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Chicago Tribune
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Edward Keegan: NASCAR has embraced the Chicago backdrop, but will it return?
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race. If it sounds a bit edgy, that's certainly by design. And the race has had its challenges. First it was the smoky haze of Canadian wildfires. Then it was rain. And finally, it was the darkness of nightfall. And that was just the inaugural race in 2023. Oh, and the noise and the street closures that lasted for weeks before and after the race. And most folks who live in the immediate vicinity of the Grant Park racecourse were not NASCAR fans before the race and probably aren't now either. Like architecture, much of the appeal of motorsports is aesthetic. The cars are sleek, or at least as sleek as purpose-built vehicles molded to resemble Chevrolet Camaros, Ford Mustangs and Toyota Camrys can be. And they are as bright and colorful as each sponsor is willing. And the speed and the sound add to the spectacle. With each of these elements, the NASCAR Chicago Street Race is an exceptionally well-conceived and packaged design mirror of ourselves. Chicago's history with auto racing stretches back to the earliest automobile race held in the United States on Thanksgiving Day in 1895. Fun fact: The Jackson Park to Evanston course traversed Michigan Avenue and included two blocks that are part of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race course. Nearby Soldier Field hosted races from 1935 to 1970, including NASCAR in 1956 and 1957. More recently, the now-defunct Chicago Motor Speedway in Cicero fielded IndyCars and some of NASCAR's minor league series from 1999 to 2002, and both major series have raced at Joliet's Chicagoland Speedway, which is now owned by NASCAR. But what these races lacked was the Chicago backdrop to the racing — something NASCAR has completely embraced during the last three years. Because what's most important is how it looks on TV. Almost every sporting event held in the city, whether it's at Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, Rate Field or the United Center, will show Grant Park and the Loop from a helicopter-mounted camera sometime during the event. But holding NASCAR's race in the park allows them to spotlight the city in a very particular way. Chicago's image is no longer just Willis Tower and the building formerly known as John Hancock Center. Newer tall buildings, including Trump Tower and the St. Regis, are more dominant from NASCAR's Grant Park perch. The Michigan Avenue street wall, long the classic Chicago skyline scene, has been extended in recent years by new development south of Ida B. Wells Drive including Helmut Jahn's striking 1000M, Krueck + Sexton's folded glass-faced Spertus Institute and Rafael Viñoly's distinctive, if mediocre, NEMA. And there are the older buildings along Michigan Avenue as well: Adler & Sullivan's Auditorium Building, Solon Beman's Fine Arts Building, Burnham and Root's Railway Exchange Building, and John Moutoussamy's Johnson Publishing Co. building, to name just a few. NASCAR and the Chicago Street Race highlight all of these distinctive — and very Chicago — buildings in a way that will endure. The best-known street course in the world has been in use for almost a century: the Grand Prix of Monaco in Monte Carlo. That enclave of wealth on the Mediterranean certainly doesn't need the grand prix in much the same way that Chicago doesn't need the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. But it's interesting to consider them together. The backdrop in Monaco includes the Belle Epoque Casino, the Mediterranean harbor, small shop fronts for luxury good purveyors and concrete cliffs filled with the pied-à-terre of the uber-rich. The NASCAR Chicago Street Race's background is, let's say, different. But it's just as compelling. And while Formula 1's multimillion-dollar bespoke cars reflect Monaco's place in the world economy, NASCAR's 'stock' cars are probably the best expression of Chicago. A bit brash, a bit ordinary, a lot noisy and prone to wrecks. Monaco is so good at its build that traffic navigates the racecourse within hours of on-track activity each day of the race weekend. It's too early to expect that here, but the build-out of the track and its support structures has become shorter with each year, reflecting NASCAR's efficiency and learning from experience. Finally, there's the racing itself. I had my doubts about how NASCAR's full body cars would race on this layout. But even with dreadful weather both years, it's proved to be a very entertaining track. The wide straightaways along Columbus and DuSable Lake Shore drives promote good side-by-side action and passing. Although the two one-block-long stretches on Michigan Avenue are good for photography, they are far too narrow to be either challenging or conducive to racing. But while the portion of track between them, the semicircular stretch through Congress Plaza, doesn't promote much passing, it is a great place to see up close how difficult these cars are to drive. The change in elevation — up and then down — while navigating a broad left turn really gets these cars to the edge of control, and it's quite entertaining to watch them skate through this section. And unlike the open wheel cars of IndyCar and Formula 1, not every contact between cars is likely to slow the race with a full-course yellow flag. Stock cars can often take some bumping and continue on without major incident. And it's proved to be a safe track as well. It will not be surprising if NASCAR announces in the coming days that it won't be back in Chicago next year. The initial contract runs its course with next week's race, although there are options for two additional years if NASCAR and the city agree to continue. The sanctioning body has let several other nontraditional races lapse after just a few years, and they're reportedly in talks with San Diego about a street race for 2026. Presumably there would be a lot less grit involved, but probably a lot better weather in store. Edward Keegan writes, broadcasts and teaches on architectural subjects. Keegan's biweekly architecture column is supported by a grant from former Tribune critic Blair Kamin, as administered by the not-for-profit Journalism Funding Partners. The Tribune maintains editorial control over assignments and content.
