NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Contenders with the Edge at Talladega?

Clearly Team Penske

Winners of Nine of Last 14 Talladega Superspeedway Races; Full Slate of All Playoffs Drivers’ Talladega Superspeedway Stats as Round of 12 YellaWood 500 set for Oct. 3

 

With the all-important second race in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 12 looming for Talladega Superspeedway’s  YellaWood 500 on Sunday, Oct. 3, what Playoffs drivers have the advantage? If history repeats itself, Team Penske should be in good shape, at least that is what statistics show.

 

Team Penske has won nine out of the last 14 races at the biggest, baddest race track on the planet. Brad Keselowski, with his win in the spring GEICO 500, tied Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jeff Gordon for second on the track’s all-time win list with his sixth Talladega triumph (and trails Dale Earnhardt, Sr. with 10). Teammates’ Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney have three and two victories, respectively. A win by any Playoffs driver means an automatic ticket to the Round of 8.

He sure knows how to win at @TALLADEGA in exciting fashion. @Blaney | #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/b5aHAu5xPK

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 30, 2021

 

In addition to Keselowski, Logano and Blaney, four other Playoffs drivers have wins at the 2.66-mile tri-oval, and include Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, defending YellaWood 500 Champion Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch.  Of the 12 drivers who have a shot at this year’s premier series title, Keselowski also leads the way in career average finish at NASCAR’s Most Competitive track with 15.60 and is closely followed by Elliott at 15.73 and Harvick at 15.76.

 

With the unpredictability of the 33-degree-banked venue, some drivers have had good luck on their side while others clearly haven’t. The latter includes the top two seeds in Kyle Larson and Martin Truex, Jr., whose best finishes are sixth and fifth, respectively. Below is a look at all 12 drivers and their stats at Talladega Superspeedway, plus a quick recap of their season thus far.

 

• • 1 seeded Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (3,059 points): Looking for his first victory at Talladega. Best finish came in the 2016 YellaWood 500 when he was sixth. In 13 TSS starts, has two top-10 results with an average finish of 23.54. The top seed this season has six wins in 2021 with 16 top-5 efforts in 29 starts. Has led a series-best high 1905 laps. Best finish in championship standings is sixth in 2019. 
• • 2 seeded Martin Truex, Jr., No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota (3,029 points): Has never won a Cup Series race at Talladega’s 2.66-mile venue but reeled off three straight wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 2004-06. In 33 career NASCAR Cup Series races at Talladega, he has two top-five finishes (5th in 2016 & ’06) with an average result of 21.82. The 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Champion has four wins in 2021 and 10-top-5 finishes. 
• • 3 seeded Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford (3,024 points): Has two NASCAR Cup Series wins at Talladega (2019 YellaWood 500 and 2020 GEICO 500). In 14 TSS races, he also has a total of three top-five results and five top-10s for an average finish of 17.43. Has three wins in 2021, and his Best finish is the seventh in the final championship standings in 2019). 
• • 4 seeded Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota (3,024 points): Winner of the 2014 GEICO 500 and is the defending champion of the YellaWood 500. In 32 TSS races, has an average finish of 17.19 with nine top-five and 13-top results. Searching for his first premier series title, with a best career finish of second in 2010. Has one victory thus far in 2021. 
• • 5 seeded Kyle Busch, No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota (3,022 points): The winner of the 2008 GEICO 500 at Talladega, Busch has an average finish of 20.78 with six top-five efforts to go along with eight top-10 finishes. He is one of two drivers (along with Mark Martin) to win in all three of NASCAR’s top-tier series at Talladega). A two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion (2015, 2019), he is the only active driver with multiple titles. Has made the Championship 4 in four of the last five seasons. Has captured two victories in 2021. 
• • 6 seeded Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (3,021 points): The defending NASCAR Cup Series Champion has one triumph at the 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway, coming in the 2019 GEICO 500. He has four top-five finishes and five top-10s for an average finish of 15.73. Has gone to Ruoff Victory Lane twice this season. 
• • 7 seeded Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (3,015 points): Best finish at Talladega came in 2019 when he was runner-up to teammate Elliott in the GEICO 500. In 12 career starts at Talladega, has three top-10s for an average finish of 24.58. Best finish in the championship standings came in 2020 when he was sixth. Has three wins in 2021. 
• • 8 seeded William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (3,014 points): Still looking for initial triumph at Talladega Superspeedway, coming up just one position short earlier this year in the GEICO 500. In seven starts at TSS, has two top-five results and an average finish of 17.14. Was 11th in the battle for the championship in 2019, his best to date. Has won victory in 2021, coming at Homestead-Miami Speedway in February. 
• • 9 seeded Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford (3,013 points): The three-time Talladega Superspeedway winner (2015, 2016, 2018) has competed in 25 premier series races at ’Dega with a 17.52 average finish (eight top-fives and 10 top-10s). He has led 407 laps at Talladega, the most of any of the title contenders. He also has two NASCAR Xfinity Series triumphs at TSS. Won the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. Has one win this year and has advanced to the Round of 12 seven times. 
• • 10 seeded Brad Keselowski, No. 2 Team Penske Ford (3,008 points): Talladega Superspeedway’s active win leader with six victories (tied with Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., four behind Dale Earnhardt, Sr., with 10). Captured his first career win at Talladega in 2009 and is the latest victor at the track after claiming the GEICO 500 earlier this April to secure his spot in the playoffs. Other wins came in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017). His average finish in 25 Cup Series races at the 2.66-mile venue is 15.60, tops of the drivers battling for the title. In addition, has one win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the historical track. Trying for his second championship after winning the title in 2012.
• • 11 seeded Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota (3,005 points): His average finish in three starts at Talladega is 28.33 with his best finishing effort at 17th this past spring. This is his first time in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Qualified for the playoffs with his win in February on the DAYTONA Road Course. 
• • 12 seeded Kevin Harvick, No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford (3,002 points): The 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Champion has one win at Talladega, coming in the 2010 GEICO 500. His average finish is 15.76 at the mammoth track with eight top-five and 17 top-10s in 41 races. Has posted 16 Cup Series Playoffs wins and has made it to the Championship 4 Round in five of the last seven seasons.

