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  • Racing Armchair’s thoughts after Round 3 British Superbikes 2023 – SOME of the story so far!

    British Superbikes 2023 – Some of the Story so far.

    Round 3 Donington Park. Baking under the early Spring sunshine, the Derbyshire track once again provided a great weekends racing. Dominated by a trio of wins from Yamaha, namely Kyle Ryde Lami Vape OMG Yamaha (2) and Jason O’Halloran McAMS Yamaha (1).

    Followed up with podiums from regulars to the box and clear championship contenders, Josh Brookes, Glenn Irwin, Tommy Bridewell and Leon Haslam. Surprise of the weekend coming in the form of 2nd place finisher from Race 2, Ryan Vickers bagging his maiden podium in the Superbike class on board his Lami Vape OMG Yamaha.

    With the new points system in place, cast aside have been the moans and groan of the pessimists as the new points system is proving to be keeping the points close this season, that in addition to the different mix of riders able to win races in 2023 and the unfortunate DNF’s of the Beermonster Ducati team (neither rider finishing the first race on Sunday). Also add in to that the unexpectedly problematic start to the season from widely acclaimed preseason favorite, championship contender Jason O’Halloran and you have the top 5 in the standings covered by 10 points after 9 races.

    British Superbike Standings After Round 3

    So who’s got 2023 right so far?

    For one it seems now the move by both Glenn Irwin and Tommy Bridewell to Paul Bird’s Beermonster Ducati has been a stroke of genius for all involved, especially Paul for pursuing the 2 riders. Many expected fireworks from the Ducati pairing, with Irwin being a feisty character who commands ‘full gas’ from those around him while Bridewell has been the solo entrant for his team for the last 5 years under the Oxford Products Ducati banner in the MotoRapido team ran by Steve Moore, it was thought by those in the know that the two potentially wouldn’t co-exist in the same environment.

    BeerMonster Ducati – Glenn Irwin – Picture PBM Ducati and Double Red

    So far though, the 2 British Superbike veterans are remaining professional, co-existing nicely and keeping the on-track battles clean and respectful. Whether this will remain the plan come Brands Hatch in a few months remains to be seen. Both Irwin and Bridewell are in the best position they have ever been to be crowned British Superbike Champion this year. Tommy is leading the championship on 119 points followed closely by Glenn on 116 points. 

    BeerMonster Ducati – Tommy Bridewell – Picture PBM Ducati and Double Red

    Another rider to be kicking 2023 off on the positive foot is Lami Vape OMG Yamaha rider, Kyle Ryde.

    With 5 podiums, including 1 win throughout the whole of 2022 season, Ryde has already chalked up 3 dominant wins in 2023. He is 5th in the championship, but crucially only 10 points behind leader Bridewell. According to paddock sources, Ryde is fitter, stronger, more determined and professional this year. It seems nothing but a championship is the goal for the team which secured the 2022 BSB crown with Brad Ray, and Kyle is on course for being right in the mix come the end of season. Depsite a DNF at Donington Park, Ryde has laid down a marker that he IS one of the men to beat in 2023. Kyle Currently sits 5th in the standings on 109 points. Also a special mention to his team mate, Ryan Vickers who despite missing a full round of the BSB after an opperation, he currently sits 8th overall, helped by his maiden podium this weekend at Donington Park.

    Kyle Ryde – Official BSB Image

    Some of us are not surprised at all!

    Josh Brookes left the PBM Ducati team at the end of 2022 with some questions as to whether he was past his best? Struggling with form since his Championship winning 2020 season, Brookes made no secret of the fact he believed it was the Ducati Panigale V4 that was the problem during the 21 & 22 seasons.

    Josh Brookes – FHO BMW – Official BSB Image

    FHO BMW announced Brookes as partnering their long-term rider Peter Hickman on the BMW M1000RR and from Round 1, Josh has come out swinging. 5 podiums including 2 wins so far in 2023 shows Brookes still has the will to win, the skill to win and the determination to be British Champion. It also points towards the fact Josh could have been correct, claiming it was the previous version of the V4R that was hindering the popular Australian. The PBM team have returned to winning ways under new riders Irwin and Bridewell aboard the new for 2023 V4 Ducati, but it’s somewhat Ironic that the rider joining them, winning races and sharing the podium is the very same rider who left the team the previous year under scrutiny. No doubt Josh finds humor in this, ‘coz I know we all do.  Josh currently sits 3rd in the standings on 114 points.

    Josh Brookes on the Podium – Image Courtesy of FHO Racing BMW

    Rokit BMW Motorrad Team.

    In true Haslam style, grit and determination have put Leon on the grid this year in a true privateer effort. Sponsorship coming from the Rokit company with some support from the SMR BMW team in World Superbikes bringing together the infrastructure for Leon to start his own team with a view to bringing talent through the ranks all the way to BSB. No surprise to most, after a very successful test out in Spain at the start of the season, it was clear Haslam has gelled with the BMW machinery and it has enabled him to mount a strong start to the 2023 season. While race wins have evaded him so far, 4 podiums in 9 races is a vast improvement on his 2022 campaign aboard the Lee Hardy Racing Kawasaki and one that Leon would have snapped your arm off had you predicted this before the season got underway. Outshining all but Brookes on the FHO BMW, Haslam’s operation is certainly turning heads. Leon proves a case for experience will always carry the series forward over youthful exuberance. Leon currently lies 4th in the standings on 110 points. 

    Leon Haslam Rokit BMW – Image Official BSB

    2023 is shaping up to be a strong debut from the Mar-Train Yamaha team.

    Making the step up to Superbikes from Supersport after years of domination, Jack Kennedy and team are regularly inside the top 10 and has scored points in all but 1 race so far this year. Being honest, I think it’s surprising the team can run in such company so early in their superbike tenure, while vastly experienced in the 600 category, the Superbike is still new ground. However, I am not shocked Kennedy has been so competitive. If anything as a multiple Supersport Champion, I feel Jack should be able to run with the front pack. I’d go as far as saying by next year he should be running for the podium. Kennedy has the experience and the calibre to do so. Hopefully over the summer of racing, the team and Jack keep making them marginal gains and start to knock on the door of regular top 5’s. Kennedy will be under survailance from some of the other teams in the paddock, if not already on the radar for the likes of McAMS Yamaha, Honda Racing UK etc. Well done Jack and Mar-Train Yamaha I say! Jack currently sits 9th in the championship on 50 points. 

    Jack Kennedy – MarTrain Yamaha – Image Official BSBMy final hurrah goes to Danny Kent of Lovell Kent Racing Honda. While the standings themselves do not show it, Danny has pedaled some good laps this season. Running in the top 5 and spinning some fast laps in qualifying. For another true privateer team, Kent has adapted to the Honda well and hopefully a little consistency will come his way and bring the points. A DNF at Oulton Park and 2 DNF’s at Donington haven’t helped Kent, but by the same vain the points gaps are closer and if Danny can spin it around, he will soon make ground on the top 5. He is a World Champion after all.

    Danny Kent – Lovell Kent Racing – Image Official BSB

    Who hasn’t 2023 been kind to?

    Unfortunately the first name on the list has to be Jason O’Halloran. The curse of Oulton Park kicking in again for the 3rd year running with a double DNF during iffy weather conditions, also affecting his qualifying positions for Race 3 where he was able to fight his way back into the top 10 to finish off the weekend, some 22 seconds back from the leaders. Unfortunately for Jason, Donington didn’t start well either. What appeared to be a wrong tyre choice left him battling to save points with Jason crossing the line in 14th overall. Luckily a change of tyre compound for the Sunday racing, O’Show was out of the blocks bagging his first race win of the season in Race 2 and a close battle between Oxford Products Christian Iddon, FS3 Lee Jackson and O’Show in Race 3 saw Jason come off worst with a 7th over the line.

    39 points separate O’Halloran from Kyle Ryde in 5th position overall and it doesn’t take a genius to work out that Oulton Park and Doningotn Race 1 have left O’Halloran with quite the hill to climb. Later in the season we enter the showdown races and the finale. Showdown in title only, the new points system could give Jason the opportunity he needs to recoup some points on his competitors if a late season flurry of wins is on the cards. Jason currently lies 6th in the championship on 70 points. 

    Jason O’Halloran – Bennetts Image

    Another victim of 2023 cruelty?

