FOX in the Fast Lane Podcast

The round of 12 gets underway Sunday in the Monster Energy Cup playoffs. FOX's Matt Napolitano has more: It's down to a dozen in the quest for the Cup as the top circuit returns to Charlotte for the Bank of America 500 Sunday. Kyle Busch entering this race weekend in quest of his third straight win, but says momentum doesn't mean anything in the playoffs: (Busch) "There's a lot of racing to go. You know, I think week to week you can probably change your favorite." Busch trailing the leader Martin Truex Jr. by 18 points in the playoff standings. This as one of the final 12 speaks out on pay for drivers. Denny Hamlin sounding off during the week that salary should be on the level of athletes in leagues like the NBA and the NFL: (Denny Hamlin) "They're risking their life each and every weekend, and they're on the road just, you know, just like everyone else is each and every weekend." Hamlin speaking with Sirius XM NASCAR Radio there, calling for more revenue from NASCAR's TV deal to be shared with teams. This as NASCAR unveiled rule changes for 2018 to cars that will see the addition of radiators and common flat splitters for all races, and efforts to increase down-force and horsepower for competitors. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News. Follow Matt Napolitano on Twitter: @MattNapolitano

The Monster Energy Cup playoffs get underway this weekend. FOX's Matt Napolitano has this week's "FOX in the Fast Lane": The playoffs are here and the round of 16 hits Chicagoland first Sunday for the Tale of the Turtles 400. Previous champions and young guns in the pack with some taking part in a NASCAR media luncheon in New York City Thursday. With 10 races between them and the Monster Energy Cup, drivers like Kyle Busch, third in the point standings, are looking to keep consistent: (Busch) "I think the biggest thing is just to stick with what you know. Keep doing what you've done to get you this far and to get you to this point. We've had a good regular season. We've had fast cars. We've been up front and led a lot." While up and comers like Ryan Blaney are taking their first playoff run one race at a time starting at the tri-oval in Illinois: (Blaney) "We've already run pretty good at Chicago. We actually had a shot at winning this race last year and ended up fourth, I think so. I think I'm very optimistic about it. Mile-and-a-half tracks seem to be very good for us." Martin Truex Jr. enters the playoff standings with the lead as the round of 16 runs from Chicagoland Sunday through Dover on October 1st before some drivers miss the cut. Fox in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News. FOX's @MattNapolitano with @keselowski & @KyleBusch at a #NASCAR media luncheon in NYC on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/VIO90U9xJQ -- FOX News Radio (@foxnewsradio) September 15, 2017 Follow Matt Napolitano on Twitter: @MattNapolitano

One last race under the lights before the start of the Monster Energy Cup playoffs. FOX's Matt Napolitano reports: Another go under the lights Saturday night for the Cup series at Richmond Raceway for the Federated Auto Parts 400. With three spots still up for grabs in the playoffs, drivers sitting on the outside looking in in the standings like Erik Jones are hoping to grab that checkered flag at America's premier short track: (Jones) "Obviously, we're gonna be pushing hard, and there's gonna be times throughout the night where I'm sure we're going to be taking chances that we wouldn't take." And drivers like Denny Hamlin who have clinched a spot are just looking to keep the momentum going: (Hamlin) "We know every point is super critical, so you don't take anything for granted." Both drivers appearing on Sirius XM NASCAR Radio. Speaking of Hamlin, his win last weekend at Darlington has been encumbered and he's been docked 25 driver's points due to an L-1 penalty assessed to the No. 11 team with crew chief Mike Wheeler suspended two races for a rear suspension violation in post-race inspection. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team was also handed a post-race penalty for lug nuts not properly installed. Crew chief Greg Ives will sit out the action at Richmond. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News. Follow Matt Napolitano on Twitter: @MattNapolitano

The Monster Energy Cup series returns this weekend for night racing at Darlington. FOX's Matt Napolitano with "FOX in the Fast Lane": After a weekend away, the Cup series heads to Darlington with two races to go before the start of the playoffs. They'll go under the lights Sunday night at the track too tough to tame for the Bojangles Southern 500. Only three spots are up for grabs in the Monster Energy Cup playoffs. Chase Elliott among those drivers on the bubble. This as Hendrick Motorsports announced a reshuffling in the numbers for 2018, with Elliott set to now drive the No. 9 for the team. Elliott says teammate Dale Jr. had a hand in making No. 9 a reality: (Elliott) "I think he had done a little persuading himself to Mr. Hendrick too and, you know, really, I didn't really expect any of it to happen." Elliott carrying on the legacy of his dad, Bill, with the No. 9, but who will take over behind the wheel of the No. 24 once driven by Jeff Gordon? Well, that will be William Byron: (Byron) "I've got a great opportunity at Hendrick Motorsports to succeed and a lot of great resources, so there's some pressure there, but there's also a lot of excitement." Byron and Elliott speaking with Sirius XM NASCAR Radio. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News. Follow Matt Napolitano on Twitter: @MattNapolitano