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
2026 Ford Mustang FX package channels Fox body glory with retro touches
The so-called "Fox body" Ford Mustangs, the third-generation cars built from 1979 through 1993, are enjoying a sort of nostalgia-driven renaissance in interest these days. Unsurprisingly, this is because those who were young when the Fox bodies were on sale are now older, maybe with some extra cash and spare garage space to start collecting these Mustangs off-lawn, so to speak. How "in" are Fox bodies these days? Ford is even getting in on the action with a new FX package that celebrates the Mustang defined by the 1980s. This isn't the first time Ford has dipped into Fox-body lore lately, either — when the current Mustang arrived for 2024, its digital gauge cluster even included a setting that recreates the Fox body's old-school analog gauge pack. The FX package takes the nostalgia a lot further, of course, with white badges, white wheels, retro "Mustang" lettering and more. It's available only on the Mustang GT Premium trim level, on both the coupe and convertible, and with or without the Performance package. Favorite Ford classics: These 10 old Ford Mustangs are hugely underappreciated It ain't real if it ain't teal Ford doesn't choose just any white paint for the FX package; since all things Mustang must treat time like a flat circle, everything you see painted white is, specifically, painted Oxford White, a hue that was available on the original Mustang. It's used for the "GT" badges, wheels, retro "Mustang" sticker on the rear glass (coupe only), and the "nostrils" in the grille on Performance package variants. There are two wheel designs and both evoke classic Fox body designs, with the version you see here adopting a slick turbofan style. The other version — for non-Performance-pack cars — is a classic five-spoke. Both wear color-matched center caps bearing "Mustang GT" lettering in what Ford says is a new font (that happens to look like an old, Fox-body font, but who's keeping close track?). In case you missed it: The 1969 Ford Mustang Boss legacy lives on Oh, and speaking of paint, the FX package introduces a new-for-2026 paint color (which also will be available on other '26 Mustangs): Adriatic Blue Metallic. Put simply, it's a rad teal color (pictured here) — what could be more Fox-body-era than that? Another new paint color this year is Orange Fury Metallic. It has no specific history linked to the Fox body, it's just worth mentioning since it hasn't been offered on the Mustang since 2019. Pivotal digital Setting aside how blown peoples' minds would have been if, in the 1980s, their Fox body Mustangs came with the sort of digitized dashboard that today's Mustang gets (FX package included), Ford has put some effort into backdating the FX's interior. Plaid-like seat inserts do a lot of the heavy lifting here, but remember, there's always that Fox body gauge cluster option. Less obvious is the Dark Alley interior trim borrowed from the Mustang Dark Horse model, as well as subtle blue stitching and a "Mustang GT" badge on the passenger-side dash. Ford hasn't outlined the FX package's price yet, but mentions that order books for the 2026 Mustang lineup overall open in later in June 2025. We'll surely find out then how much this retro FX package (and the Mustang overall) costs. But if you want to rock out with your 1980s out in a new-generation Mustang, you should definitely peep this one. Photos by manufacturer
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
RFK Racing and Trimble Launch Multi-Year Agreement Starting with 2025 NASCAR Season
Global Technology Leader Bringing 'Confidence at Every Turn' to the No. 60 and No. 17 Ford Mustangs Trimble 60 Car - Ryan Preece Trimble 17 Car - Chris Buescher CONCORD, N.C., May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RFK Racing today announced a multi-year sponsor partnership with Trimble, a global technology company that enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. The collaboration between Trimble and RFK will debut during the 2025 NASCAR season with Trimble's primary sponsorship on Ryan Preece's No. 60 Ford Mustang and Chris Buescher's No. 17 Ford Mustang, beginning with Preece's entry at Nashville Superspeedway on June 1. Trimble will increase its involvement across RFK Racing's full fleet in upcoming seasons, including Brad Keselowski's No. 6 Ford Mustang. The collaboration is rooted in a shared passion for innovation, precision, and high-performance teamwork—bringing Trimble's commitment to delivering 'Confidence at Every Turn' to the racetrack. 