Carnival Added to NASCAR Festival Weekend

Chicagoland Speedway announced today that a Carnival will be added to the growing line-up of fan enhancements during the NASCAR Festival Weekend June 27-30.  The carnival, a first at Chicagoland Speedway, will be set up in Champions Park, the ultimate pre-race fan experience in a park-like atmosphere with live entertainment and interactive displays, will be open Friday through Sunday. There will be family-friendly rides, multiple youth attractions and games including bumper cars, a Tilt-A-Whirl, Ferris wheel and more.

“This is the first of many exciting announcements which will significantly enhance the guest experience for our NASCAR Festival Weekend,” said Chicagoland Speedway President, Scott Paddock. “As we celebrate summer with our fans, we are excited to debut the carnival as part of the weekend’s festivities. We will showcase some of the staple components that come to mind as part of a quintessential summer festival.”

“Fantasy Amusements is excited to bring the very first carnival to Chicagoland Speedway’s NASCAR event. With the weekend’s family-friendly atmosphere, a carnival is a perfect addition,” said Bill Johnson, president, Fantasy Amusements. Starting today, unlimited, single-day $20 wristbands will be available for pre-sale through June 21.

Select sections at Chicagoland Speedway offer free kids tickets for the races held Thursday through Saturday. Log on to ChicagolandSpeedway.com for more information.

The complete 2019 NASCAR schedule at Chicagoland Speedway is as follows:

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Weekend

• Thursday, June 27 ARCA Racing Series
• Friday, June 28 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series
• Saturday, June 29 NASCAR Xfinity Series
• Sunday, June 30 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

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Bowman Leads Hendrick Teammates with Top-Ten Finish At Chicagoland

Sunday afternoon at Chicagoland Speedway, Alex Bowman led his teammates, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Jimmie Johnson to the checkered flag with a top-10 finish.

Bowman crossed the finish line 10th. Jimmie Johnson was the next teammate to take the checkered flag in 14th, and Chase Elliott and William Byron finished back-to-back in 19th and 20th, respectively.

Below is a closer look at how the four Hendrick Motorsports teammates fared Sunday.

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1

FINISHED: 19th  
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• • Taking the green flag third, Elliott made his way to the runner-up position early in Sunday’s race, but battling the handling of the No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, he fell outside of the top five before a cycle of green-flag pit stops midway through Stage 1.
• • Elliott finished Stage 1 in ninth, picking up two extra points. Quick work by the No. 9 team allowed the driver to gain three positions before the green flag to begin Stage 2, and shortly thereafter he jumped back inside the top five. Once again he earned a top-10 stage finish, closing Stage 2 in seventh to pick up four more points.
• • Starting the final segment in seventh, Elliott remained in that position for a restart on Lap 182 following a caution. When the green flag dropped, he raced all the way up to fourth. At Lap 208, he had fallen back to eighth when another caution flag flew.
• • With 40 laps to go, Elliott had dropped outside of the top 10 and settled into 15th with 37 circuits remaining. Thirty laps later, Elliott was passed by the leader to fall a lap down. He crossed the finish line 19th.

 

 

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 UNIFIRST CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1

FINISHED: 20th  
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• • Starting Sunday’s race inside the top 10, Byron battled the handling of his No. 24 UniFirst Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 early in Stage 1. After a cycle of green-flag pit stops, he fell outside of the top 20, but began climbing back through the field as the laps wound down. He ultimately finished Stage 1 in 16th.
• • On pit road prior to the start of Stage 2, the No. 24 team’s speedy pit stop allowed Byron to pick up three positions to take the green flag in 13th. He ran inside the top 20 throughout the segment, finishing Stage 2 in 19th.
• • Byron picked up two positions on pit road prior to the final segment to restart 17th. He held his top-20 position through a Lap 208 caution, and with 35 laps to go he had settled into 20th. He would maintain that position through the checkered flag to finish 20th.

 

 

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S FOR PROS CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1

FINISHED: 14th  
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• • Johnson started Sunday’s race from the rear of the field after a failed inspection, but midway through Stage 1 he was already knocking on the door of the top 20. Coming to the white flag for the end of Stage 1, he was passed by the leader to fall a lap down, finishing the segment in 17th.
• • Johnson was the beneficiary of the free pass as the first car a lap down, rejoining the lead lap prior to the start of Stage 2. Restarting 17th, Johnson was consistent throughout the second segment, taking the green-checkered flag in 16th.
• • Starting the final segment outside of the top 20, Johnson made his way back up to 19th in fewer than 20 laps, and he had climbed to 18th before a Lap 208 caution. He continued his push forward as the laps wound down, moving all the way up to 14th with 37 laps to go.
• • Down the stretch, Johnson continued to climb, gaining one more position to 13th before ultimately taking the checkered flag in 14th.

Man, that was a toasty day at the office. Our pit stall situation really hurt us on yellow flag stops... Many thanks to my team & everyone @TeamHendrick, they are giving me everything they have.

