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Author: Angie Campbell

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Charlotte

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Charlotte

    The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and XFINITY Series will compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend. The Camping World Truck Series is off. Please check below for the complete schedule of events and the Driver Pairings for the 2016 Coca-Cola 600 Miles of Remembrance.

    All times are Eastern.

    Thursday, May 26:

    On Track:
    2-3:25 p.m.: Sprint Cup Practice – FS1
    3:30-4:25 p.m.: XFINITY Series First Practice – FS1
    5:30-6:50 p.m.: XFINITY Series Final Practice – FS1
    7:15 p.m.: Sprint Cup Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FS1

    Garage Cam: (Watch live)
    1:30 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series
    3 p.m.: XFINITY Series

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    1:15 p.m.: Kyle Larson
    1:30 p.m.: Ty Dillon
    3:30 p.m.: Carl Edwards
    3:45 p.m.: NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew National Combine
    4:45 p.m.: Joey Logano
    8:15 p.m.: Post-Sprint Cup Series Qualifying (time approx.)

    Saturday, May 28:

    On Track:
    10-10:55 a.m.: Sprint Cup Second Practice – FS1
    11:15 a.m.: XFINITY Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FS1
    1-1:50 p.m.: Sprint Cup Final Practice – FS1
    2:30 p.m.: XFINITY Series Hisense 4K TV 300 (200 laps, 300 miles) – FS1

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    12:15 p.m.: 600 Miles of Remembrance with Mark Singleton – tire changer and Graham Molatch – jackman
    4:45 p.m.: Post-XFINITY Series Race (time approx.)

    Sunday, May 29:

    On Track:
    6 p.m.: Sprint Cup Coca-Cola 600 (400 laps, 600 miles) – FOX

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    10:15 p.m.: Post-Sprint Cup Series Race (time approx.)

    Additional Info:

    Complete NASCAR TV Schedule

    Special NASCAR Programming:

    • Daniel Suárez, David Ragan and Matt DiBenedetto on “Fluffy Breaks Even” – Thursday, May 26 at 10 p.m. ET on Fuse
    • Chase Elliott on “Ridiculousness” – Thursday, June 2 at 10 p.m. ET on MTV

    Driver Pairings for the 2016 Coca-Cola 600 Miles of Remembrance:

