Thrills and Triumphs: Kyle Larson Reigns Victorious in the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Photos Courtesy of Rozell Photography

The Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway delivered a captivating display of NASCAR action, with each lap presenting its own unique challenges and triumphs for the drivers and teams. From the outset, the race was marked by unexpected twists and turns that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Early on, Zane Smith grappled with possible suspension damage on lap 3, setting the tone for a day filled with adversity. Christopher Bell's hopes were dashed on lap 10 when a flat rear right tire forced an unscheduled pit stop, while Chris Buescher's promising run came to a sudden halt on lap 27 as tire and hub issues put him out of contention and prompted a red flag for safety wall repairs.

Photos Courtesy of Rozell Photography

As the race resumed, Daniel Suarez seized the lead on lap 36, showcasing his prowess on the track alongside Michael McDowell. However, William Byron faced a setback on lap 38 when a tarp flew out and covered his grill, causing his engine temperature to skyrocket and necessitating an unplanned pit stop.

Kyle Larson emerged as a dominant force, overtaking Kyle Busch for the lead on lap 61 and maintaining his position to secure victory in Stage 1 on lap 80. Despite challenges faced by drivers like Tyler Reddick, who dropped from second to 16th after a pit mishap on lap 84, the race continued to deliver thrilling moments.

Photos Courtesy of Rozell Photography

Larson continued to assert his dominance, battling with Denny Hamlin for the lead on lap 105 and ultimately securing victory in Stage 2 on lap 165. Bubba Wallace's valiant effort to overcome setbacks, including being three laps down, showcased the resilience of the drivers on the track.

Ross Chasten was down 1 lap on Lap 120 after speeding entering the pits and took the wave around during Lap 156 caution by Christopher Bell spinning, which did not allow him to take a pit stop during the caution. He was able to finish in 4th place after fighting all the way through the field and at one point in 2nd fighting for the lead late in the stage.

Photos Courtesy of Rozell Photography

In the final lap, Larson successfully fended off Tyler Reddick's late charge to claim victory in the Pennzoil 400, capping off an eventful day of racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

After the race Tyler Reddick was really upset that he couldn’t catch Kyle Larson for the win saying, “I won’t get over this.” Reddick pointed out that, “I really fought bad air trying to catch him. The winds really turned things up a lot more and I just fought bad air the entire time.

Kyle Larson after the race describe the year so far, “ We did really well at Daytona, until we didn’t and then we did really well at Atlanta, until we didn’t. So, today things went really well and we were able to finish it off and I am really excited about how well our team is competing right now.”

Photos Courtesy of Rozell Photography

This win is Kyle Larsons 24th in 334 races in his career. This is first win and top 10 this year. Larson has won 3 races and 2 in a row at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after winning last October in the Las Vegas playoff race. With the win and points of winning all stages of the race Larson takes the point standings lead as will by 8 points over Ryan Blaney.

There were 6 cautions on the day and 24 lead changes. Time of race 3 hours, 0 mins, and 25 seconds.The average speed on the day with 133.192 mph and the margin of victory was 0.441 seconds.

Photos Courtesy of Rozell Photography

Stage 1 Top 10: 5 Kyle Larson, 45 Tyler Reddick, 19 Martin Truex Jr, 8 Kyle Busch, 11 Denny Hamlin, 54 Ty Biggs, 7 Corey LaJoie, 1 Ross Chastain, 2 Austin Cindric, 20 Christopher Bell

Stage 2 Top 10: 5 Kyle Larson, 45 Tyler Reddick, 11 Denny Hamlin, 12 Ryan Blaney, 19 Martin Truex Jr, 9 Chase Elliott, 3 Austin Dillon, 48 Alex Bowman, 22 Joey Logano, 43 Erik Jones

Finish Top 10: 5 Kyle Larson, 45 Tyler Reddick, 12 Ryan Blaney, 1 Ross Chastain, 54 Ty Gibbs, 10 Noah Gragson, 19 Martin Truex Jr, 11 Denny Hamlin, 22 Joey Logano, 24 William Byron

