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  • Weekend schedule for Las Vegas

    Weekend schedule for Las Vegas

    NASCAR travels to Las Vegas Motor Speedway as the Playoffs continue after an exciting weekend at Bristol where four drivers in the Cup Series were eliminated from championship contention.

    It will be the first race in the Cup Series Round of 12.

    The Xfinity Series will begin its Playoffs at Las Vegas as 12 drivers compete for the title. The post-season title contenders include AJ Allmendinger, the Xfinity Series Regular Season Champion, Austin Cindric, Justin Allgaier, Justin Haley, Jeb Burton, Daniel Hemric, Harrison Burton, Myatt Snider, Jeremy Clements, Riley Herbst, Noah Gragson and Brandon Jones.

    Friday night, the Camping World Truck Series will begin its Round of 8. John Hunter Nemechek leads the way with 3050 points followed by Sheldon Creed, Ben Rhodes, Zane Smith, Chandler Smith, Matt Crafton, Carson Hocevar and Stewart Friesen.

    There will be no qualifying or practice this weekend and starting lineups will be determined by the metrics formula established by NASCAR.

    Thursday, Sept. 23

    11 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series West Star Nursery 150
    TV: Trackpass

    Friday, Sept. 24

    9 p.m.: Truck Series Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 presented by Westgate Resorts
    Distance: 201 miles (134 Laps)
    Stage 1 ends on Lap 30, Stage 2 ends on Lap 60, Final Stage ends on Lap 134
    Pole: John Hunter Nemechek
    TV: FS1 – Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR

    Saturday, Sept. 25

    7:30 p.m.: Xfinity Alsco Uniforms 302
    Distance: 302 miles (201 Laps)
    Stage 1 ends on Lap 45, Stage 2 ends on Lap 90, Final Stage ends on Lap 201
    Pole: Austin Cindric
    TV: NBCSN – Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR

    Sunday, Sept. 26

    7 p.m.: Cup Series South Point 400
    Distance: 400.5 miles (267 Laps)
    Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 80),
    Stage 2 ends on Lap 160, Final Stage ends on Lap 267
    Pole: Kyle Larson
    TV: NBCSN – Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR

    Las Vegas Motor Speedway Data

    Season Race #: 30 of 36 (09-26-21)
    Track Size: 1.5-miles
    Banking/Turns 1 & 2: 20 degrees
    Banking/Turns 3 & 4: 20 degrees
    Banking/Frontstretch: 9 degrees
    Banking/Backstretch: 9 degrees
    Frontstretch Length:  2,275 feet
    Backstretch Length:  1,572 feet
    Race Length: 267 laps (400.5 miles)
    Stage 1 & 2 Length: 80 laps (each)
    Final Stage Length: 107 laps

    Las Vegas Motor Speedway Qualifying Data

    Track Qualifying Record: Kurt Busch, Chevrolet (196.328 mph. 27.505 secs.) on March 4, 2016.
    2020 Playoff Race Pole Winner: Metric Qualifying, Kevin Harvick started from the first position.

    • Kevin Harvick leads the NASCAR Cup Series in starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with 24 starts.
    • Daniel Hemric leads the series in average starting position at Las Vegas a 5.5 in two starts.
    • Chase Elliott leads all active drivers in the series in average starting position at Las Vegas an 8.778 in nine starts.
    • Kyle Busch (2008, 2009) and Kurt Busch (2010, 2016) lead all active drivers in poles at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with two each.
    • Kyle Busch is the only driver to win consecutive Cup Series poles at Las Vegas from 2008-2009.
    • Five different manufacturers have won a pole at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series led by Ford (11), and followed by Chevrolet (four), Dodge (four), Toyota (three) and Pontiac (one).

    Las Vegas Motor Speedway Race Data

    Track Race Record: Brad Keselowski, Ford (154.633 mph, 2:35:24) on March 9, 2014.
    2020 Playoff Race Winner: Kurt Busch, Chevrolet (131.420 mph, 03:03:32) on September 27, 2020.

    • Brad Keselowski leads all active drivers in NASCAR Cup Series wins at Las Vegas with three (2014, 2016, 2018).
    • The youngest LVMS winner: Kyle Busch (March 01, 2009 – 23 years, 9 months, 27 days).
    • Kyle Busch became the first and only driver to win from the pole at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series on March 1, 2009.
    • Five of the 27 Las Vegas races (18.52%) have been won from the front row.
    • The second starting position is the most proficient starting position in the field producing more winners (four) than any other starting position at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (14.81%).
    • Roush Fenway Racing leads the NASCAR Cup Series in wins at Las Vegas with seven victories: Mark Martin (1998), Jeff Burton (1999, 2000), Matt Kenseth (2003, 2004), Carl Edwards (2008, 2011).
    • Four manufacturers have visited Victory Lane in the NASCAR Cup Series at Las Vegas, led by Ford (13 wins), Chevrolet (nine), Toyota (four) and Dodge (one).

    From OddsChecker: Kyle Larson favorite to win South Point 400

    Larson is given +350 odds, or an implied 22.2% chance to win the race. He’s followed by Kyle Busch, who is given +650 odds or an implied 13.3% chance. Denny Hamlin is given +700 odds, Chase Elliot +800, and Martin Truex Jr. +900. Those are the 5 favorites. Even among them, it’s clear that oddsmakers are separating Larson from the pack.

    SOUTH POINT 400 WINNER ODDS 

    Driver Odds Implied chance 
    Kyle Larson +350 22.2% 
    Kyle Busch +650 13.3% 
    Denny Hamlin +700 12.5% 
    Chase Elliot +800 11.1% 
    Martin Truex Jr. +900 10% 
    Kevin Harvick +1000 9.1% 
    Joey Logano +1100 8.3% 
    William Byron +1200 7.7% 
    Ryan Blaney +1400 6.7% 
    Brad Keselowski +1500 6.3% 
  • Chandler Smith powers through to next round of Playoffs with Bristol victory

    Chandler Smith powers through to next round of Playoffs with Bristol victory

    In a must-win situation, 19-year-old Chandler Smith made a power move on Sheldon Creed with three laps to go, moving Creed out of the way. He hung on to win the Camping World Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway and locked the No. 18 team into the Playoffs Round of 6.

    “All week, I’ve been talking about 2019 when I finished second to Brett Moffitt and what I would have done different to win that race and these things are so hard now to win,” Smith said about the victory. “I haven’t done anything different since 2019. I’ve been doing a lot of sim time and watching film to get this win. My faith has been tested plenty of times.”

    Creed, who was dominant most of the night, led a race-high 189 laps before spinning with three laps to go due to a left-rear tire. He finished in the 19th spot, two laps down.

    “I knew I was going to get hit at some point, but it hurts nonetheless,” Creed said. “We’ve had three really fast trucks to open up the Playoffs and and it’s been really fun to go out there and dominate races. I’m having a lot of fun right now and I’m looking forward to heading to Vegas and setting our team up to make it to Phoenix.”

    Bristol Motor Speedway served as the final race in the Round of 8 Thursday night. Already a two-time winner in the playoffs, Creed was on the pole due to the qualifying metric system. Stages of 55/55/90 made up the 200-lap race in what would be a wild night of action.

    In the first stage, the caution was flown as early as Lap 3 for the No. 32 of Sam Mayer and the No. 3 of Howie DiSavino III for spinning in Turns 1 and 2. Following the accident, there were two more yellow flags, one at Lap 22 for Tanner Gray and on Lap 49 for Spencer Boyd. Prior to the Lap 49 caution, Smith was concerned as he had a left-front tire rub after making contact with another playoff driver, Todd Gilliland.

