April 2017 News Archives
News from April 30, 2017
Race Recap: Joey Logano charges from the back to win at Richmond:It took Joey Logano all afternoon to drive from the back of the field to the front in Sunday’s Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Logano started from the rear after a post-qualifying transmission change, but when the checkered flag waved after Lap 400, the driver of the #22 Team Penske Ford was at the head of the field, having held off a banzai charge from teammate Brad Keselowski during a 19-lap green-flag run. Logano took the lead for the first time on Lap 384, after restarting behind six cars that had stayed out on old tires under caution for Ryan Blaney’s contact with the Turn 3 wall on Lap 377. On fresh rubber, Logano made short work of the cars in front of him and passed series leader Kyle Larson for the top spot with 16 circuits left.[More](4-30-2017)
Logano wins at Richmond: #22-Joey Logano won the Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway for his 1st win of the season, 2nd win at Richmond and 18th career win. Logano led just 25 of the 400 laps after starting the race in the back due to a transmission change. He took the lead for the final time with 16 laps to go after passing 6 cars that stayed out during the final caution.
#2-Keselowski finished 2nd followed by #11-Hamlin, #17-Stenhouse, Jr., #4-Harvick, #1-McMurray, #31-Newman, #41-Busch, #43-Almirola, and #78-Truex, Jr.
Polesitter #20-Kenseth led 163 laps on the day, but cut a tire late and finished 23rd.
There were 18 lead changes among 8 drivers and 9 cautions for 53 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 93.685mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Pit Stop Times (pdf) (4-30-2017)
Race Fast Facts – Richmond International Raceway
Joey Logano won the 63rd Annual Toyota Owners 400, his 18th victory in 300 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his first victory and eighth top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his second victory and ninth top-10 finish in 17 races at Richmond International Raceway.
Brad Keselowski (second) posted his seventh top-10 finish in 16 races at Richmond International Raceway. It is his seventh top-10 finish in 2017.
Denny Hamlin (third) posted his 13th top-10 finish in 22 races at Richmond International Raceway.
Daniel Suarez (12th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Larson leads the point standings by 40 points over Martin Truex Jr.
Logano becomes the fifth driver in series history to win in his 300th start joining Denny Hamlin (Talladega, 2014), Kyle Busch (Texas, 2013), Kasey Kahne (Charlotte, 2012) and Rusty Wallace (Atlanta, 1993).
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(4-30-2017)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 200) of the Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway (lap 200/400):
#2-Keselowski, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#20-Kenseth, 9pts
#4-Harvick, 8pts
#11-Hamlin, 7pts
#42-Larson, 6pts
#31-Newman, 5pts
#14-Bowyer, 4pts
#1-McMurray, 3pts
#13-Dillon, 2pts
#22-Logano, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 100) of the Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway (lap 100/400):
#20-Kenseth, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#42-Larson, 9pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 8pts
#4-Harvick, 7pts
#11-Hamlin, 6pts
#2-Keselowski, 5pts
#31-Newman, 4pts
#1-McMurray, 3pts
#14-Boywer, 2pts
#22-Logano, 1pt
2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Standings:
[after Richmond, race 9 of 36]
1) #42-Kyle Larson [1 win], 398
2) #78-Martin Truex Jr [1], 358, -40
3) #24-Chase Elliott, 346, -52
4) #22-Joey Logano [1], 333, -65
5) #2-Brad Keselowski [2], 327, -71
6) #4-Kevin Harvick, 286, -112
7) #1-Jamie McMurray, 282, -116
8) #48-Jimmie Johnson [2], 270, -128
9) #14-Clint Bowyer, 266, -132
10) #18-Kyle Busch, 235, -163
11) #11-Denny Hamlin, 231, -167
12) #21-Ryan Blaney, 229, -169
13) #31-Ryan Newman [1], 225, -173
14) #6-Trevor Bayne, 216, -182
15) #17-Ricky Stenhouse, Jr, 201, -197
16) #77-Erik Jones, 193, -205
17) #41-Kurt Busch [1], 192, -206
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
John Andretti battling colon cancer:It’s one of the most emotional stories Dave Calabro has covered. In fact, it brought him to tears. Longtime friend, beloved race car driver and dedicated “giver” to the community, John Andretti, reveals to Dave that he is fighting stage 4 colon cancer. [More](4-30-2017)
Statement from Sam Bass:“To the NASCAR fan base and all of the great people who have supported myself and my work over the last 36 years, I wanted to address the many story gaps and questions that have resulted from the recent news about both me, personally, and my company. Since the economic downturn in 2008, like many in the industry, we’ve witnessed a slow decline. Some clients have had to withdraw from the sport, while others view graphic design services as more of a luxury than a necessity to the competition on the track. There have certainly been some upswings, and last fall, I was very excited about a new location and the increased exposure and traffic that it brought. [More](4-30-2017)
What to Watch For: Richmond: ESPN Stats and Facts ahead of the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway.[More](4-30-2017)
Google working with NASCAR to test new high-speed wireless technology: Google’s wireless broadband team has a new target market: NASCAR racecars. The company is seeking permission from the FCC for an experimental radio license to test “the transmission of broadband data from racecars to transportable/fixed base stations located at racetrack facilities.”[More](4-30-2017)
704Games releases NASCAR Heat Mobile: Digital games publisher and developer 704Games has announced the worldwide release of NASCAR Heat Mobile, the first authentic NASCAR racing game on mobile to feature 40 stock cars racing simultaneously. NASCAR Heat Mobile is available globally today on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, as well as Google Play for Android devices.[More](4-30-2017)
Eli Young Band to perform Pocono 400 pre-race concert: Multi-PLATINUM, award-winning national country artists Eli Young Band is coming to Pocono Raceway on Sunday, June 11 to perform the pre-race concert prior to the start of the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race.[More](4-30-2017)
Blue Bunny revs up the fun at Kansas Speedway: What goes well with ice cream? Well anything, but especially a day at the track with friends and family. Known for its fun and playful flavors of ice cream, Blue Bunny is a proud to be the “Official Ice Cream of Kansas Speedway” for the 2017 racing season.[More](4-30-2017)
News from April 29, 2017
Richmond Sunday Pre-Race Schedule:
1:30pm: Driver Introductions
1:58pm: Flyby: Bandit Flight Team (Turn 1 to Turn 4)
2:00pm: Presentation of Colors: Army Logistics University Color Guard
2:00pm: Invocation by Rev. Joe Ellison Jr.
2:01pm: National Anthem by Sophia Nadder
2:02pm: Flyby TOT: 2-F-18s from the Navy VFA- 83 (Turn 1 to Turn 4)
2:07pm: “Drivers, Start Your Engines” by Major Eric Phillips, Loyal Toyota Owner, Priority Toyota of Richmond
2:07pm: Flyby TOT: Bandidt Flight Team
2:14pm: Green Flag: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 (400 laps, 300 miles), FOX, MRN, SiriusXM
eastern time (NASCAR.com)
Saturday Richmond Notebook: Despite retirement announcement, pressure is still on Earnhardt; Hamlin says its hard to keep secrets in the garage.[More](4-29-2017)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#42-Larson 119.074
#78-Truex, Jr. 119.016
#48-Johnson 118.801
#77-Jones 118.702
#24-Elliott 118.452
slowest: #15-Sorenson 114.117 & #33-Earnhardt 112.392. No speed: #51-Hill
best 10 consecutive lap avg.: #78-Truex, Jr. 117.521
notes: no accidents or incidents
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (4-29-2017)
Saturday 1st practice for the Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five and notes:
#77-Jones 120.714
#4-Harvick 120.048
#27-Meanrd 120.005
#37-Buescher 119.973
#78-Truex, Jr. 119.941
slowest: #52-Hill 114.791 & #33-Earnhardt 114.276. No speed: #15-Sorenson.
most laps run: #34-Cassill, 66; #13-Dillon, 60
best 10 consecutive lap ave #77-Jones 118.876
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf)(4-29-2017)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, three pit stalls (4,26,43) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
Pole sitter #20-Kenseth chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #21-Blaney took pit stall 5, with an opening in front of it.
#78-Truex, Jr., who starts 3rd, took the 27th stall.
The final pit stall was taken by #1-McMurray, who starts 10th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(4-29-2017)
Bristol TV ratings: The rescheduled Cup Series race at Bristol earned a 1.5 overnight rating.(4-26-2017)
UPDATE: Rain-delayed NASCAR Cup Series racing from Bristol (Tenn.) had a 1.6 final rating and 2.2 million viewers on FOX Monday afternoon.[More](4-29-2017)
Larson says he remains loyal to Chip Ganassi: #42-Kyle Larson met with the media Friday at Richmond International Speedway and was asked about speculation that he could move to Hendrick Motorsports after Earnhardt, Jr’s retirement.[More](4-29-2017)
Gaunt Brothers names crew chief: As announced on Wednesday, D.J. Kennington and Gaunt Brothers Racing will reunite for the upcoming Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, May 7. The team will have veteran leadership calling shots from the pit box as Mike Ford has joined forces with the team.[More](4-29-2017)
Hamlin comments on possibility of Edwards’ return: #11-Denny Hamlin met with the media Friday at Richmond International Speedway and was asked if he thought Carl Edwards would return to racing next season.[More](4-29-2017)
Friday Richmond Notebook: Martin Truex Jr. doesn’t mind flying under the radar; Combining stages and Dash 4 Cash has impacted race strategy.[More](4-29-2017)
Race Recap: Kyle Larson steals a win in NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Richmond: Justin Allgaier had the best car in Saturday’s ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Richmond International Raceway. Kyle Larson isn’t very good at Richmond – and isn’t bashful about saying so. Nevertheless, when two late restarts played out at the .75-mile short track, Larson was the race winner in overtime, and Allgaier was a disappointed second, consoled only by the $100,000 check he collected as the winner of the XFINITY Dash 4 Cash bonus as the highest finishing series regular. [More](4-29-2017)
Kyle Larson wins Richmond XFINITY race: #42-Kyle Larson won the ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond International Raceway. It is his 7th XFINITY Series win and 2nd of the year. #7-Justin Allgaier finished second, followed by #21-Daniel Hemric, #2-Austin Dillon, #22-Ryan Blaney, #6-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #1-Elliott Sadler, #5-Michale Annett, #98-Casey Mears, and #23-Spencer Gallagher.
#7-Allgaier led the most laps, 157 of the 254. The race ended under caution during NASCAR overtime.
#7-Allgaier also won the $100,000 Dash for Cash.
There were 7 cautions for 50 laps and 7 lead changes among 5 leaders.
The average speed was 87.541mph.
Complete results are on the Richmond race results page (pdf).
(4-29-2017)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 75 – Winner, #3-Austin Dillon
Stage 2 – lap 150 – Winner, #7-Justin Allgaier
Stage 3 – lap 250 – Race winner, #42-Kyle Larson
Richmond XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Larson(i) won the 30th Annual ToyotaCare 250, his seventh victory in 96 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his second victory and fifth top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in five races at Richmond International Raceway.
Justin Allgaier (second) posted his fifth top-10 finish in 13 races at Richmond International Raceway. It is his fourth top-10 finish in 2017.
Daniel Hemric (third) posted his first top-10 finish at Richmond International Raceway in his first start at the track.
Daniel Hemric (third) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 41 points over Justin Allgaier.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(4-29-2017)
XFINITY Driver standings following Richmond:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler , 295
2) #7-Justin Allgaier [1 win], 254, -41
3) #9-William Byron, 251, -44
4) #21-Daniel Hemric, 228, -67
5) #6-Darrell Wallace Jr., 211, -84
6) #16-Ryan Reed [1 win], 198, -97
7) #11-Blake Koch, 190, -105
8) #5-Michael Annett, 186, -109
9) #19-Matt Tifft, 183, -112
10) #48-Brennan Poole, 180, -115
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(4-29-2017)
Daniel Hemric on XFINITY pole at Richmond: #21-Daniel Hemric won the Coors Light pole for the ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond International Raceway with a speed of 117.981mph. #20-Kyle Benjamin, making his NXS debut, will start second. The rest of the top 10: #18-Daniel Suarez, #2-Austin Dillon, #48-Brennan Poole, #7-Justin Allgaier, #42-Kyle Larson, #3-Ty Dillon, #9-William Byron, and #22-Ryan Blaney.
Did Not Qualify: #45-Martins, #89-Shepherd
The starting lineup is posted on the Richmond starting lineup page (pdf).(4-29-2017)
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs named official hot dog of Richmond:Nathan’s Famous has been named as the official hot dog of Richmond International Raceway (Richmond). While the track has had many signature food items through the years, Nathan’s Famous is the first official hot dog in Richmond history. From its original restaurant in Coney Island to thousands of supermarkets across the country, the partnership will connect NASCAR fans in Richmond to an American Original Hot Dog.[More](4-29-2017)
TallaTaxi returns to Talladega Superspeedway, offering fast fan transportation: Have the need for speed and want to be somewhere fast? Talladega Superspeedway’s answer is TallaTaxi which returns this spring for the track’s anticipated triple-header race weekend, May 5-7, headlined by the GEICO 500. TallaTaxis can transport up to six passengers at a time and will actually be available starting Thursday, May 4 for fans arriving early and will continue throughout the remainder of the weekend.[More](4-29-2017)
News from April 28, 2017
Final-round surge puts Matt Kenseth on Richmond pole: Matt Kenseth won’t have to come from the middle of nowhere, as he did last Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he started 22nd, charged toward the front in the closing laps and finished fourth. Quite the contrary. In Sunday’s Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway, Kenseth will lead the field to the green flag in the ninth Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race of the season after winning the pole during Friday’s knockout qualifying session.More](4-28-2017)
Kenseth wins Richmond pole: #20-Matt Kenseth won the Coors Light pole for the Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway with speed of 121.076mph for his 1st pole of 2017, 2nd at Richmond and 19th of his career. Kenseth has won 4 times from the 18 previous poles.
#21-Blaney will start 2nd followed by #78-Truex, Jr., #17-Stenhouse, Jr., #22-Logano, #4-Harvick, #18-Busch, #14-Bowyer, #41-Busch, #1-McMurray, #19-Suarez, and #88-Earnhardt Jr.
#22-Logano was fastest in both the first and second rounds. He will start 5th.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 38 were entered for 40 spots
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Richmond qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Richmond Starting Lineup page (pdf).(4-28-2017)
Richmond International Raceway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Matt Kenseth won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 63rd Annual Toyota Owners 400 with a lap of 22.300 seconds, 121.076 mph.
This is his 19th pole in 623 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his first pole and fifth top-10 start in 2017.
This is his second pole in 35 races at Richmond International Raceway.
Ryan Blaney (second) posted his sixth top-10 start of 2017 and his first in three races at Richmond International Raceway. This is his third front row start of the season (Phoenix, Texas and Richmond).
Martin Truex Jr. (third) posted his 11th top-10 start at Richmond International Raceway. It is his seventh in nine races this season.
Daniel Suarez (11th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(4-28-2017)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#20-Logano 121.468
#4-Harvick 120.979
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. 120.417
#1-McMurray 120.369
#78-Truex, Jr 120.364
the rest of the top 12: 20 41 18 21 88 19 14
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 31 24 2 11 48 42 5 77 10 47 37 13
(4-28-2017)
First Round of Qualifying for the Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is over, after 20 scheduled minutes.
