Latest news with #NASCARHallofFame


Newsweek
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
NASCAR Mourns The Loss of Champion and Hall of Famer Rex White
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. NASCAR mourned the passing of Rex White, a Hall of Famer and 1960 Cup Series champion, who passed away at the age of 95. White raced in 233 Cup races over a span of nine years from 1956 to 1964. The NASCAR legend carried an average finish position of 9th, finishing in the top five in 110 races and winning a total of 28 races. White was also famous for being one of the first Chevrolet drivers in NASCAR. NASCAR also hosted a Convertible Series, in which White scored a victory in 1959. He was also named one of the 50 best drivers in the sport's history in 1998. In 2015, White became a part of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. NASCAR CEO Jim France acknowledged White's contributions to the sport. He said in a statement posted on X: NASCAR Hall of Famer Rex White speaks with the media after the 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at NASCAR Hall of Fame on January 30, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NASCAR Hall of Famer Rex White speaks with the media after the 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at NASCAR Hall of Fame on January 30, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina."We mourn the loss of NASCAR Champion and Hall of Famer, Rex White. Rex epitomized the formative days of NASCAR — a true pioneer whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our sport. His hard work, dedication, and talent allowed him to make a living doing what he loved most — racing cars. "He was the model of consistency — finishing in the top five in nearly half of his races — and dominated the short tracks. On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I want to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Rex White." Statement from NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France regarding Rex White's passing: "We mourn the loss of NASCAR Champion and Hall of Famer, Rex White. Rex epitomized the formative days of NASCAR — a true pioneer whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our sport. His… — NASCAR Communications (@NASCAR_Comms) July 18, 2025 Our thoughts are with White's family at this difficult time. NASCAR made another important announcement recently. The sport revealed a one-year pause on the Chicago street race, and as a result, the venue will not be on NASCAR's 2026 calendar. "It is reported that the City of Chicago wanted to move the dates from July. NASCAR admitted that it was working with city officials on a plan that "further optimizes operational efficiencies" for the street race's return in 2027. It stated: "Thank you for all you have done to make the NASCAR Chicago Street Race one of the most iconic events in global sports. "Following the success of the first three years, the Chicago Street Race will hit pause in 2026 to afford us the time necessary to work collaboratively with the City of Chicago to explore a new potential date and to develop a plan that further optimizes operational efficiencies, with a goal to return to the streets of Chicago in 2027. "Together, we have built and grown an expanded community of fans that consists of longtime NASCAR enthusiasts and first-time racegoers from around the globe, and for that, we are immensely grateful. "Thank you for your continued support - and we look forward to seeing you at the races."


Winnipeg Free Press
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Winnipeg Free Press
Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins NASCAR national series debut as crew chief at Pocono
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) — Dale Earnhardt Jr. might already be NASCAR's most popular crew chief. He's certainly an undefeated one. Pressed into unexpected service, Earnhardt called the shots for 18-year-old prospect Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 Chevrolet and they landed in victory lane Saturday in the second-tier Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway. 'We had a lot of things going our way,' Earnhardt said. Earnhardt — who won NASCAR's most-popular driver award 15 times — made a pit stop from his day job as team owner at JR Motorsports with normal crew chief Mardy Lindley suspended one race because of a lug nut infraction this month at Nashville. Aside from his duties as team owner, Earnhardt also was at Pocono for his role on the Prime broadcast for the NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday. 'Lot of fun for me today,' Earnhardt said. 'I missed the thrill of competition. I love broadcast, don't get me wrong. But nothing compares to driving or just being part of the team. Being an owner doesn't really deliver like this. This is a lot of fun.' Earnhardt had his wife and two young daughters in tow with him as he made the celebratory walk to victory lane. Oldest daughter Isla Rose clutched the checkered flag while youngest Nicole Lorraine soaked in the scene from her dad's arms. The win continued a banner season for the NASCAR Hall of Fame driver — who swept two races at Pocono as a driver in 2014 — after JR Motorsports and reigning Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier qualified for the season-opening Daytona 500 and secured their Cup Series debut. Earnhardt won two Daytona 500s, in 2004 and 2014, and 26 races overall. His side hustle Saturday was made a bit easier with Zilisch behind the wheel. Zilisch, who turns 19 in July, raced to his second Xfinity victory of the season and third of his young career. He won his Xfinity debut last year at Watkins Glen International. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Earnhardt even pitched in during the race and tossed tires over the wall during pit stops. Zilisch took the win down to the wire and finally passed Jesse Love with five laps left in the race. Love finished second. 'Dale Junior, not too bad on the box,' Zilisch said. 'Pretty cool to have him up there. Getting him a 1-for-1 win as crew chief is pretty awesome.' ___ AP auto racing:


