November 2018 News Archives
News from November 30, 2018
Kyle and Samantha Busch expecting second child UPDATE: The couple announced the news Thursday morning. Their son, Brexton, was born in 2015.(11-22-2018)
UPDATE: Samantha announced on Thursday, November 30, that she has suffered a miscarriage and lost the baby.[More](11-30-2018)
Joey Logano honored in Las Vegas as Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion: Though Joey Logano said the reality of his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship sank in as soon as he took the checkered flag on Nov. 18 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, his words at Thursday night’s awards ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas seemed to belie that assertion. “Who’d have thought… 23 years ago, Santa Claus brought me a go-kart,” Logano said during the champion’s speech. “Who’d have thought I’d be a NASCAR champion?”[More](11-30-2018)
Rescue Ranch wins NMPA fourth quarter Spirit Award: Run by Krissie Newman, Rescue Ranch promotes/educates respect for all animals as well as, agricultural, environmental, and wildlife conservation, and facilitates rehabilitation, rescue and responsible pet ownership.[More](11-30-2018)
Natalie Decker joins DGR-Crosley: DGR-Crosley announced today that they have added Natalie Decker to their driver development program for the 2019 season. Decker will run a select number of NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series races as well as a combination of NASCAR K&N Pro Series and ARCA Racing Series events. Decker’s longtime partner N29 Technologies, LLC will come onboard as she enters her rookie season at DGR-Crosley.[More](11-30-2018)
Richmond Raceway tickets on sale December 1: Tickets for the 2019 NASCAR season at Richmond Raceway (Richmond) will be available for the public to purchase beginning on Saturday, Dec. 1. Fans can experience the iconic Richmond racing experience “under the lights” over two weekends with the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series at America’s Premier Short Track. Tickets will be available for purchase on Dec. 1 for the Toyota Spring Race Weekend on April 12-13 and the Fall NASCAR Playoff Race Weekend on Sept. 20-21.[More](11-30-2018)
News from November 29, 2018
Chase Elliott upholds family legacy with Most Popular Driver award:Chase Elliott has followed either in his father’s footsteps or the path of Dale Earnhardt Jr., depending on how fans view it, as he won the voting for the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver award. Earnhardt had won the award for 15 consecutive years through his retirement following the 2017 season. His 15 overall MPD awards is one short of the all-time record – the 16 earned by Chase Elliott’s father, Bill.[More](11-29-2018)
Carl Dakes wins NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award: Carl Dakes, a longtime volunteer with the Maryland-based Believe In Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, has been chosen by an online fan vote as the winner of The NASCAR Foundation’s eighth annual Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. Dakes was presented with the award on Thursday night during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards at Wynn Las Vegas. The award honors the philanthropic ideals and vision of The NASCAR Foundation’s late chairperson and is annually presented to a NASCAR fan who embodies those ideals through community service.[More](11-29-2018)
Kurt Busch’s ex-girlfriend guilty of fraud, tax evasion: Patricia Driscoll, Kurt Busch’s former girlfriend and Armed Forces Foundation executive director, was found guilty of fraud and tax evasion Thursday by a federal jury, according to a department of justice spokesman. After four days of jury deliberation that followed five weeks of testimony in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., Driscoll was found guilty on two counts of wire fraud, one count of first degree fraud and two counts of tax evasion.[More](11-29-2018)
General Motors plans no cuts to racing programs: Changes to General Motors’ product line, auto production facilities, and its workforce will not impact the current racing programs the auto giant has in place.[More](11-28-2018)
Champions Week Notebook: Joey Logano’s championship is fulfillment of lifelong dream; Martin Truex Jr. satisfied with effort in Monster Energy Series championship race; Fernando Alonso surprises Jimmie Johnson with his love of a loose car.[More](11-29-2018)
No 2019 announcement from Kurt Busch yet: Kurt Busch will not announce his 2019 plans this week. Wednesday he told the media at Las Vegas, “Things just didn’t come together…. There’s a few people in the works still that haven’t committed and we’ve got to get those things lined up. It is late, but I still feel confident on where things will go.”[More](11-29-2018)
News from November 28, 2018
Season-end awards presented during annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards: NASCAR presented several season-ending awards on Wednesday afternoon at the Encore Theater in Las Vegas, during the annual NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards. A number of honors were handed out during the Champion’s Week mainstay, highlighted by the Champion Crew Chief Award, which was bestowed to Todd Gordon, crew chief for the championship winning No. 22 Ford with driver Joey Logano.[More](11-28-2018)
ExxonMobil earns NASCAR Marketing Achievement Award:ExxonMobil’s Mobil 1 brand, the Official Motor Oil of NASCAR®, will be honored today with the 2018 NASCAR® Marketing Achievement Award during the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Luncheon held at the Wynn Las Vegas. As an Official Partner of NASCAR for more than 15 years, Mobil 1 motor oil is widely recognized throughout the industry as a model partner.[More](11-28-2018)
NASCAR TV viewership down in 2018: NASCAR’s top series had another record low for TV viewership this season. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series averaged 3.3 million viewers across 33 races on NBC, Fox, NBCSN and FS1 this season (excluding rainouts at Martinsville, Bristol and Indianapolis). That figure is down from 4.1 million viewers last year, and down from 4.5 million viewers in ’16.[More](11-28-2018)
Las Vegas set to fete first-time Monster Energy Series champion Joey Logano: NASCAR drivers, team members, the sport’s national media and loyal fans are descending upon Las Vegas this week for the annual Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards and related end-of-year galas and activities. Team Penske’s Joey Logano will formally receive the 2018 Monster Energy Series trophy he earned and enjoy days of proper feting. And the sport will celebrate a dramatic season and recognize some of its most impactful participants.[More](11-28-2018)
Elliott Sadler wins XFINITY Series Most Popular Driver: Elliott Sadler has been named the NASCAR Xfinity Series Most Popular Driver for the third consecutive year. Sadler retired from full-time NASCAR national series competition following the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, ending a 23-year tenure that saw him compete in 853 races across the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series.[More](11-28-2018)
Brandon Hutchison promoted to Executive VP and General Manager at Atlanta Motor Speedway: Brandon Hutchison has been promoted to the role of Executive Vice President and General Manager of Atlanta Motor Speedway, Track President Ed Clark announced today. With the promotion, Hutchison will oversee the day-to-day operations of Atlanta Motor Speedway and all track events. While Hutchison will manage the daily operations of the track, Clark will remain as the facility’s President.[More](11-28-2018)
News from November 27, 2018
Mike Wheeler joins Leavine Family Racing as crew chief: Leavine Family Racing (LFR) is proud to announce that Mike Wheeler is joining the organization as the crew chief for the No. 95 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team for the 2019 season. 2019 will mark several exciting changes for LFR as the team transitions to a new manufacturing partnership with Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Toyota Racing Development (TRD), as well as the addition of driver Matt DiBenedetto behind the wheel of the No. 95 machine.[More](11-27-2018)
Matt Tifft joins Front Row Motorsports: Bob Jenkins will expand his Front Row Motorsports team in 2019, signing Matt Tifft to drive a third Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series entry, the No. 36 Ford Mustang. Veterans Michael McDowell and David Ragan will return to drive the Nos. 34 and 38 Ford Mustangs and mentor the 22-year-old Tifft in his Cup series rookie season. Tifft finished sixth in the NASCAR XFINITY Series championship this season, earning six top-five and 19 top-10 finishes in his 2018 campaign with Richard Childress Racing, making it to the Round of 8 in the series playoffs. In four XFINITY series seasons, the young driver has nine top-five and 38 top-10 finishes, and two poles.[More](11-27-2018)
Two full-time teams for Rick Ware Racing in 2019? Rick Ware Racing will be entering its third full-time season of competition in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in 2019. “I think Rick Ware Racing is going to two full-time charters next year, and I think that we’re going to keep growing, and each and every year,” [Cody] Ware said.[More](11-27-2018)
Chase Briscoe to run full XFINITY season for Stewart-Haas Racing:Stewart-Haas Racing with Fred Biagi (SHR) will field driver Chase Briscoe in its No. 98 Ford Mustang fulltime in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2019, with Nutri Chomps serving as the primary sponsor for the first 13 races. Briscoe won his first career Xfinity Series race in October at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval in SHR’s No. 98 Ford Mustang in just his 14th career start. The 23-year-old from Mitchell, Indiana, has run 17 Xfinity Series races in 2018 with next year marking his first fulltime season in the stepping-stone division to the elite Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.[More](11-27-2018)
New premium infield RV area planned near Talladega’s start-finish line: For decades, fans in the Talladega Superspeedway frontstretch grandstands located near Turn 1 have been treated to some of NASCAR’s closest finishes at the venue’s legendary start-finish line. Beginning with this spring’s GEICO 500 weekend from April 26-28, campers will have the opportunity to forever experience the thrill of the track’s epic checkered flag conclusions from the comfort of their RVs in the new Finish Line Premium RV area.[More](11-27-2018)
News from November 26, 2018
Monday Champions Week Notebook: Season finale has lived up to the championship billing; Best of the rest; Monster Energy Series statistical leaders; Generation Now; No quit in these drivers; Rookie runs.[More](11-26-2018)
Tommy Baldwin Racing expected to return in 2019: Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) will be returning to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in 2019. TBR will field a single car team for select races throughout the year, starting with the season opener, Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in February.[More](11-26-2018)
When F1’s Fernando Alonso met NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson:Fernando Alonso was genuinely impressed by the performance of seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson when the two drivers swapped rides at the Bahrain International Circuit on Monday. After several attempts, Johnson managed to set a time within 0.2s of Alonso’s benchmark in a 2013 McLaren F1 car, while Alonso eclipsed Johnson’s installation lap in the NASCAR by four seconds.[More](11-26-2018)
Homestead XFINITY Series TV ratings: Last Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series finale from Homestead earned a 0.6 rating and 986,000 viewers on NBCSN, down 21% in ratings and 18% in viewership from last year (0.8, 1.20M) and down 29% and 27% respectively from 2016 (0.8, 1.35M). Ratings and viewership have dropped in three straight years.[Sports Media Watch](11-26-2018)
Former NASCAR driver Rick Crawford gets 130 months for enticing minor: Former NASCAR driver Rick Crawford was sentenced Monday to 130 months in federal prison after his conviction in August on one count of enticing a minor. Crawford, who won five races while competing from 1997 to 2013 in NASCAR’s truck series, was arrested in February and convicted by a jury after a trial in which prosecutors said he agreed to pay $50 to $75 to have sex with a 12-year-old girl, a violation of the federal law of enticing a minor for a criminal sexual activity.[More](11-26-2018)
Homestead Truck Series ratings: Last Friday night’s Truck Series finale from Homestead had just 542,000 viewers on FS1 – down 6% from last year (578K) and down 7% from 2016 (581K). It was the least-watched edition of the race since 2014 (507K).[More](11-26-2018)
News from November 25, 2018
Liberty Media could have an interest in NASCAR: Liberty Media currently owns a stake in Formula One. In a recent interview, CEO Greg Maffei was asked about the company’s interest in a possible purchase of NASCAR. [More](11-25-2018)
Morgan Shepherd plans to be back in 2019: Morgan Shepherd had Landon Cassill drive his Xfinity car for him in Miami, but Shepherd says he plans to be back. Isn’t it time for retirement? “Nah,” Shepherd said as he sat on the pit wall. “I’m just a servant. I might not be able to help myself but I can help other people with what we’re doing. Our charity is 32 years old. … We’ll go as long as the Lord wants me to go.”[More](11-25-2018)
News from November 24, 2018
New safety group focuses on all forms of motorsports: In an effort to make sure all bases are covered in all areas of motorsports safety, an ad-hoc committee called Racing Safety United (RSU) has been pulled together to discuss and investigate new ways to protect drivers. Racing Safety United currently has 27 members, who have scheduled a conclave on Dec. 6 in Indianapolis. NASCAR, per se, is represented on this panel by Jerry Nadeau and Randy LaJoie, who are both former drivers.[More](11-24-2018)
News from November 23, 2018
Homestead TV ratings UPDATE: NBC earned a 2.5 overnight rating for the season finale.(11-19-2018)
UPDATE: Last Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series finale from Homestead earned a 2.5 rating and 4.15 million viewers on NBC, down 11% in ratings and viewership from last year (2.8, 4.66M) and down 29% and 32% respectively from 2016 (3.5, 6.08M).[More](11-23-2018)
Construction moving forward on Talladega tunnel: While heavy amounts of rain hit Talladega Superspeedway over the past two weeks, it hasn’t slowed construction. Oxford, AL’s Taylor Corporation, which is spearheading the construction effort, is uninterruptedly progressing as the crew has excavated the tunnel pathway and has moved dirt to other areas in the infield. Crushed concrete is also being brought in and smoothed along the ground, while the formwork is being set for the Tunnel slab.[More](11-23-2018)
News from November 22, 2018
Kyle and Samantha Busch expecting second child: The couple announced the news Thursday morning. Their son, Brexton, was born in 2015.[More](11-22-2018)
Sonoma Raceway distributes more than 6,200 pounds of food to North Bay food banks: Sonoma Raceway has taken the checkered flag on its 18th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, distributing more than 6,200 pounds of non-perishable food to Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH) and the Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB) in Santa Rosa. This year’s 6,232-pound donation brings the raceway’s 18-year total to more than 39 tons of non-perishable food items for Bay Area food banks. In addition, the raceway distributed more than $1,300 in cash contributions from community members to the food banks.[More](11-22-2018)
News from November 21, 2018
Luke Lambert to continue as crew chief for Daniel Hemric: Crew chief Luke Lambert told NBC Sports he’s signed a new deal with Richard Childress Racing and will serve as rookie Daniel Hemric’s crew chief on the No. 31 car next season.[More](11-21-2018)
News from November 20, 2018
NASCAR considering streaming service? However, due to TV contracts they could not show live national series races.[More](11-20-2018)
News from November 19, 2018
Homestead TV ratings: NBC earned a 2.5 overnight rating for the season finale.[More](11-19-2018)
Homestead-Miami Speedway post-race penalty announced: #10-Almirola received a lug nut violation. There were no penalties in XFINITY or Trucks.[More](11-19-2018)
Homestead-Miami commercial breakdown: For those of you NASCAR fans that like stats and love to hate commercials, here is the breakdown for ‘Sundays race.[More](11-19-2018)
News from November 18, 2018
Sunday Homestead Notebook: Martin Truex Jr. falls just short in title defense at Homestead; Sunset turns out the lights on Kevin Harvick’s championship run; Kyle Busch fights ill-handling car to fourth-place finish.[More](11-18-2018)
Late charge gives Joey Logano Homestead victory and first Cup championship: On Sunday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway, it was “The Big Three and Me” – with the “Me” being Joey Logano waging vehicular war against the three most prolific winners in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Now “Me” is a champion.[More](11-18-2018)
Joey Logano won the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway and the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship. The win is his 3rd win of 2018, 1st win at Homestead and 21st career win. It is his first Championship.
