A few excerpts:
How Were the Tires Different?
They weren‘t.
The Bristol tire codes (D-5170 and D-5206) are the exact same ones used at the 2023 fall Bristol race.
How was the Track Different?
Bristol used ‘The Resin‘ in the lower groove rather than the PJ1 TrackBite applied last year. Greg Stucker, Goodyear‘s director of racing, explained that they made the switch because of a February 2024 tire test at Bristol.
What‘s the Difference between PJ1 and ‘The Resin‘?
Even before the Next Gen race car, some tracks started using track preparation compounds to increase grip in one or more lanes. Tracks owned by Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI) started the trend using PJ1 Track Bite. This compound is a traction-enhancing liquid originally developed by the Sperex corporation as a high-temperature coating for NASA.
So Why Did the Tires Wear So Much?
No one knows the answer to why there was so much tire wear at this race. But I can guess at what Goodyear is doing to try to figure it out.
See much more at Building Speed.
]]>Long utilized by Formula 1, IndyCar, and sportscar drivers such as Sergio Perez and Josef Newgarden, a significant number of NASCAR drivers have begun to look towards the Skip Barber Racing School in an effort to increase their road-racing prowess including Ross Chastain, Jimmie Johnson, Bubba Wallace, and Kyle Busch. Chastain has credited his development on road courses in large part to the time he has spent with the Skip Barber Racing School.
The training process is continuous with drivers in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series visiting the Skip Barber Racing School‘s new headquarters at VIRginia International Raceway as recently as last week to prepare for Circuit of the Americas.
The No. 22 Skip Barber Racing School Ford F-150 will be prepared by Reaume Brothers Racing and driven by SBRS‘ Director of Instructors, Carter Fartuch. This weekend‘s race will be Fartuch‘s NASCAR debut. He has previously competed with the Skip Barber Race Team in GT4 America, IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, and TC America. Originally from Pennsylvania, the 29-year-old now lives in Fort Pierce, Florida.
“My NASCAR debut is a surreal and special moment for me, made possible by the team at the Skip Barber Racing School Fartuch said. “I can‘t wait to get behind the wheel of the #22 Skip Barber Racing School Ford F-150 and give it my all for my Skip Barber Family.
“I‘m looking forward to competing against some of the best in the country at a track I know very well in Circuit of The Americas. I would like to thank everyone at the Skip Barber Racing School and Reaume Brother‘s Racing that made this dream become a reality,” Fartuch added.
Last season, the Skip Barber Racing School previously sponsored Ross Chastain‘s NASCAR Xfinity Series entry at Sonoma. SBRS plans to continue to build its presence in NASCAR after the XPEL 225 including the sponsorship of a NASCAR Cup Series entry in Martinsville.
“We couldn‘t be prouder or more pleased to add Carter‘s name to the list of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers that have trained with SBRS including Matt Crafton, Christian Eckes, Jake Garcia, Lawless Alan, and Mason Massey,” Skip Barber Racing School Chief Marketing Officer Dan DeMonte said. “Our team of expert instructors and turnkey platform, provide a winning environment for beginners as well as professionals.”
Josh Reaume, owner of Reaume Brothers Racing, comes from a very similar background as Fartuch, and believes that his experience on road courses can further build the teams‘ road course program.
“Having a professional driver coach behind the wheel of our Ford F-150s seems like the next natural step as we continue to build a competitive program,” Reaume said. “Having him as a teammate to Lawless (Alan) we feel like will create a positive and constructive environment at the racetrack. Being able to carry the Skip Barber family in NASCAR is a great honor to myself, and we are all excited to show what we can do collectively at COTA.”
Watch the No. 22 Skip Barber Racing School Ford F-150 during the XPEL 225 at Circuit of The Americas, Saturday March 23rd at 1:30 PM EST on FS1.
]]>GOTRAX is a leading producer of e-scooters, e-bikes and other personal electric vehicles. GOTRAX has been changing the game in electric transportation since 2017, providing rides that are fast, fun and reliable for riders of all kinds.
“GOTRAX is thrilled to partner with Daniil Kvyat for the very first time. We‘re already huge fans of high speed, adrenaline pumping rides, so sponsoring this race was a no-brainer for us,” said Jeff Lawrence, Marketing Director at GOTRAX. “We hope fans of motorsports and racing can find a familiar feeling of exhilaration on one of our cutting edge and performance built electric bikes, scooters, or dirt bikes.”
“I‘m grateful to GOTRAX for their support as I return to COTA, this time with the NASCAR Xfinity Series instead of Formula One. Their dedication to performance matches my own,” said Kvyat. “COTA is a challenging track, but it‘s also enjoyable to run. I‘m looking forward to getting back out there.”
Kvyat will also welcome Sonoma Aviation as an associate partner. Sonoma Aviation owns and operates two FBOs in California: Sonoma Jet Center in Santa Rosa and Carlsbad Jet Center in Carlsbad.
The Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas starts at 5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 23. It will air on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM.
— Snow Belt MGMT —
]]>Of the event, Jinks shares, “I‘ve always been a fan, and I‘ve gotten to know several of the NASCAR folks over the years. I‘m told they even play our music in the garages. I‘m excited for this opportunity and looking forward to the race.”
The appearance adds to a landmark year for Jinks, who will release his highly anticipated new album, Change The Game, this Friday, March 22 via his own label, Late August Records, in partnership with The Orchard (pre-order/pre-save here). In celebration of the release, Jinks will also perform on Fox & Friends this Saturday, March 23.
Produced by Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers, ZZ Top) and Jinks‘ longtime bassist, Joshua Thompson, Change The Game consists of 12 songs including the title track, “Sober Thing” and “Outlaws & Mustangs,” of which Billboard praises, “Jinks‘ new song glories in the enlightenment-seeking rebel journeys of the free spirits. A glimmering gospel choir ushers the song to its closing zenith moments,” while Whiskey Riff asserts, “Cody is incredibly talented and has done everything completely on his own, proving that hard work and great music are all you really need to make it in this business.” The official music video for “Outlaws & Mustangs” also recently debuted, which is deeply personal to Jinks as it features his father (Steve Jinks) and daughter (Meredith Jinks). Watch/share HERE.
Recorded mainly at MOXE outside of Nashville, TN, Change The Game marks a new chapter for Jinks both personally and professionally, as he is now self-managed with a completely independent team. Across the record, Jinks puts forth his signature outlaw country spirit with a new level of artistic maturity, as he delves into raw topics such as his journey with sobriety, the realities of life on the road and the need for redemption and accountability.
Reflecting on the project, Jinks shares, “This is the most open and honest record I‘ve ever recorded, I laid everything out.”
Known for his electric live performances, Jinks will continue to tour through this fall including upcoming headline shows at Nashville‘s Ascend Amphitheater, Los Angeles‘ Greek Theater, Dallas‘ Dos Equis Pavilion, Minneapolis‘ The Armory and San Diego‘s Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. He will also join Luke Combs as part of his “Growin‘ Up and Gettin‘ Old” stadium tour, which starts next month. See below for complete tour itinerary. Full details can be found at www.codyjinks.com.
In addition to Jinks (vocals, acoustic guitar), Change The Game features Chris Claridy (acoustic guitar, electric guitar), David Colvin (drums, percussion), Drew Harakal (B3, piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar), Jake Lentner (acoustic guitar, electric guitar), Joshua Thompson (bass) and Austin “Hotrod” Tripp (pedal steel, dobro). The record also includes a new version of Faith No More‘s “Take This Bottle,” featuring special guest Pearl Aday.
Jinks has always built his career on his own terms. Drawing on his unique musical background—growing up near Fort Worth, TX, where he cut his teeth in bars and honky-tonks as well as the influential local metal scene—Jinks learned to disrupt the status quo with an industrious, do-it-yourself approach.
“One of the most beloved and successful independent voices in country music” (Wide Open Country), Jinks has amassed a loyal fanbase throughout his career, having sold over 2 million tickets to date. He‘s also released ten full-length albums that regularly chart near the top of Billboard Country and Independent Albums charts, garnered over 4 billion streams across platforms and had eight songs certified RIAA Platinum or Gold, led by the double-platinum success of “Loud and Heavy.” In recognition of this hard work, Jinks was named Music Row‘s 2023 Independent Artist of the Year—the second time he‘s received this honor.
— Circuit of The Americas —
]]>The Kailee Mills Foundation began in November 2017 following Kailee‘s crash. Kailee was riding with three friends, traveling only a mile from home. She removed her seat belt to take a photo with her friend in the backseat. In that short moment, the vehicle slid off the road on a curve, hit a culvert, and began to flip. Kailee was the only occupant not buckled and was killed instantly after being ejected. Too often, we hear stories about fatalities where someone was not wearing a seat belt.
The Kailee Mills Foundation also has its‘ own scholarship program. The purpose of the Kailee Mills Foundation Scholarship Program is to educate teen drivers about seat belt safety through seat belt awareness, research, volunteerism, and leadership. Scholarship recipients exhibit high academic achievement, ambition, leadership, and a desire to make a difference. The Kailee Mills Foundation has awarded $191,000 in scholarships since 2020.
“I‘m really proud to be partnering with the Kailee Mills Foundation,” said Ryan Ellis, driver of the No.43 Alpha Prime Racing Chevy. “Their mission is very close to my heart, having lost so many friends and family members to car accidents. And as a father of a young daughter, Kailee‘s family‘s story breaks my heart. I want to set a great example for my daughter Hayden so she, and anyone else in the vehicle with her in the future, stay safe. You never know when you‘ll be involved in a collision, so you want to do all you can to put yourself and your passengers in as safe a position as possible by wearing your seat belt.”
“It is an honor to partner with NASCAR driver Ryan Ellis on this effort to raise awareness for seat belt safety. He, along with all NASCAR drivers, understands the importance of wearing a seat belt simply because it will save their life. It is just as important off the track, and we look forward to providing that reminder,” said Briana McCulloch, Executive Director of the Kailee Mills Foundation.
— Ryan Ellis Racing —
]]>With their partnership, AM Racing, along with Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year candidate Hailie Deegan, will promote Jinks’ anticipated new album, Change The Game, on March 22 via his own label, Late August Records, which he recently launched in an unprecedented partnership with The Orchard.
Produced by Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers, ZZ Top) and Joshua Thompson, Jinks’ longtime bassist, Change The Game marks a new chapter for Jinks both personally and professionally. He is now self-managed with a completely independent team.
A multi-platinum and award-winning artist, Jinks has sold over 2 million tickets, released ten studio albums, sold more than 2 million equivalent units and garnered more than 4 billion streams across platforms with over 1 billion streams on Spotify and 1.7 billion streams on Pandora, earning him a Pandora Radio Billions Award.
He was also named Music Row’s 2023 Independent Artist of the Year after receiving the most radio spin for an independent artist last year—his second time receiving the award — and will continue to tour extensively through this fall, including headline shows at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater, Los Angeles’ Greek Theater and San Diego’s Rady Shell at Jacobs Park among many others.
Jinks will also join Luke Combs for select dates this year as part of his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” stadium tour.
The Fort Worth, Texas native will also attend the Xfinity Series race on Saturday to support Deegan and the AM Racing team and serve in various pre-race responsibilities with Speedway Motorsports Inc. and Circuit of the Americas.
“I am beyond thrilled about this partnership with Cody Jinks this weekend at Circuit of the Americas,” offered Deegan, driver of the No. 15 AM Racing Ford Mustang. “Cody’s energy and growing popularity will undoubtedly bring us some attention for the race this weekend.
“I am honored to represent him, promote his new record, and earn him a great finish with our No. 15 Cody Jinks — Change The Game Ford Mustang on Saturday afternoon.”
Jinks, 43, proudly embraces his inaugural NASCAR Xfinity Series experience with the Statesville, N.C.- based team.
“I‘m proud to partner with AM Racing for the COTA Xfinity race this year,” offered Jinks. The timing couldn‘t have been better for the release of my new record, Change The Game, on March 22. Thank you to Wade and Michail for their friendship over the past years. Our team is excited to be working with AM Racing now and, hopefully, in the future.
“AM Racing embodies the same standards as our company, with a “Work Hard, Do Right” friends-first approach. I don‘t think it‘s any surprise to see me and some of my crew around NASCAR. We‘ve been friends with a lot of folks from various teams through the years, and it‘s just been a matter of time before doing something like this.
“For me personally, it‘s an honor to have my name on the No. 15 Ford Mustang driven by Hailie Deegan!”
Welcoming their second new partnership for the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season in the opening five races, AM Racing team president Wade Moore says the new relationship with Jinks at Circuit of the Americas is just starting.
“We are incredibly proud to host and promote Cody Jinks and his Change The Game album this weekend at Circuit of the Americas,” added Moore. “Walking around the AM Racing shop and hearing one of Cody’s songs playing on the radio is common.
“This is a special event for us. Cody and the band have created so many lifelong memories for our family that being able to put this partnership together was a natural culmination of a great friendship. We are proud to showcase the biggest independent country music artist on the planet and help share his music with the great fans of NASCAR.”
— AM Racing —
Over the years, BJ McLeod Motorsports has established itself as a formidable force on the NASCAR circuit, garnering respect and admiration for their dedication and hardwork. As the team continues to pursue its mission of achieving success on the track, this move to a part-time schedule signifies a bold step towards optimizing resources and focusing on performance improvement initiatives.
“Although we‘ve had a great start to the 2024 season, earning two Top-15‘s and one Top-20 in the first four races, we‘re committed to building a Top 15 contending team week in and week out. Right now, we feel a part-time schedule will allow us the extra time we need to build up our infrastructure to be able to compete at that level for our remaining races in 2024 and beyond. We are optimistic about these changes and look forward to returning to full-time competition in the Xfinity Series for the 2025 season,” said driver and co-owner, B.J. McLeod.
The decision to go part-time comes after thorough evaluation and strategic planning by BJ McLeod Motorsports’ leadership team. By reducing the number of races on the schedule, the team intends to concentrate its efforts on research, development, and optimization of race car performance, as well as driver training and strategic planning.
BJ McLeod Motorsports expresses gratitude to its fans, sponsors, and partners for their unwavering support throughout this journey. The team remains committed to fostering strong relationships and delivering thrilling racing experiences both on and off the track.
— BJ McLeod Motorsports —
]]>Cup Series teams found themselves in a tire battle in the Food City 500 due to rapid wear and cording. It resulted in a tire management race by both the drivers and the race teams, and NASCAR approving Goodyear to release an extra set in the second stage. In the end, the race produced a track-record 54 lead changes and a tied record of 16 different leaders.
“I know on the [tire] allotment, we actually removed a set of tires from the fall race coming into this race. That‘s on us, not Goodyear,” NASCAR chief racing development officer John Probst said when addressing the media less than two hours after the checkered flag. “So we actually gave that back during the race, as you guys saw. We‘ll go back and look at it all.
“There were times in the race, obviously, when there was anxiety around [having] enough tires to finish it. But man, coming out the end and watching all that, I would not want to change much at all, honestly. Just maybe give them more tires [in the fall].”
…
“[It was] certainly a record-setting day for us,” Probst said. “I know the race teams are probably pretty wore out right now. I know our track crew and folks up in the booth are pretty wore out just from a pretty exciting day all around on the track. Certainly had some anxiety around some tire wear and things like that. All in all, I think it was probably one of the best short track races I‘ve ever seen.”
]]>Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2024 Food City 500
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:31 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 7:10 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 219
Minutes of race broadcast: 179
Minutes of traditional commercials: 40
Minutes of side-by-side commercials: 11
Total number of commercials: 128
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 64
Total number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 104
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 58
Total number of ‘Side-by-Side‘ commercials during the broadcast (split-screen): 24
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 24
Number of times Fox utilized ‘Side-by-Side‘ commercials during the broadcast: 4
Companies seen the most in commercials during this broadcast: Toyota (11 times); Wendy‘s (7 times); Xfinity (5 times); Busch Light (5 times)
]]>There are several tracks on the NASCAR schedule that Martin Truex Jr. has a fingerhold on. Throughout the years, however, Bristol Motor Speedway has been his kryptonite.
Entering Sunday‘s Food City 500 at the World‘s Fastest Half-Mile, Truex had an appalling two top-five finishes in 33 starts, with his last coming in 2012, when he was in the middle of his stint at Michael Waltrip Racing. His top 10 total at Bristol was four, a dissatisfying number for the 2017 Cup Series champion.
The elephant in the room, however, is Truex drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, one of the teams that is largely in control on short tracks. Just last week at the 1-mile Phoenix Raceway, Toyota led all but 14 laps of the race, when Todd Gilliland stayed out during a cycle of green-flag pit stops. The presumption was JGR would be elite again this weekend, as three of its drivers led north of 100 laps in the most recent Bristol race last fall. The one outlier was Truex, who clutched tightly onto one of the final transfer spots to the Round of 12.
An eventful practice and qualifying session on Saturday led to a chaotic 500-lap race on Sunday. It became apparent through the first stint of the race that tire wear was going to be a major concern. That continued on as the majority of the field had cars that became undrivable around the 40-lap marker. The Goodyear tire compound was the same that was raced last fall.
“Apparently that’s what I needed to have happen here at Bristol to have a shot at winning,” Truex said of the drastic tire fall off. “I guess this tire management thing fit into my wheelhouse here at Bristol.”
Once again, JGR dominated, with Ty Gibbs earning the first two stage victories of his career and leading a career-high 137 laps. Truex earned stage points in both stages, and he was a linchpin inside the top 10. During the second stage alone, the No. 19 Toyota paced the field on three separate occasions for a total of 17 laps. He led an additional five times in the final stage, ending the race with 54 laps led.
Truex swapped the lead late with Denny Hamlin, who led a race-high 163 laps. The No. 11 car got by Truex for the final time with 17 laps remaining, and ended the race a tick over one-second ahead of the No. 19 car. But it matched Truex‘s best career finish at the track (August of 2011).
“The difference was just coming out of the pits so far behind [Hamlin],” Truex said. “I had to use mine up more on the last run. The last four, five laps of the race, was cord.
“I gave it a hell of an effort. Our Toyotas are working really well right now. Had a lot of fun today. Wish we could have come up with one spot. Short on second. Good run for us. It’s been a great season for us.”
By scoring 44 points during the race, Truex is tied with Kyle Larson for the regular season championship lead. Bristol also snapped a skid of 17 straight finishes outside the top five, dating back to Michigan, last August.
]]>There were no issues for #11-Denny Hamlin. He is officially the winner.
No cars back to the NASCAR R&D Center for teardown inspection.
]]>On a day where tire management was the essential element in a NASCAR Cup Series race, three veterans swept the podium positions, with Denny Hamlin winning Sunday‘s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
In a race that produced 54 lead changes—a record for Cup Series short tracks—Hamlin lost the lead briefly to Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Martin Truex Jr. in the closing laps but regained it in traffic and beat Truex to the finish line by 1.083 seconds.
In a return to concrete after three straight spring races on dirt, Hamlin won his second straight race at the 0.533-mile speedway and his fourth overall, second most among active drivers to Kyle Busch‘s eight.
The victory was the 52nd of Hamlin‘s career, 13th all-time, and his first this season.
But the story was the tires and the mysterious way they behaved in a race that saw the track start to eat through to the cords 45 laps into a green-flag run.
Goodyear brought the same tire that ran without issues in last fall‘s Night Race, but on Sunday, the concrete surface did not take rubber. Instead, marbles (small balls of rubber from degraded tires) accumulated high in the corners, making the top of the track untenable.
There were two variables that might have helped to account for the tire issues. The temperature was roughly 10-15 degrees cooler than it was for last year‘s Night Race, which was run on Sept. 16.
NASCAR also opted for a different resin the bottom lane from the PJ1 traction compound previously in use.
Whatever the cause, with his short-track background, Hamlin was best equipped to deal with the surprising situation.
“That’s what I grew up here doing in the short tracks in the Mid Atlantic, South Boston (Va.), Martinsville,” said Hamlin, who grew up in Chesterfield, Va. “Once it became a tire-management race, I really liked our chances.
“Obviously, the veteran in Martin, he knew how to do it as well. We just had a great car, great team. The pit crew just did a phenomenal job all day. Can’t say enough about them… Man, it feels so good to win in Bristol.”
Truex passed Hamlin for the lead in traffic on Lap 483 but surrendered the top spot to the race winner one lap later, as the teammates worked around slower cars. Truex‘s tires gave up the ghost on the last few circuits, as Hamlin pulled away.
“Apparently, that’s what I needed to have happen here at Bristol to have a shot at winning—I guess this tire management thing fit into my wheelhouse here at Bristol,” Truex said.
“Man, the difference was just coming out of the pits so far behind Denny (after green-flag pit stops during the final run). I had to use mine up more on the last run. The last four, five laps of the race, was cord.”
Hamlin led a race-high 163 laps, as the four JGR drivers spent a combined 383 of 500 laps at the front field, with Ty Gibbs leading 137, Truex 54 and Christopher Bell 29.
Brad Keselowski, a three-time winner at the track, finished third, 7.284 seconds behind Hamlin. Hendrick Motorsports drivers Alex Bowman and Kyle Larson were fourth and fifth, respectively, as only five drivers finished on the lead lap.
The last time five or fewer drivers finished on the lead lap was the June 6, 2004 race at Dover.
John Hunter Nemechek, Chris Buescher, Chase Elliott, Gibbs and Bell came home sixth through 10th, respectively.
Larson and Truex leave Bristol tied for the series lead, passing defending series champion Ryan Blaney, who finished 16th.
— NASCAR Newswire —
See race details at: Race Results, Driver Points Standings, Owner Points Standings, Cumulative Report, Penalty Report.
See in-race live updates and more information on the Bristol race page.
]]>“We tested here last year with the intent to come up with a tire package that generated more tire wear,” said Greg Stucker, Goodyear‘s director of racing. “That was the request from NASCAR and the teams. We feel like we had a very successful test. We feel like we had a successful race in the fall last year.
“Now, we‘re trying to understand what‘s different. Why is the race track behaving differently this weekend than what it did a year ago. It‘s the same package. It‘s the same power combination.”
However, there was one difference. Resin was put on the low groove after Saturday night‘s NASCAR Craftsman Truck race instead of PJ1. Stucker said that was a track decision and it didn‘t surprise him because everyone was trying to get away from using PJ1. The resin cheese grated the tires during the race, but Stucker said it shouldn‘t have affected how the track‘s middle and high grooves took rubber.
“Last fall, it took rubber immediately during that race,” Stucker said. “Still a bit of an unknown as far as why it‘s (race track) not behaving the same way.
See more at Autoweek.
]]>Founded by car owner Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in Cup Series history and is celebrating its 40 th anniversary in 2024. With 59,969 laps led in Cup competition, Petty Enterprises ranks second in the statistical category.
1984 FIRSTS: Driving the organization‘s flagship No. 5 Chevrolet, Geoff Bodine recorded Hendrick Motorsports‘ first lap led on April 29, 1984, at Martinsville Speedway. That day, he led 55 total laps en route to the team‘s first of 303 NASCAR Cup Series victories.
GOING THE DISTANCE: Hendrick Motorsports has led 80,000 NASCAR Cup Series laps for a total of 105,322.599 miles. The distance is equivalent to more than four trips around the world or approximately 210 roundtrips to the International Space Station.
LEADING SZN: Hendrick Motorsports‘ most laps led in a season came in 2021 when it recorded 4,119 over the 36-race NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Across its 40 full seasons at the Cup level (1984-2023), the team‘s fewest number of laps led (414) came in 1992 when the series ran 29 points-paying events. Hendrick Motorsports has led more than 1,000 laps in 30 seasons, more than 2,000 in 21 seasons, more than 3,000 seven times and more than 4,000 twice.
NOTHING BUT A NUMBER: At California Speedway on Feb. 27, 2005, Kyle Busch became the youngest driver to lead a NASCAR Cup Series lap for Hendrick Motorsports at 19 years, 9 months and 25 days old. Mark Martin stands as the oldest after leading at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 23, 2011, at 52 years, 9 months and 14 days. Both drove the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.
MOST IN A RACE: Although the team did not go to victory lane, Hendrick Motorsports led 443 laps at Martinsville on April 1, 2012, its highest-ever total in a single Cup event.
STATE-MENT: Hendrick Motorsports has led NASCAR Cup Series laps in 21 different states across the country, with the most coming in the Commonwealth of Virginia (15,086) and the fewest in Wisconsin (75). It has led more than 7,000 laps in four states: Virginia, North Carolina (9,491), Delaware (7,549) and Tennessee (7,173). Team owner Rick Hendrick grew up in Palmer Springs, Virginia.
LEADING THE WAY: A total of 29 drivers have led at least one NASCAR Cup Series lap for Hendrick Motorsports, including 16 who have led more than 1,000. With nearly 25,000 laps led, four-time Cup Series champion and current Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon has contributed the most of any driver.
MILESTONES: Gordon dominates the list of Hendrick Motorsports‘ laps led milestones, having notched its 10,000th, 20,000 th, 30,000th, 40,000th and 50,000 th. The team has now reached three 10,000-lap milestones in the month of March: 10,000 in 1993, 30,000 in 2003 and 80,000 in 2024.
TRACKING LAPS LED: Hendrick Motorsports has led on 35 different NASCAR Cup Series racetracks, with its most laps led coming at Martinsville. The team holds the record for laps led at 21 different venues. The only track where Hendrick Motorsports has competed in the Cup Series and not led a lap is the Chicago Street Course, which held its inaugural event in 2023.
— Hendrick Motorsports —
]]>NASCAR brought stock cars and its Cup Series stars to Japan for the first time in 1996. The cars were shipped across the Pacific and ran at the Suzuka Circuit, in NASCAR‘s first major international race. After two years of competing at Suzuka, the exhibition event ran at Motegi in 1998.
“I think for sure there is an opportunity,” Kobayashi said Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he is embedded with 23XI Racing ahead of his second Cup Series start next weekend. “It is very different than any type of motorsport. It‘s the sound. NASCAR has amazing sound. It‘s amazing compared to any type of car, even Formula 1.”
— Racer —
]]>Neither driver was able to recover in the rundown with their battered race trucks. Sanchez crossed the finish line behind winner Christian Eckes in the 17th position, while Friesen finished 22nd.
Unhappy with the end result, the two met on pit road post race to discuss the run-in. The confrontation was captured in numerous angles on social media, and seems to end just as it did on track, with pushing and anger.
Crew members quickly stepped in to separate the two.
The duo have just one week to sort out their issues stemming from the Bristol short track before heading to the Circuit of the Americas road course.
Words were exchanged after the race between @StewartFriesen and @Nicksanchez080. pic.twitter.com/zl9TJp1XNS
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) March 17, 2024
]]>Contact between the Nos. 52 and 2 brings out the yellow, setting up a sprint to the finish! pic.twitter.com/60em2sKcQz
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) March 17, 2024
That was certainly the case for pole winner Christian Eckes, who held off Kyle Busch in the closing laps to win Saturday night‘s Weather Guard Truck Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
In last year‘s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoff race at Bristol, Eckes gave up the lead to Corey Heim with six laps left and finished second by 0.218 seconds.
The loss cost Eckes, who led 150 laps in that event, a berth in the Championship 4 at Phoenix, where his victory in the season finale gave him a consolation prize but not a title.
On Saturday night, Eckes passed Busch for the lead on Lap 159 and held it for the final 92 circuits as Busch made a frenetic charge that fell just short. In traffic, Eckes crossed the finish line 0.141 seconds ahead of the career Truck Series victory leader.
“Oh, man, it‘s so sweet,” said Eckes, who won for the first time this season, the first time at Bristol and the sixth time in his career. “There‘s just so much behind this win from last year, missing out on the Championship 4 and losing the race with (six) to go.
“To come back and redeem ourselves was our number one goal, and not only that, but the first three races (of this season), how terribly they‘ve gone. We had a lot of issues, and to come back and run really good just show s the resilience of the team.”
By putting his No. 19 McAnally Hilgemann Racing Silverado in Victory Lane, Eckes extended Chevrolet‘s 2024 Truck Series winning streak to four races.
Under the sixth and final caution, which slowed Busch‘s pursuit for eight laps, Busch radioed to his team, “We‘re a second-place truck, maybe third.”
But that didn‘t prevent Busch from charging after Eckes after a restart on Lap 227 of 250. As the run progressed, Busch cut into Eckes‘ lead, which had grown to more than one second, and closed to his back bumper by the time Eckes crossed the finish line.
“The crazy part about it is, we fought loose all through practice, all through qualifying, all through the beginning part of the race on older date codes,” Busch said. “Then we put on the newer date codes of tires and were instantly tight. So, just not being able to prepare and practice on what you expect to race on hurt us.
“We tightened up all day, and obviously I don’t think we were as tight as the 19 (Eckes) at the end but, you know, just track position. I let him go early in that run to just go burn his stuff off and track position at the end, just aero effects… Didn’t have enough rubber on the road to outduel him.”
Zane Smith finished third in the first race of a double-duty weekend. Three-time series champion Matt Crafton was fourth after joining Eckes and Busch in a three-way battle for the lead before the final caution for a shunt involving Stewart Friesen and Nick Sanchez on Lap 219.
Series leader Tyler Ankrum was fifth, extending his margin over second-place Corey Heim to 17 points. Heim finished sixth, followed by Taylor Gray, Rajah Caruth, Grant Enfinger and Sunoco rookie Layne Riggs.
— NASCAR Wire Service —
See race details at: Race Results, Driver Point Standings, Owner Point Standings, Cumulative Report, Penalty Report
See more information on the Bristol Race Page.
]]>The reigning series champion navigated the 0.533-mile short track in 15.356 seconds (124.954 mph) in the second round of qualifying to claim the pole position for Sunday‘s Food City 500 (3:30 p.m. ET on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
“The track kind of caught everybody by surprise,” said Blaney, who earned his first Busch Light Pole Award since April 2022 at Richmond, his first at Bristol and the 10th of his career.
“The time fall-off and the grip loss behind the wheel was incredible. It was like ‘Who can not mess up a lap and still put a decent time down?‘ Great to get our first pole of the year, and ready to go tomorrow.”
Blaney‘s Team Penske Ford was 0.020 seconds faster than the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Mustang of second-place qualifier Josh Berry (124.792 mph). Toyota driver Denny Hamlin was third fastest at 124.178 mph.
Team Penske‘s Joey Logano qualified fourth, giving Ford drivers three of the top four starting spots. Chase Elliott was fifth in the fastest Chevrolet.
Blaney ran the fastest lap of the day in the first round (15.134 second) and opted not to try a second lap in the opening session. That strategy paid off, given the dramatic fall-off most drivers experienced in the money round.
“I think that was a big advantage for us,” said Blaney, who leads the series standings after finishing second, third and fifth in his last three races. “We got the good fortune of going out last in our group, so I could bail after one lap if we were in…
“A lot of teams and drivers, us included, are going to be really scratching our heads tonight, like, ‘What‘s the track going to do tomorrow?‘”
Chase Briscoe, who tied Hamlin for the second fastest overall lap in Round 1 at 126.528 mph (15.165 seconds), will start sixth on Sunday, followed by Michael McDowell, William Byron, Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson.
Hamlin is the most recent winner at Bristol, having taken the checkered flag in last year‘s Night Race.
— NASCAR Newswire —
]]>BRISTOL, Tenn. — When Christopher Bell won last year‘s spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway, he was elated to be the first true “dirt driver” to win on the red clay trucked in to cover the traditional concrete surface.
The dirt is gone this year, and as a result, Bell says he won‘t feel like a defending winner in Sunday‘s Food City 500 (3:30 p.m. ET on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
“I don‘t feel like the defending race winner,” Bell said Saturday during a question-and-answer session with reporters at Bristol. “It feels like we are at a different venue right now, compared to what it was 12 months ago.
“It is cool that I won the last dirt race. I take pride in that because I‘m a dirt-track racer. That‘s what I grew up doing, but it definitely, definitely feels like a new venue. When you came here for the dirt race, it didn‘t feel like you were at Bristol.”
The winner last Sunday at Phoenix, Bell perhaps is sanguine about his chances on the .533-mile concrete track because of his previous two finishes in the Bristol Night Race.
The driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota was fourth on the concrete in 2022. Last year he started from the pole and finished third on the way to his second straight appearance in the Championship 4 race at Phoenix.
“It‘s certainly been a while since we‘ve had a daytime race at Bristol, and I think it will probably be a little bit different, but no one knows how different it will be with the Next Gen car,” Bell said.
“Our team, at least, just found out that the treatment (traction compound) at the bottom is a little bit different (from) last year, so, yeah, it is going to be a little bit different than we‘ve had the last couple of years in Spring Bristol for sure. I can promise you that.”
Kyle Busch has “musical” answers to racing questions
Asked why simulations haven‘t helped him master the short-track package on the Next Gen Cup car, Kyle Busch provided an answer more than vaguely reminiscent of a song recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, titled “Ain‘t Nothing Like the Real Thing.”
“I would say ‘There‘s nothing like the real thing,‘” Busch said. “There‘s nothing like the ‘asphalt dyno,‘ as my dad would always say—going to the racetrack with your stuff and competing against the rest of the competitors to see where your shortcomings are.”
When it comes to racing at Bristol since the advent of NASCAR Next Gen Cup car, the converse of another song title comes to mind. Diamonds have not been a man‘s best friend, as far as Busch is concerned.
Although Busch has eight victories on the Bristol concrete, most among active drivers, his two finishes in the Next Gen car are 34th (with an engine failure) and 20th, two laps down.
“I‘d always run this place more round… like I would always try to make it as much of a circle as I possibly could, and now you kind of run this place in a diamond,” Busch said. “You go up to the wall. You try to come off the wall. You come up the wall, you know what I mean? So it‘s more diamond-shaped.
“It‘s definitely a different way of running it. That seems to be a little bit more of the faster way this day in age. It‘s a different technique to get used to, but that‘s not to say that I can‘t do it. It‘s just a matter of sometimes you can‘t out-race your own equipment, and you‘ve got to go and get what you can get out of it, but nothing more.”
Kevin Harvick‘s successor hopes to improve on a rough start
Sunoco rookie Josh Berry knew the transition from the NASCAR Xfinity Series to Cup racing wasn‘t going to be easy, especially since he is following 60-time winner Kevin Harvick in the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford.
A combination of bad luck and self-inflicted wounds has relegated Berry to 31st in the standings though four races. His best result of 20th came at Las Vegas, where he finished on the lead lap for the only time this season.
“It‘s been a little bit disappointing,” Berry acknowledged on Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway. “Even when I started this going back to last summer, people asked me all the time what my expectations were, and I always said that I expected it to be hard—and it is hard.
“Cup racing is hard. So with that side of it, I think each race, we‘ve had little-ish different things happen that maybe hurt our finish or not.”
Back-to-back pit road speeding penalties at Atlanta definitely were a setback, as was a spin during qualifying at Phoenix.
“I made a couple of mistakes over the last few weeks,” Berry said. “Spinning out in qualifying at Phoenix put us really far behind all these guys. All week, all they talk about is how you can‘t pass.
“I mean, having a mistake like that puts you really far behind and makes your day look worse than it really is, so, for me, it‘s just hopefully getting some of these mistakes out of the way early on and start qualifying a little bit better, and I think we‘ll be fine.”
— NASCAR Wire Service —
]]>
The car will still be a 23XI car, just with a different number.
A scheme fit for a celebration and the best things come in 3️⃣s
We can‘t think of a better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mobil 1 than running the 50 car (courtesy of @tmtracing50) three times with three drivers🤩
Stay tuned for more to come 👀”#Mobil1xTRD… pic.twitter.com/uXd8CLT0HP
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) March 16, 2024
ORIGINAL POST 3-13-2024: 23XI Racing announced Wednesday that Kamui Kobayashi will return to the NASCAR Cup Series at Circuit of the Americas on March 24.
He made his Cup debut last year at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, finishing 33rd.
]]>He‘s back 😉
Kamui Kobayashi rejoins 23XI Racing for his second career #NASCAR Cup Series start as he takes on COTA with teammates Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. #teamtoyota pic.twitter.com/Ifkmss21wE
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) March 13, 2024
It was previously announced that he would drive a partial schedule for the team, but no races beyond the Clash and Atlanta had been announced.
