Race Weekend Central

Did You Notice?: Making The NASCAR Playoffs Is Easy? No, Really

#4: Kevin Harvick, Stewart Haas Racing, Ford Fusion Jimmy John's And #19: Daniel Suarez, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota Camry Arris Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Did You Notice? … Only 31 drivers have started every Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race this year? That means it’s easier to qualify for the NASCAR postseason right now than almost any stick-and-ball sport. Let’s explain. To make the playoffs, a driver must start every regular season race unless they’re given a medical waiver. Slots …

Read more

Did You Notice?: NASCAR Halfway Through Regular Season

Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: John K Harrelson / NKP)

Did You Notice? … NASCAR is halfway through the 26-race regular season? Year one post-Dale Earnhardt Jr. has come with an expected ratings and attendance decline. But as the sport attempts to move forward, perhaps its biggest 2018 storyline is stagnancy at the top. Three of last year’s Championship 4: Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and reigning champion …

Read more

Did You Notice?: NASCAR Owners Consolidating Power As Kevin Harvick Chases History

#4: Kevin Harvick, Stewart Haas Racing, Ford Fusion Jimmy John's Celebrates His Win Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Did You Notice? … Kevin Harvick is on pace for NASCAR history? Harvick has won five of the first 12 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races this season along with the All-Star Race. That puts him on pace to earn 15 victories in 36 races, shattering the modern era record of 13. (That’s held by both …

Read more

Did You Notice?: A Battle For NASCAR Control

Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series Daytona 500 Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fl Usa Sunday 11 February 2018 Kyle Larson, Chip Ganassi Racing, Credit One Bank Chevrolet Camaro World Copyright: Nigel Kinrade Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade/NKP)

Did You Notice? … NASCAR and its teams are facing a showdown over pre- and post-race inspection? There’s been a continual back-and-forth this season between inspectors and teams; time and again, we’ve seen cars forced to start at the rear of the field after failing to get cleared in time for qualifying. There’s also been issues …

Read more

Did You Notice?: Breaking Down A NASCAR Sale That Won’t Come Cheap

#24: William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet Camaro Liberty University Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Did You Notice? … The magnitude of a potential NASCAR sale? A confirmed report that the France family is exploring a deal for the company is sending shockwaves through the racing industry – and through sports. Unlike the franchise models of the NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB, NASCAR has been family-owned since its inception in 1948. …

Read more

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 …

Read more

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 …

Read more

Did You Notice?: Ford’s Mustang Must Avoid Chevy’s Camaro NASCAR Mistakes

2018 Auto Club Cole Custer, Stewart Haas Racing, Ford Mustang Haas Automation

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Did You Notice? … Ford’s decision to race its Mustang model in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series next season? The decision came four months earlier than Chevrolet’s choice last season to move to its Camaro. The lengthy lead time gives Ford teams a window for development and testing. It’s a long-term plan the manufacturer hopes …

Read more

Did You Notice?: A Monster Move For NASCAR Sponsorship

2018 Daytona Cup Zach Catanzareti Kurt Busch Monster Energy

(Photo: Zach Catanzareti)

Did You Notice? … Monster Energy could be the last title sponsor in NASCAR Cup Series history? Tuesday’s one-year extension, through 2019 was huge for a sport that has been hemorrhaging corporate sponsorship at the team level. Adding Monster for one more year after months of indecision finally gives them some financial news to boast about. …

Read more

Did You Notice?: NASCAR’s Blowout Problem

2018 Cup Auto Club Martin Truex Jr., Furniture Row Racing, Toyota Camry Bass Pro Shops/5 Hour Energy Celebrates His Win With A Burnout

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Did You Notice? … NASCAR winners aren’t just squeaking into Victory Lane — they’re rolling over their competition. Three of five races in the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season have been won by 2.5 seconds or more. Martin Truex Jr. coasted to the win at Auto Club Speedway by nearly 12 seconds Sunday; only 10 …

Read more

Did You Notice?: NASCAR’s ‘Lowes’-t Point

Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series Daytona 500 Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fl Usa Sunday 11 February 2018 Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports, Napa Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro And Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports, Lowe's For Pros Chevrolet Camaro World Copyright: Nigel Kinrade Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade/NKP)

Did You Notice? … One of NASCAR’s biggest sponsors over the last two decades is choosing to abandon a seven-time Cup Series champion? Lowe’s is leaving Jimmie Johnson after the 2018 season, making it the sport’s most recognizable driver/sponsor pairing headed toward divorce. For Lowe’s, the decision ends over 17 years of sponsorship of Johnson and the …

Read more