Tag: 2024

INDYCar

Newgarden Cements Legacy with Back-to-Back Indy 500 Wins

Josef Newgarden etched his name in Indianapolis 500 lore, becoming just the sixth driver to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in consecutive years. After a scintillating duel with Pato O’Ward, Newgarden prevailed, exclaiming “I knew we could win this race again. There’s just no better way to win this than that.”
O’Ward was dejected: “It’s hard to put it into words. So close again…Oh, man: It’s just so painful when you put so much into it, and then two corners short.”
For Newgarden, the emotional repeat triumph over adversity left him beaming with pride: “They can say whatever they want…I’m just so proud of this team. They crushed it. That’s the way I wanted to win the thing, right there.”
With his legendary back-to-back wins, Newgarden joined the pantheon of Indy 500 greats. Continue reading Newgarden Cements Legacy with Back-to-Back Indy 500 Wins

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NASCAR, Xfinity Series

Strategy Pays Off as Elliott Captures Xfinity Win at Charlotte

With a masterful strategic call and a little luck, Chase Elliott scored his first NASCAR Xfinity Series win of the season in Saturday’s BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Saving a fresh set of tires for the final run, Elliott grabbed the lead after a restart on lap 183 and never relinquished it, going on to beat Brandon Jones by 0.500 seconds.
“Greg (crew chief Greg Ives) made a good call, and I think ultimately that’s what won us the race,” said Elliott, who started 30th. “Hats off to everybody at Hendrick Motorsports. Super special to win with the 17 on the car for the boss (Rick Hendrick) and Linda.”
Elliott’s No. 17 Chevrolet sported a throwback paint scheme reminiscent of the late Ricky Hendrick’s famed ride. It was Elliott’s sixth career Xfinity victory but his first at Charlotte. Continue reading Strategy Pays Off as Elliott Captures Xfinity Win at Charlotte

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Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR

Sanchez Steals Spotlight After Heim’s Charlotte Truck Blunder

Nick Sanchez capitalized on fresh tires and a timely pit stop to charge from 10th to the lead in the final nine laps and capture his second career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory in Friday night’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Sanchez crossed the finish line 0.507 seconds ahead of Corey Heim, but Heim’s apparent runner-up finish was rescinded after his No. 11 Toyota failed post-race inspection with three lug nuts not properly secured. Stewart Friesen was elevated to second place after Heim’s disqualification.
“It’s awesome – my No. 2 Gainbridge Chevrolet,” said Sanchez, who also collected a $50,000 bonus as the winner of the first Triple Truck Challenge event. “We started off bad. It didn’t affect us. We went to work and put ourselves in position when it mattered most.” Continue reading Sanchez Steals Spotlight After Heim’s Charlotte Truck Blunder

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INDYCar

Dixon Leads Honda Resurgence in Indy 500 Final Practice

Scott Dixon and Honda showed they are ready to contend for victory in the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge by leading the way in the final practice session on Carb Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Six-time IndyCar champion Dixon topped the speed charts with a lap of 227.206 mph in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. It marked the ninth time in the last 10 years that the 2008 Indy 500 winner ended up among the top four on the practice speed charts heading into race day.
While Chevrolet drivers swept the top eight starting spots in last weekend’s qualifying, including a Team Penske lockout of the front row, it was Honda’s turn to shine on Carb Day. Honda-powered cars claimed seven of the top 10 speeds in the final two-hour practice, signaling they may have closed the gap for Sunday’s 200-lap race. Continue reading Dixon Leads Honda Resurgence in Indy 500 Final Practice

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Craftsman Truck Series, CUP Series, NASCAR, Xfinity Series

Playoff Dreams Take Center Stage in NASCAR’s Memorial Day Weekend: Charlotte Weekend Preview

The NASCAR Cup Series regular season is at its midpoint with 8 playoff spots remaining. Drivers need wins or points to secure a spot. The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is a wildcard race. The Xfinity Series at the same venue showcases a mix of regulars and Cup drivers competing for victory. The Craftsman Truck Series is also heating up towards the playoffs with 6 spots left. Continue reading Playoff Dreams Take Center Stage in NASCAR’s Memorial Day Weekend: Charlotte Weekend Preview

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ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR

Charlotte’s 1.5-Miles Awaits ARCA Menards Series: ARCA Weekend Preview

The ARCA Menards Series has a rich history at Charlotte Motor Speedway, dating back to 1964. The 26th General Tire 150, a 100-lap event, continues the tradition. Notable drivers like Frank Kimmel, Ryan Newman, and rising stars such as Ty Majeski have left their mark on this 1.5-mile track. The race will be broadcast on FS1 at 6pm ET. Continue reading Charlotte’s 1.5-Miles Awaits ARCA Menards Series: ARCA Weekend Preview

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ARCA Menards Series, Craftsman Truck Series, CUP Series, NASCAR, Xfinity Series

NASCAR Unveils Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and Landmark Award Winner

The NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees were announced, including Ricky Rudd and Carl Edwards, both accomplished drivers with multiple wins. Ralph Moody, a 1950s driver who formed the Holman-Moody Racing team, was also honored. Dr. Dean Sicking received the Landmark Award for his work in racetrack safety. The induction ceremony is set for February 7, 2025 in Charlotte. Continue reading NASCAR Unveils Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and Landmark Award Winner

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CUP Series, NASCAR

Logano Leads Flag-to-Flag, Stenhouse-Busch Feud Boils Over at All-Star Event

Joey Logano dominated the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, leading 199 of 200 laps and winning the $1 million prize. His strategic use of softer tires paid off, beating Denny Hamlin by 0.636 seconds. The race was marked by drama, including a heated on-track confrontation and post-race skirmish between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch. Continue reading Logano Leads Flag-to-Flag, Stenhouse-Busch Feud Boils Over at All-Star Event

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Formula 1

Verstappen Victorious in Imola Thriller as Norris Pushes Hard

Max Verstappen took his fifth win in just seven races this season at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, but he had to work for it as Lando Norris mounted a thrilling late charge in the closing laps. Verstappen made a clean getaway from pole position and controlled the race early on, but Norris rapidly closed the gap, making for a nail-biting finale. Despite Norris slashing the lead to under a second, a snap of oversteer hampered his charge, allowing Verstappen to secure a tense 0.725 second victory. “Lando was really coming,” said Verstappen. “He made me work so hard for this one.” Continue reading Verstappen Victorious in Imola Thriller as Norris Pushes Hard

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INDYCar

Team Penske Flexes Muscle in Indy 500 Qualifying Day 1

Team Penske asserted its dominance on the opening day of qualifying for the 108th Indianapolis 500, sweeping the top three positions among the drivers who advanced to Sunday’s battle for the NTT P1 Award pole position.
Will Power led the Penske charge by posting the fastest four-lap average of 233.758 mph in his No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet. Reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden was second at 233.332 mph, followed by Scott McLaughlin’s 233.293 mph in the No. 3 Pennzoil entry.
If the Penske trio can hold onto the top three spots after Sunday’s qualifying, it will mark just the second time in Indianapolis 500 history that one team has swept the front row. Penske previously accomplished the feat in 1988.
“It was a good, smooth run,” Power said. “We would have liked to have run in the heat, but (team owner) Roger (Penske) didn’t want us to go out. I think (Alexander) Rossi is the one who could break up the all-Penske front row, but I think one of us (Penske) will get the pole.” Continue reading Team Penske Flexes Muscle in Indy 500 Qualifying Day 1

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