Xfinity elimination race raises the playoff stakes at Charlotte Roval

Posted on October 8, 2020October 8, 2020 by Holly Cain

With one race remaining to determine who advances to the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs at a relatively new and particularly challenging venue – the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval – Saturday afternoon’s Drive for the Cure 250 presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (3:30 p.m. ET on NBC/NBC Sports App, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) has all the makings of a high-drama, high-stakes event.

Eight of the current 12 playoff drivers will advance to the next three-race round that sets the final four-driver 2020 championship field. Only 20 points currently separate sixth-place Ryan Sieg from Ross Chastain, who goes to Charlotte in the final eighth-place transfer position.

Chastain holds a mere seven-point lead on ninth-place Harrison Burton and a 19-point edge on 10th-place Brandon Brown.

MRN: Harrison Burton on the outside looking in

Veteran AJ Allmendinger, a part-time Kaulig Racing teammate of Chastain’s, is the defending Charlotte Roval race winner and is entered this weekend. The Xfinity Series championship leaders – regular-season champ Austin Cindric (Road America and Daytona International Speedway Road Course) and series winningest driver Chase Briscoe (Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s road course) – have won all the road-course races to date in 2020.

Briscoe, who won the playoff opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and Justin Haley, who won at Talladega Superspeedway last weekend, have earned the automatic bids into the next round. Cindric is ranked highest among those without a playoff win.

Chastain, who recently announced he will pilot the famed No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet next year in the NASCAR Cup Series, holds a tenuous advantage over Burton. None of the four drivers currently below the eighth-place cutoff line have ever won an Xfinity Series road-course race.

Seventh-place Justin Allgaier – who holds a 12-point edge on Chastain and a 19-point edge on ninth-place Burton – has three road-course wins, which comes second only to Cindric’s four among full-time Xfinity Series drivers. Allgaier has scored top 10s in two of the three previous road-course races this season. He has finished 15th (2018) and fourth (2019) at the Roval but yet to lead a lap there.

Among the four drivers at the bottom of the playoff standings, Michael Annett has the best average finish (11.3) on the three road courses this season. He was ninth at Indianapolis and 10th at Road America. But the nine-year series veteran finds himself ranked last (12th) among the playoff contenders heading to the Roval after his runner-up finish at Talladega last week was disqualified due to a violation in post-race inspection. That cost the driver of the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet dearly in the standings and now instead of being in ninth place, a mere three points behind Chastain, he’s 38 points out of the transfer spot. He will need to win Saturday.

“To have a runner-up finish taken away in post-race inspection this close to the cutoff race was a tough blow,” Annett said. “We were in the playoffs at that point too. That leaves us a lot of work to do this weekend at the Roval. (Crew chief) Travis Mack and the No. 1 team have given me fast Pilot J Chevrolets all year long and the key to finishing well in these road course events is to stay on the track.

“We’ll do that and do everything we can to win the race and keep going in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs.”

Posted on October 8, 2020October 8, 2020 by Official NASCAR Release

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR will host the 13th annual NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards today in celebration of the sport’s diversity and inclusion trailblazers. A special virtual ceremony will honor industry members whose pioneering efforts are making a difference both on and off the racetrack.

NASCAR executives, drivers, pit crew members, partners and other industry leaders will gather virtually to recognize the contributions of 10 deserving awardees who are setting an example by advocating for diversity and inclusion across the NASCAR industry.

“As we continue in our mission to enhance diversity across this great sport, we are inspired by the stories and efforts of so many leaders within the industry who are setting positive examples and driving meaningful change,” said NASCAR President Steve Phelps. “We are proud to recognize these 10 individuals and organizations whose hard work and accomplishments are having a profound impact and contributing to a more diverse and inclusive NASCAR.”

The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards are traditionally held in the spring and recognize winners for their efforts and contributions the previous year. The 2020 event, postponed due to the impact of COVID-19, will mark the first live-stream of the awards.