    With a one-lap dash set up for the first stage, Creed and Matt Crafton were on the front row, but Creed took off first with the faster truck and went on to take the first stage win. Austin Hill, Crafton, Zane Smith, Grant Enfinger, Carson Hocevar, Stewart Friesen, Todd Gilliland, Tyler Ankrum and Johnny Sauter rounded out the Top 10.

    Stage 2 began on Lap 66 and was one of the calmer stages of the night. There was only one yellow flag that slowed the field on Lap 70 when the No. 51 of Drew Dollar spun on the backstretch and collected Tate Fogleman, Dawson Cram, Howie DiSavino and Danny Bohn. The caution prompted the first red flag of the night, lasting six minutes and 23 seconds in length.

    Despite the red flag stoppage, Creed was once again dominant, and collected another stage victory. Ankrum, Austin Hill, Zane Smith, Chandler Smith, Nemechek, Friesen, Enfinger, Parker Kligerman and Crafton completed the Top 10. During the stage break caution, Zane Smith was penalized for throwing a fuel can, while Ankrum and Austin Hill were penalized for being too fast on pit road.

    The third and final stage had five cautions and the second red flag of the night. Most notably, when the fourth yellow came out with 11 to go, playoff contender, Austin Hill, came down on the No. 25 of Josh Berry on the frontstretch and wrecked in Turn 1. Hill then went up the track and collected Hailie Deegan, Derek Kraus, Lawless Alan and Austin Wayne Self.

    The major accident brought out the second red flag of the race and the field was halted for seven minutes and 37 seconds. Unfortunately, for the Georgia native Austin Hill, his playoff chances came to a close as he was eliminated from the next round.

    The final restart came with five laps to go with Creed and Chandler Smith on the front row. Smith’s teammate Nemechek was close behind in third. As both Creed and Smith fired off, the two raced side-by-side before Smith got the better of Creed by moving him up the track.

    Creed went high on the outside and fell back in the running order and eventually made contact with another driver and spun due to a left-rear flat tire.

    Even though Creed spun, no caution was called and Chandler Smith drove away with the victory. Enfinger, John Hunter Nemechek, Friesen, Sauter, Hocevar, Crafton, Zane Smith, Ben Rhodes, and Gilliland completed the top 10 finishers.

    Despite their best efforts, Austin Hill and Gilliland were eliminated from the Playoffs. Gilliland missed the next round by just two points.

    Smith led one time for five laps and gained five playoff points.

    There were 11 cautions for 85 laps and three lead changes among three different leaders.

    Playoff Standings for the Round of 8 beginning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:

    1. John Hunter Nemechek, +44
    2. Sheldon Creed, +20
    3. Ben Rhodes, +13
    4. Zane Smith, +3
      Below the cut line
    5. Chandler Smith, -3
    6. Matt Crafton, -5
    7. Carson Hocevar, -7
    8. Stewart Friesen, -8

    Official Results following the UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway:

    1. Chandler Smith, led five laps
    2. Grant Enfinger
    3. John Hunter Nemechek
    4. Stewart Friesen
    5. Johnny Sauter
    6. Carson Hocevar, led six laps
    7. Matt Crafton
    8. Zane Smith
    9. Ben Rhodes
    10. Todd Gilliland
    11. Josh Berry
    12. Doug Coby
    13. Derek Kraus
    14. Austin Wayne Self
    15. Colby Howard
    16. Ryan Truex
    17. Timmy Hill
    18. Lawless Alan
    19. Sheldon Creed, won both stages, led 189 laps, 2 laps down
    20. Cory Roper, 2 laps down
    21. Parker Kligerman, 3 laps down
    22. Sam Mayer, 7 laps down
    23. Clay Greenfield, 7 laps down
    24. Austin Hill, OUT, Accident
    25. Hailie Deegan, OUT, Accident
    26. CJ McLaughlin, 12 laps down
    27. Jennifer Jo Cobb, 12 laps down
    28. Howie DiSavino III, OUT, Electrical
    29. Taylor Gray, OUT, Accident
    30. Chase Purdy, OUT, Accident
    31. Spencer Boyd, OUT, Overheating
    32. Tyler Ankrum, OUT, Accident
    33. Danny Bohn, OUT, Accident
    34. Drew Dollar, OUT, Accident
    35. Dawson Cram, OUT, Accident
    36. Kris Wright, OUT, Engine
    37. Tate Fogleman, OUT, Accident
    38. Tanner Gray, OUT, Accident
    39. Ray Ciccarelli, OUT, Rear Gear
    40. Josh Reaume, OUT, Accident

    Up Next: The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will head west to begin the Round of 8 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Friday night, September 24, live on Fox Sports 1 at 9 p.m. ET with radio coverage on MRN Radio.

  • Weekend schedule for Bristol

    Weekend schedule for Bristol

    NASCAR travels to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend for some short-track racing with playoff implications.

    It will be the last race in Round 1 of the Cup Series Playoffs. Four drivers will be eliminated from championship contention at the conclusion of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race.

    Three drivers have clinched a spot in the Round of 12. Denny Hamlin won at Darlington, Martin Truex Jr. won at Richmond and Kyle Larson secured his place in the next round on points.

    The Camping World Truck Series will also compete in the final race of Round 1 of its playoffs. Sheldon Creed won the first two races at Gateway and Darlington. If he can sweep all three races, he would become the first driver to do so in the series history. John Hunter Nemechek has also earned a place in the upcoming Round of 8 on points, leaving six open spots.  

    Bristol is the last race of the Xfinity Series regular season. Nine drivers have clinched a spot in the 12-driver opening round of their playoffs – AJ Allmendinger, Austin Cindric, Justin Allgaier, Daniel Hemric, Harrison Burton, Justin Haley, Noah Gragson, Jeb Burton and Myatt Snider. Jeremy Clements, Brandon Jones and Riley Herbst are currently 10th, 11th and 12th, respectively, in the driver standings.

    The Xfinity Series regular-season championship will also be decided at Bristol, with Cindric and Allmendinger as the top contenders.

    All times are Eastern.

    Thursday, Sept. 16

    6:30 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series Bush’s Beans 200
    6:40 p.m.: Green Flag
    200 Laps, 106.6 Miles
    FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    9 p.m. Truck Series UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics
    9:18 p.m.: Green Flag
    Stages 55/110/200 Laps (106.6 Miles)
    FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR

    Friday, September 17

    7:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Food City 300
    7:47: Green Flag
    Stages 85/170/300 Laps (159.9 Miles)
    NBCSN/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio/TSN2

    Saturday, September 18

    7:30 p.m.: Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race
    7:47 p.m.: Green Flag
    Stages 125/250/500 Laps (266.5 Miles)
    NBCSN/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio/TSN

    Bristol Motor Speedway Data

    Season Race #: 29 of 36 (09-18-21)
    Track Size: 0.533-miles
    Banking/Turns 1 & 2: 24-28 degrees
    Banking/Turns 3 & 4: 24-28 degrees
    Banking/Frontstretch: 4-8 degrees
    Banking/Backstretch: 4-8 degrees
    Frontstretch Length:  650 feet
    Backstretch Length:  650 feet
    Race Length: 500 laps / 266.5 miles
    Stages 1 & 2 Length: 125 laps (each)
    Final Stage Length: 250 laps

    Bristol Motor Speedway Qualifying Data

    Track Qualifying Record: Chase Elliott, Chevrolet (131.713 mph, 14.568 secs.) on April 5, 2019.
    2020 Playoff Race Pole Winner: Qualifying was canceled, Metric Qualifying, Brad Keselowski started in the first position.

    • Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch lead all active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in starts at Bristol with 40 starts each.
    • Chase Elliott leads all active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in average starting position at Bristol with a 6.800 in 10 starts.
    • Denny Hamlin leads all active NASCAR Cup Series drivers in poles at Bristol with four (2013, 2014, 2015, 2019).
    • The youngest Bristol pole winner: Joey Logano (March 21, 2010 – 19 years, 9 months, 25 days).
    • A total of nine different manufacturers have won pols at Bristol Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series; led by Chevrolet (39) and followed by Ford (36), Toyota (11), Dodge (8), Pontiac (7), Buick (4), Plymouth (4), Oldsmobile (3) and Mercury (2).

    Bristol Motor Speedway Race Data

    Track Race Record: Charlie Glotzbach, Chevrolet (101.074 mph, 2:38:12) on July 11, 1971.
    2020 Bristol Playoff Race Winner: Kevin Harvick, Ford (95.911 mph, 2:46:43) on September 19, 2020.

    • Kyle Busch leads the series among active drivers in wins at Bristol with eight victories in 31 starts (Spring 2007, 2009 sweep, Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019).
    • The youngest Bristol winner: Kyle Busch (March 25, 2007 – 21 years, 10 months, 23 days).
    • The race winner has started from the pole or first starting position 27 times (22.6%), the most productive starting position in the field. The most recent driver to win from the pole or first starting position was Brad Keselowski last season (March 31, 2020).
    • The deepest in the field that an active race winner has started is 27th, by Kurt Busch in 2002.
    • Eight different manufacturers have won in the NASCAR Cup Series 120 races at Bristol; led by Chevrolet with 45 victories (37.5% winning percentage); followed by Ford (39 wins), Toyota (12), Dodge (8), Pontiac (8), Buick (4), Plymouth (3) and Oldsmobile (1).

    From OddsChecker: Kyle Busch slight favorite to win Bass Pro Shops Night Race

    Busch stands tall at +440 to win the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. He’s quickly followed by Kyle Larson at +520. Then it’s Denny Hamlin at +675. After that the odds fall off to Chase Elliot at +900. So, it’s clear that oddsmakers have a top 3 in this race.

    BASS PRO SHOPS NIGHT RACE WINNER ODDS 

    Racer Odds Implied chance 
    Kyle Busch +440 18.5% 
    Kyle Larson +520 16.1% 
    Denny Hamlin +675 12.9% 
    Chase Elliot +900 10% 
    Joey Logano +1000 9.1% 
    Kevin Harvick +1200 7.7% 
    Ryan Blaney +1500 6.3% 
    Brad Keselowski +1600 5.9% 
    Martin Truex Jr. +1800 5.3% 
    Kurt Busch  +2200 4.3% 
  • Sheldon Creed goes back to back with Truck Series playoff win at Darlington

    Sheldon Creed goes back to back with Truck Series playoff win at Darlington

    Sheldon Creed made it two for two, winning the second race in Round 1 of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs at Darlington Raceway Sunday afternoon.

    Creed, the series’ current champion, started on the pole for the In It To Win It 200 and led 104 of the 147 laps to claim the checkered flag for his third victory and ninth top-10 finish of the year.

    “We’ve had a tough season, but we’re finding it at the right time,” Creed said. “It feels so good to go back-to-back wins … Got to put the pressure on the other guys. I had really nothing to lose coming in, and we’ve got fast trucks.”

    It was a repeat of the first race in the series Playoffs on August 31 at World Wide Technology of Racing, with the same result – Creed celebrating in victory lane.  

    John Hunter Nemechek won Stage 1, led 39 laps and earned a second-place finish. It was his 13th top-10 result this season. He also scored enough points to lock him into the next round of the Playoffs.

    “Overall, a solid performance, Nemechek said. “Our Toyota Tundra was fast. Just needed a little bit more. It definitely stings knowing we had the dominant truck here in the spring, gave that one away. Then to come back and run second, it hurts. We’ll take the momentum, not going to dwell on this. Just one race of the Playoffs and now we’re focused on the next round.”

    Stewart Friesen, Todd Gilliland and Parker Kligerman rounded out the top-five finishers as Grant Enfinger placed sixth followed by Chandler Smith, Johnny Sauter, Zane Smith and Matt Crafton, in sixth – 10th.

    “Great day for the Halmar team – thanks to Chris Larson for everything. He’s always been there for me in my career. It was cool –- our best run for HFR, proud of that. Another good day for us,” said Friesen.

    The series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway on September 16th for the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at 9 p.m. ET, FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

    NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race Number 17
    Race Results for the 2nd Annual In It To Win It 200 – Sunday, September 5, 2021
    Darlington Raceway – Darlington, SC – 1.366 – Mile Paved
    Total Race Length – 147 Laps – 200.802 Miles

    FinStrNoDriverLapsS1PosS2PosS3PosPtsStatus
    112Sheldon Creed (P)14741057Running
    264John Hunter Nemechek (P)14713053Running
    3452Stewart Friesen (P)14758043Running
    4838Todd Gilliland (P)14767042Running
    53475Parker Kligerman14799036Running
    61298Grant Enfinger14700031Running
    7918Chandler Smith # (P)14782042Running
    81313Johnny Sauter14700029Running
    91021Zane Smith (P)14736041Running
    10288Matt Crafton (P)14724043Running
    11542Carson Hocevar # (P)14775036Running
    12716Austin Hill (P)14700025Running
    13299Colby Howard(i)1470000Running
    141622Austin Wayne Self14700023Running
    151723Chase Purdy #14700022Running
    161819Derek Kraus14700021Running
    172025Josh Berry(i)1470000Running
    182526Tyler Ankrum14700019Running
    193868Clay Greenfield14600018Running
    202730Danny Bohn14600017Running
    212620Spencer Boyd14600016Running
    223611Spencer Davis14600015Running
    232841Dawson Cram14600014Running
    242215Tanner Gray146010014Running
    253034Josh Reaume14600012Running
    26333Jordan Anderson14500011Running
    273145Lawless Alan14500010Running
    28232Kris Wright #1440009Running
    29141Hailie Deegan #1440008Running
    301524Jack Wood1430007Running
    311151Dylan Lupton1430006Running
    322156Tyler Hill1410005Accident
    331940Ryan Truex1410004Running
    34399Ben Rhodes (P)14010004Running
    35376Norm Benning860002Too Slow
    363510Jennifer Jo Cobb750001Too Slow
    373233Ryan Ellis(i)280000Transmission
    382412Tate Fogleman220001Rear Gear

  • Weekend schedule for Darlington Raceway

    Weekend schedule for Darlington Raceway

    This weekend NASCAR travels to Darlington Raceway for a Labor Day celebration of racing. The Xfinity Series will take center stage Saturday afternoon and Sunday will feature a doubleheader with the Camping World Truck Series race at 1:30 p.m. followed by the Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at 6 p.m.

    It’s the first of 10 races in the Cup Series Playoffs. Darlington starts off the Round of 16 as the drivers compete for the coveted championship title.

    Sheldon Creed won the first race in Round 1 of the Truck Series Playoffs. The upcoming race at Darlington is the second post-season race and the final race of Round 1 will be held at Bristol Motor Speedway.

    There are three races remaining in the Xfinity Series regular-season at Darlington Raceway, Richmond Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway. Their post-season begins on Sept. 25 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

    All times are Eastern.