 

The YellaWood 500 will be the culmination of a tripleheader NASCAR Playoffs weekend, which also features a duo of races on Saturday, Oct. 2 with the Sparks 300 for the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the Chevy Silverado 250 for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The action begins at Noon CDT.

 

Welcome to 𝙍𝘼𝘾𝙀 𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙆 🏁

🎟️ https://t.co/5hruoPf9zH pic.twitter.com/gsLLBFtHre

— Talladega Superspeedway (@TALLADEGA) September 27, 2021

 

About Talladega Superspeedway

Talladega Superspeedway is the most competitive race track on the NASCAR schedule (record 88 lead changes in 188 laps), the highest-banked (33 degrees) and the longest (2.66 miles), as well as the most fun and fan-friendly. Three- and four-wide racing at 200 mph are a norm at Talladega Superspeedway, along with nail-biting, photo finishes. For information, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.

 

 

source: Talladega Superspeedway

Keselowski Wins with a Never-Give Up Effort

Brad Keselowski and the No. 2 crew, with their never give up effort, won Sunday’s Food City Supermarket Heroes 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. This marked the fifth win of the NASCAR Cup season for Ford Performance and Team Penske’s 75th all-time Cup win with Ford.

“Congratulations to Brad, Jeremy, Roger, and the entire Team Penske organization,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “What an exciting finish. Once again, the teams put themselves in position to win and the Ford Mustang’s came away with a 1-2 finish with Brad and Clint {Bowyer}. Congratulations to Roger and his team on 75 wins with Ford. It’s great to be back to racing and delivering exciting finishes for the fans.”

2 for the #2crew. Super proud of this team and the way we’ve come together. We’re finding each other’s full potential and going to keep working hard at it. pic.twitter.com/dalB5JONZc

— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) June 1, 2020

It looked like the wild, wild west at Bristol Motor Speedway Sunday afternoon. With 2-laps remaining, race leaders Joey Logano and Chase Elliott made contact and collided with the outside wall, leaving an opening at the bottom of the track for a well-positioned No. 2 Ford Mustang to take advantage of the track position and take the lead. Keselowski was followed by the No. 14 of Bowyer from Stewart-Haas Racing to make it a 1-2 finish for Ford Performance.

Keselowski now has 32 all-time points Cup Series career wins and is tied with fellow Team Penske teammate Logano and former Roush Fenway Racing driver, Carl Edwards with 23 NASCAR Cup Series wins since joining Ford Performance and Roush Yates Engines.

