2025 season preview: Hendrick Motorsports

Posted on February 5, 2025February 6, 2025 by Zack Albert

Editor’s Note: Today’s Hendrick Motorsports preview continues NASCAR.com’s countdown of team previews for the 2025 Cup Series season.

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS

Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Engine: Hendrick Motorsports
Driver-crew chief pairings: Kyle Larson-Cliff Daniels (No. 5), Chase Elliott-Alan Gustafson (No. 9), William Byron-Rudy Fugle (No. 24), Alex Bowman-Blake Harris (No. 48)

Team outlook: It would be difficult to improve upon 2024, when all of Hendrick Motorsports’ drivers visited Victory Lane and reached the Cup Series Playoffs, and the four-team organization returns with its core personnel intact. The only thing missing was a Cup Series championship, which remained in Team Penske’s possession for the third straight year. The 2025 campaign will mark the third consecutive season for the current driver-crew chief lineup, so continuity will remain a strength, and the Rick Hendrick-owned group has bolstered its farm system by signing development driver Corey Day in the offseason. The organization is already off to a quick start with a convincing victory by Chase Elliott in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. “As a team, this is a culmination of an offseason,” said Jeff Andrews, Hendrick Motorsports president and general manager. “Mr. Hendrick started us off this past Wednesday at our season kickoff luncheon with ‘Thrive in ’25.’ That is our motto.”

KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 CHEVROLET

Experience: 10 full-time seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series; 366 total starts
2024 stats: Sixth in final Cup Series standings; 6 wins, 15 top fives, 18 top 10s, 5 poles
2025 championship odds (DraftKings): 11-2

Outlook: Larson has rounded into one of the Cup Series’ most consistent winners, and he led laps in 26 of 36 races last season. He has scored 23 of his 29 career victories in his four-year term with Hendrick Motorsports, and his connection with crew chief Cliff Daniels has made the No. 5 Chevy team one of the most potent in the garage. Expectations will remain high for Larson & Co., and anything less than a multiple-win season and a deep playoff run would be considered regression.

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 CHEVROLET

Experience: Nine full-time seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series; 322 total starts
2024 stats: Seventh in final Cup Series standings; 1 win, 11 top fives, 19 top 10s, 0 poles
2025 championship odds (DraftKings): 11-1

Outlook: Elliott snapped out of a 42-race dry spell last year, prevailing at Texas Motor Speedway to put the No. 9 team back in the playoffs after a one-year miss. The bounceback season came after an incomplete grade to 2023, when a pair of absences (injury, suspension) derailed Elliott’s progress. This season, the No. 9 Chevy group will aim to reset the competitive bar for Elliott, who was a multiple-race winner each year from 2018-2022.

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 CHEVROLET

Experience: Seven full-time seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series; 252 total starts
2024 stats: Third in final Cup Series standings; 3 wins, 13 top fives, 21 top 10s, 1 pole
2025 championship odds (DraftKings): 6-1

Outlook: Byron will roll through the gates for the season opener as the defending Daytona 500 champion, aiming to improve upon a 2024 campaign that ended in a return trip to the Championship 4 field. Byron won on a superspeedway, a road course and a short track last year, and he closed the season with a sizzling streak of seven top-six finishes in a row. There are very few weak spots in Byron’s game, and he continues to be one of the organization’s most studious drivers. Breaking Team Penske’s hold on Phoenix Raceway in the finale is the only roadblock between the 27-year-old and a first Cup crown.

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 CHEVROLET

Experience: Nine full-time seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series; 325 total starts
2024 stats: Ninth in final Cup Series standings; 1 win, 8 top fives, 17 top 10s, 1 pole
2025 championship odds (DraftKings): 35-1

Outlook: Bowman jolted free from an 80-race skid with a jubilant victory in the Chicago Street Race last season, and though he showed improvement in terms of average finish (14.8, his best since 2020), his laps-led total (67) was his lowest in nine years. Whatever the reason, questions about his job security persist, even though Bowman is signed through the end of the 2026 season. Winning early — and often — this season would help to quell some of the chatter.

BOLD PREDICTION: Hendrick Motorsports puts two drivers in the Championship 4, most likely Larson and then a toss-up for the other finalist. Side prediction: Hot prospect Corey Day gets a one-off Cup Series start after his national series immersion takes off in Xfinity and Trucks.

Posted on February 4, 2025 by Press Release

SOUTH BOSTON, Va. — Over $75,000 in season-end bonuses will be awarded to competitors at South Boston Speedway this season through a new lucrative Championship Loyalty Bonus program sponsored by Hitachi Energy and EMPOWER Broadband.

Under the Hitachi Energy sponsorship, a $20,000 award will go to the top eligible driver in the Sentara Health Late Model Stock Car Division with payouts of $15,000, $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 respectively going to the rest of the eligible top five drivers. All eligible drivers from sixth place back will receive $2,000 each.

“Hitachi Energy is thrilled to partner with South Boston Speedway to invest in our local racing community and ensure that top-tier drivers continue to choose South Boston Speedway as their home track,” said Hitachi Energy Community Relations and Engagement Manager Ryland Clark.

“This partnership not only strengthens grassroots motorsports but also enhances the experience for our employees, who will enjoy exclusive perks as part of our commitment to community engagement. We believe in powering progress – on and off the track – and this collaboration is another step in driving success for both our region and the sport.”

Hitachi Energy’s facility in South Boston, Va., is a key manufacturing hub specializing in the production of both distribution and power transformers. These transformers play a crucial role in adjusting and stabilizing voltage to ensure an efficient and reliable power supply across the region.

Serving the nation’s power grid, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and railway applications, the South Boston factory spans approximately 607,000 square feet and employs about 670 individuals.

EMPOWER Broadband is sponsoring awards for the eligible drivers in the Limited Sportsman, Pure Stock and Hornets Divisions.

A $3,000 award will go to the top eligible driver in the Limited Sportsman Division with the next four eligible drivers receiving $2,000, $1,000, $750 and $500 respectively. The sixth eligible driver and all remaining eligible drivers will each receive a $250 award.

The top eligible driver in the Pure Stock Division will receive a $1,000 award. Payouts to the second through fourth eligible drivers are $750, $500 and $250 respectively. The fifth eligible driver and all other eligible drivers will each receive a $100 award.

A $500 award will be given to the top finishing eligible driver in the Hornets Division with the second through fifth eligible drivers receiving $250, $100, and $75 respectively. The fifth eligible driver and all eligible drivers that follow will each receive $50.

“We are pleased to partner with South Boston Speedway for the 2025-2026 racing seasons. EMPOWER Broadband proudly supports our local communities and businesses and are excited to have the EMPOWER brand associated with the wholesome, family-oriented entertainment that short-track racing brings to the fans at the speedway,” said EMPOWER President and CEO Casey Logan.

“South Boston Speedway is an iconic racing destination that has drawn loyal fans from all over Southside Virginia and beyond for more than 60 years. EMPOWER is committed to providing the best internet experience and empowering our local communities and businesses. It’s a winning partnership and we can’t wait to see what the next two years bring.”

EMPOWER Broadband, Inc., a subsidiary of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, provides middle-mile capacity, retail high-speed internet service, as well as voice over IP telephone, and high-speed data services to over 7,000 accounts across Southside Virginia and northern North Carolina. With over 2,060 miles of fiber line currently deployed, EMPOWER is positioned to continue its growth to further serve our rural communities. For more information on EMPOWER, you can visit EMPOWERmec.net.

