ROAR! - Weekly Racing Magazine - August 24, 2020

TRYING TO STAY AHEAD PLAYOFF BUBBLE BATTLE!

IN THE HOT SEAT JIMMIE JOHNSON DECOMPRESSING

JIMMIE JOHNSON AND WILLIAM BYRON BATTLE IT OUT FOR THE LAST SPOT

JUST SAYIN’ JOEY IS OVER HIS HEAD

BY THE NUMBER CAR NO. 96

#

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

TWITTER

@ericestepp17

INSTAGRAM

@eric_estepp

PATREON

/outofthegroove

PLAYOFF BUBBLE BATTLE AT THE MONSTER MILE In this week’s episode of Out of the Groove, host and creator Eric Estepp takes us through yesterday’s incredible playoff bubble battle at Dover, the second race of the weekend’s dramatic doubleheader. It was an eerie repeat of the Monster Mile from the day before, with an early crash and everything.

But the devastating loss of Chase Elliott so early on in the race didn’t keep the excitement from building, as the playoff battle from 0 0 4

Saturday carried right over into Sunday. Even with the Indy 500 raging just a few channels over, there was still plenty of action on the track at Dover.

The 16th place spot on the playoffs bubble managed to change hands multiple times over the course of the race, and Eric is here to take us through exactly how the standings shook out.

Plus, it all goes up on his patented Groovy Gauge in this week’s episode of Out of the Groove!

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 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 DOVER Well, that was fun. Two busy days of NASCAR Cup Series racing at Dover International Speedway produced just about everything a NASCAR fan could ever want — bold, aggressive on-track maneuvers, visibly agitated drivers and outcomes that were less than certain until the checkered flag was waving in the air. In the end, though, the results were much the same as they’ve been throughout most of the season, with Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick winning for sixth and seventh time in 2020, respectively.

Following are five important lessons learned at The Monster Mile.

BY JA RED TURNER

0 0 6

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

EDUCATION AT THE SPEED OF LIFE .

SUNY Canton offers courses online, on-campus, and as a combination of the two with our unique FLEX classes.

FLEX classes are live streamed and simultaneously recorded and posted to SUNY Canton OnLine. Students can access content at any time – or as many times – as they like.

5 LESSONS LEARNED

5

IT’S A MAD SCRAMBLE NEAR THE BUBBLE

A

fter two races at Dover, things have tightened considerably around the playoff bubble with only one race left before the 16-driver playoff field is set. Coming into The Monster Mile, William Byron sat squarely on the bubble but held a 25-point lead over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson for the final transfer spot. As it stands now, Byron would still be the last driver to make the cut, but his advantage over Johnson has shrunk to four points. Meanwhile, Erik Jones has slipped from 35 to 50 points behind Byron and will likely need to win this weekend’s regular season finale to secure a playoff berth. On the heels of two subpar outings at Dover, Matt DiBenedetto is now just nine points ahead of Johnson and five ahead of Byron. If a driver who’s already won in 2020 prevails at Daytona this weekend, it’s all but certain that two drivers from the combination of DiBenedetto, Byron and Johnson will advance — but it’s anyone’s guess who won’t.

0 0 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

5 LESSONS LEARNED

4

ERIK JONES RUINED KURT BUSCH’S SATURDAY AND OWNED IT

O

ne of the most unexpected moments from the weekend at Dover occurred early — on Lap 6 of Saturday’s race — when Erik Jones tapped Kurt Busch’s left rear quarter panel, sending Busch’s No. 1 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet spinning and hard into the inside wall. Busch, whose car suffered major damage, was credited with a 40th-place finish. Jones later took responsibility. “I want to apologize to Kurt and the whole 1 team,” the Joe Gibbs Racing driver said. “I got into him.

That’s my mistake. I got tight and it ended their day really quick. I feel bad. I’ve raced with Kurt now a while, and we have never had an issue and raced really well, so I want to say sorry to him first.”

Busch, not surprisingly, didn’t take too kindly to the bump from Jones. “What an unfortunate way to have our day end on Lap 6,” the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series champion said. “Way too early to be racing like that.”

