It’s time for our weekly Friday morning tour around the racing world. From hot laps to the main event, here’s what’s on our mind this week.
Hot Laps: Two-Race Swing
I can’t help it, but the NHRA Western Swing just doesn’t feel right with only two races instead of the traditional three we grew accustomed. Of course, the closing of Colorado’s Bandimere Speedway after last season, reduced the series to two weekends at Pacific Raceways near Seattle and this weekend at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway.
Qualifying: No NASCAR, No Problem
With no NASCAR and no IndyCar Series racing on television the next two weeks, if you are craving some motorsports action, check out the SPEED SPORT 1 network on Pluto, Amazon or other outlets.
First Heat: Off Weeks
NASCAR Drivers and teams have two weeks off from the race track because of NBC’s coverage of the Olympic Games, it will be interesting to see how many of the racers can stay away from a race for that long.
Some have already been back on the track, including Carson Hocevar who won a micro sprint race earlier in the week and Josh Berry, who will compete in this weekend’s Throwback 276 CARS Tour event at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway.
Second Heat: Danger Zone?
Six weeks ago, everyone would have laughed at the notion that three-time world champion Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team were vulnerable.
But after improved performance from McLaren and Mercedes and some lackluster races by Verstappen, it certainly appears that McLaren ace Lando Norris could challenge Verstappen for the title. With half the season remaining, Verstappen leads Norris by 76 points.
Third Heat: Indiana Sprint Week
It’s one of the most anticipated weeks of racing all season, particularly in the Midwest. Indiana Sprint Week will run for the 37th consecutive season with seven nights of USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car Series competition during a nine-day period. It all kicks off tonight at Lincoln Park Speedway.
Logan Seavey has dominated the series this season, but can Brady Bacon, Kevin Thomas Jr., C.J. Leary or Justin Grant get hot and challenge for the season-long title. If so, Sprint Week is where it will happen.
Fourth Heat: Brickyard 400
Despite the predictable green-white-checkered finish and restart controversy, the Brickyard 400 was an entertaining race, especially the final stage. While Kyle Larson did have a different tire and fuel strategy than many of the other contenders, watching him slice through traffic using both lanes around Indianapolis Motor Speedway was something to see — something rarely seen in a stock car race at the 2.5-mile track.
Dash: Eldora Thriller
Last week’s Kings Royal sprint car race at Ohio’s Eldora Speedway was a thriller. Hats off to winner David Gravel and runner-up Donny Schatz for putting on a whale of a show. Next year’s 42nd running of the Kings Royal has already been scheduled for July 19.
B Main: Spire Surprise
There’s no disputing that Corey LaJoie has been the heart and soul of Spire Motorsports through its four-year tenure in the NASCAR Cup Series. For that reason, it’s a bit surprising that he will exit the team at the end of this season.
But on the other hand, when you upgrade everything else in the organization that usually means a clean start for everyone, and LaJoie was left outside looking in. It will be interesting to see who lands in the No. 7 Chevrolet next season.
Feature: Knoxville Car Counts
The 360 Knoxville Nationals run Aug. 1-3 at Iowa’s Knoxville Raceway and they are quickly followed by the Knoxville Nationals Aug. 7-10. Car counts are climbing for both events.
Ninety-eight entries have been received for the 34th running of the 360 Knoxville Nationals, while the 410 entry list numbers 99 cars and counting.
Many of those competing in both events are heading to the Sprint Car Capital of the World a week early to compete in Saturday’s 410 Border Battle. There are currently 44 410 sprint cars and 58 360s entered for this weekend. That’s 102 cars.
Many drivers, including Aaron Reutzel, Jason Martin, Tyler Courtney and Zeb Wise will do double duty in both classes to prepare for both the 360 and 410 Nationals.
August comes faster every year.