Race Weekend Central

Crew Chiefs for Martin Truex Jr., Aric Almirola Fined After Bristol Lug Nut Infractions

2021 Cup Bristol Ii Aric Almirola Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

The crew chiefs of the No. 19 of Martin Truex Jr. and the No. 10 of Aric Almirola have each been fined $10,000 following lug nut infractions found during post-race inspection in the NASCAR Cup Series on Sept. 18, NASCAR announced Sept. 21. Both Mike Bugarewicz of the Stewart-Haas Racing team and James Small of …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2021 Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol

Kyle Larson Bristol 2021 NASCAR

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

What happened? Kyle Larson won the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol on Saturday night (Sept. 18) after a wildly chaotic final few laps, both for the win and the final playoff spot. Kevin Harvick, William Byron, Ryan Blaney and Alex Bowman rounded out the top-five finishers. A burnout for the books. ?@KyleLarsonRacin | …

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Bristol Elimination Race Sends 4 Playoff Drivers Packing

2021 Bristol Ii Cup Aric Almirola Crash Nkp

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Kyle Larson’s Saturday (Sept. 18) night consisted of burning his tires down on the frontstretch at Bristol Motor Speedway. For 11 of his fellow competitors, it was time to move on to the next round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. For Aric Almirola, Kurt Busch, Michael McDowell and Tyler Reddick, it was time to …

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Friday Faceoff: Candy Eggs, Easter Bunnies & NASCAR Racing?

Alex Bowman at 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Michigan race

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Kurt Busch and Alex Bowman are tied for the final playoff position above the cutoff heading to Bristol Motor Speedway. Who has the better odds of claiming the 12th slot? Luken Glover: Kurt Busch has a whopping six wins in Thunder Valley, including five top 10s in the last seven races at Bristol. In 10 starts …

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Holding A Pretty Wheel: NASCAR’s Storybook Scenario Wouldn’t Be a Happy Ending

2021 Loudon Cup Aric Almirola victory lane NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Saturday night’s (Sept. 18) race at Bristol Motor Speedway marks the final race in the first round of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, and four drivers will be ending their title bids when the checkers fall. Barring a true Hail Mary win, one of those drivers will be Michael McDowell, perhaps the underdog story …

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Did You Notice?: Have NASCAR Playoffs Changed Perception 17 Years In?

Alex Bowman pack racing at Phoenix

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Did You Notice?… The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs have flipped the script on two of its biggest teams? Stewart-Haas Racing has struggled through the worst year of its existence. SHR has just one win, a darkness-shortened New Hampshire Motor Speedway upset by Aric Almirola. Marquee driver Kevin Harvick sits winless a year after setting a …

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Up to Speed: The Hendrick Motorsports Playoff Battle Begins Early

Hendrick Motorsports battles for position at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (Photo: NKP)

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Earlier in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season, Hendrick Motorsports looked like the team to beat as all four of its drivers had won a race by Memorial Day.  Kyle Larson was particularly impressive, winning three races in a row plus the non-points All-Star race.  But William Byron, Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott all had their …

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5 Points to Ponder: Can NASCAR & Hollywood Mix in L.A.?

2021 Darlington Ii Pack Jared C Tilton Getty

(Photo: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

1. NASCAR Racing in L.A. Coliseum? A Hollywood affair? The NASCAR world was caught by surprise with Monday’s (Sept. 6) Labor Day bombshell in The Athletic about a potential 2022 exhibition race in Los Angeles. According to sources in the story, the Busch Clash would be moved from its traditional spot, Daytona International Speedway, to a short …

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NASCAR Nuggets: Cup Drivers Talk Playoffs, New Packages & New Teams

Kyle busch smiling at NASCAR Cup Michigan race, NKP

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Hours before the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 28, 20 drivers of the NASCAR Cup Series stopped by the media bullpen to answer a few questions. One by one, Cup drivers stopped by the gates and spoke about the past, present and future of their careers. There were plenty …

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4 Burning Questions: Who’ll Be Eliminated in Each Cup Playoff Round?

2021 regular season Cup champion Kyle Larson with trophy

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Who will be eliminated in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs’ Round of 16? Michael McDowell has been disappointing in the second half of the regular season. He had a strong start to the season in addition to his Daytona 500 win, but he’s 28th in total points in the past 10 races among all Cup …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2021 Verizon 200 at the Brickyard

AJ Allmendinger kisses the bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after his Verizon 200 win. (Photo: NKP)

(Photo: Nigel Kinrade Photography)

Verizon 200: What happened? AJ Allmendinger won the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard on Sunday (Aug. 15) after a chaotic conclusion to the first NASCAR Cup Series race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott and Matt DiBenedetto rounded out the top-five finishers.  "LET'S GOOOOOO!" @AJDinger and @KauligRacing are …

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