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Tag: Ryan Newman

  • The Final Word – In some respects, Loudon was a lot like a trip to my dentist

    The Final Word – In some respects, Loudon was a lot like a trip to my dentist

    The weather was nice this past weekend up in my neck of the woods. Sadly, I paid the price for a root canal. No sleep Friday night. Zip for Saturday night. Sunday? The feature race was from Loudon. However, just as I rarely hurt after a visit to the dentist, maybe Loudon would go against type and be just wonderful. A race for the ages. Damn it, I deserved it.

    To be honest, Jimmie Johnson deserved his penalty when he jumped ahead of pole sitter Martin Truex Jr. on the start. Just like that, he went from the front row back to 39th in a field of 39. Still, it could have been worse, but fortunately, Johnson did not visit my dentist last week.

    It was not all gloom and doom. Kyle Larson might have started from the back once again, but he was soon back in the Top Ten. Chris Buescher had the visor cam this week, and I do love the visor cam. As for my dentist, I do not believe he is a NASCAR fan. Most evil doers are not.

    Kasey Kahne is not an evil doer. Just do not ask Erik Jones. Not even mid-way through the opening stage, the two had contact in the pits, and that did bad things to the left rear of Jones. The tire gave up, the wall collected him, and Erik saw his day end early. I am thinking Kahne should meet my damn dentist.

    That damn Truex. Well, 38 other drivers might feel that way. He led every damn lap of the opening segment and collected another playoff bonus point. What a pain he is, and if there is something I know a little something about, it is pain. So does Kyle Busch, and while he has never worked on a molar he is known to be irritating. He was enough so on Sunday to dominate the second stage to claim the playoff point for himself.

    Pain is having your car going one way, and a failed track bar wanting the rear end to go another. That is especially true if you were Joey Logano, he of the encumbered win which means nothing for Chase eligibility. He was off to the garage for a bit of a stay early in the final stage, as the gap between him and a Chase place only grew. It is now over 50 points. The fact NASCAR was interested in what went wrong and the parts involved might not be welcome news either. Sometimes those folks are worse than some dentists. Okay, I may be exaggerating.

    While Denny Hamlin made a cameo, the final half of the race essentially featured two drivers. Well, for a while. Truex had a tire issue, had to pit, and that allowed Dr. Busch to return to the lead. Unlike my tale of woe, the patients got a little revenge when Kyle motored too quickly through the pits. That soon turned to the advantage of Truex, as he once again was the drill master wearing the smock and the smirk.

    Matt Kenseth tried to set up his own practice with 40 to go, but just as he passed Truex, Kahne touched Ryan Newman. He went for a slide, the caution came out, and we were left to ponder things in the waiting room. All we knew was that somebody was going to win it, but would it be one of the two dominators, or might it go to some other? Talk about a coincidence. Some other is going to be my choice the next time I need to seek dental relief.

    Hamlin spelled relief soon after the re-start, as he got by Kenseth and maintained his advantage to the line to walk away with his first win of the season. Some might have needed a win more, but he was not a sure thing for the Chase until he took it. It marked his third win in New Hampshire, the 30th victory of his career. Truex was third while Rowdy fell back to 12th after a pair of penalties changed his day. As for Larson, once again he was the runner-up. Including his two victories, he has finished first or second in nine of the season’s 19 starts.

    Aric Almirola returned after mending from his wreck last May in Kansas. He was 24th as he ended his seven event forced vacation. While he did not have the best of days, just being back in the car was great to see. Hamlin had a very good day, while Truex, Larson, Kenseth, and Kevin Harvick, finishing fifth, all had to be satisfied.

    Bad days at Black Rock was the fate of Newman and Bayne, while it was like a day at the dentist for Logano and Jones. A big mean ole dentist.

     

    *Note: If you are a dentist or endodontist who is offended by a few passing references I may have included in this article, relax. You are no doubt a wonderful practitioner of the dental arts. You probably are that “some other” I should meet the next time. If you did not hurt me you have nothing to whine about. Me, on the other hand…

  • The Season to Date for Ryan Newman

    The Season to Date for Ryan Newman

    This season for the “rocket man” Ryan Newman is roughly on par with his 2016 campaign.

    He opened his season with a 21st in the 59th running of the Daytona 500. The following week in Atlanta was a stronger showing for him, running as high as first and leading three laps in the process. He was running fourth when he sent to the tail-end of the field, however, for a crew member being over the wall too soon. Adding insult to injury, he took his car to the garage with battery issues and finished 35th.

    The best he did in Las Vegas was a 17th-place finish.

    At Phoenix, Newman chose to stay out for the overtime restart. He powered ahead of Kyle Larson on said restart and ended a winless drought stretching back to the 2013 Brickyard 400.

