Posted on by Staff Report

It was a night of firsts as the eNASCAR Heat Pro League rolled through Kansas Speedway for Round 2 of the inaugural Playoffs. At the conclusion of a pair of races, two teams were left celebrating in Victory Lane for the first time in 2019, while two others saw their championship dreams fade.

The night got off to a raucous start as Josh Parker led Chip Ganassi Gaming to its first win in the eNASCAR Heat Pro League, courtesy of a late pass in the PlayStation race. Tyler Dohar was not to be outdone, as he jumped behind the wheel in the Xbox race and also carried JR Motorsports to its first victory.

Behind the victors, all eyes were on those still fighting for their playoff lives. Eight teams entered the night still in the running, but the bottom two would once again be dropped after the checkers. Unfortunately for Wood Brothers Gaming and GoFas Gaming, their deficits entering Kansas proved to be too much to overcome.

RELATED: More eNASCAR coverage

It was a close call for JR Motorsports, who entered the night holding the sixth and final transfer spot. However, Dohar’s breakthrough win and Jason Keffer’s sixth-place result was enough to propel the JRM squad into the next round.

Another night of consistent finishes saw Team Penske Esports extend its lead atop the championship standings, 13 points clear of the field. The remaining five playoff teams, however, are separated by only five points:

Unofficial Standings After Kansas Main

 

Who will survive Homestead-Miami Speedway and advance to the eNASCAR Heat Pro League Finale? It’s sure to be a barnburner as we’re only taking four teams.

BUY: NASCAR Heat 4 now!

Coverage of the eNASCAR Heat Pro League refreshed by Coca-Cola will come to you Oct. 9 at 7:30 pm ET on eNASCAR.com, Facebook and Twitch.

Posted on by PJ Walsh

The Action Network specializes in providing sports betting insights/analytics and is a content partner with NASCAR. Check out more NASCAR betting analysis here.

Martin Truex Jr. came to party. After winning NASCAR’s first playoff race at Las Vegas, Truex backed it up with another victory at Richmond on Saturday night.

On the other end of the spectrum, Alex Bowman, Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch and Erik Jones are all below the 12-driver cutoff line heading into Sunday’s elimination race at the Charlotte Roval.

To make this week’s NASCAR Props Challenge picks, I’ll rely on betting odds to project expected driver performance, as well as race trends from last year’s race at the Charlotte Roval.

1. Which playoff driver will score the higher finish: Alex Bowman or William Byron?

Both drivers are 80-1 at the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas, so oddsmakers view them as evenly-matched for Sunday’s race.

But when it comes to road courses, Bowman had a better finish than Byron at Sonoma and at Watkins Glen this year, as well as an impressive fourth-place finish in this race one year ago.

Pick: Bowman

2. O/U 0.5 drivers underneath the cutoff line will advance to Round 2 of the Playoffs?

I’m expecting this week’s race to see plenty of action (and wrecks), and with both Alex Bowman and Clint Bowyer sitting within four points of the cutoff, I think it’s likely that one will find a way to jump into the top 12 in points.

Pick: Over

3. Aric Almirola will advance to the Round of 12: Yes or No?

Almirola currently occupies the 11th position in points, meaning as of right now he’s in. In addition, Aric had the ninth-best finishing position at road courses this season.

If Almirola doesn’t beat himself, he should advance to the Round of 12.

Pick: Yes

4. Matt DiBenedetto has finished in the top 10 at both road courses so far this year. Does that trend continue? Yes or No?

Download the FREE Action Network app to finish reading this article and get the rest of PJ Walsh’s NASCAR Props Challenge Picks.

Posted on by Track Release

TALLADEGA, Ala. — The name of Talladega Superspeedway’s one-of-a-kind 35,000-square-foot open-air social club was unveiled Wednesday, and fittingly, the centerpiece of the new fan-friendly Talladega Garage Experience honors the track’s visionary creator: William H. G. “Big Bill” France, who brought big-time automobile racing to northeastern Alabama.