The Cup series goes under the lights Saturday night at Bristol. FOX's Matt Napolitano previews this weekend's big races in this "FOX in the Fast Lane": With three races to go before the start of the Cup playoffs, the Monster Energy Series hits the short track at Bristol Motor Speedway for this season's bass pro shops NRA night race. Though Dale Earnhardt Jr. has only once twice in his career at Thunder Valley. The night race at Bristol has a special meaning to him dating back to his childhood: (Earnhardt Jr.) "As a 12 to 15-year-old kid, this place was just the ultimate playground and we enjoyed coming here." Jr. sits in 22nd in the Monster Energy Cup standings, but his first win of 2017 could elevate him into a playoff spot. Multiple drivers are hoping for that opportunity to strike Saturday night at Bristol, like Erik Jones: (Jones) "We got three more shots at it before the Chase, so hopefully we can do it." Jones will have his crew chief Chris Gayle back atop the pit box after his two race suspension. This as Joe Gibbs Racing has transferred management responsibility for Jones and Martin Truex Jr's pit crews to furniture row racing. However, JGR will still be responsible for training those crew members. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News.

The Monster Energy Cup Series returns to Michigan this weekend. FOX's Matt Napolitano speeds in with "FOX in the Fast Lane": Four races to go before the start of the Cup playoffs and drivers head back to Brooklyn... Michigan that is, for the Pure Michigan 400 Sunday. This as Hendrick Motorsports announced a shakeup in their 2018 team with Kasey Kahne leaving the No. 5 Chevy at the end of the season and 19-year-old William Byron stepping behind the wheel next year: (Byron) "Opportunities like this, you never know when they're gonna come, and I feel like I can learn on the fly." Byron with three wins so far in X-Finity Series action for Junior Motorsports. He'll get to drive the new Chevy model for Hendrick next season as the automaker unveils the Camaro ZL1, which will replace the current SS on NASCAR's top circuit. Byron following in similar footsteps to Joey Logano, who got his big break at age 19 for Joe Gibbs Racing: (Logano) "It's a good little mix, I think they've got over there with some younger guys, really young guys, and a very great champion." Byron joining Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott and 7-time Cup champ Jimmie Johnson to make up the 2018 Hendrick Motorsports cup series squad. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News. Follow Matt Napolitano on Twitter: @MattNapolitano

The Cup Series returns to the road course Sunday at Watkins Glen. FOX's Matt Napolitano with "FOX in the Fast Lane": With five races to go before the playoffs, the Monster Energy Cup series turns left and right this weekend for the "I Love New York 355" at the Glen. Kyle Busch comes to the road course after finally getting his first win of the season at Pocono as he trails Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Larson in the point standings: (Busch) "We normally tend to fly under the radar most times, but it's not one that I need to go out and beat our chest to say that." Meantime, Erik Jones and the No. 77 team being hit with an l-1 penalty this week. after a rear suspension violation deducting 25 Cup points from Jones in the standings. And new rules coming to NASCAR just in time for Sunday's race, including the overtime line being pushed to the start finish line at all tracks. NASCAR senior vice president of competition Scott Miller explains to Sirius XM NASCAR Radio: (Miller) "As opposed to some random location at each track, it would enhance the fan experience." This will make the procedure for overtime similar to the green-white-checkered restart rules. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News. Follow Matt Napolitano on Twitter: @MattNapolitano

