Togetherness could propel Hendrick Motorsports to new heights in 2016

The organization had a down year by its standards in 2015. Team owner Rick Hendrick sees better times ahead, thanks in part to the leadership of Jimmie Johnson.

Junior's heart racin' over wedding plans, 2016 season

Dale Earnhardt will hear lots of wedding bells in addition to revving engines in the 2016 season.

Forget Batman, Dale Earnhardt Jr. names his Daytona car after a real hero

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive a Batman-themed racecar in March, but his Daytona 500 car will be based off a real-life hero.

Tony Stewart refuses to talk about Chili Bowl confrontation

Stewart would rather talk about the final season of his NASCAR career. But Thursday he was asked about the altercation with a fan last week.

Roush Fenway Racing ready to improve from 2015 season

Roush Fenway Racing didn't have a banner year in 2015. The organization is looking to rebound this season.

Prior pitfalls provide championship experience for Logano in 2016

The No. 22 driver has plenty to draw from this season.

Ryan Blaney Rookie of the Year favorite for Wood Brothers

Wood Brothers Racing will run a full NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule for the first time since 2008.

NASCAR Sprint Cup: Joe Gibbs enters 2016 with dreams of repeat

The man in charge of Joe Gibbs Racing believes there won't be any letdown by his drivers following a successful 2015 season.

NASCAR 'very optimistic' about charter system for '16; what would changes entail?

One major modification that is still in the works for NASCAR is the implementation of a new charter system in the Sprint Cup.

Kyle Busch’s wife demands that he cut back on restrictor-plate racing

Kyle Busch would love to keep running as many restrictor-plate races as possible. But his wife says no.

Matt Kenseth has no regrets over wrecking Joey Logano, says fans liked it

Matt Kenseth did what he had to do when he retaliated against Joey Logano, and would do it again, he said. He would just be a little less obvious about it.

Enhanced Xfinity Series 'Dash 4 Cash' features heat races for $100K bonus

NASCAR's "Dash 4 Cash" program now will be comprised of two short and exciting qualifying heats before the main event.

Rules, details for NASCAR's new 'caution clock' in 2016 Truck Series

The new wrinkle is designed to add excitement by ensuring multiple restarts in each race.

New NASCAR Chase format for Trucks, Xfinity Series: Rules, points and qualifying process

Like the Sprint Cup, an "elimination-style" format will indeed be introduced to the Truck and Xfinity series for the 2016 season.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson reveal epic 'Batman vs. Superman' paint schemes

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson will drive the unique paint schemes on March 20 at Fontana.

Fan involved in altercation with Tony Stewart is a police officer

The fan who allegedly taunted Tony Stewart and flipped him the finger is a police officer.

Rolex 24: Drivers to watch

For those new to racing or the unique rules of the relay race, here's a quick rundown of everything you need to know.

Bruton O. Smith, driven motorsports entrepreneur, to enter Hall of Fame

After early interest in driving, Carolina country boy Bruton Smith found his calling as a promoter, executive and track owner.

Tony Stewart confronts heckler in stands; tussle captured on video

Tony Stewart went into the grandstands at a dirt track race Friday night to confront a fan who had heckled him.

Martin Truex Jr.'s girlfriend announces she's cancer free

Battling ovarian cancer since her diagnosis in 2014, Sherry Pollex tweeted this week that she has beaten the disease.

Former 'Survivor' contestant signs NASCAR deal for 2016 season

Julia Landauer made it to day 19 of the "Survivor: Caramoan — Fans vs. Favorites" season before being eliminated.

Tony Stewart reveals plans for when he retires from NASCAR

The Sprint Cup driver and team co-owner says winning a prestigious dirt-track race is bigger win than his IndyCar championship.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch highlight star-studded field for Sprint Unlimited at Daytona

The 2016 season kicks off with 25 Sprint Cup drivers competing in the 75-lap Sprint Unlimited shootout at Daytona.

Darian Grubb surprised in Joe Gibbs Racing crew chief shuffle

Changes at JGR leave Darian Grubb seeking a job. He finds one with former employer Hendrick Motorsports.

Sprint Cup champion Kyle Busch reveals 2016 paint scheme

An added layer to the yellow paint scheme will celebrate 75 years of a Busch sponsor's signature candy.