]]>The Mullet Man returns to the Cup Series in the No. 16 @AlloyEmployer Chevy next month at @MartinsvilleSwy! 🕰#Cookout400 | #CupSeries pic.twitter.com/Hjrz7NgXfr
— Kaulig Racing (@KauligRacing) March 13, 2024
Crew rosters for all teams entered can bee seen here.
Kyle Busch crew shuffle for this week (according to the roster): Josh Sobecki, jackman for Daytona, back on the jack. Michael Russell, front changer who didn't do the car at Phoenix, back on the front. Shiloh Windsor, front changer last week, doing rear tires this week.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 15, 2024
UPDATE 3-8-2024: This week at Phoenix Raceway, Kyle Busch will have more new crew members.
Doug Warrick is the new jackman, Busch’s third of the year.
Richard Johnson takes over as rear tire changer. Shiloh Windsor will be the front tire changer.
Kyle Busch crew changes:
Rear changer: Michael Johnson (and remains 21 NXS) for Chris Jackson (remains 48 NXS)
Front changer-Shiloh Windsor (remains on rear 5 NXS) for Michael Russell (remains on front 5 NXS)
Jack-Doug Warrick (remains 48 NXS) for Garrett Crall (remains 5 NXS)
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 7, 2024
ORIGINAL POST 3-1-2024: Last weekend‘s race at Atlanta saw the first pit crew change of the season for a Cup team.
Kyle Busch‘s Richard Childress Racing team opened the season with Josh Sobecki as the jackman in the Daytona 500. During that race, Busch had to return to the pits after a stop because the left front tire was not secure. The car was dropped from the jack — the driver‘s signal to go — before the left front tire had been tightened.
Garrett Crall served as the jackman last weekend at Atlanta and is listed on the team‘s roster for this weekend‘s race at Las Vegas.
— NBC Sports —
]]>Food City is gearing up for this weekend‘s historic return of the Food City 500 to Bristol Motor Speedway. Earlier today, company officials announced that several NASCAR legends will serve as the event Grand Marshals, delivering the starting command for Sunday‘s clash.
“We‘re excited about the return of the Food City 500 to Bristol Motor Speedway. As their longest running sponsor, we‘re proud to have some of the drivers and team owners who helped make this sport great serving as our event grand marshals,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.
Food City began their NASCAR series title sponsor in 1992. Celebrating over 30 years of racing, the supermarket retailer is Bristol Motor Speedway‘s longest running race entitlement sponsor and the second longest in NASCAR.
The all-star Grand Marshal line-up includes seven-time NASCAR champion – Richard Petty, Kyle Petty — racing commentator and analyst, Richard Childress – chairman and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing, and Joe Gibbs — owner and founder of Joe Gibbs Racing.
“Our sponsorship has been filled with lots of great memories and action-packed moments. Our first trip to Victory Lane in 1992 with Alan Kulwicki to celebrate his first win at Bristol, joining Dale Earnhardt in Victory Lane at the Food City 500, Jeff Gordon‘s three wins in a row, Rusty Wallace‘s 50th win at Bristol, Elliott Sadler‘s first cup series win at Bristol, and the Busch boys‘ domination at different times in Bristol‘s history. We look forward to continuing this great partnership with our friends at Bristol Motor Speedway for many years to come,” says Smith.
Doug Rice, Performance Racing Network president and lead anchor will serve as Honorary Starter, waving the green flag to unleash the pack on Sunday.
“Doug has had such a tremendous impact on motorsports throughout his career, and we wanted to honor his commitment to our company, the fans, the drivers, and the sport as a whole during his final NASCAR season in the broadcast booth,” says Smith.
Food City is the title sponsor of the spring NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 and the fall Food City 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race. The historic Food City 500 gets under way at 3:30 p.m. on St. Patrick‘s Day – Sunday, March 17th.
— Bristol Motor Speedway —
]]>David‘s Electric joined BHR for the 2023 season and will continue their partnership with the Mooresville, N.C., -based race team. David‘s Electric is based in London, Ky., and began operations nearly 30 years ago. The fully licensed and insured electric company specializes in hotel/motel commercial services along with a variety of businesses, industries, and churches. They install recessed lighting, fire alarm systems, and parking lot lights.
“It‘s an exciting time for our company,” said David Poerio, owner of David‘s Electric. “We‘re looking forward to another great season with Bret (Holmes) and the team at Bret Holmes Racing. They really make us feel like part of the racing family.”
GEN-Y Hitch has joined the team for the 2024 season as an associate sponsor. The Official Hitch of Bret Holmes Racing is based in Nappanee, Ind., and provides a premium high-quality hitch for the RV industry and pick up truck towing market.
GEN-Y Hitch‘s top priority is to design and manufacture products that bring value and safety to the towing and hauling industry. We take pride in the fact that all GEN-Y branded products are built 100% in the USA, and designed with the patented TORSION-FLEX Technology. This revolutionary technology is designed to absorb up to 90% of the inertia between your truck and trailer, creating the smoothest ride on the market. Whether you are in the market for a hitch, truck accessories, or ramps, be sure to check out GEN-Y Hitch at www.genyhitch.com. Trust the ONLY hitch you‘ll ever need!
“It‘s an honor to have David‘s Electric and GEN-Y Hitch as partners this season,” said Bret Holmes, driver of the No. 32 Chevrolet. “I‘m proud to partner with both of these companies and make GEN-Y Hitch the Official Hitch of BHR. We‘ve had a strong start to our season, and we look to continue that momentum this week at Bristol Motor Speedway.”
The No. 32 David‘s Electric / GEN-Y Hitch Chevrolet team takes on the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway on March 16 at the Weather Guard Truck Race. The 250-lap main event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1, beginning at 8PM Eastern Time.
— Bret Holmes Racing —
]]>In addition to next weekend‘s 42-lapper at the 3.14-mile Austin, Texas road course, Zilisch will be at the controls of the No. 7 Chevy Silverado later this season at Talladega Superspeedway. Additionally, Spire Motorsports will coordinate a separate entry for Zilisch at the October 27 NCTS playoff race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Zilisch, 17, is an accomplished karting and road racer who, most notably, was part of Era Motorsport‘s LMP2 class win at the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway, making him the second-youngest driver, ever, to win the iconic race. He is a 10-time Trans-Am TA2 class race winner and a central component of Trackhouse Racing‘s driver development program.
“I can‘t wait to make my NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut at Circuit of the Americas, as well as other select races with Spire Motorsports this year,” said Zilisch. “Spire has obviously had a lot of success already this year, so I know that I‘m getting into winning equipment. I‘ve been doing a lot of preparation for COTA, and I feel that it‘s a track that suits my style. I can‘t wait to get to work with these guys and hopefully get my No. 7 Austin Hatcher Foundation Chevy Silverado to Victory Lane.”
The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, through the generosity and support of Hixon Motor Sports, will serve as Zilisch‘s primary sponsor for all three races.
The Mooresville, N.C., native is the 2022 Mazda MX-5 championship runner-up where he also claimed rookie-of-the-year honors for Hixon Motor Sports. The Trackhouse Racing development driver made his ARCA Menards Series debut last season at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International where he led 34 of the race‘s 42 laps before securing an impressive runner-up finish.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation is a leading nonprofit organization committed to helping families impacted by childhood cancer at no cost, for the entire family‘s entire lifetime. The Foundation provides comprehensive, coordinated care through evidence-based therapies, counseling, family programs, grief groups, educational resources and more, fostering resilience and hope for families. The Foundation‘s focus not only assists families coping in the present, but helps them thrive in the future following a childhood cancer diagnosis.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Spire Motorsports in a couple different ways,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “We‘re thrilled to have Connor Zilisch drive the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado this season, but separately, we‘re looking forward to working closely with our friends at Chevrolet and Trackhouse Racing to help Connor get some vital seat time. Connor is an exceptionally talented young racer whose credentials speak for themselves. It‘s almost hard to get your arms around how accomplished he really is, given that he‘s just 17-years-old. Based on what he‘s done already, we expect Connor to be a key contributor as we race for a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series owner‘s championship.”
The XPEL 225 from Circuit of the Americas will be televised live on FS1 Saturday, March 23, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The fifth of 23 NCTS races on the 2024 schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
— Spire Motorsports–
]]>
…
So, what does the future hold for Johnson in terms of driving?
“I‘m personally open to probably a 15-race schedule but that would include sports car and vintage classic car racing and NASCAR,” Johnson said. “ … I‘d love to diversify and be back in sports cars in LeMans or the Rolex 24 (at Daytona). I will drive some Extreme E races this year, and I‘m really excited for that experience. It‘s still fluid at this point. I am hopeful to have a great year behind the wheel and set up another fun year in ‘25.”
— NBC Sports —
]]>Dale also advocated for locals to try ‘mayo on the outside‘ grilled cheese sandwiches for free at Hellmann‘s Pop-Up, located on the outskirts of town at the Mount Airy Food Lion. Some skeptics were converted into mayo grilled cheese believers!
Hellmann’s billboards and signage along the roads leading into town warned locals of the mayonnaise removal beginning March 14.
Dale also went door-to-door removing mayo from homes and asked local business and restaurants to join in on the prohibition of mayo. Even the mayor joined the brand in the Hellmann‘s removal.
Hellmann‘s shared their own Perfectly Grilled Cheese Recipe for folks to continue enjoying this new way to make toasty sandwiches leading into National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12.
— Edelman —
]]>Costa Kapothanasis, founder and owner of COSTA OIL™, first sponsored Ellis in 2022 at Dover Motor Speedway. After a single-race partnership in 2022, the partnership grew in 2023 and will continue with a multi-race partnership for the 2024 season.
COSTA OIL™‘s sponsorship of Ellis and the No.43 Alpha Prime Chevy will promote the brand‘s wide range of automotive motor oils, oil filters, and additives. The COSTA OIL™ performance auto products are premium products designed for European luxury and sports vehicles. Through its distribution website https://oilq.com, COSTA OIL™ products can be purchased for commercial pricing for the retail consumer.
COSTA OIL™ is widely known for its 10 Minute Oil Change service centers. They are your family-owned option. CEO Costa Kapothanasis founded COSTA OIL™ in 2014 with the vision of creating a model that would allow sophisticated investors and owner-operators to participate in the benefits of the quick lube market. Costa is “the alternative to the traditional cold shoulder quick lube” that is more concerned with upselling you into products you don‘t need. The brand prides itself on doing the right thing because it‘s the right thing, not for PR purposes. Every quick lube makes the claims Costa makes; however, Costa‘s reviews indicate they follow through. Find the nearest location to you at https://costaoils.com/stores/.
IN THEIR WORDS:
QUOTES FROM RYAN ELLIS AND CONSTANTINE KAPOTHANASIS
RYAN ELLIS, DRIVER OF THE NO.43 COSTA OIL™ CHEVY
“We‘re extremely proud that Costa has returned for a third season with our team. Not only has he been a sponsor every year that I‘ve been at Alpha Prime, but more importantly, he‘s become a friend. The Costa Oil brand has been a lot of fun to work with. Costa loves keeping the schemes fresh, and I know that the NASCAR fans love seeing that variation. You can see it on social media – in every way, fans have been extremely supportive of our partnership, and we‘re excited to see them continue that support again in 2024,” said Ellis, driver of the No.43 COSTA OIL™ Chevy.
CONSTANTINE KAPOTHANASIS, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF COSTA OIL™.
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Costa Oil – 10 Minute Oil Change will be sponsoring the incredibly talented NASCAR Driver, Ryan Ellis, at the upcoming races in Dover, DE, and Martinsville, VA. This partnership represents a significant milestone for us, and it is a testament to our commitment to excellence and high performance, values that resonate deeply within the NASCAR community. Ryan’s dedication and skill on the track mirror our commitment to providing fast, efficient, and top-quality service to our customers. As CEO and President, I couldn’t be more excited about this collaboration. It’s not just about the races; it’s about joining forces with someone who shares our ethos of speed and efficiency and bringing that energy to our fans and customers.
“We’re looking forward to an electrifying series of events, and we can’t wait to see Ryan in action, supported by the Costa Oil brand. This is more than a sponsorship; it’s a partnership that drives forward our passion for automotive excellence and speed, and we are all geared up for the incredible journey ahead. This will make double-digit races with Ryan, and I consider him a friend,” said Constantine Kapothanasis, President of COSTA OIL™.
— Ryan Ellis Racing —
]]>Veteran driver Hill has yet to compete in a Next Gen race, failing to qualify for the 2022 Daytona 500. JJ Yeley was the last driver for the team, piloting the No. 55 car at Talladega Superspeedway in April 2022.
]]>NEWS: For the first time since 2022, MBM is returning to the #NASCAR Cup Series! @TimmyHillRacer is set to drive our #66 Ford @COTA in the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix.
Time is running out to get your company logo on the car! Reach out to us today at info@mbmmotorsports.com. pic.twitter.com/8XsUYYYM5V
— MBM Motorsports (@MBMMotorsports) March 14, 2024
It‘s not hard to find something concrete to say about Sunday‘s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway (3:30 p.m. ET on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
For the past three seasons, NASCAR Cup Series drivers have spent the spring event at Bristol racing on Tennessee red clay, 2,300 truckloads worth.
This year, however, dirt won‘t be covering the concrete surface for the first race at the .533-mile track. Under the circumstances, you might think Christopher Bell would be chagrined at the loss of an opportunity to defend last year‘s win on the dirt surface.
Instead, Bell waxed almost euphoric about the prospect of two 2024 Bristol races on the high-banked concrete. In his last two Bristol Night Races, Bell ran fourth in 2022 and third in 2023 after winning the pole.
“I love racing at Bristol,” said Bell, who almost assuredly cemented his place in the 2024 Playoffs with his victory last Sunday at Phoenix Raceway. “It‘s literally my favorite race on the schedule. I‘m very thankful we get to go twice this year. It‘s been a track we have excelled at the last couple of times we have been there—we‘ve been close.
“Bristol is another important race for us; you don‘t win the Championship there, but you can definitely lose it if you‘re not good. Having a versatile car is the key to a good run at Bristol. We know the bottom will be good because they are spraying the resin (traction compound) down, and we know the top is going to come in at some point, so you have to have a car that can really run both places.”
And that‘s from a driver who grew up racing on dirt and won three straight Chili Bowl Nationals during NASCAR off seasons.
The last driver to win a spring Bristol race on concrete was Brad Keselowski in 2020, a feat he accomplished from the pole. Keselowski, however, hasn‘t won a Cup race since April 25, 2021 at Talladega, his last year with Team Penske.
Now an owner/driver with RFK Racing, the 2012 series champion saw his drought reach 102 races with last week‘s fourth-place run at Phoenix.
With eight victories, Kyle Busch is far and away the leading active winner at Bristol, but like Keselowski, Busch has switched teams—from Joe Gibbs Racing to Richard Childress Racing—since his last victory at the .533-mile short track in the spring of 2019.
Denny Hamlin, who won last year‘s Bristol Night Race, is tied with Keselowski with three victories at the track, second-most among active drivers.
“As a purist, I love seeing this race back on the concrete,” Hamlin said. “Obviously, as the last guy that won there, it‘s going to be good to go back there and kind of test what this car wants compared to what we had in the past.
“We‘re going to have to tweak on it, but we feel like we‘ve got a good base setup with what we had last year.”
Because of high speeds and extreme loads in the corners—Bristol is billed as the “World‘s Fastest Half-Mile”—Cup drivers won‘t be using the new short-track package that debuted last Sunday at Phoenix.
Rajah Caruth can continue historic run on Bristol‘s high banks
The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series returns to action after a week off, and Spire Motorsports driver Rajah Caruth has a chance at another career milestone in Saturday night‘s Weather Guard Truck Race at Bristol Motor Speedway (8 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
With a victory from the pole in the March 1 Truck Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Caruth became the third African-American driver to win a NASCAR national series race, joining NASCAR Hall of Famer Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace.
Should Caruth win at Bristol on Saturday, he would be the eighth driver in the series to win his first and second races in consecutive starts, joining Rich Bickle (1997), Kurt Busch (2000), Ted Musgrave (2001), Todd Bodine (2004), Kasey Kahne (2004), Kyle Busch (2005) and Johnny Benson Jr. (2006).
An alumnus of NASCAR‘s Drive for Diversity program, Caruth credits that initiative with his rise to national-level racing.
“It‘s really the only reason I was able to go from sim racing to real-life,” Caruth said on Monday during a Zoom call with reporters. “Aside from that, I didn‘t have any path to race in real life…
“They not only gave me my shot in 2019, they also gave me the time to develop… They allowed me to grow. I showed up every day, trying to get better, working on the cars, learning how to race. They‘re the only reason I got to this point now.”
In trying to win a second straight race, Caruth will face a daunting challenge—from Spire Motorsports teammate Kyle Busch, a five-time Truck Series winner at Bristol. The all-time series leader with 65 victories, Busch is making his third start of the season after winning at Atlanta and finishing 15th at Las Vegas.
— NASCAR Newswire —
]]>TRUEWERK is outfitting Stewart-Haas from head to toe, with team members wearing the company‘s high-performance gear at the track, in the gym and in the office as the official performance workwear, apparel and uniform provider for Stewart-Haas.
TRUEWERK engineers the world‘s highest-performance workwear and the company collaborated with Stewart-Haas to develop an all-new apparel collection, combining proven performers, such as the T1 WerkPants, redesigned classics like hoodies and polos, along with a new-to-market selection, specifically its S1 StormShell rain gear that saw action in the season-opening Daytona 500, which was postponed a day to due to rain.
“We‘re proud to partner with Stewart-Haas Racing and outfit its team members in our most technically advanced uniform program to date,” said Brian Ciciora, founder and CEO, TRUEWERK. “Stewart-Haas is built from the same DNA as the TRUEWERK community — obsessed with innovation, progression and performance in everything we do. We‘re thrilled to be a part of Stewart-Haas for years to come and to help them perform at the highest level.”
Stewart-Haas was in need of an apparel partner that could furnish superior workwear able to withstand the rigors its crew members endure while simultaneously providing comfort in a variety of weather conditions, all with a sharp and consistent style. For Stewart-Haas driver Ryan Preece, TRUEWERK successfully delivered the trifecta of function, comfort and style.
“From the moment I got all my TRUEWERK gear, I threw out all the other stuff I had because there was absolutely no comparison,” said Preece, who wheels the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR Cup Series. “I‘m in their T1 WerkPants everyday — at the shop and at the track. Their T-shirts, polos, half-zips, hoodies, jackets — I‘ve got them all and I wear them all. When you see me at the track, you‘ll see me decked out in TRUEWERK.”
TRUEWERK will be decked out on Preece‘s No. 41 Ford Mustang during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Aug. 24 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. The penultimate race of the NASCAR Cup Series‘ regular season will serve as TRUEWERK‘s debut as a primary sponsor, with the No. 41 TRUEWERK Ford Mustang getting prime-time exposure on NBC when the race goes green at 7:30 p.m. EDT.
“Ryan Preece embodies the ethic, teamwork and commitment to excellence that‘s synonymous with the TRUEWERK community,” Ciciora said. “A mechanic at heart, Ryan understands that a crew‘s skill, judgment and the honed execution creates speed on the track, just as much as driving performance. It‘s his commitment to the entire program that makes us so proud to be a part of Stewart-Haas.”
Beyond the sponsorship of Preece‘s No. 41 Ford, TRUEWERK secured naming rights for Stewart-Haas‘ state-of-the-art campus training facility, known now as the TRUEWERK Performance Center.
NASCAR fans and industry personnel who want to experience the function, comfort and style of TRUEWERK can do so directly at TRUEWERK.com.
]]>William Byron, Ty Gibbs and Joey Logano put a variety of Goodyear tire compounds and constructions to the test Wednesday in the first of two days of Cup Series sessions ahead of the NASCAR All-Star Race on May 19. Wednesday‘s sunny session came after a single day of Goodyear testing held Tuesday for the Craftsman Truck Series.
The early reviews were generally favorable from the Cup Series trio, who noted how drastic the change was from last year‘s All-Star Race, held on an abrasive asphalt surface that was last installed in 1981. That surface was patched and prepped to withstand nearly a week of racing last May, with the plan all along to start anew in the fall.
…
Logano said that the thicker-gauge tire used during last weekend‘s Cup Series race at Phoenix served as the control tire. A run earlier in the day produced a one-second falloff after a 25-lap stint, “which I thought was really good,” Logano added, saying that the control had the most wear. “That‘s probably the direction that the majority is pushing, I think at this point. We‘ll probably make some verification longer runs tomorrow, but so far everything seems like it‘s going as planned.”
No lap times were provided since the test fell under Goodyear‘s jurisdiction, but Logano noted “we were hauling ass” with the speed he found in the new pavement. Byron laughed and seconded the sensation, saying: “It seemed like ‘mash throttle, mash brake.‘ “
— NASCAR.com —
]]>The iconic Speedway is going to take full advantage of having a well-known big party day like St. Patrick‘s Day surrounding its race day.
Track officials are encouraging fans to wear green and the old proverbial saying also kind of requires it, or else you could get pinched. Officials are also asking fans to dig into their closets to find something from the early 1990s as well. So, if you have a dark green Members Only jacket with light green parachute pants, that is definitely what you should wear to the track on Sunday afternoon to enjoy some throwback racing on concrete.
While you are at the track you are also going to need some green refreshments. Track concessionaire Levy has several options for you.
First, Levy is introducing two signature drinks (one is green and the other is gold) for the weekend to quench your thirst. These two beverages will be sold at the Sugarland‘s Shine 360 Bar near Gate 6 on the backstretch as well as at the AG13 stand on the frontstretch concourse.
*Pot of Gold — Sugarland‘s Shine American Peach Moonshine mixed with margarita mix and orange juice
*Leprechaun Lemonade — Sugarland‘s Shine Blue Raspberry Moonshine, High Rock vodka, lemonade and pineapple juice
If beer is your drink of choice at the track, don‘t worry, Levy has you covered with a specialty green beer from Michael Waltrip‘s Brewery called the Leprechaun Brew.
If you prefer a quick warmup, Levy will keep you in the spirit of the Irish by using a shot of Sugarland‘s Shine liquor to add to your coffee or hot chocolate to give it that pep of the Leprechaun.
Levy will also have cold-activated drinking cups available at select draught beer locations (one on the frontstretch and another on the backstretch) that will magically turn green as the cold beer is poured into the cup. Trust us, it works!
Track officials also will be handing out special St. Patrick‘s Day decals to fans that will show their Irish pride and confirm that they are a part of the daylong celebration.
Here are a few other fun things that are gearing up around the race weekend for St. Patrick‘s Day:
* BMS Acts of Kindness — Since last week, BMS employees have been placing four leaf clover envelopes around town that contain ticket vouchers for two guests to redeem two reserved tickets to Sunday‘s Food City 500. You should keep an eye out for those Bristol envelopes with the green clover decals. They can make someone‘s day.
* Green Food City 500 T-shirt — Thanks to our friends at SMIP, the official souvenir and merchandise partner to Bristol Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports, you will want to grab your green Food City 500 t-shirt so you can remember all the fun and wow moments you had while attending this weekend‘s races.
*Lucky Leprechauns bringing magic — We have it on good authority that there will be a few lucky Leprechauns roaming about the Bristol Motor Speedway property during the Food City 500 weekend partaking in mischief but also working their Irish magic. Legend has it around these parts that if a Leprechaun crosses a stream or river it will turn that body of water green. Everyone will have to wait and see if our beloved Beaver Creek turns green. If it does, it will probably lead to a rainbow and a pot of gold.
Speaking of good luck charms, which driver is going to join David Pearson, Cale Yarborough and Kasey Kahne to complete the Bristol Motor Speedway St. Patrick‘s Day Four Leaf Clover?
That will be the big question as action gets underway in the NASCAR Cup Series with the tradition-rich Food City 500 on Sunday afternoon, March 17 (3:30 p.m., FOX and PRN Radio) with current champ Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, Daytona 500 winner William Byron, Joey Logano, Atlanta winner Daniel Suarez, Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin leading the list of favorites to become Bristol‘s fourth St. Patrick‘s Day winner.
Saturday afternoon‘s (March 16) Bush‘s Beans Practice and Bush‘s Beans Qualifying for both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will set the starting lineups for each race and precede Saturday night‘s WEATHER GUARD® Truck Race. NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series stars Ben Rhodes, Grant Enfinger, Nick Sanchez, Las Vegas winner Rajah Caruth, Corey Heim, Ty Dillon and Christian Eckes, among others, are scheduled to take the green flag at 8 p.m. ET for the 250-lap thriller (FS1, MRN Radio).
To purchase tickets for the Food City 500 or the WEATHER GUARD® Truck Race, please visit the BMS website, or call the BMS Ticket Sales Center at (866) 415-4158.
— Bristol Motor Speedway —
]]>But this year, Allen will only call Cup Series races through the Olympic Games. At some point in the weeks after, the plan is for Leigh Diffey to take over as lead announcer for Cup races and continue through the duration of the 2024 season. NBC‘s plan for 2025 and beyond is unclear. Allen will continue calling all Xfinity Series races as the lead play-by-play announcer through the 2024 campaign for NBC. The exact race that Diffey will start at with NASCAR after the Games is not yet clear; NASCAR races at Michigan on Aug. 18th and Daytona on Aug. 24th. NBC did not respond to a request for comment.
]]>“In only our third year, Speedway Children‘s Charities here at Dover Motor Speedway has already made a significant impact in our community,” said Gary Camp, the SCC-Dover‘s executive director. “We have a full slate of events that will add to the fan experience on race weekend while helping us raise funds and awareness for children in need. Through exclusive track tours, laps around the Monster Mile, online and live auctions, a cornhole tournament and a 50/50 raffle, fans can join us and participate across race weekend to help us make a difference.”
The following events are planned by the Speedway Children‘s Charities, Dover Motor Speedway chapter for race weekend:
For more information, visit www.SpeedwayCharities.org/Dover.
Dover Motor Speedway‘s ownership group, Speedway Motorsports, established the first Speedway Children‘s Charities (SCC) chapter in 1982. Since then, SCC chapters across the United States have raised more than $69 million in grants for organizations that assist children.
NASCAR TICKETS:
The Monster Mile‘s full 2024 race schedule includes:
Visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com to register for the Speedway‘s email list to receive updates and announcements.
The Würth 400 is the Monster Mile‘s 106th NASCAR Cup Series race. 2024 marks 55 consecutive years that Dover Motor Speedway has hosted a NASCAR Cup Series event. The Monster Mile is one of only 10 tracks in the country to host 100 or more NASCAR Cup Series races.
— Dover Motor Speedway —
]]>The series format will provide a casual and engaging atmosphere for race fans, and it‘s sure to be entertaining given the personalities of these two NASCAR stars. Fans can fuel up with free coffee and then settle in for a lively Q&A session with Waltrip and Petty, as well as an opportunity for autographs. All those who attend will also be eligible for a grand prize raffle to win a pace car ride and upgraded tickets.
The free event will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. CT at the new Speedway Experience powered by EchoPark Automotive display at the Fan Zone located in COTA‘s Grand Plaza. Waltrip and Petty will appear from 10:30-11 a.m. The Speedway Experience also will provide a variety of fan entertainment throughout the NASCAR race weekend in one easy-to-find location. The display will feature live entertainment, driver Q&A sessions, music, prizes, games, EchoPark Automotive car displays and more.
On Saturday, March 23, the entertainment lineup for the Speedway Experience will include The Red Trouser Show (9:15 & 10:45 a.m. CT) and 1st Cavalry Division Band (3 p.m.). The Sunday, March 24 lineup features the Coffee Cup Series, The Red Trouser Show (10:15 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.), 1st Cavalry Division Band (1 p.m.) plus Trackside Live with special appearances by NASCAR Cup Series drivers Michael McDowell (11 a.m.), Daniel Suarez (11:15 a.m.) and Zane Smith (11:30 a.m.).
The NASCAR at COTA Fan Zone will open at 2 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. Click HERE for the full weekend schedule.
The EchoPark Coffee Cup Series and Speedway Experience also will be available at six Speedway Motorsports venues during the 2024 NASCAR season. Following the debut at NASCAR at COTA, race fans will have the opportunity to visit the display for both upcoming races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, along with Atlanta Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, Sonoma Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway.
— Speedway Motorsports —
]]>NASCAR Xfinity Series
Next Race: Focused Health 250
The Place: Circuit of The Americas
The Date: Saturday, March 23
The Time: 5 p.m. ET
The Purse: $1,778,948
TV: FS1, 4 p.m. ET
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Distance: 156.86 miles (46 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 14), Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 30), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 46)
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Next Race: Weather Guard Truck Race
The Place: Bristol Motor Speedway
The Date: Saturday, March 16
The Time: 8 p.m. ET
The Purse: $761,274
TV: FS1, 7 p.m. ET
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Distance: 133.25 miles (250 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 65), Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 130), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 250)
NASCAR Cup Series
Reigning Cup champion Ryan Blaney is back on top of the points
Team Penske‘s Ryan Blaney is once again the NASCAR Cup Series point standings leader, after becoming the only driver this season to post three top-five finishes in the first four races of the season. The reigning Cup champion currently holds a 10-point lead over second place Kyle Larson and third place Martin Truex Jr. in the standings as the series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway for the Food City 500 on Sunday, March 17 at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Blaney will look to hold on to the top spot this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. In 14 appearances at the ‘World‘s Fastest Half-Mile‘, he has led 493 laps and put up two top-five and five top-10 finishes. He finished 22nd in the Bristol Playoff race last September.
If Blaney were to go on and win the NASCAR Cup Series title again this year, he would become the first driver since Jimmie Johnson‘s record five straight (2006-2010) to win consecutive championships in the series. A total of 10 drivers have won consecutive titles in the series — Buck Baker (1956-57), Lee Petty (1958-59), Joe Weatherly (1962-63), David Pearson (1968-69), Richard Petty (1971-72, 1974-75), Cale Yarborough (1976-78), Darrell Waltrip (1981-82), Dale Earnhardt (1986-87, 1990-91, 1993-94), Jeff Gordon (1997-98), Jimmie Johnson (2006-2010).
Christopher Bell becomes fourth different winner in as many races in 2024
The Toyota teams were super-fast at Phoenix Raceway and Joe Gibbs Racing‘s Christopher Bell managed to pilot his No. 20 to Victory Lane, becoming the fourth different winner in as many races to start the 2024 season.
The Modern Era (1972-2024) record of different winners to start a NASCAR Cup Series season is 10, set back in 2000. That year, NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. snapped the different winners streak by winning his second race of the 2000 season at Richmond Raceway (Race No. 11 on the schedule).
This season, Bell joins William Byron (Daytona), Daniel Suarez (Atlanta) and Kyle Larson (Las Vegas) as the fourth different driver to lock into the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs by virtue of their wins. Bell has earned a spot in the Playoffs the last three consecutive seasons (2021-2023).
Riding the wave of momentum, Bell looks to keep the early season success going this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. Last September during the Playoff race, Bell qualified on the pole and finished third – a career-best at Bristol. In six series starts on the Tennessee half-mile, Bell has collected two top fives and three top 10s.
Starting Upfront: 27 wins have come from the pole at Bristol
Qualifying is important each week but can be even more so in a race like Sunday‘s with how quickly cars can go a lap down at a short track like Bristol Motor Speedway. Interestingly, 27 of the 123 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Bristol Motor Speedway have been won from the pole or first starting position, a winning percentage of 21.95% – the most of any starting position on the grid.
A total of 16 different drivers have won the NASCAR Cup Series Bristol race from the pole, three of which are active this weekend — Brad Keselowski (2020), Denny Hamlin (2019) and Kyle Busch (2018).
A total of 53 drivers have won a pole at Bristol, and seven of the 53 NASCAR Cup Series Bristol Motor Speedway pole winners are entered this weekend, led by Denny Hamlin with four poles.
Active Bristol Pole Winners (7) | Poles | Seasons |
Denny Hamlin | 4 | 2019, ’15, ’14, ’13 |
Kyle Busch | 2 | 2018, ’13 |
Christopher Bell | 1 | 2023 |
Chase Elliott | 1 | 2019 |
Kyle Larson | 1 | 2018 |
Erik Jones | 1 | 2017 |
Joey Logano | 1 | 2010 |
Also, eight different drivers have posted their first NASCAR Cup Series career pole at Bristol Motor Speedway; including two active drivers — Joey Logano (2010) and Erik Jones (2017).
Expect the teams to definitely to try qualify into the top-10 this weekend, as 78% of the Cup races at Bristol have been won by drivers starting 10th or better, with 33.3% of the wins coming from the front row. Busch Light Pole Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 at 5 p.m. ET on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Nine Wins Club: Will Kyle Busch earn his ninth career win at Bristol?
This weekend Richard Childress Racing‘s Kyle Busch has the opportunity to join an elite list, known as the ‘Nine Wins Club,‘ a group of the most dominant drivers to ever race in the NASCAR Cup Series. To earn a prestigious spot in the statistical club, a driver must win at least nine or more races at a single track, and since 1949 only nine drivers have been able to accomplish the feat.
At Bristol Motor Speedway, Kyle Busch leads all active drivers with eight wins (Spring 2007, 2009 sweep, Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019), and can become the only active driver to win nine times at a single track this weekend. Busch also has a win at the Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt track (2022), but that is considered a different track statistically.
Race Winners | No. of Tracks | Tracks With Nine Or More Wins |
Richard Petty | 5 | Martinsville (15), North Wilkesboro (15), Richmond (13), Rockingham (11) Daytona (10) |
Dale Earnhardt | 4 | Talladega (10), Atlanta (9), Bristol (9), Darlington (9) |
Darrell Waltrip | 3 | Bristol (12), Martinsville (11), North Wilkesboro (10) |
Jimmie Johnson | 2 | Dover (11), Martinsville (9) |
David Pearson | 1 | Darlington (10), Michigan (9) |
Cale Yarborough | 1 | Bristol (9), Daytona (9) |
Rusty Wallace | 1 | Bristol (9) |
Jeff Gordon | 1 | Martinsville (9) |
Kevin Harvick | 1 | Phoenix (9) |
Kyle Busch has made 34 series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway, posting eight wins, 14 top fives and 19 top 10s.
Denny Hamlin looks to become 13th different driver to win consecutive races at Bristol
Joe Gibbs Racing‘s Denny Hamlin won last season‘s NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Bristol Motor Speedway netting his third career win at the half-mile track. In his post-race TV interview on the frontstretch, Hamlin responded to the booing fans by famously saying, “I beat your favorite driver! All of them!”. Now the Virginia native returns to Tennessee looking to get his first win of 2024 and become the 13th different driver to win consecutive races in the NASCAR Cup Series at Bristol.
In total, 12 drivers have won consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races at Bristol; led by NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip with eight consecutive victories from 1979-1984. The remaining 11 drivers are Fred Lorenzen (1963-1964 sweep), David Pearson (1968 sweep), Bobby Allison (1972 sweep), Cale Yarborough did it twice (1974 sweep and four straight from 1976-1977), Richard Petty (1975 sweep), Dale Earnhardt also did twice (1985 sweep and 1987 sweep), Alan Kulwicki (1992 sweep), Rusty Wallace (2000 sweep), Kurt Busch (2003 sweep and 2004 Spring race), Kyle Busch has also done it twice (2009 sweep and Fall 2017-Spring 2018) and
Brad Keselowski (Fall 2011-Spring 2012).
Hamlin has made 33 series starts at Bristol, posting three wins, 10 top fives and 17 top 10s.
Looking For More: Former Bristol winners to watch this weekend
Bristol Motor Speedway has hosted 123 NASCAR Cup Series races producing 44 different winners since 1961. This weekend, six of the 44 NASCAR Cup Series Bristol Motor Speedway race winners are entered in the Food City 500 and will be looking to add to their win totals this weekend.
