Testing SpeedwayMedia.com

Author: SM Staff

  • William Byron goes back-to-back, wins virtual Richmond in late race shootout

    William Byron goes back-to-back, wins virtual Richmond in late race shootout

    William Byron held off a hard charging Timmy Hill to take the checkered flag at Richmond in the eNASCAR Pro Invitational iRacing Series. It would be the first time in the series that a driver would win back-to-back races.

    “Just really pleased with how it turned out,” Byron said. “The pit call there with about 40 laps to go was a tough one. I didn’t really know how that was gonna to work out, but luckily we were able to have a little bit of buffer to the guys with four tires, and then the late restart, it just executed that well.”

    Ryan Preece obtained the pole in his No. 37 Chevy with Landon Cassill on his outside. With no quick repairs, drivers had to be extra cautious to avoid trouble.

    Preece would lead the field to the green flag, Byron would shuffle into second while outside pole sitter Cassill would drop to fourth.

    The first caution would fly on Lap 26 when Chris Buescher’s No. 17 Ford Mustang would have his wheel disconnect, sending him for a spin. Kevin Harvick would be also swept up in the crash.

    Preece would lead on the restart, but a yellow would fly immediately as Ross Chastain and Alex Bowman would collide off of Turn 2. Clint Bowyer would crash trying to check up as he and Bubba Wallace would make contact, sending the No. 14 into the Turn 3 wall.

    Another restart would fly but Kurt Busch would find trouble as he, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Austin Dillon would crash into Turn 1, bringing out another yellow. Kurt Busch was trying to get toward the inside but would get hit by Logano’s No. 22, putting the No. 1 into the inside wall and up into the field.

    Preece would still maintain the race lead, with Byron and Timmy Hill in hot pursuit.

    Bowyer would lose the engine for his No. 14 car, knocking him out of the race.

    As the race remained green, the gaps would get much closer. Byron would close in the gap as he would take a look to the inside on Lap 60 and pass the No. 37 with ease in Turn 3. Brad Keselowski would take over the fourth position over Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Lap 65, the No. 2 would gradually move his way upward as the Team Penske car would eventually surge to the third spot.

    Pole-sitter Preece would start to drop back, as Parker Kligerman and Cassill would pass the No. 37, putting Preece in seventh. Matt DiBenedetto and Ryan Preece would make contact in Turn 1, sending the No. 37 for a spin, bringing out the caution.

    Keselowski had issues getting into his stall under caution, giving him damage to his No. 2. Byron would have a good jump on the field and held a solid gap over Kligerman. Hamlin would lose positions due to being stuck on the outside, but would file back in line.

    DiBenedetto would be disqualified from the session after retaliating against Preece. Preece had turned the No. 21 into Turn 1 earlier, and shortly afterward DiBenedetto would return the favor. He would be parked for the remainder of the race.

    Due to the skirmish between Preece and DiBenedetto, it would jam the field up once again. Byron would stay out on the track, but a vast majority of the field would come down pit lane to take some fresh rubber.

    Byron would continue to lead, with Christopher Bell and Erik Jones following behind. The top 3 had stayed out on older tires while those behind would had much fresher tires.

    Kligerman and Hill had a close call as the No. 77 would put on a block down the backstretch. Hill would hit the back end of the Valvoline Toyota, sending Kligerman up the racetrack.

    With 24 laps to go Garrett Smithley and Daniel Suarez would make contact, sending the No. 51 into the Turn 4 wall. No caution would fly and the field would continue racing. Jones would move up toward the second spot while Bell would drop backward as Hill would barge his way toward the third spot.

    Hill’s charge to the front would continue as he would pass Jones in Turn 2 with 15 laps to go. Kligerman and Hamlin would also begin their climb as they would march towards the top 5.

    Byron’s lead would maintain a second gap, but a caution with four laps to go would evaporate the gap.

    Tyler Reddick and Bell would crash off of Turn 2. The wreck would continue as Bowman, Ryan Blaney, and several others would be swept up in the carnage trying to avoid the No. 31 and No. 95 cars.

    A late shootout would ensue. Byron would have the proper jump but Hill would try and close in. It wouldn’t be enough as Byron would be victorious at Richmond.

    Results:

    1. 24 – William Byron
    2. 66 – Timmy Hill
    3. 77 – Parker Kligerman
    4. 89 – Landon Cassill
    5. 18 – Kyle Busch
    6. 11 – Denny Hamlin
    7. 20 – Erik Jones
    8. 8 – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
    9. 43 – Bubba Wallace
    10. 2 – Brad Keselowski
    11. 9 – Chase Elliott
    12. 31 – Tyler Reddick
    13. 6 – Ross Chastain
    14. 19 – Bobby Labonte
    15. 13 – Ty Dillon
    16. 38 – John Hunter Nemechek
    17. 51 – Garrett Smithley
    18. 96 – Daniel Suarez
    19. 37 – Ryan Preece
    20. 1 – Kurt Busch
    21. 17 – Chris Buescher
    22. 88 – Alex Bowman
    23. 12 – Ryan Blaney
    24. 95 – Christopher Bell (Disconnected)
    25. 22 – Joey Logano
    26. 48 – Jimmie Johnson (Disconnected)
    27. 21 – Matt DiBenedetto (Disqualified)
    28. 3 – Austin Dillon
    29. 4 – Kevin Harvick
    30. 14 – Clint Bowyer (Disconnected)

  • William Byron puts on a clinic at Bristol

    William Byron puts on a clinic at Bristol

    William Byron looked to be the man to beat as his brought his No. 24 Chevy to victory lane at Bristol. Byron led a whopping 116 laps en route to victory.

    “I thought we had a pretty solid race,” Byron said. “Obviously there was a lot to kind of decipher through and try to get through, but I thought we stayed up close to the front. We had the one tire strategy call that got us back to the top 5 and then we just had to work through the top 5 methodically after that. Was really proud of how we kind of did things, and thankful for Nick Ottinger, who kind of helps me on my esports team, and AXALTA for letting us run this cool paint scheme.”

    Byron was the polesitter coming into the event, with John Hunter Nemechek on his outside.

    As the green flag waved, calamity would ensue as Ryan Preece and Kyle Busch would be the first few to find troubles. The two of them would collide off of Turn 4 and create an early caution.

    From there, it led to a chain reaction of cautions.

    On Lap 11 Clint Bowyer and Bubba Wallace would tangle off Turn 4. Bowyer would slam into Wallace off Turn 2, sending the No. 43 into the outside wall, while Bowyer would spin in front of several drivers.

    Jimmie Johnson and Kurt Busch would have a similar incident on Lap 18 as Johnson slid up into the No. 1 off Turn 4, thinking he was clear. Ryan Blaney and Clint Bowyer would also be swept up into the pileup trying to slow down.

