Posted on by Staff Report

Bob Leavine announced Tuesday morning that he sold his family-owned racing team, indicating that Leavine Family Racing will cease operations at the end of the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Leavine has fielded cars in NASCAR’s top division since 2011, when it embarked on a four-race stint with veteran David Starr. The team currently campaigns the No. 95 Toyota for Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate Christopher Bell, who ranks 23rd in Cup Series points.

In a teleconference with reporters, LFR team president Jeremy Lange did not identify the buyer(s), saying “it’s their news, and we’re going to let them make their announcement.”

RELATED: Cup Series standings | Midseason rookie review

Leavine indicated that the COVID-19 epidemic’s impact on the economy was an insurmountable hurdle. The coronavirus outbreak shut the sport down from mid-March to mid-May and also delayed the projected 2021 debut of the Cup Series’ Next Gen car, which forced LFR to shift its inventory and focus. That development — combined with the economic impact on Leavine’s Texas-based construction business, WRL General Contractors — factored into the team owner’s decision in what he called “a perfect storm in the wrong direction.”

“This decision has not been made lightly,” Leavine said in a statement. “Family has always been a part of the team’s name and this is how we view every member of our race team — as our family. There is no good time to make this announcement, but doing it earlier allows our people to explore employment opportunities, for next season, to provide for their families. There will be opportunities with the new owners which was important to our decision.”

Leavine Family Racing flew the banners of all three manufacturers during its time in the sport, transitioning from Ford (2011-2015) to Chevrolet (2016-2018) to Toyota (2019-2020). Its final shift to Toyota Racing Development included a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing, which will regain some assets from LFR after the sale.

“Everything that we own — charter, building, inventory — we sold,” Leavine said. “The things that were not were no chassis, no bodies, anything that came from JGR goes back to JGR.”

Other drivers who suited up for LFR’s No. 95 entry include Michael McDowell, Kasey Kahne, Matt DiBenedetto, Ty Dillon and Scott Speed. It was DiBenedetto who delivered the team’s best finish, a spirited second-place effort in Bristol’s annual night race last season.

Posted on by Zack Albert

Team Penske locked up one of the NASCAR Cup Series’ top free agents Monday, reaching a contract agreement to keep Brad Keselowski in the No. 2 Ford.

Terms of the contract extension were not disclosed. The deal keeps Keselowski with the Roger Penske-owned organization that has been his home since late in the 2009 season.

“I have been racing for Team Penske for the vast majority of my NASCAR career and to continue to represent Roger Penske, our partners and his organization is exactly where I want to be,” Keselowski said in a release provided by the team. “We’ve accomplished a lot of things together over the years, including winning both the Cup and Xfinity Championships, the Brickyard 400, the Southern 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Now, my goal is to win the Daytona 500, another championship and continue to build Team Penske into the best NASCAR team in the garage area.”

RELATED: Cup Series standings

Keselowski has scored 32 of his 33 career NASCAR Cup Series wins while driving Penske’s No. 2 Ford. That includes a convincing triumph in the series’ most recent race just one day ago at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He has also carried Team Penske to championships in the Cup Series (in 2012) and the Xfinity Series (2010).

Keselowski was among the most sought-after targets in NASCAR free agency. The 36-year-old driver had insisted that his contract status for 2021 did not pose a distraction, even as the uncertainty pushed into half of this season. Now Keselowski has resolution that meshes with his rise into a stronger-still championship contender.

“It’s good to get it done and not have to worry about next year,” Keselowski said in a Monday afternoon appearance on NASCAR’s Instagram Live. “It can really wear on you quick, I can tell you that. Really happy to check that box and get that one out of my head so I can just focus on winning races and doing the best I can do on the race track. So hopefully it’ll just keep taking care of itself as I go, but I’m glad. I’ve got a great team that’s really coming together, and to not have to worry about that, I’m very thankful for.”

The move solidifies Team Penske’s three-driver lineup on the Cup Series side for 2021 and possibly beyond. The organization announced March 6 that it had signed Ryan Blaney to a multi-year extension, and Joey Logano — Keselowski’s other teammate — re-signed with Penske in February 2017, reaching a deal that is set to run through at least the 2023 season.

“We are pleased that Brad will continue to be a part of our organization,” said team owner Roger Penske. “Brad not only demonstrates talent and skill on the track, but his leadership away from it and his dedication to our partners have had a huge impact in making our organization one of the best in NASCAR. I am proud that we will be able to able to keep the continuity we have with Brad, Ryan and Joey and look forward to competing for more wins and championships together.”

