NASCAR President Steve Phelps announced a significant expansion of live and feature content streaming in 2025, leveraging the organization’s $53 million production facility in Concord, N.C. The state-of-the-art facility, which contributed just 14 percent of NASCAR’s content in 2024, will account for 50 percent of programming under NASCAR’s new TV agreement.
Phelps outlined a “massive ramp-up” in content for platforms beyond traditional TV networks. In addition to race coverage, NASCAR will increase its presence on NASCAR.com, social media, YouTube, and Netflix.
The Concord facility will focus on live-event production during race weekends and feature content throughout the week, including the off-season.
“We need to keep our fans engaged year-round, ensuring they remain excited and eager for the next season,” Phelps said during Epartrade’s Racing Industry Week.
This content strategy aims to maintain momentum during the off-season, leading to stronger anticipation for season-opening events like The Clash. The production facility’s expanded role reflects NASCAR’s commitment to offering fans immersive and consistent access to the sport across multiple channels.
NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race faces uncertain future beyond 2025
As NASCAR approaches the final year of its three-year agreement with the city of Chicago for the Chicago Street Race, the future of the event remains unclear. NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell declined to comment on whether the series would continue the race past 2025 but emphasized the focus on building momentum for the final year of the deal.
O’Donnell acknowledged the unique challenges of hosting NASCAR’s first-ever street race, including logistics, weather complications, and format adjustments. “Each year has been a learning experience,” O’Donnell said. “We’ve made tweaks to the event and continue to evolve it. Right now, our priority is ensuring 2025 is as successful as possible.”
O’Donnell also highlighted growing domestic and international interest in NASCAR, though he did not address speculation about potential events in Saudi Arabia. “The demand for NASCAR events, both at home and abroad, is significant,” he said, reinforcing the sport’s strategy to expand its reach while evaluating its existing schedule.
The Chicago Street Race, introduced in 2023, has been a bold move for NASCAR, blending urban scenery with motorsport excitement. While the race’s future in Chicago remains uncertain, NASCAR’s adaptability and focus on fan engagement will play key roles in shaping its calendar for 2026 and beyond.
Derrike Cope launches Cope Family Racing for 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series
NASCAR veteran Derrike Cope has announced the launch of Cope Family Racing, a family-owned team set to compete in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series. The team will debut at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, a venue that holds sentimental value for Cope following his unforgettable 1990 Daytona 500 victory.
CFR’s #70 car will feature a driver rotation, with rising stars Leland Honeyman Jr. and Thomas Annunziata sharing the schedule. Honeyman will kick off the season at Daytona, while road-course specialist Annunziata will take the reins at Circuit of the Americas.
Honeyman expressed excitement about the opportunity:
“It’s an honor to be part of a team with such a rich racing legacy. I’m ready to contribute to this new chapter and chase success on the track.”
Annunziata added that “CFR may be a new team, but it’s built on a foundation of extensive NASCAR experience. I’m motivated and ready to make the most of this incredible opportunity.”
CFR will utilize RCR race cars and engines supplied by ECR Engines, continuing relationships Cope developed during his time with StarCom Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Cope, serving as general manager, emphasized the quality and ambition of the new operation:
“Creating Cope Family Racing feels like a natural next step for us in NASCAR. We’re thrilled to have talented young drivers and an experienced team ready to compete at a high level in the Xfinity Series.”
As CFR prepares for its debut, Cope and his family are focused on building a competitive program that honors their racing legacy while showcasing the skills of emerging drivers. The team’s entry into the Xfinity Series promises to add an exciting new chapter to the Cope family’s storied NASCAR history.
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