November 2017 News Archives
News from November 30, 2017
Earnhardt, Jr. wins most popular for 15th year: Dale Earnhardt Jr. wrapped up his final season as a NASCAR driver with one last piece of hardware. He won the Most Popular Driver Award on Thursday night for the 15th consecutive time. The award is based on a fan vote and sponsored by the National Motorsports Press Association. Only Bill Elliott won the award more than Earnhardt – 16 times between 1984 and 2002 – before he removed his name from consideration.[More](11-30-2017)
Julian Maha wins Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award: Julian Maha, a Birmingham physician and founder of an organization that works to improve the lives of children with autism, was announced as the winner of The NASCAR Foundation’s Seventh Annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Presented by Nationwide on Thursday night, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards at Wynn Las Vegas. Maha, from Vestavia Hills, Alabama, was chosen via an online fan vote conducted on NASCAR.com. He is the award-winning founder of KultureCity, the cutting-edge organization that also seeks to educate society regarding inclusion of autistic children. In addition to the award, KultureCity received a $100,000 donation from the foundation, NASCAR’s charitable arm.[More](11-30-2017)
Race Team Alliance looking to hire Executive Director: The Race Team Alliance is looking to hire an Exec Dir to become the day-to-day, full-time leader of the coalition of NASCAR teams, group Chair Rob Kauffman said. Kauffman has been the leader of the RTA since it was founded in ’14 as a way for teams to collectively leverage their bargaining power and come together to discuss key industry issues.[More](11-30-2017)
Kyle Busch running Sunday’s Snowball Derby: Snowball Derby week has arrived on the Florida Gulf Coast, and the entry list appears nearly set. The most prestigious asphalt Super Late Model event in the country is notorious for inviting some of the best in NASCAR to compete alongside weekly racers from across the country. This year is no different, especially considering this is the 50th running of the Super Bowl of Short-Track Racing.[More](11-30-2017)
South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa named title sponsor of September Cup Series race at Las Vegas: The South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa has been named title sponsor of the September Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS). The multi-year agreement will make the Michael Gaughan-owned property title sponsor of the South Point 400 beginning in 2018. The 267-lap race, set for Sunday, Sept. 16, will be the first in the 2018 Cup playoffs.[More](11-30-2017)
News from November 29, 2017
The inside story of the race that made Martin Truex Jr. a champion:Understandably, the proudest moment of Martin Truex’s racing life was simultaneously a source of enormous frustration for Kyle Busch. But both drivers recall with indelible clarity the closing laps of the Nov. 19 Ford Eco-Boost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race that made Truex a champion and Busch a disappointed runner-up for the title.[More](11-29-2017)
Kurt Busch says he plans on staying with Stewart-Haas Racing: Kurt Busch said he “absolutely” plans to return to Stewart-Haas Racing next season, as he continues to negotiate a contract to continue driving for the team. Talking to media on Wednesday in Las Vegas as part of the NASCAR postseason awards celebration week, Busch held a Monster can and indicated he planned to return to SHR.[More](11-29-2017)
Martin Truex, Jr. and Sherry Pollex win NMPA Myers Brothers Award: A storybook season added another brilliant chapter on Wednesday as Martin Truex Jr. and girlfriend Sherry Pollex won the prestigious 2017 Myers Brothers Award. The honor recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to stock car racing and is voted upon by the National Motorsports Press Association.[More](11-29-2017)
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s final sendoff has a noble purpose: Tony Stewart had some sage advice for Dale Earnhardt Jr., as NASCAR’s most popular driver faced his first season of retirement from full-time driving in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. “Stewart told me that first year’s a weird one,” Earnhardt said on Tuesday night before a gala at the Cosmopolitan simultaneously celebrating his career and his partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.[More](11-29-2017)
FOX Sports and NBC Sports jointly honored as recipients of 2017 NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award: FOX Sports and NBC Sports will jointly be honored with the 2017 NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award at the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards today. FOX Sports and NBC Sports integrated NASCAR into its broader suite of media company assets, putting the sport in front of non-traditional audiences to help grow appeal across key demographics. The networks collaborated to implement a wide-ranging strategy to cross-promote races on both networks during the season.[More](11-29-2017)
Fox announces 2018 broadcasting lineup: As NASCAR prepares to honor its MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES champion this weekend in Las Vegas and teams finalize their 2018 lineups, FOX Sports has begun stacking its broadcaster deck for 2018. New to the FOX NASCAR arsenal next year, the network’s 18th consecutive season broadcasting NASCAR races, is veteran driver Regan Smith, who will serve as a pit reporter for the MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES and NASCAR XFINITY SERIES, in addition to continuing his role as a NASCAR RACE HUB analyst.[More](11-29-2017)
Eighth annual Waltrip Brothers’ Charity Championship raised nearly $600,000: Last month’s Eighth Annual Waltrip Brothers’ Charity Championship (WBCC) raised nearly $600,000 to benefit multiple charities. Hosted by Darrell and Michael Waltrip in Franklin, Tenn., the Oct. 18 Champion’s Dinner Presented by ACLJ.org and the Oct. 19 golf tournament sponsored by Speedway Motorsports, Inc. combined to raise more than $575,000, pushing the WBCC’s fundraising grand total to well more than $3,000,000 over the last six years. Money raised this year benefited Motor Racing Outreach (MRO), Speedway Children’s Charities, The Journey Home Project, The Dog Knowledge Service Dog Foundation, Hope for the Warriors and Feed The Children.[More](11-29-2017)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. named Grand Marshal for 60th Annual DAYTONA 500: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is indeed returning to the DAYTONA 500, although in a different role than the previous 20 Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. Earnhardt, who has retired from Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 60th running of “The Great American Race” on Feb. 18, 2018.[More](11-29-2017)
Tickets on sale at Mid-Ohio: Ticket sales for all five major race weekends at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 2018 open today at midohio.com or by phone at 419-884-4000. The spectator calendar starts over a month earlier in 2018 with the addition of a new race weekend headlined by the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, May 4-6. Four of the traditional race dates also return to the weekend schedule at the legendary Lexington, Ohio road course.[More](11-29-2017)
News from November 28, 2017
Dale and Amy Earnhardt Fund to be formed at Nationwide Children’s Hospital: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his wife, Amy, have long been supporters of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, so much so that an activity room at the hospital was dedicated in their name earlier this year. That’s why on Giving Tuesday – the driver was ecstatic to announce the formation of the Dale and Amy Earnhardt Fund at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The Dale Jr. Foundation will launch the fund with a gift of $88,888.88.[More](11-28-2017)
Credit One Bank becomes primary sponsor for Larson’s #42 Chevy:After a successful first season with Kyle Larson and the No. 42 team, Credit One Bank, the Official Credit Card of NASCAR, will expand the relationship with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) by becoming the largest sponsor of the #42 for the 2018 season.[More](11-28-2017)
Sad News – Bud Moore: Walter “Bud” Moore Jr., a decorated member of America’s “Greatest Generation” who went on to win NASCAR championships as car owner and crew chief, has died at the age of 92. Moore, a Spartanburg, South Carolina, native who won the NASCAR premier series title in 1957 as crew chief for Buck Baker and car owner titles in 1962-63 with Joe Weatherly, had been the oldest living member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2011.[More](11-28-2017)
Bank suing Front Row Motorsports for ownership of team charter: A lawsuit filed earlier this month could play a role in determining the 2018 Daytona 500 field as a North Carolina court determines who owns the charter that Front Row Motorsports bought from BK Racing for $2 million prior to the 2017 season. Union Bank & Trust in Virginia filed a lawsuit Nov. 17 in North Carolina Superior Court, asking for the court to declare it has rights to what was originally BK Racing’s No. 83 car charter, alleging that BK Racing owes it $9.1 million on a loan that included its two charters as collateral.[More](11-28-2017)
Champions Week underway in Las Vegas: The racing season has ended but the celebration continues as NASCAR’s 2017 Champion’s Week celebration has finally arrived. Driver autograph sessions, an intimate evening with Dale Earnhardt Jr., the much anticipated Victory Lap and the annual Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards program are among the activities slated to take place once again in Las Vegas this week, beginning Tuesday and wrapping up Thursday evening as driver Martin Truex Jr. and the #78 Furniture Row Racing team are officially honored as 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champions.[More](11-28-2017)
Truex Jr. makes stop in Denver; Mayor proclaims Furniture Row Racing Day: Martin Truex Jr, the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion, stopped in Denver Monday for a media event at the Showroom @Furniture Row. The championship trophy and Truex’s Furniture Row Racing’s #78 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats winning Toyota from Homestead were big hits with the local media.[More](11-28-2017)
Total cautions up in 2017; debris cautions way down: Cautions were up 10 percent this past Cup season compared to 2016, while debris cautions were at their lowest total since 2001. The results come after a year where questions were raised about if stage breaks would impact the number of cautions in a race and if there would be a decline in debris cautions called this season.[More](11-28-2017)
Sadler voted NXS Most Popular Driver for a third time
Elliott Sadler’s second season as driver of JR Motorsports’ #1 Chevrolet Camaro brought him a NASCAR Xfinity Series regular-season championship title along with a runner-up finish in the NXS Playoffs. Based on that strong season performance, fans elected the Virginia native as the 2017 NASCAR Xfinity Series Most Popular Driver.[More](11-28-2017)
Vinnie Miller to drive the #01 for JD Motorsports: JD Motorsports with Gary Keller (JDM) is excited to announce that NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (NKNPSE) graduate Vinnie Miller will drive the #01 Chevrolet Camaro NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) entry full-time next season. Miller made the announcement live on SIRIUS XM NASCAR Radio on “Tradin’ Paint with Jim Noble and Chocolate Myers.”[More](11-28-2017)
News from November 27, 2017
Matt Borland named crew chief at Germain Racing: Germain Racing fields the #13 GEICO, GEICO Military and Twisted Tea Chevrolet’s for driver Ty Dillon in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The team has hired veteran crew chief Matt Borland to call the shots for Ty Dillon in the #13 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.[More](11-27-2017)
Chase Briscoe named Most Popular Driver: Rookie Chase Briscoe was named Monday as the 2017 National Motorsports Press Association’s Most Popular Driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.[More](11-27-2017)
News from November 26, 2017
Kyle Busch the early favorite to win 2018 MENCS Championship: He finished 2nd in the 2017 points, but Kyle Busch opens as the favorite to win the 2018 title at 9-2. Defending champ Martin Truex Jr. is just behind at 5-1, with Kyle Larson and Kevin Harvick.[More](11-26-2017)
News from November 25, 2017
JTG Daugherty buys charter from Furniture Row #77 team: Another key piece to 2018 that still needs to be announced is which teams will have the 36 guaranteed positions for each race. Those go to teams with NASCAR-issued charters. The Furniture Row #77 team charter has been sold to JTG Daugherty Racing for its #37 car.[More](11-25-2017)
Homestead final TV ratings: The NASCAR Cup Series finale from Homestead earned a 2.8 rating and 4.7 million viewers on NBC and NBCSN last Sunday, down 20% in ratings and 23% in viewership from last year (3.5, 6.1M), and down 36% and 39% respectively from 2015 (4.4, 7.6M).[More](11-25-2017)
News from November 24, 2017
Bell beats Larson at Turkey Night Grand Prix: Thanksgiving is the day each year when we take a little extra time to realize how fortunate we are. For those in attendance at Thursday’s “Turkey Night Grand Prix,” the realization quickly came to how thankful we are to have witnessed Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson duking it out against each other for 98 laps in USAC Midgets at Ventura Raceway.[More](11-24-2017)
Carl Long’s 2018 plans: MBM Motorsports expects David Starr to return for some Cup races next season. Mark Thompson will drive at Daytona.[More](11-24-2017)
News from November 23, 2017
Tony Stewart engaged: Tony Stewart announced his engagement to Pennelope Jimenez Thursday evening on Twitter.[More](11-23-2017)
MillerCoors unlikely to renew deal with NASCAR: MillerCoors and NASCAR have not yet been able to reach an agreement to extend Coors Light’s official beer deal with the sanctioning body that expires this year, according to sources. That makes a renewal look increasingly unlikely as the sport’s offseason begins.[More](11-23-2017)
News from November 22, 2017
NASCAR standardizing at track pit crew rosters: NASCAR announced Wednesday morning that it will standardize at-track team rosters across all three national series in 2018, providing a structure for the number of personnel working on each vehicle during the course of a race weekend. The biggest competition impact from the rules update is the the number of crew members who go over the wall for pit stops moving from six to five. At-track rosters for all three series will fall under three headings: Organizational, Road Crew and Pit Crew. Job descriptions and roster maximums for each category.[More](11-22-2017)
Ray Black Jr. joining Rick Ware Racing for full 2018 Cup season: Ray Black Jr. is making the next jump of his racing career in 2018, as he will compete full-time in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series with Rick Ware Racing. Both Rick Ware, owner of RWR and Black confirmed to Frontstretch at Homestead-Miami Speedway that the plan is to run the entire 36-race schedule and challenge for Rookie of the Year. The Florida native will pilot the #51 car.[More](11-22-2017)
Auto Club 400 Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals: Ready. Set. Shop! Auto Club Speedway is waiving all service fees on any NASCAR tickets and ticket packages between Black Friday (Nov. 24) and Cyber Monday (Nov. 27) for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 race on March 18, 2018. Tickets start as low as $42.00 which includes free parking.[More](11-22-2017)
Richmond offers Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals: Fans can start and finish their holiday shopping with Richmond Raceway’s (Richmond) Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Beginning Monday, November 20, fans will have the opportunity to purchase a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race ticket and a $25 Fanatics gift card for $55. Fans must act quickly because the deal ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, November 27.[More](11-22-2017)
News from November 21, 2017
Homestead post-race penalties: After Homestead, the Cup teams of #20-Kenseth and #2-Keselowski were penalized for lug nut violations. The XFINITY team of #16-Ryan Reed also received a lug nut penalty. [More](11-21-2017)
Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Black Friday Blowout event returns Nov. 24 with big savings at the gift shop and an opportunity for fans to drive their personal vehicles on the track with a $50 NASCAR or NHRA ticket or merchandise purchase or a $25 donation to Speedway Children’s Charities. Charlotte Motor Speedway’s annual Black Friday Blowout from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24 features discounts on men’s and women’s apparel as well as diecast cars; Fans can drive their personal cars on the track with a $50 merchandise or ticket purchase, or a $25 donation to Speedway Children’s Charities Fans can buy tickets to upcoming events by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visiting charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets/. Fans looking to experience the thrill of Charlotte Motor Speedway’s high-banked turns will get their chance on Nov. 24, when Black Friday Blowout roars into Charlotte with exciting, once-a-year opportunities for fans and spectacular savings in the speedway gift shop from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.(Charlotte Motor Speedway)[Read More Here](11-21-2017)
Daytona International Speedway Black Friday and Cyber Monday Ticket Specials Those looking to give the gift of Daytona International Speedway will find options for fans of all forms of motorsports in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday Thanksgiving holiday ticket specials. On Friday, Nov. 24 (Black Friday) and Monday, Nov. 27 (Cyber Monday), the “World Center of Racing” will offer the following $60 ticket package specials. Kids 12 and under are FREE in general admission stadium seating and UNOH Fanzone for the above Speedweeks events. There are also ticket package specials for fans of Bike Week At DAYTONA. To take advantage of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday ticket specials, call 1-800-PITSHOP between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com/deals.(Daytona International Speedway)[Read More Here](11-21-2017)
News from November 20, 2017
Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2017 Ford EcoBoost 400 For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for Sunday’s race. Began recording the times at the singing of ‘God Bless America’ before the race at 2:48 PM, and stopped at the waving of the checkered flag at 6:18 PM (all times are EDT). Did not keep records for the pre- and post-race coverage. NBC was the broadcast team for this event.(CawsnJaws.com)[Read More Here](11-20-2017)
Sunday Homestead Notebook Before the shadows crept over Turns 1 and 2 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Kevin Harvick had a car capable of challenging fellow title contenders Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski. In the early stages of Sunday’s Ford Eco-Boost 400, he often had the best car among those eligible for the championship. But as the sun set, Harvick’s #4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford tightened up in the corners. Then a piece of flying debris from David Starr’s Chevrolet shot a hole in his championship hopes.
Brad Keselowski falls short in bid for second title Quite frankly, Brad Keselowski didn’t have the car to add a second Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series title to his 2012 championship without a strategic miracle. Accordingly, on Lap 197 of 267, Keselowski and crew chief Paul Wolfe forced the issue by short-pitting after 32 laps of green-flag racing. After Keselowski brought his No. 2 Team Penske Ford to pit road, Championship 4 drivers Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick followed two laps later. Kyle Busch stayed on track, planning to bridge the final 102 laps with one pit stop. But a caution on Lap 227 for Kurt Busch’s spin in Turn 4 bunched the title contenders for a restart on Lap 234, and Keselowski finished seventh 34 laps later, as Martin Truex Jr. won the Ford Eco-Boost 400 and the championship.
