officials are happy to announce that the Double Toonie/Fan Appreciation Nights – presented by Pepsi – will return for this year's line-up. On Saturday, June 7th, 28th and August 16th you'll see a full night of excitement, with an on-track driver autograph session at intermission for only $ 4.00.
Bullring bullet points: Peterborough Speedway will host a pair of pre-season practice sessions to give teams a chance to get their equipment ready before the year's inaugural green flag. The first shakedown round has been booked for Saturday, May 10th from 11:00 to 4:00, with another test and tune planned for Thursday, May 15th from 4:00 'til dusk…Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 5th and the home track date for the inaugural SPS Junior Late Model Rumble.
Be sure to check www.peterboroughspeedway.com or the track's social media channels and pages for the latest news, information and details on the 2025 schedule.
Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
Paige Stevenson (No. 77) and Christen Lavalle in 2024 action. Battlefield Equipment Rental Bone Stock teams will run a 50-lap main event – Saturday, June 14th – at Peterborough Speedway.
Mark Downer (No. 26) battles Kyle McCaughley in the 2024 season. Catch the SwitchTire Mini Stock 50-lap feature tilt – Saturday, August 2nd – at Peterborough Speedway.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 21.4.25 0 comments

Melcolm Banks is the Next Generation of a Family Racing Operation

Melcolm Banks is the Next Generation of a Family Racing Operation
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
A bright future is waiting for the next group of talented young racers.
After making his start in the karting ranks in 2017 at age 5, Melcolm Banks moved to the Novice Sportsman ranks at Brockville Ontario Speedway in 2023. Under the tutelage and guidance of his father Joseph – himself a 3rd generation racer and multiple DIRTcar 358 Modified feature winner – the youngster gained experience and developed his skills on the way to becoming the youngest main event winner in the track's history – at age 12 – with his Saturday, August 10th checkered flag. Banks also finished 2nd in the point standings for the 2nd straight season.
Despite his youth, Melcolm Banks is part of deep provincial motorsports lineage. His great uncles Ed and Ab Banks were regulars at tracks in Eastern Ontario, while his grandfather Pernie followed their path into the weekly racing ranks at Brockville Speedway. His father took the next step in the family's pursuit of checkered flags, competing in the Mini Stock and eventually Small Block Modified ranks.
Heading into the 2025 season, the 8th grader at Rideau District High School in Elgin will move-up to the Sportsman-Modified division at 'The BOS'. While he hasn't set any immediate goals for his transition to the new class, Melcolm Banks says he's looking forward to getting some additional seat time and maybe travel to some different tracks before ultimately moving up to a 358 modified ride.
"Every time I get into the car, it is like the first day of school. There is so much to learn. I really like the way the conditions change and the challenges are different each we roll onto the track," said the young driver. "I'd like to thank my family for everything they've done to give me this opportunity and all of my friends and fans for their encouragement at the track and behind the scenes."
The No. M75 Banks Racing Team would like to thank their marketing partners including Kason Farms, Dirt Outlaw Apparel, D & J Transportation, Herlehy Home Hardware, A1 Siding, CHE – Cylinder Head Engineering, French's Trucking, Welch's Drywall, Milk – Leeds County Dairy Producer, Hewitt's Livestock, Willard's Bakery, Levac Propane and Willows Agri Services for their continued support.
At home in the shop and at the track, Melcolm Banks counts on Joe Banks, Pernie Banks, Tyler Hazelaar, Paige Banks, Cynthia Banks and Mila Banks to set-up the car each week and make sure it is ready to chase the next checkered flag.
Follow the No. M75 team in weekly action at Brockville Ontario Speedway and through the Banks Racing social media channels on Facebook and Tik Tok.
Photo attachment: Jim Clarke – Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
After back-to-back Novice Sportsman point finishes, 13-year-old Melcolm Banks (No. M75) of Portland, Ontario will move to the Sportsman-Modified field for Brockville Ontario Speedway's 2025 season.
Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media
                      clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/clarkemotrsports


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 21.4.25 0 comments

Airborne Park Speedway Schedule Set for 71st Yea

PLATTSBURGH, Ny. -- The roar of engines will once again fill the North Country air this summer with another year of racing set to take place in Plattsburgh.  The 2025 schedule is now out and only a short six weeks remain until the season opener.