“An incredible day. I’m so happy for the team,” commented Keselowski. “This was a never-give-up effort. That’s what we’re becoming as a team. We kind of got a Christmas present here in Bristol. We’ll take it. We’re in position and able to strike when it counted with the Discount Tire Ford Mustang. We were just in position to strike and here we are in victory lane.”

Keselowski started from the pole position to lead a total of 115 laps of the 500-lap race and Team Penske teammate Ryan Blaney led 60 laps until retiring after an incident with Ty Dillon. In addition, Matt DiBenedetto from Wood Brother’s Racing led four laps and Logano led two laps.

With the 1-2, Keselowski - Bowyer finish, Ford continues to lead the Manufacturer Standings by 25 points. In addition, Stewart-Haas Racing (370 points) and Team Penske (346 points) continue to lead the Owner Standings.

Monday night, in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Cheddar’s 300, it all came down to a green-white-checkered finish for Chase Briscoe. He raced Noah Gragson hard off the restart, but ultimately finished the night second. In addition, Briscoe secured a position to run for an extra $100,000 in Atlanta this upcoming weekend.

Briscoe and Stewart-Haas Racing continue to lead the Driver Standings and Owner Standings in points.

NASCAR will head to Atlanta, Georgia later on this week, where the Xfinity Series will run the EchoPark 250 on Saturday and the Cup Series will run the Folds of Honor QuickTrip 500. Reference the full 2020 schedule on roushyates.com.

source

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NASCAR is Back at Bristol

#NASCARIsBack

Sunday afternoon short track racing!

NASCAR on FOX continues it's coverage at Bristol Motor Speedway today, May 31st on FS1!

NASCAR RaceHub starts at 3pm ET. Race coverage starts at 3:30pm ET. Be sure to tune in - you don't want to miss it!

Time to take on the Last Great Colosseum. ⚔️

Retweet if you're ready to go racing at @BMSupdates! pic.twitter.com/KPew0AOult

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 31, 2020

It'll be 500 laps around the 0.533 mile track with:

1. Stage 1 set to end at lap 125
2. Stage 2 set to end at lap 250
3. Final Sage set to end at lap 500.

The race will be held without practice or qualifying and the starting lineup has been determined in the following way:

• • Positions 1 - 12: Random draw from charter teams in those positions in owner points.
• • Positions 13 - 24: Random draw from charter teams in those positions in owner points.
• • Positions 25 - 36: Random draw from charter teams in those positions in owner points.
• • Positions 37 - 40: Open teams in order of owner points.

Pit stall selection will be ordered based on finishing positions from the previous race, followed by new entries in order of points. Brad Keselowski will start the race from the pole as a result of the random draw.

Edwin McCain will perform the national anthem before today's scheduled NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

source:  Jeff Gordon Email

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600 Miles of Remembrance

Coca Cola 600 Returns to Honor Fallen Service Members

In what has become an annual tradition during the Coca-Cola 600, the names of U.S. Armed Forces members who sacrificed their lives for our country will be proudly displayed on the windshields of each of the 40 NASCAR Cup Series cars participating in the race.

Several of the names were chosen due to personal connections the team or sponsor had to the fallen service members.

Honoring those who sacrificed it all. 🇺🇸 These Ford Mustangs are ready for 600 miles of remembrance in Charlotte.

Sunday, May 24 at 6 p.m. ET on FOX#NASCARSalutes // #CocaCola600 pic.twitter.com/47pQL1wmnQ

— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) May 22, 2020

Three of the Stewart-Haas Racing cars will feature the names of soldiers killed on May 23, 2011, when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in the country’s eastern Kunar province. The deaths of Staff Sergeant Kristofferson Lorenzo (will be on Kevin Harvick’s No. 4 Ford), Private First Class William Blevins (on the No. 10 of Aric Almirola) and Private First Class Andrew Krippner (on the No. 14 of Clint Bowyer) had an impact on team fabricator Matthew Ridgway, a U.S. Army veteran. While Ridgway did not know the three men personally, he would later serve in the same battalion as the fallen soldiers honored on the team’s cars.

This Sunday, @KurtBusch will remember United States Navy member Phil Grieser with the @gearwrench Tools Chevy. 🇺🇸

Yesterday, Phil's family came to visit our shop to see the car in person. What they didn't know? Kurt would be surprising them with a visit 😱 #NASCARSalutes pic.twitter.com/hrSnc8NIqW

— Chip Ganassi Racing (@CGRTeams) May 23, 2020

Kurt Busch and the No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet will carry the name of U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class Philip Grieser on the windshield during Sunday’s race. Grieser was the chief of Seabee team 1013 and was killed in a base attack in 1969 while serving in the Vietnam War. His son, Doug Newell, is an electrician for Chip Ganassi Racing.