0 1 0

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 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 LESSONS LEARNED

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

MARTIN TRUEX JR. IS ROYALLY MIFFED AT ARIC ALMIROLA

G

ood luck finding an unhappier second-place finisher than Martin Truex Jr. was on Saturday at Dover. Truex, who was less downtrodden after coming home second in Sunday’s Part Two of the weekend doubleheader, blamed Aric Almirola for costing him a victory on Saturday in a race Truex led before running up on the almostlapped car of Almirola in the closing laps and being passed by Denny Hamlin with nine laps to go. “I really struggled once I got to the 10 car,” Truex said of Almirola. “He was running exactly where I wanted to run.

He was making it tough. I was fine with him running where he wanted to run, which was pinned on the white line on the bottom. I had a problem with how every time I’d try to move up, he would drive up the racetrack in front of me. Not cool to do to the leader when second-place is catching him. I think that’s kind of shitty, to be honest.”

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 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 LESSONS LEARNED

2

DENNY HAMLIN GOT THE DOVER MONKEY OFF HIS BACK

P

rior to Saturday’s race at Dover, Denny Hamlin was notably and surprisingly winless in 28 NASCAR Cup Series starts at The Monster Mile. No more. Continuing his already magical season, Hamlin led 115 of 311 laps on the way to his sixth triumph of 2020. However, Dover is the first track this season where Hamlin has prevailed for the first time ever. “It hasn’t been one of my best tracks, by any means,” the Joe Gibbs Racing driver said. “I got teammates that are probably the best in the business when it comes to this track. I just study them and try to replicate their style at this racetrack. Once I adapt, then I can give the feedback to tell them what to do with the car. I think my style of driving typically doesn’t fit this type of racetrack. I have to adapt more to my teammates’ style when I come here.”

0 1 4

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 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 LESSONS LEARNED 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

KEVIN HARVICK RELISHES PLAYOFF POINTS THAT COME WITH REGULAR SEASON TITLE

W

ith one race still to be run in the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, Kevin Harvick — as of Sunday — has solidified the regular season championship. What does that mean? In one sense, not a ton, since the crowning of the regular season champ is mostly ceremonial in nature. Of greater significance, however, is the 15 extra playoff points that Harvick will carry into the playoffs by virtue of this achievement. With 15 additional playoffs tacked onto an already bulging number of playoff points amassed from race wins and stage wins, Harvick is well-positioned to be in the Championship 4. “What you want to accomplish in the regular season is to gain as many playoff points as you can,” Harvick said after scoring his seventh victory of 2020 on Sunday. “We’ve done that by winning races. We’ve done that in a number of different ways throughout the year, just trying to be consistent and make up for days that things aren’t going good.”

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 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’ ▶ JOEY LOGANO WAS DRIVING WAY OVER HIS HEAD Joey Logano is a former NASCAR Cup Series champion and widely considered one of the best overall talents in NASCAR today. So why in the world did he carelessly run into Ricky Stenhouse Jr. on the sixth lap of Sunday’s race, triggering an accident that involved six cars? “I screwed up,” Logano said. “I don’t know any way better to put it.” You think? Look, I’m not casting stones here, because even the best drivers make mistakes from time to time. But Logano — a driver who is always quick to fight or point the finger at others when he believes he’s gotten the short end of the stick — can simply do better than this.

JA RED TURNER ▶▶ The Doubleheader Concept Works for Now Never in NASCAR’s modern era prior to 2020 has there been a doubleheader race weekend for the sport’s premier series. This year has featured three of them, the last one coming over the weekend at Dover International Speedway after doubleheaders earlier in the season at Pocono Raceway and Michigan International Speedway. With the last of the two doubleheaders being a result of the rescheduling brought about by COVID-19, which could linger well into 2021, the question is begged: Are doubleheaders the way of the future in NASCAR? From a practicality standpoint — at least for the time being — it’s hard to argue against them.

■■ Joey Logano triggered a 6 car crash early in Sunday’s race.

▶▶ Having No Fans at Richmond is a Disgrace One of the most popular stops on the NASCAR schedule, Richmond Raceway already had its spring race weekend stripped away when Virginia’s governor wouldn’t allow NASCAR to come to town because of fears related to COVID-19. As it stands now, Richmond will be able to host its originally scheduled fall race weekend, but it was recently announced that the weekend will be bereft of fans. This is the height of insanity, folks. The track accommodates up to 51,000 fans. With 15,000 spectators or fewer, Richmond should be able to comfortably host fans at a significantly reduced capacity and have more than enough room for adequate social distancing. At some point, common sense simply must prevail.