Opening day is set for Sunday, April 13 at 2:00PM. The 358 modifieds, sportsman modifieds, renegades and mini stocks will be joined by the limited sportsman and the new crown vic division, which made its Airborne Park Speedway debut during last year's championship weekend. Saturday, April 19, will be the second race of 2025. The Sprint Cars of New England will be in town for the first of two appearances at Airborne Park in 2025.

May holds a pair of monster events back-to-back, as the DIRTcar 358 modified tour blows into town, bringing the DIRTcar sportsman eastern region tour with it on Thursday, May 22. Just a week later, the Short Track Super Series modifieds will be back for the second annual "Adirondack Invasion," which last year was won by Anthony Perrego driving Bob Hentschel's car No. 4.

June brings back topless night on Saturday, June 14 where the sportsman will run without roofs, allowing the fans to get a better view of the drivers at work. Additionally, the Mohawk Valley Vintage Dirt Modifieds will be on the card as well as the visiting pro stocks and the season first enduro, with a full complement of other regular classes. The following week brings a Wednesday night race on June 18.

July kicks off with the Independence Day special on Thursday, July 3 featuring one of the biggest and brightest displays of fireworks in the entire North Country, as well as another pro stock race and another enduro. July 10 is an off week, with racing resuming on Thursday, July 17 with a full card plus kids' bike races.

August's highlights include "Make a Wish" night on Saturday, August 9, featuring the Sprint Cars of New England plus pro stocks and all the regular divisions, minus the 358 modifieds. August 21 is the Vermont 200 qualifier for the sportsman, with the feature winner earning a guaranteed starting spot in the biggest crate sportsman race anywhere, the Labor Day Weekend Vermont 200 at Devil's Bowl. Airborne Park celebrates the kids going back to school with another Wednesday night special on August 27 with the popular backpack giveaway, before the late summer heat gives way to September.

In the final month of racing for 2025, the Canadian Big Block Series comes to town on Sunday, September 7, with another Sunday special on September 14, with the final day of points for the 358 modifieds. Sunday, September 21 is a built-in rain date only to be used if needed, and the championship weekend returns on September 28 and 29,  with a 50-lap championship feature for the sportsman paying $5,000 to the winner, along with pro stocks, mini sprints, renegades, limited sportsman, crown vics and a 50-lap, $1,000-to-win enduro. It is the most racing packed into two days you'll find anywhere!

Last year saw the return of Mike and Alayne Bruno to the Speedway as promoters since 2015 during the last pavement era and their first year back was full of excitement and great racing. Elizabethtown's Mike Mahaney, a North Country transplant originally from New York's southern tier, earned the 358 modified championship in a close battle with dirt-track legend Tim Fuller. Canadian driver Donovan Lussier won the sportsman modified title in his first season at Airborne Park, driving in the Boissonneault Racing No. 61. The renegade champion was Shawn Duquette, from Morrisonville, and Ryan Senecal won the mini stock title.

This year, the regular addition of the limited sportsman is expected to foster growth in the sport, giving drivers a chance to move up into an open-wheel car in a more user-friendly environment than a direct jump into the ultra-competitive sportsman modified class.

The full schedule is available online at https://www.airborneparkspeedwayny.com/ or on the MyRacePass app.







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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 21.4.25 0 comments

2025-04-13

​NASCAR & Elevate Partner to Create “NASCAR ONE Fueled by Elevate,” A New Premium Experience Program with Offerings Across 13 Racetracks

NASCAR & Elevate Partner to Create "NASCAR ONE Fueled by Elevate,"

A New Premium Experience Program with Offerings Across 13 Racetracks

 

New Program Expands More Than a Decade of Partnership with NASCAR

 

NASCAR ONE Fueled by Elevate Packages Now On-Sale at NASCARONE.COM

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 10, 2025) – Today Elevate, an award-winning, global integrated agency network helping properties in sports and beyond, has announced a partnership with NASCAR to co-develop NASCAR's new experiential premium hospitality program: NASCAR ONE Fueled by Elevate. The multi-year partnership will see Elevate Experiences, the agency's best-in-class premium event and experiential hospitality division, develop unique premium experience packages, including track access, standalone events, camping enhancements, and more across 22 events at 13 NASCAR racetracks. 

