NASCAR Cup Series drivers took to the track at Bowman Gray Stadium for two 8-minute practice sessions, followed by a group qualifying session on Wednesday (1:30 p.m. ET, FOX Sports App, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Drivers had four minutes to set a qualifying time, running as many laps as they wanted during this time window.
With the heat races canceled due to winter weather, the top 20 fastest drivers from qualifying automatically advanced to Wednesday’s 200-lap main event, the Cook Out Clash (6 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN Radio, HBO Max, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
The top two finishers in the 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier Race (4:30 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) also transferred to the main event, making up starting positions 21st and 22nd, respectively. The 23rd and final starter went to the highest driver in the 2025 final standings who did not transfer from the LCQ finishing position.
For the first time since 2017, NASCAR’s fall weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway will return to the oval in 2026.
Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith confirmed Tuesday on the “Dale Jr. Download” podcast that the classic 1.5-mile oval will host the NASCAR Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series Oct. 9-11, shifting away from the Charlotte Roval after eight seasons on the road course-oval combination. The news was first reported by The Athletic.
Charlotte has hosted NASCAR at least twice annually since the facility opened in 1960, featuring the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day Weekend in May in addition to a fall weekend in October. For 57 years, all of those events were held on the 1.5-mile oval until the Roval debuted on the sport’s calendar in 2018.
In a year earmarked for a return toward NASCAR’s roots as the sport returns to The Chase, Smith and his team determined the time was right to retire the Roval and return to the oval.
“Charlotte Motor Speedway has always been about innovations and opportunity,” Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, said in a release. “The Roval delivered dramatic racing when many fans were calling for a road course in the playoffs. Now there’s an energy around the return of The Chase and fans are seeing the excitement that oval racing continues to generate on mile-and-a-half tracks. This feels like the time to bring the fall race back to the legendary oval at a place where NASCAR history is made every year.”
The Bank of America 400 on Sunday, Oct. 11 will be the site of the Cup Series’ sixth race in The Chase, a return to the championship format that will determine the series’ title winner by points accumulated over the final 10 races of the season. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series’ Blue Cross NC 250 on Oct. 10 and the Truck Series’ EcoSave 250 on Oct. 9 will also serve as events in the respective series’ championship Chase.
The Roval event debuted in 2018, using most of the oval-track configuration with portions of the infield road-course layout that had been used in sports-car competition. The 2.32-mile circuit arrived during a road-racing boom for NASCAR’s top series, and the Roval became a fixture as an elimination race each year under the previous postseason format.
The 2022 debut of the Next Gen car that’s currently used in the Cup Series, however, brought newfound vibrance to the racing on intermediate-sized ovals such as Charlotte. That sentiment led to NASCAR competition officials working with Speedway Motorsports to adjust the 2026 schedule.
“The voice of the passionate NASCAR fan is the starting point of every decision we make, and Marcus, Speedway Motorsports and NASCAR heard them loud and clear – with the return of The Chase, let’s return to the oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR president, said in a release. “As The Chase returns, we are putting a spotlight on performance while honoring the tracks and traditions that have defined championship moments. Charlotte Motor Speedway’s historic oval has played a central role in some of the sport’s most memorable races, so bringing The Chase back to the 1.5-mile configuration for our fans simply felt right.”
Those feelings are reciprocated by the competitors themselves. Brad Keselowski (2013) and Joey Logano (2015) are the only two active drivers who have won a fall race on the Charlotte oval. Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series title winner, championed the move back to the 1.5-mile oval.
“Moving the fall Charlotte race back to the oval really brings the sport back to its roots,” said Keselowski, the 2020 Coca-Cola 600 winner. “That race has so much history, and winning there is a big deal that I’ve been fortunate to do. The racing with the Next Gen car at Charlotte has been some of the best we’ve seen anywhere, and I think putting it back on the oval is going to create an incredible show. It’s the kind of race our fans expect and deserve.”
Hendrick Motorsports teammates Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson each won two Cup Series races during the eight-year run for the Roval layout. Shane van Gisbergen was the most recent Cup winner, where he roared to victory by a whopping 15.160 seconds over Larson.
AJ Allmendinger savored the most national-series success during the Roval era, winning four times in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and notching the most recent of his three Cup Series wins in 2023.
Tickets for the fall NASCAR weekend are available now. According to a track press release, fans looking for the best value can purchase NASCAR season ticket packages which include both the Coca-Cola 600 and Bank of America 400 tripleheader race weekends with discounted tickets, free preferred parking, gift shop discounts and free O’Reilly Auto Parts Series tickets to the Blue Cross NC 250.
Fans who have already purchased fall race weekend tickets and have further questions should contact the ticket office by calling 800-455-FANS (3267). For ticket information, schedule updates and more, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.
For the fifth consecutive season, the stars and cars of NASCAR’s oldest division will travel south to New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, to launch a new season of racing with the running of the New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 (7:30 p.m. ET on FloRacing) as part of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing.
The half-mile asphalt oval hosted the Modified Tour for the first time in 2022, when Matt Hirschman led 112 of 200 laps en route to an impressive victory. Ron Silk followed with back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024, and Patrick Emerling triumphed one season ago.
Tickets to Saturday’s New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 are available here. Below is everything you need to know about the first race of the 2026 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season.
For the fifth consecutive season, New Smyrna Speedway will host the Modified Tour season opener. (Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)
New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 at New Smyrna Speedway
The battle for the 2026 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship begins Saturday night when a stacked field of competitors take to New Smyrna Speedway for the fifth annual New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200.
Headlining the list of entries are no fewer than four Modified Tour champions. Austin Beers, the reigning and defending series champion, will look to begin his title defense in style aboard the No. 64 KLM Motorsports Modified. Four-time Tour champion Justin Bonsignore is also back in the Ken Massa Motorsports No. 51; and two-time champion Ron Silk and 2022 champion Jon McKennedy return full-time to the series after their respective hiatuses.
Joining that quartet is a full contingent of drivers looking to add their names to the list of Modified Tour champions. Among them is Matt Hirschman, who will contest the full schedule aboard the No. 60 for PeeDee Motorsports. Craig Lutz is back in the Goodie Racing No. 46 after a two-win campaign last year, and Patrick Emerling is aboard the No. 1 again this year thanks to a new partnership with USNEPower.
