10. A slight miscalculation by team staff on the “driver weight vs. horsepower” ratio for the backup car.
9. Been there, done that; didn’t want to relive the demanding schedule that being the reigning champion entails.
8. Put off redecorating his master bedroom one too many weeks.
7. Poor scheduling of the annual “Joe Gibbs Racing Prank Race,” when the No. 18 team has been known to secretly switch cars with the No. 20.
6. Wanted to make sure someone else got their turn at beating Jimmie Johnson for the championship.
5. Found out the top-10 guys were going to be on the Late Show With David Letterman and wanted to be on the Tonight Show With Leno instead.
4. Team orders: Back off so Denny Hamlin has a chance.
3. Thought the “past champion’s provisional” meant he was already in.
2. After having so much fun last year trash talking with Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards, the three decided to do it again, but this time for 11th.
1. No one fully explained to Tony Stewart that “backup car” was just an expression.
About the author
The Frontstretch Staff is made up of a group of talented men and women spread out all over the United States and Canada. Residing in 15 states throughout the country, plus Ontario, and widely ranging in age, the staff showcases a wide variety of diverse opinions that will keep you coming back for more week in and week out.
A daily email update (Monday through Friday) providing racing news, commentary, features, and information from Frontstretch.com
We hate spam. Your email address will not be sold or shared with anyone else.