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  • The Final Word – If only all races were like Talladega

    The Final Word – If only all races were like Talladega

    For the third time this season, NASCAR presented a race worth watching. I am not talking about those good ole boys and girls who have the sport in their blood, who love it, cannot live without it no matter what it looks like. I am talking about those who demand an entertaining three-hour experience if they are going to spend the time to take it all in. Talladega delivered.

    This is what drew people to NASCAR in the first place. They did not know a Fonty Flock from a Smokey Yunick, but they knew what they liked. Tons of action, lots of speed, disaster possibly just around the corner, watching guys doing things we could never pull off on our best day, or even contemplate on our drunkest. On Sunday, Talladega delivered.

    Back in the day, we talked about boys who went by the names of Petty, Roberts, Yarborough, Allison, Earnhardt, Gordon, and Stewart, to name a select few. Today, we once again talk about an Elliott, as the son of Bill from Dawsonville took the prize in the end. Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, and Ryan Preece led three Chevrolets across the line as, for once, the manufacturers made it known they wanted to win. They wanted their representatives to work together to make that happen. Limit what you do for the Ford and Toyota guys. Win one for the Camaro. In the end, thanks to some fine wheelmen and good fortune, Talladega delivered.

    It was a day when sometimes they got too close to the line, and what you would expect would happen at 200 mph at close quarters did happen. Kevin Harvick lasted just 10 laps. Denny Hamlin survived 80. Jimmie Johnson and Clint Bowyer were running at the end, but their odds of winning were about the same as your own. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was front and center most of the day but wrecked by the end. If you were looking for fireworks, Talladega delivered.

    Were the FOX announcers great, keeping you informed and entertained? They did not have to be. The race, the actual event, kept us watching all on its own. Sure, we could talk once more about what changes FOX should make, and what NBC did last season, but we’ve flogged that horse past the point of what the SPCA or even Rodrigo Duterte could tolerate. You wanted a race, you got a race. Talladega delivered.

    Daytona. Bristol. Talladega. Ten races, but only three that kept the viewing public glued to their seats, even if they were nowhere to be seen at that track in Tennessee a few weeks back. To be honest, I was so focused on the race, I could not tell you how many empty seats there might have been in the wilds of Alabama. If they could not or would not make the effort to take this one in, that would have been a shame. Talladega delivered.

    Next week, they are in Dover. The Monster Mile they call it. It has been around for 50 years. Miles the Monster, holding a full sized Cup car up in the air, has been there since 2008. The last time the Cup boys visited there was last October. The winner, the youngest ever to do so at the venue, was one Chase Elliott. Will Dover bring us the same kind of experience as we enjoyed this past weekend? Hell no. Few tracks deliver like Talladega can.

  • The Final Word – As they were counting chickens at Dover, fate ordered up a few omelets

    The Final Word – As they were counting chickens at Dover, fate ordered up a few omelets

    Do not count your chickens before they hatch. That was the lesson we got in Dover on Sunday. A lot of things can happen between the time the egg emerges from the backside of the hen to when that little pecker bursts from the shell. A lot of bad things.

    You might have a metal part with the resilience of cheap plastic before you even get started. You might have a little knob not registering what the little knob is supposed to be accomplishing. You might have a visit to the pits turn into something that rhymes with pits. You might bounce off a wall or a competitor. Yes sir, a lot of bad things can happen.

    Jimmie Johnson started the race in the garage. Under the pace laps, he had a lower ball joint failure at 45 miles per hour. The car you use to take Grandma out for a nice Sunday drive would last longer than what Johnson was in. Bad part or bad mechanic? It damn near made what happened the previous week at the Roval seem totally irrelevant.

    Kyle Busch started on the pole and ran point the opening fifteen laps. He tried to make some adjustments to the track bar using a little knob in the car. It registered nothing on his dash. It seemed to register nothing as to what he wanted adjusted. Eighth place seemed more than he deserved in the end.

