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Jim Utter

NASCAR drivers say they can't dwell on perils while in car despite IndyCar death

Last updated Sunday, October 23, 2011 - 6:31pm

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Matt Kenseth doesn't spend a lot of time thinking about the dangers involved on race day.

"If that was something that I did think about, then I would find something else to do," Kenseth said Friday at Talladega Superspeedway.

"Certainly it is something you think about when you are building race cars. NASCAR is constantly trying to make the tracks, pit road, our cars and everything safer.

NASCAR, IndyCar Series, Sports, Auto Racing Read more Comments

Ten-race title Chase opens at new venue, with different feel

Jim Utter McClatchy Newspapers

Last updated Friday, September 16, 2011 - 5:01pm

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- One change to the Chase for the Sprint Cup has been highly publicized this season.

The addition of two "wild card" entries provided a boost in interest leading up to last weekend's Chase cutoff race at Richmond, Va.

There was another change, however.

NASCAR, Sports, Auto Racing Read more Comments

Ragan on a Chase roller coaster

Jim Utter McClatchy Newspapers

Last updated Wednesday, August 10, 2011 - 4:23pm

CONCORD, N.C. -- A month ago, David Ragan was the toast of the NASCAR world.

He earned his first career victory in the July 2 race at Daytona, a win which put him in good position to earn his first invitation to the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

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Busch brothers go home with big race on the line

Jim Utter, McClatchy Newspapers

Last updated Saturday, March 5, 2011 - 7:59pm

LAS VEGAS -- The Busch brothers have returned home.

And this time, they may be poised to be better than ever.

Kyle and Kurt Busch, who together and individually ruled the Las Vegas-area short tracks as kids under the watch eyes of their parents, return to do battle on one of NASCAR's biggest stages, in today's Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

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Martin shows penchant for getting around fast

Jim Utter, McClatchy Newspapers

Last updated Sunday, February 13, 2011 - 5:22pm

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The unique qualifying process for the Daytona 500 provides a week's worth of publicity for the two drivers who clinch spots on the front row.

Does that advantage translate into anything for the race?

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Can Bowyer escape penalty's shadow in 2011?

Jim Utter, McClatchy Newspapers

Last updated Friday, January 28, 2011 - 5:31pm

WELCOME, N.C. -- Richard Childress was beaming with confidence.

"This year is the year to take Jimmie (Johnson) off that throne," Childress said of the driver who's won five consecutive Sprint Cup Series championships.

NASCAR, Sports, Auto Racing Read more Comments

NASCAR to drivers: Choose a series

Jim Utter, McClatchy Newspapers

Last updated Wednesday, January 19, 2011 - 5:57pm

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Drivers wishing to compete in NASCAR's three national series -- Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Trucks -- can only collect points toward a driver's championship in one of them beginning with the 2011 season.

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Strategy is key in final NASCAR Chase races

Jim Utter

Last updated Sunday, November 7, 2010 - 9:58pm

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Who is right?

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Harvick says NASCAR Chase all about top five drivers

Jim Utter, McClatchy Newspapers

Last updated Friday, November 5, 2010 - 5:27pm

Three races left in the 2010 Sprint Cup Series season.

Three drivers left in the running to be named series champion.

NASCAR, Sports, Auto Racing Read more Comments

Winning has its advantages, but there's a difference between fast and furious

Jim Utter, McClatchy Newspapers

Last updated Sunday, July 25, 2010 - 6:49pm

INDIANAPOLIS -- It's difficult to believe some dangerous on-track moments of NASCAR racing -- like racing back to a caution flag -- once were ruled by a gentlemen's agreement among drivers.

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(The Associated Press) Brad Keselowski (right) talks to team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. (left) duringa news conference at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. Friday.

Some heavy hitters' knocking on Brad Keselowski';s door

Jim Utter McClatchy Newspapers

Last updated Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 10:02pm

CONCORD, N.C. -- Brad Keselowski is attracting the kind of attention he needs.

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Kasey Kahne improved standing with big victory Sunday night

Jim Utter McClatchy Newspapers

Last updated Tuesday, September 8, 2009 - 10:42pm

HAMPTON, Ga. -- Kasey Kahne scored a popular victory at a suddenly popular race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.Kevin Harvick came up short in his quest to end his 95-race winless streak but his performance showed promise his resurgence.Yet when the dust settled late Sunday in the Pep Boys 500, how had the race to secure a spot in the 12-driver Chase for the Sprint Cup changed?Not a lot.The same drivers who held the top 12 positions in the series standings were still there, although the margins and some positions changed.

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Dale Jr. to provide backup for Hendrick Motorsports

Jim Utter McClatchy Newspapers

Last updated Sunday, September 6, 2009 - 6:53pm

HAMPTON, Ga. -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. is set to miss the Chase for the Sprint Cup for the third time in the six years of its use by NASCAR to determine the series champion.
But the sport's most popular driver doesn't plan to be a spectator or cheerleader the rest of the season.
"We are mathematically out of the Chase at this point so we are watching everybody else and seeing how they are going to do," said Earnhardt, who will start 31st in Sunday night's Pep Boys 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Martin Truex Jr. won the pole with a lap at 184.149 mph.

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