    The rest of the finishes since then include a 15th at Fontana, eighth at Martinsville, 26th at Texas, 14th at Bristol, seventh at Richmond (where he’s led his most laps on the season with 25), 25th at Talladega, 40th at Kansas, ninth at Charlotte, fourth at Dover, 14th at Pocono, 15th at Michigan, 15th at Sonoma, fifth at Daytona and 22nd at Kentucky.

    He’s got a win on the season (his first since 2013), as well as three-top fives and six top-10s. The former is one greater than his 2016 total, but he’s four short of matching his total from last season. He’s led 37 laps this season, 13 more than his 2016 total, but his 16.3 finishing average is 3.8 percent worse than his 15.7 finishing average from 2016.

    Despite the victory, his season has been mediocre at best. Even Newman agrees that his team isn’t performing at the level it needs to for the playoffs.

    “We’re trying to get our train back on its tracks, so to speak, from where we were in Phoenix,” Newman said. “Our 1.5-mile program has really struggled. Our short track program is not what we need it to be, even in Phoenix we didn’t lead the amount of laps we should have. We led the right one, but we haven’t dominated. We see the No. 78 (Martin Truex Jr.) and the No. 42 (Larson); at times the No. 48 (Jimmie Johnson) and the No. 18 (Kyle Busch) have been dominating; maybe not all leading the last lap, but in general, we’re not leading enough laps to be as competitive as we need to be for those last 10 races. So, our focus is like it always is, to make the cars drive better and faster and to put ourselves in better contention for making our way easier, or a chance to be easily progressing through the playoffs.”

  • New Hampshire – Did You Know?

    New Hampshire – Did You Know?

    The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend for the Overton’s 301. There are 39 drivers entered into the event with only eight regular season races remaining before the playoffs begin.

    Rusty Wallace won the inaugural Cup Series race at New Hampshire, the Slick 50 300, in a Penske Pontiac on July 11, 1993, after starting from 33rd place. It was his fifth win of the year but Wallace would go on to capture five more, giving him his most victories in a single season, with 10. It was his only win at the Loudon, New Hampshire track.

    But did you know that the first race at New Hampshire was also Davey Allison’s final race? He finished third, behind Wallace and Mark Martin, scoring his sixth top five of ’93. The following day Allison lost his life in a helicopter crash at Talladega Superspeedway.

    There have been 44 Cup Series events at New Hampshire, one each year from 1993 through 1996, with two per year since then. Twenty-four different drivers have won at the 1.058-mile track. Among active drivers, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth and Ryan Newman lead with three wins each. Clint Bowyer, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch are also multiple winners with two victories each. But did you know that Jeff Burton leads all drivers with four trips to Victory Lane at Loudon?

    As the regular season draws to a close, capturing a checkered flag may be the only ticket into the playoffs. For Bowyer (15th), Kenseth (16th) and Logano (17th), time is running out. Kenseth is the defending race winner and after losing his ride with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2018, he may have the most to prove.

    Winning the Coors Light Pole could be a key element in accomplishing that goal. Did you know that the pole is the most proficient starting position at New Hampshire? Five of the 44 races (11.3 percent) have been won from first place while another three have been won from second place.

    Denny Hamlin could also benefit from a victory. He’s currently 14th in the playoff picture and he goes into New Hampshire with the best driver rating of 102.7 along with two wins, eight top fives and 13 top 10s.

    Jimmie Johnson can never be counted out especially with three previous wins, 10 top fives, one pole and the second-best driver rating (101.0). Brad Keselowski has the third-best driver rating (99.3) with one win in 2014, six top fives and three poles.

    Kyle Busch remains winless this year. Could this be the track where he changes that? He has two victories, nine top fives, 13 top 10s and two poles with the fourth-best driver rating (98.1). But did you know that he also has three runner-up finishes at Loudon?

    Dale Earnhardt Jr. is another driver hoping to secure a spot in the playoffs with a trip to Victory Lane in his final full-time season. He has a 97.4 driver rating, the sixth-best, with eight top fives and 15 top 10s. In addition, he leads the way in green-flag speed (125.183) and ranks third in green-flag passes (1,242).

    On-track action begins Friday with practice followed by Coors Light Pole Qualifying at 4:45 p.m. ET on NBCSN. The Cup Series Overton’s 301 will close out the weekend at 3 p.m. ET as we get one step closer to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

    In the meantime, check out this slideshow for some of the most memorable moments in New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s history.

    Follow @angiecampbell_ for the latest NASCAR news and feature stories.

