June 2017 News Archives
News from June 30, 2017
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Coke Zero 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, three pit stalls (1,2,3) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
Pole sitter #88-Earnhardt Jr. chose pit stall 4, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #24-Elliott took pit stall 43, the final pit stall.
#2-Keselowski, who starts 3rd, took the 5th stall, which is right behind the pole winner.
The final pit stall was taken by #24-Elliott, who starts 2nd.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-30-2017)
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Coors Light pole for the Coke Zero 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway with speed of 190.973mph for his 1st pole of 2017, 2nd at Daytona and 14th of his career. Earnhardt Jr has never won from 13 previous poles.
#24-Elliott will start 2nd followed by #2-Keselowski, #5-Kahne, #4-Harvick, #17-Stenhouse Jr., #22-Logano, #1-McMurray, #21-Blaney, #10-Patrick, #14-Bowyer & #48-Johnson
#88-Earnhardt Jr. was fastest in the first round with a speed of 190.852mph, will start on the pole
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).(6-30-2017)
Daytona International Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 59th Annual Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola with a lap of 47.127 seconds, 190.973 mph.
This is his 14th pole in 612 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his first pole and fifth top-10 start in 2017.
This is his second pole in 36 races at Daytona International Speedway.
#24-Chase Elliott (second) posted his 10th top-10 start of 2017 and his third in four races at Daytona International Speedway.
#2-Brad Keselowski (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Daytona International Speedway. It is his 13th in 17 races this season.
#77-Erik Jones (17th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-30-2017)
First Round of Qualifying for the Coke Zero 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is over, after each driver ran a lap.
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 190.852
#24-Elliott 190.751
#22-Logano 190.283
#17-Stenhouse Jr. 190.???
#5-Kahne 190.???
the rest of the top 12: 2 21 10 4 14 1 48
out of the top 12 and not advancing to the final round:
20 6 41 18 77 11 3 19 42 31 95 27 78 34 47 32 37 38 43 75 7 13 72 23 55 15 83 33
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 40 cars entered
(6-30-2017)
The IncredibleBank Team and Matt DiBenedetto Return To DaytonaAnother Top-10? : Earlier this year, the Go Fas Racing team and Matt DiBenedetto kicked off their 2017 season with a top-10 in their first race working together. This Saturday night, they’ll look to find some of that same magic in hopes of another great finish on the high-banks of Daytona International Speedway. Daytona will be the first track the circuit returns to for a second time thus far on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.IncredibleBank will be the primary sponsor of Matt DiBenedetto, as the team features IncredibleBank’s “Strengthy Accounts”. Over the next few weeks, IncredibleBank and GoFasRacing will be promoting a hot pass giveaway for fans to win the chance to join the IncredibleBank team and
Matt DiBenedetto at Watkins Glen next month. All they have to do is open a “Strengthy” account – checking, savings, money market, or CD and they are automatically entered to be a VIP guest of the team. Each account will earn great rates and still have quick and convenient access to money with their easy-to-use online and mobile banking.(Go Fas Racing)[Read More Here](6-30-2017)
Kurt Busch not worried about contract status or sponsorship for 2018 Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Monster Energy/Haas Automation Ford Fusion, met with media members Thursday prior to opening Monster Energy Cup Series practice at Daytona International Speedway, among the Q&A’s were:
ARE YOU STARTING TO GET WORRIED THAT MONSTER HASN’T DECIDED YET TO SPONSOR THE 41 NEXT YEAR? “I don’t have any worries. I know that I delivered for the team. Our performance level isn’t one that should be in question. Winning the Daytona 500 is special, but performing week in and week out, the deliverables that I bring sponsorship wise, that comes into play. I know that they’re working with NASCAR to try to sort out their issues with NASCAR and the entitlement sponsor. So there’s a lot of moving parts. But I don’t feel any fear whatsoever. I actually feel really confident on the sponsorship that I bring. Ford Performance’s involvement with Stewart-Haas and how I blended in with this team, I feel great.”
CAN YOU CLARIFY YOUR CONTRACT STATUS? THIS RACE SEEMS TO BE MORE ABOUT TRACK POSITION. HOW HAS THAT CHANGED? “For me, the team has the option on my contract and they just have to notify me by a certain date if they are going to pick that option up. It’s as easy as that. I feel that however the timing works out I feel very confident that everything will come together. As far as the average running position and where you need to be at Daytona and Talladega to win, I think it’s all about the final segment running position. Wherever the numbers have shown, I think you have to be at the top-six to have a shot at it.”(Ford Performace)[Read More Q&A Here]
Norma “Dusty” Brandel Named Seventh Squier-Hall Award Recipient NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame announced legendary motorsports reporter Norma “Dusty” Brandel as the seventh recipient of the Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence. A media staple in motorsports for more than six decades, Brandel started her career in 1955 as a writer for the Hollywood Citizen-News before joining both the San Fernando Sun and Valley View and Glendale News-Press. Her career also included several stints in press information at Southern California tracks, including Whiteman Stadium. She covered her first NASCAR race at Ontario Motor Speedway in 1972. There she became the first woman to report from inside the NASCAR garage. She received the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA) Angelo Angelopolous Award in 2001. Brandel will be honored during 2018 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony festivities and featured in an exhibit in the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina.(NASCAR Hall of Fame)[Read More Here](6-30-2017)
Coverage of Qualifying for the Coke Zero 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is scheduled for Friday, June 30, 2017 at 4:15pm/et.
Television (TV): NBCSN, 4:00pm/et
Radio: Live online at Motor Racing Network (MRN)
Superspeedway Qualifying Format for Daytona/Talladega: The qualifying format at superspeedways consists of the following:
· Two rounds of qualifying, with the top-12 posted lap speeds advancing to the second round
· Race vehicles taking one, timed lap in each round of qualifying
· Each race vehicle will be released in a predetermined timed interval as determined by NASCAR, with the sanctioning body reserving the right to have more than one vehicle engaging in qualifying runs at the same time
· Qualifying order for the first round was be determined by practice speeds, slowest to fastest; final round qualifying order is determined by slowest to fastest speeds from the first round
· A 10-minute break will occur between the first qualifying round and the final round
· Upon completion of the first qualifying round, the field will be set with positions 13 and beyond determined from first round qualifying speed
· The 12 fastest vehicles from the first round will have their speeds reset for the final round with starting positions 1-12 determined by the fastest laps in the final round
· NASCAR will impound race vehicles following each qualifying lap; vehicles advancing to the final round will be allowed to adjust tape and utilize a cool-down unit during the 10-minute break only.
Qualifying Order for the Coke Zero 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 is in round 1 is #33-Earnhardt (slowest overall).
The final driver scheduled to make an attempt is in round 1 is #18-Busch (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).
Daytona XFINITY race postponed: Due to rain at the track, NASCAR has postponed the XFINITY race until Saturday at 12:00pm/et. The race was red flagged will 11 laps complete and #11-Black Koch in the lead. CNBC will have TV coverage.(6-30-2017)
Ben Kennedy on XFINITY pole at Daytona: #48-Brennan Poole won the Coors Light pole for the Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway with a speed of 182.949mph. #2-Ben Kennedy will start second. The rest of the top 10: #9-William Byron, #11-Blake Koch, #21-Daniel Hemric, #18-Matt Tifft, #1-Elliott Sadler, #18-Daniel Suarez, #62-Brendan Gaughan and #22-Joey Logano.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Daytona starting lineup page (pdf).(6-30-2017)
Daytona XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Brennan Poole won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 16th Annual Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 at DAYTONA with a lap of 49.194 seconds, 182.949 mph.
This is his first pole in 65 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first pole and sixth top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole in five races at Daytona International Speedway.
Ben Kennedy (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2017 and his first in one race at Daytona International Speedway.
William Byron (third) posted his first top-10 start at Daytona International Speedway. It is his 11th in 15 races this season.
Ben Kennedy (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-30-2017)
Big Machine To Sponsor Brickyard 400 Starring Brantley GilbertMusic industry leader Big Machine Label Group is the new entitlement sponsor of the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, one of the crown jewels of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. This year’s race, scheduled for Sunday, July 23 at IMS, will be called the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Brickyard 400 . The chart-topping country star, signed to BMLG’s Valory Music Co. imprint, will attend the event and perform for fans during pre-race celebrations. More details about the multi-year agreement, including plans for the 2018 Big Machine Brickyard 400, will be announced at this year’s race. 400 Fest, a new, two-night concert at IMS, is scheduled for Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22. The event features six global music superstars over two nights, with Major Lazer headlining July 21 and The Chainsmokers headlining July 22. Visit www.400fest.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for all 2017 IMS events, including the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Brickyard 400 and Lilly Diabetes 250 on July 21-23, and for more information on all events.(Indianapolis Motor Speedway)[Read More Here](6-30-2017)
Watkins Glen International names NASCAR Cup race sponsorWatkins Glen International announced that I LOVE NEW YORK, the iconic tourism arm for New York State, has agreed to partner with the historic facility to present The Glen’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, August 6th. “We are excited to welcome the I LOVE NEW YORK brand to the Watkins Glen International family as our partner for the NASCAR race weekend,” WGI President Michael Printup said. “With NASCAR, comes an international audience, and this is going to allow us to help put I LOVE NEW YORK to the forefront of broadcasts in Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and more, in addition to all of the dedicated viewers here in North America. All of us are looking forward to a great race weekend coming up in August.” For more information and to purchase your tickets to catch the action of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, NASCAR XFINITY Series, and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at America’s “Best NASCAR Track” from Friday, August 4th through Sunday, August 6th, log on to www.theglen.com or call 1-866-461-RACE.(Watkins Glen International)[Red More Here](6-30-2017)
News from June 29, 2017
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Coke Zero 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 193.328
#95-McDowell 193.249
#48-Johnson 193.228
#75-Gaughan 193.224
#5-Kahne 193.220
slowest: #72-Whitt 184.385 & #38-Ragan 187.500
best 10 consecutive lap ave #48-Johnson 192.349 (3 drivers)
notes: no accidents or incidents, only 19 cars ran laps
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (6-29-2017)
First Thursday practice for the Coke Zero 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#18-Busch 197.438
#2-Keselowski 197.230
#4-Harvick 197.200
#22-Logano 197.165
#21-Blaney 197.165
best 10 consecutive lap ave: #6-Bayne 196.073 (21 drivers)
slowest: #33-Earnhardt 182.960 & #55-Sorenson 184.790
most laps run: #13-Dillon 37
notes: most cars ran in packs, some did single car runs.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Practice 1 speeds page (pdf) (6-29-2017)
Patriotic scheme for Elliott at Daytona NAPA AUTO PARTS returns to the hood of Chase Elliott’s #24 Chevrolet, this time with a new look. The #24 NAPA AUTO PARTS Patriotic Chevrolet SS dons a red, white and blue scheme that also features stars and stripes. The scheme will help to kick off NAPA’s “Get Back and Give Back” effort while boosting awareness for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF). NAPA AUTO PARTS has a long history of supporting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families. In March, the company announced that it had raised more than $2.5 million in 2016 for the IFHF through its annual “Get Back and Give Back” campaign. The campaign kicked off in 2012 and gives NAPA AUTO PARTS patrons the opportunity to contribute to the IFHF by purchasing T-shirts at NAPAonline.com.(Hendrick Motorsports)[Read More Here](6-29-2017)
Daytona police investigate Speedway bomb threat An anonymous bomb threat was called in to police Thursday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway, but law enforcement swept the area and found no traces of any explosive devices, Chief Craig Capri said.(Daytona Beach News Journal / Sporting News)[Read More Here](6-29-2017)
Jeff Gordon To Drive Camaro ZL1 Pace Car at Brickyard 400 NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon will drive the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Pace Car to lead the field to the start of the 24th annual Brickyard 400 on Sunday, July 23 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Gordon will return in the Pace Car to the historic, 2.5-mile oval at IMS, where he is the only driver to win the Brickyard 400 five times (1994, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2014). California native Gordon, who grew up in nearby Pittsboro, Indiana, has served as a NASCAR analyst for FOX Sports since retiring full time from the Cup Series after the 2015 season. He competed in the 2016 Brickyard 400 for Hendrick Motorsports as part of a limited schedule while serving as a replacement for the injured Dale Earnhardt Jr. Gordon competed in the first 23 Brickyard 400 races, with five victories, three poles and 17 top-10 finishes. Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for the Brickyard 400 and Lilly Diabetes 250, and for more information on the complete event schedule.(Indianapolis Motor Speedway)[Read More Here](6-29-2017)
Almirola cleared to test in the next two weeks: The driver of the #43 Petty Enterprises Ford, who crushed his T5 vertebra in a wreck at Kansas Speedway on May 13, received a positive report from his doctors following a CT scan on Wednesday. “Good news from the docs,” Almirola said in a text. “My CT scan shows really good bone growth in the damaged vertebrae. Doctors were pleased and have cleared me to test in the next two weeks. “As long as that goes well and I have no pain, I will be cleared to resume competition.” Almirola, 33, hopes to return to competition in time for the Monster Energy Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 16.(full post at Motorsport)(6-29-2017)
Statistical Advance – Analyzing the Coke Zero 400 a look at some of the top statistical performers at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida going into the Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola on July 2. Groundbreaking for Daytona International Speedway was Nov. 25, 1957. The soil underneath the banked corners was dug from the infield of the track and the hole filled with water. It is now known as Lake Lloyd. 452 drivers have competed in at least one Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series July race at Daytona International Speedway; 286 in more than one. A total of 59 drivers have posted at least one pole in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at Daytona; led by NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough with 12 poles. Chase Elliott and Jimmie Johnson lead all active drivers with two each. 61 different drivers have posted at least one series win at Daytona, led by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty with 10. Dale Earnhardt Jr. leads all active drivers with four wins. Buddy Baker leads the series in runner-up finishes in the July race at Daytona with five; followed by Richard Petty and Sterling Marlin with four. Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch lead all active drivers with three each. Since the advent of electronic scoring the closest margin of victory (MOV) in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway for the July race is the July 7, 2007 event won by Jamie McMurray over Kyle Busch with a MOV of 0.005 second.(NASCAR)[Read More Here](6-29-2017)
Ray Black, Jr. paces final XFINITY practice: #07-Ray Black, Jr. was quickest in final practice at Daytona International Speedway with a speed of 182.035mph.
#51-Jeremcy Clements was second, followed by: #14-J.J. Yeley, #11-Blake Koch, #40-Timmy Hill, #01-Harrison Rhodes, #28-Scott Lagasse, Jr., #92-Josh Williams, #23-Spencer Gallagher, and #90-Brandon Brown.
Just 16 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Daytona final practice speeds page (pdf).(6-29-2017)
Jeb Burton fastest in first XFINITY practice: #24-Jeb Burton was fastest during opening practice at Daytona International Speedway with a speed of 190.215mph.
The rest of the top 10: #00-Cole Custer, #23-Spencer Gallagher, #98-Casey Mears, #3-Ty Dillon, #18-Daniel Suarez, #16-Ryan Reed, #28-Dakoda Armstrong, #22-Joey Logano, and #19-Matt Tifft..
38 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Daytona practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-29-2017)
News from June 28, 2017
Kyle Busch’s interim crew chief suspended one race….lugnuts:NASCAR issued a one-race suspension to #18-Kyle Busch interim crew chief Ben Beshore for Busch’s car having two lug nuts not tight following the NASCAR Cup event Sunday at Sonoma Raceway. The suspension, along with the $20,000 fine, followed the guidelines set in the NASCAR rule book for having two of the 20 lug nuts (five per wheel) improperly installed.(ESPN)(6-28-2017)
Ragan to sun special Shriners Hospitals for Children scheme at Daytona: Shriners Hospitals for Children will celebrate 95 years of caring for kids with a specially designed racecar in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway this Saturday, July 1. David Ragan’s #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford Fusion will feature photos of children treated at Shriners Hospitals and highlight their mission to provide specialty pediatric care, regardless of the families’ ability to pay. During Saturday’s race, Ragan will be cheered on by a Shriners Hospitals patient who is reaching his dreams. Fifteen-year-old Riley Desin has had more than a dozen surgeries at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Tampa for hereditary multiple exostoses, a genetic condition that affects his bones. He loves to play basketball and watch NASCAR races any chance he gets.(Front Row Motorsports)[Read More Here](6-28-2017)
JRM Licensing Announces Partnership with CounterFind: JRM Licensing, LLC, which manages the licensed merchandise programs for all the Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports teams and drivers, announced today a partnership with CounterFind, a company specializing in eliminating counterfeit merchandise in the social commerce space. The partnership is the first of its kind for JRM Licensing.
“We have seen a big uptick in the amount of counterfeit merchandise advertised on the various social media platforms,” said Joe Mattes, vice president of JRM Licensing. “We’re confident this new partnership with CounterFind will assist in reining in the counterfeiters. We want to proactively police the marketplace to protect our clients’ brands and trademarks. NASCAR has one of the best fanbases in all of sports, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that fans are purchasing authentic, quality merchandise manufactured by officially licensed vendors.” Founded by former NFL player Darren Woodson, CounterFind is a turnkey technology used by some of the world’s leading sports and entertainment brands to combat counterfeit goods in social commerce. CounterFind’s software combines image recognition with human intelligence to detect and report all ads marketing counterfeit merchandise on Facebook and Instagram in real time. “CounterFind is solving the problems that broad internet protection companies can’t figure out,” said Woodson, CounterFind Founder. “If someone launches an ad on Facebook marketing a counterfeit product for Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, or Chase Elliott, we will find it and have it removed in less than 24 hours.”(JRM Licensing)(6-28-2017)
Bryson Byrnes presents third annual Byrnsie Award to Tony GibsonIn honor of the late Steve Byrnes, FOX Sports created the Byrnsie Award, given to a member of the NASCAR community who most exemplified the qualities that Byrnes portrayed throughout his distinguished broadcast career and life. This year, Byrnes’ son, Bryson, presented the third annual Byrnsie Award to Tony Gibson, crew chief for Kurt Busch and the #41 Stewart-Haas Racing team.(FoxSports.com)[Read More Here](6-28-2017)
Birthday, Fishing, New Paint Scheme & Racing for Truex Jr. at Daytona It will not be a typical weekend for Martin Truex Jr. at Daytona International Speedway, site of Saturday night’s Coke Zero 400 NASCAR Cup Series race. Thursday’s first day of practice at the famed 2.5-mile tri-oval will also be Truex’s birthday. The Furniture Row Racing driver turns 37. The following day, Truex will take his fishing rods to Lake Lloyd located in the Daytona infield to do a segment with seven-time Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam. Truex and VanDam will host Master Sergeant Oscar Dominguez of the U.S. Air Force in the morning before taking on media in an RC Boat Challenge. After his fishing schedule, Truex will make a quick change into his fire suit to drive the NBC race car in an exhibition run with analyst Jeff Burton riding shotgun. Later in the day Truex will take part in qualifying, showcasing the new paint scheme on his #78 Bass Pro Shops/NRA Museum Toyota.Furniture Row Racing)[Read More Here](6-28-2017)
Lesa France Kennedy among Adweek’s ‘Most Powerful Women in Sports’ For the second consecutive year Lesa France Kennedy has been named to Adweek Magazine’s list of the “Most Powerful Women in Sports.” Kennedy, CEO of International Speedway Corporation and Vice Chairperson of NASCAR, joins executives from the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Football League (NFL) among others.(NASCAR.com / AdWeek)[Read More Here](6-28-2017)
Sieg ready for double duty at Daytona: RSS Racing is pleased to announce multiple sponsors for the NASCAR XFINITY race at Daytona Speedway this Friday night. Holley’s Home Furnishings, who joined the team at Talladega in May, will return as a primary sponsor on the hood of the #39. Double Nuts Racing Track Supplies will be the co primary sponsor for the 100-lap race. Georgia Trade School, Beyond Forced Induction, Midstate Basement, Baseball Racks, and Pro Line Rentals will also be associate sponsors on the Chevy Camaro.[More](6-28-2017)
News from June 27, 2017
Chase Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports agree to contract extensionHendrick Motorsports and driver Chase Elliott have agreed to a four-year contract extension that will keep the 2016 NASCAR Cup Series rookie of the year with the #24 Chevrolet SS team through the end of the 2022 racing season. Elliott, who signed with Hendrick Motorsports in February 2011 as a 15-year-old high school freshman, has emerged as one of NASCAR’s rising stars. In 2016, he earned a Cup playoff berth and was the series’ top rookie after posting 10 top-five finishes, 17 top-10s and two pole positions, including the season-opening Daytona 500. Through 16 points races of his sophomore season, he is sixth in the Cup standings. Elliott’s previous contract with Hendrick Motorsports ran through 2018.(Hendrick Motorsports)[Read More Here](6-27-2017)
NASCAR says stage racing is staying Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, reiterated the sanctioning body’s support for stage racing but noted potential changes will be examined for next season. O’Donnell made the comments Monday on “The Morning Drive” on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Asked about the status of stage racing as NASCAR nears the midpoint of the season for its national series, O’Donnell said: “Definitely here to stay. We’ll sit down with the same group that kind of came up with that concept. We really liked what we’ve seen, and the industry does as well, the strategy that is playing out.”(NBC Sports)[Read More Here](6-27-2017)
Goodyear Daytona Fast Facts Daytona International Speedway was one of the NASCAR tracks on a busy Goodyear spring testing schedule this year. After running the same successful tire combination at Daytona since July 2013, Goodyear returned to the “World Center of Speed” in April with a focus of exploring options for increased grip. For this week’s races, Goodyear’s new tire combination features new tread compounds on both sides of the car. These new compounds will add grip, not necessarily with a goal to increase speeds, but to enhance the stability of the cars. With restrictor plate-style racing, being within inches of other cars virtually all the way around the track is a reality, and enhanced stability is a welcome feature to combat the buffeting of the air caused by the close-quarters racing. Teams in both the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series will run the same Goodyear tire set-up at Daytona this week . . . this is the first time these teams have run either of these two tire codes . . . this tire set-up came out of a Goodyear test at Daytona on April 12 . . . drivers participating in that test were Danica Patrick, Joey Logano, Ryan Newman, Erik Jones and Alex Bowman . . . compared to what was run at Daytona in February, there is a compound change to both the left- and right-side tires to give the cars more grip . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Daytona . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.(Goodyear)[Read full notes HERE](6-27-2017)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Launches JR Nation Appreci88ion CampaignDale Earnhardt Jr. announced his version of a final act – a five-month campaign called JR Nation Appreci88ion. It will start this weekend at Daytona and carry through the end of the 2017 season, his last as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver. The Appreci88ion campaign will create opportunities in social media, at-track activation, fan engagement, industry participation and philanthropy to celebrate Earnhardt Jr.’s historic career while offering gestures of gratitude to everyone who made the ride possible. That includes fans, teammates, colleagues, family members, lifelong friends and anyone who influenced Earnhardt Jr.’s time in the driver’s seat. JR Nation Appreci88ion will have a heavy presence on social media with the #Appreci88ion hashtag and digital engagement opportunities throughout the five-month campaign. Earnhardt Jr. will release weekly videos recollecting memories and milestones achieved at each of the specific racing venues. Sponsors and industry partners will have featured roles as well, activating in unique ways to give back to JR Nation.(JR Motorsports)[Read More Here](6-27-2017)
Sonoma TV Ratings FS1 on Sunday afternoon drew a 1.9 overnight for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race from Sonoma Raceway, down 14% from a 2.2 last year. The 1.9 also is down 21% from FS1’s 2.4 overnight in 2015. There were 3.240 million viewers.(Sports Business Daily / Showbuzzdaily)(6-27-2017)
Navy Band Southeast to Perform National Anthem for the Coke Zero 400 Navy Band Southeast will perform the National Anthem for the 59th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, the Independence Day holiday weekend classic scheduled for Saturday night, July 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Established in 1995, Navy Band Southeast is one of 11 official U.S. Navy Bands. Proudly representing the Commander, Navy Region Southeast, the band consists of trained professional musicians dedicated to the highest levels of musical performance. Inspiring pride and patriotism through music, the band performs more than 350 engagements annually throughout the Southeastern United States.(Daytona International Speedway)[Read More Here](6-27-2017)
NASCAR industry to salute U.S. Military Units Independence Day Weekend As part of the continued efforts to show appreciation for the United States Armed Forces through NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola, 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. Military installations like U.S. Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral, USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-110) and 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division are among the military units and installations from all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces that will replace the XFINITY header on NASCAR XFINITY Series cars. Culminating at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola (#NASCARSalutes) is the industry’s six-week collective expression of respect and gratitude for those who bravely served and continue to defend the United States today. NASCAR and Coca-Cola will once again offer fans the opportunity to write the name of a service member close to their heart on a small poster and “Rise to Honor” them during the pace laps preceding the Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola.(NASCAR)[Read More Here](6-27-2017)
Special scheme for Tifft at Daytona: This week the #19 JGR Comcast NBCUniversal Salute to Service /Toyota Camry will be on display for the Coca-Cola Firecracker 250. As a sponsor of Tifft’s #19 Camry, this will be the first time that NBCUniversal and Comcast are represented as the primary sponsor for the 2017 season.[More](6-27-2017)
News from June 26, 2017
Entry List for the Coke Zero 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is posted, 40 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
36 teams with Charters are guaranteed to make the field. The rest need to make the field via qualifying / qualifying races / rules book (owners attempts/points).