#22-Logano 120.870
#4-Harvick 120.870
#14-Bowyer 120.832
#48-Johnson 120.708
#11-Hamlin 120.434
the rest of the top 24: 78 41 20 24 2 18 31 1 37 42 17 10 5 21 88 77 47 19 13;
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 43 27 95 34 6 38 23 32 15 83 33 72 51 3
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 38 entered
(4-28-2017)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. press conference transcript: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. met with members of the media Friday at Richmond International Raceway.[More](4-28-2017)
Friday practice for the Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway is over, after 85 scheduled minutes, the top-five and notes:
#78-Truex, Jr. 124.178
#77-Jones 123.035
#21-Blaney 122.772
#6-Bayne 122.084
#11-Hamlin 121.726
slowest: #33-Earnhardt 115.701 & #51-Hill 114.889
most laps run: #24-Elliott, 44
Top 10 consecutive lap average: #5-Kahne 119.324
#77-Jones spun early and backed into the wall, but only made minor contact.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf)(4-28-2017)
Sammy Johns to serve as #3 crew chief at Richmond: Richard Childress Racing says Operations Director Sammy Johns will replace Slugger Labbe as the crew chief on the RCR #3 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet of Austin Dillon this weekend at Richmond. Labbe will remain at the RCR shop to work on cars for next weekend’s race at Talladega Superspeedway.[More](4-28-2017)
Richmond Weekend Preview: Kyle Busch in search of first win; Hemric poised for XFINITY run.[More](4-28-2017)
GearWrench debuts on the #1 at Richmond: After making an announcement at the 2016 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas to partner with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR), GearWrench will make its debut as a primary partner on the #1 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) Chevrolet SS this weekend at Richmond International Raceway (RIR).[More](4-28-2017)
Kyle Benjamin paces final XFINITY practice: #20-Kyle Benjamin was quickest in final practice at Richmond International Raceway with a speed of 117.081mph.
#42-Kyle Larson was second, followed by: #48-Brennan Poole, #7-Justin Allgaier, #3-Ty Dillon, #46-Quinn Houff, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #9-William Byron, #11-Blake Koch, and #00-Cole Custer.
All 42 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Richmond final practice speeds page (pdf).(4-28-2017)
RepairableVehicles.com & Harrison’s WorkWear return to the #51:Jeremy Clements heads to Richmond International Raceway for the third NASCAR XFINITY Series Dash 4 Cash race of the season. The #51 JCR Chevy Camaro SS will have RepairableVehicles.com and Harrison’s WorkWear back on board for the ToyotaCare 250 this weekend. [More](4-28-2017)
Cole Custer fastest in first XFINITY practice: #00-Cole Custer was fastest during opening practice at Richmond International Raceway with a speed of 118.442mph.
The rest of the top 10: #48-Brennan Poole, #3-Ty Dillon, #1-Elliott Sadler, #21-Dniel Hemric, #20-Kyle Benjamin, #33-Brandon Jones, #9-William Byron, #22-Ryan Blaney, and #11-Blake Koch.
40 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Richmond practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(4-28-2017)
Wastebits joins Tifft as primary sponsor for two more races:Driver Matt Tifft welcomes Wastebits as a sponsor to his #19 Toyota Camry for the remainder of the 2017 NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) schedule. In addition to the branding run in last week’s Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway event, Wastebits will have two more primary paint schemes this week at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway and next week at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. In addition to the three primary schemes, Wastebits will be featured in an associate position for the remainder of the season. [More](4-28-2017)
Brandon Jones celebrates Month of the Military Child with special paint scheme: Brandon Jones will race a special paint scheme on his #33 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing during this weekend’s event at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway. The sophomore driver partnered with Hope For The Warriors to have a special red, white and blue paint scheme designed by five-year-old military child, Liam Harshman. Jones has a deep affinity and appreciation for the military and lists it among his top interests, along with youth initiatives. With April designated as the ‘Month of the Military Child’ by the U.S. Department of Defense, Jones decided to merge his two interests with the special paint scheme this weekend. [More](4-28-2017)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles returns for Chicago race entitlement:Chicagoland Speedway and Nickelodeon today announced that the number-one entertainment brand for kids is the entitlement sponsor of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, Sept. 17, dubbed the Tales of the Turtles 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. The announcement was made atop the 360 Chicago Observation Deck by Chicagoland Speedway President, Scott Paddock and Nickelodeon Senior Vice President of Sports Marketing, Anthony DiCosmo.[>More](4-28-2017)
GEICO Partners with Richmond International Raceway for Restart Zone and Campground Sponsorship: Richmond International Raceway’s (Richmond) new look continues to evolve with the return of red stripes and a new wall badge to welcoming GEICO as a naming rights partner to the Restart Zone and it’s four campgrounds. The blue GEICO Restart Zone after turn four will lead drivers back to the green flag following cautions.[More](4-28-2017)
Three-day ticket package for Homestead Championship weekend on sale now: This year, in addition to hosting the championship race in the Monster Energy Series, Homestead-Miami Speedway will also be the site of another iconic moment. The 2017 Ford EcoBoost 400 is scheduled to be the final Monster Energy Series race in the storied career of Dale Earnhardt Jr., who on Tuesday announced his retirement from the series. 3-Day ticket packages to Ford Championship Weekend, November 17-19, are officially on sale now to the public.[More](4-28-2017)
News from April 27, 2017
Hendrick Motorsports has no timetable for naming Earnhart, Jr’s replacement: A Hendrick Motorsports executive said Wednesday there is no timetable – or concern – for finding Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s replacement in the #88 Chevrolet. “Obviously it’s an important decision for us, and one we’re going to take our time, and we’re going to find the right person, the right fit for all the factors that go into that,” Hendrick Motorsports general manager Doug Duchardt said.[More](4-27-2017)
GameStop making first appearance on the #77 for Erik Jones: Erik Jones and his Furniture Row Racing team have run strong throughout the first part of his 2017 NASCAR Cup Series rookie campaign and continue the hunt for the ultimate success in Sunday’s Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Jones will be driving the #77 GameStop Prey Toyota Camry as part of a two-race partnership with the Denver, Colorado-based team.[More](4-27-2017)
NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Richmond: Items of interest as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series head to Richmond International Raceway.[More](4-27-2017)
NASCAR Silver Bullet Bash takes center stage in Charlotte: For the first time, the NASCAR Silver Bullet Bash presented by Coors Light will take center stage in Charlotte on Thursday, May 18. Celebrating the first half of the NASCAR season, the Silver Bullet Bash will lead off the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series All-Star weekend festivities with live music, special guests and unique experiences.[More](4-27-2017)
XFINITY and Truck teams to test at Charlotte: An all-star cast of drivers will take to Charlotte Motor Speedway for NASCAR Test Fest on May 2 in a fan-friendly shakedown of NASCAR XFINITY and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series machines before the 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder May 19-28.[More](4-27-2017)
Kenny Wallace to be honorary pace car driver at Richmond:Richmond International Raceway Announces Washington Redskin Morgan Moses as Honorary Race Official & Former NASCAR Driver/FOX NASCAR Analyst Kenny Wallace as Honorary Pace Car Driver for the TOYOTA OWNERS 400.[ESPN.com](4-27-2017)
Navy F-18’s to Perform Flyover for TOYOTA OWNERS 400 at Richmond International Raceway: The pre-race ceremony is the memorable time just before the roar of the engines that sets the tone for the race. The moment when the flyover matches perfectly with the ending of the National Anthem can take any fan’s breath away. Richmond International Raceway (Richmond) announces its pre-race ceremonies for the Toyota spring race weekend. Pre-race is highlighted by the United States Navy F-18’s performing the flyover.[More](4-27-2017)
IMS Seating To Be Smoke-Free Beginning in October 2017: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced that its grandstands will be entirely smoke-free beginning with the 2017 Red Bull Air Race. In addition, leading up to the Air Race, the track will provide limited smoke-free family grandstands at select Month of May events and at the Brickyard 400.[More](4-27-2017)
News from April 26, 2017
Code 3 Associates expands role with Stewart-Haas Racing:Code 3 Associates is expanding its partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization specializing in animal rescue and recovery in disaster areas will feature its collaboration with the One Cure initiative for three races on the #10 Ford Fusion driven by Danica Patrick in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series while also adding a fourth race specific to Code 3 Associates. [More](4-26-2017)
Bristol Motor Speedway – Post-Event Penalty Report: Penalties have been issued following the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series races at Bristol Motor Speedway: #78 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team has been found in violation of Sections 10.9.10.4: Tires and Wheels. Note: Lug nut(s) not properly installed: Crew chief (Cole Pearn) has been fined $10,000.
#22 NASCAR XFINITY Series team has been found in violation of Sections 20.17.3.2.1.2 Post-Race Front Body. Inspection Heights and given an L1 penalty: Note: Race finish is encumbered per Section 12.10 Encumbered Race Finishes. Post-race height measurements were outside NASCAR allowed tolerances. Crew chief (Greg Erwin) has been fined $10,000 and suspended from the next NASCAR XFINITY Series points race. Team assessed with the loss of 10 NASCAR XFINITY Series car owner points.[More](4-26-2017)
Kennington to return to the #96 at Talladega: Gaunt Bros. Racing will return to the track for the second time this year when the series heads to Talladega.[More](4-26-2017)
Bristol TV ratings: The rescheduled Cup Series race at Bristol earned a 1.5 overnight rating.[More](4-26-2017)
EJ Wade Construction sponsoring DiBenedetto at Richmond: Matt DiBenedetto and the #32 EJ Wade Construction team moved up to 31st in owner and driver points in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series after a 19th place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway last week. This weekend, the series travels to Richmond International Raceway.[More](4-26-2017)
Statistical Advance: Analyzing the Toyota Owners 400: A look at many new, notes and story lines for the Toyota Owners 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway.[More](4-26-2017)
Fans can save on tickets by purchasing this week for Talladega triple-header: Fans coming to Talladega Superspeedway’s highly anticipated triple-header weekend can get their tickets this week at economical pricing at a savings of $5 off walkup costs.[More](4-26-2017)
Preview of Toyota’s Spring Race Weekend at Richmond International Raceway: The spring race week at Richmond International Raceway (Richmond) is officially here. From the Toyota PitPass with ferris wheel and Toyota Thrill Ride in the Midway to the return of red stripes to the track walls to Dale Earnhardt Jr’s final day race in Richmond to Track Takeover driven by AAA to the Checkered Flag 5K & Kids Fun Run and more, Richmond’s Toyota spring race weekend is packed. [More](4-26-2017)
News from April 25, 2017
Dale Earnhardt, Jr and Rick Hendrick met members of the media on Tuesday afternoon to discuss Earnhardt, Jr’s decision to retire from the Cup Series at the end of the season.: Dale Earnhardt, Jr and Rick Hendrick met members of the media on Tuesday afternoon to discuss Earnhardt, Jr’s decision to retire from the Cup Series at the end of the season.[More](4-25-2017)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. wanted to step away on his own terms, announces 2017 will be final season: More than anything, Dale Earnhardt Jr. wanted to be the master of his own destiny. In announcing his retirement from Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing on Tuesday at the Hendrick Motorsports campus in Charlotte, North Carolina, Earnhardt described his primary motivation during months of physically and emotionally exhausting rehabilitation from a concussion that sidelined him from the final 18 races of the 2016 season.[More](4-25-2017)
Earnhardt Jr. to retire from NASCAR Cup Series following 2017:After 18 seasons and more than 600 races behind the wheel, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will bring his NASCAR Cup Series driving career to a close at the conclusion of 2017. Today, he shared the news with members of his #88 Hendrick Motorsports team. The fan favorite and two-time Daytona 500 champion will discuss his decision in a press conference this afternoon. He will be joined by Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, for whom Earnhardt has driven since 2008. The two first met about the driver’s decision on March 29. [More](4-25-2017)
Jimmie Johnson stays hot with Monday victory at Bristol Grabbing the lead from #4-Kevin Harvick on Lap 480 of 500 in Monday’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, #48-Jimmie Johnson stayed out front for the final 21 laps and beat #14-Clint Bowyer to the finish line by 1.199 seconds. The checkered flag was Johnson’s second at the .533-mile short track, his second straight this season and the 82nd of his career in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, leaving him one victory behind Cale Yarborough for sixth on the career wins list – and two behind Darrell Waltrip and Bobby Allison. Bowyer passed Harvick, his Stewart-Haas Racing teammate, on Lap 485 to post his best finish since running second at Richmond on April 27, 2013. Harvick held third, followed by #20-Matt Kenseth and #22-Joey Loga. Polesitter Kyle Larson came home sixth after leading the first 202 laps, but the driver of the #42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet had to recover from a Lap 421 penalty for speeding on pit road.(NASCAR Wire Service)[MORE](4-25-2017)
Commercial breakdown and links related to the 2017 Food City 500For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Monday’s race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 1:01 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 4:21 PM (all times are EDT). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage. Fox was the broadcast team for this event. Total number of commercials: 99; Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 200; Minutes of race broadcast: 168; Minutes of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 32 (CawsnJaws.com)[MORE](4-25-2017)
Monday Bristol Notebook Pit road penalty quashes Larson’s & Truex winning chances; Sneaky-fast Kenseth comes from nowhere to fourth. #42-Kyle Larson broke a record, in a race that ran like … well, a broken record. Starting from the pole in Monday’s rain-delayed Food City 500 at Bristol motor Speedway, Larson led the first 202 laps of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. Never before had a driver for Chip Ganassi Racing led that many laps in a single race in NASCAR’s premier series. Larson was running in the top five before a speeding penalty on lap 421 of 500 sent him to the rear in the Monster Energy Series race.
No one at Bristol could run the bottom of the track better than #78-Martin Truex Jr., who led 116 laps in Monday’s rain-delayed Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Truex lost some of his advantage when the potency of the VHT track sealer, which added grip to the bottom lane, began to fade as the race progressed. But the real whammy for Truex was a penalty for speeding on pit road incurred under the final caution on Lap 465.
Throughout most of Monday’s Food City 500, #20-Matt Kenseth was all but invisible. As the track changed throughout the race at Bristol Motor Speedway, however, Kenseth’s fortunes changed for the better. In the final 15 laps, the driver of the #20 Joes Gibbs Racing Toyota passed #42-Kyle Larson and #22-Joey Logano to finish fourth, posting his first top five since he ran third at Atlanta in the second race of the season.(NASCAR Wire Service)[MORE](4-25-2017)
Race Stats and Facts from Bristol #48-Jimmie Johnson: 82nd career MENCS win (1 away from tying Cale Yarborough for 6th all-time and 2 from tying Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip for 4th) Johnson: 2nd win this season (also won last race at Texas); won multiple races in all 16 Cup Series seasons and joins Richard Petty as only drivers in series history with multiple wins for at least 16 straight seasons (Petty has 18). #14-Clint Bowyer: finished 2nd; best finish since finishing 2nd at Richmond in April 2013; 2nd top-5 finish in 8 races this season (had 2 in 72 races in 2015-16)(ESPN Stats)[see MORE](4-25-2017)
New date set for Team Penske’s final appeal The date for Team Penske’s final appeal of L1-level penalties issued last month has been pushed back one day due to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race postponement at Bristol. NASCAR officials said the hearing is now scheduled for 6:00pm/et on Wednesday, April 26 at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina. It previously had been scheduled for Tuesday.(NASCAR.com)[More](4-25-2017)
Motocross Athlete to attempt longest motorcycle jump at Talladega UPDATE Monster Energy is at it again. As the Corona, California-based company has done throughout the entire 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, they will take things to another level when professional motocross athlete Alex Harvill sets out to fly far beyond the Guinness World Record (GWR) for longest jump at Talladega Superspeedway – NASCAR’s biggest and most outrageous track. The attempt on the infamous track infield is scheduled to take place on May 7 just moments before the command to start engines at the GEICO 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race airing live on FOX at 2:00 p.m. EST. Tickets can be purchased to see the world record jump attempt and for the GEICO 500 at 1-877-GO2-DEGA or online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.[More](4-22-2017)
UPDATE Alex Harvill’s attempt at a world record motorcycle jump before the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on May 7 has been canceled. According to Monster Energy, the 24-year-old rider sustained a foot injury this week practicing for the planned 425-foot ramp-to-ramp leap in the Talladega infield.(USA Today)[More](4-25-2017)
News from April 24, 2017
Jimmie Johnson wins rain delayed race at Bristol: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the rain delayed (was supposed to run Sunday) Food City 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway for his 2nd win of the season, 2nd win at Bristol and 82nd career win. It is the 11th win at Bristol by a Hendrick Motorsports driver. Johnson led 81 of the 500 laps.
