Race Weekend Central

2020 NASCAR Cup Series Preseason Power Rankings

2019homesteadmencskylebuschvictorylanecck

(Credit: Christian Koelle, Frontstretch)

For the first time here at Frontstretch, our staff banded together to vote on who it thinks will be the top drivers of the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season in a preseason power rankings format. Each participating staff member sent a 30-driver ranking before the beginning of the season, taking into account not only 2019 successes …

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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 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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This Ain’t Bermuda: Time for Pocono to Find Turn 4

2019 Cup Pocono Zach Catanzareti William Byron

(Photo: Zach Catanzareti)

For centuries, the Bermuda Triangle has proven a graveyard for the best of man and machine, both in the air and on sea. Some 1,100 miles to the northwest, the Pocono Raceway is doing its best impression of its more famous brethren, rendering the best efforts of some of the most proactive promotion and management …

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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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A Fair Compromise

2017 Charlotte All Star Cup Kyle Busch Trophy Nigel Kinrade Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade/NKP)

I confess that I’ve spent the better part of this week removed from the racing world. Only occasional motorsports stories like the rules package with potential elements of the 2021 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series car being utilized in the upcoming Monster Energy All-Star Race have caught my eye for more than a fleeting glance. With …

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Fire On Fridays: William Byron Needs to Step Up With Chad Knaus

Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. NASCAR drivers would do anything to work with a seven-time championship-winning crew chief. But the only one who gets to do it now besides Jimmie Johnson, is soon-to-be Hendrick Motorsports sophomore driver William Byron. Byron, the hyped-up rookie for Hendrick in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, is in the …

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Fire on Friday: The Roller Coaster Career of Kasey Kahne

2018 Las Vegas I Cup Kasey Kahne John K Harrelson Nkp

(Photo: John K. Harrelson / NKP)

Kasey Kahne‘s NASCAR career, for all intents and purposes, is now over. The fact that it’s happening in 2018 is borderline unfathomable given his quick success in the early stages of his career. Kahne busted through the door and said, “WHAT’S UP, EVERYBODY?” in 2004, earning 13 top fives and 14 top 10s en route …

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Fire on Friday: The Young Buck Stops Here

2018 Media Tour Charlotte Zach Catanzareti Ryan Blaney Cup

(Photo: Zach Catanzareti)

So… about that younger generation that’s taking NASCAR by storm… yeah. That, well, didn’t happen this year. And it might’ve been a surprise to everybody besides the drivers themselves. Leading into the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season, nearly all the hype was surrounding the next wave of talent. Chase Elliott. Ryan Blaney. Bubba …

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