March 2018 News Archives
News from March 31, 2018
Michael Rooker named honorary pace car driver at Richmond:Richmond Raceway announces actor Michael Rooker as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the TOYOTA OWNERS 400 on Saturday, April 21. The American actor known to motorsports fans for his role as Rowdy Burns in Days of Thunder will lead the field to green in the Official Toyota Camry Pace Car for the spring Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race “under the lights.”[More](3-31-2018)
News from March 30, 2018
Keselowski to run Miller Genuine Draft throwback at Darlington:Brad Keselowski will run a No. 2 Miller Genuine Draft paint scheme at Darlington as a tribute to the 1990 design driven by Rusty Wallace for car owner Raymond Beadle.[More](3-30-2018)
Captain Christopher T. Martin to present Talladega’s Freedom Trophy: A staple at Talladega Superspeedway, the patriotic Freedom Trophy will be presented to the winner of the April 29 GEICO 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race by United States Navy Commanding Officer at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Captain Christopher T. Martin. This distinctive piece of hardware, introduced in the spring of 2014, features five-sided silver aluminum panels centered around a waterjet cut star. Each panel is engraved with a military member and logo from one of our nation’s five military branches. It has been presented to Talladega Superspeedway winners in NASCAR’s premier series by members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.[More](3-30-2018)
News from March 29, 2018
Kurt Busch expected to return to Stewart Haas: Kurt Busch’s contract with Stewart-Haas Racing expires at the end of the 2018 season. And the team said Wednesday it “fully expects” Busch to return in 2019.[More](3-29-2018)
Sullair the official supplier of compressed air for RFR: As part of the partnership, Sullair will be featured on each of Roush Fenway’s racecars, as well as team transporters and pit equipment.[More](3-29-2018)
Chase Briscoe to drive five XFINITY races for Stewart-Haas As Chase Briscoe climbs the racing ladder toward his ultimate goal of competing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the 23-year-old from Mitchell, Indiana, will grab a few rungs at Stewart-Haas Racing with Biagi-DenBeste (SHR). The championship-winning NASCAR team will field Briscoe in five NASCAR Xfinity Series races in 2018, beginning with the April 14 Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. Briscoe will drive the No. 98 Ford Performance Ford Mustang alongside SHR teammate Cole Custer in the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang. [More](3-29-2018)
XFINITY drivers test Bristol: NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers Ty Majeski and Chase Briscoe were among several drivers participating in a two-day test session Tuesday and Wednesday at Bristol Motor Speedway.[More](3-29-2018)
News from March 28, 2018
BK Racing to be operated by trustee after team owner loses financial control: BK Racing will be operated by a trustee as team owner Ron Devine lost financial control of the NASCAR Cup Series team in bankruptcy court Wednesday morning. U.S. District Court Judge J. Craig Whitley appointed Matthew Smith of The Finley Group as the trustee.[More](3-28-2018)
Go Bowling strikes partnership w/ SHR: Go Bowling will serve as the primary sponsor of SHR’s No. 10 Ford Fusion and driver Aric Almirola during the Aug. 4-5 Go Bowling at The Glen Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race weekend at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.[More](3-28-2018)
Martinsville post-race penalties announced: There were four lugnut penalties issued to the teams of Austin Dillon, Ryan Blaney, Michael McDowell and Kyle Larson. All four crew chiefs were fined $10,000.[More](3-28-2018)
Chad Finchum to make Cup debut at Bristol: The 23-year-old is scheduled to make his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway in the Food City 500, driving the #66 Toyota for MBM Motorsports.[More](3-28-2018)
Buescher jackman injured after being hit during pitstop: The jackman injured when struck during a pit stop for the No. 37 Chevrolet in Monday’s STP 500 says he tore torn muscles in his leg and groin after a series of tests at a Charlotte, N.C. hospital. Zack Young, working on driver Chris Buescher’s crew, was hit during a stop early in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway and transported to a local hospital by ambulance.[More](3-28-2018)
Fr8Auctions to sponsor qualifying at Talladega: Fr8Auctions Qualifying (12:05 p.m. CDT start) at Talladega Superspeedway for the GEICO 500 will feature a two-round qualifying format. Every driver will take one timed lap around the 2.66-mile tri-oval during the first round, then the drivers with the 12 fastest lap speeds will advance to the second round. The top-12 starting positions for the race will be determined by the fastest lap speed in the second round, while positions 13 and beyond will be established off the first-round speeds.[More](3-28-2018)
Pocono Raceway first track to partner with hotels for hope: Two dollars of every room booked through ‘The Tricky Triangle’s’ website will benefit Lehigh Valley Children’s Hospital, the pediatric hospital for Lehigh Valley Health Network.[More](3-28-2018)
News from March 27, 2018
Polls now open for NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Fan Vote: The polls are now open for the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Fan Vote. For the 10th consecutive year, fans are asked to cast votes for up to five nominees for inclusion into the Class of 2019, and can vote up to 50 times per day. The five nominees who receive the most votes will count as one of the ballots cast by the Voting Panel on NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Day on May 23. The polls close on May 21. [More](3-27-2018)
Monster close to extending Cup sponsorship: Monster Energy is close to extending its title sponsorship of NASCAR’s premier series, according to nearly a dozen sources close to the deal. It could not be determined whether the renewal would be for one or two years, but an extension would of course be a shot in the arm for NASCAR, which did not want to be out on the market looking for a new title sponsor to take over at the start of ’19. With only eight months remaining in the current deal, NASCAR and its partners need an answer, and signs indicate that Monster is coming back. [More](3-27-2018)
Estes Express Lines and State Water Heaters join Burton at RCR:Estes, which joins Richard Childress Racing as a multi-race primary partner for Burton’s time at the wheel, will also serve as an associate partner with the team for additional races during the 2018 season. [More](3-27-2018)
Kansas Speedway adding new camping for 2018: Due to demand, Kansas Speedway is introducing two new camping areas starting with the 2018 season, including a new Turn 1 Terrace RV campground where fans can watch the race from their camping spot.[More](3-27-2018)
News from March 26, 2018
Monday Martinsville Notebook:Hamlin and Harvick tangle at Martinsville – to Hamlin’s detriment; Bowman leads Chevy brigade with seventh-place finish; Allmendinger gets season-best finish at one of his best tracks.[More](3-26-2018)
Clint Bowyer breaks 190-race drought with Martinsville win: Clint Bowyer was so excited he started his celebratory burnout at the entrance to Turn 3 at Martinsville Speedway, flirting perilously with the outside wall. Bowyer had ample reason to start the party early, before he got to the frontstretch for a traditional smoke show. With his victory in Monday’s snow-delayed STP 500, he had just ended a winless streak in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series that had reached 190 races, dating to the fall race at Charlotte in 2012.[More](3-26-2018)
#14-Bowyer won the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. The win is his first win of 2018, first win at Martinsville and ninth career win.
#18-Busch finished 2nd followed by #12-Blaney, #78-Truex, #4-Harvick, #22-Logano, #88-Bowman, #47-Allmendinger, #9-Elliott, and #2-Keseloski.
Truex earned the pole on Saturday after weather moved into the area. It eventually forced NASCAR to postpone the race until Monday. He had a quiet day, led four laps, and finished in the top-five.
Stage 1 was won by #11-Hamlin, finished 12th.
Stage 2 was won by #12-Blaney, finished 3rd.
There were 11 lead changes among 6 drivers and 4 cautions for 33 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 81.663 mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Martinsville
Clint Bowyer won the 69th Annual STP 500, his ninth victory in 439 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup
Series races.This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in 2018.This is his first victory and 15th top-10 finish in 25 races at Martinsville Speedway.Kyle Busch (second) posted his 15th top-10 finish in 26 races at Martinsville Speedway. It is his fifth
top-10 finish in 2018.Ryan Blaney (third) posted his second top-10 finish in five races at Martinsville Speedway.William Byron (20th) was the highest finishing rookie.Kyle Busch leads the point standings by 8 points over Martin Truex Jr.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(3-25-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Martinsville, race 6 of 36]
#4-Kevin Harvick [3 wins – 2 can be used for playoffs], 212
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win], 249
#14-Clint Bowyer [1 win], 210
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 148
#18-Kyle Busch, 257
#12-Ryan Blaney, 233, -24
#22-Joey Logano, 232, -25
#2-Brad Keselowski, 226, -31
#11-Denny Hamlin, 217, -40
#42-Kyle Larson, 195, -62
#41-Kurt Busch, 177, -80
#10-Aric Almirola, 171, -86
#20-Erik Jones, 152, -105
#88-Alex Bowman, 145, -112
#21-Paul Menard, 139, -118
#31-Ryan Newman, 135, -122
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 260) of the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway (lap 260/500):
#12-Blaney, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#14-Bowyer, 9pts
#18-Busch, 8pts
#2-Keselowski, 7pts
#11-Hamlin, 6pts
#4-Harvick, 5pts
#41-Busch, 4pts
#47-Allmendinger, 3pts
#22-Logano, 2pts
#48-Johnson, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #55-Yeley, 31st
Caution 2: #1-McMurray, 26th
Caution 3: #9-Elliott, 9th
Caution 4: #9-Elliott, 9th
John Hunter Nemechek charges to Camping World Truck Series win at Martinsville: In a race delayed for two days by a freak snowstorm in southern Virginia, John Hunter Nemechek charged to the front on a restart with 31 laps left on Monday and held off Kyle Benjamin to win the Alpha Energy Solutions 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race by a mere .106 seconds.The victory was the first at Martinsville for Nemechek, who had two previous runner-up finishes at the .526-mile short track. This time, despite Benjamin pounding his rear bumper in the final corner, Nemechek earned the grandfather clock trophy that goes to the race winner.[More](3-26-2018)
Nemechek wins postponed Martinsville Truck race: #8-John Hunter Nemechek won the weather-delayed Alpha Energy Solutions 250 Camping World Truck Series race on Monday after taking the lead with a brave three-wide move 31 laps from the finish at Martinsville Speedway. In his series debut, #54-Kyle Benjamin finished second. #16-Brett Moffitt, #98-Grant Enfinger, #18-Noah Gragson, #13-Myatt Snider, #92-Timothy Peters, #51-Harrison Burton, #02-Austin Hill, and #24-Justin Haley followed in the top-10.
On Saturday, #27-Ben Rhodes started from the pole and led the first 23 laps before snow forced NASCAR to postpone the race to Sunday. The race was pushed back again to Monday more snow fell overnight on Saturday and into early Sunday morning.
Rhodes led a race-high 134 laps, but troubles in the pits late in the running lost him precious track position he was unable to regain.
There were 10 caution flags for 68 laps and 10 lead changes among six leaders.
See results on the Martinsville race results page(3-26-2018)
Martinsville Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
John H. Nemechek(i) won the 20th Annual Alpha Energy Solutions 250, his sixth victory in 79 NASCAR
Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and fourth top-10 finish in ten races at Martinsville Speedway.
Kyle Benjamin(i) (second) posted his first top-10 finish in one race at Martinsville Speedway. It is his
first top-10 finish in 2018.
Brett Moffitt (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Martinsville Speedway.
Myatt Snider (sixth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 29 points over Grant Enfinger.
(NASCAR Statistics) (3-26-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 40, winner, #27-Ben Rhodes
Stage 2 – 80, winner, #27-Ben Rhodes
Stage 3 – 134, race winner, #8-John Hunter Nemechek
Camping World Truck standings following Martinsville:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 181 [1 win]
2) #98-Grant Enfinger, 152, -29
3) #16-Brett Moffitt, 150, -31, [1 win]
4) #41-Ben Rhodes, 148, -33
5) #18-Noah Gragson, 146, -35
6) #52-Stewart Friesen, 122, -59
7) #88-Matt Crafton, 122, -59
8) #13-Myatt Snider, 118, -63
9) #25-Dalton Sagreant, 118, -63
10) #02-Austin Hill, 100, – 81
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (3-26-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Las Vegas: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #63-Donahue, 30th
Caution 2: #83-Donahue, 23rd
Caution 3: #45-Fontaine, 28th
Caution 4: #49-Chavous, 18th
Caution 5: #2-Coughlin, 26th
Caution 6: #50-Cram, 17th
Caution 7: #50-Cram, 17th
Caution 8: #20-Wilson, 16th
Caution 9: #49-Chavous, 18th
Caution 10: #21-Sauter, 19th
(3-26-2018)
News from March 25, 2018
Martinsville race postponed: Weather has postponed all activity at Martinsville Speedway for Sunday, March 25. The Alpha Energy Solutions 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race is scheduled for 11:00am/et on Monday, followed by the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at 2:00pm.(3-24-2018)
News from March 24, 2018
Qualifying rainout puts Martin Truex Jr. on Martinsville pole: Defending Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr,. would have preferred to earn his third straight official pole on Saturday, but with rain forcing cancellation of STP 500 qualifying at Martinsville Speedway, Truex is happy to take the result.[More](3-24-2018)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, two pit stalls (22,43) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
One pit stall (30), Monster Energy Pit Box, has been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
There are three vacant pit boxes (16, 21, 39) due to 38 cars entered and is in play and do count towards driving through more than three pit boxes
Pole winner #78-Truex chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #18-Busch. took pit stall 13.
