NASCAR Race Weekend Recap (Martinsville)

Winners: Ryan Blaney (Cup); with Justin Allgaier (Xfinity);

View from above - Martinsville Speedway for the Xfinity 500.

 

NASCAR Cup

Ryan Blaney Wins at Martinsville; Joins Bell, Larson, Byron in Championship 4

 

Ryan Blaney did what Denny Hamlin couldn’t do in Sunday‘s Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway.

 

As a result, Blaney will race for the NASCAR Cup Series championship next Sunday at Phoenix Raceway (3:30 p.m. ET, NBC, MRN, Peacock, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), and Hamlin exits the playoffs after a hard-luck Round of 8.

 

During a 168-lap green-flag run to the finish, Blaney tracked down Aric Almirola and passed him for the lead on Lap 478 of 500. Twenty-two laps later, Blaney took the checkered flag 0.899 seconds ahead of Almirola to earn advancement to the Championship 4 race.

 

.@Blaney, Welcome to the champ 4! #Xfinity500 pic.twitter.com/WwvCy2ByX6

— Martinsville Speedway (@MartinsvilleSwy) October 29, 2023

“Well, I mean, felt like we put together really strong playoffs—especially the Round of 8… we had a good run in the whole Round of 8,” Blaney said. “Yeah, just overall really proud of the whole effort. RP (Team Penske owner Roger Penske) couldn’t be here, unfortunately, but I know he’s watching. This is awesome. Can’t wait to get to Phoenix next week.”

 

“I grew up in High Point, not too far from here,” Blaney said. “Really cool. Wanting to win here for a long time. Been super close for many years. Awesome to close it out.”

 

Pole: Martin Truex Jr

Click Here for Race Results

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, Nov. 5 3:00 PM ET for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway.

 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Justin Allgaier Clinches Xfinity Series Championship 4 Spot in Dramatic Finish

 

At the end of Saturday‘s chaotic Dead on Tools 250, Justin Allgaier rescued his season with an improbable victory that earned the driver of the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet a berth in the Nov. 4 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship 4 event at Phoenix Raceway.

 

Allgaier‘s Camaro crossed the finish line glued to the side of Sheldon Creed‘s No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, scoring his first win at Martinsville, his fourth of the season and the 23rd of his career by 0.032 seconds over Creed, who needed a victory to advance to the title race.

 

“We‘ve got a shot at going for a championship at Phoenix. This is an emotional one. I‘ve wanted to win at Martinsville for a long time, and I‘ve been on the other end of that (pointing at the crashed cars on the frontstretch) too many times.”

 

A WILD finish at @MartinsvilleSwy! 😳 #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/eDDpBPPeSm

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 28, 2023

Pole: Sammy Smith

Click Here for Race Results  
Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, Nov. 4 - 6:00 PM ET for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway.

 

 

NASCAR Trucks

The #NASCAR Craftman Truck Series enjoyed a weekend off.

The table is set for @phoenixraceway. #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/JsiEgNpe5F

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) October 24, 2023

Next Race: The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series concludes the season with the Craftsman 150 at the 1-mile Phoenix Raceway on Friday, Nov. 3 (10 p.m. ET, FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

 

ARCA

The ARCA West was off this Weekend

The ARCA Menards Series platform will be WELL represented among the @NASCAR championship contenders at @phoenixraceway

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) October 30, 2023

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 1:30 p.m. ET for the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100 at Phoenix Raceway.

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

Allgaier Goes Hail Hellmann's

Earns Trip to Championship 4

 

Justin Allgaier entered yesterday's #NASCAR Xfinity Event just under the 2023 Playoff Cutline with a -three. Nevertheless, many believed him to be a favorite to win his way into the final four at Martinsville. Remember, in 2019, the thirty-seven-year-old won the final race in the Round of Eight when it was held at Phoenix Raceway.

 

They left everything out on the track.@MartinsvilleSwy | #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/LbgS4BkXy0

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 28, 2023

On the final restart of Saturday's Dead On Tools 250 at Martinsville Speedway,  Justin Allgaier went for broke. As chaos erupted around him, the Illinois native outdragged Sheldon Creed to the finish line by a scant 0.003 seconds to gain a spot in the Championship 4 for the sixth time in his career.

 

Allgaier, locked in a battle with Austin Hill and Cole Custer for the final points position into the final race, was in the right place at the right time as Hill and Creed tangled off Turn 4 coming to the checkered flag. Allgaier put his foot to the floor and nipped Creed at the line.

