The2021 NASCAR Cup Serieswas the 73rd season forNASCARprofessionalstock car racingin the United States and the 50th season for the modern era Cup Series. The season started atDaytona International Speedwaywith theBusch Clash,where it was the first year that the non-points event was run on the track's road course layout instead of the oval.[1]That race was followed by theBluegreen Vacations Duelqualifying races, and the 63rd running of theDaytona 500,the first points race of the season. The regular season also ended at Daytona with the2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400on August 28, whereKyle Larsonwon the Regular Season Championship.[2]Following the2021 Xfinity 500atMartinsville Speedwayon October 31,Chevroletclaimed its 40th Manufacturer's Championship and its first since 2015.[3]TheNASCAR playoffsended with theNASCAR Cup Series Championship RaceatPhoenix Racewayon November 7 with Larson earning his first Cup Series championship after a 10-win season.[4]
The 2021 season represented a new era as several mainstays of the sport were absent. This was the first season since2000without seven-time ChampionJimmie Johnson.This was also the first season withoutClint BowyerandReed Sorensonsince 2004, the former of which joined theNASCAR on Foxbooth as a color commentator. This was also the first season for23XI Racing,co-owned by Joe Gibbs Racing Cup Series driverDenny Hamlinand basketball legendMichael Jordan,andTrackhouse Racing,co-owned by former NASCAR and currentsports car racingdriverJustin Marksand musicianPitbull.It was also the last season forChip Ganassi Racing,as Trackhouse purchased the entirety of CGR's NASCAR team for 2022,StarCom Racing,as they ceased operations after 2021,Team Penskecrew chiefTodd Gordon,who announced his retirement from crew chiefing following the 2021 season, and the Cup SeriesGeneration 6 car,which will be replaced with theNext Gen carstarting in 2022; by extension, it was also the final season for theCar of Tomorrowchassis, as the Next Gen car will have a completely-new chassis design. In addition, this was the final season to have races covered byNBCSN,which shut down at the end of the year and had its coverage of NASCAR and all other sporting events taken over byUSA Network.[5][6]
Teams and drivers
editChartered teams
editNon-chartered teams
editComplete schedule
edit| Models | Team | No. | Driver | Crew chief |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | JTG Daugherty Racing | 37 | Ryan Preece[86] | Trent Owens |
Limited schedule
edit| Manufacturer | Team | No. | Driver | Crew chief | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | Beard Motorsports | 62 | Noah Gragson[87] | Darren Shaw | 1 |
| Kaulig Racing[88] | 16 | Kaz Grala[89] | Matt Swiderski[90] | 3 | |
| A. J. Allmendinger[91] | 5 | ||||
| Justin Haley | 1 | ||||
| Ford | B. J. McLeod Motorsports[92] | 55 | Matt Mills[92] | Lee Leslie | 1[92] |
| Front Row Motorsports | 36 | David Ragan[39] | Derrick Finley[39] | 1 | |
| Team Penske | 33 | Austin Cindric[66][93] | Miles Stanley[93] | 7 | |
| Toyota | Gaunt Brothers Racing | 96 | Ty Dillon[94] | Dave Winston3 Jacob Canter5 A. J. Genail1 |
5 |
| Harrison Burton[95] | 1 | ||||
| Landon Cassill | 2[96] | ||||
| Parker Kligerman[97] | 1 | ||||
| Ford2 Toyota3 |
MBM Motorsports[98] | 13 | Garrett Smithley[N 11][99] | Mark Hillman[98]1 Sebastian LaForge1 Mike Contarino2 Johnny Roten1 |
1 |
| David Starr | 3 | ||||
| Timmy Hill | 1 | ||||
| Ford5 Toyota17 |
66 | Clinton Cram7 Mike Contarino2 Johnny Roten13[100] |
13 | ||
| Mike Marlar | 1[101] | ||||
| David Starr | 4 | ||||
| Chad Finchum | 2 | ||||
| J. J. Yeley[N 11] | 1 | ||||
| James Davison[N 11] | 1 |
Notes
edit- ^Entry was fielded in a collaboration withChip Ganassi Racing.
- ^Entry was fielded in a collaboration withHalmar Friesen Racing.
- ^Entry was fielded in a collaboration withThorSport Racing.
- ^Entry was fielded in a collaboration withJR Motorsports.
- ^Entry was fielded in a collaboration withMatt Wood Racing.
- ^Bilicki is running the full season forRick Ware Racingsplit between the Nos. 15 and 52.
- ^Entry was fielded in a collaboration withStewart-Haas Racing.[50]
- ^The No. 51 car is officially listed on paper as Petty Ware Racing because they have a long-term partnership withRichard Petty Motorsportsto use one of the charters they own. However, RPM is not involved with operating or helping this team out at the races in any way.
- ^Entry was fielded in a collaboration withStarCom Racing.
- ^Entry was fielded in a collaboration withJonathan Byrd's RacingandHayward Motorsports.
- ^abcEntries were fielded in a collaboration withRick Ware Racing.
Changes
editTeams
edit- On July 23, 2020, it was reported thatLeavine Family Racingowner Bob Leavine solicited bids for the team due to the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.[102]On August 4, 2020, Leavine confirmed that his team has been sold and would cease operations at the end of the 2020 season.[103]On August 11, 2020, the team's charter was officially sold toSpire Motorsports,which would be used to field a second full-time car in 2021 (which would end up being the No. 7 of Corey LaJoie).[104][105]With its purchase of Leavine Family Racing's assets, Spire Motorsports will expand into a two-car operation in 2021. On August 24, 2020, the team announced that they would be looking for two full-time drivers for the season.[106]
- On September 1, 2020, it was reported thatGermain Racingowner Bob Germain was exploring conversations for a potential sale of the team due to lack of sponsorship, as their contract with primary sponsorGEICOexpired at the end of the 2020 season and it was confirmed four days later that they would not return for the 2021 season.[107]Their charter was later put up for bid, and was purchased on September 21, 2020, and as a result, Germain ceased operations at the end of the 2020 season.[69][105]
- On September 21, 2020, retired NBA player andCharlotte HornetsownerMichael Jordanannounced that he andDenny Hamlinwould be forming23XI RacingwithBubba Wallaceas the driver after purchasing the charter from Germain Racing, which closed down after the 2020 season.[69][105]
- On October 7, 2020,Trackhouse Racing,owned byJustin Marks,announced its entry into the Cup Series, fielding one full-time car, the No. 99, forDaniel Suárezin 2021. The team will runChevroletsin a technical alliance withRichard Childress Racing.[35]The team has leased the charter from the No. 77 Spire Motorsports car for this season.[108][105]On January 15, 2021, it was announced that musicianPitbullwould co-own the team with Marks.[109]On May 30, 2021, motivational speaker and philanthropistTony Robbinshinted at investing in the team.[110]
- On October 8, 2020, it was revealed that Spire Motorsports bought a third charter, which they will use for the No. 77 in 2021 after the team leased the original charter for the No. 77 to Trackhouse for 2021.[108]Upon further reports on December 30, 2020, it was revealed that this third charter for Spire came fromJTG Daugherty Racingfor the No. 37, which will now be non-chartered in 2021.[111][105]
- On October 22, 2020,Go Fas Racingowner Archie St. Hilaire announced that the team would scale down to a part-time schedule in 2021.Joe Falkwill continue to own half of the team's charter while St. Hilaire transfers his half to Falk's new business partner.[112]The following day, it was announced thatB. J. McLeodandMatt Tiffthad purchased Go Fas Racing's ownership stake in the charter, and it would be moved from the No. 32 to McLeod's No. 78, meaning that car will run full-time with a charter in 2021.[42]On November 20, 2020, McLeod and Tifft announced the team's name asLive Fast Motorsports,with a technical alliance withStewart-Haas Racing.[43]
- On October 28, 2020,Hendrick Motorsportsannounced that the No. 88 team would be renumbered to the No. 5 in 2021.[10]
- On November 20, 2020,Kaulig Racingannounced they would run a partial schedule in 2021, with the intention of entering all superspeedway and road course races and the goal of running full-time in 2022, hoping to purchase a charter by then.[113]
- On December 2, 2020,NY Racing Teamteased a potential return to Cup competition after posting the No. 44 with "2021" on theirInstagramaccount,[114]as well as updating their website, which stated that they would attempt to qualify for the2021 Daytona 500.[115]
- On December 30, 2020,Bob Pockrassreported thatWood Brothers Racingpurchased the charter they had leased from Go Fas Racing since 2017.[116][105]
- On January 5, 2021, team owner John Cohen announced that NYRT will compete full-time as an open team.[114]The team last competed in the series in 2018 withJ. J. Yeleyrunning part-time in partnerships withPremium MotorsportsandBK Racingas well as one race by themselves in the2018 Coca-Cola 600.
- On February 3, 2021,MBM Motorsportsannounced that NASCAR approved its number change from No. 49 to No. 13, which it had requested after the demise of Germain Racing.[117][118]
- On February 9, 2021, it was revealed through the list of owner points transfers prior to the start of the season thatTommy Baldwin Racingwould use the No. 71 if they end up attempting any races in 2021, a number the team previously used in 2019. The team gave their old car number, the No. 7, to Spire Motorsports to use for their new second car with Corey LaJoie.[118]
- On April 6, 2021,Rick Ware Racingannounced that the No. 53 driven byJoey Gasewould be renumbered to the No. 28 with aHavoline-inspired paint scheme for thespring Talladega raceto honor the lateDavey Allison.Gase would also drive the No. 28 (renumbered from the No. 17) at theTalladega Xfinity race.[119]
- On April 26, 2021, it was announced thatB. J. McLeod Motorsportswould return to the Cup Series and field a car, the No. 55, forMatt Mills,one of their full-time Xfinity Series drivers, in thespring race at Kansas.(This entry was not a second car for Live Fast Motorsports, which McLeod also owns).[92]
Drivers
edit- On August 6, 2020,Erik JonesandJoe Gibbs Racingannounced that they would mutually part ways at the end of the 2020 season.[120]On October 21, 2020, Jones officially joinedRichard Petty Motorsportsas the driver of the organization's No. 43 entry.[21]
- On August 21, 2020,Corey LaJoieandGo Fas Racingannounced that they would mutually part ways at the end of the 2020 season.[121]On November 12, 2020,Sports Business Journal's Adam Stern reported that LaJoie was a leading candidate for one of theSpire Motorsportsteams in 2021.[122]On November 30, 2020, Spire announced that LaJoie would drive the team's new second car, the No. 7, full-time.[23]
- On September 9, 2020,Matt Kensethmentioned onSirius XM'sLate Shiftthat he would more than likely not return to theChip Ganassi RacingNo. 42 team in 2021.[123]On September 21, 2020, Chip Ganassi Racing announced thatRoss Chastainwould replace Kenseth in 2021.[8]
- On September 10, 2020,Bubba Wallaceannounced that he would not be back in the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 in 2021.[124]On September 21, 2020, it was made official that he will be the driver of the23XI RacingNo. 23 car.[69]
- On September 15, 2020,Daniel Suárezannounced that he would not be back in theGaunt Brothers RacingNo. 96 in 2021.[125]On October 7, 2020, Suárez joinedTrackhouse Racingfull-time for the 2021 season.[35]
- On October 6, 2020,Hendrick Motorsportsannounced thatAlex Bowmanwill move from the No. 88 to the No. 48 team in 2021.[16]
- On October 8, 2020,Team Penskeannounced thatAustin Cindricwill drive the No. 33 Ford in select Cup Series races while competing full-time in theXfinity Seriesin 2021. He would then transition to theWood Brothers RacingNo. 21 team in 2022.[66][93][126]
- On October 8, 2020,Clint Bowyerannounced he would retire from full-time driving at the end of the 2020 season and work as aNASCAR on Foxcommentator in 2021.[127]Chase Briscoe,who previously drove for SHR in the Xfinity Series in their No. 98 car, replaced Bowyer in the No. 14.[56][57]
- On October 19, 2020, NASCAR reinstatedKyle Larsonsix months after he was suspended from the sport and fired by Chip Ganassi Racing for using a racial slur during aniRacingevent. He will be cleared to resume all NASCAR activities on January 1, 2021.[128]On October 28, 2020, Hendrick Motorsports announced that Larson would drive the No. 5 (renumbered from the No. 88) for the team, replacing Alex Bowman, who moved over to the No. 48 to replace Jimmie Johnson.[10]On July 14, 2021, Larson signed a contract extension with HMS through 2023.[129]
- On November 16, 2020,John Hunter Nemechekannounced he would not return toFront Row Motorsportsin 2021.[130]On November 23, 2020, it was announced that Nemechek would return to theCamping World Truck Seriesto drive full-time forKyle Busch Motorsportsin 2021.[131]
- On December 19, 2020,MBM Motorsportsannounced thatTimmy Hill,Chad Finchum,andStephen Leicht(who drives for the team's Xfinity Series program) will return to the team in 2021, with Hill and Finchum attempting to run the2021 Daytona 500.[98]
- On December 22, 2020, Adam Stern ofSports Business Journalreported thatAnthony Alfredowas in talks with Front Row Motorsports to drive the No. 38 in 2021. On January 6, 2021, FRM confirmed that Alfredo will drive the No. 38 for the Rookie of the Year honors.[39]
- On December 23, 2020, Chris Knight ofCatchfencereported thatJR MotorsportsXfinity Series driver and2020 Daytona 300winnerNoah Gragsonwould attempt to qualify for the 2021 Daytona 500 in the No. 62 forBeard Motorsports.Since 2017,Brendan Gaughan,who retired after the 2020 season, drove this car at each of the restrictor plate races (as well as the Daytona Road Course in 2020).[87]The team would officially announce this on January 14, 2021.