BIG BILL’S was introduced to a crowd of more than 300 local community leaders and guests with the help of France’s granddaughter, Lesa France Kennedy (International Speedway Corporation chief executive officer), along with Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Talladega Superspeedway chairman Grant Lynch and legendary driver Red Farmer, one of the original famed “Alabama Gang” members. A gigantic cover was pulled off the mammoth 6-foot BIG BILL’S black letters that adorn the top front of the unique, rustic building. Just behind the letters is a 70-by-18 collage of historic France photos at his iconic venue.

BIG BILL’S, along with the entire Talladega Garage Experience (part of the Transformation Infield Project presented by Graybar) that will feature unparalleled access, free Wi-Fi and incredible $4 or less value-priced concessions, will debut Oct. 11-13 on the track’s 50th anniversary weekend. It is comprised of a NASCAR Playoffs doubleheader, featuring the Sugarlands Shine 250 for the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series and 1000Bulbs.com 500 for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

“Talladega Superspeedway has always been special to me and our family,” Kennedy said. “My grandfather built this race track, and both my father, Bill France Jr., and my Uncle – Jim France – worked here. It’s so gratifying to see my grandfather’s name adorn this unique social club, which along with the entire Talladega Garage Experience, will elevate the guest experience that only Talladega can offer. It’s a world-class extension of my grandfather’s vision that will carry the track well into the future.”

BIG BILL’S, which also showcases a host of artwork of France inside the building, will be the ultimate social club. It will offer an array of comfortable seating and be lined on both sides by two garages that will house the top 22 drivers (11 in each) in the Monster Energy Cup Series. Fans will be just a few steps away and up close via the fan viewing walkway, which is under the same roof where the cars will be prepped by the race teams. In addition, it will feature the Sugarlands Shine Bar, which stretches an incredible 74 feet, as well as a huge 41-foot diagonal video screen that will feature action on the track as well as other visuals for fans to see. The total size of the building is 268 feet wide and 300 feet deep, and it is 34 feet high at the center crown.

Like BIG BILL’S, everything about France was big. His size. His deeds. His smile. His goals. His accomplishments. His vision. His Alabama track.

As NASCAR’s founder, the 6-foot-5 France was one of the most influential men in automobile racing. He spark-plugged the organization, delivering stock car racing to a form of excitement that is unequalled in modern American sports. Nowhere was that excitement more evident than at his creation of Alabama International Motor Speedway (now known as Talladega Superspeedway), the most competitive race track in the world and biggest in NASCAR, which hosted the first Talladega 500 on Sept. 14, 1969.

Years prior, with the assistance of local officials, France looked at the land of an almost abandoned Eastaboga Airfield, which was once used by the Air Force and later by the city of Talladega before groundbreaking on the new 2.66-mile, 33-degree banked venue took place on May 23, 1968.

“Our fine state owes a great deal of gratitude to Bill France Sr., who decided to build the biggest and most competitive track in NASCAR here in 1969,” Ivey said. “It’s been an economic engine for tourism in Alabama since its inception 50 years ago. With this incredible Talladega Garage Experience and BIG BILL’S social club, I know more race fans are going to make the trip to historic Talladega Superspeedway in the future.”

A special part of BIG BILL’S will be the new “Activation Shows” that play on top of every hour featuring custom created, heart-pounding sound and video synchronized to lighting and effects that bring the garage to life.  

Some of the new additions include: overhead LED neon outlining each beam of the structure, Peterbilt icons with strobe and moving headlights and Haze & CO2 with new industry noise suppression heads delivering CO2 with very low noise operation, delivering added impact these shows deserve.

The official Peterbilt – designed to look like the front of the cab of Johnny Ray’s iconic Peterbilt truck that sports the giant American flag around Talladega’s high banks during the national anthem prior to races – will have its air horn sound at the start of every show. Fans will also have the opportunity to take group photos in a digital photo booth that can be seen high above the interior via a 20-by-16 rendition of Ray’s iconic big rig that places fans in the drivers’ seat.

The Talladega Garage Experience is a major part of the $50 million Transformation endeavor that will stretch from the tri-oval down near the start-finish line. It will feature a host of activities and destinations, including more than 140,000 square feet of social and engagement areas and a new Gatorade Victory Lane where fans will be just a few steps away from the winner’s celebration.

