Posted on by Staff Report

RELATED: Cast your contest vote today

Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris has had quite the racing season, celebrating a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship with Martin Truex Jr. with his company’s support along for the ride.

As the calendar year winds down, Morris is hungry for another big win in an entirely different field. Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is among the nominees for Best New Attraction in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Votes can be cast here through New Year’s Day at noon ET, and winners are scheduled to be announced Jan. 5. Wonders of Wildlife currently tops the leaderboard among the 20 nominated attractions.

“Wonders of Wildlife is an inspirational journey around the world that celebrates the role of hunters and anglers as America’s true conservation heroes,” Morris said. “We proudly invite families and sportsmen to come share the wonder with an unforgettable experience meant to inspire generations of future conservationists.”

Martin Truex Jr. won the 2017 championship in Bass Pro Shops livery. (Photo: Chris Graythen | Getty Images)

The consideration is another accolade in a brief time for the 350,000-square-foot venue, which celebrated its grand opening Sept. 21 in Springfield, Missouri. Former Presidents George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter attended the premier, with celebrities Kevin Costner and Mark Wahlberg on hand and country music stars Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley also on the guest list for the debut.

LEARN MORE: Wonders of Wildlife

The facility stays true to its environmental mission with an expansive array of wildlife galleries and an aquarium habitat with more than 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds in a vivid 1.5 million-gallon display. But Morris’ crown-jewel attraction also reserves nearby space for his other pursuit — motorsports.

As part of the Bass Pro Shops national headquarters is the Bass Pro Shops Motorsports Museum, which is a treasured collection of race-used vehicles, fire suits and helmets. Included is the No. 3 Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt to his lone victory in the Daytona 500 in 1998, one year after Bass Pro Shops first signed on as a NASCAR sponsor.

The collection also includes cars and memorabilia from other drivers who have carried the Bass Pro Shops flag to championships across all three NASCAR national tours, including Truex, Tony Stewart and Austin Dillon.

RELATED: Cast your contest vote today

The Wonders of Wildlife project and Bass Pro Shops’ reach has come a long way since Morris first started his company in 1972 in the back of his father’s liquor store. It’s now the leading national retailer of outdoor gear and marine equipment with more than 100 expansive locations in North America.

That level of achievement has helped Morris forge strong partnerships with some of stock-car racing’s most prominent figures and most successful drivers. But tasting championship success with Bass Pro Shops featured on Truex’s title-winning No. 78 Toyota is what keeps him coming back, season after season. The company will continue its sponsorship of Truex’s Furniture Row Racing team and the efforts of Richard Childress Racing in 2018.

“Martin is a true champion on and off the race track and we are proud to continue supporting him and the No. 78 race team in 2018,” Morris said in October, when Bass Pro Shops extended its partnership with the soon-to-be champion. “NASCAR is an excellent platform for Bass Pro Shops and we share in our customers’ enthusiasm and passion for racing. We’re very excited to continue our longstanding relationship with Martin Truex Jr., Barney Visser and our friends at Toyota.”

Posted on by Holly Cain

RELATED: Larson’s 2017 season recap | Larson’s rise through the NASCAR ranks

Being perpetually optimistic is a trait that has served Kyle Larson well.

The fourth-year Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver is coming off the most successful season of his career – and although an engine issue stunningly cost his No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing team a shot at the 2017 title, Larson remained all smiles and high hopes circulating at the annual year-ending banquet in Las Vegas early this month.

“It was definitely a terrific year for us,” the 25-year old California said with a grin. “I look back and four wins in the Cup series. … It was a really good year and it was a breakout season for us and our race team.

“We went from being kind of an underdog team to favorites early in the year and that was cool to be a part of.”

RELATED: See Larson’s career stats

Larson had career highs in pole positions (three), top-10s (20), top-fives (15) and most importantly, victories with four. And he firmly established himself a championship contender advancing to the penultimate round before a blown engine in Kansas stunningly eliminated him from a hard-fought, well-deserved championship run down the stretch.

“It was a little tough to deal with at first but now that we’re through Homestead, I’m already on to the next year,” Larson said. “I’ve already put that behind us and honestly, I’m not even thinking about that anymore.