'This is a high-profile opportunity to expand awareness of Trimble by supporting a leading NASCAR team with a technology vision closely aligned with our own,' said Rob Painter, president and CEO of Trimble. 'Both organizations focus on cohesive technology ecosystems and data-driven precision as the formula for winning in dynamic and intensely competitive environments.' Trimble is a global technology company that employs more than 12,000 people worldwide and serves customers in over 175 countries. The company reported $3.68 billion in revenue in 2024. Customers in construction, transportation and geospatial industries rely on Trimble solutions to improve operational efficiency and project outcomes. 'Partnering with a forward-thinking, technology-driven company like Trimble is a great fit for RFK Racing,' said Steve Newmark, president of RFK Racing. 'Our team and Trimble operate in fast-paced, high-performance environments that demand precision and innovation. Their deep expertise and commitment to technology will bring valuable perspective and collaboration to our program.' Trimble will also join the RFK TeK Alliance, a collaborative platform where technology-oriented sponsors work together to test and refine products in applied racing and operational environments. 'Every week in NASCAR feels like a science project, where we're constantly testing, learning, and improving,' said RFK Racing driver and co-owner Brad Keselowski. 'Partnering with Trimble allows us to do more of that work in the digital space, refining our performance virtually before we ever hit the track. That kind of innovation is not only smart, it's essential in today's competitive environment.' 'NASCAR's 90 million fans include more than 17 million associated with the industry sectors we serve,' said Painter. 'The opportunity to join these stakeholders in the exciting NASCAR environment and to collaborate within the RFK TeK Alliance make this a compelling investment for Trimble.' ### About RFK Racing RFK Racing, in its 38th season in 2025, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport's most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox, English Premier League's Liverpool F.C., and the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing. About TrimbleTrimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it's helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress. For more information about Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB), visit: Attachments Trimble 60 Car - Ryan Preece Trimble 17 Car - Chris Buescher CONTACT: Mike Massaro RFK Racing (860) 680-7631 mmassaro@ Cole Peterson RFK Racing (402) 699-7224 cpeterson@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What Simon McNamara's return means for General Motors in Supercars
The rebuild of General Motors' Supercars program is due to take a big step this weekend at Symmons Plains. That may sound like an odd thing to say during the 2025 championship, in which a Chevrolet driver – Will Brown – leads the points, there are five Chevrolet drivers in the all-important top 10, and Triple Eight leads the teams' standings. Advertisement All that comes after two seasons of Supercars racing under the Gen 3 regulations, and two drivers' and teams' titles. In two seasons and 52 Supercars races, the wins have been split Chevrolet 38, Ford 14. The 'rebuild' is about the future, not the present. Next year Triple Eight, the pitlane's alpha team, will race Ford Mustangs. Walkinshaw Andretti United, in past days a consistent winner for Holden, will change brands again, from Ford to Toyota. And the Japanese make is circling for a second team to run its GR Supra Supercars, and rumours persist that Brad Jones Racing remains a candidate for that role. Enter – or more accurately, welcome back – Simon McNamara. The long-time Holden Motorsport and Sponsorship Manager has returned to the sport, confirming that he has taken on the role of GM Motorsports Supercars Racing Program Manager at General Motors. Between 2007 and 2017 McNamara was responsible for Holden's Supercars successes. Much of that winning was down to Triple Eight, which raced through the 2009 season without manufacturer branding after being dropped by Ford. Holden and McNamara swooped, the team swapped its Ford Falcons for Holden Commodores, and the rest is history: eight drivers' titles and 10 teams' championships. Holden Motorsport boss Simon McNamara Holden Motorsport boss Simon McNamara Chris Von Wieldt Chris Von Wieldt Advertisement But