Active Bristol Winners (6) | Wins | Seasons |
Kyle Busch | 8 | 2019, ’18, ’17, ’11, ’10, ’09 sweep, ’07 |
Brad Keselowski | 3 | 2020, ’12, ’11 |
Denny Hamlin | 3 | 2023, ’19, ’12 |
Joey Logano | 2 | 2015, ’14 |
Chris Buescher | 1 | 2022 |
Kyle Larson | 1 | 2021 |
After his runner-up finish last weekend at Phoenix Raceway, RFK Racing Chris Buescher is definitely one to watch this weekend at Bristol. Buscher has made 14 series starts at Bristol, posting one win (2022), three top fives and four top 10s.
No Luck: Logano needs a good finish at Bristol
Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano is not having the start of the 2024 season he was hoping for. The Team Penske veteran has finished 28th or worse in three of the first four races of the season, and Logano finds himself mired (30th) in the points — the worst points position through the first four races of a season since his rookie year in 2009, when he was 33rd after the fourth race of the year.
Luckily for Joey Logano the NASCAR Cup Series is heading to Bristol Motor Speedway, a track he has found success at before. In 27 series starts at Bristol, he has accumulated two wins, six top fives and 10 top 10s. Logano will have his work cut out for him this weekend though, in the two Next Gen car races on the concrete surface at Bristol, he has finished 27th due to a suspension failure in 2022 and 34th due to being caught in an incident in 2023.
Sunoco Rookie Spotlight: Spire Motorsport‘s Carson Hocevar is off to quick start
Four races into the season and Spire Motorsport‘s rookie Carson Hocevar is off to a fast start. He leads the 2024 Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings by 22 points over Stewart-Haas Racing‘s Josh Berry in second.
In four starts this season, Hocevar has won the Sunoco Rookie of the Race Award twice after posting two top-15 finishes. He currently ranks 24th in the NASCAR Cup Series driver standings.
Keep an eye on Hocevar this weekend as well, the Michigan native made his series track debut at Bristol last season, and he started 16th and drove up to an 11th-place finish.
Of the four rookies this season, Hocevar, Berry, Zane Smith and Kaz Grala, Hocevar is the only one to have made a previous start at Bristol. Berry, Smith and Grala will be making their series track debuts at the ‘Word‘s Fastest Half Mile‘ this weekend.
NASCAR Cup Series, Etc.
Josh Berry heads home to Tennessee — A total of 109 different drivers in NASCAR national series history have their home state recorded as Tennessee, but currently there is only one active in the NASCAR Cup Series and that is Stewart-Haas Racing‘s Josh Berry from Hendersonville.
Of the 109 Tennessee NASCAR drivers, only 15 have won a NASCAR national series race, and only two have won a NASCAR Cup Series race in Tennessee – Darrell Waltrip (Bristol, 12 wins; Nashville, eight wins) and Joe Lee Johnson (Nashville, one win). This weekend, Berry look to become just the third driver from Tennessee to win at a track in Tennessee in Cup Series history.
This Sunday will be Josh Berry‘s NASCAR Cup Series track debut at Bristol, but he has made three NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the half-mile track posting one top-10 finish.
More than 20 years since a first-time winner at Bristol – Veterans have been gobbling up the wins at Bristol the last 20 years or so, as there hasn‘t been a first-time winner at the track since 2002. Big names have earned their first career NASCAR Cup Series win at Bristol Motor Speedway including Dale Earnhardt (April 1, 1979), Rusty Wallace (April 6, 1986), Ernie Irvan (March 25, 1990), Elliott Sadler (March 25, 2001) and Kurt Busch (March 24, 2002).
Will we see a new winner this weekend? A total of 12 different drivers (33% of the drivers entered this weekend) are looking for their first career NASCAR Cup Series victory; including Josh Berry, Harrison Burton, Ty Gibbs, Todd Gilliland, Noah Gragson, Kaz Grala, Daniel Hemric, Carson Hocevar, Corey Lajoie, John H. Nemechek, Ryan Preece, Zane Smith.
Toyota makes history at Phoenix — At Phoenix Raceway last weekend Toyota became the first manufacturer to have five different drivers lead 50 laps or more in a single NASCAR Cup Series race (Phoenix-1, 2024).
The five Toyota drivers that led laps at Phoenix Raceway are Denny Hamlin (68), Tyler Reddick (68), Ty Gibbs (57), Martin Truex Jr. (55), Christopher Bell (50).
Consistency Counts: Four drivers have completed 100% of their laps attempted — Heading into the fifth race of the season only four drivers have managed to complete every lap and finish on the lead lap of the first four races of the year — Chase Elliott, Ty Gibbs, Martin Truex Jr. and William Byron.
Six drivers scored their best career finish at Bristol last September — The last time the NASCAR Cup Series competed at Bristol Motor Speedway, six different drivers scored their career-best finish at the half-mile track; including Denny Hamlin (winner), Christopher Bell (third), Ty Gibbs (fifth), Michael McDowell (sixth), Carson Hocevar (11th), Todd Gilliland (16th).
Upcoming Cup Series Milestones: Bristol Motor Speedway — Below are a list of the upcoming milestones to watch for in the NASCAR Cup Series:
Starts
Wins
Laps Led
The following NASCAR Cup Series drivers can reach milestones in laps led this weekend:
Lap Leaders | Laps Led | Next Milestone | Laps Led Needed |
Erik Jones | 827 | 1,000 | 173 |
Kyle Larson | 7,761 | 8,000 | 239 |
Ryan Blaney | 3,746 | 4,000 | 254 |
William Byron | 2,640 | 3,000 | 360 |
AJ Allmendinger | 631 | 1,000 | 369 |
Chris Buescher | 609 | 1,000 | 391 |
Ricky Stenhouse Jr | 562 | 1,000 | 438 |
Joey Logano | 8,554 | 9,000 | 446 |
Bubba Wallace | 537 | 1,000 | 463 |
The Breakfast Club to perform Food City 500 pre-race concert at Bristol – America‘s favorite 1980s tribute band, The Breakfast Club, will perform the pre-race concert for the Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday afternoon, March 17, at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The Breakfast Club covers all the greatest hits from the 1980s and is the perfect fit for this pre-race concert given the throwback theme of the race weekend. Some of the artists the band covers include Duran Duran, The Cure, INXS, Beastie Boys, Journey, The Cars, Modern English, Prince, Simple Minds and Wang Chung, to name a few.
“Our guests are going to have a blast singing along with The Breakfast Club as they get revved up for the start of the Food City 500,” said Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “Their catalog of songs is so deep and it‘s all of the very best tunes from the 1980s. This weekend we are back on the concrete on the racetrack and at the same time, we are taking our guests back in time with some activities at the track and this band certainly fits the bill to accomplish that.”
The pre-race concert will run from 1:30-2:30 p.m. live from the pre-race stage in the infield near the start/finish line and lead straight into pre-race ceremonies, which will include driver introductions for the Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race.
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Chandler Smith takes points lead for first-time in his career
Joe Gibbs Racing‘s Chandler Smith took advantage of JR Motorsports‘ Justin Allgaier‘s late-race crash to come out victorious in last weekend‘s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Phoenix Raceway. The win was his first of the 2024 season and the second of his Xfinity Series career. The victory propelled Smith into the NASCAR Xfinity Series point standings lead for the first time in his series career. He is currently just one point up on Richard Childress Racing‘s Austin Hill. Smith also joins Hill as the first two drivers to earn a spot in the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs by virtue of their wins.
Although Allgaier‘s misfortune helped Smith find Victory Lane, his win cannot be attributed to pure luck. Smith came into the weekend strong with a fast qualifying lap that put him in P2 to start the race. He then went on to win the first stage and led a race-high 88 laps.
With the NASCAR Xfinity Series off this weekend, Smith will be able to revel in the spoils of his win before switching gears for the first road course of the season at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) on March 23.
Smith has made his series track debut on the Austin, Texas road course last season, where he started 27th and raced his way up to a 12th-place finish.
Up Next: Road course action in the Lone Star state
NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers will have the weekend to regroup and recharge before heading to the Texas capitol for some road course fun on the Circuit of The Americas‘ (COTA) 3.41-mile racetrack.
There have only been three NASCAR Xfinity Series races at COTA, producing two different race winners (Kyle Busch, 2021 and AJ Allmendinger, 2022-2023) and three different pole winners (Kyle Busch, 2021; Ty Gibbs, 2022 and A.J. Allmendinger, 2023).
Two of the three races have been won from the pole — 2021 race (Kyle Busch) and the 2023 race (A.J. Allmendinger).
They don‘t call A.J. Allmendinger the ‘King of Road Courses‘ in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for nothing, not only does he have the most wins of any driver on road courses in the series, but he is also holding many records at the Circuit of The Americas as well:
Xfinity Series drivers will kick off the weekend at Circuit of The Americas with practice on Friday, March 22 at 5:30 p.m. ET followed by Pole Qualifying at 6 p.m. ET.
All gas, no brakes: A.J. Allmendinger heading to Bristol
While Allmendinger‘s fellow fulltime NASCAR Xfinity Series competitors will be taking the weekend off, he will be suiting up to get behind the wheel of the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet in Sunday‘s NASCAR Cup Series race, the Food City 500.
This will be the 42-year-old‘s second NASCAR Cup Series start of the 2024 season. His first was in the season-opening in DAYTONA 500 where he posted an impressive sixth-place finish.
Allmendinger has given Bristol Motor Speedway a go 23 times in the Cup Series, posting two top-10 finishes (2016, 2022).
NASCAR Xfinity Series, Etc.
Connor Zilisch to run part-time Xfinity Series schedule with JR Motorsports — Connor Zilisch, who won this year‘s Rolex 24 at Daytona, will be making his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut this year at Watkins Glen International with JR Motorsports.
He will pilot the No. 88 Chevrolet for his debut at the New York road course, then will race an additional three races with the team at Kansas Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Phoenix Raceway.
A Mooresville, North Carolina, native, Zilisch, 17, has won multiple national karting championships and set track records at six different venues in his first year in the Sports Car Club of America in 2021. He made his ARCA Menards Series debut in 2023, starting on the front row in the No. 28 Chevrolet at Watkins Glen and finishing runner-up on Aug. 18. Zilisch also signed a multiyear agreement with Trackhouse Racing in January as a developmental driver.
“It‘s a dream come true to have the opportunity to race in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports for select races this year,” Zilisch said. “I have a lot to learn, considering that I‘ve never raced in stock cars on the big tracks, but there‘s no better team to learn with than JRM. I can‘t thank everyone at Chevrolet enough for all their support in helping me get to this point, and I can‘t wait to give my all to make the most of this opportunity.”
Xfinity Sunoco Rookie Update: Jesse Love extends rookie standings lead over Van Gisbergen – Following Phoenix Raceway, Richard Childress Racing‘s Jesse Love has opened up his Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings lead to 44 points over Kaulig Racing‘s Shane van Gisbergen in second, and 67 points over Young‘s Motorsport‘s Leland Honeyman in third.
All four rookie this season — Love, Gisbergen, Honeyman and Dawson Cram — will be making their series track debuts at Circuit of The Americas next weekend.
Xfinity Series Upcoming Milestones — Over the next few races three drivers will be making milestone starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Sheldon Creed will be making his 75th career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Circuit of The Americas.
Brandon Jones will be making his 275th career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Richmond Raceway.
Cole Custer will be making 150th career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Martinsville Speedway.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
It‘s Bristol, baby!
After a week off to regroup and go over some short track strategy, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series is headed to Bristol Motor Speedway for the Weather Guard Truck Race on Saturday, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Beginning in Spring 2021, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series had been competing on the Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt track. This season marks the first time the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will have competed on concrete in the Spring since June 5, 1999 — a race won by Jack Sprague in the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.
There have been 26 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at Bristol, producing 21 different winners and 19 different pole winners. Six races have been won from the pole or first starting position, most recently by Brett Moffitt in 2019.
Here‘s a look at who have etched their names in the 0.533-mile track‘s Truck Series record books:
Corey Heim is Bristol Motor Speedway‘s most recent winner after making a late-race pass on Christian Eckes in the fall to get the victory.
Notably, two NASCAR Cup Series regulars that are no strangers to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series are entered this weekend:
Saturday‘s Weather Guard Truck Race will be broken up into three stages. The first two stages will be 65 laps each and the final stage will be 120 laps for a race total of 250 laps (133.25 miles).
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Practice will begin Saturday, March 16 at 3 p.m. ET on FS1 and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio followed by Cometic Gasket Pole Qualifying at 3:40 p.m. ET.
Trio of Bristol winners hungry for another trip to Victory Lane
Three previous Bristol Motor Speedway concrete winners are entered in this weekend‘s Weather Guard Truck Race, and all three are looking for another trip to Victory Lane.
Kyle Busch: The winningest driver in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will run his second race on his select-tour behind the wheel of the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet this weekend. In Busch‘s 11 starts at the 0.533-mile track, he‘s posted five wins (2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2017), four poles, seven top fives, eight top 10s, and has led 544 laps.
Ty Majeski: In two starts, the driver of the No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford has posted one win (2022), one top-five, and one top-10 finish. He‘s also led 45 laps. The 29-year-old‘s win in 2022 was his first in his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series career.
Corey Heim: The driver of the No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota has made two starts on the concrete track. In those two starts, Heim‘s posted one win (2023), one top-five and two top-10 finishes. If the 21-year-old wins this weekend, he would be the first driver to post back-to-back wins at Bristol since Kyle Busch in 2010.
Rajah Caruth with potential to continue historic run
When Rajah Caruth earned his first NASCAR national series victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the 21-year-old became the third African American to win a NASCAR national series race, joining the legendary company of Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace.
Caruth‘s victory is part of a string of wins from graduates of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, who have won in each of the first four weeks of the NASCAR season:
In three starts this season, Caruth has tallied one win, one pole, two top-five and three top-10 finishes. The driver of the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet currently sits fourth in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series points standings. Last season, Caruth finished sixth at Bristol Motor Speedway.
If Caruth were to win again this weekend, he would become the sixth different driver in NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series history to win their first two races back-to-back; joined by:
Ankrum extends points lead slightly, Majeski still in pursuit
Tyler Ankrum extended his lead in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series points standings at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to five points over Ty Majeski in second
The driver of the No. 18 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet left Las Vegas with a second-place finish accumulating 42 points and retaining his position as the points leader in the series. It was his best finish at Las Vegas in eight starts.
The San Bernadino, California native, Ankrum, has made five starts at Bristol Motor Speedway. His first venture in 2019 netted a 20th-place finish and when he returned in 2020, Ankrum scored a track-best seventh-place finish. Last season, Ankrum finished 23rd. He has led 53 laps at the short track.
Sitting in Ankrum‘s rear view mirror is ThorSport Racing‘s Ty Majeski. The driver of the No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford led a race-high 40 of 134 laps and swept both stages at Las Vegas. But a speeding penalty on pit road on Lap 102 ultimately cost him the chance to win the Vegas race.
Now heading to Bristol, Majeski is hoping for another solid run to close the gap on Ankrum. In two starts at the ‘World‘s Fastest Half-Mile,‘ Majeski has one win (2022).
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Etc.
Brenden Queen set to join TRICON Garage at North Wilkesboro — CARS Tour late model stock car standout Brenden “Butterbean” Queen will be joining forces with TRICON Garage in his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut to pilot the No. 1 Mobil 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at North Wilkesboro.
The Chesapeake, Virginia driver had a breakout campaign in 2023 earning four victories, 13 top fives and 15 top 10s in CARS Tour competition enroute to a second-place finish in the series points standings. Beyond the CARS Tour, Queen captured his second Hampton Heat triumph at Langley Speedway and scored victories in the Battle of the Stars at All-American Speedway and the Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Motorsports Park.
“I have been dreaming of this since I started racing go karts at six years old,” said Queen. “It‘s an honor to have the opportunity to team up with TRICON and Toyota to make my Truck Series debut at the track that put my name on the map last year.”
CRC extends entitlement of NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Pocono — Pocono Raceway will open its July 12-14 NASCAR Tripleheader weekend in grand fashion with the longest scheduled CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race ever to run at the historic venue.
The CRC Brakleen 175 will consist of 80 laps and 175 miles on the 2.5-mile tri-oval — an increase of 10 laps and 25 miles from the most recent races. In addition to the CRC Brakleen 175 becoming the longest NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway, it also will be the first ever contested on a Friday evening at ‘The Tricky Triangle‘. Of the previous 14 races run, 12 were on Saturday and two on Sunday (2011, 2020).
“We take tremendous pride in our Pennsylvania roots and having another home state company in CRC Industries and their Brakleen products sponsor our first 175-mile CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race is something we are extremely excited about,” said Pocono Raceway President Ben May, referring to CRC‘s global corporate headquarters in Horsham, Pa. “We‘re looking forward to seeing the stars of the truck series entertain the world‘s best fans at the CRC Brakleen 175.”
CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Upcoming Milestones — Several drivers in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will be making milestone starts in the upcoming races this season.
Matt Crafton is expected to make his 550th career NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at Martinsville Speedway. Crafton leads the Truck Series in starts, all of which are consecutive.
Tanner Gray is expected to make his 100th career NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at Martinsville Speedway.
Bayley Currey is expected to make his 50th career NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at Martinsville Speedway.
Christian Eckes is expected to make his 100th career NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at Darlington Raceway.
Ty Majeski is expected to make his 75th career NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at Darlington Raceway.
Corey Heim is expected to make his 50th career NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at Darlington Raceway.
— NASCAR —
]]>“When we first started talking about a partnership with BetMGM, one of the things that interested us was finding a partner that would activate at our events and add value to the fan experience,” said Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter. “Bringing them on as both the race entitlement and Speed Street sponsor will help elevate their brand to the NASCAR audience and provide those on-site for our race weekend the chance to connect and engage in North Carolina‘s next era of sports entertainment.”
The sponsorship agreement includes naming rights for Saturday‘s BetMGM 300 race, which pits up-and-coming NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers against one another in a pivotal 300-mile showdown on one of the sport‘s biggest weekends of the season. BetMGM will also receive signage, hospitality and display activation in the BetMGM Speed Street, where fans will have the opportunity to download and learn more about the BetMGM sports betting app, which went live in North Carolina Monday.
“As we look to grow our brand in North Carolina, there is no better time and place than Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day Weekend,” said Matt Prevost, BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer. “Our team looks forward to introducing sports betting to a new audience and helping add to the overall experience for fans throughout the entire Speed Street event and BetMGM 300 race.”
— Charlotte Motor Speedway —
]]>“I‘m excited to get back into NASCAR. I had a lot of fun in my previous races. The competition style is very different from F1 and World Endurance,” said Kvyat. “I‘m especially looking forward to my race at COTA. I‘ve been there with F1, so it will be interesting to experience the track in a Camaro.”
Kvyat previously competed in NASCAR in 2022, making three Cup Series starts and one Xfinity Series start with Sam Hunt Racing. In addition to his scheduled Xfinity Series races, Kvyat is competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Lamborghini Iron Lynx in the Hypercar class.
“I‘m thrilled to have Daniil in the #07 at COTA,” said SS-GreenLight owner Bobby Dotter. “You can‘t get much better than a former F1 driver for a road course ringer. Daniil is a great competitor, but he‘s also a great partner for our team. He‘s been in the shop every day since he got to Charlotte helping to get the car ready and getting to know the team. We‘re looking forward to seeing what he does on the track.”
Kvyat has signed a few marketing partners for his return to NASCAR. Those include GoTrax, a producer of personal electric vehicles, and Sonoma Aviation, which owns and operates two FBOs in California. More sponsors will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information on Daniil Kvyat, follow him on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/danydk1/) and X (https://twitter.com/kvyatofficial).
— Snow Belt MGMT —
]]>The crew chiefs of Jesse Love (Danny Stockmn) and Parker Kligerman (Patrick Donahue) were each fined $5,000.
Penalty sheet_2024_updated_03_13_24]]>The new Jockey Outdoors™ Collection by Luke Bryan paint scheme amplifies the fusion of racing, the outdoors and art. And that‘s exactly what Jockey and Trackhouse Racing will unveil on Sunday, March 17 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.
Luke Bryan, a country music superstar and world-renowned partner to Jockey since 2020, was heavily involved in the design and details of the Jockey Outdoors Collection by Luke Bryan, bringing his huntin’, fishin‘ and lovin’ everyday spirit, easygoing style, and love for the outdoors to the apparel collection.
Al Agnew’s distinctive brushwork of his famous “Strike King” painting is set to make a bold statement on the NASCAR circuit as his artwork takes center stage on Trackhouse Racing‘s No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro driven by Daniel Suárez.
“We‘re very grateful to be partnering with Luke Bryan, Al Agnew, B.A.S.S. and Trackhouse Racing,” said Tom Hutchison, VP Marketing, Jockey. “Collaborating with all these great partners to showcase the Jockey Outdoors Collection by Luke Bryan scheme is an incredible opportunity. This collaboration allows Jockey to unite the worlds of sport, country music and art, embodying the dynamic energy and passion that drive both forward.”
Agnew’s mesmerizing wildlife imagery blends seamlessly with Luke Bryan‘s outdoor-inspired clothing line with Jockey and reflects the spirit of adventure and ruggedness synonymous with racing.
Add in B.A.S.S, the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, and their iconic Bassmaster Classic badge, and the Jockey Outdoors™ Collection by Luke Bryan themed No. 99 is sure to ‘reel in‘ some fans at Bristol.
“I am proud and honored to be in the company of other great American icons like Jockey, Bassmaster and the incomparable Luke Bryan, in this multi-faceted collaboration,” said Al Agnew.
With Agnew’s talent for capturing the essence of wildlife and Bryan‘s love for the outdoors, the partnership delivers a dynamic energy to the racing scene, transforming the No. 99 Chevrolet into a moving canvas that celebrates the beauty and power of nature amidst the high-speed intensity of competitive racing.
The collaboration between the celebrated artist, Jockey Outdoors™ Collection by Luke Bryan, and Trackhouse Racing represents a bold departure from conventional sponsorships yet highlights the common threads that unite them all: attention to detail, demand for quality, and expectation of performance.
“I love our new Jockey Outdoors Collection by Luke Bryan paint scheme,” said Suárez. “They check a lot of boxes with the fishing-themed design. It includes all the elements that make it uniquely Jockey — a nod to their roots, Luke Bryan, outdoors life. It‘s cool and I am excited to ‘light it up‘ at Bristol this weekend.”
Jockey is the presenting sponsor of the 2024 Bassmaster Classic (Tulsa, OK), March 22-24. The Jockey Outdoors Collection by Luke Bryan show car will be on display near the Bassmaster Classic (S. Denver Ave. & W. 3rd St.), giving fishing and racing fans a chance for an up-close look at this unique paint scheme, and an opportunity to win prizes at the Classic.
For nearly 150 years, Jockey has provided generations of families with the ultimate comfort. From innerwear staples to exclusive outerwear collections — like Jockey Outdoors™ Collection by Luke Bryan — Jockey has consistently led innovation to give consumers solutions for everyday comfort, support and performance.
Jockey Outdoors™ Collection by Luke Bryan launched in 2022 and is designed to be tough on the outside and soft but strong on the inside. Engineered with intelligent layers, premium fabrics and performance technology, the pieces are designed to layer, with seams strategically placed to eliminate bulk and keep outdoorsmen covered and comfortable.
Suárez won his second career race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Feb. 25 in a three-wide finish recorded as the third closest finish in NASCAR racing history. Suárez‘s victory margin was 0.003-seconds over the two cars.
He‘s scored the 10th most points of any driver after four races in the 2024 season and would like nothing better than to drive the Jockey Outdoors Collection paint scheme to Trackhouse‘s eighth victory since it formed in 2021.
Fox will televise Sunday’s race at 3:30 p.m. ET
— Trackhouse Racing —
]]>Through the first month of the 2024 Xfinity Series season, few drivers have been more impressive than young gun Jesse Love. With two poles and the most laps led in the series, the driver of the No. 2 Chevrolet has been a stud to begin his tenure with Richard Childress Racing.
Love‘s move to RCR almost didn‘t happen. Amidst his dominant 2023 season in the ARCA Menards Series, winning half of the 20 races on the schedule and the championship, the California native thought it was logical that Toyota would progress him through the racing ranks. The first step would have likely been in the Craftsman Truck Series with Tricon Garage.
“The plan I had with Toyota was to go truck racing and hopefully take over the [No.] 11, a good opportunity,” Love told Jayski.com. “I had a really good relationship with that manufacturer and all the people over there. I‘m a loyal person, so I didn‘t want to jump ship and cross horses midstream.
“I think one of the biggest things was Corey Heim staying in the 11 and not jumping up. That set alarms off in everybody‘s head of why doesn‘t he move up, he‘s the best Truck Series driver. That took the option of me going into the [No.] 11 this year out of the equation.”
Another potential option was running the No. 1 truck for Tricon full time. But that ended up getting split up between multiple drivers, with Toni Breidinger, Colby Howard and seven-time Cup Series winner Christopher Bell making up the first three races of the season.
“I was going to run full time in the [No.] 1 and that opportunity got taken away from me, which made no sense to me because I was dominating in what I was doing, which I thought gave me the right to take the [No.] 1 seat,” Love said. “Once that went the way it did, I knew I had to do something.
“It’s not to badmouth anybody at Toyota because I loved being there. With how my path was looking, it made more sense to be [at RCR].”
In late October, RCR announced Love as the driver that would take over the No. 2 car. Love admitted that when he first heard a ride in the Xfinity Series with RCR could open, it piqued his interest. In his mind, it was a no-brainer.
“My culture at Venturini was pretty similar to RCR of having a family-run race team and a family-oriented feel is big for me because I need to put everything that I have into a team and have it work out,” Love said. “That‘s a lot easier to do when you‘re with a family-oriented race team.”
With Love came crew chief Danny Stockman Jr., returning to RCR following a four-year stint away from the team. Previously, he was a crew chief in all three series for the legendary team for more than a decade.
Stockman spent the 2023 season as the crew chief for Nick Sanchez. Before that, it was two years with Chandler Smith at Kyle Busch Motorsports. He enjoys working with younger talent who he believes are the future of the sport. Despite being filled with swagger, Love is just 19 years old.
“I‘ve been chasing this dream of mine for a long time, and I take these kids under my wing and the satisfaction I get watching them progress means more to me than anything,” Stockman said of his pairing with Love. “When you take somebody and you teach them and you see what you‘ve taught them, when they start winning and succeeding, I get such gratification from that.”
Stockman knows how to win championships. He led the way for Austin Dillon in both of his national touring series championship runs. He believes Love already has what it takes to be successful.
“The difference between [Love] and some of these other kids is he knows how to win,” Stockman said. “There are a lot of talented kids that are race car drivers that can go fast, they can make speed and have good finishes, but they don‘t know how to win. That‘s what is important these days, because if you don‘t win, you‘re not going to make it to the next level.”
The work ethic instilled in Love is evident. During a rookie test at Charlotte Motor Speedway over the offseason, Stockman knew by lap 4 that Love was getting up to pace swiftly.
Though their driving styles are drastically different on the bulk of the race tracks, Love has leaned heavily on his experienced teammate Austin Hill. He believes skipping the Truck Series almost altogether won‘t hurt him in the long haul because recent ARCA graduates Ty Gibbs and Sammy Smith had immediate success in the Xfinity Series.
“For as bad of a rap that the ARCA deal gets, I feel like the guys that do well in it, when they go to the next level, it takes off for them,” Love added. “That does give me a lot of confidence. I‘m glad I stayed patient and I learned a lot on how to win again last year. I‘ve taken that mindset over here, and I know how to win. I also know how to lose, and those are two strengths that you have to have.”
Love‘s inexperience hasn‘t shown yet in 2024. He led every lap in the opening stage from the pole in the first two races of the season. His 157 laps led at Atlanta were the most by an RCR Xfinity driver since Dillon led 163 laps at Charlotte in 2015.
“I know how to go fast, win races and want it more than everyone else,” Love said. “I‘m hoping that is what will set me apart from a lot of rookies, being able to come out of the box strong and leave it all out there. If I think it‘s going to be really hard, it‘s going to be really hard. If I think I can go out there and win races and be badass off the start, then that‘s what I‘m going to do.
“For a while, I was racing to not fail and once I stopped caring so much about not failing and started focusing on being badass and winning races, I stopped failing,” Love said. “That‘s a big reason why I‘m super nonchalant in the pit area here, because I know if I‘m focusing on not losing, then I‘m going to lose.”
If Love continues to dazzle with success and does his job, he believes there is a beeline to the Cup Series with RCR in the not-so-distant future.
“There is a clear path for me to the Cup Series if I go do my job here,” he said. “The people that are here, I‘m having a lot of fun with. The cars are fast and I have a chance to go win races at a high level.”
Love is coming off a runner-up finish at Phoenix last weekend.
]]>The Wright Brand 250 on Saturday afternoon, May 18 (1:30 p.m. (ET), FS1, MRN Radio), will get North Wilkesboro fans ready for Sunday night‘s main feature, the 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race (8 p.m. (ET), FS1 and MRN Radio). The jam-packed May 14-19 NASCAR All-Star Race week will also include two nights of zMAX CARS Tour late model racing, two concerts and the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear.
In today‘s test, the trio of teams worked closely with Goodyear officials to help identify a tire for Truck teams to use in the Wright Brand 250.
Completed last November, the resurfacing process included milling approximately two inches of the old track, repairing failing spots, sealing and adding a specially designed asphalt mixture in the same configuration as the original track, including the 13 degrees of banking in the corners. Similar to the process used for the most recent Atlanta Motor Speedway repave, Speedway Motorsports used a special mix that is expected to age faster than traditional asphalt, creating a more “worn-in” surface more quickly. Carl Rose & Sons Asphalt, the original paving contractor for North Wilkesboro Speedway, supplied nearly 2,000 tons of specialty asphalt for the project, while North Carolina-based Delta Contracting managed the milling process. Summers Taylor, a contractor from nearby Johnson City, Tennessee, used a process called echelon paving to lay a seamless surface across the roughly 50-foot-wide track.
Corey Heim — No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota:
“It‘s got a lot of grip, it‘s certainly a lot different than last year. I started off the day by running pretty much the exact same line that I did last year on the old pavement, and there‘s really no reason to have your entry so straight, and go so straight now with all the grip, you can make it more of a circle and use a lot more race track. It‘s going to be tough to see how the race goes. There‘s definitely no second groove today, as most repaves are, they‘re pretty single-grooved for a while until we work it in. Props to NASCAR for having us work the second groove in I think it‘ll help the Cup guys get acclimated and hopefully make it raceable right from the start. Luckily we‘ll have some lower series as well that‘ll race on it and make it more racy, if you will. We ran the middle in [Turns] 1 and 2 a lot and were still kind of buried on the bottom in [Turns] 3 and 4 like we were last year, but I do think side by side racing is more realistic this year.”
“Just to look around here in the media center and see all the history that they have painted on the walls here, and all the videos that NASCAR came out with the history behind this place, and all the awesome finishes that this place has provided. I think just bringing back another track in North Carolina is huge too, to be able to revive some late model racing in the area, have CARS late models come here and the Southern Super Series last year and some other events. Just to get fans in the stands and people passionate about racing again is the main goal and it‘s really cool for me to be able to see that.”
Ben Rhodes — No. 99 ThorSport Racing Ford:
“It‘s not even the same race track, and really when we started the day, never having a truck or car or anything run on this place to all the rubber we put on it, it‘s not the same race track as eight hours ago. It‘s changed a lot, I think it‘s rubbered in well. The challenge is considerable, we came here with a totally separate truck, totally separate package, way different thinking, even when we unloaded we were absolute garbage. It took us quite some time to get dialed in, but those other guys were fast right off the bat, we got dialed in and I think we‘re comparable on speeds now. So I feel really good about that.”
“I really don‘t appreciate it like I should. I know there‘s tremendous history here, am I an expert in it, no way. I know from what we raced here, which was last year, and I‘ve seen before and after photos of the immense amount of work it took to make this all possible, and I think that‘s absolutely amazing, we had a packed house which was absolutely amazing. I like the excitement around it, I appreciate the effort to make this a track that fans want to come to and that everybody looks forward to. We need that and I think everybody did a really good job.”
“I did not care for the racing in the Truck Series here last year. I’m really glad that we have had the repave. Just because the surface was so old, it just needed new asphalt. I think the racing is just going to get better and better with time, so what I’ll tell the fans is if you see a race this year that’s really high pace, a lot of aggression, you know, that’s going to change year over year. It’s going to become more of that old-school Wilkesboro that you’re going to see. So it’s going to get better with time. It’s going to get better with age. It’s going to be like a fine wine. But until then, you’re going to see something very unique at Wilkesboro right now, which is high-paced, high-speed racing. It’s going to be more like a super late model race in the Truck Series.”
Christian Eckes — No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet:
“It was super cool last year and now with the new pavement this year I think it will be even better. I know a lot of people wanted it to stay, but it wasn‘t a very good race in my opinion last year so to see that change is good. Just the history of this place coming in here and knowing the legends that have raced here, is pretty cool.”
“I think a better race. The top was nonexistent last year and I felt like just those thirty, forty laps we ran got it better and got it competitive, competitive enough to race. I think it‘s going to be a lot of passing compared to last year, but I really like what they‘ve done so far.”
–North Wilkesboro Speedway–
]]>Also carrying them will be the returning colors of Petty‘s Garage on the No. 46 Chevrolet Silverado that is prepared through an alliance with Niece Motorsports. Food City, the popular grocer in the area and partner of the truck and the Petty family, will also be an associate partner on the truck.
“I felt like once we got into our rhythm and past some mistakes at Las Vegas that we were a pretty good truck and capable of getting up into the top-15 or top-10,” said Moffitt. “But the races are short, and you cannot have too many errors. But it was good to finish strong, have good speed, and now carry that momentum into Bristol.”
The team is climbing back in points after accidents at Daytona and Atlanta put the team behind.
“We talked about the need to just get a good result at Las Vegas, and we need to do the same here at Bristol,” continued Moffitt. “We cannot afford to tear up our stuff and have a finish that puts us more behind. We just need to race smart, but that does not mean I will not be aggressive and get everything out of it Saturday night.”
Faction46 and Moffitt will race the WEATHER GUARD Truck Race at Bristol Saturday night live on FS1 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The team will tech, practice and qualify earlier in the day on the one-day race program.
