#NASCAR Weekend Recap, #MENCS #NXS #NCWTS

#MENCS Kyle Busch Dodges Disaster To Win Playoff Race At New Hampshire

Kyle Busch  didn’t need a smokescreen to win Sunday’s ISM Connect 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway – he simply had to survive one. 

Kyle Busch, in the #18 M&M's Caramel Toyota, Celebrates
His New Hampshire Motor Speedway Win With A Burnout.

Driving unscathed through a cloud of smoke on the backstretch on the final lap of the second stage, Busch, the polesitter, took control of the race at the halfway point and beat Kyle Larson to the finish line by 2.641 seconds.

In winning for the third time this season, the third time at Loudon and the 41st time in his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career, Busch led 187 of 300 laps at the 1.058-mile track and locked up a spot in the postseason Playoff’s Round of 12.

But Busch had a close call when contact between Austin Dillon’s Chevrolet and Kevin Harvick’s Ford on Lap 150 turned Harvick sideways and lit up his tires. Kurt Busch plowed into the side of Harvick’s car, followed by Jeffrey Earnhardt.

The No. 78 Toyota of race leader and first stage winner Martin Truex Jr. was collateral damage in the wreck, as was the Chevy of Dale Earnhardt Jr., but the race winner slowed dramatically and squeezed between Harvick’s disabled car and the outside wall to win the second stage under caution.

From that point on, Busch was in control, save for a three-lap stint late in the race when Truex took a short-lived lead with a two-tire stop under caution.

"That was pretty intense," Busch said of the wreck he avoided. "That was some ‘Days of Thunder’ stuff over there. You couldn’t see anything. It was just a wall of smoke over there off of Turn 2. I was listening to my spotter and basically was told to stop, and I was like ‘Sounds like a good idea.’

"I just checked up as much as I could. Of course, I was trying not to get run into from behind. I didn’t know who was behind me – I knew (eventual third-place finisher) Matt (Kenseth) was there. But all in all, just a great day. We ran up front all day long, we executed, we did what we were supposed to do, and it’s awesome to win here in the Granite State in front of these fans."

Heading home with the trophy! 🏁 #Rowdy18 pic.twitter.com/G97KSnhLKv

— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) September 25, 2017

#NXS Tyler Reddick Earns First Career Win In FINITY Series Playoffs Opener At Kentucky Speedway

Running a partial NASCAR XFINITY Series schedule this season, Tyler Reddick spoiled the party for the opening round of the Playoffs by earning his first career win in Saturday night’s VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 at Kentucky Speedway.

Tyler Reddick, Driver of the #42 BBR/Jason Aldean Chevrolet,
Celebrates in Kentucky Speedway’s Victory Lane with the Winner's Decal.

The Chip Ganassi Racing driver took control of the lead 74 laps from the finish and never looked back. His 14.540-second margin of victory over teammate Brennan Poole was the largest in the series’ history at the 1.5-mile speedway in 16 years of competition.

"I don’t know if it was necessarily me making a statement, it was just Chip Ganassi Racing making a statement," said Reddick, who earned the triumph in his 15th XFINITY Series start. "Me and Brennan (Poole) were really fast all night.

"We had a really fast car last weekend, our mile-and-a-half program has been unreal. Mike Shiplett (crew chief) brought me from ground zero all the way to here. All the guys at Ganassi have gone above and beyond in helping me become a better driver."

Reddick who hadn’t led a lap in his previous 14 races this season, but led a race-high 66 laps Saturday night added, "To be here today is surreal. We had such a really fast car the last time we were here, to be able to bring it to Victory Lane, I knew the car was capable."

I think the @KySpeedway win finally sunk in. I feel like the last 2 days have been a dream. I woke up and it's reality! I can't believe it!! pic.twitter.com/eZLlglTbVC

— Tyler Reddick (@TylerReddick) September 24, 2017

#NCWTS Leader Christopher Bell Sweeps Stages In New Hampshire Win

In Christopher Bell’s dominating win in Saturday’s UNOH 175 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the rich got richer.

Christopher Bell, in the #4 SiriusXM Toyota, Affixes the Winner’s
Decal to His Truck in New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s Victory Lane.

