Testing SpeedwayMedia.com

Category: Hot 20

Thornton’s Hot 20 in NASCAR

  • Hot 20 – Chicago presents a Sunday in the park, three days shy of the 4th of July

    Hot 20 – Chicago presents a Sunday in the park, three days shy of the 4th of July

    Last week it was Sonoma, a road course set in a beautiful background with curves and hills and places one could speed up and those where one had to slow down. This week it is Chicago. It is round.

    Okay, so I am not excited by the wonder that is Chicagoland. The name of the 2.5-mile tri-oval gives one the impression of excitement, like an amusement park. If only that were true. Personally, I find the name a little hokey, and the action less than advertised.

    Not so for Kevin Harvick, who won the first two races held there in 2001-02. Martin Truex Jr. has the last two. That comes as bad news for those still seeking that first win of the season. Still, others seeking another victory on this particular track will include Ryan Newman (2003), Kyle Busch (2008), Brad Keselowski (2012, 2014), and Denny Hamlin (2015). Newman needs it the most, but his odds are the longest.

    What we won’t see this Sunday is drivers abandoning bonus points to have a shot at the win. That only paid off at Sonoma for Truex, who won the race. His 40 points matched the total of Keselowski (13th place), was two back of Jimmie Johnson (11th), and nine behind the haul of Chase Elliott (fourth). Bonus points do matter, but not so much if, like Truex, Harvick (second), or Clint Bowyer (third), you already have your golden ticket to the Chase.

    The newly minted Overton’s (formerly the Tropicana, USG Sheetrock, LifeLock.com, GEICO, MyAFib, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Tales of the Turtles) 400 is coming our way on Sunday. The Overton’s Windy City 400 would have been nice. Instead of an attempt to brand the event, next year it could well be the Viagra 400. Well, that is one way to get fans up for a race. Let the excitement begin.

    As for our Hot 20…

    1. KYLE BUSCH – 4 WINS – 695 Pts
    The betting could come down to just three choices: Rowdy, Happy, or anyone else.

    2. KEVIN HARVICK – 4 WINS – 1 E.W. – 624 PTS
    His team learned that you do not play poker with Cole Pearn.

    3. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 3 WINS – 546 Pts
    Hey, a crew chief can change his mind, and Truex doesn’t mind at all.

    4. CLINT BOWYER – 2 WINS – 544 Pts
    Sometimes a driver is the hero. Sometimes it is a man named Thomas Selbe.

    5. JOEY LOGANO – 1 WIN – 584 Pts
    Won his race at Talladega and sits third best in overall points…

    6. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 313 Pts
    …while Austin won his race at Daytona and sits 18th in overall points.

    7. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 554 POINTS
    Still a bridesmaid, but with two previous Chicago wins, might this be his time?

    8. KURT BUSCH – 524 POINTS
    His Cubs have a World Series, Kurt has a Cup title, but he is still seeking a win at Chicagoland.

    9. DENNY HAMLIN – 505 POINTS
    Only Texas and Pocono were true duds this season, as the rest has been pretty stout.

    10. KYLE LARSON – 472 POINTS
    Won the pole, and sure looked good for about four laps out in California.

    11. ARIC ALMIROLA – 471 POINTS
    Except for Texas and Richmond, all have been Top 15 results. Danica who?

    12. RYAN BLANEY – 466 POINTS
    Ryan probably did not need to do any arm strengthening exercises this week…or next.

    13. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 419 POINTS
    No wins yet, but until two or three behind him get their own wins, he is sitting just fine.

    14. CHASE ELLIOTT – 411 POINTS
    Finished fourth last week, yet claimed the most points.

    15. ERIK JONES – 376 POINTS
    Like man-made climate change, the predictions as to young gun triumphs have been a bit off.

    16. ALEX BOWMAN – 363 POINTS
    …that is not to say a good number won’t make the Chase…but they might not shake many suds.

    17. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 346 POINTS
    I hope he enjoyed the view at Sonoma, as the race sure sucked for him.

    18. PAUL MENARD – 338 POINTS
    Unless that second career win is coming soon, he can not afford to lose any more ground.

    19. DANIEL SUAREZ – 290 POINTS
    On our charts, but only a win can give him a shot at the title this season.

    20. WILLIAM BYRON – 289 POINTS
    To mingle with the Universe, and feel, What I can ne’er express, yet cannot all conceal.*

    * From “There Is Pleasure In The Pathless Woods” – A poem by Lord Byron

  • Hot 20 – A Sonoma Sunday as the boys are back after their Father’s Day break

    Hot 20 – A Sonoma Sunday as the boys are back after their Father’s Day break

    Father’s Day, or was it Father’s Week? With time off, the boys took a little time for some R&R as they get set for the road course at Sonoma on Sunday. While all had some time with the family, some mixed in some other activities, while others dwelt on the race to come. Among the seven active drivers with a career win there, four have already won multiple times this season. Only Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, and Kasey Kahne have yet to get one in 2018, but most should be relaxed and ready to go this weekend.

    This weekend, our Hot 20 will be turning left…and right…and left…and…

    1. KYLE BUSCH – 4 WINS – 664 Pts
    Spent his time off on a family vacation on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

    2. KEVIN HARVICK – 4 WINS (1 E.W.) – 589 Pts
    Keelan had to share dad with his sister Piper this year.

    3. CLINT BOWYER – 2 WINS – 510 Pts
    Near the top of the standings meant it was time for Cash and Clint to go fishing.

    4. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 2 WINS – 506 Pts
    Martin, Senior paved the way for Martin, Junior…and that road seems pretty straight right now.

    5. JOEY LOGANO – 1 WIN – 566 Pts
    Thanks to Hudson, Joey joined the club in 2018.

    6. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 292 Pts
    Back in February, his butt gave birth to a tattoo to celebrate his Daytona 500 victory.

    7. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 514 POINTS
    Scarlett’s dad thinks NASCAR should embrace hybrid technology…as long as the car still roars.

    8. KURT BUSCH – 493 POINTS
    Test drove on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during the Catalan GP. He still lives!

