July 2018 News Archives
News from July 31, 2018
Joey Logano’s Darlington scheme a throwback to Steve Park: The car is representative of the 20th anniversary Pennzoil race car from 1998 driven by Steve Park in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Park compiled two career Cup victories in the iconic Pennzoil car during his stint with Dale Earnhardt Inc. (Watkins Glen 2000 & Rockingham 2001). He posted 12 top-five and 35 top-ten finishes in his Cup career.[More](7-31-2018)
Johnson’s Darlington ride unveiled: The scheme is a black Kobalt Tools ride with white racing stripes. It’s the car Johnson piloted to Hendrick Motorsports’ 200th NASCAR Cup Series win in 2012 at Darlington.[More](7-31-2018)
Ryan Newman’s Darlington scheme to honor Neil Bonnett: For the annual NASCAR Throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway, Ryan Newman and the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will honor Alabama Gang member and close friend of Richard Childress Racing, Neil Bonnett. The throwback No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 honors Bonnett’s two starts for RCR in 1993, which came at Talladega Superspeedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway.[More](7-31-2018)
Bad Boy Mowers sponsoring Ragan at Watkins Glen: Bad Boy Mowers will celebrate a manufacturing milestone by going racing once again with David Ragan. The zero-turn mower manufacturer will join the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports team Sunday at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International after setting a new in-house production record for mowers manufactured.[More](7-31-2018)
Sad News – Tom Higgins: Tom Higgins, a legendary newspaper reporter who brought life to NASCAR in the pages of the Charlotte Observer for 33 years, died Tuesday morning. He was 80. Higgins was a larger-than-life character at the Observer from 1964-97, covering the rise of stock-car racing and its cast of colorful characters as the uniquely Southern sport gained national attention. He suffered a stroke in August 2017 – four days after his 80th birthday – and family members said his health had slowly spiraled downhill in the ensuing 11 months.[More](7-31-2018)
Watkins Glen Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the [Goodyear Tire Notes – Watkins Glen International page.(7-31-2018)
Civil trial against Greg Biffle underway: Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle took the stand Monday in the civil case filed against him. Biffle’s ex-wife and her mother are suing him. They claim Biffle had hidden cameras installed in bedrooms and bathrooms, recorded them and showed that video to other people.[More](7-31-2018)
Hanson to sing National Anthem at Darlington Raceway: The iconic pop rock group HANSON will participate in the award-winning Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR by performing the national anthem for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, Sept. 2.[More](7-31-2018)
Rock N Roll Tequila sponsoring XFINITY race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course today announced a new title sponsor for the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series race event on August 10-11, 2018. Rock N Roll Tequila will hold this entitlement as well as being named the official tequila of the facility as part of a three-year agreement. The Rock N Roll Tequila 170 Presented by Amethyst Beverage will be the final race of the 57th season at the 2.258-mile, 13-turn permanent road course in Lexington, Ohio. It will also mark the sixth time the NASCAR Xfinity Series visits Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.[More](7-31-2018)
Auto Club Speedway ticket renewals underway: With the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 Race Weekend just around the corner (March 15-17), don’t miss your opportunity to reserve your same seat as last year or upgrade for 2019 before tickets go on sale to the public. Fans renewing NASCAR Auto Club 400 tickets between July 30 and September 5, 2018 will receive additional benefits.[More](7-31-2018)
News from July 30, 2018
Pocono TV ratings: NBCSN earned a 1.8 overnight rating for Sunday’s race at Pocono Raceway.[More](7-30-2018)
Entry List for the Go Bowling at the Glen Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International is posted, 37 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #6-Kenseth, #15-Chastain, #23-Spencer Gallagher, #51-McLeod, #72-Whitt, #96-Kligerman.
Since only 37 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
NASCAR considering rule change on windshield wipers: Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition, said Monday on “The Morning Drive” that the rule on the windshield wiper blade is expected to change for 2019.[More](7-30-2018)
Pocono 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](7-30-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 43 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International.
See the complete list on the Watkins Glen entry list page.
Travis Mack named crew chief for Michael Annett: JR Motorsports announced today a crew chief change for driver Michael Annett and the No. 5 Pilot Flying J team. Travis Mack will assume crew chief duties from Jason Stockert, beginning with this weekend’s Zippo 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen International (Aug. 4). Mack, a 35-year-old native of Louisville, Ky., is a former employee of Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports, dating back to 2004. [More](7-30-2018)
News from July 29, 2018
Sunday Pocono Notebook: Kevin Harvick’s Pocono race was eventful-and disappointing; Alex Bowman leads Hendrick charge with career-best result; Erik Jones goes for the win-and finishes fifth.[More](7-29-2018)
Kyle Busch charges from the back at Pocono for sixth win of the season: A post-qualifying inspection failure? No problem. A starting position deep in the field for Sunday’s Gander Outdoors 400 at Pocono Raceway? Just another challenge for Kyle Busch to overcome. Holding off a determined charge from Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Daniel Suarez in two late restarts-the first after a brutal wreck that sidelined Bubba Wallace-Kyle Busch powered his No. 18 Toyota to his sixth Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season, tying fourth-place finisher Kevin Harvick for the series lead.[More](7-29-2018)
#18-Kyle Busch won the Gander Outdoors 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. The win is his sixth win of 2018, second win at Pocono and 49th career win.
#19-Daniel Suarez finished 2nd followed by #88-Alex Bowman, #4-Kevin Harvick, #20-Erik Jones, #24-Willilam Byron, #9-Chase Elliott, #31-Ryan Newman, #41-Kurt Busch, and #11-Denny Hamlin.
Pole winner, Suarez led 29 laps before finishing second.
Stage 1 was won by #9-Elliott, finished 7th.
Stage 2 was won by #4-Harvick, finished 4th.
There were 13 lead changes among 10 drivers and 7 cautions for 29 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 132.460 mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Pocono
Kyle Busch won the 45th Annual Gander Outdoors 400, his 49th victory in 483 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his sixth victory and 17th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and 13th top-10 finish in 28 races at Pocono Raceway.
Daniel Suarez (second) posted his second top-10 finish in four races at Pocono Raceway. It is his fifth top-10 finish in 2018.
Alex Bowman (third) posted his first top-10 finish in six races at Pocono Raceway.
William Byron (sixth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Busch leads the point standings by 48 points over Kevin Harvick.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)((7-29-2018))
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Pocono, race 21 of 36]
#18-Kyle Busch [6 wins], 891
#4-Kevin Harvick [6 wins – 5 can be used for playoffs], 843
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [4 wins], 762
#14-Clint Bowyer [2 wins], 677
#22-Joey Logano [1 win], 690
#20-Erik Jones [1 win], 533
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 402
#41-Kurt Busch, 677 -214
#2-Brad Keselowski, 644, -247
#42-Kyle Larson, 626, -265
#11-Denny Hamlin, 618, -273
#12-Ryan Blaney, 612, -279, +172 pts ahead of 17th
#10-Aric Almirola, 587, -304
#9-Chase Elliott, 569 -322
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 547, -344
#88-Alex Bowman, 496, -395
Outside the top 16:
#17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr., -56 pts behind 16th
#21-Paul Menard, -56
#31-Ryan Newman, -88
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 100) of the Gander Outdoors 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway (lap 100/160):
#4-Harvick, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#9-Elliott, 9pts
#14-Bowyer, 8pts
#88-Bowman, 7pts
#42-Larson, 6pts
#48-Johnson, 5pts
#2-Keselowski, 4pts
#1-McMurray, 3pts
#12-Blaney, 2pts
#24-Byron, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 50) of the Gander Outdoors 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway (lap 50/160):
#9-Elliott, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#4-Harvick, 9pts
#11-Hamlin, 8pts
#18-Busch, 7pts
#19-Suarez, 6pts
#14-Bowyer, 5pts
#2-Keselowski, 4pts
#41-Busch, 3pts
#88-Bowman, 2pts
#12-Blaney, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #34-McDowell, 16th
Caution 2: #17-Stenhouse, 22nd
Caution 3: #23-Yeley, 28th
Caution 4: #23-Yeley, 28th
Caution 5: #96-Earnhardt, 29th
Caution 6: #23-Yeley, 28th
Caution 7: #22-Logano, 26th
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Gander Outdoors 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway have been made.
With 40 cars running, pit stalls 41, 42, 43 are not in use.
Pole winner 19-Suarez chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner 11-Hamlin. took pit stall 31, with an opening in front of it.
#20-Jones, who starts 3rd, took the 25th stall, with an opening in front of it.
The final pit stall was taken by #2-Keselowski, who starts 4th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(7-29-2018)
Allmendinger to drive for GMS Racing at Watkins Glen: GMS Racing announced today that AfterShokz, the bone conduction headphone brand known for prioritizing situational awareness and comfort through its unique open-ear design, will be an associate sponsor on the No. 23 ISM Connect/AfterShokz Chevrolet Camaro at Watkins Glen International in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Zippo 200. In addition to the team welcoming AfterShokz on board, they also announced that NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series (NMECS) driver, A.J. Allmendinger will fulfill the No. 23 entry along side with Justin Haley that will be in the No. 24 for the Statesville-based team.[More](7-29-2018)
Gander Outdoors Truck Series logo unveiled: Executives from both NASCAR and the Camping World brand jointly revealed Sunday the new identity mark for the 2019 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series.[More](7-29-2018)
News from July 28, 2018
After disqualifications, Daniel Suarez claims pole position at Pocono:Thanks to a double disqualification of two of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series’ so-called “Big Three,” Daniel Suarez earned the first Busch Pole Award of his career. In the final round of Friday’s knockout qualifying at Pocono Raceway, Suarez navigated the 2.5-mile track in 50,851 seconds (176.988 mph) to claim the top starting position when the cars of Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch failed post-qualifying inspection.[More](7-20-2018)
Saturday Pocono Notebook: Contract extension means peace of mind for Bubba Wallace; Denny Hamlin thinks Pocono is ideal candidate for traction compound; Jimmie Johnson hopes to regain fortunate timing that launched his career.[More](7-28-2018)
NASCAR working on 2019 rules package: The package used in this year’s All-Star race could be used in 14 races next season.[More](7-20-2018)
Bubba Wallace returning to the #43 next season: Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) is pleased to officially announce that it has picked up the option to extend Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. as the driver of the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in a multi-year agreement. The confirmation was made today by NASCAR Hall of Famer and team co-owner, “The King” Richard Petty at the Pocono Raceway. Wallace, 24, is currently in his first full season in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and is contending for the Sunoco Rookie of The Year award.[More](7-28-2018)
Xtreme Concepts on board with Gaunt Bros. for 14 races: Xtreme Concepts will serve as primary sponsor for the No. 96 Gaunt Brothers Racing Toyota for 14 races through the remainder of the 2018 season.[More](7-28-2018)
Suarez won the Busch pole for the Gander Outdoors 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway with speed of 176.988mph for his first pole of 2018, the first of his career.
#4-Harvick had posted the fastest time at 177.750mph, but his time along with and second place qualifier #18-Busch, had their times disallowed following post-qualifying inspection. Five of the top-seven qualifiers had their times thrown out. In all, 13 of the 40 cars failed post-qualifying inspection.
#11-Hamlin will start second, followed by #20-Jones, #2-Keselowski, #1-McMurray, #9-Elliott, #41-Busch, #78-Truex, #31-Newman, and #88-Bowman.
#20-Jones was fastest in the second round with a speed of 176.672mph, will start eighth.
#4-Harvick was quickest in the first round with a speed of 176.170mph.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 40 were entered for 40 spots
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(7-20-2018)
Pocono Raceway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Daniel Suarez won the Busch Pole Award for the 45th Annual Gander Outdoors 400 with a lap of 50.851 seconds, 176.988 mph.
This is his first pole in 57 Monster Energy Series races.
Suarez is the first Mexican-born driver to win a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series pole.
This is his sixth top-10 start in 2018.
Denny Hamlin (second) posted his 13th top-10 start of 2018 and his 20th in 26 races at Pocono Raceway.
Erik Jones (third) posted his second top-10 start at Pocono Raceway. It is his 13th in 21 races this season.
(NASCAR Statistics)(7-20-2018)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Gander Outdoors 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#20-Jones 176.672
#24-Byron 176.571
#4-Harvick 176.519
#43-Larson 175.757
#2-Keselowski 175.723
the rest of the top 12: 19 1 22 3 9 11 18
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 1 41 78 48 31 21 12 10 88 14 43 6 95
(7-28-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Gander Outdoors 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 176.170
#41-Busch 175.805
#20-Jones 175.552
#2-Keselowski 175.415
#78-Truex 175.162
the rest of the top 24: 31 19 42 22 21 9 24 14 1 11 10 48 18 3 88 95 43 12 6
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 37 34 47 13 38 17 32 96 23 72 15 99 00 7 51 66
Drivers who will miss the race: none, XX entered
(7-28-2018)
Qualifying Order for the Gander Outdoors 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is posted.
The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #6-Kenseth.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #99-Weatherman.
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).(7-28-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Gander Outdoors 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#22-Logano 176.370
#4-Harvick 176.336
#78-Truex 175.404
#10-Almirola 175.193
#48-Johnson 174.744
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 9 drivers): #4-Harvick 172.505
slowest: #39-Hill 160.740
notes: #42-Larson spin and made slight contact with the wall at the close of practice
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (7-28-2018)
First practice for the Gander Outdoors 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#4-Harvick 174.956
#20-Jones 174.931
#12-Blaney 174.402
#11-Hamlin 173.826
#14-Bowyer 173.404
most laps run: #88-Bowman, 22
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 2 drivers): #11-Hamlin 171.630
slowest: #51-McLeod 163.328
notes: Harvick, Hamlin, Byron, Buescher, McLeod, Sorenson, Hill had 15-minute practice holds
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (7-28-2018)
Three in a row for Christopher Bell: How long had it been since a non-Monster Energy Cup regular triumphed in three straight Xfinity Series races? Even NASCAR star-turned-NBC Sports Network commentator Dale Earnhardt, Jr., didn’t seem to know the answer when asked on-air – and he was the most recent driver to accomplish the feat in 1999. Until Saturday at Iowa Speedway.[More](7-28-2018)
Bell wins Iowa Speedway XFINITY race: #20-Christopher Bell won the US Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway for his 3rd consecutive win, 4th of the year, and 5th of his career. He passed #7-Justin Allgaier on the final lap of the race, under the second attempt at NASCAR Overtime.
Allgaier held on to finish second, followed by #18-Kyle Benjamin, #4-Ross Chastain (tied a career-best), #42-John Hunter Nemechek, pole sitter #1-Elliott Sadler, #16-Ryan Reed, #11-Ryan Truex, #00-Cole Custer, and #60-Chase Briscoe.
There were 6 cautions for 41 laps and 12 lead changes among 7 leaders.
The average speed was 97.772mph.
Complete results are on the Iowa race results page (pdf). (7-28-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 60 – Winner, #00-Cole Custer
Stage 2 – lap 120 – Winner, #20-Christopher Bell
Stage 3 – lap 250 – Race winner, #20-Christopher Bell
Iowa XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Christopher Bell won the 10th Annual U.S. Cellular 250 Presented by The Rasmussen Group, his fifth victory in 27 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his fourth victory and 12th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in three races at Iowa Speedway.
