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Author: Angie Campbell

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Dover International Speedway May 28 – May 31

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Dover International Speedway May 28 – May 31

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

    All times Eastern.

    Thursday, May 28:

    On Track:

    2-4:25 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series final practice

    TV Schedule:

    5 p.m.: NASCAR America – NBC Sports Network
    6 p.m.: NASCAR Race Hub – FOX Sports 1

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    1:15 p.m.: Cole Custer, John Hunter Nemechek and Jesse Little

    Friday, May 29:

    On Track:

    10-10:55 a.m.: XFINITY Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    11 a.m.-12:25 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    12:45 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    2-3:25 p.m.: XFINITY Series final practice – FOX Sports 1
    3:45 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    5:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Lucas Oil 200 (200 laps, 200 miles) – FOX Sports 1 (Green Flag 5:48 p.m. approx.)

    TV Schedule:

    5 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Setup – FOX Sports 1

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    10 a.m.: Martin Truex Jr.
    10:15 a.m.: Jimmie Johnson
    12:25 p.m.: Ty Dillon and Darrell Wallace Jr.
    2 p.m.: Jeff Gordon
    2:15 p.m.: Carl Edwards
    3:10 p.m.: Denny Hamlin
    4:45 p.m.: Post-Sprint Cup Series qualifying (time approx.)
    7:15 p.m.: Post-Camping World Truck Series race (time approx.)

    Saturday, May 30:

    On Track:

    10-10:55 a.m.: Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    11:15 a.m.: XFINITY Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    1-1:50 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series final practice – FOX Sports 1
    2:30 p.m.: XFINITY Series Buckle Up 200 presented by Click It or Ticket It (200 laps, 200 miles) – FOX (Green Flag 2:46 p.m. approx.)

    TV Schedule:

    Noon: TUDOR United SportsCar Championship – Detroit Belle Isle – FOX Sports 2
    12:30 p.m.: NASCAR Race Hub – Weekend Edition – FOX Sports 1

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    4:45 p.m.: Post-XFINITY Series race (time approx.)

    Sunday, May 31:

    On Track:

    1 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks (400 laps, 400 miles) – FOX Sports 1 (Green Flag 1:15 p.m. approx.)

    TV Schedule:

    11:30 a.m. NASCAR RaceDay – Dover – FOX Sports 1 3 a.m.,

    NASCAR Victory Lane – FOX Sports 1

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    4:15 p.m.: Post-Sprint Cup Series race (time approx.)

  • Darrell Wallace Jr. Claims First Top-Five Finish at Charlotte

    Darrell Wallace Jr. Claims First Top-Five Finish at Charlotte

    Darrell Wallace Jr. finished fifth in the Hisense 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and snagged his first career top five in the XFINITY Series. As an added bonus, his fifth place qualifies him for the Dash4Cash competition which begins next week at Dover International Speedway.

    Wallace, along with Regan Smith who finished fourth, Daniel Suarez (sixth) and Ty Dillon (seventh) were the top four XFINITY series regulars in Saturday’s race at Charlotte. The driver with the best finish at Dover will win the Dash4Cash prize of $100,000 and move on to the next round in July at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

    With four top-10 results this season, including a sixth place at Iowa last week, Wallace hopes to build on their success moving forward.

    “This is a confidence booster for all of my guys,” Wallace said. “We just have to clean up ourselves on pit road. That’s been a struggle for us these last couple races, but we’ve been able to manage a couple spots on restarts and come away with our first top-five in the series.”

    “This is where we need to be,” he continued, “We’re setting up ship for late in the season.”

    Wallace expressed confidence about his chances at Dover based on his two poles at the track, one XFINITY Series pole in 2012 and a Camping World Truck Series pole in 2013.  However, he emphasized that the team has to remain focused.

    “Dover has been a very successful track for me,” he commented. “It would be nice if they paid for the pole there because I’m pretty good at qualifying there. I haven’t got the finishes I wanted, but I’m excited to be in the XFINITY Series and part of the Dash 4 Cash Series, so I’m glad to be one of the four. We just have to keep playing it smart and put ourselves in that position next week to come out on top.

    While looking ahead, Wallace also took time to appreciate his first top five, saying, “That’s the first time I finished a top series race here, so that’s something to be proud of. Clean air is your best friend in these races, so we’ll build off of this. It’s a good top-five, a good momentum boost for our team. We needed this, so sixth, fifth, first sounds good for the next one.”

    Wallace is currently fourth in the XFINITY Series points standings. With $100,000 on the line, next week’s race at Dover promises to deliver not only big rewards but a possible shakeup in the points, as three of the four drivers battling for the prize are among the top five in the standings.

