TK and Lil Gator Are Ready to Do Their Part
Kyle Larson's substitute driver lineup is set - and both drivers are prepared to do what they must to help Arrow McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports through the next 10 days.
The Morning Warmup
May 16, 2025
Good morning, race fans! Happy Friday, and welcome to another race weekend.
We’re at that time of year when things start to get truly fun. NASCAR’s running the All-Star Race and preparing for its longest race. IndyCar’s setting the field for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Cars, bikes and more are racing throughout the country.
It’s a lot to follow - more than any one person can do in this modern era of constant content. But I’ll cover you to the best of my ability.
Before we get started today, a quick shoutout to my friends at RACER. They revamped their site this week and it looks lovely. I’ve had the pleasure of working with that group a few times and love to see them freshening things up and continuing to succeed.
With that said, let’s get into the newsletter.
Today’s Top Stories
1) Kanaan, Allgaier confirmed as fill-ins for Larson’s second Double attempt (NASCAR/IndyCar)
With Kyle Larson’s second Double attempt nearing its moment of truth, the contingency plans surrounding the Californian’s efforts on both sides have come to fruition.
In truth, they should look pretty familiar to 2024’s run - though one would hope they won’t be as necessary as they were in that rainy, scuppered attempt at American motorsport’s ultimate feat.
On the NTT IndyCar Series side of things, Arrow McLaren’s Tony Kanaan will again step up as Larson’s potential fill-in. The 2013 Indianapolis 500 champion is the company’s team principal and one of Indy’s modern legends. He made his last planned run at the Greatest Spectacle in Racing in 2022, but will step in should Larson be forced to skip the 500 and prioritize his full-time duties in NASCAR.
Rain called off the first two planned efforts for Kanaan to complete a mandatory refresher course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the Brazilian was finally able to complete the run with favorable weather on Thursday. He completed 1h45m in the car, buckled in by longtime colleague Kyle Sagan and nearing 220mph on his later runs.
Should Larson require a fill-in at any point on the NASCAR side, defending Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier will once again serve as his backup driver. Hendrick Motorsports confirmed the news Wednesday.
Allgaier will practice and qualify Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet this weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway, while Larson is busy qualifying for the Indy 500. Larson will attempt to fly in and start from the tail of the All-Star Race, but if logistics prevent him from doing so, then his No. 5 team won’t compete. Allgaier isn’t eligible to contest the All-Star Race on his own.
For the Coca-Cola 600, Allgaier will again serve as the backup driver. He piloted the No. 5 in Larson’s place when he prioritized the Indy 500 amid rain in 2025, bringing home a 13th-place finish after rain brought the event to an early end.
(Source(s): Marshall Pruett / RACER, Kelly Crandall / RACER)
2) IndyCar shifts several start times; WWT Raceway moves to primetime (IndyCar)
IndyCar’s only five races into its tenure with FOX, but the sanctioning body is already making some key start times changes for the remainder of its 2025 season.
Series officials announced Wednesday that five of its remaining races have had start times altered. Races at World Wide Technology Raceway, Road America, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Iowa Speedway and Toronto have each been shifted.
One of these changes is not like the others. WWT Raceway’s June 15 race has been shifted from mid-afternoon to a primetime start under the lights, slated to go live at 8 p.m. ET.
“This is a massive primetime showcase under the lights for the stars of the NTT IndyCar Series,” IndyCar president Douglas Boles said in a series release. “This is also a tremendous display of partnership from both FOX Sports and our friends at World Wide Technology Raceway, who’ve worked with us to generate this exciting opportunity for our sport. Race weekend in St. Louis is just a month away, and fans in venue and around the country are in for a real treat when IndyCar arrives in town."
The other races are all shifting to earlier start tines. Road America (June 22) is moving up two hours to 1:30 p.m. ET, with Toronto seeing a similar change up to noon ET. Both Mid-Ohio and the second race of the Iowa weekend will move up one hour from 2 p.m. to 1 p.n. ET.