     

  • Hot 20 – If given a choice, rather than Loudon I would prefer to be stuck in Lodi again

    Hot 20 – If given a choice, rather than Loudon I would prefer to be stuck in Lodi again

    Loudon, New Hampshire is where they hand out a lobster to the winner. Okay, it is not as cool as Dover’s Miles the Monster trophy, with a diecast of the winning car held aloft in its mighty hand. No grandfather clock like they award at Martinsville, or the six-shooters of Texas, and that sweet Les Paul guitar for races in Nashville. On the positive side, you can not eat any of those other awards.

    Will we be thrilled with edge-of-seat riveting excitement at Loudon? It is not exactly a super speedway or features the beating and banging at Bristol nor does it present the rights to go with the lefts of the road courses. It has been on the NASCAR Cup schedule only since 1993, so it does not even have the history of a Darlington or Charlotte. How much is Loudon in need of an excitement transplant? Well, they are putting some sticky substance on the turns for better grip. Yes, hope springs eternal.

    Eleven active drivers have wins there. Kyle Busch is winless this season, but he should be good for the Chase on points alone. Denny Hamlin and Clint Bowyer seem good for now, but for now might not be good enough in a few weeks. A win for either would be comforting.

    It would mean more for former winners Matt Kenseth and Joey Logano. Kenseth leads Logano by seven points in the battle for that final berth. Now, should Erik Jones, Daniel Saurez, Trevor Bayne, or someone else behind them in the standings win, that is where the excitement would truly lie. Then, Bowyer would be sitting on the bubble and the gap between in and out increases. Kasey Kahne won there once and is not even among our Hot 20. Win on Sunday and he certainly would be. That would be exciting.

    For you, Loudon will come down to how your favorite driver performs along with the prospect of someone needing a win getting one. That is where the excitement Sunday afternoon will stem from, along with re-starts and visor cams. Lots and lots of visor cams.

    1. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 3 WINS (709 Pts)
    If the Chase began today, he would go in with a 12 point lead…

    2. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 3 WINS (519 Pts)
    …over Mr. Johnson.

    3. KYLE LARSON – 2 WINS (710 Pts)
    Missed qualifying, then sped down pit road, and wound up passing everybody but one.

    4. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 2 WINS (536 Pts)
    Wants better cars and more manufacturers. I want better tracks and a lot more visor cams.

    5. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 2 WINS (418 Pts)
    On television last Monday, he was the best damned Ninja Warrior in NASCAR.

    6. KEVIN HARVICK – 1 WIN (599 Pts)
    Finished ninth at Kentucky, and was the last driver on the lead lap…

    7. RYAN BLANEY – 1 WIN (462 Pts)
    …while Ryan was 10th at Kentucky…and a lap down.

    8. KURT BUSCH – 1 WIN (419 Pts)
    The smoke proved to be due to a failed axle at Kentucky.

    9. RYAN NEWMAN – 1 WIN (414 Pts)
    Points are fine, but that win at Phoenix has made all the difference.

    10. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN (341 Pts)
    Ryan’s Childress teammate would not even be on this list if not for Charlotte.

    11. KYLE BUSCH – 609 POINTS
    Won XFINITY race at Kentucky, meaning 12 of 16 on their schedule have been won by Cup guys.

    12. CHASE ELLIOTT – 560 POINTS
    Very good driver, but one hell of an ax thrower.

    13. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 545 POINTS
    One way or another, Hamlin’s gonna find ya, he’s gonna getcha, getcha, getcha, getcha.

    14. DENNY HAMLIN – 538 POINTS
    What, did that go over my radio?

    15. CLINT BOWYER – 495 POINTS
    Hot at Sonoma and Daytona, but just lukewarm at Kentucky. Needs to bring the heat on Sunday.

    16. MATT KENSETH – 478 POINTS
    Loses his ride next season. Talk about having incentive to put forth a great audition run.

    17. JOEY LOGANO – 471 POINTS (1 Win)
    Win or get more points than Kenseth. Just being better won’t cut it, as we saw last week.

    18. ERIK JONES – 426 POINTS
    Replaces Kenseth in the No. 20 next season. Needs a win to replace him in the Chase this season.

    19. DANIEL SUAREZ – 373 POINTS
    Went from fighting for a Top Ten last week, to just fighting to bring the wreck across the line.

    20. TREVOR BAYNE – 352 POINTS
    Like Kahne, he needed a win. Like Kahne, he found the damned wall instead.

     

  • Hot 20 – Kentucky – I am so happy I feel like bouncing…just more like Eeyore than Tigger

    Hot 20 – Kentucky – I am so happy I feel like bouncing…just more like Eeyore than Tigger

    Welcome to the Eeyore edition of the Hot 20. Last week, it was Daytona. That was the Happy Snoopy Dance version. This Saturday night, it is Kentucky. My level of excitement is slightly subdued.