- On January 6, 2021, Front Row Motorsports announced thatDavid Raganwould return to the No. 36 for the 2021 Daytona 500.[39]
- On January 13, 2021,Kaulig Racingannounced thatKaz Gralawould attempt to qualify for the 2021 Daytona 500 for the team in the No. 16.[89]On January 21, 2021, Kaulig announced thatA. J. Allmendingerwould drive the No. 16 at the Daytona road course, making his first start in the Cup Series since the end of the2018 season.[91]
- On January 15, 2021, Jim Utter ofMotorsportreported thatTy Dillonwas likely to drive the No. 96 Gaunt Brothers Racing car at the Daytona 500 as well as the Daytona Road Course race the following week. It is unclear if he will run any additional races for the team beyond that.[94]On February 3, 2021, 23XI Racing announced that Dillon would drive the No. 23 at the2021 Busch Clash,as he was eligible after winning a stage in 2020 while regular driver Bubba Wallace was not.[132]On August 23, 2021, Gaunt Brothers Racing announced thatLandon Cassillwould drive the No. 96 at the2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400at Daytona and the2021 YellaWood 500at Talladega.[96]
- On January 19, 2021, Spire Motorsports announced thatJamie McMurraywould drive the No. 77 at the 2021 Daytona 500.[26]
- On January 19, 2021, Rick Ware Racing announced thatDerrike Copewould make his final Daytona 500 start in the No. 15.[80]
- On March 15, 2021, MBM Motorsports announced that 2018World of Outlaws Late Model SerieschampionMike Marlar,who drove for the team in the Xfinity Series at Richmond in September 2019, would make his Cup Series debut in the Bristol dirt race for the team in the No. 66.[101]
- On March 16, 2021, Spire Motorsports announced that full-time Truck Series driver and accomplished dirt racerStewart Friesenwould make his Cup Series debut in their No. 77 in the Bristol dirt race. Although Friesen's Truck team,Halmar Friesen Racing,is a factory-backed Toyota team, Friesen competed for Spire, a Chevrolet team, in this one race.[30]
- On April 13, 2021, Rick Ware Racing announced that longtime Truck Series driverJennifer Jo Cobbwould make her Cup debut in thespring race at Talladegain their No. 15. She becomes the firstfemale driverto compete in the Cup Series sinceDanica Patrickretired after the2018 Daytona 500.Cobb has competed for RWR in the past in select Xfinity races in2011,2013,2014,and2016.However, on April 19, 2021, NASCAR announced that Cobb would not be approved to compete in the race,[133]due to lack of prior Cup experience and the lack of practice and qualifying. A similar situation happened with James Davison andKeith McGee,who were not approved for the 2020 Cup and Truck races at Talladega, respectively.[133]J. J. Yeleywould replace Cobb in the RWR No. 15 in the race.
- On April 15, 2021, it was announced that Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Series driverHarrison Burton,the son of retired driver and currentNASCAR on NBCcolor commentatorJeff Burton,would make his Cup Series debut in the Gaunt Brothers Racing No. 96 in the spring race at Talladega. He would become the first driver born in the 2000s decade and the 21st century to run a Cup Series race.[95]
- On May 14, 2021, Spire Motorsports announced thatJosh Berrywould drive the No. 77 atDoveras a substitute forJustin Haley,who was sidelined in accordance with team and COVID-19 protocols. This was his Cup Series debut.[31]On June 27, 2021,Justin Allgaiersubstituted for Haley in thesecond race of the Cup Series doubleheader at Poconoafter Haley had to recover from a hard crash in theXfinity raceearlier in the same day. This was the third time that Allgaier was called on as a last minute substitute replacement driver, after filling in forMichael Annettin the2016 Bristol Night RaceandJimmie Johnsonin the2020 Brickyard 400.[32]
- On August 19, 2021, Spire Motorsports announced that Josh Berry would drive the No. 7 atMichiganas a substitute for Corey LaJoie, who was sidelined in accordance with team and COVID-19 protocols.[134]
- On September 10, 2021, Rick Ware Racing announced thatGarrett Smithleywould drive the No. 51 at theRichmond playoff raceas a substitute forCody Ware,who was sidelined with carbon monoxide poisoning following the2021 Cook Out Southern 500at Darlington.[135]
- On October 5, 2021, Rick Ware Racing announced thatsports car racingdriverJoey Handwould make his NASCAR and Cup Series debut in the No. 52 at theCharlotte Roval,and his entry would be fielded in a partnership withStewart-Haas Racing.[50]The normal driver of the No. 52,Josh Bilicki,instead drove RWR's No. 15 car in this race.[49]
- On October 18, 2021, Gaunt Brothers Racing announced thatParker Kligermanwould drive the No. 96 atKansas.He would also serve as an in-race analyst forNASCAR on NBCduring the race.[97]
Crew chiefs
edit- On September 29, 2020, it was announced that the crew chiefing career ofHendrick Motorsports' seven-time championship winning crew chiefChad Knauswould end after the 2020 season, as he would be promoted to Vice President of Competition for the team starting in 2021. On October 26, 2020, it was announced that Knaus' replacement on the No. 24 car ofWilliam Byronwill be Rudy Fugle, a decorated Truck Series crew chief forKyle Busch Motorsports,who worked with Byron in2016,winning seven races together. Fugle has won 28 races, two drivers' championships and five owners' championships with KBM.[14]
- On October 6, 2020, Hendrick Motorsports announced that crew chiefGreg Iveswill joinAlex Bowmanin moving from the No. 88 to the No. 48 team in 2021.[16]
- On October 28, 2020,Cliff Daniels,formerly the crew chief for Jimmie Johnson on the No. 48, was announced to be crew chief forKyle Larsonin Hendrick Motorsports' No. 5 (formerly No. 88) car, switching teams with Ives.[10]
- On October 30, 2020,23XI Racingannounced thatMike Wheelerwould be the crew chief of the No. 23 withBubba Wallacein 2021.[71]On September 16, 2020,Bootie Barkerwas named crew chief for the remainder of the season after Wheeler was promoted to Director of Competition.[72]
- On November 13, 2020,Trackhouse Racingannounced that Travis Mack will be the crew chief forDaniel Suárezin the No. 99. Mack previously served as crew chief forMichael Annettin theJR MotorsportsNo. 1 team in theNASCAR Xfinity Seriesfrom 2019 to 2020.[36]
- On November 17, 2020,Joe Gibbs Racingannounced changes to their crew chief lineup in 2021.[74]
- Adam Stevens,previously the crew chief ofKyle Busch's No. 18, moved to the No. 20 JGR Cup team, now driven byChristopher Bell,replacing Chris Gayle.
- Chris Gayle became the crew chief of JGR's No. 54 team in the Xfinity Series, replacing Jacob Canter, JGR's test team manager.
- Jason Ratcliff,previously the crew chief of the JGR-aligned No. 95Leavine Family Racingteam, which has closed down, moved back to the Xfinity Series to become the crew chief of the No. 20 ofHarrison Burton,replacing Ben Beshore.
- Ben Beshoremoved up to the Cup Series and replaced Stevens as the crew chief of the No. 18 of Kyle Busch.
- On December 10, 2020,Spire Motorsportsannounced their 2021 crew chief lineup.[24]
- Ryan Sparks will be the crew chief forCorey LaJoie's No. 7, after previously working with LaJoie atGo Fas Racingin 2020. On February 24, 2021, it was announced thatSteve Letartewould fill in for Sparks atHomesteaddue to COVID-19 protocols.[25]
- Kevin Bellicourt, previously the crew chief forDerek KrausatMcAnally-Hilgemann Racingin the Truck Series, will be the No. 77 crew chief, replacingPeter Sospenzo.
- On January 20, 2021,Team Penskeannounced that Ryan Blaney's engineer on the No. 12 car, Miles Stanley, would be the crew chief for their new part-time No. 33 car withAustin Cindric.[93]
- On January 27, 2021,Kaulig Racingannounced that Matt Swiderski, who was previously the crew chief for Team Penske's part-time No. 12 car in the Xfinity Series, would serve as crew chief for their part-time Cup Series No. 16 car.[136]
- On January 28, 2021, it was announced that Frank Kerr would be the crew chief for the No. 78 ofB. J. McLeodand hisLive Fast Motorsportsteam in 2021.[44]In 2020, Kerr spent part of the season withNiece Motorsportsand part of the season withMartins Motorsports.The last time he was a Cup Series crew chief was in2018when he crew chiefed theTriStar MotorsportsNo. 72 ofCorey LaJoieandCole Whitt.
- On June 8, 2021,Wood Brothers Racingannounced that Jonathan Hassler would replaceGreg Erwinas the permanent crew chief of the team's No. 21, driven byMatt DiBenedetto.Hassler was previously an engineer withTeam Penske,which WBR has an alliance with, and the team's interim crew chief at Martinsville when Erwin was suspended. It is unclear why Erwin was replaced and what his future plans are.[68]
- On October 3, 2021, it was announced thatRoush Fenway Racingcrew chiefs Scott Graves andLuke Lambertwill be switching teams, with Graves moving from the No. 6 ofRyan Newmanto the No. 17 ofChris Buescherand Lambert moving from Buescher's No. 17 to Newman's No. 6. This change will take effect starting with theBank of America Roval 400atCharlotte.[51]
Interim crew chiefs
edit- On February 24, 2021,Spire Motorsportsannounced that Ryan Sparks, the crew chief of their No. 7 car ofCorey LaJoie,would be unable to crew chief the car atHomestead-Miamidue to being in quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19.NASCAR on NBCcolor commentatorSteve Letarte,a retired crew chief who Spire had recently hired as a consultant, returned atop the pit box for the first time since2014.Because the race was being broadcast byFox,Letarte did not need to be in the booth for it and was available to crew chief the car for this one race.[25]
- On March 8, 2021, it was revealed through the release of the entry list for the race atPhoenixin March that Davin Restivo would be the interim crew chief forCole Custer's No. 41 forStewart-Haas Racingin that race. Mike Shiplett, Custer's crew chief, was suspended for one race after the No. 41 had two loose lug nuts following the previous week's race at Homestead-Miami. Restivo is the car's engineer.[59]
- On March 16, 2021, NASCAR announced thatBrad Keselowski's crew chiefJeremy Bullins,andDaniel Suárez's crew chief Travis Mack, would both be suspended for theFolds of Honor QuikTrip 500at Atlanta. Both cars had two loose lug nuts following the previous week's race at Phoenix. The engineers for both teams, Grant Hutchens (for Keselowski's Penske No. 2) and Jose Blasco-Figueroa (for Suárez's Trackhouse No. 99), would become the interim crew chiefs for those teams in the race at Atlanta in March.[37]In addition, Suárez and Blasco-Figueroa made history as the first Hispanic driver-crew chief combination in Cup Series history after working together in this race.[137]
- On April 8, 2021,Wood Brothers Racingannounced thatGreg Erwin,the crew chief of the No. 21 ofMatt DiBenedetto,would be unable to crew chief the car atMartinsville in Aprilafter testing positive for COVID-19. Jonathan Hassler, an engineer forTeam Penske,would serve as the team's interim crew chief in the race.[67]
- On April 10, 2021, NASCAR announced that Travis Mack, the crew chief of the No. 99 of Daniel Suárez for Trackhouse, would be suspended again, this time due to the car having an improperly attached ballast prior to the race at Martinsville in April. As a result, Jose Blasco-Figueroa would return as the team's interim crew chief that weekend.[38]
- On May 6, 2021, it was reported that Grant Hutchens would return as Brad Keselowski's interim crew chief for the2021 Goodyear 400atDarlingtonand the2021 Drydene 400atDover.Jeremy Bullins had to skip both races due to COVID-19 protocols.[63][138]
- On May 10, 2021, NASCAR announced thatJoey Logano's crew chiefPaul Wolfewould be suspended for the 2021 Drydene 400 at Dover after the No. 22 had two loose lug nuts following the previous week's race at Darlington. Team Penske engineer Jonathan Hassler served as the team's interim crew chief in the race.[139]
- On May 30, 2021, NASCAR announced that Kevin Bellicourt, the crew chief of the No. 77 for Spire Motorsports, would be suspended for the2021 Toyota/Save Mart 350atSonomaafter the car had two loose lug nuts following the previous week's race, the2021 Coca-Cola 600.Peter Sospenzo,who Bellicourt replaced as the crew chief of the No. 77 in 2021, was announced as the interim crew chief for the race. Sospenzo also was the crew chief for Spire in the team's upset win at Daytona in July 2019 withJustin Haley.[27]On September 11, 2021, Bellicourt was once again suspended for theBristol night raceafter the car had two loose lug nuts following theraceat Richmond.[28]
- On June 6, 2021, NASCAR announced thatFront Row Motorsportscrew chief Seth Barbour would be suspended for the race at Sonoma due to his No. 38 car, driven byAnthony Alfredo,failing pre-race inspection. The interim crew chief was Derrick Finley, FRM's competition director.[41]On August 28, 2021, Barbour andDrew Blickensderfer,the crew chief for the No. 34 of Michael McDowell (the other FRM car), were suspended for the race at Daytona after their cars failed pre-race inspection. Jason Sheets, the car chief for the No. 34, would serve as the interim crew chief for McDowell's No. 34 while Finley returned to crew chief Alfredo's No. 38 as he did at Sonoma.[40]
- On June 13, 2021, NASCAR announced thatChip Ganassi Racingcrew chief Phil Surgen would be suspended for the All-Star race weekend due to his No. 42 car, driven byRoss Chastain,failing pre-race inspection. The interim crew chief was Tony Lunders, CGR's competition director.[140]
- On July 4, 2021, NASCAR announced thatChase Briscoe's crew chiefJohnny Klausmeierwould be suspended for theraceat Atlanta that month after the No. 14 had two loose lug nuts following therace at Road America.[141]Michael Cook, Briscoe's engineer, served as his interim crew chief for that race.
