Month: July 2024

Chase Elliott, the charismatic star of Hendrick Motorsports, is adored by fans for more than just his skills behind the wheel. The son of legendary driver Bill Elliott, Chase has carved out his own legacy in NASCAR, earning the nickname “Awesome Chase from the same place.” With a career that spans a decade, Chase has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments, including a 2020 Cup Series championship, 19 race wins, a 2014 Xfinity Series title, and the 2022 Cup Series regular season championship.

But even superstars have their off days, especially when it comes to dating. Chase recently opened up about a particularly awkward experience that stands out as one of his worst. The story, which he shared on Instagram via @nascarpod, involved a simple plan that went hilariously wrong. It all started with a woman who wanted to catch a regional baseball game. Being the gentleman he is, Chase offered to buy the tickets. However, she insisted on getting them herself, which seemed fine at the time.

The twist? Instead of meeting before the game, she sent Chase an email with the ticket. Left to fend for himself, he ended up watching half the game alone. Thankfully, she eventually showed up, but the evening was far from ideal. Despite the rocky start, Chase admitted it was still a great game, though the date could have gone better.

Rumors have been swirling about Chase’s current romantic life, with many speculating he’s dating Ashley Anderson. While neither has officially confirmed the relationship, Ashley’s frequent appearances at NASCAR events to support Chase and their shared social media posts suggest they’re more than just friends.

When he’s not navigating the ups and downs of dating, Chase is busy piloting the #9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the Cup Series. This season, he’s been a force to be reckoned with, securing eleven top-ten finishes and seven top-five finishes. One of his standout moments was his victory at the Texas Motor Speedway, which guaranteed his spot in the playoffs.

However, Chase’s journey hasn’t been without its hiccups. In a recent race at the Brickyard 400, Chase and his teammate Kyle Larson found themselves in a tricky situation. During a pit stop, they both entered the acceleration lane, but Chase made a critical error. He crossed the white line with all four tires, violating NASCAR’s blend line rules. According to these regulations, drivers must stay in the acceleration lane until they fully enter the racing surface. Unfortunately, this mistake led to a penalty, marking Chase’s second consecutive infraction after another penalty at Pocono. Despite the setback, he managed to finish in the top ten at IMS, showcasing his resilience and determination.

NASCAR’s Senior VP of Competition, Elton Sawyer, weighed in on the incident, explaining the rules and the importance of following them. He noted that the guidelines were clear and the teams had been well-informed, leaving little room for ambiguity.

Chase Elliott’s story is one of highs and lows, both on and off the track. As he continues to navigate the fast-paced world of NASCAR and his personal life, fans eagerly watch, cheering him on at every turn. Whether he’s winning races or sharing tales of awkward dates, Chase’s charm and talent keep everyone engaged, making him one of the sport’s most beloved figures.

On July 25, NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick and his long-time girlfriend Alexa DeLeon took a monumental step in their relationship by exchanging vows and becoming husband and wife. The joyous occasion was confirmed through an enthusiastic social media announcement, where the newlyweds shared their happiness with the world.

Tyler and Alexa’s journey to the altar began with an engagement in May 2023. From that point on, the couple eagerly planned their big day, choosing a two-week Olympic break in the midst of a jam-packed NASCAR season as the perfect time for their wedding. This break gave them a unique opportunity to gather their loved ones for a memorable celebration. The picturesque setting of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, served as the backdrop for their special day.

The wedding was an intimate affair, filled with love and warm sentiments. Tyler Reddick, known for his prowess on the track, took to Instagram to express his joy and commitment to Alexa. He wrote a heartfelt message that encapsulated his love for her: “With you forever, My Love.” The post also featured glimpses of the wedding, showcasing the couple’s joy as they embarked on this new chapter together.

Friends and family members were equally thrilled to witness Tyler and Alexa’s union. One close friend shared a touching post, describing the atmosphere as one overflowing with love. She posted photos from the ceremony, congratulating the couple and expressing her honor at being part of their special day. Her message read: “Love was in the air. Congratulations to the Reddicks, so much love for these two! I was honored to stand by your sides @alexareddick_ @tyler_reddick.”

The couple’s son, Beau, born in January 2020, added an extra layer of joy to the celebration. The four-year-old has already experienced a taste of the NASCAR life, famously celebrating his father’s victory at Talladega alongside 23XI Racing team co-owner Michael Jordan. Beau’s presence at the wedding was a reminder of the couple’s loving family dynamic and the bright future they have ahead.

