Kelly Crandall
@kellycrandall.net
https://racer.com/ | https://www.espn.com/ | SiriusXM NASCAR Radio | The Racing Writer's Podcast | 2x NMPA Writer of the Year | Co-author ‘NASCAR 75 Years’
A state audit has led Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to dismiss and replace the entire Motorsports Hall of Fame Commission. In a 56-page report, it listed 35 findings from financial issues to failures in legal compliance and procedures:
Alabama governor replaces entire International Motorsports Hall of Fame Commission after critical state audit | RACER
The results of a state audit have prompted Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to dismiss and replace the entire Commission.
racer.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:35 PM
A state audit has led Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to dismiss and replace the entire Motorsports Hall of Fame Commission. In a 56-page report, it listed 35 findings from financial issues to failures in legal compliance and procedures:
“You know the expression, ‘You don’t know what you have until you lose it’? Well, they lost the championship, and that hurt.”
Homestead-Miami is relishing its NASCAR title host return, which will cap off the biggest sports year in South Florida history:
Homestead-Miami is relishing its NASCAR title host return, which will cap off the biggest sports year in South Florida history:
Homestead-Miami ready to reclaim its place as NASCAR's champion coronation capital | RACER
Guillermo Santa Cruz has yet to experience NASCAR championship weekend as the president of Homestead-Miami Speedway, but he’s already felt what it means for it to return to the speedway in the fall of...
racer.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:23 PM
“You know the expression, ‘You don’t know what you have until you lose it’? Well, they lost the championship, and that hurt.”
Homestead-Miami is relishing its NASCAR title host return, which will cap off the biggest sports year in South Florida history:
Homestead-Miami is relishing its NASCAR title host return, which will cap off the biggest sports year in South Florida history:
NASCAR's biggest prospect in recent history is now a Cup Series driver. Those who came before warn:
"You can't drink your own Kool-Aid too much where you think you're the next thing because you're going to get here and fall on your face."
Now on ESPN:
"You can't drink your own Kool-Aid too much where you think you're the next thing because you're going to get here and fall on your face."
Now on ESPN:
The key to Zilisch becoming NASCAR's next big star: 'Learn to lose'
The NASCAR Cup Series isn't kind to rookies, no matter how highly touted, but that might not apply to Connor Zilisch when he steps up in 2026.
www.espn.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:12 PM
NASCAR's biggest prospect in recent history is now a Cup Series driver. Those who came before warn:
"You can't drink your own Kool-Aid too much where you think you're the next thing because you're going to get here and fall on your face."
Now on ESPN:
"You can't drink your own Kool-Aid too much where you think you're the next thing because you're going to get here and fall on your face."
Now on ESPN:
Ram has created the “Free Agent Driver Program” with one of its Kaulig Racing entries for next year. It means different drivers every week and an announcement every Monday.
“Our challenge is that …we need to create more fan engagement in the Truck Series.”
“Our challenge is that …we need to create more fan engagement in the Truck Series.”
Ram aiming to put NASCAR Truck Series on the map with Free Agent Program | RACER
Tim Kuniskis made a promise to the NASCAR industry and fans that Ram's return to the sport would not be done quietly, but with bold, exciting intentions.On Monday, the manufacturer announced another w...
racer.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Ram has created the “Free Agent Driver Program” with one of its Kaulig Racing entries for next year. It means different drivers every week and an announcement every Monday.
“Our challenge is that …we need to create more fan engagement in the Truck Series.”
“Our challenge is that …we need to create more fan engagement in the Truck Series.”