 

That gives JR Motorsports half the field for the Championship 4 with Allgaier and Sam Mayer. The other participants are John Hunter Nemechek and Custer, who was involved in the last-lap crash but advanced on points.

 

NEWS: Post-race inspection is complete at @MartinsvilleSwy.@J_Allgaier's win is official! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/kNBEQrcILr

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 29, 2023

The victory was Allgaier's 23rd in NASCAR Xfinity Series competition, his first at Martinsville and his second in this year's playoffs. It also puts him in sole possession of 11th place on the all-time NXS wins list.

 

“We’ve got a shot at going for a championship at Phoenix,” Allgaier told NBC Sports’ Dave Burns after the race. “My wife drove in today, my daughter’s last softball game was this afternoon. She said, ‘I got to watch the first win,’ and she decided to come here to be by my side. There’s nothing like it.

 

“This is an emotional one. I’ve wanted to win at Martinsville for a long time and, man, I’ve been on the other end of that too many times.”

 

JRM has now won four of the six NXS Playoff races this season.

 

With today’s results, JRM has now earned 500 top-five finishes in NASCAR Xfinity Series competition. The first came on Aug. 19, 2006, when Robby Gordon finished third @MISpeedway. pic.twitter.com/KzxHkLPK9M

— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) October 29, 2023

Teammate Josh Berry's fifth-place finish gives JRM 500 top-five finishes in NXS competition. The first of those came in 2006, when Robby Gordon finished third at Michigan International Speedway.

 

Berry rallied to fifth despite extensive damage to his Chevrolet, while Brandon Jones came home 16th and Mayer was posted 25th after retiring late in the race with crash damage.

 

Photos

 

 

source: JR Motorsports Media

The NASCAR Xfinity Series Heads Back to the ‘Paperclip’

Sammy Smith Starts on Pole

 

• Next Race: Dead On Tools 250
• The Place: Martinsville Speedway
• The Date: Saturday, October 28
• The Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• The Purse: $1,380,935
• TV: USA, 3 p.m. ET
• Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)
• Distance: 131.5 miles (250 Laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 60)
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 120)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 250)

As the series winds down the 2023 season, the NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers will now be heading to Martinsville Speedway for the penultimate race – the Dead On Tools 250 today at 3:30 p.m. ET (USA Network, NBC Sports App, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR radio).

 

This will be the 41st NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway. The previous 40 races have produced 26 different race winners and 21 different pole winners. Only six races have been won from the pole or first starting position, but it’s been over 35 years since a driver was able to accomplish the feat – most recently by Jimmy Hensley in 1987.

 

This season will be the fourth consecutive year that Martinsville Speedway serves as the penultimate, or sixth race in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs, the elimination race of the Round of 8 (2020 – 2023). The track was not on the NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule from 2007 to 2019.

 

A few drivers have been able to etch their names in the Martinsville Speedway record books – Sam Ard (most wins – five), Brett Bodine (most poles - five), Dale Jarrett (most top fives – 11), Jimmy Hensley and Tommy Houston (tied for most top 10s – 17), and Tommy Ellis (most laps led – 713).

 

Three drivers in the field have already taken the checkered flag at the 0.526-mile track, one of which is a Playoff contender – John Hunter Nemechek (2023), along with Brandon Jones (2022) and Josh Berry (2021).

 

Although he hasn’t won a race at Martinsville Speedway. JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier could also be a favorite to win this weekend as he knows what it takes to win the penultimate race of the season. In 2019, he won the final race in the Round of 8 when it was held at Phoenix Raceway.

 

Biggest lap of the night.

Ride with @sammysmithSS on the way to P1! pic.twitter.com/lP619Pd79x

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) October 27, 2023

 

Here are the starting positions of the 38 NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers at Martinsville Speedway:

 

1. #18 - Sammy Smith
2. #7 - Justin Allgaier
3. #00 - Cole Custer
4. #98 - Riley Herbst
5. #20 - John Hunter Nemechek
6. #9 - Brandon Jones
7. #16 - Chandler Smith
8. #2 - Sheldon Creed
9. #21 - Austin Hill
10. #31 - Parker Retzlaff
11. #19 - Myatt Snider
12. #8 - Josh Berry
13. #39 - Ryan Sieg
14. #10 - Daniel Hemric
15. #48 - Parker Kligerman
16. #25 - Brett Moffitt
17. #1 - Sam Mayer
18. #91 - Josh Bilicki
19. #11 - Layne Riggs
20. #51 - Jeremy Clements
21. #4 - JJ Yeley
22. #78 - Anthony Alfredo
23. #26 - Kaz Grala
24. #92 - Josh Williams
25. #24 - Connor Mosack
26. #44 - Rajah Caruth
27. #6 - Brennan Poole
28. #29 - Kyle Sieg
29. #45 - Jeffrey Earnhardt
30. #08 - Chad Finchum
31. #02 - Blaine Perkins
32. #43 - Ryan Ellis
33. #38 - Joe Graf, Jr.
34. #28 - CJ McLaughlin
35. #35 - Chris Hacker
36. #53 - Akinori Ogata
37. #07 - Devin Jones
38. #27 - Jeb Burton