The Monster Energy Cup Series packs up for the Poconos this weekend. FOX's Matt Napolitano with your preview in 'FOX in the Fast Lane': With six races to go before the start of the Cup championship playoffs, drivers get ready to go racing at the Tricky Triangle for the Overton's 400 at Pocono Raceway Sunday. A race Brad Keselowski won back in 2011. Big news for the driver of the No. 2 Ford this week as it was announced he signed a multi-year extension with Team Penske. Keselowski appearing on FOX Sports 1: (Keselowski) "Team members and all kinds of things that come together to make a race team get to the race track, so I was glad to get it done and hopefully we can in the next few years get another championship." Keselowski's crew chief Paul Wolfe getting a multi-year extension as well and he'll have a new teammate on the Cup circuit next season... Ryan Blaney: (Blaney) "We announced today that I'll be driving the 12 car for Team Penske next year, so I'm real excited about that." Blaney announcing on Facebook Live that he will join Team Penske next season to drive the No. 12 Ford. Paul Menard will take over Blaney's current spot behind the wheel of the No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News. Follow Matt Napolitano on Twitter: @MattNapolitano

The Monster Energy Cup series hits the brickyard this weekend at Indianapolis. FOX's Matt Napolitano has "FOX in the Fast Lane": The Cup series goes racing at Indy Sunday for the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the country music superstar telling Kix 92.1 he's still shocked that a race is named after him: (Gilbert) "It's pretty nuts, right? Hell, I'd have been happy with tickets." Gilbert will not only attend, but perform for fans in the pre-race celebrations. Hendrick Motorsports making a major announcement Thursday that Alex Bowman will take over behind the wheel of the No. 88 next season, replacing the retiring Dale Earnhardt Jr. Bowman and Jeff Gordon filled in for Dale Jr. last season and Gordon tells Sirius XM NASCAR Radio the decision was a no brainer: (Gordon) "I think Alex proved himself last year when he got in the car." Nationwide and Axalta will return to sponsor the 88 next year and crew chief Greg Ives will helm the team in 2018. Meantime, Kurt Busch and Daniel Suarez's teams have been assessed penalty for lugnuts not properly installed last weekend at New Hampshire. Both crew chiefs fined $10,000 ahead of Sunday's racing at Indy. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News. Follow Matt Napolitano on Twitter: @MattNapolitano

One last go around for Dale Jr. at Daytona this weekend. FOX's Matt Napolitano has 'FOX in the Fast Lane': The NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series goes under the lights Saturday for the Coke Zero 400, marking Dale Earnhardt Jr's final cup race at Daytona. With 160 laps ahead Saturday, many believe that the No. 88 Chevy is the one to beat and that includes fellow drivers like Kurt Busch: (Busch) "He's gonna be elbows out, sleeves rolled up going hard and he will be the car to beat this weekend." Meantime, Kurt's brother, Kyle's No. 18 Toyota team has been penalized post-Sonoma for not properly installing lug nuts. His crew chief Ben Beshore has been suspended one race. And Chase Elliott is going to be behind the wheel the No. 24 Chevy a little while longer, signing a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports through 2022: (Elliott) "You know I owe so much to Mr. Hendrick and what he's done for me." Elliott will try for that first career win at Daytona Saturday. The young gun has impressed with three pole positions and 27 top ten finishes since joining the Monster Energy Cup Series last season. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News. Follow Matt Napolitano on Twitter: @Matt Napolitano

The Monster Energy Cup Series gets ready for the road course. FOX's Matt Napolitano reports: The Monster Energy Cup Series goes left as well as right this weekend as they hit the road course at Sonoma Raceway for the Toyota Save-Mart 350 Sunday. Kyle Larson taking over the points lead last weekend with a win at Michigan. His team owner Chip Ganassi tells Sirius XM NASCAR Radio that the steps are in place to make a playoff run: (Ganassi) "We're making solid steps. We know where we came from, so if we have to, we can go back to that point." There will be a new face behind the wheel of the No. 43 for Sonoma. Road course ringer Billy Johnson will drive the No. 43 replacing Aric Almirola, who is still recovering from his injury. Meantime, Chase Elliott is still search of that elusive first career win. The driver of the No. 24 Napa Chevy isn't letting the pressure get to him: (Elliott) "You can think about it and worry about it all you want. But I mean really, the people who run good, the people who are putting themselves in position are going to win." While the Monster Energy Series heads out west, the X-Finity and Camping World Truck Series will visit the course racing at Iowa Speedway. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News. Follow Matt Napolitano on Twitter: @MattNapolitano

