ALL OVER THE PLACE OUT OF THE GROOVE: NBC GONE IN A FLASH!
5 LESSONS LEARNED TAKEWAYS FROM DAYTONA’S ROAD COURSE
FOUR WILDLY DIFFERENT RACES AT THE HISTORIC DAYTONA ROAD COURSE
JUST SAYIN’ TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING
IN THE HOT SEAT RYAN BLANEY ON WORKING WITH TODD GORDON
#
THE
1 SELLING UNDERSHIRT* Try our tees, 100% satisfaction guaranteed at JOCKEY.COM
*The NPD Group / Retailer tracking service, Premium/Mid-Tier U.S. Dollar Sales, 12ME Dec’18 ©2020 Jockey International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Jockey and The Original American Underwear Brand are trademarks of Jockey International, Inc.
AVAILABLE NOW: DOVER
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM UPDATES & POSTERS TWITTER @NPPMAG FACEBOOK NASCAR POLE POSITION
COMMUNITY CREATOR: ERIC ESTEPP
YOUTUBE
/outofthegroove
@ericestepp17
@eric_estepp
PATREON
/outofthegroove
ERIC’S DAYTONA ROAD COURSE REVIEW AND ANALYSIS In this week’s episode of Out of the Groove, host and creator Eric Estepp takes us through this entire historic weekend of racing at the Daytona road course. From torrential downpours on Xfinity to the sweltering blaze of the Truck race, Eric has plenty of interesting storylines to break down from the weekend. First up, Eric takes us through the top 20 finishers on Sunday to find out what the consequences are for the playoffs. Where is 0 0 4
Jimmie Johnson and his battle with William Byron at the cutoff line after this weekend? But that’s not all, of course. Eric also has plenty to say about the road course itself, and its place in the NASCAR schedule. What do they bring to the audience, how entertaining is the on-track product? And speaking of, Eric has his Daytona on his patented Groovy Gauge, so watch the episode to find out his full score on it and more!
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
AMERICAN-MADE SOLUTIONS Discover the Ultimate All-in-One Car Wash Ready to Wash™ “Just Add Water” Complete Set
CupFone®
FloorLiner™
The Ready to Wash system offers virtually everything you need to clean, detail and keep your car sparkling. Plus, CupFone helps you navigate safely, and FloorLiner maintains your vehicle’s carpet so it stays like-new. Whatever the need, WheatherTech has the high-quality products to maximize the life and value of your vehicle.
Made in USA © 2020 MacNeil IP LLC
Auto. Home. Pet. Find Your Fit. 1-800-441-6287 or 1-630-769-1500
5 LESSONS LEARNED
5
LESSONS LEARNED AT DAYTONA ROAD COURSE Not on the original 2020 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, Sunday’s race at the Daytona International Speedway road course took the place of Watkins Glen International when it became clear that NASCAR wouldn’t be able to compete at The Glen this year. Thankfully, the new Daytona didn’t disappoint. Armed with a dominant car, Chase Elliott continued his road course mastery of recent times and held off Denny Hamlin by .202 seconds at the checkered flag to score his second points win of 2020. Following are five key takeaways from Sunday’s Go Bowling 235. BY JA RED TURNER
0 0 6
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
5 THINGS TO WATCH
5
FIRST EVER DAYTONA ROAD COURSE RACE EARNED A PASSING GRADE
A
lthough the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series event on the Daytona International Speedway road course might not have produced as much passing or as many wrecks as some spectators might have wanted, the race earned a passing grade — especially when considering how little time NASCAR and Daytona had to prepare. Fans couldn’t have asked for a better finish, with Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin battling down to the wire for the win. The 3.61-mile, 14-turn course was also a delight to navigate. “The track was a lot of fun,” second-place finisher Hamlin said. “It’s got some good passing zones, good opportunities. I think it’s definitely one of my favorite road courses I run, for sure.” Teammate Martin Truex Jr. concurred. “It was a lot more fun than I anticipated it to be,” Truex said. “It was drivable and manageable. Charlotte (the ROVAL) kind of chatters, and it’s hard to feel. This place was actually a lot of fun. I look forward to coming back.”
0 0 8
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
5 THINGS TO WATCH
4
DRIVERS SHOWED THEIR TRUE TALENT
W
ith all but a handful of drivers having never competed on the Daytona road course in any kind of vehicle, Sunday’s race was expected to be a chaotic one — comparable to the annual showdown on the ROVAL at Charlotte Motor Speedway. However, much to the surprise of many observers, Sunday proved to be a relatively tame affair, with the caution flag waving only once for an accident. Clearly, all those hours that many drivers spent in the simulator to prepare for the weekend paid off when it came time to go racing. “It was definitely going to be tricky, simulator or not,” NASCAR Vice President of Competition Scott Miller said. “They did a fantastic job. I don’t know that anybody underestimated them, but they proved their worth today. It was a heck of a show.” Second-place finisher Denny Hamlin agreed. “These drivers are really, really good,” he said. “They found a way to adapt, and they’ve got a lot of tools to help them prepare for these races.”