Justin Allgaier (second) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 14 races at Iowa Speedway. It is his 14th top-10 finish in 2018.
Kyle Benjamin (third) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Iowa Speedway.
Christopher Bell (first) was the highest finishing rookie.
Christopher Bell # leads the point standings by 16 points overElliott Sadler.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(7-28-2018)
XFINITY Driver playoff standings following Iowa:
(7 races until the playoffs begin)
#20-Christopher Bell [4 wins]
#7-Justin Allgaier [2 wins, 1 can be used for playoffs]
#9-Tyler Reddick [1 win]
#1-Elliott Sadler, 686, -16
#00-Cole Custer, 684, -18
#21-Daniel Hemric, 679, -23
#19-Brandon Jones, 579, -123
#11-Ryan Truex, 532, -170
#2-Matt Tifft, 504, -198
#60-Austin Cindric, 484, -218, +83 ahead of 12th
#16-Ryan Reed, 456, -246, +55
#4-Ross Chastain, 406, -296, +1
outside the top 12:
#42-John Hunter Nemechek, 401, -301 -1 behind 12th
#5-Michael Annett, 366, -336, -40
#39-Ryan Sieg, 340, -362, -66
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(7-28-2018)
Sadler on XFINITY pole at Iowa: #1-Elliott Sadler won the Busch pole for the US Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 133.610mph. #00-Cole Custer will start second. The rest of the top 10: #20-Christopher Bell, #18-Kyle Benjamin, #9-Tyler Reddick, #22-Austin Cindric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #3-Shane Lee, #19-Brandon Jones, and #21-Daniel Hemric.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Iowa starting lineup page (pdf).(7-28-2018)
Iowa Speedway XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Elliott Sadler won the Pole Award for the 10th Annual U.S. Cellular 250 Presented by The Rasmussen Group with a lap of 23.576 seconds, 133.610 mph.
This is his 18th pole in 381 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first pole and 13th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his fourth pole in 16 races at Iowa Speedway.
Cole Custer (second) posted his 15th top-10 start of 2018 and his third in four races at Iowa Speedway.
Christopher Bell (third) posted his second top-10 start at Iowa Speedway. It is his 12th in 19 races this season.
Christopher Bell (third) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(7-28-2018)
Kyle Busch charges to record-tying 51st NASCAR Truck Series victory: In his last start of the season, Kyle Busch got the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory he coveted most. Holding off a charge from Kyle Busch Motorsports teammate Erik Jones-who started the race in place of ailing Noah Gragson-Busch, the pole winner, powered his No. 51 Toyota across the finish line 1.469 seconds ahead of Jones’ No. 18 to win the Gander Outdoors 150 at Pocono Raceway. The number “51” had added significance on Saturday. In winning for the second time in five starts this season and the second time at the 2.5-mile “Tricky Triangle,” Busch collected the 51st NCWTS victory of his career, tying him for the all-time series lead with NASCAR Hall of Famer Ron Hornaday Jr. [More](7-28-2018)
Busch wins Pocono: #51-Kyle Busch won the Gander Outdoors 150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway on Saturday. The win was the 51st of his career. He is now tied with the lead for series career wins with Ron Hornaday, Jr.
#18-Erik Jones finished second after filling in for an ill Noah Gragson. Gragson was unable to make a qualifying attempt and was treated at the infield care center. He was not given medical clearance to race.
#25-Dalton Sargeant, #52-Stewart Friesen, #24-Justin Haley, #98-Grant Enfinger, #4-Todd Gilliland, #21-Johnny Sauter, #88-Matt Crafton, and #8-Joe Nemechek were the remainder of the top-10.
There were two caution flags for eight laps and nine lead changes among six leaders.
See results on the Pocono race results page(7-28-2018)
Pocono Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch(i) won the 9th Annual Gander Outdoors 150, his 51st victory in 145 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second victory and fourth top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and third top-10 finish in four races at Pocono Raceway.
Erik Jones(i) (second) posted his third top-10 finish in three races at Pocono Raceway. It is his first top-10 finish in 2018.
Dalton Sargeant (third) posted his first top-10 finish in one races at Pocono Raceway.
Dalton Sargeant (third) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 65 points over Noah Gragson.
(NASCAR Statistics) (7-28-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 15, winner, #4-Todd Gilliland
Stage 2 – 30, winner, #52-Stewart Friesen
Stage 3 – 60, race winner, #51-Kyle Busch
Camping World Truck standings following Pocono:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 464 [4wins]
2) #18-Noah Gragson, 522, -65 [1 win]
3) #98-Grant Enfinger, 504, -83
4) #52-Stewart Friesen, 495, -92
5) #16-Brett Moffitt, 485, -102, [3 wins]
6) #88-Matt Crafton, 465, -122
7) #24-Justin Haley, 462, -125 [1 win]
8) #41-Ben Rhodes, 456, -131 [1 win]
9) #13-Myatt Snider, 371, -216
10) #2-Cody Coughlin, 356, -231
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (7-28-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Pocono: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #10-Cobb, 22nd
Caution 2: #6-Benning, 28th
(7-28-2018)
Gragson to miss Pocono race due to illness:NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Noah Gragson will sit out the scheduled race today at Pocono Raceway after being treated for the third time in two days at the infield medical care center, a family representative confirmed. A decision on who will replace him in the No. 18 Safelite Auto Glass Toyota Tundra is imminent but is expected to be Erik Jones.”Noah Gragson has been treated and not cleared to return to racing activity at this time,” said NASCAR spokesperson Mike Forde. He has been granted a playoff waiver, NASCAR confirmed, and he will be able to contend for the championship.[More](7-28-2018)
Busch on Truck pole at Pocono: #51-Kyle Busch won the pole for Saturday afternoon’s Camping World Truck Series Gander Outdoors 150 at Pocono Raceway with a speed at 170.345mph. #4-Todd Gilliland, #24-Justin Haley, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #98-Grant Enfinger, #8-Joe Nemechek, #21-Johnny Sauter, #13-Myatt Snider, #02-Austin Hill and #2-Cody Coughlin were the top-10.
Did not qualify: none.
The starting lineup is posted on the Pocono starting lineup page(7-28-2018)
Pocono Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch(i) won the Pole Award for the 9th Annual Gander Outdoors 150 with a lap of 52.834 seconds, 170.345 mph.
This is his 21st pole in 145 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his third pole and fifth top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in four races at Pocono Raceway.
Todd Gilliland (second) posted his ninth top-10 start of 2018 and his first in one races at Pocono Raceway.
Justin Haley (third) posted his first top-10 start at Pocono Raceway. It is his eighth in 14 races this season.
Todd Gilliland (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(7-28-2018)
News from July 27, 2018
Could Kurt Busch end up at Richard Childress Racing next season?Stewart-Haas Racing has insisted that it expects all four Cup drivers back in ’19, but there continues to be rumblings over the possibility that Kurt Busch could be out.[More](7-27-2018)
Friday Pocono Notebook: For Brett Moffitt, winning provides a welcome comfort zone; Grant Enfinger looking for win to solidify Playoff prospects; Short Strokes.[More](7-27-2018)
Connor Co. joins Ragan at Chicago: “We’ve got a new partner with our 38 team for the Chicago race weekend. Connor Co. is a distributor of heating, cooling, plumbing and industrial products — a family-owned business that has been around for over 80 years. And they’re headquartered nearby in Peoria, Illinois, so this will be a home race for them. They’ve got a big group coming out to the track for the race, and we’re excited to welcome them to the sport and the Front Row family.[More](7-27-2018)
Roderick paces final XFINITY practice: #23-Casey Roderick was quickest in final practice at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 131.617mph.
#7-Justin Allgaier was second, followed by: #1-Elliott Sadler, #3-Shane Lee, #18-Kyle Benjamin, #20-Christopher Bell, #51-Jeremy Clements, #21-Daniel Hemric, #00-ColeCuster, and #2-Matt Tifft.
See complete results on the Iowa practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(7-27-2018)
Brian Henderson driving for DGM Racing at Watkins Glen: Earlier this week, Andy Lally was announced as the driver for the No. 90 DGM Racing XFINITY ride for three road course races this season. Now, the team has signed on Brian Henderson to drive the car next weekend at Watkins Glen International (Aug. 3). Henderson, 21, made his XFINITY Series debut last season at WGI, finishing 33rd. [More](7-27-2018)
New Hampshire XFINITY TV ratings: Last Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race from New Hampshire drew a 0.7 rating and 1.02 million viewers on NBCSN, down a tick in ratings and 13% in viewership from both last year and 2016 (0.8, 1.165M both years).[Sports Media Watch](7-27-2018)
Sadler fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #1-Elliott Sadler was fastest during opening practice at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 130.999mph.
The rest of the top 10: #20-Christopher Bell, #9-Tyler Reddick, #21-Daniel Hemric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #23-Casey Roderick, #18-Kyle Benjamin, #16-Ryan Reed, #93-Stephen Leicht, and #2-Matt Tifft.
See complete results on the Iowa practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(7-27-2018)
Pete Shepherd set To make NASCAR Xfinity Series debut: Pete Shepherd III will be making his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut this weekend at Iowa Speedway in the U.S. Cellular 250 Presented by The Rasmussen Group for JP Motorsports. It will mark Shepherd’s first time back to Iowa Speedway since 2006 when he ran the USAC Silver Crown Series event for Carl Edwards/RE Technologies Racing finishing 3rd.[More](7-27-2018)
Gragson fastest in Pocono Truck practice: #18-Noah Gragson was fastest in Truck Series practice for the Gander Outdoors 150, with a speed at 168.732mph. #13-Myatt Snider, #24-Justin Haley, #98-Grant Enfinger, #21-Johnny Sauter, #52-Stewart Friesen, #51-Kyle Busch, #41-Ben Rhodes, #25-Dalton Sargeant, and #4-Todd Gilliland were the top-10. Two practice sessions were scheduled for Friday, but lightening cut the first session short. NASCAR condensed the schedule into a longer session. #41-Ben Rhodes wrecked and will use a backup truck for qualifying Saturday. #16-Brett Moffitt lost an engine. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(7-27-2018)
ISM Raceway partners with Modern Margarita for INfield bar: Two-time DAYTONA 500 champion Michael Waltrip, Modern Margarita CEO Glynn Gross and ISM Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber announced yesterday afternoon, at an event at local restaurant Modern Margarita, the Modern Margarita & Tequila Bar, a brand new bar which will be a part of the new INfield opening in November 2018.[More](7-27-2018)
News from July 26, 2018
Pocono Weekend Preview: Past Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champions try to join ‘Big 3’ in title conversation[More](7-26-2018)
CRAFTSMAN joins Joe Gibbs Racing: Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announced today CRAFTSMAN® will join the team as a primary sponsor for Erik Jones in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and Ryan Preece in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for multiple races in 2018. Stanley Black & Decker added the iconic CRAFTSMAN brand to their portfolio in 2017. In their fourth season with Joe Gibbs Racing, Stanley Black & Decker uses their NASCAR partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing to showcase the DEWALT® brand on the No. 20 Toyota Camry with Jones and the STANLEY® brand on the No. 19 Toyota Camry with Daniel Suarez, both in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.[More](7-26-2018)
New Hampshire TV ratings UPDATE: NBCSN earned a 1.6 overnight rating for Sunday’s rain-delayed race.(7-23-2018)
UPDATE: Sunday’s NASCAR New Hampshire 301 earned a 1.5 rating and 2.5 million viewers on NBCSN, down 23% in ratings and 22% in viewership from last year (2.0, 3.2M) and down 28% and 24% respectively from 2016 (2.1, 3.3M).[More](7-26-2018)
New infield project unveiled at Talladega Superspeedway: NASCAR’s most competitive track – Talladega Superspeedway – along with its parent company, International Speedway Corporation (ISC), announced at a press conference today details of Transformation – The Talladega Superspeedway Infield Project. The approximate $50 million redevelopment endeavor is part of ISC’s long-term capital allocation plan and reinvestment into its major motorsports complexes. The project, highlighted by a one-of-a-kind Garage Fan Zone Experience, will feature “up-close” access, interactive attractions and enhanced amenities for fans, sponsors, teams and stakeholders in the iconic Talladega infield.[More](7-26-2018)
South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa gears up for Las Vegas race: In anticipation for the first-ever South Point 400, South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa is going all-out with property-wide activations to promote the upcoming September Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Guests can now partake in a variety of experiences, including a specialty drink menu, specialty gaming chips, gaming promotions, themed spa specials and more.[More](7-26-2018)
News from July 25, 2018
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Pocono Raceway
Wendy Venturini continues to improve: NASCAR broadcaster Wendy Venturini, who was struck by a car while running June 23 in Novato, Califonia, provided an update on her Facebook page a month into her recovery. Among her injuries, Venturini suffered a skull fracture and concussion. She was hospitalized until June 26. Because of her condition, she could not fly. [More](7-25-2018)
A&W returns to the #38 at Pocono: “We’ll have A&W on our Ford Fusion at Pocono, promoting National Root Beer Float Day on August 6. If you go to an A&W on August 6, you can get a free root beer float and the chance to donate to Disabled American Veterans. It’s a great cause and a good opportunity to enjoy an American classic.”[More](7-25-2018)
Kyle Busch unveils Darlington scheme: The scheme is a throwback to Ernie Irvan’s 1998 Skittles car.[More](7-25-2018)
Timmy Hill gets Pocono sponsor: The Lehigh Valley Phantoms will be featured on the #66 Toyota.[More](7-25-2018)
Special Axalta scheme for Byron at Pocono: This weekend at Pocono Raceway, Axalta returns as the primary partner of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, but with a special new scheme. The No. 24 Axalta/Imron Chevy is reminiscent of the No. 9 Axalta Chevrolet that William Byron drove in the NASCAR Xfinity Series last year, with a gray base and neon yellow accents. [More](7-25-2018)
Bubba Wallace returning to the #43 next season: Richard Petty and Darrell Wallace Jr. did not officially announce plans for the No. 43 team next season, but both indicated Tuesday they would be remaining together. “Yeah, Bubba will be with us again next year,” said Petty at the NASCAR Hall of Fame after unveiling Wallace’s throwback car for Darlington. “From the standpoint that he’s still learning – he’s a rookie, a lot of these tracks he’s never been to, and we got a new car with Chevrolet.[More](7-25-2018)
Cole Custer pays tribute to A.J. Foyt with throwback paint scheme for Darlington: On Jan. 17, 1965, the No. 00 Vel’s Ford Galaxie of A.J. Foyt became synonymous with true grit and perseverance. And come Sept. 1 in the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Cole Custer will pay tribute to Foyt as his No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang from Stewart-Haas Racing with Biagi-DenBeste (SHR) emulates the paint scheme Foyt carried 53 years ago at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway.[More](7-25-2018)
Andy Lally returning to XFINITY for three races: Returning to NASCAR Xfinity Series competition in 2018, multi-time professional sportscar champion Andy Lally will return to the cockpit for three of the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity road course rounds. Following last year’s top-five at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, his last time behind the wheel of a NASCAR machine, Lally will return to the No. 90 Camaro of DGM Motorsports, donning a brand-new sponsor livery with Henry Repeating Arms for the upcoming Road America round. Henry Repeating Arms is one of the leading firearms manufacturers in the country making rifles and shotguns under their company motto, “Made in America Or Not Made At All.”[More](7-25-2018)
