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Officials reviewing donation of movie theater

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By Rebecca Hauschild

Artesia Daily Press The City of Artesia is preparing for the overflow of planes and people from the Roswell Air Races starting in 2025. The commission approved the 2024-2025 budget during the July 23, 2024, Artesia City Council meeting, which included $4.2 million for local airport improvements.

The $4.2 million will be used to build tee-hangars, a type of aircraft hangar that efficiently houses multiple planes, terminal renovations, and the construction of a large commercial hangar, which is needed is for a company coming to Artesia that will house fixed wing aircraft as well as a maintenance facility, according to Mayor Proterm Jeff Youtsey.

With the council’s approval of Resolution 1871, which included the 2024-2025 budget, the 2023-2024 4th quarter report, and the end of year 2023-2024 budget adjustments, the City established two major place holders for capital and set aside $8.6 million for 26th Street project, $550,000 to build City offices and warehouse, $4.2 million for airport improvement and $1.8 million for future building upgrades.

“We have a deficit on paper of $1,069,000,” said Summer Valverde, City Clerk/Treasurer, “We have worked that down from $5 million a few years ago. We’re trying make sure numbers are more realistic in budgets. We feel confident about this final budget with reserves close to $20 million. That reserve will keep us in good standing if we experience some kind of natural disaster.” Mayor Jon Henry also shared the City has been in discussions and are hoping the movie theatre will be donated to the City of Artesia. “We’ve done quite a bit of studies to make sure the integrity of building is functional,” said Henry. “It’s coming in at just over $1 million to renovate. I think this is something very interesting for us. Though I don’t generally advocate for the City to own more buildings, I would strongly urge the council to continue to own the theatre building if we receive it. This would help us control what our downtown would look like. This isn’t a promise this is going to happen.” Infrastructure Director Byron Landfair reported on City projects:

• The new splashpad is complete and is waiting on a permit.

• The 26th street project will start at end of the year.

• A water line project will start the first week in January 2025.

• The new water well at the Bulldog tank will be beginning of early 2025.

• The NM DOT will be doing a speed study from Mill St. to 26th Street related to adding a signal light at the intersection of 26th Street and Hwy 285.

The council set two public hearings for August 13, 2024. The first is for an ordinance to approve Case No. 24-02: a variance to build a fence on 15ft of public right of way on the southeast corner of 7th Street and Dallas Avenue.

The second public hearing is for an ordinance controlling the service and consumption of alcoholic beverages on City property, as well as the penalties for violations. Currently alcoholic beverages can not be sold or consumed on City property, according to Mayor Henry. “That is why beer gardens, and the like are always held on private property like parking lots.

This ordinance would change that and actually give the City far more control. I’d really like public input on this ordinance.”

During the public hearing portion of the meeting, the council approved Ordinance 1128 for Case No. 23-105, a zone change from single family district “R1-B” to special use “SU-1” on approximately 171,713 sf. at 601 South Twenty- Third Street. Owners are Beverly Still and Brad Knowlton.

The council approved an ordinance to amend Ordinance 615 1-6-14 of the Employee Practices and Regulations, a position classification plan to arrange a pay plan which provides a logical progression of pay on an annual basis for each employee. After completion of six-month probation, which was previously 12 months, of employment with the City of Artesia employees will be eligible to receive an annual increase in pay which follows the adopted pay scale, according to Director of Human Resources Jerry Conde. This increase will take effect annually on July 1 and be paid starting on the first July pay day schedule.

In other business the council approved the following resolutions

• Resolution 1866, presented by Artesia Fire Chief Kevin Hope, adoption of the Eddy County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazard Mitigation Plan for Eddy County, City of Carlsbad, and the City of Artesia.

• Resolution 1870, setting fees for the Artesia Recreation Center football program.

• Resolution 1872 adopting new per diem rates.

• Resolution 1873 authorizing the City of Artesia to pick up 75% of the Plan 2 PERA General Member Coverage, Plan 5 Municipal Fire Member Coverage, and Plan 5 Municipal Police Member Coverage contributions in effect July 1, 2024; Rescinding Resolution 1831. This is set by state statute, according to Valverde.

