Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano react to last week’s pit-road incident

Posted on June 3, 2022June 4, 2022 by Staff Report

Denny Hamlin said Friday at World Wide Technology Raceway he was not aware he had clipped a member of Joey Logano’s pit crew last weekend during the Coca-Cola 600. Logano, meanwhile, called Hamlin’s pitting a “dirty move.”

The two drivers clearly had differing views of the mid-race contact, in which Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota did clip tire changer Tanner Andrews during a pit stop. Andrews finished pitting the race and is expected to pit this weekend, despite having a sprained MCL, according to Ryan Flores, a Team Penske crew member and co-host of the “Stacking Pennies” podcast (watch Flores’ take on the incident).

“(Logano) chose to pit behind me,” Hamlin told reporters. “He shouldn’t have picked the No. 2 stall. You have to know if you run well, you’re going to have the guys going around you. … I always try to be respectful when I’m coming around someone. Certainly, I try to give room, but again, he was running a little better than I was at the time and I had to keep going around him. Again, he chose the second stall. When you choose to put yourself around cars you think are going to go fast, you open yourself up to that stuff happening.”

GATEWAY: Weekend schedule | Betting odds | Paint schemes

Hamlin kept improving throughout the endurance race and went on to claim his second victory of the season after starting from the Busch Light Pole position. Winning the pole gave his Joe Gibbs Racing crew the first pit-stall selection, and the team chose the first stall.

Logano would finish 20th after a seven-car wreck in overtime out of Turn 4, one in which the driver of the No. 22 Team Penske Ford was part of after a charge to the front of the field. After qualifying 23rd, Logano’s team chose the No. 2 pit stall, so Logano and Hamlin were pitting around each other all night.

“We changed the way we do our pit stops to try to allow (Hamlin) to not clip our guys,” Logano told reporters. “The changer’s down on the ground with his back to the car and gets his heels run over. I don’t think there’s any reason for it, because he had an opening out. So I think that’s just a dirty move.

“I think there needs to be a penalty for it and a rule made for it to protect our pit crew. If you’re outside your box, you’re on your own. I get that. But I think if you’re inside your box, you’re in your house, you should be protected in your home. I think we should just explore it. … We shouldn’t be grazing people like that to gain a competitive advantage.”

Hamlin and Logano did agree on one thing, however: that gamesmanship comes from both sides. Pit-crew members often swing out onto pit road and go wider than absolutely necessary as a way to impact the angle of the incoming, opposing cars attempting to pit around them.

Logano said he thinks that should be considered for a potential penalty as well.

“It goes both ways,” Logano said. “Don’t get me wrong, pit crews go out extra wide to try to screw up other (teams) and things like that. The game is played on both sides. We need to eliminate that.”

Said Hamlin: “I think the thing is, these guys try to swing out super wide. I’m sure (Logano has) hit crew guys before, but I never want to swipe at a guy. They swing so wide now to get in position, and this is a product of it.”

Saturday morning update: Four hours after the video of Hamlin’s interview was shared on Twitter, the driver himself quote tweeted it and wrote, “I have since reviewed the video. I was wrong. Definitely my fault. I cut in 22 box way too far.”

Posted on June 3, 2022June 4, 2022 by Staff Report

Martin Truex Jr. will make his 600th NASCAR Cup Series start Sunday at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

Truex, the 2017 Cup champion, has had success at the St. Louis area track, winning an Xfinity Series event on the 1.25-mile oval back in 2004.

But that was a long way in the past. And with the end of his contract as the driver of the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing nearing, the future is what’s on Truex’s mind.

“I think about it every day,” Truex told reporters Friday at Gateway. “We’re working on it. I should know something soon.”

Truex, a 31-time winner in the Cup Series, said he is “taking it all into account” and admitted weighing the positives and negatives.

“It’s a big decision and a lot of factors,” he said. “I would say within a couple weeks, you guys will know what I’m doing.”

Asked if his upcoming choice would depend more on personal aspirations and quality of life than any financial factors, Truex said that would be a fair statement.

“Everybody asks me, but I still don’t have any news,” he said. “I’ll let you know when I find out.”