The top seed in the series Playoffs, Bell won the first two stages of the opening postseason event and took the checkered flag 1.248 seconds ahead of runner-up Ryan Truex to notch his fifth victory of the season.

The win earned Bell automatic advancement into the second round of the Playoffs, gave him an additional seven playoff points to bring his series-leading total to 47 and widened his advantage over the seven drivers chasing him for the title, given that no other Playoff driver finished in the top five at the 1.058-mile track.

With all that said, the victory wasn’t a foregone conclusion for the driver of the No. 4 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota. Truex powered into the lead past Ben Rhodes after a restart on Lap 132, following a caution called when Kaz Grala knocked the Ford of Austin Cindric sideways in Turn 4 on Lap 126.

Bell patiently stalked Truex for 28 laps, as Truex positioned his no. 16 Toyota to block the line of the series leader. Finally, on Lap 160 of 175, Bell got a strong run off the second corner and buried his Tundra into Turn 3, shooting past Truex into the lead.

"He was doing a really good job of watching his mirror," Bell said of Truex’s effort. "I knew it was tough to pass all day, but our truck had been so good, we had been able to do it until we got to him.

"I kept trying to work down, and he kept blocking my air down and down and down. Finally, I got one run where I drove up in (Turns) 1 and 2 and then got a big run into 3."

Retweet to congratulate @CBellRacing on the win and advancing to the next round of the #NascarPlayoffs 🏁 pic.twitter.com/sQIRSkj1tT

— KyleBuschMotorsports (@KBMteam) September 23, 2017

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Austin Theriault Rides Restarts to 'Crosley Brands 150' Victory

Experience taught Austin Theriault  that he could make four-wide on a restart work at Kentucky Speedway but the timing had to be perfect.

In the closing laps of the Crosley Brands 150 on Friday, the ARCA Racing Series points leader waited until reaching the start/finish line on a restart before making a move to the bottom line and passing three cars ahead of him as they raced side-by-side to his outside.

Theriault's daring pass with 14 laps remaining positioned him for the victory, and the 23-year-old from Fort Kent, Maine held off his competition over two subsequent restarts to close out his series-leading seventh victory of the season.

"I made the mistake in other series of pulling down too soon but I timed it just right," Theriault said. "I think that really, probably won us the race."

Zane Smith overcame a brush with the wall early in the race and passed Sheldon Creed for second in the final corner. He finished 0.166 of a second behind Theriault.

"The final lap there, that was the best we ran," Smith said. "The (car) was so good. All we needed was one more lap to be one spot better."

Creed finished third after starting from the pole and leading 68 of the 100 laps. A slow pit stop with less than 20 laps remaining dropped him to fifth place but he followed Theriault to the front with 14 laps to go.

With Theriault picking the bottom lane on the final two restarts - the last one set up a green-white-checkered flag finish - Creed faced an almost impossible situation to overcome.

"I didn't want to be on the outside, that was for sure," Creed said. "I don't know how many restarts we had (during the race) but I was fortunate enough to be on the inside on most of them to where I could get to the bottom. That's where you wanted to be because the groove was on the bottom. The way the air works, that's where you wanted to be."

Theriault started 12th in the No. 52 Ken Schrader Racing Ford and got helpful pushes from behind him on the final two restarts.

WHAT?!?!? @AustinTheriault wins AGAIN!!!!🏁🏁🏁Congratulations!! pic.twitter.com/9kwbhe9BFa

— General Tire (@GeneralTire) September 23, 2017

"The 22 car (Shane Lee) gave us a good push almost like Daytona style," he said. "He definitely got us going on those couple of restarts."

Before Friday, Theriault's only other start at Kentucky Speedway came in 2014 in a NASCAR XFINITY Series race.

"Three years is a long time in racing," he said. "A lot of different cars and variations of rules and all of that. My last time here was in an XFINITY car. That was before the repave. Drivers always like to be able to slide around a little bit more and with the new pavement you really have to be smart about where you put your car because the grip is there then all of a sudden it's not.

"On an older track, you can slide around a little bit more. It will be like that here in a few years. I'm looking forward to it. It was still fun tonight. It makes you work a little bit harder."