Danica Patrick’s last race with Stewart-Haas ends in a crash On Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Danica Patrick announced plans to finish her racing career with runs in the 2018 Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500 in cars still to be determined. But Patrick would have preferred that her last ride in the No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford not end as early as it did. On Lap 142 of 267, a flat tire sent Patrick’s car rocketing into the Turn 2 wall, collecting the Chevrolet of Kasey Kahne in the process. Patrick steered the crippled car to the entrance to pit road, but exited the Ford after it caught fire.(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](11-20-2017)
Cody Haskins cclaims 2017 “Kulwicki Cup” Championship By the slimmest of margins, the Kulwicki Driver Development Program (KDDP) is proud to announce that Marietta, Georgia’s Cody Haskins is the program’s 2017 champion. Haskins, who won two races and finished in the top-five 13 times, edged out Lakeville, Minnesota’s Michael Ostdiek 965-952 after on-track results and community engagement points were taken into account. For Haskins, this championship is the culmination of a yearlong journey that began on a late night drive home after the 2016 KDDP banquet last December. “Cody has often said that the 2016 banquet was one of his most humbling experiences,” said Roberts. “Finishing where he did in the 2016 standings (fifth of the seven drivers) motivated him to improve for 2017. His Alan Kulwicki-like hands-on approach offered a notable parallel to the 1992 NASCAR champion and his on-track results were consistent. But what really put Cody over the top this season was his commitment to engaging with his neighbors and the fans.” While the 2017 season is over, drivers can start applying for the 2018 Kulwicki Driver Development Program today. Please visit www.kulwickiddp.com for the application and additional information. All applications are due on December 31, 2017.(Kulwicki Driver Development Program)(11-20-2017)
Roush Fenway Racing to field driver development team in XFINITY Series in 2018: Roush Fenway Racing will field a driver development team in the NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) in 2018, with Ty Majeski, Austin Cindric and Chase Briscoe, each a driver in the Ford family of NASCAR race teams, sharing the iconic No. 60 Ford Mustang. The project is intended to continue the progression and development of the three drivers and will be run by Roush Fenway with collaboration from Ford Performance and Team Penske. Roush Fenway veteran Mike Kelley, who helped guide Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to a pair of NXS championships, will serve as crew chief on the car.[More](11-20-2017)
News from November 19, 2017
Martin Truex Jr. holds off Kyle Busch for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series title At the end of a riveting, breathtaking battle that had fans in the grandstands on their feet long after the checkered flag, Martin Truex Jr. held off Kyle Busch by .681 seconds at Homestead-Miami Speedway to win Sunday’s Ford Eco-Boost 400 and his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series title. In Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s last race in the #88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Truex-one of Earnhardt’s closest friends-kept Busch behind him during a 34-lap green-flag run to the finish. “It’s just overwhelming,” a tearful Truex said in Victory Lane. “To think about all the rough days and bad days, the days that we couldn’t run 20th, to be here-I never thought this day would come, and to be here is so unbelievable.” The victory was a timely gift for Furniture Row Racing owner Barney Visser, who is back home in Denver, Colo., recovering from a heart attack and subsequent bypass surgery. It was also a gift to Truex’s long-time girlfriend Sherry Pollex, who has been battling ovarian cancer. “A lot of it was for her,” said Truex, who won for the first time at Homestead and the 15th time in his career. “A lot of it was for me. A lot of it was for this team – just, I don’t even know what to say. We just never gave up all day long. We didn’t have the best car. I don’t know how we won that thing. Never give up. Dig deep.”(NASCAR Wire Service)
AND Following a long and winding road, Martin Truex Jr. finally owns the biggest prize in motorsports. The driver of the 78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota capped off a dominant season in fitting fashion -by capturing the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship with a stirring victory in Sunday’s Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. To take the title, Truex outdueled his Championship 4 competitors 18-Kyle Busch (second), 4-Kevin Harvick (fourth) and 2-Brad Keselowski (seventh). On the strength of 16 victories, Toyota won its second-consecutive Monster Energy Series Manufacturers’ Championship.(NASCAR). Q) How much of this season was for your girlfriend Sherry Pollex? “A lot of it was for her. A lot of it was for me. A lot of it was for this team – just, I don’t even know what to say. We just never gave up all day long. We didn’t have the best car. I don’t know how we won that thing. Never give up. Dig deep. I told my guys we were going to dig dipper than we ever have today and 20 to go I thought I was done – they were all better than me on the long run all day long.(Toyota Racing).[Read More Here](11-19-2017)
NASCAR Recap From Research Martin Truex Jr.: wins race and 1st career Cup Series championship at 37 years old; 6th driver in modern era (since 1972) to win 1st Cup Series title at 37 or older (4 of previous 5 haven’t won another title). Truex Jr.: 4th driver since 1990 with 8 wins, 2,200 laps led in a season (1st since Jeff Gordon in 1996); 1st to do so and win title since Dale Earnhardt in 1990. Furniture Row Racing: 1st Cup Series championship (team debuted in 2005); 8 wins this season (6 before this season). Dale Earnhardt Jr.: finished 25th, 2 laps down in final race of final season. Won First Championship at 37 or Older – NASCAR Cup Series Modern Era (since 1972). Truex has become the third different driver to win a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship in the elimination-style format of the Playoffs; joining Kevin Harvick (2014) and Kyle Busch (2015). Truex joins Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Bobby Labonte and Brad Keselowski as only the fifth driver all-time to boast both Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series championships. Cole Pearn has won his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship with driver Martin Truex Jr.[Read More Here](11-19-2017)
#78-Martin Truex Jr. won the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway AND the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship. The win is his 8th win of 2017, 1st win at Homestead and 15th career win.
#18-Busch finished 2nd followed by #42-Larson, #4-Harvick, #24-Elliott, #22-Logano, #2-Keselowski, #20-Kenseth, #11-Hamlin(pole winner) and #31-Newman.
Pole winner, #11-Hamlin never led a lap but finished 9th.
#78-Truex Jr. won the championship by winning the race with #18-Busch 2nd, #4-Harivck 4th and #2-Keselowski 7th.
Stage 1 was won by #42-Larson, finished 3rd
Stage 2 was won by #42-Larson, finished 3rd
There were 13 lead changes among 4 drivers and 5 cautions for 26 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 131.900mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
See OFFICIAL race results & points standings on the Official Race & Points Report (pdf).
Race Fast Facts – Championship Fast Facts
– Martin Truex Jr has won his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship, becoming the 32nd different series champion.
– Truex wins in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway to claim the 2017 title.
– Truex has become the third different driver to win a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship in the elimination-style format of the Playoffs; joining Kevin Harvick (2014) and Kyle Busch (2015).
– Truex joins Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Bobby Labonte and Brad Keselowski as only the fifth driver all-time to boast both Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series championships.
– In 2017, Truex has posted eight wins, 19 top fives, 26 top 10s and three poles.
– Truex (Mayetta) is the first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion from the state of New Jersey.
Owner Champion: Barney Visser, Furniture Row Racing
– This is Furniture Row Racing’s first series owner championship in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
– Furniture Row Racing¡¦s previous best championship standings finish was fourth in 2015 with driver Martin Truex Jr.
– Furniture Row Racing is the only Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team based out of Denver, Colorado.
Crew Chief Champion: Cole Pearn
– Cole Pearn has won his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship with driver Martin Truex Jr.
– Pearn is the 39th different Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series crew chief to win a championship.
– Pearn has posted 13 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victories; all with driver Martin Truex Jr.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-19-2017)
Race Fast Facts – Homestead
Martin Truex Jr. (P) won the 19th Annual Ford EcoBoost 400, his 15th victory in 441 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his eighth victory and 26th top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and eighth top-10 finish in 13 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Kyle Busch (P) (second) posted his sixth top-10 finish in 13 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 22nd top-10 finish in 2017.
Kyle Larson (third) posted his third top-10 finish in five races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Erik Jones (21st) was the highest finishing rookie. Erik Jones is the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year.
Martin Truex Jr. (P) is the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion.
Toyota has won the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer’s championship.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-19-2017)
Race Coverage of the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series CHAMPIONSHIP race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is scheduled for Sunday, November 19, 2017.
Television (TV): NBCSN at 1:30 pm/et; Race coverage on NBC & NBCSN at 3:00pm/et
Green flag approx. 3:05pm/et
Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 90
Transcript: Brian France And Brent Dewar An Interview With: NASCAR chairman and CEO BRIAN FRANCE and NASCAR president BRENT DEWAR. Good morning, everybody. Welcome to race day here at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Championship 4 event in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. We have a special media availability today. To my right is NASCAR president Brent Dewar and NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France. Before we’re going to open it up to questions here first, I’d like to go to you, Brian, and ask you what your first thoughts here on the 2017 season, how you felt it shaped up.[see full transcript HERE](11-19-2017)
Homestead – What to Watch for Who’s Hot and Who’s Not – Homestead; Sunday at Homestead, 4 drivers, Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski, will be running for a championship. The highest finisher of the 4 will win the championship. Of the 4, all but Truex has won a championship before, but Truex has had the strongest year of the 4. These 4 have combined to win 17 of the 35 races run this season. Although the championship will go to the driver among the Championship 4 who finishes the highest at Homestead, drivers likely will need to win. In the 3 previous years with the “highest finisher wins championship” format at Homestead, the eventual champion won this race. In 2 of the 3 years, another Championship 4 driver finished 2nd. The favorite to win this year’s title is the only 1 of the Championship 4 that hasn’t won a title, Martin Truex Jr.. Truex had 7 career wins in 405 career races entering this season, but has 7 in 35 races this year. Over the last 59 races dating back to last season, Truex has won 11 of 59 races after winning 3 times in his first 381 career starts.(ESPN)[Read More Here](11-19-2017)
Ford to switch to Mustang in Cup? when? Q) DAVE, WITH THE CAMARO COMING INTO THE CUP SERIES, ARE YOU INTRODUCING THE MUSTANG?
“Great question. I mean, Jim has been waiting for this answer. We always look at what’s going on in the showroom, where we’re going with our product development cycle plan. We introduced the new Fusion a couple years ago. We will be looking at introducing a new car in the future. We have not submitted anything as of yet, but stay tuned.”(Ford Performance NASCAR Notes and Quotes)[Read More Here](11-19-2017)
Homestead the final race for the Chevrolet SS Homestead will be the last race for the successful Chevrolet SS model NASCAR Cup Series race car before the manufacturer transitions to the new Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in 2018. The Chevy SS made its debut in the 2013 Daytona 500, which was won by Johnson. Hendrick Motorsports earned the car’s first three race wins and has amassed 40 total points-paying victories and two Cup Series championships with the SS.(Team Chevy)[Read More Here](11-19-2017)
Mustang, F-150 Performance Icons Pace All-or-Nothing NASCAR Championship Races at Homestead-Miami Speedway The 2018 F-150 and Mustang – America’s best-selling truck and the world’s most popular sports car – will cap big launch years by pacing NASCAR’s championship-deciding races for America’s most popular racing series. A Race Red 2018 Mustang GT will lead the 40-car field to the green flag for the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Ford Championship Weekend on Nov. 19. The new 2018 F-150 and JDRF F-150 Raptor will pace the Ford EcoBoost-sponsored Camping World Truck Series and XFINITY Series finales on Nov. 17 and 18, respectively. Three Ford drivers qualified for the three finales in the 16th consecutive year Ford Championship Weekend has served as the final event for NASCAR’s top three touring series. This marks the 16th consecutive season in which Ford Championship Weekend has served as the final event for NASCAR’s three major touring series.(Ford Performance)[Read More Here](11-19-2017)
NASCAR debuts Live VR, 360 video for Homestead For the first time, NASCAR fans on smartphones and tablets will have access to live, 360-degree views of pre-race events at Homestead-Miami Speedway before Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship finale. Leading up to the Ford EcoBoost 400 on Nov. 19, fans will be able to “teleport” themselves into the driver’s meeting and throughout the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series garage via NASCAR.com and the NASCAR Mobile app, regardless of their location.(NASCAR.com)[Read More Here](11-19-2017)
Saturday Homestead Notebook Martin Truex Jr. overcomes brush with wall to lead Happy Hour; NASCAR manufacturers enjoy friendly rivalry; NASCAR, Goodyear announce multiyear renewal of partnership.
In opening Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Championship 4 driver Martin Truex Jr. brushed the outside wall hard enough to scraped the paint off the right rear of his #78 Furniture Row Racing Toyota. Truex’s team took great care in repairing that area of the car, which is extremely sensitive from aerodynamic standpoint. Clearly, it was a job well done.
NASCAR manufacturers enjoy friendly rivalry Off the race track and outside the showroom, NASCAR’s three manufacturers-Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota-enjoy a friendly rivalry, though the car makers aren’t averse to a few well-place digs at each other. Toyota North America group vice president of marketing Ed Laukes, for example, was quick to remind Chevrolet U.S. vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports Jim Campbell that Chevy didn’t have a driver in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4. Ford and Toyota are set to decide the title between them in Sunday’s Ford Eco-Boost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Chevrolet, on the other hand has all four title contenders in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.
NASCAR, Goodyear announce multiyear renewal of partnershipNASCAR and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber company first became partners in racing in 1954, and neither entity saw any reason to change that relationship. On Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, NASCAR and Goodyear announced a multiyear extension to the partnership that will keep Goodyear as the exclusive tire supplier for all three of the sanctioning body’s top national touring series-Monster Energy NASCAR Cup, XFINITY and Camping World Truck.
Short Strokes In a move that should delight drivers and crew chiefs alike, NASCAR on Saturday informed Monster Energy NASCAR Cup teams they could purchase one additional set of new tires for use in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Teams will now have 10 sets of new tires in addition to their qualifying tires, which drivers must use to start the Ford Eco-Boost 400. Last season teams had 13 sets of tires available. Championship 4 driver Kevin Harvick sat out the first 15 minutes of final practice because of two inspection failures last weekend at Phoenix. When he did hit the track, Harvick was 18th fastest in single-lap speed at 166.795 mph, slowest among the four title contenders.(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](11-19-2017)
News from November 18, 2017
Teams allowed to purchase extra set of tires for Homestead NASCAR sent a memo to Cup teams Saturday morning that they can purchase an extra set of tires for Sunday’s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Cup teams now will be allowed 10 sets for the race plus the set they start on. Last year, teams were allowed 12 sets plus the set they started on.(NBC Sports)[Read More Here](11-18-2017)
Childress looking at options with #27 With the 2017 NASCAR season coming to a close there is a lot of speculation about what Richard Childress will do with the open seat and charter for the #27 car.
During Monster Energy Cup Series practice at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday, Childress told Kickin’ the Tires he wasn’t exactly sure what his plans were for his third team, which is being vacated by Paul Menard. “We haven’t finalized it yet,” Childress said. “We’re still talking about two or three things and haven’t finalized it.” Asked if the hold-up was a driver or sponsor and Childress said, “it depends on what comes first.”(Kickin’ the Tires)[Read More Here](11-18-2017)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#78-Truex Jr. 171.195
#14-Bowyer 169.790
#11-Hamlin 169.774
#77-Jones 169.721
#21-Blaney 169.550
best 10 consecutive lap ave: #18-Busch 164.681 (31 drivers)
Championship 4 Drivers practice rank
#2-Keselowski 11th
#4-Harvick 18th
#18-Busch 6th
#78-Truex Jr. 1st
slowest: #51-Black II 152.499 & #66-Starr 153.061
notes: #4-Harvick had to serve a 15 min penalty for failing inspection last week at Phoenix;
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (11-18-2017)
First Saturday practice for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#11-Hamlin 171.130
#88-Earnhardt Jr. 170.681
#78-Truex Jr. 170.020
#41-Busch 169.545
#5-Kahne 168.972
Championship 4 Drivers practice rank
#2-Keselowski 10th
#4-Harvick 17th
#18-Busch 16th
#78-Truex Jr. 3rd
slowest: #83-Gase 156.895 & #51-Black II 157.214
no speed: #66-Starr
best 10 consecutive lap ave: #11-Hamlin 165.574 (24 drivers)
notes: early in practice, #24-Elliott smacked the wall with the right ride of the car, team made repairs.
Late in practice, Championship 4 driver, #78-Truex Jr. scraped the wall and the team had to make some repairs to the right rear of the car.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Practice 2 speeds page (pdf) (11-18-2017)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, two pit stalls (22,43) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
One pit stall (42), Monster Energy Pit Box, has been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
There is one vacant pit box (9) due to 39 cars entered and is in play and do count towards driving through more than three pit boxes
Pole winner #11-Hamlin chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #78-Truex Jr. took pit stall 4, with an opening in front of it.
#18-Busch, who starts 3rd, took the 10th stall, with an opening in front of it.
The final pit stall was taken by #20-Kenseth, 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.(11-18-2017)
Denny Hamlin steals Homestead pole from Martin Truex Jr. With a dramatic run late in Friday’s knockout qualifying session at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Denny Hamlin knocked Championship 4 contender Martin Truex Jr. off the pole for Sunday’s Ford Eco-Boost 400. Hamlin covered the 1.5-mile distance in 31.038 seconds (173.980 mph) in the final round, edging Truex (173.952 mph) by .005 seconds for the top starting spot in the race that will decide the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship. Truex, in turn, was .004 seconds faster than title contender Kyle Busch (173.930 mph). Championship 4 drivers Brad Keselowski (172.452 mph) and Kevin Harvick (171.876 mph) qualified fifth and ninth, respectively, with Harvick sawing on his wheel in Turn 1 on his money lap to save a car that was unexpectedly loose. The Coors Light Pole Award was Hamlin’s second of the season, his second at Homestead and the 26th of his career. And he won it despite brushing the wall out of Turn 4 on his final lap.(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](11-18-2017)
Ganassi, Team Danica discuss possibilities for 2018 partnershipTeam owner Chip Ganassi spoke personally with Danica Patrick and her representatives Thursday and Friday about the possibility of fielding cars for her in either the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, or both, but said he doesn’t yet have enough information to determine if participating in her farewell jaunt is feasible. Patrick has expressed confidence in being able to bring sponsorship to field both ventures. Ganassi said “I would think it would be better to do it with one team.” The team owner said he has not had time to consider when he’d need a commitment and firm details from Patrick’s camp.(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](11-18-2017
Goodyear and NASCAR extend exclusive agreement Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and NASCAR have agreed to a new long-term extension. That relationship will continue for at least the next five years as part of a new deal which will be formally announced Saturday morning at Homestead-Miami Speedway, sources said.(Motorsport)(11-18-2017)
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 11-18-2017 NASCAR and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today announced a renewed sponsorship agreement that ensures Goodyear is the exclusive tire of NASCAR’s top three national series. The newly signed agreement continues Goodyear’s designation as the “Official Tire of NASCAR” and extends an uninterrupted relationship that started in 1954. Goodyear and NASCAR’s six decades of partnership is one of the longest-running sponsor programs in any sport. In addition, Goodyear has been the exclusive tire supplier for the sanctioning body’s top three series since 1997.(NASCAR / Goodyear)[Read More Here](11-18-2017)
William Byron wins emotional battle for XFINITY title, as Cole Custer dominates: As Cole Custer celebrated his first victory in the NASCAR XFINITY Series and 19-year-old William Byron reveled in the series championship, a heartbroken and angry Elliott Sadler confronted the driver he believed cost him a long-coveted NASCAR title.[More](11-18-2017)
‘Devastated’ Sadler angered, saddened by lost championship: Elliott Sadler’s despair and frustration in finishing second for the fourth time in the last seven NASCAR XFINITY Series seasons was evident on Saturday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway.[More](11-18-2017)
Cole Custer wins Homestead XFINITY race; William Byron clinches Championship: #00-Cole Custer won the Ford EcoBoost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway for his first career win. He dominated the entire race, leading 182 laps and winning by more than 15 seconds. #22-Sam Hornish, Jr finished second.