    2016 600 Miles of Remembrance
    Car No. Driver Soldier Branch Soldier Hometown
    1 Jamie McMurray LCPL Scott Albert Lynch Marines Greenwood Lake, NY
    2 Brad Keselowski SPC Joseph T. Prentler Army Fenwick, MI
    3 Austin Dillon SOC Mark T. Carter Navy Fallbrook, CA
    4 Kevin Harvick LCPL Nathan Ross Elrod Marines Rockwell, NC
    5 Kasey Kahne LCPL Eric Levi Ward Marines Redmond, WA
    6 Trevor Bayne CW4 Jason William McCormack Army Enterprise, AL
    7 Regan Smith LCPL Cody Steven Childers Marines Chesapeake, VA
    10 Danica Patrick LCPL Benito “cheeks” Ramirez Marines Edinburg, TX
    11 Denny Hamlin SGT John Davis Harvey Marines Roanoke, VA
    13 Casey Mears SPC Christopher Shane Wright Army Tollesboro, KY
    14 Tony Stewart MSG Paul D. Karpowich Army Freeland, PA
    15 Clint Bowyer MSGT Tara Brown Air Force Long Island, NJ
    16 Greg Biffle SPC Joel A. Taylor Army Pinetown, NC
    17 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. SP4 James (Jim) H. Woolard Army Manchester, OH
    18 Kyle Busch PFC Robert Stephan Underwood Army O’ Fallon, MO
    19 Carl Edwards CPT Edmond Jablonsky Jr. Army Pasadena, TX
    20 Matt Kenseth PFC Christopher Neal White Marines Elizabethtown, KY
    21 Ryan Blaney SMSN Cherone L. Gunn Navy Virginia Beach, VA
    22 Joey Logano SPC Cindy Beaudoin Army Plainfield, CT
    23 David Ragan LT COL Paul Keith Mikeal Air Force Mooresville, NC
    24 Chase Elliott GYSGT Justin Martone Marines Bedford, VA
    27 Paul Menard SPC Zachary Lee Shannon Army Dunedin, FL
    30 Josh Wise SSG Robert A. Massarelli Army Hamilton, OH
    31 Ryan Newman SSGT Jason C Ramseyer Marines West Palm Beach, FL
    32 Jeffrey Earnhardt CPT Christopher Cash Army Old Orchard Beach, ME
    34 Chris Buescher SSGT Eric A. McIntosh Marines Indianapolis, IN
    38 Landon Cassill PVT Earl Platt Army Vestaburg, MI
    41 Kurt Busch SGT Nicholas Ray Gibbs Army Stokesdale, NC
    42 Kyle Larson SO3 Denis Christian Miranda Navy Toms River, NJ
    43 Aric Almirola SSGT Forrest B. Sibley Air Force Pensacola, FL
    44 Brian Scott PFC John G. Borbonus US Army Boise, ID
    46 Michael Annett PFC Jacob Henry Wykstra Army Thornton, CO
    47 AJ Allmendinger YN3 Wendell Williams Navy Cincinnati, OH
    48 Jimmie Johnson SFC Kyle B. Wehrly Army Galesburg, IL
    55 Reed Sorenson PFC Jason Hill Estopinal Marines Dallas, GA
    78 Martin Truex Jr. GYSGT Jeffery E. Bohr, Jr. Marines Ossian, IA
    83 Matt Dibenedetto CPL Jared C. Verbeek Marines Visalia, CA
    88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. LCPL Aaron Howard Reed Marines Chillicothe, OH
    95 Michael McDowell PFC Andrew Mark Krippner Army Garland, TX
    98 Cole Whitt CPL Michael D. Anderson Jr. Marines Modesto, CA
    Pace Car CAPT Matthew Rolland Air Force Lexington, KY
    Split Pace Car 1SG Kevin A. Dupont Marines Chicopee, MA
    Grand Marshal Car 1 SGT Bryan Paul Abercrombie Army Clinton, UT
    Grand Marshal Car 2 SPC Tony J. Gonzales Army Newman, CA
  • NASCAR Racing Schedule Charlotte All-Star Week

    NASCAR Racing Schedule Charlotte All-Star Week

    The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series will compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend. The XFINITY Series is off. Please check below for the complete schedule of events.

    All times are Eastern.

    Thursday, May 19:

    On Track:
    12:30-1:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Practice (canceled due to rain)
    2:30-3:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Second Practice  (canceled due to rain)
    4:30-5:55 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Final Practice – FS1 (Time moved due to rain – Results)

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    11:15 a.m.: Christopher Bell
    11:30 a.m.: Daniel Hemric
    11:45 a.m.: Cole Custer

    Friday, May 20:

    On Track:
    1:30-2:55 p.m.: Sprint Showdown Final Practice (Sprint Showdown Qualifying) – FS1 (canceled)
    3-4:40 p.m.: Sprint Cup All-Star Race Final Practice – FS1 (postponed to Saturday)
    5:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying – FS1  (canceled — starting lineup)
    7:15 p.m.: Sprint Showdown (20 laps, 20 laps, 10 laps) – FS1 (postponed to Saturday)
    8:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series – NC Education Lottery 200 (134 laps, 201 miles) – FS1 (postponed to Saturday)

    Garage Cam: (Watch live)
    2:30 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series  (canceled)

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    11 a.m.: Dusenberry Martin Racing announcement with Carl Edwards
    11:30 a.m.: Matt Kenseth
    12:45 p.m.: Ryan Blaney
    1:15 p.m.: Kevin Harvick

