December 2018 News Archives

News from December 31, 2018

Most popular stories in 2018: Following are the ten Cup news stories that generated the most traffic on the Jayski site during 2018 and when the news was posted.[More](12-31-2018)

Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell racing in New Zealand: Kyle Larson fended off Christopher Bell to win Sunday’s 30-lap midget main event at Western Springs Speedway. Larson, who won his heat earlier in the evening, beat Bell to the finish line by .837 of a second to earn his first victory in New Zealand this year.[More](12-31-2018)

News from December 30, 2018

Landon Cassill joins Chili Bowl field: Landon Cassill has added his name to the list of NASCAR drivers scheduled to compete in the 33rd annual Chili Bowl Nationals. Cassill will race for Brooke Shuman Motorsports.[More](12-30-2018)

News from December 29, 2018

Click ‘n Close not returning in 2019: The digital mortgage brand, which is owned by Mid America Mortgage Inc., became the official mortgage provider of NASCAR, a sponsor of Richard Petty Motorsports and an advertiser on industry radio stations like Motor Racing Network in November ’17.[More](12-29-2018)

News from December 28, 2018

NASCAR sponsor loyalty survey: In Sports Business Journal’s 2018 NASCAR sponsor loyalty survey, 41% of fans correctly identified Busch Beer as the sport’s official beer; Coors Light averaged just 25% awareness while it held the category.[More](12-28-2018)

RSS Racing to continue with Sieg, Green in 2019: Ryan Sieg and 2000 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Jeff Green told Frontstretch this week they will both return to RSS Racing in 2019 for the full Xfinity season. The team is hoping to find funding to run a third car as the underdog operation looks to remain competitive in the sport’s second-tier division.[More](12-28-2018)

News from December 27, 2018

Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell racing in Australia: Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson started a tour of dirt racing in New Zealand Wednesday with midget and sprint car races at Western Springs Speedway in Auckland for the Boxing Day Bash.[More](12-27-2018)

Black Mobil 1 scheme for Kevin Harvick: The car will run in nine races next season.[More](12-27-2018)

News from December 26, 2018

2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup championship odds: The 2019 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series will begin with the Daytona 500 on Sunday Feb. 17 and conclude with the Ford EcoBoost 400 on Nov. 17 from Homestead-Miami Speedway. Joey Logano, the 2018 champion, isn’t expected to repeat. He’s listed at 10/1 odds to do so. The co-favorites at 9/2 odds (Bet $100 to win $450) are Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch.[More](12-26-2018)

News from December 24-25, 2018

Go Fas Racing looking to continue improvement: Archie St. Hilaire speaks with pride about his Go Fas Racing team, but he doesn’t oversell their efforts. However, the team owner is undoubtedly excited for the upcoming season. As one of the smallest organizations in the NASCAR Cup Series, just 17 people work in the 11,000-square foot shop in Mooresville.[More](12-24-2018)

News from December 23, 2018

Kyle Petty Charity Ride route released: The 25th anniversary route for the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America has the motorcycle tour making the longest trek in its history. The charity ride, which raises money for the Victory Junction Gang camp in Randleman, North Carolina, will take place May 3 – 11.[More](12-23-2018)

Martinsville Speedway Toy Drive raises more than $17,000: More than 500 children-in-need in the Martinsville and Henry County area will receive Christmas gifts this year, thanks to the more than $17,300 and 306 toys donated as a part of the 24th annual Martinsville Speedway Christmas Toy Drive. The toy drive, which benefits Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County, was held on December 8th at the Speedway. People could donate a new toy or $20 for the opportunity to drive their personal car around the Half Mile of Mayhem, or pay $60 to ride with Speedway President Clay Campbell in a two-seater NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race truck.[More](12-23-2018)

News from December 22, 2018

Jim France, Lesa France Kennedy among sports’ most influential: In the Sports Business Journals annual ranking of the 50 most influential people in sports business, Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy came in at No. 35. They were the only NASCAR figures included on the list.[More](12-22-2018)