    Christian Iddon. Widely anticipated to hit the front winning races from the very get go, Iddon seems to have had no luck so far this season. A few early technical gremlins for the Ducati, combined with Christian being taken out of the race by Charlie Nesbit (Silverstone) and Andrew Irwin (Donington) have left ‘fan favourite’ Iddon pedaling like mad playing catch up. Unfortunately, once you are on the back foot it is very difficult to bridge the gap without other riders suffering misfortune. Hopefully Iddon will benefit from the new points system, while working on fighting his way back to the front of British Superbikes. Christian is currently 10th overall in the championship on 49 points. 

    Christian Iddon – Oxford Products Ducati – Ducati UK Image

    Poor Andrew Irwin of Honda Racing UK.

    A triple DNF at Donington Park has left the Honda rider down in 12th position in the standings.  Many expected Irwin to be resurrecting his winning form of 2019/20 where he teamed with brother, Glenn but so far it hasn’t gone to plan. With a lot of fans arguing over “Do you go for the gap or not” after Irwin was involved in an incident with Chrstian Iddon, going for the gap at the hairpin with both riders going down. BSB Race Direction said “Following analysis of multiple video sources including onboard cameras, and after hearing the accounts of both riders, the Race Direction concluded that neither rider acted in a careless, reckless or dangerous manner and no further action was required”.

    However after an incident with Storm Stacey in subsequent race, in almost identical moves, Irwin was handed 3 penalty points and a 3 place grid penalty for the next race following the incident with Stacey. Irwin apologised to Storm, his team and the Honda Racing UK team in a post on social media.

    The truth be told it’s a conversation for race direction, Andy Irwin himself and team principal Harvier Beltran. Only they know if this is a homecoming combination of their dreams or whether it’s going tits up. Andy Irwin comes across as a lovely lad, popular with some fans and hopefully can find some consistency and finish races. I wish him luck.

    Andrew Irwin – Image @AndrewIrwin8 Twitter

    So that’s it.  A bit of a wrap up on 2023 so far.

    Who’s your money on moving forwards? Are you more interested in the story from the back half of the grid? The progression of riders such as Davey Todd, Jack Scott, Tom and Tim Neave? Are the rookies performing as you expected? For more thoughts, chat and a bit of banter follow me on twitter and we can continue this discussion @RacingArmchair

     

     

  • Larson in class of his own in North Wilkesboro All-Star Race

    Larson in class of his own in North Wilkesboro All-Star Race

    Larson gave the 23 other Cup drivers in what he described as an “old-school ass whipping” by comfortably winning his third All-Star Race in Sunday night’s 200-lap race around the revived North Wilkesboro Speedway, leading 145 laps, and taking home $1 million dollars.

    • Kyle Larson
    • Bubba Wallace
    • Rest of race recap
    • Coca-Cola 600
    • Full race results

    Larson’s strategy winning move came on lap 18 when crew chief Cliff Daniels had him pit for fresh tyres while the top half of the field stayed out including leaders Suarez and Hamlin, and despite receiving a speeding penalty for speeding on pit road that sent him to restart the race in the rear in 24th place, by lap 55 he was overtaking Daniel Suarez for the lead and pulled a 12-second lead by the time the 100-lap competition break came around.

    Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet (1st), and Daniel Suarez, driver of the #99 Trackhouse Motorplex Chevrolet (2nd), lead the field during the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 21, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

    Bubba Wallace attempted to match Larson’s pace in the final 100 laps but Larson maintained a four-second lead over the 23XI Racing driver to take himself with his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to a third All-Star Race win at a third different track, the first two coming at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2019 and Texas Motor Speedway in 2021.

    Larson said: “So much fun there. That was an old-school ass whipping, for sure. We had a great car on the long run there and was just thinking for sure there was going to be a caution. I got out to a big lead, and I could see everybody’s cars were driving like crap in front of me, but I cannot thank this 5 team enough.”

    Larson was able to hook the bottom of the track including the apron in turns three and four while most of the other cars’ handling difficulties meant they lacked the capability to replicate his line with Wallace coming close, running a lane higher out of turn four.

    While there was a lack of traditional short-track bumper banging, it was a real drivers race, with most only using seventy percent throttle at most around the track and having to control the amount of slipping and sliding, making it a real test of car control and tyre management.

    A general view of racing during the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

    Larson swept the weekend by also winning Saturday’s Truck Series 250-lap race, where he had to pass Bubba Wallace inside of 20 laps to go and hold him off in an overtime finish to take the chequered flag.

    Larson equals Jeff Gordon, now Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, and Dale Earnhardt Sr. with three All-Star wins. It’s Hendrick Motorsports 11th All-Star win, the most all-time.

    Bubba Wallace adds to a string of recent strong performances by coming up deservingly in the runner-up spot.

    Wallace was also on the same strategy as Larson, having pitted on lap 18 and found himself in eighth by lap 75 before a phenomenal charge up to second passing cars on older tyres except Larson in the closing laps before the competition break at lap 100.

    Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet (front), and Bubba Wallace, the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota (behind), pits during qualifying heat #2 for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 20, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

    Wallace was unable to match Larson’s pace in the final 100 laps but was able to keep the rest of the field at bay including his 23XI Racing teammate Tyler Reddick who finished 3rd, making it a Toyota 23XI two-three finish.

    Wallace said: “If this was any other race, I’d be excited, but for a million dollars to come up short and walk home with nothing. Tail tucked between our legs, but all in all, just continuing to ride the momentum train. Just have to keep it going. Now we show back up to home turf (for next Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway) and really got to keep the momentum going there and get ourselves deeper into the Playoffs.”

    Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota, drives during the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway (Photo by Alejandro Alvarez/NASCAR Studios)

    Rest of race recap

    The inside groove at North Wilkesboro was king during the race. Chris Buescher who started outside pole, was unable to find a gap to fall into the inside lane of cars at the start of the race, and fell back to 11th as a result of being trapped on the outside.

    A caution came out on lap 16, when Ricky Stenhouse Jr. boldly came down the race track in front of a faster Erik Jones who spun him around as a result.

    Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 STP Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

    Polesitter Daniel Suarez, who won heat race one on Saturday to secure the pole for Sunday’s All-Star Race, led the opening 55 laps of the race but chose not to pit on lap 18 for tyres, which saw Larson pass him easily on lap 55 on fresher tyres.

    William Byron and Kyle Busch had such poor handling race cars, that both were forced to pit under green during the opening 100 laps to make adjustments, and went down a lap and two laps to the leader respectively as a result.

    Despite everyone pitting for tyres and fuel during the competition break on lap 100, now that Larson had taken the lead, there was no looking back for the Californian, who led the rest of the race in dominating fashion.

    Coca-Cola 600

    This Sunday as part of Memorial Day Weekend in the United States, the NASCAR Cup Series will race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in one of it’s crown jewel events following IndyCar’s Indy 500, the Coca-Cola 600; a 400 lap (600 mile) race around the 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway.

    The green flag flies at 6pm ET. Follow ThePitCrewOnline’s twitter @PitCrew_Online for live updates and reporting of the Coca-Cola 600.

    Featured Image: Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates with the one million dollar check in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

    Full race results

    1. Kyle Larson
    2. Bubba Wallace
    3. Tyler Reddick
    4. Chase Briscoe
    5. Chase Elliott
    6. Ryan Blaney
    7. Daniel Suarez
    8. Erik Jones
    9. Ty Gibbs
    10. Joey Logano
    11. Ross Chastain
    12. Christopher Bell
    13. Denny Hamlin
    14. Martin Truex Jr.
    15. Josh Berry
    16. Chris Buescher
    17. Austin Dillon
    18. Kevin Harvick
    19. Brad Keselowski
    20. William Byron
    21. Austin Cindric
    22. Kyle Busch
    23. Noah Gragson
    24. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

     

  • Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Wins

    Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Wins

    The Oregon Trail Rally has come to an end. Brandon Semenuk would take all the stage wins and win the event with a 8 minute and 52.3 second lead over Jeff Seehorn. 

    SS15, Boyd Loop Very Short

    Stage 15 would see Brandon Semenuk take the win once again. Lia Block would finish with the second fastest time on the stage, setting a time 28.8 seconds slower than Semenuk. Jason Bailey would set the third fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 1.6 seconds slower than Block. Andy Miller would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, that time would be 4.3 seconds slower than Bailey. Todd Hartmann would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 0.9 seconds slower than Miller. 

    SS16, Shadow Buck

    Brandon Semenuk would once again take the win on SS16. Semenuk would finish the stage with a time 16.5 seconds faster than Lia Block who placed second on the stage. Jason Bailey would set the third fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 1.6 seconds slower than Block. Jacob Despain would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 5.2 seconds slower than Bailey. Matthew Dickinson would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 1.3 seconds slower than Despain. 

