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Kyle Busch wins the North Carolina Education Lottery 200
posted by Mike Neff
Friday May 17, 2013
‘Rowdy’ Busch was back in his familiar No. 51 truck at his favorite track on the Truck schedule. Busch led 80 laps and thought he should have led more but had a fuel issue on pit road that resulted in him having to battle back through the field. The race was slowed by eight cautions that helped him work his way back through the field. Busch beat Brendan Gaughan to the finish by .488 seconds, while Max Gresham chased them both to the line for his first top three finish of his Truck career. Matt Crafton came home in fourth place after having to battle through a couple of tire mishaps during the event. Ty Dillon rounded out the top 5 for his first finish that high this season. Busch led the race three times for his 80 laps. Miguel Paludo was second on the laps led board with 33. Gaughan, Gresham and Dillon also scored bonus points for leading laps. There were two cautions in the first 72 laps of the race while 29 of the last 62 laps were completed under the yellow flag. Jeb Burton started the race on the pole but did not lead a lap. He did however end the race as the Rookie of the Race for his 13th place finish. Matt Crafton leads Burton by 22 points in the season standings after five races this season.
Matt Kenseth Snatches Victory from the Jaws of Defeat at Darlington
posted by Mike Neff
Sunday May 12, 2013
Kyle Busch appeared to be headed for another weekend sweep after winning the Nationwide race at Darlington on Friday night. However, a funny thing happened as they were bringing out the dustpan. Matt Kenseth chased down the dominant car of the night, passed him with relative ease and then strolled away to a 3.165 second victory. Kenseth led the final 13 laps after Busch had held the point for 265 of the 354 laps leading up to Kenseth’s race winning pass. After Kenseth worked around Busch, the No. 18 slid rapidly backwards over the final eight laps to fall from second to sixth place. Joe Gibbs Racing did manage a 1-2 finish after sweeping the podium in Friday night’s Nationwide tilt. Denny Hamlin, in his first full race back in the car since his vertebrae fracture at California, soldiered through the pain of his arms, neck and shoulders more than his recovered back to wrestle a second place finish away from the Lady in Black. Coming home in third was Jeff Gordon, who turned his 700th career start into a top 3 finish. Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick rounded out the top 5 in the Bojangles Southern 500. Kurt Busch started the race on the pole and led the first 51 laps before coming to the pits for a green flag stop. After the stops cycled through Busch was back at the point for 18 more laps before his brother began his domination. The race went green for the first 302 laps save a seven lap caution stint from lap 125 to lap 131. The final 65 laps saw four more cautions that flew for accidents involving Regan Smith, Brad Keselowski, Casey Mears, Kurt Busch, Josh Wise, David Reutimann and Kasey Kahne. The race saw four leaders including Jeff Gordon in addition to the Busch brothers and Kenseth. The win is Kenseth’s 27th of his career and breaks a tie between himself and his teammate Kyle Busch. The win is Kenseth’s third this season which is the most among all of the competitors in the Cup series. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was the Rookie of the Race. Jeff Gordon’s top 5 finish was his 300th of his career. He joins Richard Petty, David Pearson and Bobby Allison as the only four drivers in the history of the sport to accomplish such a feat.
Busch Dominates at Darlington as JGR Sets Nationwide Series Record
posted by Amy Henderson
Friday May 10, 2013
Kyle Busch dominated the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 on Friday night en route to his 56th career Nationwide Series victory and fifth series win of 2013. Joe Gibbs Racing in general was the class of the field all night at Darlington Raceway, claiming four of the top 5 finishing spots, with only fourth-place Joey Logano keeping them from sweeping the top four spots. It was a historic night for JGR, as no team has ever before placed four cars in the top 5. Elliott Sadler finished second to Busch and Brian Vickers third, with Logano and Matt Kenseth rounding out the top 5. Busch led 107 of 147 laps on the way to the win. Sadler was the best among the Nationwide Regulars, finishing second despite an early spin in Turn 2, and gained points on leader Regan Smith, who finished seventh. Kyle Larson continued to impress at the Lady in Black, posting a sixth-place finish in his first Darlington start as he runs for rookie honors. Sam Hornish, Jr., who remained second in points, finished eighth while Kasey Kahne and Justin Allgaier filled the top 10. Smith now leads Nationwide Series points by 28 over Hornish. Sadler jumps two spots to third on his second-place run as Justin Allgaier fell one place to fourth. Vickers gained three sports and is now fifth, 49 behind Smith. Austin Dillon, Parker Kligerman, Brian Scott, Alex Bowman, and Kyle Larson round out the top 10.