    9. DENNY HAMLIN – 468 POINTS
    Went golfing in his league of duffers. Bubba Wallace is still not invited back.

    10. RYAN BLANEY – 457 POINTS
    Faith and Begorrah, now where would ye think a nice Irish lad would spend his time off?

    11. KYLE LARSON – 443 POINTS
    Threw out the ceremonial first pitch last week, as the hometown White Sox beat the Indians.

    12. ARIC ALMIROLA – 433 POINTS
    Aric has Alex and Abby. Anyone else notice a trend?

    13. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 377 POINTS
    May have worked on his Swiss yodeling since we last saw him.

    14. CHASE ELLIOTT – 362 POINTS
    Went along to make sure Blaney made it back.

    15. ERIK JONES – 346 POINTS
    A crew chief can be just like your daddy, and Erik, Rowdy, and Denny will go without this week.

    16. ALEX BOWMAN – 331 POINTS
    Arizona boy has been able to share some big moments with his dad, Sean. Next…that first win.

    17. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 327 POINTS
    As long as he does not upset Hamlin on the track, he gets to join him on the links.

    18. PAUL MENARD – 327 POINTS
    Considering how he got his start, he damn well better have given John at least a phone call.

    19. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 283 POINTS
    It might have been the day for fathers, but probably it was more about Carter and Hazel.

    20. WILLIAM BYRON – 277 POINTS
    The 20 year old’s Cup career is just 15 races old. Just being a single dude is sweet.

  • Hot 20 – The Fathers who have produced NASCAR’s greatest sons (and daughter…and monkey)

    Hot 20 – The Fathers who have produced NASCAR’s greatest sons (and daughter…and monkey)

    Father’s Day is one NASCAR takes off to allow the boys to spend time with their families, their children and with their own fathers. We hear a lot about the racers, but for many of them, it all began with a father supporting a son or daughter get started in a sport that has its risks and produces many thrills and spills.

    Some produce champions, winners, and some produce more than one who has competed at NASCAR’s highest levels. Here, then, is our Hot 20 look at some of those who have produced many of the names who have ran the race tracks over the years for our entertainment.

    1. LEE ARNOLD PETTY, Father of Maurice and Richard Petty
    The father of the best and his engine building brother is himself one of the best. His boys combined for 1,210 starts that resulted in 200 wins and seven championships. Don’t forget those 733 Top Tens, with Maurice picking up 16 of them in his 26 starts. All three are Hall of Famers.

    2. LEROY WALTRIP, Father of Darrell and Michael Waltrip
    Only the Labonte boys have put in more time on the track, with 1,503 races. While Darrell’s three championships and 84 victories helped put Owensboro, Kentucky on the map, Leroy’s little big son’s two Daytona 500 victories (to Darrell’s one) certainly contributed.

    3. WILLIAM GRINNELL GORDON and JOHN BICKFORD, Fathers of Jeff Gordon
    A man with two dads. Jeff was just six months old when his parents divorced, as it was his step-father who raised him. Four NASCAR championships and 93 victories later the son already has his ticket in hand for the Hall of Fame.

    4. BOB LABONTE, Father of Bobby and Terry Labonte
    A team owner, Bob helped give his younger son his start on both the senior and junior circuits. His boys combined for 1,619 races, winning 43 of them, three championships and 564 Top Tens. The Texas lads combined for three Southern 500 wins. One is in the Hall of Fame, one will be.

    5. TOM BUSCH, Father of Kurt and Kyle Busch
    One son has had a terrific career, the other an even better one. Tom’s boys each have their own NASCAR championship, combined for 76 wins, and 518 Top Tens. Dad has got to celebrate at Daytona, Darlington, Charlotte, Indianapolis and, twice, he will celebrate at the Hall of Fame.

    6. EDMUND ALLISON, Father of Bobby and Donnie Allison
    No Edmund, no Alabama Gang. Without him, Cale Yarborough would have had nobody to fight with after the 1979 Daytona 500 and history might have been different. Bobby is a true legend of the sport while Donnie’s 10 wins include a Firecracker 400 triumph. Edmund did good.

    7. RALPH LEE EARNHARDT, Father of Dale Earnhardt
    The father of the Intimidator ran 51 Cup races himself running part-time in the 1950s and 60s. Ralph set the foundation for a son who won seven championships, with 76 victories and established a legacy that burned bright right through to last season with his grandson.

    8. LENNIE H. PEARSON, Father of David Pearson
    If Lennie only had taught his boy to stick to one thing and one thing only, they might have been on top of this list. David only ran four full NASCAR seasons, winning the title in three of them. In just 574 events, Lennie’s lad was the winner on 105 occasions.

    9. GARY ERNEST JOHNSON, Father of Jimmie Johnson
    Gary’s son was racing motorcycles when he was four, and is known for riding bicycles today. Okay, he is probably best known for his seven NASCAR championships, with five coming in a row. Among his 83 career victories, a dozen have been of the iconic variety.

    10. RUSSELL WALLACE SR., Father of Kenny, Mike, and Rusty Wallace
    One son won the title and all 55 of the races, but the younger brothers contributed 541 Cup races of their own to the legacy. About a dozen years ago Arnold, Missouri brought the boys, Russ, and mom June, in for the unveiling of the salutary billboard on the massive campus of Fox High.

    11. JULIAN YARBOROUGH, Father of Cale and J.C. Yarborough
    My favorite driver as a kid, but sadly Julian’s early passing denied him the joy of watching his son claim three championships and 83 races. Younger brother J.C. raced twice in 1969. Cale could have used his assistance when he met up with those Allison boys on the Daytona infield.

    12. JUDSON ELLSWORTH PETTY, Father of Lee Petty
    What Judson started, NASCAR fans have been blessed with ever since. The father of a legend himself, Lee won three championships and 54 events. Judson passed away in 1948, a year before his then 35-year-old son began racing. For late bloomers, you could say the Petty boys did alright.

    13. JULIAN MARTIN, Father of Mark Martin
    Not all have to win a championship to be recognized for their greatness. By the time Julian passed away in 1998, his son was already well on his way to an eventual berth in the Hall of Fame. Forty wins in 882 competitions is a mighty high bar for all who come after.

    14. EZLIE BAKER SR., Father of Buck Baker
    The son of Ezlie was a back-to-back champion in the 1950’s, en route to a 46 win career. In fact, between 1955 and 1958, he was either best or second best. The bloodlines run deep, as even Ezlie’s grandson Buddy raced 700 times and is considered one of the sport’s very best.

    15. JOHN BURTON, Father of Jeff and Ward Burton
    Thanks to John, race fans know there is a place called South Boston, Virginia. His boys competed in a combined 1,070 events, claiming 26 of them. Even their sons are active in the sport. The English born John was a racer himself and an owner on NASCAR’s junior loop.

    16. NELSON STEWART, Father of Tony Stewart
    Three championships, 49 wins in 618 races explains how Tony helped his dad make this list. If you remember how Nelson reacted as Tony fought for his final career win at Sonoma two years ago, you already know all you need to know what the son means to the father.

    17. ELI “JUNIE” BODINE JR., Father of Brett, Geoffrey, and Todd Bodine
    Chemung Speedrome in New York was put together by Junie and his dad back in 1951. That is where his three sons got their start in what has become a 1,296 race long Cup odyssey. That is a lot of dedication to the sport, and Geoffrey’s 1986 Daytona 500 win is just the icing on the cake.

    18. CARL LEE FLOCK, Father of Bob, Ethel, Fonty, and Tim Flock
    Carl Lee passed in 1928, but his is the story of a man and his sons, a daughter, and a monkey. Ethel raced twice in 1949 and Jocko Flocko was the only ape in a winning car in 1953. His antics cost Tim, a two time NASCAR champion, a win two weeks later. So ended the monkey’s career.

    19. ERVING “GEORGE” ELLIOTT JR. – Father of Bill Elliott
    You get the feeling that George could be joined by Bill on some far future edition of this list. Awesome Bill, as you know, was from Dawsonville, Georgia. The soft spoken NASCAR champion won 44 times on the track, and 16 years with the fans as their Most Popular Driver.

    20. HOMER KEITH JARRETT – Father of Ned Jarrett
    Homer begat a two-time NASCAR champion, who begat his own little champ in Dale. Homer put Ned behind the wheel when he was nine on drives to church. When he was 21 he was beginning what became a 50-win, 352 race Cup career. He retired just after his 34th birthday.

    HONORABLE MENTION

    RONALD KENNETH THORNTON- Father of Glen Ronald Thornton
    The only thing close to racing his son ever did was to hit 100 miles per hour on a hilly section between Biggar and Rosetown, Saskatchewan in the 1970s. According to my uncles, the father did a hell of a lot more racing than the son ever did.

    Happy Father’s Day Dad…and to all Dads. Being a husband and a father tops everything we could ever hope to do or have greater meaning. I hope you agree. Enjoy the day off!

  • Hot 20 – 50 years of NASCAR at Michigan

    Hot 20 – 50 years of NASCAR at Michigan

    Another weekend. Another race. Another track that does not excite me. Welcome to NASCAR.

    Michigan International Speedway, located in the lush, rolling Irish Hills, is about 40 miles southwest of Ann Arbor. The fact it is considered a sister track of Texas, and the basis of the facility in Fontana does not exactly thrill anyone, but they do go fast there. Speeds of over 215 mph can be expected. Will it cause a newbie to tune in for all of the excitement? Nope. However, there are questions those of us who follow the sport will watch in order to uncover some answers.

    Will the race change who is in a Chase place and who is not? Erik Jones and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. are less than 20 points to the good, leaving them vulnerable to be caught by Alex Bowman. That could happen. A win by Paul Menard, Daniel Suarez, Jamie McMurray, William Byron, Ryan Newman, or Bubba Wallace would tumble at least one of them out. Are the odds good that this will happen? Nope.

    As they are working on their 14th name sponsor since 1969, this track does not have a brand name that much resonates. That is unless you happen to have been a big fan of the FireKeepers Casino Hotel over the past couple of years. Newman has won there twice, in 2003 and 2004, so that should still your beating heart. Kurt Busch, Kyle Larson, and Matt Kenseth each have three to their credit over the years.

    If you want tradition, there was nine-time track winner David Pearson. Cale Yarborough had eight. Bill Elliott shook the suds seven times. Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace both won at Michigan five times. Four-time victors there include Dale Jarrett, Bobby Allison, Richard Petty, and Greg Biffle.

    This is not to say there have not been exciting finishes. Jarrett won his first in Cup with a razor-thin margin over Davey Allison in 1991. Ernie Irvan took one in 1997, three years after nearly losing his life at the same track. Jeff Gordon claimed a tight contest with Ricky Rudd in 2001. 2009 was the year Martin won when both Jimmie Johnson and then Biffle ran out of fuel on the final lap. Of course, there was 2012 when Dale Earnhardt Jr. finally snapped a 143-race winless streak. Great finishes. Great races? Don’t ask and I won’t tell.

    The last four who won this particular event include Johnson, the elder Busch, Logano, and Larson. If it is not Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, or Martin Truex Jr., the smart money is on either Logano or Larson. Anything else would be something of a shock.

    Here is a look at our Hot 20 going in.

    1. KYLE BUSCH – 4 WINS – 624 Pts
    Has won here, but that was August 21, 2011.

    2. KEVIN HARVICK – 4 WINS (1 E.W.) – 537 Pts
    One pit stop at Pocono made all the difference.

    3. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 2 WINS – 487 Pts
    After last weekend, he is back among the Big Three where he belongs.

    4. JOEY LOGANO – 1 WIN – 524 Pts
    One more win, and we will be talking about a Big Four, and all would belong on that pedestal.

    5. CLINT BOWYER – 1 WIN – 453 Pts
    I just saw a photo of Carly Bowyer. She looks nothing like Clint. Hey, just sayin’.

    6. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 269 Pts
    It is a very good thing a win is a golden ticket, as he has done nothing since Daytona.

    7. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 474 POINTS
    Just a 90 mile drive from his Michigan hometown to the track.