Daniel Suarez, top rookie in Xfinity Series, shows Sprint Cup potential

In his first full-time season in NASCAR's No. 2 national series, Suarez puts himself among young drivers with a future in Cup racing.

On the cusp: Three drivers bidding for full-time Sprint Cup rides

Teen sensation Erik Jones and developing drivers Ty Dillon and Bubba Wallace could become regulars in NASCAR's top series. They aren't yet but deserve attention in 2016.

Richmond track cuts seating again; capacity down nearly 52,000 seats

The move will reduce Richmond International Raceway's capacity to about 60,000 seats.

Kentucky Speedway begins first track repaving

Kentucky Speedway's repaving will be completed in time for this year's NASCAR tripleheader weekend in July.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. drives racecar on field for TaxSlayer Bowl coin toss

NASCAR's most popular driver makes a grand entrance into EverBank Field.

Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards to have new crew chiefs in 2016

Joe Gibbs Racing is doing some shuffling on its crews for next year's NASCAR Sprint Cup season.

Judy Allison, wife of NASCAR Hall of Fame driver, dies at age 74

Judy Allison was by her husband's side during his many successful years of racing and during tragedies that included the deaths of two sons.

Kyle Busch has surgery to remove leg rod, plate and screws from foot

The hardware was installed to help Busch heal from injuries in a February crash at Daytona.

NASCAR Hall of Fame executive Bruton Smith is cancer-free

Bruton Smith is cancer-free after a bout with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Kyle Petty marries director of his charity motorcycle ride

Petty announced his nuptials to the former Morgan Castano on social media.

How sweet it is: Candy mural honors Kyle Busch Sprint Cup title

Thousands of pieces of sweets made by his sponsor are used to create a 7-foot mural honoring champion Kyle Busch.

Jimmie Johnson outruns Josh Wise in latest race — half marathon

It may be the middle of NASCAR's offseason, but drivers Jimmie Johnson and Josh Wise still can't get enough of racing.

Jeff Gordon given Homestead car with help from singer Brad Paisley

Jeff Gordon was gifted his No. 24 car driven in his final career race at Homestead as country singer Brad Paisley drove the Chevrolet.

Former NASCAR winner Ron Bouchard's race is over, but life isn't forgotten

Few with knowledge of Cup history will find a bigger upset than the 1981 Talladega victory Ron Bouchard stole. Bouchard, 67, died Dec. 10 after a battle with cancer.

Brian Scott joins Richard Petty Motorsports' Sprint Cup lineup

The 2016 season will mark the first time Scott, who finished fourth in the Xfinity Series in '15, has raced a full-time Sprint Cup schedule.

Xfinity champion Chris Buescher gets full-time Cup ride with Front Row

And alliance with Roush Fenway creates a place for Chris Buescher to step into NASCAR's top national series.

Now that he's champion, Kyle Busch could be next Jimmie Johnson

We're not saying he will win five consecutive Sprint Cup championships, but Kyle Busch appears primed for years of dominance.

Jeff Gordon moved to tears in NASCAR goodbye; easy to see why

An emotional night for Jeff Gordon, who retires as a four-time Sprint Cup champion, brings the expected tears.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. named NASCAR's most popular driver for 13th time

Remember the last time anyone other that Junior was the fans' favorite?

NASCAR honors champ Kyle Busch, departing Jeff Gordon in awards gala

Busch and Gordon were the featured speakers during a special night in Las Vegas, complete with a very special guest.

Matt Kenseth learned during suspension who his true friends are

Matt Kenseth says he learned about 'good time friends' who abandon you in tough times during his two-race suspension.

NASCAR chief Brian France sees 'exceptional future'

Happy talk? Maybe, but Brian France as reason for optimism as he looks at what's head for stockcar racing.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Amy Reimann eye 2016 offseason for wedding

NASCAR's most anticipated wedding won't happen for at least another calendar year.

Jeff Gordon farewells continue with award from longtime carmaker

Chevrolet gives Jeff Gordon a lifetime achievement award and a car to raffle to benefit his children's charity.

NASCAR, team owners' group close to deal; 40-car fields possible in 2016

Once a source of disagreement, the Race Team Alliance could soon have a charter in place that sets up changes in Sprint Cup competition.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. unveils No. 88 paint scheme

Junior's Sprint Cup car will carry sponsorship that belonged to Jeff Gordon in 13 races.