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 1, 2018

 

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 88 AXALTA CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1

FINISHED: 10th  
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• • Rolling off the grid inside the top 20, Bowman consistently ran inside or near the top 15 for much of Stage 1, climbing up to 14th before the green-checkered flag waved.
• • The No. 88 team gained Bowman four positions on pit road prior to the start of Stage 2, allowing the driver to take the green flag in 10th. Midway through the second segment, he was just outside the top 10 in 13th, and he lost one position to finish Stage 2 in 14th.
• • Bowman started the final segment in 12th, and on a Lap 182 restart following a caution, he jumped inside the top 10. He continued to climb, finding ninth before a Lap 208 caution, and more quick work by the No. 88 team allowed him to restart seventh. He maintained his top-10 position, settling into ninth with 36 laps remaining.
• • As the laps wound down, Bowman settled into 10th and held that position to cross the finish line with a top-10 result.

Solid top 10 today. Always want more but what we really need is to be consistently in the top 10 and build from there. I feel like we are gaining on it. Thanks for the support! pic.twitter.com/n5lnDQlqib

— Alex Bowman (@AlexBowman88) July 2, 2018

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5. New #NASCAR Xfinity Winner – Chicagoland?

#Winner Kyle Busch's Chicago Race Recap for the Overton's 400

Battle of the Two Kyles

Date: July 1, 2018
Event: Overton’s 400 (Round 17 of 36)
Series: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois (1.5-mile oval)
Format: 267 laps, broken into three stages (80 laps/80 laps/107 laps)
Start/Finish: 16th/1st (Running, completed 267 of 267 laps)
Point Standing: 1st (736 points)
Race Winner: Kyle Busch of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)

Stage 1 Recap (Laps 1-80):

• ● Kyle Busch started 16th and finished 12th.
• ● It was all business for Busch to start the Overton’s 400 as he quietly logged laps. He was in 12th place by lap seven and spent several laps trying different lanes to try and pick up speed around the 1.5-mile oval.
• ● Busch made his first appearance in the top-10 on lap 35 as a number of teams elected to start making green-flag pit stops. The No. 18 Skittles America Mix team followed suit, making a stop on lap 41 for air pressure adjustments, four tires and fuel.
• ● Because a number of teams elected to wait to make pit stops, Busch found himself a little farther back in the running order. He was in 16th on lap 54 and 13th by lap 60.
• ● As Stage 1 came to a close, Busch reported that while in-car adjustments had helped a little with the tight handling issue, it was still too tight, so he was just hanging on at the conclusion of the stage. He said the car was very tight and that he needed more grip.
• ● Busch finished Stage 1 in 12th place. At the conclusion the team made a number of changes including chassis and air pressure adjustments. The crew added some tape to the nose of the grill, changed four tires and added fuel.

Stage 2 Recap (Laps 81-160):

• ● Started 12th and finished 11th.
• ● Busch made the most of having the field bunched back up for the start of Stage 2, jumping up into the top-10 in ninth place within the first lap. He was shuffled back to the 12th position during the next few laps, and he quickly reported that the Skittles America Mix Toyota was still handling on the tight side and “plowing, plowing, plowing.”
• ● Green-flag pit stops started taking place on lap 119, with the majority of the field making stops during the course of four laps. Busch made his own stop for adjustments, four tires and fuel on lap 120. He was back in 12th place when stops cycled through on lap 123.
• ● During the next run the adjustments the team had been making started taking effect, but the result wound up being too far to the loose side. Busch noted that the car was sideways loose during a caution on lap 128. The team elected to set the trackbar back to baseline during a trip to pit road along with changing four tires and adding fuel.
• ● The 2015 Cup Series champion restarted the race in 13th place and made it to 11th by the time Stage 2 concluded.
• ● When the stage ended Busch said the car was just still too tight. The team made a handful of changes during the break, changed four tires and added fuel.

Stage 3 Recap (Laps 161-267):

• ● Started 10th and finished first.
• ● Busch was riding in 10th place when a caution for teammate Denny Hamlin was displayed on lap 176. Everyone came to pit road for fresh tires. A fast pit stop by the Skittles America Mix pit crew moved Busch from ninth place to sixth for the restart.
• ● The Las Vegas native took advantage of the restart, jumping into the top-five within the first lap. He then set off picking up positions and was in second place by lap 193.
• ● After the caution flag waved on lap 207, Busch came down pit road for four tires and fuel. The pit crew knocked off another fast stop, which enabled Busch to win the race off pit road and take over the top spot on lap 210.
• ● Busch was challenged on the final lap by a hard charging Kyle Larson, but prevailed to earn his fifth victory of the season

Notes:

• ● Busch won the Overton’s 400 to score his 48th career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory in 479 races, his fifth of the season and his second at Chicago. His margin of victory over second-place Kyle Larson was 1.162 seconds.
• ● Busch led one time, for a total of 59 laps.
• ● The Skittles America Mix driver scored his first win at Chicago in 2008, when the race was also contested in July.
• ● Busch tied NASCAR Hall of Famer Buck Baker’s 48 wins to tie for 14th on the all-time wins list.
• ● Busch now has 190 career wins among NASCAR’s top three divisions – Cup (48), Xfinity (92) and Truck (50).

Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 18 Skittles America Mix Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing:

“Great win for the Skittles America Mix Camry and all of these guys. We were horrible today. Absolutely horrendous. We just never gave up. It’s always good to make the most of the days and get to where we needed at the end. I was able to lead all of those laps and get through the rest of the traffic. It was a race between Larson and I. We raced each other, and it was fair game after that. That’s how it goes sometimes. Proud to get us another win here in Chicago. It’s been a long time. Pretty cool, going to victory lane. Can’t thank Skittles and Interstate Batteries enough, NOS Energy Drink, Toyota, Cessna, Rheem, Stanley, Black Cover and everyone. They work so hard.”

Tell us about the last lap with you and Larson

“It was a lot more hectic than I wanted it to be. Those lapped cars just got in our way and slowed us down so much that we just had no momentum. Finally I got through a couple of them. Larson just threw a dart there in Turn 1 and 2 and tried to pull a slide job. I don’t think he was close enough. He didn’t get enough clear on me to be able to slide. And when he got to me, he throttled up and drove us in the wall. And going down the backstretch, I lost all of my momentum. I tried to side-draft him as much as I could to keep him alongside of me. He cleared me and I gave him what he gave me back into Turn 3 and 4. And I was able to come back and get ahead. Adam Stevens did a great job today and turned this into something we could go race with at the end. My pit crew did a great job as well and really put us in a good position during the last run.”

How did all of the external factors play into your car today?

“It all did. Track position was huge. That was the biggest benefactor. All of us working on it as well was huge, too. We came a long ways with the balance of this thing. A couple of pit stops we said, let’s just sit here and work on it. Guys didn’t actually lose a lot of time or positions. We were able to get it where we needed it. Out front and got the lead, we took control of the race. We were able to hold off Harvick and Larson had a charge. He was coming but you have to pass a guy to win the race. You can’t drive through a guy to win the race. We did what we needed to do to get our Skittles America Mix Camry in Victory Lane.”

The excitement level is priceless! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/NCAZVhKtaF

— Toyota Racing (@ToyotaRacing) July 1, 2018

Next Up: The next event on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday, July 7 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. The race starts at 7 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by NBC.

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🏁 @Skittles America Mix Race Recap #Overtons400 👉🏻 https://t.co/lmeDtQE5Aq pic.twitter.com/WWPjEPm46N

— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) July 2, 2018

Menard Rolls To The Pole At Chicagoland

On a sweltering afternoon at Chicagoland Speedway, Paul Menard and his No. 21 Menards/Sylvania Ford Fusion turned up the heat in qualifying and won the pole with a lap at 180.102 miles per hour. 

It was Menard’s second career Cup pole, the first coming in July, 2008, at Daytona International Speedway. It was the 119th for the Wood Brothers team and their first since last fall at Phoenix Raceway.

Menard and the Menards/Sylvania team posted mediocre speeds in the two practice sessions on Saturday, posting the 15th fastest speed of 176.102 mph in the first session and the 24th best speed in Happy Hour with a lap at 173.249 mph.

Then in qualifying, Menard sped to the top of the speed chart in the first of three qualifying rounds with a speed of 180.120 mph.

He was seventh fastest in the second round, then won the pole in Round Three.

“My guys did a hell of a job today,” said Menard, who rehydrated with pickle juice after running the Xfinity Series race prior to qualifying. “We weren’t very good in practice. We did a mock run that was so loose that we had to abort it and never really got a true mock run.

“We had speed and all through those rounds we got a little too loose in Round Two, and we adjusted for it.

“Round Three drove like rails. It was good.”

In recent qualifying sessions Menard and the No. 21 team have often been fast in the first round only to struggle in the second. At Chicagoland, they maintained their speed through all three rounds.

“I just hit my marks and [crew chief] Greg [Erwin] and the guys made good adjustments,” Menard said.

Menard went on to say that the pole at Chicagoland is another sign that he, Erwin and the No. 21 team are continuing to improve in their first season together.

“All the Fords have been fast all year,” he said. “We have been on the back side of that with the 21 and playing catch-up a little with a new group of guys that have never worked together before.

“We are all learning each other, and I am really proud of all of them. We had a good test in Indy earlier this week and learned some things. Not that this is applying much from Indy but we have a little momentum going.”

Among those congratulating Menard was the team’s previous driver, Ryan Blaney, who will start alongside Menard in his No. 12 Ford from Team Penske, which shares an alliance with Menard and the Wood Brothers.

“I hate to lose the pole, but if I have to lose it to anybody it is cool to lose to my former team,” Blaney said. “The Wood Brothers and Paul have been good all year. It is cool that they got themselves a pole this year now.”

The Overton’s 400 is scheduled to start just after 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time with TV coverage on NBCSN.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 

• Next Race: Overton’s 400 
• The Place: Chicagoland Speedway 
• The Date: Sunday, July 1 
• The Time: 2:30 p.m. 
• TV: NBCSN, 2:00 p.m. ET 
• Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio 
• Distance: 400 miles (267 Laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 80)
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 160)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 267)

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Making memories, meeting your favorite drivers and getting that 🖊 at the Red Carpet Walk #Overtons400 #StarsAndStripesWknd #NASCARSalutes pic.twitter.com/i1WdzREacn

— Chicagoland Speedway (@ChicagolndSpdwy) July 1, 2018

New #NASCAR Xfinity Winner – Chicagoland?