    Saturday, May 21: (Updated due to rain on Friday)

    On Track:
    9:30-10:30 a.m.: Sprint All-Star Race practice – FS1
    10:05-10:15 a.m.: Sprint All-Star Race Pit Road Speed Practice – FS1
    11 a.m.: Sprint Showdown (20 laps, 20 laps, 10 laps) – FS1
    12:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series NC Education Lottery 200 (134 laps, 201 miles) – FS1
    7:10 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying (three laps with pit stop) – FS1
    9 p.m.: Sprint All-Star Race (50 laps, 50 laps, 13 laps) -FS1

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    10:15 p.m.: Post-Sprint Cup Series race (time approx.)

    Race Notes:

    Greg Olsen, tight end for the Carolina Panthers, will drive the pace car for the All-Star Race Saturday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

    Pre All-Star Race:

    8:49:p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star Race, Driver & Crew Intros
    9:10 p.m.: Presentation of Colors by 14th Weather Squadron, US Air Force, Asheville, North Carolina
    9:10-9:20 p.m.: Invocation by Joe Gibbs
    9:11: p.m.: National Anthem by Caleb Johnson
    9:12 p.m.: Fly-by TOT: Team Aerodynamix (Turn 4 to Turn 1)
    9:17 p.m. (approx.): “Drivers, Start Your Engines” by Tony Stewart (Done from inside his car)
    9:26:p.m. (approx.): Start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series All-Star Race

    Additional Info:

    Complete NASCAR TV Schedule

     

  • All-Star Race Revises Format to Enhance Excitement

    All-Star Race Revises Format to Enhance Excitement

    This year the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race has been revamped to create an atmosphere that will promote more competitive racing as the drivers battle for a $1 million prize.

    The All-Star event will be held on May 21 at 9 p.m. ET at Charlotte Motor Speedway and consist of three segments for a total of 113 laps. Qualifying will be held prior to the race (three laps with pit stop) at 7:10 p.m. ET.

    The final segment (13 laps) will feature a unique format that requires the leaders to pit before the last segment begins. None of the other drivers will be allowed to pit. The leaders will then line up behind the cars on the tracks that did not pit, setting up a dramatic dash to the checkered flag.

    To make matters more intriguing, a random draw before the final segment will decide how many of the leaders must pit; nine, 10 or 11.

    This year there will be two drivers added to the lineup by virtue of the Sprint Fan Vote. As of May 16, the top five up for consideration are, in alphabetical order, Ryan Blaney, Matt DiBenedetto, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson and Danica Patrick. Fans can cast their votes until 5 p.m. ET May 20.

    As an added bonus, Tony Stewart, participating in his final full-time season, has been selected to get things started with the words every NASCAR fan anticipates, “Drivers, Start Your Engines.”

    Sprint All-Star Race Format:

    Segment 1(50 laps): The field will be determined by qualifying and includes a mandatory green flag pit stop for a minimum of two tires.

    Break 1: After the first segment, there will be a break of 3-5 minutes with a mandatory pit stop with a minimum two-tire change.

    Segment 2 (50 laps): The field will be set by the exit from pit road with one mandatory green flag pit stop a minimum two-tire change before lap 85.

    Break 2: After the second segment, there will be a break of 3-5 minutes. This break will feature a random draw that will decide whether the top nine, 10 or 11 cars have to pit for a mandatory four-tire stop. Pit road will be closed for all other cars. The starting order for Segment 3 will be set by order of pit road exit and they will line up behind the cars that did not pit.

    Segment 3 (13 laps): Only green flag laps will count in the final segment. NASCAR Overtime rules apply.

    Sprint All-Star Race Eligibility:

    The All-Star race will include a minimum of 20 cars. Fifteen drivers have already qualified, being 2015-2016 race winners or past All-Star winners. Three more drivers will advance from the Sprint Showdown race (May 20 at 7:15  p.m. ET) and two more drivers will be voted in by fans.