Jeremy Clements’ Darlington throwback to honor Rex White and Louis Clements: Jeremy Clements Racing is excited to announce that they will run the 1960 Cup Champion Rex White’s “Gold Thunder” paint scheme in the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200 at Darlington Raceway “Celebrating 7 Decades of NASCAR” Labor Day Weekend. RepairableVehicles.com will fuel the No. 51 Camaro SS to honor not only White but moreover, Jeremy’s Great Uncle Louis Clements. Louie Clements was a renowned engine builder and crew chief in the late 50’s and 60’s and in 1959 partnered with Rex White to form White and Clements Racing.[More](7-25-2018)
Lehigh Valley Phantoms to sponsor Reaume at Pocono: The Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the top minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers, and reigning Atlantic Division Champions of the American Hockey League, will be the main sponsor of the No. 33 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Josh Reaume.[More](7-25-2018)
Darlington puts pedal to metal to finish work: It’s the final stage for Darlington Raceway’s improvement project. Workers toss plastic seats to each other to attach to framework laid into the redone Tyler Tower Grandstand. Solar-power lights line the backstretch once night falls to keep the 16-hour work days going. And cranes haul equipment skyward to finish the track’s $7 million renovation in time for an August re-opening and NASCAR’s Southern 500 on Sept. 2.[More](7-25-2018)
Plenty of fan-driven events for Pocono’s race weekend The Gander Outdoors 400 race weekend, taking place at ‘The Tricky Triangle’ from July 27-29, is jam packed with fan-driven activities and thrilling on-track activity. The major races each day include the ModSpace 150 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards (ARCA) race on Friday, the Gander Outdoors 150 NASCAR Camping World Series (NCWTS) race on Saturday and the Gander Outdoors 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) race on Sunday.[More](7-25-2018)
News from July 24, 2018
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Pocono Raceway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Pocono Raceway page
New Hampshire post-race penalties announced: In Cup, #24-Byron received a lugnut penalty. In XFINITY, the teams of #18-Ryan Preece and #42-John Hunter Nemechek failed post-race height inspections. The crew chiefs have been suspended for a race and fined $10,000. #52-David Starr’s team received a lugnut violation.[More](7-24-2018)
Microsoft and Hendrick Motorsports renew innovative partnership:Microsoft will become the Official Cloud Partner of Hendrick Motorsports after renewing its marketing and technical relationship with the 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions for the 2018 and 2019 racing seasons. Under the new agreement, Hendrick Motorsports will use Microsoft technologies, including Azure cloud services, Windows 10, Office 365 with Microsoft Teams for group chat, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to strengthen performance at NASCAR’s highest level.[More](7-24-2018)
StarCom Racing and Landon Cassill partner with Lock Haven University at Pocono: StarCom Racing to show its ‘school spirit’ this weekend by partnering with Lock Haven University (LHU) at one of NASCAR’S most unique tracks, “The Tricky Triangle,” for the Gander Outdoors 400 at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, July 29 at 2:30 p.m. Landon Cassill will be at the wheel of the 00 with primary sponsor Lock Haven University and its Bald Eagle mascot proudly displayed for the 400-mile event.[More](7-24-2018)
Bubba Wallace’s Darlington throwback scheme revealed: Richard Petty Motorsports and STP today unveiled a historic look for NASCAR’s throwback weekend. The scheme will take fans back to the beginning of one of NASCAR’s longest partnerships. Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. will race the first-ever STP scheme during the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Labor Day weekend. The car was unveiled at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Since the time Hall of Fame driver and crew chief, “The King” Richard Petty and Dale Inman, created the famous Petty Blue color, the No. 43 machine raced primarily in that shade of blue throughout the 1960’s. In the beginning of 1972, STP became Petty’s first major sponsor, and thus serious discussions about the new look of the famed “43” began. [More](7-24-2018)
No additional Cup races planned for Jesse Little: For now, Jesse Little’s start in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series earlier this month was a one-race deal. Little, who competes on a part-time basis for JJL Motorsports in the Camping World Truck Series, made his debut in NASCAR’s top series at Kentucky [More](7-24-2018)
Pocono Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the Goodyear Tire Notes – Pocono Raceway page.(7-24-2018)
Hightower joins JD Motorsports at Iowa: Brandon Hightower will drive the Kustom Race Parts No. 15 Chevrolet for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller in Saturday’s U.S. Cellular 250 Xfinity Series race at Iowa Speedway. Hightower, 20, raced at Iowa in June and is ready to challenge the track again in his first partnership with JD Motorsports.[More](7-24-2018)
News from July 23, 2018
NASCAR celebrates youth, families in return of Kids Drive NASCAR:Back-to-school can officially wait. For the next three weeks, the NASCAR® industry is bringing summertime racing fun to kids and families with the return of Kids Drive NASCAR, the sport announced today. Beginning this weekend at Iowa Speedway and Pocono Raceway and culminating Aug. 12 at Michigan International Speedway, children attending NASCAR national series races will take over certain race event responsibilities usually reserved for adults.[More](7-23-2018)
New Hampshire TV ratings: NBCSN earned a 1.6 overnight rating for Sunday’s rain-delayed race.[More](7-23-2018)
Entry List for the Gander Outdoors 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is posted, 39 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #6-Kenseth, #7-Sorenson, #15-Marks, #23-Yeley, #51-McLeod, #66-Hill, #72-LaJoie, #99-Weatherman.
Since only 39 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
NASCAR’s “Big 3” are on historic run to the Playoffs: Eight times in the past 10 weeks – excluding only the superspeedway race at Daytona and Clint Bowyer’s Michigan win – Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. have settled each Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race among themselves. On Sunday, Harvick muscled his way around Busch with eight laps remaining and scored his sixth win of the season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.[More](7-23-2018)
DUDE Products to sponsor DiBenedetto and the Go Fas Racing Ford at Pocono: Go Fas Racing is proud to announce that DUDE Products will be the primary sponsor of the No.32 Ford and Matt DiBenedetto at Pocono Raceway for the Gander Outdoors 400. DUDE is one of the fastest growing men’s hygiene companies in the U.S., started by four lifelong friends out of Chicago in 2012. Their flagship product, DUDE Wipes, the first flushable wipe marketed to men is in over 12,000 stores nationwide.[More](7-23-2018)
New Hampshire 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](7-23-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 40 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s US Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway.
See the complete list on the Iowa entry list page.
Tullman-Walker Racing announces formation of new NASCAR Xfinity Series team: Officials from Tullman-Walker Racing (TWR) announced today the formation of a new NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team who will attempt to compete in a minimum of three Xfinity Series races beginning with Saturday afternoon’s U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway. Tullman-Walker Racing is owned and operated by Steve Tullman, a successful entrepreneur and business partners Jim and Neal Walker. Sports car standout and rookie ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards rookie Max Tullman (@MaxTullman) will drive the team’s No. 26 Ford Mustang at Iowa, Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway respectively.[More](7-23-2018)
Sparks Energy helping raise funds for tornado victims in Iowa: Last Thursday evening multiple tornadoes ripped through Central Iowa causing damage you thought you’d only see in Hollywood. In efforts to help those communities affected, NASCAR driver and Iowa native Joey Gase will team up with the Salvation Army’s Western Division at Iowa Speedway to help raise money for those communities. Gase will race his Iowa Donor Network / Sparks Energy Inc. Chevrolet next Saturday in the U.S. Cellular 250 presented by The Rasmussen Group. On the upper quarter panels and the TV panel of Gase’s car you will find this Salvation Army website “http://donate.salarmywestern.org/iowatornadoes” , at this site you can make a donation that will go directly to those communities affected.[More](7-23-2018)
Casey Roderick driving for GMS at Iowa: Autoweek has learned that Casey Roderick will compete in the No. 23 for GMS Racing this weekend at Iowa Speedway. The 25-year-old is one of the winningest drivers in Super Late Model competition, currently leading the Southern Super Series championship standings and is a three-time track champion of Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida — home of the prestigious Snowball Derby.[More](7-23-2018)
News from July 22, 2018
Sunday New Hampshire Notebook: Aric Almirola scores bittersweet third-place finish at New Hampshire; Chase Elliott shows promising speed with stage win at Loudon; Pit road snafu derails Kurt Busch’s strong run at Magic Mile.[More](7-22-2018)
Kevin Harvick uses bump-and-run to win at New Hampshire : On two straight laps late in Sunday’s Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Kevin Harvick nudged the No. 18 Toyota of race leader Kyle Busch with his front bumper.[More](7-22-2018)
Kevin Harvick won the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The win is his 6th win of 2018, 3rd win at New Hampshire and 43rd career win.
#18-Busch finished 2nd followed b #10-Almirola, #78-Truex, Jr., #9-Elliott, #31-Newman, #12-Blaney, pole winner #41-Busch, #22-Logano and #48-Johnson.
Harvick bumped Kyle Busch out of the lead with 7 laps remaining and pulled away to a nearly 2 second lead.
Stage 1 was won by #78-Truex, Jr., finished 3rd.
Stage 2 was won by #9-Elliott, finished 5th.
There were 12 lead changes among 7 drivers and 7 cautions for 31 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was:110.490mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – New Hampshire
Kevin Harvick won the 26th Annual Foxwoods Resort Casino 301, his 43rd victory in 630 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his sixth victory and 16th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his third victory and 19th top-10 finish in 35 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch (second) posted his 15th top-10 finish in 27 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It is his 16th top-10 finish in 2018.
Aric Almirola (third) posted his third top-10 finish in 16 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
William Byron (14th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Busch leads the point standings by 53 points over Kevin Harvick.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(7-22-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Playoff Standings:
[after New Hampshire, race 20 of 36] – 6 races left until the playoffs.
#18-Kyle Busch [5 wins], 844
#4-Kevin Harvick [6 wins – 5 can be used for playoffs], 791
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [4 wins], 740
#14-Clint Bowyer [2 wins], 638
#22-Joey Logano [1 win], 679
#20-Erik Jones [1 win], 501
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 378
#41-Kurt Busch, 646, -198
#2-Brad Keselowski, 635, -209
#42-Kyle Larson, 606, -238
#12-Ryan Blaney, 584, -260
#11-Denny Hamlin, 583, -261
#10-Aric Almirola, 575, -269, +150 pts ahead of 17th
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 522, -322, +97
#9-Chase Elliott, 520, -324, +95
#88-Alex Bowman, 453, -391, +28
Outside the top 16:
#17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr., -28 pts behind 16th
#21-Paul Menard, -29
#31-Ryan Newman, -74
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 150) of the Foxwoods 301 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (lap 150/301):
#9-Elliott, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#41-Busch, 9pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 8pts
#4-Harvick, 7pts
#10-Almirola, 6pts
#18-Busch, 5pts
#14-Bowyer, 4pts
#48-Johnson, 3pts
#12-Blaney, 2pts
#22-Logano, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 75) of the Foxwoods 301 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (lap 75/301):
#78-Truex, Jr., 10pts, 1 playoff point
#9-Elliott, 9pts
#48-Johnson, 8pts
#41-Busch, 7pts
#12-Blaney, 6pts
#18-Busch, 5pts
#4-Harvick, 4pts
#14-Bowyer, 3pts
#22-Logano, 2pts
#10-Almirola, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: None, no one a lap or more down
Caution 2: None, no one on track a lap or more down
Caution 3: None, no one on track a lap or more down
Caution 4: #99-Weatherman, 31st
Caution 5: #23-Jones, 33rd
Caution 6: #95-Kahne, 19th
Caution 7: #11-Hamlin, 13th
News from July 21, 2018
Mike Beam working on purchase of BK Racing:Mike Beam, a staple in the NASCAR garage since 1981, possibly will own a team instead of being the one working on cars or making executive decisions. Beam, president of GMS Racing, has bid to purchase the charter and some assets of BK Racing for $1.8 million, according to bankruptcy court documents.[More](7-21-2018)
Saturday New Hampshire Notebook: Pole winner Kurt Busch expects performance pickup in season’s second half; Michael McDowell goes to backup car after crash in practice; Short Strokes.[More](7-21-2018)
Dale Jr. Foundation sets 2018 Gloves Program: As has been for the past four years, The Dale Jr. Foundation will support Nationwide Children’s Hospital with a Driven to Give Gloves program, but this year the program features 32 NASCAR Cup Series drivers and all four of JR Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced today. [More](7-21-2018)
Bid obtained for sale of BK Racing: The trustee of BK Racing has obtained a bid of $1.8 million for the team charter and assets and will ask the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to set that bid, identified as being from “MBR LLC,” as the stalking horse bid. The trustee proposes any competitive bids must be at least $2.1 million. Of the purchase price, $350,000 will be designated to pay claims for past wages. The trustee proposes the deadline for competitive bids as Aug. 13, the determination of the winning bid Aug. 20 and a hearing to approve the sale Aug. 21.[More](7-21-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Foxwoods 301 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#78-Truex, Jr. 131.624
#4-Harvick 131.556
#18-Busch 131488
#11-Hamlin 131.456
#48-Johnson 131.438
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 22 drivers): #4-Harvick 130.904
most laps run: #18-Busch, 49 laps.
slowest: #51-Jones 126.799 & #23-Jones 125.616
notes: #34-McDowell cut a left rear tire and wrecked. The team will go to a backup. #00-Cassill also hit the wall late and will go to a backup car.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (7-21-2018)
First Saturday practice for the Foxwoods 301 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#11-Hamlin 132.942
#12-Blaney 132.526
#78-Truex, Jr. 132.462
#18-Busch 132.406
#4-Harvick 132.356
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 22 drivers): #12-Blaney 131.767.
slowest: #99-Weatherman 127.619 & #23-Jones 126.715
most laps run: #48-Johnson, 42 laps.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Second Practice speeds page (pdf) (7-21-2018)
Christopher Bell holds off Brad Keselowski at Magic Mile: Christopher Bell held off hard-charging veteran Brad Keselowski over the final 18 laps to win Saturday’s Lakes Region 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In winning his second straight race in the series, Bell grabbed the top spot from Keselowski on a restart on Lap 183 of 200 and kept the 2012 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion behind him the rest of the way, though Keselowski got within three feet of the rear bumper of Bell’s No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota with three laps left.[More](7-21-2018)
Bell wins New Hampshire Motor Speedway XFINITY race: #20-Christopher Bell won the Lakes Region 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for his 4th career win and 3rd of the season.
#22-Brad Keselowski finished second, followed by #18-Ryan Preece, #42-John Hunter Nemechk, #2-Matt Tifft, #19-Brandon Jones, #7-Justin Allgaier, #1-Elliott Sadler, #00-Cole Custer, and #3-Austin Dillon.
Bell took the lead from Keselowski on a restart with 18 laps to go and held on to win by nearly a half second. Bell lead 93 of the 200 laps.