Posted on by Track Release

BROOKLYN, Mich. — The competition has always been fierce in the NASCAR Cup Series among drivers, teams and even the three manufacturers (OEM) — Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota. When that stage shifts to the OEMs’ backyard, the stakes become even greater.

Such is the case again this year, when, for just the second time in NASCAR history, NASCAR Cup Series races will be contested at the same track on consecutive days, with Michigan International Speedway (MIS) serving as the site. The NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 4 p.m. ET (NBCSN), while the Consumers Energy 400 will take place the following day at 4:30 p.m. ET (NBCSN). The top-finishing OEM from the weekend Cup Series events will be presented with the Michigan Heritage Trophy, which has been awarded by MIS since 2013. The distance for each race will be 312 miles.

RELATED: Michigan schedule | Manufacturer standings

In an effort to bring even greater awareness to the significance of the Heritage Trophy, this year the NASCAR Cup teams will be saluting their respective manufacturers during the course of both races, with each car featuring the decal of their manufacturer in the “contingency space,” which is located on the left front-quarter panel of the car. In addition, the hashtag #HeritageTrophy will be included on each car as well.

The Heritage Trophy gives well-deserved bragging rights to the winning manufacturer of the Michigan race weekend. For the 2020 historic doubleheader, an OEM must win one or both NASCAR Cup Series races at Michigan International Speedway. If one OEM sweeps both races, that OEM will be declared the winner of the Heritage Trophy. If different OEMs win on Aug. 8 and 9, then the award will go to the OEM with the most points earned by top-10 finishers of both races.

This year’s salute to the manufacturers is being done in partnership between Michigan International Speedway, NASCAR and the Race Team Alliance, on behalf of its member teams.

“The Michigan Heritage Trophy is one of the more unique and coveted prizes in NASCAR,” said Michigan International Speedway President Rick Brenner. “The competitive spirit at any race, especially at MIS, isn’t just confined to the drivers, and this trophy allows the winning manufacturer to boast about their accomplishment. We are thrilled that the race teams have joined us this year in recognizing the prominence of this trophy to our sport and in the state of Michigan, and look forward to an amazing doubleheader of racing in the Cup Series this weekend.”

“The Race Team Alliance is happy to assist in this salute to the OEMs and bring greater awareness to the historic rivalry associated with the Heritage Trophy,” said Race Team Alliance Executive Director Jonathan Marshall. “What makes this especially exciting is the fact that the OEM Tribute takes place in Michigan — home to the auto capital of the world.”

The race teams fully understand the significance of their respective manufacturer taking the honors for a full year. This is especially true for Michigan native Greg Ives, crew chief for Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro for Hendrick Motorsports. Ives grew up in Bark River, in the Upper Peninsula, and graduated from Michigan Tech University in Houghton.

“We race to win trophies every week, but Irish Hills of MIS pose the battleground for the manufacturers,” Ives said. “Michigan was my first NASCAR track I went to as a kid and with this being my home state track, I look forward to capturing the Michigan Heritage Trophy not only for the 88 Hendrick team, but also for our partner in Chevrolet.”

Posted on by Team Release

STATESVILLE, N.C. – GMS Racing announced Monday that Kris Wright will run a select schedule with the team in 2020. Wright will pilot the No. 21 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 9 and the No. 24 Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Series at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course on Aug. 16.

RELATED: Gander Trucks 2020 schedule

Wright, 26, made his ARCA West debut in June at the Utah Motorsports Campus doubleheader, where he finished second and third in the two events. Wright finished second in the LMP2 class in the 2019 Rolex 24 at Daytona. The Wexford, Pa., native claimed the IMSA Prototype Challenge Championship (LMP3) in 2018 and was the IMSA Prototype Challenge Rookie of the Year in 2017.

“I’m really excited to be making my first ARCA and NASCAR starts with GMS and Chevrolet,” said Wright. “You always want to be doing it with the best team. I’m a Chevy guy from birth so it’s a dream come true.”

The VizCom 200 from Michigan International Speedway will air live Sunday, Aug. 9 at 1 p.m. ET on MAVTV and NBC Sports Gold TrackPass. The Gander Trucks event at the Daytona Road Course will air live at noon ET on Sunday, Aug. 16 on FS1 and MRN.

