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Denny Hamlin Spills on Ross Chastain and why he’s a loser
Denny Hamlin Spills on Ross Chastain and why he’s a loser
The story of the week – for the moment, anyway – is Ross Chastain wrecking himself and Kyle Larson in the Goodyear 400 at Darlington. By Wednesday, though, NASCAR fans will focus on the All-Star Race, and rightfully so.
Once that race is over, however, we’re on to Memorial Day weekend and the Coca-Cola 600 for the resumption of points racing. And maybe that’s when the people will start talking about the real story: For a guy that supporters frequently compare to Dale Earnhardt, Chastain sure doesn’t win much.
Ross Chastain may be winless midway through the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series regular season, but he holds a 27-point lead over Christopher Bell in the standings. Should the driver of the No. 1 Chevy hang on to that advantage for the next 13 points races, Chastain will pick up 15 valuable playoff points.
Thus far, Chastain has earned five stage wins, each worth a playoff point. Only William Byron, with six, owns more stage wins. But Byron has something Chastain does not: race victories. The triumph on Sunday at Darlington was the third of the season for the emerging Hendrick Motorsports star. Chastain has scored five top-five finishes in 2023, but victories remain elusive.
Denny Hamlin Spills on Ross Chastain and why he’s a loser
In fact, Chastain’s dry spell goes back much further. A year ago, he pulled off wins at Circuit of the Americas and Talladega a month apart for his first Cup Series wins. He’s not won since, a run of 39 winless races.
Rick Hendrick on Ross Chastain. pic.twitter.com/YURlSOtaDA
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 15, 2023
Denny Hamlin gambled and lost on Sunday at Darington, but it was worth a shot. While the leaders were pitting for what could have been the last time with about 40 laps left, Hamlin stayed out and took the lead. The idea was to try holding out for a caution flag. That didn’t materialize, the No. 11 Toyota had to pit with 30 laps left, and Hamlin finished 12th.
Hamlin was coming off a win at Kansas Speedway that all but clinched his playoff berth, so the gamble was reasonable. Had he pulled it off, Hamlin would have been the story of the day. Alas, Chastain was the story, as has been the case lately on most days ending with the letter Y.
I asked @GeoffBodine1 what he thought about drivers thinking @RossChastain is too aggressive, he said, “Get over it! Those guys never raced with Earnhardt, I guess.”
Bodine says he hopes Chastain wins because he loves watermelon and wants to eat the one Chastain smashes today. pic.twitter.com/TPCwMn9Mjn
— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) May 14, 2023
One common observation about the many on-track incidents involving Ross Chastain has been that he has a knack for being the wrecker and coming away unscathed. That wasn’t the case at Darlington.
“That part of it caught up (with him), but I think it goes unspoken or it gets overlooked is that he should be winning a lot more than he is,” Denny Hamlin said on his Actions Detrimental podcast on Monday. “He’s only won two races, and one of them was on the road course and there was contact in that one. But you would think he’d be winning. As fast as he is – he’s up front every week – as stellar is his pit crew is, he should be winning more.”
READ MORE: Alex Bowman awaiting doctor this week and the return date is…
Hamlin’s theory is that Chastain has worn out his welcome with so many Cup Series rivals that no one cuts him slack on the track.
“Perhaps if he was on the better side of some of the drivers, he would get a break here and there and his races would go a little less confrontational,” Hamlin said. “Because no one’s cutting him a break, so there’s always contact with him because no one’s willing to just say, ‘OK come on by. You cut me a break, so come on by.’ So, there’s not as much give and take probably with him. Guys are gonna race him more aggressively, which in turn he races aggressively. … There could be no facts behind that, but I’m just saying it might not be a coincidence.”
That sort of treatment of Chastain can be much more subtle than the way he treats rivals.
“People are thinking, ‘Well, when’s someone gonna do something with Chastain or whatever?’ Maybe they are and we just aren’t seeing it.”
