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.”​

 

[Spitfire]

2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series: Las Vegas Speedway Part Six
5th March | 200 laps (Stage 1–2: 45 laps; Stage 3: 110 laps)

[Stage One Recap 1-45]

Lap 1 – Gibbs Holds the Lead, But Bedlam Pressures Early
- Ty Gibbs launched well from pole and cleared Tommy Bedlam by Turn 2, but Bedlam wasn’t letting him escape.

- For the first five laps, Bedlam hounded the #54’s rear bumper, running a slightly higher line through Turns 3 and 4, building momentum down the frontstretch.

- Justin Allgaier settled into third, with Cole Custer and Christian Eckes rounding out a tight top five.

Lap 10–20 – JR Motorsports on the Move
- Christian Eckes made a power move on Custer on Lap 11, taking 4th.

- Noah Gragson, starting 7th, pushed past both Magnussen and Cassill by Lap 18, moving into 6th and eyeing the lead pack.

- Eckes and Allgaier began working together in traffic, attempting to close the small gap to Bedlam and Gibbs.

Lap 22 – Mid-Pack Mayhem
- Three-wide racing deeper in the field saw Austin Hill, Kaz Grala, and Matt Mills all swap spots in a tight battle for P12.

- Bayley Currey nearly got turned off the nose of Jeremy Clements, but saved it.

- Ryan Sieg reported a vibration, but stayed out to finish the stage.

Lap 30–38 – Tire Wear Shows Up
- Lap times began to fall off dramatically.

- Bedlam began to close on Gibbs once more as the #54 Toyota started to tighten up in the center of the corner.

- Eckes got by Allgaier and began to stalk the front two, gaining ground every lap on the high line.

- Kevin Magnussen faded slightly but remained inside the top 10, learning the limits of tire conservation.

Lap 45 – Stage One Finish: Gibbs Holds On
- Despite the pressure, Ty Gibbs held off Tommy Bedlam by just a car length to win Stage One — his first stage win of the season.

- Eckes, Allgaier, and Gragson completed a strong JR Motorsports run in the top five.

- No cautions in the stage — pure green flag racing all the way.

[Stage Two Recap 46-90]

Lap 46 – Pit Stops Under Stage Caution
- Most of the lead-lap cars pitted under the stage break.

- Ty Gibbs, Tommy Bedlam, and Christian Eckes all took four tires and fuel.

- Kaz Grala and Ryan Sieg gambled with two tires to gain track position.

- Quick stop by JR Motorsports saw Noah Gragson leapfrog into the Top 3 for the restart.

Lap 51 Restart – Bedlam Strikes
- Tommy Bedlam launched perfectly and beat Gibbs into Turn 1, taking the lead for the first time all day.

- Gragson and Eckes ran side-by-side for 3rd, with Allgaier holding steady in 5th.

- Kaz Grala struggled with the two-tire call and began falling fast — losing five spots in three laps.

Laps 55–70 – JR Motorsports Comes Alive
- Christian Eckes and Justin Allgaier began reeling in the leaders. Eckes moved to the top lane, running longer entry arcs to preserve right-side tire life.

- Sam Mayer cracked the Top 10 and held off Magnussen, who was battling a tight-handling condition.

Lap 72 – Mid-Stage Caution: Brennan Poole Spins
- Brennan Poole (#6) lost the car off Turn 2 while running P25. No contact, but the spin brought out the caution.

- Front-runners stayed out. Mid-fielders like Austin Hill, Daniel Hemric, and Landon Cassill opted for fresh tires, setting up a split-strategy run to the end of the stage.

Lap 76 Restart – Gragson Goes Full Send
- Noah Gragson jumped to the inside of Gibbs and Bedlam, making it three-wide into Turn 1.

- He briefly took the lead but overcooked Turn 4, sliding up the track and letting Bedlam regain the top spot.

- Christian Eckes took advantage and passed Gibbs for 2nd as the field sorted itself out.

