Race Weekend Central

Here’s Who’s Performing & Appearing at Phoenix Raceway

Nascar Camping World Truck Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

As the NASCAR continues its trek in the West, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to the desert for the United Rentals 500(k) at Phoenix Raceway following last week’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Heading to the site of NASCAR’s championship weekend for the first of two visits this season, here is who Phoenix will have on hand for its first go of the year.

FOX Sports Booth: Danica Patrick returns to the booth following her season debut in the booth at Las Vegas.

Ford drivers Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano will pair up for the call in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race. Logano’s spotter, Coleman Pressley, will serve as a spotter analyst for the race.

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Honorary Pace Car Driver: Former NTT IndyCar Series driver Lyn St. James will bring the field to the green flag for the Cup race. St. James was the first woman to win the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award and one is one of nine women to compete in the event.

Pre-Race Concert: Country group The Tony Marques Band will join the list of entertainers to perform before the race this season.

Go Bowling!: Bowling and NASCAR will now be in the same location, as the inaugural Go Bowling! PBA NASCAR Invitational will take place at Phoenix. In addition to four pro bowlers participating, four drivers and celebrities will be paired with the competitors. Stewart-Haas Racing drivers Aric Almirola and Ryan Preece will participate in the event.

Friday Faceoff: Does an Underperforming Team Deserve to Lose Its Charter?

Cody Ware No. 51 Rick Ware Racing car at Texas Motor Speedway NASCAR All-Star Open, NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

With Kyle Larson locked into the Championship 4, should the No. 5 car help to get teammate and defending champion Chase Elliott in? Stephen Stumpf: Absolutely not. The two may be teammates, but Kyle Larson is having one of the most dominant seasons in the 21st century and should have his eyes focused on his first …

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The 2020 Indy 500 Needed 33 Entrants More Than Ever Before

2020 Indy 500

Conor Daly at the 2019 Indy 500 practice (Photo: Matt Fraver/IndyCar Media)

When the 2020 Indy 500 takes place on August 23, it’s going to happen with a complete field of 33 entries. That’s what fans were hoping for in a turbulent 2020 season—but why is having a full group so important, particularly this year? And how did IndyCar get to the field of 33, anyway? Back …

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The Frontstretch 5: NASCAR Drivers Who Haven’t Lived Up To The Hype (Yet)

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Last week, we brought you a collection of the most underrated drivers in NASCAR in this space. These were prospects, from Brett Moffitt to Tyler Reddick, who often don’t seem to get the spotlight they deserve. This week, our staff goes the other direction. We examine some NASCAR veterans who, at least to this point, …

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Danica Patrick Joining NBC’s Indianapolis 500 Coverage

2018 Indianapolis Indycar Zach Catanzareti Danica Patrick

(Photo: Zach Catanzareti)

NBC Sports confirmed their commitment to promoting one of their newest properties on Wednesday morning (March 20), announcing the addition of Danica Patrick to their 103rd Indianapolis 500 coverage team. The 2005 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year will serve as studio analyst alongside host Mike Tirico, providing pre-race, post-race and in-race commentary during the …

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2-Headed Monster: Is The Driver or The Car More Important?

Nascar Xfinity Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

This week’s question is racing’s version of “the chicken or the egg” question: does the car matter more than the driver or does the driver make a bigger difference than the car? Motor Over Mojo There’s no doubt that both matter, but it’s clear that the machine makes a bigger contribution than the man (or …

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Friday Faceoff: Was Danica Patrick’s Career a Success?

2015 Homestead Cup Danica Patrick Brett Moist Nkp

(Photo: Brett Moist/NKP)

1. Danica Patrick ended her racing career in less than stellar fashion at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday. Given her combined open wheel and NASCAR results, would you say that her career was a success? Michael Massie: Danica Patrick will go down as the most overrated NASCAR driver of all time. Sure, she accomplished some firsts …

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Did You Notice?: NASCAR Halfway Through Regular Season

Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: John K Harrelson / NKP)

Did You Notice? … NASCAR is halfway through the 26-race regular season? Year one post-Dale Earnhardt Jr. has come with an expected ratings and attendance decline. But as the sport attempts to move forward, perhaps its biggest 2018 storyline is stagnancy at the top. Three of last year’s Championship 4: Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and reigning champion …

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5 Points To Ponder: Thank You, Danica Patrick

2017 Kansas I Cup Danica Patrick Nigel Kinrade Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade/NKP)

ONE: Thanks, Danica In the end, it was not the glorious finish Danica Patrick would have scripted to end her long and trailblazing racing career. An unexpected spin and wreck on lap 68 saw her final race, the 102nd running of the Indy 500, end with a violent collision in the outer wall. “I’m not …

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Couch Potato Tuesday: FOX Adjusts Themselves in Charlotte, ESPN Bids Farewell to Indy

Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest race weekends of the entire year in motorsports.  You have Monaco, Charlotte and Indianapolis.  Add Lime Rock for Pirelli World Challenge on top of that and you basically have four days without sleep. Coca-Cola 600 Sunday night saw the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series take on Charlotte …

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