The Race: ISM Connect 300 The Place: New Hampshire Motor Speedway The Date: Sunday, Sept. 24 The Time: 2 p.m. ET TV: NBCSN, 1:30 p.m. ET Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Distance: 317.4 miles (300 laps); Stage 1 (Ends on lap 75), Stage 2 (Ends on lap 150), Final Stage (Ends on lap 300) Truex Wins Playoff Opener Martin Truex continued his winning ways in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs opener by taking the checkered flag at Chicagoland Speedway – his second consecutive victory. Because of his win, he advances to the second round automatically. Truex increased his series-leading playoff point total to 58. Kyle Larson has the next-highest total with 33. The No. 78 Furniture Row Racing driver ranks first in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in wins (5), stage wins (18), top 10s (18), average finish (10.6), average running position (7.3), driver rating (115.8), fastest laps run (1,023, 16.7%) and laps led (1,723, 24.0%). He’ll go for back-to-back wins in the 2017 Playoffs in Sunday’s ISM Connect 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (2 p.m. ET on NBCSN, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Truex has four top fives, nine top 10s and a 13.3 average finish in 23 starts at New Hampshire. He placed third there in the spring. Truex Tops Playoff Grid Coming Out Of Chicagoland Martin Truex Jr. kept his spot on top of the Playoff Grid following his win at Chicagoland. He is followed by: 2. Kyle Larson (49 points above Kurt Busch in 13th place, on the outside of advancing), 3. Kevin Harvick (+41), 4. Brad Keselowski (+35), 5. Kyle Busch (+35), 6. Denny Hamlin (+32), 7. Jimmie Johnson (+20), 8. Chase Elliott (+18), 9. Matt Kenseth (+13), 10. Ryan Blaney (+8), 11. Jamie McMurray (+5), 12. Austin Dillon (even, 16th-place finish at Chicagoland was better than Kurt Busch’s 19th), 13. Kurt Busch (even, 19th-place finish at Chicagoland was worse than Austin Dillon’s 16th), 14. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (four points below Austin Dillon on the cutoff line), 15. Kasey Kahne (-5), 16. Ryan Newman (-7). Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s 25th-place finish was the lowest by a Playoff driver at Chicagoland. Playoff contenders produced all but one of the top-10 finishes at Chicagoland. Joey Logano finished seventh to lead drivers outside of the Playoff field. Hamlin Hopes For New Hampshire Sweep Denny Hamlin will go for the season sweep of New Hampshire on Sunday. He led 54 laps on his way to the checkered flag there in July, beating out second-place Kyle Larson by .509 seconds. Martin Truex Jr. finished third, followed by Matt Kenseth and Kevin Harvick. The No. 11 Toyota driver enters Sunday’s race carrying a ton of momentum. He has finished in the top five in 10 of his last 13 races and has scored four consecutive top fives. In 23 career New Hampshire starts, Hamlin owns three wins, nine top fives, 14 top 10s and a 10.0 average finish (second best among active drivers). His 104.0 New Hampshire driver rating tops the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Harvick Goes For Second Straight New Hampshire Playoff Win Another driver performing well right now with little fanfare is Kevin Harvick – last year’s fall New Hampshire winner. The No. 4 Ford driver has eight top-10 finishes in his last 12 starts, including a third place showing at Chicagoland last weekend where he led 59 laps. In 33 career starts at New Hampshire, Harvick claims two wins, 10 top fives, 18 top 10s and a 12.8 average finish. He has produced a top-five result in five of his last six starts at The Magic Mile. His 10.9 average running position at New Hampshire ranks third among active drivers. Past New Hampshire Winners Look To Gain Automatic Berth In Second Round Nine of the 16 playoff drivers have previously visited Victory Lane at New Hampshire. They’ll try to channel their experience to do it again and earn an automatic bid to the second round. Kurt Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Jimmie Johnson lead active drivers with three wins apiece at The Magic Mile. Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick have won at New Hampshire twice. Kasey Kahne and Brad Keselowski have each lifted the lobster in Victory Lane once at the New England track. Logano Can Play Spoiler At Home Track Just because a driver didn’t make the playoffs doesn’t mean he/she stops racing. Drivers can play spoiler in a race, taking away an automatic transfer spot. A competitor with a good shot at playing the role of spoiler this weekend is Joey Logano. He placed second at Richmond two weeks ago and seventh last weekend at Chicagoland (best among non-Playoff drivers). Logano, from nearby Middletown, Connecticut, has two wins, six top fives and eight top 10s in 18 career starts at New Hampshire. The Race: VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 The Place: Kentucky Speedway The Date: Saturday, Sept. 23 The Time: 8 p.m. ET TV: NBCSN, 7:30 p.m. ET Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Distance: 300 miles (200 laps); Stage 1 (Ends on lap 45), Stage 2 (Ends on lap 90), Final Stage (Ends on lap 200) NASCAR XFINITY Series Playoffs Are Here – An Overview The NASCAR XFINITY Series heads to the rolling hills of Kentucky to kick off the second annual NASCAR XFINITY Series Playoffs Saturday night, September 23 at Kentucky Speedway in the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 (8 p.m. ET on NBCSN, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Twelve drivers will slug it out for the title through three rounds in the Playoffs. The first round of the Playoffs, the Round of 12, is made up of three races – Kentucky, Dover and Charlotte. Four drivers will be eliminated at the conclusion of the Round of 12. A driver can advance to the next round by either winning one of the races in the round or accumulating enough points to be in the top eight of the Playoff standings. The next round is the Round of 8, and it will consist of the eight Playoff title contenders that have advanced from the Round of 12. The Round of 8 is also made up of three races – Kansas, Texas and Phoenix. Another four drivers will be eliminated from the Playoffs at the conclusion of the Round of 8. A driver can advance to the Championship 4 by either winning one of the Round of 8 races or accumulating enough points to be in the top four after Phoenix. The NASCAR XFINITY Series Playoffs will then be decided in the Championship 4 race at Homestead-Miami Speedway as the four remaining drivers battle it out for the title, with the highest finishing championship contender taking home the trophy. Since its inception in 1982 (35 years ago), the NASCAR XFINITY Series has produced 27 different champions. Only eight drivers have won multiple series titles – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (2011, ’12), Kevin Harvick (2001, ‘06), Martin Truex Jr. (2004, ’05), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (1998, ’99), Randy LaJoie (1996, ’97), Larry Pearson (1986, ’87), Jack Ingram (1982, ’85) and Sam Ard (1983, ’84). Last season, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Daniel Suarez won the title after starting on the pole and winning the race in Miami. This season we are certain to see another new NASCAR XFINITY Series champion since none of this season’s Playoff contenders are former series champs. The 2017 NASCAR XFINITY Series Playoff is made up of 12 drivers from eight different organizations – JR Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, Kaulig Racing, Jeremy Clements Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing. Stewart-Haas Racing and Jeremy Clements Racing are making their Playoff debuts this season. A total of seven Sunoco Rookie of the Year contenders have made the NASCAR XFINITY Series Playoffs since its inception in 2016. This season, four rookies made the Playoffs: William Byron, Cole Custer, Matt Tifft and Daniel Hemric. Last season three rookies made it: Erik Jones, Brandon Jones and Brennan Poole. Three different manufacturers have made the 2017 Playoffs – Chevrolet (nine cars), Ford (two cars) and Toyota (one car). The winner of last season’s Playoff-opening race at Kentucky, Elliott Sadler, went on to finish runner-up in the final championship points. NASCAR XFINITY Series Etc. Angela Ruch Returns: B. J. McLeod Motorsports will have Angela Ruch, from Puyallup, Washington, in the No. 78 Chevrolet this weekend in an attempt to make the VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300. Ruch will be attempting to make her ninth career start. She has one start this season at Kentucky back in July, where she started 40th and finished 30th. Ruch is one of just 22 females who have competed in the NASCAR XFINITY Series all-time. She also is one of only five female drivers to compete in the NXS at Kentucky, joining Johanna Long, Danica Patrick, Jennifer Jo Cobb and Shawna Robinson. Long and Patrick are tied for the series best finish (12th) by a female at Kentucky. Part-Timers Get To Shine: With the new rules limiting Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver participation during Playoff events, seats have opened up for part-time drivers to showcase their talents this weekend. Richard Childress Racing will feature Ben Kennedy (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Brian Scott (No. 3 Chevrolet) behind the wheel this weekend. Joe Gibbs Racing will have Kyle Benjamin (No. 18 Toyota) and Ryan Preece (No. 20 Toyota) entered this weekend. Plus, Team Penske will have Sam Hornish Jr. (No. 22 Ford) and Chip Ganassi Racing will have Tyler Reddick (No. 42 Chevrolet) strapped in and ready to go this weekend. The Race: UNOH 175 The Place: New Hampshire Motor Speedway The Date: Saturday, Sept. 23 The Time: 1 p.m. ET TV: FS1, 12:30 p.m. ET Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Distance: 225 miles (150 laps); Stage 1 (Ends on lap 55), Stage 2 (Ends on lap 110), Final Stage (Ends on lap 175) 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs Class Following the TheHouse.com 225 at Chicagoland Speedway, the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs class is set. Among the eight championship-contending drivers this year, Christopher Bell, Johnny Sauter, Matt Crafton and John Hunter Nemechek will be making their second consecutive Playoffs appearances as all four drivers were a part of the 2016 postseason class. Sunoco Rookie of the Year contenders Chase Briscoe, Austin Cindric and Kaz Grala – as well as second-year driver Ben Rhodes – will be making their first career Playoff appearances. Christopher Bell Clinches 2017 Regular Season Championship At Chicagoland Kyle Busch Motorsports driver Christopher Bell topped off his 2017 regular season like he wants to end his 2017 post-season…as champion. Bell was crowned the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series regular season champion when he scored his 10th top-five finish of the season at Chicagoland Speedway. For the regular season, Bell has four wins and 14 top 10s, with 593 laps led. He heads into the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs with 40 playoff points and as the top driver seed. Bell was excited about capturing the regular season title, but knows there is more work to be done to win the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship. “This is really cool. To win the regular season championship is a huge testament to Kyle Busch Motorsports and everyone on this No. 4 team. For us, it’s huge to have all of the bonus points going into the playoffs.” You can listen to the rest of the post-race audio here. Sauter Primed For Another Title Run Reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter appears ready for another strong post-season run in 2017. Sauter was already in Playoffs mode at Chicago as he won the TheHouse.com 225 and heads into the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs as the No. 2 overall seed with 25 playoff points. In last season’s Playoffs, Sauter was as strong as they come during the playoff stretch. Beginning with New Hampshire Motor Speedway and ending at Homestead-Miami Speedway last season, Sauter finished top-10 or better in every Playoffs race and won two races, including Martinsville and Texas. The Rhodes To The 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs ThorSport Racing driver Ben Rhodes finally saw his hard work pay off this season when he scored the final NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs berth at Chicagoland Speedway. Rhodes has had a very strong 2017 campaign – collecting five top fives and nine top 10s, with 123 laps led in the regular season. He moves forward in the Playoffs ranked seventh with seven total playoff points. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs By Round The 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs begin this week at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with the UNOH 175 (Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). The UNOH 175 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway kicks off the Round of 8. Below is a look at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Playoffs rounds and which tracks line up per round. ROUND OF 8 UNOH 175 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Saturday, September 23 at 1 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) Las Vegas 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Saturday, September 30 at 8 p.m. on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) Fred’s Pharmacy 250 at Talladega Super Speedway (Saturday, October 14 at 1 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) ROUND OF 6 Texas Roadhouse 200 at Martinsville Speedway (Saturday, October 28 at 1 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) JAG Metals 350 at Texas Motor Speedway (Friday, November 3 at 8 p.m. on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway (Friday, November 10 at 8:30 p.m. on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) CHAMPIONSHIP 4 Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Friday, November 17 at 8 p.m. on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) Crafton Top of The Class At New Hampshire As the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series begins its 2017 Playoffs at New Hampshire, back-to-back champion (2013 and 2014) Matt Crafton is seeking his third title in a five-year span. Crafton has been strong at New Hampshire – especially over the last three seasons. He’s finished top-three or better in every race he’s competed in since 2014 and hasn’t finished outside the top-six at New Hampshire since 2008. Crafton leads the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (14) as well as top 10s (nine), laps completed (2,607) and lead lap finishes (11). Crafton will look to start his 2017 Playoffs campaign with another top-three at New Hampshire. First Timers At New Hampshire There are six Sunoco Rookie of the Year contenders making their track debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Saturday’s UNOH 175 (1 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). They include: Chase Briscoe, Wendell Chavous, Austin Cindric, Grant Enfinger, Noah Gragson and Justin Haley. Cody Coughlin, Stewart Friesen and Kaz Grala are the three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Sunoco Rookie contenders who have made previous career starts at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In 19 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, current NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Cole Custer (09/20/2014) is the only driver to win his first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at New Hampshire. Current NASCAR XFINITY Series driver William Byron (09/24/2016), 2017 Playoffs contender Matt Crafton (09/17/2005) and Mike Wallace (08/02/1998) are the only drivers to win their first career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series pole at New Hampshire. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Etc. Sunoco Rookie Battle Remains Intensely Close With Seven To Go: Throughout the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season, Sunoco Rookie of the Year contenders Chase Briscoe and Grant Enfinger have been tradin’ paint for the Sunoco Rookie points lead. With seven races remaining this season, Briscoe leads Enfinger by three points, 195-192. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Owner Standings Update: Kyle Busch Motorsports’ No. 4 Toyota Tundra retains a 15-point lead over GMS Racing’s No. 21 Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series owner standings after 16 races this season. Kyle Busch’s second entry, the No. 51 Toyota Tundra (-18), ThorSport Racing’s No. 88 Toyota Tundra (-26), and NEMCO Motorsports’ No. 8 Chevrolet (-28) round out the top five. NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Manufacturer Standings Update: Through 16 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races this season, Toyota leads Chevrolet by 17 points in the manufacturer standings, 593-576. In third place, Ford sits at 507 points with one win. source – NASCAR communications