0 1 0
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
Home is where you
Breathe Freely Order now at
FilterBuy.com Largest selection of air filters made in the USA. Fast and free shipping delivered right to your door.
5 THINGS TO WATCH
ONE HITCH FOR ALL YOUR TOWING NEEDS ALUMINUM ADJUSTABLE INTERCHANGEABLE HITCH MOUNTS UT623410
6” Drop 2” Receiver
6-3/4” Rise
PLASTIC CASE MODEL
UT623900
UT623411
8” Drop 2” Receiver
8 3/4” Rise
PLASTIC CASE MODEL
UT623911
UT625810
8” Drop 2 1/2” Receiver
8” Rise
PLASTIC CASE MODEL
UT653910
Black Oxide Finish with Stainless Steel Hitch Balls & Locks UT623800
6” Drop 2” Receiver
6-3/4” Rise
Plastic Case Included
Scan to view our products on youtube
PATENTED PRODUCT ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH URIAH PRODUCTS® Contact us for more information Uriah Products® www.alumatow.com | 800.545.9633
0 1 2
3
LITTLE CHANGED AROUND THE BUBBLE
C
oming into Sunday’s race, William Byron held a 26-point advantage over Jimmie Johnson and Erik Jones in the battle for the final spot in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Now, with the Daytona road course in the rearview mirror and three races left before the playoff grid is locked in, Byron is still on the bubble and his lead is mostly unchanged, as he is 25 points ahead of Johnson — his Hendrick Motorsports teammate — for the final transfer spot. Jones, meanwhile, is now 35 points behind Byron. By finishing eighth on Sunday, Byron managed to hold his closest pursuers at arm’s length. “It was a good result for us today,” Byron said. “We chose to go for the stage points and had to pass our way through the field a few times because of that strategy. I think we did a nice job of that and getting a lot of those available points. Overall, I’m pretty happy with today and getting a good result.”
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
TASTY WAYS TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF GINGER. P O P G I N G E R C H E W S A R E A S W E E T,
S P I C Y A N D H E A LT H Y G I N G E R T R E AT ! F I N D A F L AV O R N E A R Y O U @
PRINCEOFPEACEGINGER.COM
P O P G I N G E R AVA I L A B L E AT:
5 THINGS TO WATCH
2
KAZ GRALA IMPRESSED AS SUB FOR AUSTIN DILLON
T
abbed at the last minute to sub for the ailing Austin Dillon at Daytona, Kaz Grala understandably didn’t enter the race with super-high hopes. After all, Grala’s lone full season in one of NASCAR’s three national series came in 2017, when he ran the entire campaign in what is now the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. Since then, Grala has made only select NASCAR Xfinity Series starts — including just two in 2020. So when Grala finished seventh on Sunday in his NASCAR Cup Series debut, the outcome far exceeded his expectations. How far, exactly? “About 23 positions, I think it is,” he said. “I was hoping for a top 30, so this is certainly far beyond my wildest dreams for this race. I just wanted to complete the laps. Going into the race, I thought if I could just complete all the laps, I felt like I could get a top 30, and that was what I was looking to do.”
0 1 4
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
SUMMER GRILLING SPECIAL
FREE ORDER NOW AND RECEIVE A
10OZ NY STRIP STEAK
SUMMER GRILLING SPECIA mr.steak THE MAN - THE LEGEND - THE STEAKS
®
STEAKHOUSE QUALITY MEATS Mr. Steak’s ranch to table steaks and burgers are hand-selected, hand-cut, and delivered directly to your door from local midwestern ranchers. Mr. Steak’s goal is to bring steakhouse quality meats to your home by offering the same USDA Prime and Choice steaks sold at many of the finest steakhouses in America, featuring no additives, humanely raised, and with a focus on sustainability. For every box sold, Mr. Steak donates a meal to hungry families in our community.
ORDER NOW AND RECEIVE A MrSteakv3.indd 1
FREE 10OZ NY STRIP STEAK • WWW.MRSTEAK.COM/RA
WWW.MRSTEAK.COM/RACING
5/15/2020
5 THINGS TO WATCH Celebrating 150 Years of Academic Excellence
Choose
TO BE BRAVE
Choose
ALCORN You choose to live by a higher standard. That’s why you belong at Alcorn. For 150 years, Alcorn State University has been at the forefront of excellence and innovation — empowering students to live extraordinary lives. Join the Alcorn Family! No out-of-state tuition.
