Ryan Blaney wins NASCAR race at Martinsville, advances to Championship 4; William Byron through on points
1 year, 1 month ago

Ryan Blaney wins NASCAR race at Martinsville, advances to Championship 4; William Byron through on points

New York Times  

Ryan Blaney won the NASCAR Cup Series Round 3 elimination race at Martinsville Speedway, clinching a spot in the Championship 4 final that will determine the 2023 Cup champion. “ felt like we put together really strong playoffs, especially the Round of 8.” Blaney said, adding he was “really proud of the whole effort” and “can’t wait to get to Phoenix next week.” Martin Truex Jr. was in contention for the win, running in the top three, but a speeding penalty on pit road sent him to the rear of the field and he never fully recovered. Ryan Blaney wins at Martinsville while William Byron advances to the Championship 4 on points. Championship 4 highlights NASCAR’s youth movement This represents a breakthrough moment for Blaney and Byron, who have shown promise over the years but never made it to the final four.

Championship Race Round Phoenix Bell Final Hamlin Nascar Byron Blaney Larson Truex Martinsville William Byron Ryan Blaney Championship 4 Points Ryan  wins  larson  truex  martinsville  race  byron  nascar  william  championship  blaney  round  final  points  ryan  hamlin

History of this topic

NHRA to determine champions, a week after NASCAR crowns title winners. F1 returns next week in Vegas
1 month, 1 week ago

NHRA to determine champions, a week after NASCAR crowns title winners. F1 returns next week in Vegas

Associated Press  

All Times Eastern NHRA Drag Racing In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals Site: Pomona, California. Online: http://www.formula1.com NASCAR Cup Series Last race: Joey Logano led 107 laps to dominate the winner-take-all finale at Phoenix Raceway, earning his third championship and completing a remarkable turnaround after initially missing the second-round cut before earning a reprieve with another driver’s disqualification. Online: http://www.nascar.com NASCAR Xfinity …

Martin Truex Jr. closes out full-time NASCAR Cup Series career at Phoenix Raceway
1 month, 1 week ago

Martin Truex Jr. closes out full-time NASCAR Cup Series career at Phoenix Raceway

Associated Press  

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Martin Truex Jr. got a nice surprise when his fellow drivers gave him a standing ovation during the prerace meeting Sunday before the NASCAR Cup Series finale. Truex finished 17th at Phoenix Raceway after all the hoopla — well behind winner Joey Logano — earning post-race handshakes and praise from Basketball Hall of Famer and 23XI Racing …

Truex wins pole for final NASCAR full-time race as Logano highest qualifying title contender
1 month, 1 week ago

Truex wins pole for final NASCAR full-time race as Logano highest qualifying title contender

Associated Press  

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Martin Truex Jr., who is retiring from full-time NASCAR competition after Sunday’s season finale, won the pole for the championship-deciding race at Phoenix Raceway. “I don’t really know the significance of it — I guess it hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I’m excited for the weekend,” Truex said. I’m looking forward to having a fun weekend …

Defending NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney paces 1st practice of title-deciding weekend at Phoenix
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Defending NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney paces 1st practice of title-deciding weekend at Phoenix

Associated Press  

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Reigning NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney paced the first practice session at Phoenix Raceway, where he is among four drivers who will race for the title Sunday. He is trying to become the first driver to win back-to-back titles since Jimmie Johnson won five consecutive championships from 2006 through 2010. A victory by Blaney or teammate Joey Logano …

NASCAR Crowns Champions in a Triple Header at Phoenix Raceway
1 month, 2 weeks ago

NASCAR Crowns Champions in a Triple Header at Phoenix Raceway

Associated Press  

The NASCAR Cup Series concluded with a thrilling race at Phoenix Raceway, with Ryan Blaney claiming his first championship. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Aric Almirola secured the title with a late-race surge, while Justin Allgaier secured the final spot in the championship four. In the NASCAR Truck Series, Christian Eckes emerged victorious after a thrilling restart race. In the …

