February 2018 News Archives
News from February 28, 2018
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Las Vegas
Atlanta post-race penalties announced: Kevin Harvick’s Cup team received a lug nut violation, two teams in XFINITY were fined for lug nuts, and Kyle Busch’s Truck Series team received suspensions for losing a wheel during the race.[More](2-28-2018)
The Cosmopolitan on board with Wallace in Vegas: This weekend, the famed Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 will carry new colors for one race. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be the primary sponsor of the team and driver Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr, boasting the luxury property’s signature shade, a jewel-toned purple. The No. 43 Cosmopolitan Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will race in the Pennzoil 400 this Sunday, March 4 at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway.[More](2-28-2018)
One Cure featured on Bowyer’s #14 at Las Vegas: One Cure is a project led by the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University. The One Cure program is founded on the principle that cancer affects all creatures.[More](2-28-2018)
Marks to drive DGR-CROSLEY truck at Vegas: Justin Marks has joined DGR-CROSLEY to compete in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event this weekend at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway.Marks, coming off a 12th-place finish in the Daytona 500, will get behind the wheel of the No. 54 Crosley Toyota Tundra on Friday.[More](2-28-2018)
Reaume planning first full truck season as owner/driver: Josh Reaume, a journeyman driver from California, will see both sides of the series this season, driving the Reaume Brothers Racing No. 33 Chevrolet for the full season in 2018. With 32 XFINITY and 16 Truck series starts, this season will be his first full-time in a national NASCAR series.[More](2-28-2018)
News from February 27, 2018
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Las Vegas, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Las Vegas page
Steve Lauletta leaving Chip Ganassi Racing: He has been serving at President of Chip Ganassi Racing for more than 10 years.[More](2-27-2018)
Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America returns to East Coast in 2018: Former NASCAR driver and NBC Sports racing analyst Kyle Petty is once again revving up his Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America for the 24th year in a row. As one of the most successful and popular charity rides in the country, the Ride will travel down the East Coast this spring for the first time since 2011. Starting in Portland, Maine, on May 5 and ending in Greensboro, North Carolina, on May 11, Petty will lead 225 participants, including a record of more than 25 new riders, through nine states in seven days.[More](2-27-2018)
BK Racing allowed to continue operating through West Coast swing:BK Racing can continue to compete through the three-race West Coast swing as long as it shows proof of workers compensation and commercial liability of insurance, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge ruled Tuesday. The team earned $450,000 for finishing 20th at Daytona and $92,000 for finishing 36th at Atlanta. Among the March financial estimates of according to attorney statements in court: Assuming a finish of 30th, $385,000 in purse for four races; potential overall revenues of $500,000-$900,000; and payroll expenses and taxes of at least $92,000. A wreck would cost the team $5,000 to $25,000 in extra weekend costs.[More](2-27-2018)
Cox replaces Nead as crew chief at Go Fas: After only two races in the 2018 Cup season, Go Fas Racing announced Tuesday it has mutually parted ways with crew chief Gene Nead. Nead had been partnered with DiBenedetto since 2016 when he drove for BK Racing before joining GFR in 2017. Together they earned two top 10s (Daytona 500, Brickyard 400) and finished 32nd in the standings.[More](2-27-2018)
Las Vegas Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the Goodyear Tire Notes – Las Vegas page.(2-27-2018)
New Business Acceleration Club to open at Bristol: This year, Bristol Motor Speedway’s (BMS) new Business Acceleration Club is offering a development platform like no other: affordable, suite-level amenities and expanded access at one of the nation’s premier sporting complexes, along with an exclusive, private golf package, all designed to fast-track business-to-business connections.[More](2-27-2018)
Famous Martinsville Speedway hot dog to once again feature Jesse Jones: Jesse Jones is back at Martinsville Speedway. After a two-year hiatus, the Southern Style red hot dog will once again be a part of The Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog. Jesse Jones will also provide the chili that goes on the “fully-loaded” dog with chili, slaw, mustard and onions on a steamed bun.[More](2-27-2018)
News from February 26, 2018
Fast Fords finding their way to the top early in 2018: “Crazy Fast.” That’s how Sunday’s third-place finisher Clint Bowyer described his Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Kevin Harvick’s day dominating the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and their Ford Fusion’s podium sweep.[More](2-26-2018)
Atlanta overnight TV ratings: Fox earned a 3.1 overnight rating for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing from Atlanta Motor Speedway.[More](2-26-2018)
Entry List for the Kobalt 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is posted, 37 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #15-TBA, #51-Custer, #55-Gase, #72-Whitt
Since only 37 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Monster requests another extension with NASCAR: It is unclear if NASCAR will grant the request.[More](2-26-2018)
State Water Heaters returns to sponsor Kurt Busch: State Water Heaters has expanded its partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2018 with the team’s No. 41 car driven by 2017 Daytona 500 winner Kurt Busch sporting the State Water Heaters black and orange paint scheme in two races. A leader in water heater manufacturing, State Water Heaters will serve as the primary sponsor of Busch’s No. 41 Ford Fusion for the Federated Auto Parts 400 on Sept. 22 at Richmond Raceway and the AAA Texas 500 on Nov. 4 at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](2-26-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 41 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Boyd Gaming 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
See the complete list on the Las Vegas entry list page.(2-26-2018)
Truck Series entry list:There are 31 trucks entered for Friday night’s Stratosphere 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. See the complete list on the Las Vegas entry list page (pdf). (2-26-2018)
Talladega debuts new tailgating area: NASCAR’s Ultimate Track, Talladega Superspeedway, has created the Ultimate Tailgating Experience with The Compound. The new, family friendly, gated tailgate area will be located just outside the biggest and baddest track adjacent to the start/finish line behind Legend’s Village. These exclusive spots will give race fans plenty of prime real estate for loads of fun at an affordable price during this Spring’s anticipated April 27-29 triple-header weekend.[More](2-26-2018)
DC Solar named sponsor of September XFINITY race at Las Vegas:DC Solar, Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s official off-grid mobile solar partner, has been named title sponsor of the track’s September NASCAR Xfinity Series race for 2018. The DC Solar 300 will take place at LVMS on Saturday, Sept. 15, and is the second of four consecutive days of racing at the dynamic motorsports facility. The DC Solar 300 will be preceded by the Star Nursery 100 K&N West Series race at the LVMS Dirt Track on Thursday, Sept. 13, and a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at the 1.5-mile speedway on Friday, Sept. 14, and will be followed by the South Point 400 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series race on Sunday, Sept. 16. [More](2-26-2018)
News from February 25, 2018
Atlanta 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](2-25-2018)
Sunday Atlanta Notebook: Clint Bowyer got the run he needed at Atlanta Motor Speedway; Contrarian strategy gets a solid finish for Denny Hamlin; Short strokes.[More](2-25-2018)
Kevin Harvick gets long-awaited Monster Energy NASCAR Cup victory at Atlanta: On Sunday night, after 17 barren years, Kevin Harvick finally completed the second chapter of his love affair with Atlanta Motor Speedway. In the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500, the second Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race of the season, Harvick delivered a proper thrashing to the rest of the field, leading 181-of-325 laps and beating runner-up Brad Keselowski to the finish line by 2.690 seconds.[More](2-25-2018)
Kevin Harvick won the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The win is his 1st win of 2018, 2nd win at Atlanta and 38th career win.
#2-Keselowski finished 2nd followed by #14-Bowyer, #11-Hamlin, #78-Truex, Jr., #22-Logano, #18-Busch, #41-Busch, #42-Larson, and #9-Elliott.
Harvick dominated the race, leading 181 of the 325 laps and winning by more than 2 seconds. At one point there were only 4 cars on the lead lap.
The race started about an hour later than originally scheduled and two hours after the start time was moved up. Despite a few sprinkles, rain did not impact the race further.
Pole winner #18-Busch led 9 laps and finished 7th.
Stage 1 was won by #4-Harvick, who won.
Stage 2 was won by #2-Keselowski, finished 2nd.
There were 24 lead changes among 8 drivers and 5 cautions for 28 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 143.068mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Atlanta
Kevin Harvick won the 59th Annual Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500, his 38th victory in 612 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and 13th top-10 finish in 28 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Brad Keselowski (second) posted his sixth top-10 finish in ten races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his first top-10 finish in 2018.
Clint Bowyer (third) posted his sixth top-10 finish in 18 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
William Byron (18th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Joey Logano leads the point standings by 6 points over Ryan Blaney.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(2-25-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Atlanta, race 2 of 36]
#4-Kevin Harvick [1 win]
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win]
#22-Joey Logano, 89
#12-Ryan Blaney, 83, -6
#11-Denny Hamlin, 77, -12
#14-Clint Bowyer, 74, -15
#78-Martin Truex Jr., 69, -20
#41-Kurt Busch, 68, -21
9#21-Paul Menard, 66, -23
#10-Aric Almirola, 66, -23
#18-Kyle Busch, 61, -28
#2-Brad Keselowski, 58, -31
#42-Kyle Larson, 54, -35
#43-Darrell Wallace Jr., 52, -37
#34-Michael McDowell, 52, -37
#31-Ryan Newman, 49, -40
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 170) of the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway (lap 170/325):
#2-Keselowski, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#41-Busch, 9pts
#18-Busch, 8pts
#22-Logano, 7pts
#4-Harvick, 6pts
#11-Hamlin, 5pts
#42-Larson, 4pts
#10-Almirola, 3pts
#14-Bowyer, 2pts
#19-Suarez, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 85) of the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway (lap 85/325):
#4-Harvick, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#14-Bowyer, 9pts
#2-Keselowski, 8pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 7pts
#10-Almirola, 6pts
#18-Busch, 5pts
#42-Larson, 4pts
#41-Busch, 3pts
#11-Hamlin, 2pts
#22-Logano, 1pt
Engine options leveling field, but some teams still behind: The soft open for the new NASCAR Camping World Truck Series spec engine has suddenly become a requirement, apparently, with every team working to obtain enough power plants to sustain a full fleet during the first couple of races this season. When NASCAR first decided to introduce a spec option during the off-season, the understanding was that the sanctioning body would ease the engines into use so as not to alienate teams that wanted to retain manufacturer-supported engines. But after several tests, it appears that the Ilmor-produced NT1 is more competitive than the existing OEMs. [More](2-25-2018)
Jeff Gordon open to racing a truck at Martinsville: Jeff Gordon retired from NASCAR racing after 23 seasons back in 2015 and turned the metaphorical keys to his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet over to 2016 Rookie of the Year Chase Elliott. (This season, rookie William Byron is in the 24 car, while Elliott is in the No. 9.) Gordon briefly returned to the track for eight races in 2016 as a substitute driver for the No. 88 car when Dale Earnhardt Jr. was sidelined with a concussion. Beyond that, it would have been fair to assume the 46-year-old driver-turned-broadcaster for FOX Sports would retreat to being happily retired. But during an online Q&A on Saturday, Gordon hinted he might come back.”I always thought about maybe looking at an opportunity to drive a truck at Martinsville or a track like that. I’m enjoying myself and time with my family. I’ll let you know if that opportunity comes up at Martinsville, though.”[More](2-25-2018)
News from February 24, 2018
Saturday Atlanta Notebook: Hendrick drivers search for speed in qualifying and practice; Stewart-Haas drivers will have a leg up on Sunday; Short Strokes.[More](2-24-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is over, after 80 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#31-Newman 184.868
#78-Truex, Jr. 184.597
#21-Menard 184.566
#11-Hamlin 183.564
#22-Logano 183.303
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 31 drivers): #11-Hamlin 176.557
slowest: #51-Rhodes 166.948 & #00-Earnhardt 166.672
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (2-24-2018)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, two pit stalls (1,2) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
With a 36 car field, pits 7, 16, 38, and 40 will not be used.
Pole winner #18-Busch chose pit stall 3, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #31-Newman took pit stall 3, with an empty box in front of it.
#4-Harvick, who starts 3rd, took the 39th stall, with an empty pit both behind and in front of it.
The final pit stall was taken by #2-Keselowski, who starts 5th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(2-24-2018)
Gaulding expects to run full season for BK Racing: Gray Gaulding will continue to compete for team owner Ron Devine in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the driver confirmed to The Racing Experts. The 20-year-old driver will be competing in his second full-time season in NASCAR’s premier series.[More](2-24-2018)
Kevin Harvick wins Atlanta NASCAR XFINITY race in a runaway:The driver of the No. 98 Ford dominated the action on the track, leading 141-of-163 laps and winning both stages before taking the checkered flag 4.183 seconds ahead of runner-up Joey Logano.[More](2-24-2018)
Harvick wins Atlanta XFINITY race: #98-Kevin Harvick won the Rinnai 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway for his 47th career XFINITY win and 5th win at Atlanta.
#22-Joey Logano finished second, followed by pole-sitter #20-Christopher Bell, #42-John Hunter Nemechek (in his XFINITY debut), #1-Elliott Sadler, #7-Justin Allgaier, #12-Autin Cindric, #18-Kyle Benjamin, #11-Ryan Truex, and #16-Ryan Reed.
Harvick dominated the race, leading 141 of the 163 laps. Only 7 cars were on the lead lap at the finish.
There were 4 cautions for 21 laps and 9 lead changes among 3 leaders.
The average speed was 129.670mph.
Complete results are on the Atlanta race results page (pdf). (2-24-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 40 – Winner, #98-Kevin Harvick
Stage 2 – lap 80 – Winner, #98-Kevin Harvick
Stage 3 – lap 163 – Race winner, #98-Kevin Harvick
Atlanta XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Kevin Harvick(i) won the 27th Annual Rinnai 250, his 47th victory in 342 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his fifth victory and 13th top-10 finish in 17 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Joey Logano(i) (second) posted his sixth top-10 finish in six races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his first top-10 finish in 2018.
