Monday, May 29, 2023

Updated Schedule for #NASCAR at CMS

Updated Schedule for #NASCAR at CMS

Xfinity & Cup Series Monday

Polesitter William Byron will try to add to his win total in Monday's Coca-Cola 600

 

By now most NASCAR Fans are aware that both Xfinity and Cup Series events were postponed due to rain delays.

 

William Byron will start the Cup race from pole and Justin Allgaier leads the Xfinity field to the green flag.

 

Below is today’s on-track schedule:

 

Monday May 29, 2023

NASCAR Cup Series & NASCAR Xfinity Series
  • 8 a.m. Parking Lots Open
  • 9 a.m. Spectator Gates Open (Gates 3, 4, 5A, 7, 12, 18)
  • 10 a.m. Fan assistance golf carts begin
  • 11 a.m. Alsco Uniforms 300
  • 3 p.m. Coca-Cola 600


NASCAR Cup Series

  • Next Race: Coca-Cola 600
  • The Place: Charlotte Motor Speedway
  • The Date: Monday, May 29
  • The Time: 3 p.m. ET
  • The Purse: $9,421,275
  • TV: FOX, 2:30 p.m. ET
  • Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
  • Distance: 600 miles (400 laps)
  • Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 100)
  • Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 200)
  • Stage 3 (Ends on Lap 300)
  • Final Stage (Ends on Lap 400)


  • NASCAR Xfinity Series

    • Next Race: Alsco Uniforms 300
    • The Place: Charlotte Motor Speedway
    • The Date: Monday, May 29
    • The Time: 11 a.m. ET
    • The Purse: $1,317,391
    • TV: FS1, 12:00 p.m. ET
    • Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
    • Distance: 300 miles (200 Laps)
      • Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 45)
      • Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 90)
      • Final Stage (Ends on Lap 200)




     

    source: NASCAR Media

    Sunday, May 28, 2023

    Coca-Cola 600 Postponed

    Coca-Cola 600 Postponed

    Watch Monday at 3 p.m. ET

     

    NASCAR postponed Sunday’s Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway because of a forecast for steady rain throughout the evening.

     

    Sunday’s scheduled race, the 14th of the Cup Series season, was moved to a Monday start at 3 p.m. ET. The 600-mile event — the longest NASCAR race of the season — will be broadcast live on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

     

    Sunday’s decision to postpone the race comes after a full washout of Saturday’s on-track activities, forcing a cancellation of practice and qualifying and pushing the Xfinity Series race to Monday as well. The Xfinity race moves up to 11 a.m. ET on Monday on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR.

     

    With no Busch Light Pole Qualifying taking place, the Coca-Cola 600 lineup was set per the rule book, with William Byron set to lead the field to green in his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.

     

    The decision marks the second time this season the Cup Series will race on a Monday after Martin Truex Jr. won at Dover Motor Speedway earlier this month, claiming his first victory since 2021.

     





     

    source: NASCAR Media

    Jimmie Johnson Chases Another 'Marquee' Victory

    Jimmie Johnson Chases Another 'Marquee' Victory

    In Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway

     

    Jimmie Johnson admits he’s bringing a different mentality to the track now than earlier in his career.

     

    Now 47, and a rookie team owner with Legacy Motor Club, his focus has shifted to what’s best for his organization, and not necessarily what will benefit him the most behind the wheel.

     

    Still, it was easy for Johnson to identify Charlotte Motor Speedway as one of his targets when making his limited driving schedule in the winter.

     

    “For me it’s about the marquee races around the world,” Johnson said. “Daytona 500, Coke 600 – those are the marquee events.”

     

    Charlotte’s all-time leader in NASCAR Cup Series wins with eight, Johnson can add another piece to his legendary resume with a victory Sunday in the Coca-Cola 600 (6 p.m., Fox, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

     

    Only Darrell Waltrip with five has more Coca-Cola 600 triumphs than Johnson’s four. Johnson won three consecutive Coca-Cola 600s from 2003-05, then added another in 2014.

     

    In two starts this season with Legacy Motor Club (formerly Petty GMS Motorsports) in the No. 84 Chevrolet, he finished 31st at Daytona in February and 38th at COTA in March.

