Race Weekend Central

NASCAR Mailbox: Predicting the Future

2106 Sonoma CUP Tony Stewart helmet Nigel Kinrade NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP)

With a new aerodynamic package added to the mix in 2016, many things have remained the same. The same core of organizations are winning races, ultimately dominating the sport. Could there be a change in the near future? Familiar foes are near the Chase cutoff, and it’s something that those drivers and teams are accustomed to, …

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Kyle Larson’s Crew Chief Suspended for Lug Nut Violation

2016 Pocono I CUP Kyle Larson Chad Johnston NIgel Kinrade NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade/NKP)

Another lug nut penalty was issued this week following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Pocono. Chad Johnston, who crew chiefs the No. 42 car of Kyle Larson, was hit with a P3 penalty for failing to have all lug nuts properly installed on the car following the race. He was suspended for the …

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Daily NASCAR Fantasy: Drafting Your Pocono Lineup (Axalta 400)

2016 Dover I CUP Kyle Busch Carl Edwards Nigel Kinrade NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade/NKP)

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Pocono Raceway on June 5 for the Axalta “We Paint Winners” 400. Daily NASCAR Fantasy lineups and teams will now need to overcome the difficulties of the sport’s “Tricky Triangle” in order to cash in. The three-turn, 2.5-mile track is unique in its shape and place on the circuit. …

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Tech Talk: Matt McCall Talks Tires, Fuel Strategy & Rule Adaptations

Matt McCall Martinsville 2015 Mike Neff

(Photo: Mike Neff)

Pocono Raceway is unlike any other race track. Not only does it have three turns, but each one is also unique in terms of radius and banking. Setting a car up is all about compromise and finding a fast way through all three corners while maximizing the turn that a team feels gives them the …

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Friday Faceoff: What Should NASCAR Change About the All-Star Race?

2016 Charlotte All Star CUP Tony Stewart Kasey Kahne crash NIgel Kinrade NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade/NKP)

The All-Star Race was met with mixed reactions. Should NASCAR try the same format next season or opt for one that’s easier to understand? Dustin Albino, Contributor: The concept was good, but the execution was awful. If it weren’t for Jamie McMurray cutting his tire causing a caution, I don’t think we would be having …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud – Joey Logano Makes Late-Race Pass to Claim First All-Star Victory

2016 Charlotte All Star CUP Joey Logano champagne John Harrelson NKP

Who’s in the headline – The No. 22 of Joey Logano was festooned with a myriad of pictures from the 50 years of Team Penske. On a full moon Saturday night, the collective spirits of all of the drivers who have piloted a car for “The Captain” rode along with Logano as he navigated the …

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JGR Sweeps Top 3 in Dover Sprint Cup Practice No. 2

2016 Richmond I CUP Kyle Busch Denny Hamlin racing Matthew T Thacker NKP

(Photo: Matthew T Hacker/NKP)

Just after 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning Sprint Cup teams took to Dover International Speedway for 50 minutes of practice on the high-banked oval.  The fastest laps of the session were determined in the first couple of minutes, when the track was its coolest and had the most shade. Kyle Busch turned in a lap at …

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Danica Patrick, Tony Stewart & Jamie McMurray Wreck in Sprint Cup Series Practice at Dover

dp1

(Photo: Zach Catanzareti)

Tony Stewart was sitting eighth on the speed chart a half-hour into the first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice session of the weekend at Dover International Speedway. Running six laps in his No. 14 car, he casually paced around the track, preparing for his third full race back since injuring his back in an off-road vehicle …

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Tech Talk: Splitters & Airborne Cars with Matt McCall

Matt McCall Martinsville 2015 Mike Neff

(Photo: Mike Neff)

Matt McCall notched his first top 5 of the season with Jamie McMurray at Talladega Superspeedway last weekend, leading his team through repairs from the lone crash they were caught up in and repairing the car successfully enough to compete for the win. As he and his team prepare to head to Kansas Speedway, he …

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Jamie McMurray Tops Quiet Talladega Practice

2016 Fontana CUP Jamie McMurray vertical Brett Moist NKP

(Photo: Brett Moist/NKP)

The opening practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Talladega Superspeedway could be described with one word: Uneventful. Jamie McMurray‘s 47.943-second lap topped the opening practice for Sunday’s Geico 500. The lap, set during an early pack run, held throughout the session as most teams focused on single-car runs. Chase Elliott (47.941), Kurt Busch (48.022), …

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Tech Talk: Talking Rebound & Multi-Zone Camber with Matt McCall

Matt McCall Martinsville Cup 2016 Mike Neff

Photo Credit : Mike Neff

Six races into the season, and the teams are getting their hands around the new aerodynamic package. Sunday will be the first time it is tested at night. The aged track surface at Texas Motor Speedway, along with multi-zone tires that will wear out quickly, are going to be a stiff challenge for the teams …

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Kurt Busch on Pole in Atlanta, Kyle Busch Time Disallowed

UPDATE: Kyle Busch’s qualifying time was disallowed after he failed post-qualifying inspection for an issue with the rear end of the car, rewarding Kurt Busch the pole and moving everyone forward one position. The defending champion will start 40th on Sunday; no further penalties are expected. Kyle Busch captured his first career pole at the Atlanta …

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