The 72^nd running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring will be March 16, 2024, and as always, the days leading up to the great race will feature multiple races, and a new series on track beginning March 13.

The GTP-winning Whelen Cadillac will return to defend its title as the first hybrid-electrified GTP car to win the 12-Hour classic. Pipo Derani, who drove the car to victory, will also return in pursuit of his fifth Sebring 12-Hour title, further establishing the Brazilian driver as one of Sebring’s all-time most successful.

His win earlier this year matched the four of Allan McNish and Frank Biela. He trails only Rinaldo Capella (5) and Tom Kristensen (6). At only 30 years old when the next Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring takes place, Derani will attempt to move one step closer to Kristensen’s once-seemingly untouchable record. Derani has won four of his first eight Sebring 12-Hour starts – 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2023. 

Joining the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (Mobil 1 Twelve Hours) will be the Alan Jay Automotive Network 120 for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. That event will move back to its traditional Friday afternoon position, with three other sports car series joining the weekend schedule. As many as eight races will take place during the fabled four-day sports car weekend. The 2023 schedule featured five races.

The 2023 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring featured the debut of the IMSA GTP hybrid-powered prototype class with four manufacturers entering two cars each – Cadillac, Acura, BMW and Porsche. Lamborghini has confirmed its plan to enter the top class of prototypes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship beginning in 2024, increasing the number of GTP entries at Sebring to at least 10, and possibly more. In addition, the LMP2, GTD Pro and GTD classes will return, bringing with them another huge field for one of the world’s greatest sports car races.

Live evening concerts, drink specials and an assortment of food options will again be featured in the fan zone, as will driver autograph sessions in the competitor paddock. As always, every ticket provides access to the competitor paddock for an up-close view of teams, drivers and cars throughout the week.

The schedule of events for Sebring will be announced in the fall, following the release of each series’ 2024 schedules.  

Earlier today, PETA supporters “joined” Lewis Hamilton’s panel during the 2023 Forbes Iconoclast Summit at Pier 60 and issued a heartfelt appeal to the vegan athlete and devoted dog dad to speak out against Formula 1’s ties to the Iditarod, a grueling 1,000-mile dog-sled race in Alaska in which more than 150 dogs have died, garnering a thumbs-up from Hamilton. Formula 1’s owner, Liberty Media, still supports this cruel race via its subsidiary GCI’s $250,000-per-year sponsorship—and protesters want Hamilton to use his platform to call for the sponsorship to be pulled.

Hooters and NASCAR superstar Chase Elliott are offering fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win the race-worn Hooters fire suit from the inaugural Grant Park 220 Chicago Street Race on Sunday, July 2.

To participate in the sweepstakes, fans can place an order on Chase Elliott's Chicken Tenders now through July 3 at http://HOABrands.olo.com. Each order automatically grants an entry for the opportunity to win Chase Elliott's fire suit and other exciting prizes, including Hooters gift cards, Chase Elliott merchandise, and a chance to win one of 10 autographed Chase Elliott’s Chicken Tenders caps. To enter, simply place an order and either open a new HootClub account or sign in using your existing HootClub credentials. Fans can use the promo code CHASE5 to enjoy $5 off any order of $30 or more until July 3.

"As the Official Home of Race Fans, we are excited to announce this one-of-a-kind promotion, offering fans the exclusive opportunity to win a highly coveted piece of sports memorabilia – a race-worn fire suit," said Hooters Chief Marketing Officer Bruce Skala. "This promotion exemplifies our unwavering dedication to delivering extraordinary experiences and showcases our ongoing commitment to leveraging our marketing assets and athlete partnerships in innovative ways. At Hooters, we take pride in creating dynamic opportunities that deeply resonate with our valued customers, further establishing us as the premier destination for passionate sports fans."

Chase Elliott's Chicken Tenders, the virtual restaurant inspired by the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, is designed to satisfy the appetites of fans craving a dippable snack or savory meal at home or on the go. The menu offers a variety of options, including chicken tenders, boneless wings, chicken sandwiches, buffalo chicken salad, as well as fan-favorite starters like fried pickles and mozzarella cheese sticks. Popular sides such as curly fries, waffle fries, and tots are also available.