New Winners Aplenty In 2018

The NASCAR Xfinity Series has seen 12 different winners in the first 14 races this season; which is the most through the first 14 races since 1996 (also saw 12 winners). 

Even though Justin Allgaier became the second driver with multiple wins this season with his victory at Iowa, the chances are once again pretty good for the fans to see a different winner this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway.

Allgaier will be going for two-in-a-row at Chicago this weekend, a feat not yet accomplished in the 22 races held at the famed 1.5-mile speedway. In total 14 different drivers have won at Chicago.

It’s t-shirt time in the @ChicagolndSpdwy infield! @J_Allgaier is trading #CelebratingTheFarmer shirts for canned goods tonight pic.twitter.com/AnuZWdtI7Y

— BRANDT (@BRANDT_co) June 30, 2018

This season’s winners include:

1. Tyler Reddick (Daytona)
2. Kevin Harvick (Atlanta)
3. Kyle Larson (Las Vegas)
4. Brad Keselowski (Phoenix and Charlotte)
5. Joey Logano (California)
6. Ryan Blaney (Texas)
7. Ryan Preece (Bristol)
8. Christopher Bell (Richmond)
9. Spencer Gallagher (Talladega)
10. Justin Allgaier (Dover and Iowa)
11. Kyle Busch (Pocono)
12. Austin Dillon (Michigan).

Of the 12 different winners this season, five are entered this weekend, including some heavy hitters like Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers Kevin Harvick and Kyle Larson; along with series championship contenders Justin Allgaier, Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell. But of the five previous winners this season entered, only Harvick (three Chicago wins) and Allgaier (two Chicago wins) have previously won at Chicago.

.@J_Allgaier's win today @iowaspeedway marks the 40th victory for JRM in @XfinityRacing competition. pic.twitter.com/j4s1QyfDGP

— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) June 18, 2018

NASCAR Xfinity Series

• Next Race: Overton’s 300
• The Place: Chicagoland Speedway The Date: Saturday, June 30
• The Time: 3:30 p.m.
• TV: NBCSN, 3 p.m.
• Radio: MRN, 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)

It's @NASCARonNBC weekend at @ChicagolndSpdwy!

Go behind the scenes before today and tomorrow's coverage on @NBCSN! pic.twitter.com/wAjMIdqBSL

— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) June 30, 2018

12 Races To Go: Playoff Bubble Grows

With just 12 races left in the regular season, time is of essence for the NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers to start making a push for their postseason bids. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2018, a total of 23 drivers are eligible to make the 12-driver postseason that starts at Richmond Raceway on September 21.

Currently Ross Chastain sits in the 12th and final position to make the elimination-style Playoffs come September, but by only 24 points over 13th-place Michael Annett and 26 points over both 14th-place Kaz Grala and 15th-place Ryan Sieg.

Ross Chastain has been having a strong start to the season, posting three top 10s and an average finish of 17.6 (career-best). But he will have work cut out for him this weekend if he wants to hold on to 12th, both Annett (13.0) and Sieg (18.0) have better average finishes at Chicagoland than Chastain (23.0). It will be Grala’s series track debut this weekend at Chicago.

Source: nascar.com

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Todd Gilliland - Driver to Watch / #NASCAR Trucks on Track Tonight at Chicagoland Speedway

First Timers at Chicagoland Speedway / Gilliland Strong Contender

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

• Next Race: Overton’s 225
• The Place: Chicagoland Speedway
• The Date: Friday, June 29
• The Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1, 8:30 p.m. ET
• Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
• Distance: 225 miles (150 laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 35)
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 70)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 150)

Of the thirty-three (33) drivers entered in the Overton’s 225 at Chicagoland Speedway this weekend so far, eight of them are making their track debut. They are:

1. Austin Hill
2. Todd Gilliland
3. Robby Lyons
4. Brett Moffitt
5. Dalton Sargeant
6. Stewart Friesen
7. Bo LeMastus
8. Bayley Currey

Todd Gilliland proves to be a strong contender each week in his young NASCAR Camping World Truck Series career. He has started in twelve (12) career races and has posted three top-fives and seven top-tens.

Gilliland finished in second place behind Justin Haley at Gateway Motorsports Park posting his career-best finish. This was a great comeback for him as he crashed the weekend before at Iowa Speedway and was unable to finish the race.

Tonight, on his first visit to Chicagoland; will he be able to join John Hunter Nemechek and Kyle Busch on the list of those who grabbed a win at his track debut? (Nemechek in 2015 and Busch in 2009) 

Todd Gilliland, along with Johnny Sauter, led Thursday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practices at Chicagoland Speedway, preparing for Friday night’s Overton’s 225.

Further, Gilliland appeared headed for victory Thursday night having built up a huge lead but a caution was displayed with five laps remaining after a spin by Leilani Munter. Michael Self went from third to first on a restart with two of 100 laps remaining for the win; Todd had to settle for third.

Driver Q&A: Todd Gilliland

You earned your best career Truck Series finish at Gateway last weekend. Do you feel like your first win is getting closer?

