Race Weekend Central

2019 NASCAR Driver Reviews: Austin Dillon

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

“We’re getting the band back together!” That statement has long evoked memories of getting a group back together who had past success. For 2019, that was the call for the No. 3 NASCAR Cup Series team of Austin Dillon. While he’d won the Daytona 500 in 2018, that was his only win and one of …

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2019 NASCAR Top Storylines: Spec Engines Spectacular or Suspect?

2019TalladegaNGOTSThorSportRacingCCK

(Photo: Christian Koelle)

2019 was the first year the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series utilized the spec engine package. It was a direct challenge to one of racing’s modern ideologies: “How fast can I go? How big is your checkbook?” Since the second car was produced and people started racing against each other, people have tried to squeeze …

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Fans Deserve the Best Title Race Possible

2019 Dover MENCS Kyle Larson Checkers NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

The discussion at the beginning of the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season was the package. After short tracks and road courses, it was apparent that a change was needed. After last weekend at ISM Raceway, it isn’t just needed — it is necessary. With that said, this column is not about the package. …

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The More Rules, the More Mistakes

2019 Michigan MENCS Kyle Larson Pit Stop NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

NASCAR continues to try to parallel stick-and-ball sports with its playoffs and crew member numbers. Unfortunately, it has also started to mimic its more traditional sport partners with its ridiculous number of rules and poor enforcement of said rules. The NFL has been getting bashed over the first six weeks of the season for its …

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We Want Passion — Not Just Experience — in Our Drivers

2019 Las Vegas MENCS Kyle Busch Racing NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

We want raw emotion from our racing stars. The frontstretch, post-burnout interview spawned from that desire. When the drivers get out of the car, we don’t want them to cool down, we want to see and hear that raw emotion. Then when a driver gives it to us and it goes against our ideals or …

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Reviving The Xfinity Series Will Take Time & Dale Earnhardt Jr. Is Helping

2019 Darlington NXS Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Car NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

The throwback concept has been a huge shot in the arm for NASCAR since its debut years ago. Different teams harkening back to sponsor liveries of days gone by have stirred long lost emotions that some people who follow the sport thought were lost forever. NASCAR history buff Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been at the …

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We Need More Bob Leavines

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

In the last two weeks, Leavine Family Racing owner Bob Leavine has been crucified on social media, especially Twitter, for the decision to let Matt DiBenedetto go from his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race team. DiBenedetto has given LFR more top fives in one year than it scored in its previous eight years of …

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Changes Are A-Comin’ (On the Manufacturer Side?)

Ryan Newman wins Whelen Modified All-Star race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway 2014 Getty Images

Ryan Newman gets an invite to the Whelen Modified All-Star Shootout and takes the win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Credit: Getty Images

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is about to have myriad changes take place over the next couple of years — or so it’s said. In 2020, the schedule is rumored to be drastically different, and in 2021 the Gen-7 car is set to hit the track. Reports describe the vehicles as everything from more …

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Win & You’re In — Probably (& Other Confusing Rules)

2017 Indianapolis NXS official Rusty JArrett NKP

After Chase Elliott‘s victory on Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the never-ending playoffs discussion turned to his automatic eligibility for NASCAR’s postseason. Since this version of the champion selection process was announced, the talking heads on the idiot box have continuously spouted that a win in the regular season …

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