News from December 21, 2018

Rick Ware Racing expands program ahead of 2019 NASCAR season:On the heels of their first full season in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS), Thomasville, N.C.-based Rick Ware Racing (RWR) is already full steam ahead to prepare for next season, kicking off with the prestigious Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. RWR has acquired a fleet of race cars from Leavine Family Racing (LFR) and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) respectively. Additionally, the team has acquired a second charter for 2019 which will be branded with the team’s No. 52 number, expanding the organization to a two-car Cup stable next year. Details on driver, sponsor and crew chief lineups for RWR’s 2019 season will be announced at a later date.[More](12-21-2018)

F.B.I. raids home of DC Solar CEO: Federal Bureau of Investigation agents raided the Martinez [California] home of Jeff and Paulette Carpoff, owners of DC Solar and the Martinez Clippers baseball club. Armando Gomez, the Carpoff’s lawyer, emailed a statement to the Gazette Thursday evening. “The Carpoff family was surprised and disappointed with the actions taken by the government earlier this week, which appear to relate to an ongoing tax dispute,” Gomez wrote. [More](12-21-2018)

Rick Ware Racing to run XFINITY in 2019: On the heels of their first full season in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS), Thomasville, N.C.-based Rick Ware Racing (RWR) is already full steam ahead to prepare for next season. The team plans to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series beginning with the season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Sat., Feb. 18, 2019, with acquired owner points for its No. 25 race car as a stepping stone within the team’s platform. RWR will sport the No. 25 to reflect the team’s 25th anniversary season of Motorsports competition celebrated in 2016. Details on driver, sponsor and crew chief lineups for RWR’s 2019 season will be announced at a later date.[More](12-21-2018)

Atlanta president Ed Clark makes his 2019 predictions: In just two months a new season of NASCAR kicks off and preparations are well underway at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 weekend. It’s at this time each year, with the Speedway getting ready for its NASCAR weekend and a new year fast approaching, that AMS President Ed Clark tests his clairvoyance and predicts what the next season of NASCAR will bring.
[More](12-21-2018)

News from December 20, 2018

World Wide Technology renews sponsorship of Richard Petty Motorsports: Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) and World Wide Technology (WWT), a market-leading technology solution provider, announced today an extension of their official partnership that began in 2018 naming WWT the Technology and Analytics Partner of RPM. As part of the extension, WWT continues to be a primary sponsor of the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team and will be a major associate sponsor throughout the 2019 season.[More](12-20-2018)

LaJoie to drive for Go Fas Racing in 2019 UPDATE: Corey LaJoie is expected to be announced at the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Thursday, December 20 as the new driver of the #32 Ford for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.(12-18-2018)
UPDATE: Go Fas Racing is proud to announce that Corey Lajoie has been signed as the driver of the No.32 Ford Mustang for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. LaJoie will compete full-time with Go Fas, beginning with the 61st running of the Daytona 500 in February. LaJoie, a 27-year-old third generation racer, is a North Carolina native with a family deeply rooted in motorsports.[More](12-20-2018)

Over 300 entries for Chili Bowl Midget Nationals: For the fifth year in a row, the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals will feature over 300 entries. The entry deadline passed over the weekend, leaving 302 driver-midget combinations entered in the 33rd running of the annual classic at the Tulsa Expo Hall in Oklahoma. The race first surpassed the 300 entry mark in 2015 and hasn’t looked back since.[More](12-20-2018)

Tyler Reddick could run some Cup races in 2019: “Don’t be surprised to see him in a (Cup) car before the year ends,” Childress told NASCAR.com, lauding the 22-year-old newcomer to the team. “We’re just real impressed with him and what he’s been able to do so far in his career. He’s just a great young talent.”[More](12-20-2018)

News from December 19, 2018

Kasey Kahne going dirt racing in 2019: World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series team Kasey Kahne Racing (KKR), announced today Wicked Energy Gum, an innovative consumer energy product developed by Wicked Cushion, has been signed as a new sponsor for KKR’s No. 9 team that will be driven by Kasey Kahne in 2019.[More](12-19-2018)

Formosa Productions and Bristol Motor Speedway work to bring NASCAR back to Nashville: Formosa Productions Inc. and Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) have today reached an agreement to explore bringing major NASCAR racing events back to Nashville. The joint effort intends to combine local racing and other major motorsports events that once made Fairgrounds Speedway one of the premier raceways in motorsports.[More](12-18-2018)

