Posted on by Team Release

WELCOME, N.C.  — Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Caterpillar Inc. have renewed their overall partnership and sponsorship of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro team, and will use the platform for the introduction of new digital and social content campaigns.

The partnership between RCR and Caterpillar began in 2009 and has been highlighted by the Cat Racing program’s consistent activation and engagement with Cat dealers and customers. Since the 2014 debut of driver/crew chief combination of Ryan Newman and Luke Lambert, the team has earned a career-best finish in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series point standings, coming within one point of winning the coveted championship. Consistency has remained a strong suit and in four seasons, the 31 team has earned three NASCAR Playoffs berths, one victory, 19 top-five and 54 top-10 finishes.

“I am happy to announce the continuation of our partnership with Caterpillar and the No. 31 Chevrolet in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet and interact with so many Cat dealers, customers and equipment operators through the past nine years. They are passionate about both racing and their Cat equipment, and I share their passion for both. I have used Cat equipment for many years and there is no better heavy machinery on the market. We’ve enjoyed our long-term association with Caterpillar, and helped them sell a lot of equipment over the years. I’m proud to represent the Cat brand.”

MORE: RCR, Bass Pro Shops extend partnership into 2018

Last month, Caterpillar rolled out its new digital and social content campaigns on several platforms utilizing RCR assets to enhance the integrated partnership. From simple tune ins to long-form features, Cat is showcasing the RCR team’s implementation of the Cat S60 phone in competition, as well as its driver’s off-track devotion to conservation with the help of Cat Compact Track Loaders and the Newman family’s animal rescue and education facility in North Carolina.

“Some of our strongest brand ambassadors are found in our friends on the RCR team,” said Caterpillar Vice President, Nigel Lewis. “Together, we share a commitment to teamwork, advanced technology and healthy competition. Because of our partnership with RCR, we have engaged and entertained countless customers over the years across North America, and built lasting relationships and strong customer loyalty as a result. We look forward to another exciting racing season and extending the relationship beyond the track, reaching a much broader group of our customers during our sponsorship throughout the year.”

The world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives began as a sponsor in NASCAR in 1993. Caterpillar was a team sponsor in the NASCAR XFINITY Series from 1995 to 1996 before moving to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in 1997. Its relationship with RCR began in 2009, where it remains as one of the most prominent brands competing in the elite division.

Posted on by

John Hunter Nemechek will drive the No. 42 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Chip Ganassi Racing on a part-time basis in 2018, the team announced Tuesday.

 

Nemechek, 20, has driven the No. 8 Chevrolet for his family-owned NEMCO Motorsports — which intends to continue fielding an entry in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2018 — since he was 16 and is a five-time winner in the Truck Series. He will split driving duties in 2018 with Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson, who won three times in the No. 42 Xfinity ride in 2017. 

Chip Ganassi Racing

The No. 42 team, which has hosted several drivers over the years, has reached Victory Lane 10 times since 2006, with Larson, Alex Bowman and Tyler Reddick as its most recent victors.

 

The team’s success and ability to win was a driving force behind the decision to sign with the team, Nemechek said.

 

“In years past, I’ve been able to show what we’ve done with a small organization, kind of underfunded, at NEMCO Motorsports in the Truck Series and I think it’s going to be a great opportunity to get in really good equipment that has been proven to win each and every year,” Nemechek told NASCAR.com. “When you go to the race track, you know that you’re a contender for a win. But being able to kind of get myself with a team that has been established and can go to the race track and win each and every week,  I think that’s the most important part.”

 For Nemechek, the move to pilot the No. 42 is one with slight familiarity. Several former crew members for Joe Nemechek, a 20-time winner in NASCAR’s national series and John Hunter’s father, currently work on the No. 42 Xfinity Series operation. This includes the elder Nemechek’s former Xfinity Series crew chief Gary Putnam.

 

“It’s pretty cool to almost have a little reunion (reminiscent of) when they were at the shop and I was 3 years old driving a Go-Kart around the parking lot …” the younger Nemechek said. “We’ve stayed in touch over the years and I know being at the shop or in their hauler at some of the last few races going in and talking to them, all those stories start to come out.”

 

The familiarity lends itself to a bit of comfort in a situation that could be intimidating for anyone — much less a young driver moving up through the ranks.

