Sunday, July 31, 2022

Kurt Busch Sidelined Again at Indianapolis

Kurt Busch Sidelined Again at Indianapolis

Is the Next Gen Car Safe?

Kurt Busch Sidelined Again at Indianapolis #NASCAR

 

After last weekend’s crash at Pocono Raceway, Kurt Busch will miss his second consecutive race this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.

 

 Kurt Busch spins on a turn in the final qualifying run for the pole at
Pocono Raceway, slamming into the wall and causing major rear damage.

 

 

Busch’s crash in Saturday’s qualifying session at Pocono left him with concussion-like symptoms that prevented him from being medically cleared to compete. After being evaluated before Sunday’s Verizon 200 at the Brickyard (2:30 p.m. ET, NBC, NBC Sports App, IMS Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), Busch was not cleared to participate in this weekend’s events.

 

Some drivers told NBC Sports last month that they felt harder impacts this year with the Next Gen car than with the previous car. More drivers spoke up about the matter Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

Kevin Harvick questions how much NASCAR is prioritizing safety in light of driver complaints about feeling harder impacts this year and Kurt Busch missing his second consecutive race due to concussion-like symptoms.

 

“The concerns that the drivers have just haven’t seemed to resonate into a really, really quick response into trying to make that better,” Harvick said. “That’s concerning. I know that everybody will tell you that they’re working on it.

 

“I don’t think they understand the extent of it and actually the extent of how bad it is when you hit stuff. … I don’t think anybody really understands, except for the drivers that have crashed into something, the violence that comes in the car. It doesn’t seem to be a high enough priority to me.”

 

John Patalak, managing director of safety engineering for NASCAR, told NBC Sports earlier this month that crash data this year looks similar to past years. Drivers acknowledge that but say they are feeling the impacts more.

 

Daniel Suarez remains confident that NASCAR will find solutions for the drivers.

 

“It is a bit concerning that the impact that our friend Kurt Busch had in Pocono had this kind of results,” Suarez said. “The impact didn’t look that hard, but NASCAR has a very big group of smart people working on that, and I’m sure they’re going to find answers to the questions we have.”

 

Click Here to Read the Complete Article

 









 

Saturday, July 30, 2022

Xfinity / INDYCAR Doubleheader Race Day

Xfinity / INDYCAR Doubleheader Race Day

One-Of-A-Kind Marquee Weekend!

It’s a beautiful morning at @IMS
It’s a beautiful morning at @IMS

 

Two times the action. Two times the excitement. All in one day. Today, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the NASCAR Xfinity Series share the thrilling 14-turn, 2.439-mile IMS road course Saturday, July 30, offering race fans more single-day action than ever before at the Racing Capital of the World!

 

Gallagher Grand Prix - The stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will return to the Racing Capital of the World, starting at 12:30 pm for another action-packed race on the 14-turn, 2.439-mile IMS road course. Don’t miss the Gallagher Grand Prix on this (NBC, SiriusXM, INDYCAR Radio Network) 

 

 

Click Here for the Entry List

 





Pennzoil 150 at the Brickyard -  The top young stars of the future in NASCAR will take on some of the biggest names in the sport in the Pennzoil 150 at the Brickyard race at 3:30 pm at IMS. See who will "Kiss the Bricks" in one of the biggest races of the Xfinity Series! (NBC, Peacock, IMS Radio Network,SiriusXM) 

 

 

Click Here for the Entry List

 





Saturday July 30, 2022 Schedule

  • 7:30am Gates Open
  • 8:15am - 8:45am Gallagher Grand Prix (INDYCAR) Warmup
  • 9:35am - 10:35am Verizon 200 at the Brickyard (Cup Series) Practice 1
  • 10:35am - 11:30am Verizon 200 at the Brickyard Qualifying
  • 12:30pm Gallagher Grand Prix
  • 3:30pm Pennzoil 150 at the Brickyard
  • 6:00pm Gates Close

 

 


Friday, July 29, 2022

Byron Thanks First Responders, Others after Transporter Fire

Byron Thanks First Responders, Others after Transporter Fire

The No. 24 Acronis Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 That William Byron Will Drive This Weekend at The Road Course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The No. 24 Acronis Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 That William Byron Will
Drive This Weekend at The Road Course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

 

William Byron took to social media to thank first responders, his team and those in the NASCAR community for their quick help following a generator fire that damaged the No. 24 transporter outside Indianapolis Motor Speedway

 

 

No one was injured in the incident, which occurred Thursday while the transporter was stationed near the track prior to entering for the race weekend. The specific cause of the fire has not been determined.

