Category: Crown Jewel

What to Watch For: TCSP Dash Series – Phoenix

Garth Griswold

The Team Conti Sim-Performance (TCSP) Dash Series rolls into the desert heat of Phoenix today for the GOVX 200, a 200-lap showdown around the 1-mile, low-banked tri-oval. As Round 4 of the season, this race offers drivers a critical chance to lock themselves into the playoffs—or risk fading into the Arizona sunset. With high stakes, hot streaks, and teams desperate to turn their fortunes around, here’s what to watch for under the lights tonight.

HOT DRIVERS

Nathan Fuller is scorching the competition right now. Fresh off a dominant win last week at COTA, Fuller locked himself into the playoffs and surged 10 spots in the season standings to sixth place. His momentum makes him a serious threat to go back-to-back and solidify his postseason credentials tonight.

Zack Saunders also secured his postseason berth with a win at Atlanta earlier this year, but his luck took a fiery turn last week. A sizzling internet connection dropped him from the COTA race, leaving the playoff-bound driver—and plenty of frustrated sports gamblers—with a bitter taste. Saunders was a betting favorite heading into that event, and after the unexpected disconnect, he’ll be eager to cool his temper and heat up the track in Phoenix.

John Terrell, the current TCSP Dash Series points leader, has yet to visit victory lane this season. However, his consistency—a 6th at Atlanta, 8th at another event, and 11th last week—proves that stage points are the secret sauce keeping him atop the standings. A win would lock him in, but Terrell’s knack for racking up points could keep him in the driver’s seat regardless.

Who’s NOT Hot

Palmetto Motorsports is stuck in neutral—or worse. All four of their charter cars languish at the bottom of the owners’ standings, making them the poster team for the struggle bus. Phoenix could be a make-or-break moment for this squad to find some speed and climb out of the basement.

Leach Brothers Racing isn’t faring much better. Full-time drivers Cameron Romano and Tyler Krawczyk are hovering near the bottom of the driver standings with little room left to fall. This team has the talent to rebound, and a strong showing tonight could spark a turnaround. Keep an eye on them as they fight to claw their way up the leaderboard.

Keys to Win

Phoenix’s tri-oval layout promises a mix of strategy and aggression. If the race sees long runs, tire management will be the difference-maker—drivers who save their rubber could steal the show in the closing laps. On the flip side, restarts are prime opportunities to gain positions, so expect chaos and bold moves every time the green flag waves. The winning formula? Brake hard, drive harder. This track rewards drivers who can balance precision with all-out intensity.

Tune In

The desert duel goes green tonight at 8:30 PM EST, broadcast live on the Crown Jewel Racing Network. With playoff implications on the line and a mix of red-hot contenders and struggling teams ready to shake things up, the GOVX 200 is primed to deliver edge-of-your-seat action. Don’t miss it!

OFFICIAL: Crown Jewel Racing Sees Major Franchise Shake-Ups

Crown Jewel Racing is experiencing a significant shift in team ownership and driver placements following a wave of franchise sales and restructuring. These moves stem from performance struggles, communication breakdowns, and strategic realignments among key teams in the series.

Backroad Bandit Racing Sells Out

Backroad Bandit Racing has opted to sell two of its franchises after facing persistent challenges with the #51 and #20 teams. The decision follows the mutual departure of driver Thomas Wolfe, who was dissatisfied with the organization’s performance and team communication. As part of the restructuring, Wolfe, the 2024 Cup Series champion, has transferred the #94 franchise to Patriot Motorsports.

Palmetto x Patriot

Patriot Motorsports has formed under a partnership with Palmetto Motorsports and the Toyota Gazoo Racing alliance for the remainder of the 2025 Majors Garage Cup Series. Patriots Motorsports owner Zach Johnson has rebranded Back the Blue Racing to Patriot Motorsports and has added to the 2024 Cup Series champion to the Toyota banner.

Factory Motorsports Acquires #20 Franchise, Signs Boyd Hoggan

Factory Motorsports took advantage of the #20 franchise’s availability, purchasing it from Backroad Bandit Racing. To solidify their investment, the team signed standout driver Boyd Hoggan.