 

“I definitely feel like there’s a comfort level there already — I don’t think that we’re going to have to build to that,” Nemechek said. “… You’re going to have to work on communication skills and know what the crew chief and driver want, but I definitely feel like there’s something established there and I definitely feel like that’s going to help us for the future.”

 

Nemechek becomes the latest young star to take a step forward in his NASCAR career, with drivers such as Bowman, Darrell Wallace Jr., Christopher Bell and William Byron also moving into their next respective level of racing. He’s looking forward to the new phase in his career –- with only a few good nerves.

 

“I would lie to you if I said there weren’t any (nerves),” Nemechek said with a smile. “I would say there are some nerves going into it, but I’m not really that nervous. I mean, more just butterflies in your stomach than anything.”

Scott Hunter

 

Posted on by Staff Report

RELATED: VIP ticket packages

NASCAR today released 2018 race start times and network coverage for the NASCAR Xfinity Series, including the season-opener at Daytona on FS1 and the Xfinity Series Championship at Miami on NBCSN.

Key time changes include a switch to night racing at Richmond Raceway in April, later start times in the spring for races at Texas Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway and an earlier, 5 p.m. ET start time at Iowa Speedway in June and at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in September. In addition, the fall race at Texas now starts at 3:30 p.m. ET

Times for 2018 races were selected collaboratively to meet the needs of fans, teams, tracks and broadcast partners. Fans should look to see more information from several tracks about additional enhancements to their race weekend schedules in the coming weeks.

MORE: See the full 2018 schedule

The 2018 Xfinity Series season officially returns Feb. 17 at Daytona. Tune-in at 2:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Channel 90, or visit NASCAR.com/buy-tickets to catch all the action in-person.

Date Location Network Start time
Sat, Feb 17, 2018 Daytona FS1 2:30 PM
Sat, Feb 24, 2018 Atlanta FS1 2:00 PM
Sat, Mar 03, 2018 Las Vegas FS1 4:00 PM
Sat, Mar 10, 2018 Phoenix FOX 4:00 PM
Sat, Mar 17, 2018 California FS1 5:00 PM
Sun, Apr 01, 2018 OFF WEEK ‐ EASTER
Sat, Apr 07, 2018 Texas FOX 3:00 PM
Sat, Apr 14, 2018 Bristol FS1 1:00 PM
Fri, Apr 20, 2018 Richmond FS1 7:00 PM
Sat, Apr 28, 2018 Talladega FOX 3:00 PM
Sat, May 05, 2018 Dover FS1 1:30 PM
Sat, May 26, 2018 Charlotte FS1 1:00 PM
Sat, Jun 02, 2018 Pocono FS1 1:00 PM
Sat, Jun 09, 2018 Michigan FOX 1:30 PM
Sun, Jun 17, 2018 Iowa FS1 5:00 PM
Sat, Jun 30, 2018 Chicagoland NBCSN 3:30 PM
Fri, Jul 06, 2018 Daytona NBCSN 7:30 PM
Fri, Jul 13, 2018 Kentucky NBCSN 8:00 PM
Sat, Jul 21, 2018 New Hampshire NBCSN 4:00 PM
Sat, Jul 28, 2018 Iowa NBCSN 3:30 PM
Sat, Aug 04, 2018 Watkins Glen NBC 3:30 PM
Sat, Aug 11, 2018 Mid‐Ohio NBCSN 3:00 PM
Fri, Aug 17, 2018 Bristol NBCSN 7:30 PM
Sat, Aug 25, 2018 Road America NBCSN 3:00 PM
Sat, Sep 01, 2018 Darlington NBC 3:30 PM
Sat, Sep 08, 2018 Indianapolis NBCSN 4:00 PM
Sat, Sep 15, 2018 Las Vegas NBCSN 5:00 PM
Fri, Sep 21, 2018 Richmond NBCSN 7:30 PM
Sat, Sep 29, 2018 Charlotte NBCSN 3:00 PM
Sat, Oct 06, 2018 Dover NBCSN 3:00 PM
Sat, Oct 20, 2018 Kansas NBCSN 2:30 PM
Sat, Nov 03, 2018 Texas NBC 3:30 PM
Sat, Nov 10, 2018 Phoenix NBC 3:30 PM
Sat, Nov 17, 2018 Homestead-Miami NBCSN 3:30 PM
Posted on by Team Release

WELCOME, N.C. — Richard Childress Racing (RCR) today announced plans to continue its partnership with Bass Pro Shops during the 2018 racing season. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s will serve as a primary sponsor for the No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The partnership marks the first time both iconic outdoor brands will be featured together since Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s joined forces in September 2017 to establish North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company.  