There were 7 cautions for 33 laps and 13 lead changes among 5 leaders.
The average speed was 99.616mph.
Complete results are on the New Hampshire race results page (pdf). (7-21-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #20-Christopher Bell
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #22-Brad Keselowski
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #20-Christopher Bell
New Hampshire XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Christopher Bell won the 29th Annual Lakes Region 200, his fourth victory in 26 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his third victory and 11th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in one races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Brad Keselowski(i) (second) posted his 10th top-10 finish in ten races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2018.
Ryan Preece (third) posted his second top-10 finish in five races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Christopher Bell (first) was the highest finishing rookie.
Daniel Hemric leads the point standings by 6 points over Christopher Bell.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(7-21-2018)
XFINITY Driver playoff standings following New Hampshire:
#20-Christopher Bell [3 wins]
#7-Justin Allgaier [2 wins, 1 can be used for playoffs]
#9-Tyler Reddick [1 win]
#21-Daniel Hemric, 650
#1-Elliott Sadler, 643, -7
#00-Cole Custer, 637, -13
#19-Brandon Jones, 543, -107
#11-Ryan Truex, 503, -147
#2-Matt Tifft, 493, -157
#60-Austin Cindric, 452, -198
#16-Ryan Reed, 424, -226, +53 ahead of 12th
#4-Ross Chastain, 373, -277, +2
outside the top 12:
#42-John Hunter Nemechek, 371, -279, -2 behind 12th
#5-Michael Annett, 343, -307, -30
#39-Ryan Sieg, 337, -313, -36
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(7-21-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #35-Gase, 22nd
Caution 2: #36-Labbe, 23rd
Caution 3: #0-Smithley, 32nd
Caution 4: #76-Boyd, 24th
Caution 5: #40-Finchum, 21st
Caution 6: #11-Truex, 13th
Caution 7: #61-Grala, 14th
Keselowski on XFINITY pole at New Hampshire: #22-Brad Keselowski won the Busch pole for the Lakes Region 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with a speed of 130.296mph. #20-Christopher Bell will start second. The rest of the top 10: #18-Ryan Preece, #00-Cole Custer, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #21-Daniel Hemric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #19-Brandon Jones, #9-Tyler Reddick, and #1-Elliott Sadler.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the New Hampshire starting lineup page (pdf).(7-21-2018)
New Hampshire Motor Speedway XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Brad Keselowski(i) won the Pole Award for the 29th Annual Lakes Region 200 with a lap of 29.232 seconds, 130.296 mph.
This is his 22nd pole in 252 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his second pole and third top-10 start in 2018.
This is his fifth pole in ten races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Christopher Bell (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2018 and his first in one races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Ryan Preece (third) posted his second top-10 start at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It is his fourth in five races this season.
Christopher Bell (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(7-21-2018)
News from July 20, 2018
Kurt Busch follows the script to New Hampshire pole: Early bird Kurt Busch ran his best lap of the day in the final round of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series knockout qualifying at New Hampshire Motor Speedway to earn the top starting spot for Sunday’s Foxwoods 301. The first driver on the track for decisive Round 3, Busch covered the one-mile distance in 28.511 seconds (133.591 mph) to edge reigning series champion Martin Turex Jr. by .019 seconds. Truex will start from the front row for the seventh time this season.[More](7-20-2018)
Kurt Busch won the Busch pole for the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with speed of 133.591mph for his 3rd pole of 2018, 1st at New Hampshire and 25th of his career. Busch has won from the pole only once.
#78-Truex, Jr. will start 2nd followed by #18-Busch, #11-Hamlin, #12-Blaney, #2-Keselowski, #20-Jones, #88-Bowman, #19-Suarez, #9-Elliott, #24-Byron, and #21-Menard.
#18-Busch was quickest in the first round with a speed of 133.114mph and in the second round at 133.656mph, will start 3rd.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 37 were entered for 40 spots
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(7-20-2018)
New Hampshire Motor Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kurt Busch won the Busch Pole Award Pole Award for the 26th Annual Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 with a lap of 28.511 seconds, 133.591 mph.
This is his 25th pole in 632 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his third pole and 14th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in 35 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Martin Truex Jr. (second) posted his 13th top-10 start of 2018 and his 15th in 25 races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch (third) posted his 17th top-10 start at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. It is his 14th in 20 races this season.
William Byron (11th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(7-20-2018)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Foxwoods 301 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#18-Busch 133.656
#19-Suarez 133.544
#78-Truex, Jr. 133.441
#20-Jones 133.385
#11-Hamlin 133.273
the rest of the top 12: 41 12 9 24 88 2 21
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 10 4 14 47 3 31 22 42 48 1 17 37
(7-20-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Foxwoods 301 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#18-Busch 133.114
#88-Bowman 133.068
#24-Byron 132.831
#41-Busch 132.817
#78-Truex, Jr. 132.780
the rest of the top 24: 19 10 4 11 12 20 9 2 42 22 1 21 31 14 48 47 3 17 37
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 13 95 43 32 34 38 6 15 72 00 99 51 23
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 37 entered.
(7-20-2018)
Friday New Hampshire Notebook: Where dirt racing and NASCAR intersect, Kyle Larson votes for status quo; Ryan Preece at Loudon: You can go home again; New Hampshire Motor Speedway was Joey Logano’s field of dreams.[More](7-20-2018)
Friday practice for the Foxwoods 301 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#18-Busch 134.292
#42-Larson 133.788
#11-Hamlin 133.759
#20-Jones 133.628
#12-Blaney 133.469
most laps run: #22-Logano and #37-Buescher, 20 laps.
#23-Blake Jones was the only driver to run 10 consecutive laps.
slowest: #99-Weatherman 125.836 & #23-Jones 121.956.
notes: #38-Ragan made like contact with the wall. The team will repair the car.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (7-20-2018)
Kentucky TV ratings UPDATE: NBCSN earned an overnight 1.33 rating for Saturday night’s race.(7-16-2018)
UPDATE: Last Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series Kentucky 400 earned a 1.3 rating and 2.3 million viewers on NBCSN, down 19% in ratings and 16% in viewership from last year (1.6, 2.7M) and down 32% and 29% respectively from 2016 (1.9, 3.2M).[More](7-20-2018)
Truex paces final XFINITY practice: #11-Ryan Truex was quickest in final practice at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with a speed of 128.898mph.
#22-Brad Keselowski was second, followed by: #20-Christopher Bell, #7-Justin Allgaier, #3-Ty Dillon, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #19-Brandon Jones, #18-Ryan Preece, #61-Kaz Grala, and #21-Daniel Hemric.
See complete results on the New Hampshire practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(7-20-2018)
Keselowski fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #22-Brad Keselowski was fastest during opening practice at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with a speed of 128.040mph.
The rest of the top 10: #00-Cole Custer, #18-Ryan Preece, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #2-Matt Tifft, #11-Ryan Truex, #20-Christopher Bell, #1-Elliott Sadler, #60-Austin Cindric, and #21-Daniel Hemric.
See complete results on the New Hampshire practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(7-20-2018)
Kids Movie Night is back at Talladega Superspeedway: Kids are superheroes at Talladega Superspeedway and during the doubleheader NASCAR Playoff weekend, the track invites families to experience the superhero-themed Kids Movie Night for a full evening of fun entertainment on Saturday, Oct. 13. Kids Movie Night, introduced last fall, will take place after the running of the Talladega 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and Foodland/Food Giant Qualifying for the 1000Bulbs.com 500.[More](7-20-2018)
News from July 19, 2018
New Hampshire Weekend Preview: Toyota drivers have won six of the last seven races during NASCAR’s daunting summer stretch and that includes victories on intermediate tracks, a superspeedway and a road course.[More](7-19-2018)
Local companies featured on DiBenedetto’s #32 at New Hampshire:Highlighted on the No.32 Ford this weekend will be many local companies. The primary sponsor, Weirs Motor Sales (Buick/GMC), is a preferred dealership in Arundel, Maine offering quality new & used cars as well as state-of-the-art auto service and repairs, and car financing.[More](7-19-2018)
Stewart-Haas Racing makes pit crew changes: Stewart-Haas Racing has made changes to all four of its pit crews heading into Sunday’s Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway[More](7-19-2018)
Tony Stewart ramps up lobbying for Cup Series race at Eldora Speedway: Tony Stewart watched NASCAR’s Truck Series drivers go four wide in a battle for the lead in the waning laps and two trucks speed side by side for an incredible finish on Wednesday at Eldora Speedway. The track’s owner wants more. Having promoted NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events at his half-mile dirt oval for the past six years, Stewart eyes a NASCAR Cup Series race sometime in the future.[More](7-19-2018)
Truex Jr. wins ESPY: Martin Truex Jr. won the 2018 ESPY for Best Driver Wednesday night. He was nominated for the award along with Josef Newgarden, Lewis Hamilton, and Brittany Force.(7-19-2018)
Charlotte Motor Speedway installing synthetic turf: In preparation for a Fall Season of Speed like no other in its illustrious history, Charlotte Motor Speedway on Wednesday began installing more than 88,000 square feet of Sports Fields Inc. synthetic turf on the frontstretch of the speedway’s infield. The groundbreaking synthetic turf was first installed in October 2017 at the exit of Oval Turn 4 as a part of Charlotte Motor Speedway’s innovative ROVAL™ course.[More](7-19-2018)
News from July 18, 2018
5-hour ENERGY ending NASCAR involvement: Defending Cup Series champion Furniture Row Racing and driver Martin Truex Jr. are currently seeking sponsorship on the No. 78 Toyota for 2019 to replace 5-hour ENERGY, which informed the team it will be ending its NASCAR involvement at the conclusion of the current season.[More](7-18-2018)
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — New Hampshire Motor Speedway
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing New Hampshire Motor Speedway page
Blake Jones to make Cup debut at New Hampshire: He will drive the #23 Tennessee XXX Moonshine Toyota for BK Racing.[More](7-18-2018)
Goodyear reconsidering tire for use on Charlotte’s Roval: Goodyear is reassessing what tire it will bring for the Sept. 29-30 race weekend on the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course following chunking issues with its primary tire during two days of open tests. Select Cup teams utilized an alternate Goodyear tire, which was used during the final portion of Tuesday’s open test on the road course, Goodyear said in a statement.[More](7-18-2018)
Briscoe wins Eldora: #27-Chase Briscoe narrowly beat #98-Grant Enfinger to the finish line in a door-to-door battle following an overtime restart at Eldora Speedway to win Wednesday night’s Dirt Derby. #52-Stewart Friesen found himself in position yet again, but was unable to challenge in the closing laps. #88-Matt Crafton, #16-Brett Moffitt, #18-Noah Gragson, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #51-Logan Seavey, #24-Justin Haley, and #83-Nick Hoffman were the top-10.
There were nine caution flags for 41 laps and seven lead changes among five leaders.
See results on the Eldora race results page(7-18-2018)
Eldora Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Chase Briscoe(i) won the 6th Annual Eldora Dirt Derby 150, his second victory in 24 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in two races at Eldora Speedway.
Grant Enfinger (second) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Eldora Speedway. It is his ninth top-10 finish in 2018.
Stewart Friesen (third) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Eldora Speedway.
Myatt Snider (20th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 32 points over Noah Gragson.
(NASCAR Statistics) (7-18-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 40, winner, #41-Ben Rhodes
Stage 2 – 90, winner, #27-Chase Briscoe
Stage 3 – 150, race winner, #27-Chase Briscoe
Camping World Truck standings following Eldora:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 554 [4wins]
2) #18-Noah Gragson, 522, -32 [1 win]
3) #16-Brett Moffitt, 474, -80, [3 wins]
4) #98-Grant Enfinger, 458, -96
5) #52-Stewart Friesen, 449, -105
6) #88-Matt Crafton, 437, -117
7) #41-Ben Rhodes, 425, -129 [1 win]
8) #24-Justin Haley, 421, -133
9) #13-Myatt Snider, 338, -216
10) #2-Cody Coughlin, 324, -230
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (7-12-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Chicagoland: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #21-Sauter, 16th
Caution 3: none
Caution 4: #2-Coughlin, 28th
Caution 5: #41-Rhodes, 29th
Caution 6: #45-Fontaine, 25th
Caution 7: #34-Abbey, 17th
Caution 8: #63-Strickler, 31st
Caution 9: #49-Chavous, 23rd
(7-18-2018)
Rhodes on Truck pole at Eldora: #41-Ben Rhodes won the pole for the Dirt Derby at Eldora Speedway on Wednesday with a speed at 86.801mph. He also won the first qualifying race. #4-Gilliland, #27-Briscoe, #88-Crafton, #52-Friesen also won their respective qualifying races, with #8-Nemechek taking the last chance qualifier.
Did not qualify: #0-Ray Ciccarelli, #03-John Provenzano, #10-Jennifer Jo Cobb, #33-Braden Mitchell, #50-Mike Harmon, #74-Trevor Collins, and #97-Ray Otto Jr.
The starting lineup is posted on the Eldora starting lineup page(7-18-2018)
Race 1 Results
Race 2 Results
Race 3 Results
Race 4 Results
Race 5 Results
Last Chance Results
Rhodes fastest in single-truck runs, qualifying fields set:
Qualifying race 1: #41-Rhodes, #99-Creed, #22-Self, #8-Nemechek, #80-Shipley, #02-Hill, #33-Mitchell , #0-Ciccarelli
Qualifying race 2: #51-Seavey, #4-Gilliland, #16-Moffitt, #25-Sargeant, #38-McLaughlin, #12-TDillon, #97-Otto, #20-Thorson
Qualifying race 3: #17-Dippel, #54-Windom, #18-Gragson, #27-Briscoe, #63-Strickler, #6-Benning, #49-Chavous, #10-Cobb
Qualifying race 4: #98-Enfinger, #88-Crafton, #74-Collins, #83-Hoffman, #2-Coughlin, #24-Haley, #21-Sauter, #50-Harmon
Qualifying race 5: #52-Friesen, #3-Newman, #13-Snider, #45-Fontaine, #15-Heffner, #34-Abbey, #03-Provenzano
Last chance race: #8-Nemechek, #97-Otto, #18-Gragson, #21-Sauter, #45-Fontaine, #33-Mitchell, #25-Sargeant, #49-Chavous, #50-Harmon, #03-Provenzano, #0-Ciccarelli, #20-Thorson, #10-Cobb, #74-Collins
(7-18-2018)
Eldora Qualifying Fast Facts:
Ben Rhodes won the Pole Award for the 6th Annual Eldora Dirt Derby 150 with a lap of 20.737 seconds, 86.801 mph.
This is his fourth pole in 63 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second pole and eighth top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in three races at Eldora Speedway.
Logan Seavey (second) posted his first top-10 start at Eldora Speedway.
Tyler Dippel (third) posted his first top-10 start at Eldora Speedway.