Joe Gibbs Racing Penalties Reduced Following Appeal
posted by Summer Bedgood
Wednesday May 8, 2013
Joe Gibbs Racing had many of their penalties for the No. 20 team reduced during the appeal process on Wednesday. Driver Matt Kenseth and owner Joe Gibbs had their points penalties reduced from 50 to 12 points. Crew chief Jason Ratcliff’s suspension has also been dropped from seven races to one, though he will still be forced to pay the $200,000 fine. Not all of the penalties were reduced, however. Toyota Racing’s manufacturer points penalty was increased from five points to seven. All other penalties were dropped, including the suspension of Joe Gibbs’ owners license, the loss of bonus points for the Chase earned at Kansas Speedway, and the loss of eligibility into the Sprint Unlimited garnered from the pole at Kansas Speedway. JGR has accepted the penalties and will not appeal further. Following a dominant win at Kansas Speedway a few weeks ago, Kenseth’s car failed post-race inspection when it was found that a connecting rod was 2.7 grams below the minimum weight. Toyota Racing Development accepted the blame for the incident. The reduction moves Kenseth up to fourth in points, 66 points behind leader Jimmie Johnson. JGR has not announced who will replace Ratcliff this weekend in Darlington. The appeal was heard by Mark Arute, Dennis McGlynn, and Jack Housby. NASCAR cannot appeal the revised penalties.
Penske Has Suspensions Reduced On Appeal
posted by Thomas Bowles
Wednesday May 8, 2013
Roger Penske’s team got some relief Tuesday from NASCAR’s Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook, as he chose to reduce penalties assessed to that organization at Texas Motor Speedway in early April. Middlebrook, after hearing the evidence from both sides Tuesday chose to reduce all suspensions in the case from six to two weeks, plus NASCAR’s All-Star Race on May 18th. That means the final consequences for both teams are the following: No. 2 car No. 22 car Other Middlebrook’s official statement was short, simply stating, “After looking at all the facts, data, and interpretations from the rule book, I have decided to uphold the original fines and points penalties. However, I have decided to reduce the suspensions of the seven team members involved from six points races and the All-Star race to two points races and the All-Star Race.” However, it seemed both sides, after presenting their cases were far more pleased with how the case was handled during this portion of the appeal. “We were able to talk about areas we worked in,” said Roger Penske, referring to the “gray area” of the NASCAR rulebook officials ultimately felt stepped over the line. “I’m very happy with the outcome. This sport has been built on innovation. All of us have tried to innovate in areas not defined in the rulebook. We were in that area.” In conversations with the parties involved, it was clear the controversy surrounded parts designed to increase the rear-end angle at the back of both cars. In past years, with innovation limited through the Car of Tomorrow templates teams have played around with suspension systems designed to make the rear end of the car easier to “move.” The more the car skews in the corner, the easier it can be to handle and gain extra speed. However, NASCAR had made rules designed to curb those types of innovations this year and made the determination Penske parts to build the rear suspension were unapproved. Why they had gone undetected in previous inspections was never addressed, along with claims someone else in the garage had alerted officials to possible inappropriate car construction. One thing Penske did admit, though is had this decision been issued by the initial appeals panel, he would not have pressed his luck with Middlebrook. “All of us,” he said. “Have lost points for certain infractions over the years. The key thing is to have people back at the racetrack operating in full control.” The end results leave Logano 18th in points, 146 behind championship leader Jimmie Johnson and 43 outside a Chase position. Keselowski is far more stable; fifth in points, he’s 69 behind and 45 ahead of 11th-place Matt Kenseth. Neither of the Penske cars have won a race this season. “Moved on from last few weeks,” Keselowski tweeted Wednesday morning. “And ready to focus on @TooToughToTame (Darlington Raceway).” The next round of NASCAR penalty appeals, focusing on Joe Gibbs Racing and Matt Kenseth will be heard on Wednesday morning. Connect with Tom!