Tyler Rypkema is back for his second full season in the Ole Blue No. 3, and 2025 Rookie of the Year Stephen Kopcik returns for his second season in the No. 21 for team owner Thomas Wanick. Kyle Bonsignore, Tommy and Trevor Catalano and Rookie of the Year contenders Teddy Hodgdon and Mike Christopher Jr. are also entered for Saturday’s race at New Smyrna.
In addition to the expected contingent of full timers, several additional familiar faces will be joining the field Saturday at New Smyrna. Headlining that list is NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece, who will pilot his own No. 40 in Saturday’s opener.
Bobby Labonte, the 2000 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is entered in the No. 38 for PSR Racing, and 2008 Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman will pilot the No. 4 Mystic Missile entry for car owner Tim Connolly.
One notable returning driver is Jimmy Blewett, who is back to compete with the Modified Tour following a recovery following an illness. He will drive the No. 2 entry fielded by Gershow Motorsports.
Carson Loftin is scheduled to pilot the No. 73 entry fielded by the Hartwig family in place of Paulie Hartwig III, who isn’t yet old enough to join the Modified Tour field.
Additional entries expected for Saturday’s opener include Eric Goodale, Luke Baldwin, Timmy Solomito, Andrew Krause, Dave Sapienza, Conner Jones, Jeremy Gerstner and Luke Fleming, among others.
The complete entry list for Saturday’s New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 is available here.
Ron Silk has won two of the four Modified Tour events held at New Smyrna Speedway since 2022. (Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)
SCHEDULE: Saturday, Feb. 7: Practice from 1 – 2:15 p.m. ET … Final Practice from 3 – 3:45 p.m. ET … American Racer Pole Award qualifying at 5:30 p.m. ET … Start of the New Smyrna Beach Area Visitors Bureau 200 at 7:30 p.m. ET (200 Laps / 100 Miles)
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 twelve (12) tires per team. All tires used for qualifying and the race must be purchased at the track and scanned by NASCAR Officials, 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. Four (4) tires of the allotment may be used for change tires. The tire change rule is two (2) tires, per stop. The remaining tire allotment may be used for practice tires during the event.
The Christopher name is one of the most recognizable not only in NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour history, but across the entire Modified industry.
Ted Christopher is widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever drive a Modified, with his Whelen Modified Tour resume alone comprising of 42 victories and the 2008 championship. His brother Mike Christopher was also highly regarded during his career, earning plenty of local wins at tracks like Stafford Motor Speedway and Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.
No member of the Christopher family has been full-time on the Modified Tour since 2014, but Mike’s son, Mike Christopher Jr., will change that trend this season. Christopher Jr. is set to pilot the No. 31 owned by Alan Dering, a car that was previously driven by another seasoned veteran in Matt Hirschman.
Just a few months ago, Christopher Jr. had no idea whether he would be making any starts on the Modified Tour this year. Now he looks forward to chasing a series championship just like his father and late uncle did many years ago.
“The whole deal came together pretty quick,” Christopher Jr. said. “Alan Dering called me in December and said he wanted me to drive his car. He’s very excited for it, his crew is very excited for it, but I also get to bring some of my crew from Stafford, so I think this is going to be really great all together.
“There will be some learning curves along the way, but as long as we get over those humps as soon as possible, we’ll be good to go.”
By embodying the characteristics of his father Mike Christopher and his late uncle Ted Christopher, Mike Christopher Jr. is ready to create his own legacy on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. (Photo: Rachel O’Driscoll/NASCAR)
Christopher Jr. understands how important his name is to race fans in the northeast. He has long been familiar with the stories surrounding Ted and Mike but also considers himself fortunate that he got to witness their on-track efficiency firsthand during his childhood.
Legacy was something Christopher Jr. pondered only occasionally during his youth. He was more focused on enjoying the moment and celebrating with either Mike or Ted in Victory Lane rather than studying how one of them applied their own driving style to set up a pass.
Now that he’s fully embedded into the Modified discipline, Christopher Jr. has had plenty of moments to ascertain how he is going to carry on the family name. He considers himself his own, independent driver but admits he finds himself applying his father’s advice.
“I’d say I definitely race like my dad more,” Christopher Jr. said. “Ted [was] aggressive; I’ve seen that, and a lot of other people have seen that. My dad has always been touted as methodical, a little less aggressive, but he has his moments. I feel like I race like my own person. I try to be really smart behind the wheel and plan stuff out. That’s what my dad taught me.”
Respect has been crucial toward Christopher Jr. finding sustainability and recognition in Modifieds. The blue collar, no-nonsense culture embodied by many drivers in the discipline requires him to be courteous around others on track. That philosophy has resulted in more trips to Victory Lane, this time as a driver.
Mike Christopher Jr. earned his lone Modified Tour win in 2022 after passing Tyler Rypkema for the win late at Jennerstown Speedway. (Photo: Nate Smallwood/NASCAR)
Piloting Tommy Baldwin Jr.’s iconic No. 7NY Modified, Christopher Jr. patiently worked his way up from the eighth starting position to challenge Tyler Rypkema for the win. Christopher Jr. put relentless pressure on Rypkema during the closing stages before making the race-winning maneuver with 11 laps remaining.
Christopher Jr. never imagined he could defeat drivers like series champions Justin Bonsignore and Ron Silk with only minimal Modified Tour experience to his name. Even though he was driving one of the strongest cars in the field that night, he felt his victory proved he could excel on the Modified Tour just like Ted and Mike.
“It came as a surprise, not only to me but to everyone else, too,” Christopher Jr. said. “I didn’t race the Tour. That was my third start, but we go out there and won. I owe most of that credit to Tommy [Baldwin] and his team for putting together a really good race car. If I put my sister in that car, who doesn’t drive at all, she’d probably finish in the top 10.
“I was happy to be the monkey behind the wheel.”
Despite the strong performance, Christopher Jr. made just two more starts on the Modified Tour that season and did not secure a ride in 2023 or 2024. He didn’t let the circumstances deter him, as he went back to driving Modifieds at Stafford and other northeast tracks, building upon the family legacy in his own way.
When he found his way back to the Modified Tour last season, he capitalized on his limited starts. Along with a top-10 finish in the season finale at Martinsville Speedway, Christopher Jr. nearly won the prestigious Mohegan Sun 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in his family-owned car before losing an engine on an overtime restart.