In a strategic shift, Hoggan has elected to redeclare his points to the Majors Garage Cup Series, signaling his intent to compete full-time at the highest level. In conjunction with this move, he sold his #96 VRS Truck Series franchise to Backroad Bandit Racing. This transaction sets the stage for Backroad Bandit Racing to place driver/owner Nim Silva in the newly acquired truck franchise, further realigning the organization’s driver roster.

To make room on their roster for the aforementioned addition, Factory Motorsports have released the #3 franchise to Ben Lawson – who becomes an owner/driver (team name TBA).

Zandervolt Unlimited Inc. Purchase #51

Zandervolt Unilimited Inc. have purchased the #51 franchise from Backroad Bandit Racing. No driver has been announced at this time, per the following statement from Nishil Condoor:

John Connor Racing Sells Out

Another major move saw John Connor Racing selling its #97 franchise to Stewart Harding Motorsports. The acquisition adds to Tipton-Harding portfolio 24th-place franchise to their partnership. John Connor has signed a contract with SHM to maintain the #97 seat for the remainder of the 2025 season.

What’s Next?

These franchise sales and driver movements reflect the ever-evolving landscape of Crown Jewel Racing. Teams are actively working to improve their competitiveness through strategic partnerships and roster adjustments. As the dust settles, fans eagerly await the impact these changes will have on the 2025 season, with new team dynamics and emerging rivalries sure to shake up the competition.

Driver Spotlight: Nathan Fuller

Buckle up, because we’re about to put the spotlight on some of our most interesting (and maybe slightly crazy) drivers! From tire-screeching legends to the rookies who still can’t figure out the brake pedal, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on who’s tearing up the track. Get ready for some laughs, some racing tips (maybe), and a peek into the personalities that make our league the place to be. Let’s see who’s behind the wheel and dive into the minds of the drivers and see what really fuels their need for speed.

Nathan Fuller – Majors Garage Esports
X: https://x.com/Racer_RL
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@racer_RL

Where are you from, and what do you do for a living?
I grew up in South Carolina and I currently live in Valencia, Pennsylvania. I just got out of the US Army, and I am now a Field Service Technician for the largest printer company in the US.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sim racing?
I am a big gaming fan in general. I have been playing a ton of the new Civilization VII recently. I also enjoy working on, modifying, and driving my BRZ as well.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am an aviation and drone aficionado. I have been fully trained on everything from handheld drones to drones the size of regular planes. I am also currently working on getting my Private Pilot’s License.

What got you into sim racing, and how long have you been racing?
I adored watching racing from a young age. I played a lot of NASCAR Thunder 2003 and Gran Turismo 3 on my PS2. I really dove into competitive sim racing in 2015, including league racing on Gran Turismo and the GT Academy. In 2020 I made the jump over to iRacing and haven’t looked back since.

Do you have any real-life racing experience, or is sim racing your main focus?
Sadly, I have no real-life experience, so sim racing is my main focus. I would love to race in real-life if I ever get the chance.

Do you have a favorite car or track to race on?
My favorite oval is Charlotte, and my favorite road course would have to be Tsukuba.

What inspired you to join this online racing league?
I am always looking for new and better leagues to run. As part of Major Garage, we were encouraged to join CJR.

Do you have a particular racing style (aggressive, strategic, defensive)?
I would put myself between aggressive and strategic. I can put it all out there if I need to, but I also love to toss strategy around when the chance arises.

Are there any real-life drivers or teams that influence your approach to racing?
I would say that a lot of my style comes from watching Jeff Gordon when I was younger. He had that aggressiveness, when necessary, but the strategy in the late stages with smart pit stops, two tire stops, etc., was also in play.

What has been your most memorable race or moment in the league?
I am relatively new to the league, so the most memorable would have to be this week’s race at COTA in the TCSPDS. The practice and setup tuning paid off and it was an absolute blast!

Have you won any championships or notable races in the league?
Gonna have to say COTA again, finally got to finish a race and I put it in Victory Lane. With the playoff lock, now just gotta do the work later in the season and see if we can make a fight for the championship.

