Tag: crown jewel

Keeping Fun First, No Matter the Challenge

It’s been a wild week at Crown Jewel Racing. Another wave of changes—some implemented, some still being debated—has stirred up plenty of conversation across our sim racing league. From tweaks to race formats to ideas about how we can make every event even better, it’s clear our community is passionate about getting things right. But passion can bring growing pains, and we know this week hasn’t been smooth sailing for everyone. That’s why we’re hitting the brakes for a moment to refocus on what matters most: you, our racers, and the fun that fuels this league.

At Crown Jewel Racing, our mission is simple but non-negotiable: to deliver a fun, competitive, and exciting racing experience every single week. Fun isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the heartbeat of why we all log in, strap into our rigs, and battle it out on the virtual asphalt. It’s what keeps us chasing faster lap times, tighter lines, and those heart-pounding door-to-door moments. But when that fun starts to slip, it’s a signal to check in with ourselves. Are recent changes throwing you off? Have you started prioritizing wins over personal progress? Is the pressure to perform drowning out the joy of racing with friends? Or maybe it’s just been one of those weeks where nothing feels quite right.

Let’s keep it real: for nearly all of us, sim racing is a passion, not a profession. We’re here to chase dreams, sure, but very few will turn this into a career. And here’s the thing—if we’re not having a blast while we’re at it, those dreams get harder to hold onto. So, let’s recalibrate. Crown Jewel Racing is built for you—to give you a place to bang doors, tear up fenders, and share laughs, whether you roll across the finish line in 1st or 38th. Winning’s great, but it’s the thrill of the chase, the banter in the voice chat, and the stories we swap afterward that make this community what it is.

Here for You!

We know change can be tough, and we’re not perfect. Behind the scenes, the Crown Jewel team is working hard to listen to your feedback, test new ideas, and fine-tune the league to keep it fresh and fair. We’ve got some exciting plans in the pipeline—think new events, community-driven challenges, and ways to make every race feel like a celebration. But none of it works without you. Your voice shapes this league, and we’re here to serve you, not just with great racing but with a community that’s got your back.

If you’re struggling—whether it’s nailing that tricky corner, sorting out your setup, or dealing with something off the track—don’t go face it alone. Our community is huge, diverse, and ready to help. Need advice on tire wear? Someone’s got a tip. Frustrated after a rough race? There’s always someone to vent to. Feeling stuck in life beyond the sim? You’d be surprised how many of us are here for those conversations, too. Reach out, whether it’s in our Discord, during a practice session, or even just a quick DM. We’re not just a league—we’re a crew, and we’re all in this together.

As we move forward, let’s keep the fun front and center. Share your ideas for the league. Jump into a practice session and help a rookie find their groove. Or just show up, race hard, and leave with a smile, no matter where you finish. Crown Jewel Racing is more than a leaderboard—it’s a place where we grow, connect, and keep the good times rolling. Let’s hit the track, tear it up, and make the next week one to remember.

Silly Season Heats Up in Majors Garage Cup Series with Rule Changes and Charter Chaos

Darlington, SC – April 08, 2025 – The Majors Garage Cup Series (MGCS) Silly Season roared back into the spotlight last night, as Crown Jewel Racing Executives dropped a double dose of chaos following a tense board meeting. The result? Sweeping rule changes to race control and a wild reshuffling of charters that have teams and drivers buzzing ahead of tomorrow’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington.

The rulebook got a major facelift, starting with clearer guidelines on racing incidents. Crown Jewel Racing unveiled a system to judge fault based on where contact happens—corner entry, center, exit, or straightaways—using a driver’s “predictable line” from their prior three laps as the benchmark. Penalties range from 1 to 2 RC points for infractions like unsafe apron re-entries or late blocks, with shared fault splitting the difference at 1 point each. Race lengths also stretched from 80% to a full 100% for the season’s remainder, pushing driver stamina to the limit. Meanwhile, the RC penalty ceiling tightened suspensions now kick in at 6 points (down from 8), qualifying bans at 4, and suspended drivers reset to 3 points post-ban. It’s a stricter leash for a wild field. Read all about the Rule Updates here.

