Race Weekend Central

Deepdive: Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR Xfinity Career Was Better Than You Think

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When you think of Jimmie Johnson‘s success, you would remember his impressive NASCAR Cup Series stats with seven championships, 83 wins and finishing in the top 10 over half of his starts. Yet, his Xfinity Series stats may be underwhelming. The reason why Johnson is viewed as a terrible Xfinity racer is mainly the lens …

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The Underdog House: Erik Jones Snags Scrappy Sonoma Finish

Erik Jones runs at Circuit of the Americas (May 2021). (Photo: NKP)

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog: Erik Jones Throughout Sunday’s (June 6) Toyota/SaveMart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, several Cinderella stories managed to sneak their way inside the top 10. Between wildly different pit strategies throughout the event and a flurry of late-race incidents, the problem was staying power. When the smoke from some late wrecks cleared, there was one …

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Friday Faceoff: Has Ryan Newman Had a Hall-of-Fame Career?

Ryan Newman at 2021 spring Phoenix Cup race NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

The Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42 in the NASCAR Cup Series has just two top-five finishes since Kyle Larson’s tenure ended more than a year ago. What’s wrong at CGR, and what should be done? Josh Roller: The No. 42 with Ross Chastain behind the wheel is heading in the right direction in 2021, despite only …

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Frontstretch 5: West Coast Tracks That Need to Make a Comeback

Joey Logano waits by his NASCRA racecar at Michigan International Speedway, August 2009.

(Photo:Nigel Kinrade, USA Autostock)

With NASCAR’s return to Sonoma, NASCAR looks to swing back to more west coast races after Sonoma was dropped from the 2020 schedule. Last year, there were only four race tracks (Texas Motor Speedway, Kansas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Phoenix Raceway) where the Cup Series raced that were west of the Mississippi …

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The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2021 Coca-Cola 600

2021 Cup Charlotte Pack Racing - Erik Jones, No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevrolet (Credit: NKP)

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Who… should you be talking about after the Coca-Cola 600? Kyle Larson cruised to his second win of the season at Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday (May 30) with a whopping 10-second lead on second place. With Larson’s victory, Hendrick Motorsports passed Richard Petty Motorsports to set a NASCAR record with 269 wins as an organization. …

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Friday Faceoff: Should NASCAR Change the Number Placements?

Chase Elliott car All Star Race Bristol NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Brad Keselowski is reportedly considering joining Roush Fenway Racing with a potential ownership stake. Would it be a good move? Luken Glover: It is hard to see Brad Keselowski leave Team Penske. If he wants immediate results for the next couple of years, Penske is the place to stay. However, a couple of factors could play …

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NASCAR Stat Sheet: Martin Truex Jr. Makes 19 the New 78 with Darlington Win

2021-Darlington-I-Cup-Martin-Truex-Jr.-Burnout-NKP

Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography

While some drivers want to get away from Darlington faster than getting out of Society Hill after a speeding ticket, other drivers are glad they visited for Throwback Weekend. But the stats and radar gun do not lie: Martin Truex Jr. dominated the race at Darlington Raceway while becoming the first driver to reach three …

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Bridesmaid Again: Kyle Larson a Close Second at Darlington

Kyle Larson during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, 5/9/2021 (Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Martin Truex Jr. may have been the story of the 2021 Goodyear 400, but Kyle Larson almost stole the show. The Hendrick Motorsports driver came within a few car lengths of his first Darlington Raceway victory Sunday (May 9) before settling for second after giving Truex a run for his money in the final laps. …

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Not a Winner But $100K Richer: Noah Gragson Scores Top-5 Finish at Darlington

Noah Gragson and Austin Cindric racing during the Steakhouse Elite 200 at Darlington Raceway, 5/8/2021 (Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to show the No. 9 team was disqualified following Saturday’s (May 8) race and did not win the Dash 4 Cash bonus. For more coverage, click here. Noah Gragson initially scored another $100,000 Saturday (May 8) by claiming his third straight Xfinity Dash 4 Cash jackpot, but fell short …

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Friday Faceoff: Can Kyle Busch Surpass Richard Petty’s Streak?

Kyle Busch stands before 2021 spring Cup Kansas race NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

With his win at Kansas Speedway, Kyle Busch has won a NASCAR Cup Series race in 17 consecutive years. Will he surpass the mark of 18 set by Richard Petty? Luken Glover: Absolutely. I see Kyle Busch winning at least one race for at least the next few years and easily passing Petty’s record. Now …

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Friday Faceoff: Is it Time for On-Track Qualifying to Come Back?

#10: Jeb Burton, Kaulig Racing, Chevrolet Camaro at Homestead-Miami Speedway, March 2021. Photo: NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Thanks to a social media fan vote, Anheuser Busch dubbed this weekend’s Cup race the “Buschy McBusch Race 400”. Is such naming genius or silly? Do you even consider it relevant either way? Luken Glover: I think it was a great way to get the fans involved, and I think many expected a crazy name …

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