Robin Pemberton to step down as NASCAR's VP of competition; replacement hired

Pemberton, who supervised the series directors for the past 12 seasons, will leave at the end of the year, the organization announced Tuesday.

Danica Patrick has another new crew chief, but will it matter?

Danica Patrick will work with her third different crew chief in four years. Recent history suggests it won't matter.

Danica Patrick, Tony Stewart get new crew chiefs in Stewart-Haas shakeup

Patrick and Stewart both had disappointing seasons, with Stewart sinking to a career-low.

Kyle Busch didn't expect to win, therefore he did

After breaking his leg and missing the first 11 races of the season, Kyle Busch didn't expect to make the Chase and win the Sprint Cup championship. That's why he did.

NASCAR champion Kyle Busch to have two surgeries in December

Kyle Busch wants to avoid further complications of another potential high-impact crash.

Listen to Jeff Gordon's best in-car audio moments from final race

Sunday's race marked the end of an era for four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, but it was more than a race for the racing community.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. cannonballs off second floor into pool

You only live once: That's Junior's motto.

Kevin Harvick missed out on NASCAR championship but dominated 2015 statistics

The 2015 season will be remembered as Jeff Gordon's last and Kyle Busch's first championship, but no one was steadier than Harvick.

Tony Stewart to have new crew chief for final Sprint Cup season, per report

Mike Bugarewicz will be named Tony Stewart's new crew chief for his final Sprint Cup season.

How Kyle Busch's frightening injury transformed him into a champion

When Kyle Busch crashed at Daytona, breaking his leg and foot, he feared his career might be over. Instead, the turmoil he went through transformed him into a champion.

Jeff Gordon’s mom provides emotional sendoff he needed

So many cool things happened to Jeff Gordon on Sunday, but an early morning visit was the best of all.

Kevin Harvick pays ultimate tribute to Kyle Busch

Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch have had their share of trouble over the years, but Harvick paid Busch a huge tribute Sunday night.

Kyle Busch deserved the Sprint Cup championship, despite fan complaints

Even before Kyle Busch took the checkered flag Sunday night, as he closed in on the Sprint Cup championship, Twitter was lit up with fans saying he didn’t deserve to win the title.

Kyle Busch completes amazing comeback by winning Sprint Cup championship

Busch led early, but the race developed into a battle for position between he and Kevin Harvick as Brad Keselowski led the race.

Jimmie Johnson gets strange penalty during Homestead race

NASCAR orders six-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson to pit to correct a body panel issues.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. crashes in season finale at Homestead

Clint Bowyer bangs into Junior's car on Lap 46, and the smashup claims other cars as well.

Late start means Sprint Cup championship race will not end on NBC

Barring a change by the network, coverage will switch to NBC Sports Network at 7 p.m. ET.

Everyone wants a piece of Jeff Gordon during emotional prerace festivities

The moments before Jeff Gordon's final Sprint Cup start were expected to be emotional and special. They were.

Sprint Cup championship race, Jeff Gordon's finale, delayed by rain

Blue skies greeted the championship drivers on Sunday, but rain arrives to delay the start at Homestead.

Saying goodbye to Jeff Gordon: Words from those who know him best

It's the day NASCAR awaited, with some trepidation, to arrive. Homestead, site of the Sprint Cup championship race, is Jeff Gordon's final stage.

Saying goodbye to Jeff Gordon: Words from those who know him best

It's the day NASCAR awaited, with some trepidation, to arrive. Homestead, site of the Sprint Cup championship race, is Jeff Gordon's final stage.

At Homestead, Jeff Gordon poised for his greatest accomplishment yet

Jeff Gordon has won 93 races, four championships and accomplished more than just about any NASCAR driver. But he may be saving his best for last.

Calm, cool Jeff Gordon tuning out distractions as big race approaches

Jeff Gordon had a plan as the biggest race of his career approached. He knew just how to tune out distractions.

Chris Buescher celebrates NASCAR Xfinity Series championship

Buescher keeps his rivals at bay in winning his first NASCAR national series title.

Kyle Busch hopes to cap dramatic comeback with Cup championship

It's been a long, hard road for Kyle Busch after breaking his leg at Daytona in February. But Busch is in position to complete his journey with a Sprint Cup championship.

Jeff Gordon leads title contenders in final practice at Homestead

Kevin Harvick might be the favorite, but Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch are making strong statements heading into Sunday's championship race.

