Race Weekend Central

Happiness Is…Good Stuff

2016 Las Vegas Cup Michael Mcdowell Pack Racing Matthew T Thacker Nkp

(Photo: Matthew T. Thacker/NKP)

It seems that much of all the hype, concern, debate, resentment, vitriol and whatnot surrounding the implementation of stages is all for naught.  The Cup race this past weekend at Atlanta played out as almost any other race at a 1.5-mile track.  The question that should have been raised is why, when the caution flag flew …

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Happiness Is… New Stuff

2017 Daytona Xfinity Zach Catanzareti Daytona International Speedway

(Photo: Zach Catanzareti)

The total estimated loss from destroyed equipment from the three NASCAR races this past weekend at Daytona is roughly between millions and half the national deficit.  Or something like that.  While the races may have been entertaining from an absurdist view, owing to all the wrecks, the concept of flow was ruined in all three …

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Happiness Is… Getting Back to Green

Da1q7614

No need to get into anything heady with yet another critique or defense of NASCAR and all of its wonders and ills.  Let’s just get things going. Happiness Is…Newness. Back in 1971, R.J. Reynolds took over the naming rights for NASCAR’s top division of racing, bringing about what became known as the Winston Cup Series. …

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2016 NASCAR Rewind: Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch Bow Indianapolis Cup 2016 Yvonne Leonard

(Photo: Yvonne Leonard)

When Kyle Busch exited his car after finishing sixth in the finale at Homestead, he came across as a bitter, disappointed driver.  With Jimmie Johnson taking the race, and the championship title that Busch had, held, there was little solace to be found for Busch. Perhaps no driver overtly exemplifies the mantra of “if you …

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Slipstream Saturday: The Battle for the Title in Abu Dhabi, Farewells & More

Nico Rosberg And Lewis Hamilton

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton ahead of the 2016 finale at Abu Dhabi (credit: Getty Images)

This Sunday marks the end of the 2016 Formula 1 season.  Mercedes earned the manufacturer’s championship, the one that matters with regard to handing out the prize money, long ago and never looked to be pressured for the title.  The driver’s championship, however, is a little more tight, though something to be determined between the …

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Happiness Is…Homestead, Drama & Offseason

Jimmie Johnson Sunlight Burnout Martinsville Cup 2016 Mike Neff

(Photo: Mike Neff)

That’s a wrap.  The 2016 NASCAR season is now one for the history books, with Jimmie Johnson now level with other seven-time champions.  Though many are apt and willing to argue with Johnson’s place in history, questioning the format under which he won each title, his name will still be inked as the one in …

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Happiness Is…Smoke, Championships & Optimism

Nascar Sprint Cup Series Ford Ecoboost 400

(Photo: NASCAR via Getty Images)

This weekend is the culmination of the long NASCAR season.  For the Cup regulars, that means 36 points-paying events in addition to two other races that are just for the joy of the sport.  For the Trucks and XFINITY characters, the season may not feature as many laps or weekends at work but that doesn’t …

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Happiness Is… Smarts, Desperation & So Close

2016 Phoenix I Nscs Kevin Harvick Carl Edwards Finish Nascar Via Getty Images

(Photo: NASCAR via Getty Images)

The weather forecast for the upcoming weekend at Phoenix International Raceway looks excellent, sunny and no chance of rain.  That should come as a relief to NASCAR execs and fans who slogged their way through the six hours of delay for the Cup race at Texas.  That rain also shortened the race brought about what …

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Happiness Is…Addition, Jeff Gordon & Texas

2016 Texas I Cup Pack Racing Matthew T Thacker Nkp

(Photo: Matthew T. Thacker/NKP)

One of the stories surrounding NASCAR that continues to get attention is the one involving the title sponsor.  For months now, the organization has let it be known that it was in negotiations and that it would unveil a sponsor when the timing is right.  Apparently this message includes the caveat that those in charge of making …

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