By Matt Marr Pole-sitter Kyle Larson led Ty Gibbs and the rest of the field to the green flag. As green flag pit stops took place, on lap 38 a fire near Ty Gibbs’ pit stall delayed his scheduled stop, costing him the lead. The caution came out at lap 50 for Jimmie Johnson spinning off of Turn 4 - this was Johnson’s first start since the Daytona 500. Larson led the final 25 laps of Stage One to take the win on lap 80. The third caution of the day came out as Christopher Bell went around in Turn Four and in a chain reaction collected Alex Bowman and John Hunter Nemechek. Initially believing it to be a tire going flat, Kyle Larson lost a wheel during a caution on lap 173.  Larson was held for a two-lap penalty, and further crew member suspensions will take place. After Josh Berry spun and hit the wall for the second time of the race bringing out another caution, Ross Chastain and Michael McDowell led the field to the restart on lap 142. Chastain hung on to win Stage Two. Harrison Burton stole the lead from Bubba Wallace after the restart as another caution waved for Wallace and Chase Briscoe spinning in Turn Three on lap 173. Chase Elliott took the lead going three wide off the restart with 33 laps to go over Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin. Hamlin spun and crashed with 2 laps to go after fighting Elliott for the lead. On the ensuing overtime restart, William Byron got into the back of Chastain bringing out the caution.  However, the white flag had already been thrown, thus guaranteeing the victory for Chase Elliott and snapping his 42-race winless streak. Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 Top 5: 1. Chase Elliott 2. William Byron 3. Brad Keselowski 4. Tyler Reddick 5. Daniel Suarez

Each week here at Racing Refresh we like to take a look back to the week that was on X in the racing world. Let's get started! 10. How cool is this! The legend of Mike Joy continues to grow. 9. It is Talladega week, and that means you're going to see some new things! 8. Is this thing on???? Yikes... 7. I see no lies here. They should make a 2024 version. Chase Elliott belting out some Luke Combs would be fire. 6. Texas is back! They might need to add that 2nd date back on the schedule. 5. Many people don't realize Ritchie Petty has four Cup Series starts to his credit. 4. Our hearts are with the Labonte family during this incredibly difficult time. 3. What a finish! This one will live forever. 2. You can be closer?!? My goodness. 1. It's been 42 races since the si-reen last rang. I'm sure it was a party at the pool room!

Press Release | CHASE BRISCOE, FLEDDERMANN VON RIESTE INDIANAPOLIS (April 10, 2024) – Fleddermann von Rieste, an independent Indiana-based watch brand, has partnered with NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Briscoe, with the Mitchell, Indiana-native serving as the first brand ambassador for Fleddermann von Rieste and its growing line of watches. The partnership with Briscoe includes the launch of a signature watch, designed in collaboration between Fleddermann von Rieste and Briscoe, which is set to launch later in 2024. For more updates regarding product launches and the signature Chase Briscoe watch, please visit vonrieste.com. "Partnering with Chase was an obvious choice for us,” said Dr. Adam Fleddermann, CEO, Fleddermann von Rieste. “From the early stages of our relationship, it was clear that Chase shares the same Hoosier values and traits that our family and brand values. "With Chase being our first brand ambassador, we wanted to ensure we got it right on all levels. We believe that with Chase and his family, we’ve found the perfect partner and ambassador for our brand and our family. He is a man of the highest values and integrity, on and off the track, always pursuing a winning path. We’re proud and blessed to welcome Chase Briscoe to the Fleddermann family.” Briscoe is a third-generation racecar driver who has advanced from winning grassroots dirt track events in his home state of Indiana to competing at the highest level of North American motorsports, the NASCAR Cup Series. "Being someone who has always been attracted to watches and what they symbolize as not only a tool for keeping time but also a piece of family pride, I was naturally drawn to the Fleddermann von Rieste brand,” Briscoe said. “Their Hoosier heritage and faith-based family approach to business made them a perfect fit for me and the brands I want to represent. The Fleddermann family has already become part of my extended family, and I'm excited to introduce their high-quality products to my fans and the entire racing industry.” Since he was 13, Briscoe has followed in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps, racing sprint cars on the rough and tumble bullrings of the Midwest. Briscoe has since expanded his family’s name into NASCAR. After winning the NASCAR Cup Series rookie-of-the-year title in 2021, Briscoe won in just the fourth start of his sophomore season. On March 13, 2022 at Phoenix Raceway, Briscoe took the checkered flag in just his 40th career Cup Series start. The victory secured Briscoe’s place in the NASCAR Playoffs and earned him the honor of being the 200th Cup Series winner in NASCAR history. "Similar to the same attributes teams put into their cars to win at the top level of our sport, I can respect the incredible attention to detail and overall craftsmanship the Fleddermann von Rieste team puts into every watch they design. The watches they produce are attention-grabbing pieces that you truly want to cherish for generations,” Briscoe said. "Many don't realize it, but drivers are constantly on the go, both at home and when we're traveling to races. A reliable watch, that also looks the part, is important in making sure we stay on time during even the most hectic of race weekends." Learn more about Briscoe by visiting vonrieste.com/ambassadors.

Press Release | WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL WATKING GLEN, N.Y. (April 10, 2024) – Watkins Glen International and New York State STOP-DWI are once again teaming up to create a special VIP Prom Experience for local students. The track announced today that the initiative, which began last year with Watkins Glen High School, has expanded to include Odessa-Montour High School and Dundee High School as well. Two couples from each school will be selected to win a ride to and from prom in a Watkins Glen International official pace car, taking a pledge against drinking and driving. In addition to the prom night transportation, those six couples will also win a dinner for two at the Harbor Hotel and a pace car ride around the famed 3.45-mile road course. “The greater Watkins Glen area has such a strong sense of community that spreads across the region, from restaurants to entertainment venues and especially to the local schools,” said Dawn Burlew, President of Watkins Glen International. “We always strive to make impactful and lasting memories for our fans and neighbors, and we’re happy to help educate local students with this program and support them on such a special night.” The New York State STOP-DWI program is available in all counties in New York and seeks to reduce alcohol and drug-related driving injuries and fatalities. The organization provides extensive education for schools and community groups on the dangers of driving while intoxicated, as well as training for professionals, support for victims, and other various videos, tools and resources. “As we enter prom season, NYS STOP-DWI is committed to increasing teen awareness about the importance of sober driving,” said NYS STOP-DWI Foundation Chair and Outreach Coordinator Sheryl Hutton. “Every year preventable tragedies occur from the devastating results of driving under the influence. NYS STOP-DWI urges everyone, especially young drivers, to make responsible and sound choices behind the wheel. Decisions made today can have far-reaching consequences impacting lives and communities.” Watkins Glen International and New York State STOP-DWI previously teamed up in 2020 to promote safe driving for fans and joined forces again last year during prom season, to expand that message to the local students across the community. Students at Watkins Glen High School, Odessa-Montour High School and Dundee High School can enter for a chance to win the VIP Prom Experience by signing up when purchasing tickets to their 2024 Prom and signing the pledge document. For more details about Watkins Glen International, including schedules and ticketing information for the upcoming IMSA and NASCAR race weekends, call 1-866-461-RACE or visit TheGlen.com.

(Photo Source: Twitter.com/TCUFootball) Press Release | TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY FORT WORTH, Texas (APRIL 5, 2024) – TCU head football coach Sonny Dykes, who guided the Horned Frogs to a CFP National Championship runner-up finish in 2022, has been named Grand Marshal for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 14, at Texas Motor Speedway. The ninth race of the Cup Series season will take the green flag at 2:30 p.m. CT (TV: FS1, Radio: PRN, SiriusXM, Lone Star 92.5 FM locally). “It’s an honor to represent TCU as the Grand Marshal for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400,” Dykes said. “I’m a NASCAR fan and this great opportunity is made even more special by it taking place at Texas Motor Speedway. TMS is such a historic venue and important part of the Fort Worth community. My family and I are very much looking forward to the race and the excitement that always comes with attending a NASCAR event.” The Dykes-led Horned Frogs became the first team from the state of Texas to make the College Football Playoff and first from the Big 12 Conference to advance to the CFP National Championship. Dykes also became the first coach in TCU and Big 12 history to start the season 12-0 in his first season with the team en route to earning 10 National Coach of the Year awards in 2022. The son of legendary Texas Tech football coach Spike Dykes, he arrived at TCU’s Fort Worth campus after revitalizing a latent Southern Methodist University program on the other side of the DFW Metroplex. In four seasons, Dykes led the Mustangs to three consecutive winning seasons for the first time since the mid-1980s and had the program in the nation’s top 25 for 19 weeks. Previously, he served as head coach at Cal (2013-16) and Louisiana Tech (2010-12). “Coach Dykes is a NASCAR fan and that will make it even more special to provide an extraordinary experience for him and his family at Texas Motor Speedway for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400,” Texas Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Mark Faber said. “The Dykes name is renowned in Texas football, and Sonny continues to add to that legacy, especially with his recent accomplishments in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.” Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR tripleheader weekend April 12-14. The race weekend begins April 12 with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 250 (7:30 p.m. CT on FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90), continues with the April 13 NASCAR Xfinity Series Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 (12:30 p.m. CT on FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90) and concludes with the April 14 NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 (2:30 p.m. CT on FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90 and Lone Star 92.5 – local). Tickets are on sale now at www.texasmotorspeedway.com.

By Adam Carabine Worst Package It can be hard to agree with Denny Hamlin, he doesn’t always paint himself as the most likeable character in the garage.  He can also tend to shoot himself in the foot (see: Marcus Smith-gate), seemingly in the name of playing up this villainous role he’s given himself. However, his recent outspokenness about the current Cup Series short track package shouldn’t be overlooked.  He’s not wrong - there needs to be a change.  Martinsville was another example of just how far we’ve fallen on short tracks with this Next-Gen car. I’m willing to give NASCAR the benefit of the doubt, and I have praised their ability to make changes on the fly in the past.  I recognize that this is not going to be a simple fix.  However I think it’s in everyone’s best interest if NASCAR acknowledges the issues and commits to trying to figure them out. At this point, it might be worth doing a trial with more horsepower - something that many drivers have been championing for a while.  NASCAR has traditionally fought against increased horsepower, citing costs and logistics as an issue, but recently some drivers have fought back against those claims. Whether there is something bigger that is stopping NASCAR from wanting to increase horsepower, or if they’re just being stubborn, I think it’s time to take a chance on it.  It’s too hard to pass out there.  Hamlin even commented on his podcast, Actions Detrimental, that the reason we’ve been seeing such long green flag runs and less wrecks is because the cars can’t get close to each other on the track. The answer isn’t to have more wrecks and/or cautions.  I recognize that.  But if drivers can’t maneuver their cars through traffic, we’re unfortunately going to be seeing a lot more “follow the leader.” Most Interesting Strategies The one positive (if you can even call it that) that you can take from this less-than-stellar short track package is that crew chiefs have had to start getting strategically creative.  If for no other reason than to just do something different than the car in front of you (since you can’t pass them on the track), we’ve seen a few risky and questionable strategy calls. The king of nonconformity is Brad Keselowski’s crew chief, Matt McCall.  I don’t have stats to back this up, I’m going strictly with the eye test, but the number of times I seem to notice Brad K staying out longer than anyone else throughout a green flag pit cycle is crazy.  I suppose it only has to work once, but I have yet to see any positive results. Keselowski and McCall’s strategy seems to always be to stay out longer than anyone else, take over the lead as everyone pits, and sit and pray for a caution.  This past weekend, there were a few others who tried this strategy out, including Martin Truex Jr. and Daniel Suarez.  None of these cars finished in the Top-15. While I appreciate some of the drama that comes from a differing pit strategy - I suppose the alternative is to watch them all come to pit road at the same time and then resume where they left off - I’m curious about the efficacy of this particular approach. Worst Paint Scheme Okay, here’s a little recurring game we seem to enjoy around here.  Who had the worst paint scheme of the weekend?  This week I’m picking on Noah Gragson. To be honest, the car actually looks pretty slick.  On any other weekend, I’d be okay with it.  But this particular colour on this particular weekend looked a little too similar to the Hendrick 40th Anniversary cars.  Let them have their moment, Noah! Biggest What Happened? It was a day Christopher Bell would like to quickly forget.  The driver of the #20 for Joe Gibbs Racing has had a solid start to his 2024 season, already securing a spot in the playoffs with a win at Phoenix. Before this past weekend’s P35 finish, Bell was having his best career year, with an average finish of just under 13.  But multiple issues at Martinsville left many wondering what happened to the 29 year old driver from Norman, Oklahoma. In a race with just 5 cautions (including two for stage breaks), Bell was the cause of two of them - once for debris and another for spinning out on his own.  Look for Bell to bounce back next week at Texas, a track where he has the 6th best average finish of any active Cup driver. Best Stats Denny Hamlin, despite his criticisms of the passing situation, actually managed to put up the most quality passes (green flag passes while running in the Top-15) of any driver.  However, the number was only 40. Race winner William Byron clearly had the best car in traffic, which helped secure him his third win of the season.  His pass differential of +17 was the best in the field. Austin Dillon, with a brand new crew chief on top of the box, apparently struggled with no power steering (which is not fun at a track like Martinsville).  His average running position of 33rd was tied for the worst with Corey LaJoie. And finally, a quick shoutout to Bubba Wallace, who had an impressive day.  He nearly won the pole, he was the fastest Toyota all day, and he tied Kyle Larson for most stage points earned with 18. Best Party A quick shoutout to Hendrick Motorsports and their 40th Anniversary Celebration hosted at Martinsville Speedway this past weekend.  Martinsville, of course, being the spot they secured their first ever win as an organization with Geoff Bodine in 1984. Unfortunately Mr. H. himself was unable to attend after all, as he was recovering from knee replacement surgery, but his team certainly did him proud.  On Sunday, Hendrick Motorsports went on to become the first team to ever finish P1, 2 and 3 at Martinsville.  Alex Bowman finished a respectable P8 as well. You couldn’t have scripted a more fitting tribute to NASCAR’s winningest team, and they got to do it in front of essentially all of their employees as well. Best Hot Dog The Martinsville Hot Dog is legendary.

Each week here at Racing Refresh we like to take a look back to the week that was in the world of racing on X. Here are your top ten tweets of the week on X! 10. I don't know if you know this but, The King is kind of a big deal... 9. The incomparable John Force continues to prove age is just a number. Incredible! 8. Every year there is a passionate debate about what should and shouldn't be on the NASCAR schedule the following season. This year appears to be no different. 7. I love the CraftsmanTruck Series. However, something needs to change. 6. I'm not sure they'll be exchanging Christmas cards this year. 5. It's indescribable how wonderful it is to see these three legends at the track and still involved with the sport that they helped build. 4. We weren't too terribly far from history repeating itself. 3. This take from Denny Hamlin led to quite the brouhaha and, I'll leave it at that. 2. If you missed Wrestlemania, this sums it up. 1. You simply can't overstate how historic of a day Sunday was for Hendrick Motorsports.

By Matt Marr Pole winner Kyle Larson and Bubba Wallace brought the field to the green flag to start the Cook Out 400. Wallace's battle for the lead came up short with Larson holding on to the lead for the first 80 laps, as he earned the Stage One victory. Larson spun his tires at the start of Stage Two, giving Joey Logano the lead. Logano had made up some track position by only taking two tires during the stage break. Christopher Bell had to make an unscheduled pit stop due to a right front tire issue on lap 111.  Initially it stayed green, but eventually the caution came out for debris with Bell on pit road. Denny Hamlin took the lead away from Logano with 10 to go in Stage Two and held Wallace off again for the stage win. Elliott took the lead over Hamlin on lap 195. Bell once again brought out the caution on lap 203, this time for a spin in turn 4. William Byron led a Hendrick Motorsports charge at the front of the field with 38 laps to go. With just 3 laps remaining, John Hunter Nemechek had a tire go down and hit the wall bringing out the caution to send us into overtime. Byron held off the field in overtime to score his third win of the year and 29th win at Martinsville for Hendrick Motorsports during their 40th anniversary celebration. Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott came home 2nd and 3rd marking the first time a race organization has ever filled the top three at Martinsville Speedway.  Alex Bowman finished 8th to round out the Hendrick team. Cook Out 400 Top 5: 1. William Byron 2. Kyle Larson 3. Chase Elliott 4. Bubba Wallace 5. Ryan Blaney