What do you think makes this league special compared to others?
For CJR, it would definitely have to be the professionalism and quality of the league as a whole. I haven’t had any other league with a website, news posts, and consistent quality streams like I have seen here.

What kind of equipment do you use (wheel, pedals, rig, etc.)?
I use a Fanatec CSL GT DD Pro with a Clubsport Red Bull Racing 2024 Formula wheel. I pair those with a set of Clubsport V3 pedals, all of which is installed on a Playseat Trophy rig. And to top it all off, I race in VR with a Samsung Odyssey+ headset.

What’s your pre-race routine or superstition?
I have a little simple routine, just gotta make sure to hit the bathroom first, top off my water, and get some practice in for the race to come.

If you could race on any real-world track, which one would it be and why?
I would love to race on Tsukuba, I fell in love with it on GT4 and have watched a lot of videos of real-life racing there. Feel like it would be a blast to whip around.

What is your favorite track to go to or that you want to go to?
Charlotte, the only NASCAR race I have been able to go to was there, and I would love to watch NASCAR there again.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new racers joining the league?
Practice, practice, practice. Even if your setup is not as fast, consistency and staying clean will get you results.

Do your friends and family support your racing hobby?
Yes, I send the stream links for any races I am in, and my family watches it on the living room TV every week.

Have you ever introduced someone else to sim racing?
I have had a few friends in the Army who became interested after seeing my setup. I even gave one of them my old setup, and he has kept racing and even upgraded to newer equipment!

How do you balance racing with work, family, or other responsibilities?
Racing mainly just later in the afternoon or at night.

Would you rather be the fastest on the track but always get caught up in accidents, or be the king of consistency and finish every race in the top 5, but never first place?
Definitely the king of consistency. In one of my other leagues, I am the only driver to have made playoffs back-to-back without logging a win and I am currently on track to make it 3 in a row. Sometimes you just gotta stay alive and be there when the checkered flag flies.

Think you’ve got what it takes to be in the next Driver Spotlight? Fill out this form to have a chance to be selected! Whether you’re a racing pro or just really good at pretending to be one, we want to hear from you!

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: COTA

Garth Griswold

The Majors Garage Cup Series rolls into Austin, Texas, tonight, March 5, 2025, for the EchoPark Grand Prix at the COTA West track, promising a high-stakes showdown under the Texas sun. This condensed version of the Circuit of the Americas, with its tight corners, steep elevation changes, and technical demands, sets the stage for the Crown Jewel Racing league’s finest to battle it out. Tonight could redefine the 2025 standings—or deepen the struggles for those already on the ropes.

WHOSE HOT

Thomas Wolfe: The Road Course Redemption Story

Thomas Wolfe enters COTA as a driver with something to prove—and a track record that’s starting to silence the doubters. Last year, skepticism swirled around Wolfe’s road course prowess, with analysts questioning whether he could handle the twists and turns that define circuits like this one. But the 2024 season told a different story. Wolfe stunned the field with victories at the Chicago Street Course and the Charlotte Roval, showcasing a newfound mastery of road racing. His ability to navigate tight corners and capitalize on late-race restarts turned heads, and now he’s a legitimate threat every time the schedule veers away from ovals. At COTA, Wolfe will look to carry that momentum forward. Can he cement his status as a road course elite? Keep an eye on his qualifying lap—starting near the front could set the tone for another statement win.

Zach Saunders: Bouncing Back from a Rough Night

Zach Saunders: Bouncing Back from a Rough Night
Zach Saunders enters COTA West with a point to prove, carrying the confidence of a stellar 2024 season where he claimed victories at Sonoma and Watkins Glen and notched a hard-fought 4th at this very track. Last night’s race, however, left a sour note—Saunders disconnected after Stage 1, cutting his run short and igniting his hunger for redemption. Known for his aggressive yet precise driving, he excels on road courses that demand finesse, and COTA West’s blend of sweeping turns and heavy braking zones suits his style perfectly. The question is whether he can shrug off the sting of last night’s technical woes. If Saunders can tap into the form that dominated Sonoma and Watkins Glen while avoiding gremlins, he’ll be a contender. Watch for an early charge—he’s primed for a fierce rebound.