    The 11 winners from 2015-2016 are Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano and Martin Truex Jr. The four past All-Star winners are Kasey Kahne (2008), Jamie McMurray (2014), Ryan Newman (2002) and Tony Stewart (2009).

    Sprint Showdown:

    The Sprint Showdown is divided into three segments (20/20/10) and each segment winner will advance to the All-Star Race.

    Segment 1 (20 laps): The field will be set by practice speed. The winner advances to the All-Star race and will not continue in the Showdown.

    Segment 2 (20 laps): The field is set by pit-road exit order after a mandatory minimum two-tire pit stop. The winner advances to the All-Star race and will not continue in the Showdown.

    Segment 3 (10 laps): The field is set by pit-road exit order after a mandatory minimum two-tire pit stop. NASCAR Overtime rules apply. The winner advances to the All-Star race.

    Saturday’s event will be the 32nd All-Star Race and all but one (1986-Atlanta) have been held at Charlotte Motor Speedway. There have been 21 different winners with Jimmie Johnson leading the series with four wins (2003, 2006, 2012 and 2013).

    The All-Star race has been underwhelming the last several years with few lead changes and sparse cautions. NASCAR is hopeful that the format changes will provide a spark that will showcase the top drivers and give the fans what they want; an edge of your seat, nail-biting, display of pure adrenalin-fueled racing.

  • Alex Bowman Excels with Top Five Finish at Dover

    Alex Bowman Excels with Top Five Finish at Dover

    There are no guarantees in life and certainly not in NASCAR. No one knows this better than Alex Bowman.

    In January, he was abruptly released from his Sprint Cup ride with Tommy Baldwin Racing. The last few months have been challenging but Bowman was back at the track this weekend at Dover International Speedway.

    It was the first of a nine race deal with JR Motorsports in the XFINITY Series and Bowman made the most of the opportunity. He contended for the win, leading 33 laps on his way to a third place finish in the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet 200.

    The 23-year-old NASCAR Next alumni qualified fifth in the No. 88 Advance Auto Parts Chevy but admitted he was apprehensive after being out of a race car for seven months (except for one race in a midget car at the Chili Bowl in January).

    “I was a little worried, just being so rusty,” Bowman said. “I think it was more mental really than actually like driving the race car. It was just more me being nervous. I think Friday morning, I was probably the most nervous I’ve been in years, as far as getting in the race car.”

    “This is one of the toughest places we come,” he continued, “and it was kinda like, ‘Can I still do this? Am I going to mess up, make stupid mistakes or do dumb things?’

    He was also concerned about the communication with crew chief Dale Elenz.

    “I haven’t given feedback on a race car in seven months either, didn’t really do a good job of that throughout practice, but I think Dave overcame it and gave me a really good piece for the race.”

    Bowman gave much of the credit to his team and the speed of his car as he talked about the race.

    “We were a bit off in the heat race so we made some big changes and it really paid off on the long run,” he explained. “I think we were definitely the strongest long run car all day. Then in that first run catching the 20 (Erik Jones) and driving by him shows a lot about our race car.

    “Those Gibbs cars have been really, really good all year so for Dave and  the guys to bring a race car that can pass those Gibbs cars is more than pretty much anybody has been able to do this season. I’m really thankful for that.”

    Although he was ultimately pleased with a third place finish, Bowman’s goal was a victory.

    “At the end”, he said, “it was like, well, we can finish second or we can try to win the thing. So, put on four tires and tried to win it and it just wasn’t our day, we couldn’t get to them.

    “Just really thankful for Advance Auto Parts to be on board. It’s been a lot of fun this weekend. I haven’t driven a race car in like seven months so it is pretty incredible to come here and run as well as we did, it means a lot. It really just shows a lot for JRM.”