#22-Logano, who starts 3rd, took the second stall.
The final pit stall was taken by #41-Busch who starts 11th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(3-24-2018)
Truex earned the Busch pole for the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway based on points after a rain/snow mix forced NASCAR to cancel qualifying.
#18-Busch will start 2nd followed by #22-Logano, #2-Keselowski, #12-Blaney, #11-Hamlin, #42-Larson, #4-Harvick, #14-Bowyer amd #10-Almirola.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 38 were entered for 40 spots
See the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(3-24-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#78-Truex 95.418
#2-Keselowski 95.280
#19-Suarez 95.242
#18-Busch 95.122
#31-Newman 94.756
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 35 drivers): #2-Keselowski 94.579
slowest: #51-Rhodes 91.289
notes: #17-Stenhouse wrecked and will start the race at the rear of the field with a backup.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (3-24-2018)
First practice for the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#78-Truex 95.752
#2-Keselowski 95.646
#18-Busch 95.213
#31-Newman 95.199
#41-Busch 95.094
most laps run: #11-Hamlin 69
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 33 drivers): #78-Truex 95.054
slowest: #51-Rhodes 91.430
notes: Many teams practiced in race setup due to possible weather.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Saturday Practice 1 speeds (pdf) (3-24-2018)
Harvick posts weekly bonus in honor of Ted Christopher at Stafford Speedway: Through his company, KHI Management, Harvick will present two weekly bonuses to the SK Modified® division in 2018, both in honor of Stafford Speedway legend Ted Christopher. Weekly, both the leader on lap-13 and the 13th place finisher will receive a $125 bonus provided by Kevin Harvick and KHI Management in remembrance of Ted Christopher’s number 13. [More](3-23-2018)
Martinsville Truck race postponed: #41-Ben Rhodes led the first 23 laps of Saturday’s Alpha Energy Solutions 250 at Martinsville Speedway, but snow forced NASCAR to postpone the remainder of the race until Sunday evening, following the Monster Energy Cup Series race.(3-24-2018)
Rhodes on Truck pole at Martinsville: #41-Ben Rhodes won the pole for Saturday’s Camping World Truck Series Alpha Energy Solutions 250 at Martinsville Speedway with a speed of 95.942mph. #88-Matt Crafton will line up second. #98-Grant Enfinger, #54-Kyle Benjamin, #52-Stewart Friesen, #21-Johnny Sauter, #16-Brett Moffitt, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #13-Myatt Snider, and #2-Cody Coughlin were the remainder of the top-10.
#74-Mike Harmon did not qualify.
The starting lineup is posted on the Martinsville starting lineup page(3-24-2018)
Martinsville Qualifying Fast Facts:
Ben Rhodes won the Pole Award for the 20th Annual Alpha Energy Solutions 250 with a lap of 19.737
seconds, 95.942 mph.
This is his third pole in 54 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and first top-10 start in 2018.
This is his second pole in six races at Martinsville Speedway.
Matt Crafton (second) posted his third top-10 start of 2018 and his 16th in 33 races at Martinsville
Speedway.
Grant Enfinger (third) posted his second top-10 start at Martinsville Speedway. It is his third in four
races this season.
Myatt Snider (ninth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics) (3-24-2018)
Bristol Motor Speedway joins Coca-Cola Racing Family: Bristol Motor Speedway is proud to announce that Coca-Cola will be the track’s exclusive soft drink beverage partner, effective immediately. The multi-year agreement aligns the popular global soft drink brand with The Last Great Colosseum, the fastest and most entertaining short track in the world. [More](3-24-2018)
News from March 23, 2018
Axalta, Hendrick extend partnership: Axalta (NYSE: AXTA), a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, and 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports have agreed to a four-year contract extension that will take one of the most enduring sponsorships in NASCAR through 2022. Beginning in 2018 and throughout the new 2019-2022 agreement, Axalta will be featured as a 25-race primary sponsor of Hendrick Motorsports’ Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 teams competing in the Cup Series. Over the next two years, Axalta will be a primary sponsor of Hendrick Motorsports drivers Alex Bowman (15 races in 2018 and 12 races in 2019) and William Byron (10 races in 2018 and 13 races in 2019). Schedules for the 2020-2022 seasons will be announced at a later date.[More](3-23-2018)
Richard Childress Racing and eBay Motors team up for 2018: Richard Childress Racing is joining forces with eBay Motors for its 2018 NASCAR marketing campaign by providing compelling feature content and vignettes featuring the No. 31 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup team to appear on FOX broadcasts. The unique partnership includes the primary sponsorship of the No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at the MENCS race at Martinsville Speedway on March 25.[More](3-23-2018)
PNC Bank becomes Official Bank of NASCAR with five-year agreement: NASCAR and PNC Bank today announced a five-year agreement that introduces the bank as the “Official Bank of NASCAR®” and “Official Wealth Management Partner of NASCAR®.” The agreement provides PNC exclusive status and promotional rights around retail, corporate and private banking across the country and U.S. military bases abroad. PNC will be present at key NASCAR races throughout each season and offer its services to the industry, providing valuable insights to drivers, teams, tracks and sponsors. The agreement takes effect immediately.[More](3-23-2018)
Auto Club XFINITY tv ratings: The NASCAR Xfinity Series from Fontana (Ca.) had a 0.75 rating and 1.2 million viewers on FS1 Saturday, down 19% in ratings and viewership from last year (0.93, 1.460M) and down 23% and 19% respectively from 2016 (0.98, 1.459M). Mirroring the trend for this year’s Cup Series races, every NASCAR Xfinity Series telecast this season has declined double-digits to a multi-year low.[More](3-23-2018)
Friday Notebook: Martinsville Trucks: Timothy Peters returns to NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at his home track; ThorSport still playing catch-up after switch to Ford.[More](3-23-2018)
Enfinger leads final Martinsville Truck practice: #98-Grant Enfinger was fastest during final practice for Saturday’s Camping World Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway with a speed of 95.056mph. #88-Matt Crafton, #54-Kyle Benjamin, #21-Johnny Sauter, #13-Myatt Snider, #52-Stewart Friesen, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #02-Austin Hill, #18-Noah Gragson, and #51-Harrison Burton were the top-10. 32 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 3 speeds (pdf)(3-23-2018)
Crafton fastest in second Martinsville Truck practice: #88-Matt Crafton was fastest during the second of three practice sessions for Saturday’s Alpha Energy Solutions 250 at Martinsville Speedway with a speed of 94.571mph. #16-Brett Moffitt, #2-Cody Coughlin, #41-Ben Rhodes, #24-Justin Haley, #18-Noah Gragson, #21-Johnny Sauter, #98-Grant Enfinger, #13-Myatt Snider, and #99-Tyler Matthews were the top-10. 32 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(3-23-2018)
Haley fastest in opening Martinsville Truck practice: #24-Justin Haley was fastest during the opening practice for Saturday’s Alpha Energy Solutions 250 at Martinsville Speedway with a speed of 94.125mph. #18-Noah Gragson was second, followed by #88-Matt Crafton, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #21-Johnny Sauter, #98-Grant Enfinger, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #13-Myatt Snider, #41-Ben Rhodes, and #54-Kyle Benjamin. 26 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(3-23-2018)
Florida Georgia Line to headline FGL Fest during NASCAR weekend at Indianapolis: Global superstars Florida Georgia Line will perform live Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the track’s 25th annual NASCAR weekend, an expansion of an exciting, unique partnership between IMS and Big Machine Records that also will place the chart-topping duo into the race’s name for years to come.[More](3-23-2018)
Rally named official bus rideshare partner of seven Speedway Motorsports, Inc. tracks: In keeping with its “Fans First” commitment, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: TRK) officials have announced a new partnership with Rally that will save race fans valuable time and money during race weekends at seven of Speedway Motorsports’ world-class facilities.[More](3-23-2018)
News from March 22, 2018
Martinsville Speedway Weekend Preview: Brad Keselowski’s victory in last April’s STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway was as clutch as they come – earning his first ever win at the challenging half-mile track and Ford’s first trophy there in a more than a decade (28 races).[More](3-22-2018)
Auto Club Speedway overnight TV ratings UPDATE: Fox earned a 2.4 overnight rating from Auto Club Speedway, down from last year.(3-19-2018)
UPDATE: The NASCAR Cup Series at Fontana (Ca.) earned a 2.4 rating and 4.0 million viewers on FOX last Sunday, down 25% in ratings and 22% in viewership from last year (3.2, 5.2M) and down 40% and 41% respectively from 2016 (4.0, 6.8M).[More](3-22-2018)
Carl Edwards has no plans to return to racing: Carl Edwards spoke Wednesday night more than a year after leaving full-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driving, and to the disappointment of many fans, he isn’t planning a return. “I don’t have any plans to come back,” Edwards told Claire B. Lang on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “I do miss a lot of people. I stay in touch with a lot of folks and have fun, but I really appreciate the time from Joe Gibbs and everyone else to go do the things I want to do.[More](3-22-2018)
RCR reinstates XFINITY Series crew chief Nick Harrison: Richard Childress Racing has reinstated NASCAR Xfinity Series crew chief Nick Harrison after serving a five-race suspension stemming from a violation at Daytona International Speedway in February. Harrison, who has been with RCR since 2013, will resume crew chief responsibilities for the No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro SS at Texas Motor Speedway on April 8.[More](3-22-2018)
Monster Energy, Pocono Raceway and NASCAR Green announce Second Annual Free Friday: Monster Energy, Pocono Raceway and NASCAR Green are joining forces for the second annual ‘Monster Energy NASCAR Free Friday’ program. Fans will have the chance to enjoy all the racing action and fun activities at ‘The Tricky Triangle’ for free on Friday, June 1, by recycling any size Monster Energy can.[More](3-22-2018)
Eli Young Band performing pre-race concert at Coca-Cola 600: Get ready for the Eli Young Band to turn up the excitement prior to the legendary Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 27 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated country music superstars will amp up the most patriotic Memorial Day weekend event in sports, with the Coca-Cola 600 Pre-Race Concert electrifying a spectacular salute to the troops at America’s Home for Racing.[More](3-22-2018)
News from March 21, 2018
Martinsville Speedway Weekend Preview: Team Penske Enters Martinsville With Big Expectations; Bubba Getting Back On Track; Youth Served[More](3-21-2018)
Auto Club Speedway post-race penalties announced: There were two lugnut penalties issued – one to Kyle Busch’s Cup team and one to Ryan Preece’s XFINITY team.[More](3-21-2018)
Drivers take to Charlotte’s ROVAL for tire test: A shortened-but-productive Goodyear tire test on the ROVAL™, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s road course oval, saw four of NASCAR’s top drivers take to the 2.28-mile course in advance of the Sept. 28-30 Bank of America 500. Trevor Bayne, Kyle Larson, Paul Menard and Kyle Busch made laps around the challenging circuit on Tuesday. Wednesday’s portion has been tentatively rescheduled for May 1 due to inclement weather.[More](3-21-2018)
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series races at Martinsville Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Martinsville Speedway
Harrison Rhodes returns to Rick Ware Racing at Martinsville with new sponsor: After making his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut at Atlanta Motor Speedway last month, NASCAR Xfinity Series regular Harrison Rhodes returns to Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 chartered Chevrolet for Sunday’s STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Joining Rhodes in his debut at Martinsville is primary marketing partner Custom Aircraft Cabinets.[More](3-21-2018)
Champion Machinery sponsoring Chastain at Martinsville: Champion Machinery, a widely recognized company within the racing community as the number one supplier of late-model name brand used CNC machines has joined Premium Motorsports as a primary partner for the team’s-chartered No.15 in the upcoming Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, ‘STP 500’ at Martinsville Speedway.[More](3-21-2018)
Gordon Brothers sponsoring Kennington at Martinsville: Gordon Brothers, the global advisory, restructuring and investment firm, will adorn the No. 96 Toyota Camry fielded by Gaunt Brothers Racing (GBR) and driven by D.J. Kennington in this Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway (Va.).[More](3-21-2018)
New look for Byron’s Liberty University Chevy: The No. 24 Liberty University paint scheme has been updated since its debut at Atlanta, with the number color changing from red to white in order to increase visibility.[More](3-21-2018)
12 Cup races will have enhanced schedules: NASCAR will again use a new and well-received enhanced schedule format featuring robust driver appearances and fan interaction opportunities at 12 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series events this season, beginning with this weekend’s STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway. The enhanced schedule will feature two days of Monster Energy Series action while each track will still host three total days of on-track activity.[More](3-21-2018)
Talladega offering premium seating upgrade options: Fans can take in unique, spectacular views of incredible three-and four-wide racing during Talladega Superspeedway’s tripleheader weekend, April 27-29, with one of many premium seating upgrade options such as the Paddock Club and Fan Suites, with limited availability. Both are prime locations with various amenities for the GEICO 500, Sparks Energy 300 and the General Tire 200.[More](3-21-2018)
News from March 20, 2018
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Martinsville Speedway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Martinsville Speedway page
Hemric to make Cup debut at Richmond: NASCAR Xfinity Series regular Daniel Hemric is scheduled to make his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut on April 21, 2018 at Richmond Raceway with partner Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff on the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Richard Childress Racing announced. This will be the first of two MENCS events in 2018 for the 27-year-old driver. He will also pilot the No. 8 Smokey Mountain Herbal Snuff Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s road course on Sept. 30.[More](3-20-2018)
Martinsville Goodyear Tire Notes: See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the Goodyear Tire Notes – Martinsville Speedway page.(3-20-2018)
Haas Automation Demo Day 2018 featured on the #14 at Martinsville: Bowyer’s No. 14 Ford will sport a bit of a different look at Martinsville as Haas Automation, the largest CNC (computer numerically controlled) machine-tool builder in North America, will highlight Demo Day 2018 that will be held May 9 at local Haas Factory Outlets (HFOs) nationwide. The annual event provides HFOs an opportunity to feature the latest CNC machines, innovations, and technology from Haas Automation.[More](3-20-2018)
Triad Racing Technologies selling engine shop: Triad Racing Technologies, a long-time engine builder and supplier for numerous teams in NASCAR’s three national divisions, announced Monday afternoon they will sell off their race engine shop.[More](3-20-2018)
New additions, returning favorites highlight Bristol pre-race: Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) is connecting with old friends and welcoming new voices to offer a variety of entertainment for guests at the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500. Famed for its retro appeal and lightning-in-a-bottle atmosphere, Bristol’s pre-race ceremony kicks off on Sunday, April 15, with performances and special appearances by A Thousand Horses, The Cleverlys, Joe Everson, Bill Goldberg, Brownie King, DJ DU and more. [More](3-20-2018)
Martinsville Speedway Hauler Parade Set For Return On Friday, March 23: Before the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series cars take to Martinsville Speedway for the STP 500, the haulers transporting the cars will take to US 220 for the annual Martinsville Speedway Hauler Parade.[More](3-20-2018)
News from March 19, 2018
StarCom Racing and Jeffrey Earnhardt part ways UPDATE: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver, Jeffrey Earnhardt and StarCom Racing have decided to mutually part ways for the time being. Earnhardt, the fourth-generation driver, has piloted the No. 00 VRX Simulators Chevrolet for the first five MENCS events in 2018.(3-19-2018)
UPDATE: StarCom Racing is happy to announce it will head to Martinsville and Texas with a new sponsor and driver for the #00. Landon Cassill will field the USFRA Chevy Camaro.[More](3-19-2018)
Auto Club Speedway overnight TV ratings: Fox earned a 2.4 overnight rating from Auto Club Speedway, down from last year.[More](3-19-2018)
Entry List for the STP 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway is posted, 38 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #15-Chastain, #23-Gaulding, #51-Rhodes, #55-Sorenson, #72-Whitt, #96-Kennington.
