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NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Watkins Glen

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Kyle Busch: Busch started second at Watkins Glen and led 31 laps before a fuel probe malfunction in the pits, necessitating an extra pit stop. Despite the issue, Busch recovered to post a third-place finish.

“We just didn’t get enough fuel in the tank,” Busch said. “In other words, I had a ‘halfsie.’”

2. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex stalked race leader Chase Elliott over the final laps at Watkins Glen, but was unable to make the pass. He eventually ran out of fuel and coasted home to a second-place finish.

“Elliott drove his butt off,” Truex said. “He hit all his marks, didn’t make a mistake, and was technically perfect. When I got behind him, I said ‘The chase is on,’ and boy was I right.”

3. Kevin Harvick: Harvick came home 10th in the GoBowling 400 at Watkins Glen, scoring his 18th top 10 of the year.

“I was not a factor in the race,” Harvick said. “In fact, I was barely seen, which means I played the role of ‘Tiny Kevin Harvick’ and it wasn’t a commercial.

“NBC had a camera on my feet. If nothing else, it made former NFL coach Rex Ryan a viewer.”

4. Kurt Busch: Busch finished ninth at Watkins Glen, scoring his 13th top 10 of the year.

“NASCAR CEO Brian France was arrested for DUI and possession of a controlled substance,” Busch said. “I’m pretty sure this will result in a revoked license. In other words, he’ll face a ‘drive-through‘ penalty.”

5. Clint Bowyer: Bowyer finished 11th in the GoBowling 400 at Watkins Glen.

“Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr. put on quite a show over those last few laps,” Bowyer said. “You could feel the suspense, and with the race being sponsored by GoBowling.com, fans were on ‘pins and needles.’”

6. Joey Logano: Logano finished last after an oil cooler malfunction sent him through the sand on lap 2.

“NASCAR put my car on what is known as the ‘damaged vehicle policy,” Logano said. “The last time someone pulled the ol’ ‘damaged vehicle policy’ on me, it was Matt Kenseth.”

7. Kyle Larson: Larson finished sixth at Watkins Glen, recording his 12th top-10 result of the year.

“What a drive by Chase Elliott,” Larson said. “He’s the son of Bill Elliott, also known as ‘Awesome Bill From Dawsonville.’ Chase’s win gave Hendrick Motorsports its 250th win, but more importantly, it puts him in the Chase For The Cup. Plus, he may have secured the title of ‘Most Popular Driver.’ An appropriate nickname is ‘Awesome Chase In An Awesome Place.’”

8. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin started on the pole at Watkins Glen and finished 13th.

“All that work for the pole,” Hamlin said, “and I only led two laps. In the words of former JGR great Tony Stewart on his way out of the bathroom, ‘So much for clean air.’”

9. Chase Elliott: Elliott held off Martin Truex Jr. in the closing laps at Watkins Glen and won his first career Monster Energy Cup race, giving Hendrick Motorsports its 250th win in the process.

“My car ran out of gas on the cool-down lap,” Elliott said. “Luckily, a man I’ve always looked up to, Jimmie Johnson, gave me a push. So, much like Brian France, who took a ride in a police cruiser, it was left to an ‘authority figure’ to get me where I was going.

“My 62-year-old father will run the Xfinity race at Road America later this month. He’ll be driving for GMS Racing, and they’ve pledged to outfit his ride with a brand new exhaust system. Because if there’s ever a time for new exhaust, it’s for an ‘old fart.’”

10. Brad Keselowski: Keselowski finished 17th at Watkins Glen.

“Brian France disgraced himself by getting arrested for DUI and possession of a controlled substance,” Keselowski said. “France was taken to the slammer is shackles. That’s embarrassing. But let’s make it even more embarrassing and call those shackles the ‘HANDS Device.’”

August 6, 2018
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.

June 6, 2018
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.

