Monthly Archives: September 2017

Is Jimmie Johnson Playing ‘Possum Again?

Posted on by

Jimmie Johnson drives the #48 Lowe’s Throwback Chevrolet during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on September 3, 2017, in Darlington, South Carolina. Photo – Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images

Given that Jimmie Johnson has once again endured his typical summer doldrums, there’s not much buzz about a record eighth championship for the driver of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.

But Johnson is following a familiar pattern, one that was repeated during many of his seven championship seasons—win early, struggle in the summer months and triumph late. In fact, that’s what happened last year, when Johnson won his record-tying seventh title. Continue reading →

Jamie McMurray: In Terms of Thrills for a Driver, Nothing Tops Darlington

Posted on by

Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 McDonald’s Chevrolet, practices for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on September 1, 2017, in Darlington, South Carolina. Photo – Sarah Crabill/Getty Images

Want a quick thrill?

Just jump in a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series car with new tires and run a qualifying lap at Darlington Raceway. Continue reading →

‘Throwback Move’ puts Denny Hamlin in Victory Lane at Darlington

Posted on by

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

On a throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway, with a move he termed “a throwback to Dale Earnhardt,” Denny Hamlin won his fifth NASCAR XFINITY Series event at the Lady in Black—all from the pole.

The driver of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota grabbed the lead from Joey Logano after a restart on lap 147 of 148—one beyond the scheduled distance—and when Logano got inside position on the final circuit and surged ahead into turn three, Hamlin responded with a crossover move, retook the top spot off turn four and won a drag race to the finish line. Continue reading →

Kevin Harvick Sweeps Qualifying to Earn Second Darlington Pole

Posted on by

Kevin Harvick, the driver of the #4 Busch Beer Throwback Ford, speaks with the media during a press conference following qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on September 2, 2017, in Darlington, South Carolina. Photo – Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images

Kevin Harvick ended Saturday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series knockout qualifying session at Darlington Raceway with an excellent omen for Sunday night’s Bojangles’ Southern 500 (on NBCSN at 6 p.m. ET).

Covering the 1.366-mile distance in 27.669 seconds (177.730 mph) in the final round, Harvick earned his second career pole at the Lady in Black. The first time Harvick was the top qualifier at Darlington was in 2014. He went on to win the Bojangles’ Southern 500. After that, he won the series championship. Continue reading →