Latest news with #Supercar
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
From Charlotte to Adelaide: Kyle Larson's Next Racing Frontier
From Charlotte to Adelaide: Kyle Larson's Next Racing Frontier originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Kyle Larson, NASCAR's versatile champion is eyeing his boldest challenge yet: a debut in Australia's Supercars Championship at the prestigious Adelaide 500. This potential move represents another ambitious chapter in the career of motorsport's most globe-trotting competitor. Advertisement Larson has always wanted to race at Adelaide. "One that stands out to me is... I'd like to run a Supercar, in particular in Adelaide," he said recently. The timing could actually work out since NASCAR ends in early November and Adelaide runs late November. But here's the thing - it's not that simple. Larson would need to spend two or three weeks in Australia right after his NASCAR season ends. That's during the holidays and the guy already races almost every weekend of the year. His schedule is crazy busy. NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson at Charlotte Motor Dedmon-Imagn Images Larson isn't cocky about his chances either. He saw what happened when Shane van Gisbergen came to NASCAR and won his first race. "Shane came in and kicked all of our butts," Larson admitted. "So I know these Australian racers are extremely good. I would not be surprised to run last." Advertisement There are talks happening behind the scenes with different teams. Shane van Gisbergen and Zak Brown from McLaren are helping make connections. The race organizers would love to have a big NASCAR name like Larson show up. Larson proved he can handle Australian tracks when he won a sprint car race in Perth last December. For now, everything is still just talk and planning. But knowing Larson, he'll probably find a way to make it happen eventually. Related: Kyle Larson Admits to Change in Personal Life That His Fans Won't Like This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
RTÉ News
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Mondello set for Irish Rallycross Championship finale
The 2025 IRX Championship comes to a conclusion at Mondello Park this weekend with Rounds 7 and 8, which are also two counting rounds of the British series. Some of the top home competitors will include the former British and multiple Irish champion Derek Tohill in his Ford Fiesta and Naas driver Michael Leonard who is also aboard a Fiesta Supercar. The man to beat though will be England's Patrick O'Donovan, the reigning British champion in his Proton Iriz and also the current leader in the 2025 Five Nations series. Julian Godfrey and Tristan Ovenden (both Citroen DS3) will also be in the shake up, but there is no doubt that O'Donovan is the driver to beat. He was on those shores recently, taking part in an Irish Rallycross round to sharpen up for this weekend's action at Mondello. The County Kildare track will not only witness the supercars roar around the circuit on a mix of tarmac and gravel, but there will also be a number of other classes competing. In the modified section, the Coyne brothers, Willie and Michael, will hope to make local knowledge count in their respective Opel Corsa and Vauxhall Nova. The ultra-quick buggies will also be one of the other class attractions on view over the weekend Mondello will also feature for a second time in the 5 Nations BRX schedule, once again aligning with the Irish Rallycross Championship on 4-5 October, with Supercar, Junior, Swift Sport and the Retro Rallycross Championship making the journey across the Irish sea. Meanwhile, the 2025 Probite British Rally Championship (BRC) moves to Scotland for round three of the season this weekend for the Jim Clark Rally at the halfway point of the season. The BRC can be considered to be a bit of a hidden sport at times as most of their events take place in British forests, unlike Ireland as both the tarmac and national series here take place on open roads. Can't make it down to watch? We'll be live throughout the weekend for you to follow along no matter where you are. — Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally (@jim_clark_rally) May 23, 2025 The Jim Clark, named after the legendary Scottish F1 driver, is one of the few events in the UK that also uses closed public roads for its two day event. Just three Irish drivers, Billy Coleman, Keith Cronin and Daniel McKenna have ever won the BRC with Cronin the most successful having won it four times, most recently in 2017. Sadly Cronin, who is still in his "drive for five" won't be competing after sustaining damage in a heavy crash at the Killarney Rally of the Lakes. The current points leader is Ireland's William Creighton, the former world junior rally champion, but he too will miss the Jim Clark due to family commitments. It leaves M-Sport driver Romet Jürgenson well placed to capitalise on Creighton's absence having won the Carlisle Stages in the Kielder forest in his Ford Fiesta Rally2. Jonny Greer and co driver Niall Burns [Toyota Yaris GR Rally2] are also set to make their first BRC appearance of the season and are the leading Irish crew at the Jim Clark. With no Creighton or Cronin in sight, a new winner may also emerge from the shadows. There are three BRC rounds remaining after this weekend and some 100-stage miles lie ahead for the competitors including a leg after dark on Friday night. Demanding stages, narrow margins for error, and the possibility of changeable Scottish weather, promise a rollercoaster weekend that could reshape the 2025 title hunt yet again. Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy co-drivers Darragh Mullen and Killian McArdle will compete in both Scotland's Jim Clark Rally and Ireland's Cavan Stages Rally this weekend. The Jim Clark Rally starts with six stages on Friday evening. A further eight tests on Saturday bring the competitive distance to 162 kilometres for the third round of this year's British Rally Championship. Mullen and McArdle will then travel across the Irish Sea overnight to make the start of the Cavan Stages Rally, round three of the National Rally Championship. The duo will be in direct competition on the Jim Clark Rally, as they go for glory in Junior BRC - Mullen co-driving for MI Rally Academy driver Kyle McBride and McArdle navigating Joseph Kelly through the Scottish Borders' iconic asphalt stages. Mullen steps up into four-wheel-drive machinery on Sunday, sitting alongside Brendan Cumiskey in the Volkswagen Polo R5 while McArdle returns to action with Ford Escort Mk2 ace Michael Cahill. Meanwhile Cork's Spike Island will play host to an unusual event when Red Bull Drift Pursuit takes over the former military base on Saturday, 5 July. With storied prison walls as their backdrop, 16 of the country's top drifters will face off in a fierce 1v1 knockout format, which will include Ireland's top WRC rally driver Josh McErlane in a Ford Puma. Drivers are judged on two key criteria: course time and clipping points, with penalties for any infringements. Conor Shanahan (above), Ireland's top drifter and also a rally driver and his brother Jack, are competing alongside McErlane's M-Sport World Rally Ford Puma with the drifting precision of Conor's Toyota GT86. "it is incredible to see a drift event like this take place at such an iconic location like Spike Island," said Conor Shanahan "Some of the best drifters in Ireland will be competing, and I know Jack and I are looking forward to putting on a show." There are four other Cork drivers among those set to compete at the Red Bull Drift Pursuit, with Aidan Dennehy, Owen Magner, Trevor Healy and Alan Hynes, the 2024 Red Bull Drift Pursuit champion all in action on the day.
NZ Autocar
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Supercars confirms Taupo and Christchurch race venues
South Island's Ruapuna will host the Repco Supercars Championship from 2026-2028 as part of a New Zealand double-header. The category locks in a two-event presence in both the North and South Islands from 2026-2028. It ensures Supercar racing will take place in Taupō and Christchurch over the next three years. The inclusion of Ruapuna Raceway is a milestone moment, the club-run venue now poised to shine on the international stage. Supercars CEO Shane Howard thanked the three major organisation involved for their support in making the vision a reality. 'This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand. 'We've always wanted to race in the South Island, and…that dream will become a reality from 2026,' Howard said. 'Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time. The addition of Ruapuna underscores Supercars' long-term commitment to New Zealand, currently home to five of the Championship's stars. Supercars can also confirm that racing will continue at Taupō International Motorsport Park until at least the end of 2028. Ruapuna Raceway will benefit from a multimillion-dollar upgrade ahead of the event. The community-led vision is to enhance sustainability, accessibility, and facilities, including track resurfacing. A rebuilt supporters' lounge is part of the plan. The Canterbury Car Club has already raised nearly $1 million toward the first stage of development. Its president, Lewis Low said: 'We're incredibly proud to see Ruapuna join the Supercars calendar. We couldn't be more excited to welcome Supercars to our home.' Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said the news was a major win for local fans and for Christchurch's wider tourism economy. Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said: 'We're thrilled to see Taupō remain a key part of the Supercars Championship through to at least 2028. To see it grow into a two-week New Zealand celebration alongside Christchurch is fantastic for the whole country.' Tony Quinn, the owner of Taupō International Motorsport Park, said: 'Locking in Supercars until 2028 is a huge vote of confidence in what we've built at Taupō. 'From day one, we've wanted to make this one of the best motorsport experiences in the Southern Hemisphere, and Supercars has been a huge part of that vision. 'With Taupō and now Ruapuna on the calendar, New Zealand's motorsport scene is stepping onto the world stage like never before.' Organisers will announce the official name, ticketing details and supporting categories for the 2026 Ruapuna event in due course.
