Mixed results for Joe Gibbs Racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway

during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 21, 2016 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

 

After dominating the Daytona 500 last week in historic fashion, Denny Hamlin and his teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing headed to Atlanta Motor Speedway with momentum on their side.

Friday, Kyle Busch scored the pole for JGR but after post qualifying infractions, Busch’s pole and time was disqualified and he would start at the rear. Carl Edwards would start fourth,Hamlin would start 12th and Matt Kenseth would start 13th.

For Edwards he was looking forward to what this track could bring in terms of the quality of racing. “I think you’re going to see some good racing,” Edwards said. “I mean, this track is just perfect. There are three, four, five different grooves. The tires are falling off. The rubber lays onto this track really nicely, so that it changes. If you’re running in a groove, five or 10 laps later there might not be grip there, so I think you’re going to see that.”

Those multiple grooves were a great avenue for Hamlin who made his way into the top five within the first 20 laps. The track though began to change and as his teammates made gains on their cars, Hamlin found himself dropping through the grid and barely hanging onto a top 20 position and the lead lap.

Kenseth who found himself on the verge of lapping his teammates just over 100 laps into the race his day looked to be heading to his first ever AMS win but troubles on pit road for improper fueling procedure saw the team not only forced to have a pass through penalty but miscommunication saw Kenseth stay on track while being shown the black flag. Cost them two laps and a chance at  victory.

Kenseth commented post race on the black flag and the confusion atop his pit box, “I got black flagged for some type of pit road penalty and I didn’t know it and pitted the lap they told me to do a pass through, but I guess they must have been – I’m assuming they were black flagging us before that and they pulled our card, so I never heard anything about it or at least saw the flag or anything, so I came when they told me to come and I guess they must have penalized us a couple laps or something. I don’t really know. I haven’t really seen it.”

Kenseth’s troubles left Busch who made his way in to the top 10 for much of the second half of the race challenging for a top five finish. With Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson dueling for the win in the closing stages the caution for Ryan Newman closed up the field.

Busch took advantage on the final restart of Harvick’s mishap and found himself in position for the win. The wreck on the backstretch though saw the race which had went into overtime, called as the checkered as Johnson earned the win and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. just got by Busch at the start finish line. Edwards would wind up in fifth after a strong restart as well.

Busch on his day  after starting 39th, “Adam Stevens (crew chief) and the guys did a great job. What else could I say? They fought hard to battle back from being at the tail end and got a good points day out of it, so we’ll go on next week and go to Vegas and see if we can’t score a win in the hometown.”

With the new low down force package which Edwards has been a big proponent of even leading into 201 when they made changes from the 2014 package. AMS which has become a driver favorite due to its aging pavement, slick conditions and with the proper tires a place drivers look forward to coming to.

“They just need to keep taking more. This is real racing. We’re driving hard. You can see the guys out here just digging for everything they’re worth. I’m worn out. That’s a tough race and just a lot of fun. I just can’t thank NASCAR enough and Atlanta – don’t ever pave this place – it’s a perfect race track.” Said Edwards post race.

While it wasn’t an overall success for all of JGR but they should be encouraged by their speed all weekend long. The results though don’t show in particular for Kenseth who led 47 laps on Sunday and ended up finishing 19th. Hamlin wound up 16th.

 

Quotes: Reid Spencer/ NASCAR Wire Service and Toyota Racing

Photo: http://www.Thefinallap.com

Rookie Report:Folds of Honor 500 at AMS

Photo: Atlanta Motor Speedway

After the high banks of Daytona where drafting and your fate was in the hands of someone else, the NASCAR Sprint Cup series headed to Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The rookie class would get their first opportunity with the low down-force package. It was a wild weekend here is how the rookies made out.

Chase Elliott

After wrecking early on in the Daytona 500, Elliott looked to come to AMS and just get a solid finish under his belt. With speed early on in the weekend the team struggled in qualifying as track conditions weren’t as they expected. They qualified 24th but with multiple lanes for passing the team wasn’t too concerned for Sunday.

Early on in the race they worked their way into the top 20 by lap 30. Elliott was happy with the handling of the car and was taking care of his tires for later in the run. With the first 211 laps being under green the team made great adjustments on pit road and Elliott did his job on the track.