#14-Bowyer finished 2nd (his best finish since a 2nd at Richmond in April 2013) followed by #4-Harvick, #20-Kenseth, #22-Logano, #42-Larson (led the most laps 202), #24-Elliott, #78-Truex Jr., #17-Stenhouse Jr. and #11-Hamlin.
#88-Earnhardt Jr. had a oil cooler break and caused him to wreck. #18-Busch had tire issues and hit the wall.
There were 14 lead changes among 7 drivers and 9 cautions for 76 yellow flag laps and a 5:10 red flag.
The average speed of the race was: 86.674mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Pit Stop Times (pdf) (4-24-2017)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 250, now official race) of the Food City 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway (lap 250/500):
#78-Truex Jr., 10pts, 1 playoff point
#22-Logano, 9pts
#48-Johnson, 8pts
#4-Harvick, 7pts
#1-McMurray, 6pts
#77-Jones, 5pts
#42-Larson, 4pts
#11-Hamlin, 3pts
#6-Bayne, 2pts
#17-Syenhouse Jr., 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 125) of the Food City 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway (lap 125/500):
#42-Larson, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#78-Truex Jr., 9pts
#77-Jones, 8pts
#22-Logano, 7pts
#48-Johnson, 6pts
#24-Elliott, 5pts
#1-McMurray, 4pts
#11-Hamlin, 3pts
#47-Allmendinger, 2pts
#18-Busch, 1pt
2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Standings:
[after Bristol, race 8 of 36]
1) #42-Kyle Larson [1 win], 360
2) #24-Chase Elliott, 333, -27
3) #78-Martin Truex Jr [1], 323, -37
4) #22-Joey Logano, 291, -69
5) #2-Brad Keselowski [2], 277, -83
6) #48-Jimmie Johnson [2], 244, -116
7) #1-Jamie McMurray, 244, -116
8) #14-Clint Bowyer, 239, -121
9) #4-Kevin Harvick, 239, -121
10) #21-Ryan Blaney, 228, -132
11) #18-Kyle Busch, 214, -146
12) #77-Erik Jones, 192, -168
13) #6-Trevor Bayne, 192, -168
14) #31-Ryan Newman [1], 186, -174
15) #11-Denny Hamlin, 184, -176
18) #41-Kurt Busch [1], 163, -197
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Earnhardt Jr. talks about Bristol incident Dale Earnhardt Jr. was involved in an incident on lap 218 in the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway
THEY ARE TRYING TO ADDRESS WHAT DAMAGE WAS DONE BEFORE THE INCIDENT AND WHAT DAMAGE WAS DONE AFTER YOU HIT THE WALL, BUT DID YOU HAVE ANY IDEA AT ALL THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM?
“We came out of the pits and there’s some oil in the pit stall I noticed when I was getting lined-up for double file, is smoking. I don’t know why. But it’s got oil all over the engine compartment. So, in the corner, it just went straight in the wall. I don’t know what’s broke, but I think that’s the end of the day.”
ACCORDING TO NASCAR RULES, YOU HAVE TO DO TO THE MEDICAL CENTER. DO YOU FEEL OKAY?
“I feel good. We’ll get in here and find out.”(TeamChevy PR)[More](4-24-2017)
Lucky Dogs – Who got a lap back on each caution at Bristol: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #13-Dillon, 15th
Caution 2: #13-Dillon(2), 15th
Caution 3: #13-Dillon(3), 15th
Caution 4: #43-Almirola, 22nd
Caution 5: #72-Whitt, 21st
Caution 6: #3-Dillon, 13th
Caution 7: #27-Menard, 16th
Caution 8: #13-Dillon(4), 15th
Caution 9: #77-Jones, 17th (still down 1 lap)
(4-24-2017)
Competition caution scheduled for lap 60
POSTPONED due to rain until Monday, April 24 at 1:00pm/et, TV=FOX & TSN4 (Canada)
Persistent rain throughout the day on Sunday has forced the postponement of the race.
Race Coverage of the Food City 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is scheduled for Monday, April 24, 2017.
Television (TV): FOX at 1:00 pm/et; green flag approx. 1:07pm/et
Radio: Performance Racing Network (PRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: TBA
Revised Bristol Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pre-Race Schedule for Monday, April 24: (eastern time)
12:20pm: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Introductions
12:53pm: Presentation of Colors by Grandy High School JROTC Color Guard
12:53pm: Invocation by Mike Rife, Vansant Church of Christ, Vansant, VA
12:54pm: National Anthem by Todd Smith, Recording Artist and lead singer of Selah
12:56pm: Flyover by four T-38s 49th Fighter Training Squadron from Columbus AFB, Mississippi
1:00pm: Dale Earnhardt Jr Congratulations Food City Video (on Colossus TV)
1:01pm: Command to start engines by Kerry Earnhardt and Kelley Earnhardt Miller
1:07pm: Green flag for the Food City 500
See the starting lineup for the Food City 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on the Texas Starting Lineup Page (pdf).
To the back: #37-Buescher (backup car)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 42 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond International Raceway.
See the complete list on the Richmond entry list page.(4-24-2017)
News from April 23, 2017
POSTPONED – Race Coverage of the Food City 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is re-scheduled for Monday, April 24, 2017, weather permitting
Television (TV): FOX at 1:00 pm/et; green flag approx. 1:07pm/et
Radio: http://www.goprn.com Performance Racing Network (PRN) and http://www.sirius.com Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Bristol Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pre-Race Schedule for Sunday, April 23 (eastern time)
12:00pm: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver & Crew Chief Meeting
1:20pm: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Introductions
1:55:30pm: God Bless USA by Lee Greenwood
1:59:30pm: Pledge of Allegiance by USAF Chief MSgt Christopher Robinson
2:00pm: Presentation of Colors by Grandy High School JROTC Color Guard
2:00:20pm: Invocation by Mike Rife, Vansant Church of Christ, Vansant, VA
2:01pm: National Anthem by Todd Smith, Recording Artist and lead singer of Selah
2:02:30pm: Flyover by four T-38s 49th Fighter Training Squadron from Columbus AFB, Mississippi
2:07:30pm: Command to start engines by Kerry Earnhardt and Kelley Earnhardt Miller
2:13:30pm: Green flag for the Food City 500
Goodyear next tire tests at Indy..then Kentucky #48-Jimmie Johnson leads the list of drivers participating in the test scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday at the 2.5-mile. #2-Brad Keselowski, #11-Denny Hamlin and #38-David Ragan are also expected to attend in preparation for the July 23 event. The Indy exercise marks the fourth of eight Goodyear tire tests scheduled for the Monster Energy Cup tour in 2017. The fifth test of the year will be held at Kentucky Speedway on May 8-9. #1-Jamie McMurray, #3-Austin Dillon, #41-Kurt Busch and #77-Erik Jones were selected by NASCAR to take part in the test in the Blue Grass State. The Quaker State 400 is scheduled for July 8.(Motorsport)(4-23-2017)
Is the “old” Bristol experiencing a rebirth? As it turned out, #18-Kyle Busch was prophetic when he talked about the changing character of Bristol Motor Speedway.
“I’m sure (Kyle) Larson’s thrilled and he’ll have to rubber in the top himself while the rest of us are rooting and gouging for the bottom,” was Busch’s tongue-in-cheek assessment of the racing characteristics of the .533-mile short track, where Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers will compete in the Food City 500 on Sunday
Bristol is different this spring, thanks to a wider denser strip of VHT TrackBiteapplied to the bottom lane through both sets of turns at Thunder Valley. For the past few years, after Bristol ground the outside lane of the concrete surface in 2012, the top lane was superior after it had a chance to take on rubber. The application of the track sealer, to a greater degree than was used for last year’s Night Race in August, has flipped the equation, and drivers speculated that the bottom lane would be the faster lane on Sunday.(NASCAR Wire Service)[More](4-23-2017)
Premium Motorsports picks up sponsors for Bristol Premium Motorsports’ drivers Reed Sorenson & Derrike Cope are ready to get back in their seats for this weekend’s ‘Food City 500’ at Bristol Motor Speedway. As we roll into ‘The Last Great Colosseum’, the team welcomes ‘Low T Center’ as the primary partner on Sorenson’s #15 Chevy. They will also appear as a major associate partner on Cope’s #55 Toyota. Also on board with Sorenson as an Associate Partner for the ‘Food City 500’ is ‘The Backyard Company’. This Tampa, FL based company creates custom outdoor kitchens along with lots of exciting products associated with grilling and outdoor entertainment. Visit them at thebackyardcompanyonline.com.(Premium Motorsports)[More](4-23-2017)
Harrison Burton celebrates first K&N Pro Series East win Harrison Burton has been to NASCAR’s Victory Lane before. But that was when his dad, NASCAR on NBC analyst Jeff Burton, raced. Saturday, Harrison Burton was in Victory Lane after winning his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race. Both his mom and dad were there to celebrate his first NASCAR win. The 16-year-old Burton dominated Saturday’s rain-shortened Zombie Auto 125 at Bristol Motor Speedway, earning praise from current and former NASCAR competitors.(NBC Sports)[More](4-23-2017)
FBI Documents Show Patricia Driscoll Used Charity Money in Legal Fight Against Kurt Busch Newly discovered FBI documents show Patricia Driscoll, who is under federal indictment for allegedly misappropriating over $600,000 from a charity designed to help wounded military members and their families, used money from the Armed Forces Foundation to pay her attorney fees in a court case where she accused her ex-boyfriend, NASCAR driver Kurt Busch, of assaulting her.(see the full article at Kickin’ the Tires)(4-23-2017)
Montoya would like to run Daytona 500 again, but only with right team Former NASCAR Cup Series driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, met with media at Bristol Motor Speedway following announcement he will compete in 2017 Indianapolis 500 for Team Penske. Montoya was asked about NASCAR, the transcript in part:
Q) DO YOU MISS STOCK CAR RACING?
Montoya: “Stock car racing was fun, but I don’t need the every week thing. I don’t miss it at all. If you have kids and a family I mean honestly, no need.”
Q) HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT COMING BACK TO DRIVE THE DAYTONA 500 IN FEBRUARY IF YOU GOT THE CHANCE?
Montoya: “I think it would be fun to do it, but never really pushed for it or anything, so no.”
Q) WOULD YOU LIKE TO RUN THE DAYTONA 500 AGAIN?
Montoya: “If Roger (Penske) came to me and said we have another car, would I like to run Daytona 500, I would probably say yes. But it needs to be done with a proper team. You know what I mean. If it is a proper team, it would be exciting.”(Team Chevy PR)(4-23-2017)
News from April 22, 2017
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Food City 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#18-Busch 128.563
#19-Suarez 128.262
#5-Kahne 128.253
#24-Elliott 128.185
#48-Johnson & #77-Jones 128.168
best 10 consecutive lap ave (of 31 cars) #5-Kahne 127.482
slowest: #51-Hill 119.970 & #55-Cope 120.068
notes: #37-Buescher got loose and slapped the wall, doing damage to the rear of the car, the team will go to a backup car.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (4-22-2017)
1st Saturday practice for the Food City 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#18-Busch 128.865
#77-Jones 128.649
#11-Hamlin 128.176
#4-Harvick 128.091
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 128.005
best 10 consecutive lap ave (of 34 cars) #77-Jones 127.178
slowest: #55-Cope 119.025 & #51-Hill 122.396
notes: #17-Stenhouse Jr. got loose and slapped the wall, doing damage to the rear of the car, the team now plans to fix the car and NOT go to the backup car.
late in the session, #42-Larson slapped the wall and spun, the team is making repairs to the car.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the 1st Saturday Practice speeds page (pdf) (4-22-2017)
Maaco partners with Axalta and Dale Jr. in All-Star Race Maaco, North America’s No. 1 Bodyshop and a member of the Charlotte-based Driven Brands family, will make its debut in NASCAR All-Star Race this May. This opportunity is thanks to a joint promotion with paint partner Axalta Coatings Systems. The #88 Axalta/Maaco Chevrolet SS, driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR’s 14-time most popular driver, will race on Saturday, May 20 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Maaco logo will have distinctive visibility on the highly-recognizable Axalta paint scheme under the lights for the night race. At Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday, April 25th a special presentation of the #88 Axalta/Maaco Chevy, which will be driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the NASCAR All-Star Race on May 20 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.(Driven Brands)[More](4-22-2017)
Johnson, Dale Jr. and Gordon help out Sam Bass NASCAR licensed artist Sam Bass has opened a GoFundMe.com account to try and raise $350,000 for a kidney and pancreas transplant. Bass has waged on an ongoing battle against medical issues resulting from his diabetes. You can donate to Bass’ account by clicking here.(FoxSports)[More](4-22-2017)
Jimmie Johnson’s victory celebration comes with a price After his victory two weeks ago at Texas Motor Speedway, Jimmie Johnson was late for his post-race press conference – and with good reason. Because of a malfunction with his fluid delivery system, Johnson was dehydrated by the end of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. Consequently, a trip to the infield care center for IV fluids delayed his appearance in the media center. During the NASCAR off week over Easter, Johnson took on very different sorts of fluids, in Mexico no less.(NASCAR Wire Service)[More](4-22-2017)
Changing track has made Bristol tougher on Kurt Busch Kurt Busch is tied with his brother Kyle for most victories among active drivers at Bristol Motor Speedway. Only one problem: that’s ancient history. Busch earned four of his five Bristol victories during a five-race stretch from spring 2002 through spring 2004. His last win at the .533-mile high-banked short track came in the spring of 2006, his first season with team owner Roger Penske. Since then, the feast has turned to famine, and Busch knows why. It has everything to do with changes to the track that have opened up the outside lane – and simultaneously opened the path to victory for a much broader group of drivers. Busch ran third at BMS in last year’s spring race, matching his best finish since his most recent victory.(NASCAR Wire Service)[More](4-22-2017)
Fifth annual NASCAR Race to Green initiative To commemorate the holistic effort being made to help protect and preserve the environment, NASCAR announced its fifth annual NASCAR Race to Green initiative. Beginning today and culminating with Sunday’s TOYOTA OWNERS 400 at Richmond International Raceway, the initiative will build awareness around the programs NASCAR, the industry and multiple partners have developed to help reduce its carbon footprint. A key pillar of NASCAR Race to Green is a call-to-action for fans and the industry to donate trees that will be planted across the country as well as in areas recently devastated by natural disasters. Fans can visit NASCAR.com/green to donate trees – $1 per tree for a 2-3 foot sapling – to be planted in those areas with the support of the Arbor Day Foundation. Fans are encouraged to share their own efforts around being green by using the hashtag #NASCARGreen.(NASCAR PR)[More](4-22-2017)
Blaney car fails post race inspection at Bristol:The No. 22 Team Penske Ford of driver Ryan Blaney failed post-race technical inspection following Saturday’s Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The car measured too low in the left front, according to a NASCAR spokesperson. Any penalties arising from the failure will likely be determined and announced Tuesday.[More](4-22-2017)
Ross Chastain: Punch was ‘reaction to getting grabbed’ from behind:It isn’t rare for drivers to get mad with each other at Bristol Motor Speedway, but Xfinity Series driver Jeremy Clements had to make a trip to the track medical center after he was punched Saturday during the Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300. Clements was decked in the face by Ross Chastain after the red flag came out for rain at Bristol. Clements spent much of the 98-minute stoppage in the care center as his eye was treated for swelling. NASCAR talked to both drivers after the race. Any penalties would be determined later this week.[More](4-22-2017)
Erik Jones rallies from penalty to win NASCAR XFINITY race at Bristol: Erik Jones found the ideal way to atone from a mistake in Saturday’s Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway, but it took a bump-and-run for Jones to complete his comeback at the .533-mile short track. Recovering from a Lap 230 pit road speeding penalty that sent him to the back of the field, Jones worked his way to the front through a series of quick cautions and muscled Ryan Blaney out of the way to take the lead on Lap 280 of 300.[More](4-22-2017)
Jones wins Bristol XFINITY race: #20-Erik Jones won the Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his eighth XFINITY Series win and second of the year. #22-Ryan Blaney finished second, followed by #18-Daniel Suarez, #1-Elliott Sadler, #21-Daniel Hemric, #3-Ty Dillon, #42-Kyle Larson, #48-Brennan Poole, #11-Blake Koch, and #5-Michael Annett.