    SS17, Nagles Revenge

    Stage 17 would once again see Brandon Semenuk on top. Semenuk would finish the stage with a time 18 seconds faster than Josh Bailey who would finish second on the stage. Lia Block would set the third fastest time on the stage, finishing the stage with a time 2.6 seconds slower than Bailey. Javier Olivares would finish the stage with the fourth fastest time, finishing with a time 3.2 seconds slower than Block. Matthew Dickinson would round out the top five on the stage, setting a time 0.4 seconds slower than Olivares. 

    SS18, Starveout

    Stage 18 would once again see Brandon Semenuk take the stage win. Jason Bailey would set the second fastest time on the stage, that time would be 50.6 seconds slower than Semenuk’s time. Lia Block would set the third fastest time on the stage, setting a time 4.6 seconds slower than Bailey. Andy Miller would finish with the fourth fastest time on the stage, finishing 1.7 seconds slower than Block. Jacob Despain would round out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.3 seconds slower than Miller. 

    SS19, Starveout

    Stage 19 would see Brandon Semenuk take his 19th consecutive stage win. Semenuk would finish the stage with a time 44.1 seconds faster than Jason Bailey who placed second on the stage. Matthew Dickinson would set the third fastest time on the stage, setting a time 11.8 seconds slower than Bailey. Jacob Despain would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, setting a time 0.3 seconds slower than Dickinson. Lia Block and Dave Clark would tie for fifth on the stage, with both drivers setting a time 4.4 seconds slower than Despain. 

    Photography Credit:

    Vlad Tyeryekhov: Facebook

  • Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Maintains Lead Through SS14

    Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Maintains Lead Through SS14

    The first four stages of the final day of the Oregon Trail Rally have come to an end. Brandon Semenuk maintained his lead and now leads Jeff Seehorn by 5 minutes and 19.9 seconds. 

    SS11, Boyd Loop Very Short

    The eleventh stage of the Oregon Trail Rally and the first of day three would once again see Brandon Semenuk on top. Jeff Seehorn would set the second fastest time on the stage, 20.3 seconds slower than Semenuk’s time. Sam Albert would set the third fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 3.6 seconds slower than Seehorn. Jason Bailey would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 10.1 seconds slower than Albert’s time. Todd Hartmann would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 0.8 seconds slower than Bailey’s time. 

    SS12, Shadow Buck

    Stage 12 would once again see Brandon Semenuk on top. Semenuk would set a time 12.9 seconds faster than Sam Albert who placed second on the stage. Jeff Seehorn would finish with the third fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 1.8 seconds slower than Albert. Lia Block would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, setting a time 3.4 seconds slower than Seehorn. Steven Redd would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 2.1 seconds slower than Block. 

    SS13, Nagles Revenge

    If you guessed Brandon Semenuk won SS14 you’d be correct. As Semenuk would set a time 7.7 seconds faster than Sam Albert to win the stage. Jeff Seehorn would set the third fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 9 seconds slower than Albert’s. Lia Block would once again finish with the fourth fastest time on the stage, setting a time 3.7 seconds slower than Seehorn. Matthew Dickinson would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 0.2 seconds slower than Block. 

    SS14, Starveout

    Stage 14 would once again see Brandon Semenuk take the stage win. Jeff Seehorn would set the second fastest time on the stage, setting a time 30.8 seconds slower than Semenuk. Sam Albert would finish with the third fastest time on the stage, with a time 13.1 seconds slower than Seehorn. Lia Block would once again finish with the fourth fastest time on the stage, setting a time 13 seconds slower than Albert’s. Matthew Dickinson would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 3 seconds slower than Block. 

    SS11 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 4:15.6
    2. J. Seehorn, 4:35.9 (+20.3)
    3. S. Albert, 4:39.5 (+3.6)
    4. J. Bailey, 4:49.6 (+10.1)
    5. T. Hartmann, 4:50.4 (+0.8)
    6. A. Miller, 4:50.6 (+0.2)
    7. S. Redd, 4:52.3 (+1.7)
    8. L. Block, 4:54.9 (+2.6)
    9. M. Dickinson, 4:55.1 (+0.2)
    10. J. Despain, 4:55.2 (+0.1)

    SS12 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 3:36.3
    2. S. Albert, 3:49.2 (+12.9)
    3. J. Seehorn, 3:51.0 (+1.8)
    4. L. Block, 3:54.4 (+3.4)
    5. S. Redd, 3:56.5 (+2.1)
    6. J. Bailey, 3:59.7 (+3.2)
    7. T. Hartmann, 4:01.9 (+2.2)
    8. A. Miller, 4:02.4 (+0.5)
    9. J. Olivares, 4:03.3 (+0.9)
    10. J. Despain, 4:03.5 (+0.2)

    SS13 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 4:12.1
    2. S. Albert, 4:19.8 (+7.7
    3. J. Seehorn, 4:28.8 (+9.0)
    4. L. Block, 4:32.5 (+3.7)
    5. M. Dickinson, 4:32.7 (+0.2)
    6. S. Redd, 4:33.2 (+0.5)
    7. J. Bailey, 4:33.7 (+0.5)
    8. J. Olivares, 4:34.2 (+0.5)
    9. T. Hartmann, 4:35.1 (+0.9)
    10. D. Clark, 4:37.6 (+2.5)

    SS14 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 6:21.5
    2. J. Seehorn, 6:52.3 (+30.8)
    3. S. Albert, 7:05.4 (+13.1)
    4. L. Block, 7:18.4 (+13.0)
    5. M. Dickinson, 7:21.4 (+3.0)
    6. J. Bailey, 7:21.5 (+0.1)
    7. A. Miller, 7:22.9 (+1.4)
    8. S. Redd, 7:24.8 (+1.9)
    9. T. Hartmann, 7:26.1 (+1.3)
    10. J. Despain, 7:26.3 (+0.2)

    Overall Times After SS14

    1. B. Semenuk, 1:10:34.6
    2. J. Seehorn, 1:15:54.5 (+5:19.9)
    3. S. Albert, 1:16:19.3 (+5:44.7)
    4. J. Olivares, 1:19:09.3 (+8:34.7)
    5. A. Miller, 1:19:48.5 (+9:13.9)
    6. M. Dickinson, 1:20:14.1 (+9:39.5)
    7. J. Despain, 1:20:20.7 (+9:46.1)
    8. L. Block, 1:20:32.3 (+9:57.7)
    9. D. Clark, 1:21:02.3 (+10:27.7)
    10. L. Block, 1:21:11.9 (+10:37.3)

    Photography Credit:

    Vlad Tyeryekhov: Facebook

  • The Track of Dreams: North Wilkesboro All-Star Race Format and Lineup

    The Track of Dreams: North Wilkesboro All-Star Race Format and Lineup

    NASCAR is returning to the legendary 0.625-mile North Wilkesboro Speedway as part of its 75th anniversary to run its All-Star Race where the winner will take home $1 million dollars.

    • North Wilkesboro Speedway
    • Format
    • Heat races
    • All-Star Open lineup
    • All-Star Race lineup
    • Drivers to watch
    • Notable paint schemes

    Located in the heart of NASCAR country, Wilkes County, NASCAR, Marcus Smith’s Speedway Motorsports Incorporated and the local community have spent the last year restoring North Wilkesboro Speedway to its former glory while making it a venue fit for a modern day NASCAR Cup Series race after the track was abandoned by NASCAR in 1996 in pursuit of furthering national expansion efforts beyond the Southeast into it’s schedule to grow regional markets.

    NASCAR has now come home though, returning to its roots in what many are calling the ‘Field of Dreams of Racing’.

    Dale Earnhardt’s No. 3 Chevrolet sits on display at North Wilkesboro Speedway in NASCAR’s return to Wilkes County (Zack Albert/NASCAR Studios)

    New grandstands have been built, a freshly repaved pit road has been put down, and the cracks in the asphalt filled in. Surrounding this though still is much of its history, with old signage including the original scoreboard have remained in place and the original walls and buildings also kept wherever possible including the famous NASCAR Winston Cup Series wall.

    The track has been described as a cheese grater by the drivers who have teared around the half mile track of dreams so far this week such as in the CARS Tour Late Model race on Wednesday, the NASCAR Truck Series 250-lap race on Saturday, and during the various practice sessions.

    Format

    Sunday night’s All-Star Race will consist of 200 laps with a break at 100 laps while the 100-lap All-Star Open race being run prior to decide the final three spots to make up the 24 car field for the All-Star Race.

    A general view of NASCAR Cup Series drivers (Back Row L-R) Ryan Blaney, Josh Bilicki, Erik Jones, Noah Gragson, Aric Almirola, Corey LaJoie, Ross Chastain, Ty Gibbs, Bubba Wallace, Ty Dillon, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Daniel Suarez, Chase Briscoe, Christopher Bell, Michael McDowell, Chris Buescher, Chase Elliott, Austin Cindric, Martin Truex Jr., (Front Row L-R) Chandler Smith, Harrison Burton, Kyle Larson, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Joey Logano, William Byron, Justin Haley, AJ Allmendinger, Kevin Harvick, Austin Dillon, Todd Gilliland, Brad Keselowski, Ryan Preece, JJ Yeley, and Tyler Reddick pose on track for a photo at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 19, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

    The green flag for the 100-lap All-Star Open will fly at 5:30pm ET while the All-Star Race will begin at 8pm ET.

    In the All-Star Open there will be a competition break around lap 40. The top-two finishers will advance to the All-Star Race as well as the fan vote driver (the driver from the All-Star Open who received the most fan votes to advance to the All-Star Race).

    For the All-Star Race, there are three sets of sticker tyres allocated to each team in addition to the sticker set they start on. Strategy will come into play in when to and when not to take tyres due to the high falloff with over a second a falloff being seen in the lap times in a matter of laps around the historic half mile.

    To complicate matters further, only one additional set of sticker tyres can be used following the competition break.

    Eligibility to be locked into the All-Star Race is if a driver is a previous champion of the sport or previous All-Star Race winner that is currently competing full-time, or has won a Cup Series points paying race in the 2022 or 2023 season.

    The Grand Marshals for the  All-Star Race will be seven-time Cup champion Richard Petty and three-time Cup cahmpion Darrell Waltrip who combined have won 25 Cup races at North Wilkesboro, Petty 15 to Waltrip’s 10.

    The Honorary Starter will be Ray Evernham, three-time Cup Series champion crew chief.

    The Honorary Pace Car Driver will be Jeff Gordon, four-time Cup Series champion driver who won the very last Cup race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in 1996.

    The track itself sees 13 degrees of banking in both turns one and two, and three and four ,with the a downhill frontstrectch and an uphill backstretch.

    Heat races

    The starting lineup for the All-Star Race was decided in Saturday night’s two 60-lap heat races with heat race one determining the inside row lineup and heat race two the outside.

    Daniel Suarez won heat one in damp conditions to start on pole for the All-Star Race while Chris Buescher led every single lap of heat two that a saw a switch onto rain tyres on lap 25, to start alongside the Mexican.

    Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 Fastenal Ford, leads the field during qualifying heat #2 for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 20, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

    All-Star Open Lineup

    Friday’s Pit Crew Challenge won by the Ty Gibbs No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Team determined the starting lineup for the heat races as well as the All-Star Open, with Gibbs securing the pole for the All-Star Open due to not being locked into the main event.

    NORTH WILKESBORO, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 19: Pit crew members of the #54 Monster Energy Toyota, leaps into action
    during the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race Qualifying Pit Crew Challenge at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 19, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

    The All-Star Open lineup is as follows.

    Position Driver
    1st Ty Gibbs
    2nd Josh Berry
    3rd Corey LaJoie
    4th Harrison Burton
    5th Justin Haley
    6th Michael McDowell
    7th Todd Gilliland
    8th

    9th

    10th

    11th

    12th

    13th

    14th

    15th

    16th

    		 Ryan Preece

    Aric Almirola

    AJ Allmendinger

    Josh Bilicki

    Ty Dillon

    Chandler Smith

    Ryan Newman

    Noah Gragson

    JJ Yeley

    All-Star Race Lineup

    The first 21 of 24 positions with the final three to come from the All-Star Open are as follows.

    *Josh Berry won the All-Star Open with Ty Gibbs being the runner up. Noah Gragson won the Fan Vote. All three advance through to the All-Star Race. Berry, Gibbs, and Gragson, will start 22nd, 23rd, and 24th respectively.

    Position Driver
    1st Daniel Suarez
    2nd Chris Buescher
    3rd Joey Logano
    4th Austin Dillon
    5th Chase Briscoe
    6th William Byron
    7th Christopher Bell
    8th

    9th

    10th

    11th

    12th

    13th

    14th

    15th

    16th

    17th

    18th

    19th

    20th

    21st

    		 Brad Keselowski

    Denny Hamlin

    Bubba Wallace

    Ryan Blaney

    Martin Truex Jr.

    Chase Elliott

    Kyle Busch

    Kevin Harvick

    Kyle Larson

    Austin Cindric

    Ross Chastain

    Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

    Tyler Reddick

    Erik Jones

    Drivers to watch

    Kevin Harvick and Kyle Larson have both won two All-Star Races, in 2007/2018 and 2019/2021 respectively and with Kyle Larson winning the 250-lap NASCAR Truck Series race at North Wilkesboro in dominating fashion leading over half the laps, he is one of the favourites to make it a third All-Star Race win.

    Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Tyson 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

    Kyle Larson was joined by four other Cup regulars for Saturday’s truck race, in Chastain, Bell, Wallace and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Byron.

    They all saw action at the front, most notably Bell and Larson charging through the field together to the front in stage one, Larson and Byron duelling for the lead in the final stage, and Larson passing Wallace, who was on older tyres inside of 20 laps to go, and holding him off in an overtime finish, to go onto the win the race.

    Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 1 Pristine Auction Toyota, leads the field during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Tyson 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

    The more in-race track time the better prepared a driver will be for the All-Star Race due to having to rely on old data, and sim time prior to this week.

    Ryan Blaney is the reigning All-Star Race winner having won the 2022 All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway in an overtime finish.

    Chase Elliott won the 2020 All-Star Race at Bristol Motor Speedway that was accompanied by all car having fluorescent light bars attached to the rear of the cars that made it quite the spectacle around the colosseum.

    Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, and Daniel Suarez, driver of the #99 Trackhouse Motorplex Chevrolet, race during qualifying heat #1 for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 20, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

    Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Ryan Newman all have one All-Star Race win, all having come at Charlotte Motor Speedway where the event was held in 1985 and then from 1987-2019.

    Notable paint schemes

    Erik Jones is piloting the No. 43 STP LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Chevrolet that is throwing it back to Richard Petty, who won 15 times at North Wilkesboro in the Cup Series, including eight time while racing STP colours.

    Erik Jones, driver of the #43 STP Chevrolet, exits the track during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 19, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

    Kevin Harvick is throwing back to his 2001 Atlanta scheme when he was promoted to the Cup Series by Richard Childress Racing following the tragic passing of seven-time Cup champion Dale Earnhardt Sr. It is Harvick’s final full-time season before retiring.

    Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 29 Busch Light Ford, drives during Heat Race No. 1 for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

    Michael McDowell is racing the No. 34 Ford that is throwing it back to Mark Martin’s 1990 Cup win at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

    Follow ThePitCrewOnline’s twitter @PitCrew_Online for live updates and reporting of the All-Star Open and All-Star Race.  

    Featured Image: Erik Jones, driver of the #43 STP Chevrolet, exits the track during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 19, 2023 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

  • Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Leads After Day Two

    Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Leads After Day Two

    The first 10 stages of the Oregon Trail Rally have passed marking the end of the second day. Brandon Semenuk leads Jeff Seehorn by 3 minutes and 57.4 seconds. 

    SS7, Dalles Mtn Up

    Brandon Semenuk would once again take the stage win on SS7 to take his seventh consecutive stage win. Jeff Seehorn would place second on the stage, setting a time 33.7 seconds slower than Semenuk. Sam Albert would finish with the third fastest time on the stage, 16.8 seconds slower than Seehorn’s time. Jason Bailey would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, that time would be 3.6 seconds slower than Albert’s however. Javier Olivares would round out the top five on the stage, setting a time 4.9 seconds slower than Bailey. 

    SS8, The Great Horseshoe

    Stage eight would see Brandon Semenuk take the win once again. Sam Albert would set the second fastest time on the stage, 32.4 seconds slower than Semenuk. Javier Olivares would set the third fastest time on the stage, 9.5 seconds slower than Albert’s time. Jeff Seehorn would finish the stage with the fourth fastest time, setting a time 6 seconds slower than Olivares. Jacob Despain would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 1 second slower than Seehorn. 

    SS9, Oak Flat Reverse

    Stage nine would once again see Brandon Semenuk take the stage win. Semenuk would set a time 15.7 seconds faster than Sam Albert who placed second on the stage. Jeff Seehorn would set the third fastest time on the stage, with a time 6.3 seconds slower than Albert. Lia Block would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, finishing with a time 13.2 seconds slower than Seehorn. Jason Bailey would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 0.7 seconds slower than Block. 

    SS10, Maryhill

    The final stage of the day would see Brandon Semenuk take the stage win once again. Semenuk would set a time 5.8 seconds faster than Sam Albert who placed second on the stage. Jeff Seehorn would finish with the third fastest time on the stage, with a time 5.7 seconds slower than Albert. Andy Miller would finish with the fourth fastest time on the stage, setting a time 4 seconds slower than Seehorn. Jason Bailey would round out the top five on the stage, setting a time 1.3 seconds slower than Miller. 

    SS7 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 8:17.1
    2. J. Seehorn, 8:50.8 (+33.7)
    3. S. Albert, 9:07.6 (+16.8)
    4. J. Bailey, 9:11.2 (+3.6)
    5. J. Olivares, 9:16.1 (+4.9)
    6. M. Dickinson, 9:18.3 (+2.2)
    7. N. Allen, 9:22.3 (+4.0)
    8. D. Clark, 9:23.1 (+0.8)
    9. G. Plsek, 9:23.7 (+0.6)
    10. J. Despain, 9:24.4 (+0.7)

    Overall After SS7

    1. B. Semenuk, 38:11.0
    2. J. Seehorn, 40:47.6 (+2:36.6)
    3. S. Albert, 41:34.0 (+3:23.0)
    4. G. Plsek, 42:27.1 (+4:16.1)
    5. J. Olivares, 42:30.6 (+4:19.6)
    6. A. Miller, 42:48.9 (+4:37.9)
    7. M. Dickinson, 43:27.6 (+5:16.6)
    8. J. Despain, 43:28.5 (+5:17.5)
    9. N. Allen, 43:37.7 (+5:26.7)
    10. L. Block, 43:48.4 (+5:37.4)

    SS8 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 6:44.7
    2. S. Albert, 7:17.1 (+32.4)
    3. J. Olivares, 7:26.6 (+9.5)
    4. J. Seehorn, 7:32.6 (+6.0)
    5. J. Despain, 7:33.6 (+1.0)
    6. J. Bailey, 7:34.1 (+0.5)
    7. L. Block, 7:35.9 (+1.8)
    8. N. Allen, 7:38.2 (+2.3)
    9. D. Clark, 7:41.0 (+2.8)
    10. M. Dickinson, 7:44.0 (+3.0)

    Overall After SS8

    1. B. Semenuk, 44:55.7 
    2. J. Seehorn, 48:20.2 (+3:24.5)
    3. S. Albert, 48:51.1 (+3:55.4)
    4. J. Olivares, 49:57.2 (+5:01.5)
    5. A. Miller, 50:41.3 (+5:45.6)
    6. J. Despain, 51:02.1 (+6:06.4)
    7. M. Dickinson, 51:11.6 (+6:15.9)
    8. N. Allen, 51:15.9 (+6:20.2)
    9. L. Block, 51:24.3 (+6:28.6)
    10. D. Clark, 51:32.6 (+6:36.9)

    SS9 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 4:22.4
    2. S. Albert, 4:37.5 (+15.1)
    3. J. Seehorn, 4:43.8 (+6.3)
    4. L. Block, 4:57.0 (+13.2)
    5. J. Bailey, 4:57.7 (+0.7)
    6. J. Despain, 4:59.9 (+2.2)
    7. M. Dickinson, 5:00.1 (+0.2)
    8. J. Olivares, 5:00.2 (+0.1)
    9. M. Brassfeild, 5:02.0 (+1.8)
    10. D. Clark, 5:02.8 (+0.8)

    Overall After SS9

    1. B. Semenuk, 49:18.1
    2. J. Seehorn, 53:04.0 (+3:45.9)
    3. S. Albert, 53:28.6 (+4:10.5)
    4. J. Olivares, 54:57.4 (+5:39.3)
    5. A. Miller, 55:45.4 (+6:27.3)
    6. J. Despain, 56:02.0 (+6:43.9)
    7. M. Dickinson, 56:11.7 (+6:53.6)
    8. N. Allen, 56:22.6 (+7:04.5)
    9. L. Block, 56:27.9 (+7:09.8)
    10. D. Clark, 56:35.4 (+7:17.3)

    SS10 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 2:51.0 
    2. S. Albert, 2:56.8 (+5.8)
    3. J. Seehorn, 3:02.5 (+5.7)
    4. A. Miller, 3:06.5 (+4.0)
    5. J. Bailey, 3:07.8 (+1.3)
    6. M. Brassfeild, 3:07.9 (+0.1)
    7. M. Dickinson, 3:08.9 (+1.0)
    8. T. Hartmann, 3:10.0 (+1.1)
    9. R. Haines, 3:10.5 (+0.5)
    10. D. Clark, 3:10.6 (+0.1)

    Overall After SS10

    1. B. Semenuk, 52:09.1
    2. J. Seehorn, 56:06.5 (+3:57.4)
    3. S. Albert, 56:25.4 (+4:16.3)
    4. J. Olivares, 58:09.1 (+6:00.0)
    5. A. Miller, 58:51.9 (+6:42.8)
    6. J. Despain, 59:17.9 (+7:08.8)
    7. M. Dickinson, 59:20.6 (+7:11.5)
    8. N. Allen, 59:35.0 (+7:25.9)
    9. L. Block, 59:43.8 (+7:34.7)
    10. D. Clark, 59:46.0 (+7:36.9)

    Photography Credit

    Vlad Tyeryekhov: Facebook

  • Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Maintains Lead Through SS6

    Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Maintains Lead Through SS6

    The first six stages of the Oregon Trail Rally have passed. Brandon Semenuk remains in the lead, now leading Jeff Seehorn by 2 minutes and 2.9 seconds. 

    SS5, Oak Flat Reverse

    Stage five would once again see Brandon Semenuk on top to take his fifth consecutive stage win. Semenuk set a time 13.5 seconds faster than Sam Albert who finished second on the stage. Jeff Seehorn would take third on the stage, finishing with a time 4.1 seconds slower than Albert. Jason Bailey set the fourth fastest time on the stage, finishing 9.5 seconds slower than Seehorn. Lia Block would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 1 second slower than Bailey. 

    SS6, Maryhill

    Brandon Semenuk would once again take the stage win on SS6. Sam Albert would set the second fastest time on the stage, 8.5 seconds slower than Semenuk. Jeff Seehorn would set the third fastest time on the stage, 2 seconds slower than Albert. George Plsek would finish with the fourth fastest time on the stage, 4.8 seconds slower than Seehorn. Jason Bailey would round out the top five on the stage, setting a time 2.7 seconds slower than Plsek. 

    SS5 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 4:32.2 
    2. S. Albert, 4:45.7 (+13.5)
    3. J. Seehorn, 4:49.8 (+4.1)
    4. J. Bailey, 4:59.3 (+9.5)
    5. L. Block, 5:00.3 (+1.0)
    6. J. Olivares, 5:00.9 (+0.6)
    7. G. Plsek, 5:05.0 (+4.1)
    8. M. Dickinson, 5:05.7 (+0.7)
    9. S. Redd, 5:06.0 (+0.3)
    10. D. Clark, 5:08.8 (+2.8)

    Overall Times After SS5

    1. B. Semenuk, 27:01.9
    2. J. Seehorn, 28:54.3 (+1:52.4)
    3. S. Albert, 29:25.9 (+2:24.0)
    4. G. Plsek, 29:56.1 (+2:54.2)
    5. J. Olivares, 30:02.3 (+3:00.4)
    6. A. Miller, 30:07.2 (+3:05.3)
    7. M. Dickinson, 30:46.9 (+3:45.0)
    8. J. Despain, 30:48.0 (+3:46.1)
    9. L. Block, 30:58.4 (+3:56.5)
    10. N. Allen, 31:01.3 (+3:59.4)

    SS6 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 2:52.0 
    2. S. Albert, 3:00.5 (+8.5)
    3. J. Seehorn, 3:02.5 (+2.0)
    4. G. Plsek, 3:07.3 (+4.8)
    5. J. Bailey, 3:10.0 (+2.7)
    6. L. Block, 3:10.6 (+0.6)
    7. S. Redd, 3:11.8 (+1.2)
    8. A. Miller, 3:12.0 (+0.2)
    9. J. Olivares, 3:12.2 (+0.2)
    10. D. Clark, 3:12.6 (+0.4)

    Overall After SS6

    1. B. Semenuk, 29:53.9
    2. J. Seehorn, 31:56.8 (+2:02.9)
    3. S. Albert, 32:26.4 (+2:32.5)
    4. G. Plsek, 33:03.4 (+3:09.5)
    5. J. Olivares, 33:14.5 (+3:20.6)
    6. A. Miller, 33:19.2 (+3:25.3)
    7. J. Despain, 34:04.1 (+4:10.2)
    8. L. Block, 34:09.0 (+4:15.1)
    9. M. Dickinson, 34:09.3 (+4:15.4)
    10. N. Allen, 34:15.4 (+4:21.5)

    Photography Credit

    © Trevor Lyden, Subaru.com/motorsports, 2023

  • Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Leads After SS4

    Oregon Trail Rally Semenuk Leads After SS4

    The first four stages of the Oregon Trail Rally have come to an end. Brandon Semenuk continued his dominance, taking all 4 stage wins to take a minute and 34.8 second lead over Jeff Seehorn.

    SSS1, Founders Olmstead Moore Nagle SSS

    The first stage of the Oregon Trail Rally would be a 5.97km SuperSpecial stage at the Portland International Raceway. Brandon Semenuk would take the win on SSS1. Setting a time 13.8 seconds faster than Sam Albert and his Ferrari powered 2004 Subaru WRX STi. Regional driver Andy Miller would set the third fastest time on the stage, setting a time 2.9 seconds slower than Albert. Jeff Seehorn would finish with the fourth fastest time on the stage, setting a time 2.8 seconds slower than Miller. Jason Bailey would round out the top five on the stage, setting a time 0.6 seconds slower than Seehorn. 

    SSS2, Founders Olmstead Moore Nagle SSS

    The second stage of the Oregon Trail Rally would be the same 5.97km SuperSpecial stage at Portland International Raceway. Brandon Semenuk would once again take the stage win. This time setting a time 14.6 seconds faster than Sam Albert. Jeff Seehorn would set the third-fastest time on the stage this timearound. Finishing the stage with a time 1.6 seconds slower than Albert. Andy Miller would set the fourth fastest time, finishing the stage 2.7 seconds slower than Seehorn. George Plsek would round out the top five on SSS2, finishing with a time 2.1 seconds slower than Miller. 

    SS3, Dalles Mountain Up

    The first stage of the second day of the Oregon Trail Rally would see Brandon Semenuk on top yet again. Semenuk set a time 36.4 seconds faster than Jeff Seehorn who placed second on the stage. Javier Olivares would set the third fastest time on the stage, that time would be 19.5 seconds slower than Seehorn’s time however. Sam Albert would set the fourth fastest time on the stage. 0.8 seconds slower than Olivares time. Georgie Plsek would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 2.1 seconds slower than Albert. 

    SS4, The Great Horseshoe

    The fourth stage of the Oregon Trail Rally would see Brandon Semenuk take yet another stage win. This time Semenuk set a time 24.4 seconds faster than Jeff Seehorn who would place second on the stage. Javier Olivares set the third-fastest time on the stage, finishing 16.1 seconds slower than Seehorn. George Plsek would set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Olivares time. Sam Albert would round out the top five on the stage, finishing with a time 4.8 seconds slower than Plsek. 

    Stage Times

    SSS1 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 3:37.0 
    2. S. Albert, 3:50.8 (+13.8)
    3. A. Miller, 3:53.7 (+16.7)
    4. J. Seehorn, 3:54.8 (+17.8)
    5. J. Bailey, 3:55.4 (+18.4)
    6. G. Plsek, 3:58.0 (+21.0)
    7. E. Bardha, 4:00.3 (+23.3)
    8. J. Olivares, 4:02.3 (+25.3)
    9. L. Block, 4:03.1 (+26.1)
    10. J. Despain, 4:03.2 (+26.2)

    SSS2 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 3:32.3 
    2. S. Albert, 3:46.9 (+14.6)
    3. J. Seehorn, 3:48.5 (+16.2)
    4. A. Miller, 3:51.2 (+18.9)
    5. G. Plsek, 3:53.3 (+21.0)
    6. J. Bailey, 3:54.4 (+22.1)
    7. J. Despain, 3:59.4 (+27.1)
    8. M. Dickinson, 3:59.9 (+27.6)
    9. J. Olivares, 4:02.3 (+30.0)
    10. L. Block, 4:02.5 (+30.2)
    11. L. Block, 4:02.5 (+30.2)

    Overall After SSS2

    1. B. Semenuk, 7:09.3 
    2. S. Albert, 7:37.7 (+28.4)
    3. J. Seehorn, 7:43.3 (+34.0)
    4. A. Miller, 7:44.9 (+35.6)
    5. J. Bailey, 7:49.8 (+40.5)
    6. G. Plsek, 7:51.3 (+42.0)
    7. J. Despain, 8:02.6 (+53.3)
    8. J. Olivares, 8:04.6 (+55.3)
    9. L. Block, 8:05.6 (+56.3)
    10. M. Dickinson, 8:11.9 (+1:02.6)

    SS3 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 8:32.3 
    2. J. Seehorn, 9:08.7 (+36.4)
    3. J. Olivares, 9:28.2 (+19.5)
    4. S. Albert, 9:29.0 (+0.8)
    5. G. Plsek, 9:31.1 (+2.1)
    6. A. Miller, 9:33.8 (+2.7)
    7. N. Allen, 9:41.1 (+7.3)
    8. M. Dickinson, 9:44.7 (+3.6)
    9. L. Block, 9:45.3 (+0.6)
    10. D. Clark, 9:46.6 (+1.3)

    Overall After SS3

    1. B. Semenuk, 15:41.6  
    2. J. Seehorn, 16:52.0 (+1:10.4)
    3. S. Albert, 17:06.7 (+1:25.1)
    4. A. Miller, 17:18.7 (+1:37.1)
    5. G. Plsek, 17:22.4 (+1:40.8)
    6. J. Olivares, 17:32.8 (+1:51.2)
    7. L. Block, 17:50.9 (+2:09.3)
    8. M. Dickinson, 17:56.6 (+2:15.0)
    9. J. Despain, 17:59.9 (+2:18.3)
    10. N. Allen, 18:00.1 (+2:18.5)

    SS4 Times

    1. B. Semenuk, 6:48.1
    2. J. Seehorn, 7:12.5 (+24.4)
    3. J. Olivares, 7:28.6 (+16.1)
    4. G. Plsek, 7:28.7 (+0.1)
    5. S. Albert, 7:33.5 (+4.8)
    6. A. Miller, 3:37.8 (+4.3)
    7. J. Despain, 7:39.0 (+1.2)
    8. M. Dickinson, 7:44.6 (+5.6)
    9. S. Redd, 7:44.9 (+0.3)
    10. N. Allen, 7:45.6 (+0.7)

    Overall After SS4

    1. B. Semenuk, 22:29.7
    2. J. Seehorn, 24:04.2 (+1:34.8)
    3. S. Albert, 24:40.2 (+2:10.5)
    4. G. Plsek, 24:51.1 (+2:21.4)
    5. A. Miller, 24:56.5 (+2:26.8)
    6. J. Olivares, 25:01.4 (+2:31.7)
    7. J. Despain, 25:38.9 (+3:09.2)
    8. M. Dickinson, 25:41.2 (+3:11.5)
    9. N. Allen, 25:45.7 (+3:16.0)
    10. L. Block, 25:46.2 (+3:16.5)

    Photography Credit

    © Trevor Lyden, Subaru.com/motorsports, 2023

  • Byron shines at Darlington; Chastain and Truex instigate wild pile-ups

    Byron shines at Darlington; Chastain and Truex instigate wild pile-ups

    William Byron won Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway by avoiding two huge pile-ups and keeping his car inside the top 10 all race long, to secure his seventh career win and third win of the season while lots of drivers’ good days, including teammate Kyle Larson, were ruined by being caught up in multi-car pile-ups caused by Ross Chastain and Martin Truex Jr. 

    • Another Blow to Larson’s Quest for Darlington Cup Win
    • Chastain Overdrives into Truex
    • Truex wrecks Logano
    • Bubba Wallace Comeback
    • Rest of Race Recap
    • Full Race Results
    • Points Standings

    Byron snuck past the carnage caused by Truex Jr. and Joey Logano wrecking in turn one on a late race restart that created a pile-up behind them, moving Byron up into third place, where he had spent much of the race until a slow pit stop with less than 40 laps to go saw him fall back to ninth.

    DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – MAY 14: William Byron, driver of the #24 Axalta Throwback Chevrolet, pits during the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 14, 2023 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

    He found himself taking the lead via another pile-up on the very next restart with six laps to go as Chastain and Larson wrecked in turn one much like Truex Jr. and Logano had.

    Byron easily fought off Harvick in the two-lap overtime shootout as Harvick’s car had suffered front-end damage from the first pile-up, to take the chequered flag in what was a moment of redemption for Byron as he had lost last year’s Spring Darlington race to Joey Logano via a bump and run in turns three and four on the final lap.

    DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – MAY 14: William Byron, driver of the #24 Axalta Throwback Chevrolet, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 14, 2023 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

    Byron said: “My grandad passed away on Thursday, and just, man, I wish my family could be here. Just things have a way of working out, honestly. It just worked out that way today. We didn’t have the best third stage. We just kept battling, and things just kind of come back around.”

    As part of NASCAR’s Throwback Weekend at Darlington’s Raceway on its 75th anniversary, William Byron’s No. 24 team was running a throwback paint scheme to four-time Cup champion and Hendrick Motorsports Vice Chairman, Jeff Gordon’s shiny 1998 All-Star Race DuPont (now AXALTA) Chromalusion/NASCAR 50th anniversary car.

    Byron’s redemption Darlington victory appropriately secures the No. 24 car it’s 100th win in NASCAR, with Jeff Gordon having scored 93 of them.

    Another Blow to Larson’s Quest for Darlington Cup Win

    Kyle Larson fell short of a Darlington Cup Series win once again, after marching through the field and appearing to have the best car, only to be taken out by Ross Chastain who while also having one of the strongest cars in the race, failed to stop himself from causing multiple pileups from asking too much out of his race car.

    Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, rides closely to the wall at Darlington Raceway (Photo by Alejandro Alvarez/NASCAR Studios)

    Larson, Saturday’s Darlington Xfinity race winner, became buried back in traffic after having a slow pit on lap 39 in stage one but went from 29th to 12th by the end of the stage.

    Larson impressively cut through the field all the way up to third by the end of stage two and was a threat for the win as he jumped race leader Ross Chastain during the final green flag pit stop on lap 246, and led over 20 laps until a caution for returning Cup Series veteran Ryan Newman saw the field be restacked with Larson and Chastain lined up together for the lap 281 restart.

    As Truex and Logano wrecked behind them, Larson lost the lead as Chastain had inched ahead on the inside from the last scoring loop the two had past prior to the caution.

    The next restart saw the pair race tightly side-by-side into turn one before Chastain sailed up into Larson and spun off Larson’s nose causing a pile-up behind with Larson pushing Chastain sideways out of turn two, dashing both their hopes for a Darlington win with Larson and Chastain ending up 20th and 29th.

    Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet post-race said regarding Chastain’s aggressive driving: “It’s hard to win a championship when you got a lot of paybacks out there. Dale Earnhardt Sr. said ‘he got all the talent. He just doesn’t know how to race. [Chastain] is making a lot of enemies out there.”

    Chastain said: “I got really tight and drove up and turned myself. I wanted to squeeze him. I wanted to push him up. We’d been racing back and forth all day. But I definitely didn’t want to turn myself.”

    Larson did make contact with Chastain prior to the incident as they battled over the race lead as Truex Jr. and Logano wrecked behind them on the previous restart.

    It’s yet another one that got away for Larson’s Darlington Raceway quest for a Cup Series win at The Lady In Black after previously amassing three runner up finishes, in 2019 and in both 2021 races as well as finishing third in the 2016 and 2018 Darlington races. 

    It’s the third time this season that Chastain has had a coming together with Larson that cost them the chance at a win, previously at Dover and Talladega.

    Chastain Overdrives into Truex

    Chastain had ran inside the top-five for much of the race and led over 100 laps before crashing into Larson. After finishing fourth in stage one, Chastain drove like he had been shot out of a cannon following the green flag pit stop halfway through stage two that saw him fly by Byron for second on lap 147 and race leader Truex Jr. four laps later as was able to hold off a late charging Truex for the final 11 laps to win stage two but not without controversy.

    In turn three on the final lap Chastain broke hard behind a lapped car and bounced off the wall and into Truex who was sent spinning down the track and would finish 10th while Chastain would win stage two.

    Truex’s car remained tight for the remainder of the race, with Truex putting it down to a bent toe link in the right front as a result of the contact.

    Martin Truex Jr. spins out following contact with Ross Chastain at Darlington Raceway (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

    All this comes just days after Chastain’s fighting incident with Legacy Motor Club driver Noah Gragson following the Kansas Cup race where he decided to land the first punch on pit road post-race after Gragson was displaying his displeasure towards him for running him into the turn four wall during the race.

     

    Truex Wrecks Logano

    Martin Truex Jr. started on the inside of Logano on row two for the lap 281 restart but got tight underneath him in turn one and ran Logano into the wall, and spun off of Logano’s Ford Mustang causing an eight-car pile-up and all but ended what had a been a strong day for the polesitter having led 145 laps.

    Truex said: “Like I said, knocked the toe out in the right front. Pretty crappy from there, and then on that restart, I guess I just got real tight and I don’t even know who I squeezed into the wall, but I apologize to them. Probably my fault, just got real tight and couldn’t stay down the track.”

    Logano and Truex Jr. would finish 18th and 31st respectively. Logano was running a distinctive 1973 Mark Donohue throwback scheme for the race that had got Team Penske their first NASCAR Cup Series win at Riverside.

     

    Bubba Wallace Comeback

    Bubba Wallace came back to a fifth place finish after plummeting to 18th from third during the stage one break following a slow pit stop due to a lug nut issue.

    Wallace had qualified second and dominated stage one with Truex until Byron passed Wallace for second with 10 laps to go in stage one.

    Bubba Wallace races in his No. 23 Dr Pepper Toyota (Photo by Brittney Wilbur/NASCAR Studios)

    Wallace found himself stuck during stage two unable to move forward much as only managed 15th at the end of stage two.

    Avoiding being caught up in the late race drama saw Wallace earn valuable points with the fifth place finish.

    Rest of Race Recap

    The drivers to give command for Sunday’s race were none other than the drivers from NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list, all of which had been selected and revealed throughout the year up until the throwback weekend with drivers who could attend it in person such as Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jr., and Kevin Harvick giving the command to start engines.

    NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France poses with members of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 14, 2023 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

    Truex Jr. following the last lap spin in stage one, led the first half of stage two keeping ahead of Byron, despite Byron pitting lap earlier for fresh tyres, bringing the gap down from over four seconds to 1.4.

    Lap 194 saw Erik Jones crash into the pack off turn two on a restart due a loose wheel coming away from under him, causing a nine-car crash that took Austin Dillon, and Daniel Suarez out of the race.

    Jones, who was running a 1968 Richard Petty Daytona 500 throwback scheme, had worked his way up inside the top 15 from a 28th starting position.

    Todd Gilliland, driver of the No. 38 Serial1.com E-Bikes Ford, Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 Allegiant Chevrolet, and Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 LLumar Throwback Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

    A few laps into the final stage saw Ricky Stenhouse Jr. who had ran as high as sixth throughout stage one, spin out in turn three bringing out another caution.

    With 78 laps to go on the next restart, Chastain and Kyle Busch, who had been inside the top ten all race, led the field back to green but Busch slid up into the turn two wall dropping down to fourth.

    There was a three car battle in Chastain, Byron and Larson inside of 50 laps to go that saw Larson come out on top following the final green flag pit stop.

    Three time Darlington Southern 500 winner Denny Hamlin stayed out for several laps during the final green flag pit cycle in a hope for a caution that would drag the field down pit road with him but did not come in time before Larson took the lead back from Hamlin on fresher tyres.

    Christopher Bell was running second to Larson inside of 20 to go but a loose wheel from the pit stop forced him back down pit road under caution following Newman’s spin, which saw him start from the rear.

    Due in part to the two late race pile-ups, the final top 10 was somewhat new compared to the rest of the race with Chase Elliott finishing third after a steady march through the field, Harrison Burton sixth, Justin Haley eighth, and Chris Buescher tenth.

    The next race for the NASCAR Cup Series sees them return to the legendary and freshly renovated North Wilkesboro Speedway in Wilkes County, North Carolina this Sunday for this season’s All-Star Race with the All-Star Open last chance qualifying starting 5:30pm ET and the All-Star Race starting at 8pm ET.