— Faction 46 —
]]>
At Bristol Motor Speedway: Stats & Tidbits
Season Race #: 5 of 36 (03-17-24)
The Purse: $8,182,531
Track Size: 0.533-miles
Banking/Turns: 24-28 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 4-8 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 4-8 degrees
Frontstretch Length: 650 feet
Backstretch Length: 650 feet
Race Length: 500 laps / 266.5 miles
Stages 1 & 2 Length: 125 laps (each)
Final Stage Length: 250 laps
Track Qualifying Record:
Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 131.713 mph, 14.568 secs., April 5, 2019
2023 Bristol Playoff Race Pole Winner
Christopher Bell, Toyota, 126.997 mph, 15.109 secs., September 15, 2023
Track Race Record:
Charlie Glotzbach, Chevrolet, 101.074 mph, (2:38:12), July 11, 1971
2023 Bristol Playoff Race Winner
Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 94.990 mph, (2:48:20), September 16, 2023
HISTORY
STARTS
First-Time Drivers | Date | First-Time Drivers | Date | ||
1 | Chad Finchum | 4/16/2018 | 18 | Bobby Watson | 4/5/1970 |
2 | Ryan Truex | 8/24/2013 | 19 | Bob Burcham | 7/21/1968 |
3 | Terry Cook | 3/21/2010 | 20 | Ervin Pruitt | 7/21/1968 |
4 | AJ Allmendinger | 3/25/2007 | 21 | Joe Edd Neubert | 3/19/1967 |
5 | Regan Smith | 3/25/2007 | 22 | Buzz Gregory | 7/24/1966 |
6 | Dave Mader III | 8/27/1988 | 23 | Bill Seifert | 3/20/1966 |
7 | Rick Mast | 8/27/1988 | 24 | Sonny Lamphear | 3/20/1966 |
8 | Butch Miller | 4/6/1986 | 25 | Walter Wallace | 3/20/1966 |
9 | Brad Teague | 3/14/1982 | 26 | Joe Bill Adams | 5/2/1965 |
10 | John McFadden | 3/14/1982 | 27 | Wayne Smith | 5/2/1965 |
11 | Ron Bouchard | 3/29/1981 | 28 | Darrell Bryant | 7/26/1964 |
12 | Bobby Sands | 8/23/1980 | 29 | Doug Wilson | 7/26/1964 |
13 | Melvin Revis | 8/25/1979 | 30 | Gene Hobby | 3/22/1964 |
14 | Mike Potter | 4/1/1979 | 31 | Allan Harley | 7/29/1962 |
15 | Bill Green | 8/26/1978 | 32 | Ralph Smith | 7/29/1962 |
16 | Lynn Carroll | 4/2/1978 | 33 | Bill Latham | 10/22/1961 |
17 | Paul Tyler | 3/28/1971 | 34 | Dub Utsman | 7/30/1961 |
Top 10 in Average Starting Positions at Bristol Motor Speedway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Avg Start | Races | Rank | Active Drivers | Avg Start | Races |
1 | Charlie Glotzbach | 3.250 | 4 | 1 | Chase Elliott | 7.846 | 13 |
2 | Fred Lorenzen | 3.250 | 12 | 2 | Joey Logano | 8.704 | 27 |
3 | Marvin Panch | 3.750 | 8 | 3 | Ryan Blaney | 8.929 | 14 |
4 | Fireball Roberts | 4.286 | 7 | 4 | Brad Keselowski | 9.440 | 25 |
5 | Junior Johnson | 4.400 | 10 | 5 | William Byron | 11.111 | 9 |
6 | Cale Yarborough | 4.552 | 29 | 6 | Chase Briscoe | 12.000 | 3 |
7 | Dick Hutcherson | 6.000 | 5 | 7 | Denny Hamlin | 12.273 | 33 |
8 | Tim Richmond | 6.273 | 11 | 8 | Christopher Bell | 13.600 | 5 |
9 | Benny Parsons | 6.370 | 27 | 9 | Kyle Larson | 13.867 | 15 |
10 | David Pearson | 6.550 | 20 | 10 | Martin Truex Jr | 14.697 | 33 |
POLES
Active Bristol Pole Winners (7) | Poles | Seasons |
Denny Hamlin | 4 | 2019, ’15, ’14, ’13 |
Kyle Busch | 2 | 2018, ’13 |
Christopher Bell | 1 | 2023 |
Chase Elliott | 1 | 2019 |
Kyle Larson | 1 | 2018 |
Erik Jones | 1 | 2017 |
Joey Logano | 1 | 2010 |
First-Time Pole Winners at Bristol | Date |
Tim Richmond | Saturday, August 28, 1982 |
Rick Wilson | Sunday, April 10, 1988 |
Ernie Irvan | Sunday, April 8, 1990 |
Chuck Bown | Sunday, April 10, 1994 |
Steve Park | Sunday, March 26, 2000 |
Jeff Green | Saturday, August 25, 2001 |
Joey Logano | Sunday, March 21, 2010 |
Erik Jones | Saturday, August 19, 2017 |
WINS
Active Bristol Winners (6) | Wins | Seasons |
Kyle Busch | 8 | 2019, ’18, ’17, ’11, ’10, ’09 sweep, ’07 |
Brad Keselowski | 3 | 2020, ’12, ’11 |
Denny Hamlin | 3 | 2023, ’19, ’12 |
Joey Logano | 2 | 2015, ’14 |
Chris Buescher | 1 | 2022 |
Kyle Larson | 1 | 2021 |
Drivers | Wins From Pole or First Starting Position | Seasons |
Rusty Wallace | 4 | 2000, 1999, 1993, 1991 |
Cale Yarborough | 4 | 1980, 1977 sweep, 1973 |
Darrell Waltrip | 3 | 1982, 1981 sweep |
Carl Edwards | 2 | 2016, 2008 |
Matt Kenseth | 2 | 2015, 2005 |
Bobby Allison | 2 | 1972 sweep |
Brad Keselowski | 1 | 2020 |
Denny Hamlin | 1 | 2019 |
Kyle Busch | 1 | 2018 |
Jeff Gordon | 1 | 2002 |
Mark Martin | 1 | 1993 |
Alan Kulwicki | 1 | 1992 |
Dale Earnhardt | 1 | 1985 |
David Pearson | 1 | 1971 |
Richard Petty | 1 | 1967 |
Fred Lorenzen | 1 | 1963 |
NASCAR Cup Series Wins by Starting Positions at Bristol Motor Speedway
Starting Position | Wins | Winning % | Starting Position | Wins | Winning % |
1 | 27 | 21.95% | 13 | 4 | 3.25% |
2 | 14 | 11.38% | 14 | 2 | 1.63% |
3 | 9 | 7.32% | 15 | 1 | 0.81% |
4 | 10 | 8.13% | 17 | 1 | 0.81% |
5 | 11 | 8.94% | 18 | 2 | 1.63% |
6 | 9 | 7.32% | 19 | 3 | 2.44% |
7 | 1 | 0.81% | 20 | 2 | 1.63% |
8 | 7 | 5.69% | 24 | 2 | 1.63% |
9 | 6 | 4.88% | 26 | 1 | 0.81% |
10 | 2 | 1.63% | 27 | 1 | 0.81% |
11 | 1 | 0.81% | 30 | 1 | 0.81% |
12 | 5 | 4.07% | 38 | 1 | 0.81% |
Stats | Winning % | Wins | |||
Winning from the First Starting Position: | 21.95% | 27 | |||
Winning from the Front Row: | 33.33% | 41 | |||
Winning from a Top-Five Starting Position: | 57.72% | 71 | |||
Winning from a Top-10 Starting Position: | 78.05% | 96 | |||
Winning After Starting Outside the Top 20: | 4.88% | 6 |
ADDITIONAL FINISHING POSITIONS
Runner-Up Finishes:
Top Five in Runner-Up Finishes at Bristol Motor Speedway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Runner-Ups | Rank | Active Drivers | Runner-Ups |
1 | Richard Petty | 10 | 1 | Kyle Busch | 4 |
2 | Rusty Wallace | 7 | 2 | Kyle Larson | 3 |
3 | Bobby Allison | 6 | 3 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr | 2 |
4 | Dale Earnhardt | 6 | 4 | Brad Keselowski | 1 |
5 | Kevin Harvick | 6 | Chase Elliott | 1 | |
Mark Martin | 6 | Denny Hamlin | 1 | ||
Erik Jones | 1 | ||||
Martin Truex Jr | 1 |
Top-Five Finishes:
Top Five in Top-Five Finishes at Bristol Motor Speedway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Top Fives | Rank | Active Drivers | Top Fives |
1 | Darrell Waltrip | 26 | 1 | Kyle Busch | 14 |
Richard Petty | 26 | 2 | Denny Hamlin | 10 | |
3 | Bobby Allison | 23 | 3 | Brad Keselowski | 6 |
4 | Rusty Wallace | 22 | Joey Logano | 6 | |
5 | Dale Earnhardt | 20 | 5 | Kyle Larson | 5 |
Top-10 Finishes:
Top Five in Top-10 Finishes at Bristol Motor Speedway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Top 10s | Rank | Active Drivers | Top 10s |
1 | Richard Petty | 37 | 1 | Kyle Busch | 19 |
2 | Terry Labonte | 33 | 2 | Denny Hamlin | 17 |
3 | Darrell Waltrip | 32 | 3 | Joey Logano | 10 |
4 | Ricky Rudd | 31 | Kyle Larson | 10 | |
5 | Dale Earnhardt | 30 | 5 | Brad Keselowski | 9 |
Average Finishes:
Top 10 in Average Finishing Position at Bristol Motor Speedway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Avg Finish | Races | Rank | Active Drivers | Avg Finish | Races |
1 | Dick Hutcherson | 2.400 | 5 | 1 | Chase Elliott | 11.923 | 13 |
2 | Junior Spencer | 5.500 | 2 | 2 | Kyle Larson | 12.067 | 15 |
3 | Jimmy Hensley | 6.500 | 2 | 3 | Kyle Busch | 13.853 | 34 |
4 | Joe Weatherly | 6.667 | 6 | 4 | Denny Hamlin | 13.939 | 33 |
5 | Janet Guthrie | 8.500 | 2 | 5 | Erik Jones | 14.273 | 11 |
6 | Benny Parsons | 8.630 | 27 | 6 | Christopher Bell | 14.600 | 5 |
7 | Gene Black | 9.000 | 3 | 7 | William Byron | 15.444 | 9 |
8 | Dale Earnhardt | 9.256 | 43 | 8 | Ryan Preece | 15.500 | 6 |
9 | Rusty Wallace | 9.568 | 44 | 9 | Joey Logano | 16.111 | 27 |
10 | Cale Yarborough | 10.483 | 29 | 10 | Brad Keselowski | 16.320 | 25 |
LAP LEADERS
Top 10 Laps Leaders at Bristol Motor Speedway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Driver | Led | Completed | % Led | Rank | Active Driver | Led | Completed | % Led |
1 | Cale Yarborough | 4,305 | 10,878 | 40% | 1 | Kyle Busch | 2,593 | 16,009 | 16% |
2 | Dale Earnhardt | 3,751 | 20,038 | 19% | 2 | Denny Hamlin | 1,036 | 15,830 | 7% |
3 | Rusty Wallace | 3,743 | 20,474 | 18% | 3 | Brad Keselowski | 1,013 | 12,191 | 8% |
4 | Darrell Waltrip | 3,436 | 22,964 | 15% | 4 | Kyle Larson | 870 | 7,326 | 12% |
5 | Jeff Gordon | 2,730 | 22,525 | 12% | 5 | Joey Logano | 766 | 13,109 | 6% |
6 | Kyle Busch | 2,593 | 16,009 | 16% | 6 | Ryan Blaney | 493 | 6,034 | 8% |
7 | Bobby Allison | 2,316 | 17,253 | 13% | 7 | Chase Elliott | 439 | 6,468 | 7% |
8 | Richard Petty | 2,212 | 23,815 | 9% | 8 | Christopher Bell | 331 | 2,480 | 13% |
9 | David Pearson | 1,616 | 6,660 | 24% | 9 | Erik Jones | 293 | 5,474 | 5% |
10 | Matt Kenseth | 1,583 | 18,056 | 9% | 10 | Martin Truex Jr | 287 | 15,792 | 2% |
FEMALE COMPETITORS
Driver | Starting Position | Finishing Position | Driver Rating | Date |
Danica Patrick | 24 | 25 | 44.5 | 8/19/2017 |
Danica Patrick | 29 | 36 | 38.5 | 4/24/2017 |
Danica Patrick | 29 | 22 | 43.3 | 8/20/2016 |
Danica Patrick | 33 | 27 | 45.7 | 4/17/2016 |
Danica Patrick | 32 | 27 | 55.8 | 8/22/2015 |
Danica Patrick | 26 | 9 | 72.6 | 4/19/2015 |
Danica Patrick | 24 | 27 | 45.2 | 8/23/2014 |
Danica Patrick | 36 | 18 | 55.6 | 3/16/2014 |
Danica Patrick | 22 | 26 | 46.2 | 8/24/2013 |
Danica Patrick | 41 | 28 | 41.4 | 3/17/2013 |
Danica Patrick | 43 | 29 | 46.3 | 8/25/2012 |
Averages | 30.8 | 24.9 | 48.6 | |
Driver | Starting Position | Finishing Position | Date | |
Janet Guthrie | 9 | 6 | 8/28/1977 | |
Janet Guthrie | 21 | 11 | 4/17/1977 | |
Averages | 15 | 8.5 |
TRACK/EVENT SPECIFIC STATS
Leaders
Lead Changes
Margin of Victory
Top Five Closest Margins of Victory in the NASCAR Cup Series at Bristol:
Rank | Margin of Victory | Winner | Runner-Up | Date |
1 | 0.064 | Kyle Busch | Jeff Burton | Sunday, March 25, 2007 |
2 | 0.098 | Kyle Busch | Mark Martin | Saturday, August 22, 2009 |
3 | 0.102 | Dale Jarrett | Mark Martin | Saturday, August 23, 1997 |
4 | 0.14 | Mark Martin | Rusty Wallace | Saturday, August 28, 1993 |
5 | 0.16 | Rusty Wallace | Mark Martin | Saturday, August 27, 1994 |
0.16 | Terry Labonte | Dale Earnhardt | Saturday, August 26, 1995 |
Top Five Largest Margins of Victory in the NASCAR Cup Series at Bristol:
Rank | Margin of Victory | Winner | Runner-Up | Date |
1 | 7.630 | Dale Earnhardt | Ken Schrader | Sunday, April 10, 1994 |
2 | 5.740 | Jeff Gordon | Rusty Wallace | Sunday, April 2, 1995 |
3 | 4.652 | Kevin Harvick | Elliott Sadler | Sunday, April 3, 2005 |
4 | 4.390 | Dale Earnhardt Jr | Ryan Newman | Saturday, August 28, 2004 |
5 | 2.622 | Rusty Wallace | Johnny Benson | Sunday, March 26, 2000 |
Overtime Finish
Scheduled Laps | Actual Laps | Overtime Laps | Race Winner | Date |
500 | 511 | 11 | Matt Kenseth | Sunday, April 19, 2015 |
500 | 503 | 3 | Carl Edwards | Sunday, March 16, 2014 |
500 | 503 | 3 | Kyle Busch | Sunday, March 22, 2009 |
500 | 506 | 6 | Jeff Burton | Sunday, March 16, 2008 |
500 | 504 | 4 | Kyle Busch | Sunday, March 25, 2007 |
Postponements / Cancellations
No. | Reason for Cancellation | Date | Started First |
1 | Weather | Sunday, March 26, 2006 | Tony Stewart |
2 | Weather | Sunday, March 16, 2008 | Jimmie Johnson |
3 | Weather | Saturday, August 25, 2012 | Casey Mears |
4 | Weather | Monday, April 24, 2017 | Kyle Larson |
5 | Pandemic | Sunday, May 31, 2020 | Brad Keselowski |
6 | Pandemic | Saturday, September 19, 2020 | Brad Keselowski |
7 | Pandemic | Saturday, September 18, 2021 | Martin Truex Jr. |
Scheduled Laps | Actual Laps | Fewer Laps | Race Winner | Date |
500 | 342 | 158 | Jeff Gordon | Sunday, March 31, 1996 |
500 | 419 | 81 | Darrell Waltrip | Saturday, August 27, 1983 |
NASCAR IN TENNESSEE
NASCAR Tracks in Tennessee | City | Cup | Xfinity | Truck | Combined | First Year |
Bristol Motor Speedway | Bristol | 123 | 80 | 26 | 229 | 1961 |
Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt | Bristol | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 2021 |
Nashville Superspeedway | Nashville | 3 | 24 | 16 | 43 | 2001 |
Chattanooga International Raceway | Chattanooga | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1962 |
Kingsport Speedway | Kingsport | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1969 |
Memphis Motorsports Park | Memphis | 0 | 11 | 12 | 23 | 1998 |
Nashville Speedway | Lebanon | 42 | 9 | 5 | 56 | 1958 |
Smokey Mountain Raceway | Maryville | 12 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1965 |
Tennessee-Carolina Speedway | Newport | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1956 |
Totals | 190 | 124 | 62 | 376 |
TENNESSEE DRIVERS IN NASCAR
Tenessee Drivers In NASCAR with Wins
Winners From Tennessee | Cup | Xfinity | Truck | Combined |
Darrell Waltrip | 84 | 13 | 0 | 97 |
Sterling Marlin | 10 | 2 | 0 | 12 |
Bobby Hamilton | 4 | 1 | 10 | 15 |
Joe Lee Johnson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Trevor Bayne | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
Paul Lewis | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Josh Berry | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
Bobby Hamilton Jr | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
Jeff Purvis | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
L.D. Ottinger | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Mike Alexander | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Casey Atwood | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Brad Teague | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Chad Chaffin | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
John King | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Totals | 102 | 40 | 13 | 155 |
— NASCAR —
]]>Labbe competed in a pair of Xfinity races during the 2023 season in the No. 35 car, earning a best finish of 11th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course last August. His last start in the series came at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval last October, placing 15th for DGM Racing.
]]>We are excited to announce we will have @AlexLabbe36 behind the wheel of our #35 car next week at @COTA . We still have SPONSORSHIP opportunities available! If interested please email us at JoeyGasePR@gmail.Com ! pic.twitter.com/wBQnb3d3SD
— Joey Gase Motorsports (@J_G_Motorsports) March 13, 2024
“There were a lot of passes during the race from the data standpoint,” Cup Series managing director Brad Moran told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “The way these races play out, you never know what you‘re going to get. But I think we had — and again, it‘s still early on, we‘re going to dig into everything and talk to all the drivers and teams and do quite a bit of digging here at the R&D Center — like 2,800 green flag passes, which is the most with the Next Gen car at Phoenix. So, it did deliver that.
“But we‘re never done looking at improvements and adjustments. Christopher Bell, he didn‘t really seem [to have] too much of a problem passing, that‘s for sure. He had a dominant race. It was a pretty interesting race from the tower.”
…
Moran also acknowledged that adding horsepower has been discussed, but warned that it‘s not a simple solution.
“Once we open up the horsepower, we have to have all three manufacturers on board,” he said. “As soon as you open that up, there‘s going to be development, there‘s going to be reliability issues and putting that cost back into the engine builder‘s category, where they certainly will develop the engine. As soon you open any horsepower, they‘re automatically going to do that. They‘re the best at it, and that‘s what they do.
— Racer —
ORIGINAL POST 3-9-2024: The consensus from several NASCAR Cup Series drivers after practice Friday at Phoenix Raceway was that there was no discernible difference with the rules package.
“I forgot they did anything until they started talking about it afterwards,” Chase Elliott said. “I don‘t see it really changing a whole lot. I could be totally wrong, but I don‘t think it‘s going to change much.”
Cup Series teams had 55 minutes, an extended practice session, to work through the new package. After a two-day test at Phoenix Raceway in December, NASCAR made tweaks to the short track and road course aero package, continuing to look for a package that produces better racing with its Next Gen car. Among the features of the aero package are a simplified rear diffuser with fewer vertical strakes, no engine panel strakes and a three-inch spoiler.
…
William Byron was disappointed after practice but seemed more focused on the traits and speed of his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Byron was 24th fastest in practice after dominating at Phoenix in the fall.
…
The noticeable difference in feel for Ty Gibbs was the rear diffuser. It was expected that drivers would have to hustle the car more or be able to slide more with the changes.
…
Daniel Suarez and Denny Hamlin were the most positive drivers with the aero package. Suarez felt he had more speed in the front of his Chevrolet because the tire was softer and that it fell off more. The Trackhouse Racing driver believes that will produce good racing. He admitted he was in traffic quite a bit during the first run he made in practice.
— Racer —
]]>Fast Facts for March 16-17, 2024
Tire: Goodyear Eagle 18-inch Speedway Radials
Set limits: Cup: 1 set for practice, 1 set for qualifying and 10 sets for the race (9 race sets plus 1 set transferred from qualifying)
Tire Codes: Left-side — D-5170; Right-side — D-5206
Tire Circumference: Left-side — 2,254 mm (88.74 in.); Right-side — 2,276 mm (89.61 in.)
Minimum Recommended Inflation: Left Front — 16 psi; Left Rear — 18 psi; Right Front — 46 psi; Right Rear — 44 psi
Storyline — Spring Bristol back on concrete ground: After three years of running the spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway on a dirt surface, NASCAR returns to the early-season event being on the concrete in 2024. As the sport continues to make adjustments with this Next Gen car, Goodyear took a step at Bristol last September to introduce more wear and get more lap-time fall-off. Tuning a tire set-up to the relatively smooth concrete track surface is a difficult challenge. Designing a tire with more fall-off improves the racing by increasing passing and bringing tire management into play as drivers that are easier on their tires early in a run will gain track position later in that run.
“When we race on a concrete surface, certainly one of our goals is getting a tire to wear,” said Greg Stucker, Goodyear‘s director of racing. “Concrete, like we have at Bristol this weekend, is generally a relatively smooth surface and does not promote a lot of wear. We took a step with our right-side tire last fall at Bristol with a compound change, and we return on that set-up for this race. Tire wear is good for racing because it leads to lap-time fall-off and more passing throughout a run.”
Notes — Cup returns to Bristol on fall ‘23 tire set-up: Being on 18-inch bead diameter tires, NASCAR Cup teams will run a different tire set-up than those in the Craftsman Truck Series at Bristol this weekend . . . this is the same left-side tire code Cup teams have run on the Bristol concrete since September 2022 . . . this right-side tire code was added to the Bristol set-up last September . . . while this right-side tire code is unique to Bristol, Cup teams are scheduled to run this left-side code at Dover in April . . . with this 18-inch tire, and its lower profile sidewall, NASCAR Cup cars do not run inner liners in any of their tires.
Wet Weather Tires — Goodyear bringing wet weather tires to Bristol for first time: Goodyear will bring its 18-inch wet weather radial tires to Bristol for the NASCAR Cup cars, should NASCAR determine that conditions warrant . . . NASCAR held a test with Cup cars at Bristol on February 8 to assess the feasibility of running in wet conditions on the fast, high-banked short track . . . Cup teams will have a maximum of 4 sets of wet weather tires for the event . . . NASCAR Cup teams last ran a wet weather tire in competition at the Chicago street course last July, and last ran it on a short track in the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro last May . . . in addition to the obvious difference of a tread pattern versus Goodyear‘s dry weather “slick” tires, the “Goodyear” and “Eagle” lettering on the sidewalls of the wet weather tires is white, not the standard yellow.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series — Race No. 4 — 250 laps / 133.3 miles Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-mile oval) — Bristol, Tenn.
Fast Facts for March 15-16, 2024
Tire: Goodyear Eagle 15-inch Speedway Radials
Set limits: Craftsman Truck: 5 sets for the event
Tire Codes: Left-side — D-6106; Right-side — D-6132
Tire Circumference: Left-side — 2,225 mm (87.60 in.); Right-side — 2,250 mm (88.58 in.)
Minimum Recommended Inflation: Left Front — 20 psi; Left Rear — 18 psi; Right Front — 45 psi; Right Rear — 40 psi
Notes —Trucks return to Bristol for third time on this tire set-up: Being on 15-inch bead diameter tires, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series teams will run a different tire set-up than those in the Cup Series at Bristol this week . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that teams in both of these series have run at Bristol since September 2022 . . . unlike on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, Truck teams will run inner liners in their right-side tires only at Bristol . . . air pressure in the liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.
Wet Weather Tires — Goodyear bringing wet weather tires to Bristol for first time: Goodyear will bring 15-inch wet weather radial tires to Bristol for NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series teams, should NASCAR determine that conditions warrant . . . Truck teams will have a maximum of 3 sets of wet weather tires for the event . . . the Trucks have run this wet weather tire in competition at both the Martinsville and North Wilkesboro ovals last season . . . in addition to the obvious difference of a tread pattern versus Goodyear‘s dry weather “slick” tires, the “Goodyear” and “Eagle” lettering on the sidewalls of the wet weather tires is white, not the standard yellow.
— Goodyear Racing —
]]>“It all started with a 6am call on race day out in Vegas in 2019,” remarked Spencer Boyd. “Freedom Warranty started sponsoring me about 5 years ago and in their first race, we won, so I‘ve considered them my lucky charm since. When I look back at the winding road that brings us to today, I am beyond grateful for Chris (Miller) and the entire Freedom Warranty team for all that they have done for my career.”
The owner of Freedom Warranty, Chris Miller, is also co-owner in Freedom Racing Enterprises, the NASCAR team where Boyd races the No. 76 Chevrolet Silverado.
“The support from the fans is amazing!” exclaimed Tarah Slider, VP of Operations for Freedom Warranty. “Not a week goes by that we don‘t get a NASCAR fan asking for hero cards. We love supporting Spencer. We love his enthusiasm and work ethic. He is a great representative for our company and look forward to hearing from the fans about their classic cars!”
Freedom Warranty is one of only a few warranty companies that covers classic vehicles that are at least 20 years old and manufactured after 1929. All plans include roadside assistance, rental car coverage, 24-hour helpline assistance, and warranty transferability. Visit freedomwarrantyclassic.com for more information.
“Bristol is obviously a unique race track,” continued Boyd. “There have been so many great races over the years and I‘m super happy we are going twice this season.”
The Weather Guard Truck Race at Bristol Motor Speedway hosts 250 laps for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series contenders on Saturday March 16, 2024 at 8pm ET. Action can be seen live on FS1 and heard on MRN.
— Freedom Racing Enterprises–
]]>The No. 16 Camaro ZL1, driven by AJ Allmendinger, will sport both PepsiCo‘s Mountain (Mtn) Dew and CHEETOS® brands when it hits the track for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
“We‘re excited to continue our partnership with Food City,” Chris Rice, Kaulig Racing team president says. “This group has always been a lot of fun to work with and have become part of our Kaulig Racing family. We‘ll have plenty of Mtn Dew in our hands and ‘Cheetle‘ on our fingers on the pit box to get us through 500 laps.”
Food City and Kaulig Racing first brought back the iconic Mtn Dew colors for the 2023 Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, as the soft drink was spotlighted on the No. 31 Camaro ZL1. This year, the team‘s No. 16 Camaro ZL1 will feature both the Tennessee-based soft drink alongside the top-selling cheese puff brand for the Food City 500.
“Food City is proud to once again team up with our friends from Kaulig Racing and PepsiCo to sponsor AJ Allmendinger and the Kaulig Racing No. 16 Camaro ZL1 for the historic return of the Food City 500 to Bristol Motor Speedway,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.
In addition to the partnership for the Food City 500, Kaulig Racing and Food City will team back up for the Bristol Night Race. Details regarding this partnership will be announced at a later date.
— Kaulig Racing —
]]>There was ample evidence to support that observation. After all, Bell did take the checkered flag 5.465 seconds ahead of runner-up Chris Buescher, before indulging in a celebratory burnout.
And, yes, it was Bell who received the race winner‘s trophy in Victory Lane, as his crew and team owner Joe Gibbs basked in the afterglow of a job well done.
In reality, though, the NASCAR Cup Series win was sealed for Bell specifically, and for the Toyota camp in general, before the Joe Gibbs Racing transporters ever steamed through the Turn 2 tunnel into the Phoenix Raceway infield.
The Toyotas unloaded with speed for Friday‘s 50-minute practice session, with Bell at the forefront. No, the No. 20 didn‘t post the fastest single lap—Bell was eighth on the speed chart in that respect—but crew chief Adam Stevens and the No. 20 team enjoyed an important luxury.
Because Bell‘s Camry was close to optimum when it unloaded from the hauler, Stevens didn‘t have to spend precious practice time taking big swings at a balky car. Bell ran the second-most laps in the session—63 to the 64 posted by fellow Toyota driver Bubba Wallace.
The 29-year-old driver from Norman, Oklahoma, was second fastest in 10-consecutive-lap average and fastest at 15, 20 and 25 consecutive laps. Bell and Ford driver Chase Briscoe were the only two competitors who completed 30-lap runs.
It didn‘t take astute deductive skills to read the tea leaves on Friday. The Toyotas were destined to excel in Sunday‘s race, and Bell was all but certain to be a contender for the victory, especially if long green-flag runs were the order of the day.
Bell fought a tight handling condition during Saturday‘s time trials and qualified 13th. He struggled early in Sunday‘s race before one significant adjustment to the balance of his Camry brought the car to life.
After the Stage 1 break, Bell restarted 10th on Lap 170 and began a systematic advance through the field. On Lap 181, four circuits before the end of Stage 2, he passed fellow Toyota driver Tyler Reddick for the lead.
A slow pit stop under caution on Lap 190 dropped Bell to 10th. And when his JGR teammate, Martin Truex Jr., stayed on track with eight other drivers for a Lap 221 restart after the final caution, Bell was 20th.
“I just drove through the field once,” Bell said after the race. “When I got put back, I didn’t think there was any way I could do it again. As the race progresses, it gets harder and harder to pass.
“Everyone is working on their cars, their balance is getting closer, so it becomes harder to pass later in the race. I didn’t think there was going to be any way I was going to make it up there twice.”
But Bell was relentless, and his car was cooperative. On Lap 261 of 312, he passed teammate Ty Gibbs for second, and when Truex pitted for fuel on tires on Lap 271, Bell had the lead and an unimpeded path to victory.
Dealing with a new body shape and the debut of NASCAR‘s 2024 short-track competition package, Toyota nevertheless brought the fastest cars to the track. That‘s a testament to hard work and the quality of the tools the Camry teams used to prepare the cars—simulations, wind tunnel and engine dynos.
JGR‘s Denny Hamlin won the pole for the event, Gibbs qualified second, and five Toyota drivers combined to lead 298 of the 312 laps.
David Wilson, president of TRD (Toyota Racing Development) U.S.A. described Bell‘s performance as a “momentous win.”
“It was unprecedented how much TRD USA and Joe Gibbs Racing worked together on that body,” Wilson said. “I may have said, because I say this all the time, you don’t race wind tunnels, you don’t race dynos.
“You could be the best on paper, but unless you have the talent behind the steering wheel and the team and the pit crews to put an entire race together, the rest is meaningless.”
Fortunately, Bell‘s car was strong enough to overcome a pit road snafu and contrary strategy by some of his competitors. And Bell had the talent to drive the No. 20 Camry to victory, accounting for a goodly portion of the 2,813 green-flag passes in the race—the most in five Next Gen events at the track.
“Once we got the balance close, man, he just drove it straight to the front,” Stevens said. “He did such a good job of getting all the speed out of the car and giving us good feedback to make changes. The race played out pretty straightforward, and the best car won.”
But we already knew that on Friday, didn‘t we?
— NASCAR Newswire —
]]>This will be the third year of Four Loko‘s partnership with Ellis and Alpha Prime Racing and their third race as a primary sponsor in NASCAR. Their partnership kicked off in 2022 in Ellis‘ first race for Alpha Prime Racing. An eye-catching scheme highlighting Four Loko‘s new USA flavor took to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, finishing 13th in Ellis‘ debut with his new team. In 2023, Four Loko returned, going intergalactic, utilizing the No.43 Chevy to rocket their newly launched Sour Cosmic Punch flavor on track at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. After getting spun around in one of the many chaotic late-race restart crashes, the Four Loko Chevy finished 20th.
Now, Four Loko turns to a track known as “NASCAR‘s biggest and baddest track,” Talladega Superspeedway. Loko‘s new “king of the jungle” flavor, Jungle Juice, will be featured on the No.43 Chevy at NASCAR‘s largest oval, with a “can‘t miss” bright orange tiger-striped scheme. The latest flavor is a wild mix of our favorite fruits, creating a fierce citrus punch. It‘s the perfect cooler filling for all party animals. Fans can find Four Loko‘s Jungle Juice flavor at a store near them by visiting https://fourloko.com/find.
“I‘ve thought since day one that a Four Loko car at Talladega Superspeedway would be the ultimate fit,” said Ryan Ellis, driver of the No.43 Four Loko Chevy. “Talladega is known for many things and fits the Loko brand so well. On the track, it‘s known for wild racing and allowing smaller teams like ours to succeed that we might not get at most tracks. Off the track, it‘s known for Ricky Bobby, ‘the boulevard,‘ and all of the chaos that surrounds the camping experience at Dega.”
Ellis continued, “This partnership, especially at this venue, provides us an amazing platform to put Four Loko in the spotlight on and off the track. I know we‘ll create some hilarious and fun content around it all. It‘s just been an absolutely amazing experience working with Phusion Projects and Four Loko. They‘re a dream partner in so many ways, and the Four Loko schemes are always a fan-favorite. I‘m so proud to be affiliated with a brand like this, and I can‘t wait to get to Talladega!”
“We’re excited to announce Four Loko’s return to the NASCAR Xfinity series for the third consecutive year, partnering with our favorite driver, Ryan Ellis. There isn’t a more fitting race atmosphere for Four Loko than the legendary Talladega Superspeedway. It’s been very fun to see NASCAR fans engaging with the Four Loko brand. We love the enthusiasm from our consumers as we continue to dive into the racing scene,” said Sam Catalina, Chief Marketing Officer of Phusion Projects.
— Ryan Ellis Racing —
]]>The numbers are up 19% from last year and the race was once again the most-watch sporting event of the weekend.
.@FoxTV got 4.028 million viewers for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix, up 19% from 3.389 million last year and the most-watched sports event of the weekend.
🔲 Last year's race went up against the @MarchMadnessMBB selection show and @THEPLAYERS championship. pic.twitter.com/zGkNhzP9LI
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) March 12, 2024
AND:
]]>🔥Hot numbers in the desert! 🌵
Sunday‘s @NASCAR Cup Series race from @PhoenixRaceway delivered 4,028,000 viewers on FOX, up +19% over last year 📈 pic.twitter.com/LVr1Haybxj
— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) March 12, 2024
“We couldn‘t be happier to welcome Connor into the JR Motorsports family and to give him an opportunity behind the wheel of our No.88 Chevrolet,” said JRM CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “Connor is an extremely talented young man and we can‘t wait to see what he can do when he gets to the track with us at Watkins Glen.”
A native of Mooresville, N.C., Zilisch began racing at the age of five and has since accumulated an impressive resume. The 17-year-old standout has won multiple U.S. national karting championships and set track records at six different venues in his first year in the Sports Car Club of America in 2021. Zilisch also made his ARCA Menards Series debut in 2023, where he started and finished in the runner-up position and in January 2024, the young driver signed a multi-year agreement with Trackhouse Racing as a developmental driver.
“It‘s a dream come true to have the opportunity to race in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports for select races this year,” said Zilisch. “I have a lot to learn considering that I‘ve never raced on any big tracks previously, but there‘s no better team to learn with than JRM. I can‘t thank everyone at Chevrolet, Silver Hare Racing, and Trackhouse Racing for helping me get to this point, and continuing to support me into my future. I look forward to giving my all and making the most of this opportunity.”
Additional details regarding partners for Zilisch and the No. 88 team will be forthcoming.
— JR Motorsports —
]]>The collaboration starts as RCR‘s Kyle Busch races the No. 8 FICO Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 during the Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 17. The race will be broadcast live on FOX beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET.
For the millions of NASCAR fans across the country, knowledge about money, financial planning and how credit works are critical life skills. FICO, RCR and Kyle Busch want to share information and resources so that everyone in the NASCAR community can achieve their financial goals, such as paying for education, buying a home, or running a business.
“It‘s important that people, including fans and the next generation of racers, have access to financial and credit education because it‘s the first step in achieving financial wellness,” said two-time NASCAR Champion, Kyle Busch. “At RCR, our drivers are from a variety of backgrounds; and as a team, we look forward to working with FICO to help our fans learn more about the value of money, how credit works and the importance of building good financial habits.”
“RCR is the home of NASCAR‘s premier, highest-performing and inspirational drivers, like Kyle Busch” said Nikhil Behl, chief marketing officer and executive vice president at FICO. “We look forward to working together to increase access to financial and credit education and resources to NASCAR fans across the country, so they can perform at their highest level and be better prepared to achieve their goals.”
As part of their multi-race primary partnership, FICO will be working with RCR and Busch to help people understand the role money and credit play on the road to financial literacy. Next up, after the Food City 500 race, Busch will be racing the No. 8 FICO Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at the Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race at the Dover Motor Speedway on Sunday, April 28. That same weekend, FICO will host a free Score A Better Future™ (SABF) workshop. At the SABF event, FICO credit experts will discuss how FICO® Scores impact lending decisions, key factors that make up the FICO Score and help people improve their knowledge of financial health.
The FICO® Score is used by 90% of top U.S. lenders. Lenders use FICO Scores to extend credit for personal loans, mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and more, which is why it is so important for people to know their FICO Score and what is impacting it.
In addition to SABF, FICO offers other resources to help people kick start their financial literacy and credit education journey. For example, myFICO lets consumers check and monitor their FICO® Score for free. Plus, FICO continually updates the website and app with credit education materials and tools that can help anyone understand their credit.