Back-to-Back NASCAR Showdown at Martinsville: Bell vs. Blaney for Championship
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Back-to-Back NASCAR Showdown at Martinsville: Bell vs. Blaney for Championship

Associated Press  

Ryan Blaney secured a chance to defend his Cup Series championship at Martinsville Speedway after a controversial finish. Blaney won the race, but his victory was marred by NASCAR's lengthy review of Christopher Bell's last-lap pass of William Byron. Bell's pass was deemed illegal, and Byron was given the final spot in the winner-take-all race. Blaney will race against Chase …

Blaney's Sleepless Night at Martinsville Cost Him Sleep and Championship Chances
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Blaney's Sleepless Night at Martinsville Cost Him Sleep and Championship Chances

Associated Press  

Ryan Blaney suffered a crushing defeat at the Martinsville Speedway NASCAR race, losing the title to Tyler Reddick. Blaney had the lead in the final lap but made a critical mistake, allowing Reddick to pass him. Despite the setback, Blaney remains in contention for the championship, needing either a win on Sunday or a miracle to secure his title defense.

Kyle Larson Opens the Third Round of NASCAR's Playoffs as the Title Favorite
2 months ago

Kyle Larson Opens the Third Round of NASCAR's Playoffs as the Title Favorite

Associated Press  

Kyle Larson opens the third round of NASCAR’s playoffs as the title favorite. He heads into the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as both the defending race winner and the victor of the spring race there this season. A victory on Sunday would be three straight at Vegas, a season sweep, but most importantly, give Larson an automatic berth …

Hamlin says he can win at Bristol and earn automatic berth in 2nd round of NASCAR playoffs
3 months, 1 week ago

Hamlin says he can win at Bristol and earn automatic berth in 2nd round of NASCAR playoffs

Associated Press  

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Denny Hamlin never had a chance to race for the win at Watkins Glen after he was caught up in an opening-lap wreck that knocked fellow playoff driver Ryan Blaney out of the race. Not ideal for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, though his familiar bravado hasn’t waned as NASCAR heads to Bristol Motor Speedway for …

Playoff drivers are on edge as NASCAR moves to the second round at Watkins Glen
3 months, 1 week ago

Playoff drivers are on edge as NASCAR moves to the second round at Watkins Glen

Associated Press  

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Martin Truex Jr. tried to stay optimistic about his slim chance at winning a NASCAR championship in his final season before he conceded, “no matter what we do, it is wrong.” Chase Briscoe is last among the 16 playoff drivers, but he says, count him out at your own risk. In the big scheme of things, …

Truex starts 2nd and tops all playoff drivers in qualifying while Chastain wins pole at Watkins Glen
3 months, 1 week ago

Truex starts 2nd and tops all playoff drivers in qualifying while Chastain wins pole at Watkins Glen

Associated Press  

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Martin Truex Jr. was the highest-qualifying playoff driver among the 16 in the field for Sunday’s Cup race at Watkins Glen International, a needed boost for the 2017 NASCAR champion who needs a win to guarantee himself a spot in the next round. Truex was one of only five playoff drivers to crack the top 10 …

Truex starts 2nd and tops all playoff drivers in qualifying while Chastain wins pole at Watkins Glen
3 months, 1 week ago

Truex starts 2nd and tops all playoff drivers in qualifying while Chastain wins pole at Watkins Glen

Associated Press  

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Martin Truex Jr. was the highest-qualifying playoff driver among the 16 in the field for Sunday’s Cup race at Watkins Glen International, a needed boost for the 2017 NASCAR champion who needs a win to guarantee himself a spot in the next round. Truex was one of only five playoff drivers to crack the top 10 …

Larson, Bell, Reddick top NASCAR Cup playoff field; Palou takes 33-point lead into IndyCar finale
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Larson, Bell, Reddick top NASCAR Cup playoff field; Palou takes 33-point lead into IndyCar finale

