Race Weekend Central

Who’s Hot & Who’s Not in NASCAR: First 2018 Trip to the First State

2018 Las Vegas I CUP Kevin Harvick Nigel Kinrade NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP)

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series went to Dover International Speedway this weekend as the closing act of a tripleheader of national series action, but rain dampened the mood as Kevin Harvick destroyed the field in the AAA 400 Drive for Autism as cars ticked away the laps single-file at the Monster Mile. The win …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud: Kevin Harvick Sweeps Up Dover

#4: Kevin Harvick, Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford Fusion Jimmy John's celebrates in victory lane after winning Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Who’s in the headline After a drought of six long races, Kevin Harvick is back in Victory Lane. The No. 4 Ford was the most dominant car all weekend at Dover and it showed throughout the race. Harvick started on the outside of the front row with the second fastest qualifying time. He led the …

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Did You Notice?: A Second Look At NASCAR Silly Season 10 Races In

2017 indianapolis cup alex bowman dale earnhardt jr. zach catanzareti

(Photo: Zach Catanzareti)

Did You Notice? … Sometimes, NASCAR Silly Season moves turn into mistakes? 10 races in, let’s take a look at some of the biggest driver decisions entering 2018 and see how they’re turning out. For now, we’ll give Darrell Wallace Jr. and William Byron a break; rookies typically need a little more seat time before …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud: Joey Logano Back in Victory Lane After a Year

2018 joey logano talladega cup

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Who’s in the headline Joey Logano won the race at Richmond last spring only to have the win “encumbered.” That was the last time he graced Victory Lane in a Cup race until Sunday. This time around, he was not to be denied, leading four times for a total of 70 laps, including the final …

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Friday Faceoff: Who is the Best Restrictor Plate Driver in the Field?

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

(Photo: Rusty Jarrett/ NKP)

Kyle Busch’s win this past weekend at Richmond Raceway made it three in a row for him and the No. 18 team. This comes on the heels of Kevin Harvick’s three wins in a row. Will we see one of these drivers, or somebody else, win three in a row this season? Wesley Coburn: If anyone, …

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Bayne of His Existence: Does Matt Kenseth’s Arrival Translate to Trevor Bayne’s Imminent Demise?

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

Might Trevor Bayne's six become nine? (Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP)

“Were you expecting somebody else?” As Mark Martin took to the podium Wednesday at the NASCAR Hall of Fame to introduce the next driver of the flagship No. 6 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing, rumors ran rampant over what the actual nature of this announcement would be. Was there a shakeup coming at Roush Fenway? …

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Happiness Is: The Pits, Baku & Plans

2018 kevin harvick pit stop pit crew Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

Life in the pits (Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

This week’s column is going to start with a bit of questioning regarding the management dealing with races.  Chronological order comes across as a good way to start. That means touching upon the peculiar start time for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond on Saturday night. Who exactly is the brain-child that …

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Frontstretch Podcast: Matt DiBenedetto Talks Racing at Richmond

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series

(Photo: Harrelson Photography Inc.)

In the latest episode of the 2018 Frontstretch Podcast, we review a good, hard weekend of racing at Richmond Raceway with Dustin Albino, Mike Neff, Zach Catanzareti and driver of the No. 32 Go FAS Racing Ford Matt DiBenedetto. We also introduce a new sponsor, FanDuel, and a Frontstretch exclusive contest where you can win $300 and a $200 gift card from …

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Matt Kenseth Adds Wyndham Hotels Sponsorship for Return to Roush Fenway Racing

2017 Phoenix II CUP Matt Kenseth woohoo Nigel Kinrade NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade/NKP)

It’s official: Matt Kenseth is returning to Roush Fenway Racing. On Wednesday (April 25),the team held a press conference at the NASCAR Hall of Fame officially introducing Matt Kenseth’s return to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in a part-time role, sharing the No. 6 car with Trevor Bayne. NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin …

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Did You Notice?: NASCAR’s Sophomore Slump Affecting Youth Movement?

2018 cup richmond ty dillon zach catanzareti

(Photo: Zach Catanzareti)

Did You Notice? … The dreaded sophomore slump has reared its ugly head again? The top three rookies from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series last season are all underperforming nine races into 2018. Erik Jones is the best of the bunch, sitting 12th in points. But as the driver he replaced, Matt Kenseth, returns to …

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The Frontstretch 5: Thoughts on Kenseth, Bayne, and a Few Other Things

1. How much magic will there be? Once upon a time, Matt Kenseth and Roush Fenway Racing made a lot of magic together. 24 of Kenseth’s 39 Cup wins came in a Roush Ford, along with his 2003 title, which is often (unfairly) maligned as the title run that forced the playoff system on the …

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NASCAR Mailbox: What Does Matt Kenseth’s Return to Roush Fenway Racing Mean?

2017 Phoenix II CUP Matt Kenseth Kyle BUsch celebrate Logan Whitton NKP

(Photo: Logan Whitton / NKP)

It isn’t often that a major NASCAR bombshell randomly falls in April. Oh, and the guy who is causing everyone in the NASCAR realm to freak out this week is known for being one of the most laid back people in the sport. Yeah, Matt Kenseth is coming back, according to a report by SB …

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