Northeastern correspondent Lou Modestino checks in with a Frontstretch report by Kevin Rutherford….
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 22, 2026) – After a successful first season at Front Row Motorsports (FRM), highlighted by two wins in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Chandler Smith will make his first attempt for the team in the Cup Series driving the No. 36 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the Daytona 500.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – FOX Sports kicks off its 26th season of NASCAR coverage with The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Sunday, Feb. 1, beginning at 6:00 PM ET on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One and the FOX Sports app.
Mike Joy, FOX NASCAR’s play-by-play announcer since 2001, embarks on his 26th season with the network alongside analysts Clint Bowyer, marking his sixth season in the FOX broadcast booth, and 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick in his third year. Also returning to the FOX NASCAR broadcast crew are analyst Larry McReynolds, also entering his 26th season at FOX, and veteran pit reporters Jamie Little (12th season) and Regan Smith (ninth).
NASCAR and Kaulig Racing Join Tributes, Highlighted by Return of Biffle’s Iconic Stylized Numerals at Daytona
CONCORD, NC (January 22, 2026) – When RFK Racing’s cars roll onto the grid to open the 2026 season, they will do so honoring the legacy of Greg Biffle. Paying respect to a driver who helped build the organization, the team will begin a season-long tribute at the Cook Out Clash Feb. 1, followed by a special visual presentation during Daytona 500 activities Feb 11-15.
The remembrance begins at Bowman Gray Stadium as all RFK Racing cars will carry a circular memorial decal above the B-post during the Cook Out Clash. The artwork pays homage with the words, “The Biff 16, In Loving Memory of Greg Biffle.” As an enduring memorial, this artwork will adorn the RFK Racing cars in every race on the 2026 schedule.
CONCORD, N.C. – Trackhouse Racing announced today that Roto-Rooter has joined the team as part of a multi-year, multi-race agreement and will be the Official Plumbing Installation, Repair and Replacement Services Company of Trackhouse Racing.
The relationship with Roto-Rooter and Connor Zilisch dates back to October 2024 at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway when the young driver made his third career NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start with JR Motorsports (JRM).
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — NASCAR today announced that Hardee’s, the iconic American quick-service restaurant brand, is returning to the sport in a major way as the Official Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) of NASCAR. In addition to the multiyear agreement, Hardee’s also will join 23XI Racing as a primary partner with Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 team, marking one of the most significant comebacks of a heritage brand in recent NASCAR history. Throughout the season, Wallace will drive the No. 23 Hardee’s car at several races, starting in Martinsville, and Hardee’s branding will be included all season on the No. 23 team’s uniforms and equipment and Wallace’s firesuit.
Trimble Expands Sponsor Partnership, Bolstering RFK Racing Lineup With Corey LaJoie for the Great American Race
CONCORD, NC (January 20, 2026) – RFK Racing today announced it will field a fourth entry in next month’s Daytona 500, with Trimble serving as the primary sponsor. RFK Racing will reprise the No. 99 – a number the organization ran from 1996-2014 – with Corey LaJoie set to drive the Trimble Ford Mustang in the Feb.15 race.
The No. 99 carries a storied legacy within RFK Racing, standing as one of the most successful numbers in the organization’s history. Over a 19-consecutive-season stretch, the No. 99 delivered 40 NASCAR Cup Series victories for RFK Racing. Jeff Burton piloted the No. 99 from 1996 to 2004, earning 17 wins. That success continued with Carl Edwards, who carried the number from 2004 to 2014, adding 23 victories.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Jan. 20, 2026) – Beard Motorsports announced today that it will attempt to qualify for the Feb. 15 Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway to kick off the team’s ninth season competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. For the third consecutive year, Anthony Alfredo will be behind the wheel of the No. 62 Beard Chevrolet, this time with primary sponsorship from DUDE Wipes.
CHARLOTTE (January 19, 2026) — The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli is thrilled to announce that award-winning veteran sportscaster Allen Bestwick will serve as lead commentator for Trans Am broadcasts in 2026. Bestwick will make his Trans Am debut at the series’ pre-season test at Sebring International Raceway, hosting a one-hour live broadcast on Wednesday, January 21 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Three of the teams expected to vie for the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) title all took the wraps off their updated 2026 challengers this week.
On Sunday, Acura Meyer Shank Racing went first for its No. 60 and No. 93 Acura ARX-06 cars. The No. 60 has its third different livery since last year’s Rolex 24.
