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Tag: Talladega

Hot 20 – Talladega could not have come at a better time

NASCAR is losing steam. Surprise! It is not exactly news, but this week comments made by the top brass yet again reminded us of what has been going on for about a decade now. NASCAR got its big TV contract in 2001 to bring the action nationwide. It lost one of its legends in that opening race, then his son became part of a very compelling and riveting story line, and a fad was born. Everybody who was anybody jumped aboard the bandwagon. That lasted until the economic downturn following the 2007 season. The good times came to a grinding halt, and have not yet returned. As Merle Haggard used to ask, “Are the good times really over for good?”

Once upon a time, but a time not so far away, 112,000 seats surrounded the track at Richmond. Today, they number 60,000. Last Sunday, only half of them had butt cheeks draped upon them. This week, NASCAR boss Brian France says his sport is not the only one having trouble enticing fans to leave their electronic devices behind, especially those tuned into his races, to make the trek to see the action live. They are having a summit next month in Charlotte, joined by experts, to seek out some answers. Charlotte track owner Humpy Wheeler has his own answers. Get rid of the aero push, the thing that gives the leader in clean air a distinct advantage, once and for all. Do that and then see the return of on-track excitement, the return of duels for the lead, the return of rivalries, and the return of the fans. Simple solution, but one they have been unable to solve for nearly twenty years.

NASCAR was here long before Dale Earnhardt Jr. and it will be there long after he leaves. Sure sounds strong, defiant, and even true to some degree. However, compare how much merchandise Junior moves and compare it to anyone else…hell…everyone else, and you might just notice a few beads of sweat on the foreheads of NASCAR’s big shots. In the past, big stars left but it was all small potatoes back then compared to today. Dale Earnhardt died, but his son was there pick up some of the slack. Today, Junior is planning on going. Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Carl Edwards are already gone. Can Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Erik Jones, Daniel Suarez, and the Dillon brothers keep those rabid fans in tow, the ones who will hang around no matter what? That is the question.

Few tracks pretty much guarantee excitement. Talladega happily is one of them. Multiple lead changes, the potential of mayhem each and every lap, and the thrills that it brings. You do not need an Earnhardt to present that. You sure do when you go to Kansas for the next contest, and we return to a 1.5-mile oval and the same old, same old. Without the likes of Junior to cheer for, the lukewarm supporters will once again dissipate like a mist in the wind. They might return for the all-star event, they might catch the World 600 at Charlotte later this month, or next month’s road course challenge at Sonoma, then the Firecracker 400 at Daytona in July. Kansas, Dover, Pocono, and Michigan each have two events scheduled this season, with the first coming our way in May and June. Think about that, then tell me “how bad have you got it?” Exactly.

Talladega could not come at a better time. Here is to the hot action for our Hot 20 in Alabama on Sunday afternoon.

1. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 2 WINS – 327 PTS
Junior might be the current King of Talladega, but with four wins Brad is the Crown Prince.

2. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 2 WINS – 270 PTS
When did they start painting the walls to look like Junior’s car?

3. KYLE LARSON – 1 WIN – 398 PTS
“I would race a lot more if I was allowed to. That’s why I feel like I’m the last true racer.”

4. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 1 WIN – 358 PTS
Having a decent season, but imagine how good it would be if not for all those damned penalties.

5. JOEY LOGANO – 1 WIN – 333 PTS
Joey is sad. He heard Rowdy got a commitment line penalty at Richmond. The tears are flowing.

6. RYAN NEWMAN – 1 WIN – 225 PTS
In 30 starts, just five Top Fives, with his best being third eight years ago. You can save on the suds.

7. KURT BUSCH – 1 WIN – 192 PTS
When it came to Dale Earnhardt and Mr. Busch, oh well-a bird, bird, bird; bird is a word.

8. CHASE ELLIOTT – 346 PTS
Driving for Hooters this weekend. Make up your own joke.

9. KEVIN HARVICK – 286 PTS
Bloomin’ good result resulted in Outback Steakhouse giving away Bloomin’ Onions. Really.

10. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 282 PTS
Jamie only wins on the biggest stages. This would be one of them.

11. CLINT BOWYER – 266 PTS
Not as vile as Colbert, but he can sometimes string together some hot phrases on the radio.

12. KYLE BUSCH – 235 PTS
Five minutes. No crews, no officials, no cameras. Just five minutes is all he asks.

13. DENNY HAMLIN – 231 PTS
With Kyle, Denny, and Matt all here, the lack of Joe Gibbs wins is truly a non-story.

14. RYAN BLANEY – 229 PTS
Only five points earned over the past two events, with four of the past six outside the Top 20.

15. TREVOR BAYNE – 216 PTS
Still only one Cup win to his credit, but if you have to win just one…he picked well.

16. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 201 PTS
Joining Martin and Sherry, along with a host of others, in Catwalk for a Cause later this month.

17. ERIK JONES – 193 PTS
Lasted less than five laps last week, earned just one point. Talladega just has to be better.

18. MATT KENSETH – 192 PTS
Richmond was a race that proved to be 237 laps too long. Before that, he had a very nice day.

19. ARIC ALMIROLA – 189 PTS
The “other” drivers with more than one win in the No.43…Bobby Hamilton (2) and Jim Paschal (2).