    Byron maintained his lead and the field would have a seven-lap run before another caution would fly as Chase Elliott and Ty Dillon rubbed fenders on the backstretch, sending Elliott’s car into the Turn 3 wall. Elliott’s car would go upside down as others would pile in.

    Another restart would fly on Lap 40 as Byron pulled away. Laps later, Kyle Larson and Timmy Hill would collide off of Turn 2, creating a big crash involving Chris Buescher, Blaney, Johnson, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

    The No. 24 would continue to lead but Byron’s teammate Alex Bowman would find trouble as he crashed off Turn 4.

    Tempers flared as Larson and Daniel Suarez would bang fenders on the backstretch. The pair would chase each other down, sending them both into the Turn 4 wall. Larson and Suarez would retaliate against each other and were eventually parked.

    Byron surrendered the lead in return for some fresh tires. Landon Cassill would take the top spot, with Buescher in second.

    Buescher and Cassill would go side by side throughout the restart, but Cassil would slide into the inside wall, causing another pile-up into Turn 1. After Cassill’s wreck, single-file restarts were implemented.

    Buescher would inherit the lead, with Matt DiBenedetto in the runner up spot and Bowman lurking in third. Byron’s fresh tires would kick in as he would overtake DiBenedetto and Bowman. The No. 24 would begin to close in on Buescher’s No. 17 Ford.

    Preece hit Kyle Busch trying to make a move with 51 laps to go, bringing out the yellow as the No. 18 spun off Turn 4. With 44 laps to go, Buescher would lead on another restart. His lead would be short-lived as Byron’s car would launch his way to the point.

    Dale Earnhardt Jr. would have his share of issues and brought out the caution off Turn 2 with 32 to go. Byron would pull away after another great launch on the field. As for Buescher, he would be hounded by a flock of drivers.

    DiBenedetto and Tyler Reddick would move around the track to try and get around the No. 17. An accident involving Penske teammates Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano would interrupt the battling as Buescher would hit the stopped No. 2, giving the Roush Fenway car severe damage.

    With 20 to go, Byron still looked to be untouchable. A caution came with 10 laps to go when Kyle Busch would crash would stack the field up yet again.

    It came down to a four lap shootout, and Byron’s restart proved to be monumental as he would run away with the win at Bristol. Nemechek would finish second behind the No. 24. Timmy Hill quietly took third, with Denny Hamlin and DiBenedetto rounding out the remainder of the top five.

    There were three different leaders within the 150 lap race.

    Results:

    1. William Byron – 116 laps led
    2. John Hunter Nemechek
    3. Timmy Hill
    4. Denny Hamlin
    5. Matt DiBenedetto
    6. Ryan Preece
    7. Parker Kligerman
    8. Tyler Reddick
    9. Garrett Smithley
    10. Michael McDowell
    11. Clint Bowyer
    12. Christopher Bell
    13. Bobby Labonte
    14. Alex Bowman
    15. Austin Dillon
    16. Ross Chastain
    17. Joey Logano
    18. Kyle Busch
    19. Kurt Busch
    20. Landon Cassill – 4 laps led
    21. Jimmie Johnson
    22. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
    23. Chris Buescher – 30 laps led
    24. Brad Keselowski
    25. Ty Dillon
    26. Ryan Blaney
    27. Daniel Suarez – Disconnected
    28. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – Disconnected
    29. Kyle Larson – Disqualified
    30. Chase Elliott – Disconnected
    31. Erik Jones – Disconnected
    32. Bubba Wallace – Disconnected
  • Timmy Hill conquers rowdy eNASCAR Pro Series Invitational race at Texas

    Timmy Hill conquers rowdy eNASCAR Pro Series Invitational race at Texas

    Timmy Hill held off Ryan Preece on a late restart to win at virtual Texas Motor Speedway in the eNASCAR Pro Invitational Series.

    “I couldn’t be more excited,” Hill said. “Very exciting times for us because we just don’t get the recognition on a normal basis. To be on an even playing field is excellent. The last lap was just one I will definitely remember for a while.”

    William Byron started off on the pole, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his outside.

    For the second race of the Pro Invitational Series, the quick repairs were reduced to only one for the drivers.

    The field calmed down rather early on as the No. 24 of William Byron held the lead in the early going. John Hunter Nemechek, however, took Byron’s lead away as his Ford Mustang would spring to life.

    Kyle Busch and Ryan Blaney collided on the backstretch, collecting Chris Buescher, Erik Jones, and Bubba Wallace. Surprisingly, no caution was called. However, a wreck with Christopher Bell and Michael McDowell on Lap 27 would bring out the first yellow as they would both check up for Bobby Labonte and Austin Dillon off of Turn 4. The two collided, sending Bell and McDowell into the outside wall.

    Byron would continue to lead on the restart, but Preece would immediately take the top spot on Lap 54. Preece’s lead would be short-lived as Nemechek would pass the No. 37. With the field clumped together, Preece lost multiple positions.

    Anthony Alfredo found trouble as he slammed the Turn 3 wall head-on, knocking him out of the race. Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and Ty Dillon would stay out, and those three would be the leaders on the restart.

    Byron, with four fresh tires, would quickly pass those on old tires and would re-take the lead.

    Earnhardt found problems as he slapped the Turn 4 wall on Lap 73. The No. 8 would get damaged on the right side, dropping him outside the Top 10.

    Pit road proved to be slippery for some drivers as the cycle began. Nemechek would nearly spin coming in, as well as Alex Labbe.

    Earnhardt and Ross Chastain stayed out, banking on a yellow to increase their chances of gaining track position. The green would remain and the two would eventually have to pit as they neared 20 to go.

    Byron, Hill and Nemechek would cycle out as the Top 3 after pit stops.

    A yellow would fly with 16 laps to go when Daniel Suarez crashed on the backstretch. Suarez was parked for trying to wreck Ty Dillon. With the yellow out, everyone migrated down to pit road, and Byron would be the first one out of the pits.

    As Byron led the restart, carnage would follow in suit. Clint Bowyer and Greg Biffle made contact off of Turn 2, sending the two Fords into the inside wall and up into Matt DiBenedetto, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ty Majeski, and Ty Dillon.

    Byron again would have to fend off the field on another restart attempt with five laps to go. Labonte spun on the frontstretch trying to get going, but no yellow would fly.

    The battle for the lead would heat up as Hill pulled the bump and run on Byron with four laps to go, sending the No. 24 Chevy up the hill, allowing Hill to take the top spot.

    Shortly afterward, Parker Kligerman and Nemechek would bang fenders off of Turn 4, sending them into the paths of Preece, Labbe, and Byron. The caution came out, bunching the field up yet again but Hill held off the field to take the checkered flag over Preece. He would edge him out by nearly five hundredths of a second.