Todd Gilliland (seventh) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(7-18-2018)
Chris Janson performing pre-race concert at Kansas: Platinum-selling artist Chris Janson will kick off Hollywood Casino 400 race day on Oct. 21 with a high energy performance for Everybody. Race fans with a pre-race pass will have up-close access to the concert, along with driver introductions. The Warner Music Nashville artist is coming off the career-defining success of his Platinum-certified get-rich smash “Buy Me a Boat” and its Top Five album of the same name. [More](7-18-2018)
News from July 17, 2018
Teams wrap up testing on Charlotte Motor Speedway’s ROVAL: Like the settlers of the Old West, NASCAR’s top guns ventured into the great unknown – the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL™ – for an up-close look at NASCAR’s newest track during Tuesday’s second and final ROVAL™ Test Fest. Drivers including Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Clint Bowyer and Austin Dillon let the rough side drag around Charlotte’s 2.28-mile, 17-turn road course oval before the inaugural Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 race weekend Sept. 28-30. Busch set the day’s fastest time, a one-minute, 16.9-second lap averaging 106.8 miles per hour during the afternoon session. Logano set the second-quickest time in the afternoon session – a 1:17.1-second lap – with A.J. Allmendinger third-fastest with a 1:17.4-second lap. Busch’s 1:17.9-second lap was fastest in the morning session.[More](7-17-2018)
Constantine Sealing Service featured on Kenseth’s Ford at New Hampshire: The season-long quest to find Ford’s biggest NASCAR fan will continue with a new element this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Ford will recognize Constantine Sealing Service of Glastonbury, Connecticut, as the Official Small Business of the Ford Hall of Fans. The company will have its name splashed across the hood of the No. 6 Fusion and driver Matt Kenseth’s uniform for Sunday’s Foxwoods Resort Casino 301.[More](7-17-2018)
Entry List for the Foxwoods 301 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is posted, 37 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #6-Kenseth, #15-Marks, #23-Blake Jones, #51-McLeod, #72-LaJoie, #99-Weatherman.
Since only 37 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Starkey Hearing Foundation partners with McDowell at New Hampshire: Starkey Hearing Foundation, a charity that provides the gift of hearing to those in need, will return to Front Row Motorsports’ No. 34 Ford, partnering with Michael McDowell for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Starkey Hearing Foundation collaborates with local and national governments, nonprofits and health leaders around the world to identify patients and fit them with hearing devices.[More](7-17-2018)
Performance Plus joins Ragan at Loudon: It’s already under the hood of the No. 38 Ford. Now Performance Plus will be on the outside of David Ragan’s race car. In a new paint scheme for Ragan’s Ford Fusion, Performance Plus will be the team’s primary partner at New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend. Performance Plus is a premium brand of motor oils and lubricants known for high quality and high performance. Its products run in NASCAR stock cars every race, including Front Row Motorsports’ entries. A high-performing car is needed at the 1.058-mile low-banked oval in Loudon, N.H.[More](7-17-2018)
Goodyear Fast Facts — New Hampshire: Teams in both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series will run the same combination of left- and right-side tires at New Hampshire this weekend . . . this is the same tire set-up these teams ran at this track last season.[More](7-17-2018)
Are teams trying to confuse NASCAR’s laser inspection system?NASCAR has had to stay ahead of teams and continues to update its software algorithm for the Optical Scanning Station (OSS) after teams claim they found a way to “confuse” it with contrasting dark and light colors along the wheel wells and edges of the right rear of the racecar, multiple sources confirmed to Kickin’ the Tires. This is the first season for NASCAR’s at-track OSS, where cars are rolled into a dark tented room and then illuminated with thousands of laser lights that take measurements of all angles of the car. [More](7-17-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 40 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Lakes Region 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
See the complete list on the New Hampshire entry list page.
Kentucky post-race penalties announced: The XFINITY team of #22-Paul Menard and the Camping World Truck Series team of #24-Justin Haley received lug nut penalties after the races at Kentucky Speedway.[More](7-17-2018)
Friesen fastest in final Eldora Truck practice: #52-Stewart Friesen was fastest in the second Camping World Truck Series practice for Wednesday night’s race at Eldora Speedway, with a speed at 86.153mph. #99-Sheldon Creed, #98-Chase Briscoe, #13-Myatt Snider, #4-Todd Gilliland, #51-Todd Seavey, #21-Johnny Sauter, #88-Matt Crafton, #17-Tyler Dippel, and #80-Justin Shipley were the top-10. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(7-17-2018)
Snider fastest in Eldora Truck practice: #13-Myatt Snider was fastest in the opening Truck Series practice for the Dirt Derby, with a speed at 91.552mph. #52-Stewart Friesen, #98-Grant Enfinger, #16-Brett Moffitt, #88-Matt Crafton, #54-Chris Windom, #24-Justin Haley, 32-Cody Coughlin, #38-Max McLaughlin, and #17-Tyler Dippel were the top-10. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(7-17-2018)
New Hampshire Motor Speedway Taste of the Speedways: This weekend, tens of thousands of fans will be arriving to New Hampshire Motor Speedway to, not only watch more than 700 miles of racing, but for a full race weekend experience, and no race weekend is complete without delicious food. The largest sporting event in New England will once again feature unique concession stand items prepared by Levy at the Taste of the Speedways, showcasing diverse and unique food options from other Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI) racetracks across the country.[More](7-17-2018)
News from July 16, 2018
Kentucky TV ratings: NBCSN earned an overnight 1.33 rating for Saturday night’s race.[More](7-16-2018)
Truck Series entry list:There are 39 trucks entered for Wednesday’s Dirt Dirby at Eldora Speedway. See the complete list on the Kentucky entry list page (pdf).(7-16-2018)
RJ Otto set for Truck Series debut with JJL Motorsports at Eldora Speedway:RJ Otto, a successful dirt modified racer in the Midwest will attempt to make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) debut in Wednesday night’s Eldora Dirt Derby for JJL Motorsports. Otto, 26, will drive the No. 97 Chris Sanford Cattle | S&S Express Ford in the 13th Truck Series race of the season. JJL Motorsports crew chief Matt Noyce will oversee the effort.[More](7-16-2018)
Briscoe joins ThorSport for Eldora: Joining ThorSport Racing for the Sixth Annual NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) Eldora Dirt Derby at Eldora Speedway, Chase Briscoe will pilot the No. 27 Ford Performance Ford F-150 as he looks to ace the dirt at the half-mile clay oval.[More](7-16-2018)
News from July 15, 2018
Truex contract negotiations ongoing: Martin Truex, Jr. met with the media Friday afternoon at Kentucky Speedway and was asked about his contract status. He says sponsor commitments will play a role in when the deal is completed.[More](7-15-2018)
Kentucky commercial breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Saturday’s race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 7:30 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 10:27 PM (all times are EDT). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage.[More](7-15-2018)
Tagliani returns to Young’s Motorsports for Canada road course:Alex Tagliani is set to make his first start of the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season, competing in the 17th round of the year at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. For the second consecutive year, the Canadian racer will be piloting a truck for Young’s Motorsports.[More](7-15-2018)
News from July 14, 2018
Truex sweeps stages at Kentucky for fourth victory: Martin Truex Jr., made it a clean sweep at Kentucky Speedway this weekend. After starting from the pole, Truex won all three stages and successfully defended his victory from last year’s Quaker State 400. Truex led 174 laps en route to his fourth win of the season and his 19th career victory in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.[More](7-14-2018)
Martin Truex, Jr. won the Quaker State 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway. The win is his 4th win of 2018, 2nd win at Kentucky and 19th career win.
He started from the pole, won all three stages, and led 174 of the 267 laps.
#12-Blaney finished 2nd followed by #2-Keselowski, #18-Busch, #4-Harvick, #41-Busch, #20-Jones, #10-Almirola, #42-Larson, and #22-Logano.
There were 14 lead changes among 7 drivers and 4 cautions for 22 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 150.454mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Kentucky
Martin Truex Jr. won the 8th Annual Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart, his 19th victory in 460 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his fourth victory and 13th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and fifth top-10 finish in eight races at Kentucky Speedway.
Ryan Blaney (second) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Kentucky Speedway. It is his ninth top-10 finish in 2018.
Brad Keselowski (third) posted his sixth top-10 finish in eight races at Kentucky Speedway.
William Byron (20th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Busch leads the point standings by 59 points over Kevin Harvick.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(7-14-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Kentucky, race 19 of 36] – 7 races left until the playoffs.
#18-Kyle Busch [5 wins], 799
#4-Kevin Harvick [5 wins – 4 can be used for playoffs], 740
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [4 wins], 689
#14-Clint Bowyer [2 wins], 629
#22-Joey Logano [1 win], 648
#20-Erik Jones [1 win], 480
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 362
#2-Brad Keselowski, 630, -169
#41-Kurt Busch, 601, -198
#42-Kyle Larson, 581, -218
#11-Denny Hamlin, 559, -240
#12-Ryan Blaney, 546, -253
#10-Aric Almirola, 534, -265
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 484, -315, +66 pts ahead of 17th
#9-Chase Elliott, 469, -330, +51
#88-Alex Bowman, 427, -372, +9
Outside the top 16
#17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr., -9 pts behind 16th
#21-Paul Menard, -23
#31-Ryan Newman, -79
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 160) of the Quaker State 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway (lap 160/267):
#78-Truex, Jr., 10pts, 1 playoff point
#18-Busch, 9pts
#12-Blaney, 8pts
#4-Harvick, 7pts
#42-Larson, 6pts
#14-Bowyer, 5pts
#41-Busch, 4pts
#22-Logano, 3pts
#20-Jones, 2pts
#21-Menard, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 80) of the Quaker State 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway (lap 80/267):
#78-Truex, Jr., 1 playoff point
#4-Harvick, 9pts
#18-Busch., 8pts
#12-Blaney, 7pts
#21-Menard, 6pts
#14-Bowyer, 5pts
#19-Suarez, 4pts
#42-Larson, 3pts
#10-Almirola, 2pts
#9-Elliott, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #48-Johnson, 14th
Caution 2: #3-Dillon, 22nd
Caution 3: #37-Buescher, 23rd
Caution 4: #17-Stenhouse, Jr., 26th
Saturday Kentucky Notebook: Knaus extends contract with Hendrick; Kentucky solidified Wallace’s status with RPM; Bell returns to the “Big E” for his broadcasting debut.[More](7-14-2018)
Chad Knaus signs extension, remains crew chief for Jimmie Johnson: Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus have celebrated plenty of good times at NASCAR race tracks throughout their 17 years of racing, and the driver and crew chief will continue to work together at least through 2020. Knaus, whose contract with Hendrick Motorpsorts was set to end following the 2018 season, told ESPN in an interview Saturday that he had inked a new deal in the last couple of weeks to continue working with Johnson on the No. 48 car as they seek to end their longest winless streak and to capture an eighth NASCAR Cup Series title.[More](7-14-2018)
Donald Theetge to make XFINITY debut at New Hampshire: NASCAR Pinty’s Series driver Donald Theetge will make his XFINITY Series debut later this month in the Lakes Region 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Theetge will pilot the No. 90 entry for King Autosport. So far this season, Josh Williams and Brandon Brown have split time in King’s second car. Williams has the most starts at 13 but will cede the driver’s seat to Theetge, who brings funding.[More](7-14-2018)
News from July 13, 2018
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Quaker State 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway have been made.
With 39 cars running, pit stalls 1, 36, 42, & 43 are not in use.
Pole sitter #78-Truex, Jr. took stall #2, the first available pit stall.
Outside pole winner #20-Jones. took pit stall 14, with an opening in front of it.
#4-Harvick, who starts 3rd, took the 41st and final pit stall.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(7-13-2018)
Defending Kentucky winner Truex earns pole in Bluegrass State:Martin Truex Jr. didn’t need a dress rehearsal to put on a pole-winning performance at Kentucky Speedway on Friday. His lack of mock qualifying runs in practice did not affect the ultimate result – his first Busch Pole on the 1.5-mile track. The defending winner of the Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart executed the fastest lap in Round 3 to win the pole for Saturday night’s race at the 1.5-mile track.[More](7-13-2018)
Martin Truex, Jr. won the Busch pole for the Quaker State 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway with speed of 188.890mph for his 4th pole of 2018, 1st at Kentucky and 19th of his career. Truex, Jr. has won 3 times from the 18 previous poles.
#20-Jones will start 2nd followed by #4-Harvick, #2-Keselowski, #18-Busch, #21-Menard, #12-Blaney, #14-Bowyer, #41-Busch, #31-Newman, #19-Suarez, and #10-Almirola.
#78-Truex, Jr. was fastest in the second round with a speed of 188.976mph.
#4-Harvick was quickest in the first round with a speed of 187.859mph.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 39 were entered for 40 spots
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(7-13-2018)
Kentucky Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Martin Truex Jr. won the Busch Pole Award Pole Award for the 8th Annual Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart with a lap of 28.588 seconds, 188.890 mph.
This is his 19th pole in 460 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his fourth pole and 12th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in eight races at Kentucky Speedway.
Erik Jones (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2018 and his first in two races at Kentucky Speedway.
Kevin Harvick (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Kentucky Speedway. It is his 16th in 19 races this season.
William Byron (21st) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(7-13-2018)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Quaker State 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#78-Truex, Jr. 188.976
#18-Busch 188.403
#10-Almirola 188.107
#2-Keselowski 187.780
#20-Jones 187.741
the rest of the top 12: 31 14 41 4 12 21 19
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 3 17 88 9 6 42 22 37 24 1 34 38
(7-13-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Quaker State 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 187.859
#20-Jones 187.676
#3-Dillon 187.611
#2-Keselowski 187.169
#21-Menard 186.994
the rest of the top 24: 18 19 14 31 12 78 10 88 41 37 9 24 1 17 42 34 22 6 38
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 43 47 48 95 15 13 72 23 00 51 99 11 32 66 7
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 39 entered
(7-13-2018)
Friday Kentucky Notebook: Call me maybe? Busch disappointed by Stenhouse; Bowman looks to build on recent success; The fine line between bold and over the line.[More](7-13-2018)
Sale of BK Racing set for next month: The trustee in charge of BK Racing has asked the bankruptcy court to set an Aug. 21 hearing for the approval of the sale of the team and its charter. In a legal filing Friday, the trustee said a “handful” of bidders, not disclosed in the motion, could potentially serve as the stalking horse (the minimum bid for the team’s assets and charter). If there are competitive bids, the trustee would then meet with the bidders Aug. 20 to determine the buyer to be approved by the court Aug. 21.[More](7-13-2018)
Leavine Family Racing considering manufacturer switch: A switch to Toyota could lead to an alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing.[More](7-13-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Quaker State 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#20-Jones 187.749
#12-Blaney 186.896
#18-Busch 186.503
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. 185.982
#3-Dillon 185.714
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 15 drivers): #11-Hamlin 180.939
slowest: #66-Hill 172.227 & #99-Smithley 172.018
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (7-13-2018)
Special Axalta / Philadelphia Eagles scheme for Alex Bowman and Pocono Raceway: When Alex Bowman heads back to Pocono Raceway for the July 29 race weekend, he’ll have a brand-new ride with him. Friday morning, Axalta unveiled the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that will make the trip, featuring the company’s All-Pro Teachers program in partnership with the defending Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles.[More](7-13-2018)
First practice for the Quaker State 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#42-Larson 185.867
#12-Blaney 184.653
#22-Logano 184.300
#18-Busch 183.955
#78-Truex, Jr. 183.892
most laps run: #20-Jones, 36 laps.