    It is not as if there is nothing to watch for. Clint Bowyer might like a win, but he is not quite yet in desperate straits. Matt Kenseth might and with Joey Logano just three points behind him, a win or just a much better day than the one his rival experiences would be sweet. Logano would be fine except for the fact five guys below him in points have wins and Joey’s victory counts for nothing.

    Kenseth won in Kentucky in 2013, and could sure use another. Kyle Busch has a pair there, in 2011 and 2015, but his points total sure looks good enough despite him being winless. In 2012, 2014, and 2016, the winner was Brad Keselowski. Other than to chalk up some more playoff points, he needs it like I need to gain another 20 pounds.

    If a 2017 race winner wins again, it could be pretty ho-hum. If someone 11th through 15th takes the prize, that would be nice. However, if someone 16th or beyond claims the contest Saturday night, Kentucky just might turn out to be mighty interesting indeed.

    Of course, like Eeyore, I can be content in the knowledge that things could always be worse. Not sure how, but they could be.

    1. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 3 WINS (516 Pts)
    If this racing thing doesn’t pan out, he could always be a salesman. He is quite the pedaler.

    2. KYLE LARSON – 2 WINS (667 Pts)
    Top gun in points, has a pair of wins, and soon might not be known as the “other” Kyle.

    3. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 2 WINS (649 Pts)
    According to Las Vegas, this is your favorite for Sparta’s big race.

    4. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 2 WINS (535 Pts)
    Ignore Thornton. “I am Sparta!”

    5. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 2 WINS (395 Pts)
    Wins at Talladega and Daytona. Who the hell does he think he is, Jamie McMurray?

    6. KEVIN HARVICK – 1 WIN (557 Pts)
    Has not yet won at Pocono, Texas, or Kentucky. Time to break out the bucket list.

    7. RYAN BLANEY – 1 WIN (435 Pts)
    Backward flip into a pool after signing a giant rubber duck. That was his Daytona experience.

    8. KURT BUSCH – 1 WIN (408 Pts)
    Said Junior had the car to beat last week…and, by God, they beat it real good.

    9. RYAN NEWMAN – 1 WIN (399 Pts)
    I am starting to think that they keep Newman locked up in a dark room between races.

    10. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN (323 Pts)
    Darlington might be three months away, but his paint scheme that day will be so sweet.

    11. KYLE BUSCH – 559 POINTS
    Doesn’t need a third Kentucky win. He just wants it.

    12. CHASE ELLIOTT – 524 POINTS
    Upset with McDowell, but will keep it civil. I mean, Michael is just too damn big not to.

    13. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 504 POINTS
    If he is not finishing in the Top Fifteen, it means he crashed.

    14. DENNY HAMLIN – 498 POINTS
    How this race differs from the Daytona 500? If he wins Saturday, the car won’t be up on display.

    15. CLINT BOWYER – 469 POINTS
    Not locked in just yet, but feeling pretty confident.

    16. MATT KENSETH – 445 POINTS
    Not so confident, but he is one of three who has won in Kentucky before.

    17. JOEY LOGANO – 442 POINTS (1 W)
    It has been a while since a race winner was sitting outside a Chase place.

    18. ERIK JONES – 386 POINTS
    Has it much easier at an autograph session than, say, Brad Keselowski.

    19. DANIEL SUAREZ – 354 POINTS
    Maybe…just maybe…we have the first Mexican Olympic bobsleigh champion right here.

    20. TREVOR BAYNE – 351 POINTS
    A Bayne win Saturday would even make Eeyore smile.

  • The Final Word – Daytona…best race of the season

    The Final Word – Daytona…best race of the season

    Daytona. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. A win to be in.

    Well, that is what many were hoping for Saturday night. Junior led from the pole, was sitting up near the front, and finished only behind Brad Keselowski when the opening stage came to a conclusion. No problem. He was contending and that was good enough for the moment.

    Sadly, rather than a presentation of The Greatest Story Ever Told, a flat tire and some grinding work against the fence made it more like the Life of Brian. Earnhardt, who is retiring from full-time racing after this season, still walked among us, just a couple of laps behind where his fans had hoped he might be.

    It could have been worse. Kyle Busch had a tire go down, wiggled briefly in front of his brother, then found himself in the middle of a crap storm. By the time the cars quit hitting each other and the wall, Martin Truex Jr., Joey Logano, and Austin Dillon were among them with time on their hands. Kyle may have departed, but at least Kurt Busch was left on the track, if that was any consolation.

    The only constant was that nothing was constant. You had the feeling that when they began the final half of the 400-mile journey, everyone had a shot at it. Well, everyone not already beaten to a pulp. Maybe Ryan Blaney would win again. Maybe Chase Elliott would claim his first. If either was to come to pass, they had their work cut out for them. With 155 miles left, Chase Elliott got turned, went across in front of Blaney, and the pair went on a tear through the grass. They were bowed, though not yet beaten.