#9-William Byron finishes 3rd to clinch the 2017 NASCAR XFINITY Series championship. He was followed by #42-Tyler Reddick, #18-Ryan Preece, #48-Brennan Poole, #19-Matt Tifft, #1-Elliott Sadler, #5-Michael Annett, and #60-Ty Majeski.
#1-Sadler was in position to clinch the championship late in the race, but with 8 laps remaining he made contact with #18-Ryan Preece and got into the wall. Byron passed him and never looked back. #7-Justin Allgaier finishes 12th. #21-Daniel Hemric had to pit on lap 62 with an electrical issue. He lost 12 laps and finished 34th.
There were 3 cautions for 14 laps and 5 lead changes among 2 leaders.
The average speed was 136.140mph.
Complete results are on the Homestead race results page (pdf).
XFINITY Driver standings following Homestead:
1) #9-William Byron, 4034
2) #1-Elliott Sadler, 4029, -5
3) #7-Justin Allgaier, 4025, -9
4) #21-Daniel Hemric, 4003, -31
5) #00-Cole Custer, 2288, -1746
6) #48-Brennan Poole, 2223, -1811
7) #19-Matt Tifft, 2211, -1823
8) #16-Ryan Reed, 2161, -1873
9) #5-Michael Annett, 2155, -1879
10) #62-Brendan Gaughan, 2153, -1881
11) #11-Blake Koch, 2138, -1896
12) #51-Jeremy Clements, 2107, -1927
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(11-18-2017)
William Byron Wins 2017 NASCAR XFINITY Series Championship:William Byron’s meteoric NASCAR rise continued Saturday, as the 19-year-old added two more superlatives to an already lengthy list – 2017 NASCAR XFINITY Series Champion and 2017 NASCAR XFINITY Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year. Byron is only the second driver to win the XFINITY Series championship in his rookie season (Chase Elliott, 2014).[More](11-18-2017)
JR Motorsports 2017 Championship Notes Package: William ByronCharlotte, N.C., native William Byron, rookie driver of the No. 9 Liberty University/Axalta Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, clinched the 2017 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship after scoring a third-place finish in the Ford EcoBoost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. This marks Byron’s first national touring series championship and the second in four years for JR Motorsports, the company owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Additionally, it gives Byron the distinction of being the second-youngest series champion. Byron had to hold off fellow Championship 4 contenders Justin Allgaier, Daniel Hemric and Elliott Sadler in the final race to earn the title.[More](11-18-2017)
Tyler Reddick on XFINITY pole at Homestead: #42-Tyler Reddick won the Coors Light pole for the Ford EcoBoost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway with a speed of 165.624mph. #00-Cole Custer will start second. The rest of the top 10: #20-Christopher Bell, #21-Daniel Hemric, #18-Ryan Preece, #9-William Byron, #48-Brennan Poole, #22-Sam Hornish, Jr., #60-Ty Majeski, and #19-Matt Tifft.
Starting positions of the four Championship drivers: #21-Daniel Hemric 4th, #9-William Byron 6th, #1-Elliott Sadler 14th, #7-Justin Allgaier 16th.
Did Not Qualify: #46-Quinn Houff, #55-Matt Mills, #89-Morgan Shepherd.
The starting lineup is posted on the Homestead starting lineup page (pdf).(11-18-2017)
Homestead XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Tyler Reddick won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 23rd Annual Ford EcoBoost 300 with a lap of 32.604 seconds, 165.624 mph.
This is his second pole in 18 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his second pole and ninth top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole in his first start at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Cole Custer (second) posted his 24th top-10 start of 2017 and his first in two races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Christopher Bell(i) (third) posted his first top-10 start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his seventh in eight races this season.
Cole Custer (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-18-2017)
Richard Childress Racing cutting back to three XFINITY teams in 2018: At Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday, team owner Richard Childress told Frontstretch the organization is cutting 40 percent of its XFINITY program. “There will be three teams,” Childress said of the team’s 2018 plans. “I’m not doing more than three teams, I promise you. I learned a pretty big lesson by doing five this year.” Childress admits that he and Gaughan are working on a potential partial schedule for 2018, but nothing is finalized. Those races would likely be run in the #3.[More](11-18-2017)
News from November 17, 2017
Friday Homestead Notebook Respect for Joe Gibbs pushed Tony Stewart to team ownership; Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s legacy involves more than just driving; Short Strokes. In what remains one of the most surprising decisions in NASCAR racing in the 21st century, Stewart announced in July 2008 that he was leaving JGR to partner with Gene Haas, whose Haas CNC Racing team had been an also-ran since its inception. We all know the rest of the story. The partnership that formed Stewart-Haas Racing transformed the team into a perennial title contender. Stewart won the Monster Energy Cup Series championship in 2011, winning five times during the Playoff and beating Carl Edwards on a tiebreaker.
When the checkered flag waves on Sunday evening at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career in then #88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet will be over.
And though Earnhardt says he will run two or three NASCAR XFINITY Series races for his JR Motorsports team next season, his appearances behind the wheel will be few and far between.
Short Tracks Early in Friday’s opening Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice, Dale Earnhardt Jr. informed his crew via radio that something had broken in the engine of his #88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. The issue necessitated an engine change, and Earnhardt will start his final race in the No. 88 from the rear of the field under NASCAR’s one-engine rule.(NASCAR Wire Service)[Read More Here](11-17-2017)
#11-Denny Hamlin won the Coors Light pole for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway with speed of 173.920mph for his 2nd pole of 2017, 2nd at Homestead and 26th of his career.
Hamlin has won 4 times from the 25 previous poles.
#78-Truex Jr. will start 2nd followed by #18-Busch, #20-Kenseth, #2-Keselowski, #17-Stenhouse Jr., #42-Larson, #41-Busch, #4-Harvick, #19-Suarez, #21-Blaney and #6-Bayne.
#78-Truex Jr. was fastest in the second round with a speed of 174.820mph, will start 2nd.
#78-Truex Jr. was quickest in the first round with a speed of 175.650mph, will start 2nd.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 39 were entered for 40 spots
Championship 4 Drivers starting spots
#2-Keselowski 5th
#4-Harvick 9th
#18-Busch 3rd
#78-Truex Jr. 2nd
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(11-17-2017)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#78-Truex Jr.(P) 174.820
#18-Busch(P) 174.656
#11-Hamlin 174.481
#20-Kenseth 174.351
#4-Harvick(P) 174.267
the rest of the top 12: 17 42 41 21 19 6 2
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 1 77 27 14 3 24 22 43 31 48 95 88
(11-17-2017)
First Round of Qualifying for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is over, after 20 scheduled minutes.
#78-Truex Jr.(P) 175.650
#18-Busch(P) 174.735
#11-Hamlin 174.582
#4-Harvick(P) 173.617
#17-Stenhouse Jr. 173.606
the rest of the top 24: 41 42 14 2 24 95 77 19 21 88 27 3 48 22 20 1 43 31 6
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 10 47 5 34 37 38 32 13 72 23 83 33 15 66 51
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 39 entered
(11-17-2017)
Coverage of Qualifying for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is scheduled for Friday, November 17, 2017 at 6:15pm/et.
Television (TV): NBCSN, 6:00pm/et
Radio: Live online at Motor Racing Network (MRN)
Group qualifying under the three-round qualifying format:
• Round 1 — All entries will have 20 minutes to post a qualifying time, after which the 24 registering the fastest laps will advance to the second round. Those failing to advance will be sorted based on first-round times in descending order (from fastest to slowest).
• Round 2 — The 24 fastest from the first round will have 10 minutes to post a second-round qualifying time, with the 12 fastest advancing to a third round. Those not advancing will earn starting positions 13 through 24 based on time, again in descending order.
• Round 3 — The final round will be five minutes in length. The fastest times from this session will determine the first (Coors Light Pole Award) through 12th starting positions.
There will be a seven-minute break between each round; teams may make adjustments to their entries only during the individual breaks. They will not be allowed to jack the vehicle or raise the hood, and once the car or truck enters the garage, it will no longer be permitted to return to the track for additional qualifying attempts.
Qualifying Order for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is posted.
The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #95-McDowell.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #15-Sorenson.
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).(11-17-2017)
Friday practice for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is over, after 85 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#18-Busch(P) 172.695
#78-Truex Jr.(P) 172.529
#4-Harvick(P) 171.865
#42-Larson 171.865
#11-Hamlin 170.854
most laps run: #24-Elliott 34
best 10 consecutive lap ave: #42-Larson 165.012 (7 drivers)
slowest: #51-Black 155.952 & #66-Starr 157.467
Four Championship Drivers practice rank:
#2-Keselowski 21st
#4-Harvick 3rd
#18-Busch 1st
#78-Truex Jr 2nd
notes: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will have to start at the rear of the race due to an engine change during practice Friday at Homestead when a pistion head got burned
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Friday Practice speeds (pdf) (11-17-2017)
Danica announces 2017 will be final season as full-time driver, but….; TV in future? Following Sunday’s race in Homestead, Danica plans to step away from full-time competition. While Danica may not be competing on a weekly basis next year, we are thrilled to share with you that she will be doing the “Danica Double” and will be a part of the 60th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in February and the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May.(Danica Patrick Racing)
AND Danica Patrick is in talks with NBC Sports to potentially join the network in the coming months, although her driving career might not quite be finished, two people with knowledge of her future plans told USA TODAY Sports on Friday.(USA Today)[Read More Here](11-17-2017)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Homestead Press Conference…the transcriptDale Earnhardt, Jr., #88 Axalta Chevrolet SS, met with members of the media at Homestead-Miami Speedway and discussed competing in his final race as a full-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver, his emotions going into his final race, the group of people he will have around him and many other topics (Team Chevy). See the full transcript HERE.
Blaney’s last race in the famed #21 Wood Brothers Ford The Ryan Blaney chapter in Wood Brothers history comes to a close this weekend with the running of the season-ending Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Beginning next season, Blaney and crew chief Jeremy Bullins will return to Team Penske, and the iconic #21 Fusion will be driven by Paul Menard, with Greg Erwin serving as crew chief. The three “Blaney Years” have seen a resurgence in performance for NASCAR’s oldest continuously operating race team. Their 2017 season has been a break-out year with a win at Pocono Raceway, poles and Kansas Speedway and Phoenix Raceway, four Stage wins and a nine-week run in the Monster Energy Cup playoffs. All told, Blaney and the #21 Motocraft/Quick Lane team, taking advantage of their technical alliance with Team Penske, have run 87 races together, with eight top-five and 25 top-10 finishes, 49 lead-lap finishes and 317 laps led.(Wood Brothers Racing)[Read More Here](11-17-2017)
Rev Group to sponsor Blaney on the #12 in 2018 Team Penske announced an enhanced partnership agreement for 2018 with REV Group, a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicle brands serving the commercial, fire and emergency and recreational markets. REV, a Team Penske partner in the NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) and the Verizon IndyCar Series since 2016, will showcase its brands as the company steps up to become a sponsor for the team in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) in 2018. REV will be the primary sponsor of the #12 Ford Fusion and driver Ryan Blaney for two races next season, including the spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway and the fall race at Talladega Superspeedway. REV will also be featured as an associate sponsor on the #12 Ford Fusion for the rest of the team’s 2018 MENCS races.(Team Penske)[Read More Here](11-17-2017)
Gase Returns to BK Racing with Eternal Fan On Board at HomesteadJoey Gase returns to BK Racing for the final race in the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, to pilot the #83 Toyota Camry. Eternal Fan will be the primary sponsor on board, alongside Premier Millwright, as an associate sponsor. Eternal Fan is a new alternative for fans to celebrate in the passion that they have for their positive shared memories. Homestead-Miami Speedway marks their fourth race as a primary sponsor with Gase in 2017.(BK Racing)[Read More Here](11-17-2017)
Toyota close to clinching MENCS Manufacturers ChampionshipToyota is within reach of two manufacturer titles going into the NASCAR season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where four Toyota drivers are also set to compete for their respective championships. Toyota currently leads the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) manufacturer’s championship standings by 31 points and the highest-finishing 2018 Toyota Camry would need to finish 28th or better in Sunday’s race to earn its second-consecutive OEM title. Toyota holds a 36-point advantage in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) manufacturer point standings, and will clinch its 10th title in 14 seasons when the first Tundra takes the green flag in Friday’s race just south of Miami (Toyota Racing), see the lastest Standings and stats on the 2017 NASCAR Manufacrturer Points Page.[Read More Here](11-17-2017)
Tyler Reddick fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #42-Tyle Reddick was fastest during opening practice at Homestead with a speed of 165.598mph.
The rest of the top 10: #2-Ben Kennedy, #00-Cole Custer, #20-Christopher Bell, #9-William Byron, #22-Sam Hornish, Jr., #18-Ryan Preece, #48-Brennan Poole, #4-Ross Chastain, and #11-Blake Koch.
The 4 Championship drivers were: #9-William Byron 5th, #1-Elliott Sadler 15th, #7-Justin Allgaier 17th, #21-Daniel Hemric 21st.
42 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Homestead practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(11-17-2017)
JGL Racing to make switch to Ford; Kaz Grala joins team for full 2018 season: JGL Racing officials announced today that the team will make a manufacturer switch as they join the Ford Performance family for the 2018 NASCAR season. JGL currently fields the #24 and #28 entries in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. JGL Racing is also proud to announce that Kaz Grala has signed a multi-year agreement that will see the 18-year-old driver pilot the team’s #24 Ford.[More](11-17-2017)
Christopher Bell Wins 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship; Briscoe Takes Sunoco Rookie of the Year; Toyota Captures Manufacturer Title: Youth has been served once more in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Christopher Bell, 22, completed an outstanding sophomore campaign by capturing the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship following Friday night’s Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Chase Briscoe captured the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year. Driving for Brad Keselowski Racing, Briscoe ended the season in stirring fashion, collecting his career-first win, at Homestead, to collect his 10th top five of the season.Toyota won its record-extended 10th Manufacturers Championship, and fifth in a row.[More](11-17-2017
Christopher Bell takes NASCAR Camping World Truck Series title; Chase Briscoe gets first win: The tandem burnouts filled the frontstretch at Homestead-Miami Speedway with a thick cloud of smoke, as Chase Briscoe celebrated his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory, and runner-up Christopher Bell exulted in his first NASCAR championship.[More](11-17-2017)
Toyota tallies 10th Truck Series manufacturer’s title: Toyota captured its 10th NASCAR Camping World Truck Series manufacturer’s championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday night, marking the manufacturer’s fifth-consecutive title and the 10th in 14 seasons competing with the Tundra in the series. Tundra drivers won 12-of-23 races in 2017 and captured the NCWTS manufacturer’s championship when Christopher Bell finished second with the top-finishing Tundra in the season finale at Homestead.[More](11-17-2017)
Briscoe wins Homestead, Bell wins title: #29-Chase Briscoe won the season finale for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, scoring his first career win in the Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead Miami Speedway on Friday night. After starting from the pole, Briscoe led 81 of the 134 laps en route to the win. #4-Christopher Bell finished second, and with that, claimed the 2017 Camping World Truck Series championship. He finished 13-seconds ahead of third place finisher, #21-Johnny Sauter. #16-Ryan Truex, #19-Austin Cindric, #88-Matt Crafton, #52-Stewart Friesen, #98-Grant Enfinger, #24-Justin Haley, and #02-Timothy Peters were the top-10.
The four championship contenders, Bell, Sauter, Cindric, and Crafton, raced within the top-10 throughout the night, until the restart for the final stage allowed Bell to drive away.
Briscoe was also named the 2017 Sonoco Rookie of the Year.
There were two caution flags for 12 laps and six lead changes among three leaders.
See results on the Homestead race results page(11-17-2017)
Homestead Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Chase Briscoe won the 22nd Annual Ford EcoBoost 200, his first victory in 24 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first victory and 14th top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in two races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Christopher Bell (P) (second) posted his second top-10 finish in four races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 21st top-10 finish in 2017.
Johnny Sauter (P) (third) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 12 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Chase Briscoe (first) was the highest finishing rookie. Briscoe wins the 2017 NCWTS Sunoco Rookie of the Year.
Christopher Bell (P) wins the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship.
Toyota wins the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Manufacturer’s championship.
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-17-2017)
Camping World Truck standings following Homestead:
1) #4-Christopher Bell, 5 wins, 4035
2) #21-Johnny Sauter, 4 wins, 4034, -1
3) #19-Austin Cindric, 1 win, 4032, -3
3) #88- Matt Crafton, 1 win, 4031, -4
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (11-17-2017)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – lap 40, winner, #4-Christopher Bell
Stage 2 – lap 80, winner, #27-Ben Rhodes
Stage 3 – lap 134, winner, #29-Chase Briscoe
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Homestead: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #63-Windom, 26th
Caution 2: #45-Bell, 16th
(11-17-2017)
Briscoe on Truck pole at Homestead: #29-Chase Briscoe won the pole for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead Miami Speedway with a speed at 167.499mph. #27-Ben Rhodes, #19-Austin Cindric, #98-Grant Enfinger, #18-Noah Gragson, #16-Ryan Truex, #24-Justin Haley, #88-Matt Crafton, #52-Stewart Friesen, and #33-Kaz Grala were the top-10.
Remaining Round of 4 playoff drivers, #21-Johnny Sauter was 11th and #4-Christopher Bell was 13th.
Failed to qualify: none
The starting lineup is posted on the Homestead starting lineup page(11-17-2017)
Homestead Qualifying Fast Facts:
Chase Briscoe won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 22nd Annual Ford EcoBoost 200 with a lap of 32.239 seconds, 167.499 mph.
This is his fourth pole in 23 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his fourth pole and 17th top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole in his first start at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Ben Rhodes (second) posted his 18th top-10 start of 2017 and his first in two races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Austin Cindric (P) (third) posted his first top-10 start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 15th in 23 races this season.
Chase Briscoe (first) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics) (11-17-2017)
Nemechek paces final Homestead Truck practice: #8-John Hunter Nemechek was fastest during final practice for Friday’s Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead Miami Speedway with a speed of 165.239mph. #98-Grant Enfinger, #33-Kaz Grala, #18-Noah Gragson, #4-Christopher Bell, #27-Ben Rhodes, #52-Stewart Friesen, #51-Myatt Snider, #19-Austin Cindric, and #24-Justin Haley were the rest of the top-10. Remaining Championship playoff drivers: #88-Matt Crafton was 13th, #21-Johnny Satuer was 14th.