- On August 8, 2021,Chase Elliott's No. 9 andChristopher Bell's No. 20 were given L1 penalties for rear window air deflector issues in pre-race inspection before the race at Watkins Glen. As a result, their crew chiefs,Alan GustafsonandAdam Stevens,respectively, were suspended. The interim crew chiefs were Elliott's engineer, Tom Gray, and Bell's car chief, Chris Sherwood.[12]On October 24, 2021, Stevens was once again suspended for theMartinsville playoff raceafter the No. 20 had two loose lug nuts following theKansas playoff race.[142]
- On September 26, 2021, NASCAR announced thatKevin Harvick's crew chiefRodney Childerswould be suspended for theTalladega playoff raceafter the No. 4 had two loose lug nuts following therace at Las Vegas.[143]Greg Zipadelliwould serve as Harvick's crew chief for the race.[54]
- On October 10, 2021, NASCAR announced thatKyle Busch's crew chiefBen Beshorewould be suspended for theTexas raceafter the No. 18 had two loose lug nuts following therace at the Charlotte Roval.[76]
- On November 4, 2021,Richard Childress Racingannounced thatTyler Reddick's crew chief Randall Burnett would miss the2021 Season Finale 500atPhoenixdue to COVID-19 protocols and would be replaced by team engineer Andrew Dickenson for the race.[20]
Manufacturers
edit- On October 1, 2020,Hendrick MotorsportsandRichard Childress Racingannounced that they would form a joint venture to establish a common engine specification forChevroletteams starting in 2021.[144]
- On October 30, 2020,23XI Racingrevealed that they would runToyotasin a technical alliance withJoe Gibbs Racing.[145]
Sponsorship
edit- On September 5, 2020, it was revealed thatGEICOwould not return to sponsor theGermain RacingNo. 13 team in 2021, although they would remain a premier partner of the NASCAR Cup Series.[107]
- On October 20, 2020, HighPoint Technology was announced to joinChase Briscoein moving fromStewart-Haas Racing's No. 98 Xfinity Series car to their No. 14 Cup Series car in 2021.[56]
- On December 2, 2020, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals announced theirNurtec ODTbrand would be the primary sponsor of theRick Ware RacingNo. 51 team for the entire 2021 season.[146]
- On December 10, 2020, Keen Parts/CorvetteParts.net announced that they would sponsor theLive Fast MotorsportsNo. 78 team in 2021. The onlineChevrolet Corvetteparts store previously sponsoredGo Fas Racingfrom 2016 to 2020.[147]
- On December 14, 2020,23XI Racingannounced thatDoorDash,McDonald's,Columbia Sportswear,Dr Pepper,andRoot Insurance Companywould be the sponsors of Bubba Wallace's No. 23 car in 2021.[148]This is Dr. Pepper's first sponsorship in NASCAR since their sponsorship of the former No. 23BK Racingcar. The other four companies moved over with Wallace from Richard Petty Motorsports. Also, with Dr. Pepper being a competitor toCoca-Cola,Bubba Wallace will also no longer be a Coca-Cola Racing Family driver.[149]
- On December 15, 2020, it was announced that Llumar would switch teams atHendrick Motorsportsand would now sponsorChase Elliott's No. 9 (atCircuit of the Americasas well as theBusch Clash). The window film company had previously sponsoredAlex Bowman's No. 88 car for the last two seasons. Llumar replacedMountain Dewas a sponsor for Elliott, as their contract with Hendrick Motorsports expired after the 2020 season and parent companyPepsiCodid not renew it.[150]This ended PepsiCo's 24-year sponsorship of Hendrick (dating back to1997), which includedPepsi's sponsorship ofJeff Gordon,AMP Energy's sponsorship ofDale Earnhardt Jr.,and Mountain Dew's sponsorship of Earnhardt Jr.,Kasey Kahne,and Elliott.[151]On January 12, 2021, HMS announced that energy drink Adrenaline Shoc, which is distributed in the U.S. byKeurig Dr Pepper,would join the No. 9 in 2021 as a primary sponsor for two races and an associate sponsor for the rest of the season.[152]
- On December 16, 2020,Rheemwas announced to join Christopher Bell in moving from the closed No. 95 Leavine Family Racing car to theJoe Gibbs RacingNo. 20 car in 2021.[153]
- On December 23, 2020, it was revealed that RoofClaim, which was the primary sponsor of the No. 66 ofTimmy HillforMBM Motorsports,would not return to the team in 2021 due to lack of airtime on the TV broadcasts and the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in the lack of exposure with fans at the track.[154]On March 4, 2021, it was announced that Diamondback Land Surveying would sponsor the car in several races.[155]
- On January 19, 2021, Dixie Vodka was announced as the sponsor of the Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 ofCole Custerfor two races.[156]
- On January 19, 2021,Bass Pro ShopsandBlack Rifle Coffee Companywere announced as the sponsors of theGaunt Brothers RacingNo. 96 at the Daytona 500, driven byTy Dillon,who Bass Pro Shops has sponsored numerous times in the past.[157]On April 15,DEX Imagingwas announced as the primary sponsor of the No. 96 driven byHarrison BurtonatTalladega.[95]
- On January 20, 2021, it was announced that Schlüter Systems would be the primary sponsor for seven races on Corey LaJoie's No. 7 forSpire Motorsports.The company moves over with LaJoie from Go Fas Racing. They had also sponsored him atBK Racing.[158]On January 26, 2021, Youtheory Ashwagandha dietary supplement, which sponsored LaJoie atJGL Racinginthe Xfinity Series in 2016,was announced as his sponsor for the Daytona 500.[159]
- On January 28, 2021, NationsGuard, a subsidiary of theHendrick Automotive Group,was announced as the primary sponsor of Kyle Larson's No. 5 for the first three races of the season (the Daytona 500, the Daytona Road Course, and Homestead).[160]On February 4, 2021, Hendrick Motorsports announced that Cincinnati Inc. andFreightliner Truckswould each have two races of primary sponsorship on the No. 5, marking Larson's first outside sponsorship since returning from his suspension.[161]On February 8, 2021, HendrickCars was announced as the primary sponsor for select races starting with the spring Las Vegas race.[162]On May 24, 2021, MetroTech Automotive was announced as the primary sponsor of the No. 5 at the2021 Coca-Cola 600.[163]
- On January 28, 2021,Molson Coors Beverage Companyannounced its brand switch fromMiller LitetoKeystone Lightas a sponsor of theTeam PenskeNo. 2 of Brad Keselowski in 2021. Just as they did in 2020, they will only be the primary sponsor of the car at the 2021 Coca-Cola 600.[164]
- On February 8, 2021, Offerpad was announced as the primary sponsor of the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 for two races in 2021.[165]
- On February 19, 2021,Richard Petty MotorsportsannouncedTideandFood Cityas the sponsors of the No. 43 for the Bristol Dirt Race.[166]On February 22, 2021, it was revealed thatWorld Wide Technologyended its sponsorship deal with RPM.[167]
- On May 20, 2021,StarCom Racingand Mane 'N Tail announced a partnership withDreamWorks Animationto promote the filmSpirit Untamedat the2021 EchoPark Texas Grand Prixat theCircuit of the Americas.[168]
- On August 24, 2021, Stewart-Haas Racing announced thatSubwaywould partner withKevin Harvick,becoming the No. 4's primary sponsor atBristolandLas Vegasand associate sponsor for the rest of 2021.[169]
- On September 21, 2021,Roush Fenway Racingannounced that Violet Defense will sponsor bothRyan NewmanandChris Buescherfor a combined four races in 2021. This was part of a multi-year deal that will last through 2023.[170]
Rule changes
edit- Following Joey Logano's flip in the spring race at Talladega, NASCAR mandated that an optional extra bar in the roll cage be mandatory at Daytona and Talladega. In addition, the tapered spacer was reduced decreasing horsepower from 520 to 470. The spoiler for the two tracks was also changed, removing the wickerbill on the top edge to reduce drag and lessen the draft.[171]
- The color of the windshield banners and spoilers for playoff drivers' cars will be yellow[172]for the first time since2016,which was the last year thatSprint(one of their logo colors is yellow) was the title sponsor of the series. They were green from2017to2019,which were the years thatMonster Energy(one of their logo colors is green) was the series title sponsor. In 2020, there was no color change to the windshield banners for the playoff drivers, and instead the word "playoffs" replaced the series logo on the front windshield banner.
Schedule
editThe 2021 schedule was released on September 30, 2020.[173]
Notes
edit- ^Race started on Sunday, but finished on Monday at around midnight due to rain after 20 laps.
- ^The Food City Dirt Race was supposed to be held on Sunday, March 28, but was postponed to Monday due to heavy rain and flooding. The heat qualifying races were also cancelled.
- ^Race started on Saturday, but finished on Sunday due to rainfall after over 50 laps.
- ^The YellaWood 500 was supposed to be held on Sunday, October 3, but was postponed to Monday due to rain.
Boldedraces indicate aNASCAR Major, also known as a Crown Jewel race.
Schedule changes
edit- The Busch Clash moved from the Sunday before the Daytona 500 to the Tuesday before (on February 9) in an effort to condense Speedweeks down to one week. The race was also moved from the oval to the infield road course for the first time, perhaps due to concerns created by a "Big One"in 2020.[179]
- Nashville Superspeedwaywill hosta Cup race,scheduled for Sunday, June 20 (Father's Day). It will be the first time the speedway will host a NASCAR Cup Series event, and the first time the track has hosted any NASCAR events since 2011. To put the track on the schedule, its owner, Dover Motorsports, moved one of their two Cup races atDover(a track which they also own) to Nashville.[176]
- Chicagoland Speedwaydid not receive a race on the 2021 schedule.[180]Darlington Raceway,which was givena second race on the scheduleafter Chicagoland could not host a race in 2020 due tostate COVID regulations in Illinois,received a second race permanently for the first time since2004,and would be run in May on Mother's Day weekend. The track previously had a race on that weekend from2005to2013.
- Atlanta Motor Speedwaywas given a second race for the first time since2010,which replaced the race atKentucky Speedway,theQuaker State 400.The new Atlanta racewill have the same title sponsorship, race distance, and be run on the same July weekend that Kentucky previously had.
- Road Americawas added back to the schedule for the first time since 1956 where a Grand National race took place.[181]The race is scheduled for July 4, replacing the race weekend atIndianapolis Motor Speedway,which has been moved to August and will see the track's road course configuration used.[182]
- Subsequently, Michigan International Speedway loses one of its dates to Road America and will have only one race on the schedule for the first time since 1973.
- The Cup Series also raced on dirt for the first time since1970as the spring race atBristol Motor Speedwayhad the concrete half-mile covered in dirt.[183]
- After it lost one of its two races toCircuit of the Americas,NASCAR moved the All-Star Race, traditionally held at Charlotte Motor Speedway, toTexas Motor Speedway.
- The playoff races atTexasandKansasswapped weekends, with Texas now being the first race of the Round of 8 and the fourth-to-last race of the season, and Kansas becoming the second race of the Round of 8 and the third-to-last race of the season.