Visit www.alcorn.edu
@ALCORNSTATEU
0 1 6
1
CHASE ELLIOTT IS NASCAR’S NEW ROAD COURSE KING
C
hase Elliott didn’t just win Sunday’s race on the Daytona road course; he dominated it, leading 34 of 65 laps, scoring a stage victory and holding an advantage over the rest of the field that at one point was as much as 10 seconds. With Sunday’s victory, Elliott has now captured the last three races held on road courses. Of his eight victories at NASCAR’s highest level, four of them have come on road courses, which is significant when considering that the Cup schedule consists primarily of ovals. Clearly, the son of 1988 NASCAR Cup Series champion Bill Elliott just has a special knack for road racing. “I think he takes a little bit untraditional lines,” said Denny Hamlin, who finished second to Elliott on Sunday. “I think he does a great job of staying out of the rubber. … I think they’ve really got a great road course setup, and he executes it, and that’s going to equal a lot of success.”
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
NOT FOR PRINT: NASCAR Ad Placement. Column AD 2.765” x 10.875”. 07/2020. Contact: Larry Orman-Alcorn State University. (Location: Work Files/Jobs In Progress/Ads/ Choose Alcorn Ad)
Get a Free Guide for Veterans with Mesothelioma Thousands of veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma and their families have used our free guide to learn about: Military Asbestos Exposure
Compensation Options
Filing or Appealing a VA Claim
Your Complete Guide To
MESOTHELIOMA Call Our Veterans Department Now
877-235-6007 Sponsored by The Peterson Firm, LLP
JUST SAYIN’ ▶ DON’T ADD DAYTONA ROAD COURSE TO SCHEDULE After a solid NASCAR Cup Series debut, Daytona’s road course could become a permanent fixture of the Cup schedule. But should it? “That’s well above me,” Sunday’s race winner Chase Elliott said. “I don’t know.” That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement coming from the guy who had just won Sunday’s race. Here’s the thing: Daytona already has Speedweeks, which includes the sport’s biggest race — the Daytona 500. Daytona also hosts the final race of the regular season. Although no one is suggesting that the Cup Series compete more than once on the Daytona road course each year, it seems hard to justify permanently moving a race from another track to make this happen at a venue that annually already hosts two other marquee NASCAR events. JA RED TURNER ▶▶ Lack of Post-Race Show Was Inexcusable After winning Sunday’s first ever NASCAR Cup Series race on the Daytona road course, Chase Elliott had every reason to celebrate. And celebrate he did, performing one of the more memorable burnouts in recent times. It’s too bad virtually no one had the opportunity to see it, however. Inexplicably, and with little warning, NBC cut away to its next scheduled programming within just a few seconds of Elliott taking the checkered flag. So no burnouts, no post-race interviews, no nothing. Methinks most NASCAR fans were looking forward to seeing the sport’s most popular driver celebrate a big victory. It’s too bad NBC had other plans. Let’s hope this never happens again.
■■ Four wildly different road course races this weekend still didn’t definitively answer why the Daytona Road Course should be a permanent fixture to the schedule.
▶▶ Get Well Soon, Austin Dillon Austin Dillon missed Sunday’s race on the Daytona road course after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week. Thankfully, all indications are that Dillon — the 2018 Daytona 500 champion and oldest grandson of his legendary team owner, Richard Childress — has only mild symptoms and should be back in his No. 3 car possibly as soon as this weekend at Dover. In the meantime, here’s wishing Dillon — who recently became a dad for the first time — a speedy recovery. 0 1 8
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
L A E S K H T I W
T S A F T I FIX
NSOR OF O P S D U PRO
JORDANRSON ANDE NG RACI
? k a e L t n a l CoSohake, Pour & eGaoks in the: L x i F y l t n ze Plug e e n e r a F m 9 Per ad ock / He Ju s t
9 9 9
r Radiato asing C p m u P Water ore Heater C
9 Bl Gasket d a e H 9
s d a e H d ke c a r C s l ks a c e o l S B o s s l A rou old Engine* o P d e k or C & Crac o a Hot
dded t A Silicate e B m n u i a d C o 9 ass / S l g d i ow Tank u fl r q i e l v T O O 9N d to the e d d A e NO 9 Can B NG
ON WORKS EADS
AND MOST FINE RETAILERS
MADE IN THE
G DRAININ
FLUSHI
rks on D3147 wos. M T S A t ine mee tested to water cooled eng ly t n e d n ll e ep ha s been ind for use wit K-Seal ha plastic and safe hard
UM H ALUMIN
AVAILABLE AT:
NO
USA
kseal.com | info@kseal.com | 888.254.0150
* WARNING/Caution: Take care before opening the cooling system when engine hot as it may be under pressure and could cause injury. Always consult a qualified mechanic before proceeding. If in doubt wait until engine cools or add via overflow tank.
