Blaney aims for Daytona 500 win in 2021 season full of potential: ‘We just have to execute’

Posted on February 11, 2021February 11, 2021 by Chase Wilhelm

Before flying down to Daytona International Speedway to begin his sixth full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series, Ryan Blaney enjoyed the last bit of down time at home, sipping on a cup of morning coffee.

The No. 12 Team Penske driver looks to finally land in Victory Lane after finishing second in the Daytona 500 on a pair of occasions so far in his young career. The first came in a runner-up finish to Kurt Busch in 2017 while driving the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford. The second occurred in last year’s memorable ending, this time to Denny Hamlin in the second-closest finish in the race’s history.

Blaney doesn’t lament the near-wins, but he doesn’t forget the disappointment.

“It’s frustrating at the time when you finish second and you’re like, man, we were so close,” Blaney told NASCAR.com. “ … We’ve had a few chances to win that race, honestly. I feel like in 2018, we had the fastest car there and got caught up in a wreck late at the end of the race. We’ve been close. Losing that thing last year by a couple feet definitely stung.”

Hindsight is always 20/20. Blaney hopes to learn from the decisions he’s made in the past during the final laps that didn’t go according to plan. But when you’re in a 200-mile per hour traffic jam, life comes at you fast while racing to the checkered flag.

“The two races we ran second in I would have done things differently now, obviously looking back on it,” Blaney said. “… It’s hard to make those decisions in the moment. You try to make the best decision you think is right in the moment and sometimes it doesn’t pan out for you. You don’t have time to process these decisions. You just kind of have to make your mind up and do it because things happen so fast on superspeedways.”

While Blaney has been on the wrong side of luck in The Great American Race (if you can even call second-place finishes unlucky), Talladega Superspeedway has been a different story, winning two of the past three races there. In a sport where inches and hundredths of a second determine winning and losing — he won both races at ‘Dega by .007 seconds — you have to be around when it counts the most. For Blaney, he and spotter Josh Williams have a knack for doing just that on the high banks.

“Winning those two Talladega races, we were just in a spot where we were running at the end and running up toward the front where we could make good moves,” Blaney said. “We’re on the fortunate side of winning them by a foot, and then the 500 last year we were on the unfortunate side of losing it by a foot. I think it just goes into fast cars, good communication with your spotter, good strategy to get toward the front and a little bit of luck.”

Winning the Daytona 500 in Blaney’s seventh try on Sunday would kick-start a season full of possibility for the No. 12 squad. It looked as though Blaney was in prime position to win early in Tuesday night’s Busch Clash on the Daytona Road Course, but a last-ditch effort on the final lap by 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion and longtime friend Chase Elliott ruined that chance after contact in the frontstretch chicane sent the No. 12 Ford into the outside wall.

That finish was an extension to the frustrations of the 2020 season that showed an abundance of promise, winning the spring race at Talladega and earning a solid seeding in the playoffs. Untimely misfortunate in the Round of 16 resulted in a premature postseason exit. Despite the early elimination, however, Blaney and team were able to rally back the final five races, earning finishes of seventh or better in that final stretch.

Blaney knows he and the team are Championship 4-caliber. This year, the goal is to stack up wins in the regular season to provide a good points cushion in the playoffs. With momentum from the ending of last year on his side, Blaney is determined to fully prove they can make those goals happen.

“I think this team has so much potential, we just have to execute,” Blaney said. “Work on things that we really do need to work on. I think this team can genuinely run for a championship. We have the people to do it. It’s just all about getting the wins and finishing out these races the way we should.”

Blaney stopped short of calling the 2021 season a redemption year, but rather a 36-race stretch full of “opportunity.”

“I just want this team to perform like I know we can,” Blaney said. “… Just working on things from last year. You’re hoping you have the same speed in your cars that we did last year. You hope everybody gets better and keeps improving, myself included.

“Those things all add up for sure,” he added. “It takes a village to win these races and go far in the championship. If we work together, I think we can do it.”

Posted on February 11, 2021February 11, 2021 by Holly Cain

As Kyle Larson was growing up in Elk Grove, California, his weekends were consumed at local race tracks honing his craft behind the wheel, working hard for opportunities to advance.

Racing was a full-family weekend activity. Larson’s natural talent was obvious from the beginning and the future always looked bright. Winning seemed to come easily.

When Larson was just 19 years old, he was given a crucial opportunity as a NASCAR Drive for Diversity competitor to be a developmental driver for Chip Ganassi Racing. It was the ultimate young star grab for Ganassi and the ultimate course to big-time success for Larson, who in 2013 at age 21 was picked to drive the No. 42 CGR Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series – a car most recently driven by international racing star Juan Pablo Montoya.