San Francisco Chronicle
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- San Francisco Chronicle
Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins NASCAR national series debut as crew chief at Pocono
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) — Dale Earnhardt Jr. might already be NASCAR's most popular crew chief. He's certainly an undefeated one. Pressed into unexpected service, Earnhardt called the shots for 18-year-old prospect Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 Chevrolet and they landed in victory lane Saturday in the second-tier Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway. 'We had a lot of things going our way,' Earnhardt said. Earnhardt — who won NASCAR's most-popular driver award 15 times — made a pit stop from his day job as team owner at JR Motorsports with normal crew chief Mardy Lindley suspended one race because of a lug nut infraction this month at Nashville. Aside from his duties as team owner, Earnhardt also was at Pocono for his role on the Prime broadcast for the NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday. 'Lot of fun for me today,' Earnhardt said. 'I missed the thrill of competition. I love broadcast, don't get me wrong. But nothing compares to driving or just being part of the team. Being an owner doesn't really deliver like this. This is a lot of fun.' Earnhardt had his wife and two young daughters in tow with him as he made the celebratory walk to victory lane. Oldest daughter Isla Rose clutched the checkered flag while youngest Nicole Lorraine soaked in the scene from her dad's arms. The win continued a banner season for the NASCAR Hall of Fame driver — who swept two races at Pocono as a driver in 2014 — after JR Motorsports and reigning Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier qualified for the season-opening Daytona 500 and secured their Cup Series debut. Earnhardt won two Daytona 500s, in 2004 and 2014, and 26 races overall. His side hustle Saturday was made a bit easier with Zilisch behind the wheel. Zilisch, who turns 19 in July, raced to his second Xfinity victory of the season and third of his young career. He won his Xfinity debut last year at Watkins Glen International. Earnhardt even pitched in during the race and tossed tires over the wall during pit stops. 'Dale Junior, not too bad on the box,' Zilisch said. 'Pretty cool to have him up there. Getting him a 1-for-1 win as crew chief is pretty awesome.' ___


Fox Sports
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins NASCAR national series debut as crew chief at Pocono
Associated Press LONG POND, Pa. (AP) — Dale Earnhardt Jr. might already be NASCAR's most popular crew chief. He's certainly an undefeated one. Pressed into unexpected service, Earnhardt called the shots for 18-year-old prospect Connor Zilisch in the No. 88 Chevrolet and they landed in victory lane Saturday in the second-tier Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway. 'We had a lot of things going our way,' Earnhardt said. Earnhardt — who won NASCAR's most-popular driver award 15 times — made a pit stop from his day job as team owner at JR Motorsports with normal crew chief Mardy Lindley suspended one race because of a lug nut infraction this month at Nashville. Aside from his duties as team owner, Earnhardt also was at Pocono for his role on the Prime broadcast for the NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday. 'Lot of fun for me today,' Earnhardt said. 'I missed the thrill of competition. I love broadcast, don't get me wrong. But nothing compares to driving or just being part of the team. Being an owner doesn't really deliver like this. This is a lot of fun.' Earnhardt had his wife and two young daughters in tow with him as he made the celebratory walk to victory lane. Oldest daughter Isla Rose clutched the checkered flag while youngest Nicole Lorraine soaked in the scene from her dad's arms. The win continued a banner season for the NASCAR Hall of Fame driver — who swept two races at Pocono as a driver in 2014 — after JR Motorsports and reigning Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier qualified for the season-opening Daytona 500 and secured their Cup Series debut. Earnhardt won two Daytona 500s, in 2004 and 2014, and 26 races overall. His side hustle Saturday was made a bit easier with Zilisch behind the wheel. Zilisch, who turns 19 in July, raced to his second Xfinity victory of the season and third of his young career. He won his Xfinity debut last year at Watkins Glen International. Earnhardt even pitched in during the race and tossed tires over the wall during pit stops. Zilisch took the win down to the wire and finally passed Jesse Love with five laps left in the race. Love finished second. 'Dale Junior, not too bad on the box,' Zilisch said. 'Pretty cool to have him up there. Getting him a 1-for-1 win as crew chief is pretty awesome.' ___ AP auto racing: recommended
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Charlotte City Council considering $25 million for NASCAR Hall of Fame improvements
Charlotte City Council is considering spending $25 million to upgrade the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This is the first major renovation project for the city-owned facility since its opening in 2010. 'We done updates from an exhibit standpoint,' Executive Director Winston Kelley said. 'But nothing on this level of magnitude.' A significant portion of the Hall of Fame would see changes under the proposal. A new education space would go where the current gift shop is located. The NASCAR Hall of Fame has served more than 21,000 students since its opening. It welcomes many field trips each year. An event space would take the space currently occupied by the café. The café would relocate to the Legends Room. A new gear shop will replace the former studio space. ASLO READ: Rockingham Speedway up for sale after NASCAR return The city of Charlotte has a dedicated fund for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The fund can only be used on projects for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Crown Ballroom and the Hall of Fame and Convention Center's parking deck. The fund is paid for by a 2% tax added on to hotel bills. Last year, more than 201,000 people visited the Hall of Fame. That's the second-highest attendance since opening in 2010. Charlotte City Councilmember Ed Driggs asked for more information about the Hall's finances but generally leaders are in favor of the improvements. Like the Spectrum Center, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a city asset that they are required to maintain. RELATED: Prime Video's first NASCAR race averages 2.72 million viewers, younger audience The Hall of Fame was projected to bring in 800,000 visitors for its first year. It has never hit that figure. Despite the attendance, Councilman James Mitchell says the Hall of Fame has been a success. He was a city leader as Charlotte recruited the facility. 'This has been good for tourism,' he said. 'This has been good for our brand.' The CRVA says the NASCAR Hall of Fame has an annual economic impact of $74 million. Charlotte City Council will consider the project again in the late summer. (WATCH BELOW: NASCAR drivers to honor fallen heroes in yearly Memorial Day tradition)