Joey Logano not bitter about missing championship race

By all rights, Joey Logano should be ticked off about not being in NASCAR's championship race this weekend. Here's why he isn't.

Tony Stewart planning major changes to his team for 2016

Unhappy as he heads toward his final season, three-time Cup champion Tony Stewart wants to end strong after the worst three-year stretch of his career.

Rain threat continues at Homestead; championship race in danger

Intermittent rain figures to delay race activities, including Sunday's Chase championship race.

Jones wins NASCAR CWTS title

Erik Jones capped the season by winning the title for team owner and mentor Kyle Busch.

Denny Hamlin to have knee surgery after season finale

Denny Hamlin was fast Friday, winning the pole for the season finale. Not bad for a driver set to have knee surgery after the season.

Kyle Busch qualifies third, Jeff Gordon fifth at Homestead; Hamlin on pole

Two of the Championship 4 drivers will be begin near the front of the field Sunday.

Matt Kenseth, Joey Logano meet at Homestead to put feud to rest

Feuding drivers Matt Kenseth and Joey Logano talk over their differences. Kenseth expects no problems going forward.

Should NASCAR, Daytona settle with injured spectator?

On Nov. 5, a NASCAR fan filed a complaint, bringing back memories of the Kyle Larson crash in 2013. Could that crash, once again, prove costly?

Richard Petty: Matt Kenseth crossed line in retaliating against Joey Logano

The King has spoken (again), calling Matt Kenseth's actions in wrecking Joey Logano "about as blatant as I’ve ever seen."

Brian France: NASCAR drivers know line between hard racing, retaliation

Drivers didn't beat a path to NASCAR office to learn what's right and wrong in competition. They didn't need to, Brian France says.

NASCAR facing rain again; shortened race could determine champion

Weather problems have been an burr under Sprint Cup's saddle during the Chase.

Wood Brothers returning full time to Sprint Cup with driver Ryan Blaney

Wood Brothers has been in NASCAR since 1949, recently as a part-time team. It will have a car up for all Cup races in 2016.

All about respect as rest of Championship 4 share stage, track with Jeff Gordon

No one dared to be a "jackass" toward four-time champ Jeff Gordon. They won't be as nice Sunday, but expect the other Chase contenders to keep a clean line near the 24 in his final race.

Would contenders wreck each other for championship? They might

NASCAR's Chase format creates an ultimate showdown possibility. We saw the Logano-Kenseth crash, which raises a question regarding winning at Homestead.

Joe Gibbs: Matt Kenseth, NASCAR chief cleared up suspension issues

Kenseth returns to his car after a two-week suspension for wrecking Joey Logano at Martinsville. So now, everything is hunky-dory, Gibbs says.

Kyle Busch's reward? Contract extension from Joe Gibbs Racing

Busch will drive for the Sprint Cup championship with a multiyear deal in his pocket.

Rain, thunderstorms expected for NASCAR's championship weekend

A week after a weather debacle in Arizona, the Chase finale could see more precipitation issues.

Erik Jones, Tyler Reddick battling for Truck Series championship

Young drivers want to win for their teams as well as make an impression to advance to another NASCAR series.

Chris Buescher bids for NASCAR Xfinity Series title at Homestead

A rising talent for Roush Fenway Racing, Buescher takes the track on Saturday with the points lead.

Will Roush Fenway Racing ever win Sprint Cup race again?

It has been more than 500 days since a Roush-Fenway Ford has entered victory lane in the Sprint Cup Series.

Atlanta, Kentucky deny contractor claims of repaving plans

NASCAR runs Cup races at both tracks.

Kevin Harvick, Justin Bieber win Tonight Show must-see go-kart race

The four NASCAR finalists were paired with TV celebrities in a go-kart race, what could go wrong?

Cheetah in Zoo Miami spots Kevin Harvick as Chase winner

Koda, an endangered cheetah from South Africa, picks the winner of the Sprint Cup championship.

In-car audio at Phoenix: Drivers frustrated with NASCAR over rain-shortened race

Check out the top-five moments from the Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500 at Phoenix.

Dale Jr., Jimmie Johnson paint schemes to honor Jeff Gordon in final race

Each car will pay tribute to the iconic career of the retiring driver.

