Marco Andretti is set to attempt to make his 20th Indianapolis 500 start this year with Andretti Global and backing from Mapei, the team announced Tuesday.

After its debut with Andretti last season, Mapei, one of the worlds leading manufacturers of chemical products for the building industry, will return for its second season of NTT IndyCar Series competition as the primary sponsor for Andrettis No. 98 Honda.

Our partnership with Mapei over the 2024 season was such an excellent addition to our Andretti IndyCar program, said Doug Bresnahan, Chief Commercial Officer at Andretti Global.

The constant of the Mapei brand on Kyle Kirkwoods No. 27 throughout the full season paired with Mapeis increased presence as the primary partner for Marco Andrettis No. 98 at the 2024 Indianapolis 500 was the perfect way for our team to expose a new partner to all the great opportunities the NTT IndyCar Series has to offer, and we are honored to have Mapei back on board in 2025 for what is sure be another exciting season. 

Mapei will continue to serve as an official partner on the No. 27 Honda piloted by Kyle Kirkwood for the entirety of the IndyCar Series season.

Throughout his career in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, Andretti has a pole position in 2020, four top-three finishes and eight top-10 results.

BISHA, Saudi Arabia Tuesdays Stage Three of the Dakar Rally between Bisha and Al Henakiyah produced another dramatic day of action as Swede Mattias Ekström moved up into the top three overall to lead the charge for Ford M-Sport following the retirement of reigning champion Carlos Sainz.

He now lies nine minutes and 34 seconds behind Ultimate leader Henk Lategan with Nasser Al-Attiyah in second place. Forty-six-year-old Ekström, who can still count on teammates Mitch Guthrie Jr. and Nani Roma for support, said, For our part, we did our best to drive smart today. Were happy with where we are.

Sadly for Frenchman Sébastien Loeb, his quest for a first Dakar Rally title took a hit when he lost over an hour after his Dacia Sandrider turned sideways and rolled at high-speed. Despite the car sustaining serious damage, he was able to continue after teammate Cristina Gutiérrez handed over spare parts.

I hit a rut that turned us sideways and the car rolled, Loeb said. There wasnt so much damage, but after 50 kilometers we broke a steering rod. Cristina stopped to give us one, but after that the front engine fan stopped working.

Seth Quintero and Belgian Guillaume De Mévius both finished in the top four with the American not far off a second 2025 stage win.

We got stuck in the dust for quite a long time in the beginning, Quintero said. Once we got past a few guys, we were able to set sail. Unfortunately, we got a slow puncture just before the finish and that cost us the stage win.

Australian Daniel Sanders saw his overall bike lead eaten into by his rivals with Argentine Luciano Benavides making up five minutes on the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider, who had to overcome the fact his electronic roadbook stopped working.

My tablet stopped working, so I couldnt navigate, Sanders said. I was lost out there and I picked the wrong person to follow. Its unfortunate.

Spaniard Edgar Canet leads the Rally2 category after three stages for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

The Challenger standings saw teammates Gonçalo Guerreiro and Corbin Leaverton both lose precious ground to leader Nicolas Cavigliasso, however home rider Dania Akeel produced a superb performance to finish just 26 seconds off the Argentine on the day.

It was a rocky, twisty stage with nice navigation to figure out, Akeel said. It was hard to gain time because it was so fast.

Elsewhere, Dakar legend Francisco Chaleco López dusted himself off quickly from his Stage 2 disappointment to earn his first SSV stage win this year with Wednesdays Stage Four seeing the convoy take on the first half of the 47th editions gruelling Marathon Stage.

The competitors will be plunged into the spectacular canyons of AlUla and will have to bring along their own tool kits with no mechanics on hand overnight.

The 39th Chili Bowl Nationals at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Okla., is set to take flight in one week, beginning with the first qualifying action on Jan. 13.

The event, which has drawn 371 entries as of this writing, is stacked with current and future stars across multiple motorsports disciplines.

Heres a look at some notable drivers to keep an eye on (sorted by qualifying day) throughout the week as drivers seek a spot in the 40-lap, $20,000-to-win feature.

Monday

Kyle Larson (No. 1k)

2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is back again at the Tulsa Expo Center as he eyes another Golden Driller. 

Larson, who was a last-minute entry in 2024, looks to notch his third victory in the historic midget event after previous triumphs in 2020 and 2021.

Nick Hoffman (No. 2h)

World of Outlaws Late Model Series star Nick Hoffman is set to embark on his fifth Chili Bowl Nationals.