Otago Daily Times
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
Christchurch to host Supercars in three-year NZ double-header
New Zealand will stage two Supercar rounds for the next three years after Christchurch was confirmed as the first-ever South Island venue. A revamped Ruapuna Raceway will host rounds of the Australasian touring car championship from 2026-28, along with Taupō, which has extended its deal for the same period. It will be the first time New Zealand has staged two rounds in the same season, with Supercars chief executive Shane Howard hailing the work of numerous bodies to bring racing to the club-run Ruapuna venue, 15km west of Christchurch. Howard said the government, Christchurch City Council's economic development agency and the Canterbury Car Club worked together to present a financially-sound vision. "This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand," Howard said. "Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time. "Since Supercars' first visit to New Zealand in 2001, more than 2.3 million fans have attended championship events across the country and we're thrilled to be bringing a second event to the country that makes up 20 per cent of our total audience. "We know what Supercars means to New Zealanders. This is going to be a two-week celebration of Kiwi motorsport that will rival any on our calendar." Ruapuna Raceway will undergo a multimillion-dollar upgrade ahead of the event, including track resurfacing and a rebuilt supporters' lounge. Canterbury Car Club has already raised nearly $1 million toward the first stage of development. Club president, Lewis Low said he was proud the club had been added to the Supercars calendar. "This is a dream come true for our club and for motorsport fans right across the South Island. It's the result of years of hard work from our dedicated volunteers and supporters, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome Supercars to our home," he said. "Ruapuna has a proud grassroots heritage, and this investment will help us transform the venue into a world-class facility that can deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, teams and drivers alike." Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the announcement was significant. "For more than 20 years Supercars Championship events have played an important role showcasing our beautiful country to an international audience and I'm thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year," she said. "I'm pleased that with this investment from our Major Events Fund, New Zealand's strong relationship with Supercars will continue in Taupo and extend to include Christchurch, with all the benefits that brings." Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger expected the event in Ruapuna would "inject millions into our local economy - from tourism and hospitality to local jobs and infrastructure". More than 67,000 fans were attracted to the event at Taupō International Motorsport Park last year, resulting in 22,000 visitor nights and $5.8 million in visitor spending. Taupō District mayor David Trewavas was delighted to receive confirmation for three more years. "The Supercars event has already proven to be a huge success for our community - it brings energy, visitors, and international attention to our district," Trewavas said. "To see it grow into a two-week New Zealand celebration alongside Christchurch is fantastic for the whole country."
San Francisco Chronicle
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- San Francisco Chronicle
Carson Hocevar wins All-Star Open; Nemechek, Gragson also advance to All-Star Race main event
Capitalizing on pit strategy, Carson Hocevar led the final 46 laps to win the All-Star Open and advance into the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Runner-up John Hunter Nemechek also advanced to the main event by finishing second in the 100-lap warmup race. Noah Gragson won an online fan vote to earn the final transfer spot to the All-Star Race, whose field will include 20 other drivers competing for $1 million over 250 laps Sunday night. Hocevar started second in the All-Star Open and took the lead in his No. 77 Chevrolet with a two-tire pit stop during the yellow flag for a halfway break. The Spire Motorsports driver cruised to a 0.697-second win over Nemechek, whose No. 42 Toyota charged from sixth to second over the final seven laps. 'It's super big for this team,' Hocevar said. 'It's great to win, especially being challenged by tires there. I had my hands full. We definitely have to go to work here on our race car because I didn't really like it. But it's a good sign that we didn't like it and we were still pretty quick there.' Ty Dillon finished third, followed by Erik Jones and Michael McDowell. Pole-sitter Shane van Gisbergen finished 13th after leading the first 54 laps on the 0.625-mile oval. The New Zealand native, who is in his first full Cup Series season after winning three Supercar championships in Australia, fell from first to sixth on a four-tire pit stop during the halfway caution. 'I don't know whether to smile or cry,' said van Gisbergen, who is ranked 35th in the points standings with one top 10 this season. 'It's been a dismal year for us, but I feel like we're getting better every week. This shows it. It was awesome to lead some laps. I was out front driving like a grandma and felt like it was easy. We're getting better.' Costly penalty Ryan Preece finished 11th in the Open after being sent to the rear from second place on a restart with 17 laps remaining. Preece said he unintentionally ran over the commitment line before which drivers must choose whether they are restarting on the inside or outside lane. 'It's really nonexistent from inside the car,' Preece said. 'You can't see it. So I just hooked a left going across the line, figuring it's in that area. I'm frustrated because if you have a situation like that, put a cone out there so we can see it. Our Ford Mustang was super fast, and I think we were the only one that was making some waves. It's heartbreaking to have a run like that taken away.' NASCAR repainted the restart commitment line before the start of the All-Star Race. More money The All-Star Race winner's share has been $1 million since the 2003 event, and some drivers have grumbled that an increase for inflation is well overdue. 'I definitely think it should get raised,' 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney said this week. 'That's the only thing about the All-Star Race I'd probably change. I don't want to get greedy, but I think you can raise it to $3 million.' Bubba Wallace said he'd suggest $5 million but would be good for a bump to $3 million. 'They've got more TV money, so why not,' Wallace said, referring to NASCAR's media rights raising to $1.1 billion annually in a deal starting this year. Up next The Cup Series will race May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600, the longest race of the season. Christopher Bell won last year's race, which was shortened from 600 to 374 miles by rain. Kyle Larson missed the 2024 race after arriving late because the Indianapolis 500 was delayed by rain. The Hendrick Motorsports star again will attempt to become the fifth driver to race the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. ___