Up next, the #DeadOnTools250 at @MartinsvilleSwy.

LIVE @ 3:00 PM ET

📻 https://t.co/D39O4UrRNU
🖥️ https://t.co/wCQ8y1RhN4
📱 https://t.co/PXmmwIn6h6@SIRIUSXM Channel 90 pic.twitter.com/8nLsxdGhzv

— Motor Racing Network (@MRNRadio) October 28, 2023

 

source: NASCAR Media

Moose Fraternity extends partnership with Trackhouse Racing, Ross Chastain through 2025

Moose Chevrolet to Appear in Four #NASCAR Cup Series Races in Each of the Next Two Seasons

 

Before the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway, Trackhouse Racing and Ross Chastain had some big news to announce. Moose Fraternity is staying on with the team and driver through 2025. One of Trackhouse’s earliest NASCAR partners, the Moose will be loose for a number of races over the next couple of seasons, at least.

 

 

This is a great weekend to make the announcement. It was a year ago at Martinsville when Ross Chastain put his No. 1 Moose Fraternity Chevy into the wall and refused to lift until he got across the finish line. Think about all of the advertising the Moose has gotten thanks to the replays of that iconic moment.

 

That feeling when you make history. 😏@RossChastain | @MooseFraternity pic.twitter.com/C1JkZmpPgy

— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) October 27, 2023

 

So, it’s safe to say, things are working out. Trackhouse Racing has committed partners. Long-term partners build brands. They help build a culture in the organization. This is good news for Trackhouse and NASCAR. The group will sponsor four races per year as part of the new deal.

 

Of course, Trackhouse Racing does things differently. So, they had their own video to help announce the great news.

 

NEWS: @MooseFraternity is staying in The House through 2025!@RossChastain had some help sharing the news: pic.twitter.com/qp1fImitbZ

— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) October 27, 2023

 

For Chastain, who is an actual member of the Moose Fraternity, the partnership has been and continues to be a lot of fun.

 

“It has been so fun to have a continued relationship with the Moose Fraternity,” said Chastain who is a member of Tice and Shores, Florida, Lodge 1297 within the Moose Fraternity.

 

“Several of the members have become like family which is unique when it comes to a partnership. Not only do I have the opportunity to meet members but it’s fun to talk to people about becoming a member of the fraternity. It’s a passionate group that cares about their community and making it a better place.”

 

In June, Chastain visited Mooseheart, a residential childcare facility on a 1,000-acre campus west of Chicago. In November, he’ll visit Moosehaven, a retirement community in Orange Park, Fla. The retirement community has served members of the Moose since 1922.

 

Chastain also visits various Moose Lodges around the country during race weekends.

 

“We really appreciate the relationships we have built with Ross and the Trackhouse Racing family these past few years and are thrilled to continue this journey together through 2025. Having Ross as a member and ambassador for the Moose Fraternity is phenomenal. Just like on the track, when he puts on the Moose hat, you can expect the unexpected to happen,” said Moose International CEO Scott Hart.

 

 

source: On3 Media

William Byron Looks to Lock Down Championship 4 Spot at Martinsville

Six #Wins, Eight Stage Wins and Twenty Top-10 Finishes,

 

William Byron enters the Round of 8 finale of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs at Martinsville Speedway in an advantageous position. The driver of the No. 24 PODS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 holds a 30-point lead on the elimination line.

 

Earning a spot in the Championship 4 would be a first for Byron in the Cup Series. The deepest he has gone in the postseason has been the Round of 8 (both this year to date and last year).

 

 

"We spent this week digging through notes from earlier this year and last at Martinsville (Speedway)," Byron said for how he and the team have prepared for this weekend’s race. "There was a wheel force test last week running the new tire so the teams could get information. We’re just trying to use what we have to hopefully get the car in a good place for when it’s unloaded.