20. KASEY KAHNE – 179 PTS
Krispy Kasey Kahne went cycling last week and, as Gollum might say, “It burns us.”

May 3, 2017
The Final Word – Richmond was like a nice white dress shirt…with ketchup on it

We all know what it is like. We get all excited about some event, then it does not go as planned. That Christmas morning you waited for so long, only to wake up with the flu. The day at the ballpark longed dreamed of, only to see the storm clouds roll in. That long anticipated first date, only to discover you just blew the rear of your pants out. For me, that was Richmond.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returned to Richmond after announcing his impending retirement. Richmond, where he won his second, and final, Cup race during his father’s lifetime. Then Cinderella discovered her nice coach turned into a pumpkin after a speeding penalty took him forever out of the hunt for a Top Ten spot. A spin, then being splashed across the outside wall by his teammate left him in 30th.

Matt Kenseth was the man. He led from the pole for the initial 163 laps. All was wonderful beneath the Virginia sunshine. Then he drifted back a bit, then had a bad pit stop, then cut a tire against Martin Truex Jr. to wind up 23rd.

Just ask Kyle Busch about Richmond. He might not tell you, at least not with a recording device anywhere near. He got caught speeding early, but he was making progress as the race continued. He was within striking distance for the lead when Joey Logano cut in late to pit road, obstructing Busch’s view of where the commitment line was. He ran over it. He got penalized. He went from contender to 16th.

As for Logano? Well, he won, of course. It was his 18th win in his 300th career start to become one of seven who has all but punched their ticket to the Chase. Yet, despite the victory, he was just fourth in points earned on the day, with 42. That was eight shy of Brad Keselowski, the race runner-up, and second stage winner. That was five short of Denny Hamlin, in third, and fifth place Kevin Harvick.

Erik Jones got a point. Just one. Mind you, he did not manage to get in five laps last Sunday when he got help cutting a tire. That sent him into the grinder that was the outside wall and he was done. A.J. Allmendinger got a point. Midway through the second stage, his auto developed some issues that required a trip to the garage. A long trip. He was running at the end, just 67 laps down. Ryan Blaney got a point. Another cut tire, another meeting with the wall. At least he waited to near the end to come to an end. Ask those three guys what they thought about Richmond.

That was then. Talladega is what is coming up now. This Sunday, we go to the House of Earnhardt. Ten wins by the father. Six more by the son. No flu. No split britches. No rain. It would not dare.

May 1, 2017
Hot 20 – As Richmond arrives, Earnhardt announces his departure

One day they are going to make that movie. It will feature a young Dale Earnhardt Jr. growing up in the shadow of his legendary father. We will see his daddy’s pride as his namesake begins his racing career. That first Tier II win at Texas in 1998. The two Tier II titles that came that year, and the next.

Two years later, Senior saw Junior take his first Cup victory on that same Texas track. Junior won, ole Dale was seventh in the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet. Four races later, at Richmond, Junior won his second. Dad was 10th. The Legend and his Legacy.

Then came the improbable story line. Dale Earnhardt would leave us on the final lap of the Daytona 500 on February 18, 2001. It was a race won by Michael Waltrip, a winless veteran driver who the Terminator put in the seat of a Dale Earnhardt Inc. car. His son finished second. On a day that should have been devoted to celebration, the Man in Black was gone.

No one would dare write a script like this one. A week later, another of his drivers, Steve Park, would win at Rockingham. His friend and rival, Jeff Gordon, claimed Las Vegas. His race team, now led by a 25-year old Kevin Harvick, returned to Victory Lane for Richard Childress in the next race at Atlanta. What could top this emotional ride? When they returned to Daytona in July, it was Dale Earnhardt Jr. winning, with Waltrip in second, and we rejoiced as they celebrated atop their cars in the infield as the crowd roared in approval.

Junior would win at Dover later in the year, and in October he was victorious at Talladega, the scene of his father’s final victory just the year before. Senior won 10 times at that track, and the 2001 win for his son was the start of four consecutive conquests on the same superspeedway. The movie will take us to the twin Talladega triumphs of 2002, to Talladega and Phoenix the next season, and then to 2004. The Daytona 500, Atlanta, Richmond, Bristol, Talladega, and Phoenix.

Then came the lean years. The break from his late father’s team. The man who lost a legendary father joined a man who lost a cherished son. The main story went behind the scenes, as the successes on the track became few and far in between. Just four wins over nine seasons. However, there was one more act in the play, a resurgence before the final curtain would drop.

Four more wins in 2014, including his second Daytona 500. Three in 2015, including his sixth at Talladega, one more summertime victory to give him four at Daytona, and his third career decision at Phoenix. Before the credits roll, the movie will see the on-track heartbreak of 2016, the loss of half a season. Yet, while he wondered about his future out on the track, there was true joy as the year ended with his new bride Amy by his side. A new chapter was about to begin as the movie comes to a close.

Peter Jackson, if you are not too busy, this is a movie I would really love to see.

Here are our Hot 20 heading to Richmond this Sunday.

1. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 2 WINS – 277 PTS
Leads the pack, but his day at Bristol was one for the dumper. On to Richmond!

2. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 2 WINS – 244 PTS
With his 6.72 races per win ratio, his next victory should come by the time they leave Michigan.

3. KYLE LARSON – 1 WIN – 360 PTS
Great acceleration out of the pits on Monday. Just too great, as it turned out.

4. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 1 WIN – 323 PTS
Had a rare good day at Bristol and now hopes for a rare good day at Richmond.

5. RYAN NEWMAN – 1 WIN – 186 PTS
One win means the difference between fifth and 14th. I hope Junior is listening.

6. KURT BUSCH – 1 WIN – 163 PTS
Went three laps down and still had a better day than his brother.

7. CHASE ELLIOTT – 333 PTS
He was not a factor last week, so explain to me that Top Ten result.

8. JOEY LOGANO – 291 PTS
Not a fan of the driver, but Cameron Curtis reminds us we all should be a fan of the man.

9. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 244 PTS
Granted, we are just eight races in, but 2017 has been a very sweet year for the 40-year old.