0 1 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 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

Jimmie Johnson

BY ROB TIONGSON

As the NASCAR Cup Series season prepares for the Playoffs, the stakes increase for drivers and teams.

Rob Tiongson catches up with seven-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson. ▶▶ You and the 48 team are finding speed when it matters. How encouraged are you about the team’s fortunes during crunch time? And how much of it do you attribute to that new 48 car’s paint scheme?

We’re not superstitious but we changed the color of the car just in case there was something in that. I really feel like it’s been here for us and we’ve just been affecting ourselves or hurting ourselves throughout the last couple of months and losing opportunities to perform and shine.

I still think we’re missing some pace and we don’t have dominant pace.

With runs like today, to run in the top-five, to run in the top-10, we should’ve been doing this all year long and not have to worry about points going into Daytona. So, I’m pretty bummed about that. But when I look back, the DQ at Charlotte, we got a goose egg in points there.

And then I missed the Brickyard 400. So, if we just scored some points in those races, we’re in a much different position right now than what we’re in. ▶▶ You mentioned how experience serves you well with handling the pressures of the Playoff battle.

What’s some of the ways you’ve decompressed and kept calm?

I feel as you get older and more experienced in anything you do, you learn what to worry about. When you’re young, you worry about everything as you don’t want to overlook something that’s important. But I feel like experience really buys you that knowledge. And you know where to focus your energy and not just wearing yourself out worrying about everything all of the time.

0 2 0

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

NASCAR STANDINGS

NASCAR CUP SERIES

STANDINGS NO. DRIVER

PTS.

1

KEVIN HARVICK

1041

Dual-Action Topical Analgesic Cream

2

DENNY HAMLIN

907

3

BRAD KESELOWSKI

881

4

JOEY LOGANO

836

5

CHASE ELLIOTT

809

Provides penetrating, fast pain relief from:

6

MARTIN TRUEX JR.

845

7

RYAN BLANEY

818

8

ALEX BOWMAN

662

9

AUSTIN DILLON

561

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

469

11 ARIC ALMIROLA

740

12 KYLE BUSCH

719

13 KURT BUSCH

700

14 CLINT BOWYER

685

15 MATT DIBENEDETTO

637

16 WILLIAM BYRON

632

17 JIMMIE JOHNSON

628

18 ERIK JONES

582

19 TYLER REDDICK

563

20 CHRISTOPHER BELL

456

21 CHRIS BUESCHER

449

22 BUBBA WALLACE

438

23 RICKY STENHOUSE JR.

426

24 MICHAEL MCDOWELL

426

25 RYAN NEWMAN

387

26 JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK 373 27 TY DILLON

369

28 MATT KENSETH

363

29 COREY LAJOIE

309

30 RYAN PREECE

292

31 BRENNAN POOLE

171

32 QUIN HOUFF

132

33 DANIEL SUAREZ

264

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 24, 2020

WINS

POLES

TOP 5

TOP 10

7 0 17 21 6 0 14 16 3 1 9 18 2 0 6 14 2 1 9 14 1 1 10 16 1 0 8 10 1 0 3 7 1 0 2 7 1 0 2 6 0 0 5 14 0 1 11 13 0 1 4 14 0 1 2 7 0 0 2 7 0 0 1 8 0 0 4 9 0 0 5 8 0 0 2 7 0 0 1 5 0 0 2 5 0 0 0 4 0 1 3 4 0 0 0 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

CHASE BRISCOE

867

2

AUSTIN CINDRIC

929

3

NOAH GRAGSON

832

4

HARRISON BURTON

716

5

BRANDON JONES

626

6

JUSTIN ALLGAIER

739

7

JUSTIN HALEY

699

8

ROSS CHASTAIN

811

9

MICHAEL ANNETT

627

10 RILEY HERBST

539

11 RYAN SIEG

511

12 BRANDON BROWN

454

13 JEREMY CLEMENTS

423

14 MYATT SNIDER

396

15 ALEX LABBE

371

16 JOSH WILLIAMS

358

17 JESSE LITTLE

357

18 JOE GRAF JR.

285

19 DANIEL HEMRIC

368

20 ANTHONY ALFREDO

350

21 B.J. MCLEOD

288

• Next Generation Ergonomics & Features

22 TOMMY JOE MARTINS

276

23 AJ ALLMENDINGER

262

• Stainless Steel Slides & Barrels

24 JEFFREY EARNHARDT

256

• Perfect for Every Day Carry!