Lap 90 – Stage Two Finish: Bedlam Holds Strong
- Tommy Bedlam stayed cool under pressure, using the middle lane to preserve his tires and block runs.

- Christian Eckes got to within two car lengths but ran out of time — settling for 2nd in the stage.

- Ty Gibbs, Allgaier, and Gragson rounded out the Top 5.

[Stage Three Recap 91-200]

Lap 91 Restart – Eckes Takes the Fight to Bedlam
- Tommy Bedlam led the restart, but Christian Eckes immediately attacked, running the high groove with precision.

- On Lap 95, Eckes completed the pass — taking the lead for the first time in an Xfinity race.

- Ty Gibbs followed through to pass Bedlam for 2nd on Lap 99, pushing the #22 back to 3rd.

Lap 100–135 – Long Green Run & Tire Management
As rubber laid down, lap times dropped into long-run pace mode:

- Eckes maintained a steady 0.7s lead.

- Gibbs ran second, cooling his tires for a late push.

- Justin Allgaier crept into the picture, running in 4th but posting the fastest laps in clean air.

- Kevin Magnussen recovered from a tight-handling car and moved into 6th after passing Gragson and Custer.

Lap 140–150 – Green Flag Pit Cycle Begins
Leaders pit under green:

- Eckes, Gibbs, Bedlam, and Allgaier all came in within 3 laps of each other.

- Austin Hill stayed out longer — leading briefly — hoping for a caution to flip track position.

- No caution came, and Hill rejoined just outside the top 10 with fresher tires.

Lap 162 – Caution! Natalie Decker Spins
- Natalie Decker lost it exiting Turn 2, backing the #33 lightly into the wall. No major damage, but the yellow reset the field.

- Leaders stayed out, but Jeb Burton, Kaz Grala, and Ryan Sieg pitted for a fresh set, sitting P12–P15.

Lap 168 Restart – Chaos at the Front
- Eckes and Gibbs restarted side-by-side, with Bedlam right behind.

- Ty Gibbs timed the jump and took the lead into Turn 1, but Allgaier split them both on the backstretch and charged to 1st by Lap 170!

- The veteran Allgaier began to stretch his lead as Eckes and Gibbs battled behind him — slowing each other down.

Lap 180–190 – Final Green Flag Run
- Allgaier controlled the pace up front.

- Eckes finally cleared Gibbs on Lap 182 and began to hunt the lead again, cutting Allgaier’s lead from 2.2s to under 1 second by Lap 190.

- Tommy Bedlam, struggling on the long run, faded to 5th behind Magnussen, who made a bold move around the outside to crack the Top 4.

Lap 200 – Justin Allgaier Wins in Vegas
- Justin Allgaier took the checkered flag and captured his first win of the 2022 season, breaking the rookie streak and asserting JR Motorsports’ strength.

- Christian Eckes finished a career-best 2nd, another brilliant drive in a season that continues to impress.

- Ty Gibbs held on for 3rd, while Kevin Magnussen crossed 4th and Bedlam rounded out the Top 5 — still solid, but his first race without a win.

* * * * *

Victory Lane – Justin Allgaier Celebrates in Vegas

The #7 JR Motorsports Chevy pulls into victory lane as fireworks pop in the distance. Justin climbs out, throws both arms into the air, and slaps the roof of his car with a grin that says, “Finally.” His crew douses him with water and confetti. It's celebration time.]

Justin Allgaier (Winner – Alsco Uniforms 300):
“Man, that one feels good. This team — they gave me a race-winning car, and I finally got to show it.”

“I had to earn every lap of that. Tommy, Eckes, Gibbs — they all pushed me. But when we got out front, I knew if I just hit my marks and managed the tires, we could hold 'em off.”

“I’ve watched the rookies win the first two races, and they’ve earned that. But I wanted to remind everyone — the vets still got something for ‘em. Tonight, Vegas belongs to us.”