May 23, 2018
The Final Word – The Stars were out at Charlotte, including one Super Nova

It was a nice prelude to the All-Star Race in Charlotte on Saturday. First, we had a down and out established team show some life by taking the front row. The pole went to a former champion just a week after he ran his first race of the season. Then we had the Open, with a pair from the new generation advancing, along with a former Open Wheel racer who has spent much of this NASCAR career just sitting on the periphery of those considered to be the true stars of the sport.

With the Roush-Fenway duo of Matt Kenseth and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. ready to rumble, joined by Alex Bowman, Daniel Suarez, and A.J. Allmendinger, it was time for the spring classic. Even the fans got to determine the field, with 22-year-old Chase Elliott getting their nod for inclusion.

While the Roush-Fenway lads led at the start, Kevin Harvick did what he has done much of this season thus far. He dominated the opening segment and walked off with it. Did it matter? Not after they had a slow pit stop it did not. That allowed the second best on the season, Kyle Busch, to waltz away with the second segment. Did that matter? Nope, again.

Things got shook up a tad in the third frame. Stenhouse was squeezed down low when he nudged Martin Truex Jr., who clipped Clint Bowyer, who got into Austin Dillon. Behind them, Truex went sideways and hit the trifecta in claiming the Busch boys, with Kyle on the inside, Kurt on the outside, and Brad Keselowski in the middle.

No single car dominated that portion of the event until the end. Kyle Larson and Suarez were battling at the front on the final lap, but Harvick was off on his own road trip on the outside. He coasted by Larson. Ditto when it came to Suarez, to claim the top spot in preparation for the 10 green lap dash for the million in cash.

It was all Harvick, and with two to go, he was gone barring a mishap. The bar came down when Larson squeezed Joey Logano into the fence, while Logano demonstrated a perfect P.I.T. maneuver to send Larson through the grass.

Two laps left. Harvick in front. Not surprising that the boy was still there when they crossed the line. Suarez and Logano were next, but there was only one check for a million smackers handed out, and that made that one driver a truly Happy man. It marked another reason to celebrate to go with the All-Star suds shaker he had back in his Daytona 500 winning season of 2007.

They get to come back next week, same track, different format, on a Sunday, and with points on the line. It is the best race day on the planet that opens with the Grand Prix of Monaco, followed by the Indianapolis 500, before they return to Charlotte and the World 600.

Thank God for the PVR.

May 21, 2018
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.

May 16, 2018
NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Kansas

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Kevin Harvick: Harvick started on the pole at Kansas and passed Martin Truex Jr. with a lap to go to take the KC Masterpiece 400, his fifth win of the year.

“I narrowly missed being collected in the lap 253 crash,” Harvick said. “Combine that good fortune with the elation of my fifth win, and my nickname becomes ‘Happy-Go-Lucky.’”

2. Kyle Busch: Busch finished 10th at Kansas, posting his ninth top 10 of the season.

“I thought my three wins this year were impressive,” Busch said. “But Kevin Harvick’s five victories puts mine to shame. And then he has the audacity to troll me with ‘Busch’ sponsorship on his car.”

3. Joey Logano: Logano finished third in the KC Masterpiece 400 at Kansas, recording his fifth top-five result of the year.

“Matt Kenseth is back,” Logano said. “Luckily for me, he wasn’t back with a vengeance. But let’s face it, Matt’s not the most intimidating driver. He doesn’t scare anyone unless it’s me on the track at Martinsville or Brad Keselowski between the haulers at Charlotte.”

4. Kurt Busch: Busch finished eighth at Kansas as Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Kevin Harvick scored his fifth win of the season. Busch is fifth in the Monster Energy Cup points standings, 110 out of first.

“Harvick has been dominant on 1.5-mile tracks,” Busch said. “He’s a master of the 1-½ mile oval. He’s driving circles around everyone, including the tracks.”

5. Clint Bowyer: Bowyer finished 15th at Kansas and is now sixth in the Monster Energy Cup points standings, 117 out of first.

“It’s amazing what Kevin Harvick is doing this year,” Bowyer said. “He’s obviously the clear favorite to win the Monster Energy Cup championship. Sixteen drivers qualify for the postseason; 15 of those will be in the ‘Chase.’”

6. Brad Keselowski: Keselowski finished 14th at Kansas.

“Personally,” Keselowski said, “I couldn’t care less if the France family sells NASCAR. We all know Brian France can be bought; I’m sure he can be sold, as well.”

7. Kyle Larson: Larson finished fourth at Kansas, leading a race-high 101 laps on the way to his fourth top five of the season.

“We overcame our share of adversity,” Larson said. “First, I had to start near the back of the field, then I made contact with Ryan Blaney late in the race. But those are nothing compared to the toughest adversity we face each week, and that’s post-race inspection.”

8. Ryan Blaney: Blaney held off Kevin Harvick to win the first stage at Kansas, but made contact with Kyle Larson with 20 laps to go and suffered a blown right front tire. He finished 37th.

“I was just a little too aggressive,” Blaney said. “I was trying to side draft Larson and I just got sucked into him. Larson would certainly agree with my assessment, especially the ‘sucked’ part.”

9. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin took fifth in the KC Masterpiece 400, posting his fifth top five of the year.

“Did you see Alex Bowman blow a tire with 30 laps to go?” Hamlin said. “We haven’t seen sparks fly like that since Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Danica Patrick met.”

10. (tie) Martin Truex Jr.: Truex gambled on a late caution, staying out while most of the leaders pitted for tires, and nearly held off Kevin Harvick for the win at Kansas. But Truex succumbed to Harvick on the final lap and the driver of the No. 78 Toyota settled for second.

“I think night races appeal to everyone,” Truex said. “Newer fans like it because of the spectacle, and most of the traditional fans like it because it’s the closest thing to ‘moonshine’ this sport gets anymore.”

10. (tie)Jimmie Johnson: Johnson struggled to a 19th-place finish at Kansas, his first result outside the top 12 since April 8th at Texas.

“I had one teammate’s car sending out a shower of sparks,” Johnson said, “and another ended up in flames. Since I’ve stopped winning Cup championships, the only glory Hendrick Motorsports sees now comes in blazes.”

May 15, 2018
The Final Word – In Kansas, Harvick was Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End

Boogity, boggity, boggity. It was Saturday night racing at Kansas, boys. Yes, sir, it was the Might As Well Watch Paint Dry 400. Kansas, where excitement goes to die. Kevin Harvick started at the pole and led through to the competition caution. Ryan Blaney led at the re-start and continued to do so right to the end of the opening segment. Okay, Harvick did make it close at the end, but close does not even count in horseshoes when the other guy wraps his around the peg. Maybe we would be hanging on the edge of our seats in the middle frame. Lord, I hoped so.

I forgot that this was Kansas, where such hopes also go to die. Harvick led the segment for 50 laps, then gave it up to Kyle Larson for the final 30. There. That was our excitement. Okay, Jimmie Johnson came into the second stanza down a lap. Daniel Suarez and Brad Keselowski joined him after coming in for tire issues under green. At this point, the smart money was on either Larson, Harvick, or Blaney. Did an entirely new crop of fans take this in, and were now sitting there in front of the television sets saying that from now on they just have to watch this sport? Damn near made myself laugh just now.

Matt Kenseth was racing. He spent most of the time off the lead lap, but he was out there replacing Trevor Bayne for this one. Being in a Ford is good this year unless you are in a Roush Fenway Ford. Kenseth is a great driver. He is a former champion. However, he can not turn water into wine, and he needed that kind of miracle power.

Mind you, his chances were better than this race becoming a ratings juggernaut. When we opened the final segment already half the field found themselves a lap or more down. Larson led when they went green and stayed there until caution finally came out with 30 to go. Suarez wobbled, and William Byron sideswiped him just enough to cut down a tire. Oh, and Blaney had gotten by Harvick to sit a distant second. Harvick remained in third. Would anyone else even matter on this night?