Christopher Bell (third) posted his first top-10 finish in one race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Bell (third) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 4 points over Tyler Reddick #.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(2-24-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following Atlanta:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler, 84
2) #9-Tyler Reddick, 80, -4
3) #16-Ryan Reed, 70, -14
4) #11-Ryan Truex, 63, -21
5) #23-Spencer Gallagher, 62, -22
6) #20-Christopher Bell, 53, -31
7) #7-Justin Allgaier, 52, -32
8) #4-Ross Chastain, 49, -35
9) #24-Kaz Grala, 47, -37
10) #19-Brandon Jones, 47, -37
11) #21-Daniel Hemric, 46, -38
12) 15-Garrett Smithley, 44, -40
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(2-24-2018)
Bell on XFINITY pole at Atlanta: #20-Christopher Bell won the pole for the Rinnai 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a speed of 181.176mph. #22-Joey Logano will start second. The rest of the top 10: #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #00-Cole Custer, #98-Kevin Harvick, #21-Daniel Hemric, #19-Brandon Jones, #18-Kyle Benjamin, #12-Austin Cindric, and #1-Elliott Sadler .
Did Not Qualify: #45-Josh Bilicki, #74-Mike Harmon.
The starting lineup is posted on the Atlanta starting lineup page (pdf).(2-24-2018)
Atlanta XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Christopher Bell won the Pole Award for the 27th Annual Rinnai 250 with a lap of 30.600 seconds, 181.176 mph.
This is his second pole in ten NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Joey Logano(i) (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2018 and his fourth in six races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
John H. Nemechek (third) posted his first top-10 start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his first this season.
Christopher Bell (first) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(2-24-2018)
Brett Moffitt charges to emotional NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win at Atlanta: Brett Moffit streaked into the lead on an overtime restart in Saturday’s Active Pest Control 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and pulled away to win the second NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race of his career. Diving to the inside and taking then-leader Myatt Snider and Johnny Sauter three-wide into the first corner on Lap 133 of 134, Moffitt beat Noah Gragson to the finish line by 1.326 seconds. Gragson charged from ninth to second on the penultimate lap and beat third-place finisher Johnny Sauter to the line by .014 seconds.[More](2-24-2018)
Moffitt wins Atlanta: #16-Brett Moffitt stayed in contention all night, and when opportunity knocked, he answered, claiming the Active Pest Control 200 win at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday.
Pole-sitter #4-Kyle Busch led 62 laps, but a caution flag fell with five laps to go. He led a stream of trucks down pitroad for tires, but his stop went south when he pulled away with loose left side lug nuts. He pulled on track, and lost the wheel. The miscue gave the lead to #13-Myatt Snider for the restart. Once the green flag waved for the final time, Moffitt, who lined up from third at the restart, quickly jockeyed for position.
#18-Noah Gragson, #21-Johnny Sauter, #41-Ben Rhodes, #88-Matt Crafton, #52-Stewart Friesen, #13-Myatt Snider, #97-Jesse Little, #98-Grant Enfinger, and #20-Austin Dillon were the rest of the top-10.
There were five caution flags for 24 laps and nine lead changes among six leaders.
See results on the Atlanta race results page(2-24-2018)
Atlanta Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Brett Moffitt won the 10th Running Active Pest Control 200, his second victory in 15 NASCAR Camping
World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in two races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Noah Gragson (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his
first top-10 finish in 2018.
Johnny Sauter (third) posted his fourth top-10 finish in eight races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Myatt Snider (seventh) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 31 points over Matt Crafton.
(NASCAR Statistics) (2-242018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 40, winner, #18-Noah Gragson
Stage 2 – 80, winner, #4-Kyle Busch
Stage 3 – 130, winner, #16-Brett Moffitt
Camping World Truck standings following Atlanta:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 106, 1 win
2) #88-Matt Crafton, 75, -31
3) #98-Grant Enfinger, 73, -33
4) #18-Noah Gragson, 67, -39
5) #16-Brett Moffitt, 66, -40, 1 win
6) #41-Ben Rhodes, 61, -45
7) #25-Dalton Sagreant, 61, -45
8) #51-Spencer Davis, 60, -46
9) #8-Joe Nemechek, 59, -47
10) #24-Justin Haley, 55, -51
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (2-24-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Atlanta: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #45-Fontaine, 19th
Caution 3: #54-LeMastus, 17th
Caution 4: #7-Forrister, 16th
Caution 5: #8-Nemechek, 12th
(2-24-2018)
Busch on Truck pole at Daytona: #4-Kyle Busch won the pole for Saturday’s Camping World Truck Series Active Pest Control 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a speed at 179.743mph. #88-Matt Crafton will start second. The rest of the top-10: #18-Noah Gragson, #51-Spencer Davis, #24-Justin Haley, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #52-Stewart Friesen, #2-Cody Coughlin, #21-Johnny Sauter, and #16-Brett Moffitt.
Failed to qualify: #50-Travis Kvapil and #74-Timothy Viens.
The starting lineup is posted on the Atlanta starting lineup page(2-24-2018)
Atlanta Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch(i) won the Pole Award for the 10th Running Active Pest Control 200 with a lap of 30.844
seconds, 179.743 mph.
This is his 19th pole in 141 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2018.
This is his second pole in ten races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Matt Crafton (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2018 and his eighth in 17 races at Atlanta
Motor Speedway.
Noah Gragson (third) posted his second top-10 start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his second in two
races this season.
Dalton Sargeant (sixth) was the fastest qualifying rookie
(NASCAR Statistics) (2-24-2018)
Martinsville Speedway unveils new reserved camping area: To meet a growing need to accommodate large RVs, Martinsville Speedway will add South Lot Camping for the STP 500 race weekend, March 23-25. The limited number of reserved camping spots will be $200 for the week and are on sale now.[More](2-24-2018)
North East Motor Sports Museum adds new features: As it approaches the first anniversary of the North East Motor Sports Museum, the region’s newest tourist attraction can already call itself an award-winning museum. Created by racers, fans and enthusiasts, the museum caught the eye of business leaders as The Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce recently awarded North East Motor Sports Museum with a Golden Hammer Award. The team leading the museum effort has announced an expansion plan with more space and new exhibits for 2018, and a second phase of construction to begin in the near future.[More](2-24-2018)
News from February 23, 2018
Kyle Busch edges Ryan Newman for Monster Energy Atlanta pole:Ryan Newman was within seconds of breaking a pole drought that dates to 2013 – until Kyle Busch made his final-round qualifying run at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Covering the 1.54-mile distance in 30.024 seconds (184.652 mph) in the money round of Friday’s knockout qualifying session, Busch edged Newman by .038 seconds to win his first pole of the young Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, his first at Atlanta and the 28th of his career.[More](2-23-2018)
Daytona 500 overnight TV ratings UPDATE: Fox earned an updated 5.3 fast national rating for the Daytona 500.(2-19-2018)
UPDATE: With today’s inclusion of Nielsen Media Research out-of-home viewing data, Sunday’s Daytona 500 on FOX averaged 9,781,000 across all platforms, peaking at more than 11.5 million viewers. According to Nielsen, more than 18.1 million viewers watched all or part of the Great American Race.[More](2-23-2018)
Kyle Busch won the pole for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway with speed of 184.652mph for his 1st pole of 2018, 1st at Atlanta and 28th of his career. Busch has won 6 times from the 27 previous poles.
#31-Newman will start 2nd followed by #4-Harvick, #19-Suarez, #2-Keselowski, #17-Stenhouse, Jr., #41-Busch, #42-Larson, #14-Bowyer, #20-Jones, #10-Almirola, and #11-Hamlin.
#4-Harvick was fastest in the second round with a speed of 184.535mph, will start 3rd.
#2-Keselowski was quickest in the first round with a speed of 186.434mph, will start 5th.
36 teams were entered so everyone makes the race.
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(2-23-2018)
Atlanta Motor Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch won the Pole Award for the 59th Annual Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 with a lap of 30.024 seconds, 184.652 mph.
This is his 28th pole in 464 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in 20 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Ryan Newman (second) posted his first top-10 start of 2018 and his 19th in 26 races at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Kevin Harvick (third) posted his 15th top-10 start at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It is his second in two races this season.
Darrell Wallace Jr. (19th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(2-23-2018)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 184.535
#19-Suarez 184.284
#42-Larson 184.180
#2-Keselowski 183.868
#18-Busch 183.710
the rest of the top 12: 17 31 10 14 20 11
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 1 95 21 22 34 88 43 6 47 48 24 37
(2-23-2018)
Friday Atlanta Notebook: Austin Dillon resets his goals after Daytona 500 victory; Words of wisdom-and-merriment-from Bubba Wallace’s family; Chain of friendship helps Wallace through Speedweeks.[More](2-23-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#2-Keselowski 186.434
#4-Harvick 185.610
#14-Bowyer 184.874
#42-Larson 184.646
#1-McMurray 184.646
the rest of the top 24: 19 24 31 22 41 17 18 88 48 11 21 10 20 6 95 47 43 34 37
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 3 12 9 13 38 32 23 72 00 15 78 51
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 36 entered
(2-23-2018)
Friday practice for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is over, after 80 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. 186.384
#42-Larson 185.915
#42-Wallace, Jr. 185.834
#13-Dillon 185.648
#88-Bowman 185.294
most laps run: #48-Johnson, 23 laps.
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 6 drivers): #11-Hamlin 178.669
slowest: #72-Whitt 173.099 & #00-Earnhardt 169.220
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (2-23-2018)
Eastman joins Hendrick Motorsports to sponsor Alex Bowman:Eastman Performance Films, LLC, a subsidiary of Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN), has joined 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports as a primary sponsor of driver Alex Bowman and the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team in the premier NASCAR Cup Series through 2020. The sponsorship featuring the LLumar® brand of window film and paint protection film was announced today at Eastman’s Elite Dealer Conference in San Diego.[More](2-23-2018)
Qualifying Order for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is posted.
The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #34-McDowell.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #31-Newman.
The order is set by a random draw, how cars park on pit road before they qualify, held about an hour before the first practice.
After the first round, the cars lined up by speed.
For the qualifying order, see the Qualifying Order page (pdf).(2-23-2018)
BK Racing asking court to allow for payment of employees and vendors: BK Racing is asking the bankruptcy court this morning to be allowed to use cash coming in to pay employees and vendors or else it might have to cease operations. According to its request, BK Racing earned $450,000 for Gray Gaulding’s 20th-place finish in the Daytona 500. The filing states that it also owes 12 employees nearly $21,000 in wages from prior to the Daytona 500. It also states that the value of its charter “may have a value in excess of $5 million,” and it could lose the charter if it doesn’t race.[More](2-23-2018)
Team Penske forms technical partnership with Siemens: Team Penske and Siemens, a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, have entered into a new technical partnership. Under the multi-year agreement, Siemens will help enhance Team Penske’s performance with full access to a wide variety of software products to enable advanced digital design and simulations. Team Penske race teams will utilize Siemens’ software across their computer-aided design (CAD), engineering, simulation and machining platforms. Utilizing this software, Team Penske can create a digital twin of their race cars, which can help engineers simulate engine configurations, innovate new parts and predict race results in real-time.[More](2-23-2018)
Cellairis sponsoring Smithley at Atlanta: Cellairis, a leading global device repair and accessory company based in Atlanta, partners with professional driver Garrett Smithley on board the No. 15 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet Camaro for this Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Rinnai 250. Cellairis was eager to team up with Smithley, who grew up in Peachtree City, GA, at his home track, the Atlanta Motor Speedway where the Rinnai 250 will take place. [More](2-23-2018)
Nemechek paces final XFINITY practice: #42-John Hunter Nemechek was quickest in final practice at Atlanta with a speed of 178.516mph.
#20-Christopher Bell was second, followed by: #00-Cole Custer, #3-Ty Dillon, #19-Brandon Jones, #2-Matt Tifft, #9-Tyler Reddick, #12-Austin Dillon, #16-Ryan Reed, and #18-Kyle Benjamin.
See complete results on the Atlanta practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(2-23-2018)
Christopher Bell fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #20-Christopher Bell was fastest during opening practice at Atlanta with a speed of 178.447mph.
The rest of the top 10: #22-Joey Logano, #00-Cole Custer, #16-Ryan Reed, #98-Kevin Harvick, #9-Tyler Reddick, #11-Ryan Truex, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #18-Kyle Benjamin, and #51-Jeremy Clements.
30 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Atlanta practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(2-23-2018)
RCR parts ways with Nick Harrison: Less than a week into the NASCAR XFINITY Series season, Richard Childress Racing confirmed to CATCHFENCE.com that former crew chief Nick Harrison has been released from the organization. Harrison had cemented nearly five years with the Welcome, N.C.-based team entering Speedweeks, but he and car chief Robert Scott were banned from participating in last Saturday afternoon’s PowerShares QQQ 300 after a rear suspension violation was discovered in pre-qualifying inspection.[More](2-26-2018)
Team Dillon partners with GoShare and Young’s Motorsports for full season: Young’s Motorsports announced Friday that it will field a second truck in full-time competition for the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) season. “In partnership with Team Dillon, we have put together an exciting schedule for 2018,” said team principal, Tyler Young. “The venture will feature both Austin and Ty Dillon, as well as Daniel Hemric and Team Dillon development driver, Tanner Thorson, in the No. 20 GoShare Chevrolet Silverado for a total of 17 races.” [More](2-23-2018)
Truck Series Qualifying order
Gragson fastest in final Atlanta Truck practice: #18-Noah Gragson was fastest during final practice for the Camping World Truck Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a speed of 178.775mph.
#41-Ben Rhodes, #24-Justin Haley, #97-Jesse Little, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #4-Kyle Busch, #16-Brett Moffitt, #88-Matt Crafton, #21-Johnny Sauter, and #20-Austin Dillon were the rest of the top-10.
29 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(2-23-2018)
Haley fastest in opening Atlanta Truck practice: #24-Justin Haley was fastest during the opening practice for Saturday’s Active Pest Control 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway with a speed of 178.029mph.
Daytona winner, #21-Johnny Sauter, was second on the speed chart. #13-Myatt Snider, #52-Stewart Friesen, #18-Noah Gragson, #51-Spencer Davis, #75-Parker Kligerman, #4-Kyle Busch, #41-Ben Rhodes, and #25-Dalton Sargeant were the rest of the top-10.
