Paul Menard

The biggest news in NASCAR this weekend may not have come from the 2019 FireKeepers Casino 400. Instead, it happened over 1,000 miles away in a Gander Outdoors Truck Series race in Fort Worth, Texas.

That’s where 49-year-old Greg Biffle, the former NASCAR star won in his first race back in the sport since Homestead-Miami Speedway in November 2016. Biffle, the 2000 Truck Series champion, earned $50,000 for the Triple Truck Challenge and put himself in position for more opportunities.

The 2019 NASCAR season begins on Sunday, Feb. 17, with the running of the 61st Daytona 500. Millions around the country will begin their fantasy leagues, daily fantasy participation in the sport and start gambling on the race winner. It’s a phenomenon the sport hasn’t ignored: NASCAR hired Sportsradar Integrity Services to help shape a gambling policy in the wake of legalization across the United States.

Kansas is a state known for its tornadic activity; just look to the Wizard of Oz for proof. But don’t worry about such windy weather affecting NASCAR this weekend. Turns out the tornado already tore through this sport in the form of a four-car Ford freight train at Talladega last Sunday.

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series begins their 10-race playoff this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Sixteen drivers will begin their quest for the ultimate prize, a series championship starting with the inaugural South Point 400.

The green flag flies at 3 p.m. ET this Sunday, Sept. 16, on NBC Sports Network.

The July Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway felt like a demolition derby. The Big One happened less then 60 laps into the race, turning half the field into a glorified junkyard.