As the laps wound down they found their way in the top 10 with 100 laps to go. Solid final stops saw them challenging for the top five. On the final restart though Elliott got bottled up and wound up finishing 8th.

It was a good solid run and earned him the top  rookie of the race award.

Ryan Blaney

Blaney started in 25th next to Elliott and just like Elliott, he moved forward early in the race. Had moved into the top 20 in the first 30 laps. The team reminded him to focus on conserving his tires. His first few stops saw him making gains on the handling of the car.

The long green flag run though caught Blaney a lap down running 13th on lap 170. The team would not be able to get back on the lead lap with limited cautions. Still the team battled hard to try and stay in position to get the lucky dog. With the pace the leaders were setting though they were never in contention for it or the win.

On the final restart of the day after Ryan Newman’s wreck with two laps to go, Blaney got caught up in a wreck with Regan Smith, David Ragan, and Aric Almirola. He would finish 25th.

Chris Buescher

It was another tough week for the reigning NASCAR Xfinity Series champion. After wrecking last week in the Daytona 500, Buescher was looking to just finish the race with a solid run. He qualified 31st on Friday but Sunday would be a struggle very early on.

For much of the race the team struggled with a tight condition for much of the first half of the race. By lap 100, Buescher was down a lap and with so many other cars lap down it would be a test to get back into contention. With the last wreck lap Buescher and his team were able to finish 28th.

Brian Scott

Scott had a terrific qualifying effort on Friday qualifying in the top 10. There day though went south early as they struggled with an ill handling race car. Battling tight conditions for much of the first two runs.

They were just inside the top 30 on lap 62,  when they were lapped due to the fast pace. On lap 168 Scott radioed that he hit the wall. He immediately came to pit road but with no caution went down multiple laps.

After a long day in the race car Scott brought the car home in 31st place.

 

The rookie class heads west next week to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Look for the first rookie preview on Thursday.

 

 

 

 

NASCAR: Jimmie Johnson wins Folds of Honor 500 at AMS

 

photo:foxsports

After winning the pole on Friday after Kyle Busch’s time was disqualified, Kurt Busch would lead the field to green in the Folds of Honor 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Busch would keep the lead through the first run under green but with slick aging track, low down force and tires that drop speeds upwards of three to four seconds, tire management was going to be key. Last weeks Daytona 500 winner started outside the top 10 but made his way into the top five early on. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. made up 11 positions in the first 10 laps.

As the first round of green flag pit stops approached Kevin Harvick dropped to pit road first as he thought he had a tire going down. As soon as he pit road though the rest of the leaders followed suit. Four tires, fuel and adjustments for everyone as the only 29 cars were on the lead lap.

Ky. Busch had worked his way back into the top 20. On lap 76, Jimmie Johnson felt he had a tire going down. The team told him to come for the unscheduled pit stop. As soon as he pit road though everyone else followed him within a lap. Johnson would take over the lead under green from Matt Kenseth who got around Harvick under green.

Kenseth would not take long to take back the lead within five laps he was back up front with Johnson settling into the top five

Hamlin who made his way into the top five early on struggled to stay on the lead lap with an ill handling race car. He was barely on the lead lap as they approached lap 100. Brad Keselowski hit pit road for tire issues as Harvick took the lead from Kenseth as on lap 117 the leaders hit pit road again.

The race took a major change as Kenseth was penalized for improper fueling and would have to do a pass through penalty. Martin Truex, Jr. would take over the lead under green but Harvick would take over the top spot again in what continued to be the longest green flag run to start a race at AMS.

Once again, green flag stops began and Joey Logano would get a penalty for a commitment line violation. Meanwhile on track Truex and Harvick were battling for the lead after pit stops.

At half way point of the 325 lap race Harvick had lapped all the way up to 11th place and the entire race had been run under green.Green flag stops approached as Carl Edwards hit pit road for a stop.

Caution finally waved on lap 211 for debris. It would mark the first caution of the day and a chance for drivers and teams to make larger adjustments. With 75 laps to go first of the leaders to hit pit road were Chase Elliott, Edwards and Ku. Busch.

Harvick would wrap up the most laps run as the field hit 60 laps to go. With 49 laps to go Johnson hit pit road for a schedule stop. The rest of the leaders began hitting pit road with 42 laps to go which would be the last scheduled stop of the day.

