NASCAR Rant Report - Friday, February 7th

World of Outlaws Returns, Larson Offers Ride to Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson Podcast, and more!

Author

Rant Report AI
February 07, 2025

Major headlines out of Thursday:

World of Outlaws Returns
Larson Offers Ride to Carl Edwards
Jimmie Johnson and Marty Smith Podcast
NASCAR Talks with Ty Gibbs Post-Clash

World of Outlaws Returns:

The 2025 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series season has kicked off at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida, with exciting races and notable performances. The season opener featured intense competition among top drivers, setting the stage for a thrilling year ahead.

Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson were central figures in the early races, reigniting their long-standing rivalry on dirt tracks. Bell, who had been restricted from dirt racing by his NASCAR team Joe Gibbs Racing, made a strong comeback. Bell secured a dramatic victory over Larson in the season opener. The race ended in a photo finish, with Bell edging out Larson by just 0.005 seconds. This win marked Bell's sixth in World of Outlaws competition and his first since 2019. Bell expressed immense gratitude to Joe Gibbs Racing for allowing him to return to dirt racing, describing the experience as a dream come true.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

Want Some Non-AI Content?
Check Out Saturday’s Editorial

Larson Offers Ride to Carl Edwards:

Kyle Larson has publicly expressed his desire for Carl Edwards to step in and drive his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet during practice for the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. This request comes as Larson prepares to participate in the Indianapolis 500, which coincides with the All-Star Race weekend. Larson believes that having Edwards, a former NASCAR star and recent Hall of Fame inductee, would generate significant excitement and attention for the sport.

Edwards, who retired from NASCAR in 2016, has not ruled out the possibility but remains cautious. He acknowledged the honor of Larson's request but humorously admitted that he might crash the car if he were to drive it without proper preparation. Edwards mentioned that he would consider practicing on a simulator to get a feel for the track before making any decisions. Despite his reluctance, Edwards has left the door slightly open, stating that it's "never a total no."

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

Jimmie Johnson and Marty Smith Podcast:

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and veteran journalist Marty Smith are launching a new SiriusXM podcast called "Never Settle," debuting on February 12 during Daytona 500 week. The podcast will feature weekly episodes where Johnson and Smith discuss NASCAR headlines, share stories from Johnson's illustrious racing career, and delve into topics beyond motorsports, such as fatherhood, business, and personal growth. Johnson, who will be competing part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series this season, expressed excitement about collaborating with Smith, highlighting their long-standing friendship and Smith's storytelling prowess. Smith echoed this enthusiasm, looking forward to enlightening and inspiring listeners through their conversations. The podcast aims to provide an engaging mix of racing insights and life lessons, embodying the "never settle" philosophy that both hosts have embraced throughout their careers.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

NASCAR Talks with Ty Gibbs Post-Clash:

During the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) at Bowman Gray for the NASCAR Clash, Ty Gibbs made headlines by retaliating against Justin Haley, resulting in Gibbs' car going airborne. Gibbs attempted to door-slam Haley but ended up launching his car into the air. NASCAR has not issued any penalties but plans to discuss the incident with Gibbs before the Daytona race. Dale Earnhardt Jr. commented on the incident, noting that while aggressive, it wasn't egregious and is part of short-track racing.

Larry McReynolds criticized Gibbs' actions, calling for intervention from Joe Gibbs Racing and Gibbs' family to address his behavior. Gibbs has a history of on-track incidents, including fines for previous aggressive actions. McReynolds emphasized that Gibbs' age should not excuse his behavior and that he needs to handle himself properly in the top series of motorsports. NASCAR and fans will be closely watching Gibbs to see if this incident is an anomaly or a sign of recurring behavior.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on this topic.

This newsletter is constructed by AI and reviewed by our editorial team.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more.

Thumbnail image credits on our Source Materials Page.

Keeping You Informed, Saving You Time.

Reply

or to participate.