The bigger shockwave, though, was the axing of open cars from MGCS. These developmental slots will stick around in the Conti Sim-Performance Dash Series and VRS Truck Series, but their four Cup Series spots were snatched up overnight by new charter teams, keeping the field capped at 40. Here’s the rundown on the charter scramble:

Moonshine Motorsports Expands with XPress eSports
Cody Porter, already behind the wheel for Moonshine Motorsports, secured the first charter and launched XPress eSports to bolster his operation. The #63 Ford Mustang hits the track this week, and rumors are swirling that Porter’s move is a bold play to bring back Johnny Avila—last season’s VRS Truck Series dominator who vanished into the shadows. A superhero sequel in the making?

Majors Garage eSports Doubles Down
Charter number two went to Majors Garage eSports, where points leader Dallas Pataska welcomed a teammate to his arsenal. Nathan Fuller takes the #7 Chevrolet into Darlington, but speculation swirls: will Fuller lock down the seat, or will Pataska shuffle his roster of aces to keep rivals on edge?

Gateway Racing Rises
The third charter landed with Garth Griswold (yours truly), who’d been stalking a charter since Silly Season sparked last month. With slim pickings and charters flying to heavyweights like THW Motorsports, Griswold pounced, forming Gateway Racing. The #10 Chevrolet evens out the manufacturer mix and opens doors for hungry talent. “We’re at the Gateway to the Future,” Griswold declared. “I’m thrilled to be apart of this.”

Patriot Motorsports Bolsters the Ranks
Patriot Motorsports snagged the fourth charter, as team owner Zach Johnson paired #94 driver Thomas Wolfe with a new ally. Early reports confirmed a bombshell: Hollywood Motorsports’ #5 driver Allen Phillips ditched a resignation letter on owner Nathaniel Campbell’s desk this morning, bolting to Patriot’s #42 car. Campbell had just revived Mike Burnett for the #16 last week, but Phillips saw greener pastures elsewhere.

Sources said that Hollywood’s #5 Chevrolet won’t stay vacant long. Sources are saying that Campbell gave Jacob Quill the nod once again, who drove for the team at Phoenix, to step in. No official word yet, but insiders peg Quill as the full-time fix for the season.

With rules sharpened, charters reshuffled, and drivers on the move, MGCS Silly Season is a runaway freight train. Will these changes tame the chaos or fuel the fire? Darlington’s green flag tomorrow holds the answers—strap in.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: MARTINSVILLE

The Majors Garage Cup Series presented by Crown Jewel Racing Network is live tonight from Martinsville speedway. Green Flag flies at 8:15pm est. WATCH HERE

TOO HOT TO HANDLE

  • Boyd Hoggan has finally done the inevitable, win a race. Look we all knew this would happen and happen soon based on his performance so far this season, but now that the pressure is off and the playoff spot has been secured, the question is how many can he win?
  • Allen Phillips has snuck himself up into the 12th spot in the points standings with 3 top 15 finishes in a row. Looks as if the number 5 team have learned to calmed down from the early season nerves and settled into place for the dog days of summer.
  • Nic Vasquez still hasn’t lost his touch from last season it seems. With all the rumors and turmoil going on he still hasn’t finished outside of the top 15 all year. He may have a new owner and home at Palmetto Motorsports, but it seems this dog and the 22 team still knows its tricks.

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT!

