Testing SpeedwayMedia.com

Category: Hot 20

Thornton’s Hot 20 in NASCAR

  • Hot 20 – If Sweetness and Loveliness is What you are After, Texas Might not be the Place to Find It

    Hot 20 – If Sweetness and Loveliness is What you are After, Texas Might not be the Place to Find It

    So, Danica Patrick is not all sweetness and loveliness. Okay, she is the latter, but the fact she is a little ticked or not going along with the company line, has some folks talking. She is upset with Joey Logano, she had a bit of a run in with Martin Truex Jr. at Martinsville and she thinks qualifying at Talladega stinks after her boyfriend got left in the cold. She even is not a fan of NASCAR’s diversity program.

    To start with, if we were talking about Kurt Busch here, nobody would care less. Okay, his having a boyfriend might come as a surprise, but that is about it. As for the diversity program, it either works or it does not. To be honest, graduates such as Darrell “Bubba” Wallace and Kyle Larson might have gotten there based on their talent, looks, character and some marketing in the same fashion Patrick emerged. Did the program remove any barriers that would have prevented them from otherwise rising to the top? I know many would say so, whether that be true or not. My reaction to her questioning its validity would be the same whether Danica said it, or Richard Petty, or Dale Earnhardt Jr. Then again, I am one of those guys who sees nothing wrong in questioning even sacred cows. It causes conversation and that is never a bad thing.

    As Danica and the boys head to Texas, the only thing critical I have in regards to her is that she is the 28th best driver in Cup. She is the dividing line between those who matter and those who continue to strive for respectability each week. What she says or does should carry about as much weight as, say, Aric Almirola or Casey Mears. However, that is not the reality of things.

    What is real is that Jeff Gordon remains the best driver so far this season, though Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski are right there, according to these standings. However, after the issues last week Keselowski’s Chase dreams are about to go the way of the dodo, or the Earnhardt and the Johnson, unless fortune smiles down in Texas. It won’t. Matt Kenseth goes in as the race favorite and Matt loves everybody.

    Except Keselowski, but everybody loves Matt. Except Kevin Harvick. Something tells me these boys are not exactly all sweetness and loveliness either.

    *Drivers awarded a 25 (rather than a 3) point winner’s bonus
    BOLD = Currently in the Chase

    Hot 20

    1 – Jeff Gordon – 4 Wins – 1247 POINTS
    2 – Joey Logano – 5 – 1227
    3 – Brad Keselowski – 5 – 1188
    4 – Dale Earnhardt Jr – 4 – 1158
    5 – Kevin Harvick – 3 – 1088
    6 – Jimmie Johnson – 3 – 1045
    7 – Matt Kenseth – 0 – 1032
    8 – Ryan Newman – 0 – 1031
    9 – Carl Edwards – 2 – 1029
    10 – Kyle Larson – 0 – 981
    11 – Kyle Busch – 1 – 969
    12 – Greg Biffle – 0 – 931
    13 – Kasey Kahne – 1 – 927
    14 – Clint Bowyer – 0 – 923
    15 – Austin Dillon – 0 – 910
    16 – Jamie McMurray – 0 – 906
    17 – Denny Hamlin – 1 – 896
    18 – Paul Menard – 0 – 856
    19 – Brian Vickers – 0 – 847
    20 – A.J. Allmendinger – 1 – 828

  • Hot 20 – Martinsville Could Showcase a Wildcard Cup Contender and a Dying Minor League

    Hot 20 – Martinsville Could Showcase a Wildcard Cup Contender and a Dying Minor League

    Will it bother anyone if, conceivably, one not so deserving wins the Cup title this year? I mean, if it is Jeff Gordon, Joey Logano, or Brad Keselowski, I doubt few would argue the outcome. One could even argue that the likes of Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, or Ryan Newman would be a worthy champion.

    However, what about Denny Hamlin? Even if he had taken part in the two events he missed in order to mend, Hamlin would not even be in our Top Ten. Okay, maybe if he had won them both, but what were the chances? Still, would he be deemed as a worthy holder of the title?

    In a word, yes. Few, if any, are pointing out the fact that the World Series participants, the Giants and the Royals, are just a pair of wildcard teams. They were not the best in their division, and in fact each was just the fourth best in their respective leagues. Yet, as time goes on, fewer will remember that the Orioles, Tigers, Angels, Dodgers, Nationals and the Cardinals all had better runs in 2014. They did, but when it counted, they did not. Hamlin is among those who has, thus far, been there when it counted.