Friday's race marked the 24th visit to Kentucky Speedway by the ARCA Racing Series. Theriault left with the ARCA season championship all but locked up. The series' season finale is next month at Kansas Speedway.

Congrats @AustinTheriault on tonight’s win 👏🏼🏁#Crosley150 #GTSuperWeekend pic.twitter.com/3FrXdatP6E

— Kentucky Speedway (@KySpeedway) September 23, 2017

Source 

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Blaney to Visit Magic Mile Club on Sunday

One of the biggest up-and-coming stars in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and a contender to win this year's championship will make a 15-minute appearance in the Magic Mile Club at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on the morning of Sunday, Sept. 24. The playoff-bound Ryan Blaney will answer questions from fans during an appearance in the VIP hospitality area from 10:50-11:05 a.m., three hours before the green flag drops on the ISM Connect 300 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs race.

Blaney, who is in his second full season racing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, picked up the first win of his career earlier this season at Pocono Raceway - a victory that will earn him a berth in this year's NASCAR Playoffs. Blaney is currently piloting the iconic No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing, but will move over to drive a new third car for Penske Racing starting in 2018.

"Ryan Blaney will be a fantastic addition to an already established championship team at Penske Racing," said David McGrath, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. "I think Ryan's natural charisma will really provide our fans with an awesome opportunity to see what one of the top young guns we have in our sport right now has to offer."

The Magic Mile Club is an exclusive pre-race fan experience on race day. It is located in the Hospitality Village outside of the Main Grandstand and includes a continental breakfast, catered lunch, unlimited beverages, entertainment, welcome bag, Pre-Race Pit Pass. It is also available for a small upgrade fee with an already purchased or to-be purchased grandstand ticket.

The 23-year-old Blaney will be Penske Racing teammates with New England native Joey Logano and 2012 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion Brad Keselowski - both of whom have won premier series races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Blaney is still searching for his first top-10 finish at NHMS, but has never finished worse than 23rd in four career starts and earned a career-best finish of 11th in last September's Cup race here. Blaney is the son of longtime Cup Series pilot Dave Blaney, who earned one of his two career pole awards at NHMS back in 2007. 

Good Sunday hanging with some old and new friends! pic.twitter.com/VuBFM1za1Y

— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) September 11, 2017

Source

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Kentucky Speedway and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Donate Crosley Jukebox to Nationwide Children's Hospital

Nationwide Children's Hospital welcomed the personalized Crosley jukebox Kentucky Speedway gifted to Dale Earnhardt Jr. in honor of his retirement and soon afterwards was donated to the hospital in the racer's name. The Crosley jukebox will be located in the Dale and Amy Earnhardt Activity Room on the hospital's Rehabilitation Unit.

"I can't think of a better home for this custom Crosley jukebox than the Dale and Amy Earnhardt Activity Room at Nationwide Children's Hospital," said Mark Simendinger, general manager at Kentucky Speedway. "The care provided here on a daily basis is phenomenal and we are proud to help in this mission.

Prior to officially presenting the jukebox to Nationwide Children's, the Kentucky Speedway team loaded the Crosley jukebox with 80 songs that were suggested and voted on by patients and patient families of the hospital, as well as Earnhardt Jr. and NASCAR fans, via the hospital's social media channels.

"On behalf of the patients, families and staff here at Nationwide Children's Hospital, we are so grateful for this donation," said Niki Shafer, senior vice president, outreach, Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation. "Music provides a wonderful way for patients and their families to express themselves and this unique gift will be a tremendous joy to many who are going through some significant challenges."

Yesterday was so special. The #88Jukebox has made it home to @nationwidekids. In the words of @DaleJr ... Time to rock n roll kids!🎶 pic.twitter.com/4jPM6Ghe0G

— Kentucky Speedway (@KySpeedway) September 15, 2017

Earnhardt Jr. received the gift from Kentucky Speedway during the Quaker State 400 on July 8. Prior to the race, Patient Champions from the hospital were treated to a day of VIP experiences. Additionally, during race week, Earnhardt Jr. made his second visit to Nationwide Children's in just under three months, visiting patients on the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Rehabilitation Unit. Earnhardt Jr. and his Hendrick Motorsports race team also participated in a kid-friendly press conference at the hospital.

