Race Weekend Central

Zach’s Turn: Ross Chastain Storms Forward Without Playoff Pressure

Ross Chastain before a NASCAR race at Circuit of the Americas, May 2021. Photo: NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

As his tenure with Chip Ganassi Racing nears its checkered flag, Ross Chastain has no pressure.

There are no playoff expectations since his No. 42 team didn’t qualify for the postseason. There is no need to audition for a new ride, since he’s already confirmed to join Trackhouse Racing in 2022 as the driver of the team’s new No. 1 car. All there is to do is go out and try to wind up in victory lane.

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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The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2021 Cook Out Southern 500

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

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Who… should you be talking about after the Cook Out Southern 500? With the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season winding down, many wondered if we would ever talk about a Denny Hamlin victory this year. At times during the summer, his postseason bid was in jeopardy despite leading the points for several months. In the …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2021 Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington

Denny Hamlin celebrates his win in the 2021 Southern 500 at Darlington. Photo: NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

What happened? Denny Hamlin won the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington on Sunday night (Sept. 5) after narrowly holding off Kyle Larson in the final corner. Larson, Ross Chastain, Martin Truex Jr. and Kevin Harvick rounded out the top-five finishers. RETWEET to congratulate @DennyHamlin on his #Southern500 win at @TooToughToTame! What a final corner …

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Daily Fantasy NASCAR DraftKings Forecast: 2021 Cook Out Southern 500

Martin Truex Jr. 2021 Darlington 1

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

The NASCAR Cup Series begins its 2021 playoff chase with the Round of 16 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, Sept. 5. Let’s get your daily fantasy NASCAR DraftKings rosters ready for the Cook Out Southern 500. It’s the second year in a row Darlington kicks off the Cup playoffs and boy, 2020’s race did not …

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NASCAR Nuggets: Cup Drivers Talk Playoffs, New Packages & New Teams

Kyle busch smiling at NASCAR Cup Michigan race, NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Hours before the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 28, 20 drivers of the NASCAR Cup Series stopped by the media bullpen to answer a few questions. One by one, Cup drivers stopped by the gates and spoke about the past, present and future of their careers. There were plenty …

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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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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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Did You Notice?: Matt Kaulig Forming Blueprint For Fresh NASCAR Ownership

Kaulig Racing expanded to a three-car organization in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2021. (Photo: NKP)

#10: Jeb Burton, Kaulig Racing, Chevrolet Camaro, #11: Justin Haley, Kaulig Racing, Chevrolet Camaro LeafFilter Gutter Protection

Did You Notice? … Matt Kaulig has had one of the most successful beginnings of any team without a NASCAR Cup Series charter? His No. 16 Chevrolet became the first open car to win a Cup race since the current franchise-based system was created in 2016. Throughout the year, Kaulig has laid a solid foundation for …

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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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Stock Car Scoop: Who’s the Favorite at Watkins Glen?

2019 Watkins Glen Mencs Chase Elliott Victory Celebration Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

The NASCAR Cup Series is back from its two-week Olympic break with a trip to Watkins Glen International. Is Chase Elliott still the man to beat, or is there a dark horse that might steal the win from the No. 9 team? Bryan Nolen and Adam Cheek discuss this, whether the summer hiatus is something …

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