Tag: whattowatchfor

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: CHARLOTTE ROVAL

The TCSP Cup Series comes to you live from the Charlotte Roval. Green Flag flies at 8:15pm est.
WATCH HERE

HOT DRIVERS

  • Zack Saunders-BBR-CHEVY- After Zacks win at Talladega, He has clinched the number 1 spot in the season standings. With 4 top five finishes, including 2 wins in his last 5 races, it seems like Zach won’t be slowing down any time soon.
  • Nic Vasquez-FMS-FORD- Nic has put his points penalty behind him in these first 2 rounds. With only 1 finish outside of the top 10 all playoffs long(11th), Nic seems to be eyeing down phoenix as a real possibility.
  • Vince Mitchell-Uber MS-FORD- Miracles do happen. Vince has had a rough go at the playoffs but squeaked into the round of 12. Now with an amazing showing at Talladega, Vince sits somewhat comfortably in +4 points to the cut line going into the Roval, with a chance to move on further than most thought was possible.

NOT DRIVERS

  • Cory Mott-Palmetto MS-CHEVY- Cory has had a great run and many may say he’s pretty hot. Unfortunately, a wreck ending his night early at Talladega has put our regular season champion under the cut line. Sources from the team have told us the number 1 team has been putting in alot of extra practice going into tonight race to minimize any potential mistakes. Now we all wait and see if this is the end of a great season or the turnaround for Cory’s championship hopes.
  • Steven Carlile-Ethix MS-CHEVY- The 7-team seemed like a for sure pick to be in the championship 4 at phoenix in a few weeks’ time barring no mistakes. Unfortunately, those mistakes did happen. With electrical issues plaguing him at Talladega and a 18th place finish in the Kansas race, Steven finds himself 18 under the cut line and looking for a miracle tonight. Luckily for him if anyone can pull that off, he is the one who can do it.

DRIVER NEWS

  • Zack Saunders has locked himself into the next round with a photo finish win at Talladega.
  • Joe Wright tied his best finish of the season with a 2nd place finish at Talladega.
  • Regular season champion Cory Mott sits below the cut line going into tonight’s cut off race.
  • The Bank of America ROVAL was first run in 2018 with Ryan Blaney winning the inaugural race.

PLAYOFF PICTURE

FAN PICK OF THE WEEK

Zack Saunders-BBR-FORD
When you think about road courses in the TCSP Cup Series, the first name that always comes to mind is Saunders. If you don’t have him winning, then you are delusional. Zack has won 2 out of the 4 road courses we have ran this season, with only 1 race finishing outside of the top 5(Street Course 15th). Sitting currently at +450 for a win, he has this all but sealed up before the green flag has even flown. Some other picks that seem promising are, Cody Leach +560 for a top 10, and Steven Carlile at +1200 for a win. We can make this short and sweet for future reference. If the TCSP Cup Series has a road course coming up on the schedule, Saunders will dominate.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: TALLADEGA

The TCSP Cup Series are live tonight from Talladega Superspeedway. Green Flag flies at 8:15pm est. WATCH HERE

HOT DRIVERS

  • Thomas Wolfe-BBR-CHEVY- Thomas seems like a freight train with no brakes at this point. If you don’t have him in your final four picks for the Championship, I want what you’re smoking.
  • Ben Lawson-FMS-FORD- If his top 10 finish was any other week than last week, Ben would be finding himself high above the cutline. Unfortunately, for the 3 team, 9 out of 10 cars finishing in the top 10 were all his playoff competition. Lucky for Ben the Fords have had the superspeedways in a chokehold all year. Look out for him to pull himself back above the cut.
  • ALL PLAYOFF DRIVERS– Last week at Kansas showed the fans why the current playoff drivers are the best of the best. All playoff drivers but one (Vince Mitchell) Finish in the top 11 with only Tyler Belanger separating the field. Talladega is always a crapshoot, but these drivers left fighting for a championship won’t be living on a hope and a prayer.