The wedding guest list was a who’s who of the NASCAR world. Tyler’s teammates and colleagues, including Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace, and Xfinity team owner Sam Hunt, were present to share in the joy of the day. Denny Hamlin, who is not only Tyler’s boss but also a close friend, attended the wedding with his fiancée, Jordan Fish. The couple, recently engaged themselves, hinted at their own upcoming nuptials. Jordan shared photos from Tyler and Alexa’s wedding, adding a playful note that they were heading to Italy afterward. Her Instagram caption read: “Reddick Wedding now off to Italy,” indicating their plans for a romantic getaway.

Bubba Wallace, another 23XI Racing driver, also brought some light-hearted humor to the occasion. He posted a photo of the racing trio dressed in sharp suits, welcoming Tyler into the world of married life. In a playful jab at their boss, Bubba captioned the post: “Welcome to the married life @TylerReddick. When’s the wedding @dennyhamlin?” This friendly banter highlighted the camaraderie and close-knit relationships within the 23XI Racing team.

Adding to the excitement, Bubba Wallace and his wife Amanda are preparing for a significant milestone in their own lives. The couple is expecting a baby boy in October, and their joy was palpable at the wedding. Amanda, glowing with pregnancy, joined her husband in celebrating Tyler and Alexa’s union. The anticipation of welcoming a new life into the world only added to the joyous atmosphere of the event.

The wedding of Tyler Reddick and Alexa DeLeon was not just a celebration of their love but also a gathering of friends, family, and the extended NASCAR community. It was a day filled with laughter, love, and the promise of a bright future. As the couple embarks on this new journey together, their love story serves as a reminder of the power of commitment and the joy of sharing life’s special moments with those who matter most.

In conclusion, Tyler Reddick and Alexa DeLeon’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and unity. Surrounded by friends, family, and the NASCAR community, the couple’s special day was marked by heartfelt moments and joyful celebrations. As they step into this new chapter of their lives, the support and love from their close-knit circle will undoubtedly continue to be a source of strength and joy. The Reddicks’ wedding not only highlighted their commitment to each other but also showcased the strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie within the NASCAR world.

Last season’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was marked by controversy as the sport’s decision-making inconsistency drew attention. Fans and drivers called for consistency in the sport when it came to cautions and red flags. Now, Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin has made an argument that casts doubt on NASCAR.

When discussing the late red flag at Indy, Denny Hamlin noted that NASCAR made the decision because most of the cars were close to running out of gas at the time. He speculates that under normal circumstances, it would have been just a regular caution and the race would have continued as normal. Do you think they made a different decision at the end of this race than the normal precautions? … I mean, they brought out the red flag so people wouldn’t run out of gas. Normally they would have run caution at the end of this race. But they knew people were strapped for cash so they canceled the race,” Denny Hamlin said on the podcast, “Actions Detrimental.” Brad Keselowski had to pit a few laps earlier because he ran out of gas, so it looks like Denny Hamlin’s point is valid. He believes that even if a top driver runs out of gas, it no longer has any impact, as it will simply result in an accident.

Denny Hamlin insists he was innocent in Kyle Busch’s Brickyard 400 wreck

One of the most serious incidents at the end of the Indy race was Kyle Busch’s crash after colliding with Denny Hamlin. He asserted in the same podcast that he had nothing to do with the incident and that he gave the RCR driver enough space to avoid the accident. Believe me, I didn’t want to get flagged, so I tried to give him enough space in the corner, but I think he had a little too much speed, went on the track, ran into us from the side, and spun out. Denny Hamlin said. This incident ruined Kyle Busch’s position in the top five and cost Denny Hamlin the win. Had their former teammates been a little more patient, both drivers might have returned home with solid results.

Did you know that the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina has twice as many father-son members as the NFL, NBA, NHL, or MLB? It is clear that NASCAR is the leader when it comes to producing second, third, and sometimes fourth generation drivers who can compete at the highest level and enrich their family legacies. The list is long, be it Bill and Chase Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Jr., or Bobby and Davey Allison.

Retired NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick and his son Kieran Harvick are the latest father-son duo to make it onto this list. Kieran is an up-and-coming racer who recently won at Charlotte Motors Speedway, and expectations are high for the 12-year-old. While Harvick enjoys retirement, he is keeping a close eye on Kieran’s motorsports future.

Kevin Harvick wants to include Keelan in retirement activities

Kevin Harvick has left an inspiring legacy since deciding to hang up his helmet in 2023. The 2014 champion with 60 NASCAR Cup Series victories has dedicated his NASCAR career to the pursuit of excellence, which has also inspired Kieran Harvick. Blessed with natural talent, Kieran won his first go-kart race in 2020 at just eight years old and has achieved many more in the four years since.

Knowing that Kieran could be a potential superstar, Kevin Harvick has his own future in mind while enjoying a well-deserved break after retirement. When asked about his plans to race late models in 2024, Kevin Harvick of Frontstretch Grassroots replied: I had a lot of fun in the Late Model Stocks at Pensacola and the Super and of course the North Wilkesboro race next weekend.

