NASCAR drivers recently shared their thoughts on the illustrious career and significant legacy of Martin Truex Jr., who has become a recognizable name in the racing community. Truex Jr. has announced that he will conclude his remarkable profession at the end of this NASCAR season, prompting us to gather insights from fellow drivers during the USA TODAY 301.
NASCAR makes its way to the vibrant Sunshine State, where the Cup Series is fast approaching the culmination of the season, building excitement among fans and participants alike.
With just two races left before the season finale, the competitive landscape intensifies for playoff drivers. Following last week’s dramatic opener of the third round at Las Vegas, where Joey Logano made history by becoming the first driver to clinch a spot in the championship race, several other contenders faced setbacks as accidents took them out of contention.
As the action now shifts to South Florida, the stakes remain sky-high. Another contender could join Logano in the championship race should one of the other seven playoff drivers capture the checkered flag on Sunday at the prestigious Homestead-Miami Speedway. Additionally, this venue affords a critical chance for drivers who struggled last week to regroup and advance in the rankings, as at least one of the remaining championship spots will hinge on points.
Who will triumph and rejoice in victory lane this Sunday? Here’s everything you need to know to gear up for the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway:
What time does the NASCAR playoff race at Homestead-Miami start?
The Straight Talk Wireless 400 commences at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, located in Homestead, Florida, where fans and drivers alike will be brimming with anticipation.
What TV channel is the NASCAR playoff race at Homestead-Miami on?
NBC will be airing the Straight Talk Wireless 400, with a thrilling pre-race show beginning at 2 p.m. ET, setting the stage for an exhilarating afternoon of racing.
Will there be a live stream of the NASCAR playoff race at Homestead-Miami?
The Straight Talk Wireless 400 can be streamed live on the NBC Sports website and the NBC Sports app. Additionally, fans can catch the race on Fubo, which is offering a complimentary trial for new users eager to witness the action.
How many laps is the NASCAR playoff race at Homestead-Miami?
The Straight Talk Wireless 400 comprises 267 laps around the 1.5-mile oval, culminating in a total distance of 400.5 miles. The race will be structured into three segments (laps per stage) — Stage 1: 80 laps; Stage 2: 85 laps; Stage 3: 102 laps, each critical for playoff positioning.
Who won the most recent NASCAR Cup race at Homestead-Miami?
In the most recent playoff event at Homestead-Miami, Christopher Bell dominated the track, leading 26 laps, including the final 16, and securing victory by crossing the finish line 1.651 seconds ahead of Ryan Blaney on October 22, 2023.
What are the playoff standings heading into the NASCAR race at Homestead-Miami?
Rank, driver, team, points, deficit to leader. Through seven races; x-clinched berth in championship race.
- Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing … 4,086
- Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports … 4,079 (-7 points)
- William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports … 4,071 (-15)
- x-Joey Logano, Team Penske … 4,061 (-25)
- Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing … 4,044 (-42)
- Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing … 4,041 (-45)
- Ryan Blaney, Team Penske … 4,024 (-62)
- Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports … 4,018 (-68)
What is the lineup for the Straight Talk Wireless 400 NASCAR playoff race at Homestead-Miami?
Car number in parentheses; (P)=playoff driver
1. (45) Tyler Reddick (P), Toyota
2. (5) Kyle Larson (P), Chevrolet
3. (20) Christopher Bell (P), Toyota
4. (11) Denny Hamlin (P), Toyota
5. (47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet
6. (19) Martin Truex Jr., Toyota
7. (9) Chase Elliott (P), Chevrolet
8. (23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota
9. (31) Daniel Hemric, Chevrolet
10. (7) Justin Haley, Chevrolet
11. (48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet
12. (4) Josh Berry, Ford
13. (14) Chase Briscoe, Ford
14. (54) Ty Gibbs, Toyota
15. (77) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet
16. (10) Noah Gragson, Ford
17. (8) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
18. (6) Brad Keselowski, Ford
19. (71) Zane Smith, Chevrolet
20. (12) Ryan Blaney (P), Ford
21. (17) Chris Buescher, Ford
22. (1) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet
23. (99) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet
24. (34) Michael McDowell, Ford
25. (24) William Byron (P), Chevrolet
26. (22) Joey Logano (P), Ford
27. (15) Kaz Grala, Ford
28. (43) Erik Jones, Toyota
29. (42) John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota
30. (3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet
31. (38) Todd Gilliland, Ford
32. (16) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet
33. (51) Corey LaJoie, Ford
34. (21) Harrison Burton, Ford
35. (41) Ryan Preece, Ford
36. (2) Austin Cindric, Ford
37. (44) JJ Yeley, Chevrolet
38. (66) Chad Finchum, Ford
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