Sunday, 14 December 2025
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NASCAR and its fans have been on a collision course with uncertainty.

As we neared the end of the trial based on the lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports after refusing to sign the charter agreement, it was entirely possible that the future of how NASCAR was operated would be in the hands of a judge — and those running the sport weren’t going to like it one bit.

Jim France’s testimony was the harbinger of doom that seemingly lit a fire under both parties to get together and talk, and try to figure out a way to make concessions that made both sides happy enough to move forward with an agreement and end the court case.

And then, in just a couple hours on Thursday morning, lightning struck, and the teams and NASCAR came to an agreement. Judge Bell happily announced the settlement, hinting that it should have happened a long time ago, and the jurors were dismissed much to their delight.

After all the vitriol, the “redneck” jab from NASCAR brass, strong comments about Jim France from the 23XI camp, and a year-plus of turmoil, the teams ultimately got what they wanted — including evergreen charters and better overall terms — and the sport is better off for it long-term.

Standing up isn’t easy, but progress never comes from staying silent. The reward is in knowing you changed something,” Denny Hamlin posted on social media after the settlement.

From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress. It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees, and fans,” 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan said. “With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come. I’m excited to watch our teams get back on the track and compete hard in 2026.”

Posted On Friday, 12 December 2025 01:11 Written by
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 December 11, 2025 — NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports are pleased to announce a mutually agreed-upon resolution that delivers long-term stability and creates the conditions for meaningful growth for all teams in a more competitive environment. 

This resolution reflects our shared commitment to maintaining a fair and equitable framework for long-term participation in America’s premier motorsport, one that supports teams, partners, and stakeholders while ensuring fans enjoy uninterrupted access to the best racing in the world. The agreement allows all parties to move forward with a unified focus on advancing stock car racing and delivering exceptional competition for our fans.

With this matter now resolved, all parties look forward to working together, alongside all chartered race teams, to deliver world-class events, dynamic sponsorship and partner activation opportunities, and continued growth for generations to come.

As a condition of the settlement agreement, NASCAR will issue an amendment to existing charter holders detailing the updated terms for signature, which will include a form of “evergreen” charters, subject to mutual agreement. The financial terms of the settlement are confidential and will not be released.

What all parties have always agreed on is a deep love for the sport and a desire to see it fulfill its full potential. This is a landmark moment, one that ensures NASCAR’s foundation is stronger, its future is brighter, and its possibilities are greater. We extend our sincere thanks to Judge Kenneth Bell and mediator Jeffrey Mishkin for their professionalism, and guidance throughout this process and to their jury for their time. 

Quotes

Michael Jordan, Co-Owner, 23XI Racing

From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress. It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees, and fans. With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come. I’m excited to watch our teams get back on the track and compete hard in 2026.

Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner, 23XI Racing

“I’ve cared deeply about the sport of NASCAR my entire life. Racing is all I’ve ever known, and this sport shaped who I am. That’s why we were willing to shoulder the challenges that came with taking this stand. We believed it was worth fighting for a stronger and more sustainable future for everyone in the industry. Teams, drivers, and partners will now have the stability and opportunity they deserve. Our commitment to the fans and to the entire NASCAR community has never been stronger. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and now it is time to move forward together and build the stronger future this sport deserves.

Bob Jenkins, Owner, Front Row Motorsports

After more than 20 years in this sport, today gives me real confidence in where we’re headed. I love this sport, and it was clear we needed a system that treated our teams, drivers, and sponsors fairly and kept the competition strong. With this change, we can finally build long-term value and have a real voice in NASCAR’s future. I’m excited for the road ahead—for the people in the garage, the folks in the stands, and everyone who loves this sport. 

Curtis Polk, Co-Owner, 23XI Racing

My goal as a member of the Team Negotiating Committee was to help create an economic model that would create a more sustainable model for teams and create a more equitable and transparent system within NASCAR. This settlement achieves significant progress toward the Four Pillars. The result brings NASCAR and the chartered teams into better alignment and supports future growth and sustainability for all stakeholders and a better sport for the fans.

