May 2018 News Archives
News from May 31, 2018
Pocono Weekend Preview: Blaney returns to the site of his first Cup win; the XFINITY Series returns to Pocono with a new aero package.[More](5-31-2018)
New Jersey Governor honors native champion with Martin Truex Jr. Day: Reigning NASCAR Cup Series Champion Martin Truex Jr. was honored in his home state of New Jersey Thursday with a proclamation by Gov. Phil Murphy designating May 31, 2018 as Martin Truex Jr. Day. Truex, who was raised in Mayetta, N.J., took part in the festivities at the governor’s offices in Trenton, where he presented Gov. Murphy with an autographed race-worn Furniture Row Racing firesuit.[More](5-31-2018)
FDNY Foundation on the No. 95 at Pocono: This weekend at Pocono, Kasey Kahne will run a special FDNY Foundation paint scheme aboard his No. 95 Camaro ZL1.[More](5-31-2018)
Charlotte TV Ratings UPDATE: Fox earned a 2.4 overnight rating for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.(5-28-2018)
UPDATE: Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Charlotte 600 earned a 2.3 rating and 4.1 million viewers on FOX, down 18% in ratings and 12% in viewership from last year.[More](5-31-2018)
NASCAR announces leadership promotions: NASCAR today announced that Gene Stefanyshyn will lead the sport’s international efforts as Senior Vice President and Chief International Officer, John Probst has been promoted to Vice President, Innovation and Racing Development, John Bobo has been promoted to Vice President, Racing Operations, and Scott Prime has been promoted to Vice President, Strategic Development.[More](5-31-2018)
Weis Markets partner with RPM, Wallace at Pocono: Weis Markets will be the primary sponsor of Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. and the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team at Pocono Raceway.[More](5-31-2018)
Special scheme for Elliott at Michigan: When Chase Elliott takes to the track next week at Michigan International Speedway, he’ll be behind the wheel of a brand new No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.[More](5-31-2018)
Foxwoods Resort Casino to sponsor New Hampshire Cup race:Foxwoods Resort Casino, home of “The Wonder of it All” and New Hampshire Motor Speedway have teamed up to bring a little extra wonder to “The Magic Mile” in Loudon, N.H. The two New England destinations have joined forces for a multi-year entitlement partnership naming the July 22 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race the “Foxwoods Resort Casino 301.”[More](5-31-2018)
News from May 30, 2018
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Pocono Raceway
2018 Jimmie Johnson Foundation Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope grant recipients announced: The Jimmie Johnson Foundation announced today the five recipients of this year’s $25,000 Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope grants. The Blue Bunny Helmet of Hope program invites fans and consumers across the country to nominate not-for-profit (501c3) organizations that support K-12 public education for the opportunity to receive one of five (5) available grant packages.[More](5-30-2018)
Tire test at Darlington: Goodyear has a two-day tire test scheduled for Darlington Raceway next Tuesday and Wednesday (June 5-6) . . . teams (drivers) scheduled to participate are Chip Ganassi Racing (Jamie McMurray), Joe Gibbs Racing (Daniel Suarez), Roush Fenway Racing (Matt Kenseth) and Wood Brothers Racing (Paul Menard).[Goodyear Racing](5-30-2018)
Postseason awards dates and locations announced: NASCAR has announced the dates and locations of its 2018 postseason awards banquets: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards – Thursday, Nov. 29 at Wynn Las Vegas; NASCAR Xfinity Series / NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Awards – Saturday, Dec. 8 at the Charlotte Convention Center at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.(5-30-2018)
UniFirst joins Byron for first of four races: Following Pocono, the No. 24 UniFirst Chevrolet, will run in three additional races in 2018 – Chicagoland Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway.[More](5-30-2018)
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Pocono Raceway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Pocono Raceway page
Sieg picks up Pocono sponsor: KMB Plumbing & Electrical will serve as the primary sponsor for Ryan Sieg at Pocono Raceway.[More](5-30-2018)
Josh Turner to perform pre-race concert for Coke Zero Sugar 400:Multi-platinum MCA Nashville recording artist Josh Turner will entertain fans at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, July 7, with a pre-race concert prior to the 60th annual Coke Zero Sugar 400, a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event.[More](5-30-2018)
News from May 29, 2018
Charlotte Motor Speedway post-race penalties announced: Martin Truex, Jr’s team received a lug nut penalty, while two XFINITY teams were penalized.[More](5-29-2018)
Entry List for the Pocono 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is posted, 39 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #6-Kenseth, #7-Yeley, #15-Chastain, #51-Custer, #55-Sorenson, #72-Whitt, #99-Cope.
Since only 39 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Pocono entry list page.
Pocono Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the Goodyear Tire Notes – Pocono Raceway page.(5-2-2018)
NASCAR considering All-Star race rules package for future races:NASCAR officials indicated they are considering potential use of the All-Star race rules package in points-earning races.[More](5-29-2018)
Charlotte commercial breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race.[More](5-29-2018)
Hunt’n Buddy joins Spencer Boyd for multiple race associate sponsorship: Hunt’n Buddy begins their partnership with Spencer Boyd and the No.76 Grunt Style Camaro this weekend at Pocono Raceway and will return to the car at select races leading up to hunting season.[More](5-29-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 41 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Pocono Green 250 at Pocono Raceway.
See the complete list on the Pocono entry list page.
Pocono to honor military with multiple events and activities during Pocono 400 weekend: Pocono Raceway and their Department of Military Affairs will honor the United States Armed Forces throughout the Pocono 400 race weekend. Additionally, ‘The Tricky Triangle’ has unveiled a new Department of Military Affairs logo which was submitted and designed by a Pocono Raceway fan.[More](5-29-2018)
News from May 28, 2018
Charlotte TV Ratings: Fox earned a 2.4 overnight rating for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.[More](5-28-2018)
Toyota plans to run Supra in XFINITY in 2019: Toyota is getting ready to bring back its Supra road car, last produced in 2002.[More](5-28-2018)
Pennsylvania Attorney General, Pocono Raceway to fight opioid epidemic: Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced a new partnership with Pocono Raceway to help curb the opioid epidemic through an innovative drug take back initiative. The event will be the biggest NASCAR drug take back weekend ever and will take place at the Raceway during the June 1-3 Pocono 400 weekend. Race attendees are encouraged to bring unused prescription drugs to one of the two drug take back booths staffed by Attorney General’s office personnel on Friday, June 1 through Sunday, June 3.[More](5-28-2018)
News from May 27, 2018
Kyle Busch finishes off bucket list with dominating victory at Charlotte: From start to finish, Busch fashioned a dominating victory at the only active Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series track at which he had never won a points event. He’s now the only driver in NASCAR history who has won at every Cup track at which he has run.[More](5-27-2018)
Kyle Busch won the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The win is his 4th win of 2018, 1st win at Charlotte and 47th career win.
He dominated the race, starting on the pole, winning all four stages, leading 377 of the 400 laps and he has now won a race at every active track on the NASCAR Cup schedule.
#78-Truex, Jr. finished 2nd followed by #11-Hamlin, #2-Keselowski, #48-Johnson, #1-McMurray, #42-Larson, #41-Busch, #88-Bowman, and #17-Stenhouse, Jr.
Just 9 cars were on the lead lap at the finish.
There were 9 lead changes among 4 drivers and 11 cautions for 54 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 136.692mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Charlotte
Kyle Busch won the 59th Annual COCA-COLA 600, his 47th victory in 475 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his fourth victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and 17th top-10 finish in 29 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Martin Truex Jr. (second) posted his 10th top-10 finish in 26 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It is his eighth top-10 finish in 2018.
Denny Hamlin (third) posted his 17th top-10 finish in 26 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Darrell Wallace Jr. (16th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Busch leads the point standings by 67 points over Joey Logano.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(5-27-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Charlotte, race 13 of 36]
#18-Kyle Busch [4 wins], 573
#4-Kevin Harvick [5 wins – 4 can be used for playoffs], 485
#22-Joey Logano [1 win], 506
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win], 430
#14-Clint Bowyer [1 win], 421
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 244
#2-Brad Keselowski, 437, -136
#41-Kurt Busch, 429, -144
#11-Denny Hamlin, 429, -144
#42-Kyle Larson, 382, -191
#10-Aric Almirola, 376, -197
#12-Ryan Blaney, 375, -198
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 327, -246
#20-Erik Jones, 314, -259
#88-Alex Bowman, 299, -274
#9-Chase Elliott, 296, -277
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 3 Results (lap 300) of the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway (lap 300/400):
#18-Busch, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#20-Jones, 9pts
#2-Keselowski, 8pts
#41-Busch, 7pts
#1-McMurray, 6pts
#11-Hamlin, 5pts
#95-Kahne, 4pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 3pts
#17-Stenhouse, 2pts
#31-Newman, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 200) of the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway (lap 200/400):
#18-Busch, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#78-Truex, Jr., 9pts
#42-Larson, 8pts
#11-Hamlin, 7pts
#14-Bowyer, 6pts
#10-Almirola, 5pts
#9-Elliott, 4pts
#48-Johnson, 3pts
#31-Newman, 2pts
#20-Jones, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 100) of the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway (lap 100/400):
#18-Busch, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#12-Blaney, 9pts
#42-Larson, 8pts
#48-Johnson, 7pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 6pts
#10-Almirola, 5pts
#14-Bowyer 4pts
#11-Hamlin, 3pts
#17-Stenhouse, Jr.,, 2pts
#20-Jones, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #34-McDowell, 18th
Caution 2: #15-Chastain, 24th
Caution 3: #32-DiBenedetto, 37th
Caution 4: #15-Chastain (2), 24th
Caution 5: #72-LaJoie, 26th
Caution 6: #2-Keselowski, 4th
Caution 7: #21-Menard, 14th
Caution 8: #34-McDowell (2), 18th
Caution 9: #13-Dillon, 21st
Caution 10: #47-Allmendinger, 23rd
Caution 11: #6-Kenseth, 17th
Sunday Charlotte Notebook: Brad Keselowski confident he could beat the heat in Coca-Cola 600; Kaz Grala excels in debut with new NASCAR Xfinity team; Jack Roush hustled to NASCAR Hall of Fame for voting announcement.[More](5-27-2018)
News from May 26, 2018
Saturday Charlotte Notebook: Bubba Wallace looks to next stretch of races with anticipation; Can Harvick Overcome Last-place starting spot; Short strokes.[More](5-26-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#20-Jones 187.045
#42-Larson 186.664
#12-Blaney 186.104
#22-Logano 186.047
#11-Hamlin 185.938
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 26 drivers): #20-Jones 184.579
most laps run: #22-Logano, 55 laps.
slowest: #55-Earnhardt 176.887 & #66-Hill 176.120
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (5-26-2018)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway have been made.
With 40 cars running, pit stalls 19, 42, and 43 are not being used.
Pole winner #18-Busch chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #22-Logano. took pit stall 2.
#11-Hamlin, who starts 3rd, took the 36th stall, with an opening in front of it.
The final pit stall in use was taken by #20-Jones, who starts 4th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(5-26-2018)
All-Star Race TV ratings: UPDATE Fox Sports 1 earned a 1.5 overnight rating for the Monster Energy All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.(5-20-2018)
UPDATE: Last Saturday’s NASCAR All-Star Race had a 1.5 rating and 2.5 million viewers on FS1, down a tick in ratings and 14% in viewership from last year (1.6, 2.9M) and down 25% in both measures from 2016 (2.0, 3.3M).[More](5-26-2018)
First Saturday practice for the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway was canceled due to wet track conditions.(5-26-2018)
Harvick, Kyle Busch lead in driver mentions this season: Through the Kansas race, they account for 20% of mentions during race broadcasts.[More](5-26-2018)
Dr. Jerry Punch wins 2018 Bob Russo Founders Award: Dr. Jerry Punch, who combined careers in broadcasting and medicine to become one of the most respected people in all of motorsports, was honored Friday with the Bob Russo Founders Award for dedication to auto racing. The award was presented to Dr. Punch by Russo Award Chairman Paul Page, the 2012 honoree, in a ceremony in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s media center.[More](5-26-2018)
Team owner Whitener on transplant list: JGL Racing owner James Whitener was diagnosed with liver failure in January and is going on a transplant list to receive a new one.[More](5-26-2018)
Brad Keselowski triumphs in NASCAR Xfinity race at Charlotte:Controlling the race on a succession of restarts from the inside lane at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Brad Keselowski pulled away in overtime to win Saturday’s Alsco 300, the 11th NASCAR Xfinity Series event of the season.[More](5-26-2018)
Keselowski wins Charlotte Motor Speedway XFINITY race: #22-Brad Keselowski won the Alsco 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway for his 38th career win and fourth win at Charlotte.
The race was red flagged for over an hour due to rain. It resumed on lap 177 of the scheduled 200. A caution flag for debris two laps from the finish however, set up a final restart. Keselowski pulled away, and took the checkered flag as a wreck broke out on the backstretch.
#00 Cole Custer finished second, followed by #20-Christopher Bell, #3-Ty Dillon, #1-Elliott Sadler, #11-Ryan Truex, #21-Daniel Hemric, #18-Kyle Busch, #2-Matt Tifft, and #61-Kaz Grala.
There were 13 cautions for 59 laps and 12 lead changes among 6 leaders.
The average speed was 108.596mph.
Complete results are on the Charlotte race results page (pdf). (5-26-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #18-Kyle Busch
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #18-Kyle Busch
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #22-Brad Keselowski
Charlotte XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Brad Keselowski(i) won the 37th Annual Alsco 300, his 38th victory in 251 NASCAR XFINITY Series
races.
This is his second victory and second top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his fourth victory and 15th top-10 finish in 19 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Cole Custer (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in four races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It is
his eighth top-10 finish in 2018.