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s will be featured as the primary sponsors of Ryan Newman’s No. 31 Chevrolet during the 60th running of the Daytona 500 on February 18, 2018, along with several other select races throughout the 2018 season.

MORE: See the fresh new schemes for 2018

The partnership also includes several races as primary sponsor in the Xfinity Series with drivers Austin Dillon and Ty Dillon, and a season-long associate sponsorship in both the Cup and Xfinity Series.

RCR Twitter

“Our relationship with Bass Pro Shops dates back to the mid-1990s and we’re thrilled to be able to continue it during the 2018 season,” said RCR’s Chairman and CEO, Richard Childress. “Austin, Ty and Ryan are terrific ambassadors for the great outdoors. They are all passionate about our hunting, fishing and conservation heritage which has made this partnership thrive. Next season will be exciting as we welcome Cabela’s, the iconic outdoor brand acquired by Bass Pro Shops, to the RCR family.”

Newman, Dillon and Dillon will serve as outdoor, hunting, fishing, conservation and sport shooting spokesmen for Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. The partnership will include in-market activation, at-track activation, show car and digital/social media assets. The at-track activation includes a footprint at the popular Bass Pro Shops/NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway in August 2018, where Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s will also serve as primary sponsor for the No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro.

Bass Pro Shops, founded in 1972 by avid young angler Johnny Morris, provides unmatched offerings spanning destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class destinations and more. Earlier this year, Morris opened the doors to Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, the largest, most immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world, located adjacent to the original Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Springfield, Missouri.

“I am very excited to continue our partnership with Richard Childress Racing and support three tremendous drivers – Ryan Newman, Austin Dillon, and Ty Dillon,” said noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris. “Like so many of our loyal customers, we cannot wait to see Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s side-by-side on the race cars and in Victory Lane. We know many of our customers, conservation partners and associates have an affinity for NASCAR which has made our partnership with RCR so successful. We’re excited to get things started with the Daytona 500 in February.”

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s will continue its on-car branding efforts with its affiliated brands such as TRACKER Boats, Ranger Boats, Big Cedar Lodge and to promote conservation partners including Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation. 

Posted on by Brad Norman

The young guns are here and more are coming, a youth movement that has some of NASCAR’s veterans thinking through the final years of their respective careers.

Chip Ganassi Racing’s Jamie McMurray (41), who has one of those young superstars in Kyle Larson as a teammate, has a planned finite timeline for the remainder of his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career.

“My goal is to be able to race for four more years, maybe a little bit more,” McMurray said during Champion’s Week in Las Vegas earlier this month. “At this point, you know that your days are somewhat numbered. But I don’t know. At the same time, (the youth movement) is a part of our sport.”

REVIEW: Jamie McMurray’s season

Another year like 2017, and racing until 2021 or longer appears not only possible, but likely.

McMurray qualified for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs for the third consecutive year in 2017, and advanced to the Round of 12 for the first time.

McMurray’s 17 top-10 finishes were his most in a season since 2004, and some of his more impressive Loop Data statistics include: 74 percent of all laps run in 2017 were in the top 15 (eighth-best in the series) and 86 percent of McMurray’s laps logged came when he was on the lead lap (also good for eighth-best in the series).

Those numbers suggest McMurray is both fast and consistent.

PHOTOS: McMurray through the years

He also is poised, which comes with the experience of having 15 full-time seasons of experience in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. That makes the experience of listening to “Scanner Sounds,” which McMurray says he does on occasion, illustrate a critical difference as the young guns as the make their way up the ranks — and provide a bit of levity to the veteran.

“When I listen to the race replays of the radio between the drivers and things they say, I get a kick out of the younger guys,” McMurray said. “They explode on the radio, right, and they’re just so mad at things that happen. And I just laugh because I don’t get mad like that anymore. I’ve kind of experienced it. It’s happened before, so you handle it differently.