10. KEVIN HARVICK – 239 PTS
Before you panic, he has 24 wins over the past seven seasons, and a winless streak of just 13.

11. CLINT BOWYER – 239 PTS
From second tier a year ago to second place this past week to a place he’s won at twice before.

12. RYAN BLANEY – 228 PTS
No power steering, no quick fix, no points to speak of, but just check out those biceps.

13. KYLE BUSCH – 214 PTS
When the wheels on the car don’t keep round and round, one’s day can go to crap in a hurry.

14. TREVOR BAYNE – 192 PTS
Best performer for Jack Roush since Carl Edwards left to join Joe Gibbs.

15. ERIK JONES – 192 PTS
The 20-year-old has one Top Ten as he enters his 12th career Cup race.

16. DENNY HAMLIN – 184 PTS
Tenth on Monday and now heads to a track where he has won three, including the one last fall.

17. RICKY STENHOUSE, JR. – 168 PTS
Three Top Tens over the past five contests but just one in eight tries at Richmond.

18. KASEY KAHNE – 164 PTS
Does Junior’s announcement ease the pressure on him or is the clock still ticking?

19. ARIC ALMIROLA – 161 PTS
You could say that Bristol (tire) rubbed him the wrong way.

20. MATT KENSETH – 159 PTS
It does not matter where you run all day, as long as you are in the picture at the end.

April 26, 2017
Hot 20 – Bristol is an all-star venue though Charlotte remains host of the all-star race

Ever since 1987, Charlotte has hosted the all-star race. Some, including Kevin Harvick, figure it should be rotated to other venues like those other sports do. I would agree, only if I had a veto as to what tracks it went to. Even then, I am not sure I would ever agree to the change.

Do not get me wrong. I do not believe Charlotte always produces the greatest events, but it has three things in its favor. First, it is the home for most of the teams. I like that ole home kind of vibe that comes from having the event just down the road a piece from where they all live. Second, Charlotte has been the home to the longest, most demanding race of the year since 1960. That gives it status and tradition. Third, the all-star race is run just the week before the greatest weekend in auto sports. After the all-stars hit the track, the next weekend we have the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the World 600 keeping us recording and watching races all through the day. The all-star race at Charlotte is a nice appetizer before we enjoy the main course.

Now, if the alternative to Charlotte was Daytona, Talladega, Sonoma, or Watkins Glen, then maybe. If it was Bristol, I would be tempted. Why? How about watching the action this weekend and you can tell me as to why that might make a good choice. If it keeps your butt glued to the seat, be it trackside or on your couch, that is always a good thing.

The all-star race is a month away. Bristol features our Hot 20, and the not so hot 19, this Saturday afternoon.

1. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 2 WINS – 274 PTS
Even if they fail to win their appeal, he will still sit among the top two come Monday.

2. KYLE LARSON – 1 WIN – 315 PTS
Along with Brad and that other Kyle, favored to take the checkers this weekend.

3. MARTIN TRUEX, JR. – 1 WIN – 275 PTS
Fall 2011, second. Spring 2012, third. The other 20 at Bristol, outside the Top Ten.

4. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 1 WIN – 190 PTS
So ends his horrific six-race winless streak. Oh, the humanity. Good Lord.

5. RYAN NEWMAN – 1 WIN – 163 PTS
Since he won, where has he gone?

6. KURT BUSCH – 1 WIN – 151 PTS
A theory is that Kurt and Ryan have been hanging out playing Pinochle on race day ever since.

7. CHASE ELLIOTT – 298 PTS
Before Junior, the most popular driver was an Elliott. After Junior, it might be again.

8. JOEY LOGANO – 243 PTS
On his Verizon commercial, he says “We don’t need more Joeys.” I am biting my tongue.

9. RYAN BLANEY – 224 PTS
Along with Larson, Elliott, and Jones, the next generation has arrived and they are damned good.

10. KYLE BUSCH – 211 PTS
Prior to 2012, was 5-for-14 at Bristol. Since they shaved the upper banking, he has been 0-for-9.

11. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 209 PTS
Arguably having his best season, including the Daytona, Indianapolis, Charlotte trifecta of 2010.

12. CLINT BOWYER – 204 PTS
Some drivers wear heart monitors, and some others are named Clint.

13. KEVIN HARVICK – 198 PTS
Obviously, does not like staying at home in mid-May.

14. TREVOR BAYNE – 164 PTS
Tennessee Trevor is intending to make Bristol Bayne country.

15. ERIK JONES – 159 PTS
The last first-year driver to win the title was…Red Byron…in 1949…in the division’s first year.

16. DENNY HAMLIN – 151 PTS
Springtime at Bristol over the past seven years has meant 19th or worse…except for 2014.

17. KASEY KAHNE – 147 PTS
With Bush Beans the pole sponsor, might one take it without even having to sit in a car?

18. ARIC ALMIROLA – 146 PTS
He loves Bristol…but will the feeling be mutual?

19. RICKY STENHOUSE JR. – 139 PTS
A pair of Xfinity titles and he is a former American Ninja Warrior. Okay, he also knows Danica.

20. DALE EARNHARDT JR. – 133 PTS
What? You were expecting Jeffrey?

April 19, 2017
The Final Word – Newman rises in Phoenix, while a pair run down under in New Zealand

Let us be honest. Of the 39 entries at Phoenix, the race itself featured just 28 marquee teams. Those are outfits that through a combination of great equipment, driver talent, and, to be honest, marketability, have most of us watching for every week.

Most are relatively easy to spot. Check out the standings. They would include the Top 25 as of today, and I will let you figure out who the other three might be. That would include the Top 26 finishers at Phoenix. If you were hoping for a dark horse to win, you might consider Talladega in May.