They'll be racing in Detroit this Father's Day weekend. FOX's Matt Napolitano has your 'FOX in the Fast Lane': The Monster Energy Cup Series heads to Michigan for a race weekend honoring dad. The Fire Keepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway takes place on Father's Day. Drivers are talking dad heading into Sunday's race, including Ryan Blaney, who says what his father, former NASCAR driver Dave Blaney means to him: (Blaney) "He's my hero for sure and he'll always be the greatest race car driver in my mind and the one who got everything started for me and who helped me along the way and we really wouldn't be anywhere without him." Blaney fresh off a win at Pocono last weekend will try for another checkered flag Sunday as his owners the Wood Brothers look for their 100th Cup win. Meantime, Monster Energy Cup points leader Martin Truex Jr. will be throwing on the blue Auto Owners Insurance paint scheme on the No. 78 for Michigan and that scheme has brought him luck with two wins, a poll and two Top-10 finishes: (Truex Jr.) "That coupled with a racetrack that's been good to us makes it fun and definitely looking forward to having a great weekend." FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News. Follow Matt Napolitano on Twitter: @MattNapolitano

Another win for Jimmie Johnson this weekend at Pocono Raceway would put him in some elite company. FOX's Bob Mortali reports: I'm Bob Mortali. This week's Monster Energy Series race is the Pocono 400. And it's an opportunity for Jimmie Johnson to inch higher on the all-time career victories list. Johnson's win last Sunday at Dover tied him with his idol Cale Yarborough at 83 apiece. That's good for sixth all time. Johnson's next victory will surpass Cale and and even him up with both Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip in fourth. Jeff Gordon is third with 93 wins. Meantime, crew chief Adam Stevens and two pit crew members have been suspended for four races after a tire came off Kyle Busch's car last Sunday. And rookie Darrell "Bubba" Wallace makes his series debut driving Richard Petty's old No. 43: (Wallace) "Not trying to set the world on fire. Just relax, take what the car will give you, don't tear it up and if we're a top 15 car then take a top 15. If we're 25th, you gotta take what the car will give you and build off of it." Courtesy Sirius X-M NASCAR Radio and Velvetta Shells and Cheese will be a new sponsor for Ryan Newman's No. 31 car. That's FOX in the Fast Lane I'm Bob Mortali, FOX News.

If NBA and NHL Finals aren't enough to get your blood pumping, NASCAR is revving up for this weekend, as well. FOX's Chris Hoenig previews: The Monster Energy Cup Series tackles the monster mile with the Triple-A 400 drive for autism. Green flag on FOX Sports 1 set for 1 PM Eastern on Sunday at Dover. Stage 1 will end after lap 120, stage 2 after lap 240. Regan Smith will be back behind the wheel of the No. 43 Ford, filling in for the injured Aric Almirola for the second-straight week. Meanwhile, NASCAR fined crew chief Rodney Childers $10,000 after a post-race inspection found one improperly installed lug-nut on Kevin Harvick's No. 4 Ford after last weekend's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. Austin Dillion won that race, but it was second-place finisher Kyle Busch who drew the headlines for his rather short post-race interview: (Busch) "I'm not surprised by anything. Congratulations."  During testing Wednesday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the 2015 Cup champ wondered why some people's frustrations draw such surprising reactions: (Busch) "Bill Belichick gets it differently than anybody else, but we also sometimes are more successful than others too." Or as the Patriots coach might say: On to Dover. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Chris Hoenig. Follow Chris Hoenig on Twitter: @Chris_Hoenig

Plenty of patriotic paint jobs in Charlotte this weekend. FOX's Chris Hoenig has this week's NASCAR preview: This weekend, just as it is every Memorial Day weekend, it'll be 600 miles of remembrance for NASCAR, with the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. Green flag set for Sunday at 6 PM Eastern on FOX. 400 laps around the mile-and-a-half oval. Jimmie Johnson has the most Memorial Day wins of any active driver with four career Coca-Cola 600 victories. He likes that they've added an extra groove to the track this weekend for more side-by-side racing: (Johnson) "Charlotte Motor Speedway works as hard as they possibly can to put on a great show. They're open-minded to any and every idea. But mile-and-a-halves do put on a certain style of racing."  Remember, there's an extra stage in this race, so bonus points for whoever leads after laps 100, 200 and 300. Regan Smith will be behind the wheel of the No. 43 Ford as Aric Almirola continues to recover from his broken back. No word who will drive the car after this. Almirola is expected to be out between two and three months. Also a big weekend for IndyCar. The Indy-500 set for Sunday afternoon. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Chris Hoenig, FOX News. Follow Chris Hoenig on Twitter: @Chris_Hoenig