Christopher Bell (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Christopher Bell (third) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 38 points over Christopher Bell. (NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(5-26-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following Charlotte Motor Speedway:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler 433
2) #20-Christopher Bell [1 win], 395, -38
3) #9-Tyler Reddick [1 win], 378, -55
4) #21-Daniel Hemric, 376, -57
5) #00-Cole Custer, 371, -62
6) #7-Justin Allgaier, 356, -77
7) #19-Brandon Jones, 343, -90
8) #11-Ryan Truex, 316, -117
9) #2-Matt Tifft, 300, -133
10) #23-Spencer Gallagher [1 win], 277, -124
11) #16-Ryan Reed, 260-173
12) #22-Austin Cindric, 240-193
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(5-26-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #66-Hill-30th
Caution 2: #76-Boyd, 21st
Caution 3: #35-Gase, 17th
Caution 4: #0-Smithley, 14th
Caution 5: #52-Starr, 20th
Caution 6: #78-Black, 19th
Caution 7: #15-Nemechek, 18th
Caution 8: #76-Boyd, 21st
Caution 9: #0-Smithley, 14th
Caution 10: #78-Black, 19th
Caution 11: #18-Busch, 8th
Caution 12: #9-Reddick, 23rd
Caution 13: none
(5-26-2018)
Keselowski on XFINITY pole at Charlotte: #22-Brad Keselowski won the Busch pole for the Alsco 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway with a speed of 184.382mph. #00-Cole Custer will start second. The rest of the top 10: #18-Kyle Busch, #9-Tyler Reddick, #19-Brandon Jones, #23-Chase Elliott, #20-Christopher Bell, #12-Austin Cindric, #98-Chase Briscoe, and #7-Justin Allgaier.
Did Not Qualify: #40-Chad Finchum, #74-Mike Harmon, and #89-Morgan Shepherd.
The starting lineup is posted on the Charlotte starting lineup page (pdf).(5-26-2018)
Charlotte Motor Speedway XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Brad Keselowski(i) won the Pole Award for the 37th Annual Alsco 300 with a lap of 29.287 seconds,
184.382 mph.
This is his 21st pole in 251 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first pole and second top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in 19 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Cole Custer (second) posted his eighth top-10 start of 2018 and his second in four races at Charlotte
Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch(i) (third) posted his 17th top-10 start at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It is his third in three
races this season.
Tyler Reddick (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(5-26-2018)
Olympic gold medalist to drive pace car for the FireKeepers Casino 400: Megan Keller helped the 2018 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team claim the gold medal at the PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games in February. On June 10, she will come home to Michigan to drive the pace car to start the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.[More](5-26-2018)
News from May 25, 2018
Rustic Rub Co. to support JJL Motorsports at Gateway Motorsports Park: JJL Motorsports has added the upcoming Gateway 200 at Gateway (Ill.) Motorsports Park to their 2018 Truck Series schedule. [More](5-25-2018)
Speedway Children’s Charities Gala Raises a Record-Setting Estimated $1.2 million: Wednesday’s Speedway Children’s Charities Gala raised a record-setting estimated $1.2 million for children through a dinner and auction.[More](5-25-2018)
News from May 24, 2018
Kyle Busch saves best for last in Charlotte pole run: Streaking around the 1.5-mile oval in 28.149 seconds (191.836 mph), Busch claimed his third Busch Pole Award of the year, his third at Charlotte and the 30th of his career. [More](5-24-2018)
Kyle Busch won the Busch pole for the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway with speed of 191.836mph for his 3rd pole of 2018, 3rd at Charlotte and 30th of his career. Busch has won 7 times from the 19 previous poles.
#22-Logano will start 2nd followed by #11-Hamlin, #20-Jones, #2-Keselowski, #31-Newman, #1-McMurray, #12-Blaney, #10-Almirola, #19-Suarez, #42-Larson, and #3-Dillon.
#18-Busch was fastest in the second round with a speed of 191.591mph.
#1-McMurray was quickest in the first round with a speed of 191.035mph, will start 7th.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 40 were entered for 40 spots
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(5-24-2018)
Charlotte Motor Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kyle Busch won the Busch Pole Award Pole Award for the 59th Annual COCA-COLA 600 with a lap of 28.149 seconds, 191.836 mph.
This is his 30th pole in 475 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his third pole and ninth top-10 start in 2018.
This is his third pole in 29 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Joey Logano (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2018 and his seventh in 19 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Denny Hamlin (third) posted his 16th top-10 start at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It is his ninth in 13 races this season.
William Byron (21st) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(5-24-2018)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#18-Busch 191.591
#11-Hamlin 190.409
#22-Logano 190.282
#12-Blaney 190.228
#31-Newman 190.087
the rest of the top 12: 1 10 42 20 3 2 19
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 17 21 78 41 6 37 38 13 24 9 48 43
(5-24-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#1-McMurray 191.035
#18-Busch 190.094
#20-Jones 189.974
#12-Blaney 189.720
#41-Busch 189.600
the rest of the top 24: 22 21 11 17 2 31 9 3 42 78 48 37 19 43 6 24 13 10 38
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 15 95 88 14 47 32 34 96 72 23 00 66 55 52 4 7
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 40 entered
(5-24-2018)
Thursday Charlotte Notebook: A new primary sponsor for Jimmie Johnson? Get in line; Brad Keselowski’s boss gets well-deserved honor; Short strokes[More](5-24-2018)
First practice for the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#11-Hamlin 190.134
#12-Blaney 189.673
#2-Keselowski 189.434
#3-Dillon 189.414
#20-Jones 189.261
most laps run: #24-Byron and #55-Earnhardt, 10 laps
No drivers ran 10 or more consecutive laps.
slowest: #51-McLeod 176.858
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (5-24-2018)
Spectra Premium partners with Gaunt Brothers Racing: North American automotive parts company Spectra Premium will join Gaunt Brothers Racing (GBR) for the remainder of the 2018 racing season, beginning with this weekend’s NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series race. Spectra Premium will adorn Gaunt Brothers Racing’s No. 96 Toyota Camry, driven this weekend by Parker Kligerman, for the first time on the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600.[More](5-24-2018)
Fallen service members to be recognized on car windshield: In tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, all 40 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series cars will bear the name of a fallen service member on their car windshields during the Coca-Cola 600.[More](5-24-2018)
Qualifying Order for the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway 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 #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).(5-24-2018)
Charlotte Weekend Preview: Kevin Harvick’s magical season; XFINITY Series returns.[More](5-24-2018)
Stories of service and sacrifice inspire NASCAR drivers, fans this Memorial Day weekend: The men and women to be honored during “NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola” Memorial Day weekend tribute at Charlotte Motor Speedway to fallen United States service members demonstrate integrity, pride, and bravery. Their stories cannot help but inspire both those inside the race car for Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 (6 p.m. ET on FOX) and those watching the great race in person. Each race team is commemorating a fallen soldier, a person who gave the ultimate sacrifice – his or her life – for our country and for our freedom.[More](5-24-2018)
Kroger, Coca-Cola on board the No. 43 at Charlotte: Kroger, Coca-Cola, Richard Petty Motorsports and Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. will kick-off summer this Memorial Day weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway with their red, white and barbeque campaign. Bubba Wallace will race a patriotic-schemed No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 during Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600- a crown jewel NASCAR event.[More](5-24-2018)
Keselowski paces final XFINITY practice: #22-Brad Keselowski was quickest in final practice at Charlotte Motor Speedway with a speed of 182.340mph.
#9-Tyler Reddick was second, followed by: #18-Kyle Busch, #20-Christopher Bell, #00-Cole Custer, #23-Chase Elliott, #42-Jamie McMurray, #61-Kaz Grala, #12-Austin Cindric, and #98-Chase Briscoe.
See complete results on the Charlotte practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(5-24-2018)
Busch fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #18-Kyle Busch was fastest during opening practice at Charlotte Motor Speedway with a speed of 181.372mph.
The rest of the top 10: #22-Brad Keselowski, #23-Chase Elliott, #21-Daniel Hemric, #00-Cole Custer, #3-Ty Dillon, #9-Tyler Reddick, #20-Christopher Bell, #7-Justin Allgaier, #98-Chase Briscoe.
See complete results on the Charlotte practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(5-24-2018)
Priceless prestige, glory and gifts await the winner of the Coca-Cola 600: There’s an automatic berth in NASCAR’s playoffs reserved for the winner of Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but the driver who conquers racing’s toughest test of man and machine will receive an array of prizes in addition to the prestige associated with winning one of racing’s crown jewels.[More](5-24-2018)
News from May 23, 2018
2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees selected: NASCAR announced today the inductees who will comprise the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2019. The five-person group – the 10th since the inception of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010 – consists of Davey Allison, Alan Kulwicki, Jeff Gordon, Roger Penske and Jack Roush. In addition, NASCAR announced that Jim Hunter earned the 2019 Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. The distinguished group will be honored during the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Feb. 1, 2019.[More](5-23-2018)
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Charlotte Motor Speedway
NASCAR, Rev Racing announce competitors for Drive for Diversity National Pit Crew Combine: NASCAR® and Rev Racing today announced 13 college athletes from across the country who will compete as tire changers, carriers and jackmen in the third annual NASCAR Drive for Diversity National Pit Crew Combine in Concord, N.C., on Friday, May 25. This year’s combine competitors include college football, basketball, tennis and track and field athletes looking to transition to a professional career in NASCAR. Each will put their pit crew skills to the test and be evaluated based on a series of fitness, agility and crew member drills and competitions at the NASCAR Research & Development Center.[More](5-23-2018)
MyFreedomSmokes.com on the No. 72 at Charlotte:MyFreedomSmokes.com, a producer of electronic cigarettes, will join LaJoie on the hood of the No. 72. As a tribute to Memorial Day, TriStar Motorsports will run a special military themed paint scheme to honor and commemorate those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country.[More](5-23-2018)
Clint Black to headline Waltrip Brothers’ Charity Championship: One of the most legendary names in Nashville will grace the stage of Darrell and Michael Waltrip’s Ninth Annual Waltrip Brothers’ Charity Championship (WBCC) later this year. Country artist Clint Black will headline the Oct. 17 Champion’s Dinner to kick off the two-day fundraiser benefitting Motor Racing Outreach (MRO).[More](5-23-2018)
Jeffrey Earnhardt in the No. 55 at Charlotte: Earnhardt announced on Twitter that he will compete in the Coca-Cola 600 with Nine Line Apparel as the primary sponsor.[More](5-23-2018)
Charlotte Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the Goodyear Tire Notes – Charlotte Motor Speedway page.(5-23-2018)
Phantom Fireworks joins Kauling Racing: Kaulig Racing is excited to announce Phantom Fireworks as the new primary sponsor of the No. 11 Chevrolet driven by Ryan Truex in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS). The sponsorship will begin with the Alsco 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26 followed by the next five NXS races.[More](5-23-2018)
JP Motorsports’ crew member appeal amended: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel announced Wednesday it had amended a penalty assessed on May 9 to former Xfinity Series crew member Michael L. Hayden.[More](5-23-2018)
Charlotte Motor Speedway readies for unrivaled Coca-Cola 600 pre-race Salute to the Troops: In a patriotic pre-race Salute to the Troops like no other on Memorial Day weekend, Charlotte Motor Speedway will incorporate troops from all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces amid a remarkable display of star power and firepower prior to Sunday’s 59th running of the Coca-Cola 600.[More](5-23-2018)
News from May 22, 2018
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Charlotte Motor Speedway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Charlotte Motor Speedway page
NASCAR to honor military heroes in return of NASCAR Salutes:Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the NASCAR industry will honor United States Armed Forces heroes and their families as part of NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola – a collective expression of reverence, respect and gratitude for those who served and continue to defend America today. NASCAR Salutes Refreshed by Coca-Cola will commence with “600 Miles of Remembrance” during Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the country’s largest Memorial Day weekend celebration.[More](5-22-2018)
Kalahari Resorts renews sponsorship of Newman: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Kalahari Resorts and Conventions are once again teaming up for the third straight year for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. Home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions will serve as the primary sponsor on Ryan Newman’s No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Pocono Raceway on June 3. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions will also host RCR during its two NASCAR events in Pennsylvania.[More](5-22-2018)
NY Racing and JJ Yeley sign multi-year deal with Steakhouse Elite:NY Racing has signed a multi-year deal with Steakhouse Elite, starting with the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend. NY Racing will field the No. 7 Chevrolet, with MENCS veteran JJ Yeley behind the wheel.[More](5-22-2018)
Smithfield Foods and Victory Junction unveil new indoor archery facility: oday, Victory Junction, a children’s camp committed to enriching the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences, unveiled the Smithfield Foods Archery Center. The camp’s new indoor facility is funded by a $500,000 gift from the Smithfield Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Smithfield Foods, Inc.[More](5-22-2018)
Fatal Clothing to support Dylan Lupton at Charlotte: Strengthening his relationship with California-based companies, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Dylan Lupton (@LuptonDylan) announced today with JGL Racing that Fatal Clothing will support the team in Saturday afternoon’s Alsco 300 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. Fatal Crew was established in 2004 as a garage built clothing company. Based in Southern California and heavily influenced by its culture, Fatal represents and supports this lifestyle through art, fashion, music, and action.[More](5-22-2018)
Billy Wilburn to crew chief Allgaier at Charlotte and Pocono: JR Motorsports has named veteran car chief Billy Wilburn as crew chief of Justin Allgaier and the No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture team for this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway and next week at Pocono Raceway. Wilburn, who is currently in his fifth season as car chief of the No. 7 team, will step into the role normally occupied by Jason Burdett. Burdett is serving a two-race suspension after an infraction was found following the team’s NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at Dover International Speedway.[More](5-22-2018)
Brandon Hightower joins JP Motorsports: JP Motorsports (JPM) announces today that Louisiana native Brandon Hightower will be piloting the No. 55 Toyota Camry in the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26th.[More](5-22-2018)
Robert Irvine, Vi Lyles, Dave Doeren among Coca-Cola 600 dignitaries: In keeping with Charlotte Motor Speedway’s patriotic Salute to the Troops before the Coca-Cola 600, Robert Irvine, a world-famous chef, author, philanthropist and military supporter – who became the first celebrity chef to open a restaurant in the Pentagon – will serve as grand marshal of the Memorial Day weekend spectacular. The Spirit of Hope Award-winning chef will give the command to start engines for the 59th running of the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s ultimate test of man and machine.[More](5-22-2018)
Max McLaughlin to Make Truck Series Debut at Eldora: Niece Motorsports development driver Max McLaughlin will make his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) debut later this summer at Eldora Speedway, piloting the No. 38 Chevrolet Silverado. Niece Motorsports General Manager Cody Efaw will serve as McLaughlin’s crew chief for the event.The remainder of McLaughlin’s race schedule will be announced at a later date.[More](5-22-2018)
Darlington to host track drive on June 16: On Saturday, June 16, Darlington Raceway will give race fans a unique opportunity to drive their personal vehicles on the high banks of the Lady in Black, and in turn, support our service members and veterans. For a $30 cash donation per car, Darlington Raceway will allow fans to take three laps around the famed 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval. The Track Drive is scheduled for 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. on June 16.[More](5-22-2018)
News from May 21, 2018
Entry List for the Coca-Cola 600 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is posted, 40 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #00-Cassill, #15-Chastain, #51-TBA, #52-McLeod, #55-Sorenson, #66-Hill, @72-LaJoie, #96-Kligerman.