    When you watch a truck race, you can count on 36 entries. Usually. Well, sometimes. Not next year, when they scale the field down to 32. My guess is that it has been an embarrassment for NASCAR to realize a full slate just five out of 18 events. Three times they could not even get 30. Of the 37 entered to compete at Martinsville, only 13 have run the entire series. Only 16 have run 15 or more. Two others in that number, Ron Hornaday and T.J. Bell, are not even entered for this weekend.

    I wonder what the problem is. Eight races have been won by Cup regulars, six of them by Kyle Busch. He, along with Keselowski and Austin Dillon are not entered at Martinsville. Two time winner Erik Jones is not, along with Cole Custer. What has gone wrong?

    We are told the economy is still suffering, that sponsorship is hard to come by. So, is the involvement of the Cup guys keeping at least some level of interest alive, or is it helping to kill it? Maybe an answer can be found in the Nationwide series, where only 17 drivers have run all 30 of those races to date. They have won just eight between them. Nineteen have been won by Cup regulars, led by the half dozen claimed by (guess who?) Kyle Busch. At least they will retain the 40 car field for next season, but for how much longer?

    Me thinks NASCAR needs to rethink its model for the supposed minor leagues, where 27 of the 48 events have been claimed by “major leaguers” this season. If the trend of attrition in the number of teams and full-time drivers at its lower levels does not turn around soon, Cup might be all NASCAR has to offer.

    *Winning bonus increased from 3 to 25 points.
    BOLD = Current Chase contenders

    1 – Jeff Gordon – 4 Wins – 1203 Points*
    2 – Joey Logano – 5 – 1187
    3 – Brad Keselowski – 5 – 1175
    4 – Dale Earnhardt Jr – 3 – 1089
    5 – Kevin Harvick – 3 – 1088
    6 – Jimmie Johnson – 3 – 1033
    7 – Carl Edwards – 2 – 1005
    8 – Matt Kenseth – 0 – 993
    9 – Ryan Newman – 0 – 990
    10 – Kyle Larson – 0 – 967
    11 – Kasey Kahne – 1 – 923
    12 – Kyle Busch – 1 – 903
    13 – Greg Biffle – 0 – 900
    14 – Clint Bowyer – 0 – 885
    15 – Austin Dillon – 0 – 878
    16 – Jamie McMurray – 0 – 877
    17 – Denny Hamlin – 1 – 859
    18 – Brian Vickers – 0 – 830
    19 – Paul Menard – 0 – 826
    20 – Kurt Busch – 1 – 816

  • Hot 20 – Four of the Season’s Top Eight Could be Eliminated after Talladega

    Hot 20 – Four of the Season’s Top Eight Could be Eliminated after Talladega

    When the smoke clears at Talladega, and I mean that literally, four of our top eight drivers throughout the course of the season, might no longer be contenders for the championship. With four races to follow, five time winner Brad Keselowski could be toast, along with three time winners Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jimmie Johnson, as well as the winless yet resilient Matt Kenseth. If the 2007 New England Patriots and 1968 Baltimore Colts can fall short, if the 2001 New York Yankees can be denied, then why not? Welcome to the playoffs, where someone will get eliminated and voted off the island (for fans of the Amazing Race and Survivor).

    For Junior to advance, he has to win. He has said so himself. Same goes for Johnson, while Keselowski has a bit more wiggle room, but do not expect him to have many friends out there, outside of teammate Joey Logano. Kenseth can do it, as he is just a point behind Kasey Kahne in those standings. However, this is Talladega, where a contender could kick open the door for someone else with a finish somewhere beyond 30th due to circumstances beyond his control.

    Keselowski was a tad out of control at Kansas. His view that everyone else started it when they tried to pay him back was laughable. His observation of events was faulty, his hit on an unbuckled Kenseth and burn out in the garage after the race were both nothing short of reckless. His $50,000 fine was warranted. Tony Stewart’s $25,000 fine for bashing in the front of Brad’s car was warranted, too, but it was sure a joy to watch.

    It might not be the same for those out on the track, but for you and me, Talladega should also be a joy to watch. If only every race could be like the one we will be viewing on Sunday.