28 trucks practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(11-17-2017)
Sauter fastest in opening Homestead Truck practice: #21-Johnny Sauter was fastest during the opening practice for Friday night’s Camping World Truck Series finale at Homestead Miami Speedway with a speed of 168.629mph.
#33-Kaz Grala, #4-Christopher Bell, #18-Noah Gragson, #19-Austin Cindric, #16-Ryan Truex, #52-Stewart Friesen, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #24-Justin Haley were the rest of the top-10. #88-Matt Crafton was the only championship contender not in the top-10. He was 13th.
28 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(11-17-2017)
Johnny Sauter set to return to GMS Racing in 2018: On the day he competes for his second consecutive NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship, GMS Racing officials announced that Johnny Sauter will return to the team for the 2018 season. Following a career-best season, Sauter will once again pilot the No. 21 Chevrolet Silverado. Additional information regarding 2018 will be released at a later date.[More](11-17-2017)
News from November 16, 2017
NASCAR’s Three Championship Trophies arrive at HMS aboard Goodyear Blimp A sure sign that Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway is right around the corner is when NASCAR’s three national series championship trophies officially make their way to Miami. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR XFINITY Series and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship trophies all arrived in the Magic City aboard the iconic Goodyear Blimp. Landing in Miami in style, the coveted trophies were accompanied by U.S. Air Force veteran and NASCAR super fan Pat Hubley. Based in Pompano Beach, Florida, Goodyear Blimp Wingfoot One has flown over the biggest events in sports, including NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend, the NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Finals, College Football Playoff National Championship, PGA Championship and the Daytona 500.(Homestead-Miami Speedway)[Read More Here](11-17-2017)
Last race for RCR and Menard Q) This is not only the last race of the 2017 season, but your last with Richard Childress Racing. What are your thoughts heading into Homestead? Paul Menard “I have to thank Richard Childress, everyone at RCR and all of the guys that have been on this #27 team over the years. We have had some good runs during that time and winning the 2011 Brickyard 400 is one of the highlights of my career. This year has been up-and-down, but we have had strong performances at times and hope to finish it off with another this weekend in the Richmond / Menards Chevrolet.”(Richard Childress Racing)[Read More Here](11-16-2017)
Richard Petty Motorsports Thanks Aric Almirola This weekend, Aric Almirola will make his final start for Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM). Almirola has been the full-time driver of the #43 since 2012. He made five starts for the team prior to 2012. Almirola enters the Homestead-Miami Speedway with 243 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts. Of those, 213 have been with RPM. He has the most starts for the organization that started in 2009. The highlight of the tenure is Almirola’s win in the 2014 Coke Zero 400 at the Daytona International Speedway. A storybook win, Almirola took the checkered 30 years after “The King” Richard Petty celebrated his 200th win at Daytona.(Richard Petty Motorsports)[Read More Here](11-16-2017)
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Legacy Sunday’s race at Homestead will finish Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s final full season in NASCAR (he’s left the door open for running future races). The legacy he leaves behind is one of the biggest fan favorites in series history, and one of the top drivers to never win a championship. See all kinds of stats and notes HERE (11-17-2017)
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship race notes at Homestead-Miami Speedway By The Numbers: Homestead-Miami Speedway – Number of times the winner of the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway has won the title during the Playoff Era; including the last three seasons in the elimination-style format of the Playoffs (Tony Stewart, 2011; Kevin Harvick, 2014; Kyle Busch, 2015; Jimmie Johnson, 2016). 13 – Number of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoff races Homestead-Miami Speedway has hosted (2004-2016). Recent Title-Clinching Performances: Jimmie Johnson Tracks Down Denny Hamlin For Fifth Straight Title. Under the “win and you’re in” elimination-style Playoff format, the eventual champion has won at Homestead the last three years (Kevin Harvick, 2014; Kyle Busch, 2015; Jimmie Johnson, 2016). Still, a driver out of championship contention can win the race. Dale Earnhardt Jr. will make what will likely be his final career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start in Sunday’s Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The 14-time Most Popular Driver hasn’t raced up to his standards in his final full-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, but will try to get one last win. He has struggled at Homestead throughout his career with only one top five, two top 10s and a 21.5 average finish in 16 starts at the 1.5-mile track. Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn’t the only driver likely competing in his final Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. 2003 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth may compete in his final contest at Homestead.(NASCAR)[Read More Here](11-16-2017)
JRM teammates promise hard, clean racing in NASCAR XFINITY finale: They’re not exactly the Three Musketeers. It won’t be “one for all, and all for one” when three JR Motorsports teammates-Elliott Sadler, William Byron and Justin Allgaier-take the green flag in Saturday’s Ford Eco-Boost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In fact, all three drivers, along with Richard Childress Racing’s Daniel Hemric, will be competing for the NASCAR XFINITY Series championship trophy, and there’s only one of those to go around.[More](11-16-2017)
Cindric carries memory of departed heroes with him into Championship Race: Austin Cindric was precocious from the beginning of what would become a racing career. First he had to talk his mother, Megan, and father, Tim, the president of Team Penske, into allowing him to race karts. Then he had to overcome each of the obstacles they intentionally placed before him to make sure he truly wanted it. He overcame each of them in turn. Cindric, 19, could become a precocious NASCAR champion if he betters the three other championship contenders – Johnny Sauter, Matt Crafton and Christopher Bell – in Friday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.[More](11-16-2017)
Timothy Peters to close out Truck Series season for Young’s Motorsports: Young’s Motorsports announced today that 10-time NASCAR Camping World Truck Series winner Timothy Peters will return to the team and compete in Friday night’s season finale Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway aboard the team’s flagship No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado. Longtime Peters supporters Autos by Nelson will adorn the No. 02 Chevrolet for the 23rd NCWTS race of the season.[More](11-16-2017)
News from November 15, 2017
The Weather Channel Will Race with Ragan at Homestead David Ragan will close out the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season with a familiar name on board his #38 Ford Fusion. The Weather Company, via The Weather Channel brand, in collaboration with Flagship Solutions Group, will be the primary partner of Ragan’s team for Sunday’s EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. “Through this partnership, The Weather Company and NASCAR are helping us better understand the needs and requirements for not only the operations team, but also the drivers,” said Mark Wyllie, CEO of Flagship Solutions Group. “Our relationship with David Ragan will further help to provide that insight so we can develop the correct analytical view of all weather data. It’s truly where the rubber meets the road.” The 2017 race season finale will mark the first time The Weather Channel blue and white logo will adorn a Front Row Motorsports entry.(Front Row Motorsports)[Read More Here](11-15-2017)
JGR announces Chris Gayle as Crew Chief for Erik Jones and the #20 team Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announced Chris Gayle will assume the role of crew chief for the #20 Toyota Camry team in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series with driver Erik Jones starting with the 2018 season. “I’m very excited to work with Erik again in 2018 and continue to build on our rookie season of 2017,” said Gayle. “I think the lessons we learned together this year will be invaluable to us next season. I’m also very excited to be coming back to JGR and work with all the great people and familiar faces in that organization.” Chris Gayle returns to JGR following a one-year tenure at Furniture Row Racing where he led Jones in his Rookie Season campaign.(Joe Gibbs Racing)[Read More Here](11-15-2017)
Watch Earnhardt’s final paint scheme come to life To close out his NASCAR Cup Series career, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Axalta figured there was no better way to go out than with a paint scheme that paid tribute to the way he came in. This weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the driver will pilot a red #88 Axalta Chevrolet SS with black and white stripes, paying homage to the driver’s very first paint scheme, which debuted in 1999 when he competed in his first career Cup Series race.(Hendrick Motorsports)[Read More Here](11-15-2017)
Fitzgerald Glider Kits to sponsor Blaney for a race in 2018: The partnership between Team Penske and Fitzgerald Glider Kits will continue to grow in 2018, as the team announced that Fitzgerald will become the primary sponsor on the championship-winning #22 Ford Mustang for the majority of next season’s NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) races. As part of the enhanced agreement with Fitzgerald Glider Kits, a Team Penske partner since 2016, Fitzgerald will also serve as the primary sponsor for the team’s #12 Ford Fusion driven by Ryan Blaney in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) race at Bristol in August of 2018.(Team Penske)[Read More Here](11-15-2017)
NASCAR crew chief teleconference: Adam Stevens From Wednesday’s NASCAR video teleconference, four crew chiefs going for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway discuss their chances, driver and preparation for the race, Cole Pearn is the crew chief for Martin Truex Jr. Adam, to start off, talk about your team’s success this season and how you plan to approach this race this weekend in Homestead. ADAM STEVENS: Well, 2017 for the M&M’s Camry has been an interesting one. We’ve had a lot of speed all year but haven’t had too many opportunities to really capitalize on it. We had a couple slip away from us early in the year and finally started to right the ship about mid-season and cranking off some wins. Built a little momentum here in the Chase, and really looking forward to getting to Homestead and letting it loose.(NASCAR)[See full transcript](11-15-2017)
NASCAR crew chief teleconference: Cole Pearn From Wednesday’s NASCAR video teleconference, four crew chiefs going for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway discuss their chances, driver and preparation for the race, Cole Pearn is the crew chief for Martin Truex Jr. Talk a little bit about your team’s accomplishments thus far and the opportunity this weekend to cap it off with the organization’s first-ever Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship. COLE PEARN: Yeah, we’ve had a tremendous year for sure. We kind of came in trying to do our best every week, and I think our season really shows the result of that effort. You know, ultimately the goal is to try and win as many races as you can, run as well as you can, and then hopefully have a good shot to make it to Homestead and have a chance to race for the championship. You know, that’s why we’re here, so we’re really confident in our program at this time, and just excited to get down there and go to work.(NASCAR)[See full transcript](11-15-2017)
NASCAR crew chief teleconference: Rodney Childers From Wednesday’s NASCAR video teleconference, four crew chiefs going for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway discuss their chances, driver and preparation for the race, Rodney Childers crew chief for Kevin Harvick. Q) Rodney, you’ve been in this situation before with the #4 team. Does that help your team at all, and how do you plan to approach this weekend in Miami? RODNEY CHILDERS: Yeah, I think having that experience from 2014 and 2015 was a big learning experience for us, definitely for me being the first-time racing for a championship. I think it has helped this year just being more prepared, knowing what you need to have done before you leave the shop, and just having all your ducks in a row before you get there.(NASCAR)[See full transcript](11-15-2017)
NASCAR crew chief teleconference: Paul Wolfe From Wednesday’s NASCAR video teleconference, four crew chiefs going for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway discuss their chances, driver and preparation for the race, Paul Wolfe crew chief for Brad Keselowski. Talk a little bit about how your team plans to approach this weekend. PAUL WOLFE: Well, yeah, I mean, we’ve been in this position, but it’s kind of a little different format. I mean, obviously as we won our first championship, we went to Homestead just having to really race the 48, and we had a points cushion on him. It has definitely a different feel to me and I think probably the team, as well, this time around. It’s all or nothing. Everyone is equal.(NASCAR)[See full transcript](11-15-2017)
Phoenix post-race penalties: In addition to the penalty to #7-Justin Allgaier, the XFINITY Series teams of #22-Ryan Blaney and #18-Christopher Bell were fined due to lug nut violations. There were no Cup or Truck penalties. [More](11-15-2017)
Joe Gibbs Racing announces 2018 NASCAR XFINITY Series driver and crew chief lineup: Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announces today its driver and crew chief lineup for 2018 in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. The lineup will feature Christopher Bell, Brandon Jones, Ryan Preece and an all-star lineup of current Monster Energy Cup Series drivers. Christopher Bell will pilot the No. 20 Toyota Camry with Jason Ratcliff serving as the team’s crew chief. Joining Bell fulltime next season will be Brandon Jones behind the wheel of the No. 19 Toyota Camry for JGR. Chris Gabehart will handle the crew chief duties for the team in 2018. In addition, JGR announces that Ryan Preece will return to drive a partial schedule behind the wheel of the No. 18 Toyota Camry, with Eric Phillips serving as crew chief. [More](11-15-2017)
Championship 4 News & Notes – NASCAR XFINITY Series: For the second year in a row, the NASCAR XFINITY Series title will be decided at the culmination of the NASCAR XFINITY Series Playoffs, a four-round elimination-style postseason that will name the series’ 28th different champion in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The first of the Championship 4 drivers to cross the finish line at Homestead-Miami will become the 2017 series driver champion.[More](11-15-2017)
Fitzgerald Glider Kits to become primary sponsor of Penske’s #22 team: The partnership between Team Penske and Fitzgerald Glider Kits will continue to grow in 2018, as the team announced today that Fitzgerald will become the primary sponsor on the championship-winning #22 Ford Mustang for the majority of next season’s NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS) races. Fitzgerald Glider Kits, North America’s leading truck glider kit assembler, will be the primary sponsor of Team Penske’s #22 Ford for 16 races beginning next season, including the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, the season-ending race at Homestead-Miami Speedway and both series races at Bristol Motor Speedway, the home track for the Tennessee-based company. [More](11-15-2017)
Robert Kettelle Roofing sponsoring JD Motorsports cars: Robert W. Kettelle Roofing Contractors of Florida will once again be on board the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller Chevrolet Camaros, this time for NASCAR Xfinity Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kettelle Roofing will be an associate sponsor on board the #4 of Ross Chastain and the #0 of Garrett Smithley for Saturday’s Ford EcoBoost 300.[More](11-15-2017)
Mahindra on the #99 at Homestead: Mahindra, the world’s largest tractor brand, by volume, will serve as the primary sponsor on board the #99 Chevrolet Camaro of David Starr in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18th.[More](11-15-2017)
LTi Printing 250 official name of NASCAR XFINITY Series at MIS:Michigan International Speedway and LTi Printing will continue to expand their strong partnership in 2018. The printing company is increasing its involvement in NASCAR by sponsoring the NASCAR XFINITY Series race on June 9 at MIS. In the two years since joining NASCAR, LTi Printing has seen immediate rewards on its involvement. LTi Printing sponsored Jordan Anderson during the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway in 2016. Then earlier this year it sponsored the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series LTi Printing 200.[More](11-15-2017)
News from November 14, 2017
DEWALT Supports Hurricane Recovery with Habitat for HumanityHurricane Irma caused unprecedented damage to the state of Florida, including the Keys. Tony and Rima both work for Sugarloaf School on Big Pine Key and lost their house and possessions due to the storm. Volunteers from DEWALT will work alongside this family to repair and rebuild their home. Helping to improve a decent place to live will ensure they can get back to providing education to their community (Joe Gibbs Racing), Matt Kenseth will run a #20-DeWalt / Matt Kenseth tribute car at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a throwback to the car he raced in his rookie Cup Series season [Read More Here](11-14-2017)
Phoenix TV Ratings The Championship 4-deciding Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix scored a 2.24 rating on NBC, averaging 3.6 million viewers. That’s down from a 2.41/4.0m for this race last year on the same network(Racer)[Read More](11-14-2017)
Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway News & Notes An in-depth look at the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4; Championship 4 Bios for Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr. After winning the 2015 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship in dramatic come-from-behind fashion, Kyle Busch is looking to become just the 16th driver in series history to win two or more championships. Kevin Harvick will attempt to capture his second career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series title. If Keselowski can take home the title, he’d become the 16th driver to win multiple championships in the 69-year history of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, joining Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Lee Petty, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, Tony Stewart, Herb Thomas, Tim Flock, Buck Baker, Joe Weatherly, Ned Jarret and Terry Labonte. Not only is Martin Truex Jr. racing for his first career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series title, so is Furniture Row Racing. Their Championship 4 contemporaries all have titles under their belts with their respective drivers (Team Penske with Brad Keselowski – 2012, Stewart-Haas Racing with Kevin Harvick – 2014, Joe Gibbs Racing with Kyle Busch – 2015). (NASCAR)[Read Much More Here](11-14-2017)
Goodyear Tire Notes – High Wear, High Drama on Tap at Homestead: As NASCAR crowns champions in its three national series this weekend, teams will be competing at Homestead-Miami Speedway, which has become one of the more high tire wear tracks on the circuit. High wear results in a greater amount of fall-off in lap times as a run goes on. That, in turn, brings in a driver’s ability to manage his tires and creates a climate for more comers and goers – drivers that work their tires harder early in a run vs. drivers that are easier on their tires and have more long run speed. That situation leads to more passing throughout the field and, coupled with Homestead’s layout and progressive banking, creates a great environment for competitive racing. While teams in all three NASCAR series in action at Homestead this weekend will run the same right-side tire code, teams in the Cup and Xfinity Series will run a different left-side code than those in the Truck Series.(Goodyear)[See Full Notes Here](11-14-2017)
Dollar Shave Club partners with Tifft at Homestead: Entering Homestead-Miami Speedway, Dollar Shave Club is announcing its partnership with NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Matt Tifft. The partnership will expand over two races with the first starting at Homestead-Miami Speedway and the second to be announced in 2018. The #DSC500 is an initiative that will allow for 500 small businesses across the United States to have their logo displayed on Matt’s car for free on a race in early 2018.[More](11-14-2017)
Allgaier fails post-race inspection UPDATE: Justin Allgaier likely will be without crew chief Jason Burdett for the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship race next week after NASCAR found his car had an unattached brake cooling hose following the race Saturday at Phoenix. A NASCAR spokesman said it likely will be a minimum “L1” penalty, which is 10 points (Allgaier made the playoffs by 30 points) and a one-race suspension to the crew chief along with a $10,000 fine. NASCAR will expedite any appeals.