“Big thanks to JR Motorsports, to all the guys on this team, and the fans out here. We’re just getting started.”

[As the burnout smoke fills the air, Justin climbs the fence in classic fashion, saluting the crowd. The #7 team huddles for photos, the first win banner of 2022 going up proudly in the hauler.​

 

[Tommy Bedlam]

"I mean, you want to win every race, but that's not realistic. We're happy with a Top 5. Thanks to the Team Penske guys for putting me in another hotrod this weekend. We just couldn't maintain speed on the longer runs. We sort of planned for another couple of cautions in there, and didn't get them. Good points day, though. Got some stage points and a Top 5 finish. Let's go out and enjoy Las Vegas tonight before we get back to work first thing Monday morning."

 

[Spitfire]

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

Rookie Reactions – Las Vegas Top 10s

Christian Eckes (P2 – JR Motorsports, #8)
“Man, that was a fun one. We had a car that could win tonight. I was hoping for just one more caution to reset things and take a shot at Allgaier — but we ran him clean and came home second. That’s big for us.”

“This team is building something fast. Three races in, and I’ve felt comfortable in every one. Top five at Auto Club, podium here in Vegas — this isn’t a fluke. We’re showing we belong.”

Kevin Magnussen (P4 – Kaulig Racing, #11)
“I’m smiling, and that’s not always the case after ovals!”

“We made gains tonight. This place is tricky — very different from Auto Club or Daytona. I had to be patient, and the Kaulig car really came to life in the final 50 laps. Fourth is a great result.”

“It’s rewarding to see the hard work paying off. We’ll keep fighting — I’m enjoying this challenge more than I expected.”

Austin Hill (P8 – Richard Childress Racing, #21)
“This one feels like a win. We were a bit off in qualifying but the team made the right calls all night. On the long run, we were strong — I could pick people off and stay out of trouble.”

“I’m proud of how consistent we’ve been. Three races, three top-10s, and we’re quietly in the mix. Once we hit a track where I’ve got more laps, I think we can really shake things up.”

+ + + +

Tommy Bedlam – Post-Race Interview (P5 Finish – Las Vegas)

Tommy stands by the hauler, helmet off, hands on hips. He’s calm, collected — not disappointed, but focused. Reporters gather around after the #22 Penske Ford finishes outside victory lane for the first time in 2022.]

Q: Tommy, your win streak ends at two, but you still bring home a Top 5. How are you feeling about tonight’s race?

Tommy Bedlam:
“You know what? I’m good with it. You can’t win every race — I said that coming into the year. That doesn’t mean we’re not going to try, but this field is stacked. You’ve got veterans like Allgaier who’ve won everywhere, Gibbs is always a threat, and guys like Eckes and Magnussen? They’re getting better every single week.”

“I think tonight we were just a little too tight off the long run. We fired off great — led laps early — but when the track changed, we didn’t quite keep up. I fought the car a little bit in traffic, and it cost us time.”

Q: Is it tough to settle for 5th after back-to-back wins to start the season?

Tommy Bedlam:
“Nah, not really. I mean, of course you always want more — especially when we know we had a car capable of running up front — but fifth is nothing to hang your head about. The streak had to end at some point, right?”
“If anything, this is the kind of race that sharpens us. We learn more from fighting through adversity than from leading every lap. We’ll take the data, we’ll adjust, and we’ll be better in Phoenix. That’s how championship teams grow.”

Q: You've talked a lot about your long-term goals. Is there a number of wins you’re chasing this season?

Tommy Bedlam:
“Yeah. I’ve had it in my head since before Daytona — eight. That’s the number. Eight wins before the playoffs. If I can get there, I know we’ll be in control of our own destiny.”

“It’s not about dominance, it’s about consistency and statement wins. Every one of those eight wins I’m targeting needs to be earned, not gifted. That’s how you build confidence, and that’s how you scare people when the playoffs start.”