I’m going to do 12 or 14 races next year, but I’m going to travel around the country and race where it’s convenient, where I can enjoy it, and where Kieran can be there, and where our team can be there. I’m going from California to North Carolina next year, and a few more this year. “

The 48-year-old recently took part in a Super Late Model race at Five Flags Speedway, where he finished 13th in his debut, a race won by Bubba Pollard, and he managed to lap Kevin Harvick in the process. But despite the results, Harvick enjoyed the experience of racing on a new track and driving a new car in a different environment. With no pressure to achieve results after retirement, Kevin Harvick’s motivation for competing in Super Late Model races is to get out of his comfort zone and enjoy his love of racing.

And that’s exactly what he appears to be doing. Kevin and Kieran Harvick may not be able to race together in NASCAR, but it’s heartwarming to see the former Stewart-Haas Racing driver want to get his son involved in post-retirement activities. With Kieran Harvick catching attention, the 12-year-old proved he was just as talented as his father, especially after winning the third round of the Cookout Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Just like Kevin Harvick, who won five times and placed second 11 times at Charlotte Motor Speedway, his son Kieran has shown similar talent at the same circuit.

Kieran Harvick, who won the pole position at the 1.5-mile intermediate oval, led the first four laps of the race before being overtaken by Max Reeves. However, thanks to three yellow periods at the end of the race, the tide turned and Harvick took the lead again with two laps to go. The 12-year-old then outran his rivals and won by 0.35 seconds. After the race, Kieran Harvick said, “I want to thank Max Reeves for a clean race.

This is my second year here, and I’ve always wanted to win these races.” Just a month ago, Kieran Harvick recorded another victory at Wake County Speedway in Raleigh, North Carolina. After qualifying fifth, he left 27 other cars behind to secure victory lane. With Kevin Harvick’s wealth of experience and plenty of opportunities for Kieran to prove himself, it’s only a matter of time before this young driver realizes his potential and makes a name for himself in the motorsports community. Do you think Kieran Harvick is a future superstar? Let us know in the comments!

Kyle Larson took a trip down memory lane when he recounted a not-so-good date experience with his wife Katelyn Sweet. The Hendrick Motorsports driver took his wife, Sweet, who was then pregnant, to a date at a steakhouse and had an experience to forget.

In a conversation on the “Smoking Tire” podcast, Larson recalled that Sweet unintentionally “puked” as they ordered dinner. Interestingly, the #5 driver did not throw away the dinner but sat there and “ate it.”

“Katelyn when she was pregnant with Owen, she was going through the whole morning sickness stuff. So, we go to the casino, there’s a steakhouse in it and you know, we’re sitting at the table and just ordered our dinner and she was sitting there,” Larson began.

Saying that Katelyn suddenly started feeling unwell, he continued:
“Grabs her napkin and throws up over and under the napkin, on her lap, it’s like, the table’s full of puke. And you know this was before I made a lot of money so (it was) an expensive steak, (I thought that) I’m gonna sit there and eat the steak. It was disgusting but I ate a good steak.”

Kyle Larson is currently worth $12 million (as per Celebrity Net Worth). Him and Sweet have been married for five years. They started dating around 2014 and married in 2018. They have two children named Owen and Audrey.

Kevin Harvick terms Kyle Larson and his team as ‘one of the best’

NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates Sunday, July 21, 2024, after winning the 30th running of the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates Sunday, July 21, 2024, after winning the 30th running of the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Former NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick lauded Kyle Larson and his team, Hendrick Motorsports on a recent episode of his “Happy Hour” podcast following their Brickyard 400 win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“At the end of that race, their (HMS) strategy put Larson in position to do things that everybody else wasn’t able to do. Everybody in front of him was saving gas. They were too disadvantaged on tires. He found a very unique way to enter the corner and go through the center of the corner to put himself in position to make passes and ultimately everything fell his way,” Harvick said.

Larson currently leads the regular season standings. He has 749 points under his belt after 22 races, compared to his HMS teammate Chase Elliott’s 739. Both of them have already qualified for the playoffs this season, as have two of their teammates, William Byron and Alex Bowman.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently sat down with Donnie Rives, his late father’s best friend, to unearth some previously unheard tales about NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. On the Dirty Mo Media podcast, Rives shared an outrageous story from their time at Daytona International Speedway during Dale Sr.’s part-time racing days.

In the episode of “Dale Jr. Download,” Rives recounted a night when he and Dale Sr. ended up sleeping in a laundry room of a remote motel. When 49-year-old Dale Jr. asked about preparations for a race on July 4th in Daytona, Rives recalled:
“He [Dale Sr.] went [for the Daytona race] and he didn’t even tell me he was going. The phone rang, I picked it up, and it was your daddy.”
The two then exchanged their whereabouts. While Rives was getting ready for church, Dale Sr. was already in Daytona. Rives continued:
“I said, ‘What in the world are you doing at Daytona?’ He said, ‘Cronkite’s got his car down here, and I’m gonna drive it for him. But I need some help…Can you come?'”