— Richard Childress Racing —
]]>Those 21+ can reel in all four Fishing Cans including the spotted bass, white crappie, mahi mahi and catfish now until supplies last. Each case of Busch Light Fishing Cans features one fish design and fans will have the opportunity to enter for their chance to win the Ultimate Fishing Package & other great prizes through in-store signage where Busch Light is sold.
— M&C Saatchi —
]]>The new BMS Fan FUNZONE will be located at the BMS Entrance 1, the north lot near the It‘s Bristol Baby! monument, and will combine all of the popular attractions on that side of the track property. The former Fan Midway, which was located behind the speedway near the dragway, has been converted into a parking area. All of the sponsor fan activations from the midway are now repositioned in the Fan FUNZONE.
Team merchandise haulers, where a new schedule of driver autograph sessions will take place during the weekend, also will be located in the Fan FUNZONE, which will see some attractions stretch up the hill toward and around the Bruton Smith Administration building.
There’s music, games, food, rides, exhibitions, plenty of interactive activities like Axe Throwing, racing simulators, RC cars, race team souvenir haulers, sponsor activation areas, appearances by drivers for autograph sessions, legends and other celebrities, and more. To check out all the entertainment options for the weekend, please click here.
One of the main attractions in the BMS Fan FUNZONE is the Food City Fan Zone Stage presented by Coca-Cola Zero, with a hefty schedule of entertainment planned throughout the weekend hosted by NASCAR personality Alex Weaver. The Food City Fan Zone Stage, which sits to the right of the iconic Bristol tower in the north lot, will provide guests with music, driver and celebrity appearances, games, an SCC auction hosted by PRN‘s Brad Gillie, driver Q&A chats, prize giveaways and so much fun.
Drivers who are scheduled to make appearances at the Food City Fan Zone Stage include Erik Jones, Chris Buescher, AJ Allmendinger, Grant Enfinger, Tyler Ankrum, Chase Purdy, John Hunter Nemechek, Ty Dillon, Tyler Reddick, Corey LaJoie, Daniel Hemric, Thad Moffitt, Daniel Dye, Christian Eckes, Rajah Caruth, Tanner Gray, among others. A full schedule of activities and driver appearances is below and fans can keep up with the latest schedule modifications by clicking here.
The party keeps going on Saturday night at the Food City Fan Zone Stage when 80s tribute band Spank! entertains guests during a special St. Patrick‘s Day Party following the conclusion of the WEATHER GUARD Truck Race.
One of the main stage highlights of the weekend on the Food City Fan Zone Stage will be Sunday‘s Trackside Live at Noon with hosts Kenny Wallace and John Roberts. That famed duo will welcome special guests, including an All-Star lineup of drivers including Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick, to name a few, to the big stage for fun interviews and plenty of high-jinx.
The BMS Chapter of Speedway Children‘s Charities will offer live auctions from the Food City Fan Zone Stage at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Sunday SCC Auction will be hosted by PRN Radio‘s Brad Gillie.
The following Food City Fan Zone Stage schedule is subject to change:
Saturday, March 16
11 am.-2:30 p.m. Food City Fan Zone Stage hosted by Alex Weaver
11:15 a.m. Grant Enfinger
11:30 p.m. Ty Dillon
11:45 p.m. Thad Moffitt
Noon Daniel Dye, Christian Eckes
12:15 p.m. Bayley Currey, Matt Mills, Kaden Honeycutt
12:45 p.m. Chase Purdy
1 p.m. Rajah Caruth
1:30 p.m. Tanner and Taylor Gray
1:45 p.m. Tyler Ankrum
2 p.m. Corey Heim and Dean Thompson
2:15 p.m. Richard Petty and Food City PVA Announcement
2:30 p.m. Corey LaJoie and Everett Larson
2:30 p.m. SCC Live Memorabilia Auction
Sunday, March 17
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Food City Fan Zone Stage hosted by Alex Weaver
10 a.m. Erik Jones
10 a.m. John Hunter Nemechek
10:20 a.m. Kyle Petty
10:30 a.m. AJ Allmendinger, Daniel Hemric and Chris Rice
10:45 a.m. NHRA Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan
11 a.m. Mark and Digger from Moonshiners
11:30 a.m. SCC Live Memorabilia Auction with PRN‘s Brad Gillie
11:45 a.m. Chris Buescher
Noon Trackside Live with Kenny Wallace and John Roberts
12:05 p.m. Christopher Bell and Austin Dillon
12:15 p.m. Tyler Reddick
12:30 p.m. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
12:45 p.m. Denny Hamlin
12:55 p.m. Bill Goldberg
The Bristol race weekend will feature action in the NASCAR Cup Series with the tradition-rich Food City 500 on Sunday afternoon, March 17 (3:30 p.m., FOX and PRN Radio) with current champ Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, Daytona 500 winner William Byron, Joey Logano, Atlanta winner Daniel Suarez, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin leading the way.
Saturday afternoon‘s (March 16) Bush‘s Beans Practice and Bush‘s Beans Qualifying for both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will set the starting lineups for each race and precede Saturday night‘s WEATHER GUARD® Truck Race. NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series stars Ben Rhodes, Grant Enfinger, Nick Sanchez, Las Vegas winner Rajah Caruth, Corey Heim, Ty Dillon and Christian Eckes, among others, are scheduled to take the green flag at 8 p.m. ET for the 250-lap thriller (FS1, MRN Radio).
— Bristol Motor Speedway
]]>A NASCAR spokesperson confirmed Monday that the organization had dropped its appeal, six days after its No. 17 Ford team was docked for a detached wheel during the Pennzoil 400. Chris Buescher finished last in the event after his No. 17 entry crashed, and two crew members — jack operator Nicholas Patterson and front tire changer Jakob Prall — were suspended for two Cup Series races for the safety violation of Sections 8.8.10.4 A&C (Tires and Wheels; Loss or separation of an improperly installed tire/wheel from the vehicle during the event) in the NASCAR Rule Book.
By halting the appeals process, those suspensions are set to take effect for Sunday‘s Food City 500 (3:30 p.m. ET, FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) at Bristol Motor Speedway, extending through the March 24 Cup Series event at Circuit of The Americas.
Patterson and Prall were on the over-the-wall crew‘s roster last weekend for the No. 17 Ford, which Buescher drove to a runner-up finish Sunday at Phoenix Raceway. Team co-owner Brad Keselowski — Sunday‘s fourth-place finisher — indicated that the penalty appeal was intended to provide extra time to get new crew members better acclimated to their fill-in roles.
— NASCAR.com —
]]>Ullico, who provides financial security for unions and their members, is a long-standing partner of the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA). This will be the second year of Ankrum‘s partnership with Ullico, as he debuted their colors at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 2023.
“It‘s an honor to represent Ullico again this season,” Ankrum said. “This is our second year together and I couldn‘t be happier to run their colors at Bristol and Nashville. It’s been a great start to the year and I‘m looking forward to continuing that momentum as we grow this partnership. Ullico is doing remarkable things for union members financial security, and I‘m thrilled that I can represent them on the track again this season. Hopefully, we can put the No. 18 in victory lane this weekend for them at Bristol.”
For over 95 years, Ullico has been protecting and helping to grow the North American labor movement with world-class insurance and investment products for union members, union leaders, and union benefit funds. Ullico ensures that union dollars work for union members.
“We are thrilled to partner with LIUNA member, Tyler Ankrum, on his No. 18 for the upcoming NASCAR Truck race at Bristol,” Brian Hale said, Ullico CEO and President. “As the only labor-owned insurance and investment company, Ullico has been a champion for the American worker since 1927. We empower unions and their members by investing in projects that put them to work and by providing insurance that protects them and their families. Above all, we respect hardworking people, and a union member like Tyler exemplifies that standard. On behalf of everyone at Ullico, we wish him success as he races in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in Tennessee.”
Ankrum will debut the new Ullico paint scheme on board his No. 18 Chevrolet at BMS Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.
—
]]>Liberty Brew Coffee is a veteran-owned coffee shop that embodies liberty. They serve locally roasted coffee in a space dedicated to veterans. Each cup is a tribute to freedom, offering a premium brew that outshines mass-produced alternatives. Liberty Brew Coffee offers multiple single source local roasted coffee out of Columbia, SC.
“Join us on the exhilarating journey of partnership between NASCAR driver Patrick Emerling and Liberty Brew Coffee, where the passion and energy of dedicated fans fuel our every move,” said Liberty Brew Coffee CEO David Steadman. “Together, we embrace the thrill of speed and the bold flavors of victory. And that’s not all – at our veteran-owned coffee shop, we embody liberty by serving locally roasted coffee in a space dedicated to veterans. Every cup is a tribute to freedom, offering a premium brew that outshines mass-produced alternatives. Come be a part of the excitement and taste the essence of freedom with us!”
As part of this partnership, Liberty Brew Coffee and Emerling are offering VIP passes to two veterans. To nominate a veteran, email a letter to vets@libertybrew.coffee explaining why your nominee should win a pair of VIP passes to the race at Darlington Raceway on May 11. Nominations must be submitted by April 15.
“I‘m thrilled to welcome Liberty Brew Coffee to the team,” said Emerling. “Not only is their coffee great, but the support they provide veterans and local veteran-focused organizations is truly incredible.”
Additionally, Emerling will welcome back season-long partners Southern Tier Security (https://www.southerntiersecurity.net/), a watch patrol company based in Olean, NY, SimForge (https://simforge.in/), which sells sim racing equipment and accessories, and Frontline Optics, a San Diego sunglasses brand owned by a retired firefighter.
In addition to his duties with SS-GreenLight, Emerling will be competing full-time in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour with car owner Rich Gautreau. He finished fourth in the Tour‘s season opener at New Smyrna Speedway on February 10. His next race is Friday, March 29 at Richmond Raceway.
The green flag drops for the Call 811.com Every Dig, Every Time. 200 at 4:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, March 9. You can watch the race on FS1 or listen live on MRN or SiriusXM.
— Snow Belt MGMT —
]]>Logano already was having a challenging race, having lost a lap and racing for the free pass, when he got turned on Lap 206 and the sideways Team Penske No. 22 collected Corey Lajoie, Derek Kraus, Zane Smith and Josh Berry.
…
In real time, Nemechek said over his team radio communication that he didn‘t mean to do it, and that he felt Logano slowed more suddenly than he anticipated. Logano didn‘t accept that narrative.
…
“I want to apologize to Joey,” Nemechek said. “I‘m going to reach out to Joey. I‘ll probably reach out to Paul Wolfe and Roger Penske. I guess just misjudged it. I hit the brake pedal pretty hard, and it didn‘t really slow down and I got in the back of him. It‘s my fault. I made a mistake and I‘ve got to learn from it, and own it.”
— Sportsmant —
]]>After the final restart with 92 laps to go, Chase Briscoe was racing with Jones in the middle of the field when both drivers got four-wide. Things got tight and Jones slapped the outside wall, damaging his car and knocking him off the pace for the rest of the day. He finished 31st, seven laps down.
Jones was not happy with Briscoe after the race, and he expressed as such with Frontstretch.
“[The] No. 14 (Briscoe) is dragging us down over and over, restart after restart,” Jones said. “He put us four wide because he‘s slowing us down so much, and I got wrecked.
“So, that sucks, but he seems to have an issue with me every week. I‘ll call him this week, he probably won‘t call be back, and [I‘d] love to talk to him.”
— Frontstretch —
]]>Race and Commercial Breakdown of the 2024 Shriners Children‘s 500
Start time to record race/commercial periods: 3:31 PM
End time to record race/commercial periods: 6:51 PM
Total minutes of complete race broadcast: 200
Minutes of race broadcast: 160
Minutes of traditional commercials: 40
Minutes of side-by-side commercials: 10
Total number of commercials: 128
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 71
Total number of traditional commercials (not split-screen): 101
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 61
Total number of ‘Side-by-Side‘ commercials during the broadcast (split-screen): 27
Total number of companies or entities advertised: 25
Number of times Fox utilized ‘Side-by-Side‘ commercials during the broadcast: 4
Companies seen the most in commercials during this broadcast: Toyota (9 times); Xfinity (8 times); Wendy‘s (8 times); Ford Performance (5 times)
See much more at CawsNJaws.
]]>There were no issues for #20-Christopher Bell. He is officially the winner.
The cars of #5-Kyle Larson and #6-Brad Keselowski will go to the NASCAR R&D Center for further inspection.
]]>Through the first three NASCAR Cup Series races of the 2024 season, RFK Racing had little results to show for the progress the team has made over the past two years. Collectively, the organization had just one top-10 finish, which came in the second race of the season, when Chris Buescher squeaked out a ninth-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
With both cars mired in the 20s in the regular season championship standings, Sunday‘s Shriners Children‘s 500 at Phoenix Raceway became increasingly important. Sure, winning at any point during the regular season can catapult a team into the playoffs, but just finding a rhythm to begin the season was needed. And throughout the weekend, both cars went in the right direction.
Both RFK drivers missed out on stage points in the opening stage at Phoenix. Per usual, the Nos. 6 and 17 Fords operated consistently with each other, as Keselowski raced to ninth in the second stage with Buescher right behind in 10th, which matched Buescher‘s best stage finish of the young season (second stage of Daytona 500).
Shortly after a restart during the final stage, John Hunter Nemechek bumped Joey Logano entering Turn 1, provoking a five-car wreck, ending the day of Logano, Corey LaJoie and Derek Kraus. Scott Graves, crew chief of the No. 17 car, called Buescher to pit road to top off with fuel. Not even a handful of laps into the next run, Denny Hamlin spun battling for the lead. The majority of the field pitted, other than the cars that had pitted on the previous caution. Keselowski was among a handful of drivers to take two tires.
With the final 92 laps going green to the finish, Buescher stretched his fuel mileage into a second-place finish. Keselowski drove from outside the top 10 to finish fourth. It’s the first top five finishes for both RFK cars in 2024.
“That’s huge,” Buescher said of his runner-up finish. “We’ve been able to lead races at any point in all three races leading up to this. We didn’t quite get there today.
“This is a good try. We had a rough go last week. This was good to get everybody back to prove that we’re in this together and we’re going to win one of these things as a team. That was almost a win today. We were close in a way, but I couldn’t even see [Christopher Bell]. That was going to be a tough one to battle for a win.”
Keselowski cracked the top five in the final rundown for the first time since last fall at Las Vegas.
“It was a good, solid day for us,” Keselowski said. “We want to win these races, but we didn‘t have anywhere near the speed [that Bell] did — I don’t know if anybody did, to be quite honest. We put ourselves in good position with a good pit call and a great restart at the end and we just tried to execute. The potential is there. We are just one step away and we are going to keep working on it until we get there.”
For the first time in series history, two superspeedway races kicked off a season. Keselowski, who made some enemies during Speedweeks in Daytona between the the second Bluegreen Vacations Duel race and Daytona 500, was caught up in a 23-car pileup late in the Great American Race. That ended his chance of finally breaking through to win the sport’s biggest race. Buescher was caught up in the same incident, but he salvaged an 18th-place finish.
At Atlanta, Keselowski was making progress, but got loose and lost control of his car, resulting in another 33rd-place finish. Of the 35 drivers that competed in the first two races of the season, just Keselowski had two DNFs.
Last weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Keselowski searched for speed and ended the race in 13th, the highest he ran all day. Buescher was contending inside the top 10, when the No. 17 car lost a right-front wheel as the lug nut flew off. Buescher had three pit-crew members suspended for two races, though the team appealed the penalty and those team members were allowed to pit the No. 17 car at Phoenix.
The series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway, which was the site of RFK’s first triumph as a rebranded team in the fall of 2022 with Buescher. Keselowski also has a trio of wins at Bristol, with the most recent victory coming in 2020.
]]>First, Toyota introduced a new body style in the NASCAR Cup Series this season. Second, NASCAR debuted a new short-track competition package in Sunday‘s race. Third, the Toyotas unloaded for Friday‘s 50-minute practice with consistent speed—allowing them to test their long-run prowess.
That combination of factors conjured up a decisive victory for Bell at a track where Toyota drivers had led a total of 15 laps in four Next-Gen-era races combined.
Bell and his Camry compatriots turned that statistic upside down on Sunday, combining to lead 298 of 312 laps. After Denny Hamlin started from the pole position, all four Joe Gibbs Racing drivers led significant numbers of laps—Hamlin with 68, Ty Gibbs with 57, Martin Truex Jr. with 55 and Bell with 50.
Tyler Reddick, a 23XI Toyota driver, contributed 68 laps led, as Bell ended Chevrolet‘s three-race winning streak to start the season.
And while some drivers had difficulty in dirty air, Bell‘s No. 20 Camry had no trouble passing cars, coming from 20th on a restart on Lap 221 to claim the lead and beat Ford driver and runner-up Chris Buescher to the finish line by a distant 5.465 seconds.
“Man, this one feels really good,” said Bell, who was eliminated from last year‘s Championship 4 race at Phoenix when his brake rotor exploded. “Just a credit to (crew chief) Adam (Stevens), man. Adam, my engineers… all the mechanics on this thing.
“You don’t get cars like that very often, as you know. Just super, super proud. Proud to be on this 20 car. This Rheem Camry was amazing today. I feel like we have capability of running races like this a lot. Hopefully, this is the first of many this year.”
The victory was Bell‘s first at Phoenix and the seventh of his career.
Divergent pit strategies under the sixth and final caution for Hamlin‘s spin in Turn 2 on Lap 215—as he broke loose to the inside of Reddick‘s car while fighting for the lead—scrambled the running order, with Truex and eight other drivers staying on track while the rest of the field came to pit road.
With the final 92 laps running caution-free, Truex had to pit for fuel and tires on Lap 272, surrendering the lead to Bell, who held it the rest of the way.
After crashing out in 37th place last Sunday at Las Vegas, Buescher was happy with his solid second-place run.
“I didn‘t quite see the 20 (Bell) there at the end, so I know they were lights-out,” Buescher said. “We have some work to do to get to that point. What thrills me is we were by no means perfect on balance, so we have a lot of room to make this thing better, which is awesome.”
Gibbs, who regained track position with a two-tire pit stop on Lap 218, came home third, a career-best finish. Brad Keselowski ran fourth, two spots behind his Roush Fenway Keselowski teammate; and reigning Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney came home fifth, ending a streak of three straight runner-up finishes at the one-mile track in the Sonoran Desert.
Ross Chastain, a Phoenix winner last November, was sixth, and Truex worked his way through the field on fresher tires to finish seventh. Michael McDowell, Chase Briscoe and Reddick completed the top 10. Hamlin finished 11th after his Lap 215 spin.
Blaney overtook 14th-place finisher Kyle Larson for the series lead. He leaves Phoenix 10 points ahead of Larson and Truex, who are tied for second in the standings.
Notes: Chastain was the only Chevrolet driver to finish in the top 12… The only non-Toyota driver to lead laps was Todd Gilliland, who ran long in his Front Row Motorsports Ford during a cycle of green-flag pit stops in Stage 2 and held the top spot for 14 circuits… Reddick won the first stage, and Bell claimed victory in the second stage.
— NASCAR Newswire —
See race details at: Race Results, Driver Points Standings, Owner Points Standings, Cumulative Report, Penalty Report.
See the race rundown on the Phoenix race page.
]]>The Shriners Children‘s 500 is the second NASCAR Cup Series sellout of 2024, which has included historic, jaw-dropping finishes and intense racing from the drop of the green flag. Today‘s sellout also comes a day after Phoenix Raceway saw its largest NASCAR Xfinity Series crowd in more than a decade, while ticket sales for Friday‘s ARCA Menards Series race were up as well.
“Our fans at Phoenix Raceway are second to none,” said Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey. “Their excitement for NASCAR racing generates an energy that is unmatched and makes our track a can‘t-miss destination for sports fans in The Valley and across the country.”
Fans can still upgrade their tickets today to include the Infield Experience, and a limited number of Hillside tickets remain and can be purchased on site. They should also act now to secure their seats for NASCAR Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway, Nov. 8-10, as the past two NASCAR Cup Series Championship Races sold out before the summer.
— Phoenix Raceway —
]]>Hamlin said that can be done with “one phone call.”
…
Asked what it would be like in his role as owner of 23XI Racing if horsepower was increased, Hamlin said Saturday: “You just call up Doug Yates (who oversees Ford‘s engine program) and (Toyota Racing Development) and say we are going to go back to our old 750 plate — it can be before next weekend, and they said it wouldn‘t change any of our durability we have. It can be done with one phone call with no additional money.”
…
“The more you can get us out of the gas, which means if we have more horsepower, we have to let off sooner, that gives us the opportunity to overtake for the cars behind. Fifty horsepower, while it may not be a game changer, any horsepower gain will be an advantage for passing.”
See much more at NBC Sports.
]]>Phelps said at Phoenix Raceway that he is “excited about where we‘re going from a schedule standpoint in ‘25 and beyond.”
…
“We are committed to the market,” Phelps told NBC Sports on Saturday about the Los Angeles market. “It‘s important. What it looks like at this point next year, I don‘t know. Was there an exploration with the Dodgers, working with Formula E and creating a potential joint opportunity there? Yeah.
“That should not be a surprise. It‘s just due diligence. If something hits, great, and if it doesn‘t so be it, but I think we need to continue to push the boundaries, not just from a schedule standpoint. I think we‘ve seen that, or fans have seen that and media have seen that. We have a willingness to think differently and it‘s working.”
…
Also, NASCAR‘s charter agreement with teams expires after this season. The agreement sets the financial payments to teams.
…
Phelps acknowledged differences with the teams but also remained optimistic of a deal.
“They desire to get something done, too,” Phelps said. “It‘s a negotiation. It probably depends on what lens you‘re looking through. We‘ve got some things to close the gap. The gap is not a chasm. It‘s just a gap. I think there are some things that both sides would like to see as part what an extension would look like.
See much more at NBC Sports.
]]>“We‘ll take ‘em when we can get ‘em,” Smith radioed before celebrating his second career victory with a burnout near the start/finish line.
It was good fortune—combined with Justin Allgaier‘s disastrous bad luck—that put Smith in Victory Lane after 205 laps at the one-mile track in the Sonoran Desert.
Allgaier held a lead of nearly three seconds after crossing the stripe on Lap 195 of a scheduled 200. But as the driver of the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet approached Turn 1, his left rear tire went flat.
Allgaier‘s car turned sideways and smashed into the outside wall, ending the race for the veteran driver from Illinois.
On the subsequent overtime restart, Smith pulled away from teammate Sheldon Creed and reached the finish line 0.365 seconds ahead of Sunoco rookie Jesse Love, who edged Creed for the runner-up spot by 0.019 seconds.
“Going through the dogleg (on the frontstretch), I felt (the tire) come apart, like I ran something over, and at that point you‘re just a passenger,” Allgaier said. “I just hate it that we tore up a race car. We didn‘t go to Victory Lane. I hate it for all the guys and gals at JR Motorsports.”
Allgaier‘s ill fortune was determinative, but it wasn‘t that Smith didn‘t deserve the victory. He won the first 45-lap stage wire-to-wire and led a race-high 88 laps to Allgaier‘s 52.
“We just lacked a little bit on the 7 (Allgaier),” Smith said. “I hate that happened to him—he had that in the bag. I‘m so proud of everybody back at Joe Gibbs Racing. It‘s good finally to get this first win off our back for these guys.
“So let‘s go keep racking ‘em up.”
Stage 2 winner Cole Custer led 61 laps, but his car suffered from a loose handling condition during the final run.
With Custer fading badly, Smith was in the lead, more than 2.5 seconds ahead of Allgaier, when Hailie Deegan brushed the Turn 2 wall on Lap 137. To that point, Smith and Custer had combined to lead all the laps.
The relatively innocent-looking fourth caution, however, set the stage for the chaos that followed. Smith lost three spots on pit road as John Hunter Nemechek took the lead.
On the subsequent restart on Lap 144, Smith and Nemechek were racing in close quarters when contact from the right-front of Smith‘s Toyota turned Nemechek‘s Supra in front of the field.
All told, 11 cars sustained damage, with Nemechek, hard-luck Sam Mayer (third DNF in four races), Hailie Deegan, Parker Retzlaff and Jeb Burton unable to continue.
Smith‘s No. 81 Toyota was none the worse for wear and restarted next to Allgaier, the race leader, on Lap 152. On the longest green-flag run of the day, Allgaier pulled away and was cruising toward a comfortable victory when disaster struck, opening the door for Smith to secure his first victory since last April‘s win at Richmond for owner Matt Kaulig.
Austin Hill came home fourth, with Custer, the defending series champion, claiming the fifth spot. Sunoco rookie Shane van Gisbergen, Brandon Jones, Parker Kligerman, Sammy Smith and Anthony Alfredo completed the top 10.
— NASCAR Wire Service —
See race details at: Race Results, Driver Points Standings, Owner Points Standings, Cumulative Report, Penalty Report.
View more on the Phoenix Race Page.
]]>AVONDALE, Ariz.—Denny Hamlin was convinced he had to improve his performance at Phoenix Raceway, and on Saturday afternoon, he took the first step in that direction.
Touring the one-mile track in 27.138 seconds (132.655 seconds) in the final round of qualifying, Hamlin put his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota on the pole for Sunday‘s Shriners Children‘s 500 (3:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
Hamlin, who hasn‘t won at Phoenix since 2019, beat JGR teammate Ty Gibbs (132.227 mph) by 0.088 seconds for the top starting spot in the fourth NASCAR Cup Series event of the season.
“I‘m really trying to get better at this place,” Hamlin said after securing his first Busch Light Pole Award of the season, his third at Phoenix and the 41st of his career, 13th-most all-time.
“If we want to make a run at a championship—and you‘ve got to win it through Phoenix—you‘ve got to get better at Phoenix.”
The pole position was the 150th for Toyota in the Cup Series, with Hamlin accounting for 36 of those. His first five poles came in Chevrolets, before Joe Gibbs Racing switched to Toyota. Included in that group of five was Hamlin‘s first career pole, at Phoenix in 2005.
Unlike the rest of his final-round competitors, who made sharp cuts across the frontstretch dogleg, Hamlin took a more conservative approach and benefitted from a more favorable angle into Turn 1 on his money lap.
“I was kind of 50-50 on it,” Hamlin explained. “I didn‘t cut it in the first round, but we consistently saw that I was about a half-car-length behind entering Turn 1, but my angle was better.
“That was a very indecisive decision—‘OK, I won‘t go all the way, but I won‘t stay where I was,‘ and it netted out in a good position where I was able to cut a little bit but also keep my angle into Turn 1.”
Chase Elliott (132.144 mph), winless since the fall Talladega race in 2022, qualified third in his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, followed by Toyota drivers Erik Jones and DAYTONA 500 winner William Byron.
Tyler Reddick was sixth fastest, ahead of Noah Gragson in the top Ford, Chase Briscoe, Michael McDowell and Sunoco rookie Carson Hocevar.
Hamlin‘s pole-winning run broke a streak of three straight poles to open the season by Ford drivers.
Mixed reactions to new NASCAR Cup short-track competition package
During a 50-minute practice session on Friday afternoon at Phoenix Raceway, NASCAR Cup Series drivers tried to fine-tune the short-track competition package they will race for the first time in Sunday‘s Shriners Children‘s 500 (3:30 p.m. ET on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
The practice produced a wide range of reactions across the spectrum of competitors.
Joey Logano enjoyed the experience, and not just because he topped the speed chart during the session.
“Our Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang is fast,” Logano said. “That always makes it fun. Definitely a lot of slipping and sliding as the tires fall off. This track has become more and more racey, and it‘s widening out.
“The ‘old‘ Phoenix from years and years ago is starting to come back. This package seems to be a little bit more in that direction, as there‘s less downforce and a little bit more off-throttle time.”
Though Denny Hamlin brought a radically different setup from years past to a track where he has struggled in race trim, he felt the new package—which features a smaller, simplified diffuser, a reduced number of underbody strakes and a taller spoiler—was a step in the right direction.
“It is going to be a very, very small change,” said Hamlin, who was second fastest in the practice session. “But anything that can allow us to run closer together, cross each other‘s wake without the air blocking we have seen over the last few weeks, that will be a good thing.
“And I certainly think that this package, (and) this (new Goodyear) tire is heading in the right direction. It‘s not all the way there, but it‘s certainly heading there.”
Martin Truex Jr. said the car didn‘t feel different from the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota he drove last November. Chase Elliott had a similar opinion.
“I forgot they did anything until they started talking about it afterwards,” said the 2020 Cup champion, who was seventh on the speed chart in the fastest Chevrolet. “I don‘t see it really changing a whole lot. I could be totally wrong, but I don‘t think it‘s going to change much.”
Kyle Busch‘s pit crew woes bring shakeup to over-the-wall gang
Three races into the NASCAR Cup Series season, the performance of Kyle Busch‘s pit crew hasn‘t matched the two-time champion‘s prowess on the track.
Following pit road mistakes that cost Busch dearly last Sunday at Las Vegas, Richard Childress Racing made wholesale changes to the over-the-wall crew on the No. 8 Chevrolet.
Shiloh Windsor replaces Michael Russell as front tire changer, Michael Johnson takes Chris Jackson‘s spot as rear tire changer, and Doug Warwick replaces Garrett Crall as jack man. All three new crew members are full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, on the cars of Anthony Alfredo, Austin Hill and Parker Kligerman, respectively.
All three also will continue in their Xfinity Series roles. The tire changers will have to adapt to single-lug Cup cars from the Xfinity cars, which still use five lugs per wheel.
You can forgive Busch if he isn‘t thoroughly familiar with the circumstances of the changes. Warwick will be the third jack man on the car in four races this season.
“I don‘t have any idea of where guys are coming from, what their background is or what their experience is,” Busch said before Friday‘s practice at Phoenix.
“I always just kind of assume that the Cup guys were the Xfinity guys, so news to me. We‘ll find out how good they are come around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.”
Last Sunday, Busch slid though his pit box as the tried to compensate for the pit crew‘s performance. Because the crew serviced the car with the splitter barely over the line, he was penalized for pitting outside the box and relegated to a 26th-place finish.
Statistics point to scintillating racing to start 2024 season
In some cases, statistics can be deceptive—but not when it comes to the qualify of racing on display in the first three NASCAR Cup Series races of the season.
The average margin of victory so far is 0.222 seconds, fourth closest in that category since the advent of electronic timing and scoring in 1993 and just behind the series record of 0.136 seconds through three races in 2022.
Foremost among the close races was the Cup Series event at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where winner Daniel Suarez and runner-up Ryan Blaney were separated buy 0.003 seconds at the finish line.
It was the third closest finish in series history, and with third-place Kyle Busch just 0.007 seconds behind the winner, it also stands as the closest finish among three cars in the history of auto racing.
Other important milestones include a record 407 green-flag passes for the lead through three races (based on loop data that debuted in 2005), obliterating the previous mark of 302 set in 2022.
Overall, the young season has produced 23,027 green-flag passes, surpassing the mark of 21,245 set last year. A total of 28 different drivers have led races in 2024, the second largest number in the Modern Era (1972-2024). Only 2011 had more (32).
The average number of lead changes per race is 37.7, second in the Modern Era to 2011, which average 41.0 through three events.
The NASCAR Cup Series has produced three different point standings leaders in the first three races of the season for the first time since 2017.
The bottom line is that the first three races of 2024 have produced compelling racing, as increased fan interest and television ratings will attest.
— NASCAR Newswire —
]]>Labonte won 21 races over his 11-year career with JGR, including four wins on his way to capturing the 2000 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
“Bobby is a big part of our history and success here at JGR,” said Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “We are excited to have him in this new role consulting across several areas of our operations. He will be a tremendous asset to our partners in sharing his knowledge and passion for racing as well as educating our guests and fans through appearances and on social media.”
In this new role, Labonte will serve as a brand ambassador for JGR, attending races to – participate in at-track sponsor activities and engage sponsor guests. The Hall of Fame driver will also provide regular content to JGR social channels and support JGR‘s business operations and sales outreach.
“Joe Gibbs Racing played such a pivotal role in my career and it has always felt like home to me,” said Labonte. “I am thrilled to be involved with the organization again and look forward to being an asset to their partners and fans.”
— Joe Gibbs Racing —
]]>Andretti said entering NASCAR falls behind the F1 project in terms of organizational priorities. Should Andretti find a team to merge with, the most likely current candidate is Spire Motorsports, which has heavy sponsorship from Gainbridge — a company owned by Andretti Global co-owner Dan Towriss.
— Associated Press —
]]>Pardus has competed in 23 Xfinity races since 2019. The road course expert has a trio of top-10 finishes, including a career-best result of seventh at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval in 2021. In four starts during the 2023 season, he had a best effort of 12th in the inaugural Chicago Street Course race.
]]>The 5⃣0⃣ returns in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for 2024! I'm really excited to announce that I'll be racing this season again for my small family run team on a limited schedule. I can't wait to get behind the wheel in a few weeks time for our first event of the year at COTA! pic.twitter.com/mQJUabXaPj
— Preston Pardus (@PrestonPardus) March 8, 2024
The CRC Brakleen 175 will consist of 70 laps and 175 miles on the 2.5-mile tri-oval — an increase of 10 laps and 25 miles from the most recent races — and serve as the weekend opener for all three of NASCAR‘s national series on Friday, July 12, at 5:30 p.m. ET.
When the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series made its debut at Pocono Raceway in 2010, the series ran a 50-lap, 125-mile race for the first four visits. The race was extended to a 60-lap, 150-mile event in 2014 and remained that length through last year.
In addition to the CRC Brakleen 175 becoming the longest NCTS race at Pocono Raceway, it also will be the first ever contested on a Friday evening at “The Tricky Triangle.” Of the previous 14 NCTS races run, 12 were held on Saturday and two (2011, ‘20) on Sunday.
The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will put on a one-day show with practice and qualifying also scheduled on race day. The series will open practice at 2 p.m. and follow with single-lap qualifying at 2:30 p.m.
“We take tremendous pride in our Pennsylvania roots and having another home state company in CRC Industries and their Brakleen products sponsor our first 175-mile CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race is something we are extremely excited about,” said Pocono Raceway President Ben May, referring to CRC‘s global corporate headquarters in Horsham, Pa. “We‘re looking forward to seeing the stars of the truck series entertain the world‘s best fans at the CRC Brakleen 175.”
Pocono Raceway and race entitlement sponsor CRC Industries are launching a sweepstakes beginning Friday, March 8, with various prizes including the CRC Shop Maintenance Power Pack, with CRC Brakleen® and the SmartWasher® BenchtopPRO®, other featured items from the CRC product line and 300 level NASCAR race weekend tickets. For more information or to sign up for the sweepstakes, please click HERE.
In celebration of the extended CRC Brakleen 175, Pocono Raceway will be offering a special Friday ticket at $17.50 for a limited time. Click HERE for more information.
“We are excited to return to Pocono for the fourth year in a row to sponsor the CRC BRAKLEEN 175 and support our local track in Pennsylvania,” said Steven Drake, President of CRC Industries, Americas. “We are neighbors who share a passion for high-performance racing and a commitment to delivering excellence to our fans.”
“The CRC line of products are world class, and one lucky sweepstakes winner is going to have the best stocked garage on their block thanks to CRC Industries,” May added.
The NASCAR race weekend also will feature the Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 on Saturday, July 13, and Cup Series Pocono 400 on Sunday, July 14. The Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 will start at 3 p.m. following Cup Series qualifying. The Pocono 400, which sold out the frontstretch seating last season, will begin at 2:30 p.m.
For more ticket information and news, please visit www.poconoraceway.com.
— Pocono Raceway —
]]>The Chesapeake, Virginia driver had a breakout campaign in 2023 earning four victories, 13 top-fives and 15 top-10s in CARS Tour competition en route to a second-place finish in the series points standings. Beyond the CARS Tour, Queen captured his second Hampton Heat triumph at Langley Speedway and scored victories in the Battle of the Stars at All-American Speedway and the Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Motorsports Park.
