NASCAR Rant Report - Friday, June 20th

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Major headlines out of Wednesday and Thursday:

Looking Ahead to Pocono
Philadelphia for Clash, San Diego for Street Race
Dale Jr. to Crew Chief for Zilisch
Rick Ware Racing/Legacy Motor Club Lawsuit Updates

Plus, miscellaneous topics so far this week.

Looking Ahead to Pocono:

This weekend, Pocono Raceway hosts a tripleheader of NASCAR national series events, headlined by the Great American Getaway 400. Denny Hamlin is currently the clear favorite, having won there seven times in the past. Ryan Blaney, last year’s winner, looks to repeat, with drivers William Byron, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick as to the other top tier contenders.

The Xfinity Series races Saturday with the Explore the Pocono Mountains 250, featuring Chase Elliott in a rare series start. Justin Allgaier leads the standings but faces pressure from Austin Hill, the only returning Pocono winner in the field. Today, the Truck Series kicks off the action with the MillerTech Battery 200, where Corey Heim defends his 2024 win. Twelve drivers will make their Pocono Truck debut.

This weekend’s races are critical for playoff hopefuls in all series, with favorable weather expected and a sellout crowd anticipated for a full racing weekend in the Pocono mountains.

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

Want some non-AI content? Check out the previous Editorial:
Motorsports ‘Hot or Not’ #2

Philadelphia for Clash, San Diego for Street Race:

In Philadelphia, NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell confirmed that the organization is in early discussions about hosting a race at Franklin Field, the historic stadium on the University of Pennsylvania campus. The concept mirrors the Clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum, where a temporary short track was constructed inside a football stadium. Franklin Field’s Olympic-style layout makes it one of the few urban venues capable of accommodating such a setup. The proposed Philadelphia race would likely be an exhibition event, not a points-paying race, and would aim to bring NASCAR directly to city dwellers. However, the plan has sparked mixed reactions from fans—some excited by the novelty, others concerned about the sport drifting from its traditional roots.

Meanwhile, NASCAR is nearing a finalized deal to bring a Cup Series street race to San Diego as early as 2026. This would mark the sport’s second modern-era street course event, following the Chicago Street Race introduced in 2023. The San Diego race would fill the void left in the Southern California market by the closure of Auto Club Speedway. While the exact layout and location remain undisclosed, the Pacific Ocean is expected to serve as a scenic backdrop. The event is seen as a potential replacement for the Chicago Street Race, whose future is uncertain after its third and final guaranteed year in 2025.

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

Dale Jr. to Crew Chief for Zilisch:

Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. will make his debut as a crew chief this weekend at Pocono Raceway, stepping atop the pit box for JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch. Mardy Lindley, the usual crew chief for the #88, is serving a one-race suspension due to a lug nut violation following the Nashville race. This marks the first time any member of the Earnhardt family has served as a crew chief in a national NASCAR series. While Earnhardt has worn many hats throughout his career—driver, team owner, broadcaster—this will be his first time calling the shots from the pit box.

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

Rick Ware Racing/Legacy Motor Club Lawsuit Updates:

Rick Ware Racing (RWR) and Legacy Motor Club remain in a legal battle over a disputed $45 million charter sale. The conflict began when Legacy sued RWR in April, claiming it had purchased Charter No. 27 for the 2026 season. RWR countersued in mid-June, asserting the agreement was for Charter No. 36 and not until 2027. RWR argues that selling Charter No. 27 early would leave them without a charter to compete in 2026, potentially forcing the team out of business.

RWR’s countersuit, filed June 17, claims the contract contains multiple errors and misstatements, including incorrect charter numbers and dates. RWR also alleges it attempted to return LMC’s $750,000 deposit several times, but LMC refused. A judge previously denied LMC’s request for a preliminary injunction, weakening their legal position. This lawsuit is continually developing and potential outcomes are not known at this time.

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

Miscellaneous:

Kyle Busch’s Legends Series Resurgence: Kyle Busch has returned to grassroots racing in dominant fashion, capturing back-to-back victories in the Legends Masters division at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s 2025 Cookout Summer Shootout Series. These wins mark his first in the Masters division in over 20 years and highlight his enduring competitiveness.

Kyle Larson’s Sprint Car Dominance at Huset’s: Kyle Larson continued his stellar 2025 dirt racing campaign with a thrilling victory in the opening night of the World of Outlaws Huset’s Hustle at Huset’s Speedway in South Dakota. Larson earned his fourth WoO win of the season and 29th of his career, tying him for 23rd on the all-time win list.

Christopher Bell’s Dirt Duel with Larson Continues: Christopher Bell is reigniting his dirt racing rivalry with Kyle Larson at the 2025 Huset’s High Bank Nationals. Bell is making his debut at Huset’s Speedway and is confirmed for the $100,000 Huset’s Hustle, with a possible entry in the $250,000 Nationals. Fans are eagerly anticipating another showdown between Bell and Larson, whose contrasting styles and fierce competitiveness have become a highlight of the dirt racing season.

Hamlin Lands New Sponsor: Joe Gibbs Racing has signed a multi-year deal with Bob’s Discount Furniture to sponsor Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota in select races, starting at Iowa Speedway on August 3. The partnership includes promotional events, including a car unveiling at a new store opening in Winston-Salem, NC.

David Starr to Race at Atlanta: Veteran driver David Starr will make a surprise Cup Series start at Atlanta Motor Speedway with Garage 66. The 57-year-old will pilot the No. 66 Ford, marking his first Cup appearance of the season.

Costa Oil Partners with Cody Ware: Costa Oil – 10 Minute Oil Change will sponsor Cody Ware’s No. 51 Cup car at Pocono. The partnership highlights shared values of speed and efficiency.

Kaz Grala Returns to Xfinity: Kaz Grala will rejoin Sam Hunt Racing for three Xfinity Series road course races at Chicago, Watkins Glen, and the Charlotte Roval. Overplay Games will sponsor the No. 24 Toyota Supra. Grala previously raced full-time with SHR in 2023.

Anthony Alfredo Gets Pocono Backing: Clancy Relocation & Logistics will sponsor Anthony Alfredo’s No. 42 Xfinity car at Pocono Raceway. Alfredo has three top-16 finishes in previous starts at the track.

KitchenAid Sponsors Logan Bearden: KitchenAid will sponsor Logan Bearden’s No. 53 Xfinity entry at Pocono to promote its new Pure Power Blender on National Smoothie Day, June 21.

Black Cat Fireworks Sponsors Frankie Muniz: Frankie Muniz’s No. 33 Truck Series entry at Pocono will feature Black Cat Fireworks as the primary sponsor, marking the brand’s debut in NASCAR.

Josh Bilicki Joins Niece Motorsports: Josh Bilicki will drive the No. 44 truck for Niece Motorsports at Lime Rock Park and the Charlotte Roval. Backed by Trim-Tex and Lemons of Love, Bilicki aims to contend for wins in his return to the Truck Series.

Cam Waters Returns to Trucks: Australian driver Cam Waters will return to ThorSport Racing for the Truck Series race at Lime Rock Park. Known for his road course skills, Waters aims to secure a win in the No. 66 Ford F-150.

BJ McLeod Opens Racing Coaster: BJ McLeod has launched the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster, the world’s first side-by-side alpine racing coaster. The attraction opens June 20 in Tennessee.

NEFT Vodka Partners with Lime Rock Park: NEFT Vodka has become the exclusive vodka partner of Lime Rock Park, enhancing hospitality offerings during major 2025 events, including NASCAR’s Truck Series debut.

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

Thumbnail image credits on our Source Materials Page.

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