For every fan who purchases a Talladega Garage Experience admission, other amenities include: the Kids Zone, Watch Zone, Clyde May’s Courtyard, Iron Alley (historic race cars), new restrooms, concession and souvenir stands, as well as a new guest services center.

The Transformation Infield Project presented by Graybar is part of International Speedway Corporation’s (parent company of Talladega Superspeedway) long-term capital allocation plan and reinvestment into its major motorsports complexes. DLR Group is the architect of the entire project, while Hoar Construction (Birmingham, Alabama) continues to spearhead Phase II. GT Grandstands (Plant City, Florida) is constructing a new race operations tower high above the tri-oval, as well as the pit road club suites that will house 600 guests who will get a bird’s-eye view of team pit stops from behind pit road, along with food and beverages.

Fans can learn more about the project and view the progress 24/7 via the construction cam by visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/transformation. For ticket information on the track’s NASCAR doubleheader playoffs weekend and all things on Transformation and the Talladega Garage Experience, including BIG BILL’S, log onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com.

Posted on by Marissa Fuller

For the second year, The NASCAR Foundation and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation partnered up to build a better future for youth across the community through healthcare and education services with the “Over the Edge Charlotte” campaign.

“Over the Edge” allows those who like to test their limits or just everyday community advocates to rappel 10 stories down the Embassy Suites in Uptown Charlotte — all for the kids.

In order to earn a spot, participants needed to raise a minimum of $1,000. Those funds are then shared equally between The NASCAR Foundation and the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation with a common goal of helping children live happier and healthier lives.

Hall of Fame executive director Winston Kelley and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace rappelled for the second year in a row, joined Tuesday by newcomers Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Kurt Busch and NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Justin Allgaier.

Busch announced he’d match whatever is donated to the cause up to $1,000 and has currently raised $1,135, while his efforts just keep growing.

Busch went to Twitter after rappelling, describing how much fun it was to go “Over the Edge,” and The NASCAR Foundation captured Busch gearing up to head to the roof.

On the second day of the event, Wednesday, NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series drivers Ross Chastain and Jordan Anderson took part in the fun, as well as NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers Jeremy Clements and Vinnie Miller.

“It is really cool to be a part of something bigger than you are, really,” Anderson told NASCAR.com. “What the Foundation does and being able to help kids, especially here in the Charlotte area, I’m from Columbia, live in Mooresville now so Charlotte is home for me now. To see what they’re doing in the community, it’s just so amazing. I’m blessed to be able to do what I love to do, to be in NASCAR, but to see what NASCAR does to give back, I’m just so passionate about that and to be a part of that definitely puts things in perspective.”

Since it started last year, “Over the Edge Charlotte” has raised approximately $350,000 and just this year, there have been 694 donor and 813 donations.

“The awareness that it brings to our sport and for our cause, the awareness it brings to the Hall of Fame and their foundation, it’s really just a great thing,” said Nichole Krieger, executive director of The NASCAR Foundation. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids.”

RELATED: Find out more about the NASCAR Foundation

Posted on by Staff Report

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has lost his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series ride for the 2020 season, as Chris Buescher will take over the No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford, the team announced Wednesday.

Stenhouse has been a part of Roush Fenway since 2008 — that includes his ARCA Series days — and piloted the No. 17 since 2013. During his time in the national series, Stenhouse won two Xfinity Series titles (2011 and 2012) and two Monster Energy Series races (both in 2017). His best finish among the top competitors was 13th in the 2017 final standings.

RELATED: Silly Season’s key players

“We can’t say enough about Ricky and his contributions to Roush Fenway Racing,” team co-owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jack Roush said in the release. “We’re proud to have been a part of Ricky’s development from ARCA to Xfinity and ultimately the Cup Series. He has served as a great representative to our partners, while helping to accumulate numerous accolades, wins and multiple championships on the race track. We wish him well as he enters the next chapter of his career.”

Stenhouse has never been a part of another team — save for one Cup start he made for the Wood Brothers in 2011. He has brought RFR 15 top fives and 33 top 10s at NASCAR’s top level, and the 2019 season isn’t over.