Martin Truex Jr. says he thinks daily about whether he will race next year. He said within a couple of weeks, he should have an answer. pic.twitter.com/kmJoJZgwYC

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 3, 2022

Posted on June 3, 2022June 4, 2022 by Zach Sturniolo

Joey Logano claimed the honor of posting the fastest lap in the first NASCAR Cup Series practice session at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

Logano wheeled his No. 22 Ford around the 1.25-mile oval with the quickest lap speed of 136.753 mph while his Team Penske teammates Ryan Blaney (136.260 mph) and Austin Cindric (136.104 mph) followed in hot pursuit. At 136.096 mph, Kurt Busch was fourth and the fastest Toyota. Erik Jones was the fastest Chevrolet in fifth with a best lap of 136.001 mph.

RELATED: Weekend schedule | Practice results

Some teams battled left-rear tire issues during the 50-minute practice session, the longest afforded to teams since Daytona International Speedway in February. Hendrick Motorsports drivers William Byron and Alex Bowman each suffered flats, as did Stewart-Haas Racing’s Aric Almirola and 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace.

Ben Rhodes, practicing the No. 16 Chevrolet for AJ Allmendinger who was busy practicing his Xfinity Series at Portland International Raceway, was the first to find serious trouble Friday evening. The defending Camping World Truck Series champion had an issue entering Turn 3 just 10 minutes into the session, sending him sliding hard into the outside wall and collecting right-side damage.

Parker Kligerman, making his first Cup start of the season, had his practice end early when his No. 15 Ford for Rick Ware Racing caught fire. Kligerman, who has competed in five Truck Series races this year, exited the car under his own power and was unharmed.

Completing the top 10 in practice were Tyler Reddick, Almirola, Larson, Ross Chastain and Kyle Busch in order.

Zane Smith, making his Cup debut in the No. 17 RFK Racing Ford as Chris Buescher sits out due to COVID protocol, was 26th-fastest at 134.332 mph.

Posted on June 3, 2022June 3, 2022 by Press Release

Racing’s future stars will be showcased to a worldwide audience this summer on FloRacing. U.S. Legend Cars and FloSports announced Friday that the 2022 Summer Shootout will be streamed live on the FloRacing platform.

The Summer Shootout is an annual series for Legend Cars and Bandoleros held on the quarter-mile frontstretch at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Each year, the Summer Shootout puts the next generation of racing stars in the spotlight while providing a fun, family atmosphere for motorsports fans young and old.

The season begins on Monday, June 13 and ends with championship night on Tuesday, August 2. In 2022, fans who are unable to attend in person at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be able to watch all 10 events with an annual subscription to FloRacing.

“We are attracted to the growth we have seen out of Flo Racing,” said Graham Smith, US Legend Cars Managing Director. “As a growing business ourselves, we at US Legend Cars see this partnership as an opportunity not just for Legend Cars and Bandoleros, but for the entire grassroots racing community.”

By adding the Summer Shootout to the live streaming schedule, FloRacing and NASCAR are continuing their initiative to grow and invest into grassroots motorsports.

In addition to the Summer Shootout, FloRacing subscribers gain access to nearly 2,000 live motorsports events including NASCAR Roots, ARCA, Eldora Speedway, USAC, Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions, Short Track Super Series, the Chili Bowl and more.

Many of the world’s most successful race car drivers cut their teeth racing at the Summer Shootout prior to making it to the top levels of the sport.

NASCAR Cup Series champions Joey Logano and Chase Elliott both competed on the Charlotte quarter-mile oval on their path to stardom. Other motorsports stars who have competed at the Summer Shootout include William Byron, Ryan Blaney, Bubba Wallace and Daniel Hemric.

Each year, more than 100 drivers make their way to the Summer Shootout to battle on the tight, quarter-mile race track. Divisions that compete each week include: Masters, Pros, Semi-Pros, Young Lions, Bandolero Bandits, Bandolero Outlaws and Bandolero Beginner Bandits.

Fans can subscribe via FloRacing gaining access to nearly 2,000 races annually for $150 a year, a value equaling less than $0.10 per race. The subscription also unlocks premium FloRacing content including exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes access with drivers, news, analysis as well as archived races and highlights that fans have come to expect from the FloRacing platform. Subscribers also receive complete access to the entire network of FloSports verticals ranging from hockey, wrestling, football, baseball, softball, grappling and more. Watch the races across all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.