 

The No. 24 Acronis Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and team equipment for Sunday's road course race were not damaged. Hendrick Motorsports sent a backup transporter to Indianapolis from its Concord, North Carolina, campus on Friday morning.

 

Entering this weekend’s race, Byron is one of five drivers with multiple wins - two - on the season. Sunday’s event at the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be the first of two this season with Acronis as the primary partner on the No. 24. 

 


Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Reese’s Celebrity Pro-Am Go-Kart Challenge

Reese’s Celebrity Pro-Am Go-Kart Challenge

Speedway Indoor Karting on July 28

Reese’s Celebrity Pro-Am Go-Kart Challenge

 

The upcoming ARCA Menards Series Reese’s 200 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park will mark the start of a busy weekend of racing at the 0.686-mile oval. The weekend also features the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in a same-day double-header with the ARCA Menards Series on Friday, July 29 as well as twin 100-lap events for the ARCA/CRA Super Series and the Van Hoy CRA Street Stocks on Saturday, July 30.

 

The racing weekend’s activities, all part of the annual NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series weekend at nearby Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will unofficially kick off with the Reese’s Celebrity Pro-Am Go-Kart Challenge at Speedway Indoor Karting. The event will feature several professional racecar drivers from the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the USAC open-wheel divisions, and numerous local radio and television personalities going up against race fans.

 

The event, scheduled from 8 pm ET through 10 pm on Thursday, July 28, will feature ten “qualifying races” with at least one professional driver and/or celebrity going up against race fans. Each qualifying race winner will receive a prize pack from Reese’s.

 

The night will be capped by a special “feature event”. The lineup for that race will include the three professional drivers, local celebrities, and fans who set the fastest lap time in their qualifying race. Speedway Indoor Karting will reserve the tenth and final starting position as a “promoter’s option.”

 

The highest finishing pro driver, media member, and race fan will each be awarded another prize pack and trophy furnished by the ARCA Menards Series and Speedway Indoor Karting.

 

“We are absolutely thrilled to be kicking off our race weekend with the Reese’s Celebrity Pro-Am Go-Kart Challenge,” said Kasey Coler, general manager at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. “We have had a lot of interest from fans in the Indianapolis area and all around the country in this weekend, which features the return of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series for the first time since 2010. What a great way to start the weekend, gathering racers and race fans together doing something we all love to do.”

 

“We’re equally excited to host the Reese’s Celebrity Pro-Am Go-Kart Challenge at Speedway Indoor Karting,” said SIK president Andy O’Gara. “We’re racers at heart and we can’t wait to see the drivers and the media go at it on the track. And for the fans, this is your chance to come on out and hang with the drivers and get out there and race with them. Who knows, maybe you will end up beating one of the drivers who wins a race at IRP on Friday night!”

 

ARCA Menards Series drivers Greg Van Alst, from nearby Anderson, and Toni Breidinger have already confirmed participation along with USAC Silver Crown driver Taylor Ferns. Several more are expected to confirm in the coming days. A complete lineup of drivers and local celebrities expected to participate will be released as confirmations are received by following Speedway Indoor Karting’s Instagram page, @SIKarting.

 

Fans can participate in the Reese’s Celebrity Pro-Am Go-Kart Challenge for just $32 per race. Proceeds from the night’s activities will benefit Paws and Think.

 

Speedway Indoor Karting is located at 1067 N. Main Street in Speedway, Indiana.

 

A limited number of tickets are still available to the Reese’s 200 and TSport 200 presented by Crescent Tools doubleheader for the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Log on to RaceIRP.com or call (317) 969-8600 for more information.

 

source: Race IRP

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Chase Elliott Has a Winning Weekend

Chase Elliott Has a Winning Weekend

Wins in the SRX Series on Saturday and in NASCAR Cup on Sunday

Chase Elliott on Top of the #SRX Podium
Chase Elliott on Top of the SRX Podium

 

Last weekend was a good weekend to be Chase Elliott.

 

Chase Elliott wins SRX season finale at Sharon Speedway

Chase Elliott won his second Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) race in as many starts and snapped Tony Stewart’s perfect record on dirt tracks Saturday night at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio. The victory was also the second season finale won by Elliott after finishing just ahead of Stewart at Nashville Fairgrounds last July.

 

“[It was special] to sit there and race on dirt with one of my heroes, Tony Stewart, and throw a couple of sliders with him,” Elliott told CBS Sports’ Matt Yocum. “Obviously this is a little different than the open wheel stuff – knowing how good he is at this stuff and being able to dice it up with him. I actually thought he was better than me on the run before and I was able to watch him on the top and finally get a couple of things going there.”

