June 2018 News Archives
News from June 30, 2018
Paul Menard wins pole at Chicagoland, his first in a decade: Paul Menard had the hottest shoe on the hottest day of the NASCAR season. Torching Chicagoland Speedway with a lap at 180.102 mph (29.998 seconds) in the final round of Saturday’s knockout qualifying session at the 1.5-mile track, Menard won the pole for Sunday’s Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race.[More](6-30-2018)
Paul Menard won the Busch pole for the Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway with speed of 180.012mph for his 1st pole of 2018, 1st at Chicago and 2nd of his career. #12-Blaney will start second, followed by #9-Elliott, #11-Hamlin, #41-Busch, #14-Bowyer, #10-Almirola, #2-Keselowski, #24-Byron, #20-Jones, #19-Suarez, and #78-Truex, Jr.
#19-Suarez was fastest in the second round with a speed of 180.668mph, will start 11th.
#21-Menard was quickest in the first round with a speed of 180.120mph, will start on the pole.
No drivers will miss the race, 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).(6-30-2018)
Chicagoland Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Paul Menard won the Busch Pole Award Pole Award for the 18th Annual Overton’s 400 with a lap of 29.998 seconds, 180.012 mph.
This is his second pole in 416 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his first pole and second top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in 12 races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Ryan Blaney (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2018 and his first in three races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Chase Elliott (third) posted his second top-10 start at Chicagoland Speedway. It is his eighth in 17 races this season.
William Byron (ninth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-30-2018)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#19-Suarez 180.668
#14-Bowyer 179.868
#41-Busch 179.641
#9-Elliott 179.539
#10-Almirola 179.474
the rest of the top 12: 12 21 24 11 2 78 20
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 4 22 1 3 88 18 31 42 47 48 37 17
(6-30-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#21-Menard 180.120
#4-Harvick 179.164
#9-Elliott 179.063
#22-Logano 178.790
#41-Busch 178.772
the rest of the top 24: 14 78 42 19 11 10 24 3 12 1 20 2 47 18 48 17 31 37 88
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 6 43 38 95 13 34 15 32 23 99 00 72 51 7 66
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 39 entered
(6-30-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#2-Keselowski 180.826
#78-Truex, Jr. 180.656
#22-Logano 180.288
#41-Busch 179.671
#10-Almirola 178.832
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 26 drivers): #4-Harvick 172.351
slowest: #51-McLeod 165.802 & #66-Hill 164.780
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (6-30-2018)
Saturday Chicagoland Notebook: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champ is fond of bumpy Chicagoland; Daniel Suárez is confident he can qualify for the Playoffs; NASCAR Whelen Euro and Pinty’s Series to stage unprecedented driver swap.[More](6-30-2018)
First practice for the Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#12-Blaney 178.992
#48-Johnson 178.861
#88-Bowman 178.749
#9-Elliott 178.749
#19-Suarez 177.725
most laps run: #48-Johnson, 31 laps.
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 9 drivers): #78-Truex, Jr., 172.771
slowest: #66-Hill 166.770 & #99-Weatherman 164.364
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (6-30-2018)
Qualifying Order for the Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway is posted.
The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #9-Elliott.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #12-Blaney.
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).(6-30-2018)
Kyle Larson blisters the field on steamy day in Chicagoland: When Kyle Larson crossed the finish line at Chicagoland Speedway 8.030 seconds ahead of runner-up Kevin Harvick, there were no screams of elation from the winner of Saturday’s Overton’s 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race. Instead, Larson placed an order. “Water, ice and towel at the start/finish line,” Larson radioed to his team, after winning a race in mind-numbing heat that approached 150 degrees in the greenhouse of his No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet Camaro.[More](6-30-2018)
Larson wins Chicagoland Speedway XFINITY race: #42-Kyle Larson won the Overton’s 300 at Chicagoland Speedway for his 10th XFINITY career win and 2nd of the season. Larson won the pole but had to start the race from the rear after the team changed a tire before the start of the race.
#98-Kevin Harvick finished second, followed by #00-Cole Custer, #18-Daniel Suarez, #21-Daniel Hemric, #1-Elliott Sadler, #7-Justin Allgaier, #22-Paul Menard, #60-Chase Briscoe, and #23-Chase Elliott.
There were 4 cautions for 21 laps and 13 lead changes among 7 leaders.
The average speed was 134.764mph.
Complete results are on the Chicagoland race results page (pdf). (6-30-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #9-Tyler Reddick
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #42-Kyle Larson
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #42-Kyle Larson
Chicagoland XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Larson(i) won the 18th Annual Overton’s 300, his 10th victory in 105 NASCAR Xfinity Series races.
This is his second victory and second top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in eight races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Kevin Harvick(i) (second) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 12 races at Chicagoland Speedway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2018.
Cole Custer (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Christopher Bell (12th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Cole Custer leads the point standings by 3 points over Daniel Hemric.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-30-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following Chicagoland Speedway:
1) #00-Cole Custer, 541
2) #21-Daniel Hemric, 538, -3
3) #1-Elliott Sadler, 537, -4
4) #20-Christopher Bell [1 win], 513, -28
5) #9-Tyler Reddick [1 win], 491, -50
6) #7-Justin Allgaier [2 wins, 1 can be used for playoffs], 488, -53
7) #19-Brandon Jones, 463, -78
8) #11-Ryan Truex, 430, -111
9) #2-Matt Tifft, 400, -141
10) #12-Austin Cindric, 372, -169
11) #16-Ryan Reed, 359, -182
12) #4-Ross Chastain, 315, -226
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(6-30-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #38-Yeley, 18th
Caution 2: #39-Sieg, 20th
Caution 3: #38-Yeley (2), 18th
Caution 4: #0-Smithley, 19th
Kyle Larson on XFINITY pole at Chicagoland: #42-Kyle Larson won the Busch pole for the Overton’s 300 at Chicagoland Speedway with a speed of 173.796mph. #9-Tyler Reddick will start second. The rest of the top 10: #12-Austin Cindric, #18-Daniel Suarez, #22-Paul Menard, #19-Brandon Jones, #2-Matt Tifft, #1-Elliott Sadler, #23-Chase Elliott, and #21-Daniel Hemric.
Did Not Qualify: #74-Harmon and #89-Shepherd.
The starting lineup is posted on the Chicagoland starting lineup page (pdf).(6-30-2018)
Indianapolis FGL Fest tickets on sale July 6: Global entertainers Florida Georgia Line are gearing up for their inaugural outdoor FGL Fest Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Announced earlier this year, FGL Fest is a multi-act music event produced by Live Nation and created to coincide with the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Florida Georgia Line race Sept. 9 at IMS. FGL’s inclusion in the Big Machine Vodka 400 title marks the first time a major recording artist or act has been added to the official name of a race over a multi-year period.[More](6-30-2018)
NASCAR weekend in Sonoma raises more than $210,000 for local youth groups: Charitable programs combined to raise more than $212,500 for local youth groups during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series weekend at Sonoma Raceway, June 22-24. The majority of the proceeds raised during race weekend will benefit Sonoma County youth organizations through the Sonoma chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC). SCC has distributed more than $6 million to youth-serving non-profit groups since 2001.[More](6-30-2018)
News from June 29, 2018
Friday Chicagoland Notebook: Kyle Larson says the performance gap to the top teams is small-but it’s there; Kevin Harvick says Sonoma fake-out didn’t determine outcome; Jesse Iwuji’s heroism goes viral after good Samaritan effort.[More](6-29-2018)
Hamlin says mid-week races under consideration: In this week’s edition of the Dale Jr. Download, guest star Denny Hamlin revealed the existence of a secret driver’s council and the possibility that mid-week Cup races could happen in the foreseeable future. The Driver’s Council has been around in an official capacity since 2016, but Hamlin told Dale Earnhardt Jr. that it has now been broken into various groups.[More](6-29-2018)
Christopher Bell paces final XFINITY practice: #20-Christopher Bell was quickest in final practice at Chicagoland Speedway with a speed of 173.790mph.
#18-Daniel Suarez was second, followed by: #22-Paul Menard, #00-Cole Custer, #2-Matt Tifft, #61-Kaz Grala, #19-Brandon Jones, #98-Kevin Harvick, #23-Chase Eillott, and #21-Daniel Hemric.
See complete results on the Chicagoland practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(6-29-2018)
Gerber Collision & Glass racing with Chastain in Chicago: Gerber Collision & Glass, one of the nation’s leading autobody and glass repair and replacement companies, is joining JD Motorsports with Gary Keller again to sponsor driver Ross Chastain in Saturday’s Overton’s 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Chicagoland Speedway. Gerber will also be an associate sponsor on the No. 01 Chevrolet of Vinnie Miller.[More](6-29-2018)
Sadler looking for more sponsorship in 2019: Xfinity Series points leader Elliott Sadler said Friday that sponsor OneMain Financial will not return in the same capacity. “We know we have some sponsorship to find,” Sadler said at Chicagoland Speedway. [More](6-29-2018)
Christopher Bell fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #20-Christopher Bell was fastest during opening practice at Chicagoland Speedway with a speed of 172.364mph.
The rest of the top 10: #12-Austin Cindric, #9-Tyler Reddick, #60-Chase Briscoe, #2-Matt Tifft, #21-Daniel Hemric, #98-Kevin Harvick, #00-Cole Custer, #42-Kyle Larson, and #18-Daniel Suarez.
See complete results on the Chicagoland practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-29-2018)
UNTUCKit sponsoring Chase Elliott at Chicago and Daytona:UNTUCKit, one of the fastest-growing retail brands in the United States, announced today its addition of NASCAR driver Chase Elliott to its growing roster of athlete supporters, in a partnership that sits at the intersection of investment and brand ambassadorship. The relationship will kick off today with a two-race primary sponsorship of GMS Racing’s No. 23 UNTUCKit Chevrolet Camaro to be driven by Elliott at this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Chicagoland Speedway (June 30) and next weekend at Daytona International Speedway (July 6).[More](6-29-2018)
Michael Annett, Pilot Flying J returning to JRM in multi-year deal:JR Motorsports announced today a multi-year agreement with driver Michael Annett and partner Pilot Flying J that will return the pairing to the team’s 2019 lineup. With the renewal of Annett and Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, the announcement puts JRM on pace to compete with four full-time teams next season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.[More](6-29-2018)
Opportunistic Brett Moffitt grabs NASCAR Truck Series victory at Chicagoland: Brett Moffitt didn’t hear the words that turned Friday night’s Overton’s 225 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in his favor. “I’m blowing up!” John Hunter Nemechek shouted over his team radio as he entered Turn 1 with the lead on the final lap at Chicagoland Speedway. Nemechek’s misfortune proved an unexpected boon to Moffitt, who won the race by 5.092 seconds over Ben Rhodes, as Nemechek faded to seventh at the finish-not with a blown engine, as he had thought, but with an empty fuel cell. Moffit’s victory-his third of the season and the fourth of his career-was all the more unlikely because his Hattori Racing Enterprises didn’t have the resources to come to the 1.5-mile track until Fr8Auctions.com made a midweek commitment to sponsor Moffitt’s Toyota in Friday’s race.[More](6-29-2018)
Moffitt wins Chicagoland: #16-Brett Moffitt wasn’t sure his Hattori Racing Enterprises team could make the trip to Chicagoland Speedway without sponsorship earlier in the week. A sponsor jumped on board, and he paid them back the best way a racer can; with a trip to victory lane. Moffitt took the lead on the last lap of the Overton’s 225 after #8-John Hunter Nemechek ran out of gas, giving him his third win of the season.
#41-Ben Rhodes, #21-Johnny Sauter, #18-Noah Gragson, #51-Brandon Jones, #24-Justin Haley, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #98-Grant Enfinger, #02-Austin Hill, and #13-Myatt Snider were the remainder of the top-10.
There were six caution flags for 29 laps and 17lead changes among six leaders.
See results on the Chicagoland race results page(6-29-2018)
Chicagoland Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Brett Moffitt won the 10th Annual Overton’s 225, his fourth victory in 24 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his third victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in his series debut at Chicagoland Speedway.
Ben Rhodes (second) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Chicagoland Speedway. It is his sixth top-10 finish in 2018.
Johnny Sauter (third) posted his eighth top-10 finish in ten races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Myatt Snider (10th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 65 points over Noah Gragson.
Tonight’s race is the second NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race to finish with a last lap pass at Chicagoland Speedway – the pre
(NASCAR Statistics) (6-29-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 30, winner, #8-John Hunter Nemechek
Stage 2 – 00, winner, #18-Noah Gragson
Stage 3 – 150, race winner, #16-Brett Moffitt
Camping World Truck standings following Chicagoland:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 508 [4wins]
2) #18-Noah Gragson, 443, -65[1 win]
3) #16-Brett Moffitt, 423, -85, [3 wins]
4) #52-Stewart Friesen, 368, -140
5) #98-Grant Enfinger, 367, -141
6) #24-Justin Haley, 362, -146
7) #88-Matt Crafton, 565, -152
8) #41-Ben Rhodes, 349, -159
9) #13-Myatt Snider, 307, -201
10) #2-Cody Coughlin, 290, -218
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (6-29-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Chicagoland: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #3-Anderson,17th
Caution 2: #49-Chavous, 22nd
Caution 3: #54-LeMastus, 15th
Caution 4: #10-Cobb, 24th
Caution 5: #25-Sargeant, 20th
Caution 6: #98-Enfinger, 8th
(6-29-2018)
Gragson on Truck pole at Chicagoland: #18-Noah Gragson won he pole for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series race at Chicagoland Speedway with a speed at 175.131mph. #25-Dalton Sargeant was second fastest. #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #4-Todd Gilliland, #52-Stewart Friesen, #16-Brett Moffitt, #21-Johnny Sauter, #88-Matt Crafton, #41-Ben Rhodes and #24-Justin Haley were the rest of the top-10.