“It was just an engine failure, nothing that I or our team did wrong, or even [engine supplier] Hendrick did wrong. It was just a part failure. I don’t think about. I move on and look forward to next year.”

Larson’s positive demeanor is genuine, and no-doubt a trait passed to him from his doting parents Janet and Michael who – along with sister Andrea — spent much of the last decade driving around the country supporting Larson’s great desire and massive talent to race.

It was that natural talent combined with his easy-going yet highly-focused attitude that made Larson attractive to his team owner Chip Ganassi – and has also made him one of the sport’s most popular young drivers.

RELATED: Larson, Credit One Bank expand sponsorship for 2018

Ganassi smiles proudly at how well the pairing has worked out since hiring Larson. He considers Larson a rare gem among some of the sport’s young drivers, because he hired him solely on his ability to race, not because he brought any big sponsorship dollars. It’s an important distinction and one that has created much loyalty between Ganassi and Larson.

“I love racing for Chip and I’m extremely grateful and thankful,” Larson said, making sure to make eye contact. “I’ll always be loyal to that and I’m glad we’re running good and maybe can bring a championship to our organization.

“I feel like we’re good enough to go out there and expect to contend for wins and contend for championships. It changes year by year. Next year we could be the 78 team [2017 champion Martin Truex Jr.] or we could be a mid-pack team again. You just have to put in the hard work to stay ahead of the game and I feel like we’ve done a good job of that.”

Posted on by Staff Report

RELATED: Drivers, crew chiefs on the move | New look for No. 95

Leavine Family Racing has a new driver in Kasey Kahne for the 2018 season. On Tuesday at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the team revealed a new look as well.

Procore, a widely used construction project management software, and Leavine have extended their partnership to a multi-race, multi-year deal that includes the 2018 Daytona 500.

“I was just telling Bob (Leavine) … things are going better than expected at this point for me,” Kasey Kahne said after the unveiling. “The group of people that I’m working with, the way they have worked with me. What I see out of them and the process of getting the new Camaro ready, working with RCR … I just feel like it’s better than I expected when I signed up, and I thought it was going to be pretty darn good when I signed up.”

Part of that deal includes a new paint scheme, unveiled Tuesday, and a new stylized number to reinforce the fresh start for the team with the veteran Kahne at the helm.

PHOTOS: Kahne’s victories | Kahne through the years

“Procore is excited to continue our partnership with Leavine Family Racing and support the 95 car throughout the 2018 season,” said Mark Lyons, vice president of segment marketing, Procore. “We value the connection that Leavine Family Racing has to the construction industry, and know that this connection also extends to many of the passionate fans that come out to the track and tune in to each NASCAR race.”

Procore associates were unable to attend the event due to their California offices impacted by area wildfires.

Leavine Family Racing announced in September that the 18-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series winner Kahne would join the team following a five-year stint with Hendrick Motorsports.

“I think a fresh start is nice,” Kahne said. “… It’s a fresh start all the way around. It’s not just a different owner, or different manufacturer. I think it’ll be really good for me. It’s probably the first time maybe ever that it’s … fresh. Completely new.”

 

Posted on by Brad Norman

The only way to spread holiday cheer … is singing loud for all to hear.

Kyle and Samantha Busch are doing their part, but instead of a sleigh they’re putting on a show in their Toyota Camry.

Decked out in elaborate costumes from nearly every decade, the veteran driver and his wife took a cue from James Corden’s popular ‘Carpool Karaoke’ series and gave the internet a video for the ages.

Personal favorite? The Busch’s nail the Bee Gees ‘Stayin’ Alive’ with classic disco moves and attire including a mustache for Kyle and a sparkly dress for Samantha. Wonder if Brexton will get in on the action … or if he’ll be embarrassed by his parents when he gets older.

Posted on by Staff Report

RELATED: New looks for 2018

Richard Petty Motorsports announced Monday that the United States Air Force will return as sponsor of its No. 43 Chevrolet and new driver Darrell Wallace Jr. in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

The organization announced via social media that the partnership will be for two key 2018 races — Daytona in July and Phoenix in November.