UPDATE: JR Motorsports named veteran car chief Billy Wilburn as crew chief of the #7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture team for this Saturday’s season finale at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway as driver Justin Allgaier vies for the NASCAR Xfinity Series title. Wilburn has served as car chief with the #7 team for the past four season.[More](11-14-2017)
KSDT and Company sponsoring Smithley at Homestead: Kabat, Schertzer, De La Torre, Taraboulos and Company (KSDT), one of the largest and fastest-growing financial accounting and advisory firms in South Florida, will be a featured sponsor on all three of the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller cars for the Ford EcoBoost 300 race this weekend.[More](11-14-2017)
Jason Ratcliff to serve as crew chief for Christopher Bell: Crew chief Jason Ratcliff will oversee Christopher Bell’s run for rookie of the year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series next season sources told Motorsport.com. An official announcement of the move is expected this week.[More](11-14-2017)
Code Rum to sponsor Sieg at Homestead: RSS Racing is proud to welcome Code Rum has the primary sponsor for Ryan Sieg at Homestead Miami Speedway this weekend. Sieg will pilot the #93 car this weekend and not the typical #39 number. Stephen Leicht and Jeff Green will complete the RSS Racing driver line up in the teams #39 and #38 cars.[More](11-14-2017)
Miami Zoo Vulture Picks 2017 NASCAR Cup Champion Homestead-Miami Speedway is in championship form and all eyes are set on South Florida, as the track and the local community are ready to welcome fans from all 50 states and more than 20 countries to Ford Championship Weekend, November 17-19. In anticipation of the three-day championship tradition, Zoo Miami, in partnership with Homestead-Miami Speedway, hosted an event featuring Peanut, a white-rumped vulture who is the only one of its kind in the United States. At Zoo Miami, Peanut played the role of “Wildlife Prognosticator” and picked from numbered signs of Championship 4 contenders Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr. and Brad Keselowski. Peanut made his prediction as to who he thought would win the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship this Sunday, November 19, and ultimately selected Kyle Busch as the victor.(Homestead-Miami Speedway)[Read More Here](11-14-2017)
News from November 13, 2017
JTG to form technical alliance with Hendrick: JTG/Daugherty Racing will embark on a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports in 2018. “So we’re hoping to improve our simulation capabilities and our measurement protocols; then we’ll do our own aero development,” team owner Tad Geschickter said. JTGD will continue to use RCR-based ECR engines next season.[More](11-13-2017)
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Homestead, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Homestead page
STP to continue sponsorship of the #43: They will return as primary sponsor of Bubba Wallace for two races in 2018.[More](11-13-2017)
Entry List for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is posted, 39 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
36 teams with Charters are guaranteed to make the field. The rest need to make the field via qualifying / qualifying races / rules book (owners attempts/points).
Some of the drivers entered include: #7-Chastain*, #15-Sorenson, #23-LaJoie, #33-JEarnhardt, #51-Black*, #66-Starr*.
Since only 39 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Goodyear expects contract extension with NASCAR UPDATE: “We have not finalized the agreement yet; that’s true,” Grant said Sunday before the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway. “We’re getting very close to a contract extension. But we are testing for 2018, we’re getting ready to build tires for the Daytona 500. We’re operating like we’re going to be here in 2018.”(10-23-2017)
UPDATE: Goodyear has conducted tire tests for two NASCAR races scheduled for next season, including the playoff race at Charlotte, but it has yet to announce a contract extension for 2018. But Stu Grant, Goodyear’s general manager of worldwide racing said a new contract with NASCAR is imminent.[More](11-13-2017)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 44 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Ford Ecoboost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
See the complete list on the Homestead entry list page.(11-13-2017)
Allgaier fails post-race inspection UPDATE: Justin Allgaier likely will be without crew chief Jason Burdett for the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship race next week after NASCAR found his car had an unattached brake cooling hose following the race Saturday at Phoenix. A NASCAR spokesman said it likely will be a minimum “L1” penalty, which is 10 points (Allgaier made the playoffs by 30 points) and a one-race suspension to the crew chief along with a $10,000 fine. NASCAR will expedite any appeals.[More]
AND: #18-Bell and #22-Blaney each had one lug nut loose. That will be a fine.(11-12-2017)
UPDATE: #7-Crew chief (Jason Burdett) has been fined $10,000 and suspended from the next NASCAR XFINITY Series Championship Points Event. Team assessed with the loss of 10 driver points and 10 owner points.(NASCAR)(11-13-2017)
Truck Series entry list:There are 32 trucks entered for Friday night’s season finale, the Ford EcoBoost 200, at Homestead Miami Speedway.
See the complete list on the Homestead entry list page (pdf). (11-13-2017)
Homestead race winner will be awarded a Contender boat: The uniquely South Florida prize has been awarded to the race winner of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway since 2013.[More](11-13-2017)
News from November 12, 2017
Phoenix Race and 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](11-12-2017)
Sunday Phoenix Notebook: Payback from Martinsville knocks Denny Hamlin out of title race; Jimmie Johnson’s title hopes explode with blown tire at Phoenix; Matt Kenseth’s win sends Brad Keselowski into Championship 4.[More](11-12-2017)
Denny Hamlin Phoenix quotes: Hamlin finished 35th after contact with Chase Elliott and the outside wall caused a tire to go down.[More](11-12-2017)
Matt Kenseth shuffles Championship 4 field with dramatic Phoenix win: The middle-aged man without a ride for 2018 drove a dagger through the heart of the youngster expected to shine in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for years to come.[More](11-12-2017)
Matt Kenseth won the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway for his 1st win of 2017, 2nd win at Phoenix and 39th career win.
#24-Elliott finished 2nd followed by #78-Truex, Jr. #77-Jones, #4-Harvick, #1-McMurray, #18-Busch, #17-Stenhouse, Jr., #42-Almriola, and #88-Earnhardt, Jr.
#24-Elliott took the lead with 28 laps left in the race and looked like he could hold on to win and clinch a spot in the Championship race, but the tires went away and he was passed by Kenseth with 9 laps left.
The four drivers that will compete for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship next week at Homestead are #78-Martin Truex, Jr., #18-Kyle Busch, #4-Kevin Harvick, and #2-Keselowski.
#11-Hamlin, #21-Blaney, #24-Elliott, and #24-Johnson were eliminated from the playoffs.
Their points have been reset to 5000 each. They will not receive stage points at Homestead. The highest finishing driver will clinch the championship.
#48-Johnson cut at tire at the end of stage 2 and hit the wall. He finished 39th.
With 37 laps to go, #11-Hamlin had a tire go down following contact with #24-Elliott. He finished 35th. Hamlin had finished 2nd in the first stage, won the second stage and had gotten into position to make the Championship race before the accident.
Stage 1 was won by #42-Larson, but he lost an engine during stage 2 and finished 40th.
Stage 2 was won by #11-Hamlin, finished 35th.
There were 9 lead changes among 5 drivers and 7 cautions for 41 yellow flag laps. There was a short red flag for track cleanup with 58 laps remaining after a broken brake rotor off #37-Buescher’s car flew into the SAFER barrier and caught it on fire.
The average speed of the race was: 105.534mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
2017 MENCS Playoff Drivers Finish Positions at Phoenix
[by standings before Phoenix (started)]
#78-Martin Truex Jr., (5) 3rd
#18-Kyle Busch, (8) 7th
#4-Kevin Harvick, (6) 5th
#2-Brad Keselowski, (16) 16th
#11-Denny Hamlin, (2) 35th
#21-Ryan Blaney, (1) 17th
#24-Chase Elliott, (4) 2nd
#48-Jimmie Johnson, (12) 39th
MENCS at Phoenix
– Matt Kenseth: 1st win of season (snaps 51-race winless streak); does not have a ride lined up for next season
– Kenseth: was eliminated from playoffs in Round of 12th after being disqualified from race for having too many men over wall
– Kenseth: 39th career win ties Hall-of-Famer Tim Flock for 19th all-time
– Kenseth: 2nd career win at Phoenix, other was in November 2002; Sunday’s runner-up Chase Elliott’s father Bill was in field
– Chase Elliott: finished 2nd; needed to win to make Championship 4
– Elliott: 7th career runner-up finish (0 wins); only 5 drivers have had at least that many before 1st win (including his father, Bill, who had 8)
– Brad Keselowski: finished 16th and earns final spot in Championship 4
– Denny Hamlin: finished 35th; entered final stage of race tied with Brad Keselowski for final playoff spot; led 193 laps
– Hamlin: other time he led more than 100 laps at Phoenix was 2010; led 190 and finished 12th after fuel miscalculation by crew chief, Jimmie Johnson closed the deficit and passed him next race in season finale to win his 5th straight championship
– Ryan Blaney: finished 17th; was 5th driver who came in with shot at final spot in Championship 4
(ESPN Stats & Info)
Race Fast Facts – Phnoenix
Matt Kenseth won the 30th Annual Can-Am 500, his 39th victory in 650 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his first victory and 17th top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his second victory and 12th top-10 finish in 31 races at Phoenix Raceway.
Chase Elliott (P) (second) posted his third top-10 finish in five races at Phoenix Raceway. It is his 20th top-10 finish in 2017.
Martin Truex Jr. (P) (third) posted his eighth top-10 finish in 25 races at Phoenix Raceway.
Erik Jones (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Martin Truex Jr. (P), Kyle Busch (P), Kevin Harvick (P) and Brad Keselowski (P) advance to the Championship 4 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-12-2017)
2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Leaderboard:
[after Phoenix, race 35 of 36 for the season, 9 of 10 in Playoffs]
1) #4-Kevin Harvick, (A) 5000
2) #18-Kyle Busch, (A) 5000
3) #78-Martin Truex Jr., 5000
4) #2-Brad Keselowski, 5000
These drivers did not advance to the Championship Round
5) #11-Denny Hamlin, 4113
6) #21-Ryan Blaney, 4109
7) #24-Chase Elliott, 4107
8) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 4062
(A) automatically advanced to Championship Race with a win in the Round of 8
See full standings on the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and
Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Jimmie Johnson Phoenix accident quotes: Johnson fell out of the Can-Am 500(k) at Phoenix Raceway after a blown right front tire on lap 149.[More](11-12-2017)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 150) of the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway (lap 150/312):
#11-Hamlin, 10pts
#20-Kenseth, 9pts
#77-Jones, 8pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 7pts
#18-Busch, 6pts
#4-Harvick, 5pts
#1-McMurray, 4pts
#31-Newman, 3pts
#24-Elliott, 2pts
#14-Bowyer, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 75) of the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway (lap 75/312):
#42-Larson, 10pts
#11-Hamlin, 9pts
#24-Elliott, 8pts
#4-Harvick, 7pts
#20-Kenseth, 6pts
#18-Busch, 5pts
#77-Jones, 4pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 3pts
#31-Newman, 2 pts
#48-Johnson, 1pt
Phoenix Sunday Pre-Race Schedule:
1:50pm: Driver Introductions
2:22pm: Presentation of Colors by Luke Air Force Base
2:22pm: Invocation by Phoenix Raceway Chaplain Ken Bowers
2:23pm: National Anthem by Dr. Jesse McGuire
2:24pm: Flyover by F-35 fighter jets from Luke Air Force Base 61st Fighter Squadron
2:29pm: “Drivers, Start Your Engines” by actor Jamie Camil, star of CW’s “Jane the Virgin” and upcoming Disney/Pixar film “Coco”
2:37pm: Green flag for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Can-Am 500, NBC / MRN / SiriusXM
Allgaier fails post-race inspection: Justin Allgaier likely will be without crew chief Jason Burdett for the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship race next week after NASCAR found his car had an unattached brake cooling hose following the race Saturday at Phoenix. A NASCAR spokesman said it likely will be a minimum “L1” penalty, which is 10 points (Allgaier made the playoffs by 30 points) and a one-race suspension to the crew chief along with a $10,000 fine. NASCAR will expedite any appeals.[More]
AND: #18-Bell and #22-Blaney each had one lug nut loose. That will be a fine.(11-12-2017)
News from November 11, 2017
Still no deal for Kurt Busch: With just eight days remaining in the 2017 Monster Energy Series NASCAR Cup Season, Kurt Busch still does not have a signed deal to drive in 2018. That is despite Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) announcing other major news, including Aric Almirola for the #10 and an Xfinity Series alliance with Biagi-DenBeste Racing. So, what about the reigning Daytona 500 winner and the 2004 Cup Series champion?[More](1-11-2017)
Saturday Phoenix Notebook: Brad Keselowski isn’t comfortable trying to protect points advantage; Chase Elliott’s approach to Phoenix is simple-win or bust; Short Strokes.[More](11-11-2017)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#4-Harvick 134.973
#18-Busch 134.333
#5-Kahne 134.328
#78-Truex, Jr., 134.313
#14-Bowyer 134.263
slowest: #00-Cope 127.533 & #51-Weatherman 126.613
All 8 playoff drivers were in the top 10: #48-Johnson 6th, #20-Kenseth 7th, #11-Hamlin 8th, #2-Keselowski 9th, #21-Blaney 10th.
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 33 drivers): #48-Johnson 133.549
notes: no accidents or incidents.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (11-11-2017)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, three pit stalls (1,11,15) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
Pole sitter #21-Blaney chose pit stall 2, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #11-Hamlin took pit stall 16, with an opening in front of it.
#42-Larson, who starts 3rd, took the 12th stall, also with an opening in front.
The final pit stall was taken by #24-Elliott, 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.(11-11-2017)
First Saturday practice for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#4-Harvick 134.328
#24-Elliott 134.163
#5-Kahne 134.083
#78-Truex, Jr., 134.058
#11-Hamlin, 133.934
slowest: #00-Cope 125.975 & #51-Weatherman 123.563
Playoff drivers not in the top 5: #18-Busch 6th, #48-Johnson 14th, #21-Blaney 20th, #2-Keselowski 21st.
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 22 drivers): #77-Jones 133.060
notes: #17-Stenhouse, Jr spun off turn 2 early in practice but did not hit anything. Daniel Hemric took a few laps in the #13. Ty Dillon is on baby watch and Hemric would fill in tomorrow if needed.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Practice 2 speeds page (pdf) (11-11-2017)
Texas TV Ratings UPDATE: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing at Texas earned a 1.55 overnight rating on NBCSN, up from 2016.(11-6-2017)
UPDATE: The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs from Texas delivered a 1.6 rating and 2.7 million viewers on NBCSN last Sunday, down 41% in ratings and viewership from 2015, when coverage aired on the NBC broadcast network.[More](11-11-2017)
William Byron leads JR Motorsports parade into NASCAR XFINITY title race: With a pickup pit crew, at the track that cost him a shot at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series title last year, William Byron won Saturday’s Ticket Galaxy 200 to advance to the Championship 4 race in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. Behind him, JR Motorsports teammates Justin Allgaier and Elliott Sadler also qualified for the title race with finishes of 10th and 18th respectively. The JRM trio will join Daniel Hemric in an all-Chevrolet finale, after Hemric ran fifth and held off a valiant bid from Cole Custer after a restart with 13 laps left.[More](11-11-2017)
Chevrolet Clinches 18th Bill France Performance Cup: With William Byron’s victory at Phoenix International Raceway, Chevrolet clinched the Bill France Performance Cup in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS). The 2017 achievement marks the 18th time the Bowtie Brand has captured this prestigious honor, more than any other manufacturer.[More](11-11-2017)
William Bryon wins Phoenix XFINITY race; Championship 4 set: #9-William Byron took two tires on the final stop of the day, came off pit road with the lead and held off #22-Ryan Blaney to win the Ticket Galaxy 200 at Phoenix International Raceway. It is his 4th XFINITY Series win and 4th of the year.
#22-Ryan Blaney finished second, followed by #20-Erik Jones, #18-Christopher Bell, #21-Daniel Hemric, #11-Blake Koch, #00-Cole Custer, #42-Alex Bowman, #2-Austin Dillon, and #7-Justin Allgaier..
The four drivers that will compete for the Championship at Homestead: #9-William Byron, #1-Elliott Sadler, #7-Justin Allgaier, and #21-Hemric.
Hemric held off Cole Custer to grab the final playoff spot by 4 points.
There were 5 cautions for 26 laps and 4 lead changes among 3 leaders.
The average speed was 104.758mph.
Complete results are on the Phoenix race results page (pdf).
(11-11-2017)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 60 – Winner, #22-Ryan Blaney
Stage 2 – lap 120 – Winner, #22-Ryan Blaney
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #9-William Byron
Phoenix XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
William Byron (P) won the 19th Annual Ticket Galaxy 200, his fourth victory in 32 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his fourth victory and 21st top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in two races at Phoenix Raceway.
Ryan Blaney(i) (second) posted his third top-10 finish in three races at Phoenix Raceway. It is his 12th top-10 finish in 2017.
Erik Jones(i) (third) posted his seventh top-10 finish in seven races at Phoenix Raceway.
William Byron #(P) (1st) was the highest finishing rookie.
William Byron # (P), Justin Allgaier (P), Elliott Sadler (P) and Daniel Hemric (P) advance to the Championship 4 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-11-2017)
XFINITY Driver standings following Phoenix:
Competing for the Championship at Homestead:
#9-William Byron, 4000
#1-Elliott Sadler, 4000
#7-Justin Allgaier, 4000
#21-Daniel Hemric, 4000
These drivers did not make the Championship round:
#00-Cole Custer
#19-Matt Tifft
#48-Brennan Poole
#16-Ryan Reed
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(11-11-2017)
Erik Jones on XFINITY pole at Phoenix: #20-Erik Jones won the Coors Light pole for the Ticket Galaxy 200 at Phoenix International Raceway with a speed of 133.929mph. #9-William Byron will start second. The rest of the top 10: #00-Cole Custer, #19-Matt Tifft, #42-AlexBowman, #22-Ryan Blaney, #21-Daniel Hemric, #18-Christopher Bell, #11-Blake Koch, and #7-Justin Allgaier.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Phoenix starting lineup page (pdf).(11-11-2017)
XFINITY Series playoff drivers starting positions:
#9-William Byron, 2nd
#00-Cole Custer, 3rd
#19-Matt Tifft, 4th
#21-Daniel Hemric, 7th
#7-Justin Allgaier, 10th
#1-Elliott Sadler, 13th
#48-Brennan Poole, 14th
#16-Ryan Reed, 20th
Phoenix XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Erik Jones(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 19th Annual Ticket Galaxy 200 with a lap of 26.880 seconds, 133.929 mph.
This is his 15th pole in 77 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his third pole and 15th top-10 start in 2017.
This is his second pole in seven races at Phoenix Raceway.
William Byron (P) (second) posted his 23rd top-10 start of 2017 and his second in two races at Phoenix Raceway.
Cole Custer (P) (third) posted his second top-10 start at Phoenix Raceway. It is his 23rd in 32 races this season.