The outcome was disappointing, but it also reinforced Christopher Jr.’s belief that he could thrive against the best in the discipline as someone who can be both patient and aggressive.
An equal balance between Mike and Ted.
The late Ted Christopher scored 42 Whelen Modified Tour wins, fourth most all-time. (Photo: Mike Stobe/Getty Images/NASCAR)
Now Christopher Jr. has the perfect chance to showcase those qualities with a successful Modified Tour program in Dering’s Elite Racing. Nothing is going to come easy against stout competition, but he is going to rely upon everything he knows about Modifieds to validate Dering’s faith.
“You need all [the experience] to go Modified Tour racing,” Christopher Jr. said. “You’ve got to be good on the long run knowing you have 150 laps to complete before the checkered flag. I learned how to get to the finish in a long race from the few starts that I have along with the open Modified racing I’ve done [in the northeast].
“You also have to be aggressive at times, and Stafford has definitely taught me that.”
Christopher Jr.’s maiden full-time venture on the Modified Tour is not just about putting together consistent results. He’s carrying on the legacy of a proud motorsports family, one defined by victories and garnering respect.
Dering’s previous track record as a Modified owner has Christopher Jr. convinced he can add onto his small-but-solid resume on the Modified Tour. He would love to earn a championship, as well, but he emphasized 2026 is about establishing his own identity in the series while reminding fans and drivers why the Christopher name is so prestigious.
“I expect to win races,” Christopher Jr. said. “Alan [Dering] is going full steam ahead; that’s how he is as a person. He wants to go out and compete for wins. It’s up to executing on race day, and a lot goes into that with the pit crew and setup, but we have really good help behind us.
“If we roll out the box at New Smyrna and we’re fast in practice, I expect to run up front and compete for the win.”
Christopher Jr. knows he is not his father Mike Christopher or his uncle Ted Christopher, two drivers who have left an indelible mark on Modified racing culture. But he can be Mike Christopher Jr., a stalwart, focused competitor who is eager to keep writing his own history in the discipline.
Tricon Garage announced Tuesday that four-time NTT IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti will compete for the organization when the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debuts in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Saturday, Feb. 28 (Noon ET, FOX, NASCAR Racing Network Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
Franchitti will pilot the No. 1 Toyota for Tricon in partnership between the team, Jimmie Johnson and Legacy Motor Club. Dollar Tree will serve as primary sponsor for the No. 1 truck.
The 52-year-old Scot has a decorated racing resume, with three wins in the Indianapolis 500 and a victory in the 2008 Rolex 24 at Daytona alongside Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas.
“The thought of racing a NASCAR truck on a street circuit is really intriguing to me,” Franchitti said in a press release. “The different surfaces, the fact that part of it is on an airport, then you go into the streets, the different bumps, all those things you got to try and master. This was just the chance to race on a circuit that I love, and a chance to do something fun. This all stemmed from a conversation with Jimmie Johnson. For me, with the opportunity to race the truck, it was really him, it was the whole team that he has there [at LMC] that made it all happen. His relationship with Toyota, Dollar Tree coming on a sponsor — it’s all been through Jimmie and the team at Legacy MC. If it goes well, great. If it doesn’t go well, I am going to be blaming Jimmie.”
Franchitti competed in select events across the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2007 and 2008 with Chip Ganassi Racing. He made 10 Cup starts and 18 O’Reilly starts with a top-five finish coming in the latter series at Watkins Glen International.
In his 2011 championship season in IndyCar, Franchitti won the first race of the year at St. Pete.
Since retiring from full-time action in 2013, Franchitti has remained active in racing as a broadcast analyst and adviser/driver coach at Chip Ganassi Racing.
“Dario and I had been talking for a long time about the chance to race together, so when he approached me about St. Petersburg, I knew I had to get to work,” Johnson said in a team press release. “I called him back a day later with an incredible opportunity to join a championship-winning team with Toyota and the great people at Tricon. “It’s been a lot of fun getting him integrated into the team and spending more time together, going through the process of getting him back to racing. I’m so excited it all came together and thankful that Dollar Tree is going to support. I am looking forward to sitting on the pit box alongside the team and sharing this experience with Dario.”
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Ahead of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, race project lead Justin Swilling said NASCAR would race “come hell or high snow.”
High snow came — in historic amounts across North Carolina’s Piedmont region — and NASCAR is racing The Clash at Bowman Gray in a Wednesday night showdown (6 p.m. ET, FOX, HBO Max, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
To help clear the grandstands of Mother Nature’s mess, drivers Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Todd Gilliland made the Monday pilgrimage to “The Madhouse,” shovels in hand, to dump the snow and ice from what will soon be seats for thousands of rowdy race fans.
Stenhouse, the 2023 Daytona 500 champion, was first to offer his services by sending a Saturday text to NASCAR’s Joey Dennewitz, managing director of NASCAR Regional. That text, Stenhouse explained after shoving more ice out of the way, was under the guise that NASCAR might race Monday night.
“I was hoping so,” laughed Stenhouse, driver of the No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet. “I knew that they were gonna need a lot of work to get these grandstands ready. I knew they would have the track ready, so that really wasn’t a concern of mine. But as you can tell, there is a ton of snow still in the grandstand, so I think if we just bust it up enough, the sun will take care of the rest. …
“Clearly, the grandstands aren’t ready to race (Monday night), even though I know this Bowman Gray crowd, they don’t care. They would have sat right in the snow. But we’ll at least give them a few sections that are clear and dry come Wednesday night.”
Zach Sturniolo | NASCAR Digital Media
Gilliland, entering his fifth year driving for Front Row Motorsports and second in its No. 34 Ford, was happy to be back at Bowman Gray on Monday. But he admitted joining the shoveling wasn’t exactly his idea.
“I think they texted Ricky or called him last night and said they’re gonna be doing this, and then he recruited me, so I’m like secondhand,” Gilliland said. “But super fun and super cool to actually see the race track for the first time this year. It’s cool to be here.”
Born in North Carolina and the son of a West Coast racing family, Gilliland didn’t grow up experiencing true winter weather. He has quickly learned its beauties and its curses.