    Garrett Smithley, Landon Cassill, and Alex Bowman would round out the top five.

    There were five cautions within the 125-lap race.

    Results:

    1. Timmy Hill
    2. Ryan Preece
    3. Garrett Smithley
    4. Landon Cassill
    5. Alex Bowman
    6. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
    7. William Byron
    8. John Hunter Nemechek
    9. Kyle Larson
    10. Kurt Busch
    11. Clint Bowyer
    12. Parker Kligerman
    13. Bobby Labonte
    14. Michael McDowell
    15. Matt DiBenedetto
    16. Ty Dillon
    17. Kyle Busch
    18. Chris Buescher
    19. Jimmie Johnson
    20. Chase Elliott
    21. Erik Jones
    22. Ross Chastain
    23. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
    24. Denny Hamlin
    25. Bubba Wallace
    26. Alex Labbe
    27. Ryan Blaney
    28. Tyler Reddick
    29. Austin Dillon
    30. Ty Majeski
    31. Ruben Garcia Jr.
    32. Greg Biffle
    33. Daniel Suarez (Disqualified)
    34. Christopher Bell (Disconnected)
    35. Anthony Alfredo (Disconnected)
  • Denny Hamlin wins wild eNASCAR Pro Invitational Series Race at Homestead

    Denny Hamlin wins wild eNASCAR Pro Invitational Series Race at Homestead

    With the Coronavirus hindering the status of NASCAR, the organization proceeded to set up an iRacing event with a multitude of NASCAR drivers from various series to compete.

    Denny Hamlin ended up victorious after a wild finish at virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    “It’s always fun when you win, but regardless, I mean, it’s just–it was a great event,” Hamlin said. “For the community, the racing community, the NASCAR drivers to come together and put 20-something drivers on the racetrack with such short notice, everyone is buying up simulation rigs this week and last week getting ready for the event, and for it all to come together and have a great finish, I think it was definitely a success.”

    Garrett Smithley started on the pole, with William Byron on his outside.

    Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon would have technical issues at the start, putting them a lap down. Jimmie Johnson would also miss the start, putting him multiple laps down.

    As the green flag waved, Smithley and Byron would duke it out within the opening laps. Smithley’s lead would be short lived as Byron would take the top spot.

    A crash off of Turn 4 would bring out the yellow when Austin Cindric’s No. 12 would get loose off of Turn 4, collecting Anthony Alfredo and Kurt Busch.

    Byron would continue to lead on the restart, but the battle for fourth would heat up between Parker Kligerman, Ty Majeski, and Ross Chastain. Majeski would fall backwards while Kligerman and Chastain would march their way towards the Top 5.

    Another yellow would fly when Justin Allgaier would slide in front of John Hunter Nemechek, causing a big crash on the frontstretch involving Johnson, Kurt Busch, and Ty Dillon.

    Pit stops would begin, and Hamlin would be ahead of the field due to a two tire stop.

    The No. 11 would lead on the restart, but as they approached Turn 3, they caught Johnson’s damaged No. 48. The Ally Bank Chevy would get stuck into the middle and would get out of shape. Johnson would spin in front of the field, creating a big pileup off of Turn 4, collecting drivers like Landon Cassill, Clint Bowyer, Ryan Truex, Ryan Preece, and Timmy Hill.

    Hamlin would continue to lead, but the green flag run would be short lived as Chastain and Byron would collide into Turn 1 fighting for the second spot. Both would be able to save it, but a stack-up would occur behind them as Matt DiBenedetto and Chris Buescher would make contact, sending them into Chastain’s path.

    Dale Earnhardt Jr. would have his share of the lead as he would lead on the next restart. Alfredo and Alex Bowman would put their names to the front, as well as Chase Elliott and Bubba Wallace within the Top 5.

    Kurt Busch would continue to find troubles as his No. 1 Chevy would crash off of Turn 2. It would set up another big wreck as Chase Briscoe and Allgaier would be swept up in the carnage.

    Byron would then be the leader on the restart, but Hill brought along pressure as he would challenge the No. 24 for the race lead. The two would pull crossover moves for a handful of laps before Hill cleared the Hendrick Motorsports driver.

    Erik Jones would spin on the frontstretch, bringing out the yellow.

    Byron would continue to lead, but Smithley would put the power down, pressuring the No. 24.

    Smithley would reel in Bryon and would swiftly take second away. Earnhardt would also join into the battle and would challenge for third.

    Another caution would fly when Elliott and Wallace would make contact in Turn 1, sending the No. 9 Hooters Chevy for a spin.

    Briscoe and Chastain would stay out, and the duo would lead on the restart. They would be swallowed up by drivers with new tires, as Smithley steamed by the two, re-inheriting the lead.

    Near the Top 5, Byron and Bowman would collide on the fronstretch, triggering another big crash as more drivers would have no place to go. Kyle Busch, Bowman, Preece, Majeski, Earnhardt were notables that were collected.

    Smithley would lead the field with 27 laps to go, but more drivers would find trouble as with 23 to go, Bowyer, Preece, and Byron would crash in Turn 1.

    The No. 51 would continue to lead on the restart. DiBenedetto and Kligerman would lurk their way into the Top 5, with Earnhardt in hot pursuit.

    Earnhardt’s No. 8 would come to life as he would march his way past DiBenedetto and Kligerman. Briscoe would also follow Earnhardt as they both would gradually catch Smithley and Hill.

    With nine laps to go, Hill would challenge Smithley for the lead and would clear the No. 51. Earnhardt would quickly take the second spot away as well.

    Earnhardt would then go for the race lead, passing Hill on the inside with five to go. Hill would pull a crossover move and the two would swap lanes.

    Due to the leaders battling, it allowed Briscoe to pounce. The No. 98 would make it three wide into Turn 1, but would back off, hindering his chances of victory.

    Hamlin, who was several positions back, was also coming to life. With fresh tires, he had caught the leaders with only a few laps remaining.

    On the last lap, Hamlin would make a move to the outside line into Turn 1. He would manage to keep the car up top and would pass Earnhardt off of Turn 4 to take the victory with a last lap pass after contact with Earnhardt. Earnhardt would save it off the final corner and would eek out Hill and Briscoe to take second. Hill would be third, with Briscoe in fourth. Smithley would round out the Top 5.

    Hamlin pledged $5000 if he won to families affected by the coronavirus within the Homestead-Miami area. He also pledged $100 for each lap he led.

    There were nine cautions during the 100-lap event.