NASCAR final four: Harvick, Truex, Kyle Busch join Gordon in title race

After 35 races packed full of drama, the 2015 NASCAR season comes down to one final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Joey Logano gracious in defeat after being eliminated from Chase

Joey Logano had plenty of reasons to be mad when the rain-shortened race at Phoenix cost him a shot at racing for the championship.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins rain-shortened race at Phoenix; Chase final four set

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was declared the winner when Sunday's race at Phoenix was shortened by rain. But there were four big losers in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Chase race at Phoenix gets underway after 6½-hour rain delay

It was only the second rain-delayed race at the track in its 28 years of NASCAR competition.

NASCAR warns drivers to keep it clean at Phoenix

Nobody figured on rain.

Martin Truex Jr., NASCAR community racing with heavy hearts at Phoenix

Truex and other drivers will pay tribute today to 10-year-old Elijah Aschbrenner, who died of cancer this week.

Fast at Phoenix, Kurt Busch has advantage to win way to Homestead

Kevin Harvick goes off as favorite, but don't overlook Busch among drivers needing to win to get in the Chase final four.

Think NASCAR drivers are not athletes? You're out of your mind

Are NASCAR drivers athletes? It's an age-old debate. Sports psychology professor Dr. Kevin L. Burke provides the definitive answer.

Richard Petty says Matt Kenseth was lucky to get two-race suspension

King Richard holds court at Phoenix and tells how he would have handled Kenseth back in his day.

With title race berths on line, comfort, confidence lacking at Phoenix

Only Jeff Gordon knows he will race for the Sprint Cup championship at Homestead-Miami. Seventh other drivers await their fate.

For Danica Patrick, sponsor Tissot fashions a more stylish new image

The longtime GoDaddy girl prepares for her alliance with a baking firm.

Jimmie Johnson in position to equal Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s win total

Who's the better driver: Jimmie Johnson or Dale Earnhardt Sr.? Let the debate begin.

NASCAR drivers join in Paris attacks reaction; Formula One plans tribute

Motorsports continue in the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks.

NASCAR qualifying: Jimmie Johnson claims pole at Phoenix

Jimmie Johnson doesn't want to play spoiler; he wants to win races.

Drive-through? Safeway opens pop-up store at Phoenix track

There's a new supermarket opening in Phoenix — at the local speedway.

Penske problem at Phoenix: Who wins if Logano, Keselowski are 1-2 at end?

Both Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski need to win to make the championship race at Homestead. Only one will advance. So imagine the issues if they are fighting each other for victory.

Upset alert: Martin Truex Jr. in position to steal Sprint Cup championship

Ryan Newman nearly pulled off a big upset in the championship race at Homestead last year. Martin Truex Jr. is in prime position to close the deal.

Kevin Harvick's dominance at Phoenix makes challengers shudder

Count Kyle Busch among drivers who see Kevin Harvick primed for a fifth consecutive victory at the one-mile track.

Danica Patrick has hard feelings toward David Ragan stemming from an ugly September crash.

Making NASCAR's final four: What Chase drivers must do at Phoenix

Brad Keselowski, Kurt Busch and Joey Logano have the most work cut out for them on Sunday at Phoenix.

NASCAR and the art of revenge: Psychology behind getting even

Like it or not, retaliation has a long history in NASCAR. What causes a driver to exact revenge when he feels he has been wronged. SN contributor Dr. Kevin L. Burke takes a look.

Jimmie Johnson steals Texas victory from Brad Keselowski

Brad Keselowski is unstoppable ... until Jimmie Johnson finds his moment to win.

Another day, another (false) hint of NASCAR bias against Joe Gibbs team

Three Gibbs cars run afoul in inspection, leading fans to believe their drivers are getting the short end of the splitter.

Joey Logano has early trouble at Texas, victim of flat tire, car damage

Logano's car is damaged enough to end hope of winning, meaning his Chase now hinges on Phoenix.

NASCAR to drivers: Revenge-style crashes forbidden

Racing officials don't want to see a repeat of Martinsville's run-in between Matt Kenseth and Joey Logano.

Weepers: Word of the weekend at Texas amid wet track woes

Race preparation focuses on areas where moisture is seeping through pavement at Texas Motor Speedway.

Xfinity results: Keselowski fends off Harvick, Dillon for win at Texas

Brad Keselowski was able to hold off fellow Sprint Cup regulars Kevin Harvick and Austin Dillon for the win at Texas.