    Kevin Harvick owned this race. He took over from Rowdy and won the opening stage. He was untouchable in the middle frame. His valve stem was touchable when the car went down off the jack while the lug nuts were still being tightened. Gone went the stem, back came the car, back a lap down he went. Sixth was the best he could do after that. The pits is where Harvick’s hopes seem to die all to often.

    Aric Almirola looked good among the replacements up front. So did Brad Keselowski. As did Clint Bowyer. Then Bowyer got a flat. Six laps later, something broke in front and his car got broken up along the wall. 35th place is not where he belonged.

    With just a handful of laps left Almirola and Keselowski gave up the challenge. Aric rubbed the wall, that caused him to rub Keselowski, who then rubbed out Alex Bowman, who finished 28th.

    Into over-time we went, and for the second time in his career it was Chase Elliott giving the fans a thrill as he brought it home in front and took his golden ticket to the Round of Eight. An early birthday gift to his dad. “KyB” and Happy could lock their way in if Talladega is kind to them. At the other end of the spectrum, Bowman is left with two races and 34 points to make up to make it. He won’t. Kyle Larson (12th) is a dozen out, while Bowyer and Almirola (13th) each are ten points in the rearview mirror of Ryan Blaney (11th).

    In front of them all looms the 2.66-mile experience known as Talladega. Nobody is out at the hen house doing a statistical survey just yet. Maybe they might do a tally heading to Kansas, but the whirlwind to watch out for right now is the one about to roar in to Alabama this Sunday.

  • Hot 20 – The Big Three still remain the biggest obstacles for the rest as they hit Dover

    Hot 20 – The Big Three still remain the biggest obstacles for the rest as they hit Dover

    On to Dover this Sunday, and down to a dozen championship contenders. Once again, as we enter the second round of eliminations, Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick look solid. So does Martin Truex Jr. Not so for everyone else.

    Just ask Aric Almirola and Kyle Larson. If Jimmie Johnson had not wrecked coming to the line and if Jeffrey Earnhardt did not sit idle for as long as he did just shy of it, one of them would have been out. Both lads came into Charlotte between 17 and 23 points to the good, and it almost was not enough.

    As for Johnson, he said that, after sleeping on it, he still thought he made the right decision to try to challenge Truex for the win last Sunday. I might disagree, but I am not a well decorated former race car championship winner, so what do I know? Well, if you research why George Custer did what he did at the Little Big Horn, you can see the logic behind his actions. Sadly, the result is all we remember, both for ole George and Jimmie.

    The Monster Mile is not exactly one of my favorite venues. On the positive side, the NBC crew is my absolute favorite broadcast team. I do believe those boys and girls can make me watch a soccer game. Okay, as Maury would say, “that was a lie.” Still, it should make for an entertaining broadcast as we begin the round that takes us from Dover, to Talladega, to Kansas.

    Let the fun continue.

    1. KYLE BUSCH – 3055 POINTS (7 Wins)
    “I guess all of us are just stupid” when it came to that late wreck. He was far from alone.

    2. KEVIN HARVICK – 3050 POINTS (7 Wins)
    If having a dud day means finishing ninth, being a dud sometimes is not bad at all.

    3. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 3038 POINTS (4 Wins)
    Sure, he lost his bid for a win, but Johnson lost his bid for a championship.

    4. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 3025 POINTS (3 Wins)
    Believes the 2019 rules package will equate into closer racing. We shall see. We shall see.

    5. CLINT BOWYER – 3015 POINTS (2 Wins)
    One outsider who moved to the inside was not tempted to gamble it all away for a win.

    6. JOEY LOGANO – 3014 POINTS (1 Win)
    Todd Gordon to his driver, “Brad led the army off the cliff” after the late race pileup in Turn 1.

    7. KURT BUSCH – 3014 POINTS (1 Win)
    Took the pole, finished fifth, avoided being part of Brad’s army. A good day, all in all.