“I tried to shovel my yard yesterday, the first time, and it went about like this — a lot of ice, a lot of snow on top of it,” he said. “So yeah, I’d be good if there’s no more snow, to be honest. More of a warm-weather guy.”
Swilling has overseen every step of the Bowman Gray experience, from getting the track ready in 2025 for its first NASCAR Cup Series event since 1971, all the way to this year’s unexpected snow-out that has led to a midweek Wednesday feature. Swilling conceded this has been a “trying week, just trying to keep up with everything,” but the drivers’ willingness to help and the coordination between NASCAR’s leadership and that of the City of Winston-Salem have encouraged Swilling to keep going.
“Certainly, Mother Nature has not been kind to us the past two weekends, but everybody’s persevered. Everybody’s kept a positive attitude,” Swilling said, pausing to talk between his own shoveling efforts. “Couldn’t thank Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Todd Gilliland enough for literally tweeting at us and said, ‘Hey, we got our shovels. We’ll come help if you need it.’ And we took them up on that offer. I think this just shows the sense of community along the NASCAR industry, right? Everybody’s able to pitch in. There’s a lot of these people here that were supposed to work the event, but clearly are not in their working capacity right now as they’re shoveling ice and snow. But everybody’s pitched in and done everything they can, and that’s what makes this so rewarding.”
Though Stenhouse, Gilliland and Swilling will get the spotlight, they were just three among the dozens of workers on the property Monday attempting to get the facility ready for a February event. Some staff used blowtorches to melt ice, while others dumped snow into trash cans to be moved elsewhere.
“The City of Winston-Salem and the Fairgrounds staff that you see behind me, can’t thank them enough,” Swilling said. “We’ve also hired some snow-abatement contractors who know a little bit more about this than we traditionally would at a NASCAR race because we don’t have to deal with this all too often — and I am thankful for that. But no, we’ve got everybody just picking up and rallying. We’ve even got some of the janitorial staff that helps keep the place clean and pristine throughout the weekend, they’ve went out, bought shovels, and they’re out there helping too. So the RM Cleaning team, everybody’s doing an incredible job and couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of the team.”
Zach Sturniolo | NASCAR Digital Media
Ultimately, the joined forces are taking every measure to ready the facility for the sole purpose of running in front of fans. Sure, “The Madhouse” moniker fits the on-track action, but it also characterizes the passion that drives fans to its weekly races during the spring and summer.
Standing with shovel in hand in the backstretch stands, Stenhouse recalled his first brush with that enthusiasm one year ago after colliding with Burt Myers — hometown hero to some, public enemy No. 1 to others.
“The atmosphere is what makes this place so special,” Stenhouse said from the backstretch bleachers. “And last year was my first taste of Bowman Gray. I never ran anything here before, and I got the full treatment — actually, this section right here. I was parked right here after Burt and I got together, and they were coming down the grandstands letting me know what they thought. Tim Brown fans were giving me the thumbs up, but there was a lot of Burt Myers fans giving me the finger. So yeah, it was this section right here. But hopefully these people will be a lot nicer to me since I at least helped clear their grandstands.”
During teleconferences over the weekend, Swilling said all options had been considered amid the historic winter storms, including running The Clash without spectators on the property. He just couldn’t see that happening.
“I don’t think we can have a race at Bowman Gray Stadium without the fans,” Swilling said. “That’s why we wanted to postpone to Wednesday, to give ourselves some time to get this place ready for them because it’s the perfect balance of competitive drama and drama in the stands as well, and everybody feeds off of that. So it’s important to have every element of ‘The Madhouse’ to make it ‘The Madhouse.’ ”
“I mean, dude, this is one of the coolest places ever,” Gilliland said. “Like last year, we were walking around in driver intros, and I mean, this is as close as the fans will ever get to the race track. So it’s awesome to see that. Yeah, obviously, they’re well known here for being really crazy and very passionate, and I think that’s what makes NASCAR so cool in general, just the passionate fans that we have. So yeah, it’s awesome. And yeah, we’re getting a lot of seats cleared off, so all you fans better come out.”
On-track activities begin with practice and qualifying at 1:30 p.m. ET on the FOX Sports App, followed by the 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier at 4:30 p.m. on FOX. Twenty-three cars will take the grid for the 200-lap feature for the Cook Out Clash at 6 p.m. ET on FOX.
Editor’s note: Today’s Joe Gibbs Racing preview continues NASCAR.com’s countdown of team previews for the 2026 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: A near return to championship glory in 2025 for the storied JGR program positions the four-car outfit for a bright future in 2026. The team amassed 13 points-paying victories a season ago and returns all four of its driver and crew-chief pairings in the new year. The Toyota powerhouse is poised to remain a top title contender, particularly with three proven veterans in Hamlin, Bell and Briscoe and an up-and-coming talent in Ty Gibbs that seems set for a breakout season.
DENNY HAMLIN, NO. 11 TOYOTA
Experience: 20 full-time seasons in NASCAR Cup Series; 721 starts 2025 stats: 2nd in final Cup Series standings; 6 wins, 14 top fives, 18 top 10s, 5 poles, 1,024 laps led
Driver outlook: Denny Hamlin is back for what could be his penultimate season in the NASCAR Cup Series after two decades. A dominant performance at Phoenix last fall nearly led him to that ever-elusive first Cup championship, but an argument could be made that his chances to break through are greater as NASCAR returns to The Chase championship format. Hamlin won a whopping 17.1% of his Cup starts in 2025 (missing Mexico City due to the birth of his son, Jameson), and wins are worth more points now than a season ago. Coupled with a format that rewards week-after-week consistency through points, Hamlin may be back in the title hunt again come November.
Experience: 5 full-time seasons in NASCAR Cup Series; 180 starts 2025 stats: 3rd in final Cup Series standings; 3 wins, 15 top fives, 19 top 10s, 7 poles, 884 laps led
Driver outlook: Chase Briscoe made his first season with JGR count in 2025, qualifying for the Championship 4 amid a three-win campaign that forged the No. 19 team as a weekly contender. He and crew chief James Small got off to a slow start last season as the pairing learned each other’s tendencies, but once they clicked, they became a consistent threat at the front of the field. Without growing pains in 2026, Briscoe should be fighting for race wins all over again in no time.