You had better luck finding Nemo than Ryan Newman in Victory Lane in recent years. He was there for the first time since July 28, 2013, in Indianapolis. That was surprising enough. Newman was in the vicinity early, but a call for no tires is what put him on the front row for the overtime restart and that was all she wrote. Career win number 18 was a long time coming.

Kyle Larson did not win. He actually had to avoid being collected up, which broke his momentum, and that allowed the Rocket to take off before him. Larson had to settle for second place. Again. Like he did at Las Vegas. Like he did at Atlanta. Hell, he was second at Homestead to finish last season. We might have four drivers with wins to their credit bound for the Chase, but right now no one has accumulated more points this season than Larson. In fact, on Sunday, Larson accumulated 11 more points than Newman did. So, to the winner goes the spoils…but sometimes not most of the spoils.

A winner gets a minimum of 40 points, with two stage wins pushing that to a maximum of 60. Five drivers came in with 40 or more. Newman had 42, Larson 53, and Kyle Busch 47. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was fourth, but it was fifth place Brad Keselowski finishing 13 points ahead of him, with 46. As for Chase Elliott, he was fourth in the opening stage, won the second, and finished 12th to accumulate 42 of his own. You can make up your own mind if first and 12th can be worth the same. To be honest, I can live with it. I guess I do like surprises after all.

So, if 40 points constitutes a good day, what is a dud? Twenty? More than half the field in Phoenix failed to even reach that plateau. Single digits? That would at least place a driver outside the Top 28, and if a driver is worth following you would think they should finish above that unless fate intervenes.

Fate intervened with Matt Kenseth when his right front blew and he blasted the wall pretty hard. He got just a single point for his day’s efforts. That would be a dud. Same thing happened to Joey Logano with six to go while he was running in 11th place. Thanks to winning Stage One, was 31st on the track, but 16 markers had him 23rd in points earned. Not a dud, but also not a very good day.

It is interesting how life works. In Las Vegas, Logano “accidentally” took out Rowdy in the final lap, prompting their post-race aerobic activity. In Phoenix, Logano pounds the wall in the late going, bringing out the caution that probably cost Busch the win. I think Karma just decided to punish them both. Who knew that she was such a peacenik?

Next up is the swing out to California. There are times when I think that track produces the most mind numbing boring contests. Then a gem appears that forces me to reconsider that. Forrest Gump is right. The Auto Club Speedway is like a box of chocolates. Jimmie Johnson has six wins there, with Kenseth and the younger Busch each with three. Then again, Kevin Harvick came in the king of the hill at Phoenix, and he wound up sixth. Not bad, not good, but still not a dud.

In other racing news, I am a very proud papa. While my sons carry far too much muscle to be considered greyhounds, they are a determined pair. Both took on the challenge of Northburn Station near Cromwell, New Zealand on the weekend. A leg injury interfered with Ronald’s training, but he still did his 50 kilometer (31 mile) event in 8.5 hours. John took on the 161 kilometer (100 mile) race and completed it in 37 hours and 54 minutes. Check out the Northburn Station 100 and see the kind of terrain they ran.

Let me be honest. I love my sons, who give us every reason to be very proud parents, but they are truly nuts.

March 20, 2017
Hot 20 – Texas is next, where men are men and women are damned happy about it

It would appear I got up on the wrong side of the bed again. Maybe I simply am becoming an old cantankerous SOB. Maybe I’m already there. If I were a muppet, I probably would have a seat in the balcony, if you know what I mean. Is it my fault things just seem to tick me off?

Oh, what if Jimmie Johnson wins a seventh championship? Some wonder if fans can stand to see him win again, and I wonder what kind of snowflake, safe space, pronoun changing, easily offended, easily bored band of twits have we become? If he wins, great. We are watching a living legend. If he does not, great again, as the dreams of someone else would have been fulfilled. I worry more about what kind of action is presented, if what I see and hear can keep me entertained long enough to wish to continue to watch. If they can manage that, I could not care less if Johnson wins seven or 10 bloody titles.

I learned something last week. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has a future in the broadcast booth. It is not that he is super smooth or has those deep pipes, but rather it is the quality of what comes out of his mouth. I found myself listening to him. That is the trick, and not all have that mastered. From what I hear, few do.

NASCAR is in the advanced stage of talks to replace Sprint, who replaced Nextel, who replaced Winston as the Cup Series title sponsor. Please, Lord, let it be a corporate entity that does not embarrass us by their inclusion. I mean, we already have a majority of races with no lasting identity other than this year’s corporate clown 500 monikers. I am just saying that, please, let it not be the Anusol Cup in 2017.

Problem. Solution. Last week, the problem was that they ran off 30 laps under caution to figure out what the running order was. A solution would be to not allow more than 3 percent of the scheduled laps to be run off under any one caution before the red flag comes out. In Martinsville, that would have been 15. At Talladega, that would have been five. You are welcome.

Now on to Texas, where only one of our Hot 20 is safe, four others are close, and three have to make things happen if they want to be in contention later in the month.

1. JIMMIE JOHNSON – SEGMENT WIN (4044 Pts)
Was kind enough to leave three free passes at the door. Now we watch to see who claims them.