The jukebox is one of what has been several retirement gifts to Earnhardt Jr., who announced his retirement in April from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series after the 2017 season. Crosley Brands awards its signature jukebox to each of the Kentucky Speedway race winners.

Nationwide, the primary sponsor of Earnhardt's No. 88 Chevy SS, and a long-time benefactor of the hospital, dedicated one of the company's paint schemes to Nationwide Children's for the Quaker State 400. The logo and the hospital's signature butterflies adorned the racecar and Earnhardt Jr.'s race suit.

About Kentucky Speedway

Owned by Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI), Kentucky Speedway is a 1.5-mile tri-oval racetrack located in Sparta, Kentucky just 35 miles south of Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky. The track attracts fans from the Tri-State area of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and beyond. In its 17th season of racing, the speedway hosts NASCAR and ARCA events.

In July, the venue presented the seventh running of the "Quaker State 400 presented by Advance Auto Parts" Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race. Prior to 2011, Kentucky Speedway hosted the NASCAR XFINITY Series races and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In addition to the July event, the speedway hosts a second NASCAR XFINITY Series event in September along with an ARCA race.

The venue also is home to many other special events throughout the year including concerts, driving schools, car shows, fitness runs and four driving schools.

About Crosley Brands

Crosley Radio has been a leader in the nostalgic electronics category producing old telephones, payphones, turntables, record players, headphones and other vintage inspired electronics. Crosley Brands also established Crosley Furniture in 2010. Today it's one of the leading furniture brands in the country selling indoor and outdoor furniture.

About Nationwide Children's Hospital

Named to the Top 10 Honor Roll on U.S. News & World Report's 2017-18 list of "America's Best Children's Hospitals," Nationwide Children's Hospital is America's largest not-for-profit freestanding pediatric healthcare system providing wellness, preventive, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative care for infants, children and adolescents, as well as adult patients with congenital disease. Nationwide Children's has a staff of nearly 13,000 providing state-of-the-art pediatric care during more than 1.4 million patient visits annually. As home to the Department of Pediatrics of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Nationwide Children's physicians train the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric specialists. The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital is one of the Top 10 National Institutes of Health-funded freestanding pediatric research facilities. More information is available at NationwideChildrens.org.

Source 

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The @CrosleyRadio Jukebox has made it home! It will get so much use & cause so much joy here in the @DaleJr & @AmyEarnhardt activity room🦋 pic.twitter.com/tHmy3JAJzC

— Kentucky Speedway (@KySpeedway) September 14, 2017

#NASCAR Xfinity Chase Field Set

#NASCARPlayoffs

Justin Allgaier had the drive of his life at Chicagoland Speedway. He grabbed the lead with a bold move to the inside after a restart on Lap 186 of 200. Allgaier, an Illinois native continued on to win the ‘TheHouse.com 300,’ NASCAR Xfinity Series regular-season finale. He took the checkered flag 1.772 seconds ahead of charging Kyle Larson, who fought back from a late pit road speeding penalty to finish second. Sadler came home third, followed by Daniel Henric and Austin Dillon. 

Below is a summary of your 2017 NASCAR Xfinity Series Chase Drivers.

1. William Byron - JR Motorsports, No. 9 Chevrolet

Outlook: Byron is a favorite to win the XFINITY championship before he moves up to Hendrick Motorsports in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series next season. With three wins in the regular season and 25 playoff points to his credit, look for Byron to keep the momentum going. You’ll see him in the final four at Homestead.

Best playoff track: Phoenix, finished fourth in the spring race earlier this season.

Worst playoff track: Talladega, finished 36th in the spring race earlier this season. Byron has no starts at Kansas.

Current points: 2,025

2. Justin Allgaier - JR Motorsports, No. 7 Chevrolet

Outlook: Allgaier has hung right in there with JR Motorsports teammates of Byron and Elliott. He’s been consistent with seven top fives, 13 top 10s and only eight finishes outside the top 15 in the regular season. Allgaier has race wins in the regular-season finale at Chicago and at Phoenix in March. Another desert win is something he's capable of again, as Phoenix is the penultimate race of the XFINITY playoffs.