when GM shuttered its Holden brand, McNamara, a 22-year veteran of the company, departed. Triple Eight and fellow Chevrolet team Erebus Motorsport kept the winning streak alive, but there were stirrings at both Ford and Toyota. Almost exactly three years before McNamara's retur,n Ford recruited Ben Nightingale to its communications team. With a long history in the pitlane, including stints with Supercars itself and DJR Team Penske, it was not long before motorsport in general and Supercars in particular were added to his CV. Even though his role and McNamara's are not identical, it was on Nightingale's watch that Ford poached Triple Eight away to not only race Mustangs but be its homologation team, a role it has successfully filled for GM. That move creates the somewhat odd situation whereby, unless something unforeseen happens, the only two Supercars champions racing under the Chevrolet banner in 2026 will be Scott McLaughlin in IndyCar and Shane Van Gisbergen in NASCAR. Advertisement If BJR defects to Toyota, it also means that the 14-10 numerical advantage Chevrolet enjoys over Ford will evaporate, with 10 Mustangs, eight Camaros and six Supras on the grid. From the outside it looks like high on McNamara's to-do list will be to circle the wagons and ensure the remaining Chevrolet teams receive the technical and financial support they require to be competitive. But in light of the incoming changes on the grid for 2026, it could well be a rocky road for Chevrolet fans for at least a couple of seasons. Read Also: Team 18 takes over as General Motors' homologation team in Supercars Advertisement For the medium to long-term however, the news looks much brighter. The return of the no-nonsense McNamara would not have happened without a clear picture of what GM plans to do in Supercars in the medium to long-term. While Audi's nascent Formula 1 program has seen some of its other racing programs shrink or disappear altogether, GM's Cadillac F1 program does not appear to be a factor in compromising Supercars future – in fact, just the opposite. Clearly, whether what comes next from GM involves a new model Camaro, Cadillac or something else for what would likely be Supercars' Gen 4, McNamara is sure to play a big role in what that will look like. To read more articles visit our website.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Trio of Iconic Ford Mustangs Headed to Big Boy Toy Auction
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector Three Ford Mustangs spanning more than five decades of American muscle car evolution are set to hit the auction block, including a Vietnam veteran's original-owner 1969 fastback, a fully restored 1970 M-code Mustang, and a factory-sealed 2020 Shelby GT500. The standout among the trio is a 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback (VIN: 9F02R139371) equipped with the legendary 428-cubic-inch Cobra Jet V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. According to the seller, the car was purchased new in May 1969, just one month after returning from Vietnam. With fewer than 200 miles logged since its engine was rebuilt, the vehicle remains largely original and is accompanied by a Marti Report and its stock wheels. The odometer reads just 11,979 miles. Joining it is a 1970 Ford Mustang (VIN: 0T01M146864) that underwent a frame-off restoration. The M-code car is powered by a 351-cubic-inch V8 mated to a wide-ratio four-speed manual gearbox and a 3.00 Traction-Lok rear end. Finished in Wimbledon White, the Mustang is loaded with options including air conditioning, tilt steering column, color-keyed racing mirrors, and a Shaker hood. The car also features Competition Suspension and Magnum 500 wheels, with documentation supported by a Marti Report. The third Mustang is a modern classic—a 2020 Shelby GT500 (VIN: 1FA6P8SJ2L5503990) with only 11 miles on the odometer. Still wrapped in factory plastics and stored in a climate-controlled facility, this untouched example features a supercharged V8, Carbon Fiber Track Pack ($18K option), and hand-painted racing stripes ($10K option). Other highlights include Recaro leather seats, Brembo brakes, and a 12-inch digital display with the Technology Package. The ANNUAL SPRING BIG BOY TOY AUCTION takes place indoors on May 2nd and 3rd at the resort in French Lick Indiana. To consign, please contact Josh Settles at josh.s@ There will be 500+ lots for sale including classic cars and automobilia. Many vehicles are selling at NO RESERVE. Register to bid today! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