The new South Boston Speedway Championship Loyalty Bonus Program powered by Hitachi Energy and EMPOWER Broadband is contracted for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Racing during the Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200 for the 2024 Virginia Late Model Triple Crown at South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Virginia on June 29, 2024. (Photo: Susan Wong/NASCAR)

“When we say we’re going to take care of our drivers and put on a show for our fans, we mean it,” said South Boston Speedway General Manager Brandon Brown.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am to Hitachi Energy and EMPOWER Broadband for putting their confidence in South Boston Speedway and supporting this monumental effort. This is a special place, and our drivers deserve a special championship program like this. We want the best-of-the-best to race here, and our fans are in for an incredible season of action because of the absolutely stacked fields this program will produce. Although this is a driver/team focused bonus, fans will immediately see benefits from even more top-notch competition at SOBO each-and-every week. We are not done yet, there will be another announcement coming soon that will also make the 2025 Championship battle at SOBO one for the ages.”

Track officials noted that award payouts will be based on season-end driver track points. The Championship Loyalty Bonus is designed to handsomely reward those who attempt to compete in every event at South Boston Speedway. Program eligibility stipulations will allow one race night waiver per each eligible driver should it be needed. This waiver will be good for missing one night of racing, even if that is a twin-race night. No points will be awarded to a driver for the night they’ve chosen or are forced to use a waiver, but they will remain eligible for the loyalty bonus.

A second ‘emergency’ waiver will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will be granted only if there is any unforeseen hardship that impacts a driver’s attendance such as, but not limited to, tragedy, injury, emergency illness, or a mechanical issue or crash during race day practice/qualifying.

Two race night absences with no ‘emergency waiver’ will void eligibility for the loyalty bonus.

Two-time NASCAR national champion and seven-time South Boston Speedway NASCAR Late Model Stock Car Division champion Peyton Sellers of Danville, Virginia applauds the new South Boston Speedway Championship Loyalty Bonus program.

“This is another step in the right direction for South Boston Speedway in taking care of those who support them,” Sellers pointed out.

“With so much emphasis being put on touring series, this is an opportunity for grassroots racers to compete at their local track and be rewarded for it. This is definitely aimed at the weekly racer who works a 9-to-5 job and gives them an opportunity to run for a championship and be well compensated for it.”

Landon Pembelton of Amelia, Virginia, who is setting his sights on the 2025 South Boston Speedway Sentara Health Late Model Stock Car Division title after having won 11 races and a track championship last season, is excited about the new loyalty bonus program.

“This program is going to be a great program for the racers,” Pembelton remarked.

“I’m personally looking forward to it. This gives you something to really go after. Of course, you want to go after a track championship, but having this program on top of it is going to be good for the racers and everyone involved.

“I see this as a great thing for the future,” he added.

“It’s going to be good for short track racing. I hope this program is something we can have for years to come.”

South Boston Speedway will kick off its 2025 season on Saturday afternoon, March 22 with the SMART Modified Tour’s King of the Modifieds event. That event will feature powerful 600-horsepower open-wheel tour-type Modifieds in a 125-lap race.

South Boston Speedway’s Sentara Health Late Model Stock Car Division will open its 2025 season that afternoon as well. Twin-50-lap races, each paying $2,500 to win will be the co-feature event of the day. Other series or divisions will be announced later.

Advance tickets for the season-opening March 22 SMART Modified Tour King of the Modifieds event are priced at $20. Tickets at the gate on race day will be $25 for those events.

Posted on February 4, 2025February 4, 2025 by Brandon White

A proud Florida short-track tradition returns this week with the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at Florida’s New Smyrna Speedway.

Ongoing since 1968, the World Series of Asphalt encompasses nine consecutive nights of on-track action. Drivers from more than a dozen different divisions, such as Modifieds, Super Late Models and Pro Late Models, will battle it out of a chance to become a World Series of Asphalt champion.

Several marquee events headline the week-long affair at New Smyrna. For the Modifieds, their crown jewel events consists of the Tour Mod Blewett Memorial 76 (2/12) and the Richie Evans Memorial 100 (2/14), while Super and Pro Late Models have prestigious races like the Hart to Heart 100 (2/12) and the Orange Blossom 100 (2/13).

The World Series of Asphalt schedule is not limited to the local classes. On Saturday, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour makes its fourth visit to New Smyrna, while the Clyde Hart Memorial 200 on Tuesday serves as the season-opener for the ASA STARS National Tour.

Tickets for the 2025 edition of the World Series of Asphalt can be purchased at the track. Below is everything to know about the festivities, including the schedule and entry lists.

Super Late Models will be one of several divisions heading a stacked, nine-day slate of racing in the World Series of Asphalt. (Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)

What channel is the World Series of Asphalt at New Smyrna Speedway on in 2025?

Live coverage of the 2025 World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway will begin each night at 7 p.m. ET on FloRacing, the official streaming home for all NASCAR Regional properties.

The World Series of Asphalt will not be broadcasted on a traditional television network.

Below is the complete schedule for World Series of Asphalt coverage on FloRacing.

Date	Event	Start Time	How to watch
Friday, Feb. 7	Opening night	7 p.m. ET	FloRacing
Saturday, Feb. 8	NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour/Night 2	7 p.m. ET	FloRacing
Sunday, Feb. 9	Super Sunday/Night 3	7 p.m. ET	FloRacing
Monday, Feb. 10	Night 4	7 p.m. ET	FloRacing
Tuesday, Feb. 11	Night 5 (ASA STARS National Tour Clyde Hart Memorial 200)	7 p.m. ET	FloRacing
Wednesday, Feb. 12	Night 6 (John Blewett III Memorial 76/Hart to Heart 100)	7 p.m. ET	FloRacing
Thursday, Feb. 13	Night 7 (Orange Blossom 100/602 Mod 76)	7 p.m. ET	FloRacing
Friday, Feb. 14	Night 8 (Richie Evans Memorial 100)	7 p.m. ET	FloRacing
Saturday, Feb. 15	Local Showcase/Night 9	7 p.m. ET	FloRacing

2025 schedule

Every division scheduled to race on a given evening in the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing gets two individual practice sessions. Depending on the race-day schedule, some divisions will have their second group practice determine the starting lineup for the corresponding feature.

Below is the complete on-track schedule for the 2025 World Series of Asphalt at New Smyrna Speedway.

Friday, Feb. 7

10 a.m.	Pit gates open
11 a.m.	Tech/fuel/reg/tires open
12:45 p.m.	Drivers meeting
1:30 p.m.	Practice begins
3:30 p.m.	Super Late Model tires released
4 p.m.	Super Late Model pre-qualifying tech
4:30 p.m.	Pro Late Model tires released
5 p.m.	Pro Late Model pre-qualifying tech
5:30 p.m.	Qualifying begins
7:30 p.m.	Racing starts: Super Late Models (59 laps), Sportsman (35 laps), Pro Late Models (59 laps), Florida Modifieds (50 laps)

Saturday, Feb. 8

7 a.m.	NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour credentials open
8:30 a.m.	NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour garage open
11 a.m.	New Smyrna pit gates open
12 p.m.	Tech/fuel/reg/tires open
1:15 p.m.	NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver/spotter/crew chief meeting
1:30 p.m.	New Smyrna drivers meeting
2 p.m.	Practice begins
5 p.m.	Qualifying begins
6:30 p.m.	NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver autograph session
7:30 p.m.	Racing starts: NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (200 laps), Pro Late Models (50 laps)

Sunday, Feb. 9

10 a.m.	Pit gates open
12 p.m.	Tech/fuel/reg/tires open
12:45 p.m.	Drivers meeting
1:30 p.m.	Practice begins
6 p.m.	Qualifying begins
7:30 p.m.	Racing starts: Super Late Models (35 laps), 602 Modifieds (25 laps), Pro Late Models (35 laps), Florida Modifieds (59 laps)

