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NASCAR Monday Mash-Up: Josh Berry hits the jackpot in Las Vegas

JHby:Jonathan Howard•03/17/25•

Jondean25

NASCAR Josh Berry win
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

A great weekend in Las Vegas with three great races. Josh Berry was the highlight of the NASCAR events in Nevada. An action-packed few days on the track. Did we learn anything about how this season is going to play out?

From radio chatter to wrecks to all of the racing drama in between – Las Vegas drove a few drivers wild. Other drivers had more luck in the casinos than on the race track.

Let’s get into what happened and all of the fun along the way. Then we can move on to Homestead-Miami Speedway. Another fun intermediate track.

Matt Crafton team caught red-handed by NASCAR

During the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, Matt Crafton got a little upset. He was hit with a penalty for making adjustments under the red flag for rain.

Crafton insisted that his team didn’t do anything. But NASCAR provided photo and video evidence. The 88 team still had a decent day, P9.

Corey Heim flexes on NASCAR Truck Series field

The rain really didn’t want the Truck Series to race. Only for NASCAR would it rain in Las Vegas like it did the other night.

After a long night at the track, Heim won the race. He dominated late and reminded everyone that it was indeed, Heim Time, once again.

Ryan Blaney slaps the wall in practice

Team Penske had an up-and-down day. Josh Berry was the high and Ryan Blaney was the low. His weekend started with a wall slap in practice and only got worse.

Even when it felt like Blaney was getting somewhere on Sunday, he had another setback. Just wasn’t his week last week.

Denny Hamlin wins big at Las Vegas… in the casino

While things did not work out on the track, Denny Hamlin might have won more money than he came to Vegas with this week. That is thanks to the Buffalo video slot machine.

Three times during the weekend, Hamlin won massive jackpots. He had winnings of $126K, $85K, and $65K. Makes me want to buy a scratch-off.

Justin Allgaier wins NASCAR Xfinity Series race

The reigning champion is back on track. Justin Allgaier has pulled off his first win of the season and is hoping to add more.

A lot of attention has been paid to his rookie teammates. Don’t let that make you forget who runs the series until a new champ is crowned this season. Why can’t Allgaier go back-to-back?

‘God’ is a Bubba Wallace fan

How about Morgan Freeman being a big fan of the No. 23 team? Bubba Wallace was even able to hand deliver Freeman a brand new team hat.

The legendary actor was the Grand Marshal on Sunday. He gave the command in a way only he could give. What a cool moment for NASCAR and Wallace.

Loose wheels all over the track

By the time the race was over, Chase Briscoe, Austin Cindric, and Kyle Busch all had loose wheels. It was an epidemic of loose wheels and tires on the track.

Of course, that means we are going to see pit crews shift around. Suspensions will be coming this week for those crews involved.

Christopher Bell makes clutch pit stop

Speaking of loose wheels, Christopher Bell avoided a penalty. Adam Stevens made him stop in Chase Briscoe’s pit box to get his left front tightened up.

Joe Gibbs Racing worked quickly to make sure the 20 car didn’t get held for two laps on pit road and won’t lose pit crew members. Now, will NASCAR let this remain legal?

Carson Hocevar loses his mind on Ty Gibbs

During the race, Carson Hocevar had troubles. Mainly one named Ty Gibbs. Hocevar was faster than Gibbs most of the day and that led to problems exiting pit road.

Time and again, Hocevar found himself held up or making contact with Gibbs. That led to a very creative rant on the radio. Very creative.

Finally, at the end of the race, Josh Berry emerged victorious. He went out there and earned it, too. Berry and the Wood Brothers are a match made in heaven.

This team did everything they had to do to win. When presented with the opportunity, they executed and it paid off in a major way. Berry beat out Daniel Suárez late to lock himself into the playoffs.