The 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Award recipients are as follows:

Diverse Driver Award: Hailie Deegan, DGR-Crosley — Deegan became the first female to win a race in the former NASCAR West Series and the first female to earn Rookie of the Year (2018). Her third-place finish among 2019 championship standings was the highest for a female driver in series history. In the ARCA Menards Series this season, Deegan has already matched the highest finish in a race by a female (second, twice) and currently leads the series’ Bounty Rookie of the Year standings. Off the track, Deegan is constantly engaging with fans on social media to grow her following and overall brand.

Young Racer Award: Isabella Robusto, Rev Racing — Robusto is in her fourth season with Rev Racing and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program. She competed as a youth driver in the Legends division during her first three seasons with the team. Robusto currently competes full-time in a Late Model Stock car. She uses her voice and position to support The NASCAR Foundation, most recently by participating in the #GivingTuesdayNow campaign to bring awareness for efforts to help children dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Crew Member Award: Brehanna Daniels, Independent Contractor — Daniels made history in 2019 when she became the first female African-American graduate of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program to pit in the DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Daniels currently works with aspiring pit crew members as a mentor and coach helping them to pursue their career dreams. Daniels has been featured on national morning shows and The Titan Games on NBC.

Outstanding Intern Award: Monon Rahman, Rick Ware Racing — Rahman was a member of the 2019 NASCAR Diversity Internship Program class working at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, N.C. Upon completing his internship, he was hired as lead engineer at Rick Ware Racing working on the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and IMSA teams. Monon graduated from the University of Kentucky at age 19 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Partner Award: The Coca-Cola Company — In 2019, Coca-Cola brought together a collective of industry partners to establish Daniel’s Amigos, a fan-facing initiative to welcome new fans into NASCAR by connecting around shared cultural passion points of sports, racing, music, family, food and togetherness. This initiative strives to create deep and meaningful at-track experiences to increase the sport’s connection and interest within the Hispanic community.

Industry Ambassador Award: Jennifer Satterfield-Siegel, Rev Racing — Satterfield-Siegel is the first African-American female team owner and sponsor in the NASCAR Touring Series. She and her husband, Max Siegel, co-own and manage Rev Racing. An Indianapolis native, Satterfield-Siegel has made a national impact with her involvement in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program.

Institution Award: Urban Chamber of Commerce, Las Vegas — The Urban Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas is being recognized for its efforts to help educate the local community about NASCAR and its diversity and inclusion initiatives. Urban Chamber members helped turn their memorable experience during a 2018 NASCAR Cup Series race — part of a NASCAR Opinion Leader Initiative activation at Las Vegas Motor Speedway — into a three-day outreach event surrounding the race weekend a year later.

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

National Series Driver Award: Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports — On the track, Johnson is known as a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, tying NASCAR Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. He has also spent his career pursuing excellence off the racetrack as a philanthropist, triathlete, businessman and father. More than a decade ago, Jimmie and his wife established the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, which has impacted diverse youth and communities through $12 million in support to various organizations.

Curtis Francois, owner and CEO of World Wide Technology Raceway.

Track Award: World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) — The raceway partnered on a youth outreach program with the Jackie Joyner Kersee Foundation (JJK), NASCAR Diversity & Inclusion and NASCAR Acceleration Nation. During the summer of 2019, WWT Raceway personnel visited JJK’s center along with NASCAR drivers, and have also assisted with an iRacing program at JJK. More than 11,000 children and their families were treated to a day at the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series race.

Team Award: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) — Richard Childress Racing is a team that engages drivers, manufacturers and sponsors to effectively reach fans on and off the track in support of NASCAR’s diversity and inclusion goals. Several pit crew members who have trained with the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Pit Crew Development Program now pit for RCR. Additionally, the team recently named its first woman vice president and currently has a total of four women serving in director-level or higher roles within the marketing and communications departments.

