Race Weekend Central

Did You Notice? … Distinguishing NASCAR Dreams From Reality

2014 Texas Ii Cup Ricky Stenhouse Jr Face Cia

(Credit: CIA Stock Photography)

Did You Notice? … The audience increased for this year’s version of the Chase? Homestead ratings, released Tuesday wrapped up the latest ten-race version of NASCAR’s playoff, a 3.1 Nielsen number flat year-to-year but still good enough to keep the audience rising. Yes, executives around the sport are trumpeting how much this postseason boosted interest. …

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Who’s Hot and Who’s Not in NASCAR: Martinsville – Texas Edition

2014 Chicago Cup David Ragan Cia

(Credit: CIA Stock Photography)

The Eliminator Round is underway and already multiple drivers are in trouble. The tight confines of Martinsville Speedway proved challenging for some as new rivalries were ignited and older ones brought back to life. Yet, some championship hopefuls escaped with little more than a scratch and one driver – unfulfilled by last week’s restrictor plate …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud: Goody’s Headache Relief Shot 500

2014 Martinsville Ii Cup Dale Earnhardt Jr Burnout Cia

Credit: CIA Stock Photography

Key Moment – During the caution flag that flew for the third incident between Kasey Kahne and Brian Vickers on lap 278, Steve Letarte realized that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was going to restart in the fourth position, which would have put him in the outside line. Letarte called Earnhardt in, put four tires on his …

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Who’s Hot and Who’s Not in NASCAR: Charlotte – Talladega Edition

2014 Michigan Ii Cup David Ragan Cia

(Credit: CIA Stock Photography)

With one race remaining in the Contender Round, some of 2014’s biggest names still aren’t contending. Two former champions left Charlotte Motor Speedway unfulfilled and another rides the wrong side of the bubble. Next, a return trip to Talladega Superspeedway does nothing to clear up a complicated Chase picture. The six drivers inside the cutoff …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud – Charlotte Chase race 5 – Wrestlemania 31

2014 Charlotte Ii Cup Kevin Harvick Woohoo Credit Yvonne Leonard

Key Moment – On lap 328, Brian Vickers‘ No. 55 done blowed up. The cleanup from the oil laid down lasted until lap 332. Rodney Childers, crew chief for Kevin Harvick, decided to leave his driver on the track. Several other cars also stayed out, so the two-lap dash to the trophy was a battle among …

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Going By the Numbers: Was Sam Hornish, Jr. A No-Brainer Choice for Petty?

2014 Mid Ohio Nns Sam Hornish Jr Pole Cia

(Credit: CIA Stock Photography)

You gotta give it up for Silly Season; it’s never a dull moment. Well, maybe a little dull in this case, but certainly not uninteresting. Sam Hornish, Jr. has been confirmed as the driver of the No. 9 Ford for Richard Petty Motorsports starting in 2015. The Ohio native replaces Marcos Ambrose, who’s heading back …

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Truckin’ Thursdays: Carl Edwards Gives Back

2014 Michigan Ii Cup Carl Edwards Car Cia

(Credit: CIA Stock Photography)

Author’s Note: While the Truck Series sits idle for its final off weekend of the year, much of the series has been quiet this week, save for an announcement that Gray Gaulding’s Martinsville truck will be pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So instead of covering the Truck Series this week, I’m taking the opportunity …

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Did You Notice? … Hornish Hire Sign Of Shift In NASCAR’s Ford Hierarchy

2014 Road America Nns Sam Hornish Jr. Credit Nascar Via Getty Images

(Credit: Getty Images)

Did You Notice? … Sam Hornish, Jr.’s strategy worked? His choice to run a limited schedule, in top-notch Nationwide equipment as opposed to running full-time with a struggling team paid off this week. Hornish will be the replacement for Marcos Ambrose in 2015, driving the No. 9 Ford for a Richard Petty Motorsports program that …

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Frontstretch Foto Funnies: You Had WHAT for Breakfast?

2014 Dover Ii Cup Ryan Newman Face Cia

Credit: CIA Stock Photography

Welcome to the Frontstretch Foto Funnies! Ever see a photo that’s just begging for a caption? We see them all the time! Each week, we’ll pick a few, then let our staff give it their best shot. We’ll post the best ones for you! Want to get in on the fun?  Leave your best ideas …

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Sam Hornish, Jr. Among Rumored Replacements for Marcos Ambrose

2014 Mid Ohio Nns Sam Hornish Jr Pole Cia

(Credit: CIA Stock Photography)

Could Sam Hornish, Jr. be the next driver behind the wheel of the No. 9 at Richard Petty Motorsports? Recently, the Associated Press covered Hornish and his trip to Kentucky Speedway for the NASCAR Nationwide Series VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300. The 35-year-old three-time IndyCar series champion shared his thoughts on the season, his career, and the future …

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