Briar's Top 5 From The Truck Race At Pocono

1. William Byron: Picked up his 5th win of the year and broke the record for most wins as a rookie. 2004 Cup Champion Kurt Busch previously held the record with 4 wins.

2. Cameron Hayley: Nice driving by Hayley who finished second in the no.13 Toyota.

3. Brett Moffit: The rookie did a solid job by driving home his no.11 Toyota to a third place finish.

4. Cole Custer: Custer spun early in the race, but rebounded to a solid top 5 finish.

5. Rico Abreu: Finished 3rd in last week's truck race at Eldora, challenged for the lead early at Pocono in the going. Still managed to place a top 10 finish.

Honorable Mention: Christopher Bell: Had voltage issues before the race started which set him back at the start. Made contact with John Wes Townley at the tunnel and suffered mild damage. With the help of cautions, Bell was able to get back on the lead lap. Prior to that he was five laps down after being caught up in the accident. Bell rebounded and finished in the 10th position.

William Byron Wins Action Packed Pocono Mountains 150

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series took center stage at Pocono Raceway today. Qualifying was cancelled due to overnight rains, therefore the field was set by the rule book. Which meant William Byron sat on the pole with John Hunter Nemechek alongside him. The race was also moved up earlier due to rain threatening the area. Christopher Bell had problems with his truck, as there was low voltage, therefore having to bring his no.4 Toyota down pit road before the start,

Shortly after, William Byron lead 32 trucks to the green flag. It didn't take long for the field to go five wide behind the race leader. The action heated up early as Austin Hill in the 02 makes contact off of turn 1, although the race continued to stay green. Just three laps later, Tyler Reddick of the no.29 spins off of turn 1 to bring out the first caution. Reddick avoided making contact with the wall. Matt Crafton came down pit road with the hood up on his truck to check for problems.

Restart lap 9. Byron and Timothy Peters battle side-by-side, but Peters was able to take the lead down in the tunnel turn. Byron battled back and takes the lead away one lap later in the same spot. As soon as that happens, Cole Custer spins off the tunnel turn to bring out the second caution on lap 11. The leaders came down pit road, while Byron Cameron Hayley, Ben Rhodes, and Daniel Hemric stay out for track position.

Bryon and Hayley took the restart on lap 15, as Byron cleared Hayley down into turn 1 when the rest of the trucks went wild on the restart. But the caution came out on the same lap, as John Wes Townley gets loose and makes contact with Christopher Bell off the tunnel turn. This brought out the third caution of the race.

Green flag lap 18, Byron gets the advantage once more. 5 laps later, a caution comes out for Carlos Contreras who stalled just before turn 1. The race leader Byron and others play strategy as he lead the field down to pit road. Nemechek won the race off pit road, with Byron following behind him.

Restart lap 27, Peters and Gallagher were on the front row and battled side-by-side, but Brad Keselowski Racing teammates Tyler Reddick, and Daniel Hemric collided with each other in turn 1. This brought out the fifth caution of the race. Replays show that Hemric got loose underneath Brandon Brown and spun out.

Byron and Gallagher took the green flag right at the halfway point. Gallagher was able to get a great start, and started to check out from the lead pack. But Austin Wayne Self spins in turn 1 and brings out another caution.

Restart lap 35, Gallagher and Rico Abreu lead the field into turn 1. Gallagher cleared Abreu down the backstretch. Just when the race looked like it was going into a long green flag run, Jordan Anderson and Ben Rhodes spin with each other in turn 1, to bring out the 7th caution of the race on lap 38. Gallagher brings his no.23 Chevy on pit road, and so does the no.8 Toyota of John Hunter Nemechek.

Green flag lap 41, Byron gets a push from Crafton, and that helped Byron pull away from the field. The race settled down just little bit, but Cameron Hayley takes away the second position from Matt Crafton with 18 to go. 4 laps later, a caution comes for Brandon Brown who scrapes the wall in turn 1. Reports were Brown had a flat tire go down.

Byron and Hayley took the green flag with 10 laps to go. Byron clears the field with help from Timothy Peters. Although, Spencer Gallagher spins in turn 3 to bring out the 9th caution of the race. Replays show the no.41 of Ben Rhodes made slight contact with Gallagher.

Byron takes the green flag with 4 to go, and with no competition behind him, Byron held onto win his fifth career truck series win this season at Pocono.

This was Kyle Busch Motorsports 7th win of the season. Kyle Busch (1, Martinsville), Christopher Bell (1, Gateway), and William Byron 5 (Kansas, Fort Worth, Iowa, Kentucky, and Pocono)

There were 9 cautions for 27 laps, with 25 trucks finishing the race.

William Byron led 3 times for 44 laps.

The Camping World Truck Series have two weekends off before returning to Bristol Motor Speedway on August 17.

Briar's Top 5 From The ARCA Race at Pocono

1. Chase Briscoe: Another domination by Briscoe, who started 2nd and went onto go four in a row this season.

2. John Wes Townley: Was sidelined a couple of weeks with concussion-like symptoms. Played a little pit strategy and came home to finish in the runner up spot.

3. Shane Lee: Lee had a solid performance this evening. He too played a strategy game and finished in the 4th position. Nice finish for the Win-Tron Racing group.

4. Dalton Sargeant: Sargeant finished 3rd in today's race.

5. Kyle Weatherman: Weatherman started on the pole and lead for a little bit, but never really lead a lot during the race. Played the same strategy as Townley did, but did not work out for him. Still had a good night and finished 5th.

Honorable Mention: Tom Hessert: Hessert had some struggles in the past week, but had a somewhat decent run and finished 8th.

Chase Briscoe Scores Four In A Row at Pocono

The ARCA Racing Series took place at Pocono Raceway this afternoon, with Kyle Weatherman on the pole, and Chase Briscoe on the outside row. Briscoe is looking to win four in a row this year. 

The ModSpace 150 shortly got underway, with the field going four wide down into turn 1. Weatherman and Briscoe battled for a short while, until Briscoe took the lead down the backstretch. There were some concerns for Will Kimmel who made it three wide on the initial start. ARCA officials reviewed Kimmel's restart, but officials ruled the start as clear. Shortly after, the first caution came out on lap 2 for Matt Kurzejewski's side window. The side window came out on the frontstretch, therefore officials made Matt come in to put a new one in. 

Restart lap 5, Briscoe and teammate Myatt Snider lead the field down into turn 1. Briscoe was able maintain the lead, but Snider stayed close behind and would reel Briscoe in on lap 7. Although, a caution came out on lap 12 for Josh Williams who had no power. Bobby Gerhart's car also had problems and went to the garage. There were pit stops being made, as some of the top running cars came down pit road. Briscoe pitted for right side tires, and Snider made adjustments to his car as well. Problems occurred on pit road though, as Gus Dean in the no.98 made contact with his jackman, and the front tire changer. Replays show that Dean lost his brakes and couldn't slow down. Therefore ended up hitting his crewmen. Other drivers came in to play pit strategy. 

The green flag came back out on lap 20, Weatherman and John Wes Townley were on the front row. Weatherman pulled out in front, but Briscoe takes the lead back on lap 24. About 10 laps later the caution came for debris. There were also problems for Tom Berte in the no.20 who stalled on pit road. Steve Fox in the no.64 had problems too, as smoke came out in the back of his car. Weatherman, Townley, Kurzejewski, and Sarah Cornett-Ching all pitted under this caution flag. 

Restart with 20 to go. Briscoe and Christopher Bell both battle side-by-side all the way to the tunnel turn, but Bell got high and Briscoe regained the lead. Just two laps later a caution came out for debris. Fuel started to become a concern for the leader as it has been a longtime since Briscoe last pitted. There were problems for other drivers under this caution as well. Josh Williams in the no.6 went behind the wall with challenges of his machine. 

