NASCAR: Beyond All Reason

[Spitfire]

Supercars Championship 2022 – Round One: Part One
Race One: March 5
The lights are ready to shine on the 2022 Supercars Championship as the season kicks off with Race One under the floodlights at the electrifying Sydney SuperNight, held at the high-speed and technical Sydney Motorsport Park. With new driver lineups, fresh rivalries, and championship ambitions, all eyes are on this explosive season opener.

Headlines Leading into Round One

Chris Southern Makes Triple Eight Debut in the #88
The biggest story of the off-season: Chris Southern joins Triple Eight Race Engineering, taking over the iconic #88 Red Bull Ampol Holden Commodore ZB from the legendary Jamie Whincup.

After finishing 6th in the 2021 standings with Blanchard Racing, Southern is now expected to fight for podiums and wins from Day 1.

"It’s a surreal feeling to pull into the garage with the Red Bull team logo over my head," Southern says. "I know the expectations are high, but I’m ready."

SVG Starts His Title Defense
Shane van Gisbergen, the reigning champion, begins his quest for back-to-back championships and a potential third title overall. The New Zealand star will be gunning for early wins to assert dominance.

New Rivalries Forming
With Southern now at Triple Eight, rival teams like Dick Johnson Racing (Davison & De Pasquale) and Tickford Racing (Waters) are gearing up to take the fight to Red Bull Ampol Racing.

The Sydney layout has historically suited Anton De Pasquale, who swept multiple races at the venue in 2021.

Track Preview: Sydney Motorsport Park (Eastern Creek, NSW)
Format: Sprint format, night race under lights
Lap length: 3.9 km
Key challenges:
- High-speed corners and heavy braking zones
- Tyre management critical with SuperSoft compounds
- Strategy can flip the grid—especially with twilight-to-night transitions
+ + + +
Qualifying Recap

Key Highlights

Anton De Pasquale on Pole
The DJR driver continued his love affair with Sydney Motorsport Park, snatching pole with a flawless lap in the dying moments of the session. This marks his fifth pole at Sydney in the last two seasons.

SVG vs. Southern – Front Row Rivalry Brewing
Shane van Gisbergen looked set for pole until De Pasquale edged him out by just 0.042 seconds. Chris Southern, in his first qualifying session with Triple Eight, stunned the paddock with P3, just 0.080s off pole. The rookie lines up right behind the pole sitter, hinting at a potential three-way duel come race time.​

Southern: “That was the most hooked-up I’ve felt in a Supercar. We’re in the fight now — let’s see what we’ve got under lights.”

Midfield Mix-Ups
Chaz Mostert and Will Davison were both within a tenth of the front row but couldn’t quite piece together the perfect lap. Tickford Racing put two cars inside the top eight with Waters and Courtney looking sharp on longer runs.

What to Expect in the Race:
- Three-team battle up front between DJR, Triple Eight, and Tickford.

- Southern could play a huge part in strategic calls for Triple Eight — especially if he jumps De Pasquale at the start.

- Watch for Mostert and Percat to go aggressive early on.

- Night conditions will change grip levels — tire management will be key in the second half of the race.​

 

[O-Blaze]

Brandon Blaze interested in running the Indianapolis 500?

Brandon Blaze was recently overheard expressing interest in running in the Indianapolis 500. When asked about it, he said "Yeah, I've talked to Chip about it, the focus right now is definitely the International Series, and trying to focus on winning a championship. But I definitely would love to run it one day. It's one of the biggest races ever, a lot of talented and amazing drivers have won it. I'd love to have a chance to add my name to the list of winners."

 

[Spitfire]

Chip Ganassi has responded to Brandon Blaze’s interest in the Indianapolis 500, stating:

"If Brandon wants to race in the Indy 500, he’s going to have to earn it. That means showing real form in the NASCAR International Series, potentially impressing in other disciplines, and most importantly—getting experience in open-wheel cars. It’s not something you just jump into. The 500 demands a different kind of preparation, and he knows that."

