A mere 11 races after returning from a broken leg and foot suffered in February, Kyle Busch has cracked the top 30 in the points standings and is now eligible for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Busch will qualify for NASCAR’s playoffs if he can remain in the top 30 at the end of next month’s Richmond race. 

Busch currently mans the 30th spot in the driver standings, six points ahead of 31st-place Cole Whitt and one point behind 29th-place Justin Allgaier.

Rolling hills with lush green grass, expansive lakes and small, quaint villages are in full view on the drive along U.S. Highway 12 in southern Michigan. Golf courses and vast, farmed land also are part of the otherwise tranquil scene. It’s a serene setting and one conducive to the quiet country life many enjoy in the area. Any thundering noises that may disturb this quiet setting are typically the tell-tale signs of an impending storm. It’s all part of an area referred to as the Irish Hills of Michigan.

Named in homage to the Irish immigrants who settled in the area in the early to mid-1800s, today the area is known for its resorts that attract numerous tourists with its state parks and its multitude of lakes. It is a laid-back atmosphere conducive to families seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

TriStar Motorsports announced today that Blake Koch will be back with TriStar Motorsports in 2016 to compete full time in the NASCAR XFINITY Series.

"This is a big day for TriStar Motorsports," said Mark Smith, owner of TriStar Motorsports. "We are excited to announce our continued partnership with Blake Koch and LeafFilter Gutter Protection for 2016. Blake has been a driver at TriStar since 2014 and we are looking forward to finishing out 2015 strong. LeafFilter came on board this season and they have been great partners of our racing program, so having the opportunity to continue working together in 2016 is exciting"

Having a Chase berth safely tucked away, Martin Truex Jr. says it will be full throttle as usual in the remaining four regular season Sprint Cup Series races. The driver of the No. 78 Furniture Row/Denver Mattress Chevrolet clinched a playoff spot following Sunday’s road-race at Watkins Glen International.

“We’re not going to settle for anything less than being a contender in the next four races,” said Truex. “Producing strong performances is contagious and we want to enter the Chase with a winning momentum.”
Truex’s pre-Chase charge will commence this weekend in the Pure Michigan 400 at the 2-mile Michigan International Speedway where he finished third in the June rain-shortened race.

BROOKLYN, Mich. — NASCAR announced on Tuesday changes to the race package for the Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, August 14.

The changes to the car for the race include a nine-inch spoiler with a one-inch wicker bill, a two-inch splitter and a 43-inch radiator pan. These changes are expected to increase the drag on the cars and optimize the racing. NASCAR spoke to the OEMs, owners, drivers and MIS about the package options to select the one to make the competition stronger.