"Yeah, I think anytime that you can run upfront and be in the top three all night that builds confidence in me and the team, so that's what it's about. Just being consistent and getting better every week, and I think we are definitely getting closer."

How will running the ARCA race Thursday help you prepare for Friday's NCWTS race?

"I think at this point it's all about getting mile-and-half experience. It's been a really great stretch here in the summer months to just race every weekend, so we're keeping that up this weekend racing twice and hopefully we can just learn a little something new in the ARCA race that helps me in the truck race."

Since you have never raced at Chicago, what have you been told about what to expect?

"I've heard some things that a lot of mile-and-half tracks aren't real racy and you get kind of stuck behind people. I've heard Chicago is a really racy race track, so I think you will see a lot of grooves moving around. I guess we'll see when we get there."

Gilliland has proven that he will be a driver to watch!

 

 

Solid again! @Brett_Moffitt was 5th on the speed chart in final @NASCAR_Trucks practice at @ChicagolndSpdwy. (31.138 seconds, 173.422 mph). #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/9athaQnloc

— Hattori Racing (@Hattori_Racing) June 29, 2018

Take a ride with the @GMSRacingLLC crew as they dial in Dalton Sargeant and the @PerformancePOil Silverado during final @NASCAR_Trucks practice from @ChicagolndSpdwy. pic.twitter.com/DSahoGoWbA

— Dalton Sargeant (@DaltonSargeant) June 29, 2018

Really cool deal to go along with the #NASCARSalutes program. Every driver will sign and gift the gloves to a family that is being hosted at the track this weekend after the race. I am very grateful to be a part of a sport that shows so much support for our military. #nascar pic.twitter.com/pNjWwce7H1

— Bayley Currey (@BayleyCurrey) June 28, 2018

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Venturini Motorsports Bringing "Girl Power" Back Home to Chicagoland Speedway

Girl Power Since 1984

Venturini Motorsports (VMS) will unveil its version of girl power when the longtime ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards team returns home to Chicagoland Speedway on Thursday, June 28 with a trio of female drivers competing in the series' Scott 150 event.

VMS has entered Natalie Decker in the team’s flagship No. 25 N29 Capital Partners – Yamaha Toyota, Leilani Münter in the No. 20 VeganStrong.com Toyota, and Toni Breidinger in the No. 55 TORK Toyota. It is the first time in the modern era of stock car racing that one team has entered three female drivers in a single event.

It comes as no surprise that the Venturini Motorsports team would bring three female drivers to an event. Team owner and Chicago native, Bill Venturini won two ARCA driving championships in 1987 and 1991, the first coming with an all-female pit crew, led by his wife and team co-owner Cathy Venturini.

Girl Power Since 1984 💪 pic.twitter.com/okqQNsZMLw

— VenturiniMotorsports (@VenturiniMotor) June 27, 2018

"It was a way to get some extra attention and some added sponsorship back then," Venturini said. "But I never would have come to the racetrack with a pit crew that couldn't compete. It was far from a publicity stunt. If you look at pictures of our team from back then, those girls were all in tremendous shape. They could compete with anyone on pit road. We won a lot of races with them. And I feel the same way about it now, I wouldn't come to the track with a driver I didn't think could compete."

Riddle us this @ChicagolndSpdwy!

What's four of the same, yet three unlike the other? pic.twitter.com/CZlwhdpe0U

— VenturiniMotorsports (@VenturiniMotor) June 28, 2018

 VMS has earned 47 series wins over the last 30-years, including three at Chicagoland.

Leading the “Girl Power” charge for VMS in 2018 is 20-year old rookie Natalie Decker. Decker, competing in her first full season of ARCA competition, won the General Tire Pole and finished a career high fifth during this year's season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Performing on racing’s biggest stage, she added her name to the record books becoming just the third woman in ARCA’s history and fourth in Daytona’s 59-year track history to start a race from the pole position.

Driving VMS' iconic No. 25 car, the Eagle River, WI native is currently seventh in the series' driver point standings - accumulating four top-10 finishes in her first ten series starts on the season. Thursday's start at Chicagoland Speedway will be Decker's first on the 1.5-mile tri-oval.

Leilani Münter, with sponsorship support from A Well-Fed World and TRYVEG.com, will make her sixth start of the season behind the wheel of her VMS prepared No.20 VEGANSTRONG.COM machine. Leilani, affectionately known as the ‘Vegan Hippie Chick’, has two top-10 finishes on the season, including a career best fifth-place starting spot and eighth-place finish back in February at Daytona.

Leilani, a biology graduate turned race car driver and environmentalist, was named the No. 1 Eco Athlete in the World by Discovery’s Green Planet, and Sports Illustrated once named her one of the top ten female race car drivers in the world. An advocate for plant-based diets, solar power and animal rights, Leilani has made a career racing for a cause. Her past race cars have included messages regarding renewable energy and clean energy legislation as well as award-winning documentaries The Cove and Blackfish.