    Results:

    1. Denny Hamlin
    2. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
    3. Timmy Hill
    4. Chase Briscoe
    5. Garrett Smithley
    6. Alex Bowman
    7. Bubba Wallace
    8. Ryan Preece
    9. Ty Majeski
    10. Erik Jones
    11. Matt DiBenedetto
    12. Landon Cassill
    13. Parker Kligerman
    14. Ross Chastain
    15. Joey Logano
    16. Clint Bowyer
    17. Ryan Truex
    18. Bobby Labonte
    19. Ty Dillon
    20. Justin Allgaier
    21. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
    22. Austin Cindric
    23. Michael McDowell
    24. Chase Elliott
    25. Brad Keselowski
    26. Christopher Bell
    27. Austin Dillon
    28. Chris Buescher
    29. Kyle Busch
    30. John Hunter Nemechek
    31. Jimmie Johnson
    32. Anthony Alfredo
    33. Kyle Larson
    34. William Byron
    35. Kurt Busch

  • Hamlin holds off Dale Jr. at Homestead-Miami in the iRacing Pro Invitational Series

    Hamlin holds off Dale Jr. at Homestead-Miami in the iRacing Pro Invitational Series

    Due to the NASCAR season being suspended until at least May 3rd due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 35 drivers competed on Sunday in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series race at Homestead Miami Speedway.

    Race leader Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the low line while Denny Hamlin took the high line entering turn four on the final lap of the race. They made contact coming out of turn four and Hamlin was able to maintain control of his car to complete the pass to capture the 100-lap virtual race win.

    “That was unbelievable.” Hamlin said. “I didn’t think we were going to get back there. Really made the top line work the last two laps to get the win.”

    Hamlin also pledged to donate $100 for each lap he led and $5000 if he won to benefit families affected by COVID-19 in the Homestead-Miami area. Kevin Harvick and FOX will match his $5000 donation as well.

    Earnhardt Jr, finished second, Timmy Hill third, Chase Briscoe fourth and pole sitter Garrett Smithley finished fifth.

    Alex Bowman finished sixth, Bubba Wallace seventh, Ryan Preece eighth, Ty Majeski ninth and Erik Jones rounded out the top-ten.

    Race results – Dixie Vodka 150

    1. (9) Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Toyota, 100.
    2. (5) Dale Earnhardt Jr., No. 8 Chevrolet, 100.
    3. (7) Timmy Hill, No. 66 Toyota, 100.
    4. (6) Chase Briscoe, No. 98 Ford, 100.
    5. (1) Garrett Smithley, No. 51 Chevrolet, 100.
    6. (12) Alex Bowman, No. 88 Chevrolet, 100.
    7. (18) Bubba Wallace, No. 43 Chevrolet, 100.
    8. (13) Ryan Preece, No. 37 Chevrolet, 100.
    9. (3) Ty Majeski, No. 45 Chevrolet, 100.
    10. (25) Erik Jones, No. 20 Toyota, 100.
    11. (16) Matt DiBenedetto, No. 21 Ford, 100.
    12. (10) Landon Cassill, No. 89 Chevrolet, 100.
    13. (8) Parker Kligerman, No. 77 Toyota, 100.
    14. (4) Ross Chastain, No. 6 Ford, 100.
    15. (19) Joey Logano, No. 22 Ford, 100.
    16. (11) Clint Bowyer, No. 14 Ford, 100.
    17. (23) Ryan Truex, No. 40 Chevrolet, 100.
    18. (29) Bobby Labonte, No. 19 Toyota, 100.
    19. (28) Ty Dillon, No. 13 Chevrolet, 100.
    20. (26) Justin Allgaier, No. 7 Chevrolet, 100.
    21. (33) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Chevrolet, 100.
    22. (15) Austin Cindric, No. 12 Ford, 100.
    23. (32) Michael McDowell, No. 34 Ford, 100.
    24. (20) Chase Elliott, No. 9 Chevrolet, 100.
    25. (30) Brad Keselowski, No. 2 Ford, 100.
    26. (27) Christopher Bell, No. 95 Toyota, 100.
    27. (24) Austin Dillon, No. 3 Chevrolet, 100.
    28. (21) Chris Buescher, No. 17 Ford, 99.
    29. (34) Kyle Busch, No. 18 Toyota, 94.
    30. (22) John Hunter Nemechek, No. 38 Ford, 93.
    31. (35) Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Chevrolet, 93.
    32. (17) Anthony Alfredo, No. 33 Chevrolet, 86.
    33. (14) Kyle Larson, No. 42 Chevrolet, 86.
    34. (2) William Byron, No. 24 Chevrolet, 79.
    35. (31) Kurt Busch, No. 1 Chevrolet, 46.

    Race statistics
    Margin of victory: 0.153 seconds.
    Caution periods: 9 for 42 laps.
    Lead changes: 11 among 6 drivers.
    Lap leaders: Byron (28), Smithley (24), Hamlin (14), Earnhardt (14), Hill (13), Briscoe (7).

  • Joey Logano holds off the field to win at Phoenix

    Joey Logano holds off the field to win at Phoenix

    Joey Logano found victory lane Sunday afternoon at Phoenix Raceway. It was Logano’s 25th win of his career and second of the season, making him the first repeat winner of the 2020 NASCAR Cup season.

    Chase Elliott earned the pole, with Kevin Harvick taking the second spot. Martin Truex Jr. would start at the rear due to an engine change.

    Stage 1:

    We saw action early when Elliott and Harvick led the field to the green. The two would nearly collide in Turn 3 of the opening laps but would keep their cars straight. The two of them would be inseparable as laps later they would battle it out for the race lead, with Harvick eventually taking the top spot.

    Ricky Stenhouse Jr. would find troubles as his No. 47 would hit the in Turn 1 going underneath J.J. Yeley. The No. 47 would receive rear damage to his Chevrolet, bringing out the first caution.

    A restart would ensue and Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and Brad Keselowski would find troubles as the three collided into the Turn 3 wall. Blaney would be knocked out of the race while Hamlin and Keselowski would be able to keep on going.

    Kevin Harvick would fend off the field to win Stage 1.

    Elliott, Logano, Matt DiBenedetto, Kyle Busch, Alex Bowman, Truex, Aric Almirola, Tyler Reddick, and Erik Jones would round out the rest of the Top 10.

    Stage 2:

    Elliott would lead the first few laps of the stage before Harvick would retake the race lead. However, the No. 9 would fight back and respond by taking the lead back. Keselowski would march his way forward as he would pass by Harvick for the second spot.

    Halfway into the stage, Austin Dillon would blow a right front tire, causing the No. 3 to slap the Turn 1 wall, bringing out the yellow.

    During pit stops, Logano would get a penalty due to an uncontrolled tire, Harvick would lose spots due to a lengthy pit stop.

    Keselowski and Elliott would lead the field down on the restart, but the two would have a close skirmish with each other into Turn 2, giving Truex an opportunity to lead some laps. Elliott and Keselowski would pass the No. 19 shortly after.