Queen‘s No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro will carry primary sponsorship from Best Repair Company, a full-service mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance provider based in Norfolk, Virigina. Longtime racing supporter Leith Cars will also be featured in an associate role.
“I have been dreaming of this since I started racing go karts at six years old,” said Queen. “It‘s an honor to have the opportunity to team up with TRICON and Toyota to make my Truck Series debut at the track that put my name on the map last year.”
The Wright Brand 250 from North Wilkesboro Speedway will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 on Saturday, May 18 at 1:30 P.M. ET, with radio coverage provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
— TRICON Garage —
]]>Honda has been at the center of garage rumors as the most likely OEM to enter the highest levels of Stock Car competition. And while NASCAR nor Honda has confirmed those rumors, NASCAR chief racing development officer John Probst made an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Thursday to detail all the reasons a new manufacturer will soon have a logical runway.
“A timeline for a new OEM coming into our sport is somewhere in the 18- to 24-month period,” said Probst on the licensed NASCAR channel. “When we work with our existing partners, obviously it‘s important for us to make sure that any new partner coming in would be a complement to what we have here today.
“So, there would be an outside chance we could do it quicker. And certainly, when all of our existing OEM partners are on board, which they are, you know the opportunity would exist, we may be able to expedite that, but under normal circumstances, 18 to 24 months.”
Probst said a new manufacturer would likely have to begin the engine and body submission process over the summer months.
“If a new OEM did want to come in 2026, we are within a few months of us getting to the point where you almost start running out of time to go through all the steps that we have today,” Probst said. “If all the stars align, it is possible you could do it quicker than 18 months.
…
NASCAR appears to be inching closer towards a hybrid component to its longstanding pushrod V8 power plant too.
Since 2012, McLaren has provided the ECUs, digital dashes and numerous electronic components that power cars at the highest level. McLaren has since extended with NASCAR and Probst indicated even more electric technology is on the way that would be appealing for manufacturers in their pursuit of futuristic power plants.
Read much more at Sportsnaut.
]]>Phoenix‘s one-mile oval is treated by race teams like a short track despite being longer than traditional shorter tracks such as the half-miles at Bristol and Martinsville.
Also new this week is the primary sponsor. The No. 21 Mustang Dark Horse will carry the colors and logos of Draiver, a technology-based company that connects independent drivers with companies needing to move vehicles.
“We‘re excited to have a new sponsor on the car with Draiver this week,” said crew chief Jeremy Bullins.
“Our Mustang Dark Horse looks great in their colors, and we will get a longer practice this week to get the set-up dialed in.
— Wood Brothers Racing —
]]>“We‘re still talking to him,” Childress says. “We‘ve got a relationship with the company that owns Brodie‘s car and we‘re dealing with them.”
Currently, Childress doesn‘t plan to enter Kostecki in any NASCAR races this season. Richard Childress Racing fielded a Chevrolet for Kostecki in last year‘s Indianapolis Grand Prix where he qualified 11th and finished 22nd.
— Autoweek —
]]>“When we learned of the opportunity to collaborate with Patrick Emerling, a distinguished NASCAR driver, we seized the moment with enthusiasm,” said Division Tank Manager Stace Heckart. “MMI Tank is honored to have sponsored this race, showcasing our commitment to excellence and high-speed performance, both on the track and in our services.”
MMI Tank & Industrial Services is a full, turnkey tank contractor serving clients throughout North America. MMI provides customers design, fabrication and erection of tanks that meets API/AWWA standards, process piping, silos, pressure vessels, and industrial process. With their in-house engineering & design team, they can accommodate any size project. Safety and quality are paramount at MMI Tank & Industrial Services. They have a full time safety director that reports directly to their president. Safety is their highest priority and core company value. They hold ASME “S” and “U” stamps to cover the fabrication and assembly of high pressure boilers, pressure vessels and power piping. They‘ve also been given the National Board “R” stamp, allowing them to repair and alter all boilers and pressure vessels. Their field superintendents have over 30 years in the tank and industry services and have consistently proven that their products are built to the highest quality standards.
“I‘m proud to represent MMI Tank & Industrial Services,” said Emerling. “Their dedication to excellence and performance in their craftsmanship matches the drive of all of us at SS-GreenLight to continually improve our on-track performance.”
Additionally, Emerling will welcome back season-long partners Southern Tier Security (https://www.southerntiersecurity.net/), a watch patrol company based in Olean, NY; SimForge (https://simforge.in/), which sells sim racing equipment and accessories; and Frontline Optics, a San Diego sunglasses brand owned by a retired firefighter.
In addition to his duties with SS-GreenLight, Emerling will be competing full-time in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour with car owner Rich Gautreau. He finished fourth in the Tour‘s season opener at New Smyrna Speedway on February 10. His next race is Friday, March 29 at Richmond Raceway.
The green flag drops for the Call 811.com Every Dig, Every Time. 200 at 4:30 p.m. EST on Saturday, March 9. You can watch the race on FS1 or listen live on MRN or SiriusXM.
— Snow Belt MGMT —
]]>The Breakfast Club covers all the greatest hits from the 1980s and is the perfect fit for this pre-race concert given the throwback theme of the race weekend. Some of the artists the band covers include Duran Duran, The Cure, INXS, Beastie Boys, Journey, The Cars, Modern English, Prince, Simple Minds and Wang Chung, to name a few.
“Our guests are going to have a blast singing along with The Breakfast Club as they get revved up for the start of the Food City 500,” said Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “Their catalog of songs is so deep and it‘s all of the very best tunes from the 1980s. This weekend we are back on the concrete on the racetrack and at the same time, we are taking our guests back in time with some activities at the track and this band certainly fits the bill to accomplish that.”
The pre-race concert will run from 1:30-2:30 p.m. live from the pre-race stage in the infield near the start/finish line and lead straight into pre-race ceremonies, which will include driver introductions for the Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race. Guests are able to add-on a Pre-Race Infield Experience for front-row action for $110 per adult and $45 for children 12-and-under.
Formed in 1993, The Breakfast Club was the first band of its kind that embodied the enigmatic, creative and buoyant spirit of music and live performances of the original MTV generation on the 1980s. The band includes DavayRay on vocals and guitars, Colleen on vocals and keyboard, Matt on bass and vocals and Kevin on drums.
The Bristol race weekend will feature action in the NASCAR Cup Series with the tradition-rich Food City 500 on Sunday afternoon, March 17 (3:30 p.m., FOX and PRN Radio) with current champ Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, Daytona 500 winner William Byron, Joey Logano, Atlanta winner Daniel Suarez, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin leading the way.
Saturday afternoon‘s (March 16) Bush‘s Beans Practice and Bush‘s Beans Qualifying for both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will set the starting lineups for each race and precede Saturday night‘s WEATHER GUARD® Truck Race. NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series stars Ben Rhodes, Grant Enfinger, Nick Sanchez, Las Vegas winner Rajah Caruth, Corey Heim, Ty Dillon and Christian Eckes, among others, are scheduled to take the green flag at 8 p.m. ET for the 250-lap thriller (FS1, MRN Radio).
— Bristol Motor Speedway —
]]>“We are thrilled to partner with Crown Royal for our NASCAR Xfinity Series Race this spring,” said Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris. “Crown Royal is committed to supporting our military heroes through large-scale care package donations, and we look forward to bringing greater awareness of this honorable initiative to South Carolina with the Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200.”
Since 2010, the Crown Royal Purple Bag Project has distributed over one million care packages and counting to active-duty military and veterans to show appreciation for their brave sacrifices and provide them with essential care and the comfort of home.
“Crown Royal is proud to continue our partnership as the Official Whiskey of Darlington Raceway for the 2024 season,” said Will Traynor, South Carolina Activation Manager for Diageo and Crown Royal. “We are excited to increase our amplification of Crown Royal and its support of the military through the Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 on May 11th, 2024, at Darlington Raceway. This partnership is extremely impactful to the Crown Royal consumers here in South Carolina. Through this sponsorship, our teams will be able to highlight Crown Royal x Darlington Raceway across the entire state of South Carolina, Crown Country!”
The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 will be the second race of the Official Throwback Weekend tripleheader at Darlington Raceway, May 10-12. The action kicks off with the Buckle Up South Carolina 200 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10. Then, the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will pay homage to their grassroots origins in the Goodyear 400 at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 12.
Racing will then return to Darlington Raceway on Labor Day Weekend. The Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 31. Then, drivers of the NASCAR Cup Series will make one final push to lock themselves into the playoffs as the regular season concludes with the Cook Out Southern 500 at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1.
NASCAR fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets via phone at 866-459-7223 or online at darlingtonraceway.com while supplies last.
— Darlington Raceway —
]]>Four deuces might make a powerful poker hand, but the last thing Ryan Blaney wants to see this weekend is another “2” in his results column at Phoenix Raceway.
It‘s not that three straight second-place finishes have been unkind to the driver of the No. 12 Team Penske Ford. In fact, Blaney‘s runner-up result in last year‘s fall race at the one-mile track in the Sonoran Desert gave him the NASCAR Cup Series title.
Blaney, however, is hoping for a better result in Sunday‘s Shriners Children‘s 500 (3:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Whoever wins the race will have to adapt to a new short-track competition package that will debut this weekend.
“We‘re going to try to get a ‘1‘ on the finishing column, instead of a ‘2,‘” said Blaney, who finished fourth in each of the two events before his three-race runner-up streak. “It‘s hard to complain about ‘2s‘ because we‘ve had really good runs there, but hopefully we can just bring the same speed.
“I thought those three races that we‘ve run second at that we could have won if a couple things go our way. That‘s really all I can ask for is to just have the speed to try to win the race, so hopefully we can bring that and see what this car has on the short-track package.
“I think that‘s the big thing as well is trying to figure out this new package and how it runs in traffic. Hopefully, we‘re competitive.”
The new short-track package features a simplified rear diffuser with fewer strakes (protruding ridges)—changes designed to reduce front-end downforce. The height of the rear spoiler has been increased from two to three inches. There are no engine panel strakes with the new package, which also features short track/road course splitter stuffers.
Blaney, who is second in the NASCAR Cup standings after consecutive finishes of second and third at Atlanta and Las Vegas, is one of six drivers who tested a number of short-track options and tire combinations at Phoenix last December.
Goodyear is bringing new tire codes to the one-mile track, with both left- and right-side tires featuring greater tread thickness designed to retain heat and increase lap-time fall-off.
Because this is the debut of the new competition package, teams will have a 50-minute practice session on Friday afternoon to try to dial in the new variables.
With all that‘s new at Phoenix, however, certain fundamentals remain, notably the importance of qualifying at a venue where track position is paramount. Twelve of the last 13 Phoenix winners have started in the top 10, and nine of those winners have come from starting spots in the first three rows.
Qualifying hasn‘t been an issue for Ford drivers this year. Joey Logano has two poles to his credit, and Michael McDowell has one. However, Chevrolet drivers William Byron, Daniel Suarez and Kyle Larson have claimed the trophies in the first three races.
Blaney has won three poles at Phoenix, second to Kyle Busch‘s four among active drivers. Logano and Busch lead active drivers with three victories each at the track.
Justin Allgaier looks for jump-start in return to Phoenix Raceway
Pay close attention to qualifying for Saturday‘s Call811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200 at Phoenix Raceway (4:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
Over the course of 44 NASCAR Xfinity Series races at the one-mile track, speed in time trials has translated to speed in race conditions. Historically, a remarkable 33 of 44 Xfinity Series events have been won from top-four starting spots.
After a lukewarm start to the season, perennial contender Justin Allgaier of JR Motorsports will be looking for both a strong qualifying effort and a quality result. Last year‘s title runner-up boasts an average start of 9.9 and an average finish of 9.3 in a record 27 starts.
Allgaier currently is eighth in the series standings with two top 10s but no top fives in the first three races of the season.
“I always enjoy coming back to Phoenix, and this spring race has become such an important race as we look deeper into the season and to what is at stake when we are here in the fall (for the Championship 4 race),” said Allgaier, who has two wins and one pole at the track.
“I know that (crew chief) Jim (Pohlman) and everyone on this BRANDT Professional Agriculture team will give me a strong car this weekend that will be capable of running up front and contending for the win. Hopefully, we can avoid any trouble out there and be right where we want to be at the checkered flag.”
In order to score a victory, however, Xfinity regulars will have to overcome a couple of formidable challenges in the form of full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers William Byron and John Hunter Nemechek, who are doing double duty this weekend.
Byron won the fall race at Phoenix in 2017 to secure the Xfinity Series championship. Nemechek triumphed in last Saturday‘s Xfinity event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
— NASCAR Wire Service —
]]>“Whenever we welcome a new partner to the Martinsville Speedway family, we always search for someone whose values reflect our own,” said MVS President Clay Campbell. “DUDE Wipes is an innovative organization filled with risk-takers and passionate people. For those reasons, we know they‘ll mesh perfectly with our one-of-a-kind fans and venue.”
Though this isn‘t the first NASCAR rodeo for DUDE Wipes, who have partnered with drivers like Anthony Alfredo in the past, this will be the first time the flushable wipes company will be the entitlement partner for a NASCAR race.
DUDE Wipes was an idea sprung from the heads of childhood friends living in Chicago back in 2010. The group, consisting of Sean Riley, Brian Wilkin, Ryan Meegan and Jeff Klimkowski, appeared on the ABC reality TV program Shark Tank in 2015 to promote their product, securing both interest and investment from “shark” Mark Cuban. From there, the company skyrocketed to success, becoming available in 20,000+ stores nationwide.
“We are thrilled to be the title sponsor for the DUDE Wipes 250 at such a prestigious track like Martinsville Speedway,” said Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of DUDE Wipes Ryan Meegan. “Over the last five years or so we‘ve been able to build up a great amount of brand affinity with the NASCAR community through our partnership with Anthony Alfredo and in 2024 we wanted to engrain the brand even more into NASCAR. This is a huge opportunity to accomplish that & when the opportunity presented itself with Martinsville, we jumped at the chance. DUDE Wipes will be bringing a clean, skid-mark free weekend to Martinsville Speedway!”
The DUDE Wipes 250 is part of a triple-heard race weekend at Martinsville Speedway. The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Long John Silver‘s 200 on April 5.
Then, on Saturday, April 6, drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series will compete in the DUDE Wipes 250, followed by Sunday‘s NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400.
— Martinsville Speedway —
]]>In honor of Women‘s History Month, Corey LaJoie‘s Group 1001 Chevrolet will feature more than 450 names of women who are employed by Group 1001. Colton Herta‘s No. 26 Gainbridge entry will also showcase the same initiative this weekend at the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (Fla.) NTT IndyCar Series race.
With a commitment to service and community transformation, Group 1001 supports education and sports initiatives that improve lives. With a commitment to service and community transformation, Group 1001 supports education and sports initiatives that improve lives. In 2022, Group 1001 became a majority stakeholder in Parity, a brand sponsorship platform committed to closing the gender income and opportunity gap in professional sports. Currently, 48 percent of Group 1001‘s sponsorship dollars support women‘s sports.
— Spire Motorsports —
]]>…
The chances of such a race happening for next year was unclear, as were the other viable options. But NASCAR President Steve Phelps told Fox Sports during Daytona 500 week that NASCAR would be racing next year in Southern California, raising expectations that the series will make its way to the market in 2025 at one venue or another. NASCAR and the Dodgers did not respond to requests for comment. It was also unclear whether the event would be a street-circuit style race around the venue or a short-track style temporary circuit built inside the ballpark. The Dolphins have set up such a street circuit around Hard Rock Stadium for the annual F1 race it now hosts.
]]>— Hendrick Motorsports —
]]>Speedway Motorsports repaved the historic short track for the first time since 1984 with a race-ready asphalt mixture in preparation for the May 18 Wright Brand 250 and the May 19 All-Star Open and NASCAR All-Star Race.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series:
NASCAR Cup Series:
— Speedway Motorsports —
NOTE: The test is closed to the public.
]]>NASCAR Xfinity Series
Next Race: Call811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200
The Place: Phoenix Raceway
The Date: Saturday, March 9
The Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
The Purse: $1,448,204
TV: FS1, 3:30 p.m. ET
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Distance: 200 miles (200 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 45), Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 90), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 200)
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Next Race: Weather Guard Truck Race
The Place: Bristol Motor Speedway
The Date: Saturday, March 16
The Time: 8 p.m. ET
The Purse: $761,274
TV: FS1, 7:30 p.m. ET
Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Distance: 133.25 miles (250 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 65), Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 130), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 250)
NASCAR Cup Series
Numbers Don‘t Lie: NASCAR Cup Series competition is the pinnacle of racing
Just three races into the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season and the performances by the drivers and teams are a testament to the sustained close competition the fans have come to know and love about NASCAR. The Next Gen car is proving to bring the closest, most thrilling side-by-side racing in the world, and the numbers back it up.
Kyle Larson adds his name to the Playoffs with Vegas victory
Hendrick Motorsports displayed their 1.5-mile package prowess by dominating the NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Kyle Larson leading 181 of the 267 laps and becoming the third different driver to secure a spot in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Larson joins his Hendrick Motorsports teammate and DAYTONA 500 winner William Byron and Atlanta Motor Speedway winner Trackhouse Racing‘s Daniel Suárez. The Las Vegas win also jumped Larson to the point standings lead, up eight points on Team Penske‘s Ryan Blaney, the 2023 Cup Series Champion.
Larson will look to keep the momentum going this weekend at Phoenix Raceway, the track that will play host to the Championship Race later this season. In 19 career Cup starts at Phoenix, Larson has put up two poles, one win (2021), eight top-five and 12 top-10 finishes. His average finish at the 1-mile track in Arizona is 11.263 — fourth-best among active drivers this weekend.
Legacy Motor Club off to fast start, both teams in series points top 16
Through three races of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, Legacy Motor Club drivers Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek have been putting up some solid performances and as a result both are ranked inside the top 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series driver points standings heading into Phoenix this weekend.
Anchoring both driver‘s early on success is their season-opening top-10 finishes at Daytona, with Nemechek finishing seventh and in his rearview mirror was Jones in eighth.
Looking ahead to Phoenix, both Legacy Motor Club drivers will be looking to build on their early season momentum. Jones has made 15 series starts at Phoenix Raceway posting one top-five and four top-10 finishes. His average finish at the 1-mile track is a 17.7. Nemechek has made three series starts at Phoenix, accumulating an average finish of 26.0.
Laying Down A Lap: Starting up front has its perks at Phoenix
Qualifying each week is important, and this week is no different, especially if you qualify for the first or third positions. A total of 23 different starting positions have produced wins, but the first and third starting positions are the two most proficient starting positions at Phoenix Raceway in the NASCAR Cup Series, producing more winners (eight wins each) than any other positions on the starting grid (14.55% winning percentage) — including this race last season, when the winner William Byron started from third.
Veteran driver Ryan Newman (2002, 2003, 2004, 2008) and Richard Childress Racing‘s Kyle Busch (2006, 2012, 2016, 2019) lead the NASCAR Cup Series in poles at Phoenix Raceway with four each. In total, 27 different drivers have won the Cup Series pole at Phoenix. Eleven of the 27 Phoenix Raceway pole winners are active this weekend.
Active Phoenix Pole Winners | Poles | Seasons |
Kyle Busch | 4 | 2019. 2016, 2012, 2006 |
Ryan Blaney | 3 | 2022, 2019, 2017 |
Kyle Larson | 2 | 2023, 2021 |
Joey Logano | 2 | 2022, 2017 |
Martin Truex Jr | 2 | 2018, 2009 |
Denny Hamlin | 2 | 2014, 2005 |
William Byron | 1 | 2023 |
Chase Elliott | 1 | 2020 |
Alex Bowman | 1 | 2016 |
Brad Keselowski | 1 | 2014 |
AJ Allmendinger | 1 | 2010 |
Kings of the competition in the desert
Phoenix Raceway has hosted 55 NASCAR Cup Series races prior to this weekend producing 27 different pole winners and 30 different race winners.
The recently retired Kevin Harvick leads the NASCAR Cup Series in wins at Phoenix Raceway with nine victories. Richard Childress Racing‘s Kyle Busch (2005, 2018, 2019) and Team Penske‘s Joey Logano (2016, 2020, 2022) lead all active drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series in wins at Phoenix Raceway with three each.
Nine of the 30 NASCAR Cup Series Phoenix Raceway winners are active this weekend:
Active Phoenix Winners | Wins | Seasons |
Kyle Busch | 3 | 2019, 2018, 2005 |
Joey Logano | 3 | 2022, 2020, 2016 |
Denny Hamlin | 2 | 2019, 2012 |
Ross Chastain | 1 | 2023 |
William Byron | 1 | 2023 |
Chase Briscoe | 1 | 2022 |
Kyle Larson | 1 | 2021 |
Martin Truex Jr | 1 | 2021 |
Chase Elliott | 1 | 2020 |
Chastain looks to become the seventh driver to win consecutive races at Phoenix
Trackhouse Racing‘s Ross Chastain is the most recent winner at Phoenix Raceway, grabbing his first career win (2023 Championship Race) at the 1-mile track back in November. Now, the Watermelon famer turned driver returns to the desert to defend his win and become the seventh different driver to win consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races at Phoenix Raceway.
If Chastain accomplishes the feat, he will join Davey Allison (1991, 1992), Jeff Burton (200, 2001), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2003, 2004), Kevin Harvick (2006 sweep, then four straight from the 2013 Playoff race to the 2014 sweep to the 2015 spring race), Jimmie Johnson (Fall of 2007 and 2008 sweep) and Kyle Busch (2018, 2019).
NASCAR‘s new package for short tracks and road courses to debut in Phoenix
Collaborating with drivers and teams over the offseason, NASCAR has announced the following changes to the Next Gen car short track and road course package — starting in 2024 the NASCAR Cup Series cars will run a simplified diffuser at a majority of tracks measuring one-mile or shorter, as well as all road courses. (Note: Bristol and Dover excluded.) The simplified diffuser was not used at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The details of the components updated:
Eric Jacuzzi, NASCAR Vice President, Vehicle Performance: “At the test (at Phoenix during the offseason), we noticed an improvement in traffic. The car did not lose rear downforce when it yawed, which is an issue we fight with the current car. The drivers would be able to slide around more on the short tracks and really have to be less careful about putting power down. We felt that would be a benefit, and that was the big takeaway from the driver feedback. At the test, they felt they could really tell that it was more forgiving. They felt they could slide the car.”
NASCAR has also announced drivers will have additional track time to adjust to these new components, making Phoenix Raceway an ‘extended practice‘ weekend. A 50-minute practice has been added, scheduled for Friday from 3:05 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. local time and can be viewed on FS1 from 5 — 6 p.m. ET.
Busch Light Pole Qualifying will be held on Saturday, March 9 at 2 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Spinning The Tires: Former champs Logano and Keselowski needing to rebound at Phoenix
Two former NASCAR Cup Series Champions, Team Penske‘s Joey Logano (24th in points) and RFK Racing‘s Brad Keselowski (28th in points) find themselves buried in the point standings after the first three races of the 2024 season. Now, the former champs head back to Phoenix Raceway, a track both have run-well at previously, looking to rebound and right their seasons.
Joey Logano has made 30 career Cup starts at Phoenix collecting three wins, eight top fives and 16 top 10s.
Brad Keselowski has made 29 Cup starts at Phoenix putting up eight top fives and 13 top 10s.
Breaking through under the sun in Phoenix
When it comes to first-time winners in the NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway, only three of the 30 different series winners earned their first career Cup Series win at 1-mile track.
The first driver and probably the most famous to accomplish the feat of earning his first career win at Phoenix Raceway was NASCAR Hall of Famer Alan Kulwicki in 1988. Not only was accomplishment huge for himself and his organization AK Racing but it was also the first time Kulwicki introduced his famous ‘Polish Victory Lap‘ where he would drive the track clockwise (or backwards), so that he could wave to the fans in his victory lap.
Bobby Hamilton‘s first career Cup win at Phoenix Raceway, came while driving for the famous Petty Enterprises in 1996. It was one of the last few wins Petty Enterprises would produce. Hamilton would win once more for the Pettys in 1997 at Rockingham and then John Andretti would bring home the organization‘s final win at Martinsville Speedway in 1999. Petty Enterprises reached 268 wins in total in the series — second-most all-time.
The third and final first-time Cup winner at Phoenix, was Stewart-Haas‘s Chase Briscoe in 2022. It was Briscoe first and only win to this day. Briscoe has made six starts at Phoenix posting one win, two top fives and three top 10s.
NASCAR Cup Series, Etc.
Sunoco Rookie Class Update: Hocevar takes rookie standings lead — Spire Motorsport‘s Carson Hocevar has leaped to the NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings lead for the first time this season. Heading into Phoenix Raceway this weekend, Hocevar has an 11 point lead over second place Josh Berry, 16 points up on third place Zane Smith and 18 points up on fourth place Kaz Grala.
Bowman, McDowell are heading back home — The NASCAR fans from Arizona will have two drivers from their home state to root for this weekend at Phoenix Raceway in the Shriners Children‘s 500 (March 10 at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
A total of 34 drivers in NASCAR national series history have their home state recorded as Arizona. Of the 34 Arizona drivers, only two drivers have won a NASCAR national series race — Alex Bowman (eight wins) and Michael McDowell (two wins). Most notably, McDowell won the 2021 DAYTONA 500.
Arizona NASCAR Winners | Cup | Xfinity | Truck | Combined |
Alex Bowman | 7 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
Michael McDowell | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
Totals | 9 | 2 | 0 | 11 |
Bowman has made 17 series starts at Phoenix collecting two top-10 finishes.
McDowell has made 26 series starts at Phoenix without a win, the second most starts at by an active driver without a win at Phoenix behind Brad Keselowski at 29. McDowell‘s best finish at his home track is ninth in the race last November (2023).
Chevrolet off to a fast start winning first three races of 2024 — The first three races of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season has seen only one manufacturer in Victory Lane — Chevrolet.
In the Modern Era (1972-2023), a manufacturer has only swept a season‘s first three races six times and Chevrolet drivers are responsible for five of them — Chevrolet (1995, 2001, 2010, 2023, 2024) and Ford (1992).
This season, William Byron won the DAYTONA 500, Daniel Suarez won Atlanta Motor Speedway and Kyle Larson won last weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
A manufacturer has only swept the first four races of a NASCAR Cup Series season in the Modern Era three times — Chevrolet (1995, 2001) and Ford (1992).
The record for the most consecutive wins by a manufacturer to start at NASCAR Cup Series season in the Modern Era is nine straight victories by Ford during the 1992 season.
The most consecutive victories to start a Cup Series season by Chevrolet was seven straight wins in the 1995 season — second-most in the Modern Era.
Upcoming Cup Series Milestones: Phoenix Raceway — Below are a list of the upcoming milestones to watch for in the NASCAR Cup Series:
Starts
Wins
Laps Led
Three NASCAR Cup Series drivers can reach milestones in laps led this weekend:
Lap Leaders | Laps Led | Next Milestone | Laps Led Needed |
Erik Jones | 827 | 1,000 | 173 |
Kyle Larson | 7,761 | 8,000 | 239 |
Ryan Blaney | 3,746 | 4,000 | 254 |
Viva La Fiesta set for Phoenix Raceway Midway During March 8-10 NASCAR Weekend – Phoenix Raceway announced that Viva La Fiesta will be its newest attraction in the Phoenix Raceway Midway located near Gate 5. The Hispanic-themed exhibition will be on full display throughout the Shriners Children‘s 500 NASCAR Weekend, March 8-10, and is FREE to all ticket holders.
“We couldn‘t be more thrilled to introduce Viva La Fiesta to all of our fans this spring,” said Phoenix Raceway President Latasha Causey. “This addition to our midway brings a whole new element of fun to Phoenix Raceway, and we hope everyone enjoys it as much as we do.”
Through a partnership with Mexican beer brand Estrella Jalisco, fans can experience a variety of fun activities and displays throughout the weekend. The main stage will feature musical and dance performances from acts such as DJ J Medina, Mariachi Alas de Arizona, Ballet Folklorico Esparanza, and much more.
In addition, there will be Q&A sessions with Mexican-born NASCAR Cup Series driver and recent winner of the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway Daniel Suarez along with players from Phoenix Rising FC. Fans can also get their picture taken with the trophy Suarez won at the King Taco LA Batalla en El Coliseo, the historic NASCAR Mexico Series race that took place Feb. 3 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
There will also be Lucha Libre Wrestling in the Viva La Fiesta Zone, with matches taking place from 1:30 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, and 9 to 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 10. Fans can additionally find Sophisticated Few Low Riders, local food/drink trucks, and many more things to do at Viva La Fiesta all through the race weekend.
NASCAR Xfinity Series
NASCAR Xfinity Series is ready to dust-up the desert in Phoenix
The NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers will be staying on the West Coast as they head into race number three of the season at Phoenix Raceway — the Call811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200 on Saturday, March 9 at 4:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Phoenix Raceway has hosted 44 NASCAR Xfinity Series races all-time, producing 25 different race winners and almost as many pole winners at 24. In total, 11 races have been won from the pole or first starting position by five different drivers, most recently by Ty Gibbs in the Xfinity Series Championship Race in 2022. Kyle Busch has won the Phoenix Xfinity Series race from the pole six times — series most.
Busch is a prime example of the Xfinity Series slogan at Phoenix Raceway, “Names Are Made Here”, holding just about every record in the series:
Though Busch has most of the records, Justin Allgaier has managed a few himself. Allgaier and Jeremy Clements hold the record for the most series starts at Phoenix with 27 each. Allgaier also holds the Xfinity Phoenix record for the most laps completed at 5,395.
Drivers will have a jam-packed Saturday as they hit the grid for practice at 12:30 p.m. ET followed by qualifying at 1 p.m. ET on FS2 and SiriusXM NASCAR radio.
Stacked Deck: Winners galore at Phoenix Raceway this weekend
Five drivers in the field have conquered the 1-mile Arizona track, Phoenix Raceway, and will be looking to add another win to their resumes this weekend — Cole Custer, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, Brandon Jones and William Byron.
Cole Custer: Driver of the No. 00 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford has made eight starts at Phoenix Raceway, posting one win (2023), three top fives, six top 10s, and has led 140 laps. Custer, who is the most recent Xfinity Series winner at Phoenix, will look to become just the third driver all-time to win consecutive Xfinity races at the 1-mile track; joining Kyle Busch (2007-2008 and 2013 sweep-2014 and 2015-2016 sweep) and Austin Cindric (2020-2021).
Justin Allgaier: Driver of the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet has made 27 starts (tied for most all-time with Jeremy Clements), posting two wins (2017, 2019 — most among active drivers this weekend), 10 top fives, 18 top 10s, and has led 544 laps.
Sammy Smith: Driver of the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet has made three starts at the one-mile track, posting one win (2023), one top five, three top 10s, and has led 113 laps. Smith is the defending winner of this race — his only victory in the series.
Brandon Jones: Driver of the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet has made 16 starts at Phoenix, posting one win (2020), three top fives, six top 10s, and has led 59 laps.
William Byron: NASCAR Cup Series star and DAYTONA 500 champion, William Byron, will be behind the wheel of the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet this weekend at Phoenix. Byron has made two Xfinity Series starts at Phoenix Raceway, posting one win (2017), two top fives, two top 10s and has led 17 laps.
Looking for Victory Lane in the desert
There may be five previous winners entered in this weekend‘s Call811.com Every Dig. Every Time. 200 but there are four other drivers worth keeping a close eye on as they hunt for their first win at Phoenix Raceway this weekend — Sheldon Creed, Austin Hill, Riley Herbst, and John Hunter Nemechek.
Sheldon Creed: Driver of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota has made five starts at the track, posting two top fives and four top 10s. He‘s come extremely close to taking the checkered flag at Phoenix Raceway, finishing runner-up in last year‘s championship race.
Austin Hill: Driver of the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet has made four starts at Phoenix, where he has posted three top-10 finishes and has led 43 laps.
Riley Herbst: Driver of the No. 98 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford has made nine starts at Phoenix Raceway, posting four top fives and six top 10s.
John Hunter Nemechek: Fulltime NASCAR Cup Series driver John Hunter Nemechek will be getting behind the wheel of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota for Saturday‘s Xfinity Series race at Phoenix after coming off a big win last weekend at Las Vegas. Nemechek has made seven Xfinity Series starts at Phoenix Raceway, posting two top fives, six top 10s, and has led 168 laps.
Xfinity Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings shuffle after Las Vegas
The 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season is in full swing, and the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings has been shuffled after a wild race in Las Vegas. Richard Childres Racing‘s Jesse Love still holds the rookie standings lead, but Hailie Deegan, the winner of the Sunoco Rookie of the Race Award at Las Vegas, moved up a spot to fourth in the rookie standings following her 15th-place finish at Vegas. Love also extended his points lead over second place Shane van Gisbergen to 36 points. Now, the 2024 Sunoco rookie class will be heading back out West to give Phoenix‘s one-mile track a go.
Jesse Love: He currently leads his competitors and is seventh in the Xfinity Series standings with 96 points. This weekend will be Love‘s series track debut.
Shane van Gisbergen: He is currently second in the battle for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors and sits in 16th in the Xfinity Series standings with 60 points. This weekend will also be his series track debut.
Leland Honeyman Jr.: Sliding in at third is Honeyman who is 22nd in the Xfinity Series standings with 42 points. Honeyman made his series track debut at Phoenix last November; he started 23rd and finished 27th.
Hailie Deegan: Coming in at fourth on the rookie standings list is Hailie Deegan. She currently is 27th in the Xfinity Series standings with 33 points. Deegan scored a 15th-place finish at Las Vegas to win the Sunoco Rookie of the Race Award. Deegan will be making he series track debut this weekend.
Dawson Cram: Rounding out our 2024 rookie class is Dawson Cram. He is 38th in the Xfinity Series standings with 15 points. Cram has made three starts at Phoenix in the Xfinity Series posting an average finish of 29.3.
NASCAR Xfinity Series, Etc.
Late Model standout Bubba Pollard to make NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Richmond — Thirty-seven-year-old Bubba Pollard will be getting behind the No. 88 Chevrolet with JR Motorsports to make his Xfinity Series debut at Richmond Raceway on March 30.
Pollard has won more than 100 Late Model races in his career.
“I‘m very excited,” Pollard said. “I really don‘t know what to expect, as it‘s all very new to us, but I‘m very thankful for the opportunity that Rheem and JR Motorsports have given me. I hope we can make the most of it. I‘ve never had any laps at Richmond, and I haven‘t driven an Xfinity car, so it‘s all going to be new.”
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Rajah Caruth‘s day of firsts
Just days after HendrickCars.com signed on to sponsor Rajah Caruth for the entire 2024 season, he earned his first NASCAR national series victory in Friday night‘s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 21-year-old became the third African American to win a NASCAR national series race, joining NASCAR Hall of Famer Wendell Scott and Bubba Wallace.
Caruth‘s victory is part of a string of wins from graduates of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program, who have won in each of the first three weeks of the NASCAR season:
The win also gives Spire Motorsports affiliated trucks three wins in the first three races of the season as well as extends Chevrolet‘s win streak. The OEM has won every race in 2024 across all three of NASCAR‘s premier series.
In three starts this season, Caruth has tallied one win, one pole, two top fives, and three top 10s. The driver of the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet currently sits fourth in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series points standings. With a week off, the D.C. native will let his first victory sink in before he prepares for the first short track of the season — Bristol Motor Speedway.
Short track racin‘ at Bristol Motor Speedway
After a historic weekend in Las Vegas, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will have a week off to regroup and go over strategy before heading to Bristol Motor Speedway for the Weather Guard Truck Race (Saturday, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).
There have been 26 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at the short track, producing 21 different winners and 19 different pole winners. Six races have been won from the pole or first starting position, most recently by Brett Moffitt in 2019.
NASCAR Cup Series regular and winningest NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series driver Kyle Busch has made the most trips to Victory Lane (five), won the most poles (four), and tallied the most top fives (seven).
Veteran driver Matt Crafton has made the most starts at Bristol (20). He also holds the record for most top 10s (14). Mike Skinner has led the most laps at the 0.533-mile track with 562.