Meanwhile, Buescher is returning to Roush Fenway as a former member of the team’s development driver program. He first joined RFR in 2009 and went on to win the 2012 ARCA Series championship with Roulo Brothers Racing. He made his Xfinity Series debut in 2011 and then became full-time in 2014. The next year, his last at the time with RFR, Buescher won Roush his eighth NASCAR championship, leading the Xfinity Series standings for 24 consecutive weeks.

“We are certainly excited to have Chris back in the fold at Roush Fenway Racing,” Roush said.

“He has a long history with our organization and we’ve always been a big fan of Chris and his racing style. We have watched his progress with great interest over the last couple of seasons and we are looking forward to having him in the No. 17 as we continue to grow our program next season.”

The same year Buescher won the Xfinity Series championship he also made his Monster Energy Series debut. He did six races in 2015 for Front Row Motorsports and was one of the team’s full-time driver in 2016. The next year, though, Buescher switched to JTG Daugherty Racing and has been there ever since.

“We were in the final strokes of the contract when learning that Chris has gone in a different direction,” JTG Daugherty Racing team owner Tad Geschickter said in a statement. “We appreciate all of the efforts from Chris through the past three seasons at JTG Daugherty Racing. When the dust settles, we will begin the process of searching for our next driver to fill the No. 37 seat for the 2020 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.”

During his time in the Monster Energy Series, Buescher has won one race and had a best overall finish of 16th in the final standings — both in 2016. He has accumulated four top fives and 12 top 10s entering this weekend’s race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course.

Buescher released his own statement later Wednesday night.

“Jack Roush and John Henry have emphasized that they believe in my ability to compete at a high level in their race cars; and that is the expectation,” Buescher said. “This is a bit of a homecoming for me and I am very excited to be able to return to Roush Fenway and pick up where we left off in 2015; winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship.

“… This news also brings sadness that my time at JTG Daugherty Racing driving the No. 37 will come to an end in 2019. I am forever grateful to Tad and Jodi Geschickter, Brad Daugherty, and Gordon Smith for giving me the opportunity to drive for them over the past three years.”

Posted on by Staff Report

The virtual Kansas Speedway will shine bright tonight as the eNASCAR Heat Pro League takes center stage for Round 2 of the inaugural Playoffs. Eight teams enter the 1.5-mile oval with their championship hopes still alive, but at the end of the night, two will see their playoff runs end.

Before we take the green flag, let’s preview how each remaining team stacks up.

RELATED: Complete eNASCAR coverage

Team Penske Esports

Whether it’s on the track or on the sticks, you know Team Penske has one goal: Win. Anything less than a championship will be a failure for the team in black slacks and white button ups. Luckily there’s not much to worry about in the Team Penske Esports camp – yet.

Since its season-opening win at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Team Penske Esports has been a staple at the top of the points standings – and that continues throughout the early part of these Playoffs. The championship leaders sit 39 points above the cut line and are a virtual lock to move on to Round 3.

Roush Fenway Gaming

Much like its Ford counterparts, Roush Fenway Gaming has enjoyed a healthy bit of success throughout this inaugural season. The team enters tonight’s race 29 points above the cut line, and barring a catastrophic failure, should have no problem moving on with title dreams intact.

Stewart-Haas Gaming

Arguably the most dominant team this season, Stewart-Haas Gaming enters Kansas Speedway looking to rebound after a less-than-stellar outing in Las Vegas. The team knows how to capture race wins, but the inability to be consistent has relegated the team to third in the standings. There’s not too much to worry about in Kansas, thanks to a 28-point cushion, but now is the time to return to form.

BUY: NASCAR Heat 4 now!

Leavine Family Gaming

Fresh off a win two weeks ago in Las Vegas, Leavine Family Gaming enters tonight’s race with a solid bit of momentum. Josh Harbin aka “ThAbEaR95” continues to carry the banner for that organization and will look to go back-to-back at the league’s second straight 1.5-mile track. Fourth in the standings and 22 points clear of the drop zone, expect smooth sailing from Leavine Family Gaming.

Gibbs Gaming

When you drive for a man that has won on the biggest of stages – we’re talking Daytona 500s, Super Bowls, Monster Energy Series championships and more – you better pull those eBelts tight and drop the hammer. That’s the Gibbs way.