 





Chase Elliott nabs Pocono victory following DQ of Nos. 11, 18 cars

Chase Elliott was declared the winner at Pocono Raceway on Sunday after the cars of Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch — who initially crossed the start/finish line first and second, respectively — were disqualified following post-race inspection.

 

Transcript: Chase Elliott – Pit Lane Interview – 07.24.22

 

Q. A little bit of a slow stop early, got mired back in traffic, slowly worked your way up. How much of a battle was that?

 

CHASE ELLIOTT: Definitely a bit of a battle for our NAPA team today. I'm pretty happy with third really after that. I didn't think we were all that good really through the mid portion of the race, and I was struggling in traffic some to get back up through there.

 

Yeah, had some restarts and stuff go our way there towards the end, and able to get some spots back, which is nice.

 

Yeah, nice to grab a top 5, but certainly could be a little better.

 

Q. You've said you want to focus on some of the tracks where you feel like you aren't your best. This is your best finish here at Pocono. What did you learn?

 

CHASE ELLIOTT: I don't know that I learned much of anything today. Just got fortunate there with the way the restarts and stuff went. Yeah, I think we have room for improvement, and we'll go on to next week and try to build a be a little better.

 

Later it was announced that Elliott was declared the race winner . . . . hard to build better on that.

 





 

Friday, July 22, 2022

Sellout Crowd Set to Watch Camping World SRX Series Finale

Sellout Crowd Set to Watch Camping World SRX Series Finale

Saturday At Sharon; Event To Broadcast Live On CBS

 

Sellout Crowd Set to Watch Camping World SRX Series Finale

 

 

One of the most anticipated events in the long and storied history of Sharon Speedway, which dates back to 1929, is set to take place this Saturday night (July 23) at the Hartford, Ohio facility. The second year Camping World SRX Series will compete on the 3/8-mile red clay oval for their season finale. The event is a sellout with no tickets available on Saturday; however, the event will be live on CBS at 8 p.m.

 





A star-studded lineup of 13 high profile racers will take part including the much-anticipated battle between track co-owner Dave Blaney and his son Ryan, who have rarely raced against each other. Dave owns 37 career wins at his home track led by 34 in the "410" Sprint Car division including a popular 2021 World of Outlaws victory. Ryan made one Limited Sprint Car start at Sharon many years ago.

 

Sharon Speedway will always hold a special place in Tony Stewart's heart as it was the site of his first career winged "410" Sprint Car victory, which came in the inaugural "Lou Blaney Memorial" in 2009. Stewart is the defending SRX Champion and is fresh off a win at I-55 Speedway last weekend to remain perfect on dirt.

 

Other SRX stars that will be competing include 2020 NASCAR Cup Champion Chase Elliott, 2003 NASCAR Cup Champion Matt Kenseth, 2000 NASCAR Cup Champion Bobby Labonte, former Daytona 500 winners Ryan Newman and Michael Waltrip, former NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series Champion Greg Biffle, 2003 KART Champion Paul Tracy, Mario Andretti's grandson Marco Andretti who leads the Series points, along with Ryan Hunter-Reay and Tony Kanaan.

 





Fans can not only experience viewing from the frontstretch and backstretch grandstands, but also from the infield fan zone, which includes concessions and restrooms. Sharon is the only track in the area to have viewing from the unique infield perspective. There will be times throughout the night when fans can cross on the frontstretch back and forth. If you plan on utilizing the infield fan zone, we recommend you bring lawn chairs or lawn chairs are available for purchase.

 

The entire covered grandstand is for reserved ticket holders only. The following are available for general admission on the frontstretch; Section D Rows I-P Seats 1-54 (turn 1); Section F Rows I-P Seats (turn 4). The entire backstretch grandstands (located on the East side of the track) is available for general admission.

 

There will be handicap accessible viewing areas both on the frontstretch and backstretch. Handicap parking is available on the West side of the track (frontstretch). A limited amount of handicap parking will be available at the East side entrance, but recommend to arrive early.

 

Parking lots will open at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. All admission gates will open at 2 p.m. The Whatchamacallitz Band will be playing in the pavilion from 2-4 p.m. and then from 6-7 p.m. SRX practice will take place from 4-6 p.m. Racing is scheduled for 8 p.m. As a reminder, coolers nor outside food or beverages are not permitted. Pit passes are not available for this event.

 

Camping is also sold out. Camping opened at 5 p.m. Thursday and campers are asked to arrive prior to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, if possible, before the parking lots open. You must be checked in before setting up. Those that arrive late Thursday or Friday night, can spend the night, but are asked not to setup until being checked in during the morning.

 

Fans may utilize all of the grounds except the HOT PIT AREA, which will be fenced and monitored; however, fans may get up to the fence to hopefully see their favorite driver(s) with the ability to take pictures and possibly some interaction. There is NO organized autograph session.