Jim France, CEO & Chairman, NASCAR

This outcome gives all parties the flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans, which has always been our highest priority since the sport was founded in 1948. We worked closely with race teams and tracks to create the NASCAR charter system in 2016, and it has proven invaluable to their operations and to the quality of racing across the Cup Series. Today’s agreement reaffirms our commitment to preserving and enhancing that value, ensuring our fans continue to enjoy the very best of stock car racing for generations to come. We are excited to return the collective focus of our sport, teams and racetracks toward an incredible 78th season that begins with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

— Release courtesy of NASCAR

Posted On Friday, 12 December 2025 01:00 Written by
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In the world of car buying these days, it’s not just about what brand and vehicle you want, but about what type of powertrain you want to get.

Some buyers are fully committed to EVS, others are “ICE only” types, and in the middle are a couple of options that make a lot of sense in today’s climate — full hybrid options, and plug-in hybrid options.

A full hybrid, offering a gas engine but much better fuel economy and longer trips between gas station visits, is perhaps the smartest choice right now, until infrastructure and pricing catches up to allow for mass EV adoption.

I recently tested the 2026 Kia Sportage hybrid, a compact SUV, and I’m back with a full review on how it holds up in this highly competitive segment — battling against hybrid offerings from Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Ford and others.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2026 Kia Sportage hybrid
  • Price as tested $41,985 (starts around $31K)
  • Best feature Fuel economy, sharp design, user-friendly tech    
  • Rating 4 out of five stars  
  • Who will want this vehicle? SUV buyers who want a roomy two-row compact SUV option with strong fuel mileage and impressive design
Posted On Sunday, 07 December 2025 11:08 Written by
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In one week, an exciting title battle will take place in a motorsports finale.

After a bad strategy call from the McLaren team allowed Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen to claim the victory in the Qatar Grand Prix, the 4-time defending champion moved up to 2nd in the Formula 1 standings, just 12 points behind points leader Lando Norris. Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri is also still alive in the points, 16 points back.

With 25 points up for grabs to the winner at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there are scenarios where Norris, Verstappen, Piastri each emerge as the 2025 champ.

Will Verstappen, who was more than 100 points out of the title fight as recently as August, complete a miraculous comeback and claim his fifth straight championship?

Will Norris hold off his two competitors and claim his first championship?

Can Piastri overcome the longest odds of the top 3 to become one of the youngest F1 champs ever?


Natural is better


What’s the lesson of all this? It shows that natural championship battles are much more engaging than anything that is manufactured, as we’re seeing in other racing series.

Posted On Monday, 01 December 2025 01:07 Written by
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As car buyers look for alternatives to fully electric vehicles that are still eco-friendly, plug-in hybrids are emerging as a popular choice — offering some electric range, but also strong fuel mileage when operating on fossil fuels.

Many automakers, including Kia, are now offering PHEV offerings among their SUV lineups, and I recently tested the 2025 Sorento plug-in hybrid (specifically a SX-Prestige AWD model).

The Sorento falls between the Sportage and Telluride in the Kia SUV lineup, and is a three-row SUV option that is smaller than the popular Telluride. It comes in gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

Updates have been made to both the inside and outside of the Sorento PHEV for 2025, and tech improvements are made, making this one of the stronger plug-in hybrid options for buyers in this segment to consider.

Read on for my full take on the Sorento PHEV and who might want to pick one up.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV 
  • Price as tested $55,825 (starts around $49K)
  • Best feature Fuel economy and range, strong tech features   
  • Rating 4 out of five stars   
  • Who will want this vehicle? Kia fans who want strong fuel economy, sharp looks and three rows in a vehicle smaller than the Telluride
Posted On Sunday, 30 November 2025 01:54 Written by
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