NASCAR: Beyond All Reason

[Spitfire]

8th March

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has officially confirmed that Brandon Blaze will enter the 2022 Formula Regional Americas Championship, competing in as many races as possible that do not clash with his NASCAR International Series (NIS) commitments.

"This is about broadening Brandon’s experience base," an RCR spokesperson stated. "He’s expressed interest in the Indianapolis 500, and this move is part of a long-term development path to prepare him for that kind of racing. We’re fully supportive of him racing open-wheel this year while keeping his focus on the NIS title fight."

This marks the first official step toward Chip Ganassi's outlined path for Blaze to someday race at Indy, and it adds an intriguing twist to his already packed 2022 campaign.

Brandon Blaze will compete in the 2022 Formula Regional Americas Championship driving the series-standard Honda-powered Ligier JS F3 car, running under car #33.

It has also been confirmed that Dario Franchitti has been appointed as the Head of RCR's new Open-Wheel Development (OWD) program, and will personally oversee Blaze’s progression.

Franchitti: "Brandon’s got the raw talent—you can see it from how he carries himself in the stock car world. Open-wheel demands a different touch, and I’m here to help shape that. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—we want him to be a real contender, both here and wherever he races next."

This is a major strategic step for RCR, suggesting they’re building a long-term open-wheel pathway for Blaze—and possibly others in the future.​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 European Rally Championship – Round 1: Part One
March 11 | ERC3 Class

Welcome to the Start of the ERC3 Season!
The 2022 European Rally Championship (ERC) kicks off in Portugal with the iconic gravel challenge of Fafe e Felgueiras. Known for its narrow roads, dramatic jumps, and changeable weather, this rally will be a true test of commitment for drivers in the ERC3 class – the proving ground for Rally3-spec machinery.

This year’s opener features a compact but exciting ERC3 field, including a strong mix of returning names and rising talent.

Rally Profile
Surface: Gravel
Stages: 17
Competitive Distance: 196.21 km
Terrain: Narrow forest trails, blind crests, deep ruts, and famous Portuguese jumps
Weather Forecast: Light rain Friday; partly cloudy Saturday – expect mud and low grip

Drivers to Watch

Butt Hertz (Castrol Rally Group)
Coming off a strong 5th place in his WRC3 debut at Rally Sweden, the American now shifts focus to his full-time ERC3 campaign. Gravel is more familiar terrain for Hertz, and with Castrol behind him, expectations are high.

"I’m excited to get on the gravel again. This is the surface I grew up sim racing on—and Fafe looks wild. We’re here to learn, but we’re not here to cruise."

Kaspar Kasari (OT Racing)
A proven gravel talent, Kasari brings speed and raw aggression. He’s one of the favorites for victory if he can keep it clean.

"Fafe rewards bravery. We came to fight."

Igor Widłak (KG-RT)
Polish gravel specialist with Rally3 experience. Quick in rough conditions, he’s known for consistency over flair.

Dmitry Feofanov
Experienced privateer returning after a quiet 2021. Often overlooked, but dangerous on tricky surfaces.

Key Stages to Watch
- SS5 – Luílhas (11.1 km): Fast and technical with a drop-off hairpin—where bravery counts.
- SS12 – Seixoso (8.3 km): Narrow crests through forest, can become muddy with overnight rain.
- SS17 – Lameirinha (13.3 km, Power Stage): Features the legendary Pedra Sentada jump—a fan-favorite and rally decider.

What to Expect from the Rally
- Early rain could turn Friday into a mud-fest, punishing late runners.
- Grip will evolve quickly, and drivers must adapt as ruts form across loops.
- Stage wins will matter—with bonus points on offer, expect risks in the Power Stage.
- Reliability and composure may beat outright speed, especially for ERC3 where every mistake costs dearly.