    Bowman is already looking forward to the next race, realizing more than ever, that each performance is crucial to his future in NASCAR. He spoke candidly about what he wants to achieve this season.

    “Hopefully, my phone starts ringing and I get some more races. That’s the biggest thing. I’ve got nine races this year and at this point in my career those nine races are really going to define where it goes,” Bowman said. “I’ve spent full seasons in the Cup Series and spent full seasons in the XFINITY series. As far as the XFINITY stuff goes, I did everything but win a race. I sat on poles, we ran up front, just never put a whole race together

    “I think with my experience in the Cup Series for the last two years, these nine races, I have to go win some. I have to prove that I should be here and I think winning means that.”

    He concluded by saying, “I need to win races. Hopefully, this proves to the garage that I’m capable of doing that.”

    Bowman’s next race will be at Pocono Raceway on June 4 for JRM. Unless, of course, someone else offers this determined young driver, a chance to do more of what he loves.

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Dover

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Dover

    The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, XFINITY Series and the Camping World Truck Series travel to Dover International Speedway this weekend. Please check below for the complete schedule of events.

    All times are Eastern.

    Thursday, May 12:

    On Track:
    2-2:55 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Practice
    4-4:55 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Final Practice

    Friday, May, 13:

    On Track:
    10-10:55 a.m.: XFINITY Series Practice – FS1
    11 a.m.-12:20 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Practice – FS1
    12:30-1:55 p.m.: XFINITY Series Final Practice – FS1
    2:15 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying – FS1
    3:45 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FS1
    5:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series JACOB Companies 200 (200 laps, 200 miles) – FS1

    Garage Cam: (Watch live)
    10:30 a.m.: Sprint Cup Series

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    8:45 a.m.: Brendan Gaughan
    9:00 a.m.: Joey Logano
    9:15 a.m.: Ty Dillon
    9:30 a.m.: Martin Truex Jr.
    12:45 p.m.: Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
    1:15 p.m.: Jimmie Johnson
    5 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Post-Qualifying
    7:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Post-Race (time approx)

    Saturday, May 14:

    On Track:
    9:30 -10:25 a.m.: Sprint Cup Series Second Practice – FS1
    10:45 a.m.: XFINITY Series Qualifying – FS1
    12:30-1:25 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Final Practice – FS2
    2 p.m.: XFINITY Series Ollie’s Bargain Outlet 200 Heat #1 (40 laps, 40 miles) – FOX
    2:50 p.m. (approx): XFINITY Series Ollie’s Bargain Outlet 200 Heat #2 (40 laps, 40 miles) – FOX
    3:30 p.m. (approx): XFINITY Series Ollie’s Bargain Outlet 200 main race (120 laps, 120 miles) – FOX

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    4:30 p.m.: XFINITY Post-Race (time approx)

    Sunday, May 15:

    On Track:
    1 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 Drive for Autism (400 laps, 400 miles) – FS1

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    4:30 p.m.: Sprint Cup Post-Race (time approx)

    Additional Info:

    Complete NASCAR TV Schedule

    Special NASCAR Programming:

    “NASCAR: The Rise of American Speed” – Sunday, May 15 at 9 p.m. ET on CMT

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Kansas

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Kansas

    The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series travel to Kansas Speedway this weekend while the XFINITY Series is off. Please check below for the complete schedule of events.

    All times are Eastern.

