Testing SpeedwayMedia.com

Tag: Darrell Wallace Jr.

  • 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 – 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 – Saturday night is an evening with the classic that is Richmond

    Hot 20 – Saturday night is an evening with the classic that is Richmond

    We truly are in a sweet spot in the NASCAR schedule. Last Sunday (and Monday) it was Bristol. This Saturday night they race at Richmond. We conclude April with the test that is Talladega. Action good enough to convince anyone who enjoys pure entertainment to become attracted to the sport. At least, until Dover. Then again, that is a pretty cool trophy they hand out there.

    Fans are talking about the Ford Fusion making way next season for the iconic Ford Mustang. There are few car models that instantly recall power and speed. There is a reason we again have the Chevy Camaro. We yearn for the Dodge Charger. Plymouth is gone, but we remember the Barracuda. It will be nice to see at least one more of those classic nameplates making a return to the sport.

    Fan voting for the All-Star race pass is open. Eleven full-time drivers are eligible for having won the Cup title or a previous All-Star event. Five more are in due to having won a race since 2017. That leaves those who have not yet qualified to win at Richmond, Talladega, Dover, or Kansas, or one of three segments in the Monster Energy Open qualifying race, or get the most votes from fans among those not yet qualified. Deadline for voting is May 18.

    Among our Hot 20, that leaves Aric Almirola, Erik Jones, Alex Bowman, Paul Menard, William Byron, and A.J. Allmendinger still seeking a berth. Outsiders on the outside of both include Darrell Wallace Jr., Chase Elliott, and Daniel Suarez.

    Maybe that might change Saturday night in Richmond.

    1. KYLE BUSCH – 2 WINS – 365 Pts
    The best driver ever? Talk to me in about 15 more wins.

    2. KEVIN HARVICK – 2 WINS (1 E.W.) – 290 Pts
    Nothing runs like a Ford…a Ford Mustang that is. See you in 2019.

    3. CLINT BOWYER – 1 WIN – 286 Pts
    If you are as wacky a fan as Bowyer is a driver, Ford’s Hall of Fans wants to hear from you.

    4. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 1 WIN – 257 Pts
    Start 450…which ranks 50th all-time.

    5. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 183 Pts
    I thought Dillon was a good guy…and then I saw the color of his hat.

    6. JOEY LOGANO – 306 POINTS
    Adjustment to being a dad, “It’s a lot more than taking wedge out, I can tell you that much.”

    7. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 271 POINTS
    Sunday was good, Monday started well, but then came the fade, the tire, and the wall.

    8. RYAN BLANEY – 267 POINTS
    Considering what happened on Sunday, I wonder where Blaney spent his Monday?

    9. DENNY HAMLIN – 252 POINTS
    Best solution to the crap pit gun problem “is providing reliable equipment.”

    10. KYLE LARSON – 249 POINTS
    On Monday, he experienced one Kyle too many.

    11. KURT BUSCH – 241 POINTS
    Richmond has new garages and a media center but is probably more interested in Victory Lane.

    12. ARIC ALMIROLA – 211 POINTS
    The Cuban Missile invites Richmond fans to say hello to his little friend…as he drives off.

    13. ERIK JONES – 209 POINTS
    Erik. It is spelled the way a true Viking would spell it. A Viking from Michigan.

    14. ALEX BOWMAN – 190 POINTS
    Bowman. With a name like that he damn well better be driving a Chevy. No Bowties on a Ford.

    15. RYAN NEWMAN – 181 POINTS
    Team success is great, but personal success is even better… “this is a selfish sport, right?”

    16. PAUL MENARD – 170 POINTS
    His crew practices competitive frisbee tossing by catching tires…on rims.

    17. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 169 POINTS
    Now, if you want to talk about one of the best ever, we can start with him.

    18. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 162 POINTS
    Crew chief fined $10,000 for a loose lug nut. Can you buy a decent pit gun for $10,000?

    19. WILLIAM BYRON – 154 POINTS
    I don’t know. Billy Byron has a nice ring to it, but it is not near as stoic as William.

    20. A.J. ALLMENDINGER – 150 POINTS
    Will be at the Kroger store at 9351 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville, Virginia today at 5:30 p.m.