During the government committee report Mayor Proterm Jeff Youtsey said they had reviewed a report on the Senior Center from Carol Griffin, and discussed cost estimates for the airport upgrades, including the tee-hangers and the large hangar.

Following an executive session the commission approved the termination of an employee in the infrastructure department and uphold the suspension of another employee in the infrastructure department while agreeing to provide him services before he returns to work.

In the consent agenda the commission approved the following personnel changes and travel requests from the Police Department:

•Hire Erica Flott Varela, Police Officer, at $5071.73 p/m

•Promote James Contreras, Police Sergeant, at $6718.40 p/m

•One employee to attend the Filed Training Officer Course in Albuquerque, NM.

•One employee to attend the Conducting Pre-Employment Background Investigations.

Shabaz now leading Artesia Daily Press

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Shabaz now leading Artesia Daily Press
By:Adrian
Hedden

‘I bleed community journalism,’ he says

El Rito Media Dave Shabaz started his career in small-town Turlock, California, just outside Modesto near what became Silicon Valley.

When he first moved there from his native Chicago as a child, Shabaz said the town had a population of about 10,000. When he left years later to continue his career the city stood at about 80,000.

This week, Shabaz took the helm of the Carlsbad Current-Argus and Artesia Daily News, bringing what he learned in some of the largest media markets in the U.S. to New Mexico’s fastest-growing region in the southeast corner.

He knows the value of local journalism in an expanding community, first working at the Turlock Journal as a classifieds salesperson and then outside sales rep, before moving on to bigger markets in Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix.

He said he plans to refocus on local coverage, bringing back police blotters, birth and death announcements, and planning special sections for the start of sports seasons.

It isn’t his first time working in a small town. For the past five years Shabaz was publisher at several community newspapers in Texas, starting at Sulfur Springs in the northeast part of the state and working in Cuero, Texas where he managed five nearby papers.

He said community news offers something different than the national outlets: a place for parents to see their children celebrated for sports accomplishments or learn the inner workings of local government. What makes a town like Carlsbad or Artesia unique, Shabaz said, belongs in the headlines.

“Right now, we’re all inundated with national news, our phones, our TVs,” Shabaz said. “Small community papers are the only place to see your softball player, little league player. We want to return to that kind of journalism. We’re going to be community minded.” ‘I’m not just going to sit in the office.’

Long before Shabaz got involved in the newspaper business, he attempted a career as a stand-up comic in Los Angeles in the mid ‘80s. He still likes to joke around, tell stories and meet people. Shabaz said he doesn’t like just sitting in his office and plans to be heavily involved in the Carlsbad and Artesia communities as a long-time Rotarian with a history of volunteer work.

That desire to stand out and provide a measurable community impact led Shabaz to look back at smalltown media and seek a job as sales manager and ultimately publisher in 2014 in Sanford, North Carolina.

Since that move, Shabaz said he’s used his skills to be a good neighbor and citizen in the communities where he works.

“I’m a joiner, I’m a volunteer,” Shabaz said. “I love to make myself accessible. I’m not going to just sit in the office. I’m here to be part of the community. I welcome any subscriber, anyone that would like to talk to me. I would love to hear what they want to see in the paper.”

Shabaz’s comedy career took the form of humor column for a few years, and he said his light-hearted attitude and value for the community was instrumental in his success as a salesperson and media executive.

“I was too social to be kept inside,” Shabaz said of his past sales roles. “I always wanted to be a writer but ended up a salesman. I liked being at the big papers, but I didn’t feel like I was affecting the community. I hated being a small fish in a big pond.”

As publisher and editor of the papers in Artesia and Carlsbad – Eddy County’s two main cities known for a bitter rivalry – Shabaz said he’ll work to unify the county but respect the cities’ differences.

He said he’s a “die-hard” Chicago sports fan, with a Cubs logo tattooed on his left shoulder and a distaste for the city’s other pro baseball team the White Sox.

“I want to make sure we show respect, and respect for the rivalry,” he said. “Being a sports guy, I really respect a rivalry.”

Liam Wallace Taylor

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Liam Wallace Taylor

Liam Wallace Taylor, 16, passed away July 23, 2024, at University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) after succumbing to injuries from a motor vehicle crash. Liam was born in Santa Fe on Aug. 13, 2007, and he lived in Hobbs, N.M., and Albuquerque each eight years.