#78-Truex, Jr. finished 2nd followed by #4-Harvick, #18-Busch, #2-Keselowski, #6-Kenseth, #9-Elliott, #14-Bowyer, #10-Almirola, and #41-Busch.
There was a caution with 20 laps remaining when #19-Suarez hit the wall. The race restarted with 15 laps to go with #18-Busch leading #78-Truex, Jr., #4-Harvick and #22-Logano. Logano moved quickly to the front, taking the lead with 12 laps to go and pulled away for a 1.725 second margin of victory.
Pole winner, #11-Hamlin finished 12th.
Stage 1 was won by #4-Harvick, finished 3rd
Stage 2 was won by #42-Larson, finished 13th after hitting the wall and bringing out a caution while running second in the final stage.
There were 22 lead changes among 7 drivers and 5 cautions for 26 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 133.056mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Where the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Playoff drivers finished at Homestead:
#22-Joey Logano, 1st
#78-Martin Truex, Jr., 2nd
#4-Kevin Harvick, 3rd
#18-Kyle Busch, 4th
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship Fast Facts
Driver Champion: Joey Logano
• Joey Logano has won his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship, becoming the 33rd different series champion.
• Logano is the fifth different driver to win the series championship in the elimination-style Playoff format joining Kevin Harvick, 2014; Kyle Busch, 2015; Jimmie Johnson, 2016 and Martin Truex Jr., 2017.
• Logano won the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season finale to claim the 2018 title.
• Logano finished the 2018 season with three wins, 13 top fives, 22 top 10s and a pole.
• During the Playoffs this season, Logano has produced two wins, six top fives, eight top 10s a pole.
• Joey Logano (Middletown) is the first driver from the state of Connecticut to win a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Owner Champion: Roger Penske, Team Penske
• This is Team Penske’s second Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver and owner championship – previoustitle: 2012 with driver Brad Keselowski.
• This is Team Penske’s sixth NASCAR national series owner championship (two in the MENCS; four in the NXS).
• Team Penske has won 111 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup races.
Crew Chief Champion: Todd Gordon
• Todd Gordon has won his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship. Gordon’s previous best standings finish was runner-up in 2016 with Joey Logano.
• Gordon is the 42nd different Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series crew chief to win a championship.
• Gordon has 19 career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series wins, all with Joey Logano.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-18-2018)
Race Fast Facts – Homestead
Joey Logano (P) won the 20th Annual Ford EcoBoost 400, his 21st victory in 363 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his third victory and 26th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and fifth top-10 finish in ten races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Martin Truex Jr. (P) (second) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 14 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 21st top-10 finish in 2018.
Kevin Harvick (P) (third) posted his 16th top-10 finish in 18 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Joey Logano has won the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver championship.
Team Penske has won the 2018 Monster Energy NASCR Cup Series owners championship.
William Byron has won the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.
Ford has won the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series manufacturers championship.
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-18-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Final Standings:
1) #22-Joey Logano, 5040
2) #78-Martin Truex Jr., 5035, -1
3) #4-Kevin Harvick, 5034, -6
4) #18-Kyle Busch, 5033, -7
5) #10-Aric Almirola, 2354, -2686
6) #9-Chase Elliott, 2350, -2690
7) #41-Kurt Busch, 2350, -2690
8) #2-Brad Keselowski, 2343, -2697
9) #42-Kyle Larson, 2299, -2741
10) #12-Ryan Blaney, 2298, -2742
11) #11-Denny Hamlin, 2285, -2755
12) #14-Clint Bowyer, 2272, -2768
13) #3-Austin Dillon, 2245, -2795
14) #48-Jimmie Johnson, 2242, -2798
15) #20-Erik Jones, 2220, -2820
16) #88-Alex Bowman, 2204, -2836
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 160) of the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway (lap 160/267):
#42-Larson, 10pts
#4-Harvick
#22-Logano
#78-Truex, Jr.
#10-Almriola, 5pts
#18-Busch
#41-Busch, 4pts
#11-Hamlin, 3pts
#48-Johnson, 2pts
#14-Bowyer, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 80) of the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway (lap 80/367):
#4-Harvick
#42-Larson, 9pts
#18-Busch
#22-Logano
#78-Truex, Jr.
#11-Hamlin, 5pts
#10-Almirola, 4pts
#20-Jones, 3pts
#2-Keselowski, 2pts
#41-Busch, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #3-DIllon, 11th
Caution 2: #20-Jones, 27th
Caution 3: #1-McMurray, 18th
Caution 4: #88-Bowman, 29th
Caution 5: #1-McMurray (2), 18th
NASCAR President Steve Phelps sees exciting days ahead for the sport: With a new rules package coming in 2019 for NASCAR’s foremost series, with significant schedule changes under consideration for the year after that, and with a groundswell of new corporate interest in the sport as a marketing vehicle, NASCAR President Steve Phelps was upbeat when he took questions from reporters on Sunday morning before the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.[More](11-18-2018)
John Hunter Nemechek expected to move to GMS Racing: John Hunter Nemechek is on the move. After a limited XFINITY Series schedule with Chip Ganassi Racing this season, he’ll jump to GMS Racing in 2019. Multiple sources have confirmed to Frontstretch the 21-year-old will be moving over to GMS. The driver contract, to be finalized in the coming days, puts Nemechek behind the wheel of the No. 23 full time. Nemechek replaces Spencer Gallagher [More](11-18-2018)
Phoenix XFINITY TV ratings: NASCAR Xfinity Series racing from Phoenix delivered a 0.9 rating and 1.39 million viewers on NBC last Saturday, down a tick in ratings and 9% in viewership from last year (1.0, 1.53M), but up 50% and 32% respectively from 2016 on NBCSN (0.6, 1.06M).[Sports Media Watch](11-18-2018)
News from November 17, 2018
Saturday Homestead Notebook: Manufacturers’ execs optimistic with what’s to come in 2019; Noah Gragson sees silver lining in last race with KBM; Short strokes.[More](11-17-2018)
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:
#22-Logano 171.701
#78-Truex, Jr. 170.584
#2-Keselowski 170.428
#20-Jones170.191
#10-Almirola 169.742
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 33 drivers): #22-Logano 165.018
slowest: #97-Berryhill 156.124 & #51-McLeod 155.907.
notes: #18-Busch was 12th fastest, #4-Harvick 14th. Busch made slight contact with the wall right at the end of the session, but there was only cosmetic damage.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (11-17-2018)
A.J. Allmendinger uncertain of 2019 plans: AJ Allmendinger, making his final start for JTG Daugherty Racing Sunday, says he is not sure when and where he’ll race again after this weekend. “As of right now, I have zero races planned,” Allmendinger told NBC Sports. “I’ve got nothing. Maybe there are races that crop up over the course of the season. I’ll say for sure, let’s go 95 percent sure, that I definitely won’t be racing a full season in anything.”[More](11-17-2018)
First Saturday 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:
#22-Logano 169.609
#10-Almirola 169.194
#11-Hamlin 168.492
#31-Newman 167.999
#20-Jones 167.411
slowest: #15-Chastain, 157.242 & #66-Hill 153.440.
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 26 drivers): #22-Logano 163.995.
notes: #78-Truex, Jr. was 9th fastest, #18-Busch 23rd, and #4-Harvick 28th.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Second Practice speeds page (pdf) (11-17-2018)
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 39 cars running, pit stalls 22, 34, 42, and 43 are not in use.
Pole winner #11-Hamlin chose pit stall 4, with an opening in front of it.
He did not choose the first pit stall, so that his teammate #18-Busch, who starts 2nd, could have it. Busch will have #66-Hill pitting behind him.
#78-Truex, Jr., who starts 3rd, took the 7th stall. He will be behind #15-Chastain and ahead of #97-Berryhill.
#22-Logano, starting 5th, chose the 3rd stall. He will have #66-Hill in front of him and an opening behind him.
#4-Harvick will start 12th and have the 39th stall. #23-Yeley will be in front of him and #38-Ragan behind him.
The final pit stall was taken by #2-Keselowski, 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.(11-17-2018)
Xfinity Championship 4 performs mightily in season finale: Tyler Reddick book-ended his rookie NASCAR Xfinity season run – with wins in the season-opener in Daytona Beach and again Saturday evening in the Homestead-Miami season finale. But a stellar championship field kept him honest – truly settling the season trophy among themselves. Last year’s Homestead winner Cole Custer finished second- a full 6.9-seconds behind Bell in the race and therefore second also in the title chase. But his effort was still good enough Saturday to give Stewart-Haas Racing its first Xfinity Series owner’s championship.[More](11-17-2018)
Tyler Reddick wins at Homestead in stunning Xfinity championship run: Tyler Reddick was the only driver of the Championship 4 who really liked it on top, and his willingness to run the wall paid off with a race win and a NASCAR Xfinity Series title. Charging forward in the top lane, even though it meant an occasional brush with the outside wall, Reddick pulled away from pole winner Cole Custer during a long green-flag run to the finish to win Saturday’s Ford EcoBoost 300 by 6.902 seconds.[More](11-17-2018)
Tyler Reddick wins Homestead-Miami Speedway XFINITY race and 2018 Championship: #9-Tyler Reddick won the Ford Ecoboost 300 at Homestead and the 2018 NASCAR XFINITY Series Championship. The win is the 3rd of his career.
Pole winner and Championship contender #00-Cole Custer finished second, but more than 6 seconds off the lead. #42-John Hunter Nemechek finished 3rd, the #21-Daniel Hemric, #22-Austin Cindric, #18-Ryan Preece, #7-Justin Allgaier, #19-Brandon Jones, #5-Michael Annett, and #2-Matt Tifft. #20-Christopher Bell, who won 6 races during the season, had a flat tire late in the race and finished 11th.
The race went green during the last stage. Reddick took the lead with 36 laps remaining and never looked back.
There were just 2 cautions for 10 laps and 5 lead changes among 4 leaders.
The average speed was 140.515mph.
Complete results are on the Homestead race results page (pdf).(11-17-2018)
NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Fast Facts
Driver Champion: Tyler Reddick
• Tyler Reddick won his first NASCAR Xfinity Series championship; becoming the 29th different driver to win the title and the third in series history to win the championship in his Sunoco rookie season joining Chase Elliott (2014) and William Byron (2017).
• Reddick won the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway to claim the title.
• Reddick made 33 starts this season posting two wins (Daytona-1 and Homestead), seven top fives and 20 top 10s.
• In the Playoffs this season Reddick has posted one win (Homestead), three top fives and six top 10s.
• Reddick (Corning) has become the second NASCAR Xfinity Series champion from the state of California joining Kevin Harvick from Bakersfield, who won the championship in 2001 and 2006.
Owner Of Driver Champion: Dale Earnhardt Jr., JR Motorsports
• This is JR Motorsport’s third NASCAR Xfinity Series driver championship (Chase Elliott, 2014; William Byron, 2017).
• Owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., a two-time (1998, ’99) NASCAR Xfinity Series driver champion, fielded his first car as an owner in the series with driver Mark McFarland at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 19, 2005.
• JR Motorsports has led 12 different drivers to Victory Lane for a total of 44 wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Crew Chief Champion: David Elenz
• This is David Elenz’s second career NASCAR Xfinity Series championship (William Byron, 2017 and Tyler Reddick, 2018).
• Elenz is the 25th different crew chief to win the NASCAR Xfinity Series title and the 10th to win multiple titles.
• Elenz has won 10 NASCAR Xfinity Series races with five different drivers: William Byron (four), Kevin Harvick (two), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (one), Chase Elliott (one) and
Tyler Reddick (two).
Owner Champion: Tony Stewart & Gene Haas, Stewart-Haas Racing No. 00 Ford
• This is Stewart-Haas Racing’s first NASCAR Xfinity Series owner championship.
• Stewart-Haas Racing began its NASCAR Xfinity Series program in 2017 at Daytona International Speedway with driver Cole Custer.
• Stewart-Haas Racing has two wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-17-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #00-Cole Custer
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #00-Cole Custer
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #9-Tyler Reddick
Homestead XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Tyler Reddick (P) won the 24th Annual Ford EcoBoost 300, his third victory in 51 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his second victory and 20th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and second top-10 finish in two races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Cole Custer (P) (second) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 26th top-10 finish in 2018.
John Hunter Nemechek (third) posted his first top-10 finish in his series track debut at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Tyler Reddick has won the 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series driver championship.
Tyler Reddick has won the 2018 Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.
Stewart-Haas Racing’s No. 00 Ford Mustang team has won the 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series owners championship.
