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www.nascar.com

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing

www.nascar.com

NASCAR Names Wheatley American Vodka Official Vodka in New Multi-Year Partnership

One of the Fastest Growing Vodkas in the United States also becomes Entitlement Partner of the Wheatley Vodka Clash, Which Shifts to Daytona International Speedway in 2027

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 4, 2026) — NASCAR today announced a new multi-year partnership with Wheatley American Vodka, naming the premium American-made spirit the Official Vodka of NASCAR®.

As part of the partnership, Wheatley American Vodka will also become the entitlement partner of The Wheatley Vodka Clash, one of NASCAR's signature annual events that kicks off the season as the first Cup Series exhibition race. As announced today, the annual preseason event will return to Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2027.

Crafted at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky., Wheatley American Vodka is known for its commitment to quality, precision, American craftsmanship—values that closely align with NASCAR's heritage and fan base.

"The strongest partnerships are built on authentic connections, and like many of the partnerships we’ve forged in recent months, Wheatley American Vodka shares the values that have defined NASCAR for generations—from a commitment to craftsmanship and American tradition to creating memorable experiences for our fans," said Jake Krantz, Senior Director of National Sales, NASCAR. "From race weekends to the Wheatley Vodka Clash, this partnership gives us new opportunities to elevate the fan experience while introducing one of America's premier vodka brands to one of the most passionate fan communities in sports."

Wheatley American Vodka will hold vodka category rights for marketing and promotion, which will include year-round integration across NASCAR's platforms and marquee events, highlighted by the title sponsorship of The Wheatley Vodka Clash. The partnership will also feature a custom 30-second promotional spot and elevated fan experiences through on-site activations at The Clash.

"Wheatley American Vodka was built with a focus on quality, hard work, and bringing people together, making NASCAR a natural fit for our brand," said David Binder, Senior Brand Director, Wheatley American Vodka. "Whether fans are celebrating at the track, gathering with friends to watch the race, attending The Clash, or raising a glass after a memorable weekend, we're proud to become part of those moments and to begin this partnership with one of America's most iconic sports."

Finally, as part of the partnership, NASCAR and Wheatley American Vodka will create a program to give back to service members and military veterans. Details around the program will be announced at a later date.

NASCAR Launches DEGA-CON to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Columbia Pictures’ Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

Charlotte, North Carolina (August 4, 2026) - Twenty years after Columbia Pictures’ Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby became a cultural phenomenon, NASCAR is bringing fans together to celebrate the connection between the film, the sport and Talladega Superspeedway through DEGA-CON.

The campaign is designed to create new moments for longtime fans while introducing the excitement and personality of NASCAR to broader audiences through entertainment, nostalgia, and pop culture. This event will transform Talladega Superspeedway's fall race weekend into a celebration that blends NASCAR, entertainment and fan culture in a way only Talladega can.

DEGA-CON was announced today via social media with a creative video presenting DEGA-CON as the solution to Talladega Nights Withdrawal Syndrome (TNWS). The video kicking off the campaign was created by Concept 80 featuring Chase Briscoe, Noah Gragson, Ross Chastain, Ryan Preece, and Riley Herbst. Download spot here.

The announcement offers an early look at what's to come, including new content, fan experiences and special collaborations that will build throughout the season leading into Talladega race weekend.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby 20th Anniversary available now on disc and digital. Add it to your collection at https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/talladeganightstheballadofrickybobby.

Additional details about DEGA-CON will be announced in the coming weeks.

NASCAR and Coca-Cola Announce 250 Active-Duty Service Member and Veteran Recipients of NASCAR Heroes Pass Program

Select Service Members and Veterans Received Surprise Visits from NASCAR Drivers Daniel Suárez, Chase Elliott and Joey Logano

Charlotte, N.C. (August 3, 2026) – NASCAR and Coca-Cola announced the names of the 250 active-duty service members and veterans across the country receiving a NASCAR Heroes Pass, granting them two tickets annually to a participating NASCAR race for the next 20 years. This program recognizes their service and sacrifice as part of NASCAR Salutes 250 Together with Coca-Cola.

Selected from thousands of fan nominations submitted during Military Appreciation Month, the 250 active-duty service members and veterans chosen for the program will each receive a custom NASCAR Heroes Pass gift box delivered to their homes during the month of August. The commemorative package includes a NASCAR Heroes Pass hat, a personalized letter recognizing their service to the nation, a commemorative ticket, NASCAR pin, patch, mug, and challenge coin.

Earlier this year, NASCAR and Coca-Cola invited fans to nominate deserving active-duty service members and veterans for the NASCAR Heroes Pass program. Following verification by GOVX, 250 recipients were selected from thousands of nominations nationwide via an exhaustive selection process.

To celebrate these recipients, Suárez, Elliott and Logano personally surprised three honorees in Charlotte, thanking them for their service and welcoming them into the NASCAR family for years to come.

