INSIDER
Ty Gibbs promoted to replace Kyle Busch in JGR's Cup car
Read full article: Ty Gibbs promoted to replace Kyle Busch in JGR's Cup carTy Gibbs was promoted to NASCAR’s top Cup series on Tuesday in an expected announcement that was void of any celebration as Joe Gibbs Racing continues to mourn the loss of Gibbs’ father.
Joey Logano wins at Phoenix to earn 2nd NASCAR championship
Read full article: Joey Logano wins at Phoenix to earn 2nd NASCAR championshipJoey Logano won his second NASCAR championship to give Roger Penske two titles in the same season with a victory in Sunday’s winner-take-all finale at Phoenix Raceway.
No favorite among NASCAR championship 4 ahead of finale
Read full article: No favorite among NASCAR championship 4 ahead of finaleThe long and unpredictable NASCAR season comes to an end Sunday with a championship race fitting for a year that saw unprecedented parity and never a clear title favorite.
Wall-hugging Chastain, red-hot Bell eye 1st NASCAR title
Read full article: Wall-hugging Chastain, red-hot Bell eye 1st NASCAR titleRoss Chastain skyrocketed to motorsports infamy for wall-riding his way into NASCAR’s championship race with a video-game style move that has overshadowed the finale and his fellow title contenders.
Chastain's video game-inspired ride puts more eyes on NASCAR
Read full article: Chastain's video game-inspired ride puts more eyes on NASCARRoss Chastain’s video game-inspired ride along the wall at Martinsville carried him across the finish line, into the NASCAR championship finale and around the world.
Bell says Wallace apologized on flight home from Las Vegas
Read full article: Bell says Wallace apologized on flight home from Las VegasBubba Wallace and Christopher Bell shared a flight home from Las Vegas, and Wallace apologized during the trip to his fellow Toyota teammate for the incident that crippled Bell’s championship chances.
Logano wins at Las Vegas to earn spot in NASCAR title race
Read full article: Logano wins at Las Vegas to earn spot in NASCAR title raceJoey Logano became the first driver to qualify for NASCAR’s championship finale by using fresh tires to chase down Ross Chastain and win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Bell wins Charlotte as champion Larson bumped from playoffs
Read full article: Bell wins Charlotte as champion Larson bumped from playoffsChristopher Bell saved his title chances with an overtime win Sunday on the road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway in a stunning finish that knocked reigning NASCAR champion Kyle Larson from the playoffs.
Trackhouse heads into 100th start in championship contention
Read full article: Trackhouse heads into 100th start in championship contentionTrackhouse Racing will make its 100th start on Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway with drivers Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez still in the championship competition.
Buescher looks to be playoff spoiler at home track Texas
Read full article: Buescher looks to be playoff spoiler at home track TexasChris Buescher's win at Bristol last week marked the first time in this version of NASCAR's playoffs that drivers who are not racing for the championship swept the three races of the first round.
Wallace holds off boss, title contenders to win at Kansas
Read full article: Wallace holds off boss, title contenders to win at KansasBubba Wallace won his second career NASCAR Cup Series race and denied the playoff field of an automatic spot in the next round for the second straight week when he held off championship contenders Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell to win at Kansas Speedway.
Jones holds off ex-JGR teammate Hamlin to win at Darlington
Read full article: Jones holds off ex-JGR teammate Hamlin to win at DarlingtonErik Jones took the lead when Kyle Busch’s engine blew up, then pulled away from Denny Hamlin after a final restart 20 laps from the end to win the opening NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Darlington Raceway on Sunday night.
Harvick wins again; NASCAR playoff picture remains muddled
Read full article: Harvick wins again; NASCAR playoff picture remains muddledKevin Harvick took the lead from Joey Logano with 66 laps to go and held off Christopher Bell at Richmond Raceway on Sunday for his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory.
Chase Elliott wins at Dover to snap 26-race winless streak
Read full article: Chase Elliott wins at Dover to snap 26-race winless streakChase Elliott snapped a 26-race winless streak when the 2020 NASCAR champion pulled away down the stretch to win the rain-delayed Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway.
