Today, it was announced that NASCAR Studios will bring Season 2 of its documentary series Rising exclusively to the free streaming service Xumo Play. The series offers viewers an inside look at the sport’s next generation of stars as they navigate the pressure, promise and unpredictability of professional stock car racing.
Season 1 of the series saw 11 million views over five episodes across NASCAR’s YouTube channel and FOX Sports networks. Season 1 is now streaming on Xumo Play.
The second season of the series will be streaming exclusively on Xumo Play for six months following the release of the final episode. However, the episodes will also be available on NASCAR’s YouTube channel 14 days after their original air date on Xumo Play.
“With the launch of RISING Season 2 exclusively on Xumo Play, we’re building on the partnership we established with Xumo last year to expand our digital footprint and make the sport more accessible to fans across the country,” said Alma Angeles-Parvaz, Vice President, Partnership Marketing, NASCAR. “Xumo’s focus on simplicity and discoverability complements NASCAR’s approach to storytelling and content, creating a strong alignment that helps us better serve fans and bring them closer to the sport.”
“Our relationship with NASCAR continues to evolve with the forthcoming launch of RISING season 2 on Xumo Play,” said Fern Feistel, Vice President, Marketing, Xumo. “Serving as the exclusive streaming home for the new season underscores our commitment to the sport and to delivering premium programming that resonates with fans.”
Here’s more about the featured drivers this season.
Carson Hocevar returns after emerging as a breakout personality in the first season of RISING when he had a pair of second place finishes in the Cup Series and backed down from no one. Known for his fearless driving style and prodigious talent, the 23-year-old Portage, Michigan native has become even more of a force this season, earning his first Cup Series victory at storied Talladega in April and putting himself in prime position to qualify for the postseason Chase.
Connor Zilisch, widely regarded as NASCAR’s top prospect since Jeff Gordon, makes his RISING debut as he tackles his first full-time NASCAR Cup Series campaign with Trackhouse Racing. Nicknamed “The Prodigy,” the 19-year-old has dominated nearly every level of motorsports he has entered since beginning his racing journey at age four. After winning 11 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts races last season, Zilisch has been facing the steep learning curve of competing against NASCAR’s elite while balancing the realities of life as a teenager still living at home in suburban Charlotte.
Brenden “Butterbean” Queen has undertaken an extraordinary – and unlikely – rise from longshoreman to NASCAR driver and ARCA champion. With a memorable nickname (“Butterbean”), a signature look (mullet), and a dedicated following (“Bean Nation”), the 28-year-old everyman has emerged as one of the most colorful drivers in the sport. Until 2022, Queen worked daily 12-hour shifts as a third-generation longshoreman in Virginia, until he decided to make driving his full-time priority. This year marks his first full season in the Truck Series as part of the newly launched RAM team.
“RISING was created to give fans a deeper connection to the drivers shaping the future of NASCAR, and Season 2 continues to fulfill that mission,” said John Dahl, SVP, Content, NASCAR. “These are compelling young personalities navigating immense pressure and opportunity in real time, and through our partnership with Words + Pictures and Xumo Play, we’re able to bring audiences closer than ever to their journeys.”
Episodes will be released monthly beginning in August.