2. DENNY HAMLIN – 4039 PTS
Carl Edwards was about the only teammate not bitching about him come Monday.

3. MATT KENSETH – 4039 PTS
Thinks he could have done better if Hamlin had got the hell out of his way.

4. KYLE BUSCH – 4037 PTS
Thinks he could have done better if Kenseth had got the hell out of his way.

5. JOEY LOGANO – 4033 PTS
All Logano has to do is stay ahead of those Gibbs’ boys and he should be fine.

6. KEVIN HARVICK – 4021 PTS
A Yellow Rose is nice, but Harvick would prefer his first checkered flag of Texas on Sunday.

7. KURT BUSCH – 4019 PTS
At least his teammate did not stick his head into his car to say “howdy” last week.

8. CARL EDWARDS – 4005 PTS
Damn tires. Damn walls. Damn Martinsville.

9. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 2226 PTS
At some time on Sunday, his will be the car in front.

10. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 2207 PTS
Using a season-long format would be second by 19 points to Harvick in the championship fight.

11. AUSTIN DILLON – 2187 PTS
Cup driver on Sundays, a truck driver this Friday.

12. CHASE ELLIOTT – 2185 PTS
No sports analyst has ever suggested a bounty on Chase Elliott. I can’t say the same for Ezekiel.

13. KYLE LARSON – 2183 PTS
NASCAR’s Kyle rule in XFINITY and the Trucks does not affect this Kyle just yet.

14. TONY STEWART – 2156 PTS
Just one win away from 50, as the clock continues to click down.

15. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 2143 PTS
GearWrench might not be Goodwrench, but it sounds close enough to me.

16. CHRIS BUESCHER – 2123 PTS
Could he be switching with Biffle for next season?

17. KASEY KAHNE – 883 PTS
Unless the news is good next season, Kahne could wind up leaving the same time as his sponsor.

18. RYAN NEWMAN – 819 PTS
Believes a new man should be in the White House come January. I wonder who he means?

19. A.J. ALLMENDINGER – 749 PTS
Third straight Top Ten came last week, with designs to extend that to four on Sunday.

20. RYAN BLANEY – 735 PTS
With a Top 20 last week, and with Stenhouse last, look who rejoins out little band of brothers.

November 2, 2016
The Final Word – Talladega. Need I say more?

Talladega had everything on Sunday a race fan or adrenalin junky could desire. It provided incredible action, with leaders driving looking at their mirrors rather than out the windshield, running at close to 200 miles per hour just inches apart. We watched in awe as they managed to avoid disaster lap after lap, at least until disaster struck. Even at the end, Kevin Harvick channelled his inner Negan when confronting teammate Kurt Busch on pit road after the event. It had everything.

It was a countdown to heartbreak, but whose? Just over a hundred miles in, we thought we had the answer. Joey Logano left the pits under green dragging his jack underneath the car for a full circuit before coming back to pay the penalty and remove the piece of equipment. At the same time, Denny Hamlin got tagged for speeding. It could have meant the end of their title hopes, but it was not.

Three laps later, Martin Truex Jr.’s auto went up in a beautiful white plume of smoke to bring out the caution. No engine, no chance, with his only hope being for Logano to somehow wind up no better than 27th on the day. That did not work out so well for him.

Anyone else visiting the Heartbreak Hotel? Why, yes, there was one more. Brad Keselowski was the guy to beat, but he spent so much time in front he collected a bit of trash that would not go away. Finally, he let Ryan Blaney slip by him so he could tuck up behind to have the air turbulence clean off his grill. It worked like a charm, but it proved too late. The engine was cooked, and Keselowski’s day and his championship dreams went up in a Truex-like puff of smoke.

That left Logano to take the win, as Brian Scott came home right behind him for a season-best finish. Hamlin, Busch the elder, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. rounded out the Top Five. Along with Keselowski and Truex, the Chase ended for Austin Dillon and Chase Elliott as they all regroup for this weekend in Martinsville.

Before that, maybe there needs to be a peace summit at Stewart-Haas after Busch ran into the side of Harvick’s car on the cool down lap. If Busch could let out his inner Rick Grimes, I guess Harvick could release his inner Negan, a reference you might understand if you watch a certain AMC program. Harvick leaned into his teammate’s car on pit road and seemed to initiate some kind of physical interaction.

“He’ll understand it and I’m sure he’ll clear it up in his interview,” Busch said in his, though Harvick did not clear up much of anything. “We’re great teammates, we’re going good together,” Busch continued, and he was right. They had got together, in a bit of a bad way, which was the root of their problems. Now they have to talk. Just hope nobody brings Lucille.

His forced exile from the cockpit did not prevent Dale Earnhardt Jr., who is ranked third in restrictor plate victories all-time, behind Jeff Gordon and his father, from showing up as a guest commentator. In the booth wearing his glasses, I could not help but wonder exactly when Junior developed an inner accountant. There was no question about his knowledge of the track and that kind of racing. No question either as to where he would prefer to be sitting and it was not high in the sky.

That was Talladega, but can anyone tell me the official name of the race? Who cares, it was at Talladega. That track creates its own traditions, no matter what they call the event. On Sunday, the first of three semi-final races takes place at Martinsville. Once again, I am reminded how NASCAR has tossed aside traditional branding to make a buck. I mean, which sounds better to you, the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 or the Old Dominion 500?

Let me conclude by presenting, if I had my way, what the NASCAR schedule would look like. Sadly, 10 events have always had changing sponsored names, with no opportunity to establish some kind of identity. One day…one day. Tell me what you think.

