STARS align for return to Newport

The ASA STARS National Tour returns to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains on July 25th for the HickoryHillTN.com 325, bringing 325 laps of super late model racing to Newport Speedway. Affectionately known as “Little Bristol,” the high-banked 4/10ths mile oval in Newport, Tennessee is set to play host to an action-packed weekend of short-track racing.

Defending Winner Returns

Derek Kraus returns to Newport Speedway with a singular focus: repeating his performance from 2025. Last year’s visit to the Tennessee bullring was nothing short of dramatic, highlighted by a stage-one clash between Wilson Motorsports teammates Cole Butcher and Gavan Boschele. Kraus reaped the rewards of the chaos to take the checkered flag, and he enters this weekend looking to recapture that same magic from a year ago.

Points Battle: Brown vs. Steckly

Leading the charge of ASA regulars is current championship points leader Carson Brown, who holds a 98-point advantage at the top of the standings. Brown enters Newport riding a wave of immense momentum. After visiting Slinger Speedway in June to win the Badger State 325, he fell just short of winning the 47th Slinger Nationals earlier this month.

Chasing Brown is Kyle Steckly, currently second in the standings. Steckly is the Tour’s most recent winner, having broken through to victory lane at Wisconsin’s Madison Speedway in June. After a 10th-place finish at Newport last year, Steckly is looking for a much stronger performance this time around to chip away at Brown’s points lead.

The Wilson Motorsports Armada

Steckly frontfaces a powerful four-car entry from the Wilson Motorsports stable this weekend. Joining him is George Philips, who brings experience after competing at Newport in 2025. Conversely, teammates Jade Avedisian and Kasey Kleyn will have to learn the high-banks quickly, as both drivers are making their first career starts at the Tennessee track.

Harvick World Tour Continues

Perhaps the biggest storyline surrounding the entry list is the ASA STARS Tour debut of Keelan Harvick. The young driver will pilot the No. 62 Rackley WAR Toyota, arriving in Tennessee fresh off competing against his father, NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick, at the Masters of the Pros pro late model race at Owosso Speedway in Michigan. The Harvick family presence will be felt all weekend, as Kevin is scheduled to serve as the event’s Grand Marshal.

Drivers to Watch

• Stephen Nasse: Seasoned veteran Stephen Nasse currently sits fourth in the points standings and while he has yet to win in the ASA STARS Tour, Nasse has won this year in his super late model with a pair of victories in the Southern Super Series at Five Flags and a UARA National win at Auburndale.
• Derek Thorn: Derek Thorn has had an up and down season thus far as he and his Highlands Motorsports team continue to build on the relationship with Port City Racecars and Rette Jones Racing with fellow competitor Casey Roderick. At the Tour’s last stop in Madison, Wisconsin, Thorn finished a strong fifth and backed that up with another top five at the Slinger Nationals driving for Paul Shaffer Motorsports.

How to Watch

The green flag for the HickoryHillTN.com 325 is scheduled to wave at 7:30 PM ET on Saturday, July 25th. Fans unable to witness the race in person at Newport Speedway can catch every lap broadcast live on Track TV.

Entries for the HickoryHillTN.com 325 at Newport Speedway; July 25, 2026:

5 – Tristan McKee
7 – Justin Crider
9 – Derek Kraus
14 – Chase Pinsonneault
20 – Kasey Kleyn
22 – George Philips
22 – Kyle Steckly
24 – Jade Avedisian
30 – Casey Roderick
44 – Colby Howard
51 – Stephen Nasse
54 – Matt Craig
62 – Keelan Harvick
81 – Carson Brown
91 – Dylan Bates
96 – Derek Thorn