Chase Briscoe takes the green with 14 to go. He was able to get a good start and pull away from the leaders. Briscoe continued to check out with 10 to go, as his closest competitor was Christopher Bell who was a few seconds back. But Townley came back and passed Bell for the second position with 7 to go. Kurzejewski had electrical problems with his car as it shut off on the backstretch, but was able to get the car going again. 

Townley tried to rally and challenge for the win late, but didn't have enough for Briscoe as he went on to score his fourth win a row this season. John Wes Townley was 2nd, followed by Dalton Sargeant, Shane Lee, and Kyle Weatherman rounded out the top 5. 

The ARCA Racing Series heads to Berlin Raceway next Saturday night.  

John Hunter Nemechek Fastest In Final Practice

John Hunter Nemechek was fastest in the final truck practice today at Pocono. Nemechek ran a 53.23 to set the fastest lap in the session, and ran 15 laps total.

Practice run down
(2) Ben Rhodes
(3) William Byron
(4) Tyler Reddick
(5) Christopher Bell
(6) Austin Hill
(7) Cody Coughlin
(8) Ben Kennedy
(9) Johnny Sauter
(10) Spencer Gallagher
(11) Cameron Hayley
(12) John Wes Townley
(13) Brett Moffitt
(14) Cole Custer
(15) Rico Abreu
(16) Timothy Peters
(17) Jordan Anderson
(18) Brandon Brown
(19) Matt Crafton
(20) Daniel Hemric
(21) Austin Wayne Self
(22) Reed Sorenson
(23) Tommy Joe Martins
(24) Carlos Contreras
(25) Kyle Martel
(26) Sean Corr
(27) Ryan Ellis
Caleb Roark, Jennifer Jo Cobb, and Travis Kvapil did not practice in this session.

Highlights: There were three red flags in this session. One for a spring rubber on the backstretch, another for John Wes Townley's truck stalling in the same area, Timothy Peters running out of gas, Tommy Joe Martins coming to a halt on the access road, and Brandon Brown bringing out the final red flag for spinning off of turn 4.

Qualifying is scheduled to take place tomorrow morning at 9am ET time.

Get to NASCAR Spotter Joey Meier

My 9th Q&A continues this week, with NASCAR spotter Joey Meier. Meier currently spots for Brad Keselowski in the Cup Series (no.2), the no.22 in the Xfinity whenever Brad gets to drive, and the no.19 for Daniel Hemric in the NASCAR Camping Word Truck Series. Meier is also a co-host with Woody Cain on MRN Motorsports Monday.

1. When did you get an interest in racing?
Meier: Was hired by Dale Earnhardt Inc in 1997, but raced at local short tracks all thru high school and beyond. My dad raced on the beach in 1958. It was in my blood.

2. When did you begin spotting, and who was your first driver to spot for?
Meier: Was a 2nd spotter for Dale Jr.

3. Do you have any pre-race rituals?
Meier: Walk pit road, check equipment. Nothing considered a ritual. Not a superstitious person.

4. Name one talent that you have which no one knows about?
Meier: Some people know, but I'm a descent bowler. Wanted to do it professionally. Have 3 perfect games.

5. Favorite Race Track?
Meier: As a spotter it's either restrictor plate track or Bristol.

6. Did you have a racing hero growing up?
Meier: My God father was well known in South Florida. Marty Handshaw (237). Would give anything to go by the shop, as a kid.

7. Is there any driver from the past you wish you got to spot for?
Meier: Those guys (drivers) didn't have spotters. Not sure how they would respond. Would like to meet Tim Richmond.

8. Day or Night Races?
Meier: Night racing is my favorite. Fans don't like it though.

9. If you had a chance to design a racetrack somewhere. Where would it be and Why?
Meier: Don't have a special track location, but a design would have to be like Richmond/Iowa/old Bristol.

10. Finally, what's one track you wish that was still on the NASCAR schedule?
Meier: Always wished I could have gone to North Wilkesboro. It's still there in location, but it's a ghost track.

Get to know ARCA Racing Series driver Matt Kurzejewski

My 8th Q&A continues this week, with ARCA Racing Series driver Matt Kurzejewski. Kurzejewski currently drives the No.52 Toyota for Ken Schrader Racing.

1, When did you get an interest in racing?
Matt: I began racing Quarter Midgets/Microds at the age of 5 in Upstate, New York. My father was a NASCAR Featherlite Modified (currently NASCAR Whelen Modified) tour driver. Since before I can remember as a young child, if it had a motor and wheels, I was fascinated. There are pictures floating around of a little go kart that was gifted to me at a young age, probably 3-4, that I would ride around at home on a daily basis.

2. What's your biggest win to date?
Matt: My biggest win to date was at Tri-County Speedway in a UARA Late Model. This win is very important to me because I originally came from open modifieds, similar to my father. When I first made the jump into late models and full bodied stock cars, I struggled to figure it out, there were a lot of ups and downs. This win at Tri-County was my first win in a late model.

3. What's your pre-race ritual?
Matt: I don't really have pre-race rituals anymore. Up until this season I as very particular with maintaining specific routines, but I came to the realization that regardless what those routines may be, it wasn't going to effect the outcome of the race. Also, driving the Ansell/Menards car keeps me very occupied and busy at the track.

4. Name one talent you have which no one knows about?
Matt: It's a secret. If I wanted anyone to know, I would tell them.

5. Favorite Race Track?
Matt: I have a few race tracks I enjoy going to. Pocono is always a fun track to race at along with Iowa, but I have recently fallen for Winchester. I'd love to go back again this year.

6. Racing Hero Growing Up?
Matt: As a child I was always a Bill Elliott fan, as I grew older and to this day I've become a big Tim Richmond fan. I have great appreciation for Richmond's passion to drive race cars and win. I got to spend the day at Eldora with (Ken) Schrader and he is my hero. He just hopped in a truck, went out and qualified in the top 3 with ease, walks his way to win the heat race with ease and finished the race twelfth with a rear suspension failure and no rear shocks. I wish I was half the driver he is.

7. Which driver would you have liked to raced with from the past?
Matt: I would love to race with any of the greats from the past. Even better, I wish I was around to witness some of the greats such as Foyt, Parnelli Jones, Andretti, Richie Evans. I am intrigued by their passion for the sport, that was their way of life. Things are different today.

8. Day or Night Races?
Matt: Night races, hands down. I'd prefer to drive any race at night.

9. If you had a chance to design a racetrack somewhere. Where would it be and Why?
Matt: If I had the opportunity to design a race track anywhere, it would probably be in the Northeast and it would be something with progressive banking that you would run 3 wide, approximately 1 mile.

10. Finally, what's one track that you would like to race on that you haven't yet?
Matt: There are so many cool tracks around the world that are no longer in operation or existence that I'd love to race at, but I'd have to say that Lingotto would be pretty darn cool to race at.

Briar's Top 5 From The Xfinity Race At Indy

1. Kyle Busch: Another checkered flag for Busch, but this time he had to earn the win. A caution came out with 13 to go, and the drivers behind Busch pitted to try to outsmart him. Another caution came late with 7 to go and Busch had to hold the field off once more. With an overtime finish, and the field breathing down his neck, Busch held off Kevin Harvick for his third career win at Indy in the Xfinity Series.

2. Kevin Harvick: Stayed in the top 5 for most of the day, and tried to take the win the away from Busch late in the going. Bu failed to do so in the process. A solid day for Harvick and his no.88 Hunt Brothers Pizza Chevy.

3. Paul Menard: Wasn't talked about much for the day, but came home with a solid third place finish.

4. Justin Allgaier: Had to outlast his teammate Elliott Sadler for the Dash 4 Cash late, and did so on the last lap to win the money.

5. Kyle Larson: Had the chance to steal the win away from Busch, but Harvick passed him on the restart with 2 to go with help from his teammate.