William Byron # (P) (2nd) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-11-2017)
Texas XFINITY TV ratings: NASCAR Xfinity Series racing from Texas drew a 0.5 rating and 849,000 viewers on NBCSN last Saturday, down 44% in ratings and 38% in viewership from last year (0.9, 1.4M) and down 67% and 62% respectively from 2015 (1.5, 2.2M), both of which aired on NBC. Despite the low numbers, it was the most-watched Xfinity Series race on cable since Darlington on Labor Day weekend (1.1M).[More](11-11-2017)
News from November 10, 2017
Ryan Blaney grabs the pole for NASCAR Playoff Round of 8 eliminator: Ryan Blaney got what he needed in knockout qualifying – but only by a thousandth of a second. Blaney covered the one-mile distance at Phoenix Raceway in 26.098 seconds to edge Denny Hamlin by .001 for the top starting spot in Sunday’s Can-Am 500.[More](11-10-2017)
Ryan Blaney won the Coors Light pole for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway with speed of 137.942mph for his 2nd pole of 2017, 1st at Phoenix and 2nd of his career. Blaney finished 4th after starting from the pole at Kansas earlier this year.
#11-Hamlin will start 2nd followed by #42-Larson, #24-Elliott, #78-Truex, Jr., #4-Harvick, #20-Kenseth, #18-Busch, #22-Logano, #19-Suarez, #77-Jones, #48-Johnson.
#2-Keselowski was the only playoff driver that did not make it to the final round. He starts 16th.
#20-Kenseth was fastest in the second round with a speed of 138.106mph, will start 7th.
#42-Larson was quickest in the first round with a speed of 137.499mph, will start 3rd.
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).(11-10-2017)
2017 MENCS Playoff Drivers Starting Positions at Phoenix
[by standings before Phoenix]
#78-Martin Truex Jr., 5th
#18-Kyle Busch, 8th
#4-Kevin Harvick, 6th
#2-Brad Keselowski, 16th
#11-Denny Hamlin, 2nd
#21-Ryan Blaney, 1st
#24-Chase Elliott, 4th
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 12th
Phoenix Raceway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Ryan Blaney (P) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 30th Annual Can-Am 500 with a lap of 26.098 seconds, 137.942 mph.
This is his second pole in 89 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his second pole and 21st top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole in four races at Phoenix Raceway.
Denny Hamlin (P) (second) posted his 23rd top-10 start of 2017 and his 12th in 25 races at Phoenix Raceway.
Kyle Larson (third) posted his seventh top-10 start at Phoenix Raceway. It is his 22nd in 35 races this season.
Daniel Suarez (10th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-10-2017)
Second Round of Qualifying for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#20-Kenseth 138.106
#4-Harvick 137.825
#42-Larson 137.609
#21-Blaney 137.573
#11-Hamlin 137.531
the rest of the top 12: 18 24 77 78 22 48 19;
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 1 88 41 2 5 31 27 14 3 43 47 10
(11-10-2017)
First Round of Qualifying for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway is over, after 20 scheduled minutes.
#42-Larson 137.499
#1-McMurray 137.227
#4-Harvick 137.169
#21-Blaney 137.122
#22-Logano 136.898
the rest of the top 24: 24 20 88 11 48 2 77 41 14 18 78 5 27 19 3 43 47 31 10;
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 6 38 17 95 13 32 37 34 23 72 7 66 15 33 51 00.
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 40 entered
(11-10-2017)
Friday Phoenix Notebook: Jimmie Johnson needs another miracle in final Round of 8 race; There are certain moments Dale Earnhardt Jr. would rather forget; Wide-open XFINITY Playoff Round of 8 makes for more strategic choices.[More](11-10-2017)
Friday practice for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway is over, after 85 scheduled minutes, the top-five and notes:
#24-Elliott 137.368
#78-Truex Jr 137.242
#11-Hamlin 136.945
#18-Busch 136.877
#21-Blaney 136.867
Other playoff drivers: #48-Johnson 8th, #4-Harvick 11th, #2-Keselowski 17th.
slowest: #33-JEarnhardt 128.370 & #00-Cope 127.173. No speed: #51-Weatherman.
most laps run: #22-Logano & #34-Cassill, 33 laps.
#11-Hamlin was the only driver to run 10 consecutive laps: 132.831mph.
notes: no accidents or incidents
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf)(11-10-2017)
Qualifying Order for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway is posted.
The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #42-Larson.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #18-Kyle Busch.
The order is set by a random draw, how cars park on pit road before they qualify, held about an hour before the first practice.
After the first round, the cars lined up by speed.
For the qualifying order, see the Qualifying Order page (pdf).(11-10-2017)
Visser suffers heart attack: Furniture Row Racing says team owner Barney Visser suffered a heart attack on Saturday Nov. 4 and underwent successful bypass surgery Monday Nov. 6 in Denver, Colo. Due to the recommended recovery period for the procedure, he will not attend the final two NASCAR Cup Series races. Visser said he was not feeling well and experiencing numbness before checking into the hospital last Saturday. Visser is expected to be released from the hospital by the end of the week or early next week.[More](11-10-2017)
Stewart-Haas crew chief lineup not set Greg Zipadelli said the 2018 crew chief line up for Stewart-Haas Racing is still a work in progress. Tony Stewart’s proclaimed during the Aric Almirola press conference on Wednesday that Billy Scott and his crewmen-currently with Danica Patrick-would remain with the #10 team next season as Almirola transitions into the seat. The former championship crew chief turned competition director for SHR told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio later in the day he’s in no rush to formulate a plan.[More](11-10-2017)
Johnny Sauter wins chaotic Phoenix race, as Austin Cindric advances to finale: Three red flags told the story of Friday night’s Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix Raceway. The third of the three gave defending NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter the chance he needed to win the race that set the field for next Friday’s championship event at Homestead-Miami Speedway. When Kyle Busch Motorsports teammates Christopher Bell and Noah Gragson wrecked during an intense side-by-side duel with seven laps left, Sauter inherited the lead for a restart on Lap 149 of 150, and held off John Hunter Nemechek by .668 seconds for his second straight victory, his first at Phoenix, his fourth of the season and the 17th of his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series career.[More](11-10-2017)
Sauter wins Phoenix: After three red flag periods spanning the final 22 laps, including a wreck that eliminated the leaders that gift-wrapped him the lead, #21-Johnny Sauter won the Lucas Oil 150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Phoenix International Raceway on Friday night. #8-John Hunter Nemechek needed a win to advance to the championship-deciding race at Homestead Miami Speedway, but fell one position short.
#13-Cody Coughlin, #29-Chase Briscoe, #33-Kaz Grala, #52-Stewart Friesen, #51-Todd Gilliland, #4-Christopher Bell, #19-Austin Cindric, and #83-Bayley Currey were the top-10.
Sauter, Bell, #88-Matt Crafton, and Cindric will compete for the championship in the season finale next week. Bell and Crafton locked their positions up early in the race via stage points, while Cindric advanced after #27-Ben Rhodes wrecked out of the event. The two were racing for position 22 laps to go when they made contact and Rhodes went spinning, collecting Crafton.
There were six caution flags for 38 laps, three red flag periods for over 30 minutes, and nine lead changes among three leaders.
See results on the Phoenix race results page(11-10-2017)
Camping World Truck standings reset following Phoenix:
The final 4 playoff drivers vying for the Championship at Homestead
1) #21-Johnny Sauter, 4 wins, 4000
2) #19-Austin Cindric, 1 win, 4000
3) #88- Matt Crafton, 1 win, 4000
4) #4-Christopher Bell, 5 wins, 4000
Camping World Truck standings following Phoenix:
The final 4 playoff drivers vying for the Championship at Homestead
1) #4-Christopher Bell, 5 wins, 3184
2) #21-Johnny Sauter, 2 wins, 3181, -3
3) #88- Matt Crafton, 1 win, 3136, -48
4) #19-Austin Cindric, 1 win, 3123, -61
Two drivers were eliminated after Phoenix:
5) #27-Ben Rhodes, 1 win, 3111, -73
6) #8-John Hunter Nemechek, 2 wins, 3091, -93
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (11-10-2017)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – lap 40, winner, #4-Christopher Bell
Stage 2 – lap 80, winner, #4-Christopher Bell
Stage 3 – lap 150, winner, #21-Johnny Sauter
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Phoenix: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #24-Haley,
Caution 2: #02-Hill, 23rd
Caution 3: #13-Coughlin, 3rd
Caution 4: #83-Currey, 10th
Caution 5: #83-Currey, 10th
Caution 6: #83-Currey, 10th
(11-10-2017)
Bell on Truck pole at Phoenix: #4-Christopher Bell won the pole for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway with a speed at 137.012mph. #18-Noah Gragson will start alongside in row one. #27-Ben Rhodes, #88-Matt Crafton, #88-Matt Crafton, #51-Todd Gilliland, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #19-Austin Cindric, #29-Chase Briscoe, #98-Grant Enfinger, and #21-Johnny Sauter close out the top-10.
All of the round of 6 drivers qualified within the top-10.
Failed to qualify: none
The starting lineup is posted on the Phoenix starting lineup page(11-10-2017)
Phoenix Qualifying Fast Facts:
Christopher Bell (P) won the Keystone Light Pole Award for the 23rd Annual Lucas Oil 150 with a lap of 26.275 seconds, 137.012 mph.
This is his fifth pole in 52 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his fifth pole and 19th top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole in two races at Phoenix Raceway.
Noah Gragson (second) posted his 18th top-10 start of 2017 and his first in two races at Phoenix Raceway.
Ben Rhodes (P) (third) posted his third top-10 start at Phoenix Raceway. It is his 17th in 22 races this season.
Noah Gragson (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics) (11-10-2017)
Gilliland fastest in Phoenix Truck practice: #51-Todd Gilliland was fastest during the one and only practice for Friday night’s Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway with a speed of 135.461mph. #4-Christopher Bell, #88-Matt Crafton, #18-Noah Gragson, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #19-Austin Cindric, #21-Johnny Sauter, #13-Cody Coughlin, #27-Ben Rhodes, and #97-Jesse Little were the top-10. The six playoff drivers all clocked speeds within the top-10. 32 drivers are entered and all 32 practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(11-10-2017)
Austin Hill to compete full time as part of Young’s Motorsports 2018 Truck Series lineup: Officials from Young’s Motorsports announced that Austin Hill will compete for the team full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2018 beginning with the Feb. 16 running of the NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway. Hill, who has run a partial schedule this season with Young’s Motorsports will be paired with veteran crew chief Chad Kendrick and pilot the team’s flagship truck, the No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado. Young’s Motorsports is hopeful to expand their presence in the series next season with a competitive two-truck program with details of the team’s second team announced at a later date.[More](11-10-2017)
William Byron paces final XFINITY practice: #9-William Byron was quickest in final practice at Phoenix with a speed of 131.661mph.
#7-Justin Allgaier was second, followed by: #18-Christopher Bell, #42-Alex Bowman, #20-Erik Jones, #22-Ryan Blaney, #00-Cole Custer, #2-Austin Dillon, #21-Daniel Hemric, and #1-Elliott Sadler.
39 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Phoenix practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(11-10-2017)
Ryan Blaney fastest in first XFINITY practice: #21-Ryan Blaney was fastest during opening practice at Phoenix with a speed of 131.368mph.
The rest of the top 10: #7-Justin Allgaier, #19-Matt Tifft, #9-William Byron, #23-Spencer Gallagher, #18-Christopher Bell, #00-Cole Custer, #20-Erik Jones, #11-Blake Koch, and #2-Austin Dillon.
37 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Phoenix practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(11-10-2017)
Truck Series entry list:There are 30 trucks entered for Friday night’s race at Phoenix International Raceway.
The #99 is TBA. Jordan Anderson is not listed, but expected. Jason Hathaway is in the #15, Robby Lyons in the #49, and Jesse Little in the #97(11-6-2017)
UPDATE: Anderson was added in the 1 and Josh Reaume in the 50 as late adds. Dalton Sargeant will be in the #99.
See the complete list on the Phoenix entry list page (pdf). (11-10-2017)
Eli Young Band to perform pre-race concert at Homestead: The stage is almost set both on and off the track for 2017 Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. One of country music’s most recognizable hit-makers, the Eli Young Band, is set to perform prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 championship race on Sunday, November 19. Known for their soulful, hearts-on-fire brand of country, the Eli Young Band will be performing songs off their fourth major label album “FINGERPRINTS.”[More](11-10-2017)
News from November 9, 2017
What to Watch For: Phoenix: 5 Drivers Race for 1 Spot at Phoenix; Busch, Harvick, Truex Jr. are Sitting Pretty; Johnson on Shaky Ground; XFINITY, Truck Series Also Set Championship Fours; Who’s Hot and Who’s Not – Phoenix (Playoff Driver Edition).[More](11-9-2017)
Phoenix Weekend Preview: Elliott faces must-win situation at Phoenix; Custer ready to race way to Championship 4; Rhodes hopes to earn Championship 4 berth at Phoenix.[More](11-9-2017)
BodyArmor considering sponsorship of Blaney: BodyArmor is considering a move to become a primary sponsor next year of the Team Penske Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series car driven by Ryan Blaney, according to sources.[More](11-9-2017)
Energizer’s Refresh Your Car! featured on the #42 at Phoenix:Energizer Holdings, Inc. is back on track this weekend with Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) and Kyle Larson as Refresh Your Car!, a newly acquired Energizer brand, serves as the primary partner on the #42 Chevrolet SS at Phoenix Raceway. After almost a season’s worth of races, and lots of miles on the car, the Refresh Your Car! Brand paint scheme will help keep the #42 fresh and clean. The Refresh Your Car! brand paint scheme will be the sixth time Larson has raced an Energizer brand paint scheme at the Cup level.[More](11-9-2017)
Gase returns to the #7 at Phoenix: Joey Gase will remain in the Premium Motorsports #7 cup car as they head further out west to Phoenix International Raceway for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series ‘Can-Am 500’. ‘Eternal Fan’ will be featured on Gases’ Chevrolet SS Cup car as his primary sponsor for the 312-lap race.[More](11-9-2017)
Majeski back in the #60 at Homestead: Ty Majeski will cap of the 2017 season behind the wheel of the #60 Roush Fenway Racing Ford in the Xfinity Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.[More](11-9-2017)
Robby Lyons to make NASCAR debut with Sunwest Construction and Barstool 49ers in Phoenix for Premium: Premium Motorsports welcomes newcomer, Robby Lyons to the team as he makes his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in Friday night’s ‘Lucas Oil 150’ at Phoenix International Raceway. Robby’s sponsors; Sunwest Construction and Barstool 49ers are just as excited for Robby as he is to strap into the No.49 Chevy Silverado and hit the pavement in the desert.[More](11-9-2017)
Bellator fights, action sports and Hairball band on tap for Homestead: Not all of the action during Ford Championship Weekend, November 17-19, will be on the track at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Before and after NASCAR’s championship races, Monster Energy will host several live entertainment events at its display, including a Bellator MMA showdown, a one-of-a-kind action sports show and an electrifying performance by the band, Hairball.[More](11-9-2017)
News from November 8, 2017
A look at many news, notes and story lines for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Phoenix
Starr in the #66 at Phoenix and Homestead: Eureka, a world leading home cleaning appliances manufacturer, announced today its official sponsorship of David Starr for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix International Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway. Starr will pilot the #66 Toyota Camry for MBM Motorsports. This sponsorship coincides with the official launch of the new Eureka FloorRover vacuum cleaner. [More](-2017)
Changes at Germain Racing: Germain Racing announced that their 2018 #13 Chevrolet program will be led by a new crew chief to be announced at a later date. Crew chief Robert “Bootie” Barker will remain in his role for the #13 GEICO / GEICO Military Chevrolet, driven by Ty Dillon, for the duration of the 2017 season but will not be with Germain Racing in 2018.(11-7-2017)
AND: Following yesterday’s announcement that crew chief Bootie Barker would not return to the #13 team, Germain Racing announced that technical director Chris Andrews and engineer Scott Whitehead will complete the 2017 season with crew chief Barker, but will not return in 2018.(11-8-2017)
Special hood on the #78 at Phoenix: Though he already clinched a Championship 4 berth, Martin Truex Jr. has more than 1200 reasons to go all out in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway, the final event in the Round of 8 playoffs. Riding along with Truex in the 312-lap race will be 1200 Auto-Owners Insurance associates, plus family and friends, whose names will be on the hood of the No. 78 Toyota. The Auto-Owners associates took part in the Race with Martin campaign by donating money to the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation which supports a number of causes including childhood cancer and ovarian cancer. The employee contribution along with an Auto-Owners company match totaled $75,000.[More](11-8-2017)
Kennington driving for Premium at Phoenix: Premium Motorsports is proud to have DJ Kennington back in the #15 charter car for Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series ‘Can-Am 500’ at Phoenix International Raceway.[More](11-7-2017)
Air Force returns to the #43 at Phoenix: This Saturday is Veterans Day, and Richard Petty Motorsports is proud to have the United States Air Force as its primary partner throughout the weekend. The U.S. Air Force has been a supporter of RPM since its inception in 2009.[More](11-8-2017)
Tab Boyd to serve as Byron’s spotter in 2018: Boyd has served as spotter for Logano in Cup and Johnny Sauter in the Truck Series.[More](11-8-2017)
Stewart-Haas Racing adds Aric Almirola to driver lineup: tewart-Haas Racing has signed Aric Almirola to join its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series lineup in 2018. The 33-year-old from Tampa, Florida, will drive the team’s No. 10 Smithfield Ford Fusion.[More](11-8-2017)
Kyle Larson, Katelyn Sweet expecting second child: Larson posted the announcement on Instagram. The couple already have a son, Owen.[More](11-8-2017)
Roush Fenway Racing again recognized for Outstanding Achievement by MarCom Awards: Roush Fenway Racing has been recognized for outstanding achievement by the prestigious MarCom Awards. The team has been awarded a pair of MarCom Awards for its marketing and communications efforts in 2017. The organization received a Platinum Award in the category of ‘Traditional and Social Media Campaign’ for its #DrivenForACause campaign highlighting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition, Roush Fenway was awarded a Gold Award in the ‘Integrated Marketing’ category for its joint #RaceWithRicky promotion with SunnyD. The team also garnered Honorable Mention for its #DriveYourHealth campaign promoting healthy living and fitness, with driver Ryan Reed.[More](11-8-2017)
Tony Stewart could run some 2018 XFINITY races: Tony Stewart, who retired from NASCAR’s premier series after the 2016 season, said he has explored the possibility of running road courses in the Xfinity Series during the news conference to introduce Almirola in the No. 10 Ford.[More](11-8-2017)
Sargeant and Performance Plus Motor Oil partner with MDM Motorsports for final two races: Dalton Sargeant and MDM Motorsports will debut together at Phoenix Raceway on November 10 and then the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) season finale at Homestead-Miami on November 17. Sargeant, a member of the 2015 NASCAR Next class who already has four career NCWTS starts, will pilot the Performance Plus Motor Oil No. 99 Chevrolet Silverado with the same familiar colors that he drove to victory lane at Iowa Speedway in ARCA Racing Series competition earlier this year.[More](11-8-2017)
