All posts by Luis Torres

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer Restrictor plate racing requires teamwork. Whether it’s a driver’s teammate or partnering with a driver who runs the same manufacturer. For Joe Gibbs Racing driver Daniel Suarez, not only he was the lone Gibbs driver, he ran the first Can-Am Duel without another Toyota driver in the field. Despite an alliance disadvantage, Suarez overcame a Lap 9 spin to finish eighth Thursday. Suarez scored three championship points and will start 17th for Sunday’s 60th Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. “It was okay. We haveRead More

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer BK Racing arrived at Daytona International Speedway last Saturday morning, unloading a white unsponsored No. 23 Toyota. Gray Gaulding also arrived as a spectator without a secured ride in Sunday’s 60th Daytona 500. Rumors ran like wildfire on who’s driving the car but hours later, the 20-year-old Colonial Heights, Virginia native was confirmed as the driver. Now entering Thursday’s Can-Am Duels, Gaulding, with Earthwater as his primary sponsor, will enter the weekend with a positive attitude despite the ongoing off-track drama involving his race team. TheRead More

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer NAPA Auto Parts announced on Tuesday that it will extend its sponsorship deal with Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott from 24 to 26 races this season and continue sponsoring the No. 9 Chevrolet through 2020. NAPA will also be the exclusive primary sponsor for Elliott in the Daytona 500 each year and will be Elliott’s associate sponsor in all non-primary events. “The relationship with NAPA has been a major part of my career starting in 2014,” Elliott said. “Their support has been huge for me,Read More

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer The Toyota camp of Joe Gibbs Racing and Furniture Row Racing were unable to amount a serious threat to Ford’s restrictor plate dominance in Sunday’s Advance Auto Parts Clash at Daytona International Speedway, won by Brad Keselowski. No Toyota driver finished in the top-five as the new package caused handling issues and risky pass attempts in the draft for much of the afternoon. Two-time Clash winner Denny Hamlin was the highest finisher in sixth, leading all eight laps for Toyota. “Our car definitely was aRead More

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer Despite a host of late-race carnage, Michael Self started the ARCA Racing Series season off the same way he ended 2017 – in victory lane. Self survived two late pileups to win Saturday’s Lucas Oil 200 Driven by General Tire at Daytona International Speedway. The Park City, Utah native took the lead after the first attempt at a one-lap shootout on lap 87 went haywire in Turn 3. The top four of Sean Corr, Sheldon Creed, Chase Purdy and Travis Braden ran side-by-side, bumper-to-bumper inRead More

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer Saturday’s Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway has as diverse a field as the ARCA Racing Series has seen in a long time. The race marks the first time ARCA will use composite bodies at a restrictor plate track, giving a fair playing field for all 39 drivers who’ll accept the 80-lap grind. The historic field consists of long-time veterans, a Navy Academy grad, female teammates and young guns in top budget teams. Let’s begin with Venturini Motorsports teammates Natalie Decker and Leilani Münter.Read More

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer David Starr announced Wednesday he’ll run in Jimmy Means Racing’s No. 52 Chevrolet, replacing Joey Gase who’s driven for Means since 2012. The 50-year-old Texan will run the entire schedule for the second consecutive season, beginning with the February 17th running of the Powershares QQQ 300 at Daytona. “I’m eager to get the season started,” Starr said. “I have a lot of respect for Jimmy, he’s a true racer and has been in the industry for a long time. His knowledge will only enhance our raceRead More

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer TriStar Motorsports announced Tuesday they’ll continue competing in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Corey LaJoie and Cole Whitt sharing the No. 72 Chevrolet. LaJoie will make his team debut in the 60th running of the Daytona 500 on February 18 with Schluter Systems as his primary sponsor. TriStar also acquired a charter from Front Row Motorsports, guaranteeing them a spot in the race. Frankie Kerr will continue to be on top of the pit box, calling the shots for both drivers. LaJoieRead More

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer JP Motorsports will expand to a two-car operation in the Xfinity Series after announcing Monday that Josh Bilicki will run the No. 45 Prevagan Toyota for the entire season, beginning in the Powershares QQQ 300 at Daytona February 17. The initial plan was was to run a second car at Atlanta, but that all changed after acquiring a car from Joe Gibbs Racing Friday, allowing Bilicki to compete for Rookie of the Year honors. “I’m ecstatic to announce a full season effort in the NASCARRead More

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer As part of an alliance with Premium Motorsports, Rick Ware Racing announced Friday it will field the No. 51 Chevrolet with Justin Marks as their driver for the 60th running of the Daytona 500 on February 18. Marks’ car will be sponsored by Harry’s Shaving Products, with long-time sponsor Katerra as his associate. The No. 51 team will be powered by Earnhardt Childress Engines, the same engine supplier Premium Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet, driven by Danica Patrick, will have in the Great American Race. Ware’s entryRead More