Corey Heim is Bristol Motor Speedway‘s most recent winner after making a late-race pass on Christian Eckes to get the victory last September.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series standings are heating up
Tyler Ankrum, at 22 years old, has once again extended his lead in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series points standings. The driver of the No. 18 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet finished runner-up at Las Vegas accumulating 42 points and retaining his position as the points leader in the series.
Looking to next week, the San Bernadino, California native has made five starts at Bristol Motor Speedway. His first venture to the track in 2019 netted him a 20th-place finish and when he returned in 2020, Ankrum scored a track-best seventh-place finish. Last season, Ankrum finished 23rd.
Sitting five points back from Ankrum is ThorSport Racing‘s Ty Majeski. The driver of the No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford led a race-high 40 of 134 laps and swept both stages in Las Vegas. A speeding penalty on pit road on Lap 102 ultimately cost him the chance to win the race. In two starts at Bristol, Majeski has one win (2022) one top five, and one top 10 finish.
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Etc.
Jack Hawksworth set to join TRICON Garage at COTA — Vasser Sullivan Lexus standout and reigning IMSA GTD PRO Champion Jack Hawksworth will be joining forces with TRICON Garage to pilot the No. 1 Mobil 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at Circuit of The Americas on March 25.
In his eighth season of full-time IMSA competition, the 33-year-old has tallied 11 wins, 10 poles and 25 podiums while capturing championships in the IMSA GTD Sprint Cup and GTD PRO categories. The Lexus Racing factory driver has also secured high-profile victories in the RC F GT3, including Lexus and Vasser Sullivan‘s first win in the GTD PRO category at Road America and the first endurance victory at the 2022 Petit Le Mans.
In addition to his expansive Sports Car résumé, Hawksworth competed in three full-time IndyCar seasons, earning a podium at the 2014 Grand Prix of Houston. The Bradford, U.K. native also made a NASCAR Xfinity Series start in 2019 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for Joe Gibbs Racing, qualifying on the outside front row, earning a stage win, and finishing 15th.
“I‘m super stoked to be joining TRICON Garage and piloting the No. 1 Mobil 1 Toyota Tundra at COTA,” said Hawksworth. “The truck looks awesome. I‘m looking forward to stepping back into the NASCAR world, working with the team leading up to the race weekend and then going out there and getting after it. COTA is a fun, technical track and one that should be challenging to tame a stock car at. A big thank you to everyone at TRD, Lexus, Mobil 1 and TRICON for making this possible. I can‘t wait to get started!”
2024 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year breakdown — Connor Jones has quietly moved ahead to lead the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings following three races in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.
The driver of the No. 66 ThorSport Racing Ford was the highest-finishing Sunoco Rookie contender at Las Vegas (14th) and now sits seven points over Thadd Moffitt and eight points over Layne Riggs.
NCTS Sunoco Rookie of the Year Standings | ||
Rookies | Points | Awards |
Connor Jones | 31 | 1 |
Thadd Moffitt | 24 | 1 |
Layne Riggs | 23 | 1 |
— NASCAR —
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“To sell out infield camping for the third year in a row, and to do it two months earlier than we did last year, really shows how much passion and excitement there is for NASCAR here in Michigan,” said Michigan International Speedway President Joe Fowler. “Even though we have sold out infield camping, there are still plenty of ways for fans to experience the race weekend. Grandstand tickets and general camping remain for an action-packed weekend in the Irish Hills.”
Fans can still experience the race with grandstand tickets or outside campsites across Michigan‘s largest registered campground for the weekend. Campsite areas still available include Brooklyn Trails located on Brooklyn Highway across from the track, Brookfest Acres located outside of turn 4, M50 Creekside located behind turn 3, Graves Family Campground located on US-12, High Banks located outside of turn 3, and Tree Farm which is just outside of turns 3 and 4.
During the 2023 FireKeepers Casino 400, Chris Buescher and Martin Truex Jr. battled each other during the last 19 laps of the race. A clean battle going back and forth resulted in Buescher winning his fourth career race.
The August race weekend at Michigan International Speedway begins with the ARCA Menards Series Henry Ford Health 200 on Friday, August 16, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series Cabo Wabo 250 on Saturday, August 17. The NASCAR Cup Series will cap off the weekend‘s action with the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, August 18.
General Admission tickets for Friday are $10 and kids 12 and under are free on Friday and Saturday. Tickets for the FireKeepers Casino 400 start at $39 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Kids 12 and under also get a free Sunday Pre-Race Pass courtesy of Henry Ford Health. Campsites are available starting at $130.
— Michigan International Speedway —
]]>“I‘m really excited to be joining Sam Hunt Racing and Toyota Racing Development for my Xfinity Series debut and to compete in multiple races this season,” said Ed Jones. ‘After spending time with Sam‘s crew and the Toyota team, I have a lot of confidence in the program. I feel confident that we will be able to achieve some strong results.”
Jones, the 2013 Formula 3 Champion, is a road course regular who is making the transition to stock car racing following a career in Formula, IndyCar, IMSA and FIA‘s World Endurance Challenge. The 28-year-old is the 2016 Indy Lights Champion and has collected three IndyCar podium finishes, including one third-place finish in his Indianapolis 500 debut. Additionally, Jones has multiple podiums in the World Endurance Challenge, including a third-place finish in the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 class.
Jones has one NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at Circuit of the Americas.
“I‘m looking forward to implementing Ed into our program at SHR, beginning at COTA,” said Sam Hunt, owner of Sam Hunt Racing. “He‘s a super smart, mature guy who is hungry to build a career in NASCAR over the next couple of years , and to build it the right way. He‘s professional and has raced at very high levels in IndyCar and Sports cars. We‘re excited to tackle the learning curve of competing in stock cars with him, and we know he will only get stronger and stronger with experience.”
Jones‘s first start of the season will take place at Circuit of the Americas on Saturday, March 23 behind the wheel of the No. 24 GR Supra alongside teammate Sage Karam. COTA will mark the team‘s first two-car effort in 2024. The Pit Boss 250 in Austin, Texas can be viewed on FOX Sports 1 with live radio broadcasting from the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90 at 5:00 PM ET.
— Sam Hunt Racing —
]]>Commencing with the race in Valencia, Spain, at the iconic “Circuit Ricardo Tormo” in April, our team is geared up for the exhilarating 2024 season, encompassing seven prestigious race events. The tour includes the NASCAR GP Italy at “Autodromo Vallelunga”, NASCAR GP United Kingdom at the esteemed “Brands Hatch” Race Track, which hosts an American fan festival attracting over 50,000 spectators, and a season highlight at the Oval GP in the Netherlands on the half-mile short track in Venray. The series will continue with the NASCAR GP Czech Republic at “Autodrom Most”, followed by the two playoff race events- NASCAR GP Germany at “Motorsport Arena Oschersleben” and the grand finals at “Circuit Zolder” in Belgium. All races will be broadcasted LIVE & FOR FREE on the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series YouTube Channel.
After the remarkable performance of Ryan Vargas in the 2023 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, competing in the “EuroNascar Pro” Division and securing two successful races, 3F Racing, in collaboration with our primary sponsor “Critical Path Security”, has decided to elevate the commitment to full-time participation, setting our sights on clinching the championship in the “EuroNASCAR Pro” Division.
We are delighted to welcome “CoPilot Al Inc.” as our team’s associate partner throughout the 2024 race season, solidifying our position on the track. To bridge the gap between European enthusiasts and the fervor of American stock car racing, 3F Racing will introduce guest starters into the “EuroNASCAR 2 Division”. These guest starters, hailing from the “NASCAR Xfinity Series” and “NASCAR Truck Series”, aim to bring the authentic American lifestyle and the thrill of stock car racing closer to the European audience.
Stay tuned for the imminent announcement of our guest starters for the “EuroNASCAR 2 Division”, promising fans an electrifying season ahead that not only celebrates the spirit of racing but also fosters a meaningful cultural exchange, deepening the connection between Europe and the United States of America.
— 3F Racing —
]]>Chandler Smith is among NASCAR‘s top prospects. But he was going through, what he felt, was a disappointing rookie season with Kaulig Racing in the 2023 Xfinity Series season.
“I wasn‘t happy with it,” Smith told Jayski.com of his rookie season. “There were a lot of things that got away from our group last year. Some races that got away, some decent finishes that got away. I expected better and wanted better and that‘s what we‘re going to strive for this year.”
Smith scored his elusive first victory at Richmond in the eighth race of the 2023 season. That tallied for his fourth top-five effort to that point. In the remaining 25 races, he matched that same number.
“I knew what I was capable of and I knew what we were capable of last year as a team, especially at certain race tracks,” Smith said. “We just didn‘t deliver.”
Midway through the season, Smith reached out to Joe Gibbs racing, inquiring about joining the Toyota-backed team in 2024. Steve deSouza, JGR‘s EVP NASCAR Xfinity Series/Development, told Smith he couldn‘t speak with him until he was officially free from his Kaulig contract. A couple of months went by and the two sides reconvened. Now, Smith is the driver of the No. 81 Toyota.
“They had some funding together and it was an opportunity,” deSouza said. “He is obviously very talented; Toyota loves him and I think they were disappointed that he got away from him after the truck side. He‘s got a good read on the race car and understands a lot about the race car. The team has gelled well with him, with Jeff Meendering and that whole group.”
Prior to Smith‘s lone season with Kaulig Racing, he was embedded with the Toyota family. Between the 2018 and 2019 seasons, he won seven of the 20 ARCA Menards Series races he competed in for Venturini Motorsports. He led 1,429 laps across those 20 starts.
Toyota also supported Smith‘s owned super late model team before linking up with Kyle Busch Motorsports‘ super late model team. In both 2019 and 2020, he ran partial seasons with KBM in the Craftsman Truck Series, even winning the pole in his series debut at Iowa.
It wasn‘t until the 2021 season that Smith went full time for Toyota. Driving the No. 18 truck for KBM, he opened up the playoffs with a win at Bristol and finished the season in Victory Lane at Phoenix. He took the checkered flag first, three more times in 2022 with KBM. He even ran three races in the Xfinity Series with Sam Hunt Racing.
By 2023, Smith felt like he was ready to move up the proverbial ladder to Xfinity full time. He nearly had a deal completed to compete at JGR, but Toyota had no space for him at the time.
“We mutually parted ways for that one year and I got a learning year for one year with Kaulig Racing,” Smith said. “Now, it‘s back to business, back with my family and we‘re going to win championships together.”
Smith never forgot how much Toyota contributed to his early success on the national scene. That‘s primarily why he wanted to return to Toyota.
“Back from when the whole relationship started, they picked me up when I was pretty much done [racing],” Smith added. “I didn‘t have many options, didn‘t have the funding to move up. I was super late model racing and they said, ‘Hey, we are really interested in you, we want you to be a Toyota driver.‘ They brought me and pulled me through the ranks all the way to the Xfinity level. They always paired me with good people and gave me the right tools to be the best driver that I needed to be and surrounded me with people that made me the best individual and also made me better as a professional race car driver.”
Smith learned plenty on his journey to return to Toyota. He believes those were all viable lessons.
“I don‘t think I would have been able to learn those lessons last year being with the Toyota family,” he noted. “That‘s why I believe everything happens for a reason, but now it‘s time to get back to business and back to work.”
Toyota is happy to have Smith back in the fold, too.
“Seat time is good no matter what, so he‘s had experience of being in an Xfinity car with another team and learned some things there that he didn‘t know,” deSouza said.” Coming to us, hopefully the elementary stuff about the Xfinity Series will be an old-hat to him. Now, it‘s going to be the technology that JGR applies and how he can apply that on the race track.”
So far, so good. Smith is one of two drivers to have top-five and top-10 finishes in all three races to begin the 2024 season. He sits second in the championship standings behind Austin Hill, who already has a pair of victories.
To start the season, Smith made sure to put no expectations on his No. 81 team. Reigning series champion Cole Custer name dropped Smith as one of the top two drivers he felt was a threat of stopping him from repeating as champion in 2024.
“That‘s good to know,” Smith said of Custer‘s remarks.
The series heads to Phoenix this weekend, where Smith had a pair of top-10 finishes in his rookie campaign.
]]>Hamlin has earned two pole awards at Phoenix, including his first career pole in November 2005. Dating back to March 2019, Hamlin has started sixth or better in nine of the last 10 Phoenix races, including front-row starting spots for the past two spring races at the one-mile tri-oval.
— Joe Gibbs Racing —
]]>2024 Top 30 In Points | 2024 Driver Playoff Outlook Following Race No. 3 | |||||||||
Rank | Driver | Pts | Ldr. | Rank | Driver | Points | Wins | Stages | Playoff Pts | Pts From Cutoff |
1 | Kyle Larson | 118 | 0 | 1 | Kyle Larson | 118 | 1 | 2 | 7 | In On Wins |
2 | Ryan Blaney | 110 | -8 | 2 | William Byron | 103 | 1 | 0 | 5 | |
3 | Martin Truex Jr. | 104 | -14 | 3 | Daniel Suarez | 90 | 1 | 0 | 5 | |
4 | William Byron | 103 | -15 | 4 | Ryan Blaney | 110 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 44 |
5 | Ross Chastain | 98 | -20 | 5 | Martin Truex Jr. | 104 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 |
6 | Kyle Busch | 95 | -23 | 6 | Ross Chastain | 98 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 |
7 | Chase Elliott | 95 | -23 | 7 | Kyle Busch | 95 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 |
8 | Daniel Suarez | 90 | -28 | 8 | Chase Elliott | 95 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 29 |
9 | Ty Gibbs | 87 | -31 | 9 | Ty Gibbs | 87 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
10 | Denny Hamlin | 87 | -31 | 10 | Denny Hamlin | 87 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
11 | Austin Cindric | 86 | -32 | 11 | Austin Cindric | 86 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 20 |
12 | Tyler Reddick | 84 | -34 | 12 | Tyler Reddick | 84 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
13 | Alex Bowman | 82 | -36 | 13 | Alex Bowman | 82 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
14 | Bubba Wallace | 76 | -42 | 14 | Bubba Wallace | 76 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
15 | Erik Jones | 71 | -47 | 15 | Erik Jones | 71 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
16 | John H. Nemechek | 68 | -50 | 16 | John H. Nemechek | 68 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
17 | Corey LaJoie | 66 | -52 | 17 | Corey LaJoie | 66 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2 |
18 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 64 | -54 | 18 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 64 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -4 |
19 | Daniel Hemric | 58 | -60 | 19 | Daniel Hemric | 58 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -10 |
20 | Chase Briscoe | 53 | -65 | 20 | Chase Briscoe | 53 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -15 |
21 | Christopher Bell | 52 | -66 | 21 | Christopher Bell | 52 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -16 |
22 | Michael McDowell | 52 | -66 | 22 | Michael McDowell | 52 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -16 |
23 | Chris Buescher | 50 | -68 | 23 | Chris Buescher | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -18 |
24 | Joey Logano | 48 | -70 | 24 | Joey Logano | 48 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -20 |
25 | Carson Hocevar # | 48 | -70 | 25 | Carson Hocevar # | 48 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -20 |
26 | Harrison Burton | 43 | -75 | 26 | Harrison Burton | 43 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -25 |
27 | Austin Dillon | 41 | -77 | 27 | Austin Dillon | 41 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -27 |
28 | Brad Keselowski | 40 | -78 | 28 | Brad Keselowski | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -28 |
29 | Justin Haley | 39 | -79 | 29 | Justin Haley | 39 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -29 |
30 | Josh Berry # | 37 | -81 | 30 | Josh Berry # | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -31 |
PHOENIX RACEWAY-SPECIFIC STATISTICS
(Driver stats below are from 2005 — Present)
Christopher Bell (No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota)
Ryan Blaney (No. 12 Team Penske Ford)
Chase Briscoe (No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford)
Kyle Busch (No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet)
William Byron (No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet)
Chase Elliott (No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet)
Denny Hamlin (No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota)
Brad Keselowski (No. 6 RFK Racing Ford)
Kyle Larson (No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet)
Joey Logano (No. 22 Team Penske Ford)
Tyler Reddick (No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota)
Martin Truex Jr. (No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota)
The NASCAR Cup Series 2024 Top 16 in the Driver Standings at Phoenix Raceway
Driver | Races | Poles | Wins | Top Fives | Top 10s | DNFs | Average Finish | Driver Rating | ||
1 | Kyle Larson | 19 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 12 | 2 | 11.3 | 98.4 | |
2 | Ryan Blaney | 16 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 11 | 2 | 11.3 | 98.9 | |
3 | Martin Truex Jr | 36 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 15 | 5 | 15.3 | 90.0 | |
4 | William Byron | 12 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 11.2 | 94.0 | |
5 | Ross Chastain | 11 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 17.5 | 71.4 | |
6 | Kyle Busch | 37 | 4 | 3 | 12 | 26 | 1 | 10.9 | 101.3 | |
7 | Chase Elliott | 15 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 12.2 | 104.3 | |
8 | Daniel Suárez | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 19.1 | 63.2 | |
9 | Ty Gibbs | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24.5 | 59.8 | |
10 | Denny Hamlin | 37 | 2 | 2 | 16 | 22 | 1 | 10.8 | 98.3 | |
11 | Austin Cindric | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23.8 | 57.3 | |
12 | Tyler Reddick | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 18.9 | 77.4 | |
13 | Alex Bowman | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 22.5 | 68.9 | |
14 | Bubba Wallace | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 20.2 | 59.8 | |
15 | Erik Jones | 15 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 17.7 | 76.6 | |
16 | John H. Nemechek | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26.0 | 52.8 |
* — Based on last 38 races at Phoenix Raceway (2005 — 2023).
Phoenix Raceway – Track Data
Season Race #: 04 of 36 (03-10-24)
Track Size: 1-mile
Banking/Turn 1 & 2: 9 degrees
Banking/Turn 3 & 4: 11 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 3 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 9 degrees
Race Length: 312 laps / 312 Miles / 500 Kilometers
Stage 1 Length: 60 laps
Stage 2 Length: 125 laps (Ends on Lap 185)
Final Stage Length: 127 laps (Ends on Lap 312)
Phoenix Raceway Qualifying & Race Data:
Track Qualifying Record:
Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, 143.158 mph, 25.147 secs., November 13, 2015
2023 Pole Winner (Spring):
Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, 130.237 mph, 27.642 secs., March 11, 2023
2022 Pole Winner (Spring):
Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford, 132.709 mph, 27.127 secs., March 12, 2022
Track Race Record:
Tony Stewart, Joe Gibbs Racing Pontiac, 118.132 mph, (02:38:28), November 7, 1999
2023 Race Winner (Spring):
William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, 105.491 mph, (03:00:18), March 12, 2023
2022 Race Winner (Spring):
Chase Briscoe, Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, 100.339 mph, (03:06:34), March 13, 2022
Phoenix Raceway Stats & Tidbits:
HISTORY
o Widened the frontstretch from 52 to 62 feet and reconfigured pit road with the installation of concrete pit stalls
o Pushed the dog-leg curve between Turn 2 and Turn 3 out 95 feet and tightened the turn radius of the dog-leg from 800 to 500 feet
o Implemented banking, including 11-degree banking between Turn 1 and Turn 2; 10-11-degree banking in the apex of the dog-leg; and 9-degree banking in Turns 3 and 4.
STARTS
Pos. | Drivers | Date of First Start | Pos. | Drivers | Date of First Start |
1 | Bayley Currey | Sunday, March 10, 2019 | 14 | Jack Sprague | Sunday, October 27, 1996 |
2 | Quin Houff | Sunday, March 10, 2019 | 15 | Lance Hooper | Sunday, October 27, 1996 |
3 | Tanner Berryhill | Sunday, November 11, 2018 | 16 | Ernie Cope | Sunday, October 29, 1995 |
4 | D.J. Kennington | Sunday, November 13, 2016 | 17 | Rich Woodland Jr | Sunday, October 31, 1993 |
5 | Ryan Ellis | Sunday, November 15, 2015 | 18 | Wayne Jacks | Sunday, October 31, 1993 |
6 | Matt DiBenedetto | Sunday, March 15, 2015 | 19 | Jeff Davis | Sunday, November 1, 1992 |
7 | Cole Whitt | Sunday, November 13, 2011 | 20 | Mike Wallace | Sunday, November 3, 1991 |
8 | Sam Hornish Jr | Sunday, November 11, 2007 | 21 | Brent Kaeding | Sunday, November 4, 1990 |
9 | Brandon Whitt | Sunday, November 12, 2006 | 22 | Mark Reed | Sunday, November 4, 1990 |
10 | Jerry Robertson | Sunday, November 13, 2005 | 23 | Bill Sedgwick | Sunday, November 5, 1989 |
11 | Clint Bowyer | Saturday, April 23, 2005 | 24 | Bobby Hamilton | Sunday, November 5, 1989 |
12 | Christian Fittipaldi | Sunday, November 10, 2002 | 25 | Gary Collins | Sunday, November 6, 1988 |
13 | Ryan Newman | Sunday, November 5, 2000 |
Top 10 in Average Starting Position at Phoenix Raceway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Avg Start | Races | Rank | Active Drivers | Avg Start | Races |
1 | Ryan Blaney | 6.125 | 16 | 1 | Ryan Blaney | 6.125 | 16 |
2 | Kyle Larson | 6.263 | 19 | 2 | Kyle Larson | 6.263 | 19 |
3 | Chase Elliott | 6.533 | 15 | 3 | Chase Elliott | 6.533 | 15 |
4 | Rusty Wallace | 8.053 | 19 | 4 | Denny Hamlin | 9.486 | 37 |
5 | Alan Kulwicki | 8.600 | 5 | 5 | Christopher Bell | 10.375 | 8 |
6 | Denny Hamlin | 9.486 | 37 | 6 | William Byron | 10.417 | 12 |
7 | Christopher Bell | 10.375 | 8 | 7 | Joey Logano | 10.500 | 30 |
8 | William Byron | 10.417 | 12 | 8 | Kyle Busch | 10.865 | 37 |
9 | Joey Logano | 10.500 | 30 | 9 | Martin Truex Jr | 11.889 | 36 |
10 | Jeff Gordon | 10.794 | 34 | 10 | Ty Gibbs | 12.500 | 2 |
POLES
Rank | Active Phoenix Pole Winners | Poles | Seasons |
1 | Kyle Busch | 4 | 2019. 2016, 2012, 2006 |
2 | Ryan Blaney | 3 | 2022, 2019, 2017 |
3 | Denny Hamlin | 2 | 2014, 2005 |
4 | Joey Logano | 2 | 2022, 2017 |
5 | Kyle Larson | 2 | 2023, 2021 |
6 | Martin Truex Jr | 2 | 2018, 2009 |
7 | AJ Allmendinger | 1 | 2010 |
8 | Alex Bowman | 1 | 2016 |
9 | Brad Keselowski | 1 | 2014 |
10 | Chase Elliott | 1 | 2020 |
11 | William Byron | 1 | 2023 |
Rank | Organizations | Poles | Seasons |
1 | Hendrick Motorsports | 15 | 2023 sweep, ’21, ’20, ’16, ’15, ’13, ’09, ’08, ’07, ’06 sweep, ’05, ’89, ’88 |
2 | Team Penske | 11 | 2022 sweep, ’19, ’17, ’14, ’08, ’04, ’03, ’02, ’00, ’92 |
3 | Joe Gibbs Racing | 6 | 2019, ’16, ’14, ’12, ’05, ’96 |
4 | RFK Racing | 4 | 2011 sweep, ’10, ’07 |
5 | Stewart-Haas Racing | 2 | 2018, ’15 |
6 | Michael Waltrip Racing | 2 | 2013, ’12 |
7 | Petty Enterprises | 2 | 1999, ’97 |
8 | Junior Johnson & Associates | 2 | 1993, ’91 |
9 | Furniture Row Racing | 1 | 2018 |
10 | Wood Brothers Racing | 1 | 2017 |
11 | Richard Petty Motorsports | 1 | 2010 |
12 | Earnhardt Ganassi Racing | 1 | 2009 |
13 | Evernham Motorsports | 1 | 2001 |
14 | Andy Petree Racing | 1 | 1998 |
15 | Elliott Racing | 1 | 1995 |
16 | Morgan-McClure Motorsports | 1 | 1994 |
17 | Blue Max Racing | 1 | 1990 |
WINS
Active Phoenix Winners | Wins | Seasons |
Kyle Busch | 3 | 2019, 2018, 2005 |
Joey Logano | 3 | 2022, 2020, 2016 |
Denny Hamlin | 2 | 2019, 2012 |
Ross Chastain | 1 | 2023 |
William Byron | 1 | 2023 |
Chase Briscoe | 1 | 2022 |
Kyle Larson | 1 | 2021 |
Martin Truex Jr | 1 | 2021 |
Chase Elliott | 1 | 2020 |
o Davey Allison (1991,1992)
o Jeff Burton (2000, 2001)
o Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2003, 2004)
o Kevin Harvick (swept 2006, 2013 Playoff race, swept 2014 and 2015 spring race)
o Jimmie Johnson (fall race of 2007, swept 2008)
o Kyle Busch (2018 Playoff race, 2019)
Alan Kulwicki (November 6, 1988), Bobby Hamilton (October 29, 1996) and Chase Briscoe (March 13, 2022) are the only three drivers to post their first NASCAR Cup Series career win at Phoenix Raceway.
NASCAR Cup Series Wins by Starting Positions at Phoenix Raceway
Starting Position | Wins | Winning % | Starting Position | Wins | Winning % |
1 | 8 | 14.55% | 13 | 5 | 9.09% |
2 | 3 | 5.45% | 14 | 2 | 3.64% |
3 | 8 | 14.55% | 15 | 3 | 5.45% |
4 | 2 | 3.64% | 17 | 1 | 1.82% |
5 | 1 | 1.82% | 18 | 1 | 1.82% |
6 | 4 | 7.27% | 19 | 2 | 3.64% |
7 | 2 | 3.64% | 20 | 1 | 1.82% |
8 | 1 | 1.82% | 21 | 1 | 1.82% |
9 | 2 | 3.64% | 22 | 1 | 1.82% |
10 | 2 | 3.64% | 28 | 1 | 1.82% |
11 | 2 | 3.64% | 29 | 1 | 1.82% |
12 | 1 | 1.82% | |||
Stats | Winning % | Wins | |||
Winning from the Pole: | 14.55% | 8 | |||
Winning from the Front Row: | 20.00% | 11 | |||
Winning from a Top-Five Starting Position: | 40.00% | 22 | |||
Winning from a Top-10 Starting Position: | 60.00% | 33 | |||
Winning After Starting Outside the Top 10: | 40.00% | 22 | |||
Winning After Starting Outside the Top 20: | 7.27% | 4 |
o Mark Martin – Ford (1993) and Chevrolet (2009).
