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Is NASCAR's Testing Ban Setting Rookies Up to Fail?

Is NASCAR's Testing Ban Setting Rookies Up to Fail?

Is NASCAR's Testing Ban Setting Rookies Up to Fail?

A weekend in Tasmania; The 2026 Tasmania Super 440

A weekend in Tasmania; The 2026 Tasmania Super 440

A weekend in Tasmania; The 2026 Tasmania Super 440

Up And Down Season For Graham Rahal & RLL Racing

Up And Down Season For Graham Rahal & RLL Racing

Up And Down Season For Graham Rahal & RLL Racing

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Connor Zilisch won ten races in Xfinity last year and arrived in the Cup Series as one of the most hyped rookies NASCAR had seen in years. The results haven’t matched the hype and there is some criticism and concern. But before writing him off, it’s worth asking whether the problem is the driver or the system he was thrown into. We talked to Bubba Wallace, Ty Gibbs, Tyler Reddick, Isabella Robusto and Dale Jr and they gave their thoughts.

The drivers coming in are younger than ever 19 to 22 years old versus the 24 to 27 average before the testing ban. The cars are more complex than anything they have ever driven.

And the first time most of them get laps in a Cup car at full competition speed? Qualifying for the Daytona 500. ARCA driver Isabella Robusto put it simply “We have to learn a lot of it in the race, unfortunately.”

“We get so fixated, we as a sport in its entirety we see what Connor’s doing, he’s winning ten races, give him a Cup ride. And there’s a few of us going, okay, I think it’ll be easy. Just because he’s winning. If he won every race, it’s not going to be easy.” Wallace drew on his own experience too “I had all the confidence in the world and that immediately got shut down. Just how tough the Cup level is.”

Before NASCAR effectively banned open testing in 2015, rookies could spend hundreds of laps learning a car before the season even started. That changed when the restrictions came in to level the financial playing field.

“Not really. I mean, it’s just hard. I feel like Xfinity is pretty easy to be honest with you. Coming here, it’s a big leap. I think kids go out, win two races, and don’t really do anything outside of that they’re gonna get their ass kicked and that’s just how it is.” Gibbs was one of the most scrutinized rookies in recent memory after a crash-heavy debut season. He’s since found his footing and become a competitive presence at JGR.

NASCAR is never going back to unlimited testing but there’s a middle ground the sport hasn’t explored. Mandatory young driver practice appearances, structured rookie orientation across different track types, strict data sharing rules to keep it fair.

Connor Zilisch won ten races in Xfinity last year and arrived in the Cup Series as one of the most hyped rookies NASCAR had seen in years. The results haven’t matched the hype and there is some criticism and concern. But before writing him off, it’s worth asking whether the problem is the driver or the system he was thrown into. We talked to Bubba Wallace, Ty Gibbs, Tyler Reddick, Isabella Robusto and Dale Jr and they gave their thoughts.

The drivers coming in are younger than ever 19 to 22 years old versus the 24 to 27 average before the testing ban. The cars are more complex than anything they have ever driven.

And the first time most of them get laps in a Cup car at full competition speed? Qualifying for the Daytona 500. ARCA driver Isabella Robusto put it simply “We have to learn a lot of it in the race, unfortunately.”

“We get so fixated, we as a sport in its entirety we see what Connor’s doing, he’s winning ten races, give him a Cup ride. And there’s a few of us going, okay, I think it’ll be easy. Just because he’s winning. If he won every race, it’s not going to be easy.” Wallace drew on his own experience too “I had all the confidence in the world and that immediately got shut down. Just how tough the Cup level is.”

Before NASCAR effectively banned open testing in 2015, rookies could spend hundreds of laps learning a car before the season even started. That changed when the restrictions came in to level the financial playing field.

“Not really. I mean, it’s just hard. I feel like Xfinity is pretty easy to be honest with you. Coming here, it’s a big leap. I think kids go out, win two races, and don’t really do anything outside of that they’re gonna get their ass kicked and that’s just how it is.” Gibbs was one of the most scrutinized rookies in recent memory after a crash-heavy debut season. He’s since found his footing and become a competitive presence at JGR.

NASCAR is never going back to unlimited testing but there’s a middle ground the sport hasn’t explored. Mandatory young driver practice appearances, structured rookie orientation across different track types, strict data sharing rules to keep it fair.

How would you describe Checo’s Red Bull tenure in 3 words?

How would you describe Checo’s Red Bull tenure in 3 words?