Monday, Feb. 10

8 a.m.	ASA STARS hauler parking
9 a.m.	Pit gates open
9 a.m.	Tech/fuel/reg/tires open
9:15 a.m.	ASA STARS crew chief meeting
9:30 a.m.	ASA STARS pre-tech begins
12:15 p.m.	Drivers meeting
1 p.m.	Practice begins
5 p.m.	Modified pre-qualifying tech
6 p.m.	Qualifying begins
6:45 – 7:15 p.m.	ASA STARS final practice
7:30 p.m.	Racing starts: 602 Modifieds (25 laps), Modifieds (59 laps), Pro Late Models (35 laps), Florida Modifieds (50 laps)

Tuesday, Feb. 11

10 a.m.	Pit gates open
10 a.m.	ASA STARS garage opens
10:30 a.m.	Tech/fuel/reg/tires open
12:30 p.m.	Drivers meeting
1 p.m.	ASA STARS pre-qualifying tech
2 p.m.	Practice begins
4 p.m.	Modified pre-qualifying tech
4 p.m.	ASA STARS qualifying
5 p.m.	Modified qualifying
5:30 p.m.	ASA STARS last chance qualifier
6 p.m.	ASA STARS autograph session
7:30 p.m.	Racing starts: ASA STARS National Tour Clyde Hart Memorial 200 (200 laps), Modifieds (50 laps), Florida Modifieds (50 laps)

Wednesday, Feb. 12

10 a.m.	Pit gates open
12 p.m.	Tech/fuel/reg/tires open
12:45 p.m.	Drivers meeting
1:30 p.m.	Practice begins
4 p.m.	Pro Late Model tires released
4:30 p.m.	Pro Late Model pre-qualifying tech
5 p.m.	Modified pre-qualifying tech
6 p.m.	Qualifying
7:30 p.m.	Racing starts: Hart to Heart Pro Late Model 100 (100 laps), 602 Modifieds (25 laps), Super Late Models (35 laps), Modified John Blewett III Memorial (76 Laps)

Thursday, Feb. 13

10 a.m.	Pit gates open
12 p.m.	Tech/fuel/reg/tires open
12:45 p.m.	Drivers meeting
1:30 p.m.	Practice begins
4 p.m.	Super Late Model tires released
4:30 p.m.	Super Late Model pre-qualifying tech
5 p.m.	Modified pre-qualifying tech
6 p.m.	Qualifying
7:30 p.m.	Racing starts: Super Late Model Orange Blossom 100 (100 laps), 602 Modifieds (66 laps), Modifieds (50 laps), Pro Late Models (35 laps)

Friday, Feb. 14

10 a.m.	Pit gates open
12 p.m.	Tech/fuel/reg/tires open
12:45 p.m.	Drivers meeting
2:30 p.m.	Practice begins
4:30 p.m.	Modified pre-qualifying tech
6 p.m.	Qualifying
7 p.m.	Vintage Car hot laps
7:15 p.m.	Parade Laps with Modified Reunion
7:30 p.m.	Racing starts: Modified Richie Evans Memorial 100 (100 laps/controlled pit stops after lap 40), Mod Mini (35 laps), Bomber A (35 laps), Ground Pounders (20 laps)

Saturday, Feb. 15

10 a.m.	Pit gates open
12 p.m.	Tech/fuel/reg/tires open
1:30 p.m.	Drivers meeting
2:30 p.m.	Practice begins
6 p.m.	Qualifying
7:30 p.m.	Racing starts: E-Mod (35 laps), Trucks (35 laps), Super Stocks (35 laps), Bomber B (35 laps)

The pits at New Smyrna Speedway will be crowded with cars, all of which seek to earn a championship in the World Series of Asphalt. (Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)

Entry lists

Each running of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing attracts a variety of talented competitors across the United States and other countries.

The current entry list for the Modified class consists of 33 competitors. Headlining the group is Matt Hirschman, who is seeking his third consecutive World Series of Asphalt title and his sixth overall.

Among those looking to dethrone Hirschman is NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece, who was the last driver to win three consecutive World Series of Asphalt Modified titles from 2015-17. Other notable names entered include Patrick Emerling, Austin Beers, Jack Baldwin and Timmy Solomito, along with Tommy, Trevor, Tyler and Amy Catalano.

Plenty of talented drivers are also entered in the Super Late Model class, such as defending track champion Brad May. He is joined on the entry list by full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series competitor William Sawalich, along with Derek Kraus, Derek Griffith, Chase Pinsonneault, Ty Fredrickson and Max Reaves.

The Pro Late Model division features young stars like dirt standout Jade Avedisian, who is set to embark on a full year in full-bodied stock cars. She will have to fend off names like Treyten Lapcevich, Taylor Reimer, Raphael Lessard and Isaac Kitzmiller to add a World Series of Asphalt title to her growing resume.

Below is the full list of drivers entered for this year’s World Series of Asphalt.

Modifieds

0 Glenn Styres. Ohsweken ON
1 Patrick Emerling. Boston NY
1 Stephen Kopcik. Newton CT
2 JR Bertuccio. Centereach NY
5 Jeff Goodale. Riverhead NY
7NY Jack Baldwin. Mooresville NC
7 Rich Parker. Forked River NJ
8 Chris Finocchario. Macedon NY
8 Cam McDermott. Canterbury. CT
11 Norman Newman. Kincardine ON
14 Jake Lutz. Hamburg NY
17 Danny Knoll. Amherst NY
19 Jeffrey Battle. Dunstable MA
21 Joe Bertuccio. Centereach NY
24 Andrew Krause. Freehold NJ
25 Brian Robie. Sunapee NH
32 Tyler Rypkema. Owego NY
36 Dave Sapienza. Riverhead NY
40 Ryan Preece. Berlin CT
46 Craig Lutz. Middle island NY
50 Ronnie Williams. Lebanon CT
54 Tommy Catalano. Ontario NY
56 Trevor Catalano. Ontario NY
58 Eric Goodale. Riverhead NY
60 Matt Hirschman. Northampton PA
64 Amy Catalano. Ontario NY
66 Timothy Solomito. Islip NY
71 James Pritchard. Oak Ridge NJ
81 Mark Stewart. Wading River NY
84 Tyler Catalano. Ontario NY
92 Anthony Nocella. Woburn MA
09 Christopher Hatton. New Smyrna Beach FL
179 Austin Beers. Northampton PA

Super Late Models

1 Kasey Kleyn. Quincy WA
9 Derek Kraus. Stratford WI
9 Brad May. Oviedo FL
11 Bobby Kendall. Montello WI
12G Derek Griffith. Hudson NH
14 Chase Pinsonneault. Belle River ON
15 Gabe Sommers. Plover WI
15 Mike Hopkins. Hermon. ME
17 Hudson Bulger. Fort Valley GA
17 Danny Knoll. Amherst NY
18 Max Reeves. Trinity NC
22 George Phillips. Charlotte NC
23 Billy Vanmeter. Indianapolis IN
24 Gavan Boshele. Mooresville NC
25 William Sawalich. Eden Prairie MN
26 Dawson Sutton. Lebanon TN
27 Bobby Good. Lake Mary FL
28 Cole Butcher. Dartmouth NS
29 Austin Teras. Gray ME
36 Ty Fredrickson. Northfield MN
44 Conner Jones. Fredricksburg VA
51 Cody Ware. Charlotte NC
81 Carson Brown. New London NC
83 Cory Hall. Jolicure NB
89 Dylan Fetcho. Lebanon TN
08 Nicholas Naugle. Dartmouth NS
09 Jeremy Davis. Tamworth NH
100 Weston Marthaler. Glenwood MN
112 Steve Weaver Jr. Plantation FL