    Elliott’s lead would be short-lived as he would come down pit lane, reporting a loose wheel, giving Keselowski the first position.

    Rookie Tyler Reddick would climb his way toward the Top 5 as he would pass Kyle Busch for position.

    Elliott was on the hard charge, trying to pass cars left and right in order to get back onto the lead lap. A caution with two laps to go into the stage would fly when Garrett Smithley’s car would blow up.

    As a result, Keselowski got the stage win. For Elliott, he would get the free pass thanks to the yellow.

    Harvick, Truex, Reddick, Kyle Busch, Almirola, Logano, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Larson, and Cole Custer would finish out the Top 10 at the end of Stage 2.

    Stage 3:

    Keselowski and Truex would lead the field down, and Reddick would move his way towards the second position immediately.

    Reddick, Logano, and Harvick would later duke it out, going three-wide into Turn 3. Reddick would drive the car wide, dropping him all the way down to ninth.

    Elliott, who had issues back in Stage 2, lurked his way into the Top 10 with 101 laps to go. Quin Houff would blow up off of Turn 2 a few laps later, sending the StarCom Chevy into the outside wall.

    The field would immediately flood pit road. Truex was the first one off due to a two-tire stop. Reddick, Jones, and Christopher Bell would follow along with two tires as well.

    The two-tire strategy would not pay off, as Truex, Reddick, Jones, and Bell would fall backward in position, while those with four new tires would surge their way past.

    Logano and Harvick would pull away from the field until a crash in Turn 1 by Jones and Custer would bunch the field back up. A plethora of cautions would follow upon the restarts.

    Reddick, who had a promising run throughout, would have a right-front tire go down, sending the rookie into the Turn 2 wall. Chris Buescher would have a left front go down after contact with Bell, resulting with the No. 17 hitting the Turn 1 wall.

    Truex, on a restart, would get a shove from Almirola, sending his Bass Pro Shops Toyota hard into the Turn 1 wall, knocking him out of the race. Logano, who was trying to block Bowman, had a close call and saved it in the dogleg.

    Keselowski and Bowyer would lead the front row on the restart, but Logano would close in on the two and would discard them quickly. Harvick would later move Keselowski to take second away. With nine laps to go, Ross Chastain would spin off of Turn 4 after contact with William Byron.

    A four-lap shootout would arise, and Logano would have to hold off the field again when John Hunter Nemechek and Stenhouse collided off of Turn 4.

    It led to NASCAR Overtime, and with a solid restart, Logano would run away from Harvick to secure the victory at Phoenix.

    There were 20 lead changes for seven different leaders. There were 12 cautions for 73 laps.

    Results:

    1. Joey Logano – 60 laps led
    2. Kevin Harvick – 67 laps led, Stage 1 winner
    3. Kyle Busch
    4. Kyle Larson – two laps led
    5. Clint Bowyer
    6. Kurt Busch
    7. Chase Elliott – 93 laps led
    8. Aric Almirola
    9. Cole Custer
    10. William Byron
    11. Brad Keselowski – 82 laps led, Stage 2 winner
    12. Jimmie Johnson
    13. Matt DiBenedetto
    14. Alex Bowman
    15. Ty Dillon
    16. Michael McDowell
    17. Chris Buescher
    18. Ryan Preece – one lap led
    19. Bubba Wallace
    20. Denny Hamlin
    21. Daniel Suarez
    22. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
    23. Ross Chastain
    24. Christopher Bell
    25. John Hunter Nemechek
    26. JJ Yeley
    27. Corey LaJoie
    28. Erik Jones – three laps down
    29. Joey Gase – three laps down
    30. Reed Sorenson – four laps down
    31. Brennan Poole – OUT
    32. Martin Truex Jr. – 11 laps led, OUT
    33. Tyler Reddick – OUT
    34. Quin Houff – OUT
    35. Garrett Smithley – OUT
    36. Austin Dillon – OUT
    37. Ryan Blaney – OUT
    38. Timmy Hill – OUT
  • Alex Bowman dominates at Auto Club

    Alex Bowman dominates at Auto Club

    After showcasing a ton of speed at Las Vegas, Alex Bowman struck gold Sunday afternoon as he found himself celebrating in victory lane at Auto Club Speedway.

    “We’ve been so good to start this season,” Bowman said. “We started the season very poorly really over the last two years, and it just means the world to show up at the racetrack and have the first run on the racetrack really be almost perfect and just be able to really fine-tune the race car. Greg Ives has made the right calls.  So, we’ve got to go win a bunch more, but man, it feels good to have one this early.”

    It was Bowman’s second win of his NASCAR Cup Series career. The Arizona native led 110 laps in the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to cruise toward victory.

    Stage 1:

    Before the field took the green flag, Auto Club Speedway commemorated seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson as he led the field in a five-wide salute during the pace laps in what could be his final start at the two-mile oval.

    As the field formed back to double-file formation, it was Clint Bowyer leading the way, with Johnson starting second as the green flag waved.

    Johnson was looking for the race lead early on but would fall back as teammate Bowman would inherit the runner-up spot behind leader Bowyer.

    Bowman would also take a lunge at Bowyer but would be unable to capitalize, resulting in Kurt Busch and Johnson swiftly passing the No. 88. The three of them would spar back and forth for the second position, with Bowman holding off the two Chevrolets.

    Bowyer’s early lead would be short-lived as Bowman’s No. 88 would take the top spot, with teammate Johnson immediately following behind in second as Bowyer gradually began to fade.

    Ryan Blaney slowly marched his way forward and by the halfway point of Stage 1, he was up to the second position.

    Pit stops would ensue on Lap 27 as Martin Truex Jr. would ignite the cycle. By the end of it, Bowman would be the leader.

    Kyle Larson would find trouble after Denny Hamlin gave the No. 42 a push into Turn 1, putting the McDonald’s Chevrolet into the outside wall. It would put Larson two laps down.

    Bowman would remain unchallenged after the cycle and would win Stage 1.

    Blaney, Johnson, Aric Almirola, Busch, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski, Matt DiBenedetto, Chase Elliott, and Kyle Busch would round out the top 10.

    Stage 2:

    It initially looked as though Kurt Busch was the first one off after everybody came down pit lane. However, the No. 1 missed his pit stall, putting him toward the back. As a result, it transferred the lead over to Johnson.

    Johnson took the lead on the restart but Blaney and Bowman would make it three-wide on the seven-time champ, allowing Blaney’s No. 12 to take first place.

    The two Hendrick Motorsports cars would put up a fight against the Team Penske car, but Blaney would fend off the duo and pull away.

    Christopher Bell suffered mechanical issues during the green flag run, knocking the No. 95 Toyota out of the race.