Experience: 6 full-time seasons in NASCAR Cup Series; 216 starts 2025 stats: 5th in final Cup Series standings; 4 wins, 13 top fives, 22 top 10s, 1 pole, 282 laps led
Driver outlook: Christopher Bell scored the second-most wins for JGR in 2025 while also netting the team’s most top 10s. Bell and crew chief Adam Stevens have become one of the Cup Series’ elite pairings in recent years, scoring Championship 4 appearances in 2022 and 2023 with fifth-place points finishes in each of the last two seasons. The No. 20 team is another that may benefit from pursuing The Chase championship rather than the previous elimination-style format.
Experience: 3 full-time seasons in NASCAR Cup Series; 123 starts 2025 stats: 19th in final Cup Series standings; 0 wins, 5 top fives, 10 top 10s, 0 poles, 304 laps led
Driver outlook: Ty Gibbs is still searching for the first Cup win of his career, but the 2022 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion is making strides to contend in the new year. Crew chief Tyler Allen is back atop the box for his sophomore season, calling the shots on the No. 54 team after the group earned five top fives a season ago. What should be encouraging is that all five came on a variety of race tracks — the 0.533-mile Bristol Motor Speedway (third); the 2-mile Michigan International Speedway oval (third); the Chicago Street Course (second), the 1-mile Dover Motor Speedway (fifth); and Talladega Superspeedway (third). Stringing results like that consistently will put Gibbs in position to strike for that first victory.
The World Series of Asphalt encompasses nine consecutive nights of on-track action featuring a variety of divisions headlined by features for Super Late Models, Pro Late Models and Modifieds. This year’s World Series of Asphalt marks the 60th edition of the legendary event.
The Modified division will headline three nights of racing, beginning Saturday, Feb. 7 with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour season opener. The Modified class will also receive top billing Wednesday, Feb. 11 for the running of the Blewett Memorial 76 and again Friday, Feb. 13 for the running of the Richie Evans Memorial 100.
Super Late Models take center stage Tuesday, Feb. 10 for the ASA STARS National Tour Clyde Hart Memorial 200, and the Pro Late Model class headlines the action on Thursday, Feb. 12 with the annual Hart to Heart Pro Late Model 100.
Tickets for the 2026 edition of the World Series of Asphalt can be purchased here. Below is everything to know about the festivities, including the schedule and entry lists.
Cars in action during the 2025 World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway. (Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)
What channel is the World Series of Asphalt at New Smyrna Speedway on in 2026?
Live coverage of the 2026 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 broadcast on a traditional television network.
Below is the complete schedule for World Series of Asphalt coverage on FloRacing.
Every division scheduled to race on a given evening during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing gets two individual practice sessions that day. 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 2026 World Series of Asphalt at New Smyrna Speedway.
Friday, Feb. 6
Time
Event
9 a.m.
Pit Area Opens
10 a.m.
Registration/Tire/Fuel Station Opens
12 p.m.
Grandstands Open
12:15 p.m.
Drivers Meeting
1 p.m.
Practice Begins
3:45 p.m.
Super Late Model Tires Released
4 p.m.
Super Late Model pre-qualifying inspection
4:40 p.m.
Sportsman Qualifying
5 p.m.
Pro Late Model Tires Released
5 p.m.
Bomber A Final Practice/Qualifying
5:15 p.m.
Pro Late Model pre-qualifying inspection
5:20 p.m.
Bomber B Final Practice/Qualifying
6 p.m.
Super Late Model Qualifying
6:30 p.m.
Pro Late Model Qualifying
7:15 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies
7:30 p.m.
Racing starts: Super Late Models (60 Laps), Sportsman (35 Laps), Pro Late Models (60 Laps), Bomber A (50 Laps), Bomber B (50 Laps)
Saturday, Feb. 7
Time
Event
7:30 a.m.
Pit Area Opens
11 a.m.
Registration/Tires/Fuel Opens
11:30 a.m.
Super Late Model Inspection Begins
12 p.m.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Drivers Meeting (Series Trailer)
12:30 p.m.
Super Late Model Drivers Meeting
1 p.m.
Grandstands Open
1 p.m.
Practice Begins
4:15 p.m.
Super Late Model Tires Released
5 p.m.
Super Late Model Qualifying
5:30 p.m.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Qualifying
6:20 – 7:10 p.m.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Autograph Session (On Track)
7:15 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies
7:30 p.m.
Racing starts: NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (150 Laps), Super Late Models (60 Laps)
Sunday, Feb. 8
Time
Event
10 a.m.
Pit Area Opens
10:30 a.m.
Modified Inspection Begins
10:30 a.m.
Registration/Tire/Fuel/Inspection Opens
11:15 a.m.
Drivers Meeting
12 – 1 p.m.
ASA Credentials (Pit Gate)
12 p.m.
Grandstand Opens
12 p.m.
Practice Begins
3:45 p.m.
Pro Late Model Tires Released
4 p.m.
Pro Late Model pre-qualifying inspection
4:15 p.m.
602 Modified Group Qualifying
4:40 – 5 p.m.
E-Modified Final Practice/Qualifying
5:30 p.m.
Pro Late Model Qualifying
6:10 p.m.
Sportsman Qualifying
6:50 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies
7 p.m.
Racing starts: Pro Late Models (60 Laps), 602 Modifieds (25 Laps), Sportsman (60 Laps), E-Modified (35 Laps)
Monday, Feb. 9
Time
Event
8 a.m.
Pit Area Opens
8:45 a.m.
ASA Crew Chief Meeting
To Follow
ASA Inspection & Tire Mounting Begins
10 a.m.
Registration/Tires/Fuel Opens
11:45 a.m.
Drivers Meeting
12:30 p.m.
Grandstands Open
12:30 p.m.
Practice Begins
1 p.m.
Pro Late Model Inspection Begins (Optional)
4:30 p.m.
Modified pre-qualifying inspection
4:55 – 5:15 p.m.
602 Modified Final Practice/Qualifying
5 p.m.
ASA Qualifying Tires Released
5:15 p.m.
ASA pre-qualifying inspection
5:30 p.m.
Pro Late Model Qualifying Tires Released
5:30 p.m.
Modified Qualifying
6:10 p.m.
Pro Late Model Group Qualifying
6:55 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies
7 p.m.