 

Coming up next Saturday (July 30) will be a "Super Series" event featuring the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply "410" Sprint Cars for $3,000 to-win along with the Gibson Insurance Agency Pro Stocks, HTMA/Precise Racing Products RUSH Sportsman Modifieds, and Whelen Econo Mods. Race time is 7 p.m. 

 

Sellout Crowd Set to Watch Camping World SRX Series Finale

 

 

Sharon Speedway is owned by the Blaney, Weller, and Kirila Families and is a 3/8-mile dirt track located at 3241 Custer-Orangeville Road in Hartford, Ohio near the intersection of Routes 7 & 305. For more information, check out the website at www.sharonspeedway.com or call 330-772-5481. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sharonspeedway and follow us on Twitter @sharonspdwy.

 

 

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Kyle Larson Wins ESPYS Best Driver Award

Kyle Larson Wins ESPYS Best Driver Award

Beats Max Verstappen (Formula One), Steve Torrence (NHRA) and Alex Palou (IndyCar)

Kyle Larson Wins ESPYS Best Driver Award

 

The 2022 ESPYS presented by Capital One celebrated the best athletes, teams and moments in the world of sports Wednesday night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, with reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson among the big winners.

 

The driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet driver took home the honor of “Best Driver,” beating out fellow motorsports stars Max Verstappen (Formula One), Steve Torrence (NHRA) and Alex Palou (IndyCar).

 





 

source: NASCAR Media

Limited Tickets Remain For M&M’s Fan Appreciation 400

Limited Tickets Remain For M&M’s Fan Appreciation 400

NASCAR Cup Series Race On Sunday, July 24

Limited Tickets Remain For M&M’s Fan Appreciation 400

 

  • Limited main grandstand seats start as low as $45, general admission camping available
  • All premium seat options and reserved camping sold out
  • Multiple seating options still available for Friday & Saturday of NASCAR weekend

 

A limited number of grandstand seats, beginning as low as $45, are the only options remaining for the marquee M&M’S® Fan Appreciation 400 NASCAR Cup Series race next Sunday, July 24, at Pocono Raceway.

 

The demand has been high with the M&M’S Fan Appreciation 400 being the only NASCAR Cup Series race for the season at Pocono Raceway. The remaining grandstand seats for the Cup Series race are at three price points ($45, $80 and $95) and scattered throughout the various sections of the main grandstand. Pocono Raceway has sold out its entire inventory of suites, Terrace Club, pit side grandstands, Victory Tower, shaded grandstand and reserved RV camping.

 

The only RV camping option currently available is general admission for $250, which includes two guest passes and free admission for up to 4 children 12 and under. The GA camping is located inside of Turn 1 and Turn 3.

 

Multiple seating options, including premium, are available for Friday, July 22, and Saturday, July 23, of the three-day race weekend that features the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Camping World Truck Series  and ARCA Menards Series

 

Friday’s action includes practice and qualifying for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series along with the General Tire Delivers 200 ARCA Menards Series race at 6:30 p.m. Saturday’s packed schedule includes NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying, Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 Xfinity Series race (5 p.m.) and CRC Brakleen 150 Camping World Truck Series race (Noon). The M&M’S® Fan Appreciation 400 takes the green flag at 3 p.m. on Sunday. 

Click here for a full on-track schedule of events with start times.

 

To purchase tickets or learn more, please visit poconoraceway.com or call 800-722-3929. For camping, please click here.

 





 

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Pocono NASCAR Weekend Schedule

Pocono #NASCAR Weekend Schedule

#NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks plus #ARCA

Pocono #NASCAR Weekend Schedule

 

Friday, July 22

  • 12:00 p.m. Parking Lots Open
  • 2:00 p.m. Gates Open
  • 2:45 p.m. Practice – ARCA Menards Series
  • 3:30 p.m. Qualifying- ARCA Menards Series
  • 4:30 p.m. Practice – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
  • 5:00 p.m. Qualifying – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
  • 6:30 p.m. General Tire Delivers 200– ARCA Menards Series Race (80 Laps/200 Miles)

 

Saturday, July 23

  • 7:00 a.m. Parking Lots Open
  • 8:00 a.m. Gates Open
  • 9:35 a.m. Practice – NASCAR Xfinity Series
  • 10:05 a.m. Qualifying – NASCAR Xfinity Series
  • 12:00 p.m. CRC Brakleen 150- NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race (60 Laps/ 150 Miles)
  • 2:35 p.m. Practice – NASCAR Cup Series
  • 3:20 p.m. Qualifying – NASCAR Cup Series
  • 5:30 p.m. Explore The Pocono Mountains 225- NASCAR Xfinity Series Race (90 Laps/ 225 Miles)