Unfortunately for JGR, its esports duo remains empty in the win column this season. They drivers have led laps and contended for wins up until this point, but have not slammed the door shut. It’s not time to panic as they enter Kansas with a 21-point cushion over the cut line, but you know they’re hungry to win like their Cup and Xfinity counterparts.

MORE: Full series standings

JR Motorsports

Driving for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the Playoffs? No pressure.

While they remain winless on the season, the two JRM drivers have been a model of consistency up until this point, earning a berth in Round 2 of the eNASCAR Heat Pro League Playoffs. But top 5 finishes will only propel them so far as we close in on the championship finale. They need to win, and they need to win now to make a statement. Look for Dohar and Keffer to really turn up the wick tonight.

Wood Brothers Gaming

Wood Brothers Gaming enters Kansas as the first team below the cut line, 15 points adrift from JR Motorsports. It’s not a mountain too tall to climb, but they’ll need to impress in both the Xbox and PlayStation races to have any shot at advancing.

GoFas Gaming

After narrowly advancing to Round 2 via a tiebreaker, GoFas Gaming is playing with house money. The team trails JR Motorsports by 16 points and will likely need to visit Victory Lane in at least one of the races to keep its championship run alive.

Who will advance and who will go home? Join us tonight to find out! Coverage of the eNASCAR Heat Pro League refreshed by Coca-Cola begins at 7:30 pm ET on eNASCAR.com.

Posted on by @nascarcasm

HEY – you probably already know this by now but the magnificent new edition of the NASCAR Heat franchise from 704Games, NASCAR Heat 4, is now available. If you haven’t snagged one already (which you probably already have), I bring good news. I have six codes to give away, three for Xbox One and three for Playstation 4. This is kind of new for me – in a big departure from what I usually post on Twitter … I actually have something awesome of great value to give you.

Interested? YOU BET you are. Here’s all you have to do.

During the post-race photos after the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I managed to take this random photograph …

Heat Contest Pic

… and whomever … whoever … or whichever one of those is grammatically correct … provides the best caption for the photo will be named the winner, and a game code will be provided to you, the cleverest of the bunch.

So here’s how it’s gonna go down.

  • Analyze this photo. Let the wheels of creativity within your mind spin and whirr. Then write a great caption.
  • Tweet the caption to myself (@NASCARCASM) and include TWO hashtags #CasmCaptionContest, as well as #PS4 if you seek the PlayStation version, and #Xbox if you want the Xbox One version. You MUST, ABSOLUTELY, TOTALLY include these hashtags. Did I mention you have to include these hashtags? Use these hashtags. Send it by Friday, Sept. 27, 2019. Late entries will not be accepted, no matter how good your bribery attempt.
  • Myself and an esteemed panel of my choosing (my dogs) will then sift through the entries and decide which are the best, and the winners, after providing their contact info, will be sent the codes via email or Twitter direct message – whichever works best for you.

And that is all! Get to work, gamers.

— @NASCARCASM

MORE: Buy NASCAR Heat

Posted on by Staff Report

NASCAR on Tuesday lifted the suspension of crew chief Matt Borland, who has successfully completed NASCAR’s Road to Recovery Program after a violation of the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy.

NASCAR announced Aug. 26 that Borland had been suspended indefinitely. The Germain Racing crew chief was required to complete the Road to Recovery Program before reinstatement and receiving clearance to resume competition.

Borland has been atop the pit box for 340 Monster Energy Series races. He has 13 career wins, including eight in a single season with Ryan Newman back in 2003. He’s called the shots for Ty Dillon and the No. 13 team since 2018.

RELATED: Richmond results | Driver standings

Upon announcement of his suspension last month, Borland said in a statement released by the team that he was notified of a positive test for the banned substance DMAA (2-amino-5-methylhexanamine). He and team owner Bob Germain Jr. said a derivative of the substance was an ingredient in a diet coffee that he had been using regularly for the last six months.

“I gave the doctor all of the details of the coffee and ingredients, and after he researched it, he said he thought that this was the cause,” Borland said at the time. “Even after doing my due diligence, I felt comfortable in drinking the coffee. I plan to work with NASCAR to figure out what exactly has happened and resolve this issue as quickly as we can. I will cooperate with them and do whatever is requested of me to make this situation right.