Since 40 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Thorne partners with Leavine Family Racing: Thorne and Leavine Family Racing (LFR), which fields an entry in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, have announced a partnership for Thorne to provide diagnostic testing and nutritional supplements for the No. 95 team. To launch the partnership, Thorne will be the presenting sponsor of LFR’s inaugural Fan Fest on Friday, May 25.[More](5-21-2018)
Chip Ganassi Racing announces Digital Fan Fest: Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announced today the launch of their first-ever Digital Fan Fest surrounding the team’s activities leading into the biggest race weekend of the season. CGR will compete in the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 in the Verizon IndyCar Series, the longest and most grueling race on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series schedule, the Coca-Cola 600 and also the NASCAR Xfinity race, the Alsco 300.[More](5-21-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 43 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Alsco 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
See the complete list on the Charlotte entry list page.
Chase Elliott to drive for GMS Racing in select races: GMS Racing officials announced today that NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott will drive the No. 23 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) entry this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) as well as other select races on the 2018 NXS schedule. Hooters, which sponsors Elliott’s No. 9 Cup Series team at Hendrick Motorsports, will serve as primary sponsor for the No. 23 team at CMS in honor of the restaurant chain’s 35th Anniversary and 22nd Annual Hooters International Pageant.[More](5-21-2018)
Can’t-Miss attractions during Coca-Cola 600 race weekend: Charlotte Motor Speedway is only one week from dropping the green flag on the May 27 Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR’s toughest test of man and machine. Before the high-octane racing action kicks off, here’s a look at some things fans can’t afford to miss when taking in the sensory overload that is the most patriotic race weekend of the year at America’s Home for Racing:[More](5-21-2018)
Homestead-Miami Speedway enters multi-year deal with M&J Sunshine: With Homestead-Miami Speedway motoring towards hosting another Ford Championship Weekend, November 16-18, 2018, the road to the signature event for NASCAR and the South Florida track has just gotten a little smoother. Homestead-Miami Speedway announced today that it has entered into a multi-year partnership with Miami-based M&J Sunshine Corporation, making Mecha Tool – the company’s flagship product – the official motor oil of the track, Ford Championship Weekend and Fast Lane Friday, the track’s drag racing event which occurs on the first Friday of every month. [More](5-21-2018)
News from May 20, 2018
All-Star Race TV ratings: Fox Sports 1 earned a 1.5 overnight rating for the Monster Energy All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.[More](5-20-2018)
All-Star Race commercial breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Saturday’s race. [More](5-20-2018)
News from May 19, 2018
Kevin Harvick continues phenomenal roll with Monster Energy All-Star victory: Kevin Harvick’s answer to NASCAR’s new competition package was the same old song-another victory in a season that already has produced a surfeit of success.This time it was Saturday night’s Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with a restrictor-plate limiting the horsepower and a large blade on the rear of the cars providing downforce and maneuverability.[More](5-19-2018)
Kevin Harvick wins the Monster Energy All-Star Race: #4-Kevin Harvick held off challenges through a final two-lap run to the checkered flag to win the Monster Energy All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway and $1 million.
#19-Suarez finished 2nd, followed by #22-Logano, #11-Hamlin, #9-Elliott, #48-Johnson, #42-Larson, #47-Allmendinger, #18-Busch, and #95-Kahne.
#4-Harvick also won the first and third segments, #18-Busch won the second segment.
There were 12 lead changes among 7 drivers and 8 cautions for 17 laps.
The average speed was 84.688mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Monster Energy All-Star Race Fast Facts:
Kevin Harvick wins the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race, his second victory in the prestigious non-points event (2007, 2018).
Harvick is the second active driver to win multiple All-Star Races joining Jimmie Johnson (four wins).
Daniel Suarez (second) posted his first top-five finish in the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race.
Joey Logano (third) posted his fourth top-five finish in the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race.
This is the second Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race win for Stewart-Haas Racing, Harvick’s 2018 win joins Tony Stewart’s 2009 win.
(NASCAR)(5-19-2018)
Monster Energy All-Star Race Segment 3 Top 10 Results: lap 70 of 80
#4-Harvick
#19-Suarez
#42-Larson
#12-Blaney
#22-Logano
#11-Hamlin
#9-Elliott
#3-Dillon
#17-Stenhouse
#48-Johnson
The segment had 2 caution flags. The first fell after #95-Kasey Kahne hit the wall. The second caution waved when #78-Truex, #14-Bowyer got together. Their run-in collected #41-Busch and #18-Busch.
(5-19-2018)
Monster Energy All-Star Race Segment 2 Top 10 Results: lap 50 of 80:
#18-Busch
#19-Suarez
#42-Larson
378-Truex
#9-Elliott
#48-Johnson
#22-Logano
#95-Kahne
#11-Hamlin
#4-Harvick
The segment was caution free. (5-19-2018)
Monster Energy All-Star Race Segment 1 Top 10 Results: lap 30 of 80
#4-Harvick
#78-Truex
#18-Busch
#47-Allmendinger
#22-Logano
#48-Johnson
#9-Elliott
#42-Larson
#12-Blaney
#19-Suarez
The segment had one caution flag for a #41-Kurt Busch spin.(5-19-2018)
Results of the Monster Energy Open: #47-AJ Allmendinger won the final segment of the Monster Energy Open at Charlotte Motor Speedway to advance to the All-Star Race. He led two laps in the final segment after an intense battle with #9-Chase Elliott and #20-Erik Jones.
#88-Alex Bowman advanced to the All-Star race by winning the first segment, #19-Daniel Suarez won the second segment.
#9-Elliott moves to the All-Star race by winning the fan vote.
#20-Jones finished 2nd in the final segment, followed by #9-Elliott, #21-Menard, #37-Buescher, #10-Almirola, #24-Byron, #13-Dillon, #38-Ragan, and #34-McDowell.
All three segments were incident free. The only caution flags were for the end of the stages.
See complete results on the Open Race Results page (pdf).(5-19-2018)
Monster Energy Open Fast Facts:
AJ Allmendinger wins the The Monster Energy Open, and transfers to the Monster Energy NASCAR
All-Star Race. .
Daniel Suarez won Stage 2 and transfers to the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race. This is the
second consecutive season he has won his way into the All-Star Race.
Alex Bowman won Stage 1 and transfers to the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race for the first
time in his career.
Chase Elliott wins the Fan Vote – he is the first driver to win three consecutive Fan Votes into the
Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race (2016, 2017 and 2018).
(NASCAR)(5-19-2018)
Top-Ten Segment 2 Results (lap 40) of the Monster Energy Open at Charlotte Motor Speedway (lap 40/50):
#19-Suarez, led 18 laps, advances to All-Star race
#47-Allmendinger
#9-Elliott
#43-Wallace
#24-Byron
#10-Almirola
#37-Buescher
#20-Jones
#13-Dillon
#34-McDowell
The segment was caution free.(5-19-2018)
Top-Ten Segment 1 Results (lap 20) of the Monster Energy Open at Charlotte Motor Speedway (lap 20/50):
#88-Bowman, led 9 laps, advances to All-Star race
#20-Jones
#9-Elliott
#21-Menard
#43-Wallace
#24-Byron
#19-Suarez
#10-Almirola
#47-Allmendinger
#34-McDowell
The segment was caution free.(5-19-2018)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Monster Energy All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway have been made.
With the race field totaling 21, most pit stalls are not in use.
##48-Johnson has pit stall 1.
The final pit stall in use, #41, was taken by #47-Allmendinger.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(5-18-2018)
Saturday Monster Energy All-Star Notebook: With new rules package, Logano predicted wild and crazy race; Aric Almirola says handling more of a factor at Charlotte; Short Strokes.[More](5-19-2018)
Final Practice for the Monster Energy Open & All-Star Races at Charlotte Motor Speedway is over, the top-five and notes:
#42-Larson 173.505
#14-Bowyer 173.266
#4-Harvick 173.049
#10-Almirola 172.977
#19-Suarez 172.656
slowest: #15-Chastain 164.439 & #66-Hill 162.984.
most laps run: #11-Hamlin, 73 laps.
notes: Due to the limited amount of practice time on Friday, NASCAR added this practice Saturday morning for both Open and All-Star teams.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the All-Star Race Practice Speeds page (pdf)(5-19-2018)
Some team owners have growing frustration with NASCAR: Growing tension has emerged between NASCAR and its teams despite efforts to collaborate more in recent years. NASCAR stakeholders have worked to improve the team owner model to make the sport more valuable to current investors and attractive to prospects. That included implementing the charter system in 2016 for team owners in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series to form enterprise value. It’s also included working collaboratively on issues ranging from marketing, to rules changes, to controlling costs.[More](5-19-2018)
Chicago to host military honor ceremony: Chicagoland Speedway announced today that it will host a military Honor Ceremony during its Stars and Stripes weekend on Saturday, June 30 at 10 a.m. in Champions Park before the running of the NASCAR Xfinity Series Overton’s 300. During this time, event attendees will pause from the fast-paced excitement of the weekend to honor those who serve. Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Director Quincy McCall (formerly Quincy Whitehead), an Army veteran, will emcee the ceremony.[More](5-19-2018)
News from May 18, 2018
Kenseth wins the pole in wild Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race Qualifying: On Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Matt Kenseth put an exclamation point on his return to racing at NASCAR’s highest level, winning the pole for Saturday night’s Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race. In the unique All-Star qualifying format, which features three laps and a four-tire stop with no pit road speed limit, Kenseth posted a total time of 2:07.644 for an average speed of 126.915 mph to edge Roush Fenway Racing teammate Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (126.427 mph) for the Monster Energy Pole Award in the exhibition race that pays $1 million to win.[More](5-18-2018)
Matt Kenseth wins pole for All-Star Race: #6-Matt Kenseth won the pole for the Monster Energy All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway with speed of 126.915mph.
Qualifying consisted of each driver making three laps on track with a four-tire pit stop.
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. will start 2nd followed by #14-Bowyer, #4-Harvick, #78-Truex, Jr., #12-Blaney, #18-Busch, #2-Keselowski, #3-Dillon, and #22-Logano.
The 17 drivers already in the All-Star race will be joined by the three segment winners in Saturday night’s Monster Energy Open and the fan vote winner.
See round-by-round qualifying results on the All-Star Race qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the All-Star Race Starting Lineup page (pdf).(5-18-2018)
All-Star Qualifying Fast Facts:
Matt Kenseth won the Monster Energy Pole Award for the The Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race with a lap of 127.644 seconds, 126.915 mph.
This is his third pole in his 18th Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race start – which ties Kyle Busch and Rusty Wallace for second-most all-time.
This is his ninth top-10 start in the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (second) posted his first top-10 start in three Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Clint Bowyer (third) posted his sixth top-10 start in nine Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
(NASCAR)
Friday Monster Energy All-Star Notebook: Kurt Busch expects Talladega-style racing in NASCAR All-Star event; Kyle Busch says Toyotas still have some catching up to do; Jeff Gordon trying not to think about possible NASCAR Hall of Fame.[More](5-18-2018)
Jonathan Marshall hired as Executive Director of Race Team Alliance: The Race Team Alliance (“RTA”), an association of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams, announced today the hiring of Jonathan Marshall as its Executive Director. Marshall, formerly the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of the World Surf League, will begin work as the RTA’s first Executive Director starting immediately following the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.[More](5-18-2018)
Byron to pilot throwback rainbow ride at Darlington: When the Southern 500 rolls around this September, fans certainly won’t have a hard time picking William Byron’s paint scheme from the bunch. The rookie will pilot a throwback No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 paying homage to one of the most famous No. 24 paint schemes of all time – Jeff Gordon’s iconic rainbow-colored ride from the 1990s.[More](5-18-2018)
First Practice for the Monster Energy Open & All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway is over, the top-five and notes:
#4-Harvick 170.406
#41-Busch 169.502
#11-Hamlin 169.428
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. 169.412
#14-Bowyer 169.030
notes: Practice for the Open and All-Star race were combined into a single practice. Rain hit the track just after the start of practice and cars were only able to get on track briefly on two separate occasions.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the All-Star Race Practice Speeds page (pdf).(5-18-2018)
Monster Energy Open qualifying canceled: Rain at Charlotte Motor Speedway forced the cancellation of qualifying for the Monster Energy Open. The starting lineup was set by owner points.
#10-Aric Almirola will start from the pole with #20-Jones in second.
The rest of the top 10: #88-Bowman, #9-Elliott, #21-Menard, #24-Byron, #19-Suarez, #42-Wallace, Jr., #47-Allmendinger, and #38-Ragan.
The winners of the three Open segments, plus the fan vote winner, will move on to compete in the All-Star Race.
See the starting lineup on the Monster Energy Open Starting Lineup page (pdf).(5-18-2018)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Monster Energy Open at Charlotte Motor Speedway have been made.
With the race field totaling 21, most pit stalls are not in use.
#72-LaJoie has pit stall 2.