These adjustments should be beneficial for the series, helping to avoid head-to-head battles with NASCAR WWT Raceway was slated to go direct against NASCAR’s highly-anticipated Mexico City debut. Road America will now roll off shortly before a Cup race at Pocono, Iowa’s second race should be wrapped up before NASCAR takes the green at Sonoma. Mid-Ohio and Toronto should be able to get the majority of their races in before NASCAR events at Chicago and Dover, respectively.
IndyCar has seen a general uptick in viewership during its tenure with FOX, but has had difficulty making big gains in races that have gone up against NASCAR or other major sporting events. These scheduling changes should help bridge the gap moving forward.
(Source(s): IndyCar.com, Aaron Bearden / X)
3) Chris Buescher, RFK Racing hit with L1 penalty for front bumper cover (NASCAR Cup)
RFK Racing’s No. 17 team is left with disappointment once again leaving the spring Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway. But this time the incident in question is an off-track issue instead of a photo finish heartbreaker.
NASCAR assessed Chris Buescher’s team with an L1-level penalty on Thursday, following inspection of the Texan’s No. 17 Ford at the R&D Center in Concord, N.C. Officials discovered that the team’s front bumper cover went over the maximum reinforcement allowed, violating Rule Book sections 14.1.C and 14.5.4.G in the process.
The resulting penalties are steep. Both Buescher and the team have been docked 60 points and five playoff points. Crew chief Scott Graves has been suspended for the next two races and the team has been fined $75,000.
It’s a significant penalty or two of RFK Racing’s teams. Buescher dropped from 33 points above the early playoff cutline in 12th to 24th in the standings, 27 points out of the provisional playoff field. Moving in as a result is teammate Ryan Preece, who sits ahead of Las Vegas winner Josh Berry in 15th. Preece holds a seven-point cushion on Kyle Busch for the last spot.
RFK Racing said in a Thursday statement that it is “reviewing the details of the situation” to determine if it will file an appeal.
(Source(s): NASCAR.com)
News and Notes
NASCAR
AutoAction’s Andrew Clarke reported Tuesday that Supercars stars Will Brown and Cam Waters plan to compete in the Cup Series race at Chicago, with Broc Feeney eying a potential Xfinity Series run.
The top-five drivers in All-Star Race fan voting have been revealed heading into the race weekend: Bubba Wallace, Carson Hocevar, Noah Gragson, Ryan Preece and Shane van Gisbergen. (NASCAR.com)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has ranked NASCAR’s Cup powerhouses through the 2025 season to date. It’s a battle of thin margins between each OEM’s top teams. (Matt Weaver / Sportsnaut)
Before he qualifies for the Indy 500, Kyle Larson was this week’s guest for the “12 Questions” series. (Jeff Gluck / The Athletic)
Today in cool NASCAR uploads: The 1974 Pit Crew Challenge.
ARCA Menards Series East points leader Isaac Kitzmiller will follow in his father Jason’s footsteps this weekend at Michigan’s Flat Rock Speedway. (Brandon White / ARCARacing,com)
It’s never too early to start planning. Kyle Busch has detailed his NASCAR developmental plans for son Brexton, 10. (Matt Weaver / Sportsnaut)
Want to see Chase Elliott show some of his personality? Get him on a lake with a fishing pole.
IndyCar
Indy 500 practice results:
Points leader Alex Palou topped the charts on a wet Wednesday at the Brickyard. (Paul Kelly / IndyCar.com)
Here’s a title-winning pairing for you: Seven-time Cup Series champ Jimmie Johnson will drive seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady around Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the Indy 500. (IndyCar.com)
IndyCar-NASCAR crossover stars Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick will join FOX’s coverage team for the Indy 500. (IndyCar.com)
Take a trip around IMS from the two-time defending champ:
Nolan Siegel’s first Indy 500 attempt ended with a qualifying crash as he pushed his car to the limit. Now he’s hoping to build on the experience with Arrow McLaren. (Federico Faturos / Motorsport)
How much will hybrid units affect this year’s Indy 500? Two-time defending race winner Josef Newgarden shared some details on their impact during practice. (Federico Faturos / Motorsport)
Frontstretch’s James Jackson has shared a lengthy dive into journeyman driver Pietro Fittipaldi and his trail through the racing world.)