NOT DRIVERS

  • Vince Mitchell-Uber MS-FORD- If not for the amazing performance by all playoff drivers last week, Vince would have been able to pull a few points back instead of looking at the mountain which is getting into the next round that’s in front of him. With a 17th place finish last week and now sitting -11 to the line, Vince is looking for a miracle in the last 2 rounds left.
  • Stewart Harding Walker-Uber MS-FORD- A late addition but what seemed to be a good one in the TCSP Cup Series, Stewart has seemed to fall off a cliff after his wreck at Watkins Glen. Since The Glen, Stewart hasn’t been able to sneak into the top 20, but hopefully Talladega can turn the tide for him and the team to improve morale going into next season.

DRIVER NEWS

  • Sam Bennet will be our new permanent race control for the remainder of the playoffs.
  • All playoff drivers besides one (Vince Mitchell) finished in the top 11 last week.
  • Thomas Wolfe is locked into the round of 8 after his win at Kansas last week.
  • Keep an eye out tonight for manufacturers working together as a team to push to the front of the field.
  • Both superspeedway races in the spring were won by a Ford. With Oskar Jensen snagging the last win at Daytona in the summer for the Toyota Team.
  • Talladega is the world’s greatest, biggest (2.66 miles), steepest (33 degrees), and fastest track in NASCAR.
  • Nic Vasquez still holds the crown this season for most Superspeedway wins with 2. (Daytona and Talladega Spring races)

PLAYOFF PICTURE

FAN PICK OF THE WEEK

Nic Vasquez-FMS-FORD
It’s hard to believe that Nic hasn’t won all the TCSP Cup Series superspeedway races this year. Domination is what critics would call his performances. No matter if the races were two, three, or four wide, he seems to have control of the field at all times. If it wasn’t for an unfortunate accident at the summer Daytona race, we could very well be talking about a potential superspeedway sweep this season. Nic is currently sitting at +350 with the remainder of the favorites after him all being under the Ford Motor Company umbrella. Their teamwork has shown that if you put the racing to the side and can last until the white flag flies, one of your teammates will come away with the checkered flag. Right now, Vegas is offering up a special bet with a ford podium sweep at +900, easy money folks.

What to watch for: Kansas

The TCSP Crown Jewel Cup Series are live from Kansas Speedway for the Hollywood Casino 300. Green flag flies at 8:15pm est. WATCH HERE

HOT DRIVERS

  • Cory Mott-Palmetto MS-CHEVY- Cory has fought off a possible first round exit with a huge 3rd place finish at Bristol last week. What looked like what could have been a win to add to his playoff point tally didn’t quite happen, but he is securely sitting in 3rd place, 18+ above the cut line.
  • Natheniel Campbell-Hollywood MS-CHEVY- He was on the outside looking in last week but a 2nd place finish for Natheniel has secured him a spot in the round of 12. Hopefully he can keep the good times rolling currently sitting in 12th, -6 to the cut line.
  • Stephen Menke-FMS-FORD- When you been having a season like Menke you can afford a 29th place finish in the last race of the round. Prior to that, in both playoff races Menke finished in the top 10. He has kept good form all season and with him getting his bad race out of the way at Bristol, Menke could turn this playoff field upside down here in the round of 12.

NOT DRIVERS

  • Vince Mitchell-Uber MS-FORD- After his win at Michigan, and the announcement of his move to Palmetto MS for the 2025 season, it seemed like Vince may start his rise to the top. Unfortunately, outside of a 6th place finish at Darlington, Vince hasn’t been able to sniff a top 10 finish. Thankfully for the 96 team they have reset in points back to 6th in the standings after almost seeing a first-round exit. Hopefully they can improve their form and hold on to continue through to the round of 8.
  • Cody Leach-WRL-FORD- One good race last round was enough to save him from a could be first round exit. Cody is currently sitting +2 to the cut line and 1 top 10 finish in the last 4 races won’t cut it for the 15 team. The rollercoaster ride they have been on all season has gone from possible round of 4 contenders, to cut line riders. Leach and the 15 team will need to have a consistent and flawless round of 12 to advance or we may be saying bye to their championship hopes.

DRIVER NEWS

  • Drivers who exited the first round of the plays: Zander Short, Tommy Carroll Jr, Garth Griswold, Allen Phillips.
  • No penalties will be served at the beginning of the race tonight at Kansas.
  • Kansas Motor Speedway was opened in 2001 during the Nascar Golden era.
  • John Connor won the VRS Truck Series race on Monday night.
  • Thomas Villano got the win in the Bob Henry’s Xfinity Series last night.
  • Both Winners from the Truck and Xfinity races will be racing tonight in the TCSP cup series.

