DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Whoever wears the crown of 'NASCAR champion' unquestionably will earn it, following a 2016 season that has already featured some of the toughest and most thrilling competition the sport has ever seen. The year-end celebration will be deservedly grand, and it will take place at familiar sites built upon major moments.
Continuing a fan-favorite culmination to its national series seasons, NASCAR announced today the return of the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards to Las Vegas and the 2016 NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Awards to Miami Beach.
Carrying on a tradition that started in 2009, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards will return to Wynn Las Vegas on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016. The sport's premier series will regale its champion in a week-long celebration that offers NASCAR fans interactive entertainment, access to the sport's biggest stars and appearances from an assortment of musical and celebrity guests. A full lineup of activities for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion’s Week will be announced at a later date.
"We are excited to welcome NASCAR and the thrill of Champion's Week back to Las Vegas," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). "Las Vegas is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and the NASCAR community can look forward to nothing short of unprecedented entertainment and unparalleled hospitality."
The NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Awards will take place Monday, Nov. 21 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel located in the heart of South Beach. This year's event will honor the champions of the NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champions, both of whom will be crowned during the Homestead-Miami Speedway race weekend, November 18-20.
Currently, two NASCAR Next graduates -- Daniel Suárez and William Byron -- lead the NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series points, having locked up their respective spots in the Chase with stirring victories. Both captured their first NASCAR national series victory in 2016.
"Las Vegas and Miami are unrivaled when it comes to hosting premier events," said Steve Phelps, NASCAR executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "Both cities were built upon big events and major celebrations, and we're thrilled to once again honor our NASCAR's national series champions along the Vegas strip and on South Beach."
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards will air on NBCSN on Dec. 2 beginning at 9 p.m. ET. MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Channel 90, will carry the awards show live. The NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Awards will air on NBCSN on Nov. 27 starting at 8 p.m. ET.
NASCAR Press Release.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Sprint Cup qualifying cancelled, Friday Kentucky schedule changed
SPARTA, KY – Qualifying for the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway has been cancelled as NASCAR decided that with the new track surface, practice is more important.
The first practice for Friday has been under a rain delay since around 11:40am ET. Once the rain lets up and the track is dry, practice will continue until 4:25pm ET.
XFINITY Series qualifying is scheduled for 4:45pm ET. Happy Hour (final) for the Sprint Cup is now scheduled for 6:30-7:30pm ET.
The XFINITY race schedule remains the same.
The Sprint Cup starting lineup for the 2016 Quaker State 400 is below.
The first practice for Friday has been under a rain delay since around 11:40am ET. Once the rain lets up and the track is dry, practice will continue until 4:25pm ET.
XFINITY Series qualifying is scheduled for 4:45pm ET. Happy Hour (final) for the Sprint Cup is now scheduled for 6:30-7:30pm ET.
The XFINITY race schedule remains the same.
The Sprint Cup starting lineup for the 2016 Quaker State 400 is below.
Rain jumbles Friday's schedule at Kentucky
Inclement weather has altered Friday's on-track schedule at Kentucky Speedway.
Nearly 30 minutes into the day's first of two scheduled NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practices, a severe thunderstorm warning had officials sending Sprint Cup Series cars into the garage. Denny Hamlin had posted the fastest speed at the time, with Jimmie Johnson -- who later smacked the wall solidly -- sitting in second. Heavy rains followed, and the practice officially ended at 12:25 p.m. ET.
Four other on-track events were planned, but altered. Here's what's new: The second Sprint Cup Series practice will begin whenever the track is dry (no estimation) and run until 4:25 p.m. ET. NASCAR XFINITY Series qualifying will follow at 4:45 p.m. ET, with Sprint Cup Series final practice running from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying is cancelled and will be set per the rule book (owner points).
The NASCAR XFINITY Series Alsco 300 (8:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, Live Extra, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) will wrap up the day's events.
Wet weather also altered Wednesday's original schedule, which had three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practices on the books. That schedule was adjusted to have two practices, including an extended 175-minute session. The extra time had added importance as Kentucky underwent a repave and the 1.5-mile track has a fresh racing surface.