No purchase is necessary to participate in the sweepstakes. The sweepstakes is open to legal U.S. residents of fifty (50) U.S. states or the District of Columbia, aged 18 or older. Registration ends on July 3, 2023. See official rules at http://mdmgames.com/chaseracesuit. Void wherever prohibited.  

Lucas Oil Products, the world leader and distributor of high-performance automotive additives and lubricants, is thrilled to announce the addition of veteran motorsports reporter Jamie Little as its newest brand ambassador. As one of the most recognizable figures in motorsports television, Little joins an exclusive group of brand ambassadors and key partnerships across several different sports including NFL, NASCAR, NHRA, INDYCAR, Monster Jam, PBR and more.

In her role, she is helping the brand create rich multimedia content through interviews and experiences with current brand ambassadors and partners, as well creating social media posts by sharing how she uses Lucas Oil products in her daily life on social media. In one of her first segments, Jamie sat down with ECR Engines SVP Bob Fisher to discuss Lucas Oil’s partnership with Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines, and shared her experiences  taking a few high-speed laps at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in an two-seat Arrow McLaren Indy Car. 

"For more than two decades, millions of fans around the world have been watching Jamie Little bring her unique style of reporting to several different racing series, especially INDYCAR and NASCAR, and it is a true honor to have her as part of the Lucas Oil family of brand ambassadors,” said Brandon Bernstein, Director of Partnership Marketing. “Jamie has been entrenched in motorsports her entire life and brings a unique perspective to the Lucas Oil brand. She understands our commitment to excellence and we know her dynamic personality and respect in the sports broadcasting world will help elevate the Lucas Oil brand to new audiences.”

Jamie’s career in broadcasting began in 1998 with ESPN as a reporter for both the Summer and Winter X-Games. She worked as a pit reporter for several years with ESPN/ABC covering the INDYCAR series, which included 11 Indianapolis 500s. In 2015, she joined Fox Sports and has worked as a pit reporter for all three of their national touring series. In 2021, she was tapped to be the lead announcer for the ARCA Menards Series, making history as the first woman to work as the lead television play-by-play announcer for a national motorsports series. In 2023, she added to her play-by-play duties with the addition of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series, becoming the first woman lead announcer for NASCAR.  

“The Lucas Oil organization has built an iconic presence in the motorsports industry and I am absolutely thrilled to bring my passion for racing and experience in broadcasting to their family of brand ambassadors,” Little said. “This is my opportunity to share how Lucas Oil has used its success on the track to create incredible products that help everyday drivers get better fuel mileage, reduce wear and tear on their engines and save money. I am very proud to be working with such a great organization and I’m looking forward to creating some fun content.”

For more information about Lucas Oil’s brand ambassador program or to schedule an interview, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

NASCAR today announced plans to bring Bubba’s Block Party, a nationwide community initiative hosted by 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace, to The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center on Wednesday, June 28 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The community event, presented in partnership with Xfinity, will precede the first-ever Chicago Street Race Weekend, featuring the NASCAR Cup Series’ Grant Park 220 and NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 121.

“We look forward to hosting Bubba’s Block Party on the South Side of Chicago before NASCAR drivers compete in the first-ever Chicago Street Race,” said Pete Jung, NASCAR Chief Marketing Officer. “We are proud to partner with The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, the nation’s first independent museum celebrating Black culture.”

To download Bubba’s Block Party and Chicago Street Race logos and/or Lupe Fiasco assets, click here.

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, a Smithsonian affiliate, is the nation’s first independent museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and study of the history and culture of Africans Americans and people of African descent.

“The DuSable is thrilled to partner with NASCAR and racing great Bubba Wallace to present this exciting community event. We are dedicated to teaching stories of Black excellence and so happy that Bubba and NASCAR are committed to expanding their reach to connect directly with our communities. We’re looking forward to a growing and impactful partnership with NASCAR in Chicago,” said Perri Irmer, President and CEO of The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

Bubba’s Block Party is a national community-focused NASCAR initiative that aims to drive awareness, access and engagement to the sport among the Black community while generating excitement around the race weekend.