    8. RYAN BLANEY – 3013 POINTS (1 Win)
    I want to thank Jimmie Johnson for all he did FOR me…and TO Martin Truex Jr.

    9. CHASE ELLIOTT – 3008 POINTS (1 Win)
    If the new rules package allows the cream to rise, he should like the changes just fine.

    10. KYLE LARSON – 3006 POINTS
    Next, his pit crew will turn water into wine after just raising that car from the dead.

    11. ARIC ALMIROLA – 3001 POINTS
    Thanks, Jimmie. I might not have gotten here without you.

    12. ALEX BOWMAN – 3000 POINTS
    Started last Sunday a point above the bubble, only to now sit 13 points under the bubble.

    13. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 2097 POINTS
    A bridge…or maybe a chicane…too far.

    14. AUSTIN DILLON – 2066 POINTS (1 Win)
    Literally went to the wall to keep his playoff hopes alive…but that is what ended them.

    15. DENNY HAMLIN – 2053 POINTS
    Super sorry I ran into the back of your car, Erik.

    16. ERIK JONES – 2041 POINTS (1 Win)
    “What the [expletive] are teammates even for?”

    17. RYAN NEWMAN – 609 POINTS
    Meanwhile, at the kiddie’s table…

    18. PAUL MENARD – 570 POINTS
    Has not had a good past couple of weeks, and it is doubtful things will get any better at Dover.

    19. DANIEL SUAREZ – 566 POINTS
    Still searching for a landing spot and Dover has so far been very, very good to him.

    20. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 553 POINTS
    Anyone want to hire a Top 20 NASCAR driver for next season?

    21. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 553 POINTS
    I guess this is the week for tie-breakers.

  • The Final Word – Johnson went for it all at the Charlotte Roval, but wound up with nothing

    The Final Word – Johnson went for it all at the Charlotte Roval, but wound up with nothing

    The Charlotte Roval promised to be chaotic, a fantasy design straight out of the old video games that was going to tear cars up and dash hopes. Well, that narrative did not pan out, at least in the early going on Sunday. As for the ending, well, that was another story.

    It was different, but it was racing. Going in, we knew Denny Hamlin and Erik Jones needed to do very, very well to keep their championship hopes alive. They did not. We knew Jimmie Johnson and Clint Bowyer needed to do better than the likes of Chase Elliott, Austin Dillon, Alex Bowman, and Ryan Blaney to make themselves happy and upset those they were chasing. As we neared the midway of the contest, things remained close enough that we still did not know how things were going to play out

    Aric Almirola looked safe, coming in 23 points to the good, but when William Byron blew a tire late in the middle frame and bobbled he caused the then 11th placed Almirola to flinch. That saw him pound the fence on the way by. They came in for repairs and then got tagged with a tire violation. That was all it took for him to find himself on the outside trying to get back to the table with the cool kids.

    However, when it came to actual points in the bank, he was still nine up after the two stages. Among the five battling for the final three berths into the next round of the Playoffs, only five points now separated second stage winner Blaney, Dillon, Bowyer, Johnson, and Bowman, in that order. Their fate at the finish was going to decide things between them unless someone else had their luck run out on them.

    Dillon’s fortunes dipped a tad when he tried to avoid a slow Chris Buescher. In doing so, he went high into the marbles and battered the passenger side of his beast along the wall. That required some repair, even more than what it received. A short time later the tire blew, he hit the barrier yet again and Dillon was done, leaving a vacancy at the inn.

    Meanwhile, Almirola was doing his best to provide another. He went for another spin and went bowling for dollars with the infield advertising signs. At the same time, Buescher did him one better and actually hooked up a sign for Echo Park Automotive and had it waving behind him for part of a lap before the pit crew detached it. Best advertisement moment of the entire weekend. Echo Park Automotive, a used-car dealer based in Charlotte, a subsidiary of Sonic Automotive. Echo Park, for all your automotive needs.