ASA STARS National Tour Qualifying
Followed by
Racing starts: Modified (60 Laps), ASA STARS LCQ (20 Laps), Pro Late Model (60 Laps), 602 Modifieds (25 Laps)
Tuesday, Feb. 10
Time
Event
10 a.m.
Pit Area Opens
11 a.m.
Registration/Tire/Fuel/Inspection Opens
12:15 p.m.
Drivers Meeting
1 p.m.
Grandstand Opens
1 p.m.
Practice Begins
2 p.m.
ASA Drivers Meeting (Series Trailer)
3 p.m.
ASA pre-race inspection begins
3:30 p.m.
Modified pre-race inspection begins
4:25 p.m.
Pro Late Model Qualifying Tires Released
4:30 p.m.
Modified Qualifying
5 p.m.
Pro Late Model Qualifying
6 – 6:45 p.m.
ASA Autograph Session (On Track)
6:50 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies
7:30 p.m.
Racing starts: ASA STARS Clyde Hart Memorial 200 (200 Laps), Modifieds (60 Laps), Pro Late Models (60 Laps)
Wednesday, Feb. 11
Time
Event
10 a.m.
Pit Area Opens
11 a.m.
Registration/Tires/Fuel Opens
11:30 a.m.
Tech Inspection Open
12:15 p.m.
Drivers Meeting
1 p.m.
Grandstand Opens
1 p.m.
Practice Begins
4:15 p.m.
Super Late Model Qualifying Tires Released
4:30 p.m.
Modified/Pro Late Model/Super Late Model pre-qualifying inspection
4:45 – 5:05 p.m.
602 Modified Final Practice/Qualifying
5:10 p.m.
Pro Late Model Group Qualifying
5:30 p.m.
Modified Qualifying
6 p.m.
Super Late Model Qualifying
6:30 p.m.
Florida Modified Qualifying
7:15 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies
7:30 p.m.
Racing starts: Modified John Blewett Memorial 76 (76 Laps), Super Late Models (60 Laps), Florida Modifieds (60 Laps), Pro Late Models (60 Laps), 602 Modified (25 Laps)
Thursday, Feb. 12
Time
Event
10 a.m.
Pit Area Open
11 a.m.
Registration/Tires/Fuel Opens
11:30 a.m.
Tech Inspection Opens
12:15 p.m.
Drivers Meeting
1 p.m.
Grandstand Opens
1 p.m.
Practice Begins
4:15 p.m.
Pro Late Model Qualifying Tires Released
4:30 p.m.
Pro Late Model pre-qualifying inspection
4:45 – 5:05 p.m.
Florida Modified Final Practice/Qualifying
5 p.m.
Super Late Model Qualifying Tires Released
5:10 p.m.
602 Modified Group Qualifying
5:30 p.m.
Modified pre-qualifying inspection
5:30 p.m.
Super Late Model Qualifying
6 p.m.
Pro Late Model Qualifying
6:30 p.m.
Modified Qualifying
7:10 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies
7:30 p.m.
Racing starts: Pro Late Model Hart to Heart 100 (100 Laps), 602 Modifieds (66 Laps), Super Late Models (60 Laps), Modifieds (60 Laps), Florida Modifieds (60 Laps)
Friday, Feb. 13
Time
Event
10 a.m.
Pit Area Opens
12 p.m.
Registration/Tires/Fuel Opens
12:15 p.m.
Inspection Open
1:15 p.m.
Drivers Meeting
2 p.m.
Grandstand Opens
2 p.m.
Practice Begins
5 p.m.
Modified pre-qualifying inspection
5:30 p.m.
Pro Truck Group Qualifying
6 p.m.
Modified Qualifying
6:30 p.m.
Florida Modified Qualifying
Followed by…
Vintage Car Exhibition Race
7:15 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies
7:30 p.m.
Racing starts: Modified Richie Evans Memorial 100 (100 Laps), Pro Trucks (35 Laps), Florida Modifieds (60 Laps), Ground Pounders (20 Laps)
Saturday, Feb. 14
Time
Event
10 a.m.
Pit Area Opens
12 p.m.
Registration/Tires/Fuel Opens
12:15 p.m.
Inspection Opens
1:15 p.m.
Drivers Meeting
2 p.m.
Grandstand Opens
2 p.m.
Practice Begins
5 p.m.
Super Stock Final Practice/Qualifying
5:15 p.m.
Modifieds of Mayhem pre-qualifying inspection
6 p.m.
Modifieds of Mayhem Qualifying
6:30 p.m.
Pro Truck Group Qualifying
6:45 p.m.
Sprint Car Qualifying Heats (8 Laps)
7:20 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies
7:30 p.m.
Racing starts: Modifieds of Mayhem (60 Laps), Super Stock (35 Laps), Pro Trucks (60 Laps), Sprint Cars (25 Laps)
Multiple divisions of Modifieds are scheduled to compete during the 60th World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway. (Photo: Ted Malinowski/NASCAR)
Entry lists
The World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway attracts a talented and wide-ranging group of drivers from across the United States and the world.
In 2026, a stacked Modified division includes defending World Series champion Patrick Emerling. Bowman Gray Stadium star Burt Myers, reigning NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Austin Beers, NASCAR Cup Series competitor Ryan Preece and two-time Modified Tour champ Ron Silk are among the other Modified entrants.
The Super Late Model class also features a stacked lineup. The field includes drivers like Derek Griffith, a two-time World Series Super Late Model champion, New Smyrna Speedway regular Brad May, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series regular William Sawalich and Preece, who is entered in the Super Late Model and Modified divisions at the World Series.
The Pro Late Model class is the most unique of the three major divisions, with drivers from multiple Canadian provinces, Brazil and Greece scheduled to compete at New Smyrna. Among those entered are NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race winner Raphael Lessard, two-time and defending World Series Pro Late Model champion Hunter Wright, Greece’s Thomas Krasonis and Brazil’s Gabriel Cassagrande.
Below is the full list of drivers entered for this year’s World Series of Asphalt.