 

"The fun thing about racing is you’re trying to get to the final four to go for a championship but it comes down to we all want to win every week. When you peel away all the layers of racing, it’s all about winning. We do the same processes every week with the goal of winning. That’s our number one goal still, and there’s nothing like having winning momentum heading into Phoenix (Raceway)."

 

While Byron has had a great 2023 season with series-best marks in wins (six), stage wins (eight) and top-10 finishes (20), he has elevated his consistency over the last 10 races. In that stretch (from Watkins Glen International to the Homestead-Miami Speedway playoff race), he leads the series in points (413), top-five finishes (six), top-10s (nine) and average finish (5.30). The Charlotte, North Carolina, native, is tied for the most wins (two) and runner-up finishes (two) in that span. He also holds the second-best average running position in the playoffs (8.53).

 

Heading to Martinsville, the Virginia short track has been a strong one for Byron and crew chief Rudy Fugle. In their five races together at the 0.526-mile track, they have posted a win (April 2022), three top-five finishes, four top-10s, 221 laps led and an average finish of 8.00.

 

This is the second year that Byron comes into the Martinsville race with a chance to advance to the title round. Last year, he carried a five-point advantage on the cutline but came up a little short in his bid to reach the title round. That disappointment has served as motivation throughout the season for Byron.

 

"Just the way we felt at Martinsville (Speedway) and how that moment felt is what we will try to work on this year," Byron said. "I think we learned a lot in that pressure situation (last year) and given that same situation again we will do a lot better."

 

The No. 24 pit crew has been at the top of the board all year when it comes to the fastest average four-tire pit stop time. They lead the series at 10.940 seconds and further improved their numbers last weekend with the fastest average four-tire stop time (9.986 seconds) at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The No. 24 pit crew consists of Spencer Bishop (jackman), Jeff Cordero (front-tire changer), Orane Ossowski (rear-tire changer), Ryan Patton (tire carrier) and Landon Walker (fueler).

 

"They give us a lot of confidence, especially when we are in contention for wins and in contention to run up front," Byron said of his pit crew. "The guys seem to elevate their game when those moments happen. They have been consistent all season."

 

 

Byron is looking to become the fifth Hendrick Motorsports driver to reach the Championship 4 in the elimination playoff era (joining Jeff Gordon in 2015, Jimmie Johnson in 2016, Chase Elliott in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and Kyle Larson in 2021 and 2023). Larson is already locked in with his win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to open the Round of 8.

 

Tune in on Sunday, Oct. 29, to watch Byron and the No. 24 team push forward in the playoffs at Martinsville. Coverage of the 500-lap race will be at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, NBC Sports App, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

 

#WallpaperWednesday PODS edition. pic.twitter.com/QH5sMMLHCK

— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) October 25, 2023

 

source: Hendrick Motorsports Media

NASCAR Craftman Truck Series Stage Is Set

Phoenix Raceway Waits for the Championship 4

 

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series concluded the Round of 8 at Homestead-Miami Speedway last weekend, locking in the four drivers who will be competing to be crowned the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion. Carson Hocevar won the Baptist Health Cancer Care 200 – his fourth victory of the 2023 season – and locked in his place in the Championship 4 after making a late-race pass on Ben Rhodes.

 

Carson Hocevar

 

“I’m so proud of everyone on this Niece Motorsports team," Hocevar said. Our Worldwide Express Chevrolet was so fast. I was bummed yesterday when we didn’t get the pole because I knew the speed that our truck had. I’m glad that we could show that today and put ourselves into the final round of the playoffs. We’re going to do everything we can to bring that championship home,” he added.

 

As for the other three drivers, Corey Heim clinched his spot after winning at Bristol Motor Speedway, Grant Enfinger pointed his way in (five points above the cutoff) after a fifth-place finish at Homestead, and 2021 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion Ben Rhodes earned the final spot on a tiebreaker of best finish in the round. Rhodes finished runner-up after Zane Smith and the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports’ team were disqualified after a post-race technical inspection found an unapproved windshield support.

 

Ben Rhodes

 

✅ 13 consecutive top 10s
✅ First career #NASCARPlayoffs win
✅ Locked in to the #Championship4

No one is hotter than @CoreyHeim_. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ei3WIGreLZ

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) September 19, 2023

Grant Enfinger

 

The competitors have a week off to strategize and get their trucks ready for the CRAFTSMAN 150 at Phoenix Raceway Friday, November 3 at 10 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM Radio).