Best playoff track: Phoenix, one win and an average finish of 8.1.

Worst playoff track: Homestead, average finish of 15.43 in seven races.

Current points: 2,023

Watch @Elliott_Sadler receive the @NASCAR_XFINITY regular season trophy -> https://t.co/3hMipxFg2E pic.twitter.com/KA7Xdz54dD

— OneMain Racing (@OneMainRacing) September 18, 2017

3. Elliott Sadler - JR Motorsports, No. 1 Chevrolet

Outlook: Sadler has yet to score a victory this year, but it was consistency that propelled him to the XFINITY Series regular-season championship. In 26 races, Sadler only recorded two finishes outside the top 20. Look for Sadler to continue that consistency, score a win or two and be right in the thick of things at Homestead.

Best playoff track: Homestead, seven top 10s in 12 starts.

Worst playoff track: Talladega, average finish of 21.0 in 25 starts.

Current points: 2,020

4. Daniel Hemric - Richard Childress Racing, No. 21 Chevrolet

Outlook: In his first year with RCR, Hemric had a quietly consistent regular season. He accumulated five top fives and 12 top 10s, along with only six finishes outside the top 15. Hemric has all the makings of being a strong threat to race his way into the championship four at Homestead. More top fives and even breaking into Victory Lane is not out of the realm of possibility in the final seven races.

Best playoff track: Phoenix, 7th-place finish in the spring race.

Worst playoff track: Texas, finished 32nd in the spring race.

Current points: 2,009

Check out some 📷 from #TheHouse300 @ChicagolndSpdwy as @brennanpoole advances to #NASCARPlayoffs: https://t.co/Azd65JydIb #Poole48 pic.twitter.com/F0qkrxoHE0

— Chip Ganassi Racing (@CGRTeams) September 17, 2017

5. Brennan Poole - Chip Ganassi Racing, No. 48 Chevrolet

Outlook: Poole is one of the most likely candidates to give JR Motorsports a run for its money in the seven-race playoff stretch. The 26-year-old driver showed a ton of speed through the regular season, but only has one top five to show for it. Poole will have to step it up by minimizing mistakes and capitalizing on every opportunity if he wants to compete for the title in South Florida.

Best playoff track: Kansas, where Poole has an average finish of 10.0.

Worst playoff track: Homestead, finished 27th last season.

Current points: 2,006

Talking about the Playoffs with @driverRyanReed and what it will take to advance. #DriveYourHealth pic.twitter.com/yNwhN7MVxB

— Roush Fenway Racing (@roushfenway) September 16, 2017

6. Ryan Reed - Roush Fenway Racing, No. 16 Ford

Outlook: Reed started off the regular season with a bang by winning the season opener at Daytona for the second time. Restrictor-plate tracks are the young driver’s prowess, but unfortunately for him, the XFINITY Series won't stop at Talladega during the playoffs. Reed has two top fives and five top 10s on the year, but he hasn't finished better than 12th since Indianapolis in July. He'll have some work to do if he wants to advance.

Best playoff track: Charlotte, average finish of 13.8 in eight races.

Worst playoff track: Kentucky, average finish of 19.9 in seven races.

Current points: 2,005

7. Jeremy Clements - Jeremy Clements Racing, No. 51 Chevrolet

Outlook: The Cinderella story of the season punched a miraculous ticket into the 12-driver playoff field with an underdog victory at Road America. Unless he can pull off another upset win, don't expect Clements to make it into the second round. But making the playoffs is a huge accomplishment alone for the family-owned operation.

Best playoff track: Dover, average finish of 20.5 in 14 races.

Worst playoff track: Kansas, average finish of 27.8 in eight races.

Current points: 2,005

8. Cole Custer - Stewart-Haas Racing, No. 00 Ford

Outlook: All things considered, Custer's first full-time XFINITY season driving Stewart-Haas Racing's No. 00 entry has been a solid one. Despite the ups and downs that come with starting new team, the 19-year-old's four top fives and 13 top-10 finishes are impressive. If Custer wants the opportunity to race for a title at Homestead, he'll need to win, though. Plain and simple.

