NASCAR New Hampshire Weekend Preview

Before we head into the Olympic break, work needs to be done up in New England for the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series. The Modifieds will have their big race as well on Saturday, July 17th.

For the NASCAR Xfinity Series, they come off racing at Atlanta with the Joe Gibbs Racing #54 of Kyle Busch winning the race, earning his 102nd career win in the series and what could be his final. The drama happened late in the race as Daniel Hemric was holding off Busch and ended up in a late wreck, taking him out of contention for his first win. Hemric will be a driver to have an eye on this weekend, as he has had many chances to win a race lately, but lady luck has not been on his side. Whether it’s a pit road penalty, a bad restart, or a wreck, Hemric is still hungry for a win. Plus a win will come much in handy for him, as it is unknown whether he will have that seat next season or not. Despite the news that Harrison Burton will move to the Cup Series with the Wood Brothers for 2022, it’s safe to say it is Ty Gibbs’ ride. However, there are also other guys like John Hunter Nemechek and Chandler Smith down in the truck series that could see a potential move up next season. Hemric is having a good season, but a win would make it even better for him. Hemric will start 13th for Saturday’s race. Meanwhile, Christopher Bell will be making an appearance in the #54 this weekend and he will start 14th.

Speaking of Joe Gibbs Racing, the strange thing currently is that the #54 car has been the only car winning races this season, with Kyle Busch winning five of the scheduled five races he ran plus two wins from Ty Gibbs. Hemric, Burton, and Jones have not won yet this season. Could this be the week that one of these three can grab a much-needed win for momentum as we head closer to playoff time? This could be a good race to do it at, as Joe Gibbs Racing’s Xfinity program has found a lot of success here. Dating back to 2008, they have won this race in the last 10 of 12 years, including the last five previous races here. This could be a good chance for Hemric, Burton and Jones. Another driver without a win yet this season is Noah Gragson, as he has ran into his share of bad luck as well. He is currently in the playoff picture, but he will be another driver to watch as his 2022 plans are currently unknown, whether he returns to Jr Motorsports or goes elsewhere. Jeb Burton will start from the pole for the 3:18 pm EST green flag on NBCSN. There was no Xfinity race at last season due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the most previous winner in the Xfinity Series is Christopher Bell, who won in 2018 and 2019.

Alex Gray’s Pick 4:

Daniel Hemric

Austin Cindric

Christopher Bell

Harrison Burton

For the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301, Brad Keselowski comes in as the defending winner of the event after it was moved from the original July 19th date to August 2nd last year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Keselowski is a big story heading in, as it has been officially confirmed he will not return to the famous Team Penske #2 Ford next season. Austin Cindric will be taking his seat, as it is expected that Keselowski will move to Roush-Fenway Racing in a driver/co-owner role. Matt DiBenedetto is on the outside of the playoff picture as he will be a free agent for 2022, so he is looking to give it his all for the rest of the 2021 Season.

The weekend also could be dampened as there is a 60% chance for rain on Sunday. Since 2014, Team Penske and Stewart Haas Racing have each won this event twice and Joe Gibbs Racing three times, which included a three-year streak from 2015 to 2017. Obviously, you can’t count out Hendrick Motorsports as they are currently the hottest team in NASCAR right now, however, the team has not won this race since 2012 with Kasey Kahne. Not accounting for when New Hampshire previously had two dates on the NASCAR schedule. Kevin Harvick could be a favorite to win this race, as he won here in 2018 and 2019. Stewart Haas Racing has so far had a down year and for Harvick who won nine races in 2020, it is much needed to steer momentum in the right direction. Harvick is in a safe spot in the playoff standings as well as Denny Hamlin, who also has yet to win this season. Hamlin has won here before, back in 2017, and could also be a favorite. Kyle Busch has been on a roll lately too, finishing second to his brother Kurt last weekend in Atlanta. To go with a dark horse, keep an eye on Richard Childress Racing. Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick have been having solid seasons and both drivers are in the playoff picture right now. Maybe this weekend we could see Tyler Reddick’s first career win? The green flag drops at 3:18 pm EST on NBCSN. Kyle Busch will be on the pole with teammate Martin Truex Jr starting next to him.

Alex Gray’s Pick 4:

Kevin Harvick

Kyle Busch

Denny Hamlin

Tyler Reddick

After this weekend, NASCAR will go on a two-week break due to the Olympic Games in Tokyo, then will return to action at Watkins Glen on August 7-8.