Since 2007, when NASCAR moved to the current Chase format ), only one driver — on average — in the Chase after the 13th race of the season has fallen out by the time the Chase has started. Who will go, and who will be in this year?
Tom Bowles, of Frontstretch.com, pointed out that Ryan Newman, a Hendrick Motorsports-affiliated driver is running the No. 1 in the Nationwide Series for Phoenix Racing at Dover. He implied that this could indicate that Kasey Kahne, who will join HMS in 2012, could drive for PR in 2011.
Phoenix Racing and James Buescher have reportedly parted ways effective immediately. Buescher will compete full time in the Camping World Truck Series driving the No. 31 for Turner Motorsports. Ryan Newman will take over driving duties of the No. 1 Nationwide Series car at Dover. No word on who will drive the car after that. [...]
Jeff Gordon saw his 2.5 second lead in the closing laps of the Crown Royal 400 at Richmond International Raceway evaporate when Elliott Sadler blew a tire and slid across the track. That allowed Kyle Busch to get tires and mount a charge that would ultimately result in his 17th career Sprint Cup victory.
Kevin Harvick, who hung in the back most of the day, broke his 115-race winless streak by beating Jamie McMurray to the finish line by 0.011 seconds in the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway.
Ever wonder what it would be like if NASCAR teams drafted drivers like players are drafted in the NFL? I did, so I decided to use a convoluted system to determine where drivers would end up if there was a draft today.
Ryan Newman took two tires during the final pit stop under caution and drove passed Jeff Gordon to win the Subway Fresh Fit 600 at Phoenix International Raceway. The victory is the first in 77 races for Newman, and the first for his Stewart Haas Racing team and crew chief Tony Gibson.
Denny Hamlin, who had to postpone surgery to repair his ACL because the race was delayed due to rain, capitalized on a green-white-checkered finish and a slip-up by Matt Kenseth to win the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway.
On the final restart of the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, Jimmie Johnson and his four fresh tires started fifth behind cars that took two tires. Ten laps later, he took the lead from Tony Stewart. He led the final six laps to earn his 50th career race, and first at Bristol.
Kraft Foods has joined Stewart Hass Racing as an associate sponsor. Kraft’s Oreo cookie and Ritz crackers brands will appear on both Tony Stewart’s and Ryan Newman’s uniforms and their Sprint Cup cars. Stewart will also drive a No. 4 Oreo/Ritz Chevy in the Nationwide Series opener at Daytona.
