RaceWire: September 5, 2025

Haas Factory Team Joins Chevrolet Family in 2026

The Haas Factory Team confirmed today that both its NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series programs will transition from Ford to Chevrolet starting in 2026, signaling a major realignment. Their new technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports promises advanced engine development, data-sharing benefits, and collaborative support on setup strategies.

Despite the manufacturer change, Haas is keeping its full driver lineup intact, including Cole Custer in Cup and Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer in Xfinity. Team President Joe Custer expressed gratitude for Ford’s foundational support while emphasizing the need to bolster performance. The team plans to showcase the Chevrolet package in the Cook Out Clash, followed by Daytona’s Xfinity opener, setting the stage for an exciting kickoff.

Given the different aero and engine characteristics of Chevrolets, intensive offseason testing will be critical for smooth optimization. Aligning with Chevrolet also revives historical ties and could leverage the brand’s deeper NASCAR expertise. This move positions Haas for a bold start to the 2026 season.

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Hendrick Motorsports Stumbles at the Southern 500: Worst Outcome Since 1972

Hendrick Motorsports encountered a rare setback at Darlington, with all four of its Cup entries finishing outside the top 16—a scenario unseen since 1972. Chase Elliott led the group with a 17th-place finish, while Alex Bowman, hampered by early pit-lane woes, settled for 31st. The team’s average finish dropped to 22.0, marking one of their poorest outings at the Southern 500.

That downturn has dramatically reshaped playoff scenarios: Bowman now faces a critical path to the next round, while competitors like Joe Gibbs Racing loom larger in projections. Crew chiefs and engineers are scrambling to reassess car setups and race tactics before the next cutoff. Drivers remain focused but candid about the need to “reset their march” toward the title.

With just two races remaining in the Round of 16, every setup tweak and pit strategy call matters. The misfire has underscored just how thin the margin for error is in NASCAR’s postseason.

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Daniel Ricciardo Retires, Becomes Ford Racing Global Ambassador

Daniel Ricciardo has officially announced his retirement from active competition and accepted a high-profile role as Global Racing Ambassador for Ford Racing. His new responsibilities will include representing Ford across its high-performance and off-road branding, particularly for the Raptor line—a vehicle he has personally endorsed and owned since 2017.

Fans had speculated about a possible return to the cockpit, given Ford’s pending engine partnership with Red Bull in F1, but Ricciardo clarified that his focus will now be on brand engagement over driving. He hasn’t ruled out non-competitive appearances at marquee events like Le Mans or Bathurst, but confirmed they will be more ambassadorial than athletic.

Describing the shift as “celebrating motorsport with passion, not pressure,” Ricciardo framed the move as a natural extension of his public persona. His departure from F1 was notably emotional, and this role provides a graceful transition into a new, influential chapter.

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Austin Cindric to Head to Supercars for Aussie Wildcard in Adelaide

NASCAR Cup driver Austin Cindric is confirmed to make a wildcard entry at the Supercars championship finale—the bp Adelaide Grand Final—piloting a Ford Mustang fielded by Tickford Racing. Slated for November 27–30, the appearance comes just weeks after the NASCAR season finale in Phoenix, setting a tight but compelling cross-series challenge.

Cindric said, “I want to test myself against the best in a completely different environment,” signaling serious intent rather than a promotional stunt. Tickford Racing and Ford Racing are fully backing the move, which includes testing support and custom livery treatment.

This will be his first shot at piloting a Supercars machine, adapting to its unique chassis and the high-speed Adelaide street circuit. The crossover mirrors growing trans-Pacific interest in motorsport, with fan cross-pollination and sponsorship opportunity in mind. Should he perform well, Cindric may pave the way for future collaborative entries, sparking a fresh wave of global motorsport excitement.

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IndyCar TV Ratings Explode in Nashville — A Huge Finish on FOX

IndyCar capped FOX Sports’ debut season as its broadcast home with a resounding victory—not on track, but in the ratings. The Music City Grand Prix finale in Nashville drew an average of 1,142,000 viewers, marking a 136.7 percent surge over the 2024 race.

This massive bump is the biggest finale growth for any series, signaling renewed engagement with open-wheel fans. Viewership peaked at 1,338,000 during the race’s dramatic closing moments—where Josef Newgarden finally ended a 20-race win drought while Alex Palou clinched his fourth series championship.

Across all 17 races of the season, FOX Sports averaged 1,362,000 viewers, a 27 percent year-over-year gain and the highest audience haul in 17 years. Demographic growth was equally impressive: viewers aged 18–34 spiked by 81 percent, while women 18–34 climbed 72 percent.

FOX Sports executives expressed excitement for the momentum, promising expansion of their IndyCar partnership. Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles echoed that sentiment, calling it the “most impressive growth curve in all of sports.” The numbers spell big momentum heading into 2026.