This Memorial Day, #SpartanMosquito and I will honor SFC Nathan Ross Chapman in the @NASCAR Salutes 600 Miles of Remembrance. SFC Chapman gave his life in the line of duty on January 4th, 2002. This car honors his life, his service, and his sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/hC0Y0uU079

— Brennan Poole (@brennanpoole) May 20, 2020

Brennan Poole’s No. 15 Spartan Mosquito Chevy Camaro will proudly honor SFC. Nathan Ross

Chapman from 1st Special Forces Group. Chapman, from San Antonio, Texas, was killed on January 4, 2002, in Khost, Afghanistan. Three members of the Spartan Mosquito family also served in the 1st Special Forces Group.

With Sunday’s race to run without fans or special guests in attendance, each of the families honored as part of 600 Miles of Remembrance on Sunday will receive an acrylic replica of the racecar header with the fallen service member’s name and rank from NASCAR and Coca-Cola. Additionally, Coca-Cola is hosting a private pre-race virtual concert by country artist Justin Moore for Gold Star Families.

Charlotte Motor Speedway will continue its long-standing tradition of military tributes in recognition of Memorial Day Weekend. In addition to the pre-race military flyover, the race broadcast on FOX will capture a moment of silence at the conclusion of Stage 2, when all cars will stop on pit road to honor to the fallen.

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Four Days of NASCAR Excitement

Charlotte Motor Speedway Hosts:

• #MENCS ON May 24th and May 27th
• #NXS on May 25th
• #NGOTS on the May 26th

Now with two races completed in NASCAR’s return to racing following the stoppage due to the COVID-19 outbreak, NASCAR moves on to Charlotte Motor Speedway for a pair of NASCAR Cup Series races plus an Xfinity and Truck race over the next four days.

NASCAR Cup Series

• Next Race: Coca-Cola 600
• The Place: Charlotte Motor Speedway
• The Date: Sunday, May 24
• The Time: 6 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX, 5:30 p.m. ET
• Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
• Distance: 600 miles (400 laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 100)
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 200)
• Stage 3 (Ends on Lap 300)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 400)
• 2019 Race Winner: Martin Truex Jr.

60 years of incredible racing at @CLTMotorSpdwy.

Sunday's #CocaCola600 will only add to the incredible history! pic.twitter.com/JDvJg1CRf5

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 22, 2020

NASCAR Xfinity Series

• Next Race: Alsco 300
• The Place: Charlotte Motor Speedway
• The Date: Monday, May 25
• The Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1, 7 p.m. ET
• Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
• Distance: 300 miles (200 Laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 45)
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 90)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 200)
• 2019 Race Winner: Brad Keselowski

A final lap that'll go down as one of the best at @TooToughToTame.@ChaseBriscoe5 holds off @KyleBusch in thrilling fashion and takes home an emotional Darlington win. pic.twitter.com/D2T12WM5z3

— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) May 21, 2020

NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series

• Next Race: North Carolina Education Lottery 200
• The Place: Charlotte Motor Speedway
• The Date: Tuesday, May 26
• The Time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1, 7:30 p.m. ET
• Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
• Distance: 201 miles (134 Laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 30)
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 60)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 134)
• 2019 Winner: Kyle Busch

I’ll be running the @NASCAR_Trucks race Tuesday night for @GMSRacingLLC in the @iRacing @chevrolet. You have that check book ready @KevinHarvick/@marcuslemonis?!? pic.twitter.com/3Ynj2YugHG

— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) May 22, 2020

NASCAR Cup Series

• Next Race: Also Uniforms 500
• The Place: Charlotte Motor Speedway
• The Date: Wednesday, May 27
• The Time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1, 7 p.m. ET
• Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
• Distance: 310.6 miles (205 laps)
• Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 55),
• Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 115)
• Final Stage (Ends on Lap 208)

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Latest Regarding #NASCAR Weekend at Atlanta

With the health and safety of fans, staff, competitors, race teams and media our top priority, NASCAR and Atlanta Motor Speedway postponed this weekend's race activities to a yet-to-be determined future date.

Ticketholders on file may use their March 13-15, 2020 tickets for the postponed event, choose to receive an event credit for the full amount paid plus an additional 20%, or choose to receive a full refund of their purchase price.