Dallas Pataska: The Oval King Faces a New Challenge

Fresh off a commanding victory at Atlanta last week, Dallas Pataska has the racing world buzzing. His dominance on ovals—where he’s proven he can turn left with the best of them—has put everyone on notice. But COTA isn’t Atlanta, and the question looms: can Pataska turn right as well as he turns left? Road courses like this one demand a different skill set—braking discipline, corner exits, and adaptability—and Pataska’s limited success on twisty tracks has some wondering if his oval brilliance will translate. Still, momentum is a powerful thing, and Pataska’s confidence is sky-high after Atlanta. His raw speed and fearless approach could make him a dark horse if he finds a rhythm early. Look for Pataska to either surprise the field or expose a weakness—there’s little in-between with a driver this bold.

WHOSE NOT HOT

Thomas Villano

Thomas Villano’s 2025 Majors Garage Cup Series campaign has been a rollercoaster stuck in the wrong gear. As of March 5, 2025, the driver finds himself languishing in 35th place in the standings with just 8 points—a far cry from where he was last season. Villano’s early struggles have left fans and pundits alike wondering if the magic has run dry. Tonight’s EchoPark Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) West configuration could be his shot at redemption—or another chapter in a season spiraling out of control.

Vince Mitchell

Vince Mitchell’s 2025 Majors Garage Cup Series season has been a rocky adjustment since joining Palmetto Motorsports, leaving him mired in 31st place with just 15 points as of March 5, 2025. The transition to his new team hasn’t gone as hoped—early races have revealed struggles with pace and setup, far from the strong start he anticipated. Tonight’s EchoPark Grand Prix at COTA West could be a turning point, but with only 15 points and a 31st-place standing, Mitchell and Palmetto need a solid run to kickstart their season.

Garth Griswold

Garth Griswold’s 2025 Majors Garage Cup Series season has been a relentless string of misfortune, with the driver unable to shake what seems like a persistent curse. It started at the Clash at USA International, where he was wrecked during the heat races and then dumped on the last lap in the Last Chance Qualifier, ending his shot at the main event. The bad luck followed him to Daytona, where the season-opening chaos left his car in pieces, and then to Atlanta, where yet another wreck dashed his hopes of a clean finish. Griswold’s early season has been defined by crumpled sheet metal and missed opportunities, leaving him desperate to break the cycle at tonight’s EchoPark Grand Prix at COTA West.

Garage Gossip Fuels Transfer Talk

Whispers are swirling around the MGCS garage that Thomas Wolfe, the road course standout currently with Backroad Bandit Racing, might be on the move for 2025. Rumors suggest he’s been in talks with Palmetto Motorsports, a shift that could bump Jim Mott down to a full-time role in the Team Conti Sim-Performance Dash Series if it comes to fruition. Meanwhile, another rumor has Wolfe eyeing an open Cup seat at Hollywood Motorsports, potentially joining forces with Nathaniel Campbell’s racing outfit. As of March 5, 2025, nothing’s confirmed, but the paddock buzz has Wolfe weighing his options after a standout 2024 with Backroad Bandit Racing.

OFFICIAL: Lucky Seven Motorsports & Backroad Bandits Terminate Technical Alliance.

Crown Jewel Media

William Ransone

On 1 March, Lucky Seven Motorsports made an announcement that Lucky Seven & Backroad Bandits would be breaking a short-lived Technical Alliance, along with a buyout of the Team Conti Sim Performance Dash Series Charter #39. Instead, a new alliance would be formed with Tipton-Harding Motorsports along with a sharing of the #39 charter. According to team owner of Lucky Seven Motorsports Cameron Albertson, it was a mutual separation. When pressed for details regarding the split, Albertson refused to comment further.

We had some creative differences and decided it would work out better if we parted ways. However, we’re excited for the new opportunities that this new alliance with THM will bring to the Dash Series program.