It's now official:
John Force formally announces NHRA retirement | RACER
Force, a 16-time world champion and the winningest driver in drag racing history, formally announced the news Thursday ahead of the season’s final race weekend in Pomona.
racer.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:10 PM
It's now official:
JR Motorsports and Justin Allgaier are running it back in Daytona:
JR Motorsports, Allgaier to attempt Daytona 500 run again in 2026 | RACER
JR Motorsports announced late Friday it will again field a car in the season-opening Daytona 500 with Justin Allgaier behind the wheel.The news came via a video posted on the team’s official social me...
racer.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:09 PM
JR Motorsports and Justin Allgaier are running it back in Daytona:
The updates concern testing for a 'new' manufacturer as well as some tracks that will use a different aero package next season with the horsepower increase:
NASCAR announces technical and testing updates to 2026 rulebook | RACER
NASCAR made a host of technical rulebook updates on Friday, with some of the most notable changes regarding increased horsepower next season, as well as testing guidelines.To begin, five racetracks in...
racer.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:08 PM
The updates concern testing for a 'new' manufacturer as well as some tracks that will use a different aero package next season with the horsepower increase:
It will be an updated Camaro ZL1 body for Chevrolet next season:
Chevrolet unveils updated Camaro ZL1 for 2026 NASCAR Cup Series | RACER
The race car will have updated styling that aligns with the recently-released Camaro ZL1 Carbon Performance Package accessories kit for owners “to optimize the performance capabilities of the sixth-ge...
racer.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:06 PM
It will be an updated Camaro ZL1 body for Chevrolet next season:
The six episode series will debut in January:
NHRA docuseries ‘Chasing Speed’ coming in January | RACER
“Chasing Speed” will debut Wednesday, Jan. 21, on Vice TV ahead of the NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. It will cover the entire 2025 season, as told by the teams that competed for the championship.
racer.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:06 PM
The six episode series will debut in January:
NASCAR saw an increase in media metrics and its presence this season, thanks to the Driver Ambassador Program. Among those were 5,569 driver opportunities and more than 6.3k hours invested in the program.
Here are some other stats:
Here are some other stats:
NASCAR highlights promotional gains from Driver Ambassador Program | RACER
NASCAR saw an increase in media metrics and reach this season through drivers participating in DAP, which was implemented to reward them for promoting the sport.
racer.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:10 PM
NASCAR saw an increase in media metrics and its presence this season, thanks to the Driver Ambassador Program. Among those were 5,569 driver opportunities and more than 6.3k hours invested in the program.
Here are some other stats:
Here are some other stats:
Phoenix Raceway hosted its sixth and last (for now at least) championship weekend earlier this month. But the drivers are glad to see it will stay in the rotation.
“... Phoenix has done a phenomenal job the last six years.”
“... Phoenix has done a phenomenal job the last six years.”
Phoenix Raceway delivered in its years as NASCAR title host | RACER
Phoenix Raceway had its swan song earlier this month as the host of NASCAR championship weekend, and boy, did it go out in memorable fashion.All three races came down to the final laps to decide the 2...
racer.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Phoenix Raceway hosted its sixth and last (for now at least) championship weekend earlier this month. But the drivers are glad to see it will stay in the rotation.
“... Phoenix has done a phenomenal job the last six years.”
“... Phoenix has done a phenomenal job the last six years.”
Judge Kenneth Bell has ordered that Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske can be deposed and without limitations:
Hendrick, Penske to be deposed in NASCAR antritrust case | RACER
Rick Hendrick (main image) and Roger Penske will be deposed in the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit as ordered by U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell.Bell made his ruling Tuesday. The NASCAR Hall of Fame team ow...
racer.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Judge Kenneth Bell has ordered that Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske can be deposed and without limitations:
And also from last week: Hendrick Motorsports is going full-time Xfinity Series racing next season with the promotion of Corey Day
Hendrick promotes Day into full-time O'Reilly Auto Parts Series ride for 2026 | RACER
Hendrick Motorsports has promoted Corey Day to a full-time ride in what will be the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next season.Day, 19, will drive the No. 17 Chevrolet with sponsorship from HendrickCars.c...