Hoffman has never made the Saturday feature as he has a best result of 18th (2024) in the B-main.

Justin Peck (No. 5p)

High Limit Racing regular Justin Peck is set to contest his ninth Chili Bowl this year. 

Peck, who will pilot Rudeen Racings No. 26 in the 410 sprint car category, has a best finish of 24th in the 2017 feature. 

Cannon McIntosh (No. 71k)

Reigning Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series champion Cannon McIntosh may be one of the top threats to win the main event. 

With three preliminary victories and a best finish of third (twice) in the feature in six starts at the Chili Bowl, McIntosh will be strong aboard KKM Racings No. 71k.

Tuesday

Brad Sweet (No. 3t)

Last years High Limit Racing champion Brad Sweet is back aboard a midget inside the Tulsa Expo Center for the first time since 2022. 

Sweet, who has 11 previous starts, has made the finale six times with a best finish of third (2013). 

Thomas Meseraull (No. 7x)

Perhaps the story of last season was the drama surrounding Thomas Meseraull and McIntoshs run-in during the Saturday night B-main.

While Meseraull was left on the outside of the A-main, he heads back to Tulsa with 23 previous starts under his belt. The driver nicknamed T-Mez has banked two top-10 finishes in his career.

Ricky Thornton Jr. (No. 19r)

Reigning Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series champion Ricky Thornton Jr. continues his dabble in open wheel racing with his fourth attempt at the Chili Bowl this year.

RTJ will be looking to improve on his ninth-place result in the 2023 B-main.

Hank Davis (No. 29s)

Making start No. 6 this year at the Chili Bowl is Hank Davis. An upset victory two years ago in his preliminary night was the start of something special for the Oklahoma native. 

After placing 20th in the 2023 A-main, Davis backed up his performance with a second-place prelim night run and a fifth-place feature finish last year.

Davis may be a serious contender to keep an eye on.

Kaylee Bryson (No. 57)

After becoming the first female to reach the A-main of the Chili Bowl Nationals in 2022, Kaylee Bryson is looking for similar success in her seventh attempt.

Bryson has reached the A-main twice in her career with a best finish of 18th in 2022. While last year was a struggle (placed 13th in the E-main), her ceiling remains high on how far she can go in the famed alphabet soup. 

Buddy Kofoid (No. 71)

One of open-wheel racings top young stars, Buddy Kofoid, returns to the Chili Bowl Nationals for a sixth time in hopes of finally winning a Golden Driller trophy.

Kofoid won his prelim night last year and followed it up with a near victory in the feature, where he eventually lost the battle to two-time winner Logan Seavey.

The Penngrove, Calif. native snagged World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series rookie of the year honors on the strength of seven victories and a fourth-place points finish. 

Ty Gibbs (No. 81)

Making his debut in the Chili Bowl Nationals is NASCAR Cup Series driver, Ty Gibbs. 

The grandson of NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs has dipped his toes in more dirt racing recently, including the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Californias Ventura Raceway.

Wednesday

Sammy Swindell (No. 1)

Five-time Chili Bowl winner Sammy Swindell is set to return to the Tulsa Expo Center for a whopping 35th time.

The National Sprint Car Hall of Famer boasts 17 top-10 finishes in the event, with his last coming in 2015.

Last year, Swindell reached the E-main, where he finished 15th. 

Katherine Legge (No. 12)

IMSA and IndyCar Series driver Katherine Legge will attempt her first Chili Bowl run this year.

Legge, whos never competed on dirt, has competed in the Indianapolis 500, Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Pikes Peak Intl Hill Climb. Shell pilot a midget for Abacus Racing. 

J.J. Yeley (No. 3j)

One of USACs all-time greats, J.J. Yeley, is still seeking his first Golden Driller as he embarks on his 29th Chili Bowl Nationals.

Yeley has reached the A-main four times with a best finish of second in 2007. The former full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver reached the F-main last season, however, failed to start the event. 

Kody Swanson (No. 4p)

Eight-time USAC Silver Crown champion Kody Swanson is set to contest his eighth Chili Bowl this season and his first in two years.

Coming off another Silver Crown title, Swanson has never reached the A-main at the Tulsa Expo Center. He has a best result of 19th in the C-main (2023). 

Steven Snyder Jr. (No. 40x)

Heading into his fourth Chili Bowl, Steven Snyder Jr. may be a sleeper this year. Snyder reached the A-main for the first time in his career last year, however, was unable to contest the event.