There were 9 cautions for 85 laps and 15 lead changes among 7 leaders.
The average speed was 67.738mph.There were two red flag periods. The first was for rain and lasted an hour and 38 minutes.
Complete results are on the Bristol race results page (pdf). (4-22-2017)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 85 – Winner, #42-Kyle Larson
Stage 2 – lap 170 – Winner, #21-Daniel Hemric
Stage 3 – lap 300 – Race winner, #20-Erik Jones
Bristol XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Erik Jones(i) won the 35th Annual FITZGERALD GLIDER KITS 300, his eighth victory in 64 NASCAR
XFINITY Series races.
This is his second victory and fourth top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his second victory and fourth top-10 finish in five races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Ryan Blaney(i) (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in five races at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his
third top-10 finish in 2017.
Daniel Suarez(i) (third) posted his fourth top-10 finish in five races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Daniel Hemric (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 16 points over William Byron #.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(4-22-2017)
XFINITY Driver standings following Bristol:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler, 260
2) #9-William Byron, 244, -16
3) #7-Justin Allgaier, 200, -60
4) #16-Ryan Reed, 184, -76
5) #21-Daniel Hemric, 180, -80
6) #6-Darrell Wallace, Jr., 180, -80
7) #11-Blake Koch, 164, -96
8) #48-Brennan Poole, 163, -97
9) #19-Matt Tifft, 160, -100
10) #5-Michael Annett, 157, -103
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(4-22-2017)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Bristol: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #21-Hemric, 5th
Caution 2: #1-Sadler, 4th
Caution 3: #46-Houff, 15th
Caution 4: #9-Byron, 12th
Caution 5: #46-Houff, 15th
Caution 6: #48-Poole, 8th
Caution 7: #14-Yeley, 14th
Caution 8: #5-Annett, 10th
Caution 9: #19-Tifft, 16th
(4-22-2017)
Larson on XFINITY pole at Bristol: #42-Kyle Larson won the Coors Light pole for the Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway with a new track record with a speed at 127.988mph. #2-Austin Dillon will start second. The rest of the top 10: #00-Cole Custer, #20-Erik Jones, #7-Justin Allgaier, #3-Ty Dillon, #19-Matt Tifft, #21-Daniel Hemric, #22-Ryan Blaney, and #18-Daniel Suarez.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Bristol starting lineup page (pdf).(4-22-2017)
Bristol XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Kyle Larson(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 35th Annual FITZGERALD GLIDER KITS 300
with a lap of 14.992 seconds, 127.988 mph.
This is his second pole in 95 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first pole and fourth top-10 start in 2017.
This is his second pole in eight races at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Austin Dillon(i) (second) posted his fourth top-10 start of 2017 and his eighth in eight races at Bristol
Motor Speedway.
Cole Custer (third) posted his first top-10 start at Bristol Motor Speedway. It is his fifth in seven races
this season.
Cole Custer (third) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(4-22-2017)
Watkins Glen President hopes to name an entitlement partner soonWatkins Glen International President Michael Printup was asked:
Q) What’s the status of the search for title sponsors for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the Verizon IndyCar Series race?
A) Michael Printup: NASCAR, I wish we had better news and we could announce an entitlement partner. As you know, Cheez-It pulled out in October, November last year. Great sponsor. Kellogg’s did a great thing (as our sponsor). They had a change at the top in some of their management and they moved their dollars to Major League Baseball. They pulled a lot of money from their racing program. That happens in this world. When sponsors change, a lot of it comes from a CMO level, a VP level or a president level. We got caught up in that. … We’re still looking. We’re down to about two companies we are talking to seriously. We would have hoped we would have closed it by now, but we haven’t.(Q&A at the Elmiria Star Gazette)(4-22-2017)
Motocross Athlete to attempt longest motorcycle jump at TalladegaMonster Energy is at it again. As the Corona, California-based company has done throughout the entire 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, they will take things to another level when professional motocross athlete Alex Harvill sets out to fly far beyond the Guinness World Record (GWR) for longest jump at Talladega Superspeedway – NASCAR’s biggest and most outrageous track. The attempt on the infamous track infield is scheduled to take place on May 7 just moments before the command to start engines at the GEICO 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race airing live on FOX at 2:00 p.m. EST. Tickets can be purchased to see the world record jump attempt and for the GEICO 500 at 1-877-GO2-DEGA or online at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.[More](4-22-2017)
Rusty Wallace Unveils New Richmond Wall Badge at Richmond International Raceway With help from NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace, Richmond International Raceway (Richmond) unveiled the new Richmond wall badge along the frontstretch. The new wall badge showcases a bold Richmond instead of the former Richmond International Raceway. The wall badge is part of a new look and feel for America’s Premier Short Track, which started with the return of red racing stripes on the track walls for the first time since 1988. See attached photo of the new Richmond wall badge. The new Richmond on the frontstretch sits right at the Start/Finish line as well as on the backstretch. This allows both drivers and fans to catch a glimpse from all angles of the track. The bold new look will be on full display for fans when they arrive for the Toyota spring race weekend on April 28, 29 & 30. Tickets are on sale now. Visit rir.com or call 866-455-7223 to purchase.(RIR)[More](4-22-2017)
News from April 21, 2017
Bristol rainout puts Kyle Larson on pole for Food City 500 For the third time this season, #42-Kyle Larson will start a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race from the pole. And for the second time this year, he gained the top starting spot not through qualifying in time trials, but with an assist from Mother Nature. Because of intermittent rain at Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR canceled qualifying in favor of necessary practice for teams in the Cup, XFINITY and K&N Pro Series East Series. With the field for Sunday’s Food City 500 ordered according to owner points, Larson will start up front as the series leader, with second-place #24-Chase Elliott beside him. Those are familiar positions for both drivers, who started in the same spots when rain wiped out qualifying for the April 2 race at Martinsville. Interestingly, Larson posted his worst finish of the season in that race – 17th. Otherwise, in the six events since he ran 12th in the season-opening Daytona 500, the driver of the #42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet has a victory from the pole at Fontana, California, and four second-place finishes. Elliott, on the other hand, finished third at Martinsville, matching his best result of the season. #78-Martin Truex Jr. will start third on Sunday, followed by Team Penske teammates #2-Brad Keselowski and #22-Joey Logano. Keselowski is the only two-time winner this season, having gone to Victory Lane at both Atlanta and Martinsville.(NASCAR Wire Service)
See the complete starting lineup on the Bristol Starting Lineup page (pdf).(4-21-2017)
Erik Jones in the #77 Sport Clips Toyota at Bristol This weekend Sport Clips will make their first appearance as the primary sponsor on the #77 Toyota Camry with driver Erik Jones and Furniture Row Racing. In addition to this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, Sport Clips will appear on the #77 at Daytona International Speedway on July 1, Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 23 and Texas Motor Speedway on November 5. Erik Jones will make his first-career NASCAR Cup Series start at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend for the Food City 500.(Furniture Row Racing)[More](4-21-2017)
Bass Pro Shops / National Wild Turkey Federation featured on McMurray’s car Bass Pro Shops announced a special paint scheme that will adorn the Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) #1 Chevy of Jamie McMurray at the Bristol spring race. Noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris is donating space on the race car to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. The #1 Bass Pro Shops/NWTF Chevy will compete in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) on Sunday, April 23.(Chip Ganassi Racing)[More](4-21-2017)
Kyle Busch to Support National Infertility Awareness Week with Special Helmet at Bristol In support of National Infertility Awareness Week, NASCAR driver #18-Kyle Busch will wear a specially-designed helmet in the Monster Energy Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 23. The helmet will feature the Kyle Busch Foundation’s (KBF) Bundle of Joy Fund and photos of Busch’s family, including his wife Samantha and son Brexton. Following the race, Busch will auction off his race-worn helmet and replica mini-helmets will be available in the coming months with all proceeds benefiting the Bundle of Joy Fund. Busch’s race helmet will go on sale Monday, April 24 at 10am/et on KBF’s eBay site ebay.com/usr/kylebuschfoundation and end Saturday night, April 29.(Kyle Busch Foundation / KBM)[More](4-21-2017)
Rick Ware Racing picks up sponsor for Bristol & Richmond Officials from Rick Ware Racing (RWR) announced the signing of Symbol Mattress as the primary marketing for the team’s #51 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series entry for the next two races at Bristol Motor Speedway and Richmond International Raceway respectively. Long-time RWR driver Timmy Hill will pilot the #51 Symbol Mattress Chevy at Bristol and Richmond promoting their SleepFresh Sleep System. In addition to Symbol Mattress, RWR is proud to carry the support of Spoonful of Music, Lilly Trucking, Picture It Solid Photography and BUBBA burger as associate marketing partner for the eighth race on the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series tour.(Rick Ware Racing)[More](4-21-2017)
Dale Jr. to run a patriotic Mountain Dew scheme at Kansas in MayWith the calendar nearing May, Mountain Dew is helping fans get ready for summer. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s #88 Chevy will help kick the season off on May 13 at Kansas Speedway with a brand new patriotic look. The red-white-and-blue theme is a nod to Mountain Dew’s soon-to-launch summer innovation, Mountain Dew DEW-S-A.(Hendrick Motorsports)(4-21-2017)
LFR supporting fan quest for free Wendy’s chicken nuggets Michael McDowell and Leavine Family Racing (LFR) are eager to get back to short track racing at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Food City 500. LFR is also looking forward to supporting Carter Wilkerson, an overnight Twitter celebrity, in his quest for free Wendy’s chicken nuggets for a year. Carter has already achieved the impossible, reaching over 3.1 million retweets on Twitter out of the 18 million ask. Iconic brands have already shown their support for Carter, and LFR wants the NASCAR community and the large social media presence to join in supporting Carter’s campaign. “I am blown away by all of the support!” said Wilkerson. “It all started out just for fun. I just really wanted some chicken nuggets. Now, we’ve raised more than $100,000 for charity and it just keeps growing. I’ve just about beat Ellen, and I’m Twitter verified. I’m excited to see what’s next.” LFR will feature a large decal on the TV panel of the #95 WRL Chevy with the Twitter hashtag #NuggsForCarter. The racing community can easily support Carter by going to LFR’s Twitter @LFR95 and retweeting the original tweet from Wilkerson’s account.(Leavine Family Racing)[More](4-21-2017)
Justin Allgaier paces XFINITY practice: #7-Justin Allgaier was quickest in the only XFINITY practice at Bristol Motor Speedway with a speed of 124.420mph.
#20-Erik Jones was second, followed by: #42-Kyle Larson, #22-Ryan Blaney, #2-Austin Dillon, #3-Ty Dillon, #33-Brandon Jones, #6-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #48-Brennan Poole, and #00-Cole Custer.
All 40 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Bristol final practice speeds page (pdf).(4-21-2017)
King Tire Service sponsors Morgan Shepherd at Bristol: Morgan Shepherd heads to Bristol Motor Speedway, looking to make his 63rd NASCAR start and the 30th of his NASCAR XFINITY Series career at the famed half mile track. King Tire Service will serve as primary sponsor of the #89 Chevrolet Camaro SS in the Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300.[More](4-21-2017)
Josh Williams driving for King Autosport at Bristol: The friendship bond between two race car drivers will reach a new pinnacle level this weekend at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway when ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards driver Josh Williams pairs with Mario Gosselin’s King Autosport for Saturday afternoon’s Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300. The link between Gosselin and Williams circles back to William’s early success in the ARCA Racing Series driving for his family-owned team Josh Williams Motorsports.[More](4-21-2017)
Charlotte Motor Speedway Reveals Plans For Innovative Turn 4 Sun Deck Known for leading the way in innovation and creating unforgettable fan experiences, Charlotte Motor Speedway officials announced plans Friday for the facility’s latest modernization project, a multipurpose fan enhancement that will literally energize the sport and offer fans a bevy of new ways to watch the thrilling on-track action during May’s 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder and for many years to come. The Turn 4 Sun Deck is the speedway’s latest cutting-edge offering for fans attending events at the iconic 1.5-mile superspeedway, adding to improvements over the decades that have included innovative lights for night racing, a giant 16,000-square-foot Speedway TV, condominiums overlooking the track and luxury dining experiences with The Speedway Club.(Charlotte Motor Speedway)[More](4-21-2017)
News from April 20, 2017
Weather could be an issue at Bristol this weekend NASCAR has had a good run of seven weeks of mostly rain free weather. The only exceptions were the Cash at Daytona, a non points race, and the Friday at Martinsville where practice and qualifying were both washed out. It appears the dry weather luck runs out at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend. Forecasting the weather around Bristol Motor Speedway is always complicated, especially when you are dealing with the terrain around the track. The mountains and hills that make up the region can give meteorologist’s fit. While we expect rain showers and storms to fall during the weekend not every moment of every day is soaking wet. We expect some dry time as we go through the weekend. The question is, which days are drier than the others? (see full post and forecasts at SB Nation / Brian Neudorff) or check out the Bristol Race Info page – weather link section.[More](4-20-2017)
Kenseth hopes to race full-time in 2018 So how would #20-Matt Kenseth handle retirement? “I probably just wouldn’t show up at Daytona and just everybody say was Matt racing this week? Or I’d send out like a four-word tweet. I don’t know if I’d announce it all.” In other words, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver hasn’t considered the proposition? “Not really.” How many more years does the 2003 champion plan to race? “Fifteen to 20,” he said with typical deadpan. “If Tom Brady can play football at 40 and still win Super Bowls, I think 45 is pretty young to try to win races.” Still, it’s notable that neither Kenseth nor team owner Joe Gibbs definitively said he would be in the #20 in 2018. Gibbs said the Circle K deal is multiyear, so does that mean Kenseth will be with the team in 2018? “I mean, I hope so,” Keneseth said. “That’s always my hope. The details of the sponsorship I mostly don’t know. That would have to come from Coach or somebody there. I don’t know any real details except the races they’re on the car this year.”(NBC Sports)[More](4-20-2017)
NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Bristol some storylines include: Busch Bros At Bristol; Harvick Hopes For Second Straight Bristol Win; Logano Looks To Continue Bristol Success; Kenseth Can Build Momentum At Bristol; Larson Heads To Bristol As Series Points Leader; Food City Celebrates 25th Year With Bristol Motor Speedway; Bayne Returns To Home State (NASCAR)[More](2-20-2017)
CSX and Cassill Promote ‘Trees for Tracks’ at Bristol Landon Cassill’s yellow and blue #34 CSX “Play It Safe” Ford will have a splash of green added for Earth Day this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. The #34 Fusion will promote CSX’s “Trees for Tracks” program, in which the transportation company aims to plant 42,000 trees by 2018. The Jacksonville, Fla.-based railroad initially launched “Trees for Tracks” in 2009 with the goal of planting 21,000 trees – one for every mile of its track in the United States. After reaching that milestone, CSX extended the effort by doubling its goal. In addition to including “Trees for Tracks” messages on the #34 Ford, CSX will also produce a limited-edition Cassill autograph card printed on seed paper to promote tree planting.(Front Row Motorsports)[More](4-20-2017)
‘Daylight Racing Time’ Returns to Charlotte on Oct. 8 “Daylight Racing Time” is back at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Bank of America 500, NASCAR’s homecoming, returns to its original afternoon starting time on Sunday, Oct. 8, in a move geared for on-track competition and a schedule-friendly weekend format for families. Charlotte’s iconic 1.5-mile superspeedway hasn’t scheduled a daytime Bank of America 500 since 2002, but a return to the traditional Friday-Saturday-Sunday format offers families an unmatched opportunity to enjoy two sun-drenched afternoons of racing at an affordable price. Kids’ tickets cost just $10 for the Bank of America 500 and are FREE for every other event.