Sonoma Raceway to host 8th annual John’s March Against Stomach Cancer : Sonoma Raceway will open its 12-turn road course to walkers and runners alike as it hosts the West Coast’s only major fundraising walk for No Stomach for Cancer on Saturday, Jan. 12. The 8th annual John’s March Against Stomach Cancer will support the fight against the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. John’s March, which has raised more than $110,000 over the past seven years, offers a unique chance to raise funds for No Stomach For Cancer, a global advocate for stomach cancer awareness, early detection, treatment and prevention.[More](12-19-2018)

News from December 18, 2018

John Henry interested in buying a stake in NASCAR: Billionaire John Henry has shown interest in buying a stake in NASCAR, potentially adding to a sports empire that includes the Boston Red Sox and the Liverpool Football Club, people familiar with the situation said.[More](12-18-2018)

LaJoie to drive for Go Fas Racing in 2019: Corey LaJoie is expected to be announced at the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Thursday, December 20 as the new driver of the #32 Ford for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.[More](12-18-2018)

Zane Smith to drive eight races for JR Motorsports: California native Zane Smith has been tabbed to drive eight NASCAR Xfinity Series races for JR Motorsports in 2019, the team announced today. Smith, a member of the NASCAR Next Program, will take the wheel of the organization’s No. 9 entry in his series debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 2) in partnership with The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for the event.[More](12-18-2018)

Darlington Raceway to celebrate 1990-1994 era for throwback weekend: In 2019, year five of its award-winning Throwback Weekend, Darlington Raceway will celebrate the 1990-1994 era of the sport for its 2019 campaign. The 2019 event will also mark the 70th running of the Bojangles’ Southern 500. The “Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR” will be celebrated during the track’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500® and NASCAR XFINITY Series Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200 weekend on Aug. 30-Sept. 1.[More](12-18-2018)

Extreme Energy Solutions to serve as official partner of Daytona, Daytona 500: Daytona International Speedway (DIS) announced today a multi-year partnership with Extreme Energy Solutions that will make the green-tech company’s leading technology and consumer brands the official all-purpose cleaner-degreaser and the official vehicle/engine emission reducing technology of both the “World Center of Racing” and the DAYTONA 500. [More](12-18-2018)

News from December 17, 2018

StarCom Racing purchases charter and locks up Cassill for 2019:StarCom Racing enhances its program in a major way for the 2019 season by purchasing a charter from RCR Racing. In another effort to continue its growth in the sport, SCR has signed Landon Cassill as its driver for the 2019 season. During the off season, SCR has found a new 20,000 sq. ft. home for its race shop in Salisbury, NC., where the team has been actively preparing its quality equipment to be ready to hit the track at Daytona. In addition, SCR accelerated its engine program with ECR Engines.[More](12-17-2018)

Phelps says NASCAR is in transition: Asked if NASCAR is in a flux or transition, [NASCAR president Steve] Phelps didn’t hesitate with an answer. “We’re in a transition and I’m excited about the transition we’re in,” he said during a lengthy telephone interview Thursday. “I think the industry – broadly – understands what we are trying to do, which is put on the best and most compelling racing we can and grow this sport.”[More](12-17-2018)

Jacques Villeneuve to compete in NASCAR Whelen Euro Series: One of the biggest stars in motorsports choose the official NASCAR European Championship for his return to competition. Formula One World Champion, Indy 500 winner and CART Champion Jacques Villeneuve will compete full time in Euro NASCAR with Go Fas Racing in a 2019 season that is already shaping up as the most anticipated in the European NASCAR series’ history.[More](12-17-2018)

News from December 16, 2018

Speedway Children’s Charities to distribute more than $3 million:Speedway Children’s Charities will distribute more than $3 million in grants to 450 charitable organizations across the country this year, bringing the total allocation amount to more than $55 million since the O. Bruton Smith family founded the nonprofit in 1982.[More](12-16-2018)

