Be Ready for the Madness at BGS

January 27, 2025

^{Jan 27, 2025 | Edition #129}

👋 Dear Motorheads,

The season is kicking off in just a few weeks, and the excitement is on. With a revamped Spire Motorsports, Trackhouse Racing’s new three-car lineup, and the rapid rise of 23XI Racing, we have a feeling the veteran teams are in for a challenge.

But could rain throw a wrench in the plans for Bowman Gray? A cancellation or rescheduling would be a letdown, but let’s see how NASCAR will accommodate the situation.

🔎 The In-Depth View

Jimmie Johnson’s Grand Plans for LMC

It seems like only yesterday that Jimmie Johnson became the owner of Legacy Motor Club. And why not, it has only been two seasons. But JJ’s already being a visionary and thinking about the next steps for his team. But, not in NASCAR he is thinking IMSA and more!

Hits like a deja vu right? Just months ago, Justin Marks was talking about massive expansion plans for Indy 500 and Formula One especially when they are already into MotoGP and Rolex 24. And, you need to see how Johnson responded to that. Listen to this conversation.

Yes, their preference is Toyota. Of Course, Toyota has a massive presence in Global Motorsports (like the WRC). And addressing the big question: is it too much or too soon as they are yet to expand on the NASCAR side?

Here’s the thing. Jimmie Johnson can take inspiration from Marks in this too. Trackhouse Racing is just a year older and has already made a Championship 4 appearance, and has 8 wins, and 46 top fives! Marks also has a successful in-house developmental program; ‘Project 91.’ So, JJ maybe we focus on NASCAR first!

And if at all, LMC is taking inspiration, 23XI racing is a great one. Started in 2021. 8 wins, 46 top 5s, and a championship 4 performance. And Michael Jordan’s team has more similarities to LMC.

Both Toyota teams ✅
Both have NASCAR greats as owners ✅

So, if Johnson can ride on Toyota’s back for expansion, why not in NASCAR too? You have a resource as successful as Joe Gibbs Racing in the Toyota team. So gathering your own data is surprising (might give a competitive edge in the long run). But still, this is why despite having someone like Erik Jones, they are racing a backmarker.

Maybe Johnson should get a celebrity co-owner too. Like how 23XI has MJ and Trackhouse has Pitbull. Seriously though, all eyes are on them in 2025. Let’s see what the plethora of changes they have made, amounts to!

Watch This: Pitbull’s Interesting 2024 Daytona 500 Pre-Race Interview

🗣️ Talk of the Town

“The Clash” Might Be a Wet One, Again

The Lucky Dog did not jinx it…But we were wondering what if it rains at Bowman Gray Stadium? Truly it would be a bummer. We don’t want a Turn 1 crash like 2019 where the radio guy kept saying GO GO GO GO GOoo… and the next thing we know 7-8 cars pilling up on the wet track. Watch the footage from the race.

But there was a forecast for rain; 39% chance of rain at 6 p.m. ET. That’s when the practice and qualifying start. And then a 43% chance of rain during the heat races at around 8 p.m.

Then on Sunday, there’s a 9% chance of rain at 6 p.m. for the final qualifying race. But when 'the Clash' is under green flags, it's predicted to be a clear sky. But Winston-Salem’s weather is always unpredictable. And it’s still a week away!

And considering the upgrades on Turns, it would even be a first for the likes of Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, and a few others. Everyone who ran there in ARCA between 2011-2015. But, wait… Larson could have a game plan like he did back in the day. You must see what worked for Larson[ who was a teenager] years ago.

And, if it rains, canceling or rescheduling would anyway be the most logical step. Running the 200 laps without any amount of practice is not advisable. And, even though it is not a points race, NASCAR wouldn’t want the hype of BGS’s return to die down. They made an entire documentary to ensure fans were glued to the screens. Take a look at the trailer.

Like the documentary, maybe the rain is also part of NASCAR’s grand plan [Well it can’t be!]

A rain-filled Madhouse race would be epic! NASCAR might take a chance since the SAFER barriers are in place. After all, we all want a thriller.

🏁 Lucky Dog’s Quick Poll 🏁

What’s Your Take on a Rain-Filled Madhouse Race?

🗞️ NASCAR Shorts!