Since only 38 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Sorenson expects to continue driving for Premium Motorsports:Reed Sorenson will be back in a Cup car driving for Jay Robinson and Premium Motorsports at some point in the next three weeks, the driver confirmed to The Racing Experts. When asked when his next Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) race was, Sorenson replied, “Martinsville or Texas would be one of the two.”[More](3-19-2018)
Commercial breakdown and links related to the 2018 Auto Club 400:For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 3:30 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 6:33 PM (all times are EDT). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage.[More](3-19-2018)
Sad News – Rich Rubenstein: Rich Rubenstein, of Matthews, N.C., passed away at age 72 on March 1 following a lengthy and valiant battle with cancer. Rich’s intro to motorsports came in the form of an offer from a friend who worked for CRC Chemicals. The company was starting a racing program and needed someone to oversee it. [More](3-19-2018)
Truck Series entry list:There are 38 trucks entered for Saturday’s Alpha Energy Solutions 250 at Martinsville Speedway. See the complete list on the Martinsville entry list page (pdf). (3-20-2018)
1000Bulbs.com sponsoring fall Talladega race: The future of Talladega Superspeedway became brighter today. 1000Bulbs.com, the award-winning, internet-based lighting retailer recognized for growth, innovation and customer satisfaction, announced that the track’s anticipated Fall NASCAR Playoff event (October 14) will be known as the 1000Bulbs.com 500.[More](3-19-2018)
News from March 18, 2018
Sunday Auto Club Speedway Notebook: Cooler heads prevail after Harvick-Larson wreck; Kyle Busch disappointed with third-place run; Denny Hamlin scores another quiet top 10.[More](3-18-2018)
Martin Truex Jr. answers doubters with dominating win at Fontana:Martin Truex Jr. drove three things on Sunday afternoon at Auto Club Speedway. First, he drove the No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota to a dominating victory in the Auto Club 400, the fifth Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race of the season. Second, he drove a time machine, turning back the clock to 2017 when his mastery of stage racing propelled him to his first series championship.[More](3-18-2018)
Martin Truex. Jr. won the Auto Club 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway. The win is his first win of 2018, first win at Auto Club and 16th career win.
#42-Larson finished 2nd followed by #18-Busch, #2-Keselowski, #22-Logano, #11-Hamlin, #20-Jones, #12-Blaney, #48-Johnson, and #3-Dillon.
Truex started from the pole, swept all three stages, and led 125 of the 200 laps.
There were 16 lead changes among 7 drivers and 5 cautions for 21 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 147.526mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Auto Club
Martin Truex Jr. won the 22nd Annual Auto Club 400, his 16th victory in 446 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his first victory and fourth top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and sixth top-10 finish in 18 races at Auto Club Speedway.
Kyle Larson (second) posted his third top-10 finish in five races at Auto Club Speedway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2018.
Kyle Busch (third) posted his 14th top-10 finish in 20 races at Auto Club Speedway.
William Byron (15th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Martin Truex Jr. leads the point standings by 9 points over Kyle Busch.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(3-18-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Auto Club, race 5 of 36]
#4-Kevin Harvick [3 wins – 2 can be used for playoffs], 170
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win], 216
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 141
#18-Kyle Busch, 207, -9
#22-Joey Logano, 197, -19
#2-Brad Keselowski, 183, -33
#12-Ryan Blaney, 181, -35
#11-Denny Hamlin, 176, -40
#42-Kyle Larson, 174, -42
#14-Clint Bowyer, 155, -61
#10-Aric Almirola, 148, -68
#41-Kurt Busch, 144, -72
#20-Erik Jones, 132, -84
#31-Ryan Newman, 117, -99
#21-Paul Menard, 115, -101
#88-Alex Bowman, 115, -101
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 120) of the Auto Club 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway (lap 120/200):
#78-Truex, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#2-Keselowski, 9pts
#18-Busch, 8pts
#11-Hamlin, 7pts
#20-Jones, 6pts
#22-Logano, 5pts
#48-Johnson, 4pts
#42-Larson, 3pts
#14-Bowyer, 2pts
#24-Byron, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 60) of the Auto Club 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway (lap 60/200):
#78-Truex, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#18-Busch, 9pts
#22-Logano, 8pts
#22-Keselowski, 7pts
#48-Johnson 6pts
#42-Larson, 5pts
#41-Busch, 4pts
#20-Jones, 3pts
#14-Bowyer, 2pts
#11-Hamlin, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #37-Buscher, 30th
Caution 2: #15-Chastain, 29th
Caution 3: #31-Newman, 21st
Caution 4: #21-Menard, 19th
Caution 5: #13-Dillon, 27th
Jimmie Johnson Foundation to offer grant opportunities totaling $125,000: Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson announced, on behalf of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and Blue Bunny Ice Cream, the launch of the 2018 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope campaign this morning at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.[More](3-18-2018)
News from March 17, 2018
Saturday Auto Club Speedway Notebook: Aric Almirola’s Friday woes continue at Auto Club Speedway; NASCAR moves to strip advantages from non-qualifiers; Short Strokes.[More](3-17-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Auto Club 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#18-Busch 185.668
#78-Truex 185.319
#48-Johnson 184.525
#4-Harvick 184.308
#2-Keselowski 184.280
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 28 drivers): #4-Harvick 180.161
slowest: #55-Sorenson 169.296
notes: #9-Elliott, #10-Almirola, #11-Hamlin, #14-Bowyer, #24-Byron, #47-Almmendinger, #48-Johnson, #72-Whitt, #88-Bowman were penalized 15-minutes at the end of the session for failing inspection twice on Friday.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (3-17-2018)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Auto Club 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, two pit stalls (22,43) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
One pit stall (42), Monster Energy Pit Box, has been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
There is one vacant pit box (9) due to 39 cars entered and is in play and do count towards driving through more than three pit boxes
Pole winner #78-Truex chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #18-Busch, took pit stall 2.
#43-Larson, who starts 3rd, took the12th stall, with an opening in front of it.
The final pit stall was taken by #41-Busch, 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.(3-17-2018)
First Saturday practice for the Auto Club 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#4-Harvick 186.075
#41-Busch 184.431
#9-Elliott 184.021
#42-Larson 183.908
#12-Blaney 183.861
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 18 drivers): #4-Harvick 181.009
slowest: #51-Hill 171.875
notes: #51-Hill had a 15-minute practice hold for being late to inspection on Friday.
Practice was 10 minutes behind schedule due to weepers in the track after overnight rain.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Second Practice speeds page (pdf) (3-17-2018)
NASCAR increasing penalties for failing inspection: NASCAR will ramp up penalties for teams that fail prequalifying tech and don’t make a qualifying lap today in the Xfinity Series, a change that likely will come to the NASCAR Cup Series next week at Martinsville. Those who don’t make a qualifying lap because they don’t get through inspection will not only start at the rear of the field, they must serve a pass-through penalty — driving down pit road at pit-road speed — on the first green-flag lap after the green flag waves.[More](3-17-2018)
Kulwicki Driver Development Program announces 2018 drivers:Officials of the Kulwicki Driver Development Program (KDDP) announced today the seven drivers who will represent the organization during the 2018 racing season. These young racers will be helping keep the memory and legacy of 1992 NASCAR Cup Champion Alan Kulwicki alive, while also competing for the rich ($54,439) and prestigious annual Kulwicki Cup Championship.[More](3-17-2018)
Joey Logano spanks NASCAR Xfinity Series field at Fontana: The best measure of Joey Logano’s dominance in Saturday’s Roseanne 300 at Auto Club Speedway came during one of the rare instances when the driver of the No. 22 Team Penske Ford didn’t have the lead. Off-cycle on pit stops late in the race, Logano chose to pit under caution on Lap 122 while most of the other contending cars stayed out on tires that had only six green-flag laps of use. Logano restarted 16th on Lap 125. By Lap 126 he was third. On Lap 127 Logano passed Justin Allgaier for second. One Lap later he sailed past Elliott Sadler for the lead.[More](3-17-2018)
Joey Logano wins Auto Club Speedway XFINITY race: #22-Joey Logano won the Roseanne 300 at Auto Club Speedway. He dominated the race, leading 139 of the 150 laps.
#7-Justin Allgiaer finished second, followed by #1-Elliott Sadler, #3-Austin Dillon, #21-Daniel Hemric, #00-Cole Custer, #9-Tyler Reddick, #2-Matt Tifft, #18-Ryan Preece, and #4-Ross Chastain.
Pole sitter #18-Christopher Bell spun once and was involved in an accident with #5-Michael Annett. He finished 21st.
There were 7 cautions for 32 laps and 6 lead changes among 5 leaders.
The average speed was 127.283mph.
Complete results are on the Auto Club race results page (pdf). (3-17-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 35 – Winner, #22-Joey Logano
Stage 2 – lap 70 – Winner, #22-Joey Logano
Stage 3 – lap 150 – Race winner, #22-Joey Logano
Auto Club XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Joey Logano(i) won the 20th Annual Roseanne 300, his 29th victory in 172 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his third victory and 10th top-10 finish in ten races at Auto Club Speedway.
Justin Allgaier (second) posted his fifth top-10 finish in ten races at Auto Club Speedway. It is his fourth top-10 finish in 2018.
Elliott Sadler (third) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 14 races at Auto Club Speedway.