Modifieds
1 Patrick Emerling. Orchard Park NY
1 Stephen Kopcik. Newtown CT
2 J.R Bertuccio. Centerreach NY
3 Steve Zaleski. N. Palm Beach FL
7 Jon Puleo. Branford CT
7 Rich Parker. Forked River NJ
8 Cam McDermott. Canterbury CT
11 Norman Newman. Kincardine ON
16 Ron Silk. Norwalk CT
17 Burt Myers. Walnut Cove NC
19 Jeffrey Battle. Dunstable MA
20 Jerry Gradl. Buffalo NY
21 Tommy Wanick. Zion Grove PA
21 TBA (Gershow Motorsports)
24 Andrew Krause. East Brunswick NJ
32 Tyler Rypkema. Owego NY
39 Conner Jones. Fredericksburg VA
40 Ryan Preece. Berlin CT
42 Steve Wonick. Mountain Top PA
46 Jeffrey Goodale. Riverhead NY
50 Ronnie Williams. Lebanon CT
54 Tommy Catalano. Ontario NY
56 Trevor Catalano. Ontario NY
64 Amy Catalano. Ontario NY
66 Timmy Solomito. Islip NY
71 Jimmy Zacharias. Owego NY
73 Paulie Hartwig III. Galloway NJ
73 Paul Hartwig Jr. Galloway NJ
73 Paul Hartwig Sr. Galloway NJ
76 James Blewett. Howell NJ
81 Mark Stewart. Wading River NY
84 Tyler Catalano. Ontario NY
92 Anthony Nocella. Woburn MA
95 Cory Plummer. Swanzey NH
09 Christopher Hatton Jr. New Smyrna Beach FL
179 Austin Beers. Northampton PA
Super Late Models
3 Jeff Brown. Hamburg NY
6 Brandon Lopez. Woodstock GA
9 Derek Kraus. Stratford WI
9 Brad May. Oviedo FL
12 Derek Griffith. Hudson NH
17 Billy Braun. Wales WI
17 Hudson Bulger. Fort Valley GA
22 George Phillips. Charlotte NC
22 Kyle Steckly. Milverton ON
24 Jade Avedisian. Clovis CA
25 William Sawalich. Eden Prairie MN
26 Dawson Sutton. Lebanon TN
29 Cole Robie. Windham ME
29 Hunter Wright. Lebanon TN
36 Ty Fredrickson. Northfield MN
44 Conner Jones. Fredericksburg VA
51 Anthony Bello. Newtown CT
54 Joey Brainard. Bowmansville NY
54 Matt Craig. Mt. Pleasant NC
60 Ryan Preece. Berlin CT
69 Michael Hinde. Hernando FL
83 Cory Hall. Jolicure NB
92 RJ Braun. Wales WI
96 Spencer Davis. Dawsonville GA
05 Brandon Turbush. Manorville NY
08 Nicholas Naugle. Dartmouth NS
112 Steve Weaver Jr. Plantation FL
Pro Late Models
1 Dennis Wenner. Drums PA
2 John Bolen. Jasper AL
3 Evan McKnight. Windermere FL
6 Brandon Lopez. Woodstock GA
8 Jayden Johnson. Ixonia WI
9 Brad May. Oviedo FL
9 Wesley Slimp. Marietta GA
13 Ben Mack. Fisherville KY
15 Thomas Krasonis. Athens GR
17 Josh Stade. Chesley ON
17 Kevin Folan. North Attleboro MA
22 Todd Delisle. Courtice ON
24 Mia Lovell. Las Vegas NV
25 Gage Gilby. Enfield NS
27 Vito Cancilla. Martinez, CA
29 Cole Robie. Windham ME
29 Hunter Wright. Lebanon TN
31 JT Chastain. Punta Gorda FL
31 Brody Monahan. Waterford CT
35 John Weitz. Caldwell ID
35 Ron Wurtz. Caldwell ID
42 Eric St. Gelais. Charlevoix QC
44 Conner Jones. Fredericksburg VA
48 Raphael Lessard. Vallee Jonction QC
50 Ryan Pawloski. Lowell MI
54 Jarrett Butcher. Enfield NS
83 William Roberge. Beaumont QC
87 Chloe Mazzagatti. New Franklin OH
96 Gabriel Cassagrande. Curita, BR
00 Jimmy Renfrew Jr. Candia NH
08 Nicholas Naugle. Dartmouth NS
100 Weston Marthaler. Gleemwood MN
Florida Modifieds
2 Brad Bowman. Clearwater FL
9 Jarrett Korpi. Osteen FL
11 James Whittredge. Ashville OH
15 Matthew Green. Orlando FL
15 Tank Tucker. New Smyrna FL
18 Matthew Laprade. New Smyrna Beach FL
36 Gregg Campbell. South Lyon MI
37 Spencer Stineman. Lagrange OH
45 George Rangel. Columbus MI
57 Tim Moore. St Petersburgh FL
57 Tyler Nuckles. Canal Winchester OH
61 Brad Springer. Ashley IN
62 Buddy Anderson. Baileyton AL
66 Jerry Symons. New Smyrna Beach FL
72 LJ Grimm. Seffner FL
602 Modifieds
0 Steve Whitt. Forked River NJ
2 Hank Baker Jr. Oak Hill FL
2 Jerry Gradl. Buffalo NY
2 Tony Pettinelli. Rome NY
3 Joe Papin. Oswego NY
3 Christian LaCicero. Seaside Park NJ
4 RJ Surdell. Willington CT
5 Patrick Kayatta. Indian Harbour FL
8 Brian Schoch. Slatington PA
9 Matt Montineri. Ponte Vedra FL
12 Nick Baer. New Tripoli PA
12 Annabeth Barnes. Hiddenite. NC
12 Cody Norman. Lewisville NC
15 Michael Brennan. Old Bridge NJ
17 Joey Torchia. Galloway NJ
22 Tommy Sekulski. Nesconset NY
27 Adam LaCicero. Lavallette NJ
34 Eric Zeh. Huntersville NC
46 Vinny Delaney. Islip Terrace NY
48 Tovia Grynewicz. Clyde TX
49 Jack Handley Jr. Medford NY
57 Justin Beecher. Billerica MA
57 Michael Leone. Toms River NJ
57 Wayne Skinner Whiting NJ
66 James Storace. Kingston NH
66 Mike Albasini. Calverton NY
71 Chris Hettinger. Hunterville NC
73 Paulie Hartwig III. Galloway NJ
73 Paul Hartwig Jr. Galloway NJ
94 Paul Flye. Ontario NY
99 James Williams. The Villages FL
06 Chris Hatton Sr. Deltona FL
09 Christopher Hatton Jr. New Smyrna Beach FL
124 Ron D’Alessandro. Palm Bay FL
Sprint Cars
5 Joe Liguori. Lebanon TN.
10 LJ Grimm. Seffner FL
14 Davey Hamilton Jr. Lutz FL
20 Alby Ovitt. Raymond NH
22 Bobby Santos. McCordsville IN
24 Dylan Reynolds. Lady Lake FL
61 Colton Bettis. Lutz FL
67 Scotty Adema. Ft. Myers FL
85 Steven Hollinger. Titusville FL
92 Anthony Nocella. Woburn MA
Pro Trucks
11 Niko Garrano. Davenport FL
18 Matthew Laprade. New Smyrna Beach FL