    Pole-sitter Bowyer had a left front tire go down on Lap 93, bringing out a yellow shortly after pit stops.

    Blaney would be in charge of the restart, and while he was able to pull away, his other competitors were duking it out. Bowman and Keselowski made aggressive moves around Logano and William Byron to gain some track position, and Elliott would march his way towards the Top 5.

    Blaney’s lead would remain unchallenged as he would cruise on to win Stage 2.

    Bowman, Johnson, Keselowski, Truex, Elliott, Kyle Busch, Hamlin, Erik Jones, and Kevin Harvick rounded out the Top 10 for stage points.

    Stage 3:

    Johnson was the leader at the beginning of the stage but was quickly hounded by Bowman as he passed the No. 48 off of Turn 2. Blaney and Truex were in hot pursuit, making it four wide among the leaders.

    Truex would briefly hold the lead, but Bowman would fight back. The two would swap back and forth, but Truex would fend off Bowman. But as the laps wound down, Bowman would reclaim the lead over the No. 19 and would pull a gap over the opposition.

    Another pit cycle would begin as everyone came in for some fresh rubber and fuel.

    Frontrunner Truex had issues during his stop, as the pit gun would malfunction when tending to the right rear tire, costing him valuable track position.

    Bowman and Blaney would be the leaders after the cycle, giving themselves plenty of distance between the fourth through sixth place drivers of Johnson, Elliott, and Kurt Busch.

    The three Chevrolets would battle for the fourth position, with Elliott edging out Kurt Busch for the spot while Johnson’s car began to fade. Truex’s day would continue to go downward when he slapped the Turn 4 wall trying to overtake Hamlin, allowing Keselowski to overtake the No. 19.

    Near the closing stages of the race, Blaney would have to come down pit lane due to a corded tire with only three laps to go, giving up a second-place run at the time.

    For Bowman, redemption was sweet as he crossed the line to secure the win. It provided a statement as he showcased his muscle around the California track.

    “You know, we started this year so strong,” Bowman said. “I feel like I’ve got a lot on my side that I’m doing better.  My life is kind of a lot more organized than it was back then, and Greg and all the guys, they’re just on point. We’ve unloaded the last two weeks, I don’t think we’ve had to make a change in the race car from how it came off the truck. That makes my job a heck of a lot easier. I’m just so proud of this team, Hendrick Motorsports, Hendrick horsepower under the hood, the whole shop back home. They work their butts off. We put a lot of effort into this new car, and it’s obviously working well.”

    There were 16 lead changes among eight different drivers and only three cautions for 13 laps.

    Blaney retains the points lead by 11, over Logano.

    1. Alex Bowman – 110 laps led, Stage 1 Winner
    2. Kyle Busch
    3. Kurt Busch
    4. Chase Elliott
    5. Brad Keselowski – six laps led
    6. Denny Hamlin
    7. Jimmie Johnson – ten laps led
    8. Aric Almirola
    9. Kevin Harvick
    10. Erik Jones
    11. Tyler Reddick
    12. Joey Logano
    13. Matt DiBenedetto
    14. Martin Truex Jr. – three laps led
    15. William Byron – one lap led
    16. Chris Buescher
    17. Ross Chastain
    18. Cole Custer – one lap down
    19. Ryan Blaney – one lap down, 54 laps led, Stage 2 winner
    20. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – one lap down, 6 laps led
    21. Kyle Larson – one lap down
    22. Michael McDowell – one lap down
    23. Clint Bowyer – one lap down, ten laps led
    24. Austin Dillon – one lap down
    25. John Hunter Nemechek – one lap down
    26. Ty Dillon – one lap down
    27. Bubba Wallace – two laps down
    28. Daniel Suarez – two laps down
    29. Corey Lajoie – three laps down
    30. Ryan Preece – three laps down
    31. JJ Yeley – three laps down
    32. Brennan Poole – five laps down
    33. Joey Gase – seven laps down
    34. Garrett Smithley – seven laps down
    35. Quin Houff – eight laps down
    36. Reed Sorenson – nine laps down
    37. Timmy Hill – 16 laps down
    38. Christopher Bell – OUT
  • Joey Logano holds off field to win at Las Vegas

    Joey Logano holds off field to win at Las Vegas

    Joey Logano found victory lane Sunday afternoon in the Team Penske No. 22 after holding off the field in overtime at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The win at Vegas marks Logano’s 24th career win in the Cup Series.

    “Winning the Pennzoil 400 with the Pennzoil car, this is huge,” Logano said. “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.”

    Qualifying was rained out on Saturday morning and the lineup was set based on last year’s owner points.

    Defending champion Kyle Busch was on the pole but was sent to the rear due to failing prerace inspection. Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and rookie Christopher Bell were other notables that also failed inspection. Hamlin and Bell too would be sent to the back.

    Stage 1:

    Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. would lead the field down to the green flag but issues in the back would plague Daniel Suarez as his No. 96 Toyota could not get up to speed, bringing out the first yellow.

    Harvick brought the field to green again but was swiftly passed by Logano. A few laps later the two would swap the top position and on Lap 12 Truex joined the fray in a three-wide tussle for the lead. Harvick’s No. 4 held them off and continued to lead as the competition caution waved on Lap 25.

    As the stage wound down, Chase Elliott’s car came to life as he inherited the race lead with 14 to go in Stage 1 and the No. 9 NAPA Chevy would win Stage 1.

    Truex, Harvick, Ryan Blaney, Logano, William Byron, Kyle Larson, Jimmie Johnson, and Ross Chastain would round out the top 10 in Stage 1.

    Stage 2:

    Elliott would lead the field to the beginning of Stage 2, but Harvick’s car would launch off well, easily passing Elliott for the lead.

    A long run would ensue with Harvick going backward as Elliott took back the lead, with Truex following right behind the No. 9.

    Bell had a close call in Turn 3 as the No. 95 would slide into the corner but he kept it straight, preventing a yellow.

    Halfway into Stage 2 pit road became busy as the leaders started coming in. Johnson and Hamlin nearly collided when Johnson was coming out of his stall, while Hamlin was doing the opposite.

    Truex would be the leader near the end of the cycle, but Stenhouse and the No. 47 crew would stay out on the track, banking on a yellow. However, they would pull down to pit road to take two tires and fuel.

    Elliott would reel in Truex and pass the No. 19 for the lead and he would win Stage 2 under caution due to Bell crashing off of Turn 2.

    Blaney, Truex, Byron, Logano, Harvick, Johnson, Larson, Alex Bowman, and Busch would round out the Top 10 for Stage 2.

    Stage 3:

    Truex would beat the field off of pit lane but he had to come back down due to loose lug-nuts.