“I have worked in the NASCAR garage for 20 years now and have never been a part of anything like this in my life. I take full responsibility for this incident and want to get it taken care of completely.”

Also announced Tuesday: Xfinity Series crew member Clifford Turner has successfully completed NASCAR’s Road to Recovery Program and also has been reinstated.

Posted on by Official NASCAR Release

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2019) – NASCAR, in collaboration with its partners FOX Sports and NBC Sports, today announced 2020 race start times and network coverage for the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series.

Twenty-one national series events will air on broadcast television in 2020, including the DAYTONA 500 (Feb. 16, FOX), Coca-Cola 600 (May 24, FOX), Brickyard 400 (July 5, NBC) and the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway (Aug. 29, NBC).

The Cup Series regular-season finale at Daytona kicks off five consecutive weeks of prime-time racing as the NASCAR Playoffs commence the following week at Darlington Raceway before continuing to Richmond, Bristol and Las Vegas, all of which take place under the lights.

RELATED: Buy your tickets now

Five of the final six NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs races will air on NBC, including the Cup Series championship from ISM Raceway on Sunday, Nov. 8.

The penultimate events on the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series schedule will also take place in prime time at Martinsville Speedway. 2020 will mark the first time the NASCAR Xfinity Series has raced at Martinsville Speedway since 2006. Cup Series cars will get the first crack at night racing at the southwest Virginia stalwart over Mother’s Day weekend.

“With the groundswell of positive sentiment from fans over changes to the 2020 schedule, we were eager to finalize start times for all three national series as soon as possible,” said Brian Herbst, NASCAR senior vice president, broadcast and innovation. “Pulling these together so quickly is testament to the collaboration between NASCAR, its broadcast partners, and the industry, which allows fans a longer runway to plan travel and purchase tickets for races next year.”

Complete times and network schedules for all three national series are below.

Fans can purchase tickets for the remaining 2019 NASCAR national series races and select 2020 national series events at NASCAR.com/tickets.

The 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs continue at Charlotte Motor Speedway this Sunday, September 29 at 2:30 p.m. on NBC, PRN and SiriusXM Radio, channel 90.

2020 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule

Date Location Network Start Time Radio
Sun., Feb. 9 DAYTONA 500 Qualifying FOX 12:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Feb. 9 Advance Auto Parts Clash FS1 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Thurs., Feb. 13 Gander RV Duel at DAYTONA FS1 7:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Feb. 16 DAYTONA 500 FOX 2:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Feb. 23 Las Vegas Motor Speedway FOX 3:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Mar. 1 Auto Club Speedway FOX 3:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Mar. 8 ISM Raceway FOX 3:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Mar. 15 Atlanta Motor Speedway FOX 2:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Mar. 22 Homestead-Miami Speedway FOX 2:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Mar. 29 Texas Motor Speedway FS1 2:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Apr. 5 Bristol Motor Speedway FS1 2:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Apr. 19 Richmond Raceway FOX 2:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Apr. 26 Talladega Superspeedway FOX 2:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., May 3 Dover International Speedway FS1 2:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., May 9 Martinsville Speedway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., May 16 All-Star Open FS1 7:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., May 16 All-Star Race FS1 9:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., May 24 Charlotte Motor Speedway FOX 6:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sun., May 31 Kansas Speedway FS1 2:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Jun. 7 Michigan International Speedway FS1 2:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Jun. 14 Sonoma Raceway FS1 3:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Jun. 21 Chicagoland Speedway NBCSN 2:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Jun. 27 Pocono Raceway NBCSN 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Jun. 28 Pocono Raceway NBCSN 3:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Jul. 5 Indianapolis Motor Speedway NBC 3:30 p.m. IMS/SiriusXM
Sat., Jul. 11 Kentucky Speedway NBCSN 7:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Jul. 19 New Hampshire Motor Speedway NBCSN 3:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Aug. 9 Michigan International Speedway NBCSN 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Aug. 16 Watkins Glen International NBCSN 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Aug. 23 Dover International Speedway NBCSN 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Aug. 29 Daytona International Speedway NBC 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Sept. 6 Darlington Raceway NBCSN 6:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Sept. 12 Richmond Raceway NBCSN 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Sept. 19 Bristol Motor Speedway NBCSN 7:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Sept. 27 Las Vegas Motor Speedway NBCSN 7:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Oct. 4 Talladega Superspeedway NBC 2:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Oct. 11 Charlotte Motor Speedway NBC 2:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Oct. 18 Kansas Speedway NBC 2:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Oct. 25 Texas Motor Speedway NBCSN 3:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Nov. 1 Martinsville Speedway NBC 2:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Nov. 8 ISM Raceway NBC 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM

RELATED: 2020 Cup Series schedule page

•••

2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series Schedule

Date Location Network Start Time Radio
Sat., Feb. 15 Daytona International Speedway FS1 2:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Feb. 22 Las Vegas Motor Speedway FS1 4:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Feb. 29 Auto Club Speedway FS1 4:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Mar. 7 ISM Raceway FS1 4:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Mar. 14 Atlanta Motor Speedway FS1 4:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Mar. 21 Homestead-Miami Speedway FS1 3:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Mar. 28 Texas Motor Speedway FS1 1:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Apr. 4 Bristol Motor Speedway FS1 1:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Apr. 25 Talladega Superspeedway FS1 1:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., May 2 Dover International Speedway FS1 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., May 23 Charlotte Motor Speedway FS1 1:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sat., May 30 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course FS1 1:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Jun. 6 Michigan International Speedway FS1 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Jun. 13 Iowa Speedway FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Jun. 20 Chicagoland Speedway NBCSN 4:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Jun. 28 Pocono Raceway NBCSN 12:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Jul. 4 Indianapolis Motor Speedway NBCSN 3:00 p.m. IMS/SiriusXM
Fri., Jul. 10 Kentucky Speedway NBCSN 7:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Jul. 18 New Hampshire Motor Speedway NBCSN 3:00 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Aug. 1 Iowa Speedway CNBC 2:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Aug. 8 Road America CNBC 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Aug. 15 Watkins Glen International NBCSN 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Aug. 22 Dover International Speedway NBCSN 4:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Aug. 28 Daytona International Speedway NBCSN 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Sept. 5 Darlington Raceway NBC 4:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Sept. 11 Richmond Raceway NBCSN 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Sept. 18 Bristol Motor Speedway NBCSN 7:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Sept. 26 Las Vegas Motor Speedway NBCSN 7:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Oct. 10 Charlotte Motor Speedway NBC 3:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Oct. 17 Kansas Speedway NBC 3:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Oct. 24 Texas Motor Speedway NBC 3:30 p.m. PRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Oct. 31 Martinsville Speedway NBCSN 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Nov. 7 ISM Raceway NBCSN 4:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM

RELATED: 2020 Xfinity Series schedule page

•••

2020 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Schedule

Date Location Network Start Time Radio
Fri., Feb. 14 Daytona International Speedway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Feb. 21 Las Vegas Motor Speedway FS1 9:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Mar. 14 Atlanta Motor Speedway FS1 1:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Mar. 20 Homestead-Miami Speedway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Mar. 27 Texas Motor Speedway FS1 9:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Apr. 18 Richmond Raceway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., May 1 Dover International Speedway FS1 5:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., May 15 Charlotte Motor Speedway FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., May 30 Kansas Speedway FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Jun. 5 Texas Motor Speedway FS1 9:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Jun. 12 Iowa Speedway FS1 8:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Jun. 19 Chicagoland Speedway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Jun. 27 Pocono Raceway FS1 12:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Thurs., Jul. 9 Kentucky Speedway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Thurs., Jul. 30 Eldora Speedway FS1 9:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Aug. 8 Michigan International Speedway FS1 1:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Aug. 21 World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway FS1 9:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sun., Sept. 6 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park FS1 2:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Thurs., Sept. 17 Bristol Motor Speedway FS1 7:30 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Sept. 25 Las Vegas Motor Speedway FS1 9:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Sat., Oct. 3 Talladega Superspeedway FS1 1:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Oct. 30 Martinsville Speedway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM
Fri., Nov. 6 ISM Raceway FS1 8:00 p.m. MRN/SiriusXM

RELATED: 2020 Gander Trucks schedule page

All times eastern. Subject to change.