Before starting his rookie Cup Series season with Osterlund Racing, Dale Sr. competed for Will Cronkite Racing in 1978. Rives, who was part of the crew, was responsible for the tires and joined one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers for the Daytona run. Dale Earnhardt Jr. then inquired about their hotel arrangements during the race schedule. Rives admitted they had no clue about the location, adding that the motel they were supposed to stay in was 20 miles from the track. He said:
“So we got there about one thirty or two o’clock in the morning and couldn’t find anywhere. Finally, we stopped at one motel, and the man told us, ‘Yeah, I got the laundry room out here. I got two cots in it, and y’all stay in it tonight if you want to.’ We were dead tired. I said, ‘We’ll take it.'”

This appearance was a rare one for Donnie Rives, who usually avoids interviews. His close relationship with Dale Sr. and his deep involvement in NASCAR history brought him to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast, where he shared unseen facets of ‘The Intimidator.’

When asked why he finally decided to speak, Rives said:
“I felt like the only reason I’ve done it was Dale would approve of it. I mean, I hadn’t gone and told anybody anything, and I know a lot of stuff I ain’t gonna tell. And not necessarily bad; that’s the way it is.”
Rives recalled Dale Sr. once told him, “If anything ever happens to me, do not write a book and don’t go telling everything we know. But I figured that being how it was you, he would okay it.”

For the NASCAR community and fans, hearing new stories and insights about the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. is always a treat, highlighting his lasting impact on the sport.

In a recent episode of ‘Coffee with Kenny’, NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace announced he would be boycotting this year’s Summer Olympics. While he didn’t delve into specific reasons or political views, it’s clear his decision is influenced by the numerous controversies that have plagued the event since it began on July 26 and will continue until August 11. Wallace remarked, “They screwed up at the start,” hinting at the turmoil surrounding the Games.

NASCAR won’t return to NBC Sports until August 11, so fans of competitive sports might turn to the Olympics for their entertainment fix. Wallace, a self-professed lover of competition, shared, “I like competition. I wanna see who’s the fastest runner, I wanna see who’s the fastest swimmer…it’s the Summer Olympics, and I wanna see who’s the best. But on the other hand, I can’t do it.”

This naturally raises the question: Why is Kenny Wallace abstaining from watching the Paris Olympics? What political reasons are driving his protest against this global sporting event? Wallace explained, “I do not want to watch those Olympics because I wanna protest. Usually, I just do what I wanna do but, ‘Herman don’t talk about politics; you’ll lose half of your friends’…so I’m not gonna talk about politics…I’m gonna boycott these Olympics. I’m not gonna watch ’em because they screwed up at the start.”

Although Wallace didn’t specify how the officials have “screwed up,” let’s delve into the controversies that have overshadowed the start of these prestigious games.

Several controversies have indeed marred the beginning of the 2024 Olympics.

Back in September 2023, reports surfaced that then-French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera had announced a ban on French athletes wearing hijabs, citing the state’s secular rules. Given that France is home to one of Europe’s largest Muslim communities, this decision sparked considerable backlash.

In another controversy, Nike’s track kit for women was criticized by retired American track and field athlete Lauren Fleshman, who called it “a costume born of patriarchal forces.” The high-cut bikini line leotard was deemed too revealing by many athletes, including Fleshman.

US Paralympic athlete Jaleen Roberts echoed these sentiments, stating, “This mannequin is standing still and everything’s showing… imagine MID FLIGHT.”

A further scandal erupted when a spy drone was discovered hovering over New Zealand’s women’s soccer team during practice. The police identified the pilot as a member of Team Canada, the defending champions. Consequently, Canada’s head coach Bev Priestman and two other staff members were ejected, and the Canadian Olympic Committee issued a public apology. The committee also mandated ethics training for the implicated soccer team staff.

Adding to the controversies, Japan’s star gymnast Shoko Miyata withdrew from competition after violating the team’s code of conduct by drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Although the legal drinking age in Japan is 20, officials emphasized that breaching the team’s code was the greater offense.

Other notable incidents include British rider Charlotte Dujardin’s withdrawal following accusations of whipping her horse during a past practice session. Additionally, Israeli athletes were banned from participating in the Olympics due to their country’s recent attacks on Gaza, which resulted in a significant number of deaths.

These controversies have cast a shadow over the 2024 Summer Olympics, leaving many, like Kenny Wallace, disenchanted and opting for protest over participation.