 

Sunday, July 24

  • 7:00 a.m. Parking Lots Open
  • 8:00 a.m. Gates Open
  • 3:00 p.m. M&M’S Fan Appreciation 400– NASCAR Cup Series Race (160 Laps/ 400 Miles)

 

#NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks plus #ARCA

 source: Pocono Raceway

Monday, July 18, 2022

NASCAR / SRX Race Weekend Recap (NHMS & I-55)

NASCAR / SRX Race Weekend Recap (NHMS & I-55)

Winners: Christopher Bell (Cup); Justin Allgaier (Xfinity); plus Tony Stewart (SRX)

 

NASCAR Cup

Christopher Bell Lands First Win of Season

Christopher Bell lands first win of season

 

Christopher Bell has quietly established himself as a New England force over the past three years coming up the NASCAR ranks and on Sunday afternoon, he convincingly earned his biggest triumph to date there, a victory in the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter 301 and a ticket to the 2022 Playoffs.

 

Bell led the last 42 laps of the 301-lapper at the 1.058-mile New Hampshire Motor Speedway, claiming the trophy — and the traditional lobster hoist in Victory Lane — with a massive 5.767-second victory over last week‘s race winner Chase Elliott.

 

It‘s only the second NASCAR Cup Series win for the third-year driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota but oh, so significant as it launches the 27-year-old Oklahoman into a provisional postseason berth. The 14th different winner of the season came into the race ranked last among the top 16 drivers that would advance to the Playoffs. Now he has bolstered his hopes of a title run.

 

“Man, that one was much-needed right there,” said Bell, who won three consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series races at the track from 2019-2021 and was runner-up in last year‘s NASCAR Cup Series race there.

 





Pole: Martin Truex Jr

Click Here for Race Results

 

Next Race: The Cup Series will return on Sunday, July 24 for the M&M's Fan Appreciation 400 at Pocono Raceway. 

 

 

NASCAR Xfinity

Justin Allgaier Zooms to Xfinity Series

Justin Allgaier Zooms to Xfinity Series

 

Justin Allgaier prevailed in an action-packed Crayon 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Saturday, earning his third victory of the season and a very special birthday present for his wife, Ashley. A race trophy.

 

The driver of the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevrolet delivered Chevy’s first win at the 1.058-mile track in 15 years. It’s Allgaier’s third win of the season — coming a comfortable 3.869 seconds ahead of Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota driver Trevor Bayne, who was trying to earn the JGR team its seventh consecutive New Hampshire win.

 

“We finished second here last year to one (Toyota) and I told these guys I really wanted to win here,’’ said Allgaier, who now has three wins in the last eight races. “This place has been so much fun over the years.’’

 

“First of all, it’s my wife’s birthday, so if I can’t be with my wife on her birthday, the best thing to do is take home a trophy to her. Just proud of the team.”

 





Pole: Josh Berry

Click Here for Race Results
 
 

Next Race: The Xfinity Series will return on Saturday, July 23 for the Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 at Pocono Raceway. 

 

 

NASCAR Trucks

Trucks Were Off Last Weekend





 

Next Race: The Truck Series will return on Saturday, July 23 for the CRC Brakleen 150 at Pocono Raceway. 

 

 

ARCA

The ARCA Series Did Not Race Last Weekend





 

Next Race: The ARCA Series will return on Friday, July 22 for the General Tire Delivers 200 at Pocono Raceway.

 

 

Superstar Racing Experience

Tony Stewart Wins in the Dirt

 

Although it's hard to believe that any dirt track in America is brave enough to keep Tony Stewart out of its winner's circle, a win in a feature race at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 had eluded Smoke entering Saturday night. But even as the biggest wreckfest of the 2022 SRX season ensued, Smoke was able to preserve his spotless record in SRX on dirt and finally check an item off his bucket list.

 

"This place is pretty awesome. Kenny Schrader and these fans are diehard race fans, and you aren't gonna find fans that are any more diehard in this country for late models and modifieds and sprint cars than here at Pevely," Stewart told CBS Sports. "… It's hard. It's been a 90 degree day, it's sunny, windy, everything that kills dirt tracks, and their staff did an awesome job giving us an awesome racetrack there.

 

"I love it when it gets up close to the wall like that. That's when I'm having the most fun."

