Unpredictable Talladega Playoff Weekend

UPDATE: The NASCAR Cup Series Round of 12 playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway has been postponed due to inclement weather. The YellaWood 500 will now take place Monday at 1 p.m. ET on NBCSN/NBC Sports App, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. 

 

 

 

Known as one of the biggest hurdles in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, Talladega Superspeedway opens the gates and unleashes the postseason contenders to battle it out in Sunday’s YellaWood 500 at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90). Expect the unexpected in this weekend’s event at Talladega as it is literally anyone’s to win and with the stakes so high and the Playoff standings so tight, the competition could reach new heights.

 

Race. Day.#NASCARPlayoffs | @TALLADEGA pic.twitter.com/2fDVC04908

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 3, 2021

 

• Next Race: Chevrolet Silverado 250  
• The Place: Talladega Superspeedway  
• The Date: Saturday, October 2  
• The Time: 1 p.m. ET  
• TV: FS1, 12 p.m. ET  
• Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)  
• Distance: 250.04 miles (94 Laps) 
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 20) 
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 40) 
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 94)

 

Five times a non-Playoff driver has won the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway:

 

• • In 2005, Dale Jarrett won the Playoff race at Talladega; he was 14th in points.
• • In 2006, Brian Vickers won the Playoff race at Talladega; he was 16th in points. 
• • In 2009, Jamie McMurray won the Playoff race at Talladega; he was 22nd in points. 
• • In 2011, Clint Bowyer won the Playoff race at Talladega; he was 13th in points. 
• • In 2013, Jamie McMurray won the Playoff race at Talladega; he was 14th in points. 

 

Twice a non-Playoff driver has won the fifth race in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs: 

• • In 2010, Jamie McMurray won the fifth race in the Playoffs at Charlotte; he was 14th in points. 
• • In 2013, Brad Keselowski won the fifth race in Playoffs at Charlotte; he was 16th in points.

 

Extra! Extra! Read all about it 📰.@keselowski | @TALLADEGA pic.twitter.com/6xY1twiqzz

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 3, 2021

 

Clinch Scenarios: Trying to advance at Talladega

Just two races left for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff challengers in the Round of 12 to secure their spot in the Round of 8. Denny Hamlin, with his win last weekend at Las Vegas, is the only driver locked into the next round, leaving seven spots still up for grabs as the series heads to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend for the YellaWood 500 (Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) the fifth race of the 2021 postseason.

 

Already Clinched

 

The following driver has clinched a spot in the eight-driver field of the next round:

• Denny Hamlin.

 

Can clinch via points

 

If there is a repeat winner or a win by a driver who cannot advance to the next round, the following drivers could clinch by being 56 points above the 7th winless driver in the standings. The same point requirements listed below would hold true if a new win comes from among Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott or Joey Logano.

 

• • Kyle Larson:  Would clinch with 54 points (55 points if Joey Logano wins) 
• • Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott and Joey Logano:  Could only clinch with help this weekend.

 

If there is a new winner from Brad Keselowski or another winless driver lower in the standings but still eligible to advance to the next round, the following drivers could clinch by being 56 points above the 6th winless driver in the standings.

 

• • Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott and Joey Logano: Could only clinch with help this weekend.

 

Can clinch via win

 

The following drivers would clinch on their win alone: 

• Kyle Larson, 
• Kyle Busch, 
• Martin Truex Jr., 
• Ryan Blaney, 
• Chase Elliott, 
• Joey Logano, 
• Brad Keselowski, 
• William Byron, 
• Kevin Harvick 
• Alex Bowman  
• Christopher Bell
  

 

 

source: NASCAR Media

Jamie McMurray Completes First Half Marathon

The Coolest Part About The Marathon Is How Everyone Cheers Each Other On.

Entering its 41st year, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort Marathon started and finished in beautiful East Beach Village. Along the way, runners enjoyed spectacular views of maritime forests, marshes, and grand homes throughout the Island community.

On December 8th, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Driver Jamie McMurray joined the participants to complete his first marathon.