Tyler Reddick (seventh) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 4 points over Tyler Reddick.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(3-17-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following Auto Club Speedway:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler, 199
2) #9-Tyler Reddick [1 win], 195, -4
3) #7-Justin Allgaier, 194, -5
4) #20-Christopher Bell, 172, -27
5) #21-Daniel Hemric, 169, -30
6) #00-Cole Custer, 144, -55
7) #23-Spencer Gallagher, 143, -56
8) #11-Ryan Truex, 140, -59
9) #19-Brandon Jones, 139, -60
10) #2-Matt Tifft, 132, -67
11) #16-Ryan Reed, 127, -72
12) #24-Kaz Grala, 119, -80
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(3-17-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #39-Ryan Sieg, 20th
Caution 2: #78-McLeod, 22nd
Caution 3: #78-McLeod (2), ??
Caution 4: #78-McLeod (3), 22nd
Caution 5: #35-Labbe, 19th
Caution 6: #5-Annett, 18th
Caution 7: #0-Smithley, 23rd
(3-17-2018)
Bell on XFINITY pole at Auto Club: #20-Christopher Bell won the Busch pole for the Roseanne 300 at Auto Club Speedway with a speed of 181.059mph. #22-Joey Logano will start second. The rest of the top 10: #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #00-ColeCuster, #21-Daniel Hemric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #16-Ryan Reed, #18-Ryan Preece, #19-Brandon Jones, and #11-Ryan Truex.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Auto Club starting lineup page (pdf).(3-17-2018)
Fans can get Bristol qualifying tickets with Food City purchases: For the price of a few cans of Bush’s Beans, race fans can experience a full day of on-track action at Bristol Motor Speedway. Between now and April 13, fans can get a Bush’s Beans Pole Day ticket for every two cans of Bush’s Beans products purchased at any Food City location.[More](3-17-2018)
A Thousand Horses headlines pre-race concert at Bristol: There’s a stampede coming to Bristol Motor Speedway as country and Southern rock group A Thousand Horses headlines the pre-race concert for the Food City 500 on Sunday, April 15. A Thousand Horses, whose sound is unique mix of muscular country, drawling rock, high gospel harmony, low-country blue and old school soul, will perform Sunday, April 15 on the backstretch prior to the 1:20 p.m. revamped driver introductions, where fans are now invited to vote on driver songs.[More](3-17-2018)
Talladega offering Kids VIP Experience: Talladega Superspeedway and Children’s of Alabama, a not-for-profit medical center that specializes in medical care for ill and injured children, announced today that the track’s Kids VIP programming will be known as the Kids VIP Experience Presented by Children’s of Alabama. Loaded with an array of family-friendly activities for children 12-and-under, the first Kids VIP Experience Presented by Children’s of Alabama of the season at Talladega will be prior to the running of the GEICO 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, April 29.[More](3-17-2018)
Martinsville unveils new main gate : Martinsville Speedway has a new front door. The historic facility debuted a brand-new main gate on Friday, making the entry process a much more fan-friendly experience ahead of the STP 500 on March 25.[More](3-17-2018)
News from March 16, 2018
Martin Truex Jr. wins second straight pole of the season at Fontana:With the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series qualifying field thinned significantly by inspection issues, Martin Truex Jr. won his second straight pole of the season in Friday’s knockout qualifying session at Auto Club Speedway.[More](3-16-2018)
Truex won the Busch pole for the Auto Club 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway with speed of 186.567mph for his second pole of 2018, first at Auto Club and 17th of his career. Truex has won one times from the 16 previous poles.
#18-Busch will start 2nd followed by #42-Larson, #20-Jones, #3-ADillon, #22-Logano, #41-Busch, #12-Blaney, #31-Newman, #4-Harvick.
#4-Harvick was fastest in the second round with a speed of 187.720mph, will start 10th.
#4-Harvick was also quickest in the first round with a speed of 188.744mph.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 37 were entered for 40 spots
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(3-16-2018)
Auto Club Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Martin Truex Jr. won the Busch Pole Award for the 22nd Annual Auto Club 400 with a lap of 38.592 seconds, 186.567 mph.
This is his 17th pole in 446 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and third top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in 18 races at Auto Club Speedway.
Kyle Busch (second) posted his third top-10 start of 2018 and his 12th in 20 races at Auto Club Speedway.
Kyle Larson (third) posted his third top-10 start at Auto Club Speedway. It is his fourth in five races this season.
Darrell Wallace Jr. (19th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(3-16-2018)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Auto Club 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 187.720
#18-Busch 187.446
#42-Larson 187.057
#41-Busch 186.853
#12-Blaney 186.616
the rest of the top 12: 22 37 20 78 3 31 2
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 6 21 1 17 13 32 43 23 38 34 00
(3-16-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Auto Club 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 188.744
#42-Larson 188.516
#78-Truex 187.549
#21-Menard 187.359
#20-Jones 186.746
the rest of the top 24: 2 12 31 22 3 41 18 37 43 6 32 13 1 38 34 17 23 00 55
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 24 15 51 88 11 47 72 14 9 10 48 95 19
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 37 entered
(3-16-2018)
Friday Auto Club Speedway Notebook: There’s no quit in Jimmie Johnson; Comics are serious business to Ryan Blaney; Auto Club Speedway bites Daniel Suárez.[More](3-16-2018)
Darrell Wallace Jr. has embraced the challenge of his rookie season:Since a spectacular and celebrated runner-up finish in his season-opening Daytona 500 debut, Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. says he’s found a necessary balance between huge optimism and a big dose of confidence that comes with such a fantastic season start and the harsher reality of a steep, not unexpected rookie learning curve thereafter. Since his historic run at Daytona International Speedway last month, Wallace has had finishes of 32nd (at Atlanta), 21st (at Las Vegas) and 28th (at Phoenix) in the three Monster Energy NASCAR Cup races afterward. [More](3-16-2018)
Friday practice for the Auto Club 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#4-Harvick 189.066
#14-Bowyer 188.211
#10-Almirola 187.936
#31-Newman 187.798
#42-Larson 187.744
most laps run: #38-Ragan
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 2 drivers): #11-Hamlin 181.278
slowest: #55-Sorenson 170.628
notes: #19-Suarez wrecked and is now in a backup car. He will start at the rear of the field on Sunday.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (3-16-2018)
Monster Energy series sponsorship update: Optimism over Monster Energy’s chances of renewing with NASCAR has crept back into some industry execs close to the deal in recent days.[More](3-16-2018)
Phoenix overnight TV ratings UPDATE: Fox earned a 2.7 overnight rating for Sunday’s race at ISM Raceway.(3-12-2018)
UPDATE: Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix scored a 2.8 rating and 4.6 million viewers on FOX, down 15% in ratings and viewership from last year (3.3, 5.4M), down 30% and 31% respectively from 2016 (4.0, 6.6M), and the lowest rating and viewership in the history of the race (dates back to 2005).[More](3-16-2018)
Hemric paces final XFINITY practice: #21-Daniel Hemric was quickest in final practice at Auto Club Speedway with a speed of 178.829mph. #22-Joey Logano was second, followed by: #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #20-Christopher Bell, #9-Tyler Reddick, #00-Cole Custer, #7-Justin Allgaier, #1-Elliott Sadler, #60-Austin Cindric, and #3-Austin Dillon
See complete results on the Auto Cluby practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(3-16-2018)
Bell fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #20-Christopher Bell was fastest during opening practice at Auto Club Speedway with a speed of 178.664mph.
The rest of the top 10: #22-Joey Logano, #3-Austin Dillon, #21-Daniel Hemric, #9-Tyler Reddick, #24-Kaz Grala, #1-Elliott Sadler, #7-Justin Allgaier, #00-Cole Custer, and #18-Ryan Preece.
See complete results on the Auto Club practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(3-16-2018)
Auto Club Speedway XFINITY race will be the “Roseanne 300”: ABC’s iconic comedy series “Roseanne” has been named title sponsor for NASCAR’s Xfinity Series Race at Auto Club Speedway. The “Roseanne 300” will take place on Saturday, March 17. NASCAR fans will see Michael Fishman, who plays D.J. in the series, serve as Honorary Grand Marshal and give the command “Drivers, start your engines.” He will also participate in the post-race Gatorade Victory Lane Celebration following the race.[More](3-16-2018)
Darlington looking for the next “Lady in Black”: Darlington Raceway is looking for its next Lady in Black! The track Too Tough To Tame is now accepting applications for its Lady in Black position until April 2. The next Lady in Black will serve as a vital representative of Darlington Raceway, making appearances at various community and media events, parties and its annual Bojangles’ Southern 500 Labor Day race weekend on Sept. 1-2.[More](3-16-2018)
Lil Jon headlining infield party at Auto Club Speedway: World renowned DJ Lil Jon will get the Monster Energy Infield Party in full swing during Auto Club 400 Weekend at Auto Club Speedway. Saturday night from 7-9pm DJ Saint Clair, the former Australian television personality-turned-DJ who spins her electronic dance music in the LA-area, will warm up the crowd before Lil Jon takes stage from 9-11pm.[More](3-16-2018)
News from March 15, 2018
Auto Club Speedway Weekend Preview: #NASCARGoesWest: Auto Club Speedway; Championship Case.[More](3-15-2018)
Kurt Busch Darlington Throwback unveil: Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kurt Busch played a starring role in one of the most memorable finishes in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series history – and certainly the closest. This season marks 15 years since Busch and Ricky Craven battled door-to-door, to and through the start/finish line in a frenetic set of final laps at Darlington Raceway. When Busch heads back to Darlington in 2018, it will be with a car that honors that piece of NASCAR history.[More](3-15-2018)
NASCAR to expand in-car camera live streams on Twitter in 2018:NASCAR announced today it will live-stream one in-car camera on Twitter for 15 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™ races during the second half of the 2018 racing season, including all 10 NASCAR Playoffs races.[More](3-15-2018)
Twisted Tea on board with Dillon this weekend: The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) will make its annual trip to Auto Club Speedway this weekend for the final race of #NASCARGoesWest. Germain Racing will take the No. 13 Camaro ZL1 to the intermediate track with Twisted Tea on the hood for the first time this season. Twisted Tea joined Germain Racing and Ty Dillon at the start of 2017 and are continuing their partnership into this season with primary sponsorship for three races.[More](3-15-2018)
Southern California Chevy Dealers returns with Whitt at Auto Club Speedway: Cole Whitt will assume the driver’s seat of the No. 72 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 this weekend at Auto Club Speedway for the final stop of the NASCAR Goes West tour. Joining Whitt this weekend, Southern California Chevy Dealers will return as the primary sponsor of the No. 72. Southern California Chevrolet is group of 44 Chevrolet dealerships in the Los Angeles television market.[More](3-15-2018)
Sleep Well extends partnership with Josh Williams and DGM Racing: What started as a chance meeting between executives has now shifted gears into an extended partnership in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Bangor, Maine, based Sleep Well Inc. This past February, Sleep Well Inc. was featured on the hood of driver Josh Williams’ No. 90 DGM Racing Chevrolet at Daytona International Speedway to kick off the 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.[More](3-15-2018)
ionomy Studios joins Sieg for two races: RSS Racing is excited to welcome ionomy as the primary sponsor for #39 car driven by Ryan Sieg for two NASCAR XFINITY races in 2018. The first race of the partnership will be the July race at Daytona Speedway. The second race will be Darlington in September. Ionomy will also be a full-time associate for Ryan Sieg for the remainder of 2018.[More](3-15-2018)
Harvick, Jones, Byron and Menard to join pre-race Q&A prior to Talladega’s GEICO 500: Red-hot Kevin Harvick, winner of three of the first four races thus far in the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, along with young guns Erik Jones and William Byron, and veteran Paul Menard make up a quartet scheduled to take part in the Pre-Race Fan Question & Answer Session prior to Talladega Superspeedway’s GEICO 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, April 29.[More](3-15-2018)
News from March 14, 2018
Phoenix post-race penalties announced: Chase Elliott’s team received an L1 penalty for a rear suspension violation and lost 25 points. Five Cup teams and two XFINITY teams were penalized for lug nut violations. Two crew members were suspended for violation of the substance abuse policy.[More](3-14-2018)
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Auto Club Speedway
Lowe’s will not return to Hendrick in 2019: The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champions No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team with driver Jimmie Johnson will have a new primary sponsor beginning next season. Lowe’s Companies Inc., which has been the No. 48 team’s only primary sponsor since 2001, will not return to Hendrick Motorsports in 2019.[More](3-14-2018)
BUBBA burger colors return to Rick Ware Racing at Auto Club Speedway: For the second consecutive year at Auto Club Speedway, BUBBA burger® will join Rick Ware Racing (RWR) as the primary marketing partner of the team’s charted No. 51 Toyota Camry for Sunday’s Auto Club 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) race. After finishing a respectable 33rd last weekend at ISM (Phoenix) Raceway, veteran driver Timmy Hill returns to the driver duties of the No. 51 BUBBA burger® Toyota looking for another fulfilling and stuffing finish at the 2.0-mile oval.[More](3-14-2018)
Sad News – Charles Strang: Charles Strang, who oversaw NASCAR appeals as the national commissioner for the sanctioning body for more than a decade, died Sunday. He was 96.[More](3-14-2018)
NASCAR, Busch Beer announce return of Busch Pole Award:NASCAR and Anheuser-Busch announced today a multi-year agreement that welcomes the global brand back as an Official Partner and designates Busch Beer as the “Official Beer of NASCAR®.” The new partnership builds upon Busch’s industry-wide presence and includes sponsorship of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™ Busch Pole Award, rewarding the driver with the fastest qualifying time each week.[More](3-14-2018)
Goodyear won’t use option tire at All-Star Race: All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but the idea of it is not a “dead issue.” Greg Stucker, Goodyear’s director of racing, made the announcement Tuesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s “Tradin’ Paint.”[More](3-14-2018)
Chastain picks up sponsors for Auto Club Speedway: Three Southern California-based companies will be making their first venture into NASCAR as sponsors on board the No. 4 JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet Camaro for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Service King 300. Future Media Sales, RM Parks, and Daley Technology Systems will all be primary sponsors of driver Ross Chastain at Auto Club Speedway.[More](3-14-2018)
VehicleKEYS.com joining Smithley at Auto Club Speedway:VehicleKEYS.com will be joining team JD Motorsports with Gary Keller as the primary sponsor on board the No. 0 Chevrolet Camaro of Garrett Smithley this weekend in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Service King 300 at Auto Club Speedway. VehicleKEYS.com is a new online source for aftermarket key fobs for all major vehicle makes and models. VehicleKEYS.com was created to educate buyers between the cheap, average and best quality vehicle keys to prevent people from being stranded with a broken key.[More](3-14-2018)
Daytona post-race penalties upheld:The #41-Ben Rhodes ThorSport Racing team were penalized following Daytona for failing height requirements post-race. Crew chief Eddie Troconis has been fined $5,000 and suspended from the next NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship points event. The team was also assessed with the loss of 10 driver points and 10 owner points.