 

Championship 4 (2023)

• No. 11 Corey Heim (TRICON Garage)
•
• No. 23 Grant Enfinger (GMS Racing)
•
• No. 42 Carson Hocevar (Niece Motorsports)
•
• No. 99 Ben Rhodes (ThorSport Racing)

 

source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR & ARCA Race Weekend Recap (Homestead-Miami & Madera)

Winners: Christopher-Bell (Cup); Sam Mayer (Xfinity); Carson Hocevar (Trucks) Kaden Honeycutt (ARCA West)

NASCAR Cup

Christopher Bell holds on for Homestead win, clinches return to Championship 4

 

In one of the most thrilling NASCAR Cup Series Playoff races of the season, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell rallied from a frustrating race start to lead the final 16 laps of Sunday‘s 4EVER 400 presented by Mobil 1 at Homestead-Miami Speedway to earn a second straight appearance in the Championship 4.

 

Bell, who only made his first appearance inside the top five with less than 50 laps remaining, got around a pair of the day‘s front-runners in the final laps to blaze to the lead in the No. 20 JGR Toyota and claim that automatic championship admission ticket. It‘s the 28-year-old Oklahoma native‘s second win of the season — sixth of his career — and the first of the season‘s eight playoff races to date.

 

“I’ve got the best team behind me, honestly I don‘t know (how we did it), that race was a whirlwind,” Bell said. “I was about ready to throw the towel in during that second stage, I got really frustrated. But (crew chief) Adam Stevens kept after it and gave me what I needed. Whenever we got some clean air, this thing was really good.

 

“I cannot say how proud I am to be here with our partners, driving these Toyota Camrys. Thank you to everyone who supported me. This is better than a dream come true.”

 

There’s nothing like champagne showers at sunset in @RuoffMortgage Victory Lane 🤘🌴#4EVER400 pic.twitter.com/1IZdyUs5a4

— Homestead-Miami Speedway (@HomesteadMiami) October 22, 2023

Pole: Martin Truex Jr

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, Oct. 29 2:00 PM ET for the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway.

 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Sam Mayer holds off Herbst, seals Xfinity Series title shot with Homestead victory

 

Sam Mayer claimed his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series oval-race victory in the second half of a NASCAR doubleheader at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday in the Contender Boats 300 after holding off last week’s race winner Riley Herbst by a mere 0.227 seconds.

 

It marks the JR Motorsports driver Mayer’s fourth series victory of the season and his career, and most importantly for Mayer – who joked he didn’t breathe the final four laps – it is his ticket into the Championship 4 finale that will decide the series title at Phoenix Raceway in two weeks.

 

“It’s unreal, we won on an oval,” a grinning Mayer screamed into the front grandstands. “This Chevrolet Camaro was so good. It’s all about putting a full race together, and I’m so proud of these guys. They kicked tail on pit road and we made it happen with these HMS (Hendrick Motorsports) engines. It’s just really cool to be able to beat an amazing organization like that (Herbst’s Stewart-Haas Racing team). We’ve got to turn it on a little harder going into Phoenix.”

 

Kachow 😉🏁 pic.twitter.com/8JVISlgo5O

— Sam Mayer (@sam_mayer_) October 22, 2023

Pole: Cole Custer

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday Oct. 28 3:30 pm ET for the Dead On Tools 250 at Martinsville Speedway.

 

 

NASCAR Trucks

Carson Hocevar Converts Homestead Win, Joins Rhodes, Heim, Enfinger in Championship 4 Field

 

Carson Hocevar secured his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship 4 appearance with a victory Saturday in the Baptist Health Cancer Care 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, earning all four of his career series wins this season — the trophy Saturday most impactful among them.

 

Hocevar put his No. 42 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet into the lead with 11 laps remaining and held off the hard-charging Zane Smith by 2.705 seconds to claim the win over last year’s series champion, whose runner-up effort was disqualified by NASCAR after a post-race technical inspection found the defending series champion‘s No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford used an unapproved windshield support.

 

Hocevar celebrated the clutch win by climbing high atop the flag stand to claim the checkered flag in person. He threw it down to the cheering fans behind the fence then climbed back down on the grandstand side to high-five fans and celebrate the biggest win of his life to date.

 

“It kills me I can’t do a burnout but we have to take this truck to Phoenix,” a grinning Hocevar said. “This truck was so good. We just got behind on pit stops and just lost track position which was unfortunate, but man, it’s so good to feel [like this]. I love it.

 

“I thought we could win today with our truck, even with all the setbacks from the debris and everything, we had a shot to win and we did just that.”

 

Yeah yeah! 4️⃣ wins on the season for this No. 42 @WWEXRacing team.