 





Pole:Tony Stewart

Race Results:

  1. #14 - Tony Stewart
  2. #98 - Marco Andretti
  3. #52 - Ken Schrader
  4. #39 - Ryan Newman
  5. #69 - Greg Biffle
  6. #99 - Ernie Francis Jr. 
  7. #15 - Michael Waltrip
  8. #3 - Paul Tracy
  9. #38 - Hailie Deegan
  10. #6 - Tony Kanaan
  11. #18 - Bobby Labonte
  12. #5 - Matt Kenseth
  13. #1 - Ryan Hunter-Reay

 

 

Next Race: The SRX Series’ Season Finale will happen on Saturday, July 23 for the at Sharon Speedway.

 

source: NASCAR Media

Sunday, July 17, 2022

An Up and Down Xfinity Debut for Julia Landauer

An Up and Down Xfinity Debut for Julia Landauer

“I’m so giddy!”

 

This writer and NASCAR fan was very pleased with the joy that Julia Landauer displayed after qualifying for her Xfinity Debut on time.

 





Julia Landauer
Julia Landauer
Julia, a thirty-year-old New York City native was a fresh prospect in the NASCAR Next class of 2016 – a group that included current Cup Series rookies Harrison Burton and Todd Gilliland, who each made a fairly standard climb to their present-day roles. Landauer’s path was more of a zigzag.

 

Ms. Landauer’s route was not so direct. However, she found a way to get sponsorship and return to the sport. Yesterday was finally her opportunity to compete at a higher level. Julia qualified her #45 Chevrolet in the 32 position for the ‘Crayon 200’ at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

 

“First NASCAR Xfinity race is in the books. We had some highs, like qualifying in on time and passing cars in the beginning of the race! We had some lows, like getting crashed by a leader, doing my best with a broken car, and then making a mistake.”

 

“I learned a lot and am so grateful to my @TeamAlphaPrime guys for working hard to get me back on track all day. I jumped in the deep end and they helped me get up to speed”

 

“Major shouts to @BossBeautiesNFT, @GarageXYZ, and Penta ESP for sponsoring me in my debut, couldn’t have done all this without you.”

 

“Thank you to all of you amazing people who have sent me the most encouraging, warm, and supportive notes I’m so lucky to have you on this journey with me!”

 

“Lastly, thank you to @J_Allgaier for apologizing (I guess we “made it” to victory lane ) and I also apologize to @mattmillsracing for my mistake.”

 

Julia recorded a thirty-six (36) place finish. With her two on-track incidences, her sponsors received plenty of television play time. Hopefully we will get to see her back on track soon.

 









 

source: NASCAR Media

Saturday, July 16, 2022

Rest In Peace - Bobby East

Rest In Peace - Bobby East UPDATE: Suspected Murderer, Trent Millsap was killed in a confrontation with the police.

NASCAR Driver Stabbed To Death In California By Transient

Rest In Peace - Bobby East

 

A confrontation with a drifter at a Westminster, Calif. gas station Wednesday resulted in a stabbing that claimed the life of  NASCAR driver Bobby East.

 

Westminster is normally very safe community bordered by the city of Seal Beach on the west, Garden Grove on the north and east, and by Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley on the south.

 

Police have arrested Trent William Millsap, 27, and charged him with the crime. Millsap allegedly stabbed East in the chest while he was fueling his vehicle. He was taken to a nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead.

 

“Officers attempted life saving measures until OCFA paramedics arrived and transported the victim to a local trauma center, where the victim succumbed to his injury,” said a police statement.

 

Millsap was also accused of stabbing another man at the 76 gas station before the East attack.

 

East, a native of Torrance, California, was a three-time US Auto Club (USAC) champion. He won the SAC Silver Crown championships in 2012 and 2013. 

 

Rest In Peace - Bobby East

 

 

Bobby competed in the Camping World Truck Series in 2005, 2006 and 2008. In 31 truck starts, he earned one pole and two top-ten finishes.      In 2005 and 2007 Bobby raced in eleven NASCAR Xfinity events.

 

He is the son of USAC Hall of Fame car builder Bob East.

 

Source: Deadline

First Time’s the Charm

First Time’s the Charm

#NASCAR's NextGen Car Leveled Playing Field

#NASCAR's NextGen Car Leveled Playing Field

 

Given how the NextGen car has seemingly leveled the playing field and produced a bevy of first-time winners already this season:

  • Austin Cindric
  • Chase Briscoe
  • Ross Chastain,
  • Daniel Suarez
  • Tyler Reddick;

 - it seems that almost anything is possible when the green flag falls.-

 

Notable drivers who earned their first NCS victory at the 1.058-mile Loudon track include:

  • Joe Nemechek
  • Robby Gordon
  • Ryan Newman
  • Clint Bowyer
  • Joey Logano. 

