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 Unmasks Shocking Rule Ban Ineligibility Behind Corey Heim’s Full-Time Cup Push
Corey Heim will miss Rookie of the Year eligibility in 2027 after exceeding NASCAR’s 12-start limit before his full-time Cup debut.
“Disservice to the Fan”– HMS Insider Drops Blunt Verdict on NASCAR Trapping Denny Hamlin in a Dangerous Box
HMS insider Steve Letarte questions NASCAR’s brake-pad rule after Denny Hamlin was left trapped by a dangerous Iowa brake issue.
“I Was Too Ill to Race”- NASCAR Team Owner Recounts Bizarre Incident That Stole His Racing Career
Sam Hunt recalls the bizarre Daytona incident that ended his driving career and pushed him toward a future as a NASCAR team owner.
“Fixed the Wrong Problem”– 23XI Employee Publicly Defends NASCAR Against TV Broadcast Blame
23XI Racing employee Freddie Kraft talks about the problem with the new rule changing while claiming it's not something NASCAR can fix.
“I’m Not Chinese, I’m Japanese”- Kyle Larson Hits Back at Sprint Rival’s Dirty Racing Allegations
Kyle Larson fires back at Ryan Timms and his owner after a controversial Front Row Challenge pass sparks dirty racing accusations.
“This Is Not a Flash in the Pan”- Denny Hamlin Credits Kevin Harvick’s Mentorship for Ty Gibbs’ Dramatic Cup Series Turnaround
Denny Hamlin credits Kevin Harvick’s mentorship for Ty Gibbs’ 2026 turnaround as the JGR star emerges as a championship contender.
“It’s Bad I Can Start Ranking Them”- Christopher Bell Calls Out Strategic Misstep That Robbed Certain Victory
Christopher Bell's seventh runner-up finish at Iowa leaves him wondering if a different strategy could have delivered his elusive 2026 win.
Female Driver Ends 23-Year Long Streak With Historic Short-Track Statement
Taylor Hoar ends a 23-year drought at Thunder Road, becoming the second woman to win a Late Model feature at the historic Vermont track.
“Not Very Straightforward”- JGR Insider Unmasks Blunt Truth Behind Toyota’s Brake Crisis
Joe Gibbs Racing's insider explains why Toyota's Iowa brake crisis was so difficult to solve, with setup choices leaving teams limited.
“Cannot Be a Splash in the Water”- Ross Chastain Just Answered the Question Everyone’s Been Asking About Trackhouse
Ross Chastain warns Trackhouse’s Iowa breakthrough cannot be a one-time success with the NASCAR Chase looming.
“Frustrating to Watch”- Insider Backs Chase Elliott’s Concerns as NASCAR’s Legacy Partner Lets Down on Iowa Promise
Jeff Gluck backs Chase Elliott’s Iowa tire concerns after Christopher Bell failed to pass Ty Gibbs despite having four tires against two.
Ty Gibbs Denies JGR Teammate Iowa Crown With Massive Chase Statement
Ty Gibbs holds off Christopher Bell by 0.253 seconds at Iowa, earning his second 2026 win and surging to second in the standings.