Best playoff track: Dover, fourth-place finish in the spring race.

Worst playoff track: Kansas, finished 35th in October 2016.

Current points: 2,005

We are in the NASCAR PLAYOFFS!!! @NASCAR @XFINITYRacing thank you @LeafFilter !!! #NASCARPlayoffs #NASCAR #XFINITYPlayoffs #XfinitySeries pic.twitter.com/U28i6CcdNS

— Blake Koch (@BlakeKochRacing) September 16, 2017

9. Blake Koch - Kaulig Racing, No. 11 Chevrolet

Outlook: With only four top-10 finishes in the regular season, Koch and the No. 11 team will need to step up their games if they want to advance deep into the playoffs. Koch has five playoff points to his credit entering the final seven races. He likely won't make it into the final round without a miracle victory, but the second round is definitely within reach.

Best playoff track: Phoenix, average finish of 23rd in 14 races.

Worst playoff track: Texas, 29th-place average finish in 13 races.

Current points: 2,005

10. Matt Tifft - Joe Gibbs Racing, No. 19 Toyota

Outlook: The rookie driver scored only four playoff points during the regular season, but that doesn't mean he can't turn it on in the seven-race stretch. Despite 10 finishes outside the top 15, Tifft's two top fives and seven top-10 results shows he has the speed and talent to run up front. Now, it's time to execute when it matters the most.

Best playoff track: Dover, average finish of 8.5 in two races.

Worst playoff track: Charlotte, 17th-place average finish in two races.

Current points: 2,004

11. Brendan Gaughan - Richard Childress Racing, No. 64 Chevrolet

Outlook: Although Gaughan raced his way into the playoffs, the regular season was a struggle for the XFINITY veteran. Aside from two top fives and seven top-10 finishes, Gaughan had 10 finishes of 20th or worse. Despite the shortcomings, Gaughan has all the potential to make it into the second round, but the Championship 4 in Homestead is a long shot.

Best playoff track: Kentucky, one win (September 2014) and average finish of 9.1 in 10 races.

Worst playoff track: Texas, 19th-place average finish in 11 races.

Current points: 2,003

The @PilotFlyingJ Chevrolet 5 team is in the @NASCAR_XFINITY Series #NASCARPlayoffs . #THUNGRY #TeamMA pic.twitter.com/l7xxRnmDyf

— Michael Annett (@MichaelAnnett) September 16, 2017

12. Michael Annett - JR Motorsports, No. 5 Chevrolet

Outlook: Despite a lackluster regular season, Annett has shown some glimmers of hope. A second-place finish at Road America and six top-10 results highlight the first 26 races. Down on speed compared to his JRM teammates, he likely won't make the final four without something big happening, but the Round of 8 isn't out of the question. He enters the next seven races with one playoff point.

Best playoff track: Kentucky, average finish of 12.8 in eight races.

Worst playoff track: Charlotte, 20th-place average finish in 11 races.

Current points: 2,001

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Ted Christopher - Rest In Peace

Born: June 5, 1958, Plainville, CT
Died: September 16, 2017, Connecticut

NASCAR officials confirmed that modified champion Ted Christopher died in a small plane crash in Connecticut on Saturday. He was the passenger; the pilot also expired. No evidence of fire or an explosion was found in regards to the crash. The cause is under investigation.

Christopher was scheduled to compete in a race on Saturday in New York. The Riverhead Raceway officials paid tribute to Christopher by driving his car in a ceremonial lap around the track and then asking for a moment of silence from fans.

Below is a Facebook post by Derek Pernesiglio, who grew up watching Ted Christopher race before working with him on his banquet video.

Been scrolling through social media and news sites all night reading whats been said about Ted Christopher. Theres enough words that can be written about Ted that could fill a library. Growing up watching Ted Christopher race, he was one of those guys who didn’t mind playing the bad guy on the racetrack. And boy, did he play it well. As a kid, I was on the dislike side of Teddy. People loved him or hated him, there was no gray area. It’s true when they say he had this Dale Earnhardt, intimidator-like persona. The way he would taunt drivers, owners, even the fans while doing it with a wise ass grin or his quick wit. He was not the driver you wanted in your rear view mirror because at times he’d take a piece of your bumper with him.