NASCAR's best hit the track this weekend to battle for big bucks. FOX's Matt Napolitano has more with "FOX in the Fast Lane": It's All-Star weekend as the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup series goes back under the lights for one hot night. The drivers will hit the pavement at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the annual All-Star race. The first under the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series banner and the last one for Dale Earnhardt Jr, as he reminisced on his rookie All-Star win on his 'Dirty Mo Radio Show': (Earnhardt Jr.) "That was a incredible day. We just won the Texas race and the Richmond race a couple weeks before, so we really were just amazed to be in the race, we didn't think we were going to win it." This year's All-Star race will feature four stages: Three 20 lap stages and one final 10-lap 10-car round to crown a champ. Winner of that stage wins $1 million. Meanwhile, there will be a new driver behind the wheel of the No. 43 Ford at Charlotte. Regan Smith will sit in for Aric Almirola as he recovers from a compression fracture of his vertebra that he suffered in a wreck that last week at Kansas. Almirola out indefinitely. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Matt Napolitano, FOX News. Follow Matt Napolitano on Twitter: @MattNapolitano

NASCAR is going bowling for Mother's Day weekend. FOX's Chris Hoenig has more in our weekly NASCAR preview: Saturday night, under the lights, it's the Go Bowling 400 at Kansas Speedway, 267 laps around the mile-and-a-half tri-oval. The first stage will end after lap 80. The second after lap 160. Aric Almirola will be without his crew chief, Drew Blickensderfer, who is serving the first of his three-race suspension for a failed post-race inspection at Talladega last week. Blickensderfer told FOX Sports that the margin of violation was equal to the thickness of a folded dollar bill: (Blickensderfer) "This $20 is exactly the amount we were over post race, if it's folded in half like that." Elliott Sadler's crew chief was also fined $10,000 for a lug nut violation at Talladega. NASCAR kicked off Mother's Day weekend by preparing Women's Hope kits for World Vision. Toyota racing drivers, including Kyle Busch and his wife, Samantha, were on hand to help fill them with essentials. Also a special Mother's Day weekend for Ty Dillon and his wife, Haley, announcing they are expecting their first child. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Chris Hoenig, FOX News. Follow Chris Hoenig on Twitter: @Chris_Hoenig

NASCAR's young stars of today are focusing on keeping the torch lit for future generations. FOX's Jared Max has more in this week's 'FOX in the Fast Lane": Two days after Kurt Busch won the Daytona 500 this year, I asked him what advice he might give to a 10-year-old about making a career in racing: (Busch) "I think one thing that's starting to slip through the cracks is the ability for a driver to understand his car and be able to work on it and knowing what it takes to set up the front toe or the rear suspension. Kurt Busch is 38, driver Ryan Blaney only 23, part of NASCAR's next generation. (Blaney) "Back in the day when Kurt probably got started, you know, there wasn't many people involved in the team and the engineering side wasn't as big and the driver knew more about the vehicle and what's under the hood. Now there are just so many people involved in it. You know crew chief, couple of engineers, everybody has their own certain job. And like Kyle said, we get paid to drive the race car." Ryan Blaney speaking of Kyle Larson, who's greatly responsible for a new crop of racing fans: (Larson) "You know I feel like I see a lot more Asians at the race track which is kind of neat, especially wearing my gear and getting autographs. I feel like I've made a small impact already being Japanese." I'm Jared Max, FOX News. LISTEN TO THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW WITH KYLE LARSON, RYAN BLANEY AND CHASE ELLIOT: Follow Jared Max on Twitter: @Jared_Max

It's Dale Jr's world and NASCAR is just living in it. FOX's Chris Hoenig has this week's NASCAR preview: The Dale Earnhardt Jr. farewell tour gets underway this weekend in Richmond, the first race since his retirement announcement: (Earnhardt Jr.) "I just wanted the opportunity to go out on my own terms." A chance he nearly missed when a concussion knocked him out of the second-half of last year's races... For Kurt Busch, it's the end of the road for a legend: (Busch) "To me there is nobody that will ever replace Dale Jr." Green flag in the Toyota owners 400 set for 2 p.m. Eastern on Sunday. 400 laps around the 3/4 of a mile d-shaped oval. Stage 1 ends after lap 100, stage 2 after lap 200... And drivers and fans alike will notice the candy cane-painted barriers. Raceway officials painting the exterior walls with alternating red and white stripes to pay homage to the track's early days. Elsewhere, a fine for Martin Truex Jr's crew chief... Cole Pearn docked $10,000 after a post-race inspection found an improperly installed lug nut on the No. 78 Toyota, which finished 8th at Bristol last week. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Chris Hoenig, FOX News. Follow Chris Hoenig on Twitter: @Chris_Hoenig

