NASCAR Rant Report - Friday, January 17th

Truex Jr. and Johnson to Daytona 500, NASCAR Channel on Tubi, NASCAR at The Chili Bowl Nationals, and more!

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Rant Report AI
January 17, 2025

Major headlines out of Thursday:

Martin Truex Jr. to Daytona 500
Jimmie Johnson to Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600
NASCAR Channel Launching on Tubi
NASCAR at The Chili Bowl Nationals

Plus, miscellaneous topics from the day.

Martin Truex Jr. to Daytona 500:

Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion, will attempt to qualify for the 2025 Daytona 500 with Tricon Garage. Truex will drive the No. 56 Toyota Camry XSE, with technical support from Joe Gibbs Racing and sponsorship from Bass Pro Shops. This marks Tricon Garage's debut in the Cup Series.

Truex will reunite with his former crew chief, Cole Pearn, with whom he achieved 24 wins and a championship. Truex has made 20 previous starts in the Daytona 500 but has yet to win the race. Truex expressed excitement about the opportunity to work with Pearn again and to drive the No. 56 car, a number he previously used during his time at Michael Waltrip Racing. David Gilliland, owner of Tricon Garage, praised Truex's competitiveness and expressed confidence in their ability to succeed despite the challenges of being an open entry.

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

Jimmie Johnson to Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600:

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will attempt to qualify for the 2025 Daytona 500 and compete in the Coca-Cola 600, driving the No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota. Johnson aims to make his 22nd start in the Daytona 500, and the Coca-Cola 600 this May would mark his 700th career Cup Series start. Carvana will sponsor Johnson's car for both events, continuing their partnership into its fifth season. Although retired from full-time competition as of 2020, he has continued to participate in select events and contribute to the sport as a co-owner of Legacy Motor Club. Johnson expressed his excitement about returning to these iconic races, emphasizing their special place in his career and the energy they bring.

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

NASCAR Channel Launching on Tubi:

NASCAR is launching a new free ad-supported television channel called the NASCAR Channel on Tubi, starting January 29, 2025. This channel will provide 24/7 NASCAR content without requiring a subscription or registration. Programming will include classic races, re-airs of the current season's events, documentaries, original content from NASCAR Studios, and video podcasts.

The channel will also feature exclusive live coverage of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on February 7 and the Cook Out Madhouse Classic from Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1.

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

NASCAR at The Chili Bowl Nationals:

On Thursday at the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals, Tanner Thorson emerged victorious in the A-Main feature after a spirited battle with Christopher Bell, who finished third. Ryan Bernal secured the second lock-in spot for Saturday's main event. In the B-Main races, Drake Edwards, Andrew Deal, Brody Fuson, and Dalten Gabbard advanced from B-Main 1, while Casey Shuman, Spencer Bayston, Brady Bacon, and Jeff Stasa advanced from B-Main 2.

The Chili Bowl continues with the final qualifying night on Friday and the main event on Saturday. NASCAR drivers Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell are already locked into the main event. Ty Gibbs, Kyle Busch, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., J.J. Yeley, and Josh Bilicki are still competing to secure their spots in the prestigious A-Main race Saturday.

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

Miscellaneous Topics:

The 2025 Daytona 500 is set to take place in one month, with coverage available on FOX and the FOX Sports app. Current odds for the race list Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski as favorites at +1200, followed by Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and William Byron.

Motorsports Business Management (MBM) is rebranding its NASCAR Cup Series entry to Garage 66 for the 2025 season. This change reflects a streamlined approach with fewer personnel and higher standards, aiming for better performance and fewer mistakes. The team plans to make further announcements about their 2025 NASCAR Cup Series plans soon.

Check out our Source Materials Page for more on these topics.

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

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