SPRINT CUP PREVIEW RACE NO. 25: CALIFORNIA A brief NASCAR era ends Sunday with the final Labor Day weekend running of a Sprint Cup race at Auto Club Speedway. The "fall" race at the track formerly known as California Speedway moves into the Chase next year, and Atlanta will take over the holiday weekend slot. Tribune motor sports writer Tony Fabrizio takes a look at what's topical entering the second-to-last regular-season race: ...more

August 29, 2008

SPRINT CUP PREVIEW RACE NO. 23: MICHIGAN The auto racing season is winding toward its homestretch. Scott Dixon has all but wrapped up the Indy Racing League title. Clint Bowyer, surprising Brad Keselowski and Carl Edwards have separated themselves in the Nationwide Series. And the Sprint Cup Series has four races left before the cutoff for the Chase. Tribune motor sports writer Tony Fabrizio takes a look at who is still fighting for a Chase berth and other news heading into Sunday's 3M Performance 400 at Michigan: ...more

August 15, 2008

SPRINT CUP PREVIEW: RACE NO. 14 - POCONO Halfway to the Chase, Kyle Busch has a commanding lead in the standings, and Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne are holding onto the final three spots in the top 12. Jeff Gordon and Kurt Busch were last year's winners at Pocono Raceway, site of Sunday's Pocono 500. Below, Tony Fabrizio takes a look at what's topical this weekend: ...more

June 6, 2008

SPRINT CUP PREVIEW: RACE NO. 11 - DARLINGTON NASCAR goes back to its roots this weekend with an annual stop at Darlington Raceway, stock car racing's original super speedway. The famed and oft-cursed "Lady in Black" has received a $10 million facelift, including a repaving of the narrow 1.366-mile surface that will mean higher speeds and even more treacherous racing. Below, Tribune motor sports writer Tony Fabrizio takes a look at what's topical entering Saturday night's Dodge Challenger 500: ...more

May 9, 2008

SPRINT CUP PREVIEW WEEK 2: CALIFORNIA Moving from the east coast of Florida to the snow-capped mountains of southern California, NASCAR has crossed the country for the Auto Club 500 at two-mile California Speedway. Qualifying is tonight at 6:30, and Sunday's race starts at 3:30 p.m. Here are some pertinent questions heading into the weekend: ...more

February 22, 2008