National Rifle Association to sponsor August Sprint Cup race

Guns, a sporting goods franchise and stockcar racing: It's a combination made in Tennessee.

Looking for a Chase champ favorite? Kevin Harvick looks good to repeat

Harvick continues his strong season with a solid run in Texas qualifying. Don;t forget, he rules at Phoenix.

Denny Hamlin's 'Free Matt Kenseth' T-shirts on sale to benefit charity

Hamlin finds a way to support a suspended teammate and make money for a good cause.

Solid qualifying run at Texas for Danica Patrick, who looks at future

A Q&A session with Sports Illustrated lets Patrick address what she has done and what she must do to improve in Sprint Cup racing.

Kurt Busch: Brad Keselowski intentionally crashed Matt Kenseth

Did Brad Keselowski intentionally spin Matt Kenseth at Martinsville. Kurt Busch, who was also involved in the incident, certainly thinks so.

Erik Jones' crowded weekend at Texas includes star turn in Sprint Cup

As the Joe Gibbs Racing replacement for Kevin Harvick, Jones has a chance to experience the big time. At 19 years old, he is a driver to watch.

Why Joey Logano may have cost himself a Sprint Cup championship

Bad decisions by young drivers are not unexpected. But Logano must learn more than just how to win races.

NASCAR starting lineup at Texas: Brad Keselowski on the pole

Fastest in all three rounds of qualifying on Friday, Brad Keselowski will lead the field to the green flag Sunday.

Carl Edwards, ready to run, wishes Matt Kenseth could be at Texas

Make no mistake, Joe Gibbs Racing drivers are moving on after Martinsville, bit Carl Edwards has a point about his teammate's suspension.

At Texas practice, Brad Keselowski turns 197-mph reminder

Keselowski enters Texas sixth in the Chase standings. Qualifying awaits.

Joey Logano takes high road at Texas; focus is on winning

With Martinsville and Matt Kenseth's suspension behind them, Logano and his team push forward with positives in the coming Sprint Cup race.

Matt Kenseth must deal with denial of appeals; no one has to like it

Kenseth wrecked Logano and now will miss two races. Deal with it.

Matt Kenseth on two-race suspension: 'I'm not going to change how I race'

Despite the stiff ruling, Matt Kenseth says he isn't going to change his racing style.

Matt Kenseth suspension upheld; final appeal denied

Kenseth is fighting a two-race suspension for wrecking Joey Logano at Martinsville. An appeals panel backs the ban, so Kenseth takes his final option.

HScott team trailer burns in Texas; Michael Annett cars destroyed

The rig was on its way to Texas Motor Speedway for this week's Sprint Cup race.

Danica Patrick: David Gilliland had to 'pay the price' for wrecking her

Danica Patrick was fined $50,000 for intentionally wrecking David Gilliland at Martinsville. Patrick said she was doing "what she had to do."

NASCAR at Texas: Tempers likely to stay hot as Chase winds down

After a wild first race in the Eliminator Round of the Chase, NASCAR next heads to Texas as Joey Logano desperately looks for a win.

Joey Logano supports Matt Kenseth suspension

Racing officials made the right call, Logano said, because they "needed to regain control of our sport."

Matt Kenseth learns hard lesson about NASCAR's inconsistent penalties

Matt Kenseth expected to be penalized for retaliating against Joey Logano. But a two-race suspension is another example of NASCAR's inconsistent rulings.

In-car audio at Martinsville: Expletives fly between Kenseth-Logano, Gordon-Earnhardt

The short track at Martinsville brought out the biggest tempers from NASCAR's finest on Sunday.

Matt Kenseth was suspended for two races for taking out Joey Logano at Martinsville.

Why Matt Kenseth took out Joey Logano: Because he had to

Matt Kenseth retaliated against Joey Logano Sunday at Martinsville, paying him back for wrecking him at Kansas. But there was more to it than just revenge.

Martinsville victory puts Jeff Gordon in Chase lead; Logano, Keselowski sink

Gordon earns the first automatic berth in the four-man Chase for the Sprint Cup finale. Other drivers have big obstacles ahead.

Jeff Gordon wins at Martinsville; Joey Logano bid wrecked by Matt Kenseth

Revenge by Kenseth takes out the leader and allows Gordon to get his first victory of his final season, and a place in the Chase championship race.