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 9 drivers): #14-Bowyer 181.444
slowest: #99-Smithley 173.161 & #66-Hill 172.161
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (7-13-2018)
Twitter purge strikes NASCAR: The Great Twitter Purge of 2018 was unleashed on the social media world Thursday as millions of fake or hijacked accounts were eliminated, wreaking havoc on follower numbers for NASCAR teams, drivers and media.[More](7-13-2018)
Christopher Bell maneuvers from back of field to win at Kentucky: A spin didn’t stop Christopher Bell from the win in the ALSCO 300 at Kentucky Speedway. The Joe Gibbs Racing rookie was going for the pole in the final round of qualifying and spun out before completing the lap. Bell was forced to start from the rear of the field but recovered for his first win on the 1.5-mile track and his second of 2018. [More](7-13-2018)
Bell wins Kentucky Speedway XFINITY race: #20-Christopher Bell won the Alsco 300 at Kentucky Speedway for his 2nd win of the season and his 3rd career win. He had to start the race from the rear after spinning in qualifying.
#21-Daniel Hemric finished a career-best second, followed by #18-Kyle Busch, #7-Justin Allgaier, pole sitter #00-Cole Custer, #9-Tyler Reddick, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #16-Ryan Reed, #22-Paul Menard, and #12-Austin Cindric.
There were 7 cautions for 32 laps and 8 lead changes among 7 leaders.
The average speed was 131.884mph.
Complete results are on the Kentucky race results page (pdf). (7-13-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #18-Kyle Busch
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #42-John Hunter Nemechek
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #20-Christopher Bell
Kentucky XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Christopher Bell won the 18th Annual ALSCO 300, his third victory in 25 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his second victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in one races at Kentucky Speedway.
Daniel Hemric (second) posted his third top-10 finish in three races at Kentucky Speedway. It is his 13th top-10 finish in 2018.
Kyle Busch(i) (third) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 11 races at Kentucky Speedway.
Christopher Bell (first) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 0 points over Daniel Hemric.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(7-13-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following Kentucky:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler, 608
2) #21-Daniel Hemric, 608
3) #00-Cole Custer, 605, -3
4) #20-Christopher Bell [2 wins], 591, -17
5) #7-Justin Allgaier [2 wins], 569, -39
6) #9-Tyler Reddick [1 win], 541, -67
7) #19-Brandon Jones, 500, -108
8) #11-Ryan Truex, 479, -129
9) #2-Matt Tifft, 458, -150
10) #12-Austin Cindric, 428, -180
11) #16-Ryan Reed, 399, -209
12) #4-Ross Chastain, 362, -246
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(7-13-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #35-Gase, 33rd
Caution 2: #35-Gase (2), 33rd
Caution 3: #39-Sieg, 16th
Caution 4: #38-Yeley, 38th
Caution 5: #51-Clements, 18th
Caution 6: #51-Clements (2), 18th
Caution 7: #42-Nemechek, 7th
(7-13-2018)
Custer on XFINITY pole at Kentucky: #00-Cole Custer won the Busch pole for the Alsco 300 at Kentucky Speedway with a speed of 181.458mph. #7-Justin Allgaier will start second. The rest of the top 10: #18-Kyle Busch, #12-Austin Cindric, #21-Daniel Hemric, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #2-Matt Tifft, #9-Tyler Reddick, #16-Ryan Reed, and #1-Elliott Sadler.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Kentucky starting lineup page (pdf).(7-13-2018)
Kentucky Speedway XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Cole Custer won the Pole Award for the 18th Annual ALSCO 300 with a lap of 29.759 seconds, 181.458 mph.
This is his fourth pole in 55 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his fourth pole and 13th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in four races at Kentucky Speedway.
Justin Allgaier (second) posted his 12th top-10 start of 2018 and his 10th in 12 races at Kentucky Speedway.
Kyle Busch(i) (third) posted his 10th top-10 start at Kentucky Speedway. It is his sixth in six races this season.
Austin Cindric (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(7-13-2018)
Braden Mitchell to make NASCAR debut with Reaume Brothers Racing at Eldora: Braden Mitchell will make his NASCAR debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series next week at Eldora Speedway. The 19 year old Russellville, Alabama native will pilot the #33 Sparks Energy Inc. truck for Reaume Brothers Racing. The Tony Stewart-owned dirt track is well known for its “beating & banging” racing that it produces; but it’s nothing that Braden Mitchell isn’t familiar with. Mitchell has been racing dirt late models with Sparks Energy since he was 13.[More](7-13-2018)
Four all-new fan competitions set for the “Big One on the Blvd.” at Talladega: Fans will want to come hungry, get ready to battle and get dirty (or clean) at the “Big One on the Blvd.” at Talladega Superspeedway on Friday, Oct. 12. It’s an all-new lineup of fan challenges for the extravaganza of what is the sport’s premier party of the year.[More](7-13-2018)
‘Selfie Session’ with Daniel Suárez available at Pocono: Back by popular demand, Pocono Raceway will host a ‘Selfie Session’ with Joe Gibbs Racing driver Daniel Suárez on Saturday, July 28. Fans interested in attending should pre-register for this driver appearance, which replaces a traditional autograph session. Pre-registration is now available, on a first-come, first-serve basis by visiting www.poconoraceway.com/selfiesesh.[More](7-13-2018)
News from July 12, 2018
Thursday Kentucky Notebook: Haley ready to bounce book from near Xfinity miss; Seavey looks to follow Larson and Bell’s path to NASCAR’s top tiers; Rhodes tries to turn his season around at Kentucky.[More](7-12-2018)
Clint Bowyer’s Darlington throwback scheme honors Ned Jarrett:Ned Jarrett amassed many special memories during his racing and broadcasting career in NASCAR, but few equal that hot afternoon on Sept. 6, 1965 when the 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee won the Southern 500 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway by an astounding 14 laps. It’s appropriate that the No. 14 Ford of Clint Bowyer will celebrate Jarrett’s emphatic victory 53 years later in the 69th running of the Southern 500 Sept. 2 at the 1.366-mile Darlington oval. The No. 14 Carolina Ford Dealers Ford Fusion from Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) will mimic the design Jarrett ran on his race-winning 1965 Ford Galaxie by sporting a royal blue paint scheme with period-specific graphics.[More](7-12-2018)
Monarch joins TriStar for multiple races: Monarch, new-comer to the NASCAR scene, first joined LaJoie on the roof of the No. 72 last weekend at Daytona International Speedway and has since committed to a primary sponsorship of the No. 72 in a multi-race deal including Kentucky Speedway, New Hampshire Speedway and Pocono Raceway.[More](7-12-2018)
Kentucky Speedway Weekend Preview: Keselowski looks to continue Kentucky success; XFINITY and Trucks also in action this weekend at Kentucky Speedway.[More](7-12-2018)
Majeski paces final XFINITY practice: #60-Ty Majeski was quickest in final practice at Kentucky Speedway with a speed of 181.714mph.
#20-Christopher Bell was second, followed by: #21-Daniel Hemric, #18-Kyle Busch, #2-Matt Tifft, #3-Ty Dillon, #22-Paul Menard, #19-Brandon Jones, #7-Justin Allgaier, and #16-Ryan Reed.
See complete results on the Kentucky practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(7-12-2018)
Nemechek fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #42-John Hunter Nemechek was fastest during opening practice at Kentucky Speedway with a speed of 180.886mph.
The rest of the top 10: #19-Brandon Jones, #21-Daniel Hemric, #2-Matt Tifft, #18-Kyle Busch, #16-Ryan Reed, #20-Christopher Bell, #5-Michael Annett, #00-Cole Custer, and #3-Ty Dillon.
See complete results on the Kentucky practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(7-12-2018)
AE Door and Windows sponsoring Chastain at Kentucky: AE Door and Windows will be joining team JD Motorsports with Gary Keller as the primary sponsor on board the No. 4 Chevrolet Camaro of Ross Chastain this weekend in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Alsco 300 at Kentucky Speedway. AE Door and Windows is a major supplier of Clopay Garage Doors, Chamberlain Liftmaster Garage Door openers, ProVia entry and storm doors, and other fine products in the greater Cincinnati area. Not only is AE a major retail distributor and installer, but they also dominate in the new construction and commercial fields as well.[More](7-10-2018)
Ryan Ellis driving for B.J. McLeod at Road America: Ryan Ellis and BJ McLeod Motorsports (BJMM) are proud to announce that Ellis will be driving a Superlite Cars | Bachtel Excavating Chevrolet Camaro at Road America (Wisc.) on Saturday, August 25th in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Ellis and McLeod Motorsports first worked together earlier this year at Daytona International Speedway with new partner Densify, a cloud-optimization service. [More](7-12-2018)
Daytona XFINITY TV rating: Last Friday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race from Daytona earned a 0.7 rating and 1.12 million viewers on NBCSN, down 21% in viewership from the last time it was run as scheduled, 2016 (1.41M). Last year’s race was postponed to a Saturday afternoon and aired on CNBC, earning a 0.5 and 829,000.[Sports Media Watch](7-12-2018)
Chris Windom to drive DGR-Crosley entry at Eldora: USAC Champion Chris Windom will drive for DGR-Crosley in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) sixth annual Eldora Dirt Derby at Eldora Speedway at Rossburg, Ohio. The 27-year-old driver will pilot the No. 54 Baldwin Brothers Racing / Central Abrasives Toyota Tundra in Wednesday’s 150 lap race.[More](7-12-2018)
Gragson on Truck pole at Kentucky: #18-Noah Gragson won the pole for the Buckle Up Your Truck 225 at Kentucky Speedway with a speed at 183.955mph. #4-Todd Gilliland, #41-Ben Rhodes, #17-Chris Eggleston, #98-Grant Enfinger, #51-Brandon Jones, #21-Johnny Sauter, #75-Parker Kligerman, #25-Dalton Sargeant, and #24-Justin Haley were the top-10.
Did not qualify: #-87 Joe Nemechek and #50-Timmy Hill.
The starting lineup is posted on the Kentucky starting lineup page(7-12-2018)
Kentucky Qualifying Fast Facts:
Noah Gragson won the Pole Award for the 8th Annual Buckle Up In Your Truck 225 with a lap of 29.355 seconds, 183.955 mph.
This is his seventh pole in 37 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his fourth pole and 11th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in two races at Kentucky Speedway.
Todd Gilliland (second) posted his seventh top-10 start of 2018 and his first in one race at Kentucky Speedway.
Ben Rhodes (third) posted his third top-10 start at Kentucky Speedway. It is his seventh in 12 races this season.
Todd Gilliland (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(7-12-2018)
Rhodes fastest in final Kentucky Truck practice: #41-Ben Rhodes was fastest in the final Camping World Truck Series practice for Thursday’s race at Kentucky Speedway, with a speed at 182.834mph. #98-Grant Enfinger, #17-Chris Eggleston, #88-Matt Crafton, #51-Brandon Jones, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #18-Noah Gragson, #13-Myatt Snider, #21-Johnny Sauter, and #52-Stewart Friesen were the rest of the top-10.
See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(7-12-2018)
Haley fastest in Kentucky Truck practice: #24-Justin Haley was fastest in the opening Truck Series practice for the Buckle Up Your Truck 225 with a speed at 182.076mph. #52-Stewart Friesen was second fastest, followed by #13-Myatt Snider, #51-Brandon Jones, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #18-Noah Gragson, #4-Todd Gilliland, #88-Matt Crafton, #21-Johnny Sauter, #98-Grant Enfinger. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(7-12-2018)
Speedway Motorsports, Inc. announces promotions: In a continued effort to recognize excellence across its motorsports entertainment properties, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: TRK) officials have announced the promotion of two long-time executives. Jessica Fickenscher has been promoted to senior vice president of special projects for Speedway Motorsports, and Gerry Horn has been named senior vice president and general manager of the Performance Racing Network (PRN).[More](7-12-2018)
Bristol Motor Speedway to honor neighborhood heroes: Bristol Motor Speedway’s Neighborhood Heroes program honors individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their communities. For 2019, the Neighborhood Hero selection process will be opened up to fans.[More](7-12-2018)
News from July 11, 2018
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Kentucky Speedway
Mtn Dew and Hendrick Motorsports extend long-standing partnership: Twelve-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports and Mtn Dew have extended their long-standing partnership through 2020. The renewal will see star driver Chase Elliott continue to represent the bold and original Mtn Dew brand. Beginning in 2018 and continuing throughout the two-year extension, Mtn Dew will be a primary sponsor of Elliott and his No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team for four Cup Series races annually. In addition, Mtn Dew, which has supported Elliott since his 2016 rookie of the year season, will be featured as an associate sponsor of the No. 9 team in all other events.[More](7-11-2018)
Petty’s Garage and Medallion Bank to support Bubba Wallace in Kentucky: Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) announced today, Petty’s Garage and Medallion Bank will return as the primary sponsors of Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. and the No. 43 team during this weekend’s events at the Kentucky Speedway. Petty’s Garage will be on the hood with Medallion Bank on the sides of the No. 43 Camaro ZL1. The famed No. 43 will have the popular Petty Blue and day-glo orange colors on the car.[More](7-11-2018)
Wood Brothers to honor Cale Yarborough on throwback weekend At Darlington : For this year’s Bojangles Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, Paul Menard’s No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion will carry a red-and-white paint scheme reminiscent of the Wood Brothers’ 1968 Mercury Cyclone that Cale Yarborough drove to victory in the 1968 Southern 500. The paint scheme honoring Yarborough is part of the track’s fourth-annual throwback weekend. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Seven Decades of NASCAR” and few drivers and teams have as much history at Darlington as Yarborough and the Wood Brothers.[More](7-11-2018)
Daytona TV ratings UPDATE: NBC earned a 2.72 overnight rating for the Cup Series race from Daytona International Speedway Saturday night.(7-9-2018)
Saturday’s NASCAR Daytona 400 earned a 2.7 rating and 4.4 million viewers on NBC, down 16% in ratings and 18% in viewership from last year (3.2, 5.4M) and down 21% and 22% respectively from 2016 (3.4, 5.7M).[More](7-11-2018)
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Kentucky Speedway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Kentucky Speedway page
TRD driver Logan Seavey to make Truck debut at Eldora: Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced today that Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Driver Logan Seavey, the 2017 POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget Series champion, will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) debut July 18 in the Eldora Dirt Derby at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. Mobil 1 will be the primary sponsor on Seavey’s No. 51 Tundra.[More](7-11-2018)
Kyle Strickler to drive for MB Motorsports at Eldora: The High Side Tickler, Dirt Modified Ace Kyle Strickler, will strap himself into MB Motorsports’ #63 Chevy Silverado as the team looks to extend its streak of strong runs at the famed Eldora Speedway.[More](7-11-2018)
On Point Motorsports announces new Truck team: Officials from On Point Motorsports announced today the formation of a new motorsports organization that will begin with competition in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Led by NASCAR veteran crew chief Steven “Bones” Lane, and a group of investors, the organization will be housed out of a multi-building facility in Denver, North Carolina. On Point Motorsports will field the No. 30 Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with their targeted debut being the August 16th event at Bristol Motor Speedway.[More](7-11-2018)
2018 Pocono Raceway Fan Fest driver events announced: Pocono Raceway will host their second annual Fan Fest from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET on Friday, July 27. This year’s event is free for anyone who has a 2018 Gander Outdoors 400 race weekend ticket and for kids, ages 12 and under. The event will take place inside the Pocono Raceway infield at the Infield Block Party.[More](7-11-2018)
News from July 10, 2018
Chase Elliott’s Darlington throwback honors his cousin: Chase Elliott, along with his father Bill Elliott and uncle Ernie Elliott, unveiled the No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 throwback paint scheme that will race at Darlington. The scheme pays homage to a car driven by Chase Elliott’s late cousin Casey Elliott.[More](7-10-2018)
ROVAL Test Fest Educates Drivers, Teams and Fans: A collection of NASCAR’s top drivers experienced their first up-close look at NASCAR’s newest track on Tuesday, when ROVAL™ Test Fest roared to life on the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL™. Fans witnessed stars including Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin take part in high-speed shakedowns on the 2.28-mile, 17-turn road course oval that will be used in the inaugural Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 race weekend Sept. 28-30.[More](7-10-2018)
Performance Plus sponsoring Kenseth at Kentucky and Richmond:Performance Plus will make its debut as the primary partner for NASCAR Champion driver Matt Kenseth this weekend at Kentucky Speedway. The premium motor oil brand – which is the official motor oil of Roush Fenway Racing and helps power all of the team’s engines – will also serve as Kenseth’s primary partner on the No. 6 Ford later this season at Richmond Raceway on Sept. 22.[More](7-10-2018)
Kentucky Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the [Goodyear Tire Notes – Kentucky Speedwaypage.(7-10-2018)
Garrett Smithley returns to StarCom Racing at Kentucky: Garrett’s Smithley will once again team up with StarCom Racing, this time for the Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart on Saturday, July 14 at Kentucky Speedway. Garrett will pilot SCR’s 99 Victory Lane Chevy. The team’s 00 StarCom Fiber Chevy will be piloted by Landon Cassill.[More](7-10-2018)
Jimmie Johnson to wear the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope at Kentucky: Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson will highlight the Jimmie Johnson Foundation this weekend during the Quaker State 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta. In addition to wearing the Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope, which honors five charities working to improve K-12 public education, a special Jimmie Johnson Foundation (JJF) paint scheme will be featured on his No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet. As a show of support for Johnson’s efforts to raise funds for K-12 public education, a number of his NASCAR Cup Series competitors will join him in displaying JJF-branded decals on the visors of their helmets.[More](7-10-2018)
Jesse Little set for Cup debut at Kentucky Speedway: NASCAR Next alumnus Jesse Little will make his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) debut Saturday night at Kentucky Speedway for Premium Motorsports in the Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart. Little, 21, will drive the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 which is coming off a season-high 11th place finish at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway last weekend with Jeffrey Earnhardt. Kentucky is currently a one-race deal for the Sherrills Ford, N.C. native.[More](7-10-2018)
Entry List for the Quaker State 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is posted, 39 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #6-Kenseth, #7-Jesse Little, #15-Chastain, #23-TBA, #51-McLeod, #66-Hill, #72-LaJoie, #99-Smithley.