The third female driver to suit up for VMS at Chicagoland is eighteen-year old, Toni Breidinger. A native of northern California, splashed onto the scene two races ago earning a top-10 finish in her series debut at the half-mile Madison International Speedway. Coming from the world of open-wheel racing, Breidinger is USAC’s (United States Auto Club) all-time winningest female driver with 14 pavement victories.

Briedinger began her career behind the wheel of a go-kart at the age of 9 before she moved into the USAC Midget ranks. In 2014 and 2015 she placed 2nd overall in USAC’s Speed 2 Western U.S. Pavement Midget Series driver standings. She went on to claim the 2016 Speed 2 Western U.S. Pavement Midget Series championship. In addition to racing an abbreviated ARCA schedule, Breidinger will compete with her family run team, Breindinger Motorsports, in the full six-race USAC Silver Crown Sprint Car pavement series schedule.

In addition to Decker and Munter, other female drivers VMS has worked with over the years include Milka Duno, Alli Owens, Johanna Long, Kenzie Ruston, Taylor Ferns, Nicole Behar, and Trista Stevenson. Behar's third-place finish at Madison in 2016 is the all-time best for a female driver in a Venturini Motorsports-prepared car.

Four Venturini Motorsports Teammates #ARCA

Another unique twist to Venturini’s Girl Power story in 2018 is one that ties back to its 1983 roots: Breanna O'Leary is a member of VMS’s pit crew; she changes rear tires for Venturini Motorsports, a tradition started by team co-owner Cathy Venturini.

Decker, Munter, and Breidinger will all appear at the 17th Annual Joliet Race Fan Rally on the streets of downtown Joliet on Wednesday June 27 from 5 to 10 pm CT.

For the first time in modern stock car racing history, one team will enter three women in a single race.

Here's to you, @VenturiniMotor! pic.twitter.com/Pf477DSeqC

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) June 25, 2018

The SCOTT 150 will officially kick-off the second half of the 2018 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season. The race will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1 at 9 pm Eastern/8 pm local on Thursday, June 28.

Source

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Michael Self Ready to Take Care of Unfinished Business at Chicagoland

This year’s Daytona winner, Michael Self, will travel to the Windy City for his next scheduled ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards start on Thursday, June 28 at Chicagoland Speedway.

Self, 27, once again flying the Sinclair Oil colors on the side of his Venturini Motorsports prepared Toyota Camry, looks to redeem last year’s heartbreaking finish at Chicago. In last season’s event, Self, who led-29 laps, had a commanding lead and was just 10 laps away from victory when he cut a right-front tire ending his chances.

Self’s misfortunes last fall opened the door for VMS’ Christopher Bell who went on to win the event in dramatic fashion.

“Redemption is definitely on my mind,” says Self as he reflected on last year’s race outcome.

“Partly still from where I made a mistake at Charlotte earlier this year, and more so at Chicagoland, specifically, after dominating the late part of last year’s race only to lose it by blowing a right front tire with 10 laps to go. I love the track. It’s arguably my favorite intermediate, so I’m excited to get back and see if we can pick up where we left off back in September.”

A two-time winner on tour, Self has made fourteen-career ARCA Series starts since making his debut in 2014. Thursday’s midweek race marks the second time in his career which the 27-year old driver will compete on Chicagoland’s 1.5 mile tri-oval surface.

“The track is really unique. It’s curved the whole way around, it’s rough, it has multiple grooves, and that’s what I love about it. You can run the bottom, middle, or right up next to the wall, and the track constantly changes throughout the night. It forces you to be on top of your game as a driver.”

Self, a native of Park City, UT, has earned two series wins, nine top-five’s and nine top-10’s during his ARCA driving career. He also earned his first career pole position earlier this year at Talladega Superspeedway.

#DINO has arrived in #Chicago! Come out and meet @michaelself at the #JolietRaceFanRally. #DINORacing pic.twitter.com/FcK44Apirq

— Sinclair Oil Corp. (@SinclairOilCorp) June 27, 2018

Prior to the ARCA event Michael Self will be appearing and signing autographs at the 17th Annual Race Fan Rally located in downtown Joliet, Illinois. Michael is scheduled to appear from 6:00-8:30pm.

The SCOTT 150 will be live on Fox Sports 1 on Thursday beginning at 9:00 PM ET. Arcaracing.com will have live timing and scoring for all on-track activities from Chicagoland.

Source

Tune in tonight to the @PapaNickCoffee 150 from @GatewayMSP live on FS2. Or go to https://t.co/Lz3H5Y3NDv from Live Timing and Scoring. pic.twitter.com/o9qz7abnRt

— ARCA Racing Series (@ARCA_Racing) June 23, 2018

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Detailed #NASCAR Race Schedule for Chicagoland

2018 Stars and Stripes NASCAR Weekend

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Racing will all be in action at Chicagoland Speedway this week.

Further, the K&N Pro Series West will also race Saturday in Roseburg, Oregon, at the Douglas County Speedway.