Bojangles’ Pole Night remains under the lights at 7 p.m. on Oct. 6 while the NASCAR XFINITY Series Drive for the Cure 300 presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina will run at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. The exhilarating second round of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs begins with the Bank of America 500 at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8 on NBC. Race times are subject to change. To purchase tickets, camping and race-day upgrades to the 10 Days of NASCAR Thunder or the Bank of America 500, fans can call the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or shop online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.[More](4-20-2017)
News from April 19, 2017
Circle K to sponsor Kenseth for six races Joe Gibbs Racing is scheduled to host a press conference at 2:00pm/et on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in uptown Charlotte, N.C. that is scheduled to include team owner, Joe Gibbs, and the driver of the #20 Toyota Camry, Matt Kenseth.(JGR)
UPDATE: Joe Gibbs Racing welcomes Circle K to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series with the company’s first primary sponsorship in the sport aboard the #20 Toyota Camry with Matt Kenseth. Circle K is one of the largest fuel and convenience retailers in the US and has stores located in 41 states throughout the country.
Circle K has had branding on cars within NASCAR through vendor programs over the years. This is the first time the company has served as a primary sponsor within the sport. Circle K is pleased to serve as the primary sponsor for Kenseth and the #20 Toyota Camry for six races in 2017. The company will also have associate branding on the #20 Toyota in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series whenever they are not already serving as the primary sponsor.(JGR)[More](4-19-2017)
Mobil 1 featured on Danica’s #10 Ford at Bristol When Danica Patrick gets to Bristol this weekend, her #10 Ford will sport the colors of Mobil 1 Annual Protection, which is part of ExxonMobil’s new high-performance, low-environmental-impact product line that provides exceptional performance benefits and convenience. Mobil 1 Annual Protection helps to safely reduce the amount of used oil generated through regular oil changes. More than 2 billion quarts of oil would be saved each year if every driver in the United States switched to Mobil 1 Annual Protection.
(Stewart-Haas Racing / True Speed Communication)[More](4-19-2017)
Cup winner will have new place to celebrate at Bristol The winner of Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Fodd City 500 race at Bristol Motor Speedway will have a new place to celebrate. Victory Lane will be moved to the frontstretch, putting it closer to the fans. The winner of Saturday’s Xfinity race at Bristol will go to the Victory Lane location on the roof of a building between turns 3 and 4.(NBC Sports)[More](4-19-2017)
Original Artwork by NASCAR Artist Sam Bass To Sell at Auction For more than three decades, NASCAR fans eagerly snapped up prints of famous Sam Bass paintings featuring such legends as Dale Earnhardt, Dale Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and others. Now, for the first time, they can own the original pieces of art themselves. More than 250 pieces of original Sam Bass artwork, with certificates of authenticity and valued at over $1.7 million, will be sold in a bankruptcy auction Wednesday, May 3, with Iron Horse Auction Company conducting the event. Online pre-bidding will begin April 25 at www.ironhorseauction.com, but the items are already listed. The live auction will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 3 at the Cabarrus Arena in Concord, N.C.(PR Newswire)[More](4-19-2017)
Roush Fenway still needs sponsorship for Wallace: NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace is currently fourth in the Xfinity Series standings, but he may have to end his season early, as he only has sponsorship through the end of May, according to NBCSN’s Marty Snider.[More](4-19-2017)
News from April 18, 2017
Ray Evernham, Founder of Program (IGNITE) Helping Young Adults in NC with Autism The CDC says one in 68 children are diagnosed with autism, but one program hopes to make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed. That program is “IGNITE,” teaching young adults with autism life skills such as cooking, exercise, and job skills. Peg Adamczyk says she saw a change with her child, who now has a job. “It’s been a godsend to us; she learned lifeskills here, how to interact with others, she learned about money, there was a money management class, she made friends,” said Adamczyk. “IGNITE” is very personal to founder and former NASCAR crew chief, Ray Evernham. “We really honestly knew there was a need, but didn’t know how big of a need. My son, Raymond John is 25 years old and he is on the autism spectrum. He is an Asperger’s child and what we found out is once he got through high school, and did all those things, there weren’t a lot of programs to help him transition in the community and really help him learn about lifeskills,” said Evernham. To learn more about IGNITE or to donate, please visit http://www.autismsociety-nc.org/index.php/ignitedavidson or IGNITE’s homepage: http://ignite-davidson.org/.(Spectrum News)[More](4-18-2017)
New Era to sponsor Austin Dillon at Bristol Austin Dillon has a new sponsor this weekend for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. New Era, which is known for its baseball hats and other apparel, will serve as the primary sponsor on the #3 Richard Childress Racing Chevy this weekend.(FoxSports)[More](4-18-2017)
Statistical Advance – Analyzing The Food City 500: A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, VA going into the Food City 500 on April 24, 2017, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing the Food City 500 page
Leavine Family Racing announces return of Camp 95: Leavine Family Racing (LFR) is excited to announce the return of CAMP 95, a unique summer camp for high school aged kids. The camp is designed to give kids an exclusive behind the scenes look at different types of careers in NASCAR by giving them hands-on experience in different areas of the industry.[More](4-18-2017)
Golden Corral to sponsor Sadler at Richmond: Golden Corral, America’s #1 family-style buffet restaurant chain, will join the #1 team and driver Elliott Sadler as a primary sponsor for the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Richmond International Raceway (April 29), JR Motorsports announced today.[More](4-18-2017)
Russell Dickerson added to Bristol pre-race entertainment: Emerging country music star Russell Dickerson will get fans revved up for the Food City 500 green flag as the Nashville native has been named the official pre-race entertainment by Bristol Motor Speedway officials. Dickerson, who has headlined numerous venues and toured with Billy Currington, Florida Georgia Line and Canaan Smith, will perform Sunday, April 23 on the backstretch prior to the 1:20 PM driver introductions. Wrestling legend and recent WrestleMania 33 participant Bill Goldberg will get the crowd pumped up when he introduces Dickerson.[More](4-18-2017)
News from April 17, 2017
Entry List for the Food City 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is posted, 39 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
36 teams with Charters are guaranteed to make the field. The rest need to make the field via qualifying / qualifying races / rules book (owners attempts/points).
Some of the drivers entered include: #15-Sorenson, #23-Gaulding, #33-JEarnhardt, #51-Hill*, #55-Cope*, #83-LaJoie*
Drivers who currently to not drive for a team with a Charter and need to race into the field: #51-Hill*, #55-Cope*, #83-LaJoie*.
Drivers who would miss the race if qualifying is canceled (least race attempts): none
Since only 39 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Special Busch Bucks scheme for Harvick at All-Star race: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Busch Beer Ford Fusion for Stewart-Haas Racing, will be holding more than just the steering wheel when he competes in the May 20 NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. He’ll also hold the financial fate of one consumer who will have the chance to take home a life-changing amount of cash.[More](4-17-2017)
Stage racing’s impact on the points standings: The introduction of stage points is creating large intervals in the points standings. The most points a driver could earn in a Cup race in 2016 was 45: 40 points for first, three bonus points for winning the race and then a bonus point for leading a lap and a bonus point for leading the most laps.[More](4-17-2017)
More teams eligible for playoffs so far this year: After seven races in the NASCAR season, the sport’s premier series is experiencing its highest level of parity this early since the introduction of the current playoff format in 2014. Jimmie Johnson’s win Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway put the number of teams and drivers eligible for the playoffs via wins at six each ahead of the Easter break.[More](4-17-2017)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 42 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
See the complete list on the Bristol entry list page.(4-17-2017)
Ben Kennedy to run partial schedule for GMS Racing: Ben Kennedy confirms a multi-race NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) schedule with GMS Racing for the 2017 season. With 12 NXS races already confirmed, Kennedy will pilot the #96 Chevrolet Camaro alongside teammate Spencer Gallagher beginning at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May. [More](4-17-2017)
Chris Shrader & DJ Michaelis join The Charlie Daniels Band for Talladega’s Saturday Night Infield Concert: Artist Chris Shrader, who has a rocking style of traditional country music, will open Talladega Superspeedway’s popular Saturday Night Infield Concert, May 6, as part the track’s anticipated triple-header motorsports weekend (May 5-7), featuring the GEICO 500. Shrader, along with DJ Michaelis, a mainstay in NASCAR circles and a past performer at Talladega, will join the iconic Charlie Daniels Band in the track’s infamous infield – NASCAR’s “Party Capital.” Admission is free with the purchase of a GEICO 500 race ticket.[More](4-17-2017)
News from April 16, 2017
Monster Energy named ‘brand of the year’ by Cynopsis: NASCAR’s premier series entitlement sponsor Monster Energy was awarded brand of the year and recognized as a luminary honoree at the sixth annual 2017 Cynopsis Sports Media Awards on Thursday morning in New York City. NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Global Sales and Marketing Officer Steve Phelps presented Monster Energy with the Gem Award, which honors the brand of the year. Monster Energy Senior Vice President of Marketing Sam Pontrelli accepted the award on behalf of the company.[More](4-16-2017)
Lewis Hamilton would like to run a NASCAR race: Three-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton says he would like to race the Daytona 500 one day.[More](4-16-2017)
News from April 15, 2017
Josh Bilicki joins Rick Ware Racing for Sonoma, Watkins Glen:Officials from Rick Ware Racing (RWR) announced that Richfield, Wisc. native Josh Bilicki has joined their Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) team for this summer’s two road course races. Bilicki, 21, will drive the team’s #51 Chevrolet at Sonoma (Calf.) Raceway on June 25 and complete the road course sweep at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International six weeks later on Aug 6.[More](DATE-2017)
Danica Patrick comments on retirement: With Patrick’s driving days possibly nearing an end in the not-too-distant future, what might have seemed like an off-track hobby is being fast-tracked into something far bigger. She launched the clothing line “Warrior by Danica Patrick” on HSN after participating in the design process. And she developed the workouts and meal plans for the book. Ask Patrick about how much longer she will race, and her reply doesn’t suggest the question is off-target.[More](4-15-2017)
Keselowski joins Board of Directors at 704 Games: Video game publisher and developer 704Games announced that Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion and NASCAR XFINITY Series Champion Brad Keselowski will join the Company’s Board of Directors. Brad Keselowski, full-time driver for Team Penske, has been playing NASCAR video games for over two decades and served as a consultant in the development of NASCAR Heat Mobile, 704Games’ first NASCAR mobile racing game, due this spring on iOS and Android.[More](4-15-2017)
Texas XFINITY TV Ratings: NASCAR Xfinity Series racing at Texas had a 1.1 final rating and 1.7 million viewers on the FOX broadcast network, up 57% in ratings and 42% in viewership from last year (0.7, 1.2M) and up 38% and 42% respectively from 2015 (0.8, 1.2M), both of which took place on Friday nights and aired on Fox Sports 1. Four of six Xfinity Series races this season have posted an increase over last year. [Sports Media Watch](4-15-2017)
Clint Bowyer & Joey Logano join Talladega Superspeedway’s Fan Q&A Session: Clint Bowyer, a two-time Talladega Superspeedway winner, and Joey Logano, the latest driver to go to Gatorade Victory Lane at the 2.66-mile venue, have joined the lineup for NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track’s Pre-Race Fan Question and Answer Session on Sunday morning, May 7, prior to the start of the GEICO 500.[More](4-15-2017)
News from April 14, 2017
NASCAR looking for ways to prevent airborne crashes: On Tuesday, however, NASCAR was searching for ways to slow cars down at Daytona International Speedway. Joey Logano was one of five drivers participating in an aerodynamic exercise focussed on discouraging lift-off on vehicles at restrictor plate tracks.[More](4-14-2017)
Keselowski’s Darlington scheme released: At Darlington Raceway on September 3, Team Penske is bringing back a classic fan favorite – the #2 Miller Genuine Draft Ford Fusion.[More](4-14-2017)
Martins Motorsports Returns to NASCAR XFINITY Series: Martins Motorsports will return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Bristol Motor Speedway in the Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300 on April 22nd with driver Tommy Joe Martins & sponsorship from long time partner Diamond Gusset Jeans. Bristol will be the first of a 9-race Xfinity schedule for the newly minted #45 team. The team plans to compete at the Spring & Fall events at Bristol, Dover, & Richmond, as well as Chicagoland, Kansas, & Indianapolis. Kevin Eagle will return as the Crew Chief, and the team will continue to run Chevrolets.[More](4-14-2017)
Dover Speedway to host International Drone Racing Series’ USA Race from 2017-19: The International Drone Racing Association (IDRA) has announced a new partnership with Dover International Speedway. The IDRA will hold its USA event at the track famously known as “The Monster Mile” June 2-4, 2017, in conjunction with Dover’s NASCAR tripleheader race weekend. The event will be free and open to the public to watch in Dover’s FanZone.[More](4-14-2017)
Richmond to host Smithfield PWBA Tour Championship: The season finale of the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour will take place at Richmond International Raceway (Richmond) in Richmond, Virginia, during the track’s fall NASCAR race week festivities. Richmond-based QubicaAMF will install bowling lanes for the event as part of its new sponsorship of the PWBA. The Smithfield PWBA Tour Championship is set for September 3-6 in the Old Dominion Building at the Richmond Raceway Complex.[More](4-14-2017)
News from April 13, 2017
Texas overnight TV ratings: FOX earned a 2.5 overnight for Sunday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.(4-11-2017)
UPDATE NASCAR Cup Series racing from Texas pulled a 2.7 final rating and 4.5 million viewers on FOX Sunday afternoon, flat in ratings and up 4% in viewership from last year (2.7, 4.3M) but down 7% and 6% respectively from 2015 (2.9, 4.8M), both of which aired on Saturday nights.[More](4-13-2017)
NASCAR National Series News & Notes: Items of interest across all three NASCAR national series.[More](4-13-2017)
Gil Martin, RCR part ways: Gil Martin has parted way with Richard Childress Racing. The long-time crew chief turned Xfinity Series manager had been with the Welcome, N.C. race team since 2001, but was released Tuesday. During his tenure as a Cup crew chief, Martin led a variety of drivers – including Kevin Harvick, Robby Gordon and Clint Bowyer.[More](4-13-2017)
Chase University college student program returns to Talladega:Chase University is returning to Talladega Superspeedway for the track’s NASCAR double header weekend, May 6-7. After a successful, initial venture last fall, NASCAR’s Most Competitive track is again partnering with the driver of the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Chase Elliott, for the special “Chase U” $24 college student ticket offer. As a part of the program, Elliott is scheduled to visit the “Chase U” college zone, located in the North Park Campground, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 6.[More](DATE-2017)