    Remember Earnhardt? When they went back under green, he was 16th and back on the lead lap. Did the man whose career from 2001 to 2004 read like sensationalized fiction have one more fairytale ending in his library? With 140 miles left, Junior was back in the Top Ten as Hendrick teammate Jimmie Johnson took over the lead.

    Then it happened. You know how Cinderella ends? Pretty sweet, eh? Well, in this version, Kevin Harvick lost a tire, spun in front of Earnhardt, and it was pumpkin pie for them both. Others spun, but Happy and Dale were the pair that were done.

    Maybe Clint Bowyer was going to lock his spot in the Chase. He trailed only Ricky Stenhouse Jr. with a hundred miles remaining, which is when Keselowski checked out of this one. Tire went down, the nose inhaled the wall, and as he headed to the garage, the two leaders headed to the pits. Good time as any for a much-needed fuel stop. We might have known who was not going to win at this time, but the identity of the winner was still a total mystery. Maybe this is why Daytona races are a joy to watch.

    Sixty miles to go. The top four all looking for a win to vault ahead into a Chase place. Daniel Suarez was followed by Kasey Kahne. Bowyer and Matt Kenseth were in on points, but barely, and that would be in jeopardy if either of those first two claimed this thing. David Ragan, Erik Jones and Paul Menard all desperately need a win, and all were in the mix as the laps counted down. I tell you, it was pretty darn hard to sneak away to get that final cold one the way they were racing.

    With 35 miles to go the winless Chris Buescher, A.J. Allmendinger, and Ty Dillon had moved up to join the others hoping for a season-defining result among the top dozen. Daddy’s adult pop was still calling, but I was still not moving. Incredible action.

    Twelve miles left, and still, we had no idea who would win. We did get a definite idea of who else would not. Kyle Larson got hooked by Stenhouse and went airborne. It was a Days of Thunder conclusion for him and Kenseth, as Blaney had his straw house blown down. As for Kurt, he managed to avoid an accident earlier, only to find that fate was just waiting to claim his auto.

    Eight laps left. Every lap an exciting one, but the only one that was going to matter in the end was the one that ended it. That lap would come in overtime, and while Menard, Bowyer, and Michael McDowell were second through fourth, it was Stenhouse coming home for his second victory of the season. He was a heart-breaker, especially when you consider that, other than Ryan Newman in fifth, the rest of the top 11 Saturday night remain winless on the season.

    Most entertaining race of the year. If you are hoping for another possible Earnhardt storyline in Kentucky next Saturday night, you should expect to be disappointed. In six previous events held at that venue, the winners have gone by such names as Keselowski (3), Rowdy (2), and Kenseth. That is all.

    Now I can go get that frosty beverage.

  • Hot 20 – Daytona in the summer time

    Hot 20 – Daytona in the summer time

    The changing of the guard. NASCAR fans are getting used to that. Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and soon Dale Earnhardt Jr. Summer returns, which means FOX leaves to be replaced by NBC.

    I also read that FOX Sports is dumping its prose in favor of video. Ironically enough, I read about it. Some of us still like to read. If I am wrong about that, I may soon be writing about other things for folks who maintain a certain level of literacy.  You would not want me to return to video, but it raises some possibilities. For example, not only could I describe my raised middle digit in salute to what I think about “progress,” but I could visually share it with you should the video censors allow.

    Did you notice Danica Patrick’s visor cam last weekend? I loved it. It had that in-car video game feel. You felt like you were actually in the car because visually you were. You looked out the windshield and saw the hands on the wheel. Of the innovative camera angles presented in recent years, the visor cam is the best. I bet we could even see a raised middle finger should the situation warrant it.

    Sonoma was our featured track last week, which was good. Daytona returns for this weekend. That is great. Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Indianapolis come to our screens after that, but why dampen my mood just yet.

    NASCAR says stage racing will be staying. I might be in the minority, but I like it. I think it is stupid to add an additional stage to the World 600, but I do like it for the most part. They probably offer up too much for those who might have been something in the first half of the race but disappear when it counts, but who ever blamed NASCAR for being perfect? Okay, I just made myself laugh.

    Ten drivers have given the rest of the field the bird, with wins all but locking them into the Chase. Six others are there on points, but that number could dwindle should somebody else claim their first win of the season. Right now, Joey Logano, Clint Bowyer, and Matt Kenseth are fighting it out over those final two playoff spaces. That could change to just the final slot should somebody like Dale Earnhardt Jr. or Trevor Bayne come up with the goods on Saturday night.