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Charlotte Motor Speedway May 21 – May 24

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Charlotte Motor Speedway May 21 – May 24

    The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and XFINITY Series head to Charlotte Motor Speedway for Memorial Day weekend. Please check below for the weekend schedule of events.

    All times Eastern.

    Thursday, May 21:

    On Track:

    2:30-3:55 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    4-4:55 p.m.: XFINITY Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    5:30-6:55 p.m.: XFINITY Series final practice – FOX Sports 1
    7:15 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1

    TV Schedule:

     5 p.m.: NASCAR Race Hub – FOX Sports 1
    8:30 p.m.: One Hot Night: The 1992 NASCAR All-Star Race – FOX Sports 1

    11 p.m.: FOX Sports Live – FOX Sports 1

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    1:30 p.m.: Jimmie Johnson
    1:45 p.m.: Kevin Harvick
    2:15 p.m.: Chris Buescher and Elliott Sadler
    4:55 p.m.: Goodyear Gives Back announcement with Martin Truex Jr.; Mike Helton, Vice Chairman, NASCAR; Stu Grant, GM of Global Race Tires, Goodyear; Kris Kienzl, Marketing Manager, Goodyear; Martin C. Boire, Executive Director, Support Our Troops
    5:15 p.m.: Kyle Busch
    8:15 p.m. (approx): NSCS post-qualifying

    Friday, May 22:

    On Track:

    No on-track activities

    TV Schedule:

    6 p.m.: NASCAR Race Hub – FOX Sports 1

    Saturday, May 23:

    On Track:

    10-10:55 a.m.: Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    11:15 a.m.: XFINITY Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    1-1:50 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series final practice – FOX Sports 1
    2:30 p.m.: XFINITY Series Hisense 300 (200 laps, 300 miles) – FOX (Green Flag 2:46 p.m. approx)

    TV Schedule:

    12:30 p.m.: NASCAR Race Hub: Weekend Edition – FOX Sports 1
    2:00 p.m.: XFINITY Pre-race – FOX
    10 p.m.: FOX Sports Live – FOX Sports 1

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    9:15 a.m.: Hisense with Denny Hamlin
    4:45 p.m. (approx.): XFINITY post-race

    Sunday, May 24:

    On Track:

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

    (Green Flag 6:16 p.m. approx)

    TV Schedule:

    4 p.m.: – NASCAR RaceDay – FOX Sports 1
    5:30 p.m.: NSCS Pre-race – FOX
    11 p.m.: FOX Sports Live – FOX Sports 1
    12 a.m.: NASCAR Victory Lane – FOX Sports 1

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    10:30 p.m. (approx): NSCS post-race news conference

  • NASCAR Drivers Honor Fallen Soldiers on Memorial Day Weekend at Charlotte – Bowyer, Ragan Share Personal Connections

    NASCAR Drivers Honor Fallen Soldiers on Memorial Day Weekend at Charlotte – Bowyer, Ragan Share Personal Connections

    Clint Bowyer, David Ragan and Furniture Row Racing owner Barney Visser share personal connections to the heroes they will honor this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

    The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of NASCAR’s most widely anticipated races. It has the distinction of being the longest race on the Sprint Cup schedule and is considered the home track for many of the NASCAR teams who are based in the area. But what makes it truly unique is its date on Memorial Day weekend.

    This year NASCAR is honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, dubbing the race as the “600 Miles of Remembrance.” As part of that effort, all 43 Sprint Cup drivers will participate in “NASCAR: An American Salute. ™

    The driver’s names that normally appear on their windshields will be replaced by the name of a fallen United States Armed Forces member. Many of the families of those featured soldiers will attend the race and Charlotte Motor Speedway will also host more than 6,000 active military members. In addition, Charlotte Motor Speedway will continue its tradition of honoring these military heroes in their pre-race show.

    Many of the names displayed were chosen by NASCAR but for some drivers, like Clint Bowyer, the name on his windshield has a more personal significance.

    image003
    1st Lt. Dale E. Bowyer

    Dale E. Bowyer is Clint Bowyer’s paternal grandfather. He was a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army and won the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism. The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army.

    While leading his platoon under heavy fire in an attack near Sinz, Germany, on Jan. 25, 1945, Lt. Bowyer was severely wounded by an enemy mine. He refused evacuation even though both feet were shattered. His men, inspired by his bravery, continued their advance after moving past the minefield. Only then did Lt. Bowyer allow himself to be evacuated. He eventually lost his leg due to the injuries he sustained. Lt. Bowyer worked in the dairy business after his stint in the Army and passed away in June 1974.