 

Elevate Experiences will lead commercialization, from overall strategy, product development, business operations, and guest service, to execution of event-day operations, and more. New NASCAR ONE premium experiential offerings will build upon popular NASCAR VIP experiences including one-of-a-kind on-track opportunities, NASCAR driver and legend events and photo opportunities, specialty programming, and more. Fans can purchase NASCAR ONE packages at www.nascarone.com.

 

"Developing these new VIP experience packages is a testament to our shared commitment to delivering unparalleled fan experiences. Together, Elevate and NASCAR are redefining what it means to be part of the NASCAR community, and I'm thrilled to see this collaboration elevate the sport's engagement with its most passionate supporters," said Flavil Hampsten, Elevate President of Property Sales.

 

"Elevate has been a valued and trusted partner for over a decade, so we are proud to expand our collaboration in developing NASCAR ONE," said Kari Gritton, Senior Vice President, Consumer Strategy, NASCAR. "As our sport continues to grow, this new experiential premium hospitality program will offer unique experiences that will take our NASCAR experience to another level."

 

"Elevate is proud to stand alongside NASCAR in developing the next generation of premium experiences to meet this critical moment in NASCAR's growth," said Dan Rosenthal, Senior Vice President, Elevate Experiences. "The introduction of 'NASCAR ONE Fueled by Elevate' will create unforgettable moments that reflect the passion and diverse interests of NASCAR fans while introducing new audiences to opportunities across the sport."

 

Click here to download still images from Elevate-operated premium hospitality events and experiences at the 2024 NASCAR spring races at Martinsville Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Kansas Speedway. Please credit Elevate / NASCAR. 

 

With the announcement of NASCAR ONE, Elevate builds upon its long history working alongside NASCAR on strategy consulting, ticketing and dynamic pricing, experiential design, and more. In 2024, Elevate Experiences designed, curated, sold, and delivered original premium experiential hospitality offerings for the Shriners Children's 500 at Phoenix Raceway, Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway, Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, and AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. This season, Elevate has delivered premium experiences for the DAYTONA 500, Rolex 24, and DAYTONA Supercross at Daytona International Speedway, Shriners Children's 500 at Phoenix Raceway, and Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

 

The Official Partnership announcement follows a consulting relationship between Elevate and NASCAR dating back to 2014; which has seen the agency utilize its Insights, Experiences, Marketplace, Creative, and Talent Divisions to provide revenue-driving solutions. Notably, Elevate Creative (via Infinite Scale) has supported over nine NASCAR motorsports tracks and events since 2007; including designing and installing wayfinding and partnership creative at the Chicago Street Race, and designing the midway and injector graphics packages at Daytona International Speedway as part of the 2016 Daytona Rising venue reimagination. 

 

To service the new NASCAR ONE, Elevate Experiences and Insights will create, deliver, and analyze dynamic NASCAR guest and stakeholder feedback to develop optimal premium experiential hospitality offerings, programming, pricing, and more; creating VIP opportunities that anticipate and exceed guest expectations, priorities, and passions.

 

About Elevate

Elevate is a global, integrated agency network committed to helping properties, brands, and universities forge deeper connections with their audiences to unlock growth. Serving more than 1,000 clients across sports, entertainment, consumer products, retail, and more, Elevate transforms followers into devoted fans.

 

An agency rooted in innovation, Elevate leverages EPIC, its proprietary intelligence platform powered by advanced data and AI technology. EPIC integrates tools for consumer insights, ticketing, property analytics, and more, empowering clients to maximize ROI, enhance fan engagement, and craft campaigns that foster lasting loyalty.