Jobs not done yet! The desert awaits us… 🏜️ @CarsonHocevar pic.twitter.com/dFW7C02UDd

— Niece Motorsports (@NieceMotorsport) October 22, 2023

https://twitter.com/nascar_trucks

Pole: Nicholas Sanchez

Click Here for Race Results

 

 Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Friday Nov. 3 10:00 pm ET for the CRAFTSMAN 150 at Phoenix Raceway.

 

 

ARCA West

Kaden Honeycutt Does it Again, Delivers a Dominant West Series Win at Madera Speedway

 

Saturday night’s ARCA Menards Series race at California’s Madera Speedway was a story of déjà vu.

 

Just like he did when he made his West Series debut a few weeks ago at All American Speedway in Roseville, California, Kaden Honeycutt dominated from beginning to end in the 51FIFTY Jr Homecoming ARCA 150 presented by the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame.

 

The 20-year-old from Willow Park, Texas did so after recording the fastest lap in practice and qualifying on the outside pole — exactly what he did at All American.

 

“This feels so good. These guys work their butts off,” Honeycutt said, referring to his crew. This car was phenomenal. I was so worried about the Speedy Dry [after it was applied during a late-race red flag]. There was so much put down in [Turns] 1 and 2 in my lane and where I wanted to run.”

 

“But, executed on the restart, got down to the bottom and kicked their freaking butts. That’s what this team’s about.”

 

WINNER: @KadenWHoneycutt's victory at Madera Speedway! pic.twitter.com/NIhtRsRLW0

— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) October 23, 2023

Pole: Eric Nascimento

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023 1:30 p.m. ET for the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100 at Phoenix Raceway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

Zane Smith Disqualified (NCTS)

Windshield Support Violation

 

After the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoff race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Zane Smith has been disqualified for a windshield violation. The windshield on the 2022 Camping World Truck Series champion’s truck was visibly flexing during the race.

 

Carson Hocevar ended up winning the race and Zane Smith was P2. Smith had to win to advance to Phoenix for the Championship 4. While this DQ moves drivers up one spot, it will not change who made the Championship 4 race.

 

Since Nick Sanchez and Ben Rhodes are tied on points after the DQ, Rhodes still advances over Sanchez.

 

 

NASCAR doesn’t take these DQs lightly. The No. 38 truck is going to go to the R&D Center. I suspect that NASCAR will try and determine why the windshield was flexing. Whether or not it was an intentional violation or just an accidental one.

 

Depending on what NASCAR finds in their inspection at the R&D Center, we may see a penalty or a fine for the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports team.

 

“We are disappointed in the disqualification from today’s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series event. We will continue to work and discuss with NASCAR officials back at the NACAR R&D Center in Concord, N.C. before making any further comment” Front Row Motorsports

 

Carson Hocevar (the race winner) will battle with Corey Heim, Grant Enfinger, and Ben Rhodes (former champion) in Phoenix for the 2023 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship.

 

NEWS: The No. 38 truck has been disqualified following post-race inspection at @HomesteadMiami for violation of the windshield support rule, per the NASCAR Rule Book.

The No. 38 truck will return to the R&D Center.

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) October 21, 2023

 

source: MSN Sports Media

Kyle Larson Works to be 2023 Cup Champion

Wants to become the Third Active Cup Champion with Multiple Titles

 

It’s an exclusive list with just 17 names on it all-time, and currently, only two active drivers (Joey Logano and Kyle Busch) have earned a spot on the prestigious list.

 

This season, Hendrick Motorsports’  Kyle Larson has become the first Playoff competitor to secure his spot in the Championship 4 Round, and ultimately, is looking to add his name to the impressive list of NASCAR Cup Series champions with multiple titles. Larson’s last appearance in the Championship 4 Round in 2021, proved to be a fortuitous one, as the California native earned his first NASCAR Cup Series championship that year. But before he starts counting his titles, he will need to get through this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, but don’t expect him to slow down, as he is the defending winner of this Playoff race (2022).

 

“Obviously it's nice to win and lock in, so you can focus on Phoenix,” said Larson. “At the same point you really can't look too far ahead of yourself. There's still two other races before then. I put a lot of pressure on myself going to Homestead. I want to have a great run there. I want to dominate honestly. I want to win both stages by 15 seconds and win the race by 30 (smiling). That's my goal. … I just put a lot of pressure on myself and our team to not get complacent and treat every race like it means something.”

 

Larson has made nine career starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway putting up one win (2022), and five top fives. His average finish at the 1.5-mile track is 10.7 and he has spent 529 laps out front.