    Sgt. Bryan Brewster
    Sgt. Bryan Brewster

    David Ragan’s No. 55 Toyota will carry a name with close ties to the NASCAR community. Sgt. Bryan Brewster was only 24-years-old when he and nine other soldiers died on May 5, 2006 when their CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter crashed along the Pakistan border. Five children lost their fathers on that fateful day.

    Bryan’s father Louis Brewster is a longtime motorsports reporter and sports columnist for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group and a familiar face in the NASCAR garage. Louis Brewster and his wife Linda created the Bryan Brewster Foundation with the motto “Excellence through Leadership.”

    The foundation has delivered 3,000 books to families of military personnel so that soldiers can read to their children while deployed and has offered assistance for veterans at Chaffey College in California through a scholarship fund.

    “There’s nothing in the world that makes me more proud than to do something for the men and women of our military, especially those who have given their lives,” said driver David Ragan.

    “This weekend is the greatest weekend of the year for racing, but I hope by putting Bryan’s name on our car everyone will remember that a lot of people sacrificed their lives for our freedom,” Ragan continued. “On behalf of myself, MWR, Aaron’s, Toyota, NASCAR and all Americans I want to thank Bryan Brewster and his family along with all the other soldiers and their families.”

    Sgt. Edwin A. Penn
    Sgt. Edwin A. Penn

    Furniture Row Racing owner Barney Visser has chosen to honor a brother in arms, Sgt. Edwin Penn. His name will be displayed on the windshield of Martin Truex Jr.’s Chevrolet. Penn was only 20 years-old when he was killed in action on Sept. 6, 1968 in South Vietnam.

    Visser, who also served in Vietnam, met Penn at their induction ceremony and completed basic training with Penn at Fort Bliss.

    “You could tell right away that Ed was a natural leader,” said Visser. “He was strong, fair and had a big heart in his role as our squad leader. He is a true hero and it will be an honor to have Ed’s name on our race car at the Memorial Day weekend race in Charlotte. The last time I saw him was at our basic training graduation. We went on to serve in different units in Vietnam.”

    Penn served in the 101st Airborne Division and started his tour of duty on Aug. 7, 1968. He was killed only 29 days later.

    “Ed was the consummate brother,” said Randy Penn. “He was my teacher, my protector, and my sparring partner at home. He had a quiet tone, strong will and led by example for all who surrounded him. It has been 47 years since his passing, he is still in my mind and heart, he will forever be missed, and has been an important part of my life in all that I have done.”

    These are only a few stories of the brave souls who served our country with honor. Please take a moment to remember all of these fallen heroes by visiting nascar.com for profiles on all 43 honorees.

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule – Charlotte Motor Speedway/Iowa With Sprint Showdown & All-Star Format

    NASCAR Racing Schedule – Charlotte Motor Speedway/Iowa With Sprint Showdown & All-Star Format

    The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series travel to Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend while the XFINITY Series heads to Iowa Speedway. The complete on-track activity and the press conference schedules are listed below.

    All times Eastern

    Thursday, May 14:

    On Track:

    3:00-5:55 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Practice – FOX Sports 1
    7:00-8:55 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Final Practice – FOX Sports 1

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    2:15 p.m.: Cameron Hayley, Matt Crafton and Johnny Sauter

    Friday, May 15

    On Track:

    Noon-1:40 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Sprint Showdown Final Practice – FOX Sports 1
    1:45-3:15 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Sprint All-Star Race Final Practice – FOX Sports 1
    4:15 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Sprint Showdown Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    5:45 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    7:15 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Sprint Showdown (2 Segments-20 laps each-Winner of each segment will advance to Sprint All-Star Race) – FOX Sports 1
    8:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series NC Education Lottery 200 – FOX Sports 1 (134 laps, 201 miles)

    Special Events:

    Miss Sprint Cup Live Chat (Watch live)

    12:30 p.m.: Jeff Gordon live chat with Miss Sprint Cup Madison Martin

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    Noon: Doug Rice with Joey Logano
    3:25 p.m.: Martin Truex Jr.
    3:40 p.m.: Kasey Kahne and Keith Rodden
    3:55 p.m.: Kyle Busch
    7:45 p.m.: NSCS Sprint Showdown Post Race Press Conference (Time approx.)
    10:45 p.m.: NCWTS Post Race Press Conference (Time approx.)