Some of the drivers entered include: #7-Sadler*, #15-Kennington, #23-LaJoie, #33-JEarnhardt, #43-Bubba Wallace, #55-Sorenson*, #75-Gaughan*, #83-Sieg*
Drivers who currently to not drive for a team with a Charter and need to race into the field: none, only 40 cars, all make the race.
Not entered: #51-Ware Racing*,
Drivers who would miss the race if qualifying is canceled (least race attempts): none
Since only 40 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2017 Toyota/Save Mart 350For 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 3:00 PM, and stopped at the waving of the end of the race at 6:09 PM (all times are EDT). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage.
FS1 was the broadcast team for this event.(CawsnJaws.com )[Read More Here](6-26-2017)
Eddie Pardue Announced as #33 Crew Chief Effective Immediately:NASCAR veteran Crew Chief, Eddie Pardue has been announced as the Crew Chief of the #33 Circle Sport/The Motorsports Group Chevrolet for the remainder of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. Pardue, the former Competition Director for Red Horse Racing, and recently announced Head of Engineering for CSTMG, has created a resume of success over the years. Jeffrey Earnhardt’s former Crew Chief, Pay Tryson has been released from the organization, effective immediately. Pardue will be atop of the pit box starting Saturday, calling shots for Earnhardt, in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. (K1 Sports Marketing / Circle Sport/The Motorsports Group)[Read More Here](6-26-2017)
Sunday Sonoma Notebook Unconventional strategy propels Keselowski to third-place finish; After 6th-place run, Earnhardt Jr. reflects on his legacy; Hamlin enjoys solid run, but JGR still seeks first win. No one has ever accused Team Penske driver Brad Keselowski and his #2 team of following conventional wisdom when it comes to race strategy. Even with crew chief Paul Wolfe missing Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 to be with his wife for the birth of their second child, substitute pit boss Brian Wilson took up the beat of a different drummer. That Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished sixth in Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway is only slightly short of miraculous. Consider this. On Lap 14, Earnhardt lost control of his #88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet approaching Turn 11, slid through the corner and collided with Danica Patrick’s Ford. On Lap 31, Earnhardt was the meat in a three-wide sandwich entering Turn 4, with Kyle Larson dive-bombing to the inside and Danica Patrick on the outside. A chain-reaction collision sent Patrick spinning into the path of her boyfriend, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., whose Ford was damaged beyond repair. But Earnhardt persevered, and with the help of pit strategy designed to gain track position, he restarted second on Lap 55 after the conclusion of the race’s second stage. With the race running green until the final circuit (Lap 110), Earnhardt held sixth-best among Chevrolet drivers-to post his second straight top 10. Denny Hamlin’s Toyota lacked the muscle of some of the stronger cars in Sunday’s Toyota/Save mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, but the driver of the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota parlayed spot-on pit strategy and a solid performance into a fourth-place finish at the 1.99-mile road course. After finishing fourth in the race’s second stage, Hamlin stayed out on older tires and inherited the lead. All told, he was out front on two occasions for a total of 11 laps, fifth most among a race-record 10 leaders.(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](6-26-2017)
Sonoma Raceway helps Earnhardt Jr. leave lasting impact On the first day of NASCAR’s annual visit to the wine country road course, Sonoma Raceway President and General Manager Steve Page presented Dale Earnhardt Jr. with a unique gift to Paws as Loving Support (PALS) Assistance Dogs. In the spirit of Earnhardt and his wife Amy’s passion for animals, the raceway will sponsor three Labrador Retriever puppies that will be raised and trained to help children with disabilities at home and in the community. The puppies, dressed in capes embroidered with their names Dale, Junior and Amy, took NASCAR’s 14-time most popular driver by surprise. “I’d like to thank the track for their investment to make this happen. It really warms my heart. Amy is going to be excited but sad she is not here,” said Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 Axalta Chevrolet. “We do love dogs and making a difference in people’s lives. I’m excited to maybe come back and see how the dogs are doing.(Sonoma Raceway)[Read More Here](6-26-2017)
News from June 25, 2017
Harvick sweeps Sonoma weekend with Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Kevin Harvick won Saturday afternoon’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series West event at Sonoma Raceway That was like taking candy from babies. But Harvick mixed it up with the big boys in Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350, and the outcome was the same. Executing an ideal strategy for the long green-flag run that consumed the second half of the race-minus roughly 200 yards-Harvick won a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event for the first time this season, the first time at Sonoma and the first time in a Ford, after Stewart-Haas Racing made an offseason switch from Chevrolet. In winning for the 36th time in 590 career starts, Harvick took the checkered flag under caution after Kasey Kahne’s Chevrolet clobbered the concrete Jersey barriers near the start/finish line. By then, Harvick had a comfortable lead of more than eight seconds-and just enough fuel in the tank of the #4 Ford Fusion to complete a celebratory burnout on the frontstretch. “I’m so excited,” Harvick said in Victory Lane. “I think, as you look at it, getting our first win with Ford, this has been a great journey for us as an organization and team. (Teammate) Kurt (Busch) winning the Daytona 500, and we have run well. It’s a great day. It finally all came together, and we were able to not have any cautions there at the end. Rodney had great strategy, and I was able to take care of the car and get out front. I felt like the 78 (Martin Truex Jr.) was the car we had to race, and then he had problems and from there we were in control.” Five drivers made their Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debuts on Sunday. Subbing for injured Aric Almirola, Billy Johnson ran 22nd in the #43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford. Israeli driver Alon Day was 32nd, Kevin O’Connell 33rd, Tommy Regan 34th and Josh Bilicki 36th.(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](6-25-2017)
#4-Kevin Harvick won the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway for his 1st win of 2017, 1st win at Sonoma and 36th career win.
It was Harvick’s first Cup win in a Ford.
#14-Bowyer (with a beat up car) finished 2nd followed by #2-Keselowski, #11-Hamlin, #18-Busch, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #41-Busch, #24-Elliott, #21-Blaney & #1-McMurray.
Pole winner #42-Larson had a few incidents during the race, causing damage to his car and finished 26th.
#78-Truex Jr. led the most laps with 25 but had an engine sour late in the race, finishing 37th.
The race ended under caution when #5-Kahne was involved in an accident that left his car crumpled against the wall.
There were five Cup debuts (the most in one race since 1989): #15-O’Connell finished 33rd; #23-Day 32nd, #43-Johnson 22nd, #51-Bilicki 36th & #55-Regan 34th.
Stage 1 was won by #78-Truex Jr.
Stahe 2 was won by #48-Joshnon (his first stage win).
#42-Larson maintains the Driver Points lead by 13 points over #78-Truex Jr.
There were 13 lead changes among 10 drivers and 6 cautions for 12 yellow flag laps
The average speed of the race was: 78.710mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Pit Stop Times (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Sonoma Raceway
#4-Kevin Harvick won the 29th Annual Toyota/Save Mart 350, his 36th victory in 590 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his first victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and eighth top-10 finish in 17 races at Sonoma Raceway.
#14-Clint Bowyer (second) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 12 races at Sonoma Raceway. It is his sixth top-10 finish in 2017.
#2-Brad Keselowski (third) posted his second top-10 finish in eight races at Sonoma Raceway.
#19-Daniel Suarez (16th) was the highest finishing rookie.
#42-Kyle Larson leads the point standings by 13 points over #78-Martin Truex Jr.
Stewart-Haas Racing has finished 1-2 three times in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series: this weekend at Sonoma, Richmond (April, 2015) and New Hampshire (July, 2011).
Harvick is the 11th different winner this season.
With his win at Sonoma today, Harvick has won at every active track except Pocono, Texas and Kentucky.
Today’s race set new series records at Sonoma in lead changes (13) and leaders (10) – the previous records at Sonoma for lead changes was 12 (three-times: most recent was 2016) and leaders was nine (four-times: most recent 2014).
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(6-25-2017)
2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Standings:
[after Sonoma, race 16 of 36]
1) #42-Kyle Larson [2 wins], 659
2) #78-Martin Truex Jr [2], 636, -13
3) #4-Kevin Harvick [1], 548, -111
4) #18-Kyle Busch, 542, -117
5) #2-Brad Keselowski [2], 519, -140
See full standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 50) of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway (lap 50/110):
#48-Johnson, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#2-Keselowski, 9pts
#20-Kenseth, 8pts
#11-Hamlin, 7pts
#22-Logano, 6pts
#88-Earnhardt Jr., 5pts
#21-Blaney, 4pts
#3-Dillon, 3pts
#24-Elliott, 2pts
#31-Newman, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 25) of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway (lap 25/110):
#78-Truex Jr., 10pts, 1 playoff point
#47-Allmendinger, 9pts
#42-Larson, 8pts
#21-Blaney, 7pts
#11-Hamlin, 6pts
#22-Logano, 5pts
#6-Bayne, 4pts
#3-Dillon, 3pts
#5-Kahne, 2pts
#14-Bowyer. 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: no driver a lap down
Caution 2: no driver a lap down
Caution 3: no driver a lap down
Caution 4: no driver a lap down
Caution 5: no driver on track a lap down
Caution 6: no driver on track a lap down
(6-25-2017)
Race Coverage of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is scheduled for Sunday, June 25, 2017.
Television (TV): FS1 at 3:00 pm/et; Pre-race coverage on FS1 at 1:30pm/et; green flag approx. 3:20pm/et
Radio: Performance Racing Network (PRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Sonoma Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pre-Race Schedule for Sunday, June 25: (eastern time)
-3:00pm: Presentation of colors by Travis Air Force Base Honor Guard
-3:00:20pm: Invocation by Tim Boeve, track minister
-3:01pm: National anthem by Natalie Gallo, Transcendence Theatre Company’s Broadway Under the Stars
-3:02:30pm: Fly-By, 173rd Fighter Wing, Kingsley Field, Oregon
-3:08pm Command to start engines: Cristela Alonzo, voice of Cruz Ramirez in Disney/Pixar’s Cars 3 & Mr. Renee’ Doss, Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician
-3:20pm Green flag
Visor Cam debuts on Danica Patrick’s helmet at Sonoma After a successful test Friday during a televised practice session at Sonoma Raceway, FOX Sports announces it will feature a driver helmet visor camera in a live Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race telecast for the first time in NASCAR’s modern history during Sunday’s race coverage from Sonoma. The “FOX Sports Visor Cam,” several years in development, was tested on Danica Patrick’s helmet Friday afternoon and will remain for its race debut as the Stewart-Haas Racing driver pilots the #10 Code 3 Associates Ford Fusion on Sunday. To view Patrick’s visor cam footage from Friday’s practice session, CLICK HERE. The camera offers the most realistic view from the driver’s seat ever available to NASCAR fans.(FOX Sports)[Read More Here](6-25-2017)
Harvick wins the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race at SonomaKevin Harvick made his return to NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and he delivered. The Bakersfield, California, native dominated the Carneros 200 at Sonoma Raceway. Harvick held off hard-charging Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Will Rodgers, while the rest of the field was more than nine seconds back. Harvick won the 1998 West championship on his way up the NASCAR ladder, which culminated in his winning the 2014 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship. He drove the No. 4 Fields Ford for Jefferson Pitts Racing to his eighth victory of his career in the K&N Pro West Series. David Mayhew came home in third, followed by Michael Self and Derek Kraus in fourth and fifth, respectively. The Carneros 200 will air on NBCSN on Thursday, June 29, at 11 p.m. ET.(AutoWeek / NASCAR Wire Service )[Read More Here](6-25-2017)
News from June 24, 2017
Kyle Larson knocks Ganassi teammate Jamie McMurray off Sonoma pole #42-Kyle Larson didn’t think he had a pole-winning lap, especially after he wheel-hopped into Turn 11 at Sonoma Raceway and lost speed through the tight hairpin corner in Saturday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series knockout qualifying session. But Larson’s lap was good enough to edge Chip Ganassi Racing teammate #1-Jamie McMurray for the top starting spot in Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the 1.99-mile road course in California wine country. McMurray was first out in the final round and set the target at 95.204 mph. Of the 11 drivers who followed, only Larson was able to top the driver of the #1 Chevy, and only by .091 seconds. That completed a Ganassi Racing sweep of the front row for a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race for the third time in team history. Martin Truex Jr. qualified third, followed by Kyle Busch and AJ Allmendinger. Danica Patrick, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Chris Buescher and Dale Earnhardt Jr. completed the top 10.(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](6-24-2017)
#42-Kyle Larson won the Coors Light pole for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway with speed of 95.295mph for his 3rd pole of 2017, 1st at Sonoma and 4th of his career. Larson has won 2 races from the 3 previous poles.
#1-McMurray will start 2nd followed by #78-Truex Jr., #18-Busch, #47-Allmendinger, #10-Patrick, #21-Blaney, #24-Elliott, #37-Buescher, #88-Earnhardt Jr., #19-Suarez & #4-Harvick.
#24-Elliott was fastest in the first round with a speed of 95.371mph, will start 8th
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 38 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).(6-24-2017)
Sonoma Raceway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kyle Larson won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 29th Annual Toyota/Save Mart 350 with a lap of 75.177 seconds, 95.295 mph.
This is his fourth pole in 127 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his third pole and 11th top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole in four races at Sonoma Raceway.
Jamie McMurray (second) posted his 12th top-10 start of 2017 and his sixth in 15 races at Sonoma Raceway.
Martin Truex Jr. (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Sonoma Raceway. It is his 13th in 16 races this season.
Daniel Suarez (11th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
Danica Patrick (sixth) posts her third-best starting position in her Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career, and the best start in the series by a female competitor at Sonoma Raceway; previous best was Patrick’s 11th starting position in 2016 and 2014.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-24-2017)
First Round of Qualifying for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is over, after 20 scheduled minutes.
#24-Elliott 95.371
#78-Truex Jr. 95.265
#18-Busch 95.229
#1-McMurray 95.056
#37-Buescher 95.051
the rest of the top 12: 4 10 47 42 21 19 88
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 2: 14 11 27 95 41 22 3 31 5 17 2 48 6 43 32 38 72 77 34 23 51 33 13 15 55 20
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 38 entered
(6-24-2017)
Coverage of Qualifying for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is scheduled for Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 2:30pm/et.
Television (TV): FS1, 2:30pm/et
Radio: Live online at Performance Racing Network (www.goprn.com)
Road Course Qualifying Format: Qualifying for the road courses consist of two elimination rounds to determine the starting grid. The first elimination round will last 25 minutes and include all cars, setting starting spots 13-40. Then there will be a ten-minute break. The 12 cars that post the fastest single lap will advance to the final round. The final qualifying round will last 10 minutes, include all cars and the fastest single lap time will determine positions 1 through 12. The fastest driver in the final round will earn the pole position for the race.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. won’t rule out running future Daytona 500: As he retires from full-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has two Daytona 500 victories to credit. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t ever have a third. During a question-and-answer session with reporters after opening practice at Sonoma Raceway, Earnhardt allowed he might consider an encore appearance in NASCAR’s most prestigious race-under the right circumstances. True, next week Earnhardt will compete for the last time at Daytona as the driver of the #88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy. But that doesn’t mean it’s the last time he’ll compete at Daytona.
Earnhardt also addressed reports that he, too, might be under consideration for a broadcasting role. “We are certainly open to discussing the possibility of seeing what options I have,” Earnhardt said. “Who wanted us, what kind of job they want me for, and we are sort of in the middle of understanding that, and that just goes along the lines of doing due diligence on everything. I’m not retiring from work. I want to keep seeking out opportunities to make a living and make money and be relevant and be a value to my partners.”(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](6-24-2017)
Practice Accidents send Jones, Elliott to backup cars #77-Erik Jones had a tire deflating during Friday’s opening practice at Sonoma Raceway. That turned out to be the least of his worries. In the first two minutes of the second session, Jones missed a downshift and wheel-hopped into Turn 11, the hairpin. His #77 Furniture Row Racing Toyota slid across the corner and slammed into the tire barrier near the apex. After his team prepared the backup car, Jones got back on track with roughly 25 minutes left in final practice.
Jones, however, wasn’t the only driver who had issues in practice. In the first session, road course ace Billy Johnson spun early in the #43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford. Ty Dillon spun heading up the hill into Turn 2. The engine in Matt Kenseth’s #20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota expired, and the car came to rest in Turn 10. Practice was winding down when Chase Elliott spun near the entrance to Turn 10, he spun all the way through the corner and nosed into the barrier beyond the exit. The #24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team rolled out a backup car after the incident, and Elliott will have to qualify on Saturday with no laps on the car.(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](6-24-2017)
Truex Jr. Switches Gear, Throws out First Pitch at Rockies Game:Furniture Row Racing driver Martin Truex Jr. was a big hit with the Colorado Rockies players before throwing out the first pitch Thursday prior to the Rockies/Arizona Diamondbacks game. A number of Rockies players came up to Truex to talk racing, including Rockies manager Bud Black. Wearing the #78 Colorado Rockies jersey with his name on the back, Truex stepped to the mound and hurled a fastball across the plate. After throwing out the first pitch Truex conducted interviews with the Denver media, which were followed by an autograph session.(Furniture Row Racing )[Read More Here](6-24-2017)
William Byron gets first career XFINITY win at Iowa Speedway: Last week, a blink-of-an-eye moment weighed heavily on William Byron. Saturday, the driver of the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet lifted his head and shouted out a pent-up yelp that formed the suitable soundtrack the rookie’s first career NASCAR XFINITY Series victory.[More](6-24-2017)
William Byron wins Iowa XFINITY race: #9-William Byron won the American Ethanol E15 250 at Iowa Speedway. It is his 1st career XFINITY Series win. #39-Ryan Sieg finished second (a career best finish), followed by #42-Tyler Reddick (career best finish), #4-Ross Chastain (career best finish), #28-Dakoda Armstrong (ties career best finish), #5-Michael Annett, #51-Jeremy Clements (2nd best career finish), #1-Elliott Sadler, #7-Justin Allgaier, and #0-Garrett Smithley (2nd career best finish).
There were 9 cautions for 64 laps and 13 lead changes among 7 leaders.
The average speed was 85.859mph.
Complete results are on the Iowa race results page (pdf).
(6-24-2017)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 60 – Winner, #20-Christopher Bell
Stage 2 – lap 120 – Winner, #62-Brendan Gaughan
Stage 3 – lap 250 – Race winner, #9-William Byron
Iowa XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
William Byron won the 7th Annual American Ethanol E15 250 Presented by Enogen, his first victory in 14 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first victory and eighth top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish at Iowa Speedway.
Ryan Sieg (second) posted his first top-10 finish in seven races at Iowa Speedway. It is his first top-10 finish in 2017.
Tyler Reddick (third) posted his first top-10 finish at Iowa Speedway.
William Byron (first) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 25 points over Justin Allgaier.
Byron becomes the youngest series winner at Iowa Speedway at the age of 19 years, 6 months and 26 days; previous record was Erik Jones win last season at 20 years, 2 months and 0 days.
Byron led 78 laps – the second-most in the event.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-24-2017)
XFINITY Driver standings following Iowa:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler, 502
2) #7-Justin Allgaier [1 win], 477, -25
3) #9-William Byron [1 win], 445, -57
4) #21-Daniel Hemric, 356, -146
5) #16-Ryan Reed [1 win], 347, -155
6) #48-Brennan Poole, 336, -166
7) #00-Cole Custer, 322, -180
8) #6-Darrell Wallace Jr., 321, -181
9) #19-Matt Tifft, 310, -192
10) #5-Michael Annett, 304, -198
11) #28-Dakoda Armstrong, 276, -226
12) #11-Blake Koch, 275, -227
13) #39-Ryan Sieg, 251, -251
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(6-24-2017)
Christopher Bell on XFINITY pole at Iowa: #20-Christopher Bell won the pole for the American Ethanol E15 250 at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 133.305mph. #18-Kyle Benjamin will start second. The rest of the top 10: #22-Sam Hornish, Jr., #1-Elliott Sadler, #7-Justin Allgaier, #9-William Byron, #28-Dakoda Armstrong, #48-Brennan Poole, #19-Matt Tifft, and #60-Ty Majeski.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Iowa starting lineup page (pdf).(6-24-2017)
Scott Lagasse, Jr. driving for JGL Racing at Daytona: JGL Racing announced Friday that Scott Lagasse, Jr. will drive a third entry for the team at Daytona.[More](2-24-2017)
News from June 23, 2017
Qualifying Order for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is posted.
The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #24-Elliott.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #41-Busch.