Penske Racing LOSES Penalty Case, Will Appeal To NSCRC John Middlebrook
posted by Thomas Bowles
Wednesday May 1, 2013
A three-member panel Wednesday unanimously upheld penalties assessed to Penske Racing after pre-race inspection at Texas Motor Speedway. Comprised of Pocono President Brandon Igdalsky, Bowman-Gray President Dale Pinilis and former NASCAR VP Paul Brooks, the trio determined the sanctioning body’s evidence was enough to “convict” Penske to the tune of points lost, suspensions given and $200,000 in fines. Roger Penske, in response has pledged to send a final appeal to National Stock Car Racing Commissioner John Middlebrook. That hearing will occur Tuesday, May 7th at NASCAR’s Research and Development Center. Here’s a quick list of what penalties are pending (everything but the points deductions will be deferred, pending Middlebrook’s approval until after the final appeal): No. 2 team No. 22 team Both teams NASCAR’s representation included Sprint Cup Director John Darby but not Vice President Robin Pemberton, who was whisked away to Florida on jury duty. Owner Roger Penske was in attendance to defend the allegations along with Team Manager Travis Geisler, Tim Cindric, Walt Czarnecki, Joey Logano’s crew chief Todd Gordon along with several other key principles. UPDATE: The National Stock Car Racing Commission issued a brief statement, reviewing the penalties and then explaining the following. “Upon hearing the testimony and carefully reviewing the facts, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR.” “The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the rule book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer.” Connect with Tom!
Kyle Busch Wins Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown
posted by Thomas Bowles
Friday April 26, 2013
Who says Joe Gibbs Racing teammates don’t get along? Kyle Busch is certainly receiving gifts, from Denny Hamlin in the form of shiny trophies from winning the latter’s annual charity event. Rowdy was romping through the field again at Richmond Thursday night, taking control at the race’s midpoint and cruising during the latter stages to win the Showdown for the third time in the past six years. In a race that benefits the Denny Hamlin Foundation, created to help those with cystic fibrosis Busch had his late model hitting on all cyilnders down the stretch. Pulling away from fellow Cup driver David Ragan, in the final segment of the 75-lap race the outcome was simply never in doubt following a 5-minute break for pit stops prior to Lap 47. Ben Rhodes, Ronnie Bassett, Jr., and Garrett Campbell rounded out the top-5 finishers. Other Cup drivers, including defending race champion Tony Stewart were in the field but never a factor up front. Smoke, actually extending his slumping start to 2013 into this race got wrecked before the halfway point and wound up 28th. Matt Kenseth, still distraught after a midweek penalty virtually negated his win at Kansas was never truly competitive, either; he finished 22nd. Also on Thursday night, African-American driver Ryan Gifford won the first K&N Pro Series East race of his young career. Surviving a five-lap shootout, following a red flag he cruised home over Brandon Gdovic. Connect with Tom!
Matt Kenseth, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota Penalized As Engine Fails Kansas Post-Race Inspection
posted by Thomas Bowles
Wednesday April 24, 2013
Until the end of time, Matt Kenseth can say he crossed the finish line first at Kansas Sunday. NASCAR Record Books will say the same. But after a harsh series of penalties announced on Wednesday, should they stand that’s about the only thing Kenseth can hang his hat on after a successful weekend turned sour. According to multiple reports, officials at the NASCAR R & D Center in North Carolina discovered a connecting rod on Kenseth’s engine, brought in for Kansas post-race inspection weighed three grams less than the minimum weight of 525g. The consequences, announced today are crippling for both driver and team. Kenseth, along with car owner Joe Gibbs have been docked 50 driver and owner points, actually reducing their overall totals heading into Kansas even though the No. 20 car won the race. That lost chunk of points drops Kenseth from eighth to 14th in the standings. More importantly, the win “won’t count” for either bonus points in the Chase or determine postseason eligibility; that means the driver, now in “Wild Card” position is considered to have one win so far this season instead of two. That’s just the tip of the iceberg on these consequences. Crew chief Jason Radcliffe, fined $200,000 based on the infraction has also been suspended for the next six Sprint Cup points events, along with the All-Star Race. Toyota, whose TRD engine department ultimately supplies the JGR powerplants has had five points deducted from its total in the manufacturer’s championship. And finally, Joe Gibbs himself, already docked 50 owner points has had his license suspended by NASCAR, which means he’s ineligible to accrue owner points for the No. 20 until the next six Sprint Cup Series points races are completed. Gibbs, NASCAR has clarified will still be able to travel to the racetrack despite a suspended license. In a tersely worded statement, the owner says he’ll appeal the ruling, which violated three parts of the series rulebook. The one most pertinent is Section 20-5.5.3(E) which states only magnetic steel connecting rods, with a minimum weight of 525.0 grams will be permitted. Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4J, which gives officials the right to penalize for parts they claim do not conform to NASCAR rules were also cited in the sport’s official release. Toyota Racing Development’s Lee White, in a statement released early this afternoon took responsibility for the violation. During NASCAR’s routine post-race tear down of Matt Kenseth’s race-winning car and engine from Kansas Speedway,” he stated, “One of our engine connecting rods weighed in approximately three grams under the legal minimum weight of 525 grams. None of the other seven connecting rods were found to be under the minimum weight. We take full responsibility for this issue with the engine used by the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) team this past Sunday in Kansas — JGR is not involved in the process of selecting parts or assembling the Cup Series engines. It was a simple oversight on TRD’s part and there was no intent to deceive, or to gain any type of competitive advantage. Toyota is a company that was built on integrity, and that remains one of the guiding principles of the company. The goal of TRD has always been — and will continue to be — to build high-performance engines that are reliable, durable and powerful, and within the guidelines established by NASCAR.” Kenseth, who has led 482 laps this season, two higher than his total last year has been one of the strongest competitiors on the Sprint Cup track in 2013. His engines have also passed several previous inspections.