Associated Press  

All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES Quaker State 400 available at Walmart Site: Hampton, Georgia. Turns feature 28-degree banking and are tighter than its larger, longer counterparts, and lap speeds under 30 seconds are common.. Atlanta starts the Cup playoffs this year because of the Olympic break and was moved from July after several years.. Larson tops the 16-driver playoff …

NASCAR Playoffs: Don’t look for surprises in the postseason as power programs dominate field
3 months, 3 weeks ago

NASCAR Playoffs: Don’t look for surprises in the postseason as power programs dominate field

Associated Press  

DARLINGTON, S.C. — NASCAR’s regular season finished with a pair of surprises in winless drivers Harrison Burton and Chase Briscoe pulling off unexpected victories at Daytona and Darlington. Don’t look for more stunners when the playoffs start next week and NASCAR’s power programs, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske, dominate the grid with 11 of the 16 drivers …

Martin Truex Jr. makes NASCAR playoffs after crashing out early at Darlington
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Martin Truex Jr. makes NASCAR playoffs after crashing out early at Darlington

Associated Press  

DARLINGTON, S.C. — Martin Truex Jr. qualified for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs after some nervous moments when he crashed out on the third lap of the Southern 500 on Sunday. Others drivers hopeful of a spot like two-time series champion Kyle Busch and playoff participants last year in Bubba Wallace and Chris Buescher weren’t so fortunate after Chase Briscoe …

Former NASCAR champion Martin Truex Jr. is nearly a lock to make the playoffs. It’s shaky for others
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Former NASCAR champion Martin Truex Jr. is nearly a lock to make the playoffs. It’s shaky for others

Associated Press  

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Martin Truex Jr. should feel safe heading to Darlington Raceway for the Cup Series’ regular-season finale. Truex has a strong grasp on one of the remaining three, so NASCAR essentially has two bids up for grabs at the “Track Too Tough to Tame.” It will make for an intriguing race next weekend, with Ty Gibbs, Chris …

Ryan Truex wins the Xfinity Series race at Daytona for his 2nd victory in 8 starts this season
3 months, 4 weeks ago

Ryan Truex wins the Xfinity Series race at Daytona for his 2nd victory in 8 starts this season

Associated Press  

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Ryan Truex won the Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday night, taking the checkered flag under caution following an overtime finish. Still, this will be a memorable milestone because it’s his third Xfinity Series win in 98 starts and his first at Daytona. Truex’s JGR teammate Chandler Smith finished second, with Kligerman, Riley …

NASCAR close to regular-season finish with playoffs on the line, F1 back in action after a month off
4 months ago

NASCAR close to regular-season finish with playoffs on the line, F1 back in action after a month off

Associated Press  

All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES Coke Zero Sugar 400 Site: Daytona Beach, Florida. Last race: It was a Monday finish after a rainy Sunday at Michigan this past week with Tyler Reddick holding on for his second NASCAR Cup Series win this season. There are 12 drivers with victories locked into the field, meaning as many as four winless …

Richmond up next as NASCAR returns from its Olympic break for final 4 races of regular season
4 months, 1 week ago

Richmond up next as NASCAR returns from its Olympic break for final 4 races of regular season

Associated Press  

Firmly on the playoff bubble, Chris Buescher can take solace in the fact that this upcoming part of the schedule was so good to him last year. “Three of the next four races we’re heading into we were able to win last year,” Buescher said. We’ve been very close to locking ourselves in.” NASCAR returns from its Olympic break this …

NASCAR Cup Series, Truck Series fire back up after 2 weeks off, F1, Larson wins in Sprint Cars
4 months, 2 weeks ago

NASCAR Cup Series, Truck Series fire back up after 2 weeks off, F1, Larson wins in Sprint Cars