The NASCAR Cup Series’ Bank of America ROVAL 400 will be broadcast live from Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Posted on October 8, 2020October 8, 2020 by NASCAR Hall of Fame Release

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (October 8, 2020) — The NASCAR Hall of Fame announced Thursday that it will postpone the Induction Ceremony and Induction Week events for the Class of 2021. The decision was made in partnership with NASCAR after very thorough and thoughtful conversations regarding how best to plan and execute one of the sport’s most cherished moments while facing the ongoing uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Induction Ceremony, which was set to take place on Friday, February 5, 2021, is now anticipated for early 2022. The Class of 2021 consists of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Red Farmer, the late Mike Stefanik and Landmark Award recipient Ralph Seagraves.

“Without question, the safety of our inductees, our guests and our staff is the highest priority for us,” said Winston Kelley, NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director. “The ongoing public health crisis prohibits our ability to plan for and celebrate these honorees’ landmark achievements as originally scheduled to the fullest extent – with their families, friends and fans present – and in a manner that’s representative of their incredible accomplishments in NASCAR and their contributions to the sport.”

The celebration annually draws fans, members and visitors from across the country to a variety of special events throughout the week at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, leading up to the official Induction Dinner and Ceremony. In addition to class Inductees and the Landmark Award recipient, the Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence is also recognized during the week’s events.

It is anticipated that the new date for the Class of 2021 Induction Ceremony and Induction Week events will be announced sometime in summer 2021. In addition, events celebrating both the class of 2020 and 2021 are hopeful for later in 2021.

The Class of 2020 exhibit in the museum’s Hall of Honor will remain on display until the Class of 2021 is enshrined in 2022. The NASCAR Hall of Fame recently reopened its doors to the public with enhanced safety measures following six months of closure due to COVID-19 restrictions.

MORE: NASCAR Hall reopens with COVID protocols

To learn more about the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Class of 2021 and current exhibits visit nascarhall.com.

Posted on October 8, 2020October 8, 2020 by Team Release

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Team Penske announced today that the organization is extending its driver development program by signing Austin Cindric to a contract extension that will see the 22-year-old remain with the team through the foreseeable future, driving in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and NASCAR Cup Series (NCS).

Currently competing in the NXS Playoffs, Cindric will return to race full-time in the 2021 Xfinity Series while also earning the opportunity to drive in select Cup Series next season. In 2022, Cindric will race the full season in the Cup Series as he will transition to Wood Brothers Racing to drive the iconic No. 21 Ford Mustang. Team Penske and Wood Brothers Racing formed a technical alliance in 2015 and the teams have worked together on driver development opportunities in the past, most recently with current Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney.

“As we continue to position our team for future success, it is important to make sure Austin continues his development in the Xfinity Series with Team Penske,” said Roger Penske. “Austin has made great strides in recent years and he has become a consistent winner and a true championship contender this season. He will continue his natural progression and get some Cup Series experience in 2021. That will help him prepare for a full season in 2022 with the new NextGen car, racing the No. 21 Ford Mustang for Wood Brothers Racing.”

Racing the No. 22 Ford Mustang in the Xfinity Series, Cindric became just the second driver in series history to win five races in the span of six events earlier this season. Along with his series-best 17 top-five finishes and over 800 laps led, he captured the 2020 NXS Regular Season Championship and entered the playoffs tied for the top seed. He is currently positioned second in points following the second race of the NXS Playoffs last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.

“This is a big step forward in my career long-term, and I am humbled and motivated by the opportunity and the confidence that Team Penske, Ford Performance, the Wood Brothers, and all of our partners have expressed in my abilities and my development as a driver,” said Cindric. “Every race car driver wants to advance in his career, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than on a clear path with Team Penske that will eventually lead to a full-time opportunity in the NASCAR Cup Series. I’m really excited for this next chapter in my development to continue working towards competing and trying to win at the highest level. Another season of experience in the Xfinity Series will be beneficial and I’m looking forward to competing in some Cup Series races in 2021 to prepare for a full season in 2022.”