Martinsville: Byron races to NASCAR Cup-leading 2nd victory
Read full article: Martinsville: Byron races to NASCAR Cup-leading 2nd victoryWilliam Byron took the lead on pit road after Stage 2 pit stops and held it pretty much the rest of the way at Martinsville Speedway to become the first repeat winner this season in NASCAR’s Cup Series.
Hamlin finally finds the Next Gen formula, wins at Richmond
Read full article: Hamlin finally finds the Next Gen formula, wins at RichmondDenny Hamlin ran down William Byron with five laps to go and ended the slowest start to a season of his career with a victory in the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway.
Ross Chastain bangs Trackhouse Racing into 1st victory lane
Read full article: Ross Chastain bangs Trackhouse Racing into 1st victory laneRoss Chastain bumped and banged his way around the final overtime lap at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday for first career Cup win and upstart NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing’s first trip to victory lane.
Truex leads 1-2-3 finish for Joe Gibbs Racing at Richmond
Read full article: Truex leads 1-2-3 finish for Joe Gibbs Racing at RichmondMartin Truex Jr. assumed the lead when Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch was penalized with about 50 laps to go and won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway.
Blaney takes lead on final restart, holds on to win Michigan
Read full article: Blaney takes lead on final restart, holds on to win MichiganRyan Blaney took the lead from William Byron on a late restart and bobbed and weaved his way across the final seven laps to win at Michigan International Speedway.
Kyle Larson wins at Watkins Glen, eyes regular-season title
Read full article: Kyle Larson wins at Watkins Glen, eyes regular-season titleKyle Larson won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International, building a big lead in the final stage and keeping Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott at bay over the final laps.
Under darkness, Almirola pulls off shocker at New Hampshire
Read full article: Under darkness, Almirola pulls off shocker at New HampshireWith darkness closing in, Aric Almirola sprung to life late Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and pulled off a surprise for Stewart-Haas Racing’s first victory of the year.
Kyle Larson celebrates return with 1st win since suspension
Read full article: Kyle Larson celebrates return with 1st win since suspensionLAS VEGAS – Kyle Larson wasn’t sure he’d ever race again in NASCAR, and if he could, he didn’t know who would even hire him. On Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Larson raced to his first NASCAR victory since he was reinstated from a nearly yearlong suspension. “Thanks Mr. H. for believing in me,” Larson radioed to boss Rick Hendrick after crossing the finish line. Larson is considered one of the top talents in NASCAR but won just six times in six seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing. “He got in a great car, he's a great driver and he's going to make things happen,” runner-up Brad Keselowski said.
Byron gives NASCAR another surprise winner at Homestead
Read full article: Byron gives NASCAR another surprise winner at HomesteadHOMESTEAD, Fla. – William Byron gave NASCAR its third surprise winner in three weeks, this one not quite as stunning as the first two at Daytona International Speedway. Byron controlled most of the final two stages at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday and won for the second time in 111 Cup starts. Byron entered the weekend as a 28-1 shot to win a race many expected would provide a return to normal for the racing series. When Byron’s former crew chief, Chad Knaus, moved up at Hendrick Motorsports, Rick Hendrick hired Fugle and paired him with Byron. The Roush Fenway Racing driver led five times for a total of 57 laps, but he started to fade when as sunset neared.
Byron gives NASCAR another surprise winner at Homestead
Read full article: Byron gives NASCAR another surprise winner at HomesteadWilliam Byron was the third surprise winner through three races this season with his victory Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Byron controlled most of the final two stages at Homestead to win for the second time in 111 Cup starts. Byron entered the weekend as a 28-1 shot to win a race many expected would provide a return to normal for the racing series. The Roush Fenway Racing driver led five times for a total of 57 laps, but he started to fade "when as sunset neared. He ended up getting X-rays, which were negative, and was cleared to work the Cup Series event.