Honorable Mention: Elliott Sadler: Sadler had a good run today at Indy, and was battling Allgaier for the Dash 4 Cash on the final restart. Came up one spot short, but still solid run for the no.1 OneMain Financial driver.

Kyle Busch Wins Lilly Diabetes 250 At Indy

The NASCAR Xfinity came to play at Indianapolis Motor Raceway on Saturday afternoon on a hot summer day. Before the race took place, there were heat races and Dash 4 Cash to be determined. Kyle Busch led all 20 laps to win heat race no.1, with Daniel Suarez and Elliott Sadler being the first two qualifying for the Dash 4 Cash. Erik Jones did the same as Busch and won heat race no.2. Justin Allgaier and heat race winner Jones transferred to the Dash 4 Cash.

Onto the main event, Kyle Busch and Erik Jones led the field down into turn 1. Busch was able to jump out in front and take the lead, but Kyle Larson in second kept close behind. But Busch started to check out from Larson, and while that was happening Jones was trying to pass Larson for second. While Busch was set on cruise control there were reports of debris on his grill. Indeed the reports were true, and a few laps later another piece of paper was on the front end. On lap 17, Jones finally passed Larson for second.

Green flag pit stops began on lap 22, as Joey Logano pits for four tires and fuel. Soon after, Larson pitted on lap 26, along with Harvick, and Jones. Race leader Kyle Busch made his pit stop one lap later. Busch got ahead of a closing Erik Jones to recycle back into the lead down the backstretch. Busch continued to set a blistering pace by only having 14 cars on the lead lap with 24 to go. 19 to go, teammate Erik Jones hit the wall in turn 4 and cut a right rear tire. He was able to come down pit road and not bring out the caution. Although problems continued for Jones, as he spun out in turn 1 a few laps later and brought out the first caution.

There were different strategies playing out with the teams in order to beat Busch. Busch stayed out and the rest of the lead lap cars pitted. Restart with 7 to go, Busch was able to pull ahead of those with fresher tires, but another caution came out on the same lap. Ray Black Jr in 07 and Harrison Rhodes in the 13, collided with each other off turn 2 causing heavy damage to both.

With a long cleanup, NASCAR ruled this would be a overtime finish. Meaning the field had to race to the overtime line, and if a caution had come out the race would be over. This was not the case as Busch held off Kevin Harvick for his third career win at Indianapolis.

Busch led twice for 62 laps en route to his 82nd career win.

There were 2 cautions that slowed the pace for 10 laps.

Justin Allgaier won the Dash 4 Cash.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series heads to Iowa Speedway next Saturday night.

Briar's Top 5 From The Arca Race At IRP

1. Chase Briscoe: Won the race off pit road after the lengthy red flag, and never looked back as he led 129 laps en route to victory.

2. Travis Miller: Made his ARCA debut tonight, but he looked like a veteran tonight by finishing in the runner-up.

3. Myatt Snider: An solid tonight for Snider, who continues to impress his fellow competitors. Snider finished in the third position.

4. Josh Williams: Wasn't talked about much tonight, but came home to finish in top 5. A tip of the hat to Williams.

5. Chad Finley: Finley had a great night finishing 5th.

Honorable Mention: Kyle Benjamin: Lead the race early in dominating fashion, but had problems later on the race. Earned his lap back by passing the leader with two to go and went onto finish 7th. If weren't for that he would've won the race. A hard fought 7th place for Benjamin.

Chase Briscoe Scores Three In A Row At IRP

The ARCA Racing Series came to town at the Indianapolis Raceway Park on a sizzling Friday night.

Parker Kligerman had the pole and Kyle Benjamin was on the outside pole. Both led the field into turn 1 after taking the green flag. Myatt Snider made it three wide for the lead, but Kligerman hangs onto lead lap 1 and pulls away. A few laps later Benjamin starts to reel in Kligerman, and finally took the lead on lap 20. Benjamin then starts to check out from the field and sets a real quick pace early on in the going. Only 15 cars were on the lead lap at lap 30. Although, problems started to begin for race leader Benjamin.

Benjamin reported that "he was starting to feel vibrations in his tires". After he reported this, Travis Miller made the pass on Kligerman for second. Christian Eckes also has problems as he falls off the pace on lap 48. Reports were that Eckes had problems with his gauges. On lap 66, Justin Haley cuts down a right front tire. Then on the same lap the first caution comes out for Ray Ciccarelli who spun out in turns 3 and 4. Benjamin pits and takes four tires, while the rest of the field play different strategies. Chase Briscoe would end up winning the race off pit road. Benjamin had to come back down as there was something wrong with his car.

Restart lap 75, Briscoe gets the advantage off turn 2, but Snider and Kligerman hang with him. Kligerman with four fresh tires, makes a hairy move by making it three wide for second. Brady Boswell has troubles with his machine as he brings it down pit road on lap 86. Just two laps later, Dalton Sargeant spins out in turn 2 bringing out another caution. Kligerman and others pit for fuel only under this yellow.

Briscoe and Miller lead the field to green on lap 95. After a fierce battle between the two, Briscoe finally takes the lead right at halfway. Although, Brian Finney in the no.69 spins out on the backstretch causing the field to slow their pace once more.

Restart on lap 111, Briscoe and Miller battle side-by-side again, this time bringing Kligerman and Chad Finley behind them. Kligerman gets the advantage as he starts to reel in Briscoe on lap 124. On lap 132, Sargeant spins out by himself, but another accident occurs behind him where a big wreck happened in turns 1 and 2. Brady Boswell, Justin Haley, Ray Ciccarelli, and Dylan Martin were all involved. This would eventually bring a red flag due to cleanup. After a lengthy red flag the caution came back out, and the lead lap cars came down pit road. The Cunningham Motorsports cars of Chase Briscoe, and Myatt Snider won the race off pit road.

The green came back out with 61 to go and Briscoe jumps right in front of Snider. Right around 39 to go, Snider's car starts to go away, and Benjamin cars starts to come alive again. Benjamin and Snider made a little contact, as Benjamin was trying to get his lap back. The two battled for a while until Benjamin finally got around Snider. With 14 to go, Kurzejewski's car started to loose power, and couldn't keep up with the field. He eventually brought it down pit road, but went back out to finish the race. Benjamin would get his lap back as he passed Briscoe with two to go.

Chase Briscoe with a dominating performance went onto to win the Sioux Chief PowerPEX 200 presented by Jive at IRP.

This is Briscoe's third win in a row after leading 129 of 200 laps tonight.

The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards heads to Pocono Raceway next Friday.

Briar's Top 5 From The Truck Race At Eldora

1. Bobby Pierce: Although he may not have won the race. Pierce put up a great fight by leading 102 laps until his right rear tire went away, leading him to a 25th place finish. Pierce a young 19 year old, gained a lot of new fans tonight for putting on a great show.

2. Kyle Larson: Another fan favorite scored his second career win tonight. Larson rebounded with a flat tire for himself as well. Even without the flat tire, he had a solid truck which was in the top 5 for most of the night.

3. Rico Abreu: Day started off poorly by having to go the last chance qualifier. He ended up finishing second in that qualifier, but with the help of cautions, and a couple of wrecks. Abreu rebounded to finish third.

4. Jake Griffin: Griffin doesn't get much truck, or NASCAR racing experience at all. The dirt track star showed and proved his skills tonight by finishing in top 5.

5. Cole Custer: Custer went a lap down early in this event, but like Abreu, he came back to finish in the top 10.

Honorable Mention: Cameron Hayley: Hayley doesn't have that much dirt experience at all, even though he competed in this race last year, Hayley came home in the 7th position. A solid drive for the Canadian.