Matt Kenseth gets revenge, wrecks Joey Logano at Martinsville

Two weeks after they tangled at Kansas, Kenseth plows Logano.

Early going at Martinsville: Start under caution, bangs and little room

Martinsville's race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup goes off under a threat of rain.

Rain threatens Sprint Cup's Martinsville race; will it go full 500 laps?

Scheduled to start at 1:15 p.m. ET, the Martinsville race has until about 5:40 local time. If rain persists, problems will grow.

Martinsville victory revives Matt Crafton's Truck Series title hopes

Atoning for a bad race at Talladega, Crafton closes the gap on series leader Erik Jones.

Tony Stewart's Halloween memories are sweet

Oh, to be a kid again: Smoke talks about his days of gathering candy on a day he wrecks his car at Martinsville.

NASCAR Sprint Cup lineup at Martinsville: Joey Logano earns pole in bid for fourth straight win

Joey Logano will lead the field to the green flag in the first Chase race of the Eliminator Round.

On track at Martinsville, Joey Logano continues speedy delivery

Fastest in practice? Check. If Logano is worried about other drivers gunning for him, he's not showing it on the track.

NASCAR at Martinsville: Jeff Gordon ready to prove Chase doubters wrong

Eight drivers remain in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup after a controversial ending at Talladega.

Sprint Cup schedule set for 2016; Richmond, Bristol, Michigan dates altered

A five-year agreement is in place with 23 tracks for NASCAR's top series.

World Series 2015: Dale Jr. cites late father as reason he is cheering for Royals

Move over, Clint Bowyer: You aren't the only NASCAR driver cheering for the Royals in the World Series.

Kyle Busch says Joey Logano must worry about payback from Kenseth

Kyle Busch says Joey Logano "eliminated" Matt Kenseth from the Chase with their wreck at Kansas. Now, Busch says, Logano has a lot to worry about.

Kevin Harvick credits Danica for helping him survive controversial Talladega race

How did Kevin Harvick survive the chaos that erupted in the final laps at Talladega? He had a teammate who had his back.

In-car audio from Talladega: Joey Logano says NASCAR follows 'Junior rules' in controversial finish

Joey Logano complained on the team radio that "Junior rules" caused NASCAR to wave the first green-white-checkered attempt.

Joey Logano: 'If you don't like me, I don't care'

With his continued success, Logano knows some NASCAR fans will grow to dislike him.

Kyle Busch doesn't think Jeff Gordon can win Sprint Cup title

Kyle Busch doesn't think Jeff Gordon can win a championship in his final Sprint Cup season.

Kevin Harvick maintains innocence in controversial Talladega ending

Harvick understands other drivers' frustration, but he isn't going to apologize for a crash that he claims he didn't cause.

Kevin Harvick cleared of wrongdoing in controversial Talladega finish

Drivers and fans were furious with Kevin Harvick for causing a wreck that marred the end of Sunday's race at Talladega. But NASCAR officials say Harvick did nothing wrong.

NASCAR fans are angry about Talladega ending, think Mike Helton is full of it

NASCAR fans — and at least one driver — were apoplectic on social media Sunday after vice chairman Mike Helton said there was nothing suspect in the way the CampingWorld.com 500 ended at Talladega Superspeedway.

Finger-pointing follows wild Talladega finish

The effective end of Sunday’s CampingWorld.com 500 at Talladega Superspeedway came moments after Kevin Harvick’s Chevrolet clipped Trevor Bayne’s Ford and ignited a multicar wreck in the tri-oval during the one attempt at a green-white-checkered-flag finish.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Talladega bid, Chase dream end in bizarre finish

An aborted attempt at a green-white-checkered finish dooms Junior to second place in a race he needed to win.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. not upset with rule that cost him win, Chase elimination

Dale Earnhardt Jr. missed a chance to win Sunday's race and was eliminated from the Chase. But despite a controversial finish, he found little to hang his head about.

Overeager crewman puts Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Chase in jeopardy

A penalty knocks Earnhardt from first in the race to the middle of the pack, in a race Junior needs to win.

Denny Hamlin's Talladega flap: Loose roof hatch endangers run

Hamlin's Chase bid is put in danger by a rare problem.

Matt Kenseth's fighting word: Tell Joey Logano I'm going to knock him out

Bad blood over their Kansas tangle appears to be growing for Kenseth at Talladega.