Johnson who short pitted would have a huge lead after pit cycles but Harvick with fresher tires would begin his charge to the front.Johnson though would be able to hold off the charge as tires began to equal out.

With two laps to go Ryan Newman would cut a tire and he would spin out. With only 10 cars on the lead lap everyone would hit pit road for tires and fuel.

On the restart, Johnson would hold off Harvick who had issues on the restart as Edwards got into the back of him allowing other drivers to get around him. Johnson would be able to hold off Busch as caution waved for a wreck for Ryan Blaney, David Ragan, Aric Almirola, and Regan Smith.

Johnson’s win would tie him at 76 wins which matches the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

The rest of the top 10 were Earnhardt, Ky. Busch, Ku. Busch, Edwards, Harvick, Elliott, Keselowski, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.

Next up kicks off the west coast swing in Las Vegas.

 

Kyle Busch Wins the Heads up Georgia 250

After a exciting finish at Daytona International Speedway, the NASCAR Xfinity Series headed to Atlanta Motor Speedway. The track which is a favorite among most of the drivers is known for its slick and worn pavement.

After scoring a top five finish in his debut with JR Motorsports, points leader Elliott Sadler looked to continue his strong start at a track where he has found success at in the past. A favorite for the NXS championship in Erik Jones had a rough start last week after getting involved in an early wreck. Jones would start second along side Kyle Busch who earned the pole.

On the start of the race Jones rough start continued when he was posted for beating the leaders, Busch to the line. Busch quickly came on the radio and said he spun his tires but Busch was forced to make a pass through on pit road.

 

On lap nine, David Starr blew an engine and brought out the caution. It was a huge break for Jones who was able to stay on the lead lap and catch up to rest of the field. None of the leaders would hit pit road only nine laps in.

Only a handful of laps later caution waved again and handful of cars hit pit road. One of those were Brad Keselowski. On the restart, Keselowski was flying as by lap 30 after restarting outside the top 15, he took the lead from Busch.

Green flag stops began on lap 47.Jones, Kevin Harvick, Daniel Suarez, Kyle Larson pitted. Caution waved for Ray Black, Jr. who cut a tire on lap 49. Busch who was on pit road as caution waved drove right back onto track and would pit with the rest of the leaders. Justin Allgaier, would stay on track and take over the lead next to Keselowski.

It wouldn’t take long as Keselowski would drop back on the restart after spinning his tires but would pass Allgaier and take over the top spot. Busch would follow him by Allgaier and take over second. Busch would challenge Keselowski for the lead.

Harvick who was running sixth on lap 70 hit pit road for what they assumed were more tire issues. Harvick would be a lap down but would also have to hit pit road again as he was having overheating issues.

On lap 99, Larson would run down Busch and look to take the lead but Busch would battle back as Darrell Wallace, Jr. would spin coming onto pit road. The leaders would pit on lap 101 after Keselowski had just pitted.

With 40 laps to go Joey Gase had issues and brought out the caution. The leaders hit pit road for tires and fuel. Everyone would have to pit at lease one more time as this was well outside their window to make it to the end.

Larson and Busch would restart side by side but with 35 laps to go Wallace would have a flat tire and caution would wave. The rest of the leaders stayed out knowing while they wouldn’t have the tires to last 35 laps but track position was everything. Jones though took advantage and hit pit road to go off sequence from the leaders.

On the restart, Busch pulled away but the battle for the top five was heating up as Jones looked to take advantage of the fresher tires and the laps winding down. With five laps  to go Larson ran down Busch.

Lap traffic would play a role as Larson perferred lane of the top was taken away with two laps to go. It hurt any momentum he had and Busch would be able to hold off the hard charge.

Busch would do something he had not done before  in 12 starts at AMS in the NXS; that’s win.

The rest of the top 10 were Larson, Jones, Paul Menard, Ty Dillon, Keselowski, Suaurez  Allgaier, Sadler and Jeb Burton.

He said what..

“Larson was better than us as the run went on.”-Busch on Larson’s charge.

“I would have gotten to him but would have been tough to pass him.”- Larson on lap traffic and Busch.

“Nice to be able to battle back from adversity and at least have a shot at it.”- Jones

Next up for the NXS is Las Vegas Motor Speedway next Saturday.