This sets a clear path for Blaze: success in NIS, versatility across series, and serious commitment to open-wheel training. Let me know if you'd like Blaze to comment further or if the media picks this up.
Chip Ganassi has expanded on his stance regarding Brandon Blaze’s desire to race in the Indianapolis 500, offering a clear directive:

"If Brandon is serious about this, then he needs to commit. He can’t just say he wants it—he has to choose one of two long-term plans to get there. Either he starts racing part-time in open-wheel machinery during the NIS offseason and in-between race weekends, or we put together a full crossover program where he gradually transitions from stock cars to open-wheel, similar to what Kurt Busch did. But he can’t do it halfway. If he wants a seat at Indy, he has to prove he’s willing to build toward it properly."

This signals that Ganassi is open to the idea, but only if Blaze commits to a structured, multi-year path.​

 

[Spitfire]

Supercars Championship 2022 – Round One: Part Two
Race One: March 5

Race Format: Sprint – 125 km | 32 Laps | 1 compulsory pit stop
Track Conditions: Cool and dry under lights
Pole Position: Anton De Pasquale (DJR #11 Ford Mustang GT)

LAP 1 – Lights Out!
- Anton De Pasquale gets a clean jump off the line.

- Chris Southern absolutely nails the launch and edges past SVG into Turn 1, taking 2nd place.

- Cameron Waters holds 4th, with Chaz Mostert aggressively challenging him into Turn 5.

- Midfield: Nick Percat and James Courtney make light contact at Turn 6, no damage.

LAP 2–5 – Settling In
- Top 3: De Pasquale leads Southern by 0.6s, SVG a further 0.4s behind.

- Southern is matching Anton’s pace, staying glued to his bumper through Sector 2.

- Mostert clears Waters for P4 with a bold move into Turn 8 on Lap 4.

- Davison drops to P7, struggling for early grip.

LAP 6–9 – Early Pressure
- Southern begins showing the nose, especially into Turn 2 and 6 — the rookie isn’t backing off.

- Van Gisbergen stays patient in P3, saving tires.

- Davison pits early (Lap 8) for an undercut attempt — a strategic roll of the dice.

- Tickford’s James Courtney is under pressure from Brodie Kostecki, battling for 9th.

LAP 10–14 – Pit Stops Begin
- Anton De Pasquale pits from the lead on Lap 11, a clean stop from DJR.

- Southern and SVG stay out, pushing for the overcut.

- Southern pits on Lap 13 — and it’s a brilliant stop! He exits side-by-side with Anton in the pit lane merge and takes the lead on the outlap!

-SVG pits Lap 14, rejoins in P3 but loses 1.5s to the front duo.

LAP 15–20 – Southern Leads!
- Chris Southern now leads Race 1 on debut!

- Anton sticks to his bumper, trying to force a mistake.

- SVG closes the gap slightly, bringing himself into DRS-style range (figuratively).

- Midfield movers: Mostert holding P4, Percat jumps Waters in pit cycle for P5.

- Commentary: "We’ve got a fight on our hands, folks! Southern is not intimidated by the moment. This kid is fearless."

LAP 21–25 – Tension Rises
- Southern is flawless under pressure, defending perfectly through Turns 6 and 8.

- Anton nearly runs wide on Lap 23, giving Southern breathing room.

- Van Gisbergen now right on Anton’s rear bumper, Triple Eight could swap positions.

LAP 26–29 – The Final Charge
- DJR doesn’t swap, Anton continues attacking, but Southern holds strong.

- Lap 27: SVG finally dives inside Anton at Turn 2 — clean move! SVG now P2, 1.3s behind Southern.

- Behind them: Mostert safe in P4, Percat vs. Waters continues in P5/P6.

LAP 30–32 – The Finish
- Southern manages the gap like a seasoned pro.

- SVG can’t close the final second, tires are fading.

- Final lap: No mistakes. Chris Southern takes the checkered flag in a stunning victory in his first driver for Triple Eight and first ever victory in the series!

