NASCAR XFINITY Chase Media Day Notebook

Aside

Photo - Getty Images

Photo – Getty Images

CHASE FORMAT HAS ADDED AGGRESSION TO ERIK JONES’ RACING STYLE

Top-seeded Erik Jones didn’t wait for the seven-race XFINITY Series playoff to alter his racing style to suit the new elimination format.

By his own admission, Jones raced conservatively last year in winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship. But the win-and-you’re-in structure of the XFINITY Chase has given the driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota more freedom to race for victories at any cost. Continue reading

Erik Jones Wins at Chicagoland, Enters NASCAR XFINITY Series Chase as Top Seed

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Kyle Busch opened the door, and that was all the invitation Erik Jones needed.

When Busch, the polesitter for Saturday’s The Drive for Safety 300 at Chicagoland Speedway, spun with a tire down while leading on Lap 182 of 200, Jones took full advantage of his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate’s misfortune.

The driver of the No. 20 JGR Toyota restarted sixth on Lap 187 after Busch brought out the eighth caution of the afternoon and quickly closed the gap on Elliott Sadler, who restarted second and grabbed the lead from JR Motorsports teammate Clint Bowyer, who had stayed out on old tires. Continue reading

NASCAR XFINITY Series Drive for Safety 300 at Chicagoland Speedway Preview

Aside

321227 NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers will race 300 miles in 200 laps in the Drive for Safety 300 at Chicagoland Speedway on Saturday, September 17th. This is their final race before the inaugural Chase for the XFINITY Series title begins. Television coverage begins at 2:30 pm ET on NBC, with a green flag around 3 pm ET. Radio coverage is on MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.  Continue reading

Sadler Holds Off Hamlin for Emotional XFINITY Win at Darlington

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Elliott Sadler had a passenger for Saturday’s VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway—in spirit at least.

After a breathtaking battle against Denny Hamlin over the closing laps, Sadler crossed the finish-line 0.454 seconds ahead of Hamlin to win for the first time at the Lady in Black—and immediately dedicated the victory to JR Motorsports team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., who announced on Friday he would sit out the remainder of the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup season because of a concussion. Continue reading

NASCAR XFINITY Series, AutoLotto 300 at New Hampshire Preview

Aside

320090

NASCAR XFINITY Series teams are ready to race 211.6 miles over 200 laps in the AutoLotto 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway today, Saturday, July 16th. NBC Sports Network will begin their coverage at 3:30 pm ET with a green flag around 4 pm ET. Radio coverage is available on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.

NASCAR XFINITY Series Chase Outlook

Nine races remain until the XFINITY Series Chase. Since only three series regulars have wins, points are at a premium.

The three drivers who have already clinched berths in the Chase via victories are Erik Jones (2 wins), Daniel Suárez (1) and Elliott Sadler (1). All three get three bonus points per win for the first round of the Chase. Continue reading