o Kevin Harvick — Chevrolet (2006 sweep, 2012, 2013, 2014 sweep, 2015, 2016) and Ford (2018)
o Kyle Busch — Chevrolet (2005) and Toyota (2018, 2019)
o Matt Kenseth — Ford (2002) and Toyota (2017)
Rank | Organizations | Wins | Seasons |
1 | Hendrick Motorsports | 13 | 2023, ’21, ’20, ’15, ’11, ’09 sweep, ’08 sweep, ’07 sweep, ’05, 94 |
2 | Stewart-Haas Racing | 7 | 2022, ’18, ’16, ’15, ’14 sweep, ’10 |
3 | Joe Gibbs Racing | 7 | 2021, ’19 sweep, ’18, ’17, ’12, ’99 |
4 | RFK Racing | 7 | 2013, ’10, ’05, ’02, ’01, ’00, ’93 |
5 | Richard Childress Racing | 6 | 2017, ’13, ’12, ’06 sweep, ’90 |
6 | Team Penske | 4 | 2022, ’20, ’16, ’98 |
7 | Robert Yates Racing | 3 | 1997, ’92, ’91 |
8 | Dale Earnhardt, Inc. | 2 | 2004, ’03 |
9 | Trackhouse Racing | 1 | 2023 |
10 | Red Bull Racing | 1 | 2011 |
11 | Petty Enterprises | 1 | 1996 |
12 | Rudd Performance Motorsports | 1 | 1995 |
13 | Melling Racing | 1 | 1989 |
14 | AK Racing | 1 | 1988 |
ADDITIONAL FINISHING POSITIONS
Runner-Up Finishes
Top Five in Runner-Up Finishes at Phoenix Raceway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Runner-Ups | Rank | Active Drivers | Runner-Ups |
1 | Mark Martin | 5 | 1 | Kyle Busch | 4 |
2 | Kyle Busch | 4 | 2 | Ryan Blaney | 3 |
3 | Jimmie Johnson | 3 | 3 | Brad Keselowski | 2 |
Kevin Harvick | 3 | Martin Truex Jr | 2 | ||
Ryan Blaney | 3 | 5 | Chase Elliott | 1 | |
Tony Stewart | 3 | Denny Hamlin | 1 | ||
Joey Logano | 1 | ||||
Kyle Larson | 1 | ||||
Ross Chastain | 1 |
Top-Five Finishes
Top Five in Top-Five Finishes at Phoenix Raceway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Top Fives | Rank | Active Drivers | Top Fives |
1 | Kevin Harvick | 20 | 1 | Kevin Harvick | 20 |
2 | Denny Hamlin | 16 | 2 | Denny Hamlin | 16 |
Jimmie Johnson | 16 | 3 | Kyle Busch | 12 | |
4 | Jeff Gordon | 12 | 4 | Brad Keselowski | 8 |
Kyle Busch | 12 | Joey Logano | 8 | ||
Mark Martin | 12 | Kyle Larson | 8 |
Top-10 Finishes
Top Five in Top-10 Finishes at Phoenix Raceway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Top 10s | Rank | Active Drivers | Top 10s |
1 | Kevin Harvick | 31 | 1 | Kyle Busch | 26 |
2 | Kyle Busch | 26 | 2 | Denny Hamlin | 22 |
3 | Jeff Gordon | 24 | 3 | Joey Logano | 16 |
4 | Denny Hamlin | 22 | 4 | Martin Truex Jr | 15 |
Jimmie Johnson | 22 | 5 | Brad Keselowski | 13 |
Average Finishing Position
Top 10 in Average Finishing Position at Phoenix (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Avg Finish | Races | Rank | Active Drivers | Avg Finish | Races |
1 | Alan Kulwicki | 5.200 | 5 | 1 | Denny Hamlin | 10.811 | 37 |
2 | Kevin Harvick | 8.524 | 42 | 2 | Kyle Busch | 10.946 | 37 |
3 | Dale Earnhardt | 9.538 | 13 | 3 | William Byron | 11.250 | 12 |
4 | Mark Martin | 9.588 | 34 | 4 | Kyle Larson | 11.263 | 19 |
5 | Jimmie Johnson | 10.229 | 35 | 5 | Ryan Blaney | 11.313 | 16 |
6 | Jeff Gordon | 10.765 | 34 | 6 | Chase Elliott | 12.200 | 15 |
7 | Denny Hamlin | 10.811 | 37 | 7 | Joey Logano | 12.800 | 30 |
8 | Kyle Busch | 10.946 | 37 | 8 | Brad Keselowski | 13.931 | 29 |
9 | Davey Allison | 11.000 | 5 | 9 | Martin Truex Jr | 15.333 | 36 |
10 | William Byron | 11.250 | 12 | 10 | Chase Briscoe | 15.500 | 6 |
LAP LEADERS
Top 10 All-Time Lap Leaders at Phoenix Raceway
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Races | Led | Completed | % Led |
1 | Kevin Harvick | 42 | 1,722 | 13,095 | 13% |
2 | Kyle Busch | 37 | 1,190 | 11,349 | 10% |
3 | Jimmie Johnson | 35 | 998 | 10,619 | 9% |
4 | Mark Martin | 34 | 911 | 10,477 | 9% |
5 | Joey Logano | 30 | 908 | 9,032 | 10% |
6 | Denny Hamlin | 37 | 868 | 11,490 | 8% |
7 | Rusty Wallace | 19 | 867 | 5,406 | 16% |
8 | Kurt Busch | 39 | 818 | 12,094 | 7% |
9 | Dale Earnhardt Jr | 30 | 569 | 8,734 | 7% |
10 | Tony Stewart | 28 | 555 | 8,690 | 6% |
Top 10 Active Lap Leaders at Phoenix Raceway
Rank | Active Drivers | Races | Led | Completed | % Led |
1 | Kyle Busch | 37 | 1,190 | 11,349 | 10% |
2 | Joey Logano | 30 | 908 | 9,032 | 10% |
3 | Denny Hamlin | 37 | 868 | 11,490 | 8% |
4 | Chase Elliott | 15 | 546 | 4,547 | 12% |
5 | Ryan Blaney | 16 | 431 | 4,689 | 9% |
6 | Kyle Larson | 19 | 382 | 5,576 | 7% |
7 | Brad Keselowski | 29 | 284 | 8,677 | 3% |
8 | Martin Truex Jr | 36 | 260 | 10,417 | 2% |
9 | Alex Bowman | 17 | 195 | 4,979 | 4% |
10 | William Byron | 12 | 186 | 3,750 | 5% |
TRACK & EVENT STATS
Finishes
Top Five Closest Cup Series Margins of Victory at Phoenix Raceway
Margin of Victory | Race Winner | Runner-Up | Date |
0.010 | Kevin Harvick | Carl Edwards | Sunday, March 13, 2016 |
0.130 | Ryan Newman | Jeff Gordon | Saturday, April 10, 2010 |
0.170 | Mark Martin | Ernie Irvan | Sunday, October 31, 1993 |
0.250 | Kevin Harvick | Jimmie Johnson | Sunday, November 12, 2006 |
0.276 | Joey Logano | Kevin Harvick | Sunday, March 8, 2020 |
Top Five Largest Cup Series Margins of Victory at Phoenix Raceway
Margin of Victory | Race Winner | Runner-Up | Date |
7.315 | Denny Hamlin | Kevin Harvick | Sunday, March 4, 2012 |
7.002 | Jimmie Johnson | Clint Bowyer | Saturday, April 12, 2008 |
4.770 | Carl Edwards | Ryan Newman | Sunday, November 14, 2010 |
3.090 | Terry Labonte | Mark Martin | Sunday, October 30, 1994 |
2.774 | Kevin Harvick | Tony Stewart | Saturday, April 22, 2006 |
Date | Scheduled | Actual | Overtime | Winner | Runner-Up |
Sunday, March 12, 2023 | 312 | 317 | 5 | William Byron | Ryan Blaney |
Sunday, March 8, 2020 | 312 | 316 | 4 | Joey Logano | Kevin Harvick |
Sunday, March 19, 2017 | 312 | 314 | 2 | Ryan Newman | Kyle Larson |
Sunday, November 13, 2016 | 312 | 324 | 12 | Joey Logano | Kyle Busch |
Sunday, March 13, 2016 | 312 | 313 | 1 | Kevin Harvick | Carl Edwards |
Sunday, March 3, 2013 | 312 | 316 | 4 | Carl Edwards | Jimmie Johnson |
Sunday, November 11, 2012 | 312 | 319 | 7 | Kevin Harvick | Denny Hamlin |
Saturday, April 10, 2010 | 375 | 378 | 3 | Ryan Newman | Jeff Gordon |
Sunday, November 9, 2008 | 312 | 313 | 1 | Jimmie Johnson | Kurt Busch |
Sunday, November 7, 2004 | 312 | 315 | 3 | Dale Earnhardt Jr | Ryan Newman |
Weather/Postponements
Date | Scheduled Laps | Actual Laps | Fewer Laps | Winner | Runner-Up |
Sunday, November 15, 2015 | 312 | 219 | -93 | Dale Earnhardt Jr | Kevin Harvick |
Sunday, October 25, 1998 | 312 | 257 | -55 | Rusty Wallace | Mark Martin |
Cautions
Cautions Laps
Leaders
Lead Changes
FEMALE COMPETITORS
Date | Driver | Starting Position | Finishing Position | Driver Rating |
Sunday, November 12, 2017 | Danica Patrick | 24 | 25 | 48.2 |
Monday, March 13, 2017 | Danica Patrick | 26 | 22 | 52.8 |
Sunday, November 13, 2016 | Danica Patrick | 16 | 29 | 48.9 |
Sunday, March 13, 2016 | Danica Patrick | 36 | 19 | 60.3 |
Sunday, November 15, 2015 | Danica Patrick | 21 | 16 | 66.4 |
Sunday, March 15, 2015 | Danica Patrick | 23 | 26 | 59.6 |
Sunday, November 9, 2014 | Danica Patrick | 32 | 22 | 60.5 |
Sunday, March 2, 2014 | Danica Patrick | 33 | 36 | 51.7 |
Sunday, November 10, 2013 | Danica Patrick | 32 | 33 | 33.2 |
Sunday, March 3, 2013 | Danica Patrick | 40 | 39 | 44.2 |
Sunday, November 11, 2012 | Danica Patrick | 37 | 17 | 58.0 |
AVERAGES | 29.1 | 25.8 | 53.1 |
NASCAR IN ARIZONA
Track Name | City | Cup | Xfinity | Truck | Combined | First Year |
Phoenix Raceway | Avondale | 55 | 44 | 33 | 132 | 1988 |
Arizona State Fairgrounds | Phoenix | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1951 |
Tucson Raceway Park | Tucson | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1995 |
Tucson Rodeo Grounds | Tucson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1955 |
Totals | 60 | 44 | 36 | 140 |
ARIZONA DRIVERS IN NASCAR
Arizona NASCAR Winners | Cup | Xfinity | Truck | Combined |
Alex Bowman | 7 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
Michael McDowell | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
Totals | 9 | 2 | 0 | 11 |
— NASCAR —
]]>Phoenix Raceway – Track Data
Season Race #: 04 of 36 (03-10-24)
Track Size: 1-mile
Banking/Turn 1 & 2: 9 degrees
Banking/Turn 3 & 4: 11 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 3 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 9 degrees
Race Length: 312 laps / 312 Miles / 500 Kilometers
Stage 1 Length: 60 laps
Stage 2 Length: 125 laps (Ends on Lap 185)
Final Stage Length: 127 laps (Ends on Lap 312)
Phoenix Raceway Qualifying & Race Data:
Track Qualifying Record:
Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, 143.158 mph, 25.147 secs., November 13, 2015
2023 Pole Winner (Spring):
Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, 130.237 mph, 27.642 secs., March 11, 2023
2022 Pole Winner (Spring):
Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford, 132.709 mph, 27.127 secs., March 12, 2022
Track Race Record:
Tony Stewart, Joe Gibbs Racing Pontiac, 118.132 mph, (02:38:28), November 7, 1999
2023 Race Winner (Spring):
William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, 105.491 mph, (03:00:18), March 12, 2023
2022 Race Winner (Spring):
Chase Briscoe, Stewart-Haas Racing Ford, 100.339 mph, (03:06:34), March 13, 2022
Phoenix Raceway Stats & Tidbits:
HISTORY
STARTS
Pos. | Drivers | Date of First Start | Pos. | Drivers | Date of First Start |
1 | Bayley Currey | Sunday, March 10, 2019 | 14 | Jack Sprague | Sunday, October 27, 1996 |
2 | Quin Houff | Sunday, March 10, 2019 | 15 | Lance Hooper | Sunday, October 27, 1996 |
3 | Tanner Berryhill | Sunday, November 11, 2018 | 16 | Ernie Cope | Sunday, October 29, 1995 |
4 | D.J. Kennington | Sunday, November 13, 2016 | 17 | Rich Woodland Jr | Sunday, October 31, 1993 |
5 | Ryan Ellis | Sunday, November 15, 2015 | 18 | Wayne Jacks | Sunday, October 31, 1993 |
6 | Matt DiBenedetto | Sunday, March 15, 2015 | 19 | Jeff Davis | Sunday, November 1, 1992 |
7 | Cole Whitt | Sunday, November 13, 2011 | 20 | Mike Wallace | Sunday, November 3, 1991 |
8 | Sam Hornish Jr | Sunday, November 11, 2007 | 21 | Brent Kaeding | Sunday, November 4, 1990 |
9 | Brandon Whitt | Sunday, November 12, 2006 | 22 | Mark Reed | Sunday, November 4, 1990 |
10 | Jerry Robertson | Sunday, November 13, 2005 | 23 | Bill Sedgwick | Sunday, November 5, 1989 |
11 | Clint Bowyer | Saturday, April 23, 2005 | 24 | Bobby Hamilton | Sunday, November 5, 1989 |
12 | Christian Fittipaldi | Sunday, November 10, 2002 | 25 | Gary Collins | Sunday, November 6, 1988 |
13 | Ryan Newman | Sunday, November 5, 2000 |
Top 10 in Average Starting Position at Phoenix Raceway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Avg Start | Races | Rank | Active Drivers | Avg Start | Races |
1 | Ryan Blaney | 6.125 | 16 | 1 | Ryan Blaney | 6.125 | 16 |
2 | Kyle Larson | 6.263 | 19 | 2 | Kyle Larson | 6.263 | 19 |
3 | Chase Elliott | 6.533 | 15 | 3 | Chase Elliott | 6.533 | 15 |
4 | Rusty Wallace | 8.053 | 19 | 4 | Denny Hamlin | 9.486 | 37 |
5 | Alan Kulwicki | 8.600 | 5 | 5 | Christopher Bell | 10.375 | 8 |
6 | Denny Hamlin | 9.486 | 37 | 6 | William Byron | 10.417 | 12 |
7 | Christopher Bell | 10.375 | 8 | 7 | Joey Logano | 10.500 | 30 |
8 | William Byron | 10.417 | 12 | 8 | Kyle Busch | 10.865 | 37 |
9 | Joey Logano | 10.500 | 30 | 9 | Martin Truex Jr | 11.889 | 36 |
10 | Jeff Gordon | 10.794 | 34 | 10 | Ty Gibbs | 12.500 | 2 |
POLES
Rank | Active Phoenix Pole Winners | Poles | Seasons |
1 | Kyle Busch | 4 | 2019. 2016, 2012, 2006 |
2 | Ryan Blaney | 3 | 2022, 2019, 2017 |
3 | Denny Hamlin | 2 | 2014, 2005 |
4 | Joey Logano | 2 | 2022, 2017 |
5 | Kyle Larson | 2 | 2023, 2021 |
6 | Martin Truex Jr | 2 | 2018, 2009 |
7 | AJ Allmendinger | 1 | 2010 |
8 | Alex Bowman | 1 | 2016 |
9 | Brad Keselowski | 1 | 2014 |
10 | Chase Elliott | 1 | 2020 |
11 | William Byron | 1 | 2023 |
Rank | Organizations | Poles | Seasons |
1 | Hendrick Motorsports | 15 | 2023 sweep, ’21, ’20, ’16, ’15, ’13, ’09, ’08, ’07, ’06 sweep, ’05, ’89, ’88 |
2 | Team Penske | 11 | 2022 sweep, ’19, ’17, ’14, ’08, ’04, ’03, ’02, ’00, ’92 |
3 | Joe Gibbs Racing | 6 | 2019, ’16, ’14, ’12, ’05, ’96 |
4 | RFK Racing | 4 | 2011 sweep, ’10, ’07 |
5 | Stewart-Haas Racing | 2 | 2018, ’15 |
6 | Michael Waltrip Racing | 2 | 2013, ’12 |
7 | Petty Enterprises | 2 | 1999, ’97 |
8 | Junior Johnson & Associates | 2 | 1993, ’91 |
9 | Furniture Row Racing | 1 | 2018 |
10 | Wood Brothers Racing | 1 | 2017 |
11 | Richard Petty Motorsports | 1 | 2010 |
12 | Earnhardt Ganassi Racing | 1 | 2009 |
13 | Evernham Motorsports | 1 | 2001 |
14 | Andy Petree Racing | 1 | 1998 |
15 | Elliott Racing | 1 | 1995 |
16 | Morgan-McClure Motorsports | 1 | 1994 |
17 | Blue Max Racing | 1 | 1990 |
WINS
Active Phoenix Winners | Wins | Seasons |
Kyle Busch | 3 | 2019, 2018, 2005 |
Joey Logano | 3 | 2022, 2020, 2016 |
Denny Hamlin | 2 | 2019, 2012 |
Ross Chastain | 1 | 2023 |
William Byron | 1 | 2023 |
Chase Briscoe | 1 | 2022 |
Kyle Larson | 1 | 2021 |
Martin Truex Jr | 1 | 2021 |
Chase Elliott | 1 | 2020 |
NASCAR Cup Series Wins by Starting Positions at Phoenix Raceway
Starting Position | Wins | Winning % | Starting Position | Wins | Winning % |
1 | 8 | 14.55% | 13 | 5 | 9.09% |
2 | 3 | 5.45% | 14 | 2 | 3.64% |
3 | 8 | 14.55% | 15 | 3 | 5.45% |
4 | 2 | 3.64% | 17 | 1 | 1.82% |
5 | 1 | 1.82% | 18 | 1 | 1.82% |
6 | 4 | 7.27% | 19 | 2 | 3.64% |
7 | 2 | 3.64% | 20 | 1 | 1.82% |
8 | 1 | 1.82% | 21 | 1 | 1.82% |
9 | 2 | 3.64% | 22 | 1 | 1.82% |
10 | 2 | 3.64% | 28 | 1 | 1.82% |
11 | 2 | 3.64% | 29 | 1 | 1.82% |
12 | 1 | 1.82% | |||
Stats | Winning % | Wins | |||
Winning from the Pole: | 14.55% | 8 | |||
Winning from the Front Row: | 20.00% | 11 | |||
Winning from a Top-Five Starting Position: | 40.00% | 22 | |||
Winning from a Top-10 Starting Position: | 60.00% | 33 | |||
Winning After Starting Outside the Top 10: | 40.00% | 22 | |||
Winning After Starting Outside the Top 20: | 7.27% | 4 |
Rank | Organizations | Wins | Seasons |
1 | Hendrick Motorsports | 13 | 2023, ’21, ’20, ’15, ’11, ’09 sweep, ’08 sweep, ’07 sweep, ’05, 94 |
2 | Stewart-Haas Racing | 7 | 2022, ’18, ’16, ’15, ’14 sweep, ’10 |
3 | Joe Gibbs Racing | 7 | 2021, ’19 sweep, ’18, ’17, ’12, ’99 |
4 | RFK Racing | 7 | 2013, ’10, ’05, ’02, ’01, ’00, ’93 |
5 | Richard Childress Racing | 6 | 2017, ’13, ’12, ’06 sweep, ’90 |
6 | Team Penske | 4 | 2022, ’20, ’16, ’98 |
7 | Robert Yates Racing | 3 | 1997, ’92, ’91 |
8 | Dale Earnhardt, Inc. | 2 | 2004, ’03 |
9 | Trackhouse Racing | 1 | 2023 |
10 | Red Bull Racing | 1 | 2011 |
11 | Petty Enterprises | 1 | 1996 |
12 | Rudd Performance Motorsports | 1 | 1995 |
13 | Melling Racing | 1 | 1989 |
14 | AK Racing | 1 | 1988 |
ADDITIONAL FINISHING POSITIONS
Runner-Up Finishes
Top Five in Runner-Up Finishes at Phoenix Raceway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Runner-Ups | Rank | Active Drivers | Runner-Ups |
1 | Mark Martin | 5 | 1 | Kyle Busch | 4 |
2 | Kyle Busch | 4 | 2 | Ryan Blaney | 3 |
3 | Jimmie Johnson | 3 | 3 | Brad Keselowski | 2 |
Kevin Harvick | 3 | Martin Truex Jr | 2 | ||
Ryan Blaney | 3 | 5 | Chase Elliott | 1 | |
Tony Stewart | 3 | Denny Hamlin | 1 | ||
Joey Logano | 1 | ||||
Kyle Larson | 1 | ||||
Ross Chastain | 1 |
Top-Five Finishes
Top Five in Top-Five Finishes at Phoenix Raceway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Top Fives | Rank | Active Drivers | Top Fives |
1 | Kevin Harvick | 20 | 1 | Kevin Harvick | 20 |
2 | Denny Hamlin | 16 | 2 | Denny Hamlin | 16 |
Jimmie Johnson | 16 | 3 | Kyle Busch | 12 | |
4 | Jeff Gordon | 12 | 4 | Brad Keselowski | 8 |
Kyle Busch | 12 | Joey Logano | 8 | ||
Mark Martin | 12 | Kyle Larson | 8 |
Top-10 Finishes
Top Five in Top-10 Finishes at Phoenix Raceway (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Top 10s | Rank | Active Drivers | Top 10s |
1 | Kevin Harvick | 31 | 1 | Kyle Busch | 26 |
2 | Kyle Busch | 26 | 2 | Denny Hamlin | 22 |
3 | Jeff Gordon | 24 | 3 | Joey Logano | 16 |
4 | Denny Hamlin | 22 | 4 | Martin Truex Jr | 15 |
Jimmie Johnson | 22 | 5 | Brad Keselowski | 13 |
Average Finishing Position
Top 10 in Average Finishing Position at Phoenix (All-Time & Active)
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Avg Finish | Races | Rank | Active Drivers | Avg Finish | Races |
1 | Alan Kulwicki | 5.200 | 5 | 1 | Denny Hamlin | 10.811 | 37 |
2 | Kevin Harvick | 8.524 | 42 | 2 | Kyle Busch | 10.946 | 37 |
3 | Dale Earnhardt | 9.538 | 13 | 3 | William Byron | 11.250 | 12 |
4 | Mark Martin | 9.588 | 34 | 4 | Kyle Larson | 11.263 | 19 |
5 | Jimmie Johnson | 10.229 | 35 | 5 | Ryan Blaney | 11.313 | 16 |
6 | Jeff Gordon | 10.765 | 34 | 6 | Chase Elliott | 12.200 | 15 |
7 | Denny Hamlin | 10.811 | 37 | 7 | Joey Logano | 12.800 | 30 |
8 | Kyle Busch | 10.946 | 37 | 8 | Brad Keselowski | 13.931 | 29 |
9 | Davey Allison | 11.000 | 5 | 9 | Martin Truex Jr | 15.333 | 36 |
10 | William Byron | 11.250 | 12 | 10 | Chase Briscoe | 15.500 | 6 |
LAP LEADERS
Top 10 All-Time Lap Leaders at Phoenix Raceway
Rank | All-Time Drivers | Races | Led | Completed | % Led |
1 | Kevin Harvick | 42 | 1,722 | 13,095 | 13% |
2 | Kyle Busch | 37 | 1,190 | 11,349 | 10% |
3 | Jimmie Johnson | 35 | 998 | 10,619 | 9% |
4 | Mark Martin | 34 | 911 | 10,477 | 9% |
5 | Joey Logano | 30 | 908 | 9,032 | 10% |
6 | Denny Hamlin | 37 | 868 | 11,490 | 8% |
7 | Rusty Wallace | 19 | 867 | 5,406 | 16% |
8 | Kurt Busch | 39 | 818 | 12,094 | 7% |
9 | Dale Earnhardt Jr | 30 | 569 | 8,734 | 7% |
10 | Tony Stewart | 28 | 555 | 8,690 | 6% |
Top 10 Active Lap Leaders at Phoenix Raceway
Rank | Active Drivers | Races | Led | Completed | % Led |
1 | Kyle Busch | 37 | 1,190 | 11,349 | 10% |
2 | Joey Logano | 30 | 908 | 9,032 | 10% |
3 | Denny Hamlin | 37 | 868 | 11,490 | 8% |
4 | Chase Elliott | 15 | 546 | 4,547 | 12% |
5 | Ryan Blaney | 16 | 431 | 4,689 | 9% |
6 | Kyle Larson | 19 | 382 | 5,576 | 7% |
7 | Brad Keselowski | 29 | 284 | 8,677 | 3% |
8 | Martin Truex Jr | 36 | 260 | 10,417 | 2% |
9 | Alex Bowman | 17 | 195 | 4,979 | 4% |
10 | William Byron | 12 | 186 | 3,750 | 5% |
TRACK & EVENT STATS
Finishes
Top Five Closest Cup Series Margins of Victory at Phoenix Raceway
Margin of Victory | Race Winner | Runner-Up | Date |
0.010 | Kevin Harvick | Carl Edwards | Sunday, March 13, 2016 |
0.130 | Ryan Newman | Jeff Gordon | Saturday, April 10, 2010 |
0.170 | Mark Martin | Ernie Irvan | Sunday, October 31, 1993 |
0.250 | Kevin Harvick | Jimmie Johnson | Sunday, November 12, 2006 |
0.276 | Joey Logano | Kevin Harvick | Sunday, March 8, 2020 |
Top Five Largest Cup Series Margins of Victory at Phoenix Raceway
Margin of Victory | Race Winner | Runner-Up | Date |
7.315 | Denny Hamlin | Kevin Harvick | Sunday, March 4, 2012 |
7.002 | Jimmie Johnson | Clint Bowyer | Saturday, April 12, 2008 |
4.770 | Carl Edwards | Ryan Newman | Sunday, November 14, 2010 |
3.090 | Terry Labonte | Mark Martin | Sunday, October 30, 1994 |
2.774 | Kevin Harvick | Tony Stewart | Saturday, April 22, 2006 |
Date | Scheduled | Actual | Overtime | Winner | Runner-Up |
Sunday, March 12, 2023 | 312 | 317 | 5 | William Byron | Ryan Blaney |
Sunday, March 8, 2020 | 312 | 316 | 4 | Joey Logano | Kevin Harvick |
Sunday, March 19, 2017 | 312 | 314 | 2 | Ryan Newman | Kyle Larson |
Sunday, November 13, 2016 | 312 | 324 | 12 | Joey Logano | Kyle Busch |
Sunday, March 13, 2016 | 312 | 313 | 1 | Kevin Harvick | Carl Edwards |
Sunday, March 3, 2013 | 312 | 316 | 4 | Carl Edwards | Jimmie Johnson |
Sunday, November 11, 2012 | 312 | 319 | 7 | Kevin Harvick | Denny Hamlin |
Saturday, April 10, 2010 | 375 | 378 | 3 | Ryan Newman | Jeff Gordon |
Sunday, November 9, 2008 | 312 | 313 | 1 | Jimmie Johnson | Kurt Busch |
Sunday, November 7, 2004 | 312 | 315 | 3 | Dale Earnhardt Jr | Ryan Newman |
Weather/Postponements
Date | Scheduled Laps | Actual Laps | Fewer Laps | Winner | Runner-Up |
Sunday, November 15, 2015 | 312 | 219 | -93 | Dale Earnhardt Jr | Kevin Harvick |
Sunday, October 25, 1998 | 312 | 257 | -55 | Rusty Wallace | Mark Martin |
Cautions
Cautions Laps
Leaders
Lead Changes
FEMALE COMPETITORS
Date | Driver | Starting Position | Finishing Position | Driver Rating |
Sunday, November 12, 2017 | Danica Patrick | 24 | 25 | 48.2 |
Monday, March 13, 2017 | Danica Patrick | 26 | 22 | 52.8 |
Sunday, November 13, 2016 | Danica Patrick | 16 | 29 | 48.9 |
Sunday, March 13, 2016 | Danica Patrick | 36 | 19 | 60.3 |
Sunday, November 15, 2015 | Danica Patrick | 21 | 16 | 66.4 |
Sunday, March 15, 2015 | Danica Patrick | 23 | 26 | 59.6 |
Sunday, November 9, 2014 | Danica Patrick | 32 | 22 | 60.5 |
Sunday, March 2, 2014 | Danica Patrick | 33 | 36 | 51.7 |
Sunday, November 10, 2013 | Danica Patrick | 32 | 33 | 33.2 |
Sunday, March 3, 2013 | Danica Patrick | 40 | 39 | 44.2 |
Sunday, November 11, 2012 | Danica Patrick | 37 | 17 | 58.0 |
AVERAGES | 29.1 | 25.8 | 53.1 |
NASCAR IN ARIZONA
Track Name | City | Cup | Xfinity | Truck | Combined | First Year |
Phoenix Raceway | Avondale | 55 | 44 | 33 | 132 | 1988 |
Arizona State Fairgrounds | Phoenix | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1951 |
Tucson Raceway Park | Tucson | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1995 |
Tucson Rodeo Grounds | Tucson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1955 |
Totals | 60 | 44 | 36 | 140 |
ARIZONA DRIVERS IN NASCAR
Arizona NASCAR Winners | Cup | Xfinity | Truck | Combined |
Alex Bowman | 7 | 1 | 0 | 8 |
Michael McDowell | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
Totals | 9 | 2 | 0 | 11 |
— NASCAR —
]]>Starting with Jeff Gordon‘s sweep of the Martinsville races in 2003, Hendrick drivers owned the 0.526-mile paper-clip-shaped track for seven years. Gordon and teammate Jimmie Johnson combined to win 10 of 13 races during a stretch that ended with Denny Hamlin‘s victory in the fall race of 2009.
From the fall race of 2006 through the spring race of 2009, Johnson won five of six NASCAR Cup Series events at Martinsville. Gordon and Johnson totaled nine career victories each at the historic short track.
Starting with a sweep during his rookie season in 2002, Johnson almost single-handedly turned Dover Motor Speedway into a Hendrick sandbox. He won at the high-banked one-mile concrete track a record 11 times and took his last checkered flag in the Cup Series there in 2017.
It‘s true that current Hendrick drivers have won four of the last eight races at Dover and four of the last seven at Martinsville, but it‘s also undeniable that the organization has staked its claim to a new playground.
Recent performances argue convincingly that Hendrick‘s current best track is Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Consider the facts: Hendrick drivers have won the last three events at Las Vegas. Recent DAYTONA 500 champion William Byron triumphed in the first Vegas race of 2023. Kyle Larson has claimed the trophy in the last two events in Sin City, including Sunday‘s nail-biter over hard-charging Tyler Reddick.
In each of the last three races, the winner also has swept the first two stages of the event and led the most laps.
Byron‘s victory in 2023 led a podium sweep for Hendrick, with Larson and Alex Bowman finishing second and third, respectively. In Sunday‘s race, Larson led 181 of 267 laps. The victory was his third at the track, tied for most among full-time active Cup drivers.
The track record holder? None other than Johnson with four wins.
With Larson also winning at Vegas in 2021 and Bowman in 2022, team owner Rick Hendrick can boast five victories in the last seven Cup events at the intermediate track.
Larson told the NASCAR Wire Service before Sunday‘s race that, since signing with HMS in 2021, his setups for Las Vegas tend to minimize the ill effects of the pronounced bumps in Turns 1 and 2. Larson‘s crew chief, Cliff Daniels, contended that the versatile talents of his driver have more to do with his success at Las Vegas.
Larson, of course, is a mega-star in the world of dirt-track racing, where searching for different lines over the course of an event is of paramount importance.
“I would argue he is so good at tracks with a lot of character,” Daniels said. “That’s a testament to the different types of cars that he drives all the time. He can adapt to so many different things…
“He’s so good at moving the different lanes and how the car reacts in those different situations. I would argue we haven’t had the outright best car every time that we’ve won.”
Larson‘s victory on Sunday was impressive, but so was Byron‘s 10th-place run.
Byron had a car capable of leading the race and perhaps challenging Larson for the victory. However, on a track buffeted by wind gusts of up to 50 mph, a large trash bag blown across the racing surface attached to the nose of Byron‘s car and covered the grille on the No. 24 Camaro, blocking the airflow to the engine compartment.
Byron‘s water temperature skyrocketed to 350 degrees, cutting horsepower and endangering the life of the engine.
On Monday, during an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Rudy Fugle, Byron‘s crew chief, revealed the rest of the story.
“I‘m pretty positive that (the trash bag) had a beer can in it, because that beer can got stuck in our air filter,” Fugle told the SiriusXM audience. “After the race, there was a silver bullet in our air filter somehow.”
Byron lost a lap during an unscheduled pit stop to remove the trash bag, but he rallied to finish 10th—emblematic of both the team‘s resilience and its ability to excel.
As with Martinsville and Dover, Hendrick drivers expect to dominate at Las Vegas, and their expectations seem to be self-fulfilling.
Needless to say, on Oct. 20, during the NASCAR Cup Playoffs, they‘ll be eager to return to their new playground in the Mojave Desert—a massive sandbox indeed.
— NASCAR Wire Service —
]]>Chris Buescher finished last in Sunday‘s Pennzoil 400 after his right-front wheel became unfastened, and his crash into the outside retaining wall forced a caution period in the 28th of 267 laps.
No. 17 crew members Nicholas Patterson (jack) and Jakob Prall (front tire changer) were suspended for the next two Cup Series events — through the March 17 race scheduled at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Lug nut violations:
In the Xfinity Series, the crew chiefs for two teams were docked $5,000:
No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet (crew chief Phillip Bell)
No. 42 Young‘s Motorsports Chevrolet (crew chief Andrew Abbott)
A single Craftsman Truck Series team was penalized with a $2,500 fine:
No. 98 ThorSport Racing Ford (crew chief Joe Shear Jr.)
— NASCAR.com ––
Click here to download the report.
Penalty sheet_2024_updated_03_05_24]]>Fast Facts for March 8-10, 2024
Tire: Goodyear Eagle 18-inch Speedway Radials
Set limits: Cup: 3 sets for practice, 1 set for qualifying and 9 sets for the race (8 race sets plus 1 set transferred from qualifying)
Tire Codes: Left-side — D-5208; Right-side — D-5210
Tire Circumference: Left-side — 2,249 mm (88.54 in.); Right-side — 2,278 mm (89.69 in.)
Minimum Recommended Inflation: Left Front — 14 psi; Left Rear — 14 psi; Right Front — 30 psi; Right Rear — 26 psi
Storyline — Goodyear introduces change to Phoenix tire set-up as the sport works on short track package: Since the Next Gen car was introduced for the 2022 NASCAR Cup season, the sport and its stakeholders have continued to make changes, updates and enhancements. For this week‘s race at Phoenix Raceway, Goodyear will continue on a path it began at the race at Martinsville Speedway last October and at a test at Phoenix last December. The change Goodyear has brought forward is to increase the gage — or tread thickness — in its short track tire package. The thicker gage is designed to keep more heat in the tires on short tracks, which is designed to increase lap-time fall-off in order to bring tire management into play and make for even more competitive racing. In testing, drivers also gave feedback that the new tires have more “feel” and increase grip.
“We‘ve been working on our tire set-up as the sport has made adjustments to the short track package with this Next Gen car,” said Greg Stucker, Goodyear‘s director of racing. “We first increased the gage in the Martinsville set-up last fall and that‘s the direction we‘re going for the other short tracks on the schedule. NASCAR held a test with six cars at Phoenix in December, which gave us another chance to get on the track and get feedback from the teams and drivers. That test went well from our perspective so we start this season with the new set-up at Phoenix and many other tracks.”
Notes — New tire set-up for Cup cars at Phoenix: Being on the 18-inch bead diameter tire, NASCAR Cup teams will run a different tire set-up than those in the Xfinity Series at Phoenix this week . . . this is the first time Cup teams have run either of these two Goodyear tire codes . . . compared to what teams ran at Phoenix last season, both this left-side and right-side tire have more gage (tread thickness) . . . the increased gage helps keep some heat in the tire and give the cars more grip with this NASCAR short track package . . . Cup teams are also scheduled to run this same tire set-up at Gateway, New Hampshire and Richmond later this season . . . with this 18-inch tire, and its lower profile sidewall, NASCAR Cup cars will not run inner liners in any of their tires.
Wet Weather Tires — Goodyear bringing wet weather tires to Phoenix: Goodyear will bring its 18-inch wet weather radial tires to Phoenix for the NASCAR Cup cars, should NASCAR determine that conditions warrant . . . Cup teams will have a maximum of 4 sets of wet weather tires for the event . . . NASCAR Cup teams last ran a wet weather tire in competition at the Chicago street course last July, and last ran it on a short track in the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro last May . . . in addition to the obvious difference of a tread pattern versus Goodyear‘s dry weather “slick” tires, the “Goodyear” and “Eagle” lettering on the sidewalls of the wet weather tires is white, not the standard yellow.
GOODYEAR TIRE NOTES
NASCAR Xfinity Series — Race No. 4 — 200 laps / 200 miles Phoenix Raceway (1.0-mile oval) — Avondale, Ariz.
Fast Facts for March 8-9, 2024
Tire: Goodyear Eagle 15-inch Speedway Radials
Set limits: Xfinity: 5 sets for the event
Tire Codes: Left-side — D-6114; Right-side — D-6116
Tire Circumference: Left-side — 2,218 mm (87.32 in.); Right-side — 2,244 mm (88.35 in.)
Minimum Recommended Inflation: Left Front — 14 psi; Left Rear — 14 psi; Right Front — 28 psi; Right Rear — 26 psi
Notes — Fifth consecutive Phoenix race on this tire set-up for Xfinity teams: Being on 15-inch bead diameter tires, NASCAR Xfinity Series teams will run a different tire set-up than those in the Cup Series at Phoenix this week . . . Xfinity teams have run this left- and right-side tire codes at Phoenix since the beginning of 2022 . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, Xfinity teams will not run liners in their tires at Phoenix.
Wet Weather Tires — White-lettered tires on hand: Goodyear will bring its 15-inch wet weather radials to Phoenix for use by Xfinity Series teams, should NASCAR decide that conditions warrant . . . teams will have 3 sets of wets available for the event . . . Xfinity teams last ran in wet conditions on the Indianapolis road course last August, and has not yet run in the wet on a short track . . . in addition to the obvious difference of a tread pattern versus Goodyear‘s dry weather “slick” tires, the “Goodyear” and “Eagle” lettering on the sidewalls of the wet weather tires is white, not the standard yellow.
— Goodyear Racing —
]]>That’s because this will be McSwain’s first of four races as the crew chief on the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro in the Xfinity events that William Byron will run: Phoenix on March 9, Darlington Raceway on May 11, Pocono Raceway on July 13, and Watkins Glen International on Sept. 14. In total, the No. 17 entry will run 10 races with 2014 championship-winning crew chief Greg Ives leading the way for the six non-Byron races.
Since coming to Hendrick Motorsports before the 2019 season, McSwain has been an engineer on the No. 24 team with Byron in the NASCAR Cup Series. He is currently the lead engineer for the team and crew chief Rudy Fugle. However, McSwain’s history with Byron dates back to 2017 when he was part of Byron’s Xfinity championship-winning team at JR Motorsports (JRM). McSwain went on to win another title there in 2018 with Tyler Reddick.
“It comes full circle for me,” McSwain told HendrickMotorsports.com of his initial races as a crew chief coming with Byron. “When I worked with William (Byron) at JRM, we were both young. I had only been in the sport for three years and was still learning. William, coming to Xfinity, had only been on the NASCAR side for a few years.
“To be able to do it with this organization is extremely humbling. We have high expectations. They have had the Xfinity program back for two years and the elusive win has not come. Selfishly, we both want to check that box for Mr. H. For me, with the Hendrick name, the No. 17 and working with William, this is a no-brainer. It is a home run. I am very grateful for this new challenge, the opportunity to grow professionally and learn a new role.”
Most weekends will see the Xfinity cars on track before the Cup Series. That will not be the case in Phoenix, with the Cup Series teams getting a 50-minute practice on Friday to shake down the new short-track rules package. The Saturday schedule will see McSwain go from Xfinity practice and qualifying to Cup qualifying and then the Xfinity race.
Byron is interested in seeing McSwain in his new role and how their working relationship will evolve in a new way. The duo also believes additional track time should help their efforts on Sundays in the Cup Series.
“I’m excited because Brandon (McSwain) and I, as much as we have known each other, have never worked together from a driver-crew chief standpoint,” Byron told HendrickMotorsports.com. “I’m excited to see how he does. I think he is mature and ready for the opportunity. I know he is looking forward to it. It will give us a chance to have that direct communication and we will hopefully be in contention to win a lot of races.”
Growing up in Auburndale, Florida, McSwain raced in a modified mini-stock and helped people in the local racing community during his teenage years. It was that experience that led him to want to make a career of working in the racing industry. After meeting someone involved in UNC Charlotte’s motorsports program at a Performance Racing Industry show, McSwain decided to move to Charlotte and enroll in the school for mechanical engineering in 2010. Upon his graduation, he went to work as a design engineer for Freightliner but was hoping to find work in the sport he loves. In 2014, McSwain got the call he had been hoping for to work with a NASCAR team. He would work for two other teams before landing at JRM in 2016.
In 2019, crew chief Chad Knaus hired McSwain from JRM to work with him on the No. 24 team. The seven-time championship-winning crew chief was impressed with McSwain from the jump.
“We were in a rebuilding phase for the 24 car at that time,” Knaus, now the vice president of competition, recalled to HendrickMotorsports.com. “We were bringing in a lot of newer people to the environment and trying to build up what the 24 car would be. Brandon (McSwain) was a perfect fit for that.
“He’s extremely detail-orientated. He can take on a lot, prioritize, sort, and get your answers. That is important, especially if you are a crew chief. Having a guy next to you that you can lean on consistently and a lot is invaluable.”
Ahead of the Phoenix race, McSwain is diving into the details. He is reviewing notes on setups and past races at the 1-mile venue and catching up on the rules and procedures for a series he has not been in since 2018. Ives and veteran car chief Josh Kirk are carrying more of the load in the shop during the week and they will both be right by McSwain’s side on race day. That includes guidance on navigating some areas before they happen. McSwain will also be able to draw on the knowledge gained working with a Hall of Fame crew chief in Knaus and the winningest crew chief in the Next Gen era in Fugle.
“Having Greg (Ives) there is having a second opinion,” McSwain said. “His personality is not going to try to take over. I worked with Chad (Knaus) for two years. The way that he leads a team and builds a team around him with the success that he has had. He does a great job of empowering the people around him. He tries to put the best people in place and you’ll always hear him say, ‘You guys are smarter than me. Tell me the answer.’ Rudy (Fugle) complements both sides and is the middle of the road between Chad and Greg. Between the three of them, there are strengths I can pull from and try to manage the weekend as smoothly as possible.”
Knaus wants McSwain to enjoy the moment and have some fun while gaining perspective from a new experience that could pay dividends for him.
“That’s the whole point of what we are trying to do,” Knaus said. “Nurture new talent and allow team members to get exposure to new responsibilities, new roles, and different pressures and see how they react. Bringing in Brandon (McSwain) and giving him an opportunity to see what it is like to be a crew chief and have your name on the line is really cool.”
Byron enters the first of his four starts with four Xfinity Series wins, all coming in his 2017 title season. One of those victories came at Phoenix. On the No. 24 team last year, Byron and McSwain won at the Arizona facility in the Cup Series last spring. The No. 17 Xfinity entry’s most recent start came at Phoenix in November with Ives on the box and driver Rajah Caruth behind the wheel.
“William (Byron) has had a handful of Xfinity races the last two years, so I am leaning more on Greg (Ives) with what they had in the fall,” McSwain said of the Phoenix race. That one will be extremely high on a nerve level, and from there, it will calm down. The first one, you don’t know what to expect. You want everything to go right and Greg is part of that every step of the way.”
As a company, Hendrick Motorsports has tallied 26 Xfinity Series wins, with the last coming in 2009. The team did not run in the series from 2010 to 2021. Since 2022, the organization has fielded an entry in 10 Xfinity races between 2022 and 2023. In those events, the No. 17 has accumulated three pole positions, six top-five finishes (including three runner-up results) and seven top-10s but has not yet won in its return to the series.
“Talk about putting a checkmark on your career,” McSwain said of the prospect of winning a race as the crew chief of the No. 17. “If you are the first one to do it (since the return of the No. 17), that would be awesome. That is the goal and it is an attainable goal. We were fortunate to win Cup races last year and winning is always fun. When you get that first win as a crew chief and to do it on the 17 with the expectations of it, it would be a bigger highlight than the Cup wins last year.”
Watch McSwain, Byron and the No. 17 team pursue victory in the Xfinity race at Phoenix on Saturday, March 9, at 4:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).
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