Za’Darius Smith and Redline Motorsports: A New Era for NASCAR

Za’Darius Smith, a distinguished three-time Pro Bowl Defensive End from the NFL, is stepping onto a new stage in sports: NASCAR. As part of a dynamic team forming Redline Motorsports, Smith and an eclectic group of leaders aim to make their mark in NASCAR’s National Series by 2026.

Introducing Redline Motorsports

• Team Composition: The Redline Motorsports team features prominent figures from various industries, including:
  • Tristan Sumpter: An IT sales technologist and real estate entrepreneur.
  • Reverend Attorney Aaron McLeod: A notable Chicagoland attorney and pastor.
  • Larry Smith: An entrepreneur and transportation company owner.
  • Brett Fickes: An educator and CEO of Universal Dental Clinics.

Goals and Vision

Redline Motorsports is not just focused on performance; they are also dedicated to breaking down barriers in the world of motorsport. Their mission is to introduce NASCAR’s excitement to a broader audience by:

• Creating a Diverse Presence: Emphasizing inclusivity and engaging a new demographic of fans.
• Challenging The Status Quo: Changing perceptions about NASCAR and demonstrating its appeal to everyone, irrespective of background.

The Chicago Street Course Debut

This weekend, Redline Motorsports will make its official entry into the NASCAR scene during the Chicago Street Course. Partnering with Nerds Xpress, they will sponsor the No. 45 Chevrolet, driven by Brad Perez, in the much-anticipated Loop 110 event.

“We couldn’t be happier to help introduce a new, diverse group to NASCAR racing,” said Tommy Joe Martins, President of Alpha Prime Racing. “It’s really cool having a Chicago-based group with us this weekend. It feels like we’re part of a bigger community surrounding this event.”

The Significance of the Name

The name "Redline" is not merely a branding choice; it carries historical weight in Chicago.

• Historical Context: "Redlining" was a term used to describe discriminatory practices in real estate that highlighted racial and social divides within the city.
• Mission: Redline Motorsports seeks to transcend these divides, embodying the belief that NASCAR can be for everyone.

A Symbol of Change: The No. 55 Car

Looking ahead to 2026, the team plans to field the No. 55 car, paying homage to significant historical events:

• 1955: The year of Rosa Parks’ courageous stand against segregation.
• Emmett Till: A Chicago native whose tragic story continues to resonate in the fight for social justice.

The Road Ahead

While specifics about the team’s future plans remain under wraps, their immediate goal involves making a statement at the Chicago Street Race.

“Having another shot to compete at Chicago in the Xfinity Series is awesome,” said Perez. “Bringing in Redline Motorsports and Nerds Xpress, we hope to make a big splash at the Chicago event.”

About Brad Perez

Brad Perez has logged 16 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with various mid-tier organizations. With Alpha Prime Racing, he has had four drives in the second-tier series throughout 2025. His standout performance came in 2022 when he secured a 20th place finish at Watkins Glen with Emerling-Gase Motorsports.

Conclusion

With a significant mission and a diverse team backing it, Redline Motorsports aims to reshape the NASCAR landscape. As they prepare to take on challenges ahead, their commitment to inclusion and community engagement promises to spice up the thrilling world of racing.

For the latest news and updates, visit NASCAR’s official site and stay tuned for Redline Motorsports’ journey ahead!