Pro Late Models

0T Treyten Lapcevitch. Grimsby ON
0 Glenn Styres. Ohsweken ON
4 Brody Whorff. Bath ME
5 Ryan Phipps. Heyburn ID
6 Brandon Lopez. Woodstock GA
9 Brad May. Oviedo FL
10 EJ Tamayo. Miami FL
11 Randy Sargent. South Beliot IL
15 Hudson Sharp. Jupiter FL
18 Max Reeves. Trinity NC
18 Mike Scorzelli. Feura Bush NY
24 Jade Avedisian. Clovis OK
25 Taylor Reimer. Tulsa OK
26 Isaac Kitzmiller. Maysvile WV
29 Cole Robie. Windham ME
29 Hunter Wright. Lebanon TN
37 Larry Gelinas. Buxton ME
42 Eric St-Gelais. St Aime Des Lac QC
44 Conner Jones. Fredricksburg VA
47 Brody Monahan. Waterford CT
48 Raphael Lessard. Vallée-Jonction QC
51 Anthony Bello. Newtown CT
83 William Roberge. Beaumont QC
00 Jimmy Renfrew. Candia NH
08 Nicholas Naugle. Dartmouth NS
153 Travis Stearns. Auburn ME

602 Modifieds

2 Tony Pettinelli. Rome NY
3 Steve Zaleski. Bayonne NJ
4 RJ Surdell. Willington CT
9 Matt Montineri. Ponte Vedra FL
12 Bobby Jones. Palmerton PA
12 Cody Norman. Lewisville. NC
15 Michael Brennan. Old Bridge NJ.
16 Nickolas Hovey.Chaplin CT
17 Lee Sharpsteen. Waverly NY
17 Wayne Skinner. Whiting NJ
22 JR Bertuccio. Centereach NY
27 Adam LaCicero. Lavallette NJ
36 Richie Cooper. W. Long Branch NJ
37 Nick Baer. New Tripoli PA
49 Max Handley. Medford NY
57 Justin Beecher. Billerica MA
57m Michael Leone. Toms River NJ
73g Bobby Geiger. Galloway NJ
73 Paul Hartwig Jr. Galloway NJ
73x Paul Hartwig Sr. Galloway NJ
98 Sean McElearney. Lake Wylie SC
02 Jerry Gradl. Buffalo NY
06 Chris Hatton Sr. Deltona FL
09 Christopher Hatton. New Smyrna Beach FL

Florida Modifieds

2 Brad Bowman. Clearwater FL
2 Hank Baker Jr. Oak Hill FL
6 Zach Stacy. Enon OH
15 Matthew Green. Orlando FL
32 Dylan Williams. New Smyrna Beach FL
33 Shain Held. Orlando FL
45 Jason Allen. Sarasota FL
55 Chuck Barnes Jr. Louisville KY
57 Tim Moore. St. Petersburgh FL
58 Dan LaRocco. Strongsville OH
61 Brad Springer. Ashley IN
66 Jerry Symons. New Smyrna FL
72 L.J Grimm. Seffner FL
79 Joe Aramendia. Seguin TX
$ Jon Beach. Muskegon MI

Pro Trucks

28 Richard Griffis. Leesburg FL
31 JT Chastain. Punta Gorda FL
192 Anthony Lessard. St. Henri QC

Sportsman

5 David Childs. Port Orange FL
112 Dave Werning. Palm Coast FL
151 Sean Fitzgerald. Tangerine FL

E-Mod

2 Hank Baker Jr. Oak Hill FL
10 Carson May. Oviedo FL
14 Dalton Symons. New Smyrna Beach FL
35 Eugene Tumminello Jr. Debary FL
53 Michael Mark. Deland FL

Super Stocks

25 Ricky Locklair Jr. Darlington SC
88 Scott Sipe. York Haven PA

Mod Mini

6 Mark Broat. Orlando FL
90 Robert Strmiska. Lexington NC

Bomber A

3 Eddie Evans. Port Orange FL
7 Aaron Foye. Cocoa FL
13 Joe Racine. Port Orange FL
14 Brandon Monroe. Orlando FL
23 Vincent Cortez. Daytona Beach FL
49 Bailey Kight. St. Augustin FL
72 Charles Friddle. Cocoa Beach FL
76 Richard Monroe. Belleview FL
88 Stephen Brown. Port Orange FL

Bomber B

11 Niko Garrano. Davenport FL
26 Lucas Johnson. Orange Park FL
45 Travis Soukup. Deltona FL
66 Chase Symons. New Smyrna Beach FL
K9 Chuck Rush. Sanford FL

Ground Pounders

4D Frank Pelky. Melbourne FL
44 Tobi Smith
52 Hank Baker. Oak Hill FL
61 Eddie Freeman. Deltona FL
111 Colin Smith

World Series of Asphalt champions

For nearly six decades, the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing has attracted many of the best drivers in the history of United States motorsports.

The list of Super Late Model champions alone is comprised of drivers who have won the Daytona 500, short track titles and NASCAR titles. Dick Trickle, Mark Martin, Joe Ruttman, Pete Hamilton, Ty Majeski, Bubba Pollard and David Rogers are a part of the exclusive group that has claimed at least on World Series of Asphalt Super Late Model title.

Plenty of renowned Modified competitors also have excelled at New Smyrna during the World Series of Asphalt. Richie Evans won the Modified title six times in his illustrious career, with other notable champions including Reggie Ruggiero, Ted Christopher, Tom Baldwin, Steve Park and Ron Silk.

Below is a complete list of World Series of Asphalt champions in the Modified and Super Late Model classes.

Year	Super Late Model Champion	Modified Champion
1968	Tom Pistone	n/a
1969	Dave McInnis	n/a
1970	Randy Tissot	n/a
1971	Gary Balough	n/a
1972	Joe Ruttman	n/a
1973	Larry Rogero	n/a
1974	Pete Hamilton	n/a
1975	Pete Hamilton	n/a
1976	Freddy Fryar	Maynard Troyer
1977	Mike Eddy	Richie Evans
1978	Mark Martin	Ron Bouchard
1979	Mike Miller	Richie Evans
1980	Junior Hanley	Richie Evans
1981	Junior Hanley	Richie Evans
1982	Dick Trickle	Greg Sacks
1983	Mark Malcuit	Richie Evans
1984	Dick Trickle	Richie Evans
1985	Dick Trickle	Jimmy Spencer
1986	Dick Trickle	Reggie Ruggiero
1987	David Rogers	Reggie Ruggiero
1988	Joe Shear	Tom Baldwin
1989	Dick Anderson	Reggie Ruggiero
1990	Junior Hanley	Tony Jankowiak
1991	Dick Anderson	Mike Ewanitsko
1992	Pete Orr	Steve Park
1993	Pete Orr	Steve Park
1994	Pete Orr	Tom Baldwin
1995	Bruce Lawrence	Tim Connolly
1996	David Russell	Tom Baldwin
1997	Lowell Bennett	Tom Baldwin
1998	Jason Shuler	Ted Christopher
1999	David Rogers	Ted Christopher
2000	Wayne Anderson	Ted Christopher
2001	David Rogers	Ted Christopher
2002	Jimmy Cope	Robbie Summers
2003	Wayne Anderson	Ted Christopher
2004	Mike Fritts	Eric Beers
2005	Louis Mechalides	Ted Christopher
2006	Travis Kittleson	Andy Seuss
2007	Jeff Scofield	Eric Beers
2008	Jeff Choquette	Jimmy Blewett
2009	David Rogers	Ted Christopher
2010	BJ McLeod	Ted Christopher
2011	Tim Russell	Ted Christopher
2012	Kyle Benjamin	Chuck Hossfeld
2013	Ryan Moore	Woody Pitkat
2014	Steve Wallace	Ron Silk
2015	Zane Smith	Ryan Preece
2016	Ty Majeski	Ryan Preece
2017	Harrison Burton	Ryan Preece
2018	Stephen Nasse	Matt Hirschman
2019	Bubba Pollard	Chuck Hossfeld
2020	Derek Griffith	Matt Hirschman
2021	Derek Griffith	Matt Hirschman
2022	Sammy Smith	Jimmy Blewett
2023	Casey Roderick	Matt Hirschman
2024	Brent Crews	Matt Hirschman

Posted on February 4, 2025February 10, 2025 by John Crane

The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series is finally here, and a new season with plenty of exciting moments to come begins at Daytona International Speedway Feb. 15 (5 p.m. ET, The CW, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

While there has been plenty of movement within the Xfinity Series compared to last year’s crop, this is still a loaded field. And with 12 full-time drivers set to make the Xfinity Series Playoffs this season, it only makes sense to rank the top 12 drivers before the Florida opener. Let’s get to it.

