Race Weekend Central

Frontstretch 5: Drivers 25 or Younger Who Could Win Sprint Cup Titles

2016 Michigan II CUP Kyle Larson Chase Elliott racing Matthew T Thacker NKP

(Photo: Matthew T. Thacker/NKP)

If this season has any theme, it’s that this sport is alive and well with young talent who have bright futures. So far across NASCAR’s three national series, rookies have won multiple races, posed a legitimate threat for their own series championship, and pulled into Victory Lane for the first time. While Kyle Larson isn’t …

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Who’s Hot & Who’s Not: The First Time Edition

2016 Michigan II CUP Kyle Larson burnout John Harrelson NKP

(Photo: John Harrelson/NKP)

If you never think anything good can happen to you… or maybe if that good thing is close to happening, but you think it might not… or maybe if you’re afraid to take the one chance to make that good thing happen — then all three of NASCAR’s major races this weekend were for you, …

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The Underdog House: Tracking NASCAR’s Small Teams from Michigan to Darlington

2016 Pocono I CUP Ryan Blaney John Harrelson NKP

(Photo: John Harrelson/NKP)

Tommy Baldwin Racing Regan Smith, No. 7 APC Chevrolet Looking back: Michigan International Speedway was one of Smith’s better runs on a 1.5-to-2-mile speedway this year, with a 26th-place finish and a lap led on his tally. Smith said afterward that he feels like his team is learning some things that will help them in …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud – Kyle Larson Comes Away with First Sprint Cup Win at Michigan

2016 Michigan II CUP Kyle Larson woohoo Nigel Kinrade NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP)

Who’s in the headline – Shouldering the label of best not to do something can be a heavy burden. For 98 Cup races, Kyle Larson took the green flag but was not the first one to see the checkered. After eight top 5s and 17 top 10s as a rookie, it seemed inevitable that Larson …

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NASCAR’s Youth Finally Break Through in the Irish Hills

2016 NSCS - Kyle Larson Chase Elliott Restart Michigan Photo Nigel Kinrade NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade/ NKP)

For much of 2016 — and 2015, 2014 and 2013 for some drivers — fans, teams and critics alike have waited for one of NASCAR’s upcoming stars to soar above the field for a breakthrough win. While we were all treated to one with Chris Buescher’s weather-shortened win at Pocono Raceway, the wait continued for one …

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4 Burning Questions: New Rules, New Faces and Potential Upset Victors

2016-Bristol-II-CUP-Ryan-Blaney-pack-racing-Rainier-Ehrhardt-NASCAR-via-Getty-Images

(Photo: Ranier Ehrhardt / NASCAR via Getty Images)

How will the new rules package affect the racing this weekend at Michigan? NASCAR has ruled that all teams will be running with the 2017 rules package this weekend at Michigan. It is not the first race for the new, even lower downforce package however; the tiny spoiler has been used in the All-Star race, in …

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The Underdog House: Tracking NASCAR’s Small Teams From Bristol to Michigan

2016 Pocono I CUP Landon Cassill Anthony Lumbis Sr.

(Photo: Anthony Lumbis, Sr.)

Tommy Baldwin Racing Regan Smith, No. 7 APC Chevrolet Looking back: Smith had a brush with the wall just past the quarter mark of the race, bringing out the first caution of the day after the restart Sunday following the earlier competition yellow.  Even so, he managed to avoid further trouble while others couldn’t do the …

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Daily NASCAR Fantasy: Drafting Your Bristol Lineup

2016-Bristol-I-CUP-Carl-Edwards-leads-Matthew-T-Thacker-NKP

(Photo: Matthew Thacker / NKP)

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Bristol Motor Speedway on August 20th for the Bass Pro Shops, NRA Night Race. “The Last Great Colosseum” is home to some of the best short-track racing on the schedule, and the excitement should continue this Saturday night under the lights. Here are a few suggestions to keep …

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NASCAR Mailbox: Rookies & Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

dale earnhardt jr

(Photo: Zach Catanzareti)

As the last Sprint Cup off week has come and gone, everything remains the same in the top division. A few rookies are on the cusp of winning, as well as making the Chase for the Sprint Cup. The one and only rookie to make the Chase was Denny Hamlin, one decade ago. This rookie …

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Ryan Blaney Loses Pit Selection at Bristol due to Watkins Glen Warnings

2016 Pocono II CUP Ryan Blaney car John Harrelson NKP

(Credit: John Harrelson/NKP)

On Wednesday morning, NASCAR issued their weekly penalty report.  Given that last weekend’s races were at Watkins Glen, the list could have been extensive.  However, that was not the case as no graded penalties were issued due to infractions found at Watkins Glen.  Only two teams were given warnings. The team hit hardest in Watkins …

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The Underdog House: Tracking NASCAR’s Small Teams from Pocono to Watkins Glen

2016 Pocono II CUP Chris Buescher champagne Logan Whitton NKP

(Photo: Logan Whitton/NKP)

Tommy Badwin Racing Regan Smith, No. 7 APC Chevrolet Looking back: Chris Buescher wasn’t the only small-team driver who scored a top finish Monday. Smith’s third-place run ties his organization’s best finish ever and marks TBR’s top finish not on a restrictor-plate track.  Sound strategy played into the team’s hands and Smith walked away with his …

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Daily NASCAR Fantasy: Drafting Your Pocono Lineup

2016 Loudon I CUP Kurt Busch close Nigel kinrade NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade/NKP)

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Pocono Raceway on July 31st for the Pennsylvania 400. Kurt Busch made his way to victory lane at the “Tricky Triangle” back in June and will look to complete the sweep on Sunday. Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske have combined to win 14 out of the 20 …

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