News from April 12, 2017
Goodyear tire test at Daytona this week UPDATE: Goodyear Tire Testing with Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams will be held at Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday, April 11 and Wednesday, April 12. The test is closed to the public.(4-9-2017)
UPDATE: Joey Logano, the 2015 DAYTONA 500 champion, was one of five Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers at DIS this week for a Goodyear Tire Test that also featured some aerodynamic exams overseen by NASCAR. Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford for Team Penske, was joined by Furniture Row Racing’s Erik Jones; 2008 DAYTONA 500 champion Ryan Newman of Richard Childress Racing; 2013 DAYTONA 500 polesitter Danica Patrick from Stewart-Haas Racing; and Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports. [More](4-12-2017)
Gase to pull double duty at Talladega: Joey Gase is happy to announce that he will be partnering with Sparks Energy for the Sparks Energy 300 on May 6th and the GEICO 500 on May 7th. Gase will be piloting #15 for Premium Motorsports in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and #52 for Jimmy Means Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. Sparks Energy and Gase will also be teaming up to promote a very important cause to Gase: organ, eye, and tissue donation.[More](4-12-2017)
Texas post-race penalty announced: The #17 team of Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. has been found in violation of safety sections 10.9.10.4 of the NASCAR rule book: Tires and Wheels. Note: Lug nut(s) not properly installed. Crew chief (Brian Pattie) has been fined $10,000.(NASCAR)(4-12-2017)
Date not yet set for Penske appeal UPDATE: NASCAR’s National Motorsports Appeals commission still is working to schedule a hearing for Team Penske, ensuring that crew chief Paul Wolfe will be with Brad Keselowski this weekend. A NASCAR official confirmed Wednesday morning that next week would be the earliest that the team’s appeal of a Phoenix penalty would be heard, meaning the deferment of Wolfe’s suspension would continue at Texas Motor Speedway.(4-7-2017)
UPDATE: Brad Keselowski crew chief Paul Wolfe will be suspended for the next two races as a three-member NASCAR appeals panel ruled against Team Penske following a hearing Wednesday. Keselowski’s fifth-place car failed postrace inspection March 19 at Phoenix International Raceway as it had a rear steer of more than 0.56 degrees of skew. NASCAR suspended Wolfe for three races, fined him $65,000 and docked Keselowski 35 points. Wolfe sat out one race before Penske decided to appeal the penalty. He is expected to miss the upcoming races at Bristol and Richmond.[More]
New NASCAR policy allows for earlier race starts: NASCAR has a new policy where, with 24 hours notice, it could start a race one hour earlier than the listed start time in the event of a forecast of inclement weather.[More](4-11-2017)
Multiple tire compounds in 2018? NASCAR is considering doing what a lot of other auto racing series around the world do: Give its race teams the option of running two different types of tires for each race. The first would be a conventional set, the second a softer compound that is significantly faster than the normal tire, but presumably would wear out much quicker.[More](4-12-2017)
Buescher’s jackman improving: Zack Young, jackman for the #37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet of driver Chris Buescher, is doing better after being upended by Buescher’s spinning race car on pit road during Sunday’s race at Texas.[More](4-12-2017)
Richmond International Raceway goes back in time with red stripes on track walls: Richmond International Raceway is bringing back a racing classic. Red stripes will return to the track walls of America’s Premier Short Track. This will be the first time since February 1988 that fans and drivers will race along red stripes on Richmond’s track wall.[More](4-12-2017)
Bret Michaels to perform Bojangles’ Southern 500 pre-race concert:Highlighting its award-winning throwback weekend plans of celebrating the 1985-89 era of the sport, Darlington Raceway will have rock legend Bret Michaels perform the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 pre-race concert on Sunday, Sept. 3. Michaels, known for his role as front man for the multi-platinum recording band Poison and as a highly successful solo artist, will perform a variety of Poison and solo hits spanning his multigenerational career.[More](4-12-2017)
News from April 11, 2017
All-Star race format unveiled: As the engines fired, the lightbulbs buzzed — a first for the annual non-points extravaganza. Never before had an All-Star Race been run under the lights. Dubbed “One Hot Night,” the 1992 race signaled a new era, one that became tradition for the fan-favorite event. And now, 25 years later, past meets present … as another new era begins with the first All-Star Race under the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series banner.[More](4-11-2017)
Goodyear Offers “Option” Tire at All-Star race: Race car drivers love grip, and at this year’s Monster Energy All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Saturday, May 20), they will have an option to get more of it, at least after one strategic pit stop. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will offer two different tire set-ups for this year’s event – a “Prime” tire combination, which is what Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams will run throughout the two weeks at Charlotte, and one set of an “Option” tire combination, which can be used at any point during the four-stage race.[More](4-11-2017)
Texas overnight TV ratings: FOX earned a 2.5 overnight for Sunday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](4-11-2017)
Sam Bass needs kidney transplant: Sam Bass, the affable artist who designed some of NASCAR’s most iconic cars and program covers, announced Sunday morning that he is starting dialysis and needs a kidney transplant.[More](4-11-2017)
Larry the Cable Guy named grand marshal at Kansas: Larry returns to the big screen as the voice of Mater in Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3,” scheduled for release on June 16, 2017.[More](4-11-2017)
Premium seating options available for Talladega’s race weekend:[More](4-11-2017)
News from April 10, 2017
Should caution laps count between race stages? A NASCAR executive said Monday that series officials will look at not counting caution laps between stage breaks for 2018. Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, made the comments on “The Morning Drive” on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.[More](4-10-2017)
Sunday Texas Notebook: Ryan Blaney couldn’t have asked for a better start to Sunday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. But Blaney’s race changed dramatically when crew chief Jeremy Bullins opted to keep him on the track when debris from Gray Gaulding’s car in Turn 1 caused the sixth caution of the day on Lap 163.[More](4-10-2017)
Texas TV commercial breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race.[More](4-10-2017)
Dell partners with JTG Daugherty Racing: Dell EMC announces that, for the first time ever, the company is sponsoring a NASCAR team, JTG Daugherty Racing. Through this partnership, Dell EMC is working with JTG Daugherty Racing to help provide a competitive edge through the implementation of technology within the racecar, on the track and at the shop.[More](4-10-2017)
News from April 9, 2017
Johnson treated at infield car center after race: Jimmie Johnson’s celebration of his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series win of the season was interrupted by a visit to the infield care center at Texas Motor Speedway. Johnson complained about overheating and cramping up during his Victory Lane interviews, moments after posting his seventh win at the 1.5-mile track.[NASCAR.com](4-9-2016)
Race recap: New pavement at Texas can’t stop Jimmie Johnson juggernaut: Jimmie Johnson proved on Sunday that you can’t keep a good driver, a good car and a good team down for long-even if you change the playing field at one of his favorite race tracks. The seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion passed Joey Logano for the lead on Lap 318 of 334 and pulled away for his first victory of the season in the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at newly repaved and reconfigured Texas Motor Speedway.[More](4-9-2017)
Johnson wins at Texas: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway for his 1st win of the season, 7th at Texas, and 81st career win.
He led 16 of the 334 laps, the final 16 laps of the race.
#42-Larson finished second (his 4th second place finish of the year), followed by #22-Logano, pole sitter #4-Harvick, #88-Earnhardt, Jr., #2-Keselowski, #1-McMurray, #78-Truex, Jr., #24-Elliott, and #41-Busch.
#21-Blaney led at the end of the both Stage 1 and Stage 2 and led 148 laps on the day, but got out of pit sequence at the end of stage 2 and never could move back up through the field.
There were 16 lead changes among 6 drivers and 8 cautions for 35 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 147.137mph.
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: Monday, April 10 at 6:30am/et on FS1; Monday, April 10 at 7:00pm/et on FS1
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results page (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf).
(4-9-2017)
Race Fast Facts – Texas:
Jimmie Johnson won the 21st Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts 500, his 81st victory in 550 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
Joey Logano (third) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 18 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Kyle Larson (second) posted his third top-10 finish in eight races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his fifth top-10 finish in 2017.
Kyle Larson leads the point standings by 17 points over Chase Elliott.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his seventh victory and 21st top-10 finish in 28 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Ty Dillon (17th) was the highest finishing rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(4-9-2017)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 170) of the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway (lap 170/334):
#21-Blaney, 10pts
#48-Johnson, 9pts
#1-McMurray, 8pts
#42-Larson, 7pts
#24-Elliott, 6pts
#18-Busch, 5pts
#4-Harvick, 4pts
#2-Keselowski, 3pts
#88-Earnhardt, Jr., 2pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Reults (lap 85) of the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway (lap 85/334):
#21-Blaney, 10pts
#78-Truex, 9pts
#1-McMurray, 8pts
#4-Harvick, 7pts
#2-Keselowski, 6pts
#42-Larson, 5pts
#14-Bowyer, 4pts
#17-Stenhouse, Jr., 3pts
#22-Logano, 2pts
#18-Busch, 1pt
2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Texas, race 7 of 36]
1) #42-Kyle Larson [1 win], 315
2) #24-Chase Elliott, 298, -17
3) #78-Martin Truex Jr [1 win], 275, -40
4) #2-Brad Keselowski [2 wins], 274, -41
5) #22-Joey Logano, 243, -72
6) #21-Ryan Blaney, 224, -91
7) #18-Kyle Busch, 211, -104
8) #1-Jamie McMurray, 209, -106
9) #14-Clint Bowyer, 204, -111
10) #4-Kevin Harvick, 198, -117
11) #48-Jimmie Johnson [1 win], 190, -125
12) #6-Trevor Bayne, 164, -151
13) #31-Ryan Newman [1 win], 163, -152
14) #77-Erik Jones, 159, -156
15) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 151, -164
16) #11-Denny Hamlin, 151, -164
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Who’s Hot and Who’s Not – Texas Edition: Which drivers are looking forward to Texas and which ones aren’t?[More](4-9-2017)
Goodyear tire test at Daytona this week: Goodyear Tire Testing with Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams will be held at Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday, April 11 and Wednesday, April 12. The test is closed to the public.[More](4-9-2017)
Scouts Can Earn a Special Badge at Talladega Superspeedway: For the fourth consecutive year, Talladega Superspeedway is proud to offer Scouts and their families the chance to purchase special Scouts Ticket Packages – with exciting new incentives for Talladega’s triple-header race weekend, May 5-7.[More](4-9-2017)
News from April 8, 2017
Happy Hour (final) practice for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#48-Johnson 194.812
#24-Elliott 194.252
#42-Larson 193.618
#43-Almirola 193.555
#20-Kenseth 193.465
slowest: #51-Hill 183.138 & #55-Cope 179.826
best 10 consecutive lap ave: 190.862
notes: #6-Bayne wrecked early in practice and will go to a backup car. #5-Kahne got into the outside wall with less than 5 minutes remaining.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (4-8-2017)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, three pit stalls (23,26,43) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
Pole sitter #4-Harvick chose pit stall 4, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #21-Blaney took pit stall 2.
#14-Bowyer, who starts 3rd, took the 14th stall, with an opening in front of it.
The final pit stall was taken by #1-McMurray, who starts 6th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(4-8-2017)
First Saturday practice for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#2-Keselowski 196.143
#42-Larson 196.093
#13-Dillon 196.043
#88-Earnhardt, Jr. 195.943
#24-Elliott 195.837
slowest: #51-Hill 183.842 & #55-Cope 180.511
best 10 consecutive lap ave: #20-Kenseth 193.952
notes: no accidents or incidents
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf) (4-8-2017)
Ganassi open to Larson racing in Indianapolis 500 at some point: As the Indianapolis 500 draws near, the tweets starts flooding Chip Ganassi’s inbox all asking the same question: When will he enter Kyle Larson in the Indy 500? Larson wants to run the race, and Ganassi is open to entering the budding NASCAR star. But it has to make sense for the team, driver and organization.[More](4-8-2017)
More documents filed in Stewart-Hass suit against Natures Bakery:Nature’s Bakery and Stewart-Haas Racing will have a mediator hear their issues Wednesday, court documents show. If that session is unsuccessful, both sides agree to a second mediation session that will occur 30 days after all summary judgment motions and briefs are filed.[More](4-8-2017)
Erik Jones dominates at Texas for NASCAR XFINITY Series win”What a difference a pit stop made. Erik Jones gained two seconds over Ryan Blaney on his final trip to pit road, and that was all the driver of the #20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota needed for a convincing victory in Saturday’s My Bariatric Solutions 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](4-8-2017)
Erik Jones wins Texas XFINITY race: #20-Erik Jones won the My Bariatric Solutions 300 at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 7th XFINITY Series win and 1st of the year. #22-Ryan Blaney finished second, followed by #41-Kevin Harvick, #2-Austin Dillon, #00-Cole Custer, #6-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #9-William Byron, #3-Ty Dillon, #19-Matt Tifft, and Elliott Sadler. Jones took the lead on the final pit stop and won by just over a half second. He led 112 of the 200 laps.
There were 6 cautions for 31 laps and 11 lead changes among 7 leaders.
The average speed was 131.563mph.
Complete results are on the Texas race results page (pdf).
(4-8-2017)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #20-Erik Jones
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #9-William Byron
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #20-Erik Jones
Texas XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Erik Jones won the 21st Annual My Bariatric Solutions 300, his seventh victory in 63 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his second victory and fifth top-10 finish in five races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Ryan Blaney (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in four races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his second top-10 finish in 2017.
Kevin Harvick (third) posted his 17th top-10 finish in 20 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Cole Custer (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 6 points overWilliam Byron.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(4-8-2017)
XFINITY Driver standings following Texas:
#1-Elliott Sadler, 225
#9-William Byron, 219, -6
#16-Ryan Reed, 183, -42
#6-Darrell Wallace Jr., 176, -49
#7-Justin Allgaier , 174, -51
#19-Matt Tifft, 139, -86
#21-Daniel Hemric, 136, -89
#48-Brennan Poole, 134, -91
#5-Michael Annett, 130, -95
#11-Blake Koch, 130, -95
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(4-8-2017)
Joey Logano on XFINITY pole at Texas: #12-Joey Logano won the Coors Light pole for the My Bariatric Solutions 300 at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 192.768mph. #20-Erik Jones will start second. The rest of the top 10: #2-Austin Dillon, #22-Ryan Blaney, #9-William Byron, #00-Cole Custer, #21-Daniel Hemric, #6-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #16-Ryan Reed, and #1-Elliott Sadler.