* * *

Chris Southern Celebrates First Supercars Victory at Sydney SuperNight

Chris Southern stood on the top step of the podium under the floodlights at Sydney Motorsport Park, arms raised and beaming with emotion after capturing his maiden Supercars victory in just his first race for Triple Eight Race Engineering. The 22-year-old rookie stunned the paddock with a composed and clinical drive, leading the final third of the race after a perfectly timed pit stop and holding off both Shane van Gisbergen and Anton De Pasquale to seal the win.

Post-Race Interview – Chris Southern:
"This is unreal. Absolutely unreal. I came into this season just hoping to compete at the front, and now here I am standing on the podium — on the top step — in my very first race with Triple Eight."

"Full credit to the team. They gave me a car that was just hooked up from the start. The Holden ZB was a dream to drive tonight. It responded to everything I asked from it — under brakes, on exit, in dirty air — it was just perfect. I knew if I kept it clean and stuck to my plan, we had a shot."

Southern praised the professionalism and preparation of his new team:

"Triple Eight is everything people say it is — the best of the best. From the engineers to the pit crew, the way they trust me and treat me like I've been here for years... it's honestly humbling. I’m just proud I could deliver for them tonight."

Southern on the #88 Legacy:
"To take my first win in the #88 car, the one Jamie Whincup made legendary, is something I’ll never forget. It’s a privilege to carry that number and to deliver a result like this in my first outing means the world to me."

Celebrations Begin – But Eyes Still Forward:
The celebrations at Triple Eight were heartfelt but measured — as always, there's more work to do. With Race 2 on the horizon, Southern and the team will now look to carry momentum through the weekend and the championship.

"Tonight’s special, but I’m already thinking about tomorrow. We’ve got a long season ahead, and this is just the beginning."

Triple Eight takes a 1-2 finish, and Chris Southern firmly announces his arrival as a serious contender in the 2022 Supercars Championship.​

 

[Spitfire]

Social Media Buzz – Southern's Victory Sparks Praise from Racing Peers
After Chris Southern's stunning debut win in Race 1 of the 2022 Supercars Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park, praise poured in from across the motorsport world — especially from drivers who, like Southern, have their roots in the NASCAR Truck Series.

Three notable names — each racing on their own international paths — took to social media to celebrate the milestone:

Logan Slayer (@Slayer19F3)
"Massive congrats to Chris Southern on that win in Sydney! Awesome seeing a fellow ex-Truck Series guy make it happen halfway across the world. F3 or Supercars, real ones rise #Respect #TruckRoots #SouthernStorm"

Tommy Bedlam (@TommyB22)
"We used to throw fenders in the Trucks, now he’s throwing down in Australia. That’s how it’s done. Let’s go Chris! #88club #TruckToTrack #SupercarsReady"

Arthur D'Tea (@Arthur51T)
"Chris Southern repping for the Truck alumni big time From short tracks to Supercars — what a race! Class drive, bro. Keep it rolling. #TruckSeriesFamily #SupercarsSuccess"

The cross-discipline support highlights the growing trend of young talents making the leap across series and continents — and Southern’s win is quickly becoming a symbol of the Truck Series producing world-class talent beyond NASCAR.​

 

[Spitfire]

Race 1 Recap - 4 Hours Abu Dhabi | 5th March

It was another thrilling endurance race under the lights at the Yas Marina Circuit. With the race weekend following the opening rounds at Dubai, expectations were high for teams to show improvement and bring their A-game.

Key Moments of the Race

Start of the Race
- The race kicked off under the lights, and the field of LMP3 cars was ready to take on the 4-hour challenge at one of the most famous tracks in motorsport. Bobby Rey started for Inter Europol Competition in the #13 car, with Guilherme Oliveira and Germain Loochhausen waiting to take over for their stints.

- From the start, Bobby Rey showed strong pace, positioning the car well within the top five after the opening laps. His experience from Dubai was evident as he maintained control, despite the fierce competition from other LMP3 teams.

Pit Stops and Strategy
- Pit stops became crucial during the race as tire wear and fuel management played a significant role in how the teams managed their performance. Inter Europol Competition executed their stops flawlessly, keeping the car in contention throughout the race.

- In the middle stint, Germain Loochhausen took over and continued the strong drive, keeping pace with the leaders. He was able to make some critical overtakes and showed a solid understanding of the circuit's nuances. His confidence was growing, and the team was gaining momentum.