“We’ve got two already. That’s ahead of schedule. But we’ve got work to do on the mile-and-a-halfs — Vegas showed us that. I’m not chasing perfect. I’m chasing preparation. If we do our job, the wins will come.”

Q: So what’s the focus heading into Phoenix next weekend?

Tommy Bedlam:
“Phoenix is technical, and it’s a thinking man’s track. I’ve run well there before in lower series. We’ll go through the notes, get dialed in, and see if we can put the #22 back where it belongs.”

“And hey — even if we don’t win there either, we’re not going anywhere. We’re here for the long haul.”

Tommy leaves Vegas still leading the points standings, still confident, and now publicly locked in on chasing a massive regular-season goal: eight wins. And if history’s anything to go by… he’s just getting warmed up.

+ + + +
​

​

A.J. Allmendinger on Rising Xfinity Stars: Bedlam & K-Mag​

“I’ve been around this sport long enough to recognize when someone’s special. You can’t fake the kind of racecraft guys like Tommy and K-Mag are showing right now. It’s real. They’re not just fast — they’re smart, they’re patient, and they’re aggressive when they need to be.”

“You watch how they adjust to these longer races, how they handle restarts, how they adapt to different lines during tire falloff — and you realize they’re learning at double-speed compared to what most of us did when we were rookies.”

---

On Tommy Bedlam:​

“Tommy’s already got two wins in three races. That’s not luck — that’s execution. He races like he’s been here five years. If he keeps this up, I wouldn’t be shocked if a Cup team tries to bring him in for a one-off before the end of the year — or full-time in 2024.”

“He’s got the whole package — composure, feedback, and the ability to finish. That’s what Cup teams look for.”

---

On Kevin Magnussen:​

“K-Mag’s background is completely different — but he’s bringing that F1 precision and turning it into oval discipline. That’s not easy. He’s still learning how these cars move in traffic, but every week he’s climbing the ladder. A fourth-place at Vegas? That’s legit.”

“The manufacturers are watching. And with the way new teams are popping up, I’d be surprised if his name doesn’t come up in Cup garage conversations by the end of the year.”

---

Final Thoughts:​

“The Xfinity Series is stacked right now. But these two? They’re not just competing — they’re building résumés that are going to get them noticed. Cup owners love fresh talent, and Bedlam and K-Mag are making sure no one misses their names.”

 

[Spitfire]

Supercars Championship 2022 – Round One: Part Three
Race Two: March 6

Qualifying Recap

Cameron Waters on Pole!
Waters delivered a scorching lap in the final minute, securing his first pole of the season.

The Tickford driver was visibly fired up, looking to strike back after missing the podium in Race 1.

Southern Just Misses the Front Row
Southern was top of the timing sheets mid-session, but lost time in the final sector on his final flyer. He’ll start P4, behind teammate SVG in P2.

Still, an excellent result for a rookie backing up his debut win.

Southern: "We didn’t quite nail the final corner, but we’re right there. P4’s a good launch spot, and I’ve got faith in our pace over a race distance."

Davison Steps Up
After a quiet Race 1, Will Davison found speed in qualifying to jump to P3. He'll be eager to assert himself early.

De Pasquale Struggles for Clean Lap
Anton looked fast but got caught in traffic on his best lap. Starts P5, but has the speed to move forward quickly.

Strategy Watch:
- Track temps higher than in Race 1 — tire degradation will be more aggressive.
- Expect some teams to try early pit stops for the undercut, especially mid-pack.
- All eyes will be on Southern’s ability to fight forward and whether Waters can convert pole into a win.
+ + + + +

Race Format: Sprint – 125 km | 32 Laps | 1 compulsory pit stop
Track Conditions: Daylight Sprint
Pole Position: Cameron Waters (Tickford Racing #6 Ford Mustang GT)

LAP 1 – Waters Holds, Chaos Behind!
- Clean getaway for Cameron Waters, holds the lead into Turn 1.

- Chris Southern gets an excellent launch from P4 and goes three-wide into Turn 2, emerging in P3, splitting SVG and Davison.