    Saturday, May 16

    On Track:

    10-10:55 a.m.: XFINITY Series practice
    Noon-1:25 p.m.: XFINITY Series final practice
    5:45 p.m.: XFINITY Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying
    7:10 p.m.: Sprint All-Star Race Qualifying (three laps with pit stop and a four tire change) – FOX Sports 1
    9 p.m.: Sprint All-Star Race (4 Segments of 25 laps each plus 1 final Segment of 10 laps) – FOX Sports 1

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    10:45 p.m.: NSCS Post Race Press Conference (Time approx.)

    Sunday, May 17

    On Track:

    2 p.m.: XFINITY Series 3M 250 (250 laps, 218.75 miles) – FOX Sports 1

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    XFINITY Post Race Press Conference

     

    Sprint Showdown & All-Star Race Format and Rules

    SPRINT SHOWDOWN

    Qualifying:

    • Two-round session.
    • The first round is 20 minutes, with the top 12 advancing to the second round. There will be a seven-minute break after the first round.
    • The second round is five minutes. The fastest single lap speed will determine starting positions 1-12 in descending order.

    Race:

    • Two segments, 20 laps each. The winner of each segment will advance to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
    • The winner of the first segment will report directly to the garage at the conclusion of Lap 20.
    • All laps (green flag and yellow flag) will be counted during segment 1.
    • Only green flag laps will count during segment 2.
    • Between segment 1 and 2, there will be a yellow flag at which time teams can pit and may elect to change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments. Cars pitting will not retain their position on the race track.
    • Crews will be permitted to work on the cars if the race is stopped due to a red flag. However, all work must be performed on pit road or garage area only.

    SPRINT FAN VOTE

    The winner of the Sprint Fan Vote will be announced in Victory Lane following the conclusion of the Sprint Showdown, and that driver will advance to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

    NASCAR SPRINT ALL-STAR RACE

    Qualifying:

    • Three timed laps, including one four-tire pit stop
    • There will be no pit road speeding penalty enforced for the four-tire pit stop. Aggregate total time will set the starting lineup for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
    • A five-second penalty will be enforced for the following violations: too many crew members in contact with the pit service area; crew members over the wall too soon; throwing equipment; removing equipment; uncontrolled tire; running over equipment.
    • Pitting outside the box will be a disqualification.

    Race:

    • Five segments.
    • Segments 1 through 4 will be 25 laps each.
    • Segment 5 will be 10 laps.
    • Teams may enter pit road during the yellow flag period between segments 1 through 4, but will not retain their running position.
    • All laps (green flag and yellow flag) will count during Segments 1 through 4.
    • Only green flag laps will count during segment 5.
    • The running order at the completion of the fourth segment will be repositioned based on the average finish for the first four segments. Ties in average finish will be broken by finishing position in the fourth segment.
    • All cars must then enter pit road for a mandatory four-tire pit stop.
    • The order of cars returning to the track will determine the starting order of the fifth segment.
    • Crews will be permitted to work on the cars if the race is stopped due to a red flag. However, all work must be performed on pit road or garage area only.
  • Kyle Busch Will Return to NASCAR Competition at Sprint All-Star Race

    Kyle Busch Will Return to NASCAR Competition at Sprint All-Star Race

    “I’m back.”

    Kyle Busch made the statement on his Twitter page Tuesday morning, announcing his return to NASCAR competition. He included a video (below) which shows him as he gloves up, zips into his M&Ms firesuit and walks out of his hauler in full racing gear. The video ends with the words, #Rowdy Returns May 16.

    The Joe Gibbs Racing driver was sidelined before the Sprint Cup season began after an accident in the season-opening XFINITY event at Daytona International Speedway sent his car into a non-SAFER barrier wall. Busch suffered a compound fracture of his right leg and a fractured right foot.

    Busch has received medical clearance from NASCAR to resume racing, beginning Saturday night in the Sprint All-Star race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.  He addressed the media via a teleconference Tuesday afternoon to discuss his recovery.

    “Today is an exciting day,” he began,”one that not a lot of folks would have thought possible that night in February down in the hospital in Daytona. Thanks to the good Lord, a tremendous medical team both in Daytona and of course Dr. Anderson here in Charlotte, the incredible support of my wife Samantha, my family and friends, everyone in the NASCAR community, and the many fans.

    “I’m happy to say I plan to be back in the No. 18 M&M Toyota Camry for the Sprint All-Star Race this weekend.  I want to thank everybody for their patience. It’s not an easy process and not a process that always has a clear-cut path either.”

    Busch’s preparations for getting back behind the wheel of his No. 18 Toyota included testing in his late model cars.