RELATED: Changes to know for 2021

Larson won six NASCAR Cup Series races for Ganassi, including a career single-season best of four in 2017. He finished top 10 in the championship standings from 2016-19.

But then in the midst of riding that huge wave of potential – winning NASCAR Cup Series races, growing into a legitimate championship contender, becoming a favored corporate pitchman and enjoying huge fan adoration – Larson, 28, veered off course.

He used a racial slur while competing in an iRacing event during the pandemic shutdown last April. Live streams captured the moment, and the fallout was swift and immense. Larson was suspended from NASCAR. He lost his job with Ganassi.

And Larson faced the greatest challenge of his life — to earn repentance and to restore his name and character. Larson, who immediately apologized, says his lapse in judgment has been life-changing. And 10 months later, he is intent to show the incident does not reflect the higher standard he expects of himself.

“I think going through what I did and educating myself as much as I could throughout the last year and meeting different people and trying to … educate myself on the struggles African Americans have gone through, it helps me know I am a good person and just had a bad moment of ignorance and judgment,” Larson said. “And now I think going forward I have to do a good job of showing people who I really am and that what I did was just a horrible mistake.”

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

The path back

Larson has spent the months since his suspension doing everything he could to show he is an improved man, awakened to the pain of others, eager to show the error of his ways and humbled by the way life can change in an instant.

Having suddenly lost his primary source of income, Larson began racing at the local level again as often as he could logistically do so. It was a full-circle sort of existence for him and his family, which includes 6-year-old son Owen and 2-year-old daughter Audrey. And as he traveled around the country – he tallied 42 wins, ironically — he was working with a diversity coach and having important, difficult conversations in an effort to learn and grow.

Larson stopped in cities near the short tracks he raced on and spent quality time working with inner-city youth and speaking to African Americans about their plights. He said meeting people in Minneapolis in the midst of the George Floyd protests for social justice had a particularly significant impact on him.

When Larson speaks now, he takes full ownership of his mistake. He does not feel sorry for himself for the upheaval it caused in his life. Instead, he wants to do better, to be better. The terms of his reinstatement to NASCAR require it. The sanctioning body mandated sensitivity training, ongoing speaking engagements to share his experiences, plus coaching and mentorship opportunities with the Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS) and Rev Racing initiatives.

And Larson has secured that all-important platform to prove himself. Hendrick Motorsports has hired him to drive the No. 5 Chevrolet – with the crew and team for recently retired seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson.

MORE: Hendrick Motorsports signs Larson (Oct. 28)

“Kyle and I spoke several times after what happened,” team owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick said. “We didn’t talk business. Just checking in.

“Once I started learning about all the work he was doing behind the scenes and how sincere he was about it, the lightbulb went off that it might be a real possibility (to sign him). It took a lot of time. I wanted to see how he handled the situation and if he would continue making that effort.

Chris Graythen | Getty Images

“He did, and we kept talking and the more I saw from him, the more I felt like he was truly taking responsibility and growing as a person. That was key. I love watching these guys (drivers) grow as people and be successful in their personal and professional lives. I want to see them be winners on and off the track. That’s what we expect of all our drivers and I have zero doubt about Kyle’s ability to deliver.”

Larson says his gratitude and his commitment to do better are immense. He says there was a time – not too long ago – that he genuinely wondered if he would ever get another chance in NASCAR’s premier series.

“It wasn’t that I had given up on it, but maybe lost a little hope and I was accepting of it because I knew the magnitude of my mistake,” Larson said. “Then out of nowhere, I was able to start having conversations with (Hendrick Motorsports).

“Mr. H is obviously one of the most respected people in the sport. For him to reach out and lend support and give me a chance to get back in a Cup car with the best Cup team out there is just so special to me, and I’m very, very thankful for the opportunity. To be around a person who is that well-respected is just going to teach me even more about how to be better.”

Larson compares this opportunity with Hendrick to his first, with Ganassi.

“Even when I got my first chance with Chip, I was always very thankful for that and always loyal to him because of that opportunity,” Larson said. “So I feel in a way, I’ve been given an opportunity very similar to that in a way, maybe more so.

“So I’m definitely going to be loyal to Mr. H forever, or as long as me wants me. I’m a lucky person and humbled by it.”

Expectations

Kurt Busch, Larson’s former Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, said he has zero reservations about Larson’s commitment to rebuild his life and career. The 2004 series champion says he is not surprised about the new opportunity and expects Larson could immediately be a title contender with the team. The two kept in touch even as Larson was racing around the country and Busch is positive that Larson has grown as a person.