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).(6-23-2017)
Happy Hour practice for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is over, after 85 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#42-Larson 94.389
#18-Busch 94.344
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 94.242
#47-Allmendinger 94.221
#1-McMurray 94.017
slowest: #55-Regan 87.541 & #15-O’Connell 89.371
most laps run: #42-Larson, 30
best 10 consecutive lap ave #42-Larson 91.817 (9 drivers)
notes: #77-Jones spun in turn 11 and hit the tire barrier, doing enough damage to warrant a back-up car. #72-Whitt had a oil cooler break in turn 2 and spun in to the grass, the team made repairs and Whitt got back on track. #23-Alon Day got off course but saved the car and drove back to the gargae, Day ended up 23rd fastest. Towards the end of practice, #24-Elliott spun off turn 10 and hit the concrete barrier hard, tearing most of the front of the car off, Elliott 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) (6-23-2017)
Friday practice for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is over, after 115 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#78-Truex Jr. 94.587
#11-Hamlin 94.068
#17-Stehnouse Jr. 93.684
#14-Bowyer 93.605
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 93.514
best 10 consecutive lap ave: #18-Busch 91.852 (only 5 drivers)
slowest: #55-Regan 85.419 & #15-O’Connell 88.248
most laps run: #3-Dillon 32
notes: #20-Kenseth had engine problems and the team will have to change it.
a few drivers got off the course and into the grass: #43-Johnson, #13-Dillon, #24-Elliott
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Practice 1 speeds page (pdf) (6-23-2017)
Chip Ganassi on 2018 lineup: ‘It’s going to look the same’: Chip Ganassi says his organization is “going to look the same” next year as Silly Season rumors swirl around the NASCAR garage. The statement came Thursday morning when Ganassi was asked on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s Tradin’ Paint about how confident he was for 2018 when it came to his current stable of drivers, crew chiefs and sponsors. Coming off his second Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series win at Michigan, series points leader #42-Kyle Larson, 24, is an elite driver drawing plenty of commentary on his future. Larson has three career wins and is locked into the playoffs for the second straight year. #1-Jamie McMurray has quietly been putting together one of his best seasons.(NASCAR.com)[Read More Here](6-23-2017)
Clint Bowyer’s #14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford will carry a special Cars 3 paint scheme this weekend at Sonoma Raceway to promote the popular movie that opened this month. In the movie, blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen teams up with tech-savvy trainer Cruz Ramirez to get back into pole position.(Stewart-Haas Racing)[Read More Here](6-23-2017)
Tommy Regan set for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut at Sonoma A marketing partnership between Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) teams Rick Ware Racing (RWR) and Premium Motorsports will allow veteran short track racer Tommy Regan to make his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut in Sunday’s Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. Regan, a part-time competitor in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) brings a new marketing partner and reasonable expectations aboard the #55 Chevrolet for the 110-lap road course event. Thanks to RWR, Jay Robinson of Premium Motorsports and new marketing partner Oscaro, Regan is determined to make an entrance.(Premium Motorsports)[Read More Here](6-23-2017)
Kevin O’Connell set for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut at Sonoma O’Connell Racing, a Southern California based motorsports team announced today that American road racing driver Kevin O’Connell with drive the #15 Premium Motorsports entry in the Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday June 25th. O’Connell, an accomplished road course racer by trade debut will be supported by SBC Contractors Inc., a Sacramento-area building contractor offering a wide range of residential and commercial building services, for both new and remodel projects. Currently signed as a road course driver for Rick Ware Racing (RWR), O’Connell will also run the Saturday race in the K & N Pro Series West race in the #77 Performance P-1 Motorsports Chevrolet. This race will be the first time O’Connell has run in NASCAR outside of RWR since entering the XFINITY Series.(Rick Ware Racing / Premium Motorsports)[Read More Here](6-23-2017)
Cole Custer paces final XFINITY practice: #00-Cole Custer was quickest in final practice at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 132.164mph.
#20-Christopher Bell was second, followed by: #11-Blake Koch, #33-Brandon Jones, #2-Ben Kennedy, #9-William Byron, #19-Matt Tifft, #18-Kyle Benjamin, #48-Brennan Poole, and #22-Sam Hornish, Jr..
All 40 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Iowa final practice speeds page (pdf).(6-23-2017)
Kyle Benjamin fastest in first XFINITY practice: #18-Kyle Benjamin was fastest during opening practice at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 131.436mph.
The rest of the top 10: #19-Matt Tifft, #33-Brandon Jones, #22-Sam Hornish, Jr., #42-Tyler Reddick, #23-Spencer Gallagher, #7-Justin Allgaier, #21-Daniel Hemric, #20-Christopher Bell, and #2-Ben Kennedy.
38 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Iowa practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-23-2017)
Race recap: John Hunter Nemechek goes back-to-back with Truck win at Iowa: With six laps to go, John Hunter Nemechek made his bold, last-gasp move. Again. Nemechek, who charged to a Father’s Day win for his dad, Joe, last week at Gateway Motorsports Park, reprised his stirring comeback role in Friday’s pulse-pounding NASCAR Camping World Series M&M’s 200 presented by Casey’s General Store at Iowa Speedway.[More](6-23-2017)
Nemechek wins Iowa: #8-John Hunter Nemechek won the M&Ms 200 presented by Casey’s General Store at Iowa Speedway Friday night after taking the lead with six laps remaining. Nemechek’s team opted for four fresh tires under a caution flag with a dozen laps remaining. The leader at the time, #21-Johnny Sauter, stayed on track. Once the green flag waved for the final restart, Nemechek powered by to take the lead. Sauter held on to finish second. #99-Brandon Jones, #98-Grant Enfinger, #4-Christopher Bell, #18-Noah Gragson, # 29-Chase Briscoe, #19-Austin Cindric, #97-Jesse Little, and #24-Justin Haley closed out the top-10.
There were four caution flags for 34 laps and five lead changes among five leaders.
See results on the Iowa race results page(6-23-2017)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 60 laps, winner, #4-Christopher Bell
Stage 2 – 120 laps, winner, #21-Johnny Sauter
Stage 3 – 200 laps, winner, #8-John Hunter Nemechek
Iowa Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
John H. Nemechek won the 9th Annual M&M’s 200 Presented by Casey’s General Stores, his fifth victory in 62 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second victory and fourth top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in four races at Iowa Speedway.
Johnny Sauter (second) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 11 races at Iowa Speedway. It is his eighth top-10 finish in 2017.
Brandon Jones(i) (third) posted his second top-10 finish in four races at Iowa Speedway.
Grant Enfinger (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 42 points over Christopher Bell.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-23-2017)
Truck Series point standings following Iowa:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 433
2) #4-Christopher Bell, 391, – 42
3) #29-Chase Briscoe, 357, -76
4) #88-Matt Crafton, 338, -95
5) #27-Ben Rhodes, 310, -123
6) #98-Grant Enfinger, 265, -133
7) #16-Ryan Truex, 292, -141
8) #8-John Hunter Nemechek, 280, -153
9) #18-Noah Gragson, 255, -178
10) #33-Kaz Grala, 247, -186
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page.(6-23-2017)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Iowa: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #45-Self, 23rd
Caution 2: #27-Rhodes, 14th
Caution 3: #66-Hutchens, 16th
Caution 4: #13-Coughlin, 12th
(6-23-2017)
Gragson on pole at Iowa: #18-Noah Gragson won the pole for Friday’s M&Ms 200 at Iowa Speedway with a speed at 136.151mph. His Kyle Busch Motorsports teammate, #4-Christopher Bell, will start alongside on row one. The rest of the top-10: #29-Chase Briscoe, #21-Johnny Sauter, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #27-Ben Rhodes, #24-Justin Haley, #16-Ryan Truex, #97-Jesse Little, and #98-Grant Enfinger.
Failed to qualify: #0-Jennifer Jo Cobb.
The starting lineup is posted on the Iowa starting lineup page(6-23-2017)
Iowa Qualifying Fast Facts:
Noah Gragson won the 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 9th Annual M&M’s 200 Presented by Casey’s General Stores with a lap of 23.136 seconds, 136.151 mph.
This is his second pole in 11 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second pole and seventh top-10 start in 2017.This is his first pole in his first start at Iowa Speedway.
Christopher Bell (second) posted his eighth top-10 start of 2017 and his second in three races at Iowa Speedway.
Chase Briscoe (third) posted his first top-10 start at Iowa Speedway. It is his sixth in nine races this season.
Noah Gragson (first) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
Gragson becomes the youngest NCWTS pole winner at Iowa Speedway at the age of 18 years, 11 months and 8 days. The previous record was held by John Hunter Nemechek at 19 years, 0 months and 7 days.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-23-2017)
Jones paces final Iowa Truck practice:#99-Brandon Jones was fastest during final practice for Friday’s M&Ms 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 135.251mph. #16-Ryan Truex was second, followed by #27-Ben Rhodes, #21-Johnny Sauter, #33-Kaz Grala, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #24-Justin Haley, #88-Matt Crafton, #51-Harrison Burton, and #97-Jesse Little. 27 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(6-23-2017)
Bell fastest in opening Iowa Truck practice: #4-Christopher Bell was fastest during the opening practice for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series race at Iowa Speedway at 135.257mph. #29-Chase Briscoe, #97-Jesse Little, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #13-Cody Coughlin, #19-Austin Cindric, #27-Ben Rhodes, #21-Johnny Sauter, #99-Brandon Jones, and #24-Justin Haley were the remainder of the top-10. 26 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(6-23-2017)
FOX Sports moves Eldora Truck race to FOX Business NetworkFOX Sports announced that the July 19 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race from Eldora Speedway is moving from FS1 to FOX Business Network. The move is being made to accommodate a CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinal double-header match expected to feature the US Men’s National team on FS1 that evening. [More](6-23-2017)
September New Hampshire Cup Race now the ISM Connect 300:Sports venue digital activation innovator to serve as entitlement sponsor for Sept. 24 ISM Connect 300 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at NHMS. With an emphasis on enhancing the fan experience, ISM Connect is a picture-perfect partner for New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The innovator in sports venue digital activation will headline the Sunday, Sept. 24 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, which speedway officials announced on Thursday will now be entitled the ISM Connect 300. The sponsorship of New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s September race is the latest ISM activation in a company-wide relationship with Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI), the speedway’s parent company. NHMS is one of eight SMI-owned tracks across the country. For more details and ticket information on the ISM Connect 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway visit Fan Relations, the speedway website at www.nhms.com, or call us at (603) 783-4931.(NHMS)[Read More Here](6-23-2017)
Aurora, Colorado to vote if city can build NASCAR-style complexVoters in Aurora will decide this November whether the city can build a NASCAR-style complex that would include a racetrack. Monday, Aurora City Council voted 7 to 3 to approve a measure that allows them to move forward with plans for an “entertainment district.” At this point, the “entertainment district” does not have definitive plans to include a racetrack, but it’s been discussed for years, according to the mayor of Aurora. The ballot issue in November does not approve plans for a racing complex. Voters will decide whether to strictly to overturn a charter provision that prevents the city from offering incentives or subsidies to motorsport facilities.(9 News)[Read More Here](6-23-2017)
News from June 22, 2017
Kelley Blue Book makes 2017 debut on the #24 Chevy at Sonoma This weekend (June 25, 2017) at Sonoma Raceway, Chase Elliott will pilot the #24 Kelley Blue Book Chevrolet SS for the first time this season. Kelley Blue Book is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week, the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book Trade-In Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new and used cars this week. In addition to Sonoma, Kelley Blue Book is scheduled to be on the #24 Chevrolet SS later this season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in September.(Hendrick Motorsports)[Read More Here](6-22-2017)
Keselowski could be without crew chief at Sonoma #2 Team Penske has made plans for crew chief Paul Wolfe not to be at Sonoma this weekend so he can remain in North Carolina for the birth of his second child, a team spokesperson told NBC Sports on Wednesday. Should Wolfe not be at Sonoma, team engineer Brian Wilson would serve as the crew chief. Wilson served in that role at Auto Club Speedway, Talladega and Kansas after NASCAR suspended Wolfe three races because Keselowski’s car failed the Laser Inspection Station after a fifth-place finish March 19 at Phoenix Raceway.(NBC Sports)[Read More Here](6-22-2017)
Robby Gordon banned from racing in Australia over Darwin donut session AMERICAN motorsport star Robby Gordon may not compete in Australia again after motorsport officials flagged banning him for hooning in Darwin’s CBD on the weekend. Super truck driver Gordon, who’s also had a successful NASCAR career in the United States, was caught doing burnouts on the city’s main Mitchell Street on Saturday night. Gordon was in Darwin competing in Stadium Super Trucks, which he formed. He came second in Sunday’s race at Hidden Valley Raceway, which also hosted the weekend’s V8 Supercars championship race.(Daily Telegraph)[Read More Here](6-22-2017)
Youngest Jarrett prefers baseball Zach Jarrett, grandson of Ned Jarrett and son of Dale Jarrett – both members of the NASCAR Hall of Fame – chose baseball instead of racing as a career path. The Baltimore Orioles selected the 6-foot-4, 220-pound outfielder in the 28th round of the recent Major League Baseball Draft. “It’s unreal,” Jarrett told MLB.com. “It’s been a dream since I was a little kid. For the day to come, it’s unreal. It’s hard to believe this day is here. I’m ready to get started.”(Florida Times-Union)[Read More Here](6-22-2017)
Ato Boldon joins NASCAR NBC Broadcast team Four-time Olympic medalist and 10-year NBC Sports track and field analyst Ato Boldon (@AtoBoldon) joins NBC Sports Group’s NASCAR on NBC broadcast team as a features contributor for the 2017 NASCAR season. Boldon will make his NASCAR on NBC debut, on Saturday, July 1, during NBC’s coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway. At Daytona, Boldon will be embedded with the die-hard NASCAR racing community, and will report on what makes NASCAR fans so loyal to their drivers. Boldon will experience the infield of the world’s first motorsports speedway firsthand, and will look back at what it was like to race on the packed sand of Daytona Beach where the sport first began.(NBC SPORTS GROUP)[Read More Here](6-22-2017)
Original docuseries following Hendrick Motorsports to debut in JulyComplex Networks, Film 45, Markay Media, and NASCAR champions Hendrick Motorsports have teamed up on an original eight-part documentary series that journeys deep inside the teamwork, sophistication and heart that makes stock car racing an American institution. Road to Race Day goes behind the scenes with Hendrick Motorsports during the 2016 season, delivering unprecedented access to witness the passion, determination, and talent that propels its superstar drivers – Kasey Kahne, Chase Elliott, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. – and crew to be the winningest team in professional stock car racing. Directed by Cynthia Hill (A Chef’s Life, Private Violence) and executive produced by Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights, Patriots Day), Road to Race Day premieres on Complex Networks’ Rated Red available on go90 on Wednesday, July 19.(Hendrick Motorsports)[Red More Here](6-22-2017)
NASCAR alters Indianapolis XFINITY race stages: Stage lengths for the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July have been tweaked slightly. Minor updates to the XFINITY Series race package for the summer race at the flat 2.5-mile oval are expected to alter the length of a fuel run.[More](6-22-2017)
Ritchie Industries returns to RSS Racing for Iowa: RSS Racing is pleased to welcome Ritchie Industries as the primary sponsor for Ryan Sieg at both XFINITY races at Iowa Speedway. Ritchie Industries joined the team at Iowa Speedway last July where Sieg finished 15th.[More](6-22-2017)
Gase announces Iowa based partners for his home coming to Iowa Speedway: Joey Gase is excited to be coming home and racing at Iowa Speedway for The American Ethanol e15 250 in his #52 Iowa Donor Network/ Jerry K. Ask Investment Services car. With the help of Iowa Donor Network and Jerry K. Ask Investment Services, Joey will be promoting a very important cause to him; organ, eye, and tissue donation.[More](6-22-2017)
Retired U.S. Army General Wesley Clark named Coke Zero 400 Grand Marshal: Retired United States Army General Wesley Clark will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 59th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, the Independence Day holiday weekend classic scheduled for Saturday night, July 1 at Daytona International Speedway.
The Coke Zero 400, one of the most exciting night races on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series schedule, will begin at 7:30 p.m. following Clark delivering the famous “Drivers, start your engines” command to the 40-car field. In addition to giving the command, Clark will ride in one of the Grand Marshal cars during pace laps prior to the green flag of the 160-lap, 400-mile race and attend the drivers meeting. Tickets for the June 29 – July 1 Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)[Read More Here](6-22-2017)
News from June 21, 2017
NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Sonoma Larson Wins Second Race Of Season, Takes Back Points Lead; Stage Master: Truex Continues To Pick Up Playoff Points; Elliott Eyes First Win; Road Course Ace Allmendinger Revved Up For Sonoma; Parity At Sonoma; Hamlin Tops At Road Courses In 2016; Golden State Warriors and more.(NASCAR)[Read More Here](6-21-2017)
Toyota/Save Mart 350 Pit Notes The following are some notes of interest in advance of this weekend’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event at Sonoma Raceway, June 23-25; This will be Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s final NASCAR Cup race at Sonoma Raceway, as he will retire from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at the end of the 2017 race season. In 17 starts, Earnhardt has posted two top-10 finishes in Sonoma, including a best finish of third in 2014. NASCAR unveiled an enhanced three-stage race format for 2017, with championship implications in each stage. The stages for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be 25 laps, 25 laps and 60 laps. (Sonoma Raceway)[Read More Here](6-21-2017)
Microsoft to sponsor Kahne at Sonoma This weekend at Sonoma Raceway, Kasey Kahne will pilot the #5 Windows 10 Chevrolet SS. The northern California track marks the first time the major technology partner of Hendrick Motorsports has adorned the #5 Chevrolet SS.(Hendrick Motorsports)[Read More Here](6-21-2017)
Statistical Advance: Analyzing the Toyota / Save Mart 350 a look at some of the top statistical performers at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California going into the Toyota / Save Mart 350 on June 25. Top 10 Driver Ratings at Sonoma: #41-Kurt Busch (1 win)……………….. 107.8; #48-Jimmie Johnson (1)……………….. 99.9. The track opened as a 2.52-mile road course and drag strip in 1968. The first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race was held on June 11, 1989 – won by Ricky Rudd at an average speed of 76.088 mph. 206 drivers have competed in at least one Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway; 146 in more than one. Jeff Gordon leads the series in starts at Sonoma with 23 starts. 17 drivers have Coors Light poles at Sonoma, led by Jeff Gordon with five. 18 different Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers have won at Sonoma Raceway, led by Jeff Gordon with five wins.(NASCAR)[Read More Here](6-21-2017)
Michigan XFINITY penalties announced: NASCAR released the Post-Event Penalty Report for Michigan International Speedway. There were two XFINITY infractions: Joe Gibbs Racing’s #20 team was penalized for the splitter not being flat. The race win was encumbered, crew chief (Chris Gabehart) has been fined $25,000 and suspended from the next two NASCAR XFINITY Series Championship Points Events, and the team has been assessed with the loss of 25 NASCAR XFINITY Series owner points. In addition, the #00 Stewart-Hass Racing team of Cole Custer was given a penalty for loose lug nut(s). Crew chief (Jeff Meendering) has been fined $5,000. [More](6-21-2017)
Majeksi ready for XFINITY debut at Iowa: When Ty Majeksi makes his first career start in the NASCAR XFINITY Series this week at Iowa Speedway, he will be doing it in one of the most noted cars in NASCAR history. Majeski will pilot the No. 60 iRacing Ford this weekend, a car entry that holds the record for NASCAR XFINITY Series wins with 93. The car has been driven to victory lane on numerous occasions by NASCAR and former Roush Fenway legends Mark Martin, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards.[More](6-21-2017)
Bobby Dale Earnhardt to make XFINITY debut at Iowa: He tweeted that he is looking for sponsorship for this weekend’s race, with a photo of the #40 car of Carl Long. He currently works for the team as a tire changer and mechanic and was recently approved by NASCAR to run short tracks. He [More](6-21-2017)
Hutchens to make Truck debut in Iowa for Bolen North Carolina State University sophomore Trey Hutchens will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut on Friday, June 23, in the Iowa 200 at Iowa Speedway. Hutchens, the 2015 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Rookie of the Year, will pilot the No. 66 Bolen Motorsports entry.[More](6-21-2017)
Martins Motorsports returns to Truck Series competition with Matt Mills in Iowa Matt Mills will take the wheel for Martins Motorsports in the new #42 Thompson’s Electric Chevrolet at Iowa Speedway this weekend. The move marks a return to the Truck Series for Martins Motorsports, who earlier in the year shifted their focus towards the Xfinity Series and sold the rights to the team’s original 44 number to Faith Motorsports.[More](6-21-2017)
An Evening Honoring Dale Earnhardt Sr. on Sept, 2nd at DarlingtonAs part of its throwback weekend, celebrating the 1985-89 era of the sport, Darlington Raceway will be honoring Dale Earnhardt Sr. and the 30th anniversary of his 1987 Bojangles’ Southern 500 victory. On Saturday night, September 2, the track will host An Evening Honoring Dale Earnhardt Sr., a can’t-miss event, which will feature a panel of personalities talking about the seven-time NASCAR champion, including children Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Kerry Earnhardt and longtime team owner Richard Childress. An Evening Honoring Dale Earnhardt Sr. will take place in the driver’s meeting tent in the Cale Yarborough/Monster Energy Series garage from 7:30 – 9 p.m. following the conclusion of the Southern 500 Parade. NBC lead announcer Rick Allen will serve as emcee for the event. Fans have the opportunity to purchase an admission ticket to the event for $87, which includes two beverage coupons, light hors d’oeuvres and one (1) 1:24-scale Dale Earnhardt Jr. throwback #88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS diecast. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.DarlingtonRaceway.com or calling 843-395-8802, while supplies last. A grandstand ticket or infield admission to Sunday’s Bojangles’ Southern 500 is required for purchase.(Darlington Raceway)[Read More Here](6-21-2017)
News from June 20, 2017
David Higdon Leaving As NASCAR VP After Six-Year Run NASCAR VP/Integrated Marketing Communications David Higdon is leaving the sanctioning body after a six-year run. Higdon, who made the announcement yesterday on social media, will work through June 30. Higdon says he has yet to figure out his next move(Sports Business Daily)[Read More Here](6-20-2017)
Boris Said driving the #33 at Sonoma: Circle Sport with TMG announced Tuesday on Twitter that road course expert Boris Said will join the team this weekend at Sonoma, piloting the #33 Chevy.[More](6-20-2017)
Alon Day to make Cup debut at Sonoma with BK Racing UPDATE:Alon Day will become the first driver from Israel to ever compete in NASCAR’s top series next weekend in the Toyota/Save Mart 350 driving the BK Racing No. 23 EarthWater Limited Toyota Camry. Day, a 25 year-old native of Tel Aviv, Israel, was named Israel’s 2016 “Athlete of the Year”. As a result of his outstanding achievements in NASCAR’s Euro Series, Day has the unique distinction of being the first stock car driver from outside of North America to be selected for the NASCAR NEXT program, an initiative to feature NASCAR’s future stars. Day comes to Sonoma upon the heels of being crowned “King of Brands Hatch”, as a result of last week’s victory in the NASCAR Whelen Euro race in England.(6-16-2017)
UPDATE: EarthWater, a manufacturer of high alkaline mineral infused beverages under the brands “FulHum” and “ZenFul”, is proud to be the Exclusive Title Sponsor of Driver Alon Day and Car #23 for BK Racing at the NASCAR Race in Sonoma, CA on Sunday, June 25th broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS.[More](6-20-2017)
Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America raises $1.3 million for charity: 200 riders traveled the Pacific Northwest from Portland to Milwaukee to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction [More](6-20-2017)
John Lasseter to drive pace car at Toyota/Save Mart 350 in Sonoma:John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, will drive a 2017 Toyota Camry pace car to kick off the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, June 25.[More](6-20-2017)
News from June 19, 2017
Silly Season heating up: Brad Keselowski left himself very little wiggle room when asked if he is a candidate to replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. next season. “Roger has given me a lot, and I have no reason to not want to stay with him,” Keselowski replied when The Associated Press asked him if Earnhardt’s retirement at the end of the season and his open seat at Hendrick Motorsports is holding up a new deal. As NASCAR hits the long, slow stretch of summer, its “silly season” is certainly heating up and Earnhardt’s seat in the #88 Chevrolet the biggest prize of free agency.[More](6-19-2017)
Grand Finale: NASCAR announces date, venue for postseason awards NASCAR announced today a return to Las Vegas for the ninth consecutive year with the annual postseason culmination of Champion’s Week – the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards – to be held at Wynn Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017.[More](6-19-2017)
Dave Rogers named JGR Director for XFINITY Series Operations:Joe Gibbs Racing names Dave Rogers technical director for its NASCAR XFINITY Series Operations. Rogers had previously served as the crew chief for the No. 19 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team before taking a personal leave of absence in March of this season.[More](6-19-2017)
Michigan overnight TV ratings: Fox earned a 1.9 overnight for Sunday’s race at Michigan International Speedway.[More](6-19-2017)
NASCAR explains Michigan debris caution: After criticism from the sport’s most popular driver and a former champion, NASCAR defended its calls on debris cautions Monday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.[More](6-19-2017)
Earnhardt, Jr. talking to TV networks: According to a report on Monday’s Sports Business Daily, “NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. is in talks with Fox Sports and NBC Sports about joining one of their broadcast teams, according to industry sources, the clearest sign yet that Earnhardt is close to a move to the booth.” [More](6-19-2017)
Latest on lawsuit against Stewart: A summary judgment hearing scheduled for Friday in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Kevin Ward Jr.’s parents against Tony Stewart has been canceled as U.S. District Court judge David Hurd told attorneys that he will rule solely from the briefs submitted. Attorneys will meet Friday afternoon with a magistrate judge to discuss any settlement talks and options.[More](6-19-2017)
FireKeepers Casino 400 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](6-19-2017)
RCR renews agreement with U.S. Cellular in the XFINITY Series: For the second consecutive season, Richard Childress Racing will return to the NASCAR XFINITY Series with sponsorship from U.S. Cellular. The No. 62 U.S. Cellular Chevrolet piloted by Brendan Gaughan will return to the track for the NASCAR XFINITY Series U.S. Cellular 250 at Iowa Speedway July 29.[More](6-19-2017)
Truck Series entry list: There are 30 trucks entered for Friday’s Iowa 200 at Iowa Speedway. See the complete list on the Iowa entry list page (pdf).(6-19-2017)
EDGE-Guard to sponsor Long Motorsports at Iowa EDGE-Guard will serve as primary sponsor for Long Motorsports at Iowa Speedway.[More](6-19-2017)
Savings begin Friday for Talladega grandstand seating: Beginning this Friday, June 23rd, fans can save up to $15 off of race week pricing on grandstand tickets to Talladega Superspeedway’s anticipated October 15th Alabama 500 – the “Wildcard” event in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) Playoffs – with the track’s “Advanced Pricing.”[More](6-19-2017)
U.S. Cellular extends Iowa sponsorship through 2019: U.S. Cellular has extended its sponsorship agreement with Iowa Speedway through 2019. The wireless provider has served as the U.S. Cellular 250 title sponsor since 2009 and has been the Newton track’s official wireless partner since ’06.[More](6-19-2017)
News from June 18, 2017
Billy Johnson driving the #43 at Sonoma: Richard Petty Motorsports announced today that IMSA Ford driver Billy Johnson will pilot the #43 Smithfield Ford at Sonoma Raceway and fill in for the injured Aric Almirola. Fresh from competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Johnson will make his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start this weekend, but this isn’t the first time he worked in NASCAR. Johnson made five starts in the NASCAR XFINITY Series and scored a career-best eighth-place finish in Montreal in 2012.[More](6-19-2017)
BK Racing will not enter #83 team at Sonoma: The #23 team will still be at the track with Alon Day making his Cup debut.[More](6-18-2017)
Brittany & Joey Logano expecting: Logano tweeted Sunday evening that Brittany is pregnant.[More](6-18-2017)
Superb restarts propel Kyle Larson to victory in Michigan: Two weeks ago at Dover, Kyle Larson took a painful master class in restarts from Professor Jimmie Johnson. In Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway, Larson graduated with high honors, using a series of exceptional restarts to win his second Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race of the season and his second in a row, dating to last August, at the two-mile track in the Irish Hills. At Dover, Larson lost a race in which he had the dominant car when Johnson snookered him on a late restart and seized control of the race.[More](6-18-2017)
Larson wins at Michigan: #42-Kyle Larson won the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway for his 2nd win of 2017, 1st win at Michigan, and 3rd career win. Larson started from the pole and led 96 of the 200 laps.
#24-Elliott finished 2nd followed by #22-Logano, #11-Hamlin, #1-McMurray, #78-Truex, Jr., #18-Busch, #17-Stenhouse, Jr., #88-Earnhardt, Jr., and #48-Johnson.
Larson takes the points lead from Truex, Jr by 5 points.
Stages 1 & 2 were both won by #78-Martin Truex, Jr.
There were 10 lead changes among 4 drivers and 8 cautions for 34 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 143.369mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Michigan International Speedway
Kyle Larson won the 49th Annual FireKeepers Casino 400, his third victory in 127 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his second victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his second victory and fourth top-10 finish in eight races at Michigan International Speedway.
Chase Elliott (second) posted his third top-10 finish in four races at Michigan International Speedway. It is his ninth top-10 finish in 2017.
Joey Logano (third) posted his 12th top-10 finish in 18 races at Michigan International Speedway.
Erik Jones (13th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Larson leads the point standings by 5 points over Martin Truex Jr.
This is the 14th Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory for Chip Ganassi Racing.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(6-18-2017)
2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Standings:
[after Michigan, race 15 of 36]
1) #42-Kyle Larson [2 wins], 640
2) #78-Martin Truex Jr [2], 635, -5
3) #18-Kyle Busch, 510, -130
4) #4-Kevin Harvick, 508, -132
5) #24-Chase Elliott, 478, -162
5) #2-Brad Keselowski [2], 476, -164
7) #1-Jamie McMurray, 450, -190
8) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3], 449, -191
9) #11-Denny Hamlin, 430, -210
10) #22-Joey Logano [1*], 398, -242
11) #20-Matt Kenseth, 398, -242
12) #14-Clint Bowyer, 391, -249
13) #21-Ryan Blaney [1], 376, -264
14) #41-Kurt Busch [1], 359, -281
15) #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. [1], 354, -286
16) #77-Erik Jones, 346, -294
17) #31-Ryan Newman [1], -344, -296
20) #3-Austin Dillon [1], 297, -343
* encumbered finish, can’t be used to make the playoffs
See full standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 120) of the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway (lap 120/200):
#78-Truex, Jr., 10pts, 1 playoff point
#18-Busch, 9pts
#42-Larson, 8pts
#20-Kenseth, 7pts
#14-Bowyer, 6pts
#4-Harvick, 5pts
#11-Hamlin, 4pts
#41-Busch, 3pts
#24-Elliott, 2pts
#2-Keselowski, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 60) of the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway (lap 60/200):
#78-Truex, Jr., 10pts, 1 playoff point
#42-Larson, 9pts
#18-Busch, 8pts
#11-Hamlin, 7pts
#20-Kenseth, 6pts
#14-Bowyer, 5pts
#21-Blaney, 4pts
#24-Elliott, 3pts
#22-Logano, 2pts
#48-Johnson, 1pt
News from June 17, 2017
GMS Racing considering move to Cup GMS Racing is contemplating a move to the Monster Energy Cup Series. Team owner Maury Gallagher told motorsport.com on Saturday the organization would like to make a decision in the next month.[More](6-16-2017)
Saturday Michigan Notebook: Jimmie Johnson takes a wild ride at Michigan; Ryan Reed on standby as Trevor Bayne waits for baby; Short Strokes[More](6-17-2017)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#2-Keselowski 197.401
#18-Busch 197.195
#42-Larson 197.061
#22-Logano 196.969
#77-Jones 196.953
slowest: #34-Cassill 187.833 & #33-JEarnhardt 187.740
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 19 drivers): #42-Larson 195.416.
notes: #47-Allmendinger got into the outside wall seconds before the end of practice. He suffered rear-end damage 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) (6-17-2017)
First Saturday practice for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#78-Truex, Jr. 198.385
#18-Busch 197.938
#48-Johnson 197.341
#21-Blaney 197.320
#4-Harvick 197.287
slowest: #33-JEarnhardt 187.823 & #34-Cassill 184.516
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 11 drivers): #18-Busch, 196.876mph
notes: #48-Johnson spun off turn 4 and slid into the grass. The team will go to a backup car.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Practice 2 Speeds page (pdf) (6-17-2017)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, three pit stalls (41,42,43) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
Pole sitter #42-Larson chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #78-Truex, Jr. took pit stall 23, with an opening in front of it.
#14-Bowyer, who starts 3rd, took the 10th stall.
The final pit stall was taken by #1-McMurray, who starts 8th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-17-2017)
Race Recap:Denny Hamlin edges William Byron for NASCAR XFINITY win at Michigan: The rookie drove like a veteran in Saturday’s Irish Hills 250 at Michigan International Speedway, but in the end, the veteran took the rookie to school. Side-drafting off the final corner, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series star Denny Hamlin pulled ahead of Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender William Byron and won a drag race to the finish line to win his first NASCAR XFINITY Series race of the season in the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota.[More](6-16-2017)
Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch collide right after start of Xfinity Series race: Whenever Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch restart side-by-side, it is easy to wonder if the rivals will create drama. It didn’t take long to find out Saturday in the Xfinity Series Irish Hills 250 at Michigan International Speedway. Busch, who started on the pole, tried to slide up in front of Keselowski shortly after the green flag, before they got to Turn 1. Busch went spinning into the inside grass.[More](6-16-2017)
Denny Hamlin wins Michigan XFINITY race: #20-Denny Hamlin won the Irish Hills 250 at Michigan International Speedway. It is his 16th XFINITY Series win and 1st of the year. He passed #9-William Bryon coming to the checkered flag to win by .012 second.
Bryon finished second, followed by #1-Elliott Sadler, #22-Brad Keselowski, #18-Kyle Busch, #3-Ty Dillon, #2-Paul Menard, #16-Ryan Reed, #33-Brandon Jones, and #00-Cole Custer.
Pole sitter #18-Busch brought out the first caution at the start of the race when he moved up to block Keselowski but got hooked in the right rear and sent into the wall. He finished 5th.
There were 7 cautions for 32 laps and 10 lead changes among 5 leaders.
The average speed was 124.67mph.
#1-Elliott Sadler now leads #7-Justin Allgaier by 21 points in the standings.
Complete results are on the Michigan race results page (pdf).
(6-17-2017)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 30 – Winner, #22-Brad Keselowski
Stage 2 – lap 60 – Winner, #1-Elliott Sadler
Stage 3 – lap 125 – Race winner, #20-Denny Hamlin
Michigan XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Denny Hamlin(i) won the 26th Annual Irish Hills 250, his 16th victory in 158 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his second victory and fifth top-10 finish in six races at Michigan International Speedway.
William Byron (second) posted his first top-10 finish at Michigan International Speedway. It is his seventh top-10 finish in 2017.
Elliott Sadler (third) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 13 races at Michigan International Speedway.
William Byron (second) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 21 points over Justin Allgaier.
This is the third consecutive NASCAR XFINITY Series win at Michigan for Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota.
The Margin of Victory (0.012) is the closest MOV at Michigan International Speedway since the advent of electronic scoring in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
The Margin of Victory in today’s race (0.012) ties the 2010 Montreal race as the sixth closest MOV since the advent of electronic scoring in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-17-2017)
XFINITY Driver standings following Michigan:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler, 460
2) #7-Justin Allgaier, 439, -21
3) #9-William Byron, 388, -72
4) #221-Daniel Hemric, 339, -121
5) #48-Brennan Poole, 326, -134
6) #16-Ryan Reed, 325, -135
7) #6-Darrell Wallace Jr., 321, -139
8) #00-Cole Custer, 309, -151
9) #19-Matt Tifft, 295, -165
10) #5-Michael Annett, 273, -187
11) #11-Blake Koch, 263, -197
12) #28-Dakoda Armstrong, 243, -217
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(6-17-2017)
Kyle Busch on XFINITY pole at Michigan: #18-Kyle Busch won the Coors Light pole for the Irish Hills 250 at Michigan International Speedway with a speed of 193.564mph.
#22-Brad Keselowski will start second. The rest of the top 10: #1-Elliott Sadler, #9-William Byron, #11-Denny Hamlin, #42-Tyler Reddick, #00-Cole Custer, #23-Spencer Gallagher, #5-Michael Annett , and #2-Paul Menard.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Michigan starting lineup page (pdf).(6-17-2017)
Michigan XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Kyle Busch(i) won the Coors Light 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 26th Annual Irish Hills 250 with a lap of 37.197 seconds, 193.564 mph.
This is his 60th pole in 332 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his third pole and third top-10 start in 2017.
This is his second pole in ten races at Michigan International Speedway.
Brad Keselowski(i) (second) posted his fifth top-10 start of 2017 and his fourth in seven races at Michigan International Speedway.
Elliott Sadler (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Michigan International Speedway. It is his fourth in 13 races this season.
William Byron (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-17-2017)
Nemechek wins Gateway: #8-John Hunter Nemechek won the Drivin’ for Linemen 200 at Gateway Motorsports Park on Saturday night despite a hard-charging effort from pole-sitter #29-Chase Briscoe. #21-Johnny Sauter, #88-MattCrafton, #98-Grant Enfinger, #4-Christopher Bell, #16-Ryan Truex, #27-Ben Rhodes, #18-Noah Gragson and #24-Justin Haley were the remainder of the top-10.
There were three caution flags for 17 laps and nine lead changes among five leaders.
See results on the Gateway race results page(6-17-2017)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 35 laps, winner, #8-John Hunter Nemechek
Stage 2 – 70 laps, winner, #29-Chase Briscoe
Stage 3 – 160 laps, race winner, #8-John Hunter Nemechek
Gateway Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
John H. Nemechek won the 4th Annual Drivin’ for Linemen 200, his fourth victory in 61 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in four races at Gateway Motorsports Park.
Chase Briscoe (second) posted his first top-10 finish in at Gateway Motorsports Park. It is his fourth top-10 finish in 2017.
Johnny Sauter (third) posted his sixth top-10 finish in six races at Gateway Motorsports Park.
Chase Briscoe (second) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 38 points over Christopher Bell.
Nemechek becomes the second youngest NCWTS driver to win at Gateway at the age of 20 years 0 months 6 days.
The average age of the NCWTS winners at Gateway over the last four seasons is 19.5 – 2014 Darrell Wallace Jr. (20 years old), 2015 Cole Custer (17), 2016 Christopher Bell (21) and 2017 John Hunter
Nemechek (20).
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-17-2017)
Truck Series point standings following Gateway:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 380
2) #4-Christopher Bell, 342, – 38
3) #88-Matt Crafton, 318, -62
4) #29-Chase Briscoe, 311, -69
5) #27-Ben Rhodes, 281, -99
6) #98-Grant Enfinger, 265, -115
7) #16-Ryan Truex, 265, -115
8) #33-Kaz Grala, 234, -146
9) #8-John Hunter Nemechek, 228, -152
10) #18-Noah Gragson, 209, -171
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page.(6-17-2017)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Gateway: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #63-Donahue, 16th
Caution 2: #50-Reaume, 19th
Caution 3: #13-Coughlin, 12th
(6-17-2017)
Briscoe on Gateway pole: #29-Chase Briscoe won the pole for Saturday’s Drivin’ for Linemen 200 at Gateway Motorsports Park with a speed at 136.828mph. #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #4-Christopher Bell, #51-Todd Gilliland, #19-Austin Cindric, #88-Matt Crafton, #18-Noah Gragson, #24-Justin Haley, #21-Johnny Sauter, and #33-Kaz Grala were the remainder of the top-10.
Failed to qualify: none.
The starting lineup is posted on the Gateway starting lineup page(6-17-2017)
Gateway Qualifying Fast Facts:
Chase Briscoe won the 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 4th Annual Drivin’ for Linemen 200 with a lap of 32.888 seconds, 136.828 mph.
This is his second pole in eight NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second pole and fifth top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole at Gateway Motorsports Park. Briscoe becomes the the third youngest NCWTS driver to win a pole at Gateway at the age of 22 years 6 months 2 days.
John H. Nemechek (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2017 and his second in four races at Gateway Motorsports Park.
Christopher Bell (third) posted his second top-10 start at Gateway Motorsports Park. It is his seventh in eight races this season.
Chase Briscoe (first) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-17-2017)
Crafton paces final Gateway Truck practice:#88-Matt Crafton was fastest during final practice for Saturday’s Drivin’ four Linemen 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Gateway Motorsports Park with a speed of 135.976mph. #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #27-Ben Rhodes, #24-Justin Haley, #19-Austin Cindric, #33-Kaz Grala, #18-Noah Gragson, #4-Christopher Bell, #51-Todd Gilliland, and #28-Chase Briscoe were the remainder of the top-10. 29 trucks practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(6-17-2017)
Bell fastest in opening Gateway Truck practice: #4-Christopher Bell was fastest during the opening practice for Saturday’s Camping World Truck Series race at Gateway Motorsports Park at 136.030mph. #18-Noah Gragson, #29-Chase Briscoe, #51-Todd Gilliland, #24-Justin Haley, #88-Matt Crafton, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #21-Johnny Sauter, #19-Austin Cindric, and #98-Grant Enfinger were the remainder of the top-10. 20 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(6-17-2017)
News from June 16, 2017
Kyle Larson edges Martin Truex Jr. for Michigan pole: Martin Truex Jr. thought he had the pole for Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400-until Kyle Larson made the last run in the final round of Friday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series knockout qualifying at Michigan International Speedway. Driving the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet, Larson, who won the first Cup race of his career last August at MIS, covered the two-mile distance in 35.616 seconds (202.156 mph), edging Truex (202.117 mph) for the top starting spot by a scant .007 seconds.[More](6-16-2017)
Larson wins Michigan pole: #42-Kyle Larson won the Coors Light pole for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway with speed of 202.156mph for his 2nd pole of 2017, 1st at Michigan and 3rd of his career. Larson won from the pole at Auto Club Speedway this year.
#78-Truex, Jr. will start 2nd followed by #14-Bowyer, #18-Busch, #11-Hamlin, #21-Blaney, #22-Logano, #1-McMurray, #20-Kenseth, #24-Elliott, #4-Harvick, and #2-Keselowksi.
#4-Harvick was fastest in the first two rounds, but starts 11th.
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).(6-9-2017)
Michigan International Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kyle Larson won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 49th Annual FireKeepers Casino 400 with a lap of 35.616 seconds, 202.156 mph.
This is his third pole in 126 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and 10th top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole in seven races at Michigan International Speedway.
Martin Truex Jr. (second) posted his 12th top-10 start of 2017 and his seventh in 23 races at Michigan International Speedway.
Clint Bowyer (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Michigan International Speedway. It is his seventh in 15 races this season.
Erik Jones (14th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-16-2017)
Second Round of Qualifying for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 201.867
#78-Truex, Jr. 201.664
#18-Buisch 201.528
#42-Larson 201.359
#11-Hamlin 201.011
the rest of the top 12: 14 22 21 1 24 2 20
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 48 77 41 5 88 3 31 19 17 95 10 13
(6-16-2017)
First Round of Qualifying for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 20 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 201.365
#42-Larson 201.174
#18-Busch 200.955
#48-Johnson 200.345
#78-Truex, Jr. 200.189
the rest of the top 24: 2 1 11 21 41 88 77 19 31 24 22 20 95 17 14 5 10 13 3;
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 37 47 43 6 32 38 27 23 83 72 15 33 34
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 37 entered
(6-16-2017)
Friday Michigan Notebook: Jimmie Johnson is good to go for three more years-at least; Ryan Blaney: A young driver who respects old-school; Joey Logano: Rain won’t nix track rubbering efforts[More](6-16-2017)
Friday practice for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 85 scheduled minutes, the top-five and notes:
#42-Larson 200.798
#18-Busch 200.619
#22-Logano 200.479
#78-Truex, Jr. 200.094
#48-Johnson 199.983
slowest: #33-Earnhardt 189.100 & #15-Sorenson 188.585.
most laps run: #43-Wallace, Jr. 28 laps.
Just two drivers ran 10 consecutive laps during practice: #18-Busch 196.591 & #11-Hamlin 194.626.
#34-Cassill wrecked with less than 2 minutes remaining and will have to go to a backup car.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf)(6-16-2017)
Jimmie Johnson press conference transcript: Johnson met with the media Friday morning at Michigan International Speedway after announcing a three year contract extension.[More](6-16-2017)
Eddie Pardue joins Circle Sport/TMG: NASCAR veteran Crew Chief, Eddie Pardue joins CS/TMG starting this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, as Head of Engineering.[More](6-16-2017)
Qualifying Order for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is posted.
The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #88-Earnhardt, Jr.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #27-Menard.
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).(6-16-2017)
Austin Dillon to run special Dow scheme at Michigan: For the third consecutive year, Austin Dillon is set to pilot a very special Dow Chevrolet. In addition to a fresh paint scheme, more than 1,100 names of veterans will be featured on the #3 car this weekend during the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The names are those of Dow employees, contractors, family members and Richard Childress Racing employees.[More](6-16-2017)
Alon Day to make Cup debut at Sonoma with BK Racing: Alon Day will become the first driver from Israel to ever compete in NASCAR’s top series next weekend in the Toyota/Save Mart 350 driving the BK Racing No. 23 EarthWater Limited Toyota Camry. Day, a 25 year-old native of Tel Aviv, Israel, was named Israel’s 2016 “Athlete of the Year”. As a result of his outstanding achievements in NASCAR’s Euro Series, Day has the unique distinction of being the first stock car driver from outside of North America to be selected for the NASCAR NEXT program, an initiative to feature NASCAR’s future stars. Day comes to Sonoma upon the heels of being crowned “King of Brands Hatch”, as a result of last week’s victory in the NASCAR Whelen Euro race in England.[More](6-16-2017)
Hendrick Motorsports extends relationships with Johnson and sponsor Lowe’s: Hendrick Motorsports and defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson have agreed to a three-year extension that will keep one of the most accomplished drivers in history behind the wheel through 2020. In addition, Lowe’s Companies Inc. has extended its longstanding relationship with Hendrick Motorsports after signing an agreement that will continue its full-season, 38-race primary sponsorship of Johnson and the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS team through 2018.[More](6-16-2017)
Brad Keselowski paces final XFINITY practice: #22-Brad Keselowski was quickest in final practice at Michigan International Speedway with a speed of 193.149mph.
#1-Elliott Sadler was second, followed by: #33-Brandon Jones, #39-Ryan Sieg, #20-Denny Hamlin, #19-Matt Tifft, #18-Kyle Busch, #2-Paul Menard, #21-Daniel Hemric, and #16-Ryan Reed.
39 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Michigan final practice speeds page (pdf).(6-16-2017)
Spencer Gallagher fastest in first XFINITY practice: #23-Spencer Gallagher was fastest during opening practice at Michigan International Speedway with a speed of 190.305mph.
The rest of the top 10: #16-Ryan Reed, #22-Brad Keselowski, #18-Kyle Busch, #1-Elliott Sadler, #48-Brennan Poole, #9-William Byron, #00-Cole Custer, #20-Denny Hamlin, and #33-Brandon Jones.
All 40 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Michigan practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-16-2017)
Texas looking for fans that attended Earnhardt, Jr’s first Cup win at the track: Texas Motor Speedway is launching a casting call beginning today for race fans that attended Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s first career Cup win that came at this world-renowned motorsports facility on April 2, 2000.[More](6-16-2017)
News from June 15, 2017
What to watch for: Michigan: Stats and facts of interest as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series heads to Michigan International Speedway.[More](6-15-2017)
Michigan/Gateway Weekend Preview: Keselowski ready to triumph in home state; Allgaier hopes to extend points lead; Bell tries for Gateway repeat[More](6-15-2017)
Kennington in the #15 at Daytona: D.J. Kennington drove for Gaunt Brothers Racing at Daytona and attempted Talladega but did not qualify.[More](6-15-2017)
Kahne’s Darlington scheme a throwback to Geoff Bodine: Kasey Kahne is going old school for this year’s Southern 500. At Darlington Raceway on Sunday, Sept. 3, Kahne will drive a Great Clips paint scheme inspired by the very first Hendrick Motorsports driver, Geoff Bodine. The design is modeled after the Bodine’s No. 5 Levi Garrett car, which debuted in 1985. It was chosen with input from Kahne and No. 5 team crew chief Keith Rodden.[More](6-15-2017)
Ware suffering from back issuesUPDATE: One reason Ware took his Rick Ware Racing machine off the 2.5-mile track [at Pocono] is due to an issue he had been suffering with since the previous week at Dover International Speedway, when he pulled off the track after completing 283 of 406 laps, back pain. “One of the things that happened is I was dealing with some back pain from the previous race at Dover,” Ware said.(6-14-2017)
UPDATE: Ware posted the following to his Facebook page, “This morning I got an MRI done and the results show that I have some compression and discs issues in my lower back. I have been in contact with both the neurosurgeons and NASCAR and we have come to the decision to sit out until I can heal.”[More](6-15-2017)
Hornish in the #22 for at least three XFINITY races: Veteran stock car and open-wheel driver Sam Hornish Jr. will return to Team Penske this summer to compete in select NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) races for the team, driving the #22 Discount Tire Ford Mustang. Hornish is currently scheduled to compete in both upcoming series events at Iowa Speedway (June 24 and July 29) and the NXS road course event at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (August 12).[More](6-15-2017)
Pocono XFINITY TV ratings: NASCAR Xfinity Series racing from Pocono, Pa. earned a 1.0 final rating and 1.5 million viewers on FOX Saturday afternoon – flat in rating and up 3% in viewership from last year’s inaugural edition of the race, which was affected by rain (1.0, 1.4M). The broadcast team was made up exclusively of active drivers.[More](6-15-2017)
News from June 14, 2017
Ware suffering from back issues: One reason Ware took his Rick Ware Racing machine off the 2.5-mile track [at Pocono] is due to an issue he had been suffering with since the previous week at Dover International Speedway, when he pulled off the track after completing 283 of 406 laps, back pain. “One of the things that happened is I was dealing with some back pain from the previous race at Dover,” Ware said. [More](6-14-2017)
NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Michigan & Gateway A look at many new, notes and story lines for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway, [More](6-14-2017)
Pocono & Texas penalty report: NASCAR released the Post-Event Penalty Report for Pocono Raceway & Texas Motor Speedway. There were only two infractions.[More](6-14-2017)
Statistical Advance: Analyzing the FireKeepers Casino 400: A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Michigan International Speedway.[More](6-14-2017)
Gaulding to get new crew chief UPDATE: Patrick Donahue will part ways with BK Racing after this weekend’s events at Pocono Raceway.(6-10-2017)
UPDATE: Randy Cox will move from the #83 team and take over duties as the #23 crew chief. Doug George has been named as crew chief for the #83 Toyota.[More](6-14-2017)
Pocono TV ratings UPDATE: Fox earned a 2.0 overnight rating for the Pocono 400.(6-12-2017)
UPDATE: NASCAR Cup Series racing from Pocono, Pa., earned a 2.2 final rating and 3.56 million viewers on Fox Sports 1 Sunday afternoon, down a tick in ratings and 2% in viewership from 2015 (2.3, 3.61M). Last year’s race was postponed to Monday and had 1.4 million.[More](6-14-2017)
GMS Racing names Mike Ford NASCAR XFINITY Series Competition Director: Veteran NASCAR crew chief; Mike Ford has joined the team as GMS Racing’s NASCAR XFINITY Series Competition Director. Tom Ackerman will continue to serve as the Competition Director over the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series program.[More](6-14-2017)
Michael Annett’s #5 TMC throwback scheme for Darlington honors Brad Doty: Brad Doty and Michael Annett’s father, Harrold, go back a long way, smack in the middle of the heyday of winged sprint car racing in the United States. This Labor Day weekend, they’ll be together again at the legendary Darlington Raceway (Sept. 2), when JR Motorsports driver Michael Annett will carry a special tribute to Doty on the No. 5 TMC Transportation Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series event.[More](6-14-2017)
Cole Custer honors Sam Ard with throwback paint scheme for Darlington: While the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang is piloted by a relatively fresh face in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, it was a tenacious veteran whose heroics in the early 1980s made the No. 00 synonymous with winning. The No. 00 of today is driven by 19-year-old Cole Custer, who is competing for rookie-of-the-year honors in the stepping-stone division to the elite Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. And while Custer makes a name for himself in the XFINITY Series, he drives a car with a number made famous by Sam Ard.[More](6-14-2017)
Josh Bilicki in the #40 at Michigan: Josh Bilicki is set to compete in this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Michigan International Speedway, driving the #40 MBM Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro. The race will air on Fox Sports 1 on Saturday at 1:30 PM Eastern Time. Bilicki will also compete in this weekend’s SCCA June Sprints road course event at Road America in the Marriott Companies TA2 Mustang on Sunday.[More](6-14-2017)
Online charity auction offers experiences and memorabilia for NASCAR in Sonoma: Race fans can bid on unique experiences and signed NASCAR collectibles, all in the name of charity, prior to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event at Sonoma Raceway This year’s Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) online auction, which launched today at www.sccauctions.com, is highlighted by a Ride of a Lifetime Experience with NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who will retire at the end of the 2017 season. Signed items from Daytona 500 winner Kurt Busch and NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip are also sure to be popular.[More](6-14-2017)
Thompson Square to be grand marshal for the FireKeepers Casino 400: Country music duo Thompson Square will serve as the grand marshal for the FireKeepers Casino 400 on June 18 at Michigan International Speedway. The duo will give the command of “Start your engines!” as the FireKeepers Casino 400 gets underway at 3 p.m.[More](6-14-2017)
Tradition of honoring Medal of Honor recipients continues at Daytona: Three Medal of Honor recipients will be honored during the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola on June 29-July 1 at Daytona International Speedway, a tradition that began in the 1970’s by Bill France Sr., the founder of Daytona International Speedway and NASCAR. Being recognized this year are Captain Thomas Kelly, U.S. Navy (Vietnam), Command Sergeant Major Gary Littrell, U.S. Army (Vietnam) and Colonel Walter Joseph Marm, U.S. Army (Vietnam).[More](6-14-2017)
Speedway Motorsports announces digital partnership with ISM Connect: For nearly six decades, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. has built and modernized its eight world-class motorsports properties to become the finest in the industry, offering unmatched spectator enjoyment, convenience and accessibility. Today, Speedway Motorsports announced its partnership with ISM Connect, a pioneer in sports venue digital activation, to bring the world’s largest digital fan engagement network to its eight world-class venues. The new partnership and technology will debut at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 race weekend at Sonoma Raceway, June 23-25, with full deployment at all Speedway Motorsports’ facilities by 2018.[More](6-14-2017)
Sonoma Raceway puts fans first with new amenities: Sonoma Raceway continues to put fans first with several facility improvements set to debut at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race weekend, June 23-25. Amenities include a new track-wide speaker system, cooling stations, shaded dining areas and the addition of permanent restrooms.[More](6-14-2017)
News from June 13, 2017
Keselowski expects to resign with Penske: Brad Keselowski is still a free agent but the Team Penske driver said he won’t be for much longer. Keselowski: “[It’s something] that I hope to have answered very, very soon. I can tell you I have gone a long ways in my life and career with the help of Roger [Penske] and all Team Penske and I hope to continue to do so. … Roger’s given me a lot and I have no reason to not want to stay with him.”[More](6-13-2017)
New look for Bowyer’s #14 at Michigan: Bowyer will debut a new Haas Automation paint scheme this weekend. His car will reverse the red and black the No. 14 has campaigned in 2017. SHR plans to run this scheme in the remaining races it carries the Haas Automation livery. Bowyer will enjoy a little extra support this weekend. Ford Performance headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan is about 70 miles from the speedway. Ford joined SHR in 2017 and the combination has already produced a Daytona 500 victory, nine top-fives and 22 top-10s.[More](6-13-2017)
Omnicraft to sponsor Wood Brothers’ #21 at Michigan: Omnicraft, Ford Motor Company’s new brand of quality replacement parts for non-Ford and non-Lincoln vehicles, will be the primary sponsor on the Wood Brothers Racing # 21 Ford Fusion for the FireKeepers Casino 400 this weekend at Michigan International Speedway.[More](6-13-2017)
Ryan Sieg in the #23 at Michigan Gray Gaulding tweeted Tuesday morning that he will not be in the #23 for BK Racing this weekend at Michigan. Ryan Sieg will replace him.[More](6-13-2017)
Almirola could return earlier than expected: A scan Friday showed Aric Almirola should return next month after suffering a partially crushed vertebra in a May 13 crash. Richard Petty Motorsports said Almirola, who has missed the last four events, has a slight chance of missing only three more races and returning for the July 8 race at Kentucky, but it is more likely he returns at either the following weeks at New Hampshire or Indianapolis. Almirola told Motorsport.com he is hopeful for New Hampshire.[More](6-13-2017)
Hope For The Warriors partners with Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation, BKR to honor local caregivers during Gateway raceHope For The Warriors will partner with Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation (BKCFF) and Brad Keselowski Racing (BKR) during this weekend’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race at Gateway Motorsports Park to honor two local military caregivers. The effort will replace the names of BKR drivers Austin Cindric and Chase Briscoe over the doors of their trucks with the names of two military caregivers and their veterans for the Drivin’ For Linemen 200 on Saturday night. St. Louis area natives Cindy and Michael Smith, and Melody and Christopher Slusher were selected to be honored on the No. 19 and No. 29, respectively.[More](6-13-2017)
Halmar Friesen Racing taking two-week hiatus from Truck competitionHalmar Friesen Racing announced that they will be skipping the next two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events at Gateway and Iowa, before rejoining the series in Kentucky on July 6.[More](6-13-2017)
Napier to run four races with JJCR Bryce Napier is pleased to announce his 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) schedule, which includes a minimum of four race events with Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing (JJCR). The 17-year old Scotts Valley, California native will compete back-to-back races starting with the June 17 Drivin’ for Linemen 200 at Gateway Motorsports Park and the June 23 NASCAR Camping World Series Iowa 200 at Iowa Speedway.[More](6-13-2017)
Gateway to honor the men and women of Scott Air Force Base at June 17 Camping World Truck Series race: As part of NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola, the industry’s collective expression of respect and gratitude for those who bravely serve our country, Gateway Motorsports Park, NASCAR and Camping World will salute Scott Air Force Base’s 100th anniversary during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Drivin’ for Linemen 200 on Saturday, June 17.[More](6-13-2017)
Overton’s to sponsor Cup and XFINITY races at New Hampshire:Overton’s, America’s Marine and Watersports SuperStore, will serve as the entitlement sponsor for two major NASCAR races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway next month. Speedway officials announced on Tuesday that the XFINITY Series race on Saturday, July 15 will now be called the Overton’s 200, while the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, July 16 will be the Overton’s 301.[More](6-13-2017)
News from June 12, 2017
Pocono TV ratings: Fox earned a 2.0 overnight rating for the Pocono 400.[More](6-12-2017)
NASCAR Heat 2 will feature all three national series: 704Games, NASCAR Team Properties’ exclusive console simulation-style video game licensee, has announced that, in addition to the traditional Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the upcoming NASCAR Heat 2 will feature the NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. These series offer new styles of gameplay, new drivers and vehicles, and six new tracks, including three road courses, two ovals and one dirt track.[More](6-12-2017)
Pocono 400 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 3:00 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 6:34 PM (all times are EDT). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage.[More](6-12-2017)
Weber renews partnership with Ben Kennedy at Michigan: Ben Kennedy and GMS Racing announced that Weber, the world’s premier manufacturer of charcoal, gas and electric grills, grilling accessories and other outdoor room products, will serve as primary sponsor on the No. 96 Chevrolet Camaro for the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) on June 17th.[More](6-12-2017)
Oak Ridge Boys’ to perform National Anthem at Darlington: County music icons The Oak Ridge Boys will participate in Darlington Raceway’s award-winning throwback weekend by performing the National Anthem for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 on Sept. 3. The multi-platinum recording artists, who have been performing together for four decades, had many hits in the 1985-89 era the track is celebrating with its throwback platform this season.[More](6-12-2017)
Phoenix fall tickets on sale: Phoenix Raceway announced that tickets for the semifinal race in the Playoffs for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the Can-Am 500, are on-sale. Tickets start at just $35 and can be purchased by visiting PhoenixRaceway.com or by calling 866-408-RACE (7223). The popular fall race features a full weekend of NASCAR action, including semifinal racing from the top-three series in NASCAR. Phoenix Raceway will once again be home to all the Series’ elimination races that will set the final four to compete for a series championship trophy the following weekend.[More](6-12-2017)
News from June 11, 2017
Race Recap: Ryan Blaney captures first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup victory in dramatic Pocono 400: Dogged by Kevin Harvick for the final eight laps of Sunday’s Axalta presents the Pocono 400, Ryan Blaney held off the 2014 series champion in a breathtaking battle to claim the first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory of his career. After a restart on Lap 148 of 160, Blaney grabbed the lead from polesitter Kyle Busch on Lap 151, with Busch on older tires, doing everything he could to block Blaney’s No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford. Racing side by side with Busch’s No. 18 Toyota down the Long Pond straightaway, Blaney stayed in the gas through the Tunnel Turn and cleared Busch’s Camry off the corner.[More](6-11-2017)
Blaney wins at Pocono: #21-Ryan Blaney won the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway for his 1st career win. He took the lead from #18-Busch with 9 laps to go and held off #4-Harvick to get the first win for Wood Brothers Racing since Trevor Bayne won the Daytona 500 in 2011.
#4-Harvick finished 2nd followed by #77-Jones (career-best finish), #41-Busch, #2-Keselowski, #78-Truex, Jr., #42-Larson, #24-Elliott, #18-Busch, and #20-Kenseth.
Pole sitter #18-Busch won the first stage and finished 2nd in the second stage. He led a total of 100 laps but did not pit under the final caution and could not hold the lead on older tires. He finished 9th.
#43-Darrell Wallace, Jr., making his Cup debut, was caught speeding on pit road three times during the race. He finished 26th.
The second caution of the day came with 5 laps left in stage 2 when Johnson lost the brakes on his car and made hard contact with the outside wall hard. Behind Johnson, McMurray also lost brakes and slid into the wall. McMurray’s car caught fire, but he got out quickly. Both drivers were ok. The race was red flagged for 23 minutes for track cleanup.
#78-Truex Jr. maintains the driver points lead by 1 point over #42-Larson.
Stages 1 & 2 were won by #18-Busch and #42-Larson.
There were 13 lead changes among 9 drivers and 4 cautions for 18 yellow flag laps
The average speed of the race was: 142.292mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).
MENCS at Pocono (Ryan Blaney wins)
– Ryan Blaney: first career Cup Series win in 68th career race
– Ryan Blaney: joins Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Austin Dillon as first-time winners this season (all in last 5 races)
– First time since 2011 with at least three first-time winners in single season (5 that year)
– Ryan Blaney: father, Dave Blaney, never won in 473 career Cup Series races
– Ryan Blaney: first racer born in 1993 or later to win a Cup Series race
– Wood Brothers Racing’s 99th Cup Series win but just 5th win since 1990
– Kevin Harvick: finished 2nd; 9th top 10, T-3rd-most this season (no wins)
– Kyle Busch: finished 9th and led race-high 100 laps; led 703 laps this season and yet to win (2nd most)
– Darrell Wallace Jr.: finished 26th; 8th black driver in known history to run a Cup Series race and 1st since 2006
– Jimmie Johnson: crashed, finished 36th, worst finish of season
– Dale Earnhardt Jr: blown transmission, finished 38th; 6th finish of 30-or-worse this season to go with two top 10s
(ESPN Stats & Info)
Race Fast Facts – Pocono Raceway
Ryan Blaney won the 36th Annual Pocono 400, his first victory in 68 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in three races at Pocono Raceway.
Kevin Harvick (second) posted his 14th top-10 finish in 33 races at Pocono Raceway. It is his ninth top-10 finish in 2017.
Erik Jones (third) posted his first top-10 finish in one race at Pocono Raceway.
Erik Jones (third) was the highest finishing rookie.
Martin Truex Jr. leads the point standings by 1 point over Kyle Larson.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(6-11-2017)
2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Standings:
[after Pocono, race 14 of 36]
1) #78-Martin Truex Jr [2 wins], 584
2) #42-Kyle Larson [1], 583, -1
3) #4-Kevin Harvick, 480, -104
4) #18-Kyle Busch, 463, -121
5) #2-Brad Keselowski [2], 454, -130
6) #24-Chase Elliott, 438, -136
7) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3], 421, -163
8) #1-Jamie McMurray, 418, -166
9) #11-Denny Hamlin, 386, -198
10) #14-Clint Bowyer, 369, -215
11) #22-Joey Logano [1*], 362, -222
12) #21-Ryan Blaney [1], 360, -224
13) #20-Matt Kenseth, 359, -225
14) #41-Kurt Busch [1], 331, -253
15) #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. [1], 325, -259
16) #31-Ryan Newman [1], -322, -262
20) #3-Austin Dillon [1], 287, -297
* encumbered finish, can’t be used to make the playoffs
See full standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 100) of the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway (lap 100/160):
#42-Larson, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#18-Busch, 9pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 8pts
#4-Harvick, 7pts
#24-Elliott, 6pts
#77-Jones, 5pts
#2-Keselowski, 4pts
#41-Busch, 3pts
#5-Kahne, 2pts
#20-Kenseth, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 50) of the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway (lap 50/160):
#18-Busch, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#4-Harvick, 9pts
#2-Keselowski, 8pts
#42-Larson, 7pts
#48-Johnson, 6pts
#24-Elliott, 5pts
#41-Busch, 4pts
#20-Kenseth, 3pts
#1-McMurray, 2pts
#3-Dillon, 1pts
Jimmie Johnson and Jamie McMurray quotes on Pocono accidents:Both drivers fell out of the race after brake issues on lap 95 at Pocono Raceway. [More](6-112017)
Pocono Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pre-Race Schedule for Sunday, June 11:(eastern time)
– 2:30:00 Driver Introductions
– 2:50:00 Team FasTrax Skydiving Team
– 3:00:00 Intro Colors & Invocation: U.S. Army Garrison, West Point MP Company Honor Guard
– 3:00:20 Invocation by: Billy Mauldin, MRO
– 3:01:00 National Anthem by: Lauren Hart
– 3:02:30 Flyby TOT: 1 C-130 193rd Special Operations Wing, PA Air National Guard
– 3:07:30 “Drivers, Start Your Engines”
– 3:18:30 Green Flag – Pocono 400 (160 laps, 400 miles), FS1 (Canada: TSN 1, 3)
News from June 10, 2017
Gaulding to get new crew chief: Patrick Donahue will part ways with BK Racing after this weekend’s events at Pocono Raceway.[More](6-10-2017)
Saturday Pocono Notebook: Ryan Newman has a win, but he races as if he doesn’t; Busch resigned to four races without his crew chief; Short Strokes.[More](6-10-2017)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#18-Busch 175.421
#2-Keselowski 175.285
#42-Larson 175.210
#4-Harvick 175.050
#24-Elliott 174.944
slowest: #51-Ware 165.554 & #55-Cope 163.488.
most laps run: #18-Busch, 29 laps.
best 10 consecutive lap avg: #4-Harvick, 172.442mph.
notes: #42-Larson spun early in practice but did not hit anything.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (6-10-2017)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, three pit stalls (41,42,43) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
Pole sitter #18-Busch chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #78-Truex, Jr. took pit stall 9, with an opening in front of it.
#20-Kenseth, who starts 3rd, took the 40th and final stall.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-10-2017)
Fox adds Austin Dillon and Regan Smith at driver analysts for final XFINITY races of season: FOX Sports is adding Austin Dillon and Regan Smith as driver analysts for its two final NASCAR XFINITY Series races of the 2017 season. In their FOX NASCAR broadcast booth debuts, Dillon will help Adam Alexander and Michael Waltrip call the race from Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, June 17, while Smith offers analysis from Iowa Speedway on Saturday, June 24 alongside Alexander and Phil Parsons.[More](6-10-2017)
Brad Keselowski ends drought for No. 22 Ford with last-lap pass:With a dramatic last-lap pass – the first of the season in the NASCAR XFINITY Series – Brad Keselowski won Saturday’s Pocono Green 250 at Pocono Raceway, ending a 46-race drought for the No. 22 Team Penske Ford. Keselowski swept the stages in the 100-lap event but couldn’t get past leader Kyle Larson until he reached the Long Pond straightaway on the final circuit. Keselowski powered off the first turn, down-shifted and blew past Larson before the cars reached the Tunnel Turn.[More](6-10-2017)
Brad Keselowski wins Pocono XFINITY race: #22-Brad Keselowski won the Pocono Green 250 at Pocono Raceway. It is his 35th career XFINITY Series win and 1st of the year. #7-Justin Allgaier finished second, followed by #42-Kyle Larson, #1-Elliott Sadler, #18-Daniel Suarez, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #00-Cole Custer, #3-Ty Dillon, #21-Daniel Hemric, and #19-Matt Tifft.
Pole sitter, #20-Kyle Benjamin led 28 laps, but fell back at the end of the race to finish 16th
There were just 3 cautions for 15 laps and 12 lead changes among 6 leaders.
The average speed was 135.583mph.
Complete results are on the Pocono race results page (pdf).See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Pocono Race & Points Report (pdf).
(6-10-2017)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 25 – Winner, #22-Brad Keselowski
Stage 2 – lap 50 – Winner, #22-Brad Keselowski
Stage 3 – lap 100 – Race winner, #22-Brad Keselowski
Pocono XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Brad Keselowski(i) won the 2nd Annual Pocono Green 250, his 35th victory in 245 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in one race at Pocono Raceway.
Justin Allgaier (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Pocono Raceway. It is his sixth top-10 finish in 2017.
Kyle Larson(i) (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Pocono Raceway.
Cole Custer (seventh) was the highest finishing rookie.
Justin Allgaier leads the point standings by 1 points over Elliott Sadler.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-10-2017)
XFINITY Driver standings following Pocono:
1) #7-Justin Allgaier [1 win], 40
2) #1-Elliott Sadler, 408, -1
3) #9-William Byron, 347, -62
4) #6-Darrell Wallace Jr., 321, -88
5) #21-Daniel Hemric, 314, -95
6) #16-Ryan Reed, [1 win], 296, -113
7) #48-Brennan Poole, 291, -118
8) #19-Matt Tifft, 284, -125
9) #00-Cole Custer, 280, -129
10) #5-Michael Annett, 272, -137
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(6-10-2017)
Kyle Benjamin on XFINITY pole at Pocono: #20-Kyle Benjamin won the Coors Light pole for the Pocono Green 250 at Pocono Raceway with a speed of 172.844mph. It is his first career pole. #21-Daniel Hemric will start second. The rest of the top 10: #00-Cole Custer, #7-Justin Allgaier, #9-William Byron, #42-Kyle Larson, #18-Daniel Suarez, #22-Brad Keselowski, #2-Paul Menard, and #48-Brennan Poole.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Pocono starting lineup page (pdf).(6-10-2017)
Pocono XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Kyle Benjamin won the Coors Light 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 2nd Annual Pocono Green 250 with a lap of 52.070 seconds, 172.844 mph.
This is his first pole in two NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first pole and second top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole in one race at Pocono Raceway.
Daniel Hemric (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2017 and his first in one race at Pocono Raceway.
Cole Custer (third) posted his first top-10 start at Pocono Raceway. It is his seventh in 12 races this season.
Daniel Hemric (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-10-2017)
Individual tickets for AAA Texas 500 weekend on sale Monday: As Texas Motor Speedway looks to cap off one exciting race weekend in tonight’s Rainguard Water Sealers 600, it looks toward another with individual tickets going on sale Monday for November’s AAA Texas 500 NASCAR tripleheader weekend.[More](6-10-2017)
Toyota/Save Mart 350 pre-race show kicks off NASCAR race day in Sonoma Sonoma Raceway has teamed up with Friedman’s Home Improvement to kick-off Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race day in style on Sunday, June 25. Race day entertainment kicks off at 10 a.m., so fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the complete race-day experience. Fans looking for premium access will want to purchase the Total Access Pass, which includes access to the NASCAR Drivers’ Meeting, Pre-Race Pass, a reserved seat and FanVision controller rental.[More](6-10-2017)
News from June 9, 2017
With monster lap in final round, Kyle Busch wins Pocono pole:Running his fastest lap of the day in the final round of Friday’s knockout qualifying, Kyle Busch won the pole position for Sunday’s Axalta presents the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway by a comfortable margin.[More](6-9-2017)
Blaney, Logano to run larger axles: After two broken axles in as many races for Ryan Blaney and the #21 Wood Brothers Ford, crew chief Jeremy Bullins elected to go in a different direction for this weekend’s Pocono 400. As a precaution, both the #21 and the #22 Team Penske Ford will run larger axles at Pocono Raceway.[More](6-10-2017)
Kyle Busch wins Pocono pole: #18-Kyle Busch won the Coors Light pole for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway with speed of 179.151mph for his 2nd pole of 2017, 3rd at Pocono and 21st of his career. Busch has won 4 times from the 20 previous poles.
#78-Truex, Jr. will start 2nd followed by #20-Kenseth, #21-Blaney, #41-Busch, #2-Keselowski, #42-Larson, #1-McMurray, #22-Logano, #31-Newman, #95-McDowell and #4-Harvick.
#18-Busch was fastest in the second round with a speed of 178.483mph.
#42-Larson was fastest in the first round with a speed of 178.625mph, will start 7th.
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).(6-9-2017)
Pocono Raceway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 36th Annual Pocono 400 with a lap of 50.237 seconds, 179.151 mph.
This is his 21st pole in 440 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and 12th top-10 start in 2017.
This is his third pole in 25 races at Pocono Raceway.
Martin Truex Jr. (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2017 and his fifth in 23 races at Pocono Raceway.
Matt Kenseth (third) posted his 11th top-10 start at Pocono Raceway. It is his ninth in 14 races this season.
Daniel Suarez (14th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-9-2017)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#18-Busch 178.483
#22-Logano 178.313
#21-Blaney 178.296
#20-Kenseth 178.087
#4-Harvick 178.006
the rest of the top 12: 78 2 1 41 42 31 95
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 27 19 77 43 3 11 48 14 47 6 17 10
(6-9-2017)
First Round of Qualifying for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 20 scheduled minutes.
#42-Larson 178.625
#18-Busch 178.056
#4-Harvick 177.385
#22-Logano 177.176
#2-Keselowski 176.796
the rest of the top 24: 27 31 41 78 21 1 77 43 48 20 11 6 47 3 17 19 95 14 10;
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 24 5 13 88 37 32 38 72 23 34 83 15 33 51 55
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 39 entered
(6-9-2017)
Friday Pocono Notebook: Bubba Wallace spent sleepless nights waiting for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series opportunity; Kurt Busch excited by progress of Fords at Stewart-Haas; Martin Truex Jr. gets the point of new playoff system[More](6-9-2017)
Friday practice for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 85 scheduled minutes, the top-five and notes:
#42-Larson 177.312
#18-Busch 1778.235
#20-Kenseth 176.939
#4-Harvick 176.588
#22-Logano 176.564
slowest: #33-Earnhardt 163.735 & #55-Cope 159.920
most laps run: #6-Bayne, 22 laps
Only 2 drivers ran 10 consecutive laps during this practice: #6-Bayne and #51-Ware.
#88-Earnhardt, Jr’s transmission stuck in gear early in practice. The team had to change the engine and he will start at the back of the field for Sunday’s race.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf)(6-9-2017)
Brad Keselowski fastest in first XFINITY practice: #2-Brad Keselowski was fastest during opening practice at Pocono Raceway with a speed of 169.141mph.
The rest of the top 10: #20-Kyle Benjamin, #42-Kyle Larson, #11-Blake Koch, #3-Ty Dillon, #2-Paul Menard, #21-Daniel Hemric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #48-Brennan Poole, and #18-Daniel Suarez.
All 40 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Pocono practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-9-2017)
Brad Keselowski fastest in first XFINITY practice: #2-Brad Keselowski was fastest during opening practice at Pocono Raceway with a speed of 169.141mph.
The rest of the top 10: #20-Kyle Benjamin, #42-Kyle Larson, #11-Blake Koch, #3-Ty Dillon, #2-Paul Menard, #21-Daniel Hemric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #48-Brennan Poole, and #18-Daniel Suarez.
39 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Pocono practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-9-2017)
Josh Williams in the #90 at Pocono: Port Charlotte, Fla.’s Josh Williams is hoping his prior experience at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway will pay huge dividends in his second NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) start of the season in Saturday afternoon’s Pocono Green 250. Between 2012 and 2016 Williams has made nine starts at the Tricky Triangle with a best showing of fifth in 2014 in ARCA Racing Series[More](6-9-2017)
Race recap: Bell wins by inches at TexasChristopher Bell, a self-described “dirt track kid” from Oklahoma, continued to show he’s pretty good on pavement Friday night at Texas Motor Speedway. Bell edged Chase Briscoe after a side-by-side, closing-laps battle to win the 21st annual winstaronlinegaming.com 400 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. Bell, who started 21st in the 28-truck field, won under caution after a white-flag wreck involving Timothy Peters, Austin Self and Johnny Sauter on TMS’ repaved and re-profiled 1.5-mile oval.[More](6-9-2017)
Bell wins Texas: #4-Christopher Bell won the winstaronlinegaming.com 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday night after the race ended under caution. #29-Chase Briscoe finished second after an intense battle with Bell in the closing laps, before a frightening wreck that saw the #99-Timothy Peters truck upside down. Based on the moment of caution, NASCAR declared Bell the winner. #98-Grant Enfinger, #16-Ryan Truex, #27-Ben Rhodes, #24-Justin Haley, #18-Noah Gragson, #21-Johnny Sauter, #88-Matt Crafton, and #33-Kaz Grala were the remainder of the top-10.
There were 10 caution flags for 42 laps and 8 lead changes among 5 leaders.
See results on the Texas race results page(6-9-2017)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 40 laps, winner, #21-Johnny Sauter
Stage 2 – 80 laps, winner, #4-Christopher Bell
Stage 3 – 167 laps, winner, #4-Christopher Bell
Texas Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Christopher Bell won the 21st Annual Winstaronlinegaming.com 400, his fourth victory in 37 NASCAR
Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2017.This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in four races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Chase Briscoe (second) posted his first top-10 finish in one race at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2017.
Grant Enfinger (third) posted his first top-10 finish in one race at Texas Motor Speedway.
Chase Briscoe (second) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 40 points over Christopher Bell.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-2-2017)
Truck Series point standings following Texas:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 338
2) #4-Christopher Bell, 298, – 40
3) #88-Matt Crafton, 268, -70
4) #29-Chase Briscoe, 257, -81
5) #27-Ben Rhodes, 248, -90
6) #16-Ryan Truex, 227, -111
7) #98-Grant Enfinger, 226, -112
8) #33-Kaz Grala, 210, -128
9) #17-Timothy Peters, 194, -144
10) #18-Noah Gragson, 181, -157
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page.(6-9-2017)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Texas: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #19-Cindric, 25th
Caution 3: #27-Rhodes, 5th
Caution 4: #45-Bell, 14th
Caution 5: #13-Coughlin, 18th
Caution 6: #13-Coughlin,18th
Caution 7: #18-Gragson, 7th
Caution 8: #18-Gragson,7th
Caution 9: #66-Kvapil, 11th
Caution 10: none
(6-9-2017)
Gragson on pole at Texas: # won the pole for Friday’s winstaronlinegaming.com 400 at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed at 185.134mph. #21-Johnny Sauter will start second. #88-Matt Crafton, #16-Ryan Truex, #98-Grant Enfinger, #33-Kaz Grala, #27-Ben Rhodes, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #19-Austin Cindric, and #24-Justin Haley were the remainder of the top-10.
Failed to qualify: none.
The starting lineup is posted on the Texas starting lineup page(6-9-2017)
Texas Qualifying Fast Facts:
Noah Gragson won the 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 21st Annual Winstaronlinegaming.com 400
with a lap of 29.168 seconds, 185.134 mph.
This is his first pole in nine NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and fifth top-10 start in 2017.
Johnny Sauter (second) posted his sixth top-10 start of 2017 and his 11th in 18 races at Texas Motor
Speedway.
Matt Crafton (third) posted his 15th top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his sixth in seven races
this season.
Noah Gragson (first) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-9-2017)
PFL and DIS announce event during Coke Zero 400 weekend:The Professional Fighters League, together with Daytona International Speedway and NBC Sports Group, announced that Professional Fighters League: Daytona will take place on Friday, June 30 as part of the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola at the “World Center of Racing.” The event, which will be held in the UNOH Fanzone following the completion of the Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series race, will bring elite MMA talent and the excitement of televised fights to Daytona International Speedway, and will set the stage for the Professional Fighters League’s January 2018 debut in a showcase of what’s to come. [More](6-9-2017)
News from June 8, 2017
What to watch for: Pocono: Johnson Ties Yarborough, Allison/Waltrip Next Up; Bubba Wallace to Make Cup Series Debut; Kyle Busch Seeking First 2017 and First Pocono Wins; Pocono Pole is the Place to Be…At Least in June; Who’s Hot and Who’s Not.[More](6-8-2017)
Pocono/Texas Weekend Preview: Dale Earnhardt Jr. goes for breakthrough at Pocono; Byron hopes to earn first XFINITY win at Pocono; Gragson ready for next step at Texa[More](6-8-2017)
Sorenson tackles the tricky triangle with Energex Wood Pellets:Premium Motorsports and Reed Sorenson are thrilled to head to Pocono Raceway with support from Energex Wood Pellets for Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series “Axalta Presents the Pocono 400”.[More](6-8-2017)
Clements optimistic in 2nd start at Pocono for RepairableVehicles.com and Harrison’s Outfitters: Jeremy Clements returns to Pocono Raceway for the The Pocono Green 250 with RepairableVehicles.com back as primary sponsor, as Harrison’s Outfitters continues their support of the #51 JCR Chevy Camaro SS as well.[More](6-8-2017)
Yeley set to trick the Triangle with local sponsorship: JJ Yeley and the #14 team will make the trek to Pocono Raceway this weekend to compete in NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) Pocono Green 250. Yeley and the #14 team welcome local sponsorship Toyota of Scranton, a renowned car dealership in Lackawanna County, PA. [More](6-8-2017)
Bell fastest in opening Texas Truck practice: #4-Christopher Bell was fastest during the opening practice for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway at 182.877mph. #21-Johnny Sauter, #27-Ben Rhodes, #51-Myatt Snider, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #19-Austin Cindric, #33-Kaz Grala, #29-Chase Briscoe, #24-Justin Haley, and #16-Ryan Truex were the remainder of the top-10. 28 drivers are entered. 20 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(6-8-2017)
Bell fastest in second Texas Truck practice: #4-Christopher Bell was fastest during the second practice session at Texas Motor Speedway on Thursday night with a fast lap of 185.300mph. He was followed by #98-Grant Enfinger #21-Johnny Sauter, #18-Noah Gragson, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #33-Kaz Grala, #88-Matt Crafton, #29-Chase Briscoe, #16-Ryan Truex, and #19-Austin Cindric. 23 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(6-8-2017)
Bell paces final Texas Truck practice:#4-Christopher Bell was fastest during final practice for Friday’s winstaronlinegaming.com 400 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 185.982mph. Bell led all three practice sessions on Thursday. #21-Johnny Sauter, #27-Ben Rhodes, #88-Matt Crafton, #16-Ryan Truex, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #19-Austin Cindric, #13-Cody Coughlin, #98-Grant Enfinger, and #51-Myatt Snider were the remainder of the top-10.26 trucks practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 3 speeds (pdf)(6-8-2017)
Pocono Raceway releases sustainability report, continues diversion efforts: Pocono Raceway has become the first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race track to release a Sustainability Report touting its sustainability and green efforts. “We are very proud to make this report available to the public,” said Igdalsky. “We had a lot of help from NASCAR Green, the Green Sports Alliance and Penn State among many others and we are grateful for their assistance. This report showcases our diversion efforts as well recycling, food donation and much more as we try to do all we can at Pocono Raceway.”[More](6-8-2017)
60th Annual DAYTONA 500 tickets on sale Monday, June 12: Tickets for the 60th annual DAYTONA 500 will officially go on sale Monday, June 12 at 9 a.m. ET. For the past two years, the season-opening race for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season has sold out.[More](6-8-2017)
News from June 7, 2017
Drivers complete tire test at Chicago: Three Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers participated in a two-day Goodyear Tire test at Chicagoland Speedway this week in preparation for the Tales of the Turtles 400 on Sept. 17. Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet; David Ragan, driver of the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford; and Daniel Suarez, driver of the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, represented each manufacturer at the test, which was held under sunny skies both days. [More](6-7-2017)
VELVEETA Shells & Cheese to sponsor Newman: VELVEETA® Shells & Cheese is partnering with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and the No. 31 Chevrolet SS team to give NASCAR fans a taste of the one and only LIQUID GOLD. VELVEETA Shells & Cheese will serve as the primary sponsor for select races, beginning June 18 at Michigan International Speedway, and an associate sponsor for the remainder of the 2017 season.[More](6-7-2017)
NASCAR informs teams they could lose race tires for inspection issues: NASCAR has notified teams that they could lose tires for a race as a penalty for further inspection issues. It was a point Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition, made Monday on “The Morning Drive” on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. [More](6-7-2017)
A look at many new, notes and story lines for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Pocono Raceway
Sports TV viewers getting older: According to a striking study of Nielsen television viewership data of 25 sports, all but one have seen the median age of their TV viewers increase during the past decade. The study, conducted exclusively for SportsBusiness Journal by Magna Global, looked at live, regular-season game coverage of major sports across both broadcast and cable television in 2000, 2006 and 2016. It showed that while the median age of viewers of most sports, except the WTA, NBA and MLS, is aging faster than the overall U.S. population, it is doing so at a slower pace than prime-time TV.[More](6-7-2017)
Dover post-race penalties announced: #18-Busch crew chief (Adam Stevens), tire changer (Jacob Seminara) and tire carrier (Kenneth Barber) have been suspended from all NASCAR Series Championship Points Events through July 3, 2017 for a wheel coming off during the Dover race.[More](6-7-2017)
Leavine Family Racing honors FDNY Foundation at Pocono: Leavine Family Racing (LFR) and Michael McDowell are excited to honor the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) by sporting a FDNY Foundation paint scheme at Pocono Raceway. The FDNY Foundation is the FDNY’s non-profit partner that raises funds to support fire and life safety education and the professional development and training of members of the FDNY. Funding goes toward programs that look to advance the FDNY’s goals of maintaining operational excellence, community outreach and increasing diversity. [More](6-7-2017)
Overton’s returns to the #38 at Pocono: The company will appear on David Ragan’s Ford for the third time this season.[More](6-7-2017)
NASCAR Foundation appoints Nichole Krieger as Executive Director: The NASCAR Foundation today appointed Nichole Krieger as Executive Director. Krieger – who served as Acting Executive Director since February following five years as Senior Director, Development and Marketing – will assume her new role effective immediately and report into NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton.[More](6-7-2017)
Dover TV Ratings: NASCAR Cup Series racing from Dover, Del., earned a 2.1 final rating and 3.4 million viewers on Fox Sports 1 Sunday afternoon – down 16% in ratings and viewership from last year (2.5, 3.99M) and down 16% and 15% respectively from 2015 (3.9, 3.94M).[More](6-7-2017)
Hess Ornamental Iron joins RSS for Pocono: RSS Racing will welcome Hess Ornamental Iron as the primary sponsor for the XFINITY race at Pocono Raceway this Saturday.The #39 team will also have KMB Plumbing as a major associate sponsor for the 100-lap race.[More](6-7-2017)
Tommy Joe Martins driving the #78 at Pocono: For Saturday’s Pocono Green 250, McLeod is thrilled to officially announce the addition of veteran Tommy Joe Martins who will drive the team’s No. 78 Chevrolet at the 2.5-mile triangle this weekend. Martins, a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series mainstay looks to make his first XFINITY Series start of the year and first since 2013.[More](6-7-2017)
Dover penalties against Briscoe crew announcedChase Briscoe’s crew chief Mike Hillman Jr., his tire changer, and tire carrier have been suspended from all NASCAR Series Championship Points Events through July 9, 2017 for having an improperly installed wheel.[More](6-7-2017)
Kendrick joins Young’s Motorsports starting at Texas Motor Speedway Set to compete in his third NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race of the season, Tyler Young heads to Texas Motor Speedway for Friday night’s winstaronlinegaming.com 400 with new crew chief Chad Kendrick. Kendrick joined Young’s Motorsports this past Monday and will oversee the team’s truck program moving forward with former crew chief Andrew Abbott serving as truck crew chief and crew chief for the team’s developmental K&N Pro Series East program.[More](6-7-2017)
Metabo Corporation joins Peters for MDM Motorsports debut For a series that has defined itself with the “Tough Trucks” moniker, it’s only fitting that a grinder throwing sparks adorns the side of the No. 99 Metabo Chevrolet Silverado of Timothy Peters in this week’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. Peters, a 13-year Truck Series veteran with 10 career victories, will make his 19th start at the Texas Motor Speedway on Friday night thanks in part to an increased involvement by the Metabo Corporation with MDM Motorsports.[More](6-7-2017)
400 Fest at Indy nightly lineups unveiled; Camping, Single-Night Tickets Available Now: The nightly lineups are set for 400 Fest, the new two-night concert at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 event, with global music superstar headliners Major Lazer on Friday, July 21 and The Chainsmokers on Saturday, July 22. Pretty Lights also was added to the Saturday lineup, as six acts will perform over two nights on the infield stage inside Turn 4 of the IMS oval. Gates open at 5 p.m. both nights, with performances starting at 7 p.m.[More](6-7-2017)
Clint Bowyer ‘Taking Aim’ on Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola victory: On Tuesday in the Daytona International Speedway infield, avid outdoorsman Clint Bowyer demonstrated his archery expertise. He also talked about hoping his aim is really true on Saturday night, July 1, when he runs in the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.[More](6-7-2017)
News from June 6, 2017
Liberty Tax Service to sponsors the #37 at NHMS Chris Buescher’s #37 Chevrolet SS will display Liberty Tax Service for a one-race primary sponsorship during the New Hampshire 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 16. Liberty Tax Service is a leading tax preparation franchise with more than 4,000 offices in the United States and Canada. Liberty Tax Service CEO John Hewitt sees value in utilizing NASCAR’s platform to continue growth.(JTG Daugherty Racing)[Read More Here](6-6-2017)
Lawsuit against Michael Waltrip Racing can go to trial Lawsuit against Michael Waltrip Racing can go to trial, judge rules A pit crew member’s wrongful-firing lawsuit against Michael Waltrip Racing can go to trial, a judge ruled last Wednesday (5-31-2017). In a 69-page opinion, Mecklenburg County Superior Court Judge Louis Bledsoe III allowed all of former tire changer Brandon Hopkins’ termination claims to be heard by a jury. The judge also let some of Hopkins’ claims against Michael Waltrip Racing and a team official for conduct after his firing to proceed to trial. While finding that a number of facts remain in dispute, Bledsoe dismissed Hopkins’ defamation claims and Michael Waltrip Racing’s counterclaims accusing Hopkins of stealing pit crew tools and misappropriating trade secrets about one of the tools. He contends team officials “blacklisted” him after his surgery by falsely accusing him of stealing a pit gun used to remove lug nuts. Charlotte lawyer Bill Diehl, who is defending Michael Waltrip Racing, has declined to comment about the lawsuit, saying: “We don’t try our case in the newspaper.”(Charlotte Observer)[Read More Here](6-6-2017)
Danica Patrick launches wine brand Danica Patrick has taken her love of wine and food and poured it into the bottle of her own brand, Somnium, which means “to dream” in Latin. In April, the first vintage, a 2014 cabernet sauvignon, was released as a small lot allocation of 210 cases. Somnium will debut at Auction Napa Valley 2017 as part of the e-lot auction.(Napa Valley Register)[Read More Here](6-6-2017)
Paul Menard talks about the pressure to win Frontstretch talked to #27-Paul Menard about the pressure to win now that Dillon and Newman have found their way to Victory Lane this season. Nothing about the contract but good quotes and conversation about where to go from here. “We’re not where we want to be, for sure,” he said. “But there is a lot of promise. Obviously with the 3 and the 31 both getting wins, that’s great for RCR, but our speed just hasn’t been there as a group. I think we are working pretty hard at trying to qualify up front, be there and actually contend for race wins and lead laps.” Menard believes that the team is a “couple of tenths” off the front runners. Knowing that, there is work going on with the #3 and #31 to help the #27 team make the playoffs.(Frontstretch)[Read More Here](6-6-2017)
Chip Ganassi Racing Announces Partnership with 5.11 Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announced a partnership with California-based 5.11-the global innovator in tactical apparel and gear-to become the new apparel, gear and accessories outfitter of the racing organization. 5.11 will also serve as the official partner of the CGR pit crews and associated training facilities at the Concord, N.C. and Indianapolis-based race shops. Under the new partnership, 5.11 and CGR will create unique social and digital content featuring the pit crews throughout the remainder of the 2017 racing season. 5.11 will also be an associate partner on the #1 Chevrolet SS driven by Jamie McMurray for two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) races.(Chip Ganassi Racing)[Read More Here](6-6-2017)
Hendrick Motorsports GM Doug Duchardt leaving Hendrick Motorsports executive vice president and general manager Doug Duchardt will leave the organization later this summer. He will remain in his role through the end of June. Duchardt, 53, came to Hendrick Motorsports in January 2005 as vice president of development, a position in which he oversaw race car design, engineering and production. In July 2013, he was elevated to the newly created role of general manager, directing all racing operations for the team. Duchardt’s responsibilities will be assigned to multiple team members, including Hendrick Motorsports president Marshall Carlson, chief financial officer Scott Lampe and vice president of competition Ken Howes. The organization does not plan to fill the general manager role.(Hendrick Motorsports)[Read More Here](6-6-2017)
NASCAR is reviewing the loose wheel issues from Dover: NASCAR is reviewing the two loose wheel issues that happened at Dover International Speedway over the weekend. Both Chase Briscoe in Friday’s Camping World Truck Series race and Kyle Busch in Sunday’s AAA 400 Drive for Autism had wheels come off their vehicles after making routine pit stops. By the NASCAR rule book, both instances would warrant a penalty that includes a four race crew chief suspension as well as similar punishment for the tire carrier and tire changer due to improper installation.(Motor Racing Network)[Read More Here](6-6-2017)
Bubba Wallace Press Conference Transcript An interview with: DARRELL WALLACE JR.; THE MODERATOR: Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us for today’s NASCAR teleconference with Darrell ‘Bubba’ Wallace Jr. Bubba, a graduate of the NASCAR Drive For Diversity program, a member of the inaugural NASCAR Next Class, will make his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start this Sunday in the Axalta Presents the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway. He will pilot the No. 43 Ford for Richard Petty Motorsports for the duration of Aric Almirola’s absence. Bubba, can you walk us through your thoughts as you head into your first Monster Energy Series start in the iconic 43.[See FULL transcript here](6-6-2017)
StarCom Fiber to sponsor Cope at Pocono StarCom Fiber teams up with Premium Motorsports and Derrike Cope to tackle the Tricky Triangle for the Monster Energy Nascar Cup series Pocono 400 on June 11, 2017. StarCom plans to bring to Nascar the same competitive mentality that has helped its company excel as a first-class organization in the telecommunications field. “We are going to have a strong showing of company support as StarCom plans to have an estimated 60 plus turnout of employees and customers for the 400-mile event,” stated Bill Woehlemann, CFO of StarCom Fiber. StarCom Fiber, a telecommunications company based in New Jersey, services all of the Tri-State area and beyond.(Premium Motorsports / StarCom Fiber)[Read More Here](6-6-2017)
Casey Mears fills in for Almirola in XFINITY race at Pocono: With Almirola injured in a crash at Kansas Speedway, Biagi DenBeste Racing regular Casey Mears will jump behind the wheel of the #98 Fresh From Florida Ford Mustang this weekend at Pocono Raceway [More](6-6-2017)
Senica set for debut with Copp in IowaMike Senica, veteran of the ARCA Racing and NASCAR K&N Series, has signed on with Copp Motorsports for the June 23rd NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Iowa Speedway. Senica, who brings his corporate partners Bell Plantation and American Powerhouse, will make his NASCAR Truck Series debut.[More](6-6-2017)
News from June 5, 2017
Johnson has Basal Cell Carcinoma removed Seven-time NASCAR Cup Champ #48-Jimmie Johnson, who won the race at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, posted via his Twitter this morning that he had Basal Cell Carcinoma cut out of his shoulder.(Jimmie Johnson Twitter)[Red More Here](6-5-2017)
Bubba Wallace to make Cup debut at Pocono; Roush to suspend operations of #6 NXS team: Richard Petty Motorsports announced that NASCAR XFINITY Series regular Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. will pilot the #43 Ford while Aric Almirola recovers from his injuries. Wallace brings five years of NASCAR experience in both the XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series and has been a member of the Ford Performance team since 2015. Wallace, a graduate of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program and inaugural member of NASCAR Next, will make his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start at Pocono Raceway this weekend. Richard Petty Motorsports has partnered with Ford Performance and Roush Fenway Racing since 2010, and now are teaming up once again during Almirola’s absence. Almirola, who suffered an acute compression fracture to his T5 Vertebra after a multi-car accident at Kansas Speedway, is currently recovering from the injury which has a standard healing time of eight to 12 weeks.(Richard Petty Motorsports / Breaking Limits)
With Wallace’s focus on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Roush Fenway Racing will suspend efforts on the No. 6 NXS team after this weekend’s event in Pocono. Roush Fenway and Wallace will continue to evaluate additional potential opportunities for Wallace to run in NXS races. Wallace has driven for Roush Fenway in the NXS for the past two and a half seasons, scoring a career-high finish of second at Dover last spring.(Roush Fenway Racing)[Read More Here](6-5-2017)
Dover Commercial breakdown for the 2017 AAA 400 Drive for Autism 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 1:00 PM, and stopped at the waving of the conclusion of the race at 5:12 PM (all times are EDT). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage.(CawsnJaws.com)[Read More Here](6-5-2017)
Man charged after NASCAR fence climbing stunt at Dover: A 43-year-old man who police have identified as John Infanti of Greenwood, DE was arrested Sunday after climbing the fence during a NASCAR race in Dover. Infanti is seen sitting atop the curved portion of the fence, at one point dangling his right leg over the track as cars drove past. Hoffman said private security personnel, contracted by Dover International Speedway, coaxed Infanti off the fence, which is in turn four of the race track. While being taken into custody, Infanti refused to obey officers’ commands, kicking one Dover officer in the knee, Hoffman added. Infanti faces charges of second-degree trespass, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest with force and offensive touching of a law enforcement officer.(Dover Post)[Read More Here](6-5-2017)
NASCAR Dover Recap Stats & Facts
– Jimmie Johnson: 83rd career NASCAR Cup Series wins; ties Cale Yarborough for 6th all-time (1 behind Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip for 4th all-time)
– Johnson: 11th NASCAR Cup Series win at Dover; becomes 3rd driver in series history to win more than 10 times at a track (Richard Petty: 4 tracks; Darrell Waltrip: 2 tracks)
Most Wins – NASCAR Cup Series History; Most Wins at a Track – NASCAR Cup Series History; Most 3-Win Seasons – NASCAR Cup Series History.(ESPN Research)[Read More Here](6-5-2017)
NASCAR Dover Notebook for Sunday Truex wins two stages, but bad luck denies him the big prize; For a changed, fortune smiles on Danica Patrick; Ty Dillon enjoyed his stint at the front (NASCAR Wire Service)[Read Full Report Here](6-5-2017)
Regan Smith is week-to-week with RPM Regan Smith told Frontstretch the deal with RPM [subbing for injured Aric Almirola in the #43 Ford) is week-to-week at this point and is not a done deal that he will be with the #43 for all the races.(Frontstretch)[Read More Here](6-5-2017)
Keselowski makes donation to National Military Family Foundation:Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation announced the organization made a $20,000 donation to the National Military Family Foundation Saturday at Dover International Speedway. The donation will be used to support NMFA’s Operation Purple Healing Adventure (OPHA) in Parkton, North Carolina, later this year.(Delaware State News)[Read More Here](6-5-2017)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 41 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s XFINITY 250 at Pocono Raceway. See the complete list on the Pocono entry list page.(6-5-2017)
Roush to suspend operations of #6 NXS teamRoush Fenway Racing has announced that Bubba Wallace will transition from its No. 6 NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) Ford Mustang to the iconic No. 43 Ford Fusion of Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) where the 23-year-old will make his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut at Pocono Raceway. With Wallace’s focus on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Roush Fenway Racing will suspend efforts on the No. 6 NXS team after this weekend’s event in Pocono. Roush Fenway and Wallace will continue to evaluate additional potential opportunities for Wallace to run in NXS races. Wallace has driven for Roush Fenway in the NXS for the past two and a half seasons, scoring a career-high finish of second at Dover last spring.[More](6-5-2017)
Grunt Style to sponsor Boyd’s XFINITY venture with SS Green LightSpencer Boyd Racing and SS Green Light Racing officials announced that Grunt Style is supporting Spencer Boyd’s move up to NASCAR’s Xfinity Series. Spencer will drive the No. 07 Grunt Style Chevrolet Camaro in multiple races this year.[More](6-5-2017)
Truck Series entry list: There are 26 trucks entered for Friday’s winstaronlinegaming.com 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. See the complete list on the Texas entry list page (pdf).(6-5-2017)
News from June 4, 2017
Jimmie Johnson wins at Dover for milestone victory The man who once made his parents stop at Hardee’s because he thought it was Cale Yarborough’s race shop pulled even with his childhood hero in Sunday’s AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover International Speedway. Getting the jump on #42-Kyle Larson on an overtime restart at the Monster Mile, #48-Jimmie Johnson crossed the overtime line on the backstretch moments before a multi-car wreck brought out the 15th caution of the race and froze the field with Johnson in the lead and a frustrated Larson running second. The victory was the 83rd of Johnson’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career, and it tied him for sixth on the all-time wins list with Yarborough, a NASCAR Hall of Famer.(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](6-4-2017)
Johnson wins at Dover: #48-Jimmie Johnson won the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway for his 3rd win of 2017, 11th win at Dover and 83rd career win. Johnson ties Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough for 6th in all-time wins with 83.
#42-Larson (who led the most laps with 241) finished 2nd followed by #78-Truex Jr., #31-Newman, #24-Elliott, #19-Suarez (career best finish), #1-McMurray, #11-Hamlin, #4-Harvick and #10-Patrick.
Cup debuts: #15-Ross Chastain finished 20th and #83-Ryan Sieg finished 26th.
The race under NASCAR Overtime when #38-Ragan lost a tire and hit the wall causing the caution to come out with 4 laps left.
The race restarted on lap 404 with #42-Larson leading and #48-Johnson in 2nd. Johnson got a good restart and took the lead, winning the race.
The leaders got past the NASCAR Overtime line when #13-Dillon slid in the speedy dry involving eight seven other cars and ending the race under caution.
The nine cars were involved in the race ending wreck: #1-McMurray, #3-Dillon, #5-Kahne, #6-Bayne, #13-Dillon, #31-Newman, #47-Allmendinger, #72-Whitt, #77-Jones
#78-Truex Jr. maintains the Driver Points lead by 9 points over #42-Larson.
Stages 1 & 2 were won by #78-Truex Jr.
During the 1st caution on lap 18, then leader #18-Busch and pole winner pitted and got off pit road first, but the crew had a problem with the left rear and didn’t get the lug nuts tight. The jackman let the car down and Busch left. The wheel came off just after Busch went back on the track and tore up some of the left rear sheet metal of the car, but Busch stayed on the lead lap until late in the race, finishing 16th, down one lap.
There were 17 lead changes among 9 drivers and 15 cautions for 72 yellow flag laps
The average speed of the race was: 104.955mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).
Race Fast Facts – Dover International Speedway
#48-Jimmie Johnson won the 48th Annual AAA 400 Drive For Autism, his 83rd victory in 556 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his third victory and fifth top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his 11th victory and 22nd top-10 finish in 31 races at Dover International Speedway.
#42-Kyle Larson (second) posted his fifth top-10 finish in seven races at Dover International Speedway. It is his eighth top-10 finish in 2017.
#78-Martin Truex Jr. (third) posted his 12th top-10 finish in 23 races at Dover International Speedway.
#19-Daniel Suarez (sixth) was the highest finishing rookie.
#78-Martin Truex Jr. leads the point standings by 9 points over #42-Kyle Larson.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(6-4-2017)
2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Standings:
[after Dover, race 13 of 36]
1) #78-Martin Truex Jr [2 wins], 545
2) #42-Kyle Larson [1], 536, -9
3) #4-Kevin Harvick, 429, -116
4) #18-Kyle Busch, 416, -129
5) #1-Jamie McMurray, 415, -130
6) #48-Jimmie Johnson [3], 414, -131
7) #2-Brad Keselowski [2], 410, -135
8) #24-Chase Elliott, 398, -147
9) #11-Denny Hamlin, 361, -184
10) #14-Clint Bowyer, 349, -196
11) #22-Joey Logano [1*]
14) #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. [1]
15) #31-Ryan Newman [1]
16) #41-Kurt Busch [1]
21) #3-Austin Dillon [1]
* encumbered finish, can’t be used to make the playoffs
See full standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 240) of the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway (lap 240/400):
#78-Truex Jr., 10pts, 1 playoff point
#48-Johnson, 9pts
#20-Kenseth, 8pts
#18-Busch, 7pts
#42-Larson, 6pts
#4-Harvick, 5pts
#24-Elliott, 4pts
#21-Blaney, 3pts
#77-Jones, 2pts
#5-Kahne, 1pts
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 120) of the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway (lap 120/400):
#78-Truex Jr., 10pts, 1 playoff point
#42-Larson, 9pts
#4-Harvick, 8pts
#20-Kenseth, 7pts
#48-Johnson, 6pts
#5-Kahne, 5pts
#21-Blaney, 4pts
#77-Jones, 3pts
#18-Busch, 2pts
#19-Suarez, 1pt
Lucky Dogs – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #33-JEarnhardt, 27th
Caution 2: #72-Whitt, 22nd
Caution 3: #15-Chastain, 20th
Caution 4: #33-JEarnhardt(2), 27th
Caution 5: #33-JEarnhardt(3), 27th
Caution 6: #33-JEarnhardt(4), 27th
Caution 7: #33-JEarnhardt(5), 27th
Caution 8: #47-Allmendinger, 18th
Caution 9: #10-Patrick, 10th
Caution 10: #15-Chastain(2), 20th
Caution 11: #27-Menard, 33rd
Caution 12: #42-Larson, 2nd
Caution 13: #77-Jones, 15th
Caution 14: #20-Kenseth, 13th
Caution 15: none, end of race
(6-4-2017)
Keselowski talks about contract, Kyle Busch’s mic drop and moreFord and Team Penske driver Brad Keselowski met with the media after final practice for Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series AAA 400.
SILLY SEASON IS PICKING UP. ARE YOU IN? ARE YOU OUT? “I’m standing now, that’s good (laughs). I don’t know, I really don’t have anything to announce. A lot of stuff getting worked on.”
WHAT BOTHERED YOU SO MUCH ABOUT HOW KYLE (BUSCH) HANDLED HIS PRESS CONFERENCE? “The way that (you guys) portrayed it, the hunger to win. There are some really funny bounces in life, especially in this motorsports world. But you’re desire to win is not connected to how angry…any of those types of pieces…in my mind. That’s one way of expressing it, but it’s not the only way to win. So when people go out and write articles or the media comes out and says that’s a reflection of him having the most desire to win makes me want to throw up. Not only is that a terrible message to send to anyone who’s aspiring a part of the sport, it’s a terrible message to send to anybody in general in this world, that it’s a reflection over your desire to win. When I look at teams and people in this sport they all want to be associated with those who have the strongest hunger and desires and passions to be successful. That’s natural. That includes myself. That message to convey, whether it’s through the media or through different mouthpieces is a terrible message that has serious effects, not only on our sport but on our society and I don’t think that’s acceptable. Your desire to win can be expressed in a lot of other ways that are productive.”(Ford Performance)[Read More Here](6-4-2017)
Patrick’s Future at SHR Uncertain after 2017 Season Stewart-Haas Racing and Danica Patrick are reviewing their options about whether she will continue on as a driver for the team after this year, according to sources. Patrick is signed with SHR through ’18, but there are clauses in her contract that could see the relationship end after this year, and the sides are discussing their choices, sources said. Patrick’s nearly decade-long relationship with GoDaddy that spanned back to her time in IndyCar ended after ’15, and SHR has run into challenges securing primary sponsorship. Nature’s Bakery earlier this year backed away from its three-year, $45M deal after one season.(Sports Business Daily)[Read More Here](6-4-2017)
Can-Am/Kappa return to sponsor DiBenedetto at Dover The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series travels to Dover International Speedway this weekend for the thirteenth race of the regular season. Can-Am and Kappa, will be sponsoring the #32 Ford and driver Matt DiBenedetto as they take the green flag for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism. The team will also be taking part in Dover’s, “Autism Awareness Day at the Races” and will be running a special Autism Awareness decal on the Can-Am/Kappa Ford all weekend.(Go Fas Racing)[Read More Here](6-4-2017)
Little Hug Fruit Barrels debuts at Dover as Stenhouse’s sponsor: A few weeks ago, Roush Fenway Racing announced a multi-race partnership with Little HUG Fruit Barrels, which will be the primary partner for two races with Ricky Stenhouse and the #17 team in June at Dover and Pocono. The Little HUG brand is owned by Harvest Hill Beverage Company, based in Stamford, CT.(Roush Fenway Racing)[Read More Here](6-4-2017)
Saturday Dover Notebook: Kyle Busch’s post-race press conference at Charlotte Motor Speedway last Sunday was six words long and ended with a mic drop. After winning the pole for Sunday’s AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover International Speedway, Busch explained his surly reaction to finishing second in the Coca-Cola 600. “There were a lot of things riding on the line that meant a lot to me, that would have been special to me,” said Busch, who already has a Brickyard victory to his credit. “I guess I should care less about those things and not show that sort of emotion. All in all, that’s what was on the line for us, and we weren’t able to achieve, so it was pretty disappointing.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has always been a “gamer.” He was one of the pioneers of iRacing, often spending hours online racing against armchair drivers across the globe. Now Earnhardt is making full use of technology to up his game on the asphalt. “We went to the simulator, which is something we’ve been trying to infuse into our process a little bit more,” Earnhardt said after qualifying 11th on Friday at Dover International Speedway. “It’s been bearing some fruit and helping us out and making us feel more confident going into the race weekends. We first really experienced that in Kansas and had a great practice the first day. Same thing here, we went to the simulator, picked a few things we liked, threw out some stuff that didn’t work.”(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More News](6-4-2017)
News from June 3, 2017
Happy Hour practice for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#42-Larson 157.411
#48-Johnson 157.301
#18-Busch 157.246
#78-Truex Jr. 157.143
#20-Kenseth 157.143
#4-Harvick 157.143
#41-Busch 157.143
slowest: #66-Hill 148.234 & #33-Earnhardt 149.477
no laps run: #51-Ware
most laps run: #42-Larson 60; #11-Hamlin 56
best 10 consecutive lap ave #42-Larson 156.652 (27 drivers)
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (6-3-2017)
Saturday 1st practice for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#18-Busch 158.040
#21-Blaney 157.929
#78-Truex Jr. 157.874
#48-Johnson 157.756
#41-Busch 157.708
best 10 consecutive lap ave #1-McMurray 156.448 (26 drivers)
slowest: #51-Ware 149.124 & #33-Earnhardt 150.188
most laps run: #24-Elliott 56; #1-McMurray 53
notes: #77-Jones spun early in practice, no damage.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Saturday first Practice speeds page (pdf) (6-3-2017)
Penske wants to add Ryan Blaney as team’s third driver: Roger Penske said he would like to bring Ryan Blaney into the Team Penske fold as soon possible, which would entail adding a third car to his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team. Asked if it could happen next year, he responded: “Could be.”(USA Today)[Read More Here](6-3-2017)
Pocono NASCAR Race Will Include Clemson Themed Car: The Clemson National Championship logo will adorn the hood of a car in two Monster Energy NASDCAR Cup Series races. Clemson will serve as the primary partner for the #51 Chevy at both the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway on June 11th and again on Sept. 3 at the Bojangles Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Clemson is partnering with local licensee Tiger Town Graphics on apparel items to be sold at the Clemson area Tiger Town Graphics and online at TigerTownGraphics.com.(clemsontigers.com)[Read More Here](6-3-2017)
Larson wins Dover XFINITY race: #42-Kyle Larson won the One Main Financial 200 at Dover International Speedway. It is his eighth XFINITY Series win and third of the year. #22-Ryan Blaney finished second, followed by #18-Daniel Suarez, #00-Cole Custer, #16-Ryan Reed, #9-William Byron, #1-Elliott Sadler, #6-Darrell Wallace, Jr., #19-Matt Tifft, and #3-Ty Dillon.
There were 10 cautions for 45 laps and 7 lead changes among 6 leaders.
The average speed was 96.709mph.
Complete results are on the Dover race results page (pdf). (6-3-2017)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #42-Kyle Larson
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #6-Darrell Wallace, Jr.,
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #42-Kyle Larson
Dover XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Larson(i) won the 36th Annual OneMain Financial 200, his eighth victory in 97 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his third victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and sixth top-10 finish in six races at Dover International Speedway.
Ryan Blaney(i) (second) posted his third top-10 finish in five races at Dover International Speedway. It
is his sixth top-10 finish in 2017.
Daniel Suarez(i) (third) posted his fourth top-10 finish in five races at Dover International Speedway.
Cole Custer (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 12 points over Justin Allgaier.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-3-2017)
XFINITY Driver standings following Dover:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler, 375
2) #7-Justin Allgaier [1 win], 363, -12
3) #9-William Byron, 318, -57
4) #6-Darrell Wallace Jr., 291, -84
5) #21-Daniel Hemric, 283, -92
6) #16-Ryan Reed [1 win], 270, -105
7) #48-Brennan Poole, 263, -112
8) #19-Matt Tifft, 255, -120
9) #5-Michael Annett, 248, -127
10) #00-Cole Custer, 242, -133
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(6-3-2017)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Dover: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #78-Anderson, 26th
Caution 3: #33-Jones, 29th
Caution 4: #07-Black, 24th
Caution 5: #0-Smithley, 27th
Caution 6: #18-Saurez, 3rd
Caution 7: #19-Tifft, 9th
Caution 8: #74-Harmon, 25th
Caution 9: #74-Harmon, 25th
Caution 10: #74-Harmon, 25th
(6-3-2017)
Larson on XFINITY pole at Dover: #42-Kyle Larson won the Coors Light pole for the One Main Financial 200 at Dover International Speedway with a speed of 157.453mph. #22-Ryan Blaney will start second. The rest of the top 10: #18-Daniel Suarez, #20-Erik Jones, #48-Brennan poole, #19-Matt Tifft, #2-Austin Dillon, #9-WilliamByron, #1-Elliott Sadler, and #21-Daniel Hemric. .
Did Not Qualify: none.
The starting lineup is posted on the Dover starting lineup page (pdf).(6-3-2017)
Dover XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Kyle Larson(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 36th Annual OneMain Financial 200 with a lap of
22.864 seconds, 157.453 mph.
This is his third pole in 97 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his second pole and sixth top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole in six races at Dover International Speedway.
Ryan Blaney(i) (second) posted his fifth top-10 start of 2017 and his fifth in five races at Dover International Speedway.
Daniel Suarez(i) (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Dover International Speedway. It is his fourth in
eight races this season.Matt Tifft (sixth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(5-27-2017)
News from June 2, 2017
Kyle Busch wins Dover pole: #18-Kyle Busch won the Coors Light pole for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway with speed of 158.954mph for his 1st pole of 2017, 1st at Dover and 20th of his career. Busch has won 4 times from the 19 previous poles.
#78-Truex Jr. will start 2nd followed by #19-Suarez, #20-Kenseth, #42-Larson, #41-Busch, #77-Jones, #2-Keselowski, #3-Dillon, #11-Hamlin, #88-Earnhardt Jr. and #17-Stenhouse Jr.
#18-Busch was fastest in the second round with a speed of 159.617mph, will start 1st
#42-Larson was fastest in the first round with a speed of 158.983mph, will start 5th
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 39 were entered for 40 spots
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Dover qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Dover Starting Lineup page (pdf).(6-2-2017)
Kyle Busch edges Martin Truex Jr. for Dover pole: If Joe Gibbs Racing isn’t back, it’s hard to say what “back” is. Kyle Busch put his #18 JGR Toyota on the pole for Sunday’s AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover International Speedway, edging favorite son #78-Martin Truex Jr. for the top starting spot by .011 seconds. With JGR teammates #18-Daniel Suarez (158.346 mph) earning a career-best third starting spot and #20-Matt Kenseth (158.211 mph) qualifying fourth, the Gibbs cars appear ready to build on the momentum they gathered during Speedweeks at Charlotte, where Busch won the Monster Energy All-Star Race and finished second in last Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600. Truex (158.877 mph), the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series leader, qualified second by a razor-thin margin, even though he had an extra half-lap on his tires, having aborted his opening run in the first round of knockout qualifying after his car twitched off the corner.(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](6-2-2017)
Dover International Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
#18-Kyle Busch won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 48th Annual AAA 400 Drive For Autism with a lap of 22.648 seconds, 158.954 mph.
This is his 20th pole in 439 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his first pole and 11th top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole in 25 races at Dover International Speedway.
#78-Martin Truex Jr. (second) posted his 10th top-10 start of 2017 and his 13th in 23 races at Dover International Speedway.
#19-Daniel Suarez (third) posted his first top-10 start at Dover International Speedway. It is his third in 13 races this season.
Suarez (third) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-2-2017)
Second Round of Qualifying for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#18-Busch 159.617
#41-Busch 159.102
#17-Stenhouse Jr. 159.053
#77-Jones 158.325
#78-Truex Jr. 158.256
the rest of the top 12: 42 20 3 19 11 2 88
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 31 48 21 24 6 4 1 5 13 14 27 47
(6-2-2017)
First Round of Qualifying for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 20 scheduled minutes.
#42-Larson 158.383
#78-Truex Jr. 158.835
#41-Busch 158.646
#19-Suarez 158.374
#1-McMurray 1858.235
the rest of the top 24: 20 17 77 24 2 88 18 14 11 4 3 21 5 48 13 47 6 27 31
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 32 22 34 95 37 43 10 23 38 83 72 15 66 51 33
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 39 entered
(6-2-2017)
Coverage of Qualifying for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is scheduled for Friday,June 2, 2017 at 3:50pm/et.
Television (TV): FS1, 3:30pm/et
Radio: Live online at Motor Racing Network (MRN)
Scheduled Qualifying Re-Air: Saturday. June 3 at 7:30am/et on FS1
Group qualifying under the three-round qualifying format:
• Round 1 — All entries will have 20 minutes to post a qualifying time, after which the 24 registering the fastest laps will advance to the second round. Those failing to advance will be sorted based on first-round times in descending order (from fastest to slowest).
• Round 2 — The 24 fastest from the first round will have 10 minutes to post a second-round qualifying time, with the 12 fastest advancing to a third round. Those not advancing will earn starting positions 13 through 24 based on time, again in descending order.
• Round 3 — The final round will be five minutes in length. The fastest times from this session will determine the first (Coors Light Pole Award) through 12th starting positions.
There will be a seven-minute break between each round; teams may make adjustments to their entries only during the individual breaks. They will not be allowed to jack the vehicle or raise the hood, and once the car or truck enters the garage, it will no longer be permitted to return to the track for additional qualifying attempts.
Dover Double for the Dogs and Kyle Busch Fans attending this weekend’s NASCAR races at Dover International Speedway will be seeing double when it comes to the PEDIGREE brand colors during races at the concrete mile oval. Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 PEDIGREE Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), will sport the familiar yellow colors for Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series AAA 400 Drive for Autism. Fans will also see double throughout the Dover weekend as the PEDIGREE Brand will also back talented up-and-coming driver Todd Gilliland in Friday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race for Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM). The 17-year old Gilliland, son of former PEDIGREE driver David Gilliland, is scheduled to make his Truck Series debut in Friday afternoon’s race.(Joe Gibbs Racing)[Read More Here](6-2-2017)
Go FAS Racing hauler involved in accident entering Dover The hauler of the #32 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Go FAS Racing team was involved in an accident entering the Dover International Speedway infield Thursday night. According to a team spokesperson, the hauler was waiting in line before being parked in the Cup Series garage when the body of a garbage truck shifted on Dover’s steep banking and collided with the stopped hauler, causing significant damage to the left side. The team’s rented tractor also received damaged. No one was injured.(CATCHFENCE.com)[Read More Here](6-2-2017)
Friday practice for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 85 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#42-Larson 158.863
#20-Kenseth 158.961
#18-Busch 159.398
#78-Truex Jr. 159.208
#41-Busch 159.039
slowest: #72-Whit 149.421 & #51-Ware 149.782
best 10 consecutive lap ave #42-Larson 155.569 (only 4 drivers)
most laps run: #24-Elliott 38; #22-Logano 29
notes: #88-Earnhardt Jr. slid up late in practice and scraped the wall, no serious damage.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds page (pdf) (6-2-2017)
a look at many new, notes and story lines for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Dover International Speedway
Hulu partners with Jeffrey Earnhardt & #33 Team for 19 races On the heels of launching its new live TV service, premium streaming service, Hulu, announced a new brand partnership with NASCAR driver Jeffrey Earnhardt, serving as the primary sponsor for 19 races in 2017. Earnhardt’s new #33 Chevrolet and racing suit were revealed at the Dover International Speedway – one of Earnhardt’s favorite tracks – and features the company’s signature Hulu green. The sponsorship marks the first of its kind for Hulu, and will bring the Hulu brand to the NASCAR Cup Series for the first time. Jeffrey Earnhardt’s newly-rebranded #33 Chevrolet and racing suit will make its on-track debut this Sunday, June 4th at the “AAA 400 Drive for Autism” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race at the Dover International Speedway.(Hulu PR)[Read More Here](6-2-2017)
Eight Cup teams penalized practice time at Dover: Eight Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team will miss practice time today at Dover for inspection issues last weekend at Charlotte. Cup teams that failed inspection twice last weekend and will miss 15 minutes of practice Friday: #5-Kahne, #10-Patrick, #13-Dillon, #43-Smith, #48-Johnson and #88-Earnhardt Jr. #78-Truex Jr. and #77-Jones will each miss 15 minutes of practice because their cars were both late to inspection before the race at Charlotte.(NBC Sports)(6-2-2017)
Blaney paces final XFINITY practice: #22-Ryan Blaney was quickest in final practice at Dover International Speedway with a speed of 152.517mph.
#42-Kyle Larson was second, followed by: #00-Cole Custer, #21-Daniel Hemric, #9-William Byron, #48-Brennan Poole, #62-Brendan Gaughan, #2-Austin Dillon, #18-Daniel Suarez, and #20-Erik Jones.
37 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Dover final practice speeds page (pdf).(6-2-2017)
Larson fastest in first XFINITY practice: #42-Kyle Larson was fastest during opening practice at Dover International Speedway with a speed of 154.540mph.
The rest of the top 10: #19-Matt Tifft, #22-Ryan Blaney, #18-Daniel Suarez, #1-Elliott Sadler, #7-Justin Allgaier, #00-Cole Custer, #33-Brandon Jones, #48-Brennan Poole, and #2-Austin Dillon.
39 drivers practiced during the session.
#23-Spencer Gallagher and #52-Joey Gase wrecked in turn 3. Both teams will need a backup.
See complete results on the Dover practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-2-2017)
McLeod Motorsports welcomes Anderson at Monster Mile For Saturday’s XFINITY Series OneMain Financial 200, the Mooresville, N.C.-based B.J. McLeod Motorsports welcomes Jordan Anderson aboard the No. 78 Chevrolet Camaro.[More](6-2-2017)
Race recap: Sauter holds off teammate Grala for Dover win Veteran Johnny Sauter proved once again that the combination of guile and clean air trumped youthful enthusiasm and superior tires. Despite racing on tires that were 54 laps older than those of his closest pursuer, 18-year-old GMS Racing teammate Kaz Grala, Sauter got 82 laps out of his last tank of fuel at Dover International Speedway and held on to win Friday’s Bar Harbor 200 presented by Sea Watch International.[More](6-2-2017)
Sauter wins Dover: #21-Johnny Sauter won the Bar Harbor 200 at Dover International Speedway on Friday night over teammate, #33-Kaz Grala. #98-Grant Enfinger, #27-Ben Rhodes, #19-Austin Cindric, #99-Brandon Jones, #92-Regan Smith, #24-Justin Haley, #18-Noah Gragson, and #16-Ryan Truex were the remainder of the top-10.
There were 8 caution flags for 43 laps and 5 lead changes among 5 leaders.
See results on the Charlotte race results page(6-2-2017)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 45 laps, winner, #16-Ryan Truex
Stage 2 – 90 laps, winner, #88-Matt Crafton
Stage 3 – 200 laps, winner, #21-Johnny Sauter
Dover Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Johnny Sauter won the 18th Annual Bar Harbor 200 Presented by Sea Watch International, his 14th
victory in 204 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and sixth top-10 finish in nine races at Dover International Speedway.
Kaz Grala (second) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Dover International Speedway. It is
his third top-10 finish in 2017.
Grant Enfinger (third) posted his first top-10 finish in one race at Dover International Speedway.
Kaz Grala (second) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 52 points over Christopher Bell.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-2-2017)
Truck Series point standings following Dover:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 291
2) #4-Christopher Bell, 239, – 52
3) #88-Matt Crafton, 232, -59
4) #27-Ben Rhodes, 215, -76
5) #29-Chase Briscoe, 208, -83
6) #16-Ryan Truex, 185, -106
7) #98-Grant Enfinger, 181, -110
8) #33-Kaz Grala, 175, -116
9) #17-Timothy Peters, 170, -121
10) #18-Noah Gragson, 145, -146
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page.(6-2-2017)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Dover: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #44-Mills, 17th
Caution 2: #1-Anderson, 24th
Caution 3: #13-Coughlin, 16th
Caution 4: #44-Mills, 17th
Caution 5: #24-Haley, 8th
Caution 6: #66-Chastain, 15th
Caution 7: #44-Mills, 17th
Caution 8: #27-Rhodes, 4th
(6-2-2017)
Briscoe on pole at Dover: #29-Chase Briscoe won the pole for Friday’s Bar Harbor 200 at Dover International Speedway with a speed at
#16-Ryan Truex will start second. The rest of thetop-10: #4-Christopher Bell, #19-Austin Cindric, #97-Jesse Little, #27-Ben Rhodes, #75-Parker Kligerman, #18-Noah gragson, #66-Ross Chastain, and #51-Harrison Burton.
Failed to qualify: none.
The starting lineup is posted on the Dover starting lineup page(6-2-2017)
Dover Qualifying Fast Facts:
Chase Briscoe won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 18th Annual Bar Harbor 200 Presented by
Sea Watch International with a lap of 23.007 seconds, 156.474 mph.
This is his first pole in six NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and fourth top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole in one race at Dover International Speedway.
Ryan Truex (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2017 and his first in two races at Dover International Speedway.
Christopher Bell (third) posted his second top-10 start at Dover International Speedway. It is his sixth
in six races this season.
Briscoe (first) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-2-2017)
Liberty Tax Service to sponsor Myatt Snider’s No. 51 Tundra for three races Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced that Liberty Tax Service will sponsor Myatt Snider for three races in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) this season. Snider, a native of Charlotte, N.C., will drive the No. 51 Liberty Tax Service Tundra at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta on July 6, Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth on Nov. 3 and the season finale at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway on Nov. 17 as part of his eight-race schedule with KBM this season.[More](6-2-2017)
Beaver Motorsports announces Motorsports Safety Group as Dover primaryBeaver Motorsports announced Motorsports Safety Group (MSG) as the primary sponsor for the No. 50 Chevrolet Silverado of Cody Ware at Dover Speedway for the Bar Harbor 200. This will be Ware’s first start at the Monster Mile.[More](6-2-2017)
winstaronlinegaming.com named title sponsor of Truck Series race at Texas winstaronlinegaming.com will serve as the title sponsor for next week’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.The race that is scheduled for Friday, June 9, will be rebranded the winstaronlinegaming.com 400 in a one-year agreement for the annual June truck series race at the world-renowned motorsports facility.[More](6-2-2017)
Steel Installation begins for Phoenix Raceway Project On Tuesday [May 30] morning, the first piece of steel was installed for the new grandstand structure as part of the $178 million Phoenix Raceway Project Powered by DC Solar. The beam featured a special message “Best Wishes from Daytona,” signifying a symbolic passing of the torch from Phoenix Raceway’s partner facility Daytona International Speedway, which also recently completed a significant redevelopment project – DAYTONA Rising. (PhoenixRaceway.com)(6-2-2017)
Richard Petty to Celebrate his 80th Birthday at Chicagoland Speedway Chicagoland Speedway will offer an exclusive Richard Petty ticket offer to celebrate “The King’s” 80th birthday for the September 17 race, the kick-off race to the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series playoffs. For $85, fans will receive one grandstand ticket, one infield fan zone pass and take part in a Q&A session with “The King”. In addition, $5 of the proceeds for each ticket will benefit the Petty Family Foundation and Victory Junction.
Petty, whose birthday is July 2, will celebrate with a variety of events across the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. At Chicagoland Speedway, fans will kick off the event by singing a grandstand-wide Happy Birthday to Petty, the Hall of Fame driver and owner. In addition, fans will be encouraged to stand and give a round of applause on Lap 43 and then again on Lap 80.(Chicagoland Speedway)[Read More Here](6-2-2017)
News from June 1, 2017
Timmy Hill to race the #66 car for Carl Long posted on the Carl Long Motorsports Facebook page: The return of cup car #66 also this week at Dover. I gave Timmy [Hill] the seat. Dover is his home track and one of my favorites. Rick Ware Racing has another driver [Cody Ware in the #51] this week and I feel my position is better used assisting Chad in the 40 car. Going to be a busy weekend.(Carl Long Motorsport’s Facebook)[Read More Here](6-1-2017)
Childress: This win ranks at the very top: In a rare first-person exclusive, legendary NASCAR Hall of Fame owner Richard Childress gives his thoughts on returning the #3 car to Victory Lane in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series following last Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600. Where does Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 victory rank? “Well … I look back, and it’s right there at the top with Dale Earnhardt’s Daytona 500 in 1998, and winning Indy, and winning our first race with Ricky Rudd. But it’s really special when it’s family, though. By that, it would be at the top of the board. I’ve had so many great wins here at Richard Childress Racing and so many special, meaningful wins, but to have your grandson [Austin Dillon] win in the #3, knowing the pressure he’s carried inside him and on himself…(As told to Reid Spencer of the NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](6-1-2017)
Statistical Advance: Analyzing the AAA 400 Drive For Autism a look at some of the top statistical performers at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware going into the AAA 400 Drive For Autism on June 4 at 1 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
· The official opening of Dover International Speedway, then called Dover Downs International Speedway, was in 1969.
· The first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover was held on July 6, 1969 – won by Richard Petty.
· 391 drivers have competed in at least one Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway; 287 in more than one.
· Ricky Rudd leads the series in starts at Dover with 56.
· David Pearson (Ford) won the inaugural Coors Light pole at Dover in 1969 with a speed of 130.430 mph.
· 39 MENCS drivers have Coors Light poles at Dover, led by David Pearson with six.
· 35 different drivers have won at Dover International Speedway, led by Jimmie Johnson with 10 wins (2002 sweep, fall 2005, 2009 sweep, 2010 fall, spring 2012, fall 2013, spring of 2014 and spring of 2015).
· The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Dover is 37th, by Kyle Petty in the Spring of 1995.
· None of the 94 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races at Dover International Speedway have been shortened due to weather conditions.(NASCAR)[Read More Here](6-1-2017)
Changes to stages and bonus points in 2018? In an effort to heighten drama, NASCAR vice president Steve O’Donnell said additional race segments could be added and changes to the points system could occur for the 2018 season. One idea is to add bonus points for “major races” including the Daytona 500, the Coca-Cola 600, the Brickyard 400 and Southern 500. Another idea is to add an additional fourth or fifth stage to a race much like Coca-Cola 600, the only four-segment race to date. Stage racing has been widely accepted by industry stakeholders, including drivers and fans, so don’t be surprised if Bristol’s night race is eventually turned into five 100-lap stages in the future.(Sporting News)[Read More Here](6-1-2017)
NASCAR says using VHT at Dover is a possibility after Charlotte success After a positive reception at the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR could apply VHT this weekend at Dover International Speedway. Chief racing development officer Steve O’Donnell said the 1-mile oval’s concrete surface – similar to Bristol Motor Speedway, where VHT was used in the past – makes it an obvious candidate. VHT, which is intended to promote multiple grooves to enhance passing, made its asphalt debut with NASCAR at Charlotte Motor Speedway this past weekend. O’Donnell said its success led to NASCAR being contacted by “a lot of interested parties” about its usage at more tracks in the future. Dover spokesman Gary Camp said Tuesday that VHT usage has been discussed, but no decision had been made. Camp said if NASCAR believes the compound would enhance Dover’s racing, the track “would certainly be supportive.”(NBC Sports)[Read More Here](6-1-2017)
Google’s to test wireless at NASCAR races Google wants to test 3.5GHz radios at four NASCAR speedways over the summer and tells the FCC that CBRS technology is now part of a “secret commercially valuable plan” for the tech giant. The tracks: Michigan in June; Bristol in August; Darlington in September; Richmond in September.(Light Reading)[Read More Here](6-1-2017)
Betty Jane France Daytona home for sale: The former home of NASCAR’s First Family – featuring a fully furnished 17,000-square-foot mansion and a 1,700-square-foot guest house on 3.8 acres on the Halifax River – goes on the auction block Saturday. In the meantime, the auction company, Platinum Luxury Auctions, is hosting previews from noon-4 p.m. daily of the sprawling estate behind the metal privacy gates at 1600 S. Peninsula Drive, property that has been appraised for insurance purposes at $13.8 million. According to the Volusia County Property Appraisers Office, the nonschool assessed value is $5,529,525. The home was built in 2003 by Charles Clayton Construction of Winter Park. Betty Jane France, beloved in the area for her charitable work and devotion to children’s issues, died on Aug. 29, 2016. She was 78.(Daytona Beach News Journal)[Read More Here](6-1-2017)
Heroes Haven returns to JDM, Smithley for Dover JD Motorsports will carry the Heroes Haven colors on its No. 0 Chevrolet with driver Garrett Smithley in Saturday’s One Main 200 Xfinity Series race at Dover International Speedway.[More](6-1-2017)
Gragson paces final Dover Truck practice:#18-Noah Gragson was fastest during final practice for Friday’s Bar Harbor 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the Monster Mile with a speed of 156.979mph. #4-Christopher Bell was second, followed by #21-Johnny Sauter, #19-Austin Cindric, #97-Jesse Little, #29-Chase Briscoe, #98-Grant Enfinger, #16-Ryan Truex, #02-Austin Hill and #75-Parker Kligerman. 32 trucks are entered and all 32 practiced during the session. #1-Jordan Anderson spun and hit the wall. He was seen and released from the care center. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(6-1-2017)
Gragson fastest in opening Dover Truck practice: #18-Noah gragson was fastest during the opening practice for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series race at Dover International Speedway at 156.209mph. #27-Ben Rhodes, #19-Austin Cindric, #88-Matt Crafton, #13-Cody Coughlin, #29-Chase Briscoe, #75-Parker Kligerman, #4-Christopher Bell, #46-Todd Gilliland, and #21-Johnny Sauter were the remainder of the top-10. 24 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(6-1-2017)