28 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(2-23-2018)
Bubba Wallace first to join the STP 500 Pre-Race Experience at Martinsville Speedway: Fresh of a second-place finish in the Daytona 500, Bubba Wallace is the first driver to sign on to take part in Martinsville Speedway’s Pre Race Experience, which will take place prior to the STP 500 on March 25. Wallace, a two-time winner in the Camping World Truck Series at the historic Speedway will take part in a moderated question-and-answer session on the frontstretch before the race.[More](2-23-2018)
Michigan International Speedway to host charity dinner: Michigan International Speedway will host the inaugural MIS Charity Dinner presented by Consumers Energy on June 9. Fans will enjoy a night of entertainment in the track’s 50 Years of Racing Exhibit Presented by Consumers Energy in the fan plaza. The event, a first of its kind will feature a strolling dinner, dessert and drink stations, live and silent auctions, music by Pro DJ, a photo booth and so much more. It will take place during the FireKeepers Casino 400 weekend allowing fans to watch nonstop racing on track with the LTi Printing 250 and a unique racing experience that evening.[More](2-23-2018)
News from February 22, 2018
Atlanta Weekend Preview Atlanta holds strong memories for Harvick; Truex looks to continue strong start; Up for grabs[More](2-22-2018)
Ross Chastain driving for Premium Motorsports at Atlanta: Low T Center, a medical company whose physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone levels in men has joined Premium Motorsports for the 2018 NASCAR season as a primary and associate sponsor of the team’s cup and truck series entries. Premium Motorsports’ owner, Jay Robinson announced today that Low T Center will return and continue their support of the team as a primary sponsor for 10 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races during the 2018 racing season beginning this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway with Ross Chastain at the wheel of the #15 chartered Chevrolet.[More](2-22-2018)
Atlanta track surface ready for race weekend: Atlanta Motor Speedway is ready for a triple-header weekend of NASCAR racing. Track president Ed Clark said last month the speedway did finish scheduled maintenance during the fall, which came to about 12 to 15 areas that needed immediate attention. This weekend, all three NASCAR national series will be in action at Atlanta, and Clark says he does not anticipate any issues.[More](2-22-2018)
NASCAR’s most valuable teams and highest paid drivers: Forbes has taken its annual look at the sports biggest moneymakers.[More](2-22-2018)
Autotrader returns to Team Penske: Autotrader enters its fifth season with Team Penske as a primary racing sponsor for four Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races during the 2018 season. The Autotrader brand will be featured on both the No. 2 and No. 22 Ford Fusion cars driven by Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, respectively. Keselowski will drive the Autotrader No. 2 Ford Fusion at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Feb. 25, going for back-to-back wins at the track. Keselowski will also race the Autotrader Ford Fusion on Sept. 16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, while Logano will have the familiar Autotrader orange No. 22 design on Apr. 15 event at Bristol Motor Speedway and the Autotrader/Shell-Pennzoil co-branded car on Apr. 29 at Talladega Superspeedway. Autotrader will continue to be an associate sponsor on both cars for the full MENCS season.[More](2-22-2018)
Datyona XFINITY TV ratings: Last Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series opener from Daytona scored a 1.15 rating and 1.85 million viewers on FS1, down 18% in ratings and viewership from last year (1.4, 2.25M) and down 17% and 13% respectively from 2016 (1.4, 2.1M). It was the least-watched edition of the race since at least 2007. The last time it faced the Winter Olympics, 2014, the race had a 1.8 and 2.7 million on ESPN.[Sports Media Watch](2-22-2018)
Temecula Road to perform National Anthem and pre-race concert before Auto Club Speedway XFINITY race: Local country artists, Temecula Road, will perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the NASCAR NXS 300 on March 17, 2018 with pre-race activities starting at 1:30 p.m. at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. In addition, they will headline the pre-race concert at 12:00 p.m. in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Fan Zone. The young stars are a perfect fit to kick-off the NXS 300 race which features young NASCAR drivers battling for the checkered flag on one of the fastest and oldest two-mile oval tracks on the NASCAR circuit.[More](2-22-2018)
News from February 21, 2018
Habitat for Humanity featured on the #95 at Atlanta: Leavine Family Racing (LFR) and Kasey Kahne will sport a special Procore Technologies paint scheme at Atlanta Motor Speedway in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization dedicated to building affordable housing, has partnered with Procore Technologies for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 and will be LFR’s charity of choice throughout the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) season.[More](2-21-2018)
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Atlanta
Facebook Watch to take viewers behind the scenes of Bubba Wallace’s run in the DAYTONA 500: A dramatic, runner-up finish in the 2018 DAYTONA 500 by the first full-time African-American driver in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series since 1971 will be chronicled in the final two episodes of “Behind the Wall: Bubba Wallace,” the new docu-series on Facebook Watch. The final episodes in the original series will post at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 22, and can be viewed by following the Behind the Wall: Bubba Wallace show page. The first six episodes, which premiered last week, are available now on demand.[More](2-21-2018)
Cole Custer to make Monster Energy NASCAR Cup debut at Las Vegas UPDATE: Cole Custer will make his Monster Energy Cup Series debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, sources have told motorsport.com. Custer will pilot the No. 51 Ford for Rick Ware Racing in the Pennzoil 400. An announcement is expected later this week.(2-19-2018)
UPDATE: Officials from Rick Ware Racing (RWR) confirmed today that NASCAR Next alumnus Cole Custer will make his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) debut March 2-4 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Haas Automation, Inc., America’s leading builder of CNC machine tools, will continue its support of Custer and serve as the primary sponsor of RWR’s No. 51 Ford in the March 4 race.[More](2-21-2018)
Premium Motorsports to rotate crew chiefs: After hiring two long-time NASCAR crew chiefs over the past six months, Premium Motorsports is putting Pat Tryson and Todd Parrott to work in 2018, fielding one full-time car as the two will lead the team on a rotating schedule. Jay Robinson, owner of Premium Motorsports, claimed the move was for two reasons: (1) so the team can be more prepared upon showing up to the track on a weekly basis and (2) so each crew chief won’t get worn out by the grind of the long Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series schedule. [More](2-21-2018)
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Atlanta, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Atlanta page
Antron Brown to drive pace car at Las Vegas: Three-time NHRA Top Fuel World Champion Antron Brown will serve as the celebrity pace car driver for the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 4. Brown will pace the field for the 267-lap race, which is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time and will be televised live on FOX. In addition two-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion Matt Hagan and five-time Top Fuel event winner Leah Pritchett will be part of the race-day festivities at 1.5-mile speedway.[More](2-21-2018)
News from February 20, 2018
Smithfield to sponsor six races at Richard Petty Motorsports: The company will let its key grocery partners use the primary space.[More](2-20-2018)
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage to be associate sponsor on the No. 43 at Atlanta: Today, Richard Petty Motorsports is proud to announce E.E. Ward Moving & Storage as its “Official Mover.” In addition, the Ohio-based company will be an associate sponsor of Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where the famed No. 43 car will sport a nostalgic E.E. Ward logo to celebrate Black History Month.[More](2-20-2018)
David Ragan to make 400th NASCAR Cup Series start: David Ragan’s 400th start in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series couldn’t come at a better place. The Unadilla, Ga., native will celebrate the career milestone on Feb. 25 at his home track of Atlanta Motor Speedway.[More](2-20-2018)
Atlanta Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the Goodyear Tire Notes – Atlanta page.(2-20-2018)
Garrett Smithley and Matt Mills to swap numbers: JD Motorsports with Gary Keller announced today that for the Rinnai 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 24th and the Boyd Gaming 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 3rd, Garrett Smithley will drive the No. 15 Chevrolet Camaro and Matt Mills will drive the No. 0 Chevy.[More](2-20-2018)
JR Motorsports supporting Nationwide Children’s Hospital: JR Motorsports will support Nationwide Children’s Hospital in a prominent way during the NASCAR Xfinity Series season in 2018. One of America’s largest pediatric healthcare and research centers delivering care for more than 1.4 million patient visits each year, Nationwide Children’s will have five primary paint schemes with the No. 9 team and driver Tyler Reddick this season.[More](2-20-2018)
Four Georgia companies partner with Sieg for Atlanta: RSS Racing is pleased to welcome four co primary sponsors for #39 car for the XFINITY race this Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Ryan Sieg, who piloted the #93 at Daytona, will return to the seat of the #39 car this weekend. It will be a home town effort on all fronts this weekend for RSS Racing who is based in Sugar Hill, GA. All four sponsors are local to the Georgia area as well. Georgia Metals, Havoc Construction, Atlanta Compressor, and Big Frog Shirts will join the team in a unique sponsorship platform. Each company will have its logos on the hood, quarter panels, and rear of the car.[More](2-20-2018)
Wings Over North Georgia Air Show to sponsor Little in Atlanta: Set to embark on their first start of the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) season, JJL Motorsports announced today that they have secured a partnership with the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show presented by Parker FiberNet for Saturday afternoon’s Active Pest Control 200 benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Atlanta Motor Speedway.[More](2-20-2018)
News from February 19, 2018
Austin Dillon honored at Daytona Champion’s Breakfast: The magic of Sunday night carried over to Monday morning at Daytona International Speedway, with 2018 DAYTONA 500 champion Austin Dillon honored at the annual Champion’s Breakfast in the speedway’s Bill France Room. Dillon drove the No. 3 Dow Chevrolet Camaro owned by his grandfather Richard Childress to a historic victory in the 60th running of “The Great American Race,” the season-opening event for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The victory came 20 years after Dale Earnhardt won the DAYTONA 500 in Childress’ No. 3 Chevrolet.[More](2-19-2018)
Austin Dillon’s Daytona 500 victory is an extended family affair: If Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Richard Childress Racing team decided to steal a page from the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates, it would be entirely appropriate. The theme song of the world champion Pirates was “We Are Family,” a contemporaneous hit by Sister Sledge. In 1979, the close-knit underdog Pittsburgh team upset the Baltimore Orioles to win the World Series.[More](2-19-2018)
Entry List for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway is posted, 36 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #15-TBA, #23-Gaulding, #51-Marks (but expected to be Harrison Rhodes), #72-LaJoie.
Since only 36 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Daytona 500 overnight TV ratings: Fox earned a 5.1 overnight rating for the Daytona 500, down from 2017.[More](2-19-2018)
NASCAR Racing Experience to sponsor Bubba Wallace at Atlanta: Motorsports’ leading fan driving experience partners – Driving 101, which operates NASCAR Racing Experience, Richard Petty Driving Experience and Mario Andretti Racing Experience – announced today they will become the primary sponsor for the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driven by Darrell “Bubba” Wallace, Jr., for Richard Petty Motorsports at the Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.[More](2-19-2018)
Cole Custer to make Monster Energy NASCAR Cup debut at Las Vegas: Cole Custer will make his Monster Energy Cup Series debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, sources have told motorsport.com. Custer will pilot the No. 51 Ford for Rick Ware Racing in the Pennzoil 400. An announcement is expected later this week.[More](2-19-2018)
Commercial breakdown and links related to the 2018 Daytona 500:For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 2:45 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 6:33 PM (all times are EST). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage.[More](2-19-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 43 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Rinnai 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
See the complete list on the Atlanta entry list page.(2-19-2018)
Truck Series entry list:There are 34 trucks entered for Saturday’s Active Pest Control 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. See the complete list on the Atlanta entry list page (pdf). (2-19-2018)
Cast of Super Troopers to serve as grand marshals at Auto Club Speedway: The Super Troopers will be in full comedic force at the upcoming Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 race. Mac, Thorny, Foster, Rabbit and Farva have been promoted to Grand Marshals and will give the command “Drivers, start your engines,” on March 18, 2018 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.[More](2-19-2018)
Talladega Superspeedway offers special “33% off” race-week pricing:A return to the high banks and a victory for the iconic No. 3 means big savings for NASCAR fans at Talladega Superspeedway! In honor of Austin Dillon, who drove Richard Childress Racing’s (RCR) famous No. 3 to victory in the season-opening DAYTONA 500, Talladega Superspeedway announced today a special “33% off” ticket offer for its GEICO 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) race on April 29. With the unbelievable racing at Daytona in the rearview mirror, all eyes are now fixed on the spectacular competition at Talladega, the biggest “super” superspeedway in the sport that has seen the No. 3 go to Gatorade Victory Lane a record nine times – all with the late, great Dale Earnhardt, Sr.[More](2-19-2018)
News from February 18, 2018
Sunday Daytona Notebook: Aric Almirola’s Daytona 500 winning bid ends in Turn 3 wreck; Kurt Busch comes close to second straight Daytona 500 victory; Ryan Blaney comes up empty after dominating performance.[More](2-18-2018)
Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. races to historical and emotional second-place finish in Daytona 500: Not two minutes after Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. sat down in the Daytona International Speedway media center to field questions about his historic and dramatic runner-up finish in the Daytona 500, his mom Desiree came toward the podium and he stood up to embrace her. They hugged, they cried. It was both emotional and heart-warming to watch. “I am so proud of you,” she told him.[More](2-18-2018)
Last-lap pass gives Austin Dillon dramatic Daytona 500 victory: Austin Dillon prevailed in a game of Survivor played at 200 miles per hour, winning the Sunday’s Daytona 500 fiercely and unapologetically after turning race leader Aric Almirola in the third corner of the final lap. Ten of the 40 drivers who started the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series’ season-opening event finished on the lead lap in a race that featured eight cautions and three massive wrecks that eliminated many of the strongest cars in the field.[More](2-18-2018)
An emotional Danica Patrick bids farewell to NASCAR: There was no mistaking the love. Danica Patrick got one of the largest applauses when introduced for Sunday’s Daytona 500 – her last NASCAR race – and then made her ceremonial lap around the famous Daytona International Speedway soaking in the cheers, and good wishes and genuinely moved by the standing ovation she received from the sold-out crowd.[More](2-18-2018)
Austin Dillon won the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway. The win is his 1st win at Daytona and 2nd career win. He got into the rear of #10-Aric Almirola on the final lap. Almirola had taken the white flag as the leader but finished 11th. Dillon led only the final lap. The race ended after one attempt at NASCAR overtime.
#43-Wallace finished 2nd, his best career finish, followed by #11-Hamlin, #22-Logano, #37-Buescher, #21-Menard, #12-Blaney, #31-Newman, #34-McDowell, and #47-Allmendinger.
#12-Blaney dominated most of the race, leading 114 laps, but was involved in an accident with 2 laps to go that shuffled him back in the pack.
Pole sitter #88-Bowman ran up front most of the day but was caught in the accident with 2 laps to go and finished 17th.