- Behind them, Mostert and Percat make contact at Turn 6 – Percat runs wide, drops to P11.

LAP 2–5 – Early Jockeying
- Top 5: Waters, SVG, Southern, Davison, De Pasquale — all within 1.5 seconds.

- Southern looks more aggressive today, consistently poking around the inside of SVG at Turn 8.

- Brodie Kostecki moves up to P7 after a bold outside move on Winterbottom.

- Percat pits early (Lap 5) after reporting steering vibration from Lap 1 contact.

LAP 6–10 – Southern Makes His Move
- Lap 7: Southern launches down the inside of SVG into Turn 2 — side-by-side into the esses, and he makes the pass stick!

- Now running P2, he sets his sights on Cameron Waters, trailing by 0.8 seconds.

- De Pasquale clears Davison for P4 in Lap 9 — DJR wants to stay in touch with the front-runners.

LAP 11–15 – Pit Cycle Begins
- Davison pits Lap 11, hoping for undercut.

- Southern stays out and pushes hard, setting the fastest lap on Lap 12.

- Waters pits Lap 13, but has a slow right-rear change, losing 2 seconds!

- Southern pits Lap 14 — perfect stop by Triple Eight. He jumps Waters in the cycle and resumes in net P1!

- SVG pits Lap 15, but rejoins in P4 behind De Pasquale.

LAP 16–20 – Southern Leads Again
- Chris Southern now leads the race after the pit cycle, with De Pasquale P2 and Waters P3.

- Lap 18: De Pasquale attacks — Southern defends smartly into Turn 6.

- SVG closes in fast, setting fastest lap on Lap 19 — he’s back in the fight.

- Commentator: “He did it yesterday, and he’s doing it again. The rookie is showing veteran racecraft beyond his years.”

LAP 21–25 – High Tension at the Front
- Lap 22: Southern defends into Turn 2 again as De Pasquale dives deep — slight contact, but both hold position!

- Waters fades slightly, tire temps creeping up.
- SVG closes to 0.5s of De Pasquale, trying to force a mistake.

LAP 26–29 – Déjà vu Showdown
- It’s a repeat of Race 1 — Southern leads with De Pasquale and SVG locked in combat behind him.

- Lap 27: De Pasquale locks up at Turn 8! SVG dives underneath and grabs P2.

- With 5 laps to go, SVG is 0.9s behind Southern. It’s on again.

LAP 30–32 – Southern’s Grit
- SVG pushes hard, but can’t get close enough — the rookie is ice cold under pressure.

- Final lap: Southern nails every corner, not a wheel out of place.

-Checkered flag waves — Chris Southern wins Race 2!

- Back-to-back victories in his first Supercars round with Triple Eight— simply stunning.

Southern’s Reaction:
“Unbelievable! Two races, two wins. The car was perfect again, and I had to work for that one. Anton and SVG pushed me hard, but I just focused on hitting my marks. This team… what can I say? Triple Eight is the best in the game.”

2022 Standings​

Position​	Driver​	Team​	Car​	Points​
1​	Chris Southern​	Triple Eight​	Holden ZB​	300​
2​	Shane van Gisbergen​	Triple Eight​	Holden ZB​	276​
3​	Anton De Pasquale​	Dick Johnson Racing​	Ford Mustang GT​	258​
4​	Cameron Waters​	Tickford Racing​	Ford Mustang GT​	240​
5​	Chaz Mostert​	Walkinshaw Andretti United​	Holden ZB​	228​
6​	Will Davison​	Dick Johnson Racing​	Ford Mustang GT​	210​
7​	Brodie Kostecki​	Erebus Motorsport​	Holden ZB​	198​
8​	James Courtney​	Tickford Racing​	Ford Mustang GT​	186​
9​	Mark Winterbottom​	Team 18​	Holden ZB​	174​
10​	Todd Hazelwood​	Matt Stone Racing​	Holden ZB​	166​

 

[Spitfire]

Race 2 Recap - 4 Hours Abu Dhabi | 6th March

The 4 Hours of Abu Dhabi, held on 6th March 2022, wrapped up the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series’s Abu Dhabi leg at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit. After a strong showing in Race 1, the Inter Europol Competition #13 team, featuring Bobby Rey, Germain Loochhausen, and Guilherme Oliveira, returned to the track with their eyes set on improving their previous result and pushing for a podium finish.