Since only 39 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 39 cars on the preliminary entry list for Friday’s Alsco 300 at Kentucky Speedway.
See the complete list on the Kentucky entry list page.
Ryan Newman driving at Eldora for Jordan Anderson: Ryan Newman will return to the Camping World Truck Series for the first time since 2015 when he drives the No. 3 Chevrolet next week at Eldora. Newman took a break from testing the Charlotte road course Tuesday afternoon to join Jordan Anderson in making the announcement. Anderson owns Jordan Anderson Racing and admitted it is hard giving up the seat for the Cup Series star, who finished third at Eldora in its 2013 inaugural race.[More](7-10-2018)
Truck Series entry list:There are 33 trucks entered for Thursday’s Buckle Up Your Truck at Kentucky Speedway. See the complete list on the Kentucky entry list page (pdf). (7-10-2018)
iRacing joins HRE and Brett Moffitt at Eldora Speedway: Hattori Racing officials are pleased to announce iRacing, the leader in online sim racing, will sponsor Brett Moffitt’s No. 16 Toyota Tundra at Eldora Speedway on July 18th. As part of iRacing’s 10th anniversary, the partnership with HRE and Moffitt, a three-time race winner in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) this season, keeps the Grimes, Iowa native and former IMCA dirt modified driver in contention for the 2018 championship.[More](7-10-2018)
Patriots Safety Patrick Chung to drive pace car at New Hampshire:On Sunday, July 22, Patrick Chung, safety for the New England Patriots, will trade a football for a steering wheel to take on his new role as the official Toyota Camry pace car driver for the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Chung will lead NASCAR’s best to the green flag as 40 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers race down the frontstretch to start the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301.[More](7-10-2018)
AccuWeather joins Pocono as presenting partner of the Worry-Free Weather Guarantee: Pocono Raceway announced a multi-faceted partnership with leading weather provider, AccuWeather. AccuWeather is now the presenting partner of the “Worry-Free Weather Guarantee” and the “Official Weather Service Provider of Pocono Raceway.” The Worry-Free Weather Guarantee Presented by AccuWeather ensures fans that purchased Sunday tickets directly from Pocono Raceway in advance will be reimbursed the face value if weather postpones the race and they are unable to make the re-scheduled event.[More](7-10-2018)
News from July 9, 2018
Daytona TV ratings: NBC earned a 2.72 overnight rating for the Cup Series race from Daytona International Speedway Saturday night.[More](7-9-2018)
Daytona commercial breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Saturday’s race.[More](7-9-2018)
Charlotte Motor Speedway introduces Bank of America ROVAL 400:Charlotte Motor Speedway expanded on its groundbreaking new era of innovation on Monday, with the unveiling of a new, dynamic logo for the Sept. 28-30 Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 race weekend – which will feature the first playoff road course races in NASCAR history. The first-ever 400-kilometer Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 will be the longest road-course race in NASCAR.[More](7-9-2018)
Clay Walker to perform pre-race concert at Darlington: Highlighting its award-winning Throwback Weekend, celebrating “7 Decades of NASCAR”, Darlington Raceway has announced that multi-platinum country music legend Clay Walker will headline the pre-race concert for its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 race on September 2.[More](7-9-2018)
News from July 8, 2018
704Games announces details for NASCAR Heat 3: 704Games, NASCAR Team Properties’ exclusive console simulation-style video game licensee, announced today that NASCAR Heat 3 will be available in North America on Sept. 7, 2018, on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC via Steam. NASCAR Heat 3 is the sequel to NASCAR Heat 2, with industry leading developer Monster Games returning to the helm. NASCAR Heat 3 boasts a variety of new features, including a deeper career mode, additional race tracks, expanded online multiplayer features including online tournaments, and a brand-new fantasy dirt-racing experience: the Xtreme Dirt Tour.[More](7-9-2018)
News from July 7, 2018
Erik Jones gets first victory in action-packed Daytona free-for-all: In a wild war of attrition that went to two overtimes, Erik Jones outdueled Martin Truex Jr. on Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway to seize the first victory of his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career. In a Coke Zero Sugar 400 that went eight laps beyond its scheduled 160, Jones passed the reigning series champion on the backstretch of the final lap and held on to win by .125 seconds. Jones battled back from damage sustained in a multicar wreck on Lap 65, an accident that cost him a lap.[More](7-7-2018)
Erik Jones won the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway. The win is the first of his career.
#78-Truex, Jr. finished 2nd followed by #47-Allmendinger, #95-Kahne, #37-Buescher, #13-Dillon, #32-DiBenedetto, #31-Newman, #3-Dillon, and #88-Bowman.
Pole winner #9-Elliott, was caught in the big one and finished 34th.
The big one came on lap 55 after #24-Byron checked up and #2-Keselowski backed off. #17-Stenhouse, Jr got into Keselowski, sending him up into #41 Busch. The track closed up and caught over half the field in the accident. Cars involved were: #1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 32, 41, 42, 43, 48, 72, 88, 95. Several were able to continue though.
The race took two Overtime attempts to complete. On the first Overtime attempt, Truex, Jr was leading coming to the white flag, but a caution came out just before he took the flag. Truex, Jr. still led on the final restart but could not hold off Jones, who restarted 2nd.
Stages 1 and 2 were both won by #17-Stenhouse, Jr. He was involved in several accidents throughout the race and finished 17th.
There were 25 lead changes among 16 drivers and 10 cautions for 46 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 130.435mph.
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
Erik Jones won the 60th Annual Coke Zero Sugar 400, his first victory in 57 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his first victory and eighth top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in four races at Daytona International Speedway.
Martin Truex Jr. (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in 27 races at Daytona International Speedway. It is his 12th top-10 finish in 2018.
AJ Allmendinger (third) posted his sixth top-10 finish in 19 races at Daytona International Speedway.
Bubba Wallace (14th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Busch leads the point standings by 57 points over Kevin Harvick.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(7-7-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Daytona, race 18 of 36]
#18-Kyle Busch [5 wins], 749
#4-Kevin Harvick [5 wins – 4 can be used for playoffs], 692
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [3 wins], 629
#14-Clint Bowyer [2 wins], 594
#22-Joey Logano [1 win], 618
#20-Erik Jones [1 win], 448
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 347
#2-Brad Keselowski, 596, -153
#41-Kurt Busch, 566, -183
#42-Kyle Larson, 544, -205
#11-Denny Hamlin, 538, -211
#10-Aric Almirola, 503, -246
#12-Ryan Blaney, 496, -253
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 461, -288
#9-Chase Elliott, 444, -305
#88-Alex Bowman, 426, -323
Outside the top 16
#17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 407, -342
#21-Paul Menard, 371, -378
#3-Austin Dillon, 347, -402
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 60) of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway (lap 80/160):
#17-Stenhouse, Jr., 10pts, 1 playoff point
#34-McDowell, 9pts
#88-Bowman, 8pts
#95-Kahne 7pts
#13-Dillon, 6pts
#48-Johnson, 5pts
#42-Larson, 4pts
#3-Dillon, 3pts
#6-Bayne, 2pts
#31-Newman, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 40) of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway (lap 40/160):
#17-Stenhouse, Jr., 10pts, 1 playoff point
#18-Busch, 9pts
#42-Larson, 8pts
#24-Byron, 7pts
#9-Elliott, 6pts
#41-Busch, 5pts
#31-Newman, 4pts
#2-Keselowski, 3pts
#3-Dillon, 2pts
#99-Bowman, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #23-Yeley, 18th
Caution 2: #51-Black, 16th
Caution 3: #51-Black (2), 16th
Caution 4: #42-Larson, 26th
Caution 5: #4-Harvick, 19th
Caution 6: #20-Jones, WON
Caution 7: #10-Almirola, 27th
Caution 8: #48-Johnson, 23rd
Caution 9: #7-Earnhardt, 11th
Caution 10: None
Saturday Daytona Notebook: Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch hope to battle for Supra superiority; Late to the party in an old car, Kaz Grala runs fifth at Daytona; Kurt Busch still waiting to talk 2019 contract with Stewart-Haas.[More](7-7-2018)
Tony Stewart among 2019 Motorsports Hall of Fame inductees: A six-man list of racing pioneers, legends and modern-day champions joined “The First Lady of Motorsports” in a colorful and accomplished 2019 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) inductee class announced today at Daytona International Speedway (DIS). The seven MSHFA Class of 2019 honorees, the top vote-earners from an impressive list of 43 nominees from all walks of motorsports, include automotive and racing pioneer Augie Duesenberg (Historic), three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti (Open Wheel), engineering genius Phil Remington (Sports Cars), motorcycle road racing World Champion Kevin Schwantz (Motorcycles), championship-winning driver/owners Don Schumacher (Drag Racing) and Tony Stewart (Stock Cars) and popular motorsports ambassador and iconic race queen Linda Vaughn (At Large).[More](7-7-2018)
News from July 6, 2018
Friday Daytona Notebook: Kyle Busch: All the racers out there appreciated Chicagoland finish; Denny Hamlin: Stage-based racing gives entire season a playoff feel; Short Strokes.[More](7-6-2018)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway have been made.
With 40 cars running, pit stalls 1, 2, & 3 are not in use.
Pole sitter #9-Elliott took pit stall 4 [the first available pit stall].
Outside pole winner #88-Bowman. took pit stall 21, with an opening in front of it.
#2-Keselowski, who starts 3rd, took the 9th stall.
The final pit stall was taken by #48-Johnson, who starts 4th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(7-6-2018)
Chase Elliott dominates qualifying for third Daytona pole: A sprained ankle didn’t prevent Chase Elliott from putting his foot to the floorboard on Friday at Daytona International Speedway. Elliott powered around the 2.5-mile track in 46.381 seconds (194.045 mph) to win the pole position for Sunday’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 (7 p.m. on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) by a whopping .24 seconds over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Alex Bowman (193.046 mph).[More](7-6-2018)
Steve Waid named eighth Squier-Hall Award recipient: NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame today announced legendary motorsports reporter Steve Waid as the eighth recipient of the Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence. A familiar face in the NASCAR garage for nearly 50 years, Waid began covering motorsports in 1972 for the Martinsville Bulletin before a 10-year stint at the Roanoke Times & World News.[More](7-6-2018)
Larson gets wild overtime win at Daytona: Friday night’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race ended with a sweep, and overtime and two broken hearts. Five laps later than the scheduled 100, Kyle Larson got the victory in the Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 by .005 seconds over Elliott Sadler, who finished second at Daytona for the third straight race. But Larson’s victory wasn’t official until NASCAR demoted Justin Haley, who made a dramatic pass for the lead coming to the finish line but dipped below the yellow line dividing the racing surface from the apron, a violation of NASCAR rules.[More](7-6-2018)
Larson wins Daytona International Speedway XFINITY race: #42-Kyle Larson swept all three stages and was on the right side of a race-deciding call to win the Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway Friday night. The win was the 11th of his career and his first win at Daytona.
Larson and #1-Elliott Sadler were battling door-to-door for the win when the #24-Justin Haley drove by in the inside to take the position. NASCAR however, scored Haley as the last car on the lead lap, stating that he went below the yellow line to advance his position.
Sadler finished second, followed by #20-Christopher Bell, #22-Ryan Blaney, #61-Kaz Grala, #3-Shane Lee, #66-Timmy Hill, #21-Daniel Hemric, #7-Justin Allgaier, and #4-Ross Chastain.
There were six cautions for 29 laps and 11 lead changes among five leaders.
The average speed was 129.541mph.
Complete results are on the Daytona race results page (pdf). (7-6-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 30 – Winner, #42-Kyle Larson
Stage 2 – lap 60 – Winner, #42-Kyle Larson
Stage 3 – lap 100 – Race winner, #42-Kyle Larson
Daytona XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Larson(i) won the 17th Annual Coca-Cola Firecracker 250, his 11th victory in 106 NASCAR
XFINITY Series races.