Kyle Busch’s Pre-Game Speech

Did you know Kyle Busch was such a die-hard hockey fan? The Lucky Dog was equally surprised! Rowdy recently stomped into the Greenville Swamp Rabbits' dressing room to pump the team up (and announce the starting lineup).

Yes, he did that! He even shared the game plan. Honestly, we were moved. Here’s for you; Busch's ‘The Motivator.’

🏆 Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday

The HMS Garage Sale is Live

So, Hendrick Motorsport is auctioning anything and everything they don’t want from the Gen 5/Gen 6 era. Mostly Gen 6, though! And, it’s got everything needed to start an ARCA team; from the car, accessories, and even the pit lane necessities.

3000+ items would probably take us 10 editions. So the Lucky Dog picked a few favorites.

Jimmie Johnson’s 2011 car. Yes, the same car in which he crashed at Charlotte (this one).
But don’t worry, it's intact. It has a seven-gallon fuel tank and full bodywork. Just the battery is not there. All this for a little over $18,000.
Kasey Kahne’s 2015 Cup Series car. And parts from the car that Jeff Gordon (2013/14) and Chase Elliott (2017/18) drove. The best part about this one is that the bodywork is still wrapped in Elliott's No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts scheme. Have a look.
A simulator pod (designed like Johnson’s #48 car). And, this is a cool one. Check out the two colors it's available in.

We feel that the best part is whatever you buy has a story to it. Rather some racing history probably. Owing anything from HMS history is a NASCAR collectors' dream. Winningest NASCAR Cup team (300+), most champions (14, drivers + owners).

Over 4,500 race starts. A buyer here would literally own a part of all this. HMS is also probably the NASCAR team that has given us the most amount of legends.

The auction is wrapping up fast. And it’s an online auction. So you can just bid for something that you’d like from your homes. Here is the link to it.

📈 Trending News

Return of ‘the Rock’ Keeps Getting Interesting

Like BGS, all of us are equally excited about the comeback of Rockingham Speedway. It did not get a Cup date (fingers crossed for 2026) but still it’s going to be a hell of a race in Xfinity and the Truck Series. And making it a must-watch... folks, Kasey Kahne is running the race in Xfinity.

Yes, Kasey Kahne, NASCAR’s prince charming, one of NASCAR's most iconic figures, is making a surprise return after a 7-year hiatus. This time, he's driving the #33 car for Richard Childress Racing, with a sponsorship from Hendrickcars.com. It's an unexpected return—especially after 7 years, all thanks to Richard Childress and Rick Hendrick.

We’d suggest RCR should now reserve that # 33 car for one-off veteran appearances (can call it Project 33). Like how Kyle Busch drove it to P6 at Charlotte Motor Speedway last year and now Kahne is.

And this comeback is extra special. Probably the last memory of Rockingham for many fans is that battle between Matt Kenseth and Kasey Kahne. Kahne almost took the win at the last second! Check out this video from the last Cup race at Rockingham.

After the 2004 race, The Truck Series returned there in 2012. And guess who was the winner? It was more of a cakewalk than a win for Kahne. You see this finish and decide how many car lengths is!

And, if you are thinking Kahne has not reached the glory drivers dream of but he was one consistent driver. 15 seasons, 18 wins, 93 top 5s, and 2012 was his best season (P4). He has won four crown jewels; 3 times the Coca-Cola 600 and the Brickyard 400.

And folks, the race is on April 19th, but Kasey Kahne fans don’t have to wait that long. NASCAR is holding a pre-season testing session at the track. And we all are allowed, free of charge, to watch the drivers and teams prepare for the events at 9 a.m on 28th Jan. So if you are nearby, hit the track! And April isn’t far either. Kahne’s entry makes it worth the wait.

Continue Reading: Offended Fans Brutally Bash FOX for Ignoring NASCAR

📰 Lucky Dog's Recommended Reads

Rick Hendrick’s $3.7 Million Corvette Purchase Has Fans Talking - Full Story
Dale Jr.'s Super Bowl Dream Ends in Heartbreak - Full Story
NASCAR Honors Kobe Bryant with Heartfelt Tributes - Full Story
Jimmie Johnson Challenges Shaquille O'Neal - Full Story
Kyle Busch Makes a Heartbreaking Daytona 500 Confession - Full Story