    With seven to go, more than a few automobiles had some needs emerge. On a re-start, Brad Keselowski charged into turn one. Literally. He hit. Kyle Busch got caught up in it but, like Keselowski, he already had his pass to the next round of the dance. Kyle Larson, a contender all day, saw his auto all bent and busted. Almirola got caught in a rapidly stopping traffic jam. Those two had looked good to advance, but now it depended on how many points they might drop, who might be able to take advantage, with little time left. Meanwhile, Bowman and Bowyer were still fighting for one spot, or would there be more room at the hostelry opening up for them both?

    As it turned out, yes there was. Blaney advanced with a win, as third place became first place in the final chicane. Johnson went for the win, taking himself and Martin Truex Jr. out of the running when they collided.

    Larson, sitting now in a pile of junk, was out of it, we thought. His car was bouncing off the wall on the right side after blowing a tire, but he kept the bucket of bolts running forward, but not quickly. He needed to pass somebody to advance. Sitting just shy of the line, after being spun out, was the idle solitary car of Jeffrey Earnhardt. It sat 100 yards short of the finish. It did not move until Larson passed him. It took an eternity, but Larson went by Earnhardt, got the point, and that left us with a three-way tie in the standings. Only two would advance. Larson was given the nod, followed by Almirola, leaving Johnson, despite finishing eighth, the guy left on the outside.

    Johnson was in, but in trying for the win, he got knocked out by the smallest of margins. As for Larson, he needs to thank the guy who spun Earnhardt out just shy of the line, that left him available to pass, the guy who made Larson’s continued hopes possible.

    Ty Dillon and Daniel Hemric finished 22nd and 23rd respectively, but not before taking Earnhardt out in the final chicane. Definitely Daniel, and possibly Ty as well, deserve much thanks from Larson for the deed. He owes them big time.

    Now, on to Dover.

  • 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.

  • The Final Word – It was over when Harvick said it was over at Dover

    The Final Word – It was over when Harvick said it was over at Dover

    It is now official. Kevin Harvick is the most generous driver in NASCAR. No one shared like Harvick did Sunday at Dover.

    Harvick started up front after inspection issues removed Kyle Larson from starting at point. After leading the first 21 laps, he turned it over to Alex Bowman before Brad Keselowski took over for the next 60. Nearing the end of the opening segment, Harvick returned to wrap it up. Segment two, Harvick shared with Keselowski. Until the final 40 laps, when it was again all Harvick.

    As for the final frame, Harvick remained happy sharing the lead. He allowed Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Clint Bowyer to run in clean air. He even allowed Joey Logano a single lap up front. However, when he got tired of just fooling around, Harvick regained control over the final 63 laps to beat Bowyer by seven seconds. It was his fourth win of the season (one of which is encumbered), 41st of his career, and his second ever at Dover. Hopefully, this time young Keelan Harvick does not bust the arm of this Miles the Monster Trophy.

    As for the likes of Harvick, who picked up maximum points, Bowyer, third place finisher Daniel Suarez, and Keselowski in sixth, it was the best of times. The worst of times were experienced by Paul Menard and Ryan Newman. Both went back to the garage with wheel related mechanical issues and returned many, many laps down for single-digit points runs. Austin Dillon and Bowman were not much better finishing outside the best 20. In fact, if not for that Daytona win, Marshal Dillon would be hanging his hat on 19th place in the standings.

    Kyle Busch was good. So good that he quit talking about that vibration he had. The one that got worse and worse as the day went on. In a steady Top Five ride, something finally broke in the drive train and his worries were realized. He finished 35th, but he did collect 17 bonus points to soften the blow somewhat.

    Busch remains atop the leader ladder in points and tied with Harvick for “unencumbered” wins. Bowman and Jimmie Johnson came into Dover 13th and 15th in the standings, respectively, but swapped spots as Johnson came home in 9th. Stenhouse finished 15th, but he lost the 16th and final Chase place to Chase Elliott who was 12th on the day. His bonus points vault him into that final playoff berth. Suarez was outside the Top 20 coming in but now sits just seven points behind Elliott as Menard falls outside the Top 20, nine points behind Newman.