The final pit stall in use, #41, was taken by #88-Bowman.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(5-18-2018)
NASCAR Diversity Internship Program welcomes largest class since inception: The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program (NDIP) will welcome its largest class in program history during 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race weekend, NASCAR® announced today. More than 30 top students from across the country have arrived in Charlotte for orientation at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and other racing venues before attending the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race on May 19. Following orientation, the interns will officially begin the 10-week, paid program.[More](5-18-2018)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina extends with Hendrick, Johnson: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), which has served the people of North Carolina with high-quality health insurance for nearly 85 years, has extended its sponsorship of 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports and star driver Jimmie Johnson through 2018. Blue Cross NC will continue as the Official Health Insurance Provider of Hendrick Motorsports with logo placement on the uniforms of Johnson and his No. 48 team. In addition, Blue Cross NC will be featured on the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 as an associate sponsor during the May and September Cup Series events at Charlotte Motor Speedway. [More](5-18-2018)
Johnny Sauter pulls away to win at Charlotte for first time: As drivers battled for position behind him, Johnny Sauter pulled away his No. 21 GMS Racing Chevrolet during the final 10-lap run to win Friday night’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.[More](5-18-2018)
Sauter wins Charlotte: #21-Johnny Sauter led a race-high 71 of the 134 laps at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday night to win the NC Education Lottery Camping World Truck Series race. It was Sauter’s first win at Charlotte in the Truck Series, his third of the season, and 20th win of his career.
#51-Kyle Busch overcame two pitroad penalties to finish second. #46-Brandon Jones, #16-Brett Moffitt, #41-Ben Rhodes, #52-Stewart Friesen, #75-Parker Kligerman, #18-Noah Gragson, #8-John Hunter Nemechak and #4-Todd Gilliland were the remainder of the top-10.
There were seven caution flags for 36 laps and 11 lead changes among five leaders.
See results on the Charlotte race results page.(5-18-2018)
Charlotte Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Johnny Sauter won the 16th Annual North Carolina Education Lottery 200, his 20th victory in 228
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his third victory and sixth top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in ten races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch(i) (second) posted his 11th top-10 finish in 12 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It is his
third top-10 finish in 2018.
Brandon Jones(i) (third) posted his first top-10 finish in four races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Todd Gilliland (10th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 59 points over Noah Gragson.
Sauter becomes the sixth different driver in series history to post three or more wins (Daytona, Dover
and Charlotte) in the first seven races of the season; joining Kyle Busch (four wins: 2014, 2011), Matt
Crafton (three wins: 2015), Mike Skinner (three wins: 2007, 1996, 1995), Ron Hornaday Jr. (three wins:
1995) and Ted Musgrave (three wins: 2001)
(NASCAR Statistics) (5-18-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 40, winner, #16-Brett Moffitt
Stage 2 – 80, winner, #8-John Hunter Nemechek
Stage 3 – 134, race winner, #21-Johnny Sauter
Camping World Truck standings following Charlotte:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 329 [3 wins]
2) #18-Noah Gragson, 270, -59 [1 win]
3) #16-Brett Moffitt, 264, -65, [1 win]
4) #41-Ben Rhodes, 250, -79
5) #98-Grant Enfinger, 239, -90
6) #88-Matt Crafton, 237, -92
7) #52-Stewart Friesen, 209 -120
8) #24-Justin Haley, 208, -121
9) #25-Dalton Sagreant, 193, -136
10) #13-Myatt Snider, 189, -140
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (5-18-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Charlotte: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #33-Reaume, 24th
Caution 2: #13-Snider, 15th
Caution 3: #33-Reaume, 24th
Caution 4: #15-Lyons, 23rd
Caution 5: none
Caution 6: #15-Lyons, 23rd
Caution 7: #33-Reaume, 24th
(5-18-2018)
Sauter on Truck pole at Charlotte: #21-Johnny Sauter will start from the pole for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series NC Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway after rain forced NASCAR to set the field via the rulebook.
#18-Noah Gragson, #4-Todd Gilliland, #51-Kyle Busch, #98-Grant Enfinger, #16-Brett Moffitt, #41-Ben Rhodes, #88-Matt Crafton, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, and #52-Stewart Friesen.
Did not qualify: #7-Korbin Forrister, #92-Timothy Peters and #17-Bo LeMastus.
The starting lineup is posted on the Charlotte starting lineup page(5-18-2018)
Sargeant fastest in final Charlotte Truck practice: #25-Dalton Sargeant was fastest during the final Truck Series practice at Charlotte Motor Speedway with a speed of 178.950mph. #41-Ben Rhodes, #24-Justin Haley, #18-Noah Gragson, #13-Myatt Snider, #2-Cody Coughlin, #88-Matt Crafton, #4-Todd Gilliland, #51-Kyle Busch, and #21-Johnny Sauter followed in the top-10. Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(5-18-2018)
Crafton fastest in Charlotte Truck practice: #88-Matt Crafton was fastest in the opening Truck Series practice for the NC Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway with a speed of 181.129mph. #21-Johnny Sauter, #18-Noah Gragson, #4-Todd Gilliland, #13-Myatt Snider, #51-Kyle Busch, #52-Stewart Friesen, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #16-Brett Moffitt, and #2-Cody Coughlin were the top-10.
#22-Austin Wayne Self hit the wall in the opening minutes of practice. The team pulled out the back-up truck. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(5-18-2018)
Darlington Raceway offers special ticket discount to South Carolina residents: If you’re a resident of South Carolina, Darlington Raceway has a great ticket opportunity for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 event on Sunday, September 2, 2018. Beginning on Thursday, May 17 through August 3, residents of South Carolina can visit www.DarlingtonRaceway.com/PalmettoOffer to take advantage of special in-state pricing for the Labor Day weekend race at the track Too Tough To Tame.[More](5-18-2018)
Viansa Sonoma named official wine partner of Sonoma Raceway:Sonoma Raceway has teamed up with Viansa Sonoma to bring the best of Sonoma Valley wine country to the track during the raceway’s summer racing season. Viansa Sonoma, known for award-winning wines, iconic 270-degree views of the Sonoma Valley and warm hospitality, has been named the Official Wine Sponsor of Sonoma Raceway.[More](5-18-2018)
News from May 17, 2018
Justin Marks to drive at Sonoma Raceway and Charlotte Roval for Premium Motorsports: Premium Motorsports has announced that Justin Marks will be the driver of the team’s chartered #15 for upcoming road course races at Sonoma Raceway and the new roval course at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Team Owner Jay Robinson noted Marks’ history of outstanding road performances made him the easy choice for the program.[More](5-17-2018)
Internetwork Engineering joins Chastain for the Monster Energy Open: Internetwork Engineering, an IT solution provider headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is set to join Ross Chastain as a primary sponsor. They will be featured on the Premium Motorsports #15 this weekend for the ‘Monster Energy Open’ at Charlotte Motor Speedway.[More](5-17-2018)
Monster Energy All-Star Weekend Preview: Ten of the 17 drivers already eligible to compete in the event have won it before – but four-time winner Jimmie Johnson is the only repeat winner in the last 20 years.[More](5-17-2018)
‘Over the Edge’ rappelling fundraiser to benefit Friends of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation and The NASCAR Foundation:Registration is now open for “Over the Edge,” a unique fundraising event which allows thrill-seekers to rappel 10 stories down the Embassy Suites Charlotte Uptown on Sept. 25-26, motivated by benefitting education and healthcare services to children in the Charlotte area through Friends of the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation and The NASCAR Foundation.[More](5-17-2018)
Kansas TV ratings UPDATE: Fox Sports 1 earned a 1.23 overnight rating for Saturday night’s race at Kansas.(5-14-2018)
UPDATE: Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series Kansas 400 earned a 1.2 rating and 2.04 million viewers on FS1, down 25% in ratings and 22% in viewership from last year (1.6, 2.6M) and down 36% and 35% respectively from 2016 (1.9, 3.1M).[More](5-17-2018)
SunEnergy1 on the No. 9 for Monster Energy Open: For the first time in the 2018 season, SunEnergy1, one of the world’s largest privately held solar energy companies, will adorn the hood of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. This weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series Open race will be the first of four races that SunEnergy1 will serve as the primary sponsor for Chase Elliott.[More](5-17-2018)
All Out Motorsports partners with N.O.W. Matters More Foundation: All Out Motorsports / Korbin Forrister will carry the N.O.W. Matters More Foundation for the remainder of the team’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season.[More](5-17-2018)
Century Containers on board with Snider at Charlotte: Century Container, a leading manufacturer of HDPE injection-molded containers and lids, joins Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender, Myatt Snider, as Primary Partner of the No. 13 Ford F-150 for Friday night’s NC Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.[More](5-17-2018)
Live Nation country music concert set for summer 2019 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway: The Merrimack County Superior Court has cleared away the final hurdles to a proposed country music festival at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. After a nearly two-year process, a judge has ruled in the Speedway’s favor, clearing the way for a three-day music festival with Live Nation in the summer of 2019.[More](5-17-2018)
News from May 16, 2018
Kenseth’s All-Star paint scheme to pay tribute to Jack Roush, 1998 All-Star victory: Two-thousand and nineteen NASCAR Hall of Fame Nominee Jack Roush has had his fair share of success in the NASCAR All-Star Race; winning the event on four occasions and placing his Fords in the race every year for the past 30 seasons. In 1998 Roush and Hall-of-Fame driver Mark Martin scored the team’s first All-Star win with a surprise victory in the annual All-Star event at Charlotte Motor Speedway.[More](5-16-2018)
Ross Chastain gets Daytona sponsor: Caddy’s, a crowd favorite destination restaurant with multiple locations in the Tampa Bay area will join Ross Chastain and Premium Motorsports in Daytona this July. They are thrilled to be the primary sponsor for Chastain’s #15 for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, ‘Coke Zero Sugar 400’ at the most famous track on the circuit, Daytona International Speedway.[More](5-16-2018)
Kennington still planning additional races with Gaunt Brothers:Interviewed by Frontstretch.com, D.J. Kennington says he will be back in the #96 at Daytona and is working on other races. [More](5-16-2018)
A look at many new, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — All-Star Race page.
Hertz joins Hendrick Motorsports as primary sponsor of William Byron: The Hertz Corporation, one of the world’s largest vehicle rental companies, has joined 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports as a primary sponsor of leading rookie of the year contender William Byron and his iconic No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team beginning in 2018. As part of the two-year agreement, Hertz will be primary sponsor of the No. 24 team in four points-paying Cup Series races in both 2018 and 2019 and an associate-level partner in all other events. Additionally, Hertz will sponsor Byron in the non-points 2018 NASCAR All-Star Race weekend events at the driver’s hometown track of Charlotte Motor Speedway. [More](5-16-2018)
NASCAR will increase penalties for rear-window violations: So far this season, penalties for such violations have fallen in the middle range of the NASCAR Rule Book’s L1 guidelines.[More](5-16-2018)
Peters, RBR returning to action in NC Education Lottery 200: After a foray into the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) at Talladega last month, Ricky Benton Racing (RBR) and Timothy Peters are heading back to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The No. 92 Ford F-150 will be sporting a special decal in support of TJ’s Team Foundation: More Than a Cape, a non-profit aimed at raising money for pediatric cancer research.[More](5-16-2018)
Sonoma Raceway announces ‘Sonoma Rising’ initiative around NASCAR weekend: In recognition of the devastating wild fires that ravaged the North Bay in October, Sonoma Raceway will utilize its largest event weekend to support the theme “Sonoma Rising,” an initiative to honor those affected by the disaster, salute first responders and lend support to the North Bay’s ongoing rebuilding efforts. The Sonoma Rising theme will feature prominently in both the advance promotion and race weekend activities surrounding the Toyota/Save Mart 350 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event, June 22-24.[More](5-16-2018)
News from May 15, 2018
Kansas post-race penalties announced: Kyle Larson’s team was penalized for a rear window support brace violation. Joey Logano’s team received a lug nut violation.[More](5-15-2018)
A look at some of the top statistical performers at Charlotte Motor Speedway going into the Monster Energy All-Star Race on May 19, 2018, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing the Monster Energy All-Star Race page
Kahne’s All-Star scheme is a throwback to his win 10 years ago:Leavine Family Racing (LFR) and Dumont GROUP will debut a special throwback-inspired paint scheme aboard Kasey Kahne’s No. 95 Camaro ZL1 for the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Kahne’s Dumont JETS Camaro ZL1 is sure to bring back memories for his fans who helped vote him into the 2008 All-Star Race thanks to the Sprint Fan Vote. Kahne is the only driver who has won the fan vote for the event and then gone on to win the million-dollar payout in the non-points event.[More](5-15-2018)
NASCAR Next Class of 2018 unveiled: The nine drivers who comprise the 2018 NASCAR Next class are no strangers to accolades. This year’s group of emerging stars includes the Rookies of the Year in both the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West, as well the ARCA Rookie of the Year, a former USAC Midget Champion and Lucas Oil Off Road Driver of the Year.[More](5-15-2018)
Stewart-Haas Racing Fan Club on Bowyer’s Ford for All-Star race: Bowyer’s No. 14 will carry a special paint scheme this week that calls attention to the new SHR Fan Club as well as recognizes the team’s corporate partners. At no cost, the SHR Fan Club will offer fans numerous chances to win cool gear and, most importantly, access to the inner workings of SHR. Meet-and-greets with team personalities at the track and VIP events at its race shop will be available to SHR Fan Club members.[More](5-15-2018)
SentinelOne sponsoring Hill at Monster Energy Open: Sentinel One offers services to protect retail companies and their customers from internet hackers.[More](5-15-2018)
Kaz Grala out at JGL Racing: Tuesday evening he tweeted that the team would not honor the remainder of his season long contract to drive the #24. The team told NBC that it would no longer run the #24 due to lack of sponsorship.[More](5-15-2018)
News from May 14, 2018
Entry Lists for the Monster Energy Open and All-Star races at Charlotte Motor Speedway are posted.
All 17 eligible drivers are entered for the All-Star race.
For the open, 21 teams are listed including: #00-Cassill, #15-Chastain, #51-Rhodes, #55-Sorenson, #66-Hill, #72-LaJoie.