F1
The FIA has revised its anti-swearing penalties, reducing the fines and generally lessening the repercussions for the infractions. (Jake Boxall-Legge / Motorsport )
Let the election games begin. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is proposing changes to the governing body that could help him consolidate power - and make it more difficult for potential challenger Carlos Sainz Sr. to run against him. (Andrew Benson / BBC)
The Athletic’s Luke Smith has a good piece on the FIA president battle, laying out the storylines, challenge ahead for Sainz and opinions from the paddock.
Ford is committed to Formula 1 and will rise up with Red Bull - even if Max Verstappen leaves for greener pastures. (Ronald Vording / Motorsport)
This should be fun: The British Grand Prix will have the unique quirk of hosting F1, F2, F3 and F4 together for the first time at any grand prix. (Stephen Lickorish / Motorsport)
Racing Bulls has introduced some upgrades heading into the Imola weekend, and they’re larger than you might think. (Filip Cleeren / Motorsport)
Franco Colapinto has a huge opportunity with his five-race Alpine stint - but it’s a dangerous one with little margin for error. (Edd Straw / The Race)
F1’s other rookies have gone to bat for the driver Colapinto replaced, Jack Doohan. (Scott Mitchell-Malm, Josh Suttill & Edd Straw / The Race)
Cadillac thrust itself into the public eye two weeks ago in Miami. Here’s a look inside the race to launch the American team. (Luke Smith & Madeline Coleman / The Athletic)
Williams is having its best season in years thus far in 2025, but the company knows it needs to abandon it to focus on the future. (Scott Mitchell-Malm / The Race)
The 2026 ruleset is going to be a challenge for F1’s teams, but Adrian Newey predicts there will be a wide variety of cars on the grid next year. (Filip Cleeren / Motorsport)
Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony, is reportedly set to secure a role within the FIA. (Oliver Harden / Planet F1)
Charles Leclerc skipped Imola’s media day with illness. (Owen Bellwood / Motorsport)
Sports Cars
F1 ace Max Verstappen recently took Ferrari GT3 for a spin at the Nurburgring, More details about the run - including the champ’s blistering pace - have come to light. (Elizabeth Blackstock / Planet F1)
Verstappen did so with future hopes of running in the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring. (Valentin Khorounzhiy & Jon Noble / The Race)
Toyota is running a special heritage livery paying homage to the 1998 TS020. It’s a beauty. (Daily Sportscar)
Sainteloc Racing’s Gilles Magnus was quickest in a two-day Prologue test after the Spa 24 Hours. (Davey Euwema / Sportscar365)
The Ford Mustang Challenge Invitational race at Le Mans should be a treat. Ford hopes to bring at least 35 cars along for the event. (Daily Sportscar)
Pirelli GT4 America will feature a 30-car field at Sebring International Raceway. (John Dagys / Sportscar365)
GT Open’s first 500km race will feature 31 cars. (Daily Sportscar)
Supercars
With Supercars in search of a new CEO, James Warburton has emerged as a contender to return to the role. (Stefan Bartholomaeus / Speedcafe)
The WA state government has offered an early glimpse at the potential street circuit layout for the 2027 season. (Andrew van Leeuwen / Speedcafe)
Supercars has released the schedule for the upcoming Perth Super440 weekend. (Simon Chapman / Speedcafe)
Chaz Mostert endured a difficult run at Symmons Plains. The Taupo race winner explained his struggles on Thursday. (Stefan Bartholomaeus / Speedcafe)
Dirt
Iowa’s Rapid Speedway is on the way back after suffering devastating flooding in 2024. (Mike Adaskaveg / Outside Groove)
Short Tracks
Chase Elliott is planning another appearance with the ASA STARS National Tour, with an appearance next week at Hickory Motor Speedway. (Zach Evans / Racing America)
Layne Riggs was planning a run with the CARS Tour this weekend at North Wilkesboro, but Riggs has withdrawn from the race to focus on the Truck Series..