    Next up is Kansas, where Martin Truex Jr. swept 2017. He comes in after finishing fourth in Delaware. Do not count out Johnson. Even if he fails to win his fourth on that track, he has failed to make the Top Ten just six out of 23 attempts. Ole Seven Time won’t move up on the standings after this race in points, but it is funny what a single win could do. Maybe Harvick will be willing to share.

  • 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.

  • The Final Word – Talladega, bringing you the thrill of victory…and the agony of defeat

    The Final Word – Talladega, bringing you the thrill of victory…and the agony of defeat

    Talladega was sweet. That was the kind of action that captured my attention as a kid, watching Wide World of Sports. As Jim McKay so iconically put it all those years ago, “Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sport… the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat… the human drama of athletic competition.” That was Sunday at Talladega.

    Joey Logano got the thrill. It was his third on the big track and the 19th Cup victory of his career. It was exciting, but not exactly a nail-biter, as Logano led the final 42 laps. Kurt Busch was right there in case he faltered, while Chase Elliott did manage to slip ahead of Kevin Harvick at the line for third.

    Thrills for the fans meant the agony of defeat for so many others, as it often does when the circuit visits Alabama. Jamie McMurray had one hell of a spill during practice, tumbling through the air to roll over a half dozen times to totally destroy his primary ride. His back-up fared a little better. Erik Jones caught the apron, went up to get turned by McMurray, then onward to pile into Trevor Bayne along the wall. It also ruined the day for Kyle Larson and Martin Truex Jr. Innovation, thy name is Talladega. To get Truex back out there, the crew busted out a concrete saw in order to make repairs. That was a first.

    No big one yet, but the clock was ticking. With 22 laps to run, William Byron took the air off the rear of Jimmie Johnson’s equally unstable auto, and the fun began. While Johnson survived to eventually finish 12th, Byron, Paul Menard, Clint Bowyer, Michael McDowell, Brad Keselowski, A.J. Allmendinger and Austin Dillon were toast on the spot.

    We learned a few things at Talladega. First, pit road infractions might set you back, but they did not end your hopes on the 2.66-mile loop. Elliott, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Alex Bowman, and Daniel Suarez were among those tagged who managed to finish in the Top Ten. However, if you get hit with speeding late in the race and then get hit for speeding again while taking the pass-through penalty, your hopes evaporate. They did for Denny Hamlin, though even he recovered enough over the next hour for a lead lap 14th place conclusion.

    We learned that pitting early helps. On the opening segment Ford and Toyota all came in early on, the Chevys did not. They also did not lead the parade at the end of the stage. Lesson learned, so when the Fords came back to the pits early in the second segment, the Toyota boys arrived on the next lap, with Chevrolet just one more behind them. Not that it worked for them all. Six of the Top Seven at Talladega were Fords. Chevy had the third, eighth, and ninth best, with Kyle Busch driving the best Toyota in 10th.

    With 58-points, Logano took the lion’s share of points, with only Harvick and Stenhouse among the others breaking 40. David Ragan is 25th on the season, but sixth on the day. Single point days were “enjoyed” by Top 20 drivers Larson and Jones.

    From Talladega, we technically stay in the south as the circuit moves to Dover, Delaware. It might not be Talladega, but it sports one of the best trophies in the sport at a track owned by legends. In the first 18 races run there from 1969 through 1978, the winners were limited to Richard Petty (5), David Pearson (5), Bobby Allison (3), Cale Yarborough (3), and Benny Parsons (2). That is some kind of blue-blood pedigree, Hall of Famers all.

