Race Weekend Central

5 Points to Ponder: Do You Need to See Where You’re Going to Race in NASCAR?

Kurt Busch races in the rain during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas (May 2021). (Photo: NKP)

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

1. COTA was pretty fun … except when no NASCAR driver could see anything It’s not clear how anyone at NASCAR can make a solid determination about whether the national series should return to Circuit of the Americas in 2021. On paper, COTA seemed like it would make for an amazing addition to the NASCAR …

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Up to Speed: Has the Tide Turned for Ross Chastain?

Ross Chastain at COTA

Ross Chastain on track at COTA (Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

NASCAR’s inaugural weekend at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas featured plenty of surprises.  But one positive outcome that most fans might not have anticipated was a great run for Ross Chastain. Chastain is in the midst of his first full-time NASCAR Cup Series season with Chip Ganassi Racing.  Prior to 2021, he …

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‘We Get Paid To Adapt’: NASCAR Crew Chiefs Prep for Unknowns of COTA

Daniel Hemric at COTA

Via Speedway Motorsports and HHP/Harold Hinson)

One word you don’t hear thrown around often in NASCAR is “potpourri.” But NASCAR has also never competed at the Circuit of the Americas before. That changes this weekend as all three of its national series will race on the 20-turn, 3.41-mile road course for the first time. And it has Cup Series crew chief …

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4 Burning Questions: Finally, the Rock Has Come Back?

2012 Nascar Camping World Truck Series Rockingham

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Are two dead racetracks returning to NASCAR? This week, it was revealed by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper that a portion of the American Relief Plan allocated to the state, $30 million in total, would be awarded to three racetracks located in the state: Rockingham Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway and, surprisingly, North Wilkesboro Speedway. There …

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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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Did You Notice?: Winners & Losers If Brad Keselowski Buys Into Roush Fenway Racing

Brad Keselowski stands by his No. 2 Team Penske Ford at Kansas Speedway (May 2021). (Photo: NKP)

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Did You Notice? … Brad Keselowski will reportedly purchase an interest in Roush Fenway Racing? First reported by Motorsport’s Jim Utter, the deal would make the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion part owner and driver of the No. 6 Ford in 2022. The rumor has been around for a few weeks but public support of the story has …

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Dropping the Hammer: We’re Talking About Practice, Man

Kyle Busch at COTA

(Photo: Speedway Motorsports)

Brace yourself. For a limited summer engagement, things are going back to “normal” in NASCAR land. In a confluence of events — the rapid lifting of COVID-19 attendance restrictions and how NASCAR’s 2021 schedule is laid out — four of the next six points paying NASCAR Cup race weekends will feel like they’re happening in …

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5 Points to Ponder: 2021 NASCAR Manufacturer Parity Among Ford, Chevy & Toyota

All three NASCAR manufacturers (Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota) battle at Kansas Speedway. (Photo: NKP) Ryan Blaney, Martin Truex Jr, Chase Elliott

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

1: NASCAR manufacturer parity … At the top 12 races into the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season, it’s clear three organizations have separated from the rest of the pack. Joe Gibbs Racing (with Darlington Raceway winner Martin Truex Jr.), Team Penske and Hendrick Motorsports are the sport’s new Big 3, sweeping 10 of the top …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2021 Goodyear 400 at Darlington

Martin Truex Jr. celebrates in victory lane with trophy after Goodyear 400 throwback Darlington weekend 2021 spring Cup Chris Graythen/Getty

(Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images via NASCAR Media)

What happened? Martin Truex Jr. won the Goodyear 400 at Darlington on Sunday (May 9) after leading 248 of 293 laps for his third win of the 2021 season. Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch, William Byron and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top-five finishers at NASCAR’s Throwback Weekend. One of the best burner-outers in the game …

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The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2021 Goodyear 400

Kyle Larson and Chris Buescher race at Darlington Raceway, Goodyear 400, May 2021. Photo: NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Who… should you be talking about after the Goodyear 400? Martin Truex Jr. dominated Sunday (May 9), leading 248 of 293 laps at Darlington Raceway on the way to his 30th career victory. Truex becomes the 28th driver in NASCAR history to win 30 or more races and sits sixth among active drivers in career wins. Truex …

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Brad Keselowski Crew Chief Jeremy Bullins Out for Darlington

Brad Keselowski talks with crew chief Jeremy Bullins at 2021 Kansas spring Cup race NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Brad Keselowski will not have his normal crew chief atop his No. 2 pit box when the NASCAR Cup Series visits Darlington Raceway this Sunday (May 9) due to team protocols, according to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass. It was not noted what protocols required Bullins to not travel to the track. Team engineer Grant Hutchens …

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Brad Keselowski Claims Cup Pole at Darlington

#2: Brad Keselowski, Team Penske, Ford Mustang Verizon 5G 2021 Kansas spring Cup NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

For the second week in a row, Brad Keselowski will start on the pole in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, May 9. The 2018 Bojangles’ Southern 500 winner claimed the position after finishing third at Kansas Speedway last week. The most recent Darlington victor, Kevin Harvick, will line up next …

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