“I think we saw a good dose of that in 2020 with how he handled the departure from Chip Ganassi Racing and how he elevated his game to a whole new level on the dirt circuits everywhere,” Busch said. “I was texting him win, after win, after win and I got behind about the 20th win.

“Ultimately, the way he presented himself, the way he carried himself, showed his initiative with NASCAR on rectifying the problem and going through the road to recovery, just everything about him last year shows what he’s going to bring to the track in 2021. The professionalism of Hendrick Motorsports has never been questioned. The guidance there and just everything that I’m seeing adding up is that once he gets the feel of the car, and once he’s in sync with his crew chief – they’re going to be a tough train to stop. I see that program as being one of the top contenders already.”

Larson had earned three top-10 finishes with the Ganassi team in the first four races before the COVID-19 stoppage last year – with a best showing of fourth at Phoenix Raceway just before the season halted.

RELATED: Hendrick Motorsports preview

There’s reason for Larson to be upbeat and motivated as he prepares for 2021. Since January, he’s scored his second consecutive win in the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals and two weeks ago, posted a career-first win in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

He enters the season with high expectations for himself, both on and off the track.

“I don’t think (redemption) happens overnight and I’m very thankful I have the opportunity with Mr. Hendrick in getting a second chance in NASCAR to kind of have that platform to go out there and show people I am a good person,” Larson said. “But it does take a long time.”

In the meantime, Larson hopes it won’t take as long to get reacquainted with NASCAR, become familiar with his new race team and continue to build on his off-track outreach efforts.

“Hendrick Motorsports has great, great people there and I’m very lucky to be a part of that team and surrounded by amazing people,” Larson said. “I really don’t think there’s a better team I could have ended up with after the situation I put myself in. Not a better team for Kyle Larson.

“I’m happy, maybe as happy as I’ve ever been, because I have a great opportunity and a second chance,” Larson added, carefully choosing his words. “I think I’m a better person than I was a year ago. I’m content with where I’m at in my life. I have a new perspective on a lot of things. I grew more last year than any other year by far, and I think growth is always good as a person, as a race car driver, as a husband.

“I’m just ready to now get this new year started and get a fresh start.”

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Jason Christley

RALEIGH, N.C. – Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket parts retailer and the Official Auto Parts Retailer of NASCAR, and Team Penske today announced a unique activation around the No. 12 Ford Mustang driven by Ryan Blaney in the NASCAR Cup Series.

During the 2021 season, Advance will use its associate sponsorship of the No. 12 Ford to showcase NASCAR-sanctioned local short tracks across the United States and Canada that are part of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series. Each week, up to two different Weekly Series tracks will be featured on Blaney’s car, alongside Advance’s iconic checkered-flag logo. The activation begins this week, as New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., will ride shotgun on Blaney’s No. 12 at the Daytona International Speedway.

Additionally, for every Ryan Blaney victory, the NASCAR Weekly Series track(s) featured on his car will each receive $1,200 to be used for track operations, local track driver winnings, or supporting a charity of the track’s choosing.

Advance will continue its sponsorship of Team Penske’s No. 12 Ford in four races this season: at the Bristol Motor Speedway dirt race on March 28, Darlington Raceway on May 9, Atlanta Motor Speedway on July 11 and the night race at Richmond on September 11. The company is entering the second season of a multi-year agreement with Team Penske.

“We are delighted to partner with Team Penske to advance local racing through this activation,” said Jason McDonell, Advance’s chief marketing officer. “We believe this program will create a sense of pride with each of NASCAR’s local tracks while drawing more attention to the vital role these tracks play in their communities. We proudly support Ryan and Team Penske and look forward to celebrating in victory lane with Ryan this season.”

“Every driver in the Cup Series garage got their start racing locally on short tracks, so it’s meaningful for me to carry the flag with Advance Auto Parts to represent NASCAR’s local tracks on my No. 12 Ford,” said Blaney. “I look forward to being part of this program, winning races and benefiting a lot of short tracks in the process.”

Blaney will kick off the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season at the Daytona 500, held at the Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, February 14 (2:30 p.m. ET on FOX).

Posted on February 11, 2021February 11, 2021 by Pat DeCola

A NASCAR race team works best when all the cogs in the engine, so to speak, are working seamlessly together, forming a cohesive bond for the good of the whole to get the job done.

Fictional or not, the Bobby Spencer Racing team crew, comprised of a diverse cast of characters portrayed by a multi-faceted group of actors in Netflix’s The Crew (debuts Feb. 15) learned just that – and so much more about NASCAR.