     

    “I feel about as ill prepared for [Sunday’s] race as I’ve ever have,” Johnson said. “A couple hours [testing] in Phoenix is the only comparable oval experience I’ve had. We had 30 to 40 laps in a simulator and that’s been it. I want to survive the first stage [Sunday] and go from there.

     

    “We are hopeful to have a good running. A top-10 or top-15 would be an awesome finish for us.”

     

    Johnson’s primary concerns are improving the results of Legacy’s two full-time drivers, Erik Jones and Noah Gragson. The best performance this year from that duo is Jones’ sixth-place finish at Talladega in April. Jones is 25th in the Cup Series point standings while Gragson is 32nd.

     

    “Erik continues to show just how good he is,” Johnson said. “He’s had challenging circumstances this year and he just stays focused and gets the job done. Noah, from afar, I wasn’t sure how seriously he took things. His desire and commitment to his craft is what has impressed me the most.

     

    “We have a massive effort on our hands to figure out many ways to improve. I’m proud of everything going on. I can’t ask for more effort from everyone involved. We just need more consistency.”

     

    Coca-Cola 600 practice and qualifying was scheduled to begin yesterday at 7 p.m. However, NASCAR canceled both NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying. The starting lineup for Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 will be set per the rule book. William Byron will start from the pole. Jimmie starts the race from the last position (37th).

     

    After his Charlotte visit, Johnson doesn’t have much time to rest as he is scheduled to depart next week for France to participate in next month’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, another of his coveted global marquee events.

     

    “It’s feeling very real,” Johnson said. “I’m very excited for the opportunity. I honestly don’t know what to expect. Right now, it’s great excitement and curiosity.”

     

    Still, after his overseas adventure, it’s back to building Legacy’s foundation – with maybe some top finishes behind the wheel still in the future.

     

    “It’s been an exciting adventure that I’ve embarked on here,” Johnson said. “It’s exciting to be in this new element. I truly feel like that I’m part of something that’s going to be a force in the future of NASCAR.”

     





     

    source: Charlotte Motor Speedway Media

    Saturday, May 27, 2023

    Rhodes Cashes in At Charlotte Motor Speedway

    Rhodes Cashes in At Charlotte Motor Speedway

    #Wins the North Carolina Education Lottery 200

    Ben Rhodes Cashes in At Charlotte Motor Speedway #nascar

     

    A long wait was well worth it for Ben Rhodes on many levels Friday night, as he powered to the checkered flag in the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

     

    Rhodes, the 2021 Truck Series champion, snapped a 27-race winless streak and earned his seventh career Truck Series victory.

     

    The race was also the opener of the Triple Truck Challenge, which awarded a $50,000 bonus to Rhodes. The series concludes next month with races at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway and Nashville Superspeedway.

     

    Ben Rhodes Cashes in At Charlotte Motor Speedway #nascar

     

    “We had really good long-run speed in the truck,” Rhodes said. “Anytime you get a win you enjoy it as much as possible because you don’t know when you’ll be back. It’s harder than ever to win in the Truck Series.”

     

    The 26-year-old from Louisville, Ky., steadily pulled away from Stage One winner Corey Heim on the race’s final restart and emerged with the win after starting the race mid-pack in 19th.

     





    “We had to take it slow and methodical from 19th,” said Rhodes, who led 37 laps driving the No. 99 Ford for ThorSport Racing.  “It’s not easy to pass in the Truck Series, especially here at Charlotte, but I’m so happy to get a win here. This is the North Carolina guys’ backyard. We’re a Sandusky, Ohio-based team, so it means a lot to myself and the team owners.”

     

    Heim finished second, 2.398 seconds behind, followed by Dean Thompson in third, Stage Two winner Carson Hocevar (43 laps led) in fourth and Grant Enfinger in fifth.

     

    “We were a short-run truck tonight,” said Heim, who led a race-high 49 laps. “It’s kind of been the story of the year. Maybe it’s something on my end that we’re doing wrong. It feels like we can power off better than everyone in the field but then 20 laps later we just fall.

     

    “Charlotte had been one of my worst race tracks. I’ve been hard on myself to finish better here. We finished second here in ARCA twice and second tonight. Maybe one day I’ll get it done.”