Chevrolet has won the 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series manufacturers championship.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-17-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings after Homestead:
1) #9-Tyler Reddick, 4045
2) #00-Cole Custer, 4035, -5
3) #21-Daniel Hemric, 4033, -7
4) #20-Christopher Bell, 4026, 14
5) #1-Elliott Sadler, 2255
6) #2-Matt Tifft, 2254
7) #7-Justin Allgaier, 2251
8) #22-Austin Cindric, 2231
9) #19-Brandon Jones, 2186
10) #4-Ross Chastain, 2184
11) #16-Ryan Reed, 2170
12) #11-Ryan Truex, 2160
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings(pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(11-17-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #36-Labbe, 21st
Caution 2: #36-Labbe (2), 21st
(11-17-2018)
Ryan Reed unsure of 2019 plans: For the past five seasons, Ryan Reed has made a staple of competing for solid finishes in the Xfinity Series for Roush Fenway Racing. But his run with the team could come to a close in Saturday’s (Nov. 17) Ford EcoBoost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Indeed, Reed’s future is certainly in question after longtime sponsor Lilly Diabetes announced in mid-October it would be leaving the No. 16 team following Homestead.[More](11-17-2018)
XFINITY Pit Stall Selections (pdf)
Cole Custer on XFINITY pole at Homestead: #00-Cole Custer won the Busch pole for the Ford Ecoboost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway with a speed of 165.598mph
#20-Christopher Bell will start second. The rest of the top 10: #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #9-Tyler Reddick, #22-Austin Cindric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #1-Elliott Sadler, #19-Brandon Jones, #2-Matt Tifft, and #21-Daniel Hemric.
Did Not Qualify: #45-Josh Bilicki, #55-Bayley Currey, #74-Tim Viens, #92-Josh Williams, #99-Stephen Leicht.
The starting lineup is posted on the Homestead starting lineup page (pdf).(11-17-2018)
Homestead XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Cole Custer (P) won the Pole Award for the 24th Annual Ford EcoBoost 300 with a lap of 32.609 seconds, 165.598 mph.
This is his sixth pole in 71 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his sixth pole and 28th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in three races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Christopher Bell # (P) (second) posted his 23rd top-10 start of 2018 and his second in two races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
John Hunter Nemechek (third) posted his first top-10 start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 13th in 18 races this season.
Christopher Bell (P) (second) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-17-2018)
News from November 16, 2018
Denny Hamlin steals Homestead pole from Championship 4 drivers:Three of the four Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers qualified near the top of the board in Friday’s knockout time trials at Homestead-Miami Speedway, but Denny Hamlin, who has his own agenda, stole the pole for Sunday’s Ford EcoBoost 400. Trying to extend his streak of winning at least one race per season to 13 consecutive years, Hamlin streaked around the 1.5-mile track in 31.059 seconds (173.863 mph) to secure the top starting spot in the race that will determine the series champion. [More](11-16-2018)
#11-Denny Hamlin won the Busch pole for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway with speed of 173.863mph for his 4th pole of 2018, 3rd at Homestead and 30th of his career. Hamlin has won 3 times from the 29 previous poles.
#18-Busch will start 2nd followed by #78-Truex, Jr., #2-Keselowski, #22-Logano, #41-Busch, #20-Jones, #31-Newman, #17-Stenhouse, jr., #10-Almirola, #42-Larson, and #4-Harvick.
#20-Jones was fastest in the second round with a speed of 174.036mph, will start 7th.
#18-Busch was quickest in the first round with a speed of 174.644mph, will start 2nd.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 39 were entered for 40 spots
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(11-16-2018)
Where the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Playoff drivers will start at Homestead:
#18-Kyle Busch, 2nd
#78-Martin Truex, Jr., 3rd
#22-Joey Logano, 5th
#4-Kevin Harvick, 12th
Homestead-Miami Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Denny Hamlin won the Pole Award for the 20th Annual Ford EcoBoost 400 with a lap of 31.059 seconds, 173.863 mph.
This is his 30th pole in 470 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his fourth pole and 26th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his third pole in 14 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Kyle Busch (P) (second) posted his 27th top-10 start of 2018 and his ninth in 14 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Martin Truex Jr. (P) (third) posted his eighth top-10 start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 22nd in 36 races this season.
Bubba Wallace (23rd) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
Championship 4 starting spots – Kyle Busch (second), Martin Truex Jr. (third), Joey Logano (fifth) and Kevin Harvick (12th).
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-16-2018)
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.
#20-Jones 174.036
#78-Truex, Jr. 173.941
#18-Busch 173.566
#22-Logano 173.511
#2-Keselowski 173.416
the rest of the top 12: 17 41 4 10 11 31 42
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 88 9 12 3 6 19 48 43 1 21 43 34
(11-16-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#18-Busch 174.644
#22-Logano 174.481
#78-Truex, Jr. 174.121
#2-Keselowski 174.020
#12-Blaney 173.907
the rest of the top 24: 41 11 31 19 88 17 21 9 3 10 4 42 1 48 6 20 34 47 43
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 38 14 37 24 32 95 13 00 23 72 99 51 97 66 15
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 39 entered
(11-16-2018)
Friday Homestead Notebook: Team owners extol NASCAR’s virtues as a strong medium for partners; Elliott Sadler faces last race with mixed emotions; Cole Custer optimistic about title run-but cautiously so.[More](11-16-2018)
McMurray likely to run Daytona 500 for Chip Ganassi Racing UPDATE: Kurt Busch is still expected to replace McMurray in the No. 1 next season.(11-6-2018)
UPDATE: Jamie McMurray hasn’t decided if he will race the 2019 Daytona 500 for Chip Ganassi Racing, but he has made peace with his NASCAR career essentially being over. And because of the advice of his peers and his own experience with pursuing a ride, he’s ready for it.[More](11-16-2018)
Denny Hamlin to get new crew chief in 2019: Mike Wheeler is reportedly heading to Leavine Family Racing next season.[More](11-16-2018)
First practice for the Ford EcoBoost 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway is over, after 80 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#78-Truex, Jr. 173.997
#18-Busch 173.299
#14-Bowyer 172.977
#9-Elliott 172.900
#4-Harvick 172.828
#22-Logano was 16th fastest at172.194.
most laps run: #13-Dillon, 26 laps.
No driver ran 10 or more consecutive laps.
slowest: #15-Chastain 161.711 & #66-Hill 159.829.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the First Practice speeds (pdf) (11-16-2018)
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 #72-LaJoie.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #22-Logano.
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).(11-16-2018)
Joey Logano wins Community Champion of the Year Award: At an event to kick off NASCAR Championship Weekend in Miami on Thursday, Comcast announced Joey Logano as the winner of the fourth annual Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award. Comcast established the award in 2015 to honor NASCAR industry members for their philanthropic efforts, awarding $60,000 to the champion’s selected charity and $30,000 to the respective charities of the two remaining finalists. With this year’s contributions, Comcast has donated a total of $480,000 to charitable organizations in the NASCAR community through the Community Champion Award.[More](11-16-2018)
Ryan Reed paces final XFINITY practice: #16-Ryan Reed was quickest in final practice at Homestead with a speed of 166.451mph.
#22-Austin Cindric was second, followed by: #1-Elliott Sadler, #9-Tyler Reddick, #20-Christopher Bell, #00-Cole Custer, #3-Shane Lee, #7-Justin Allgaier, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, and #21-Daniel Hemric.
See complete results on the Homestead practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(11-16-2018)
Christopher Bell fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #20-Christopher Bell was fastest during opening practice at Homestead with a speed of 167.193mph.
The rest of the top 10:#22-Austin Cindric, #21-Daniel Hemric, #00-Cole Custer, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #1-Elliott Sadler, #9-Tyler Reddick, #38-Ryan Sieg, #2-Matt Tifft, and #61-Kaz Grala.
See complete results on the Homestead practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(11-16-2018)
Moffitt wins Truck Series Championship; Snider wins Rookie of the Year: Brett Moffitt finished this season with six wins, and career highs in both top fives (13) and top 10s (13). Myatt Snider captured the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year. Driving for ThorSport Racing, Snider scored three top fives and eight top 10s.[More](11-16-2018)
Chevrolet earns ninth NASCAR Truck Series Manufacturer Championship: With the completion of qualifying for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Chevrolet has clinched the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) manufacturer championship. This is the ninth time in NCWTS history that Chevrolet has captured this prestigious honor. Silverado has powered Chevrolet drivers in the NCWTS since the series’ inception in 1995 and has now earned the Bowtie Brand nine manufacturer championships and over 230 victories.[More](11-16-2018)
Brett Moffitt cruises to first Truck Series title at Homestead: Brett Moffitt is the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion after a decisive victory in Friday night’s Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.[More](11-16-2018)
Championship Fast Facts:
Driver Champion: Brett Moffitt
Team: No. 16 Hattori Racing Toyota Tundra
Brett Moffitt won his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship; his previous best finish in the final driver standings was 27th in 2016.
Moffitt is the 17th different driver to win the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship.
Moffitt won the NASCAR Camping World Truck season finale to win the title.
Moffitt finished the 2018 season with six wins, 13 top fives and 13 top 10s.
During the Playoffs this season Moffitt has posted two wins (ISM Raceway and Homestead) and five top fives.
Owner Champion: Shigeaki Hattori, Hattori Racing
This is Hattori Racing’s first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship
Shigeaki Hattori has become the 15th different owner champion in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the first from Japan.
In 2013, Hattori Racing made its series debut with driver Brett Moffitt in the No. 16 at Michigan International Speedway.
•Hattori Racing has posted six NASCAR Camping World Truck Series wins – all this season.
Crew Chief Champion: Scott Zipadelli
This is Scott Zipadelli’s first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship; his previous best championship finish was seventh with driver Ben Kennedy in 2016.
Zipadelli has become the 18th different crew chief to win a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship
Zipadelli has seven career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victories all with Brett Moffitt.
(NASCAR Statistics) (11-16-2018)
Moffitt wins Homestead, title: #16-Brett Moffitt won the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship by taking home the win in the season-finale Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Moffitt took the lead following a green flag exchange of pitstops on lap 106, and led the remaining 28 laps. The win was his sixth of the season.
#98-Grant Enfinger won the pole, led 33 laps, and finished second. #18-Noah Gragson finished third after leading 34 laps of his own on Friday night. He fell two positions and six points shy of the championship.
#52-Stewart Friesen, #2-Sheldon Creed, #88-Matt Crafton, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #24-Justin Haley, who finished third in the championship points was eighth, followed by #97-Jesse Little and #41-Ben Rhodes in the top-10.
#21-Johnny Sauter was the only playoff driver not in the top-10. He finished 12th after struggling with the handling of his truck throughout the race.
There were two caution flags for 12 laps and 10 lead changes among seven leaders.
See results on the Homestead race results page(11-16-2018)
Homestead Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Brett Moffitt (P) won the 23rd Annual Ford EcoBoost 200, his seventh victory in 36 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his sixth victory and 13th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in his series debut at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Grant Enfinger (second) posted his second top-10 finish in three races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 15th top-10 finish in 2018.
Noah Gragson (P) (third) posted his first top-10 finish in three races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Myatt Snider is the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year.
Brett Moffitt (P) wins the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship.
Chevrolet wins the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Manufacturer’s championship.
(NASCAR Statistics) (11-16-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 30, winner, #98-Grant Enfinger
Stage 2 – 60, winner, #16-Brett Moffitt
Stage 3 – 134 race winner, #16-Brett Moffitt
Camping World Truck standings following Homestead:
1) #16-Brett Moffitt, [6 wins], 4040
2) #18-Noah Gragson, [1 win], 4034, – 6
3) #24-Justin Haley, [3 wins], 4029, – 11
4) #21-Johnny Sauter, [6 wins], 4025, – 15
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (11-13-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Homestead: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #45-Fontaine, 22nd
Caution 2: #04-Roper, 17th
(11-16-2018)
Enfinger on Truck pole at Homestead: #98-Grant Enfinger won the pole for Friday’s Camping World Truck Series season finale at Homestead Miami Speedway with a speed of 169.348mph. #52-Stewart Friesen qualified second. The championship contenders qualified in a pack with #18-Noah Gragson, #24-Justin Haley, #16-Brett Moffitt, and #21-Johnny Sauter grabbing the third through sixth positions. #38-Ross Chastain, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #97-Jesse Little, and #54-Chris Windom closed out the top-10.
Did not qualify: none.
The starting lineup is posted on the Homestead starting lineup page(11-16-2018)
Homestead Qualifying Fast Facts:
Grant Enfinger won the Pole Award for the 23rd Annual Ford EcoBoost 200 with a lap of 31.887 seconds, 169.348 mph.
This is his third pole in 60 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his second pole and 16th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in three races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Stewart Friesen (second) posted his 16th top-10 start of 2018 and his second in three races at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Noah Gragson (P) (third) posted his third top-10 start at Homestead-Miami Speedway. It is his 19th in 22 races this season.
Myatt Snider (12th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics) (11-13-2018)
Haley fastest in second Homestead Truck practice: #24-Justin Haley was fastest during the final practice session for Friday’s Ford EcoBoost 200 Homestead Miami Speedway with a speed of 167.141mph. ##18-Noah Gragson, #51-Harrison Burton, #2-Sheldon Creed, #54-Chris Windom, #52-Stewart Friesen, #41-Ben Rhodes, #98-Grant Enfinger, #25-Tyler Dippel, and #4-Todd Gilliland were the top-10.
Championship drivers Haley and Gragson led the way for the final four, as #16-Brett Moffitt was 16th and #21-Johnny Sauter was 20th.