2022 Summer Shootout Schedule

Race #1 – Monday, June 13

Race #2 – Tuesday, June 14

Race #3 – Tuesday, June 21

Race #4 – Tuesday, June 28

Race #5 – Tuesday, July 5

Race #6 – Tuesday, July 12

Race #7 – Tuesday, July 19

Race #8 – Monday, July 25

Race #9 – Tuesday, July 26

Race #10 – Tuesday, August 2

Posted on June 3, 2022June 3, 2022 by Official NASCAR Release

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 3, 2022) – NASCAR and Official Partner Growth Energy boast a significant milestone this weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, celebrating 20 million NASCAR miles driven on Sunoco Green E15, a fuel blended with 15-percent bioethanol.

Growth Energy, the world’s largest trade association representing U.S. bioethanol producers and supporters, has partnered with NASCAR since 2011. Together, they have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent across NASCAR’s three national touring series while also increasing horsepower on the racetrack.

“We’re fortunate to have great partners like Growth Energy and Get Bioethanol who are dedicated to NASCAR and helping us minimize our impact on the environment,” said Michelle Byron, Vice President of Partnership Marketing, NASCAR. “This weekend is a testament to Sunoco Green E15 and its ability to fuel world-class competition for more than a decade, all while reducing emissions in pursuit of a more sustainable sport.”

Bioethanol blends like Sunoco Green E15 continue to increase in popularity with consumers as NASCAR and other key leaders showcase its benefits, including the ability to withstand the demands of NASCAR competition each weekend.

“Twenty million NASCAR miles driven on Sunoco Green E15 is a significant milestone for our environment and NASCAR’s sustainability platform initiative,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Since our partnership began in 2011, every car on the track has reduced its carbon emissions by switching to engine-smart, earth-kind Sunoco Green E15, which is high octane and blended with 15 percent bioethanol. Mile after mile, E15 has also proven its ability to flawlessly perform in the most demanding driving environments, both on the track and for drivers across America. This weekend’s race and celebration is a reminder that filling up with E15 both on and off the track continues to be the smart choice for drivers who care about high performing engines, reducing emissions, and saving money at the pump.”

In recognition of the milestone, Austin Dillon will run the No. 3 Get Bioethanol Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing this weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway. All cars will also feature a special “20 Million Miles” decal with a green flag emblazoned with Get Bioethanol, honoring the achievement at the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 presented by TicketSmarter.

Posted on June 3, 2022June 3, 2022 by Terrin Waack

At this point last year, Justin Haley had already competed in 24 NASCAR races – 12 in the Xfinity Series and 12 in the Cup Series. He was running for points in the Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing but also a near-full schedule in the Cup Series with Spire Motorsports. By season’s end, Haley had tallied 63 total races.

This year, Haley is solely focused on the Cup Series, where he races for Kaulig Racing in the No. 31 Chevrolet as they both make their full-time debut at the sport’s top level.

“I keep telling people that this is like an offseason for me because last year, I did 60-something NASCAR races between the two series,” Haley told NASCAR.com. “I’m like, ‘Man, this is easy. It’s just one series.’ ”

If only.

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

“No, I mean, it’s definitely not easy,” Haley said. “It’s been tough and it’s challenging and it humbles you. We had a string of good races. We finished third at Darlington (Raceway), and then the next week, our tire falls off, we catch on fire three times and we burn a battery system out of it. It’s just so hard to be consistent.”

GATEWAY: Weekend schedule | Paint schemes | Betting odds

With 14 races down, that third-place Darlington showing highlights Haley’s 2022 season so far. It’s his only top-five and top-10 finish. He does have six top 15s and a recent string of four in a row that Darlington capped off.

In the last two races since Darlington, though, Haley registered a pair of DNFs – 35th (electrical) at Kansas Speedway and 27th (engine) at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Haley, 23, is riding a 19.1 average finish as a result.

“There’s opportunity races for us,” Haley said. “We have to go out and find those opportunity races, and then slowly but surely make our race team better over the course of the years. It’s not like an overnight thing.”

Sunday’s race may provide such an opportunity. The Cup Series heads to World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in Madison, Illinois – right outside St. Louis – for the first time ever. And Haley is one of nine drivers in the 36-driver field who has won at the 1.25-mile track that has also hosted the Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series.