Larson Scores Popular Win At Eldora

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series headed to Eldora Wednesday night, for its popular Mud-Summer Classic. There were three segments broken into 40/50/60 laps. There was competition cautions on lap 40 and 90, although the laps wouldn't count under the caution periods.

Bobby Pierce and Tyler Reddick were on the front row, but Pierce got an big advantage down the backstretch and leads lap 1. As soon as, Pierce started to drive away, Justin Shipley had steam coming out of his truck on lap 11. Pierce lead the way until the first caution on lap 20 for debris in turn 2. Timothy Peters also had damage to his right front.

Restart lap 25, Pierce and Reddick lead the field into turn 1, but Larson tried a slide job from third position to try and take the lead. But Larson was unsuccessful in doing so. Just a few laps later, another caution came out for JR Heffner for the rear end of his truck. Replays show that Heffner made contact with someone on the track causing damage to his truck. The damage was significant enough where he stalled on the frontstretch. Reports came in that it was his tailpipe that fell off.

Lap 34 the field goes back to green, and Larson takes the lead away from Pierce. Larson led until a big pileup happened on lap 37 bringing out the red flag. Ben Kennedy, Daniel Hemric, Caleb Holman, John Hunter Nemechek, William Byron, Cameron Hayley, Stewart Frissen, and Spencer Gallagher were all involved. Since this was came close to the scheduled competition caution, this would red flag will count once the race got back going. Kyle Larson would lead the field to the end of segment 1.

Restart lap 42, Brandon Brown stayed out and lead for a little bit, until Larson regained the lead. But on lap 51, Larson had problems as he blew the right rear tire, bringing out the third caution of the night. He would also be penalized for intentionally bringing out the caution.

The race went back green on lap 59, Pierce and Christopher Bell was on the front row. Pierce got the advantage down the backstretch, but a caution comes out as contact was made between Hemric and Brady Boswell. The leaders would end up staying out under this caution.

Restart lap 67, Pierce drove away from the field again, but another caution waved on lap 72. Cody Coughlin had spun and collected teammate Byron with him. After the cleanup, the race went back green on lap 78. Pierce led the way until the end of segment two on lap 91.

Pierce with a strong truck got the lead into turn 1, but bounces off the wall. Larson made a complete pass on Bell for second with 50 to go. But 8 laps later the caution comes out for Stewart Frissen, who blew a motor and laid oil on the track. This was also problems for a race leader Pierce, as he reported "his truck was stuck in 4th gear".

The green flag waved with 31 to go, Larson takes advantage of Pierce's truck problems and takes the lead. Pierce tries to come back, but a right rear tire goes down bringing out another caution with 24 to go. This would end Pierce's night as he bounced off the wall, and safety officials made him go to the infield care center, which is an mandatory rule for any wreck.

Larson takes the green flag with 16 to go, and never looked back as he scored his second career truck series win.

Larson led twice for 48 laps.

There were 9 cautions for 52 laps, with 27 trucks running at the finish.

The Camping World Truck Series returns to action at Pocono Raceway on July 30.

Eldora Heat Races Results

Before the Mid-Summer Classic took place, there were main event spots still to be determined. Here is the full rundown of the results, and just a couple of highlights from the heat races. The top 5 transfer to the main event, while the other drivers transfer to the last chance qualifier.

Bobby Pierce wins Heat Race no.1 followed by, Caleb Holman, Jake Griffin, Brady Boswell, and John Hunter Nemechek. Jordan Anderson, Wayne Edwards, and Caleb Roark go to the last chance qualifier.

Heat Race No.1 Highlights: Jordan Anderson hits the wall in turn 4 on lap 2, and ended up with left-rear damage. Anderson also hits the front stretch wall as well.


Tyler Reddick wins Heat Race no.2 followed by, Kyle Larson, Stewart Frisen, Ben Kennedy, and Matt Crafton. Austin Wayne Self, Korbin Forrister, and Cody Coughlin will be in the last chance qualifier.

Ken Schrader wins Heat Race no.3 followed by, Johnny Sauter, Justin Shipley, William Byron, and Cole Custer rounded out the top 5. Rico Abreu, and Travis Kvapil go to the last chance qualifier.

Highlights: A caution came out on lap 4 for debris. William Byron spins around in turn 3 with 5 to go, and brings out another caution. Abreu and Kvapil get into each other and have damage done to their trucks.

JR Heffner wins Heat Race no.4 followed by, Spencer Gallagher, Brandon Brown, Timothy Peters, and Tyler Young gets the last transfer spot. Chris Fontaine and Norm Benning goes to the last chance qualifier.

Highlights: Young and Fontaine battle it out at the line, but Young was able to get the spot by inches.

Ben Rhodes wins Heat Race no.5 followed by, Christopher Bell, Daniel Hemric, Cameron Hayley, and Sheldon Creed. Sean Corr and Jennifer Jo Cobb to the last chance qualifier.

Highlights: Jennifer Jo Cobb gets high into the wall off turn 2

Cody Coughlin wins the last chance qualifier race. Rico Abreu, Wayne Edwards, Kvapil, Anderson, and Cobb gets in the main event. While Fontaine, Corr, Forrister, Benning, and Roark did not qualify for the event.

Get to NASCAR Spotter Billy O'Dea

My 7th Q&A continues this week with NASCAR spotter Billy O'Dea. O'Dea currently is a spotter in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Paul Menard, and Ty Dillon in the Xfinity Series.

1. When did you get an interest in racing?
Billy: When I was about 12 years old. Helped a neighbor build a dirt street stock car.

2. When did you began spotting and who was the first driver you spotted for?
Billy: In the year 2000, I was a second spotter for Mike Skinner, and an primary spotter for Kevin Harvick in 2004.

3. Do you have any pre-race rituals?
Billy: Nothing special. Just a light lunch, and hydrate. Go over the pit road map, and meeting with the crew chief and driver.

4. Name one talent that you have which no knows about?
Billy: I can swing and hit a golf ball club, right handed.

5. Favorite Race Track?
Billy: Darlington, real good racing and Harley ride there every year.

6. Did you have a racing hero growing up?
Billy: Darrell Waltrip

7. Is there any driver from the past that you wish you got to spot for?
Billy: Dale Sr.

8. Day or Night races?
Billy: Night

9. If you had a chance to design a racetrack somewhere. Where would it be and why?
Billy: Finger lakes area New York. Hometown, lots of race fans in that area.

10. Finally, what's one track that you wish was still on the NASCAR schedule?
Billy: North Wilkesboro

Eldora Truck Series Fantasy Preview

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series heads to Eldora Wednesday night for its annual Mid-Summer Classic. Since 2013, there have been three different winners at the .500 mile track. Only one previous winner is entered in this years race, and that is Christopher Bell who won last year. Below are the competitors stats at this track. There will be at least 13 rookies attempting to make their debut or first track debut at Eldora.


Cole Custer: Has just one start at Eldora (2015), and finished 29th after starting 24th.

Sheldon Creed: Making his truck debut.

Tyler Young: Made two starts at Eldora with a best finish of 13th.

Christopher Bell: Bell is no stranger to victory lane at Eldora, as he won in this event last year.

Norm Benning: Benning has made every truck race at Eldora since 2013, with a best finish of 19th.

John Hunter Nemechek: Nemechek has two top 10 finishes at the .500 mile track. Has a best finish of 6th that came in 2014.

William Byron: Will be making his track debut, but that's been no problem to Byron this year. Byron never saw, or raced at Kansas nor Texas Motor Speedway. As he went onto win at those two tracks earlier this year.

Jennifer Jo Cobb: Failed to qualify in 2014 , but got to race last year and finished 27th.

Brady Boswell: Subbing in for John Wes Townley, and making his first truck series debut in the No.05.

Jake Griffin: Griffin will be racing in the No.11 Red Horse Racing entry, but has plenty of dirt track racing experience. Possible upset in the making?