 

“I'm glad I won and locked in, but I like that now I can go to Homestead, Martinsville and just race,” said Larson. “You're not really focused on points. You can be a little more aggressive now, trying to, yeah, just win really is the goal. At the same point, you don't want to piss anybody off before we get to Phoenix, so that's also a goal, is to race everybody fairly and not be a part of the story really the next couple weeks, other than winning would be great.”

 

Larson scores P4 in group B qualifying. He will advance to the second round. pic.twitter.com/4Qx5CZcDoj

— No. 5 Team (@Hendrick5Team) October 21, 2023

Larson will lead the Hendrick Motorsports quartet to the green flag at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday afternoon. The driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will roll off in the fifth position. 

 

 

 

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

John Hunter Nemechek – Double Duty

Nemechek to pull double duty in South Florida

 

John Hunter Nemechek, who is currently leading the Xfinity Series standings, will have a full weekend ahead of him at Homestead-Miami Speedway as he will be pulling double duty.

 

After running in the Contender Boats 300, he will get behind the wheel of the No. 42 Chevrolet for Legacy Motorsports (the car he will drive full time next season) for his first start in the Cup Series of the 2023 season. He’s made a total of 40 starts in the Cup Series (2019, 2020, 2022), posting three top 10s.

 

His last start in the Cup Series was last season at Homestead where he finished 27th.

Homestead-Miami Speedway Stats

• NCS: Starts: 3; 
• Best Start: 4th (2022); 
• Best Finish: 19th (2020)
• NXS: Starts: 2; 
• Best Start: 3rd (2018); 
• Best Finish: 3rd (2018); 
• Top-5s: 1; 
• Top-10s: 2; 
• Laps Led: 52
• NCTS: Starts: 5; 
• Best Start: 2nd (2015); 
• Best Finish: 2nd (2015); 
• Top-5s: 1; 
• Top-10s: 2; 
• Laps Led: 24

 

2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season Stats

• Starts: 30; Wins: 7 
• (Auto Club, Martinsville I, Atlanta I, New Hampshire, Michigan, Kansas II, Texas);
• Poles: 2 
• (Darlington I & Darlington II);
• Top-5s: 16,
• Top-10s: 23;
• Current Points Position: 1st (+47)

Las Vegas blog out now.⏯️https://t.co/JJCFPFJTjo pic.twitter.com/5ZkaMp5Pck

— John Hunter Nemechek (@JHNemechek) October 19, 2023

Homestead Experience: Nemechek has competed in 10 races across NASCAR's three national series at Homestead-Miami Speedway, including three Cup Series starts, two Xfinity Series starts, and five Truck Series starts. Last year, he drove in a one-off Cup race with 23XI Racing, marking his only start to date with the NextGen car. He took to the car quickly, qualifying in fourth and driving in the top-five throughout the day. An early spin relegated Nemechek to a 27th-place finish, but the added track time was certainly a positive note. Prior to that race, he attended an organizational test session at the track, where he made laps for two full days which helped lay the groundwork for a solid weekend.

 

Quoting John Hunter Nemechek: How valuable will this race be to prepare you for next season, when you make your return to Cup full-time?

 

"I think having this opportunity will be huge for us. When I raced in the Cup Series before, it was with the older-style Gen 6 car, so I don't have all that much experience with the NextGen car. There's been so much cooperation to be able to pull this off, whether that be from between the manufacturers and both of the teams, and I'm really thankful that everyone was able to work together to make this possible. We're not going to put much pressure on ourselves this weekend, but I'll look at it more as a great opportunity to learn and prepare. I had a chance to run this race last year, but a lot has changed since then that I'll likely still need to get acclimated. With the small amount of practice that I'll have, I'll definitely lean on Luke (Lambert)'s experience and talk in-depth with Erik (Jones). We still have a championship to fight for on Saturday, so I don't want to take anything away from my No. 20 guys, but I am really looking forward to stepping in the No. 42 car for the first time this weekend."

 

 

 

source: Legacy Motor Club Media

Pitbull, Mike Helton, Rodney Childers to Serve in Honorary Roles for the 4EVER 400 Presented by Mobil 1 at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Join Cedric Gervais, Manu Manzo, and Miky Woodz as dignitaries for the NASCAR Cup Series race

 

As his full-time NASCAR Cup Series comes to a close, Kevin Harvick will be honored by several individuals who have made an impact on his career prior to the start of the 4EVER 400 Presented by Mobil 1, Homestead-Miami Speedway announced.

