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NASCAR Gears Up For pocono: A Prime-Time Spectacle At The Tricky Triangle
mount Pocono, PA – After a thrilling race on the road course in Mexico city, NASCAR is shifting gears to the Pocono Mountains for a weekend full of racing action.Pocono Raceway, a track known for its unique “tri-oval” design, is set to host the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series events, promising fans a diverse and exciting racing experience.
Daytona Motor Mouths: Shane van Gisbergen wins NASCAR Mexico City race
The guys break down Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR win in Mexico City,Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s beef with Carson Hocevar and more before Pocono.
The “tricky Triangle”: Pocono’s Unique Layout
Pocono Raceway isn’t your average oval track. Construction began in the mid-1960s, several years after daytona International Speedway, and Pocono took the tri-oval concept to an extreme. Instead of a typical tri-oval, Pocono is more of a triangle, featuring three distinct turns, each modeled after famous turns from other Indy-racing tracks, making it the “Tricky Triangle”.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Teases Return: Will North Wilkesboro Be the Spot?
Dale Earnhardt Jr., the beloved NASCAR Hall of Famer, has sparked excitement among racing fans wiht a hint at a potential return to the track. While he stepped away from full-time racing after the 2017 season, Earnhardt Jr. recently revealed what could tempt him to expand his part-time Xfinity Series schedule: a race at the legendary North Wilkesboro Speedway.
The Allure of North Wilkesboro: A Track Steeped in History
North Wilkesboro Speedway, a track with deep roots in NASCAR history, holds a special place in the hearts of many fans and drivers. Its recent revitalization has brought a renewed sense of excitement to the sport. Earnhardt Jr.’s connection to the track and his thankfulness for its heritage make it the perfect stage for a potential comeback.
During a recent appearance on the ZMAX CARS Tour broadcast at North wilkesboro, Earnhardt Jr. stated that if NASCAR announces an Xfinity Series race at the track, he woudl seriously consider expanding his racing schedule. This declaration has sent ripples of anticipation throughout the NASCAR community.
Earnhardt Jr.’s Last Xfinity Race: A Top-Ten Finish at Bristol
In his last Xfinity Series appearance at the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2024, Earnhardt Jr. proved that he still has the competitive fire. Despite not racing full-time, he secured a commendable top-ten finish, demonstrating his enduring skill and passion for racing.
“I mean, if I don’t ever run again, I’m happy at 50 years old to jump in once and run top 10,” Earnhardt Jr. said after the race, reflecting on his performance and hinting at future possibilities.
Staying Sharp: The Challenges of Part-Time Racing
Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged the challenges of competing as a part-time driver. The need to quickly adapt and catch up to full-time racers is a critically important hurdle.
“Not doing it every week, man, you certainly come in here feeling like you’re handicapped, and you’ve gotta drink from the fire hose trying to figure out what’s going on and getting up to speed,” he explained.
Despite these challenges, his love for racing remains strong.”I loved every lap. It was great,” he added.
Balancing Broadcasting, Family, and the Call of the Track
While the prospect of racing at North Wilkesboro is enticing, Earnhardt Jr.remains committed to his broadcasting career and his family.He plans to prioritize these aspects of his life, carefully considering any potential racing opportunities.
“I definitely do want to take next year off,focus on my broadcasting and get my boots on and get back to work there,make sure I’m doing a good job for that. That’s my priority, that and my family,” he stated.
North Wilkesboro Speedway: A Weekend of NASCAR Action
North Wilkesboro Speedway is set to host a thrilling weekend of NASCAR events, including the Cup Series All-Star Open and Race, the Craftsman Truck Series, and the Whelan Modified Tour. The schedule is packed with exciting races and qualifying sessions.
NASCAR All-Star Races at North Wilkesboro: A Quick Look
- Friday, May 16: Cup Series Practice and Qualifying (All-Star Pit Crew Challenge)
- Saturday, May 17: Craftsman Truck Series Race, Cup Series All-Star Race Heats
- Sunday, May 18: Whelan Modified Tour Race, Cup Series All-Star Open and Race
The Impact of Earnhardt Jr.’s Potential return
If Dale Earnhardt Jr. were to race at North Wilkesboro, it would undoubtedly draw significant attention to the Xfinity Series and the track itself.His popularity and influence within the sport could attract new fans and sponsors,further revitalizing the racing scene. His presence would not only boost viewership but also inspire a new generation of racers.
Real-life examples of similar comebacks include Mario Andretti’s occasional returns to racing after his retirement, which always generated immense buzz and excitement among fans. These events showcase the enduring appeal of racing legends and their ability to captivate audiences.
NASCAR Weekend Schedule at North Wilkesboro
| Date | Event | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| May 16 | NASCAR Cup series practice | 5 p.m. |
| May 16 | NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying (All-Star Pit Crew Challenge) | 6 p.m. |
| May 17 | NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race | 1:30 p.m. |
| May 17 | NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race Heat No. 1 | 5:10 p.m. |
| May 17 | NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race Heat No. 2 | 6:15 p.m. |
| May 18 | NASCAR Whelan Modified Tour Race | 2 p.m. |
| May 18 | NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Open | 5 p.m. |
| may 18 | NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race | 8 p.m. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Chase Elliott has been honored as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver for an impressive seventh consecutive year, a title he proudly received during NASCAR’s prestigious annual season-ending awards ceremony held on Friday night. This accolade stands out as the only major NASCAR award determined entirely by fan voting, showcasing the incredible support from his devoted followers. Elliott amassed an impressive 266,363 votes, significantly outpacing his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson and Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney, as reported by the National Motorsports Press Association.