  • This season has been the gift that has not stopped giving. The latest news happened to be a purchase and three-way trade of charters. To sum it all up, Nic Vasquez and the 22 car now finds themselves under the Toyota umbrella over at Palmetto Motorsports, Vince Mitchell and the 18 car returns home to Tipton Harding Motorsports, and Factory Motorsports bolsters its roster after acquiring the 95 charter and fill it with Tyler Justice. Only time to determine which teams are playing chess and which teams are playing checkers with all these moves. Will Factory Motorsports become the Iracing version of Hendrick Motorsports, or will all the talent and personalities implode under one roof? Will Vasquez feel appreciated now and grow with Palmetto as they plan? Will Vince’s return home to THM spark the fire under him and that whole team now that the band is back together again? Only time will tell, and Martinsville seems like the first official test.
  • No, you aren’t dreaming, this is not a fire drill, and you aren’t being punked. Mike Burnett will be returning to the Majors Garage Cup Series, driving the number 16 car for Hollywood Motorsports. Many are excited, some are nervous, but us here at Crown Jewel Racing Network are ready for the show. Sources have told us that there were a few possible suitors for Burnett’s return, which would have likely been in the Team Conti Sim Performance Dash Series. Some thought his extended time away from the cup series could have caused him to lose his edge, but executives at Hollywood Motorsports thought otherwise. Burnett will stay loyal and remain in the Chevy camp which made this decision to sign a heck of a lot easier to facilitate. There is no official date on when Burnett will be in the seat of the 16 car even though the team has been assembled, but sources inside of Hollywood Motorsports have told us that meetings have been taking place all week and sim work will be conducted this weekend. We should expect to see him on the track possibly by Darlington.

Silly Season Shakes Up MGCS: Vasquez, Mitchell, and Morales Headline Latest Moves

Columbia, SC – March 28, 2025 – The Majors Garage Cup Series’ Silly Season is proving it’s far from over, with a flurry of driver and charter moves sending shockwaves through the paddock ahead of this weekend’s race at Martinsville. The latest news broke early Friday, confirming that Nic Vasquez, driver of the #22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, is packing his bags and heading to Palmetto Motorsports. Vasquez isn’t traveling light—he’s bringing his charter with him, and the #22 will trade its Ford roots for a Toyota Camry starting this week.

But Palmetto Motorsports’ team owner, Cory Mott, wasn’t done shaking up the roster. Sources reveal Mott had his sights set on Hollywood Motorsports’ Garth Griswold, hoping to lure the veteran driver to “the dark side.” After intense negotiations, Griswold opted to stay put, citing potential legal headaches from a breach of contract with Hollywood Motorsports. It seems the bright lights of Tinseltown still shine too strong for Griswold to leave.

With Vasquez making the trek from Texas to the Carolinas, Palmetto faced a numbers crunch. The odd man out? None other than Vince Mitchell, the rookie who joined the team just six races ago. Mitchell’s stint at Palmetto was anything but a fairy tale—amassing a mere 52 points, including a lone stage win worth 10. Sitting 32nd in the standings, the homesick driver is returning to his old stomping grounds at Tipton Harding Motorsports (THM), taking the #18 charter with him.

That homecoming, however, spelled tough news for someone at THM. When pressed for comment, team co-owner Stewart Harding struggled to articulate the difficult decision. Eventually, the bombshell dropped: Pete Morales, driver of the #95 charter, is out. The #95 is being transferred to Factory Motorsports, where Dash Series standout Tyler Justice—whose promotion was predicted by insiders—will step into the Cup Series spotlight. Justice takes over the vacancy left by Vasquez, sliding into the #95 seat like a hand in a glove.

For Morales, currently 22nd in the standings, the news stings. Being replaced by a driver currently sitting 32nd in the standings is a bitter pill to swallow. Morales now finds himself without a Cup ride, his future uncertain as Silly Season churns on.

The league’s relentless nature is on full display, and these moves raise the question: Is this the grand finale of Silly Season, or just the opening act of an even wilder shake-up? With charters swapping hands and drivers on the move, the Majors Garage Cup Series is proving once again that nothing is set in stone until the checkered flag falls.

Stay tuned as the drama unfolds at Martinsville this weekend.