Sammy Smith looks on. — *Jonathan Bachman | Getty Images*

12. Sammy Smith, No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet

Analysis: Smith enters his second season under the JR Motorsports banner, and there is plenty to build on in 2025. The Iowa native finished 11th in the 2024 championship standings and logged career highs in top fives (seven) and top 10s (16). Although past Daytona results don’t pop off the page – Smith has averaged a 21st-place finish in two series-opening races there – the 20-year-old still possesses upside. With Phillip Bell returning atop the pit box (he was the No. 8 crew chief for 10 races last season), there’s continuity, too.

Ryan Sieg looks on. — *Sean Gardner | Getty Images*

11. Ryan Sieg, No. 39 RSS Racing Ford

Analysis: Make it a dozen for the 37-year-old Sieg, who enters his 12th full season in the Xfinity circuit. 2024 offered glimpses of hope for Sieg in his hunt for Xfinity Series win No. 1, with his best average finish (14.7) since 2019 and the most laps led in a season (80) since 2020. Daytona has been a mixed bag for Sieg, but his 35 career laps led there have come across two season-opening races (23 in 2021, 12 in 2024).

Parker Retzlaff smiles. — *Meg Oliphant | Getty Images*

10. Parker Retzlaff, No. 4 Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet

Analysis: Retzlaff joins Alpha Prime Racing for 2025 after racing full-time for Jordan Anderson Racing from 2023-24. It’s only natural for a driver to want to make a great first impression, and Daytona could be just the location for the Wisconsin native to accomplish this for his new organization. In four career Xfinity races at Daytona, Retzlaff has finished inside the top 10 three times. Two of those times came in the Xfinity series opener (fourth in 2023, third in 2024). Opportunity knocks.

Nick Sanchez looks on. — *James Gilbert | Getty Images*

9. Nick Sanchez, No. 48 Big Machine Racing Chevrolet

Analysis: A banner 2024 in the Truck Series leads to a full-time Xfinity Series gig for the 23-year-old Sanchez, taking over the Big Machine Racing reins from Parker Kligerman. Good news for Big Machine: Sanchez was a playoff driver in 2024, and he brings a Daytona pedigree to the table. One of Sanchez’s two Truck wins last season came in the Daytona season-opener, leading a race-best 26 laps in the process. There’s a bonus — Sanchez raced in six Xfinity contests with Big Machine in 2024, so there’s already a degree of comfort for driver and team alike.

Christian Eckes looks on. — *Meg Oliphant | Getty Images*

8. Christian Eckes, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

Analysis: Sanchez isn’t the only Truck Series Playoffs driver making the full-time leap to Xfinity. Enter Eckes, who transitions from McAnally-Hilgemann Racing to Kaulig Racing as the No. 16 driver in place of AJ Allmendinger. Although Eckes doesn’t bring prior Xfinity experience to the table the way Sanchez does, the momentum of being a 2024 Championship 4 driver can’t be ignored. Three consecutive finishes inside the top 10 at Daytona in Trucks — in addition to 29 laps led in that span — help matters, too.

Harrison Burton looks on. — *James Gilbert | Getty Images*

7. Harrison Burton, No. 25 AM Racing Ford

Analysis: Burton returns to the Xfinity fold after three full-time Cup Series seasons with Wood Brothers Racing. Rewind the clocks a touch to catch a glimpse at how Burton fared during his last full-time Xfinity Series stint. Spoiler alert: It was pretty good. From 2020-21, Burton tallied four wins, 25 top fives and 44 top 10s, finishing eighth in the final standings in each season. Daytona, you might ask? Four top 10s in four Xfinity starts there. He also did something … pretty special there in Cup last season.

Sam Mayer looks on. — *Meg Oliphant | Getty Images*

6. Sam Mayer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford

Analysis: Mayer departs JR Motorsports and joins Haas Factory Team in what will be the organization’s inaugural 2025 season. While Mayer’s 2024 was a step back from his 2023 Championship 4 season in terms of average finish (18.0 compared in 2024 compared to 13.2 in 2023), the 21-year-old still won three races and made the playoffs. Mayer’s Xfinity record at Daytona needs work, given he’s yet to log a top 10 there (seven attempts), but under a new team banner and a fresh crew chief to learn from in Jason Trinchere, anything is possible.

Connor Zilisch smiles. — *Meg Oliphant | Getty Images*

5. Connor Zilisch, No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet

Analysis: Yes, Zilisch only has four Xfinity Series starts – and only 10 national series starts total – to his name entering 2025. But if there is one driver who can immediately make a statement out of the gate, it’s the 18-year-old Zilisch, who collected his first pole position and victory in his first career Xfinity start last season at Watkins Glen. Granted, The Glen is not a superspeedway, and Zilisch has never raced a NASCAR machine at Daytona. However, for someone dubbed the “next superstar,” let’s not act shocked if he figures the superspeedway ropes quickly.

Jesse Love smiles. — *Meg Oliphant | Getty Images*

4. Jesse Love, No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Analysis: Remember when Love logged his first career Xfinity pole in his first start last season? It was at Daytona. And while he didn’t win the 2024 season opener, the No. 2 pilot illustrated just the kind of speed he could muster on a superspeedway. The reigning Rookie of the Year enters his second season with Richard Childress Racing, and after his inaugural Xfinity campaign saw continued success on superspeedways, it’s anyone’s guess what is in store for the California native who just turned 20 years old.

Sheldon Creed smiles. — *James Gilbert | Getty Images*

3. Sheldon Creed, No. 00 Haas Factory Team Ford

Analysis: Creed’s 2024 Xfinity season was … unique. His 16 top fives ranked second in the entire circuit (Chandler Smith, 17), while his 23 top 10s were tied for first (Cole Custer). He collected not one but six runner-up finishes, including at the Daytona season opener last season. Creed joins Haas Factory Team, his third team in as many seasons, and although he’s yet to find Victory Lane in Xfinity, the 2020 Truck Series champion brings speed and experience to his new organization. The breakthrough has to be coming.

Justin Allgaier looks on. — *Meg Oliphant | Getty Images*

2. Justin Allgaier, No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet

Analysis: Allgaier ranks highly in this installment for obvious reasons. The 38-year-old is fresh off a 2024 Xfinity Series Championship crown, and with Cole Custer’s departure to Cup, he is now the only returning Xfinity Series driver who led 700-plus laps in 2024 (709). Daytona has been kind to Allgaier of late, with six top 10s over the last seven races, including finishes of fifth (2022), third (2023) and eighth (2024) in the last three Xfinity openers. Can the defending champ kickstart 2025 with his second career Daytona win?

Austin Hill looks on. — *James Gilbert | Getty Images*

1. Austin Hill, No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Analysis: Since his jump into the Xfinity Series three seasons ago, Hill has finished sixth (2022), fifth (2023) and fourth (2024). Coming off his first Championship 4 berth, Hill is hungry for more in 2025, and the winning appetite certainly starts at Daytona, where Hill has won each of the last three season-opening races. Whether the Georgia native can make it four in a row remains to be seen, but make no mistake: Hill will easily be a Daytona favorite, and in due time, maybe the championship favorite, too.