    Thursday, May 5:

    On Track:
    2:30-3:25 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Practice
    4:30-5:25 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Practice
    6:30-7:55 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Final Practice

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    1:15 p.m.: Rico Abreu
    1:30 p.m.: Clint Bowyer
    1:45 p.m.: John Hunter Nemechek

    Friday, May, 6:

    On Track:
    11:30 a.m.-12:25 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Practice – FS1
    1:30-2:50 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Final Practice – FS1
    4:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying – FS1
    6:45 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FS1
    8:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Toyota Tundra 250 (167 laps, 250.5 miles) – FS1

    Garage Cam: (Watch live)
    11 a.m.: Sprint Cup Series

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    10:15 a.m.: AJ Allmendinger
    10:30 a.m.: Jamie McMurray
    12:30 p.m.: Carl Edwards
    3:30 p.m.: Brad Keselowski
    8 p.m.: NSCS Post-Qualifying (time approx)
    11 p.m.: NCWTS Post-Race (time approx)

    Saturday, May 7:

    On Track:
    7:30 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series GoBowling 400 (267 laps, 400.5 miles) – FS1

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    11 p.m.: NSCS Post-Race (time approx)

    Additional Info:
    Complete NASCAR TV Schedule

    Special NASCAR Programming:
    “NASCAR: The Rise of American Speed” – Sunday, May 8 at 9 p.m. ET on CMT – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Executive Producer

    *Click here for a sneak peek of the three-part special event

  • Jeremy Clements Captures Career-Best Finish at Talladega

    Jeremy Clements Captures Career-Best Finish at Talladega

    Jeremy Clements survived a tumultuous finish at Talladega Superspeedway to snare a career-best finish of fourth place in the Sparks Energy 300 NASCAR XFINITY Series race and win the Mobil 1 Driver of the Race award.

    The driver of the No. 51 Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet/BRTExtrusions Chevrolet with new sponsor Signs and Displays Direct (SDD) drove from a 34th starting position to lead seven laps and contend for the win. The race ended under caution in overtime when Joey Logano made contact with leader Elliott Sadler, sending Logano into the outside wall.

    Clements’ fourth place result moved him up three positions to 13th place in the championship standings. In 209 XFINITY starts, his previous best finish was sixth at Road America in 2014.

    The top five is a career defining moment for this small family-owned team. Jeremy Clements Racing (JCR) only has two full-time and three part-time employees but what they lack in numbers, they make up for with dedication.

    They have a rich history entrenched in NASCAR. Clements is the grandson of Crawford Clements, acclaimed engine builder, and the nephew of crew chief Louis Clements who won a championship with NASCAR Hall of Famer Rex White in 1960. Their engine development program continues today under the leadership of his father and uncle at Clements Automotive Racing. They play a vital role in the team’s success by supplying the engines for the No. 51 Chevy.

    Jeremy Clements receives a hug from his Dad after a series career-best fourth place finish at Talladega, April 30, 2016 - Photo Credit: Jason Watson
    Jeremy Clements receives a hug from his Dad after a career-best fourth place finish at Talladega, April 30, 2016. Photo Credit: Jason Watson

    Clements has an affinity for Talladega and heading into the race, he commented on the unpredictable nature of the track.

    “There’s nothing like Talladega,” he said. “We always seem to run well there. In 2013, we scored a Top 10. In 2014, we led but with six laps to go, got clipped in the right rear and sent into the wall. I think we were running seventh or eighth at that point and moving forward.  The car got pretty well wrecked, but at least we got our sponsors some face time on TV that day. They’re back with us for this weekend, so hopefully, we can get them some more exposure, but for the right reasons this time.”

    Clements’ hopes were realized Saturday and he was ecstatic after the race. I spoke with him about the significance of the top five finish, both personally and for his team.

    “I’m pretty excited for sure with our career-best finish,” he said. “It was a lotta fun and I am glad we survived typical plate racing, push the guy that is in front of you for all it’s worth. Great race for us, needed (it) a lot, ‘cause we have been struggling with bump stops, so it gives a great boost to our three-man team.”

    Clements is hopeful that it will be the catalyst needed to bring more sponsorship to the underfunded JCR organization, saying, “Definitely, this could help getting our foot in the door with new sponsors.”

    He is also confident that his fourth place finish at Talladega will give his team “momentum going into Dover in a couple of weeks.” It’s a track where they have put together good runs in the past, including a top 10 last year.