UPDATE: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel upheld an L1-level penalty Wednesday that NASCAR issued to the No. 41 Thorsport Racing team following the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway. A three-member panel of Dixon Johnston, Bill Mullis (operator of Langley Speedway) and Cathy Rice (general manager of South Boston Speedway) said in a statement that they found the Appellants violated the rules set forth in the penalty notice, and the original penalty was affirmed and upheld.[More](3-14-2018)
Clive Standen to drive pace car at Bristol: Better keep your eye on the pace car at the Food City 500, because it’s about to get Taken. On April 15, 2018, Clive Standen, who plays Bryan Mills, the covert operative with a particular set of skills on NBC’s hit show, “Taken,” will serve as real-life wheel man during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS). [More](3-14-2018)
ISM Raceway fall tickets on sale: ISM Raceway has announced that tickets for semifinal race of the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, the Can-Am 500, are now on sale. Tickets are available on ISMRaceway.com, by calling 866-408-RACE (7223) or at the ISM Raceway ticket office.[More](3-14-2018)
News from March 13, 2018
704Games releases NASCAR Rush mobile game: NASCAR Rush is the first endless racer mobile game featuring licensed NASCAR drivers and tracks from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series[More](3-13-2018)
Auto Club Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the Goodyear Tire Notes – Auto Club Speedwaypage.(3-13-2018)
Lombard Bros. Gaming sponsoring Sieg at Auto Club Speedway: RSS Racing is excited to welcome Lombard Bros. Gaming as the primary sponsor for Ryan Sieg at Auto Clubs Speedway. The 150-lap race will be the fifth race of the 2018 schedule for Xfinity Series teams[More](3-13-2018)
Bret Michaels to perform pre-race concert at Texas: Multi-platinum star Bret Michaels, renowned as the lead singer for the glam metal band Poison, will headline the Loud & Proud Pre-Race Show Powered by Ashley HomeStores on Sunday, April 8 prior to the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](3-13-2018)
Auto Club Speedway hosting STEM Day for middle school students:Nearly 500 middle school students from thirteen schools in San Bernardino and Riverside counties will learn about why science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are extremely important to the motorsports industry on Friday, March 16 during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying Day – as part of the Auto Club 400 race weekend.[More](3-13-2018)
News from March 12, 2018
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Auto Club Speedway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Auto Club Speedway page
Stewart-Haas Racing is enjoying the early 2018 success: Not only did Kevin Harvick earn his third consecutive win of the season on Sunday at ISM Raceway, but for the first time ever, his Stewart-Haas Racing team celebrated a top-10 sweep for all FOUR of its Fords.[More](3-12-2018)
Entry List for the Auto Club 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway is posted, 37 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #15-Chastain, #51-Hill, #55-Sorenson, #72-Whitt.
Since only 37 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Phoenix overnight TV ratings: Fox earned a 2.7 overnight rating for Sunday’s race at ISM Raceway.[More](3-12-2018)
West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame announces six-member induction Class of 2018: Joe Garone, president, and general manager of 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion Furniture Row Racing, heads the six-member Class of 2018 being inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame later this year. The Hall’s 15th class is comprised of Garone; Joe Gibbs Racing senior executive J.D. Gibbs; Southern California racing legend Oren Prosser; two-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Champion Greg Pursley and NASCAR and open-wheel car owner Richard “Dick” Woodland. The late Larry Albedi, a five-decade-long public-address announcer, will be inducted as a member of the media.[More](3-12-2018)
Commercial breakdown and links related to the 2018 TicketGuardian 500: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 3:30 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 6:39 PM (all times are EDT). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage.[More](3-12-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 40 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s XFINITY 300 at Auto Club Speedway.
See the complete list on the Auto Club entry list page.(3-12-2018)
Ricky Benton Racing pairs with Peters for Martinsville: Ricky Benton Racing (RBR) Enterprises announced today that veteran Timothy Peters will be behind the wheel of the No. 92 BTS Tire and Wheel Distributors/Carquest Auto Parts/Valvoline Ford F-150 when the team makes its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) return at Martinsville Speedway for the Alpha Energy Solutions 250 on March 24.[More](3-12-2018)
Wilson to make Truck Series debut at Martinsville for Young’s:Young’s Motorsports announces the addition of Reid Wilson to their driver lineup in the No. 20 Chevrolet Silverado. The 21-year-old is set to make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) debut during the Alpha Energy Solutions 250 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on Saturday, March 24.[More](3-12-2018)
MetroPCS partners with Texas Motor Speedway as official wireless provider: MetroPCS, one of the leading providers of wireless service in the United States, has signed a multi-year partnership with Texas Motor Speedway beginning immediately that will be concentrated on the two major NASCAR race weekends at the world-renowned motorsports facility.[More](3-12-2018)
News from March 11, 2018
Sunday ISM Raceway Notebook: Chase Elliott finishes off a strong Sunday in third place; Aric Almirola continues solid, consistent run; Denny Hamlin frustrates the race winner before losing the lead.[More](3-11-2018)
Kevin Harvick triumphs at ISM Raceway for gratifying third straight win: As the old aphorism goes, there’s nothing certain except death and taxes. After Sunday’s TicketGuardian 500 at ISM Raceway, you can add Kevin Harvick at Phoenix to that list.[More](3-11-2018)
Kevin Harvick won the Ticket Guardian 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway. The win is his 3rd consecutive of 2018, 9th win at Phoenix and 40th career win. It is the first time in his career that he has won three races in a row.
#18-Busch finished 2nd followed by #9-Elliott, #11-Hamlin, pole sitter #78-Truex, Jr., #14-Bowyer, #10-Almirola, #19-Suarez, #20-Jones, and #41-Busch
Stage 1 was won by #18-Busch, finished 2nd.
Stage 2 was won by #41-Busch, finished 10th.
There were 15 lead changes among 9 drivers and 6 cautions for 36 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 108.073mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – ISM Raceway
Kevin Harvick won the 14th Annual TicketGuardian 500, his 40th victory in 614 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his third victory and third top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his ninth victory and 20th top-10 finish in 31 races at ISM Raceway.
Kyle Busch (second) posted his 18th top-10 finish in 26 races at ISM Raceway. It is his third top-10 finish in 2018.
Chase Elliott (third) posted his fourth top-10 finish in five races at ISM Raceway.
William Byron (12th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kevin Harvick leads the point standings by 12 points over Kyle Busch.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(3-11-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after ISM Raceway, race 4 of 36]
#4-Kevin Harvick [3 wins – 2 can be used for playoffs], 168
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 114, -54
#18-Kyle Busch, 156, -12
#78-Martin Truex Jr., 156, -12
#22-Joey Logano, 152, -16
#12-Ryan Blaney, 152, -16
#11-Denny Hamlin, 137, -31
#2-Brad Keselowski, 134, -34
#42-Kyle Larson, 131, -37
#14-Clint Bowyer, 125, -43
#10-Aric Almirola, 123, -45
#41-Kurt Busch, 117, -51
#31-Ryan Newman, 101, -67
#21-Paul Menard, 97, -71
#20-Erik Jones, 93, -75
#9-Chase Elliott, 91, -77
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 150) of the Ticket Guardian 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway (lap 150/312):
#41-Busch, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#2-Keselowski, 9pts
#17-Stenhouse, Jr., 8pts
#18-Busch, 7pts
#34-McDowell, 6pts
#13-Dillon, 5pts
#4-Harvick, 4pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 3pts
#95-Kahne, 2pts
#14-Bowyer, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 75) of the Ticket Guardian 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway (lap 75/312):
#18-Busch, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#4-Harvick, 9pts
#42-Larson, 8pts
#11-Hamlin, 7pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 6pts
#9-Elliott, 5pts
#2-Keselowski, 4pts
#41-Busch, 3pts
#22-Logano, 2pts
#20-Jones, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #51-Hill, 33rd
Caution 2: #15-Chastain, 27th
Caution 3: #95-Kahne, 24th
Caution 4: None, #37-Buescher brought out the caution.
Caution 5: #43-Wallace, 28th
Caution 6: #96-Kennington, 31st
News from March 10, 2018
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Ticket Guardian 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway have been made.
Pole winner #78-Truex, Jr. chose pit stall 2, which is the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #42-Larson. took pit stall 16, with an opening in front of it.
#9-Elliott, who starts 3rd, took the 43rd and final pit stall.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(3-10-2018)
Saturday ISM Raceway Notebook: Brexton Busch has high-speed driving in his DNA; Michael McDowell helps ramp up performance at front row; Short Strokes.[More](3-10-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Ticket Guardian 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#4-Harvick 134.544
#1-McMurray 134.504
#78-Truex, Jr. 134.454
#10-Almirola 134.213
#88-Bowman 134.193
most laps run: #22-Logano, 67 laps.
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 33 drivers): #4-Harvick 133.612
slowest: #23-Gaulding 129.814 & #51-Hill 125.571. No speed: #00-Earnhardt.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (3-10-2018)
First Saturday practice for the Ticket Guardian 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#4-Harvick 134.806
#9-Elliott 134.806
#18-Busch 134.655
#2-Keselowski 134.559
#11-Hamlin 134.424
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 31 drivers): #11-Hamlin 133.846
slowest: #72-LaJoie 130.016, #51-Hill 128.308. No speed: #00-Earnhardt.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Second Practice speeds page (pdf) (3-10-2018)
StarCom Racing considering second car at Texas: StarCom Racing hopes to have two cars in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway next month, team manager Derrike Cope recently told The Racing Experts. The single-car operation currently fields a full-time entry in its No. 00 Chevrolet for Jeffrey Earnhardt.[More](3-10-2018)
Denny Hamlin’s Short Track Showdown returning: Denny Hamlin’s Short Track Showdown returns after a two-year hiatus to Langley Speedway in Hampton, Va. on Thursday, April 19. Joining Hamlin for the 200-lap pro-am late model charity race is Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch as well as NASCAR veteran Timothy Peters. All proceeds from the Short Track Showdown will benefit the Denny Hamlin Foundation, which supports Cystic Fibrosis research and therapy.[More](3-10-2018)
Brad Keselowski overcomes speeding penalty to win at Phoenix:Neither a speeding penalty nor uncharacteristic rain in the Sonoran Desert could keep Brad Keselowski out of Victory Lane on Saturday at ISM Raceway. In winning the DC Solar 200 in his first NASCAR Xfinity Series start of the season, Keselowski picked up his second victory at the one-mile track and the 37th of his career, fifth most all-time.[More](3-10-2018)
Keselowski wins ISM Raceway XFINITY race: #22-Brad Keselowski overcame a pit road penalty and two rain delays to win the DC Solar 200 at ISM Raceway for his 37th career win and second win at Phoenix.
#7-Justin Allgaier started from the pole and led 76 laps but fell short at the end, finishing second. He was followed by #18-Kyle Busch, #20-Christopher Bell, #42-Jamie McMurray, #21-Daniel Hemric, #2-Matt Tifft, #00-Cole Custer, #1-Elliott Sadler, and #9-Tyler Reddick.