Cameron Hayley: One start at this track in 2015 with a finish of 8th.

Stewart Friesen: Another dirt track star, trying to make his truck series debut.

Timothy Peters: Made every starts at the track since 2013. Peters finishes ranges from a low of 23rd in 2015, and a best finish of 6th in 2013.

Daniel Hemric: Finished 5th in his lone start at Eldora last year.

Johnny Sauter: Sauter has a mixed bag of finishes at the .500 mile track. His best finish came in 2014 with a top 10.

Austin Wayne Self- Making his track debut.

Spencer Gallagher: Has just one start with a finish of 17th.

Kyle Larson: Larson is normally a fan favorite at dirt tracks.  He's been to victory lane before Eldora, scoring a win in the 2011 4-Crown Nationals. Although, he's had his troubles in the 2014 truck race by finishing 26th after crashing out.

Tyler Reddick: A former dirt track standout has made a few starts at Eldora. Reddick's best finish came in 2015 (3rd)

Ben Kennedy: Made two starts in 2014 and '15, with a best finish of 12th in 2015.

Korbin Forrister: Finished 24th in the last two races.

JR Heffiner: Finished 18th in the 2014 race.

Timmy Hill: Has no starts at Eldora.

Travis Kvapil: Making his track debut.

Cody Coughlin: No previous starts at Eldora.

Donnie Leviste: Making his career NASCAR debut.

Bobby Pierce: Pierce is no stranger when it comes to racing dirt. The young 19 year old is a 2014, and '15 UMP Dirtcar Late Model Champion. Almost pulled off the upset a year ago.

Jordan Anderson: Making his 1st start at Eldora.

Ken Schrader: Ah yes, good ol' Ken Schrader will be returning to the truck series at Eldora on Wednesday night. Schrader has finishes of 14th, 11th, and 4th in his three truck starts at the speedway. He also has his fare share of victories in dirt racing.

Caleb Holman: Making his track debut.

Chris Fontaine: Fontaine finished 16th in his only start (2015) at the .500 mile track.

Justin Shipley: Has previous dirt track experience, but making his first truck series start.

Sean Corr: Corr finished 20th in 2015.

Brandon Brown: Making his track debut.

Matt Crafton: Made every start since the track debut in 2013, and has finished in the top 10 in every race.

Rico Abreu: A fan favorite with dirt track and truck series fans. Rico grew up racing on dirt. Abreu is a two time Chili Bowl Champion, a Midget National Champion at Belleville in 2015, and won the USAC National Midget Champion in 2014. Abreu is looking at Eldora this Wednesday for his 1st truck win, to be able to lock himself in the inaugural series chase.

Side Note: The No.1 is entered but is yet to be announced.

Briar's Top 5 From The Xfinity Race at New Hampshire

1. Kyle Busch: Another week, another checkered flag, and domination by Busch. It's his 6th of the year, and the 82nd of his career. By the way, Busch led twice for 190 laps. I call that domination.

2. Erik Jones: Solid outing by the rookie Erik Jones. Put up a fight with Busch at the end, but was unable to pull it off for the win. With his 2nd place finish, Jones is now locked into the inaugural Xfinity Series Chase.

3. Brad Keselowski: Although Brad didn't lead any laps, he came home a solid top 3 outing in today's race.

4. Brennan Poole: Didn't hear much out of Poole out today, but did a nice job bringing the car home in the 6th position.

5. Alex Bowman: Bowman has a lot of pressure on him this weekend filling in the No.88 for Earnhardt Jr. There was more pressure added on, as he accidentally got into the No.3 of Ty Dillon. He was able to put that behind to lead once for 7 laps, and finished 8th with somewhat of a beat up car.

Honorable Mention: Brendan Gaughan: Gaughan brought home a top 10 finish in today's Xfinity race. A great job by the No.62 South Point Casino Chevy pit crew.

Kyle Busch Wins AutoLotto 200 at New Hampshire

The NASCAR Xfinity Series took place today at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Auto Lotto 200. Kyle Busch won the pole for the 51st time in his career. Before the race got underway, Morgan Shepherd, Ray Black Jr, JJ Yeley was sent to the back for unapproved adjustments. Jeff Green was also sent to the rear for an engine change.

Kyle Busch led the field to the green flag, and jumped out to a big lead on the backstretch. He continued to check out with Daniel Suarez, Brad Keselowski following right in his tire tracks. This would be the story for the first half of the race, as there were only 25 cars on the lead lap at lap 33. Early on drivers reported tight conditions and brake problems. Kyle Busch continued to set a blistering pace, by having only 20 cars on the lead lap at lap 41. But 8 laps later the caution came out for the first time. Debris was on the track near the restart zone. The leaders came down pit road for their scheduled stops, and Busch won the race off pit road by taking two tires. Mike Harmon was penalized for having too many men over the wall too soon.

Restart lap 56, Busch and Jones were on the front row, but Busch gets out in front of Jones, as Elliott Sadler follows closely behind. Busch continued to lead until another caution came out on lap 64. This time for Corey Lajoie as he hits the wall off of turn 2.

Lap 70 restart, Busch and Keselowski led the field down into turn 1, but Busch with a strong car gets the advantage in the middle of turn 2. 5 laps later the third caution comes out for Ty Dillon. Bowman accidentally gets into Dillon and turned him on the backstretch. Dillon's car went nose first into the wall suffering cosmetic damage.

The race goes back to green on lap 80, with Busch maintaining the lead once again. 10 laps later Jones starts to reel in the race leader Busch, but a caution comes out for debris on lap 93. Leaders came down pit road for their pit stops, Jones won the race off pit road by taking two tires only.

Green flag goes back in the air at lap 98, Alex Bowman and Blake Koch stayed out for track position to get the lead. Bowman had the better car and took the lead, but Kyle Busch retakes the top spot shortly after halfway. Busch would stay at the front until a caution came out with 35 to go for debris. At this time during the race, there was only 9 cars on the lead lap. The leaders came down pit road for their last pit stops. Busch won the race off pit road by taking two tires.

Restart with 27 to go, Busch and Keselowski was on the front row, but Busch gets ahead right before the 6th caution came out. Darrell Wallace Jr gets spun by Austin Dillon in turn 2, and other drivers gets collected in the wreck as well. This included Ross Chastain, Brennan Poole, and Ryan Preece all were involved.

The race resumed with 19 to go, as Busch and Jones battled it out, but Busch was able to save his lead. As soon as that happened, the 7th caution came out for Ryan Preece in turn 1. This was going to be a quickie yellow as the race went back to green with 14 to go. Erik Jones tried to reel in race leader Busch within the closing laps, but failed to do so in the process. This let Busch grow his race lead and go on to win the AutoLotto 200.

This would be Busch's 82nd career Xfinity win and his 6th of the year. Busch led twice for 190 laps in the race.

Get To Know NASCAR Driver Kaz Grala

My 6th Q&A continues this week, with NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Kaz Grala. Grala currently drives the No.24 for GMS Racing in the truck series, and the No.3 in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East for team owner Ben Kennedy on a part time basis. 

1. When did you get an interest in racing? 

Kaz: I started racing when I was 4 at the same time I started Little League and soccer. It didn't take me long to figure out that racing was what I wanted to pursue. 

2. What's your biggest win to date? 

Kaz: My biggest win yet was last year winning the PASS 150 at South Boston Speedway. It was my first pole in a stock car. I led 131 of the 150 laps that night. 

3. What's your pre-race ritual? 

Kaz: I always hydrate as much as possible before the race, and try to keep a water bottle in my hand at all times starting a few hours before the green flag. 

4. Name one talent that you have which no knows about? 

Kaz:  It's hard to tell from the outside, but I have the ability to stay extremely calm inside the race car during the most frustrating/intense times. I am always the positive voice on the radio and I never get worked up during a race. 