    Saturday, September 4

    3 p.m.: Xfinity Series Driver Intros
    3:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200
    Stages 45/90/147 Laps = 200.1 Miles
    Pole: Daniel Hemric
    NBCSN/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    Sunday, September 5

    1 p.m.: Truck Series Driver Intros
    1:30 p.m.: Truck Series In It To Win It 200
    Stages 45/90/147 Laps = 200.1 Miles
    Pole: Sheldon Creed
    FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    5:30 p.m.: Cup Series Driver Intros
    6 p.m.: Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500
    Stages 115/230/367 Laps = 501.3 Miles
    Pole: Ryan Blaney
    NBCSN/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    Cup Series Playoff Grid – Round of 16 – Race 1 at Darlington

    1.Kyle Larson2052
    2.  Ryan Blaney2024
    3.   Martin Truex Jr.2024
    4.   Kyle Busch2022
    5.   Chase Elliott2021
    6.   Alex Bowman2015
    7.   Denny Hamlin2015
    8.  William Byron2014
    9.   Joey Logano2013
    10.Brad Keselowski2008
    11.Kurt Busch2008
    12.Michael McDowell2005
    13.Christopher Bell2005
    14.Aric Almirola2005
    15.Tyler Reddick2003
    16.Kevin Harvick2002

    Truck Series Playoff Grid  – Round of 12 – Race 2 at Darlington

    1.John H. Nemechek2073
    2.Sheldon Creed 2071
    3.Ben Rhodes2070
    4.Matt Crafton2051
    5.Stewart Friesen2049
    6.Austin Hill2039
    7.Carson Hocevar2031
    8.Todd Gilliland2028
    9.Zane Smith2018
    10.Chandler Smith2010

    (Sheldon Creed – One playoff win – World Wide Technology at Gateway)

    Darlington Raceway Data

    Season Race #: 27 of 36 (09-05-21)
    Playoff Race #: 1 of 10
    Track Size: 1.366-miles
    Banking/Turns 1 & 2: 25 degrees
    Banking/Turns 3 & 4: 23 degrees
    Banking/Frontstretch: 6 degrees
    Banking/Backstretch: 6 degrees
    Frontstretch Length:  1,229 feet
    Backstretch Length:  1,229 feet
    Race Length: 367 laps / 501.3 miles
    Stage 1 Length: 115 laps
    Stage 2 Length: 115 laps
    Final Stage Length: 137 laps

    Top 12 Driver Ratings at Darlington

    Kyle Larson ……………………….. 111.5
    Denny Hamlin……………………… 107.3
    Kevin Harvick……………………… 104.4
    Martin Truex Jr……………………. 103.9
    Kyle Busch…………………………. 103.1
    Erik Jones………………………….. 100.0
    Brad Keselowski……………………. 96.1
    Joey Logano………………………… 91.1
    Chase Elliott…………………………. 90.3
    William Byron……………………….. 87.1
    Ryan Newman………………………. 87.0
    Kurt Busch…………………………… 86.4

    Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2021 races (19 total) among active drivers at Darlington Raceway.

    Darlington Raceway Qualifying Data

    2020 Darlington #1 pole winner: Brad Keselowski – Qualifying by Random Draw.
    2020 Darlington #2 pole winner: Ryan Preece – Qualifying by Inverting Field.
    2020 Southern 500 pole winner: Chase Elliott – Qualifying by Metric Qualifying.
    Track qualifying record: Aric Almirola, Ford (184.145 mph, 26.705 secs.) on April, 11, 2014.

    • Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch lead all active series drivers in starts at Darlington with 27 each.
    • Denny Hamlin leads all active drivers in the series in average starting position at Darlington with a 8.778 in 18 starts.
    • Kurt Busch (2001, 2013) and Kevin Harvick (2014, 2017) lead all active drivers in poles at Darlington with two each.
    • The youngest Darlington pole winner is William Byron (09/01/2019 – 21 years, 9 months, 3 days).
    • Ford leads the NASCAR Cup Series in poles at Darlington Raceway with 43 poles; followed by Chevrolet (22), Mercury (13), Pontiac (10), Dodge (8), Buick (3), Oldsmobile (3), Plymouth (3), Toyota (2), Chrysler (1), Hudson (1) and Studebaker (1).

    Darlington Raceway Race Data

    2020 Darlington #1 race winner: Kevin Harvick, Ford (115.815 mph, 03:27:21) on May 17, 2020.
    2020 Darlington #2 race winner: Denny Hamlin, Toyota (104.984 mph, 02:42:23) on May 20, 2020.
    2020 Southern 500 winner: Kevin Harvick, Ford (132.256 mph, 03:47:26) on Sept. 6, 2020.
    Track race record (500 miles): Matt Kenseth, Toyota (141.383 mph, 03:32:45) on 05-11-13.

    • Denny Hamlin (2010, 2017, 2020-2) and Kevin Harvick (2014, 2020-1, 2020-3) lead all active drivers with three wins each.
    • The youngest series Darlington winner is Kyle Busch (5/10/2008 – 23 years, 0 months, 8 days).
    • Kevin Harvick is the only active driver to win from the pole (2014) at Darlington.
    • The first starting position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (20 of 120, 16.667%) than any other starting position at Darlington.
    • Hendrick Motorsports has the most wins by an organization at Darlington in the NASCAR Cup Series with 14 victories.
    • A total of 11 different manufacturers have won in the series at Darlington; led by Chevrolet with 41 victories; followed by Ford (31), Mercury (10), Oldsmobile (six), Toyota (eight), Dodge (five), Pontiac (five), Buick (four), Plymouth (four), Hudson (three) and American Motor Company (two).

    From OddsChecker:

    Kyle Larson is coming off one of his worst races of the season, but oddsmakers expect a bounce back performance from the Cup Series leader. In fact, they expect him to win the race.  Larson is given +325 odds, or an implied 23.5% chance to win the Cook Out Southern 500. Next best is Martin Truex Jr, who is given +600 odds to win the race. Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch are both given +700 odds.

    COOK OUT SOUTHER 500 WINNER ODDS 

    Driver Odds Implied chance 
    Kyle Larson +325 23.5% 
    Martin Truex Jr. +600 14.3% 
    Denny Hamlin +700 12.5% 
    Kyle Busch +700 12.5% 
    Chase Elliot +1000 9.1% 
    Kevin Harvick +1200 7.7% 
    William Byron +1400 6.7% 
    Joey Logano +1600 5.9% 
    Brad Keslowski +1800 5.3% 
    Alex Bowman +2000 4.8% 
  • Sheldon Creed dominates wild playoff-opener at Gateway

    Sheldon Creed dominates wild playoff-opener at Gateway

    Despite a late-race overtime restart and a 48-minute red flag due to a power outage at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, the 2020 Truck Series champion Sheldon Creed held onto the lead and navigated to his second win of the 2021 Truck Series season.

    “My guys put together such a great truck,” Creed told Fox Sports 1 in victory lane. “My guys have been working hard all year. Obviously, we haven’t had the speed at times and I’ve made mistakes. We just built this brand new truck and I felt like we’ve taken everything we learned this year and applied it. My teammate showed me a couple of things when he got to the lead. The bottom was good on restarts, but the top started coming in there at the end. I love late-race restarts,” he joked. “I didn’t want it but thought to myself, just focus and execute.”

    World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway served as the first race of the 2021 Truck Series Playoffs Friday evening. Austin Hill received the pole via the qualifying metric system.

    Throughout the first stage, there were three cautions that occurred on Lap 26, 33 and 42. Most notably, the caution on Lap 26 flew for playoff contender Chandler Smith. The Kyle Busch Motorsports driver brought the No. 18 to pit road as he had a right-rear hub issue.