See the All-Star entry list (pdf) and Open entry list (pdf)
Harvick’s Darlington scheme revealed: The #4 Ford is inspired by the 1996 Busch Beer can design.[More](5-14-2018)
Kansas TV ratings: Fox Sports 1 earned a 1.23 overnight rating for Saturday night’s race at Kansas.[More](5-14-2018)
Kansas commercial breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Saturday’s race.[More](5-14-2018)
Dover XFINITY TV ratings: NASCAR Xfinity Series racing from Dover earned a 0.5 rating and 783,000 viewers on FS1 last Saturday, down 29% in ratings and 22% in viewership from last year (0.7, 1.0M) and down 55% and 52% respectively from 2016 (1.1, 1.6M). So far this season, every single Xfinity and Cup Series race has posted a decline in ratings and/or viewership.[Sports Media Watch](5-14-2018)
Truck Series entry list:There are 36 trucks entered for Friday’s NC Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. See the complete list on the Charlotte entry list page (pdf). (5-14-2018)
All-Star Race dignitaries announced: It’s only fitting that the biggest all-star weekend in sports will feature an all-star cast of dignitaries this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Four-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion team owner and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Joe Gibbs joins Machine Gun Kelly – one of rap music’s preeminent artists – and Rampage Jackson, one of MMA’s most famous fighters – as special dignitaries for the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race at America’s Home for Racing, adding even more star power to the Saturday night showdown of racing’s best drivers going wheel-to-wheel for $1 million.[More](5-14-2018)
Can’t-miss attractions during Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star race weekend: The biggest stars in NASCAR are just days from dueling for $1 million in the most remarkable all-star spectacle in sports, the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. As the excitement builds for the slam-bang, no-holds-barred test of speed and strategy, here’s a look at some things fans can’t afford to miss when taking in the sensory overload that is the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race.[More](5-14-2018)
News from May 13, 2018
Larson’s car taken to NASCAR R&D Center: The No. 42 Chevy appeared to have a sag in the rear window area following the Kansas Speedway race.[More](5-13-2018)
Richard Petty auction held in Las Vegas: Richard Petty’s iconic No. 43 dayglo red and Petty Blue 1974 Dodge Charger, considered one of the most historically important cars in NASCAR history, sold for $490,000.[More](5-13-2018)
News from May 12, 2018
Late pass lifts Kevin Harvick to Victory Lane at Kansas: Charging from sixth place and chasing race leader Martin Truex Jr. after a restart on Lap 259 of 267, Harvick found speed in the top lane with five laps left and passed Truex on the outside through Turns 3 and 4 on the penultimate lap.[More](5-12-2018)
Kevin Harvick won the KC Masterpiece 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway. The win is his 5th win of 2018, 3rd win at Kansas and 42nd career win.
#78-Truex, Jr. finished 2nd followed by #22-Logano, #42-Larson, #11-Hamlin, #21-Menard, #20-Jones, #41-Busch, #10-Almirola, and #18-Busch.
Harvick led 78 laps during the race but had to pass Truex, Jr. at the white flag to get the win.
#6-Kenseth, making his first start of the year, was caught in a late accident and finished 35th.
Stage 1 was won by #12-Blaney, finished 37th.
Stage 2 was won by #42-Larson, finished 4th.
There were 13 lead changes among 7 drivers and 6 cautions for 31 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 128.395mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Kansas
Kevin Harvick won the 8th Annual KC Masterpiece 400, his 42nd victory in 622 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his fifth victory and 10th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his third victory and 14th top-10 finish in 25 races at Kansas Speedway.
Martin Truex Jr. (second) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 20 races at Kansas Speedway. It is his seventh top-10 finish in 2018.
Joey Logano (third) posted his seventh top-10 finish in 18 races at Kansas Speedway.
Darrell Wallace Jr. (23rd) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Busch leads the point standings by 12 points over Joey Logano.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(5-12-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Kansas, race 12 of 36]
#4-Kevin Harvick [5 wins – 4 can be used for playoffs], 484
#18-Kyle Busch [3 wins], 503
#22-Joey Logano [1 win], 491
#14-Clint Bowyer [1 win], 386
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win], 376
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 241
#2-Brad Keselowski, 396, -107
#41-Kurt Busch, 393, -110
#11-Denny Hamlin, 380, -123
#12-Ryan Blaney, 365, -138
#42-Kyle Larson, 356, -147
#10-Aric Almirola, 342, -161
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 386, -217
#20-Erik Jones, 285, -218
#88-Alex Bowman, 271, -232
#9-Chase Elliott, 266, -237
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 160) of the KC Masterpiece 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway (lap 160/267):
#42-Larson, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#4-Harvick, 9pts
#12-Blaney, 8pts
#18-Busch, 7pts
#22-Logano, 6pts
#10-Almirola, 5pts
#41-Busch, 4pts
#14-Bowyer, 3pts
#20-Jones, 2pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 80) of the KC Masterpiece 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway (lap 80/267):
#12-Blaney, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#4-Harvick, 9pts
#2-Keselowski, 8pts
#22-Logano, 7pts
#10-Almirola, 6pts
#42-Larson, 5pts
#11-Hamlin, 4pts
#18-Busch, 3pts
#41-Busch, 2pts
#14-Bowyer, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #6-Kenseth, 34th
Caution 2: #47-Allmendinger, 16th
Caution 3: #17-Stenhouse, Jr., 11th
Caution 4: #31-Newman, 30th
Caution 5: #38-Ragan, 13th
Caution 6: #2-Keselowski, 14th
Saturday Kansas Notebook: Matt Kenseth’s comeback hits a snag at Kansas; Justin Allgaier gets a taste of international racing; Short Strokes.[More](5-12-2018)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the KC Masterpiece 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway have been made.
With 38 cars entered, pit stalls 13, 22, 32, 42, 43, 44 are not in use.
Pole winner #4-Harvick chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #12-Blaney. took pit stall 8, with an opening in front of it.
#18-Busch, who starts 3rd, took the 23rd stall, with an opening in front of it.
The final pit stall was taken by #2-Keselowski, who starts 5th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(5-12-2018)
Kansas Speedway, Kansas Lottery renew partnership: Kansas Speedway and the Kansas Lottery today announced their continued partnership in a multi-year deal. The Kansas Lottery, who has partnered with Kansas Speedway since 2001, will continue as the sponsor of the NASCAR XFINITY Series race.[More](5-12-2018)
Johnson, Truex Jr., Elliott headline driver autograph sessions during All-Star weekend: The biggest all-star weekend in sports will feature the biggest autograph session in NASCAR, as Charlotte Motor Speedway prepares to host a who’s-who of the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race weekend for autograph sessions before the candle is lit on racing’s all-star showcase of speed and excitement.[More](5-12-2018)
News from May 11, 2018
Kevin Harvick continues dominance with pole run at Kansas:Kevin Harvick has been the dominant force in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing this season. In knockout qualifying on Friday at Kansas Speedway, the driver of the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford showed no sign of relinquishing his grip on NASCAR’s foremost series. Harvick navigated the 1.5-mile speedway in 28.600 seconds (188.811 mph) in the final round of time trials to win the top starting spot for Sunday’s KC Masterpiece 400.[More](5-11-2018)
Kevin Harvick won the Busch pole for the KC Masterpiece 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway with speed of 188.811mph for his 2nd pole of 2018, 4th at Kansas and 23rd of his career. Harvick has won 5 times from the 22 previous poles.
#12-Blaney will start 2nd followed by #18-Busch, #10-Almirola, #2-Keselowski, #11-Hamlin, #78-Truex, Jr., #41-Busch, #22-Logano, #37-Buescher, #21-Menard, and #20-Jones.
#4-Harvick was also fastest in the second round with a speed of 189.102mph.
#12-Blaney was quickest in the first round with a speed of 189.043mph.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 38 were entered for 40 spots
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(5-11-2018)
Kansas Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kevin Harvick won the Busch Pole Award Pole Award for the 8th Annual KC Masterpiece 400 with a lap of 28.600 seconds, 188.811 mph.
This is his 23rd pole in 622 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and 11th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his fourth pole in 25 races at Kansas Speedway.
Ryan Blaney (second) posted his seventh top-10 start of 2018 and his fourth in seven races at Kansas Speedway.
Kyle Busch (third) posted his 12th top-10 start at Kansas Speedway. It is his eighth in 12 races this season.
William Byron (13th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(5-11-2018)
Second Round of Qualifying for the KC Masterpiece 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 189.102
#12-Blaney 188.009
#18-Busch 187.761
#10-Almirola 187.565
#22-Logano 187.396
the rest of the top 12: 41 20 78 2 21 37 11
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 24 19 31 17 9 47 88 38 43 42 48 1
(5-11-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the KC Masterpiece 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#12-Blaney 189.043
#4-Harvick 189.016
#42-Larson 188.692
#10-Almirola 188.376
#41-Busch 187.852
the rest of the top 24: 21 18 22 88 2 20 17 37 19 11 9 24 31 78 47 48 43 1 38
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 3 13 72 15 23 55 00 51 14 95 32 34 6 66
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 38 entered
(5-11-2018)
Friday Kansas Notebook: Clint Bowyer comes to Kansas Speedway with a fighting chance to win; Expectations rise for William Byron as summer approaches; Accident and injury behind him, Aric Almirola relishes return to Kansas.[More](5-11-2018)
An open-minded Matt Kenseth returns to NASCAR: Dressed in the Roush Fenway Racing, Wyndham Rewards livery Matt Kenseth showed up at Kansas Speedway Friday ready to turn his very first laps in a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series car since the November, 2017 season finale. The former series champion, 46, addressed the media shortly before his season-opening practice session – the only one he will get prior to qualifying for Saturday night’s KC Masterpiece 400.[More](5-11-2018)
ITsavvy joins Stewart-Haas Racing to sponsor Clint Bowyer: ITsavvy, one of the fastest growing resources for integrated IT products and technology solutions in the United States, has joined Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), the championship-winning NASCAR team. The multiyear partnership will be highlighted on the No. 14 Ford Fusion driven by Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer. ITsavvy will be the primary sponsor of Bowyer and the No. 14 team Sept. 21-22 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway and Nov. 9-11 at ISM Raceway near Phoenix. At all other races, ITsavvy will serve as an associate sponsor.[More](5-11-2018)
Conor Daly to run XFINITY Series race at Road America: Roush Fenway Racing will field three Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustangs at Road America for the NASCAR Xfinity race on Saturday, August 25th. Lilly Diabetes Drive Down A1C driver Ryan Reed will be joined by Wisconsin hometown driver Ty Majeski in the No. 60 and IndyCar driver Conor Daly will round out the trio behind the wheel of the No. 6. Daly, like Reed, competes at the highest levels of racing while managing his Type 1 diabetes. The Xfinity race at Road America will be his NASCAR debut. Majeski also has a close tie to the diabetes community as his grandfather has Type 2 diabetes.[More](5-11-2018)
Noah Gragson gets quick redemption with NASCAR Truck Series victory at Kansas: There are times when redemption is swift and merciful. A week after throwing away a chance to win at Dover with a wreck of his own making, Noah Gragson scored his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory of the season, beating his car owner, Kyle Busch, to the finish line in the 37 Kind Days 250 at Kansas Speedway. Starting from the pole for the second straight race, Gragson led 128 of 167 laps in his No. 18 Toyota, swept all the stages of the event and collected the second NCWTS victory of his career.[More](5-11-2018)
Gragson wins Kansas truck race Truck race: #18-Noah Gragson recovered from heartbreak just one week ago in Dover to dominate the day at Kansas Speedway on Friday en route to the win in the 37 Kind Days 250. Gragson started the race from the pole, led the most laps, and swept all three stages to claim his second series win, his first this season.
#4-Kyle Busch, #52-Stewart Friesen, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #21-Johnny Sauter, #88-Matt Crafton, #2-Cody Coughlin, #98-Grant Enfinger, #51-Brandon Jones and #24-Justin Haley were the top-10.
There were four caution flags for 21 laps and 13 lead changes among eight leaders.
See results on the Kansas race results page(5-11-2018)
Kansas Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Noah Gragson won the 18th Annual 37 Kind Days 250, his second victory in 31 NASCAR Camping
World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in two races at Kansas Speedway.
Kyle Busch(i) (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in five races at Kansas Speedway. It is his
second top-10 finish in 2018.
Stewart Friesen (third) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Kansas Speedway.
Dalton Sargeant (11th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 35 points over Noah Gragson.
(NASCAR Statistics) (5-11-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 40, winner, #18-Noah Gragson
Stage 2 – 80, winner, #18-Noah Gragson
Stage 3 – 167, race winner, #18-Noah Gragson
Camping World Truck standings following Kansas:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 275[2 win]
2) #18-Noah Gragson, 240, -35 [1 win]
3) #98-Grant Enfinger, 214, -61
4) #16-Brett Moffitt, 213, -62, [1 win]
5) #41-Ben Rhodes, 213, -62
6) #88-Matt Crafton, 205, -70
7) #52-Stewart Friesen, 178, -97
8) #24-Justin Haley, 173, -102
9) #25-Dalton Sagreant, 168, -107
10) #13-Myatt Snider, 167, -108
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (5-11-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Kansas: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #3-Anderson, 25th
Caution 2: #22-Self, 13th
Caution 3: #22-Self, 13th
Caution 4: #13-Snider, 15th
(5-11-2018)
Gragson on Truck pole at Kansas: #18-Noah Gragson won the pole for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series Be Kind 37 250 at Kansas Speedway with a speed at 176.678mph. #2-Cody Coughlin, #88-Matt Crafton, #98-Grant Enfinger, #21-Johnny Sauter, #4-Kyle Busch, #41-Ben Rhodes, #52-Stewart Friesen, #02-Austin Hill and #16-Brett Moffitt.
Did not qualify: #1-Camden Murphy.
The starting lineup is posted on the Kansas starting lineup page(5-11-2018)
Kansas Qualifying Fast Facts:
Noah Gragson won the Pole Award for the 18th Annual 37 Kind Days 250 with a lap of 30.564
seconds, 176.678 mph.