With Fafe’s iconic terrain, a confident American debutant, and a group of experienced European gravel drivers, the ERC3 class promises close times and big moments.​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 European Rally Championship – Round 1: Part Two
March 11 | ERC3 Class

Butt Hertz Makes His Mark in Portugal
American driver Butt Hertz came into Portugal fresh from a strong WRC3 snow debut—many expected him to need time to adapt back to gravel. Instead, he delivered a stunning performance on Day 1, taking multiple stage wins, battling for the lead all day, and proving that he’s not just here to learn—he’s here to contend.

Morning Loop (SS1–SS4)
The day began in treacherous conditions. Overnight rain had left the opening stages slick, with deep mud in the forest sections.

- SS1 (Montim): Hertz started cautiously but still went 2nd-fastest, just 1.2s behind Kasari.
- SS2 (Aboim): Hertz snatched his first ERC3 stage win, driving with confidence on tricky downhill hairpins.
- SS3 (Ruivães): A small rear slide into a ditch cost him time, but he recovered to finish P3 on the stage.
- SS4 (Gontim): Hertz went fastest again, showing strong car control as the roads began to dry.

By midday service, Butt was leading the ERC3 class, just 2.4 seconds ahead of Kasari, with Widłak a further 10 seconds back.

Afternoon Loop (SS5–SS9)
As the sun broke through and the grip improved, speeds increased—and so did the pressure.

- SS5 (Luílhas): Hertz was electric, taking his third stage win of the rally by nearly 4 seconds.
- SS6 (Montim II): A moment of over-rotation in a rutted hairpin allowed Kasari to close the gap.
- SS7–SS8: Widłak came alive, winning SS7, while Feofanov quietly climbed to P4.
- SS9 (Aboim II): Hertz ended the day with a tight 0.3s stage win, holding off Kasari in a full-send Power Sprint.
Post-Day Comments
Butt Hertz (P1):
"What a day! This car just came alive on the second loop. It’s fast, it’s a bit wild out there, but when it clicks—it’s awesome. Thanks to the Castrol Rally Group, the car’s been bulletproof. Tomorrow’s going to be a fight, but we’re ready."

Kasari (P2):
"Hertz is fast—I didn’t expect that! But I feel good. We’ll push tomorrow. It’s still close."

Widłak (P3):
"Not perfect today, but we stayed out of trouble. Let’s see what Saturday brings."​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 European Rally Championship – Round 1: Part Three
March 12 | ERC3 Class
Morning Loop (SS10–SS13)
The day began fast and flowing, with conditions now much drier and the roads rougher after repeated use.

- SS10 (Gontim II): Hertz started strong again, going fastest by 2.1 seconds over Kasari, pushing the gap to 5.8s.
- SS11 (Luílhas II): Kasari answered back, winning the stage and trimming the lead back down to 3.4s.
- SS12 (Ruivães II): A big push by Hertz netted him another stage win—his fifth of the rally—and crucial breathing room.
- SS13 (Montim III): Widłak set the pace here, but Hertz was smooth and clean, managing his tires as Kasari hit a rut and dropped 4 seconds.

At midday service, Hertz led Kasari by 9.2 seconds, with Widłak holding steady in third.

Afternoon Loop (SS14–SS17)
The final loop included the legendary SS17 – Lameirinha, home to the Pedra Sentada jump, where crowds gathered to witness full commitment from the drivers.

- SS14–SS15: Hertz focused on driving smart, avoiding unnecessary risks. Kasari clawed back 1.8 seconds in SS15 but couldn’t mount a full attack.
- SS16 (Aboim III): Hertz put in one final push to open the gap again before the finale.
- SS17 (Lameirinha – Power Stage): No bonus points at stake, but that didn’t stop Butt Hertz from launching it perfectly over Pedra Sentada, thrilling fans and sealing the win with a clean and confident final run.