PLAYOFF PICTURE

5 drivers find themselves less the 10 points to good on the cut line. Carlile+7, Menke+4, Mitchell+3, Leach+2, Vasquez+0. The round of 12 is shaping up to be the best battle we could see all playoffs.

FAN PICK OF THE WEEK

Factory Motorsports
All drivers from the FMS shop are going into this round of 12 above the cut line. Thankfully for them this round starts off at a track where almost all of these drivers have had success at. Menke recorded a top 5 finish in the spring, and Ben ran hard for an amazing 11th place finish when he was still getting comfortable in the seat of the 3 car. Nic did score a 24th place finish in the spring but the historians of CJR will remind you that in past seasons he has won, and consistently shined at the mile and a half long track in Kansas. Currently Menke is +700, Vasquez is +1300, and Lawson is +2200. If you like money, sprinkling a few bucks on each of these guys to win is a no brainer. It FMS can get linked up late and this race stays as green as we believe it can, the force field should take them all the way to the front.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: BRISTOL

The TCSP Cup series is live from Bristol Motor Speedway for the Bob Henry’s 500! Green flag flies at 8pm est. WATCH HERE

HOT DRIVERS

  • Zack Saunders-BBR-Chevy- Zack has put his 4th win of the season on the board, tying his teammate Thomas Wolfe as the co-win’s leader. Zack rang off a 2nd place finish in the spring Bristol race and with the winner of that race nowhere to be found, tonight may be a walk in the park for the 91 team.
  • Nic Vasquez-FMS-Ford- Some may argue that the driver of the 22 Ducks unlimited Ford Mustang is more lukewarm than hot. We on the other hand haven’t forgot about the points penalty he faced coming into the playoffs and with two top ten finishes here in the first round of the playoffs, Nic has all but erased what could have been a detrimental mistake.
  • Steven Carlile-Ethix RT-Chevy- Week in and week out we talk about how no one is yelling from the mountain tope that Carlile is a threat and seems like a shoe in for the final four. If you haven’t gotten the message by now, you must be living under a rock. Three top 5 in his last three races and he is one of 3 that we can say are safe on points to advance to the round of 12.

NOT DRIVERS

  • Caleb “The Uberman” Tipton-Uber MS-Ford- Caleb didn’t sneak his way into the playoffs by any means but his performance in the first two playoff races would make you seem like he was a sure first round exit. We have seen what he is capable of all seasons long if he can keep the car clean, but now he really has to show us.
  • Garth Griswold-Hollywood MS-CHEVY- Garth is the Cinderella story that Ben Lawson has become. But who’s to say there can’t be two princesses at the ball. Luckily for Garth the clock hasn’t struck 12, even after 2 finishes outside of the top ten here in the playoffs. Currently sitting six points under the cut line, He knows it’s time to strap in and make something happen tonight. Hope those glass slippers are on tight.

DRIVER NEWS

  • Zach Johnson won last night’s Bob Henry’s Xfinity series race at Bristol. He and his team hope to translate what they learned last night into a solid finish.
  • Cody Porter has exited the TCSP Cup Series. A serious threat for next season’s championship has stated they will not be returning.
  • Mathematically only 3 drivers are safe for tonight’s race at Bristol depending on attendance.
    Zack Saunders (1 win), Thomas Wolfe (1 win), Steven Carlile (points).
  • Bristol was formerly known as Sapling Grove
  • Bristol is the twin city of Bristol, Virginia, which lies directly across the state line between Tennessee and Virginia.
  • Bristol Motor Speedway is the third largest sports venue in America and the seventh largest in the world, housing up to 162,000 people.

PLAYOFF PICTURE

5 drivers at the cut line are separated by less than 10 points. Griswold (-6), Campbell (-1), Tipton (+1), Mitchell (+6), Johnson (+8).

