Race Weekend Central

NASCAR 101: Who Didn’t Return to NASCAR in 2017?

15 February, 2016, Daytona Beach, Florida, Usa Brian Vickers (14) ©2016, John Harrelson / Nkp

(Photo: John Harrelson /NKP)

Time for another game of sifting through the long list of NASCAR national series drivers who didn’t make an appearance in 2017! After beginning this series in 2015 and continuing in 2016, this space will again chronicle the list of competitors who ran in one of the three NASCAR national series (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup, …

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The Underdog House: Smaller NASCAR Teams Could Use Factory Support

2016 Kansas Ii Cup Pack Racing Russell Labounty Nkp

(Photo: Russell LaBounty/NKP)

Think Small It’s a given that NASCAR’s small teams don’t have the money and equipment that the bigger ones do. But a closer look reveals there is another piece of the puzzle missing many people don’t think about: factory support. While several of the smaller teams do have alliances with larger ones, manufacturer funding is generally reserved …

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The Underdog House: Tracking NASCAR’s Small Teams from Daytona to Kentucky

2016 Daytona Ii Cup Michael Mcdowell Michael Annett Racing Nigel Kinrade Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade/NKP)

What makes a small team? I’m frequently asked how to categorize NASCAR’s teams. I look at a couple of things when I make the list each spring: budget and performance.  Small teams simply don’t have the budgets of the larger ones, even middle-tier organizations.  They may have alliances with bigger teams, but that doesn’t mean everything gets handed …

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NASCAR Announces Eligible Drivers for Sprint Unlimited

Sprint Unlimited Daytona

(Credit: NASCAR)

On Monday, NASCAR announced the eligibility criteria for this year’s Sprint Unlimited, scheduled for Feb. 13.  While winning a pole during the previous season will get you into the race, it’s not the only way into the 75-lap show.  Regardless of circumstances, 25 cars will start the 187.5-mile race. The first criteria to qualify for …

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The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2015 CampingWorld.com 500 at Talladega

2015 Talladega Ii Cup Joey Logano Trophy Cia

Photo Credit: CIA Stock Photography

Who… gets my shoutout of the race? It’s been a long, tough, and often fruitless season for Roush Fenway Racing, but there were bright spots for the team on Sunday. All three RFR teams ran inside the top 10 at some point during the race, with Greg Biffle leading when Jamie McMurray’s engine went south, …

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David Gilliland, Love’s Travel Stops To Host Special Guest at Chicagoland

2014 Texas Ii Cup David Gilliland Cia

(Photo: CIA Stock Photo, Inc. ©2014)

Sprint Cup Series driver David Gilliland will have a special guest beside him on Sunday at the Chicagoland Speedway. Gilliland will be joined by 7-year-old Jack Benjamin, who recently overcame a rare and fatal liver disease. Benjamin will wear a replica firesuit as he follows Gilliland just before the race on Sunday. The hood of …

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CashCash Joins Front Row Motorsports, David Gilliland at Bristol

David Gilliland Cashcash Car Bristol

(Photo: Front Row Motorsports)

There will be a new sponsor appearing on the side of the No. 38 Ford driven by David Gilliland this weekend at the Bristol Motor Speedway in the IRWIN Tools Night Race on Saturday. CashCash, a short-term lender, will have its logo featured on the side of a NASCAR stock car for the very first …

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NASCAR Mailbox: Road Courses & Flying Hoods?

2015 Watkins Glen Cup Denny Hamlin Hood Damage Cia

(Photo: CIA Stock Photo, Inc. ©2015)

Joey Logano earned Team Penske yet another victory this season, but also secured Penske its first Cup victory at Watkins Glen International, a tricky road course that has given the organization fits over the years. Logano, now with two wins under his belt, will coast his way into the Chase for the Cup in another four races. …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2015 Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan

2015 Michigan I Cup Kurt Busch And Girl Trophy Cia

Photo Credit: CIA Stock Photography

Who’s in the headline – While Kurt Busch took home the trophy and is now certainly locked into the Chase, the real headliner from Michigan was Mother Nature. Four red flags for rain and a total delay of 128:51 before the event was called, gave most attention of the weekend to the weather. Once the …

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NASCAR Hands Down Warnings After the 2015 Axalta We Paint Winners 400 at Pocono

2015 Pocono I Cup Jimmie Johnson Car Cia

(Photo: CIA Stock Photo, Inc. ©2015)

A new phenomenon in NASCAR’s penalty process is handing out written warnings for teams having problems going through inspection. Several teams this season have received written warnings for infractions during inspection, and that was no different on Sunday, as four teams received written warnings following the Axalta We Paint Winners 400 at Pocono Raceway according …

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Did You Notice? Driver Report Cards, Part II & Quick Hits

2015 Kansas I Cup Jimmie Johnson Winner Sticker Credit Nascar Via Getty Images

(Photo: NASCAR via Getty Images)

Did You Notice? It’s time to grade the drivers on their 2015 season? For the first part of Driver Report Cards, as well as the guidelines on how each driver’s being graded please check on yesterday’s article. Part III will be posted overnight tonight. Jeb Burton Stats: 9 starts, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 …

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