Posted on by Staff Report

Team owner Chip Ganassi announced Friday that his organization will not run the No. 42 car in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2019.

The team had signed Ross Chastain to drive the car for the upcoming season following a part-time stint in which the Florida wheelman won a race and finished second in a three-race deal in 2018.

“Due to a lack of sponsorship funding we will cease operation of the No. 42 Xfinity team in 2019,” Ganassi said in a team statement. “This was a difficult decision for me to make and it comes with much anguish as this is a championship caliber team (having won six races and finished second in the owners championship) and more importantly because it affects a number of good people’s livelihoods. Running a car without proper funding is difficult to do.”

Posted on by Team Release

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 4, 2019) – Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, today announced it will continue its long partnership with Martin Truex Jr., joining the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion in his transition to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2019. Bass Pro has signed a multi-year agreement to serve as the primary sponsor of Truex’s No. 19 Toyota Camry.

As primary sponsor, Bass Pro will be prominently featured on the hood of the No. 19 Camry for 24 races in the 2019 NASCAR season, starting with the season-opening DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, February 17, 2019. This relationship continues a strong partnership that has helped raise broad awareness for significant conservation initiatives and the great outdoors.

RELATED: Truex among drivers on the move in 2019 | Truex’s 2018 year in review

“We’re fired up to keep rolling with Martin in 2019. His spirit and passion for hunting and fishing makes him a great ambassador for Bass Pro and the outdoors,” said Bass Pro Shops founder, conservationist and avid racing fan Johnny Morris. “Martin is a true champion in racing as well as in life, and I’m honored to call him my friend and fishing buddy of more than 15 years.”

Morris and Truex have built a longstanding friendship and successful partnership since Truex’s NASCAR career began in 2001. Since that time, Bass Pro Shops and TRACKER Boats served as primary sponsor for Truex during two Xfinity Series championships in 2004 and 2005 as well as his first three seasons in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Most recently, Bass Pro proudly sponsored Truex during his 2017 championship season and title defense in 2018. Truex and Morris both share a love of the great outdoors and work together to advance key conservation causes by leveraging NASCAR’s national platform and audience.

“I’m pumped to have Bass Pro with us again,” said Truex. “Johnny Morris has supported me throughout my career. I can’t thank him and the entire Bass Pro Shops organization enough for their support. I look forward to continuing our success together for many years to come.”

PHOTOS: Truex’s career through the years

Posted on by Staff Report

The 2019 Daytona 500 start time is 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday, Feb. 17, kicking off the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. FOX will broadcast the Daytona 500 with radio coverage from MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

NASCAR.com will feature live coverage of the 2019 Daytona 500, including leaderboards, live video, breaking news stories, fantasy updates, in-car cameras, 360 video and more.

Watching in person? Get tickets here, including camping packages and VIP experiences. Speedweeks Monster Energy Series events kick off Sunday, Feb. 10, with the Advance Auto Parts Clash at 3 p.m. ET (FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.)

RELATED: Who’s eligible for The Clash

Next up are the Duels at Daytona, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET Thursday, Feb. 14 … all leading up to the Daytona 500 main event, which features plenty of intriguing story lines.

Starting at Daytona, Joey Logano is pursuing the first back-to-back Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championships since Jimmie Johnson racked up titles No. 4 and 5 in 2009 and 2010.

Logano brought Ford its first championship since 2004 in a fiercely fought 2018 NASCAR Playoffs, and Ford is making more moves this season, bringing the Mustang to Monster Energy Series racing for the first time.

Defending race winner Austin Dillon is looking to strike gold again at Daytona as Richard Childress Racing celebrates its 50th anniversary in the sport. He will have a new crew chief in Danny Stockman, amid many driver and crew chief changes for 2019.

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Daniel Hemric knows the legacy of Richard Childress Racing and the No. 8.

Growing up in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the name “Earnhardt” was a commonality in the local community. As a young racing fan, Hemric called himself a fan of the “Intimidator” and his team, Richard Childress Racing.

To drive the same number that Dale Earnhardt Jr. made famous for a team that he grew up watching is indeed special for the newly minted Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver.

But he also wants to built his own legacy in the car and with Richard Childress Racing.

“… To see the pride in the employees’ eyes and how that catapulted RCR to what it is today, 50 years later, for me that is what I’m most looking forward to is the opportunity to add to that legacy and to do it in a number that many unbelievable drivers that came before me,” Hemric said during RCR’s 50th anniversary celebration announcement on Dec. 19 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “To be able to have that number… but somewhere along the way to make it my own as well. I want to make sure the folks at RCR understand not only where I’ve come from, but I want the fans to understand where I’ve come from and why that number means what it means to myself and the entire sport.