DRIVER PICK OF THE WEEK

WINNER- THE FANS
Us fans tonight get 500 rock em, sock em laps at Bristol Motor Speedway under the lights to see who will survive to see another 3 races and a chance to life the trophy in Phoenix, and who will end up crushing their car into the inside wall along with their hopes of a championship. For the analytical fans here, the obvious pick is Zack Saunders. He finished 2nd in the spring race and is red hot right now (+375). For the hopeful underdog fan, you have Tommy Carrol Jr who is staring down a first-round exit (-35) but finished 4th in the spring race (+3750). Whoever you decide to pick it won’t matter because someone who we thought would make it to the next round won’t, and someone who we never thought might have a chance will. And that my friends, is the beauty of racing.

Watkins Glen: What to watch for

The TCSP Cup Series is live tonight from Watkins Glen. Green Flag flies at 8:15pm est. Watch here

HOT DRIVERS

  • Ben Lawson-FMS-FORD- From riding the cut line of the round of 16, to leading 56 laps and taking home a top ten finish at Atlanta. Ben’s late season form might be just what the doctor ordered.
  • Thomas Wolfe-BBR-CHEVY- It was win and you’re in during the regular season. Things haven’t change in the post season, Thomas is now safe and has advanced to the round of 12.
  • Steven Carlile-ETHix RT-CHEVY- Steven’s form all season has been that of consistency and seems like nothing has changed in his gameplan after getting another podium finish at Atlanta last week. (3rd)

NOT DRIVERS

  • Cory Mott-Palmetto MS-CHEVY- To no fault of his own Cory found himself with a last place finish at Atlanta due to an early incident before the conclusion of the 1st stage. (27th) We do believe tonight will be a different story but with him free falling down the playoff standings, this team has no room for error.
  • Cody Leach-WRL-FORD- A similar situation to that of the #1 team, Cody leach was in a wreck to no fault of his own placing 25th when the dust settled in Atlanta. Luckily for him the #15 team was able to secure points in both stages but this trend of running well all race long and grave mistakes happening late has plagued this team for way too.

DRIVER NEWS

  • Thomas Villano has returned from his month-long suspension.
  • Still no comment from Factory motorsports on the whereabouts of zander short and the #38. Once fighting for a regular season championship, Zander sits bottom of the playoff standings.
  • Many of the Cup series playoff drivers used last night’s Bob Henrys Xfinity series race to gain more seat time for tonight’s showdown.
  • Joe Wright in the #37 Ford and Ben Lawson in the #3 Ford will both receive EOLs for incidents last week at Atlanta.
  • Watkins Glen is home to 19 waterfalls and the birthplace of American road racing.

PLAYOFF PICTURE

FAN PICK OF THE WEEK

Thomas Wolfe–BBR-FORD
What more can you ask from the guy. Locked into the round of 12, can dominate on any given night, and not afraid to put his elbows out when needed. He’s a racer’s racer. A wheelman’s wheelman. The fans have spoken, and they’ve stated that we’ve been shooting for the stars on these fan picks too much. They’ve even said that the fans don’t even pick the fan picks. Well, that’s neither here nor there, because you got what you asked for this week in Thomas Wolfe. Not the favorite but still a safe pick for tonight’s race sitting at +560 for the win. With your favorites currently being Cody Porter +350 and Zack Saunders +400 respectively. Both are good picks for tonight but if you want to squeeze another few dollars out of your favorite betting app, Thomas Wolfe is your guy. His win at the Chicago Street Course showed everyone he is not just an oval guy, he’s an anywhere guy. The choice is always yours here with the fan pick but tonight I think we’ve finally got a pick right.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: DARLINGTON

The TCSP will be live from Darlington for the Buccee’s Southern 500. Green Flag flies at 8:00pm EST. WATCH HERE

HOT DRIVERS

  • Justin Bell-Uber MS-FORD- On the outside looking in but not from lack of trying. Justin has been wheeling that Ford the last few weeks, and it seems the rookie has broken out of his shell. No playoffs this year, but with his last 5 races finishing in the top 25, Seems as if next year he could maybe figure things out to find himself in the top 16.
  • Tyler Belanger-WRL-FORD- A late addition to the TCSP Cup Series, but not a bad one. With him qualifying into each race on speed and secured a 2nd place finish in his first ever race in the Cup Series, Tyler seems to be a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 season.
  • William “Ben” Lawson-FMS-FORD- Just a couple of weeks ago we thought this driver had no shot of getting into the playoffs, but now his spot is all but buttoned up. Ben has finished in the top 15 in the last 4 races and a 5th place finish at the Chicago Street Course seem to be what may have brought this driver out of the darkness into the light. This playoff spot may not have only given this driver something to race for in the coming weeks but a potential lifeline for him to secure his Cup seat from Factory MS for the 2025 season.