Sprint Cup teams tested at the track last month over two days following the Michigan weekend and practiced here yesterday. XFINITY Series teams had four practices on Thursday.
This story will be updated.
NASCAR Statement.
Nearly 30 minutes into the day's first of two scheduled NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practices, a severe thunderstorm warning had officials sending Sprint Cup Series cars into the garage. Denny Hamlin had posted the fastest speed at the time, with Jimmie Johnson -- who later smacked the wall solidly -- sitting in second. Heavy rains followed, and the practice officially ended at 12:25 p.m. ET.
Four other on-track events were planned, but altered. Here's what's new: The second Sprint Cup Series practice will begin whenever the track is dry (no estimation) and run until 4:25 p.m. ET. NASCAR XFINITY Series qualifying will follow at 4:45 p.m. ET, with Sprint Cup Series final practice running from 6:30-7:30 p.m. ET.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualifying is cancelled and will be set per the rule book (owner points).
The NASCAR XFINITY Series Alsco 300 (8:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, Live Extra, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) will wrap up the day's events.
Wet weather also altered Wednesday's original schedule, which had three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practices on the books. That schedule was adjusted to have two practices, including an extended 175-minute session. The extra time had added importance as Kentucky underwent a repave and the 1.5-mile track has a fresh racing surface.
Sprint Cup teams tested at the track last month over two days following the Michigan weekend and practiced here yesterday. XFINITY Series teams had four practices on Thursday.
This story will be updated.
NASCAR Statement.
Sprint Cup practice in rain delay at Kentucky
SPARTA, KY -- First Friday practice for the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is under a rain delay, after 29 of 85 scheduled minutes.
Denny Hamlin currently leads the session with a speed of 188.285 MPH, while Jimmie Johnson, who wrwcked just before the red flag, is in second.
Kevin Harvick is in third, followed by Ty Dillon and Kyle Larson.
Reed Sorenson is currently slowest with a speed of 177.614 MPH.
Johnson slid up the track just before the red flag and smacked the wall, doing damage to the right side of the car, the team will pull out a backup car. Johnson will not have to go to the rear of the field because he goes to a backup car, as long as the car is presented for qualifying, Johnson will keep his qualifying position.
UPDATE: The session has been rained out and is now over after only 29 minutes.
The full session results are below.
The full session results are below.
Johnson wrecks in second Sprint Cup practice at Kentucky
SPARTA, KY -- Jimmie Johnson experienced an issue in the second NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice session at Kentucky Speedway on Friday. The No. 48 Lowe's Chevy team will go to a back-up car.
Johnson slid up the track just before a red flag due to rain and smacked the wall, doing damage to the right side of the car, the team will pull out a backup car. Johnson will not have to go to the rear of the field because he goes to a backup car, as long as the car is presented for qualifying, Johnson will keep his qualifying position.
"I just got wide and evidently the track is dirty wide," Johnson saod when he was asked what got him into the outside wall. "I didn't have anything go wrong, I just got wide and the car just started going straight and it wouldn't turn. I was in the marbles. I couldn't see the line where the track was clean and dirty and it just kept going straight and straight and straight and hit the wall."
Byron wins Truck race at Kentucky
SPARTA, KY -- William Byron won the Buckle Up In Your Truck 225 at Kentucky Speedway on Thursday night, and with it claimed his fourth win of the season, and 51st for his Kyle Busch Motorsports team.
KBM now holds the record for most team wins in series history.
John Hunter Nemechek finished second, followed by Daniel Hemric, Christopher Bell, Johnny Sauter, Cameron Hayley, Brandon Jones, Matt Crafton, Timothy Peters, and Tyler Reddick.
Pole sitter Daniel Suarez led for 59 laps and finished 11th.
There were 5 cautions for 32 laps and 9 lead changes among 6 leaders.
The average speed was 116.698mph.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Legendary team owner Haas dies at age 86
Carl Haas, the longtime Indy car team owner noted for his partnership with actor Paul Newman and trademark cigar, died June 29 at age 86 at his home in suburban Chicago.
