Racing

Crew Chief Jeremy Bullins Departs RFK Racing

Jeremy Bullins, the esteemed crew chief for Brad Keselowski's No. 6 RFK Racing Ford, has officially announced his immediate departure from the organization. Bullins is set to embrace a new career endeavor within the NASCAR sphere. Consequently, Mike Skarbowski will assume the responsibilities of crew chief for Keselowski, commencing with the upcoming race in Kansas and continuing thereafter. RFK Racing extended its sincere appreciation to Bullins for his invaluable contributions, commending his leadership, teamwork, and strategic acumen that significantly propelled the team's on-track achievements.

This marks a significant transition within RFK Racing, as Bullins' departure necessitates a new leadership dynamic for the No. 6 team. His extensive experience, including ten Cup Series victories as a crew chief, particularly his successful partnership with Keselowski at Team Penske, underscores the impact he has had on the sport. The team's statement emphasized the positive influence Bullins exerted not only within his immediate crew but also across the broader organization, sharing crucial strategic insights and historical perspectives that helped shape RFK Racing's vision for success. Skarbowski, stepping into this pivotal role, brings a background as a team manager at RFK and prior engineering experience at Trackhouse Racing, signifying a new chapter for Keselowski's crew.

Crew Chief Transition at RFK Racing

A significant change has occurred at RFK Racing, as Jeremy Bullins, the crew chief for Brad Keselowski's No. 6 Ford, has decided to leave his position. This departure is effective immediately, as Bullins is moving on to a new role within the NASCAR community. His departure has prompted RFK Racing to appoint Mike Skarbowski as the new crew chief for Keselowski, with his tenure beginning at the Kansas race. The team acknowledged Bullins' dedication and his positive impact on their competitive performance.

RFK Racing released a statement expressing their good wishes for Jeremy Bullins and his family as he embarks on this new venture. They highlighted his exemplary role as a teammate, leader, and crucial member of their competition strategy group. Bullins was not only a trusted voice for the No. 6 team but also contributed significantly to the wider organization by providing strategic insights and historical context, which were instrumental in shaping RFK Racing's pursuit of success. His impressive career includes ten Cup Series wins as a crew chief, with half of those victories achieved during his time with Keselowski at Team Penske. His most recent win was with Harrison Burton and the Wood Brothers at Daytona in 2024. Skarbowski, who steps into this role, has served as RFK's team manager and previously as an engineer at Trackhouse Racing, marking his debut as a Cup-level crew chief.

Skarbowski Steps Up to Lead Keselowski's Crew

Following Jeremy Bullins' exit, RFK Racing has announced that Mike Skarbowski will assume the role of crew chief for Brad Keselowski's No. 6 team. This immediate promotion signals a new direction for the crew, as Skarbowski brings his experience as a team manager and former engineer to the fore. His first race leading the team will be at Kansas, marking a significant milestone in his NASCAR career. The team looks forward to this new leadership as they continue their pursuit of competitive success.

Mike Skarbowski's appointment as crew chief is a notable development for RFK Racing and Brad Keselowski. Prior to this promotion, Skarbowski held the position of team manager at RFK Racing, demonstrating his in-depth understanding of team operations and strategy. His professional background also includes valuable experience as an engineer at Trackhouse Racing, providing him with a strong technical foundation that will be crucial in his new leadership role. This will be Skarbowski's inaugural opportunity as a crew chief at the Cup level, and his appointment reflects the team's confidence in his abilities to guide Keselowski and the No. 6 Ford to future victories. The transition is expected to be seamless, with Skarbowski leveraging his expertise to maintain and enhance the team's performance on the track, building upon the foundations laid by his predecessor.

Formula 1 Announces Hot Wheels "Infinite Rush" Car Collection for 2027

A groundbreaking collaboration between Formula 1, toy giant Mattel, and game developer Milestone will bring the excitement of the 2026 F1 season to the virtual world. In March 2027, the Hot Wheels "Infinite Rush" video game will introduce a dedicated "F1 Car Collection Pack," integrating all 22 official team vehicles from the upcoming season.