Schedule changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic
edit- Owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, only 8 of the 36 points races were held with practice and qualifying; the remaining events were held as one-day shows. The races that featured practice and qualifying were limited to new venues/configurations and high-profile events and included: theDaytona 500,theFood City Dirt Raceat Bristol, theEchoPark Texas Grand Prixat COTA, theCoca-Cola 600,theAlly 400at Nashville, theJockey Made in America 250at Road America, theVerizon 200at the Indianapolis road course, and theSeason Finale 500at Phoenix.[184]
- On December 8, 2020, it was announced thatAuto Club Speedwaywould not host aracein 2021 due tostate COVID regulations in California.With the season-opening races for all three series at Daytona being two weeks before, NASCAR made the Daytona Road Course the second race of the season and bumped theHomestead-Miami Speedwayrace back by one week to where Auto Club had been.[185]
Season summary
editRace reports
editSpeedweeks 2021
In theBusch Clash,Ryan Blaneystarted on pole.Kevin Harvickspun twice early in the race.Martin Truex Jr.was leading when the competition caution came out but had to restart in the rear due to missing the final chicane while the race was under caution. Late in the race, Truex Jr. wrecked while leading. In the closing laps, Blaney andChase Elliottwere battling for the lead. In the final chicane on the last lap, Elliott took an aggressive line, which spun Blaney out of the lead. Elliott slowed, which allowedKyle Buschto pass him and win the race.[186]It was the first year that the race was run on the road course, and the second Cup Series race run on the track's road course layout.[1]
In Daytona 500 qualifying,Alex Bowmanwon the pole while teammateWilliam Byronqualified second.[187]
In theBluegreen Vacation Duel,Aric Almirolaheld offJoey Loganoto win the first Duel. The start of the second Duel was delayed by rain. In the second Duel, there were multicar wrecks on lap 36 and with three laps to go in the race; the latter caution sent the race into an overtime finish. In overtime,Austin Dillonheld offBubba Wallaceto win the second Duel.[188]
Round 1:Daytona 500
Alex Bowmanwould start on pole, as the race was under threat from rain and thunderstorms.Derrike Copewould hit the wall on lap 4 to bring out the first caution while also causing damage toBubba Wallace.On lap 14, "The Big One"would strike in turn 3 as Bowman andAric Almirolawould both spin into the outside wall and into the path of traffic, collecting 16 cars. Two laps later, while under the ensuing caution, the race was red-flagged for 5 hours and 40 minutes due to a lightning strike over the racetrack. The race would restart withKevin Harvickas the leader. Defending winnerDenny Hamlinwould both win stages 1 and 2.Christopher Bellwould lose a left-rear tire and spin, collectingRicky Stenhouse Jr.andJamie McMurrayin stage 2. The final stage would remain caution-free as Hamlin, in contention to win the race for the third consecutive time, would pit from the lead on final pit stops, but would fall back to 13th as the pack fell in line single file withJoey Loganoleading. On the last lap,Brad Keselowskiattempted to pass Logano on the backstretch with help from a push fromMichael McDowell,but the push incidentally spun Keselowski into Logano's left rear quarter panel, causing a fiery crash sending Keselowski into the catchfence and collecting Wallace, Logano,Austin Cindric,Kyle Larson,Kyle Busch,Ryan Preece,andRoss Chastain.McDowell would dodge the crash to win his first career NASCAR Cup Series race under caution as well as earningFront Row Motorsportstheir third Cup victory.[189]
Round 2:O'Reilly Auto Parts 253
Chase Elliottwas awarded the pole.Michael McDowell,who started second, got a flat tire before entering the first turn asKyle Buschgot damage by running into the grass. Elliott won the first stage whileDenny Hamlinwould win the second stage.Kurt Buschspun while leading and then made contact and spunBrad Keselowskithe following lap. On a restart, Elliott got into the grass whileKyle Larsonspun while battling for the lead. Elliott made his way back to the front, but spun after contact with Hamlin.Joey Loganopulled away from Kurt Busch, but was run down and passed byChristopher Bell,who would win the race for his first career Cup Series win.[190]
Round 3:Dixie Vodka 400
Denny Hamlinwas awarded the pole, but had to start at the rear due to an unapproved adjustment. Chris Buescherhad the dominant car early and won the first stage, while Hamlin struggled to get to the front of the field. Buescher led early in the second stage, butMartin Truex Jr.took the lead and dominated most of the remainder of the stage. In a one lap dash to end the second stage, Hamlin slid into Truex and it allowedWilliam Byronto win the stage.Kurt Buschhad to return to pit road during a round of green flag pit stops due to a loose wheel.Aric Almirolagot into the wall along withRyan Blaney.Byron was able to get back to the lead and pulled away to hold off a chargingTyler Reddickfor his second career Cup Series win.[191]
Round 4:Pennzoil 400
Kevin Harvickwas awarded the pole.Brad Keselowskiwould hold offChase Elliottto win the first stage whileKyle Larsonwon the second stage. On a restart, Elliott spun after contact withKurt Busch.Aric Almirolagot into the wall after a flat tire. After the final round of green flag pit stops, Larson was able to take the lead fromDaniel Suárezand hold off Keselowski for his first win withHendrick Motorsportsand his first win on an mile and a half track.[192]
Round 5:Instacart 500
Brad Keselowskiwas awarded the pole.Alex Bowmanspun after contact withAustin Dillon.Ryan Blaneywon the first stage.Anthony Alfredoslammed the wall after contact withCody Ware.Joey Loganowon the second stage and dominated the final stage.Tyler Reddickgot into the wall whileAric Almirolahad to slow for a lapped car and got hit byKyle Busch.On the restart,Martin Truex Jr.took the lead from Logano and pulled away for his 28th career win, tyingCarl Edwardson NASCAR's all-time win list.[193]
Round 6:Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500
Denny Hamlinwas awarded the pole.Kyle Larsondominated the majority of the race by winning both stages.Kevin Harvickhad to pit early in the first stage due to a flat tire. The race remained green for the majority of the race except for whenKurt Buschgot into the wall after contact with Hamlin and whenChase Elliottblew an engine. Lapped traffic came in play at the end asRyan Blaneywas able to run down Larson and pass him for the lead and pull away to his fifth career win.[194]
Round 7:Food City Dirt Race
This was the first dirt race for the Cup Series since the 1970 NASCAR Cup Series season.Kyle Larsonwas awarded the pole after the scheduled heat races were canceled due to rain, but had to start at the rear after changing engines in practice. The race was postponed from Sunday to Monday due to the rain.Martin Truex Jr.dominated most of the race. The first stage was littered with accidents caused.Aric Almirolagot turned after contact withStewart Friesen(who was making his first Cup Series start), involving multiple other drivers.Ryan Newmanspun and Stewart-Haas teammatesKevin HarvickandChase Briscoegot together trying to avoid the incident.Christopher Bellspun while running second and collected Larson andRoss Chastain.Truex would win the first stage. In the second stage, Truex would lose the lead toDaniel Suárezwhile Larson would wreck again, ending his race and collectingRyan Blaney,Kyle Busch,Austin Dillon,Alex Bowman,Ryan Preece,andMichael McDowell.Briscoe would get in the wall again after contact withBrad Keselowski.After this crash, NASCAR elected to conduct all restarts going forward single-file to help with visibility, as the flying dust made it hard for drivers to see.Joey Loganowould take the lead from Suarez and win the second stage. Logano would dominate the final stage and hold offRicky Stenhouse Jr.in overtime to become the series' seventh different winner of the season.[195]
Round 8:Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500
Denny Hamlinwas awarded the pole. The race was postponed from Saturday to Sunday due to rain. Hamlin dominated and won both stages.Kurt Buschgot into the wall after contact withErik JoneswhileAric Almirolaspun into the wall after contact withMatt DiBenedetto.Brad Keselowskigot into the wall along withDaniel Suárez,whose car caught fire. Keselowski again got into the wall along with Jones andRoss Chastain.Chris Bueschergot turned and caused a huge stack up that collected Keselowski, DiBenedetto,Ryan Preece,Anthony Alfredo,Alex Bowman,and others.Martin Truex Jr.would outduel the dominant Hamlin and hold offChase Elliottfor his second win of the season.[196]
Round 9:Toyota Owners 400
Martin Truex Jr.was awarded the pole. Truex, along withDenny Hamlindominated, but Hamlin won both stages and led the most laps.Ryan NewmanandKevin Harvickboth spun into the wall after having flat tires. Hamlin continued his domination, but would be passed for the lead byAlex Bowman,who recovered from an uncontrolled tire penalty, with ten laps to go and Bowman pulled away for his third career Cup Series victory and taking the 48 to victory lane for the first time sinceJimmie JohnsonatDover in 2017.[197]
Round 10:GEICO 500
Denny Hamlinwas awarded the pole.Kyle Larsonsuffered a blown engine and fall out of the race on only the third lap. On the final lap of the first stage,Joey Loganospun and went airborne, flipping onto its roof. The car's spoiler scraped the roof ofBubba Wallace(who continued on) before rolling back onto all fours at the bottom of turn 3.Matt DiBenedettowas awarded the stage win. On the final lap of the second stage, Hamlin got turned into the wall and collectedChase Elliott,Alex Bowman,andMartin Truex Jr.while Wallace was awarded the stage win, the first of his career.Ricky Stenhouse Jr.would be spun off the bumper ofQuin Houffand nose into the wall coming to pit road during green flag pit stops. Truex would suffer a flat tire, bringing out a caution and sending the race to overtime.Brad Keselowskiwould drive past DiBenedetto and hold offWilliam Byronas several drivers crashed on the final lap to score his sixth career win at Talladega, tyingDale Earnhardt Jr.andJeff Gordonfor second on the all-time Talladega win list behindDale Earnhardt.[198]
Round 11:Buschy McBusch Race 400
Brad Keselowskiwas awarded the pole.Kyle Buschwon the first stage whileKyle Larsonwon the second stage. Larson dominated the race, but was passed for the lead byDenny Hamlin.Hamlin got into the wall while battling Larson and then got into the wall again after a flat tire. On the restart,Ricky Stenhouse Jr.spun after contact withAustin Cindric.On the following restart,Christopher Bellspun and collected Stenhouse andRyan Preece.In a two lap shootout, Larson got intoRyan Blaneyand both fell back as Kyle Busch held offKevin Harvickto win on his 36th birthday.[199]NASCAR officials were criticized for their handling of an uncontrolled tire by Tyler Reddick's pit crew. They waited several laps until all the cars had pitted, then belatedly threw a caution, despite the tire presenting little apparent danger. This action disadvantaged several of the drivers.[200]
Round 12:Goodyear 400
Brad Keselowskiwas awarded the pole for the second straight race.Aric Almirolaslammed the wall after a flat tire whileKyle Buschspun while leading with a flat tire.Martin Truex Jr.dominated by leading the most laps and winning both stages.Cole Custerslammed the wall after contact withAnthony AlfredowhileKurt Buschgot into the wall and caught fire after making contact withBubba Wallace.Drivers split the final stage by pitting for green flag pit stops three different times.Kyle Larsonwas the only driver to challenge Truex for the lead as lapped traffic caused issues. Truex was able to pull away from Larson and win for his third win of the season.[201]
Round 13:Drydene 400
Martin Truex Jr.started on the pole.Kyle Larsondominated, leading the most laps and winning both stages.Aric Almirolagot a flat tire and got into the wall before catching fire.Anthony Alfredospun after contact withBrad Keselowskiand collectedRicky Stenhouse Jr.Alex Bowmantook the lead from the dominant Larson and pulled away for his second win of the season followed by teammates Larson,Chase ElliottandWilliam Byron,making Hendrick the first team sinceRoush-Fenway Racingto have all four cars finish 1, 2, 3, 4.[202]
Round 14:EchoPark Texas Grand Prix
Tyler Reddickwon his first career pole in qualifying. It began to rain on the first lap and all drivers pitted to change from slick tires to treaded rain tires.Kevin Harvickgot heavy damage after making contact withRyan Blaney,which also collectedChristopher BellandBubba Wallace.Joey Loganowon the first stage. In the second stage, the rain picked up, and the ensuing spray created visibility issues. In one incident,Martin Truex Jr.got into the back ofMichael McDowelland then was rammed into byCole Custer,severely damaging both cars, and causing Custer's car to catch on fire.Kyle Buschwon the second stage. On a round of green flag pit stops,Kyle Larsonpassed Busch for the lead.Alex Bowmantook the lead from Larson and was then passed byChase Elliott.The race was red flagged again due to heavier rain and was called official with 14 laps to go. Elliott was awarded the win, givingChevroletits 800th win in NASCAR andHendrick Motorsportsits 268th win, tyingPetty Enterprisesfor the most wins by team in NASCAR history.[203]
Round 15:Coca-Cola 600
Kyle Larsonwon the pole in qualifying. Larson dominated, leading the most laps and winning the first two stages.Kurt Buschhad an issue that sent him to the garage, but when he returned to the race, he blew his engine. Several drivers had tire problems includingJoey Logano,Kevin Harvick,andMartin Truex Jr.Larson won the third stage and pulled away from teammateChase Elliottto over a ten-second lead to win his second race of the season, earning the 269th win forHendrick Motorsports,making them the winningest team in NASCAR history.[204]
Round 16:Toyota/Save Mart 350
Kyle Larsonwas awarded the pole where he dominated and won both stages.William Byronspun and slammed intoKevin Harvickand collectedCorey LaJoie.Cody Warewent through dirt and slammed intoRyan PreeceasMatt DiBenedettospun.Anthony Alfredospun and collectedChristopher Bell,sending the race to overtime. On the restart, Larson would hold off teammateChase Elliottfor his second straight win and third of the season forHendrick Motorsports' 270th Cup win.[205]
Exhibition:NASCAR All-Star Race
In the Open,Tyler Reddickwas awarded the pole.Chris BuescherandAustin Cindricwere penalized for beating the leader on the start and changing lanes before the start respectively.Bubba Wallacespun, bringing out a caution, and Buescher spun on the following restart after contact withRicky Stenhouse Jr.Erik JonesandDaniel Suárezwould both be involved in an accident soon after.Ross Chastain,who had to start at the back, passed Reddick and won the first stage to advance. Reddick held offAric Almirolato win the second stage to advance. In the final 10 lap stage, Almirola held offMatt DiBenedettoto win the Open and advance. DiBenedetto advanced to the All-Star Race by winning the fan vote.[206]