Cars fielded by Haas won 107 Indy car races – the second most all time – and eight season championships. The only accomplishment missing from Haas’ impressive motorsports resume was a victory in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.
“All of us at INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are saddened to hear of the passing of Carl Haas,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “His contributions to our sport were immeasurable and the success of Newman/Haas Racing solidifies his place as a legend in motorsports. We send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Born Feb. 26, 1930, in Chicago, Haas’ infatuation with motorsports began as a sports car racer in 1952. He won 10 races at The Milwaukee Mile, the mile oval track where he would later serve as the race promoter. He also won one of the first races at Road America in 1955 – the iconic road course in central Wisconsin where Haas later served on the board of directors and his drivers would win a record 10 Indy car races. He was also a longtime board member for the Sports Car Club of America and was elected into its hall of fame in 2007.
In 1967, the same year he started his own race team, Haas became the exclusive American importer for Lola Cars, helping elevate the brand to prominence in U.S. racing. With Haas’ help, Lola became one of the premier Indy car chassis suppliers, collecting race wins from 1978-2006, including Indy car’s Triple Crown with Al Unser in 1978.
Haas’ team ownership path started in Can-Am, Formula 5000 and Super Vee competition. Drivers the likes of Jackie Stewart, Peter Revson, Jacky Ickx and Alan Jones drove for Haas, who later owned teams in Formula One and NASCAR.
While competing in Can-Am, Haas was rivals with Newman, whose passion for acting may only have been exceeded by his passion for racing. At the request of Mario Andretti, the odd couple formed Newman/Haas Racing in 1983, competing in Indy car racing under CART sanction in what would become one of the most successful operations in the sport’s history.
With legendary Andretti as the anchor driver, the team soared quickly to success, winning the 1984 CART championship. Andretti drove the last 12 years of his illustrious Indy car career with Newman/Haas, collecting the final 18 of his 52 victories.
“Carl had a heart of gold and a deep commitment to our sport,” Andretti said. “He earned the respect and admiration of his competitors and all those who drove for him through the years for being tenacious yet fair.
“His legacy especially in Indy cars will be his phenomenal record of victories and championships.”
Andretti’s 1984 crown was the first of eight Indy car championships the team would earn. Mario’s son Michael Andretti (1991), Nigel Mansell (1993), Cristiano da Matta (2002) and Sebastien Bourdais (2004-07) also claimed titles under the Newman/Haas and Newman/Haas/Lanigan banners.
Graham Rahal drove his first four Indy car seasons for Newman/Haas/Lanigan from 2007-10, capturing his initial career win in April 2008 at St. Petersburg at the age of 19 years, 3 months, 2 days – still the youngest ever to win an Indy car race.
“In his time, Carl was the boss of many of racing's greatest drivers, and for me to get to work under him for those four years was some of the greatest times of my life,” said Rahal, now driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in his 10th Indy car season. “There weren’t many like Carl, and he will surely be missed.”
At the Indianapolis 500, Newman/Haas cars made 30 starts from 1983-2011, with several notable heartbreaks. In 1985, Mario Andretti led 107 laps but finished second to the remarkable “spin and win” of Danny Sullivan. In 1987, Mario led 170 of the first 177 laps but slowed after Lap 180 with an electrical failure.
Michael Andretti finished second in 1991 after a memorable late battle with Rick Mears. In 1992, Michael dominated most of the race, leading 160 laps, only to have a fuel pump break on Lap 189 while in front. In all, Newman/Haas entries led more than 800 laps at Indy.
“Carl Haas fielded cars for some of the best drivers in the world and his leadership and competitive spirit caused Newman/Haas Racing to become one of the most successful teams in our sport’s history,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “The Indy car community was fortunate to have his personality as part of its family and Mr. Haas’ legacy of excellence and winning will long be remembered.”
Michael Andretti and Bourdais each won 31 races driving for the team.
“Carl was an icon to our sport and the automotive industry, and I owe a great deal of my career's success to my time with Carl and the Newman/Haas family,” Michael Andretti said. “Paul and Carl built what was undoubtedly one of the greatest teams in history; I am truly honored to have been a part of the legacy they built.”
