The NASCAR playoffs are already giving fans plenty to talk about. From Carson Hocevar’s growing list of critics to questions around Brad Keselowski’s promised payback, the Cup Series garage has been busy. Jimmie Johnson also opened up about Josh Berry’s move to LMC, while Kevin Harvick took aim at NASCAR’s qualifying system. Here is the trending NASCAR news you need to know from September 10.
1. Jimmie Johnson Reveals Josh Berry’s Recent Surge Barely Influenced Legacy Motor Club Signing
Jimmie Johnson said Josh Berry’s recent six-race top-10 streak “had very little, if any, influence on it at all,” with LMC instead focusing on his overall Cup Series body of work.
2. Carson Hocevar Isn’t Worried About NASCAR Rivals Targeting Him: “I Don’t Think I Would Get Cut Anymore Breaks”
Carson Hocevar isn’t concerned about being targeted by fellow NASCAR drivers. He said, “If you’re fast enough, it’s going to benefit them to work with you anyways.”
3. “I Hate the Metric” Kevin Harvick Calls Out Flawed Qualifying System
Kevin Harvick slammed NASCAR’s qualifying metric after the Chase opener’s lineup was set by the formula, saying, “There is no reason for the damn metric.”
4. “If You’re Going to Say It, Do It”: Dale Jr. Challenges Brad Keselowski Over Carson Hocevar Payback Threat
Dale Jr. questioned whether Brad Keselowski will actually retaliate against Carson Hocevar, saying, “If you’re gonna say it, go do it.”
5. Kyle Busch Set for Major Hometown Tribute as Las Vegas Considers Naming Roads After NASCAR Star
Kyle Busch and brother Kurt could soon have roads named after them at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with “Rowdy Drive” and “Busch Brothers Drive” up for approval.
6.Kevin Harvick Warns JGR’s Championship Hopes Could Collapse in One Ugly Teammate Fight
With Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Ty Gibbs all chasing the 2026 Cup title, Kevin Harvick warned JGR not to let its own drivers turn on each other: “That will be embarrassing.”
7. NASCAR Legend Ken Schrader Turns on Carson Hocevar After Darlington Clash: “He Needs to Get His Act Together”
Ken Schrader, a longtime Carson Hocevar supporter, blasted the young driver after his Darlington clash with Brad Keselowski, saying, “That was a stupid-a** interview.”
8.“There Was No Intimacy” – Aaron Rodgers Breaks Silence on Danica Patrick Split
Aaron Rodgers has pushed back against Danica Patrick’s account of their breakup. He said “she was depressed” after retiring and that their relationship eventually became distant. Moreover, Rodgers added, “There was no intimacy; there was nothing.”
The playoff picture may be the main focus right now, but there is plenty happening around it too. Hocevar remains at the center of attention, Keselowski’s next move is still a big question, and JGR has its own championship battle to manage. With the playoffs only getting started, there is no shortage of trending NASCAR news to keep an eye on.