“I can’t wait to kick off our second Block Party of 2023 in Chicago, at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center,” said Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Driver for 23XI Racing. “As we continue to make gains in expanding and diversifying our fan base, it’s a privilege that we’re able to enter an already exciting week and showcase all that NASCAR has to offer. As I’ve said before, fans, both new and current, are the wheels of our sport. I love that we can put on events that shows our appreciation, while simultaneously inviting others to learn more about what NASCAR has to offer.”

The free ticketed event will offer guest performances by Chicago-born, Grammy Award-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco who gained national attention with his 2006 album Food & Liquor, which helped cement a new wave of Chicago rappers in the national conversation.  

Attendees will enjoy a Kids Zone, free haircuts, and health & wellness activities. Guests will also take laps on racing simulators and enjoy live pit stop demonstrations by Wallace’s No. 23 pit crew. Wallace will visit with the audience as part of a fireside chat which will focus on his career journey and NASCAR’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion across the sport.  

In keeping with the local connection, NASCAR will join forces with House of RaimYah Consulting, based in the Chicagoland area, for a food truck village at the event serving up local bites from Black-owned businesses to drive awareness, support and economic impact. Featured businesses Charmz Kitchen, Culture Food & Entertainment, One Plate at a Time, Reggie’s Ribs, Chicken/Beef Sausage, Ribs, Jerk Chicken Quesadilla, Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat, Mike’s Lemonade & Cheesesteaks, and Taste-E Cookies and Co.

“We are excited to be able to support Bubba as well as our partners at NASCAR and 23XI Racing for this event. The party will not only have a positive impact on the Chicago community, but it will also help bring more people into the sport,” said Matt Lederer, Vice President, Xfinity Brand Partnerships.

Bubba’s Block Party is open to the public and is a family friendly event suited for children ages 4 and up. For more information and to RSVP visit bubbasblockparty.com.

Chicago Street Race

As part of NASCAR’s 75^th anniversary season, the first-ever Chicago Street Race Weekend will feature the NASCAR Cup Series’ Grant Park 220 and NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 121 competing on a 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course that will take competitors past and through many of Chicago’s most renowned downtown landmarks, along with full-length concerts by The Chainsmokers and Miranda Lambert with the support of The Black Crowes and Charley Crockett over Fourth of July Weekend on July 1-2.

General admission and reserved tickets are on sale for the Chicago Street Race. Two-day general admission ticket start at $269 and reserved tickets that offer an array of opportunities including reserved seating and a wide variety of premium experiences start at $465. To purchase tickets, fans can log onto NASCARChicago.com or call 1-888-629-7223.

The Grant Park 220 will be nationally broadcast on NBC on Sunday, July 2 at 5:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. CT and The Loop 121 will be broadcast nationally on USA Network at 5:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. CT.

To stay up to date with the Chicago Street Race, fans can subscribe to receive exclusive Chicago Street Race emails, follow @NASCARChicago on Twitter and Facebook and download the NASCAR Tracks App for the latest real-time updates on all aspects of the event.

NASCAR announced that it will host NASCAR Night at Navy Pier, a unique esports event presented by Logitech, iRacing & Coca-Cola, on Tuesday, June 27 in the Aon Grand Ballroom. The free event – open to the public – will give Chicagoans and visitors a chance to virtually drive the Chicago Street Course on the same official iRacing simulators that NASCAR drivers are using to prepare for the first-of-its-kind event.

“Putting fans close to the action is what NASCAR is all about, so thanks to our tremendous partners at Navy Pier, we will get people behind the wheel at NASCAR Night for the perfect kick-off to race week,” said Julie Giese, Chicago Street Race President. “Esports is such a critical component of providing access to those who may not have grown up around the sport, so we want to give everyone a chance to experience what NASCAR’s first-ever street race will be like from the driver’s vantage point.”

To download the Navy Pier, eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series, iRacing, Logitech, and Chicago Street Race logos, click here.

In addition, NASCAR will host a livestream of the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series race on the Chicago Street Course with special guest Matt Bussa, eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series driver for William Byron eSports.​ The event – complete with a live DJ set – is open from 5-9:30 p.m. CT. iRacing, the Official Simulation Partner of NASCAR, was instrumental in the development of the Chicago Street Course. The eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series is in its 14^th season.