Jeff Curry | Getty Images

Haley won the 2018 Camping World Truck Series race at Gateway, leading the final seven laps and taking the checkered flag by 0.753 seconds. He was fifth in Stage 1 and 10th in Stage 2 after starting fourth.

“I would love to say I feel more confident, but the Cup Series is like… they’re so good,” Haley said. “Each and every week, every single driver is like lights-out. So, it’s gonna be tough to be good this weekend. … I know where Victory Lane is, but I don’t think that gives me an advantage. It probably will give me a disadvantage, knowing my luck.”

A for-sure disadvantage: Haley’s No. 31 crew will be without its crew chief, Trent Owens, as he continues to serve a four-race suspension NASCAR delivered after Kansas, where the Chevy lost a wheel during competition. Rear-tire changer Jonpatrick Kealey and jackman Marshall McFadden were also penalized the same. Gateway will be their third missed race.

This is the second time Owens has been suspended. After this probational period ends, that’ll be eight races Haley was required to perform without his crew chief – and the season isn’t even halfway over. Haley chalks up consistency issues to that rather important detail, along with the fact this is Kaulig Racing’s first real attempt at a Cup Series championship.

“It would probably have been easier to step into an already established organization, right? But I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Haley said. “Because the opportunity Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice and LeafFilter are giving me to race their car — we’re in it together. And Matt and Chris and LeafFilter, they don’t have unreal expectations. We’re extremely realistic on where we think we should be. We don’t think we’re gonna go out there every weekend and win and just blow the world on fire. But it’s a possibility. …

“Again, I ran third at Darlington. I’m just gonna keep saying that till people respect it.”

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Staff Report

A super-charged, activity-filled race experience is set for the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR race weekend, which will debut three days of live music at the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, starting Friday and going through Sunday.

“We promised our fans a world-class event, and this festival will deliver on a whole new level,” said Curtis Francois, owner and CEO of World Wide Technology Raceway. “Collectively, with our incredible partner, World Wide Technology, we have developed a phenomenal lineup of entertainment and engagement opportunities that show the world how excited the St. Louis region is about hosting this race.”

GATEWAY: Weekend schedule | Paint schemes | Betting odds

Taking place across five stages, Confluence Festival features a line-up of 30-plus local, regional and national artists, ranging from rap to country. This first-ever festival includes performances by St. Louis native and multi-Grammy award-winning rap artist, Nelly, along with Academy of Country Music award-winning contemporary country band, Old Dominion.

Other performances throughout the weekend include A.C.M. award-winning singer-songwriter Cole Swindell, Country Music Association award-winning artist Jimmie Allen and fresh artist Kameron Marlowe, as well as St. Louis alternative-rock band The Steve Ewing Band, among many others.

Fan can also take part in STEM‑through‑motorsports activities, including World Wide Technology’s exhilarating RaceAR. An augmented reality race simulation that will be unveiled on the Midway. Other engagements include hands-on technology and innovative experiences run by community youth programs and a live esports tournament preceding the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday.

Fans can kick off their four-day race weekend on Thursday with a NASCAR hauler parade throughout downtown St. Louis and end their day with musical performances live at Ballpark Village Fan Fest from 4-8 p.m. CT.

An official festival schedule has not yet been released with dates and times, however special performances include The Muny, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Jazz St. Louis and The Sheldon.

“St. Louis is making history with the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race weekend,” said David L. Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology, “a spectacular, must-see four-day celebration for our region,”

Posted on June 2, 2022June 3, 2022 by Staff Report

RFK Racing announced Thursday evening Chris Buescher, driver of the team’s No. 17 Ford, will miss this weekend’s inaugural NASCAR Cup Series event at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway after testing positive for COVID-19.

GATEWAY: Weekend schedule | Paint schemes | Betting odds

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series front-runner Zane Smith will fill in for Buescher, piloting the No. 17 Acronis Ford Mustang as NASCAR makes its much-anticipated return to the St. Louis area.

Buescher currently sits 21st in the points standings, 14 points below Kurt Busch and one point above Michael McDowell. Through 14 regular-season races, Buescher has notched three top 10s and is among the drivers battling for a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs based on points.