Butt Hertz Holds His Nerve to Win ERC3 in Portugal!
Day 2 brought the heat—both figuratively and literally—as the ERC3 contenders fought it out across eight more rugged Portuguese gravel stages. With Butt Hertz holding a narrow 3.7-second lead after Day 1, all eyes were on whether the American could hold off Kaspar Kasari and claim victory in just his first-ever ERC3 event.

* * *

Post-Rally Interview: Butt Hertz Celebrates Victory at ERC3 Season Opener

Fresh off an incredible debut win in the 2022 ERC3 season opener, American driver Butt Hertz caught up with the media in the service park at Fafe. Covered in dust but grinning ear-to-ear, the Castrol Rally Group driver reflected on his weekend, the wild stages, and what this moment means for his career.

"I can't lie—this feels amazing."

Q: Butt, you're standing here as an ERC3 rally winner after your first event. How are you feeling?

Butt Hertz:
"I can't lie—this feels amazing. I came here with the mindset of getting experience, maybe sneaking onto the podium if things went well. But we found rhythm early, and once we hit those middle stages on Friday, I knew we had the pace to fight for it."

"This terrain forces you to earn every corner."

Q: What was the rally like for you, especially compared to your recent snow debut in Sweden?

Butt Hertz:
"Oh man, total contrast. Sweden was about grip you can’t see—learning to trust the studs and slide with precision. Fafe? This terrain forces you to earn every corner. The ruts, the jumps, the narrow crests—you can’t switch off for a second. But I grew up driving gravel in the sim world, and it felt oddly familiar."

"Big thanks to Castrol—they backed me from day one."

Q: Your car looked bulletproof all weekend. How big was the Castrol Rally Group in making this possible?

Butt Hertz:
"Huge. Massive. The team gave me a car that could take a hit and still scream through the next corner. Castrol has backed me from day one, before anyone outside of the U.S. rally scene even knew who I was. They believed in the long game. Today’s for them."

"We proved we're not just here to make up the numbers."

Q: What message do you think this win sends to the rest of the ERC3 field?

Butt Hertz:
"Simple: we’re here, and we’re serious. I’m still learning every time I get in the car, but we proved this weekend we’re not just here to make up the numbers. We can win. And we want more."

"Next rally? I’m already thinking about it."

Q: What’s next for you? More ERC? Back to WRC3?

Butt Hertz:
"My calendar's getting crazy, but in a good way. I’ve got ERC3 full-time this year, and I’d love to do more WRC3 if we can make the schedules work. Right now though, I’m just thinking about the next rally and how we can do it all over again."

Final Word from the Winner
"To all the fans who cheered us on—even if you didn’t know who we were—thank you. I’m just a kid from Iowa trying to chase this crazy dream. Portugal? You were unforgettable."

​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Phoenix Raceway Part One
12th March

Track Profile – Phoenix Raceway
Unique Shape: Dogleg frontstretch, tight turns, wide restart zone
Tire Strategy: Right-side wear is brutal, long green runs are punishing
Race Style: Short-track mentality in a speedway setting — contact expected
Keys to Victory: Braking consistency, throttle control, and restart execution

Storylines Heading Into Phoenix

Allgaier’s Turf – Can He Go Back-to-Back?
Fresh off his win in Las Vegas, Justin Allgaier (#7) returns to a track he’s dominated before. He’s the most experienced short-track racer in the field — and Phoenix suits his rhythm and tire-saving style.

“We’ve had fast cars here before. Now we want to finish the job again.”

Tommy Bedlam – Bounce Back or Boil Over?
After finishing outside the top 3 for the first time in his career at Vegas (P5), Tommy Bedlam rolls into Phoenix with something to prove. He's confident, motivated, and chasing win #3 of the season — and says eight regular season wins is still the goal.

“We’ve got to keep the pressure up. This is a thinking track — I like that.”

Eckes & K-Mag: Rookie Class Goes Short-Track
Christian Eckes has finished 5th, 3rd, and 2nd — he’s knocking on the door.