“The NASCAR Heroes Pass was created to recognize the extraordinary sacrifices made by service members, veterans and military families, while building a lasting connection between them and our sport,” said Jess Smith, Vice President of Brand at NASCAR. “Being able to surprise some of these heroes with meet and greets from drivers makes this moment even more meaningful and allows us to express our gratitude in a truly memorable way.”

The NASCAR Heroes Pass was introduced as part of NASCAR Salutes 250 Together with Coca-Cola, an enhanced version of NASCAR’s annual military appreciation platform. The program is designed to create lasting impact beyond Military Appreciation Month by providing military heroes and their families with opportunities to experience NASCAR together for years to come.

“At Coca-Cola, we are proud to stand alongside NASCAR in honoring the service, sacrifice and commitment of active-duty service members, veterans and their families,” said Don Rouse, Vice President, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. “Through the NASCAR Heroes Pass, we have an opportunity to create meaningful experiences that last well beyond a single race weekend—welcoming these heroes and their loved ones into the excitement, community and tradition of NASCAR for generations.”

The Heroes Pass recipients represent all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and come from communities across the country. Their nominations highlighted stories of service, leadership, sacrifice and commitment—qualities that embody the spirit of NASCAR Salutes.

NASCAR Salutes Together with Coca-Cola remains the sport’s premier military appreciation initiative, honoring active-duty service members, veterans, military families and fallen heroes through special events, recognition programs and community partnerships throughout the season.

For more information about NASCAR Salutes and to see the full list of recipients, visit NASCAR.com/Salutes.

PIT BOX: Midweek showdown awaits Whelen Modified Tour teams at Thompson

August 3, 2026

By Adam Fenwick

For the NASCAR Wire Service

For the second time this season and 160th time overall, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour returns to Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park this Wednesday for a special midweek show (8 p.m. ET on FloRacing).

The Thompson 150 presented by FloSports.com is the 11th of 16 events on the 2026 Modified Tour schedule as competitors seek to build momentum heading into the stretch run. Championship leader Patrick Emerling returns to Thompson as the two-time and defending winner of the annual midweek show at one of Modified racing’s most historic venues.

Winners through the years at Thompson include of the greatest Modified racers in history, including Richie Evans, Mike Stefanik, Justin Bonsignore, Jeff Fuller, Ron Silk, Tony Hirschman, Rick Fuller, Doug Coby, Steve Park and Reggie Ruggiero, among others.

Tickets to Wednesday’s Thompson 150 presented by FloSports.com are available trackside. Below is everything you need to know about the 11th race of the 2026 season.

Thompson 150 presented by FloSports.com at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park

Can anyone or anything stop Patrick Emerling right now?

The Modified Tour championship points leader has been unbeatable for the last month with victories at Claremont Motorsports Park, White Mountain Motorsports Park and Monadnock Speedway. Now a chance at history awaits Emerling if he can win Wednesday’s Thompson 150 presented by FloSports.com at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.

In the history of the Modified Tour, a driver has won at least three consecutive races 18 times. However, only two drivers — Richie Evans and Mike Stefanik — have won four consecutive races or more. Emerling has a chance to join those two Modified racing icons in the record books with a victory Wednesday. That’s convenient since Emerling has won the last two midweek summer races at Thompson in 2024 and 2025.

Emerling will face stiff competition from a stacked field Wednesday night, including Stephen Kopcik, the most recent Thompson victor after his triumph in the Icebreaker 150 in April.

Seven-time Thompson winner Doug Coby will once again be in the field at the wheel of the No. 28 for Jett Motorsports, as will 2022 Thompson winner Eric Goodale. Jon McKennedy will continue his pursuit of his first Thompson victory, as will defending Modified Tour champion Austin Beers and perennial contender Matt Hirschman.

Other notable entrants include Tyler Rypkema, Ronnie Williams, Paulie Hartwig III, Chase Dowling, Mike Christopher Jr., Matt Swanson and Cory DiMatteo, who is making his first series start of 2023.

Race: Thompson 150 presented by FloSports.com

Date: Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026

Track: Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park

Layout: 0.625-mile oval

Location: Thompson, Connecticut

Start time: 8 p.m. ET

Laps: 150

Posted Awards: $117,881

Tickets: Trackside

How to Watch: FloRacing

SCHEDULE: Wednesday, Aug. 5: Practice from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. … Final practice from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. … American Racer Pole Award qualifying at 7:15 p.m. … Start of the Thompson 150 presented by FloSports.com (150 Laps / 93.75 Miles) at 8 p.m. ET.

QUALIFYING: Two consecutive qualifying laps. Faster lap determines qualifying position. Adjustments or repairs may not be made on the vehicle after the vehicle has taken the green flag at the start/finish line. NASCAR reserves the right to have more than one vehicle engage in qualifying runs at the same time. Starting field for the Thompson 150 presented by FloSports.com is limited to 26 starters including Provisional Positions.

