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NASCAR's managing director for competition operations, Jusan Hamilton, has concluded his tenure with the organization, departing with six events still left in the 2025 racing calendar. The decision for his exit is not believed to be performance-based. At present, no replacement has been named to fill the vacant role.

Hamilton's history with NASCAR dates back to a 2012 internship, after which he rejoined the sanctioning body in 2016. Since then, he has undertaken a variety of key responsibilities, making significant contributions to the sport's operational and developmental aspects. His career highlights include overseeing critical initiatives such as the Drive for Diversity program, which aims to foster inclusion within motorsport, and playing a pivotal role in pit crew development. Furthermore, he was instrumental in managing the pro iRacing NASCAR divisions, demonstrating his adaptability and expertise across different facets of racing.

A notable milestone in Hamilton's career was his appointment as race director for a Cup Series event in 2018, marking his debut in this crucial leadership position at Pocono Raceway. This experience underscored his capabilities in managing live race operations and ensuring fair and competitive proceedings.

In 2022, Hamilton achieved another significant career benchmark by becoming the first Black race director to officiate the prestigious Daytona 500, succeeding Tim Bermann. This appointment was a testament to his growing influence and respect within the sport, and it highlighted NASCAR's commitment to diversity at the highest levels of competition. Beyond race direction, Hamilton was also a key architect in shaping NASCAR's annual schedule, contributing to the selection of new venues and the broader expansion of the sport's reach.

The departure of Jusan Hamilton leaves a void in NASCAR's competition operations department. His extensive experience, particularly in race direction and strategic planning, has been a valuable asset to the organization. As NASCAR moves forward, the search for a new leader to fill this important role will undoubtedly focus on individuals who can continue to uphold the integrity of the sport and contribute to its ongoing evolution.

Lia Block, a prominent figure in the F1 Academy, recently achieved a remarkable feat by flawlessly executing a pit bike backflip on her very first try at Travis Pastrana's renowned Pastranaland facility. This impressive display of skill and courage unfolded during a session with fellow off-road expert Gray Leadbetter and other members of the acclaimed Sickos crew. The event not only underscored Block's burgeoning talent but also highlighted her fearless approach to extreme motorsports, further cementing her reputation in the racing community.

The action-packed video documenting this event commences with Travis Pastrana welcoming Block and Leadbetter to his compound for an exhilarating day filled with various racing disciplines. The footage alternates between dynamic dirt biking sequences and intense rally-style driving through dense woodlands. Eventually, the moment arrived for Block to attempt the challenging backflip, a maneuver that often demands years of practice and nerves of steel.

Leadbetter, observing Block's daring endeavor, confessed her own apprehension, stating that she could never attempt such a stunt due to her inability to \"turn her brain off.\" However, Block, shortly after successfully landing the rotation, described the experience as surprisingly easy, likening it to a spontaneous act of faith and daring. Her natural talent and composure were evident throughout the sequence.

Pastrana, a close associate of the Block family for nearly two decades and a former teammate and friendly competitor of Lia's late father, Ken Block, lauded the F1 Academy driver. He remarked that Lia possessed an unparalleled level of confidence among female drivers he had encountered. This commendation came as they prepared for a series of side-by-side timed races in ATVs. Block's exceptional speed and precision were on full display as she navigated her vehicle through the challenging wooded terrain at an astonishing pace, fearlessly tackling jumps and obstacles.

In the initial short-course layout, Leadbetter narrowly outperformed Block, clocking a time of 24.22 seconds compared to Block's 24.62 seconds. However, a single-lap tiebreaker was subsequently arranged on a combined course, following Block's faster performance in the woodland section. Demonstrating her strategic prowess, Block executed a late braking maneuver at a crucial right-hand corner at the end of a straight, securing victory by a razor-thin margin.

Travis Pastrana's deep connection with the Block family extends back almost twenty years, marked by his collaboration with Ken Block in the Subaru Rally Team USA, where they shared both camaraderie and competitive rivalry. Post-retirement, Pastrana famously took the helm of the \"Gymkhana 2020\" film, shot around his Maryland residence. Following Ken Block's tragic passing in January 2023, Pastrana played a significant role in numerous tributes, including a Nitro Rallycross livery that honored Block's iconic Subaru rally car. Lia Block has maintained a long-standing working relationship with \"uncle Travis,\" who has served as a pivotal mentor in her journey to achieve success in the competitive world of racing.

This event further highlights Lia Block's impressive versatility and unwavering determination in motorsports. Her ability to excel across different disciplines, from F1 Academy racing to extreme off-road stunts, showcases a talent that is both inherited and uniquely her own. With Travis Pastrana's continued mentorship, Lia Block is poised for further accomplishments, carrying forward a legacy of daring and excellence.