IN THE HOT SEAT
IN THE HOT SEAT
Ryan Blaney BY ROB TIONGSON
0 2 0
Throughout the season, Rob Tiongson interviews various drivers in the world of NASCAR. Today, he talks with Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Menards Ford Mustang. ▶▶ It’s your 10th season competing in stock cars and your fifth as a full-time Cup Series driver. How amazed are you with how quickly your racing journey’s flown by despite being 26 years old? Yea, time has flown by. I’ve been very lucky to drive for great organizations like Team Penske and the Wood Brothers and won a bunch of races. I look forward to what the future holds. ▶▶ When I think about how far you’ve come along, you’ve absolutely shown confidence with your No. 12 team, especially this season. What’s some of the things that you’ve done to increase your confidence and ability to trust your judgment and decision making? I think just working with Todd Gordon and this entire 12 group has been great. This is the same team that won the championship with Joey Logano in 2018. We have been really fast all season and felt like we could’ve one a bunch of races. Circumstances just haven’t worked out for us. I feel like this team is a championship team, for sure. ▶▶ You make it a solid point to connect with fans at the track and online. Especially during these times, how important is it to have that connection beyond the fact that fans support NASCAR? Yea, I certainly miss having fans at the track and look forward to seeing them back soon. I try to stay connected with them on social media and answer questions when I have time. Personally, I think our sport does such a great job allowing fans access to the drivers and I look forward to when the pandemic is over to have them back in full.
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
NASCAR STANDINGS
NASCAR CUP SERIES
STANDINGS NO. DRIVER
PTS.
1
KEVIN HARVICK
939
Dual-Action Topical Analgesic Cream
2
DENNY HAMLIN
821
3
BRAD KESELOWSKI
803
4
CHASE ELLIOTT
775
5
JOEY LOGANO
754
Provides penetrating, fast pain relief from:
6
RYAN BLANEY
755
7
MARTIN TRUEX JR.
753
8
ALEX BOWMAN
610
9
AUSTIN DILLON
501
Arthritis Sore Muscles Back Pain
Low Price Available at:
Wal-Mart, HEB, Local drugstores & buy “online”
www.Thera-gesic.com Copyright © 2020 MainPointe Pharmaceuticals, LLC. All rights reserved.
10 COLE CUSTER
413
11 ARIC ALMIROLA
682
12 KURT BUSCH
673
13 KYLE BUSCH
652
14 CLINT BOWYER
618
15 MATT DIBENEDETTO
596
16 WILLIAM BYRON
577
17 JIMMIE JOHNSON
552
18 ERIK JONES
542
19 TYLER REDDICK
520
20 CHRISTOPHER BELL
431
21 BUBBA WALLACE
412
22 CHRIS BUESCHER
403
23 MICHAEL MCDOWELL
403
24 RICKY STENHOUSE JR.
396
25 RYAN NEWMAN
356
26 JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK 343 27 TY DILLON
342
28 MATT KENSETH
327
29 COREY LAJOIE
287
30 RYAN PREECE
269
31 BRENNAN POOLE
163
32 QUIN HOUFF
125
33 DANIEL SUAREZ
248
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
0 2 2
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
WINS
POLES
TOP 5
TOP 10
6 0 15 19 5 0 13 15 3 1 9 16 2 1 8 13 2 0 6 12 1 0 8 10 1 1 8 14 1 0 2 6 1 0 2 6 1 0 2 5 0 0 5 13 0 1 4 14 0 1 10 12 0 1 2 6 0 0 2 7 0 0 0 7 0 0 3 7 0 0 5 8 0 0 2 7 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 4 0 0 2 5 0 0 0 3 0 1 3 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 BLUE AREAS HIGHLIGHT PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS
W
NASCAR STANDINGS
XFINITY SERIES
STANDINGS Engage Your Freedom!
• All Pistols, Pistol Frames, & Accessories are designed and manufactured in U.S.A.
NO. DRIVER
PTS.