     

    Thompson and Enfinger also registered top-five finishes earlier in the day in the General Tire 150 ARCA Menards Series race.

     

    “I was pretty upset about the ARCA race but I’m pretty over the moon about this,” said Thompson of his first career top-five finish in the Truck Series. “Ben had it locked down there. Our guys put together an absolute rocket ship today. I can’t thank them enough.”

     

    Rhodes averaged 116.80 mph in completing the 134 laps in 1 hour, 43 minutes and 10 seconds. Five caution flags consumed 32 laps, with five leaders exchanging the lead 13 times.

     





     

    source: Charlotte Motor Speedway Media

    Love Finds a Way #ARCA

    Love Finds a Way #ARCA

    Jesse Takes the #Win In the ‘General Tire 150’

    Jesse Love Finds a Way - Takes the #Win In the ‘General Tire 150’ #ARCA

     

    Jesse Love’s top performances continued as Charlotte Motor Speedway’s massive Coca-Cola 600 weekend began with a thrilling ending.

     

    Love, driving the No. 20 Toyota for Venturini Motorsports, survived a green-white-checkered finish, won his third consecutive ARCA Menards Series race, and gave his team its first Charlotte victory in the General Tire 150 on Friday.

     

    “It’s really cool to get [the team’s] first win here,” Love said. “We did a lot of simulator work and we unloaded ok earlier.

     

    “I lost for about two years. No matter how good you are you start to question yourself at that point. I’m on a hot streak now.”

     

    Love, the 18-year-old ARCA points leader from Menlo Park, Calif., started from the pole position but was second for the race’s final restart which was triggered when Stephanie Moyer spun.

     

    Leader Christian Rose was on the inside, but hadn’t pitted in more than 50 laps, allowing Love to power past on the outside and hold off Dean Thompson at the checkered flag.

     

    “Luckily for us one car stayed out, which gave us the front row on our own [among teams that pitted],” said Love, who has also won at Talladega and Kansas this season. “I wasn’t too worried about the caution. I’m strapped to a bottle rocket right now.”

     

    Thompson finished second for the second consecutive race, followed by Taylor Gray in third, Grant Enfinger in fourth and Andy Jankowiak in fifth.

     

    “One lap short part two right,” said Thompson. “I’m lucky to be able to do this. I’ve worked my whole life to be here. To finish second, I have to be gracious.”

     

    Among other notable finishers, Frankie Muniz placed sixth, Rose ended up eighth, Connor Mosack was ninth and Tony Cosentino drove the final car on the lead lap home in 11th.

     





     

    source: Charlotte Motor Speedway Media

    Friday, May 26, 2023

    Start Time for Saturday’s Alsco Uniforms 300 Moved Up

    Start Time for Saturday’s Alsco Uniforms 300 Moved Up One Hour

    UpDate -Xfinity Series race moved to Monday at noon ET (FS1) due to rain

     

    NASCAR yesterday announced that Saturday’s Alsco Uniforms 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway will now start at noon ET – advancing one hour from the original 1 p.m. start time – due to the forecasted inclement weather. The broadcast networks for the Alsco Uniforms 300 remain unchanged – FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. 

     

    At this time, NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 remains at 7 p.m., as originally scheduled. Fans are encouraged to follow the speedway’s social media channels for all the latest updates.





    Haulers and Hash Browns, a fan friendly NASCAR Cup Series hauler parade through the campgrounds and Circle K Speed Street will kick off the day at 8 a.m. Grandstand gates open at 10 a.m. 

     

    The NASCAR Xfinity Series garage will open at 9 a.m. and green flag for the race is scheduled for 12:19 p.m. Saturday’s Circle K Speed Street concert with Jake Owen will move to the pavilion at zMAX Dragway, kicking off at 9 p.m. 

     

    In addition to the NASCAR Xfinity Series race, the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series are in action at Charlotte this weekend. 

     

    The General Tire 150 is scheduled for today at 6 p.m., broadcast on FS1 and MRN. 

     

    The North Carolina Education Lottery 200 is set for today at 8:30 p.m. (FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). 