Daytona 500 – Daytona, FL
Dixie 500 – Atlanta, GA
Las Vegas 400 – Las Vegas, NV
Phoenix, AZ
California 400 – Fontana, CA
Virginia 500 – Martinsville, VA
Texas 500 – Fort Worth, TX
Southeastern 500 – Bristol, TN
Richmond 400 – Richmond, VA
Alabama 500 – Talladega, AL
Kansas City, Kansas
Mason-Dixon 400 – Dover, DE
World 600 – Charlotte, NC
Pocono 400 – Pocono, PA
Motor State 400 – Brooklyn, MI
Sonoma, CA
Firecracker 400 – Daytona, FL
Sparta, KY
New Hampshire 301 – Loudon, NH
Brickyard 400 – Indianapolis, IN
Pennsylvania 400 – Pocono, PA
355 at the Glen – Watkins Glen, NY
Volunteer 500 – Bristol, TN
Yankee 400 – Brooklyn, MI
Southern 500 – Darlington, SC
Capitol City 400 – Richmond, Tn
Chicago, IL
Loudon, NH
Delaware 400 – Dover, DE
National 500 – Charlotte, NC
Kansas City, KS
Talladega 500 – Talladega, AL
Old Dominion 500 – Martinsville, VA
Fort Worth, TX
Phoenix, AZ
Homestead, FL

October 24, 2016
Hot 20 – Sunday at Talladega, one of NASCAR’s few must see events

On Sunday, we will have one of those races, on one of those tracks, that provides must-see action. While we have no announcers covering NASCAR today who you might tune in just to hear their description of the action, to hear them enhance the excitement, even those we got can not detract from the spectacle we shall witness on Sunday.

Only former champions Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick come to Talladega feeling rather relaxed. Both have already advanced to the next round of the Chase, while Chase Elliott needs a win himself on Sunday to move forward. As for the nine others still in the mix, they need to either do well or avoid a disaster, and Talladega tends to foster concern for the latter. Good for the fans, but real worrisome for the competitors.

NASCAR should be worried. My SpeedwayMedia.com colleague John Harlow made some interesting points in his recent column. He reminded us that NASCAR is still without a title sponsor for the Cup series next season, with Sprint hanging up the phone. They were hoping someone would bite for 10-years and a cool billion dollars. I once hoped Santa was real. Life can be so disappointing. John mentioned how the old guard of team owners is, well, getting old. It happens, but usually, new blood is seen rising up through the mist. Does anyone see the next Rick Hendrick, Roger Penske, Joe Gibbs, Jack Roush, or Richard Petty on the horizon? Me neither.

When NASCAR decided to go Hollywood, to add some glitz and glamour, they did it at the expense of their blue collar, regular folk supporters. It would appear selling one’s soul for a big dollar while parking common sense is not a blueprint to long-term success. Maybe there is a glimmer of hope we might see some of the latter. There could be an announcement soon regarding the restriction of how many junior and truck circuit races Cup guys might be allowed to run. It is about damn time. It has been bad enough in the past, where elite drivers have been taking wins and attention away from the regulars racing off-Broadway. It is worse now that those wins and attention are coming in the midst of the Chase, which has been instituted for the first time in those divisions. A little common sense in dealing with the issue would be like a breath of fresh air. For some reason, I am not yet holding my breath waiting for it to actually happen.

I am looking forward to Sunday. There are few races I really get excited about. There are the two at Talladega, the pair at Daytona, the two at Bristol, the Southern 500, the Brickyard 400, the World 600, the season conclusion at Homestead, and the two road courses. Those are races that promise to provide either magnificent action or at least they continue building on the sport’s rich heritage. Talladega, for me at least, provides both.

Talladega can be a minefield. We watch to see who among our Hot 20 can navigate through its perils and emerge relatively unscathed on the other side.

1. JIMMIE JOHNSON – SEGMENT WIN (3082 Pts)
Have a fun day at Talladega…

2. KEVIN HARVICK – SEGMENT WIN (3048 Pts)
…then back to work in Martinsville.

3. MATT KENSETH – 3074 PTS
A 29 point pad would usually relax a guy…but not here.

4. KYLE BUSCH – 3072 PTS
Rarely a bride on the restrictor plate speedways, but usually in the wedding party.

5. CARL EDWARDS – 3069 PTS
23rd or better, and he is locked in. Now, if he can avoid an early “Big One” all could be good.

6. KURT BUSCH – 3062 PTS
Race plans come down to one thing, and that is to not “run into anything too hard.”

7. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 3058 PTS
A gent with a small bladder has to go pee, the same problem with his car could leave him dry.

8. JOEY LOGANO – 3045 PTS
All he needs to do is keep Austin, Denny, Brad, and Chase behind him.

9. AUSTIN DILLON – 3045 PTS
All he needs to do is keep Joey, Denny, Brad, and Chase behind him.

10. DENNY HAMLIN – 3039 PTS
Poor ole Brad wiggled in front of him, and then he wasn’t there anymore.

11. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 3038 PTS
Just what in hell do they make the grass out of in Kansas City?

12. CHASE ELLIOTT – 3020 PTS
Time to get his Ricky Bobby on.

13. TONY STEWART – 2131 PTS
It will be his 35th and final Talladega appearance.

14. KYLE LARSON – 2120 PTS
Finished fifth in Kansas XFINITY race…with Logano fourth…and Kyle Busch the winner. I am so proud.

15. CHRIS BUESCHER – 2090 PTS
Just last year he was rollin’, rollin’, rollin’, at Talladega he got goin’.

16. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 2088 PTS
Trails Larson in the battle for Ganassi bragging rights…which is all they have left.

17. KASEY KAHNE – 797 PTS
Figuring out how he will help Elliott this week. Watching Talladega Nights for ideas.

18. RYAN NEWMAN – 767 PTS
Figuring out how he will help Dillon this week. Watching Death Race for ideas.

19. A.J. ALLMENDINGER – 686 PTS
Staying the hell out of the way of both Kahne and Newman.

20. RYAN BLANEY – 682 PTS
Ricky and Trevor are both within seven points, just in case you were interested.

October 19, 2016
Hot 20 – Mr. Hamlin, what races do you suggest we remove, reduce, or reschedule?

