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.
NASCAR Fans Tear Into Sanctioning Body After Homestead Ratings Drop
NASCAR fans criticize the sanctioning body after Homestead's viewership drops 8%, questioning the sport's format and racing product.
“I Think That Gets Lost!” : Ryan Blaney Honors Unsung Short-Track Veterans & Childhood Rivals Who Never Reached NASCAR
Ryan Blaney reflects on the short-track veterans and childhood rivals whose talent never earned them a chance to race in NASCAR.
“They Were Practicing for Next Year” – Veteran Insider Takes a Sarcastic Dig at NASCAR Over Bizarre Non-Caution Mystery
Tommy Baldwin mocks NASCAR's decision to ignore visible debris during the Homestead championship race, calling it a test for next year.
Frankie Muniz Rushed to Hospital After Wild Daytona Crash Mars NASCAR Return
Frankie Muniz was hospitalized after a Daytona practice crash, forcing him to withdraw from Ford’s Veterans Day race.
“Sounds Like He’s Defensive” – Denny Hamlin Claps Back at Rick Hendrick Over Chevrolet Setup Disparity
Denny Hamlin doubles down on Chevrolet setup disparity claims after Rick Hendrick rejects allegations of preferential treatment.
“He Took It Personal” – Rick Hendrick Kept Petty Receipts on Denny Hamlin for Months, Reveals HMS Star
Kyle Larson reveals how Rick Hendrick held onto Denny Hamlin’s Snickers jab for months before a playful championship-night response.
“It’s a Gimmick” – 23XI Insider Torches NASCAR’s New Qualifying Plan in Brutal Rant
23XI insider Freddy Kraft blasts NASCAR's proposed pit-stop qualifying format, calling it a gimmick that belongs at the All-Star Race.
ARCA Team Lands NASCAR Veteran Ahead of Massive 2027 Expansion
Tommy Baldwin joins Nitro Motorsports as the ARCA team prepares for a major six-car expansion across its three series in 2027.
Brad Keselowski Outlines State of NASCAR in Blunt 10-Point RFK Racing Farewell Message
Brad Keselowski delivers a blunt 10-point NASCAR assessment as he closes his RFK Racing chapter and considers what comes next.
Rick Hendrick Publicly Trashes Denny Hamlin’s Chevrolet – HMS Favoritism Claims
Rick Hendrick rejects Denny Hamlin's claims of Chevrolet favoritism, insisting all three partner teams receive the same technical information.
“I Would Fire All of the Upper Management” – Tony Stewart Torches Out-of-Touch NASCAR Suits in Blunt Rant
Tony Stewart calls for a NASCAR leadership overhaul, arguing the sport must reconnect with longtime fans and respect its history.
“Sometimes It’s Good to Get Knocked Back” – HMS’ Cliff Daniels Unpacks Unpopular Truth Behind 3rd Championship Crown
Cliff Daniels explains how Larson and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team turned a difficult 2026 season into a third Cup Series championship.