     

    The weekend culminates with the sold-out Coca-Cola 600 at 6 p.m. (FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

     

    source: NASCAR Media

    Thursday, May 25, 2023

    Schatz sweeps weekend in Ohio

    Schatz sweeps weekend in Ohio

    #Wins at Attica Raceway Park and Sharon Speedway

    Donny Schatz sweeps weekend in Ohio - #Wins at Attica Raceway Park and Sharon Speedway

     

    Donny Schatz returned to victory lane with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and he did it in a big way. The 10-time series champion won Friday night at Attica Raceway Park and backed it up on Saturday by going to victory lane at Sharon Speedway. The wins were his first since going to back-to-back at the season finale at the Dirt Track at Charlotte in November.

     

    “I can’t say enough about this team. What a great car, what a great weekend,” said an excited Schatz after the race on Saturday.

     

    Neither win came easy for Schatz. Running in a podium position for much of the feature on Friday, Schatz waited for an opening to move around Carson Macedo for second with three laps to go. From there, he set his sights on Rico Abreu for the lead.

     

    Schatz quickly reeled in Abreu as the leaders were mired in heavy lapped traffic. The driver of the Carquest / Ford Performance machine took the lead using the low side of the speedway in turn four, coming to the white flag.

     

    As they headed into turn one, Macedo pulled a big slider on Abreu, which halted Abreu’s momentum and gave Schatz a two-car length lead down the backstretch. Schatz came around to score his 308th career World of Outlaws win.

     

    “Moving around (the track) is what really helped us. Once you got to traffic, it was really hard to get through. Everybody is so equal,” said Schatz after the race. “Hats off to this Carquest team. They keep digging. We haven’t gotten the results we’ve wanted, but this is a tough game.”

     

    On Saturday night at Sharon, Schatz was cruising out front with a 2.5 second lead until the yellow was displayed with seven laps to go, giving second-place runner David Gravel new life.

     

    Gravel looked to the inside of Schatz a few times on the restart, but Schatz was able to fend off the challenge and a subsequent green-white-checkered finish to take the win.

     

    “I could run around the track and go anywhere. There aren’t many nights you get a car like that. Last night, we needed traffic. Tonight, I just had a great race car. Hats off to this entire team,” said Schatz. “Sharon put on a great racetrack. There was a bottom, middle and top groove. We had no trouble going through lapped traffic. I saw David (Gravel) peaking his nose on the bottom there, but all I could do was just rifle the top and try to avoid making a mistake.”

     

    With the two wins, Schatz gained 30 points on championship leader Brad Sweet and moved by Sheldon Haudenschild in the standings. He now sits fifth, 156 points out of the lead heading into the Atomic Speedway doubleheader this weekend.

     





     

    source: Donny Schatz Motorsports Media

    Coca-Cola Racing Family Legends Named Grand Marshals

    Coca-Cola Racing Family Legends Named Grand Marshals

    Jeff Burton, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte and Kyle Petty for the Coca-Cola 600

    Coca-Cola Racing Family Legends Named Grand Marshals - #nascar #nascar75

     

    With five Coca-Cola 600 victories between them, Coca-Cola Racing Family legends Jeff Burton, Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte and Kyle Petty are no strangers to leading the field at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s  Memorial Day Weekend event. This year, in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Coca-Cola Racing Family, the four NASCAR greats will lead the command to fire engines ahead of the historic 64th running of the iconic race.

     

    “It’s fitting, during NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season and as we mark 25 years of the Coca-Cola Racing Family, that we honor the living legends who helped build our sport and create countless memories through the years,” said Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter. “As we look to write the next chapter in the history of this illustrious event, what a treat it will be for fans to have Jeff, Dale, Bobby and Kyle not only offer the command, but also behind the wheel of our Grand Marshal cars for a few memorable laps.”

     

    In a nod to the Memorial Day Weekend, the drivers will be introduced by Lisa Marie Riggins, USO regional president of the Southeast region and executive director of the National Capital District.