As NASCAR swings into Chicago and begins the Chase, I can not help but notice that Denny Hamlin, and now Danica Patrick, have made mention that the season is too long. Reduce some races in length, reduce some altogether, run some mid-week are among their suggestions. I am cool with that, but in my mind there are a dozen races on eight tracks that cannot be touched. Ever.

Daytona, Talladega, Bristol, and Charlotte continue with their two each with no changes to race length. If 600 miles to too long at Charlotte, stay home. You can not tinker with the two road courses at Sonoma or Watkins Glen. The Southern 500 should never again be violated at Darlington. Same goes for the Brickyard at Indianapolis. The racing there might be questionable at Indy, but it has become a crown jewel event. Touch any of them, and more than a few of us fans will be gone. NASCAR simply can not afford to see too many more of us on our way out.

As for the other 24 contests on the other 15 tracks, go for it. However, you risk some upset folks at Martinsville, Richmond, and Atlanta where tradition means something to some people. Remove those tracks, and you remove fans. Texas, Michigan, Las Vegas, Fontana, and Chicago are not going anywhere. The trio of northeast venues, Pocono, Dover, and Loudon, would be tough for NASCAR to abandon. I could not care any less for Kansas or Kentucky, but I am sure there are others who do not share my sentiment.

As long as NASCAR refuses to brand each of its events so they might each become something special, traditional, and untouchable instead of nothing more than a spot to park a sponsor’s name for yet another generic race, a lot of them can disappear, be moved, or reduced in length without much fanfare. I mean, this weekend in Chicago we have the legendary and prestigious Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 400. Good bloody grief! What these two drivers are proposing works in theory. However, the devil is in the details, and we should leave it to Mr. Hamlin and Ms. Patrick to toss out a few specifics until we go ballistic. You know we would, no matter what they come up with.

As for the Chase, eight organizations are represented by the 16. Joe Gibbs has all four of his outfits in the running. Stewart-Haas goes with three, missing only Patrick. Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi both came through fully loaded with their two car teams. Barney Visser was also perfect, going one for one with Martin Truex, Jr. We have a pair from Rick Hendrick’s stable, Richard Childress has his grandson, and Bob Jenkins has his surprise entry. Some did not make it, even those with past success. Jack Roush came up empty, despite three entries. Neither of Richard Petty’s cars made the grade.

A dozen veteran Chasers joined by a quartet of first-timers. Austin Dillon and Kyle Larson are joined by rookies Chase Elliott and Chris Buescher. How might they do? As 2014 champion Kevin Harvick lays it down, “Are you happy to be there or do you want to win?” If they want to win, they could do fine. Like the seven former champions back for another drink from the well.

Heading into the Chase, NASCAR has decided to be kinder, gentler to those crew chiefs who break the rules. One loose lug nut does not a suspension make. Now it will take three, and then he is gone along with 35 points. So much for kinder and gentler, and this is a new rule change that goes beyond the Chase and into next season.

Failure to get the winning car successfully through the Laser Inspection Station by a significant amount, and you keep the win, but it won’t mean much. Up to 35 points gone and during the Chase that win might not count toward a free pass into the next round. With the points penalty, that just could kill the season. It is the kind of penalty that cost Ryan Newman 15 markers heading into Richmond.

Newman might not be in the Chase, but after what happened last week, he could wind up being a factor. We will have to wait to see how hot he might be at one member of our Hot 20 heading to Chicago.

1. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 2012 PTS
Tied for wins with Kyle, second only to Harvick in points. Brad might be thirsty again.

1. KYLE BUSCH – 2012 PTS
Imagine having to race all 36 races to win the title. Last season seemed so much shorter.

3. DENNY HAMLIN – 2009 PTS
You can shorten the World 600 in Charlotte…or you could to go-cart racing as an alternative.

4. KEVIN HARVICK – 2006 PTS
His Chase attitude is to “worry about the consequences when all the dust settles.” Game on.

4. CARL EDWARDS – 2006 PTS
Is this the year he can finally put that brides-maid dress away?

4. MARTIN TRUEX, JR. – 2006 PTS
Has led the pack this season for 1,664 miles. If you are going on a trip, here is your driver.

4. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 2006 PTS
Seeking a new nickname. Maybe something that rhymes with “Seven Time.”

4. MATT KENSETH – 2006 PTS
There is nice Matt and there is Chase Matt. You don’t want to make Chase Matt angry.

9. JOEY LOGANO – 2003 PTS
Last year, guess who upset Chase Matt.

9. KURT BUSCH – 2003 PTS
He has a title. Younger brother has a title. All older siblings know that just does not cut it.

9. KYLE LARSON – 2003 PTS
Over his last three races, has finished first, third, and second. That is called momentum.

9. CHRIS BUESCHER – 2003 PTS
Not everyone gets to live in the penthouse. even for what most predict will be a short stay.

9. TONY STEWART – 2003 PTS
Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? Newman knows!

14. AUSTIN DILLON – 2000 PTS
A truck title. A XFINITY crown. There is room on the shelf for one more.

14. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 2000 PTS
Could former winner of Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 win the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 400?

14. CHASE ELLIOTT – 2000 PTS
Again, the nickname says it all. Would like to change that to “Champ” if he can.

17. RYAN NEWMAN – 633 PTS
Who is considered Public Enemy No. 1 in Chicago? Ask Newman; he might have an answer.

18. KASEY KAHNE – 633 PTS
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again next season.

19. TREVOR BAYNE – 586 PTS
Unlike some, Bayne is determined to leave any at-track tantrums to his toddler.

20. A.J. ALLMENDINGER – 583 PTS
Racing in Chicago, but might have more interest in how the Bears do Monday against the Eagles.

