Race Weekend Central

Driver Vs. Driver: Second Series — Tommy Houston Vs. Tommy Ellis

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(Graphic: Jared Haas)

NASCAR’s Cup Series is the top of the heap, right? It’s the series that most drivers aspire to, certainly, but not everybody. In October, our driver matchups come from the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The series in its current incarnation took the green flag in 1982, and since then several drivers have been standouts, having their …

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Driver Vs. Driver: Second Series — Jack Ingram Vs. Sam Ard

Jack Ingram

(Photo: ISC Archives via Getty Images)

NASCAR’s Cup Series is the top of the heap, right? It’s the series that most drivers aspire to, certainly, but not everyone. In October, our driver matchups come from the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The series in its current incarnation took the green flag in 1982, and since then several drivers have been standouts, having their …

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Driver Vs. Driver: Rookies — Ryan Newman Vs. Jimmie Johnson

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(Graphic: Jared Haas)

Typically, expectations for NASCAR rookies are straightforward: log as many quality laps as possible, learn how to race tracks and other drivers, find good consistency, and anything else is gravy. In September, we take a look at some of the best rookie seasons from the 21st century. This week, we look at one of the …

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Driver Vs. Driver: Rookies — Kasey Kahne Vs. Kyle Busch

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(Graphic: Jared Haas)

Some drivers spend years in NASCAR’s top series, as journeymen or top contenders, while others come and go, but they all have to start somewhere. In recent years, the expectations of NASCAR’s rookies have only gotten higher as the bar is raised by newcomers with something to prove. In September, we take a look at …

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Driver Vs. Driver: Truckin’ — Ted Musgrave Vs. Dennis Setzer

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Graphic: Jared Haas

Sometimes a driver makes it all the way to NASCAR’s Cup Series only to discover that their best success came elsewhere. Or they struggle in Cup but move to another series and flourish. This month, we focus on the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series and drivers who have found their best success wheeling the …

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Driver Vs. Driver: Truckin’ — Mike Skinner Vs. Johnny Sauter

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(Graphic: Jared Haas)

Sometimes a driver makes it all the way to NASCAR’s Cup Series only to discover that their best success came elsewhere. Or, they struggle in Cup but move to another series and flourish. NASCAR has enough variety in its different series that drivers can find a niche where they’re at their best. This month, we …

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Driver Vs. Driver: Truckin’ — Matt Crafton Vs. Todd Bodine

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(Graphic: Jared Haas)

NASCAR’s Cup Series isn’t the best fit for every driver.  Some of the best in the business flourish in a different series.  Some never aspire to the more demanding Cup schedule and others have more success in a different type of vehicle. Either way, the other series get lucky to have some of the best …

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Driver Vs. Driver: Truckin’ — Ron Hornaday Jr. Vs. Jack Sprague

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(Graphic: Jared Haas)

While the NASCAR Cup Series might be NASCAR’s most glamorous, it’s not the only game in town. And while many drivers pass through other series looking for fame and fortune, some find their mojo outside the Cup spotlight. This month, we focus on the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series and drivers who have found …

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Driver Vs. Driver: No Title, No Problem — Ricky Rudd Vs. Jeff Burton

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(Graphic: Jared Haas)

NASCAR drivers are often defined by titles. Whether it’s referring to them as seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Richard Petty or 2014 champion Kevin Harvick, those championships are memorable. But titles aren’t everything. This month, we look closer at drivers who have won a lot of races but have no Cup title to go with …

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Driver vs. Driver: Neil Bonnett vs. Geoff Bodine

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(Graphic: Jared Haas)

Longevity in NASCAR doesn’t necessarily equal success in terms of numbers. Winning races at the upper levels is in credibly difficult, and winning them in the double digits is a career accomplishment most drivers will not reach. This month, we look closer at drivers who have won a lot of races but have no Cup …

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Driver vs. Driver — No Title, No Problem: Mark Martin vs. Denny Hamlin

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(Graphic: Jared Haas)

40 Cup wins is a big deal. In NASCAR’s history, spanning seven decades, just 20 drivers have claimed that many wins. And with those wins come titles, lots of ti — oh, wait. This month, we look closer at drivers who have won a lot of races, but no Cup Series title to go with …

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Driver vs. Driver Hall of Fame Matchups: Jeff Gordon vs. Tony Stewart

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(Graphic: Jared Haas)

Between them, they hold seven NASCAR Cup titles and 142 wins in the series. Both started in sprint cars, both were tenacious competitors in whatever they raced. Not only do Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart come from open-wheel backgrounds, but both could also win anywhere, anytime in the Cup Series. This month, we look closer …

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