The Crew stars Kevin James as a NASCAR crew chief for the once-prominent Bobby Spencer Racing team. As the series begins, the organization finds itself in one of the valleys of the up-and-down nature of running a NASCAR Cup Series organization, mired in a mid-pack malaise as it strives to regain its footing. The owner sparks change by stepping down to pass the team off to his daughter Catherine (Jillian Mueller), who attempts to modernize the No. 74 Fake Steak-sponsored car by replacing the team’s driver Jake Martin (Freddie Stroma) with an up-and-coming female driver in Jessie (Paris Berelc).

MORE: Meet the cast of ‘The Crew’

Through working together as a unit, however, the pieces begin to fall into place and the start of something special happens.

The cast of The Crew carries that spirit, effusing that cohesion and using their divergent backgrounds in comedy and theater to put something on film they feel has that certain something to be significant.

“I think it’s a great show, and it sounds cheesy-like, but there’s something in it for everyone,” Mueller told NASCAR.com. “Truly, with the NASCAR angle, we had (Senior Vice President & Chief Digital Officer) Tim Clark and (Managing Director, Entertainment Marketing and Content Development) Matt Summers who are NASCAR producers. They work for NASCAR, working on our show. They tried to be true and really keep it in the world of NASCAR so that way NASCAR fans are proud of it and happy with the show. And obviously we have the real drivers do cameos on the show, and they were amazing.

Courtesy: Netflix

“So we have that for the NASCAR fans but then also for somebody that might not have been paying attention to NASCAR but enjoys Netflix like we all do; watching it, it’s not like they’re going to be lost. It’s not something you need to have prior knowledge of to watch the show. If anything, it’ll just make you more interested. It’s definitely something that will bring new fans, that’s for sure.”

The entire cast doted on the authenticity of the true-to-NASCAR aspects of the show, despite its comedic nature as a Kevin James vehicular (no pun intended) sitcom. It’s something NASCAR fans will notice and appreciate, but something that new fans can use as an entry point for the sport.

“That NASCAR name and just the product, there’s legitimacy to the whole thing,” said Gary Anthony Williams (TMNT, Malcolm in the Middle), who plays Chuck. “From the racers to the look of it to us even having our own (stock car) in the show, there’s that legitimacy. It’s fun on so many levels and it’s just funny. It’s kind of the relief that the world needs right now. Just to be able to sit back and laugh and actually learn, too.”

The series’ appreciation for the ins and outs of the sport also got a thumbs-up from those who are closest to the action.

“The racers and the commentators that would come on set would be like whoa, this is legit. This looks real,” said Dan Ahdoot (Cobra Kai, Bajillion Dollar Propertie$), who plays Amir. “It was so great to know that, because there’s nothing worse than when you’re watching a show and it’s like … a lot of my friends are doctors and we’d watch a show together and they’d be like ‘that’s not real, he’s not really dead, he wouldn’t be doing that’ and it’s so annoying. So the fact that people will get to appreciate the details about this is pretty awesome.”

Cup stars Ryan Blaney, Cole Custer and former Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon all make cameo appearances in the show.

The cast, which displayed genuine rapport over a Zoom interview — no easy feat — during two panels with NASCAR.com, repeatedly pointed to the fact that despite the heavy NASCAR-influence and context of the show, it truly is a comedy for everyone.

Think of it this way: How many people are passionate about the paper industry? Definitely not as many as people who fell in love with The Office.

Courtesy: Netflix

“You don’t have to know about NASCAR to totally love and enjoy the show. It’s a workplace comedy,” said Sarah Stiles (Broadway, Off-Broadway), who plays Beth. “There’s great characters, great relationships and it’s about changing the old and updating it and new technology coming in, and we can all relate to that.”

The Crew is another example of NASCAR itself continuing to propel itself into the future with more widespread cultural appeal and outreach to all demographics.

“I’ve been really impressed with NASCAR over the last year, banning the confederate flag and things. I think they’re moving into the future in a good way,” said Freddie Stroma (Harry Potter, Bridgerton), who plays Jake. “And that’s why I hope that this show can be part of those good decisions that NASCAR’s been making recently and hopefully, I really want the NASCAR fans to enjoy the show.”

As NASCAR makes its maiden voyage into the deep sea of TV sitcoms, it’s clear that the future of stock car auto racing is unfolding now, and not some nebulous time further down the line. The Crew is one of just many ways the sport is advancing itself and creating progress, taking the green flag on the next era of NASCAR.

