By Adam Carabine

By Adam Carabine By this point of the season, we now have enough data to get a more accurate sense of how the drivers are doing statistically this year. Enter the StatChat Power Rankings! We've ranked all 34 full-time drivers in the Cup Series (there are 36 charters, but the Rick Ware 15 and Kaulig 16 have rotating drivers, so they're excluded). Rankings are determined using a large number of statistical inputs. Zane Smith – This week: 34th – Last week: (--) He has the worst average finish in the Cup Series, 0 Top 10s, and 2 DNFs through 11 races – it’s been an abysmal rookie campaign for Zane Smith in the 71. Harrison Burton – This week: 33rd – Last week: (--) Burton has shown flashes of promise, including a Top 10 at both Phoenix and Talladega, but if he doesn’t start performing more consistently he may be out of a job at Wood Bros. Michael McDowell – This week: 32nd – Last week: (--) McDowell stands alone with 4 DNFs in this young season, the most of any Cup Series driver. He’s had cars capable of competing for wins, including poles at both Atlanta and Talladega this year, but it hasn’t translated to results.  Don’t sleep on him just yet. Austin Dillon – This week: 31st – Last week: (--) It’s been a rough season for the #3 camp.  Already Dillon has had a crew chief fired and replaced.  He’s currently having his worst career season by average finish, and his one Top 10 on the year came at Texas last week. Justin Haley – This week: 30th – Last week: (--) A step backward was maybe to be expected for Haley when he moved from Kaulig to Rick Ware Racing this year.  There was hope that he’d elevate the program at the #51, but so far he’s only finished on the lead lap 4 times.  Growing pains. Corey LaJoie – This week: 29th – Last week: (--) He can be a threat at drafting tracks (see P4 at Daytona this year), but with 4 other finishes outside of the Top 30 this year alone, it might be time to focus on the other disciplines on the NASCAR schedule. Austin Cindric – This week: 28th – Last week: (--) Talladega wasn’t a terrible race for Cindric.  He qualified on the front row, scored the most stage points on the day, but ultimately finished 23rd.  He followed it up with a quiet P15 at Dover, so things could be turning around, but that career-worst average finish needs to be addressed. Soon. Carson Hocevar – This week: 27th – Last week: (--) Hocevar may currently be winning the battle for Rookie of the Year, but the results aren’t consistent.  Finishing 40th at your first ever Daytona 500?  Not ideal.  However, he has also had two separate stretches of 3 Top 20s in a row.  For the equipment he’s in, that might be a win. Todd Gilliland – This week: 26th – Last week: (--) After a few really impressive weeks, Gilliland has come back down to earth a bit.  The results haven’t always been there as far as finishes, but he’s already led 91 laps this season, and he’s showing he deserves a shot in the #38. Josh Berry – This week: 25th – Last week: (--) Perhaps seen as the no-brainer pick to win Rookie of the Year this year, Berry has struggled adapting to a full-time Cup schedule. Both Ford and SHR’s struggles might be having an impact here too.  Berry is still looking for his first Top 10 of 2024. Erik Jones – This week: 24th – Last week (--) Injury notwithstanding, Erik Jones has had both moments of greatness, and moments to forget this season.  It’s the first year that Legacy Motor Club is within the Toyota camp, so there’s bound to be a feeling out process.  The bad news is that he hasn’t led a single lap yet this year.  The good news? Jones will return from injury at Darlington – his best track. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – This week: 23rd – Last week (--) It’s been a weird up and down year for Stenhouse in the 47.  He’s got a P6 at Atlanta, and a P4 at Talladega, but he’s also got four finishes outside of the Top 30.  He’s on a small, underfunded team, so you do have to manage expectations here.  JTG-Daugherty just re-upped him for a few more years, though. John Hunter Nemechek – This week: 22nd – Last week (--) It’s weird to think that this isn’t John Hunter’s rookie season.  He has (deservedly so) made his way back to the Cup Series after a demotion following his 2020 rookie campaign.  Again, he’s on a Legacy Motor Club team that’s hoping they’re on the upswing, so results haven’t come yet, but he’s showing that a little extra time cooking down in the lower series might have been a good idea. Daniel Hemric – This week: 21st – Last week (--) A few weeks ago, Hemric would have probably been a little lower in the Power Rankings, but he’s put together a solid few weeks.  Back to back P9 finishes at Talladega and Dover (two very different tracks, mind you), plus he has 0 DNFs this year.  Kaulig has taken a bit of a step back this year in the Cup Series, but he’s pretty much matching what Haley did in that seat a year ago. Ryan Preece– This week: 20th – Last week (--) Ryan Preece had some bad luck last week at Dover, where human error within the shop had his #41 catching fire (not in a good way) and finishing last.  Despite that, he’s still having the best Cup Series season of his career (by average finish), and he’s finding some footing at SHR. Noah Gragson – This week: 19th – Last week (--) Noah Gragson started out a little inconsistent in his return to the Cup Series after a suspension cancelled out the back half of his rookie season last year.  However lately he has been putting together some solid runs, and has a P3 and P6 in his last two starts.  If he can keep that up consistently, he’ll move up the Power Rankings quickly. Bubba Wallace – This week: 18th – Last week (--) If you took away the last two races, Bubba might have been higher in these Rankings, but he’s had a rough couple of weeks.  Two DNFs in a row, and finishes outside of the Top 30.  He’s shown some promise, and he’s two points out of a playoff spot currently, but he’s at the point in his career where he needs to start consistently challenging for wins. Chris Buescher – This week: 17th – Last week (--) The big question on everyone’s mind (including probably Chris Buescher’s) is whether last year’s success was a flash in the pan.  Buescher has looked decent at times this year, including a runner-up finish at Phoenix.  But because of last year’s success it feels like a down year.  He’s still winless on the season, and it’s going to be tough to match last year’s three trips to victory lane. Christopher Bell – This week: 16th – Last week (--) Christopher Bell can’t seem to string any momentum together this season.  He’s the lowest ranked winner on our list.  His win at Phoenix was important, especially since the Championship Race returns there in the fall.  But he and his team are going to need to weed out a bunch of mistakes to even make it there. Daniel Suarez – This week: 15th – Last week (--) Suarez earned the second win of his career by just a hair back in Atlanta, kicking off a great start to the 2024 campaign.  Since then he has been a little less consistent, but his pressure to make it to the playoffs has already been erased.  Did they take their foot off the gas to prep for the playoffs? Chase Briscoe – This week: 14th – Last week (--) It’s hard to believe that this is Briscoe’s 4th year as a Cup Series regular.  SHR was expecting to take a step back after the retirement of two veterans in Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola, but now suddenly Briscoe is their veteran presence on the team.  He’s been the best performer for them, and is having a career year, but he could use a win. Alex Bowman – This week: 13th – Last week (--) It’s got to be tough to be Alex Bowman.  He’s on a premiere team, and actually getting decent results, but his teammates are all far outpacing him, making him look bad.  Bowman has 0 of HMS’ 5 wins this year, yet quietly he’s putting together his best ever year by average finish.  He’s got more Top 10s than teammates Larson and Elliott – in fact, only two drivers (Byron and Reddick) have more than he does. Joey Logano – This week: 12th – Last week (--) It’s been an up and down year for Logano so far.  He started the season off with two poles in the first three races (though the first one might’ve had help from an illegal webbed glove), but it’s been feast or famine since then.  He’s a two-time champion who is tied in average finish for 16th with Noah Gragson.  I’d still bank on him to make the playoffs though. Kyle Busch – This week: 11th – Last week (--) The talk around Kyle Busch this year has been oddly quiet.  He’s actually putting together a decent enough year, statistically.  Sure, he doesn’t have a win yet, but he’s got 4 Top 10s and 2 Top 5s.  He was plagued with some mechanical issues early on this season, but hopefully a P4 at Dover last week is something to build on. Brad Keselowski – This week: 10th – Last week (--) Rounding out the Top 10, Keselowski has been on the precipice so many times this year.  His year got off to a rocky start with two P33s in a row.  And while his average finish is actually worse than Kyle Busch’s, he’s got twice as many Top 5s through just 11 races.  Keselowski is going to break his winless streak this year.  And soon. Ross Chastain – This week: 9th – Last week (--) Another weirdly quiet driver this year is Ross Chastain.  He’s in the Top 10 in points, he’s having a career-best season by average finish, and he’s also managed to stay out of the spotlight.  That might be a good thing, because a lot of Chastain’s press comes from on-track incidents.  He’s still winless this year but he should be a lock for the playoffs. Ty Gibbs – This week: 8th – Last week (--) Ty Gibbs certainly has the advantage of great equipment over other young drivers, but he’s also making the most of it.  His average finish this year is 3rd best in the Cup Series.  He’s run literally every single lap except for TWO this season.  Gibbs will get his first Cup Series win this season, you can take that to the bank. Ryan Blaney – This week: 7th – Last week (--) The defending champ is still winless this year, but he’s still piling up the points.  In 6 separate races this season, Blaney has scored 32 or more points.  Sure, he’ll want to start winning again soon if he wants to win another championship this year, but I wouldn’t worry just yet.  His average finish this year is better than last year’s championship winning season. Tyler Reddick – This week: 6th – Last week (--) Reddick’s win at Talladega might have been a result of being in the right place at the right time – that was McDowell’s race to lose – but he has run pretty well all season long.  He’s led 124 laps (7th in the Cup Series), and he has 7 Top 10s (with nearly an 8th when he finished P11 this past weekend at Dover).  Reddick’s looking to the playoffs already. Chase Elliott – This week: 5th – Last week (--) He got the monkey off his back, now what’s he going to do with it? What’s more impressive than Chase’s win this season is just how consistent he’s been.  His worst finish is still within the Top 20 (P19 at Phoenix), and when you’re able to keep that consistency up, good things happen.  This is his best season by average finish. William Byron – This week: 4th – Last week (--) It’s hard to believe that someone with 3 wins already is not in the number one spot, but there have been a few blemishes to Byron’s season as well.  It might be a case of him setting the bar too high last season when he scored 6 wins, but is it weird to feel like he might be underperforming?  He’s got two finishes outside of the Top 30 too, so he’s not been without his faults, but look for him to make another deep run in the playoffs this year. Denny Hamlin – This week: 3rd – Last week (--) The only other 3-time winner this season, the villainous Denny Hamlin has been finding ways to stack up points as well.  He’s 3rd in overall stage points earned this season, but his average finish could still use a little work, as it was better last season.  The question will always be whether Denny ever wins a championship.  There’s no way to predict it, but there’s no doubt he’s in the conversation again this year. Martin Truex Jr. – This week: 2nd – Last week (--) Martin Truex Jr. has been snake-bitten this year when it comes to wins.  He’s had great runs, but has yet to see the checkered flag.  What might be scary for other drivers is that Martin is on track to score 179 more points than he did last year, a year where he won the regular season points race.  Whether he wins or not, he’ll make the playoffs this year, in what could be his last push for a second championship. Kyle Larson – This week: 1st – Last week (--) Larson has only won once this year, so you might find it odd that he’s at the top of the Power Rankings.  But Larson has dominated many other stat categories too, it was too hard not to put him there.  He’s led the most laps of anyone (570), he’s the only driver above 400 points in the standings (410), and perhaps most impressively, he has an insane amount of stage points (126).  126 stage points is essentially like winning 3 extra races.  He’s won 6 stages already.  Look for Larson to continue his reputation as a perennial championship favourite.

Press Release | LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Erik Jones has been cleared to race by doctors and approved to return by NASCAR, but out of an abundance of caution, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB has opted for Jones to rest for another event. Corey Heim will drive the No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE at Kansas Speedway this weekend. Jones will attend the race at Kansas Speedway to support crew chief Dave Elenz and the No. 43 team and plans to return to the driver’s seat next weekend at Darlington Raceway – a track where he has two NASCAR Cup Series victories.

Press Release | THORSPORT RACING SANDUSKY, OHIO (May 1, 2024) - Bommarito Automotive Group, a leader in Missouri's automotive sector, is thrilled to announce its returning partnership with ThorSport Racing as a primary sponsor of Ben Rhodes' No. 99 Ford F-150, starting at Kansas Speedway on May 4, 2024. The 2024 partnership signals the beginning of multiple race sponsorships throughout the season. John Bommarito, President of Bommarito Automotive Group, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This is another awesome opportunity to partner with ThorSport Racing, bringing together the longest-running team in the NASCAR Truck Series and Missouri’s #1 Automotive Group”, said John Bommarito, CEO/President, Bommarito Automotive Group.  “We’re excited to be on board again for three races this season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with driver Ben Rhodes piloting the No. 99.” Bommarito Automotive Group has been a significant sponsor in motorsports, known for backing the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 IndyCar event since 2017. Their motorsport involvement extends further, with multiple podium finishes achieved by the Vasser Sullivan Racing IMSA team for Lexus Racing. They also manage the No. 31 and No. 27 NASCAR Xfinity Series, all in partnership with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport. Chuck Wallis, Vice President and General Manager of Bommarito Automotive Group also expressed his enthusiasm. "Bommarito's involvement began back in 2015 with a small partnership with Worldwide Technology Raceway and Jordan Anderson Racing No. 3 in the Truck Series, which now has transformed into the No. 27 and No. 31 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport," said Chuck Wallis, Vice President and General Manager, Bommarito Automotive Group. "We're thrilled to be back with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and partnering with ThorSport for four races in 2024, with one being in our hometown at Worldwide Technology Raceway on June 1 with the No. 99 Bommarito Ford and driver, Ben Rhodes “See you at the track!" Ben Rhodes, the 2023 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion, looks forward to making a strong impact at Kansas Speedway, a track where he has previously performed well with two top-five finishes and 61 laps led. Catch all the racing action live from Kansas Speedway on Saturday, May 4, at 8 p.m. EDT on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). The race will also be broadcasted on the Motor Racing Network Radio (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

Press Release | JR MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 2, 2024) – JR Motorsports announced today that Connor Mosack and primary partner Porter Pipe & Supply will join the team’s illustrious No. 88 driver lineup this season. Mosack will make his first appearance for JRM at the Chicago Street Race (July 6) and return to action again at the Charlotte Roval (Oct. 12). Porter Pipe & Supply, a third-generation, family-owned and operated wholesale supplier of commercial and industrial pipe, valves, fittings, plumbing supplies, HVAC and refrigeration equipment and mechanical products, will serve as the primary partner for the No. 88 Chevrolet at the Chicago Street Race, a home event for the Addison, Ill. company. “It’s great to be back with Porter Pipe & Supply and JRM for the Chicago Street Race,” Mosack said. “I ran last year’s inaugural Xfinity Series race in Chicago with Porter Pipe & Supply and they had a ton of people out at the race. They were all pumped. Unfortunately, weather kind of put a damper on things and cut the race short. We’re definitely looking forward to getting back to Chicago. We’ve got some unfinished business there.” Today’s announcement marks a return for Mosack to JRM, as the young driver previously competed for the organization in 2020 in the zMAX Cars Tour. Mosack also becomes the 10th driver to make at least one start in both the CARS Tour and the NXS for JRM. Mosack started driving at the age of 18 and collected multiple wins and championships. He was the Asphalt Nationals Semi-Pro Champion at the Bullring in Las Vegas and the Cook Out Winter Heat Pro Champion at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In 2020, Mosack finished sixth in the driver point standings and was named the Rookie of the Year while driving for JRM in the CARS Tour. The Charlotte native’s racing resume features experience in the NXS, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series, where the driver collected his first victory last season at Kansas Speedway in September. Mosack is no stranger to street courses. In addition to competing in last year’s Chicago Street Race, the 25-year-old racer has made two starts in the TA2 division of the Trans Am Series at the Music City Grand Prix in downtown Nashville. He started second and led nine laps before finishing third in the inaugural event in 2021. In his return to Nashville in 2022, Mosack qualified fourth and grabbed the lead on the opening lap. He proceeded to lead the 39-car field for 26 laps before finishing second. See Mosack and the No. 88 Porter Pipe & Supply Chevrolet hit the track at the Chicago Street Race on Saturday, July 6 at 2:30 p.m. EST on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

(Photo Credit: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Press Release | JTG DAUGHERTY RACING Harrisburg, NC (May 2, 2024) – A multi-year contract extension has been signed between NASCAR Cup Series driver and DAYTONA 500 Champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and JTG Daugherty Racing. “I am looking forward to continuing with Ricky as our driver of the no. 47. He has been an asset to our team on and off the racetrack since joining us in 2020,” said JTG Daugherty Racing team owner, Gordon Smith. “Winning the DAYTONA 500 was a huge accomplishment for our small team, and I know we have more trips to victory lane in our future with Ricky at the wheel.” “When I joined this team in 2020, I knew both the team and I were capable of putting the no. 47 in victory lane. Although I wish it came sooner, winning the DAYTONA 500 last year proved that we can win together,” said Stenhouse. “We have a fantastic group of guys at the shop, great management, solid partners, and an ever improving program. I’m very excited to continue my relationship with the team, I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised to see what we have in store for the future.” “We are very excited to have Ricky locked in for years to come. Ricky has continued to grow and thrive as a competitor and he, along with the rest of our race team are pushing hard to get the 47 back into victory lane!” Team Co-Owner Brad Daugherty says. The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway this weekend for the AdventHealth 400. “We have had good speed at Kansas in the past. I’m looking forward to hitting the track in our Minute Rice no. 47 Chevy Camaro this weekend,” said Stenhouse. Watch the AdventHealth 400 Sunday 5/5 3:00pm ET live on FOX.

Press Release | FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 1, 2024) - Todd Gilliland is going back to his roots for the May 12th NASCAR Cup Series Throwback race at Darlington Raceway. Gilliand’s No. 38 gener8tor Ford Mustang Dark Horse, honors the car Gilliand won in the inaugural CARS Tour Late Model Stock Tour race at Southern National Motorsports Park in Kenly, North Carolina March 28, 2015. "It's really cool, definitely a lot of hard work and sweat had gone into this car," Gilliland said. "I was just a 14-year-old kid trying to get experience with the dream to race in the Cup Series and taking it step-by-step. This car makes me think about all the memories made along the way and my journey to Cup and to even race at Darlington for throwback weekend." The then 14-year-old, drove the number 98G Core Power / Country Chevrolet Ford machine to victory, racing for his father, former Cup Series and Front Row Motorsports driver, David Gilliland and David Gilliland Racing. The Cup Series scheme will carry the iconic red "G" next to Gilliland's No. 38. "It's incredible to see this scheme on Todd's car going to Darlington for the throwback weekend," David said. "It was a super special car back then when we raced and it was only a dream then for him to race in the Cup Series. Now to watch him race in the Cup Series with this scheme when we were just dreaming about him making it to this level is super special. I can't wait to be there to take a picture next to it and watch it hit the track." Todd only led three laps in the 150-lap event, passing Deac McCaskill for his first ever CARS Tour win. Gilliand would go on to race seven more times in that 2015 season, garnering two more top-5s and three top-10s. Gilliand would then go on to compete in the ARCA Menards Series and K&N West championship. Gilliand will be competing in the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, May 12. The race will be televised at 3:00 p.m. ET on FS1.

Press Release | MCANALLY-HILGEMANN RACING Statesville, N.C. (May 1, 2024) – McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) and Daniel Dye will resurrect one of the most vibrant NASCAR paint schemes of the 1980’s at Darlington Raceway for NASCAR Throwback weekend. Dye’s No. 43 Chevrolet Silverado RST will feature the PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant Brand colors from Kyle Petty’s 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix which he raced in the NASCAR Cup Series. PEAK entered NASCAR in 1986 with multiple driver partnerships, including Petty, and was the primary partner for his first season driving Felix Sabates’ No. 42 entry in 1989. Peak Antifreeze & Coolant Brand has an immensely deep heritage across various forms of motorsports, including a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) victory with MHR in 2023. Dye’s young career has become synonymous with running the Petty family’s iconic No. 43 and will blend that legendary number with a recognizable paint scheme in the Petty family’s 75th year of racing. “This truck looks awesome,” Petty said. “It takes me back to 1989! Felix (Sabates) designed the car and used some of the colors from the ‘new’ Charlotte Hornets uniforms. PEAK was a great sponsor, and we had some fun times together. I’d forgotten how good the colored numbers look and can’t wait to see it up front again.” “Running this paint scheme with PEAK in the Petty family’s 75th anniversary is incredibly special,” Dye said. “The Petty’s have been incredibly supportive of me and my career over the years and to have the chance to pay tribute to Kyle’s career with this scheme is a thrill for me. Hopefully we can put it up front at Darlington and add another chapter to the PEAK and Petty legacy.” Dye is off to the best start of his young NCTS career through seven races, and currently sits 11th in the championship standings, only five markers out of a playoff position. He’s coming off a career high sixth-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway on April 12th and tallied his first-career pole position at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March. Dye will tackle “The Lady in Black” with the iconic PEAK colors on Friday, May 10th at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/BKCFF) Press Release | CHECKERED FLAG FOUNDATION Statesville, NC (May 1, 2024) – Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation announced the return of the Tribute to Veterans program, this year presented by Solomon Plumbing. For its sixth consecutive year, and third with RFK Racing, the program will honor America’s heroes with a special scheme on the No. 6 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang piloted by NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski. Starting May 1, 2024, friends and family can submit a hero’s name to be featured on the No. 6 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang that Keselowski will drive during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway, in Darlington, South Carolina, on September 1, 2024. The Tribute to Veterans program gives friends and family the opportunity to honor and recognize their heroes, including veterans, active military, military family members and their caregivers—acknowledging the ongoing commitment to the well-being of veterans and those who play a role in veterans’ lives daily. “For the sixth year running, we’re proud to carry on our Tribute to Veterans Program. It’s an honor to showcase military heroes on my No. 6 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang,” said Keselowski. “Thanks to Solomon Plumbing and RFK Racing, we can continue this meaningful initiative. Recognizing these heroes at Darlington is just a small way to give back to those who’ve served, and I’m eager to hear their inspiring stories. The cost is $100 per submission to be part of the campaign, with proceeds benefiting the Checkered Flag Foundation in its mission to honor and assist those who have sacrificed greatly for our country and our communities. In addition to having your hero’s name on the car, each submission will receive a personalized certificate and a commemorative gift following the September 1 Darlington race weekend. “Given our now multi-year relationship now with RFK and Brad Keselowski, we’re honored to play a role in the Tribute to Veterans program, an initiative we know Brad and his Checkered Flag Foundation make a priority each year,” said Danny Allor, CEO, Solomon Plumbing. “Honoring veterans is something very near and dear to us here at Solomon, and we take great pride in sharing in this campaign alongside RFK, Brad and his foundation.” Those wishing to submit a veteran, service member, or military family name can do so via THIS LINK. Submissions will be accepted through July 19, 2024. Participating individuals in the program can show their involvement and support by using #TributeToVeterans and #WeveGotYour6 on social media. For additional information on the Checkered Flag Foundation and ongoing updates on the Tribute to Veterans program, you can also visit CheckeredFlagFoundation.org or follow the Foundation on X (@BKCFF), Instagram (@CheckeredFlagFoundation) and Facebook (@CheckeredFlagFoundation).

Each week here on Racing Refresh we like to take a look back on the week that was in the world of motorsports. 10. What's your take on what makes a throwback? 9. Dale Sr believed in himself. Like, a lot. 8. Anytime a team makes a jump in series, it's. big deal. Exciting to see where this leads! 7. That turned out really cool!! It's just too bad Kyle Petty isn't a fan of Darlington. 6. The increased diversity in NASCAR is a good thing. Hopefully, it will continue for decades to come. 5. The All-Star voting has opened! I love seeing guys doing all they can to get in. Who are you voting for? 4. It's always great to see The King involved and at the track. The guy doesn't seem to slow down! 3. Say what you will about Denny Hamlin, but the guy tends to back things up on the track. 2. The charter debate rages on. Sometimes I feel like we're close to a deal. This week, I'm convinced we're not. 1. If a deal isn't reached this could get ugly. Let's hope cooler heads prevail.

By Adam Carabine Best Attendance Whatever happens in the world of NASCAR, there always seems to be a contingent of fans who claim that the sport is dying. They claim that attendance is down, the on-track product is suffering, it’ll never be like it was in the ‘good old days,’ etc. The fact of the matter is, it looks like NASCAR is on the upswing.  Dover looked close to being sold out, attendance overall has been up all season, and even the TV ratings are showing improvement. There are always going to be growing pains when something new comes along, and the Next-Gen car is an example of that. The short track package in particular could use some tweaking, and things aren’t quite where NASCAR would like them to be.  That is obvious. But to claim that things are currently awful and that the sport is dying is just not accurate.  A statement like that reflects poorly on whoever says it, as the evidence is clear.  NASCAR is trending in the right direction. Best and Worst Blocking Much was made of the aero-blocking that was being done at the end of the race.  It was clear that leader Denny Hamlin’s car was not quite as fast as runner-up Kyle Larson’s.  However, Hamlin was able to keep Larson behind him with the power of aerodynamics. For some, that’s disappointing.  They want to see the fastest car be the victor each week, and have them really deserve the win.  I’m sure it doesn’t help things that the villainous Denny (more on that later) Hamlin was the one doing the blocking.  If it’s Chase Elliott earning a win the same way, you probably wouldn’t see as much hate. As for what I think, of course you’d like to see more green flag passes for the lead.  But you also can’t fault the drivers for making the best of what they’ve been given.  The Next-Gen car is hard to pass with, especially for the lead. There are ways to exploit your lead if you have clean air, and aero-blocking is one of them. Does it make for the most exciting racing? No.  Is it within the rules? Absolutely.  And at this point since Denny has announced that he cares more about winning individual races than he does winning a championship, all the power to him. Worst Paint Scheme This week’s worst paint scheme is a no-brainer.  Jimmie Johnson’s #84 Dollar Tree/Family Dollar Toyota Camry was uninspired. This guy is one of the most decorated drivers in the history of NASCAR, and unfortunately this week his car had the worst decorations.  Tell me I’m wrong. Best Stats Chase Elliott may not have won the race, but he had some impressive numbers in Dover.  His 5th place finish after starting P29 put him as the biggest mover on the day.  He had the most quality passes (green flag passes while in the Top-15) with 36, and his 8 extra stage points gave him 40 total on the day. Speaking of stage points, Martin Truex Jr. scored the most all day, with 17.  That put him only two points behind Denny Hamlin for most overall at Dover. Joey Logano had a rough day.  His P16 finish doesn’t sound so terrible, but he was passed 18 more times under green than he passed anyone else - the worst of any driver at Dover. And finally, Dover’s 6 DNFs was the most we’ve had in a single race since Atlanta back in February.  The Daytona 500 still has had the most of any race this season.  Dover ranks third. Worst Villain Has Denny Hamlin surpassed Kyle Busch as NASCAR’s newest villain?  It’s a question that came up during this week’s episode of Racing Refresh Happy Hour, and it got me thinking. Kyle Busch was absolutely the villain for a long time.  He was cranky, rude, and downright belligerent, even when he didn’t need to be. Since moving to RCR, Busch has mellowed a lot, and Hamlin has seemingly taken over that role.  He certainly gets enough boos. But here’s where I’m having trouble with it.  Back in Kyle Busch’s grumpy days, there was no question that it was genuine.  His ire was terrifying, but it was real.  You definitely didn’t want to get on that bad side.  And then that hard exterior became so hard to shake. He’d win a race (and he won a lot of them) and he would be so happy to rub it in your face.  He would gloat like he was the scrawny kid that put on a bunch of muscle over the summer holidays. I think Denny’s heel turn is all just an act.  It’s a marketing ploy, and an attempt to keep eyes on him.  Whether it’s for his own #11 car with Joe Gibbs Racing, or his 23XI team, Denny has found a way to keep himself in the conversation. But it’s not real.  I truly believe Hamlin has no desire to be the villain.  I think this is his way of keeping himself, his properties, and the sport itself in the limelight.  I’m not against people marketing themselves, and I’m not even against people playing up ‘characters’ in order to do that.  But I don’t feel like Hamlin does a good job of playing the villain.  It’s not genuine, and it’s not believable. All of this being said, I’m personally annoyed by it, so maybe his villain act is actually working? Greatest Early Halloween Spook

(Photo Credit: Twitter.com/TooToughToTame) Press Release | DARLINGTON RACEWAY DARLINGTON, S.C. (April 30, 2024) – Darlington Raceway announced today that legendary former NASCAR Cup Series driver Jeff Burton will serve as the Honorary Starter for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, May 12. In honor of the 25th anniversary of Burton sweeping the NASCAR Cup Series races at Darlington in 1999, the NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee and broadcaster will wave the green flag for one of the most exciting NASCAR Cup Series races of the season. “The Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR is an annual celebration of NASCAR’s rich history and Jeff Burton has played an integral part of so many great moments in our sport, especially here at Darlington,” said Josh Harris, President of Darlington Raceway. “We’re thrilled to have him serve as our Honorary Starter during such a special weekend for our sport.” In his 22-year career, Burton amassed 21 NASCAR Cup Series wins and 27 NASCAR Xfinity Series wins, including four checkered flags at Darlington – one of only 10 drivers to have at least 20 wins in each series. Last year, the 1994 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, and he was honored prior to the 2023 Goodyear 400. He’s also affectionately referred to as “The Mayor of NASCAR” for his insightful perspectives on issues affecting the well-being and safety of stock car racing. Burton began competing in Go-Karts at the age of seven, winning two Virginia State Championships before transitioning into stock car racing at the age of 16. From 1986-89, he raced for his father, John Burton, driving in the Late Model Stock Division at South Boston Speedway, where they garnered several victories. In 1988, Burton ran five races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, before going full-time in 1989. The Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR will Celebrate Our Roots with many competitors paying homage to their grassroots origins, beginning with the Buckle Up South Carolina 200 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 11. Then, the weekend will culminate with the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series taking on the Track Too Tough to Tame in the Goodyear 400 at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 12. NASCAR fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets via phone at 866-459-7223 or online at darlingtonraceway.com while supplies last.

Press Release | SPIRE MOTORSPORTS MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 30, 2024) – Spire Motorsports and Corey LaJoie have partnered with DLJ Produce, via its Razzle Dazzle brand of grapes, to commemorate LaJoie’s first ARCA Menard’s Series East victory with a special look for the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. LaJoie’s No. 7 Razzle Dazzle Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will showcase a similar paint scheme to the one he raced to his first career NASCAR Regional Touring Series win, coming on June 2, 2012 in the NASCAR Hall of Fame 150 at historic Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Concord, N.C., native went on to win four more ARCA Menard’s Series East (formerly K&N Pro Series East) races in 2012 driving his family-owned No. 07 machine. “It’s always fun when we can bring a new partner to the track and introduce them to the sport,” said LaJoie. “I really appreciate the team at Razzle Dazzle for being willing to participate in Darlington’s initiative and help us throw it back to my first NASCAR win at Bowman Gray. Our Razzle Dazzle Chevy Camaro looks awesome and we’re going to work our tails off to have a great day on the race track.” DLJ Produce, through its Razzle Dazzle brand, has become synonymous with quality and trust in the Fresh Produce industry. With decades of experience, DLJ Produce has consistently delivered the finest produce, nurturing strong partnerships with local and international growers, and upholding uncompromising standards of excellence. Razzle Dazzle table grapes are meticulously grown and harvested to ensure a premium taste experience. Each grape is carefully selected for its natural sweetness, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. From classic favorites to unique varieties, Razzle Dazzle brings a spectrum of taste and color to consumers' plates, elevating every moment with its brilliance. "Partnering with Spire Motorsports under our Razzle Dazzle brand is a thrilling extension of our commitment to excellence and community engagement,” said Bill Coombs, President/CEO DLJ Produce. “Just as we strive to deliver the finest produce to our customers, we're excited to see Corey Lajoie bring the brilliance of Razzle Dazzle to the exhilarating world of the NASCAR Cup Series, enriching experiences for fans nationwide." LaJoie has 12 previous NCS starts at the “Track Too Tough To Tame” dating to 2017 and has logged one top 15 and six top-25 finishes, completing just shy of 92 percent of the laps contested over that span. The 32-year-old father of two recorded a team- and venue-best 15th-place finish in the 2021 Southern 500. In the series most recent visit to Darlington Raceway, LaJoie started and finished 22nd. The Goodyear 400 from Darlington Raceway will be televised live on FS1 Sunday, May 12, beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The 13th of 36 races on the 2024 NCS schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Press Release | KAULIG RACING LEXINGTON, N.C. (April 29, 2024) – Black’s Tire (BTS) will celebrate its 95th anniversary with the help of Kaulig Racing at Darlington Raceway. BTS, a longtime partner in NASCAR’s top series, will be the primary partner onboard Daniel Hemric’s No. 31 Camaro ZL1 for the Goodyear 400. As one of Goodyear’s leading tire partners in the Darlington area, BTS is excited to showcase its throwback colors and logo in the Goodyear 400 for the second year-in-a-row with Kaulig Racing, previously acting as the primary partner of the team’s No. 16 Camaro ZL1 with AJ Allmendinger in the 2023 Goodyear 400. “We’re excited to team up with our friends at Kaulig Racing for the second time at Darlington!” said Ricky Benton, president at Black’s Tire. “With this year being our 95th anniversary, we thought what better way to celebrate than to use our ‘throwback’ colors for NASCAR’s annual throwback weekend?“ With many of its 70 locations in The Lady in Black’s backyard, BTS will once again give back to its customers and team members by offering them a chance to bring their moms to the track for an afternoon of action-packed racing as part of its Mother’s Day promotion. Coining the phrase “Let’s Go Together”, BTS ensures all who walk through its doors feel like family. “Not only are we excited to team up with Black’s Tire for its 95th anniversary, but we have the chance to help thank moms of BTS employees and customers on Mother’s Day,” said Chris Rice, president of Kaulig Racing. We’re proud to partner with an organization that values family as much as we do at Kaulig Racing. We can’t wait to take on ‘Too Tough To Tame’ together.” The Goodyear 400 will kick off on Sunday, May 12 at 3 PM ET with coverage on FS1.

By Matt Marr Pole-sitter Kyle Busch and Ryan Blaney led the field to the green flag. There was a caution on lap 42 for Todd Gilliland spinning on the backstretch while battling Austin Dillon. Blaney led the ensuing restart on lap 48. Martin Truex Jr. wins Stage One under caution after a Brad Keselowski spin with 2 laps to go. Kyle Larson held off a charging Alex Bowman to win Stage Two. Denny Hamlin led Larson on the restart for the final stage starting on lap 259. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. hit the inside wall on lap 320 bringing out the caution. Hamlin retook the lead with 72 laps remaining, but another caution came out for a multi-car wreck involving William Byron, Bubba Wallace, Christopher Bell and Zane Smith. Hamlin sped off the restart with 63 to go and dominated the last half of the final stage to win the Würth 400, holding off Larson’s late race charge. Wurth 400 top 5: 1. Denny Hamlin 2. Kyle Larson 3. Martin Truex Jr. 4. Kyle Busch 5. Chase Elliott