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Lavar Scott, a 22-year-old NASCAR driver from New Jersey, is joining the 2026 OReilly Auto Parts Series as a Rookie of the Year contender. Hell drive the number forty-five Chevrolet Camaro for Alpha Prime Racing, a team known for their strong performance in the series. Scott, who has impressed in the ARCA Menards Series, is excited about this significant step up in his career.

Lando Norris secures his first Formula One World Drivers Championship, clinching the title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Finishing third, Norris outscored race winner Max Verstappen by a mere two points. This victory marks a historic moment for the young British driver and his team, McLaren, ending an eight-year drought since Lewis Hamiltons championship win. Norriss former teammate, Carlos Sainz, congratulated him, praising his talent and authenticity, and expressing hope that Norris remains true to himself despite the added pressure of being a world champion.

Frankie Muniz, known for his acting role in Malcolm in the Middle, is making a full-time return to NASCARs Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, driving for Team Reaume. Hell also compete in the SRO GT4 America Series. Muniz, 40, is committed to a full season, with Aerial Titans and Morgan and Morgan as major sponsors. The season begins at Daytona on February 13th, broadcast on FS One, NASCAR Radio Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Max Verstappen, after a tense exchange with a journalist, defended his season performance following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The journalist suggested that Verstappens collision with George Russell in Spain cost him the championship, but Verstappen argued that the season is decided over twenty-four rounds, not just one incident. He emphasized that such events are part of racing and that drivers learn from them.

Nick Sanchez, a promising NASCAR rookie, wont return to Big Machine Racing for the 2026 season. Despite a strong rookie campaign, including a playoff appearance and a win, the team hasnt announced his replacement. The new season kicks off on February 14th.

Rick Ware Racing Makes a Big Move: Switching to Chevrolet and Partnering with Richard Childress Racing for the 2026 NASCAR Season

In the thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, McLarens Andrea Stella recounts the nerve-wracking first-lap battle between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Despite the tension, both drivers executed their strategies flawlessly, with Piastri pulling off a stunning overtake to secure second place. The team had anticipated a potential position swap and emphasized safety, ultimately aiming to challenge Verstappen with Piastris hard tires. However, Verstappens strong performance secured his victory, raising the bar for McLarens championship challenge.

Oscar Piastri, the twenty-four-year-old racing sensation, made a remarkable run for the two thousand twenty-five Drivers Championship. Despite not being a pre-season favorite, Piastri led the championship for seventeen out of twenty-four races, from his victory in Bahrain all the way to the Mexican Grand Prix in October. Heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi, Piastri was sixteen points behind his teammate Lando Norris and just four points shy of Max Verstappen. Ultimately, Max Verstappen secured his third consecutive win at Abu Dhabi, claiming the championship. Piastri finished second in that race, placing him third overall in the final standings with four hundred ten points. Despite not taking home the championship trophy, Piastris maturity and calm demeanor throughout the intense season earned him widespread respect. With his contract extended with McLaren until two thousand twenty-eight, Piastri has many more years to compete for a championship title.