Posted on February 4, 2025February 10, 2025 by Chris Murdock

The 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series campaign begins soon, with the season kicking off at Daytona International Speedway Feb. 14 (7:30 p.m. ET, FS1, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

Familiar faces return to the circuit, while newer ones look to leave their mark in a season surely to bring plenty of excitement from start to finish. Before the green flag waves at Daytona, view the top 10 drivers in the series ahead of the season opener.

RELATED: 2025 Truck Series schedule

Sean Gardner | Getty Images

10. Andrés Pérez de Lara, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Analysis: Pérez de Lara is the newest rookie entering a full-time campaign in the Craftsman Truck Series. Pérez comes in as the reigning ARCA Menards Series champion and an experienced road-course racer. With the Truck Series adding additional road courses to the schedule, the Mexico City native could make a surprise appearance in Victory Lane.

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

9. Matt Crafton, No. 88 ThorSport Racing Ford

Analysis: You can never really count out Crafton when it comes to fighting for a championship in the Craftsman Truck Series. Crafton enters his 25th full-time season and is the only active three-time Truck Series champion. The pilot of the No. 88 Ford is the only active driver with national series experience as the series prepares to return to Rockingham. Experience that could land him right in the middle of the championship fight in the fall.

James Gilbert | Getty Images

8. Layne Riggs, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford

Analysis: Riggs put together a strong 2024 rookie season, which included two wins to open the Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs, the only non-playoff driver in any national series to win the opening two races. With a full season under his belt and with crew chief Dylan Cappello up to speed, the 22-year-old could make a big statement with wins in 2025.

Alejandro Alvarez | NASCAR Digital Media

7. Ben Rhodes, No. 99 ThorSport Racing Ford

Analysis: We have all heard about even-year Joey Logano when it comes to winning championships, and a driver who is right along with the reigning Cup Series champ is the Louisville, Kentucky native in Rhodes. Rhodes enters his 10th year in the Truck Series and has been crowned champion two times (2021, 2023). Entering another odd year, Rhodes has the chance to become the first three-time champion since his teammate, Matt Crafton.

Brittney Wilbur | NASCAR Digital Media

6. Chandler Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford

Analysis: Front Row Motorsports expands to a two-truck operation for the 2025 Craftsman Truck Series season, adding 22-year-old Smith to its driver lineup. Smith spent the previous two years in the Xfinity Series, where he scored three wins. The new driver of the No. 38 Ford also has two previous full-time seasons in the Truck Series, where he has amassed five victories. As the new operation gets off the ground, look for Smith to enter the playoff conversation.

Alejandro Alvarez | NASCAR Digital Media

5. Rajah Caruth, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Analysis: Caruth comes into his third full-time Truck Series campaign and his second year piloting the No. 71 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports. In his 2024 season for the Spire organization, Caruth captured his first national series victory at Las Vegas and put the No. 71 in the middle of the championship hunt, making it to the Round of 8. If the recent Winston-Salem State University graduate can keep the momentum moving, 2025 can be another career year.

James Gilbert | Getty Images

4. Daniel Hemric, No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Chevrolet

Analysis: Hemric makes the move from the NASCAR Cup Series and replaces Christian Eckes in the No. 19 Chevrolet for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in the Truck Series. The 2021 Xfinity Series champion will have some rust to knock off as he competes in his first full-time Truck Series season since 2016, but if the podium effort by the No. 19 team a year ago is any indication, Hemric could be in prime position to add another national series title to his resume.

James Gilbert | Getty Images

3. Grant Enfinger, No. 9 CR7 Motorsports Chevrolet

Analysis: The Craftsman Truck Series veteran in Enfinger enters his ninth year competing full-time in the series. The driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet is a 12-time winner and has made the Championship 4 two years in a row. The 2023 runner-up continues to inch closer to hoisting a trophy above his head at the championship finale in Phoenix and always finds a way to wind up in Victory Lane when it matters.

James Gilbert | Getty Images

2. Ty Majeski, No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford

Analysis: Majeski, the reigning and defending Craftsman Truck Series champion, was a late bloomer in the playoff hunt in 2024. Majeski won the final two races of the regular season to cement his spot in the championship hunt. He kept the momentum rolling all the way to Phoenix and cashed in on his first national series championship. Entering 2025, the Wisconsin native looks to become the first repeat champion since his teammate Matt Crafton (2013-14).

David Jensen | Getty Images

1. Corey Heim, No. 11 Tricon Garage Toyota

Analysis: Corey Heim will pilot the No. 11 Toyota for his third full-time season in the Truck Series for 2025. Heim is an 11-time victor and has a combined total of 79 top-five and top-10 finishes in the series and scored six wins in his runner-up campaign from a year ago. Making the Championship 4 the past two years leaves Heim as an easy contender for the series title come year’s end.

Posted on February 4, 2025February 6, 2025 by Cameron Richardson

Editor’s Note: Today’s Joe Gibbs Racing preview continues NASCAR.com’s countdown of team previews for the 2025 Cup Series season.

JOE GIBBS RACING

Manufacturer: Toyota
Engine: Toyota Racing Development
Driver-crew chief pairings: Denny Hamlin-Chris Gayle (No. 11), Chase Briscoe-James Small (No. 19), Christopher Bell-Adam Stevens (No. 20), Ty Gibbs-Tyler Allen (No. 54)

Team outlook: Joe Gibbs Racing enters 2025 still as one of the powerhouses of the Cup Series but saw some big changes in the offseason. Chase Briscoe replaces the retired Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 19, and the pair of Denny Hamlin and Chris Gabehart is no more as Gabehart transitions to competition director. Hamlin will enter 2025 with Chris Gayle atop the No. 11 box, who used to call the shots for Ty Gibbs and the No. 54 team. Tyler Allen assumed the role of crew chief for Gibbs. Despite the changes, JGR is still bound for another deep playoff run with multiple drivers, if not all four teams after being shut out of the Championship 4 last season. The addition of Briscoe alongside Bell and Gibbs also provides another jolt of youth to the longtime stable.

DENNY HAMLIN, NO. 11 TOYOTA

Experience: 19 full-time seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series; 686 total starts
2024 stats: Eighth in final Cup Series standings; 3 wins, 12 top fives, 18 top 10s, 3 poles
2025 championship odds (DraftKings): 15-2

Outlook: Another heartbreaking playoff exit at Martinsville for Hamlin means another go-around to return to the Championship 4 for the first time since 2021. At 44, Hamlin has yet to show signs that he’s lost a step but will have to find a new cadence and build up a strong relationship quickly with incoming crew chief Gayle. Hamlin has climbed every peak at the Cup Series level except one — the championship. Yes, every victory Hamlin collects toward the end of his career will carry serious value toward his legacy, but that elusive title is one that will forever cling to said legacy unless the goose egg is removed. Every year is a potential chance for the No. 11 to win the championship, but it will be that much harder with a new crew chief.

CHASE BRISCOE, NO. 19 TOYOTA

Experience: Four full-time seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series; 144 total starts
2024 stats: 14th in final Cup Series standings; 1 win, 3 top fives, 9 top 10s
2025 championship odds (DraftKings): 18-1

Outlook: Briscoe delivered one of the most thrilling moments of the 2024 season by holding off Kyle Busch in the Southern 500 to claim the final checkered flag in Stewart-Haas Racing’s last season. Despite the then-imminent shutdown of SHR, Briscoe still utilized his skill to not only make the playoffs but also reach the Round of 12 for a second time in three years. At the milestone age of 30, Briscoe is on the relatively young side of the JGR program and that should pay dividends for the Indiana native. In one of the best rides the Cup Series has to offer, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Briscoe inserts his name as a title contender from the jump. The last time he was a title contender in the national series, he won nine races in 2020 at the Xfinity level, falling just short of a championship to fellow Cup competitor Austin Cindric. Briscoe will have the raw speed to be a race-winning contender almost every weekend this year. It’ll all come down to his execution and whether or not he is ready to live up to the moment at JGR.