    “I was cleared to get out of the boot a couple weeks ago and was cleared to test my late model,” he said. “That test went really well. I was able to come back again and test again last week at Hickory. My medical team was there with me and then declared I was cleared to get back in the car again for the All-Star Race in the Sprint Cup Series.”

    Busch commented on the advantages of choosing a shorter, non-points races, such as the All-Star race, for his return. This event will undoubtedly serve as a barometer to gauge his overall level of fitness and pinpoint any areas of concern.

    “I think it’s a great race to come back to,” Busch said. “For one it’s shorter. It’s a non-points event. There’s mandatory cautions after every 25 laps and whatnot, so it gives you an opportunity to take a breather, take a rest, whatever it may be. That will allow me to make adjustments to myself as well as being behind the wheel of the 2015 Camry for the first time because I haven’t had an opportunity to race at all in this aero package and whatnot.”

    Although Busch plans to participate in all on-track activity, Erik Jones will be standing by if needed. Busch and wife, Samantha, are expecting a child and with the due date of May 22 fast approaching, Busch wants to be prepared for any surprises, particularly the non-racing variety.

    “We couldn’t be more excited as we get closer and the anticipation rises here he said. “We’re going hour by hour right now. It could be any hour that he decides he wants to be here.”

    When asked what he had missed most, Busch was quick to answer, “I think the biggest thing I missed is being able to hold up trophies, being in Victory Lane.  That’s probably the biggest thing.”  He went on to say that he has also “really missed my team, just the guys there, being able to be with them each and every weekend; of course, spending the weekend in the motorhome, being there with Samantha and everything else.”

    One of the biggest questions surrounding Busch’s return is his eligibility for the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

    “I know there’s been some good dialogue on the subject,” Busch noted, “but I’m not aware that there’s been a decision made at this point. As I mentioned last month, I’d love to race for a win and a spot in the Chase. I think the top 30 rule makes a lot of sense.

    But for me, in my mind,” he continued, “it was intended for someone in my situation that has a car, sponsor and team that was set to run the entire year for a championship.  I think it was set up to keep guys from being able to grab a win at a road course or restrictor plate track or something like that. We’ll see what happens. That’s in their hands. We’ll see what the decision is.”

    NASCAR would have to grant a waiver to disallow the rule that a driver must attempt to qualify for all 26 regular season races to qualify for a Chase berth. That would overcome the first obstacle in Busch’s attempt to make the Chase. A win guarantees a spot in the Chase if that driver is ranked among the top 30 in the points standings; a daunting but not impossible task for Busch. NASCAR has the power to issue a waiver for this requirement, as well.

    At this point, NASCAR has not made any decisions regarding Busch’s status though NASCAR chairman Brian France has indicated that the sanctioning body would like to “accommodate” him.

    *Update May 13: On Wednesday NASCAR granted Busch a waiver from the requirement that a driver must start in every regular season race to be eligible for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. However, he still must be ranked in the top 30 in the Sprint Cup standings to remain eligible.

  • Kansas Speedway Sprint Cup Preview – Milestones, Firsts and Driver Quotes

    Kansas Speedway Sprint Cup Preview – Milestones, Firsts and Driver Quotes

    As the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway, eight drivers are locked into the Chase for the Sprint Cup, provided they attempt to qualify for the remaining regular season races. Several prominent drivers are still searching for that elusive victory or the consistency needed to grab one of the eight remaining spots as the Chase approaches.

    Milestones:

    1) Jimmie Johnson is approaching two career milestones as he heads to Kansas Speedway.

    A top-five at Kansas Speedway would give him 200 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series top-five finishes. He is currently tied with Benny Parsons for 12th on the all-time NSCS top fives list and only two top-fives behind Buddy Baker in 11th (201).

    Johnson is also one away from 300 NSCS top-10 finishes. He is 16th on the all-time NSCS top 10s list and only two top-10s behind James Hylton in 15th (301).

    In the 18 NSCS events held at Kansas Speedway, Johnson has finished among the top 10 a total of 14 times. Combine that with two wins, three poles and the Series-best driver rating (112.1) and it’s a safe bet that Johnson will quickly mark these two items off his to-do list.

    2) Reigning champion and current points leader Kevin Harvick is 47 laps away from becoming the 10th driver in NSCS history to lead 1,000 laps or more in the first 11 races of a season.

    He has three consecutive poles at Kansas (October 2013, May 2014, and October 2014), holds the track qualifying record of 197.773 mph and has the sixth best driver rating (100.4). Leading 47 laps is certainly within Harvick’s capabilities and Kansas Speedway may be the perfect track to accomplish yet another milestone in his career.