    Blaney and Logano would push each other on the restart, with the two Penske cars pulling away until a spin by John Hunter Nemechek’s No. 38 would bunch the field back up together.

    Another restart ensued and Truex would find trouble as the No. 19 would hit the wall on the frontstretch, giving the Toyota a right front tire rub before eventually hitting the Turn 3 wall, bringing out another yellow.

    Logano and Blaney would continue to swap the lead and Harvick would also have his fair share of the lead with 84 to go between the two Penske cars.

    With 63 to go, it was between Elliott and Blaney for the lead, with Elliott passing Blaney on the inside in Turn 1. The No. 9 would hold the gap from the No. 12 until pit stops began again.

    The JTG Daugherty cars of Stenhouse and Preece, as well as Front Row’s Nemechek would stay out and a caution would fly as Elliott’s car had a left rear tire go down, sending the No. 9 into the Turn 1 wall with right rear damage.

    Stenhouse and Nemechek were able to prosper due to the yellow, but Preece’s No. 37 would go behind the wall due to engine issues. The caution would change up the pit cycle leading to several of the frontrunners taking the wave around while Stenhouse and Nemechek pitted and maintained their track position.

    The two would be swiftly passed on the restart as Logano and Harvick would take command. Blaney would follow closely behind, making it a three-way battle for the lead.

    All three drivers were using different lines of the track as the laps wound down. Logano was passed by Harvick and Blaney, and soon Blaney would pass Harvick with 19 to go.

    While the Fords battled it out, one other driver, Bowman, slowly worked his way into the picture.

    Bowman’s No. 88 Chevy came to life as he reeled in the leaders. The Arizona native was coming up fast and disposed of Harvick and Logano quickly. With 9 to go, he was in the runner-up spot. A late yellow would fly as Chastain spun off of Turn 2 with 6 to go.

    With a handful of laps left, the strategies were split as Blaney, Johnson, Bowman, and Harvick were notables that came into pit lane. Logano, Matt DiBenedetto, Wallace, and several others would stay out.

    It came down to NASCAR overtime and Logano would get a push from Stenhouse. Then, after taking the white flag, a crash on the frontstretch would bring the yellow out, securing Logano’s win.

    Logano credited spotter T.J. Majors on navigating him on the last 20 laps leading to his eventual win.

    “T.J. does a great job up there being able to just call the lanes and where the runs are coming from, so trying to block those and then also just staring in the mirror trying to watch a run come along, so between all of that I had my hands full in there,” Logano said. “I think everyone had their hands full out there. It was a fun race. The track was wide and made it hard to maintain the lead when you got it.”

    There were nine cautions for 37 laps and 25 different leaders for seven drivers.

    1. Joey Logano – 54 laps led
    2. Matt DiBenedetto
    3. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 30 laps led
    4. Austin Dillon – one lap led
    5. Jimmie Johnson
    6. Bubba Wallace
    7. Brad Keselowski
    8. Kevin Harvick – 92 laps led
    9. Kyle Larson
    10. Ty Dillon
    11. Ryan Blaney – 19 laps led
    12. Clint Bowyer
    13. Alex Bowman
    14. Chris Buescher
    15. Kyle Busch
    16. Corey LaJoie
    17. Denny Hamlin
    18. Tyler Reddick
    19. Cole Custer
    20. Martin Truex Jr. – one lap led
    21. Aric Almirola
    22. William Byron
    23. Erik Jones
    24. John Hunter Nemechek
    25. Kurt Busch – one lap down
    26. Chase Elliott – one lap down, 70 laps led, Stage 1 and 2 winner
    27. Ross Chastain – two laps down
    28. JJ Yeley – three laps down
    29. Brennan Poole – three laps down
    30. Daniel Suarez – four laps down
    31. Joey Gase – nine laps down
    32. Quin Houff – nine laps down
    33. Christopher Bell – ten laps down
    34. Reed Sorenson – 14 laps down
    35. Garrett Smithley – 15 laps down
    36. Michael McDowell – 45 laps down
    37. Ryan Preece – OUT, Engine
    38. Timmy Hill – OUT, Rear End

    Cup Series Race Number 2
    Race Results for the 23rd Annual Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube – Sunday, February 23, 2020
    Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, NV – 1.5 – Mile Paved
    Total Race Length – 267 Laps – 400.5 Miles

    FinStrNoDriverLapsS1PosS2PosS3PosPtsStatus
    1522Joey Logano26755052Running
    21921Matt DiBenedetto26700035Running
    32647Ricky Stenhouse Jr.26700034Running
    4213Austin Dillon26700033Running
    51848Jimmie Johnson26797038Running
    62743Bubba Wallace26700031Running
    782Brad Keselowski26700030Running
    834Kevin Harvick26736042Running
    9642Kyle Larson26778035Running
    102413Ty Dillon26700027Running
    11712Ryan Blaney26742042Running
    12914Clint Bowyer26700025Running
    131288Alex Bowman26789029Running
    142317Chris Buescher26700023Running
    15118Kyle Busch267010023Running
    163032Corey LaJoie26700021Running
    17411Denny Hamlin26700020Running
    18258Tyler Reddick #26700019Running
    191741Cole Custer #26700018Running
    20219Martin Truex Jr.26723034Running
    211410Aric Almirola26700016Running
    221124William Byron26764027Running
    231620Erik Jones26700014Running
    242938John Hunter Nemechek #26700013Running
    25131Kurt Busch26600012Running
    26109Chase Elliott26611031Running
    27156Ross Chastain(i)26510000Running
    283752JJ Yeley(i)2640000Running
    293315Brennan Poole #2640008Running
    303596* Daniel Suarez2630007Running
    313153Joey Gase(i)2580000Running
    32320Quin Houff #2580005Running
    332295Christopher Bell #2570004Running
    343677Reed Sorenson2530003Running
    353451Garrett Smithley2520002Running
    362834Michael McDowell2450001Running
    372037Ryan Preece2220001Engine
    383866* Timmy Hill(i)1750000Rear End
  • William Bryon wins Duel 2 at Daytona in dramatic fashion

    William Bryon wins Duel 2 at Daytona in dramatic fashion

    William Byron got the very first win of his Cup Series career Thursday night and while it was just an exhibition race, the victory was still a huge statement heading into The Daytona 500. Byron ended up winning the Duel 2 race after making a gutsy move to the outside lane on Lap 57, which allowed him to hook up with Jimmie Johnson and take the lead from Kevin Harvick.

    “Yeah, we’re going to use this momentum as it should be,” Byron said. “I feel like we didn’t luck into this.  We’ve built something over the last year working with Chad. He’s allowed me to grow up a lot. I think he’s held me accountable for a lot of things that are really good.”