Cameron Albertson

However with the announcement of a new alliance with Tipton-Harding Motorsports I reached out to team owner of Tipton-Harding Motorsports, Stewart Harding for a comment on the situation. In my conversation with Harding, we talked about how they plan to provide primary support to the TCSPDS program, however they are willing to provide more support in the future.

We have no plans to make any changes, and we believe Jacob Quill will be the best driver for the 39, but THM is grateful for the opportunity to work with Lucky Seven to help make the 39 competitive.

Stewart Harding

When reached for Backroad Bandit Racing’s comment on the situation, Nim Silva didn’t have a lot to say, choosing to instead mention their alliance with Kallhoff-Deitch Motorsports.

It wasn’t really a publicly known alliance… but we have an actual alliance with Kallhoff-Deitch Motorsports, and we are excited to see what we do with them.

Nim Silva

We’re just a couple days away from heading to the Circuit of the Americas for the Team Conti Sim Performance Dash Series. So definitely have to pay attention to the 39 these next couple weeks, we may see the 39 sink or swim.

Driver Spotlight: Jim Mott

Buckle up, because we’re about to put the spotlight on some of our most interesting (and maybe slightly crazy) drivers! From tire-screeching legends to the rookies who still can’t figure out the brake pedal, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on who’s tearing up the track. Get ready for some laughs, some racing tips (maybe), and a peek into the personalities that make our league the place to be. Let’s see who’s behind the wheel and dive into the minds of the drivers and see what really fuels their need for speed.

Jim Mott – Palmetto Motorsports

Where are you from, and what do you do for a living?
I currently live in Lexington, South Carolina. I was born in Wichita, Kansas and have lived over ten years in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. I work as a Regional Customer Service Manager for the world’s largest tire manufacturer.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sim racing?
I enjoy going to concerts with my wife. Mostly country-bands from the 90s to current, as well as classic rock.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have a baseball card collection that is over 20,000 cards. Ranging from the early 60s to mostly early 90s.

What got you into sim racing, and how long have you been racing?
My son Cory started sim racing, and I was interested as I ran NASCAR 2002 on the computer when it came it out. I was in a league back then racing via a dial up connection. I have been a NASCAR fan since the late 80s, and rarely miss a Cup, Xfinity or Truck race, so I was excited to get back on the sim. I have been on iRacing for 2.5 years.

Do you have any real-life racing experience, or is sim racing your main focus?
I have never drove a car on the track in the real world but in Las Vegas I did a 3 lap NASCAR ride along.

Do you have a favorite car or track to race on?
I enjoy racing the trucks the most, but I have had the most success in the ARCA car. My favorite track to run is Bristol.

What inspired you to join this online racing league?
Cory and I were racing in another league, and he was thrown out. I wanted to join another league, so it was a natural fit. I stayed and finished out the season in the other league as well.

Do you have a particular racing style (aggressive, strategic, defensive)?
Strategic/defensive. I have more success in ARCA, because I tend to stay back, but it hurts me in other divisions due to a lack of stage points. I generally try to use the early part of the race to get a feel for the track and how everyone is running. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work a lot of the time due to incidents on the track.

Are there any real-life drivers or teams that influence your approach to racing?
No. I was always a Dale Earnhardt fan, but I definitely don’t model my driving like he did. I try not to be overly aggressive, unless I have a very good opportunity for a strong finish.

What has been your most memorable race or moment in the league?
2024 ARCA Champion. I didn’t win a race but showed up and ran consistently.

What do you think makes this league special compared to others?
There is a great mix of drivers here. There is a small group of us who have been here since the beginning. There are those who have come in, left and came back. Lately, some very good drivers have joined the group who make all levels ultra-competitive. All and all, each level is competitive, and I look forward to racing each week.

What kind of equipment do you use (wheel, pedals, rig, etc.)?
Ask Cory-he is my IT guy! All I know is that I got a Moza Racing setup for Christmas and every time something breaks Cory uses TeamViewer to fix it.

What’s your pre-race routine or superstition?
Just the little things. Make sure I have a cold beverage, and my pillow is set right in the chair for my back.

