This Week in Motorsports - October 21

by David Vodden

Kyle Larsen punched his ticket to the final four with a convincing win in Texas in the NASCAR Cup series event there. Larsen led over 230 laps to better William Byron, his only real competitor, Chris Bell, Brad Keselowski, and Kevin Harvick. There was one big ten car wreck that occurred when Daryl “Bubba” Wallace spun out and collected several cars including Alex Bowman, Ross Chastain, and a host of back markers. With Larsen occupying one of the four final spots in the “Winner take all” finale in Phoenix in three weeks, that leaves seven drivers trying for three remaining spots. Those in the last three spots, based on points, include Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch. The four drivers outside hoping for a miracle this weekend in Kansas are Chase Elliott, Keselowski, Martin Truex Jr., and Joey Logano. Both Logano and Truex have fallen so low in the playoff standings that only a win will get them in. They will be trying for that win on Sunday in Kansas along with the Xfinity series drivers in their battle for the final four spots. Because John Hunter Nemechek won the Xfinity race last week in Texas, four spots still remain open for the point gatherers. Nemechek is not eligible for the Xfinity playoff grid. Leading that point parade is A. J. Almendinger with Austin Cindric, Justin Allgaier, Noah Gragson in the top four. On the outside in order are Daniel Hemric, Justin Haley, Harrison Burton, and Brandon Jones. Xfinity races in Kansas and then at Martinsville before heading off to Phoenix with four finalists in this 2021 NASCAR class championship.

 arrison Burton, and Brandio

Back to the Xfinity race, Hemric, Gragson, Allgaier, and Austin Cindric followed Nemechek across the finish line in a racy, but wreck-free event.

In NHRA Mike Salinas was the class of the top fuel field and put away Steve Torrence in the final to win the biggest Wally. Alexia DeJoria outran J. R. Todd to get her groove back in the funny car class. Finally, two fierce gals faced off in the daring Pro Stock Motorcycle finale with Angelle Sampey winning over Karen Stoffer. NHRA winds up 2021 with a trip to Las Vegas before the season finale at the NHRA home strip at the L.A. Fairgrounds in Pomona. That will be a wrap for the nitro-burning, ground-pounding hot rods that are the NHRA.

Formula One is in America this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. Keep in mind that this series accumulates points all season long over twenty-two events and the two top dogs, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, are a mere six points apart. It is a real championship contest with Verstappen looking for championship number one and Hamilton number eight.

This weekend at Thunderhill, On Grid has a fall-season spectacular with great on track activity, evening music, special vendors and more. This gate costs $30 per person which includes both days.

See you at Thunderhill! In Willows, CA. on highway 162. There really is a race track in Willows California.