Race Weekend Central

The Frontstretch 5: Winless Drivers Who Could Surprise at Daytona

2016 Phoenix I Cup Clint Bowyer Nigel Kinrade Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP)

For the second week in a row, the Sprint Cup Series is visiting a track where the usual suspects aren’t the only options as the equality of the cars puts a large percentage of the race in the drivers’ hands. There’s a good chance the series could see its 11th different winner of 2016 and, while Dale …

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The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2016 Toyota Save Mart 350

2106 Sonoma Cup Denny Hamlin Nigel Kinrade Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP)

Who…gets my shoutout of the race? He may have been visibly disappointed when the checkered flag flew, but the fact is that Denny Hamlin had a great day at Sonoma Raceway.  Hamlin’s second-place run was his best-ever result at the track and the first time since 2009 that he’s finished better than 18th there.  Hamlin …

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Friday Faceoff: Who’s the Best Driver Without a Ride?

2016 Nascar Xfinity Michigan Alex Bowman Pole

(Photo: Daniel Shirey/NASCAR via Getty Images)

NASCAR said after the races at Iowa this weekend that it’s “happy with the status of Iowa” Speedway as a standalone XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series date. But does the track need a Sprint Cup date, and at what track’s expense? Jeff Wolfe, Senior Writer: I don’t know if Iowa necessarily needs a Cup date. The …

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The Frontstretch 5: Must-Follow Racing Twitter Accounts

2016 Las Vegas Cup Joey Logano Todd Gordon John Harrelson Nkp

(Photo: John Harrelson/NKP)

Social media has rapidly become a go-to for all things, racing included.  Fans can interact with their favorite drivers and broadcasters and often see a different side of people that doesn’t come across on television.  Here are just a few of the fabulous racing-related Twitter feeds fans can follow to get a glimpse inside the …

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Friday Faceoff: What’s the Year’s Most Memorable Storyline So Far?

2016 Michigan International Speedway Nscs Joey Logano Leads Martin Truex Jr. Photo Credit Nascar Via Getty Images

(Photo: NASCAR via Getty Images)

Fifteen races into the 2016 Sprint Cup season, what’s the most memorable storyline?  The biggest surprise? Vito Pugliese, Senior Writer: The most memorable story line thus far should have been Chase Elliott winning back-to-back races at Pocono Raceway and Michigan International Speedway, but rookie inexperience cost him two weeks in a row on the final …

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The Frontstretch 5: Things to Watch During the Cup Series’ Off Week

2016 Michigan I Cup Dale Earnhardt Jr Jimmie Johnson Russell Labounty Nkp

(Photo: Russell LaBounty / NKP)

1. This weekend’s races The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series may not be in action this week, but the XFINITY and Camping World Truck series are. The 24 Hours of Le Mans will also see some TV time on both Saturday and Sunday. NHRA is in Bristol and if you want close finishes, you’ll likely see …

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The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2016 FireKeepers Casino 400

2016 Michigan I Cup Tony Stewart Pack Racing John Harrelson Nkp

(Photo: John Harrelson / NKP)

Who… gets my shoutout of the race? If anyone thought that Tony Stewart was going to simply ride quietly into the sunset, he set them straight on Sunday, qualifying third and driving to his second top 10 of the year. Stewart’s struggles since his 2013 injury have been well-documented, but it’s hard to say that he doesn’t have a …

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Friday Faceoff: Should NASCAR Lower the Boom?

2016 Pocono I Cup Brad Keselowski Pit Stop Nigel Kinrade Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP)

NASCAR said that Brad Keselowski will not be further penalized for body modifications mare to the No. 2 car during a pit stop at Pocono last weekend.  Was the in-race penalty enough, or should NASCAR take further action on teams who try to alter the body to create more speed? Amy Henderson, Senior Editor: I …

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The Frontstretch 5: Things NASCAR Fans Deserve to See

2016 Las Vegas Cup Brad Keseloski Joey Logano Packe Racing Matthew T Thacker Nkp

(Photo: Matthew T. Thacker/NKP)

1. More tire wear The tires Goodyear has presented the Cup Series with this season have been, by and large, a huge step in the right direction. But there is still room for improvement as tires still last through much of a fuel run.  There should be a real strategy play here between racing as …

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The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2016 Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400

2016 Charlotte All Star Cup Martin Truex Jr Denny Hamlin Racing Nigel Kinrade Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP)

Who…gets my shoutout of the race? A lot of drivers go on to great careers without winning a race in their rookie seasons, and some of the sport’s best have had rookie campaigns that certainly didn’t hint of any success to come later.  But first-year driver Chase Elliott is looking closer and closer to finding …

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Holding a Pretty Wheel: Seeing the (Day)Light

2016 Richmond I Cup Pack Racing Nigel Kinrade Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP)

For the most part, it’s hard to look at the on-track product NASCAR has put forth and not say that the quality of the racing has significantly improved with efforts to reduce downforce and make racecars less dependent on aerodynamics and more dependent on mechanics and drivers.  Of course, some races are going to be …

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