#ARCA: Automobile Racing Club of America
#KNWest: K& N Pro Series West
#NCWTS: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
#NXS: NASCAR Xfinity Series
#MENCS: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

 

NASCAR Weekend Schedule

Wednesday, June 27

• 12:00 PM Campgrounds Open
• 5:00 PM Race Fan Rally | Downtown Joliet

Thursday, June 28

• 12:00 PM Chicagoland Speedway Mascot DASH | Camper Welcome
• 1:00 PM Parking Lots Open
• 2:00 PM ARCA Final Practice
• 2:00 PM Box Office, Champions Park, Gates, Infield Fan Zone, Suites & Hospitality Open
• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Photos with the SCOTT 150 Race Trophy | Gatorade Victory Lane
• 4:00 PM ARCA Racing Series Driver and U.S. Navy Officer Jesse Iwuji Q&A Session | Infield Fan Zone
• 4:30 PM NCWTS Practice
• 4:30 PM ARCA Racing Series Driver and U.S. Navy Officer Jesse Iwuji Appearance | Raceway Ministries, Champions Park
• 5:35 PM ARCA Racing Series Qualifying
• 6:00 PM Rail Jam Wakeboard Exhibition Show | Champions Park
• 6:35 PM NCWTS Final Practice
• 7:00 PM Rail Jam Wakeboard Exhibition Show | Champions Park
• 7:30 PM ARCA Driver Introductions and Pre-Race Ceremonies
• 7:45 PM Rail Jam Wakeboard Exhibition Show | Champions Park
• 8:00 PM ARCA Racing Series SCOTT 150 RACE

Friday, June 29

• 12:00 PM Balloon Toss with Chicagoland Speedway Mascot, DASH the Cheetah | Family Camping Area
• 1:00 PM Parking Lots Open
• 2:00 PM Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Hauler Parade | Loop Road Around Champions Park
• 2:00 PM NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver Autograph Session | Champions Park
• 2:30 PM Rail Jam Wakeboard Exhibition Show | Champions Park
• 3:00 PM Box Office, Champions Park, Gates, Infield Fan Zone, Suites & Hospitality Open
• 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM Noah Gragson & Todd Gilliland Appearance | Toyota PitPass | Champions Park
• 3:35 PM NXS Practice
• 4:00 PM Rail Jam Wakeboard Exhibition Show | Champions Park
• 4:00 PM Chicagoland Speedway Mascot DASH the Cheetah Appearance | Kids Club Display, Champions Park
• 4:40 PM NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Qualifying
• 5:00 PM LIVE MUSIC | Wild Daisy | Champions Park 'L' Car Stage
• 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Photos with Overton's 225 Race Trophy | Gatorade Victory Lane
• 5:30 PM Rail Jam Wakeboard Exhibition Show | Champions Park
• 5:45 PM - 6:15 PM NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver/Crew Chief Meeting | Red Carpet Viewing Area | Infield Fan Zone
• 5:45 PM ARCA Racing Series Driver and U.S. Navy Officer Jesse Iwuji Q&A Session | Kids Club Display, Champions Park
• 6:35 PM NXS Final Practice
• 7:30 PM NCWTS Driver Introductions and Pre-Race Ceremonies
• 7:30 PM Rail Jam Wakeboard Exhibition Show | Champions Park
• 8:00 PM NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Overton's 225 RACE
• 10:00 PM LIVE MUSIC | A Band Called River | Lower Ridge Campground Stage

Saturday, June 30

• 8:00 AM Parking Lots Open
• 9:00 AM LIVE MUSIC | Navy Band Great Lakes | Champions Park 'L' Car Stage
• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM NASCAR Foundation Speediatrics Screenings by Mobile Care Chicago | Kids Club Display, Champions Park
• 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Photos with Overton's 300 Race Trophy | Gatorade Victory Lane
• 10:00 AM Box Office, Champions Park, Gates, Infield Fan Zone, Suites & Hospitality Open
• 10:00 AM Military Honors Ceremony | Champions Park
• 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Military VIP Tent Open | Champions Park
• 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM Christopher Bell Appearance | Toyota PitPass | Champions Park
• 10:30 AM MENCS Practice
• 10:30 AM LIVE MUSIC | Sal Gonzalez, Wounded Warrior and The Voice Contestant | Champions Park 'L' Car Stage
• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Face Painting | Kids Club Display, Champions Park
• 11:15 AM NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver Elliott Sadler Q&A Session | Infield Fan Zone
• 11:30 AM LIVE MUSIC | Josh Gallagher, The Voice Contestant | Champions Park 'L' Car Stage
• 11:30 AM Rail Jam Wakeboard Exhibition Show | Champions Park
• 11:30 AM Chicagoland Speedway Mascot DASH the Cheetah Appearance | Kids Club Display, Champions Park
• 11:40 AM NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying
• 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver/Crew Chief Meeting | Red Carpet Viewing Area | Infield Fan Zone
• 12:15 PM Martin Truex Jr. | 2017 Chicagoland Winner Monument Unveil | Champions Park
• 12:30 PM Rail Jam Wakeboard Competition | Champions Park
• 1:00 PM MENCS Final Practice
• 1:00 PM LIVE MUSIC | Kelsey Hickman | Champions Park 'L' Car Stage
• 1:30 PM Rail Jam Wakeboard Competition | Champions Park
• 2:00 PM NXS Driver Introductions and Pre-Race Ceremonies
• 2:30 PM NASCAR Xfinity Series Overton's 300 RACE
• 6:05 PM Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying
• 6:30 PM Shuttles to Summer Slash at Dirt Oval @ 66 | Lower Ridge, Lakeside & Infield Campgrounds
• 6:30 PM Shuttles to Summer Slash at Dirt Oval @ 66 | Champions Park
• 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Big 95.5 Radio | Chance to win Randy Houser Sunday Meet & Greet Passes | Lower Ridge Campground Stage
• 7:30 PM Summer Slash featuring Tony Stewart | Dirt Oval @ 66
• 8:00 PM LIVE MUSIC | Josh Gallagher, The Voice Contestant | Lower Ridge Campground Stage
• 9:00 PM LIVE MUSIC | A Band Called River | Lower Ridge Campground Stage
• 9:30 PM LIVE MUSIC | Infield IDOL Live Band Karaoke | Infield Campground near Convenience Store

