Daily Archives: August 9, 2014

The Chase Countdown Challenge Continues for Sprint Cup Drivers

Posted on by

5ToGoWGI-RIR

Five races on five very different tracks give NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers a challenge as they countdown to the Chase. 

That’s what faces the Sprint Cup Series and the 2014 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. For 11 drivers, it’s all or nothing time. For those 11 drivers with wins – and a likely Chase spot – a victory means three more bonus points tacked on their total to start the Chase.

But, really, these next five races are all about those with no wins. There are some big names out there battling for their playoff hopes – Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle. If the Chase started today, only Biffle would make it among the three perennial Chasers.

So while this is not yet panic time, there’s a definite sense of urgency – with a big opportunity awaiting drivers on Sunday afternoon.  Continue reading →

Marcos Ambrose Dominates for a Victory in the Nationwide Series Zippo 200

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Marcos Ambrose was the man to beat during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen International and there was no denying his Richard Petty Motorsports No. 09 team a visit to Victory Lane on Saturday afternoon. Ambrose had full control of the lead – 47 of 82 laps – en route to winning his fourth consecutive race at this track. This was Ambrose’s first series win of the 2014 season and his fifth series career victory.

Ambrose is now looking for Dale Jr’s broom – after the No. 88 team swept the races at Pocono last weekend – with an eye toward sweeping this weekend with a Sprint Cup Series win in the Cheez-it 355 on Sunday at 1 pm ET on ESPN.  Continue reading →

For Martin Truex Jr and his Team, Winning Means More than Making the Chase

Posted on by
Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Furniture Row Chevrolet, practices for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 8, 2014 Photo - Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Furniture Row Chevrolet, practices for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at Watkins Glen International on August 8, 2014 Photo – Mark Wilson/Getty Images

‘What a difference a year makes’ is a phrase that rings so true for NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Martin Truex Jr. Last year the driver was on his way to making the Chase for Michael Waltrip Racing, a big deal for his team and sponsor, NAPA.  But all of that changed by the end of the 2013 Richmond race in September. With controversy swirling over incidents involving his teammates during the race, penalties from NASCAR followed and ultimately the loss of sponsorship by NAPA.  By the end of the season, without funds to continue at Michael Waltrip Racing, Truex was left seeking a new team and sponsor. He landed at Furniture Row – a Colorado based and single-car team – in the No. 78. Continue reading →

Scott Heckert Captures First Career Win with Bully Hill Vineyards 125 Victory

Posted on by
Scott Heckert celebrates his first career K&N East Victory at WGI Photo - Getty Images

Scott Heckert celebrates his first career K&N East Victory at WGI Photo – Getty Images

Scott Heckert is our next guest on Fan4Racing Fan2Fan NASCAR & Race Talk on Monday, August 11, 2014 at 10:10 pm ET. Call 347-996-5176 during the LIVE broadcast with any comments/questions.

Turner Scott Motorsports driver Scott Heckert earns his first career K&N East victory!

The Bully Hill Vineyards 125 is a NASCAR K&N East race to remember for the ages, with plenty of action at Watkins Glen International, marking their first race at the track since 2009.

Road course ringer, Andrew Ranger led going into the last lap when a pass by Turner Scott Motorsports’ Scott Heckert had him taking the green-and-white checkered flag in Friday’s race. Continue reading →

NASCAR Nationwide Series Zippo 200 at Watkins Glen Preview

Posted on by

zippo200

New York State Of Mind: Elliott, Smith Lead Series To Watkins Glen  

North of the bright lights on Broadway and just west of the Finger Lakes in the rolling hills of New York state heads the NASCAR Nationwide Series for its first of back-to-back road courses. First up, Watkins Glen International with Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on deck. The challenge of the consecutive road courses on the schedule could transform a competitor’s championship run, especially JR Motorsports teammates Chase Elliott and Regan Smith who sit 1-2 in the standings and hope to make it through unscathed. Continue reading →