News from December 15, 2018

Jimmie Johnson Foundation announces $300,000 in Champions Grants: The Jimmie Johnson Foundation announced today that seven schools will receive $308,000 in Champions Grants this year. The grants are awarded annually to K-12 public and charter schools in and around Chandra and Jimmie’s hometowns in California and Oklahoma, as well as their current residence in North Carolina.[More](12-15-2018)

News from December 14, 2018

Richard Childress Racing to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2019:Richard Childress Racing announced plans for a yearlong 50th Anniversary celebration today, commencing in February with a pair of gold Daytona 500 entries for it’s two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams. Defending Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon will drive a gold No. 3 Dow Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 while Daniel Hemric will make his career-first Daytona 500 start in a gold No. 8 Bass Pro Shops/Caterpillar Camaro ZL1 in “The Great American Race.”[More](12-14-2018)

U.S. Air Force to continue sponsorship of Richard Petty Motorsports: The Air Force and Richard Petty Motorsports announced today they will continue their 11th consecutive year of partnership together in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in 2019. The Air Force will continue to be a two-race primary sponsor of the famed No. 43 with driver Bubba Wallace, as well as a major associate throughout the season. Air Force Recruiting Service, charged with the mission to inspire, engage and recruit future Airmen, sees the continued association as an opportunity to build awareness about the Air Force. The Air Force has also witnessed the excitement that Wallace Jr. has brought to inspiring recruits in 2018 during his first year representing the Air Force.[More](12-14-2018)

Daniel Hemric to drive No. 8 in 2019: Daniel Hemric will carry a familiar number for his rookie season in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in 2019, driving the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The 27-year-old will continue the long tradition of Kannapolis, North Carolina, natives who have driven the No. 8 on the racetrack. Hemric made his MENCS debut during the 2018 season running the No. 8 Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff Chevrolet at Richmond Raceway in April and Charlotte Motor Speedway in September. Now, as he prepares for his first season in the MENCS, Hemric is ready to carry the number full time.[More](12-14-2018)

A.J. Allmendinger returning to Rolex 24: Preparing for its 16th season of IMSA competition, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) will have a two-car campaign in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the GT-Daytona class with the Acura NSX GT3 Evo. Trent Hindman and Mario Farnbacher will pair for the full season effort in the No. 86 MSR Acura NSX GT3 Evo, with Justin Marks slotted for the four Michelin Endurance Cup rounds along with the return of AJ Allmendinger for the Rolex 24 At Daytona.[More](12-14-2018)

John Hunter Nemechek and Chase Briscoe approved to run for rookie of the year: NASCAR has approved John Hunter Nemechek and Chase Briscoe to compete for the Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year title in 2019, NBC Sports has confirmed. Nemechek made 18 Xfinity starts in 2018 with Chip Ganassi Racing while Briscoe made 17 with Stewart-Haas Racing and Roush Fenway Racing.[More](12-14-2018)

Mid-Ohio Season race passes now on sale: Mid-Ohio Season Race Passes are on sale now for the 58th season of racing at the legendary road course in Lexington, Ohio. As announced last week, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will feature its largest and most diverse spectator schedule in 2019 with three additional event weekends added. The Mid-Ohio Season Race Pass is one of the most spectacular values in all of sports and available currently at an advance price of $325. This is the ultimate season ticket to see all the Mid-Ohio racing action, plus it offers exclusive fan access and benefits. [More](12-14-2018)

News from December 13, 2018

Twenty drivers eligible for Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona:Following a quiet offseason the engines will finally roar to signal the start of the 2019 season on February 10 at Daytona International Speedway with a power-packed Sunday doubleheader. It begins at noon with Busch Pole Award Qualifying for the 61st running of the DAYTONA 500. The 2019 Advance Auto Parts Clash follows at 3 p.m. and will feature the sport’s biggest stars battling side by side in a 75-lap showcase.[More](12-13-2018)

Rick Hendrick says Jeff Gordon in line to take over Hendrick Motorsports: Until his death in a 2004 plane crash, Ricky Hendrick was poised to take over at HMS. Nowadays, Hendrick is grooming 47-year-old Jeff Gordon-a four-time Cup champion and 93-time winner-as his successor. “That’s the way we’re going,” Hendrick said. “Whenever I finally step away, it’ll be Jeff Gordon in my place.”[More](12-13-2018)

