NASCAR Introduces Rule Changes to Reduce Caution Laps and Promote Green Flag Racing NASCAR has announced significant modifications to its race rules aimed at minimizing the number of laps run under caution and increasing the amount of green flag action during Cup Series events. The changes, which take effect this weekend at Iowa Speedway and will remain in place for the rest of the season, are designed to address fan concerns about prolonged caution periods that disrupt the flow of competition. The revised stage-break procedure dictates that when a natural caution occurs with 10 or fewer laps remaining in either Stage 1 or Stage 2 of a race, the stage will be considered complete at the moment the caution is called. This means the caution period will automatically serve as the scheduled stage break, eliminating the need for additional laps under caution to conclude the stage. The adjustment is intended to streamline the race structure and ensure that drivers spend more time competing on the track rather than navigating through extended caution periods. NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell highlighted the impetus behind the rule change during a social media post on Thursday. He referenced the July 26 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis, where fans reportedly expressed frustration over consecutive caution laps near stage breaks. O'Donnell acknowledged the feedback, stating, "Long periods of caution laps and not enough green-flag racing. We heard you, and we want to make a change. ... No more back-to-back cautions. No more elongated caution laps. More green flag racing. More action for you the fans." The new rules are expected to alter the dynamics of races by reducing the frequency of extended caution periods, which can lead to strategic shifts and reduced on-track competition.#indianapolis #nascar #steve_odonnell #brickyard_400 #iowa_speedway
NASCAR's San Diego Street Race Sparks New Era of Urban Racing The Anduril 250, the sole sanctioned street race in San Diego, has transformed the Coronado Bridge into a chaotic yet celebrated spectacle, proving that unconventional racing events can captivate audiences and redefine the sport’s appeal. With NASCAR’s first race at a naval base set to begin, the weekend’s success has already been declared a triumph, as organizers confirmed that all 50,000 seats for the event are sold out. The turnout has been bolstered by a diverse crowd, with 67% of ticket buyers having never attended a NASCAR event before, and attendees hailing from 50 U.S. states and 17 countries. This unprecedented engagement has validated years of brainstorming within NASCAR’s Daytona and Charlotte offices, suggesting that street races could become a recurring feature in American cities—and potentially beyond. NASCAR COO Ben Kennedy, who personally tested the 3.4-mile, 16-turn course at Naval Air Station North Island in a Next Gen car, emphasized the event’s significance as a business and cultural milestone. “Events like this are important for bringing in new fans,” Kennedy told Sports Business Journal, highlighting how street races attract partners and reshape public perception of NASCAR. He noted that the Chicago and San Diego races have outperformed other events on the schedule in terms of ticket sales, with the latter’s audience including a record 40% of female attendees and three times more Hispanic participants than usual. These demographics underscore the potential for street races to broaden NASCAR’s appeal and create a more inclusive brand identity.#nascar #san_diego #ben_kennedy #naval_air_station_north_island #anduril
Kyle Busch Dies from Complications of Pneumonia, NASCAR Honors His Legacy Kyle Busch, the former NASCAR star, died last week from hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation, complications arising from bacterial pneumonia that led to sepsis, according to his death certificate. The certificate, obtained by The Associated Press, listed the manner of death as "natural" and noted that Busch, 41, was cremated in Mooresville, North Carolina, following an autopsy. His family had previously announced his death after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body's immune response to an infection causes widespread inflammation, blood clots, and organ damage. Busch had been experiencing symptoms of bacterial pneumonia for "days to weeks" before sepsis developed, according to the certificate. Despite his illness, he remained active in racing and personal events. Days before his death, he was thought to have a sinus cold after competing at Watkins Glen on May 10. He radioed his team requesting medical attention but continued racing, winning the Truck Series event at Dover before finishing 17th in the All-Star race. He also attended the opening of a go-kart track with his 11-year-old son, Brexton, in the days leading up to his death. Preparations for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway were underway when Busch's family announced he would not compete due to a "severe illness." On May 20, while testing in a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord, Busch became unresponsive and was taken to a hospital in Charlotte. An anonymous caller on an emergency 911 call described Busch as experiencing shortness of breath, fever, and coughing up blood, lying on the bathroom floor of the complex.#charlotte_motor_speedway #kyle_busch #nascar #steve_odonnell #coca_cola_600