This is his fifth pole in 31 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second pole and fifth top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in two races at Kansas Speedway.
Cody Coughlin (second) posted his fourth top-10 start of 2018 and his first in three races at Kansas
Speedway.
Matt Crafton (third) posted his eighth top-10 start at Kansas Speedway. It is his fifth in six races this
season.
Dalton Sargeant (11th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics) (5-11-2018)
Friesen fastest in Kansas Truck practice: #88-Matt Crafton was fastest during the one and only practice for Friday night’s 37 Kind Days 250 at Kansas Speedway with a speed of 177.626mph. #13-Myatt Snider, #16-Brett Moffitt, #4-Kyle Busch, #52-Stewart Friesen, #98-Grant Enfinger, #2-Cody Coughlin, #18-Noah Gragson, #8-John Hunter Nemechek and #51-Brandon Jones were the top-10. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(5-11-2018)
Loverboy headlines New Hampshire pre-race concert: Race fans will really be “Working for the Weekend” in the run up to this summer’s major NASCAR event in Loudon. It’s official: members of the multi-platinum-selling rock band, Loverboy, will bring their 80s classics to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway frontstretch stage on Sunday, July 22.[More](5-11-2018)
News from May 10, 2018
Gaunt Brothers Racing taps Parker Kligerman for Coca-Cola 600 seat: Gaunt Brothers Racing (GBR) will field an entry in the 2018 Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 27 at Charlotte Motor Speedway for driver Parker Kligerman. Kligerman, of Westport, Conn., is a two-time race winner in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and a 10-time winner in the ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards. The 600-mile contest on Memorial Day weekend will serve as his 11th career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start.[More]
Kenseth expected to drive next five weekends: According to two people with direct knowledge of the schedule but who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly, Kenseth will drive in at least the next five race weekends – Kansas, the All-Star Race, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway and Michigan International Speedway.(5-8-2018)
UPDATE: NASCAR Champion Matt Kenseth will make his return to Roush Fenway Racing this weekend at Kansas Speedway in an event that also marks the debut of Roush Fenway’s new partnership with Wyndham Rewards. Kenseth will also be back behind the wheel of the Wyndham Rewards Ford for the famed Coca-Cola 600 on May 27th and at Jack Roush’s ‘home track’ of Michigan International Speedway on June 10. Wyndham Rewards will again serve as the primary on Kenseth’s Ford at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Sept. 9) and the Monster Mile of Dover International Speedway (Oct. 7), before rounding out the 2018 schedule at Phoenix Raceway (Nov. 11) and the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 18).(5-10-2018)[More]
Kansas Weekend Preview: Kevin Harvick vs. Kyle Busch moves to Kansas; Camping World Truck Series at Kansas is always unpredictable. [More](5-10-2018)
Star-studded musical lineup to perform at Martin Truex Jr. Foundation Gala – Catwalk for a Cause: ward-winning artists Cassadee Pope, Cole Swindell and Cold Creek County will perform during the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation’s 9th annual Catwalk for a Cause presented by Furniture Row, a fundraiser for childhood cancer awareness and initiatives. The gala, which will carry the theme of Mid Summer Night’s Dream, will take place Wednesday evening May 16 at the Statesville Regional Airport, and will again feature Catwalk Heroes – children in treatment or remission from cancer walking the runway with NASCAR drivers and their spouses.[More](5-10-2018)
New look for LaJoie at Kansas: Corey LaJoie, driver of the No. 72 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) entry will compete this weekend under the lights at Kansas Speedway. Having two previous MENCS starts at the 1.5-mile oval, LaJoie has completed a total of 526 laps. Schluter-Systems will be on board the No. 72 as the primary sponsor where they will debut a new Schluter orange paint scheme for the 267 lap event.[More](5-10-2018)
Dover TV ratings UPDATE: Fox Sports 1 earned a 1.7 overnight rating for Sunday’s race.(5-7-2018)
UPDATE: Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Dover 400 earned a 1.7 rating and 2.8 million viewers on FS1, down 19% in ratings and 17% in viewersihp from last year (2.1, 3.4M) and down 32% and 30% respectively from 2016 (2.5, 4.0M).[More](5-10-2018)
Mosley to drive Kansas for Beaver Motorsports after five-year absence: Beaver Motorsports today announced Crossbar Electronic Cigarettes as the primary sponsor for the No. 50 Chevrolet Silverado of Jamie Mosley at Kansas Speedway for the 37 Kind Days 250. Mosley will make his return to the NASCAR Circut after a five-year hiatus. Jamie Mosley currently holds the position of an elected Jailer in Laurel County, KY and is set to begin his third four-year term as the head of the 1000 bed Laurel County Correctional Center. His racing experience spans over 40 years from childhood kart races to the ARCA, NASCAR Camping World Truck, and NASCAR Xfinity Series.[More](5-10-2018)
News from May 9, 2018
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Kansas Speedway
Dover post-race penalties announced: The Cup teams of #19-Suarez, #14-Bowyer, and #3-Dillon have received L1 penalties. #41-Busch received a lug nut penalty.[More](5-9-2018)
Matt Kenseth returns at Kansas looking to rejuvenate Roush Fenway Racing: Judging by the reaction and the general vibe, it’s hard to tell who is more excited about former champion Matt Kenseth’s return to Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition this week driving the No. 6 Wyndham Rewards Ford Fusion at Kansas Speedway for Roush Fenway Racing. The team? Fans? Kenseth? Roush?[More](5-9-2018)
NASCAR launches youth esports series on iRacing: NASCAR announced today the formation of a youth esports racing series, the first esports competition created to attract and identify young talent. The series will be hosted on iRacing, the world’s premier racing simulation platform. NASCAR’s youth esports series establishes an easily accessible entry point to real-world racing and provides young competitors with an unparalleled simulation experience on iRacing’s ultra-realistic software.[More](5-9-2018)
StarCom Racing and Dairi-O Restaurants partner for All Star race and Coca-Cola 600: StarCom Racing partners with Dairi-O Restaurants, located in North Carolina, for the upcoming All-Star and Coca-Cola 600 races at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 19 and May 27. Landon Cassill will pilot the 00 Dairi-O Camaro. [More](5-9-2018)
Tommy Williams Drywall to don Kahne’s Camaro at Kansas: Another fresh new paint scheme for our No.95 as Kasey Kahne will pilot the Tommy Williams Drywall Camaro ZL1 this weekend at Kansas Speedway. F.T. “Tommy” Williams, Jr. entered the construction industry in 1954 – it was at that time that he founded a plaster company doing projects throughout the state of Texas. As the commercial building industry evolved more heavily from plaster to drywall, it was at that time that Tommy Williams Drywall Co., Inc. was formed.[More](5-9-2018)
Spencer Boyd sports special colors to honor military at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Spencer Boyd and Grunt Style are proud to announce they will be running a special paint scheme Memorial Day Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway to honor our great nation’s military. Joining the scarlet and gold Camaro will be Calcutta Outdoors as a new sponsor to the No. 76 team.[More](5-9-2018)
Bubba Wallace joins Young’s for Kansas race: Young’s Motorsports announced today that Darrell “Bubba” Wallace, Jr., will join the team this weekend at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., to pilot the No. 20 Andy’s Frozen Custard Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) 37 Kind Days 250 Friday night.[More](5-9-2018)
Austin Wayne Self and Justin Fontaine to honor their mothers at Kansas Speedway: The Nos. 22 and 45 Chevrolet Silverados driven by Austin Wayne Self and Justin Fontaine, respectively, will carry the names of two extremely important women in Friday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race at Kansas Speedway, in honor of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13. Fans are encouraged to share their favorite racing-related images with their mom using the hashtag #RacingForMom. [More](5-9-2018)
GEICO Grounds RV camping at Homestead gets upgraded: Camping and NASCAR championships at Homestead-Miami Speedway have become synonymous over the years. That pairing will get even better in 2018. The track announced today that beginning with 2018 Ford Championship Weekend (Nov. 16-18), electric hook-ups and water will be provided in the already-popular GEICO Grounds Turn 2 RV area, located within the facility’s gates.[More](5-9-2018)
News from May 8, 2018
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Kansas Speedway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Kansas Speedway page
Kenseth expected to drive next five weekends: According to two people with direct knowledge of the schedule but who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly, Kenseth will drive in at least the next five race weekends – Kansas, the All-Star Race, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway and Michigan International Speedway.[More](5-8-2018)
France family considering sale of NASCAR? Reuters reports they are working with Goldman Sachs Group.(5-7-2018)
UPDATE: NASCAR President Brent Dewar has told employees the France family “remains dedicated to the long term growth of our sport.” The memo was sent to employees on Tuesday, one day after a media report said the France family was exploring the sale of its stake in the nation’s top auto racing series. [More](5-8-2018)
U.S. Cellular to back JRM’s No. 1 Chevrolet as primary sponsor at Iowa: JR Motorsports announced today that wireless carrier U.S. Cellular will join Elliott Sadler and the No. 1 team as a primary sponsor for the U.S. Cellular 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Iowa Speedway on July 28.[More](5-8-2018)
Truck Series to get a new name? UPDATE: Gander Outdoors naming rights of Truck Series to begin in 2019: Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis is looking at a brand swap for naming rights to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in ’19, sources said, and a tweet he sent Friday night lends more credence to the possibility. Lemonis wrote he has “big news” coming regarding the future of the Truck Series. Lemonis in ’14 early extended the Camping World entitlement, which is worth around $5M annually and was due to run through ’15, by signing a seven-year extension through ’22.
UPDATE: NASCAR and Camping World have expanded their agreement to provide Gander Outdoors naming rights to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Beginning in 2019, the national series will be rebranded as the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series.Camping World originally became title sponsor of the Truck Series in 2009. In 2014, NASCAR and Camping World signed a landmark seven-year agreement, continuing the partnership through 2022. This newly expanded agreement provides official NASCAR status and naming rights to Camping World’s partner brand, Gander Outdoors. The remaining years on the deal are still intact.[More](5-8-2018)
Glen And Leonard Wood to receive distinguished Patrick Countian Award: The brothers, now mostly retired from the racing business, have been inducted into numerous racing halls of fame including the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, Ala., and the Stock Car Hall of Fame in Darlington, S.C. On Tuesday morning, Glen and Leonard Wood will be honored by their home folks in Patrick County. The Patrick County Student Government Association has selected Glen and Leonard Wood as the 2018 recipients of the Distinguished Patrick Countian Award, now in its 43rd year.[More](5-8-2018)
News from May 7, 2018
Entry List for the KC Masterpiece 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway is posted, 39 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #00-Cassill, #6-Kenseth, #15-Chastain, #51-TBA, #55-Sorenson, #66-Long, #72-LaJoie, #99-Cope.
Since only 39 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
France family considering sale of NASCAR? Reuters reports they are working with Goldman Sachs Group.[More](5-7-2018)
NASCAR explains opening pit road early after Dover’s first stage:Because NASCAR has no rule stating when pit road opens after a stage ends, the sanctioning body changed its common procedure to prevent multiple cars from running out of fuel during Sunday’s Cup race at Dover, a series official told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. NASCAR opened pit road immediately after Stage 1 ended because many cars were close to running out of fuel.[More](5-7-2018)
John Hunter Nemechek on standby for Larson at Kansas Larson and fiancée, Katelyn Sweet, are expecting the birth of their second child soon. As a result, Larson shared that Chip Ganassi Racing has tabbed John Hunter Nemechek to be on standby for the No. 42 team next week at Kansas Speedway.(5-6-2018)
UPDATE: Audrey Layne Larson was born Monday morning, May 7.[More](5-7-2018)
Dover TV ratings: Fox Sports 1 earned a 1.7 overnight rating for Sunday’s race.[More](5-7-2018)
Cody Ware plans more races: Kansas, the Open (All Star preliminary race), Sonoma, Watkins Glen and the Charlotte Roval are all on Ware’s radar, depending on adequate funding and sponsorship. If more sponsorship jumps aboard, Ware could be in line for more than three races in the chartered ride.[More](5-7-2018)
Dover commercial breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race.[More](5-7-2018)
XFINITY Series drivers shake down Charlotte on Monday: Some of NASCAR’s biggest names joined its most popular rising stars for a day-long shakedown of NASCAR Xfinity Series machines on Monday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Past NASCAR Xfinity Series champions including Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski joined more than 20 Xfinity Series stars in testing Charlotte’s 1.5-mile superspeedway in advance of the Alsco 300 on May 26.[More](5-7-2018)
Gallagher told to leave Charlotte test: Spencer Gallagher, suspended indefinitely for violating NASCAR’s substance abuse policy, briefly attended Monday’s Xfinity Series test at Charlotte Motor Speedway before he was informed he was not allowed to be there and left.[More](5-7-2018)
Truck Series entry list:There are 30 trucks entered for Friday’s 37 Kind Days 250 at Kansas Speedway. See the complete list on the Dover entry list page (pdf). (5-7-2018)
Truck Series to get a new name? Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis is looking at a brand swap for naming rights to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in ’19, sources said, and a tweet he sent Friday night lends more credence to the possibility. Lemonis wrote he has “big news” coming regarding the future of the Truck Series. Lemonis in ’14 early extended the Camping World entitlement, which is worth around $5M annually and was due to run through ’15, by signing a seven-year extension through ’22.[More](5-7-2018)
Talladega XFINITY TV ratings: Last Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race from Talladega earned a 1.2 rating and 1.90 million viewers on FOX, down a tick in ratings and 5% in viewership from last year (1.3, 2.00M) and down 37% and 36% respectively from 2016 (1.9, 2.9M). It was the most-watched Xfinity Series race all season, topping Daytona in February (1.85M). [Sports Media Watch](5-7-2018)
New name for Pocono XFINITY race: Pocono Raceway today announces a multi-year partnership with J. P. Mascaro & Sons under which the June 2 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at ‘The Tricky Triangle’ has been renamed the Pocono Green 250 Recycled by J. P. Mascaro & Sons. Also, as part of this partnership, J.P. Mascaro & Sons will serve as at the ‘Official Waste Services and Recycling Provider of Pocono Raceway.'[More](5-7-2018)
News from May 6, 2018
John Hunter Nemechek on standby for Larson at Kansas Larson and fiancée, Katelyn Sweet, are expecting the birth of their second child soon. As a result, Larson shared that Chip Ganassi Racing has tabbed John Hunter Nemechek to be on standby for the No. 42 team next week at Kansas Speedway.[More](5-6-2018)
Sunday Dover Notebook: Broken driveshaft prolongs Kyle Busch’s woes at Dover; Daniel Suarez ties career-best finish with third at Dover; Frustrated Martin Truex Jr. finishes fourth.[More](5-6-2018)
Harvick saves his best for a rainy day with victory at Dover: The only thing that could have stopped Kevin Harvick on Sunday at Dover International Speedway was a sudden rainstorm. And even that failed. Eight laps after Sunday’s AAA 400 restarted from a rain delay of more than 40 minutes, Harvick passed Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Clint Bowyer for the lead and pulled away to win his fourth race of the season by a whopping 7.450 seconds. All told, Harvick led 201 of the 400 laps, swept all three stages and reestablished his No. 4 Ford as the dominant car in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.[More](5-6-2018)
#4-Kevin Harvick won the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway. The win is his fourth win of 2018, second win at Dover and 41st career win.