    *Race winners awarded 25 (rather than 3) bonus points
    Bold = Current Chase contenders

    Hot 20

    1 – Jeff Gordon – 4 WINS – 1184 POINTS
    2 – Joey Logano – 5 – 1154
    3 – Brad Keselowski – 5 – 1106
    4 – Dale Earnhardt Jr – 3 – 1075
    5 – Kevin Harvick – 3 – 1052
    6 – Jimmie Johnson – 3 – 1011
    7 – Carl Edwards – 2 – 982
    8 – Matt Kenseth – 0 – 950
    9 – Ryan Newman – 0 – 950
    10 – Kyle Larson – 0 – 940
    11 – Kyle Busch – 1 – 899
    12 – Kasey Kahne – 1 – 890
    13 – Greg Biffle – 0 – 880
    14 – Jamie McMurray – 0 – 867
    15 – Austin Dillon – 0 – 847
    16 – Clint Bowyer – 0 – 844
    17 – Denny Hamlin – 1 – 832
    18 – Paul Menard – 0 – 818
    19 – Brian Vickers – 0 – 806
    20 – Kurt Busch – 1 – 779

  • Hot 20 – Just like NASCAR, Life Presents us with Wins, Losses, and Challenges to be Overcome

    Hot 20 – Just like NASCAR, Life Presents us with Wins, Losses, and Challenges to be Overcome

    Life is full of milestones, some good and some not. Some win championships, some more than one, while others struggle to overcome adversity. Their ability to do so, to win the fight, are just as inspirational, if not more so.

    Life has a way of letting you know what is important. News that Steve Byrnes is stepping away from the microphone to do battle once again with cancer is one such example. I expect to see him overcome this setback, to see him return to the studio and garage. There are too many songs in his song sheet that yet need to be sung, and I expect Byrnes to do so. I wish him well, and wellness, and a speedy return to us.

    Friday sees me in Eckville, Alberta to say goodbye and celebrate the life of Tim Tubbs. I do not believe Tim was a NASCAR fan. I mean, he cheered for the Calgary Flames, which means he was barely even a hockey fan. What he brought to the party was a love of life, family, and friends. Tim was short in stature, but a giant in personality and character. It was a joy to have been in his company.

    As his friends say goodbye, friends of another celebrate on Friday the 40th birthday of Dale Earnhardt Jr. It feels like we have seen him grow up, though he was already 25 when he entered his first full season in Cup back in 2000. We watched him become the most popular driver in the sport, to overcome tragedy, to shine, to endure a decade of struggle, only to return to the forefront this season. His title hopes might not shine bright today, but after this Saturday night in Charlotte or an upcoming Sunday in Talladega they just might again.

    Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski have the edge in wins, but as we up the victor’s bonus from 3 to 25 points, over the full season Jeff Gordon remains the man. Among our top dozen there is one outsider. Kyle Larson might have missed the Chase, but the rookie’s performance the past four events would have made him a real contender had he not. As for Denny Hamlin, even missing a couple of races earlier this year have not dashed his hopes. If wildcard teams can do well in the playoffs of other leagues, why not in NASCAR?

    BOLD = Active Chasers

    Hot 20

    1 – Jeff Gordon – 4 WINS – 1141 POINTS
    2 – Joey Logano – 5 – 1114
    3 – Brad Keselowski – 5 – 1077
    4 – Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 3 – 1050
    5 – Jimmie Johnson – 3 – 984
    6 – Kevin Harvick – 2 – 982
    7 – Carl Edwards – 2 – 945
    8 – Matt Kenseth – 0 – 925
    9 – Ryan Newman – 0 – 912
    10 – Kyle Larson – 0 – 901
    11 – Kyle Busch – 1 – 859
    12 – Kasey Kahne – 1 – 856
    13 – Greg Biffle – 0 – 854
    14 – Clint Bowyer – 0 – 843
    15 – Jamie McMurray – 0 – 825
    16 – Paul Menard – 0 – 816
    17 – Austin Dillon – 0 – 815
    18 – Denny Hamlin – 1 – 796
    19 – Brian Vickers – 0 – 764
    20 – Kurt Busch – 1 – 745

  • Hot 20 – Change Can be a Good Thing, as Long as we are Sure it Is

    Hot 20 – Change Can be a Good Thing, as Long as we are Sure it Is

    Change where change is necessary is a good thing. NASCAR wanted us to keep watching, so out went the system that determined a champion based on season long performance. Winning is big, but it was not big enough, so in came the automatic Chase bye to race winners who at least put in the time to challenge Danica Patrick in the standings. One bad race and one’s Chase ambitions came to an end, but now a win keeps one in.

    Change to create unpredictability has proven to be good. A driver got hot and drove off with the Chase, but that was addressed by dividing the Chase into four segments and a fresh slate of points for the survivors. Going into the final at Homestead, four will have an equal chance of taking the prize. It could come right down to a race to the line to determine things. Excitement, drama, unpredictability.