Speedway Children’s Charities’ Charlotte Chapter distributes over $1 million: Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC), in a special grant distribution ceremony on Wednesday, announced that the nonprofit’s Charlotte Motor Speedway chapter distributed $1,040,350 in grants – a record annual amount – to 100 charitable organizations located throughout the Charlotte region. More than 250 children were joined by Santa Claus and Lug Nut, the world’s fastest mascot, for the grant reception in the Speedway Christmas presented by Disconnect & Drive infield village at Charlotte Motor Speedway.[More](12-13-2018)

News from December 12, 2018

Barrett-Jackson to auction authentic David Ragan No. 38 Ford: David Ragan announced today he will auction a 2018 race-used No. 38 Shriners Hospitals for Children Ford Fusion NASCAR racecar to benefit the children’s hospitals. World renowned car auction house, Barrett-Jackson, will auction the ready-to-race car on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Arizona, with 100 percent of the hammer price benefiting the Shriners Hospitals.[More](12-12-2018)

McMurray likely to run Daytona 500 for Chip Ganassi Racing UPDATES: Kurt Busch is still expected to replace McMurray in the No. 1 next season.(11-6-2018)
UPDATE: Jamie McMurray hasn’t decided if he will race the 2019 Daytona 500 for Chip Ganassi Racing, but he has made peace with his NASCAR career essentially being over. And because of the advice of his peers and his own experience with pursuing a ride, he’s ready for it.(11-16-2018)
UPDATE 2: Left unsettled amid Tuesday’s fanfare that anointed Kurt Busch as the new driver of Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 1 Chevrolet was the organization’s plan for Jamie McMurray, who has held the seat for the last nine seasons. Team owner Chip Ganassi says he anticipates that McMurray will stay, hinting at the potential for a new capacity with the team’s management. “Well, first of all, I do expect Jamie to stick around, yes,” Ganassi said.(12-5-2018)
UPDATE 3: McMurray is expected to run the Clash and Daytona 500 in the #40, then take on a CGR managerial role and a new role as a TV analyst.(12-8-2018)
UPDATE 4: Veteran NASCAR driver and 2010 DAYTONA 500 champion Jamie McMurray has landed his next full-time ride. McMurray joins FOX Sports for the 2019 season as a NASCAR analyst for NASCAR RACE HUB, the sport’s most-watched daily show, and NASCAR RACEDAY, among other duties.[More]

Dale Earnhardt Jr. to pace 2019 Daytona 500: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will find himself in a very familiar place at the 2019 Daytona 500: at the front of the pack. Earnhardt Jr., a two-time Daytona 500 winner, will drive the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado pace truck to lead the field to green for the 61st running of The Great American Race. This is the first time the Daytona 500 will be paced by a pickup truck.[More](12-12-2018)

News from December 11, 2018

2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race start times released:NASCAR officials released start times Tuesday for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. The most notable shift involves the playoffs opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which will be a nighttime, primetime event next year.[More](12-11-2018)

Sportradar signs multi-year partnership with NASCAR: NASCAR has shown a strong commitment to protecting the integrity of their sport by announcing a multi-year partnership with Sportradar’s Integrity Services, the world’s leading supplier of sports betting-related monitoring, education, investigation and consultancy services. As part of the agreement, Sportradar’s Fraud Detection System (FDS) will monitor domestic and global betting activity for signs of nefarious activity for all races across NASCAR’s three largest series.[More](12-11-2018)

KDI Office Technology extends partnership with Dover Speedway:KDI Office Technology and Dover International Speedway have reached a five-year partnership extension through 2024, making KDI the official and exclusive business solutions provider to the Monster Mile, and also gaining naming rights to the track’s Infield Media Center.[More](12-11-2018)

News from December 10, 2018

Fanatics ending trackside deal with NASCAR early UPDATE: Fanatics is terminating its NASCAR trackside deal after this year, according to sources, marking an early end to what was originally a 10-year deal that was set to run through ’24. Fanatics started managing the at-venue merchandise sales efforts for almost the entire sport starting in ’15 as part of a deal that was supposed to be lucrative for Fanatics and revolutionary for the NASCAR industry, which transitioned from using haulers to a tent model for the first time in its history.(11-2-2018)
UPDATE: The NASCAR industry in 2019 will go back to the era of having different merchandisers after unsuccessful attempt at finding industrywide solution to replace Fanatics.[More](12-10-2018)