Factory Motorsports Sweeps Top Four in Blistering Heat at Homestead

Garth Griswold

Homestead, FL – The Majors Garage Cup Series roared into Homestead-Miami Speedway on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, under the blistering heat of the day, and Factory Motorsports turned up the temperature even further with an unprecedented 1-2-3-4 finish in the Straight Talk Wireless 350. Boyd Hoggan led the charge, securing his first Cup Series win in dominant fashion, leading 218 of 234 laps. He was followed by open-car teammate Tyler Justice in second, team owner/driver Stephen Menke in third, and Zander Short in fourth. The team’s worst finish of the night was Nic Vasquez in 15th—a result many squads would envy—making Factory Motorsports’ performance less of a domination and more of a masterclass.

The 2-hour, 29-minute race featured 10 cautions for 22 laps and five lead changes among four drivers, but the real story early on was the struggle many teams faced with the unexpected heat. The scorching conditions caught drivers off guard at the start, forcing constant adjustments throughout Stage 1 as they battled to find speed while maintaining control. Hoggan, starting from the pole, set the pace with a fastest lap of 32.495 seconds on lap 208 and led all 70 laps of the opening stage, but others weren’t so fortunate.

“The heat was brutal, and it took everything to keep the car hooked up,” Hoggan said. “Once we got it dialed in, it was a dream day—to get my first Cup win and have the team lock out the top four is unreal.”

Thomas Wolfe of Patriot Motorsports rounded out the top five with a gritty performance, gaining 24 positions from his 29th starting spot to finish fifth—earning him the hard charger honors. His team owner, Zach Johnson of Palmetto Motorsports, salvaged a ninth-place finish, securing a top-10 despite a tough day for the team.

Dallas Pataska crossed the line sixth, tying for the second-highest points total of the night with 47, but even that couldn’t significantly dent Factory’s lead. His open-car teammates at Majors Garage Esports, Colby Decarlo and Nathan Fuller, finished 11th and 16th, respectively, adding solid points after battling the early conditions.

For some, the heat and race circumstances proved too much to overcome. Cody Porter, who ran strong early, lost power mid-race and disconnected after 151 laps, dropping to 34th. Zack Saunders wrecked out after 107 laps, finishing 35th, while Ben Lawson suffered a blown engine after 99 laps, forcing him back to the RIP CO garage in 36th.

The series now shifts to Martinsville Speedway for its next battle, where the Factory boys will look to keep their hot streak alive, and struggling teams hope to rebound. The Majors Garage Cup Series will be back in action on Wednesday night, April 2, 2025, at Martinsville Speedway for some short-track carnage in the Cookout 250.

Updated Majors Garage Cup Series Owners Standings (Top 10)

Following the Straight Talk Wireless 350, Majors Esports Garage holds the lead in the owners standings with 277 points, but Factory Motorsports is closing in fast, occupying four of the top seven spots. Here are the top 10 teams:

Car #TeamRankRace PointsPenalty PointsTotal Points
17Majors Esports Garage12770277
2Factory Motorsports21950195
94Patriot Motorsports31900190
6Factory Motorsports41830183
20Factory Motorsports51680168
04Moonshine Motorclub51680168
22Factory Motorsports71660166
29Tipton-Harding Motorsports81600160
9Tipton-Harding Motorsports91460146
1Zandervolt Unlimited Inc.91460146

Race Details:

  • Date: March 26, 2025
  • Time: 8:15 PM
  • Duration: 2h 29m
  • Laps: 234
  • Cautions: 10 (22 laps)
  • Leaders: 4
  • Lead Changes: 5
  • Venue: Homestead-Miami Speedway
  • Conditions: Daytime, blistering heat

Justice Goes Back-to-Back with TCSP Dash Series Win at Homestead

Homestead, FL – The Team Conti Sim-Performance Dash Series lit up Homestead-Miami Speedway during a daytime showdown on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, for the Credit One NASCAR Amex Credit Card 300. Tyler Justice powered to his second consecutive victory, setting the stage for a potential three-peat next week at Martinsville. The 200-lap race, spanning 2 hours and 36 minutes, started with a rocky pair of back-to-back cautions that tested the patience of fans craving green-flag action, but it eventually delivered with eight lead changes among five drivers.