1
AUSTIN CINDRIC
830
2
CHASE BRISCOE
782
3
NOAH GRAGSON
740
4
HARRISON BURTON
645
5
BRANDON JONES
561
6
JUSTIN HALEY
637
7
ROSS CHASTAIN
709
8
JUSTIN ALLGAIER
633
9
MICHAEL ANNETT
567
10 RILEY HERBST
462
11 RYAN SIEG
462
12 BRANDON BROWN
409
13 JEREMY CLEMENTS
381
14 MYATT SNIDER
357
15 ALEX LABBE
333
16 JOSH WILLIAMS
330
17 JESSE LITTLE
329
18 JOE GRAF JR.
250
19 DANIEL HEMRIC
329
20 ANTHONY ALFREDO
300
21 B.J. MCLEOD
273
• Next Generation Ergonomics & Features
22 AJ ALLMENDINGER
262
23 TOMMY JOE MARTINS
238
• Stainless Steel Slides & Barrels
24 JEFFREY EARNHARDT
231
• Perfect for Every Day Carry!
25 VINNIE MILLER
213
26 CHAD FINCHUM
213
27 MATT MILLS
162
Visit Us
www.Polymer80.com Save 20% by using Coupon Code:
0 2 4
NASCAR
28 KYLE WEATHERMAN
141
29 COLBY HOWARD
129
30 KODY VANDERWAL
129
31 JEB BURTON
115
32 JOSH BILICKI
97
33 DAVID STARR
96
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
WINS
POLES
TOP 5
TOP 10
5 0 13 15 5 0 11 14 2 0 9 13 2 0 9 13 2 1 6 10 1 0 6 12 0 0 7 16 0 0 4 10 0 1 3 10 0 0 2 10 0 0 3 7 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 4 0 2 2 5 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 BLUE AREAS HIGHLIGHT PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS
NASCAR STANDINGS
GANDER OUTDOORS TRUCK SERIES
STANDINGS NO. DRIVER
THE
JAMPUI
Say goodbye to sweaty and smelly feet with the Jampui boot featuring ultra breathable eVent membrane. Light as a trail runner, supportive as a boot—Jampui is perfect for work as well as ultra light backpacking and through hiking.
MISHMITAKIN.COM
PTS.
1
SHELDON CREED
399
2
GRANT ENFINGER
366
3
AUSTIN HILL
476
4
ZANE SMITH
417
5
MATT CRAFTON
375
6
BRETT MOFFITT
422
7
BEN RHODES
413
8
CHRISTIAN ECKES
412
9
TYLER ANKRUM
343
10 TODD GILLILAND
340
11 DEREK KRAUS
338
12 TANNER GRAY
295
13 RAPHAEL LESSARD
285
14 JOHNNY SAUTER
273
15 STEWART FRIESEN
253
16 TY MAJESKI
222
17 AUSTIN SELF
194
18 TATE FOGLEMAN
168
19 SPENCER BOYD
163
20 CORY ROPER
161
21 CODIE ROHRBAUGH
159
22 JORDAN ANDERSON
150
23 SPENCER DAVIS
167
24 NATALIE DECKER
109
25 PARKER KLIGERMAN
100
26 TYLER HILL
95
27 CLAY GREENFIELD
92
28 ANGELA RUCH
84
29 RYAN TRUEX
79
30 CHASE PURDY
78
31 TIMMY HILL
76
32 JENNIFER COBB
70
33 KORBIN FORRISTER
68
WINS
POLES
TOP 5
TOP 10
2 1 4 7 2 0 4 6 1 0 6 10 1 0 3 7 1 0 6 7 0 0 4 7 0 0 4 8 0 0 4 6 0 0 2 5 0 0 3 7 0 0 2 7 0 0 2 4 0 0 1 2 0 2 3 6 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 BLUE AREAS HIGHLIGHT PLAYOFF QUALIFIERS
0 2 6
ishni Takin-3rdpage.indd 1
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020 5/15/2020 8:30:21 AM
DRIVER Q&A
TODD GILLILAND SEE GAINS WITH DGR-CROSLEY BY JOSEPH WOLK IN
A new team can do wonders for a racecar driver, and that’s what you can see out of Todd Gilliland. The 20-year-old is competing for DGR-Crosley Racing this year, which is owned by his father, former Cup Series racer David Gilliland. Now, the younger “Gilly” is ready to bring home a Truck Series title to this second-year team. ▶ WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE FOR YOU TO PERFORM SO WELL WITH THIS NO. 38 TEAM? “I think it has been a big confidence booster for me and the team. At the beginning of the year, we all believed in each other, but the circumstances obviously aren’t what we were expecting like not having practice, or qualifying each weekend. So being a new team, I feel like everyone is doing a great job.” ▶ WHAT WOULD IT MEAN TO YOU TO WIN ONE OR MORE RACES WITH THIS GROUP? “It would mean a lot because I feel like my guys are just pure racers and have the heart to do whatever it takes, so it pushes me to be the best I can be also. I know we can win.” ▶ WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU’VE DONE WELL WITH COMPARED TO A YEAR AGO AT THIS TIME? “Taking what the truck will give me and communicating better what I need from my truck with my crew chief.” ▶ WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON? “I think we need to win before the playoffs start and obviously our number one goal is to make the playoffs. Beyond that, just take it race by race and perform the best we can.” 0 2 8
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
TWEETSTORM COMPILED BY ROB TIONGSON
▶▶ As many times as Denny Hamlin’s delivered with wins on the track, he also delivers with the jokes on Twitter. After issuing a somewhat silly warning to his competitors on Saturday evening, his peers had some fun. From teammate Kyle Busch asking where he planned on braking to Tyler Reddick just telling him to give it all he’s got, it’s safe to say these drivers have personalities. Heck, they even have some humor before taking on the unknown at Daytona. 0 3 0
▶▶ Normally, Justin Allgaier’s pretty mild mannered and chill as can be. However, after a frustrating finish at Daytona, he found himself reading some not so receptive tweets following his post-race conversation with AJ Allmendinger. In this case, Allgaier retorted with a line that most associate with Tommy Lee Jones from The Fugitive. That said, the use of the Chandler gif was quite on point. Moreover, he got the point across and he’s also shown folks that he’s absolutely fired up.
