NASCAR Cup Series

Hendrick Motorsports and Kaulig Racing were sanctioned L2-level penalties for unapproved modifications pertaining to the hood louvers from their respective vehicles.

Let's break down the news, significance and un-answered questions from NASCAR's penalty drop on Hendrick Motorsports.

The 2021 Cup Series champion from Elk Grove, California, is set to achieve a milestone start in his ninth full-time season as a competitor in NASCAR's premier series.

William Byron was strong early in the United Rentals Work United 400, winning Stage 1. After falling back from the front late, Byron used a fast two-tire pit stop, and two timely cautions, to win his second consecutive race.

"That’s the way it goes." Kevin Harvick was 10 laps from victory at Phoenix Raceway, when a caution ruined his chance.

The 25-year-old Byron from Charlotte, North Carolina, led 64 of 317 over-scheduled laps and prevailed in two late-race restarts, including one in overtime, to fend off teammate Kyle Larson and nab second consecutive Cup victory in the desert valley.

Kyle Larson was fasted in NASCAR Cup Series qualifying and claimed the Busch Light Pole Award for Sunday’s United Rentals Work United 500. He led the session in his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet with a 130.237 mph lap, earning his second career pole at Phoenix Raceway and his 15th career pole.

The NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series head to Phoenix Raceway this weekend while the Camping World Truck Series is off until March 18 at Atlanta Speedway. The ARCA Menards Series will kickstart the racing action with the General Tire 150 at 8 p.m. Friday night.

It's fascinating how small little details shape one's trajectory. Here's how a misplaced headset, a cup of Sheetz coffee, a white jeep and a state trooper prevented a collision with a deer or guardrail.

William Byron won Stages 1 and 2 on his way to the win at Las Vegas. A quick final pit stop put him ahead and with two fresh tires, he passed Martin Truex, Jr. for the lead with two laps to go.