Over the course of his short stock car racing career, Cindric has earned seven NXS victories, along with wins in the NASCAR Truck Series, ARCA and the former NASCAR K&N Series. Cindric is one of the most diverse young racers in America, having also raced in a wide variety of series including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the Pirelli World Challenge Series, the Cooper Tires USF2000 Series and Red Bull Global Rallycross.

“Our Ford Performance family is one of the strongest in the sport, and to know now that we will have a driver like Austin in our camp in both Xfinity and Cup is a very exciting prospect,” said Ford Performance Global Director Mark Rushbrook. “He’s represented our brand so well this year by winning five races and being at the top of the standings, so we know he can get the job done. He’s also a great representative off the track and has helped us connect with an even younger fan base through some of our marketing initiatives. We are happy to see him remain with Team Penske and we are excited about his future with Ford Performance and the Wood Brothers.”

Posted on October 8, 2020October 8, 2020 by Staff Report

Matt DiBenedetto has inked a contract extension with Wood Brothers Racing, the organization announced Thursday in a release. And Team Penske announced that rising prospect Austin Cindric has signed a multiyear contract, keeping him in the NASCAR Xfinity Series next year before taking over the Wood Brothers No. 21 Ford full-time in 2022.

Those moves appear to iron out all variables in the driver lineup for Team Penske and its affiliated NASCAR teams for next season. Both drivers had indicated that their plans were in limbo in recent weeks, but now Cindric’s path to the Cup Series has come to light. He’ll race in what the team called “select” Cup Series events next season as he prepares for a Sunoco Rookie of the Year campaign in 2022, which dovetails with the projected debut of NASCAR’s Next Gen stock car.

In his first season driving the iconic No. 21 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series, DiBenedetto’s best finish was second place — achieved twice, both times at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Those results tie his career-best finish, which was set in 2019 in the Bristol Motor Speedway night race.

The 2021 season will serve as his seventh full-time year competing at NASCAR’s highest level. DiBenedetto completed one season driving for Leavine Family Racing in 2019, preceded by two seasons at Go Fas Racing and another two seasons for now-defunct BK Racing.

With Cindric’s planned arrival to the Cup Series ranks, DiBenedetto will be job-hunting for 2022. But the arrangement means he’ll have another full season to firm up his plans and further prove his worth for prospective employers.

“It’s such an honor to be able to continue to drive for Wood Brothers Racing and have another year to grow with this organization,” DiBenedetto said in a release provided by the team. “I am excited to learn from our 2020 notebook and I’m confident that with a full season under our belt and working together as a team, we will produce even better results. I also want to thank Ford Performance and Team Penske for their efforts in making this happen. These types of decisions take a lot of time, as we all know there are a lot of factors in play. All three groups want to make the best decisions for everyone involved and I’m appreciative to have the opportunity to continue to compete for such a legendary race team.”

DiBenedetto qualified for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs on the basis of points, earning two top fives and seven top 10s in the regular season. He was eliminated from title contention after the opening Round of 16.

The Wood Brothers have earned 99 Cup Series race victories. The 29-year-old is trying to become the 19th driver to win for the organization.

The 2020 season has been a breakout year for Cindric in the Xfinity Series, earning five victories — two races at Kentucky Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Road America and the Daytona International Speedway Road Course.

The 22-year-old driver has competed in two full-time seasons driving the No. 22 Team Penske Ford Mustang, while also spending the full 2018 season alternating between Penske and Roush Fenway Racing.

“This is a big step forward in my career long-term, and I am humbled and motivated by the opportunity and the confidence that Team Penske, Ford Performance, the Wood Brothers, and all of our partners have expressed in my abilities and my development as a driver,” Cindric said in a team release. “Every race car driver wants to advance in his career, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than on a clear path with Team Penske that will eventually lead to a full-time opportunity in the NASCAR Cup Series. I’m really excited for this next chapter in my development to continue working towards competing and trying to win at the highest level. Another season of experience in the Xfinity Series will be beneficial and I’m looking forward to competing in some Cup Series races in 2021 to prepare for a full season in 2022.”