Did not qualify: none.
The starting lineup is posted on the Chicagoland starting lineup page(7-12-2018)
Chicagoland Qualifying Fast Facts:
Noah Gragson won the Pole Award for the 10th Annual Overtons 225 with a lap of 30.834 seconds, 175.131 mph.
This is his sixth pole in 36 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his third pole and 10th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in two races at Chicagoland Speedway.
Dalton Sargeant (second) posted his fourth top-10 start of 2018 and his first at Chicagoland Speedway.
John Hunter Nemechek(i) (third) posted his first top-10 start at Chicagoland Speedway. It is his sixth in eight races this season.
Dalton Sargeant (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(6-29-2018)
Darlington Raceway updates on “Better Darlington” enhancements:A Better Darlington… Darlington Raceway’s $7 million facility enhancement project has taken major strides over the past few months with many new improvements showcased to the media for the first time on Friday, June 29.[More](6-29-2018)
Las Vegas Motor Speedway expanding loge box seating: NASCAR fans attending September’s South Point 400 weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will have even more luxury seating options to enjoy while watching the world’s best drivers compete at one of the sport’s top facilities. Due to high demand and in an effort to provide a more enjoyable viewing experience for its fans, the 1.5-mile speedway is repurposing some seating areas by adding 82[More](6-29-2018)
Porter & Sayles to perform at Pocono Raceway: Stroudsburg, Pa., natives Christian Porter and Regina Sayles, known together as acclaimed musical duo Porter & Sayles, will perform a pre-race concert prior to the start of the Gander Outdoors 400 on Sunday, July 29. They will perform the National Anthem before the green flag waves to start the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ‘The Tricky Triangle’ that day. [More](6-29-2018)
News from June 28, 2018
Special scheme for Jones at Chicago: Carrying a special DEWALT Join the Salute paint scheme this weekend on the No. 20 Toyota Camry, Erik Jones will make his second-career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) start this weekend at the 1.5-mile Chicagoland Speedway.[More](6-28-2018)
Sonoma TV ratings UPDATE: Fox Sports 1 earned a 1.6 overnight rating for the Cup race from Sonoma.(6-25-2018)
UPDATE: Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Sonoma 350 earned a 1.4 rating and 2.3 million viewers on FS1, down 30% in ratings and 28% in viewership from last year (2.0, 3.2M) and down 42% and 40% respectively from 2016 (2.4, 3.9M).[More](6-28-2018)
Chicagoland Speedway Weekend Preview: Truex Jr. has won the last two MENCS races at Chicagoland; Allgaier returns to defend his win; Sauter hopes to increase his win tally [More](6-28-2018)
Brennan Poole alleging conspiracy to remove sponsorship: Brennan Poole is suing his former team, Chip Ganassi Racing, and former agency Spire Sports and Entertainment on claims that they illegally conspired to move the DC Solar sponsorship from Poole in the Xfinity Series to Kyle Larson in the NASCAR Cup Series. Poole, according to the complaint filed last week in North Carolina Superior Court, brought the DC Solar sponsorship to Ganassi, which got $2.5 million for a 17-race Poole schedule in the Xfinity Series in 2015; $5.2 million for a full Xfinity season in 2016; and $5.5 million for another full Xfinity season in 2017. Poole claims clauses in his Ganassi contract — primarily a two-year non-solicitation clause — prohibit the sponsorship remaining at Ganassi without Poole’s consent. The amount in damages he is seeking is not specified. He is not seeking an injunction to keep DC Solar from appearing on Larson’s Cup car, as it has this season.[More](6-28-2018)
Gilliland fastest in second Chicagoland Truck practice: #4-Todd Gilliland was fastest in the second Camping World Truck Series practice for Friday night’s race at Chicagoland Speedway, with a speed at 174.984mph. #41-Ben Rhodes, #24-Justin Haley, #02-Austin Hill, #16-Brett Moffitt, #13-Myatt Snider, #98-Grant Enfinger, #52-Stewart Friesen, #25-Dalton Sargeant and #18-Noah Gragson were the op-10. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(6-28-2018)
Sauter fastest in opening Chicagoland Truck practice: #21-Johnny Sauter was fastest in the opening Truck Series practice for the Overton’s 225, with a speed at 174.160mph. #25-Dalton Sargeant, #41-Ben Rhodes, #18-Noah Gragson, #88-Matt Crafton, #98-Grant Enfinger, #16-Brett Moffitt, #4-Todd Gillilland, #52-Stewart Friesen, and #8-John Hunter Nemechek were the top-10. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(6-28-2018)
Daytona, NASCAR and Coca-Cola to provide ‘R&R’ Suites for military members during Coke Zero Sugar 400: Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR and Coca-Cola are joining forces to provide a cool destination for all military members (active duty, reservist/guard, veteran/retiree or military spouse/dependent) to enjoy some R&R during the upcoming Coke Zero Sugar 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on July 7 at the “World Center of Racing.”[More](6-28-2018)
Pocono Fan Fest driver lineup and event details announced: Pocono Raceway will host their second annual Fan Fest from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET on Friday, July 27. This year’s event is free for anyone who has a 2018 Gander Outdoors 400 race weekend ticket and for kids, ages 12 and under.[More](6-28-2018)
Charles “Peanut” Tillman to serve as honorary pace car driver at Chicagoland: The Bears legend will lead the field in Chicagoland Speedway’s custom Toyota Camry pace car to start the Overton’s 400.[More](6-28-2018)
News from June 27, 2018
Thorne returns to Kahne’s Chevy: LFR is proud to welcome Thorne as the newest partner of Leavine Family Racing (LFR) for their second primary sponsorship race aboard the No. 95 Chevy this season. Through the partnership, Thorne will provide the team with ongoing diagnostic testing and consultations. Thorne’s tests measure an individual’s unique biomarkers and can uncover specific health insights, which are converted into a personal plan for what to eat, how to exercise, and whether to add nutritional supplements to improve health outcomes and athletic performance.[More](6-27-2018)
Connor Co. joins Ragan at Chicago: “We’ve got a new partner with our 38 team for the Chicago race weekend. Connor Co. is a distributor of heating, cooling, plumbing and industrial products — a family-owned business that has been around for over 80 years. And they’re headquartered nearby in Peoria, Illinois, so this will be a home race for them. They’ve got a big group coming out to the track for the race, and we’re excited to welcome them to the sport and the Front Row family.”[More](6-27-2018)
West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame inducts 11-member 2018 class:The West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame conducted its 15th Annual Induction Ceremony, presented by Gateway Motorsports Park, on June 21. The latest 11 inductees bring the Hall’s membership to 152, dating to its inaugural class of 2002.[More](6-27-2018)
Moffitt heads to Chicagoland Speedway with Fr8Auctions:Brett Moffitt and the No. 16 team head to Chicagoland Speedway in search of their third victory this season thanks to Fr8Auctions and Northland Foundations Inc. Fr8Auctions, an Atlanta-based asset recovery and inventory liquidation business, entered the sport with Moffitt in 2015 and will reunite this weekend in Joliet, IL along with Northland Foundations Inc.[More](6-27-2018)
FOX Sports takes dirt aces Bell and Larson back to their roots for Truck race at Eldora: Veteran dirt aces and current NASCAR stars Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson will make their FOX Sports broadcasting debuts in the July 18 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Eldora (9:00 PM ET on FS1), with Bell covering pit road and Larson serving as an analyst in the FS1 booth.[More](6-27-2018)
Max Tullman set for Truck Series debut at Chicagoland with Young’s Motorsports: Veteran Sports Car racer Max Tullman will pull double-duty this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway as the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards rookie will also compete in Friday night’s Overton’s 225 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race for Young’s Motorsports. Friday night’s event will be the first of a minimum three-race schedule for Tullman aboard Young’s Motorsports’ No. 20 Chevrolet, as the 20-year-old is also set to compete at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in September and Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in October. [More](6-27-2018)
Chicago names grand marshals and honorary starters: Chicagoland Speedway announced today the official Grand Marshal and Honorary Starters list for the upcoming Stars and Stripes Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series weekend. Starting with the ARCA Racing Series SCOTT 150 on Thursday, June 28, representatives from the Joliet’s Stone City VFW will waive the green flag. Overton’s Director of Operations Pat Baker will say the most famous words in racing, “Gentlemen, start your engines” to begin the Camping World Truck Series Overton’s 225 on Friday.[More](6-27-2018)
News from June 26, 2018
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Chicagoland Speedway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Chicagoland Speedway page
Jewel-Osco and Eckrich sponsoring Bubba Wallace at Chicago:Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) announced today, Jewel-Osco will be the primary sponsor of Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. and the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team during this weekend’s events at the Chicagoland Speedway. Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and deli meats, will also be a partner of Wallace Jr. and the team this weekend in Joliet, Illinois[More](6-26-2018)
Chicago Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the Goodyear Tire Notes – Chicagoland Speedwaypage.(6-26-2018)
JR Motorsports and No. 9 team partner with Takl: Home Services On Demand: JR Motorsports announced today that Takl, the only pre-priced mobile platform in the home services segment, will be primary partner on board the No. 9 Chevrolet with driver Tyler Reddick in upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Chicagoland Speedway (June 30), Daytona International Speedway (July 6) and Iowa Speedway (July 28).[More](6-26-2018)
Gateway TV ratings: FS1 earned 571K viewers for Saturday night’s race at Gateway; up 14% from last year.[More](6-26-2018)
Cape Cod Café Pizza to sponsor Pole Day at New Hampshire: The Massachusetts café will set up shop at NHMS for Cafe Cod Café Pizza Pole Day on Friday, July 20 leading up to the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 on Sunday, July 22.[More](6-26-2018)
NASCAR weekend at Chicagoland Speedway set with dozens of activities and entertainment: As race weekend rapidly approaches, Chicagoland Speedway would like to remind racing fans of the ample number of unique entertainment activities taking place as we celebrate the Stars and Stripes Weekend June 28-July 1.[More](6-26-2018)
Advance-ticket prices available at Talladega Superspeedway: While fans are soaking in the summer sun, they can also take in incredible ticket prices for Talladega Superspeedway’s highly-anticipated NASCAR Playoff doubleheader weekend (Oct. 12-14). And, starting today, Monday, June 25, being a part of the Talladega experience can be done at a lower cost with the track’s “advance-priced” ticket offers.[More](6-26-2018)
News from June 25, 2018
Entry List for the Overton’s 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway is posted, 39 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #00-Cassill, #6-Bayne, #7-Sorenson, #15-Chastain, #51-Custer, #66-Hill, #72-LaJoie, #99-Kyle Weatherman.
Since only 39 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Mike Joy, Darrell Waltrip, and Jeff Gordon expected to return to Fox booth next season: Gordon’s contract is up this year and there was speculation he would not return.[More](6-25-2018)
Sonoma television 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](6-25-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 42 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Overton’s 300 at Chicagoland Speedway.
See the complete list on the Chicagoland entry list page.
News from June 24, 2018
Sunday Sonoma Notebook: With career-best Sonoma finish, Chase Elliott is learning to love road-course racing; Missed shift destroys AJ Allmendinger’s winning chances; Despite strong run, Clint Bowyer leaves Sonoma wanting more.[More](6-24-2018)
FOX NASCAR bestows ‘The Byrnsie Award’ on Jimmie Johnson: FOX NASCAR presented seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson with the fourth-annual “The Byrnsie Award” during Sunday’s NASCAR RACEDAY pre-race telecast from Sonoma Raceway on FS1. In honor of late FOX NASCAR broadcaster Steve Byrnes, whose nickname was ‘Byrnsie,’ the award was established to celebrate an individual in the MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES who embodies principles Byrnes demonstrated daily in his personal and professional life — preparation, teamwork and family within the garage area.[More](6-24-2018)
Canny bluff propels Martin Truex Jr. to victory at Sonoma: Using a contrarian strategy that included bluffing Kevin Harvick onto pit road earlier than planned in the final stage of Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350, Martin Truex Jr. pulled off a convincing victory in the 16th Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race of the season. On Lap 73, during the final stage of the race, Truex’s crew chief, Cole Pearn, ordered the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota to pit road. On the spur of the moment, Harvick’s crew chief, Rodney Childers, opted to cover Truex’s move and called the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford to the pits from the lead.[More](6-24-2018)
Martin Truex, Jr. won the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway. The win is his 2rd win of 2018, 2nd win at Sonoma and 18th career win. Truex used a different pit strategy to stay out until 30 laps remaining before making his last stop of the day. He passed Harvick to retake the lead with 19 laps remaining and held on for a win of more than 10 seconds.
