The weekend of June 21-23 saw Christopher Bell achieve a remarkable clean sweep of the New Hampshire race weekend in NASCAR. He triumphed in both the Xfinity and Cup series, adding to his impressive record at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This victory marked his third win of the season, solidifying his position as one of the top contenders in the 2024 NASCAR season. Bell’s dominance in New Hampshire was further highlighted by his victory in the Xfinity Series on Saturday, securing his fourth consecutive win at the track. Sunday’s Cup Series race presented a tougher challenge for Bell, with a two-hour rain delay extending the race to nearly six hours. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver ultimately prevailed, showcasing his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and utilize the newly introduced wet weather tires.
In Formula 3, Arvid Lindblad made history at the Barcelona Grand Prix. Following up on his victory in the Bahrain Sprint, Lindblad secured the Feature race win, becoming the first two-time winner of the 2024 season. This victory also marked a significant milestone, as Lindblad became the youngest-ever F3 Feature race winner. The 16-year-old Prema Racing driver had already impressed in his debut season, claiming victory in the first Sprint race and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the racing world. Lindblad’s performance at Barcelona further cemented his position as a rising star in Formula 3.
Juan Manuel Correa’s emotional return to the podium in Formula 2 showcased the resilience and determination of this talented driver. Correa’s third-place finish in the Sprint race was short-lived due to penalties, but he secured an emotional P3 finish in the Feature race, a testament to his hard work and dedication. This podium finish marked a significant milestone for Correa, who has faced numerous challenges since a serious accident in 2019 at Spa Francorchamps. His ability to overcome adversity and return to competitive racing is a remarkable story of human spirit and perseverance.
In Formula 1, Max Verstappen continued his dominance, securing his third consecutive victory at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Verstappen, driving for Red Bull Racing, faced stiff competition from Lando Norris, who started from pole position but ultimately settled for second place. The race saw several strategic changes, with Verstappen ultimately benefiting from his alternate tire strategy to secure the victory. Lewis Hamilton also impressed with a third-place finish, further solidifying his position as a contender in the 2024 season.
In IndyCar, Alex Palou defended his pole position to win the Grand Prix of Monterey at the Raceway Laguna Seca. Palou’s victory was hard-earned, with Colton Herta putting immense pressure on him in the final laps. Palou’s win is a testament to his driving skill and ability to stay focused under pressure.