     

    The weekend fun kicks off Friday with the ARCA Menards Series’ General Tire 150 and the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series N.C. Education Lottery 200 as well as an energetic performance at Circle K Speed Street by AC/DC tribute band Dirty Deeds. On Saturday, Xfinity Series drivers will battle for supremacy in the Alsco Uniforms 300 and the NASCAR Cup Series will take the track for the first time to set the field for Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600. Country music superstar Jake Owen will rock the Circle K Speed Street stage. The party moves to the infield on Sunday as the legendary Doobie Brothers with Michael McDonald are scheduled to perform a pre-race concert before the patriotic salute to the U.S. Armed Services and the green flag for the Coca-Cola 600.

     




     

    source: Charlotte Motor Speedway Media

    Wednesday, May 24, 2023

    Frankie Muniz Hopes to Regain the ARCA Championship Lead

    Frankie Muniz Hopes to Regain the ARCA Championship Lead

     

    Frankie Muniz, (Malcolm in the Middle Actor) who is two points behind Jesse Love in the ARCA Menards Series standings, will look to regain the championship lead with a strong performance Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the No. 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing.

     

    “I am incredibly blessed,” said Muniz, after the race at Talladega Superspeedway. “A lot of the credit goes to my Rette Jones Racing team for bringing me fast Ford Mustangs and to the confidence that my crew chief and co-owner Mark (Rette) has instilled in me going out there and getting the job done.”

     

    Andres Perez de Lara and Jack Wood will again represent Rev Racing, with Perez de Lara wheeling the No. 2 and Wood back at the wheel of the No. 6. Sean Corr also returns for his third start of the year in his own No. 8. Caleb Costner also returns to action aboard the No. 93 Chevrolet after last competing at Talladega.

     

    Other notable entries include Daytona winner Greg Van Alst, Cody Coughlin, Christian Rose, Tony Cosentino and Jon Garrett, among others.

     

    RACE FACTS:

    RACE General Tire 150
    PLACE Charlotte Motor Speedway
    DATE Friday, May 26, 2023
    TIME 6 p.m. ET
    TV CHANNEL/
    LIVE STREAM
    FS1 / Fox Sports App
    RADIO MRN / SiriusXM
    (XM channel 391/
    online channel 981) /
    ARCARacing.com
    TRACK LAYOUT 1.5-mile paved oval
    LAPS 100
    EVENT SCHEDULE Final Practice
    from 11:40 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. ET …
    General Tire Pole Qualifying
    from 12:40 – 1 p.m. ET …
    General Tire 150 (100 laps/150 miles)
    at 6 p.m. ET.

     





     

    Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction

    Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction

    225 participants completed a week-long scenic journey, traveling 1,500 miles across Nevada and Utah to raise funds to send kids with chronic medical illnesses to camp at Victory Junction

    Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction

     

    The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America today announced it raised more than $1.7 million after completing its 27th Anniversary Ride, which took place April 29 – May 5, 2023. Funds raised directly benefit Victory Junction – a camp in Randleman, North Carolina servicing children with chronic medical illnesses. The Ride’s donation supports summer camperships, building projects and maintenance programs – including upkeep of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Water Park.

     

    Former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty led more than 125 motorcycles on a seven-day trek, covering over 1,500 miles across picturesque scenes in Nevada and Utah. The Ride started and ended in Salt Lake City, and made overnight stops in Ely, Tonopah, Las Vegas, Cedar City and Moab.

     

    All along the Ride’s 2023 route, fans came from miles around to welcome the Ride, meet celebrity riders and support the cause. Highlights included visiting the Bonneville Salt Flats, venturing down the loneliest road in America (Highway 50), taking off-road Jeep tours in Tonopah, shutting down Las Vegas Boulevard with a police escort to The Mirage, lapping the track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, riding scenic Highway 12 and Highway 14, passing through Capitol Reef National Park, receiving the first-ever key to the city in Hanksville, exploring Legends Motorcycle Museum and so much more.

     

    “We had a phenomenal Ride! But I knew all along that Nevada and Utah would not disappoint. These are two of the most beautiful states to ride motorcycles in,” said Petty. “Everywhere we stopped, we were greeted with open arms from fans near and far. And we also had a handful of Victory Junction campers come out to see us along our route. Seeing their excitement and gratitude for our riders is incredible. It really puts into perspective what and who we are riding for. All of our miles lead to all of their smiles!”