 

NASCAR Sprint Cup Rookie Recap: Daytona 500

during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 21, 2016 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The 2016 rookie class is one of the strongest in recent years. The average age of Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Chris Buescher and Brian Scott is 23. The experience these four drivers have includes two NASCAR Xfinity Series champions, one Owners championship in the NXS  and 18 combined wins in NASCAR National series.

Yes, they are rookies in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series but their success in both the NXS and Camping World Truck Series means that the yellow stripe on the back of their cars are just a formality as they battle for Rookie of the Year in 2016.

Ryan Blaney

The highest finishing rookie of the race had a fairly uneventful day. After starting seventh, Blaney was stuck on the outside which struggled to get going for much of the afternoon. As he worked his way though back into the top 10 after the first stop of the day. He continued to impress as he ran top 10 for much of the day. On the final green flag pit stop they intended on taking two tires but Blaney slid and flat spotted his tires. They were forced to take on four.

Track position was everything so the last minute audible on their final stop saw them starting outside the top 10. Blaney would settle for 19th but their finish wasn’t telling of how well they ran for most of the Daytona 500.

 

Brian Scott

After being forced to a back up after a crash in the Can-Am duels, Scott and his team started 35th for the Daytona 500. Scott has missed and made the Daytona 500 so he has experienced the highs and the lows that Speedweeks can bring. Their goal this year was to just be there at the end. Usually we see multi car wrecks that eliminated teams but on Sunday that was not the case. There was only to multi car wrecks so attrition never came to fruition.

On the first green flag stop of the day Scott had a speeding penalty and the team were forced to play a little strategy for track position. As the race wore on handling and anticipating the “big one” saw Scott and team play conservative and come home a solid 24th.

Chase Elliott

during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 21, 2016 in Daytona Beach, Florida.

After earning the Daytona 500 pole and setting a new record in the process as the youngest driver ever to start on the pole; all eyes were on Elliott. After leading three laps early on Elliott slipped back to just outside the top five.

His day took a turn for the worse on lap 20 when he got loose after going three wide and being stuck in the middle. As Elliott spun he hit the grass and destroyed his entire front end. Impressively the team were able to repair damage and put on a new nose in 30 minutes. He lost 40 laps but when back on track was able to keep up with lead draft. Elliott finished 37th.

Chris Buescher

The NXS 2015 Champion was making his Daytona 500 debut on Sunday. After starting 17th, Buescher found his way to the bottom and  but struggled with a vibration for much of the first run. After pitting for fuel and tires the vibration went away but the handling continued to be a struggle.

Buescher’s day turned for the worse on lap 93 when Matt DiBenedetto and him made contact near the back of the pack. Both drivers take hard hits into the outside wall. After taking some time to get out of the car; Buescher was checked and released. He finished 39th.

Next up for the rookies is Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, February 28th.

NASCAR: Promising start turns to disappointing finish for Hendrick Motorsports

A week ago the racing world was focused on a rookie driver who was taking over an iconic ride. Not only did Chase Elliott have everyone buzzing after setting a record as the youngest pole sitter ever for the Daytona 500, many picked him to be a contender for the win.

Fast forward to Sunday and the Daytona 500. His day started off strong after leading the first three laps of the race. Elliott settled into the top five and worked with teammate, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Elliott’s day turned quickly after Kevin Harvick made a save after getting loose. As the lanes began to shuffle Elliott got stuck in the middle lane.

As we would see all afternoon drivers would fight the handling of their cars especially coming off of turn four. Elliott got loose and unable to save it spun across Austin Dillon’s nose. Elliott spun into the infield and as he did his nose dug into the grass and tore up his race car.

His crew got to work quickly and made repairs and got him back on track but 40 laps down. He would end up finishing 37th in his Daytona 500 debut.

Earnhardt who started in third after winning his Can-Am duel on Thursday night would lead 16 laps early in the race. Unlike in years past Earnhardt struggled for much of the day with handling issues. After getting shuffled out of the lead, Earnhardt struggled back in traffic and was unable to make the moves necessary to get back to the front.

After a round of green flag pit stops Earnhardt worked his way back into the top five but  as the laps began to wind down, Earnhardt began making moves to get back to the front but as he was side drafting got loose off of turn four and spun on front of traffic. He said, “I was aggressive trying to side-draft guys and move forward. We were making some ground on the leaders a little bit so that was looking pretty good because the outside line really hadn’t been doing anything all day. Just busted my butt there. Driver mistake.”