“But that’s the thing that sticks out to me most about the younger guys is they’re really fast. I mean Chase (Elliott) and Ryan Blaney and Larson and all these guys that have kind of recently come in, they’re fast and awesome drivers, but it’s kind of funny to see how they handle situations they haven’t been put in before.”

Posted on by Official NASCAR Release

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 11, 2017) – NASCAR fans get a double-dose of racing action to open the 2018 season on Sunday, Feb. 11, with The Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona International Speedway capping a day that starts with pole qualifying for the 60th Annual Daytona 500.

A star-studded lineup of elite drivers will battle in the 75-lap event that airs live on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio at 3 p.m. ET. The annual preseason race will be run in two segments, with a competition caution at Lap 25 separating the segments.

“A double-header, featuring The Clash and Daytona 500 qualifying, is a great way to start the 2018 season,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “The urgency created by the non-points race sets a tone for the season, providing a strong preview of the competition we expect will be a mainstay all year long.”

PHOTOS: Every Clash winner

“For four decades, the Advance Auto Parts Clash has been a staple of the Speedweeks lineup,” Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile said. “The event has a rich history and serves as a preview to the Can-Am Duel qualifying races and the Daytona 500. Combining the Advance Auto Parts Clash and Daytona 500 Qualifying on the same day will deliver race fans a full day of NASCAR action.”

Consistent with the eligibility criteria used to determine last year’s Clash field, there is no pre-determined number of cars. The exclusive field is limited to drivers who were 2017 pole winners, former Clash race winners, former Daytona 500 pole winners who competed full-time in 2017 and drivers who qualified for the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

Eligible drivers are:

2017 pole winners (14)

 • Ryan Blaney, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Erik Jones, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Martin Truex Jr.

Former Daytona 500 pole winners (3)

• Austin Dillon, Jimmie Johnson, Danica Patrick.

2017 playoff drivers (3)

• Kasey Kahne, Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman.

Tickets for The Clash and Daytona 500 qualifying are available online at DaytonaInternationalSpeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Posted on by Steve Luvender

I don’t know about you, but I love online shopping. There’s something about the thrill of finding the perfect gift at a great deal, all without the dread of real-life human interaction.

If I were buying a gift for NASCAR drivers, it would only be fair to buy something for everybody. Here’s what I picked out, thanks to the magic of Amazon Prime. Surely, each of these drivers would love their gifts had I not already spent my entire holiday budget impulse buying junk for myself on Cyber Monday.

AJ Allmendinger

https://www.amazon.com/Inktastic-Racer-Vintage-Classic-Green/dp/B074PL2LLY/

AJ, you’re sponsored by groceries and you like road racing. You get a reusable shopping bag. #NASCARGreen, AJ.

Aric Almirola

https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Original-Cushioning-Perforated-393251/dp/B000CS787S/

Since you’re switching over to a new team next year, moving your things will be a little easier with some bubble wrap. Plus, when you’re bored during team competition meetings, you can pop the bubbles. You’re welcome, Aric.

Trevor Bayne

https://www.amazon.com/Janod-Stacking-Pyramid-Racing-Mixed/dp/B00BSJV9MK/

Trevor Bayne, it’s hard to shop for you. Uhh, you like racing, and you’re pretty young, so here’s a stacking pyramid of animals driving race cars. What, you don’t like it? Well, you can just give it to somebody else.

Ryan Blaney

https://www.amazon.com/ELFINA-Scissors-Thinning-Texturizing-Set-Size/dp/B01G1C3C1Y/

Please get a haircut.

Alex Bowman

https://www.amazon.com/Rookie-Year-Thomas-Ian-Nicholas/dp/B0007LLPXI/

It’s a movie — Rookie of the Year! Maybe that’ll be you in 2018 (or not, based on eligibility rules).

Clint Bowyer

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Kansas/dp/B00000I5Y6/

Clint Bowyer, you’re probably the best active NASCAR driver from Kansas, so naturally you’ll enjoy your musical equivalent — the Best of Kansas. Nailed it.

Chris Buescher

https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Parts-599822-Aluminum-Buescher/dp/B074Q7Y3TK/

Neat — it’s a sign that says “Buescher” — and that’s your name! This will look great in the man cave.