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Zeekr 001 Electrifies with a Power Boost: Zhou Guanyu and Kimi Räikkönen Lead the Charge
Experience the silent power of the Zeekr 001 electric vehicle, with upgraded performance, visual enhancements, and support from racing icons. Embrace the future of sustainable driving.
Imagine a world where the roar of an engine is replaced by the silent surge of electricity, propelling vehicles forward with the press of a pedal. This vision is becoming a reality with the introduction of the updated Zeekr 001 electric vehicle (EV), which has recently been certified for sale in China. With its blend of power, innovation, and the endorsement of racing legends, the Zeekr 001 is setting a new benchmark in the EV market.
The Power Within: A Leap in Performance
The latest iteration of the Zeekr 001 brings to the table a new 95 kWh LFP battery pack and an enhanced entry-level powertrain that boasts 415 hp, a significant leap from the previous 272 hp. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant now commands an impressive 778 hp, marking a 234 hp increase. This power upgrade is not just about numbers; it represents a leap towards efficiency, sustainability, and the sheer joy of driving an electric powerhouse. The Zeekr 001’s ability to balance performance with environmental responsibility highlights the evolving landscape of the automotive industry
While the performance upgrades are substantial, the Zeekr 001 also sports minor visual enhancements that signify its evolution. New front and rear bumpers and fresh color options give the vehicle a contemporary edge, appealing to a broader audience. Yet, it’s the optional LiDAR that points to the future, hinting at advanced driving assistance systems and a commitment to safety. These updates, coupled with the anticipated improvements in charging capabilities and multimedia systems, underscore Zeekr’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Champions Behind the Wheel
The announcement of Zhou Guanyu as the ambassador and Chief Driving Officer, alongside Kimi Räikkönen’s continued role as Chief Performance Advisor, adds a layer of credibility and excitement to the Zeekr 001. Guanyu, celebrated as the first Chinese Formula 1 driver, brings a unique perspective and expertise to the brand, bridging the gap between racing technology and everyday driving. Räikkönen, with his storied career and championship pedigree, ensures that performance remains at the heart of Zeekr’s philosophy. Their involvement speaks volumes about the brand’s aspirations and commitment to excellence.
Since its launch in October 2021, the Zeekr 001 has found its way into the driveways of 152,064 customers, a testament to its appeal and the growing appetite for electric vehicles. With the refreshed model set to introduce on February 27, anticipation is building for what could be a pivotal moment in Zeekr’s journey and the broader EV landscape. The Zeekr 001, with its blend of power, innovation, and star power, is not just a vehicle; it’s a harbinger of an electrified future, promising a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as it is sustainable.
Boxing
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. and 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney were recently on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and talked about the Netflix special NASCAR: Full Speed among other things. During their conversation, Dale Jr. opened up about his traffic violations and revealed the interesting encounters that he had with 4 different police officers.
He took a trip down memory lane to remember how he got his first speeding ticket and quipped that he had received not one, but four tickets between the ages of 16 and 18. He told Clarkson, “I had a few issues in the first two years of having my license, from 16 to 18. I got four tickets, and the funny thing about it is, is that it was four different officers who told me they all gave my dad his first ticket, so I don’t know how that is possible.”
Dale Jr.’s father Dale Earnhardt was one of the biggest names in stock car racing since its advent in the 20th century. While it is natural for anyone to be known as having interacted with the legend, Dale Jr. can’t quite put a finger on how four different officers could have given him his first ticket. However, he did have a more important lesson to take away from the tickets he got
“I learned my lesson,” he affirmed. “I haven’t had any problems since then.” Dale Jr. is one of the executive producers of Full Speed. The docuseries has been very well received by drivers and fans since its premiere last month.
READ: “He Actually Hated Me” – Dale Jr Defends His Late Father’s Legacy as He Publicly Trashes Geoff Bodine’s Shocking Accusation
The instantaneous impact that Full Speed has been having on NASCAR
During the last race weekend, several drivers voiced their support for the Netflix docuseries and said that it was helping the sport generate new fans. One of the series main characters, Denny Hamlin said, “I thought it was a very good introduction for new fans. Because they also were kind of teaching you some 101 stuff, like, here’s how this works.”
