This Week in Racing

June 08, 2026

The Take

This week in racing was all about resilience and determination, as drivers and teams pushed through adversity to claim hard-fought victories. From Joseph Newgarden's triumph at WWTR to Denny Hamlin's back-to-back wins at Michigan, it's clear that the ability to overcome obstacles is just as important as raw speed. As we look ahead to the rest of the season, it's the drivers and teams that can adapt and persevere that will ultimately come out on top. With several storylines unfolding, including George Russell's quest to catch Kimi Antonelli in the title race, the next few weeks are shaping up to be some of the most exciting of the year.

The Big Story

Joseph Newgarden's dominant performance at the Bommarito 500 was the highlight of the week, as he held off a fierce challenge from Ericsson to take his sixth win at WWTR. Despite a delay-plagued race, Newgarden showed his mastery of the track, navigating the twists and turns with ease. The win was a testament to Newgarden's skill and experience, and it's clear that he's one of the top drivers in the sport. With this victory, Newgarden has solidified his position as a title contender, and he'll be one to watch in the coming weeks.

Around the Track

* Denny Hamlin made history at Michigan International Speedway, going from the back to the front to claim his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory. The win tied Hamlin with the late Kyle Busch on the all-time wins list, and he celebrated by honoring his fellow driver. * Myles Rowe pulled off an incredible drive in the Indy NXT race at WWTR, climbing from 24th and last in the starting field to take the win. The victory was a historic one, marking the first time a driver has come from so far back to win in the series. * Charles Leclerc's crash at the Monaco Grand Prix was attributed to persistent brake problems, rather than the notoriously tricky track surface. The incident highlighted the importance of reliable equipment in Formula 1, and teams will be taking a closer look at their brake systems in the coming weeks. * Luke McMillin finally achieved his long-awaited victory at the SCORE Baja 500, joining an exclusive list of champions who have completed the SCORE Baja "Triple Crown". The win was a testament to McMillin's skill and perseverance, and he'll be looking to build on this momentum in future races.

Worth Watching

As the racing season heats up, drivers will be looking for every advantage they can get. One key component of a driver's safety gear is a reliable helmet, such as the Bell Sport II SA2020 (~$280). With its advanced safety features and lightweight design, this helmet is a top choice among professional drivers. As we look ahead to the rest of the season, it will be interesting to see how drivers and teams adapt to the challenges they face, and which ones will come out on top. With several high-profile races on the horizon, including the upcoming Le Mans event, where Lexus will be making its final appearance with the RC F LMGT3, the next few weeks are shaping up to be some of the most exciting of the year.

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