News from December 9, 2018

Carl Long expected to focus more on XFINITY in 2019: With plans of bringing two cars next year in Xfinity, a third car is still possible for MBM. However, with the series shortening their race fields from 40 cars to 38, qualifying on speed will be goal No. 1. One weekend that is confirmed for 2019 is the Daytona 500, where Hill with attempt the Great American Race in the team’s No. 66. MBM will bring a second car with a driver and car number yet to be announced.[More](12-9-2018)

Danville, VA dedicates highway in honor of Wendell Scott: Wendell Scott’s name was given to a stretch of U.S. 29, running from the southeastern corner of Danville to a northwestern point at the edge of the city limits Saturday. Scott was inducted into the NASCAR hall of fame on Jan. 30, 2015, and also is a member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.[More](12-9-2018)

NASCAR honors XFINITY, Trucks champions at banquet: Saturday night belonged to champions Tyler Reddick and Brett Moffitt as the best in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series were feted on Saturday night at the Crown Ballroom in the Charlotte Convention Center. Reddick was celebrated following his title driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for the Dale Earnhardt Jr. co-owned JR Motorsports. The Truck Series champion knew a little something about being an underdog as well. Moffitt surged to six wins in the upstart No. 16 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota.[More] The banquet will be televised on Sunday, December 16 at 8:00pm/et on NBCSN.(12-9-2018)

News from December 8, 2018

Spire Sports + Entertainment purchases Furniture Row charter UPDATE: Spire Sports + Entertainment, an agency that has worked with sponsors and drivers, confirms it has bought the Furniture Row Racing charter. It will operate a race team with the number 77. Driver and alliance details TBD.(12-4-2018)
UPDATE: Spire Sports & Entertainment purchased Furniture Row Racing’s charter for around $6M, according to sources, in what is believed to be the highest price paid for a charter so far.[More](12-8-2018)

MDM not planning any more Truck races: MDM Motorsports, which has previously fielded teams in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and ARCA competition, will scale back its racing operations starting next season. The team will no longer compete in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series. Its multi-car squad in both ARCA and K&N competition will also decrease to a two-car effort.[More](12-8-2018)

News from December 7, 2018

Kevin Harvick received most mentions during 2018 season: Kevin Harvick’s name was mentioned 60% more frequently this year during live NASCAR Cup Series telecasts compared to the 2017 season.[More](12-7-2018)

R.A.C.E. donates more than $50,000 to Chicagoland organizations in 2018: Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway’s charitable entity, Racing Advocates for Community Enrichment (R.A.C.E.), donated $52,809 in grants to 31 deserving Chicagoland community organizations in 2018 at today’s seventh annual luncheon to honor those organizations.[More](12-7-2018)

News from December 6, 2018

NASCAR, Race Team Alliance, 704Games collaborate for NASCAR Esports League: NASCAR, Race Team Alliance and 704Games announced today a collaboration that will create the first-ever NASCAR esports league on consoles, eNASCAR Heat Pro League. The newly formed esports league will feature up to 16 race teams and 32 drivers, each owned and operated by prominent NASCAR race teams.[More](12-6-2018)

Joe Gibbs Racing announces crew chief lineup: Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announces today it’s crew chief lineup for the 2019 season. Chris Gabehart will serve as crew chief on the No. 11 MENCS Toyota. Gabehart spent the past three seasons as a crew chief in JGR’s Xfinity Series program, capturing a total of nine wins over that time. Eric Phillips will also make the move from the Xfinity Series to assume the role of car chief with the No. 11 team. He compiled eight wins over three seasons as crew chief on the No. 18 Xfinity Series team. In addition, JGR announces the addition of two crew chiefs to its Xfinity Series program.[More](12-6-2018)