See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(11-2-2018)
Sauter fastest in opening Homestead Truck practice: Championship driver #21-Johnny Sauter was fastest during the opening practice for Friday’s Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead Miami Speedway with a speed of 170.465mph. #98-Grant Enfinger was second fastest, followed by #16-Brett Moffitt (championship contender), #97-Jesse Little, #51-Harrison Burton, #24-Justin Haley (championship contender), #38-Ross Chastain, #54-Chris Windom, #88-Matt Crafton and #4-Todd Gilliland followed in the top-10. The final championship driver not in the top-10: #18-Noah Gragson was 11th.
See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(11-16-2018)
News from November 15, 2018
Phoenix TV ratings UPDATE: NBC earned a 2.1 overnight rating for Sunday’s Cup race at ISM Raceway.(11-12-2018)
UPDATE: The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs from Phoenix earned a 2.0 rating and 3.31 million viewers on NBCSN, down 9% in ratings and viewership from last year (2.2, 3.64M) and down 17% and 18% respectively from 2016 (2.4, 4.03M).[More](11-15-2018)
Martins to race season finale for BJ McLeod Motorsports: NASCAR veteran Tommy Joe Martins will close out the year for BJ McLeod Motorsports in the Ford EcoBoost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In 2018, Martins has made 18 starts for BJMM & averaged a top-25 finish.[More](11-15-2018)
Texas Motor Speedway post-race penalties announced:
Crew chief Ryan Bell of the #35 truck team, truck chief Jerry Kennedy, and mechanic Patrick Magee have been suspended for the next three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series/NASCAR Gander Outdoors Trucks Series Championship Points Events, through Feb. 20, 2019, for loss or separation of added ballast from the vehicle, following the race at Texas.(11-7-2018)
UPDATE: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered an appeal of a penalty issued on Nov. 7. Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are: That the Appellants violated the Rules set forth in the Penalty Notice. That the Panel affirms and upholds the original Penalty assessed by NASCAR.[More](11-15-2018)
News from November 14, 2018
ISM Raceway post-race penalties announced: There was one lug nut penalty to Ryan Newman’s Cup team and one to Tyler Reddick’s XFINITY team.[More](11-14-2018)
Championship 4 News and Notes: By The Numbers: Homestead-Miami Speedway; Recent Title-Clinching Performances; Familiar Faces; Streaks on the Line.[More](11-14-2018)
Tanner Berryhill returning to athe No. 97 for Obaika Racing: Tanner Berryhill and Obaika Racing are planning to close out the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season on a high note. Berryhill will pilot the No. 97 Brand South Africa Toyota Camry in the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, November 18th, 2018.[More](11-14-2018)
Goodyear expects similar tire combinations next season: In detailing the reasons to move to a higher downforce and lower horsepower competition package for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, the league’s vice president of competition and racing development officer Steve O’Donnell has been wary of the phrase “pack racing.” “Let me dispel the myth that NASCAR is interested in pack racing everywhere,” O’Donnell said last month. “That is not at all what this package is.[More](11-14-2018)
Championship 4 News and Notes – NASCAR Xfinity Series: An in-depth look at the four drivers that have qualified for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship 4 and will race for the title at Homestead-Miami Speedway in the Ford EcoBoost 300 on Saturday, Nov. 17 (at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90). [More](11-14-2018)
KSDT sponsoring Smithley at Homestead: Kabat, Schertzer, De La Torre, Taraboulos & Company (KSDT), one of the fastest growing accounting firms in the United States, has renewed its sponsorship of JD Motorsports with Gary Keller in the Ford EcoBoost 300 on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Under the terms of the sponsorship agreement, KSDT’s logo will be featured on Garrett Smithley’s No. 0 Chevrolet Camaro. This is the fourth year that KSDT is participating in NASCAR’s Championship Weekend and the third year it is sponsoring its hometown speedway.[More](11-14-2018)
Championship 4 News and Notes – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: An in-depth look at the four drivers that have qualified for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship 4.[More](11-14-2018)
Harrison Burton to run full 2019 Trucks schedule: Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced today that Safelite® AutoGlass will return to the organization in 2019 as a primary sponsor for 19 races on Harrison Burton’s No. 18 Tundra during his first full-time season in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series (NGOTS). The nation’s largest provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement services joined KBM in 2018 as the primary sponsor for championship contender Noah Gragson and also has served as an associate sponsor for Burton’s limited Truck Series schedule this season.[More](11-14-2018)
News from November 13, 2018
Championship 4 News and Notes: An in-depth look at the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers.[More](11-13-2018)
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-Miami Speedway page
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.
Some of the drivers entered include: #23-Yeley, #51-TBA, #66-Hill, #72-LaJoie, #97-TBA, #99-Weatherman.
Since only 39 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
Pit crew change for Harvick at Homestead: Chris McMullen, who has been Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Aric Almirola’s rear tire changer all season, will go to Harvick’s team in that role this weekend.[More](11-13-2018)
Transportation Impact returns to sponsor Bubba Wallace at Homestead: Transportation Impact (TI) announced today it will serve as the primary sponsor of Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) and the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driven by Bubba Wallace in the 400-mile season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, November 18. The sponsorship continues the relationship by the Crystal Coast-headquartered parcel spend management firm with RPM.[More](11-13-2018)
See tire codes, pressures, set limits and more for all races at Homestead-Miami Speedway on the Homestead Goodyear tire notes page.
XFINITY Entry List: There are 45 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s season ending Ford Ecoboost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
See the complete list on the Homestead-Miami Speedway entry list page.
Truck Series entry list:There are 31 trucks entered for Friday’s season-finale Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. See the complete list on the Homestead entry list page (pdf). (11-13-2018)
Desert Diamond Casinos to sponsor XFINITY race at ISM Raceway:ISM Raceway and Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment today announced a multi-year partnership that will give Desert Diamond the naming rights to one of the Raceway’s two new Canyons, the immersive entrances created as part of the recently completed ISM Raceway Project Powered by DC Solar. As part of its naming rights deal, Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment will also become the title sponsor of the NASCAR Xfinity Series semifinal playoff race at ISM Raceway in November 2019 and November 2020.[More](1-13-2018)
Hunter Hayes in concert prior to Ford Ecoboost 400 at Homestead:Before the drivers start their engines for the Ford EcoBoost 400 championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway this Sunday, Hunter Hayes will be revving things up with a pre-race concert. Hayes will be kicking off the action-packed race on the same front stretch where the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion will be crowned later that same day.[More](11-13-2018)
Drive your car on track at Sonoma Raceway: Tackle the twists and turns of Sonoma Raceway’s road course in your personal vehicle during Speedway Children’s Charities’ 6th annual Laps for Charity on Saturday, Jan. 12. This once-a-year-opportunity invites participants to take their vehicle for a few laps around the 12-turn road course. [More](11-13-2018)
Jim Cornelison returning to Chicagoland for National Anthem next year: Chicagoland Speedway announced today that Chicago’s own Jim Cornelison will once again sing the National Anthem at this year’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Overton’s 400 on Sunday, June 30 for the seventh consecutive year. The iconic Cornelison is recognized and respected nationally for his unique rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” A classically-trained opera singer, Cornelison is known as the National Anthem’s Gold Standard.[More](11-13-2018)
News from November 12, 2018
Sad News – David Pearson: David Pearson, a three-time champion in what is now NASCAR’s Monster Energy Cup Series, died Monday at 83, the Wood Brothers Racing team confirmed to ESPN. Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in its second class in 2011, Pearson won 105 Cup races, second only to Richard Petty, Pearson’s chief rival in the 1960s and 1970s. Between 1963 and 1977, the two finished first and second in 63 races, with Pearson winning 33 of them.[More](11-12-2018)
Highly touted Championship 4 shifts their focus to the season finale in Miami: There was certainly no shortage of drama, suspense and emotion in Sunday’s Can-Am 500 at ISM Raceway – as you would expect of the race to determine which three drivers will join Martinsville winner Joey Logano in the Championship 4 round this week at Homestead-Miami Speedway.[More](11-12-2018)
StarCom Racing hooks Homestead sponsors: StarCom Racing anchors down new partners for the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway with Landon Cassill as Captain of the Local Knowledge 00 Chevy and Kyle Weatherman at the helm of the International Marine 99 Chevy.[More](11-12-2018)
Phoenix TV ratings: NBC earned a 2.1 overnight rating for Sunday’s Cup race at ISM Raceway.[More](11-12-2018)
Cole Whitt uncertain of future plans UPDATE: He says, “It’s been a slow, steady drive of me to get away from racing and move back to be around family and friends and to live a normal life. That’s been a drive for the past couple of years.”(11-1-2018)
UPDATE: After the Cup race in Phoenix, TriStar Motorsports announced, “Today’s race at ISM Raceway not only marked Cole’s last race with us for the 2018 season but the last of his career as he has elected hang up his helmet and step away from life behind the wheel.[More](11-12-2018)
News from November 11, 2018
Sunday Phoenix Notebook: Up-and-down day for Kurt Busch ends in late incident; Wreck ends promising run at Phoenix for Chase Elliott; Aric Almirola makes valiant run at game-changing victory.[More](11-11-2018)
Phoenix 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](11-11-2018)
Byron earns NASCAR Cup Series rookie of the year: William Byron is the NASCAR Cup Series rookie of the year. In the penultimate race of the year, the driver of the No. 24 Hertz Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 locked up the title with a ninth-place finish – his fourth top-10 of the year.[More](11-11-2018)
With win in Phoenix, Kyle Busch leads Big Three into title race:Holding off Brad Keselowski after a restart with 12 laps left in Sunday’s Can-Am 500 at ISM Raceway, Kyle Busch claimed his eighth Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season and led NASCAR’s Big Three into the Championship 4 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. After a wreck on Lap 269 of 312 ended the championship hopes of Kurt Busch and Chase Elliott-both of whom had been in the mix throughout the day-Busch grabbed the lead from Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Erik Jones on Lap 277 and held it the rest of the way, through two subsequent cautions and restarts.[More](11-11-2018)
Kyle Busch won the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway. The win is his 8th win of 2018, 2nd win at Phoenix and 51st career win.
#2-Keselowski finished 2nd followed by #42-Larson, #10-Almirola, #4-Harvick, #1-McMurray, #6-Kenseth, #3-Dillon, #24-Byron, and #43-Wallace.
#4-Harvick, #18-Busch, #22-Logano, and #78-Truex, Jr will compete for the Championship next weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Several playoff drivers had trouble during the race:
Pole winner #4-Harvick led the first 72 laps of the race, but had a tire go down just before the end of stage 1. He had to pit, lost a lap and fell to 30th place. He later got the free pass and worked his way back to the front to finish 5th.
#22-Logano brought out the caution on lap 95 after a spin. He could not continue and finished 37th.
#14-Bowyer blew a tire on lap 133, hit the wall and could not go on. He finished 35th.
#41-Busch led 52 laps, but passed the pace car coming on to pit road on lap 135 and was penalized one lap. He got the free pass on lap 228 and run near the front until he was involved in an accident with Hamlin and Elliott with 43 laps remaining. The team could not repair the car and he finished 32nd.
Stage 1 was won by #9-Elliott, finished 23rd.
Stage 2 was won by #18-Busch, who won.
There were 15 lead changes among 8 drivers and 10 cautions for 61 yellow flag laps. There were two late red flags for track cleanup, one with 46 laps remaining and one with 25 to go.
The average speed of the race was: 98.354mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Where the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Playoff drivers finished at Phoenix:
#18-Kyle Busch, 1st
#10-Aric Almirola, 4th
#4-Kevin Harvick, 5th
#78-Martin Truex, Jr., 14th
#9-Chase Elliott, 23rd
#41-Kurt Busch, 32nd
#14-Clint Bowyer, 35th
#22-Joey Logano, 37th
Race Fast Facts – Phoenix
Kyle Busch (P) won the 31st Annual Can-Am 500, his 51st victory in 497 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races.
This is his eighth victory and 27th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and 19th top-10 finish in 27 races at ISM Raceway.
Brad Keselowski (second) posted his ninth top-10 finish in 19 races at ISM Raceway. It is his 19th top-10 finish in 2018.
Kyle Larson (third) posted his fourth top-10 finish in ten races at ISM Raceway.
William Byron (ninth) was the highest finishing rookie and has clinched the 2018 Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.
The four drivers advancing to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 are Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-11-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Standings:
[after Phoenix – race 3 of 3 in the Round of 8, 9 of 10 in the Playoffs]
competing for the Championship at Homestead:
#4-Kevin Harvick, 5000
#18-Kyle Busch, 5000
#22-Joey Logano, 5000
#78-Martin Truex Jr., 5000
Eliminated from the Playoffs:
#41-Kurt Busch
#9-Chase Elliott
#10-Aric Almirola
#14-Clint Bowyer
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings after the points reset, Post-race Drivers Points Standings (before reset) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
Top-Ten Stage 2 Results (lap 150) of the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway (lap 150/312):
#18-Busch, 10pts
#2-Keselowski, 9pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 8pts
#4-Harvick, 7pts
#42-Larson, 6pts
#3-Dillon, 5pts
#9-Elliott, 4pts
#12-Blaney, 3pts
#24-Byron, 2pts
#10-Almirola, 1pt
Top-Ten Stage 1 Results (lap 75) of the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway (lap 75/312):
#9-Elliott, 10pts
#12-Blaney, 9pts
#11-Hamlin, 8pts
#41-Busch, 7pts
#2-Keselowski, 6pts
#42-Larson, 5pts
#18-Busch, 4pts
#20-Jones, 3pts
#88-Bowman, 2pts
#3-Dillon, 1 pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #47-Allmendinger, 12th
Caution 2: #4-Harvick, 5th
Caution 3: #43-Wallace, 10th
Caution 4: #1-McMurray, 6th
Caution 5: #41-Busch, 32nd
Caution 6: #43-Wallace (2), 10th
Caution 7: #6-Kenseth, 7th
Caution 8: None
Caution 9: #6-Kenseth (2), 7th
Caution 10: #11-Hamlin, 13th
Caution 11: #34-McDowell, 16th
News from November 10, 2018
Saturday Phoenix Notebook: Clint Bowyer’s must-win scenario doesn’t dictate unconventional strategy; Jeff Gordon headlines West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame nominees; Short strokes.[More](11-10-2018)
Happy Hour (final) practice for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#4-Harvick 135.125
#2-Keselowski 134.484
#18-Busch 164.308
#20-Jones 133.998
#78-Truex, Jr. 133.939
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 30 drivers): #4-Harvick 134.072
slowest: #66-Hill 127.777 & #51-Ware 127.101.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf) (11-10-2018)
Texas TV ratings UPDATE: NBCSN earned a 1.5 overnight rating for Sunday’s race from Texas Motor Speedway.(11-5-2018)
UPDATE: The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs from Texas earned a 1.4 rating and 2.27 million viewers on NBCSN last Sunday, down 13% in ratings and 16% in viewership from last year (1.6, 2.70M). The 2016 race was postponed due to rain, with rainout coverage earning a 1.1 and 1.86 million.[More](11-10-2018)
Pit Stall Selections: The selections of pit stalls for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway have been made.