Snyder turned heads during the Tulsa Shootout as he charged to the front of the Non-Wing Outlaw feature from 21st, eventually passing leader Chrsitoipher Bell. Snyders run, however, was cut short due to a flat tire.

Corey Day (No. 41)

This year may be Corey Days opportunity to snag a Golden Driller at the Tulsa Expo Center. 

Day is coming off his best Chili Bowl result last year where he won his preliminary night and finished third in the feature. 

The Clovis, Calif., native won Novembers Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ventura Raceway.

Emerson Axsom (No. 68k)

Emerson Axsom has reached the A-main the last two seasons with a best finish of fifth in 2023. 

Axsom, who transitioned to winged sprint cars last year, tallied a handful of victories in 410 competition last year, including the season finale win at Iowas Knoxville Raceway.

Daison Pursley (No. 86)

Last years hard charger in the Chili Bowl A-main, Daison Pursley, is expected to challenge for a Golden Driller again. While he stated 20th, Pursley poured on a stout performance to snag a career-best fourth in the event.

Pursley has plenty of momentum on his side after snagging the USAC National Midget Series championship in 2024. 

Thursday

Spencer Bayston (No. 1s)

Making his 11th Chili Bowl appearance, Spencer Bayston has reached the A-main six times.

Bayston, who placed eighth in the feature and snagged a prelim victory last year, notched a third-place finish in 2018. 

Christopher Bell (No. 71w)

Perhaps the driver with the most momentum heading into the Chili Bowl is NASCAR Cup Series star Christopher Bell.

Bell, who was given the green light to compete in select dirt races by team owner Joe Gibbs, made the most of his first opportunity of the season during the Tulsa Shootout.

Bell scored a victory in the Non-Wing Outlaw feature after holding off a late challenge from Kyle Larson.

Bell won three straight Chili Bowls between 2017 and 2019.

Tanner Thorson (No. 88)

2022 Chili Bowl winner Tanner Thorson is looking for redemption this year after he was unable to contest last years A-main. 

Thorsons résumé is stout in 11 previous starts with eight top-10 finishes and an average finish of 6.55. 

Friday

Santino Ferrucci (No. 16)

NTT IndyCar Series veteran Santino Ferrucci teamed with Abacus Racing for this years Chili Bowl Nationals.

Ferrucci, who scored his first career IndyCar Series pole at Oregons Portland Intl Raceway last season, has four previous starts in one of dirt racings most prestigious events.

He has a best result of sixth in the G-main (2023). 

Tyler Courtney (No. 23c)

Last years High Limit Racing points runner-up, Tyler Courtney, is set for attempt No. 13 at the Chili Bowl. 

Courtney reached the B-main last season (17th), however, has a two top-10 finishes in the feature with a best result of sixth (2017, 2019).

Logan Seavey (No. 39)

Two-time and defending Chili Bowl winner Logan Seavey is looking to make it three straight inside the Tulsa Expo Center.

Seavey has been flawless the last two years with victories in both the prelim and feature races. 

The 27-year-old collected a championship in USAC National Sprint Car Series competition last year. 

Kyle Busch (No. 51k)

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch will make his Chili Bowl debut after competing in the Tulsa Shootout last week. 

Busch contested a handful of USAC Midget events at the end of last season, including the Turkey Night Grand Prix. 

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (No. 86x)

Another NASCAR Cup Series driver, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., will contest the Chili Bowl Nationals this year.

Stenhouse is no stranger to the iconic midget event as hell make his 18th start.

While Stenhouses alphabet soup run ended at the C-main last year, hes snagged three top 10s over the years, with a best finish of seventh in 2021. 

BROWNSBURG, Ind. Alexis DeJoria is headed to Joe Maynards JCM Racing team for the upcoming NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, it was announced by both parties Tuesday afternoon.

DeJoria will join Maynards multi-car operation where she will pilot the Bandero Premium Tequila Funny Car. DeJoria previously drove for Del Worsham and the DC Motorsports team where she advanced to the final round seven times including powering to victory at the 2021 Bristol, Tenn. event during the teams run from 2020 through the 2024 season.

Prior, she competed under the Kalitta Motorsports banner from 2011 through 2017.

First and foremost, I want to share my appreciation for Del Worsham and all he has done for me and my career, DeJoria said. He has been with me since day one. I licensed in his Funny Car way back in 2011. He was my first crew chief at Kalitta Motorsports. Del and I have really been in the trenches as teammates.