25 CHAD FINCHUM

234

26 VINNIE MILLER

223

27 MATT MILLS

173

28 KYLE WEATHERMAN

155

29 JEB BURTON

147

30 COLBY HOWARD

147

Visit Us

www.Polymer80.com Save 20% by using Coupon Code:

0 2 4

NASCAR

31 KODY VANDERWAL

145

32 DAVID STARR

123

33 STEPHEN LEICHT

102

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

WINS

POLES

TOP 5

TOP 10

6 0 12 16 5 0 15 17 2 0 10 15 2 0 10 14 2 1 7 11 1 0 5 12 1 0 6 13 0 0 9 18 0 1 3 12 0 0 2 12 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 3 8 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 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 1 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 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

ZANE SMITH

474

2

SHELDON CREED

426

3

GRANT ENFINGER

393

4

AUSTIN HILL

515

5

MATT CRAFTON

420

6

BRETT MOFFITT

468

7

CHRISTIAN ECKES

450

8

BEN RHODES

450

9

TYLER ANKRUM

383

10 TODD GILLILAND

378

11 DEREK KRAUS

374

12 TANNER GRAY

315

13 JOHNNY SAUTER

307

14 RAPHAEL LESSARD

305

15 STEWART FRIESEN

281

16 TY MAJESKI

245

17 AUSTIN SELF

208

18 TATE FOGLEMAN

178

19 SPENCER BOYD

172

20 JORDAN ANDERSON

163

21 SPENCER DAVIS

188

22 CORY ROPER

161

23 CODIE ROHRBAUGH

159

24 NATALIE DECKER

109

25 PARKER KLIGERMAN

105

26 TYLER HILL

102

27 CLAY GREENFIELD

97

28 TIMMY HILL

92

29 ANGELA RUCH

84

30 RYAN TRUEX

79

31 CHASE PURDY

78

32 JENNIFER COBB

78

33 KORBIN FORRISTER

68

WINS

POLES

TOP 5

TOP 10

2 0 4 8 2 1 4 7 2 0 4 6 1 0 6 11 1 0 7 8 0 0 5 8 0 0 4 6 0 0 5 9 0 0 2 6 0 0 4 8 0 0 2 8 0 0 2 4 0 2 3 7 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 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 0 0 0 0 1 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 24, 2020 5/15/2020 8:30:21 AM

ROB IS RACIN’

ROB IS RACIN’:

MARTIN TRUEX JR IS PRIME FOR NASCAR PLAYOFFS

BY ROB TIONGSON

W

hile it’s been “The Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin Show” in the NASCAR Cup Series, Martin Truex Jr and his No. 19 team are prime for another championship in 2020.

After a rather inconsistent start to the year with an average finish of 14.46 in the first 13 races, Truex and new crew chief James Small are close to hitting paydirt in the past 12 races.

For a driver who’s averaged a terrific finish of 8.67 since the Pocono doubleheader, it’s safe to say he sees an area of improvement heading into the 10-race Playoffs.

“I think overall, they’re (Harvick and the No. 4 team) probably just a little bit -- got a little bit more speed than we do,” Truex observed.

“And I think probably one of the biggest things I notice is their ability to get through traffic better than our cars, and that’s something we’ve 0 2 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

At Tracks Benefits* Receive 20% OFF your next Racing Electronics Rental!

Garate Tours.

Up Close Access to Driver Introductions.

Pace Car Rides.

Attending the Driver’s Meeting.

Joining the Race Winner in Victory Lane. * at selected tracks

Exclusive Members Only Online Store Up to 70% OFF your Favorite Driver NASCAR Licensed Products.

Ultimate VIP Experience Special Member Opportunities throughout the Season.

Exclusive Offers from Our Proud Partners.

les.