Stage 1 was won by #41-Busch, finished 26th.
Stage 2 was won by #12-Blaney, finished 7th.
There were 24 lead changes among 14 drivers and 8 cautions for 37 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 150.545mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Daytona
Austin Dillon won the 60th Annual Daytona 500, his second victory in 159 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and sixth top-10 finish in 11 races at Daytona International Speedway.
Darrell Wallace Jr. (second) posted his first top-10 finish in three races at Daytona International Speedway.
Denny Hamlin (third) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 26 races at Daytona International Speedway.
Darrell Wallace Jr. (second) was the highest finishing rookie.
Ryan Blaney leads the point standings by 6 points over Austin Dillon.
Darrell Wallace Jr.’s second-place finish is the highest finish by an African American competitor in the Daytona 500. Previous record was held by Wendell Scott with a 13th-place finish in 1966.
Austin Dillon’s win is the third Daytona 500 victory for Richard Childress Racing; Dillon joins Dale Earnhardt (1998) and Kevin Harvick (2007).
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(2-18-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
updated by NASCAR to include points from the Duels
[after Daytona, race 1 of 36]
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 47
#12-Ryan Blaney, 58
#22-Joey Logano, 50, -8
#43-Darrell Wallace Jr., 47, -11
#21-Paul Menard, 42, -12
#34-Michael McDowell, 39, -19
#11-Denny Hamlin, 37, -21
#31-Ryan Newman, 34, -24
#10-Aric Almirola, 33, -25
#37-Chris Buescher, 33, -25
#6-Trevor Bayne, 31, -27
#78-Martin Truex Jr., 30, -28
#88-Alex Bowman, 29, -29
#14-Clint Bowyer, 29, -29
#47-AJ Allmendinger, 28, -30
#41-Kurt Busch, 28 ,-30
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 120) of the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway (lap 120/200):
#12-Blaney, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#21-Menard, 9pts
#22-Logano, 8pts
#10-Almriola, 7pts
#34-McDowell, 6pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 5pts
#43-Wallace, 4pts
#6-Bayne, 3pts
#3-Dillon, 2pts
#11-Hamlin, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 60) of the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway (lap 60/200):
#41-Busch, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#88-Bowman, 9pts
#17-Stenhouse, Jr., 8pts
#12-Blaney, 7pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 6pts
#34-McDowell, 5pts
#4-Harvick, 4pts
#9-Elliott, 3pts
#42-Larson, 2pts
#21-Menard, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: None, no one a lap or more down.
Caution 2: #23-Gaulding, 20th
Caution 3: #11-Hamlin, 3rd
Caution 4: #23-Gaulding (2), 20th
Caution 5: #22-Logano, 4th
Caution 6: #24-Byron, 23rd
Caution 7: #22-Logano (2), 4th
Caution 8: #34-McDowell, 9th
Sunday pre-race schedule at Daytona (eastern time):
2:14pm: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers introductions
2:45pm: Presentation of colors & invocation: USCG Component Joint Service Honor Guard, Jacksonville, Florida
2:45pm: Invocation: Sonny Gallman, Central Baptist Church, Daytona Beach, Florida
2:46pm: National Anthem by Navy Band Southeast
2:47pm: Fly by TOT: United States Air Force Thunderbirds
2:53pm: “Drivers, Start Your Engines” by: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
3:05pm: Green flag for the 60th Annual Daytona 500 (Fox/MRN/SiriusXM)
Daytona NASCAR XFINITY race margin of victory was .0004 second: NASCAR timing and scoring reviewed the film to determine a more detailed margin.[More](2-18-2018)
FDNY Racing ends tenure after Daytona: Friday marked the end of an era for FDNY Racing. The team confirmed Daytona was the final Truck Series race for its No. 28, ending a part-time NASCAR effort that’s lasted over 30 years.[More](2-18-2018)
News from February 17, 2018
Saturday Daytona Notebook: Early wreck eliminates future stars from NASCAR Xfinity race; Tyler Reddick got more than a moral victory; Bubba Wallace is fastest in final Daytona 500 practice.[More](2-17-2018)
Daytona 500 sold out: Reserved stadium tickets for the historic 60th annual DAYTONA 500, the season-opening event for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, are sold out, Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile announced today. This is the third consecutive year that the DAYTONA 500 has sold out. This year’s DAYTONA 500 will be attended by fans representing 49 different countries and every state in the U.S.[More](2-17-2018)
The future is bright for Ford owners in NASCAR: On the eve of the Daytona 500, Ford team owners representing 10 Daytona 500 victories and five NASCAR championships addressed the racing media to share high expectations for the 2018 season and indulge in a few stories of their considerable time competing in NASCAR’s big leagues.[More](2-17-2018)
92-year-old team owner Glen Wood skips first Daytona 500: Glen Wood is sitting out the Daytona 500. Wood has done most everything at “The Great American Race,” driving in the inaugural edition in 1959 and winning five Daytona 500s as team owner. He not only had a seat somewhere at every Daytona 500, the 92-year-old Hall of Famer had attended every Speedweeks since 1947. Wood will have a different view for Sunday’s race: from his home.[More](2-17-2018)
Busy offseason for Toyota owners have them excited for 2018: Toyota racing executive Ed Laukes sat alongside the make’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team owners Joe Gibbs and Barney Visser to address the racing media Saturday morning eager for the group to step right in where it left off in 2017 – a lot of victory circles and on stage hoisting the championship trophy.[More](2-17-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#43-Wallace 196.954
#19-Suarez 196.528
#31-Newman 195.464
#24-Byron 196.382
#48-Johnson 196.305
most laps run: #6-Bayne, 18 laps.
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 2 drivers): #95-Kahne 190.841
slowest: #92-Gilliland 186.893 & #72-LaJoie 185.391
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Final Practice speeds (pdf) (2-17-2018)
Axalta returns as official sponsor of NASCAR: NASCAR and Axalta (NYSE: AXTA), announced today a multi-year agreement making Axalta, once again, the “Official Paint Partner of NASCAR.” “Our affiliation with NASCAR runs deep,” said Charles Shaver, Chairman and CEO, Axalta. “We were the Official Finish for nearly 20 years before taking some time to strategically develop our program. Today, with this new agreement, we can grow our reach and leverage partnerships throughout the sport for business development opportunities with likeminded companies who need or use coatings. Motorsports represents all the things we see in ourselves; teamwork, high performance, a drive to be better, and winning!”[More](2-17-2018)
Gilliland expects Sunday’s race to be his last Daytona 500: David Gilliland believes his start Sunday in the Daytona 500 will be his last Daytona 500. The 41-year-old driver, who sat on the pole in 2007 and finished third in 2011, has not competed in the event since 2015 to focus on building a late model team to help develop his son, Todd. Gilliland, who drove a Kyle Busch Motorsports truck Friday night, will drive for Ricky Benton Racing in the Daytona 500: “It will probably be my last one. … We’re focusing on our [racing] business and growing it. You drive something like this [truck], it spoils you. Opportunities for a 41-year-old guy to drive that [good] stuff are few and far between.”[More](2-17-2018)
Tyler Reddick inches past Elliott Sadler for five-overtime NASCAR Xfinity win: In a day race that ended under the lights, with the closest margin of victory in NASCAR history, Tyler Reddick finished Saturday’s PowerShares QQQ 300 less than three inches ahead of JR Motorsports teammate Elliott Sadler.[More](2-17-2018)
Reddick wins Daytona XFINITY race in closest margin ever: #9-Tyler Reddick won the PowerShares QQQ 300 at Daytona International Speedway for his 2nd career XFINITY win.
He beat #1-Elliott Sadler to the checkered flag in a photo finish. The official margin of victory was 0.000 second, the closest finish in NASCAR national series history.
#16-Ryan Reed finished third, followed by #24-Kaz Grala (career best finish), #0-Garrett Smithley (career best finish), #23-Spencer Gallagher (career best finish), #11-Ryan Truex, #18-Daniel Suarez, #4-Ross Chastain, and #19-Brandon Jones.
There were five attempts at NASCAR Overtime before the race ended.
After a late caution because of a spin by #1-Elliott Sadler, “the big one” came during the first attempt at NASCAR Overtime and involved 18 cars.
Before the second attempt at Overtime #19 Suarez, who was leading at the time, ran out of fuel giving the lead to #16-Ryan Reed.
Under the second attempt at Overtime, #23-Spencer Gallagher, running third at the time, spun out. #11-Ryan Truex took the lead just before the caution came out.
On the third attempt, #9-Tyler Reddick took the lap on the restart, but a caution just before he reached the start finish line for the white flag led to a fourth Overtime attempt.
During the fourth attempt, #24-Dylan Lupton wrecked on the backstretch, bringing out the caution and leading to a red flag for track cleanup.
The race finished after the fifth NASCAR Overtime attempt and 143 laps. It was scheduled for 120 laps.
There were 12 cautions (a record for an XFINITY race at Daytona) for 49 laps and 19 lead changes among 11 leaders.
The average speed was 119.100Xmph.
Complete results are on the Daytona race results page (pdf).
(2-17-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 30 – Winner, #42-Kyle Larson
Stage 2 – lap 60 – Winner, #88-Chase Elliott
Stage 3 – lap 120 – Race winner, #9-Tyler Reddick
Daytona XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Tyler Reddick won the 37th Annual PowerShares QQQ 300, his second victory in 19 NASCAR Xfinity Series races.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in three races at Daytona International Speedway.
Elliott Sadler (second) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 18 races at Daytona International Speedway.
Ryan Reed (third) posted his fifth top-10 finish in nine races at Daytona International Speedway.
Tyler Reddick (first) was the highest finishing rookie.
Tyler Reddick # leads the point standings by 9 points over Elliott Sadler.
The Margin of Victory of 0.000 in today’s race is the closest MOV in NASCAR national series history. The previous record was held by the 1995 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race held at Colorado National Speedway with a MOV of 0.001.
Today’s race was the 100th race with Xfinity as the primary sponsor of the series.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(2-17-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following Daytona:
1) #9-Tyler Reddick, 50
2) #1-Elliott Sadler, 41, -9
3) #23-Spencer Gallagher, 39, -11
4) #11-Ryan Truex, 35 , -15
5) #16-Ryan Reed, 34, -16
6) #24-Kaz Grala, 33, -17
7) #0-Garrett Smithley, 32, -18
8) #4-Ross Chastain, 28, -22
9) #19-Brandon Jones, 27, -23
10) #38-Jeff Green, 26, -24
11) #8-Caesar Bacarella, 24, -26
12) #00-Cole Custer, 24, -26
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(2-17-2018)
Kyle Benjamin to run two NASCAR XFINITY races for Joe Gibbs Racing: Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announces that Kyle Benjamin will pilot the No. 18 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Toyota Camry for two races throughout the 2018 season. Benjamin will run the Rinnai 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 24th, and the U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway on July 28th. PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant has been named the primary sponsor for Benjamin on the No. 18 Camry in Atlanta. The primary sponsor for Iowa will be announced at a later date.[More](2-17-2018)
Hemric on XFINITY pole at Daytona: #21-Daniel Hemric won the pole for the PowerShares QQQ 300 at Daytona International Speedway with a speed of 189.310mph.It is his second career pole. #42-Kyle Larson will start second. The rest of the top 10: #2-Matt Tifft, #22-Joey Logano, #23-Spencer Gallgaher, #7-Justin Allgaier, #11-Ryan Truex, #5-Michael Annett, #88-Chase Elliott, and #9-Tyler Reddick.
Did Not Qualify: #25-Chris Cockrum. #45-Josh Bilicki, #54-Gray Gaulding, #74-Mike Harmon, #89-Morgan Shepherd, and #99-Ray Black, Jr.
UPDATE: #2-Matt Tifft and #90-Josh Williams failed post qualifying inspection. Their times were disallowed. #54-Gray Gaulding now makes the race and #66-Timmy Hill does not qualify.
The starting lineup is posted on the Daytona starting lineup page (pdf).(2-17-2018)
Daytona XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Daniel Hemric won the Pole Award for the 37th Annual PowerShares QQQ 300 with a lap of 47.541 seconds, 189.310 mph.
This is his second pole in 34 NASCAR Xfinity Series races.
This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in three races at Daytona International Speedway.
Kyle Larson(i) (second) posted his first top-10 start of 2018 and his third in seven races at Daytona International Speedway.
Matt Tifft (third) posted his second top-10 start at Daytona International Speedway.
Tyler Reddick (10th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(2-17-2018)
XFINITY crew members ejected from track: NASCAR ejected three Xfinity Series crew members for at-track inspection issues in qualifying tech yesterday. Richard Childress Racing crew chief Nick Harrison as well as his car chief were ejected for the Austin Dillon car having rear suspension violations. Mike Harmon’s crew chief was ejected for the car failing prequalifying tech four times. Neither will attempt to qualify for the race today, although both could get in on owner points and Dillon could get in with a past champion’s provisonal. Any additional penalties will be determined next week.[More](2-17-2018)
News from February 16, 2018
Owner Ron Devine says BK Racing will run full schedule BK Racing owner Ron Devine said he hoped his Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a quick reorganization process and that his plan is to race the entire 2018 season. “I’ll see you in Homestead,” he said, referring to the final race of year.[More](2-16-2018)
GEICO signs extension with Germain Racing: Germain Racing is pleased to announce that longtime primary sponsor, GEICO, has signed a sponsorship extension that will find the famed Gecko adorning the hood of the No. 13 Camaro ZL1 through at least the 2020 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. The relationship between Germain Racing and GEICO spans over a decade and has evolv ed from a NASCAR Xfinity Series entry in 2008 to a current day, charter-owning Cup Series organization that competed for wins during the 2017 season with driver, Ty Dillon.[More](2-16-2018)
Denny Hamlin says he was joking when he said 70 percent of drivers use Adderall Denny Hamlin said he was joking when he said on a podcast Friday that 70 percent of drivers use Adderall or similar medicines to help them focus. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver was on the Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast when the topic moved to drug testing.[More](2-16-2018)
Friday Daytona Notebook: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is ready to shakes things up in the Daytona 500; No-show for the Showman in Thursday’s first Duel; Short Strokes[More](2-16-2018)
Fourth practice for the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#19-Suarez 203.179
#31-Newman 202.945
#34-McDowell 202.867
#47-Allmendinger 202.739
#18-Busch 202.689
most laps run: #48-Johnson, 39 laps.