#4-Harvick finished 2nd followed by #14-Bowyer, #9-Elliott, #18-Busch, #41-Busch, #20-Jones, #10-Almirola, #88-Bowman and #11-Hamlin.
Pole winner #42-Larson led the first two laps of the race, but fell back into the pack and could not recover. He finished 14th.
Stage 1 was won by #47-Allmendinger. He finished 38th after blowing an engine.
Stage 2 was won by #11-Hamlin. He finished 10th.
There were 11 lead changes among 7 drivers and 3 cautions for 8 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 82.882mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Sonoma
Martin Truex Jr. won the 30th Annual Toyota/Save Mart 350, his 18th victory in 457 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his third victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and fourth top-10 finish in 13 races at Sonoma Raceway.
Kevin Harvick (second) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 18 races at Sonoma Raceway. It is his 13th top-10 finish in 2018.
Clint Bowyer (third) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 13 races at Sonoma Raceway.
William Byron (25th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Busch leads the point standings by 72 points over Kevin Harvick.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(6-24-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Sonoma, race 16 of 36]
#18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 696
#4-Kevin Harvick [5 wins – 4 can be used for playoffs], 624
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [3 wins], 546
#14-Clint Bowyer [2 wins], 544
#22-Joey Logano [1 win], 584
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 313
#2-Brad Keselowski, 554, -142
#41-Kurt Busch, 524, -172
#11-Denny Hamlin, 505, -191
#42-Kyle Larson, 472, -224
#10-Aric Almirola, 471, -225
#12-Ryan Blaney, 466, -230
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 419, -277
#9-Chase Elliott, 411, -285
#20-Erik Jones, 376, -320
#88-Alex Bowman, 363, -333
See 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 20/110):
#11-Hamlin, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#9-Elliott, 9pts
#48-Johnson, 8pts
#2-Keselowski, 7pts
#12-Blaney, 6pts
#10-Almirola, 5pts
#88-Bowman, 4pts
#34-McDowell, 3pts
#37-Buescher, 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):
#47-Allmendinger, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#2-Keselowski, 9pts
#48-Johnson, 8pts
#9-Elliott, 7pts
#42-Larson, 6pts
#31-Newman, 5pts
#10-Almirola, 4pts
#19-Suarez, 3pts
#37-Buescher, 2pts
#95-Kahne, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #52-Ware, 36th
Caution 2: None
Caution 3: #52-Ware (2), 36th
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway have been made.
With 38 cars running, pit stalls 1, 7, 15, 22, and 31 are not in use.
Pole winner #42-Larson chose pit stall 2, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #78-Truex, Jr. took pit stall 32, with an opening in front of it.
#9-Elliott, who starts 3rd, took the 23rd stall, also with an opening in front of it.
The final pit stall was taken by #48-Johnson, who starts 7th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-23-2018)
Wendy Venturini injured in accident: Wendy Venturini Egert, who calls NASCAR races as a booth announcer and pit reporter for Performance Racing Network, is recovering at Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae, Ca. after being struck by a vehicle early Saturday morning. According to police, the accident is still under investigation but Egert is awake and has been speaking with officers. She is currently in the emergency room at Marin General, said a corporal with the Novato Police Department. [More](6-24-2018)
Pocono Raceway American Red Cross Blood Drive and ‘Ride for the Red’ slated for July 5: Pocono Raceway and the American Red Cross invite blood donors to attend the 13th Annual Pocono Raceway Blood Drive and Ride for the Red on Thursday, July 5. Both events, along with two satellite blood drives, are being held to honor the memory of late Raceway employee, Ryan Yanoshak.[More](6-24-2018)
New Track Bar offers exclusive fan viewing experience at New Hampshire Motor Speedway: The new and exclusive Track Bar at New Hampshire Motor Speedway offers the best, most comfortable way to view the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 on Sunday, July 22. The Track Bar is a new addition for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race weekend in Loudon. Located in the Main Grandstand suites right above the start/finish line, The Track Bar provides the best sight lines at the speedway in the comfort of a climate-controlled luxury box with a full cash bar and private bathrooms. [More](6-24-2018)
News from June 23, 2018
Saturday Sonoma Notebook: Kevin Harvick expects a rare repeat winner at Sonoma; Martin Truex Jr. doesn’t believe two-stop strategy is viable; Road course work pays off for William Byron.[More](6-23-2018)
Kyle Larson leads Chevrolet onslaught in Sonoma qualifying: Take the aerodynamic factor away and the new Chevrolets are just fine, as Kyle Larson proved Saturday in his pole-winning run at Sonoma Raceway. Larson negotiated the 1.99-mile road course in 75.732 seconds (94.597 mph) – the fastest lap of the day – to earn top starting spot in Sunday’s Toyota Save Mart 350 (3 p.m. ET, FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). The Busch Pole Award was the California native’s second of the season, his second at Sonoma and the sixth of his career.[More](6-23-2018)
#42-Kyle Larson won the Busch pole for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway with speed of 94.597mph for his 2nd pole of 2018, 2nd at Sonoma and 6th of his career. Larson has won twice from the 5 previous poles.
#78-Truex, Jr. will start 2nd followed by #9-Elliott, #1-McMurray, #47-Allmendinger, #4-Harvick, #48-Johnson, #23-Byron, #18-Busch, #2-Keselowski, #12-Blaney, and #22-Logano.
#47-Allmendinger was quickest in the first round with a speed of 94.477mph, will start 5th.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 38 were entered for 40 spots
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(6-23-2018)
Sonoma Raceway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kyle Larson won the Busch Pole Award Pole Award for the 30th Annual Toyota/Save Mart 350 with a lap of 75.732 seconds, 94.597 mph.
This is his sixth pole in 163 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and 10th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his second pole in five races at Sonoma Raceway.
Martin Truex Jr. (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2018 and his sixth in 13 races at Sonoma Raceway.
Chase Elliott (third) posted his second top-10 start at Sonoma Raceway. It is his seventh in 16 races this season.
William Byron (eighth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-23-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is over, after 25 scheduled minutes.
#47-Allmendinger 94.477
#78-Truex, Jr. 94.240
#24-Byron 93.984
#9-Elliott 93.970
#22-Logano 93.847
the rest of the top 12: 2 4 48 1 42 12 18
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 2: 6 31 21 19 88 17 14 20 11 34 41 10 37 95 3 38 23 32 13 72 15 96 43 51 00 52
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 38 entered
(6-23-2018)
Pioneer Records Management sponsoring Wallace at Martinsville: Honoring the best driver to ever race at Martinsville Speedway, Pioneer Records Management, a division of Pioneer Technology Group, announced today they will primary sponsor a special Petty Blue No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in celebration of the “The King” Richard Petty and his record 15 wins at the track. Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. will race the No. 43 that ruled Martinsville throughout the 1960’s and 70’s.[More](6-23-2018
Cope says Starcom Racing has “come a long way in a short period of time”: He says Drissi could return to the #00 at Watkins Glen and the team is “holding our own”.[More](6-23-2018)
Iowa XFINITY TV ratings: Aided by a World Cup lead-in, last Sunday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race from Iowa had a 0.7 rating and 1.1 million viewers on FS1 – up a tick in ratings and 16% in viewership from last year (0.6, 983K) but down 20% and 18% respectively from 2016 (0.9, 1.4M). It was the first Xfinity Series race all season to post an increase, snapping a streak of 11 straight declines. [Sports Media Watch](6-23-2018)
Justin Haley scores first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win in dramatic finish at Gateway: In a chaotic final 10 laps of Saturday night’s fifth-annual Villa Lighting delivers the Eaton 200 presented by CK Power, Justin Haley withstood a green-white-checkered finish to score his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory in his 37th career start for GMS Racing. Haley held off a hard-charging Todd Gilliland to secure the organization’s fifth Truck Series win of the season but more importantly stamp his No. 24 Fraternal Order of Eagles Chevrolet into the Playoffs.[More](6-23-2018)
Haley wins Gateway: #24-Justin Haley earned his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win at Gateway Motorsports Park Saturday night. Haley took the lead following a restart and held on through another to take the checkered flag in the Eaton 200.
#4-Todd Gilliland, #21-Johnny Sauter, #13-Myatt Snider, #54-Zane Smith, #42-Chad Finley, #97-Jesse Little, #51-Riley Herbst, #2-Cody Coughlin and #18-Noah Gragson were the remainder of the top-10.
There were nine caution flags for 53 laps and seven lead changes among seven leaders.
See results on the Gateway race results page(6-23-2018)
Gateway Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Justin Haley won the 5th Annual Villa Lighting delivers the Eaton 200 presented by CK Power, his first victory in 37 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in three races at Gateway Motorsports Park.
Todd Gilliland (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Gateway Motorsports Park. It is his fourth top-10 finish in 2018.
Johnny Sauter (third) posted his seventh top-10 finish in seven races at Gateway Motorsports Park.
Todd Gilliland (second) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 73 points over Noah Gragson.
(NASCAR Statistics) (6-23-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 35, winner, #98-Grant Enfinger
Stage 2 – 70, winner, #46-Christian Eckes
Stage 3 – 160, race winner, #24-Justin Haley
Camping World Truck standings following Gateway:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 464 [4wins]
2) #18-Noah Gragson, 391, -73[1 win]
3) #16-Brett Moffitt, 368, -96, [1 win]
4) #98-Grant Enfinger, 337, -127
5) #52-Stewart Friesen, 335, -129
6) #24-Justin Haley, 325, -139
7) #88-Matt Crafton, 325, -139
8) #41-Ben Rhodes, 309, -155
9) #13-Myatt Snider, 280, -184
10) #2-Cody Coughlin, 262, -202
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (6-23-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Gateway: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #83-Matthews, 17th
Caution 2: #33-Reaume, 18th
Caution 3: #22-Self, 16th
Caution 4: #41-Rhodes, 19th
Caution 5: #83-Matthews, 17th
Caution 6:: #63-Donahue, 12th
Caution 7: #52-Friesen, 13th
Caution 8: #33-Reaume, 18th
Caution 9: #33-Reaume, 18th
(6-23-2018)
Enfinger on Truck pole at Gateway: #98-Grant Enfinger won the pole for Saturday’s Camping World Truck Series Eaton 200 at Gateway Motorsports Park with a speed at 138.867mph. #46-Christian Eckes, #18-Noah Gragson, #24-Justin Haley, #41-Ben Rhodes, #88-Matt Crafton, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #4-Todd Gilliland, #97-Jesse Little and #54-Zane Smith were the top-10.
Did not qualify: #0-Camden Murphy and #74-BJ McLeod.
The starting lineup is posted on the Gateway starting lineup page(6-23-2018)
Gateway Qualifying Fast Facts:
Grant Enfinger won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 5th Annual Villa Lighting delivers the Eaton 200 presented by CK Power with a lap of 32.405 seconds, 138.867 mph.
This is his second pole in 47 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and seventh top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in two races at Gateway Motorsports Park.
Christian Eckes (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2018 and his first in one race at Gateway Motorsports Park.
Noah Gragson (third) posted his second top-10 start at Gateway Motorsports Park. It is his ninth in ten races this season.
Todd Gilliland (eighth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(6-23-2018)
Gilliland fastest in final Gateway Truck practice: #4-Todd Gilliland was fastest following the final practice for Saturday night’s Eaton 200 Camping World Truck Series race at Gateway Motorsports Park with a speed at 139.302mph. #88-Matt Crafton, #18-Noah Gragson, #46-Christian Eckes, #97-Jesse Little, #2-Cody Coughlin, #13-Myatt Snider, #16-Brett Moffitt, #24-Justin Haley, and #21-Johnny Sauter were the top-10. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(6-23-2018)
Friday is free at Talladega Superspeedway race weekend: The weekend, which could play a major role in the outcome of both series season-ending championships, kicks off on Friday with practice sessions and qualifying for the Talladega 250. At 4 p.m. CDT, the grandstands (entrance at Gate EP4) will be open for fans to watch those time trials (two rounds of single vehicle laps that begin at 4:35 p.m. CDT) which will determine the starting lineup for Saturday’s Talladega 250. Three times in 12 truck races at TSS has the pole winner gone on to win the event.T.[More](6-23-2018)
Race Fans Can Drive the ROVAL on July 14: Race fans will have a golden opportunity to experience NASCAR’s newest track up close and personal on July 14, by driving their vehicles around the ROVAL™, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s road course oval. Ticketholders to the Sept. 30 Bank of America ROVAL™ race can drive their personal vehicles in a FREE three-lap, Saturday-evening shakedown around the innovative, 2.28-mile course from 4-8 p.m. on July 14. Ticketholders can take part in the event by picking up a voucher in the speedway ticket office and signing appropriate waivers.[More](6-23-2018)
News from June 22, 2018
Friday Sonoma Notebook: Sonoma holds fond memories for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup champion; Denny Hamlin expects strong showing in next 10 weeks.[More](6-22-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is over, after 75 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#41-Busch 94.061
#11-Hamlin 94.012
#78-Truex, Jr. 93.718
#1-McMurray 95.549
#4-Harvick 93.441
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 14 drivers): #4-Harvick 91.468
slowest: #52-Ware 89.719 & #00-Drissi 89.607
notes: #78-Truex, Jr. received some front end damage after running into the back of #43-Wallace late in practice.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (6-22-2018)
Larson wants win at hometown track: If the right attitude can translate into a break-through trophy then Kyle Larson should be ready to gulp his share of fine Northern California wine straight from the winner’s oversized chalice Sunday at Sonoma Raceway. Larson has celebrated there before – dominating the 2014 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race, leading every single lap in his first high profile NASCAR event at the scenic 11-turn road course. And he is the defending Busch Pole sitter for Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series’ Toyota/Save Mart 350.[More](6-22-2018)
Trevor Bayne eager to return to Cup Series after five-race hiatus: As far as his future beyond this year, Bayne said he was unsure what 2019 holds. His original deal went through next season with partial-season sponsorship from AdvoCare. “Right now, it’s been quiet,” Bayne said. “I don’t know what’s going on. But I’m definitely trying to figure out what I’m going to do next year and what’s going to happen.[More](6-22-2018)
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 #20-Jones
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #13-Dillon.