Kevin Magnussen quietly impressed with a 4th at Vegas and now takes on a flat, technical oval. A strong finish here would further cement his credentials as Audi and Cup Series scouts continue to watch.

Ty Gibbs: Fast Everywhere, But Needs the W
He’s led laps, sat on poles, scored big points — but Ty Gibbs has yet to finish better than 3rd in 2022. Phoenix, where he’s won in ARCA, is a golden opportunity to reset the narrative.

“We’ve got the speed. It’s time to seal one.”

Phoenix = Pressure for Mid-Packers
Drivers like Cole Custer, Kaz Grala, Austin Hill, and Sam Mayer are fast — but haven’t broken through yet in 2022. A strong Phoenix result could swing early-season momentum their way.

+ + + +

Team Profile
West Coast Racing
Audi's Flagship NASCAR Xfinity Entry – Debuting in 2023

Headquarters
Irvine, California – in the heart of SoCal’s motorsport and tech corridor, symbolizing Audi’s innovation-first approach and ties to German-American engineering culture.

Manufacturer: Audi
Power: NASCAR-approved Audi 4.0L V8 engine (tuned for Xfinity spec)
- Development partnership with Audi Sport and Audi USA
- Aerodynamics built around a bespoke Audi coupe-style Xfinity body shell

Name: West Coast Racing
Colors: Ice silver, deep red, and black
Logo: Stylized “WCR” badge wrapped beneath the four Audi rings, framed by west coast mountains and a racing stripe sunset motif
Slogan: “Speed. Precision. West Coast Swagger.”

Team Principal: Matt Heidrich – former IMSA engineer and GT3 program leader at Audi
Technical Director: Kara Melendez – formerly with Andretti Autosport in Indy Lights
Crew Chief (TBA): Hiring from within the Xfinity paddock, with an emphasis on data-driven pit strategy

Team Statement:
“West Coast Racing is more than a team — it’s a movement. We're here to show that Audi’s performance DNA belongs in NASCAR, and we’ll do it with style, technical precision, and serious pace.”​

“The Xfinity Series is the perfect place for this next chapter in Audi’s motorsport evolution. The fans are passionate, the racing is intense, and we’re ready to make our mark.”​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Phoenix Raceway Part Two
12th March

Qualifying Recap – United Rentals 200
Phoenix Raceway – 1-mile low-banked oval
Format: Two-group, single-round knockout (short track format)
Track Conditions: Cool, grippy surface – overcast skies, light breeze
Focus: Braking precision, short-run grip, throttle timing off Turn 4

Pole Winner – Tommy Bedlam (#22, Team Penske)
For the third time in four races, Tommy Bedlam proved lethal in single-lap pace, laying down a 27.692-second flyer in the final moments of Group B.

“This place rewards discipline — we hit every corner perfect. This car is just fun to drive right now.” – Tommy Bedlam

Big Performers in Qualifying:
- Christian Eckes continues to show maturity and pace — now a regular top-five qualifier.

- Ty Gibbs was fastest in Group A but just missed the pole by 0.025s to Bedlam.

-Cole Custer quietly sharpens his form — fifth is his best start of 2022.

Notable Struggles:
- Kevin Magnussen only managed 14th, citing brake lockup mid-lap.

- Noah Gragson will roll off 16th, saying the car was too loose exiting Turn 2.

- Riley Herbst struggled to find grip and qualified 21st — visibly frustrated post-run.

Driver Quotes:
Ty Gibbs: “We’ve got race pace — and Phoenix races different than it qualifies. We’ll be in it.”
Allgaier: “Happy with third. Long run matters more here — and we’re ready.”
Eckes: “Best I’ve felt here. Got clean laps. We’re not backing down.”​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Phoenix Raceway Part Three
12th March | 200 laps (Stage 1–2: 45 laps; Stage 3: 110 laps)

[Stage One Recap 1-45]

Lap 1 – Bedlam Leads Cleanly
- Tommy Bedlam launched strong from pole, clearing Ty Gibbs into Turn 1.