There were a lot of unknowns for me competing in my first marathon. Everyone crowded the front of the corral at the starts. There were puddles everywhere from rain the night before. They started the half and full marathoners together, so pace was an issue early. But, once we spread out, I found a few guys about the same pace as me, and we had good conversation for maybe the first fifteen miles or so.

I started to fade around mile twenty-one. I got hungry, my legs got heavy, and I tried to push through without eating. I slowed down for water, took back off, and while my heart rate was fine, my legs were just too heavy. It felt like I was running in snow. I tried to pick up some time late, but had just used all of my energy at that point.

The coolest part about the marathon is how everyone cheers each other on. There's a wide range of skill level that compete, but everyone supports one another. People run past you saying, "come on, we're almost there!" Just anything to try and encourage you. Everyone wants each other to finish. I thought that was really cool. - - - Jamie McMurray

A Daytona 500 Champion, Jamie McMurray's 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season ended with a third consecutive playoff berth. He is the driver of the No. 1 @McDonalds and @Cessna Chevrolet SS for @CGRTeams in the #NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series. He finished twelfth in the standing with no wins and three top-five finishes.

Did my first half marathon this am w some of my team guys. Thx @B_Dell81 and @nicholas_case for planning everything out. pic.twitter.com/hVY3LxcWvk

— Jamie McMurray (@jamiemcmurray) June 21, 2017

Source

 

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My Photos from #NASCAR 's Championship Week In Las Vegas

Most NASCAR fans are accustomed to seeing their favorite drivers in their driving suits, embellished with their car number, their name, and the names of their sponsors. For the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers attending the 2017 Awards Banquet, it was time to sport a completely different type of attire.

The season ending celebration featured tributes, honors and plenty of good cheer as the pulchritudinous drivers and their significant others crowned and fêted the popular 2017 champion Martin Truex Jr. and his Furniture Row Racing team. The evening also paid special attention to provide a heartfelt sendoff to the now fifteenth consecutive NMPA Most Popular Driver in the sport, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and on a lesser scale Matt Kenseth.

NASCAR Race Mom (NRM) was honored to be allowed to attend the festivities as credentialed media. Below is a sampling of NRM’s adventure via photos.

I have always wanted to fly via a private jet. That goal is still on my bucket list. However, NASCAR Race Mom discovered the next best thing. I flew to Vegas via a CalJet out of the McClellan-Palomar Airport. This small airport is in Carlsbad and is a gateway to and from San Diego’s North County. It serves the general aviation community, corporate aircraft and commercial services. Cal Jet by Elite Airways was founded in 2010 by airline veterans looking to provide a better travel experience for their passengers. I found the flights well prices, convenient and highly personalized!

The view from the window as we descended into Las Vegas. There were only about twenty passengers on my flight, so I had a window and aisle seat all to myself!

My view from my room at Treasure Island. I could not afford to stay at the Ceremony Hosting Hotel, the Wynn. Treasure Island was half the price; within walking distance of the festivities; and still pretty nice. However, I order room service for breakfast and was unpleasantly surprised . . . . I would not recommend the food.

2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion - Martin Truex Jr.

I asked Kyle Busch who was going to win the Snowball Derby.
He responded, "Me, I am going there now." and he did just that!

One of my favorite drivers - Ryan Blaney

Approximately 500 people attended the traditional Myers Brothers Awards Luncheon at the Wynn Las Vegas resort. The afternoon wrapped up with the prestigious National Motorsports Press Association's (NMPA) Myers Brothers Award, which was given to Betty Jane France for her decades of impactful, charitable work. The three photos above were taken after the NASCAR NMPA Myers Brothers Awards at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on November, 29, 2017.

The Christmas Decorations at the Wynn Casino were breathtaking.

I left my cozy hotel room at Treasure Island for a fun evening. The ‘NASCAR After the Lap | Supporting the Vegas Strong Fund’ event was held at The Chelsea. This celebration started with a live on-stage episode of the Glass Case of Emotion podcast featuring Ryan Blaney and other Monster Energy Series Playoffs drivers and concluded with a full concert by country music star Lee Brice!