As I got older and started shooting and producing the banquet videos for NASCAR. Ted’s championship feature became my assignment for the 2008 banquets. I was very nervous working with him for the first time because the only exposure to him was watching him as a kid being this tough, bad-guy racer who didn’t care if he wrecked you. All of that childhood dislike quickly broke away the first day I started shooting video of him. He was asking why I was doing all those weird moves and strange poses. Then we would go back and show him the video saying, “Okay, now I get it.” After moving in front of the camera Ted would bust chops with a nudge and a grin and say, “I have to say nice things the media guy is standing around.” Which would usually follow with a candid, off-color, one-liner that only Teddy could deliver.

For example, earlier this year we were at a track Teddy didn’t care too much for. It was more of a momentum racetrack where you had to pace yourself on the throttle. Teddy said, “This place sucks! I’m a only a quarter to a half throttle. I don't wanna f**cking track you ride around, I wanna track you race around!”

His ability behind the wheel was unsurpassed. Teddy excelled in all forms of racing, with a resume that spanned from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series to indoor TQ Midget racing. A career which included six starts in the Cup series, twenty-one in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, two in the Truck Series, ten wins in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, forty-two wins in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour including the 2008 Championship, the 2001 NASCAR Whelen All American Series National Championship, two starts in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, wins in TQ and NEMA Midgets as well as Supermodifieds and countless wins and local track championships.

I remember one time running my father's midget at Thompson a few years ago. I lined up inside Teddy for the main event. Before the race Dad leaned in the cage and said follow Teddy and try to learn something. Under pace laps I rolled up next to him and gave him a wave and a thumbs up, Teddy flipped me off. As we came off four to take the green Teddy took his left side nerf bar into my right front and drive me down into the apron and took off. That day I learned I was going to have to bring a hell of a lot more to the table if I was going to compete with Ted Christopher. You loved him, you hated him or you loved to hate him. The guy grew on you, his personality grew on you and you started to love him for it. Personality this racing world will miss dearly. Thanks for all the good times Ted. DP

Pernesiglio is a reporter for NASCAR K&N Pro Series/Whelen Modified Tour on NBCSN and SPEED SPORT.

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Camping World Truck Series Chase Field Set

#NASCARPlayoffs

Johnny Sauter won the Camping World Truck Series TheHouse.com 225 (150 laps, 225 miles.) Christopher Bell captured the regular season crown.

Last night's race at Chicagoland Speedway also set the field for the seven race series chase.

1. Christopher Bell, No. 4 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota: 2,040 points
2. Johnny Sauter, No. 21 GMS Racing Chevrolet: 2,025 points
3. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 8 NEMCO Motorsports Chevrolet: 2,014 points
4. Matt Crafton, No. 88 ThorSport Racing Toyota: 2,014 points
5. Chase Briscoe, No. 29 Brad Keselowski Racing Ford: 2,009 points
6. Austin Cindric, No. 19 Brad Keselowski Racing Ford: 2,007 points
7. Ben Rhodes, No. 27 ThorSport Racing Toyota: 2,007 points
8. Kaz Grala, No. 33 GMS Racing Chevrolet: 2,005 points

8. 6. 4. 1 Champion.#NASCARPlayoffs #NASCARonFS1 pic.twitter.com/iNUcB0aa0M

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) September 16, 2017

1. Christopher Bell - Kyle Busch Motorsports, No. 4 Toyota

Outlook: In just his second full-time season, Bell continues to rise as one of the young stars in the NASCAR Camping Truck World Series. With four wins under his belt (Atlanta, Fort Worth, Kentucky, Pocono) and the regular-season crown, Bell has a nice bit of breathing room entering the playoffs.

Best playoff track: Bell won at Fort Worth earlier this year after starting 21st.

Worst playoff track: Homestead-Miami, average finish of 16.5 in two starts, his worst mark on the circuit.