    The series returns to the track May 14 at Dover International Speedway as Clements and the No. 51 team continue to pursue their goal of making it into the top 12 to compete in the first elimination-style Chase for the XFINITY Series.

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Talladega

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Talladega

    The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the XFINITY Series travel to Talladega Superspeedway for another weekend of competition while the Camping World Truck Series is off. Please check below for the complete schedule of events.

    All times are Eastern.

    Friday, April 29:

    On Track:
    11:30 a.m.-12:25 p.m.: XFINITY Series Practice – FS1
    1:30-2:25 p.m.: XFINITY Series Final Practice – FS1
    2:30-3:25 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Practice – FS1
    4:30-5:25 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Final Practice – FS1

    Garage CAM: (Watch live)
    11 a.m.: XFINITY Series
    2 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    10:45 a.m.: Ty Dillon
    11 a.m.: Darrell Wallace Jr.
    1:10 p.m.: Talladega Superspeedway announcement with Tony Stewart
    1:30 p.m.: Martin Truex Jr.
    1:45 p.m.: Bret Holmes
    2 p.m.: Carl Edwards
    3:45 p.m.: Bobby Labonte
    4 p.m.: Dale Earnhardt Jr.

    Saturday, April 30:

    On Track:

    10:30 a.m.: XFINITY Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FS1
    12:30 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FOX
    3 p.m.: XFINITY Series Sparks Energy 300 (113 laps, 300.58 miles) – FOX
    Green flag: 3:18 p.m. approx.
    Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM Satellite NASCAR Channel 90

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    2:30 p.m.: Post-NSCS Qualifying (time approx.)
    5:30 p.m.: Post-NXS Race (time approx.)

    Sunday, May 1:

    On Track:
    1 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series GEICO 500 (188 laps, 500.08 miles) – FOX
    Green flag: 1:20 p.m. approx.
    Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM Satellite NASCAR Channel 90

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    11:20 a.m.: Casey Mears with USS Montgomery crew
    5 p.m.: Post-NSCS Race (time approx.)

    Additional Info:

    Complete NASCAR TV Schedule

  • Stewart’s Return to Racing Marred by NASCAR Fine

    Stewart’s Return to Racing Marred by NASCAR Fine

    Tony Stewart announced Wednesday that he had been cleared by his doctors to return to racing this weekend at Richmond International Raceway. He suffered a burst L1 vertebrae fracture on Jan. 31 driving an off-road vehicle and has missed the first eight races of the 2016 season.

    NASCAR then promptly announced that Stewart had been given a medical waiver meaning he is eligible to compete in the Sprint Cup Chase for the championship. The news quickly sparked a celebration among his fans as fellow drivers also welcomed him back. The celebration, however, was short-lived.

    Only hours after his announcement, NASCAR issued a $35,000 fine to Stewart for statements he made on Wednesday concerning NASCAR’s decision not to monitor whether all five lug nuts are on each wheel during pit stops. The change was instituted in 2015 as a result of new pit-road technology which meant there would no longer be an official in each pit box.

    As a result, some teams may not use all five lug nuts or may not sufficiently tighten all of them in order to decrease the time spent in the pit box in an effort to gain track position. Stewart voiced concern over the possible repercussions of this decision as teams continue to push the boundaries of safety on SiriusXM NASCAR radio on “The Morning Drive” program.

    He prefaced his comments by saying NASCAR had “done such a good job since Dale Earnhardt’s death of working hard to make sure that the sport is as safe for the drivers as it can be and for the fans and crew members and everybody involved.

    “And then they do a rule that doesn’t dictate how many lug nuts you have to have on the car, Stewart continued. “And now guys are leaving more and more of them off each week to try to have that money stop at the end to get two positions that you may not be able to gain back on the track.”

