NASCAR team changes drivers (again) for Phoenix season finale

As a seasoned gamer with a knack for NASCAR racing games, I must admit, the real-life NASCAR Cup Series is as thrilling to follow as any virtual race I’ve ever played. The unpredictability of the 2024 season, particularly the constant driver changes in the No. 16 Chevrolet, has kept me on my toes!

This upcoming Sunday afternoon, the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season is scheduled to conclude at Phoenix Raceway. For the eighth consecutive race weekend, Kaulig Racing has chosen a new driver to pilot their No. 16 Chevrolet.

Among five drivers, Derek Kraus has been behind the wheel of the No. 16 Chevrolet this season. However, he last drove the vehicle back in early June at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. Yet, he’s all set to conclude the year by driving the car in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race, which will take place on the four-turn, 1.022-mile (1.645-kilometer) oval track located in Avondale, Arizona.

Since the closing races of the regular season and the initial events of the playoffs, the No. 16 Chevrolet has been driven by different racers from one event to another. Most recently, Shane van Gisbergen was behind the wheel for the race at Martinsville Speedway this past Sunday afternoon.

Kraus to return at Phoenix

AJ Allmendinger, who piloted the No. 16 Chevrolet on a full-time basis last year and plans to continue that role in 2025, currently tops all drivers with 12 outings behind the wheel this year. Van Gisbergen follows closely with 11 starts.

Kraus and Ty Dillon are both vying for their sixth win, with Kraus poised to surpass Dillon’s current tally of five victories this weekend. Meanwhile, Josh Williams holds two wins in the series.

During the playoffs, it’s only Allmendinger and van Gisbergen who have taken turns behind the wheel of the vehicle. Allmendinger has driven it in three different races, whereas van Gisbergen has driven it in a total of six.

Tune into NBC for live broadcasting of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway, starting 3:00 p.m. ET on November 10th (Sunday)! If you haven’t tried FuboTV yet, now is the perfect time to sign up for a free trial and catch all the action!

2024-11-09 14:32