- Behind them, Christian Eckes got aggressive early, getting around Allgaier by Lap 3 to slot into P3.
-
- Cole Custer and Austin Hill stayed tight in formation, waiting for the lead pack to shake out.

Lap 10–20 – Tight Pack, JR Motorsports Flexes
- Allgaier regrouped and took back P3 from Eckes on Lap 12 with a clean dive in Turn 4.

- Sam Mayer, starting 8th, began creeping forward and took P6 from Daniel Hemric by Lap 18.

- The top 6 stayed under a 2.5 second blanket — nose-to-tail in clean air.

Lap 22 – Caution: Contact in Turn 2
- Bayley Currey (#4) and Matt Mills (#5) made light contact exiting Turn 2, sending Mills sliding through the dogleg apron. No damage, but NASCAR threw the first yellow of the race.

- Everyone stayed out — too early for tires, but drivers took a moment to cool brakes and reset.

Lap 27 Restart – Gibbs Takes the Lead!
- Ty Gibbs got the jump on the restart and cleared Bedlam down the frontstretch, using the dogleg line perfectly.

- Bedlam tucked into second, not pushing the issue, saving tires for the long game.

- Allgaier followed through to briefly pressure the #22 before settling back into 3rd.

Lap 30–45 – Clean Green to the Stage End
- Gibbs extended his lead to over 1.3 seconds by Lap 40 — controlled, smooth laps from the JGR driver.

- Christian Eckes battled back to pass Custer for 4th, looking strong on corner exit.

- Austin Hill, quietly consistent, held firm in 6th but couldn't close the gap to the leaders.

Stage One Finish – Ty Gibbs Wins First Stage of 2022
- Ty Gibbs takes his first stage win of the season, holding off Bedlam by a second flat.

- Allgaier, Eckes, and Custer round out the Top 5 in a clean, high-quality stage.

[Stage Two Recap 46-90]

Stage Break Pit Stops – Allgaier Gains, Grala Gambles
- All the lead-lap cars pitted under the stage caution.

- Ty Gibbs, Bedlam, and Allgaier all took four tires and fuel.

- Kaz Grala rolled the dice with a two-tire call, gaining six spots to restart inside the Top 5.

- Quick work from the JR Motorsports crew got Allgaier off pit road ahead of Bedlam, reshuffling the order.

Lap 51 Restart – Gibbs Defends, Chaos Behind
- Gibbs launched cleanly again, maintaining the lead into Turn 1.

- Allgaier slotted into 2nd, while Grala, on two tires, quickly became a moving roadblock.

- Bedlam, Eckes, and Custer all swarmed the #48, taking back their positions by Lap 54.

Lap 60–70 – JR Motorsports Three-Wide
- Eckes, Allgaier, and Sam Mayer ran nose-to-tail and even three-wide for a moment down the dogleg.

- Bedlam fought hard to stay in the mix, passing Eckes for 3rd with a clean bump in Turn 2.

- Austin Hill re-entered the Top 5, quietly managing his tires and looking better on the long run.

Lap 75 – Caution: Contact in the Mid-Pack
- Brennan Poole (#6) and Bayley Currey (#4) tangled entering Turn 3 — both brushed the wall. No major damage, but NASCAR threw the yellow to bunch the field.

- Teams elected to stay out, knowing another caution could come near the end of the stage.

Lap 80 Restart – Bedlam Makes His Move
- Tommy Bedlam got an amazing restart, going three-wide with Gibbs and Allgaier, taking the lead for the first time since Lap 15.

- Gibbs tried the crossover but couldn’t make it stick — the #22 pulled away by 0.7 seconds.


Lap 90 – Stage Two Finish: Bedlam Strikes Back
- Tommy Bedlam scores his third stage win of the year with a commanding final stint.

- Ty Gibbs, Eckes, and Allgaier battled hard for 2nd–4th, with Custer holding onto 5th.

