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’
Austin Cindric finally gets to put months’ worth of work to the test this weekend with his debut in the Supercars finale.
“I feel comfortable in the car …”
“I feel comfortable in the car …”
Cindric ready to learn on the fly for Supercars debut in Adelaide | RACER
Austin Cindric will turn months’ worth of work into action as he takes to the track in Adelaide this weekend for a cameo appearance in the Supercars finale. “I feel comfortable in the car (with) sitti...
racer.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Austin Cindric finally gets to put months’ worth of work to the test this weekend with his debut in the Supercars finale.
“I feel comfortable in the car …”
“I feel comfortable in the car …”
Jim Pohlman has been around the NASCAR garage for decades but he’s about to become an even more recognizable name and face as Kyle Busch’s crew chief.
Let’s get to know him better:
“I won the last World Pit Crew Challenge championship…”
Let’s get to know him better:
“I won the last World Pit Crew Challenge championship…”
Busch's new crew chief arriving with a deep resume, and a fresh challenge | RACER
Jim Pohlman is happy to list off the highlights of his NASCAR resume, although he’ll tell you that the list of things he hasn’t done is certainly shorter. One thing that he does make sure to mention, ...
racer.com
November 28, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Jim Pohlman has been around the NASCAR garage for decades but he’s about to become an even more recognizable name and face as Kyle Busch’s crew chief.
Let’s get to know him better:
“I won the last World Pit Crew Challenge championship…”
Let’s get to know him better:
“I won the last World Pit Crew Challenge championship…”
In other racing news:
Newly-crowned NHRA Funny Car champion Prock splits with John Force Racing | RACER
John Force Racing has confirmed one of the biggest pieces of NHRA silly season news around the departure of the Prock family.It comes a week after Austin Prock won his second consecutive NHRA Funny Ca...
racer.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:50 PM
In other racing news:
William Byron had an incredibly solid season across many categories, including winning the regular-season title. As such, Byron won't let the lack of the series championship diminish the success.
“But overall, yeah, it was our best year with results."
“But overall, yeah, it was our best year with results."
Byron not letting Cup Series championship race letdown define his season | RACER
A year of highlights came up short in Phoenix, but William Byron had a lot of positives to look back on. "I feel like it was our best year yet."
racer.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:45 PM
William Byron had an incredibly solid season across many categories, including winning the regular-season title. As such, Byron won't let the lack of the series championship diminish the success.
“But overall, yeah, it was our best year with results."
“But overall, yeah, it was our best year with results."
The price of charters in the NASCAR Cup Series is no longer a mystery or speculation. A full transaction history was included in last week's document dump, including the $40 million for Live Fast Motorsports and what Stewart-Haas Racing got for three:
NASCAR charter sales prices revealed in latest lawsuit document dump | RACER
The price of charter sales in the NASCAR Cup Series is no longer a closely guarded secret.
racer.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:40 PM
The price of charters in the NASCAR Cup Series is no longer a mystery or speculation. A full transaction history was included in last week's document dump, including the $40 million for Live Fast Motorsports and what Stewart-Haas Racing got for three:
In a thrift shop in Tokyo is a Jimmie Johnson shirt from his 2002 pole at Daytona, which John Hunter Nemechek has to buy. Seeing current and vintage NASCAR items was among the moments that stood out for JHN during the NASCAR exhibition run in Japan:
Nemechek gains new perspective of NASCAR's reach with Japan exhibition trip | RACER
John Hunter Nemechek is browsing a thrift shop in Tokyo, Japan, when he finds a piece he has to buy.“I found a Jimmie Johnson rookie season polesitter shirt for the Daytona 500 from 2002,” Nemechek to...
racer.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:31 PM
In a thrift shop in Tokyo is a Jimmie Johnson shirt from his 2002 pole at Daytona, which John Hunter Nemechek has to buy. Seeing current and vintage NASCAR items was among the moments that stood out for JHN during the NASCAR exhibition run in Japan:
NASCAR executives weren't thrilled about their stars participating in the SRX. In fact, they wanted to "put a knife in this trash series" as revealed in text messages from the antitrust lawsuit:
NASCAR wanted to ‘put a knife’ in SRX, text messages reveal | RACER
NASCAR executives were not thrilled about their stars participating in Superstar Racing Experience, as revealed by text messages included in exhibits in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit between NASCAR an...
racer.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:31 PM
NASCAR executives weren't thrilled about their stars participating in the SRX. In fact, they wanted to "put a knife in this trash series" as revealed in text messages from the antitrust lawsuit:
"Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged. He's a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR."
Text messages reveal Phelps’ frustration with Childress | RACER
A string of text messages between NASCAR executives from 2023 boiled over into insults about one of its team owners in a bout of frustration about the economics of the sport.
racer.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
"Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged. He's a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR."
Richard Childress Racing said in a statement Monday that "legal action is being contemplated and discussed with legal counsel" after reveal of comments made in NASCAR text messages:
Childress considering legal action over NASCAR messages | RACER
Richard Childress Racing stated Monday that “legal action is being contemplated” after its owner was insulted by NASCAR executives, as revealed by text messages in the antitrust lawsuit.
racer.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Richard Childress Racing said in a statement Monday that "legal action is being contemplated and discussed with legal counsel" after reveal of comments made in NASCAR text messages:
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: