Imago
Nov 7, 2021; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (47) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Corey LaJoie (7) spin in turn four during Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Imago
Nov 7, 2021; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (47) and NASCAR Cup Series driver Corey LaJoie (7) spin in turn four during Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier, disaster struck the NASCAR community as an unfortunate incident involving a NASCAR employee took place. As it turned out, Josh Hamilton, a long-time employee in the media communications department, lost his house to a fire.
The good news was that nobody was injured, but the bad news was that he and his family lost a fair number of possessions.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Many in the industry know Josh Hamilton, who has worked for NASCAR in the media communications department for more than 17 years. He lost his house in a fire last night (no one was injured). This is a GoFundMe that a friend has set up for him: https://t.co/dQ7wbBZqrN
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 26, 2022
In light of the accident, a fundraiser was set up to help him and his family. Currently, the goal is to raise $50,000, and the target is expected to be met soon. Among the various donors was the Gaunt Brothers Racing outfit, which pledged an astounding $2,500. It is also worth mentioning that the response to the fundraiser was great because Hamilton was well-known.
As it turns out, he has been working in the sport for close to 17 years. So it is fairly obvious that he has built up rapports with various members of the NASCAR community. Hopefully, Hamilton and his family will be able to get their accommodation sorted very soon, as the 2022 season draws closer.
What to expect from the 2022 NASCAR season
With regard to the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, there is a lot riding on this. This is because the drivers will be piloting the Next Gen cars and the very first race is at a new track. In other words, this is pretty much a trial by fire. So the car has to perform and live up to the expectations.
Getty
WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 26: Dale Earnhardt Jr. drives the NASCAR Next Gen car around the track at Bowman Gray Stadium during a testing session on October 26, 2021 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
From there, the season can proceed as normal and a fresh campaign can kick-off. Kyle Larson is definitely one of the favorites, but there are several contenders that could give him a run for his money. Also considering that the Next Gen cars have been difficult to tame, the new season will be interesting; the unpredictable nature of the cars will definitely test the drivers.
READ MORE: WATCH: Phoenix Raceway Takes No Prisoners as Chase Elliott and Todd Gilliland Spin During Testing