    An Earnhardt in Victory Lane at Daytona. Now, I am not sure if that would constitute much of a change or not. It would sure be one way to rocket up to be among our Hot 20…

    1. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 3 WINS – 483 Pts
    The perfect gift idea for his crew chief? A new laptop, of course.

    2. KYLE LARSON – 2 WINS – 659 Pts
    When you average more than 40 points every week, they start to add up.

    3. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 2 WINS – 646 Pts
    Hell of a car, hell of an opening stage, too bad about that engine last week.

    4. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 2 WINS – 519 Pts
    Does anyone really think Penske would let Brad get away?

    5. KEVIN HARVICK – 1 WIN – 548 Pts
    The winningest driver in Cup…over the past week.

    6. RYAN BLANEY – 1 WIN – 415 Pts
    Despite the win, Blaney still has seven races in which he garnered less than 20 points.

    7. KURT BUSCH – 1 WIN – 389 Pts
    After his appearance on the Today Show, he can never again criticize his pit crew.

    8. RYAN NEWMAN – 1 WIN – 367 Pts
    If only Paul Menard could find his way to Victory Lane, Childress would be 3 for 3.

    9. RICKY STENHOUSE JR – 1 WIN – 355 Pts
    Mr. Stenhouse. That was not what I would call a love tap.

    10. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 322 Pts
    Going with the red, white, and blue on Saturday night.

    11. KYLE BUSCH – 542 PTS
    Want to be a crew chief for a day? If you do, it is best you come in with deep pockets.

    12. CHASE ELLIOTT – 509 PTS
    Still looking for that first win, but found a new four-year contract extension.

    13. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 477 PTS
    Daytona. It is a track worthy of another McMurray victory.

    14. DENNY HAMLIN – 476 PTS
    Won Xfinity race at Michigan. Thankfully, William Byron finally got his win at Iowa last week.

    15. JOEY LOGANO – 434 PTS – 1 Win
    Another unencumbered win, like the one he had there 2.5-years ago, would sure come in handy.

    16. CLINT BOWYER – 427 PTS
    Clint’s best finish there is fourth.

    17. MATT KENSETH – 423 PTS
    Has won a pair of Daytona 500’s, but now hopes to overcome his summertime blues.

    18. ERIK JONES – 358 PTS
    Is this just a one season stop before moving on to Gibbs Racing?

    19. TREVOR BAYNE – 337 PTS
    Won the big race in 2011, was third in last year’s July contest.

    20. DANIEL SUAREZ – 334 PTS
    10 Mexican wins, 3 Xfinity, 1 truck victory. It is just a matter of time.

  • Sonoma Raceway – Did You Know?

    Sonoma Raceway – Did You Know?

    The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series travels to Sonoma Raceway this weekend for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Thirty-eight drivers will compete but only one will make it to the Wine Country Winner’s Circle for a champagne celebration.

    Sunday’s race will be the 29th Cup Series event at Sonoma. The inaugural race was held on June 11, 1989, with Ricky Rudd holding off Rusty Wallace to win the Banquet Frozen Foods 300. It was his only victory that year, though Rudd would go on to win again in 2002. But did you know he is one of only six drivers with multiple wins at the track?

    Jeff Gordon leads the series with five victories at the road course, including three consecutively, from 1998 – 2000. Tony Stewart has three trophies but did you know he captured the final win of his Cup career last year at Sonoma, ending an 84-race winless drought?

    Ernie Irvan, Rusty Wallace and Rudd have two wins each. Kyle Busch has scored two checkered flags, in 2008 and 2015, and is the only active driver with multiple wins.

    The Sonoma race will consist of 110 laps on the 1.990-miles road course which is lined with 1,000 tire packs made up of 25,000 tires. But did you know that each driver who completes the Toyota/Save Mart 350 will make 1,100 turns during the race?

    Kyle Larson heads to Sonoma as the points leader after his win last week at Michigan, giving him two victories this year. He has the series fifth-best driver rating (90.0) at the track with a best finish of 12th place last year. But did you know that he is one of nine drivers who has secured a spot in the playoffs with wins?

    The only way any of them would fail to make the playoffs is if there are more new winners than spots left in the 16-driver field. As it now stands, Jimmie Johnson (3), Brad Keselowski (2), Martin Truex Jr. (2), Ryan Blaney, Kurt Busch, Austin Dillon, Ryan Newman and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will almost certainly join Larson as participants in the playoffs.

    Rounding out the top five at Sonoma are Kurt Busch (107.8), with the series-best driver rating, followed by Johnson (99.9), Clint Bowyer (90.2) and Kyle Busch (90.1)

    Kyle Busch and Bowyer are both winless this season but did you know they are among six active drivers with Sonoma victories? Kyle Busch has won twice (2008, 2015) while Clint Bowyer (2012), Kurt Busch (2011), Jimmie Johnson (2010), Kasey Kahne (2009) and Truex (2013) each have one win.