TIRE ALLOTMENT: The maximum tire allotment available for this event is eleven (11) tires per team. All tires used for qualifying and the race must be purchased at the track and scanned by NASCAR Officials, unless otherwise approved in advance by the Series Director. Four (4) tires must be used for qualifying and to begin the race. All qualifying tires must remain in impound until released by NASCAR Officials. The remaining tire allotment may be used for practice and/or change tires during the event. Maximum of three (3) tires of the allotment may be used for change tires. The tire change rule is two (2) tires per stop. This includes “swapping” tires front to back.

NASCAR and Timberland PRO Announce Multi-Year Partnership Honoring the Skilled Workers Who Power America's Premier Motorsport

Timberland PRO Named Official Protective Footwear and

Official Safety Toe Partner of NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 30, 2026) — NASCAR® today announced a new multi-year partnership with Timberland PRO, naming the brand the Official Protective Footwear and Official Safety Toe Partner of NASCAR.

Behind every NASCAR race weekend are thousands of people whose work often goes unseen. From track operations and safety crews to technicians, mechanics and facility personnel, the sport relies on skilled professionals who show up every day to get the job done. Timberland PRO will have the opportunity to equip these track workers with safety footwear that delivers the comfort, durability, and technical performance required for even the toughest jobs—making this sponsorship a natural fit for NASCAR.

Through integrated storytelling, digital content, at-track signage and at-track activations, NASCAR and Timberland PRO will celebrate the hardworking men and women who help power America’s premier motorsport week in and week out. Whether they’re on a jobsite, in a manufacturing facility, behind the wheel, in a race shop or at a racetrack, the partnership will shine a spotlight on the people whose skill, dedication, and work ethic keep the country moving. The inaugural campaign launches August 3 with the headline “First Turn, Last Lap, Repeat.”

"At NASCAR, we are incredibly proud of the people whose dedication, skill and work ethic make our sport possible every single week," said Craig Stimmel, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, NASCAR. "Timberland PRO is a brand that has earned the trust of hardworking professionals across America, making them a natural fit for NASCAR. As we continue building partnerships with companies that authentically fit with our sport, Timberland PRO stands out as a brand that supports the men and women behind the scenes who build, maintain, operate and power our sport and this country.”

As part of the partnership, Timberland PRO will strategically integrate its products and brand across NASCAR platforms while supporting NASCAR employees and track workers with protective footwear such as the Direct Attach 6-Inch and Boondock Ultralight Work Boots. The partnership also brings the potential for Timberland PRO designers to work with NASCAR teams to develop safety footwear solutions, as well as the potential for future co-branded products. Finally, the collaboration will create new opportunities to engage skilled trades professionals, technical education communities, and workforce development initiatives that align with both organizations' commitments to support and grow the skilled trades.

"For over 25 years, Timberland PRO has been designing and building products for people who take pride in getting the job done right," said Ryan Murphy, Head of Marketing, Timberland Americas. "Whether they're working on a construction site, in a manufacturing facility, in an auto shop or behind the scenes at a NASCAR event, these workers share the same commitment to performance, reliability and excellence at their craft. NASCAR provides an incredible platform to celebrate and connect with those professionals, and we're honored to support the people whose hard work helps make race weekends happen across the country."

For generations, both NASCAR and Timberland PRO have represented grit, determination and a relentless commitment to performance. Together, they will spotlight the people who embody those values every day—on the jobsite, at the racetrack, and everywhere hard work gets done.

NASCAR and iRacing Studios Debut Official Gameplay Trailer, Open Pre-orders for NASCAR 26

Official NASCAR video game launches Sept. 18, with first gameplay trailer now available

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 29, 2026) — NASCAR and iRacing Studios today debuted the official gameplay trailer and announced that NASCAR 26 will be available for pre-order beginning today, July 29. The newest game in the franchise will launch September 18 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam, introducing the biggest gameplay evolution yet with Dynamic Track technology, cross-platform multiplayer, an enhanced driving model, burnout celebrations, a standalone mode featuring The Chase, and an all-new Peak Performance training mode, making it the most authentic NASCAR experience ever delivered on console.

Watch the official gameplay trailer here.

“Our fans told us they wanted iRacing Studios to build the next NASCAR console game, and they delivered,” said Nick Rend, Vice President of Interactive & Emerging Platforms at NASCAR. “The response to NASCAR 25 reflected the momentum we’re seeing around NASCAR video games, and NASCAR 26 takes another meaningful step forward with improvements across the entire experience, from how the cars drive and tracks evolve to cross-platform play that brings the community together. This is the most complete and authentic NASCAR console game we have delivered.”