Key Moments of the Race

Start of the Race
- The race began with Bobby Rey once again taking the wheel for the opening stint. After a solid start in Race 1, he was determined to improve, using the lessons learned from the previous day. As the lights went out, Rey got off to a strong start, making up positions early and maintaining a good pace through the opening laps.

- The track conditions were warmer compared to Race 1, which meant teams had to adjust their tire strategies accordingly. Bobby Rey managed his tire wear efficiently, keeping the car within striking distance of the top positions.

Pit Stops and Strategy
- The race was all about pit strategies and track positioning. Inter Europol Competition made swift pit stops during the first round, with Germain Loochhausen taking over for the middle stint. Loochhausen continued the work from Rey, maintaining a competitive pace and staying in the top half of the field.

- The team’s pit crew executed flawless stops, and Loochhausen was able to put in some strong laps, keeping the car in contention as the race entered its latter stages. With tire management being key, the team’s strategy was focused on getting through the race with minimal wear while maximizing track position during their stints.

Intense Battle for the Lead
- As the race moved into the final hour, Guilherme Oliveira took over the driving duties. Oliveira found himself in a close battle with several other LMP3 contenders for the top positions. The competition was fierce, but Oliveira held his ground, executing defensive moves and holding steady as the final laps approached.

- In the closing stages, Inter Europol Competition was in contention for a podium finish, but unfortunately, a tight battle for the top spots meant that the #13 car couldn’t quite manage to break into the podium positions.

Race Conclusion
After a thrilling final stint, Inter Europol Competition finished in 4th place once again. While the podium eluded them, the team improved significantly from Race 1, demonstrating clear progress and strong teamwork.

Summary
Position: 4th place
Team: Inter Europol Competition #13
Drivers: Bobby Rey, Germain Loochhausen, Guilherme Oliveira
Result: Another solid performance, improving on Race 1 but still just shy of the podium.

Despite not finishing on the podium, Inter Europol Competition showed continued improvement and resilience. Bobby Rey and Germain Loochhausen made notable strides in their LMP3 debut, while Guilherme Oliveira showcased strong defensive driving in the final stint. The team is now gearing up for future races, looking to build on these performances and challenge for podiums in the upcoming rounds of the Asian Le Mans Series.

* * * * *

Reflections from Bobby Rey and Germain Loochhausen on Their LMP3 Debut in the Asian Le Mans Series
After a competitive and challenging start to their LMP3 careers, Bobby Rey and Germain Loochhausen took some time to reflect on their performances during the opening rounds of the 2022 Asian Le Mans Series at Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where they secured two 4th place finishes and two 5th place finishes. Their consistent results were a sign of growth and determination, even though the podium remained elusive for now.

Bobby Rey:
“Looking back at these first two weekends, I can honestly say it’s been an incredible learning experience. We had a strong start at the 4 Hours of Dubai, and then followed that up with some solid drives in Abu Dhabi. Germain and I, along with Guilherme, really pushed hard, and while we came so close to a podium, the results still feel pretty rewarding.

We were up against some really tough competition, and I think the key takeaway for me was how crucial pit strategy, tire management, and teamwork were. We’ve definitely made progress, and it’s clear that we’re gaining momentum. It’s not easy, but this debut season has already taught me a lot about endurance racing and about myself as a driver. I’m excited to see where we can go next, and I feel confident we’ll keep improving as a team.”