Posted on by Holly Cain

Christopher Bell officially became the newest young NASCAR talent to sign a deal to race in the sport’s premier series, as Leavine Family Racing announced Tuesday afternoon that Bell will drive the team’s No. 95 Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series ranks beginning in 2020.  

Bell is currently a seven-race winner and 2019 championship contender in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driving the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing – a high-profile talent in the sport since transitioning full time three years ago from a celebrated career competing on the country’s dirt tracks in sprint cars and midgets.

His present Xfinity Series crew chief Jason Ratcliff will retain the same position with Bell at the Cup level with LFR. Bell also brings sponsorship from Rheem and Procure and his new team is already aligned with the Joe Gibbs Racing organization he currently competes with, easing the transition.

“It’s kind of like Christmas early,’’ team owner Bob Leavine told the racing media Tuesday. “It’s a pretty special time for LFR. Everyone here … is all excited about our possibilities.’’

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Bell, a 24-year-old Oklahoma native, has quickly become one of NASCAR’s next-generation stars. He won five races en route to the 2017 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series championship and then won seven races in his first full Xfinity Series season while finishing fourth in the 2018 championship standings. His move to the Cup ranks this season was seen as inevitable by most racing insiders.

“I’m really, really excited about making the next step here at LFR and hoping we can get kicked off on the right foot. I think having Jason along beside me … it’s going to be a really big advantage,’’ Bell said. “He’s a great crew chief. He’s got a lot of experience with veteran drivers and we got to start our communication process in the Xfinity Series together, so there’s nobody else I’d rather go with than him.’’

As for adjusting to the new Cup car, Bell was clearly enthusiastic and optimistic. 

“I think a lot of it will have to do with how well I adopt to the rules package in the Cup Series,’’ he said. “The Xfinity cars, for whatever reason, fit me pretty well, so there wasn’t that much of a learning curve. But the Cup Series cars right now are drastically different than the Xfinity Series cars, so I think a lot of it will depend on how quickly I can pick that up.’’

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Having the familiarity of Ratliff leading his team should help with the transition to NASCAR’s big leagues. Ratliff has not only guided Bell to the winningest record in the Xfinity Series the past two years, but his move to LFR is a return to Cup competition. Ratliff spent six full-time seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing serving as the Cup crew chief for Joey Logano and Matt Kenseth. 

The LFR team’s current crew chief, veteran Mike Wheeler, will remain with the team and move to the position of competition director next season. The team’s current driver, Matt DiBenedetto announced two weeks ago that he will drive the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford next season as Paul Menard retires from full-time Cup Series competition.

RELATED: DiBenedetto moves to Wood Brothers for 2020

“It elevates [the team] with the talent, character and experience Christopher has and has gotten as he moved up through a very solid foundation,’’ Leavine said. “With the people surrounding him, with Jason moving over and Wheels still here and our people on the car will remain the same.’’

Toyota Racing Development President David Wilson confirmed that the TRD relationship with the Leavine Family Racing team will include enhanced hardware, key communication and sharing of information as the organization more fully aligns with the championship Joe Gibbs Racing team.

Leavine added, “Then the, for lack of a better term, enhanced [affiliation] with JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) is all going to come together very well. It’s our next step that we’ve been working on for about five years, so really pleased that Christopher is a part of it. Obviously Toyota being a part of it is huge, TRD and JGR being a part of it, it’s a great family and we all elevate together.”

All four of the current JGR Toyotas qualified for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs and have accounted for 15 wins in the 28-race season to date. JGR driver Martin Truex Jr. has won the opening two Cup Playoff races.

“It’s a huge priority for us to make sure Christopher has what he needs to succeed, to be confident, and this is a complete package,’’ Wilson assured. “It is not being done piecemeal. “

It’s a comfortable and familiar situation for Bell, who recalled a “bubble chart” that Toyota Racing Development had when he first signed with the organization and ultimately transitioned from the USAC midget ranks with the manufacturer to NASCAR’s marquee series.

“It’s the pinnacle of motorsports in the United States of America,’’ Bell said. “If you talk to anybody, any kid, their dream, if they dream of racing, is to run in the Cup Series of NASCAR.

“It’s a dream come true for me.’’