F1 and Hot Wheels Join Forces for "Infinite Rush" Video Game Expansion

On September 21, 2026, Formula 1 officially unveiled a significant partnership that promises to thrill racing enthusiasts and gamers alike. The collaboration with renowned toy manufacturer Mattel and esteemed racing game studio Milestone will see the release of a new "F1 Car Collection Pack" for the popular Hot Wheels "Infinite Rush" video game. This highly anticipated downloadable content (DLC), set to launch in March 2027, will introduce all 22 authentic team cars from the 2026 Formula 1 season into the virtual racing environment. This marks a pivotal moment as it will be the first instance where official F1 vehicles are fully integrated and playable within a Hot Wheels franchise title. Emily Prazer, F1's chief commercial officer, expressed her enthusiasm, highlighting the opportunity for fans to pilot their favorite drivers' cars, engaging in competitive races against friends and family. This initiative aims to immerse players in the dynamic world of F1, delivering the sport's speed, rivalry, and drama in an innovative digital format. The 22 F1 models will join an extensive roster of over 150 existing vehicles in the game, broadening the choices available to players. Andrea Loiudice, Milestone's publishing director, emphasized the team's pride in being pioneers in bringing F1 Hot Wheels die-cast cars to a video game, viewing the partnership with Mattel and Formula 1 as a testament to the trust placed in Milestone's expertise in creating high-quality racing experiences. Erika Winterholler, Mattel's head of licensed games, further underscored the strategic importance of combining F1's authenticity with Milestone's development prowess to offer a truly unique experience for Hot Wheels enthusiasts, expanding how fans interact with the iconic brand. The "Hot Wheels Infinite Rush" game is currently accessible across various platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, ROG XBOX Ally, ROG XBOX Ally X, and PC, with the F1 Car Collection Pack becoming available for purchase in March 2027.

This innovative partnership between Formula 1, Mattel, and Milestone is a testament to the evolving landscape of sports entertainment and brand extension. It underscores the power of cross-industry collaborations to create fresh, engaging experiences for a diverse audience. The integration of high-fidelity F1 racing into the playful and accessible world of Hot Wheels video games not only caters to hardcore racing fans but also introduces the sport to a new generation of gamers. This strategic move highlights a forward-thinking approach to fan engagement, demonstrating how traditional sports brands can leverage digital platforms to maintain relevance and foster a deeper connection with their global fanbase, ultimately expanding the reach and appeal of Formula 1.

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Heinrich's Heroic Drive Secures Podium Finish for Porsche Penske Motorsport

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Laurin Heinrich clinched a crucial third-place finish for Porsche Penske Motorsport at the recent Battle on the Bricks. His late-race heroics have infused new life into both his individual championship aspirations and the team's bid for the manufacturer's title in the IMSA GTP series. This hard-fought result significantly narrows the points deficit to the current leader, Jack Aitken, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the season at Road Atlanta.

Heinrich, stepping into the #6 Porsche 963 as part of the factory team's strategic lineup, alongside Kevin Estre, navigated a challenging race weekend. The event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course saw an early chaotic incident on Lap 1, Turn 1, which unfortunately sent the sister #7 entry to the garage for an extended period. Despite this setback, Estre and Heinrich maintained a strong presence within the top five for the majority of the two-hour, 40-minute endurance race.

The turning point arrived during the final restart, where the 24-year-old German driver, taking the wheel for the decisive stint of the 112-lap race, executed a brilliant charge. He skillfully advanced from fifth to secure the third position, marking the team's first podium appearance since the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in April.

Heinrich's #6 car crossed the finish line directly behind the second-placed #31 Action Express Racing Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R, piloted by Earl Bamber and Jack Aitken. The #31 entry had dominated much of the race, leading for 78 laps before securing the runner-up spot. This result brings championship leader Aitken tantalizingly close to claiming the GTP drivers' title; he, Bamber, and third driver Fred Vesti now require only a ninth-place finish or better in the anticipated 11-car field at the Motul Petit Le Mans finale to seal their victory.

While Heinrich still faces a considerable 147-point gap behind Aitken, his late-race maneuver to third was pivotal in preventing a more substantial points loss. In the manufacturer's championship, Porsche currently trails Cadillac by 136 points following the Indianapolis event.

Despite the positive outcome for Porsche Penske Motorsport, Heinrich expressed a touch of mixed feelings post-race. He admitted his primary drive is to win, stating, "I want to win." However, he also acknowledged the team's excellent collective performance, remarking that he would have gladly accepted a trophy at the start of the day if offered.

The 2026 campaign has been a dynamic one for Heinrich, who initially started the year with the #7 entry before being temporarily assigned to JDC-Miller MotorSports. He is slated to return to the #7 Porsche 963, joining Felipe Nasr and Julien Andlauer, for the upcoming Road Atlanta event in two weeks.

With the championship battle intensifying, Heinrich remains fully committed to delivering his utmost in the final endurance race. He voiced confidence in the team's strength in endurance events and his personal readiness, declaring his intention to be the best version of himself, give his all, and hopefully bring Porsche to victory.

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