    One more interesting statistic — In his final trip to Sonoma as a full-time Cup Series driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. may not be anyone’s favorite to win. But did you know that he leads all drivers with a 7.0 average finish in the last three races at Sonoma?

    Qualifying will be crucial this weekend as the pole position is the most proficient starting position. It has produced more wins than any other position, with five, while the second starting position has produced three wins. But did you know that Juan Pablo Montoya won from the deepest in the field in 2007 after starting in 32nd place?

    The on-track action begins Friday afternoon with two practices while Coors Light Pole qualifying will be held on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. ET. Be sure to tune into The Toyota/Save Mart 350 Sunday at 3 p.m. on FS1 for the 16th race of the season. In the meantime, check out the video below as we remember Tony Stewart’s last trip to victory lane.

    Follow @angiecampbell_ for the latest NASCAR news and feature stories.

  • Hot 20-California to make a sharp turn to the right, but only on the race track at Sonoma

    Hot 20-California to make a sharp turn to the right, but only on the race track at Sonoma

    It is ironic that the two tracks that feature folks turning to the right are in California and New York, where you would think left would be the preferred direction. Sonoma is the perfect venue to feature our hot drivers, with temperatures this week in the 90s, though promises to be in the low 80s come Sunday. It a facility well used, with 340 days of racing events featured annually.

    This is no oval in the sunshine. Its undulating geography has them rise up through the second and third turns, where the inside tires ride higher than the outside. Uphill they go, through the chute before heading back down to reach the hairpin left-hand 11th turn. Then, it is a race to the finish line to complete the 1.99-mile journey.

    Sonoma is where Tony Stewart claimed his final career victory, his third on the track. Only six active drivers remain who have claimed a win there. Kyle Busch has a pair. The other five include Kurt Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Martin Truex Jr., Kasey Kahne and Stewart’s employee, Clint Bowyer. The latter pair sure could use another one about now.

    No matter how your season has been going, a victory on the road course would make everything seem alright…just not alt.right. That is a totally different deal apparently.

    The Hot 20 heading to Sonoma include…

    1. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 3 WINS – 449 Pts
    After signing up for an additional three seasons, wants Chad Knaus to join him.

    2. KYLE LARSON – 2 WINS – 640 Pts
    17th at Martinsville. 14th at Richmond. 33rd at Charlotte. 12th or better everywhere else.

    3. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 2 WINS – 635 Pts
    When you count playoff points, Truex becomes our leader.

    4. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 2 WINS – 476 Pts
    Some say he could be the new man in the 88. Others say they then would burn their 88 gear.

    5. RYAN BLANEY – 1 WIN – 376 Pts
    Embrace your Nickelback adoration and become Hanna, Alberta’s most beloved driver.

    6. KURT BUSCH – 1 WIN – 359 Pts
    Sonoma is wine country. Wine comes from grapes. Grapes grow on Busch’s. Okay, it’s a theory.

    7. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 1 WIN – 354 Pts
    When my wife has a bad day at the office, we don’t talk about work. Thought I might mention it.

    8. RYAN NEWMAN – 1 WIN – 344 Pts
    I briefly saw Newman at Michigan. Once, but I did see him.

    9. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN – 297 Pts
    Former Air Force fan sent him his flight gloves. My biggest fan is a proctologist. I want nothing.

    10. KYLE BUSCH – 510 PTS
    Has led in each of the past six races, and won the All-Star race. I do not think he has to worry.

    11. KEVIN HARVICK – 508 PTS
    From DeLana to Joey: “Congrats! Now you’ll really see who wears the fire suit in the family.”

    12. CHASE ELLIOTT – 478 PTS
    Runner-up finish last week was his best, to add to his handful of Top Fives in 15 attempts.

    13. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 450 PTS
    If his teammate can win, he can win. Next iconic race comes up soon in Daytona.

    14. DENNY HAMLIN – 430 PTS
    Was fourth on Sunday, which is good. Won the Xfinity race on Saturday (sort of), but who gives a damn?

    15. JOEY LOGANO – 398 PTS – 1 Win
    Encumbered is a fancy way of saying wins without benefits.

    16. MATT KENSETH – 398 PTS
    Fun fact: Only those currently in a Chase place have earned a playoff point this season.

    17. CLINT BOWYER – 391 PTS
    His boss won at Sonoma last year, he won in 2012, and Clint might need to do it again.

    18. ERIK JONES – 346 PTS
    Was racing recently in Senoia, Georgia. I wonder if he got to meet Carl, Rick, Daryl, and Negan?

