Did You Notice? … Practice doesn’t always make perfect? So often, we analyze NASCAR practice results over the weekend to find clues as to who will do well on Sunday. But do the one-lap fast practice speeds matter over a 400 or 500-mile race the next day? I took the 15 races this season, looked at …
Did You Notice? … The number of penalties handed down in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series this season? Joe Gibbs Racing was the latest to get hit hard Tuesday after three of their cars had splitter violations discovered in Michigan pre-race inspection. That led to $25,000 fines and one-race car chief suspensions for the teams …
Did You Notice? … Only 31 drivers have started every Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race this year? That means it’s easier to qualify for the NASCAR postseason right now than almost any stick-and-ball sport. Let’s explain. To make the playoffs, a driver must start every regular season race unless they’re given a medical waiver. Slots …
Did You Notice? … NASCAR is halfway through the 26-race regular season? Year one post-Dale Earnhardt Jr. has come with an expected ratings and attendance decline. But as the sport attempts to move forward, perhaps its biggest 2018 storyline is stagnancy at the top. Three of last year’s Championship 4: Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and reigning champion …
Did You Notice? … Kevin Harvick is on pace for NASCAR history? Harvick has won five of the first 12 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races this season along with the All-Star Race. That puts him on pace to earn 15 victories in 36 races, shattering the modern era record of 13. (That’s held by both …
Did You Notice? … NASCAR and its teams are facing a showdown over pre- and post-race inspection? There’s been a continual back-and-forth this season between inspectors and teams; time and again, we’ve seen cars forced to start at the rear of the field after failing to get cleared in time for qualifying. There’s also been issues …
Did You Notice? … The magnitude of a potential NASCAR sale? A confirmed report that the France family is exploring a deal for the company is sending shockwaves through the racing industry – and through sports. Unlike the franchise models of the NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB, NASCAR has been family-owned since its inception in 1948. …
Did You Notice? … Sometimes, NASCAR Silly Season moves turn into mistakes? 10 races in, let’s take a look at some of the biggest driver decisions entering 2018 and see how they’re turning out. For now, we’ll give Darrell Wallace Jr. and William Byron a break; rookies typically need a little more seat time before …
Did You Notice? … The dreaded sophomore slump has reared its ugly head again? The top three rookies from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series last season are all underperforming nine races into 2018. Erik Jones is the best of the bunch, sitting 12th in points. But as the driver he replaced, Matt Kenseth, returns to …
Did You Notice? … Ford’s decision to race its Mustang model in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series next season? The decision came four months earlier than Chevrolet’s choice last season to move to its Camaro. The lengthy lead time gives Ford teams a window for development and testing. It’s a long-term plan the manufacturer hopes …
Did You Notice? … Monster Energy could be the last title sponsor in NASCAR Cup Series history? Tuesday’s one-year extension, through 2019 was huge for a sport that has been hemorrhaging corporate sponsorship at the team level. Adding Monster for one more year after months of indecision finally gives them some financial news to boast about. …
Did You Notice?… One of the biggest storylines in NASCAR this season has been the sport throwing caution to the wind. You know, like throwing the flag off the flag stand. They don’t need to use it. Years of fake debris yellows have given way to long green-flag runs for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup …
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