Race Weekend Central

Zach’s Turn: NASCAR’s Points Battles You Should Know Exist

NASCAR Cody Ware Ryan Preece 2021 Coca-Cola 600

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

With the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs in full swing, you’re forgiven if you have limited your attention to the 16 eligible drivers. But there are other points battles happening behind them you ought to know about — a point hammered home by Reddit user u/1-800-DADJOKE. That person has been keeping a watchful eye on the …

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The Underdog House: Daniel Suarez Endures at Richmond on 9/11

Daniel Suarez stands on pit road at Charlotte Motor Speedway. (Photo: NKP)

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog: Daniel Suarez Daniel Suarez had a consistent night at Richmond Raceway, posting a 17th-place finish in the Sept. 11 Federated Auto Parts 400. It was his third straight NASCAR Cup Series top 20, finding his footing again with the No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Team after a dismal summer. But on a rough Saturday, …

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Couch Potato Tuesday: Darlington Brings a Somewhat Normal Cup Broadcast With Extras

Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson battle in the closing laps of the 2021 Southern 500. (Photo: NKP)

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Darlington Raceway is always an interesting place to watch a NASCAR Cup Series race. Yes, the 2021 Cook Out Southern 500 took over four hours to run, but that’s OK. Sit down and grab some popcorn for the Cup broadcast; the racing here takes a while. It also didn’t seem like there were 11 cautions …

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Podcast: Erik Jones on Re-Signing With Richard Petty Motorsports, Launching Foundation & More

ErikJonespodcast

Graphic: Jared Haas

Erik Jones has a new contract for 2022, a new foundation he just launched … and a new bunny! The Richard Petty Motorsports driver joins Davey Segal this week to discuss his new addition to the family and how his dog Oscar is adjusting, re-signing with RPM and why he wants to remain with the …

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Fire on Fridays: Who’s Actually Got a Shot at the Cup Playoffs?

Matt DiBenedetto Tyler Reddick talk Watkins Glen

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

It’s somewhat fitting that this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway has an elimination factor. After all, that’s usually the case at the season-opening Daytona 500, when the pre-race Duels set the lineup and a certain number of cars (four in 2021) are left on the sidelines come the big race on …

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Frontstretch 5: Biggest Do-Or-Die Drivers for Daytona

2021 Watkins Glen Matt DiBenedetto Tyler Reddick NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

This is it. Crunch time. Just one more race remains until the playoff field is set for the NASCAR Cup Series. And what could be a more unpredictable place for it to happen than Daytona International Speedway? Last year, Daytona held the regular season finale for the first time. Several drivers’ playoff dreams were fulfilled …

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Best Seat at the Track: Mark Kristl Joins From Michigan

BSATT Mark Kristl

Graphic: Jared Haas

On this episode of Best Seat at the Track, Jared Haas is joined by Mark Kristl as they discuss the reason why the high groove is the way to go at Michigan International Speedway. Additionally, they discuss Erik Jones‘ news that he’s returning to Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022, and …

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Erik Jones Re-Signs With Richard Petty Motorsports for 2022

2021 Texas Cup All-Star Race Erik Jones close up NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Erik Jones has struck a deal with Richard Petty Motorsports to return to the Chevrolet-based team another year, meaning he will drive the Next Gen car for the team in 2022, Jones announced Aug. 22. Jones was signed by RPM for the 2021 season after Christopher Bell replaced him at Joe Gibbs Racing. The former …

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Daily Fantasy NASCAR DraftKings Forecast: 2021 FireKeepers Casino 400

Kevin Harvick at New Hampshire NASCAR Cup race, NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

The NASCAR Cup Series head to the Irish Hills of Michigan this week for the next-to-last race in the regular season. Let’s get your daily fantasy NASCAR DraftKings lineups set for Sunday’s (Aug. 22) race at Michigan International Speedway. The summer stretch of road races is done and it’s time for Cup teams to head …

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The Underdog House: AJ Allmendinger, Erik Jones Highlight Indy Surprises

2021 Indy road Indianapolis Cup Erik Jones car NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

The Setting Ask anyone in the racing community what one of the most surreal moments is in the world of motorsports and many will likely tell you about the time they entered Gasoline Alley at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. IMS is one of the most historic and iconic tracks not only in America but also the …

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The Underdog House: Michael McDowell Leads Sluggish NASCAR Underdog Return After Olympic Break

2019 Talladega MENCS Michael McDowell Face NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

The Setting For a brief moment, I was wondering if it was either August or February when NASCAR returned to the track. After a two-week layoff for the Olympics, drivers and teams returned to Watkins Glen International in New York as the grind for the season’s remainder commenced. Watching the Olympics made me entertain the …

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Daily Fantasy NASCAR DraftKings Forecast: 2021 Go Bowling at the Glen

Chase Elliott 2021

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

After taking two weeks off for the Olympics, the NASCAR Cup Series returns to racing this weekend at Watkins Glen International. Let’s prep your daily fantasy NASCAR DraftKings lineups for Sunday’s (Aug. 8) 2021 Go Bowling at the Glen, airing at 3 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. Watkins Glen is one of my favorite …

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