  • The Final Word – Bristol was so exciting, they made it a two day event

    The Final Word – Bristol was so exciting, they made it a two day event

    Back in 1927, the Bristol Sessions marked what some call the “Big Bang” moment of country music. I bet you thought the city on the Tennessee-Virginia border was all about racing. Well, for a time over the past couple of days, it was. Here and there, at least.

    While Bristol’s bang from the past involved Jimmy Rodgers and the Carter Family, the one that took place Sunday finished the hopes of Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr. within four laps. It ended the 99 lap dominance of Ryan Blaney before the end of the opening segment when the leader got taken out. You could say the rain then took care of the rest before the mid-way mark. That brought us to Monday.

    Monday in Bristol was crap. It was cold and it was raining. They might as well have tried to run the sucker in Edmonton. At least we northerners are used to such nonsense. Hell, by the time we hit afternoon it was coming down heavy like Christmas morning up here. Oh, we think such weather in mid-April sucks, too.

    Down south, when they finally resumed, raindrops were all over the windshields and the camera lenses. Who says NASCAR does not run in the wet? When they finally hit the end of the session, the midpoint of the race, Brad Keselowski was again the leader. Kyle Busch was making noise, and even Jimmie Johnson appeared to be something of a challenger.

    Why not Kyle Larson? The gent got himself into the mix and look very sporty as he came up to run point. However, the point is to not go where someone has gone before, like on the inside. Ryan Newman was inside, Larson did not notice that fact until he got spun. The caution allowed him to stay third, with Keselowski and Busch on the lead row of the re-start, and Johnson beside Larson with 175 laps to run.

    They remained our main quartet, with others coming in for a quick guest spot before fading back. Darrell Wallace Jr. popped up to lead his first ever laps in Cup before surrendering top spot to Busch. With about 70 to go, Keselowski started to fade, while the likes of Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Newman, Joey Logano, and Austin Dillon poked their noses out to say howdy. With about 30 to go, Keselowski had drifted down a lap when he tagged the fence after his left front went down.

    However, it came down to the remaining trio of our former quartet to bring this one home. With a little bump and run with five to go, Busch took his second straight victory, the 45th of his career. Larson and Johnson also made the podium and enjoyed 40-plus point days. Stenhouse and Alex Bowman rounded out our Top Five. Neither Wallace or Dillon made the Top Ten in the end.

    Next Saturday night, another short track event as they move slightly north to Richmond. As Rodgers might say, time for a little “Moonlight and Skies”…weather permitting.

  • Hot 20 – Nothing like a good swig of Bristol to get the taste of Texas out of your mouth

    Hot 20 – Nothing like a good swig of Bristol to get the taste of Texas out of your mouth

    Texas. That may have been the worst NASCAR race I ever watched. If not, I hope I never remember a worse one. Indianapolis in 2008 might challenge it, but that was due to having to throw out a caution every 10 laps to prevent the damn tires from exploding. That race was a disaster due to the tires. Texas was a disaster all on its own. If you saw it and liked it, I envy you.

    Bristol. This is where all those bad feelings about horrid racing should all go away. It is where Darrell Waltrip won a dozen times, including seven straight. Nine times Cale Yarborough, Dale Earnhardt, and Rusty Wallace each shook the suds. It is where Kyle Busch will try to claim his second straight this year to up his own total to seven.

    Bristol is where they have been providing NASCAR thrills twice a year since 1961. Earnhardt and Wallace both won their first there. It was where Davey Allison edged out Mark Martin by inches in 1990. It is where Busch won over Jeff Burton in 2007 and then Martin in the fall race of 2009 by a combined margin of under two-tenths of a second.

    The former Southeastern 500 has had Food City as its sponsor since 1992. Wallace claimed this particular Bristol offering six times. Jimmie Johnson won it last year. Well, there is no time like the present.

    If you watched last week, come on back. This is Bristol. Things will be different this Sunday. I promise.

    1. KEVIN HARVICK – 3 WINS – 257 Pts
    A damn lug nut and some damn lug who could not even tighten a nut. That was Texas.

    2. KYLE BUSCH – 1 WIN – 316 Pts
    Finally got to walk down the aisle, but Harvick did his best to ruin the party again.

    3. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 1 WIN – 250 Pts
    He coulda been a contender. He coulda been somebody, instead, a tire blew and he was done.