5. Favorite Race Track? 

Kaz: I really love Dover because it's the fastest race track I've been on so far. I also really enjoy Bristol, and Gateway is a place I just encountered for the first time, but I loved that place too. 

6. Racing Hero Growing Up? 

Kaz: I've always looked up to Jimmie Johnson because of the calculation and patience he has on the track, and also the way he carries himself off the race track. In recent years, I've really started looking at Kyle Busch too, because what he is able to do in all three series is unbelievable. 

7. Which driver would you have liked to raced with from the past? 

Kaz: Dale Earnhardt is somebody I've heard a lot about, of course, but I was only 2 years old when he passed away. I never got the chance to watch him race, and I wish I at least could have seen that. Plus, my number has always been 3 as well. 

8. Day or Night races? 

Kaz: Oh night races for sure. I like when it's cooled down and gripped up under the lights. 

9. If you had a chance to design a racetrack somewhere. Where would it be and Why? 

Kaz: I would design a track in Boston, MA for sure, since that's where I live. I would build a high-banked 3/4 mile track, because I think that's the most exciting size to race on and banking always adds some fun and speed. There's no track out there quite like that right now. 

10. Finally, what's one track you would like to race on that you've haven't yet? 

Kaz: I am very excited to race at Daytona someday. So far I'm only old enough to race at the short tracks, but as of December I'll be old enough to race at all tracks, so hopefully I will be at Daytona next year in something.  

Josef Newgarden Dominates At Iowa

The Verizon IndyCar Series came to Iowa Speedway for the Iowa Corn 300 this afternoon. Simon Pagenaud was on the pole, with Josef Newgarden on the outside row. Newgarden was looking to continue to build momentum and put the Texas accident in distant memory.

Newgarden would do that early as he took the lead going into turn 1. When Newgarden began to pull away from the field, everyone else had to follow in hot pursuit. Ryan Hunter-Reay, James Hinchcliffe, and Marco Andretti went down a lap early from Newgarden's dominance. Pit stops begin to take place on lap 49 where Helio Castroneves was the first one to pit, followed by race leader Newgarden who pitted on lap 50. The rest of the field made their stops all the way up to lap 66.

After the pit stops, Newgarden recycled back into the lead, with three other cars on the lead lap. These included Pagenaud, Castroneves, and Tony Kanaan. Newgarden continued to dominate in the race, but his pace was slowed due to the first caution on lap 109. Ryan Hunter-Reay blows his motor off of turn 2. Hunter-Reay's quest for a three peat at Iowa is over. It was a welcome site for Castroneves, Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Dixon, Kanaan, Will Power, Graham Rahal, Mikhail Aleshin, Max Chilton, and Sebastian Bourdais as they got their laps back due to the wave around. Newgarden and Pagenaud were the first ones to pit as they were the only ones on the lead lap, followed by the wave around cars a lap later. Ed Carpenter had gearbox problems with his car.

After a lengthy caution due to cleanup, the field went back to green on lap 129. Newgarden again drives away while other drivers had to settle in behind him. Newgarden stayed out in front for 42 laps, until another caution came out for Montoya's car on lap 180. Montoya's car went up in smoke down the backstretch. The leaders came down pit road including Josef Newgarden. Newgarden would win the race off pit road.

Restart lap 189, Newgarden checks out and drives away with the lead. He continued to stay there while pit strategy begin to take place on lap 232. Kanaan and Marco Andretti came down to make their last pit stops of the day, but a caution came out on lap 247. This was not welcomed by Kanaan and Andretti as they were trying to make ground up. The caution was for Max Chilton as he spins off of turn 2, and slides down into the wall, but avoids any contact. Newgarden, Pagenaud, Dixon, Power, Aleshin came down pit road for their scheduled stops. Although it was Newgarden, with a fast stop that got him out in the first position.

The last restart came with 40 to go, as Newgarden and Dixon led the field down into turn 1. Newgarden continued his strong performance by outracing Dixon. Dixon slipped back to third as Power passed him for second with 6 to go. It wasn't enough for Power though, as Josef Newgarden took the checkered flag with a dominating racecar. Newgarden lead 282 laps en route to victory.

The Verizon IndyCar Series goes to Toronto, Ontario, Canada next weekend for the Streets of Toronto.

Get To Know NASCAR Driver Collin Cabre

My 5th Q&A continues this week, with NASCAR K&N Pro Series East driver Collin Cabre. Cabre currently drives the No.2 Toyota for Max Siegel.

1. When did you get an interest in racing?
Collin: My first interest in racing was when I was four years old, when my dad and I started motorcross racing!

2. If you weren't racing what would your career choice be?
Collin: If I wasn't racing I would be interested in completing school to become a super cross mechanic.

3. What's your pre-race ritual?
Collin: Don't have one, I just go with the flow.

4. Name one talent you have which no knows about?
Collin: I like to thank I'm a pretty good cook!

5. Favorite Race Track?
Collin: My favorite track would be Toccoa Speedway (a dirt track in GA).

6. Racing Hero Growing Up?
Collin: James Stewart

7. Which driver would you have liked to race with from the past?
Collin: Davey Allison

8. Day or Night races?
Collin: Night

9. If you had the chance to design a racetrack somewhere. Where would it be and Why?
Collin: Abu Dhabi, I've always wanted to live there and it would give me a reason to go!

10. Finally, What is one track that you would like to race one that you've haven't yet?
Collin: Sonoma, cause I like the road course a lot!

Briar's Top 5 From The Xfinity Race at Kentucky

1. Kyle Busch: Dominated the race by leading 185 laps after starting on the pole.

2. Austin Dillon: Made a daring three wide pass on the last restart and got close to Busch. But was unable make the pass for the win happen.

3. Daniel Suarez: Had a shot at the win but got shuffled behind on the last restart. You still have to give credit where it is due to the young man.

4. Darrell Wallace Jr: Rebounded to a solid top 5 finish after crashing out in Daytona last week.

5. Erik Jones: Almost stole a win away from Kyle Busch, but did not maintain pace car speed under caution. Therefore was sent back to fourth on the final restart. Jones would end up staying in fourth for the remainder of the race. A disappointing night for Jones.

Kyle Busch Dominates At Kentucky

The Nascar Xfinity Series took place at Kentucky Motor Speedway, where Kyle Busch started on the pole. Alsco 300 shortly got underway with Kyle Busch getting out in front with help from Austin Dillon. One lap later NASCAR was checking the restart for review, but officials ruled the start was clean. Busch would stay out in front until the competition caution on lap 25, due to storms earlier in the day. Leaders came down pit road, and most of them took two tires, fuel, and adjustments.

Restart Lap 31, Busch and Elliott Sadler lead the field into turn 1, but Busch gets the advantage down the backstretch. Throughout the run many teams were reporting tire issues. The tires were much worse than yesterday's practice sessions. On lap 44, Derrike Cope was penalized for driving through too many pit boxes. Lap 51, saw Erik Jones starting to reel in race leader Kyle Busch. But on lap 52 a caution came out for debris in turn 1 and 2. The leaders made their scheduled stops under caution, and Busch would win the race off pit road by taking two tires.

Restart on lap 57, Busch and Jones battled for the lead, until Busch grabbed the lead away once again. Busch began to drive away from the leaders and maximize his lead on the long run. Although there were some passes going on behind him. Austin Dillon passed Jones for 2nd on lap 91. Jones continued to slip back as Ryan Blaney passed him for third on lap 105. During this period the field began to make their scheduled pit stops. After the pit stops Busch would cycle back into the lead on lap 109.

 On lap 115, Austin Dillon started to reel in Busch for the lead. But Busch was able to stay ahead of Dillon as he checked out on lap 125. Busch continued to check out until lap 139, when lap traffic began to hold him up. This gave Dillon an advantage as he reeled Busch in for the lead. Dillon although, wasn't able to get around him. With just 48 to go drivers began to make their last pit stops.