Why yes. After they got going again, Harvick emerged up front, but Joey Logano slipped into the runner-up spot. With 20 to go, the pair of Larson and Blaney were fighting it out for third when they came together. After hitting the wall, it was goodbye to Mr. Blaney. Larson’s team ended their own hopes, we thought, when they messed up in the pits. They went after a fender repair, but the tire was never tightened before the jack dropped. Yet in the end, Larson claimed fourth. Okay, that was a bit of a miracle.

After 240 laps of dry as dust action, they did their best to create some measure of excitement. Harvick pitted under caution, but Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Erik Jones, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and Byron did not. They were leading Harvick when they dropped the green, but within seconds a wreck beside Harvick missed him by a hair. Byron clipped Clint Bowyer and slammed face first into the wall. Ryan Newman and Kenseth were among those collected.

With eight to run, it took Harvick no time at all to use his four fresh friends to charge up into second, and when it came down to the final two trips around he got around Truex and that was the race. It was Harvick’s fifth victory on the season and 42nd of his career. Good point nights were recorded by Larson and Logano, while it was single digits for Byron, Newman, and Suarez.

Next week, they head to Charlotte where the stars will shine for the annual exhibition classic. Johnson has won four of them, though it would be tough to jump on his bandwagon at the moment. Chevrolet has won more than half of them over the years, but that is another musical conveyance that might be shy a few believers. For example, on Saturday night there were five Fords in the Top Ten, Toyota had four, and Larson the lone bowtie representative. That is how this season has gone for them.

It will be another Saturday night, but at least we won’t be in Kansas anymore, Toto.

May 14, 2018
Kansas – Cup Series News And Notes

Kevin Harvick is coming off a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series win at Dover International Speedway the past weekend and is looking to go back-to-back for the second time this year. Harvick has two wins here at Kansas Speedway, the last one coming in the fall of 2016 almost two years ago.

He explained why it is one of his favorite tracks and how far the speedway has come.

“I feel like this has honestly been one of our best race tracks as I’ve gone through the years,” Harvick said, “and especially since I’ve come to SHR. I don’t feel like we’ve won as many races here as we probably should have – some of it of our own doing and some of it just circumstances, but we’ve always run really, really well here and, for me, I look forward to coming here for a number of different reasons.

“Not only do we run well at the race track, but I think when you look at this race track, I saw it when it was just the race track and the highway here. Now you look at what’s around it and everything has been built around what you’re sitting in right now. To me, that is something that’s pretty neat to see just because of the fact that the race track was here first and it’s easy to get from the airport. It’s one of the better race tracks on the schedule as far as convenience, in my opinion, because there is so much to do now. It’s so conveniently off the highway and from the airport and the airport is easy to get in and out of.

“There are just a number of things that I look forward to coming here and sitting in the casino watching the Truck race tonight eating dinner is not too bad either. It’s just a good place to come and, like I say, we run well here, but it’s just a good experience and I just enjoy the surroundings of everything that is outside of the race track as well. I enjoy that.”

Matt Kenseth returns to racing for the first time since Homestead of last year. However, he is back driving the No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford. Kansas Speedway has been a special place for the Cambridge, Wisconsin driver. At Kansas, he has two wins, seven top five’s and 13 top 10 finishes, along with an average start of 12.7 and an average finish of 14.7. Kenseth scored back-to-back victories in 2012 and 2013. He gives his thoughts about what his expectations are for the weekend.

“I don’t have any expectations for the weekend. I just don’t know,” Kenseth said. “I don’t know how fast we’ll get up to speed and fight that type of thing. I came into this weekend with pretty much no expectations. Kind of came in with an open mind, taking one practice at a time and we’ll go from there.”

Aric Almirola returns to Kansas this weekend on what will be the one year anniversary of his dangerous wreck that took place last year. However, he has put that behind him and is focusing on 2018. Almirola is having a solid year with a 12.7 average finish. The No. 10 Smithfield driver has a best finish of sixth this season at Bristol. He explains what it would mean to him and the Stewart Haas Racing team if they make the Playoffs this year.