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).(6-22-2018)
First practice for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is over, after 75 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#14-Bowyer 93.590
#12-Blaney 93.546
#22-Logano 93.172
#1-McMurray 93.049
#19-Suarez 92.746
most laps run: 23 laps by #24-Byron, #2-Keselowski, and #3-Dillon.
#10-Almirola was the only driver to run 10 consecutive laps. His average speed was 89.710. Fox Sports reported that Bowyer had the fastest 5 lap average. NASCAR does not release that info.
slowest: #52-Ware 88.119, #00-Drissi 86.764
notes: A few minor incidents during the session, but nothing major — #95-Kahne spun, #21-Menard hit a tire barrier in turn 11 causing right front damage, #52-Ware lost a brake hose.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (6-22-2018)
NASCAR looking at Cup driver limits in lower series: They are reportedly considering cutting the maximum number of races from seven to five.[More](6-22-2018)
Moffitt fastest in second Gateway Truck practice: #16-Brett Moffitt was fastest in the second Camping World Truck Series practice for Saturday’s race at Gateway Motorsports Park, with a speed at 137.191mph. ##13-Myatt Snider, #21-Johnny Sauter, #51-Riley Herbst, #41-Ben Rhodes, #54-Zane Smith, #24-Justin Haley, #4-Todd Gilliland, #46-Christian Eckes, and #18-Noah Gragson followed. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(6-22-2018)
Eckes fastest in Gateway Truck practice: #46-Christian Eckes was fastest in the opening Truck Series practice for the Villa Lighting delivers the Eaton 200 presented by CK Power at Gateway Motorsports Park, with a speed at 134.360mph. #18-Noah Gragson, #41-Ben Rhodes, #16-Brett Moffitt, #88-Matt Crafton, #4-Todd Gilliland, #98-Grant Enfinger, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #54-Zane Smith, and #13-Myatt Snider were the top-10. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(6-22-2018)
Bristol gearing up for race weekend fan festivities: Thursday of August’s Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race weekend will be bigger than ever as Food City Family Race Night takes place at Bristol Motor Speedway, adding to an action-packed schedule that kicks off America’s Night Race activities. Food City Family Race Night will now serve as the kickoff to the UNOH 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series/Bush’s Beans 150 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour doubleheader, which was recently announced as moving to Thursday evening, Aug. 16. Also happening on Thursday is The Fitzgerald Peterbilt Transporter Parade, which will tour through Speedway property at approximately 3:45 p.m. [More](6-22-2018)
News from June 21, 2018
Sonoma Raceway and Gateway Motorsports Park Weekend Preview:Sonoma provides Kurt Busch with the opportunity for another win; the Truck Series youth movement rolls on at Gateway.[More](6-21-2018)
NASCAR will not use All-Star aero package again this season: The drafting package used during the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race weekend continues to be a discussion point for NASCAR competition officials, tracks, teams, manufacturers and engine builders. The conversation now, though, is centered on how to potentially implement elements of it in 2019 at the earliest. The rules package used at the All-Star Race that included aero ducts, a higher spoiler, plates and an older splitter, will not be used in the Monster Energy Series again in 2018.[More](6-21-2018)
Indianapolis Motor Speedway to host USAC dirt track race on NASCAR weekend Indianapolis Motor Speedway continues in its dogged effort to nurse the Brickyard 400 back to health. Its latest endeavor, track president Doug Boles confirmed Tuesday, is to host a USAC dirt track race to kick off the NASCAR race weekend (Sept. 6-9).[More](6-21-2018)
I-Cash program to sponsor Cup pole qualifying at Chicago:Chicagoland Speedway announced today that the Illinois Treasurer’s I-Cash program will return as the sponsor for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series pole qualifying on Saturday, June 30. Drivers will battle to start on the front row in the Overton’s 400 which will take place on Sunday, July 1. I-Cash Pole Qualifying features a series of three knockout rounds in which the full field is trimmed to 24, then 12 before declaring the pole-sitter by the fastest speed in the final round.[More](6-21-2018)
News from June 20, 2018
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Sonoma Raceway
Sonoma Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the [Goodyear Tire Notes – Sonoma Raceway page.(6-20-2018)
NASCAR working on sponsorship plans following Monster’s exit:NASCAR has begun sharing provisional plans for its new sponsorship model with potential partners and industry stakeholders, according to sources, ahead of its possible implementation in 2020. The model is still being developed and the proposed structure could change. But it’s being envisioned as having five tiers, with a top tier that would have around four to six brands, which would receive exclusivity at the league, track and potentially media-partner levels.[More](6-20-2018)
The Hartford Gold Group joins Go Fas Racing and DiBenedetto in Sonoma: The Hartford Gold Group will be sponsoring their first-ever NASCAR race this weekend debuting the blue and gold scheme pictured above. The Hartford Gold Group (HGG) is a family-owned company based in Los Angeles, CA that helps individuals and families diversify and protect their wealth with precious metals. These products include physical gold, silver and platinum coins and bars and the innovative Gold IRA.[More](6-20-2018)
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Sonoma Raceway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Sonoma Raceway page
Sonoma Raceway to honor fire survivors, first responders during NASCAR weekend Sonoma Raceway will utilize its largest event weekend of the year to honor fire survivors, salute first responders and lend support to the North Bay’s ongoing rebuilding efforts through its “Sonoma Rising” initiative. Sonoma Rising has been featured prominently in both the advance promotion and race weekend activities surrounding the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event, June 22-24.[More](6-20-2018)
News from June 19, 2018
BUBBA burger heads west with RPM: Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) announced today, BUBBA burger will be an associate sponsor of Bubba Wallace and the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team during this weekend’s events at the Sonoma Raceway.[More](6-19-2018)
Roush Fenway unveils new AdvoCare Rehydrate scheme for Bayne:AdvoCare Rehydrate will be featured on the No. 6 as the summer months roll on, and for the remainder of AdvoCare’s primary races this season.[More](6-19-2018)
Trans Am Champion Tomy Drissi set to run the 00 in Sonoma: Drissi is an experienced road course veteran, with a 2018 season-best second place finish in Sonoma two weeks ago in the Trans Am Series.[More](6-19-2018)
ANEST IWATA partners with DiBenedetto for two races: DiBenedetto will drive the #32 ANEST IWATA machine at the Chicagoland Speedway in July, and at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway when the Monster Energy Cup Series visits in September.[More](6-19-2018)
Jordan Anderson visits St. Louis-area kids as part of NASCAR Acceleration Nation youth outreach program: Anderson visited the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center as part of Gateway’s ongoing NASCAR Acceleration Nation youth outreach program.[More](6-19-2018)
News from June 18, 2018
Racing dignitaries gather to honor France family June 28: Dignitaries from the motorsports industry will join in tribute to Jim France and the France Family on June 28 when they receive the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports.[More](6-18-2018)
NASCAR working on sponsorship plans following Monster’s exit:NASCAR has begun sharing provisional plans for its new sponsorship model. Coca-Cola is being pegged as a prime candidate to land one of the top-tier spots. [More](6-18-2018)
Entry List for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is posted, 39teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
36 teams with Charters are guaranteed to make the field. The rest need to make the field via qualifying / qualifying races / rules book (owners attempts/points).
Some of the drivers entered include: #00-Tomy Drissi, #51-BJ McLeod, #96-Parker Kligerman
Since only 39 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Truck Series entry list:There are 34 trucks entered for Saturday’s Villa Lighting delivers the Eaton 200 at Gateway Motorsports Park. See the complete list on the Gateway entry list page (pdf). (6-18-2018)
Sonoma Raceway continues to put fans first with race weekend enhancements: As Sonoma Raceway readies for NASCAR fans to arrive, the wine country facility continues to put fans first with several enhancements set to debut at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 event this weekend. [More](6-18-2018)
Erik Jones takes a wild ride at Daytona, talks upcoming Coke Zero Sugar 400: Erik Jones, one of the bright young stars for Joe Gibbs Racing, spent last week on the edge at Daytona, free-wheeling several tire-squealing Toyotas on the “Toyota Thrill Ride” outside the speedway’s frontstretch.[More](6-18-2018)
News from June 17, 2018
Scott Pruett to drive Camry pace car at Toyota/Save Mart 350 in Sonoma: Legendary road racer and Northern California native Scott Pruett will drive the Toyota Camry pace car to kick off the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, June 24.[More](6-16-2018)
Allgaier holds off Bell to lock up playoff spot with win at Iowa Speedway: Justin Allgaier dominated the field despite intense and near-constant challenges from hard-charging Christopher Bell, who came from the rear at the start of the race to finish second. He also notched his second win of the season – but first one that counts, playoffs-wise.[More](6-17-2018)
Allgaier wins Iowa Speedway XFINITY race: #7-Justin Allgaier won the American Ethanol E15 250 at Iowa Speedway for his seventh career win and first win at Iowa.
#20-Christopher Bell finished second, followed by #21-Daniel Hemric, #00-Cole Custer, #19-Brandon Jones, #18-Riley Herbst, #60-Ty Majeski, #9-Tyler Reddick, #2-Matt Tifft, and #61-Kaz Grala.
There were five cautions for 31 laps and 13 lead changes among five leaders.
The average speed was 102.100mph.
Complete results are on the Iowa race results page (pdf). (6-17-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 60 – Winner, #7-Justin Allgaier
Stage 2 – lap 120 – Winner, #7-Justin Allgaier
Stage 3 – lap 250 – Race winner, #7-Justin Allgaier
Iowa XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Justin Allgaier won the 8th Annual Iowa 250 presented by Enogen, his seventh victory in 254 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his second victory and ninth top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and ninth top-10 finish in 13 races at Iowa Speedway.
Christopher Bell (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Iowa Speedway. It is his eighth top-10 finish in 2018.
Daniel Hemric (third) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Iowa Speedway.
Christopher Bell (second) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 4 points over Cole Custer.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-17-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following Iowa Speedway:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler 504
2) #00-Cole Custer, 500, -4
3) #21-Daniel Hemric, 497, -7
4) #9-Tyler Reddick [1 win], 473, -31
5) #20-Christopher Bell [1 win], 471, -33
6) #7-Justin Allgaier [2 wins, 1 can’t be used for playoffs], 453, -51
7) #19-Brandon Jones, 453, -73
8) #11-Ryan Truex, 408, -96
9) #2-Matt Tifft, 379, -125
10) #16-Ryan Reed, 354, -150
11) #22-Austin Cindric, 347, -157
12) #4-Ross Chastain, 291, -213
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(6-17-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #35-Gase, 21st
Caution 3: #35-Gase, 21st
Caution 4: #3-Lee, 16th
Caution 5: #16-Reed, 17th
(6-17-2018)
Cindric on XFINITY pole at Iowa:#22-Austin Cindric won the Busch pole for the American Ethanol E15 250 at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 131.409mph. #21-Daniel Hemric will start second. The rest of the top 10: #19-Brandon Jones, #1-Elliott Sadler, #00-Cole Custer, #11-Ryan Truex, #9-Tyler Reddick, #61-Kaz Grala, #18-Riley Herbst, and #5-Michael Annett.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Iowa starting lineup page (pdf).(6-17-2018)
Iowa Speedway XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Austin Cindric won the Pole Award for the 8th Annual Iowa 250 presented by Enogen with a lap of 23.971 seconds, 131.409 mph.
This is his first pole in 15 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first pole and eighth top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in one race at Iowa Speedway.
Daniel Hemric (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2018 and his second in three races at Iowa Speedway.
Brandon Jones (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Iowa Speedway. It is his ninth in 14 races this season.
Austin Cindric (first) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-17-2018)
News from June 16, 2018
Leonard to serve as interim crew chief of the LFR #95 for Kahne:Leavine Family Racing (LFR) has named Jon Leonard as the interim crew chief of the No. 95 Camaro ZL1 driven by veteran driver, Kasey Kahne, in a personnel change effective today for the organization. Leonard has served as the team’s lead engineer in the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and also served as the team’s interim crew chief for the final five races of the 2017 season. The change atop the No. 95 pit box will take effect as the series returns to competition at Sonoma Raceway for the first road course race of the season after having taken a weekend off. [More](6-16-2018)
Bell fastest in opening XFINITY practice:#20-Christopher Bell was fastest during opening practice at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 129.790mph. The rest of the top 10: #21-Daniel Hemric, #3-Shane Lee, #1-Elliott Sadler, #00-Cole Custer, #23-Justin Haley, #9-Tyler Reddick, #16-Ryan Reed, #19-Brandon Jones, and #22-Austin Cindric. See complete results on the Iowa practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-16-2018)
Grala paces final XFINITY practice: #61-Kaz Grala was quickest in final practice at Iowa Speedway with a speed of 130.052mph.
#9-Tyler Reddick was second, followed by:#21-Daniel Hemric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #22-Austin Cindric, #3-Shane Lee, #00-Cole Custer, #19-Brandon Jones, #20-Christopher Bell and #42-John Hunter Nemechek.
See complete results on the Iowa practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(6-16-2018)
Hometown hero Moffitt dodges daring move by Gragson for Iowa victory: Brett Moffitt – who grew up on Iowa dirt tracks before climbing NASCAR’s ranks – had to hold off a hard-charging Noah Gragson in a furious finish that featured sparks from Gragson’s No. 18 after a failed last-gasp slingshot attempt sent him into the wall as the Iowan sailed under the checkered flag.[More](6-16-2018)
Moffitt wins Iowa: Iowa native #16-Brett Moffitt won the M&Ms 200 at Iowa Speedway Saturday night, despite a last lap effort by #18-Noah Gragson. Gragson drove by Moffitt for the lead but momentum carried him up track and into the outside wall. He held on to finish second. #51-Harrison Burton, #54-David Gilliland, #21-Johnny Sauter, #97-Jesse Little, #2-Cody Coughlin, #46-Christian Eckes, #52-Stewart Friesen and #13-Myatt Snider were the top-10.
The win was much-needed for Moffitt, as news broke over the last week that the remainder of the team’s season was in question if they are unable to find more funding. With a new sponsor for the week, Moffitt pulled off the win, his second of the season and third of his career, in front of his home crowd.
There were six caution flags for 44 laps and seven lead changes among seven leaders.
See results on the Iowa race results page(6-16-2018)
Iowa Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Brett Moffitt won the 10th Annual M&M’s 200 presented by Casey’s General Store, his third victory in 22 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second victory and fifth top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in one races at Iowa Speedway.
Noah Gragson (second) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Iowa Speedway. It is his sixth top-10 finish in 2018.
Harrison Burton (third) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Iowa Speedway.
Myatt Snider (10th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 71 points overNoah Gragson.
(NASCAR Statistics) (6-16-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 60, winner, #8-John Hunter Nemechek
Stage 2 – 120, winner, #52-Stewart Friesen
Stage 3 – 200, race winner, #16-Brett Moffitt
Camping World Truck standings following Iowa:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 419 [4wins]
2) #18-Noah Gragson, 348, -71[1 win]
3) #16-Brett Moffitt, 334, -85, [1 win]
4) #52-Stewart Friesen, 308, -111
5) #98-Grant Enfinger, 308, -111
6) #88-Matt Crafton, 300, -119
7) #41-Ben Rhodes, 291, -128
8) #24-Justin Haley, 278, -141
9) #13-Myatt Snider, 247, -172
10) #25-Dalton Sagreant, 239, -180
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (6-16-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Iowa: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #49-Chavous, 21st
Caution 2: #6-Benning, 20th
Caution 3: #22-Self, 15th
Caution 4: #22-Self, 15th
Caution 5: #20-Thorson, 13th
Caution 6: #20-Thorson, 13th
(6-16-2018)
Burton on Truck pole at Iowa: #51-Harrison Burton won the pole for Saturday’s Camping World Truck Series M&Ms 200 at Iowa Speedway with a speed at 133.085mph. #88-Matt Crafton, #18-Noah Gragson, #4-Todd Gilliland, #52-Stewart Friesen, #24-Justin Haley, #21-Johnny Sauter, #8-John Hunter Nemechek and #25-Dalton Sargeant followed within the top-10.
Did not qualify: #0-Camden Murphy, #33-Josh Reaume, and #74-Bryant Barnhill.
The starting lineup is posted on the Iowa starting lineup page(6-16-2018)
Iowa Qualifying Fast Facts:
Harrison Burton won the Pole Award for the 10th Annual M&M’s 200 presented by Casey’s General Store with a lap of 23.711 seconds, 132.850 mph.
This is his first pole in ten NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in two races at Iowa Speedway.
Noah Gragson (second) posted his eighth top-10 start of 2018 and his second in two races at Iowa Speedway.
Brett Moffitt (third) posted his first top-10 start at Iowa Speedway. It is his seventh in nine races this season.
Dalton Sargeant (11th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(6-16-2018)
Burton fastest in final Iowa Truck practice: #51-Harrison Burton was fastest in final practice for the Truck Series at Iowa Speedway, with a speed at 134.202mph. #25-Dalton Sargeant, #21-Johnny Sauter, #52-Stewart Friesen, #4-Todd Gilliland, #24-Justin Haley, #98-Grant Enfinger, #13-Myatt Snider, #46-Christian Eckes, and #02-Austin Hill were the top-10. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(6-16-2018)
Haley fastest in Iowa Truck practice: #24-Justin Haley was fastest in the opening Truck Series practice for the M&Ms 200 at Iowa Speedway, with a speed at 134.294mph. #2-Cody Coughlin, #16-Brett Moffitt, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #4-Todd Gilliland, #52-Stewart Friesen, #88-Matt Crafton, #18-Noah Gragson, #21-Johnny Sauter and #46-Christian Eckes were the top-10. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(6-16-2018)
Pre-race show kicks off NASCAR race day in Sonoma: Throughout the pre-race show, Sonoma Raceway will honor first responders and local heroes as part of its “Sonoma Rising” program, an initiative to honor those affected by the devastating wildfires that ravaged the North Bay in October.[More](6-16-2018)
News from June 15, 2018
Sauter focused on more wins while enjoying early-season success:Johnny Sauter laughs a little and insists he’s even more focused on winning races after hoisting four trophies in a historic and tremendous start to the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season.[More](6-15-2018)
ROVAL testing open to the fans at Charlotte: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers will test on the ROVAL, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s road course oval, on Tuesday, July 10, and Tuesday, July 17. [More](6-15-2018)
Weis Markets becomes official grocery store of Pocono Raceway:Weis Markets announced it has become the official grocery store of Pocono Raceway for all events at the track in 2018.[More](6-15-2018)
News from June 14, 2018
Gaunt Brothers Racing set for road course start with Kligerman:Gaunt Brothers Racing will field an entry in the upcoming Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway for driver Parker Kligerman.[More](6-14-2018)
NASCAR Weekend Preview:The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is off this weekend and the XFINITY and Truck Series teams are in Iowa.[More](6-14-2018)
Alba Colon brings a lot more than expertise to engineering role at Hendrick: In a career that took a dramatic turn when she was studying engineering at the University of Puerto Rico, Colon spent 23 years at General Motors before signing on as director of competition systems at Hendrick Motorsports this year. [More](6-14-2018)
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 runs through June 20 at sccauctions.com.[More](6-14-2018)
Bubba Wallace, Daytona partner on Coke Zero Sugar 400 ticket package: Daytona International Speedway has designed a ticket package around Wallace, who will be carrying the colors of the U.S. Air Force on the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the Independence Day holiday weekend event.[More](6-14-2018)
Drydene returns to Pocono Raceway: Pocono Raceway has announced a multi-year partnership with Drydene Performance Products. The Drydene/Pocono partnership will showcase Drydene at ‘The Tricky Triangle’ in unique and innovative ways. Pocono Raceway has unveiled the Drydene Tractor Trailer Parking Lot, where over the road drivers can park their rigs daily in a designated lot near Gate 7 during the Raceway’s NASCAR and INDYCAR race weekends. Fans will see Drydene-branded oil can trash receptacles and the newly-painted Drydene towers located along the restroom facilities behind the Grandstand. Additionally, Drydene will be the presenting partner of the “Drydene Restart Zone” on the track during all major motorsport events and the Raceway’s “Seat of the Week” Facebook live video series.[More](6-14-2018)
News from June 13, 2018
NASCAR National Series News & Notes – Iowa: A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series off-weekend, and the XFINITY and Truck Series races at Iowa Speedway.[More](6-13-2018)
Roush Fenway Racing announces additional races for Kenseth: Matt Kenseth will pilot Roush Fenway Racing’s flagship No. 6 Ford for 10 more races in 2018. Starting on July 14 at Kentucky Speedway, Kenseth’s summer stretch of four-straight weekends will conclude at Watkins Glen International on August 5.[More](6-13-2018)
2019 NASCAR XFINITY, Truck Series’ schedules released: NASCAR announced the 2019 schedules for the XFINITY and Gander Outdoors Truck Series. There are no new tracks for either series for 2019, and only one major date change for the Trucks, as the second Texas date moves from the fall to earlier in the season. The XFINITY Series maintains a 33-race schedule, the Trucks 23.[More](6-13-2018)
S.M.A.R.T. Series by Destiny Homes jumps on board with Iowa native Moffitt for Truck race: Saturday evening’s M&M’s 200 serves as the homecoming for Grimes, Iowa’s Brett Moffitt. Not only will Moffitt make his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) start at Iowa Speedway, but he will carry the colors of S.M.A.R.T. Series by Destiny Homes, based in Waukee, Iowa.[More](6-13-2018)
Westgate Resorts named title sponsor of Las Vegas Truck race:Westgate Resorts, one of the world’s largest resort developers, has been named title sponsor of Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s September NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. The World of Westgate 200 will take place at the 1.5-mile superspeedway on Friday, Sept. 14. The World of Westgate 200 will be the second race of the Truck Series playoffs.[More](6-13-2018)
BBQ, Brews and Bowyer: DIS, Bowyer cook up special Coke Zero Sugar 400 ticket package: Ten-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race winner Clint Bowyer, fresh off his most recent victory last weekend at Michigan International Speedway, will be part of a unique ticket package that is on sale now for the upcoming 60th annual Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday night, July 7 at Daytona International Speedway.[More](6-13-2018)
Jake’s Golf Carts partners with Pocono Raceway; Ticket holders eligible to win Tricky’s custom-made golf cart: Pocono Raceway and Jake’s Golf Carts have renewed their partnership for the 2018 season at ‘The Tricky Triangle.’ Tricky’s custom-made golf cart, produced and created by Jake’s, will be given away during the Raceway’s 2019 ticket renewal process later this year. Additionally, Jake’s Golf Carts will continue to provide the Raceway with golf carts for usage around the facility during the Pocono 400, Gander Outdoors 400 and ABC Supply 500 race weekends. [More](6-13-2018)
News from June 12, 2018
Michigan post-race penalties announced: The teams of Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch and Erik Jones were penalized for splitter violations found in pre-race inspection.[More](6-12-2018)
BK Racing to be sold: The trustee of bankrupt BK Racing is in negotiations to sell the team – the assets and the charter – that would allow it to continue operating and racing under different ownership. The court would have to approve any sale, and no deadline was set for approval of a sale during a hearing Tuesday. Trustee Matthew Smith did not say who would buy the team.[More](6-12-2018)
Fans helped Gase choose Darlington throwback scheme to honor his father: Joey Gase wanted to make his Darlington throwback scheme extra special. Last week he turned to his fans to help him decide between two of his father’s old paint schemes, the 2003 Purple & Black Modified or the 1994 Blue & White Late Model. After tallying up all the votes, the fans had favored the 2003 Black & Purple Championship Modified scheme.[More](6-12-2018)
Advance Auto Parts to sponsor Herbst in JGR XFINITY debut at Iowa: NASCAR NEXT driver Riley Herbst will be piloting the No. 18 Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) at Iowa Speedway. Advance Auto Parts will be the primary sponsor for Herbst in his lone Xfinity Series race with JGR for 2018. NOS Energy Drink and Orca Coolers to be associate sponsors this weekend. Herbst will be making his first start of the 2018 season for Joe Gibbs Racing at Iowa Speedway. This weekend will mark the first time that Herbst will be competing in one of the top-three NASCAR sanctioned series.[More](6-12-2018)
Darlington to host “Celebrating 7 Decades of NASCAR” tribute event:As part of its throwback weekend, ‘Celebrating 7 Decades of NASCAR,’ Darlington Raceway will once again host a Saturday night tribute event, featuring a panel of question and answer sessions with the past, present and future stars of the sport.[More](6-12-2018)
News from June 11, 2018
Michigan TV ratings: Fox earned a 2.2 overnight rating for Sunday’s race at Michigan, up from a 2.0 for last year’s race that aired on FS1.[More](6-10-2018)
Michigan 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](6-11-2018)
Justin Haley to drive for GMS Racing in select races: GMS Racing’s No. 24 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) driver, Justin Haley will make his NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) debut in the No. 23 entry at Iowa Speedway. The Indiana-native will run at Daytona International Speedway (July 6) in a second GMS Racing entry and will additionally run at Watkins Glen International (August 4).[More](6-10-2018)
Pocono XFINITY TV ratings: Last Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race from Pocono (Pa.) had a 0.56 rating and 826,000 viewers on FS1 – down 40% in ratings and 44% in viewership from last year (1.0, 1.48M) and down 40% and 42% respectively from 2016 (1.0, 1.43M), both of which aired on the FOX broadcast network.[Sports Media Watch](6-11-2018)
News from June 10, 2018
Sunday Michigan Notebook: Ford horsepower is the dominant force at Michigan; Kyle Larson’s bid for four straight Michigan wins comes undone in Turn 4; Kurt Busch still waiting for his turn in Victory Lane.[More](6-10-2018)
Standings leader Kyle Busch continues strong 2018 run: Kyle Busch essentially won ‘Best in Class’ with a fourth-place showing in Sunday’s rain-shortened FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway – the lone Toyota in a front-running, race-winning group of seven Fords.[More](-2018)
Gamble pays off in Clint Bowyer’s victory at Michigan: Bowyer got the lead under caution at the end of Stage 2 of Sunday’s Firekeepers Casino 400 when crew chief Mike Bugarewicz opted for two tires on the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford. [More](6-10-2018)
Clint Bowyer won the rain-shortened FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway. The win is his 2nd win of 2018, 1st win at Michigan and 10th career win.
After starting nearly two and a half hours late because of rain, the race was called with 133 laps complete when more rain moved in.
#4-Havick finished 2nd followed by pole sitter #41-Busch, #18-Busch, #21-Menard, #2-Keselowski, #22-Logano, #12-Blaney, #9-Elliott, #1-McMurray.
Stage 1 was won by #12-Blaney, finished 8th.
Stage 2 was won by #4-Harvick, finished 2nd.
There were 9 lead changes among 7 drivers and 8 cautions for 30 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 132.723mph.
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
Clint Bowyer won the 50th Annual FireKeepers Casino 400, his 10th victory in 448 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his second victory and eighth top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and 12th top-10 finish in 25 races at Michigan International Speedway.
Kevin Harvick (second) posted his 16th top-10 finish in 35 races at Michigan International Speedway. It is his 12th top-10 finish in 2018.
Kurt Busch (third) posted his 12th top-10 finish in 35 races at Michigan International Speedway.
William Byron (13th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Busch leads the point standings by 75 points over Kevin Harvick.
Stewart-Haas Racing has won seven of the first 15 races of the season – Kevin Harvick (five) and Clint Bowyer (two).
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(6-10-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Michigan, race 15 of 36]
#18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 664
#4-Kevin Harvick [5 wins – 4 can be used for playoffs], 589
#22-Joey Logano [1 win], 566
#14-Clint Bowyer [2 wins], 510
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [2 wins], 506
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 292
#2-Brad Keselowski, 514, -150
#41-Kurt Busch, 493, -171
#11-Denny Hamlin, 468, -196
#12-Ryan Blaney, 457, -207
#42-Kyle Larson, 443, -221
#10-Aric Almirola, 433, -231
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 377, -287
#9-Chase Elliott, 362, -302
#20-Erik Jones, 346, -318
#88-Alex Bowman, 331, -333
See 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):
#4-Harvick, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#14-Bowyer, 9pts
#41-Busch, 8pts
#18-Busch, 7pts
#21-Menard, 6pts
#12-Blaney, 5pts
#2-Keselowski, 4pts
#1-McMurray, 3pts
#20-Jones, 2pts
#24-Byron, 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):
#12-Blaney, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#42-Larson, 9pts
#14-Bowyer, 8pts
#4-Harvick, 6pts
#11-Hamlin, 7pts
#2-Keselowski, 5pts
#41-Busch, 4pts
#24-Byron, 3pts
#22-Logano, 2pts
#10-Almirola, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #72-LaJoie, 27th
Caution 2: #00-Cassill, 32nd
Caution 3: #66-Hill, 35th
Caution 4: #23-Gaulding, 31st
Caution 5: #7-Kennington, 34th
Caution 6: #66-Hill (2), 35th
Caution 7: #15-Chastain, 26th
Caution 8: #42-Larson, 28th
Walter Czarnecki and Rusty Wallace to join Team Penske Hall of Fame: NASCAR Hall of Fame member and championship winning driver Rusty Wallace, along with Walter Czarnecki, the Executive Vice President, Penske Corporation and Vice Chairman of Team Penske, were announced as the latest members of the Team Penske Hall of Fame in a special ceremony on Sunday afternoon at Michigan International Speedway.[More](6-10-2018)
News from June 9, 2018
Saturday Michigan Notebook: Erik Jones thinks victory is a distinct possibility this season; Kyle Busch still looking for speed at Michigan; Short strokes.[More](6-9-2018)
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 39 teams entered, pit stalls 13, 41, 42, 43 are not in use.
Pole winner #41-Busch chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #2-Keselowski. took pit stall 38, with an opening in front of it.
#18-Busch, who starts 3rd, took the 2nd stall.
The final pit stall was taken by #10-Almirola, who starts 6th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(6-9-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway was canceled due to rain at the track. (6-9-2018)
First Saturday practice for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 44 minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#4-Harvick 200.719
#42-Larson 200.083
#22-Logano 199.800
#14-Bowyer 199.723
#2-Keselowski 199.529
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 14 drivers): #4-Harvick 199.345
slowest: #39-Hill 185.672
notes: Rain cut practice short a few minutes from the finish.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Second Practice speeds page (pdf) (6-9-2018)
Austin Dillon wins rain-shortened NASCAR Xfinity race at Michigan:Austin Dillon kept Richard Childress racing teammate Daniel Hemric behind him after a restart on Lap 89 of a scheduled 125, but the race ended under caution two laps later when rain pelted the asphalt. [More](6-9-2018)
Austin Dillon wins rain-shortened Michigan International Speedway XFINITY race: #3-Austiin Dillon won the Michigan Green 250 at Michigan International Speedway for his 9th career XFINITY win.
#21-Daniel Hemric finished second, followed by #00-Cole Custer, #16-Ryan Reed, #22-Paul Menard, #18-Kyle Busch, #9-Tyler Reddick, #98-Kevin Harvick, #7-Justin Allgaier, and #11-Ryan Truex.
The race started three hours late due to morning rain and was called after 91 laps when rain returned.
There were 10 cautions for 37 laps and 14 lead changes among 9 leaders.
The average speed was 103.067mph.
Complete results are on the Michigan race results page (pdf). (6-9-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 30 – Winner, #18-Kyle Busch
Stage 2 – lap 60 – Winner, #1-Elliott Sadler
Stage 3 – lap 125 – Race winner, #3-Austin Dillon
Michigan XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Crew Chief: Nicholas Harrison
Austin Dillon(i) won the 27th Annual LTi Printing 250, his ninth victory in 138 NASCAR Xfinity Series races.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in four races at Michigan International Speedway.
Daniel Hemric (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Michigan International Speedway. It is his ninth top-10 finish in 2018.
Cole Custer (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Michigan International Speedway.
Tyler Reddick (seventh) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 41 points over Cole Custer.
Austin Dillon is the 12th different winner in the first 13 races of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-9-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following Michigan International Speedway:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler 495
2) #00-Cole Custer, 454, -41
3) #21-Daniel Hemric, 446, -49
4) #9-Tyler Reddick [1 win], 440, -55
5) #20-Christopher Bell [1 win], 423, -72
6) #7-Justin Allgaier [1 win, can’t be used for playoffs], 393, -102
7) #19-Brandon Jones, 387, -108
8) #11-Ryan Truex, 385, -110
9) #2-Matt Tifft, 351, -144
10) #16-Ryan Reed, 333, -162
11) #22-Austin Cindric, 306, -189
12) #23-Spencer Gallagher [1 win, not eligible for playoffs], 277, -197
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(6-9-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: None
Caution 2: #20-Bell (1), 11th
Caution 3: #20-Bell (2), 11th
Caution 4: #36-Alex Labbe, 37th
Caution 5: None.
Caution 6: None.
Caution 7: None.
Caution 8: None.
Caution 9: #60-Cindric, 23rd
Caution 10: #1-Sadler
(6-9-2018)
Busch on XFINITY pole at Michigan: #18-Kyle Busch will start from the Busch pole for the Michigan Green 250 at Michigan International Speedway after rain moved into the area and forced NASCAR to set the field via the rulebook. #22-Paul Menard will start second. The rest of the top 10: #1-Elliott Sadler, #00-Cole Custer, #21-Daniel Hemric, #9-Tyler Reddick, #20-Christopher Bell, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #7-Justin Allgaier and #23-Alex Bowman.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Michigan starting lineup page (pdf).(6-9-2018)
News from June 8, 2018
Kurt Busch gets exhilarating pole win at Michigan: The Busch Pole Award was Busch’s second of the season, this third at Michigan and the 24th of his career.[More](6-8-2018)
Kurt Busch won the Busch pole for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway with speed of 203.361mph for his 2nd pole of 2018, 3rd at Michigan and 24th of his career. Busch has won once from the 23 previous poles.
#2-Keselowski will start 2nd followed by #18-Busch, #4-Harvick, #22-Logano, #18-Almirola, #17-Stenhouse, jr., #20-Jones, #12-Blaney, #11-Hamlin, #31-Newman, and #14-Bowyer.
#4-Harvick was quickest in the first round with a speed of 202.800mph and the second round at 203.092mph.
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).(6-8-2018)
Michigan International Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kurt Busch won the Busch Pole Award for the 50th Annual FireKeepers Casino 400 with a lap of 35.405 seconds, 203.361 mph.
This is his 24th pole in 627 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and 11th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his third pole in 35 races at Michigan International Speedway.
Brad Keselowski (second) posted his ninth top-10 start of 2018 and his seventh in 18 races at Michigan International Speedway.
Kyle Busch (third) posted his 13th top-10 start at Michigan International Speedway. It is his 11th in 15 races this season.
William Byron (14th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-8-2018)
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 203.092
#18-Busch 202.049
#12-Blaney 201.981
#41-Busch 201.726
#2-Keselowski 201.726
the rest of the top 12: 22 11 14 31 20 17 10
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 9 24 21 3 78 37 6 48 88 19 34 1
(6-8-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 202.800
#12-Blaney 201.896
#2-Keselowski 201.461
#22-Logano 201.196
#21-Menard 201.106
the rest of the top 24: 88 10 31 41 17 9 3 11 14 48 6 20 37 78 24 1 34 18 19
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 47 42 38 43 95 32 13 72 15 23 51 00 7 66 99
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 39 entered
(6-8-2018)
Friday Michigan Notebook: Kyle Larson reveals one of the secrets to his consistent speed; Martin Truex Jr. hopes Michigan track will widen out by Sunday; For second straight week, NASCAR Xfinity Series will run restrictor-plate package.[More](6-8-2018)
First practice for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is over. The top-five, slowest and notes:
#12-Blaney 202.617
#18-Busch 201.935
#2-Keselowski 201.867
#4-Harvick 201.478
#9-Elliott 201.134
most laps run: #14-Boywer, #24-Byron, #6-Kenseth, #00-Cassill, #15-Chastain. 14 laps.
slowest: #99-Smithley 183.786 & #66-Hill 183.767.
#14-Bowyer was the only driver to run 10 consecutive laps. His average speed was 195.986.
notes: Practice was extended by 10 minutes after an early caution for track cleanup.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (6-6-2018)
Austin Dillon paces final XFINITY practice: #3-Austin Dillon was quickest in final practice at Michigan International Speedway with a speed of 177.004mph.
#11-Ryan Truex was second, followed by: #1-Elliott Sadler, #7-Justin Allgaier, #16-Ryan Reed, #18-Kyle Busch, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #9-Tyler Reddick, #60-Austin Cindric, and #21-Daniel Hemric.
37 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Michigan practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(6-8-2018)
Kyle Busch fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #18-Kyle Busch was fastest during opening practice at Michigan International Speedway with a speed of 175.584mph.
The rest of the top 10: #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #7-Justin Allgaier, #00-Cole Custer, #1-Elliott Sadler, #20-Christopher Bell, #21-Daniel Hemric, #3-Austin Dillon, #98-Kevin Harvick, and #22-Paul Menard.
See complete results on the Michigan practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-8-2018)
Sauter gets fourth win of the season in series’ closest finish at Texas:Johnny Sauter continued his uncanny mastery of Texas Motor Speedway Friday night, holding off Stewart Friesen on a three-lap shootout to win the 22nd annual PPG 400 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. The series point-leader, Sauter posted his fifth career win on TMS’ 1.5-mile oval and fourth in eight events this season. But he and crew chief Joe Shear Jr. had to gamble on fuel as the laps wound down and then keep pole-sitter Friesen at-bay following a restart on Lap 165 of the scheduled 167.[More](6-8-2018)
Sauter wins Texas: #21-Johnny Sauter won the PPG 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday following a restart with two laps remaining, and held off a final charge from #52-Stewart Friesen. The win was Sauter’s fourth of the season and fifth career win at Texas Motor Speedway. Friesen started from the pole and finished second. He was followed by #24-Justin Haley, #98-Grant Enfinger, #88-Matt Crafton, #4-Todd Gilliland, #20-Tyler Young, #2-Cody Coughlin, #51-Spencer Davis, and #18-Noah Gragson.