Justice, starting from the pole, led a commanding 137 laps and held off a strong challenge from Zack Saunders, who crossed the line just 0.757 seconds behind in second. Saunders had an impressive day, winning Stage 1, finishing sixth in Stage 2, and securing the runner-up spot. Colby Decarlo rounded out the podium in third, 0.852 seconds back, while Mark Morton and Leeroy Sellers completed the top five.

“It was a tough start with those early cautions, but once we got rolling, the car was on rails,” Justice said. “Back-to-back wins feel great, and we’re ready to chase that third one next week.”

The race saw its share of drama with 13 cautions slowing the pace for 26 laps. Hunter Bogdan emerged as the hard charger, gaining 18 positions from his 28th starting spot to finish 10th, showcasing a determined drive through the field.

Saunders’ strong performance vaulted him to the top of the driver standings, overtaking Nathaniel Campbell with a 12-point lead. Campbell, who finished 21st after starting 11th, now sits eight points ahead of third-place Colby Decarlo.

The Team Conti Sim-Performance Dash Series heads to Martinsville Speedway next for the Marine Corps 250 on Tuesday night, April 1, 2025, where Justice will look to extend his winning streak.

Updated Team Conti Sim-Performance Dash Series Owners Standings (Top 10)

Lucky 7 Motorsports leads the owners standings with 259 points, followed by a tie between Factory Motorsports and Tipton Harding Motorsports at 211. Here are the top 10 teams:

Car #TeamRankRace PointsPenalty PointsTotal Points
39Lucky 7 Motorsports12590259
6Factory Motorsports22110211
60Tipton Harding Motorsports22110211
82Hollywood Motorsports41990199
24Majors Garage Esports51910191
22Factory Motorsports61810181
08John Conner Motorsports71720172
98Majors Esports Garage71720172
2Factory Motorsports91500150
4Moonshine Motorclub101410141

For full race results, click here.

Race Details:

  • Date: March 25, 2025
  • Time: 8:30 PM
  • Duration: 2h 36m
  • Laps: 200
  • Cautions: 13 (26 laps)
  • Leaders: 5
  • Lead Changes: 8

Next Up: The Team Conti Sim-Performance Dash Series returns to action on Tuesday night, April 1, 2025, at Martinsville Speedway for the Marine Corps 250.

Kyle Sosnoski Claims First VRS Truck Series Win

Homestead, FL – The VRS Truck Series took center stage at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Monday night, March 24, 2025, for the Baptist Health 200. Kyle Sosnoski seized the opportunity, fending off Cody Porter to claim his first VRS Truck Series victory in a thrilling, action-packed race.

The 134-lap event, clocking in at 1 hour and 27 minutes, featured extended green-flag runs, eight cautions, and 14 lead changes among six drivers. Sosnoski, starting fourth, led 33 laps and crossed the finish line a mere 0.350 seconds ahead of pole-sitter Porter, who led six laps. Chris Mathis completed the podium, finishing 2.696 seconds back after leading 22 laps.

“Getting that first win is huge,” Sosnoski said after the race. “The team gave me a great truck, and we made the most of every restart. Cody [Porter] pushed me hard, but we held on.”

Dominic Lee stole the spotlight with a Hard Charger Award-worthy drive, climbing from 32nd to fifth—a 27-position gain. However, his night ended on a sour note. The incident review board upheld eight RC points issued for an on-track incident, pushing Lee over the penalty threshold and resulting in a suspension for the next race.

“We showed our speed tonight,” Lee said. “Going from 32nd to fifth is something to be proud of, but the penalty hurts. We’ll take it in stride and come back ready.”

Jarrett Ferreira, who dominated Stage 1 and Stage 2 with a combined 30 laps led, finished sixth and racked up 51 points with bonus earnings. Michael Sellers (fourth), Keenan Kimber (seventh), Jordan Slater (eighth), Munatsi Major (ninth), and Blake Roebuck (10th) rounded out the top 10.

