NASCAR Rant Report - Tuesday, February 11th

Subscribe to Rant Report | See the Previous Rant Report

Follow us on Social Media | Listen on YouTube | Check Out Our Website

Join the NASCAR Rant Report Fantasy League

Major headlines out of Monday:

Full Daytona 500 Entry List
France Family Looking to Sell NASCAR
Xfinity Series News
Daytona 500 Television Schedule

Plus, miscellaneous topics from the day.

Full Daytona 500 Entry List:

The 2025 Daytona 500 is set to be an exciting event with 45 cars entered, the most since 2015, with four open spots available in the 40-car field. Helio Castroneves, a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, is eligible for a provisional that would give him a 41st starting position if he does not secure one of the four open spots through qualifying or the Duel races. The open entries include drivers Corey LaJoie, Justin Allgaier, JJ Yeley, Martin Truex Jr., Anthony Alfredo, Chandler Smith, BJ McLeod, Jimmie Johnson, and Helio Castroneves.

Qualifying for the Daytona 500 involves a unique format where the front row is determined by single-car qualifying, and the rest of the field is set by the Duel races. The two fastest non-charter cars in single-car qualifying will lock into the field, while the highest-finishing non-charter car in each Duel race will take the final two spots. The new Open Exemption Provisional (OEP) is new for 2025, and guarantees a spot for world-class drivers like Castroneves if they fail to qualify through the standard procedure.

The event schedule includes practice sessions, single-car qualifying, and the Duel races leading up to the main race on Sunday, February 16, 2025. The Daytona 500 promises high emotions and gripping drama as drivers compete for a chance to participate in NASCAR’s crown jewel event.

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

France Family Looking to Sell NASCAR:

NASCAR, traditionally owned by the France family since 1948, is now open to selling an equity stake as private equity (PE) investments become more prominent in sports. NASCAR President Steve Phelps highlighted the benefits of PE, including increased capital, expertise, and sponsorship opportunities. This move aims to accelerate NASCAR's growth and global expansion, with potential races in countries like Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia.

The timing coincides with an ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, challenging NASCAR's revenue-sharing system. Some speculate that the lawsuit may be influencing NASCAR's decision to consider outside investments. This openness to investment marks a significant shift in NASCAR's ownership structure, driven by the desire to enhance financial health and adapt to the evolving sports landscape.

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

Xfinity Series News:

Jeffrey Earnhardt will drive part-time for Sam Hunt Racing in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series, starting at Talladega on April 26th. DGM Racing has partnered with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports to field two full-time and one part-time entries, beginning at Daytona. Werner Enterprises will sponsor Blaine Perkins and the No. 31 Chevrolet of Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport, starting at Daytona on February 15th. Jeremy Clements Racing will have All South Electric and One Stop Convenience Stores co-sponsor Jeremy Clements for six races, starting at Daytona. Richard Childress Racing's Jesse Love will continue with Samsara Inc. as a multi-race primary partner, beginning at Phoenix on March 8th.

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

Miscellaneous:

Apple has added NASCAR support to its Sports app just in time for the Daytona 500, allowing users to follow live race coverage, real-time leaderboard updates, and key stats. This update expands the app's coverage, which already includes major leagues like the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and the Premier League.

Jimmie Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal have collaborated on a custom paint scheme for Johnson's No. 84 Toyota, inspired by Shaq's basketball career. The design was unveiled at Shaq's Fun House and will debut during Daytona 500 qualifying.

Anthony Mackie, known for his role as Captain America, has been named the grand marshal for the 67th Daytona 500. Mackie will deliver the famous "start your engines" command before the race, coinciding with the release of his new film, "Captain America: Brave New World."

The 2025 Blazer EV SS, Chevrolet's quickest SS model, will pace the Daytona 500. This marks the first time an electric vehicle will pace the race. Chevrolet will also debut its Blazer EV.R NASCAR Prototype ahead of the event.

Go Bowling will sponsor Michael McDowell in three races, including the Daytona 500, the Truck Series race at Daytona, and the Cup race at Watkins Glen. McDowell, a veteran driver, expressed excitement about the new partnership.

Christian Rose will not compete full-time for Niece Motorsports in the Truck Series due to sponsorship changes. Bayley Currey will drive the No. 44 Chevrolet at Daytona, with Masked Owl Technologies stepping up as the primary sponsor.

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

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.

Join the NASCAR Rant Report Fantasy League

Keeping You Informed, Saving You Time.

Subscribe to Rant Report | See the Previous Rant Report

Follow us on Social Media | Listen on YouTube | Check Out Our Website

Join the NASCAR Rant Report Fantasy League