racer.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:16 PM
And also from last week: Hendrick Motorsports is going full-time Xfinity Series racing next season with the promotion of Corey Day
ICYMI: Trackhouse Racing has finalized the details around its three drivers for the 2026 season, including putting one back in a familiar number
Trackhouse gives van Gisbergen No. 97 back for 2026 | RACER
Former Supercars star back in his Down Under car number as part of team's three-car Cup Series line-up.
racer.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:15 PM
ICYMI: Trackhouse Racing has finalized the details around its three drivers for the 2026 season, including putting one back in a familiar number
From last week: Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske previously provided declarations in the NASCAR vs 23XI Racing/Front Row lawsuit, but they don't want any further involvement. The two are trying to avoid being deposed or put limits on their testimony:
Hendrick, Penske seeking to avoid being deposed in NASCAR lawsuit | RACER
Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske are seeking not to be deposed in NASCAR’s antitrust lawsuit, or at least, for there to be limits to any testimony they have to give.
racer.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:14 PM
From last week: Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske previously provided declarations in the NASCAR vs 23XI Racing/Front Row lawsuit, but they don't want any further involvement. The two are trying to avoid being deposed or put limits on their testimony:
Kyle Larson won his second Cup Series championship in the one-race finale. But he scored the most points throughout the season. William Byron had an incredible season, leading in many other categories.
A look at the 2025 season by some notable numbers:
A look at the 2025 season by some notable numbers:
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, by the numbers | RACER
It turns out that Kyle Larson’s second NASCAR Cup Series championship is not all that surprising when looked at from a statistical standpoint. Yes, Larson had to deliver in a one-race format, but he a...
racer.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Kyle Larson won his second Cup Series championship in the one-race finale. But he scored the most points throughout the season. William Byron had an incredible season, leading in many other categories.
A look at the 2025 season by some notable numbers:
A look at the 2025 season by some notable numbers:
Rick Hendrick had conceded the Cup Series championship in his mind as Denny Hamlin was driving away with a few laps left Sunday. And then the caution came out.
“This is definitely the most unexpected championship.”
“This is definitely the most unexpected championship.”
'This is is definitely the most unexpected championship', says 15-time NASCAR champion owner Hendrick | RACER
Rick Hendrick is now a 15-time championship-winning car owner in the NASCAR Cup Series, but the newest one accomplished a first.“This is definitely the most unexpected championship,” Hendrick said Tue...
racer.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Rick Hendrick had conceded the Cup Series championship in his mind as Denny Hamlin was driving away with a few laps left Sunday. And then the caution came out.
“This is definitely the most unexpected championship.”
“This is definitely the most unexpected championship.”
23XI Racing and Front Row picked up a significant win in court as Judge Bell granted their summary judgement request on the definition of premier stock car racing:
23XI, Front Row score a win against NASCAR as lawsuit continues | RACER
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were granted a win in federal court on Tuesday when their summary judgment was granted on the definition of premier stock car racing.The order means Judge Kenneth...
racer.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:58 PM
23XI Racing and Front Row picked up a significant win in court as Judge Bell granted their summary judgement request on the definition of premier stock car racing:
Chase Elliott voted NASCAR's most popular driver for the eighth straight year. Ryan Blaney, Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson (in alphabetical order) were the rest of the top five:
Elliott wins NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award - again | RACER
Chase Elliott has been voted NASCAR’s most popular driver in the Cup Series for the eighth consecutive season. The results were announced Tuesday night during the NASCAR Awards celebration in Scottsda...
racer.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Chase Elliott voted NASCAR's most popular driver for the eighth straight year. Ryan Blaney, Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson (in alphabetical order) were the rest of the top five:
Column: The agony of defeat saturated the air on pit road Sunday night at Phoenix Raceway. It battled the tire smoke and the cheers from Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports as they celebrated the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Simply put, it was a heavy night and many people need time to heal
Simply put, it was a heavy night and many people need time to heal
Amid the jubilation, an agony felt across the entire NASCAR garage | RACER
The agony of defeat saturated the air on pit road Sunday night at Phoenix Raceway.It battled the tire smoke and the cheers from Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports as they celebrated the NASCAR Cup S...