“When we think about the growth of our sport among new and more diverse communities, gaming and esports are really at the heart of NASCAR’s future,” said Ray Smith, Director of Gaming and Esports at NASCAR. “We already have full-time NASCAR drivers like Rajah Caruth who got their start in eNASCAR, so our hope is that the next great NASCAR champion will be here in the room at Navy Pier.”

Fans will also have a chance to take a photo with the official Grant Park 220 and The Loop 121 trophies​, have a first-look at Chicago Street Race merchandise, get a snapshot with the NASCAR Next Gen show car, and jump in the 360-degree photo booth. Registration is not required.

Chicago Street Race

As part of NASCAR’s 75^th anniversary season, the first-ever Chicago Street Race Weekend will feature the NASCAR Cup Series’ Grant Park 220 and NASCAR Xfinity Series’ The Loop 121 competing on a 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course, along with full-length concerts by The Chainsmokers and Miranda Lambert with the support of The Black Crowes and Charley Crockett over Fourth of July Weekend on July 1-2.

General admission and reserved tickets are on sale for the Chicago Street Race. Two-day general admission tickets start at $269 and reserved tickets that offer an array of opportunities including reserved seating and a wide variety of premium experiences start at $465. To purchase tickets, fans can log onto NASCARChicago.com or call 1-888-629-7223.

The Grant Park 220 will be nationally broadcast on NBC on Sunday, July 2 at 5:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. CT and The Loop 121 will be broadcast nationally on USA Network at 5:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. CT.

To stay up to date with the Chicago Street Race, fans can subscribe to receive exclusive Chicago Street Race emails, follow @NASCARChicago on Twitter and Facebook and download the NASCAR Tracks App for the latest real-time updates on all aspects of the event.

Always excited to test its products at the highest level, ENEOS will again join brand ambassadors Dai Yoshihara and Evasive Motorsports at the annual Race To The Clouds. The legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) takes the team to the 14,115ft summit, tackling 156 challenging turns over the 12.42-mile course.

Previous attempts saw the team claim the 2020 Unlimited Class win with its 900hp ENEOS Racing / Evasive Motorsports Toyota 86. It then set the fastest time for an EV in 2022 with the Turn 14 Distribution / Yokohama Tire / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak. 

Constantly seeking new challenges, the team is returning to Colorado this year with the Evasive Motorsports / ENEOS Oil Honda S2000RS. It’s the racing sibling of the team’s recently announced Honda S2000R resto-mod and is based on a 2004 S2000. It was selected because the company has extensive experience racing and tuning the sports car, becoming very familiar with its attributes and strengths.

As part of the team's development program, the S2000RS was campaigned in Time Attack races during the 2022 season, where it showed impressive potential. Among its key attributes are nimble handling, thanks to the combination of a lightweight chassis, premium suspension components and high-speed downforce. The Honda also has a healthy power to weight ratio, thanks to its heavily modified Honda F20 four-cylinder motor developing 650hp in a vehicle weighing 2400 lb.

POWER

To catapult the Evasive Motorsports / ENEOS Oil Honda S2000RS up Pikes Peak, the F20 engine capacity has been increased from 2.0 to 2.4 liters with a 12.5:1 high-compression Toda Racing bore and stroke kit utilizing 87.5mm pistons, I-beam chrome moly fully floating connecting rods, and a 99mm dynamically balanced crankshaft. To help the enlarged engine breathe at altitude, it has a big-valve Toda cylinder head with sports camshafts, Bosch throttle body and RZCrew billet intake manifold ingesting pressurized air from the HKS GT6290 ball-bearing turbocharger.

Just like all its previous Pikes Peak attempts, Evasive Motorsports is again using ENEOS Racing 0W-50 synthetic lubricants, which provide superior performance at higher temperatures while protecting critical engine components. And although the previous Tesla Model 3 racer didn’t require engine oil, the car did help to develop the new line of advanced ENEOS EV Fluids that contributed to lower friction and superior cooling.