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 19 drivers): #31-Newman 200.957
slowest: #12-Blaney 191.706 & #1-McMurray 191.481. Just 29 drivers practiced.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Fourth Practice speeds (pdf) (2-16-2018)
Optimism abounds for Chevrolet owners and the debut of the Camaro ZL1: It was billed as a preseason Chevrolet news conference to discuss the manufacturer’s expectations and excitement for the 2018 season, but it also had a distinct vibe – as much like a NASCAR Hall of Fame meet and greet as a launch for Chevy’s new race car. And positive on all accounts. Hall of Famers and Chevrolet team owners Richard Childress, Rick Hendrick and Richard Petty sat alongside future Hall of Fame sure-bet Chip Ganassi and Jim Campbell, Chevrolet’s USA vice president – to discuss the make’s current state of affairs in NASCAR and the highly-anticipated Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season debut of the Camaro ZL1.[More](2-16-2018)
Third practice for the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#19-Suarez 199.840
#11-Hamlin 199.743
#78-Truex, Jr. 199.694
#38-Ragan 199.650
#7-Patrick 199.406
most laps run: #18-Busch, 28 laps.
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 10 drivers): #11-Hamlin 196.790
slowest: #66-Thompson 186.261, #23-Gaulding 185.193
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Third Practice speeds (pdf) (2-16-2018)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, the first three pit stalls have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
Pole winner #88-Bowman chose pit stall 4, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #11-Hamlin took pit stall 21, with an opening in front of it.
#21-Blaney, who starts 3rd, took the 43rd and final pit stall on pit road.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(2-16-2018)
Danica Patrick receives most off season media coverage: She handily beat out 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex, Jr.[More](2-16-2018)
Best friends Blaney and Wallace proving to be contenders at Daytona: Leading into this season-opening Daytona 500 race week, Ryan Blaney’s competitors noted what a good restrictor plate racer the 24-year had already shown himself to be. Thursday night in winning the opening Can-Am Duel on the Daytona International Speedway high banks he made them look smart – and himself look absolutely like a Daytona 500 favorite. He did it by beating a former Daytona 500 winner in his Team Penske teammate Joey Logano and benefitting from a late race push from his best friend, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series rookie Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., who finished an impressive third in his Duel debut.[More](2-16-2018)
Commercial breakdown and links related to the 2018 Can-Am Duels at Daytona: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Thursday’s races.[More](2-16-2018)
Hemric paces final XFINITY practice: #21-Daniel Hemric was quickest in final practice at Daytona with a speed of 191.322mph. #3-Austin Dillon was second, followed by: #1-Elliott Sadler, #9-Tyler Reddick, #42-Kyle Larson, #11-Ryan Truex, #22-Joey Logano, #23-Spencer Gallagher, #35-Joey Gase, and #19-Brandon Jones.
32 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Daytona practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(2-16-2018)
Tyler Reddick fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #9-Tyler Reddick was fastest during opening practice at Daytona with a speed of 196.190mph.
The rest of the top 10:#18-Daniel Suarez, #23-Spencer Gallagher, #88-Chase Elliott, #5-Michael Annett, #28-Dylan Lupton, #60-Austin Cindric, #2-Matt Tifft, #00-Cole Custer, and #98-Aric Almirola.
See complete results on the Daytona practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(2-16-2018)
Johnny Sauter asserts plate-track dominance with Daytona win: In a race that produced seven cautions for 35 laps and left 21 trucks running at the finish, Johnny Sauter held off Justin Haley by .098 seconds at Daytona International Speedway to win Friday night’s NextEra Energy Resources 250, the season-opener for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Sauter grabbed the lead from pole winner David Gilliland on Lap 92 of 100 and stayed out front the rest of the way. The victory was Sauter’s third at Daytona and 18th of his career.[More](2-16-2018)
Sauter wins Daytona: #21-Johnny Sauter won the season opener for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on Friday night, leading 34 of the 100 laps in the NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway.
Sauter’s GMS Racing teammate, #24-Justin Haley was second, followed by #87-Joe Nemechek, #41-Ben Rhodes, #20-Scott Lagasse, #98-Grant Enfinger, #51-Spencer Davis, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #3-Jordan Anderson, and #45-Justin Fontaine closed out the top-10.
The win was an emotional one for the GMS team, as Sauter’s long-time crew chief Joe Shear lost his wife Chandra unexpectedly during the off season.
Pole-sitter, Kyle Busch Motorsports’ #4-David Gilliland, led 30 laps but got into the wall late in the race and fell out of contention, ending the race 21st.
There were seven caution flags for 35 laps and 21 lead changes among 10 leaders.
See results on the Daytona race results page(2-16-2018)
Daytona Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Johnny Sauter won the 19th Annual NextEra Energy Resources 250, his 18th victory in 222 NASCAR
Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his third victory and fifth top-10 finish in ten races at Daytona International Speedway. Sauter
now leads the series in wins at Daytona.
Justin Haley (second) posted his first top-10 finish in his first start at Daytona International Speedway.
Joe Nemechek (third) posted his third top-10 finish in four races at Daytona International Speedway.
Dalton Sargeant (eighth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 19 points over Justin Haley.
GMS Racing scores their third consecutive win at Daytona – (2016 J. Sauter, 2017 K. Grala, 2018 J.
Sauter).
GMS Racing is now tied with Bobby Hamilton Racing (2001, 2002, 2005) for the series-most wins at
Daytona.
(NASCAR Statistics) (2-16-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 20, winner, #4-David Gilliland
Stage 2 – 40, winner, #21-Johnny Sauter
Stage 3 – 100, winner, #21-Johnny Sauter
Camping World Truck standings following Daytona:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 59, 1 win
2) #24-Justin Haley, 40, -19
3) #98-Grant Enfinger, 37, -22
4) #25-Dalton Sagreant, 37, -22
5) #87-Joe Nemechek, 34, -25
6) #4-David Gilliland, 34, -25
7) #41-Ben Rhodes, 33, -26
8) #51-Spencer Davis, 31, -28
9) #3-Jordan Anderson, 28, -31
10) #2-Cody Coughlin, 28, -31
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (2-16-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Daytona: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #41-Rhodes, 4th
Caution 3: none
Caution 4: #22-Self, 20th
Caution 5: #25-Sargeant, 8th
Caution 6: #98-Enfinger, 6th
Caution 7: none
(2-16-2018)
Truck Series Pitstall selections
Gilliland on Truck pole at Daytona: #4-David Gilliland won the pole for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series season opening NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway with a speed at 183.610mph.
#21-Johnny Sauter, #68-Clay Greenfield, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #18-Noah Gragson, #88-Matt Crafton, #98-Grant Enfinger, #51-Spencer Davis, #52-Stewart Friesen, and #2-Cody Coughlin were the top-10.
Failed to qualify: #63-Bobby Gerhart, #33-Josh Reaume and #74 Cody Ware.
The starting lineup is posted on the Daytona starting lineup page(2-16-2018)
Daytona Qualifying Fast Facts:
David Gilliland won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Pole Award for the 19th Annual NextEra
Energy Resources 250 with a lap of 49.017 seconds, 183.610 mph.
This is his first pole in 11 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in two races at Daytona International Speedway.
Johnny Sauter (second) posted his first top-10 start of 2018 and his seventh in ten races at Daytona
International Speedway.
Clay Greenfield (third) posted his first top-10 start at Daytona International Speedway.
Dalton Sargeant (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics) (2-16-2018)
Truck Series Qualifying results
Truck Series Qualifying order
Kansas Speedway tickets on sale: Tickets for the 2018 Kansas Speedway racing season are on sale now and the track is offering more $64 ticket choices for both Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races than ever before. Also new in 2018 is more youth ticket options! In addition, several sections of Kansas Speedway grandstands have been enhanced with drink rails to offer race fans a more comfortable experience.[More](2-16-2018)
Limited space available for Talladega infield camping: With the official start of the 2018 NASCAR season just days away, Talladega Superspeedway fans have already spoken in a big way with their excitement for the track’s Spring triple-header weekend, April 27-29. Officials at NASCAR’s Most Competitive track announced that fewer than 20 reserved RV camping spots remain in its infamous infield, the most coveted real estate in motorsports.[More](2-16-2018)
News from February 15, 2018
Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott triumph in Can-Am Duel at Daytona: Ryan Blaney held off Team Penske teammate Joey Logano to win Thursday night’s first 150-mile qualifying race in the Can-Am Duel at Daytona International Speedway, but the story of the race was the list of prominent cars that did not survive until the checkered flag. In the second Duel, Chase Elliott grabbed the lead on Lap 27 of 60 and held it the rest of the way, beating Kevin Harvick to the finish line by .081 seconds. Erik Jones survived an early spin to run third, followed by Clint Bowyer and Kyle Busch.[More](2-15-2018)
Elliott wins 2nd Can-Am Duel 150: #9-Chase Elliott won the 2nd Can-Am Duel 150 Qualifying race for the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway. #4-Harvick finished 2nd then #20-Jones, #14-Bowyer, #18-Busch, #3-Dillon, #21-Menard, #6-Bayne, #11-Hamlin, #47-Allmendinger, #34-McDowell, #78-Truex, Jr., #95-Kahne, #7-Patrick, #96-Kennington, #72-LaJoie, #23-Gaulding, #66-Thompson, #32-DiBenedetto, and #42-Larson.
The top 10 finishers earned points under the new scoring system. #9-Elliott win earns him 10 points, 10th place #47-Allmendinger gets 1 point.
There was 1 caution for 3 laps. On lap 12 #9-Elliott took the air of #20-Jones, causing him to spin. Behind Jones, #42-Larson and #32-DiBenedetto spun Both of them will go to a backup.
The finishers of the 2nd Can-Am Duel 150 will line up on the outside (even number) line. #9-Elliott will start the Daytona 500 in 4th, #4-Harvick will start 6th on Sunday.
See results on the Second Can-Am Duel 150 Results page (pdf).(2-15-2018)
Blaney wins first Can-Am Duel 150: #12-Ryan Blaney won the first Can-Am Duel 150 Qualifying race for the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway followed by #22-Logano, #43-Wallace, Jr., #17-Stenhouse, Jr., #41-Busch, #31-Newman, #38-Ragan, #19-Suarez, #1-McMurray, #37-Buscher, #13-Dillon, #62-Gaughan, #00-Earnhardt, #88-Bowman, #51-Marks, #2-Keselowski, #92-Gilliland, #24-Byron, #48-Johnson, #10-Almirola.
The top 10 finishers earned points under the new scoring system. #12-Blaney win earns him 10 points, 10th place #37-Buescher gets 1 point.
There were 4 cautions for 14 laps.
The first caution was for #48-Johnson, who cut a tire and spun out. He hit #10-Almirola. Both drivers will go to a backup car for the 500.
The second caution was for a spin by #24-Byron after #17-Stenhouse, Jr took the air off the rear of his car. Byron goes to a backup.
#92-Gilliland brought out the third caution with an accident when Stenhouse also took the air off his spoiler. Gilliland will go to a backup as well.
The 4th and final caution involved #2-Keselowski and #1-McMurray with 3 laps left. Keselowski pulled down on track, then tried to move back up, but McMurray had already pulled up. Keselowski will need a backup car too.
The finishers of the 1st Can-Am Duel 150 will line up on the inside (odd number) line of the Daytona 500. #12-Baney will start 3rd, #22-Logano fifth.
See results on the First Can-Am Duel 150 Results page (pdf).(2-15-2018)
Harrison Rhodes to make Cup debut at Atlanta: Set to compete in Sunday’s Daytona 500 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway with veteran Justin Marks, Rick Ware Racing (RWR) is full-speed ahead working to solidify its driver lineup for other races this season. For the Feb. 25 running of the QuikTrip Folds of Honor 500 at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway, XFINITY Series veteran Harrison Rhodes will drive the team’s-No. 51 Chevrolet Camaro ZR1 chartered car in the second Cup Series race of the season.[More](2-15-2018)
Drivers council gets new members: Reigning Cup champion Martin Truex Jr. and youngsters Ty Dillon and William Byron are the newest members of the Drivers Council, NBC Sports has confirmed. They replace Denny Hamlin, Austin Dillon and Chase Elliott.[More](2-15-2018)
Tethered drone, record number of in-car cameras highlight Fox Sports’ 15th Daytona 500 broadcast: FOX Sports, marking its 15th Daytona 500, is raising its game yet again, adding aerial drone coverage and a record number of in-car cameras to its already standard-setting production lineup for the 60th running of the Great American Race on Sunday, Feb. 18 (2:30 PM ET) on the FOX broadcast network.[More](2-15-2018)
Richard Childress Racing leverages ANSYS to improve race car speeds: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will improve racing times with ANSYS (NASDAQ: ANSS) through a new, multi-year partnership. RCR will leverage ANSYS Pervasive Engineering SimulationTM software to more accurately predict machine performance and enhance vehicle speed on the race track by enabling a true digital twin of a race car.[More](2-15-2018)
NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards honor champions of diversity: As spectators and fans travel near and far to witness first-class racing, the eleventh annual NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards will further fuel the anticipation of events. Industry leaders and personnel will gather Thursday morning at Daytona International Speedway to honor pioneers of diversity.[More](2-15-2018)
Fox brings back “Drivers Only” XFINITY broadcast: Back for the sequel, live on FOX on Saturday, April 28 from Talladega Superspeedway (3:00 PM ET), are Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Erik Jones, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and newcomers Brad Keselowski and Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr.[More](2-15-2018)
Sauter paces final Daytona Truck practice: #21-Johnny Sauter was fastest during final practice for Friday’s NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway with a speed of 182.197mph. #68-Clay Greenfield clocked the second fastest speed, followed by #88-Matt Crafton, #98-Grant Enfinger, #52-Stewart Friesen, #54-Bo LaMastus. #4-David Gilliland, #24-Justin Haley, #2-Cody Coughlin, and #87-Joe Nemechek. 24 trucks practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 3 speeds (pdf)(2-15-2018)
Ben Rhodes leads the way in second Daytona Truck practice: #41-Ben Rhodes was fastest during the second practice session for Friday’s season opener at Daytona International Speedway with a speed of 192.897mph. #24-Justin Haley, #21-Johnny Sauter, #28-Bryan Dauzat, #4-David Gilliand, #47-Chris Fontaine, #51-Spencer Davis, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #2-Cody Coughlin, and #25-Dalton Sargeant were the rest of the top-10. 33 trucks practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(2-15-2018)
Enfinger fastest in opening Daytona Truck practice: #98-Grant Enfinger was fastest during the opening practice for Friday night’s Camping World Truck Series’ season-opening NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway with a speed of 192.033mph.