Hes my mentor, my closest confidante, and really, my brother. We had several candid conversations over these last few months about the future of the team. He expressed wanting to take some time to reevaluate the direction of his career, and I wholeheartedly support that.

Im really looking forward to this next chapter in my career, competing as a member of the JCM Racing team, DeJoria added. Its been many years since I was part of a multi-car operation and Im excited for that opportunity. From my very first conversation with Joe about us potentially teaming up, I knew this was going to be a good fit. His enthusiasm for the sport is incredible, and the impact he has made on this industry in just a few years time is undeniable.

I have unfinished business on the track, and I have no doubt our Bandero team will be dialed in and ready to perform when we get to Gainesville for the Gatornationals season opener in two months.

DeJoria is a six-time Funny Car national event winner including her victory from the prestigious 60th annual U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, and brings nearly two decades of experience to JCM Racing. Before making her professional debut at the 2011 Dallas event, DeJoria also found success competing in the NHRAs Super Comp and Top Alcohol categories. With her two Sportsman wins, she is an eight-time race winner overall and is the only driver to own the trifecta of Super Comp, Top Alcohol Funny Car, and Funny Car victories. She also became the first woman to clock a sub-four-second Funny Car pass during the 2014 NHRA Winternationals.

Its clear to me that Alexis is a racer through and through, said Maynard, who successfully launched his JCM Racing team at the 2022 NHRA Northwest Nationals and went on to win that event in his first weekend of team ownership. Were both here for the love of the sport and thats important to me. Thats why my family and I first started our team to begin with. We were fans first, then sponsors, and then team owners. Thats how we felt we could best support NHRA Drag Racing, and Alexis shares that same love of the sport. I also want to share my gratitude to Del for making this transition process so smooth. As a fellow team owner and friend, I have nothing but respect for him.

Were very excited to have Alexis in our stable this year. Shes hungry for race wins and a championship, and wed love nothing more than to give her the tools and support to go out there and become NHRAs first female Funny Car world champion.

DeJoria will make her JCM Racing debut at the NHRA pre-season test session scheduled for March 4 5 at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Fla. Her crew chief, along with the full 2025 JCM Racing driver lineup, will be announced at a later date.

Shell join JCMs Top Fuel drivers Tony Schumacher and Ida Zetterström.

CONCORD, N.C. Three years removed from his rookie season in 2022, Max Blair is again signed as a World of Outlaws Late Model Series driver.

Blair and Centerline Motorsports will commence the World of Outlaws season at Volusia Speedway Park during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Jan. 22-25) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Feb. 13-15) with an eye on the full World of Outlaws season.

Last year, Blair finished third in the DIRTcar Nationals finale one of his five Super Late Model top five finishes at the track between World of Outlaws and DIRTcar competition. This year, hell continue his search for his first win at the Worlds Fastest Half Mile.

I love the place, Blair said. I was absolutely awful all through Speedweeks last year and we still ran really well at Volusia. The place just seems to fit me well, Im really excited about racing there.

This season marks Blairs second year competing with Centerline Motorsports after scoring four regional Super Late Model wins in 2024. With a full year under their belt, Blair believes he has everything he needs to deliver a World of Outlaws victory to the Centerville, Pa.-based operation.

Its been great, really happy that I fell into that deal, and its been good so far, Blair said. I dont see any reason why it isnt going to be a long-term partnership.

Blair picked up his first victory with The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet in 2017 at McKean County Raceway, less than two hours down the road from his Titusville, Pa. home. That kicked off a run of three wins in four years while running a partial schedule with the Series, which led up to his maiden full-time season in 2022.

His first full season racing nationally was undoubtedly a success, as Blair added two more World of Outlaws wins to his resume at Cherokee Speedway and Bloomsburg Fair Raceway on the way to a third-place points finish behind Dennis Erb Jr. and Tanner English.

That Bloomsburg win stands as his most recent triumph, although he has had some close calls over the past two years, including a runner-up to Nick Hoffman at Stateline Speedway in 2023.

After rebuilding his notebook following a swap to Longhorn Chassis in the early portion of 2024, getting back to Victory Lane at the national level sits as his top priority entering 2025.

We switched chassis brands last year and it took a long time to get rolling, Blair said. I feel like we keep getting better and better. There were a couple of races we probably should have won that I made a mistake in. Just got to put it together. Hopefully those three or four close ones are definite wins this year and we get a few more than that.