CHRISTOPHER BELL, NO. 20 TOYOTA

Experience: Five full-time seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series
2024 stats: Fifth in final Cup Series standings; 3 wins, 15 top fives, 23 top 10s
2025 championship odds (DraftKings): 11-2

Outlook: Last year marked the first time Bell was left out of the Championship 4 in the Next Gen car, but 2024 was arguably Bell’s best season to date. The 30-year-old wheelman has emerged as one of the top talents in the sport and is only bound to break his own numbers moving forward. Even with the great success from last year, Bell still feels JGR ‘left a ton on the table’ after the organization failed to win the rest of the way in 2024 after Bell’s victory at New Hampshire. With a clean slate for 2025, Bell will be aiming for a win total of five or more, matching his asphalt and dirt competitor Kyle Larson in terms of week-to-week success. As a co-title favorite, expect Bell to continue to ascend his stardom at the Cup level and lead all drivers in victories in 2025. Will it culminate in his first title? Well, we’ll wait for Nov. 2 to answer that.

TY GIBBS, NO. 54 TOYOTA

Experience: Two full-time seasons, plus one partial season in the NASCAR Cup Series
2024 stats: 15th in final Cup Series standings; 0 wins, 8 top fives, 12 top 10s, 2 poles
2025 championship odds (DraftKings): 22-1

Outlook: Yes, Gibbs broke through for his first postseason appearance last year. A feat that wouldn’t go overlooked for almost anyone else in their second full-time season, but after Gibbs’ hot start in 2024, it seemed likely he’d grab his maiden Cup win. That didn’t happen. And Gibbs’ postseason ended quickly with a Round of 16 exit. Gibbs eclipsed his numbers compared to his rookie campaign, but it was only on a few occasions where Gibbs appeared to be a legitimate threat to win. He scored just two top fives in the final 12 races of 2024 and his best finish in the final five races of last year was — 30th at Las Vegas. Safe to say that 2025 needs to be much better for Gibbs in his third campaign behind the wheel of the No. 54. A new crew chief calling the shots could be exactly what the doctor ordered for Gibbs, but he’ll need to fire off from the get-go if he wants to be on par with his teammates.

BOLD PREDICTION: Joe Gibbs Racing returns as the class of the Cup Series field and gets all four Toyotas into the Round of 8. Both Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe clinch berths into the Championship 4 with Bell finally hoisting in the Bill France Cup in his third appearance at the Phoenix season finale. Briscoe will be among drivers with multiple wins in 2025 while Gibbs finally breaks through for Cup win No. 1 in the midseason.

Posted on February 4, 2025February 4, 2025 by Staff Report

Drivers in all three NASCAR national series will have an additional way to earn points in 2025.

NASCAR competition officials announced Monday that drivers who record the fastest lap in every points-paying race — the Xfinity Fastest Lap — will earn one additional bonus point in both the driver and owner standings.

In addition to earning a bonus point in each race, the driver in each national series who ends the season with the most fastest laps will receive a donation to the charity/community-related cause of their choosing.

The payouts are $30,000 for the Cup Series driver, $20,000 for Xfinity and $10,000 for the Craftsman Truck Series. Comcast also has the right to match these donations.

MORE: 2025 Cup Series schedule | What’s new for 2025

Further details:

All drivers in the race are eligible for the award, but only championship-points earning drivers in each respective series will earn a point in the driver standings in that series.
If the fastest-lap winning driver is not eligible for championship points in the series, only the team will receive an owner point.
If there is a tie for the fastest recorded lap in the race, the tie will be broken by finishing position.
Drivers who have been disqualified from the race are not eligible for the fastest lap program.
The Championship 4 drivers are still eligible for the Fastest Lap program in the championship race, but Championship 4 drivers will not be awarded a bonus point if they drive the fastest lap in the championship race.

In 2024, Kyle Larson ran the fastest lap in five races to lead the Cup Series. All came in the regular season, which in this format would have given him five total points (one for each instance) in the driver standings. Larson lost the Regular Season Championship by one point to Tyler Reddick last year.

Other drivers with multiple instances of recording the fastest lap during a race last season were Christopher Bell (3), Shane van Gisbergen (3), Denny Hamlin (3), Joey Logano (2) Brad Keselowski (2), Martin Truex Jr. (2) and Ty Gibbs (2).

Posted on February 4, 2025February 4, 2025 by NASCAR Official Release

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2025) — NASCAR and Comcast today announced the renewal of their decade-long partnership, with Comcast continuing its role as both a Premier Partner of the NASCAR Cup Series and title sponsor of the Xfinity Series. The Comcast and NASCAR relationship began in 2014 and the collaboration between the two companies has significantly contributed to the sport’s growth and fan engagement. The Premier Partnership has been renewed for multiple years with the Xfinity Series title sponsorship being extended for one year.

New to the sport starting in 2025, race fans can look forward to the “Xfinity Fastest Lap,” a program that awards one race point to the eligible driver and owner with the fastest single lap in each race, adding extra intensity and strategy to the competition. This new feature will be part of all three national series — Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series — enhancing the competitive landscape and fan experience.

“We’re not just entering year 11 of our partnership. We’re embarking on year one of a renewed relationship with NASCAR filled with fresh energy and exciting opportunities to enhance the competition on the track in a way that has never been done before, and continue to connect with fans in new and engaging ways,” said Matt Lederer, Vice President of Brand Partnership & Engagement at Comcast.

Comcast is expanding its NASCAR partnership to include more of its connectivity and entertainment brands — Xfinity Mobile and Xumo. Xfinity Mobile is joining the partnership as an Official Wireless Partner of NASCAR. Xumo, Comcast’s and Charter’s streaming platform joint venture, will become an Official Video and Streaming Partner of NASCAR, with plans to offer its customers immersive viewing experiences and unique content.

“NASCAR is incredibly appreciative of Comcast’s continued partnership and their commitment to innovation and fan engagement within our sport,” said Michelle Byron, Executive Vice President and Chief Partnership and Licensing Officer at NASCAR. “Their contributions over the past decade, from enhancing the fan experience to supporting community initiatives, have been invaluable. We look forward to building on the success of our partnership during the 2025 season and beyond.”

MORE: NASCAR unveils Xfinity Fastest Lap for 2025 season

Comcast’s commitment to NASCAR extends beyond the track and is woven into its activations. From the title sponsorship of the Xfinity 500 to the Comcast Community Champion of the Year program, which recognizes individuals within the NASCAR community who demonstrate exceptional dedication to philanthropic endeavors, Comcast has consistently championed the sport and its values. This program underscores Comcast’s commitment to social responsibility and its alignment with NASCAR’s values of community engagement.

This renewed partnership ensures that Comcast and NASCAR will continue to deliver thrilling racing action and engaging fan experiences for years to come.

Posted on February 3, 2025February 4, 2025 by Zack Albert

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A longtime symbol of Winston-Salem pride is the coffee pot. A 7-foot-tall version built by local tinsmiths as an advertising device in 1858 has moved around town since its construction but still stands today near the original Old Salem settlement. The relocation came in part because of its size but also partly because curious rubberneckers would cause car accidents, and because one driver crashed into it back in the horseless-carriage age. That accident predates the construction of Bowman Gray Stadium, so no Madhouse regulars needed to be called in for questioning.

The coffee pot has come to symbolize community and the city’s welcoming spirit. So when Winston’s hometown track opened its gates Sunday evening to a national — even international — crowd for the first Cook Out Clash there, a measure of initiation from the locals felt like a mandatory rite of passage. The coffee pot became a melting pot, and the wide-eyed newbies joined the homegrown, diehard locals as the congregation.

