Race Weekend Central

The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2012 Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol

The big question for Brian Vickers is: where does he go from here? He has done an admirable job filling in for Mark Martin in the No. 55 for select races, but Martin is signed with Michael Waltrip Racing for the lion’s share of the 2013 schedule as well, and Vickers deserves a ride before 2014. Vickers is a proven commodity with two Sprint Cup wins and a Nationwide Series title… and yet, his name hasn’t been heard in the mix for a ride. MWR has been reportedly looking at a fourth team for Vickers; but as of yet, that’s merely a possibility. He’s as good as some of the drivers whose names are being bandied around… and why his name isn’t among them might be the biggest question of Silly Season.

The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2012 Aaron’s 499 at Talladega

One sure way to make people mad at you at a restrictor-plate race is to throw an ill-timed block. It’s by no means a dirty move; it’s instinctually trying to protect position. But the danger lies in the act that there’s a split-second window in which to make the move work. This week, AJ Allmendinger tried to throw a block at Denny Hamlin after that window had already closed. The ensuing multi-car crash ended the hopes of a dozen other teams. It wasn’t the only wreck of the day, but it was the most preventable.

Frontstretch NASCAR Power Rankings: Top 15 After the 2011 Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire

Check out this week’s Power Rankings to see where the experts place your favorite with just eight races left to go on the year.

Who’s Hot/Who’s Not in NASCAR: 2011 Chicago-Loudon Edition

Once again, Mother Nature decided that it’s just not right for NASCAR to be run on Sundays and postponed the race to another Monday morning extravaganza.

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