    8. KURT BUSCH – 447 POINTS
    Has won there with Roush Fenway, Penske, and Stewart-Haas. Maybe it was the driver.

    9. DENNY HAMLIN – 437 POINTS
    With less than 15 laps to go last week, turned a shot at a Top Ten into 35th.

    10. KYLE LARSON- 425 POINTS
    Has won three of the last four Michigan races, including a spring-summer sweep last year.

    11. RYAN BLANEY – 413 POINTS
    Took the pole last week, but only dogs truly appreciate a pole.

    12. ARIC ALMIROLA – 406 POINTS
    He is about as safe as one can be without a win.

    13. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 360 POINTS
    Five Top Tens in his last seven events. I do believe Mr. Johnson has returned.

    14. CHASE ELLIOTT – 334 POINTS
    Finished in the top dozen the last half dozen races. The boy is movin’ on up.

    15. ERIK JONES – 322 POINTS
    The pride and joy of Byron, Michigan has finishes of 13th and third in his two starts near home.

    16. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 319 POINTS
    Have You Driven a Ford Lately? This would be a good time to drive the hell out of this one.

    17. ALEX BOWMAN – 310 POINTS
    Last week’s meeting with Hamlin tumbled Alex out of his Chase place.

    18. PAUL MENARD – 289 POINTS
    Unless he has a win up his sleeve, he can not afford to let the points gap grow any wider.

    19. DANIEL SUAREZ – 258 POINTS
    The best Monterrey, Mexico born driver in NASCAR.

    20. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 253 POINTS
    The best Joplin, Missouri born driver in NASCAR. Carl Edwards was born in Columbia.

  • Hot 20 – If only the action at Pocono could be as cool as its name

    Hot 20 – If only the action at Pocono could be as cool as its name

    Some things matter. Some do not. Every weekend, no more than 30 entries matter to some degree. The rest do not.

    Most weekends NASCAR features a race and while some matter to race fans, most do not. Bristol, Charlotte, Darlington, Daytona, Sonoma, and Talladega races matter due to what they deliver and a long history of tradition.

    Some are loyal to the short tracks at Martinsville and Richmond. Indianapolis is an over-hyped crown jewel, great history but not much gripping action delivered. Homestead gets the nod as long as it hosts the final race of the season. Those tracks present 16 of the 36 points events each season.

    Pocono gives us two. It is a track ranked by some down amongst such venues as Chicago, Fontana, Kansas, and Kentucky. Cool name. Interesting layout. Lovely trees in the background. Like Indianapolis, it might be more entertaining for open-wheel racing than for the fender folk. Still, twice a year they return there, and twice a year I forget about the last one and actually look forward to the tri-oval. Each year I hope that it will all come together for a terrific contest.

    Maybe this year. Maybe this will be the one. It is a track that boasts of the performances put in by the likes of Jeff Gordon, Emerson Fittipaldi, Danny Sullivan, Juan Pablo Montoya, and A. J. Foyt.  Kyle Busch won there last July. Ryan Blaney is the defending June race champion. Chris Buescher won there for Bob Jenkins in 2016. Denny Hamlin has four Pocono wins. Jimmie Johnson and Kurt Busch each have claimed three.

    Yes, the highlight packages of the past from Pocono look truly awesome. The highlights. The actual action come race day….well, maybe this will be the year. I sure hope so. Such things matter.

    1. KYLE BUSCH – 4 WINS – 573 Pts
    If he runs at Pocono like he did at Charlotte, he might be the only one who matters.

    2. KEVIN HARVICK – 4 WINS – 1 E.W. – 485 Pts
    Today, that encumbered win comes in to play.

    3. JOEY LOGANO – 1 WIN – 506 Pts
    Picks up an average of 39 points per race. You do not have to be loved to be awesome.

    4. MARTIN TRUEX, JR. – 1 WIN – 430 Pts
    If he only had some Kryptonite to toss as Superman on Sunday, he could have won it.

    5. CLINT BOWYER – 1 WIN – 421 Pts
    Crew chief Mike (Buga) Bugarewicz would love a happy homecoming.

    6. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 244 Pts
    If he had finished second at Daytona, he would be less successful than Suarez.

    7. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 437 POINTS
    Won Saturday’s Xfinity race. Please raise your hand if you give a damn.

    8. KURT BUSCH – 429 POINTS
    The only driver in NASCAR to have seen Kyle Busch wearing a diaper. I hope that is true.

    9. DENNY HAMLIN – 429 POINTS
    “We’re either really good or we’re average at best.” Finishing third is average?

    10. KYLE LARSON – 382 POINTS
    Raced Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Raced Wednesday as an outlaw in Fairbury, Illinois.

    11. ARIC ALMIROLA – 376 POINTS
    The decision to move over from the King to join Smoke has proven to be a good one.

    12. RYAN BLANEY – 375 POINTS
    A cylinder let go around lap 150 and they tried to limp it home. Instead, they started a barbecue.

    13. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 327 POINTS
    Imagine. Almost an entire year with a single win. I bet Michael McDowell can.

    14. ERIK JONES – 314 POINTS
    Three bad luck pit road moments buried any hope of shining last Sunday.

    15. ALEX BOWMAN – 299 POINTS
    One of the greatest coaches in NHL history. What? Sorry, wrong Bowman.

    16. CHASE ELLIOTT – 296 POINTS
    According to TMZ, he believes “Judging Hooters Competition Harder Than Racing Cars”

    17. RICKY STENHOUSE, JR. – 296 POINTS
    His Charlotte experience was better than someone else’s Indianapolis adventure.

    18. PAUL MENARD – 263 POINTS
    Another Cup guy racing Xfinity on Saturday. One more young driver fails to get a ride.

    19. DANIEL SUAREZ – 245 POINTS
    More than 50 points out of the Chase…unless he wins. Winning is always good.

    20. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 231 POINTS
    One ahead of Newman and Byron, two up on Wallace.

  • Hot 20 – Hall of Famers and military heroes are honored at Charlotte this week

    Hot 20 – Hall of Famers and military heroes are honored at Charlotte this week

    Jeff Gordon. Four-time NASCAR champion. Three-time Daytona 500 champion. Four-time Brickyard 400 winner. Six-time Southern 500 victor. Three-time World 600 champion. Three-time All-Star race winner. Winner of 93 Cup races. He probably was the most automatic inductee into the Hall of Fame since Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. His was the opening name announced Wednesday for the Class of 2019.