This latest spin on what NASCAR’s preseason Clash exhibition is (and what it could be) created a rock-star atmosphere at one of its rugged original venues. The Cup Series’ first race of any sort at Bowman Gray Stadium since 1971 was greeted with lusty appreciation from a vibrant, knowledgeable crowd, one that frequently made its opinions known, whether it was to cheer a brilliant move on the quarter-mile oval’s contours or to shout out encouragement or jeers from the ever-proximate bleachers during driver introductions.

“I thought the pre-race ceremony was pretty cool,” said defending Cup Series champ Joey Logano, who finished fourth but caught his share of hoots and gibes before the engines fired. “The fans being right there, it’s what Bowman Gray is, right? You have the fans heckling you, saying whatever they want, saying you’re No. 1 in two different ways. That’s what Bowman Gray was built off of. I don’t know if you guys got the boos I got.”

At this point, Team Penske teammate Ryan Blaney shrugged in response as he sat alongside in post-race interviews. “Overall, I would say it was successful, right?” Logano added. “When fans are cheering and screaming, the drivers’ brands are being exposed to everybody, which is great, right? Everyone has a favorite or not. You’re passionate about it.”

NASCAR officials noted post-race Sunday that fans from 44 states, five countries and three continents bought tickets to the 17,000-seat arena for its first major-league event in five decades. Those numbers blended with roughly 40% of ticketholders from the greater Piedmont Triad area of Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem and its surrounding communities.

SHOP: Latest Chase Elliott gear

One veteran radio voice provided anecdotal evidence that there was a sort of vetting process for the Bowman Gray first-timers, that buy-in to the rowdy atmosphere that’s given the stadium its Madhouse moniker was necessary for proper admission. For the fans, the middle-finger salute — a taboo gesture almost everywhere else — became like a secret handshake. For the drivers, any razzing from the railbirds during pre-race ceremonies was hard to ignore.

“It was neat to hear them cheering, supporting you. There’s not a lot of places we go where they’re that close and that passionate,” Blaney said. “For whatever reason, everyone wants to have their opinion heard here that’s in the stands, which is awesome to me. Good or bad, it’s awesome that they’re there and they’re wanting to interact. That is a hardcore race fan.”

NASCAR officials have taken a more aggressive approach to hosting unique events in recent years, and the non-points Clash has been a focal point for exploring where the schedule might go. The suggestion that the exhibition race might rotate to another showcase arena, to another historic venue or even to an international locale has been burbling ever since the series proved that the Olympic-style setting of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum could work.

MORE: At-track photos: Bowman Gray | All-time Clash win list

The City of Angels handed the torch to the Camel City for this year’s edition, and the rabid home crowd turned out. The venerable stadium was also ready for its prime-time network TV debut, with a thorough refresh to the arena that dates back to FDR’s second term.

“They took a facility here that’s been around for a long time and made it feel like a brand-new one,” said Denny Hamlin, who led briefly before settling for third Sunday. “The fans obviously were very, very excited to see us. They were enthusiastic. We feed into that. It felt like a big event. Even though it’s not a points-paying event or anything like that, it still feels big. You want to go wherever can give you that feel and atmosphere. There’s surely bigger venues and bigger cities to go to, but will you have this type of feel or not? That’s really what matters.”

This year’s racing calendar has barely begun, so what the 2026 schedule might hold is plenty far off. But the suggestion of putting on another pot of coffee at Bowman Gray is already out there, with many ready for that second cup of stadium joe.

“You’re going to pack it out,” Blaney said. “There’s going to be just as many people here next year as there was tonight. I don’t think it would lose any of its luster.”

Alejandro Alvarez | NASCAR Digital Media

Posted on February 3, 2025February 3, 2025 by Adam Fenwick

The 40th anniversary season for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour begins Saturday night at Florida’s New Smyrna Speedway with the running of the New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 (7:30 p.m. ET on FloRacing).

Saturday’s race at New Smyrna marks the fourth consecutive year the Modified Tour season has launched at the Florida half-mile as part of the track’s World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. Matt Hirschman claimed the first Tour event at New Smyrna in 2022, and Ron Silk won the last two events in 2023-24.

More than 30 competitors are entered to compete at New Smyrna this weekend, led by four-time and defending Modified Tour champion Justin Bonsignore. He’ll look to deny Hirschman, Silk and the rest of the field as he pursues his fifth title.

Tickets to the New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 are available trackside. Below is everything you need to know about the opening race of the 2025 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season.

Cars in action during the 2024 New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 at New Smyrna Speedway. (Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)

New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 at New Smyrna Speedway

Making history is something with which Justin Bonsignore has become familiar. He captured his fourth NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship one season ago, making him just the fourth driver in series history with four or more titles.

Bonsignore also won his 45th Modified Tour race last fall at Martinsville Speedway, which moved him past Reggie Ruggiero for second on the all-time win list. If he can win Saturday’s New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200, he’ll add his name to yet another exclusive list.

In the history of the Modified Tour, a driver has won three consecutive races 17 times. Of those 17 times, it’s been accomplished by 11 drivers. Of those 11 drivers, only two – Richie Evans and Mike Stefanik – have won four or more. Bonsignore enters Saturday’s opening race of the 40th anniversary season riding a three-race winning streak dating back to the end of 2023. A win Saturday would put him alongside Evans and Stefanik as just the third driver to win at least four consecutive races.

A stacked field of competitors will look to deny Bonsignore another historic moment Saturday night. Among them are Ron Silk and Matt Hirschman, the only two drivers to win Modified Tour events at New Smryna. Silk has won the last two Modified Tour events at the track; Hirschman claimed the inaugural event at the venue in 2022.

Craig Lutz, who is back in the Goodie Motorsports No. 46 this year, should be considered a contender after winning the pole and leading 80 laps last year. Patrick Emerling returns for Year 2 in the No. 1 for team owner Rich Gautreau after winning three races together last year.

Jeremy Gerstner will be making his return to the Modified Tour on Saturday at New Smyrna. Gerstner was seriously injured in a crash during practice last year at New Smyrna, and his injuries forced him to sit out nearly the entire 2024 racing season.

Trevor Catalano and Austin Beers, both of whom scored Modified Tour victories last year, are among the 31 entries for Saturday’s opener. Other notables include Eric Goodale, Luke Baldwin, Tommy Catalano, Chase Dowling, Kyle Bonsignore and Tyler Rypkema, among others.

The complete entry list for Saturday’s New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 is available here.

Cars in action during the 2024 New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 at New Smyrna Speedway. (Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)

RACING REFERENCE

RACE FACTS

Race	New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200
Date	Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025
Track	New Smyrna Speedway
Layout	Half-mile asphalt oval
Location	New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Start time	7:30 p.m. ET
Laps	200
Posted Awards	$149,447
Tickets	Trackside
How To Watch	FloRacing

SCHEDULE: Saturday, Feb. 8… Practice from 2 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. ET … Final practice from 3:05 to 3:35 p.m. … Qualifying at 5:30 p.m. ET … New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 at 7:30 p.m. ET (FloRacing).

QUALIFYING: Two consecutive qualifying laps. Faster lap determines qualifying position. Adjustments or repairs may not be made on the vehicle after the vehicle has taken the green flag at the start/finish line. NASCAR reserves the right to have more than one vehicle engage in qualifying runs at the same time. Starting field for the New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 is limited to 32 starters including Provisional Positions.

TIRE ALLOTMENT: The maximum tire allotment available for this event is ten (10) tires per team. All tires used for qualifying and the race must be purchased at the track and scanned by Hoosier, unless otherwise approved in advance by the Series Director. Four (4) tires must be used for qualifying and to begin the race. All qualifying tires must remain in impound until released by NASCAR Officials. The remaining tire allotment may be used for practice and/or change tires during the event. The tire change rule is two (2) tires, per stop.