"This was a difficult decision to make for our sport, and we regret the uncertainty and inconvenience that has surrounded our race week. In light of these unprecedented circumstances that continue to change quickly, this postponement is a precautionary move that we feel is the best course of action. There is great collaboration within the industry to do what's best, and we ask for patience amongst our fans as we start the online process for ticket credits or refunds," said Atlanta Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison.  "We hope our fans support us in this decision and come back even stronger when we are back to racing at AMS."

The Exchange Form will be available for fans to complete beginning on Monday, March 16.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: When is the new race date?
• A: NASCAR has not set a new date for the Atlanta Motor Speedway race weekend. They will update their website and share that news on all of their social channels when it becomes available.

• Q: Are any of the Fan Activities at the Track still Happening?
• A: Due to the postponement, all planned fan activities on Speedway property have been cancelled. This includes, but is not limited to, Fan Zone appearances and displays, concerts, tweet ups, and any experiences planned to take place inside the Speedway.

• Q: Are Campers Allowed to Stay?
• A: Campers who have already arrived at Atlanta Motor Speedway and wish to stay will be allowed to do so in our campgrounds located outside of the Speedway. Anyone currently camping in the infield, Trackside Terrace, or Trackside Turn One needed to vacate their spot by 11 a.m. Friday. Any camper in these areas who wishes to continue camping at the speedway this weekend will be permitted to do so in an exterior campground.

source:

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Schedule for Atlanta's #NASCAR Triple-Header

Atlanta Motor Speedway is a world class NASCAR racetrack and year-round multipurpose event facility on more than 840 acres 25 miles south of Atlanta.

One of racing's most storied venues hosts 500 miles of edge-of-the-seat action when the sport's biggest names visit Atlanta in 2020 for the running of the ‘Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500’!

Below is this weekend’s Schedule.

Thursday

• • Hauler Parade on Main Street in downtown Hampton: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday

• • Gates 13 and 15 open – 1:30 p.m.
• • NGROTS 1st practice – 1:35 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.
• • NXS 1st practice – 2:35 p.m. – 3:25 p.m.
• • NCS 1st practice – 3:35 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.
• • NGROTS final practice – 4:32 p.m. – 4:57 p.m.
• • NXS final practice – 5:02 p.m. – 5:27 p.m.
• • NXS and NGROTS open garages open to infield campers – 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• • NCS Final practice – 5:35 p.m. – 6:25 p.m.
• • Party at Bootleggers – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• • AMS Legends race – 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Saturday

• • NXS kids autograph session in Kids Zone in Fan Zone – 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
• • NCS open garages open for Extreme Package holders – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• • Gates 12, 13, and 15 open – 10:00 a.m.
• • NGROTS qualifying – 10:05 a.m.
• • NXS qualifying – 11:05 a.m.
• • Josh Owens (from the TV show “Moonshiners”) autograph session – 11:15 a.m. in Bootleggers
• • NCS qualifying – 12:05 p.m.
• • NGROTS driver intros – 1:00 p.m.
• • #VetTixCampingWorld200 – 1:30 p.m.
• • NXS driver intros – 3:30 p.m.
• • #EchoPark250 – 4:00 p.m.
• • Party at Bootleggers – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• • Trackside Live on FOH/QT Fan Stage – around 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• • AMS Legends All-Star Race – 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday

• • All gates open – 10:00 a.m.
• • Tweetup in Bruton Smith Park – 10:15 a.m.
• • Trackside Live on FOH/QT Fan Stage – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• • Josh Owens (from the TV show “Moonshiners”) autograph session – 11:15 a.m. in Bootlegggers
• • NCS car and team intros – 11:30 a.m.
• • Sign the Wall (frontstretch) – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• • Pre-race concert featuring Chris Lane – 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• • NCS driver intros – 1:20 p.m.
• • #FOHQT500 – 2:00 p.m.

NGROTS: NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series
NXS: NASCAR Xfinity Series
NCS: NASCAR Cup Series

* Schedule is subject to change with or without notice*

Join the Conversation!
Race Hashtags

• #RacetoAMS2020
• #FastFriday
•  #VetTixCampingWorld200
•  #EchoPark250
•  #AMSLegendsAllStars
• #FOHQT500
  

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Stater Bros. (#staterbros) and Smithfield Racing “Smithfield Race to the Table” VIP Experience

Aric Almirola and NASCAR Race Mom

For a NASCAR nut like myself, the big show coming to town tops a trip to the Magic Kingdom of Disneyland. The only thing that could make it better is that NASCAR Race Mom (NRM) was bestowed a NASCAR VIP Experience by Stater Bros. (#staterbros) and Smithfield Racing. 