Get well soon @Chris_Buescher https://t.co/lpRecmuVkw

— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) June 2, 2022

Buescher expects to return to action next week at Sonoma Raceway, according to the team.

Sunday will be the first Cup Series start for Smith, who has three wins and eight top-10 finishes in 10 starts in the Camping World Truck Series this season. He has also led a series-high 253 laps while piloting the No. 38 Ford F-150 for Front Row Motorsports. He will become the 24th driver to pilot an RFK Ford for Jack Roush in the Cup Series.

Posted on June 2, 2022June 3, 2022 by Zach Sturniolo

For the first time in series history, the NASCAR Cup Series rolls into World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

The St. Louis area will get its first experience with the sport’s premier series after hosting Xfinity Series races from 1997-2010 and Camping World Truck Series races since 1998, returning every year except 2011-13.

Get up to speed on the newest addition to the Cup schedule here:

MAKE LAPS AND TAKE NOTES

Teams will get a bit more track time than usual this weekend.

NASCAR Cup Series teams will have a full 50-minute practice session Friday (5:05 p.m. ET, FS1) as drivers and teams get familiar with the 1.25-mile flat oval. That deviates from the typical 20-minute sessions teams have received at other, more familiar circuits on the schedule where cars were split into two groups for practice.

SET THE STAGE

While teams won’t be split into groups for practice, there will be Groups A and B for qualifying Saturday (11 a.m. ET, FS1).

Each driver will post a single, timed qualifying lap. The fastest five drivers in each of the two groups will advance to the second round, where the remaining 10 drivers will fight for the Busch Light Pole Award.

HISTORY NEAR THE ARCHES

– Race promoter Chris Pook purchased Gateway International Raceway in 1995, a facility that consisted of a 1/8-mile drag strip, a quarter-mile track and a 2.6-mile road course.

– Pook, who previously promoted the Formula 1 and CART races of the Long Beach Grand Prix, immediately demolished the existing tracks and began construction of a new oval, infield road course and NHRA-sanctioned drag strip.

– The track’s first major event was a CART race on May 24, 1997, which was won by Paul Tracy.

– NASCAR’s first foray at the facility was an Xfinity Series race on July 26, 1997, won by Elliott Sadler. The series competed at Gateway through 2010.

– Dover Motorsports, Inc. purchased the track from Pook in 1998.

– The Camping World Truck Series made its first visit to Gateway on Sept. 19, 1998, which was won by Rick Carelli. Carelli currently spots for Erik Jones and the No. 43 Petty GMS Motorsports team.

– In 2010, Dover Motorsports, Inc. announced Gateway would officially close. In 2011, Curtis Francois, a retired race-car driver and real-estate developer, announced the purchase and re-opening of the 160-acre facility for the 2012 season. The track was renamed Gateway Motorsports Park.

– NASCAR and the facility announced the Truck Series’ return to Gateway for 2014, the first NASCAR-sanctioned race at the track since 2010.

– Gateway increased to more than 200 acres and is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the region, encompassing a quarter-mile NHRA-sanctioned drag strip, 1.25 mile NASCAR oval track, 1.6-mile road course, a newly built world-class karting facility, improved grandstands and a recently completed fan pavilion.

– The oval was repaved in 2017 after the Truck Series race.

– In early 2019, Gateway Motorsports Park and World Wide Technology, a market-leading technology solution provider, formed a long-term naming rights commitment, renaming the motorsports facility World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

– Nine of the 36 drivers entered in Sunday’s race have won an Xfinity or Truck race at Gateway.

Source: Racing Insights

GOODYEAR TIRES

Although Cup cars have never competed at WWT Raceway, teams will have experience with this weekend’s tire package.

Goodyear will provide teams with the same left- and right-side tires used at both Phoenix Raceway in March and Richmond Raceway in April.

“Having a 50-minute practice and three sets of tires on a known tire set-up will be a big advantage for Cup teams at Gateway this week,” said Greg Stucker, Goodyear’s director of racing. “This being an inaugural event, NASCAR gives the teams this time to hone in on their car’s set-up, and that will give teams enough time to get ready for the race. They already have a good idea of what these tires will do, having run this set-up at Phoenix and Richmond, so teams will unload closer to what they will settle on and get up to speed much quicker.”