“It’s just very cool to suddenly be a part of this world and be a part of history,” said Ahdoot, “to be the first show that’s done based on NASCAR.”

Jeff Lowell (The Ranch, Two and a Half Men, Spin City) will serve as writer, showrunner and executive producer. Andy Fickman (Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, Playing With Fire) directed all episodes and serves as an executive producer. James, Jeff Sussman (The King of Queens, Paul Blart) and Todd Garner (Tag, Isn’t It Romantic, Mortal Kombat) will also serve as executive producers. Clark and Summers will executive produce for NASCAR.

Posted on February 11, 2021February 11, 2021 by Pat DeCola

You know the type.

Cool without trying. Effortlessly charming and charismatic. Rolls out of bed already devilishly handsome and just an absolute natural on set when the director calls, “Action!”

No, we’re not referring to one of the stars of Netflix’s The Crew (debuts Feb. 15) in Freddie Stroma — though it probably applies to him, too — we’re talking about Ryan Blaney.

Courtesy: Netflix

“Ryan Blaney needs to just stick to his driving, you can’t be good at everything, OK?” Stroma told NASCAR.com. “He’s already cool, he’s good-looking, he drives in NASCAR and then he comes onto our domain and he’s just whipping out zingers like cool as a cucumber, and it’s like OK, no one likes a showoff.”

MORE: ‘The Crew’ flourishes with NASCAR authenticity

The No. 12 Team Penske driver is one of a handful of drivers to make a cameo in the new series all about the world of NASCAR. He also made a lasting impression on the cast, which was in awe of his out-of-the-car talents.

“I know all the other drivers are going to hate us, but Ryan Blaney is an amazing actor. Like, he is seriously funny,” said Gary Anthony Williams, who plays Chuck. “He is at ease and he’s charismatic. The dude is fantastic. I suggest he quit racing tomorrow and start acting. He’s good, but he’s proven himself (on the race track) and may as well just quit there.”

Courtesy: Netflix

Not only was the cast impressed with the lines laid down by Blaney (and Stewart-Haas Racing’s Cole Custer and Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon), they were equally awestruck by how, well, regular they were … despite what they do on Sundays.

“Having the guys come on, having Blaney and Cole Custer and Austin Dillon and just talking to them and being like OK these are normal human beings,” said Stroma. “And then you go watch a NASCAR race and you go ‘Oh, they’re insane, how are you doing that?’ It’s a terrifying but very, very cool sport.”

If there’s one thing Hollywood-types know all-too-well, it’s big egos. That didn’t come across with NASCAR’s new sitcom stars.

“Number one, they’re the most humble world-class athletes I’ve ever met in my life. They are just like super nice, super humble,” said Dan Ahdoot, who plays Amir. “And they are great actors, which pisses me off. It’s like, you cant have it all, buddy, but apparently they can.”

The Crew follows the story of the fictional Bobby Spencer Racing team as it attempts to regain the Cup Series prominence it once enjoyed. It’s a familiar path for many NASCAR organizations, one of the many intricacies of the sport that the actors came to learn.

For much of the cast it was among their first experiences with the sport, but after meeting the drivers, working with them and soaking everything that NASCAR has to offer, they’re stock-car converts.

“I am so in awe of people that do this,” said Sarah Stiles, who plays Beth. “I personally am terrified of driving cars in general. I live in New York City. I don’t drive one. So the fact that people get in these cars and drive like a million miles an hour, like, right next to each other is bananapants.

“I think it’s very brave and courageous and now I’m watching.”

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Jason Christley

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – Ryan Preece had a very good day Wednesday in the Sunshine State.

First he locked himself into the 63rd running of the Daytona 500 with a strong qualifying run at Daytona International Speedway in his No. 37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet. He followed that up by going from last to first to win the John Blewett III Memorial 76 Tour-Type Modified race at New Smyrna Speedway.

“I’ve got to thank my team for working here today and getting this thing prepared and just letting me come and drive,” Preece said from victory lane.

Qualify for DAYTONA 500 ✅
Win John Blewett III Memorial 76 ✅

Have a day @RyanPreece_@newsmyrnaspdwy | @AdvanceAuto pic.twitter.com/sXNlmYvj7m

— NASCAR Roots (@NASCARRoots) February 11, 2021

Preece was forced to miss qualifying at New Smyrna Speedway due to Daytona 500 qualifying, forcing him to start at the back of the Tour-Type Modified field in his No. 6 machine.

As soon as the race began Preece began picking up spots, racing into the top-20 in short order. By the time a caution flag waved with 24 laps left he’d made his way into the top-10 and was looking for more.