NASCAR Drive for Diversity announces 2019 driver class: Six drivers with hopes of reaching the highest levels of NASCAR® will compete for Rev Racing next season in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity® Driver Development Program, NASCAR announced today on its digital and social media platforms. The 2019 class includes returning NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver Rubén García Jr., who is fresh off his second NASCAR Peak Mexico Series Championship and finished third in points in the NASCAR K&N Pro East Series in 2018. [More](12-6-2018)

Jeff Gordon and Red Farmer selected to NMPA Hall of Fame: Jeff Gordon and Charles “Red” Farmer will be inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association’s Hall of Fame Class of 2019. Gordon’s career defined an era. His first Cup race came at the age of 20 in the 1992 season finale.[More](12-6-2018)

John Hunter Nemechek joins GMS Racing for full 2019 XFINITY season: GMS Racing announced today that John Hunter Nemechek will join the team for the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season. Nemechek will be the driver of the No. 23 Chevrolet Camaro under the GMS Racing banner and will contend for the 2019 Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. The Mooresville, N.C., driver started his first season of NASCAR Xfinity Series competition in 2018 with Chip-Ganassi Racing. Nemechek collected one win (Kansas Speedway), six top-five finishes, 11 top-10 finishes, and one pole award (ISM Raceway), with an average starting position of 8.5, producing an average finishing position of 10.1 across just 18 starts with 211 laps led.[More](16-6-2018)

Alfredo moves to Truck Series in 2019 with DGR-Crosley: NASCAR Next member Anthony Alfredo will join DGR-Crosley next season, the team announced today. Alfredo will compete part-time in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series with support from his partners Ceco Building Systems, Meccanic Shop North and Oxford Energy Group. Alfredo is expected to make his NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series debut at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway. A full schedule will be released at a later date.[More](12-6-2018)

Moffitt out at Hattori due to sponsorship, driver TBA: Brett Moffitt is officially a free agent. The reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion was told last week that Hattori Racing Enterprises had reached an agreement with a new driver for the 2019 season. The reasons had nothing to do with performance or chemistry, but rather an extension of the financial challenges that had plagued the team throughout their championship-winning campaign.[More](12-6-2018)

Stadium Super Trucks added to Texas tripleheader spring weekend:The 2019 O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 NASCAR tripleheader spring weekend at Texas Motor Speedway will be further bolstered by the addition of Robby Gordon’s Stadium Super Trucks Series, speedway president Eddie Gossage announced. The Stadium Super Trucks Series will showcase its action-packed, high-flying show by having three points-paying races over the course of the March 28-31 weekend featuring the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Gander Outdoors Truck Series.[More](12-6-2018)

Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter distributes more than $250,000: One of the state’s largest living Christmas trees provided the perfect centerpiece for Tuesday evening’s Speedway Children’s Charities-Texas Chapter Grant Distribution and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Held on the Speedway Club Circle at Texas Motor Speedway, the annual outdoor public holiday event delivered $258,251 to nine children’s organizations across North Texas.[More](12-6-2018)

News from December 5, 2018

Chad Finley Racing set to increase Truck Series schedule: After a successful return to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) this year, Chad Finley Racing (CFR) is preparing to increase their presence in the series’ next year beginning with the season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Fri., Feb. 15, 2019. The team under the leadership of Motorsports veteran Bruce Cook hopes to run the full 23-race schedule under the rebranded NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series (NGOTS) with current drivers Chad Finley and Robby Lyons.[More](12-5-2018)

Sonoma Raceway announces 50th anniversary celebration for 2019 season: Sonoma Raceway will celebrate 50 years of racing during its 2019 race season, as the motorsports facility hosts a full slate of on-track activity while looking back at its incredible history in the Sonoma Valley. The raceway kicked off its anniversary celebrations earlier this year, marking the 50th anniversary of the facility’s groundbreaking on Aug. 14, 1968.[More](12-5-2018)

News from December 4, 2018

Spire Sports + Entertainment purchases Furniture Row charter:Spire Sports + Entertainment, an agency that has worked with sponsors and drivers, confirms it has bought the Furniture Row Racing charter. It will operate a race team with the number 77. Driver and alliance details TBD.[More](12-4-2018)