In the main event,Kyle Larsonwas awarded the pole.Christopher Bellspun on the first lap, but saved the car from hitting anything. The race was broken into six segments with Larson,Ryan Blaney,Alex Bowman,William Byron,andChase Elliottwinning the segments. Elliott's team won the pit road challenge for the final segment. In the first segment, Larson passed and held offBrad Keselowskifor the $1 million and his second All-Star Race win.[207]
Round 17:Ally 400
Aric Almirolawon the pole in qualifying.Quin Houffgot into the wall on the first lap.Ryan Blaneyslammed the wall hard after losing his brakes.Chris Bueschergot into the wall along withJustin Haley.Chase Elliottwon the first stage whileKyle Larsonwon the second. Several had brake issues that caused them to get into the wall includingRyan PreeceandChase Briscoe.Larson was able to save enough fuel to hold off Ross Chastainfor his third consecutive win and fourth of the season.[208]
Round 18:Pocono Organics CBD 325
Kyle Larsonwas awarded the pole.Brad Keselowski,in an attempt to go underCole Custer,hit Custer in the back and sent him into the wall.Kyle Buschwould win the first stage.Ryan NewmanandRoss Chastainboth got in the wall in separate accidents.Kurt Buschwould stay out and win the second stage. Larson passedAlex Bowmanfor the lead with four laps to go, and looked to have the win secured until his left front tire blew out entering the final corner. His car slammed into the outside wall, allowing Bowman to pass Larson back and win his third race of the season.[209]
Round 19:Explore the Pocono Mountains 350
Owing to the top 20 finishers being inverted from the previous race to set the field,Chris Buescherstarted on the pole.Martin Truex Jr.won the first stage whileWilliam Byronwon the second stage. The race came down to fuel mileage.Brad Keselowskihad to pit from the lead, giving the lead to Byron. Byron then had to pit with three laps to go, handing the lead toDenny Hamlin.Hamlin pit coming to the white flag, giving the lead toKyle Busch,who was also suffering from a transmission issue, had enough fuel for his second win of the season overKyle Larson,who finished second despite suffering heating issues.[210]
Round 20:Jockey Made in America 250 presented by Quik Trip
William Byronwon the pole in qualifying. Early,Ryan Preecesuffered a blown engine andDaniel Suárezcame to a stop on the track due to a broken transmission. Bryon won the first stage whileTyler Reddickwon the second stage. At the beginning of the third stage,Austin Cindricwas leading and suffered a gearing issue.Chase Elliottwould take the lead fromMatt DiBenedettoand hold offChristopher Bellfor his second win of the season and his seventh road course win, putting him third behindTony Stewart(8) andJeff Gordon(9).[211]
Round 21:Quaker State 400
Chase Elliottwas awarded the pole.Ricky Stenhouse Jr.spun into the wall and collectedDaniel Suárez.Kyle Buschwon the first stage whileKurt Buschwon the second stage. The race went under a red flag for 20 minutes to repair damage to the track surface. Kurt and Kyle traded the lead with lapped traffic causing problems. After Kyle got into the wall, Kurt was able to pull away and win the race.[212]
Round 22:Foxwoods Resort Casino 301
Kyle Buschwas awarded the pole. During the first few laps it began to rain and caused Busch to slam into the wall and others spun includingMartin Truex Jr.,andAlex Bowman.Busch would be unable to continue the race. The race was red flagged due to rain. When the race resumed,Joey Loganowas penalized two laps for a crew member working on the car under the red flag.Bubba Wallacespun with a flat tire asRyan Blaneywon the first stage.Kevin Harvickwould dominate, butBrad Keselowskiwon the second stage. In the closing laps, several laps were taken off of the distance due to darkness looming.Aric Almirolawould take the lead fromMatt DiBenedettoand hold off a chargingChristopher Bellfor the win, qualifying for the playoffs being 27th in points and needing a win to qualify.[213]
Round 23:Go Bowling at The Glen
Brad Keselowskiwas awarded the pole. Keselowski spun early while leading as teammate Joey Logano won the first stage.Martin Truex Jr.would win the second stage and led the most laps. Keselowski returned to the lead, but spun again and collected Logano, causing small damage to both cars.Kyle Larsonmade contact withChristopher Bell,sending him spinning. Larson then took the lead from Truex and held off teammateChase Elliottfor his fifth win and second road win of the season.[214]
Round 24:Verizon 200 at the Brickyard
William Byronwon the pole in qualifying for the first Cup race on the Indianapolis Road Course. Pit strategy came into play for the start of the race, allowingTyler Reddickto win both stages whileMartin Truex Jr.suffered tire issues andBrad Keselowskispun into the wall. Late in the race, Byron spun withKyle BuschwhileJoey LoganoandDaniel Suárezboth got into the tire barrier. On the restart, Reddick made contact with teammateAustin Dillonand collectedCole CusterandAlex Bowman.In overtime,Chase Briscoewas penalized for not stopping after missing a corner while battlingDenny Hamlinfor the lead and then spun Hamlin (Briscoe said after the race that he wasn't told about the penalty.)A. J. Allmendingertook advantage and took the lead and held offRyan Blaneyfor his second career Cup victory and the first Cup win forKaulig Racing.[215]
Round 25:FireKeepers Casino 400
Kyle Larsonstarted on pole.Chase Elliottwon the first stage whileKyle Buschwon the second stage. At the end of the second stage,Brad Keselowskimade contact withAustin Dillonand sent Dillon spinning into the wall, ending his race. In the final stage, drivers had different pit strategies, withWilliam Byrongaining the lead. A caution came out for rain with 21 laps to go and for a multicar wreck with 14 laps to go. Following a restart with eight laps to go,Ryan Blaneygained the lead and held off Byron andKyle Larsonto win the race, his second win of the season.[216]
Round 26:Coke Zero Sugar 400
Kyle Larsonwas awarded the pole for the race.Chase Elliottwon the first stage whileJoey Loganowon the second stage. Logano led the most laps in the race. Several lead changes occurred and the race was red-flagged due to a multicar wreck late in the race. In overtime,Ryan Blaneytook the lead and won the race as a nine-car wreck occurred in turn 3 on the final lap. Blaney scored his second consecutive win and third win of the season. Larson won the regular season championship whileTyler Reddickclinched the final spot in the playoffs.[217]
NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs
editRound 27:Cook Out Southern 500
Ryan Blaneystarted the race from the pole position. Early in the race, playoff driverAlex Bowmanscraped the wall while playoff driverMichael McDowellwas taken out of the race after hitting the wall.Denny Hamlinwon the first stage of the race. In the second stage,Austin Dillonand playoff driverKyle Buschmade contact, with Busch hitting the wall and going to the garage, ending his night.Kyle Larsonwon the second stage of the race. Several other playoff drivers had trouble during the race includingWilliam Byron,who hit the wall after cutting a tire,Chase Elliott,who hit the wall after going three-wide withBubba WallaceandChristopher Bell,and Blaney, who spun late in the race. In the closing laps, Hamlin was leading Larson. On the final lap, Larson tapped Hamlin, but Hamlin blocked the top line to win the race, his first win of the season, to move on to the next round of the playoffs.[218]
Round 28:Federated Auto Parts 400
Kyle Larsonwas awarded the pole for the race, but dropped to the rear at the start. At the start of the race,Martin Truex Jr.was penalized for crossing the start/finish line ahead of leaderDenny Hamlin.Early in the race,Kurt Buschcut a tire and slammed the wall. Hamlin won both stages and led the most laps in the race.Kyle Buschwas leading late in the race but was penalized for speeding on pit road during a round of green-flag pit stops. Truex Jr. gained the lead and went on to win the race, advancing to the next round of the playoffs. Larson also advanced to the next round of the playoffs on points.[219]
Round 29:Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race
Martin Truex Jr.earned the pole position for the start of the race, where he led the first five laps.Denny Hamlinwon stage one after passingKyle Larsonon lap 90. A red flag occurred for nearly eight minutes following a turn 4 incident that involved four vehicles on lap 221. Larson led at the end of stage two. On lap 464,Chase Elliottwas forced to pit from the lead when he had a flat tire from damage he received whenKevin Harvickgot into his rear quarter panel. When back on the track, Elliott attempted to retaliate by getting into the side of then race leader Harvick and then running Harvick's preferred line, thus slowing him down. Larson was able to pass Harvick on lap 497, and secure his 12th overall Cup Series win. Following the race, Harvick and Elliott bumped cars on pit road and confronted each other when they eventually parked. Elliott said, "It's something [Harvick] does all the time. He runs into your left side constantly at other tracks and sometimes it does cut down your left side (tires), other times it doesn't." The argument continued for several minutes continuing inside Elliott's hauler.[220]Michael McDowell,Kurt Busch,Tyler Reddick,andAric Almirolawere eliminated from the Playoffs.
Round 30:South Point 400
Kyle Larsonstarted on the pole for the race. Four cars (#10, #19, #24, #66) dropped to the rear for multiple inspection failures. Larson won stage one. Following an incident withJoey Gaseonly five laps into the run, most cars pitted with the fourHendrick Motorsportscars choosing to stay out. The Hendrick cars thought they were on the outside of the fuel window, but due to an extended caution the cars that pitted were able to make it to stage two. This forced the Hendrick cars to pit under green, forcing them a lap down.Chase Elliottwas able to un-lap himself, andWilliam Byronearned the lucky dog pass.[221]Denny Hamlinwon stage two and went on to win the race, beating Elliott by 0.442 seconds.[222]
Round 31:YellaWood 500
Denny Hamlinwas the pole sitter for the race. The race was forced to be delayed until the following day due to rain. The next day, NASCAR would be able to get the race started at 1PMET, 12 PM local time.Chris Buescherwon Stage 1 for his 2nd stage win of the season and the first since February atHomestead-Miami Speedway.At the end of Stage 2, rain hit the area. And the race was past its halfway point (Lap 94), so whoever was leading could possibly win the race.Bubba Wallacewas leading when the rain hit. After a long red flag, NASCAR declared the race official and Wallace won his first career Cup Series race along with Stage 2 of the race. It was also the first win for23XI Racing,the new team co-owned byDenny HamlinandMichael Jordanwhich debuted this season.[223]
Round 32:Bank of America Roval 400
Denny Hamlin was the pole sitter for the race. Chase Elliot won Stage 1 and Kyle Busch won Stage 2. Despite dealing with an issue with thealternatorbelt during the race, Kyle Larson was able to overcome it to pass Hamlin with 8 laps to win the race. The victory made Larson the first Cup driver in NASCAR history to win three different road courses in a single season (Sonoma, Watkins Glen and the Charlotte Roval). Larson was also the first driver to sweep the Charlotte races sinceKasey Kahnedid it in 2006.William Byron,Alex Bowman,Christopher BellandKevin Harvickwere eliminated from the playoffs.[224]
Round 33:Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500
Kyle Larson was the pole sitter for the race. Kyle Busch won Stage 1 and Larson won Stage 2. Multiple playoff drivers suffered issues late in the race, withJoey Loganoblowing an engine andDenny HamlinandMartin Truex Jr.involved in wrecks. Larson would lead 257 of the 334 laps to win his eighth race of the season and be the first to advance into the Championship 4.[225]
Round 34:Hollywood Casino 400
Kyle Larsonstarted from the pole position. Larson won Stage 1 and William Byron won Stage 2.Kyle BuschandBrad Keselowskiwere involved in incidents during the race whileRyan Blaneywrecked out of the race with 44 laps to go. Larson won the race, his third consecutive win and ninth for the season. He became the second driver afterJoey Loganoin 2015 to win three consecutive "post-season" races. He is the fourth driver in NASCAR "post-season" history to win four races in the post-season, followingJimmie Johnson(3 times),Tony Stewart(won 5 in 2011), andMartin Truex Jr.(2017).[226]Larson also became the first driver to win three straight points-paying races twice in the same season sinceDale Earnhardtdid it in 1987.
Round 35:Xfinity 500
Kyle Larson was the pole sitter. Chase Elliott led 289 laps and won Stages 1 and 2, but a spin-out late in the race pushed him out of contention to win the race and he finished 16th, but he was still able to advance to the Championship 4 based on points. Late in the race,Alex Bowmanwrecked leaderDenny Hamlin.Bowman won the race for his fourth victory of the season. Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin also advanced to the Championship 4 based on points.Kyle Busch,Ryan Blaney,Brad KeselowskiandJoey Loganowere eliminated from the playoffs.[227]
Round 36:NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race
Kyle Larson won the pole position for the race. The majority of the race saw the Championship 4 drivers in the front, with Martin Truex Jr. winning Stage 1 and Larson winning Stage 2. With 60 laps to go, Truex made a pit stop as rookieAnthony Alfredowrecked, but Truex was able to exit pit road on the lead lap before the caution came out. Truex took the lead when the other Championship 4 drivers pitted during caution. Truex was leading the race with 30 laps to go when the caution came out for the wreckedDavid Starr.In the final pit stop of the season, Hamlin's pit crew conducted a 12.1 second pit stop that would have allowed Hamlin to exit pit road with the lead. But with Larson in the first pit stall and Larson's pit crew conducting a 11.8 second pit stop (the second fastest time for the crew in the season), Larson was able to exit pit road with the lead. When green flag racing resumed with 24 laps to go, Larson got a good jump to clear the other drivers, but Truex was able to follow close behind. Despite some close challenges from Truex in the final laps, Larson held on to win his tenth race of the season and his first career NASCAR Cup Championship. Truex, Hamlin and Elliott would finish 2nd, 3rd and 5th respectively in the race to finish in the point standings 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.[228]
Results and standings
editRace results
editDrivers' championship
edit(key)Bold– Pole position awarded by time.Italics– Pole position by competition-based formula. * – Most laps led.1– Stage 1 winner.2– Stage 2 winner.3– Stage 3 winner.[N 1]1–10- Regular season top 10 finishers.