racer.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Column: The agony of defeat saturated the air on pit road Sunday night at Phoenix Raceway. It battled the tire smoke and the cheers from Kyle Larson and Hendrick Motorsports as they celebrated the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Simply put, it was a heavy night and many people need time to heal
Simply put, it was a heavy night and many people need time to heal
Shane van Gisbergen, the Rookie of the Year in the Cup Series, wasn't sure how he would like doing the same thing every weekend. But he's enjoying his time in the U.S. and in NASCAR.
Plus, what he found he likes in the Cup Series that he didn't in the Xfinity Series:
Plus, what he found he likes in the Cup Series that he didn't in the Xfinity Series:
November 4, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Shane van Gisbergen, the Rookie of the Year in the Cup Series, wasn't sure how he would like doing the same thing every weekend. But he's enjoying his time in the U.S. and in NASCAR.
Plus, what he found he likes in the Cup Series that he didn't in the Xfinity Series:
Plus, what he found he likes in the Cup Series that he didn't in the Xfinity Series:
There is no second-guessing for Denny Hamlin after what happened Sunday because he feels there is nothing else he could have done. But the pain of losing the title still cuts deep - deeper than anything he's ever felt - and it's going to for a while:
NASCAR's awards ceremony bringing special dread for Hamlin: 'It's painful' | RACER
Denny Hamlin says he’s doing as well as one would expect two days after losing the NASCAR Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway.“There is not a whole lot of second-guessing, I would say,” Hamlin ...
racer.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:23 PM
There is no second-guessing for Denny Hamlin after what happened Sunday because he feels there is nothing else he could have done. But the pain of losing the title still cuts deep - deeper than anything he's ever felt - and it's going to for a while:
Cliff Daniels has come a long way since 2021 ... with his sleep habits.
November 4, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Cliff Daniels has come a long way since 2021 ... with his sleep habits.
Kyle Larson entered the weekend saying he wants to catch and maybe surpass Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart in championships. Well, now Larson has two, and Jeff Gordon is just fine with that.
"We have a standing joke about, ‘C'mon, come and get it.’"
"We have a standing joke about, ‘C'mon, come and get it.’"
'C'mon, come and get it': Gordon on Larson chasing his championship count | RACER
Jeff Gordon was all too happy to welcome Kyle Larson into the multi-time NASCAR Cup Series championship club on Sunday afternoon at Phoenix Raceway.Gordon, the vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, c...
racer.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Kyle Larson entered the weekend saying he wants to catch and maybe surpass Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart in championships. Well, now Larson has two, and Jeff Gordon is just fine with that.
"We have a standing joke about, ‘C'mon, come and get it.’"
"We have a standing joke about, ‘C'mon, come and get it.’"
“I really don’t have much emotion right now. I’m just numb about it. Just in shock. That’s about it.”
Denny Hamlin felt he and his race team did their jobs, brought a championship car, and showed who was the best on Sunday. Until the last few laps:
Denny Hamlin felt he and his race team did their jobs, brought a championship car, and showed who was the best on Sunday. Until the last few laps:
Hamlin left ‘numb’ after shocking overtime Cup title loss | RACER
Denny Hamlin admitted he didn’t feel much emotion Sunday afternoon at Phoenix Raceway, but the post-race scene told the tale.
racer.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:08 PM
“I really don’t have much emotion right now. I’m just numb about it. Just in shock. That’s about it.”
Denny Hamlin felt he and his race team did their jobs, brought a championship car, and showed who was the best on Sunday. Until the last few laps:
Denny Hamlin felt he and his race team did their jobs, brought a championship car, and showed who was the best on Sunday. Until the last few laps: