What you need to know …
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… about the Las Vegas test session
- Thursday was the first of a two-day test session at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the new 2019 Cup Series rules package
- 14 different cars from 14 different race teams were on hand to test the new package
- Part of the test session included a 25-lap coordinated drafting practice with all 14 cars on track
- There were mixed results, as some drivers were able to pass for position but still had difficulties passing cars in clean air (mainly, the leader)
- The new 2019 package is designed to reduce horsepower, tighten up the field, and create more passing
- There will be two more drafting sessions on Friday
For more information: The specifics of the new rule package … Observations about the drafting session from a NASCAR VP … What it feels like behind the wheel from one of the drivers in the session
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…about Ross Chastain’s XFINITY Series plans
- Ross Chastain will compete for the 2019 XFINITY Series championship this season while driving for two teams
- Chastain will drive the No. 10 car in three races for Kaulig Racing and the rest in JD Motorsports’ No. 4 car
- Chastain will race for Kaulig at Daytona International Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, and Texas Motor Speedway
- Blake Koch was going to be the driver of JDM’s No. 4 car but decided to maintain focus on growing his business, Filter Time
- Chastain was supposed to compete full-time this season driving the No. 42 for Chip Ganassi Racing
- Chip Ganssi Racing shut down its XFINITY Series operation earlier this month after the FBI raided the headquarters of their primary sponsor
- Nutrien Ag Solutions is providing sponsorship for Chastain’s three races for Kaulig
- A majority of Chastain’s XFINITY Series starts have been with JD Motorsports
For more information: The official release from Kaulig Racing … Information about the closure of Chip Ganassi Racing’s XFINITY Series program … The full story from our own Caleb Whisler
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…about the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
- The 2019 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony is taking place Friday, February 1st at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina
- NBCSN will broadcast the event beginning at 8:00PM ET with hosts Krista Voda and Rutledge Wood
- The 2019 inductees will be Jeff Gordon, Davey Allison, Alan Kulwicki, Jack Roush and Roger Penske
- Jim Hunter will be awarded the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR
- Steve Waid will receive the Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Excellence
For more information: NBCSN’s full release … A story about “back in the day” with Alan Kulwicki … A reminder of Jeff Gordon’s remarkable journey to the Hall of Fame
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… about Niece Motorsports’ newest driver
- NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series veteran Timothy Peters will compete in the first three races of the season for Niece Motorsports
- Peters will be driving the No. 44 Chevrolet with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation colors, a charity that focuses on improving the lives of pediatric cancer patients
- The first three races of the season are at Daytona International Speedway (Feb. 15th), Atlanta Motor Speedway (Feb. 23rd), and Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 1st)
For more information: Timothy Peters’ career statistics … The official release from Niece Motorsports, including the paint scheme … Video of Peters’ last win at Talladega in October
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… about the start times for the XFINITY & Truck Series
- On Thursday, NASCAR released the start times for the NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series
- The first 14 races of the XFINITY Series races will be broadcast on FS1 – the remaining races will appear on NBC or NBCSN
- Fox Sports has the entire Truck Series season, with two races (Martinsville and Pocono) appearing on FOX and the rest airing on FS1
- MRN & PRN share the XFINITY Series schedule while MRN only airs the Truck Series
For more information: The XFINITY Series start times … The Truck Series start times … The full story from our own Jerry Jordan
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