He nosed the wall and saw his day over with 30 laps to go. He would finish 36th.

Jimmie Johnson started at the back of the field after a wreck on the final lap of his duel on Thursday. Track position was everything today but getting to the front or even top 10 wouldn’t be an issue for Johnson. Within the first 50 laps he had worked his way well into the top 10 and top five. He ended up leading 18 laps.

After running top 10 for much of the second half of the race Johnson made his green flag stop too many men went over the wall. He had to do a pass thru penalty under green. He was able to stay on the lead lap but lost all his track position. If not for Earnhardt’s wreck Johnson’s day was theoretically over.

Even after making some headway on the final restarts and run Johnson was unable to crack back into the top 10 and finished 16th.

The only driver from Hendrick Motorsports who had a an uneventful day was Kasey Kahne. He spent most of the day running just inside the top 10 and at times made runs toward the front but was never able to lead laps.

After getting shuffled back after pit stops Kahne worked his way back inside the top 10. After the final restart of the race though Kahne was unable to make up much ground to challenge for the lead and win. He would end up finishing 13th and the best of his HMS teammates.

Restrictor plate races are a crap shoot. Picking the top 10 is like picking the winning lottery numbers. This one race won’t make a season or decide any of these four drivers championship hopes.

Still for HMS a organization has been the team to beat at Daytona in recent years their struggles were surprising today as a slick track and different track conditions caught them all off guard.

Earnhardt said, “It caught me by surprise,” he said. “I was trying to side-draft a guy beside me and boy, it pinned the right front. All the downforce there. We have been working on the balance all day. That was our problem. We really underestimated how important handling was going to be today.

The real season begins next Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. With the new low downforce package that everyone will be running there are a lot of unknowns ahead for everyone.

After lagging behind Joe Gibbs Racing and Penske Racing in the second half of the 2015 season on the intermediate tracks, this weekend at AMS will be a big test for them as they look to bounce back after a disappointing start to 2016.

Quote: USA Today

Picture: motorsport.com

 

Denny Hamlin wins Daytona 500 in historic fashion

 

Today was the beginning of a new era in NASCAR. Chase Elliott, the youngest pole sitter ever for the Daytona 500 officially took over the no. 24 for Jeff Gordon. Ryan Blaney, would be bringing the Wood Brothers back to full time racing in NASCAR Sprint Cup racing.

Oh yea, it was also the Daytona 500. NASCAR kicks off its season with its biggest race of the year. Tension and nerves are at its greatest for 40 drivers and teams.

Elliott would lead the field to green with a push from teammate Dale Earnhardt, Jr. but Earnhardt wouldn’t wait long before he took the lead from Elliot who settled inside the top five.

On lap 20,  Elliott was in the middle and spun and went through the infield and destroyed the front end of his race car. Elliott’s day was over early as his team worked to make repairs. Meanwhile leaders hit pit road for mainly two tires and fuel at lap 22.

Denny Hamlin who many picked as a favorite today would take the lead off of pit road. Some leaders stayed out one additional lap and pitted on the one to go lap.

On the restart, Hamlin stuck to the bottom and was able to lead the bottom lane during this run. Unlike in the first run the stronger lane this run was bottom. That first caution  was perfect for former Daytona 500 pole sitter, Austin Dillon who had lost the draft.

Hamlin who is considered one of the best restrictor plate racers along with his Joe Gibbs Racing teammates and satellite team of Kyle Busch, Martin Truex, Jr. and Matt Kenseth lined up behind him. By lap 45, the field was basically single file through the first 15 cars.

Sunday’s race was the warmest of Speedweeks so teams were battling the handling. Cautiom waved on lap 55 as Brian Vickers spun. Carl Edwards and Trevor Bayne picked up some damage as well but all were able to continue on.

The leaders would hit pit road and Jimmie Johnson who started at the rear would get the lead off of pit road. Elliott would also get back on track after teams made repairs to his car after his early spin

It was Joe Gibbs racing once again leading the way as Johnson was shuffled back outside the top 10 around lap 80.Leaders went single file once again as mid-pack the drivers began mixing it up as they positioned themselves.

Caution waved on lap 93 for Chris Buescher and Matt DiBenedetto made contact just before halfway. The leaders all hit pit road and mainly took two tires. Hamlin would take back the lead off of pit road.

