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The Wonderful Pistachios 400 at Richmond International Raceway promised bumping and grinding on the 0.75-mile track as drivers raced for their last chance for a berth in Chase for the Sprint Cup championship Saturday night.

Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch and Brad Keselowski were locked into the Chase before the green flag. The final three spots were secured by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin. Earnhardt and Hamlin overcame wrecks to get in.

Author: Dwight Drum racetake.com

Wild-card spots were secured by Keselowski and Hamlin, but the real wildness seemed to be between Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson.

Continue reading “FYI WIRZ: NASCAR’s Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards and Jeff Gordon pass Richmond”

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FYI WIRZ: NASCAR’s Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson talk Michigan start and finish

Author: Dwight Drum racetake.com

Michigan International Speedway has sweeping 73-foot wide turns providing three and four grooves for drivers of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) to catch and pass one another.

The 2-mile tri-oval track with 18 degree banking did not disappoint during Sunday’s Pure Michigan 400 as numerous lead changes, bold pit road strategies and fast competition pleased the abundant crowd.

PHOTO CREDIT: NASCARMEDIA

Although cautions happened, the day of racing was surprisingly free of crashes. Some cars scrapped the wall. Some ran low on fuel, but it was a speedy event where equipment failed—not drivers or teams.

Race 23 of 36 in the Sprint Cup Series in Brooklyn, Mich., was important for all wanting a win or good result, but for Chase contenders on the bubble the finish became tense.

Continue reading “FYI WIRZ: NASCAR’s Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson talk Michigan start and finish”

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FYI WIRZ: NASCAR’s Marcos Ambrose, Brad Keselowski talk thrilling Watkins Glen

Author: Dwight Drum racetake.com

The Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen—at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, N.Y—did not disappoint road course enthusiasts for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). Some drivers on the fast twisting turns were disappointed, but most crossed the finish line ready for the next race.

Photo credit: NASCARMEDIA

This event had Marcos Ambrose and Kyle Busch chasing one another up front and after a fierce final lap crash a physical confrontation between Boris Said and Greg Biffle. That feud will linger in story for many laps to come.

Continue reading “FYI WIRZ: NASCAR’s Marcos Ambrose, Brad Keselowski talk thrilling Watkins Glen”

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FYI WIRZ: NASCAR’s Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson talk Watkins Glen road race

Author: Dwight Drum racetake.com

Right turns will accompany left turns this week for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Sprint Cup event—the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen—at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, N.Y. ESPN will televise the twisting action at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The 2.45-mile road course will be welcome by some NASCAR drivers, but loathed by others accustomed to ovals.

Continue reading “FYI WIRZ: NASCAR’s Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson talk Watkins Glen road race”

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Carl Edwards Credit: Dwight Drum racetake.com

Author: Dwight Drum racetake.com

Sprint Cup points leader Carl Edwards is talkative about the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) race in Pocono, Pa, but remains resiliently silent about whether he’ll stay at Roush Fenway Racing or defect to Joe Gibbs Racing.

A big bonus might be on Edwards’ mind this Sunday but for the other 42 competitors, the Good Sam RV Insurance 500 at the 2.5-mile Pocono Raceway with 14 degree banking—winning is the focus. Some contracts besides the rumor-plagued scenario surrounding Edwards are in process too, but it appears racing may come first.

Regardless of “silly season” or contract negotiations, ESPN will televise the long Pocono race at 1 p.m. on August 7 for fans who can’t make it to Pennsylvania hills.

Continue reading “FYI WIRZ: NASCAR’s Carl Edwards and others talk Pocono but silent on contracts”