.– Eliminated after Round of 16
.– Eliminated after Round of 12
.– Eliminated after Round of 8
| Pos. | Driver | DAY | DRC | HOM | LVS | PHO | ATL | BRD | MAR | RCH | TAL | KAN | DAR | DOV | COA | CLT | SON | NSH | POC | POC | ROA | ATL | NHA | GLN | IRC | MCH | DAY | DAR | RCH | BRI | LVS | TAL | ROV | TEX | KAN | MAR | PHO | Pts. | Stage | Bonus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyle Larson | 10 | 30 | 4 | 1*2 | 7 | 2*12 | 29 | 5 | 18 | 40 | 19*2 | 2 | 2*12 | 2 | 1*123 | 1*12 | 1*2 | 9 | 2 | 16 | 18 | 7 | 1 | 3* | 3* | 20 | 2*2 | 6 | 1*2 | 101 | 37 | 1 | 1*2 | 1*1 | 14 | 1*2 | 5040 | – | 651 | |
| 2 | Martin Truex Jr. | 25 | 12 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 19*1 | 1 | 5 | 31 | 6 | 1*12 | 19 | 35 | 29 | 3 | 22 | 18 | 111 | 9 | 3 | 12 | 3*2 | 15 | 10 | 29 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 12 | 29 | 25 | 7 | 4 | 21 | 5035 | – | 297 | |
| 3 | Denny Hamlin | 5*12 | 32 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3* | 2*12 | 32* | 12 | 5 | 7 | 14 | 7 | 8 | 21 | 4 | 14 | 5 | 13 | 10 | 5 | 23 | 5 | 13 | 11 | 2*12 | 91 | 1*2 | 7 | 5 | 11 | 5 | 24 | 3 | 5034 | – | 302 | |
| 4 | Chase Elliott | 2 | 21*1 | 14 | 13 | 5 | 38 | 10 | 2 | 12 | 24 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 39 | 12 | 27 | 1* | 7 | 18 | 2 | 4 | 81 | 81 | 31 | 4 | 25 | 2 | 18 | 121 | 7 | 2 | 16*12 | 5 | 5032 | – | 223 | |
| NASCAR Cup Series Playoffscut-off | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pos. | Driver | DAY | DRC | HOM | LVS | PHO | ATL | BRD | MAR | RCH | TAL | KAN | DAR | DOV | COA | CLT | SON | NSH | POC | POC | ROA | ATL | NHA | GLN | IRC | MCH | DAY | DAR | RCH | BRI | LVS | TAL | ROV | TEX | KAN | MAR | PHO | Pts. | Stage | Bonus | |
| 5 | Kevin Harvick | 4 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 6 | 10 | 15 | 9 | 24 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 37 | 10 | 22 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 27 | 11 | 6* | 8 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 5 | 8 | 2 | 9 | 8* | 33 | 5 | 3 | 12 | 8 | 2361 | 57 | 29 | |
| 6 | Brad Keselowski | 13 | 5 | 16 | 21 | 4 | 28 | 11 | 33 | 14 | 1 | 3 | 24 | 16 | 19 | 11 | 15 | 23 | 10 | 3* | 13 | 10 | 32 | 35 | 24 | 9 | 33 | 7 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 20 | 4 | 17 | 3 | 10 | 2354 | 20 | 810 | |
| 7 | Ryan Blaney | 30 | 15 | 29 | 5 | 101 | 1 | 8 | 1112 | 11 | 9 | 21 | 8 | 12 | 17 | 13 | 10 | 37 | 5 | 6 | 20 | 5 | 51 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 22 | 10 | 4 | 5 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 37 | 11 | 4 | 2350 | 26 | 246 | |
| 8 | Joey Logano | 12 | 2 | 25 | 9 | 2*2 | 15 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 39 | 17 | 13 | 5 | 3*1 | 17 | 4 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 4 | 221 | 34 | 33 | 23*2 | 8 | 5 | 11 | 11 | 3 | 7 | 30 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 2336 | 4 | 138 | |
| 9 | Kyle Busch | 14 | 35 | 10 | 3 | 25 | 5 | 17 | 10 | 8 | 18 | 11 | 3 | 27 | 102 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 2*1 | 1 | 3 | 21 | 37 | 4 | 20 | 72 | 34 | 35 | 9 | 21 | 3 | 27 | 42 | 81 | 28 | 2 | 7 | 2318 | 23 | 234 | |
| 10 | William Byron | 26 | 33 | 1*2 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 11 | 4 | 35 | 3 | 3 | 122 | 331 | 20 | 21 | 6 | 33 | 2 | 37 | 34 | 19 | 3 | 18 | 36 | 11* | 2 | 62 | 5 | 17 | 2306 | 65 | 145 | |
| 11 | Kurt Busch | 22 | 4 | 8 | 19 | 15 | 39 | 16 | 21 | 13 | 35 | 15 | 35 | 13 | 27 | 38 | 6 | 81 | 62 | 20 | 4 | 1*2 | 16 | 13 | 6 | 4 | 12 | 6 | 37 | 19 | 8 | 4 | 25 | 16 | 4 | 7 | 16 | 2297 | 60 | 8 | |
| 12 | Christopher Bell | 16 | 1 | 20 | 7 | 9 | 21 | 34 | 7 | 4 | 17 | 28 | 14 | 21 | 38 | 24 | 24 | 9 | 17 | 32 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 7 | 36 | 13 | 32 | 20 | 3 | 29 | 24 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 8 | 17 | 9 | 2279 | 10 | 5 | |
| 13 | Tyler Reddick | 27 | 38 | 2 | 22 | 29 | 26 | 7 | 8 | 20 | 7 | 7 | 12 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 19 | 18 | 11 | 9 | 82 | 6 | 13 | 10 | 2112 | 29 | 5 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 6 | 39 | 2 | 9 | 22 | 18 | 19 | 2250 | 34 | 3 | |
| 14 | Alex Bowman | 35 | 10 | 9 | 27 | 13 | 3 | 22 | 34 | 1 | 38 | 18 | 17 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 1 | 7 | 22 | 4 | 9 | 20 | 17 | 16 | 7 | 26 | 12 | 5 | 22 | 38 | 10 | 33 | 11 | 1 | 18 | 2240 | 23 | 15 | |
| 15 | Aric Almirola | 34 | 17 | 30 | 38 | 11 | 20 | 36 | 20 | 6 | 15 | 29 | 37 | 37 | 26 | 22 | 27 | 4 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 23 | 1 | 16 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 16 | 14 | 18 | 19 | 26 | 24 | 18 | 26 | 6 | 6 | 2215 | 13 | 5 | |
| 16 | Michael McDowell | 1 | 8 | 6 | 17 | 23 | 19 | 12 | 31 | 27 | 3 | 13 | 27 | 25 | 7 | 20 | 28 | 16 | 19 | 17 | 30 | 27 | 25 | 21 | 30 | 20 | 39 | 37 | 28 | 24 | 21 | 17 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 26 | 24 | 2152 | 2 | 5 | |
| 17 | Austin Dillon | 3 | 34 | 12 | 12 | 17 | 6 | 21 | 14 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 6 | 13 | 12 | 21 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 17 | 15 | 31 | 36 | 17 | 10 | 11 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 935 | 113 | – | |
| 18 | Matt DiBenedetto | 33 | 37 | 28 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 51 | 4 | 19 | 24 | 23 | 18 | 23 | 24 | 32 | 18 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 25 | 23 | 18 | 10 | 12 | 35 | 6 | 13 | 23 | 15 | 12 | 775 | 49 | 1 | |
| 19 | Chris Buescher | 31 | 11 | 191 | 14 | 18 | 7 | 14 | 13 | 25 | 21 | 8 | 9 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 16 | 36 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 29 | 17 | 12 | 15 | 40 | 9 | 24 | 23 | 25 | 61 | 3 | 21 | 12 | 9 | 25 | 771 | 57 | 2 | |
| 20 | Ross Chastain | 7 | 39 | 17 | 23 | 19 | 14 | 35 | 17 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 4 | 37 | 7 | 2 | 33 | 26 | 7 | 21 | 8 | 12 | 29 | 35 | 18 | 3 | 7 | 14 | 23 | 33 | 23 | 28 | 13 | 27 | 14 | 729 | 63 | – | |
| 21 | Bubba Wallace | 17 | 26 | 22 | 28 | 16 | 16 | 27 | 16 | 26 | 192 | 26 | 21 | 11 | 39 | 14 | 14 | 20 | 14 | 5 | 24 | 14 | 26 | 23 | 13 | 19 | 2 | 21 | 32 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 32 | 14 | 25 | 39 | 699 | 56 | 6 | |
| 22 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 18 | 18 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 2 | 15 | 17 | 33 | 34 | 20 | 20 | 22 | 12 | 37 | 6 | 15 | 38 | 12 | 37 | 15 | 19 | 11 | 12 | 22 | 17 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 16 | 21 | 34 | 24 | 19 | 36 | 666 | 40 | – | |
| 23 | Chase Briscoe(R) | 19 | 32 | 18 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 20 | 27 | 22 | 11 | 20 | 11 | 35 | 6 | 23 | 17 | 31 | 24 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 27 | 9 | 26 | 11 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 22 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 35 | 655 | 30 | – | |
| 24 | Erik Jones | 39 | 14 | 27 | 10 | 20 | 24 | 9 | 30 | 19 | 27 | 25 | 18 | 22 | 16 | 16 | 11 | 19 | 22 | 31 | 19 | 24 | 19 | 27 | 7 | 18 | 11 | 32 | 21 | 8 | 26 | 9 | 17 | 12 | 29 | 8 | 22 | 641 | 14 | – | |
| 25 | Daniel Suárez | 36 | 16 | 15 | 26 | 21 | 17 | 4 | 32 | 16 | 23 | 11 | 23 | 9 | 33 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 13 | 15 | 36 | 36 | 20 | 31 | 37 | 22 | 19 | 13 | 17 | 22 | 15 | 23 | 13 | 10 | 15 | 28 | 21 | 634 | 30 | – | |
| 26 | Cole Custer | 11 | 13 | 23 | 25 | 31 | 18 | 24 | 18 | 23 | 10 | 24 | 36 | 10 | 36 | 21 | 20 | 30 | 38 | 24 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 18 | 25 | 23 | 24 | 11 | 22 | 28 | 29 | 13 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 23 | 13 | 575 | 8 | – | |
| 27 | Ryan Preece | 6 | 9 | 21 | 15 | 26 | 25 | 18 | 36 | 29 | 14 | 32 | 25 | 18 | 15 | 26 | 21 | 32 | 23 | 8 | 40 | 25 | 22 | 28 | 35 | 21 | 4 | 12 | 25 | 17 | 28 | 32 | 19 | 36 | 21 | 36 | 20 | 557 | 35 | – | |
| 28 | Ryan Newman | 38 | 20 | 7 | 18 | 28 | 13 | 5 | 19 | 30 | 13 | 16 | 10 | 23 | 24 | 27 | 33 | 13 | 37 | 22 | 32 | 28 | 24 | 25 | 10 | 24 | 3 | 14 | 20 | 38 | 20 | 21 | 39 | 35 | 27 | 32 | 23 | 546 | 9 | – | |
| 29 | Corey LaJoie | 9 | 31 | 36 | 37 | 27 | 29 | 38 | 37 | 21 | 22 | 27 | 22 | 26 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 36 | 23 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 29 | 26 | 30 | 22 | 35 | 20 | 25 | 21 | 32 | 448 | 15 | – | ||
| 30 | Anthony Alfredo(R) | 32 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 37 | 27 | 39 | 26 | 31 | 12 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 18 | 25 | 31 | 17 | 26 | 34 | 37 | 26 | 32 | 26 | 38 | 34 | 26 | 24 | 26 | 35 | 27 | 10 | 26 | 29 | 38 | 20 | 34 | 352 | 1 | – | |
| 31 | Quin Houff | 29 | 40 | 35 | 33 | 32 | 33 | 25 | 24 | 34 | 37 | 37 | 30 | 29 | 34 | 32 | 36 | 38 | 31 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 35 | 32 | 22 | 30 | 38 | 30 | 35 | 34 | 34 | 19 | 30 | 31 | 35 | 34 | 37 | 176 | – | – | |
| 32 | James Davison | 23 | 37 | 33 | 32 | 22 | 33 | 31 | 33 | 29 | 33 | 25 | 28 | 30 | 28 | 36 | 37 | 32 | 36 | 33 | 34 | 117 | – | – | |||||||||||||||||
| 33 | Jamie McMurray | 8 | 30 | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 34 | Scott Heckert | 28 | 26 | 31 | 26 | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 35 | Joey Hand | 27 | 10 | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 36 | Mike Marlar | 31 | 6 | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 37 | Chris Windom | 33 | 4 | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 38 | David Ragan | 37 | 4 | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 39 | R. C. Enerson | 34 | 3 | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 | Shane Golobic | 37 | 3 | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 41 | Ryan Eversley | 39 | 2 | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 42 | Derrike Cope | 40 | 1 | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ineligible for driver points | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pos. | Driver | DAY | DRC | HOM | LVS | PHO | ATL | BRD | MAR | RCH | TAL | KAN | DAR | DOV | COA | CLT | SON | NSH | POC | POC | ROA | ATL | NHA | GLN | IRC | MCH | DAY | DAR | RCH | BRI | LVS | TAL | ROV | TEX | KAN | MAR | PHO | Pts. | Stage | Bonus | |
| A. J. Allmendinger | 7 | 5 | 29 | 1 | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Justin Haley | 24 | 26 | 29 | 24 | 30 | 35 | 38 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 40 | 28 | 35 | 27 | 25 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 8 | 25 | 6 | 25 | 27 | 36 | 32 | 20 | 37 | 37 | 39 | 31 | 26 | ||||||||||
| Kaz Grala | 28 | 6 | 35 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Austin Cindric | 15 | 22 | 28 | 22 | 25 | 38 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| B. J. McLeod | 23 | 34 | 30 | 30 | 34 | 29 | 32 | 25 | 31 | 32 | 36 | 31 | 28 | 30 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 9 | 27 | 30 | 37 | 33 | 30 | 22 | 30 | 29 | 27 | |||||||||||||
| Josh Bilicki | 24 | 36 | 33 | 35 | 35 | 37 | 30 | 23 | 37 | 36 | 39 | 33 | 34 | 30 | 35 | 29 | 26 | 34 | 35 | 23 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 18 | 31 | 10 | 28 | 36 | 31 | 36 | 31 | 28 | 26 | 33 | 35 | 30 | |||||
| Ty Dillon | DNQ | 19 | 26 | 21 | 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Joey Gase | 20 | 34 | 35 | 34 | 35 | 29 | 37 | 31 | 29 | 33 | 37 | 25 | 39 | 32 | 38 | 29 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Harrison Burton | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parker Kligerman | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cody Ware | 21 | 25 | 32 | 32 | 36 | 31 | 32 | 28 | 36 | 28 | 36 | 34 | 31 | 32 | 30 | 34 | 25 | 28 | 31 | 33 | 31 | 40 | 27 | 28 | 33 | 31 | 28 | 36 | 38 | 31 | 30 | 28 | |||||||||
| David Starr | 36 | 34 | 27 | 32 | 23 | 34 | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stewart Friesen | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Garrett Smithley | DNQ | 27 | 31 | 31 | 34 | 35 | 33 | 32 | 28 | 34 | 32 | 25 | 29 | 36 | 31 | 33 | 36 | 28 | 32 | 30 | 31 | 30 | 35 | 29 | 34 | 24 | 33 | 31 | |||||||||||||
| Landon Cassill | 36 | 24 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| J. J. Yeley | 28 | 25 | 26 | 29 | 27 | 34 | 27 | 38 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Justin Allgaier | 25 | 40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Josh Berry | 30 | 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Timmy Hill | DNQ | 29 | 38 | 36 | 38 | 36 | 29 | 35 | 37 | 27 | 32 | 27 | 37 | 38 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kyle Tilley | 31 | 35 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ben Rhodes | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bayley Currey | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chad Finchum | 33 | 40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ryan Ellis | 36 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Matt Mills | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Andy Lally | 39 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noah Gragson | DNQ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pos. | Driver | DAY | DRC | HOM | LVS | PHO | ATL | BRD | MAR | RCH | TAL | KAN | DAR | DOV | COA | CLT | SON | NSH | POC | POC | ROA | ATL | NHA | GLN | IRC | MCH | DAY | DAR | RCH | BRI | LVS | TAL | ROV | TEX | KAN | MAR | PHO | Pts. | Stage | Bonus | |
- Notes
- ^Stage 3 Winner only forCoca-Cola 600and Daytona 500 qualifying race, but no playoff point at Daytona
Manufacturers' championship
edit| Pos | Manufacturer | Wins | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet | 19 | 1336 |
| 2 | Toyota | 10 | 1239 |
| 3 | Ford | 7 | 1236 |
See also
edit- 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series
- 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
- 2021 ARCA Menards Series
- 2021 ARCA Menards Series East
- 2021 ARCA Menards Series West
- 2021 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
- 2021 NASCAR Pinty's Series
- 2021 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series
- 2021 eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series
- 2021 SRX Series
- 2021 Southern Modified Auto Racing Teams season
References
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- ^"(Twitter post)".Twitter.Talking in Circles. December 4, 2020.