     

    Victory Junction has served as the Ride’s primary beneficiary since its establishment by Petty and his family in 2004 in honor of his late son, Adam. Since it first began in 1995, the Ride has raised more than $21 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities. As a result, the Ride has helped Victory Junction mobilize resources to provide over 115,000 camp experiences for children of all levels of abilities who are living with complex medical conditions at no cost to their families.

     

    Funds were gathered from fans along the route, as part of the Ride’s “Small Change. Big Impact.” program, as well as donations made by generous sponsors, organizations, and the riders themselves.

     

    “We could not do what we do each year on the Ride without the generosity of our sponsors,” said Petty. “Some of our sponsors have been a part of the Ride since the very beginning. They do so much more than just make contributions to support our cause. From providing gifts to our riders to funding meals, fuel and/or activities, they have a genuine passion for making the Ride a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

     

    The 2023 Ride is made possible by presenting sponsor Cox Automotive, as well as Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Dodge Law, Racing Electronics, WinCraft Racing, FLUIDYNE Racing Products, Petty Family Foundation, Headbands of Hope, Piedmont Moving Systems, Wiley X, Blue Emu, Goody’s and Fuel Me.

     





    This year’s Ride also featured several celebrity riders, including NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time champion Richard Petty; NASCAR legends Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace; former NFL great and Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker; and NBC Sports NASCAR personality Rick Allen.

     

    To look back at Petty and the riders’ journey, check out their posts on social media:

     

    For more information about the 27th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America or to donate, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.

     

    Gallery

    Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction
    Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction
    Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction
    Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction
    Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction
    Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction
    Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction
    Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction
    Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Raises $1.7 Million for Victory Junction

     

     

    Monday, May 22, 2023

    Larson Dominates All-Star Race

    Larson Dominates All-Star Race

    Wins $1 Million

    Larson Dominates All-Star Race - Wins $1 Million #NASCAR

     

    Kyle Larson has felt right at home in NASCAR’s return to North Wilkesboro Speedway.

     

    A day after a dominating win in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race, Larson capped off what he called "a special weekend" by overpowering the field under the lights for the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race victory and $1 million. This is his third All-Star Race win at a third different track – 2019 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and 2021 at Texas Motor Speedway. His three all-star wins are tied with Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon for the second-most in the event’s history.

     

    Starting 13th and falling back a bit, crew chief Cliff Daniels took advantage of an early caution on lap 17 and had his driver pit for four tires. Only a handful of cars came down for service and an ensuing pit road penalty sent Larson to the last spot in the field – 24th for the lap 21 restart. Over the next 35 laps, he drove from last to the lead and never really let it go from there. The driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com https://twitter.com/HendrickCars Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 led a race-high 145 laps (and all but one of the last 146 laps) to score the win.

     

    "I can't even tell you what it means," Larson said. "This is my third all-star win and my third different track. In an historical place like that, you guys and the crowd made this weekend so awesome. We could feel the atmosphere all weekend.

     

    "So much fun there. We had a great car on the long run there and was just thinking for sure there was going to be a caution. I got out to a big lead and I could see everybody's cars were driving like crap in front of me, but I cannot thank this 5 team enough."

     

    In the post-race press conference, Daniels talked about the decision to pit under yellow early in the opening stage. He felt that since they were towards the back of the running order, it was worth trying it. 

     

    "If we were at a points race, you might have to be more conservative to the field or to the guys you're trying to compete with in points and all those things," Daniels explained. "Just with the nature of the race, we had to do something different, and that was fortunately like the perfect time to make that call because then we weren't going to be sitting on 30-lap scuffs, it was 15-lap scuffs (if a caution came late in the opening stage)."

     

    Hendrick Motorsports has a series-best 11 All-Star Race wins and has now won three of the last four in this event. Five drivers have accounted for the team’s all-star victories, which is also the most among all teams. Jimmie Johnson leads the way with four wins (2003, 2006, 2012 and 2013), which is also the most among all drivers in all-star history. Gordon is next with three wins (1995, 1997 and 2001) followed by Larson (2021 and 2023). Terry Labonte (1999) and Chase Elliott (2020) each have one win with the organization. All the Johnson and Gordon wins came at Charlotte, while Elliott won at Bristol Motor Speedway.