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
Experience security and peace of mind with the Honda EG2800i Inverter Generator. It provides quiet power, long run times, and a 30A receptacle for easy connection to a transfer switch. And at only 67 lbs., it’s trusted, portable home backup and DIY power where you need it, when you need it—for your home, and life. Find out more at gen.honda.com.
Please read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment and never use in an enclosed or partially enclosed area where you could be exposed to odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. Specifications subject to change without notice. © 2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
▶▶ Admittedly, it was a bit of a surprise to see Jimmie Johnson’s familiar No. 48 Ally Chevrolet paint scheme switch to a lighter, vibrant livery. As someone who’s been relatively superstitious, perhaps the switch indeed changes his fortunes. Even seven-time Cup champions have their quirks, even with the paint scheme.
0 3 2
▶▶ While it wasn’t the circumstances that Kaz Grala imagined, the fact is the Bostonian made his first NASCAR Cup Series start for Sunday’s Go Bowling 235 at Daytona. Making clean, respectable starts for Richard Childress Racing’s XFINITY Series program, he’s fared nicely in the No. 3 car for Austin Dillon.
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
THE ONLY CHARGER FOR LITHIUM ION BATTERIES
Manufactured and Serviced in the USA
INTELI-POWER® PD9100L Series Designed to meet the stringent voltages required for properly charging & maintaining lithium ion batteries 0 3 3 NOW OFFERING: PDI PLUS Extended Lifetime Warranty
Learn More: www.progressivedyn.com | (269) 781-4241
NASCAR COMMUNITY
REDDIT REACTIONS COMPILED BY ROB TIONGSON r/NASCAR . Posted by u/pixarfan9510
549
[Greg Biffle] Anybody else watching the 2010 Daytona 500 on @NASCARONFOX ?? I think I’m going to run the 2021 Daytona 500
OK, SERIOUSLY, HOLD THE PHONE. IF GREG BIFFLE IS SERIOUS ABOUT MAKING A CUP Series comeback for the 2021 Daytona 500, it would be as epic as those who worship hard about Paul Menard. As much as he’s trolled fans on social media since his last full-time season in 2016, the Washington State native still has his legions of enthusiasts who long for his return. Is it Biffle playing with our heartstrings again or is he indeed being for real?
r/NASCAR . Posted by u/rlagarde066
197
NASCAR Xfinity on Twitter: Justin Allgaier and AJ Allmendinger have a heated postrace conversation
IF YOU WERE SOMEWHAT BELEAGUERED BY TWO MILD MANNERED DRIVERS HAVING A discussion after Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Daytona, you weren’t the only one. However, Justin Allgaier approached AJ Allmendinger following a late race incident that relegated Allgaier to the ninth spot while Allmendinger took a top-five finish. During those final laps, it’s all taking and no giving and there will always be two sides to the story. Cooler heads relatively prevailed after a tough tangle at Daytona. 0 3 4
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
les.
r/NASCAR . Posted by u/JGRFan11181920
plete co
ntest ru
While enter o at GalleryofGu ur GRE ns.com A A Winn T GUN GIVEA , See ww W AY. er Ever w.galle y Week ryofgun s.com ! for com
NASCAR COMMUNITY
309
BY ALL MEANS, JGRFAN11181920 GAVE SOME PROPS TO JENNIFER Jo Cobb on her 200th NASCAR Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series start. When you consider the challenges that Cobb and her team faces, she maximizes her opportunity. Weathering through various economic plights within the sport and country, Cobb presses on.
