Race Weekend Central

The Underdog House: Bubba Wallace Leads the Way in Michigan

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog A doubleheader last weekend at Michigan International Speedway meant twice the opportunity for the underdog class to snag a solid finish. On Saturday, Bubba Wallace did that and then some, ending up with a ninth-place result. Running as high as third in the closing laps, Wallace briefly had visions of his first career …

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Friday Faceoff: Could Kyle Busch Actually Miss the Cup Playoffs?

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Now less than 100 points above the cutoff, is it possible that Kyle Busch misses the NASCAR Cup Series postseason? Mark Kristl: With six races remaining in the regular season, all victors will make the playoffs. Kyle Busch’s odds of missing the playoffs, therefore, decrease if someone below the playoff cut line wins. That then would …

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The Underdog House: Michael McDowell Lonely at the Top

2020 New Hampshire Cup Michael Mcdowell Pack Racing Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog Michael McDowell has been a frequent visitor to the top 20 this season, but he barely squeaked in this past Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. McDowell spent the majority of the race hovering around the 25th position. He finished 26th and 25th in the first two stages and was still in 25th …

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Friday Faceoff: When Should NASCAR Unveil the 2021 Schedule?

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

With the COVID-19 situation constantly evolving, when would it make sense for NASCAR to unveil the 2021 schedule? Mark Kristl: There isn’t a right time.  Nevertheless, NASCAR must announce it at some point, even though there are uncertainties.  If the schedule is set by the Southern 500, why not announce it that weekend to add …

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The Underdog House: Carry On, My Wayward Ty Dillon

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog Underdog teams face a lot of adversity and need to be resilient to overcome their long odds. Ty Dillon did just that, rebounding from his third DNF of 2020 last weekend at Texas to claim the top underdog spot in Thursday night’s race at the Kansas Speedway. Dillon was steady throughout the evening …

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The Underdog House: All-Star Rivals Bubba Wallace, Michael McDowell Make Texas Toast

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog After a forgettable All-Star Race evening at Bristol Motor Speedway, Bubba Wallace was probably as ready as anyone to get to Texas for this weekend’s event. He certainly channeled his energy appropriately, as the No. 43 Chevrolet captured the 14th finishing position. The Texas sun was scorching, but it wasn’t the only thing …

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Selling Out: When Money Doesn’t Replace Skill, Experience

Nascar Cup Series

#00: Quin Houff, StarCom Racing, Chevrolet Camaro Jacob Construction

On Sunday, Quin Houff made an abrupt move that impacted the outcome of a NASCAR Cup Series race for several drivers. It’s time for NASCAR to make an abrupt move to ensure that someone like him can’t do it again. With any sport, the expectation is that those who compete in its highest level are …

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The Underdog House: Ty Dillon Top Dog in Kentucky

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog Ty Dillon was back at the head of the class this week at Kentucky Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series. The driver of the No. 13 Germain Racing Chevrolet earned a 16th-place finish. The third-generation driver moved up steadily, finishing the first stage in 23rd and the second in 18th. Dillon battled a …

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The Underdog House: Front Row Keeps Climbing the Mountain

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog Two races in two days at Pocono Raceway turned into a double feature showcasing plenty of what we have already seen in 2020, starring each of the Front Row Motorsports teammates. On Saturday, Michael McDowell held the lead role in the show. McDowell led a lap during a sequence of green flag pit …

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The Underdog House ⁠— Talladega Monday: The Ballad of John Hunter Nemechek

Nascar Cup Series

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog John Hunter Nemechek was not only the top underdog contender in Monday’s (June 22) rain delayed GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, he also very nearly walked away with the victory. Even being swept up in a crash as the field thundered towards the finish line didn’t stop him from crossing the stripe in …

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The Underdog House: Return of the Mack — McDowell, That Is

2019 Talladega Mencs Michael Mcdowell Face Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Top Dog Another NASCAR Cup Series race is in the books, and another Front Row Motorsports driver is the top-finishing underdog. This time, Homestead-Miami Speedway was the place and Michael McDowell was the face. In Sunday’s Dixie Vodka 400, McDowell rebounded after a slow start to finish 15th, the final car on the lead lap. …

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The Underdog House: Waiter, There’s a Nemechek in My Top 15 Again

2020bristolncsmichaelmcdowellcarnascarmedia

(Photo: NASCAR Media/Getty Images)

Top Dog I might have to change the name of this column to The Nemechek House if rookie John Hunter Nemechek keeps up his current streak. Since racing resumed, the Front Row Motorsports driver has been the best in class four times in a five-race span. But perhaps this shouldn’t come as that much of …

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