    He went on to say that he thought it was “a huge step backwards for the sport. I think it’s bad for the fans and I think most of all it’s putting the drivers in jeopardy. I think it’s putting their safety in jeopardy and I think it’s wrong.” Stewart summed it up by stating that “safety should not be compromised because of competition,” and it’s hard to argue with that.

    You can listen to the entire audio here.

    Stewart was fined for violating Section 12 of the rule book which addresses member conduct guidelines. And while he is certainly not the first driver to be fined for remarks considered to be disparaging of NASCAR and/or its leadership and the rule book leaves much to interpretation, one has to question the validity of the ruling in this instance.

    Just last week at Bristol Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr. commented on the subject saying, “It freaks me out. I was blown away that NASCAR quit officiating that aspect. I could not believe that was the choice that they made. But that is the world we live in.”

    Greg Biffle has also weighed in, going as far as saying, “I feel like it’s a ticking time bomb. The left rear tire’s gonna fall off of one of these cars and spin out and the thing is gonna go driver’s side into the fence and we’re gonna hurt somebody. He went on to say,”There’s five on there for a reason.”

    Neither driver was fined for their remarks, another example of the inconsistency that plagues NASCAR and infuriates its fans.

    Stewart has received support not only from his fans but from his competitors as well. NBC reported Thursday evening that Denny Hamlin, a member of the Driver’s Council, released a statement on behalf of the council.

    “We as drivers believe Tony has the right to speak his opinion on topics that pertain to a sport that he has spent nearly two decades helping build as both a driver and an owner. While we do not condone drivers lashing out freely at NASCAR, we do feel Tony was in his rights to state his opinion. We as a Council support him and do not agree with the fine. Therefore, we fellow council members have agreed to contribute equally to paying his fine.”

    Though NASCAR has a reputation to protect, matters of safety should always be addressed openly and not relegated to the shadows. More importantly, when several veterans of the sport are concerned enough to speak out, NASCAR would be well advised to listen rather than worrying about public perception.

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Richmond

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Richmond

    The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and XFINITY Series travel to Richmond International Raceway this weekend. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is off. Please check below for the complete schedule of events.

    All times are Eastern.

    Friday, April 22:

    On Track:
    11 a.m.-12:25 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Practice – FS1
    12:30-1:55 p.m.: XFINITY Series Practice – FS1
    3-3:55 p.m.: XFINITY Series Final Practice – FS1
    4:15 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FS1

    Garage Cam:  (Watch live)
    10:30 a.m.: Sprint Cup Series
    2:15 p.m.: XFINITY Series

    Press Conferences:  (Watch live)
    9:30 a.m.: Ryan Blaney
    9:45 a.m.: Matt DiBenedetto
    10 a.m.: Kurt Busch
    10:45 a.m.: Erik Jones
    12:30 p.m.: Carl Edwards
    1 p.m.: Denny Hamlin
    5:15 p.m.: Post-Sprint Cup Qualifying (time approx.)

     Saturday, April 23:

    On Track:
    8:30-9:25 a.m.: Sprint Cup Series Second Practice – FS1
    9:35 a.m.: XFINITY Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FS1
    11-11:50 a.m.: Sprint Cup Series Final Practice – FS1
    12:30 p.m.: XFINITY Series ToyotaCare 250 Heat #1 (35 laps, 26.65 miles) – FS1
    1:10 p.m. (approx): XFINITY Series ToyotaCare 250 Heat #2 (35 laps, 26.25 miles) – FS1
    1:45 p.m. (approx): XFINITY Series ToyotaCare 250 Main Race (140 laps, 105 miles) – FS1
    Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    3 p.m.: Post-XFINITY Race (time approx.)

     Sunday, April 24:

     On Track:
    1 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 (400 laps, 300 miles) – FOX
    Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Green Flag 1:14 p.m. approx.)

    Press Conferences: (Watch live)
    4 p.m.: Post-Sprint Cup Race (time approx.)

    Additional Info:

    Complete NASCAR TV Schedule