NOT DRIVERS

  • Ryan Taft-INDY MS-CHEVY- Ryan has had a long season in the TCSP. Refusing to take questions from the media on if he will have a seat next year in the series or if he will drop down the Crown Jewel ladder to figure things out. Taft has struggled only able to land 4 top 20 finishes in all of his 22 Cup Series starts. We are hoping this veteran driver can string something together here at the closing stages of the season to turn the spirits of the 86 team around.
  • Cameron Romano-WRL-FORD- Cameron has had a long season and has repeatedly spoke to the media about this year being over and having a reset. Alot of his troubles have been no fault of his own but when things have been smooth sailing, he has only been able to string together six top 20s in his 23 starts. All of us would love a shock and awe moment of a new winner tonight getting themselves into the playoffs but can Cameron overcome this season’s downfalls and cap off this season on a positive note.

DRIVER NEWS

  • Cory Mott has a chance to secure the regular season title tonight. Currently 79 ahead of Steven Carlile.
  • Mike Burnett playoff spot has officially been revoked due to absence and lack of communication with Crown Jewel racing officials. This has awoken the playoff picture for tonight’s regular season finale at Darlington.
  • The new penalty system and damage policy will be in effect tonight.
  • BBR has been through the ringer this week, but news has broken that Thomas Wolfe will take over all operations for the team to finish the 2024 season and into the future. Learn more here
  • Thomas Villano will return from his suspension after Darlington race. Sources who conduct the Crown Jewel Sensitivity training reported that he was engaged during classes and believe he has changed for the better.
  • Tonight’s playoff will be a head-to-head matchup against Tommy Carroll who is the last man in and Joe Wright who is currently the first man out. Only 26 points separate the two drivers. Tonight is a must win situation for driver: Jim Mott, Justin Bell, Jonathan Leger, Ray Gill, Cameron Romano, and Ryan Taft.

PLAYOFF BUBBLE

  • FIRST THREE IN: Garth Griswold (+77), Ben Lawson (+72), Tommy Carroll Jr (+26)
  • FIRST THREE OUT: Joe T Wight (-26), Justin Bell (-64), Jim Mott (-69)

FAN PICK OF THE WEEK

Cory Mott-Palmetto MS-CHEVY
Cory is looking to knock off the first step in winning a Cup Series championship tonight and that is winning the regular season championship. This win not only guarantees him a better chance on making a deep run into the playoffs with the added bonus points, it gives him and his team the opportunity to taste what it feels like to be not just a race winner but a champion. That dragon is something that any man, woman, or child will chance given they have had the chance to taste it. Darlington is not only the last race of the season but Motts hometown track. Winning the championship in front of his hometown folks is something we don’t think Cory will allow slip through his fingertips. So, let’s make a bet here. Cory currently is +1780 for a win and if you are on a hot streak we think you should take it, but the free lunch program has cooked up a parlay. Cory Mott plus +760 for a top 10, and Cory Mott regular season champion at -7800, will next you a pretty penny on a pick 2 at +900. Some other bets for the gambling man include Joe T Wright to qualify for playoffs at +1920 and Tommy Carroll top 10 finish at +2300.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: DAYTONA

The TCSP Cup Series is live tonight from Daytona Superspeedway. Green Flag flies at 8:15pm est.
WATCH HERE

HOT DRIVERS

  • Vince Mitchell-Uber MS-FORD- After picking up his first ever win of the season and securing a spot in the playoffs, Vince will come into Daytona tonight with a weight off his shoulders.
  • Steven Carlile-EthiX Racing Team-CHEVY- Alot of focus goes to the winner but Steven has ridden in the shadows all the way up to 2nd in the points standings. With 4 out of the last 5 races finishing with on the podium, it seems like this team has gotten hot at just the right time.
  • Zander Short-FMS-FORD- After a shaky returned at Indy, and his absence still not disclosed to the public by FMS ownership, all it took was a 12th and 5th place finish in the last 2 races to skyrocket him back into the top ten in points.