While waiting in line for the doors to open,
we met with fellow MDR Motorsports members

NASCAR Race Mom met up with photographer Shannon Kelly
and we enjoyed the evening tremendously.

We even got to meet Leonard Woods who was waiting in line as well!

I believe they dropped the red balloons at the beginning of the show in error.

NASCAR had provided us with front row VIP Seating for the show.

We partied like youngsters! 

The Brice Concert was fantastic - if you get a chance to go next
year . . . . I would recommend it.

It is important to note that all ticket proceeds from this event benefited #VegasStrong, assisting victims and strengthening the Las Vegas community.

The photos below are from the Main Event; the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards Banquet. 

This is a photo of me - NASCAR Race Mom
working the Red Carpet

The beautiful #NASCAR Monster Energy Girl

Friend Amanda directing the drivers (Christopher Bell) and maintaining order.

Erik Jones flashing his pearly whites.
Erik won the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Honors

One of NRM's Favorites Jamie McMurray with wife Christy.

William Byron, 2017 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champ.

The Red Carpet was Monster Energy Black this year. 

Another NRM Fav - Ryan Blaney.

NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Brian France with wife Amy.

Monster Energy #NASCAR Cup Series Champion Martin Truex Jr.
and his girlfriend Sherry Pollex.

Kyle Busch and his wife Samantha.

Popular Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his wife Amy.

Jimmie Johnson and his wife Chandra.

Monster Energy girls working the Monster Energy
NASCAR Cup Series Red Carpet.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Red Carpet.

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2017 Monster Energy Playoff Outlook

There are just three spots left for a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup driver to potentially get in the Chase on points with five races left in the regular season.

Chase Elliott, Jamie McMurray and Matt Kenseth make up the three bubble spots heading to Watkins Glen International. Kenseth is 17 points above Clint Bowyer in the 17th spot. Joey Logano, who had his Richmond win encumbered for failing post-race inspection, is in 18th, 69 points out of 16th.

Below is the playoff grid following the Overton’s 400:

Green - In the playoffs due to wins, not locked in

Yellow - In the playoffs due to points not locked in

Red - Outside the playoff cutoff

* - Dictates the win was encumbered, and can't be used for entry to the playoffs

Sunday's race at Watkins Glen International could feature another upset winner, spoiling bubble drivers Chase Elliott, Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, and Clint Bowyer's shot at making the playoffs on points alone.

Road-course specialist AJ Allmendinger is hoping to crash the playoffs like he did in 2014 with a win at 7-turn, 2.45-mile road course of Watkins Glen. In eight races at The Glen, Allmendinger has five top 10s and an average finish of 9.4.

Sunday's race is also Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s final road course race of his career. Junior, who sits a disappointing 216 points behind the playoff cutoff line, has never won at a road course and has an average finish of 21.7 at Watkins Glen. Junior needs a "Dale Mary" if he's going to win Sunday.

Source

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Suarez, Patrick, Allmendinger, Bayne, McMurray, Childress to attend Autism Awareness Day

Event to be held during “AAA 400 Drive for Autism” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race

 

Dover International Speedway is once again hosting a special event for families of children on the autism spectrum.

On Sunday, June 4, during the “AAA 400 Drive for Autism” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race, Autism Awareness Day at the Races will provide families with a sensory-friendly environment to enjoy 400 laps of North America’s top motorsports series. Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers Daniel Suarez, Danica Patrick, A.J. Allmendinger, Trevor Bayne and Jamie McMurray are scheduled to make appearances at the event, as well as Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team owner Richard Childress.

We're proud to have this decal displayed on both @Chris_Buescher #37 car and @AJDinger #47 @kroger #ClickList car! #MonsterMile https://t.co/rdjXANWJ5r

— JTG Daugherty Racing (@JTGRacing) May 30, 2017

Autism Awareness Day at the Races tickets cost $95 for adults and $25 for children ages 12 and under. Call 800-441-RACE or click here to order. On event day, the gate opens promptly at 9 a.m.