    3) Matt Kenseth is only one checkered flag away from 33 NSCS wins. Another victory would move him up to 21st on the all-time wins list, tied with Fireball Roberts.

    He has two wins, two poles, six top-fives, 10 top-10s and the second best driver rating at Kansas. After a frustrating finish of 25th at Talladega, Kenseth will be looking for redemption this weekend.

    Firsts – Now and Then:

    Erik Jones will make his first official start in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut at Kansas in the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Although he replaced the ailing Denny Hamlin after the rain delay at Bristol, his drive to a 26th place finish is credited to Hamlin. Jones has one XFINITY Series win and four victories in the Camping World Truck Series.

    David Ragan will begin a new chapter in his career at Kansas in his first race driving for Michael Waltrip Racing in the No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota. His primary focus will be centered on securing a spot on the Chase Grid.

    “Our expectations are very high,” Ragan emphasized. “At the end of the day, Michael Waltrip Racing has all the tools and resources that Joe Gibbs Racing has or that Hendrick Motorsports or Stewart-Haas Racing has and there’s no reason for us not to be able to win a race and have a shot at making the Chase. Certainly, that is our goal going forward.”

    Jeff Gordon won the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway on September 30, 2001. It was his sixth win of his fourth championship season. He made it two-for-two at Kansas with another victory at the track on Sept. 29, 2002.

     Jason Leffler won the inaugural pole at Kansas Speedway in 2001 with a speed of 176.499 mph. He holds the track record as the youngest pole winner, at 26 years, 0 months and 14 days.

    Jim Roper, a Kansas native, won the very first NASCAR Strictly Stock (now Sprint Cup) race in June, 1949, at Charlotte Speedway. The event was 1,200 miles away from his hometown in Halstead, Kansas, but neither the distance nor lack of a car would deter him.

    He purchased a Lincoln Cosmopolitan and drove it from the showroom all the way to Charlotte to compete for the $2,000 purse. He raced with the best including Curtis Turner, the Flock brothers and Red Byron, the reigning modified champion. Roper finished the race, second to only Glenn Dunaway.

    But Dunaway was quickly disqualified when the post-race inspection revealed modifications to the rear springs, a bootlegger’s trick to improve the car’s handling. Roper was declared the winner even though he only finished 197 of the 200 laps. He only competed in one more NASCAR race, retiring in 1955 after he broke a vertebra in a sprint car accident.

    Noteworthy:

    Jeff Gordon is winless in his last full-time Sprint Cup season, but that could change this weekend at Kansas Speedway where he will defend his 2014 win at the track. The victory secured his place in the Chase and was the first of four wins during the 2014 season. Gordon also holds the track record with three victories and leads the series with10 top-five finishes in 18 starts.

    Martin Truex Jr. continues to impress, coming off a fifth place at Talladega to capture his ninth top-10 finish of the season. He is second in the points standings, 40 points behind leader Kevin Harvick, but needs a win to guarantee a position on the Chase Grid.

    Outside Looking In:

    Some of the biggest names in NASCAR are outside the top 16 and desperately need to make something happen, including Clint Bowyer (17), Carl Edwards (18) and Greg Biffle (22).

    Bowyer and Edwards are winless at Kansas Speedway while Biffle has two victories.  However, Biffle has only one top-5 in his last six outings at Kansas.

    Kyle Larson is 24th in the points standings, partly due to missing the race at Martinsville this season after he fainted following an autograph session. Larson will make his third Cup start at Kansas this weekend. He finished 12th in his first attempt and claimed the runner-up position last year in October. The race will also mark Larson’s 50th career NSCS start.

    Tony Stewart heads to Kansas Speedway in 30th place in the points standings. After a frustrating start to the season, the results of the last few weeks suggest that the team may have turned the corner. Stewart finished in sixth place, his best result of the year, three weeks ago at Bristol and looked to be headed for a top-10 at Richmond until an incident on lap 361 took him out of contention. He has two previous wins at Kansas in 2006 and 2009.

    Driver Quotes:

    Paul Menard is 12th in the point standings and is looking for a win to claim his entry into the Chase. “Kansas is a pretty newly repaved track so it’s extremely fast,” Menard said.  “Since it’s a night race it will be even faster than during the day. I enjoy night racing, I think it adds another level of excitement. You can see flames from the exhaust and sparks from under the car which makes it cool for the fans. The only downside is we have to wait all day for the race and there really isn’t much to do. I enjoy it, but I’ll be there ready to go whether it’s Sunday afternoon or Saturday night.”