 

Founded in 2018, Elevate partners with clients worldwide from offices across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. For more information, visit us at www.oneelevate.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 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 Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico 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, TikTok, X and Facebook. 






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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 13.4.25 0 comments

2025-04-11

Airborne Park Speedway Opening Day Set for Sunday, April 13

PLATTSBURGH, Ny.-- Since 1954 racers have come from far and wide to tempt fate and chase the checkered flag in Plattsburgh. In the 70 years since that 1954 season, a boatload of history has been written page by page on the western shores of Lake Champlain. A new page will be written on Sunday.

The 2025 season opener at Airborne Park Speedway is this Sunday, April 13 at 2 PM featuring the 40-lap, $4,000-to-win Leon Gonyo Memorial for the 358 Modifieds and all other regular classes with the limited sportsman and crown vics joining in on the fun.

The sportsman will run 30 laps for a $1,500 winner's share, beginning the chase for the 2025 season championship.

In 2024, the opener was postponed until May 9 when Tim Fuller took home the top prize in the 358 modifieds and Donovan Lussier exploded onto the scene with a dominant sportsman win. Tylor Terry went 10th to 1st to win the renegade feature while Nick Harnden was the mini-stock victor in the A-main and Josh Blake won the B-feature. 108 cars were in the pit area.

For the 2025 season, racing at the Airborne Park Speedway is once again powered by New England Ford Dealers and will be streamed live on www.dirttrackdigest.tv. Rob Knowles, Marty Kelly III and special guest Keith Harrington will have the call of the action, which can also be listened to live from anywhere via the myracepass app.

Hoosier racing tires, VP 109 and D98 fuels will be available by drum and Sunoco DB98 fuel (limited sportsman and renegades) will also be available, both by drum and at the pump. Elmo's Speed and Supply will once again supply Airborne Park's racers with a complete line of parts in 2025.

The pits will open at 10 AM with the grandstands opening up at noon. Cars will hit the track for hot laps at 1:30 and racing will begin at 2 PM. General admission is $15 with kids 12 and under being admitted for free. Pit passes are $35 for Airborne Park members and $45 for non-members. To cut down on opening day gate lines, drivers and crew members are strongly encouraged to fill out their license forms and car registrations ahead of opening day and submit them to the speedway by e-mail.


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 11.4.25 0 comments

2025-04-10

NASCAR Partners with Recast to Expand Global Reach and Drive Fan Engagement

              

 

NASCAR Partners with Recast to Expand Global Reach and Drive Fan Engagement

 

NASCAR and Recast launch its new partnership to increase viewership options and drive fan engagement in select international markets

 

Edinburgh, Scotland, April 10, 2025 – NASCAR, America's premier motorsport organization, has partnered with Recast, the premium fintech-for-media company to enhance access for motorsports fans worldwide.

 

With three National Series in the United States – the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series – as well as International Series in Mexico (NASCAR Mexico Series), Canada (NASCAR Pinty's Series), Europe (NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), and Brasil (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race) NASCAR boasts a global footprint, with Cup Series broadcasts available in more than 190 countries and 26 languages. While NASCAR enjoys long-standing broadcast partnerships across the globe, its international fanbase is expanding, creating a growing demand for flexible, direct access to race day content across the globe. At launch, content will focus primarily on the NASCAR Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races.

"Our collaboration with Recast is a game-changer in how we connect with our global fanbase. NASCAR has an incredibly passionate international audience, and this partnership allows us to meet them where they are, on a flexible basis particularly for those who don't have access to NASCAR racing via an in-market broadcast." said Nick Skipper, Managing Director, Media Strategy at NASCAR. "By leveraging Recast's innovative technology, we can expand our reach into underserved markets while gaining valuable insights into fan engagement. This is an exciting next chapter for how NASCAR content is distributed and consumed worldwide."

By integrating RecastPay into their site, NASCAR can now offer international consumers seamless, flexible, pay-as-you-go access to NASCAR racing in key global markets, ensuring that fans worldwide can experience the action on their terms—without the need for a subscription.