“When it’s all said and done, I want to make sure we add to that legacy.”

MORE: Hemric to drive the No. 8 in 2019 | Other No. 8 drivers

Hemric’s beginnings with a RCR Cup ride begin the same year the team celebrates its 50th anniversary in NASCAR. The 27-year-old driver has already driven for the team’s Xfinity Series program for two years, but he feels like he’s “been a part of this family for way longer than that.”

“Austin (Dillon) and Ty (Dillon) and I grew up at the race tracks when we were 14, 15, 16 years old together,” Hemric said of his fellow drivers and team owner Richard Childress’ grandsons. ”So, I’ve been around this family and this atmosphere for a long time and to be able to run my first full season in the Cup Series – (and) do it on RCR’s 50th year – it’s crazy to think how far this place has come since 1969.

“And to know I get to be a part of a huge milestone of RCR’s history, it’s a lot to take in but unbelievable to know I get to run my first Daytona 500 with a group and organization I consider family.”

MORE: Return of the No. 8, 50th anniversary bring rejuvenation to RCR

The milestone of stepping into Richard Childress Racing’s No. 8, starting with the season-opening Daytona 500, is the first line of Hemric’s legacy. But what will the rest of it look like? Hemric doesn’t know — no one knows yet. Perhaps that’s the exciting part about a new venture; he has an opportunity to mold it however he wishes.

And, maybe, inspire a kid from a small town with big dreams – just like himself – along the way.

“I think that’s all to be seen and to be written, really,” he said. “I think my path and my journey to get here, to have the opportunity to drive the 8 car in the Cup Series is its own story. Hopefully that in itself will be enough to motivate some kid throughout the country that wants a shot and doesn’t know how to do it. Through hard work and dedication and committing yourself to something. … I think what I can do with RCR at the Cup level is to be seen and I want to know as time goes, I can make it my own.

“And I don’t want to take away the history of what the 8 means to the sport but also want to make sure when it’s all said and done, there’s a good amount there under my name as well.”

Posted on by IMSA Wire Service

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Following last month’s announcement of the 47-car entry list for this weekend’s Roar Before the Rolex 24 At Daytona, more than 150 drivers were unveiled in an updated entry list today to participate in this weekend’s annual three-day test session for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

“The Roar” as it’s become known over the past several years, serves as the kickoff to the upcoming season. This year, it takes on added significance, as the IMSA 50th Anniversary Celebration that will take place throughout 2019 gets underway.

In addition, this weekend serves as the public unveiling for Michelin’s new relationship as the “Official Tire of IMSA.” All 47 WeatherTech Championship race cars will be riding on Michelin tires this weekend and throughout the 2019 season, in addition to 40 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge machines — 31 Grand Sport (GS) and nine Touring Car (TCR) — that also will participate in three days of testing.

RELATED: Rolex 24 ride for Kurt Busch in the future?

The 2019 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season opens with the four-hour BMW Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, Jan. 25, the day before the green flag drops on the Rolex 24 At Daytona. On top of WeatherTech Championship and Michelin Pilot Challenge testing, this weekend also features the first IMSA-sanctioned race of the season, with 19 IMSA Prototype Challenge LMP3 race cars — also riding on Michelin tires — ready for a three-hour race on the Daytona International Speedway’s high banks beginning at 12:15 p.m. ET Saturday.

Among the drivers on the WeatherTech Championship entry list this weekend are 18 with at least one series title under their belt since 2014. Ten of those drivers will participate in the flagship Daytona Prototype international (DPi) class, which has been separated into its own class for 2019, with LMP2 becoming its own, Pro-Am class.

On-track testing for WeatherTech Championship machines at the Roar begins at 11 a.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 5. The DPi, GTLM and LMP2 classes will have a total of seven practice sessions between Jan. 4 and Jan. 6, with five practice sessions set for the GTD class on Jan. 4-5.

As was the case for the first time in 2018, qualifying for garage allocations and pit lane assignments again will take place for all classes in 2019. The 15-minute GTD qualifying session starts Saturday, Jan. 5 at 4:30 p.m. ET. GTLM qualifying runs from 11:50 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6, followed by DPi and LMP2 qualifying from 12:15 to 12:30 p.m. ET.

In addition to WeatherTech Championship testing, the Roar also includes six test sessions for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge throughout the three days of on-track activity. Also, the IMSA Prototype Challenge opens its 2019 season with a three-hour race beginning at 12:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 5. The race will be streamed live on IMSA.tv.

All three days of the Roar Before the Rolex 24 At Daytona are open to the public, with free admission for 2019 Rolex 24 At Daytona ticket holders. Tickets are available now at DaytonaInternationalSpeedway.com.