    4. CLINT BOWYER – 1 WIN – 249 Pts
    A win and averaging over 35 points per race. How sweet life is.

    5. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 159 Pts
    The only member of the Bowtie Brigade with a checkered flag.

    6. JOEY LOGANO – 278 POINTS
    So, this is a comeback year? If only his 2017 Richmond win had not been encumbered.

    7. RYAN BLANEY – 265 POINTS
    Fifth straight Cup guy to win a Xfinity race. I wonder what those ratings are like?

    8. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 237 POINTS
    Brad has nothing to say regarding the questionable air guns. When did that ever happen before?

    9. KURT BUSCH – 224 POINTS
    All I hear is how great Kyle is at this or how wonderful Kyle did that! Kyle, Kyle, Kyle!

    10. DENNY HAMLIN – 222 POINTS
    A pair of pit penalties could not do what that wreck early in the final segment accomplished.

    11. KYLE LARSON – 202 POINTS
    The wheels on the car get ground, ground, ground and then they make a terrible sound.

    12. ERIK JONES – 193 POINTS
    Thinks 400 miles at Texas would be enough. I think 40 feet is enough.

    13. ARIC ALMIROLA – 177 POINTS
    Texas was lovely for Almirola until it wasn’t.

    14. ALEX BOWMAN – 154 POINTS
    Wished he could have had a day like Almirola. Bowman’s was messed up by the second lap.

    15. PAUL MENARD – 146 POINTS
    30th in Texas and still on this chart. It gives you an idea how bad the day went for others…

    16. RYAN NEWMAN – 145 POINTS
    …like Newman. He was 27th after another tire left another driver hitting another wall.

    17. WILLIAM BYRON – 135 POINTS
    A Top Ten. See, Texas did not suck for everybody.

    18. CHASE ELLIOTT – 128 POINTS
    A brace that supports the rear window did not meet specs in Texas, at a cost of 20 points.

    19. DARRELL WALLACE JR. – 126 POINTS
    A new look driver, an old look number, and an old-time sponsor for Bristol.

    20. A.J. ALLMENDINGER – 123 POINTS
    Okay, this is the Hot 19 along with a trio currently on simmer.

    21. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 123 POINTS
    Lose a couple of pounds, eat a chocolate cake. Gain a few points, then get wrecked. Same idea.

    22. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 123 POINTS
    Are drivers athletes? Well, just ask Kansas football coach David Beaty.

  • The Final Word – On Monday, Martinsville transformed to become Clintsville

    The Final Word – On Monday, Martinsville transformed to become Clintsville

    Martinsville, Virginia, was a place where a fan could go and learn a few things. First of all, NASCAR is not for snowflakes. Too many of them, and they have to move the race to Monday, as they did last week. Sunday was a happy time for those who refuse to accept the bounty a loving Mother Earth provides in the form of oil. Monday was happier for the rest of us mortals more than willing to accept her gifts.

    Two segments on Monday and 10 drivers who mattered, at least as far as running in the Top Ten was concerned. Ryan Blaney, Brad Keselowski, and Denny Hamlin were hot, with Kyle Busch and Clint Bowyer providing their own heat. Others in the conversation for the opening half included Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, Joey Logano, Jimmie Johnson…and A.J. Allmendinger. Damned fine for a guy who came into the event sitting 25th in the standings.

    The Martinsville pole sitter was, ironically enough, Martin Truex Jr. Last week’s winner in California was still in the mix after 260 laps, but Daytona winner Austin Dillon had a pit penalty after the opening segment and sunk from view. A cut tire and additional trips to the car doctor sent Darrell Wallace Jr. to the bottom of the sea. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. had to start in a car in which he had no practice time in. Sadly, he quickly discovered that he needed a lot of it, as Stenhouse was under the waves before others even got wet. All finished outside the Top 30, while only 16 cars were still on the lead lap when they opened the final leg.

    Oh, one piece of advice. Do not get your air gun from a toy store. NASCAR now hands out identical pneumatic tools, but so far this season the brand they have adopted has the durability of cheap plastic. One actually had its handle snap off in the hands of a tire changer in the midst of tightening lug nuts. If some mechanic named Bob owned such a thing, Bob would need to do a little drywall work on his garage after using this fine quality product.

    Practice. Practice. Practice. Do it enough, and you might not make a misstep in the choreography of a pit stop. Bowyer’s gas man needs to practice a bit more. He backed out too early and waited too long in allowing the tire changer to slip by, and that cost our boy from Kansas a full can of fuel. That was about 12 gallons left behind. Sure, he was leading, but time was ticking before the error would cost him. That is unless Jamie McMurray spins to bring out a caution. After that, you would have to think Bowyer would consider McMurray to be just one hell of a nice fellow. Come to think of it, the replay showed that maybe Dillon deserved some of the credit.

    One final pit stop, with both cans of fuel going in, and Bowyer took care of the rest to end his 190-race drought. It was the ninth of his career and his first Ridgeway Martinsville Grandfather Clock. Rowdy Busch remains winless as he collected runner-up points yet again. That gives in three of the past four, with the other being a third-place finish. That is where Blaney wound up, with Truex climbing back up there to be fourth, as Harvick completed the Top Five.

    A good 40+ points day for Keselowski and Hamlin, who learned that if you tap-tap-tap on Harvick too many times, he will brake check you. That is not good for the nose of a car. As for Allmendinger, he finished a solid eighth.

    Johnson had to settle for 15th, but after a week of rest, they start April in Texas, where he has won seven times before. As for snow, none is expected in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

  • Hot 20 – Martinsville allows us to remember a much simpler time and place

    Hot 20 – Martinsville allows us to remember a much simpler time and place

    Having a team in NASCAR is easy. Not losing your shirt and anything else that might keep your unmentionables private is a tougher task. Just ask Ron Devine of BK Racing.

    According to documents made public by ESPN, Devine’s outfit lost 11 million four years ago. $10.1 million vaporized in 2016. The next season, another $8.45 million went up in smoke. That is close to $30 million in three seasons. This is what happens when you attract few sponsors, limiting your revenue to not much more than prize money, which was not enough to cover even one of those campaigns. In total, it cost just short of $50-million for them to operate over that time period, and an $18-million dollar return does not cut it.

    We should discover this week what lies in the team’s future as it goes to court over its bankruptcy. If you were wondering why NASCAR Cup teams have gone from 43, to 40, to just 37 hitting the track last week, I think you just got closer to an answer.

    Gray Gaulding has been at the helm of the Earthwater Toyota this season. He broke in to the Top 20 at Daytona, sits 32nd in the standings after finishing 32nd at Fontana.

    If that does not attract your notice, this might. Next season, Lowe’s will no longer be sponsoring Jimmie Johnson. After seven championships over 18 seasons and 83 race wins, Lowe’s is going the way of Home Depot, Sprint, Subway, Target, and UPS. The days of a single sponsor paying the freight over an entire season are gone.

    As they head to more traditional grounds this weekend, on a track built in 1947 at Martinsville, Virginia, we can hearken back to simpler times. It is a venue about to host its 139th event in the NASCAR Strictly Stock, Grand National, Winston Cup, Nextel Cup, Sprint Cup, Monster Energy Cup series.

    I wonder if Merle Haggard ever got an answer to his question, “Are the good times really over for good?”

    Our Hot 20 include…

    1. KEVIN HARVICK – 3 WINS – 1 E.W. – 170 Pts
    After California, he took the blame and does not plan a tour bashing Larson or Putin.

    2. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 1 WIN – 216 Pts
    Last Sunday’s movie saw the lead character nixed early, replaced with a new protagonist.

    3. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 141 Pts
    After Daytona, has ranged between 10th and 17th on the track. Not stellar, but it seems to work.

    4. KYLE BUSCH – 207 POINTS
    Best damn driver without a win. Some still think he is the best damn driver…period.

    5. JOEY LOGANO – 197 POINTS
    Became the fourth straight Cup driver to win a Xfinity race. Just bloody wonderful.

    6. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 183 POINTS
    Whatever kind of Ford Harvick has, Brad would like one of those, too.

    7. RYAN BLANEY – 181 POINTS
    FBI Special Agent Wood, I presume.

    8. DENNY HAMLIN – 176 POINTS
    Other than being 17th at Las Vegas, he has rolled nothing but Top Tens.

    9. KYLE LARSON – 174 POINTS
    Funny, he does not look anything like Darth Vader.

    10. CLINT BOWYER – 155 POINTS
    Finished 11th at California, which is good. Was a lap down, which is not.

    11. ARIC ALMIROLA – 148 POINTS
    Does not look like Danica. Does not drive like Danica. Discuss.

    12. KURT BUSCH – 144 POINTS
    The official beer of NASCAR. Sorry…I might have got my notes confused.

    13. ERIK JONES – 132 POINTS
    His worst finish since Daytona? 11th at Atlanta. The lad is on the rise.

    14. RYAN NEWMAN – 117 POINTS
    8th…22nd…11th…11th…21st…and yet few remember he was even there. Talk about being stealth.

    15. PAUL MENARD – 115 POINTS
    Las Vegas was good. Ever since…not so much. His average finish at Martinsville? 20th.

    16. ALEX BOWMAN – 115 POINTS
    After Junior left, I guess the #88 became invisible. Maybe Newman is Bowman’s Yoda.

    17. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 107 POINTS
    No, he is not dating Almirola. Sorry. In the words of Merle, “Mama tried to raise me better…”

    18. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 97 POINTS
    A Jimmie sighting! A Jimmie sighting! Now, if you are looking to sponsor somebody…

    19. DARRELL WALLACE JR. – 94 POINTS
    Richard Petty has a dozen grandfather clocks. I think Bubba would like a similar timepiece.

    20. WILLIAM BYRON – 91 POINTS
    This Lord Byron could write a poem about Elliott and that costly Phoenix points penalty

  • Hot 20 – Few are California Dreamin’

    Hot 20 – Few are California Dreamin’

    Excitement, thy name is sure not Fontana. Not usually. There is a reason the idea to bring the Cup folks out to the Auto Club Speedway was abandoned after just seven seasons. It is bad enough to be a yawner on television, but when that is the perception live and in person, you have got a problem.

    NASCAR has some pretty exciting tracks, with Bristol, Daytona, and Talladega leading the way. The entertainment value alone makes those stand-alone events, whether you know the difference between Kyle Busch and Cole Whitt or not. Others are steeped in history, while this season will provide us with familiar tracks becoming quite unfamiliar.

    Last week was Phoenix, where new grandstands going up will cause a move of the start-finish line in time for November. New grandstands going up, new fans parked in those seats, a finish line right in front of all those newly accommodated peepers. What is now Turn Two becomes the focal point. Just imagine a finish where the track opens up, where even a daredevil can take their shot cutting low below the line in a bid for victory. Even the drivers like the idea.

    Then there is Charlotte. They run the 600 miler on the traditional oval in May, but in September they will add to that oval a detour to include the interior road course. Something different to watch for. Something exciting is what they hope for.

    As for California, it is not always a bore. Usually, but not always. Here is hoping we fans discover the exception on Sunday.

    As for our Hot 20…

    1. KEVIN HARVICK – 2 WINS – 1 E.W. – 168 Pts
    If the plan is to have his wins match his age, expect two more sooner than later.

    2. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 114 Pts
    Winning the Daytona 500 was awesome, but did he retire after that?

    3. KYLE BUSCH – 156 POINTS
    If the plan was to watch Harvick’s backside every race, things are working out perfectly.

    4. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 156 POINTS
    18th at Daytona, Top Fives ever since.

    5. JOEY LOGANO – 152 POINTS
    Not always at the front at the end of the day, but he seems to there at some time during the day.

    6. RYAN BLANEY – 152 POINTS
    Proved that country singer Cole Swindell is a bit of a screamer.

    7. DENNY HAMLIN – 137 POINTS
    Believes he needs just a little bit of speed to catch Harvick. 30 other guys might say the same.

    8. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 134 POINTS
    Won the Xfinity race last weekend. I outran a three-year-old. We are both winners.

    9. KYLE LARSON – 131 POINTS
    Will Chip Ganassi allow his driver to do the Memorial Day double? Most doubt it.

    10. CLINT BOWYER – 125 POINTS
    Clint is second best in the SHR garage…

    11. ARIC ALMIROLA – 123 POINTS
    …but not by much.

    12. KURT BUSCH – 117 POINTS
    Tony’s boys were all in the Top Ten on Sunday.

    13. RYAN NEWMAN – 101 POINTS
    580 consecutive starts. That ties him for ninth with Jimmie Johnson. Jimmie who?

    14. PAUL MENARD – 97 POINTS
    Some days are not good. Some days can get worse. That was Menard’s Phoenix experience.

    15. ERIK JONES – 93 POINTS
    Cup and MLB are similar in that damn few performers of Jones’ age make it to the Show.

    16. CHASE ELLIOTT – 91 POINTS
    Daytona bad. Atlanta good. Las Vegas bad. Phoenix good. He might want to change the trend.

    17. ALEX BOWMAN – 91 POINTS
    The Arizona native son was 13th last week for his best finish of the season.

    18. RICKY STENHOUSE, JR. – 88 POINTS
    Still seeking out his first Top Ten of the year.

    19. DARRELL WALLACE JR. – 77 POINTS
    Claimed more points at Daytona than in his next three events combined.

    20. CHRIS BUESCHER – 75 POINTS
    Phoenix was his worst finish of the year. His time on this chart could soon come to an end.

  • Hot 20 – Harvick hit by penalties heading to Phoenix, but they do not much matter

    Hot 20 – Harvick hit by penalties heading to Phoenix, but they do not much matter

    The damndest thing happened right after I submitted this for publication. The penalties came down after Las Vegas. Kevin Harvick’s team got hit. Hard. Talk about having to go back to the drawing..er..keyboard.

    So, what did they do? Well, according to NASCAR.com, “The team was found to have violated Sections 20.4.8.1 (dealing with rear window support) and 20.4.18 (rocker panel extensions), specifically. A brace that supports the rear window failed and did not meet specifications for keeping the rear window glass rigid in all directions, at all times. Additionally, the rocker panel extension was not aluminum.”

    So, though they no longer use the term, the win is encumbered. If you find the term too confusing, buy a dictionary. Crew chief Rodney Childers has been fined $50,000. Car chief Robert Smith has been suspended for the next two races, and the team and driver both lost 20 points. That means, they get to keep the other 40 they picked up on the day. In short, it matters little to Harvick, with that Atlanta win already in the bag.

    What does matter is that some good people stepped up when they heard that Matt DiBenedetto’s No. 32 entry was unsponsored going into this one. Harvick donated $5000 to the cause. So did Denny Hamlin. Darrell Waltrip matched them. Talk about good people helping look after their own.

    As for our Hot 20 heading to Phoenix…

    1. KEVIN HARVICK – 1 WIN – 1 E.W. – 115 Pts
    If the penalties in any way mean that Kevin is a bit of a brat, welcome to Harvickville.

    2. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 94 Pts
    After Daytona, when will we next notice him on race day?

    3. JOEY LOGANO – 132 POINTS
    Three races. Three Top Tens.

    4. RYAN BLANEY – 131 POINTS
    Took the pole last week, which was about the only thing Harvick did not leave town with.

    5. MARTIN TRUEX, JR. – 115 POINTS
    Colorado also boasts Boulder, Crabtree, Dillon Dam, and the Great Divide Brewing Companies.

    6. KYLE BUSCH – 104 POINTS
    If he does not matter it is because he is in the garage.

    7. KYLE LARSON – 104 POINTS
    Chevrolet was not completely shut out of the Top Ten last week. Damn near, but not completely.

    8. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 99 POINTS
    Along with Logano and Blaney, Team Penske has done rather well thus far.

    9. DENNY HAMLIN – 97 POINTS
    The guy is a jerk…then he goes and gives DiBenedetto a helping hand. Still a jerk, but a nice jerk.

    10. PAUL MENARD – 96 POINTS
    While everyone is watching Harvick up front, Menard is quietly succeeding further back.

    11. CLINT BOWYER – 93 POINTS
    Some like Nickelback. Others are named Clint Bowyer.

    12. ARIC ALMIROLA – 93 POINTS
    Failed to stay on the lead lap, but 10th is 10th.

    13. KURT BUSCH – 77 POINTS
    Kurt + Chase = A bad day

    14. RYAN NEWMAN – 75 POINTS
    Ooh, and it’s alright and it’s coming on, Ryan’s gotta get right back to where he last won.

    15. DARRELL WALLACE, JR. – 68 POINTS
    In a seven-race Cup career, Bubba has not done too badly.

    16. CHRIS BUESCHER – 67 POINTS
    Average a 15th place finish (5th, 25th, 15th) and that gives you a Chase place…for the moment.