Lawsuits Filed After Plane Crash That Killed NASCAR Legend and 6 Others Nearly five months after a plane crash claimed the lives of seven people, including a prominent NASCAR figure, two lawsuits have been filed in connection to the tragedy. The incident, which occurred on December 18 in North Carolina, has prompted legal action against the owner of the aircraft, with claims seeking $15 million in damages. The lawsuits, filed in Iredell County Superior Court, are being pursued on behalf of the Dutton estate, according to court documents obtained by ESPN and local station WBTV. The crash involved a Cessna C550 jet that crashed near the Statesville Regional Airport, approximately 45 miles north of Charlotte. Among the victims were Greg Biffle, a former race car driver, his wife Cristina Biffle, their 5-year-old son Ryder, and Biffle’s daughter Emma, 14. Also killed were Dennis Rollin Dutton, his son Jack Dutton, and Dutton’s employee and friend Craig Wadsworth. Biffle, who owned the aircraft, was reportedly responsible for its maintenance, operation, and safety, according to the lawsuits. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still investigating the official cause of the crash, which occurred in severe weather conditions. Flight tracking data from FlightAware indicates the plane was en route to Florida but attempted to return to the regional airport shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, registered to a company linked to Biffle, was piloted by Dutton, an experienced pilot, as per an autopsy report obtained by USA TODAY. Jack Dutton, who was in the co-pilot seat, was assisting during the flight but was not qualified to operate the plane. The crash took place around 10:15 a.m. ET as the pilot attempted to land at the airport.#nascar #greg_biffle #crisina_biffle #craig_wadsworth #dutton
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Estate of NASCAR’s Greg Biffle Months After Plane Crash A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against the estate of NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, months after a plane crash claimed his life and that of six others. The lawsuit, initiated by the estate of Dennis Dutton, alleges that Biffle owned the Cessna 550 involved in the crash and was responsible for its maintenance, operation, and safety. The case seeks $15 million in damages. Additionally, the estate of Emma Biffle, Biffle’s wife, filed a separate wrongful death lawsuit against the Dutton estate, requesting $10 million. The crash occurred on December 18, 2025, when Biffle, his wife, their two children, and three other passengers—Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth—were killed in a fiery incident at the Statesville Regional Airport. The Cessna 550 was attempting to return to the runway when it crashed. Court documents reveal that the lawsuit against Biffle’s estate centers on his alleged responsibility for the aircraft’s condition and safety protocols. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report on January 30, detailing potential factors contributing to the crash. The report highlighted a combination of faulty flight instruments and pilot behavior. While the crash involved seven passengers, the report only noted the experiences of three. It did not specify who was piloting the plane, though the Associated Press confirmed that Biffle was not the pilot. The NTSB report outlined several malfunctions on the day of the crash, including a faulty altitude indicator, malfunctioning flight instruments, and issues with the engine power and temperature gauges. The plane first struck an object at approximately 1,400 feet above the runway before catching fire.#nascar #greg_biffle #dennis_dutton #ntsb #statesville_regional_airport
Michael Jordan on NASCAR, life after basketball and the one title he won't claim Michael Jordan is bringing his championship mindset to NASCAR, saying he's "cursed with this competitive gene" that keeps him chasing victories — and change. Jordan, co-founder of the NASCAR team 23XI Racing, told Gayle King that his passion for the sport traces back to his late father, James, a "diehard mechanic." He described how his father would fix neighborhood cars, refusing to send them to service, and how this early exposure to mechanics and speed shaped his love for cars and driving. "He used to work on all the neighborhood cars… he would fix our cars. We would never send our car to the service. He would figure out a way to fix it. So I think it gravitated into his love for cars. And he likes driving fast. My mom likes driving fast," Jordan said during an interview at the Phoenix Raceway for "CBS Sunday Morning." From rumor to reality Jordan founded 23XI Racing in 2020 with legendary driver and three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin — a partnership Hamlin says began with a rumor that unexpectedly turned into reality. "I'll never forget. I saw an article that wasn't true. Says, 'Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan are lookin' to purchase a NASCAR team,'" Hamlin recalled. "I saw the article, sent it to him. He says, 'Not real, but if you want to make it real let me know.'" This initial exchange led to the formation of 23XI Racing, marking Jordan's entry into a sport he had long admired. NASCAR's charter system and the antitrust case NASCAR has been privately owned and operated since 1948 by the France family. In 2016, the organization introduced a charter system, a franchise-like model that guaranteed 36 teams entry into each Cup Series race and promised new revenue opportunities.#michael_jordan #phoenix_raceway #denny_hamlin #23xi_racing #nascar
Daniel Dye Indefinitely Suspended for Mocking David Malukas with Homophobic Voice Daniel Dye has been indefinitely suspended by NASCAR after he mocked fellow driver David Malukas during a recent livestream, using a homophobic voice. The incident, which involved Dye impersonating Malukas in a manner deemed offensive, prompted immediate action from the organization. Dye, who competes full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as part of Kaulig Racing’s Ram Truck program, was driving the #10 Ram 1500 this season. He currently sits 13th in the points standings following finishes of 17th, 13th, and 17th in the first three races of the 2026 season. Dye also participated in select NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events with Am Racing earlier in the year. Dye admitted to having limited knowledge about Malukas, a driver with Team Penske, and recalled asking the veteran racer if he had competed on oval tracks. Malukas has not publicly addressed the situation, leaving the details of the incident and its broader implications unclear. The suspension marks a significant moment for NASCAR, which has increasingly emphasized inclusivity and accountability amid growing scrutiny over homophobic behavior in motorsports. In a statement, Dye expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging the harm caused by his words. “I have some close friends in the LGBTQ+ community who would never want to feel less of themselves because of what I said, and that’s exactly why I should hold myself to a higher standard,” he wrote. He emphasized that his comments did not reflect his true feelings but admitted to failing to consider the impact of his actions. “I didn’t think enough before I spoke, and I in no way meant any harm,” he said.#david_malukas #team_penske #nascar #kaulig_racing #daniel_dye
