David Smith

Drivers, crew chiefs seeking statistical breakouts in 2022 (Part 2)

Part 2 of David Smith’s analysis looks at three drivers and three crew chiefs with the opportunities for breakout seasons.

Drivers, crew chiefs seeking statistical breakouts in 2022 (Part 1)

David Smith analyzes four drivers and two crew chiefs with legitimate opportunities for statistical breakouts in the new year.

Stat Darlings: Celebrating the best drivers of 2021

David Smith names his annual “Stat Darlings,” a list of top NASCAR drivers that includes Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott and William Byron.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 61st Annual Daytona 500 - Practice

Best of Gen 6: Acknowledging the era’s best pit strategists

David Smith acknowledges the best pit strategists of NASCAR’s Gen 6 era, a list that includes Cole Pearn, Greg Ives and Chris Gabehart.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500

Best of Gen 6: Recognizing the era’s best restarters

David Smith identifies the best restarters of NASCAR’s Gen 6 era, a list that includes Joey Logano, Kurt Busch and Kyle Larson.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America 500

Best of Gen 6: Celebrating the era’s most efficient passers

Who were the best passers of NASCAR’s Gen 6 era? David Smith identifies the most efficient movers.

NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race

Best of Gen 6: Celebrating the era’s most productive drivers at every age

Who were most influential to their results during the Gen 6 era? David Smith identifies the most productive drivers at every age.

Analysis: Four part-time Xfinity Series drivers deserving of regular rides in 2022

David Smith identifies four Xfinity Series part-timers with the potential for bigger and better performances with more regular looks in the 2022 season.

Analysis: Four drivers deliver improved marks during playoff stretch

Four drivers, including William Byron, enter the offseason on a high, delivering improved marks in key statistical categories.

Smith: Title paths for Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin viable despite Phoenix result

The Joe Gibbs Racing duo didn’t claim a championship but their chosen paths towards the title race are blazed, ready to be duplicated.

Smith: What Kyle Larson’s title win reminds us about modern-day NASCAR

David Smith identifies what Kyle Larson’s 2021 title win reminds us about modern-day NASCAR.

What matters at Phoenix: Pit stops, restarts will shape championship race

David Smith highlights how pit stops and restarts will impact the title picture in today’s race at Phoenix Raceway.

AUTO: MAR 24 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series - STP 500

Analysis: Why each Championship 4 driver will (or won’t) win at Phoenix

David Smith highlights the points of success and failure for each of the Championship 4 drivers at Phoenix.

NASCAR Cup Series Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 500

What matters at Martinsville: Playoff teams should play to their strengths

Short runs or long runs? Each playoff team’s strength should be utilized today at Martinsville in the Round of 8 finale.

Lacking a true dominator, 750-horsepower tracks see best of several playoff drivers

There’s no clear dominator on 750-horsepower tracks but David Smith highlights the statistical strengths of several drivers.

Analysis: Kansas performance a must for three playoff drivers

Today’s race in Kansas offers opportunity that may not exist at Martinsville for Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch and Joey Logano.

Analysis: 550-horsepower tracks the foundation of Kyle Busch rebuild

Kyle Busch’s rebound from a dismal 2020 season has centered on strength at 550-horsepower tracks.

What matters at Texas: Minimal tire wear creates strategy smorgasbord

David Smith examines the analytics and trends shaping the Round of 8 opener at Texas Motor Speedway.

Analysis: Kyle Larson is in need of one more evolution

Can Kyle Larson improve from good to great at key playoff tracks? It’s an evolution that’s necessary for his championship hopes.

Playoff analytics: Most efficient passers, best restarters and fastest teams

David Smith identifies the statistical highlights and lowlights of the 2021 NASCAR playoffs to date.

Analysis: Dirt racing pedigrees translate to road course success

The “feel” of dirt open-wheel racing tends to translate to NASCAR’s road courses, leading to success.

What matters at Talladega: Stages invite early risk for points safety net

David Smith previews the YellaWood 500 at Talladega, including an analysis of the risk associated with competing for stage finishes.

Analysis: Finish by finish, Martin Truex Jr. emerging as alternative title favorite

Martin Truex Jr. is piecing together a postseason run worthy of title contention.

In playoff round that’s subjectively wild, Las Vegas provides its own “crazy”

Tonight’s South Point 400 in Las Vegas opens an eclectic playoff round that suits some teams while frustrating others.

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David Smith