"This partnership with NASCAR represents a major step forward in the evolution of sports content distribution," said Andy Meikle, Founder & CEO of Recast. "Fans are demanding greater flexibility, and the traditional one-size-fits-all subscription model is no longer the only option. By combining NASCAR's thrilling racing with Recast's cutting-edge payment technology, we will unlock new audiences via our unique affiliate engine, deliver new revenue streams, and provide NASCAR with powerful data-driven insights to fuel future growth. NASCAR is leading the way in embracing the future of sports media, and we're proud to be partnering with them in leading this transformation."

Unlocking Global Audiences with Recast

RecastPay empowers media owners to sell any form of media or digital asset at a fair and affordable price, directly to any consumer. Users sign up for free and only pay for what they want, making NASCAR events more accessible than ever.

Designed to deliver new revenue by complementing existing monetization strategies, Recast provides a powerful solution for organizations seeking to expand their global audience, unlock dark markets, and increase engagement through content syndication and affiliate distribution on a pay-per-view basis.

How NASCAR Will Utilize Recast:

  • Flexible Global Access – NASCAR will leverage RecastPay, a universal media wallet to provide flexible access to Xfinity and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races internationally, in territories where traditional broadcast is currently unavailable.
  • Seamless Integration – Content will be easily accessible via NASCAR's official website, NASCAR.com/watchnow, ensuring a frictionless user experience.
  • Data-Driven Growth – NASCAR will gain direct access to opted-in email addresses and in-depth audience insights from every transaction, enabling smarter engagement strategies. This creates new opportunities for audience engagement and monetization while strengthening relationships between brands, creators, and consumers.
  • Content Syndication & Affiliates – Recast's Syndication & Affiliate Engine will incentivize their community, media sites and brands to promote NASCAR races, expanding reach at no cost and driving new revenue streams with each approved affiliate earning immediately for every referred transaction.

NASCAR's partnership with Recast exemplifies the future of media distribution—offering unmatched flexibility, unlocking new audiences, and driving sustainable monetization through cutting-edge micropayment solutions. As Recast continues to redefine how media is accessed and valued, this collaboration highlights its commitment to empowering media owners and enhancing the fan experience worldwide. By providing seamless, subscription-free access to NASCAR races, Recast is setting a new standard for the industry, ensuring that audiences everywhere can engage with the content they love—on their terms.

 

About Recast

Recast is a premium fintech solution empowering media owners to sell any digital media or asset direct-to-consumers, or via affiliates, anywhere, at any price - starting from just $0.01. Every transaction is powered by RecastPay — a universal media wallet that integrates seamlessly into any platform with no upfront costs, providing consumers with flexible, subscription-free purchasing power.

Recast's proprietary affiliate and syndication engine allows media owners to incentivize approved third parties to promote and sell their media, with revenue instantly distributed to all stakeholders. Recast's integrated data and marketing tools help media owners understand audience behavior, optimize content performance, and engage directly with consumers to drive maximum value.

Based in Edinburgh and backed by US VC Morpheus Ventures, Recast is redefining how media is valued and monetized.

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 15 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 Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico 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, TikTok, X and Facebook. 


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Posted by Marc Patrick Roy at 10.4.25 0 comments

2025-03-31

Steve Phelps Named NASCAR’s First-Ever Commissioner; Steve O’Donnell Elevated to President

Steve Phelps Named NASCAR's First-Ever Commissioner;

Steve O'Donnell Elevated to President

 

Moves Further Establish NASCAR's Long-Term Leadership and Ensures Continuity in the Vision and Growth of a Global Sports Leader

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 31, 2025) — NASCAR today announced the appointment of Steve Phelps as Commissioner of NASCAR, the first to be named to this newly created role overseeing all aspects of America's top motorsport, including the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) and all 15 NASCAR-owned or operated tracks. Additionally, Steve O'Donnell, long-time industry leader and current Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Phelps in the critical role of NASCAR President with day-to-day leadership of all three NASCAR National Series and all NASCAR commercial, media and track operations, as well as its four international series and multiple local and grassroots properties. Both roles are effective immediately and will be based in Daytona Beach, Fla.