See www.galleryofguns.com for complete program terms and conditions.
OF
Congratulations to Jennifer Jo Cobb on her 200th NASCAR Trucks start, which is the most starts for a woman in a single series!
r/NASCAR . Posted by u/takeover_gaming
31
Who is the most underrated driver this season?
TAKEOVER_GAMING HAD THE REDDIT NASCAR FANS CONSIDERING who’s been some of the most underrated drivers this year. While this fan mentioned Tyler Reddick, Austin Dillon, and Matt DiBenedetto as prime examples, jhealey0909 threw Daniel Suarez’s name into consideration for how he’s managed Gaunt Brothers Racing’s cars after a tough start. r/NASCAR . Posted by u/CouchPryor
REPLACEMENT
LIFETIME
258
©2020 Davidson’s, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
0 3 6
[Mayer] Newman thanked Daytona officials for their response to his crash at the Daytona 500!
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, RYAN NEWMAN’S RETURN TO DAYTONA International Speedway is a pretty special moment in NASCAR and sports. Much like when Ernie Irvan returned to Michigan International Speedway in 1996, two years after his life-threatening crash, Newman overcame incredible odds from his harrowing crash in the 2020 Daytona 500.
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
BY THE NUMBER
37
BY THE NUMBER
CAR NO. BY K EITH WA LTZ
■■ 2020 – Ryan Preece (Getty Images photo)
1
970 NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bobby Isaac is the only driver to win a Cup Series race driving car No. 37. That victory came on April 18, 1968, when Isaac dominated a 200-lap race at Columbia Speedway, a half-mile dirt track in Cayce, South Carolina. Isaac started sixth in Nord Krauskopf’s No. 37 Dodge and led all
■■ Bobby Isaac (NASCAR photo)
0 3 8
but 14 laps. It’s interesting to note that Isaac made only seven of his 308 series starts in car No. 37 and five of those resulted in top-five finishes. Overall statistics show that cars carrying No. 37 in the NASCAR Cup Series have only 18 top-five finishes and 84 top-10 results in just over 620 starts as the number has been used sparing throughout the years. In a unique twist, two cars carrying No. 37 competed in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race on June 19, 1949, at Charlotte Speedway. Archie Smith finished sixth in the No. 37 Smith Racing Ford while teammate Frank Smith ended up 21st in a Chrysler. JTG Daughtry Racing has been the caretaker of No. 37 since the team added a second car in 2017. Chris Buescher, who drove for JTG Daughtry Racing from 2017 to 2019, has the most starts in No. 37 with 108. John Andretti is second with 54. Ryan Preece currently drives car No. 37.
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
SUBSCRIBE TO NASCAR POLE POSITION
FIVE EDITIONS +BONUS GIFT $29.95 PLUS SHIPPING & HANDLING FIVE EDITIONS PLUS A SEASON PREVIEW MAGAZINE
POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM/BUY
NPP20 Subscrip 0405 HALF Ad.indd 1
2/27/2020 12:46:47 PM
NASCAR DEFINED - WHO WAS THAT MASKED MAN?
START RUN STORE Start up with ease every time Store with confidence between use Run faster, cleaner, smoother
WWW.STARTRON.COM
0 4 0
020 Ad COL.indd 1
+ PERFORMANCE
TYLER ANKRUM
PROTECTION
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020 1/9/20 5:03 PM
UP TO 4 YEARS OF PROTECTION IS ONLY 5 MINUTES AWAY.
FRAM Ultra Air provides expectational engine protection in all driving conditions
• Extended protection – blended multi-fiber filter media provides long term durability • Superior dirt holding capacity* – Traps and holds smaller dirt and dust particles • Installs in as few as 5 mins†
* Based on FRAM Group testing of dirt holding capacity of models 4309, 9683 and their FRAM Extra Guard air filter equivalents under ISO-5011 † See vehicles owner manual for proper installation
fram.com © 2020 Fram Group Operations LLC, 127 Public Square Suite 5300, Cleveland, OH 44114 Printed in USA
NASCAR DEFINED - WHO WAS THAT MASKED MAN?
Snakeskin-PolePos-ColAd.qxp_Layout 1 1/27/20 10:58 AM Page 1
By:
BLACK
MAMBA
TOUGHEST GLOVES ON THE MARKET Long lasting for tough jobs that need tough gloves and ultimate protection. 3 times chemical protection of latex or vinyl gloves!