Justin Wilson picked up the team’s final victory in August 2008 at Belle Isle Park in Detroit. Newman/Haas Racing’s final year of Indy car competition came in 2011.
“I was lucky enough to drive for Carl in the three different seasons (2005, ’09, 11) and during those years all the conversations I had with him were priceless,” said Oriol Servia, who finished second to Bourdais in the 2005 championship. “He was loved and appreciated by everyone that ever worked for him.”
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800m Chicago, Ill. 60631 (phone (847) 933-2413); or to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (http://www.holeinthewallgang.org), the charity begun in 1988 by Newman to serve children with life-threatening illnesses.
INDYCAR Statement.
Cars fielded by Haas won 107 Indy car races – the second most all time – and eight season championships. The only accomplishment missing from Haas’ impressive motorsports resume was a victory in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.
“All of us at INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are saddened to hear of the passing of Carl Haas,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “His contributions to our sport were immeasurable and the success of Newman/Haas Racing solidifies his place as a legend in motorsports. We send our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Born Feb. 26, 1930, in Chicago, Haas’ infatuation with motorsports began as a sports car racer in 1952. He won 10 races at The Milwaukee Mile, the mile oval track where he would later serve as the race promoter. He also won one of the first races at Road America in 1955 – the iconic road course in central Wisconsin where Haas later served on the board of directors and his drivers would win a record 10 Indy car races. He was also a longtime board member for the Sports Car Club of America and was elected into its hall of fame in 2007.
In 1967, the same year he started his own race team, Haas became the exclusive American importer for Lola Cars, helping elevate the brand to prominence in U.S. racing. With Haas’ help, Lola became one of the premier Indy car chassis suppliers, collecting race wins from 1978-2006, including Indy car’s Triple Crown with Al Unser in 1978.
Haas’ team ownership path started in Can-Am, Formula 5000 and Super Vee competition. Drivers the likes of Jackie Stewart, Peter Revson, Jacky Ickx and Alan Jones drove for Haas, who later owned teams in Formula One and NASCAR.
While competing in Can-Am, Haas was rivals with Newman, whose passion for acting may only have been exceeded by his passion for racing. At the request of Mario Andretti, the odd couple formed Newman/Haas Racing in 1983, competing in Indy car racing under CART sanction in what would become one of the most successful operations in the sport’s history.
With legendary Andretti as the anchor driver, the team soared quickly to success, winning the 1984 CART championship. Andretti drove the last 12 years of his illustrious Indy car career with Newman/Haas, collecting the final 18 of his 52 victories.
“Carl had a heart of gold and a deep commitment to our sport,” Andretti said. “He earned the respect and admiration of his competitors and all those who drove for him through the years for being tenacious yet fair.
“His legacy especially in Indy cars will be his phenomenal record of victories and championships.”
Andretti’s 1984 crown was the first of eight Indy car championships the team would earn. Mario’s son Michael Andretti (1991), Nigel Mansell (1993), Cristiano da Matta (2002) and Sebastien Bourdais (2004-07) also claimed titles under the Newman/Haas and Newman/Haas/Lanigan banners.
Graham Rahal drove his first four Indy car seasons for Newman/Haas/Lanigan from 2007-10, capturing his initial career win in April 2008 at St. Petersburg at the age of 19 years, 3 months, 2 days – still the youngest ever to win an Indy car race.
“In his time, Carl was the boss of many of racing's greatest drivers, and for me to get to work under him for those four years was some of the greatest times of my life,” said Rahal, now driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in his 10th Indy car season. “There weren’t many like Carl, and he will surely be missed.”
At the Indianapolis 500, Newman/Haas cars made 30 starts from 1983-2011, with several notable heartbreaks. In 1985, Mario Andretti led 107 laps but finished second to the remarkable “spin and win” of Danny Sullivan. In 1987, Mario led 170 of the first 177 laps but slowed after Lap 180 with an electrical failure.