Listening to a V8 improves your sleep schedule

Listening to a V8 improves your sleep schedule

Some pics from George who is at Pocono this weekend working on a new article

Some pics from George who is at Pocono this weekend working on a new article

Not an ideal lap one for Corey Day

Not an ideal lap one for Corey Day

ClipsandPics Pocono Day 1

ClipsandPics Pocono Day 1

Luke @luke__fln went through all 22 seats and mapped out what the 2028 F1 grid could realistically look like. Only four drivers are publically contracted for 2028 right now: Verstappen, Gasly, Piastri, and Leclerc, which means 18 seats are still wide open.

Luke @luke__fln went through all 22 seats and mapped out what the 2028 F1 grid could realistically look like. Only four drivers are publically contracted for 2028 right now: Verstappen, Gasly, Piastri, and Leclerc, which means 18 seats are still wide open.

Which trophy would you rather have in your trophy cabinet

Which trophy would you rather have in your trophy cabinet

Denny Hamlin dominated at Michigan, winning by 11.11 seconds for his second straight victory and third of the season. The win ties him with Kyle Busch for ninth on NASCAR’s all-time wins list and moves him closer to Tyler Reddick in the championship standings. After the race when Hamlin openly discussed retirement, admitting he is already preparing for the day his eyesight, reactions, or body finally begin to slow him down. With a contract through 2027 JGR have young prospect Brent Crews waiting in the wings to take over the famed 11 car.

The 2026 Pro Motocross season opened at Hangtown and Jett Lawrence wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the best riders in the world. Returning from an offseason ankle injury, Lawrence topped qualifying and swept both motos while beating brother Hunter Lawrence each time. In Moto 2, Hunter closed the gap and looked ready to challenge before Jett responded with a blistering sprint that instantly stretched the lead back out.

Mercedes-AMG announced a surprise leadership change as motorsport boss Christoph Sagemuller will leave the company at the end of June. Simon Wilbers, who has overseen the marketing and commercial side of the program since 2018, will take over as head of motorsport beginning July 1. The transition comes during a strong period for Mercedes-AMG, with victories at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and Bathurst 12 Hour, along with a lead in the DTM championship standings. Wilbers now inherits the challenge of guiding the next generation GT3 program while managing the ongoing restructuring of Mercedes-AMG’s racing operations.

Denny Hamlin dominated at Michigan, winning by 11.11 seconds for his second straight victory and third of the season. The win ties him with Kyle Busch for ninth on NASCAR’s all-time wins list and moves him closer to Tyler Reddick in the championship standings. After the race when Hamlin openly discussed retirement, admitting he is already preparing for the day his eyesight, reactions, or body finally begin to slow him down. With a contract through 2027 JGR have young prospect Brent Crews waiting in the wings to take over the famed 11 car.

The 2026 Pro Motocross season opened at Hangtown and Jett Lawrence wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the best riders in the world. Returning from an offseason ankle injury, Lawrence topped qualifying and swept both motos while beating brother Hunter Lawrence each time. In Moto 2, Hunter closed the gap and looked ready to challenge before Jett responded with a blistering sprint that instantly stretched the lead back out.

Mercedes-AMG announced a surprise leadership change as motorsport boss Christoph Sagemuller will leave the company at the end of June. Simon Wilbers, who has overseen the marketing and commercial side of the program since 2018, will take over as head of motorsport beginning July 1. The transition comes during a strong period for Mercedes-AMG, with victories at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and Bathurst 12 Hour, along with a lead in the DTM championship standings. Wilbers now inherits the challenge of guiding the next generation GT3 program while managing the ongoing restructuring of Mercedes-AMG’s racing operations.

Not a great rookie season for the phenom makes you think maybe NASCAR should bring back testing so rookies aren’t thrown to the wolves. What do you think?

Not a great rookie season for the phenom makes you think maybe NASCAR should bring back testing so rookies aren’t thrown to the wolves. What do you think?

How has Kyle Larson been in 2026?

How has Kyle Larson been in 2026?

I fear I would spend 90% of my paycheck on this

🎥 @b4dcowboy

I fear I would spend 90% of my paycheck on this

🎥 @b4dcowboy

At this point in their young careers who do you think is the better driver skill wise? And to think they are in the top series of their respective Motorsports after karting against each other 10 years ago

At this point in their young careers who do you think is the better driver skill wise? And to think they are in the top series of their respective Motorsports after karting against each other 10 years ago

What win or iconic performance immediately comes to mind when you hear the name Kyle Busch?

What win or iconic performance immediately comes to mind when you hear the name Kyle Busch?

Everyone loves a good V8 🔥

Everyone loves a good V8 🔥

Max Verstappen gave his thoughts on oval racing, hopefully one day he can put his 4500 oval irating to the test 😂

Max Verstappen gave his thoughts on oval racing, hopefully one day he can put his 4500 oval irating to the test 😂

Jean Girard has 10 championships in this series

Jean Girard has 10 championships in this series

WHAT A FINISH!