With the engine developing 650hp, the team wanted to evolve the two-seat sports car’s handling by widening the track and improving the aerodynamic downforce. These goals were achieved with a Voltex Circuit Version 3 aero body kit from Japan, which was supplemented by a high-downforce front splitter and rear wing. A carbon fiber Mugen hardtop was also installed to smooth the airflow over the cockpit.

In addition to the aero properties, the body modifications improved engine cooling and allowed the team to widen the Honda’s footprint, squeezing 280/650 R18 Yokohama A005 racing slicks under the wider fenders on 18x11” Titan 7 T-P5 forged racing wheels. The team also spent months dialing-in the handling with KW suspension, StopTech brakes and a new Bosch ABS system.

A major addition for 2023 is the OS Giken OS-7 sequential transmission with Hollinger pneumatic shifter kit. It provides paddle shifts, allowing Dai to keep his hands on the wheel in the 156 turns. An IP 8.8 differential kit with OS Giken limited-slip internals helps to maximize cornering traction.

“We’re extremely optimistic about our chances this year,” said Mike Chang, CEO at Evasive Motorsports. “With years of experience working on the S2000 chassis and the intensive development we put into both our S2000R project and now the S2000RS for Pikes Peak, we’ve set our sights on the Open Class. We’d love to be the first Japanese tuner car to finish under 10min because it’s never been done before. Of course, there are so many things that can go wrong under the pressure of competition, but we feel the 2023 race presents another opportunity to bring home the silverware!”

DAI YOSHIHARA

Best known for his highly successful Formula DRIFT career, during which he claimed the 2011 PRO Championship title, the Japanese driver is remarkably adaptable behind the wheel. Currently participating in the TC America racing series in a Honda Civic Type R, Dai also has extensive experience in Time Attack, GT racing, driver training and more.

The 101st running of the PPIHC will mark Dai’s fifth Race To The Clouds. His first was in 2019 at the wheel of the ENEOS Racing / Evasive Motorsports Toyota 86. A differential problem ended his aspirations, but he returned to claim the Unlimited Class win the following year. In 2021, the team switched to the Turn 14 Distribution / Yokohama Tire / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak. The electric power delivery and handling balance demanded a new driving style, and while electrical gremlins scuppered his 2021 ambitions, the team’s efforts were rewarded last year with the fastest climb set by an EV, helped by a wet track.

“We’ve had mixed fortunes at Pikes Peak but I feel we have a real chance for a good result this year,” Dai told us. “We’re competing against a lot of fast cars in the Open Class with a 2004 Honda four-cylinder, but I feel really comfortable in the Evasive Motorsports / ENEOS Oil Honda S2000RS. It’s faster than our previous cars and the handling is excellent. The stock S2000 is one of the best handling Japanese sports cars and Evasive has enhanced it with top components, so we’re hoping for a sub-10min time this year – ideally close to 9:50. However, you never know what the weather will do, so it's always a lottery. We’re taking Yokohama slicks and rain tires to ensure we’re prepared, as long as it doesn’t snow!”

The 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place on June 25. The Evasive Motorsports / ENEOS Oil Honda S2000RS will also participate in the Pikes Peak Fan Fest, which takes place in downtown Colorado Springs on June 23 from 5-9PM. The team will be meeting fans and handing out swag.

SPECIFICATIONS

EVASIVE MOTORSPORTS / ENEOS OIL HONDA S2000RS 

Engine: F20 four-cylinder, bored and stroked to 2.4-liters with 12.5:1 high-compression Toda Racing bore and stroke kit utilizing 87.5mm pistons, I-beam chrome moly, fully floating connecting rods and bearings, 99mm dynamically balanced crankshaft, big-valve Toda cylinder head with uprated springs, Beryllium seats and Toda camshafts, HKS GT6290 ball-bearing turbocharger, MoTeC M150 engine management, Origin Fab exhaust manifold, EVS Tuning side-exit exhaust, Bosch throttle body, RZCrew billet intake manifold, ENEOS Racing 0W-50 high-performance synthetic motor oil 

Transmission: OS Giken OS-7 sequential unit, Hollinger pneumatic shifter kit, IP 8.8 differential kit with OS Giken limited-slip diff internals

Chassis: KW three-way dampers, Wisefab spherical arms, subframe reinforcement, AST air jack system