    Next season, more change and another attempt to create unpredictability. A car drives off into the sunset and the list of potential contenders for that event dwindle down, barring some unfortunate event. Reduce horsepower, make the cars more difficult to drive, and allow for more passing is one way to address the predictability factor. If I can watch a race and have two or four or more challenging for the win, all the better. If every track can produce the uncertainty of a Talladega without the carnage, who could possibility argue against such change?

    Quality racing deserves quality announcing. The broadcasters are there to enhance the action, to make us yearn to be there ourselves, but far too often they fail to even keep us in front of the tube. With 43 cars ramping it up to over 180 miles per hour, there is no such thing as a boring race, just boring, unskilled, uninspiring announcers. Hopefully this is another change that has been addressed for next season.

    Yes, change can be good. It can come in the form of new blood challenging and winning a championship, such as Brad Keselowski. A driver coming of age, like Joey Logano. A driver giving notice of what might be expected in the future, as Kyle Larson is doing. Change that sees what is old become new again, like Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. at or near the front.

    Still, it is good to recognize what we already have that is good, like Jimmie Johnson striving to match the title accomplishments of Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. Our Hot 20, with our own twist of awarding 25 bonus points to race winners, showcases those stars who have shone most brightly this season.

    I like the win and you are in format, but I am not totally sold on having 31 non-contenders on the track at Kansas this weekend at the same time as the dozen who are vying for a championship. If only we could figure out a way to have a real playoff, maybe one that is reserved for only the top 20 to be a part of, that might be one more change to consider. I will leave it to you to ponder the merits of that.

    BOLD = Currently in the Chase

    HOT 20

    1 – Jeff Gordon – 4 Wins – 1110 Points
    2 – Brad Keselowski – 5 – 1068
    3 – Joey Logano – 4 – 1044
    4 – Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 3 – 1044
    5 – Jimmie Johnson – 3 – 980
    6 – Kevin Harvick – 2 – 949
    7 – Carl Edwards – 2 – 906
    8 – Matt Kenseth – 0 – 894
    9 – Ryan Newman – 0 – 873
    10 – Kyle Larson – 0 – 859
    11 – Kasey Kahne – 1 – 833
    12 – Greg Biffle – 0 – 825
    13 – Kyle Busch – 1 – 817
    14 – Clint Bowyer – 0 – 817
    15 – Jamie McMurray – 0 – 805
    16 – Paul Menard – 0 – 781
    17 – Austin Dillon – 0 – 779
    18 – Denny Hamlin – 1 – 759
    19 – Kurt Busch – 1 – 743
    20 – Brian Vickers – 0 – 730

  • Hot 20 – After Dover, it is Over for Four Contenders

    Hot 20 – After Dover, it is Over for Four Contenders

    According to the Chase, a couple of Penske drivers lead the way in the standings with Sunday’s race at Dover to determine the dozen who advance to the next round. According to our season long standings, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano certainly are worthy of consideration. Penske thinks so, as Logano this week signed a contract extension that should keep the team mates together for some time.

    Of course, consideration should also be extended to Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. for their season efforts. In fact, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick are not too far out of the conversation just yet, either, and odds are all will also advance to the next stage of the “playoffs.” The cream continues to rise to the top.

    Whatever they do next year, it will be without benefit of private testing sessions. If NASCAR or Goodyear is not testing, then nobody is. In fact, getting caught doing so will result in the harshest penalties NASCAR can hand out. A minimum of a $150,000 fine, 150 points, a six week vacation for the crew chief kind of harshness. The annual three day test at Daytona to clear out the cobwebs is also gone. You get the feeling that they are serious about this.

    The reasoning behind it is to reduce costs to teams, and few seem to disagree. It is expected to be a boost for the lesser funded operations. Reduced horsepower and reduced spoilers are also slated for next season in the hopes it creates less down force and thus, more passing opportunities. Anything that makes the action better is more than welcome.

    Welcome news that Jamie Little is bound for FOX after the ESPN boat finally sinks. There is nothing wrong with the pit reporters on that network, but their analysts and hosts are a disaster. To borrow the line from Dennis Miller, “…of course, that’s just my opinion. I could be wrong.” Sorry, I just made myself laugh there.