[Stage Three Recap 91-200]

Lap 91 – Final Stage Begins: Bedlam Leads
- Tommy Bedlam led the field to green after winning Stage Two, but Ty Gibbs quickly challenged down the dogleg.

- Christian Eckes ran third, with Allgaier and Custer rounding out the top five.

- Austin Hill and Sam Mayer swapped sixth multiple times as the field spread out.

Lap 105–130 – Long Run Pace Emerges
- Gibbs made the move for the lead on Lap 109, pinning Bedlam behind a lapped car into Turn 3.

- Bedlam stayed within half a second, managing tire wear and radioing: “Let him come back to us — long way to go.”

- Kevin Magnussen, who started mid-pack, surged into the Top 10, passing Daniel Hemric and Kaz Grala on a steady charge.

Lap 137 – Caution: Natalie Decker Spins
- Natalie Decker (#33) spun off Turn 4 — no contact, but the yellow flew with 63 laps to go.

All lead-lap cars pitted:

- Four tires and fuel for all major contenders

- Kaulig Racing nailed the stop — Magnussen jumped two spots on pit road

Lap 142 Restart – Mayhem at the Front
- Gibbs and Bedlam restarted side-by-side and made slight contact in Turn 2.

- Bedlam muscled ahead, but Eckes took advantage, diving low and stealing 2nd.

- Allgaier moved into 4th, while Custer faded slightly after a slow restart.

Lap 150–180 – Pressure Mounts
- Bedlam, Eckes, and Gibbs ran nose-to-tail for nearly 20 laps in a tight, tense battle.

- Behind them, Allgaier started gaining time and Austin Hill pulled back into the top 5.

- Magnussen continued his patient climb — now P7 and eyeing more.

Lap 186 – Final Caution: Poole and Labbé Crash
- A fierce mid-pack battle ended when Brennan Poole and Alex Labbé tangled off Turn 2, bringing out the final caution.

- Field reset for a 10-lap shootout to decide it all.

Lap 191 Restart – Eckes Goes for It
- Eckes got an incredible restart from the outside lane, clearing Bedlam and Gibbs into Turn 1.

- Gibbs and Bedlam touched again into Turn 3, letting Allgaier sneak into 2nd.

- Kevin Magnussen passed Hill and Custer in one lap — now running P4.

Lap 200 – Christian Eckes Wins at Phoenix!
- Christian Eckes (R) holds off Justin Allgaier to score his first career Xfinity Series win in style.

- Bedlam, Gibbs, and Magnussen rounded out the Top 5 in a wild finish.

+ + + +

Victory Lane – Christian Eckes Soaks in His First Xfinity Win
The #8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet rolls into Phoenix Victory Lane under a setting Arizona sun. Crew members climb the pit wall, high-fiving and fist-pumping as confetti rains down. Christian Eckes takes a moment. He climbs out slowly, helmet still on, hands trembling just slightly. He stares at the crowd, then at the car — then raises both fists skyward as the cheers erupt.]

Christian Eckes – Winner, United Rentals 200:
“I don’t even have the words. I’ve dreamed about this moment since I was a kid — just praying I’d get the chance to prove I belong here. And today… today we did it.”

“I’ve been close. We’ve been fast every week this year. But I knew we had to close one out. I didn’t care if it was Vegas, Daytona, wherever — but Phoenix? Phoenix feels right. You have to earn it here.”

“That last restart… man. I just went for it. I knew I had one shot, and I hit it perfect. The car stuck, and I wasn’t looking back. It was the cleanest, fastest, most locked-in I’ve felt in a stock car.”

“To everyone who believed in me — thank you. To everyone who doubted me — this one’s for you too. We’re here now. And I promise — this won’t be the last one.”

Eckes' Crew Chief (JR Motorsports):
“That’s what this team was building toward. He’s been driving like a veteran all season. He earned every bit of this win.”

