Race Weekend Central

Up to Speed: Championship Hopes Hang in the Balance at Bristol

NASCAR Cup Series action at Bristol Motor Speedway, September 2021. Photo: NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

With nearly half the playoff field vulnerable to elimination, the stakes have rarely been higher heading into the Bristol night race.

The Big 6: Questions Answered After Erik Jones Paints Victory Lane Petty Blue at Darlington

Erik Jones En route to a NASCAR Cup Series win at Darlington Raceway, September 2022. Photo: NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

In 1967, it was Richard Petty driving the No. 43 to win the Southern 500. 55 years later, Erik Jones did it driving the car still owned by the King himself.

NASCAR 101: 2022 Round of 16 Playoff Driver Outlook

Denny Hamlin ahead of Kyle Larson at Darlington in 2021, NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Adam Cheek checks out playoff driver statistics at the first three tracks in the NASCAR playoffs and how recent races might factor into the Round of 16.