If you could race on any real-world track, which one would it be and why?
Charlotte. I have been to 16 Cup races there since the early 90s. It is the center of the NASCAR world, and I always enjoy going there. The atmosphere for the Coca-Cola 600 is my favorite, and it would be great to race there.

What is your favorite track to go to or that you want to go to?
That’s tough. I really like Charlotte, but also Darlington and Atlanta. I have been to Cup races at 9 tracks. I haven’t been to Bristol but would love to go there.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new racers joining the league?
Don’t be overly aggressive right out of the box. Be respectful to those around you. Follow the rules. Know that you will make a lot of people mad, just try to correct your mistakes and move forward.

Do your friends and family support your racing hobby?
Yes. Everyone needs a hobby; it is important to do things you enjoy and let other around you do the same. Our family realizes that.

Have you ever introduced someone else to sim racing?
I have spoken to a lot of other people about iRacing but have not really gotten anyone into it.

How do you balance racing with work, family, or other responsibilities?
Family and work come first, but I do my best to meet racing obligations. Fortunately, my schedule is now flexible enough that I don’t miss a lot of races.

Would you rather have the fastest car but no brakes, or the slowest car with perfect handling?
Slowest car with perfect handling.

Think you’ve got what it takes to be in the next Driver Spotlight? Fill out this form to have a chance to be selected! Whether you’re a racing pro or just really good at pretending to be one, we want to hear from you!

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: ATLANTA

The Majors Garage Cup Series presented by Crown Jewel Racing is live tonight from Atlanta Motor speedway. Green flag flies at 8:15pm EST. WATCH HERE

STARTING OFF HOT!

Cody Porter sits on top of the league table by securing the win at the Daytona 500 last week. Even with an early wreck that put the team of the 04 Toyota Camry into crisis mode, Cody was able to dig in and bring the first trophy of the year back to the Moonshine Motor Club garage.

Tyler Belanger looked to bring the field to the checkered flag at the end of the Daytona 500 but with a late move by Cody Porter sent him home empty handed. The good news is that was the first race of the season not the last. If this is what Tyler and the 88 team are showing early this season, we can comfortably say that the 88 team will find their way into victory lane!

A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS

Top 20 finishers from the Daytona 500.
Top 25 in the season standings.

RECENT NEWS

  • A statement out of the Backroad Bandit’s garage have confirmed that Austin Runkel has been removed from the seat of the number 20 Chevy Camaro. The new face behind the wheel of the number 20 will be James Nesta. Backroad Bandits owner Nim Silva stated “We decided to part ways with Austin Runkel for purely playoff strategic wise, and no harm foul at all. Backroad hopes James Nesta takes the #20 Cup Charter to the playoffs”
  • Not long after the Factory Motorsports media team released their promo for tonight race. It has been confirmed that Zander Short will not be behind the wheel of the number 2 flo-racing Ford Mustang. It is unknown why he won’t be in attendance for tonight and Factory Motorsports owner Stephen Menke has declined to give a statement. Tyler Justice will be behind the wheel of the number 2 tonight. Sources inside the Factory motorsport garage haven’t been too informative about this driver, but it is known that him and Boyd Hoggan have raced together before. If he is cut from the same cloth, then Factory won’t have to worry about securing points tonight for the 2 car.

Ambetter Health 350 Entry List

Tyler Justice and the number 2 team will receive and EOL for driver swap. Austin Runkel, Josh Stoltz, Daulton Shearer, Nathan Barrows, Boyd Hoggan, and Justin Bell will be fighting to qualify in on time. The 6 drivers will be competing for 4 open spots in tonight’s race.