The field would take the restart at halfway and once again the Joe Gibbs Racing teammates led the way. Casey Mears would have to hit pit road with a loose wheel and would fall off the lead lap. Meanwhile, Kevin Harvick began trying to make the high side work with Kurt Busch and Joey Logano leading the way.

With 50 laps to go the front looked the same with Joe Gibbs Racing, Truex  and Kyle Larson the top five. The laps were begining to wind down and the anxiety was rising.Green flag pit stops began with 44 laps to go. When everyone cycled through it was Kenseth who started at the rear found himself leading the race.

On lap 170, Earnhardt was making progress when off of turn four he got loose and spun out and nosed the inside pit wall.

The field will take the green with 25 laps to go and Kenseth maintained the lead. With  17 laps to go, Danica Patrick and Greg Biffle make contact and both drivers suffered major damage. Only a handful of the cars made their way to pit road.

Kenseth would be leading the field on the restart  and maintained that as those behind began positioning as the laps wound down. As Harvick makde ground on the outside Hamlin jumped out in front of Harvick with just two laps to go. Hamlin pinched Kenseth to the outside and took advantage as Kesneth dropped back outside the top 10. Meanwhile, Truex and Hamlin door banged all the way to finish line in what would be the closest finish ever in the history of the Daytona 500. 0.01 of second is all that separated Hamlin and Truex as they crossed the finish line.

Hamlin won his first Daytona 500 and the first for Toyota Racing at DIS.

The rest of the top 10 were Truex, Ky. Busch, Harvick, Edwards, Logano, Kyle Larson, Regan Smith, A.Dillon, and Ku.Busch.

Next up is Atlanta Motorspeedway next Sunday on Fox.

 

He said what?

“They don’t get much more crushing than that..” -Matt Kenseth

“Cole and I worked hard all week to make sure we did the right things.”-Martin Turex, Jr.

 

 

 

 

Chase Elliott Wins the PowershareQQQ 300 at Daytona

On a sunny, warm Saturday afternoon, Ty Dillon would lead the Xfinity field to green at Daytona International Speedway for the PowersharesQQQ 300.

On the outside front row it would be 2015 Rookie Of the Year, Daniel Suarez lining up next to Dillon. Along with series veterans a few NASCAR Sprint Cup series drivers were doing double duty. Those drivers included Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, Austin Dillon, Joey Logano, Kasey Kahne and Aric Almirola.

The first caution waved for Bobby Gerhart who had contact with Ryan Preece on lap five. Logano who took the lead from T. Dillon early on was the leader. Some drivers opted to hit pit road with this early caution including some potential contenders in Elliott, Brandon Jones, Almirola, and Matt Tifft.

Logano would lead the field on the restart on lap 10.The second caution would wave on lap 14 when a chain reaction wreck set saw Jeb Burton, Bobby Labonte, Erik Jones and Brendan Poole all receive damage. The leaders would hit pit road for fuel only on a majority of the cars.

After just pitting, Elliott stayed out and would take over the lead with Almirola who also stayed out on this caution  and they would lead the field to green on the restart.

Elliott wouldn’t hold the lead long as drivers went three wide quickly. Elliot got shuffled back as A. Dillon took back the lead. Larson would lose the draft after damage from the second caution. The field would once again be under caution for Martin Roy, who looked like he cut a tire and made contact with the wall.

Once again split field as Elliott and Almirola hit pit road again as the leaders stayed out. Split strategy to start the day as with this caution those drivers who pitted would be in the fuel window in this 120 lap race.

Kahne who had been working early on the outside groove found his way to the lead and began to pace the field as they were lining up on the bottom. The field settle in for mainly single file racing on the bottom.

On lap 58, the leaders all hit pit road for a green flag pit stop. Drivers like Almirola and Blake Koch were playing the fuel strategy game and were stretching their fuel. As pit cycles cycled through, Logano began to work his way back to the front and took back the lead from Kahne on the outside.

Teams would have to make one more stop before the end of the race but the leaders went single file with series veteran Elliott Sadler lined up behind him. With the laps winding down teams began to prepare for their final pit stop of the race. Logano continued to lead with JR Motorsports teammates, Sadler and Elliott behind him. Pole sitter, Dillon and Darrell  Wallace, Jr. rounded out the top five.