#21-Johnny Sauter, #88-Matt Crafton, #28-Bryan Dauzat, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #2-Cody Coughlin, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #41-Ben Rhodes, #24-Justin Haley and #87-Joe Nemechek were the rest of the top-10. 32 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(2-15-2018)
Whosyourdriver.org to present Martinsville Speedway race weekend: Driver safety is a top priority at Martinsville Speedway, not just for drivers racing the cars, but for fans travelling to and from the Speedway as well. As a way to promote driver safety, DRIVE SMART Virginia and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety Office’s “Who’s Your Driver” campaign will once again present the STP 500 race weekend, Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell announced today. For the second year in a row, the weekend will be called the STP 500 Race Weekend presented by whosyourdriver.org.[More](2-15-2018)
News from February 14, 2018
Daytona Media Day Notebook:After last season, Jimmie Johnson welcomes change at Hendrick Motorsports; For Most Popular Driver Award everyone is chasing Chase Elliott;”Facebook Watch” will document Bubba Wallace’s first Daytona 500 run;Aric Almirola takes a sentimental journey home.[More](2-14-2018)
Kyle Larson embraces his role as a front-runner: Over it. Motoring on. Looking up. Kyle Larson conceded that while his shocking and abrupt departure from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs last Fall stung for a while, he’s over it. Ready to move on. Prepared to one-up the circumstance.[More](2-14-2018)
Despite banner season, Martin Truex Jr. feels he’s capable of more:As the start of a new Monster Energy NASCAR Cup season arrives, life is quite a bit better for Martin Truex Jr.-not to mention noticeably different. Now that he’s returning to Daytona as the series champion, Truex feels that difference.[More](2-14-2018)
Byron suddenly a familiar face as he readies for Daytona 500 debut:William Byron’s face brightened and he laughed a bit talking about his new high-definition reality as a member of the championship Hendrick Motorsports team in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The 20-year old rookie got his first taste of stardom earlier this week and said he was a little taken aback when he unexpectedly got “recognized” having dinner at an Outback Steakhouse near Daytona International Speedway.[More](2-14-2018)
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race and XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series races at Daytona International Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Daytona 500
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Daytona, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Daytona page
Mobil 1 and Stewart-Haas Racing gear up for the 2018 NASCAR Season: Building upon a successful 2017 season on and off the track, ExxonMobil, on behalf of the Mobil 1 brand, will again sponsor Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) with full primaries at various Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races throughout the year. At the same time, ExxonMobil will further leverage the star power of SHR drivers by bringing back Kevin Harvick as the face of Mobil 1 Annual Protection motor oil marketing campaign. Mobil 1, the “Official Motor Oil of NASCAR”, will provide primary sponsorships across SHR’s four NASCAR Cup Series drivers. Harvick’s No. 4 Ford will carry Mobil 1 branding six times, Clint Bowyer’s No. 14 Ford will wear Mobil 1 twice, and Kurt Busch’s No. 41 Ford and Aric Almirola’s No. 10 Ford get one race apiece. Mobil 1 will remain as an associate sponsor of SHR for the entire 2018 season.[More](2-14-2018)
Jeremy Clements ready for another full season: Jeremy Clements Racing is thrilled to announce they will return for the full 2018 NASCAR XFINITY season. The family-run single-car team will be competing in their eighth full-time season. Jeremy provided one of the most exciting memories of 2017 by capturing his first NASCAR win at Road America and a spot in the playoffs. JCR finished 2017 with one win, two top tens and twelfth in driver points.[More](2-14-2018)
Chipper Jones named honorary race official for DAYTONA 500:Former Atlanta Braves great and new Baseball Hall of Fame member Chipper Jones will serve as an Honorary Race Official for the 60th annual DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18, the opening race of the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.[More](2-14-2018)
Auto Club Speedway releases VIP ticket experiences: Want to be in Gatorade Victory Lane when a NASCAR Cup Series driver celebrates their Auto Club 400 win? How about seeing celebrities walk the red carpet prior to the NASCAR drivers meeting? Well, here’s your chance. Auto Club Speedway has released two VIP experiences starting at $59 for fans to go behind-the-scenes at the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 on Sunday, March 18, 2018.[More](2-14-2018)
News from February 13, 2018
EarthWater sponsoring Gaulding at Daytona: During the 2017 season EarthWater was the Official Water of BK Racing for the NASCAR season, and we’re excited to continue our sponsorship into the 2018 season.[More](2-14-2018)
Michael McDowell to make 250th Cup start: The 2018 Daytona 500 will be McDowell’s 250th career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start. His first start came at Martinsville in March of 2008, driving the #00 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing.[More](2-13-2018)
Could NASCAR be for sale? While NASCAR said in a statement it’s not for sale, recent developments have fueled speculation and it’s been a major topic of discussion among motorsports execs.[More](2-13-2018)
NAPA Auto Parts signs two year extension with Hendrick: NAPA AUTO PARTS has grown its relationship with 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports with a new agreement that immediately expands its majority sponsorship of driver Chase Elliott and the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team in 2018 and extends its support for another two years through the 2020 racing season.[More](2-13-2018)
bCHUZi joins Premium Motorsports: bCHUZI LLC, a unique company that designs and produce high quality external battery chargers and innovative Lifestyle Applications. Based in Lakeland, Florida bCHUZI is the world’s first and only Lifestyle Application Charger Company. They proudly join Premium Motorsports as an associate sponsor for the team’s 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series entries.[More](2-13-2018)
Pioneer Technology Group returns to Richard Petty Motorsports: Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) today announced Pioneer Technology Group (PTG) will continue its relationship as a major associate sponsor of the No. 43 team and driver Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. The PTG logo will appear season-long on the rocker panel of the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and on the uniform of Wallace.[More](2-13-2018)
Peyton Manning to drive pace car at Daytona 500: Peyton Manning, the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback and Nationwide member/spokesperson, will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the 60th annual DAYTONA 500 on Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway. TThe DAYTONA 500, first held in 1959 at the famed 2.5-mile high-banked tri-oval, is the season-opening race for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Manning will be behind the wheel of a Toyota Camry XSE pacing the 40-car field prior to taking the green flag.[More](2-13-2018)
Famous Martinsville Speedway hot dog to be sold At Daytona 500:The Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot Dog will be sold during Sunday’s Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway as a result of winning Americrown’s Hot Dog Playoff, a contest where fan votes decided the best hot dog in NASCAR. The red hot dog with chili, mustard, onions and slaw on a steamed bun, will be sold at the Great American Grill 383 concession stand while supplies last on Sunday, as well as in the Bistro in the infield Fan Zone on Friday.[More](2-13-2018)
Kansas Speedway introduces the Ignition Garage: The Ignition Garage will only be open on Cup race day, and includes a hospitality parking pass, pre-race pass for access to the pre-race concert, driver introductions and the DC Solar FanWalk, a guided tour of the Cup garage, and more.[More](2-13-2018)
News from February 12, 2018
Clash overnight TV ratings: Fox Sports 1 earned a 1.35 overnight rating for the Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona, up 29% from a 1.05 for last year’s race (which was one week later in the calendar in ’17).[More](2-12-2018)
Penske says Ford will have a new car next season: It was the worst kept secret in NASCAR, but Roger Penske confirmed on Sunday that Ford Performance will have a new Cup Series body in 2019. Ford currently has the oldest shell in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Toyota dominated the tour in 2017 with a brand new Toyota Camry and Chevrolet hopes to do the same things this season with its debuting Camaro ZL1. That leaves Team Penske looking to contend with a body that hasn’t been updated in four years.[More](2-12-2018)
Commercial breakdown and links related to the 2018 Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race.[More](2-12-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 46 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s PowerShares QQQ 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
See the complete list on the Daytona entry list page.(2-12-2018)
Eric McClure arrested for assault: Former NASCAR driver and current regional series team owner Eric McClure was arrested Sunday on a Class 1 misdemeanor charge of assault and battery, according to the clerk’s office of the Smyth County (Va.) Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. McClure, 39, was released on an unsecured bond of $2,500, after being arrested at his home by the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office following an altercation between husband and wife, according to an affidavit filed with the court clerk. [More](2-12-2018)
Truck Series entry list:There are 36 trucks entered for Friday night’s season opener, the NextEra Energy Resources 250, at Daytona International Speedway. Some reminders/notes:
The #1 and #74 are TBA.
Jordan Anderson is in the #3 with transferred #29 owner points from 2017.
David Gilliland is in the #4 for KBM.
Korbin Forrister is in the #7 for his new All Out Motorsports team.
Myatt Snider is in the #13 for ThorSport.
Brett Moffitt is in the #16 for HRE.
Dalton Sargeant is in the #25 for GMS.
Ben Rhodes swapped his #27 for the #41.
Bo Le Mastus is in the #54 for the new David Gilliland team.
See the complete list on the Daytona entry list page (pdf). (2-12-2018)
TruClear Global to sponsor Forrister at Daytona: The newly-formed, All Out Motorsports NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) team is pleased to announce that TruClear Global, Inc. will be the primary sponsor on the No. 7 Toyota Tundra in the running of the NEXTEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway.[More](2-12-2018)
Cole Swindell to perform All-Star Race concert: Race fans will rock and roll with Cole before the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race on May 19 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Platinum-selling singer and songwriter Cole Swindell will light up the biggest all-star event in sports with the Monster Energy All-Star Race Concert Presented by Rayovac Batteries, Kwikset, George Foreman and National Hardware. The concert is FREE with the purchase of any Monster Energy All-Star Race ticket.[More](2-12-2018)
Charlize Theron named honorary starter for 60th annual DAYTONA 500: Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG winning and Emmy nominated actress Charlize Theron has been named the Honorary Starter for the historic 60th annual DAYTONA 500 on Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway. Theron will wave the green flag for the DAYTONA 500, the season-opening race for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.[More](2-12-2018)
News from February 11, 2018
Sunday Daytona Notebook: Rapid runs in the Clash may be a good omen for the Daytona 500; Clash curse continues for Jimmie Johnson; Pit stop choreography still a work in progress[More](2-11-2018)
Pit Stall Selections for the Can-Am Duel 150 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying races at Daytona International Speedway have been made.
Duel 1 pole sitter #88-Bowman chose pit stall 4, now the 1st pit stall with the first three closed.
Duel 1 outside pole sitter #48-Johnson took pit stall 6.
#24-Byron, who starts 3rd in Duel 1 took the 8th pit stall.
The 42nd and final pit stall was taken by #92-Gilliland, who starts 19th in Duel 1.
Duel 2 pole sitter #11-Hamlin chose pit stall 5, the first one available.
Duel 2 outside pole sitter #18-Busch took pit stall 7.
#20-Jones, who starts 3rd in Duel 2 took the 9th pit stall.
See the Can-Am Duel 150 Qualifying Races pit selection charts on the Can-Am Duel Race 1 Pitstalls and Can-Am Duel Race 2 Pitstalls pages.(2-11-2018)
Brad Keselowski claims dominant victory in Advance Auto Parts Clash: For once, as he put it, Brad Keselowski didn’t “choke away” a chance at victory during Speedweeks at Daytona. Just the opposite. Taking the lead on Lap 39 of the Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona International Speedway, Keselowski held it the rest of the way to win the exhibition kick-off race to the 2018 season, leading Team Penske to a 1-2-4 finish.[More](2-11-2018)
Results of the 2018 Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona:
1) #2-Brad Keselowski, Miller Lite Ford
2) #22-Joey Logano, Pennzoil Ford
3) #41-Kurt Busch, Monster Energy/Haas Automation Ford
4) #12-Ryan Blaney, Menards/Peak Ford
5) #3-Austin Dillon, Dow Chevrolet
6) #11-Denny Hamlin, FedEx Express Toyota
7) #18-Kyle Busch, M&M’s Toyota
8) #20-Erik Jones, Circle K Toyota
9) #4-Kevin Harvick, Busch Beer Ford
10) #42-Kyle Larson, DC Solar Chevrolet
11) #31-Ryan Newman, Bass Pro Shops / Cabela’s Chevrolet
12) #48-Jimmie Johnson, Lowe’s Chevrolet
13) #9-Chase Elliott, Mountain Dew Chevrolet
14) #78-Martin Truex Jr, 5-hour ENERGY/Bass Pro Shops Toyota
15) #95-Kasey Kahne, Procore Chevrolet
16) #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Fastenal Ford
17) #1-Jamie McMurray, Cessna Chevrolet
Race Comments: Brad Keselowski won the Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona International Speedway, his first victory in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season-opening exhibition event. Prior to the start of the race, no cars dropped to the rear of the field under penalty.
Average Speed of Race Winner: 169.641 mph.
Time of Race: 1 Hrs, 06 Mins, 19 Secs. Margin of Victory: 0.102 Seconds.
Caution Flags: 3 for 8 laps.
Lead Changes: 11 among 7 drivers.
Lap Leaders: A. Dillon 1; D. Hamlin 2-9; C. Elliott 10-14; A. Dillon 15-16; C. Elliott 17-23; J. Logano 24; K. Larson 25; K. Harvick 26-27; B. Keselowski 28-33; C. Elliott 34-38; B. Keselowski 39-75
(2-11-2018)
Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona Results
Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona Penalty Report
Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona Penalty Report
Move over, Dale Jr.-Alex Bowman puts No. 88 Chevrolet on pole for Daytona 500: Junior Nation, you have a new standard bearer. Alex Bowman, the successor to Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, couldn’t have had a more auspicious start to the next phase of his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career-namely, winning the pole position for next Sunday’s season-opening Daytona 500. In his first official competition as the full-time driver of the vaunted No. 88, Bowman sped around 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway in 46.002 seconds in the second and final round of Sunday’s single-car qualifying, a time that translated to an average speed of 195.644 mph. [More](2-11-2018)
#88-Alex Bowman won the pole for the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway with speed of 195.644mph for his 1st pole at Daytona and 2nd of his career. #11-Hamlin will start the Daytona 500 2nd.