Auto racing gets back on track. FOX's Chris Hoenig has this week's NASCAR preview: NASCAR's Monster Energy Cup Series is back after an off-week with the Food Series 500 at Bristol, if mother nature allows: The forecast not looking good for the entire weekend in that part of Tennessee. Drivers certainly kept busy during the off-week. Chase Elliott, for example, was spotted in his native Georgia, giving the tomahawk chop at an Atlanta Braves game. Back on the track, Joe Gibbs Racing announcing convenience store chain Circle K has signed on to be the primary sponsor of Matt Kenseth's No. 20 Toyota for six races this season: (Kenseth) "It's always exciting to bring new sponsors in the sport for sure. I think that's always a positive sign for the whole industry. Circle K's a great brand that I think everybody can relate to." The Circle K paint job will debut later this month at Richmond. And NASCAR announcing that October's Bank of America 500 is being moved to Sunday this year. The fourth race of the playoffs and first in the round of 12 now scheduled for October 8th at Charlotte. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Chris Hoenig, FOX News. Follow Chris Hoenig on Twitter: @Chris_Hoenig

NASCAR speeds through the Lone Star State this week. FOX's Chris Hoenig previews this weekends O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 in "FOX in the Fast Lane": NASCAR heads to Texas this weekend for the O'Reilly Auto Parts 500. The first Monster Energy Cup series race at the track since an off-season repaving, much to the chagrin of many drivers: (Gossage) "Race car drivers like old asphalt. It loses some of the grip and things like that as time goes on." Track president Eddie Gossage. Brad Keselowski will have crew chief Paul Wolfe on hand. NASCAR announcing Wednesday, April 12 is when they'll hear the appeal of his three-race suspension for the No. 2's failed post-race inspection at Phoenix last month. Dale Earnhardt Jr. announcing primary sponsor Axalta will dress out his car with a Philadelphia Eagles inspired paint job for June's race at Pocono (Earnhardt Jr.) "I'm really sad about that, being a Redskins fan." The scheme will help draw attention to the all-pro teachers charity, a joint initiative between the Eagles and Axalta. And NASCAR Hall of Fame voting is open. Fans can cast votes for five of the 20 nominees up to 50 times a day at NASCAR.com/HallOfFame. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Chris Hoenig, FOX News. Follow Chris Hoenig on Twitter: @Chris_Hoenig

NASCAR returns to the East Coast for short track racing at Martinsville Speedway for this Sunday's running of the STP 500, Atlanta puts the brakes on their track renovation and Virginia race fans get a new place on the web to keep on all things racing. FOX's Marghiee Teshineh with "FOX in the Fast Lane": Kyle Larson heads to Martinsville's short track this week a very happy man: (Larson) "Lots of fun to be Kyle Larson right now. Our race cars are really fast in Xfinity and Cup, so it's a blast to show up at the race track every week." And even more proud is team owner Chip Ganassi, who says you can see Larson getting better from week to week: (Gnassi) "I think he's starting to mature in the series and learning what the cars will accept and what the cars wont accept." Larson picking up his first Cup win of the season at Fontana is looking for back to back to wins this weekend. After listening to drivers and fans officials at Atlanta Motor Speedway announced they are delay their repaving of the track until 2018. And in a joint effort with Richmond International Raceway and over two dozen short tracks and drag strips, a new website dubbed "Racing Virginia" goes live next month offering race fans the track information all in one place. I'm Marghiee Teshineh, FOX News. Follow Marghiee Teshineh on Twitter: @LadyTrackside

NASCAR says goodbye to the west coast this weekend with Sunday's race at the Auto Club Speedway at Fontana, CA. Two teams looking at fines and penalties after Phoenix race And Dale Earnhardt Jr. marks a major milestone in his career. FOX's Marghiee Teshineh with "FOX in the Fast Lane": Another great week, but not a win for Kyle Larson. Larson taking a third consecutive runner-up finish last week in Phoenix, but Larson sees this Sunday's race at Fontana as a chance to finally break away from the pack: (Larson) "I just hope we can continue to work hard, be consistent, be mistake free on pit road and on the race track. If we can just keep doing that, the wins are gonna come. I could easily have four wins right now, just gotta keep working hard." Larson looking for his first win at Fontana and first win of the 2017 season. The crew chiefs for Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick have been hit with suspensions, fines and the loss of driver and owner points after failing post race inspections at Phoenix. And Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be making his 600th career start this weekend. I'm Marghiee Teshineh, FOX News. Follow Marghiee Teshineh on Twitter: @LadyTrackside

It's off to Phoenix International Raceway for this Sunday's Monster Energy Cup Series race and NASCAR weighs in on the Kyle Busch and Joey Logano fight. FOX's Marghiee Teshineh with "FOX in the Fast Lane": Martin Truex Jr. says NASCAR's west coast swing which includes this weekend's race in Phoenix, offers fans of the Denver based team a chance to see him race closer to home and it's fun for his crew as well: (Truex Jr.) "Anytime we race on the west coast or you know from Kansas west, I think it's a little bit of extra incentive for our guys and a little bit of pride." And Truex says the win at Las Vegas is a reflection of how the team has progressed: (Truex Jr.) "I think the important thing for us is we're starting off the season strong; we were putting ourselves in position to win races and that's really the key." Truex heads to Phoenix looking for back to back series wins, but will have to beat Kevin Harvick who has a career eight wins there. And NASCAR says no penalties or fines against Kyle Busch, Joey Logano or their teams for the post race fight at Las Vegas. NASCAR executive VP Steven O'Donnell says "we felt Sunday's post-race incident does not warrant any further action." I'm Marghiee Teshineh, FOX News. Follow Marghiee Teshineh on Twitter: @LadyTrackside

Viva Las Vegas! The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup series races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for Sunday's running of the Kobalt 400. Las Vegas gets a second race and the Hall of Fame nominees list grows. FOX's Marghiee Teshineh has "FOX in the Fast Lane": Brad Keselowski goes to Las Vegas this weekend with a laid back approach to the track, where he admits had a rough start early in his career, but has started to show signs of improvement, something he has to keep reminding his critics: (Keselowski) "Yeah, it's hard to always to put a finger on that and I know I wear your guys out about that this that past success or failure is not always a guarantee for future success or failures." And Keselowski will be the first to admit after being 'all work' for so many years getting married and having a family has been good for him on and off the track: (Keselowski) "You know I think in general I am the happiest I've ever been because I have a better work to life balance than I've ever had." Las Vegas will be added to the 2018 post season race schedule taking New Hampshire out of the mix. And NASCAR announcing five names will be added to the list of Hall of Fame nominees for next year, which include legendary race team owners Joe Gibbs and Roger Penske as well as the late Davey Allison. I'm Marghiee Teshineh, FOX News. Follow Marghiee Teshineh on Twitter: @LadyTrackside

Week two of the cup series and NASCAR heads to Atlanta for the Folds of Honor Quik Trip 500, Kurt Busch says the team is in a good place and Richard Petty pays up for infractions. FOX's Marghiee Teshineh with "FOX in the Fast Lane": For Stewart-Haas racing's Kurt Busch, the Daytona 500 was a great way to kick off the new NASCAR season with his first career win at this race. Heading to Atlanta this weekend, Busch will be the first to admit he's still in a learning curve with the new points system: (Busch) "There are just so many new things within this sport you just keep rolling with it." Busch says winning the Atlanta race and more is only possible because of the folks back in the garage: (Busch) "You gotta have a top team. Stewart-Haas has been that for me. And this year all the pieces came together. You always have to believe it can happen." Atlanta's track gets a well deserved make-over. Closing after this race for its first major repaving in over two decades. Home improvement expert Ty Pennington is this week's grand marshal at Atlanta. And the crew chief for the No. 43 car at Richard Petty Motorsports is ordered to pay a $10,000 fine after officials found lug nuts were improperly installed during the Daytona race. I'm Marghiee Teshineh, FOX News. Follow Marghiee Teshineh on Twitter: @LadyTrackside

Surprising racing fans and commentators alike, longtime fan favorite Kurt Busch squeezes to the front of the pack at the last lap to win the 59th annual Daytona 500. It capped a dramatic race under NASCAR's new rules, creating segment periods, which pushed drivers to keep racing aggressively though the usually relaxed middle laps. FOX's Eben Brown has "FOX in the Fast Lane" from Daytona International Speedway in Florida: New rules, new racing and a new champ were made at the Great American Race this year. That new champ is former cup winner Kurt Busch: (FOX) "Kurt Bush has been the bridesmaid in the Daytona 500. Here they come off Turn 4 for the final time, from Las Vegas, the 2004 champion of the series, Kurt Busch!" Seen across the nation on FOX. Busch never lead the pack on Sunday until the final lap, where he bested Martin Truex Jr. and Chase Elliot, the pole sitter who kept ahead for nearly 20 laps prior. It's big for Busch: (Busch) "This place will challenge every emotion. And every day you wake up, when you're hear for speedweeks, you have a full tank of optimism." And just as much for owner Tony Stewart. "Smoke" never took a driver title at Daytona: (Stewart) "Well, if I knew all I had to do is retire to get it done, I would have retired a long time ago!" Next, it's on to Atlanta. With FOX in the Fast Lane at Daytona, I'm Eben Brown, FOX News. FOLLOW EBEN BROWN ON TWITTER: @FOXEBENBROWN

It's the Super Bowl of auto racing. The Daytona 500 is this weekend and NASCAR officials taking more measures to protect drivers from concussions. FOX's Marghiee teshineh with "FOX in the Fast Lane": It will be Hendrick Motorsports leading the pack at this year's 2017 Daytona 500 with Chase Elliot winning his second consecutive pole position. Elliot says the team has learned a lot from qualifying but now it's time to translate that into a win: (Elliot) "Daytona was certainly a struggle for us last year, just as far as as you getting in wrecks or wrecking and tearing up a lot of cars. So I hope we can just make it to the end of the race." Sharing the top row with Elliot, teammate Dale Earnardhart Jr. whose looking back on to past races to pull off a winning strategy: (Earnhardt Jr.) "I thought we ran great in 2015. So we'll look at what we did then and what we're doing now and sorta go through the process of elimination and that's kinda what we (have) been doing until we fix it."   And because of Earnhardt's season ending injuries last year, NASCAR's new concussion protocol includes drivers going to the infield car center if they get into a wreck and their car goes to the garage. Under the old rules drivers only got checked out if the car was towed from the track. I'm Marghiee Teshineh, FOX News. Follow Marghiee Teshineh on Twitter: @LadyTrackside

Welcome to 2017 and the biggest race of the season, the Daytona 500, get used to a new premiere sponsor, new teams, new drivers and a star walks away from it all. FOX's Marghiee Teshineh has your "FOX in the Fast Lane": For driver Martin Truex Jr. this year's Daytona 500 is all about winning after clocking the second fastest time on record: (Truex Jr.) "Last year was our second year together really as a group and we did some amazing things. So looking forward to just building on that." It's a new season and a new sponsor for the top tier of NASCAR, no longer Sprint Cup, it's the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. XFINITY remains the title sponsor for the second tier, while Camping World starts its ninth season sponsoring the Truck Series. And nothing rocked the racing world more than hearing these words from driver Carl Edwards from Joe Gibbs Racing: (Edwards) "I'll see you guys around and just have a great season." Edwards walking away from Joe Gibbs Racing with no plans for the future. Edwards replacement for Daytona and the year, XFINITY champ Danny Suarez. Other big changes in the garage: Erik Jones joins Furniture Row to drive their new cup team and Clint Bowyer is the new guy at Stewart - Haas, taking over for Tony Stewart. I'm Marghiee Teshineh, FOX News. Follow Marghiee Teshineh on Twitter: @LadyTrackside

The cars are in the garage, the drivers are unbuckled and when NASCAR returns, things won't look the same. FOX's Chris Hoenig has "FOX in the Fast Lane": Drivers get back at it in February with the Unlimited and Can-Am duels, leading up to the Daytona 500 on February 26, live on FOX. When they get back in their cars, they won't be vying for the Sprint Cup. NASCAR and Sprint ending their partnership after 13 years. A new title sponsor has yet to be announced. Tony Stewart won't be behind the wheel, retiring after last week's race at Miami. He says he doesn't plan to come back the way Jeff Gordon did. Gordon telling FOX News Radio retirement was and remains his plan: (Gordon) "I didn't anticipate this. I can't say never, but I certainly don't plan on it." Dale Earnhardt Jr. does expect to be back: (Earnhardt Jr.) "All signs point to us being in the car in Daytona. I don't know if anybody had any doubt out there. But if you did, looks like everything's going in the great direction for that to happen." Greg Biffle also plans to drive, it just won't be for Rousch Fenway. The driver of the No. 16 Ford leaving the company after 19 years. His immediate future up in the air. FOX in the Fast Lane, I'm Chris Hoenig, FOX News. Follow Chris Hoenig on Twitter: @Chris_Hoenig