With 39 cars running, pit stalls 20 and 41 are not in use.
Pole winner #4-Harvick chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #9-Elliott took pit stall 40, the final stall on pit road.
#17-Stenhouse, Jr., who starts 3rd, took the 6th stall, just before the start-finish line.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(11-10-2018)
First Saturday practice for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top five, slowest and notes:
#4-Harvick 134.710
#42-Larson 134.680
#2-Keselowski 134.479
#18-Busch 134.273
#12-Blaney 134.238
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 23 drivers): #42-Larson 133.862
slowest: #97-Berryhill 128.696 & #66-Hill 128.178
notes: #97-Berryhill spun early but did not hit anything.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Second Practice speeds page (pdf) (11-10-2018)
Christopher Bell wins all-or-nothing race to clinch Xfinity championship berth: In a Playoff round that has been feast or famine for Christopher Bell, the driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry gorged to his heart’s content on Saturday at ISM Raceway. Starting from 38th, Bell roared through the field to win the Whelen Trusted To Perform 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race and advance to the Nov. 17 season championship finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.[More](11-10-2018)
Christopher Bell wins ISM Raceway XFINITY race: #20-Christopher Bell won the Whelen Trusted to Perform 200 at Phoenix for his 7th win of the year and 8th career XFINITY win.
#21-Daniel Hemric finished second, followed by #2-Matt Tifft, #22-Austin Cindric, #18-Ryan Preece, #9-Tyler Reddick, #19-Brandon Jones, #00-Cole Custer, pole sitter #42-John Hunter Nemechek, and #23-Spencer Gallagher.
#20-Christopher Bell, #00-Cole Custer, #21-Daniel Hemric, and #9-Tyler Reddick will compete for the XFINITY Series championship at Homestead.
There were 6 cautions for 34 laps and 7 lead changes among 6 leaders.
The average speed was 100.643mph.
Complete results are on the Phoenix race results page (pdf).(11-10-2018)
Phoenix post-race fast facts:
Christopher Bell # (P) won the 20th Annual Whelen Trusted To Perform 200, his eighth victory in 40 NASCAR Xfinity Series races.
This is his seventh victory and 20th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and third top-10 finish in three races at ISM Raceway.
Daniel Hemric (P) (second) posted his fourth top-10 finish in four races at ISM Raceway. It is his 22nd top-10 finish in 2018.
Matt Tifft (P) (third) posted his second top-10 finish in four races at ISM Raceway.
Christopher Bell (P) (first) was the highest finishing rookie.
The four drivers advancing to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship 4 are Christopher Bell, Cole Custer, Daniel Hemric and Tyler Reddick.
(NASCAR Integrated Communications)(11-10-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #7-Justin Allgaier
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #7-Justin Allgaier
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #20-Christopher Bell
XFINITY Driver standings:
[after Phoenix – race 3 of 3 in the Round of 8, 7 of 8 in the Playoffs]
competing for the Championship at Homestead:
#00-Cole Custer, 4000
#20-Christopher Bell, 4000
#21-Daniel Hemric, 4000
#9-Tyler Reddick, 4000
Eliminated from the Playoffs:
#7-Justin Allgaier
#1-Elliott Sadler
#2-Matt Tifft
#22-Austin Cindric
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings (pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(11-10-2018)
Chevrolet clinches 19th Bill France Performance Cup in XFINITY Series: With the waving of the green flag over the Whelen 200 at ISM Raceway, Chevrolet clinched the Bill France Performance Cup in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS). The 2018 achievement marks the 19th time the Bowtie Brand has captured this prestigious honor, more than any other manufacturer. The triumph marks the fourth time Camaro SS has earned the award since becoming Chevrolet’s flagship in the Xfinity Series in 2013. The Camaro has earned 67 NXS victories since its debut. [More](11-10-2018)
John Hunter Nemechek on XFINITY pole at Phoenix: #42-John Hunter Nemechek, won the Busch pole for the Whelen Trusted to Perform 200 at ISM Raceway with a speed of 133.482mph. #00-Cole Custer will start second. The rest of the top 10: #22-Austin Cindric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #18-Ryan Preece, #1-Elliott Sadler, #19-Brandon Jones, #21-Daniel Hemric, #3-Shane Lee, and #2-Matt Tifft,
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the ISM Raceway starting lineup page (pdf).(11-10-2018)
Phoenix XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
John Hunter Nemechek won the Pole Award for the 20th Annual Whelen Trusted To Perform 200 with a lap of 26.97 seconds, 133.482 MPH.
This is his first pole in 17 NASCAR Xfinity Series races.
This is his first pole and 12th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in his series debut at ISM Raceway.
Cole Custer (P) (second) posted his 27th top-10 start of 2018 and his fourth in four races at ISM Raceway.
Austin Cindric # (P) (third) posted his first top-10 start at ISM Raceway. It is his 19th in 32 races this season.
Austin Cindric (P) (third) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-10-2018)
Texas XFINITY TV ratings: Last Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race from Texas earned a 0.51 rating and 791,000 viewers on NBCSN, flat in ratings and down 7% in viewership from last year (0.5, 849K), and down 44% and 42% respectively from 2016 (0.9, 1.37M).[Sports Media Watch](11-10-2018)
John Hunter Nemechek on XFINITY pole at Phoenix: #42-John Hunter Nemechek, won the Busch pole for the Whelen Trusted to Perform 200 at ISM Raceway with a speed of 133.482mph. #00-Cole Custer will start second. The rest of the top 10: #22-Austin Cindric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #18-Ryan Preece, #1-Elliott Sadler, #19-Brandon Jones, #21-Daniel Hemric, #3-Shane Lee, and #2-Matt Tifft,
Did Not Qualify: None.
The starting lineup is posted on the ISM Raceway starting lineup page (pdf).(11-10-2018)
Jeffrey Earnhardt to drive nine XFINITY races for Joe Gibbs Racing:Jeffrey Earnhardt will compete in a nine-race NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in 2019 with sponsorship from Xtreme Concepts Inc., a worldwide leader in providing turnkey security solutions, along with training and technology integration to U.S. government, military and commercial clients on a global scale.[More](11-10-2018)
Giant ferris wheel, more lights among what’s new at Charlotte’s Speedway Christmas: In just over a week, Charlotte Motor Speedway will cut the red ribbon to open one of the nation’s largest holiday light shows, bringing new attractions and a record amount of lights to the ninth edition of Speedway Christmas presented by AAA Carolinas’ Disconnect & Drive. New for 2018, visitors can take a ride in the infield on a 50-foot Ferris wheel, listen to joyful sounds from live musicians, bands, carolers and choirs and drive through more light displays than ever before.[More](11-10-2018)
Josh Dallas named Homestead grand marshal: Adding to the aura of Ford Championship Weekend, Homestead-Miami Speedway has named actor Josh Dallas as Grand Marshal for the Ford EcoBoost 400 on Sunday, November 18. Dallas will recite the most famous words in all of motorsports, “Drivers, start your engines!” just before the green flag waves for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship race.[More](11-10-2018)
News from November 9, 2018
Kevin Harvick rebounds with pole-winning run at Phoenix: Resilient Kevin Harvick bounced back at his best track, winning the pole position for Sunday’s Can-Am 500 at ISM Raceway and putting behind him a penalty that threatened his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship chances. Harvick, a nine-time Phoenix winner, toured the newly configured one-mile track in 25.386 seconds to run the fastest lap in the three-round knockout qualifying session at 139.340 mph to edge fellow Playoff driver Chase Elliott (139.152 mph) for the top starting spot in Round of 8 elimination race.[More](11-9-2018)
Kevin Harvick won the Busch pole for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway with speed of 139.340mph for his 4th pole of 2018, 2nd at Phoenix and 25th of his career. Harvick has won 6 times from the 24 previous poles.
#9-Elliott will start 2nd followed by #17-Stenhouse, Jr., #12-Blaney, #88-Bowman, #18-Busch, #20-Jones, #42-Larson, #22-Logano, #11-Hamlin, #21-Menard, and #2-Keselowski.
#9-Elliott was fastest in the second round with a speed of 139.411mph, will start 2nd
#6-Kenseth was quickest in the first round with a speed of 138.313mph, will start 17th.
Driver(s) who will miss the race: none as 39 were entered for 40 spots
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(11-9-2018)
Where the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Playoff drivers will start at Phoenix:
#4-Kevin Harvick, 1st
#9-Chase Elliott, 2nd
#18-Kyle Busch, 6th
#22-Joey Logano, 9th
#78-Martin Truex, Jr., 13th
#41-Kurt Busch, 14th
#14-Clint Bowyer, 16th
#10-Aric Almirola, 18th
ISM Raceway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Kevin Harvick (P) won the Pole Award for the 31st Annual Can-Am 500 with a lap of 25.836 seconds, 139.340 mph.
This is his 25th pole in 645 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his fourth pole and 26th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his second pole in 32 races at ISM Raceway.
Chase Elliott (P) (second) posted his 18th top-10 start of 2018 and his fifth in six races at ISM Raceway.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (third) posted his second top-10 start at ISM Raceway. It is his ninth in 35 races this season.
William Byron (19th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-9-2018)
Where the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Playoff drivers will start at Phoenix:
#4-Kevin Harvick, 1st
#9-Chase Elliott, 2nd
#18-Kyle Busch, 6th
#22-Joey Logano, 9th
#78-Martin Truex, Jr., 13th
#41-Kurt Busch, 14th
#14-Clint Bowyer, 16th
#10-Aric Almirola, 18th
Friday Phoenix Notebook: Martin Truex Jr. expects business as usual in approach to Sunday’s race; Jimmie Johnson is psyched up for car swap with Fernando Alonso; Ross Chastain earns full-time Xfinity ride with Chip Ganassi Racing.[More](11-9-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#6-Kenseth 138.313
#3-Dillon 137.936
#4-Harvick 137.625
#41-Busch 137.541
#18-Busch 137.531
the rest of the top 24: 17 22 24 20 42 21 34 1 48 14 11 9 10 78 12 47 88 37 2
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 19 31 95 32 13 38 43 00 15 72 23 97 66 7 51
Drivers who will miss the race: none, 39 entered
(11-9-2018)
NASCAR makes offer to acquire International Speedway Corporation: NASCAR today announced that it has submitted a non-binding offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock of International Speedway Corporation (“ISC”) not already owned by the controlling shareholders of NASCAR. The intention is to combine ISC and NASCAR as one privately run group of companies led by the France family.[More](11-9-2018)
First practice for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is over, after 50 scheduled minutes, the top-five, slowest and notes:
#20-Jones 137.862
#18-Busch 137.825
#9-Elliott 137.815
#2-Keselowski 137.431
#42-Larson 137.673
most laps run: #43-Wallace and #13-Dillon, 17 laps.
No drivers ran 10 or more consecutive laps.
slowest: #7-Kennington 129.436 & #66-Hill 128.921.
notes: #51-Ware wrecked in practice. They do not have a backup car.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the First Practice speeds (pdf) (11-9-2018)
Qualifying Order for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is posted.
The first driver to be lined up on pit road will be #11-Hamlin.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #00-Cassill.
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).(11-9-2018)
John Hunter Nemechek paces final XFINITY practice: #42-John Hunter Nemechek was quickest in final practice at Phoenix with a speed of 133.072mph.
#20-Christopher Bell was second, followed by: #22-Austin Cindric, #18-Ryan Preece, #2-Matt Tifft, #00-Cole Custer, #21-Daniel Hemric, #7-Justin Allgaier, and #1-Elliott Sadler, and #9-Tyler Reddick.
See complete results on the Phoenix practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(11-9-2018)
Christopher Bell fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #20-Christopher Bell was fastest during opening practice at Phoenix with a speed of 132.304mph.
The rest of the top 10: #18-Ryan Preece, #00-Cole Custer, #2-Matt Tifft, #21-Daniel Hemric, #7-Justin Allgaier, #23-Spencer Gallagher, #1-Elliott Sadler, #19-Brandon Jones, and #42-John Hunter Nemechek.