Next race is March 10th 2024 at Phoenix Raceway

John Hunter Nemechek Dominates LiUNA! 300

In the aftermath of his impressive victory at the LiUNA! 300, John Hunter Nemechek reflected on the challenges and triumphs of the race. "I always run really well here, from truck and now with Xfinity, but today there were a lot of different elements we had to deal with today," Nemechek remarked, highlighting the various factors that made this race particularly demanding. "The bumps in 2 and 3, the wind, it took a lot more than usually for all of us to compete out here," he added, acknowledging the complexities of navigating the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

When asked about the pivotal moment when he sensed his opportunity for victory, Nemechek's confidence in his team shone through. "When the car rolled out on the track two days ago. I really felt we were ready for this race and our team was prepared and ready," Nemechek stated. "We made all the adjustments, we stayed clean, and we were able to pull out the win," he concluded, underscoring the meticulous preparation and execution that propelled him to success.

Nemechek also expressed gratitude for the exceptional performance of his crew, emphasizing their experience and cohesion. "I have a crew that has been together for a while, only one new crew member, they are all veterans and they were exceptional as always today," he affirmed, acknowledging the pivotal role his team played in securing the victory.

Nemechek's journey to victory was marked by consistent excellence. Despite finishing in 2nd place in both the first and second stages, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, ultimately clinching the win. Throughout the race, Nemechek led an impressive 99 laps, firmly establishing his dominance on the track.

The race also witnessed notable performances from other drivers, adding layers of excitement to the competition. Cole Custer, posting his fifth top-10 finish in eight races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, underscored his prowess as a formidable contender. Chandler Smith, who showcased his skill by winning both stages, faced traction issues in the third stage but displayed remarkable tenacity, battling back to secure a commendable 2nd place finish.

Among the rising stars of the Xfinity series, Hailie Keegan delivered a noteworthy performance, finishing in 15th place. Keegan's achievement was particularly significant as she is in her rookie season and had recently announced her engagement, adding a personal touch to her racing journey.

As the season progresses, the competition intensifies, with Austin Hill currently leading the point standings by 22 points over Chandler Smith. With the momentum from his victory at Las Vegas, Nemechek has firmly established himself as a contender to watch, setting the stage for an electrifying season ahead.

Looking forward, all eyes are on the upcoming race at Phoenix, where drivers will once again take to the track in pursuit of glory.

Derek Kraus Gets NASCAR Cup Debut at Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas

What Up Sports has been closely tracking Derek Kraus's journey since his debut with Bill MacAnally Racing in Roseville, CA, where he clinched the ARCA West Series championship in 2019. After making strides in the Craftsman Truck and Xfinity series, Derek secures a six-race contract with Kaulig Racing, debuting in the #16 car this weekend at the Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Speedway. Ahead of practice and qualifying, we caught up with Derek for an exclusive interview. Watch the video below for more insights.

Kyle Larson Triumphs in Thrilling South Point 400, Punches Ticket to Championship 4

Las Vegas, Nevada, October 15, 2023 – The Las Vegas Motor Speedway played host to an exhilarating weekend of racing, culminating in the South Point 400, where Kyle Larson emerged victorious by a razor-thin margin of 0.082 seconds over Christopher Bell. This thrilling race not only left fans at the edge of their seats but also solidified Larson's spot in the Championship 4, making it a memorable event in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series.

Larson's triumph marked his 23rd career victory in the Cup Series, and the fourth win of his spectacular 2023 season, which also included 16 top-10 finishes. The South Point 400 race was filled with twists and turns that kept fans guessing until the very end.

The race weekend was off to an entertaining start as actor and comedian Nick Cannon served as the pace car driver. Before the race, Cannon couldn't resist cracking a joke, saying, "Nobody is allowed to pass me, so I am going to win this race." His humor set a light-hearted tone for the day's events.

In the early stages of the race, Larson faced adversity when he hit the wall hard in turn 2 during Stage 2. The impact left his car loose, and it seemed like a major setback. However, Larson and his crew, led by Cliff Daniels, demonstrated their resilience. Daniels jokingly rated Larson's recovery off the wall at 9.4, saying, "Well, he hit the wall, so I can't give him a 10." Despite the challenges, Larson managed to regain the lead after the next-to-last caution, setting the stage for an epic battle for the checkered flag.

As the race neared its climax, it was clear that Christopher Bell, who had secured the pole position, was going to be Larson's most formidable opponent. Bell made a thrilling charge in the closing laps, closing in on Larson and making a strong bid for the win. In a nail-biting finish, Bell's valiant effort fell just short, as Larson held on to win by a margin so small it left fans in awe.