    Creed showed his dominance early and won Stage 1, his second stage win of the season. Stewart Friesen, Ben Rhodes, Zane Smith, Ty Majeski, Todd Gilliland, Matt Crafton, Austin Hill, John Hunter Nemechek and Derek Kraus were the Top 10.

    During Stage 2, on Lap 60, a power outage occurred at the track knocking out the power, including the electronic timing and scoring and brought out the red flag. This caused a delay that lasted 48 minutes and 38 seconds before the race could resume with backup power and temporary lighting.

    Following the lengthy delay, the race went back green on Lap 67. Playoff drivers experienced more trouble as the race continued. Zane Smith was on pit road inside 10 laps to go in the second stage. Eventually, Smith drove the No. 21 truck behind the wall and was done for the night.

    Creed once again went on to win the second stage and was followed by Rhodes, Crafton, Nemechek, Friesen, Majeski, Kraus, Ankrum Eckes and Austin Hill.

    Stage 3 went green on Lap 111, but shortly thereafter, there was a huge wreck on the frontstretch. Playoff contender and regular-season champion, John Hunter Nemechek, had an issue as his truck shut off coming off Turn 4, which caused a huge stack up behind him. Multiple drivers were involved including Austin Hill, Todd Gilliland, Tyler Ankrum, Carson Hocevar, Chandler Smith and others.

    Unfortunately, more problems arose for Nemechek with 32 laps to go, as the North Carolina driver had a brake rotor that broke in half. He was able to resume the race but in the 34th position.

    The final stage was relatively calm in nature compared to the first two stages. However, a caution with four laps to go for the No. 15 of Tanner Gray who crashed in Turn(s) 3 and 4 brought out an overtime finish.

    Creed, Rhodes, Crafton, Friesen and Sauter were in the top five for the restart.

    Even with the late-race restart, there was no stopping Creed as he took the checkered flag for the seventh time of his career, and his first since Darlington earlier this year.

    2019 Truck Series champion Matt Crafton finished second and earned his third top-five finish of the season and the first since Darlington as well.

    “Definitely, a good points night, all in all, they knew we were here,” Crafton said about his runner-up finish to Fox Sports 1. “We drove from 10th to get to second, we just needed a little bit more since the 2 (Creed) was a little better. These guys (ThorSport) have worked hard lately. They’ve worked their butts off. Went back and threw all the notebooks away from 2019 and 2018. We went back to the old school stuff and I guess it still worked.”

    There were eight cautions for 37 laps and one red flag that lasted 48 minutes and 38 seconds. There were five lead changes among three different leaders.

    Race winner Creed led three times for 142 laps and gained seven playoff points and locked himself into the next round of the Playoffs.

    Playoff Standings following Round 1 at Gateway:

    1. Sheldon Creed, 1 win, Advanced
    2. John Hunter Nemechek, +55
    3. Ben Rhodes, +52
    4. Matt Crafton, +33
    5. Stewart Friesen, +31
    6. Austin Hill, +21
    7. Carson Hocevar, +13
    8. Todd Gilliland, +10
      Below the cut line
    9. Zane Smith, -10
    10. Chandler Smith, -18

    Official Results for the Toyota 200 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway:

    1. Sheldon Creed, won both stages, led 142 laps
    2. Matt Crafton
    3. Ben Rhodes
    4. Stewart Friesen
    5. Johnny Sauter
    6. Chase Purdy
    7. Hailie Deegan
    8. Carson Hocevar
    9. Austin Wayne Self
    10. Jack Wood
    11. Tyler Hill
    12. Taylor Gray
    13. Ryan Truex, 1 lap down
    14. Tate Fogleman, 1 lap down
    15. Josh Berry, 1 lap down
    16. Spencer Boyd, 2 laps down
    17. Cory Roper, 2 laps down
    18. Kris Wright, 2 laps down
    19. Tanner Gray, 2 laps down
    20. Derek Kraus, 3 laps down
    21. Armani Williams, 4 laps down
    22. John Hunter Nemechek, 5 laps down
    23. Austin Hill, led two laps, 6 laps down
    24. Roger Reuse, 6 laps down
    25. Grant Enfinger, 9 laps down
    26. Derek Griffith, 9 laps down
    27. Chris Hacker, 23 laps down
    28. Chandler Smith, 40 laps down
    29. Todd Gilliland, OUT, Damage Vehicle Policy
    30. Dawson Cram, OUT, Accident
    31. Christian Eckes, OUT, Accident
    32. Tyler Ankrum, OUT, Accident
    33. Ty Majeski, OUT, Accident
    34. Jake Griffin, OUT, Accident
    35. Zane Smith, led 19 laps, OUT, Rear Gear
    36. Danny Bohn, OUT, Engine
    37. Jordan Anderson, OUT, Engine
    38. Jennifer Jo Cobb, OUT, Engine

    Up Next: The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will head to Darlington Raceway Sunday, September 5, to continue their Round of 10 playoffs run, live on Fox Sports 1 and MRN Radio.

  • Weekend schedule for Michigan and Gateway

    Weekend schedule for Michigan and Gateway

    This weekend the NASCAR Cup Series and the Xfinity Series travel to Michigan International Speedway. The Camping World Truck Series will compete at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway for the first race in their Playoffs.

    There are five regular-season races left in the Xfinity Series.

    Justin Allgaier, AJ Allmendinger, Jeb Burton and Myatt Snider have already clinched a spot in the Xfinity postseason 12-driver field.

    Xfinity Series drivers who can secure their spot with a win include Brandon Brown, Harrison Burton, Jeremy Clements, Noah Gragson, Justin Haley, Riley Herbst, Daniel Hemric, Brandon Jones and Ryan Sieg.

    Landon Cassill, Alex Labbe, Tommy Joe Martins and Josh Williams could clinch a spot in the Xfinity Playoffs with a win and some help.

    There are only two open spots in the Cup Series postseason. Aric Almirola, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch, William Byron, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Michael McDowell and Martin Truex Jr. have each qualified for the Playoffs.

    Kevin Harvick, Tyler Reddick, Austin Dillon, Matt DiBenedetto, Chris Buescher, Ross Chastain, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Darrell Wallace Jr., Chase Briscoe, Daniel Suarez, Erik Jones, Ryan Newman, Ryan Preece, Cole Custer, Corey Lajoie, Anthony Alfredo can clinch with a win.

    Harvick, the defending race winner, can also earn a spot in the Playoffs with 44 points.

    All times are Eastern.

    Friday, August 20 – Michigan

    4 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series practice – No TV
    6 p.m.: ARCA Series Henry Ford Health System 200 at Michigan
    100 Laps/200 Miles
    Trackpass/MRN

    Friday, August 20 – WWT Raceway at Gateway

    8:50 p.m.: Driver Intros
    9 p.m.: Truck Series Toyota 200 presented by CK Power at Gateway
    Stages 55/110/160 laps = 200 Miles
    Pole: Austin Hill
    FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    Saturday, August 21 – Michigan

    3:05 p.m.: Driver Intros
    3:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series New Holland 250 at Michigan
    Stages 30/60/125 Laps = 250 Miles
    Pole: Austin Cindric
    NBCSN/NBC Sports App/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio/TSN

    Sunday, August 22 – Michigan

    2:30: Driver Intros
    3 p.m.: Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan
    Stages 60/120/200 Laps = 400 miles
    Pole: Kyle Larson
    NBCSN/NBC Sports App/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio/TSN

    Michigan Intl. Speedway Data

    Track Size: 2-miles
    Banking/Turn 1 & 2: 18 degrees
    Banking/Turn 3 & 4: 18 degrees
    Banking/Frontstretch: 5 degrees
    Banking/Backstretch: 2 degrees
    Frontstretch Length:  3,600 feet
    Backstretch Length:  2,242 feet

    Michigan Qualifying Data

    Track qualifying record: Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet (206.558 mph, 34.857 secs.) on August 17, 2014.
    2020 Michigan pole winner: Qualifying canceled due to COVID-19.  The starting lineup was decided by a random draw.

    • Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch lead all active NCS drivers in Michigan starts with 40 each.
    • Tyler Reddick leads all active NCS drivers in average starting position at with an 8.500 in two starts.
    • Seven of the 50 NCS Michigan pole winners are active this weekend.  Joey Logano (4), Kurt Busch (3), Brad Keselowski (2), Denny Hamlin (1), Kevin Harvick (1), Kyle Larson (1), and Ryan Newman (1).
    • Joey Logano (2013, 2016 sweep, 2019) leads all active NCS drivers in poles at Michigan with four; followed by Kurt Busch (2010, 2011 and 2018) with three.
    • The youngest series Michigan pole winner is Joey Logano (August 16, 2013 – 23 years, 2 months, 23 days).
    • Nine different manufacturers have won a pole at Michigan in the NCS.  Ford leads the series in poles at Michigan with 31, followed by Chevrolet (27), Mercury (10), Dodge (nine), Pontiac (eight), Toyota (six), Buick (three), Plymouth (two) and Oldsmobile (one).

    Michigan Race Data

    Track race record: Dale Jarrett, Ford (173.997 mph, 2:17:56) on June 13, 1999.
    2020 Michigan race winner: Kevin Harvick, Ford (124.712 mph, (02:34:55) on August 8, 2020.

    • A total of 38 different drivers have won in the NCS at Michigan with seven of the 38 race winners are active this weekend.  Kevin Harvick (5), Joey Logano (3), Kurt Busch (3), Kyle Larson (3), Denny Hamlin (2), Ryan Newman (2), and Kyle Busch (1).
    • Kurt Busch (2003, 2007, 2015), Matt Kenseth (2002, 2006, 2015), Joey Logano (2013, 2016, 2019) and Kevin Harvick (2010, 2018, 2019) lead all active series drivers in wins at Michigan with three each.
    • The youngest series Michigan winner id Joey Logano (August 18, 2013 – 23 years, 2 months, 25 days).
    • Martin Truex Jr. (30), and Michigan native Brad Keselowski (23) lead all active drivers in the series in starts without a win at Michigan.
    • The first starting position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (22 of 103, 21.36%) than any other starting position at Michigan.
    • The deepest in the field that an active race winner has started at Michigan is 24th, by Kurt Busch in the June of 2015.
    • Roush Fenway Racing leads the series in wins at Michigan with 13.  Mark Martin (four), Greg Biffle (four), Carl Edwards (two), Matt Kenseth (two) and Kurt Busch (one).
    • Eight different manufacturers have won in the NCS at Michigan.  It’s led by Ford with 41 victories, followed by Chevrolet with 26, Mercury (12), Dodge (nine), Toyota (five), Buick (four) Pontiac (four) and Oldsmobile (two).

    Top 12 Michigan Driver Ratings

    Kevin Harvick……………………… 102.5
    Joey Logano………………………… 99.1
    Chase Elliott…………………………. 99.1
    Brad Keselowski……………………. 97.3
    Kyle Larson………………………….. 96.1
    Denny Hamlin……………………….. 92.6
    Ryan Blaney…………………………. 92.5
    Kurt Busch…………………………… 91.8
    Kyle Busch…………………………… 90.7
    Christopher Bell…………………….. 89.6
    Martin Truex Jr……………………… 89.3
    Erik Jones……………………………. 86.6
    Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2020 races (32 total) among active drivers at Michigan International Speedway.

  • Austin Hill wins rain-shortened Truck Series race at Watkins Glen

    Austin Hill wins rain-shortened Truck Series race at Watkins Glen

    For the first time in 20 years, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series came back to Watkins Glen International Raceway for the final race of the 2021 regular season. Knoxville race winner, Austin Hill, claimed the victory, as the race was called just 11 laps short due to lightning in the area.

    “It was nerve-wracking that’s for sure, I didn’t know if we were going to go back green or not,” Hill said to Fox Sports 1 about the victory. “It feels so good to win on a road course. I’ve been wanting to win on a road course for a very long time, even back in the (NASCAR) K&N Pro Series days. I felt like, I always get around the road course very decent and finally, we have a race where everything went our way.”

    “I was biting my nails a little bit when that rain came. I didn’t know what was going to happen with the lightning and all that. Everybody at United Rentals, HRE (Hattori Racing Enterprises) they gave me a really good piece today and we were able to get it done.”

    Following the two-week hiatus due to the Olympic break, the NASCAR Truck Series was back in action Saturday afternoon as part of a doubleheader feature with the NASCAR Xfinity Series following the event shortly thereafter.

    Stages 20-25-27 originally made up the 72-lap event before lightning and rain came to the area late in the final stage.

    Austin Hill was on the pole via the metric qualifying system.

    There were multiple incidents in Stage 1. The No. 99 of Ben Rhodes and the No. 18 of Chandler Smith spun around in the first turn, however, no caution was thrown as both trucks were able to get fired back and going.

    One caution occurred in the stage on Lap 9 for the No. 45 of Chad Chastain who wheel-hopped into Turn 1 and crashed into the tire barrier.

    While there would be more spins including Rhodes spinning on Lap 10 and Matt Crafton on Lap 15, no more yellow flags were seen and Circuit of the Americus winner Todd Gilliland took the Stage 1 victory. Sheldon Creed, Derek Kraus, Josh Berry, Austin Wayne Self, AJ Allmendinger, Paul Menard, Stewart Friesen, Ben Rhodes and Ryan Truex completed the Top 10.

    Stage 2 had the least amount of incidents and remained caution-free. Austin Hill was strong throughout the stage and nabbed the Stage 2 victory. Nemechek, Allmendinger, Zane Smith, Creed, Ankrum, Hocevar, Gilliland, Rhodes and Mayer were the Top 10 finishers.

    As the final stage began with 23 laps to go, rain and lightning started to move into the area. On Lap 53 with 19 laps to go, the yellow flew once more for playoff-hopeful Derek Kraus who spun on the backstretch and came to a stop. Unfortunately, due to the incident, Kraus’s playoff chances were eliminated.

    The field went back green with around 16 to go but the racing continued for only four more laps. Due to lightning, the trucks were brought down to pit road and after a long delay, the race was eventually called, giving the checkered flag to Austin Hill.

    Regular-season champion John Hunter Nemechek finished second and will lead the playoff grid just 28 points above Hill heading into the World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway for the first race in the Round of 10.

    “Possibly, it’s hard to say with the high downforce package that we have on these trucks, dirty air is really bad,” Nemechek said about finishing runner-up. “You get super aero-tight behind other trucks and it kind of gives you a disadvantage being the second guy compared to being in clean air. Overall, we had a really fast Mobil 1 Toyota Tundra today. I feel like Austin (Hill) had the dominant truck all day. I do feel like we were better in certain spots, and he was better in other spots on the racetrack. Who knows what would have happened, he could have made a mistake, I could have made a mistake. It’s part of racing. I felt like if he would have slipped a little bit or if I could have gotten side-by-side with him, I feel like we probably could have made the pass and possibly drove off. I don’t know how fast, but I felt like we were playing cat and mouse with trading back who was faster on certain laps.”