There were four cautions for 24 laps and 10 lead changes among six leaders.
There were two red flag periods for rain.
The average speed was 103.019mph.
Complete results are on the ISM Raceway race results page (pdf). (3-10-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #7-Justin Allgaier
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #18-Kyle Busch
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #22-Brad Keselowski
ISM Raceway XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Brad Keselowski won the 14th Annual DC Solar 200, his 37th victory in 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series
races.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and 14th top-10 finish in 20 races at ISM Raceway.
Justin Allgaier (second) posted his 11th top-10 finish in 16 races at ISM Raceway. It is his third top-10
finish in 2018.
Kyle Busch (third) posted his 18th top-10 finish in 22 races at ISM Raceway.
Christopher Bell (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 1 point over Tyler Reddick.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(3-10-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following ISM Raceway:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler, 151
2) #9-Tyler Reddick [1 win], 150, -1
3) #7-Justin Allgaier, 144, -7
4) #20-Christopher Bell, 143, -8
5) #21-Daniel Hemric, 130, -21
6) #23-Spencer Gallagher, 117, -34
7) #19-Brandon Jones, 115, -36
8) #11-Ryan Truex, 114, -37
9) #16-Ryan Reed, 107, -44
10) #2-Matt Tifft, 103, -48
11) #00-Cole Custer, 100, -51
12) #24-Kaz Grala, 96, -55
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(3-10-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #78-McLeod, 26th
Caution 2: #8-Martins, 27th
Caution 3: #35-Gase, 24th
Caution 4: #36-Labbe, 22nd
(3-10-2018)
Allgaier on XFINITY pole at ISM Raceway: #7-Justin Allgaier won the pole for the DC Solar 200 at ISM Raceway with a speed of 133.849mph. #22-Brad Keselowski will start second. The rest of the top 10: #00-Cole Custer, #20-Christopher Bell, #18-Kyle Busch, #42-Jamie McMurray, #11-Ryan Truex, #21-Daniel Hemric, #2-Matt Tifft, and #19-Brandon Jones.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the ISM Raceway starting lineup page (pdf).(3-10-2018)
ISM Raceway XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Justin Allgaier won the Pole Award for the 14th Annual DC Solar 200 with a lap of 26.896 seconds,
133.849 mph.
This is his sixth pole in 244 NASCAR Xfinity Series races.
This is his first pole and second top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in 16 races at ISM Raceway.
Brad Keselowski(i) (second) posted his first top-10 start of 2018 and his 14th in 20 races at ISM
Raceway.
Cole Custer (third) posted his third top-10 start at ISM Raceway. It is his third in four races this season.
Christopher Bell (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(3-10-2018)
News from March 9, 2018
Friday Phoenix Notebook: Hendrick Motorsports is back; Bubba Wallace searches for speed after disappointing run; Justin Allgaier notes seamless transition to flange-fit body; Short Strokes.[More](3-9-2018)
Strong final round puts Martin Truex Jr. on ISM Raceway pole:Defending Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. finally found the extra speed he needed at ISM Raceway. Saving his best lap for the final round of knockout qualifying on Friday at the one-mile track in the Sonoran Desert, Truex sped around the circuit in 26.288 seconds (136.945 mph) to win the pole position for Sunday’s TicketGuardian 500.[More](3-9-2018)
#78-Martin Truex, Jr. won the pole for the Ticket Guardian 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway with speed of 136.945mph for his 1st pole of 2018, 2nd at Phoenix and 16th of his career. Truex has won 1 time from the 15 previous poles.
#42-Larson will start 2nd followed by #9-Elliott, #88-Bowman, #22- Logano, #11-Hamlin, #18-Busch, #1-McMurray, #20-Jones, #4-Harvick, #24-Byron, and #12-Blaney.
#42-Larson was fastest in the second round with a speed of 136.364mph, will start 2nd.
#48-Johnson was quickest in the first round with a speed of 135.624mph, will start 17th.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 37 were entered for 40 possible spots.
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(3-9-2018)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Ticket Guardian 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#42-Larson 136.364
#9-Elliott 136.333
#88-Bowman 136.162
#11-Hamlin 136.132
#18-Busch 135.931
the rest of the top 12: 78 20 1 22 4 12 24
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 31 21 19 38 48 3 14 47 6 10 41 37
(3-9-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Ticket Guardian 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#48-Johnson 135.624
#20-Jones 135.069
#9-Elliott 135.059
#11-Hamlin 134.922
#18-Busch 134.907
the rest of the top 24: 78 42 22 1 88 4 14 31 21 24 12 3 47 19 38 10 41 37 6
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 2 95 43 13 17 32 34 23 72 96 51 15 00
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 37 entered
(3-9-2018)
Friday practice for the Ticket Guardian 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#42-Larson 138.281
#1-McMurray 137.762
#18-Busch 137.662
#24-Byron 137.620
#9-Elliott 137.615
most laps run: #43-Wallace, 18 laps.
#42-Wallace was the only driver to run 10 consecutive laps. His average speed was 130.471.
slowest: #00-Earnhardt 129.065 & #51-Hill 127.995.
notes: #17-Stenhouse, Jr. hit the outside wall and will have to go to a backup car. He will start Sunday’s race from the rear of the field.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (3-9-2018)
Qualifying Order for the Ticket Guardian 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is posted.
The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #37-Buescher.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #14-Bowyer.
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).(3-9-2018)
Farmer John joins Richard Petty Motorsports at Fontana: Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) is pleased to announce Farmer John as its newest primary partner. Farmer John will be the primary sponsor of Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr and the No. 43 RPM team at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. during the Auto Club 400 race weekend.[More](3-9-2018)
Custer paces final XFINITY practice: #00-Cole Custer was quickest in final practice at ISM Raceway with a speed of 131.420mph.
#18-Kyle Busch was second, followed by: #22-Brad Keselowski, #21-Daniel Hemric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #42-Jamie McMurray, #20-Christopher Bell, #11-Ryan Truex, #60-Austin Cindric, and #9-Tyler Reddick.
See complete results on the ISM Raceway practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(3-9-2018)
Bell fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #20-Christopher Bell was fastest during opening practice at ISM Raceway with a speed of 133.869mph.
The rest of the top 10: #18-Kyle Busch, #7-Justin Allgaier, #22-Brad Keselowski, #00-Cole Custer, #2-Matt Tifft, #19-Brandon Jones, #42-Jamie McMurray, #11-Ryan Truex, #9-Tyler Reddick.
See complete results on the ISM Raceway practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(3-9-2018)
Las Vegas XFINITY tv ratings: The NASCAR Xfinity Series from Las Vegas earned a 0.8 rating and 1.3 million viewers on FS1 last Saturday, down 20% in ratings and 22% in viewership from last year (1.0, 1.620M) and down 20% and 23% respectively from 2016 (1.0, 1.623M). All three Xfinity Series races this season have declined double-digits.[More](3-9-2018)
Ian Somerhalder to drive pace car at Auto Club Speedway: Auto Club Speedway announced today that Ian Somerhalder, best known for his starring role as Damon Salvatore on The Warner Brothers hit television series THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, will be behind the wheel of the Official NASCAR 2018 Toyota Camry Pace Car as Honorary Pace Car Driver when he leads the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers before the start of the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway[More](3-9-2018)
News from March 8, 2018
ISM Raceway Weekend Preview: #NASCARGoesWest: ISM Raceway; On The Move.[More](3-8-2018)
Las Vegas overnight TV ratings UPDATE: Fox earned a 2.8 overnight rating for the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.(3-5-2018)
UPDATE: Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series from Las Vegas earned a 2.9 rating and 4.7 million viewers on FOX, down 19% in ratings and 21% in viewership from last year (3.6, 6.0M) and down 34% and 35% respectively from 2016 (4.4, 7.2M).[More](3-8-2018)
Zynga Poker to serve as primary sponsor for DiBenedetto at Phoenix: When Matt DiBenedetto put out a video on Twitter and Facebook Tuesday morning, he never could’ve imagined the response he got. DiBenedetto went to social media asking for networking help, hoping to get introduced to the right person who might be able to put a deal together for a sponsor for his No.32 Ford for this weekend. What he instead found was an outpouring of support from his NASCAR family when Denny Hamlin graciously offered $5,000 out of his own pocket and retweeted the post to his followers.[More](3-8-2018)
Fans have a say in Bristol driver intro songs: As NASCAR’s gladiators prepare to do battle on the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway for the Food City 500, they will march into The Last Great Colosseum to the beat of their fan’s drums. NASCAR nation will now have the chance to determine what songs will be played during driver introductions. Fans can choose one of three songs that best represents the drivers as they march into the Colosseum during pre-race.[More](3-8-2018)
Reserved camping nearly sold out at Martinsville Speedway: For race fans still on the fence about camping at Martinsville Speedway, a limited number of reserved camping spots in the North Lot, as well as general admission camping, are all that remain for STP 500 race weekend presented by whosyourdriver.org, March 23-25. Champions’ Overlook, Backstretch and the new South Lot Camping have all sold out.[More](3-8-2018)
Bristol hosting season preview fan event with NASCAR, NHRA drivers: Fans of NASCAR and the NHRA will be in for a treat when some of their favorite drivers head to East Tennessee for the 2018 Bristol Motor Speedway Season Preview on Wednesday, March 21. The BMS Season Preview is free and open to the public. Guests will have the chance to play games and leave with special prizes, all while checking out what Bass Pro Shops has to offer. Photo stations will be set up to give fans an opportunity to get their picture taken with BMS’ mascots Bump and Run as well as the Chevrolet Camaro pace car and the beloved Bristol race trophy. The Q&A portion of the event is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by “Feuding Families Bristol Edition”.[More](3-8-2018)
Multi-platinum-selling rock band BUSH to preform pre-race concert at Auto Club Speedway: Multi-platinum-selling rock band BUSH will headline the pre-race concert to kick off the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 race on Sunday, March 18 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. The band (vocalist Gavin Rossdale, drummer Robin Goodridge, guitarist Chris Traynor and bassist Corey Britz) will perform on the main stage in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Fan Zone from 10:30AM – 11:30AM.[More](3-8-2018)
Albertsons/Vons to have infield store at Auto Club Speedway: Auto Club Speedway has once again partnered with Official Grocery Partner, Albertsons/Vons, to have a giant 5,000 square foot onsite grocery store during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 race weekend – March 16-18, 2018. Located in the heart of the infield, the Albertsons/Vons store is busy all weekend with race fans shopping for their grocery needs including fresh meat from the butcher station, fruits/vegetables, deli items, ice, water, beer, snacks, charcoal, bicycles, and more. On Thursday, March 15 the store doors will open and remain open through Sunday, March 18 after the Auto Club 400 race. [More](3-8-2018)
News from March 7, 2018
Las Vegas post-race penalties announced: Kevin Harvick was penalized for rear window and rocker panel violations; Joey Gase received a lugnut penalty.[More](3-7-2018)
Click n’ Close to sponsor Wallace at Phoenix: Click n’ CloseTM, the Official Mortgage Provider of NASCAR® and Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM), will once again be the primary sponsor of the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driven by Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. Click n’ Close returns to the team for this Sunday’s TicketGuardian 500 at the ISM Raceway in Phoenix, Ariz.[More](3-7-2018)
Step up in class has been an eye-opener for William Byron: To call William Byron’s initiation into the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series a baptism by fire wouldn’t be giving enough credit to the fire. To say the least, the 20-year-old Liberty University sophomore has had a rough debut in his first three races at NASCAR’s highest level, but not for a lack of grit or effort.[More](3-7-2018)
VRX Simulators and StarCom Racing continue through the West Coast: StarCom Racing and VRX Simulators will continue its partnership throughout the Westcoast swing in the Valley of the Sun at the TicketGuardian500 and then following at the Auto Club 400. Jeffrey Earnhardt will once again pilot the VRX Chevy 00 this Sunday on the one-mile low banked tri-oval track.[More](3-7-2018)
NASCAR Looks To Expand Relationship With Rap Group Migos:NASCAR is working on forming a more lasting partnership with popular rap group Migos, continuing to play off the group’s recent hit song “Motorsport” that some NASCAR drivers recently cross promoted. Through talks between NASCAR and Capitol Records, the racing series and Migos started promoting each other on social media in January and February as drivers like Austin Dillon and Bubba Wallace shot videos showing off their cars with the “Motorsport” beat playing in the background.[More](3-7-2018)
Corey LaJoie returns to the #72 at Phoenix: After a two race hiatus, Corey LaJoie is more than eager to head west this weekend to ISM Raceway. Serving as the venue for the second of the three stops in the NASCAR Goes West campaign, ISM will host the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) Ticket Guardian 500(k). Having two previous MENCS starts at the 1.0-mile, low-banked tri-oval, Lajoie has completed a total of 418 laps with a best finish of 31st.[More](3-7-2018)
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — ISM Raceway
Gin Blossoms performing pre-race concert at Kansas: Multi-platinum recording artists Gin Blossoms will perform the pre-race concert on Saturday night, May 12 at Kansas Speedway. The Grammy-nominated band, whose hits include “Til I Hear It From You,” “Follow You Down,” and “As Long As It Matters,” were back in the recording studio last year recording a new album.[More](3-7-2018)
Bayne, DiBenedetto, Allmendinger, Buescher, Whitt join STP 500 Pre Race Experience at Martinsville: The Pre Race Experience not only gives fans a chance to sign the start/finish line and watch STP 500 driver introductions from the track, it also give them the opportunity to hear from seven different Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers in emceed question-and-answer sessions. Trevor Bayne, Matt DiBenedetto, AJ Allmendinger, Chris Buescher and Cole Whitt are the latest to add their names to the list of drivers participating in the $25 experience.[More](3-7-2018)
News from March 6, 2018
2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees announced: NASCAR today announced the 20 nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019, as well as the five nominees for the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. The list includes five first-time NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees, representing different facets of NASCAR racing, all of whom influenced the sport throughout their brilliant careers.[More](3-6-2018)
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top driver ratings at ISM Raceway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing ISM Raceway page
ISM Raceway Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the Cup and XFINITY races this weekend on the Goodyear Tire Notes – ISM Raceway page.(3-6-2018)
Entry List for the Ticket Guardian 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is posted, 37 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #15-Chastain, #51-Marks, #72-LaJoie, #96-Kennington
Since only 37 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 37 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s DC Solar 200 at ISM Raceway.