The South Point 400 not only provided fans with unforgettable moments but also had significant implications for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Larson's victory earned him a ticket to the Championship 4, where he will compete for the championship. This win further solidified Larson's status as one of the premier drivers in the series.

Following the race, the playoff standings shifted, with William Byron sitting at +9, Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin tied at +2, and Christopher Bell dangerously close at -2. Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, and Chris Buescher found themselves on the outside looking in with deficits of -16, -17, and -23, respectively. It's an intense battle as the NASCAR Cup Series heads into its final stages, promising more high-stakes drama in the races to come.

One of the most surprising moments of the race came when young driver Ty Gibbs lost a wheel and tire on the track. Despite the adversity, Gibbs managed to bring his car back to the pits, but he had to serve a two-lap penalty for the incident. Adding to his challenges, he also faced a penalty for pitting before pit road was officially open, making his day even more challenging.

The upcoming races in the NASCAR Cup Series promise even more excitement. The 4EVER 400 - Presented by Mobil 1 at Homestead-Miami Speedway is set to take place on October 22nd, followed by the elimination race at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Virginia on October 29th. The NASCAR Cup Championship race, the grand finale, will once again be held at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona on November 5th. The road to the championship is paved with intense competition, incredible racing, and unforgettable moments, and fans can't wait to see how the season unfolds.

Photos From The Toyota/Savemart 350

Martin Truex Jr. Rises to Glory: A Spectacular Triumph at Sonoma Raceway!

In an exhilarating turn of events, Martin Truex Jr. completely flipped the script from last year's struggles at Sonoma Raceway, showcasing an awe-inspiring performance in Sunday's Toyota/Save Mart 350. With sheer determination and skill, Truex dominated the race, leading an impressive 51 out of 110 laps and securing his second victory of the season. Not only did he conquer the race, but he also solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with at the 1.99-mile road course, boasting an impressive record of four wins, second only to the legendary Jeff Gordon's five.

Truex's triumph marked a remarkable comeback from his lackluster performance the previous year, where he started from the 28th position and disappointingly finished 26th. But this time, everything aligned perfectly for the racing maestro. On Lap 33, Truex fearlessly overtook his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Denny Hamlin, who had led the first 32 laps and claimed the race's initial stage victory. The dynamic duo seemed unstoppable, poised to dominate the competition.

However, just when it seemed like victory was within their grasp, chaos erupted on Lap 50. A tire from Zane Smith's Ford recklessly bounced off the inside pit wall, disrupting the race and handing the lead to Kyle Busch, who had taken advantage of an earlier pit stop. Despite this unexpected turn of events, Truex refused to let adversity hold him back. He showcased his relentless drive, relentlessly pursuing Busch and ultimately overtaking him on Lap 69 with a breathtaking display of skill and bravery.

Even after a pit stop on Lap 75, Truex swiftly regained the lead five laps later, refusing to relinquish his position at the front. The race took yet another unexpected twist when Denny Hamlin encountered a disastrous collision with the wall in Turn 12 on Lap 92. Undeterred by the chaos around him, Truex pressed on, undaunted in his pursuit of victory.

As the checkered flag drew nearer, Truex faced fierce competition from Kyle Busch, who relentlessly chased him for the final 14 laps. But Truex's mastery of the track proved insurmountable, as he skillfully fended off Busch's attempts to dethrone him. The crowd roared with excitement, witnessing a spectacular display of racing prowess.

Joey Logano secured a commendable third-place finish, followed closely by Chris Buescher and the talented Chase Elliott. AJ Allmendinger, Michael McDowell, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Ross Chastain rounded out the top 10, further exemplifying the fierce competition throughout the race.

With this incredible victory, Truex now sits comfortably atop the series standings, holding a 13-point lead over William Byron, who finished 14th in this electrifying race. Additionally, Grant Enfinger stepped in admirably for Noah Gragson, who was unable to race due to concussion symptoms stemming from a previous intense crash at WWT Raceway.

Martin Truex Jr.'s exhilarating triumph at Sonoma Raceway will be etched in racing history, a testament to his unwavering determination, unmatched skill, and undeniable talent. As the season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this remarkable journey, filled with heart-pounding action, unexpected twists, and the relentless pursuit of victory on the asphalt battlegrounds of NASCAR's fiercest races.