He first had to dispatch Jon McKennedy, who had expressed his displeasure with Preece for an incident a few nights prior during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. The two traded blows for a few laps before Preece was able to make his way past McKennedy with 17 laps left.

A caution would wave moments later, setting up another restart. Mayhem started before the field made it to turn one, with Ron Silk and Tommy Catalano coming together on the frontstretch and collecting several other cars in the process.

Preece, somehow, dove to the bottom and missed everything and emerged from turn two in third position behind leaders Eric Goodale and Tyler Rypkema. With 14 to go Preece took advantage of contact between the leaders to slip by Rypkema for second.

That just left Goodale ahead of Preece and in turn three with seven laps left Preece made his move, diving deep into the turn to steal the lead away from Goodale. The caution flag would wave several more times the race was complete, with veteran modified ace Matt Hirschman using the cautions to make a late run at Preece.

Despite one final caution and subsequent restart with two laps left that gave Hirschman a shot at Preece, Hirschman had nothing for the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion as he held on to top the 76-lap main event.

The win was particularly special for Preece as the event honored late modified driver John Blewett III, who passed away in 2007 following a racing accident.

“I remember the day John died. He was a racer, man. A lot of modified guys are racers, but John Blewett was a racer,” Preece said. “I’ve had a ton of respect for Jimmy Blewett and John Blewett, so to be able to win this race…it’s been awhile since I’ve won here. It’s pretty cool.”

Wait Worth It For Dan Fredrickson

Eighteen years. That’s how long it had been since Minnesota’s Dan Fredrickson last won a race during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway.

That drought ended when Fredrickson bested defending World Series Super Late Model champion Derek Griffith during a late restart.

“It’s awesome. It’s just great. We’ve been through a lot. We’re a privateer team, just doing this with our money and a couple great sponsors,” Fredrickson said. “It’s just me and a couple of other guys down here.”

1⃣8⃣ year wait is OVER

Dan Fredrickson takes his first World Series 🏁 since 2002@advanceauto | @newsmyrnaspdwy pic.twitter.com/q6pWinGwIs

— NASCAR Roots (@NASCARRoots) February 11, 2021

Griffith initially appeared on his way to a comfortable victory until the first caution of the 35-lap race waved with 10 laps left. The first attempt at a restart immediately resulted in another caution when Sammy Smith slowed to a stop in turn four.

The second restart attempt was more successful, especially for Fredrickson. Restart on the inside of Griffith, Fredrickson got a great start and was able to ahead of Griffith entering turn three.

Griffith pulled the crossover on Fredrickson and the two raced side-by-side, with the two making contact coming out of turn four with nine laps left. Both cars briefly slid sideways, but Fredrickson and Griffith were both able to recover and continue.

Fredrickson would lead the remainder of the race while Griffith slipped through the field to fourth at the checkered flag.

Connor Mosack finished second behind Fredrickson, followed by reigning ARCA Menards Series West champion Jesse Love, Griffith and Daniel Dye.

Other winners on Wednesday evening at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing included Nick Panitzke in the Pro Late Model class and Ricky Moxley in the Florida Modified division.

Tour-Type Modified (76 laps)

1. Ryan Preece, 2. Matt Hirschman, 3. Patrick Emerling, 4. Jon McKennedy, 5. Ron Silk, 6. Matt Galko, 7. Chuck Hossfeld, 8. Eddie McCarthy, 9. Bobby Measmer Jr., 10. Dave Sapienza

11. Amy Catalano, 12. Eric Goodale, 13. J.R. Bertuccio, 14. Craig Lutz, 15. Buddy Charette, 17. Chris Finocchario, 18. Tyler Rypkema, 19. Stephen Kopcik, 20. Chris Jensen

21. Burt Myers, 22. Anthony Nocella, 23. Ronnie Williams, 24. Jeremy Gerstner, 25. Tommy Catalano, 26. Jimmy Blewett, 27. Danny Knoll Jr., 28. Marcello Rufrano, 29. Tom Martino Jr., 30. Tyler Truex

31. Bobby Jones, 32. Chris Ridsdale, 33. Jonathan Laureigh, 34. Paul Hartwig Jr., 35. Randall Richard, 36. Jim Gavek, 37. Brian Robie, 38. Ron Mullen.

