David Smith

NASCAR Cup Series Jockey Made in America 250 Presented by Kwik Trip

Analysis: A potential Chase Elliott hot streak is on the horizon

Chase Elliott is more of a title favorite than meets the eye, something that could come to the surface as soon as this weekend.

AUTO: APR 07 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series - Food City 500

What matters at Bristol: Cautions, subsequent restarts will dictate race

Likely heavy on cautions and restarts, tonight’s playoff elimination race is a game of short runs.

Analysis: With speed surge, Chip Ganassi Racing has last chance at best impression

A bittersweet ending to Chip Ganassi Racing’s NASCAR program is possible, thanks to improved speed and performance.

NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400

Analysis: Strategic risk at Richmond key for track position, playoff survival

Richmond’s long stages provide opportunity for unconventional pit strategies, a necessity for teams at or below the playoff cut line.

Analysis: Ryan Blaney suited for deep playoff run regardless of ‘momentum’

Back-to-back wins to the end the regular season provided Ryan Blaney a points cushion and possible launching pad for a deep playoff run.

NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan

What matters at Darlington: Southern 500 win goes through Martin Truex Jr.

David Smith identifies the analytics and trends shaping today’s Southern 500, including the historical dominance of Martin Truex Jr.

Personnel investment, pit strategy fuel “best season Front Row has ever had”

A belief in personnel, a parts freeze and a strategist with free rein have helped improve Front Row Motorsports in an unconventional way.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 60th Annual Daytona 500

Analysis: Five drivers with enough speed, bona fides to steal Daytona win

David Smith identifies five sleeper picks for the win — and automatic playoff berth it’d provide — in tonight’s Coke Zero Sugar 400.

NASCAR Cup Series 63rd Annual Daytona 500 Practice

Analysis: The extent of Bubba Wallace’s ability is still not clear

If Bubba Wallace misses the playoffs in his first year at 23XI Racing, it could make for a blessing in disguise.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Consumers Energy 400

What matters at Michigan: With clean air comes control of the race

Through restarts, pit cycles and outright speed, clean air is the goal for NASCAR teams today at Michigan International Speedway.

Without elite speed, Kevin Harvick ‘fighting and clawing’ for results

Kevin Harvick is having to “race differently” and Rodney Childers is aiming for stage points amid a dip in SHR’s collective speed.

Analysis: Five surprising stat darlings on road courses in 2021

David Smith analyzes five drivers whose statistical output in road course races have likely surpassed their preseason expectation.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series AAA Texas 500 - Qualifying

Comeback season: Daniel Suárez once again proving his statistical worth

In his first year with Trackhouse Racing, Daniel Suárez is reminding the industry of his underlying ability and top-20 potential.

NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400

Defeating Chase Elliott at Watkins Glen is improbable but not impossible

David Smith dissects the analytics and trends important to today’s Go Bowling at the Glen Cup race.

NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway

Ten-win Hendrick Motorsports still needs to maximize its next four weeks

Even for a program as dominant as Hendrick Motorsports, the next four races are key point-padding opportunities.

Analysis: Joey Logano’s title bid runs though 750-hp tracks

If Joey Logano wins his second title this fall, it’ll be via a blueprint maximizing his strengths and taking advantage of the playoff schedule.

Analysis: Appreciating the best strategists among crew chiefs

David Smith highlights five of the best strategists among NASCAR crew chiefs.

Analysis: The fastest cars in a given Cup race are winning less often

Through 22 races, the fastest cars in individual NASCAR Cup races aren’t bringing home trophies at the usual 40% clip.

Analysis: Intriguing fits for five open Cup Series seats prior to 2022

David Smith plays matchmaker, finding open rides befitting the strengths of NASCAR’s top remaining free-agent drivers.

What matters at New Hampshire: Success is a playoff springboard

David Smith analyzes the trends shaping today’s NASCAR race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Transaction Analysis: What to expect from Austin Cindric, Harrison Burton

David Smith analyzes the Cup Series promotions of Austin Cindric and Harrison Burton, who join Team Penske and Wood Brothers Racing.

Albeit winless, Denny Hamlin is wired for a deep playoff run

Denny Hamlin, without a victory in 2021, profiles as a more viable championship championship than he did last year.

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor Quiktrip 500 - Practice

What matters at Atlanta: Reckoning with high tire wear

David Smith analyzes the trends shaping today’s Cup Series race at Atlanta, including Ryan Blaney’s affinity for high-tire wear tracks.

Dips in strategy, restarts behind Matt DiBenedetto’s recent struggles

Due to collective struggles, Matt DiBenedetto and Wood Brothers Racing are below the NASCAR playoff cutline.

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