    Full Race Results 

    1. William Byron
    2. Kevin Harvick
    3. Chase Elliott
    4. Brad Keselowski
    5. Bubba Wallace
    6. Harrison Burton
    7. Kyle Busch
    8. Justin Haley
    9. Ryan Blaney
    10. Chris Buescher
    11. Todd Gilliland
    12. Denny Hamlin
    13. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
    14. Christopher Bell
    15. Ryan Preece
    16. Ty Gibbs
    17. Chase Briscoe
    18. Joey Logano
    19. Austin Cindric
    20. Kyle Larson
    21. Aric Almirola
    22. Tyler Reddick
    23. AJ Allmendinger
    24. Corey LaJoie
    25. Erik Jones
    26. Noah Gragson
    27. Ty Dillon
    28. Ryan Newman
    29. Ross Chastain
    30. Josh Berry
    31. Martin Truex Jr.
    32. BJ McLeod
    33. Michael McDowell
    34. Daniel Suarez
    35. Austin Dillon
    36. Brennan Poole

    Stage 1 Top 10

    1. Martin Truex Jr.
    2. William Byron
    3. Bubba Wallace
    4. Ross Chastain
    5. Kyle Busch
    6. Brad Keselowski
    7. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
    8. Kevin Harvick
    9. Tyler Reddick
    10. Christopher Bell

    Stage 2 Top 10

    1. Ross Chastain
    2. Kyle Busch
    3. Kyle Larson
    4. William Byron
    5. Brad Keselowski
    6. Christopher Bell
    7. Kevin Harvick
    8. Ryan Blaney
    9. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
    10. Martin Truex Jr.

    Points Standings

    1. Ross Chastain – 429
    2. Christopher Bell – 402
    3. Kevin Harvick – 400
    4. Denny Hamlin – 393
    5. William Byron – 387
    6. Martin Truex Jr. – 385
    7. Ryan Blaney – 381
    8. Tyler Reddick – 371
    9. Brad Keselowski – 365
    10. Kyle Larson – 363
    11. Kyle Busch – 353
    12. Joey Logano – 334
    13. Chris Buescher – 329
    14. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 325
    15. Bubba Wallace – 293
    16. Chase Briscoe – 275
    17. Daniel Suarez – 262
    18. Ty Gibbs – 260
    19. Austin Cindric – 248
    20. Michael McDowell – 241
    21. Todd Gilliland – 240
    22. Corey LaJoie – 238
    23. Justin Haley – 225
    24. Erik Jones – 221
    25. Aric Almirola – 221
    26. AJ Allmendinger – 214
    27. Chase Elliott – 212
    28. Ryan Preece – 201
    29. Harrison Burton – 176
    30. Austin Dillon – 166
    31. Noah Gragson – 138
    32. Ty Dillon – 110
    33. BJ McLeod – 70

    Featured Image: DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – MAY 14: William Byron, driver of the #24 Axalta Throwback Chevrolet, reacts after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 14, 2023 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

  • Arbolino Masterclass Following Red Flag: Moto2 French GP Race

    Arbolino Masterclass Following Red Flag: Moto2 French GP Race

    Tony Arbolino wins the red-flagged Moto2 French Grand Prix ahead of Filip Salac, who took his first podium in the dry, and Alonso Lopez following a three-rider crash on lap two.

    After starting on pole, Sam Lowes had a good start, but Lopez was able to get past at turn two to take the lead of the race. Further down the field, Jake Dixon and Aron Canet brushed against each other but were both able to continue. Fermin Aldeguer was the big gainer during the first lap moving up from 11th place to fifth at the midway point of the lap.

    Coming over the start-finish line for the first time, Arbolino overtook Lopez to lead the field. At turn two, Lowes caused a yellow flag after crashing when his front tyre locked. At the exit of turn five, Albert Arenas, Manuel Gonzalez and Canet were involved in a crash which initially resulted in a yellow flag followed by a red flag on lap 3.

    Following the red flag, information was shared that all riders were conscious, and Canet was taken to the medical centre for further checks.

    As three laps had not been completed, a shortened 14-lap race with original grid positions and a quick-start procedure was selected as the restart method. All riders were eligible for the restart.

    All riders who were able to start the race made it out of the pitlane in time to start from their grid positions except for Lowes who was 5 seconds too late and therefore started the warmup lap from the pitlane and the race from the back of the grid.

    From the restart, Arbolino got the best start and was able to take the race lead into the Dunlop Chicane. Pedro Acosta had a better restart the second time around moving up to fifth. Aldegueur was unable to make up as many places on the first lap, ending up in sixth place as he crossed the start-finish line.

    Lopez and Acosta spent two laps fighting for second place which allowed Arbolino to break away from the rest of the field and Salac to catch them up. By lap four, Salac was able to get past Lopez, but Arbolino pulled out a 0.7-second lead over Acosta.

    At turn 7 on lap 5, Acosta crashed out of second place promoting Salac to second place. Also on lap 5, Rory Skinner crashed out at turn 6.

    Arbolino continued to extend the gap to 1.8s until he made a mistake on lap 6 allowing Salac to reduce the time between them to 0.7s.

    Dixon was able to pass Aldeguer on lap 7, just before the Spanish rider received communication that he had received a long-lap penalty for taking a shortcut between turns 9 and 10. As Aldeguer completed his long-lap penalty, Sergio Garcia and Ai Ogura were able to pass him.

    By lap 10, the gap between Arbolino and Salac had been at 0.5s at its lowest, and Salac kept setting laps faster than the Italian rider but was unable to do so before the chequered flag waved after fourteen laps. Lopez was able to cross the line in third place. Celestino Vietti finished just behind Lopez.

    Dixon and Somkiat Chantra battled for fifth place until Dixon was able to pass the Thai rider at Garage Vert. Dixon and Chantra finished the race in fifth and sixth place, respectively. Barry Baltus was close behind the pair, crossing the line in seventh.

    A few laps after his long-lap penalty, Aldeguer overtook the two riders who passed him earlier and finished 9 seconds behind the race winner.

    After the crash during the first start, Lowes was able to salvage one point by finishing in 15th place.

    FRENCH MOTO2 GRAND PRIX, LE MANS – RACE RESULTS
    POS RIDER NAT TEAM BIKE TIME
    1 Tony Arbolino ITA Elf Marc VDS Racing Team (Kalex) 22m 34.233s
    2 Filip Salac CZE QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2 (Kalex) 22m 34.853s
    3 Alonso Lopez SPA Lightech SpeedUp (Boscoscuro) 22m 35.770s
    4 Celestino Vietti ITA Fantic Racing (Kalex) 22m 36.426s
    5 Jake Dixon GBR Inde GASGAS Aspar M2 (Kalex) 22m 37.274s
    6 Somkiat Chantra THA IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia (Kalex) 22m 38.408s
    7 Barry Baltus BEL Fieten Olie Racing GP (Kalex) 22m 43.086s
    8 Fermín Aldeguer SPA Lightech SpeedUp (Boscoscuro) 22m 43.670s
    9 Ai Ogura JPN IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia (Kalex) 22m 44.929s
    10 Sergio Garcia SPA Pons Wegow Los40 (Kalex) 22m 45.050s
    11 Lukas Tulovic GER Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact (Kalex) 22m 45.821s
    12 Joe Roberts USA Italtrans Racing Team (Kalex) 22m 46.361s
    13 Jeremy Alcoba SPA QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2 (Kalex) 22m 46.570s
    14 Dennis Foggia ITA Italtrans Racing Team (Kalex) 22m 47.294s
    15 Sam Lowes GBR Elf Marc VDS Racing Team (Kalex) 22m 47.928s
    16 Sean Dylan Kelly USA American Racing (Kalex) 22m 48.866s
    17 Marcos Ramirez SPA Forward Team (Forward) 22m 52.477s
    18 Bo Bendsneyder NED Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team (Kalex) 22m 54.113s
    19 Senna Agius AUS Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact (Kalex) 22m 56.848s
    20 Zonta Vd Goorbergh NED Fieten Olie Racing GP (Kalex) 22m 56.917s
    21 Lorenzo Dalla Porta ITA Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team (Kalex) 22m 59.498s
    22 Izan Guevara SPA Inde GASGAS Aspar M2 (Kalex) 22m 59.580s
    23 Borja Gomez SPA Fantic Racing (Kalex) 23m 4.441s
      Alex Escrig SPA Forward Team (Forward) DNF
      Pedro Acosta SPA Red Bull KTM Ajo (Kalex) DNF
      Rory Skinner GBR American Racing (Kalex) DNF
      Manuel Gonzalez SPA Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 (Kalex) DNS
      Albert Arenas SPA Red Bull KTM Ajo (Kalex) DNS
      Aron Canet SPA Pons Wegow Los40 (Kalex) DNS

    Feature Image Credit: MotoGP