NOT DRIVERS

  • Allen Philips-Hollywood MS-CHEVY- Out of form and on the playoff bubble is not where you want to be. With his position somewhat secure it seems as if Allen may be cruising his way mentally into the playoffs with only 1 top ten finish in the last 9 races. Will this be enough to keep him secured in the playoffs and be prepared to go past the first round?
  • Garth Griswold-Hollywood MS-CHEVY- We do commend the fight this team has had this season to get to the point of making it into the playoffs, but skating in doesn’t seem like an option for them. Garth is currently in the last spot in and only -13 points to the good on Ben Lawson. Garth has not been able to put together a top 10 finish in his last 6 races, thankfully its Daytona week and with everything riding on a good race tonight we believe he has that dog in him to finally secure his spot in the playoffs and at worst build his points lead on the cut line.

DRIVER NEWS

  • Cody Porters playoff waiver request was denied.
  • Vince Mitchell secured his first win in the cup series at Michigan last week.
  • Cody Leach returns from his suspension last week at Michigan. He stated it was a much-needed reset and self-reflection time going in the playoffs.
  • EOL penalties for Daytona (Mason Hoeffner, Ben Lawson, Russell Bratka, Zander Short, Cory Mott, Cody Leach, Zack Saunders.)
  • Look out for manufacturer alliances playing a part in strategy tonight at Daytona. The Ford camp has stated that driver and team meetings have all gone well to keep everyone on the same page to continue their superspeedway dominance so far this season. No comment has been given from Chevy and Toyota teams on their planned strategies.

PLAYOFF BUBBLE

  • FIRST IN: Allen Phillips (+61), Nathaniel Campbell (+54), Garth Griswold (+13)
  • FIRST OUT: Ben Lawson (-13), Tommy Carrol Jr (-61), Joe T Wright (-76)

FAN PICK OF THE WEEK

Nic Vasquez-FMS-FORD
Nic has showing his dominance at superspeedways have not been a secret. Both spring races at Daytona and Talladega were controlled and won by driver of the 22 Ducks unlimited Ford Mustang. Let’s face it we have lost a lot of money on these fan picks, so I think it’s time we dump the rent on a sure shot and have us a nice bankroll ready going into the playoffs. Vegas has it set at +350 for a win for Nic and a crazy -120 for a top 5 finish. This will be a rebuilding night for the us bettors, but if you haven’t taken our advice and has made a pretty penny it is worth picking one of the many bubble drivers. Joe T Wright is currently sitting at +1780 and Grath Griswold is currently at +2200. We also have a shot in the dark pick of Ryan Taft (+7200) for the win to completely flip this playoff picture on its head. Whoever you pick, good luck and Godspeed.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: RICHMOND RACEWAY

The TCSP Cup Series returns tonight at Richmond Raceway. Green Flag flies at 8:15pm EST. WATCH HERE

HOT DRIVERS

  • Thomas Wolfe-BBR-CHEVY- If one thing is true in life, it’s that Thomas will be battling for a win night in and night out. With 2 wins in the last 3 races, and a hop up to 4th in the season standings, Thomas may be making a last second push for the regular season championship.
  • Steven Carlile-PMT-CHEVY- Steven has been more than consistent, he has been damn good. With his last 4 racing all finishing in the top 6, including 3 podium finishes in a row, His points will have locked him into the playoffs, but it seems like he’s fishing for a win to cap of the regular season.
  • Zach Johnson-Palmetto-CHEVY- It seemed as if during the middle of the season, Zach may have gotten comfortable after the win at Atlanta locking him into the playoffs. But after this string of 3 top 10 finishes in the last 3 races, the pressure is on the 8 team to build points for a deep playoff run.

NOT DRIVERS

  • Mike Burnett-BBR-CHEVY- From fighting for a regular season championship to a no show at Indianapolis, to the rumors of the selling of the team, is the dominate heel of our sport retiring for good? Does this open up another playoff spot? Alot of questions and concerns with only 3 races left before the playoffs.
  • Joe T Wright-WRL-FORD- Joe has had good days, and Joe has had bad days, but the donut man cannot afford any more bad days with the playoff battle heating up. The number 37 Krispy Kreme team has an opportunity to secure a playoff spot only 1 point behind Tommy Carroll Jr. A late season push of consistency in the last 3 races could turn around a season that has been mired by junk race cars, with the majority at no fault of his own.