DAYTONA: Cody Porter Edges Out Field in Thrilling Oval Showdown

February 20, 2025 | Crown Jewel Media

Garth Griswold

In a race that showcased intense competition and razor-thin margins, Cody Porter emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish at the Daytona 500 on February 19, 2025. The 200-lap event, marked by 16 different leaders and 32 lead changes, kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Stage Breakdown: Short Shines Early

The race was a chaotic affair, with 11 cautions totaling 34 laps disrupting the flow and testing drivers’ adaptability. A field of 40 competitors traded positions relentlessly, with standout performances from Nic Vasquez (4th, led 11 laps) and Dallas Pataska (5th, led a race-high 35 laps). The fastest lap of the day belonged to Pataska at 45.288 seconds on lap 199, a testament to his pace. Zander Short, who dominated Stage 1 and Stage 2 with a combined 48 laps led, finished 10th after a mid-race setback but earned valuable bonus points for his efforts.

Stage 1, a 65-lap sprint, saw Zander Short take control, leading 19 laps and fending off Boyd Hoggan by 0.090 seconds. Stephen Menke, Nic Vasquez, and Dallas Pataska also scored points in a relatively clean stage with just three cautions.

Stage 2 upped the ante with five cautions and 11 lead changes over 65 laps. Short again asserted dominance, leading 29 laps and edging out Hoggan by 0.066 seconds. Nishil Condoor and Cory Mott also made their presence felt, finishing in the top 10 and setting up a strong run in the final stage.

Final Stage Fireworks

The final 70 laps became a survival test as drivers jostled for position and tried to manage their fuel usage. Porter’s late surge capitalized on a perfectly timed move, while Belanger’s remarkable climb through the field fell just short. Vasquez and Pataska, despite leading significant portions of the race, couldn’t reclaim the front in the closing laps.

Starting from 15th on the grid, Porter methodically worked his way through the pack, showcasing patience and precision. He led just one lap—the most important—crossing the finish line a mere 0.022 seconds ahead of runner-up Tyler Belanger, who charged from 33rd to secure second place. Stewart Harding Walker rounded out the podium, finishing 0.125 seconds back after starting 23rd.
“It was a wild one out there,” Porter said post-race. “The car was solid all day, and we just had to wait for the right moment.”

Notable Performances and Struggles

  • Tyler Belanger: A 31-position gain from 33rd to 2nd highlighted his tenacity.
  • Zander Short: Despite a 10th-place finish, his stage wins and 49 laps led earned him 47 total points, second only to Vasquez’s 48.
  • Caleb Uberman Tipton: He finished last on a tough day after being involved in an incident on lap 25.
  • Thomas Wolfe: Starting 2nd but fading to 22nd, Wolfe led 20 laps but couldn’t maintain early momentum.

With the season heating up, Porter’s win signals his intent to contend for the championship, while Belanger and Short’s performances prove the field is more profound than ever. The Oval delivered a classic, and if this race is any indication, fans are in for a thrilling year ahead. The Majors Garage Cup Series will be back in action next Wednesday night at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

TCSP DASH SERIES DAYTONA: Short Claims Triumph at Daytona

Garth Griswold

Daytona Beach, FL – February 18, 2025 – In a gripping display of speed and strategy, Zander Short emerged victorious in the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway, securing the top spot in the Team Conti Sim-Performance Dash Series event. The race, held under ideal conditions with partly cloudy skies and a temperature of 70°F, was a marathon of 120 laps marked by 11 leaders, 29 lead changes, and 11 caution periods spanning 33 laps.

Race Highlights:

  • Starting from 14th position, Zander Short dominated the final stages of the race, leading for 31 laps and clinching the win with the fastest lap of 46.619 seconds on lap 105. His strategic driving and car control were pivotal in navigating the chaos of Daytona’s notorious pack racing.
  • Keith Hume Sr. delivered a commendable performance, finishing second after starting 19th. His car was just 0.091 seconds behind Short at the checkered flag, showcasing the tight competition at the front.
  • Noah Nicholson, who started 11th, took the third spot on the podium after leading for three laps. His consistent speed was evident, with a fastest lap of 46.614 seconds.
  • Jacob Quill finished fourth, leading for 16 laps, while Nathaniel Campbell rounded out the top five, demonstrating resilience after early race challenges.
  • The race was not without its share of drama; notable drivers like Nathan Fuller and Colby Decarlo, who led in earlier stages, faced setbacks, finishing 28th and 23rd after sustaining significant damage.