 

"We are thrilled to name Steve Phelps as NASCAR's first Commissioner. His leadership, professionalism and well-earned respect from across the sports industry speak to his unique value for the sport," said NASCAR Chairman & CEO, Jim France. "With more than 50 years of expertise between them, both Steve Phelps and Steve O'Donnell bring tremendous expertise, stability and a commitment to the bold racing innovations that will continue to serve fans, teams and stakeholders for many years to come."

 

Currently in his 20th season in NASCAR, Phelps will lead all functions of the sport with a specific focus on strategic growth and international expansion while continuing to work directly with NASCAR owners, Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy. Commissioner Phelps will work across the NASCAR ecosystem to provide value to all stakeholders while increasing global fan engagement. Phelps joined NASCAR in 2005 and has served as the fifth president in the sport's 77-year history since taking the position in 2018.

 

"I'm honored to take this next step in helping to guide NASCAR, the sport I've loved since my father took me to my first race at five years old, continue to grow and welcome new fans, competitors and partners that together create some of the most extraordinary moments in sports," Phelps said. "I cannot thank the France family enough for their unwavering commitment to our fans, their steady leadership, and most importantly, their stewardship of stock car racing since its inception nearly eight decades ago. This sport is truly one of the great American business stories and I'm privileged to continue as part of that legacy – and especially its bright future."

 

As only NASCAR's sixth President, Steve O'Donnell will take over everyday management of the sport with a focus on continuing to deliver historically exciting racing, exceptional partnership value and a world-class fan experience at every NASCAR national series event throughout the season. Leveraging more than three decades of experience at NASCAR where he has held many roles throughout the company from Marketing to Competition, O'Donnell's scope will be expanded to include all operations, competition and commercial business for the sanctioning body.

 

"In my 30 years in NASCAR, I've been most inspired by the passion of race fans at tracks across the country. It has been a privilege to help bring our sport to those fans through incredible new venues and innovative engaging content that showcase the best racing in our storied history," said O'Donnell. "I believe we're the best in the world at creating 'Bucket List' events that merge sports and entertainment with tailgating, camping and the most immersive fan experience in sports. I'm honored to continue that mission and build upon the collaboration and innovation with our teams and partners to deliver the best racing to sports fans everywhere."

With his increased leadership responsibilities, O'Donnell will drive continued innovation and engagement for NASCAR's key stakeholders, fans and employees, creating a center of excellence for ongoing growth and mutual success across the sport and its increasingly global audience. He will also oversee the sport's major investments in content creation and distribution through the new NASCAR Production Facility in North Carolina and the Emmy-Award winning NASCAR Studios team with its upcoming slate of scripted and unscripted content aimed at bringing fans even closer to the stars and stories of NASCAR.

 

 

 

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 15 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 Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico 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, TikTok, X and Facebook. 


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2025-03-13

GRAMMY®-Nominated Top-Selling Singer-Songwriter ERNEST to Take the Stage at Texas Motor Speedway on May 4

 

 

Renowned Country Music Artists ERNEST and Nate Smith to Headline First Two NASCAR and Busch Light Summer Music Series Concerts of 2025

 

GRAMMY®-Nominated Top-Selling Singer-Songwriter ERNEST to Take the Stage at Texas Motor Speedway on May 4

 

Multi-Platinum Award Winning Vocal Powerhouse Nate Smith to Perform at Michigan International Speedway on June 8

 

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 12, 2025) – Calling all country music lovers: NASCAR, Speedway Motorsports and Anheuser-Busch announced today that two of the biggest artists of the genre – GRAMMY-nominated top-selling singer-songwriter ERNEST and award-winning vocal powerhouse Nate Smith – will headline the first two Busch Light Summer Music Series events of the year at Texas Motor Speedway and Michigan International Speedway, respectively. The announcement comes on the heels of the news that multi-platinum southern rock group Zac Brown Band will perform as part of festivities at the Chicago Street Race on Saturday, July 5, the third event of the five-concert Summer Music Series.