NASCAR 26 will build upon the success of NASCAR 25, developed by iRacing, which launched on PC and consoles last fall. This year’s game, which features NASCAR star Kyle Larson as its cover driver, once again includes four NASCAR series – the NASCAR Cup Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series – with real drivers from each series, along with a groundbreaking new dynamic track feature that evolves over the course of every race weekend.

Built in collaboration with NASCAR and powered by iRacing Studios' industry-leading simulation technology, NASCAR 26 continues the franchise's commitment to delivering an authentic representation of the sport both on and off the track.

Additional features include:

New and improved game modes including an enhanced career mode with a new facilities feature and team upgrades, a standalone mode featuring The Chase, a new training mode, and cross-platform multiplayer

Visual upgrades including improved graphics, skies, and dynamic lighting, plus better replay cameras

More realistic racing with the new dynamic track system, enhanced calibration tools for controls and force feedback, an improved driving model with overhauled tire and braking models, better driver AI, a particle system that enhances smoke, debris, rubber buildup, and a 750 HP package

New additions such as burnout celebrations, an all-new Dodge Ram truck, a new spotter (Freddie Kraft), and a trophy room

New tracks including the Qualcomm Circuit at Naval Base Coronado, Chicagoland, and St. Petersburg

A host of other improvements with updated driver ratings, an improved paint kit, safety violations, DNFs and much, much more

"NASCAR 26 isn’t just about adding new features, it is to continue our long term approach to building the most authentic NASCAR console franchise ever created,” said Matt Lewis, Vice President and Senior Producer at iRacing Studios. "Dynamic Track Technology means conditions evolve throughout a race weekend, the improvements we’ve made to the driving model, the new modes we’ve added… it’s all rooted in one of the founding principles of iRacing; leading with an authentic experience for our fans. We're excited for players to experience NASCAR 26 this September."

Beginning today, July 29, fans can pre-order NASCAR 26 at www.NASCAR26.com and choose from a Standard Edition ($59.99) and Gold Edition ($79.99), with Gold Edition owners receiving three days of early access beginning on September 15, four monthly paint scheme DLC packs, 1,000 career mode rep points, a $10,000 career bonus, and more.

Launching on September 18, NASCAR 26 will be available for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.

NASCAR 26 continues the sport's expanding investment in interactive entertainment and fan engagement, bringing the latest innovations from the track to players around the world.

For more information, to pre-order the game or watch the official gameplay trailer, visit www.NASCAR26.com.

Punchbowl® and NASCAR® Debut a Collection of Online Invitations for Racing Fans of All Ages

NASCAR online invitations make it easy to plan birthday parties, race-day watch parties, and other family celebrations

Framingham, MA – July 29, 2026 — Punchbowl®, the gold standard in online invitations and greeting cards, today announced a new collection created in collaboration with NASCAR®. The branded invitations feature authentic Team NASCAR designs, retro stock cars, and the coveted NASCAR Cup Series trophy. Fans can easily customize and send a NASCAR online invitation to plan NASCAR-inspired birthday parties, race-day gatherings, tailgates, and more.

The NASCAR online invitations mark an exciting evolution of the “Characters Kids Love” collection that Punchbowl launched in 2014. With this new addition, Punchbowl will expand the collection beyond film, television, and literary characters to feature real-life racing heroes, and offer NASCAR’s multi-generational fan base a new way to celebrate the sport they love.

"NASCAR is an iconic sports brand that brings together fans of all ages,” said Matt Douglas, Founder & CEO of Sincere Corporation, parent company to Punchbowl. “We’re excited to provide online invitations for the millions of passionate NASCAR fans who host parties every year.”

The NASCAR Collection on Punchbowl features dynamic online invitations inspired by the thrill of the track. Each invite has the look and feel of paper, and includes a matching envelope, liner, and postage stamp. Party hosts can personalize their invitation with the details of their event, customize colors and fonts, and deliver instantly by text or email. Select designs also have the option to add a photo of the guest of honor to the invitation.

Punchbowl makes it easy to plan a celebration with powerful party planning features. After selecting a NASCAR invitation, party hosts can track RSVPs, send messages and announcements, add a gift registry, create a potluck list, include a guest poll, add co-hosts, and more.

"Our fans create traditions that span generations, from birthday celebrations to race-day watch parties," said Megan Malayter, NASCAR Vice President of Licensing and Consumer Products. "We're excited to partner with Punchbowl to offer a new way for fans to personalize those moments with authentic NASCAR-themed invitations that capture the excitement of our sport.”

In addition to invitations, Punchbowl will also offer NASCAR eCards so fans can send thoughtful birthday, thank you, and holiday greetings.

To browse NASCAR online invitations, visit: www.punchbowl.com/nascar

To send a digital NASCAR birthday card, visit: www.punchbowl.com/nascarbirthdaycard

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