Jeff Gordon wins pole in Talladega qualifying; all Hendrick cars in top five

For his last run at the Alabama superspeedway where he has won six times, Gordon shows he can power his way into the next round of the Chase.

Talladega trucks race offers Chase teams green-white-checkered lesson

Drivers in Sunday's Sprint Cup race get a harbinger of what could happen to them with one shot at a restart.

NASCAR orders parts replaced on four Stewart-Haas in inspections

Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch and teammates all see their cars flagged ahead of qualifying.

Qualifying ahead at Talladega; Chase field will be thinned on Sunday

The third and final race of the Contender Round will see four drivers exit the championship series. Who will make it and survive Talladega?

Matt Kenseth's cool demeanor can't hide Chase worries, spite for Joey Logano

Winning at Talladega is the only way Matt Kenseth can continue in the Chase. He's in that spot largely because of what happened last week at Kansas.

Entering Talladega, confidence is rarest commodity among Chase drivers

With the exception of Dale Earnhardt Jr., who seems to have the family's touch for winning at NASCAR's most unpredictable track, no one feels safe.

Kurt Busch claiming respect by taming the monster within

A long-term deal with Stewart-Haas Racing and sponsorship for his Cup car are the results of Busch living up to his potential with confidence and maturity.

NASCAR at Talladega: Dale Jr. must avoid the 'Big One'

Junior, the odds-on favorite to win Sunday's CampingWorld.com 500, needs a win if he wants to move on in the Chase.

Kurt Busch, Stewart-Haas Racing agree to contract extension

The new contract includes brings Monster Energy on board as a "co-primary sponsor" of the No. 41 SHR Chevrolet.

In-car audio at Kansas: Gordon, Harvick call out Kenseth before spin in final laps

A couple of NASCAR's best had harsh words for Matt Kenseth.

Chase-clinching scenarios at Talladega: What drivers need to advance

With another elimination looming, some leading NASCAR drivers are in jeopardy of not reaching the Chase's third round.

Green-white-checkered attempts reduced at Talladega

The change is an effort to balance not finishing a race under caution with not risking a multicar crash after restarts, NASCAR said.

Chase Elliott reveals No. 24 paint scheme for first full Sprint Cup season

Jeff Gordon's replacement will drive the blue No. 24 NAPA for his first full season with Hendrick Motorsports

Joey Logano will pay for taking out Matt Kenseth

Joey Logano wrecked Matt Kenseth Sunday to win at Kansas. It was a costly move for Kenseth, and may wind up being costly for Logano, too.

NASCAR at Talladega 2015: Time, TV channel, schedule, entry list

NASCAR's sixth race in the Chase and final one in the Contender round is at Talladega SuperSpeedway. The CampingWorld.com 500 will be run on Oct. 25. Brad Keselowski is the defending champion.

Sprint Cup results: Joey Logano spins Matt Kenseth to win at Kansas

Matt Kenseth says he's always been one of Joey Logano's biggest fans, but not anymore, after Logano spun him late to win at Kansas Speedway.

Joey Logano wins at Kansas; hard racing sends Matt Kenseth spinning

Matt Kenseth battles Joey Logano within the last 20 laps until a bump from behind settles the race. Logano gets his second consecutive victory.

Kyle Busch: Chase is 'entertaining,' not necessarily fair

Kyle Busch has a long history of misfortune in NASCAR's Chase, which might explain why he's not a fan of the playoff format.

Beware spoiler at Kansas: Jimmie Johnson wears that mantle

No non-Chase driver has won yet through four races. Inject a little chaos in this picture and imagine Johnson as the agent of mayhem.

Xfinity results: Kyle Busch captures 75th series win

An eighth and final caution waved with just five laps remaining, setting up a green-white-checkered finish between Busch and Matt Kenseth.

Pedal that: Brad Keselowski gets pole position; Carl Edwards gets plum pit

NASCAR punishment costs Keselowski the first choice of stalls for the Kansas Cup race. Instead, Carl Edwards picks the best spot on pit road.

Brad Keselowski on pole for Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas

Brad Keselowski will lead the field of 43 to the green flag in Sunday's second race of the Contender Round at Kansas Speedway.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. ready to end 10-year win drought on 1.5-mile tracks

It's hard to believe NASCAR's most popular driver hasn't won at a 1.5-mile track in a decade.