Kurt Busch

https://www.amazon.com/Contract-Jeter-Publishing-Derek/dp/1481423134/

Kurt, I know you love baseball, and I know you’re still working with Stewart-Haas Racing to finalize your contract for 2018. Here’s a book by Derek Jeter called “The Contract” that might have some pertinent advice or something. Enjoy!

Kyle Busch

https://www.amazon.com/Toothbrush-Friendly-Toothbrushes-Bristles-BPA-Free/dp/B072ZWWMN4/

Kyle, this season, you were sponsored by M&Ms, Snickers, Skittles, and dog food. You’re going to need a really good toothbrush — here are four! You’ll thank me next time you visit the dentist.

William Byron

https://www.amazon.com/GORDON-TAKES-CHAMPIONSHIP-NASCAR-DIECAST/dp/B000MXUB4K

For little William, here’s a No. 24 car — play with it whenever you’d like! Jeff Gordon won his second championship in 1997, just before you were born. Some day when you’re older, maybe you’ll race the No. 24 car, too!

Landon Cassill

https://www.amazon.com/Texting-Cuffs-Millennial-Handcuff-Keychain/dp/B071P69GH3/

You millennials are always texting. Text, text, text — is that all you do?! Why don’t you put the phone down and enjoy the weather, Landon?

Derrike Cope

https://www.amazon.com/Cope-1-Z-Andrew-Jatau/dp/0996415432/

I didn’t read it. It said “Cope With It”, so I picked it up for you. Hope you enjoy the thoughtful gift.

Matt DiBenedetto

https://www.amazon.com/Racing-Weight-Quick-Start-Guide/dp/1934030724/

It’s a book called Racing Weight, because you’re a racer and you lift weights. Can’t wait to read your review, under the username Buff Boi.

Austin Dillon

https://www.amazon.com/Wham-Double-Through-Splash-Bumper/dp/B00DGEQ5C4/

Austin, I know how you always celebrate a big win by going for a slide on your stomach in the front stretch grass. With this slip-and-slide, you can practice your moves all off-season long!

Ty Dillon

You can share with your brother. The slip-and-slide has two lanes.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

https://www.amazon.com/EZ-Drinker-Holster-holds-Black/dp/B00J2L613I

For when you’re wandering the car graveyard next year and you can’t hold six beers in your hands. You’re welcome.

Jeffrey Earnhardt

https://www.amazon.com/Dimension-Jeffrey-9-Function-Multi-Purpose-Rosewood/dp/B012Z8G0T4/

I got this pocket knife engraved with your name, Jeffrey, just for you and your outdoor adventures. Although, I’m sure you could wrestle bears and chop wood or whatever without it.

Chase Elliott

https://www.amazon.com/UNITE-Hair-Seconds-Detangler-Leave/dp/B00UYBSZ52/

It only seemed appropriate to get you something called “7 Seconds” — hope you can get that first win next year, Chase!

Gray Gaulding

https://www.amazon.com/Schleich-14601-Giant-Turtle/dp/B001O2QW9G/

Wow — a turtle! You can pick him up anytime you want. His name’s Gary. Now, whenever someone misspells your name, it’ll be funny because they’ll be referring to your turtle, Gary Gaulding.

Denny Hamlin

https://www.amazon.com/AIMILAR-Digital-Countdown-Kitchen-Retirement/dp/B01E2KKK2G/

Hey, cool, a countdown clock! Maybe you can use it to count down — oh, I don’t know — a big race that’s coming up?

Kevin Harvick

https://www.amazon.com/Nicknames-Past-Present-Christine-Rose/dp/0929626184/

Where did he come from?! For the man who has everything — at least when it comes to nicknames — here’s a perfect book for you, Cactus King Closer.

Jimmie Johnson

https://www.amazon.com/Russell-Hobbs-Coffeemaker-Stainless-CM3100BKR/dp/B074XPD7P3/

Jimmie, you’re always talking about how you want eight cups — this coffeemaker gives you just that. Happy holidays!

Erik Jones

https://www.amazon.com/New-Guy-Kelly-Miller/dp/B000ASATTE/

It’s a movie called New Guy — like you at Joe Gibbs Racing. I haven’t watched it, but I got a great deal.