Race leader Busch pitted with 43 to go, along with Austin Dillon, Erik Jones, and Brad Keselowski. Ty Dillon stayed out hoping for a caution, but Busch regained the lead with fresher tires. A caution would come out with 32 to go as Brandon Jones made slight contact with the wall. Some leaders pitted under this yellow. There be penalties handed down to Ty Dillon and Garrett Smithley. Dillon for speeding on pit road, and Smithley for throwing equipment.

The race went back 26 to go with Busch getting the lead, but the caution came out during the same lap. Ray Black Jr brought out the caution by spinning out in turn 3. Restart with 22 to go, Busch again got out in front to maintain his lead. During the closing laps Daniel Suarez began to reel in the leader. Suarez continued to close in until a caution came out with 6 to go for Mike Harmon. NASCAR would rule this as an overtime finish.

Suarez and Busch lead the field into turn 1, but Austin Dillon made a daring three wide pass for second. Dillon came to the left side of Busch on the backstretch. It wasn't enough for Dillon though, as Kyle Busch took the checkered flag at Kentucky.

This would be Busch's 81st career Xfinity win, and his 5th win of the season.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series goes to New Hampshire Motor Speedway next weekend.

Briar's Top 5 From The Truck Race At Kentucky

1. William Byron: Give credit where it is due. Byron drove a great race tonight, and was inside the top 10 most of the night. He even looked liked a veteran by holding off Nemechek for the win.

2. John Hunter Nemechek: Nemechek gave all he had tonight, but still wasn't enough for the win. A solid 2nd place for the young man, who continues to impress week after week.

3. Daniel Hemric: So close for Hemric. He tried, tried, and tried to reel in Byron, but got passed by Nemechek with 3 to go. Hemric will get his win soon.

4. Johnny Sauter: Almost stole a win away, but was unable to hold off Byron. Byron had fresher tires and a stronger truck than Sauter.

5. Brandon Jones: Was not mentioned all night and came home with an 7th place finish. A pat on the back for Jones.

William Byron Scores Record Breaking Win for Kyle Busch Motorsports

 The Nascar Camping World Truck Series headed to Kentucky Motor Speedway tonight for the running of the Buckle Up In Your Truck 225. It was going to be an exciting and different race, as the racetrack was repaved in June which created a whole new playing ground for everyone. Daniel Suarez was on the pole, followed by Brett Moffit.

As the race got underway, Suarez was able to get the lead in turn 3 on the first lap. Suarez tried to check out, but William Byron and Moffit was staying close behind. As the race went on there was a lot of drivers reporting their trucks having handling issues. On lap 16, Suarez was starting to check out from Byron. Suarez would hold onto the top spot until a caution came out on lap 25. Brett Moffit blows an engine into turn 1. Replays show that his truck may have cut an oil line. This brought the leaders down pit road. Most of them took two tires, fuel, and adjustments to aid the drivers handling. Suarez would win the race off pit road., although problems would occur. Cole Custer had problems with his helmet, and Kyle Busch was penalized for too many men over the wall. Busch was sent to the rear. Spencer Gallagher penalized for crew members over the wall too soon, and Norm Benning driving through too many pit boxes.

Restart lap 35, Suarez and Byron were on the front row and battled for the top spot. Suarez took the lead in the middle of one, next lap later. But it wasn't long though, until the next caution came out on lap 38. Debris in turn 1, would be the cause of the caution flag. This was going to be a quickie yellow and the race went back green on lap 42. Suarez and Byron continued to show the way until another yellow on lap 45. Rico Abreu and Austin Wayne Self make contact with the wall, bringing out the third caution. TV shows that Abreu was on the outside, and may have got Wayne Self loose causing them to both spin. Wayne Self would make the hardest contact with the wall.

The race restarted on lap 55, after a lengthy cleanup due to oil. Suarez and Byron was again the class of the field. Suarez got the lead in turn 1, but Byron and Bell followed closely behind. There's a term called “Cautions Breed Cautions”. That would come into play once again as the yellow came out on lap 57. Spencer Gallagher got loose in turn 3 and takes Kyle Busch into the wall. This accident would end Busch's night. Leaders came down pit road under the yellow, and there were many drivers who played different strategies. Suarez took four tires as Byron would end up taking up two. Timothy Peters, Tyler Reddick and others would stay out for track position.

Peters and Reddick took the next restart on lap 64. Both of them battled side-by-side, but Johnny Sauter made a three wide pass for the lead. Although Peters regained the lead on lap 79. A few laps later, Byron with a strong truck takes the lead on lap 82. The 5^th caution came out as the caution clock expired on lap 103. The leaders again take two tires and fuel. Daniel Suarez would be penalized on pit road.

The race went back green on lap 108, as Byron and Daniel Hemric led the field into turn 1. Byron was able to get the advantage off of turn 4. But on lap 114, Hemric started to reel in race leader Byron. As Byron and Hemric start to battle for the lead, John Hunter Nemechek came into play with 19 to go. Nemechek tries to pass Hemric, but was unable to do so in the process. He tried again with 3 to go and completed the pass. But time would run out for Nemechek, as William Byron scored his 4^th career truck series win.

History was being made as Kyle Busch Motorsports broke a record for all time wins in the truck series. This was KBM's 51^st career win. Roush Fenway had previously held the record with 50 truck wins.

The Camping World Truck Series takes a week off, before heading to Eldora Speedway on July 20. 

Get to know Late Model driver Christian Eckes

My 4th Q&A continues this week with Late Model driver Christian Eckes. Eckes currently drives the No. 1 Late Model for JR Motorsports, the No.15 SLM for LFR Chassis, as well as the No.15 K&N car for LFR Chassis. Eckes also drives the No.15 for Venturini Motorsports on a part time basis.

1. When did you get an interest in racing?
Christian: I actually got an interest in racing by first being a fan. My family has watched NASCAR and other types of racing from about when it started. I got the interest to actually race when I was watching one of my dad's friends race, and they had these Bandoleros there. Then we had rented one and it's been crazy since!

2. Biggest win to date?
Christian: Definitely my biggest win to date would be my Late Model Stock win at Caraway Speedway I had last season. It was my 3rd race in the car and meant a lot to me, as I became the youngest Late Model Stock winner there.

3. What's your pre-race ritual?
Christian: Honestly, I don't have any pre-race rituals. I just kind of go with the flow, I guess you could say.

4. Name one talent that you have which no one knows about?
Christian: A lot of people don't this, but I am actually a really good lacrosse player. I used to play up until I started racing.

5. Favorite Race Track?
Christian: My favorite race track is surely Indianapolis Raceway Park. Not only is the facility really nice, but it is also a fun race track to race as well as just make laps.

6. Racing Hero Growing Up?
Christian: My racing hero growing up would be Jimmie Johnson. I am still a big fan of his to this day.

7. Which driver would you have liked to raced with from the past?
Christian: If I could race anybody from the past it would surely be Dale Earnhardt. I would want to race him just because of the fact that he was just so good and could race you really good.

8. Day or Night races?
Christian: I actually like the races that start out in the day and at night. It provides a challenge to get your race car to handle right in both day and night.

9. If you had a chance to design a racetrack somewhere. Where would it be and Why?
Christian: I would definitely build a track in New York. I would do this because not only is it my home town, but there are not many tracks to race at up by where I grew up.

10. Finally, What is one track you would like to race on that you've haven't yet?
Christian: I would probably say Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is just so prestigious and noteworthy, to be able to race there would surely be a joy.

Get to know Super Late Model Driver Hannah Newhouse

My 3rd Q&A continues this week with Pro Truck, and Super Late Model Series driver Hannah Newhouse. Newhouse drives the No.46 for her family owned team. Recently, she signed on to drive a few races for David Gilliland Racing this year.