Sponsorship for the No. 24 Chevrolet in both events will be announced at a later date.

Posted on by Data Skrive

Jimmie Johnson finished 12th in the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday.

Johnson’s result added 25 points to his season total. He is 17th in the NASCAR Cup Series with 459 total points.

Johnson started in 20th position. The 20th-year driver has secured 83 career victories, with 229 top-five finishes and 370 results inside the top 10.

Victory Lane at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a familiar place for Johnson, who has three career wins at the track. Over the course of his career at Loudon, Johnson has also put together 10 top-five finishes and 22 top-10s.

The El Cajon, California native began the race seven spots behind his career mark of 12.7, but finished two places ahead of his career average of 14.

Johnson competed with 38 other drivers on the way to his 12th-place finish. The race endured 11 cautions and 52 caution laps. Prior to the checkered flag there were 22 lead changes.

Brad Keselowski took the checkered flag in the race, and Denny Hamlin followed in second. Martin Truex Jr placed third, Joey Logano took fourth, and Kevin Harvick rounded out the top five.

After Hamlin won Stage 1, Keselowski grabbed control and won Stage 2 before taking the checkered flag.

Jimmie Johnson Driver Page | Get Johnson Gear | Race Center

Posted on by Data Skrive

William Byron finished 11th in the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday.

Byron’s result added 32 points to his season total. He ranks 14th in the NASCAR Cup Series with 484 total points.

Byron started in 16th position. The third-year driver has collected five top-five and 23 top-10 finishes in his career.

Sunday’s race was Byron’s second career start at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He’s completed both of those races, but has not had a top-10 finish at the track.

The Charlotte, North Carolina native began the race one spot behind his career mark of 15.3, but finished seven places ahead of his career average of 18.3.

Byron’s 11th-place finish was against a field of 38 drivers. The race endured 11 cautions and 52 caution laps. Prior to the checkered flag there were 22 lead changes.

Brad Keselowski brought home the win in the race, and Denny Hamlin finished second. Martin Truex Jr placed third, Joey Logano secured fourth, and Kevin Harvick grabbed the No. 5 spot.

After Hamlin won the first stage, Keselowski grabbed control and won Stage 2 before driving to victory.

William Byron Driver Page | Get Byron Gear | Race Center

Posted on by Data Skrive

Cole Custer finished eighth in the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday.

The top-10 finish for Custer, his fifth of the year, added 29 points to his season total. Custer now ranks 19th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 381 points. A total of 16 drivers make the playoffs.

Custer started in 14th position. The second-year driver has one career victory, with two top-five finishes and four results inside the top 10.

The Ladera Ranch, California native’s starting and finishing positions compared favorably to his career averages, starting eight spots higher than his career mark of 22 and completing the race 15 places ahead of his 22.8 career average finish.

Custer’s eighth-place finish was against 38 other drivers. The race endured 11 cautions and 52 caution laps. There were 22 lead changes.

Brad Keselowski secured the victory in the race, and Denny Hamlin followed in second. Martin Truex Jr placed third, Joey Logano took fourth, and Kevin Harvick closed out the top five.

After Hamlin won Stage 1, Keselowski grabbed control and won Stage 2 before taking the checkered flag.

Cole Custer Driver Page | Get Custer Gear | Race Center

Posted on by Data Skrive

Aric Almirola finished seventh in the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday.

The top-10 finish for Almirola, his 11th of the year, added 38 points to his season total. Almirola now ranks eighth in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 614 points. A total of 16 drivers make the playoffs.

Almirola started in the pole position and led two laps in the race. The 13th-year driver has secured two career victories, with 23 top-five finishes and 72 results inside the top 10.

In his career at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Almirola has compiled two top-five finishes and his seventh-place result marks the third top-10.

The Tampa, Florida native’s starting and finishing positions compared favorably to his career averages, starting 20 spots higher than his career mark of 20.6 and completing the race 15 places ahead of his 21.6 career average finish.

Almirola’s seventh-place finish was against 38 other drivers. The race endured 11 cautions and 52 caution laps. There were 22 lead changes.

Brad Keselowski earned the win in the race, and Denny Hamlin followed in second. Martin Truex Jr placed third, Joey Logano brought home fourth, and Kevin Harvick closed out the top five.

After Hamlin won the first stage, Keselowski took control and won Stage 2 before taking the checkered flag.

