Race Weekend Central

Friday Faceoff: Who’s the Top NASCAR Rookie For 2017?

2016 Xfinity Iowa

(Photo: Russell LaBounty / NKP)

Carl Edwards pulled off a move that shocked the racing community, announcing he’ll step away from NASCAR competition full-time.  If Edwards has really hung ’em up for good, what is his legacy in the sport?  Is he a future Hall of Famer? Amy Henderson, Senior Editor: I think he goes down as one of the …

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Friday Faceoff: What’s on NASCAR’s Horizon?

Nascar Champions Portraits

(Photo: NASCAR via Getty Images)

NASCAR announced Monster Energy as the new entitlement sponsor in its premier series, replacing Sprint.  Will Monster be a good fit for the series moving forward? Mark Howell, Senior Writer: Based on Monster’s (pardon the pun) track record in motorsports, the affiliation with NASCAR’s premier series will be a successful one. Based on sight of …

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Friday Faceoff: Enough of a Sendoff for Smoke?

2016 Kentucky Cup Tony Stewart Helmet Russell Labounty Nkp

(Photo: Russell Labounty/NKP)

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is now a year into the caution clock rule.  Did it work as advertised, and should NASCAR consider it in the XFINITY and Cup series? Jeff Wolfe, Senior Writer: I’m not sure if it’s the best idea for the XFINITY or Cup series, but I have liked the way …

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Friday Faceoff: Does NASCAR Need a New Tire War?

2016 Phoenix I Cup Jimmie Johnson Chase Elliott Pack Racing Nigel Kinrade Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade/NKP)

The question of whether or not Chase races should be rain-shortened arose once again this week after rain cut the AAA Texas 500 41 laps short.  Is there anything NASCAR could have done differently to get the race in, or is the outcome acceptable as is? Jeff Wolfe, Senior Writer: I don’t think there is …

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Friday Faceoff: Are Jimmie Johnson’s Titles Equal to Earnhardt’s and Petty’s?

2016 Indianapolis Cup Jimmie Johnson Brett Moist Nkp

(Photo: Brett Moist/NKP)

After his win at Martinsville Speedway, Jimmie Johnson will have the chance at a record-tying seventh title, but if he wins, will fans view seven Chase-era titles as equal to those of Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty?  Should they? Amy Henderson, Senior Editor: I don’t think fans will view Jimmie Johnson’s titles on the same …

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Friday Faceoff: The Spirit of the Rules

2016 Kansas Ii Cup Matt Kenseth Kyle Busch Racing Russell Labounty Nkp

(Photo: Russell LaBounty / NKP)

The lingering storyline from Talladega turned out to be a trio of Joe Gibbs Racing teammates whose strategy was to run far off the pace all day, including at the finish. NASCAR says the three didn’t violate the spirit of the 100 percent rule. What say you? Amy Henderson, Senior Editor: Hanging back at the …

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Friday Faceoff: On the Right Track for 2017?

2016 Talladega I Cup Pack Racing Mathew T Thacker Nkp

(Photo: Matthew T. Thacker/NKP)

NASCAR released it 2017 Sprint Cup rules package late last week.  What are your initial thoughts on the changes, which include a smaller spoiler and different rear-end rules as well as safety and testing policies? Mark Howell, Senior Writer: The 2017 Cup rules will only make what’s going well get even better. The biometric data …

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Friday Faceoff: Does NASCAR Need a Shakeup at the Top?

2016 Kentucky Cup Ty Dillon Helmet Logan Whitton Nkp

(Photo: Logan Whitton/NKP)

Austin Wayne Self is the second driver to feature Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on his truck. Should NASCAR make a rule about drivers using sponsorless entries to support a political campaign? If so, would it violate freedom of speech? Amy Henderson, Senior Editor: It isn’t a First Amendment violation.  NASCAR isn’t a government entity, …

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Friday Faceoff: How Should NASCAR Reward the Regular Season?

2106 Sonoma Cup Tony Stewart Helmet Nigel Kinrade Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP)

NASCAR said Tuesday it is open to rewarding the driver who has the point lead after the 26-race regular season. How should that driver in each series be recognized, if at all? Amy Henderson, Senior Editor: My first reaction was that it’s about time NASCAR rewards the best driver for the majority of the season.  Unfortunately, my second was …

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Friday Faceoff: Will the Chase Picture Change at Dover?

2016 Loudon I Cup Pack Racing Russell Labounty Nkp

(Photo: Russell LaBounty / NKP)

After Martin Truex, Jr. and Matt Kenseth combined to dominate at New Hampshire, it was Kevin Harvick walking away with the victory.  Is there a chink in the Joe Gibbs Racing/Furniture Row Racing armor, and was Harvick’s performance a preview of how the Chase battle could go as well? Mark Howell, Senior Writer: I didn’t …

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Friday Faceoff: Will We See Any Chase Surprises?

2016 Chicago Nxs Brendan Gaughan Brett Moist Nkp

(Photo: Brett Moist/NKP)

Despite a difficult ending for some Chasers, Chicagoland Speedway still saw no playoff contender finish lower than 28th. Did take anything from that race which makes you concerned about any of the main title contenders? Amy Henderson, Senior Editor: No.  The only thing I saw that was a bit unexpected was Jimmie Johnson’s dominance for …

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Friday Faceoff: How Far Is Too Far?

2016 Kentucky Cup Tony Stewart Helmet Russell Labounty Nkp

(Photo: Russell Labounty/NKP)

After last weekend’s race at Richmond International Raceway, one thing on everyone’s mind was the on-track spat between Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman that continued in verbal sparring afterward.  Did either driver go too far with their actions or words? Clayton Caldwell, Contributor: I respect the passion from both drivers and I understand why Ryan Newman …

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