Shawn Magee Design to sponsor Mittler truck at Phoenix: Shawn Magee Design (SMD) announced North Texas native Ted Minor will pilot the #63 SMD Chevrolet Silverado in the Camping World Truck Series race at Phoenix Raceway. The #63 SMD truck will also feature a special tribute graphic on the deck lid honoring all 58 people who lost their lives in the tragic shootings at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas on October 1st. The same graphic ran on the #44 SMD truck for Faith Motorsports at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](11-8-2017)
Gymnast Gabby Douglas to serve as honorary starter at Homestead:A championship race calls for championship-caliber dignitaries, and that’s exactly what the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway will have. Multiple-gold winning Olympic gymnast and author Gabby Douglas will serve as the Honorary Starter for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship, the Ford EcoBoost 400, which will take place on Sunday, November 19 at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC. As honorary starter, Douglas will wave the green flag at the start of the 267-lap race.[More](11-8-2017)
Jacqie Campos singing national anthem at Homestead: The stars are beginning to align for the Ford EcoBoost 300’s pre-race festivities, as Homestead-Miami Speedway has named NBC Universo’s “The Riveras” actor Jacqie Campos as the national anthem singer for the NASCAR XFINITY Series championship race on Saturday, November 18 at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Campos, who is the daughter of the late Mexican-American music icon Jenni Rivera, has starred in multiple docu-reality series, including “I Love Jenni” and “Chiquis ‘n Control” on NBC Universo.[More](11-8-2017)
News from November 7, 2017
2018 NASCAR Drive For Diversity Development team announced:The youngest NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series champion. The youngest driver to win four Trans-Am championships. And the 2016 Wendell Scott Trailblazer Award winner. As evidenced by the six drivers announced as part of the 2018 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Development Team, the roster for next year is stacked with emerging young talent ready to make their mark in the sport. The drivers represent a cross-section of backgrounds – both in terms of heritage and driving disciplines – and all share a common goal: To reach the highest levels of NASCAR.[More](11-7-2017)
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Phoenix, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing Phoenix page
Auto-Owners Insurance increases primary sponsorship with Furniture Row: Furniture Row Racing announced that Auto-Owners Insurance has increased its 2018 primary sponsorship package from six to eight races on Martin Truex Jr.’s #78 Toyota Camry. With the addition of the two Auto-Owners Insurance primary races, Truex’s Furniture Row Racing Camry will be fully sponsored for all 38 events in 2018, including 36 NASCAR Cup Series point races, The Clash at Daytona and the All-Star Race at Charlotte.[More](11-7-2017)
Alliance Truck Parts renews partnership with Penske: Team Penske and Alliance Truck Parts announced today that the commercial transportation parts company has agreed to a multiyear extension that will continue its relationship with the No. 2 Ford Fusion team and driver Brad Keselowski through the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) season and beyond. Alliance Truck Parts will again be featured as the primary sponsor for six MENCS races on the #2 Ford next season and will serve as an associate sponsor on the car for the remaining events in 2018.[More](11-7-2017)
StarCom Racing returns to action at Phoenix: StarCom Racing will attempt its second race of the season in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup series this weekend with veteran driver, Derrike Cope, at the wheel of the #00 Chevy for the Can-Am 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. Cope will display the StarCom Fiber logo as the primary sponsor on the hood of the 00 along with returning Co-Primary sponsor and longtime Cope partner, Ashurst American Honey, on the quarter panels for this weekend’s 500 mile event.[More](11-7-2017)
Two teams fail inspection post Texas UPDATE:Justin Haley’s #24 Chevrolet was too low in post race inspection and championship point leader Christopher Bell’s #4 Toyota was missing a lugnut.(11-4-2017)
UPDATE: Haley’s crew chief Kevin Bellicourt has been fined $5,000 and suspended from the next NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship points event, the team assessed with the loss of 10 driver points and 10 owner points.Bell’s crew chief Rudy Fugle has been fined $2,500.[More](11-7-2017)
Hauler parade at Phoenix on Thursday: The parade will start at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, and last nearly an hour, after which the haulers will enter the infield to park at the Cup Series garage.[More](11-7-2017)
Possible change for Charlotte Roval: Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Roval could be getting another course correction. NASCAR and Goodyear officials discussed last week the possibility of a change to the infield course of the Charlotte Roval, in particular the sharp final turn that takes cars back up onto the regular track in the area of Turn 1.[More](11-7-2017)
LVMS implementing number of upgrades to enhance fan experience: Race fans will be in for quite a treat when they flock to Las Vegas Motor Speedway to get their NASCAR fix in March. The speedway, in an effort to improve and diversify its fan experience, is making a number of enhancements to the speedway’s seating and viewing areas for 2018. The renovations, designed by the Detroit-based architectural firm Rossetti, will modernize and transform LVMS’s fan experience, bringing the facility to a new level and in line with fan expectations that continue to evolve at sports venues.[More](11-7-2017)
News from November 6, 2017
USA Network’s Damnation featured on Bowyer’s Ford at Phoenix:His #14 Ford Fusion will carry a red-and-grey paint scheme promoting the television series during the Can-Am 500K race weekend.[More](11-6-2017)
Roush Fenway Racing honors Robert Yates with tribute paint scheme: Roush Fenway Racing will honor longtime competitor and partner Robert Yates at Phoenix Raceway with a tribute paint scheme on Ricky Stenhouse’s #17 Ford Fusion. The scheme, inspired by Yates’ 1991 and 1992 victories at the Arizona track, honors the NASCAR Hall of Famer’s career and lasting legacy in the sport.[More](11-6-2017)
Texas TV Ratings: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing at Texas earned a 1.55 overnight rating on NBCSN, up from 2016.[More](11-6-2017)
NASCAR announces start times for 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series: Together with FOX, NBC, race teams and tracks, NASCAR today unveiled 2018 race start times and network coverage for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, including the DAYTONA 500 on FOX and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship on NBC.[More](11-6-2017)
Entry List for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway is posted, 40 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
36 teams with Charters are guaranteed to make the field. The rest need to make the field via qualifying / qualifying races / rules book (owners attempts/points).
Some of the drivers entered include: #00-Cope*, #7-Gase*, #15-Kennington, #23-LaJoie, #33-JEarnhardt, #51-TBA*, #83-TBA*.
Since only 40 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Sad News – C.W. “Skip” Smith: C.W. “Skip” Smith, 70, died peacefully, Saturday, November 4, 2017, surrounded by his loving family at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, after a year battle with leukemia. His love for working on and racing cars led Skip to start his racing career in 1985 at Selinsgrove Speedway (track champion 1987), and continue racing in the ARCA and Busch series from 1994 – 2005, when he retired from racing.[More](11-6-2017)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 40 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Ticket Galaxy 200 at Phoenix International Raceway.
See the complete list on the Phoenix entry list page.(11-6-2017)
Truck Series entry list: There are 30 trucks entered for Friday night’s race at Phoenix International Raceway.
The #99 is TBA. Jordan Anderson is not listed, but expected. Jason Hathaway is in the #15, Robby Lyons in the #49, and Jesse Little in the #97.
See the complete list on the Phoenix entry list page (pdf). (11-6-2017)
Homestead-Miami introduces “Magic City Dog”: Everyone knows that Ford Championship Weekend, November 17-19, will crown champions in each of NASCAR’s three national series. What many might not be aware of is that another championship will be decided next weekend – at the concession stand.[More](11-6-2017)
News from November 5, 2017
Sunday Texas Notebook: Denny Hamlin had a good day at Texas – just not good enough; Keselowski recovers nicely to stay above Playoff cut line; Johnson endured a crushing day at Texas.[More](11-5-2017)
Kevin Harvick wins at Texas with late-race pass, advances to Championship 4: Martin Truex Jr. isn’t invincible after all. Kevin Harvick put a serious dent in Truex’s sense of invulnerability on Sunday afternoon, passing Truex with nine laps left in the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway and pulling away to win by 1.580 seconds. In beating this year’s unrivaled master of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series’ 1.5-mile intermediate speedways, Harvick earned a spot in the Nov. 19 Championship 4 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, which Harvick won the first title contested under an elimination format in 2014.[More](11-5-2017)
Kevin Harvick won the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway for his 2nd win of 2017, 1st win at Texas and 37th career win. He passed #78-Truex, Jr with 9 laps remaining and pulled away to win by 1.5 second.
The win assures that Harvick will run for the championship at Homestead.
#78-Truex, Jr finished 2nd and locked himself into the championship race at Homestead on points.
#11-Hamlin finished 3rd followed by #20-Kenseth, #2-Keselowski, #22-Logano, #21-Blaney, #24-Elliott, polesitter #41-Busch, and #77-Jones.
#78-Truex Jr. leads the driver points over #18-Busch by 50 points.
Stage 1 was won by #4-Harvick, who won.
Stage 2 was won by #42-Larson, finished 37th.
There were 29 lead changes among 13 drivers and 8 cautions for 40 yellow flag laps. There was a 10 minute, 29 second red flag for track cleanup with 50 laps to go after an accident by #42-Larson.
The average speed of the race was: 143.234mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
MENCS at Texas
– Kevin Harvick: clinches spot in Championship Four at Homestead; 1st career MENCS win at Texas
– Harvick: 12th career playoff win; breaks tie with car owner Tony Stewart for 2nd all-time behind Jimmie Johnson (29)
– Harvick: has won on 21 different Cup Series tracks, only active tracks where he’s failed to win at Kentucky and Pocono
– Harvick: 37th career Cup Series win ties Bobby Isaac for 21st all-time
– Harvick: entered race 4th in playoff standings (+3 to cutoff)
– Harvick: was eliminated in Round of 8 last season; advanced to Championship 4 in 3 of 4 years with this format (tied with Kyle Busch for most)
– Martin Truex Jr.: finished 2nd; was passed for lead with 10 laps to go; led race-high 107 laps; clinches spot in Championship Four
– Brad Keselowski: finished 5th; was a lap down earlier in race, leads 5 drivers racing for final spot
– Jimmie Johnson: finished 27th; 8th in playoff standings; won at Texas earlier this season
– Johnson: 21-race winless streak is tied for the 2nd-longest of his Cup Series career
(ESPN Stats & Info)
2017 MENCS Playoff Drivers Finish Positions at Texas
[by standings before Martinsville (started)]
#78-Martin Truex Jr., (7) 2nd
#18-Kyle Busch, (5) 19th
#2-Brad Keselowski, (10) 5th
#4-Kevin Harvick, (3) WON
#48-Jimmie Johnson, (9) 27th
#11-Denny Hamlin, (2) 3rd
#21-Ryan Blaney, (8) 7th
#24-Chase Elliott, (36) 8th
2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Leaderboard:
[after Texas, race 34 of 36 for the season, 8 of 10 in Playoffs, 21 of 3 in Round of 8]
1) #4-Kevin Harvick, 1 WIN (A)
2) #18-Kyle Busch, 1 WIN (A)
3) #78-Martin Truex Jr., IN ON POINTS +76
4) #2-Brad Keselowski, +19
these drivers would not advance to the Championship Round
5) #11-Denny Hamlin, -19
6) #21-Ryan Blaney, -22
7) #24-Chase Elliott, -49
8) #48-Jimmie Johnson, -51
(A) automatically advances to Championship Race
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 170) of the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway (lap 170/334):
#42-Larson, 10pts
#4-Harvick, 9pts
#21-Blaney, 8pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 7pts
#24-Elliott, 6pts
#11-Hamlin, 5pts
#41-Busch, 4pts
#20-Kenseth, 3pts
#77-Jones, 2pts
#3-Dillon, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 85) of the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway (lap 85/334):
#4-Harvick, 10pts
#78-Truex Jr., 9pts
#11-Hamlin, 8pts
#41-Busch, 7pts
#42-Larson, 6pts
#77-Jones, 5pts
#20-Kenseth, 4pts
#21-Blaney, 3pts
#3-Dillon, 2 pts
#19-Suarez, 1pt
NASCAR Chevrolet Diversity Scholarship honors innovators: Four students were recognized for their accomplishment in technology and innovation as NASCAR and Chevrolet announced the winners of the third annual NASCAR Chevrolet Diversity Scholarship Contest Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](11-5-2017)
Wurth extends sponsorship of Penske: Team Penske announced today that the Würth Group will continue as a key partner of the team in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) for 2018 and beyond. Under the terms of the multi-year extension, Würth will once again adorn the #2 Ford Fusion driven by Brad Keselowski as a primary sponsor for three MENCS races – at Auto Club Speedway in March, Dover International Speedway in October and Texas Motor Speedway in early November.[More](11-5-2017)
Auto Club & AAA extend partnership with Penske: Team Penske announced today that Auto Club of Southern California and AAA will continue its partnership with the team as sponsor of the 322 Ford Fusion driven by Joey Logano in the NASCAR Cup Series. The multi-year extension with Team Penske follows an announcement earlier this year that Logano will remain a driver for the team through the 2022 season and beyond.[More](11-5-2017)
Texas Sunday Pre-Race Schedule (eastern time)
2:00 pm: Intro Presentation of Colors by: Air Force Honor Guard
2:00 pm: Pledge of Allegiance: Local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts
2:00 pm: Invocation by: Bret Chiseler with Texas Alliance Raceway Ministries
2:01 pm: National Anthem by: Air National Guard Band of the Southwest
2:02 pm: Fly by: 4 x F16s from 457th Fighter Squadron
2:07 pm: Command to start engines by: AAA Emergency Roadside Technicians
2:16 pm: Start of the “AAA Texas 500″ (334 Laps, 501 Miles)
Gaughan, Chastain fight after Texas race: Following the conclusion of the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas Motor Speedway, fists flew when Brendan Gaughan approached Ross Chastain and crew members from Gaughan’s #62 team jumped in. The result was Chastain coming out he worse for the wear and a JD Motorsports crew member, Ryan Bell, being transported to a local hospital for evaluation.[More](11-5-2017)
AAA renews sponsorship of fall Texas race: AAA and Texas Motor Speedway announced jointly Sunday prior to the running of the AAA Texas 500 that the national insurance company and auto club has signed a multi-year renewal of its race entitlement of the marquee Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at the world-renowned motorsports facility.[More](11-5-2017)
News from November 4, 2017
Could Danica move to Roush-Fenway?UPDATE: One of the most talked about vacancies in the NASCAR garage is the one that will be occur at the end of the season when Danica Patrick steps away from Stewart-Haas Racing and the #10 car but at no point in the process has she said he is done with racing. Now, there is talk she could end up at Roush Fenway Racing with boyfriend, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and she would neither confirm nor deny when asked this past week at Martinsville Speedway.(10-31-2017)
UPDATE: ESPN.com’s Bob Pockrass spoke to Roush-Fenway president Steve Newmark who said that Roush did not have a spot open next season.[More](11-4-2017)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#11-Hamlin 191.469
#77-Jones 190.860
#21-Blaney 190.691
#19-Suarez 190.685
#78-Truex, Jr., 190.617
slowest: #33-Earnhardt 180.204 & #66-Starr 180.198
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 23 drivers): #42-Larson 189.145mph
notes: no accidents or incidents
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (11-4-2017)
Kenseth to step away from Cup next season: After 18 consecutive seasons in Cup, Matt Kenseth said he is taking a break from NASCAR’s premier series after the 2017 season. In his first expansive comments about the future since the announcement four months ago that he was losing his ride at Joe Gibbs Racing, Kenseth said Saturday during the taping of a NASCAR on NBC podcast episode (which will be posted early next week) that he will put a two-decade career on hiatus, possibly for good.[More](11-4-2017)
Saturday Texas Notebook: Kurt Busch describes “incredible sensation” of 200 mph lap; Earnhardt Jr. joins Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame; Some eye-opening numbers in Playoffs’ Round of 8.[More](11-4-2017)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway have been made.
With the field downsized to 40 cars, three pit stalls (23,26,43) have been eliminated, are not in play and don’t count towards driving through more than three pit boxes.
Pole sitter #41-Busch chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole sitter #11-Hamlin took pit stall 2.
#4-Harvick, who starts 3rd, took the 14th stall, with an opening in front of it..
The final pit stall was taken by #48-JOhnson, who starts 9th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(11-4-2017)
First Saturday practice for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 55 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#41-Busch 191.768
#11-Hamlin 191.110
#77-Jones 191.069
#42-Larson 190.880
#24-Elliott 190.853
slowest: #33-Earnhardt 179.736 & #66-Starr 179.319
best 10 consecutive lap ave #42-Larson 189.152
notes: no accidents or incidents
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Practice 2 speeds page (pdf) (11-4-2017)
Erik Jones completes Texas sweep with NASCAR XFINITY win: There was no keeping up with Erik Jones on Saturday night at Texas Motor Speedway – though Ryan Blaney tried his level best over the closing laps of the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300. Jones, the pole winner, swept the first and second stages of the event, led 142-of-200 laps and completed the season sweep of NASCAR XFINITY Series races at the 1.5-mile track – the first time that’s happened since Kyle Busch won both races in 2009.[More](11-4-2017)
Erik Jones wins Texas XFINITY race: #20-Erik Jones won the O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 9th XFINITY Series win and 3rd of the year. He started from the pole, led 143 laps, and won all three stages. #22-Ryan Blaney finished second, followed by #42-Kyle Larson, #1-Elliott Sadler, #00-Cole Custer, #18-Christopher Bell, #48-Brennan Poole, #19-Matt Tifft, #9-William Byron, and #2-Austin Dillon.
There were 7 cautions for 33 laps and 10 lead changes among 6 leaders.
The average speed was 133.862mph.
Complete results are on the Texas race results page (pdf).
(11-4-2017)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #20-Erik Jones
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #20-Erik Jones
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #20-Erik Jones
Texas XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Erik Jones(i) won the 13th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts 300, his ninth victory in 76 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his third victory and ninth top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his third victory and sixth top-10 finish in six races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Ryan Blaney(i) (second) posted his fifth top-10 finish in five races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 11th top-10 finish in 2017.