    Official Playoff Standings for Round of 10:

    1. John Hunter Nemechek, 2,049 points
    2. Austin Hill, -28
    3. Ben Rhodes, -30
    4. Todd Gilliland, -34
    5. Sheldon Creed, -58
    6. Zane Smith, -40
    7. Matt Crafton, -45
    8. Carson Hocevar, -47
    9. Chandler Smith, -48
    10. Stewart Friesen, -48

    Tracks in the Round of 10 consist of Gateway, Darlington, and Bristol.

    There were five cautions for 10 laps and six leaders among seven different lead changes. Hill led three times for 35 laps en route to victory.

    Official Results following United Rentals 176 at Watkins Glen International Raceway:

    1. Austin Hill, won Stage 2, led 35 laps
    2. John Hunter Nemechek, led two laps
    3. Sheldon Creed
    4. Todd Gilliland, won Stage 1, led 18 laps
    5. Parker Kligerman
    6. Zane Smith, led four laps
    7. Tyler Ankrum
    8. Paul Menard
    9. Sam Mayer
    10. Carson Hocevar, led one lap
    11. Josh Berry
    12. Kaz Grala
    13. Christian Eckes
    14. Tanner Gray
    15. Ben Rhodes
    16. Austin Wayne Self
    17. Ryan Truex
    18. Corey Heim
    19. Hailie Deegan
    20. Stewart Friesen
    21. Derek Kraus
    22. Matt Crafton
    23. Johnny Sauter
    24. Timmy Hill
    25. Jack Wood, led one lap
    26. Tate Fogleman
    27. A.J. Allmendinger
    28. Danny Bohn
    29. Roger Reuse, 1 lap down
    30. Josh Reaume, 1 lap down
    31. Lawless Alan, 1 lap down
    32. Spencer Boyd, 2 laps down
    33. Chad Chastain, 3 laps down
    34. Taylor Gray, 8 laps down
    35. Jennifer Jo Cobb, 16 laps down
    36. Norm Benning, OUT, Too slow
    37. Grant Enfinger, OUT, Transmission
    38. Will Rodgers, OUT, Transmission
    39. Chandler Smith, Disqualified

    Note – Chandler Smith was disqualified from his finishing position for failing post-race heights. As a result everyone moves up a position. However, Smith still qualifies for the Truck Series playoffs despite losing points and finishing position in the process.

    Up Next: The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will begin their playoffs run at World Wide Technology Raceway on Friday, August 20, live at 9 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 and MRN Radio.

  • Weekend schedule for Atlanta and Knoxville

    Weekend schedule for Atlanta and Knoxville

    The NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series head to Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend for the second time this season while the Camping World Truck Series travels to Knoxville Raceway for the series debut at the half-mile dirt oval.

    Six active Cup Series drivers have won previously at the 1.5-mile track. Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch lead the series with three wins each. Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch have two previous wins. Ryan Blaney, the most recent winner, and Denny Hamlin have each been to victory lane once.

    Only three active Xfinity Series drivers have won at Atlanta. Kyle Busch has two victories while Justin Allgaier and AJ Allmendinger have one win each. Busch (13) and Jeremy Clements (12) have the most starts among the active drivers in the Series.

    The Truck Series lineup at Knoxville Raceway will be set by four qualifying heat races prior to the main event. A random draw (in order of current owner points) will be used to determine the heat race and starting position for each driver. Only green-flag laps will count with no overtime rule.

    Drivers will earn points for their finish in the qualifying race and can also gain passing points (the difference between their starting position and finishing position). The points will determine their starting position for the feature event.

    The starting lineups for the Cup and Xfinity Series were determined by the following metrics formula:

    • 25 percent: Driver’s finishing position from the previous race
    • 25 percent: Car owner’s finishing position from the previous race
    • 35 percent: Team owner points ranking
    • 15 percent: Fastest lap from the previous race

    All times are Eastern.

    Thursday, July 8

    7:05 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice at Knoxville – FS1

    Friday, July 9

    7 p.m.: Truck Series at Knoxville Qualifying Race 1 (15 Laps) FS1/MRN
    7:15 p.m.: Truck Series at Knoxville Qualifying Race 2 (15 Laps) FS1/MRN
    7:30 p.m.: Truck Series at Knoxville Qualifying Race 3 (15 Laps) FS1/MRN
    7:45 p.m.: Truck Series at Knoxville Qualifying Race 4 (15 Laps) FS1/MRN
    9 p.m.: Truck Series Corn Belt 150 presented by Premier Chevy Dealers at Knoxville (Stages 40/90/150 laps = 75 miles) FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    Saturday, July 10

    3:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Credit Karma Money 250 at Atlanta
    Stages 40/80/163 laps = 251.02 miles
    NBCSN/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio/NBC Sports App (Canada: TSN)
    Pole: Kyle Busch

    Sunday, July 11

    3:30 p.m.: Cup Series Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart at Atlanta
    Stages 80/160/260 laps = 400.4 miles
    NBCSN/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio/NBC Sports App (Canada: TSN)
    Pole: Chase Elliott

    Atlanta Motor Speedway Data:
    Season Race #: 21 of 36 (07-11-21)
    Track Size: 1.54-miles
    Banking/Turn 1 & 2: 24 degrees
    Banking/Turn 3 & 4: 24 degrees
    Banking/Frontstretch: 5 degrees
    Banking/Backstretch: 5 degrees
    Frontstretch Length:  2,332 feet
    Backstretch Length:  1,800 feet
    Race Length: 260 laps / 400.4 miles
    Stage 1 & 2: 80 Laps (each)
    Final Stage: 100 Laps

    Atlanta Qualifying and Race Data:

    Track qualifying record: Geoffrey Bodine, Ford (197.478 mph, 28.074 secs.) on 11-15-97
    2020 pole winner: None – Starting Lineup set by Metric Qualifying; Chase Elliott started in first.

    • Kevin Harvick leads all active drivers in NCS starts with 31 starts, followed by Kurt Busch with 30 and Ryan Newman with 29.
    • Ryan Newman leads all active drivers in the NCS in average starting position of 8.138 in 29 starts followed by Kyle Larson at 8.286 in 12 starts.
    • Nine of the Atlanta NCS pole winners are active this weekend.  Ryan Newman (7), Kevin Harvick (2), Aric Almirola (1), Denny Hamlin (1), Joey Logano (1), Kurt Busch (1), Kyle Busch (1), Martin Truex Jr. (1), and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (1)
    • Buddy Baker and Ryan Newman are tied for the ZNCS most poles at Atlanta with seven each and Newman holds the record for most consecutive poles with six (spring of 2003 through 2005).

    Track race record: Bobby Labonte, Pontiac (159.904 mph, 03:07:48) on 11-16-97.
    2020 race winner: Kevin Harvick, Ford (142.966 mph, 03:30:03) on 06-07-20.

    • Six former Atlanta winners are active this weekend.  Kevin Harvick (3), Kurt Busch (3), Brad Keselowski (2), Kyle Busch (2), Denny Hamlin (1), and Ryan Blaney (1).
    • Kevin Harvick (2001, 2018, 2020) and Kurt Busch (2002, 2009, 2010) lead all active series winners at Atlanta with three each.
    • The youngest NCS Atlanta winner is Kyle Busch (03/09/2008 – 22 years, 10 months, 7 days).
    • The most proficient starting position in the field at Atlanta is the fifth starting position with 16 wins, more than any other starting position.
    • The deepest in the field that an active race winner has started at Atlanta is 37th, by Jimmie Johnson in 2015.
    • Hendrick Motorsports has the most wins at Atlanta in the NCS with 14.
    • Nine different manufacturers have won in the NCS at Atlanta.  Chevrolet leads with 40, followed by Ford (34), Pontiac (11), Dodge (nine), Mercury (eight), Buick (four), Plymouth (four), Toyota (three) and Oldsmobile (one).
    • Kevin Harvick leads all active NCS drivers in laps led at Atlanta with 1,197 in 31 starts.