As the leaders hit pit road the lead pack were separated as Wallace lost the lead draft and the top 10 cars were separated. With 19 laps to go caution waved for Ray Black, Jr. and the front runners were forced to make a decision as to whether they would pit or not pit. Most of the leaders would stay out except for A. Dillon, Kahne and T. Dillon as well.

Logano would get to his door but Elliott would jump to the outside and as Logano and him beat and banged to the finish. Elliott would win for the first time at DIS and would be the youngest Xfinity Series winner ever at DIS.

The records continue to fall with Elliott.

The rest of the top were Logano, Kahne, Sadler, A. Dillon, Wallace, Jr., B. Jones, Suarez, Blake Koch and Brendan Gaughan.

Next up is Atlanta Motorspeedway next Saturday afternoon.

 

He said what…

“Just finished second again … uh … kinda sucks.” -Logano

“Very proud of this race team. Strong run right out of the box.” -Sadler

 

 

Johnny Sauter Wins NextEra Energy 250 at Daytona

 

 

The first points paying race of the 2016 NASCAR season took the green flag on Friday night at Daytona International Speedway. Grant Enfinger would lead the field to green in the Camping World Trucks series. Another series first was the caution clock. The race will be broken into 20 minute periods before caution is waved automatically.

The first two cautions of the race were both  forTommy Joe Martins. The second caution saw Martins get loose and hit the outside wall. Most of the leaders would hit pit road except Austin Theriault who would stay out banking on pitting when the caution clock would expire.

Most teams that did hit pit road only took on fuel and adjustments. This race was only 100 laps,  and tires were not as important as maintaining track position. Series veteran, Matt Crafton showed early on that he was willing to work with the young drivers in the series. He worked with Christopher Bell among others to get the outside lane going on the ensuing restarts. With 13 new drivers in the series this season, lots of new drivers to get used to working with on the track.

As the caution clock wound down drivers and crew chiefs began working with each other whether or not they  would hit pit road prior to the clock expiring or after. The first group of drivers hit pit road under green and made their stops cleanly. The second group attempted to hit pit road, but as drivers checked up Cody Coughlin, Spencer Gallagher and Bell all made some sort of contact causing caution to wave before the caution clock expired. The leaders who did not pit, finally hit pit road for fuel, tires and adjustments.

On the restart on lap 48, Theriault would lead the field to green but Timothy Peters would take the lead on the bottom. Crafton who was in the lead pack would begin to overheat and would be forced to drop to the back to cool down his engine as they were just past halfway.

Caution waved on lap 66, which would be the fourth caution for debris. The leaders would hit pit road for a mix bag of no tires, two tires and fuel only. With 33 laps to go everyone would be good on fuel to the checkered.The goal now is to be there when it counts as the laps wound down at DIS.

With 30 laps to go the field would take the restart and the caution clock would reset once again. When the field takes 20 to go the caution clock will be shut off until then the field stayed green and two by two.Peters would lead the way with Tyler Reddick in second. Some of these teams only had enough fuel for one green-white-checkered, teams were banking on a few cautions to help pad their fuel numbers.

Caution would wave with 22 to go for the No. 66, who stopped on track. This caution would help those trying to save some fuel for any overtime laps if needed. With 20 laps to go, caution clock would be turned off as Peters would once again lead the field on the restart.

With 15 to go, Ryan Truex found himself battling for the lead with Enfinger side by side. Truex would take the lead with the laps winding down.

With eight laps to go, the field was two by two, six rows deep. Peters would try and give Cameron Haley push.Peters’ push though would send Haley up into the outside lane and set off a chain reaction wreck that included Crafton, Haley, Brandon Brown, Cole Custer, Enfinger, Ben Rhodes, Rico Abreu, John Wes Townley, Scott Lagasse, Jr., Daniel Suarez, Reddick, and Theriault among others. 17 trucks were involved in total.

The field  would go under the red flag with just seven laps remaining. After a 28 minute red flag,the trucks would go back under caution.

The field would take the green with two laps to go. Truex on the inside and Sauter on the outside. As Sauter took the lead and the white flag, contact with Bell and William Byron set off another chain reaction wreck. Bell went airborne and flipped over at least 12 times.

Bell would walk away but the melee saw nearly half the field that remained involved. Meanwhile back up front Sauter would edge out in front of Truex as the caution would wave. Sauter who would take the checkered flag. This would  be Chevrolet’s first win at DIS in the CWTS  as well as Sauter’s 11th career win.