Myrna and I at Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, Califoria

My buddy Myrna (a NASCAR greenhorn) and I hit the California Freeway bright and early Sunday morning. I was pleasantly surprised when the traffic was fantastically scant, and we arrived at the track before 7:30 a.m. Arriving so early proved essential due to a few hiccups at the Will Call Window. Nevertheless, we still had time to explore the Fan Zone before our scheduled Garage/Pit Tour. There we were able to gather our free earplugs for the race.

View this post on Instagram

Waiting for our garage tour-and a meet and greet with Aric Amirola #fun thank you #StaterBros. #nascar @nascar #AutoClub400 @ACSupdates

A post shared by Z. Smith (@zwriter1) on Mar 1, 2020 at 2:28pm PST

Myrna and I met Lauren at Gate 30 at 9:10 a.m. sharp. Lauren was very NASCAR savvy and provided us with a tour both informative and entertaining.  During our garage promenade, we spotted Clint Bowyer (so friendly and greeting our group with jovial jabs); Regan Smith (he can be seen photo bombing us at the Smithfield Hauler); Cole Custer (breezed by me as I waited in line without acknowledging my greeting); Corey LaJoie (very handsome); and Ryan Blaney (a personal NASCAR RACE Mom Favorite) strolling briskly to this pit area.

Spot Regan Smith Ex-Driver, now a pit reporter for Fox?

Our tour included a stop at the Smithfield Racing hauler for a Meet and Greet with Aric Almirola; a tour of his hauler; and a stop at the #10 pit area. We were even allowed to climb atop the Pit Box to sit where the crew chief navagates the race.

Don't we look happy sitting on Aric's Pit Box #NASCAR

However, the coup de grâce was this NASCAR Fan’s honor of greeting NASCAR Legend Leonard Wood as he sauntered past. Mr. Wood took the time to stop, turn and wave in response. What a great memory.

We enjoyed the Chase Bryant concert in the comfort of the Busch Beer Block party. The generous hospitality area was centrally located and offered a wide variety of libation and cuisine. My sausage sandwich was delicious and really hit that spot. Since I was the designated driver, NRM stayed away from the alcoholic refreshment and opted for the bottled water.

Chase Bryant provide an awesome concert sprinkled with much appreciated patriotism

The rain started right before the scheduled green flag. My partner and I doubted that the race would even start – let alone finish this day. However, we were mistaken.

After a fitting tribute where the race field lined up five-wide for one of NASCAR's GOATS, Jimmie Johnson, Alex Bowman dominated in Fontana, to secure his second NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series victory!

P6 in qualifying at @ACSupdates today. Always good to start up front and we know our @SmithfieldBrand Mustang has speed. Looking forward to having that speed for 200 laps tomorrow. 🤙😎#SmithfieldRacing pic.twitter.com/MBROehqg4C

— Aric Almirola (@Aric_Almirola) March 1, 2020

Our NASCAR Hero started sixth and finished eighth - a good top-ten day!

Thank you to Stater Bros. and Smithfield Racing for the very special “Smithfield Race to the Table Sweepstakes, sponsored by Stater Bros." NASCAR VIP Experience. It was a thrill.

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Johnson to Lead the Historic Five Wide Salute

Auto Club Speedway to Honor Southern California Native and Seven-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Prior to his Final Auto Club 400

Jimmie Johnson's Family to be Honorary Starters for the 'Auto Club 400'

Jimmie Johnson is a racing legend in Southern California and thousands of fans will be at the NASCAR Auto Club 400 celebrating him as he makes his final start as a full-time NASCAR Cup driver on March 1, 2020. Auto Club Speedway will pay tribute to the El Cajon native through a variety of ways including incorporating family and friends into the pre-race ceremonies.