Although Cindric does not yet have a Cup Series start under his belt, he did serve as a substitute driver for Michael McDowell in the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford during the opening practice session at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval last season.

Posted on October 7, 2020January 8, 2021 by Terrin Waack

It may be a risk, but it is a calculated risk.

NASCAR veteran Daniel Suarez will drive for a new Cup Series team in 2021, marking his fourth organization in the same number of years. Suarez was paired with Joe Gibbs Racing from 2017-18 before moving to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2019. This season, he’s Gaunt Brother Racing’s sole wheelman with five races remaining. And, on Wednesday, Trackhouse Racing Team revealed it’ll start a whole new crew next year with Suarez as its pilot.

“Maybe for people that already know me and maybe for people that see all this just from the very, very back, maybe they’re thinking, ‘What the heck is Daniel doing starting again with a brand new team?'” Suarez said on a Zoom teleconference. “But it’s a very good opportunity. I have done a lot in the last few years. I know what it takes to be successful, not just on the race track but as well as outside the race track. And one of the advantages Justin (Marks) has is that he’s still a race-car driver and now he’s a team owner, so he understands all sides of the coin extremely well.”

Marks is the founder and owner of Trackhouse Entertainment Group and therefore the brain behind its Trackhouse Racing Team. He picked Suarez to steer his No. 99 Chevrolet, starting with the Daytona 500 in February. Trackhouse leased a charter from Spire Motorsports to immediately get tires on the track in 2021 with full intentions of buying its own ASAP.

In addition to that deal, Trackhouse worked out an embedded operational alliance with Richard Childress Racing, meaning Trackhouse will work out of RCR’s property in Welcome, North Carolina, as an independent organization.

“As you know, it’s now a two-car operation,” Marks said. “But that’s been built out to be bigger than that. So they’ve got all these resources up there that are being underutilized. We’re coming in and basically just sharing some costs on that. Being plugged in to all their technology and their intellectual properties and their processes.

“It’s our team. It’s our people. It’s our effort.”

There are already sponsors on board, too. Marks doesn’t want to reveal anything yet since conversations are still ongoing. But he indicated there will be at least five “significant partners” in 2021.

The point is: Marks doesn’t seem worried about Trackhouse’s financial footing.

“I have a significant competition budget for 2021 that puts us in contention to be a playoff team,” Marks said. “That is a fact. If we get 80% of the way there with our sponsorship, the other 20% is there and it’s going to be utilized to put us in the most competitive position possible.”

Suarez isn’t in the current NASCAR Playoffs, which has its Round of 12 elimination race Sunday at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval (2:30 p.m. ET on NBC/NBC Sports App, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR radio). He actually sits 31st in the points standings. The No. 96 Toyota has led 20 laps this season but lacks any top-five or top-10 finishes.

For his career, though, Suarez has eight top-five and 32 top-10 showings. He has won the pole twice — once in 2018 and another in 2019. He placed a personal-best 17th in last year’s final rankings.

“You look to my career in the last few years, I haven’t had consistency, and I feel like consistency in racing is something super important,” Suarez said. “If you can’t have consistency, you cannot be successful. It was very important for me to know I’m going to have everything I need to be competitive and successful — not just next year but as well for what is after that.”

Posted on October 7, 2020October 7, 2020 by Staff Report

The National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer upheld NASCAR’s behavior penalty issued to Mike Wallace on Sept. 10. Roger Werner heard and considered Wallace’s final appeal on Wednesday, but ultimately decided the Xfinity Series driver violated the following sections in the NASCAR Rule Book: Sections 12.1.a General Procedures; 12.8.e NASCAR Member Conduct; and 12.8.1.e Member Conduct Guidelines.

Wallace’s original penalty included an indefinite suspension from NASCAR and sensitivity training at the direction of NASCAR. The decision of the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer is final and binding on all parties.