See the complete list on the ISM Raceway entry list page.(3-5-2018)
Former NASCAR driver Rick Crawford being held on charge of enticing a minor: Former NASCAR Truck series driver Rick Crawford is being held in a Seminole County (Florida) jail on a charge of attempted enticement of a minor, a spokesman for the U.S. district attorney’s office confirmed Monday.Crawford, 59, has a bond hearing set for Thursday in U.S. District Court in Orlando.[More](3-6-2018)
Trace Adkins to serve as grand marshal at Michigan: Country music superstar Trace Adkins will deliver the most famous words in motorsports, “Drivers, start your engines,” when the FireKeepers Casino 400 gets underway on June 10 at Michigan International Speedway. The race begins at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast live on FOX. “It’s an honor to serve as the grand marshal for the FireKeepers Casino 400,” Adkins said.[More](3-6-2018)
News from March 5, 2018
Gaunt Brothers Racing heading west with D.J. Kennington: Gaunt Brothers Racing (GBR) returns to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, March 11 at ISM Raceway in Avondale, Ariz. D.J. Kennington will return to the seat of the No. 96 Toyota Camry featuring the livery of longtime sponsor Northern Provincial Pipelines (N.P.P.).[More](3-5-2018)
Las Vegas overnight TV ratings: Fox earned a 2.8 overnight rating for the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.[More](3-5-2018)
Las Vegas commercial breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. Began recording the times at the Invocation of the race at 3:30 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 6:38 PM (all times are EST). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage.[More](3-5-2018)
Cassadee Pope to perform National Anthem at Auto Club Speedway:Grammy-nominated hitmaker Cassadee Pope will perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway on March 18, 2018 starting at 11:50 a.m. and will be televised on FOX. Pope is no stranger to singing the National Anthem at the Southern California racetrack- she performed in 2009 for the NASCAR XFINITY Series 300 race.[More](3-5-2018)
News from March 4, 2018
Sunday Las Vegas Notebook: Jimmie Johnson’s recovery is a silver lining for the No. 48 team ; Violent wreck wipes out Kurt Busch, Chase Elliott; Paul Menard continues solid start.[More](3-4-2018)
Kevin Harvick enjoys another dominant victory in Las Vegas: If you thought last Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta was an aberration on old asphalt, think again. Kevin Harvick was every bit as dominant on the newer asphalt at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, racking up impressive numbers in winning Sunday’s Pennzoil 400, the third event of the season.[More](3-4-2018)
Kevin Harvick won the Pennzoil 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The win is his 2nd win of 2018, 2nd win at Las Vegas and 39th career win. It is his 100th career win in NASCAR’s top 3 series. He dominated most of the race, winning stage 1 and stage 2, leading 214 of the 267 laps and winning by nearly 3 seconds.
#18-Busch finished 2nd followed by #42-Larson, #78-Truex, Jr., pole sitter #12-Blaney, #2-Keselowski, #20-Logano, #20-Jones, #21-Menard, and #10-Almirola.
There were 11 lead changes among 6 drivers and 4 cautions for 29 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 141.756mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Las Vegas
Kevin Harvick won the 21st Annual Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube, his 39th victory in 613 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his second victory and second top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and eighth top-10 finish in 18 races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch (second) posted his seventh top-10 finish in 14 races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It is his second top-10 finish in 2018.
Kyle Larson (third) posted his third top-10 finish in five races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Darrell Wallace Jr. (21st) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kevin Harvick leads the point standings by 3 points over Joey Logano.
Kevin Harvick led 214 laps in today’s race – a track record for the race winner at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Kevin Harvick has become the fourth driver in NASCAR national series history to win 100 or more combined national series wins; joining Richard Petty, Kyle Busch and David Pearson.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(3-3-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Las Vegas, race 3 of 36]
1) #4-Kevin Harvick, [2 wins], 135
2) #3-Austin DIllon, [1 win], 94, -41
3) #22-Joey Logano, 132, -3
4) #12-Ryan Blaney, 131, -4
5) #78-Martin Truex Jr., 115, -20
6) #18-Kyle Busch, 104, -31
7) #42-Kyle Larson, 104, -31
8) #2-Brad Keselowski, 99, -36
9) #11-Denny Hamlin, 97, -38
10) #21-Paul Menard, 96, -39
11) #14-Clint Bowyer, 93, -42
12) #10-Aric Almirola, 93, -42
13) #41-Kurt Busch, 77, -58
14) #31-Ryan Newman, 75, -60
15) #43-Darrell Wallace Jr., 68, -67
16) #37-Chris Buescher, 67, -68
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 160) of the Pennzoil 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (lap 160/267):
#4-Harvick, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#12-Blaney, 9pts
#42-Larson, 8pts
#22-Logano, 7pts
#18-Busch, 6pts
#2-Keselowski, 5pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 4pts
#41-Busch, 3pts
#9-Elliott, 2pts
#1-Menard, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 80) of the Pennzoil 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (lap 80/267):
#4-Harvick, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#78-Truex, Jr., 9pts
#42-Larson, 8pts
#12-Blaney, 7pts
#22-Logano, 6pts
#2-Keselowski, 5pts
#41-Busch, 4pts
#9-Elliott, 3pts
#18-Busch, 2pts
#21-Menard, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #3-Austin Dillon, 13th13thXX
Caution 3: #31-Newman, 11th
Caution 4: #48-Johnson, 12th
Alsco becomes title sponsor of May Charlotte XFINITY race: Alsco, a pioneer in linen and uniform rental services, has joined forces with one of racing’s iconic tracks, Charlotte Motor Speedway, for a historic entitlement sponsorship of the Alsco 300 on May 26. Alsco’s groundbreaking sponsorship of the Alsco 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway coincides with the 40th anniversary of the inaugural running of one of the crown jewels on the NASCAR XFINITY Series schedule.[More](3-4-2018)
News from March 3, 2018
Saturday Las Vegas Notebook: It’s déjà vu for Ryan Blaney in the Las Vegas garage; Kyle Larson leads a Chevy show in Saturday’s first practice; Short Strokes.[More](3-3-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Pennzoil 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#12-Blaney 186.445
#42-Larson 186.136
#78-Truex, Jr. 186.091
#9-Elliott 186.059
#24-Byron 186.002
best 10 consecutive lag (of 28 drivers): #42-Larson 183.935
slowest: #23-Gaulding 174.565 & #55-Gase 170.951
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (3-3-2018)
First Saturday practice for the Pennzoil 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#42-Larson 187.559
#31-Newman 187.454
#48-Johnson 186.587
#4-Harvick 185.637
#88-Bowman 185.408
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 19 drivers): #4-Harvick 184.663
slowest: #00-Earnhardt 174.003 & #55-Gase 173.611
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Second Practice speeds page (pdf) (3-3-2018)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Pennzoil 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 possible cars, two pit stalls (42,43) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
There are three vacant pit boxes (8, 26, 36) due to 37 cars entered.
Pole winner #12-Blaney chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #4-Harvick. took pit stall 9, with an opening in front of it.
#41-Busch, who starts 3rd, took the 37th stall, with an opening in front of it.
The final pit stall was taken by #9-Elliott, 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.(3-3-2018)
NASCAR could move awards banquet from Las Vegas: After nine years in Las Vegas, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards could change locations this year. With no firm contract as yet for this season to remain in Las Vegas, NASCAR has been exploring several options for the end-of-the-season celebratory event[More](3-3-2018)
Kyle Larson holds off dirt rival Christopher Bell for Las Vegas win:Kyle Larson pulled away from pole winner Christopher Bell after a restart with seven laps left and took the checkered flag in Saturday’s Boyd Gaming 300, winning for the first time at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Larson beat Bell to the finish line by .881 seconds. The driver of the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet led 142 of the 200 laps and overcame a pit road snafu that dropped him to eighth for a restart on Lap 139 after a caution for Austin Cindric’s crash in Turn 2.[More](3-3-2018)
Larson wins Las Vegas XFINITY race: #42-Kyle Larson won the Boyd Gaming 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for his 9th career XFINITY win.
Polesitter #20-Christopher Bell finished second, followed by #7-Justin Allgaier, #22-Ryan Blaney, #1-Elliott Sadler, #21-Daniel Hemric, #19-Brandon Jones, #9-Tyler Reddick, #00-Cole Custer, and #23-Spencer Gallagher.
There were 6 cautions for 29 laps and 10 lead changes among 6 leaders.
The average speed was 131.884mph.
Complete results are on the Las Vegas race results page (pdf).(3-3-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #20-Christopher Bell
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #42-Kyle Larson
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #42-Kyle Larson
Las Vegas XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Larson(i) won the 22nd Annual Boyd Gaming 300, his ninth victory in 104 NASCAR Xfinity Series races.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in four races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Christopher Bell (second) posted his first top-10 finish in his first start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It is his second top-10 finish in 2018.
Justin Allgaier (third) posted his seventh top-10 finish in eight races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Christopher Bell (second) was the highest finishing rookie.
Tyler Reddick # leads the point standings by 0 points over Elliott Sadler.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(3-3-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following Las Vegas:
1) #9-Tyler Reddick [1 win], 123
2) #1-Elliott Sadler, 123
3) #20-Christopher Bell, 100, -23
4) #7-Justin Allgaier, 95, -28
5) #23-Spencer Gallagher, 89, -34
6) #16-Ryan Reed, 88, -35
7) #19-Brandon Jones, 86, -37
8) #11-Ryan Truex, 85, -38
9) #21-Daniel Hemric, 84, -39
10) #2-Matt Tifft, 69, -54
11) #24-Kaz Grala, 68, -55
12) #4-Ross Chastain, 68, -55
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(3-3-2018)
Bell on XFINITY pole at Las Vegas: #20-Christopher Bell won the pole for the Boyd Gaming 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a speed of 183.686mph. #42-Kyle Larson will start second. The rest of the top 10: #21-Daniel Hemric, #00-Cole Custer, #18-Kyle Busch, #1-Elliott Sadler, #9-Tyler Reddick, #22-Ryan Blaney, #2-Matt Tifft, and #3-Austin Dillon.
Did Not Qualify: None, 40 entered.
The starting lineup is posted on the Las Vegas starting lineup page (pdf).(3-3-2018)
Las Vegas XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Christopher Bell won the Pole Award for the 22nd Annual Boyd Gaming 300 with a lap of 29.398 seconds, 183.686 mph.
This is his third pole in 11 NASCAR Xfinity Series races.
This is his second pole and second top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in one races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Kyle Larson(i) (second) posted his second top-10 start of 2018 and his third in four races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Daniel Hemric (third) posted his second top-10 start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It is his third in three races this season.
Christopher Bell (first) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(3-3-2018)
Jim Cornelison to perform National Anthem at Chicago: To celebrate National Anthem Day, Chicagoland Speedway today announced the return of Jim Cornelison who will belt “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Magnificent Mile and a Half. Cornelison is better known as the “Gold Standard” for his iconic rendition of the ballad. His performance will headline Chicagoland Speedway’s patriotic tribute during the Stars and Stripes weekend June 28 – July 1, 2018.[More](3-3-2018)
News from March 2, 2018
Ryan Blaney streaks to pole position at windy Las Vegas: After covering the 1.5-mile distance in 28.200 seconds (191.489 mph) – the fastest lap of the day -Blaney will lead the field to the green flag in the No. 12 Team Penske Ford in Sunday’s Pennzoil 400.[More](3-2-2018)
Ryan Blaney won the pole for the Pennzoil 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with speed of 191.489mph for his 1st pole of 2018, 1sst at Las Vegas and 3rd of his career.