NASCAR's 'unique' winners already altering playoff landscape
Read full article: NASCAR's 'unique' winners already altering playoff landscapeChristopher Bell celebrates at the finish line after winning the NASCAR Cup Series road course auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)HOMESTEAD, Fla. – NASCAR’s postseason landscape has been altered after just two Cup Series races. “The number of unique winners is really going to change how many cars get in on points, right? Although Bell drives for powerhouse Joe Gibbs Racing, he was a rookie for that top team and in his second full season in the Cup series. The Cup Series opened on a superspeedway, then raced on a road course, and now heads to an intermediate track. Whether that’s different markets, different racetracks, it has to be different from year to year.
Bell snags first Cup victory in another surprise Gibbs win
Read full article: Bell snags first Cup victory in another surprise Gibbs winBell won in his second race driving for Joe Gibbs Racing to give the team a pair of surprising victories at Daytona International Speedway. Ty Gibbs, the 18-year-old grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, won the Xfinity Series race Saturday night in his first career national series start. “I've prepared my whole life for this moment to race in the Cup Series, last year was such a learning curve for me. Kevin Harvick finished sixth and AJ Allmendinger, in his first Cup race since the 2018 season finale, finished seventh. It was the highest finish in three Cup races for Kaulig Racing, an Xfinity Series team formed in 2016 that wants to be full-time Cup next season.
Bell snags first Cup victory in another surprise Gibbs win
Read full article: Bell snags first Cup victory in another surprise Gibbs winMichael McDowell was the surprise Daytona 500 winner and then Bell earned an earlier-than-expected first trip to victory lane. The 26-year-old Oklahoman is a longtime Toyota development driver who won 16 Xfinity Series races driving for Gibbs. Ty Gibbs, the 18-year-old grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, won the Xfinity Series race Saturday night in his first career national series start. Kevin Harvick finished sixth and AJ Allmendinger, in his first Cup race since the 2018 season finale, finished seventh. It was the highest finish in three Cup races for Kaulig Racing, an Xfinity Series team formed in 2016 that wants to be full-time Cup next season.
Hiccup for Hendrick Motorsports ahead of Daytona 500
Read full article: Hiccup for Hendrick Motorsports ahead of Daytona 500Alex Bowman and William Byron were slated to lead the Daytona 500 field to green but that's in danger following Thursday night's qualifying races. Byron was collected in a crash in the second Duel and it ruined his Chevrolet. AdAustin Cindric and Kaz Grala both earned their first berths into the Daytona 500 by claiming the two available transfer positions in the Duels. He was the leader on the final lap of the second Duel until Dillon crossed to Wallace’s inside and inched ahead. “We’ve got an incredible race car and I can’t wait for the Daytona 500.”
Jones lands iconic No. 43 with Richard Petty Motorsports
Read full article: Jones lands iconic No. 43 with Richard Petty Motorsports43 next season for Richard Petty Motorsports, a pairing of a driver and a team both in need of fresh starts. 43 next season for Richard Petty Motorsports, a pairing of a driver and a team both in need of fresh starts. The loss of Wallace could have crippled RPM, the cash-strapped team co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty. Jones won rookie of the year in the Truck, Xfinity and Cup Series, as well as the Truck Series championship. Richard Petty took on a series of different investors beginning in 2009 for re-branded Richard Petty Motorsports, which last put the No.
Logano wins at Kansas to clinch spot in Cup Series finale
Read full article: Logano wins at Kansas to clinch spot in Cup Series finaleJoey Logano celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.
Logano wins at Kansas to clinch spot in Cup Series finale
Read full article: Logano wins at Kansas to clinch spot in Cup Series finaleKANSAS CITY, Kan. – Joey Logano spent the final 40-plus laps at Kansas Speedway keeping an eye on Kevin Harvick in his rear-view mirror. Now, he can look ahead to the NASCAR Cup Series finale at Phoenix. Using every bit of the track Sunday to hold off the winningest driver this season, Logano took the checkered flag on a cold, blustery Sunday to secure a spot in the championship round of the playoffs. Hamlin managed to hold off the 2014 series champion to win his 10th stage of the season. Then, midway through the final stage, he began to notice a problem in his car.