Legacy of Awards
The Elliott family has established a remarkable legacy in the history of this award. Chase’s father, Bill Elliott, affectionately recognized as “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville,” holds an astounding record of winning the title 16 times before voluntarily stepping away from the ballot. Collectively, the Elliott and Earnhardt families have dominated the Most Popular Driver award for an astonishing 34 consecutive years, cementing their place in NASCAR folklore.
Chase Elliott reflected on this significant honor, expressing his heartfelt gratitude: “I don’t think it ever gets old. I’m thankful for all of the folks around the country who pull for me and my team and genuinely want to see us do well. That to me is the part that doesn’t get old—whether you’re in Darlington, South Carolina, or Talladega, or somewhere out in California, it’s just crazy to me that we have been fortunate enough to be in this situation and have the kind of support we have. I don’t take that for granted.”
Ryan Blaney, who finished behind Elliott, humorously noted that he doesn’t foresee anyone dethroning Elliott from his top position until he chooses to retire from racing.
“Obviously, he has a great fan base that he has built on his own, and fans who loved watching Bill as well, I don’t know what it would take to beat him,” Blaney remarked, acknowledging Elliott’s remarkable standing in the sport.
Blaney humorously anticipates the day when he returns to NASCAR to find out who inherits the title after Elliott steps away, saying,
“Someday I will have to peek my head back in the door and say, ‘Who won most popular driver?’ I will probably be retired by then, too. So I don’t know what it would take to beat him. It would be tough to knock him off that spot. He has a lot of people who really love him,” Blaney explained, further highlighting Elliott’s widespread popularity.
Reddick reaction
Tyler Reddick shares the belief that Elliott is unlikely to relinquish the title anytime soon. “When you’re at the racetrack, you think it has a chance to change, but it always seems like it is Chase’s award to lose,” Reddick stated, pinpointing the fierce loyalty of race fans.
“If anyone is ever going to have a shot at it, it’s Ryan or Kyle,” he added, underscoring the high-caliber competition among top drivers.
This award carries profound significance for NASCAR fans, as loyalty to their favorite drivers runs deep. Dale Earnhardt Sr. earned the title of Most Popular Driver in 2001, the year he tragically passed away during the Daytona 500. Following his untimely death, his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., claimed the title for an extraordinary 15 consecutive years, creating a tradition where either an Elliott or an Earnhardt has won the award for 34 consecutive years, illustrating the deep roots of family and heritage in the sport.
Chase reflected profoundly on the legacy his family has built and its impact on his own career: “You always want to try to carry your family name in the proper manner or at least in the manner that they would expect. I’ve always tried to do that, and I hope I’ve done that successfully in my time. But for sure, it is an extension of a lot of hard work from my dad and his brothers and my grandfather. It was a huge team effort and a huge family effort to have the careers that they had, which led to me being here and having the opportunity to carry that forward,” he expressed, honoring the foundational work of his family.
How does Chase Elliott feel about following in his father Bill Elliott’s footsteps in the NASCAR community?
**Interview with Chase Elliott on His 7th Most Popular Driver Award Win**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Chase! Congratulations on being named NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver for the seventh consecutive year! How are you feeling about this incredible achievement?
**Chase Elliott:** Thank you! Honestly, it feels just as special as it did the first time. I don’t think it ever gets old. I’m extremely thankful for all the fans who support me and my team. It’s amazing to see that kind of backing from people across the country, whether it’s in Darlington, Talladega, or out in California. I don’t take that for granted at all.
**Interviewer:** You received an impressive 266,363 votes, significantly outpacing your competitors. What do you think it is about you that resonates so much with the fans?
**Chase Elliott:** I think it’s a combination of things. I try to be genuine and relatable to the fans. Plus, having a legacy like my dad’s, “Awesome Bill,” certainly helps. I think that connection people have with our family and our story adds to it. I’m just grateful for the loyal fan base I’ve built.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of your father, Bill Elliott, he holds the record for winning this title 16 times. That’s incredible! How does it feel to follow in his footsteps?
**Chase Elliott:** It’s a huge honor. The legacy he’s built is something I aspire to uphold. It’s amazing to think about the impact both he and my family have had on the sport. Together, with the Earnhardt family, we have a long history in NASCAR that spans 34 consecutive years of Most Popular Driver wins.
**Interviewer:** Ryan Blaney, who came in second, humorously mentioned he doesn’t see anyone dethroning you until you decide to retire. What are your thoughts on that?
**Chase Elliott:** (laughs) That’s flattering to hear from Ryan. He’s a great competitor and a good friend. I appreciate his words, but I’m just focused on continuing to put in the work and hopefully keep making my fans proud while I’m still out there racing.
**Interviewer:** What’s next for you as you look forward to the upcoming season?
**Chase Elliott:** I’m excited to keep building on what we’ve done and hopefully bring more wins to our team. My focus is on staying connected with my fans and making sure I deliver on the track. Their support is what drives me!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Chase, for your time and insights. Congratulations again on your well-deserved win!
**Chase Elliott:** Thank you! I appreciate it.
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This interview captures Chase Elliott’s thoughts and feelings about his recent accolade, his family’s legacy, and his future in NASCAR, providing an engaging and informative look for fans and newcomers alike.