Johnny Sauter Penalized For Fuel Cell Infraction At Kansas
posted by Thomas Bowles
Wednesday April 24, 2013
Thorsport Racing, along with former Truck Series point leader Johnny Sauter are reeling this Wednesday after a major penalty involving their No. 98 Toyota. On Wednesday, NASCAR announced the team was fined $10,000, crew chief Joel Shear has been suspended for four races and 25 owner points were taken away as a result of a faulty fuel cell, confiscated during pre-race inspection at Kansas. Driver Sauter was also hit was a loss of 25 points, completely reshaping the championship Chase heading into the next race of the season at Charlotte May 17th. According to NASCAR officials, the team violated multiple sections of the rulebook. The key ones involve Section 20B-16 and 20B-16.1B, regarding the proper size and functioning of fuel cells. “Once a fuel cell or fuel cell components have been certified,” the rules say, “Modifications of any kind will not be permitted.” The 16.1B portion refers to black safety foam, with a minimum height of eight inches that must be used as a safety mechanism when putting together the fuel cell itself. By violating that rule, NASCAR is insinuating the team modified or enhanced the cell in some way by cutting back / replacing that foam. Section 12-1, actions detrimental to stock car racing was also listed as a rules violation along with 12-4K, which gives NASCAR Officials the leeway to penalize teams when they feel previously legal equipment was modified, in any manner after being initially inspected. Thorsport, as of yet has not said whether they plan to appeal. The penalties mean Matt Crafton becomes the new Truck Series point leader, by 13 over Jeb Burton while Sauter gets pushed back into a tie for second place.
What To Watch In NASCAR: Tuesday 4/23/13
posted by Thomas Bowles
Tuesday April 23, 2013
- As usual, it’s penalty day in NASCAR and the biggest bulls-eye lies on the No. 98 Truck driven by Johnny Sauter. The current series point leader, Sauter’s fuel cell was confiscated following pre-race inspection in Kansas, a move that’s led to fines, penalties, and crew chief suspensions in the past. Sauter is currently 12 points in front of teammate Matt Crafton in the championship chase. - Clint Bowyer of Michael Waltrip Racing will hold a national teleconference with reporters. Bowyer, ninth in the series standings has gotten his 2013 season back together after a rough start. Fifth at Kansas, his hometown track he’s now got three top-5 results in his last five Sprint Cup events. - Denny Hamlin is expected to meet with doctors, following X-Rays to determine if he has medical clearance to race at Richmond. Hamlin has been out for about a month, since a last-lap crash into a non-SAFER, inside wall at Fontana resulted in an L1 Compression Fracture of his lower back March 24th. - Charlotte Motor Speedway will have a series of announcements concerning the Coca-Cola 600 race the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. Among the items on the docket: a special set of pre-race ceremonies, plans for a unique “Welcome Home” presentation for U.S. Military returning from overseas and additional news regarding partner Coca-Cola. Joey Logano and Charlotte Motor Speedway President Marcus Smith will be among those on hand for reporters. |
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Matt McLaughlin · Monday May 12, 2008
The Key Moment: On lap 285, Kyle Busch blew by Jeff Gordon and drove off into the night with the afterburners lit.
In a Nutshell: New asphalt, same old race track; Darlington is still the meanest mother on the circuit.
Dramatic Moment: When it became obvious nobody had anything for Busch, the leader had to manufacture his own excitement, frequently running his car into the wall or getting it sideways battling with traffic.