Super Late Model (35 laps)

1. Dan Fredrickson, 2. Connor Mosack, 3. Jesse Love, 4. Derek Griffith, 5. Daniel Dye, 6. Stephen Nasse, 7. Jett Noland, 8. Jacob Goede, 9. Bubba Pollard, 10. Ryan Moore

11, Brad May, 12. Justin Mondeik, 13. R.J. Braun, 14. Jake Garcia, 15. Kody Swanson, 16. Kelly Moore, 17. Kris Wright, 18. Patrick Thomas, 19. Sammy Smith, 20. Jake Finch

21. Gus Dean, 22. Steve Weaver, 23. Michael Hinde, 24. Travis Wilson.

Dan Fredrickson won the Super Late Model feature at Florida’s New Smyrna Speedway Wednesday. (Jim Dupont/NASCAR)

Posted on February 10, 2021February 11, 2021 by Staff Report

See where your favorite driver will pit Thursday night for the two Bluegreen Vacations Duel at Daytona International Speedway (start at 7 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). The cars on the Daytona 500 entry list are split into two fields — one for each race. The pit stall assignments for Duel 1 are above and are below for Duel 2.

NASCAR

Posted on February 10, 2021February 11, 2021 by Staff Report

Thursday night’s Bluegreen Vacation Duel at Daytona International Speedway (7 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) will set the field and lineup for the 2021 Daytona 500 (Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

Below are the lineups for each duel race.

*indicates Open team that is not locked into the Daytona 500 (only two of those will race into Sunday’s event — Ryan Preece and David Ragan made the field based on their qualifying speed Wednesday night as the top two Open teams on the speed chart)

Duel #1

Startpot	Driver	Car Number/Team
1	Alex Bowman	No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
2	Aric Almirola	No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
3	Ricky Stenhouse Jr.	No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet
4	Christopher Bell	No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
5	Ryan Preece	No. 37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet
6	Daniel Suarez	No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Team Chevrolet
7	Denny Hamlin	No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
8	Kyle Larson	No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
9	Matt DiBenedetto	No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
10	Austin Cindric*	No. 33 Team Penske Ford
11	Joey Logano	No. 22 Team Penske Ford
12	Ryan Newman	No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
13	Cole Custer	No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
14	Michael McDowell	No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford
15	Erik Jones	No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevrolet
16	Tyler Reddick	No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
17	Ty Dillon*	No. 96 Gaunt Brothers Racing Toyota
18	Jamie McMurray	No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
19	Quin Houff	No. 00 StarCom Racing Chevrolet
20	Timmy Hill*	No. 66 Motorsports Business Management Ford
21	Cody Ware	No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet
22	Josh Bilicki	No. 52 Rick Ware Racing Ford

Duel #2

Start	Driver	Team/Car Number
1	William Byron	No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
2	Bubba Wallace	No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota
3	Kevin Harvick	No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
4	Austin Dillon	No. 3 Richard Childress Racing
5	Chase Elliott	No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
6	David Ragan	No. 36 Front Row Motorsports Ford
7	Kurt Busch	No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet
8	Kyle Busch	No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
9	Ryan Blaney	No. 12 Team Penske Ford
10	Kaz Grala*	No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
11	Chase Briscoe	No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
12	Ross Chastain	No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet
13	Brad Keselowski	No. 2 Team Penske Ford
14	Martin Truex Jr.	No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
15	Chris Buescher	No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford
16	Anthony Alfredo	No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford
17	Corey LaJoie	No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
18	Garrett Smithley*	No. 13 Motorsports Business Management Ford
19	BJ McLeod	No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Ford
20	Joey Gase	No. 53 Rick Ware Racing Ford
21	Derrike Cope	No. 15 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet
22	Noah Gragson*	No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet

Posted on February 10, 2021February 10, 2021 by Holly Cain

Alex Bowman swapped car numbers for the 2021 season – from 88 to 48 – but has certainly retained his Daytona magic, earning the pole position for Sunday’s Daytona 500 (2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), giving the Hendrick Motorsports driver a record fourth consecutive front row start in the NASCAR Cup Series season-opener.

Bowman, 27, went out late in the qualifying order (38th of 44 drivers) Wednesday night – the first night-time pole qualifying session in race history – but his Chevrolet handily set the pace with a lap of 191.261 mph (47.056 secs.), taking the top-spot from Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron by more than a quarter-second.

“It was fast,” Byron said, smiling about Bowman’s pole-winning lap.

The Hendrick teammates also started alongside one another in 2019, when Byron edged Bowman for the pole position. Bowman earned his first Daytona 500 pole in 2018 and started second last year. Hendrick Motorsports now has 14 Daytona 500 pole positions.