As the celebration continues, Christian Eckes takes a slow walk along the pit wall, slapping hands with fans and tearing up slightly as he hugs his crew one by one. A hard-fought, well-earned moment — and maybe, the beginning of something big.​

 

[Tommy Bedlam]

"Definitely felt like we had a car that could win. We just couldn't get much going once we got in dirty air. It was a good points day, but taking the checkered flag would've been great. All we can do is get back to work and try to win the next one."

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Phoenix Raceway Part Four
12th March

Tommy Bedlam – Post-Race Interview (P3 Finish – Phoenix Raceway)
“Third-place today? That’s a win in a different way. We were up front, we led laps, and we were in the mix to the very end. That’s all you can ask for at a place like Phoenix.”

“The car was fast, the crew was flawless, and every call we made today kept us in the game. I gave it everything I had on that last restart, but Christian [Eckes] nailed his. Full credit to him — he earned it. But we were right there, and that’s what matters.”

“Days like this? They just prove something I’ve been saying since Daytona — signing with Penske was the smartest move of my career so far.”

“I took a risk walking away from the Chevrolet ladder and turning down some big names, but Roger Penske believed in me, gave me the #22 car, and let me run the program the way I know how. And now we’re three Top 5s and two wins into the season — that’s not luck, that’s the result of a team that fits me.”

“We’ve got a long road ahead. I haven’t hit my win goal yet, but I know we’re on the path. We’ve got the equipment, we’ve got the chemistry, and I’ve never had this much fun behind the wheel.”

Tommy remains one of the strongest early-season favorites, continuing to back up the hype with consistency and maturity — and proving that the switch to Ford and Penske wasn’t just a headline move, but a career-defining turning point.

+ + + +

Kevin Magnussen – Post-Race (P5 Finish – Phoenix Raceway)
“I’m happy with where we are right now. This is only my second full year racing on ovals, and already we’re finishing top five in the Xfinity Series — that’s a big step. I’m still learning how to read these races — how the track evolves, how to position the car in traffic, how to manage the tires — but it’s coming together.”

“Every week I feel more comfortable. The racing here is raw, it’s intense, and I love it. There’s nothing like throwing a big stock car into Turn 1 three-wide and making it stick.”

“That said, I’ve got one eye on COTA. I’m a road racer at heart — that’s where I’m most at home. If there’s a track where I think we can fight for our first win, it’s there.”

“Kaulig Racing has given me a great car, a great team, and the trust to keep improving. I think we’ll be ready when we get to Austin. I’m not showing up there just to compete — I’m going to try and win.”

Magnussen’s smooth adaptation to oval racing combined with his road course pedigree makes him a legitimate threat at COTA — and if momentum carries over, his first Xfinity Series win might not be far off.

+ + + +

Noah Gragson – Post-Race (P13 – Phoenix Raceway)
“Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it — I’m frustrated. I see the #8 and the #7 running up front, and I’m sitting here fighting for 13th with a car that just wasn’t in the same zip code. That’s tough to swallow when we’re under the same roof.”

“I know those guys are good — Eckes drove his tail off today, and Allgaier’s one of the best at Phoenix. But still… I expect to be in that mix. We should be in that mix. And right now? We’re just not.”

“We’ve got work to do before Atlanta. That’s a high-speed place — you can’t be off by half a percent there or you’re gonna get chewed up. I’ve got confidence in this team, but we’ve got to hit the reset button and get the balance right.”

“I’m not mad at anyone — I’m just fired up. I want to win races. I want to fight for this championship. And I’m not gonna settle for being a support act to my teammates.”

Gragson’s frustration is raw but focused — and with Atlanta up next, a track where aggression and speed pay off, you can bet he’ll be coming in with something to prove.

+ + + +

Riley Herbst – Post-Race Reflection (P29 – Phoenix Raceway)
“Yeah… I’m feeling it. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. There’s a lot of pressure this year, and I know what’s on the line. We’ve got so many talented Ford guys coming up in the Truck Series — and they’re hungry. If I’m not performing, there’s no guarantee I’m in this seat next year.”