    “I just feel comfortable walking into the shop,” he continued. “I think that took me really till this year, this off-season, to walk in and just feel like a racecar driver and comfortable. That’s a lot of credit to him and Tyler, Brandon, all the guys on the team.”

    Jimmie Johnson came home in second place after pushing his teammate out front, Kyle Larson worked his way to third, Harvick shuffled back to fourth and rookie Cole Custer rounded out the top-five. Other notable finishers include Matt DiBenedetto, who finished seventh, Ross Chastain in ninth and Tyler Reddick, who came home 10th.

    While Bryon’s win was impressive, especially considering the questions that were hanging over The Chevrolet camp, it was also very surprising. The reason for this is that if Chevrolet didn’t get a lucky caution on Lap 43 when JJ Yeley hit the wall, they would have most likely remained five or six seconds behind the Toyota and Ford camps due to pit stops.

    The Chevrolets pitted on Lap 24, which was a full 10 laps before The Toyota and Ford cars came in to get serviced. This gave Toyota and Ford a huge advantage with track position and left little chance of the Chevrolets catching up. This was ultimately remedied by the JJ Yeley incident and bunched the field back up for one last shootout.

    Due to Yeley’s incident on Lap 43, he did not qualify for The Daytona 500, which opened the door for Timmy Hill to make The Great American race. Hill joins Reed Sorenson who qualified for the field in the first duel race of the evening and beat out Daniel Saurez and Chad Finchum to do so.

    Coverage for The Daytona 500 will take place Sunday at 1 p.m. on FOX. Prerace festivities including predictions, driver introductions and more can be seen at 11 a.m.

    Starting Lineup for the Daytona 500:

    Starting Lineup for the Daytona 500:

    1 47 Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
    2 88 Alex Bowman
    3 22 Joey Logano
    4 24 William Byron
    5 10 Aric Almirola
    6 48 Jimmie Johnson
    7 6 Ryan Newman
    8 42 Kyle Larson
    9 2 Brad Keselowski
    10 4 Kevin Harvick
    11 43 Bubba Wallace
    12 41 Cole Custer #
    13 3 Austin Dillon
    14 20 Erik Jones
    15 19 Martin Truex Jr.
    16 21 Matt DiBenedetto
    17 95 Christopher Bell #
    18 1 Kurt Busch
    19 17 Chris Buescher
    20 77 Ross Chastain(i)
    21 11 Denny Hamlin
    22 8 Tyler Reddick #
    23 38 John Hunter Nemechek #
    24 13 Ty Dillon
    25 9 Chase Elliott
    26 34 Michael McDowell
    27 12 Ryan Blaney
    28 18 Kyle Busch
    29 14 Clint Bowyer
    30 36 David Ragan
    31 37 Ryan Preece
    32 66 Timmy Hill(i)
    33 16 Justin Haley(i)
    34 15 Brennan Poole #
    35 0 Quin Houff #
    36 32 Corey LaJoie
    37 51 Joey Gase(i)
    38 52 BJ McLeod(i)
    39 62 Brendan Gaughan(i)
    40 27 Reed Sorenson

    Did not qualify: Chad Finchum (No. 49) JJ Yeley (No. 54) Daniel Suarez (No. 96)

    To the rear: Blaney No. 12 (backup car), LaJoie No. 32 (backup car)

  • Joey Logano fends off the field to win Duel 1 at Daytona

    Joey Logano fends off the field to win Duel 1 at Daytona

    Rain seemed to be a minor setback for the first Bluegreens Vacations Duel at Daytona International Speedway but the drivers did not hold anything back as it became a massive dogfight at the end between the leaders. Joey Logano held off pole-sitter Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to win Duel 1. As a result, it gives him 10 points and a starting position of third for this weekend’s Daytona 500.

    “It feels so good,” Logano stated. “I mean, obviously it’s the Duels, not the Daytona 500, but momentum is momentum.”

    “This is awesome, he added. “What great teamwork by the Ford’s, especially Aric Almirola, my goodness. He was a great pusher at the right time and we were able to hold off the bottom when we needed and hold off the Chevy’s and showed the speed that the Ford’s have here. That is something I am proud to be a part of. I am proud to be driving that Blue Oval and these Roush Yates motors. We are ready to rock and roll. I can’t wait for the 500.”

    Stenhouse led the way early on until he and the other Chevys pitted on Lap 23, beginning the cycle of green-flag pit stops.

    A lap later the Toyotas would enter pit lane, but not all were free of trouble.

    Martin Truex Jr. and rookie Christopher Bell made contact, causing the No. 19 to miss his pit stall. Daniel Suarez, who was racing his way in, would lose the draft of the Toyotas.

    While the Chevys and Toyotas pitted, the Fords stayed out on track, with Clint Bowyer leading the group. However, as they entered pit lane, a caution would come out when Suarez and Ryan Blaney collided off of Turn 4.

    Suarez, who had just finished his pit stop, was on the inside line. Trying to check up for Brad Keselowski’s car, Suarez’s No. 96 slid up, while Ryan Blaney was trying to pit from the outside line, causing a crash.

    Blaney accepted the blame for the contact, saying, “It was just an error on my part and kind of a little lack of communication that didn’t end well.”

    The wreck resulted in massive front end damage to Suarez’s Toyota. Blaney received right-side damage to his No.12 Ford Mustang. Suarez’s chances of making the 500 came to an end, while Blaney kept on going.

    Many of the Fords that had committed to pit lane did not take service due to the caution, but Bowyer and Chris Buescher took service and both received an end of the longest line penalty.

    Stenhouse would lead on the restart, but things would get heated up as Logano would challenge the No. 47 for the lead with help from Almirola. With Logano taking over, the field calmed down and stayed mostly single file until the 10 lap to go mark, guarding the inside line. It became a Ford top six consisting of Penske, Stewart-Haas Racing and Roush Fenway cars.

    At first, Keselowski formed an outside line, but the leaders migrated upward to block the outside line. Stenhouse was thinking otherwise. The No. 47 went down to the bottom and made huge runs on the leaders with help from the inside line. Stenhouse would steal some laps from Logano and it became a drag race between him and the No. 22.

    Stenhouse’s momentum would stall out as Almirola would shove Logano, creating a massive gap ahead of the main pack. With runs coming left and right, Logano blocked both lanes to win. Logano, who led 19 laps in the event, will get 10 points, giving him a head start in the standings.

    Almirola would finish second, with Newman, Keselowski, and Bubba Wallace Jr. rounding out the top five. Pole sitter Stenhouse finished eighth.

    Rookie Bell would finish ninth in his first-ever Duel.

    Due to Suarez’s crash, Reed Sorenson would make it into the Daytona 500 with an 18th place finish. Chad Finchum would not qualify for the main event, as he finished 20th in the Duel.

    There were 11 lead changes and only one caution for seven laps.