Liam is survived by his parents Grant Taylor and Megan Cox Taylor; sister Mabel; paternal grandparents Mary Kay and Randy McCollum; maternal grandparents Sandy and Wallace Cox; aunts Janell Taylor and Lena Vahle; first cousins Miranda Chavez, Katie Chavez, Kennedy Knowlton, Presley Knowlton and Brendan Vahle; a large extended family of great-uncles, great-aunts and cousins; and friends who were “chosen family.” He is preceded in death by his paternal granddad Frank Taylor.

Liam attended Cibola High School in Albuquerque, where he treasured and made contributions to the marching band, jazz band, concert band, pep band, S-Troupe comedy club and the boys volleyball club. Liam was set to begin his senior year and would have graduated in 2025. He also attended Taylor Middle School, Los Ranchos Elementary School and Stone Elementary School (Hobbs). At different points, Liam participated in activities of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program, Stone Age Climbing Gym, National Dance Institute New Mexico, the Community Players of Hobbs, Hobbs youth sports and the gifted programs of the Hobbs and Albuquerque schools.

Liam was an extraordinary performer and skilled musician, playing the guitar, drum kit, bass, French horn and mellophone. He performed with the All-State Symphonic Band and played in the Southwest Honor Band festival in the concert and jazz disciplines. Liam’s music teachers described him as stellar, amazing, approachable and kind. In addition to teachers and instructors, benevolent adults took an interest in Liam and invested in developing his talents. Thank you for seeing and nurturing Liam’s potential. Aside from his own music performance, his enjoyment and knowledge of music artists spanned the spectrum of genres, from Chet Baker to Merle Haggard to MF Doom, and he cherished sharing his passion for music with others.

Liam enjoyed playing video games, making music and spending time with close friends. His outgoing personality, humor and knowledge of current affairs made for lively and enriching conversations. Friends of Liam described him as loving, caring, genuine, supportive, inclusive and funny. “He was a kind kid who touched so many people in his life,” one said. “He was always a fun person to talk to to cheer you up,” said another. That Liam was such a good friend to so many is a tremendous source of joy. Families of Liam’s friends welcomed him into their homes and cared for him deeply. Thank you, families.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Cibola High School band boosters: https://secure.affinipay.com/pages/ chsbb/payments National Dance Institute New Mexico: https://ndi-nm.org/donate-tondi- new-mexico/ (Click “Yes” and complete the form to dedicate your donation in memory of Liam Taylor) Liam’s family is grateful to the many healthcare workers at UNMH, particularly the Trauma/Surgical Intensive Care Unit, who provided Liam with compassion and dignity from beginning to end, in addition to treatment that was second-to-none.

For Liam’s final act, he bestowed precious parts of himself through organ and tissue donation, benefiting potentially dozens of recipients across the United States. Thanks to the hundreds of friends and family members who said goodbye to Liam during his organ-donation “honor walk” from the ICU to surgery. Your being there was a testament to the impact he made in his life and celebrated his legacy that will live on.

Arrangements for a memorial service are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Quana Solt

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Quana Solt

The memorial services for Quana Solt are set for 10 am on Saturday, August 3rd at Trinity Temple Assembly of God in Artesia, New Mexico. Pastor Bobby Argo will Officiate at service.

Quana Jo was born on July 8th, 1973 in Safford, Arizona to parents Mike Solt and Andrea Compary Solt. Quana passed away in Albuquerque, NM on July 14, 2024. Quana was the eldest of five siblings, affectionately known to them as Sissy.

Quana was truly one of a kind. She was a proud truck driver and enjoyed her work immensely. Her passion for food and trying new recipes made her a true foodie. Always eager to explore new restaurants and culinary adventures. Quana also had a special joy in buying random gifts for her children. One memorable time, she ordered a necklace for Stormy that was way too big, not realizing how large it was going to be. We still get a laugh out of that one. Above all, she cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, who were the light of her world. She loved being a granny so much that she even got a membership at a car wash because her granddaughter enjoyed going through it.

Quana will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind wonderful memories that will be treasured forever.

Quana is proceeded in death by her son Christopher ‘Bobo’; her mother, Andrea; brother, Vince; her paternal grandparents, Troy and Lamora Boyce; and her maternal grandparents, Andy and Jane Compary.

She is Survived by her three children Mickah, Stormy, and Gabriel; six grandchildren Athena, Radien, Christopher, Lluvia, Victor, and Julez; her father Mike; her sisters Emily, Amanda, Susan, and Liz; four nephews, three nieces one great-nephew, one great-niece and her dog Sancho.

Deanna Laverne Holder

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Deanna Laverne Holder

A Celebration of Life will be held for Deanna Laverne Holder of Artesia at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at West Main Baptist Church. Officiating will be Lee Roy Howard.

Mrs. Holder, 84, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on July 27, 2024 in Artesia. Cremation will take place under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary.

Deanna was born to Jimmy Lewis May and Johnnie Lee May on August 27, 1939 in Artesia. She married the love of her life, Wayne in October 1968 and would have celebrated their 56th Anniversary this year.

Deanna worked as a bank teller for Western Bank for many years and retired in 2005 to care for her twin grandsons. She was a devoted wife and mother, loved to read and loved to laugh and make others laugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Skinny & Johnnie May, and sisters Peggy Bush, Patsy Bowen & Glenna Wall.

Survivors include her husband Wayne Holder of Artesia, son Michael Jorren and his wife Sally of Artesia, daughter Keely Holder of Roswell, daughter Carla Howard and her husband Michael of Artesia, daughter Alice Buck and husband Raymond of Artesia. Grandson Clayton Reed and his wife Candace of Hailey, Idaho, granddaughter Sara Founds and husband Rick of Artesia, grandson Ethan Jorren of Artesia, grandson Adam Jorren and wife Savannah of Artesia, grandsons Logan & Landon Buck of Artesia and 4 great-grandchildren. Survivors, also, include her sister Jenny Forlines and husband Eddie of Artesia and sister Debra Paden of Artesia.

BLM seeks public comment for February 2025 oil and gas lease sale in New Mexico

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SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management New Mexico State Office today opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on seven oil and gas parcels totaling 1317 acres that may be included in an upcoming lease sale in New Mexico. The comment period ends Aug. 29, 2024.

The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in June 2024 and is now seeking public comment on the parcels, potential deferrals, and the related environmental analysis. BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel and determine if leasing of these parcels conforms with all applicable laws, policies, and land use plans.

The parcels the BLM is analyzing, as well as maps and instructions on how to comment are available on the BLM’s ePlanning website at: https://eplanning.blm. gov/eplanning-ui/project/2032203/570.

The terms of federal fluid mineral leases will be consistent with the Fluid Minerals Leasing and Leasing Process Rule, which reflects Congressional direction from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including a 16.67 percent royalty rate for production on any new leases. Revenues are split between the state where the drilling occurs and the U.S. Treasury.

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. Before development operations can begin, an operator must submit an application for permit to drill detailing development plans. The BLM reviews applications for permits to drill, posts them for public review, conducts an environmental analysis and coordinates with state partners and stakeholders.

All parcels leased for oil and gas lease include appropriate stipulations to protect important natural resources. Information on current and upcoming BLM leases is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System.

-BLMThe BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Activity Schedule

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Activity Schedule
SWIMMING

• Artesia SeaDogs Summer Swim Team Location: Artesia Aquatic Center Tryouts: 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 30; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, May 31 Dates: June 4 – July 25 Practice Sessions: 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Cost: $150 for the first child, $125 for each additional child (includes team shirt and swim cap) Ages: 6-14 Note: This program is not designed to be swim lessons; children must pass a basic swim test. Contact: Emma Moore, 575-7468525; emoore@sportsfacilities. com BASKETBALL

• Girls’ Camp Dates: June 24-26 Sessions: Grades K-3, 1-3 p.m.; grades 4-9, 1-4 p.m. Location: Bulldog Pit Cost: $60 for the first child; $45 for each additional sibling Registration: Noon – 1 p.m. June 2 Contact: Candace Pollard, 575910-4034; cpollard@bulldogs.org

• Girls’ Summer Basketball Times: 8-11 a.m. Dates: June 3-6, 10-13, 17-20 and 24-27 Location: Bulldog Pit Sessions: Grades K-3, 8-8:50 a.m.; grades 4-6, 9-9:50 a.m.; grades 7-9, 10-10:50 a.m.