Associated Press  

All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES Cook Out 400. Fast facts: NASCAR returns from a two-week, mid-summer break with the Olympics finishing up in Paris this weekend.. P oints leader Kyle Larson wasn’t going to stop racing despite NASCAR’s break and won a pair of sprint car races at Pevely, Missouri last weekend.. There are four races left in NASCAR’s …

Kyle Larson races to his 1st Brickyard 400 victory, making a late charge through the field
5 months ago

Kyle Larson races to his 1st Brickyard 400 victory, making a late charge through the field

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — Kyle Larson left Indianapolis in May in the middle of one of the most agonizing days of his racing career. In his return Sunday, Larson finished one of the most memorable races of his career with one of sports’ more revered celebrations — kissing the bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “I don’t know what was driving him today …

Ryan Blaney wins at Pocono to complete NASCAR-IndyCar sweep for Team Penske
5 months, 1 week ago

Ryan Blaney wins at Pocono to complete NASCAR-IndyCar sweep for Team Penske

Associated Press  

LOND POND, Pa. — Ryan Blaney still feels like the “silly, quiet kid” he was at 23 when he blazed past Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch over the final 10 laps in 2017 at Pocono Raceway to win a NASCAR Cup race for the first time. Blaney led the final 44 laps and won Sunday at Pocono, the site of …

AUTO RACING: Blaney seeks second straight NASCAR win at New Hampshire; F1, IndyCar return to action
6 months ago

AUTO RACING: Blaney seeks second straight NASCAR win at New Hampshire; F1, IndyCar return to action

Associated Press  

All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES USA TODAY 301 Site: Loudon, New Hampshire. Schedule: Saturday practice, 12:35 p.m., qualifying, 1:20 p.m.; Sunday race, 2:30 p.m.. Track: New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Schedule: Friday practice, 4:05 p.m., qualifying, 4:35 p.m.; Saturday race, 3:30 p.m.. Track: New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Last year: John Hunter Nemechek started second in a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota …

Kyle Larson wins NASCAR Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Kyle Larson wins NASCAR Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway

New York Times  

SONOMA, Calif. — At this time last week, Kyle Larson had no idea whether he’d be eligible for NASCAR’s championship playoffs this fall. Larson blew past both controversy and the entire Cup field Sunday at Sonoma Raceway, using fresher tires to win at his home track for the second time. 🍷 pic.twitter.com/Osju9DhghD — NASCAR June 9, 2024 It was also …

Cindric claims victory in NASCAR Cup series after Blaney runs out of gas on final lap
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Cindric claims victory in NASCAR Cup series after Blaney runs out of gas on final lap

Associated Press  

MADISON, Ill. — Austin Cindric emerged as the surprise winner of the NASCAR Cup series race Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway when teammate Ryan Blaney ran out of gas while leading on the final lap. “I mean, it’s not like I went out there and I took the lead away but we were in position, and this is one …

AUTO RACING: Newgarden goes back-to-back at Indy. Bell wins in NASCAR and Leclerc wins in F1
6 months, 3 weeks ago

AUTO RACING: Newgarden goes back-to-back at Indy. Bell wins in NASCAR and Leclerc wins in F1

Associated Press  

All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES Enjoy Illinois 300 Site: Madison, Illinois. Fast facts: The race had been red-flagged for more than two hours following a steady downpour.. Bell led a race-high 90 laps in his eighth career victory and became the fourth multiple race winner through 14 races this season.. Custer still leads with nine top 10s.. Elliott’s victory …

AUTO RACING: Brad Keselowski back in Victory Lane in NASCAR. Lando Norris wins in F1
7 months, 1 week ago

AUTO RACING: Brad Keselowski back in Victory Lane in NASCAR. Lando Norris wins in F1

Associated Press  

All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES NASCAR All-Star Open & All-Star Race Site: North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Schedule: Friday, practice, 4:35 p.m., and qualifying, 5:40 p.m.; Saturday, All-Star Race Heat 1, 5:20 p.m., and Heat 2, 6:15 p.m.; Sunday, All-Star Open, 5:30 p.m., and All-Star Race, 8 p.m.. Track: North Wilkesboro Speedway. Fast facts: This is the second event, and …