Kyle Larson's Sacramento Roots Shine Bright: A Strong Finish at Toyota/SaveMart 350

Kyle Larson, the NASCAR Cup Series champion, has always carried his Sacramento racing roots with him throughout his career. From his early days on local tracks in the Sacramento area to his current success on the national stage, Larson's journey has been one of determination and skill. As Larson took on the challenging Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota/SaveMart 350 this past Sunday, his Sacramento spirit shone through, resulting in a strong performance that earned him valuable points in the race.

Hailing from Elk Grove, a suburb of Sacramento, Larson's racing journey began in the highly competitive world of outlaw kart racing. Thriving at local tracks like Cycleland Speedway in Chico and Red Bluff Outlaws in Red Bluff, Larson quickly established himself as a talented racer. His transition to open-wheel racing and subsequent success in the Honda USAC Midget series further solidified his reputation as a rising star. Thriving at the renowned Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico and conquering the Golden State Challenge Series, Larson's Sacramento roots provided the foundation for his remarkable ascent in professional racing.

Taking the stage at Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota/SaveMart 350, Larson had an opportunity to showcase his versatility and skill on the demanding road course. Starting in the 15th position, he faced a challenging task of maneuvering through the field to secure a strong finish.

As the race progressed, Larson steadily made his way forward, displaying his trademark determination and precision. Despite not placing in either of the stages during the race, Larson's relentless pursuit paid off in the end. With every lap, he strategically carved his way through the field, skillfully navigating the twists and turns of Sonoma Raceway.

The intensity heightened as the checkered flag drew near, and Larson's Sacramento spirit propelled him to push even harder. In a remarkable display of skill and racecraft, Larson crossed the finish line in 8th place, a significant climb from his starting position. This strong finish not only showcased Larson's talent but also earned him 29 crucial points in the race, further bolstering his position in the championship standings.

Larson's impressive performance at the Toyota/SaveMart 350 is a testament to the power of his Sacramento roots. The resilience, skill, and determination that he cultivated on the local tracks of his hometown continue to shape his racing career. Larson's ability to adapt and excel across different racing disciplines, from sprint cars to NASCAR, can be attributed in part to the foundation laid during his early years in Sacramento.

As the NASCAR Cup Series heads into the final stretch before the playoffs, Kyle Larson finds himself in a strong position, sitting in 10th place in the standings with two wins this season. The upcoming ALLY 400 at Nashville Speedway presents an exciting opportunity for Larson to further solidify his position and potentially add another victory to his impressive season.

While NASCAR fans eagerly await the race on Sunday, June 25th, they can rest assured that Larson and his team will utilize the two-week break to prepare meticulously. With his talent, determination, and the support of his team, Larson is poised to continue his exceptional performance as he aims to secure his spot in the playoffs and potentially contend for another NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Northern California NASCAR Drivers Accelerate Into Sonoma

Sonoma, Ca

This is the 33rd trip to the Sonoma Raceway for the Cup Series, with the first visit occurring back in 1989. Last year, Daniel Suarez captured his first career win at Sonoma, and became the first Mexican-born driver to win a Cup Series race.

Tyler Reddick from Corning, CA opened as 9-2 Odds and currently sits at 4-1. He qualified 2nd for todays Toyota/Savemart 350 and currently sits in 10th in the standing with 411 points and -84 points behind Cup leader Ryan Blaney. Reddick won a road race this past March at Circuit Of The Americas in Austin, TX 2.3 mile road course. His road course experience and dominance put him as a great position to win and a force to watch today.

A fan favorite and Elk Grove Native Kyle Larson, finished yesterdays Doordash 250 in the Xfinity series and is listed as a 17-4 odds today to win the Toyota/Savemart 350. Larson qualified in 16th for todays race and has a long storied career as a top NASCAR driver. He also is currently in 9th position in the Cup series standing will equal points with Tyler Reddick at 411 points, but has the 9th position due to having 2 wins on the year.

AJ Allmendinger hails from San Jose, CA and he is listed at 10-1 odds for todays race. Allmendinger qualified in 5th for todays race and currently sits in 24th in the Cup series standings.