My next interview, I had the chance to speak with 21 year old NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Matt DiBenedetto. Matt currently drives the No. 47 The Motorsports Group Chevrolet. He first appeared in the racing scene in 2009 when he raced the No. 20 Pizza Ranch Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing at Memphis Motorsports Park. Here is my interview with him.
Hamlin led 202 of 400 laps at Richmond, but the No. 11 Fed Ex team’s decision to stay on the track after a late rain delay proved costly. His shot at the win gone, Hamlin came home 18th, one lap down.
Two weeks ago in Bristol Elliott Sadler, after disappointingly finishing fifth following bump-and-run from Ricky Stenhouse Jr., declared that the fight for the Nationwide Series championship was on. From his point of view, the two would race each other differently, no holds barred as the season started to wind down.
This wise man noticed that in 13 of 15 attempts, Mr. Busch had finished not worse than sixth. That would leave no room, one would think, for Jeff Gordon to make up a 12 point deficit. It seemed like a pretty good bet. Thank God that wise man didn't wager on the outcome.
The 2012 Chase for the Sprint Cup field is set. It needed all 400 laps in Richmond, along with some rain and a platter of pit strategy, but the field is set and the playoffs can begin.
All attention was on Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon, the two drivers who would finish 12th (yes, I said 12th) in the standings that lead to NASCAR’s playoff, The Chase. It was an amazing turn of events and Gordon deserves most of the credit, but there were 41 other drivers out there and one (Bowyer) was making a statement for Michael Waltrip Racing that was just as amazing.
The four-time champion is gearing up for another run at the championship. His fight for the championship this year will be very difficult. Gordon made the Chase as a wild card. Wild card drivers don’t get to use their victories as bonus points coming into the Chase.
Jeff Gordon drove the No. 24 Drive To End Hunger Chevrolet to a second place finish on Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway and placed himself into the chase for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship.
Following weeks of build up and anticipation, the NASCAR Spring Cup Series arrived at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night for the final race before the Chase for the Championship. Ten drivers arrived already locked-in to the Chase, including Tony Stewart who was assured of either a finish in the top ten or a wild card spot.
Tony Stewart is headed to zMAX Dragway for a race he’s enjoyed immensely in his brief NHRA career, as the racing legend looks to pick up another four-wide win at this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.
A new face will be behind the wheel of the No. 62 Gracie Foundation Chevrolet for Beard Motorsports for Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.
NASCAR’s Cup and O’Reilly Series head to the heart of Alabama and Talladega Superspeedway for the first of two visits in 2026. The two series will be joined by the ARCA Menards Series for a weekend packed of high-stakes, superspeedway racing.