Tight Battles at the Front
- By the halfway point, the race saw a tight battle for the lead, with Inter Europol Competition #13 consistently staying within striking distance. The lead kept changing hands as the teams played strategy games, adjusting to track conditions and tire degradation.

- Guilherme Oliveira took over for the final stint, bringing the car home for a strong finish. However, the competition was fierce, and despite a hard-fought battle, Inter Europol Competition finished in 4th place after a consistent performance throughout the race.

Race Conclusion
- While the #13 car didn’t secure a podium finish, it was a great result considering the fierce competition. Bobby Rey, Germain Loochhausen, and Guilherme Oliveira showed resilience and skill under the lights, and the team is now looking to build on this momentum heading into Race 2 at Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Summary
Position: 4th place
Team: Inter Europol Competition #13
Drivers: Bobby Rey, Germain Loochhausen, Guilherme Oliveira
Result: Strong and consistent drive, but missed out on the podium due to intense competition.

While the podium eluded them, the race marked an important milestone for Bobby Rey and Germain Loochhausen, showcasing their growth in endurance racing and their ability to compete with top-tier teams. They were pleased with their performance and are already looking forward to improving in Race 2.​

 

[O-Blaze]

"Hey, if Chip wants me to do more open Wheel, and prove I'm serious, then I'm down for that. Sounds like fun to me honestly, so sigm me up!" Brandon Blaze said on the comments from Chip Ganassi

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Las Vegas Speedway Part Four
5th March

Key Storylines Entering Vegas

Can Anyone Stop Tommy Bedlam?
Two starts. Two wins. Full rookie. Tommy Bedlam has taken the Xfinity Series by storm — winning Daytona and Auto Club with calm under pressure and veteran-like racecraft. The #22 Penske Ford is the car to beat, but Las Vegas will test his adaptability under slicker, night-time conditions.

"We've got momentum, but this field is deep. You can't relax in this series — not for a second." – Bedlam

JR Motorsports: Depth in Numbers
Christian Eckes (R) has opened his season with 3rd and 5th place finishes, making him the top rookie challenger.

Justin Allgaier and Sam Mayer have quietly stacked strong stage results.

Noah Gragson, always dangerous at 1.5-milers, will look to rebound after being caught out late at Auto Club.

Ty Gibbs – The Calm Before the Storm?
Gibbs has been consistently fast, but winless through the first two races. He’s qualified on pole and finished top 5 both times. Vegas is a track where short-run speed matters — and that’s his specialty.

"We’ve been there every week. Sooner or later, we’re going to finish one off."

Kaulig Rising: Magnussen’s Making Noise
Kevin Magnussen (R) nearly stole the show at Auto Club, leading the middle portion of the race and finishing 6th. A.J. Allmendinger and Landon Cassill bring veteran knowledge, but all eyes are on the former F1 driver as he adapts to intermediate ovals.

Vegas = Real Test for Mid-Pack Teams
Drivers like Kaz Grala, Austin Hill, and Cole Custer are ready to flex at Las Vegas:

- Austin Hill (R) has been strong late in both races.

- Custer returns to a track he’s dominated in the past.

- Kaz Grala and Anthony Alfredo are trending upward.


* * *

Audi Confirms Plans to Join NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2023

Audi is coming to NASCAR. Officially.
In a major pre-qualifying announcement, Audi Motorsport has confirmed its intent to field an Xfinity Series program starting in the 2023 season, marking another bold move in the growing global expansion of NASCAR’s top development tier.

Audi's Statement:
“We’re proud to confirm that Audi will enter the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2023. Our engineering teams have already completed the foundational safety and technical tests — a process fast-tracked due to our prior approval as a future entrant to the NASCAR International Series (NIS).”

“We are currently in active discussions with multiple existing Xfinity teams to establish competitive partnerships, and we’re committed to entering the series with high-performance standards, data-driven development, and long-term growth in mind.”