Germain Loochhausen:
“I’m really proud of how we’ve performed, especially considering it’s our first time racing in LMP3. We had our sights set on the podium, and while we didn’t quite get there, finishing 4th twice and 5th twice is still a solid result. It shows we have the pace and consistency to be competitive in this series.

For me, the challenge was adapting to the endurance format, which is different from what I’m used to. The racecraft, managing tire degradation, and maintaining focus for long stints were some of the biggest challenges, but I felt good about how we handled those situations. There’s always room for improvement, especially in terms of pushing harder when the opportunity presents itself. But overall, this is just the beginning. We’re on the right path, and I’m looking forward to continuing this journey and aiming for better results.”

* * * * *

Bobby Rey and Germain Loochhausen Confirm GT3 Class Commitment for the 2022 Le Mans Cup
Despite their primary commitment to the NASCAR International Series, Bobby Rey and Germain Loochhausen have confirmed that they will continue their partnership and make another appearance in the 2022 Le Mans Cup. This time, they will compete in the GT3 class, driving for Swiss team Kessel Racing in the Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020.

This announcement highlights their dedication to expanding their racing experience, balancing their NASCAR commitments with high-level endurance racing. The duo will get valuable experience in the Le Mans Cup, which will further strengthen their skillset in preparation for the upcoming NIS season.

Bobby Rey:
“I'm incredibly excited to be teaming up with Germain again, and to be driving the Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020 for Kessel Racing in the Le Mans Cup. This is a great opportunity for us to expand our racing horizons, and while the NASCAR International Series is a huge focus for me this year, I’m also looking forward to tackling the challenges of endurance racing in the GT3 class. Working with such a respected team like Kessel Racing will be invaluable for us.”

Germain Loochhausen:
“It’s exciting to be back with Bobby, and this new challenge in the Le Mans Cup will be another step forward in our careers. Even though NASCAR is our main focus, competing in the GT3 class gives us the chance to develop our endurance racing skills further. Kessel Racing is a top team, and the Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020 is a fantastic car. We’re aiming to make the most of this opportunity and continue learning while enjoying the racing. I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”

Kessel Racing’s Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo 2020 is an excellent car, known for its reliability and performance in endurance racing. With Bobby Rey and Germain Loochhausen driving, they are poised to make an impact in the GT3 class of the Le Mans Cup as they prepare for their NASCAR International Series campaigns. Germain Loochhausen’s DTM experience is expected to be a key advantage for the duo as they enter the GT3 class in the 2022 Le Mans Cup. With prior knowledge of high-downforce, high-horsepower GT machinery, Germain brings a level of familiarity and racecraft that will be especially valuable in traffic management, tire conservation, and strategic race pacing—vital tools for success in endurance racing.

Edge from Germain's DTM Background
Driving in DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters), Germain learned how to extract maximum performance out of high-powered GT cars under European endurance and sprint formats. That experience now translates seamlessly to the Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo, especially as the Le Mans Cup features a similar mix of strategy and outright pace.

“DTM gave me a foundation in GT racing that I’ve been able to build on. It’s about keeping the car alive while staying fast—and that’s the key in Le Mans Cup, too.” – Germain Loochhausen

A Chevrolet-Powered Partnership
What makes the Rey-Loochhausen duo even more unique is how their partnership continues to grow outside their respective NASCAR teams, even though they aren’t teammates within the NIS paddock. Both will drive Chevrolet-powered entries in the upcoming NASCAR International Series, but they represent different operations.

Despite that, the camaraderie and chemistry built through their time in Asian Le Mans Series and now with Kessel Racing has only grown stronger.

“You don’t need to be in the same NASCAR team to build something strong. Germain and I push each other to get better. Whether it’s NASCAR or GT racing, we know we can count on each other.” – Bobby Rey

Their continued collaboration across series—LMP3, GT3, and NIS—signals one of the most exciting cross-discipline driver partnerships of the year. And with Germain’s European racing edge and Bobby’s NASCAR-hardened aggression, they may just be the dark horses to watch in the 2022 Le Mans Cup.​