There were nine caution flags for 44 laps and 12 lead changes among nine leaders.
See results on the Texas race results page(6-8-2018)
Texas Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Johnny Sauter won the 22nd Annual PPG 400, his 21st victory in 229 NASCAR Camping World Truck
Series races.This is his fourth victory and seventh top-10 finish in 2018.This is his fifth victory and 16th top-10 finish in 20 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Stewart Friesen (second) posted his first top-10 finish in three races at Texas Motor Speedway.
It is his fifth top-10 finish in 2018.Justin Haley (third) posted his third top-10 finish in three races at Texas Motor Speedway.Todd Gilliland (sixth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 77 points over Noah Gragson.
Tonight’s race with a margin of victory of 0.092 second is the closest MOV in series history at Texas Motor Speedway. The previous record was the 6/9/2006 race with a MOV of 0.116 second.
Sauter becomes just the third driver in series history to win four or more races in the first eight races of the season joining Kyle Busch (five in 2014 and four in 2011) and Mike Skinner (four in 1995).
(NASCAR Statistics) (6-7-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 40, winner, #52-Stewart Friesen
Stage 2 – 80, winner, #98-Grant Enfinger
Stage 3 – 167, race winner, #21-Johnny Sauter
Camping World Truck standings following Texas:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 378 [4wins]
2) #18-Noah Gragson, 301, -77 [1 win]
3) #16-Brett Moffitt, 283, -95, [1 win]
4) #98-Grant Enfinger, 282, -96
5) #88-Matt Crafton, 279, -99
6) #41-Ben Rhodes, 271, -107
7) #52-Stewart Friesen, 263 -115
8) #24-Justin Haley, 253, -125
9) #25-Dalton Sagreant, 219, -159
10) #13-Myatt Snider, 214, -164
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (6-8-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Texas: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: ##7-Forrister, 22nd
Caution 3: #10-Cobb, 24th
Caution 4: #6-Benning, 21st
Caution 5: ##49-Chavous, 12th
Caution 6: #2-Coughlin, 8th
Caution 7: #2-Coughlin, 8th
Caution 8: #49-Chavous, 12th
Caution 9: none
(6-8-2018)
Friesen on Truck pole at Texas: #52-Stewart Friesen won the pole for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series PPG 400 at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed at 185.103mph. #4-Todd Gilliland, #18-Noah Gragson, #51-Spencer Davis, #21-Johnny Sauter, #54-Chris Eggleston, #16-Brett Moffitt, #98-Grant Enfinger, #88-Matt Crafton, and #24-Justin Haley.
Did not qualify: #74-Mike Harmon.
The starting lineup is posted on the Texas starting lineup page(6-8-2018)
Texas Qualifying Fast Facts:
Stewart Friesen won the Pole Award for the 22nd Annual PPG 400 with a lap of 29.173 seconds,
185.103 mph.
This is his second pole in 33 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and eighth top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in three races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Todd Gilliland (second) posted his third top-10 start of 2018 and his first in his series debut at Texas
Motor Speedway.
Noah Gragson (third) posted his third top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his seventh in eight
races this season.
Todd Gilliland (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(6-8-2018)
Lyons sick, will not race Texas: Robby Lyons was scheduled to run the #15 Sunwest Construction Chevy for this weekend’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Rattlesnake 400. Unfortunately, Robby is under the weather and will not be able to drive this weekend.[More](6-8-2018)
NASCAR wagering available in Delaware as Dover Downs Hotel & Casino begins full sports betting operations: Dover International Speedway fans can now put more than cheers behind their favorite NASCAR drivers as auto racing is a key part of the full sports betting offerings available at neighboring company Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. There are multiple ways to bet on all Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series events, including winner-of-the-race plays, proposition wagers and futures wagering.[More](6-8-2018)
NASCAR Hauler Parade returns to streets of Sacramento: Actor Michael Rooker has been named Grand Marshal of the 8th annual NASCAR Hauler Parade and will lead the procession of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series haulers through the streets of Sacramento on Thursday, June 21. Rooker, an American actor known to motorsports fans for his role as Rowdy Burns in Days of Thunder, will be in Sacramento to meet fans at the Fandemic Tour, a new type of comic con bringing fandom, fun and family together to celebrate all of pop culture.[More](6-8-2018)
Wakeboard Rail Jam set to perform during Chicago race weekend:Chicagoland Speedway announced today that Step Up Productions will bring their Wakeboard Rail Jam set up to the Stars and Stripes Weekend June 28 – July 1. Fans will get up-close and personal with the professional wakeboarders as they perform high-flying aerial tricks over the 50′ gap that separates the takeoff and the 50,000 gallon landing pool[More](6-8-2018)
News from June 7, 2018
Zomongo joins LaJoie at Michigan: LaJoie’s No. 72 for TriStar Motorsports will feature Zomongo as the primary sponsor for the 200-lap event. Powered by Zomongo is an innovative digital media company based in Calgary, Canada offering an interactive mobile app. [More](6-7-2018)
Dow, Richard Childress Racing to honor veterans with patriotic paint scheme: Daytona 500 winner Austin Dillon and Team USA Olympic Luge Medalists Chris Mazdzer and Erin Hamlin were at Dow Diamond in Midland, Michigan for the unveiling of the No. 3 ‘Dow Salutes Veterans’ Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which will be driven by Dillon during the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 10. The paint scheme features the names of more than 1,300 employees and contractors from Dow, the USA luge team and Richard Childress Racing who are also veterans, as well as immediate family members of employees and contractors who have served or are currently serving.[More](6-7-2018)
NASCAR Weekend Preview: The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and XFINITY Series are in Michigan while the Camping World Truck Series competes at Texas.[More](6-7-2018)
2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction weekend tickets go on sale June 9: Tickets to the 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Weekend events go on sale to the public on Saturday, June 9 at 10 a.m. A special presale is available to NASCAR Hall of Fame members through Friday, June 8, 2018, at 11:59 p.m. Tickets to Induction Ceremony events begin at $75 per person. Davey Allison, Alan Kulwicki, Jeff Gordon, Roger Penske and Jack Roush-the 10th class since the inception of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010-will be honored during the 2019 Induction Ceremony.[More](6-7-2018)
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Michigan International Speedway
Pocono TV ratings Fox Sports 1 earned a 1.6 overnight for yesterday’s Pocono 400, off from a 1.9 for last year’s race.(6-2-2018)
UPDATE: Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Pocono 400 earned a 1.6 rating and 2.7 million viewers on FS1, down 27% in ratings and 25% in viewership from last year (2.2, 3.6M) and down 30% and 26% respectively from 2015 (2.3, 3.6M). [More](6-7-2018)
Hungry Howie’s sponsoring Chastain at Michigan: Hungry Howie’s, home of the Original Flavored Crust Pizza, and the Flex Seal Family of Products, Home of the Original Liquid Rubber In a Can, will be partnering with team JD Motorsports with Gary Keller and Ross Chastain, driver on the No. 4 Flex Seal Chevrolet Camaro, this weekend at Michigan International Raceway (MIS). [More](6-7-2018)
Dylan Lupton leaves JGL Racing: In a statement he says, “I’m re-focusing my efforts to secure a competitive ride in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and look forward to announcing my plans for the rest of the 2018 season when appropriate.”[More](6-7-2018)
Eggleston fastest in Texas Truck practice: #54-Chris Eggleston was fastest in the opening Truck Series practice for the PPG 400 at Texas Motor Speedway at 180.886mph. #18-Noah Gragson was second fastest, followed by #21-Johnny Sauter, #52-Stewart Friesen, #98-Grant Enfinger, #16-Brett Moffitt, #4-Todd Gilliland, #2-Cody Coughlin, #13-Myatt Snider, and #41-Ben Rhodes.
See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(6-7-2018)
Carolina Nut Company sponsoring Snider at Texas: The Carolina Nut Company, a proud partner of ThorSport Racing, will make their on-track season debut with the team’s No. 13 Ford F-150 for this weekend’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rattlesnake 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. Becoming a Primary Partner of Snider this weekend, the Henderson, North Carolina-based, family-owned company, has supported ThorSport Racing since 2013.[More](6-7-2018)
DAYTONA 500 tickets on sale Tuesday, June 12: Tickets for the 61st annual DAYTONA 500 will officially go on sale Tuesday, June 12 at 9 a.m. ET. For the past three years, the prestigious season-opening event for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season has sold out. The 2019 edition of “The Great American Race” will again be held on Presidents Day Weekend on Sunday, Feb. 17 and tickets start at $99.[More](6-17-2018)
News from June 6, 2018
Teams complete tire test at Darlington Raceway: Fans were treated to fast race cars and the smell of rubber tires on June 5-6, as four Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers piloted their cars around Darlington Raceway during a two-day Goodyear Tire Test. The test sessions were a preview of what’s to come at Darlington Raceway as the Bojangles’ Southern 500 and NASCAR Xfinity Series Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200 events are quickly approaching on Sept. 1-2. The test session featured drivers Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Paul Menard and Daniel Suarez.[More](6-7-2018)
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Michigan International Speedway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Michigan International Speedway page
FlightPath International sponsoring Chastain at Michigan: FlightPath International, a Canadian-based, Transport Canada and EASA Approved Training Organization will join Ross Chastain as the primary sponsor for his Premium Motorsports #15 Chevrolet this weekend at Michigan International Speedway for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, ‘FireKeepers Casino 400’.[More](6-6-2018)
Kennington driving for Premium at Michigan: DJ Kennington returns to Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition with Premium Motorsports this weekend in the Irish Hills of Michigan! Kennington is set to drive the #7 Chevrolet Camaro on Sunday in the FireKeepers Casino 400′ at Michigan International Speedway. Joining the Canadian native as primary sponsor is Canadian based automotive parts retailer, Auto Parts Centres (APC).[More](6-6-2018)
MALTESERS on the No. 18 with Kyle Busch at Michigan: In addition to the M&M’S Red, White and Blue scheme in Sunday’s Cup Series race this weekend at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, for the first time ever Busch will be sporting a scheme that will be more familiar with fans from the U.K. and around the world as the MALTESERS® brand will adorn the No. 18 MALTESERS® Toyota in Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series LTi Printing 250.[More](6-6-2018)
News from June 5, 2018
Garrett Smithley to make Cup debut at Michigan UPDATE: Smithley will be driving for Starcom Racing in the organization’s second Cup Series entry – the No. 99 Chevrolet, the source said. Sponsorship is slated to be with Victory Lane Oil, a quick lube service operation that got its start in Ann Arbor, Mi.in 1980.(6-2-2018)
UPDATE: Garrett’s Smithley will compete in his first MENCS Race for StarCom Racing in the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, June 10 at Michigan International Speedway. Garrett will pilot SCR’s 99 Victory Lane Chevy. Garrett’s racing career has come full circle, due in large part to the opportunities given by SCR Team manager, Derrike Cope. Garrett and Derrike have a relationship that started out back in 2013 while Garrett was a driver in Cope’s Driver Development Program.[More](6-5-2018)
Chevrolet Accessories on board with Kahne: Kahne’s Camaro will feature a Chevrolet Accessories paint scheme this weekend in Michigan.[More](6-5-2018)
Michigan sets the stage for rising talent in NASCAR:As the series begins stock car’s Summer Solstice, it’s compelling and telling to see how the young drivers such as Larson have historically done at this week’s 2-mile Michigan Speedway. Michigan has proven itself a mecca of late for NASCAR’s rising young Cup talent.[More](6-5-2018)
Goodyear Fast Facts — Michigan, Texas: Teams in both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series will run the same tire set-up at Michigan this weekend, while the Trucks will run a new left side tire in Texas.[More](6-5-2018)
Former driver, race analyst Kyle Petty, wife welcome son: Kyle and Morgan Petty announced the birth of Overton Owens on Twitter. [More](6-5-2018)
Pocono Raceway post-race penalties announced: XFINITY Series race winning crew chief Eric Phillips has been fined $10,000 and suspended from the next XFINITY race.[More](6-5-2018)
Bowman to fill GMS Racing’s XFINITY entry at Michigan, Kentucky:Alex Bowman will fill-in for Spencer Gallagher in the No. 23 NASCAR Xfinity Series entry this weekend at Michigan International Speedway and at Kentucky Speedway in July.[More](6-5-2018)
Truck Series entry list:There are 33 trucks entered for Friday’s Rattlesnake 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. See the complete list on the Texas entry list page (pdf). (6-5-2018)
Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley named Toyota/Save Mart 350 Grand Marshal:Olympic gold medalist and Bay Area resident Jonny Moseley has been named Grand Marshal of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event at Sonoma Raceway. [More](6-5-2018)
News from June 4, 2018
Entry List for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway is posted, 39 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
36 teams with Charters are guaranteed to make the field. The rest need to make the field via qualifying / qualifying races / rules book (owners attempts/points).
Some of the drivers entered include: #07-Reed Sorenson, #15-Ross Chastain, #51-TBA, #99-Smithley.