Kasey Kahne

https://www.amazon.com/Now-Thats-What-Call-Music/dp/B01MG1JZA2/

It’s hard to find anything with a 95 on it, but this CD came through. There’s a “Now That’s What I Call Music” for every driver’s car number!

Matt Kenseth

https://www.amazon.com/101-Fun-Things-Retirement-Irreverent/dp/1514117495/

I heard you’re retiring. Here’s something you can read to keep you busy in 2018.

Brad Keselowski

https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Brother-Sheila-Sweeny-Higginson/dp/1442420219

This book will help you get along with your new teammate next year, Brad. Be nice to little Ryan Blaney.

Corey LaJoie

https://www.amazon.com/Dogg-Athletics-Spinning-Maximum-Results/dp/B002PEZPN6

In case you ever find yourself in a spin, here’s how you can maximize it — although, I guess you stopped doing that spinning stuff in, like, April.

Kyle Larson

https://www.amazon.com/Off-Wall-DVD-Michael-Jackson/dp/B01A7EOJLY/

Michael Jackson’s here to remind you to stay off the wall. Well, you can get close, because you’re really good at going fast up there, but remember — Off the Wall. Happy holidays, Kyle.

Joey Logano

https://www.amazon.com/Goalrilla-Striker-Soccer-Rebound-Trainer/dp/B0076S64T0/

“Gee, thanks! A soccer goal trainer!” It’s to help you rebound after 2017, Joey. And there’s no gift receipt.

Michael McDowell

https://www.amazon.com/MCDOWELL-Lifetime-Member-Family-Shirt/dp/B0779R9CYK/

Just wear it, Michael. It’s hard to find shirts that fit people who are eight feet tall. And if you donate the shirt to the thrift store, I’ll find it and return it to its rightful owner — you.

Jamie McMurray

https://www.amazon.com/Racing-Champions-1994-McDonald-Hamburglar/dp/B004ETI3Y8/

You’re always raving about McDonalds and I know you like NASCAR, Jamie, so here’s a collectible McDonaldland diecast from 1994, when Hamburglar was tearing up the track and swiping hamburgers from Bill Elliott.

Paul Menard

https://www.amazon.com/Lays-Classic-Family-Potato-Chips/dp/B01MZANU7D/

I forgot to shop for you, Paul Menard. I totally dropped the ball. Here’s a bag of chips. It’s yellow like your car. Please enjoy.

Ryan Newman

https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Landing-Hoax-Eagle-Landed/dp/1906512477

I saw this was on your wish list. Sorry if you’ve already read it.

Danica Patrick

https://www.amazon.com/Bits-Pieces-Delightful-Sculptures-Positioned/dp/B072C64MHD/

I know you’re into yoga and stuff, and I saw these knick-knacks and just had to pick them up. Please don’t try to return them and get money back.

David Ragan

https://www.amazon.com/AUTOGRAPHED-Racing-Substitution-Garage-Picture/dp/B00YX6CVYA/

Wow, an autographed photo of David Ragan! That seems like something David Ragan might enjoy.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

https://www.amazon.com/Aesthetinc-Patriotic-American-Novelty-Cotton/dp/B01661GW8A/

America! 1776! We are the champs! And what would the holidays be without a nice new pair of socks? You need a nice pair of socks, you know. Here’s a patriotic pair especially for you, Ricky.

Daniel Suarez

https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Sophomores-Rule-T-Shirt-Design/dp/B075JC5DBC/?th=1

Well, Daniel, you’re not a rookie anymore — you’re a sophomore in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series! Here’s a shirt to remind everyone there aren’t yellow rookie stripes on your car anymore.

Martin Truex Jr.

https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Figurine-Beanie-Display-7-Inch/dp/B001IJFKWA/

I heard you won a trophy or something, so here’s a nice case to keep it safe up on your shelf. It’ll fit any Beanie Baby ever made, too, if I didn’t get the right size. Just trying to be thoughtful.

Bubba Wallace

https://www.amazon.com/elope-Racing-Reindeer-Helmet-Hat/dp/B00187X3FI/

Wow, two for one! You can wear a fun racing-themed holiday hat, and wear it to team meetings with your new boss, Richard Petty, and talk about your eccentric hats.