AUTO RACING: Formula One goes to Miami, NASCAR to Kansas
7 months, 3 weeks ago

AUTO RACING: Formula One goes to Miami, NASCAR to Kansas

Associated Press  

All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES AdventHealth 400 Site: Kansas City, Kansas. Fast facts: The victory was the third of this season for Hamlin, tying William Byron for the most this year, and fourth if you count the exhibition race in Los Angeles.. Hamlin led 136 of the 400 laps but remains just fourth in points, trailing Kyle Larson of …

Ryan Truex goes back-to-back at Dover Motor Speedway for 2nd career NASCAR victory
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Ryan Truex goes back-to-back at Dover Motor Speedway for 2nd career NASCAR victory

Associated Press  

— It was another Truex family reunion in victory lane at Dover. Ryan Truex won the Xfinity Series race Saturday at Dover Motor Speedway for the second straight year, giving the younger brother of Martin Truex Jr. the only NASCAR victories of his career. Two days later, Martin Truex Jr. won the Cup Series race at Dover — with their …

AUTO RACING: Byron first two-time winner in NASCAR. Sainz ends Verstappen’s nine-race F1 win streak
8 months, 3 weeks ago

AUTO RACING: Byron first two-time winner in NASCAR. Sainz ends Verstappen’s nine-race F1 win streak

Associated Press  

All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES Toyota Owners 400 Site: Richmond, Virginia. He led by nearly three seconds with 10 laps to go, then held off Christopher Bell by 0.692 seconds to win.. Bell’s Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Ty Gibbs, was third, his fifth top-10 finish in six races.. Byron’s victory was the fourth for Chevrolet in six races and …

Larson lurks, snatches Xfinity overtime win at COTA to spoil van Gisbergen’s impressive race
8 months, 4 weeks ago

Larson lurks, snatches Xfinity overtime win at COTA to spoil van Gisbergen’s impressive race

Associated Press  

AUSTIN, Texas — Kyle Larson passed Shane van Gisbergen and Austin Hill on the final lap in double overtime to win the Xfinity road course race Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas. Van Gisbergen looked to be in control and heading to his first career Xfinity win ahead of his season debut in the Cup series on Sunday. Van …

Denny Hamlin wins tire-management NASCAR race at Bristol, his 4th victory at the famed bullring
9 months ago

Denny Hamlin wins tire-management NASCAR race at Bristol, his 4th victory at the famed bullring

Associated Press  

Denny Hamlin won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday, passing Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Martin Truex Jr. in the final laps for his fourth victory at the famed short track. “We got another.” He was booed — no surprise considering Hamlin has become arguably the series’ biggest villain — as he stood atop his No. …

Kyle Larson wins at Las Vegas for third time in his NASCAR Cup career
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Kyle Larson wins at Las Vegas for third time in his NASCAR Cup career

LA Times  

Kyle Larson won his second consecutive race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday to keep Chevrolet undefeated and give Hendrick Motorsports its second victory in the first three NASCAR Cup Series races of the season. Larson won for the third time in his career at Las Vegas, where in 2021 he got his first win driving for Hendrick following …

Daniel Suarez edges Blaney, Busch in thrilling 3-wide finish to claim Cup Series win at Atlanta
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Daniel Suarez edges Blaney, Busch in thrilling 3-wide finish to claim Cup Series win at Atlanta

Associated Press  

HAMPTON, Ga. — Daniel Suarez hoped but wasn’t certain he was the winner after the closest finish ever at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Then came the photo evidence: Suarez edged Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch in a three-wide blur at the line to win a crashed-filled NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday. The second career win in 253 Cup races for …

Kyle Larson hoping to get the jump on weather and rivals in the Daytona 500
10 months ago

