Ron Thornton

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A former radio and television broadcaster, newspaper columnist, Little League baseball coach, Ron Thornton has been following NASCAR on this site since 2004. While his focus may have changed over recent years, he continues to make periodic appearances only when he has something to say. That makes him a rather unique journalist.

Being a Cup start-and-park is more lucrative than being a Nationwide competitor

One might think I would be down right disappointed in Joe Nemechek. Front Row Joe once was a racer, but has since become a start-and-park owner, a man who was at the line for 36 races this past season.

Sorry about that breast thing, Kasey

Now that the Christmas season, and all the family functions and edible delights, are behind us, I thought it time to begin the process of trimming down. As you might have guessed, I am beginning with my fingers as they dance upon the keyboard. Yah, feel the burn.!

The Final Word – Wonderful finish for Tony but what about Mr. Grubb?

The two contenders running just over a second apart, first and second, with the winner of the race the winner of the season. Would an engine blow, a tire go down, a split second lack of focus bounce one off the wall?

The Final Word – Homestead, where NASCAR meets American Gladiators to decide a new champion

Welcome to Homestead, Florida, and the championship edition of NASCAR's American Gladiators. With a slim three point advantage going into the final round we have from Columbia, Missouri 32-year old Carl Edwards.

The Final Word – And then there were two…or is it three for Texas?

As the boys moved on from Martinsville en route to Texas, the Chase has come down to essentially a two man race. Carl Edwards went to Virginia hoping to avoid disaster, which would have been to maintain his average of 16th place finishes there.

Hot 20 over the past 10 – Edwards still has a bump in the road ahead, and its name is Martinsville

Up next is Martinsville, a track Cousin Carl has never won at, one that could see him falter. It might not be enough to save Jimmie Johnson's hopes of maintaining his lock on the title, but it could open a door for Keselowski, Matt Kenseth, or Tony Stewart.

The Final Word – Winning Talladega is fine, but I guess just not wrecking has its own rewards

After the weekend's action in Talladega, Alabama, one Carl Edwards might fit in just nicely. After riding around at the back of the pack most of the day, Cousin Carl settled for just outside the Top Ten, and that suited him just fine.

Hot 20 over the past 10 – Forget Top Tens, as it is now Top Fives that will win the crown

Average 350 points, you are driving like a champion. Average 300 points, and you look like a contender.

The Final Word – The Chase is now down to three, unless…

This Chase is becoming more and more like one of those reality series. A week goes by and somebody's nice chef coat gets skewered and their photo bursts into the flames.

Hot 20 over the past 10 – Life is good when you average nearly 40 points per race

Brad Keselowski has been nothing short of amazing over the past ten events, winning a pair and adding an additional five Top Fives to his resume.

Also Read Our Newest Posts

Sheldon Creed scores second O’Reilly career victory in Chase opener at Darlington

The 2020 Truck Series champion from Alpine, California, led the final 53 of 147 laps after he inherited the lead following a pit stop prior to the final stage period and withstood two restarts under the final 50 laps to win the first Chase event of the 2026 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season.

Alpha Prime Racing fielding Fords for 2027 O’Reilly season

Alpha Prime Racing will utilize Ford equipment for select events in the closing stretches of the 2026 season and utilize Roush Yates Engines prior to a full manufacturer change to Ford in 2027.

McLaughlin Delivers Milestone Pole to Chevy at Laguna Seca

Scott McLaughlin delivered Chevrolet its 250th INDYCAR SERIES pole position, taking the top spot for the season-ending Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey with a lap of 1 minute, 9.1363 seconds in the No. 3 DEX Team Penske Chevrolet.

TOYOTA RACING – NCS Darlington Quotes – Tyler Reddick – 09.05.26

23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick was made available to the media on Saturday after being awarded the pole by the metric due to inclement weather for the NASCAR Cup Series race from Darlington Raceway.

Tyler Reddick awarded Cup pole for 2026 Southern 500

The 2026 Daytona 500 champion from Corning, California, was awarded the first pole position of the 2026 Chase for the Cup Series based on a qualifying metric formula due to inclement weather and lightning canceling the event's practice and qualifying sessions.

CHEVROLET NCS AT DARLINGTON 2: Connor Zilisch Media Availability Quotes

Connor Zilisch, driver of the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at Darlington Raceway.
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