    Top 12 Driver Ratings at Atlanta
    Kevin Harvick……………………… 101.4
    Kyle Larson………………………….. 98.0
    Martin Truex Jr……………………… 96.7
    Denny Hamlin……………………….. 95.6
    Kurt Busch…………………………… 95.4
    Kyle Busch…………………………… 94.6
    Brad Keselowski……………………. 94.4
    Ryan Blaney…………………………. 91.0
    Chase Elliott…………………………. 89.9
    Joey Logano………………………… 83.3
    Ryan Newman………………………. 78.0
    Ricky Stenhouse Jr………………… 77.5

    Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2021 races (23 total) among active drivers at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

  • Nemechek holds off boss man Busch for Pocono victory

    Nemechek holds off boss man Busch for Pocono victory

    In a late-race duel following a restart with six laps to go, John Hunter Nemechek, with help from a push by Todd Gilliland, got past team owner Kyle Busch to take the lead and win at Pocono Raceway.  

    Busch tried to rally back within the closing laps, but Sheldon Creed got underneath Busch which caused both trucks to get loose and slide up the track. Nemechek pulled ahead to a two-second lead and won for the fifth time this season.

    The Mooresville native spoke to FOX Sports 1 after the race in victory lane.

    “These guys just work so hard,” Nemechek said of his team. “We never gave up. We weren’t very good the first stage. Without this opportunity—without Kyle and Toyota, I wouldn’t have had it. Five wins this year and beat Kyle—three for five against Kyle is pretty good odds.”

    This was the last Truck Series race of the 2021 season for Busch and his last race with sponsor Cessna/Beechcraft. He led 20 laps and challenged for the win late, but after the incident with Sheldon Creed, Busch had to settle for his fifth top-five of the season.

    Meanwhile, Busch was in his last race of the 2021 Truck Series season where he led 20 laps and challenged for the win late. But after the incident with Sheldon Creed, Busch had to settle for his fifth top-five of the season.

    “I don’t know (what happened there),” Busch said about the incident with Creed to Fox Sports 1. “The Cessna Tundra was pretty good. We were up front there leading, the caution came out at the end and just bunched us up back together.

    “We got, not a great restart, but a decent restart. We were all even getting into (Turn) 1, and John Hunter just slid me and got the lead. I was trying to figure out what I could do to fight back and get the lead back, and I got drilled in the left rear. That basically handed the win to the 4 truck.

    “That’s our year and that’s what it is. I guess we’ll be back in 2022 sometime.”

    Prior to the green flag, Busch announced that the Pocono race would be the last race for sponsor Cessna/Beechcraft and stated he is working on plans for the 2022 season. The partnership between Busch and Cessna began in 2017 at Kansas. Since then, the duo has enjoyed 14 victories with each other when Cessna was the main sponsor.

    Stages 15-15-30 made up the 60-lap race and Todd Gilliland was on the pole via the qualifying metric system.

    An early caution was brought out on Lap 1 when series newcomer Jack Wood, in the No. 24 GMS truck, missed a gear on the initial start and caused the field to stack up. Unfortunately for Johnny Sauter who needs a win to get into the playoffs, he was collected in the incident.

    The early caution was the only caution in the stage and Zane Smith went on to win the stage that ended on Lap 15. Busch, Creed, Gilliland, Chandler Smith, Rhodes, Friesen, Austin Hill, Eckes, and Crafton completed the Top 10 for Stage 1.

    In Stage 2, there were no yellows but multiple strategies caused various lead changes. On Lap 20, Busch closed in on race leader Zane Smith in the tunnel turn but got loose slightly tapped the wall off Turn 3 one lap later.

    On Lap 27, near the end of the stage, there were numerous race leaders who pitted including Busch, Creed, and Chandler Smith. Zane Smith also chose to make a pit stop but the GMS driver didn’t make it to pit road in time and had to restart at the rear of the field for the final stage.

    Nemechek did not pit and took the lead during the green-flag pit stops, going on to win Stage 2. Rhodes, Friesen, Austin Hill, Crafton, Berry, Majeski, Purdy, Enfinger, and Wright were the Top 10.

    As the final stage began with 25 to go, Busch and Carson Hocevar restarted as the leaders.

    Busch looked as if he was going to set sail with the lead, but a late caution with 10 to go came out for Friesen who crashed in Turn 2. This bunched the field up again which set up a restart with six laps to go.

    Busch was inching in on Nemechek and it appeared as though there would be a battle for the win late. However, with three laps to go, Sheldon Creed challenged for second and slid both he and Busch up the track.

    All Creed and Busch could do was watch as Nemechek drove away with the victory for his 10th career Truck Series victory. Kyle Busch, Sheldon Creed, Tyler Ankrum, Austin Hill, Matt Crafton, Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith, Ryan Preece, and Derek Kraus was the Top 10 finishers.

    There were four cautions for 13 laps and eight lead changes among seven different drivers.

    Playoff Standings with two races left in the regular seasaon.

    1. John Hunter Nemechek, five wins, 34 playoff points
    2. Ben Rhodes, two wins, 11 playoff points
    3. Todd Gilliland, one win, seven playoff points
    4. Sheldon Creed, one win, six playoff points
    5. Austin Hill, +183
    6. Zane Smith, +142
    7. Matt Crafton, +106
    8. Stewart Friesen, +65
    9. Carson Hocevar, +49
    10. Chandler Smith, +28

      Below the cut line
    11. Johnny Sauter, -28
    12. Tyler Ankrum, -33
    13. Austin Wayne Self, -41
    14. Derek Kraus -55

    Official Results following the CRC Brakleen 150 at Pocono Raceway.

    1. John Hunter Nemechek, won Stage 2, led 12 laps
    2. Kyle Busch, led 20 laps
    3. Sheldon Creed, led three laps
    4. Tyler Ankrum
    5. Austin Hill
    6. Matt Crafton
    7. Todd Gilliland, led four laps
    8. Zane Smith, won Stage 1, led 18 laps
    9. Ryan Preece
    10. Derek Kraus
    11. Josh Berry
    12. Christian Eckes
    13. Carson Hocevar
    14. Ty Majeski
    15. Chase Purdy
    16. Tanner Gray
    17. Ben Rhodes
    18. Ryan Truex
    19. Austin Wayne Self
    20. Lawless Alan
    21. Tate Fogleman
    22. Howie DiSavino III
    23. Ray Ciccarelli
    24. Tyler Hill
    25. Chandler Smith, 1 lap down
    26. Hailie Deegan, 1 lap down
    27. Spencer Boyd, 1 lap down
    28. Josh Reaume, 1 lap down
    29. Todd Peck, led one lap, 1 lap down
    30. Kris Wright, 2 laps down
    31. Jennifer Jo Cobb, 2 laps down
    32. Norm Benning, 2 laps down
    33. Stewart Friesen, 2 laps down
    34. Bryan Dauzat, 3 laps down
    35. Johnny Sauter, 5 laps down
    36. Grant Enfinger, OUT, Engine
    37. Bayley Currey, OUT, Mechanical
    38. Danny Bohn, OUT, Mechanical
    39. Jack Wood, OUT, Accident

    Up Next: The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will take a few weeks off before heading to the inaugural series race at Knoxville Raceway Friday night, July 9, live on Fox Sports 1 and MRN Radio at 9 p.m. ET.