“The Air Force is excited to partner with Richard Petty Motorsports once again and this year we are ‘enlisting’ a new driver, Darrell “Bubba” Wallace, Jr.,” said Timothy Hanson, Air Force Recruiting Service Strategic Marketing Division chief, in a team release. “NASCAR and other motorsports align well with our target audience’s interests and the Air Force’s commitment to teamwork and technology.”

The U.S. Air Force has been involved in NASCAR sponsorship since 2001, when it provided primary and associate backing of Wood Brothers Racing’s No. 21 Ford. The military branch shifted its support to the Petty organization in 2009, and has been a primary sponsor for multiple races in each season since.

MORE: Wallace to drive iconic ride

The USAF paint scheme rode with RPM to its most recent win, with Aric Almirola at Daytona in July 2014.

Extending its partnership with the U.S. Air Force is Richard Petty Motorsports’ latest announcement in what’s been a steady flow of news in recent months. Wallace, 24, was tabbed Oct. 25 as a Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate for 2018 with full-time driving duties in RPM’s No. 43 team.

“I’m proud to join the men and women of the Air Force and represent them on and off the track,” Wallace said in a team release. “I’m also really looking forward to meeting the next wave of Airmen and play my part to engage, inspire and bring awareness to the unique opportunities which lie within our United States Air Force. I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with some Airmen and they are the best at what they do. I admire them for their service and the protections they provide our country.”

PHOTOS: All-time drivers of No. 43

The organization announced Dec. 8 that it would shift manufacturers to Chevrolet, striking an alliance with Richard Childress Racing. On Nov. 3, RPM announced that Mid America Mortgage’s Click ‘n Close brand would sponsor the No. 43 for at least three races in 2018, including the season-opening Daytona 500.

Posted on by Staff Report

What channel is NASCAR programming on this week? We answer that and provide all the weekly NASCAR television listings here in the NASCAR TV schedule.

Note: All times are ET.

RELATED: Watch on the NBC Sports App |  How to find FS1, FS2 | How to find NBCSN

Monday, Dec. 18
6 p.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Race Hub – Roundtable 2, FS1

Tuesday, Dec. 19
2:30 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Race Hub – Roundtable 2, FS1 (re-air)

Friday, Dec. 22
2:30 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Race Hub – Roundtable 2, FS1 (re-air)

Wednesday, Dec. 27
7 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Race Hub – Features Part 1 (re-air), FS2
8 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Race Hub – Features Part 2 (re-air), FS2
9 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Race Hub – Radioactive (re-air), FS2
10 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Race Hub – Roundtable 1 (re-air), FS2
11 a.m., NASCAR Race Hub: Best of Race Hub – Roundtable 2 (re-air), FS2
12 p.m., Refuse to Lose: Jeff Gordon and the 1997 Daytona 500 (re-air), FS2
1 p.m., Untold Stories: Daytona (re-air), FS2
2 p.m., Beyond the Wheel (re-air), FS2
3:30 p.m., NASCAR Masters of the Clock: The Legend of Martinsville (re-air), FS2
4:30 p.m., A Perfect Storm: The 1979 Daytona 500 (re-air), FS2

Posted on by Staff Report

RELATED: Bell feted at Xfinity, Trucks Awards

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Christopher Bell toasted his 23rd birthday with a special treat Saturday night, winning the Junior Knepper 55 race for USAC Midgets in Du Quion, Illinois.

Bell started third and led just the final four laps in the 55-lap feature on a 1/6-mile dirt track inside the Southern Illinois Center. The Oklahoma native edged runner-up Chase Briscoe, the Truck Series’ Most Popular Driver and Sunoco Rookie of the Year from last season.

“To be able to win the last race of the year like that is pretty cool,” Bell told USAC’s website. “I’ve been pretty close and really fast here in the past, but I just haven’t been able to win. The team’s always been really good here too, but finally, it all came together tonight.”

Bell also prevailed in the Turkey Night Grand Prix in November at Ventura, California.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. finished 20th out of 21 drivers in the main event. Former Truck Series champion Matt Crafton, making his midget debut, finished 13th in the second B-Main and did not qualify for the final.