    It is rather enjoyable to have a column such as this. It is merely a fan’s view, my honest observations. It is true that I do not enjoy seeing Logano, Denny Hamlin, or Brian Vickers win. That does not mean they are not lovely gentlemen. I bet if I shared a beer with any of them my perspective could probably change. I honestly do not enjoy the ESPN broadcasts, I think they do a disservice to the sport, but I also doubt my comments are going to cause anyone to fire Rusty Wallace tomorrow. You can agree or disagree, and we can have some fun in doing so. Sometimes, though, real life does jump out and bite us.

    I am glad to hear the criminal case against Tony Stewart has ended with the grand jury decision not to proceed. I am sad to hear that the family of Kevin Ward Jr. do not accept the verdict. They firmly believe Stewart intentionally accelerated his vehicle in a bid to intimidate the younger driver and in doing so, struck and killed him.

    “This matter is not at rest and we will pursue all remedies in fairness to Kevin.” As a father of sons not much younger than Kevin, I understand the sentiment. If Stewart’s actions did not kill their son, the actions of their son are what got him killed. No father would want to accept that. I sure would not. I do not know if I ever could.

    The top nine of our Hot 20 remain in the Chase, and should be there after this Sunday’s action. From Kasey Kahne on back, that is another story. As for who to expect to be among the contenders on Sunday, I think Kyle Larson will continue to show why he is the best newcomer this season. It think we also should have an idea how Johnson will do in his bid for seven, considering he is a nine time Dover winner.

    As for a bold prediction, based on past history, expect Kurt Busch, Hamlin, Aric Almirola, and A.J. Allmendinger to miss the Chase, and Greg Biffle to race his way to another set of downs.

    Hot 20

    *Winning bonus expanded from 3 to 25 points
    1 – Jeff Gordon – 3 Wins – 1041 Points
    2 – Brad Keselowski – 5 – 1025
    3 – Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 3 – 1017
    4 – Joey Logano – 4 – 1004
    5 – Jimmie Johnson – 3 – 939
    6 – Kevin Harvick – 2 – 916
    7 – Carl Edwards – 2 – 872
    8 – Matt Kenseth – 0 – 854
    9 – Ryan Newman – 0 – 837
    10 – Kyle Larson – 0 – 821
    11 – Kasey Kahne – 1 – 809
    12 – Greg Biffle – 0 – 802
    13 – Kyle Busch – 1 – 783
    14 – Jamie McMurray – 0 – 782
    15 – Clint Bowyer – 0 – 781
    16 – Austin Dillon – 0 – 759
    17 – Paul Menard – 0 – 753
    18 – Denny Hamlin – 1 – 727
    19 – Kurt Busch – 1 – 717
    20 – Brian Vickers – 0 – 701

  • Hot 20 – Could the Best at Loudon and Dover be a Non-Chaser?

    Hot 20 – Could the Best at Loudon and Dover be a Non-Chaser?

    New Hampshire is the next stop on the Chase tour, and if anyone needs to rewrite expectations it would be Aric Almirola and AJ Allmendinger. Both have not done well at Loudon in the past, though Almirola was fifth in the race 15 months ago and the Dinger has one Top Ten. Still, both average beyond 20th there and after the results in Chicago came in they find their title hopes down to fumes. Yet, it is nothing that an unexpected win would not cure.

    Neither are among our Hot 20, based on the season to date. Brad Keselowski is, with back to back wins giving him five on the season. However, he is not the hottest based on this system of providing a 25 point bonus for a win. That remains Jeff Gordon, who despite having two fewer trips to Victory Lane, does have an average finish advantage of 9.7 to 13 over Keselowski in 27 races. Wins are big, especially in how we tabulate these standings, but being consistent also has its rewards. The difference is that Keselowski has finished outside the Top Twenty seven times this campaign, Gordon only three.

    Something tells me Brad is not too concerned, with last weekend’s win locking him into a Chase spot for the next five events. However, it is still too early to hand him the trophy just yet. No matter what he does at Loudon and Dover, Keselowski will have the same 3000 points as the other 11 gents left in the Chase when they move on to Kansas.

    Marcos Ambrose missed the Chase, and next year we will miss him as he returns to his native Australia. He is a fun guy with talent, especially when left hand turns lead to more to the right. Ambrose has a couple of Cup wins in 218 starts, both coming at Watkins Glen, and leaves to raise his family back on their native soil.

    Nothing is more important than family. The Ward family lost their young son Kevin in an accident involving Tony Stewart, a case that will go to a grand jury to determine if the case should proceed to trial. While what video evidence I have seen leads me to believe this was a tragic accident Stewart was not responsible for, I was not there nor do I have knowledge of all the facts. A family lost their young son that day, and they deserve a thorough, transparent review of what took place. I pray for justice for all involved.

    Sixteen drivers remain involved in the Chase, but do not expect much to change in the standings between now and the conclusion at Dover. Based on their track records, both Almirola and Allmendinger are done, with Greg Biffle in a fight for survival. I would expect over the next couple of weeks to see Jimmie Johnson absolutely shine. I would expect, based on past results, strong efforts from Gordon, Carl Edwards, Keselowski, and Matt Kenseth, with Ryan Newman coming on strong to beat out Kasey Kahne for the final spot to the next round. Of course, depending on who wins these races, all my speculation could wind up all out the window.

    There is a reason why non-Chaser Kyle Larson is among our Hot 20. Based on results from earlier this season, expect him to be the star on these tracks once again this weekend and next.

    BOLD = Current Chasers

    *Points awarded as during the regular season, except the winning bonus is 25 rather than 3 points.

    Hot 20
    1 – Jeff Gordon – 3 Wins – 1023 Points
    2 – Brad Keselowski – 5 – 987
    3 – Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 3 – 982
    4 – Joey Logano – 3 – 935
    5 – Jimmie Johnson – 3 – 900
    6 – Kevin Harvick – 2 – 873
    7 – Carl Edwards – 2 – 845
    8 – Matt Kenseth – 0 – 831
    9 – Ryan Newman – 0 – 811
    10 – Kasey Kahne – 1 – 788
    11 – Kyle Larson – 0 – 779
    12 – Greg Biffle – 0 – 774
    13 – Clint Bowyer – 0 – 764
    14 – Kyle Busch – 1 – 747
    15 – Jamie McMurray – 0 – 742
    16 – Austin Dillon – 0 – 726
    17 – Paul Menard – 0 – 724
    18 – Denny Hamlin – 1 – 719
    19 – Kurt Busch – 1 – 709
    20 – Brian Vickers – 0 – 701

  • Hot 20 – With the Chase Beginning in Chicago, Let us ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive

    Hot 20 – With the Chase Beginning in Chicago, Let us ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive

    Ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive. If it was good enough for Johnny, Bing, and Perry, well, gosh darn it, it is good enough for me. I will not even breath a mention of the snore-fest that was Richmond.

    Wins trump points. I like it. I was not so sure to start with, but I do like the wild card aspect of it to get one into the Chase. Along with the present points system instituted in 2011, where the range is now between 1 and 43 awarded per race, NASCAR can get things right. Yet another positive.

    The Chase format, I have grown used to it. Just as some won races by laps, not seconds, in times past, having a champion pretty much decided early by a season long points race might be a truer way of deciding, but more often there is not a speck of excitement, drama, or surprise left. Too soon to tell if the final result of the elimination system will give us a champ we might agree with, but I think it will. The New England Patriots went 18-0 in 2007 before losing that final game, but we recognize the New York Giants as the NFL champs that season. Same will be the case in NASCAR. That is, unless it is Junior who gets screwed over, then all bets are off.

    Can we make the Chase better? Sure, and it can be done in a way that might actually be implemented. Is the season too long, does it need to be reduced? If so, just let them run a 31-race schedule like they did in 1996. Then everybody gets time off, except for the Top 20 who would partake in a real five race playoff for all the marbles. Week in and week out, there are only 25 or so quality rides circling the track anyway, so this is just another example of ac-cent-tchu-ating the positive.

    Sixteen Nations? I thought only Junior had his own Nation, but I guess if it is good enough for him, it should be good enough for the other sovereign rulers. There is King Kurt and King Kyle, for example, and thankfully they both can be kings. No Game of Thrones-like tension here.

    After three races, four of those nations will join the Ming Dynasty and the Mongol, Roman, and Ottoman Empires and fade from view. Only four will be in the running for the crown at Homestead, and only one will join the girl on the bow of the Titanic when it is all over. The Titanic, a prime example of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge going too far, but I digress.

    Sixteen drivers and teams, along with nine owners, begin the adventure Sunday at Chicago. As for the best over the course of the season, with winners awarded 25 rather than three bonus points, fourteen of our Hot 20 remain in the Chase. The fact that even our leaders could find themselves eliminated along the Chase way, some see as a positive to be ac-cent-tchu-ated. Just like those ‘07 Patriots. Time will tell.

    BOLD = Active Chaser

    Hot 20
    1 – Jeff Gordon – 3 Wins – 980 Points
    2 – Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 3 – 949
    3 – Brad Keselowski – 4 – 918
    4 – Joey Logano – 3 – 895
    5 – Jimmie Johnson – 3 – 868
    6 – Kevin Harvick – 2 – 832
    7 – Carl Edwards – 2 – 821
    8 – Matt Kenseth – 0 – 797
    9 – Ryan Newman – 0 – 782
    10 – Kasey Kahne – 1 – 757
    11 – Greg Biffle – 0 – 753
    12 – Clint Bowyer – 0 – 746
    13 – Kyle Larson – 0 – 737
    14 – Kyle Busch – 1 – 709
    15 – Jamie McMurray – 0 – 706
    16 – Paul Menard – 0 – 701
    17 – Austin Dillon – 0 – 698
    18 – Brian Vickers – 0 – 681
    19 – Denny Hamlin – 1 – 681
    20 – Kurt Busch – 1 – 673

  • Hot 20 – Long Term Product Branding Works on the Range, but Holds Little Appeal for NASCAR

    Hot 20 – Long Term Product Branding Works on the Range, but Holds Little Appeal for NASCAR

    I had hoped to announce the NASCAR Ron Thornton series, but I came up about $200 million short. Instead, the former Busch series and soon to be former Nationwide series shall be the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the next 10 years. Oh, so close.

    Just as NASCAR holds no respect for branding its events long term, the same goes for its touring series. Thankfully, the top circuit remains the Cup tour, as in Winston, Nextel, and Sprint. Mind you, it was referred to as Strictly Stock in 1949 before becoming the Grand National tour a year later. That got tossed in favor of the Winston Cup in 1972, becoming in 1986 part of the new name for the former Sportsman series, then called the Busch Grand National Series until 2003. Thankfully, the truck series is the truck series, no matter who sponsors it. At least something remains consistent. You would think with all them smart folks working for them, someone would have gotten a grasp on the concept of branding. Maybe they need fewer smart guys and more cowboys.

    Now looking forward to Richmond. Looking back at last year, Clint Bowyer did what he was told, and it cost his then teammate a place in the Chase. Spin-gate was a year ago at Richmond, and while Martin Truex Jr. did not make the playoff in 2014, it appears Bowyer is in tough to repeat this year. He needs to make up a 23 point deficit on Greg Biffle and then hope nobody takes their first win of the season at Richmond. Truex lost his ride and had to find another, while I doubt Biffle will go for a spin to help his cause.

    It is interesting to note NASCAR granted Tony Stewart a waiver that would allow him a Chase spot if he wins on Saturday night. Part one of the Chase notes declared a driver needed to be in the top 30 in points – that was accomplished. The second part was a driver must qualify for each of the races leading up to the Chase – unless waived due to circumstances, say medical reasons. NASCAR deemed Stewart to fall under the “extraordinary” circumstances and granted the waiver. Still, he has to win to get in – but that’s another story.

    The whole reason for the Chase and new playoff format this year is to create some drama and higher ratings. Win and you are in has been exciting, though Biffle, Bowyer, or both could be denied a place they would have taken a year ago. The elimination format should be interesting as those eligible for the title get pared down by four every three events, leaving four to battle it out for the crown at Homestead. Of course, there will be 39 other guys and gal out there as well to provide some hamburger helper to bulk up the few steaks out there.

    I still like the idea of a real playoff, with the top 20 and only the top 20 competing over the final five races to see who is the best. There is no way you could send cars home ten races short, but we once had 31 race seasons and some might want those days to return. Failing to qualify for the Chase would then be one way to realize a shortened season and a longer rest, though not a desirable option. Who knows, maybe it is an idea that will find traction in the future. In the meantime, let the Chasing and the eliminations begin after we take care of business at Richmond.

    As for our search for the best over the course of an entire season, these standings reflect if winners were given a 25 (rather than a 3) point bonus.

     

    1 – Jeff Gordon – 3 Wins – 937 Points
    2 – Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 3 – 917
    3 – Joey Logano – 3 – 857
    4 – Brad Keselowski – 3 – 848
    5 – Jimmie Johnson – 3 – 832
    6 – Carl Edwards – 2 – 799
    7 – Matt Kenseth – 0 – 794
    8 – Kevin Harvick – 2 – 792
    9 – Ryan Newman – 0 – 747
    10 – Kasey Kahne – 1 – 730
    11 – Greg Biffle – 0 – 728
    12 – Clint Bowyer – 0 – 705
    13 – Kyle Larson – 0 – 704
    14 – Kyle Busch – 1 – 679
    15 – Paul Menard – 0 – 675
    16 – Austin Dillon – 0 – 674
    17 – Jamie McMurray – 0 – 666
    18 – Denny Hamlin – 1 – 658
    19 – Brian Vickers – 0 – 650
    20 – Kurt Busch – 1 – 636

     

  • Hot 20 – Atlanta’s Final Fall Race as it Springs to the Spring…er…Winter…in 2015

    Hot 20 – Atlanta’s Final Fall Race as it Springs to the Spring…er…Winter…in 2015

    In 2015, the Atlanta 500 makes its return. Well, sort of. That was the name of the early season race in Atlanta before they pimped out the brand to the sponsors. In 2010, they lost that date, while what once was the season finale in Cup got moved to where we find it today. Next year, it shall be the second race of the season, immediately following the Daytona 500. That would be good news for anyone seeking a southern racing holiday to start the year.

    Kasey Kahne won the early race there in 2006 and the late one of 2009. He could sure use another one this weekend. Among those seeking a Chase place, he is one of two former Atlanta winners who have yet to win in 2014. Tony Stewart is the other.

    Like all fans, I sure wish the Stewart situation will be soon resolved. I know that it never will be for the Ward family and for Stewart the emotional trauma will be felt for a long time. It is good to hear he will return to racing this weekend.

    After a dozen years, NASCAR has done good and returned the Southern 500 to its traditional Labor Day weekend at Darlington. You do not mess with tradition, especially when it involves one of your signature races. Maybe they learned their lesson, though I doubt it. If we ever, ever see a Chick-fil-A 500 at Daytona, I am so gone. Maybe there is a BaseballDiamond.com site that could use a writer.

    Of course, they did manage to turf another tradition, if only for a season, in moving the Firecracker 400, or whatever they want to call it now, from Saturday night to Sunday in 2015. Not 2016, just for next year. It would make NBC happy, we are told. Well, if it makes NBC happy. Maybe they are not that big on fireworks over there. As for those fans who will have one less day to get home from the track, too damn bad, I guess.

    I think, in looking at these standings, that the days of the season’s best being awarded the championship are long over. Twenty-four races in and it is a two driver race at present. Sure, with a win or two others might be able to challenge, but there is not much drama here. Now, a 31 race regular season and a five race playoff, featuring only the best 20, might be a possibility. Still, I would not hold my breathe on it, especially if you supercharged the winner’s bonus from 3 to 25, as I have done here. Win two, especially the first two in the playoff, and it might wind up being a coronation.

    Maybe the best method might be to keep things as they are, with winners getting a free pass, but reducing it to a five race Chase and eliminating the eliminations. Only the 20 best, those with a playoff spot earned during the regular season, hitting the track those five events. Just like the playoffs in all those other sports.

    In seeking out a method of determining a champion, combining a valid winner with the drama of a close race, is NASCAR’s new elimination series the way to go, my alternative, or is there a better method? What are your thoughts?

    *Winners awarded a bonus of 25 points, rather than 3

    Hot 20
    1 – Jeff Gordon – 3 Wins – 881 Points
    2 – Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – 3 – 879
    3 – Brad Keselowski – 3 – 799
    4 – Joey Logano – 3 – 780
    5 – Jimmie Johnson – 3 – 752
    6 – Kevin Harvick – 2 – 731
    7 – Carl Edwards – 2 – 723
    8 – Matt Kenseth – 0 – 709
    9 – Ryan Newman – 0 – 679
    10 – Clint Bowyer – 0 – 672
    11 – Greg Biffle – 0 – 660
    12 – Kasey Kahne – 0 – 651
    13 – Kyle Busch – 1 – 642
    14 – Austin Dillon – 0 – 638
    15 – Kyle Larson – 0 – 636
    16 – Marcos Ambrose – 0 – 616
    17 – Paul Menard – 0 – 614
    18 – Denny Hamlin – 1 – 611
    19 – Brian Vickers – 0 – 598
    20 – Jamie McMurray – 0 – 596

    The Not So Hot
    21 – Aric Almirola – 1 Wins – 578 Points
    22 – A.J. Allmendinger – 1 – 578
    23 – Kurt Busch – 1 – 575
    24 – Casey Mears – 0 – 543
    25 – Tony Stewart – 0 – 537
    26 – Martin Truex, Jr. – 0 – 516
    27 – Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. – 0 – 476
    28 – Danica Patrick – 0 – 445
    29 – Justin Allgaier – 0 – 400
    30 – Michael Annett – 0 – 364