DRIVER NEWS

  • Team Conti Sim Performance has taken over the helm of title sponsor bringing in a wave of new talented drivers. All these new drivers will be racing their way into a starting position tonight at Richmond. Keep an eye out for exhibition race winner in the 41 car Cruise Caudell and 3rd place finisher Patrick Gitter.
  • Vince Mitchell will be moving from Uber Motorsports to Palmetto Motorsports (formerly TopTier) at seasons end.
  • Tyler Belanger has received a contract extension through next season at WRL.
  • News of the sale of Backroad Bandits is circulating the garage but no official statement has been made.
  • 3 drivers remain winless in the top 10 in points (Steven Carlile, Cody Leach, Vince Mitchell)
  • Cup drivers Cody Leach and Cory Mott got together in an incident during the trucks race at Michigan. Both were released from the infield care center with minor injuries and both team’s spokespersons have confirmed the drivers will be 100% for Richmond tonight.

PLAYOFF PICTURE

  • First 3 in: Allen Phillips, Natheniel Campbell, Garth Griswold.
  • First 3 out: Ben Lawson, Tommy Carrol Jr, Joe Wright.
  • Note: whereabout for Mike Burnett and Zander Shorts are unknown until official statement has been made by both team’s managements which could free up two potential playoff spots.
  • Note: potential first round exits due to playoff point penalties and lack of playoff points: Kristopher Burnham (-8), Caleb Tipton (1), Vince Mitchell (4)

FAN PICK OF THE WEEK

Cody Leach- WRL- FORD
We have gone all season without a thought of maybe this will be his week before the race. Always a good money pick for a parlay for a top 10 or top 5 but never a thought of maybe he will win this thing. Thats until we get in the race, and he’s fighting tooth and nail to for that elusive first win. Yea he blew it at Texas and crapped a huge +8700 win for us but tonight sitting at +4400, it seems like the smart move. If the number #15 can get dialed in and focus on their race, we believe that +4400 for a win is free money. If you are scared or want to hedge, yea take the +1500 for a top 5 but “scared money don’t make no money.” Little comment was given to us about sim work last week to get ready for Richmond from the team, but we did see him shine during the exhibition race at Chicagoland, against a field of our newly acquired Iracing Thanos’. Yea the safe choice here is Thomas Wolfe at +1500 or Zack Saunders at +1700 but if you are looking to have some fun, the #15 car of Cody Leach is your pick. Keep an eye out for the #6 Stephen Menke as well who ran extremely well at Richmond earlier in the season. If you hedge anything I would hedge with the #6 win at +3300.


INDIANAPOLIS: WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Circuit Cup Series takes the green flag live from Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 8:15pm EST.
WATCH HERE

HOT DRIVERS

  • Cody Porter-Xpress Esports-Chevy- Cody Porter has taken the Cup Series by storm. With 2 wins in his 4 starts, it seems like we are looking at a future Crown Jewel Champion in the years to come.
  • Vince Mitchell-Uber Motorsports-Ford- The curse may have lifted off of Vince’s season and boy is it the right time! 2 top 10 in the last 2 races and he has moved his way up to 8th in the points standings.
  • Justin Bell-Uber Motorsports-Ford- Justin Bell has taken form late in the season with 2 top 15’s in his last 2 starts. Moving up to 20th and out of the playoff battle, but a win with his recent form could be all the difference he needs to add another Uber Motorsports driver to the playoffs.

NOT DRIVERS

  • Zack Saunders-BBR-Chevy- Yes we know, Zack has had an amazing season so far but currently he has been out of form the last 3 races(outside of the top 5). With expectations so high for him can he turn his form around to make a late push for the regular season championship.
  • Paul Maziere-Independant-Toyota- With his last 2 races being a long cry from recent and outside of the top 20, the multi race winner may not retain his spot in the playoffs due to his extended leave of absence.