Kurt Busch confirms he will not return to Stewart-Haas UPDATE:Busch posted on Twitter: “I will miss everyone, especially the crew chiefs I worked with. … Unfortunately, it’s not in the cards for me to stay. I’m looking forward to the future & new opportunities ahead!”(12-2-2018)
UPDATE: Kurt Busch and sponsor Monster Energy will move to Chip Ganassi Racing next season for Busch’s 20th season in NASCAR. The partnership announced Tuesday is a one-year contract for Busch to drive the No. 1 Chevrolet with primary sponsorship from Monster. It is believed the one season as teammate to Kyle Larson will be Busch’s final year of fulltime NASCAR competition.[More](12-4-2018)

NASCAR taps Deloitte to audit team finances: Move could set stage for cap or other rules for how much teams can spend.[More](12-4-2018)

Blake Koch joins JD Motorsports: Blake Koch has officially signed to drive the No. 4 car at JD Motorsports with Gary Keller for the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity season with help from his company, FilterTime. “It’s hard for me to explain how excited I am to race again and to do it for JD Motorsports. I have seen the progress of this team and have raced against them for many years. Coming off their best season with Ross (Chastain) making the playoffs, it’s a perfect time to join them,” Koch said.[More](12-4-2018)

News from December 3, 2018

Obaika Racing to run full Cup schedule with Tanner Berryhill: Obaika Racing is excited to announce that Tanner Berryhill will be the full-time driver of the No. 97 Toyota Camry for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) season.[More](10-3-2018)

NASCAR moving forward with new sponsorship model: NASCAR is asking around $20 million for top-tier slots in its proposed new sponsorship model, close to double original estimates, according to sources. The plan is to move away from one title sponsor in place of a tiered system, similar to the one used by the NCAA. The premier series would simply be called the NASCAR Cup Series.[More](12-3-2018)

Noah Gragson wins Snowball Derby: The 51st Snowball Derby ended with another prodigy champion. Noah Gragson, 20, in his final race with Kyle Busch Motorsports, where he’s learned under his idol Kyle Busch – winner of the historic 50th Snowball Derby a year ago -, followed with his own trip to victory lane Sunday, after winning the renown event at Five Flags Speedway. “We won the Snowball,,, it’s unbelievable. I’m just very thankful, ” said Gragson, a Las Vegas native, who has won multiple races on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He was voted by fans as the 2018 most popular driver on that circuit. [More](12-3-2018)

News from December 2, 2018

Kurt Busch confirms he will not return to Stewart-Haas: Busch posted on Twitter: “I will miss everyone, especially the crew chiefs I worked with. … Unfortunately, it’s not in the cards for me to stay. I’m looking forward to the future & new opportunities ahead!”[More](12-2-2018)

Daniel Suarez hopes to be in position to win races next year: Suarez said he and his team saw little progress from a rocky start in his rookie season and never developed the consistency needed to become a contender for wins. Suarez is confident his new Cup ride will provide more opportunities for success.[More](12-2-2018)

Richmond Raceway to offer kids’ pricing for DC Solar FanGrounds passes: Richmond Raceway (Richmond) strives to provide a family atmosphere for NASCAR fans to create lifelong memories. To further the fan experience families, Richmond is now offering kids’ pricing for DC Solar FanGrounds passes beginning with the 2019 season. NASCAR’s youngest fans will now be able to get closer than ever to NASCAR’s best in the new modernized infield for a special kids’ price.[More](12-2-2018)

News from December 1, 2018

NASCAR confident of gaining another manufacturer NASCAR is “confident” that it can add a fourth manufacturer to the Cup field sometime after 2020, and has not ruled out finding a fifth. It last had four manufacturers in 2012, Dodge’s final season before it pulled out of NASCAR.[More](12-1-2018)

Most Popular Driver top 5 voting: NMPA has released the order of the five drivers that received the most votes.[More](12-1-2018)

Justin Haley joining Kaulig Racing: Kaulig Racing announced Saturday morning that it has signed 19-year-old Justin Haley to a multi-year deal to drive the team’s No. 11 Xfinity car beginning in 2019. “I am really looking forward to 2019,” said team owner Matt Kaulig in a statement. “Justin [Haley] is coming off of the best season of his young career and I can’t wait to see what he can do in the No. 11 car.”[More](12-1-2018)