NEWS: @RossChastain was on @SiriusXMNASCAR this week and confirmed that Phil Surgen will be his crew chief with the No. 42 @CGRTeams Chevrolet in 2021.
- ^abcde"Kyle Larson signs with Hendrick Motorsports to drive No. 5 in 2021".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 28, 2020.RetrievedOctober 29,2020.
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- ^abc"Crew chiefs for Nos. 9, 20 ejected at Watkins Glen; Elliott, Bell to start from rear".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 8, 2021.
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- ^abFair, Asher (October 7, 2020)."NASCAR: The drivers already under contract for 2021".Beyond the Flag.FanSided.RetrievedNovember 8,2020.
- ^"Tyler Reddick confirms return to RCR for 2021 Cup Series".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 7, 2020.RetrievedAugust 10,2020.
- ^ab"Randall Burnett Missing Phoenix Due to COVID Protocols".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 4, 2021.RetrievedNovember 5,2021.
- ^abcFryer, Jenna (October 21, 2020)."Jones lands iconic No. 43 with Richard Petty Motorsports".The Washington Post.Amazon.Archived fromthe originalon October 23, 2020.RetrievedOctober 21,2020.
- ^"Leavine Family Racing sold; purchased by Spire Motorsports".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 11, 2020.RetrievedAugust 12,2020.
- ^ab"Corey LaJoie to drive for Spire Motorsports".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 30, 2020.
- ^abc"Spire Motorsports names crew chiefs Ryan Sparks and Kevin Bellicourt for 2021 Cup teams".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. December 10, 2020.RetrievedDecember 11,2020.
- ^abc"Steve Letarte to fill in as crew chief for Corey LaJoie; Ryan Sparks to miss Homestead due to COVID-19 protocols".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 24, 2021.
- ^ab"Jamie McMurray to run Daytona 500 for Spire Motorsports".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 19, 2021.
- ^ab"Charlotte post-race inspection complete".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. May 30, 2021.RetrievedMay 31,2021.
- ^ab"Richmond post-race inspection complete".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 11, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 12,2021.
- ^"2021 BRINGS CHANGE".FoxSports.Bob Pockrass.December 14, 2020.RetrievedDecember 15,2020.
Spire Motorsports will use multiple drivers in this car in 2021. Justin Haley will drive in select races. Kevin Bellicourt, who was crew chief for Derek Kraus in the trucks last year, will be crew chief for this car.
- ^ab"Stewart Friesen driving for No. 77 for Spire Motorsports at Bristol dirt race".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 16, 2021.
- ^ab"Justin Haley out at Dover due to COVID-19 protocols; Zane Smith to drive Xfinity race; Josh Berry in Cup".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. May 14, 2021.
- ^abCatanzareti, Zach (June 27, 2021)."Justin Allgaier Subbing for Justin Haley in Sunday Cup Race".Kickin' the Tires.
- ^"Quin Houff replacing Landon Cassill in the #00 at StarCom Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 27, 2019.RetrievedJuly 20,2020.
- ^Christie, Toby (December 3, 2020)."Quin Houff Returns, No Major Changes Expected, For StarCom Racing in 2021".TobyChristie.
- ^abc"Trackhouse Entertainment Group announces formation of NASCAR Cup Series race team beginning in 2021".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 7, 2020.RetrievedOctober 8,2020.
- ^ab"Travis Mack to serve as crew chief at Trackhouse Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 13, 2020.RetrievedNovember 14,2020.
- ^abc"Penalty report: Crew chiefs for Nos. 2, 99 teams suspended after Phoenix".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 16, 2021.
- ^ab"Daniel Suarez's crew chief ejected at Martinsville".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 10, 2021.
- ^abcdefgh"Anthony Alfredo joining Front Row Motorsports? UPDATE: Yes".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 6, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^abc"Michael McDowell, Anthony Alfredo crew chiefs ejected for inspection failures at Daytona".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 28, 2021.
- ^abEstrada, Chris (June 6, 2021)."Anthony Alfredo's crew chief ejected for inspection violation at Sonoma".NBC Sports.Comcast.RetrievedJune 15,2021.
- ^abLong, Dustin (October 23, 2020)."Matt Tifft, B.J. McLeod to have charter with new team".NBC Sports.RetrievedOctober 23,2020.
- ^abc"Matt Tifft, BJ McLeod team named Live Fast Motorsports, will run #78 Ford".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 20, 2020.RetrievedNovember 20,2020.
- ^ab"Frank Kerr to crew chief for Live Fast Motorsports".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 28, 2021.
- ^"Shane Golobic to drive Bristol dirt race for Live Fast Motrsports".Jayski's Silly Season Site.March 3, 2021.
- ^"Kyle Tilley to run four Cup races for Live Fast Motorsports".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. May 11, 2021.
- ^ab"Rick Ware Racing announces car number lineup".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. December 16, 2020.
- ^ab"Josh Bilicki Running Full 2021 Cup Schedule with Rick Ware Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 19, 2021.
- ^ab"Joey Hand to make Cup debut with Rick Ware Racing at the ROVAL".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 5, 2021.RetrievedOctober 7,2021.
- ^abChristie, Toby (October 11, 2021)."Joey Hand Making NASCAR Cup Series Debut For Rick Ware Racing in Stewart-Haas Prepared Car".TobyChristie.
- ^abc"Roush Fenway to swap crew chiefs".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 3, 2021.
- ^Fair, Asher (February 8, 2020)."NASCAR: Kevin Harvick signs with Stewart-Haas Racing through 2023".Beyond the Flag.FanSided.RetrievedJuly 20,2020.
- ^"Rodney Childers confirms report of contract extension with Stewart-Haas".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 7, 2019.RetrievedAugust 10,2020.
- ^ab"Greg Zipadelli filling in for suspended Kevin Harvick crew chief Rodney Childers at Talladega".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 28, 2020.RetrievedSeptember 29,2020.
- ^"Aric Almirola returning to Stewart-Haas with Smithfield Foods".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 1, 2020.RetrievedSeptember 1,2020.
- ^abc"Stewart-Haas Racing chooses Chase Briscoe for Cup Series ride in 2021".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 20, 2020.RetrievedOctober 20,2020.
- ^ab"Chase Briscoe Moving to Cup in 2021 for Stewart-Haas Racing".Frontstretch.October 19, 2020.RetrievedOctober 20,2020.
- ^"(Twitter post)".Twitter.Bob Pockrass.December 15, 2020.RetrievedDecember 15,2020.
Chase Briscoe says John Klausmeier will be his crew chief, that they have been working together in preparation for next year. He still doesn't know who will spot for him.
- ^abChristie, Toby (March 8, 2021)."Engineer Davin Restivo Set to Serve as Crew Chief For Cole Custer at Phoenix After Mike Shiplett Suspension".TobyChristie.
- ^Albert, Zack (August 3, 2020)."Team Penske, Brad Keselowski reach agreement on contract extension".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedAugust 4,2020.
- ^"Team Penske, Brad Keselowski extend contract".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 3, 2020.RetrievedAugust 4,2020.
- ^abcSrigley, Joseph (January 12, 2021)."No Changes to Team Penske's Full-Time Crew Chief Lineup Ahead of 2021 NASCAR Season".TobyChristie.
- ^abChristie, Toby (May 6, 2021)."Report: Brad Keselowski's Crew Chief Jeremy Bullins to Miss Darlington Owing to Team Protocols".TobyChristie.
- ^"Ryan Blaney signs contract extension with Team Penske".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 6, 2020.RetrievedJuly 20,2020.
- ^"NASCAR: Joey Logano signs Extension with Team Penske".Beyond the Flag.FanSided.February 27, 2017. Archived fromthe originalon July 22, 2020.RetrievedJuly 20,2020.
- ^abc"Matt DiBenedetto returning to Wood Brothers Racing next season; Austin Cindric to drive in 2022".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 8, 2020.RetrievedOctober 8,2020.
- ^ab"Jonathan Hassler serving as Matt DiBenedetto's crew chief at Martinsville".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 8, 2021.RetrievedApril 9,2021.
- ^abSrigley, Joseph (June 8, 2021)."Jonathan Hassler Assuming Crew Chief Duties of Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 Effective Immediately".TobyChristie.
- ^abcde"Denny Hamlin forming Cup team with Michael Jordan; Bubba Wallace to drive; charter from Germain Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedSeptember 21,2020.
- ^"Joe Gibbs confirms plans to work with Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin's new team".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 8, 2020.RetrievedOctober 8,2020.
- ^ab"Mike Wheeler to serve as Bubba Wallace's crew chief at 23XI Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 1, 2020.RetrievedOctober 30,2020.
- ^ab"Mike Wheeler named Director of Competition at 23XI Racing; Bootie Barker to serve as crew chief for rest of 2021".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 17, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 16,2021.
- ^"NASCAR: Denny Hamlin Agrees to Extension with JGR".Beyond the Flag.FanSided.February 24, 2017. Archived fromthe originalon July 22, 2020.RetrievedJuly 20,2020.
- ^abcde"Joe Gibbs Racing announces crew chief changes".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 17, 2020.RetrievedNovember 17,2020.
- ^"NASCAR: Kyle Busch Signs Contract Extension with Joe Gibbs Racing".Beyond the Flag.FanSided.March 1, 2019.RetrievedJuly 20,2020.
- ^ab"Charlotte post-race penalties announced; Kyle Busch's crew chief suspended one race".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 12, 2021.RetrievedOctober 13,2021.
- ^"NASCAR Cup Series: Martin Truex Jr. to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2019".Beyond the Flag.FanSided.November 7, 2018.RetrievedJuly 20,2020.
- ^"Christopher Bell to drive No. 20 Cup car for Joe Gibbs Racing".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 10, 2020.RetrievedAugust 10,2020.
- ^"Cody Ware to run full Cup season for Rick Ware Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 18, 2021.
- ^abc"Derrike Cope to run Daytona 500 for Rick Ware Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.January 19, 2021.
- ^Aragon, Dominic (January 16, 2021)."James Davison to run more Cup races in 2021".The Racing Experts.
- ^"(Twitter post)".Twitter.James Davison.April 5, 2021.
As things stand, I won't be returning to the Indy 500 this year. I have a fantastic opportunity to run 26 races in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series, with COTA and Coke 600 clashing with Indianapolis.
- ^ab"Joey Gase returning to Rick Ware Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 15, 2021.
- ^"Chris Windom to drive for Rick Ware Racing at Bristol dirt race".Jayski's Silly Season Site.February 23, 2021.
- ^"Garrett Smithley returning to Rick Ware Racing for partial Cup schedule".Jayski's Silly Season Site.January 27, 2021.
- ^"Ryan Preece returning to JTG Daugherty Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 18, 2020.
- ^abKnight, Chris (December 23, 2020)."Noah Gragson to compete in Daytona 500 for Beard Motorsports".Catchfence.
- ^Weaver, Matt (November 11, 2020)."It's a Culture of Charity and Competition at NASCAR's Kaulig Racing".Autoweek.RetrievedNovember 12,2020.
- ^ab"Kaz Grala to attempt Daytona 500 with Kaulig Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 13, 2021.
- ^"Kaulig Racing Announces Personnel and Returning Partners for 2021 Season".Kaulig Racing.January 27, 2021.
- ^ab"A.J. Allmendinger driving for Kaulig Racing at Daytona road course Cup race".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 21, 2021.
- ^abcd"Matt Mills to make Cup debut at Kansas Speedway with B.J. McLeod Motorsports".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 26, 2021.
- ^abcd"Austin Cindric to attempt Daytona 500".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 20, 2021.
- ^abUtter, Jim (January 15, 2021)."Ty Dillon set to join Gaunt Brothers for two Daytona Cup races".Motorsport.
- ^abc"Harrison Burton to make Cup debut at Talladega with Gaunt Brothers Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 15, 2021.RetrievedApril 16,2021.
- ^ab"Landon Cassill joining Gaunt Brothers Racing for Superspeedway Races at Daytona and Talladega".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 23, 2021.
- ^ab"Parker Kligerman driving for Gaunt Brothers at Kansas".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 18, 2021.
- ^abc"MBM Motorsports announces Daytona plans".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. December 19, 2020.
- ^"Garrett Smithley attempting the Daytona 500 with MBM Motorsports".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 5, 2021.
- ^Aragon, Dominic (April 15, 2021)."MBM Motorsports to return to Cup action".The Racing Experts.RetrievedApril 17,2021.