Aric Almirola Driver Page | Get Almirola Gear | Race Center

Posted on by Data Skrive

Matt DiBenedetto finished sixth in the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday.

The top-10 finish for DiBenedetto, his fifth of the year, added 32 points to his season total. DiBenedetto now sits at No. 13 in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 509 points. A total of 16 drivers qualify for the the playoffs.

DiBenedetto started in 19th position. The sixth-year driver has picked up five top-five and 16 top-10 finishes in his career.

In his career at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, DiBenedetto has compiled one top-five finish and his sixth-place result marks the first top-10.

The Grass Valley, California native’s starting and finishing positions compared favorably to his career averages, starting eight spots higher than his career mark of 26.7 and completing the race 19 places ahead of his 25 career average finish.

DiBenedetto battled against 38 other drivers on the way to his sixth-place finish. The race endured 11 cautions and 52 caution laps. Prior to the checkered flag there were 22 lead changes.

Brad Keselowski earned the victory in the race, and Denny Hamlin finished second. Martin Truex Jr placed third, Joey Logano brought home fourth, and Kevin Harvick grabbed the No. 5 spot.

After Hamlin won the first stage, Keselowski grabbed control and won Stage 2 before taking the checkered flag.

Matt DiBenedetto Driver Page | Get DiBenedetto Gear | Race Center

Posted on by Terrin Waack

Expectations matched reality Sunday for Martin Truex Jr.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver got exactly what he predicted out of his No. 19 Toyota at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Truex finished third in the NASCAR Cup Series’ race in Loudon, New Hampshire. Brad Keselowski won, while Denny Hamlin was the runner-up. Joey Logano was then fourth, followed by Kevin Harvick in fifth.

“Still a solid effort,” Truex said. “I thought we were a third-best car, fourth-best car. I think the 4 (Harvick) was pretty strong at times as well. He kind of got messed around with track position. We finished where we should have. We just have to figure out how to get a little bit better here.”

RELATED: Brad Keselowski wins New Hampshire | Official results | Championship standings

The top-three run marked Truex’s third in the past four races — highlighted by a runner-up finish at Kentucky Speedway at the beginning of that stretch. Overall, it’s his fifth top five and 11th top 10.

Truex, the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is already locked into the 2020 playoffs. He won at Martinsville Speedway back in June to solidify himself a berth in the postseason competition. Truex currently ranks seventh in the points standings, too, with 648 points — 155 behind leader Kevin Harvick — and six races remaining in the regular season.

The finale will be held at Phoenix Raceway with the same rules package ran at New Hampshire since both are mile-long tracks.

“That’s definitely a good point,” Truex said. “It’s interesting to see how it played out today, where we kind of stacked up. I felt like we were right there. Obviously, as I’ve been talking about, needed the car to be a little bit better.

“The win that Martinsville, that was huge for us. I think going forward, we’re going to learn a little bit more about this, who has been working on it. They know the championship race at Phoenix will use this package.”

Seven different drivers led laps in the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301, and Truex was not one of them. He did get up to second come the conclusion of Stage 1 on Lap 75 after firing off 11th when the green flag dropped.

On Lap 97, though, Truex was hit with a pit-road penalty from NASCAR. The No. 19 team had an uncontrolled tire get away from its stall, forcing Truex to drop to the tail end of the field on Lap 100.

Truex battled his way back through the field to place eighth at the end of Stage 2 on Lap 185.

“I mean, I think no matter what’s going on as a driver you face those things,” Truex said. “Mistakes happen. Pit road speeding, I’ve done that this year. Yeah, I mean, when those things happen, you just have to buckle down and get what you can get. Fortunately we were able to come back from it. We probably lost out on a few stage points there in Stage 2 because of it.”

The stage finishes added 12 stage points to Truex’s race total (46).

Up next, Truex and the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series field take on a doubleheader weekend at Michigan International Speedway. Truex has yet to win at the 2-mile track. In 28 career starts, he has eight top-five and 11 top-10 performances — that includes three runner-up showings. He’s averaging a 14.6 finish.

“I was happy, like I said, with our performance today,” Truex said. “I felt like there was a lot of room for improvement with our handling. That’s always encouraging when you know your car can drive better and we ran as well as we did. We’ll see how it goes.

“Every week you got to do the best you can, kind of the best educated guess you can come up with.”