#4-Harvick will start 2nd followed by #41-Busch, #78-Truex, Jr., #42-Larson, #9-Elliott, #17-Stenhouse, Jr., #2-Keselowski, #20-Jones, #22-Logano, #14-Bowyer, and #21-Menard.
#4-Harvick was fastest in the second round with a speed of 191.090mph, will start 2nd.
#21-Menard was quickest in the first round with a speed of 190.181mph, will start 12th.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 37 were entered for 40 possible spots.
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(3-2-2018)
Clint Bowyer is optimistic 2018 will be a success: Clint Bowyer is a man of high energy and high expectation. And the veteran driver is hopeful that now two years into his tenure with the championship winning Stewart-Haas Racing organization, that keen spirit will continue to translate into high performa[More](3-2-2018)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Pennzoil 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 191.090
#12-Blaney 191.008
#20-Jones 190.443
#22-Logano 189.827
#78-Truex, Jr. 189.633
the rest of the top 12: 17 9 2 14 42 21 41
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 18 48 34 3 24 19 11 88 95 1 38 6
(3-2-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Pennzoil 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#21-Menard 190.181
#2-Keselowski 190.168
#12-Blaney 190.014
#24-Byron 190.000
#9-Elliott 189.994
the rest of the top 24: 19 17 18 20 78 11 4 14 48 41 42 38 34 22 88 6 1 95 3
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 31 43 47 37 10 51 13 32 15 72 23 00 55
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 37 entered.
(3-2-2018)
Friday Las Vegas Notebook: Keep an eye on the tires in Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas; Did Atlanta show us a kinder, gentler Kevin Harvick? Short Strokes.[More](3-2-2018)
Drivers feel Las Vegas performance crucial for Playoff run: Conceding the weather conditions may vary between this week’s race at Las Vegas and the track’s inaugural Playoff race date in September, drivers still remained confident it would serve as a good reference point for the return trip this fall.[More](3-2-2018)
Friday practice for the Pennzoil 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#42-Larson 190.658
#4-Harvick 190.409
#21-Meanrd 190.369
#18-Busch 190.342
#24-Byron 190.282
most laps run: #37-Busceher, 13 laps.
No drivers ran 10 or more consecutive laps.
slowest: #00-Earnhardt 174.723 & #55-Gase 168.214.
notes: #00-Earnhardt, #9-Elliott, #11-Hamlin, #18-Busch, and #99-Bowman had to sever 15 minute practice holds for failing Atlanta pre-race inspection twice.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (3-2-2018)
Qualifying Order for the Pennzoil 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is posted.
The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #23-Gaulding.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #1-McMurray.
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).(3-2-2018)
BODYARMOR to sponsor Ryan Blaney at Daytona: Team Penske announced today that BODYARMOR Sports Drink will be featured as the primary sponsor on the No. 12 Ford Fusion driven by Ryan Blaney for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, July 7. This marks the first-ever race team partnership for BODYARMOR, which began working with Blaney last season. BODYARMOR Sports Drink will also be an associate sponsor on the No. 12 Ford Fusion for four additional Cup Series races during the 2018 season, beginning with the event at Kansas Speedway on May 12.[More](3-2-2018)
Fatal Clothing to support Dylan Lupton: Strengthening his relationship with California-based companies, NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Dylan Lupton has signed a partnership agreement with Fatal Clothing beginning with Saturday afternoon’s Boyd Gaming 300 at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway. Fatal Clothing is a Southern California garage-built company that started in 2004. Since then, Fatal represents and supports the artistic lifestyle.[More](3-2-2018)
Larson paces final XFINITY practice: #42-Kyle Larson was also quickest in final practice at Las Vegas with a speed of 179.988mph. #22-Ryan Blaney was second, followed by: #9-Tyler Reddick, #20-Christopher Bell, #21-Daniel Hemric, #3-Austin Dillon, #5-Michael Annett, #18-Kyle Busch, #00-Cole Custer, and #1-Elliott Sadler.
See complete results on the Las Vegas practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(3-2-2018)
Larson fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #42-Kyle Larson was fastest during opening practice at Las Vegas with a speed of 179.581mph.
The rest of the top 10: #22-Ryan Blaney, #18-Kyle Busch, #20-Christopher Bell, #00-Cole Custer, #9-Tyler Reddick, #1-Elliott Sadler, #2-Matt Tifft, #-Autin Dillon and #21-Daniel Hemric.
See complete results on the Las Vegas practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(3-2-2018)
Atlanta XFINITY TV ratings: The NASCAR Xfinity Series from Atlanta earned a 0.8 rating and 1.1 million viewers on FS1 last Saturday, down a tick in ratings and 16% in viewership from last year (1.0, 1.36M) and down 20% and 21% respectively from 2016 (1.0, 1.44M).[More](3-2-2018)
Kyle Busch gets a hard-fought milestone victory at his home track:Holding off a hard-charging Johnny Sauter and Brett Moffit in the closing laps of a thrilling NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race, Kyle Busch claimed a milestone victory at his home track and kept alive the possibility of a three-race sweep at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.[More](3-2-2018)
Busch wins Las Vegas: #51-Kyle Busch drove to victory at his home track, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, on Friday night, Holding off the charges of battling #21-Johnny Sauter and #16-Brett Moffitt. Busch started from the pole and led 55 laps en route to his 50th Truck Series win. A 51st win would tie him for the all-time series lead with Hall of Famer Ron Hornaday, Jr.
Sauter, Moffitt, #98-Grant Enfinger, #52-Stewart Friesen, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #41-Ben Rhodes, #2-Cody Coughlin, #45-Justin Fontaine, and #02-Austin Hill followed within the top-10.
There were five caution flags for 25 laps and 14 lead changes among seven leaders.
See results on the Las Vegas race results page(3-2-2018)
Las Vegas Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch(i) won the Inaugural Stratosphere 200, his 50th victory in 142 NASCAR Camping World
Truck Series races – second-most all-time.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in two races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Johnny Sauter (second) posted his seventh top-10 finish in ten races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It
is his third top-10 finish in 2018.
Brett Moffitt (third) posted his first top-10 finish in his first start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Dalton Sargeant (sixth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 39 points over Brett Moffitt.
(NASCAR Statistics) (3-2-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 40, winner, #18-Noah Gragson
Stage 2 – 80, winner, #52-Stewart Friesen
Stage 3 – 134, winner, #51-Kyle Busch
Camping World Truck standings following Las Vegas:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 148 [1 win]
2) #16-Brett Moffitt, 109, -39, [1 win]
3) #98-Grant Enfinger, 108, -40
4) #18-Noah Gragson, 107, -41
5) #41-Ben Rhodes, 103, -45
6) #52-Stewart Friesen, 101, -47
7) #51-Spencer Davis, 94, -54
8) #25-Dalton Sagreant, 92, -56
9) #88-Matt Crafton, 84, -64
10) #13-Myatt Snider, 84, -64
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (3-2-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Las Vegas: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #33-Reaume, 25th
Caution 2: #54-Marks, 11th
Caution 3: #20-Disdier, 19th
Caution 4: #22-Self, 16th
Caution 5: #54-Marks, 11th
(3-2-2018)
Busch on Truck pole at Las Vegas: #51-Kyle Busch won the pole for Friday night’s Stratosphere 200 Camping World Truck Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a speed at 176.615mph. #52-Stewart Friesen, #21-Johnny Sauter, #4-Spencer Davis, #18-Noah Gragson, #16-Brett Moffitt, #98-Grant Enfinger, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, and #13-Myatt Snider were the top-10. The starting lineup is posted on the Las Vegas starting lineup page(3-2-2018)
Las Vegas Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch(i) won the Pole Award for the Inaugural Stratosphere 200 with a lap of 30.575 seconds,
176.615 mph.
This is his 20th pole in 142 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second pole and second top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in two races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Stewart Friesen (second) posted his third top-10 start of 2018 and his first in three races at Las Vegas
Motor Speedway.
Johnny Sauter (third) posted his fifth top-10 start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It is his third in three
races this season.
Myatt Snider (10th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics) (3-2-2018)
Hillsong California to perform at sunrise service at Auto Club Speedway: A Sunrise Service is scheduled to kick-off Monster Energy Cup Series NASCAR Auto Club 400 race day with a performance by Hillsong California. The inspirational morning includes music to open and close the service as well as a NASCAR driver appearance on Sunday, March 18 from 7:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. at Auto Club Speedway on the main stage in the O’Reilly Parts Fan Zone. The Sunrise Service is free and open to Auto Club 400 race ticket holders.[More](3-2-2018)
Keselowski, Larson among ROLL-BAR appearances at ISM Raceway:The new ROLL-BAR is a fan-focused hospitality addition to race day. Along with driver appearances, club members enjoy catered food, beverages, preferred parking and pre-race pit access. The ROLL-BAR will now be in its permanent home, the newly built Wheelhouse located behind the Bobby Allison grandstands next to Gate 2.[More](3-2-2018)
News from March 1, 2018
Las Vegas Weekend Preview: #NASCARGoesWest: Las Vegas; Custer’s Series Debut; Familiar Face; Two Of A Kind.[More](3-1-2018)
Joey Gase in the #55 at Las Vegas: Joey Gase joins Premium Motorsports at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to pilot the team’s #55 entry in Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, ‘Pennzoil 400’. Joining Gase to support racing efforts at the speedway and to spread awareness about the importance of organ donation is Nevada Donor Network.[More](3-1-2018)
Atlanta overnight TV ratings: UPDATE Fox earned a 3.1 overnight rating for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing from Atlanta Motor Speedway.(2-26-2018)
UPDATE: Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series from Atlanta earned a 3.3 rating and 5.6 million viewers on FOX, down 13% in ratings and 15% in viewership from last year.[More](3-1-2018)
Sauter fastest in final Las Vegas Truck practice: #21-Johnny Sauter was fastest during final practice for Friday night’s Stratosphere 200 Camping World Truck Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a speed of 179.319mph. The rest of the top-10: #16-Brett Moffitt, #18-Noah Gragson, #52-Stewart Friesen, #51-Kyle Busch, #98-Grant Enfinger, #88-Matt Crafton, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #41-Ben Rhodes, and #54-Justin Marks. 30 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(3-1-2018)
Marks fastest in opening Las Vegas Truck practice: #54-Justin Marks was fastest during the opening practice for Friday night’s Stratosphere 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a speed of 178.141mph. Atlanta winner, #16-Brett Moffitt, was second fastest, followed by Las Vegas native #18-Noah Gragson, #21-Johnny Sauter, #51-Kyle Busch, #41-Ben Rhodes, #52-Stewart Friesen, #02-Austin Hill, #98-Grant Enfinger, and #4-Spencer Davis. 24 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(3-1-2018)
CK Power named presenting sponsor of Gateway Truck race: Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Illinois today announced CK Power will be the presenting sponsor for its NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on June 23. The race will be called the Gateway 200 presented by CK Power.[More](3-1-2018)
Pocono Raceway to upgrade camping locations with power and water: Pocono Raceway is currently in the process of updating their Trackside RV Camping area and adding a new 50-Amp Camp location. These will be the first RV camping locations to include electricity, water, a larger camping area, complimentary daily ice services and complimentary sewage service. A limited quantity of these camping tickets are available for purchase for the 2018 Pocono 400, Gander Outdoors 400 and ABC Supply 500 race weekends.[More](3-1-2018)
Federated Auto Parts extends entitlement of Richmond Cup race:Federated Auto Parts announced an extension of its entitlement sponsorship of the fall Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway (Richmond). The Virginia-based company has partnered with the track for an additional five years through 2022. The 2018 Federated Auto Parts 400 on Saturday, September 22 will mark the seventh consecutive year of the entitlement sponsorship, and the race will move two weeks later into the playoffs for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.[More](3-1-2018)
Texas Motor Speedway announces new business partners: Texas Motor Speedway announced six new sponsor partnerships that range from national brands such as In-N-Out Burger, Universal Technical Institute and Jostens to the notable Texas-based Torchy’s Tacos during its annual Media Day Luncheon held Wednesday at the world-renowned motorsports facility. The six companies are all new brands to Texas Motor Speedway that begin in 2018. [More](3-1-2018)
Chase Elliott joins STP 500 Pre Race Experience at Martinsville:Chase Elliott made his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut at Martinsville Speedway in 2015. Since then, he has learned the perils and joys of racing at the Half Mile of Mayhem and will be looking to do something his father Bill never did at the STP 500 on March 25 – win at Martinsville Speedway. As a part of the STP 500 Pre Race Experience, the driver of the No. 9 for Hendrick Motorsports will get to know fans during a question-and-answer session on the frontstretch.[More](3-1-2018)