Qualifying for the Daytona 500 only sets the front row for the race. Speeds will be used to set the lineup for Thursday’s Can-Am Duel races.
Other drivers that made it to the second and final round of qualifying: #48-Johnson, #18-Busch, #24-Byron, #20-Jones, #19-Suarez, #4-Harvick, #17-Stenhouse, Jr., #9-Elliott, #22-Logano and #21-Menard.
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf).(2-11-2018)
Daytona International Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Alex Bowman won the Pole Award for the 60th Annual DAYTONA 500 with a lap of 46.002 seconds, 195.644 mph.
This is his second pole in 82 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in four races at Daytona International Speedway.
Denny Hamlin (second) posted his first top-10 start of 2018 and his 11th in 25 races at Daytona International Speedway.
Jimmie Johnson (third) posted his 21st top-10 start at Daytona International Speedway.
William Byron (fifth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
Rick Hendrick (2015-2018) now ties Harry Ranier (1979-1982) for the record of most consecutive DAYTONA 500 poles with four each.
(NASCAR Statistics)(2-11-2018)
News from February 10, 2018
Saturday Daytona Notebook: New Daytona package could make cars tougher to drive-and that’s a good thing; Alex Bowman may be forced to embrace his nickname; Ben Kennedy brings new perspective to management role; Short Strokes.[More](2-10-2018)
Danica Patrick is all systems Go(Daddy) for the Great American Race: Dressed simply in blue jeans and a black polo shirt with a GoDaddy-green sponsor patch, Danica Patrick addressed the assembled NASCAR media Friday morning – one of the last times she will do so as a professional race car driver. The last time she formally took questions at the November season-finale in Homestead, Fla., she was at times visibly emotional about this important decision in her career. On Saturday, however, Patrick, 35, was businesslike and frank in addressing her final NASCAR start.[More](2-10-2018)
Qualifying Order for the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is posted. The order is set by practice speeds ran on Saturday, slowest goes out first, fastest will go out last. #23-Gaulding will go out first in round 1 of qualifying and #24-Byron will be the final driver to qualifying in round 1. Qualifying order for the 2nd and final round of qualifying will be set by round 1 qualifying speeds. The 12 fastest drivers advance to round two, the final round, with the slowest going out first and the fastest being the final driver to make a qualifying attempt.
Daytona 500 Qualifying Format:
Single car, one lap run, fastest 12 advance to final round
Top two in final round set the front row for the Daytona 500
Remaining 38 starting spots determined by the Can-Am Duels on Thursday
For the qualifying order, see the Qualifying Order page (pdf).(2-10-2018)
Second practice for the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#24-Byron 201.681
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. 201.649
#22-Logano 201.608
#11-Hamlin 201.464
#38-Ragan 201.054
most laps run: #11-Hamlin, 24 laps
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 14 drivers): #22-Logano 198.239
slowest: #23-Gaulding 179.144
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Second Practice speeds (pdf) (2-10-2018)
First practice for the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#18-Busch 199.743
#11-Hamlin 199.623
#19-Suarez 199.610
#20-Jones 199.517
#3-Dillon 197.278
most laps run: #47-Allmendinger, 16 laps
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 2 drivers): #24-Byron 191.456
slowest: #72-LaJoie 183.314. No speed: #23-Gaulding
notes: Practice was red flagged for about 16 minutes for cleanup after #24-Elliott dropped fluid on the track from a rear gear.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the First Practice speeds (pdf) (2-10-2018)
Darrell Wallace Jr. embraces new opportunity in the famed No. 43:New motor coach. Friends and family tickets to the Daytona 500. Lively media mixer at local go-kart track. Motivational call from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Check, check, check and CHECK. Darrell Wallace Jr. figures he’s pretty set for his inaugural debut driving Richard Petty’s No. 43 Smithfield Chevrolet in NASCAR’s biggest race, the Feb. 18 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.[More](2-10-2018)
Final practice for the Advance Auto Parts Clash Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is over. After 80 scheduled minutes, the top five and notes:
#12-Blaney 199.601
#22-Logano199.543
#17-Stenhouse, Jr.199.508
#2-Keselowski 199.490
#42-Larson 199.468
17 cars are entered.
Most laps run: #17-Stenhouse, Jr. 44
Top 10 consecutive lap average (of 12 drivers): #2-Keselowski 197.883
There is no qualifying for the Clash. A drawing will be held Saturday evening to determine the lineup.
See the practice speeds on the Clash Final Practice Speeds page (pdf).(2-10-2017)
Uncertain future for BK Racing: 2017 was a year of transition for BK Racing. While still competing full-time in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the team had seven different drivers compete in at least one race for the organization. Producing just one top-10 finish between them, BK hopes for a better outcome entering the 2018 season. However, up until the night before the first practice to kick off the 2018 NASCAR season, BK Racing had no driver for the Daytona 500. Ron Devine, owner of the race team confirmed to Frontstretch that Gray Gaulding would be piloting the No. 23 car in the Great American Race. Add this dilemma to the list of problems Devine had to encounter over the past 12 weeks.[More](2-10-2018)
NASCAR still looking to replace Coors: NASCAR continues to search for a pole sponsor following the exit of Coors’, according to a report in Friday’s Sports Business Journal. Coors’ original agreement was worth approximately $4 million per year. NASCAR is thought to be talking to a variety of partners about the deal.[More](2-10-2018)
News from February 9, 2018
2018 Owner points transfers: NASCAR has approved the transfer of owner points between numerous teams across all three national series.[More](2-9-2018)
Omnicraft sponsoring Menard in Daytona 500 and at Homestead:Omnicraft, Ford Motor Company’s newest brand of parts, announced it will be the primary sponsor on the famed Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 Ford Fusion for the 2018 season-opening Daytona 500 (Feb. 18) and Ford 400 (Nov. 18) during Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Omnicraft completes the Total Parts Lineup from Ford offering quality, premium replacement parts for non-Ford repairs.[More](2-9-2018)
thinQ Technology partners to support Dylan Lupton: As his Daytona International Speedway debut in the NASCAR XFINITY Series approaches, Dylan Lupton and JGL Racing announced that thinQ Technology Partners will support the NASCAR Next alumnus for the Feb. 17 running of the PowerShares QQQ 300 and 20 additional XFINITY Series races this season.[More](2-9-2018)
Navy Band Southeast to perform Daytona 500 National Anthem:“The Great American Race” will have an all-American flavor this year when the National Anthem is played by Navy Band Southeast prior to the 60th annual DAYTONA 500 on Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway. Navy Band Southeast was established in 1995 and is one of 11 official United States Navy bands. Proudly representing the Commander, Navy Region Southeast, the band consists of trained professional musicians dedicated to the highest levels of musical performance. Inspiring pride and patriotism through music, the band performs more than 350 engagements annually throughout the Southeast.[More](2-9-2018)
Martinsville introduces $25 tickets for youth 17-and-under: As a way to make a trip to Martinsville Speedway more affordable than ever for families, all tickets for youth 17-and-under are $25, with the purchase of an adult ticket. The $25 youth ticket applies to every seat, in every section and row of the stadium and will replace the Family Four Pack, which was restricted to certain sections and rows.[More](2-9-2018)
Texas Motor Speedway grandstands going smoke-free: In an effort to create a better overall experience for all of its fans, officials announced Tuesday that the grandstands at Texas Motor Speedway will be completely smoke-free, including all electronic cigarette devices, beginning this year. Texas Motor Speedway established a ban on smoking in the grandstands in 2013, but the updated policy to include e-cigarettes and vapes comes as a result of strong feedback from guest surveys and the speedway’s fan council. Speedway guests will still be able to smoke – both standard and electronic smoking products – in designated areas throughout the lower concourse area.[More](2-9-2018)
News from February 8, 2018
Entry List for the Daytona 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International 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).
Drivers entered for Open teams: #62-Brendan Gaughan, #66-Mark Thompson, #92-David Gilliland and #96-D.J. Kennington
Some of the other drivers entered include: #00-JEarnhardt, #7-Patrick, #23-TBA, #51-Marks, and #72-LaJoie.
Since only 40 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
TriStar welcomes Schluter-Systems as multi-race sponsor with LaJoie TriStar Motorsports welcomes Schluter-Systems as a multi-race partner with driver Corey LaJoie. Having a previously established relationship, LaJoie continues to cultivate his partnership with Schluter-Systems who will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 72 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for four races in addition to an associate sponsorship for the entire season.[More](2-8-2018)
NASCAR mandates new material for side skirts: Side skirts have been the center of multiple controversies in NASCAR for several seasons, but a NASCAR-mandated construction change could limit the attention this year. On Cup Series cars in 2018, the fender component will be made of composite material (the same being used for Xfinity Series bodies) instead of steel.[More](2-8-2018)
KSDT joining JDM and Smithley for first and last races of 2018:Kabat, Schertzer, De La Torre, Taraboulos and Company (KSDT), one of the largest and fastest-growing financial accounting and advisory firms in South Florida, is looking to open and close the 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series season with team JD Motorsports with Gary Keller. KSDT will be on board the No. 0 Chevrolet Camaro of Garrett Smithley as an associate sponsor for the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, and they will be the primary sponsor of the No. 0 for the season-ending race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.[More](2-8-2018)
Alex Labbe to run full XFINITY season: Reigning NASCAR Pinty’s Series’ champion Alex Labbe will graduate to the NASCAR Xfinity series this season. The 24-year-old Labbe will be behind the wheel of the Chevrolet entered by a new team, DGM Racing led by Mario Gosselin this season.[More](2-8-2018)
Cindric to compete in XFINITY series full time: Coming off a third-place finish in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship standings last season, 19-year-old Austin Cindric will race for the NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) title in 2018, competing in all 33 series events this season with two different winning organizations. Cindric will open the 2018 season racing the No. 60 PIRTEK Ford Mustang for Roush Fenway Racing at Daytona International Speedway on February 17. As previously announced, Cindric will compete in a total of nine events for Roush Fenway, including four of the first five races on the NXS schedule. In addition, Cindric will drive either the No. 12 or the No. 22 Ford Mustang for Team Penske in the remaining 24 races, including the four Dash for Cash events at Bristol, Richmond, Talladega and Dover. [More](2-8-2018)
Bush’s Beans and Bristol Motor Speedway extend partnership: Bush Brothers & Company and Bristol Motor Speedway have extended their partnership featuring two old-school Tennessee institutions with a new three-year deal through 2020. The East Tennessee-based company will continue on as entitlement partner for Bush’s Beans Pole Day in April and the Bush’s Beans 150 in August. In addition to entitlement rights, Bush’s Grillin’ Beans® will be available at the Bush’s Trackside Cafes at Gates 6 and 16 during both NASCAR race weekends. [More](2-8-2018)
David Hyatt named president of Iowa Speedway: NASCAR today announced leadership changes at Iowa Speedway and a key appointment to its international development efforts. Jimmy Small has been named Senior Director, International Business Development and Partnerships, and will be charged with developing strategic international opportunities in new and existing markets. Small, who has served as President of Iowa Speedway for the past four years, will be based out of NASCAR’s Los Angeles office and will report into Chad Seigler, Vice President, International Business Development. Replacing Small as President of Iowa Speedway will be NASCAR industry veteran David Hyatt. Hyatt brings nearly 30 years of industry experience to bear as the new President of Iowa Speedway, most recently serving as President of The Motor Racing Network.[More](2-8-2018)
Overton’s to sponsor Chicagoland races: Chicagoland Speedway announced today that Overton’s, America’s Marine and Watersports Superstore, will serve as the entitlement sponsor for this year’s NASCAR weekend June 29 – July 1. The three NASCAR National Series races at Chicagoland Speedway will affectionately be known as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Overton’s 225, the NASCAR Xfinity Series Overton’s 300 and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Overton’s 400.[More](2-8-2018)
News from February 7, 2018
Driver to be docked 2 laps, not parked, if extra crew members repair car: NASCAR will no longer park a driver for the remainder of an event if a team has too many crew members over the wall doing repairs on a crashed vehicle. The penalty — which pretty much knocked Matt Kenseth out of playoff contention at Kansas last year, when a team miscommunication had an extra person go over the wall while the car was under the damaged vehicle policy — has been changed from parking the car for the rest of the race to a two-lap hold.[More](2-7-2018)
2018 race stage lengths announced: NASCAR today announced the 2018 stage lengths for its three national series, looking to build on last season’s successful debut of the race format. In the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, all 2018 stage lengths will remain consistent with 2017. The race and stage lengths for the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course race in the Playoffs will be announced at a later date.[More](2-7-2018)
Analyzing the Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona: Like last season, the starting field for the 2018 Advanced Auto Parts Clash at Daytona will not be a predetermined number of cars; rather, the field is limited to drivers who meet more exclusive criteria.[More](2-7-2018)
Rinnai partners with JR Motorsports to sponsor Allgaier at Atlanta:JR Motorsports announced today that Rinnai Corporation, manufacturer of the No. 1-selling brand of tankless water heaters in North America, will serve as primary sponsor of Justin Allgaier and the No. 7 Chevrolet for the upcoming Rinnai 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.[More](2-7-2018)
Hattori names Brett Moffitt as driver of the AISIN Group Toyota Tundra: Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE) team owner Shigeaki Hattori announced today that the organization has tabbed Brett Moffitt to drive the No. 16 AISIN Group Toyota Tundra.[More](2-7-2018)
Myatt Snider joins ThorSport: Fielding the No. 13 Liberty Tax Ford F-150 for ThorSport Racing, Myatt Snider will round out a quartet of entries vying for victory as the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway.[More](2-7-2018)
Michigan International Speedway to celebrate 50th Anniversary in 2018: Michigan International Speedway is marking its 50th anniversary in 2018 with a season-long celebration. Lawrence H. LoPatin’s vision of building a speedway in Michigan became reality on September 27, 1967 when he broke ground on Michigan International Speedway in Cambridge Township just south of Brooklyn. The Detroit-area land developer designed the facility along with City Engineer Charles Moneypenny, who designed Daytona International Speedway. The inaugural race was a 250-mile open wheel event won by Ronnie Bucknum on Oct. 13, 1968. [More](2-7-2018)