Brakes: StopTech six-piston front calipers and 14” rotors, four-piston rear calipers and 12.9” rotors, CSG brake pads, Bosch Motorsports ABS

Wheels & Tires: 18x11” Titan 7 T-P5 forged racing wheels, 280/650 R18 Yokohama A005 racing slicks

Exterior: Voltex Circuit Version 3 aero body kit with high-downforce front splitter and rear wing, Mugen carbon fiber hardtop

Interior: MoTeC C127 dashboard display and Power Distribution Module, Bride seats, Sparco harnesses

 Following three straight Miles, Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, now shifts its gears to race four consecutive Half-Miles starting with this weekend’s Mission Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio, on Saturday, June 24.

Reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) comes in with all the momentum after sweeping the aforementioned Miles. He’s also fully at home at the venue with its trademark pea-gravel cushion, considering he’s not just a five-time winner of the race but also its promoter with wife Nichole.

Even with all that considered, Mees isn’t necessarily the overwhelming favorite to win this weekend; several others have a legitimate claim as well.

Even as a rookie, Mission SuperTwins points leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) looked like the rider to beat pretty much all day here a year ago. In the Main Event, he fought his way up from a bad start to battle for the lead before coming home in second place.

And the rider who ultimately beat Daniels was not Mees, but rather Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750). Robinson, who comes in fresh off an ultra-close runner-up result at the DuQuoin Mile, is a two-time winner of the Lima Half-Mile and driven to score his first victory of ‘23.

That’s also the case for Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke), another two-time winner of the prestigious event. Bauman was as strong as he’s been all season this past weekend and is now primed to capitalize as the season shifts to some tracks well aligned with his strengths.

JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) have all had their moments this season and look to add some more this weekend as the trio headline an extended list of additional podium contenders.

Another rider to keep tabs on is the returning Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), who won the Mission Production Twins race aboard the Royal Enfield here in 2021.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

The hard-won points advantage of defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) took something of a battering during the recent run of Miles. This didn’t come entirely unexpectedly, and despite the dip, he still managed to weather the storm and continues to stand atop the championship standings.

Now he’s poised to strike back. A year ago, the foundations of Kopp’s championship campaign were built on his Half-Mile prowess, reeling in five HM victories in eight attempts. Included in that list of wins was a blowout performance at the Lima Half-Mile, in which he shook free from the pack on the race’s opening lap and never looked back.

The riders who joined him on the podium that night will look to make it more of a contest this time around, as both come into the weekend considerably more experienced and in stellar form.

Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) is just nine points behind Kopp on the strength of five consecutive podiums, four of which runner-ups. And he’s the opposite of satisfied by that impressive stat considering he’s still seeking his first Progressive AFT victory after multiple near-misses.

Even with Kopp’s one-sided victory, the rider who turned the most heads at Lima a year ago was arguably Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), who finished in second while making his series’ debut. The Aussie is a class full-timer now and quickly making his presence felt, notching up a pair of race wins already in ‘23.

The rest of the usual suspects should factor up front again this weekend, including the likes of Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).

While a bit quiet at the last two rounds, 1st Impressions Husqvarna teammates Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) might just make more noise this weekend. Cose managed to win a Mission Production Twins race and podium in Parts Unlimited AFT Singles at Lima on a single evening back in ‘19, while Ott finished inside the top five here just last year.

And don’t rule out a huge night for Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 450 SX-F), who was victorious at Lima in both 2018 and 2019.

There will be plenty to keep fans entertained at the track on Saturday as well, including numerous vendors, expansive food and beverage options, and extensive motorcycle parking.

Don’t miss your last chance to save $10 per ticket before the sale ends and prices return to normal on Wednesday, June 21. Act fast to get General Admission Bleacher tickets for just $30 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult GA ticket). Upgraded options include Reserved Grandstand and Premier Reserved Grandstand tickets along with VIP ticket add-ons.

Pit Pass Upgrades are also available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/meespromotions/events/lima-half-mile-58771 to reserve your seats today.

Gates will open for fans at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. ET (3:40 p.m. PT).

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.

FOX Sports coverage of the Mission Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, July 2, at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 p.m. PT).

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.