“It doesn’t really have a whole lot to do with me, right,” Bowman said on pit road after qualifying. “It’s a testament to these guys and everybody back in the shop at Hendrick Motorsports. They work so hard on these superspeedway cars. They are beautiful when they get to the race track. Our Ally Camaro has been really fast since we unloaded and they focused a lot on trying to get the pole for the Daytona 500.

“It means a lot to us and we were able to achieve that.”

And, he added, “It’s more about the people that make it happen. I floored it, but I’m pretty sure everyone else did too. I’m just appreciative my race car is fast.”

Stewart-Haas Racing’s Aric Almirola was third fastest in the No. 10 Ford followed on the speed chart by Bubba Wallace, who earned rave reviews in his debut driving the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota, which is co-owned by three-time and defending Daytona 500 winning driver Denny Hamlin and NBA Hall of Famer, Michael Jordan. Wallace’s lap was good enough for the top spot only to be taken by Byron three cars later.

Wallace was fastest in an hour-long practice Wednesday afternoon – his first official laps with the new organization and he was clearly feeling optimistic about the week. He finished runner-up in his very first Daytona 500 in 2018.

“Everything’s shaping up to be a great ending for us, we just have to get through it,” Wallace said. “It’s kind of the same feeling I had in 2018, my first 500. The speed was there, we qualified decent and had a really good Duel and finished second in the 500.

“I think the way things are going, we just have to keep it going, keep the positive momentum going. Everything’s kind of going well in the car. I’m confident. Still getting things worked out but all in all it comes pretty natural when you have a great team behind you.”

Wallace said he got a “very positive” text from Jordan after qualifying and said the basketball superstar arrives in Daytona on Thursday in time for the Bluegreen Vacation Duel (7 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) that will ultimately set the starting lineup for Sunday’s Daytona 500.

Hamlin, the three-time defending Daytona 500 winner was 12th fastest in qualifying. The two joked about Wallace being faster.

“I’m aware,” Hamlin said with a smile, adding, “It’s actually a pretty solid qualifying effort certainly for our FedEx team, just barely out of the top 10 there so that’s a good starting spot for us and we’re excited about it.

“Obviously that was a great run by the 23 team. They just barely missed it there by a tenth or so to get that locked in spot (on the front row). But now they get to go out there and race and get the experience they need to get a good finish on Sunday.”

Speed wise, last year’s polesitter Ricky Stenhouse Jr. proved fast again – fifth quickest in the JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet. Kevin Harvick (No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford), Christopher Bell (No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota), Ryan Preece (No. 37 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet), 2018 Daytona 500 winner Austin Dillon (No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet) and Daniel Suarez (No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet) rounded out the top 10.

Preece and 13th-place qualifier David Ragan were quickest among Open car teams needing to qualify based upon time. The rest of the Open car team drivers – Austin Cindric, Kaz Grala, Timmy Hill, Noah Gragson, Ty Dillon and Garrett Smithley – will have to battle it out in the Duel races with the highest finisher among them in each Duel earning a spot in the Daytona 500.

Gragson failed pre-qualifying inspection three times and lost the lap in his No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet as a result. A crew member from the No. 62 has also been ejected as a result of the pre-qualifying inspection failures.

Bluegreen Vacation Duel 1 is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET start Thursday, while Bluegreen Vacation Duel 2 is set for 9 p.m. ET right afterward. Both will air live on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Contributing: NASCAR.com staff reports

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Staff Report

In a recent interview with Graham Bensinger during his show “In Depth,” two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch explained why he and former crew chief Adam Stevens parted ways.

Going into the offseason after the 2020 season, Busch asked Stevens to make some “personnel” changes on the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota team. Stevens did not see eye to eye with Busch’s requests.

“I asked Adam for a couple changes to be made over the offseason, and he didn’t agree with my philosophy on those changes,” Busch told Bensinger. “So he said you know what, I’m going to do something different and let you do something different and we’ll see what happens.'”

Stevens now works with Joe Gibbs Racing newcomer Christopher Bell on the No. 20 Toyota team, while Busch has new chief chief Ben Beshore at the helm for the 2021 season.

Busch said he was “shocked” when Stevens told him that he wanted to end their relationship.

“I was like, well, essentially you just told me you quit on me,” Busch said. “So … uh, OK. See you later. Now I have to go find somebody else on who’s going to be the next guy to step in and take over the reins to be crew chief for the 18 M&Ms team.

“I flat-out told him in the beginning of the conversation that I believe in you. I trust in you. I want you. You’re my guy. We’ve done this already for six years. We’ve won two championships. Like, there’s chemistry here and we have a working relationship where we understand one another.”

For more comments from Busch, the full segment of the episode with Busch can be found here.