Race Weekend Central

Friday Faceoff: When Should NASCAR Unveil the 2021 Schedule?

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

With the COVID-19 situation constantly evolving, when would it make sense for NASCAR to unveil the 2021 schedule? Mark Kristl: There isn’t a right time.  Nevertheless, NASCAR must announce it at some point, even though there are uncertainties.  If the schedule is set by the Southern 500, why not announce it that weekend to add …

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The Underdog House: Carry On, My Wayward Ty Dillon

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog Underdog teams face a lot of adversity and need to be resilient to overcome their long odds. Ty Dillon did just that, rebounding from his third DNF of 2020 last weekend at Texas to claim the top underdog spot in Thursday night’s race at the Kansas Speedway. Dillon was steady throughout the evening …

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The Underdog House: All-Star Rivals Bubba Wallace, Michael McDowell Make Texas Toast

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog After a forgettable All-Star Race evening at Bristol Motor Speedway, Bubba Wallace was probably as ready as anyone to get to Texas for this weekend’s event. He certainly channeled his energy appropriately, as the No. 43 Chevrolet captured the 14th finishing position. The Texas sun was scorching, but it wasn’t the only thing …

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Selling Out: When Money Doesn’t Replace Skill, Experience

Nascar Cup Series

#00: Quin Houff, StarCom Racing, Chevrolet Camaro Jacob Construction

On Sunday, Quin Houff made an abrupt move that impacted the outcome of a NASCAR Cup Series race for several drivers. It’s time for NASCAR to make an abrupt move to ensure that someone like him can’t do it again. With any sport, the expectation is that those who compete in its highest level are …

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The Underdog House: Ty Dillon Top Dog in Kentucky

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog Ty Dillon was back at the head of the class this week at Kentucky Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series. The driver of the No. 13 Germain Racing Chevrolet earned a 16th-place finish. The third-generation driver moved up steadily, finishing the first stage in 23rd and the second in 18th. Dillon battled a …

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Friday Faceoff: Did Justin Haley’s Punishment Fit the Crime?

2019 Mencs Sonoma Justin Haley

Photo: Danny Peters

 Kyle Busch hasn’t scored a single playoff point in 2020 and is winless after 15 races. What’s wrong in Candyland? Erin Campbell: Kyle Busch is already experiencing burnout. He started out this long trek of races running in all series for every race. I feel that Kyle has just been doing too much. He now has …

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The Underdog House: Front Row Keeps Climbing the Mountain

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog Two races in two days at Pocono Raceway turned into a double feature showcasing plenty of what we have already seen in 2020, starring each of the Front Row Motorsports teammates. On Saturday, Michael McDowell held the lead role in the show. McDowell led a lap during a sequence of green flag pit …

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Friday Faceoff: Who Should Hold NASCAR Participants Accountable?

Grant Enfinger

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

1. If a team member openly expresses racial bias, should NASCAR take action or does that responsibility fall on the individual team? Erin Campbell: It is the team’s responsibility to set standards for racial bias. Teams have the responsibility to creating the culture in which their employees operate. They give or take away the team member’s …

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The Underdog House ⁠— Talladega Monday: The Ballad of John Hunter Nemechek

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog John Hunter Nemechek was not only the top underdog contender in Monday’s (June 22) rain delayed GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, he also very nearly walked away with the victory. Even being swept up in a crash as the field thundered towards the finish line didn’t stop him from crossing the stripe in …

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Friday Faceoff: Was Moving the All-Star Race to Bristol a Good Idea?

2020bristolncsstartinggridnascarmedia

(Photo: NASCAR Media/Getty Images)

1. Is shifting the All-Star Race to Bristol Motor Speedway the best possible move for the event? Erin Campbell: NASCAR should have skipped the All-Star Race this year, but since the show must go on, even though Bristol is awesome for racing, it could have chosen better. Eldora Speedway should have been considered; its races are …

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The Underdog House: Return of the Mack — McDowell, That Is

2019 Talladega Mencs Michael Mcdowell Face Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog Another NASCAR Cup Series race is in the books, and another Front Row Motorsports driver is the top-finishing underdog. This time, Homestead-Miami Speedway was the place and Michael McDowell was the face. In Sunday’s Dixie Vodka 400, McDowell rebounded after a slow start to finish 15th, the final car on the lead lap. …

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Friday Faceoff: Should Fans Be Allowed Back at the Track?

2020charlottencsbradkeselowskiburnoutnascarmedia

(Photo: NASCAR Media/Getty Images)

1. Since racing has resumed, NASCAR has limited the number of team members that can travel to the track. Should they consider continuing this practice even after social distancing is no longer required? Erin Campbell: NASCAR should continue to implement the limited number of team members traveling to the track. It has proven that this …

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