Did Not Qualify: #77-Stephen Leicht & #74-Mike Harmon.
The starting lineup is posted on the Texas starting lineup page (pdf).(4-8-2017)
Track Takeover returns to Richmond: Race fans are invited to walk on America’s Premier Short Track for the return of Track Takeover driven by AAA at Richmond International Raceway. The fan-friendly event is open to all ticketholders of the TOYOTA OWNERS 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, April 30. Fans will have the opportunity to stop by Richmond’s historic Start/Finish line where they can sign their name and be etched into the track’s history just hours prior to the green flag.[More](4-8-2017)
News from April 7, 2017
Kevin Harvick leads Ford sweep of top five spots in Texas qualifying:Kevin Harvick needed a do-over in the second round of Friday’s knockout qualifying session at Texas Motor Speedway, but putting the extra lap on his tires proved well worth the effort. Harvick led not only the second round but also the first and third in winning the pole for Sunday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](4-7-2017)
Harvick wins Texas pole: #4-Kevin Harvick won the Coors Light pole for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway with speed of 198.405mph for his 2nd pole of 2017, 1st at Texas and 19th of his career. Harvick has won 5 times from the 18 previous poles.
#21-Blaney will start 2nd followed by #14-Bowyer, #22-Logano, #2-Keselowski, #1-McMurray, #78-Truex, Jr., #20-Kenseth, #31-Newman, #41-Busch, #17-Stenhouse, Jr., and #6-Bayne.
#4-Harvick was also fastest in the first round at 195.901mph and in the second round with a speed of 197.751mph.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 40 were entered for 40 spots.
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Texas qualifying results page (pdf)and the complete starting lineup on the Texas Starting Lineup page (pdf).(4-7-2017)
Second Round of Qualifying for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 197.751
#14-Bowyer 197.231
#2-Keselowski 196.879
#22-Logano 196.657
#21-Blaney 196.657
the rest of the top 12: 78 20 41 31 17 1 6;
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 95 13 34 47 11 43 10 19 38 27 83 48
(4-7-2017)
First Round of Qualifying for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 20 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 195.901
#14-Bowyer 195.496
#6-Bayne 195.433
#2-Keselowski 194.967
#1-McMurray 194.904
the rest of the top 24: 21 78 20 48 19 13 27 47 10 17 11 31 22 41 34 95 43 38 83;
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 3 32 7 72 23 15 33 42 24 18 88 5 77 37 51 55
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 40 entered
(4-7-2017)
Friday practice for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 145 scheduled minutes, the top-five and notes:
#21-Blaney 194.182
#95-McDowell 194.056
#37-Buescher 193.361
#77-Jones 193.154
#47-Allmendinger 192.836
slowest: #51-Hill 181.806 & #55-Cope 178.489
most laps run: #42-Larson, 50 & #18-Busch, 49
Top 10 consecutive lap average (of 4 drivers): #42-Larson 187.312
#77-Jones & #24-Elliott wrecked in separate incidents late in the session and both will go to backup cars.
#18-Busch made contact with the wall earlier, but the team will repair it.
#11-Hamlin spun a couple minutes into practice but did not hit anything.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf)(4-7-2017)
Whitt secures multi-race sponsorship with RTIC Coolers: TriStar Motorsports announces California native, Cole Whitt has secured sponsorship with RTIC Coolers. Having a previously established relationship, Whitt continues to cultivate his partnership with RTIC Coolers who will serve as the primary sponsor of the #72 Monster Energy Cup entry for eight primary races; Texas, Bristol, both Talladega races, Daytona July and the three remaining venues are to be determined. RTIC Coolers, a leading direct to consumer retailer of premium rotomolded coolers, soft sided coolers & stainless steel drinkware, will also serve as an associate on the #72 for the entire season in addition to PSA commitments with Whitt.[More](4-7-2017)
Cope, #55 team return to the track at Texas: After a week off from Martinsville Speedway, Derrike Cope is ready to get back into his #55, Toyota Camry for this weekend’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. He may not have participated in the STP 500, but he didn’t actually have the weekend off. He was there as Premium Motorsports’ shock specialist, which is what he does in between races.[More](4-7-2017)
Martinsville TV Ratings: FS1 earned a 2.11 overnight for Sunday’s NASCAR race in Martinsville, VA.(4-4-2017)
UPDATE: NASCAR Cup Series racing from Martinsville (Va.) earned a 2.3 final rating and 4.0 million viewers on Fox Sports 1 last Sunday, down 8% in ratings and 6% in viewership from last year (2.5, 4.2M) and down a tick and 2% respectively from 2015 (2.4, 4.1M). [More](4-7-2017)
Blaney, Stenhouse, Jr., Kennedy to appear on American Ninja Warrior: Three NASCAR drivers will take part in NBC’s wild and wildly popular obstacle course show “American Ninja Warrior” as part of Season 9, and one — Richard Childress Racing driver and Daytona Beach, Florida, native Ben Kennedy — will hit the course at the biggest stage in NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway.[More](4-7-2017)
Darrell Wallace, Jr. paces final XFINITY practice: #6-Darrell Wallace, Jr. was quickest in final practice at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 188.692mph.
#33-Brandon Jones was second, followed by: #20-Erik Jones, #00-Cole Custer, #19-Matt Tifft, #22-Ryan Blaney, #41-Kevin Harvick, #12-Joey Logano, #23-Spencer Gallagher, and #2-Austin Dillon.
40 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Texas final practice speeds page (pdf).(4-7-2017)
Ty Dillon fastest in first XFINITY practice: #3-Ty Dillon was fastest during opening practice at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 186.793mph.
The rest of the top 10: #20-Erik Jones, #2-Austin Dillon, #22-Ryan Blaney, #18-Daniel Suarez, #00-Cole Custer, #42-Tyler Reddick, #12-Joey Logano, #19-Matt Tifft, and #41-Kevin Harvick.
All 42 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Texas practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(4-7-2017)
Dale’s Pale Ale named primary sponsor of JRM’s #1 Team: Dale’s Pale Ale, America’s first craft beer to be featured in a can, joins Elliott Sadler and the #1 team as primary sponsor for two NASCAR Xfinity Series races in 2017, JR Motorsports announced today. Sadler will drive the #1 Dale’s Pale Ale Chevrolet Camaro in races at Pocono Raceway (June 10) and Texas Motor Speedway (Nov. 4).[More](4-7-2017)
Kansas Speedway, AAA Missouri renew partnership: Kansas Speedway officials announced today that AAA Missouri has signed a multi-year extension with the track to be the “Official Auto Club of Kansas Speedway.”[More](4-7-2017)
News from April 6, 2017
J.J. Yeley driving for Tommy Baldwin Racing at Texas: NASCAR veteran, JJ Yeley is set to pilot the #7 Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet in Sunday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. In addition to welcoming back Yeley, Accell Construction will be the primary sponsor on the #7 Chevrolet. Accell Construction, an Oklahoma based company, operates as a full service site civil contractor for the petroleum terminal and bulk storage industries. Accell has been a long time sponsor of Tommy Baldwin Racing, since the team started in 2011.[More](4-6-2017)
LaJoie gets a new crew chief: There will be a familiar face atop the pit box for the #83 Toyota Camry. Randy Cox will be the crew chief for Corey LaJoie for the remainder of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. Previously, Cox was crew chief for the BK Racing #26 Toyota in 2014.[More](4-6-2017)
Date not yet set for Penske appeal: NASCAR’s National Motorsports Appeals commission still is working to schedule a hearing for Team Penske, ensuring that crew chief Paul Wolfe will be with Brad Keselowski this weekend. A NASCAR official confirmed Wednesday morning that next week would be the earliest that the team’s appeal of a Phoenix penalty would be heard, meaning the deferment of Wolfe’s suspension would continue at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](4-7-2017)
Xchange of America sponsoring Sorenson: Premium Motorsport’s is full steam ahead as they pull in to the Lone Star State for this weekend’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. This week, the team welcomes their newest primary partner, Xchange of America. They will be featured on the hood and quarter panels of Sorenson’s #15 Chevrolet SS.[More](4-7-2017)
NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Texas: A look at many notes and story lines for the all three national NASCAR Series as Cup and XFINITY head into Texas.[More](4-6-2017)
David Starr teams up with Whataburger at Texas: Texas native, David Starr, will partner once again with San Antonio, Texas-based Whataburger for the My Bariatric Solutions 300 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 8th. Starr will pilot the #99 Whataburger Chevrolet Camaro for SS Green Light Racing.[More](4-6-2017)
Sieg picks up sponsorship at Texas: RSS Racing is pleased to welcome Smiley Transportation as the primary sponsor for Ryan Sieg at Texas Motor Speedway for this weekend’s XFINITY race. The team also welcomes Jerry’s Texas Jerky and Georgia Trade School as major associate sponsors. Baseball Racks and Midstate Basement continue their support of the #39 team as associate partners.[More](4-6-2017)
Ozzy Osbourne, Jim Rome highlight honorary roles at Texas:Legendary musician Ozzy Osbourne and nationally acclaimed sports talk radio and TV personality Jim Rome highlight the honorary positions for Sunday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](4-6-2017)
News from April 5, 2017
NASCAR not expected to add mid-week points races to ’18 Cup schedule: NASCAR is not expected to feature any mid-week points races in its top series next season, according to sources, likely delaying a much-discussed change that could come to the sport. Monster Energy Cup Series races have been traditionally held on the weekend, but NASCAR and industry stakeholders — including media partners and tracks — have recently examined the idea of moving a handful of races to midweek dates. [More](4-5-2017)
Earnhardt’s Axalta scheme to feature Philadelphia Eagles at Pocono:Dale Earnhardt Jr. may root for the Washington Redskins, but this June at Pocono Raceway, he’ll pilot a Philadelphia Eagles paint scheme. Wednesday morning, Axalta unveiled the special look for Earnhardt’s #88 Chevrolet SS. Most importantly, the scheme will prominently display the Axalta All-Pro Teachers logo.[More](4-5-2017)
Roush Fenway, Stenhouse Jr. “GO BOWLING” at Kansas Speedway:Roush Fenway Racing driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will pair up with Go Bowling when the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series rolls into Kansas Speedway on Saturday, May 13, for the Go Bowling 400. Go Bowling will serve as the ‘anchor’ on Stenhouse Jr.’s #17 Ford Fusion at Kansas.[More](4-5-2017)
Polls open for NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2018 fan vote: Polls are now open for the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2018 Fan Vote. Fans are asked to cast votes for up to five nominees for inclusion into the Class of 2018, and can vote up to 50 times per day. The five nominees who receive the most votes will count as one of the 54 votes cast by the Voting Panel on NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Day on May 24.[More](4-5-2017)
Texas Statistical Advance: A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, TX going into the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 on April 9, 2017.[More](4-5-2017)
EarthWater joins BK Racing at Texas: EarthWater, a producer of all-natural mineral waters, has joined forces with BK Racing for the April 9th race at Texas Motor Speedway. EarthWater will be on board the #83 as an associate sponsor, and the team’s coolers will be stocked with their unique water products.[More](4-5-2017)
Stanley debuts on the #19 at Texas: With a new STANLEY paint scheme on his Toyota Camry this weekend, Suárez will make his first-career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start in the Lone Star State.[More](4-5-2017)
Kyle Benjamin to drive four XFINITY races for Joe Gibbs: Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announces today that Kyle Benjamin will drive four NASCAR XFINITY Series races during the 2017 season. Benjamin, 19, will make his NASCAR XFINITY Series debut in JGR’s #20 Camry at Richmond International Raceway on April 29 and then race Pocono Raceway on June 10. He will pilot the #18 Camry for JGR on July 29 at Iowa Speedway and again on September 23 at Kentucky Speedway. [More](4-5-2017)
Busch Beer named partner of Bristol’s Banks & Brews Area: Busch Beer has signed a multi-year agreement with Bristol Motor Speedway to become the title sponsor of one of motorsports’ most unique hospitality spots. Busch Beer, whose parent company Anheuser-Busch has been a long-time supporter of the Speedway, has taken over as the marquee sponsor for the popular Banks & Brews deck. The Busch Banks & Brews is an outdoor sports-bar type setting featuring luxury loge boxes and individual barstool seating. The deck is located in Turn 1 and offers its guests an exclusive experience and one of the best views in motorsports. [More](4-5-2017)
News from April 4, 2017
International Speedway Corp. reports first-quarter results:International Speedway Corp. reported Tuesday that attendance was down about 7 percent on average for NASCAR Cup events at Phoenix, Auto Club Speedway and Martinsville, but officials are encouraged by increases in some younger demographics. International Speedway Corp. owns 12 tracks that host NASCAR Cup events, including Daytona International Speedway. The company reported its first-quarter results in a conference call with investor analysts Tuesday. The first quarter covered only the Rolex 24, Daytona Speedweeks and the Ferrari World Finals.[More]{4-4-2017)
Bellator MMA joins Monster & NASCAR for race fight series: Bellator MMA announces a partnership with Monster Energy and NASCAR to showcase a series of fights to take place at select races during the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. For the first time in NASCAR history, mixed martial arts will be included as a pre-race activation for the fans in attendance and just like the action the cars bring on the racetrack, Bellator will bring the same excitement inside the cage.[More](4-3-2017)
UPDATE: Bellator MMA is currently in talks with longstanding partner Monster Energy to showcase a series of fights to take place at select races during the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. Through the partnership, mixed martial arts will be included as a pre-race activation exclusively for fans in attendance.(4-4-2017)
Martinsville TV Ratings: FS1 earned a 2.11 overnight for Sunday’s NASCAR race in Martinsville, VA. [More](4-4-2017)
Team charters currently selling for millions: Charters belonging to smaller NASCAR Cup teams have, on average, been sold or leased for between $2-3 million, according to a report by the Sports Business Journal. Eight charters were sold or leased during the last offseason.[More](4-4-2017)
Danielle Trotta joining SiriusXM Radio: Charlotte NASCAR reporter Danielle Trotta is joining SiriusXM Radio. Trotta announced her new job on Twitter Sunday. A journalist who rose from an intern at WBTV (Channel 3), Trotta left her most recent position at Fox Sports 1 in February to pursue “new challenges.”[More](4-4-2017)
Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick earn induction into Bobblehead Hall of Fame: A Hall of Fame induction traditionally symbolizes the pinnacle of a career in sports and that day has come for three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and milestone-setting female driver Danica Patrick of Stewart-Haas Racing.[More](4-4-2017)
XFINITY, Truck banquet moving to Charlotte UPDATE: NASCAR’s lower-tier national series will be feting their champions at a slightly later date in a new location this season. NBC Sports has learned the awards ceremony for the Xfinity and Camping World Truck series will be moved to Charlotte in December this year after a run of several years in South Florida on the day after the Cup Series season finale. (4-2-2017)
UPDATE: Relocating from Miami, where in recent years the end-of-year awards banquet was held on the Monday following the season-ending race weekend, the XFINITY and Camping World Truck series will honor their champions on Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Crown Ballroom in the Charlotte Convention Center, where the annual NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony is held.[More]
Martinsville Truck race most-watched Truck race in five years:Saturday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on FOX from Martinsville (Va.) Speedway scored 1,591,000 viewers according to Nielsen Media Research, making it the most-watched NCWTS race on any network in five years.[More](4-4-2017)
Safety enhancements continue at Pocono Raceway: Pocono Raceway has added an additional 5,197 feet of Steel and Foam Energy Resistant (SAFER) barrier and is among the top three tracks in terms of length of the safety feature. With a late start to winter, Pocono Raceway was able to cover the front stretch of the 2.5-mile raceway as well as areas between Turns 2 and 3.[More](4-4-2017)
Talladega offering early entry to free campgrounds: Talladega Superspeedway’s spring triple-header weekend (May 5-7) is more than just three days of unrivaled track action, it’s NASCAR’s Party Capital, which fans can experience all week. Track officials are eliminating that “case of the Monday’s” feeling for eager campers by offering Early Entry on Sunday, April 30 to access all three of Talladega Superspeedway’s free campgrounds for only $50.[More](4-4-2017)
News from April 3, 2017
Bellator MMA joins Monster & NASCAR for race fight series: Bellator MMA announces a partnership with Monster Energy and NASCAR to showcase a series of fights to take place at select races during the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. For the first time in NASCAR history, mixed martial arts will be included as a pre-race activation for the fans in attendance and just like the action the cars bring on the racetrack, Bellator will bring the same excitement inside the cage.[More](4-3-2017)
Entry List for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is posted, 40 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
36 teams with Charters are guaranteed to make the field. The rest need to make the field via qualifying / qualifying races / rules book (owners attempts/points).