What They’ll Be Talking About Around the Water Cooler This Week
Well that’s odd. A dominating win didn’t seem to endear Busch to the fans. In fact prior to the race and after the race, Busch seemed to be enjoying taunting those fans who booed him. Give the kid this much, he still doesn’t like these new cars even though he’s winning races in them.
What’s all this bizarre talk about Kyle Busch being the reincarnation of Dale Earnhardt, the Intimidator? Earnhardt’s legendary popularity was a cult of personality. To have a cult of personality you have to have a personality, unlike Busch. It might be closer to the truth to call Kyle “The Irritator.” Perhaps he should tape Earnhardt’s old motto, “Never complain, never explain,” on the dash of the 18 car.
You think Harold Brassington ever envisioned cars hitting 200 MPH at Darlington when he first built the track? Oh, and as for the story of the track’s odd configuration being designed to save that minnow pond, as charming as it is, the myth simply isn’t true.
There was a lot of talk this week about Carl Edwards’ No. 99 cars having the bodies mounted askew on the frame to gain speed with the new car. Apparently the Joe Gibbs teams weren’t complaining about the 99 car, they were trying the same thing. Those three Camry’s looked decidedly odd coming down the straights, almost like early 70s Novas that had taken a severe hit to the rear and been repaired by the dumbest kids at the Vo-tech. We used to call it the “Wounded Dog” look.
The soda wars were ridiculous enough but add in all these new oddly colored energy drinks various drivers are promoting by gulping them down after a race and it makes me long for the good old days when the drivers downed a couple brews in Victory Lane.
Will the level of panic in the No 24 and No. 48 camps ratchet up a few notches if Jimmie Johnson doesn’t take home the big trophy in the Coca-Cola 600 in two weeks?
OK, hit the panic button. Jeff Gordon sounds beyond frustrated and confused as to why he can no longer win races. If Jimmie Johnson doesn’t win at Charlotte next week like he normally does, the panic will ratchet up another notch. It can’t be the cars, Earnhardt Jr. is running up front nearly every week. Some astute fans seem to have figured out the problems with the 48 and 24 teams. I got two emails this week telling me it’s obvious Junior is getting all the good stuff. Yeah, all right.
Right now the concept of parity in stock car racing seems more like a parody. Toyotas have won eight of twelve Nationwide races this season, including the last six in a row by the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20. Toyotas have won three of this season’s five truck races and they’ve now won four of eleven Cup races including two of the last three. I can accept Kyle Busch and his team dominating this race, that happens from time to time. But at the end of the race the second fastest car on the track was the badly wounded 20 car with Tony Stewart at the wheel and Darlington is far from Stewart’s best track. Something’s wrong with this picture.
Why on earth did NASCAR not throw the caution flag as Casey Mears crept around the track in his badly damaged car with cars moving twice as fast roaring by inches from his right side? It seems that NASCAR is a lot slower to throw cautions or make up debris cautions during the night races so the network can get the race over in time for the local news to air before the anchors are asleep in their chairs drooling out the corners of their mouths. I must say though the debris caution for the hot dog wrapper when Busch first started stinking up the show was a classic. I guess somebody might have suffered a paper cut if it was allowed to remain on the track and it could have gotten infected.
I think I’ve figured out what’s causing the lug nut problems with the JGR cars. They must have let Jeff Hammond glue them in place. Talk about a demonstration gone horribly awry. I bet they’re still trying to pry that lug nut off his thumb.
Maybe it’s time to add blinking red lights to the roofs of the Dodges just so fans can remember what they look like?
Maybe it’s also time that NASCAR stops being so complacent and addresses the challenges it faces. I’m noting that interest in this year’s Indy 500 is the highest it’s been in many years. A combination of reunification, the Danica factor, and other compelling storylines seems to have reminded race fans there is an event on the Sunday of the Memorial Day weekend prior to the Coca Cola 600.
I don’t often interject personal stuff in these recaps, you’re here to talk about the race not me, but because Sunday would have been my Mom’s birthday as well as Mother’s Day, I’ll offer a suggestion to those of you whose moms are still living as I cope with the first Mother’s Day without mine. You don’t need a special day to remember how special your Mom is. Call her frequently and tell her you love her.
The Hindenburg Award For Foul Fortune
Greg Biffle started the race from the pole and led 95 laps early but mechanical gremlins sent him to the garage 2/3rds of the way into the race.
