Race Weekend Central

Fire on Fridays: Who Is Each NASCAR Cup Team’s Alpha Driver?

Ryan Blaney grits his teeth at LA Clash, Joey Logano smiles, NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

A rundown of alpha drivers in each NASCAR Cup Series team.

Thinkin’ Out Loud: Austin Cindric Snags 2022 Daytona 500 Victory

Austin Cindric Shows Off Ring After Winning the Daytona 500

(Photo: Zach Sturniolo)

Austin Cindric won his first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race in only his eighth career start and second in the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20 by barely nipping out 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace by a nose. Following him to the line were Chase Briscoe, Ryan Blaney and Aric Almirola, who earned a top-five finish in his last Daytona 500 as a full-time driver.

Cindric is the first rookie to win the Daytona 500 since Trevor Bayne in 2011.

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.

Austin Cindric Evades Chaos, Scores 1st Cup Series Win in Daytona 500

2022 Daytona NXS Austin Cindric burnout NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

After a flip, multiple multi-car crashes and late-race chaos, Austin Cindric emerged as the 2022 Daytona 500 champion on Sunday (Feb. 20) as he survived final-restart challenges from teammate Ryan Blaney, Brad Keselowski, Bubba Wallace and others as the field crashed through the Daytona International Speedway trioval behind him. Cindric’s most recent Cup start, at …

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