WHAT A FINISH!

Clean or dirty racing?

Clean or dirty racing?

He was FLYING!

He was FLYING!

Open lobbies irl

Open lobbies irl

Here are 5 riders to watch in this season of Pro Motocross! What are your championship predictions?

Here are 5 riders to watch in this season of Pro Motocross! What are your championship predictions?

A big reason older NASCAR engines had that sharp, high-pitched scream was the X-pipe exhaust design 🔥

An X-pipe connects both exhaust banks and allows pressure waves to balance between sides of the engine. That crossover improves scavenging by helping pull exhaust gases out of the cylinders more efficiently, especially at higher RPM. The result is smoother airflow, reduced turbulence, and a more exotic-style tone compared to the deeper uneven sound you get from traditional dual pipes or H-pipes.

In NASCAR, where Cup engines were turning 9,000+ RPM for hours at tracks like Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, the X-pipe amplified that signature scream

A big reason older NASCAR engines had that sharp, high-pitched scream was the X-pipe exhaust design 🔥

An X-pipe connects both exhaust banks and allows pressure waves to balance between sides of the engine. That crossover improves scavenging by helping pull exhaust gases out of the cylinders more efficiently, especially at higher RPM. The result is smoother airflow, reduced turbulence, and a more exotic-style tone compared to the deeper uneven sound you get from traditional dual pipes or H-pipes.

In NASCAR, where Cup engines were turning 9,000+ RPM for hours at tracks like Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, the X-pipe amplified that signature scream

Who would you sign right now? Prime Jeff Gordon or Prime Jimmie Johnson?

Who would you sign right now? Prime Jeff Gordon or Prime Jimmie Johnson?

The outdoor season is here and if you’ve never watched Pro Motocross before, now is the time to start. It has 2 classes, each with 11 rounds, 22 motos, and some of the most physically demanding racing on the planet the season starts off this weekend in California. Part 2 is coming with the riders to watch.

Videos: @russography518

The outdoor season is here and if you’ve never watched Pro Motocross before, now is the time to start. It has 2 classes, each with 11 rounds, 22 motos, and some of the most physically demanding racing on the planet the season starts off this weekend in California. Part 2 is coming with the riders to watch.

Videos: @russography518

How will he do in his 450 debut?

How will he do in his 450 debut?

What is the win or performance that will come to always come to mind when you hear the name Lewis Hamilton?

What is the win or performance that will come to always come to mind when you hear the name Lewis Hamilton?

Who is the best driver born in the year 2000?

Who is the best driver born in the year 2000?

NASCAR lost one of its greatest last week. Kyle Busch passed away at 41 from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis. He had two championships, 63 Cup wins, and a legacy that will never be matched. RCR announced the No. 8 is retired until Brexton Busch is ready to carry it forward. And that the Cup team will run the number 33 with presumably Austin Hill behind the wheel.

Felix Rosenqvist’s Indy 500 win was already historic the closest finish in race history. Now add the largest purse in the event’s history to it. The total payout hit $30.9 million, a 50 percent jump over last year, with Rosenqvist taking home $4.34 million. Mick Schumacher earned Rookie of the Year after finishing 18th and collected $218,800 total. 🏆

Alex Marquez will miss both Mugello and Balaton Park as he continues recovering from a broken right collarbone and a minor C7 vertebra fracture suffered at Barcelona. He won’t return until at least the Czech Grand Prix on June 21. Meanwhile his brother Marc is also sidelined after foot and shoulder surgery from the French Grand Prix the week before. 🏍️

NASCAR lost one of its greatest last week. Kyle Busch passed away at 41 from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis. He had two championships, 63 Cup wins, and a legacy that will never be matched. RCR announced the No. 8 is retired until Brexton Busch is ready to carry it forward. And that the Cup team will run the number 33 with presumably Austin Hill behind the wheel.

Felix Rosenqvist’s Indy 500 win was already historic the closest finish in race history. Now add the largest purse in the event’s history to it. The total payout hit $30.9 million, a 50 percent jump over last year, with Rosenqvist taking home $4.34 million. Mick Schumacher earned Rookie of the Year after finishing 18th and collected $218,800 total. 🏆

Alex Marquez will miss both Mugello and Balaton Park as he continues recovering from a broken right collarbone and a minor C7 vertebra fracture suffered at Barcelona. He won’t return until at least the Czech Grand Prix on June 21. Meanwhile his brother Marc is also sidelined after foot and shoulder surgery from the French Grand Prix the week before. 🏍️

WHAT A FINISH!

WHAT A FINISH!

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