Kyle Larson(i) (third) posted his fourth top-10 finish in eight races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Cole Custer (fifth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Elliott Sadler (P) leads the point standings by 5 points over William Byron # (P).
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-4-2017)
XFINITY Driver standings following Texas:
[Race 31 of 33 in 2017. Race 2 of 3 in the Round of 8]
1) #1-ElliottSadler, 3103, +29
2) #9-William Byron, 3098, +24
3) #7-Justin Allgaier, 3094, +20
4) #48-Brennan Poole, 3079, +5
Bottom 4 drivers will be eliminated after Phoenix
5) #19-Matt Tifft, 3074, -5
6) #00-Cole Custer, 3066, -13
7) #21-Daniel Hemric, 3061, -18
8) #16-Ryan Reed, 3046, -33
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(11-4-2017)
Erik Jones on XFINITY pole at Texas: #20-Erik Jones won the Coors Light pole for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 191.272mph. #00-Cole Custer will start second. The rest of the top 10: #19-Matt Tifft, #22-Ryan Blaney, #1-Elliott Sadler, #21-Daniel Hemric, #2-Austin Dillon, #18-Christopher Bell, #9-William Byron, and #42-Kyle Larson.
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the Texas starting lineup page (pdf).(11-4-2017)
Texas XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Erik Jones(i) won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 13th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 with a lap of 28.232 seconds, 191.272 mph.
This is his 14th pole in 76 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his second pole and 14th top-10 start in 2017.
This is his second pole in six races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Cole Custer (P) (second) posted his 22nd top-10 start of 2017 and his second in two races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Matt Tifft (P) (third) posted his second top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 15th in 31 races this season.
Custer (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-4-2017)
News from November 3, 2017
Kurt Busch takes Texas pole in record time: A driver without a signed contract for 2018 won the pole position for Sunday’s AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway with a record lap – giving a timely birthday present to his crew chief. In the final round of Friday’s knockout qualifying session, Kurt Busch covered the 1.5-mile distance in 26.877 seconds (200.915 mph) to top the previous record lap of 200.111 mph posted by Tony Stewart in 2014.[More](11-3-2017)
Kurt Busch won the Coors Light pole for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway with speed of 200.915mph, a new track record. It is his 1st pole of 2017, 2nd at Texas and 22nd of his career. Busch has won 1 time from the 21 previous poles.
#11-Hamlin will start 2nd followed by ##4-Harvick, #77-Jones, #18-Busch, #19-Suarez, #78-Truex, Jr., #21-Blaney, #48-Johnson, #2-Keselowski, #42-Larson, and #17-Stenhouse, Jr.
#77-Jones was fastest in the second round with a speed of 200.022mph, will start 4th.
#4-Harvick was fastest in the first round with a speed of 199.882mph, will start 3rd.
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).(11-3-2017)
2017 MENCS Playoff Drivers Starting Positions at Texas
[using current playoff standings]
#78-Martin Truex Jr., 7th
#18-Kyle Busch, 5th
#2-Brad Keselowski, 10th
#4-Kevin Harvick, 3rd
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 9th
#11-Denny Hamlin, 2nd
#21-Ryan Blaney, 8th
#24-Chase Elliott, 34th
Texas Motor Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kurt Busch won the Coors Light Pole Award for the 13th Annual AAA Texas 500 with a lap of 26.877 seconds, 200.915 mph.
This is his 22nd pole in 610 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his first pole and 13th top-10 start in 2017.
This is his second pole in 30 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Denny Hamlin (P) (second) posted his 22nd top-10 start of 2017 and his eighth in 24 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Kevin Harvick (P) (third) posted his ninth top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 23rd in 34 races this season.
Erik Jones (fourth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
Busch’s lap (26.877 seconds, 200.915 mph) set the track record.
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-3-2017)
Richard Petty Motorsports will not switch to Toyota: Richard ‘The King’ Petty may not know which manufacturer his team, Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) will run in 2018 and beyond but Kickin’ the Tires has confirmed it won’t be a Toyota. David Wilson, President of Toyota Racing Development (TRD), put the kybosh on questions of whether the manufacturer was in negotiations with Petty.[More](11-3-2017)
Second Round of Qualifying for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 10 scheduled minutes.
#77-Jones 200.022
#11-Hamlin 199.926
#4-Harvick 199.889
#41-Busch 199.652
#78-Truex, Jr. 199.527
the rest of the top 12: 18 19 21 48 2 42 17;
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 1 10 3 47 88 43 5 14 27 34 95 38
(11-3-2017)
First Round of Qualifying for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 20 scheduled minutes.
#4-Harvick 199.882
#41-Busch 199.269
#77-Jones 198.954
#2-Keselowski 198.793
#11-Hamlin 198.668
the rest of the top 24: 18 21 42 19 78 47 48 1 88 5 3 17 38 43 10 27 14 95 34;
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 31 37 13 32 72 7 51 33 66 6 22 24 20 15 23 83
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 40 entered
(11-3-2017)
Friday Texas Notebook: Close call at Martinsville still galls Chase Elliott; Fuel system issues curtail Jimmie Johnson’s practice; Texas Motor Speedway honors Dale Earnhardt Jr.; Richard Petty Motorsports announces new partner.[More](11-3-2017)
Click n’ Close partners with Richard Petty Motorsports and NASCAR: Click n’ Close, a division of Mid America Mortgage, Inc., has entered into official partnership agreements with the sanctioning body, NASCAR, and one of the most iconic race teams in the sport, Richard Petty Motorsports. The collaborations designate Click n’ Close as the “Official Mortgage Provider of NASCAR” in addition to becoming a partner of Richard Petty Motorsports. As part of the agreement with Richard Petty Motorsports, the Click n’ Close brand will be featured as a primary sponsor of the #43 car driven by Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. for at least three races, making its debut at the 2018 Daytona 500. The #43 Click n’ Close car will also make appearances at Phoenix Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway.[More](11-3-2017)
Friday practice for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 85 scheduled minutes, the top-five and notes:
#21-Blaney 199.933
#11-Hamlin 199.196
#41-Busch 199.181
#78-Truex Jr 198.954
#20-Kenseth 198.749
slowest: #33-JEarnhardt 184.792, #66-Starr 178.577
most laps run: #7-Gase, 34 laps.
Best 10 consecutive lap average (of 3 drivers): #14-Bowyer 190.653.
Notes: Daniel Hemric was in the #27. He will also qualify the car tonight. Menard remained at home due to the birth of his second child this week. Menard will drive Sunday.
#48-Johnson had a fuel issue. The team had to replace the fuel cell and he missed most of the practice. He was 19th fastest.
See fastest speeds, laps run on the Practice 1 Speeds page (pdf)(11-3-2017)
Qualifying Order for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is posted.
The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #88-Earnhardt, Jr.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #47-Allmendinger.
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).(11-3-2017)
Miller Lite renews with Team Penske: Team Penske and Miller Lite announced today that the original light beer will continue its relationship with the # 2 Ford Fusion team and driver Brad Keselowski in 2018 and beyond. The renewal continues a partnership that began on the #2 Team Penske Ford in 1991 with driver Rusty Wallace. The familiar white and blue Miller Lite paint scheme will adorn Keselowski’s car in 11 NASCAR Cup Series races in 2018. Miller Lite will continue to be an associate sponsor for the car and Keselowski throughout the balance of the NASCAR Cup Series season.[More](11-3-2017)
Discount Tire joins Keselowski in Cup: Team Penske and Discount Tire announced today that beginning in 2018, the world’s largest independent tire and wheel retailer will build on its established and successful partnership with the motorsports team and become a primary sponsor of the #2 Ford Fusion driven by 2012 champion Brad Keselowski in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS). Discount Tire will provide primary partnership bookends to the 2018 MENCS season, beginning with the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in February and concluding with Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November. Discount Tire will be featured as the primary sponsor of the # 2 Ford for 10 races while continuing to serve as a prominent associate sponsor for the remainder of the schedule. [More](11-3-2017)
Kyle Larson paces final XFINITY practice: #42-Kyle Larson was quickest in final practice at Texas with a speed of 190.631mph. #22-Ryan Blaney was second, followed by: #20-Erik Jones, #9-William Byron, #1-Elliott Sadler, #11-Blake Koch, #2-Austin Dillon, #00-Cole Custer, #18-Christopher Bell, and #19-Matt Tifft.
35 drivers practiced during the session. #21-Daniel Hemric wrecked and will go to a backup.
See complete results on the Texas practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(11-3-2017)
Blake Koch fastest in first XFINITY practice: #11-Blake Koch was fastest during opening practice at Texas with a speed of 189.347mph. The rest of the top 10: #21-Daniel Hemric, #42-Kyle Larson, #20-Erik Jones, #22-Ryan Blaney, #2-Austin Dillon, #3-Ty Dillon, #1-Elliott Sadler, #18-Christopher Bell, and #19-Matt Tifft.
38 drivers practiced during the session.
See complete results on the Texas practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(11-3-2017)
Sauter wins Texas: #21-Johnny Sauter won the JAG Metals 350 Driving Hurricane Harvey Relief NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday night, securing a Round of 4 playoff spot at the season-finale in Homestead.
Fellow Round of 6 playoff driver #19-Austi n Cindric tried his best but fell short and finished a close second, while #4-Christopher Bell finished third. #29-Chase Briscoe, pole-sitter, #24-Justin Haley, #33-Kaz Grala, #98-Grant Enfinger, #16-Ryan Truex, playoff driver #88-Matt Crafton, and Martinsville winner, #18-Noah Gragson, completed the top-10.
Of the Round of 6 playoff drivers not in the top-10, #27-Ben Rhodes was 18th following a late miscue on pitroad and #8-John Hunter Nemechek ran out of fuel with 13 laps to go while trying to stretch mileage and finished 19th.
There were five caution flags for 26 laps and 11 lead changes among 10 leaders.
See results on the Texas race results page(11-3-2017)
Texas Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Johnny Sauter (P) won the 19th Annual Jag Metals 350 Driving Hurricane Harvey Relief, his 16th victory in 219 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his third victory and 17th top-10 finish in 2017.
This is his fourth victory and 15th top-10 finish in 19 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Austin Cindric (P) (second) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 14th top-10 finish in 2017.
Christopher Bell (P) (third) posted his third top-10 finish in five races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Chase Briscoe (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Christopher Bell (P) leads the point standings by 4 points over Johnny Sauter (P).
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-3-2017)
Camping World Truck standings following Texas:
1) #4-Christopher Bell, 5 wins, 3135
2) #21-Johnny Sauter, 2 wins, 3131, -4
3) #88- Matt Crafton, 1 win, 3104, -31
4) #19-Austin Cindric, 1 win, 3085, -50
Two drivers will be eliminated after Phoenix:
5) #27-Ben Rhodes, 1 win, 3080, -55
6) #8-John Hunter Nemechek, 2 wins, 3046, -89
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (11-3-2017)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – lap 35, winner, #4-Christopher Bell,
Stage 2 – lap 70, winner, #18-Noah Gragson
Stage 3 – lap 147, winner, #21-Johnny Sauter
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Texas: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: none
Caution 3: #50-Reaume, 20th
Caution 4: #50-Reaume, 20th
Caution 5: #6-Benning, 23rd
(11-3-2017)
Haley on Truck pole at Texas: #24-Justin Haley won the pole for Friday night’s Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Speedway with a speed at 186.181mph. Last weekend’s winner #18-Noah Gragson will start on the outside of row one. #4-Christopher Bell, #21-Johnny Sauter, #16-Ryan Truex, #19-Austin Cindric, #33-Kaz Grala, #88-Matt Crafton, #27-Ben Rhodes, #29-Chase Briscoe close out the top-10.
Remaining Round of 6 playoff driver not in the top-10: #8-John Hunter Nemechek in 11th.
Failed to qualify: none
The starting lineup is posted on the Texas starting lineup page(11-3-2017)
Texas Qualifying Fast Facts:
Justin Haley won the Keystone Light 21 Means 21 Pole Award for the 19th Annual Jag Metals 350 Driving Hurricane Harvey Relief with a lap of 29.004 seconds, 186.181 mph.
This is his first pole in 25 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and 10th top-10 start in 2017.
This is his first pole in two races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Noah Gragson (second) posted his 17th top-10 start of 2017 and his second in two races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Christopher Bell (P) (third) posted his third top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 18th in 21 races this season.
Justin Haley (first) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics) (11-3-2017)
Phoenix Raceway bringing ZOOMTOWN market to campground:Phoenix Raceway is partnering with the United Food Bank and Levy Restaurants to bring the ZOOMTOWN Market Supporting the United Food Bank to offer race fans who are camping during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Can-Am 500 weekend a one-stop shop for all their race weekend necessities.[More](11-3-2017)
News from November 2, 2017
What to Watch For: Texas: Truex Owns 1.5-Mile Tracks; Kyle Busch Picks Up 3rd Playoff Win; Is Jimmie Johnson in Trouble?; Elliott After Martinsville Drama; Variety of Winners in XFINITY Series; Who’s Hot and Who’s Not.[More](11-2-2017)
Texas Weekend Preview: Elliott eyes rebound opportunity at Texas; XFINTIY Playoffs leader Allgaier wants Texas Playoffs win; Rhodes wants win at Texas.[More](11-2-2017)
Martinsville TV ratings: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing at Martinsville earned a 1.61 overnight rating on NBCSN.(10-30-2017)
UPDATE: For the first time all season, NASCAR ratings increased on cable. The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs from Martinsville (Va.) earned a 1.7 rating and 2.8 million viewers on NBCSN, up a tick in ratings and 4% in viewership from last year (1.6, 2.7M) but down 15% and 17% respectively from 2015 (2.0, 3.4M). [More](11-2-2017)
Driving 101 to combine racing experiences: Motorsports’ leading fan driving experience partners – Driving 101, which operates NASCAR Racing Experience, Richard Petty Driving Experience and Mario Andretti Racing Experience – announced today they will consolidate the organizations and their operations to deliver the ultimate on-track fan experience at racetracks around the country.[More](11-2-2017)
Sad News – Sandy Belmont: Sandra L. Belmont, ‘Sandy”, of Feasterville, PA passed away on Monday, October 30, 2017 at The Birches at Newtown. She was 77. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Charles A. “Chic” Belmont; two sons, Andy Belmont and Kevin Belmont (Rebecca)[More](11-2-2017)
Enfinger paces final Texas Truck practice: #98-Grant Enfinger was fastest during final practice for Friday’s Jag Metals 350 Driving Hurricane Harvey Relief at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 185.274mph. #51-Myatt Snider, #19-Austin Cindric, #24-Justin Haley, #21-Johnny Sauter, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #18-Noah Gragson, #27-Ben Rhodes, #33-Kaz Grala, and #4-Christopher Bell were the top-10. Remaining Round of 6 playoff driver #88-Matt Crafton was 16th. 31 trucks practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(11-2-2017)
Sauter fastest in opening Texas Truck practice: #21-Johnny Sauter was fastest during the opening practice for Friday night’s Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 182.871mph. #18-Noah Gragson, #16-Ryan Truex, #51-Myatt Snider, #24-Justin Haley, #4-Christopher Bell, #52-Stewart Friesen, #33-Kaz Grala, #13-Cody Coughlin and #29-Chase Briscoe were the rest of the top-10. 23 drivers practiced during the session. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(11-2-2017)
2018 Bristol tickets on sale: Bristol Motor Speedway officials announce that a new pricing structure will go into effect in 2018. The Speedway’s main goal is to introduce new options that benefit both returning fans and new customers who act before upcoming deadlines.[More](11-2-2017)
Auto Club Speedway announces numerous fan experiences for race weekend: Whether it’s taking a behind the scenes tour of NASCAR garages, watching the Auto Club 400 race from an all-inclusive pit road hospitality suite, or attending a NASCAR driver Q&A, there are a variety of unique race day experiences at the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 race weekend – March 16-18, 2018.[More](11-2-2017)
Farmboy introduces ‘Farm to Fan’ concept at Phoenix: Introducing a new concept to race day, Phoenix Raceway has partnered with Farmboy Food Company to bring an exciting new menu featuring farm-fresh, local ingredients to the concession stand for fans to enjoy at November’s Can-Am 500 race weekend.[More](11-2-2017)
News from November 1, 2017
Special schemes for Kahne, Earnhardt, Jr. at Texas: The Hendrick Motorsports drivers will sport schemes promoting the new Warner Bros. movie, “Justice League,” which debuts in theaters Nov. 17.[More](11-1-2017)
A look at many new, notes and story lines for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — Texas
Martinsville post-race penalties: After Martinsville, the Cup team of #14-Bowyer was fined $25,000 for a TV Video Package simulated weight that did not meet NASCAR specifications. The team/driver was penalized 10 points. Also, #19-Suarez, and #13-Dillon received lug nut fines.[More](11-11-2017)
The Country Network and EarthWater sponsoring Gaulding: Gray Gaulding and BK Racing are proud to announce a partnership with The Country Network for the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 5. The Country Network (TCN) will join EarthWater on the #83 Toyota driven by Gray Gaulding. The Country Network (TCN) headquartered in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area with offices in Nashville, TN and New York, NY. TCN is an innovative music video TV network dedicated to providing today’s Country music enthusiasts with more choices in televised and digital programming.[More](11-1-2017)
Liberty National partners with Richard Childress Racing: Liberty National Life Insurance Company has entered into a partnership with Richard Childress Racing and the #31 team for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. Liberty National will be featured as a primary sponsor for select races with Ryan Newman and the #31 Chevrolet Camaro, and will be an associate sponsor for the entire season.[More](11-1-2017)
Darian Grubb named crew chief for William Byron: Hendrick Motorsports has named veteran crew chief Darian Grubb to lead the #24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team of driver William Byron, who will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2018 and compete for rookie of the year honors.[More](11-1-2017)
NASCAR releases 2018 XFINITY rules package: Teams competing in NASCAR XFINITY Series races at Pocono Raceway and Michigan International Speedway in 2018 will utilize the same aerodynamic package that debuted at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this season.[More](11-1-2017)
Coke Zero 400 tickets on sale: Tickets for the 60th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, the Independence Day holiday weekend classic scheduled for Saturday, July 7 at Daytona International Speedway, are now on sale.[More](11-1-2017)