Kyle Larson hoping to get the jump on weather and rivals in the Daytona 500

LA Times  

Kyle Larson hopes to break his 0-10 streak at the Daytona 500. “The Indy 500 is the biggest race in the world and you want to compete in the big ones,” Larson said. “I’ve always wanted to do the double because it’s a cool thing to try and accomplish, to finish both races in two different types of cars, two …

Ryan Blaney enters 2024 season the NASCAR champion. Up next, a shot at winning the Daytona 500
10 months, 1 week ago

Ryan Blaney enters 2024 season the NASCAR champion. Up next, a shot at winning the Daytona 500

Associated Press  

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Ryan Blaney hugged and kissed his now-fiancee moments before he slid into his Ford for a NASCAR playoff race last October at Martinsville Speedway. “I can’t have the full wording on the shirts, but we’ll bleep out some letters.” Coming soon on a Blaney T-shirt to a NASCAR retail shop near you, #RFB. He called and …

Ross Chastain savors dominant run, wins NASCAR season finale despite not racing for championship
1 year, 1 month ago

Ross Chastain savors dominant run, wins NASCAR season finale despite not racing for championship

Associated Press  

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Ross Chastain stole some of Ryan Blaney’s thunder from NASCAR’s championship weekend. Chastain didn’t give an inch throughout the race, frustrating Blaney, who won his first career NASCAR championship but couldn’t get past the No. That’s simply what it was.” Chastain — an eighth-generation watermelon farmer from Florida — is probably best known for a breathtaking move …

Ryan Blaney earns 1st career NASCAR championship and gives Roger Penske back-to-back Cup titles
1 year, 1 month ago

Ryan Blaney earns 1st career NASCAR championship and gives Roger Penske back-to-back Cup titles

Associated Press  

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Ryan Blaney only had to beat Kyle Larson and William Byron to win his first NASCAR championship. “You can say his frustration level gets above the boiling point, I’d have to say,” said team owner Roger Penske, who won back-to-back Cup titles with Blaney’s effort. He worked really hard.” Blaney became the first Ohio-born driver to win …

Ryan Blaney wins at Phoenix to capture NASCAR Cup championship
1 year, 1 month ago

Ryan Blaney wins at Phoenix to capture NASCAR Cup championship

LA Times  

Ryan Blaney celebrates after winning at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday to take the NASCAR Cup title. Ryan Blaney raced to his first career NASCAR championship on Sunday by banging his way past contender Kyle Larson in the closing laps at Phoenix Raceway to give Team Penske back-to-back Cup titles. “It was definitely on my mind to give him consecutive titles, …

Ryan Blaney wins 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship: What’s the significance of his maiden title?
1 year, 1 month ago

Ryan Blaney wins 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship: What’s the significance of his maiden title?

New York Times  

Ryan Blaney bested three other title finalists to win the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship Sunday at Phoenix Raceway. GO DEEPER 'Unbelievable': Ryan Blaney's NASCAR Cup Series title, in the eyes of his fans Bell’s bid for his first series crown ended when a broken brake rotor caused him to crash into the outside wall on Lap 108. To be …

NASCAR Cup Series Championship: Our experts predict a winner, pick their favorite moments of the season and more
1 year, 1 month ago

NASCAR Cup Series Championship: Our experts predict a winner, pick their favorite moments of the season and more

New York Times  

The NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race is this weekend at Phoenix Raceway. Jeff: Though NASCAR’s playoff format is complicated for newbies, the championship race is pretty simple: Whichever one of the four eligible drivers finishes ahead of the others is the champion. Jordan: Jeff’s detailed synopsis is excellent, so here is the Cliff Notes version: whomever is the highest finisher …

Who has the best odds to celebrate a NASCAR championship? Ryan Blaney’s sister
1 year, 1 month ago

