Overview

• Shane van Gisbergen claimed pole positions in both Xfinity and Cup series and converted them into victories in the Loop 110 and Grant Park 165 to complete a weekend sweep
• Denny Hamlin’s engine blew on his first practice lap, forcing him to skip qualifying, start 39th and recover to a top-five finish in the Cup race
• Corey Heim became the first non-qualifier in a points race outside the Daytona 500 in seven years after a qualifying crash bent his front suspension
• The three-year contract for NASCAR’s Grant Park street races expires after this weekend and officials are exploring renewal options or potential new venues
• Denny Hamlin proposed a “street oval” concept that would use city streets to create an oval layout blending road-course excitement with traditional oval racing