    17. ALEX BOWMAN – 67 POINTS
    How bad has Hendrick got it? Alex is the best of their stable at present.

    18. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 66 POINTS
    This week…he is going after the hot dog guy.

    19. ERIK JONES – 64 POINTS
    In 40 career Cup starts, 24 times he has finished in the Top 15. You can build on that.

    20. MICHAEL MCDOWELL – 53 POINTS
    Mechanical issue killed his day early, yet he keeps on hanging on.

  • Hot 20 – If you are looking for hot, usually there is no better place to find it than Las Vegas

    Hot 20 – If you are looking for hot, usually there is no better place to find it than Las Vegas

    The general consensus is that Atlanta was a boring race. I disagree. Let me share as to why.

    There is no debate that Kevin Harvick had the best car, that based on performance his was the auto that should have won. However, when drama was needed we had weather and strategy apparently conspiring to beat him. Would it rain? Would Denny Hamlin be in front at the right time when the heavens opened up? Well, “nope” turned out to be the correct answer to both questions. Sure, only 13 cars were left on the lead lap when it ended, but as I tend to feel a measure of joy when most drivers win, I can appreciate pure dominance.

    Now, what if Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, or Joey Logano were in Harvick’s position, one might ask. Well, that race would have truly sucked. Hey, should I open my front door and any one, two, or three of that trio were to be standing there with a case of beer in hand, I would welcome them in with open arms, and a bottle opener. However, I just do not feel much joy when one of those gents wins a race. Nothing personal or terribly complex. To be honest, after the sharing of suds, I do not doubt my feelings toward them would change to the positive. It just has not happened yet. Hold on…do I hear the doorbell?

    Often, a cold brew can help ease a mighty warm day in Las Vegas. Our Hot 20 will be out to try and turn up the heat this Sunday.

    1. KEVIN HARVICK – 1 WIN – 75 PTS
    A one-man show in Atlanta. What has he got this weekend? Hopefully all his lug nuts.

    2. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 70 PTS
    With his Daytona win, he can now concentrate on stage points. It worked for Truex.

    3. JOEY LOGANO – 89 POINTS
    Points do not lock one into the Playoffs just yet, but they are an indicator as to how good you are.

    4. RYAN BLANEY – 83 POINTS
    Had himself a face full of Suarez last week, and he did not seem to love it.

    5. DENNY HAMLIN – 77 POINTS
    Golf or basketball anyone? Apparently, he still has a vacancy in his leagues.

    6. CLINT BOWYER – 74 POINTS
    In the final year of his deal, but Bowyer is no Patrick…and in this case, that is a good thing.

    7. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 69 POINTS
    The first of eight in 2017 was won in Las Vegas. Time to let ‘er ride and double down.

    8. KURT BUSCH – 68 POINTS
    Won the Daytona 500 last year, made the Playoffs, and sunk from view.

    9. PAUL MENARD – 66 POINTS
    Not a name on everyone’s lips, but if he can stay up here, folks will learn about it.

    10. ARIC ALMIROLA – 66 POINTS
    Danica Who?

    11. KYLE BUSCH – 61 POINTS
    Wheels on the truck went round and round and left. Crew suspensions limited to that series.

    12. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 58 POINTS
    Looked mighty strong last week, but he was also looking at Harvick’s tail lights the whole time.

    13. KYLE LARSON – 54 POINTS
    The oddsmakers see this Kyle as one of the top five favorites for Sunday.

    14. DARRELL WALLACE JR. – 52 POINTS
    Petty blue replaced by Cosmopolitan purple for this weekend.

    15. MICHAEL MCDOWELL – 52 POINTS
    Just 22 starts in quality equipment but none this season…or might we have to rethink that?

    16. RYAN NEWMAN – 49 POINTS
    Started strong, got tight, had a tire go down, then slapped the wall. That’s about it.

    17. ALEX BOWMAN – 46 POINTS
    Bowman of 2018 is still better than Junior of 2017. He just needs time to build the fan base.

    18. CHRIS BUESCHER – 45 POINTS
    Atlanta was a step back. Has JTG-Daugherty arrived, or is this the rise before the fall?

    19. CHASE ELLIOTT – 44 POINTS
    “We have a lot of work to do.”

    20. RICKY STENHOUSE, JR. – 43 POINTS
    If you are looking for Jimmie Johnson, he is 15 spots further down the well.