    Next, they turned to ownership, with Jack Roush and Roger Penske both given the keys. Roush has 137 victories as the man who owns the garage, putting Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch in their championship rides. Notable drivers Mark Martin and Carl Edwards also had great success in his cars. Penske has 105 wins to his credit, with Brad Keselowski bringing him his Cup title in 2012. Penske has claimed a few other motorsports accolades over the years, including ownership of 16 Indianapolis 500 winning entries. Among his drivers, you can include the names of Mark Donohue, Mario Andretti, Rick Mears, Bobby Unser, Al Unser, Al Unser Jr., Emerson Fittipaldi, Hélio Castroneves, and Rusty Wallace. I think you get the idea.

    Two fallen drivers, Davey Allison and Alan Kulwicki, are popular selections. Both were lost in aviation accidents in 1993. Allison won 19 times in just 191 career starts, winning 10 of them in 1991 and 1992 when he was third best in the standings both times. Kulwicki only won five times in his time, but he was the driver and team owner and took the Hooters No. 7 Ford to the championship the year prior to his death.

    This week in Charlotte, they honored the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2019. This Memorial Day weekend, they will honor the troops. It is racing’s most celebrated 24 hours, with action starting at Monte Carlo, moving on to Indianapolis, then to Charlotte as NASCAR salutes some of the heroes, both those on active service and those who have made the supreme sacrifice, who make such days as this possible.

    1. KEVIN HARVICK – 5 WINS – 484 Pts
    Expects the future of NASCAR to look like the All-Star race did. I bet he does.

    2. KYLE BUSCH – 3 WINS – 503 Pts
    If you are a tender flower who screws up on his pit crew, you might want to reconsider things.

    3. JOEY LOGANO – 1 WIN – 491 Pts
    As long as Larson does not squeeze him into the wall again, then all will be well.

    4. CLINT BOWYER – 1 WIN – 386 Pts
    Let us remember 2Lt. Dale E. Bowyer (1921-1974), Distinguished Service Cross recipient.

    5. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 1 WIN – 376 Pts
    Defending champion recently visited with his Commander-in-Chief.

    6. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 241 Pts
    Won at Daytona. All is good. See you in the Chase.

    7. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 396 POINTS
    Has a Hall of Famer owner. How cool is that?

    8. KURT BUSCH – 393 POINTS
    Has driven for two Hall of Fame owners. Top that!

    9. DENNY HAMLIN – 380 POINTS
    Drive fast on the track, drive much slower on Pit Road. That is a recipe for success.

    10. RYAN BLANEY – 365 POINTS
    Watch the Spider-Man animated series. Ryan would appreciate it.

    11. ARIC ALMIROLA – 342 POINTS
    Four Stewart-Haas drivers among the Top Dozen. How sweet it is.

    12. KYLE LARSON – 336 POINTS
    Don’t squeeze Joey. Don’t squeeze Joey. Don’t squeeze Joey…

    13. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 286 POINTS
    Got his start thanks to a Hall of Famer. Between them, they have 11 titles.

    14. ERIK JONES – 285 POINTS
    Until his boss makes the Hall of Fame, he is left with just 3 Super Bowl rings and 4 Cup titles.

    15. ALEX BOWMAN – 271 POINTS
    Traded in his car for a Coast Guard Response Boat this week. No points were awarded.

    16. CHASE ELLIOTT – 266 POINTS
    Just what we need, another Cup guy driving in the Xfinity series. Let the beat downs begin.

    17. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 265 POINTS
    It would be mean to suggest that he could get more attention if he dated a Monster Energy gal.

    18. PAUL MENARD – 240 POINTS
    Patrick County has its heroes, like the Wood Brothers and 1Lt. Leevi Barnard (1980-2009 in Iraq).

    19. WILLIAM BYRON – 229 POINTS
    He has the right car number to be a Hall of Famer.

    20. RYAN NEWMAN – 225 POINTS
    Come to think of it, Newman has also driven for a pair of Hall of Fame owners.

  • Hot 20 – NASCAR’s greatest stars of today gather in Charlotte Saturday night

    Hot 20 – NASCAR’s greatest stars of today gather in Charlotte Saturday night

    Stars. Many are called, but few are worthy. Each week, NASCAR provides somewhere between 34 and 40 entries out on the track, but fewer than 25 have any legitimate shot at making a difference. We know the names of those who have succeeded, those who have made and earned, a place in the spotlight. Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr., Kurt and Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski and, yes, for a time this year, we welcome back Matt Kenseth. Champions all.

    However, no Dale Earnhardt Jr. No Tony Stewart. No Jeff Gordon. No Carl Edwards. Instead of addressing the issues we have addressed week after week, NASCAR is trying to get us all excited about a new crop of drivers. Bless their pea picking hearts, they are promoting the hell out of the new generation. Talented, youngish, but few have earned their stripes over their young careers. Not yet.

    Among the 11, four have actually begun to shine. The other seven have, between them, managed no victories, just four Top Fives, 29 Top Tens, over a combined 365 events. Each and every one of them could be stars eventually, just not today. Three are stuck in rides that will not be winning soon, or even being part of the race day conversation. Only two are locked into the All-Star race, with the other nine hoping to beat out a dozen other drivers in advancing from the Open that will begin Saturday’s action.

    One has, without doubt, the personality of a star. However, Darrell Wallace Jr. is just 16 races into his Cup career. A single Top Five, a pair of Top Tens, and 11 laps led does not make a star out of him on the track. Not yet, but the lad has personality to burn. He also drives for Richard Petty. That is some serious star power right there. Maybe this weekend, or next, he will break through. Wallace is the exception. He, I will be watching.

    However, if you want to watch the stars of NASCAR, those who have already made their mark on the sport, here are the names you should know for Saturday night.

    1. KYLE BUSCH – 2015 CHAMPION – 46 Career Wins – 474 Starts
    One of the top three gents the past four seasons, with 17 wins over that time period.

    2. KEVIN HARVICK – 2014 CHAMPION – 42 Career Wins – 622 Starts
    5 wins in a dozen starts in 2018. Rowdy has been his only rival as of late.

    3. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 2017 CHAMPION – 16 Career Wins – 453 Starts
    Took his owner to the Promised Land last season.

    4. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 2006-10, 2013, 2016 CHAMPION – 83 Career Wins – 591 Starts
    Tied with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for most titles, and still in the hunt for an eighth.

    5. DENNY HAMLIN – 31 Career Wins – 446 Starts
    Best driver on the circuit yet to claim a championship. The Mark Martin of his day?

    6. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 2012 CHAMPION – 24 Career Wins – 317 Starts
    Among the Top 14 for eight straight seasons, including fourth best thus far in 2018.

    7. JOEY LOGANO – 19 Career Wins – 339 Starts
    The former wunderkind’s career got off to a slow start, but has blazed hot with Roger Penske.

    8. KYLE LARSON – 5 Career Wins – 159 Starts
    The 25-year-old has been the very best among the kids coming up.

    9. MATT KENSETH – 2003 CHAMPION – 39 Career Wins – 651 Starts
    Got a phone call. Got a part-time ride. Got another chance to shine amongst the other stars.

    10. KURT BUSCH – 2004 CHAMPION – 29 Career Wins – 624 Starts
    Not great in recent seasons, but when you are this good, good often can be good enough.

    11. AUSTIN DILLON – 2 Wins – 169 Starts
    The Daytona 500 can do wonders for a fellow’s career.

    12. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 2 Wins – 196 Starts
    Two wins last season turned his life and career pages with a flourish.

    13. CLINT BOWYER – 9 Career Wins – 445 Starts
    After four seasons in the wilderness, it appears the boy from Emporia has made his way back.

    14. RYAN NEWMAN – 18 Career Wins – 596 Starts
    Struggling to regain the magic that led to his runner-up year of 2014.

    15. CHASE ELLIOTT – 89 Starts
    No wins, but 25 Top Fives for the 22-year-old have to count for something.

    16. RYAN BLANEY – 1 Wins – 102 Starts
    The 24-year-old announced his arrival last season and is not missing a beat now with Penske.

    17. KASEY KAHNE – 18 Career Wins – 516 Starts
    Either nearing the end or just starting on his new beginning.

    18. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 7 Career Wins – 558 Starts
    If you are only going to win seven, win them at Charlotte, Daytona, Talladega, or Indianapolis.

    19. ERIK JONES – 51 Starts
    With 19 Top Tens, the 22-year-old is touted as being among the new constellation of stars.

    20. ARIC ALMIROLA – 1 Wins – 256 Starts
    Only his far superior ride gives him the nod over Chris Buescher.

  • Hot 20 – Selling NASCAR could be about as tough as trying to sell fans on watching Kansas

    Hot 20 – Selling NASCAR could be about as tough as trying to sell fans on watching Kansas

    For Sale. National sanctioning body. A real fixer-upper. Updated safety features. Decades of tradition. All offers to be considered. Contact Goldman Sachs for further details.

    Ever since Bill France gathered together other influential racers and promoters at the Streamline Hotel at Daytona Beach on December 14, 1947, and its founding two months later, it has been a family operation. NASCAR moved from the beach to the big track at Daytona in 1959. A decade later, he brought us Talladega. It was a time when the cars on the track were the cars on the street, with some modifications. By 1966, they introduced changes to the frames and chassis. It was the heyday of short track racing in the south, many of which departed the scene at the same time as the founder handed over the reins.

    Bill France Jr. brought the sport into the modern era in 1972. It was the time of Winston Cup. Darrell Waltrip’s Monte Carlo and Richard Petty’s Dodge Charger looked a whole lot like what you could hit the streets in come Monday. Television arrived, at least sporadically, and a nation was let in on what had been primarily a southern secret. Another change in the car appeared when 1981 arrived. Not radical changes, mind you, as Dale Earnhardt’s Goodwrench No. 3 Chevy looked like the beast we all well remember. Fans still turned out in even greater numbers, even when they altered the car once more in 1992. A highly modified body, hours in the wind tunnel, fiberglass bumpers, noses, and tails, and higher costs. If we didn’t know it by then, that old Hudson Hornet was not coming back.

    The new millennium brought new leadership as Brian France became the third generation to run the family operation. As Charles Dickens opened the Tale of Two Cities, it truly was the best of times, it was the worst of times. 2001 opened with a nationwide television audience and a long-term contract. It also opened with the death of its greatest active star. In order to provide greater safety, they went to work, and that produced the Car of Tomorrow in 2006, and the sport has never been the same since. No more slingshot passes. Clean air now meant everything. With the splitter and boxy exterior, the cars looked like nothing you would find in a showroom, not that you would want to buy one of them. By the end of the decade, the catchphrase “How bad have you got it” was more like how bad has it gotten. A downturn in the economy and fans quit coming. Seats were torn out of race venues. Attendance figures became a secret. Chicago, Kansas, and Kentucky came on board, but for what reason? Five years ago, a more streamlined sixth generation auto came out. It looked better, but the racing did not get much better.

    Now, we are where we are today. Declining attendance, declining viewership, at a time when the most loyal fans are among the oldest, and the drivers they followed are either retired or near the end of the road. Announcers who simply lack the chemistry of good ole boys joking around, telling stories, keeping us entertained, as well as following what action there is on the track. We were reminded of what we are missing when the Cup guys announced the Xfinity race at Talladega. If only every race provided that kind of viewing experience.

    Despite their recent purchase of the ARCA series, and the recent memo stating how the France family “remains dedicated to the long-term growth of our sport”, the door is open for the tire kicking to begin. Whoever makes an offer needs to bring back the fans and the sponsors, who are also departing. Whoever comes in will pay billions for the privilege, and they better have a plan. The current one is not working.

    What is wrong with NASCAR? Watch Kansas on Saturday night for a hint. Meanwhile, post-race inspections at Dover meant 20 point penalties to Clint Bowyer and Daniel Suarez (rear window violations) while Austin Dillon avoided a point hit for his splitter issue. I wonder what Smoky Yunick would think?

    1. KYLE BUSCH – 3 WINS – 466 Pts
    Looked damn good even with a vibration, until they had to shut it off.

    2. KEVIN HARVICK – 3 WINS (1 E.W.) – 426 Pts
    Three clean wins, one encumbered win, and that still equals “four” in my book.

    3. JOEY LOGANO – 1 WIN – 444 Pts
    A fan of Junior, the “Most Popular Driver for the past 100 years.” Joey seems to like old people.

    4. CLINT BOWYER – 1 WIN – 360 Pts
    All he wanted was to become relevant again. Mission accomplished.

    5. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 1 WIN – 340 Pts
    After a 2017 sweep of Kansas, what is one more?

    6. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 221 Pts
    If he had been second at Daytona, he would now sit 19th in the standings.

    7. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 365 POINTS
    It was nice of Harvick to share the stage for a time at Dover.

    8. KURT BUSCH – 358 POINTS
    “…seeing this schedule for next year, I’m not excited.” I know how he feels.

    9. RYAN BLANEY – 346 POINTS
    Just the second best Penske Ford at Dover…and he finished eighth.

    10. DENNY HAMLIN – 344 POINTS
    Obviously got his driver’s license for his skills on the street, not those coming into the driveway.

    11. KYLE LARSON – 307 POINTS
    Named his new daughter Coke. Okay, I am kidding. I think I am kidding.

    12. ARIC ALMIROLA – 304 POINTS
    Leaving the track without assistance this year would be nice.

    13. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 268 POINTS
    No chance of moving up on this ladder this week, except for a win.

    14. ERIK JONES – 253 POINTS
    He swears he has seen the ghost of Matt Kenseth at Kansas.

    15. ALEX BOWMAN – 252 POINTS
    Cup, Xfinity, Trucks, ARCA, K&N…one driver who has touched all of NASCAR’s bases.

    16. CHASE ELLIOTT – 241 POINTS
    Without a win in the bag, those penalty points hurt. Chase is one who knows that pain.

    17. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 239 POINTS
    He has a new teammate this week. Some old guy I hear.

    18. WILLIAM BYRON – 225 POINTS
    Learned to race in a simulator, then in a car at 15. It is a new era.

    19. RYAN NEWMAN – 218 POINTS
    The Rocketman is fizzing out.

    20. DANIEL SUAREZ – 214 POINTS
    Earn a podium finish, and good things happen. Fail post-race inspection, bad things take place.

  • Hot 20 – Dover is not Talladega, but it simply oozes the very best of tradition

    Hot 20 – Dover is not Talladega, but it simply oozes the very best of tradition

    Sometimes the news is good like it was at Talladega last week. Entertaining races and I loved the Cup guys manning the microphones for the Xfinity race. They were laid back, funny, and in the case of Darrell Wallace, Jr., pretty darn articulate. Michael Waltrip was a pizza delivery boy, and it brought me back to the best NASCAR show ever. I miss Inside Winston Cup, where Waltrip was held in line by Ken Schrader. Allen Bestwick and Johnny Benson tried to keep things moving forward in a loosely sane manner, even as a garbage truck rolled noisily down the alley behind their studio.

    Last Saturday, Spencer Gallagher made that announce crew quite giddy as he claimed his first career junior circuit triumph. The 28-year old won it for his team owner, his dad Maury, as the family operation climbed to the top of the mountain. What a wonderful story. So heartwarming. So family orientated. So traditional.

    Well, that went for crap in a hurry. Today, young Gallagher is suspended for violating NASCAR’s drug policy. He is now on their quaintly named Road to Recovery Program. Gone is his team’s shot at the Dash 4 Cash money. Gone is his playoff eligibility for this season. It is a good thing dad has rather deep pockets.

    On the positive side of things, Amy and Dale Jr. welcomed Isla Rose Earnhardt into the family on Monday. It is way too early to play matchmaker, but His Royal Highness Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge is a fine looking young man. Then again, she is already royalty in our books.

    Let us hope Dover brings us another feel-good story, one that might last the week. Dover is no Talladega, but they do have Miles the Monster, in sculpture and trophy form. This is the 50th year the track has hosted a Cup event, starting with Richard Petty’s 1969 win in the inaugural Mason-Dixon 300. The venue marked NASCAR’s return to action after 9-11, a race won by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Track records for practice and race times over all three national series are held by the likes of Brad Keselowski, Mark Martin, Bill Elliott, Erik Jones, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney. Jimmie Johnson has won 11 times on that surface.

    You might not remember Jody Ridley, who won there in 1981. He might be the only former winner you might not know. Thirty-five drivers have claimed at least one of the 96 contests at Dover. A pair of Allisons won there. Each Busch brother. A couple of Earnhardts. Two guys named Petty. Forty were won by Hall of Famers, 68 by drivers who have laid claim to the Cup championship.

    Dover brings us both Miles the Monster and tradition. You can never have enough of either.

    Among our Hot 20 we have…

    1. KYLE BUSCH – 3 WINS – 447 Pts
    When he’s not happy, he’s not smiling.

    2. KEVIN HARVICK – 3 WINS – 366 Pts
    Smiles when he is happy, smiles when he is not. Beware of the unhappy smile. It is evil.

    3. JOEY LOGANO – 1 WIN – 417 Pts
    Spotter T.J. Majors helped Junior to victory at Talladega in 2015, and now Logano in 2018.

    4. CLINT BOWYER – 1 WIN – 335 Pts
    The Fords are flying, the Mustang is on its way, but the rest of the sedan fleet is DOA?

    5. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 1 WIN – 303 Pts
    Was winless at Dover last year, but claimed the most points (3rd and 4th).

    6. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 210 Pts
    Did he pee himself last week? You would have to ask team interior mechanic Adam Brown.

    7. KURT BUSCH – 320 POINTS
    Runner-up at Talladega. “I feel like I left that one out on the table.”

    8. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 317 POINTS
    He really could have used an ice-cream after Sunday’s wreck.