Sunday, July 1

• 6:30 AM Early Bird Parking Lots (B, D & P) | Parking Pass Required for P Lot
• 7:30 AM Parking Lots Open
• 8:00 AM LIVE MUSIC | Army 144th Brass Band | Champions Park 'L' Car Stage
• 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Military VIP Tent Open | Champions Park
• 8:00 AM Box Office, Champions Park, Gates, Infield Fan Zone, Suites & Hospitality Open
• 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Photos with Overton's 400 Race Trophy | Gatorade Victory Lane
• 9:00 AM Wristband Pickup for Kids-Only Autograph Session | Open to First 100 Kids | Kids Club Display, Champions Park
• 9:30 AM ARCA Racing Series Driver and U.S. Navy Officer Jesse Iwuji Appearance | Military VIP Tent
• 9:30 AM Rail Jam Wakeboard Exhibition Show | Champions Park
• 10:00 AM LIVE MUSIC | The Hurricane Project | Champions Park 'L' Car Stage
• 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Mobile Gaming Theatre | Kids Club Display, Champions Park
• 10:00 AM Kids-Only Autograph Session | Kyle Busch, William Byron, Michael McDowell | Kids Club Display, Champions Park
• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Face Painting | Kids Club Display, Champions Park
• 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver Joey Logano Q&A Session | Infield Fan Zone 
• 10:15 AM - 10:35 AM Erik Jones Appearance | Toyota Owners Hub | Champions Park | Open to all Toyota Owners & all Active Duty Military and Veterans
• 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM Martin Truex Jr. Appearance | Toyota PitPass | Champions Park
• 10:30 AM Rail Jam Wakeboard Exhibition Show | Champions Park
• 10:45 AM Ryan Blaney Kids Club Crew Chief Q&A | Kids Club Display, Champions Park
• 10:45 AM Chicagoland Speedway Mascot DASH the Cheetah Appearance | Kids Club Display, Champions Park
• 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver/Crew Chief Meeting | Red Carpet Viewing Area | Infield Fan Zone
• 11:30 AM Rail Jam Wakeboard Exhibition Show | Champions Park
• 11:30 AM LIVE MUSIC | Randy Houser Pre-Race Concert presented by Big 95.5 Chicago | Infield
• 12:00 PM LIVE MUSIC | Petty Cash | Champions Park 'L' Car Stage
• 12:30 PM Rail Jam Wakeboard Exhibition Show | Champions Park
• 12:50 PM MENCS Pre-Race Ceremonies and Driver Intros
• 1:30 PM Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Overton's 400 RACE
• 5:30 PM LIVE MUSIC | Hair Band Night | Post-Race Party, Champions Park 'L' Car Stage
• 5:30 PM Post-Race Recap with NASCAR Legend Rusty Wallace | Miller Lite Pit Stop, Champions Park

Times listed above are tentative and subject to change.
All times are local Central Time.

The K&N Pro Series West heads north to Oregon to the .4-mile bullring in Roseburg, Oregon, as Douglas County Speedway hosts the Clint Newell Toyota 150 presented by NAPA Auto Parts.

Saturday, June 30

• Garage opens: 11 a.m. PT
• Practice: 1:45-2:30 p.m.
• Final practice: 2:45-3:30 p.m.
• Group qualifying: 5:40 p.m.
• Clint Newell Toyota 150 presented by NAPA Auto Parts: 8 p.m. (approx.) 

KNWest Times listed are tentative and subject to change.
All times are local Pacific Time.

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#NASCAR Xfinity Chase Field Set

#NASCARPlayoffs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Current points: 2,025

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

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

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

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

Current points: 2,023

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

— OneMain Racing (@OneMainRacing) September 18, 2017

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

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

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

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

Current points: 2,020

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

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

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

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

Current points: 2,009

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

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

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

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

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

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

Current points: 2,006

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

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

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

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

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

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

Current points: 2,005

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

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

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

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

Current points: 2,005

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

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

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

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

Current points: 2,005

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

— Blake Koch (@BlakeKochRacing) September 16, 2017

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

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

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

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

Current points: 2,005

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

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

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

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

Current points: 2,004

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

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

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

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

Current points: 2,003

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

— Michael Annett (@MichaelAnnett) September 16, 2017

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

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

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

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

Current points: 2,001

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