News from February 6, 2018
France optimistic of Monster renewal: NASCAR Chairman Brian France expressed optimism Tuesday that Monster Energy will remain as series sponsor after this season and said that the Cup Series could use one more manufacturer. France made his comments on “SiriusXM Speedway” on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “They have had a really good run with us, and we’ve had a good run with them, and my hope and feeling is that that’s going to continue,” France said Tuesday. “They’ve been good partners. They’re bringing a lot to the sport. They’ve got a lot on their plate and so do we. We’re working with them to make sure that we have as long an agreement as we can. I think we will. I think it’s working that good for everybody. I’m real pleased with it.”[More](2-6-2018)
The Hurricane Heist sponsoring DiBenedetto at Daytona: Go Fas Racing has announced today that Entertainment Studios’ new film, The Hurricane Heist, will be the primary sponsor of Matt DiBenedetto’s No.32 Ford Fusion for the Daytona 500. The Hurricane Heist is a film directed by Rob Cohen, the creator of the Fast and The Furious film franchise and the director of high adrenaline action blockbusters such as The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and xXx.[More](2-6-2018)
Corey LaJoie joins TriStar: TriStar Motorsports will continue competition in NASCAR’s premier series fielding one full-time entry in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for the 2018 season. The No. 72 Chevrolet will compete with collective efforts of two drivers. TriStar welcomes the return of Cole Whitt and proudly announces the addition of Corey LaJoie to the driver lineup. Corey LaJoie will fill the seat of the No. 72 for the majority of the schedule including the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Whitt returns to TriStar after a solid effort in No. 72 in 2017. With intentions to shift focus, Whitt has elected to decrease his racing commitments and has requested a limited schedule.[More](2-6-2018)
Todd Parrott joins Premium Motorsports: The Premium Motorsports organization grows stronger with the addition of championship winning crew chief, Todd Parrott. Parrott will be joining Jay Robinson, Scott Eggleston, Pat Tryson, Tommy Baldwin and Brian Keselowski to lead Premium Motorsports for the 2018 NASCAR season.[More](2-6-2018)
Goodyear Fast Facts — Daytona: See tire codes, pressures, set limits and more for all races at Daytona on the Daytona Goodyear tire notes page.(2-6-2018)
Copp Motorsports secures new partnership with Stenzel for Daytona: Copp Motorsports is proud to announce its partnership with E2 Northeast Northeast Motorsports and Florida-based driver, Scott Stenzel for the season opener at Daytona International Speedway.[More](2-6-2018)
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet remains title sponsor of Truck race: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will remain the entitlement sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Kentucky Speedway. The speedway’s continued partnership with KYTC is centered on the “Buckle Up in Your Truck” (BUIYT) campaign to bring awareness to seatbelt use in pickup trucks. The Buckle Up in Your Truck 225 will kick off a NASCAR tripleheader weekend on Thursday, July 12.[More](2-6-2018)
Corrigan Oil to sponsor Truck Series race at MIS: Corrigan Oil is expanding its partnership with Michigan International Speedway in 2018. The company will be the entitlement sponsor for the August NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Corrigan Oil 200.[More](2-6-2018)
Gander Outdoors to sponsor Pocono July Cup and Truck race:Pocono Raceway announces event names for two of the ‘The Tricky Triangle’s’ NASCAR-sanctioned races this season. The July 28th NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race will be the Gander Outdoors 150 and the July 29th Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race will be the Gander Outdoors 400.[More](2-6-2018)
Miller Lite named official beer of ISM Raceway: ISM Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced today a new multi-year agreement with Crescent Crown to make Miller Lite the new official beer of the race track, beginning at the TicketGuardian 500 race weekend on March 9-11. Together, Miller Lite and ISM Raceway will be partnering to create a fully branded food and beverage experience in the new infield Fan Zone, set to open in November 2018.[More](2-6-2018)
News from February 5, 2018
Speedco to race with David Ragan in Daytona 500: Another member of the Love’s Travel Stops family of companies will be racing for a win in this year’s Daytona 500. Speedco, a national network of service locations for the trucking industry, will join David Ragan’s No. 38 team for the 60th running of the Great American Race on Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway. The partnership gives Speedco’s parent company, Love’s Travel Stops, two opportunities to get into Victory Lane at the famed superspeedway. Love’s is the principal partner of Ragan’s teammate, Michael McDowell, and is the primary sponsor on McDowell’s No. 34 Ford for the Daytona 500.[More](2-5-2018)
BK Racing court hearing postponed: The hearing over whether a receiver should be appointed to take over BK Racing was postponed to February 15 at the request of Union Bank & Trust. The temporary restraining order remains in effect that keeps owner Ron Devine from selling assets or his charter. A bank spokesman and its attorney declined to comment as did executives from BK minority owner Sport Venture Group.[More](2-5-2018)
NASCAR launches all-new fantasy game for 2018 season: Following a successful first season of stage racing, NASCAR® today announced a new fantasy game inspired by the competition format that has created closer, side-by-side racing and even more dramatic moments throughout races. Accessible via NASCAR.com and the NASCAR Mobile app, the all-new NASCAR Fantasy Live follows the NASCAR official scoring system, allows players to make in-race driver substitutions and features incentives for correctly predicting stage wins, race wins and more.[More](2-5-2018)
Josh Bilicki joins JP Motorsports: JP Motorsports is proud to announce the addition of Josh Bilicki to our 2018 driver lineup. Bilicki will pilot the No. 45 Prevagen Toyota Camry, beginning in two weeks at the Daytona International Speedway. JP Motorsports, who purchased Tri-Star Racing’s Xfinity cars, was not expected to field a second entry until Atlanta. On Friday, the organization secured a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota and finalized a deal with Bilicki to start the season with two cars.[More](2-5-2018)
PIRTEK sponsoring Penske’s XFINITY team: Team Penske announced a new multi-year partnership today with PIRTEK, the industry leader in fluid transfer solution sales and service in the United States. PIRTEK will be an associate partner throughout the 2018 NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) season and will serve as the primary sponsor for the team’s No. 22 Ford Mustang in the NXS race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, July 6. [More](2-5-2018)
PEDIGREE and BANFIELD Pet Hospital to sponsor Gillilands: Kyle Busch Motorsports announced today the PEDIGREE® Brand will sponsor Todd Gilliland for four races and BANFIELD® Pet Hospital will sponsor him for two races in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) this season. In addition, the PEDIGREE® Brand will also sponsor David Gilliland for two NCWTS races, including the season opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.[More](2-5-2018)
Richmond Raceway strikes with Go Bowling as fall XFINITY Series sponsor for the Go Bowling 250: Richmond Raceway (Richmond) announces an extension of its relationship with the bowling industry as Go Bowling becomes the entitlement sponsor for the fall NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) race. The Go Bowling 250, set for Sept. 21, 2018, marks the start of the 2018 NXS Playoffs and will be the first playoff race in Richmond track history. The race also will mark the grand opening of Richmond Raceway Reimagined, the $30 million infield redevelopment project.[More](2-5-2018)
Big Machine Vodka becomes title partner of Brickyard 400 at IMS: A new era for NASCAR racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will feature even more excitement, as Big Machine Vodka was named the title partner of the annual Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event at IMS. The Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 9 on the 2.5-mile oval at IMS. The 25th annual NASCAR weekend at the Racing Capital of the World is moving from the heat of late July to cooler temperatures of early September, and the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard also will serve as the thrilling finale to the Cup Series regular season, setting the field for the Playoffs.[More](2-5-2018)
News from February 4, 2018
Drivers Council still looking at choose rule: One of the changes Denny Hamlin said the Drivers Council discussed last year was the choose rule. That’s what is used at short tracks. The premise is that as drivers cross the start/finish line a lap before a restart, drivers have the option to choose if they want to start on the inside or outside lane. On a track where one groove is significantly better – think the bottom lane at Martinsville – the leaders will all select the bottom. At some point, a driver who could be just inside the top 10 might take the outside lane to have the opportunity to restart in the second or third row. It creates a risk vs. reward scenario and a way to add more intrigue to restarts.[More](2-4-2018)
Chad Finchum set for season with MBM Motorsports: The NASCAR racing season kicks off with Speedweeks each February at Daytona International Speedway. Chad Finchum of Knoxville, Tennessee, can’t wait to arrive at the “World Center of Racing” in the Sunshine State because he will be competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series PowerShares QQQ 300 on Saturday, Feb. 17 driving the No. 40 Toyota for MBM Motorsports. Finchum competed in seven NASCAR Xfinity Series races last year for MBM Motorsports, and tentative plans call for the 23-year-old to run the full schedule in 2018. [More](2-4-2018)
SNL’s Kenan Thompson named grand marshal at Atlanta: Atlanta native and comedy sketch actor Kenan Thompson of “Saturday Night Live” fame will return to his home city of Atlanta to serve as the grand marshal for the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018. Born and raised in Atlanta, Thompson made his television debut as a 16-year-old on Nickelodeon’s wildly popular all-kid sketch comedy-variety show “All That” in 1994 before starring in the American teen sitcom “Kenan and Kel” alongside Kel Mitchell between 1996 and 1999. Thompson also appeared in several films early in his career, including “Good Burger,” “D2: The Mighty Ducks,” and “Heavyweights” among others.[More](2-4-2018)
News from February 3, 2018
NASCAR to provide teams with real time loop data: NASCAR will provide its teams with more data in real time this season, giving them access to publicly available steering, brake, throttle and RPM information as well as live Loop Data for the first time. The information will be provided for every driver on every lap of every session on track.[More](2-3-2018)
‘Speedweeks Premiere At DAYTONA’ fan event set for February 10:Daytona International Speedway and NASCAR will take fan-friendliness to a new level on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 10 with the Speedweeks Premiere At DAYTONA event in the speedway infield’s UNOH Fanzone. From 6:30-8 p.m. – following the completion of the Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire race that opens the season for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards – drivers and crew chiefs from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be involved in several interactive activities with fans. Activities include autograph sessions, participating in Facebook Live sessions in the infield media center and competing in the new 2018 Season Update for the video game NASCAR Heat 2 on the UNOH Fanzone’s main stage.[More](2-3-2018)
News from February 2, 2018
Justin Marks driving for Rick Ware at Daytona: Justin Marks will run the #51 Chevrolet fielded by Rick Ware Racing (RWR) in alliance with Premium Motorsports in the 2018 Daytona 500 on February 18. The Chevrolet entry will be powered by ECR engines and carrying the colors of first-time Daytona 500 primary sponsor Harry’s Shaving Products and long-time Marks’ supporter Katerra. The #51 owned by Rick Ware will have a guaranteed starting position in the Great American Race as RWR will be running the full 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.[More](2-2-2018)
Danica Patrick unveils Daytona paint scheme: GoDaddy Inc. (NYSE: GDDY), the world’s largest cloud platform dedicated to small, independent ventures, and Danica Patrick officially unveiled the No. 7 GoDaddy Chevrolet Camaro this morning. Danica led the way by posting images on her official website, DanicaPatrick.com, and promoting the site update on Instagram. The images reveal the car and debut the new Danica Double logo, which Danica helped create, as well as the familiar GoDaddy green on the No. 7 Chevrolet.[More](2-2-2018)
Larson fastest again as Las Vegas testing concludes: For the second consecutive day, no one could top Kyle Larson at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The budding NASCAR star turned the quickest lap of the day and of the two-day NASCAR test at the 1.5-mile speedway in Thursday’s afternoon session, crossing the line in 28.234 seconds at 191.259 miles per hour. Veteran Ryan Newman was second-fastest at 28.417/190.027, with reigning Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year Erik Jones in third at 28.420/190.007.[More](2-2-2018)
Mills to drive #15 XFINITY entry for JDM: JD Motorsports with Gary Keller announced today that Matt Mills will be joining the team starting with the Rinnai 250 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 24th. Mills will pilot the No. 15 Chevrolet Camaro, which will compete full-time in the 2018 NASCAR XFINITY Series season. JF Electric and Thompson Electric will be on board as associate sponsors.[More](2-2-2018)
Nexteer Automotive returns in 2018 with Richard Childress Racing:Nexteer Automotive and Richard Childress Racing have extended their partnership between the two companies for the 2018 NASCAR XFINITY Series season. Entering their third year with RCR, Nexteer will serve as a multi-race primary partner for RCR newcomer Matt Tifft and the No. 2 Chevrolet Camaro team. Nexteer’s 2018 season kicks off with the XFINITY Series opener at Daytona International Speedway. The automotive company will also serve as an associate sponsor for the No. 2 Chevrolet for all additional XFINITY Series races, as well as a full-time associate sponsor with 2017 XFINITY Series championship contender Daniel Hemric and the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro. [More](2-2-2018)
Niece Motorsports signs Max McLaughlin to driver development program: Niece Motorsports has signed Max McLaughlin to a driver development contract for the 2018 season. As part of the development program, Niece Motorsports will field McLaughlin in at least four NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races in 2018.[More](2-2-2018)
News from February 1, 2018
Larson fastest in first day of Vegas testing: William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports and Kyle Larson of Chip Ganassi Racing led the morning and afternoon sessions, respectively, during open testing Wednesday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Byron’s top speed of 188.298 mph was good enough to beat out Ryan Newman, who was second at 188.186 mph for Richard Childress Racing.[More](2-1-2018)
Greg Biffle joins General Tire: General Tire announced that two-time NASCAR champion Greg Biffle will join Team GT beginning in 2018. Biffle is packing up, and hitting the road to test General’s “Anywhere Is Possible” theme.[More](2-1-2018)
Stratosphere named title sponsor of Truck race at LVMS: The Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower has been named title sponsor of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Stratosphere 200 will follow Stratosphere Qualifying for the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube on Friday, March 2, and will kick off the track’s first of two NASCAR tripleheaders in 2018. The 134-lap race is set to begin at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and will be televised live by FOX Sports 2.[More](2-1-2018)