The rest of the top 10 were Truex, Parker Kligerman, Brown, Tyler Young, Travis Kvapil, Daniel Hemric, Rhodes, Lagassee, Crafton.

Even though Bell would walk away but would be transported to a local medical facility for precaution per NASCAR.

Next up for the CWTS is Atlanta Motor Speedway next Saturday afternoon.

He said what…

“Second sucks but I’ll take it..”-Ryan Truex

“I had this feeling yesterday that if we didn’t make any mistakes we would have a chance.”- Johnny Sauter

 

 

 

 

 

NASCAR: Jeff Gordon Still Went Out On Top

“Don’t cry because its over. Smile because it happened.”

As the laps were winding down last night, there was a sadness that overcame me as I watched Jeff Gordon circle the track for the final time.

It was over. Just like the light of a candle that’s been burning, it was gone. I quickly tried to compose myself but instead, sloppy, big tears started streaming. It felt like a part of my childhood and adult life had just walked off into the sunset.

In essence it had.

I have been a Gordon fan long before I wrote about this sport for Bleacher Report and Fan Vs Fan. I rooted for him while taking the smart comments of fans who called him “too perfect” “goody two-shoes” and other names that I will not repeat. I sat in a sea of Earnhardt, Stewart and Kenseth fans at Chicagoland Speedway back in 2006.I got made fun of for my gear more than the laps on track. It makes me laugh now. It makes me proud to be honest. I have never hid my fandom and I always worked hard to separate it when I wrote about this sport. I have never been more proud to be his fan than yesterday.

So last night while Kyle Busch was taking photos and celebrating an amazing comeback story, I watched my racing hero in his final press conference in the media center at Homestead. I watched him laugh and smile. Answer numerous questions. Boast about his incredible career. Give credit to his team, his owner and his family. He was giving us closure. Reminding us that this was his choice. That he was ready for this next chapter.

I am thankful for that. This sport can be cruel. Most of the time drivers don’t get to go out on their own accord. They stay too long and linger running at the back of the pack. Trying and searching for the glory and success that escaped them years prior.

For some they don’t get any choice. They are injured and no longer can do what they love to do. Forced to walk away before they were truly ready. Never really getting the closure to move forward. Always stuck in gear. For the few fate takes over and their need for speed and the thrill cost them their lives.

For fans it can be even harder  because we identify with a driver. We connect and go along for the ride until the checkered flag flies on their career. In 2001 when Dale Earnhardt, Sr. died, I told a friend of mine, ” I don’t care what happens, if he never wins a title again, I want Gordon to go out on his own terms.” She reminded me of this conversation this past week. I was a fan of Earnhardt, the pain of his loss echoes with every lap that is turned. I still sit back and wonder “what would Earnhardt think of this?”

Gordon got to choose. Gordon got to decide for himself, his team and his family that this was it. Gordon’s announcement in January he reiterated his desire to go out competitive, at the top of his game and with a chance at the title. On Sunday he got that chance and for him even coming away without a fifth title; he was satisfied.

“I think the Chase truly showed that.  I’m extremely proud of my driving and our team effort over these last 10 races.  I think that that’s something that is going to stick with me for a very long time, and how I made the announcement and how we approached the season and how we finished it.” Gordon said after Homestead.

All he wanted was a shot this season.  It was the same thing he wanted 24 years ago as a young kid, who nobody thought could race and beat this sports very best. Gordon proved them all wrong. He has carried this sport for the last 23 years. He took over as the leader in the garage after his friend and toughest competitor in Earnhardt died. He represented this sport with respect, grace and a professionalism that young drivers try to emulate to this day.

Now it is someone else’s turn to be the leader in the garage and the voice that this sport so desperately needs.

Yet, there will never be another Jeff Gordon. What we saw yesterday from the fans, his peers and others will never be seen again. Not because others don’t deserve the recognition but because Gordon has been the face of this sport since 1992 and now the sport is searching for its new identity.

It was unforgettable, it was a moment frozen in time. NASCAR didn’t rush it. They soaked it all in. Reveled in the moment as even they recognized, Gordon earned this moment.

Sunday on the grandest stage, in his final race, Gordon  got to do something few in sports get to do: go out at the top of his game.

For that I am thankful.

Photo: NASCAR