GATEWAY STORY LINES

– Denny Hamlin scored his second win of the year last weekend in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Hamlin’s only other top-10 finish this year is a fourth-place result earned at Kansas Speedway, one points race before his Charlotte triumph.

– The last driver to have multiple wins with only three top-10s through 14 races in a season was Derrike Cope in 1990.

– Hamlin’s victory was also his 48th career win, tying him with Herb Thomas for 16th on the all-time wins list and moving him one win shy of Tony Stewart’s career win total (49).

– Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has finished inside the top 10 in each of his last four races, a career-long streak and the first time JTG Daugherty Racing has accomplished that feat.

– Christopher Bell has also scored four straight top 10s, tying his career-best streak.

– Hendrick Motorsports has led 99,902.9 miles in the Cup Series and is 98 miles short of crossing 100,000 miles. Hendrick will break that barrier if the team’s four drivers combine to lead 79 laps Sunday at Gateway.

– Kyle Larson is on a 12-race winless streak, his longest since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021.

– The pass for the win came in the final 10 laps in 11 of the 14 races in 2022.

– Martin Truex Jr. is making his 600th start this weekend. Only Richard Petty won in his 600th Cup start (Richmond in February 1973).

Source: Racing Insights

NEW TRACK, SAME FAVORITES

No matter where the Cup Series ventures, expect Kyle Larson to be at the head of the field.

The odds agree Larson is one to watch entering the weekend, with BetMGM listing Larson as the 15-2 favorite and JGR teammates Busch and Denny Hamlin right behind at 8-1. Larson has no prior experience at Gateway, but Busch does, winning an Xfinity Series race at the 1.25-mile oval in 2009.

Martin Truex Jr. is listed at 9-1 odds alongside Ross Chastain and William Byron. Truex won an Xfinity race at Gateway in 2004.

Looking for a long shot? Consider Bubba Wallace at 80-1 odds. Wallace won the Truck Series’ return to Gateway in 2014 during a four-win campaign, and his No. 23 Toyota has looked considerably quicker in recent races at Kansas and Charlotte.

RELATED: DraftKings betting odds for Gateway

FANTASY LIVE

Want to manage a team and race your way to the top of the leaderboards? Check out NASCAR Fantasy Live, which is open now. The free-to-play game lets you choose your drivers each week and show off your crew-chief instincts by garaging a driver by the end of Stage 3, and there is a $25,000 prize for the winner.

The 2022 Fantasy Live points leaders are Chase Elliott (483), Kyle Busch (445) and Ross Chastain (444).

How to play: Fantasy Live | Set up a team today!

ALSO ON NASCAR.COM

Get additional camera views by logging on to NASCAR Drive, where each week a select number of in-car cameras will be available — as well as a battle cam and an overhead look.

NASCAR has partnered with LiveLike to add fan engagement in the NASCAR Mobile App. Log in to the mobile app during the race for polls, quizzes, the cheer meter and more — and see instant results from NASCAR fans like you.

Posted on June 2, 2022June 2, 2022 by Reid Spencer

The NASCAR Xfinity Series ventures to the Pacific Northwest on Saturday for the Pacific Office Automation 147 at Portland International Raceway (4:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

The race marks the series’ first visit to the flat 1.967-mile, 12-turn road course, which runs in a clockwise direction. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series raced at the track in 1999 and 2000, with Greg Biffle and Andy Houston, respectively, winning the two events there.

RELATED: Portland weekend schedule | Entry list

Road-course ace AJ Allmendinger, who won earlier this season at Circuit of The Americas, is the obvious favorite at Portland. In fact, Allmendinger has a history at the track.

“I’m really looking forward to going back to Portland,” Allmendinger said. “Last time I was there was 16 years ago when I was able to win my first Champ Car race. It’s going to be truly special to go back to the track for the first time since then, and I think we will put on a great race for the Xfinity Series.”

Regardless of the outcome, the weekend promises to be an adventurous one for Allmendinger, who is also competing in the NASCAR Cup Series debut race at World Wide Technology Raceway on Sunday — without any prior laps in the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet.

“I’m looking forward to pulling some double duty and getting to drive the Cup car at Gateway on Sunday,” Allmendinger said. “I have never driven there and will miss practice and qualifying for the race, but I know we are up for the challenge that the weekend will bring.”