The event, in its sixth consecutive year, is a joint effort between Dover International Speedway and Autism Delaware, supported by AAA and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. A portion of the proceeds supports Autism Delaware. Click here for more information on Autism Delaware and its programs.

The Autism Awareness Day at the Races ticket package will include seating in the climate-controlled grandstands at the Monster Mile, which offers views of the backstretch as well as the highly-banked concrete turns. In five years, more than 3,000 people have participated in the program.

Other highlights include information booths with items of interest to families affected by autism, a hot lunch buffet, non-alcoholic beverages and much more.

As in years past, a reserved area near the grandstand seats will provide a quiet zone, with muted lighting and sound, allowing attendees to take a break from the race and crowds when necessary. The room includes comfortable seating, games, and video screens to help fans keep up with the race or watch family friendly movies. Autism Delaware’s service professionals will also be on hand to assist families as needed.

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Daytona Trivia #NASCAR

THE DAYTONA 500 RETURNS FOR ITS 59TH EDITION IN SPECTACULAR FORM

 

 

Fresh off of a sold-out crowd witnessing the closest finish in DAYTONA 500 history against the backdrop of the world's only motorsports stadium, the 59th running of the DAYTONA 500 is sure to be another for the record books.

While we NASCAR fans anxiously await the Advance Auto Parts Clash on February 18th, how about some Daytona Trivia!!!

What driver has won 105 Sprint Cup races but only one DAYTONA 500?
David Pearson

What driver has won the Coke Zero 400 four times but never the DAYTONA 500?
Tony Stewart

How many races total did Dale Earnhardt Sr. win at Daytona?
34

Who has the most wins at Daytona International Speedway?
Dale Earnhardt Sr.

What driver has won what is now the PowerShares QQQ 300 five consecutive times?
Dale Earnhardt Sr.

How long did the first Daytona Continental or what is now known as the Rolex 24, last?
The first Rolex 24 in 1962 was 3 hours in length

In 1998, the summer race which is now known as the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola was delayed until October. Why?
Wild fires in the area

The Speedway opened in 1959. What year did the Speedway start hosting the DAYTONA 200?
1961

What two drivers share the most wins of the DAYTONA 200?
Scott Russell and Miguel Duhamel

What year and what race did Jeff Gordon get his first win at Daytona?
1994 Busch Clash (Sprint Unlimited)

What year did the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola go from 250 laps to 400?
1963

Who won the first race which is now known as the Sprint Unlimited?
Buddy Baker

What driver drove the #17 car and won the DAYTONA 500 on his 17th try?
Darrell Waltrip

Who was the only driver to win the DAYTONA 500 on one set of tires?
Tiny Lund

Who was the first woman to race in the DAYTONA 500?
Janet Guthrie

Who is credited with discovering drafting?
Junior Johnson who said “drafting was hitching a ride to the winners’ circle.”

What two riders have won the Supercross four consecutive times?
Jeff Stanton and Ricky Carmichael

How long did construction of the Daytona International Speedway take?
15 months. It broke ground in November of 1957 and opened in February of 1959

A key financial partner in the building of Daytona International Speedway, would also come a major American sports team. Who was it?
Clint Murchanson – Dallas Cowboys

Which drivers had their first Sprint Cup Series win during the DAYTONA 500?

• 1963 – Tiny Lund
• 1967 – Mario Andretti
• 1970 – Pete Hamilton
• 1990 – Derrike Cope
• 1994 – Sterling Marlin
• 2001 – Michael Waltrip
• 2011 – Trevor Bayne

Only two drivers have won the DAYTONA 500 and the Indy 500. Who are they?
Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt

Who are the only drivers to win both the DAYTONA 500 and Rolex 24?
Jamie McMurray, Mario Andretti, AJ Foyt and recently Jeff Gordon

Now you are equipped to wow your friends with your Daytona International Speedway knowledge!

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