See complete results on the Phoenix practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(11-9-2018)
Ross Chastain to run full time XFINITY schedule for Chip Ganassi Racing: DC Solar and Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announce today that the clean energy company will continue their partnership with CGR to include sponsorship of the No. 42 DC Solar Chevrolet Camaro SS in the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS). Recent series winner, Ross Chastain will compete full-time in the No. 42 DC Solar Chevy during the 2019 NXS campaign. [More](11-9-2018)
Creed set to race full-time in the Truck Series with GMS Racing in 2019: Sheldon Creed will join GMS Racing full-time next season, competing for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors during the 2019 NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series season. Additional information on truck number and sponsor will be announced at a later date.[More](11-9-2018)
Brett Moffitt clinches Championship 4 berth with dramatic win at Phoenix:Charging from third to first with a strong inside move after a restart with three laps left, Brett Moffitt clinched his spot in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship 4 with a dramatic victory in Friday night’s Lucas Oil 150 at ISM Raceway. Moffitt pulled away to win his fifth race of the season by .456 seconds over Gragson, who qualified for the Championship 4 on points, as Enfinger faded to fourth and out of the Playoff picture. Toyota drivers Moffitt and Gragson joined GMS Racing teammates Johnny Sauter and Justin Haley in the Championship 4. Sauter had qualified with a win at Martinsville, and Haley earned his spot with a victory at Texas.[More](11-9-2018)
Moffitt wins Phoenix Truck race: #16-Brett Moffitt was the victor following a three-wide battle for the lead with three laps remaining in the Lucas Oil 150 on Friday night at ISM Raceway. He drove away and secured his fifth win of the season and a spot in the four-man race to the championship next week at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
#18-Noah Gragson finished second and claimed the final spot in the championship race. #21-Johnny Sauter and #24-Justin Haley were already locked in entering this week’s race based on previous wins.
#98-Grant Enfinger led 10 laps and was part of the battle for the lead following the final restart, but was unable to pull off a last-lap comeback to get the win he needed to advance. #88-Matt Crafton was the final driver in the round of six, but an 11th place finish wasn’t enough for the two-time champion to have a shot at another title.
As the championship field was locked in, #51-Harrison Burton finished third, followed by #98-Enfinger, #52-Stewart Friesen, #17-Tyler Ankrum, #21-Sauter, #19-Derek Kraus, #46-Christian Eckes, and #2-Sheldon Creed.
There were five caution flags for 33 laps and eight lead changes among six leaders.
See results on the ISM Raceway race results page(11-9-2018)
ISM Raceway Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Brett Moffitt (P) won the 24th Annual Lucas Oil 150, his sixth victory in 35 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his fifth victory and 12th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and first top-10 finish in his series debut at ISM Raceway.
Noah Gragson (P) (second) posted his first top-10 finish in three races at ISM Raceway. It is his 16th top-10 finish in 2018.
Harrison Burton (third) posted his first top-10 finish in his series debut at ISM Raceway.
Todd Gilliland (17th) was the highest finishing rookie.
The four drivers advancing to the Championship 4 round are Johnny Sauter, Justin Haley, Brett Moffitt and Noah Gragson.
(NASCAR Statistics) (11-9-2018)
Camping World Truck points reset following Phoenix:
#16-Brett Moffitt, 4000 [5 wins]
#24-Justin Haley, 4000 [3 wins]
#21-Johnny Sauter, 4000 [6 wins]
#18-Noah Gragson, 4000 [1 win]
Will miss the Championship race:
#88-Matt Crafton
#98-Grant Enfinger
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (11-9-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at ISM Raceway: (and their finish)
Caution 1: #83-Cram, 16th
Caution 2: #17-Anrkum, 6th
Caution 3: #13-Snider, 22nd
Caution 4: #83-Cram, 16th
Caution 5: #4-Gilliland, 17th
(11-9-2018)
Gragson on Truck pole at ISM Raceway: #18-Noah Gragson won the pole for Saturday’s Camping World Truck Series at ISM Raceway with a speed of 136.075. #24-Justin Haley, #51-Harrison Burton, #52-Stewart Friesen, #16-Brett Moffitt, #41-Ben Rhodes, #8-John Hunter Nemechek, #19-Derek Kraus, #88-Matt Crafton, and #4-Todd Gilliland were the remainder of the top-10.
Did not qualify: none.
The starting lineup is posted on the ISM Raceway starting lineup page(11-9-2018)
ISM Raceway Qualifying Fast Facts:
Noah Gragson (P) won the Pole Award for the 24th Annual Lucas Oil 150 with a lap of 26.456 seconds, 136.075 mph.
This is his ninth pole in 46 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his sixth pole and 18th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in three races at ISM Raceway.
Justin Haley (P) (second) posted his 11th top-10 start of 2018 and his second in three races at ISM Raceway.
Harrison Burton (third) posted his first top-10 start at ISM Raceway. It is his fourth in seven races this season.
Todd Gilliland (10th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics) (11-9-2018)
Burton fastest in final SM Raceway Truck practice: #51-Harrison Burton was fastest again during final practice for Friday night’s Truck Series race at ISM Raceway with a speed of 136.121mph. #18-Noah Gragson, #24-Justin Haley, #41-Ben Rhodes, #19-Derek Kraus, #88-Matt Crafton, #17-Tyler Ankrum, #21-Johnny Sauter, #16-Brett Moffitt, and #52-Stewart Friesen were the top-10. #98-Grant Enfinger, the only Playoff driver not in the top-10, was 13th.
See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(11-9-2018)
Burton fastest in opening ISM Raceway Truck practice: #51-Harrison Burton was fastest during the opening practice for Friday’s Lucas Oil 150 at ISM Raceway with a speed of 135.425mph. #18-Noah Gragson, #41-Ben Rhodes, #88-Matt Crafton, #21-Johnny Sauter, #46-Christian Eckes, #52-Stewart Friesen, #4-Todd Gilliland, #19-Derek Knaus, and #16-Brett Moffitt were the top-10.
Of the remaining Playoff drivers: #98-Grant Enfinger was 12th and #24-Justin Haley was 13th.
See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(11-9-2018)
American Medical Response named official medical transportation provider at ISM Raceway: ISM Raceway announced today that it has enlisted longtime medical services provider American Medical Response (AMR) as the Official Medical Transportation Provider for the Raceway. As part of the multi-year agreement, the infield care center at ISM Raceway will also officially become the AMR Care Center. The new AMR Care Center was unveiled during a special ceremony earlier today, leading into ISM Raceway’s Opening Weekend and the Can-Am 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series semifinal playoff race on Sunday, November 11. [More](11-9-2018)
News from November 8, 2018
MoneyLion, Team Penske roar into 2019 partnership: MoneyLion, America’s most powerful financial membership, announces an enhanced multi-year partnership with Team Penske, beginning with the 2019 NASCAR season. MoneyLion served as the primary sponsor of Team Penske’s NASCAR XFINITY Series No. 22 Ford Mustang, piloted by Austin Cindric, at Las Vegas, Richmond and Charlotte, and will once again appear on the car at Homestead in the season finale. In 2019, MoneyLion will go even bigger, serving as the primary sponsor for:
The No. 22 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford Mustang, driven by Joey Logano, at the spring Talladega race (4/28) and Watkins Glen race (8/4)
The No. 12 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford Mustang, driven by Ryan Blaney at the spring Phoenix race (3/10)
The No. 22 NASCAR XFINITY Series Ford Mustang, driven by Austin Cindric, for 18 races, beginning with Daytona (2/16) all the way through the season-finale race at Homestead-Miami Speedway (11/16).[More](11-8-2018)
D.J. Kennington returns to Cup racing at ISM Raceway: DJ Kennington will return once again to pilot the Premium Motorsports #7 Chevrolet along with returning primary sponsor, APC in Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, ‘Can-Am 500’ at the newly reconfigured ISM Raceway. Also joining Kennington this weekend is Northern Provincial Pipelines (NPP), based in Edson-Alberta Canada and owned by Dwight Kennedy. NPP has been a long time sponsor for Kennington throughout his career.[More](11-8-2018)
ISM Raceway weekend preview: Anticipation and high drama for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs; High drama in the XFINITY Series; Championship on the line in Trucks.[More](11-8-2018)
SHE Beverage sponsoring Yeley at Phoenix: NY Racing/BK Racing announce SHE Beverage as a partner, starting at ISM Raceway’s Can-Am 500 this weekend. Veteran driver, JJ Yeley in the No. 23 Toyota Camry. In addition to this weekend, SHE Beverage will be on board at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the final race of the 2018 NASCAR Season. [More](11-8-2018)
Cindric to run full-time in 2019 for Penske: Team Penske has announced that 20-year-old Austin Cindric will compete full time in the 2019 NASCAR XFINITY Series (NXS), driving the No. 22 Ford Mustang. In the midst of completing his NXS rookie season in 2018, Cindric will get the opportunity to build on that success as he works to bring another driver’s championship to the No. 22 Ford team next season. Team Penske will continue to run the No. 12 on a limited basis in 2019 with Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney and Paul Menard sharing driving duties. [More](11-8-2018)
WWE’s Matt Hardy to drive pace car at ISM Raceway: This Sunday, November 11, WWE Superstar Matt Hardy will lead the field to the green flag in the Toyota Camry Official Pace Car as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the start of the Can-Am 500. The race will take place on the final day of ISM Raceway’s Opening Weekend celebration. [More](11-8-2018)
Pocono Raceway to host Air Show: Pocono Raceway CEO Nick Igdalsky, President Ben May and the entire Mattioli family are proud to announce “The Great Pocono Raceway Air Show.” The inaugural, family-friendly event will include two show dates taking place on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2019. Tickets start at $15 for adults, $7.50 for ages seven through 12 and free for children ages six and under. [More](11-8-2018)
News from November 7, 2018
A look at many news, notes, and story lines across all three NASCAR national series at ISM Raceway, see the stats on the NASCAR National Series News & Notes — ISM Raceway
A look at some of the top statistical performers and top-10 driver ratings at Phoenix, see the stats on the Statistical Advance – Analyzing ISM Raceway page
Martin Truex, Jr. and Cole Pearn to join Joe Gibbs Racing in 2019:Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announces today that 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) Champions driver Martin Truex, Jr. and crew chief Cole Pearn will join the organization’s No. 19 team in 2019.[More](11-7-2018)
Texas Motor Speedway post-race penalties announced: Kevin Harvick was found to have an illegal spoiler during technical inspection at the NASCAR research and development center. His Texas will will not count toward the championship race at Homestead. He has been penalized 40 points and crew chief Rodney Childers has been fined $75,000 and suspended two races. NASCAR also penalized non-playoff drivers Ryan Blaney and Erik Jones 20 points. Blaney for a crush panel violation and Jones for a package tray violation. Blaney and Jones were penalized 20 points.[More](11-7-2018)
Berryhill to pilot Obaika entry at Phoenix: Tanner Berryhill will once again join Obaika Racing, this time making his 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut at ISM Raceway in Phoenix, AZ. Berryhill will pilot the No. 97 Toyota Camry with Excel Therapies and VroomBrands on board as co-primary sponsors in the Can-AM 500 on Sunday, November 11th, 2018.[More](11-7-2018)
‘Power of Pride’ for Johnson at Phoenix: The final two races of the 2018 season will showcase two very special paint schemes on the No. 48 Chevrolet. Longtime sponsor Lowe’s is paying homage to the unprecedented 17-year partnership with two very special paint outs. For ISM Raceway this weekend, Jimmie Johnson will run the “Power of Pride” paint scheme he piloted for his first three starts in the NASCAR Cup Series near the end of the 2001 season.[More](11-7-2018)
Standard Plumbing Supply returns to back Cole Whitt at ISM Raceway: TriStar Motorsports announces Standard Plumbing Supply as the primary sponsor of the No. 72 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) entry with driver Cole Whitt at ISM Raceway. Standard Plumbing Supply provides wholesale residential and commercial plumbing, heating and cooling, irrigation and hydronics products to contractors.[More](11-7-2018)
Huffman to carry In Memory of DPS Trooper Tyler Edenhofer scheme at Phoenix: Landon Huffman and the No. 38 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet will carry the name of Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper Tyler Edenhofer. Edenhofer, who previously served in the Navy, graduated from the academy on May 4, 2018. Edenhofer was killed in the line of duty on July 25, after just 52 days with the DPS.[More](11-7-2018)
Tim Packman named Memphis International Raceway President:Memphis International Raceway (MIR) and parent company IRG Sports + Entertainment, announce motorsports industry veteran Tim Packman as the sports venues’ new president. Packman brings nearly 20 years of facility management, event marketing and communications experience to the raceway.[More](11-7-2018)
Special DAYTONA 500 ticket package with Austin Dillon and Richard Childress: The 2019 DAYTONA 500 will be a special one for legendary owner Richard Childress and his grandson Austin Dillon. Childress, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and three-time DAYTONA 500 champion-winning owner, will be embarking on the 50th anniversary season of Richard Childress Racing while Dillon will be defending his victory in “The Great American Race” wheeling the No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.[More](11-7-2018)
Girl Scout CEO added to the list of dignitaries at Homestead: Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Sylvia Acevedo will have the role of leading the pledge of allegiance prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Acevedo, who is a life-long Girl Scout, was appointed CEO of Girls Scouts of the USA in May, 2017.[More](11-7-2018)
News from November 6, 2018
McMurray likely to run Daytona 500 for Chip Ganassi Racing: Kurt Busch is still expected to replace McMurray in the No. 1 next season.[More](11-6-2018)
Phoenix Goodyear Tire Notes See complete tire information for the race weekend across all series on the [Goodyear Tire Notes – ISM Raceway page.(11-6-2018)
Entry List for the Can-Am 500(k) Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at ISM Raceway is posted, 38 teams/drivers [for 40 spots] are listed.
Some of the drivers entered include: #7-Kennington, #23-Yeley, #51-TBA, #66-Hill, #72-Whitt.
Since only 38 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
See the full entry list on the Entry List (pdf)
XFINITY Entry List: There are 40 cars on the preliminary entry list for Saturday’s Whelen Trusted to Perform 200 at ISM Raceway.