 

Could a veteran driver like Corey LaJoie or Ty Dillon finally find his way to victory lane? Or will a future star of the sport like Harrison Burton or Todd Gilliland earn a career-defining first NCS win? Time will tell, but with a history of producing first-time winners, fans certainly shouldn’t count any of them out.



Kurt Busch Eyes Strong Finish at Sunday’s Ambetter 301

Kurt Busch Eyes Strong Finish at Sunday’s Ambetter 301

Kurt Busch Eyes Strong Finish at Sunday’s Ambetter 301

 

With seven races remaining in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) season, Kurt Busch is comfortably in the Playoffs by virtue of a win at Kansas and a consistent season overall for his 23XI Racing team. Now, the three-time winner at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) turns his attention to building momentum ahead of the post season, beginning with Sunday’s Ambetter 301.

 

This weekend marks Busch’s 39th start at “The Magic Mile,” where he has earned 15 top- 10s, eight top-fives and three wins on his career.

 



 

Despite his success at the 1.058-mile track, Busch said there are a lot of different challenges for drivers to overcome in order to make their way to victory lane.

 

“It’s mainly the corner entry and the braking zones at New Hampshire,” he said. “And then, turn three seems to get rougher and rougher each year, just with settling or track aging. It makes it a challenge to carve through there. If you get that right, that usually leads to a good day.”

 

Sunday’s Ambetter 301 marks the debut of NASCAR’s radically-redesigned NCS car at NHMS. Busch recognizes that, despite his past success at NASCAR’s only New England track, teams will be starting from scratch with their notes, which should provide plenty of action on the track as they race to adjust to the challenge of the NextGen car.

 

“As a race unfolds, there are so many challenges with this new car you’ve got to be ready to roll and be quick on your feet,” he said. “The NextGen car, it doesn’t like to be sideways. As soon as you step her out, she’s gone. The old car, you were rewarded with how far you could get her sideways because of the side force and the aero side. It’s a different feel, and it’s been a big challenge this year.”

 

“You’ve just got to stay consistent. You just have to run with the mindset of, ‘we’ve got to be a fifth-place car to put ourselves in position to win, but yet we can’t push too hard to be fifth.’ This car just has that razorblade edge.”

 

If Busch’s 23XI Racing team finds a way to ride that razor’s edge to victory lane on Sunday, he’ll join Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton as the winningest NCS drivers in NHMS history. Perhaps more importantly in his eyes, Busch said a strong run at the Ambetter 301 would provide his team with crucial information ahead of the season finale at Phoenix, a similar style track that will ultimately decide this season’s NCS championship.

 

“Back in the day with the September race (at NHMS), it was the door to a championship run,” he said. “Now you can use it as a sister racetrack to Phoenix. Phoenix is the championship race, and New Hampshire is the same style track – it’s a flat, one-mile track. It’s an important, sneaky race because of how you can use it as prep for a championship run.”

 

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Opportunity to Have Lunch with Jeff Gordon

Opportunity to Have Lunch with Jeff Gordon

Ignition Luncheon |Tuesday, August 30 | 11:30AM

 

The countdown to NASCAR Championship Weekend is on! Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to ignite the NASCAR Playoffs, featuring 4x NASCAR Cup Series Champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon

 

All proceeds from the event will fund the Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, where children battling cancer receive cutting edge care with a compassionate touch. 



NASCAR CHAMPIONSHIP IGNITION LUNCHEON 

  • DATE // Tuesday, August 30, 2022 
  • TIME // 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 
  • LOCATION // Arizona Biltmore

 

CHECKERED FLAG TABLE // $5000
INCLUDES: 

  • Table for 10, premium location 
  • Signed gift for each attendee 
  • VIP Meet & Greet for 4, with NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon 
  • Brand recognition on materials 

 

GREEN FLAG TABLE // $2500
INCLUDES: 

  • Table for 10 
  • Commemorative gift 

 

GREEN FLAG TABLE // $2500
INCLUDES: 

  • Table for 10 
  • Commemorative gift

SECURE YOUR SPOT! 

To secure your spot, email rsvp@phoenixraceway.com or call us at 623.463.5674. 

 



 

Ty Dillon Seeking First Career Cup Win at NHMS

Ty Dillon Seeking First Career Cup Win at NHMS

Ty Dillon Seeking First Career Cup Win at NHMS

 

NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) driver Ty Dillon may still be trying to earn his first trip to victory lane, but the 30-year-old grandson of NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress is hopeful his new Petty GMS team will soon be a race-winning, championship-contending team. 

 

Dillon, the younger brother of current NCS driver Austin Dillon, is looking forward to visiting New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS), where he holds an average finish of 19.8, for the July 17 Ambetter 301. Dillon recently spoke to NHMS in advance of New England’s only NCS race. 

