Race Weekend Central

Quotes to Remember: AAA 400

2014 Dover Ii Cup Jeff Gordon Wins Cia

Credit: CIA Stock Photography

“I don’t know what happened to Kevin Harvick. It was unfortunate for him. He was the class of the field. We were tuning on it to try to keep even with him. When I saw him go out, I knew we could compete with the No.2 (Brad Keselowski) car. The No. 2 was really good …

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Frontstretch Foto Funnies: Simon Says You’re Out

Ff 9 19 14 1

Dale Junior is eliminated when the emcee doesn’t say "Simon Says" before giving the command to look to the left. (Photo: CIA Editorial Photography)

Welcome to the Frontstretch Foto Funnies! Ever see a photo that’s just begging for a caption? We see them all the time! Each week, we’ll pick a few, then let our staff give it their best shot. We’ll post the best ones for you! Want to get in on the fun?  Leave your best ideas …

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Going By the Numbers: No Dancing Around Issue of Michael Waltrip Racing’s Sudden Decline

When millions of people turn on Dancing with the Stars this fall, many will be introduced to Michael Waltrip. Those unfamiliar with him – non-NASCAR fans, mostly – will become acquainted with the part-time driver and full-time owner, some taking a liking to him due to his ebullient, lively nature. Waltrip’s personality should translate well, …

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Going By the Numbers: Why Stewart Still Sits In Perfect Chase Position

2014 Mudsummer Classic Eldora Speedway Tony Stewart Camping World Trucks Mike Neff 223

(Credit: Mike Neff)

When it’s all said and done, Ryan Newman will be part of the 2014 Chase for the Sprint Cup. But you already figured – perhaps knew – that, didn’t you? After all, all Newman has a 19-point lead on Greg Biffle entering Richmond, the final race before the Chase begins. Even if, Biffle made up those points, …

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NASCAR Mailbox: The Lack of Negativity Surrounding Tony Stewart’s Return Was Refreshing

2014 Atlanta Cup Tony Stewart Cockpit Cia

(Credit: CIA)

Tony Stewart’s return to NASCAR was a story that wasn’t just a big deal to the NASCAR community. It was a big deal to a lot of people who rarely pay attention to the sport, if ever. Mainstream news organizations were present at Atlanta Motor Speedway, from Friday afternoon when Stewart made his first public …

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The Frontstretch Five: Reasons To Give Small Teams Another Look

2014 Atlanta Cup Alex Bowman Car Front Cia

(Photo Credit: CIA Stock Photography)

Welcome to the Frontstretch Five, a brand-new column for 2014! Each week, Amy Henderson takes a look at the racing, the drivers, and the storylines that drive NASCAR and produces a list of five people, places, things, and ideas that define the current state of our sport. This week, Amy has five reasons to pay …

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Racing to the Point: Revisiting Spingate, One Year Later For Michael Waltrip Racing

2014 Indianapolis Cup Clint Bowyer Cia

(Credit: CIA Stock Photography)

The spin, like an earthquake, lasted about five seconds. Its aftershock is still being felt. This was no ordinary I-want-to-be-a-NASCAR-driver spin. When Clint Bowyer followed orders to itch his arm and went sideways off turn 4 in the final laps of the regular season finale at Richmond last season, he set his organization back three …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud – Atlanta Oral-B 500: Stewart Makes His Return

2014 Atlanta Cup Tony Stewart Press Conference Cia

(Photo: CIA Stock Photo, Inc. Copyright 2014)

Key Moment – Kyle Busch and Martin Truex, Jr. had a dispute in Turn 1 with two laps to go. Busch hit Truex in the back bumper and put him into the wall. The resulting contact brought out the caution flag, which prompted a Green-White-Checkered finish. Kasey Kahne, who was headed to a potential victory …

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Playoff Success: Winless Wonders Have Their Day at Atlanta

2014 Atlanta Cup Kevin Harvick Matt Kenseth Lead Racing Action Credit Cia

(Credit: CIA Stock Photography)

Last week, a running theme from Bristol revolved around teams missing their season-long opportunity to capitalize on a win. Several winless drivers, whose best shot might have been at Thunder Valley, instead looked like they were struck by lightning, thrown backwards while the sport’s best teams padded their playoff spots. My, what a difference eight …

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The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2014 Oral-B USA 500 at Atlanta

2014 Atlanta Cup Tony Stewart Cockpit Cia

(Credit: CIA)

Looking for the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How behind Sunday’s race? Amy Henderson has you covered each week with the answers to six race-day questions, covering all five Ws and even the H… the Big Six. Who… gets my shoutout of the race? Several drivers had noteworthy nights in Atlanta, but one surprisingly …

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Pace Laps: Kahne In, Harvick Cruises, IndyCar Adieu, and More

2014 Atlanta Cup Kasey Kahne Victory Credit Cia

Kasey Kahne stepped up in a big way late in Sunday's Cup race. (Credit: CIA)

Cup: Sweet Relief for Kahne          By racing for the Cup juggernaut Hendrick Motorsports, there are high expectations for Kasey Kahne.  That his brethren at the organization have all earned three wins apiece makes his season look all the worse.  In fact, with only two top-5 finishes in 2014, Kahne was looking like …

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Who’s Hot and Who’s Not in NASCAR: Bristol – Atlanta Edition

2014 Pocono I Cup Greg Biffle Cia

(Credit: CIA Stock Photography)

Bristol Motor Speedway has been the measure for mental and emotional toughness in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series throughout much of the modern era. It certainly played the part during the IRWIN Tools Night Race as some potential Chasers lost their cool – and with it, their footing in the standings. On the flip side, …

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