Since only 39 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Pocono TV ratings: FS1 earned earned a 1.6 overnight for Sunday’s Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway, off from a 1.9 for last year’s race.[More](6-4-2018)
Pocono commercial breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. [More](6-4-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 41 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Michigan Green 250 at Michigan International Speedway. #3-Austin Dillon, #18-Kyle Busch, #23-Alex Bowman, #22-Paul Menard and #98-Kevin Harvick.
See the complete list on the Michigan entry list page.
News from June 3, 2018
Sunday Pocono Notebook: Ryan Blaney perseveres through trying day at Pocono; Bubba Wallace’s return to Pocono ends with engine failure; Matt Kenseth rallies for hard-fought 13th-place finish. [More](6-3-2018)
Martin Truex Jr. asserts himself with convincing victory at Pocono:Taking charge of Sunday’s Pocono 400 by staying out under caution on Lap 140 of 160, reigning Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. pulled away after a restart with seven laps left to win the race and inject himself emphatically into the title conversation.[More](6-3-2018)
Truex won the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. The win is his second win of 2018, second win at Pocono and 17th career win.
#42-Kyle Larson finished 2nd followed by #18-Kyle Busch, #4-Kevin Harvick, #2-Brad Keselowski, #12-Ryan Blaney, #10-Aric Almirola, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #22-Joey Logano, and #9-Chase Elliott.
Pole winner, #12-Blaney led the first 11 laps and ran within the top-10 most of the day before landing sixth.
Stage 1 was won by Truex.
Stage 2 was won by Harvick, finished fourth and led the most laps at 89.
There were 11 lead changes among 7 drivers and 6 cautions for 23 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 139.535mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Pocono
Martin Truex Jr. won the 37th Annual Pocono 400, his 17th victory in 455 Monster Energy NASCAR
Cup Series races.
This is his second victory and ninth top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and 10th top-10 finish in 25 races at Pocono Raceway.
Kyle Larson (second) posted his fifth top-10 finish in nine races at Pocono Raceway. It is his ninth
top-10 finish in 2018.
Kyle Busch (third) posted his 12th top-10 finish in 27 races at Pocono Raceway.
William Byron (18th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Busch leads the point standings by 87 points over Kevin Harvick.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(6-3-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Pocono, race 14 of 36]
#18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 624
#4-Kevin Harvick [5 wins – 4 can be used for playoffs], 537
#22-Joey Logano [1 win], 534
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [2 wins], 487
#14-Clint Bowyer [1 win], 453
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 269
#2-Brad Keselowski, 474,150
#41-Kurt Busch, 447, -177
#11-Denny Hamlin, 437, -187
#42-Kyle Larson, 425, -199
#12-Ryan Blaney, 413, -211
#10-Aric Almirola, 406, -218
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 360, -264
#9-Chase Elliott, 334, -290
#20-Erik Jones, 322, -302
#17-Stenhouse, Jr., 319, -305
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 100) of the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway (lap 100/160):
#4-Harvick, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#19-Busch, 9pts
#14-Bowyer, 8pts
#78-Truex, 7pts
#9-Elliott, 6pts
#42-Larson, 5pts
#2-Keselowski, 4pts
#12-Blaney, 3pts
#48-Johnson, 2pts
#88-Bowman, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 50) of the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway (lap 50/160):
#78-Truex, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#4-Harvick, 9pts
#18-Busch, 8pts
#14-Bowyer, 7pts
#11-Hamlin, 6pts
#9-Elliott, 5pts
#12-Blaney, 4pts
#42-Larson, 3pts
#48-Johnson, 2pts
#2-Keslowski, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #43-Wallace, 38th
Caution 2: #41-Busch, 19th
Caution 3: #38-Ragan, 16th
Caution 4: #37-Buescher, 17th
Caution 5: #51-Custer, 26th
Caution 6: #19-Suarez, 24th
O’Donnell: NASCAR could use All-Star package in up to three races this year: NASCAR is exploring potentially using the rules package from last month’s All-Star Race in up to three Cup points races this season, Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief racing development officer, said in an interview with Fox Sports 1.O’Donnell said NASCAR is looking at using the package “at one or two or possibly three events” to help “see if this is the direction we want to pursue for 2019.”[More](6-3-2018)
Charlotte XFINITY ratings: NASCAR Xfinity Series racing from Charlotte delivered a 0.6 rating and 900,000 viewers on FS1 last Saturday, down a tick in ratings and 13% in viewership from last year (0.7, 1.0M) and down a third and 36% respectively from 2016 (0.9, 1.4M). Figures do not include a one-hour rain delay.[More](6-3-2018)
News from June 2, 2018
Saturday Pocono Notebook: Kyle Busch’s NASCAR track sweep is a done deal-for now; Change in team and emphasis has improved Kevin Harvick’s qualifying; David Ragan tests “All-Star package,” favors it for certain tracks[More](6-2-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#18-Busch 174.588
#4-Harvick 174.115
#78-Truex Jr. 173.953
#88-Bowman 173.658
#10-Almirola 173.568
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 21 drivers): #4-Harvick 172.693
slowest: #38-Cope 164.528
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (6-2-2018)
Garrett Smithley to make Cup debut at Michigan: Smithley will be driving for Starcom Racing in the organization’s second Cup Series entry – the No. 99 Chevrolet, the source said. Sponsorship is slated to be with Victory Lane Oil, a quick lube service operation that got its start in Ann Arbor, Mi.in 1980.[More](6-2-2018)
Busch wins Pocono Raceway XFINITY race: #18-Kyle Busch won the Pocono Green 250 at Pocono Raceway for his 92nd career win and first win at Pocono.
#23-Chase Elliott finished second, followed by #21-Daniel Hemric, #12-Austin Cindric, #00-Cole Custer, #1-Elliott Sadler, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #22-Paul Menard, #9-Tyler Reddick, and #11-Ryan Truex.
There were five cautions for 18 laps and seven lead changes among six leaders.
The average speed was 127.137mph.
Complete results are on the Pocono race results page (pdf). (6-2-2018)
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Pocono Race & Points Report (pdf)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 25 – Winner, #18-Kyle Busch
Stage 2 – lap 50 – Winner, #22-Paul Menard
Stage 3 – lap 100 – Race winner, #18-Kyle Busch
Pocono XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch won the 3rd Annual Pocono Green 250 Recycled by JP Mascaro & Sons, his 92nd victory in 342 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in two races at Pocono Raceway.
Chase Elliott (second) posted his first top-10 finish in one races at Pocono Raceway. It is his first top-10 finish in 2018.
Daniel Hemric (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Pocono Raceway.
Austin Cindric (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 62 points over Cole Custer.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-2-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following Pocono Raceway:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler 474
2) #00-Cole Custer, 412, -62
3) #21-Daniel Hemric, 411, -63
4) #9-Tyler Reddick, 410, -64
5) #20-Christopher Bell [1 win], 395, -79
6) #7-Justin Allgaier, 365, -79
7) #19-Brandon Jones, 362, -112
8) #11-Ryan Truex, 344, -130
9) #2-Matt Tifft, 323, -151
10) #22-Austin Cindric, 288, -186
11) #16-Ryan Reed, 284, -190
12) #23-Spencer Gallagher [1 win], 277, -197
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings and owner standings page.(6-2-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #78-McLeod, 22nd
Caution 2: #90-Williams, 21st
Caution 3: #52-Starr, 20th
Caution 4: #0-Smithley, 26th
Caution 5: #8-Martins, 25th
(6-2-2018)
Custer on XFINITY pole at Pocono: #00-Cole Custer won the Busch pole for the Pocono Green 250 at Pocono Raceway with a speed of 161.423mph. #11-Ryan Truex will start second. The rest of the top 10: #12-Austin Cindric, #18-Kyle Busch, #20-Christopher Bell, #19-Brandon Jones, #1-Elliott Sadler, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #9-Tyler Reddick, and #23-Chase Elliott.
Did Not Qualify: #89-Morgan Shepherd.
The starting lineup is posted on the Pocono starting lineup page.(6-2-2018)
Pocono Raceway XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Cole Custer won the Pole Award for the 3rd Annual Pocono Green 250 Recycled by JP Mascaro & Sons with a lap of 55.754 seconds, 161.423 mph.
This is his third pole in 50 NASCAR Xfinity Series races.
This is his third pole and ninth top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in two races at Pocono Raceway.
Ryan Truex (second) posted his eighth top-10 start of 2018 and his first in one races at Pocono Raceway.
Austin Cindric (third) posted his first top-10 start at Pocono Raceway. It is his seventh in 12 races this season.
Austin Cindric (third) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(6-2-2018)
News from June 1, 2018
Ryan Blaney edges Kevin Harvick for Pocono pole: Just as he had done in winning his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race last June, Ryan Blaney Kept Kevin Harvick behind him at Pocono Raceway when it mattered most. Blaney sped around the 2.5-mile triangular track in 50.877 seconds (176.897 mph) in Friday’s knockout qualifying session to earn the top starting spot for Sunday’s Pocono 400. [More](6-1-2018)
Ryan Blaney won the Busch pole for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway with speed of 176.897mph for his 2nd pole of 2018, 1st at Pocono and 4th of his career. Blaney has never won from the pole.
#4-Harvick will start 2nd followed by #1-McMurray, #78-Truex, Jr., #18-Busch, #41-Busch, #22-Logano, #31-Newman, #14-Bowyer, #11-Hamlin, #9-Elliott, #3-Dillon.
#4-Harvick was quickest in the first round with a speed of 175.950mph and the second round with a speed of 176.236mph.
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).(6-1-2018)
Pocono Raceway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Ryan Blaney won the Busch Pole Award Pole Award for the 37th Annual Pocono 400 with a lap of 50.877 seconds, 176.897 mph.
This is his fourth pole in 104 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and ninth top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in five races at Pocono Raceway.
Kevin Harvick (second) posted his 12th top-10 start of 2018 and his 12th in 35 races at Pocono Raceway.
Jamie McMurray (third) posted his ninth top-10 start at Pocono Raceway. It is his fourth in 14 races this season.
William Byron (16th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(6-1-2018)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 176.236
#18-Busch 176.015
#12-Blaney 175.723
#31-Newman 175.641
#9-Elliott 175.589
the rest of the top 12: 78 41 1 11 22 14 3
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 42 88 48 24 2 19 43 21 38 95 17 47
(6-1-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 175.950
#42-Larson 175.805
#11-Hamlin 175.285
#41-Busch 175.213
#12-Blaney 175.203
the rest of the top 24: 78 11 22 2 9 14 24 1 48 88 18 19 2 21 31 43 22 95 3 38 17 47
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 20 6 37 51 13 34 15 32 00 10 72 23 7 99
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 38 entered.
(6-1-2018)
Friday Pocono Notebook: Martin Truex Jr. makes nostalgic return to native New Jersey; As Dale Jr.’s successor, Alex Bowman feels pressure form a different source; Christopher Bell finds a way to embrace NASCAR Xfinity package for Pocono.[More](6-1-2018)
First practice for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is over, after 40 minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#18-Busch 176.939
#88-Bowman 175.490
#14-Bowyer 175.486
#42-Larson 175.452
#4-Harvick 175.278
most laps run: #51-Custer, 19 laps.
slowest: #72-Whitt 163.669 & #99-Cope 162.890.
notes: The practice started about 10 minutes late after morning fog dampened the track.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (6-1-2018)
Jeffrey Earnhardt expects to return to Premium Motorsports: Expect to see Jeffrey Earnhardt competing in more Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races with Premium Motorsports, the driver confirmed to The Racing Experts.[More](6-1-2018)
Kyle Busch paces final XFINITY practice: #18-Kyle Busch was quickest in final practice at Pocono Raceway with a speed of 159.507mph.
#23-Chase Elliott was second, followed by: #12-Austin Cindric, #00-Cole Custer, #3-Shane Lee, #20-Christopher Bell, #9-Tyler Reddick, #7-Justin Allgaier, #11-Ryan Truex, and #21-Daniel Hemric.
See complete results on the Pocono practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(6-1-2018)
Kyle Busch fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #18-Kyle Busch was fastest during opening practice at Pocono Raceway with a speed of 159.504mph.
The rest of the top 10: #20-Christopher Bell, #19-Brandon Jones, #9-Tyler Reddick, #7-Justin Allgaier, #23-Chase Elliott, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #22-Paul Menard, #00-Cole Custer, and #1-Elliott Sadler.
See complete results on the Pocono practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(6-1-2018)
Mark Martin Podcast to sponsor Jordan Anderson’s at Texas: The Mark Martin Podcast will sponsor Jordan Anderson at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Texas Motor Speedway on June 8th.[More](6-1-2018)
Memphis Raceway wants back on XFINITY, Trucks schedule:Speedway president and general manager Pam Kendrick was instrumental in NASCAR’s return with the K&N Pro Series East last season. Kendrick says she has talked to NASCAR about ways to see Xfinity and Trucks return to West Tennessee.[More](6-1-2018)
Villa Lighting, Eaton electrical products to sponsor Gateway’s Truck race: Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Illinois today announced Villa Lighting and Eaton electrical products will sponsor its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday, June 23. The race will be called the Villa Lighting delivers the Eaton 200 presented by CK Power.[More](6-1-2018)