See the complete list on the ISM Raceway entry list page.
Truck Series entry list:There are 31 trucks entered for Friday’s Lucas Oil 150 at ISM Raceway See the complete list on the ISM Raceway entry list page (pdf).(11-6-2018)
News from November 5, 2018
Texas TV ratings: NBCSN earned a 1.5 overnight rating for Sunday’s race from Texas Motor Speedway.[More](11-5-2018)
Texas TV 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](11-5-2018)
Gateway Motorsports Park making improvements to seating layouts, programs: Gateway Motorsports Park — in conjunction with the sports marketing program at Maryville University in St. Louis — conducted extensive fan surveys following its 2017 and 2018 INDYCAR and NASCAR events. The surveys provided detailed information pertaining to the likes and needs of the fans who attend INDYCAR and NASCAR races at the unique 1.25 mile-oval. As a result of these surveys, changes have been made to accommodate the fans to provide a better race day experience. [More](11-5-2018)
Coke Zero Sugar 400 tickets on sale Tuesday, Nov. 6: Tickets for the 61st annual Coke Zero Sugar 400, the Independence Day holiday weekend classic scheduled for Saturday, July 6 at Daytona International Speedway, will go on sale Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 9 a.m. EST. The Coke Zero Sugar 400 showcases the stars of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series under the lights on the daunting 31-degree high banks battling for a coveted Daytona victory in a 160-lap, 400-mile race. [More](11-5-2018)
News from November 4, 2018
Sunday Texas Notebook: Truex undergoes trial by fire but doesn’t get badly burned; Kyle Busch survives difficult Texas race with good points cushion; It’s all or nothing for Chase Elliott at Phoenix.
[More](11-4-2018)
Kevin Harvick advances to Playoff finale with authoritative win at Texas: This time, there was no late-race glitch to interrupt Kevin Harvick’s domination of a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. Streaking away from pole winner Ryan Blaney during an overtime restart on Lap 336, Harvick won Sunday’s AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway with the utmost of authority, sweeping the stages and leading a race-high 177 laps on the way to his series-best eighth victory of the season and a guaranteed spot in the Nov. 18 Championship 4 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
[More](11-4-2018)
Kevin Harvick won the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. The win is his 8th win of 2018, 2nd win at Texas and 45th career win. He dominated much of the race, winning the first two stages and leading 177 laps.
Pole winner #12-Blaney finished 2nd followed by #22-Logano, #20-Jones, #42-Larson, #9-Elliott, #41-Busch, #10-Almirola, #78-Truex, Jr., and #3-Dillon.
The race ended under an overtime finish after a caution with three laps to go for an accident.
There were 16 lead changes among 7 drivers and 8 cautions for 37 yellow flag laps.
The average speed of the race was: 150.558mph.
See unofficial race results, awards, laps led, cautions and more at:
Unofficial Race Results (pdf)
Cumulative Report (pdf)
Penalty Report (pdf)
Where the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Playoff drivers finished at Texas:
#4-Kevin Harvick, 1st
#22-Joey Logano, 3rd
#9-Chase Elliott, 6th
#41-Kurt Busch, 7th
#10-Aric Almirola, 8th
#78-Martin Truex, Jr., 9th
#18-Kyle Busch, 17th
#14-Clint Bowyer, 26th
Race Fast Facts – Texas
Kevin Harvick (P) won the 14th Annual AAA Texas 500, his 45th victory in 644 Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his eighth victory and 27th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his second victory and 20th top-10 finish in 32 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Ryan Blaney (second) posted his third top-10 finish in eight races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 16th top-10 finish in 2018.
Joey Logano (P) (third) posted his 11th top-10 finish in 21 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
William Byron (16th) was the highest finishing rookie.
Kevin Harvick (P) leads the point standings by 15 points over Kyle Busch (P).
(NASCAR Integrated Sports Marketing)(11-4-2018)
2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Standings:
[after Texas – race 2 of 3 in the Round of 8, 8 of 10 in the Playoffs]
1) #4-Kevin Harvick, Texas win
2) #22-Joey Logano, Martinsville win
3) #18-Kyle Busch, 4104, +28
4) #78-Martin Truex Jr., 4083, +25
Currently outside the top 4 to advance to the Championship race:
5) #41-Kurt Busch, 4058, -25
6) #9-Chase Elliott, 4052, -39
7) #10-Aric Almirola, 4033, -57
8) #14-Clint Bowyer, 4041, -73
See the Unofficial Drivers Points Standings page (pdf) and Unofficial Owners Points Standings page (pdf)
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):
#4-Harvick, 10pts, 1 playoff point
#12-Blaney, 9pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 8pts
#2-Keselowski, 7pts
#22-Logano, 6pts
#10-Almirola, 5pts
#20-Jones, 4pts
#41-Busch, 3pts
#19-Suarez, 2pts
#9-Elliott, 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, 1 playoff point
#41-Busch, 9pts
#20-Jones, 8pts
#12-Blaney, 7pts
#78-Truex, Jr., 6pts
#22-Logano, 5pts
#18-Busch, 4pts
#21-Menard, 3pts
#9-Elliott, 2pts
#10-Almirola, 1pt
Lucky Dogs, drivers that got a lap back during the cautions (and their finish):
Caution 1: #38-Ragan, 24th
Caution 2: #38-Ragan (2), 24th
Caution 3: #42-Wallace, 25th
Caution 4: #37-Bueshcer, 23rd
Caution 5: None, #19-Suarez caused the caution.
Caution 6: #78-Truex, Jr., 9th
Caution 7: #17-Stenhouse, Jr., 11th
Caution 8: #18-Busch, 17th
News from November 3, 2018
Saturday Texas Notebook: Chase Elliott will have to shake off disappointing effort in time trials; Carl Edwards inducted into Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame; After tough run at Texas, Grant Enfinger pins hopes on Phoenix.[More](11-3-2018)
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:
#17-Stenhouse, Jr. 192.349
#41-Busch 192.075
#78-Truex, Jr. 191.884
#21-Menard 191.782
#20-Jones 191.632
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 25 drivers): #4-Harvick 190.512
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Happy Hour Practice speeds page (pdf).(11-3-2018)
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:
#10-Almirola 193.854
#18-Busch 193.805
#14-Bowyer 193.771
#2-Keselowski 193.555
#11-Hamlin 193.403
best 10 consecutive lap avg (of 18 drivers): #4-Harvick 192.022
slowest: #97-Starr 180.192 & #51-Gase 179.336
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the Second Practice speeds page (pdf) (11-3-2018)
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 40 cars running, pit stalls 23, 26, 43, and 44 are not in use.
Pole winner #12-Blaney chose pit stall 1, the first stall available [as do most pole sitters].
Outside pole winner #14-Boywer 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 #2-Keselowski, who starts 5th.
To see where the drivers/teams pit stall is, see the pit selection chart on Jayski.com’s Pit Stall Selection chart.(11-3-2018)
Engine rules forces No. 66 team to withdraw at Texas: Carl Long says the team is done in Cup for this season unless something changes.[More](11-3-2018)
Suarez says nothing finalized for 2019: Despite there being only three races left in the season and knowing that he is out of the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota (JGR) when the checkered flag falls at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Daniel Suarez, confirmed he has yet to finalize plans for 2019 – meaning he doesn’t have a ride at the present time.[More](11-3-2018)
Chris Buescher running Hendrick engine at Texas: JTG Daugherty Racing will also swap crew chiefs back to their original teams next season.[More](11-3-2018)
Martinsville TV ratings: NBCSN earned a 1.3 overnight rating for Sunday’s race at Martinsville Speedway.(10-29-2018)
UPDATE: The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs from Martinsville (Va.) earned a 1.3 rating and 2.15 million viewers on NBCSN, down 24% in ratings and 22% in viewership from last year (1.7, 2.78M) and down 19% in both measures from 2016 (1.6, 2.67M).[More](11-3-2018)
Cole Custer locks up championship berth with last-lap pass at Texas:In a race that produced a last-lap pass for the win, a record 13 cautions and an unmitigated disaster for favorite son Christopher Bell, Cole Custer moved past Tyler Reddick on the backstretch to win Saturday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas Motor Speedway. Custer’s first victory of the season gave the driver of the No. 00 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford an automatic berth in the Nov. 17 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship 4 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where Custer dominated last year in winning for the first time in the series.[More](11-3-2018)
Custer wins Texas Motor Speedway XFINITY race: #00-Cole Custer won the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas following a last lap battle for the lead with #9-Tyler Reddick, for his second career win and first win at Texas. He locked himself into the next round of the Playoffs with the win.
#9- Reddick finished second, followed by #22-Austin Cindric, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #7-Justin Allgaier, #19-Brandon Jones, #2-Matt Tifft, #1-Elliott Sadler, #23-Spencer Gallagher, and #21-Daniel Hemric.
There were 13 cautions for 54 laps and 17 lead changes among nine leaders.
The average speed was 116.82mph.
Complete results are on the Texas race results page (pdf).(11-3-2018)
Race stage winners:
Stage 1 – lap 45 – Winner, #00-Cole Custer
Stage 2 – lap 90 – Winner, #21-Daniel Hemric
Stage 3 – lap 200 – Race winner, #00-Cole Custer
Texas XFINITY Race Fast Facts:
Cole Custer (P) won the 14th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge, his second victory in 69 XFINITY Series races.
This is his first victory and 24th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and fourth top-10 finish in four races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Tyler Reddick # (P) (second) posted his first top-10 finish in three races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 18th top-10 finish in 2018.
Austin Cindric # (P) (third) posted his second top-10 finish in two races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Tyler Reddick (P) (second) was the highest finishing rookie.
Tyler Reddick # (P) leads the point standings by 7 points over Elliott Sadler (P).
There were 13 cautions, a new track record. The previous record (10) was set on March 29, 2003
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-3-2018)
XFINITY Driver standings:
[after Texas – race 2 of 3 in the Round of 8, 6 of 8 in the Playoffs]
1) #00-Cole Custer, 3081 (won at Texas)
2) #9-Tyler Reddick 3105, +20
3) #1-Elliott Sadler, 3098, +13
4) #21-Daniel Hemric, 3097, +12
Currently outside the top 4 to advance to the final round:
5) #7-Justin Allgaier, 3085, -12
6) #2-Matt Tifft, 3083, -14
7) #20-Christopher Bell, 3063, -34
8) #22-Austin Cindric, 3036, -61
See complete owner and driver standings on the driver standings (pdf) and owner standings page (pdf).(11-3-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #74-Harmon, 37th
Caution 3: #66-Earnhardt, 34th
Caution 4: #8-Black, 19th
Caution 5: none
Caution 6: #40-Finchum, 17th
Caution 7: #8-Black, 19th
Caution 8: ##40-Finchum, 17th
Caution 9: #35-Gase, 22nd
Caution 10: #90-Brown, 18th
Caution 11: #45-Currey, 21st
Caution 12: #51-Clements, 14th
Caution 13: #38-Yeley, 15th
(11-3-2018)
Christopher Bell on XFINITY pole at Texas: #20-Christopher Bell won the Busch pole for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 189.321mph. #3-Shane Lee will start second. The rest of the top 10: #00-Cole Custer, #9-Tyler Reddick, #7-Justin Allgaier, #18-Ryan Preece, #2-Matt Tifft, #22-Austin Cindric, #21-Daniel Hemric, and #42-John Hunter Nemechek.
Did Not Qualify: None. Just 39 entered after the #55 team withdrew.
The starting lineup is posted on the Texas Motor Speedway starting lineup page (pdf).(11-3-2018)
Texas XFINITY Qualifying Notes:
Christopher Bell (P) won the Pole Award for the 14th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge with a lap of 28.523 seconds, 189.321 mph.
This is his sixth pole in 39 NASCAR XFINITY Series races.
This is his fifth pole and 22nd top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in three races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Shane Lee (second) posted his eighth top-10 start of 2018 and his first in one races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Cole Custer (P) (third) posted his fourth top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 26th in 31 races this season.
Chad Finchum (19th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Integrated Marketing)(11-3-2018)
Chris Janson in concert at Phoenix: ISM Raceway is thrilled to announce that platinum-selling artist Chris Janson will headline the O’Reilly Auto Parts Pre-Race Party on Sunday, Nov. 11, prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Can-Am 500. The INfield party will kick off as Janson takes the stage at 10:30 a.m.[More](11-3-2018)
News from November 2, 2018
Ryan Blaney wins pole as Fords dominate Texas qualifying Ryan Blaney may have exited the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, but that doesn’t mean the desire to win has left the driver of the No. 12 Team Penske Ford. Running the fastest lap of the day in the final round of Friday’s knockout qualifying session at Texas Motor Speedway, Blaney sped around the 1.5-mile track in 26.932 seconds (200.505 mph) to earn the top starting spot for Sunday’s AAA Texas 500.[More](11-2-2018)
#12-Ryan Blaney won the Busch pole for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway with speed of 200.505mph for his 3rd pole of 2018, 1st at Texas and 5th of his career. Blaney has never won a race from the pole.
#14-Boywer will start 2nd followed by #4-Harvick, #10-Almirola, #2-Keselowski, #11-Hamlin, #41-Busch, #22-Logano, #24-Byron, #18-Busch, #21-Menard, and #20-Jones.
#22-Logano was fastest in the second round with a speed of 200.267mph, will start 8th.
#12-Blaney was quickest in the first round with a speed of 199.682mph, will start on the pole
Driver(s) who will miss the race: None, #66-Hill withdrew.
