This New Broadcast Partner Has Big Plans for Daytona!

^{Feb 13, 2025 | Edition #136}

👋 Dear Motorheads,

Earlier, we talked about how 2025 isn’t bringing many changes—same format, same packages. But there are some exciting updates in store. The DVP rule is getting a solid tweak, and the Xfinity Series broadcast is about to feel brand new.

The CW Network is pulling out all the stops for its NASCAR debut, introducing fresh graphical enhancements to elevate the viewer experience. And that’s not all—as part of their launch, they’re rolling out exclusive rewards just in time for NASCAR’s return to Daytona!

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🗣️ Talk of the NASCAR Town

CW Is Revolutionizing the Viewing Experience

We know CW is new to the NASCAR broadcasting scene, and you might be wondering how it stacks up against veteran networks like NBC and FOX. Naturally, they’re bringing something fresh to grab the attention of longtime fans.

That said, CW isn’t entirely new to NASCAR. They aired the final eight Xfinity races, and are already in most American households. But now, they’re stepping up big, in a way—securing the rights to the entire Xfinity Series. While the series name might change, one thing’s certain: CW will be the home of Xfinity racing through 2031.

Coming to the changes…Xfinity races will no longer have the vertical pylon—the vertical list that shows driver positions in the race. And it's interesting where they have put it. Take a look at these color-segregated sections.

While it might look more like a Cup leaderboard than an Xfinity one, credit where it's due—CW is trying something new!

Plus, their new bumper comes with different variations, including one that allows picture-in-picture. That means you’ll not only see driver positions on the track but also a secondary camera view at the same time.

And that’s not all—CW knows you’re pumped for the new season, and they are too! To make the United Rentals 300 even more exciting, they’ve launched a fun contest for fans. All it takes is one fan cave picture, and you could have your photo featured on-air during the Xfinity Series race at Daytona! That’s amazing, right? You can also win a $500 gift card, by simply following these 2 steps.

It’s going to be an interesting weekend. And, the Lucky Dog can’t wait to see your picture all featured and talk about it on Monday.

But before that—remember when NASCAR had a horizontal leaderboard? CW’s new placement feels a bit nostalgic, almost like a Reddit debate coming to life. Every offseason, fans argue about where the leaderboard should go—horizontal, right, left—and every year, the consensus lands back on vertical. But this time, CW is shaking things up, and so far, the changes are getting plenty of appreciation! So, maybe the veteran broadcasters at the Cup Series can also take some inspiration. 

Continue Reading: NASCAR’s Historic Daytona 500 Purse Marred by Controversy, Fans Expose a Dark Reality

🔮 Lucky Dog’s Perspective

RCR’s Struggles Continue (Even) With Kyle Busch!

RCR hasn't been the same since Dale Earnhardt Sr's passing. And, we know you agree! While Kevin Harvick had some big shoes to fill, he did keep the team afloat. Let’s give Harvick that.

Among his 23 wins with RCR, the 2007 Daytona 500 was pure magic. It was a high-stakes showdown with Kyle Busch and Mark Martin. Here’s how Harvick dodged a near-wall squeeze and took the chequered.

It felt like a one-man show. As Harvick did his donuts, Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, and Carl Edwards were caught in a final-lap wreck. His 13 years with RCR were full of moments like that. But when it was time to move, Hendrick was his first choice—until Jimmie Johnson and Gordon left no room. So, he landed at Stewart-Haas Racing, while RCR was left struggling, nearly fading out.

After struggling for a few years, RCR was trying to make a comeback with Austin Dillon in the #3 and Tyler Reddick in the #8 in 2022. But with newfound parity in cars, skill mattered more than ever—and Reddick, a two-time Xfinity champ, had plenty of it. Reddick racked up three wins that season, while Austin added one. But then the former left for 23XI Racing, once again leaving RCR in deep waters.

Enter Kyle Busch—a free agent without M&M’s backing and no seat at JGR. Expectations were sky-high, and this partnership was one no one saw coming, especially after the infamous 2011 Kansas clash. Who could forget the heated exchange between a 65-year-old Richard Childress and a 26-year-old Busch?

Regardless, Busch joined RCR, securing three wins in 2023. But the playoffs were a letdown, ending his season in P14. Then came 2024—arguably his worst year yet. No wins, a P20 finish, and RCR’s only victory came under controversy. Yes, Dillon made a deliberate contact in Richmond. With the white flag in the air, as Joey Logano ran for the chequered, watch how the RCR driver wrecked him and took the chequered.

Austin Dillon spoiled it for two frontrunners that day, snatching his fifth career win. But NASCAR wasn’t having it—despite Childress’ multiple appeals, the win was stripped, leaving RCR back at square one.

2025 is a pivotal season for both RCR and Kyle Busch—especially with the pressure to finally conquer the Daytona 500. And here’s something interesting—Dale Earnhardt and Rowdy share a surprising connection. Watch this video to find out.