VOLLEYBALL

• Bulldog Camp Times: 9 a.m. – noon Dates: July 1-3 Location: Bulldog Pit Ages: Girls entering grades 3-6 Cost: $75 (includes camp t-shirt if registered by June 9; can still register after June 9 but will not receive t-shirt) Contact: 575-308-6336 FOOTBALL

• Summer Weights and Skills Dates: July 1-23 (off July 4) Location: Bulldog Bowl Sessions: Grades 7-8, 9-10 a.m.; grades 5-6, 10-11 a.m. Note: Bring water bottle and good shoes (cleats optional) SOCCER

• Bulldog Kids’ Camp Dates: June 25-27 Cost: $60 per player; $10 off for APS staff, $5 off for siblings Ages: 4 years – fifth grade Location: The Mack Registration deadline: June 20 Contact: artesiasoccerclassic@gmail.com

• Bulldog Development Camp Date: June 28 Cost: $125 per player (includes lunch, snack, t-shirt); $10 off for APS staff, $5 off for siblings Ages: Boys in grades 6-8 Location: The Mack Registration deadline: June 20 Contact: artesiasoccerclassic@gmail.com

• Under the Lights 5v5 Date: Saturday, July 13 Location: The Mack Note: 3v3 for U6; 5v5 for U8 U14 Contact: artesiasoccerclassic@gmail.com

MMA

• Varsity Academy Summer Camp Dates: June 10-14, July 8-11 Times: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Location: 1032 S. 13th St. (Abo Shopping Center) Note: Snack provided; no gear necessary; beginner-friendly; students need only bring lunch and water Contact: varsityacademyartesia .com

• Summer Classes Dates: All summer, Monday through Thursday Sessions: Tots (ages 4-6), 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; kids (ages 8-12), 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; kids (ages 6-9), 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; teens, 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Contact: 575-308-1553

MISSOULA THEATRE

• 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 17 Registration, with auditions for “Jack and the Beanstalk” at 10 a.m. (all participants will be cast) Cost: $30 per child Public performances: June 22 Contact: Artesia Arts Council, 575-746-4212 ART IN SCIENCE

• 1 p.m. Thursday, June 13 A celebration of the oil and gas centennial: exploding blowout oil rigs

• 1 p.m. Thursday, June 27 Rainbow cyanotypes/sun prints Contact: Artesia Arts Council, 575-746-4212 INTRO TO DANCE

• Dates: June 26 – July 31 Sessions: Ages 4-7, 10-10:45 a.m.; ages 8 and up, 11-11:45 a.m. Cost: $60 per child; sign up with a friend and save 10% Choose from tap, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary styles Contact: Artesia Arts Council, 575-746-4212

FUSED GLASS JEWELRY • Saturday, July 27 Learn how to build jewelry from glass for fusing. Everyone will build a pendant and a set of earrings. Cost: $30 per student Contact: Artesia Arts Council, 575-746-4212 ARTISTIC VOYAGES

• 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, July 2 and 30 Journey into the world of artists and discover their unique styles, techniques and visions. Students will reimagine their iconic works and craft their own pieces. Ages: 8 and up Cost: $35 per student Contact: Artesia Arts Council, 575-746-4212 PAINT PARTIES

• 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 27, and Thursday, Aug. 15 Instructor: Kirsten Mauritsen Cost: $35 per student Contact: Artesia Arts Council, 575-746-4212 GUITAR AND DRUM LESSONS • All summer (six private lessons) Instructor: Max Salgado Cost: $120 per student Contact: Artesia Arts Council, 575-746-4212

Religious

CATALYST CHURCH

• Vacation Bible School Times: 5:30-8 p.m. Dates: June 2-5 Contact: catalystartesia.com

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH • Vacation Bible School Times: 8 a.m. – noon Dates: June 3-6 Family Night: 5:30 p.m. June 5 Contact: fbcartesia.org

• Seek 1st Flag Football Evaluations: 6-7:30 p.m. June 24-25 Practices: 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 18 Games: 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 22 and 29 and Aug. 5 and 12 Contact: fbcartesia.org

Crash boom bang

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Crash boom bang
By Marco Buscaglia

In honor of Olympic Boxing, here’s a look at the top 10 fights in NASCAR history

While NASCAR takes its little Olympics break, in honor of my favorite Summer Games sport, boxing (don’t tell me this will be its last appearance in the Games!), let’s take a look at NASCAR’s greatest fights (or at least some of them).

We all of course rermember Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch squaring off last May at North Wilkesboro.

Stenhouse Jr.’s hopes of winning his first All-Star Race and the $1 million check ended on Lap 2 at after the No. 47 Chevrolet driver ended on the receiving end of contact with Kyle Busch – the night didn’t end there between the two.

On track, Stenhouse made a threewide pass between Denny Hamlin and Busch after the race start. Busch quickly retaliated by making contact with the No. 47 Chevrolet and putting him in the wall.

Stenhouse was forced to pit road with right-front damage and parked his car in the No. 8’s pit box. He then exited his car and climbed to the top of the pit box to exchange words with crew chief Randall Burnett and Andy Petree, vice president of competition at Richard Childress Racing.

Post-race, Stenhouse confronted Busch in the garage area, engaged him in a heated discussion and eventually punched him over the on-track incident, with NASCAR security and and crew members moving in to separate the drivers.

The Stenhouse-Busch bash wasn’t the first time there was an on-track argument during a NASCAR race. In fact, there’s a storied history of intense rivalries and dramatic altercations.

So now, let’s get ready to ruuumble, with some of the greatest fights in NASCAR history: 1. 1979 Daytona 500: Cale Yarborough vs. Donnie Allison: One of the most famous fights in NASCAR history started on the final lap of the Daytona 500 when Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison collided. That led to a brawl in the infield that also involved Bobby Allison. The fight was televised live, bringing significant attention to NASCAR.

2. 1984 Daytona 500: Richard Petty vs. Cale Yarborough: Tensions between these two legends boiled over during the race, leading to a heated exchange. Though not as physical as some other altercations, the rivalry between Petty and Yarborough was intense and memorable.

3. 1989 The Winston: Rusty Wallace vs. Darrell Waltrip: After a controversial finish where Rusty Wallace spun Darrell Waltrip out of the lead, Waltrip’s crew confronted Wallace in the pits. The altercation underscored the fierce competition between the two drivers.

4. 1993 North Wilkesboro: Dale Earnhardt vs. Terry Labonte: Dale Earnhardt and Terry Labonte clashed multiple times, but one of the most memorable was at North Wilkesboro, where their aggressive driving led to heated post-race exchanges.

5. 2000 Bristol Night Race: Dale Earnhardt vs. Terry Labonte: Another clash between Earnhardt and Labonte, this time at Bristol. Earnhardt spun Labonte out of the lead on the final lap, leading to boos from the crowd and heated comments from Labonte.

6. 2003 Daytona 500: Ward Burton vs. Robby Gordon: After a multi-car wreck, Ward Burton and Robby Gordon had a heated exchange on the track, with Burton throwing his helmet at Gordon’s car. The incident highlighted the high stakes and emotions of Daytona.

7. 2008 Richmond: Kyle Busch vs. Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Kyle Busch spun Dale Earnhardt Jr. while battling for the lead late in the race, sparking a heated rivalry between the two fan favorites.

8. 2014 Texas: Brad Keselowski vs. Jeff Gordon: After a late-race incident at Texas Motor Speedway, Jeff Gordon confronted Brad Keselowski on pit road, leading to a melee involving crew members and both drivers.

9. 2015 Charlotte: Matt Kenseth vs. Joey Logano: Joey Logano and Matt Kenseth’s rivalry peaked when Kenseth intentionally wrecked Logano at Martinsville as payback for previous incidents, resulting in a dramatic on-track altercation and significant penalties for Kenseth.

10. 2017 Las Vegas: Kyle Busch vs. Joey Logano: Following a last-lap incident at Las Vegas, Kyle Busch confronted Joey Logano on pit road, throwing punches and sparking a brawl between their teams.

What’s the story, post-Brickyard 400?

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Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson left Indianapolis Motor Speedway July 21 with a new trophy and a major contribution to his NASCAR Cup Series championship legacy. With his runnerup to Larson in the Brickyard 400, 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick was buoyed by his own showing and the impact it has on his championship run.

Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney headed out of town frustrated at his trophy near-miss but surely feeling confident and motivated about his chances to defend his series championship. Hendrick’s Chase Elliott was still lamenting a sometimes-maddening outing that still resulted in a top-five finish. And Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin, a contender all day, needed no further introspection, after being collected in a late-race accident.

After that thrilling 30th anniversary edition of the Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG– full of storylines, both big triumphs and headline-making disappointments – the NASCAR Cup Series heads into its break for the Summer Olympics. Most drivers and team members have recently said they are eager to step away from competition, focus briefly to vacation with family or take a trip. Or maybe seize the chance not to travel at all.

But make no mistake, the Indy race was a dramatic preview of the intensity level you can expect for the upcoming 10-race Playoff. These drivers take a schedule respite well aware that the season is at critical mass.

Larson heads into the break as the only four-time race winner on the season. With his victory at Indy, he overtook his teammate Elliott atop the regular season championship standings – a 10-point advantage with only four races remaining to set that 16-driver Playoff field. The regular season champ receives a hugely valuable 15 Playoff points.

Reddick is 15 points behind Larson and Hamlin – who at one point at Indy was leading the standings – is now 43 points off Larson. Blaney is 73 back.

The reigning series champ, who was in position to vie for the win in the closing stages, was perhaps most vocal about his frustration Sunday. Blaney was lined up on the front row alongside race leader Brad Keselowski for the first overtime restart when Keselowski suddenly veered his No. 6 Ford to pit lane to avoid running out of gas in front of the field. It allowed Larson – the car behind Keselowski – to move forward and by the time they got to the re-start Larson passed Blaney and was in front. Blaney, whose team owner Roger Penske owns the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, got another chance to try and take the lead on a second overtime restart. But Larson got the jump again. After coming so close to a historical win, Blaney was understandably devastated afterward. His reaction is not just about his disappointment on a near-miss win at Indianapolis, but indicative of the time of the season – go-time. Earning a win sets up Playoff ranking and for others, salvaging a good points day could make all the difference in getting into the Playoff lineup.

That was certainly the case at the other end of the Playoff bubble, where Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain now finds himself with a slim seven-point edge over 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace for the points-transfer position. Roush Fenway Keselowski driver Chris Buescher is only 17 points up on Wallace and is the defending winner of the next race, the Aug. 11 Cook Out 400 at Richmond.

COOK OUT 400

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COOK OUT 400

Richmond Raceway, known as America’s Premier Short Track, offers great racing action and a commitment to the fan experience as one of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports.

• Originally known as the Atlantic Rural Exposition Fairgrounds, the circuit held its ©rst race in 1946 as a half-mile dirt track.

• In 2017, the circuit announced a rebranding exercise, dropping the ‘International’ to become the simpler Richmond Raceway.

• The original track closed on Feb. 21, 1988 and the facility was enlarged to the current 3/4 mile oval, which reopened on Sept.10, 1988.

• A modernized in©eld ©rst debuted at the 2018 fall NASCAR Cup race, which was also the ©rst NASCAR Playoff weekend.

LENGTH: 3/4-Mile, measured 13-½ feet in from SAFER Barrier.

SHAPE: “D”-Shaped Oval WIDTH: 60 feet with a 10-foot apron.

BANKING: 14 degrees in turns, eight degrees at starting line on 1,290-foot front stretch, two degrees on 860-foot back stretch.

RADIUS OF TURNS: Turns 1 and 4: 1198.68. Turns 2 and 3: 365.00

PIT ROAD: 64-foot width with 43 concrete pit stalls, 28’ x 19’.SEATING: 51,000 seats, plus 680 seats that are part of the TORQUE Club and 80-person Victory Lane Club. There are also 40 luxury suites.

SAFER WALLS: Added in 2003.

INFIELD REDEVELOPMENT: The FanGrounds allow fans access to the historic Richmond in©eld. The interactive in©eld gets fans closer than ever before with fan-viewing walkways in the NASCAR Cup Series Garages. Fans can also experience various neighborhoods throughout the in©eld that have something unique to offer as well as new concession stands.

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