Wallace’s first appeal to the National Motorsports Appeal Panel was rejected on Sept. 23. Wallace then had the option to make the final appeal in accordance with Section 15 of the NASCAR Rule Book.

Wallace has driven the No. 0 Chevrolet for owner Johnny Davis in three NASCAR Xfinity Series events this season and has four wins in 497 Xfinity starts as part of his national series career.

Posted on October 7, 2020October 8, 2020 by Sean Montgomery

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Round of 12 elimination race on the road-course layout. With only two drivers already punching their ticket to the next round, eight drivers will compete for the remaining six spots Sunday at the Bank of America ROVAL 400 (2:30 p.m. ET on NBC/NBC Sports App, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

Before this weekend’s showdown, check out some important details.

TRACK DETAILS

Charlotte Motor Speedway’s road course, known as the Roval, was adopted by NASCAR in 2018. The 2.28-mile course features 17 turns with anywhere from two- to 24-degree banking in the corners and zero- to five-degree banking on the straights.

Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott are the winners of the two Cup Series races at the track.

STAGE LENGTHS

Stage 1 will end at Lap 25, Stage 2 at Lap 50 and the Final Stage at Lap 109.

STARTING LINEUP

Denny Hamlin earned the Busch Pole Award for the second consecutive race, following his win at Talladega Superspeedway. Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Kevin Harvick and Alex Bowman complete the top five.

The lineup was determined using NASCAR’s competition-based formula, which is a total number based on the previous event: 15% of a fastest lap time position, 25% of the driver’s final race finish position, 25% of the owner’s final race position and 35% of the owner points position.

RULES PACKAGE

The Cup Series will use the adjusted 2020 package for short tracks and road courses, featuring a reduced rear spoiler and front splitter with engines remaining optimized to produce a targeted 750 horsepower.

GOODYEAR TIRES

Teams will be provided with eight sets of Goodyear Eagle Road Course Radials for the race.

Despite running a section of the main Charlotte Motor Speedway oval, this week’s focus is set to zone in on maneuverability and tire pressure for right-hand turns.

“We treat the Roval as a road course from a tire construction perspective,” said Greg Stucker, Goodyear’s director of racing. “But the Roval is distinct from other, more traditional road courses that these teams run. Running the majority of the oval, inserting the two chicanes and then having the infield portion of the road course really provides its share of challenges. As on other road courses, the front tires will have higher pressure recommendations to handle the hard braking into the corners and acceleration off the corners. In deference to the oval, the right-front tire position will have the highest pressure recommendation to handle the loads on those sections.”

PLAYOFF STATS TO KNOW

— Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr. and Chase Elliott are tied for the most road wins among active drivers with four apiece. Elliott has won each of the last three Cup Series road-course races dating back to 2019.

— Heading into the Round of 12 elimination race, no driver has locked into the next round on points only. Denny Hamlin and Kurt Busch secured advancement with wins.

— Alex Bowman has the best average finish of all Cup Series drivers at the Charlotte Roval: 3.0. He and Clint Bowyer are the only drivers to finish inside the top five in both races.

— Martin Truex Jr. has led laps in the last 10 road-course races, tied for the second longest streak in series history. Despite not always coming out on top, he has arguably been in a good position to win the last nine.

Source: Racing Insights

INTERACTIVE COVERAGE

For a more interactive experience, head over to NASCAR.com or the NASCAR app to check out an enhanced Race Center, live Lap-by-Lap coverage, the customizable live leaderboard with Scanner and the return of Drive (featuring in-car cameras).

Be sure to set your lineup in Fantasy Live and make your picks in the NASCAR Finish Line app.

2019 RACE WINNER

After starting 19th, Chase Elliott worked his way through the field by showcasing his dominant speed and continued road-course prowess. Leading the pack on a Lap 65 restart, Elliott missed Turn 1 and dove nose first into the barrier, sending him to the back of the field in the final stage with just 44 laps to go. The No. 9 team regrouped and ran down the field as Elliott powered his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to Victory Lane — perhaps the most iconic win of his career.

