Race Weekend Central

William Byron Finishes 19th at Richmond: “We Were Terrible”

#24: William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet Camaro Liberty University, 2021 fall Richmond playoff NASCAR Cup race

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

In a season that’s been his best statistically, William Byron now faces a steep uphill climb if he wants to contend for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship. Following a 19th-place finish at Richmond Raceway, the Hendrick Motorsports wheelman now sits 18 points below the cutline heading to Bristol Motor Speedway. 15th in the standings, …

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Podcast: Ryan Blaney on Darlington Chaos, Rebounding at Richmond

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Graphic: Jared Haas

After losing brakes at Darlington, Ryan Blaney‘s playoffs aren’t off to the best start. But thanks to his back-to-back wins entering the postseason, he’s in solid position as the circuit heads to Richmond Raceway. The Team Penske driver joins Davey Segal this week to discuss the chaotic Southern 500, why Richmond hasn’t been good to …

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NASCAR Mailbox: How Long Can NASCAR Compete With the NFL?

2021 Daytona Ii Cup Joey Logano Ross Chastain Pack Racing Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

NASCAR always has a ratings free fall once football starts. Seeing that the NFL season starts this week, what can NASCAR do to combat that in the future? – Damon P., York, Pa. At the risk of sounding like a broken record and beating a dead horse … shorten the schedule. I’ve come to the …

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Podcast: Erik Jones on Re-Signing With Richard Petty Motorsports, Launching Foundation & More

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Graphic: Jared Haas

Erik Jones has a new contract for 2022, a new foundation he just launched … and a new bunny! The Richard Petty Motorsports driver joins Davey Segal this week to discuss his new addition to the family and how his dog Oscar is adjusting, re-signing with RPM and why he wants to remain with the …

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NASCAR Mailbox: For Most of the Cup Series, 2022 Starts Now

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#3: Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet Camaro Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Off Road

When do non-playoff teams start preparing for next year now that they’re not eligible for the championship? Riley H. – Grand Rapids, Mich. About two days ago. Literally as soon as the car arrived back at the shop, most NASCAR Cup Series teams who missed the playoffs likely have focused any and all efforts on …

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Podcast: Chase Purdy on Re-Learning How to Race, Contracting COVID & His College Football Conundrum

Chasepurdy Podcast

Graphic: Jared Haas

After a two-year sabbatical of sorts away from racing, Chase Purdy is still getting his feet under him as he’s returned to the seat on a full-time basis with GMS Racing in the Camping World Truck Series this year. He joins Davey Segal this week to discuss his season to date, contracting COVID-19 and how …

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NASCAR Mailbox: Is Daytona a Good Regular Season Finale Venue?

Matt DiBenedetto at 2021 Coca-Cola 600 Charlotte NASCAR Cup race NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Superspeedways have a lot of luck involved. It doesn’t seem like the best place to determine the playoff field, does it? – Parker L., Las Vegas, Nev. When the 2020 schedule was announced with Daytona International Speedway as the regular season finale, I was skeptical. Why would you put a race that has so much …

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Podcast: Christopher Bell on Playoff Preparation, His Feud With Kyle Larson

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As the playoffs loom, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell joins the Frontstretch Podcast this week to discuss how he and his team are preparing for the 10-week stretch in the NASCAR Cup Series, why playoff points are of the utmost importance and looking ahead to Richmond Raceway, one of his most successful tracks in NASCAR. …

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NASCAR Mailbox: What Should NASCAR Do With Indianapolis?

Verizon 200 Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course winner AJ Allmendinger celebrates in victory lane. (Photo: NKP)

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

The Indy Road Course ratings were down from the Brickyard 400, and the ending wasn’t a great look for NASCAR. What does the future look like at that venue for the series? – Griffin P., Indianapolis, Ind. Talk about a loaded question … but one that’s topical. Per Adam Stern, last year’s Brickyard 400 on …

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Podcast: Jade Buford on Developing Big Machine Racing, Competing on ‘American Ninja Warrior’

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Big Machine Racing is in the midst of its maiden Xfinity Series season with Jade Buford behind the wheel. He joins Davey Segal this week to discuss how he met team owner and music mogul Scott Borchetta and how that encounter changed his life. He also shares how he thinks the team has done so …

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NASCAR Mailbox: Should Ty Gibbs Make a Cup Start Next Year?

Ty Gibbs at 2021 Road America NASCAR Xfinity race NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Do you think there’ll be a winner outside the top 16 in these last three races before the playoffs, or will it remain pretty status quo? – James H., Roanoke, Va. I’d lean toward the latter. The tracks (Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, Michigan International Speedway and Daytona International Speedway) aren’t necessarily the most predictable …

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Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin Enjoying Regular Season Points Battle Down The Stretch

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Denny Hamlin on track at Watkins Glen (Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Watkins Glen, New York – The regular season points battle has never been closer than it is after Sunday’s (Aug. 8) NASCAR Cup race at Watkins Glen International. After holding the lead for 21 of the first 22 races, Denny Hamlin is now tied with Watkins Glen winner Kyle Larson for the top spot with …

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