    9. DENNY HAMLIN – 314 POINTS
    He meant to get back-to-back speeding penalties. He needed the challenge.

    10. RYAN BLANEY – 313 POINTS
    Last Saturday he was very good for television but absolutely perfect for radio.

    11. KYLE LARSON – 280 POINTS
    With NASCAR buying ARCA this week, he can now add to his Cup, Xfinity, and Truck tallies.

    12. ARIC ALMIROLA – 278 POINTS
    Driving a SHR Ford has been sweet for the entire gang.

    13. ALEX BOWMAN – 238 POINTS
    When a cashier asked him what he thought about Junior retiring, he said his replacement is lame.

    14. ERIK JONES – 234 POINTS
    Has some points room, but not that much room to repeat what took place last time out.

    15. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 230 POINTS
    The kid did not take the air out of his sails, but it sure disappeared around that rear fender.

    16. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 217 POINTS
    Some think all one needs is more cowbell. Kurt Busch needed a bit more Stenhouse.

    17. RYAN NEWMAN – 214 POINTS
    Close to a playoff spot, a 594 race career, and Spencer Gallagher gets all the headlines?

    18. CHASE ELLIOTT – 209 POINTS
    Third place finish the best among three Chevrolets in the Top Ten last Sunday.

    19. PAUL MENARD – 206 POINTS
    Won the second stage last week, yet finished 30th with some fender bending assistance.

    20. WILLIAM BYRON – 202 POINTS
    Twenty percent fewer tuned in to watch Byron at Talladega than who watched Gordon and Junior last year. That is shocking, even in these times.

  • Hot 20 – It is a Talladega Sunday. What more do you need to know?

    Hot 20 – It is a Talladega Sunday. What more do you need to know?

    Welcome to Talladega, the most entertaining racetrack in NASCAR. We watch something you and I haven’t got the guts to do, or just maybe we have enough brains not to. Fender to fender, side by side at 200 mph, and you sit in wonder that they have not wrecked yet. When they do wreck, something considered more of an eventuality than anything else, it often is spectacular. If that does not get your juices flowing, then might I interest you in the ballet, or maybe soccer or basketball is more to your liking.

    There are other items of interest that popped up this week. Someone made the suggestion that NASCAR should consider paying refunds for rainouts or delays that force the event to be spread over a couple of days. Great idea, for those who do not understand economics. Expenses have been incurred, revenue is required to pay them off, and we all understand that the weather could play a role. If you are not prepared to pad your stay by a day, just in case, you take your chances. If it rains for a couple of days, some refund might be a consideration.

    A return of Matt Kenseth could be in the offing. Reports have him coming in to replace Trevor Bayne, with the pair splitting the duties for the rest of the season at Roush-Fenway. Bayne’s health issues could be an issue behind the move or just a lack of performance. The No. 6 currently sits 26th in the standings. It will be good to see Matt back, but I wish it was under different circumstances.

    Monster Energy will be back as the main sponsor for the Cup folks for 2019. After what will be just three seasons, there are no promises beyond that. Hell, Nextel lasted longer. I think we know the answer as to how bad Monster Energy has got it. What once had been a fever has turned into a mild case of the sniffles.

    Skittles. M&M’s. Snickers. Kyle Busch drives a car that even the kids of his rivals love. That has to hurt, especially lately. When Kyle Larson lost to Busch at Bristol, the first thing 3-year-old Owen Larson asked his pops was if he had any Skittles for him. That had to hurt. You know, Mr. Larson, you are not you when you lose to Mr. Busch. Have a Snickers. What, too soon?

    It is never too soon for Talladega. I bet you it could have a successful series all on its own. If the Professional Bull Riders can break away from rodeo with its own separate event, I think a Talladega series could make a go of it. I know I would be watching.

    You can catch a preview this Sunday afternoon with our Hot 20 and their friends.

    1. KYLE BUSCH – 3 WINS – 415 Pts
    Why not four?

    2. KEVIN HARVICK – 3 WINS – 324 Pts
    3 wins, one of which is encumbered. It matters not, for the moment.

    3. CLINT BOWYER – 1 WIN – 329 Pts
    Stewart-Haas has yet to win at Talladega. Could times, they be a changin’?

    4. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 1 WIN – 284 Pts
    Things were looking sweet on the track but went sour in the Richmond pits.

    5. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 208 Pts
    You would have to think the Daytona winner would have a shot at Talladega.

    6. JOEY LOGANO – 359 POINTS
    Appeared to be the best damn car at Richmond, at least for the first half.

    7. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 303 POINTS
    5 times Talladega has been kind to him. Only a Gordon and a pair of Earnhardts have won more.

    8. DENNY HAMLIN – 286 POINTS
    An owner of Little Big Burger in Cornelius, N.C. might look familiar. Denny Hamburger?

    9. RYAN BLANEY – 282 POINTS
    If being wrecked is something you get used to, Blaney should be relaxed going into Sunday.

    10. KURT BUSCH – 282 POINTS
    Third SHR auto in the Top Ten, as all sit among the dozen best.

    11. KYLE LARSON – 279 POINTS
    Credit One Bank is a fine sponsor, but they are not exactly Skittles.

    12. ARIC ALMIROLA – 248 POINTS
    Has three Top Tens in 2018. Danica had three Top Tens from 2015 to 2017.

    13. ERIK JONES – 233 POINTS
    It promises to be a perfect Talladega Sunday, especially if he claims his first career win.

    14. ALEX BOWMAN – 209 POINTS
    Except for Texas, it has been nothing but Top Twenties, with a pair of Top Tens in his last four.

    15. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 200 POINTS
    Both crew chief and driver showed their worth last week.

    16. WILLIAM BYRON – 192 POINTS
    Drives an iconic car, but not exactly an iconic or even a recognizable name just yet.

    17. RYAN NEWMAN – 186 POINTS
    The RCR boys are in the mix, but lately, they have not been among the main ingredients.

    18. PAUL MENARD – 183 POINTS
    Was working his way back at Richmond, but an uncontrolled tire in the pits dashed all hope.

    19. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 176 POINTS
    Last year, he was the guy with the girl. This year, he is the guy who is the defending race winner.

    20. CHASE ELLIOTT – 175 POINTS
    Eight times a bridesmaid before becoming a bride. That was also his dad’s experience.