Who has the best odds to celebrate a NASCAR championship? Ryan Blaney’s sister

Associated Press  

AVONDALE, Ariz. — The oddsmakers named Kyle Larson the favorite to win the NASCAR championship, but half the field believe the person with the best chance to celebrate Sunday will be a spectator at Phoenix Raceway. “I told Erin, ‘You’ve have the best percentage to be happy after the race, a 50% shot to be happy,” Blaney said Thursday at …

Longtime dirt rivals Larson and Bell at last go head-to-head for NASCAR championship
1 year, 1 month ago

Longtime dirt rivals Larson and Bell at last go head-to-head for NASCAR championship

Associated Press  

AVONDALE, Ariz. — The rivalry hardly reaches the heights of Petty versus Pearson or Earnhardt against Gordon as one of NASCAR’s great competitions. Larson beat Bell at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to claim the first of four spots in Sunday’s title-deciding season finale, then Bell won the next week at Homestead-Miami Speedway to take the second slot. Their rivalry is …

Top 5, Martinsville: William Byron, Ryan Blaney bust through to Championship 4
1 year, 1 month ago

Top 5, Martinsville: William Byron, Ryan Blaney bust through to Championship 4

New York Times  

MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Five thoughts after Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series elimination playoff race at Martinsville Speedway … 1. “We’ve been able to have a really, really good nine weeks so far in the playoffs.” Heat took a toll on William Byron during Sunday’s race. “I’ve never been so bad in the race car,” said Byron, who still managed to advance …

Blaney wins Martinsville and will race for 1st Cup title in NASCAR’s championship
1 year, 1 month ago

Blaney wins Martinsville and will race for 1st Cup title in NASCAR’s championship

Associated Press  

Ryan Blaney was in tears back in May when the crowd chanted “Blaney! His third win of the season — equaling his career best — put him in the final four next week at Phoenix Raceway, where he will race Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell and William Byron for the Cup championship. Blaney and Byron will race Christopher Bell and Kyle …

NASCAR playoffs: Who’ll get the last two Championship 4 spots at Martinsville?
1 year, 1 month ago

NASCAR playoffs: Who’ll get the last two Championship 4 spots at Martinsville?

New York Times  

If we had divided the driver field into tiers when Cup Series playoffs began, the consensus would’ve been that Martin Truex Jr., William Byron, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson deserved a place at the top. Larson guaranteed himself a spot in Championship 4 by winning the Round 3 opener at Las Vegas, while Byron’s high-level consistency has him on the …

Top 5, Homestead: NASCAR playoffs get shaken up, track proves its worth again
1 year, 2 months ago

Top 5, Homestead: NASCAR playoffs get shaken up, track proves its worth again

New York Times  

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Five thoughts after Sunday’s Round 3 NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Homestead-Miami Speedway … 1. “You know if you have one bad race, especially in the Round of 8, you’re cooked,” Hamlin said. “There’s just so many variables involved in racing — in the mechanics of your car alone, let alone the other 38 cars out …

Christopher Bell punches ticket to NASCAR championship race; wins rollercoaster race at Homestead
1 year, 2 months ago

Christopher Bell punches ticket to NASCAR championship race; wins rollercoaster race at Homestead

Associated Press  

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Christopher Bell wasn’t thinking of winning the race. Bell took the lead with 15 laps to go and held off Ryan Blaney for a win that locked him into next month’s NASCAR Championship finale. Kyle Larson, last year’s Homestead winner, was out of the race at Lap 214 after he slammed into the pit road barriers trying …

Top 5, Charlotte Roval: Elite Eight strength, Truex limps through, championship picture
1 year, 2 months ago

Top 5, Charlotte Roval: Elite Eight strength, Truex limps through, championship picture

New York Times  

Five thoughts after Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway “Roval” … 1. Seemingly out of nowhere, NASCAR came up with a new format in 2014 that would see eliminations and a winner-take-all race — significantly increasing the likelihood that the season’s best overall driver might not win the series championship. Oddities and Ends We’ve never …

Discover Related