Michael Andretti finished second in 1991 after a memorable late battle with Rick Mears. In 1992, Michael dominated most of the race, leading 160 laps, only to have a fuel pump break on Lap 189 while in front. In all, Newman/Haas entries led more than 800 laps at Indy.
“Carl Haas fielded cars for some of the best drivers in the world and his leadership and competitive spirit caused Newman/Haas Racing to become one of the most successful teams in our sport’s history,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “The Indy car community was fortunate to have his personality as part of its family and Mr. Haas’ legacy of excellence and winning will long be remembered.”
Michael Andretti and Bourdais each won 31 races driving for the team.
“Carl was an icon to our sport and the automotive industry, and I owe a great deal of my career's success to my time with Carl and the Newman/Haas family,” Michael Andretti said. “Paul and Carl built what was undoubtedly one of the greatest teams in history; I am truly honored to have been a part of the legacy they built.”
Justin Wilson picked up the team’s final victory in August 2008 at Belle Isle Park in Detroit. Newman/Haas Racing’s final year of Indy car competition came in 2011.
“I was lucky enough to drive for Carl in the three different seasons (2005, ’09, 11) and during those years all the conversations I had with him were priceless,” said Oriol Servia, who finished second to Bourdais in the 2005 championship. “He was loved and appreciated by everyone that ever worked for him.”
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800m Chicago, Ill. 60631 (phone (847) 933-2413); or to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp (http://www.holeinthewallgang.org), the charity begun in 1988 by Newman to serve children with life-threatening illnesses.
INDYCAR Statement.
Suarez fastest in XFINITY happy hour at Kentucky
SPARTA, KY – Daniel Suarez on Thursday was quickest during final practice for the Alsco 300 with a speed of 186.845 MPH.
He was followed by Erik Jones, Ryan Blaney, Kyle Busch, Ty Dillon, Blake Koch, Austin Dillon, JJ Yeley, Elliott Sadler, Brad Keselowski.
32 drivers participated in the session.
The full session results are below.
He was followed by Erik Jones, Ryan Blaney, Kyle Busch, Ty Dillon, Blake Koch, Austin Dillon, JJ Yeley, Elliott Sadler, Brad Keselowski.
32 drivers participated in the session.
The full session results are below.
Sunoco Rookie Of The Year Frontrunners Bell And Byron Aim For Another Win At Kentucky
Kyle Busch Motorsports teammates William Byron and Christopher Bell have continued the team’s legacy of success in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this season.
The two Sunoco Rookie of the Year frontrunners (Byron leads Bell by 16 points in the rookie standings) have virtually assured themselves spots in the inaugural eight-driver NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Chase by winning races. Byron’s three visits to Victory Lane lead the series, while Bell won his first race of the season two weeks ago at Gateway.
Byron leads two-time champion Matt Crafton by one point in the series standings. In addition to his three wins, he claims four top fives and five top 10s in nine starts this season.
Bell’s victory at Gateway was the second of his career (Eldora) and his first on pavement. He has three top fives and five top 10s in nine starts this season.
Joining Bell and Byron in Thursday’s race are part-time KBM competitors, Kyle Busch and Daniel Suárez. A victory by a KBM driver would give the organization sole possession of first on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series all-time wins list with 51. KBM is currently tied in the record books with Roush Fenway Racing.
From Jayski.
The two Sunoco Rookie of the Year frontrunners (Byron leads Bell by 16 points in the rookie standings) have virtually assured themselves spots in the inaugural eight-driver NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Chase by winning races. Byron’s three visits to Victory Lane lead the series, while Bell won his first race of the season two weeks ago at Gateway.
Byron leads two-time champion Matt Crafton by one point in the series standings. In addition to his three wins, he claims four top fives and five top 10s in nine starts this season.
Bell’s victory at Gateway was the second of his career (Eldora) and his first on pavement. He has three top fives and five top 10s in nine starts this season.
Joining Bell and Byron in Thursday’s race are part-time KBM competitors, Kyle Busch and Daniel Suárez. A victory by a KBM driver would give the organization sole possession of first on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series all-time wins list with 51. KBM is currently tied in the record books with Roush Fenway Racing.
From Jayski.
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