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NASCAR Xfinity Series Debut: Brenden 'Butterbean' Queen to Race at Bristol with Kaulig Racing

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Motorsport.com is pleased to announce that rising star Brenden 'Butterbean' Queen is gearing up for a significant milestone in his racing journey. Known for his impressive performances in various series, Queen is now poised to challenge the highly competitive NASCAR Xfinity Series. His upcoming debut at Bristol is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to his undeniable talent and the strategic vision of Kaulig Racing.

From Short Tracks to the Big Stage: Queen's Ascent in Motorsports

Brenden 'Butterbean' Queen's Anticipated Xfinity Series Debut

Brenden Queen, widely recognized as 'Butterbean' among his devoted fans, is scheduled to make his first appearance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the Bristol Motor Speedway. He will be at the wheel of the No. 11 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing, signifying a major progression in his racing career. This highly anticipated debut comes as Queen continues to build a reputation for his exceptional driving skills and consistent results across various racing disciplines.

Kaulig Racing's Dynamic Strategy for the No. 11 Car

Kaulig Racing has adopted a flexible approach for its No. 11 Chevrolet this season, featuring a rotation of drivers since the mid-season departure of Josh Williams. The car has been piloted by notable talents such as Carson Hocevar at Iowa, Michael McDowell at Watkins Glen, Justin Haley at Daytona, and reigning Supercars champion Will Brown at Portland. Brenden Queen will be the sixth different driver for the No. 11 car in as many races, highlighting Kaulig Racing's commitment to evaluating diverse talents and optimizing their performance.

Queen's Ambition and the Challenge Ahead at Bristol

Expressing his excitement about this pivotal opportunity, Queen stated, "It's been a dream of mine to get a chance to drive in the Xfinity Series." He conveyed his gratitude to Kaulig Racing for enabling this dream, emphasizing his eagerness to compete at Bristol. He aims to deliver a robust performance and contribute significantly to the team's objectives, acknowledging the competitive nature of the half-mile short track.

A Champion's Path: Queen's Dominance in Lower Divisions

The 27-year-old racer has garnered considerable attention through his remarkable achievements in late model racing. He has clinched victories in numerous prestigious events and secured the 2024 Late Model Stock Car Tour championship. His success in these foundational categories underscores his innate ability and readiness for higher echelons of motorsport. This background positions him as a formidable contender as he steps into the Xfinity Series.

Transitioning Success: ARCA and Truck Series Experience

Queen currently holds the leading position in the ARCA championship standings, boasting six wins from sixteen starts this year. Beyond his ARCA triumphs, he has also gained valuable experience in the NASCAR Truck Series, participating in four races. His notable fourth-place finish in his Truck debut at North Wilkesboro last year, followed by three additional starts in 2025 with Spire Motorsports and TRICON Garage, further illustrates his adaptability and competitive edge across different platforms. These experiences are crucial for his transition and performance in the Xfinity Series.

Future Prospects and Team Dynamics within Kaulig Racing

At Kaulig Racing, Queen will join a strong lineup, racing alongside full-time drivers Christian Eckes in the No. 16 car and Daniel Dye in the No. 10. There has also been speculation about Queen potentially joining Kaulig's new Truck Series team, which plans to launch five entries in 2026 as part of a fresh partnership with Ram. Chris Rice, president of Kaulig Racing, shared his enthusiasm: "We’re super excited to be a part of Brenden’s next steps in his racing career. He has made a splash in the ARCA Menards Series and is an all-around great short track racer, so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in the Xfinity Series under the lights at Bristol." This sentiment highlights the team's confidence in Queen's potential to succeed and grow within the organization.

Bagnaia's Catalan GP Practice Woes: A Deep Dive into Ducati's Struggles
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Bagnaia's Catalan GP Practice Woes: A Deep Dive into Ducati's Struggles

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Bagnaia's Catalan GP Practice: A Rider's Frustration

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This article delves into Francesco Bagnaia's bewildering performance during the practice sessions of the Catalan Grand Prix, highlighting his struggles and search for solutions.

The Unsettling Challenge: Finding Answers on the Track

Unraveling the Mystery: Bagnaia's Disconcerting Practice Session

During the Friday practice for the Catalan Grand Prix, Ducati's factory rider, Francesco Bagnaia, found himself at a perplexing disadvantage, landing near the bottom of the time charts. His performance was more than a second slower than the leading riders, placing him in an unexpected 21st position.

Early Warning Signs: A Troubling Start to the Weekend

The initial practice session hinted at trouble, with Bagnaia finishing 23rd, second to last. While this was initially attributed to a lack of a second tire set and minor bike issues, deeper concerns emerged as his struggles persisted into the afternoon session.

A Lone Outlier: Bagnaia's Performance Contrasts with Teammates' Success

Adding to the mystery, Bagnaia's teammates, including Marc Marquez, demonstrated strong performances, with Marquez securing third place behind the impressive KTM factory riders, Brad Binder and Pedro Acosta. Alex Marquez also performed admirably on an older Gresini bike, making Bagnaia's difficulties a stark anomaly for the Ducati team.

Seeking Explanations: A Rider's Struggle for Understanding

Visibly dejected, Bagnaia candidly admitted his inability to comprehend the underlying problems affecting his bike's performance. He confessed that his pre-weekend expectations were entirely misjudged given the sudden and severe downturn in his pace.

Persistent Technical Woes: Braking and Corner Entry Challenges Resurface

Bagnaia revealed that despite recent advancements in Hungary that seemed to address long-standing issues, the same problems with braking and corner entry reappeared at Barcelona. He described pushing to his limits, risking a great deal with the front of the bike, yet remaining significantly slow.

A Call for Reassessment: The Path Forward for Ducati

Acknowledging the unique challenges of the Barcelona track's low grip, Bagnaia had anticipated a tough weekend, but not to this extent. He expressed confidence in his own physical and mental preparation, ruling out personal factors for his performance dip. Instead, he emphasized the need for "something important" from the team to improve and secure a spot in Q2, hoping for at least a top-seven finish in the sprint race. Bagnaia stressed the urgency for a complete "reset" and fresh solutions to navigate these baffling difficulties.

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Quartararo to Unleash Yamaha's V4 Engine in Early Barcelona Test

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In a significant development for the MotoGP season, reigning world champion Fabio Quartararo is poised to conduct an early test of Yamaha's V4 engine at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. This accelerated testing schedule comes as Yamaha intensifies its efforts to refine the engine, a crucial step in preparing for the 2026 season. The objective is clear: to enhance the M1's performance and, in turn, strengthen Yamaha's position in the sport, potentially influencing Quartararo's decision regarding his future contract.

Initially, it was projected that Augusto Fernandez would pilot the V4-equipped M1 at the San Marino Grand Prix on September 14, with factory riders Quartararo and Alex Rins following suit in subsequent tests. However, Yamaha has fast-tracked these plans, bringing Quartararo's test forward to September 8. This proactive approach underscores the urgency and importance Yamaha places on the new engine's development, especially given Quartararo's consistent calls for accelerated progress. The Barcelona circuit, familiar territory where Fernandez first ran the prototype, will serve as a vital ground for gathering data on the fine-tuned V4 engine.

Quartararo himself confirmed the revised timeline, expressing his relief and anticipation for the test. His statements highlight the pressure he has been exerting on Yamaha to expedite the engine's evolution, underscoring its critical role in maintaining competitive edge. The upcoming test is designed not only to advance the technical capabilities of the new V4 engine but also to provide compelling evidence to Quartararo that Yamaha is fully committed to delivering a winning package, a factor that is pivotal for his potential contract extension beyond the current season.

The test in Barcelona will also see Yamaha sharing the track with rival manufacturer Honda, creating a competitive environment for evaluating the new engine's capabilities. This direct comparison will yield invaluable data, allowing Yamaha engineers to assess the advancements made over recent months. For Quartararo, who recently experienced a challenging practice session at the Catalan GP, narrowly missing out on automatic qualification for Q2, the V4 engine offers a beacon of hope for improved performance and a more competitive future.

The upcoming V4 engine test represents a pivotal moment for Yamaha and Fabio Quartararo. Success in this crucial evaluation could significantly impact Yamaha's competitive standing in MotoGP and play a decisive role in securing Quartararo's long-term commitment to the team, setting the stage for an exciting future for both rider and manufacturer.

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