Rally
Hyundai is still weighing its future in the World Rally Championship heading into the summer. (Tom Howard / Motorsport)
It’s time to rally in Portugal. Here’s a quick preview of the route:
There are four big questions heading into the WRC’s gravel season. (Tom Howard / Motorsport)
Sebastien Ogier has spoken out in support for Carlos Sainz Sr.’s potential FIA presidential run. (Tom Howard / Motorsport)
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On Track
It’s a big weekend for racing. NASCAR’s back at North Wilkesboro, IndyCar’s setting the Indy 500 field and F1’s racing for the last time in the foreseeable future at Imola. Beyond that are a host of sports car races, a Formula E doubleheader in Tokyo and busy weekends on dirt, short tracks and drag strips.
All Times ET
Friday, May 16
NASCAR
At North Wilkesboro Speedway
Pit Road Qualifying Entry/Exit Practice (Open): 4:00 p.m., FS2
Pit Road Qualifying Entry/Exit Practice (All-Star): 4:30 p.m., FS2
Full Field Practice: 5:00 p.m., FS2
Qualifying/Pit Crew Challenge (Open): 6:00 p.m., FS1
Qualifying/Pit Crew Challenge (All-Star): 7:00 p.m., FS1
IndyCar
At Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Fast Friday Practice: 12:00 p.m., FS2
Fast Friday Practice (Cont’d): 4:00 p.m., FS1
Formula 1
At Imola
Formula 3 Practice: 3:55 a.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
Formula 2 Practice: 5:05 a.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
F1 Free Practice 1: 7:25 a.m., ESPN2/F1 TV
Formula 3 Qualifying: 9:05 a.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
Formula 2 Qualifying: 10:00 a.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
F1 Free Practice 2: 10:55 a.m., ESPN2/F1 TV
Porsche Supercup Practice: 12:30 p.m. ESPN+
Other Open Wheel
Formula E Free Practice (Tokyo): 7:00 p.m. Roku Channel
Formula E Qualifying (Tokyo): 9:20 p.m., Roku Channel
Sports Cars
At Sebring International Raceway
TC America Race 1: 12:10 p.m., GT World on YouTube
TC America Race 2: 4:40 p.m., GT World on YouTube
At Circuit of the Americas
Porsche Sprint Challenge: 3:15 p.m., FlORacing
Dirt
Major Tours
High Limit Racing (Ransomville Speedway): 6:00 p.m., FloRacing
World of Outlaws Late Models (Marion Center Raceway): 6:15 p.m., DirtVision
USAC Huncovsky Classic (Belleville High Banks Speedway): 7:00 p.m., FloRacing
Lucas Oil Late Models (Eagle Raceway): 7:15 p.m., FloRacing
Others
NASCAR Opening Night (Autodrome Granby): 6:30 p.m., FloRacing
IRA Sprints (Dodge County Fairgrounds): 6:30 p.m., FloRacing
Weekly Racing (Attica Raceway Park): 6:30 p.m., DirtVision
Weekly Racing (Williams Grove Speedway): 7:00 p.m., DirtVision
MARS Late Models (Quincy Raceways): 7:30 p.m., FloRacing
NARC 410 Sprints (Ocean Speedway): 8:30 p.m., FloRacing
Short Tracks
Major Tours
CARS Tour (North Wilkesboro Speedway): 6:00 p.m., FS1/FloRacing
Others
Weekly Racing (Stafford Motor Speedway): 6:00 p.m., FloRacing
Local Racing (Five Flags Speedway): 9:00 p.m., Racing America
Drag Racing
NHRA Route 66 Nationals (Route 66 Raceway): 10:00 a.m., NHRA.tv
-
Saturday, May 17
NASCAR
At North Wilkesboro Speedway
Truck Series Practice: 9:35 a.m., FS2
Truck Series Qualifying: 10:35 a.m., FS2