Some of the drivers entered include: #7-Yeley*, #15-Sorenson, #23-Gaulding, #33-JEarnhardt, #51-Hill*, #55-Cope*, #83-LaJoie*
Drivers who currently to not drive for a team with a Charter and need to race into the field: #7-Yeley, #51-Hill*, #55-Cope*, #83-LaJoie*.
Drivers who would miss the race if qualifying is canceled (least race attempts): none
Since only 40 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Martinsville TV commercial breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race.[More](4-3-2017)
McMurray wrecks at Martinsville: He discussed why the team did not pit before a blown tire put him out for the day. “if the smoke hadn’t gotten lighter I would have pitted, but it was smoking really bad and I’m like we have to pit. They said run a few more laps and they are getting a better idea of what it looks like and maybe where it is rubbing the tire.”[More](4-3-2017)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 40 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s My Bariatric Solutions 300 at Texas Motor Speedway.
See the complete list on the Texas entry list page.(4-3-2017)
Sonoma Raceway Hosts “Party with Petty”: Race fans are invited to join the celebration as “The King” Richard Petty celebrates his 80th birthday during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, June 25. “Party with Petty” will serve as the centerpiece of the Pre-Race show powered by Friedman’s Home Improvement just hours before the green flag falls on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series main event. Fans will have stage-front access for the party, which includes a Q&A with Petty, as well as the presentation of a birthday cake and chorus of “Happy Birthday” for The King.[More](4-3-2017)
News from April 2, 2017
Race Recap: Brad Keselowski ends Ford drought with Martinsville victory: In Sunday’s STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway, everything worked – but nothing more than Brad Keselowski’s race-winning No. 2 Ford. Yes, that’s right, a Ford. The car maker found Victory Lane at the .526-mile short track for the first time since Oct. 20, 2002, when Kurt Busch won at NASCAR’s oldest and smallest premier series track in a Roush Fenway Racing Ford. Keselowski and runner-up Kyle Busch swapped the lead during the final 64-lap green-flag run, with Busch taking the point on Lap 444 of 500, and Keselowski powering back past Busch’s No. 18 Toyota on Lap 458. From that point, Keselowski pulled away to win by 1.806 seconds, as Busch lost the long-run speed he had demonstrated for most of the afternoon.[More](4-2-2017)
Keselowski wins at Martinsville: #2-Brad Keselowski won the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway for his 2nd win of the season, 1st win at Martinsville, and 23rd career win.
Keselowski led 120 of the 500 laps. He and #18-Busch swapped the lead back and for throughout the final 100 laps, but Keselowski pulled away at the end to win by 1.8 seconds.
#18-Busch held on for second, followed by #24-Elliott, #22-Logano, #2-Dillon, #47-Allmendinger, #14-Bowyer, #31-Newman, #20-Kenseth, and #17-Stenhouse, Jr.
Pole sitter #42-Larson led the first 23 laps, but fell back into the pack, lost a lap, got the free pass and settled for a 17th place finish.
#24-Elliott led at the end of stage 2 and held on for 3rd place.
#78-Truex, Jr. led at the end of the first stage, but finished 16th after a spin.
There were 19 lead changes among 6 drivers and 14 cautions for 95 yellow flag laps.
The average speed was 70.139mph.
Scheduled Race Re-Airs: Monday, April 3 at 9:30am/et on FS2; Tuesday, April 4 at 6:00 am/et on FS1
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results page (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf).
(4-2-2017)
Race Fast Facts – Martinsville:
Brad Keselowski won the 68th Annual STP 500, his 23rd victory in 275 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his second victory and fifth top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and ninth top-10 finish in 15 races at Martinsville Speedway.
Kyle Busch (second) posted his 13th top-10 finish in 24 races at Martinsville Speedway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2017.
Chase Elliott (third) posted his first top-10 finish in four races at Martinsville Speedway.
Erik Jones (12th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Larson leads the point standings by 4 points over Chase Elliott.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(4-2-2017)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 260) of the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway (lap 260/500):
#24-Elliott, 10pts
#18-Busch, 9pts
#2-Keselowski, 8pts
#48-Johnson, 7pts
#21-Blaney, 6pts
#88-Earnhardt, Jr., 5pts
#20-Kenseth, 4pts
#77-Jones, 3pts
#6-Bayne, 2pts
#5-Kahne, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 130) of the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway (lap 130/500):
#78-Truex, Jr, 10pts
#11-Hamlin, 9pts
#18-Busch, 8pts
#2-Keselowski, 7pts
#24-Elliott, 6pts
#42-Larson, 5pts
#21-Blaney, 4pts
#48-Johnson, 3pts
#3-Dillon, 2pts
#14-Bowyer, 1pt
2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Martinsville, race 6 of 36]
1) #42-Kyle Larson [1 win], 268
2) #24-Chase Elliott, 264, -4
3) #78-Martin Truex Jr [1 win], 236, -32
4) #2-Brad Keselowski [2 wins], 234, -34
5) #22-Joey Logano, 207, -61
6) #18-Kyle Busch, 199, -80
7) #21-Ryan Blaney, 179, -89
8) #14-Clint Bowyer, 174, -94
9) #1-Jamie McMurray, 163, -105
10) #4-Kevin Harvick, 154, -114
11) #31-Ryan Newman [1 win], 152, -116
12) #5-Kasey Kahne, 146, -122
13) #77-Erik Jones, 144, -124
14) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 141, -127
15) #6-Trevor Bayne,140, -128
16) #11-Denny Hamlin, 139, 129
19) #41-Kurt Busch [1 win], 119, -149
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
First NASCAR race ever in 4K at Martinsville: AT&T’s DirecTV announced it will deliver the first NASCAR race ever in 4K on Apri 2, 2017, when it teams with Fox Sports to produce and televise the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race from Martinsville Speedway. The race, which is scheduled for 2:00pm/et, will be available in 4K on DirecTV’s live 4K channel, channel 106. [More](4-2-2017)
Sad News – Sam Ard: Two-time NASCAR XFINITY Series champion Sam Ard passed away Sunday, April 2. The Asheboro, North Carolina, native was 78. Ard had compiled an impressive record in the NASCAR Late Model Sportsman Series before that circuit was retooled and renamed in 1982. In the series that today is known as the XFINITY Series, Ard scored 22 victories and won titles in 1983 and ’84. [More](4-2-2017)
XFINITY, Truck banquet moving to Charlotte: NASCAR’s lower-tier national series will be feting their champions at a slightly later date in a new location this season. NBC Sports has learned the awards ceremony for the Xfinity and Camping World Truck series will be moved to Charlotte in December this year after a run of several years in South Florida on the day after the Cup Series season finale. [More](4-2-2017)
Goldberg serving as the pace car driver at Bristol: Goldberg will drive the official Chevy pace car prior to the start of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 23. The wrestling legend served as host of Bristol’s fan favorite driver intros during the last two April race weekends.[More](4-2-2017)
Advance priced ticket sales for Talladega end soon: Only a week remains for NASCAR fans to save up to $10 with Advanced Pricing for Talladega Superspeedway’s May 5-7 race weekend, featuring the three exciting races – the GEICO 500, Sparks Energy 300, and General Tire 200.[More](4-2-2017)
News from April 1, 2017
Happy Hour (final) practice for the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#14-Bowyer 93.863
#18-Busch 93.567
#1-McMurray 95.530
#2-Keselowski 93.525
#31-Newman 95.311
slowest: #51-Hill 90.820 & #33-JEarnhardt 89.765
best 10 consecutive lap average: #18-Busch 92.976
notes: no accidents or incidents
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (4-1-2017)
First Saturday practice for the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#2-Keselowski 94.406
#31-Newman 94.092
#78-Truex, Jr. 93.835
#22-Logano 93.835
#47-Allmendinger 93.729
slowest: #51-Hill 91.798 & #33-JEarnhardt 90.646
best 10 consecutive lap average: #21-Blaney 92.533mph
notes: no accidents or incidents.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Saturday first practice speeds page (pdf) (4-1-2017)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, three pit stalls (21,30,43) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
Pole sitter #42-Larson chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #24-Elliott, Jr. took the second pit stall.
#78-Truex, Jr., who starts 3rd, took the 11th stall, with an opening in front of it.
The final pit stall was taken by #1-McMurray who starts 6th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(4-1-2017)
Front Row Motorsports undecided on use of third charter: Front Row Motorsports is still “weighing that out” when it comes to potentially expanding to a third car next season. “Obviously, expanding to another team is a big undertaking, not just in dollars but space, people, all of that,” Freeze told RACER. “We’re certainly not – I think – planning on it right now, today. It’s in the back of my mind, for sure.”[More](4-1-2017)
Changes coming to All-Star race format: Two NASCAR Cup drivers say they believe the All-Star format is nearly set and that fans will “see some exploring done with the formats in that race.” A NASCAR official told NBC Sports that the format is not done. Brad Keselowski told NBC Sports that there has been “consensus and agreement” on a format for the May 20 event at Charlotte Motor Speedway but acknowledged nothing is official until it is announced. Last year’s format was not revealed until 15 days before the event.[More](4-1-2017)
Polesitter Chase Elliott wins hotly contested Martinsville Truck race:Polesitter Chase Elliott held off defending NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter after a restart with 12 laps left and pulled away to win Saturday’s Alpha Energy Solutions 250 at Martinsville Speedway by 1.865 seconds. Elliott grabbed the lead from third-place finisher Christopher Bell on Lap 234, when Bell’s Toyota tangled with Austin Cindric’s Ford through Turns 1 and 2. Bell lost the top spot, and Sauter charged past into the second position before NASCAR threw the 10th and final caution of the race. The decisive move, however, came after the final restart on Lap 239, when Elliott blocked Sauter’s crossover move in Turn 3 and kept the lead.[More](4-1-2017)
Elliott wins Martinsville Truck race: #23-Chase Elliott won the Alpha Energy Solutions 250 at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday, holding off challenges from #21-Johnny Sauter following a late race restart. #4-Christopher Bell, #18-Noah Gragson, #99-Ty Dillon, #7-Brett Moffitt, #66-Ross Chastain, #17-Timothy Peters, #88-Matt Crafton, and #16-Ryan Truex were the remainder of the top-10.
There were 10 caution flags for 63 laps and four lead changes among 3 leaders.
See results on the Martinsville race results page(4-1-2017)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 70 laps – Winner, #23-Chase Elliott
Stage 2 – 140 laps – Winner, #21-Johnny Sauter
Stage 3 – 250 laps – Race winner, # #23-Chase Elliott
Martinsville Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Chase Elliott(i) won the 19th Annual Alpha Energy Solutions 250, his second victory in 12 NASCAR
Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in four races at Martinsville Speedway.
Johnny Sauter (second) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 19 races at Martinsville Speedway. It is his
second top-10 finish in 2017.
Christopher Bell (third) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Martinsville Speedway.
Noah Gragson (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 4 points over Christopher Bell.
(NASCAR Statistics)(4-1-2017)
Truck Series point standings following Martinsville:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 140
2) #4-Christopher Bell, 136, -4
3) #88-Matt Crafton, 117, -23
4) #17-Timothy Peters, 110, -30
5) #33-Kaz Grala, 103, -37
6) #27-Ben Rhodes, 103, -37
7) #29-Chase Briscoe, 93, -47
8) #98-Grant Enfinger, 84, -56
9) #92-Regan Smith, 81, -59
10) #7-Brett Moffitt, 73, -67
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page.(4-1-2017)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Martinsville: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #49-Chavous, 23rd
Caution 3: #16-Truex, 10th
Caution 4: #92-Smith, 12th
Caution 5: #66-Chastain, 7th
Caution 6: #63-Donahue, 14th
Caution 7: #75-Holman, 22nd
Caution 8: #13-Coughlin, 19th
Caution 9: #49-Chavous, 23rd
Caution 10: #63-Donahue, 14th
(4-1-2017)
Elliott on Truck pole at Martinsville: #23-Chase Elliott won the pole for Saturday’s Alpha Energy Solutions 250 at Martinsville Speedway. #21-Johnny Sauter will start alongside on row one. The remainder of the top 10: #17-Timothy Peters, #88-Matt Crafton, #66-Ross Chastain, #4-Christopher Bell, #51-Harrison Burton, #29-Chase Briscoe, #18-Noah Gragson and #98-Grant Enfinger.
Failed to qualify: #6-Norm Benning, #10-Charles Buchanan, Jr., and #22-Austin Wayne Self.
The starting lineup is posted on the Martinsville starting lineup page](4-1-2017)
Martinsville Truck Qualifying Fast Facts:
Chase Elliott(i) won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 19th Annual Alpha Energy Solutions 250
with a lap of 19.943 seconds, 94.951 mph.
This is his third pole in 12 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and second top-10 start in 2017.
This is his second pole in four races at Martinsville Speedway.
Johnny Sauter (second) posted his third top-10 start of 2017 and his 14th in 19 races at Martinsville
Speedway.
Timothy Peters (third) posted his 14th top-10 start at Martinsville Speedway. It is his third in three
races this season.
Chase Briscoe (eighth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(4-1-2017)
Talladega offers “biggest and best” concession options: Talladega Superspeedway has the reputation of being NASCAR’s Biggest and Baddest track, thanks to heart-pounding, three- and four-wide racing, but when it comes to delicious food, the track offers the “Biggest and Best” with “The Big One” Meatball and Talla-Mento Dogwich. Both items will be offered at various concession stands during the track’s triple-header race weekend, May 5-7.[More](4-1-2017)
Hawg Heaven Burro Grande debuts at Texas: Once again Texas Motor Speedway and Levy Restaurants have put on their thinking caps to amaze their fans with another creation for them to enjoy at the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 weekend. Fans can cure their need for a bacon-infused treat this April by enjoying the newest member of the best concession items in motorsports – the Hawg Heaven Burro Grande.[More](4-1-2017)