“I’ve been doing this long enough to know that consistency matters — and I haven’t delivered that yet this season. It’s not just about bad luck or tough breaks anymore. I’ve got to take accountability and find a way to turn things around.”

“The team is working hard, the cars have speed, but we’re not putting full races together. You can’t afford to be finishing at the back, not when guys like Bedlam, Hill, and even Barry Clock-Tower are out there lighting it up and showing what Ford’s future pipeline looks like.”

“Atlanta’s next. Fast track. Big opportunity. I’ve got to make it count. No more excuses.”

Riley Herbst faces mounting scrutiny as the depth of Ford’s development talent in the Truck Series — including drivers like Tommy Bedlam, Arthur D’Tea, Barry Clock-Tower, and Matt DiBenedetto — begins to loom over the future of his Xfinity ride at Stewart-Haas Racing.

+ + + +

2022 Championship Standings​

Position​	Driver​	Car #​	Team​	Points​
1​	Tommy Bedlam (R)​	#22​	Team Penske​	256​
2​	Ty Gibbs​	#54​	Joe Gibbs Racing​	239​
3​	Christian Eckes (R)​	#8​	JR Motorsports​	221​
4​	Justin Allgaier​	#7​	JR Motorsports​	211​
5​	Kevin Magnussen (R)​	#11​	Kaulig Racing​	195​
6​	Cole Custer​	#00​	Stewart-Haas Racing​	186​
7​	Noah Gragson​	#9​	JR Motorsports​	167​
8​	Austin Hill (R)​	#21​	Richard Childress Racing​	165​
9​	Sam Mayer​	#1​	JR Motorsports​	153​
10​	Kaz Grala​	#48​	Big Machine Racing​	147​
11​	Daniel Hemric​	#2​	Richard Childress Racing​	140​
12​	A.J. Allmendinger​	#16​	Kaulig Racing​	132​
13​	Landon Cassill​	#10​	Kaulig Racing​	122​
14​	Matt Mills​	#5​	B.J. McLeod Motorsports​	112​
15​	Anthony Alfredo​	#23​	Our Motorsports​	111​
16​	Brandon Jones​	#18​	Joe Gibbs Racing​	103​
17​	Ryan Sieg​	#39​	RSS Racing​	102​
18​	Josh Williams​	#36​	DGM Racing​	99​
19​	Sammy Smith​	#18​	Joe Gibbs Racing​	94​
20​	Rajah Caruth​	#44​	Alpha Prime Racing​	92​
21​	Alex Labbé​	#92​	DGM Racing​	91​
22​	Jeb Burton​	#27​	Our Motorsports​	86​
23​	Jeremy Clements​	#51​	Jeremy Clements Racing​	81​
24​	Bayley Currey​	#4​	JD Motorsports​	80​
25​	Jesse Iwuji​	#31​	Jesse Iwuji Motorsports​	75​
26​	Brennan Poole​	#6​	JD Motorsports​	67​
27​	Joey Gase​	#35​	Emerling-Gase Motorsports​	67​
28​	Riley Herbst​	#98​	Stewart-Haas Racing​	63​
29​	Natalie Decker​	#33​	Reaume Brothers Racing​	63​
30​	J.J. Yeley​	#66​	MBM Motorsports​	60​

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Position​	Driver​	Truck #​	Team​	Wins​	Playoff Points​
1​	Tommy Bedlam (R)​	#22​	Team Penske​	2​	14​
2​	Justin Allgaier​	#7​	JR Motorsports​	1​	5​
3​	Christian Eckes (R)​	#8​	JR Motorsports​	1​	5​
4​	Ty Gibbs​	#54​	Joe Gibbs Racing​	0​	2​
5​	Kevin Magnussen (R)​	#11​	Kaulig Racing​	0​	1​