REPLACEMENT

LIFETIME

OF

See www.galleryofguns.com for complete program terms and conditions.

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

ROB IS RACIN’

©2020 Davidson’s, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

0 3 0

been really focusing on and working on, and we haven’t found a whole lot that really has helped us in that department.”

Still, Truex, who’s built his rapport with Small throughout the year, has that savvy and experience to succeed in crunch time.

Certainly, he prevailed in 2017 with an emotional driver’s championship on the strength of eight wins.

Along the same lines, Truex, who’s won just under five races in Toyota sheet metal since 2016, understands what he and his team must concentrate on when the narrative turns to the prized championship trophy.

“I mean, it’s just been little things here and there that we’ve got to be smarter about,” Truex said. “But also, I think overall, we’ve got to find a little bit more speed if we can, and again, we’re so close. It’s just little things here and there we’ve got to look at and figure out how to turn those seconds and thirds into victories.”

Converting consistent frontrunning performances into wins is a staple of Truex’s career, particularly since joining the Joe Gibbs Racing umbrella in 2016. Previously wheeling the No. 78 Furniture Row Toyota Camry, a ride affiliated with JGR from ’16 to ’18, he understands what it takes to be on the attack like teammate Denny Hamlin.

“The 11 has been really fast, they’ve won a bunch of races, but we’ve been right there, too,” Truex said. “We’ve been right there, (but) we just need a little bit more. You just keep working, that’s all you can do. This stuff is hard, it’s not easy, so it’s pretty impressive what they’re doing.”

Perseverance seems to be a staple of Truex’s career. Overcoming professional setbacks with Michael Waltrip Racing following the 2013 season and the conclusion of Furniture Row Racing in ’18, as the saying goes, “you can’t keep a good man down.”

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

ROB IS RACIN’

START RUN STORE

Moreover, of course, he can draw strength and inspiration from his longtime girlfriend Sherry Pollex, a survivor of ovarian cancer.

Standing alongside her during her difficult battle starting in 2014, both understand the wherewithal and courage required to cope through incredible adversity.

Much like Pollex, it’s safe to say that Truex is very resilient and optimistic as can be, even if he does most of his talking on the track with strong, consistent performances in the No. 19 car. Rarely putting a foot wrong, particularly in the heat of an intense championship battle, Truex is as cool and collected as Tom Brady when facing a fullout blitz in the Super Bowl.

All told, Truex, who might seem the invisible man in recent times, issued a friendly but competitive message to his competitors.

“I think the results speak for themselves,” Truex remarked. “For us, I think if they forget about us, that’s fine because we’re right there.

We’re ready to pounce. Again, we’re close. We obviously haven’t won as many races as I think we should have, but we’re ready, and hopefully the momentum will swing our direction and they’ll forget about us and we’ll go beat them all.”

Odds are, it’d be foolish to bet against Truex and the No. 19 team.

If there’s championship glory to be had in the NASCAR Cup Series battlefield, General Truex and his troops are ready to be on the offensive on any given race weekend.

Start up with ease every time Store with confidence between use Run faster, cleaner, smoother

WWW.STARTRON.COM PROTECTION

0 3 2

020 Ad COL.indd 1

+ PERFORMANCE

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 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

DRIVER Q&A

PARKER KLIGERMAN LOVES THE TRUCK SERIES

BY JOSEPH WOLK IN

When Henderson Motorsports calls, Parker Kligerman jumps at the opportunity to compete in the Gander Rv & Outdoors Truck Series. Truck No. 75 is always a contender for top 10s when Kligerman competes, and the unexpected opportunity to run more events in 2020 makes him even more thankful to the Henderson family. ▶ WHAT’S THE SEASON BEEN LIKE FOR YOU WITH THESE CRAZY CIRCUMSTANCES? “I love it. I think no practice is the best thing ever. This is my 11th year in NASCAR, so I don’t think I need to practice that often. In the modern day, it’s become a bit redundant because 90 percent of the time, you just go back to the setup you showed up with. It’s been cool to show up and hop in the truck. The team has done a great job providing competitive trucks this year. I didn’t think in January that I would do any racing this year.

Here we are and we’re going to do almost 10 races. When they say jump, I say how high.”