Porter’s runner-up finish came with a clean sheet (zero incidents) and the second-fastest lap of the night at 32.642 seconds, while Mathis set the pace with a blistering 32.519-second lap on lap 106. Further back, drivers like Noah Hunt (13th) and Patrick Mcpeak (16th) battled through adversity to secure solid results.

Sosnoski’s breakthrough win signals a shift in the series pecking order. With Lee sidelined, the VRS Truck Series heads to Martinsville Speedway next for the Long John Silver’s 200 on Monday night, March 31, 2025, promising another round of short-track intensity.

Updated VRS Truck Series Franchise Standings (Top 10)

Following the Baptist Health 200, Cargo Motorsports leads the owner standings with 166 points, bolstered by Sosnoski’s victory. Factory Motorsports and Majors Garage eSports follow closely behind. Here are the top 10 teams:

Car #TeamRankRace PointsPenalty PointsTotal Points
16Cargo Motorsports11660166
30Factory Motorsports21430143
23Majors Garage eSports31420142
96RYCO Performance41280128
61John Connor Racing51170117
77Project 7751170117
74Backroad Bandit Racing71160116
21Hoff Motorsports Group81150115
6Hoff Motorsports Group91130113
81Backroad Bandit Racing101040104

For full race results, click here.

SILLY SEASON: FACTORY MOTORSPORTS FACES EGO CLASH

Garth Griswold

The Majors Garage Cup Series is only six races into the 2025 season, and already the paddock is buzzing with drama that suggests the Silly Season is far from over. This time, the turbulence isn’t about driver suspensions or off-track antics—it’s brewing inside one of the sport’s powerhouse teams, Factory Motorsports. After a seismic shakeup earlier this year, the garage is once again a hotbed of tension, and it’s all boiling down to a clash of egos among some of the series’ brightest talents.

The latest chapter in this saga began when veteran driver Ben Lawson parted ways with Factory Motorsports to strike out on his own, forming the independent Rip CO Racing team. His departure left a vacancy in the Factory lineup, promptly filled by newcomer Boyd Hoggan. Hoggan wasted no time making his mark, piloting the #20 Ford Mustang Dark Horse to victory in last night’s thriller at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It was a statement win for the rookie, but sources close to the team suggest that his rapid rise has only intensified an already volatile dynamic within the garage.

Factory Motorsports, led by owner and driver Stephen Menke, has assembled a formidable roster for 2025. Alongside Menke in the #6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the team boasts Hoggan, the steady Zander Short in the #2, and the seasoned Nic Vasquez rounding out the quartet in the #22. On paper, it’s a dream team capable of dominating the Cup Series. But as Menke himself acknowledged post-race, talent of this magnitude comes with its own set of challenges.

“When you have this much talent on the team, it’s inevitable that drivers are going to bump heads from time to time,” Menke said after Hoggan’s Homestead triumph. “We are just going to work through this and figure it out going forward.”

The friction reportedly stems from early-season accusations and critiques about unequal treatment in the garage, particularly regarding setup changes. Sources indicate that not all drivers felt they were getting the same level of attention or resources during race weekends. Whispers of favoritism and disagreements over car setups have fueled tensions, with some insiders pointing to Hoggan’s arrival as a tipping point. His win at Homestead may have solidified his standing, but it’s also amplified the spotlight on the team’s internal dynamics.

Adding to the pressure, Factory Motorsports is locked in a fierce chase to catch Dallas Pataska, who has stormed out to a commanding lead in the standings behind the wheel of the #17 Majors Garage Esports entry. Pataska’s consistency and speed have set a blistering pace, leaving Menke’s squad scrambling to close the gap. Hoggan’s victory at Homestead was a step in the right direction, but the team knows it’ll take a unified effort to dethrone Pataska, whose early-season dominance has made him the man to beat.

