Tag Archives: O’Reilly Auto Parts 500

Kevin Harvick Leads Ford Sweep of Top-Five Spots in Texas Qualifying

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Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Jimmy John’s Ford, poses in Victory Lane after qualifying for pole position for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 7, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo – Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Kevin Harvick needed a do-over in the second round of Friday’s knockout qualifying session at Texas Motor Speedway, but putting the extra lap on his tires proved well worth the effort.

Harvick led not only the second round but also the first and third in winning the pole for Sunday’s O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway at 1:30 pm ET on FOX. Continue reading →

Drivers Challenged by New Surface at Texas

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Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 Interstate Batteries Toyota, practices for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 7, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo – Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Denny Hamlin’s instant analysis was an omen of things to come.

“This baby is ice—no grip at all,” Hamlin declared on his radio after spinning out on the new asphalt at Texas Motor Speedway just 2 minutes 23 seconds into Friday’s opening practice at the 1.5-mile track.

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Just How Different is Texas after the Repave?

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Trevor Bayne, driver of the #6 Performance Plus Motor Oil Ford, practices for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 7, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo – Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Trevor Bayne wasn’t among the casualties in Friday’s opening practice at Texas, but his 41 laps on the newly paved, reconfigured track gave him an appreciation for just how tricky the surface is.

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Don’t Tell Jimmie Johnson to Get a Life – He has One

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Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, stands on the grid during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 7, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo – Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images

Just because Jimmie Johnson is a champion Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver, that doesn’t mean he’s going to lead a cloistered, risk-free life.

The seven-time champion currently splits time between Charlotte and Colorado, and he’s an accomplished skier—even though there are potential hazards involved. Continue reading →

Elliott Poised for First Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Win at Texas

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Chase Elliott, driver of the #24 NAPA Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on April 7, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo – Sean Gardner/Getty Images

After making the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs as a rookie in 2016, talented 21-year-old Chase Elliott has raised his performance in his sophomore season.

He’s produced three top-five finishes in six starts this year and ranks second in the series standings, a mere four points behind fellow young star Kyle Larson. Continue reading →