Xfinity Series racer and Live Fast Motorsports co-owner B.J. McLeod compared it to the Hollywood hit Days of Thunder and mentioned that it had the best potential since the movie to attract new fans. He said, “It’s something that people should see, and I think that it was an unbelievable opportunity for NASCAR to have that on Netflix.”
The docuseries chronicled the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoff run and featured others including Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Ross Chastain, and Dale Jr., himself.
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Chase Elliott’s Crew Chief Publicly Exposes Golden Boy’s Fatal Error
With 480 pts. and 19th rank in the 2023 Cup Series standings, Chase Elliott’s struggle to enter playoffs remains the same. However, in a jaw-dropping revelation from Hendrick Motorsports, a hilarious game of memory between Chase Elliott and Alan Gustafson has unveiled a side of the No. 9 Chevy that fans could never have imagined.
Picture this: Daytona’s sunny day and the racing enthusiasm are palpable. Amid the COVID-tinged atmosphere, in the fateful year of 2020, Chase Elliott finds himself facing a curious predicament. The stakes are high as he and Alan Gustafson gear up for a race day challenge. The challenge seems simple: “What must Chase have on race day?”
What must Chase have on race day, HMS crew chief indulges in a funny banter
During the HMS fun game, Driver and Crew Chief Challange between the Hendrick Motorsports crew chief and the NO. 9. Chevy, a question was raised: ‘What must Chase have on race day?’
To this, Alan throws the first stone with his answer: “His Helmet.” A confident yet spontaneous answer to the ambiguous question, given the no-brainer importance of a helmet for a high-speed sport like NASCAR.
The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, chimes in with exasperation and amusement, and said: “HANS. Where was it? Was it HANS? Should we tell that story?”, added amusingly. HANS device undoubtedly is a crucial device that keeps a driver’s head stable in high-speed crashes.
Chase Elliott’s Crew Chief Publicly Exposes Golden Boy’s Fatal Error
The Duo gave a flashback to Daytona, where Chase Elliott stood on the grid, with the weight of the race day excitement hanging in the air. Alan chips in, a mischievous grin hinting at the punchline, and revealed: “You didn’t have your bus and he’s on the grid to start the race like Daytona. He went straight to the car and I was like, hey, you got your helmet?” And then, the punchline that cracks open the story: “He just turned white.”
In a sequence that could rival any comedy script, the #9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driver’s race day hit him like a ton of bricks just as the national anthem wraps up. “I think the anthem was done,” Chase quips as the weight of the missing helmet sinks in. The ensuing exchange between Chase and Alan is priceless, as Alan further queries, “Where is that? Is it Ryan’s bus?” Well, I might have to ask Chase.
But this is not HMS’s No. 9’s first release of a fun trip down memory lane involving their drivers. There’s more.
In a lighthearted game with the Hendrick Motorsports team, NASCAR stars Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson joined forces to poke fun at their teammate William Byron for his notorious habit of forgetting where he parked his car.
READ: Nobody Is Cleaned: How Dale Earnhardt Jr Stole From His Late Father Exposed
The host initiated the game by asking, “[Who is] most likely to forget where they parked their car?” Elliott held up Byron’s name card, and the young driver admitted, “Probably me.” As the room erupted in laughter, Alex Bowman and Kyle Larson chimed in, further solidifying the playful accusation. Byron even recounted a past memory of receiving an award for getting lost in a parking lot in high school, garnering more chuckles from his teammates.
Building strong relationships within a team, as seen with the Hendrick Motorsports team, is vital for success and consistency. This extends to the Motorsports industry, where collaboration and effective communication are paramount. Just as the NASCAR-winningest team thrives on a blend of humor and teamwork, professionals in the industrial kitchen trade must foster a workplace culture that supports innovation, productivity, and collaboration.
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