Posted on by Staff Report

Germain Racing announced Wednesday that it has relocated its operations to Welcome, North Carolina, a move that will bolster its technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing.

The Bob Germain-owned organization fields the No. 13 Chevrolet for driver Ty Dillon in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The team indicated that it has been based in Mooresville, North Carolina, for the last decade.

RELATED: Tracking 2019’s changes

“We are committed to our technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing,” Germain said in a statement provided by the team. “As we prepare for this upcoming season of competition, it is logistically beneficial to be closer to their headquarters. We are looking forward to strengthening our relationships with our alliance teammates in order to advance our engineering strategies and improve on-track performance.

“This is an exciting move for our team and partners, and I know it will be a valuable one for our overall race program.”

Dillon has been with the Germain Racing organization since 2017, when he joined the Monster Energy Series full-time.

Richard Childress Racing will celebrate its 50th anniversary season in 2019, fielding Chevrolets for Ty Dillon’s brother, Austin, and Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate Daniel Hemric.

PHOTOS: RCR’s special 50th anniversary paint schemes

Posted on by Staff Report

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Christopher Bell gave the term “pass in the grass” a whole new meaning Saturday night in Auckland, New Zealand.

Using up the bottom of the race track — and even more — Bell made a move on New Zealand’s Michael Pickens to pick up the sprint-car feature win at Western Springs Speedway.

In the World 30-lap Midget Derby feature race earlier in the night, it was Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson who took victory on the dirt, edging out Bell and Pickens, who finished second and third, respectively.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsBl9_-ht1r/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The action is all part of the United Truck Parts International Midget Series, an annual five-event international show that showcases dirt racing’s finest from the United States, Australia and New Zealand, competing on a world-class stage at Baypark Family Speedway, Huntly Speedway and Western Springs.

Bell, Larson and the rest of the competition will head to Huntly Speedway for the United Truck Parts 40 Lapper on New Year’s Day before heading back to Western Springs for the Kings of the Springs Bryan Clauson Tribute on Jan. 3 and the World 50 Lapper on Jan. 5.

Posted on by Staff Report

Which channels have NASCAR programming this week? We answer that and give you the weekly NASCAR television listings here in the NASCAR TV schedule.

Note: All times are ET.

MORE: Get the NBC Sports App | How to find FS1 | Get FOX Sports Go | How to find NBCSN

THURSDAY, Jan. 3
6 p.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Season Recap, FS1 (re-air)
10 p.m., Beyond the Wheel, FS2 (re-air)
11 p.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Features: Part 1, FS2 (re-air)

On MRN
1 p.m., Throwback Thursday: 1993 Budweiser 500

FRIDAY, Jan. 4
Midnight, NASCAR Race Hub: Fans’ Choice Awards, FS2 (re-air)
1 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Features: Part 2, FS2 (re-air)
2 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Radioactive, FS2 (re-air)
3 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Season Recap, FS2 (re-air)
10 a.m., Beyond the Wheel, FS2 (re-air)
11 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Features: Part 1, FS2 (re-air)
Noon, NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Radioactive, FS2 (re-air)
1 p.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Season Recap, FS2 (re-air)
6 p.m., Beyond the Wheel, FS1 (re-air)

Posted on by Staff Report

Joey Logano’s highlights in 2018 are aplenty. There was a springtime win at Talladega to lock into the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs and reassert both Logano, a member of the Coca-Cola Racing Family, and Team Penske as masters at the superspeedways.

There was a summer stretch that showed plenty of speed, setting the No. 22 Ford camp up for an unforgettable fall.

Then it kicked into overdrive. A 100-lap led effort at Kansas in the postseason preceded one of Logano’s defining wins to date — a Martinsville conquest that saw the 28-year-old move Martin Truex Jr. out of the way coming out of Turn 4 in the final lap to clinch his spot in the Championship 4.

And if Martinsville was one of Logano’s most defining wins, the championship race in Miami was the race of his life, with a clutch late-race restart vaulting Logano to the win and series championship.

NASCAR Digital looks back at Logano’s season today, capping our December look-back for all 16 playoff drivers.

• Recapping his run to the title: Reviewing Logano’s 2018 season — from his win in April at Talladega to his championship triumph at Miami | More here | Watch the highlights

• Through the years: See pictures of Logano, from the start of his career up to the Miami championship and celebration in Las Vegas. | More here

• Martinsville moment: Perhaps the definitive moment of Logano’s season was when he knocked Martin Truex Jr. out of the way for the win at Martinsville. | Watch here

• Miami, nice: Relive the restart that led to Logano’s first Monster Energy Series championship. | Watch here

• Speech! Speech!: The season officially ended in Las Vegas, when Joey Logano made a heartfelt champion’s speech. | Watch here