Stage Performances:

  • Stage 1 was won by Rodney Roberts, setting a strong pace with seven laps led, while Stage 2 saw Nathan Fuller take the honors with two laps led.
  • The race was a testament to the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing, where strategy, fuel management, and pit stops played critical roles alongside outright speed.

Post-Race Comments:

  • Zander Short exclaimed, “It was a battle all the way to the end. The team gave me a fantastic car, and I’m thrilled to bring this win home.”
  • Keith Hume Sr. reflected on his near miss, “Second place feels like a victory after starting where we did. We’ll keep pushing for that first win.”

The United Rentals 300 at Daytona showcased high-octane racing, with each driver pushing their limits in the quest for glory. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on how these performances set the tone for the rest of the season.

Click Team Conti Sim Performance Dash Series Recent Results – Crown Jewel Racing for complete race results.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: DAYTONA 500

The Majors Garage Cup Series is live from Daytona tonight for the Daytona 500! Green Flag flies at 8pm EST with coverage going live at 7:15pm EST, Watch Here.

STARTING GRID

TALE OF THE TAPE

Tonight, these Cup Series drivers have 200 laps of terror at Daytona. Screaming down the track at over 190mph, these drivers will not only have to control their own cars destinies, but one wrong decision could kill the dreams of many drivers. A bad push, a late block, an arca brake could be the one mistake that could be the end of your night. No one knows how to navigate these waters more than our defending Daytona 500 winner, Nic Vasquez. Nic wheeled the number 22 Ducks unlimited ford mustang to 2 wins out of the 4 Superspeedway races of last season. When Nic was asked about how he feels on lifting the trophy for the second year in a row he said “I feel confident about today and winning back-to-back Daytona 500’s. The car in qualifying and the duels was good and just needed a few minor changes…. funny thing is a lot of people say it’s luck, but I believe 0% of it is luck. I think you create your own luck, and the stats prove that. Superspeedway racing is an art form that only a few can master and there’s no doubt you’ll see that tonight.”

Duel Winners

Dallas Pataska not only wheeled the number 17 majors’ garage Chevy Camaro to a duel win last Wednesday; He also was already locked into the front row from posting the fastest qualifying lap. Dallas seems to have Daytona figured out and his competition should be looking at his as the one to beat.

Cody Leach and aggression go together like peanut butter and jelly. With him securing a duel win he has placed himself in the second row on the outside line, inches away from the promise land. The question is will he take his time and enjoy all 200 of these laps, giving himself a chance to fight for the win, or will he be his own worst enemy and end up in the garage early?

THE BIG BAD WOLFE

We caught up with Thomas Wolfe this morning in the infield at Daytona to ask him how he was feeling about tonight and the start of the season.
Crown Jewel: Knowing plate tracks aren’t your strong suit, what’s your gameplan for starting off this season on a high, the same way you finished last season with the championship win?
Thomas Wolfe: Well if I still have power (snow storm happening right now) def would love to keep it out front. But for the most part just need to stay patient, if I get shuffled back, and not worry about racing until it’s go time.

RUMOR MILL

  • With Nathaniel Campbell taking a new role as the head of media for Crown Jewel Racing league and broadcasting for the Majors Garage Cup Series, many wondered what would happen to that cup charter. Sources said that Ben Lawson offered an undisclosed amount to purchase the charter from the Hollywood Motorsports owner, but it was turned down so that they could keep it as an in-house open charter car. Information on what driver would have gotten the seat is unknown, but we do know that the car would have been an extension of the Factory Motorsports team owned by Stephen Menke.
  • Nic Vasquez goes for his 3rd superspeedway in in 2 years tonight, attempting to continue his dominance on plate tracks. Nic will start 21st tonight.
  • All of the Zandervolt Unlimited Honda entries will receive EOL penalties for late driver swaps. We will see if having all 3 Hondas already link up near the rear of the field will be more of a blessing than a curse in the long run.
  • Manufacturer numbers for tonight: Chevy-14 cars, Honda-3 cars, Ford-12 cars, Toyota-11 cars.