1. When did you get an interest in racing? 

Hannah: My dad races motorcycles and modifieds before me, and got me into a gokart when I was 5. 

2. What is your biggest win to date? 

Hannah: My biggest win would be my stock car debut race that I won. It was my first limited Latemodel race in the NASCAR Whelen All American series, and I broke the record for youngest female to win in the division!

3. What's your pre-race ritual? 

Hannah: I don't really have a pre-race ritual except that I really hydrate myself. My spotter and I have a little handshake we do right before the main event, My dad and I always give each other "knuckles". 

4. Name one talent that you have which no one knows about? 

Hannah: I've grown up drawing and painting. I feel like it's a hidden talent that I can actually draw and paint pretty good. 

5. Favorite Race Track? 

Hannah: It's tie a between Irwindale and Meridian Speedway! 

6. Racing Hero Growing Up? 

Hannah: Lyn st. James and Janet Guthrie were always my racing heroes. 

7. Which driver would you have liked to raced with from the past? 

Hannah: Lyn st. James would have been awesome to race against, as well as legends like Alan Kulwicki!

8. Day or Night races? 

Hannah: I really like both but as long as it's not right between, cause then the sun is really bad. Night races allow our cars to run cooler too. 

9. When do you think you'll be racing in the national series? Meaning Cup, Xfinity, or Truck Series

Hannah: I don't have any plans to race in a higher division at the moment, but anything can change! Would like to make a CWTS start in the next year or two. 

10. Finally, what is one track you would like to race on that you've haven't yet? 

Hannah: Bristol and Martinsville are two of my bucket list tracks. I would love to drive one!  

Briar's Top 5 from the NASCAR Xfinity Race at Daytona

1. Aric Almirola: Drove a great race, and missed all the wrecks earlier tonight. He was also in contention late in the going. Almirola earned his win the hard way.

2. Ryan Sieg: The little team that can was in full affect tonight. With Daytona, being the great equalizer for small teams, Ryan Seig brought the car home in 3rd place.

3. Joey Logano: Had a great car all night, and only made a couple of mistakes. Tried to battle for the win, but finished 4th after NASCAR's reviewing.

4. Justin Allgaier: Gambled by staying out on the last caution, and almost took home the win before the last caution came out.

5. Jeff Green: The former 2000 Xfinity Series champion missed all the wrecks, bringing a clean car home to a 7th place finish.

Final shout out: Garrett Smithley: Smithley brought the No.0 machine to a 13th place finish. His best run all year.

Aric Almirola Wins Wrecked Field Daytona Race

 The NASCAR Xfinity Series headed to Daytona International Speedway for the Subway Firecracker 250 Presented by Coca Cola. Before the race could even get started BJ McLeod was sent to the rear for unapproved adjustments. There was also a competition caution on lap 15 due to limited practice time.

Shortly after, the race got underway with Austin Dillon and David Ragan leading the field into turn 1. Ragan was able to lead the first lap, while the high line had some troubles to get momentum. Dillon made the high line work three laps later, and took the lead with Joey Logano following behind him. With 6 laps remaining until the competition caution, there was a four car crash on the tri-oval, involving the 07 of Ray Black Jr, 90 of Mario Gosselin, 97 of Alex Guenette, the 44 of J.J. Yeley, and the 25 of Scott Lagasse Jr. This brought out the first caution of the night. None of the leaders came down pit road, but the 97 was penalized for pitting too soon, and Jeremy Clements penalized for too many men over the wall. NASCAR reported, that the competition caution would now be moved to lap 20.

Restart on lap 14, Logano and Dillon battled it out for the top spot, but Logano pulls down to the inside, with Erik Jones behind him. Elliott Sadler would then take the lead away, but “The Big One” happened on the backstretch. Numerous cars were involved in the wreck. In fact, 14 total cars including some names like Austin Dillon, Joe Nemechek, Brandon Jones, Darrell Wallace Jr just to name a few were involved. TV showed, the 6 of Wallace Jr, getting turned by the 48 of Brennan Poole. NASCAR determined, that this will be the competition caution on lap 20. Leaders pitted, as Ryan Seig wins the race off pit road.

Elliott Sadler and Ty Dillon took the restart on lap 22, but it wasn't long before Joey Logano took the lead going into turn 1. Two laps later, another caution comes out as Erik Jones spins off of turn 2. Reports were Jones blew a right rear tire. He then would be penalized for pitting too soon. As well as, Darrell Wallace Jr who was too fast exiting pit road.

Lap 29 featured the next restart, as Ty Dillon and Joey Logano led the field into turn 1. Logano pulled in front for the lead a lap later. But there was an intense action going behind the leaders, as drivers were making it three wide. 5 laps later, Logano had debris on the front of his grille. Although, a caution came out on lap 40, as Ryan Preece's engine blows up off of turn 4. Logano got the debris off by using the pacecar. Leaders came down pit road under this caution. Brendan Gaughan won the race off pit road. Other drivers played strategy by taking fuel only or four tires.

Restart lap 48, Ty Dillon and Brendan Gaughan led the field into turn 1. But Logano with another daring move, took the lead on the high side with others behind him. Just a few moments, later Daniel Suarez pounds the inside wall on the backstretch. Replays show that Suarez gets loose off of Ross Chastain.

Lap 54 had the next restart, Logano and Aric Almirola were on the front row. Things would settle down for a while, before Ryan Ellis cut a right rear tire bringing out another caution on lap 67. Most of the leaders pitted while Justin Allgaier, and Elliott Sadler stayed out. There was a penalty on pit road, as Mario Gosselin drove through too many pit boxes. And Brennan Poole for too many men over the wall.

Allgaier and Wallace Jr, took the next restart on lap 71. Wallace Jr got out in front for a little bit, before Sadler took the lead with Almirola helping him. Logano tried to take the lead, but was unsuccessful in doing so. With help from Chase Elliott, Logano took the lead with 19 laps to go. The field was three wide all the way around the track. Joey Logano was shuffled back two laps later, as he tried to block the inside and outside lane. Elliott would lead for a moment before falling back. This would put David Ragan in the lead with 13 laps to go. It looked liked Ragan had the race won, but the caution came out with 3 laps to go. David Starr gets loose off of Ross Chastain, and goes spinning sideways into turn 3, before making contact with Brennan Poole. This will be an overtime finish meaning, that once the field crosses the overtime line the race is official.

As the field took the green with 2 laps to go, things started to heat up, and get a little dicey at the end. The leaders made it to the white flag, before another pile up happened on the backstretch. The top four cars including Logano, Allgaier, Almirola, and Seig were racing for the win. But just as they came off of turn 4 the caution came out to end the race. NASCAR was reviewing all videos to determine a race winner off the last scoring loop. 10 minutes later, NASCAR made Aric Almirola as the winner of the Subway Firecracker 250 Presented by Coca Cola. Justin Allgaier was 2^nd, Joey Logano 3^rd, Ryan Seig 4^th, and Brendan Gaughan rounded out the top 5. Officials were still determining the rest of the results after the finish.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series heads to Kentucky Speedway on July 8.  

David Ragan wins pole for the Subway Firecracker 250

David Ragan subbing for Matt Tifft, wins the pole at Daytona International Speedway. After an hour rain delay, Ragan made all two rounds of qualifying to earn the top spot. Austin Dillon was 2nd, Erik Jones 3rd, Joey Logano 4th, Daniel Suarez 5th, Darrell Wallace Jr 6th, Justin Allgaier 7th, Brennan Poole 8th, Elliott Sadler 9th, and Corey Lajoie rounded out the top 10 starting spots. Carl Long, Derrike Cope, and Mike Harmon did not qualify for the event. The race is scheduled to get underway shortly after 7:30pm EST tonight.