    Ty Dillon is looking forward to making his fourth Sprint Cup Series start and his debut at Kansas Speedway. “From all the practices, testing and races I’m starting to get very comfortable in the Chevrolet SS, “he said. “I’m fortunate to be put in the position to race as often as I do and I’m focused on going out and doing the best that I possibly can. Kansas will be a fun race this weekend, not only off the track, but on the track with the high speeds, different racing lines and competition. Our team will be ready.”

    Ryan Newman is 15th on the Chase Grid and looking for a win to solidify his position. He finished in sixth place in his last outing at Kansas Speedway. “Kansas is super fast, I am kind of excited to get back there after it has aged a little bit,” Newman explained. “With the new pavement we’ve had a few years back, it has still maintained its speed. It seems like we keep coming back here with softer tires. In general, the track has maintained the speed and I hope it’s gained some more character.”

    Martin Truex Jr. counts Kansas Speedway as one of his favorite tracks. With four top-five finishes in the last six races at Kansas, Truex is hoping to grab the checkered flag this time around. “I love Kansas Speedway,” Truex says. “I don’t know what it is about the track, it’s not much different than any other mile-and-a-half track, but something about the way the corners are laid out there seems to fit my style. I’ve run well at Kansas, led a lot of laps (251) and feel I should have won a few times there. “We’re enjoying the top-10s this season, but we want to get up there and be fighting for a win,” he continued. “Cole (Pearn, crew chief), the engineering staff and all the guys at the track and at the shop have done an outstanding job. We’re having plenty of fun, but we want that victory really bad.”

    By the Numbers:

    Chase Grid

    The following drivers are locked into the 2015 Chase provided they attempt to qualify for the remaining regular season races.

    1) Kevin Harvick – 2 wins
    2) Jimmie Johnson – 2 wins
    3) Joey Logano – 1 win
    4) Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 1 win
    5) Brad Keselowski – 1 win
    6) Matt Kenseth – 1 win
    7) Denny Hamlin – 1 win
    8) Kurt Busch – 1 win

    The following drivers are currently in the Chase Top 16, but without any wins, are not locked in.

    9) Martin Truex Jr.
    10) Jamie McMurray
    11) Kasey Kahne
    12) Paul Menard
    13) Aric Almirola
    14) Jeff Gordon
    15) Ryan Newman
    16) Danica Patrick

    Top 10 Driver Ratings at Kansas

    112.1 Jimmie Johnson
    105.6 Matt Kenseth
    103.9 Kyle Larson
    102.8 Greg Biffle
    100.5 Jeff Gordon
    100.4 Kevin Harvick
    96.8 Carl Edwards
    95.3 Tony Stewart
    92.7 Kasey Kahne
    91.3 Dale Earnhardt Jr.

    Tune in to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series SpongeBob SquarePants 400 Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on FOX Sports 1.

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Kansas Speedway

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Kansas Speedway

    The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the Camping World Truck Series head to Kansas Speedway this weekend, while the NASCAR XFINITY Series is off.

    All times Eastern.

    Thursday, May 7:

    On Track:

    3-4 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series practice
    4:30-6 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series final practice

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    1:30 p.m.: Daniel Suarez
    1:45 p.m.: Matt Crafton

    Friday, May 8:

    On Track:

    Noon-1:25 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    2:30-3:25 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series final practice – FOX Sports 1 (Follow live)
    4:45 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    6:45 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    8:30 p.m.: Camping World Truck Series Toyota Tundra 250 – FOX Sports 1 (167 laps, 250.5 miles) (Green flag approx. 8:49 p.m.)

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    10 a.m.: Erik Jones
    10:30 a.m.: Joey Logano
    10:45 a.m.: Jeff Gordon
    11 a.m.: Clint Bowyer
    11:15 a.m.: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
    1:35 p.m.: Carl Edwards
    4 p.m.: SpongeBob SquarePants drivers
    4:15 p.m.: Jamie McMurray
    8:45 p.m.: NSCS post-qualifying press conference
    11:15 p.m.: NCWTS post-race press conference

    Saturday, May 9:

    On Track:

    7:30 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series SpongeBob SquarePants 400 – FOX Sports 1 (267 laps, 400.5 miles) (Green flag approx. 7:46 p.m.)