If the winless streak drags on, Busch’s future with the team—and maybe even in the Cup Series—starts looking shaky. But despite nearing his contract expiry date, Rowdy is confident. He said, "[We’ve changed] more so shop guys behind the scenes, people building cars, engineering group leaders in those departments, and being able to facilitate fresher ideas and different builds on our race cars is definitely what's different."

Other than that, Kyle Busch's crew pretty much remains the same. Randall Burnett remains the Crew chief along with Derek Kneeland as the spotter. 

And we feel the whole 2024 season would become a distant memory if he wins the Daytona 500 in the Harvick style this season. It would end the 57-race streak, and would probably get locked in the 2025 playoffs. Seriously though, RCR and Busch NEED 2025 to work out…no matter what!

Continue Reading: SVG Calls Out Kyle Busch’s Unwarranted Talladega Mayhem at RCR’s Expense

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📈 Trending News

Kevin Harvick Praises NASCAR!

Folks, let’s talk about the DVP policy change! If last season’s chaos feels like a blur, here’s a quick refresher—Talladega saw a massive 28-car pileup, the biggest wreck in NASCAR history. Many called it “the BIG One,” and for good reason. Watch the in-car camera footage.

Most of the 28 cars couldn’t make it to the pit lane. Under NASCAR’s old DVP policy, that meant a DNF. In a 40-car field, if most cars are out, means the race is over. But NASCAR couldn’t have that. So they started handpicking who could continue—like playoff drivers Chase Elliott and Chase Briscoe, who got a free pass. Naturally, that led to an uproar. And, Kevin Harvick? He called it a "shit show." And, there’s more. He even claimed he had a lot of information, and called out the points system.

But now we have a new policy, and it is better. NASCAR is not meddling with anything. And Harvick, again has voiced his opinion. The veteran has given one of his rare praises. You need to hear him out, he literally asked NASCAR to stay out of it.

Now with the daunting DVP clock gone, cars can be fixed. If they’re on pit road, they can work until the 7-minute clock is exceeded. But then they need to go to the garage. There’s no clock in the garage. And once the repair is done they can join back.

Also if a car can't drive back (flat tires rule here!), it gets towed to the garage. But again, that doesn't mean "out of the race" anymore. Remember when Josh Berry was thrown out of the race for just having flat tires last season at Kansas? Watch how the No. 16 flipped at the start.

They could’ve towed him to pit lane, changed the tire, and got him back in the race. But if it were Kyle Larson instead of Berry—key to the playoffs—would he have been given that chance? The response remains unknown, it’s NASCAR after all. But let’s hope with the new policy we see some good fair racing.

Continue Reading: Kevin Harvick Fires Big Allegation at Rick Hendrick & Co. to Warn Kyle Larson Against New Rival

 🔎 The In-Depth View

Dale Earnhardt Jr Has a Pick for the Next ‘Clash!’

Days back some of us were calling out Tyler Reddick for his suggestion on 'The Clash' venue. Let us tell you, he's not a big Bowman Gray Stadium fan, and he just thought of suggesting Europe as a possibility. That seemed random at the moment…but now when Dale Earnhardt Jr seconds it, one has to look at it seriously.

Well, thankfully, unlike Reddick, Junior hasn't left it to just anywhere in Europe. He's got a very specific track in mind. Ready...drum roll...It's "Brand's Hatch" Circuit.

Folks, this track is located in England. It might be 2,500 miles away, but it’s beautiful. Check out the aerial view photos!

And the best part is, this is neither a full-fledged road course nor a traditional short track. It's both and that's what Junior loves about it! If you saw the photos above and thought..."well, how the hell is that just a mile?" You might have considered the whole track. But that's the GP circuit. You have to separate out the part that looks like an old landline receiver. That's the Indy circuit Junior is talking about. Listen to him praising the European track!

It’s 1.2 miles, to be exact. And Junior has raced there—virtually, at least (he's gotten some iRacing time on that track). We don’t know if he shattered the 38 mph lap record, but he had enough fun to suggest it for the Clash!

Speaking of different venues, Bowman Gray was a massive hit—Elliott led 171 of 200 laps, the action was intense, and the grandstands were packed. But there were clear reasons for its success. First, the hype of returning after 1971. Second, it was held on a classic American short track. Maybe Five Flags, Hickory, or Slinger could be even better options.

Even Junior believes “The Clash” belongs on a true short track—because bumper-to-bumper racing is what makes it exciting! So, moving it to another continent, where most hardcore NASCAR fans can’t even attend, might not be the smartest move.

But, don't get us wrong...Brands Hatch is an iconic track. And, their Instagram is a treat to the eyes. Especially, this video of the track, you must take a look!

Maybe NASCAR could add it to the regular schedule—now that would be something. But when it comes to the Clash? The Lucky Dog says it should ALWAYS stay in America!

Continue Reading: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Offended by NASCAR’s Ignorance, Exposes a Potential Surrender

🏁 Lucky Dog’s Quick Ballot 🏁

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