An off-weekend for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series means the spotlight is on the Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series for a pair of road races.
While the Cup Series takes the final weekend off of 2018, NASCAR’s No. 2 and 3 circuits end the month at two challenging road courses.
First up is Saturday’s Xfinity Series Johnsonville 180 (MRN, 2:30 p.m. ET) at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. It marks the ninth visit to the sprawling four-mile circuit with eight different winners in the first eight years. Jeremy Clements won last year in a surprising finish and over the years, drivers like Nelson Piquet Jr., Michael McDowell, Reed Sorenson and Brendan Gaughan have scored upset wins at the track.
Road America Weekend Schedule | Road America Race Winners
An eclectic group of drivers will take part in Saturday’s race led by Xfinity Series regulars but joined by a variety of unique names to the division including Andy Lally, James Davison, Katherine Legge, Conor Daly and NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, who will drive a GMS Racing Chevrolet.
Elliott hasn’t competed in a NASCAR national event since 2012 and his last Xfinity Series start came in 2005 at Memphis Motorsports Park.
“I am really looking forward to see how the Xfinity cars drive in this day and age.” Elliott said. “I have been fortunate to see this sport evolve into what it is, and with engineering nowadays, it’s a whole different ball game.
“My main objective is to complete all the laps, be smooth and do all I can do. This No. 23 car has been fast this year so hopefully we can continue that trait this weekend. It’s going to be fun and we will see where things fall.”
There are also some playoff implications to Saturday’s race as only four events remain in the regular season. A pair of drivers that made last year’s playoff field are currently on the outside looking in with Michael Annett (13th in points following Bristol) and last year’s Road America winner Clements (16th in the current standings) both more than likely needing wins to advance to the post-season.
Playoffs are front and center in the Camping World Truck Series Sunday afternoon in the Chevrolet Silverado 250 (MRN, 2 p.m. ET) at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. It is the opening race of the playoff schedule and eight drivers – Johnny Sauter, Brett Moffitt, Noah Gragson, Ben Rhodes, Grant Enfinger, Stewart Friesen, Justin Haley and Matt Crafton – begin their battle for the title.
See Also: Truck Series Playoff Preview
The five previous CTMP races have all produced young winners as well as a great deal of excitement – and controversy – with a number of last lap incidents to decide the victor. Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Erik Jones, John Hunter Nemechek and Austin Cindric have found Victory Lane at the historic venue.
Canadian Tire Weekend Schedule | Canadian Tire Race Winners
Thirteen drivers will make their road racing debut Sunday; Justin Kunz, Austin Hill, Myatt Snider, Wendell Chavous, Max Tullman, Jason White, Jesse Iwuji, Justin Fontaine, Ray Ciccarelli, Harrison Burton, Friesen, Bo LeMastus and Roger Reuse. Friesen is hoping his lack if experience won’t add to his challenge of running for the championship.
“We’re capable of winning a race. It’s just been one of those things where we haven’t really gotten the breaks late in races to close the deal,” said the Canadian Frisen. “We’ve won a bunch of stages and led a bunch of laps all year, and just can’t seem to close it out.
“If we have a smooth day with no penalties and everything goes our way, we’re capable of a win at any of the tracks. Canadian Tire is a wild card as I’m light on road racing experience, but I’m confident in the truck we’ll bring.”