- ^abKristl, Mark (March 15, 2021)."Mike Marlar Making Cup Debut at Bristol Dirt with MBM Motorsports".Frontstretch.RetrievedMarch 16,2021.
- ^"Leavine Family Racing interested in selling?".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. July 23, 2020.RetrievedAugust 2,2020.
- ^"Bob Leavine announces sale of Leavine Family Racing".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 4, 2020.
- ^"Spire Motorsports purchases Leavine Family Racing, will expand to two cars".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 11, 2020.RetrievedAugust 12,2020.
- ^abcdef"NASCAR Charters".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedJanuary 9,2021.
- ^"Spire Motorsports looking for full-time drivers in 2021".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 24, 2020.RetrievedAugust 26,2020.
- ^ab"Germain Racing considering sale?".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 1, 2020.
- ^abCrandall, Kelly (October 7, 2020)."Trackhouse secures Spire charter".Racer.RetrievedOctober 8,2020.
- ^"Trackhouse Racing adds Pitbull as team partner ahead of 2021 debut".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 15, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 16,2021.
- ^"Tony Robbins interested in part-ownership of Trackhouse Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. May 30, 2021.RetrievedMay 31,2021.
- ^"JTG Daugherty will run No. 37 team as an open car".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 29, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 1,2021.
- ^"Go Fas Racing moving to part-time effort in 2021".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 22, 2020.RetrievedOctober 23,2020.
- ^"Kaulig Racing considering move to Cup in 2022 UPDATE limited 2021 schedule".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 22, 2020.RetrievedNovember 23,2020.
- ^ab"NY Racing team plans full season effort".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 5, 2021.
- ^"Vision with No. 44".NY Racing Team.RetrievedDecember 26,2020.
The 2021 Nascar Cup Series regular season marks the start of a brand new era for NY Racing Team. Starting on February 14th, the new season with our No. 44 entry kicks off at the infamous Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida in the 63rd annual running of the Daytona 500.
- ^"Wood Brothers Racing buys out remaining interest of team charter".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. December 30, 2020.RetrievedDecember 31,2020.
- ^"MBM Motorsports to run #13 in Cup Series".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 3, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 4,2021.
- ^ab"Approved point transfers entering Daytona".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 9, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 10,2021.
- ^"Joey Gase to honor Davey Allison by driving No. 28 in Cup and Xfinity races at Talladega".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 6, 2021.RetrievedApril 8,2021.
- ^"Erik Jones will not return to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2021".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 6, 2020.RetrievedAugust 7,2020.
- ^"Corey LaJoie says he won't return to Go Fas Racing in 2021".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 21, 2020.RetrievedAugust 22,2020.
- ^"Corey LaJoie a leading candidate at Spire Motorsports".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 12, 2020.
- ^"Matt Kenseth doesn't expect to be racing in 2021".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 9, 2020.
- ^"Bubba Wallace will not return to Richard Petty Motorsports – Confirmed".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 10, 2020.RetrievedSeptember 22,2020.
- ^"Daniel Suarez will not return to Gaunt Brothers next season: UPDATES".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 21, 2020.
- ^"Austin Cindric, Team Penske reach multiyear contract extension".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 8, 2020.RetrievedOctober 9,2020.
- ^"Clint Bowyer announces move to FOX Sports booth in 2021".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 8, 2020.RetrievedOctober 9,2020.
- ^"NASCAR reinstates Kyle Larson, clearing him to return to racing effective Jan. 1, 2021".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 19, 2020.RetrievedOctober 20,2020.
- ^"Kyle Larson Signs Contract Extension with Hendrick Motorsports Through 2023".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. July 14, 2021.RetrievedJuly 15,2021.
- ^"Front Row Motorsports: John Hunter Nemechek informs team he will not return in 2021".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. November 16, 2020.RetrievedNovember 17,2020.
- ^Albert, Zack (November 23, 2020)."Kyle Busch Motorsports signs John Hunter Nemechek to full Trucks ride in 2021".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedNovember 24,2020.
- ^"Ty Dillon to run Busch Clash for 23XI Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 3, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 4,2021.
- ^ab"Jennifer Jo Cobb to make Cup debut at Talladega with Rick Ware Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. April 13, 2021.
- ^"Corey LaJoie out at Michigan due to COVID protocols; will be replaced by Josh Berry".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 19, 2021.RetrievedAugust 20,2021.
- ^"Cody Ware to miss Richmond, Bristol following carbon monoxide poisoning at Darlington".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 10, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 11,2021.
- ^"Kaulig Racing Announces Personnel and Returning Partners for 2021 Season".Kaulig Racing.January 27, 2021.
- ^Fryer, Jenna (March 15, 2021)."Column: Suarez makes historical mark for himself, NASCAR".Associated Press.RetrievedMarch 16,2021.
- ^"Jeremy Bullins to miss second consecutive race".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. May 11, 2021.RetrievedMay 11,2021.
- ^"Darlington post-race inspection complete".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. May 9, 2021.RetrievedMay 10,2021.
- ^Andrejev, Alex (June 13, 2021)."NASCAR All-Star Race live updates: Kyle Larson is a million dollar winner at Texas".The Herald.The McClatchy Company.RetrievedJune 15,2021.
- ^"Road America post-race inspection complete".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. July 4, 2021.RetrievedJuly 5,2021.
- ^"Kansas post-race inspection complete".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 24, 2021.RetrievedOctober 25,2021.
- ^"Inspection complete at Las Vegas".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 26, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 27,2021.
- ^"Hendrick, Childress collaborate to establish common Chevrolet engine".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 1, 2020.RetrievedOctober 2,2020.
- ^"Bubba Wallace, Denny Hamlin reveal manufacturer, technical alliance for 23XI Racing".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. October 30, 2020.
- ^"Biohaven Pharmaceuticals' Nurtec to serve as full-season sponsor of Rick Ware Racing's No. 51".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. December 2, 2020.RetrievedDecember 3,2020.
- ^"Keen Parts sponsoring Live Fast Motorsports in 2021".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. December 10, 2020.RetrievedDecember 11,2020.
- ^"23XI Racing announces sponsors".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. December 14, 2020.RetrievedDecember 14,2020.
- ^"Bubba Wallace Departs the Coca-Cola Racing Family".The Racing Insiders.TS Media Productions LLC. December 16, 2020.RetrievedDecember 26,2020.
- ^Pockrass, Bob(December 16, 2020)."(Twitter post)".Twitter.RetrievedDecember 26,2020.
As many of you noticed, no Mtn Dew logos on fire suit nor car for Elliott on what the team unveiled today. That deal ran through 2020 and has not been renewed.
- ^Pockrass, Bob(December 16, 2020)."(Twitter post)".Twitter.RetrievedDecember 26,2020.
Not expecting any Pepsi sponsorship at Hendrick next year.
- ^"Adrenaline Shoc joins Hendrick Motorsports to sponsor NASCAR champion Chase Elliott".Hendrick Motorsports.January 12, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 13,2021.
- ^"Rheem to sponsor Christopher Bell in 2021".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. December 16, 2020.RetrievedDecember 26,2020.
- ^Srigley, Joseph (December 23, 2020)."RoofClaim Not Returning to MBM Motorsports as Primary Sponsor in 2021".TobyChristie.RetrievedDecember 26,2020.
- ^"Timmy Hill picks up Las Vegas sponsor; J.J. Yeley to run some races for MBM".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 4, 2021.RetrievedMarch 5,2021.
- ^"Dixie Vodka to sponsor Cole Custer for two Cup races in 2021".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 19, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 20,2021.
- ^"Ty Dillon running some races for Gaunt Brothers? UPDATES".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 19, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 20,2021.
- ^"Schluter Systems joins Corey LaJoie, Spire Motorsports".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 20, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 21,2021.
- ^"Youtheory sponsoring Corey LaJoie in the Daytona 500".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 26, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 27,2021.
- ^"NationsGuard sponsoring Kyle Larson in the Daytona 500, two additional races".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 28, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 29,2021.
- ^"Cincinnati and Freightliner to sponsor Kyle Larson".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 2, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 4,2021.
- ^"HendrickCars Will Sponsor Kyle Larson in Select Races".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 8, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 9,2021.
- ^"MetroTech sponsoring Kyle Larson at Charlotte".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. May 24, 2021.RetrievedMay 25,2021.
- ^"Keystone Light to sponsor Brad Keselowski in Coca-Cola 600".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 28, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 29,2021.
- ^"Offerpad joins Joe Gibbs Racing".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 8, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 9,2021.
- ^"Richard Petty Motorsports Partners with Tide for Bristol Dirt Race".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 19, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 24,2021.
- ^"World Wide Technology No Longer Sponsoring Richard Petty Motorsports".TobyChristie.February 22, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 24,2021.
- ^"StarCom Racing and Mane 'N Tail Partner With DreamWorks Animation's New Film, Spirit Untamed".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. May 20, 2021.RetrievedMay 21,2021.
- ^"Subway Partners with Stewart-Haas Racing, Kevin Harvick".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 24, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 27,2021.
- ^"Violet Defense Joins Roush Fenway Racing for Multi-Year Partnership".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 21, 2021.RetrievedSeptember 22,2021.
- ^Taranto, Steven (June 9, 2021)."NASCAR makes rule changes to slow cars down at Daytona and Talladega".CBS Sports.ViacomCBS.RetrievedAugust 23,2021.
- ^"All Playoff Teams Will Have Colored Windshield Banners, Spoilers; Lower Noses for Xfinity & Trucks".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. August 17, 2021.RetrievedAugust 23,2021.
- ^"2021 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedOctober 6,2020.
- ^Utter, Jim."Daytona Road Course will replace Fontana in 2021".Motorsport.RetrievedAugust 15,2020.
- ^ab"NASCAR Championship Weekend returns to Phoenix Raceway in 2021; Spring race weekend set for March 12–14".Jayski's Silly Season Site.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. September 30, 2020.RetrievedSeptember 30,2020.
- ^abHumbles, Andy (June 2, 2020)."2021 NASCAR Cup Series race to be scheduled at Wilson County's Nashville Superspeedway".The Tennessean.RetrievedAugust 10,2020.
- ^"Verizon to Sponsor Historic Cup Series Road Race Aug. 15 at IMS".
- ^"FireKeepers Casino Entitlement – Michigan International Speedway".Michigan International Speedway.Archived fromthe originalon October 12, 2020.RetrievedOctober 7,2020.
- ^Kelly, Godwin (March 4, 2020)."NASCAR shakes up schedule for 2021 Daytona Speedweeks, moves Clash to road course".USA Today.RetrievedAugust 10,2020.
- ^"NASCAR makes sweeping changes to 2021 Cup Series schedule".The Athletic.September 30, 2020.
- ^Kallmann, Dave (September 30, 2020)."NASCAR's elite Cup Series will bring its fireworks to Road America for the first time in 2021".Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.RetrievedSeptember 30,2020.
- ^Brown, Nathan (September 30, 2020)."NASCAR, IMS move Brickyard 400 onto speedway's road course in 2021 for first time".The Indianapolis Star.RetrievedOctober 14,2020.
- ^Long, Dustin (September 30, 2020)."NASCAR Cup Series to go dirt trackin' at Bristol in 2021".NBC Sports.RetrievedOctober 14,2020.
- ^"Eight Cup Series events to be held with practice, qualifying in 2021".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. January 8, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 12,2021.
- ^"NASCAR 2021 schedule: Auto Club races shifted to Daytona Road Course".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. December 8, 2020.RetrievedDecember 9,2020.
- ^"Kyle Busch sidesteps Blaney-Elliott crash on last lap for Busch Clash win at Daytona".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. February 9, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 10,2021.
- ^Cain, Holly (February 10, 2021)."Bowman wins Busch Pole Qualifying award for Daytona 500; Hendrick teammate Byron locks in second spot".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedFebruary 11,2021.
- ^Staff (February 11, 2021)."Aric Almirola, Austin Dillon split Bluegreen Vacations Duel wins at Daytona".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedFebruary 12,2021.
- ^Spencer, Reid (February 14, 2021)."Michael McDowell misses last-lap crash, scores first victory in Daytona 500".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedFebruary 15,2021.
- ^Spencer, Reid (February 21, 2021)."Christopher Bell runs down Logano, scores first career Cup Series win".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedFebruary 21,2021.
- ^Reaves, Michael (February 28, 2021)."Byron dominates, wins Miami".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedMarch 1,2021.
- ^Reaves, Michael (March 7, 2021)."Larson Wins Big in Vegas".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedMarch 9,2021.
- ^Reaves, Michael (March 14, 2021)."Truex Storms past Logano, Wins at Phoenix".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedMarch 17,2021.
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- ^Staff, MRN (March 29, 2021)."Logano Takes History Making Win on Bristol Dirt".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedMarch 30,2021.
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- ^Cain, Holly (April 18, 2021)."Hamlin comes up short again, Bowman takes the 48 to Victory Lane at Richmond".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedApril 19,2021.
- ^Spencer, Reid (April 25, 2021)."Keselowski Wins Talladega Thriller, tying Gordon and Earnhardt Jr. with Sixth Talladega Victory".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedApril 27,2021.
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- ^Cain, Holly (May 16, 2021)."Bowman overtakes Larson, leads 1–2–3–4 effort for Hendrick at Dover".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedMay 16,2021.
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- ^Cain, Holly (August 22, 2021)."Ryan Blaney rises late, holds off Byron, Larson for narrow win at Michigan".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedSeptember 12,2021.
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- ^Spencer, Reid (October 10, 2021)."Larson wins playoff race at Charlotte Roval; Round of 8 set".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedNovember 8,2021.
- ^Cain, Holly (October 17, 2021)."Kyle Larson seals Championship 4 berth with dominant Texas victory".NASCAR.NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.RetrievedNovember 8,2021.
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