Why No Full Testing Required?
Unlike Honda, which is still undergoing full technical evaluation and wind tunnel tests to finalize their approval for competition i (2023 Truck Series) 2024 Xfinity Series, Audi’s prior approval for entry into the NASCAR International Series meant they already passed chassis compatibility, engine mapping, and ECU compliance checks.

This places Audi in a "green-lit" position, allowing them to skip redundant testing and shift immediately to car design, team alliances, and personnel recruitment.

What’s Next for Audi?
- Team Announcements Expected by Summer 2022: Several top-tier and mid-field Xfinity teams have already confirmed interest in becoming Audi-aligned operations.

Engine Package & Body Approval: Audi’s initial Xfinity engine platform will be based on their turbocharged inline-4 architecture, tuned for NASCAR specs to ensure parity with Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota V8 packages.

Potential Drivers: Rumors are swirling about whether Audi might bring international talent from touring cars or DTM, or if they’ll pursue rising NASCAR names who aren’t currently locked into manufacturer contracts.

Paddock Reaction:
One unnamed team owner: “It’s exciting. Audi brings serious resources. If they pick the right partner and don’t rush it, they’ll be contenders before people expect.”

Tommy Bedlam (Penske): “That’s huge. Another manufacturer? More depth, more competition. I’m all for it. Let’s race.”

A.J. Allmendinger: “If Audi’s getting in now, Cup teams are definitely watching. This is just the start.”

Audi’s arrival continues a massive wave of global interest in NASCAR, with Honda, BMW, and even Porsche rumored to be monitoring developments. For now, all eyes are on Audi’s next move — and who they sign with first.​

 

[Tommy Bedlam]

Ahead of the race in Las Vegas, Tommy Bedlam was asked about BRR Racing after two races. Specifically, he was asked about the performance of Jimbo Sullivan.

"I'm not concerned at all. We're a brand new team, and he's a rookie in this series. He's going to be fine; there's a reason that we chose him to fill that seat. It's easy to look at what Brett is doing and wonder why there's a discrepancy, but Brett has been in this series for a few years now. Sulley is a rookie driver on a rookie team. At Daytona, I told him to try to bring the truck back in one piece. He did that. Then his results last week in Fontana were better. He's going to win some races for this team. It's a learning process, and we're going to learn together."

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Las Vegas Speedway Part Five
5th March

Qualifying Recap
Format: Single-car, two-round knockout qualifying
Conditions: Clear skies, low grip, gusty winds down the frontstretch

Pole Winner – Ty Gibbs (#54, Joe Gibbs Racing)
For the second time this season, Ty Gibbs claimed pole with a blistering lap late in the final round of qualifying. His #54 Toyota was planted through Turns 1 and 2 and gained speed down the backstretch, setting the fastest time by over a tenth.

Ty Gibbs: “The car was hooked up, no doubt. This place fits my style — throttle control, speed, and commitment. Now we’ve just got to finish the job in the race.”
2nd Tommy Bedlam (R) #22 Team Penske
Bedlam came within striking distance of Gibbs again, just 0.11 seconds off pole. The two continue to trade blows in qualifying and race trim — with Bedlam still unbeaten on race day.

Notable Qualifying Stories
Christian Eckes (P5): Continues to outperform expectations — smooth, fast, and aggressive in clean air.

Kevin Magnussen (P6): Quietly establishing himself as a qualifying weapon, using smooth corner exits to full effect.

Noah Gragson (P7): Back near the front after a rough Auto Club — Vegas is a big opportunity to reset.

Austin Hill (P8): Consistent and confident — shaping up to be a legit contender for Rookie of the Race.

Struggles in Qualifying
Riley Herbst (P22) and Sammy Smith (P24) both reported tight handling issues.

Natalie Decker, Jesse Iwuji, and J.J. Yeley will start at the rear after inspection issues and pace struggles.

Post-Qualifying Quotes:
Tommy Bedlam: “P2 again — we’ll take it. We’ve got race pace. That’s what matters.”
Christian Eckes: “We’re rolling now. Every week we’re a little better. Let’s go racing.”
Magnussen: “Car felt stable. I think we’ll race well in traffic — just need to stay patient early.”​