NASCAR Gears Up for Las Vegas: New Sponsors, Playoff Shake-ups, and Fun Facts
The NASCAR world is buzzing with excitement as teams and drivers prepare for the upcoming race weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. From new sponsorship deals to playoff standings, there's plenty to catch up on before the engines roar to life in Sin City.
Campbell Joins Joe Gibbs Racing as Official Sponsor
In a significant move, Joe Gibbs Racing has announced a new partnership with Campbell, formerly known as Campbell Soup Company. This 155-year-old brand, which has recently rebranded to simply "Campbell," will become an official sponsor of the racing team.
"This partnership between Campbell and Joe Gibbs Racing represents a exciting opportunity for both brands to reach new audiences," said a spokesperson for the team.
The deal is part of a larger sports sponsorship initiative by Campbell, which includes partnerships with the Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Commanders, New Jersey Devils, and the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Toyota Racing Rebrands to Toyota Gazoo Racing North America
In other team news, Toyota Racing has announced a name change to align with its global racing programs. Toyota teams will now race under the Toyota Gazoo Racing North America banner. While TRD (Toyota Racing Development) will continue to exist for engine and technology purposes, drivers will now refer to their team as Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Welcomes NASCAR
The haulers have arrived in Las Vegas, parading down the famous Strip to kick off the race weekend. Fans were treated to the spectacle of NASCAR machinery rolling past the glittering casinos and hotels, setting the stage for an exciting few days of racing action.
Weekend Schedule
Here's a quick look at the key events for the weekend:
| Day | Xfinity Series | Cup Series |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | Practice & Qualifying | Practice & Qualifying |
| Saturday | Race on CW (Time TBA) | Final Practice |
| Sunday | - | Race at 2:00 PM (NBC) |
Playoff Picture: Who's Hot and Who's Not
As the NASCAR playoffs heat up, let's take a look at the current standings:
Cup Series Playoff Standings
- Kyle Larson (+33 above cut line)
- William Byron
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Denny Hamlin
- Chris Buescher
- Christopher Bell
- Tyler Reddick
- Ryan Blaney
On the outside looking in: Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain
Xfinity Series Playoff Standings
- Justin Allgaier (+18 above cut line)
- Cole Custer
- John Hunter Nemechek
- Austin Hill
On the outside looking in: Sam Mayer, Sheldon Creed, Chandler Smith, Daniel Hemric
Christopher Bell's Surprising Weakness
In a recent interview, Christopher Bell revealed an unexpected weakness heading into the Round of 8:
"We have a glaring weakness, and I think it's more on myself than the team. For whatever reason, long runs at Homestead have been my Achilles heel since I got into the sport."
Bell's honesty about his struggles at Homestead-Miami Speedway came as a surprise to many, given his background in dirt track racing and his general success on intermediate tracks.
Fun Facts: Las Vegas Edition
As NASCAR descends on Las Vegas, here are some interesting tidbits to impress your friends:
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The MGM Grand in Las Vegas holds the record for the largest bronze sculpture in the United States. The iconic 45-foot-tall bronze lion statue at its entrance weighs over 50 tons.
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Campbell, NASCAR's newest sponsor, was once the sole sponsor of the TV show "Lassie" from 1954 to 1971.
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Hendrick Motorsports has won five of the last seven Cup Series races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
As the engines fire up and the drivers take to the track, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see who can hit the jackpot and secure their place in the next round of the playoffs. With new sponsors, rebranded teams, and the high-stakes nature of playoff racing, this weekend promises to be a thrilling chapter in the 2023 NASCAR season.