Hoggan, for his part, has remained tight-lipped about the rumors, focusing instead on his on-track performance. “I’m here to race and win,” he said in the victory lane. “The rest is just noise.” Meanwhile, Short and Vasquez have kept a lower profile, though their silence hasn’t quelled speculation about where they stand in the growing rift.

If the ego battles weren’t enough, Menke might soon have another option to consider. Tyler Justice, a rising star in the Team Conti Sim Performance Dash Series, has been turning heads with back-to-back victories—first at Las Vegas and then again on Tuesday night at Homestead. Justice’s success in the feeder series has put him on the radar as a potential call-up if Factory Motorsports decides to shake things up further. With his stock rising, Justice could be the wildcard Menke needs to either unify his current lineup or send a message to his feuding drivers.

Six races into the season, Factory Motorsports is sitting pretty in the standings, thanks in large part to Hoggan’s win and consistent performances from Menke, Short, and Vasquez. But beneath the surface, the battle of egos threatens to derail what could be a championship-caliber campaign—especially with Pataska pulling away in the points. Menke’s leadership will be tested as he navigates this storm, balancing the personalities and ambitions of his star-studded roster while keeping the #17 in their sights.

For now, the team is focused on the next race, but the paddock is watching closely. Will Factory Motorsports resolve its internal strife and harness its potential to challenge Pataska, or will the Silly Season chaos spill over into more roster changes? One thing is clear: with talent this explosive, the drama is far from over.

Cody Porter Wins Pensacola 150 Amid Controversy at Five Flags Speedway

Garth Griswold

Pensacola, FL – March 23, 2025 – Race 3 of the Project K-9 Hero ARCA Series season delivered a chaotic Pensacola 150 at Five Flags Speedway last Sunday night, marking the first event in the ARCA East Division. Cody Porter emerged victorious, but his win came with significant controversy and a penalty that will shake up the series moving forward.

Porter, starting from the pole, led 109 of the 159 laps, showcasing his dominance throughout the night. However, the race took a dramatic turn on lap 107 when Porter and Waylon Nelson tangled in a heated exchange. Nelson shoved Porter up into the wall, prompting Porter to retaliate with a right-hook that sent Nelson spinning into the cars behind him. Porter drove away unscathed, while Nelson’s spin triggered chaos in the pack. The incident was one of 26 cautions that plagued the evening, with 104 laps run under the yellow flag—nearly two-thirds of the race distance.

Post-race, Crown Jewel Racing (CJR) officials reviewed the incident and deemed Porter’s maneuver intentional. They issued a one-race suspension and a 75-point penalty. Porter’s appeal to the CJR Incident Review Board fell flat, with the board voting 3-0 to uphold the ruling. As a result, Porter will miss the next ARCA East Division race on April 20 at Rockingham Speedway, though he’ll be eligible to compete in this Sunday’s race, March 30, at Kern County Raceway—the first event in the West Division.

Porter isn’t the only driver facing a suspension after the Pensacola 150. Josh Stoltz, driving the No. 43, accrued 6 Race Clean (RC) points during Sunday’s chaos, adding to the 2 RC points he received for an earlier incident at Phoenix. With a total of 8 RC points, Stoltz has triggered a one-race suspension and will miss the upcoming race at Kern County Raceway on March 30 unless he successfully appeals. The RC points system, designed to penalize aggressive or reckless driving, has already claimed two victims this season, underscoring the series’ emphasis on clean competition.

“It’s short-track racing—things get intense,” Porter said after the race. “I got pushed into the wall and reacted. I’m not happy about missing Rockingham, but I’ll be ready to bounce back.”

The Pensacola 150 was a war of attrition, with only three leaders and five lead changes across its 1-hour, 16-minute duration. Cameron Albertson finished second, 1.090 seconds behind Porter, followed by Henry Kallhoff in third. Billy Vanmeter and Nathaniel Campbell rounded out the top five, navigating a night where survival often trumped speed. Nelson, meanwhile, limped home in 25th, 17 laps down after the lap 107 clash.