NEW! Snakeskin 7 mil Enhanced Grip Nitrile
Black Mamba 6.25 mil Tough Black Nitrile
Orange Mamba 6.0 mil Hi-Viz Orange Nitrile
ProBlu Mamba 14 mil HD Long Blue Latex
Mamba Torque 6.25/10.25 Raised Torque Grips
Waterproof Detail Gloves Ideal for Auto Detailing and General MechanicWork
0 4 2
BRETT MOFFITT
For samples or to find a dealer in your area, please visit: BLACKMAMBAGLOVES.COM
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
RACE THROUGH * HEARTBURN Starts neutralizing acid in seconds
Available at Use as directed. *with headache or body aches and pains
©2020 Bayer
NASCAR DEFINED - WHO WAS THAT MASKED MAN?
JOSH WILLIAMS
0 4 4
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
Hand Cleaner Since 1948 Dirty Hands? No Water? No Problem! For speedy clean up and excellent conditioning performance, try Joe’s Hand Cleaner
Building Relationships One Hand At A Time
www.joeshandcleaner.com Made in the USA
Available at:
NASCAR DEFINED - WHO WAS THAT MASKED MAN?
SHELDON CREED
0 4 6
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
PREMIUM QUALITY
AUTOMOTIVE LUBRICANTS WITH...
THE
POWER
TO PROTECT No. 105 Motor Assembly Grease
• The “Original” Prelube for Installed Engine Parts. • Prevents “Dry Start” During Initial Start Up. • Trusted By Top Engine Builders For Decades.
Chain & Cable Fluid - Penetrating Oil
• A Superior, Non-Gumming Penetrating Oil. • For Chains, Cables, Tools and General Lubrication. • Loosens Rusty Nuts & Bolts. Also For Metalworking.
Spray Lube `A´ White Lithium Grease
• Sprays Like a Fluid, Congeals To A Grease. • For Locks, Latches, Hinges, Battery Terminals and More. • Creamy White Color - Correct For Classic Show Cars.
Gear Shield Extra Heavy
• Heavy-Duty, Extreme Pressure Spray Lubricant. • For Gears, Pins, Bushings and Jack Screws. • Excellent Fifth Wheel Lubricant for Trucks.
Biodegradable Penetrating Oil
• ECO-Friendly, Bio-Based, Multi-Purpose Lubricating Oil. • For Tools, Locks, Latches and General Lubrication. • Displaces Moisture and Will Deliver a “Wet Start.”
SYNXTREME HD-2 Grease
• 100% Synthetic, Calcium Sulfonate Complex Formula. • NLGI GC-LB Certified Wheel Bearing & Chassis Lube.
Visit Our Online Webstore At: www.lubriplate.com Also Available At:
Newark, NJ 07105 / Toledo, OH 43605 / 800-733-4755 LubeXpert@lubriplate.com / www.lubriplate.com
for store locations CARQUEST.com
NASCAR DEFINED - WHO WAS THAT MASKED MAN?
CHRISTIAN ECKES
0 4 8
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
CREDITS
ROAR! WEEKLY RACE MAGAZINE 11880 28TH ST. N, SUITE 101 ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33716 PHONE: (727) 209-0792 FAX: (727) 209-1776 ROAR! SITE: POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM CORPORATE: AE-ENGINE.COM EMAIL: ROAR@AE-ENGINE.COM
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT
PUBLISHER: CRAIG BARONCELLI EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SALES: DAVID WATSON VICE PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTS: DAYNE MAASDORP VICE PRESIDENT, MOTORSPORTS: CHRIS VITA SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: JUSTIN HAND, MARK MORALES, JOHN ENGLE OFFICE MANAGER: DENNIS FASONE
EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT
ART DIRECTOR: JOE RABUCK DIRECTOR, DIGITAL: NICOLE COOPER DIRECTOR, DIGITAL CONTENT: JOSH MULL MANAGING EDITOR: DAN GUTTENPLAN CONTRIBUTORS: JARED TURNER, BEN WHITE, JOSEPH WOLKIN , KEITH WALTZ, ROB TIONGSON A.E. ENGINE SPECIFIES THAT POSTPUBLISHING CHANGES MAY OCCUR TO ANY INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PUBLICATION AND TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR GOODS OR SERVICES ADVERTISED.
AVAILABLE NOW: DOVER MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM UPDATES & POSTERS TWITTER @NPPMAG FACEBOOK NASCAR POLE POSITION
0 5 0
ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 17, 2020
SUBSCRIPTIONS: YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS CAN BE ORDERED ONLINE AT POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM. SALES INQUIRIES: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN ROAR! WEEKLY RACE MAGAZINE, OR WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE, PLEASE CONTACT DAVID WATSON AT (727) 209-0789, OR DKW@AE-ENGINE.COM.