#14-Clint Bowyer finished 2nd followed by #19-Daniel Suarez, #78-Martin Truex, Jr., #41-Kurt Busch, #2-Brad Keselowski, #11-Denny Hamlin, #12-Ryan Blaney, #48-Jimmie Johnson, and #42-Kyle Larson.
Pole winner,#42-Larson started from the rear after failing pre-race inspection.
Stage 1 was won by #4-Harvick, finished 1st.
Stage 2 was won by #4-Harvick, finished 1st.
There were 17 lead changes among 6 drivers and 8 cautions for 48 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 115.044mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Race Fast Facts – Dover
Kevin Harvick won the 49th Annual AAA 400 Drive For Autism, his 41st victory in 621 NASCAR
Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his fourth victory and ninth top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and 16th top-10 finish in 35 races at Dover International Speedway.
Clint Bowyer (second) posted his 14th top-10 finish in 25 races at Dover International Speedway. It is
his seventh top-10 finish in 2018.
Daniel Suarez (third) posted his third top-10 finish in three races at Dover International Speedway.
William Byron (14th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kyle Busch leads the point standings by 22 points over Joey Logano.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(5-6-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Chase Standings:
[after Dover, race 11 of 36]
#4-Kevin Harvick [4 wins – 2 can be used for playoffs], 426
#18-Kyle Busch [3 wins], 466
#22-Joey Logano [1 win], 444
#14-Clint Bowyer [1 win], 380
#78-Martin Truex Jr. [1 win], 340
#3-Austin Dillon [1 win], 210
#2-Brad Keselowski 365, -101
#41-Kurt Busch, 358, -108
#12-Ryan Blaney, 346, -120
#11-Denny Hamlin, 344, -122
#42-Kyle Larson, 307, -159
#10-Aric Almirola, 304, -162
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 268, -198
#20-Erik Jones, 253, -213
#88-Alex Bowman, 252, -214
#9-Chase Elliott, 241, -225
#17-Stenhouse, Jr., 239, -227
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 240) of the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway (lap 240/400):
#4-Harvick, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#2-Keselowski, 9pts
#18-Busch, 8pts
#48-Johnson, 7pts
#14-Bowyer, 6pts
#19-Suarez, 5pts
#78-Truex, 4pts
#12-Blaney, 3pts
#9-Elliott, 2pts
#22-Logano, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 120) of the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway (lap 120/400):
#4-Harvick, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#18-Busch, 9pts
#2-Keselowski 8pts
#19-Suarez, 7pts
#41-Busch 6pts
#9-Elliott, 5pts
#14-Bowyer, 4pts
#48-Johnson, 3pts
#22-Logano, 2pts
#12-Blaney, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #99-Cope, 37th
Caution 3: #47-Allmendinger, 21st
Caution 4: #20-Jones, 18th
Caution 5: #24-Byron, 14th
Caution 6: #1-McMurray, 16th
Caution 7: #42-Larson, 10th
Caution 8: #95-Kahne, 17th
News from May 5, 2018
Saturday Dover Notebook: Kyle Larson has discovered a new passion–golf; Austin Dillon optimistic as summer races approach; Short strokes.[More](5-5-2018)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway have been made.
With 38 cars entered, pit stalls 16, 28 are not in use this weekend.
Pole winner #42-Larson chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #4-Harvick took pit stall 40, the final pitstall.
#78-Truex, Jr., who starts 3rd, took the ninth stall.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(5-5-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#10-Almirola 158.277
#9-Elliott 158.054
#14-Bowyer 157.916
#42-Larson 157.729
#4-Harvick 157.529
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 32 drivers): #14-Bowyer 155.880
slowest: #99-Cope 146.021
notes: #4-Harvick and #41-Busch served 15-minute penalties.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (5-5-2018)
First Saturday practice for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#22-Logano 157.494
#2-Keselowski 157.453
#78-Truex 157.048
#9-Elliott 156.883
#10-Almirola 156.856
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 25 drivers): #22-Keselowski 156.399
slowest: #51-Ware 146.009
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Second Practice speeds page (pdf) (5-5-2018)
Former JP Motorsports crew member allegedly breaks jaw of team owner: NASCAR has indefinitely suspended a crew member arrested on a second-degree assault charge after allegedly breaking a team owner’s jaw in a fight Friday morning in the Dover International Speedway garage. Lawrence Hayden, 33, a former crew member for JP Motorsports, was taken into custody following the fight, according to a Dover Police Department news release. The police were called to the garage at 10:51 a.m. Friday. According to the news release, Hayden and JP Motorsports co-owner Jerry Hattaway, 56, were involved in an argument and then a fight. [More](5-5-2018)
Justin Allgaier holds of Elliott Sadler in NASCAR Xfinity race at Dover: Justin Allgaier survived a breathtaking last-gasp effort from JR Motorsports teammate Elliott Sadler to win Saturday’s OneMain Financial 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Dover International Speedway. Allgaier led Sadler by less than a car-length as the drivers entered Turn 3 on the final circuit. Ahead of Allgaier, the lapped car of Joe Nemechek entered the corner low and drifted up the track, forcing Allgair to brake and run the middle lane at the cost of considerable momentum. Sadler saw the opening and drove underneath Allgaier’s No. 7 Chevrolet as the cars negotiated Turn 4. As they came off the corner side by side, the cars touched. Sadler’s No. 1 Chevy twitched loose, and Allgaier’s car slapped the outside wall, but both drivers maintained control, and Allgaier got to the finish line .306 seconds ahead of his teammate.[More](5-5-2018)
Allgaier wins Dover International Speedway XFINITY race: #7-Justin Allgaier won the OneMain Financial 200 at Dover International Speedway for his sixth career win and first win at Dover.
His JR Motorsports teammate #1-Elliott Sadler finished second, followed by #21-Daniel Hemric, #20-Christopher Bell, #9-Tyler Reddick, #23-Johnny Sauter, #18-Noah Gragson, #2-Matt Tifft, #22-Austin Cindric, and #19-Brandon Jones.
There were eight cautions for 45 laps and 11 lead changes among seven leaders.
The average speed was 98.053mph.
Complete results are on the Dover race results page (pdf). (5-5-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #1-Elliott Sadler
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #7-Justin Allgaier
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #7-Justin Allgaier
Dover XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Justin Allgaier won the 37th Annual OneMain Financial 200, his sixth victory in 250 NASCAR XFINITY
Series races.
This is his first victory and seventh top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and eighth top-10 finish in 15 races at Dover International Speedway.
Elliott Sadler (second) posted his 14th top-10 finish in 21 races at Dover International Speedway. It is
his 10th top-10 finish in 2018.
Daniel Hemric (third) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Dover International Speedway.
Christopher Bell (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler leads the point standings by 33 points overJustin Allgaier.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(5-5-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings following Dover International Speedway:
1) #1-Elliott Sadler 401
2) #7-Justin Allgaier, 368, -33
3) #9-Tyler Reddick [1 win], 363, -38
4) #20-Christopher Bell [1 win], 349, -52
5) #21-Daniel Hemric, 343, -58
6) #00-Cole Custer, 323, -78
7) #19-Brandon Jones, 304, -97
8) #11-Ryan Truex, 285, -116
9) #23-Spencer Gallagher [1 win], 277, -124
10) #2-Matt Tifft, 270, -131
11) #16-Ryan Reed, 252-149
12) #22-Austin Cindric, 219, -182
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(5-5-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #40-Finchum, 25th
Caution 3: #13-Hill, 35th
Caution 4: #78-McCleod, 26th
Caution 5: #01-Miller, 25th
Caution 6: #78-McCleod, 26th
Caution 7: #01-Miller, 25th
Caution 8: #36-Labbe, 21st
(5-5-2018)
Brandon Jones on XFINITY pole at Dover: #19-Brandon Jones won the Busch pole for the OneMain Financial 200 at Dover International Speedway with a speed of 155.831mph. #18-Noah Gragson will start second. The rest of the top 10: #2-Matt Tifft, #1-Elliott Sadler, #21-Daniel Hemric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #22-Austin Cindric, #11-Ryan Truex, #60-Ty Majeski, and #3-Jeb Burton.
Did Not Qualify: #74-Mike Harmon.
The starting lineup is posted on the Dover starting lineup page (pdf).(5-5-2018)
Dover International Speedway XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Brandon Jones won the Pole Award for the 37th Annual OneMain Financial 200 with a lap of 23.102 seconds, 155.831 mph.
This is his second pole in 81 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his first pole and sixth top-10 start in 2018.This is his first pole in five races at Dover International Speedway.
Noah Gragson(i) (second) posted his first top-10 start of 2018 and his first in one races at Dover
International Speedway.
Matt Tifft (third) posted his third top-10 start at Dover International Speedway. It is his fourth in ten races this season.
Austin Cindric (seventh) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(5-5-2018)
News from May 4, 2018
Kyle Larson dominates Monster Energy Cup qualifying at Dover:Larson charged around the high-banked one-mile concrete track in 22.770 seconds to earn the pole position for Sunday’s AAA 400. Saving his fastest lap for the third and final round, Larson was the only driver to top 158 mph during the session.[More](5-4-2018)
Kyle Larson won the Busch pole for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway with speed of 158.103mph for his 1st pole of 2018, 1st at Dover and 5th of his career. Larson has won 2 times from the 4 previous poles.
#4-Harvick will start 2nd followed by #78-Truex, Jr., #18-Busch, #17-Stenhouse, jr., #9-Elliott, #19-Suarez, #2-Keselowski, #41-Busch, #11-Hamlin, #20-Jones, #14-Bowyer.
#42-Larson was fastest in the second round with a speed of 157.432mph.
#18-Busch was quickest in the first round with a speed of 157.116mph.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 38 were entered for 40 spots
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(5-4-2018)
Dover International Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Owner: Chip Ganassi Racing
Crew Chief: Chad Johnston
Kyle Larson won the Busch Pole Award Pole Award for the 49th Annual AAA400 Drive For Autism with a lap of 22.770 seconds, 158.103 mph.
This is his fifth pole in 158 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his first pole and ninth top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in nine races at Dover International Speedway.
Kevin Harvick (second) posted his 10th top-10 start of 2018 and his 15th in 35 races at Dover International Speedway.
Martin Truex Jr. (third) posted his 15th top-10 start at Dover International Speedway. It is his eighth in 11 races this season.
William Byron (17th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(5-4-2018)
Second Round of Qualifying for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#42-Larson 157.432
#9-Elliott 157.267
#19-Suarez 157.068
#17=Stenhouse, Jr. 157.041
#4-Harvick 156.952
the rest of the top 12: 78 18 41 14 11 2 20
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 10 12 88 37 24 22 48 21 31 6 1 32
(5-4-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#18-Busch 157.116
#2-Keselowski 156.883
#78-Truex, Jr. 156.678
#11-Hamlin 156.535
#12-Blaney 126.386
the rest of the top 24: 4 9 48 17 20 19 42 88 14 41 22 10 21 1 6 37 32 24 31
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 95 43 3 47 34 13 15 38 00 55 23 99 51 72
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 38 entered
(5-4-2018)
Friday Dover Notebook: Joey Logano still identified with 2009 wreck at Dover; Daniel Suarez on the upswing as Cup series comes to Dover; Short strokes.[More](5-4-2018)
Jimmie Johnson optimistic despite winless drought: If it were as simple as good vibes producing great results, Californian Jimmie Johnson is a sure-bet to end a 33-race trophy drought in the AAA 400 Drive for Autism (2 p.m. ET, FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) at Dover (Del.) International Raceway this weekend. But it takes more than just positive energy. Yes, Johnson, 42, conceded, he is encouraged by a string of three consecutive top-12 finishes (including a third place at the Bristol, Tenn. half-miler) entering the weekend. [More](5-4-2018)
First practice for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#21-Menard 159.830
#48-Johnson 159.440
#4-Harvick 159.412
#18-Busch 159.299
#2-Keselowski 159.208
most laps run: #22-Logano, 23 laps
slowest: #55-Sorenson 148.307 & #99-Cope 145.214.
notes: No drivers ran 10 or more consecutive laps. #72-LaJoie lost an engine late in practice.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (5-4-2018)
Talladega TV ratings UPDATE: Fox earned a 2.8 overnight rating for the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.(4-30-2018)
UPDATE: Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Talladega 500 earned a 2.9 rating and 4.7 million viewers on FOX, down 17% in ratings and 20% in viewership from last year (3.5, 5.9M) and down 28% and 29% respectively from 2016 (4.0, 6.7M).[More](5-4-2018)
Qualifying Order for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is posted.
The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #41-Busch
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #19-Suarez.
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).(5-4-2018)
Christopher Bell paces final XFINITY practice: #20-Christopher Bell was quickest in final practice at Dover International Speedway with a speed of 152.665mph.