■■ Parker Kligerman drives part-time for Henderson Motorsports

▶ WHAT WOULD IT MEAN TO WIN AGAIN FOR THIS TEAM? “I have to get Charlie Henderson another race to watch. He watches our 2017 Talladega win like once a week, so I have to get him another win to watch. It would be huge for me. I would really like to win somewhere outside of a superspeedway.”

0 3 4

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

COMMUNITY CREATOR: DANNY B

YOUTUBE

/Danny B Talks

TWITTER

@DannyBTalks

INSTAGRAM

@danielbaldwin17

PATREON

/DannyBTalks

DRIVERS ANSWER BACK AT DOVER YouTuber Danny B is back with his fan favorite series Danny B Needs a Minute. Each episode Danny takes a look at the latest news and storylines in the world of racing, and gives us his thoughts on the issues from the perspective of a lifelong fan.

It’s the greatest racing day of the year, but it’s very much different this year. It’s not Memorial Day weekend, and there’s no 0 3 6

Monaco. But we still had a dramatic playoff battle at Dover, along with the Indy 500. Danny takes us through the events of the races to figure out what it all means.

Plus Danny talks us through the weekend’s Xfinity race, and gives us the context behind Chase Briscoe’s powerful performance on the track. All this and more in today’s Danny B Needs a Minute!

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 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 7 NOW OFFERING: PDI PLUS Extended Lifetime Warranty

Learn More: www.progressivedyn.com | (269) 781-4241

BY THE NUMBER

96

BY THE NUMBER

CAR NO.

BY K EITH WA LTZ

■■ Ray Elder (Getty Images photo)

W

est Coast stock car racing legend Ray Elder is the only driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race wheeling car No. 96 as the racer from Caruthers, California, recorded a pair of victories at Riverside International Raceway.

Elder, who captured NASCAR’s West Coast championship six times between 1969 and 1975, gave No. 96 its first victory on Jan. 10,

■■ 2020 – Daniel Suarez (Getty Images photo)

0 3 8

1971, when he won the Motor Trend 500 at the serpentine Southern California track. Elder started third and led 67 of the 191 laps.

Elder returned to Riverside’s Victory Lane on June 18, 1972, when he beat Benny Parsons by a full lap of the 2.262-mile road course to win the Golden State 400.

Car No. 96 was a bit of a later bloomer as it did not appear in the NASCAR Cup Series until the 1951 Southern 500. On Sept. 3, 1951, J.E. Hardie started 73rd in the 82-car field and finished 42nd at Darlington Raceway.

Overall statistics show that cars carrying No. 96 in the NASCAR Cup Series have only 19 top-five finishes and 92 top-10 results in just over 625 starts.

Interestingly, Richard Childress has the most starts (108) in car No. 96 as he used that number from 1971 through 1975 before switching to No. 3.

Gaunt Brothers Racing has used No. 96 since 2017 and Daniel Suarez is the team’s current driver.

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

NASCAR DEFINED - INSIDE THE BUBBLE

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

For samples or to find a dealer in your area, please visit: BLACKMAMBAGLOVES.COM

0 4 0

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

MARTIN TRUEX JR.

RACE THROUGH * HEARTBURN Starts neutralizing acid in seconds

Available at Use as directed. *with headache or body aches and pains

©2020 Bayer

NASCAR DEFINED - INSIDE THE BUBBLE

0 4 2

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

CHASE ELLIOTT

SUBSCRIBE TO NASCAR POLE POSITION

NPP20 Subscrip 0405 HALF Ad.indd 1

FIVE EDITIONS +BONUS GIFT $29.95 PLUS SHIPPING & HANDLING FIVE EDITIONS PLUS A SEASON PREVIEW MAGAZINE

POLEPOSITIONMAG.COM/BUY

2/27/2020 12:46:47 PM

NASCAR DEFINED - INSIDE THE BUBBLE

0 4 4

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

JOEY LOGANO

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 - INSIDE THE BUBBLE

0 4 6

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

BRAD KESELOWSKI

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.

NASCAR DEFINED - INSIDE THE BUBBLE

0 4 8

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

DENNY HAMLIN

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 - INSIDE THE BUBBLE

0 5 0

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 2020

KEVIN HARVICK

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 2

ROAR! WEEKLY RACING MAGAZINE: AUGUST 24, 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.