“I think it would be huge to do that,” Almirola said. “We went into the year hoping to be a team that’s capable of winning a championship and making the playoffs. I think we’re on target for that. We knew at the beginning of the year there would be some growing pains. You know, I feel like overall as a whole our company is a championship caliber company and all three of our other cars are showing speed, and doing what they need to do to make the playoffs. We need to do our part and so far we are. I feel like if we didn’t make the Playoffs, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. But, we have the resources, the people at Stewart-Haas Racing, the cars capable of doing that. I keep saying it, but it’s up to Johnny (Klausmeier), my team, myself to go out and get the job done. I feel like we’re currently on pace to do that and we just have to continue to build, and get better.”

“I hope to be peaking by the time we get to the Playoffs. I think we have 15 more races until the playoffs start and so, that gives 15 more weeks to grow together and continue to build our foundation. So when we do start the Playoffs, we’re firing on all seven cylinders.”

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series KC Masterpiece 400 is scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday night and will be broadcast on FS1.

May 11, 2018
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.

April 24, 2018
Weather and Matt Kenseth

Weather has plagued the NASCAR schedule from Atlanta to Martinsville to Bristol. This weather shows no weather concerns with sunny skies and warmth at Talladega. That’s good news for race fans whether heading to the race or watching on television. I’ve only attended two races this year—both postponed and run on Monday, but it’s easy to see that both saw unusual weather. I saw the smell of a snowstorm at Martinsville on Saturday. I’m from West Virginia where it can snow from October to May. It was, as they say in my rural neighborhood, a “doozy.” As many people who told me at the track they didn’t have snowstorms like that in March, they did.

Same with Bristol. The weather people were right, and the temperature dropped 35 degrees plus the rains came. It was so cold on Monday that even this crusted mountain man couldn’t handle it. From the looks of the crowd, no one else could either. What people missed were two excellent races, and that’s a shame. Maybe the powers that be should re-think the schedule a bit. There is no reason why the teams should go to the left coast and come back to snowstorms and rains when it is possible. I know, weather is fickle, but why take a chance? Why not run Talladega and Texas before Martinsville, Bristol, and Atlanta? Just asking.

My friend, Patrick suggested something to me. In cases where weather is almost certain, why not run those races by postponing them like baseball? Food for thought. There was no reason why lights couldn’t have been used or a better date used. Of course, every situation is different. I respect NASCAR for their decisions. But why not just move the schedule to avoid all of this? I’ve wiped snow off seats at Rockingham in years passed. Maybe someone is not thinking?

+++

I find the announcement that Matt Kenseth is coming back to Roush Fenway Racing a little bit head-scratching. Kenseth left RCR to move to Joe Gibbs Racing a few years ago. Later on, Carl Edwards joined him. One retired and the other was non-renewed. Both could have ended their careers at RFR but chose to go to greener pastures. Both were relatively successful, winning races and being competitive. Tomorrow, if reports are accurate, we will hear that Kenseth will return to the place he was most competitive and share a ride with Trevor Bayne. It’s no secret that after his debut with the Wood Brothers in 2011, Bayne hasn’t done much. The Daytona win was spectacular, but recent great runs by Ricky Stenhouse Jr., made him look like the underachiever.

To this reporter, it seems that Bayne is on his way out or at least there to wait for the third charter, which may or not exist to become free for Kenseth. Getting over Kenseth’s move to eliminate Joey Logano at Martinsville still sticks in my craw, but I think Kenseth wants to race and there’s not a better racer in the circuit. With the move to younger racers, some great talent gets put on the sidelines. I applaud Jack Roush and his organization to bring Matt back. I feel sorry for Bayne, but in this industry like all industries, he wasn’t getting the job done. Just like everywhere else, that’s the way of business, which has, unfortunately, become part of NASCAR, today.

April 24, 2018