Dalton Hopkins - Articles on Frontstretch
NASCAR on TV this week
Donate to Frontstretch
NASCAR At Track Coordinator at Frontstretch

Dalton Hopkins began writing for Frontstretch in April 2021. Currently, he is the lead writer for the weekly Thinkin' Out Loud column, co-host of the Frontstretch Happy Hour podcast, and one of our lead reporters. Beforehand, he wrote for IMSA shortly after graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2019. Simultaneously, he also serves as a Captain in the US Army.

Follow Dalton on Twitter @PitLaneCPT

Thinkin’ Out Loud: Austin Cindric Snags 2022 Daytona 500 Victory

by
Austin Cindric Shows Off Ring After Winning the Daytona 500

Austin Cindric won his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race in only his eighth career start and second in the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20 by barely nipping out 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace by a nose. Following him to the line were Chase Briscoe, Ryan Blaney and Aric Almirola, who earned a top-five finish in his last Daytona 500 as a full-time driver.

Cindric is the first rookie to win the Daytona 500 since Trevor Bayne in 2011.

Sean Corr Nabs ARCA Top 5 in Late Bob Keselowski Tribute Paint Scheme

by
2022 ARCA Daytona Sean Corr, No. 29 Empire Racing Group Chevrolet (Credit: Dalton Hopkins, Frontstretch)

After avoiding much of the late-race chaos and placing himself up front, Sean Corr finished fourth in the ARCA Menards Series Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Feb. 19.

It was already a special finish for the New Yorker. It’s only his fifth top-five result since he began competing in ARCA in 2008.

But what was even more special about it was his paint scheme.

Tracking the Trucks: Zane Smith Wins Daytona in Overtime Finish

by
2022 Trucks Daytona Zane Smith trophy (Credit: NKP)

Zane Smith started the 2022 season with a new team, new number, new manufacturer and a win at Daytona International Speedway. After starting in 20th, the 22-year-old had found himself in the lead when the caution flag waved shortly after taking the white flag. Ben Rhodes finished runner-up and was followed by teammate Christian Eckes, Tanner Gray, and Parker Kligerman in the top five.