    By the way, the first time we saw Dover on our television screens it was 1974. The man who got the thrill of victory that day was Yarborough. The agony of defeat was experienced by Petty, as the race leader lost an engine with three laps to go. The action was described by Bill Flemming and Chris Economaki. The program, ABC’s Wide World of Sports.

  • 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.

  • Hot 20 – Dorothy returns to Kansas after spending last weekend in the Talladega tornado

    Hot 20 – Dorothy returns to Kansas after spending last weekend in the Talladega tornado

    This Sunday, NASCAR action takes us to Kansas. We just cannot get enough of Kansas, which is why we find ourselves watching the action from there for a second time this season. If not Kansas, I guess there is always Kentucky, Chicago, Dover, Fontana, or Pocono , but allow me to calm down my beating heart.

    Coming out of Talladega to Kansas, and I am just taking a guess here, probably will not increase the ratings. Entertainment value and tradition go a long ways to attracting and keeping the fan base. Last week was the Alabama 500. We started with the Daytona 500. Darlington delivered the Southern 500. We know the early race in Charlotte is really the World 600. How high on your list of must-see traditional spectacles do you rank the Hollywood Casino 400 in Kansas?

    If you are Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano, it would rank pretty high. The pair split the last four of these fall classics.

     

    1. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – SEGMENT WIN – 3120 Pts – 6 Wins
    Earned his pass into the next round and has secured full sponsorship for 2018. Good times.

    2. BRAD KESELOWSKI – SEGMENT WIN – 3101 Pts – 3 Wins
    No communication for much of the race, but a whole lot when it ended.

    3. KYLE LARSON – 3096 POINTS – 4 Wins
    Things were looking good for a while before Suarez and Elliott thought they were in a cartoon.

    4. KEVIN HARVICK – 3089 POINTS – 1 Win
    A repeat of last year’s Hollywood Casino 400 finish would be just fine with Harvick.

    5. DENNY HAMLIN – 3088 POINTS – 2 Wins
    The Roush boys have fancy pit guns no one else has. All that goes out the window next season.

    6. CHASE ELLIOTT – 3087 POINTS
    Found a hole, filled a hole, and then someone tossed dirt in the hole.

    7. RYAN BLANEY – 3076 POINTS – 1 Win
    Tough luck last week cost him some points, but he has emerged as a top-tier talent.

    8. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 3074 POINTS – 3 Wins
    22 Kansas races, 17 Top Tens, along with three wins. Jimmie likes Kansas just fine.

    9. KYLE BUSCH – 3067 POINTS – 4 Wins
    Rowdy Busch? He is more like a Battered Busch.

    10. MATT KENSETH – 3066 POINTS
    Maybe he will become the fastest damned school bus driver who ever lived next season.

    11. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 3052 POINTS – 2 Wins
    Best Kansas finish is 11th. Twice. Well, the Chase was fun while it lasted.

    12. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 3045 POINTS
    21 Kansas races, 4 Top Tens. This does not look good.

    13. KASEY KAHNE – 2104 POINTS – 1 Win
    Chase is over, time at Hendrick is near done, but Kansas marks his 500th career start.

    14. RYAN NEWMAN – 2103 POINTS – 1 Win
    Newman is a NASCAR ninja. Unseen, unnoticed, and then late Sunday afternoon he appeared.

    15. AUSTIN DILLON – 2099 POINTS – 1 Win
    This season has come down to trying to catch Newman and Kahne and staying ahead of Kurt.

    16. KURT BUSCH – 2089 POINTS – 1 Win
    Turning left is expected, but that sharp right-hand turn was not.

    17. JOEY LOGANO – 794 POINTS – 1 Win
    Best damn driver not to make the Chase.

    18. CLINT BOWYER – 775 POINTS
    Best damn driver not to make the Chase who was born in Emporia, Kansas.

    19. ERIK JONES – 749 POINTS
    Got a whole face full of McMurray the other day.

    20. DANIEL SUAREZ – 708 POINTS
    Looking good last Sunday, but when he forgot to look to his left things started to look real bad.