NASCAR Writer
Vikrant Damke is a NASCAR writer at EssentiallySports, covering the Cup Series Sundays desk with a unique blend of engineering fluency and storytelling depth. He has carved out a niche decoding the data behind the Next Gen car and leading discussions on horsepower parity. Vikrant’s reporting also captures NASCAR’s generational pulse, from the karting successes of Brexton Busch to Keelan Harvick’s rapid rise, illustrating how legacy and innovation collide on race days.
With his published work reaching a readership of over 1.5 million, Vikrant’s insights have been recognized and shared by fans and top NASCAR personalities alike. His journalistic approach combines technical knowledge with a keen narrative sense, delivering compelling coverage of on-track and off-track events that resonate across the racing community.
The Madhouse Mourns a Legend: Bowman Gray Racing Family Releases Emotional Tribute for Track Champion
Bowman Gray mourns 33-time winner Melvin “Puddin’” Swisher, the 1964 Hobby Stock champion remembered for his lasting racing legacy.
Iconic Sponsor Refuses to Cut Ties With NASCAR Amidst Ending Decade-Long Broadcast Integration
Credit One Bank ends its iconic NASCAR “One Lap to Go” integration but confirms it will continue investing in the sport in other ways.
“You Want to Go Outside?”- Former Daytona 500 Champ Once Punched Hollywood’s Biggest Star
Daytona 500 winner Mario Andretti once traded punches with Burt Reynolds after a club clash, leaving the Hollywood star asking for a break.
Heather Gibbs Unmasks Emotional Behind-the-Scenes Panic Before JGR Race
Heather Gibbs reveals the emotional panic behind JGR’s Iowa brake scare, as Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe battled dangerous issues.
Cup Champ Proposes IndyCar-Inspired Fix for NASCAR’s Next Gen Problem
Kurt Busch proposes an IndyCar-inspired solution to NASCAR’s Next Gen issues with track-specific aero packages for better racing.
“People Can Say Whatever They Want”- NASCAR Veteran Silences Ty Gibbs’ Nepotism Critics With Brutal Reality Check
Ken Schrader defends Ty Gibbs as his 2026 breakout season silences nepotism critics with two wins and 10 top-five finishes.
Dale Jr. Unleashes Expletive Rant Over NASCAR Compromising With Denny Hamlin Safety
Dale Jr. blasts NASCAR’s rigid brake rules after Denny Hamlin was forced to race Iowa with compromised braking performance.
“I Think We Stick With Tradition” — Kurt Busch Drops Unpopular Opinion on Kyle Busch’s Hall of Fame Bid
Kurt Busch weighs Kyle Busch’s Hall of Fame bid, backing tradition despite calls for NASCAR to expedite Rowdy’s induction.
“I Was So Not Ready” — John Force’s Daughter Reveals How His Brutal Crash Shaped Her NHRA Exit
Brittany Force reveals how John Force’s 2024 crash changed her racing plans, family priorities and decision to step away from NHRA.
“Hold a F***ing Umbrella”– Dale Jr. Slams NASCAR’s Saddening Reality Driving Crew Members Away
Dale Earnhardt Jr. reveals how NASCAR’s restrictive rules are driving crew members away while calling for more freedom to work on race cars.
“Lapping Me All Year”- Ross Chastain’s ‘Underpromise, Overdeliver’ Approach to NASCAR’s Chase Cutline Finally Earns Denny Hamlin’s Approval
Ross Chastain’s Iowa breakthrough earns Denny Hamlin’s approval as the Trackhouse star fights to close the Chase cutline gap.
“Wouldn’t Be in the Cup Series”– Ty Gibbs Says NASCAR’s Digital Era Is Propping Up Weaker Drivers
Ty Gibbs argues NASCAR’s digital cameras may be helping weaker Cup drivers survive, while making short-track overtakes harder.