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    4:45 p.m.: AJ Allmendinger
    11:45 p.m.: NSCS post-race press conference

     

  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. Continues the Family Tradition of Winning at Talladega

    Dale Earnhardt Jr. Continues the Family Tradition of Winning at Talladega

    On April 29, I was reminded once again of Dale Earnhardt’s legacy as my timeline was inundated with pictures and memories commemorating his birthday. It has been 14 years since his passing, but his impact on NASCAR and its fans has not faded with time as some things do. Quite the opposite, the passage of time has only magnified his legendary status.

    There is probably no other track where his shadow looms larger than at Talladega Superspeedway. He holds the record for most all-time wins with 10 and his son is honoring that tradition by following in his footsteps.  Dale Earnhardt Jr. captured his sixth win at Talladega Sunday, his first victory since 2004, and the emotion in his voice was palpable as he spoke about his dad.

    “I feel like we have a lot of supporters here because of dad’s success. He won so many races here,” Earnhardt said. “And I love when we go to Victory Lane here because I just feel like I add to his legacy. All I ever wanted to do was make him proud, and I feel like when we win at those tracks where he was successful like Talladega, then that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

    While Earnhardt Jr.’s driving style may often differ greatly from that of his dad, there was no doubt at Talladega that he is his father’s son. His teammates remarked on his unwavering determination.

    “Dale Earnhardt Jr. was driving super-aggressive. You knew that he wanted to win this race badly,” Gordon said. “You certainly know all his fans are enjoying this show here. They love seeing Dale Earnhardt Jr. win this race.”

    Jimmie Johnson, who finished second, also noted how unstoppable Earnhardt Jr. was as the sliced his way through the field, saying, “He was most aggressive in traffic. He was relentless with a run. He didn’t ever choose to push the car in front of him. Every time he had an opportunity to advance, he took it. He created lanes up through the middle, swapping back and forth, trying to find a way past the leader. I was like, wow, go get it.”

    Earnhardt Jr. also spoke about his personal life and his belief that his father’s legacy gave him opportunities that perhaps, he hasn’t always deserved.

    “Everything is just so good for me right now in my personal life and my racing, the team I’m with,” he said. “I don’t know why. I don’t feel like I deserve this. I just feel overcome with a lot of emotion.”

    He went on to explain, “I think the part I feel I don’t think I deserve is the racing side of it. There’s just not many second chances. I feel like if my name wasn’t Earnhardt that I wouldn’t have had the second chance. I feel like I owe my second chance to my dad, his legacy, because the way I ran from ’09 through those years till 2011 or so, I feel I didn’t deserve to be kept around or hung onto”.

    “But I’m glad that it worked out,” Earnhardt continued, “I certainly felt like in the right situation I could have success. But you just don’t know whether you’re going to get that opportunity. I watched a lot of sons follow a lot of fathers, regardless of the profession, and just have a real challenge of it. That is the part I feel like I’m fortunate about.”

    Life is good for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and although he may sometimes question how he got here, his multitude of fans have no doubt that this is exactly where he belongs.

     

  • NASCAR Racing Schedule for Talladega Superspeedway

    NASCAR Racing Schedule for Talladega Superspeedway

    The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the XFINITY Series head to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend. The Camping World Truck Series is off but will return May 8 at Kansas.

    All times Eastern.

    Friday, May 1:

    On Track:

    11:30 a.m.-1:50 p.m.: XFINITY Series final practice – FOX Sports 1
    2 p.m.-2:55 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series practice – FOX Sports 1
    4:30-5:25 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series final practice – FOX Sports 1

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    1 p.m.: Danica Patrick
    1:15 p.m.: Kevin Harvick
    3 p.m.: Ty Dillon
    3:15 p.m.: Denny Hamlin
    3:30 p.m.: Erik Jones
    3:45 p.m.: David Ragan

    Saturday, May 2:

    On Track:

    11 a.m.: XFINITY Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FOX Sports 1
    1 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying – FOX
    3 p.m.: XFINITY Series Winn Dixie 300 – FOX (113 laps, 300.58 miles) (Scheduled Green Flag 3:18 p.m. approx.)

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    10 a.m.: BK Racing announcement
    12:30 p.m.: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
    2:15 p.m. approx.: NSCS post-qualifying
    5:15 p.m. approx.: NXS post-race

    Sunday, May 3:

    On Track:

    1 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series GEICO 500 – FOX (188 laps, 500.08 miles) (Scheduled Green Flag 1:20 p.m. approx.)

    Press Conferences (Watch live at NASCAR.com)

    9:45 a.m.: Daniel Noltemeyer – Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Winner
    10 a.m.: Hugh Freeze – Ole Miss football coach
    10:30 a.m.: Joey Logano
    4:45 p.m. approx.: NSCS post-race