 

This is your first season with Petty GMS. Talk about the team and how the season’s going so far.

 

“It’s been a decent start to our year. It’s been really exciting to be racing for Petty GMS. The first half of the year was up and down. We had some highlights, and we had some frustrating moments, but really over the last three weeks, we’ve kind of turned a corner and had some good speed in our race cars and just have had some really bad luck. We had a mechanical issue that took us out of probably having a top-15 day in St. Louis, the tire shed didn’t really fall the way we needed it to in Sonoma, but we had good speed there, and then this weekend, we were really strong and were taken out not to our own doing. Our goal is to continue growing throughout the year and making strides. I think we’re starting to do that, certainly on the speed side of things. We just gotta get the results to fall into place, and we’re going to be right where we want to be and keep growing this program to where it’s a race-winning, championship-contending team.”

 

You come from a strong racing family with your grandfather Richard Childress, your dad Mike Dillon and your brother Austin Dillon. What advice have they given you over the years in how to navigate through your career?

 

“They’ve always been helpful, for sure, and I think my grandfather obviously has probably the most experience in understanding how a NASCAR driver’s career works out, but mostly you learn from watching how everyone else goes about their career on and off the track and what’s successful. I think I’ve done a good job of keeping my eyes and ears open to try to do the best I can and make the most of my career. I’ve had help along the way from good counsel.”

 

You’ve had five starts in the Cup Series at New Hampshire. You have an average finish of 19.8. How do you think the new NextGen car is going to perform here, and what can race fans expect to see from you on July 17?

 

“I think the car is going to perform really well at New Hampshire. I think it fits that style of racetrack very well. To me, I love racing at that speedway. It’s one of my favorite tracks we go to. I don’t know what it is about it, it really fits me, and I’ve had some really strong runs there in the past, so I’m excited to get there in our No. 42 Camaro and see what we can do. I think the fans are in for a really good show.”

 

Speaking of the fans. New England race fans are high-energy, they’re passionate. What does that do to help fuel you as a driver?

 

“Every time the stands are packed and the fans are bringing the energy, it just makes us have that much more juice when the race starts. We feel it, and it’s infectious, and I think it just adds to the race. I think you get better races when you have a bigger crowd. All of us drivers want to do more for a bigger show.”

 

What are some of your favorite stops when you come to New England?

 

“My wife and I like exploring and going out to the lakes and trying to find some new restaurants. We’re always looking for new places. It’s one of our favorite places to go and travel to as a family just because it’s so beautiful up in New Hampshire, and yeah, we’re excited to be there.”

 

#42 Ty Dillon Seeking First Career Cup Win at NHMS

 

 


 

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Playoff Parity

New Hampshire Motor Speedway - Playoff Parity

NASCAR Cup at the “The Magic Mile”

Aric Almirola’s 2021 win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway secured him a Playoff Spot.
Aric Almirola’s 2021 win at New Hampshire
Motor Speedway secured him a Playoff Spot.

 

Fans headed to New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) for the Ambetter 301 NASCAR (NCS) weekend are in for a wicked good time at “The Magic Mile” as drivers take to the track for three full days of action-packed racing this Friday through Sunday, July 15-17. 

#NASCAR -  New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS)

 

From the return of Friday Night Dirt Duels Presented by New England Racing Fuel at The Flat Track to NASCAR’s NextGen car making its long-awaited New England debut on Sunday, there will be no shortage of thrilling, white-knuckled excitement for fans to enjoy.

 

Playoff Parity

Only seven active NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) drivers have won at NHMS:

  1. Aric Almirola
  2. Kurt Busch
  3. Kyle Busch
  4. Denny Hamlin
  5. Kevin Harvick
  6. Brad Keselowski
  7. Joey Logano

 

#NASCAR Ambetter 300

 

Through the first 19 NCS events this season, 13 different drivers have won points races. While Harvick, Keselowski and Almirola have each had recent success at “The Magic Mile,” having won in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively, all three are still winless in 2022, and given the parity in the current NASCAR Playoff picture, a win might be their best chance to race for a championship.

 

With seven regular season events remaining to set the 16-car Playoff field, drivers on and around the cutline are looking to secure their spot with a strong showing at NHMS this weekend.

 

Among the drivers on the bubble, Harvick might be the odds-on favorite to take the checkered flag. His four wins at Loudon tie him with Jeff Burton for the most all-time. While the 58-time NCS winner hasn’t been to victory lane since September 2020, history shows he’s always a strong contender at NHMS. A win at the Ambetter 301 would not only rewrite the NHMS record books, but would also help bolster a potential Playoff run for the 2014 champion.