 

"As part of our renewed partnership with Busch Light, they're putting a premium on finding fresh new ways to drive deeper fan engagement and enhance the entertainment and experience at the track, and the Summer Music Series does just that," said Michelle Byron, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Partnership and Licensing Officer. "It will be NASCAR, Busch Light and some of the biggest names in country music throughout the weekend in Texas, Michigan and Chicago. I can't think of a better combination for the best fans in all of sports."

 

To kick off the Busch Light Summer Music Series, top-selling Nashville artist ERNEST, "a writer of hit songs and an emerging star in his own right" (The New York Times), has earned 13 No. 1 hits as a songwriter, and several No. 1 hits on country radio. ERNEST will be performing hits from his critically acclaimed albums "Flower Shops (The Album)" and "Nashville, Tennessee," which feature collaborations with Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Lukas Nelson, Jelly Roll, HARDY and much more leading up to the green flag of the Sunday, May 4 WÜRTH 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. ERNEST also recently co-penned the Hot 100 record-breaking single, "I Had Some Help" by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen that earned him a 2025 GRAMMY nomination.

 

Country vocal powerhouse Nate Smith will perform his biggest hits for fans prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Firekeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, June 8 at Michigan International Speedway, including multi-week no. 1 records "Whiskey on You," "World on Fire" and "Bulletproof." Smith has accumulated over 2 billion career streams, garnered multiple gold and platinum records, sold-out shows across the U.S. and received numerous nominations for best new artist from the CMA Awards, ACM Awards, CMT Awards, and iHeart Radio Awards. Most recently, Smith received the award for ACM New Male Artist of the Year, Billboard's Rookie of the Year and Amazon's Breakthrough Country Artist for 2024. Smith's sophomore album, California Gold, debuted Top 15 on Billboard's Country Albums Chart. His current release, "Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend" featuring Hardy is out now.

 

"Busch Light knows our Texas and Michigan fans also share a deep passion for racing, so bringing unforgettable experiences to these iconic tracks is a no-brainer." said Kyrstyn Stowe, Head of Marketing, Busch Family & Natural Family at Anheuser-Busch. "With NASCAR, we're shifting fan engagement into high gear, uniting two of race fans' greatest passions: country music and cold, smooth Busch Light."

 

The performances at Texas Motor Speedway, Michigan International Speedway and the Chicago Street Race will be the first three of five full-length concerts at NASCAR races throughout the country, as a part of the first-ever Busch Light Summer Music Series – an exciting new fan experience born from the renewal of the long-time partnership with the "Official Beer Sponsor of NASCAR." Since the 1990s, the Anheuser-Busch family of brands has created countless opportunities for 21+ NASCAR fans to get closer to the sport they love. This summer, the final two electrifying pre-race performances will take place at Iowa Speedway (Aug. 3), and Busch Light's hometown of St. Louis at World Wide Technology Raceway (Sept. 7). Artists and details on these concerts will be announced at a later date.

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season continues with the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 16, airing live on FS1 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

 

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 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 Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico 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, TikTok, X and Facebook. 

 

About Busch Light

Busch Light is made with exceptional ingredients and has a crisp, refreshing taste that is as cold and smooth as a mountain stream. The beer brewed for the great outdoors takes cracking a cold one and heading for the mountains seriously, with passion points rooted in fishing, hunting, farming, NASCAR and country music. With focus and investment on meeting fans where they already are with a Busch Light in hand, the brand has experienced consistent growth since 2019. The Busch brand name represents a family of products including Busch Beer, Busch Light, Busch Ice and Busch NA. For more information, visit www.busch.com and follow Busch Light on X, Facebook and Instagram. 

 

About Anheuser-Busch

At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As a leading American manufacturer and the nation's top brewer, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities. We are the only brewer that invests in the U.S. at this scale.

 

We are home to the nation's most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Cutwater, as well as industry-leading regional craft brands. From our longstanding efforts to support American farmers, military, veterans, and first responders, to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our beer to life. That's who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

 

 


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