DRIVER NEWS

  • Thomas Villano penalty appeal was approved last week after some heated hearings. Even with him retaining his points it seems like he will be on the outside looking in during playoff time.
  • Nic Vasquez’s suspension has been lifting and will be racing tonight at Indy.
  • The silence of Mike Burnett has been felt this week with no statements to the media after his wreck. The 39 cars hauler was spotted entering the speedway in the early hours of the morning.
  • We still have no sign of Zander Short, even after the vague comments from principal owner of FMS Stephen Menke on his whereabouts. The 38 cars hauler has arrived at Indy but has not entered the gates.

PLAYOFF BUBBLE

  • FIRST IN: Natheniel Campbell(15th) Allen Phillips(12th) Caleb Tipton(10th)
  • FIRST OUT: Joe Wright(19th) Ben Lawson(18th) Garth Griswold(17th)

FAN PICK OF THE WEEK

Zach Thomas Johnson-Top Tier-Chevy
Zach has not had a good run as of late but luckily his win at Atlanta has sealed him into the playoffs. Some fans calling into Crown Jewel SiriusXM radio have stated that the driver of the #8 Zone chevy has become complacent this season after the win and believe if he doesn’t get to work, he will end getting eliminated in the first round of cuts. We on the other hand feel like this week is his chance to prove haters wrong. The Top Tier PR team has informed us that his sim time this week has shown great promise for him to secure his second win and get the team back on the right track before the playoffs. Johnson’s odds currently are sitting at +11000 for a win and +3700 for a top 5 and we believe this is good money based on the information received.

POCONO: WHAT TO WATCH FOR

The Tickle Me Triangle 225 at Pocono Raceway! Green Flags flies at 8:15pm EST. WATCH HERE

HOT DRIVERS

  • Cody Porter-Xpress Esports-Ford: Cody has only raced 3 races this season with his late addition to the number 04 car but with all 3 races being in the top 5, the new kid on the block is shaking things up in the Circuit Cup Series.
  • Caleb “the uberman” Tipton-UberMS-Ford: Goes to show you longevity will lead you to the mountain tops. The Uberman hasnt had a finish outside of the top 20 in his last 10 races.
  • Zack Saunders-BBR-Chevy: Even after a 15th place finish in Chicago, He should be thanking the city of Chicago for its traffic jams that left his teammate Mike Burnetts hauler stranded on the I-90. He moves up to 2nd in the points standings.

NOT DRIVERS

  • Nic Vasquez-FMS- Ford: With all the woes, suspensions, and looming news coming from Factory motorsports press conference this morning. This 3x winning driver has had all the wrong news for a season that was going so right. Seems like he is on his final lifeline from principle owner Stephen Menke.
  • Zander Short-FMS-Ford: We have heard our first rumblings of the well being of the driver for the 38 car. Even though much information was not given to us by Stephen Menke and those at FMS, We do know Stephen is attempting to get Zander to the track for tonights race. With all the new talent in the league will he be able to come out as the same Zander we all know or are the lights to bright now.

DRIVER NEWS

  • Nic Vasquez will be serving his 1 week suspension. Even though he was not at the FMS press conference, reporters and fans have seen him walking around the pit area today.
  • Stewart Harding-Walker was given a week suspension as well but appealed with league officials so we are unsure if he will be on the track tonight at Pocono.
  • Zander shorts number 38 hauler was spotted entering Pocono. However the driver remains in the wind. With rumors of ongoing benders and a possible mandatory stay at a rehab facility, FMS executives have been playing this news close to the chest.
  • Mike Burnett and Cody Porter continue their back and forth that started after the Truck race at Chicagoland, which even spilled over into todays drivers meeting. Sources say both drivers were being held back by team members and the drivers meeting concluded with the last 15 minutes taking place on a zoom call.

FAN PICK OF THE WEEK

Ray Gill-MMC-Toyota:
If you can’t tell by now the fans dont want favorites to win, they want this current playoff situation shaking to its core. Ray Gill winning at Pocono would not only shake the fight for the playoffs but throw it off a 80 story building onto its back. Personally, I feel as if this race is all about strategy and who makes the right calls nearing the end of this race. If Ray Gill sitting currently at +26550 for a win and +9800 for a top 10 wins this it will all be about strategy. We tried to get a comment from his crew chief and we were “we will answer questions after the race.” Seems like they are locked in and dont want anything they have planned getting out for other teams to see. Tonight the points guys will get their points and a whole lot of them, but the winner, that driver will do something out of the box.