Tony Stewart’s chances at winning lasted two laps. Elliott Sadler’s out of control race car put Stewart hard into the wall to draw the first caution.
Jimmie Johnson wrecked twice in practice and about wore out the right side of the 48 car en route to a thirteenth place finish.
Denny Hamlin won the last two Darlington Nationwide races but wrecked in qualifying for that event and missed the show this year.
Ryan Newman isn’t having a great season (other than winning the Daytona 500 of course) but getting wrecked trying to enter the pits under caution might have been a new lowlight of the year.
The “Seven Come Fore Eleven” Award For Fine Fortune
Kyle Busch had to survive numerous up close and personal encounters with the wall, several slow stops and a penalty for a missing lug nut all in one night….and he still dominated the race.
Denny Hamlin left Darlington with a seventh place finish despite getting spun out in traffic.
Travis Kvapil finished eighth and gets the nod for the best looking retro paint scheme as well.
After struggling most of the night, Jeff Burton left Darlington with a tenth place finish. Burton also survived a near miss in the pits with the 1 car and still has completed every lap of every race this season.
Whoever has the white paint concession in Darlington isn’t going to have to worry about gas prices.
Worth Noting
- The top 10 finishers at Darlington drove three Toyotas, four Fords and three Chevys. Kurt Busch (twelfth) was the best finishing Dodge pilot.
- Darlington doesn’t suffer rookies lightly and she was particularly harsh with the freshman class this year. Michael McDowell (28th) was the top finishing rookie Saturday night. Who?, you’re asking. Remember the guy who flipped his car at Texas?
- Kyle Busch has finished first or second in the last three Cup races.
- Carl Edwards has Top 10 finishes in five of the last six races.
- Jeff Gordon managed his first Top five finish since Martinsville.
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. has Top 10 finishes in eight of this season’s eleven races and has led laps in the last six Cup events.
- David Ragan has Top 5 finishes in two of the last three Cup races.
- Matt Kenseth managed his best finish since Fontana (sixth).
- Denny Hamlin has Top 10 finishes in six of the last seven Cup races. He led 381 laps in that other race.
- Dave Blaney enjoyed his first Top 10 result since Charlotte last fall.
- Jeff Burton hasn’t finished worse than 12th in the last ten Cup races.
- Greg Biffle was the first Ford driver to start from the pole this season.
- Jamie McMurray earned his best finish since Martinsville. (11th)
- Kurt Busch finished on the lead lap for the first time since Bristol. (12th). He still has just one top finish this season as the good ship Dodge seems headed to the bottom of the deep blue sea with all hands on deck.
What’s the Points?
The top three drivers in the points hold serve. Kyle Busch is now 79 points ahead of Jeff Burton and 134 points ahead of Earnhardt.
There was a shakeup towards the bottom of the Top 12. Jeff Gordon enters the Top 12 moving up three spots to tenth and David Ragan moved up two spots to 12th. Ryan Newman fell two spots to 13th and Kasey Kahne fell two spots to 14th. Fans of the 12 and 9 cars need not panic. Both drivers are just two points out of the top 12 right now.
Several drivers made forward progress in the points at Darlington. Carl Edwards moved up three spots to seventh while Denny Hamlin moved up two spots to fourth. Despite a lackluster run Jimmie Johnson moved up a spot to sixth.
Kevin Harvick’s hard crash dropped him four points in the standings to ninth. Greg Biffle’s last place finish dropped him two positions in the standings to 11th. Clint Bowyer fell a spot to fifth.
Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch both advanced two spots. They are now 20th and 22nd in the standings. Both drivers and teams have engineered late season runs to make the Chase in previous years but they need to get up on the wheel. Kenseth is 153 points out of the top 12
Overall Rating (On a scale of one to six beer cans with one being a stinker and a six pack an instant classic) I’ll give it four cans, a relatively low rating for a Darlington race. The track is just a bit too fast right now. But keep the faith. In the sandy, abrasive environment of the area the new asphalt is going to wear quickly.
Next Up: The Cup circuit heads to Charlotte for a pointless weekend, the running of the race formerly known as the Winston. Who knows what they’re calling it this year.
Friday on the Frontstretch:
Four Burning Questions: All-Star Analysis and The New Kyle Busch
Has NASCAR’s All-Star Night Lost Its Shine?
Frontstretch Foto Funnies: Get Me A Bunny
Voices From the Cheap Seats: It’s Not Nice To Fool Mother NASCAR!
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