Posted on by Zack Albert

MORE: On the move: Personnel changes for 2018

Several former football players have found homes in NASCAR, putting their athletic skills to use in a new career as a pit crew member. A handful of players from the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs seemed to make an early audition Saturday night for a new line of work, earning a shout-out from a home-state fan in NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer.

After the Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill scored on a 64-yard pass play — the first touchdown in Kansas City’s 30-13 rout of the Los Angeles Chargers — his teammates decided to take a page from NASCAR’s playbook with a simulated pit-stop celebration. With receiver Albert Wilson serving as the fueler and running back Anthony Sherman working the imaginary jack and air wrench, Hill was in and out presumably for a quick change to fresh cleats.

The Chiefs naturally turned to Bowyer — a Kansas native — for a critique. The reviews were positive.

 

If the Chiefs had wanted first-hand feedback on their pit-stop form Saturday night, they would not have had far to turn. Mike Metcalf, a pit-crew coach and gas man for Chip Ganassi Racing, was in attendance at Arrowhead Stadium with his wife, Dara. The Chiefs gave a tip of the hat to CGR and driver Kyle Larson in a post to Facebook.

Metcalf has his own football pedigree as a former running back at Appalachian State before turning to a career in NASCAR. His Chip Ganassi Racing crew was honored last month with the Comcast Community Champion of the Year Award for its humanitarian efforts.

 

The Chiefs have made connections to NASCAR in the past. Former Chiefs Jamaal Charles and Abram Elan visited Kansas Speedway in 2012, and the kicking duo of Lawrence Tynes and Dustin Colquitt stopped by the 1.5-mile track in 2006. Dick Vermeil, who had a brief stint as a motorsports broadcaster, visited the Kansas City track in 2005 during his last season as Chiefs head coach.

Posted on by Zack Albert

RELATED: SHR sets 2018 crew chief lineup

Longtime crew chief Tony Gibson will be exchanging his role atop the pit box for one in the Stewart-Haas Racing shop next season. Saturday morning, he expressed his appreciation for the move, saying he was eager to begin the next stage in his life and NASCAR career.

“As many of my racing family know, I have been trying to come off the road for several years,” Gibson said through his personal Twitter account. “Traveling 4 days a week for 31 years can take a toll on you. For 2018, Stewart-Haas Racing gave me the opportunity to come off the road and still have a very hands-on job within the organization. Working closely with all 4 crew chiefs and NASCAR.

“My career as a crew chief has given me so many memories I will cherish forever, but now I start a new chapter in my life enjoying some valuable time with my wife, new grandson Luke and all my family. I look forward to watching all the success Stewart-Haas Racing will have in 2018!!”

Stewart-Haas Racing announced changes Friday to its driver-crew chief pairings for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. Billy Scott will be Gibson’s replacement on the No. 41 Ford team. Gibson will continue with SHR in an unspecified role.

MORE: Photos: Drivers, crew chiefs on the move

Gibson, 53, has been with Stewart-Haas Racing since its first season in 2009. Over that span, he worked with Ryan Newman, Danica Patrick and most recently Kurt Busch. All six of his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victories have come with SHR — three wins with Newman and three with Busch, including last year’s Daytona 500.

Gibson’s connection with racing success predates his debut as a premier-series crew chief in 1994. He has worked as a mechanic and a body-hanger, and served as car chief during championship campaigns for Alan Kulwicki (1992) and Jeff Gordon (1998, 2001).

 

Posted on by Staff Report

RELATED: Kurt Busch 2017 season recap

The NASCAR Cup Series title sponsor, Monster Energy, sets the bar high when it comes to the cool factor — in everything, and Kurt Busch’s new Jason Beam helmet designs push his 2018 gear over the top.

Busch, driver of the No. 41 Monster Energy/Haas Automation Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing is so excited about his new BEAMdesigns helmets with Monster Energy green and black that he’s not even waiting for the paint to dry to share the new looks.

New contract, new crew chief, new helmet … we can’t wait to see Busch’s new paint scheme.

RELATED: New paint schemes for 2018