     





     

    Unser Racing Museum & Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed Announce Merger

    Unser Racing Museum & Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed Announce Merger

    The Unser Racing Museum and the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed announced their plans for a merger.

     

    “The Unser family is one of the most storied families in automotive and racing history,” said Carson Smith, Director, Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. “We’ve had racing partnerships with members of the Unser family for over 38 years and are honored to welcome the Unser collection to our museum.”

     

    Unser Racing Museum
    Unser Racing Museum

     

    Located in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, N.M., the Unser Racing Museum was founded in 2003 by Al and Susan Unser and has operated these past 18 years as a public, non-profit, 501(c)3. Designed as a multi-dimensional museum experience utilizing modern technologies to educate and immerse the visitor in the exciting world of racing, the museum showcases Unser racing history and spans the early days of racing from Pikes Peak (Unser Mountain) and Indianapolis to the latest technology, with interactive kiosks for young and old to learn more about racing in a fun, educational environment. Displaying over 40 race, pace and Pikes Peak cars, original racing art, trophies and memorabilia the Museum was created to honor the legendary history of one family in American motorsports.

     

    Johnny Lightning Special driven by Al Unser
    Johnny Lightning Special driven by Al Unser

     

    The Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed is currently home to the Johnny Lightning Special and Viceroy VPJ Special driven by Al Unser, the 1971 Gurney Eagle driven by Bobby Unser, along with other vehicles and engines significant to Unser racing history. Recently named the #1 Attraction for Car Lovers in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice awards, the museum, located in Lincoln, Neb., is home to over 240,000 square feet of display space over three levels, presenting a continuous chronology of automotive racing engines and speed equipment development.

     

    1971 Gurney Eagle driven by Bobby Unser
    1971 Gurney Eagle driven by Bobby Unser

     

    “In motorsports, the Unser name is recognized worldwide, and we believe merging with the #1 nationally ranked Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed will provide not only a larger national, but also international, platform for this collection of the Unser’s iconic racing legacy,” said Susan Unser speaking on behalf of the Board of the Unser Racing Museum. “We look forward to collaborating with the Museum of American Speed to create exciting, historical, and educational exhibits to highlight the Unser Collection. From racing up Pikes Peak in 1916, USAC Stock Car, IROC and IndyCar championships, 9 Indianapolis 500 wins and this year a fourth generation racing again up Pikes Peak, the Unser Collection spans four generations and over 100 years of motorsports history.”

     

    Museum of American Speed
    Museum of American Speed

     





     

    Sunday, May 14, 2023

    NASCAR Cup Celebrates throwback Weekend

    #NASCAR Cup Celebrates throwback Weekend

    The ‘Goodyear 400’ --- 400.2 miles / 293 laps

     

    The NASCAR Cup Series is on a blast to the past this weekend at Darlington Raceway, as NASCAR legends of today and yesteryear come together to celebrate Throwback Weekend and the series competes in the 13th race of the 2023 season, the Goodyear 400 on Sunday, May 14 at 3 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

     

    • Next Race: Goodyear 400
    • The Place: Darlington Raceway
    • The Date: Sunday, May 14
    • The Time: 3 p.m. ET
    • The Purse: $7,722,261
    • TV: FS1, 1:30 p.m. ET
    • Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
    • Distance: 400.2 miles (293 laps)
      • Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 90)
      • Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 185)
      • Final Stage (Ends on Lap 293)




    #NASCAR Cup Celebrates throwback Weekend
     

    source: NASCAR Media

    Larson wins Darlington Xfinity Race

    Larson wins Darlington Xfinity Race

    Kyle Collects His First Win at the Track to Tough to Tame

    Kyle Collects His First Win at the Track to Tough to Tame - #NASCAR

     

    It came down to the last straightaway off of the last corner of the last lap in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Darlington Raceway but in the end, it was Kyle Larson who emerged victorious. He completed a comeback that saw him overcome a pit road speeding penalty before the final stage for the win in the No. 10 Chevrolet.

     

    John Hunter Nemechek led Larson coming to the white flag. After getting side-by-side, the two made contact into turn three with Larson getting position on the outside going into turn four. The two again made contact coming off of turn four with Larson pinned right against the fence. That contact saw Nemechek go sideways, while Larson was able to keep it straight to the start/finish line for the win at the South Carolina track.

