Spencer Neff
Twitter:@NeffOnSports11

A lot of exciting racing is set for this weekend, so here’s a look at some of the headlines.

1. NASCAR is back in Daytona for its annual 4th of July races at Daytona. However, the Xfinity and Cup will be running on Saturday and Sunday night, instead of their usual Friday and Saturday night dates, as NBC broadcasts the sport for the first time in nine years. Looking forward to their return, as well as seeing what the racing will be like.

The Gen-6 Cup Series car has not produced the same exciting racing fans had been accustomed to with its predecessors. At the Daytona 500 in February, cars raced three-wide for several laps. Here’s hoping we can have the same exciting racing on Sunday night.

2. Formula 1 returns to action this weekend, as the series travels to the Silverstone circuit for the British Grand Prix.

Although Lewis Hamilton dominated the early part of the season, Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg has taken over as the series has begun its European leg of the schedule, winning every round contested on the continent this year.

Rosberg has led the first practice sessions this weekend, do not be surprised if he wins and closes the 10-point gap between he and Hamilton.

3. The NHRA returns to action as well, with all 4 series racing at Norwalk. Halfway through the season, all four professional series have close competitions, with the largest points differential between 1st and 2nd at 87 in Funny Car. Last year, track records were set in each category.

4. Although not in action this weekend, IndyCar has made several headlines following the race in California.

Despite a series-record 80 lead changes, opinions over the event were severely divided over the race, including some drivers who were upset that pack racing had returned. Following the complaints, IndyCar President Mark Miles voiced his displeasure with drivers making disparaging remarks.

I completely agree with Miles’ frustration and a sport that is struggling to find more fans like INDYCAR can not afford to have drivers being overly critical of the product.

Regardless, as I discussed last week, I think any time drivers have concerns over the on-track product, they need to be met with the utmost sincerity. Hopefully the series can figure this issues out before the next superspeedway race at Pocono in August and it will not take away from the rest of the season.

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July weekend. Thank You to all our service members and their families, both past and present. Your sacrifices do not go without our sincerest appreciation.