23 Christopher Hunter. Century FL
25 Timmy Todd Jr. St. Cloud FL
28 Nolan Mesa. Jupiter FL
31 JT Chastain. Punta Gorda FL
51 Garrett Thompson. North Port FL
05 Greyson Greaves. Port Charlotte. FL
192 Anthony Lessard. Sainte Claire. QC
Sportsman
15 Matthew Laprade. New Smyrna Beach FL
15 TBA. Boydtech
19 Cody Struble. Inverness FL
44 Matthew Green. Orlando FL
51 Rice Robinson. Wilson WY
61 Kyle Case. North Point FL
71 Earl Beckner. Apopka FL
88 Dylan LeBeau. Daytona Beach FL
112 Dave Werning. Palm Coast FL
151 Sean Fitzgerald. Tangerine FL
E-Mod
10 Carson May. Oviedo FL
12 Dylan Saile. Deland FL
14 Dalton Symons. New Smyrna Beach FL
16 Jonathan Mennenga. Ocala FL
17 Curtis Robinson. Saint Augustine FL
45 Michael Seay. Longwood FL
53 Michael Mark. Deland FL
91 Timothy Rushing. Bradenton FL
98 Max Wheeler. New Smyrna Beach FL
Super Stocks
15 Tyler Prenesti. Key Largo FL
58 Gage Spears. New Smyrna Beach FL
66 Chase Symons. New Smyrna Beach FL
Bomber A
2 Steven Davilla. Port Orange FL
7 Aaron Foye. Cocoa FL
14 Brandon Monroe. Orlando FL
16 Zechariah Cartledge. Winter Springs FL
17 Michael Austin. Palm Bay FL
18 Ben Wolff. Jacksonville FL
76 Richard Monroe. Belleview FL
88 Stephen Brown. Port Orange FL
Bomber B
3 Spencer Dean. Port Orange FL
5 Jason Lang. Byron GA
10g Shawn Bailey. Bushnell FL
11 Niko Garrano. Davenport FL
11x Brandon “Bones” Duchscherer. Winter Haven FL
12 Justin Phillips. Waldo FL
23 Calli Duchscherer. Winter Haven FL
23 Tim Nicholas. Melbourne FL
24 Randy Strehle. Deland FL
26 Lucas Johnson. Orange Park FL
45 Travis Soukup. Deltona FL
58 Gage Spears. New Smyrna Beach FL
66 Chase Symons. New Smyrna Beach FL
77 Ty Ottinger. Cross City FL
80 Kenny Roth. Deltona FL
88 Don Brayton. Deltona FL
89 William Hindman. Cocoa FL
K9 Chuck Rush. Sanford FL
Ground Pounders
0 Scott Cutter. Titusville FL.
2 Richard Brayton. Silver Spring FL
2 Scott Fobes. Titusville FL
4D Frank Pelkey. Melbourne FL
11 Danny Massa. North Dighton MA
52 Hank Baker. Oak Hill FL
Gavan Boshele is the defending Super Late Model champion at the World Series of Asphalt at New Smyrna Speedway. (Photo: Adam Glanzman/NASCAR)
World Series of Asphalt winners
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. Gavan Boschele is the most recent World Series Super Late Model champion after securing the crown one season ago.
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. Last year, Patrick Emerling secured his maiden World Series Modified championship.
Below is a complete list of World Series of Asphalt champions in the Modified and Super Late Model classes.
SOPHIA, N.C. — Caraway Speedway returns to NASCAR’s Weekly Series in 2026. The announcement was made to competitors at the annual Awards Banquet on Jan. 17th.
Track officials met with many drivers at the speedway rules meeting on Jan. 10 to discuss the possibility of a NASCAR sanction returning.
“I wanted to hear the thoughts of the drivers directly, so we passed out a Q&A form with space for rules suggestions and a yes or no line concerning the sanction,” said track owner Darren Hackett. “The results were extremely positive from the teams represented. That cemented in my mind the decision to ask NASCAR to return.
“They said yes, and the rest is history. We are happy to be part of the NASCAR family again.”
The NASCAR sanction opens the door to drivers to participate in National, Regional, State and Local programs based on their performance over the course of the season. It features a standardized points structure that rewards consistency as well as bonus opportunities as drivers race for a $15,000 point fund at each track with Regional and National point funds posted, as well.
There are Regional and National “Rookie of the Year” Bonus Awards for newcomers to a track.
(Photo: Susan Wong/NASCAR)
Caraway Speedway begins the 2026 season Sunday, March 8th with an eight-race program and the first of 10 events for the featured Limited Late Models. The Chargers, Mini Stocks, UCARS, 602 Modifieds, Crown Vics, Legends and Bandoleros fill the slate for the 2 p.m. ET start.
On Saturday, March 14, the first of four 2026 Tour Type Modified events features a 75 lap “open” competition event with a $5,000 to win purse. The Chargers, Mini Stocks, UCARS, 602 Modifieds, Crown Vics, Legends and Bandoleros round out the show.
The SMART Tour returns July 4 for the “Rusty Harpe Memorial” presented by Daggett Shuler Attorneys and again on Sept. 12 for the annual 911 Remembrance Night. The North-South Shootout in November is the final Modified event of the season.
The offseason at Caraway saw paving work in Turns 3-4 with a new racing surface in place along with more paving in the pit area. Some lighting and speaker upgrades are ongoing. New restrooms in the trackside area are nearing competition, and the Turn 4 suites should be finished for opening day, weather permitting.