RELATED: Elliott to take command?

ACTIVE ROVAL WINNERS

Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott (one win each).

Posted on October 7, 2020January 8, 2021 by Team Release

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Trackhouse Entertainment Group announced Wednesday the formation of a new NASCAR Cup Series team that will make its on-track debut at the 2021 Daytona 500.

Piloting the No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE will be 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion and NASCAR Cup Series veteran Daniel Suárez. The Trackhouse Racing Team has entered into an embedded operational alliance with Richard Childress Racing that enables Trackhouse to utilize the technology, intellectual property, human capital and engineering developed over decades of championship-caliber competition. Trackhouse will be powered by ECR Engines, which recently announced a merged research and development partnership with Chevrolet powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports.

“The formation of a top-level NASCAR Cup Series team has been a dream of mine for a long time,” said Justin Marks, founder and owner of Trackhouse Entertainment Group. “A lot of hard work has transpired to get us to this point and I don’t think we could’ve ended up with better partners in RCR and Chevrolet and with a more passionate and committed driver than Daniel Suárez. Daniel’s drive and hunger to get to the top of this sport is palpable every time I am in his presence. We are building a team of winners and Daniel has delivered just about every time he’s sat in race winning equipment. It’s my job now to put a car underneath him that will carry him to the highest echelon of the sport.”

A native of Monterrey, Mexico, Suárez has proven his talent as a race-car driver after moving to the United States from Mexico to pursue a career in NASCAR. He has had a career highlighted by wins in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. After securing rookie of the year in 2015, Suárez brought home the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship, becoming NASCAR’s first foreign-born national series champion. In 138 NASCAR Cup Series starts to date, Suárez has secured 32 top-10 finishes, eight top fives and two poles.

“I see in Trackhouse a great opportunity for me with a very strong group of people that share the same vision, commitment and goals that I have,” Suárez said. “Justin has been involved in the racing world for over 20 years and understands the ins and outs of the sport both as a driver and from the business side. I have learned a lot in the last few years and have been very fortunate to be a part of very good organizations. I have learned that this sport is about people, and I know we are going to work very hard to put together a talented team. Furthermore, getting the support from a strong manufacturer like Chevrolet will be a key to our success. My goal is simple, I want to win races.”

NASCAR industry veteran Ty Norris will serve as president of racing operations. Norris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Trackhouse after serving as executive vice president and general manager of both Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Michael Waltrip Racing. The Trackhouse Racing Team enters the sport during a transitional time in NASCAR’s history.

MORE: Bookmark Trackhouse site

Central to the Trackhouse Racing Team is a commitment to making an impact on youth in America’s minority communities. Through a sizable contribution from the Marks Family Foundation, as well as support from the team’s partners, Trackhouse will design and execute an immersive STEM education initiative aimed at exposing America’s underrepresented youth to career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Using the spectacle of NASCAR racing as a curriculum platform, Trackhouse will work with school districts, community organizations and youth groups to build the most impactful roadmap for those who are inspired to pursue STEM careers.

“I believe deeply in the direction NASCAR’s executive group is taking the sport,” Marks said. “There is a disruptive and courageous vision for the future taking place that is displayed by the incredible 2021 racing schedule and new ways of looking at a sustainable economic model culminating in the debut of the 2022 NextGen car that, in my opinion, will lay the groundwork for a dramatic value proposition for future owners, media partners, stakeholders and sponsors for decades to come. Everything Trackhouse will be doing in 2021 from a business development standpoint will be in the context of positioning ourselves to win races and championships as NASCAR embarks on a new chapter in 2022 and beyond.”

As Trackhouse builds a competitive framework for 2021, announcements regarding partners and key personnel will be forthcoming.

Posted on October 7, 2020October 7, 2020 by Staff Report

See the pit stall assignments for the Bank of America ROVAL 400 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval (Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC/NBC Sports App, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).