Truck Series Window World 250: 1:30 p.m., FS1
All-Star Race Heats: 5:10 p.m., FS2
At Flat Rock Speedway
ARCA Menards Series East Dutch Boy 150: 7:30 p.m., FloRacing
IndyCar
At Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Practice 6: 8:30 a.m., FS2
Indy 500 Qualifications: 11:00 a.m., FS1
Indy 500 Qualifications (Cont’d): 1:30 p.m., FS2
Indy 500 Qualifications (Cont’d): 4:00 p.m., FOX
Formula 1
At Imola
Formula 3 Sprint Race: 4:00 a.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
Porsche Supercup Qualifying: 5:20 a.m., ESPN+
F1 Free Practice 3: 6:25 a.m., ESPN2/F1 TV
Formula 2 Sprint Race: 8:15 a.m., ESPN+
F1 Qualifying: 9:55 a.m., ESPN2/F1 TV
Other Open Wheel
Formula E Tokyo E-Prix Race 1: 2:05 a.m., Roku Channel
Formula E Practice (Tokyo): 7:00 p.m., Roku Channel
Formula E Qualifying: 9:20 p.m., Roku Channel
Sports Cars
At Sebring International Raceway
GT World Challenge America Qualifying: 9:20 a.m., GT World on YouTube
TC America Race 3: 11:10 a.m., GT World on YouTube
Toyota Gazoo Racing North America GR Cup Race 1: 1:40 p.m., GT World on YouTube
GT World Challenge America Race 1: 2:45 p.m., GT World on YouTube
Pirelli GT4 America Race 1: 4:50 p.m., GT World on YouTube
At Zandvoort
GT2 Europe Qualifying: 3:00 a.m., GT World on YouTube
GT World Challenge Europe Qualifying: 3:57 a.m., GT World on YouTube
GT4 European Series Qualifying: 5:05 a.m., GT World on YouTube
GT2 European Series Race 1: 7:05 a.m., GT World on YouTube
GT World Challenge Europe Race 1: 8:30 a.m., GT World on YouTube
GT4 European Series Race 1: 11:15 a.m., GT World on YouTube
At Circuit of the Americas
Porsche Sprint Challenge: 3:15 p.m., FloRacing
Dirt
Major Tours
High Limit Racing (Utica-Rome Speedway): 6:00 p.m., FloRacing
World of Outlaws Late Models (Marion Center Raceway): 6:15 p.m., DirtVision
USAC Huncovsky Classic (Belleville High Banks Speedway): 7:00 p.m., FloRacing
Lucas Oil Late Models (Eagle Raceway): 7:15 p.m., FloRacing
Others
Weekly Racing (Millbridge Speedway): 5:30 p.m., DirtVision
Weekly Racing (Volusia Speedway Park): 6:00 p.m., DirtVision
Weekly Racing (Land of Legends Raceway): 6:15 p.m., DirtVision
Family Fireworks Night (Eldora Speedway): 6:30 p.m., FloRacing
Weekly Racing (Sharon Speedway): 6:30 p.m., DirtVision
IRA Sprints (Plymouth Dirt Track): 6:30 p.m., FloRacing
IMCA CJ Joski Memorial (141 Speedway): 7:00 p.m., FloRacing
MARS Late Models (Highland Speedway): 7:00 p.m., FloRacing
Weekly Racing (Knoxville Raceway): 7:30 p.m., DirtVision
USAC WS Midgets (Santa Maria Speedway): 8:00 p.m., FloRacing
NARC Morrie Williams Memorial (Tulare Thunderbowl): 8:30 p.m., FloRacing
Short Tracks
NASCAR Weekly Racing
Berlin Raceway: 3:30 p.m., FloRacing
Jennerstown Speedway Complex: 5:45 p.m., FloRacing
Hickory Motor Speedway: 7:00 p.m., FloRacing
Bowman Gray Stadium: 7:45 p.m., FloRacing
Others
Owosso 500 Race 1 (Owosso Speedway): 6:00 p.m., Racing America
Must See Racing Sprint Cars (Lancaster Speedway): 6:00 p.m., Racing America
APC United Late Model Series (Sunset Speedway): 6:00 p.m., Racing America
Outlaw Late Models (Midvale Speedway): 6:00 p.m., Racing America
Late Model Twins (Langley Speedway): 7:00 p.m., FloRacing