#1-Elliott Sadler was second, followed by: #9-Tyler Reddick, #22-Austin Cindric, #2-Matt Tifft, #18-Noah Gragson, #7-Justin Allgaier, #60-Ty Majeski, #21-Daniel Hemric, and #19-Brandon Jones.
See complete results on the Dover practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(5-4-2018)
Gragson fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #18-Noah Gragson was fastest during opening practice at Dover International Speedway with a speed of 153.420mph.
The rest of the top 10: #00-Cole Custer, #19-Brandon Jones, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #9-Tyler Reddick, #1-Elliott Sadler, #22-Austin Cindric, #20-Christopher Bell, #11-Ryan Truex, and #2-Matt Tifft.
See complete results on the Dover practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(5-4-2018)
Johnny Sauter gets dramatic NASCAR Truck Series win at Dover:After what had happened moments earlier, Johnny Sauter’s victory in a two-lap overtime shootout seemed almost routine by comparison. Sauter, who turned 40 on May 1, held off fellow 40-something Matt Crafton to win Friday’s JEGS 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Dover International Speedway-but not until Sauter won an intense struggle against pole winner Noah Gragson, whose race ended on the next-to-last lap of regulation when his No. 18 Toyota backed hard into the outside wall. The victory was Sauter’s second straight at Dover, his second of the season and the 19th of his career. [More](4-17-2018)
Sauter wins Dover truck race Truck race: #21-Johnny Sauter won the JEGS 200 Camping World Truck Series race at Dover International Speedway on Friday. Sauter and #18-Noah Gragson were racing for position with two laps remaining, but Gragson bounced off of Sauter and lost control, spinning and slamming the outside wall. That set the field up for an overtime finish. On the restart #88-Matt Crafton held the low lane but had nothing for Sauter, who drove by on the outside to take the win, his second of the season.
#24-Justin Haley, #54-David Gilliland, #51-Harrison Burton, #2-Cody Coughlin, #8-Joe Nemechek, #41-Ben Rhodes, #97-Jesse Little, and #4-Todd Gilliland were the remainder of the top-10.
There were seven caution flags for 46 laps and eight lead changes among four leaders.
See results on the Dover race results page.(5-4-2018)
Dover Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Johnny Sauter won the 19th Annual JEGS 200, his 19th victory in 226 NASCAR Camping World Truck
Series races.
This is his second victory and fourth top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and seventh top-10 finish in ten races at Dover International Speedway.
Matt Crafton (second) posted his 11th top-10 finish in 18 races at Dover International Speedway. It is
his second top-10 finish in 2018.
Justin Haley (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Dover International Speedway.
Todd Gilliland (10th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter leads the point standings by 51 points overBen Rhodes.
(NASCAR Statistics) (5-4-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 45, winner, #18-Noah Gragson
Stage 2 – 90, winner, #21-Johnny Sauter
Stage 3 – 200, race winner, #21-Johnny Sauter
Camping World Truck standings following Dover:
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 238 [2 win]
2) #41-Ben Rhodes, 187, -51
3) #18-Noah Gragson, 180, -58
4) #16-Brett Moffitt, 175, -63, [1 win]
5) #98-Grant Enfinger, 175, -63
6) #88-Matt Crafton, 169, -69
7) #24-Justin Haley, 146, -92
8) #13-Myatt Snider, 145, -93
9) #25-Dalton Sagreant, 142, -96
10) #52-Stewart Friesen, 137, -101
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (5-4-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Dover: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #16-Moffitt, 12th
Caution 3: #83-Currey, 26th
Caution 4: #3-Anderson, 18th
Caution 5: #8-Nemechek, 7th
Caution 6: #2-Coughlin, 6th
Caution 7: none
(5-4-2018)
Gragson on Truck pole at Dover: #18-Noah Gragson won the pole for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series JEGS 200 at Dover International Speedway with a speed of 157.660mph. #21-Johnny Sauter will start second, followed by #4-Todd Gilliland, #24-Justin Haley, #97-Jesse Little, #75-Parker Kligerman, #52-Stewart Friesen, 341-Ben Rhodes, #54-David Gilliland, and #88-Matt Crafton.
Did not qualify: none.
The starting lineup is posted on the Dover starting lineup page(5-4-2018)
Dover Qualifying Fast Facts:
Noah Gragson won the Pole Award for the 19th Annual JEGS 200 with a lap of 22.834 seconds,
157.660 mph.
This is his fourth pole in 30 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and fourth top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in two races at Dover International Speedway.
Johnny Sauter (second) posted his fifth top-10 start of 2018 and his seventh in ten races at Dover
International Speedway.
Todd Gilliland (third) posted his first top-10 start at Dover International Speedway. It is his first in two
races this season.
Todd Gilliland (third) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics) (5-4-2018)
Martin Truex Jr. to appear at Kansas’ Ignition Garage: Defending Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion, and two-time Kansas Speedway winner, Martin Truex Jr. has been added to the list of drivers participating in Q&A sessions at the Ignition Garage. Truex joins Jimmie Johnson, Michael McDowell and Alex Bowman in the race-day fan hospitality area.[More](5-4-2018)
News from May 3, 2018
Dover Weekend Preview: All three NASCAR national series are back in action this weekend at Dover International Speedway.[More](5-3-2018)
Will Bayne return to Roush in 2019?: Roush Fenway Racing insists no decision has been made yet.[More](5-3-2018)
Meding’s Seafood and Stockley Tavern on board with Joe Nemechek at Dover: Meding’s Seafood will join with Stockley Tavern and Package Store as the primary sponsors on board the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller No. 15 Chevrolet Camaro of Joe Nemechek in the OneMain Financial 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Dover (De.) International Speedway. Meding’s Seafood is a longtime supporter of JD Motorsports returning for their 6th season as a marketing partner.[More](5-3-2018)
Moffitt leads final Dover Truck practice: #16-Brett Moffitt was fastest during final practice for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series race at Dover International Speedway with a speed of 158.082mph. #18-Noah Gragson was second, followed by #21-Johnny Sauter, #4-Todd Gilliland, #52-Stewart Friesen, #02-Austin Hill, #24-Justin Haley, #2-Cody Coughlin, #75-Parker Kligerman, and #88-Matt Crafton. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf).(5-3-2018)
Friesen fastest in opening Dover Truck practice: #52-Stewart Friesen was fastest during the opening practice for Friday’s JEGS 200 at Dover International Speedway with a speed of 155.797mph. #21-Johnny Sauter, #13-Myatt Snider, #25-Dalton Sargeant, #18-Noah Gragson, #51-Harrison Burton, #16-Brett Moffitt, #24-Justin Haley, and #41-Ben Rhodes were the top-10. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf).(5-3-2018)
Kansas Speedway partners with 37KindDays.org for 37 kind days:Kindness – the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. And during Kansas Speedway’s upcoming race weekend, the Speedway is partnering with 37KindDays.org for not only the 37 Kind Days 250, but to encourage people to “Take Henry’s Challenge – 37 Days of Kindness.” The inspiration for this organization is Henry who was 12 when he passed away unexpectedly. After his passing, his parents started receiving letters, cards and personal stories from others about the many kind things that he had done. Henry raced go-karts and his favorite number was 37, which inspired the number behind the Challenge. In addition to the 37 Kind Days 250 on May 11, volunteers will be handing out orange wristbands at the gates on Saturday, May 12 to race fans to inspire them to take the Challenge. And it’s simple – fans can go to www.37kinddays.org and pledge to be kind to others for 37 days in the hopes of bringing joy to others.[More](5-3-2018)
Sonoma to host “Chat With the Champ”: – Race fans are invited to join a salute to 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion Martin Truex Jr. during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, June 24. “Chat with the Champ” will serve as the centerpiece of the Pre-Race Show Powered by Friedman’s Home Improvement just hours before the green flag falls on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series main event in Sonoma.[More](5-3-2018)
Steve Moakler in concert prior to June Pocono race: Pocono Raceway announced today a partnership with Mack Trucks to present the Pocono 400 pre-race concert featuring Pennsylvania native and country musician, Steve Moakler. The concert will take place on ‘The Tricky Triangle’s’ frontstretch prior to the Pocono 400 on Sunday, June 3. Additionally, a Mack Anthem® model, Mack’s newest highway vehicle, will be on display in the paddock area and will carry the American Flag on the track during the performance of the National Anthem.[More](5-3-2018)
News from May 2, 2018
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Dover International Speedway
KC Masterpiece sponsoring Kansas race: Tailgating and BBQ are important parts of race day, and KC Masterpiece will now be a part of race fans Kansas Speedway experience as the two companies partner for the May 12 KC Masterpiece 400.[More](5-2-2018)
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet sponsoring Kahne at Dover: In 28 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career starts at Dover, Kasey Kahne has an average start of 14.2 and an average finish of 18.5. [More](5-2-2018)
Shriners Hospitals for Children to sponsor David Ragan at Dover:Shriners Hospitals for Children® will join David Ragan and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) this weekend at the Dover International Speedway. Shriners Hospitals for Children will be the primary sponsor of Ragan and the No. 38 Ford Fusion team. This is the first of three primary races for the hospitals.[More](5-2-2018)
Spencer Gallagher suspended by NASCAR: Spencer Gallagher has been suspended indefinitely from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. On May 1, Gallagher was found to have violated Section 19 (NASCAR’s substance abuse policy) of the 2018 NASCAR rule book. Gallagher has agreed to participate in the Road to Recovery Program.[More](5-2-2018)
Alarm Tech Systems returns with Starr: Alarm Tech Systems (ATS) is back this season to serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 52 Chevrolet in the NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Dover International Speedway on May 5th.[More](5-2-2018)
Teams to display Autism Delaware decals at Dover: More than 40 drivers from across NASCAR’s three premier national touring series will be showing their support for Autism Delaware’s mission during the upcoming May 4-6 weekend at Dover International Speedway by displaying a special decal on their cars and trucks. This will be the 12th consecutive year that Dover International Speedway’s spring Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race has had a tie-in with the autism community. [More](5-2-2018)
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau joins Pocono Raceway’s inclusive Playground Project Pocono Raceway, along with the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, announced today their inclusive infield playground has been renamed the #POCONOMTNS Inclusive Playground. The nearly 5,000 square foot playground, which was designed for children of all ages and abilities to learn, grown and play together, is set to officially open to Pocono 400 camping guests on Thursday, May 30, 2018. Following the race weekend, the playground will be open to local residents and those visiting the Pocono Mountains, free of charge, through the summer and fall months.[More](5-2-2018)
Jimmie Johnson headlines Kansas Ignition Garage appearances:Seven-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson headlines the list of drivers participating in question-and-answer (Q&A) sessions in Kansas Speedway’s new Ignition Garage Fan Hospitality area on May 12. In addition to Johnson, Alex Bowman and Michael McDowell will participate in Q&A sessions. Also joining Ignition Garage, will be Reviver Records recording artist Michael Tyler, who will perform a short acoustic set prior to singing the National Anthem for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race.[More](5-2-2018)
News from May 1, 2018
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Dover International Speedway, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Dover International Speedway page
Drivers tackle Charlotte ROVAL in Goodyear tire test: Under clear skies and warm temperatures similar to what they’ll expect in September, four of NASCAR’s top drivers shook down the ROVAL™, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s road course oval, in a Goodyear tire test on Tuesday. The high-speed trial runs around Charlotte’s 2.28-mile road course oval served as valuable experience for drivers making preparations for the Sept. 28-30 Bank of America 500, the first playoff road course race in NASCAR history.[More](5-1-2018)
Entry List for the AAA 400 Drive for Autism Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway is posted, 38 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #00-Cassill, #15-Chastain, #51-Custer, #55-Sorenson, #72-LaJoie, #99-Cope.
Since only 38 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Dover Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the Goodyear Tire Notes – Dover International Speedway page.(5-1-2018)
World Wide Technology joins Richard Petty Motorsports for six races: Richard Petty Motorsports and World Wide Technology (WWT), a market-leading technology solution provider, announced today an official partnership, naming World Wide Technology the Technology and Analytics Partner of Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM). As part of the new partnership, WWT will provide data analytics consulting and technology solutions to help improve team performance for Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. and the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team. WWT will embed a team of its data scientists within the organization and use analysis of sensor, environmental and other data to optimize the team’s performance on the track.[More](5-1-2018)
Amy and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. are parents: Isla Rose Earnhardt was born Tuesday morning.[More](5-1-2018)
StarCom Racing running two cars at Dover: StarCom Racing will field its second car, the Chevy Camaro 99, for the first time ever at the AAA Drive For Autism 400 on Sunday May 6th at 2:00PM ET. Driver Landon Cassill will be behind the wheel of SCR’s 00 Chevy Camaro with new partner, but longtime friends, RNH Electric as the primary sponsor. SCR Team Manager and former Daytona 500 Champion, Derrike Cope, will pilot the 99 Chevy Camaro, with SCR’s parent company, StarCom Fiber, as the primary sponsor.[More](5-1-2018)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 41 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s OneMain Financial 200 at Dover International Speedway.
See the complete list on the Dover entry list page.(5-1-2018)
Truck Series entry list: There are 34 trucks entered for Friday’s JEG’s 200 at Dover International Speedway. See the complete list on the Dover entry list page (pdf). (5-1-2018)
Daytona employee Lightnin’ Epton celebrates 60th service anniversary: On Tuesday, the staff of Daytona International Speedway celebrated the 60th service anniversary of Juanita “Lightnin” Epton, who has been a part of the speedway’s ticket office operation since 1958 when the “World Center of Racing” was being built.[More](5-1-2018)
Chiefs’ Anthony Sherman to drive pace car at Kansas: Having spent time around Kansas Speedway the last few May races and seeing former teammate Derrick Johnson driving the pace car for last May’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman made a request – to drive the pace car for this May’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race.[More](5-1-2018)
Homestead-Miami Speedway tickets on sale Friday: Tickets to NASCAR’s season finale Ford Championship Weekend will go on sale to the general public this Friday, May 4. The three-day championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway features a weekend full of scintillating racing and exciting entertainment. It will mark the 17th straight year that the South Florida track has played host to the championship races in all three of NASCAR’s national series.[More](5-1-2018)