Cole Whitt

https://www.amazon.com/Days-Thunder-Various/dp/B00AEFXR1K/

Check it out! They made a movie about stock car racing and the main character is named Cole! Maybe you’ve heard of it.

Happy holidays, NASCAR Nation.

Posted on by Staff Report

RELATED: Catch up on all episodes of the Blaney podcast

May the force be with Ryan Blaney.

The noted “Star Wars” fan traveled to California this weekend with pal Carson Apple to attend the premiere of the latest installment: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” which is set to hit theaters on December 15. The “Glass Case of Emotion” co-host is quite fond of the movie series.

Take a look at his experience that he shared on Twitter.

And if you are wondering whether he liked the movie? Here’s your answer.


When cars take to the track in 2018 at Daytona, Blaney will be driving the No. 12 Team Penske Ford after spending the past three seasons behind the wheel of the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford. The 23-year-old driver made the playoffs in 2017 thanks to his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series win in June at Pocono.

Posted on by Staff Report

RELATED: Dillon eyes big gains | See Austin and Whitney on the red carpet

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillon and Whitney Ward were married this weekend at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, North Carolina.

Violinist Josh Vietti performed at the wedding and shared a photo on Instagram (see below).

The couple got engaged in August of 2016. Ward is a former NFL cheerleader, while Dillon is coming off his second straight playoff appearance in the Monster Energy Series. The Richard Childress Racing driver also notched his first premier series win at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600 in May.

Congrats to the happy couple.

 

 

Posted on by Zack Albert

MORE: Scenes from the 2017 XFINITY & Camping World Truck Series Awards

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR traded the heat of Miami Beach for an unseasonably chilly Saturday evening in Charlotte for its annual XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series Awards. But there was no less warm a reception for two fresh-faced champions in a special night of appreciation at the sport’s home base. 

William Byron (XFINITY) and Christopher Bell (Trucks) were the toast of the annual gala, taking home the heaviest of hardware at the Charlotte Convention Center. The evening was part celebration and part farewell for the two, as both depart for their next step up the NASCAR ladder next season. 

Byron, 20, will embark on his first season in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series next year, driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. The 22-year-old Bell will set sail for the XFINITY Series ranks, wheeling the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Both got their national series start with Kyle Busch Motorsports, teaming together in 2016.

Both career jumps next year will have some pressure involved. But before making their moves, both young drivers went through another wringer — their speeches.

“It’s nerve-wracking,” Byron said after receiving his championship ring. “It couldn’t be any harder than Homestead, that’s pretty nerve-wracking getting in that car and having once race to make it happen and win a championship. I would say it’s second under that, but those were both awesome moments. You don’t care if you’re not nervous.”

Bell, in his opening remarks, said he could relate to his former teammate’s jitters. Over the course of his Truck Series career, he said obligations to sponsor JBL prompted him to sing on camera. Saturday night’s public speaking engagement to a healthy audience in the Crown Ballroom was an apt comparison.

“This is tough,” Bell said, before relaying his thanks to Busch, his team owner, for his mentorship. A private walk and talk between the two during a Super Late Model test in the offseason steeled Bell’s confidence for what would be a championship run.

“I knew 2017 would be my make-or-break season,” Bell said. “Kyle told me he was on board and let’s go for it.”

The rest of the Championship 4 for both series — Elliott Sadler, Justin Allgaier and Daniel Hemric in XFINITY, and Johnny Sauter, Austin Cindric and Matt Crafton in Trucks — were also honored.

Several other awards and recognitions were made:

  • Mobil 1 Driver of the Year: Kyle Busch (XFINITY) and Christopher Bell (Trucks)
  • Mahle Engine Builder of the Year Award: Doug Yates of Roush Yates Racing (XFINITY) and Mark Cronquist of Joe Gibbs Racing (Trucks).
  • Duralast Brake in the Race Award: Kyle Busch (XFINITY) and Christopher Bell (Trucks)

Among the previously announced awards receiving recognition Saturday night:

  • Sunoco Rookie of the Year: William Byron (XFINITY) and Chase Briscoe (Trucks)
  • Manufacturer championship: Chevrolet (XFINITY) and Toyota (Trucks)
  • Comcast Community Champion: Chip Ganassi Racing pit crew department