See round-by-round qualifying results on the Qualifying results page (pdf) and the complete starting lineup on the Starting Lineup page (pdf).(11-2-2018)
Where the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Playoff drivers will start at Texas:
#14-Clint Bowyer, 2nd
#4-Kevin Harvick, 3rd
#10-Aric Almirola, 4th
#41-Kurt Busch, 7th
#22-Joey Logano, 8th
#18-Kyle Busch, 10th
#78-Martin Truex, Jr., 13th
#9-Chase Elliott, 16th
Texas Motor Speedway – Qualifying Fast Facts:
Ryan Blaney won the Pole Award for the 14th Annual AAA Texas 500 with a lap of 26.932 seconds, 200.505 mph.
This is his fifth pole in 124 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series races.
This is his third pole and 23rd top-10 start in 2018.
This is his first pole in eight races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Clint Bowyer (P) (second) posted his 15th top-10 start of 2018 and his 10th in 26 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Kevin Harvick (P) (third) posted his 11th top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 25th in 34 races this season.
William Byron (ninth) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics)(11-2-2018)
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.
#22-Logano 200.267
#4-Harvick 199.498
#41-Busch 199.483
#20-Jones 199.042
#18-Busch 198.954
the rest of the top 12: 11 24 12 14 21 2 10
out of the top 12 and not advancing to round 3: 78 31 6 9 17 88 19 1 37 42 48 13
(11-2-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#12-Blaney 199.682
#4-Harvick 199.152
#18-Busch 198.624
#41-Busch 198.522
#14-Bowyer 198.384
the rest of the top 24: 10 24 20 22 1 2 37 78 48 17 21 19 31 11 88 9 13 42 6
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 3 38 95 47 34 43 32 00 15 96 23 99 72 7 51 97
Drivers who will miss the race: None, #66-Hill withdrew
(11-2-2018)
Friday Texas Notebook: Martinsville still hurts, but Truex is maintaining focus at Texas; Aric Almirola back in must-win situation at Texas; Christopher Bell trying to look ahead after Kansas fiasco.[More](11-2-2018)
First Round of Qualifying for the AAA Texas 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway is over, after 15 scheduled minutes.
#12-Blaney 199.682
#4-Harvick 199.152
#18-Busch 198.624
#41-Busch 198.522
#14-Bowyer 198.384
the rest of the top 24: 10 24 20 22 1 2 37 78 48 17 21 19 31 11 88 9 13 42 6
out of the top 24 and not advancing to round 2: 3 38 95 47 34 43 32 00 15 96 23 99 72 7 51 97
Drivers who will miss the race: None, #66-Hill withdrew
(11-2-2018)
First 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:
#12-Blaney 198.238
#4-Harvick 198.456
#41-Busch 198.136
#11-Hamlin 198.136
#10-Almirola 197.904
most laps run: #51-Gase, 19 laps.
No drivers ran 10 or more consecutive laps.
slowest: #97-Starr 181.519 & #51-Gase 179.617.
See the fastest speeds, best 10 consecutive lap average, laps run on the First Practice speeds (pdf) (11-2-2018)
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 #23-Yeley.
The final driver lined up on pit road will be #10-Almirola.
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).(11-2-2018)
Fanatics ending trackside deal with NASCAR early: Fanatics is terminating its NASCAR trackside deal after this year, according to sources, marking an early end to what was originally a 10-year deal that was set to run through ’24. Fanatics started managing the at-venue merchandise sales efforts for almost the entire sport starting in ’15 as part of a deal that was supposed to be lucrative for Fanatics and revolutionary for the NASCAR industry, which transitioned from using haulers to a tent model for the first time in its history.[More](11-2-2018)
Brandon Jones paces final XFINITY practice: #19-Brandon Jones was quickest in final practice at Texas with a speed of 187.689mph.
#3-Shane Lee was second, followed by: #00-Cole Custer, #20-Christopher Bell, #21-Daniel Hemric, #1-Elliott Sadler, #2-Matt Tifft, #7-Justin Allgaier, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, and #22-Austin Cindric.
See complete results on the Texas practice 2 speeds page (pdf).(11-2-2018)
Ryan Truex fastest in opening XFINITY practice: #11-Ryan Truex was fastest during opening practice at Texas with a speed of 187.162mph.
The rest of the top 10: #1-Elliott Sadler, #00-Cole Custer, #21-Daniel Hemric, #19-Brandon Jones, #29-Christopher Bell, #2-Matt Tifft, #42-John Hunter Nemechek, #9-Tyler Reddick, and #3-Shane Lee.
See complete results on the Texas practice 1 speeds page (pdf).(11-2-2018)
Chevy to debut new body designs for NXS and Trucks UPDATE:Sources have confirmed that Chevrolet will be hosting a press conference at Texas Motor Speedway Friday at 11:45 a.m. in the media center to announce new Camaro and Silverado body designs for the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series and the 2019 Gander Outdoors Trucks Series entries. A press release regarding the weekend schedule from the track may have spilled the beans on the event, as well, but news that Chevrolet had been working to redesign the Camaro was first reported by Kickin’ the Tires in April.(10-31-2018)
UPDATE: Chevrolet will campaign an updated Camaro SS coupe in the NASCAR Xfinity Series™ and the new Silverado in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Series™ in 2019, the brand announced today. This marks the third time the Xfinity Series Camaro SS has received an update since its competition debut in 2013. This is the first time since 2014 the Gander Outdoors Truck Series Silverado has been redesigned.
[More](11-2-2018)
Justin Haley punches Homestead ticket with dramatic victory at Texas: Todd Gilliland’s heartbreak was serendipity for Justin Haley, who staked out his place in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship 4 race with a stunning victory Friday night at Texas Motor Speedway. Gilliland was half a lap away from collecting his first series win in the Jag Metals 350 when his No. 4 Toyota sputtered on the backstretch and ran out of fuel. Haley, who was 1.3 seconds back on the white-flag lap, surged past Gilliland and crossed the finish line 8.133 seconds ahead of runner-up Ben Rhodes. With his third victory of the season and his second in the Playoffs, Haley joined GMS Racing teammate Johnny Sauter for a chance to win the series title in the Nov. 16 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. That leaves two spots available to the remaining six competitors.[More](11-2-2018)
Haley wins Texas Truck race: #24-Justin Haley won the Jag Metals 350 at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday night, driving by a slowed #4-Todd Gilliland on the last lap to take the checkered flag and lock himself into the next round of the Playoffs.
#41-Ben Rhodes, #16-Brett Moffit, #4-Gilliland – who ran out of fuel but crept across the finish line in fourth – #02-Austin Hill, #51-Harrison Burton, #97-Jesse Little #52-Stewart Friesen, #88-Matt Crafton, and #18-Noah Gragson were the rest of the top-10.
#21-Johnny Sauter locked himself into the final Round of 4 at Homestead with a win at Martinsville, finished 11th after suffering two flat tires throughout the race. #98-Grant Enfinger, the final Playoff contender not in the top-10, finished 12th.
There were seven caution flags for 36 laps and 12 lead changes among eight leaders.
See results on the Texas race results page(11-2-2018)
Texas Truck Series Race Fast Facts:
Justin Haley (P) won the 20th Annual JAG Metals 350, his third victory in 48 Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his third victory and 17th top-10 finish in 2018.
This is his first victory and fourth top-10 finish in four races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Ben Rhodes (second) posted his second top-10 finish in six races at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 12th top-10 finish in 2018.
Brett Moffitt (P) (third) posted his first top-10 finish in two races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Todd Gilliland (fourth) was the highest finishing rookie.
Johnny Sauter (P) leads the point standings by 19 points over Brett Moffitt (P).
(NASCAR Statistics) (11-2-2018)
Stage Information:
Stage 1 – 35, winner, #24-Justin Haley
Stage 2 – 70, winner, #13-Myatt Snider
Stage 3 – 147 race winner, #24-Justin Haley
Camping World Truck standings following Texas:
#21-Johnny Sauter, 3128 [6 wins, 1 in Round of 6]
#24-Justin Haley, 3107 [3 wins, 1 in Round of 6]
#16-Brett Moffitt, 3109, – 19 [4 wins]
#18-Noah Gragson, 3105, -23 [1 win]
At the cutoff to miss the Championship race:
#98-Grant Enfinger, 3087, -41
#88-Matt Crafton, 3082, -46
See complete standings on Driver points standings page and the owner’s standings are posted on the Owner points standings page. (11-2-2018)
Free Pass – Who got a lap back on each caution at Texas: (and their finish)
Caution 1: none
Caution 2: #21-Sauter, 11th
Caution 3: #10-Cobb, 24th
Caution 4: #10-Cobb, 24th
Caution 5: #10-Cobb, 24th
Caution 6: #15-Harmon, 22nd
Caution 7: #49-Sorenson, 20th
(11-2-2018)
Sauter on Truck pole at Texas: #21-Johnny Sauter won the pole for tonight’s Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 188.758mph. #18-Noah Gragson, #52-Stewart Friesen, #16-Brett Moffitt, #17-David Gilliland, #24-Justin Haley, #2-Sheldon Creed, #51-Harrison Burton, #25-Tyler Dippel, and #97-Jesse Little were the remainder of the top-10.
#33-Josh Reaume and #7-Reid Wilson did not qualify.
#4-Todd Gilliland wrecked during the final round of qualifying, while #41-Ben Rhodes had issues in round one.
The starting lineup is posted on the Texas starting lineup page(11-2-2018)
Texas Qualifying Fast Facts:
Johnny Sauter (P) won the Pole Award for the 20th Annual JAG Metals 350 with a lap of 28.608 seconds, 188.758 mph.
This is his seventh pole in 242 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races.
This is his first pole and 19th top-10 start in 2018.
This is his fourth pole in 21 races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Noah Gragson (P) (second) posted his 17th top-10 start of 2018 and his fourth in four races at Texas Motor Speedway.
Stewart Friesen (third) posted his second top-10 start at Texas Motor Speedway. It is his 14th in 21 races this season.
Todd Gilliland (12th) was the fastest qualifying rookie.
(NASCAR Statistics) (11-2-2018)
Vankor signs multi-year sponsorship for Gander Outdoors Truck Series race at Texas: Vankor, an independent energy and commodities company headquartered in North Texas that specializes in the trade and distribution of oil and gas, has signed a multi-year deal to serve as the entitlement sponsor for the spring NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race beginning in 2019.The Vankor 350 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race will be making its debut during the spring weekend for the first time in the history of Texas Motor Speedway.[More](11-2-2018)
AAA Texas salutes upcoming Veterans Day with two military heroes in honorary positions: Ret. U.S. Army Major Ed Pulido will serve as the Grand Marshal and give the command for the drivers to start their engines while former U.S. Marine Mark Geist will be the Honorary Pace Car Driver and help lead the field to the green flag for the AAA Texas 500.[More](11-2-2018)
The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights returns to Bristol: A family-favorite holiday spectacle that showcases dazzling Christmas lights returns to Bristol Motor Speedway with the 22nd edition of The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights. The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights serves as the premiere holiday display in east Tennessee spread across a five-mile route illuminated by more than 2 million lights among 250 displays. The popular event serves as the main fundraiser for SCC-Bristol. A trip through the display sends guests down alongside the famed Bristol Dragway quarter-mile and all throughout the property, culminating with a lap around the historic Bristol half-mile oval.[More](11-2-2018)
News from November 1, 2018
Texas Motor Speedway weekend preview: Truex looking for redemption this week; XFINITY is up for grabs; It’s go time in Trucks.[More](11-1-2018)
International Speedway Corporation to acquire assets of Racing Electronics:Beginning January 1, 2019, ISC will assume operation of Racing Electronics.[More](11-1-2018)
Cole Whitt uncertain of future plans: He says, “It’s been a slow, steady drive of me to get away from racing and move back to be around family and friends and to live a normal life. That’s been a drive for the past couple of years.”[More](11-1-2018)
Special scheme for Almirola at Texas: Almirola and his No. 10 Ford Fusion team are hoping a special paint scheme featuring Smithfield’s Spiral Sliced Ham product will bring good luck this weekend. With the holiday season just around the corner, Smithfield is promoting its perfectly cooked, spiral sliced ham as an ideal addition to most every kind of holiday feast to make family and friends feel special, and by making holiday cooking a breeze, as well as providing equally flavorful leftover dishes.[More](11-1-2018)
Moffitt fastest in Texas final practice: #16-Brett Moffitt was fastest during final practice for Friday’s JAG Metal 350 at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 187.800mph. #41-Ben Rhodes was second, followed by #21-Johnny Sauter, #51-Harrison Burton, #88-Matt Crafton, #18-Noah Gragson, #4-Todd Gilliland, #13-Myatt Snider, #24-Justin Haley, and #98-Grant Enfinger in the top-10. See complete results on the Practice 2 speeds (pdf)(11-2-2018)
Sauter fastest in opening Texas Truck practice: #21-Johnny Sauter was fastest during the opening practice for Friday’s JAG Metals 350 at Texas Motor Speedway with a speed of 186.220mph. #18-Noah Gragson, #51-Harrison Burton, #24-Justin Haley, #17-David Gilliland, #98-Grant Enfinger, #52-Stewart Friesen, #88-Matt Crafton, #41-Ben Rhodes, #4-Todd Gilliland were the top-10. See complete results on the Practice 1 speeds (pdf)(11-2-2018)
O’Reilly Auto Parts sponsoring ISM Raceway’s start/finish line: ISM Raceway and longtime sponsor O’Reilly Auto Parts today announced an expanded partnership that will give O’Reilly sponsorship of the track’s iconic crescent near the new start/finish line. Similar to the field or tri-oval grass seen at other tracks on the NASCAR circuit, ISM Raceway’s new crescent is a space expanding over 100,000 square feet, created between the race track and the new pit road when pit road was moved further into the infield to create optimal sightlines for fans in the grandstands.[More](11-1-2018)