September 14, 2016
Hot 20 – Michigan is a track for legends, but no Junior to be seen as Buescher gets Ford support

Michigan. A big track, a fast track. Sadly, not exactly a legacy event, like winning at Daytona or Bristol or Talladega or Indianapolis or Darlington or either road course.

What it is, is a track where legends have celebrated since 1969. In fact, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, Bill Elliott, Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin, Richard Petty, Dale Jarrett, and Bobby Allison have combined for 46 victories there. That is a lot of suds for a lot of Hall of Famers.

Greg Biffle is the only four-time winner not in yet. In fact, he needs to make it five just to make the Chase this year. Same goes for teammates Trevor Bayne and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. The only driver at the big boy table sitting in a Chase place at present is Chris Buescher. He and crew chief Bob Osborne now attend the Jack Roush organizational meetings as Ford desires to have one of their boys succeed. Instead of leasing older engines and used bodies, the manufacturer wants to see Bob Jenkins compete in the best Roush has to offer. He might be a step-son, but right now he is Ford’s favorite son.

Being a France has meant running the show, not being the show. At least, until last week at Bristol when Ben Kennedy won the Wednesday night truck event. The 24-year old is the son of Lesa France Kennedy, the daughter of Bill France Jr.

Being Dale Earnhardt Jr. has delivered some terrific highs and tragic lows. His 2016 Chase hopes are down to winning at Richmond, but maybe his best health hopes are to take it easy until he is truly good to go. Alex Bowman returns to the seat of the “88″ this weekend, with Jeff Gordon expected to be back for Darlington.

Kurt Busch ran the opening 6273 laps of the 2016 season, a streak that came to an end 372 laps into Sunday’s Bristol affair. While vying for the lead he came into contact with Brad Keselowski, to ruin the day for them both. If one has to go out, might as well do it with all guns blazing. It beats fading away with a whimper.

Anyone remember the XFINITY or the Camping World Truck Series? If you do, and if you are 12 and younger, you get to go to all those races for free next season. What a wonderful way to introduce young fans to the sport. What a wonderful way of trying to get somebody to attend those races. Nobody else is. They do not really have much to lose. An empty seat buys nothing and appreciates nothing. This move is better than nothing.

This is the final year of the Sprint Cup. Soon, it will be parked in the garage alongside the Nextel Cup, the Winston Cup, and the Grand National and Strictly Stock monikers. I joked that the GoBowling.com 400 race in Kansas could have had a worse name, then one wag commented “Don’t diss SpongeBob. That might be next year’s Cup sponsor.” Good Lord, he might be right!

Heading into Michigan, here is a look at our QuikTrip, Auto Club, Food City, Bass Pro Shops, Coca-Cola, Bank of America, MyAFibStory.com, AAA, Ford EcoBoost, GoBowling.com, Hollywood Casino, Quaker State, Kobalt, STP, Goody’s, FireKeepers Casino, Pure Michigan, Camping World, Good Sam, Xalta, Toyota Owners, Federated Auto Parts, Save Mart, GEICO, Duck Commander, Cheez-It Hot 20.

Sadly, despite these name mentions, I get not a dime. I obviously need a foundation.
1. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 4 WINS (735 Pts)
So ends Kurt’s streak. Mission accomplished.

2. KYLE BUSCH – 4 WINS (674 Pts)
Last week Kyle’s car was dying. All Allgaier did was put it out of its misery.

3. KEVIN HARVICK – 2 WINS (762 Pts)
Not the most wins, but probably the best damn car week in and week out.

4. CARL EDWARDS – 2 WINS (689 Pts)
Having fun and thinking a third beer bath at Michigan is in order.

5. DENNY HAMLIN – 2 WINS (659 Pts)
Good finish last week and with the boss talking an extension, things are good for the Pied Piper.

6. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 2 WINS (612 Pts)
If the sticky stuff worked at Bristol, why not pine tar the rest of the tracks?

7. MATT KENSETH – 2 WINS (604 Pts)
Drive well, make the Chase, but be considered an old fart and one’s job could be in jeopardy.

8. KURT BUSCH – 1 WIN (692 Pts)
So, that is what a garage looks like.

9. JOEY LOGANO – 1 WIN (684 Pts)
Since with Penske, has never finished here outside the Top Ten…and won in the spring.

10. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 1 WIN (630 Pts)
His crew chief is Canadian, eh?

11. TONY STEWART – 1 WIN (400 Pts)
Tony is a big fan of virtual reality. Nothing gets broken.

12. CHRIS BUESCHER – 1 WIN (328 Pts)
All of a sudden, he is feeling the love from Ford.

13. AUSTIN DILLON – 596 POINTS
A Top Five last Sunday was more than welcome.

14. CHASE ELLIOTT – 588 POINTS
If you are surprised he is where he is, say his name slowly. That was our first hint.

15. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 583 POINTS
At Darlington, he is wearing the former colors of an older Elliott.

16. RYAN NEWMAN – 576 POINTS
He does not need to make the Chase to keep his job. Who am I kidding? Damn right he does.

17. TREVOR BAYNE – 541 POINTS
Crew chief Matt Puccia has won twice before in Ford country…with Greg Biffle.

18. KYLE LARSON – 537 POINTS
Sunday sure sucked. Maybe it is time for that first career win.

19. KASEY KAHNE – 537 POINTS
With Danica buried deep, it appears NASCAR’s two prettiest will both miss the Chase.

20. A.J. ALLMENDINGER – 518 POINTS
Top Ten last Sunday, but needs a Top One this time out.

August 24, 2016