Current points: 2,040

Our @SIRIUSXM @ToyotaRacing #tundra is ready for 150 good ones tonight at Chicago. @KBMteam brought another hot rod pic.twitter.com/YP24UT7Dqx

— Christopher Bell (@CBellRacing) September 15, 2017

2. Johnny Sauter - GMS Racing, No. 21 Chevrolet

Outlook:  Sauter is the defending champion of the 2016 NASCAR Camping World Series. His 2017 season started off strong with four top-three finishes and one win (Dover) through the first six starts. He will enter the Playoffs with momentum following a win at Chicagoland.

Best playoff track: Over the last two seasons, Martinsville has become one of his best tracks -- one win, one runner-up. He has three wins there in his career. Take away a 32nd-place finish in the spring of 2016, he has an average finish of 4.5 in the last eight races there.

Worst playoff track: Statistically, among playoff venues it's Martinsville (average finish of 12.6). But, Phoenix stands out for only 11 laps led and a 10.1 average finish in eight starts.

Current points: 2,025

3. John Hunter - Nemechek NEMCO Motosports, No. 8 Chevrolet

Outlook: Nemechek had back-to-back wins at Gateway and Iowa earlier this season, and has seven top-five finishes on the season. However, he also has six finishes outside the top 20 throughout the season, too. 

Best playoff track: In three races at New Hampshire, Nemechek has an average finish of 6.3. 

Worst playoff track: Talladega, with an average finish of 21.5 in just two starts with one DNF in 2016. 

Current points: 2,014

4. Matt Crafton - ThorSport Racing, No. 88 Toyota 

Outlook: After 27 consecutive races without a win, the two-time series champion finally broke through with his first dirt track victory at Eldora in July. 

Best playoff track: Phoenix and Fort Worth are two of his best postseason tracks with an average finish of 9.2 at both. 

Worst playoff track: In 11 starts, Crafton has an average finish of 16.7 at Talladega including a 22nd place finish in 2016. 

Current points: 2,014

Hold your breath! That could have been BAD.

Matt Crafton wiggles & gets up into Ben Rhodes (No. 27 has a tire rub). https://t.co/vltzXqtppB

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) September 16, 2017

5. Chase Briscoe - Brad Keselowski Racing, No. 29 Ford 

Outlook: Briscoe had a consistent first full season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with 15 top-12 finishes through 16 races this season. He has also notched a stage win at Gateway. 

Best playoff track: The rookie has only raced at two of the remaining tracks -- and his best finish comes at Texas as a runner-up in memorable June race finish with Bell. 

Worst playoff track: In one start, he placed 11th at Martinsville.

Current points: 2,009 

6. Austin Cindric  - Brad Keselowski Racing, No. 19 Ford 

Outlook: In his first full season on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series circuit, he took home his first series victory at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Cindric carries a run of seven top 10s in his last eight races into the postseason. 

Best playoff track: Cindric holds a 14.5 average finish in two Phoenix starts. He has yet to make starts at New Hampshire, Las Vegas and Homestead-Miami. 

Worst playoff track: Earlier this season, he finished 25th at Fort Worth after crashing out in just 28 laps. 

Current points: 2,007

7. Ben Rhodes - Thorsport Racing, No. 27 Toyota 

Outlook: With a 6th-place finish at Chicago, Rhodes edged out Ryan Truex, who he finished in a tie in the standings with. The points were tight for much of the summer and Rhodes has been in playoff mode for the past month. That should serve him well. 

Best playoff track: Earlier this season, Rhodes finished fifth at Fort Worth. 

Worst playoff track: Talladega wasn't an easy track for Rhodes in 2016 -- he started 25th and finished 24th. 

Current points: 2,007

After making it into the playoffs by one point, @benrhodes agrees that he's battle tested and ready to find an extra gear. pic.twitter.com/5sCev5zPu6

— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverAW) September 16, 2017

8. Kaz Grala - GMS Racing, No. 33 Chevy 

Outlook: Grala kicked off his rookie season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with a win at Daytona in February. The rest of the 2017 season has been up and down with only two top-five finishes since his victory. 

Best playoff track: In one start at New Hampshire, Grala finished seventh. The rookie has yet to make starts at Las Vegas, Talladega and Homestead-Miami. 

Worst playoff track: The rookie recorded one DNF in 2016 during his lone start at Phoenix. 

Current points: 2,005 

Source

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