     





    "It feels good," Larson told FOX's Regan Smith of the win, which was his 14th in the Xfinity ranks. "Exciting fashion there, too, in the end. We had a really, really good car the whole race. I made a mistake and sped on pit road. I knew we were going to have time to get to the front if we got a caution. We were picking cars off really fast.

     

    "I had some lane selections work out for me. I could really work that line in (turns) one and two and get runs in the center of (turns) one and two. I was able to pack air on him and get to his inside. Just side drafted really tough there. Again, it was like we were just bouncing off each other a little bit. … What an exciting race there."

     

    The victory was Larson’s first in any series at Darlington after several near misses and he led 46 laps on the day. He entered this race with three runner-up finishes in the NASCAR Cup Series at this track and he nearly won the fall Xfinity race at the 1.366-mile venue. However, contact on the last lap of that race saw him go from first to fifth.

     

    Kyle Collects His First Win at the Track to Tough to Tame - #NASCAR

     

    The 30-year-old won the opening stage. He led nearly all of stage two before Nemechek got by him on the last lap. Following pit stops under caution, Larson had to go to the rear of the field for speeding on pit road. He restarted 31st on lap 99, was back into the top 15 on lap 106 and in the top 10 on lap 116. Larson climbed to seventh when a caution came out with 22 laps to go. The Elk Grove, California, native came down for tires and fuel and left the pits in the fifth position for the lap 132 restart. Prior to a caution coming out with 11 laps to go, he was up to fourth.

     

    Electing to stay out for what would be the final restart with seven laps to go, Larson chose the inside lane behind Nemechek. He was able to follow Nemechek to get clear of the outside lane, setting the stage for the thrilling finish between the two drivers.

     





     

    source: Hendrick's Motorsports Media

    Saturday, May 13, 2023

    Saturday Racing – ARCA in Nashville

    Saturday Racing – ARCA in Nashville

    'Music City 200'

    Saturday Racing – ARCA in Nashville

     

    After a thrilling finish in the most recent ARCA Menards Series East event at Dover Motor Speedway, the series heads to Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway tonight for the running of the Music City 200 (9:30 p.m. ET on FloRacing).

     

    Saturday’s race marks the fifth time the ARCA Menards Series East will visit the historic 0.596-mile asphalt oval dating back to 2007. The inaugural series race was won by Rogelio Lopez, with Matt Kobyluck scoring a win at Nashville the following season.

     

    Entry List

    Car No. Driver OEM Crew Chief
    1 Jake Finch Toyota Johnny Allen
    6 Lavar Scott Chevrolet Jay Lupo
    10 Tim Monroe Ford Tim Monroe
    11 Zachary Tinkle Toyota Todd Parrott
    12 Stephanie Moyer Chevrolet Daylan Hairston
    15 Sean Hingorani Toyota Kevin Reed Jr
    18 William Sawalich Toyota Matt Ross
    20 Gio Ruggiero Toyota Shannon Rursch
    28 Luke Fenhaus Chevrolet Shane Huffman
    31 Rita Goulet Chevrolet Tim Goulet
    48 Brad Smith Ford Jeff Smith
    95 Tanner Arms Toyota Tony Ponkauskas
    98 Dale Shearer Toyota TBA
    1 Brayton Laster Toyota Josh Duke
    6 Nate Moeller Toyota Wayne Peterson

     





    Schedule

     

     

    (All times CT)

    • Saturday, May 13
    Time Event
    8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. ARCA Menards Series East Credentials
    9 a.m. ARCA Menards Series East Haulers Enter
    9:30 a.m. ARCA Menards Series East Garage Open
    9:40 a.m. ARCA Menards Series East Crew Chief Meeting
    11:45 a.m. ARCA Menards Series East Driver/Spotter Meeting
    2 – 3 p.m. ARCA Menards Series East Final Practice
    4 p.m. ARCA Menards Series East General Tire Pole Qualifying (Single Car, Two Laps; Impound)
    8:10 p.m. ARCA Menards Series East Driver Introductions
    8:30 p.m. Music City 200 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway (200 Laps / 119 Miles; FloRacing)