Kevin Harvick nabs 9th win of season to roll into 2nd round
Read full article: Kevin Harvick nabs 9th win of season to roll into 2nd roundBusch furiously tried to catch him as the two weaved their way through lapped traffic, but Harvick held firm in the No. Only six cars finished on the lead lap in a tepid event at the 0.533-mile bullring revered for bumping and banging. Track officials sold all 30,000 tickets allowed — making Bristol one of the largest sporting events since the pandemic — and the spectators crowded the fence as Harvick celebrated his second win of the playoffs. Erik Jones, who is not eligible for the playoffs, finished third for Joe Gibbs Racing and was followed by rookie Tyler Reddick and playoff contenders Aric Almirola and Clint Bowyer. Denny Hamlin, considered the closest challenger to Harvick this year, closed out a sub-par opening round of the playoffs with a 21st-place finish.
Ryan Blaney hopes to avoid playoff elimination at Bristol
Read full article: Ryan Blaney hopes to avoid playoff elimination at BristolWith a bit of disbelief over his fast fall in the NASCAR standings, Ryan Blaney is determined to avoid elimination from the playoffs. William Byron, Cole Custer, Matt DiBenedetto and Blaney are the four drivers below the cutline headed into the knockout race. “This whole group, this team, we are not a 16th-place-in-points team,” Blaney said. 12 team was also off last week at Richmond, where Blaney finished 19th to fall to the edge of elimination. Cole Custer trails Bowyer by eight points, while DiBendetto is 25 points behind and Blaney is 27 points out.
Suarez on the move again after parting with Gaunt Brothers
Read full article: Suarez on the move again after parting with Gaunt BrothersCHARLOTTE, N.C. – Daniel Suarez, who landed a ride two weeks before the season-opening Daytona 500, will not return to Gaunt Brothers Racing next season and is seeking a new team for the third time in three years. Gaunt Brothers said Tuesday it was a mutual decision for the Mexican driver to leave the team. “I’m extremely thankful to my entire Toyota family for everything they have done for me, especially this year," Suarez said. “I will always be grateful to them for having my back.”Suarez has struggled with Gaunt Brothers, which is in its first full season of Cup competition. His long relationship with Toyota helped Suarez get the job with Gaunt Brothers, a team that began in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series in 2010 and the Canada-based NASCAR Pinty’s Series.
Road king: Elliott wins at Daytona for 3rd straight on road
Read full article: Road king: Elliott wins at Daytona for 3rd straight on roadNASCARs most popular driver won the Cup Series road course race at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, holding off hard-charging Denny Hamlin following a late restart and notching his third consecutive victory away from ovals. The 24-year-old Elliott also won on road courses at Charlotte and at Watkins Glen last year. Elliott, Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. had the cars to beat. Making up that kind of ground on a 14-turn, 3.61-mile road course was a nearly impossible tough task, especially considering Elliott was turning mistake-free laps at the front of the field. Newman was one of the few Cup drivers with experience on Daytonas road course.
Leavine Family Racing to close at end of 2020 season
Read full article: Leavine Family Racing to close at end of 2020 seasonCHARLOTTE, N.C. Leavine Family Racing has sold its NASCAR team but will finish the season with driver Christopher Bell. Leavine is the second team owner to close its doors after aligning with Joe Gibbs Racing. We will say goodbye at the conclusion of the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season, Leavine said. Leavine Family Racing has competed in NASCAR since 2011, making its debut with David Starr at Texas Motor Speedway. Leavine Family Racing is winless in 240 Cup starts.
Hamlin holds off Keselowski for fifth Cup victory of season
Read full article: Hamlin holds off Keselowski for fifth Cup victory of seasonKANSAS CITY, Kan. Denny Hamlin raced to his his series-leading fifth NASCAR Cup Series victory of the season Thursday night, passing Kevin Harvick in the closing laps and holding off Brad Keselowski to make it back-to-back victories at Kansas Speedway. Joey Logano led early before his night went sideways and took some playoff contenders with him. His problems began when a tire got loose on pit road during the first stage, sending him to the back. He was working his way forward early in the final stage when his left front tire went down, sending Logano into the outside wall. Weve had some really bad weeks, Stenhouse said.