 

Senior Advisor to NASCAR Mike Helton and Stewart-Haas Racing crew chief Rodney Childers and his family will serve as key dignitaries in getting the race started on Sunday afternoon. GRAMMY® Award-winning superstar and Trackhouse Racing co-owner Armando Christian Perez, Pitbull,  will serve as the honorary pace car official, riding along at the front of the field as the stars of the Cup Series prepare for one of the final races of the season.

 

“As we honor Kevin in his final race here with us at Homestead-Miami Speedway, it was only fitting that some of the people most important to him in his career join the festivities to pay tribute to his legacy,” said Al Garcia, Homestead-Miami Speedway President. “The Childers family and Mike Helton are the perfect representatives to honor Kevin’s surefire Hall of Fame career.”

 

Helton will serve as the Honorary Starter for the NASCAR Cup Series 4EVER 400 Presented by Mobil 1. Helton and Harvick have developed a close bond over his career, and Helton will wave the green flag as Harvick crosses the start/finish line for his final Cup Series race in South Florida.

 

Harvick’s crew chief Rodney Childers and his family – wife Katrina and twin sons Brody and Gavin – have been named the Grand Marshals for the event. They’ll stand alongside Harvick’s car on the grid to honor Harvick one last time at the iconic track by saying the most famous words in motorsports to signal the field to fire their engines.

 

Pitbull, also known as “Mr. 305” and “Mr. Worldwide,” will ride along as the pace car leads the field to green as the Honorary Pace Car Official for Sunday’s race. He recently released his new Spanglish album, TRACKHOUSE. The title is a reference to the Cup Series team Trackhouse Racing, which he joined as a co-owner in 2021.

 

Today, we had the privilege of hanging out at Homestead Speedway to mark the release of @pitbull new album, "Trackhouse."

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Pitbull and his team for including me in this special event.

It was my first time riding in a NASCAR, and it was a… pic.twitter.com/tmHJukLjUx

— Alex Quin ™ (@mralexquin) October 15, 2023

Pitbull is currently performing alongside Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin on The Trilogy Tour, which will canvas North America throughout the fall.

 

All of the South Florida vibes will be felt at the track as Cedric Gervais is set to provide the pre-race entertainment, while Manu Manzo will perform the National Anthem and Puerto Rican rapper Miky Woodz will serve as the honorary event official for the race.

 

“It’s exciting to have a group that truly represents the vibrancy of South Florida serve as our dignitaries for the 4EVER 400 Presented by Mobil 1,” said Garcia. “Cedric Gervais will bring the party atmosphere to pump up the crowd before the race. Manu Manzo will show why she’s one of the best talents in music during her rendition of the National Anthem, and it’s wonderful to have such a popular performer as Miky Woodz join us as the honorary event official during this incredible weekend.

 

“And Pitbull is Mr. 305. We can’t get any more South Florida than having him help lead the field to green!”

 

Grammy-winning DJ and Miami Beach resident Cedric Gervais will get the party started as the pre-race entertainment during the Playoff race weekend. Gervais won a Grammy as a producer for best remix for his version of the popular Lana Del Rey song “Summertime Sadness” in 2013. He also has 5.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify and had acting roles in the films “Mile 22,” “Deepwater Horizon,” “Patriot’s Day,” and “Pain & Gain.”

 

Latin entertainment artist Manu Manzo, who will perform the National Anthem prior to the start of the race, was a nominee for Best New Artist at the 2015 Latin Grammy Awards. Manzo released her new album “Luna En Geminis” in May of this year.

 

Puerto Rican Rapper Miky Woodz will serve as the honorary event official for the 4EVER 400 Presented by Mobil 1. Woodz is most popular for his songs “Estamos Clear,” “Alcoba,” “En Lo Oscuro Sin Perse,” and “Tarde o Temprano.” He’s collaborated with other Latin, Puerto Rican, Dominican and Venezuelan artists and producers such as Bad Bunny, Wisin & Yandel, Natti Natasha, Ozuna, Noriel, Farruko, and more. Woodz also has 5.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify and is one of the biggest Latin music artists in the game today.

 

Homestead-Miami Speedway brings fans the ultimate summer experience in the heart of fall, with an on-site beach party at the Larry’s Hard Lemonade Beach Bash featuring water activities, beach games, and a live DJ, creating an atmosphere fans will enjoy amidst the action-packed racing. Fans can also explore the Midway, which includes all the merchandise haulers, partner activations, and more.

 

 

source: Homestead Miami Speedway Media