• • Five Wide Salute – NASCAR Cup Series drivers will once again line up five wide to salute fans and special for this year, Jimmie will lead the Five Wide Salute. A tribute video will also play on the ISM Vision Screens reliving Johnson’s accomplishments at his hometown track.
• • Family Named Honorary Starters: Chandra Johnson along with daughters Genevieve and Lydia will go into the starter stand to wave the green flag to start the Auto Club 400 as Jimmie makes his final start at his hometown track.
• • Jimmie’s Mentor Named Honorary Pace Car Driver: Iconic motocross racer and childhood friend Ricky Johnson will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver and will drive the Official NASCAR 2020 Toyota Camry Pace Car where he will lead the field and the “Five Wide Salute” during the pace laps before the start of the NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 at 12:30 p.m. PT.
• • Special Mural Highlights Jimmie’s Career: Renowned Los Angeles artist Jonas Never has painted a 19’ x 24’ mural telling the story of Jimmie’s career highlights along a wall on the APEX building in the heart of the Fan Zone. Ticket holders can view and take photos of the incredible artwork.

We’re chipping away at it. P5 @LVMotorSpeedway pic.twitter.com/txs3nRNbWl

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) February 24, 2020

In addition, ticket holders will be able to see these tributes:

• • Guests exiting through the infield tunnel will be treated with another Jimmie Johnson mural featuring his six wins and thanking him for an incredible career.
• • Auto Club Speedway renamed one of its facility roads to Jimmie Johnson Drive, which will intersect with Jeff Gordon Way.

Jimmie Johnson has won at Auto Club Speedway a record six times – the most of any driver all-time. His first NASCAR Cup Series Career win was at Auto Club Speedway in 2002 and most recent trip to Victory Lane at the track came in 2016 while driving a fitting “Superman” paint scheme.

To purchase tickets, call 800-944-RACE (7223), log on to www.autoclubspeedway.com, or visit ticket office at 9300 Cherry Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335.

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Ford Mustangs Sweep #NASCAR Cup & Xfinity In Las Vegas

Winners: Logano - in the Pennzoil 400
Chase Briscoe - Boyd Gaming 300

Joey Logano and Matt DiBenedetto led Ford Performance to a 1-2 finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the Pennzoil 400. Logano piloted the Team Penske Pennzoil Mustang to Ford’s first win of 2020 while winning his 24th NASCAR Cup Series career race.

“Congratulations to Joey, Paul, Roger, and the No. 22 crew,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “It was great to see these Ford Mustangs run so strong. Our guys drove a great race and happy to see Joey and Paul get their first win of the season. We {Roush Yates Engines} are proud to be part of the Ford Performance team and power these fast Ford Mustangs.”

After a late race caution, at lap 262, Logano missed the call to pit, which placed him in the lead for the restart and a two-lap shoot out. As they came to green, Logano received a big push from Ricky Stenhouse Jr. which pushed him to the lead. With the clean air, he was able to separate himself from the rest of the pack and take the white flag before another caution came out on the last lap, securing Logano back-to-back wins in Las Vegas with Ford Performance.

Logano commented in Victory Lane, “There was a little confusion, but it worked out really well. A lot of cars stayed out and that was key to that move. Winning the Pennzoil 400 with the Pennzoil car, this is huge. It means a lot to be able to do this two-years in a row winning this race. I’m proud of the effort everybody here behind me did today. They prepared a great car and executed the race perfectly and that’s what we wanted. We fought hard and tried to keep every spot we possibly could and then ultimately, oh man, being able to pull it into Victory Lane here.”

Ford has won four out of the last five races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Kevin Harvick (2018), Brad Keselowski (2018) and Logano (2019).

The Ford teams led a combined 165 laps out of the 267-lap race with a race high by Harvick of 92 followed by race winner, Logano with 54 and Team Penske teammate, Ryan Blaney with 19.

DiBenedetto drove the No. 21 Ford Mustang to a second-place finish with Wood Brothers Racing while Keselowski finished P7 and Harvick P8.

Ford also went 1-2 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Sunday. Chase Briscoe from Stewart-Haas Racing crossed the finish line first, leading 89 laps out of the 200-lap race, to win his third career NXS race while Austin Cindric from Team Penske came in second, leading a total of 39 laps.

“It’s nice to get a win early,” Briscoe commented in Victory Lane. “Obviously, we were hoping that we could get a win at some point in the year – we expected to – but to get it in our Ford Performance Racing School Ford Mustang before Phoenix is definitely nice just because we can go there and kind of try some stuff because I feel like that’s one place I need to get way better at. That being said, it’s nice to take the point lead. It doesn’t mean as much this early in the season, but it’s a good confidence booster and it goes a long way when you’re in that first garage stall with your guys.”

Source: Roush Yates Engines (roushyates.com)

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