This is his third victory and third top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in eight races at Daytona International Speedway.
Elliott Sadler (second) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 19 races at Daytona International Speedway. It
is his 14th top-10 finish in 2018.
Christopher Bell (third) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Daytona International Speedway.
Christopher Bell (third) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 12 points overDaniel Hemric.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(7-6-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following Daytona:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler, 582
2) #21-Daniel Hemric, 570, -12
3) #00-Cole Custer, 556, -26
4) #20-Christopher Bell [1 win], 547, -35
5) #7-Justin Allgaier [2 wins, 1 can be used for playoffs], 528, -54
6) #9-Tyler Reddick [1 win], 503, -79
7) #19-Brandon Jones, 488, -94
8) #11-Ryan Truex, 455, -127
9) #2-Matt Tifft, 425, -157
10) #12-Austin Cindric, 388, -194
11) #16-Ryan Reed, 370, -212
12) #4-Ross Chastain, 342, -240
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(7-6-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #74-Hamon, 21st
Caution 2: #74-Harmon, 21st
Caution 3: #19-Jones, 12th
Caution 4: #55-Hightower, 30th
Caution 5: none
Caution 6: #2-Tifft, 20th
(7-6-2018)
Preece on XFINITY pole at Daytona: #18-Ryan Preece inherited the Busch pole for the Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway after rain canceled the qualifying session. #22-Ryan Blaney will start second. The rest of the top 10: #00-Cole Custer, #21-Daniel Hemric, #1-Elliott Sadler, #20-Christopher Bell, #42-Kyle Larson, #9-Tyler Reddick, #7-Justin Allgaier, and #19-Brandon Jones.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Daytona starting lineup page (pdf).(7-6-2018)
Chicago XFINITY TV ratings: NASCAR Xfinity Series racing from Chicagoland drew a 0.7 rating and 1.1 million viewers on NBCSN last Saturday, up 40% in ratings and 32% in viewership from last year (0.5, 807K) but down 36% in both measures from 2016 on the NBC broadcast network (1.1, 1.7M). Prior to this year, the race took place in the fall opposite college football games. It was the second-straight Xfinity Series to increase after the first 11 declined.[Sports Media Watch](7-6-2018)
Fan-friendly ROVAL test fest coming Tuesday: NASCAR’s newest track will be race fans’ newest playground on Tuesday, when the first of two ROVAL™ Test Fests commence at Charlotte Motor Speedway. As a high-speed prelude to the Sept. 30 Bank of America ROVAL™ race – the first road course playoff race in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series history – fans can watch drivers and teams shake down their cars while enjoying premier amenities at the speedway’s Whisky River.[More](7-6-2018)
News from July 5, 2018
Thursday Daytona Notebook: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. hopes to seize best opportunity at Daytona; Bubba Wallace promise emotional display if he wins on Saturday; Elliott Sadler would settle for an extra fraction of a second.[More](7-5-2018)
Dillon feels optimistic in return to Daytona: Looking into his rearview mirror and seeing the field behind him as he sped across the finish line to win the season-opening Daytona 500 is something Austin Dillon won’t ever forget. The memory of winning is ever-present, especially so this weekend as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series returns to Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Saturday night .[More](7-5-2018)
Qualifying Order for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is posted.
The qualifying order for the two restrictor plates races (Daytona/Talladega) is different.
The order for the 1st round is set by practice speeds (both practices combined) from Thursday, slowest to fastest.
The first driver scheduled to make an attempt in round 1 is #99-Cassill (slowest overall).
The final driver scheduled to make an attempt is #14-Bowyer (fastest overall).
For the 2nd round, the remaining 12 cars line up by speed, slowest to fastest.
For the qualifying order, see the Qualifying Order page (pdf).
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway was canceled due to rain. The session got underway for just a couple minutes before the rain hit. No drivers completed a lap.(7-5-2018)
First practice for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#14-Bowyer 200.799
#10-Almirola 200.691
#2-Keselowski 200.553
#22-Logano 200.539
#12-Blaney 200.530
most laps run: #88-Bowman, 36 laps.
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 17 drivers): #22-Logano 197.673
slowest: #96-Kennington 185.552 & #92-Peters 185.552
notes: The top 10 drivers all exceeded 200mph on their fastest lap.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (7-5-2018)
Ray Black Jr. returns to Rick Ware Racing for Daytona: Palm Coast, Fla. native Ray Black Jr. is poised to make his fourth career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start in Saturday night’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway aboard Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 Chevrolet Camaro.[More](7-5-2018)
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Daytona International Speedway
Toyota Supra announced for NASCAR XFINITY Series competition:Toyota announced the Supra will compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2019, when it will make its competition debut at Daytona to begin a maiden voyage that will vault the iconic spots car back into the spotlight. Rumors of the Supra’s return have been circulated for years. Recent hints, have alluded to the return of Toyota’s famed sports car, but the NASCAR announcement confirmed the speculation.[More](7-5-2018)
Finchum paces final XFINITY practice: #40-Chad Finchum was quickest in final practice at Daytona International Speedway with a speed of 185.567mph.
#66-Timmy Hill was second, followed by: #51-Jeremy Clements, #36-Alex Labbe, #99-Ray Black, Jr., #93-Jeff Green, #90-Josh Williams, #74-Mike Harmon, #45-Josh Bilicki, and #55-Brandon Hightower. Only 10 drivers participated in the session.
See complete results on the Daytona practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(7-5-2018)
Reed fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #16-Ryan Reed was fastest during opening practice at Daytona International Speedway with a speed of 196.143mph. The rest of the top 10: #24-Justin Haley, #11-Ryan Truex, #60-Austin Cindric, #3-Shane Lee, #23-Chase Elliott, #36-Alex Labbe, #35-Joey Gase, #22-Ryan Blaney, #66-Timmy Hill.
See complete results on the Daytona practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(7-5-2018)
News from July 4, 2018
Shriners Hospitals for Children to support Ragan in Daytona: Shriners Hospitals for Children® will join David Ragan and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway. Shriners Hospitals for Children will be the primary partner of Ragan and the No. 38 Ford Fusion team. To bring awareness and celebrate, Ragan will host six-year-old Theodore Koulouris, a patient of the Tampa Shriners Hospital, Saturday.[More](7-4-2018)
Ray Black to have two female tire changers at Daytona: Less than two years after relocating to North Carolina to pursue careers as professional tire-changers, NASCAR Drive for Diversity pit crew members Brehanna Daniels and Breanna O’Leary will go over the wall together in Saturday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™ race at Daytona International Speedway. The crew members will both pit for Rick Ware Racing and Ray Black Jr., driver of the No. 51 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, in the Coke Zero Sugar 400[More](7-4-2018)
Dragonchain partners with LaJoie at Daytona: Coming on board as a new sponsor, Dragonchain will join LaJoie and as the primary sponsor of the No. 72 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the Coke Zero Sugar 400. Driven by the belief that “All Humans are Welcome,” Dragonchain provides blockchain solutions that make the integration of blockchain technology simple for enterprises and industries of any kind.[More](7-4-2018)
NASCAR reinstates Spencer Gallagher after failed drug test: NASCAR has reinstated Xfinity Series driver Spencer Gallagher, who had been suspended over the past nine weeks for a failed drug test. The sanctioning body announced Wednesday that it had reinstated Gallagher, who had to complete a recovery program after undergoing a substance-abuse assessment.[More](7-4-2018)
Charlotte Roval race distance to be reduced: The race, which had been billed by the speedway as a 500 kilometer event, is being changed to a 400 kilometer event.[More](7-4-2018)
Race week parties coming to Bristol area: With an atmosphere so good that it should be a National Holiday, it’s a must to take the fun and spirit of the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race weekend into the community. The cities of Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol will all host downtown block parties to round out America’s Night Race week. Kingsport will host their Race Week party featuring musical act Hundred Acres on Monday, Aug. 13 with Johnson City taking the baton on Tuesday, Aug. 14 with musical act Seth Thomas. Bristol will finish up the trio on Wednesday, Aug. 15 featuring Borderline, Wyldeheart and Shooter.[More](7-4-2018)
News from July 3, 2018
Gase returns to StarCom for Daytona: Joey Gase announced earlier this morning that he will be pulling double duty this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. He will be piloting the #00 Sparks Energy Inc. Chevrolet for StarCom Racing with Eternal Fan™ coming on board as an associate sponsor. This will be Gase’s third Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start in 2018.[More](7-3-2018)
All Stewart-Haas drivers expected to return next year: Kurt Busch’s contract reportedly ends this year.[More](7-3-2018)
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Daytona International Speedway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Daytona International Speedway page
Daytona Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the [Goodyear Tire Notes – Daytona International Speedway page.(7-3-2018)
Chicagoland Speedway penalties announced: There were three lugnut penalties issued — to Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski in Cup and to Brandon Jones in XFINITY.[More](7-3-2018)
Jeffrey Earnhardt to honor service members at Daytona: Jeffrey Earnhardt returns to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series this weekend at Daytona International Speedway, to compete in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday night. Earnhardt will be piloting the No. 7 Nine Line Foundation/Xtreme Concepts Chevrolet Camaro with a special paint scheme honoring our active nations service members.[More](7-3-2018)
NASCAR industry to salute service members, military spouses on Independence Day weekend: For the third year in a row, NASCAR Xfinity Series™ drivers will bear the names of active military units and installations on their race car windshields during Friday’s Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway, part of a continued effort to show appreciation for the United States Armed Forces through NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola.[More](7-3-2018)
J.J. Yeley in the #23 at Daytona: NY Racing and BK Racing will align together starting at Daytona International Speedway’s Coke Zero Sugar 400. Back on board as a primary sponsor is Steakhouse Elite, with veteran driver, JJ Yeley in the No. 23 Toyota Camry. The teams will alignment to bring a competitive car and driver combination to the track.[More](7-3-2018)
News from July 2, 2018
Entry List for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is posted, 41 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
36 teams with Charters are guaranteed to make the field. The rest need to make the field via qualifying / qualifying races / rules book (owners attempts/points).
Some of the drivers entered include: #00-Gase, #6-Bayne, #7-Jeffrey Earnhardt, #15-Chastain, #23-Yeley, #51-Custer, #62-Gaughan, #72-LaJoie, #92-Peters, #96-Kennington, #99-Cassill.
Since 41 cars are entered, one driver will not make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Dale Jr.’s debut on NASCAR broadcast an instant classic: The deep appreciation Dale Earnhardt Jr. carries for NASCAR’s history includes him often re-watching races from decades before. It was fitting then that Sunday his debut Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series broadcast as a full-time NBC analyst just happened to be a race harkening to the classics Earnhardt likes to view. A thrilling last-lap duel featuring Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson saw them bump-and-bang off one another multiple times, culminating with Busch nudging Larson out of the lead in Turn 3, then maintaining control of his battered car to drive it across the finish line to win the Overton’s 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. [More](7-2-2018)
Chicago TV ratings: NBCSN earned a 1.6 overnight rating, up 14% from last year’s race at Chicagoland.[More](7-2-2018)
Chicagoland commercial breakdown: 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 2:16 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 5:16 PM (all times are EDT). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage.[More](7-2-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 41 cars on the preliminary entry list for Friday’s Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway.
See the complete list on the Daytona entry list page.
News from July 1, 2018
Sunday Chicagoland Notebook: Clint Bowyer disappointed despite remarkable rally at Chicagoland; Loose wheel spoil Aric Almirola’s outstanding run; Erik Jones scores second straight top-10 finish.[More](7-1-2018)
Kyle Busch wins Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series slugfest at Chicagoland: Like two boxers in the final round of a closely-contested slugfest, Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson traded hard shots on the last lap of Sunday’s Overton’s 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Moments later, it was Kyle Busch who was still standing-with his car parked on the finish line and his fifth Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season in his pocket.[More](7-1-2018)
Kyle Busch won the Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway. The win is his 5th win of 2018, 2nd win at Chicago and 48th career win.
#42-Larson finished 2nd followed by #4-Harvick, #78-Truex, Jr., #14-Bowyer, #20-Jones, #11-Hamlin, #22-Logano, #2-Keselowski, and #88-Bowman.
Busch took the lead during the final pit stops of the day and held off Harvick for 35 laps before Larson moved to second. On the final lap, Larson got into the rear of Busch off turn 2, sending Busch into the wall. Busch returned the favor in turn 3, hitting Larson in the rear. Larson got loose and Busch got into the wall, but got to the finish line first.
Pole winner, #15-Menard, finished 13th.
Stage 1 was won by #10-Almirola. He finished 25th after dealing with a couple loose wheels.
Stage 2 was won by #4-Harvick. He finished 3rd.
There were 24 lead changes among 8 drivers and 5 cautions for 23 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 140.636mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Chicago
Kyle Busch won the 18th Annual Overton’s 400, his 48th victory in 479 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his fifth victory and 14th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and eighth top-10 finish in 14 races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Kyle Larson (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in five races at Chicagoland Speedway. It is his 10th top-10 finish in 2018.
Kevin Harvick (third) posted his 11th top-10 finish in 18 races at Chicagoland Speedway.
William Byron (20th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Busch leads the point standings by 62 points over Kevin Harvick.
With Kyle Busch winning his fifth victory this season, 2018 is just the fourth season in series history to have two drivers with five or more wins in the first 17 races – 2018 Harvick, Busch; 2010 Hamlin, Johnson; 1977 and 1974 Petty, Yarborough.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(7-1-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Chicago, race 17 of 36]
#18-Kyle Busch [5 wins], 736
#4-Kevin Harvick [5 wins – 4 can be used for playoffs], 674
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [3 wins], 594
#14-Clint Bowyer [2 wins], 579
#22-Joey Logano [1 win], 617
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 314
#2-Brad Keselowski, 592, -144
#41-Kurt Busch, 560, -176
#11-Denny Hamlin, 537, -199
#42-Kyle Larson, 524, -212
#12-Ryan Blaney, 495, -241
#10-Aric Almirola, 493, -243
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 442, -294
#9-Chase Elliott, 435, -301
#20-Erik Jones, 408, -328
#88-Alex Bowman, 390, -346
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 160) of the Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway (lap 160/267):
#4-Harvick, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#41-Busch, 9pts
#42-Larson, 8pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 7pts
#12-Blaney, 6pts
#2-Keselowski, 5pts
#9-Elliott, 4pts
#14-Bowyer, 3pts
#11-Hamlin, 2pts
#22-Logano, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 80) of the Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway (lap 80/267):
#10-Almirola, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#42-Larson, 9pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 8pts
#41-Busch, 7pts
#4-Harvick 6pts
#2-Keselowski, 5pts
#12-Blaney, 4pts
#22-Logano, 3pts
#9-Elliott, 2pts
#20-Jones, 1pt
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway have been made.
With 39 teams running, pit stalls 1, 13, 23, 43, & 44 are not in use.
Pole winner #21-Menard chose pit stall 2, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #12-Blaney took pit stall 8, with an opening in front of it.
#9-Elliott, who starts 3rd, took the 42nd and final pit stall.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-30-2018)