Daniel Dye indefinitely suspended by NASCAR Daniel Dye, driver of the No. 10 Kaulig Racing Ram in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, has been indefinitely suspended by NASCAR following a violation of the organization’s rules. The penalty was imposed under Section 4.3.C of the NASCAR Rule Book, which prohibits members from making public statements or communications that criticize, ridicule, or disparage another person based on race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, or handicapping condition. The suspension followed an incident during a recent livestream where Dye discussed his experiences with NTT IndyCar Series driver David Malukas. During the event, the 22-year-old driver used language that NASCAR officials deemed unacceptable, leading to the decision to suspend him. Dye must complete sensitivity training before he can return to competition. In a statement posted to his social media account on Tuesday evening, Dye expressed regret for his actions. He acknowledged that he did not consider the impact of his words and emphasized that his intent was not to cause harm. He added, “I know that intention does not erase impact and I need to do better.” Dye has competed in 49 races in the Craftsman Truck Series since 2023, earning two top-five finishes, 10 top-10 results, and one pole position. The Florida native ran full-time in the series in 2023 and 2024 before transitioning to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with Kaulig for a full season in 2025. Currently, Dye ranks 13th in the Craftsman Truck Series standings, 88 points behind the series leader, Chandler Smith. Additionally, he has made three starts in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series this season for AM Racing, bringing his total career starts in that series to 48 with 10 top-10 finishes.#david_malukas #daniel_dye #nascar #kaulig_racing #nascar_rule_book
How an Antitrust Lawsuit from Michael Jordan Reshaped NASCAR NASCAR, the governing body for premier stock car racing, found itself at the center of a high-profile antitrust lawsuit brought by NBA icon Michael Jordan. The case centered on whether NASCAR engaged in anticompetitive practices that harmed the teams competing in its events. The dispute revolved around a take-it-or-leave-it contract offer presented by NASCAR to its team owners as the 2024 season came to an end. The offer, with a deadline of midnight on September 6, 2024, required teams to agree to a provision that barred them from bringing antitrust claims against NASCAR. Thirteen teams accepted the offer, but two—23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports—refused and filed a private antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. The lawsuit alleged that NASCAR had gained control over race venues, equipment, and the teams themselves, effectively eliminating opportunities for teams to supply their services outside of NASCAR. NASCAR owned a significant number of the venues and had exclusive contracts with many others it did not own. Additionally, the organization required all teams to invest in cars that embodied “Next Gen” technology, which NASCAR controlled through patents and intellectual property. This created barriers for teams seeking to join a rival league, as the investment in specialized equipment and the associated learning curve made it costly to compete outside of NASCAR. William S. Beinecke, a professor of economics and management, testified in the case. He was contacted by Jeffrey Kessler, the lawyer representing Michael Jordan and the other plaintiffs.#michael_jordan #23xi_racing #nascar #william_s_beinecke #front_row_motorsports
How an Antitrust Lawsuit from Michael Jordan Reshaped NASCAR NASCAR, the governing body for premier stock car racing, found itself at the center of a high-profile antitrust lawsuit brought by NBA icon Michael Jordan. The case centered on whether NASCAR engaged in anticompetitive practices that harmed the teams competing in its races. The dispute arose as NASCAR presented team owners with a take-it-or-leave-it contract offer just before the end of the 2024 season. The deadline for signing was midnight on September 6, 2024, and failure to sign meant teams would be excluded from the 2025 season. In exchange for participation, teams had to agree to a provision that barred them from bringing antitrust claims against NASCAR. NASCAR owned a significant number of race venues and held exclusive contracts with many others it did not own. Additionally, the organization required all teams to invest in cars that incorporated “Next Gen” technology, which NASCAR controlled through patents and intellectual property. This created barriers for teams seeking to compete outside of NASCAR. Thirteen teams signed the contract, but two—23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports—refused and filed a private antitrust lawsuit. They alleged that NASCAR had effectively eliminated opportunities for teams to operate independently by controlling venues, equipment, and team operations. The case brought in expert testimony from William S. Beinecke, a professor of economics and management, who was contacted by Jeffrey Kessler, the lawyer representing the plaintiffs. Kessler, known for his work in antitrust litigation, had previously been involved in cases that led to free agency in the NFL and greater autonomy for NCAA athletes.#michael_jordan #23xi_racing #nascar #front_row_motorsports #william_s_beinecke
