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eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series: Richmond superlatives
By Steve Luvender | Published: April 20, 2020 12
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Sure, there's nothing but bragging rights on the line in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series, but that doesn't mean NASCAR.com’s Steve Luvender can't hand out some awards anyway. Here's who stood out in Sunday’s Toyota Owners 150 presented by Toyota from virtual Richmond Raceway.
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Race Winner: William Byron
Two in a row! Sim-racing savant William Byron busted out back-to-back burnouts, grabbing the victory at Richmond Raceway after a dominant performance two weeks ago at Bristol Motor Speedway. Byron is the first multi-time winner in the series.
Two in a row! Sim-racing savant William Byron busted out back-to-back burnouts, grabbing the victory at Richmond Raceway after a dominant performance two weeks ago at Bristol Motor Speedway. Byron is the first multi-time winner in the series.
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Biggest Mover: Kyle Busch
Always improving, Kyle Busch started 27th and drove his way up to a top-five finish, just ahead of Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Denny Hamlin and Erik Jones.
Always improving, Kyle Busch started 27th and drove his way up to a top-five finish, just ahead of Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Denny Hamlin and Erik Jones.
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Tough Break Award: Austin Dillon
On the other end of the spectrum, Austin Dillon’s seventh-place qualifying effort turned into a 28th-place finish. The No. 3 car ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time in a multi-car crash in the first half of the race.
On the other end of the spectrum, Austin Dillon’s seventh-place qualifying effort turned into a 28th-place finish. The No. 3 car ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time in a multi-car crash in the first half of the race.
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Fastest Lap: Parker Kligerman
Parker Kligerman looked stout all afternoon, finishing third after mixing it up with some heavy hitters in the series. His lap time of 21.842 on Lap 109 was the single fastest circuit recorded.
Parker Kligerman looked stout all afternoon, finishing third after mixing it up with some heavy hitters in the series. His lap time of 21.842 on Lap 109 was the single fastest circuit recorded.
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Most Laps Led: William Byron
For the second race in a row, it was William Byron leading the most laps on his way to Victory Lane. Byron led 94 of the race’s 154 laps at the point.
For the second race in a row, it was William Byron leading the most laps on his way to Victory Lane. Byron led 94 of the race’s 154 laps at the point.
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Best Save: Parker Kligerman
For the second race in a row, Parker Kligerman receives the designation of best save. Racing Timmy Hill in the closing laps, Kligerman threw a block on Hill, who knocked the No. 77 sideways. The two continued on, though. Hill finished second, and Kligerman nabbed third.
For the second race in a row, Parker Kligerman receives the designation of best save. Racing Timmy Hill in the closing laps, Kligerman threw a block on Hill, who knocked the No. 77 sideways. The two continued on, though. Hill finished second, and Kligerman nabbed third.
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Best Paint Scheme: Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick’s sharp new Cat Rental Store looked awfully sharp. And, yes, there was the tiniest bit of disappointment to learn the sponsor is a website for renting construction equipment, not adorable kitties. Kind of opposites on the spectrum.
Tyler Reddick’s sharp new Cat Rental Store looked awfully sharp. And, yes, there was the tiniest bit of disappointment to learn the sponsor is a website for renting construction equipment, not adorable kitties. Kind of opposites on the spectrum.
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Best Paint Scheme (honorable mention): Bubba Wallace
OK, picking one favorite turned out to be too difficult since Bubba Wallace’s retro-inspired Sunoco ride was awesome.
OK, picking one favorite turned out to be too difficult since Bubba Wallace’s retro-inspired Sunoco ride was awesome.
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Pinball Award: Kevin Harvick
Short-track racing provided more than a few crumpled fenders, as evidenced by three different drivers racking up 16 incident points at Richmond — Ross Chastain, Ryan Blaney and Kevin Harvick. Since he managed to score those 16 incident points in 55 fewer laps than the leaders, iRacing newbie Harvick is being formally graced with this week’s Pinball Award. Rules are rules.
Short-track racing provided more than a few crumpled fenders, as evidenced by three different drivers racking up 16 incident points at Richmond — Ross Chastain, Ryan Blaney and Kevin Harvick. Since he managed to score those 16 incident points in 55 fewer laps than the leaders, iRacing newbie Harvick is being formally graced with this week’s Pinball Award. Rules are rules.
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Most Improved: Brad Keselowski
A new rig paid dividends for Brad Keselowski, who ran in the top five for much of the race. Even though he came home in 10th position, it was the first time some noise came out of the No. 2 car.
A new rig paid dividends for Brad Keselowski, who ran in the top five for much of the race. Even though he came home in 10th position, it was the first time some noise came out of the No. 2 car.
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Best In-Race Tweet: Matt DiBenedetto
Matt DiBenedetto, parked for taking out Ryan Preece in an act of revenge, sent a fiery tweet rebuking Preece’s on-track moves — sent by the guy racing in a giraffe onesie. So intimidating!
More Twitter reactions from Richmond here.
Matt DiBenedetto, parked for taking out Ryan Preece in an act of revenge, sent a fiery tweet rebuking Preece’s on-track moves — sent by the guy racing in a giraffe onesie. So intimidating!
More Twitter reactions from Richmond here.