The race’s relentless caution count highlighted the intensity of short-track racing at Five Flags. Clear weather—72°F with a northeast wind at 2.5 MPH—offered perfect conditions, yet the tight track and early-season aggression led to frequent wrecks. Joseph Stafford led 48 laps before finishing 11th, while rookie Hayden James soldiered to 24th in his series debut. Drivers like Josh Stoltz, Cat Wheeler, and Cory Mott saw their nights end early due to crashes.

Porter’s victory netted him 46 points (43 race points plus 3 bonus points), but the 75-point penalty casts a shadow over his season. The series now shifts west to Kern County Raceway this Sunday, March 30, for the West Division opener, where Porter will look to regain momentum before his East Division suspension takes effect.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: HOMESTEAD

The Majors Garage Cup Series hits Homestead-Miami Speedway tonight, March 26, 2025, for a high-stakes battle where tire management and avoiding wrecks will determine the winner on this challenging 1.5-mile oval. With six races down for most drivers, the standings reveal the season’s standout performers and those yet to hit their stride. Here’s a breakdown of three drivers thriving, two struggling through all six starts, a key absence, and a wild card pick to take the victory tonight.

Top Performers to Watch

  1. Dallas Pataska – The Season’s Dominant Force
    Leading the pack with 230 points, Dallas Pataska has been unstoppable in his NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. With four wins, four poles, and five top-five finishes in six starts, he’s the man to beat. His smooth driving could be a game-changer at Homestead, where saving tires is paramount.
  2. Cody Porter – A Rising Contender
    Sitting second with 158 points, Cody Porter has shone in his NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Toyota Camry. One win, two top-fives, and a stage win in five starts highlight his potential. Porter’s stamina suits Homestead’s long runs, and a smart tire strategy could propel him to the front.
  3. Thomas Wolfe – The Stage Master
    Third with 147 points, Thomas Wolfe (NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Toyota Camry) has notched two stage wins and a pole in six starts. As the 2024 champion, Wolfe’s experience with tire management could pay dividends tonight.

Struggling Drivers in Need of a Turnaround

  1. Jim Mott – Fighting to Stay Relevant
    Languishing in 32nd with 43 points, Jim Mott (NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Toyota Camry) has yet to score a win, top-five, or stage win in six starts. He’s hanging in there, but he’ll need to master tire wear at Homestead to turn his season around.

2. Thomas Villano – Searching for Speed
33rd with 41 points, Thomas Villano (NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Toyota Camry) has also run all six races without a win, top-five, or stage victory. His perseverance is clear, but he’ll need a clean, tire-savvy run tonight to climb the order.

    Notable Absence: Stewart Harding Walker Sidelined

    Seventh-place Stewart Harding Walker (133 points) will miss tonight’s race, attending anger management after a recent outburst. His two top-fives and three top-10s in his NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Ford Mustang won’t be in play, giving others a chance to gain ground.

    Wild Card Pick: Boyd Hoggan

    Prediction: Boyd Hoggan wins tonight. Currently 14th with 100 points, Boyd Hoggan (NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen Ford Mustang and Toyota Camry) is my wild card to claim victory at Homestead. Why? Hoggan’s four top-fives, four top-10s, and three stage wins in six starts prove he’s got the speed and versatility to contend. His ability to rack up stage points suggests he can stay up front, and his knack for long-run consistency aligns perfectly with Homestead’s tire-wear demands. With Walker absent and the spotlight on Pataska, Hoggan could sneak through with a disciplined race plan to grab his first win of 2025. “We’ve been knocking on the door,” Hoggan said recently. “It’s time to kick it down.”

    What to Expect at Homestead

    Tonight’s race will test drivers’ ability to preserve tires on Homestead’s abrasive surface while steering clear of trouble. Pataska, Porter, and Wolfe headline the favorites, while Mott and Villano look to salvage their seasons. Hoggan, the wild card, could upset the field with a breakout performance. Catch the Majors Garage Cup Series action at 7:15 PM EST!