Northwest Super Late Model Series (Stateline Speedway): 8:00 p.m., Racing America
Show Me the Money Series PLM (Montgomery Motor Speedway): 8:00 p.m., Racing America
Moto
British Superbike Qualifying (Donington Park): 8:45 a.m., Motorsport.tv
British Superbike Race 1 (Donington Park): 11:15 a.m., Motorsport.tv
Drag Racing
NHRA Route 66 Nationals (Route 66 Raceway): 10:00 a.m., NHRA.tv
Karting
WSK Euro Series (Viterbo, Italy): 3:45 p.m., Motorsport.tv
-
Sunday, May 18
NASCAR
At North Wilkesboro Speedway
Whelen Modified Tour FaithFest Evangelistic Ministries 150: 2:00 p.m., FloRacing
Cup Series All-Star Open: 5:00 p.m., FS1
Cup Series All-Star Race: 8:00 p.m., FS1
IndyCar
At Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Practice 7: 1:00 p.m., FS2
Indy 500 Qualifications, Day 2: 4:00 p.m., FOX
Formula 1
At Imola
Formula 3 Feature Race: 2:30 a.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
Formula 2 Feature Race: 4:00 a.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
Porsche Supercup Feature: 5:45 a.m., ESPN+/F1 TV
F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix: 8:55 a.m., ESPN2/F1 TV
Other Open Wheel
Formula E Tokyo E-Prix Race 2: 2:05 a.m., Roku Channel
Super Formula Round 5 (Autopolis): 1:15 p.m., Motorsport.tv
Sports Cars
At Sebring International Raceway
GT America Race 2: 9:05 a.m., GT World on YouTube
Toyota Gazoo Racing North America GR Cup Race 2: 10:05 a.m., GT World on YouTube
Pirelli GT4 America Race 2: 11:10 a.m., GT World on YouTube
GT World Challenge America Race 2: 1:30 p.m., GT World on YouTube
At Zandvoort
GT World Challenge Europe Qualifying (Race 2): 2:55 a.m., GT World on YouTube
GT2 European Series Race 2: 3:25 a.m., GT World on YouTube
GT4 European Series Race 2: 5:55 a.m., GT World on YouTube
GT World Challenge Europe Race 2: 8:00 a.m., GT World on YouTube
At Circuit of the Americas
Porsche Sprint Challenge: 3:15 p.m., FloRacing
Dirt
Major Tours
World of Outlaws Sprint Cars (Cornwall Motor Speedway): 5:45 p.m., DirtVision
World of Outlaws Late Models (Bedford Speedway): 6:45 p.m., DirtVision
USAC National Midgets (Sweet Springs Motorsports Complex): 7:00 p.m., FloRacing
Other
IRA Sprints (Angell Park Speedway): 5:30 p.m., FloRacing
Weekly Racing (Huset’s Speedway): 7:25 p.m., DirtVision
Short Tracks
Major Tours
PASS Late Models/Modifieds (White Mountain Motorsports Park): 2:00 p.m., Racing America
Other
SLM Opener (Slinger Speedway): 3:00 p.m., FloRacing
Moto
British Superbike Race 2 (Donington Park): 8:15 a.m., Motorsport.tv
British Superbike Race 3 (Donington Park): 11:20 a.m., Motorsport.tv
Drag Racing
NHRA Route 66 Nationals (Route 66 Raceway): 10:00 a.m., NHRA.tv
Number of the Day: 3.85
Qualifying isn’t everything when it comes to the Indy 500, but it’s definitely key to improving your odds. Josef Newgarden stormed through the field from 17th for his first Indy 500 win in 2023, but the other seven of the past eight 500 wins have come from an average starting position of 3.85. The hybrid unit could shake things up. But if passing is as challenging as it’s been elsewhere this year, teams will want to start near the front to have a solid chance to drink the milk at night’s end.
Have a great weekend, y’all. I’ll see you Monday.