Race Weekend Central

The Underdog House: Erik Jones Returns No. 43 to Former Glory

Nascar Cup Series

#43: Erik Jones, Petty GMS, Chevrolet Camaro FOCUSfactor

It had been nearly a decade since Richard Petty’s famous No. 43 had started on the front row for a NASCAR Cup Series race. The last occurrence happened in 2013, when Aric Almirola sat on the pole for the fall Talladega event.

However, the streak came to a halt with the Wise Power 400 at Auto Club Speedway (Feb. 27) when Erik Jones piloted the No. 43 to the outside pole position.

Friday Faceoff: What to Do About Next Gen Wheels?

Next Gen tires at Charlotte test, NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Also: is Austin Cindric a championship contender? And what about the Jeremy Clements vs. Drew Dollar spat?

Up to Speed: Brad Keselowski & Austin Cindric Battle at Daytona

#6: Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing, Ford Mustang Castrol Violet Defense

(Photo: NKP)

One year ago, Brad Keselowski’s frustration was visible.

As the final laps of the Daytona 500 ticked away, Keselowski made a bold move to set himself up for a last-lap pass for the lead on his Team Penske teammate Joey Logano. But when Logano blocked Keselowski’s path forward, Keselowski got hit from behind by Michael McDowell, triggering a frightening crash that knocked out both Penske cars. McDowell went on to win the race, leaving Keselowski without a Harley J. Earl Trophy for at least one more year.

What They Said: Daytona 500 Media Day Quotes

Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 DeWalt Toyota, Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 McDonald's Toyota, Kurt Busch, driver of the #45 Monster Energy Toyota, and Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, drive during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series 64th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Check out what the Daytona 500 competitors had to say Wednesday, Feb. 16, during media day for the 64th annual Great American Race.

2022 NASCAR Preseason Power Rankings: Nos. 30-21

2021 Talladega Ii Cup Bubba Wallace Matt Dibenedetto Pack Racing Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

It’s February, which means the NASCAR Cup Series takes to the track to start the 2022 season this month at Daytona International Speedway. With a wide array of driver and team changes from Silly Season alongside more minor personnel tweaks — or even a few lineups that stayed exactly the same — there’s a lot …

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Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Adds SweetLeaf Sponsorship

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. poses on pit road at Watkins Glen International. (Photo: NKP)

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

SweetLeaf has joined JTG Daugherty Racing as a sponsor for Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 2022, JTG announced Jan. 6. The company will adorn Stenhouse’s No. 47 in the NASCAR Cup Series in an undetermined amount of races, beginning at Atlanta Motor Speedway. “JTG Daugherty Racing is bringing new sponsors to our sport this season and …

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Frontstretch 5: Most Forgettable Seasons by NASCAR Cup Drivers in 2021

2021 Cota Cup Cole Custer Racing Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

With just two races left in the 2021 season for NASCAR’s three touring series, all eyes will be on the playoff drivers and who advances their way into the championship finale at Phoenix Raceway. While these drivers will rightfully have much of the attention on them, there are drivers like Christopher Bell, William Byron and …

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Up to Speed: Brad Keselowski is Just Who Roush Fenway Racing Needs

Brad Keselowski poses with Jack Roush as the duo announce their partnership beginning with the 2022 Cup Series season. (Photo: Action Sports Photography)

(Photo: Action Sports Photography)

Talladega Superspeedway is the site of Brad Keselowski’s first and most recent wins in the NASCAR Cup Series.  Returning to the track for the first time since his April triumph, he’s right in the thick of the championship battle.  Only four points above the cutline before the second race of the Round of 12, Keselowski …

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Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Staying With JTG in 2022

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Michigan 2021

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will remain the driver of the No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet in 2022 in the NASCAR Cup Series, it was announced Sept. 30. According to The Athletic, it is a one-year deal. Stenhouse is in his second year driving for JTG. He has four top fives, six top 10s and one …

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