    19. TREVOR BAYNE – 323 PTS
    This month he has a win and now Levi Jensen Bayne. It has been a great June for Trevor.

    20. DANIEL SUAREZ – 313 PTS
    Older drivers still rule, as just nine of this group of twenty are 20-somethings.

     

  • Hot 20 – Heading to Michigan, Danica would top this chart if it were not based on performance

    Hot 20 – Heading to Michigan, Danica would top this chart if it were not based on performance

    You would think it would be great to be Danica Patrick. After Pocono, she might be thinking it would be far easier to be Kyle Busch.

    When Kyle does not win, Kyle is not happy. He might not be out signing autographs like Richard Petty should he fall short, especially a race he thought he should have won. Danica finished 16th at Pocono and walked by some autograph hounds without stopping to sign. They then brought out the raspberries. Patrick did not like that and turned to face them.

    “If you’re a real fan then you’ll know my job is not to sign autographs. My job is to drive a car and to tell the team what is going on.”

    She added that the booing was hurtful, and she pulled no punches in doing so.

    “I don’t appreciate the booing. It hurts my feelings. I’m a f***ing person. I’m a person too. I have feelings.”

    I think Kyle might have similar thoughts on the matter, though I am sure he probably would have expressed them a bit differently. Rowdy might not have mentioned how they hurt his feelings, but there are a couple of Danica’s words he might have used, along with a few more. Did the crowd feel bad after her comments? Not really. They could not help but notice she still had not given them her autograph. They forget she is a driver first and foremost. If not, they would be hounding the Monster Energy ladies for their autographs. Hell, maybe they do.

    Meanwhile, Patrick has a new book out, but some question as to how much touch-up was done to her cover photo. Really? Who gives a damn? I might question her ability to bring in the results you might expect given the resources behind her, but I do not question her popularity, her place in the sport, her dedication, or her appearance.

    If the latter really mattered out on the track, Patrick would top our Hot 20 every damn week. Until such time as they figure out why her racing performance is not where they want it to be, that should be her focus. Her real fans would understand that. The others just do not matter. If you don’t like it, try approaching Jack Nicholson for an autograph. He would just tell you to go to hell.

    1. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 3 WINS (421 Pts)
    Had a Yosemite Sam moment. “Whoa, camel. Whoa, Whoa!” This time, no brakes, no whoa.

    2. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 2 WINS (584 Pts)
    Top Tens in seven of his past eight. Too bad about Talladega.

    3. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 2 WINS (454 Pts)
    At least nobody wrecked him last week.

    4. KYLE LARSON – 1 WIN (583 Pts)
    Career wins: 2 Cup, 8 Xfinity, 2 Craftsman, 1 ARCA, 5 World of Outlaws

    5. RYAN BLANEY – 1 WIN (360 Pts)
    Dad finished third twice at Talladega and once at Darlington, but the boy finished the deal.

    6. KURT BUSCH – 1 WIN (331 Pts)
    Won 15 times in a Ford (2002-05, 2017), 14 times in another brand (2006-16). Lesson learned.

    7. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 1 WIN (325 Pts)
    Never feels he needs to ask Danica for her autograph.

    8. RYAN NEWMAN – 1 WIN (322 Pts)
    Count the win, and he is 8th. Count the points, and he is 17th. He likes to count the win.

    9. AUSTIN DILLON – 1 WIN (287 Pts)
    If Newman likes the new format to get to the Chase, Dillon must love it.

    10. KEVIN HARVICK – 480 PTS
    You shift from first to second to third, pop it back to second, slam clutch and try again.

    11. KYLE BUSCH – 463 PTS
    I do remember Kyle trying to share his feelings, but Logano’s crew got in the way.

    12. CHASE ELLIOTT – 438 PTS
    Believing Elliott the next first-time winner is like believing Johnson the next eight-time champ.

    13. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 418 PTS
    Same scene, different camel at Pocono.

    14. DENNY HAMLIN – 386 PTS
    Believes there will be at least 10 drivers making the Chase on wins…he being one of them.

    15. CLINT BOWYER – 369 PTS
    You know, his position in the playoffs does not seem near as secure as it once did.

    16. JOEY LOGANO – 362 PTS (1 win)
    “To hinder or impede the action or performance of something.” That is what encumbered means.

    17. MATT KENSETH – 359 PTS
    Both Kenseth and Logano have recent wins at Michigan. They each could use another one.

    18. ERIK JONES – 322 PTS
    Drop this far back in points and you just can not make them up…even with a third place finish.

    19. TREVOR BAYNE – 303 PTS
    If you thought his 21st place finish was bad, you should check out last week’s tv ratings.

    20. DANIEL SUAREZ – 300 PTS
    Crew chief Scott Graves tagged with fine over lug nuts? A politician accepts less responsibility.