NASCAR 2012 Champion - Brad Keslowski

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Little Polack

Brad Keslowski!!!

 

 

In just 3 full seasons of Sprint Cup Racing, Brad Keslowski brought Roger Penske his first Sprint Cup Championship in 23 years of trying. Brad joins Jeff Gordon as the only other driver to win in his 3rd full season of racing Sprint Cup. Dale Earnhardt won his first after just 2 seasons. Brad also joins Bobby LaBonte as the other driver to win Championships in both Nationwide and Sprint Cup, Bobby winning his Nationwide Championship in 1991 and his Sprint Cup Championship in 2000, Brad winning his Nationwide Championship in 2010 and 2 years later takes the Sprint Cup Championship.

Way to go Brad!!! You and your team should be proud of this accomplishment!!! You ran consistent all year and the made the most of every race in the Chase. Having an average finish of 6.3 during the Chase, showed how hard you ran for this honor. Winning 2 of the Chase Races Chicagoland and Dover, you only finished out of the top ten in two races, Charlotte and Homestead. You raced like a true champion.

Winning Dodge a Championship in their last season.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Roger Penske and the whole

#2 Miller Lite Team

GREAT SEASON!!!

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

and the #6 Cargill Team

Nationwide Series Champion

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

James Buescher

and the #31 Great Clips Team

Camping World Truck Series Champion

 

 

 

NASCAR - Chase Race #10 - Miami

 

 

Homestead Miami proved to be a great race for the finale of the season. With only 3 cautions, the green flag racing was good. The last caution coming on lap 154 and the last green on 162, leaving 103 laps and one more pit stop for everyone, pit strategy was critical. Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer running 1st and 2nd with a hand full of laps left took the chance that they saved enough gas to make it to the end. Bowyer never caught up with Gordon and Gordon gave Hendricks his first Miami win... Jimmie Johnson had problems towards the end of the race, sending him to the garage and ending his chase for his 6th Championship.

 

Congratulations Jeff Gordon!!! Staying out of trouble and just staying in the hunt til end and not pitting and pushing the fuel mileage limit to take the checkered flag... Having a few times racing Bowyer, you both acted like true racers, just proving that every once in while stuff happens, and that is just a part of racing.

Top Ten Recap:

1. Jeff Gordon - started 15 - up 1 positions to 10th

2. Clint Bowyer - started 6 - up 2 positions to 2nd

3. Ryan Newman - started 19 - remains in 14th

4. Kyle Busch - started 8 - remains in 13th

5. Greg Biffle - started 13 - up 2 positions to 5th

6. Martin Truex Jr. - started 7 - down 1 position to 11th

7. Aric Almirola - started 5 - up 2 position to 20th

8. Kevin Harvick - started 23 - remains in 8th

9. Kurt Busch - started 26 - remains in 25th

10. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - started 16 - remains in 12th

 

Chase for Championship:

1. Brad Keslowski - finished 15th

2. Clint Bowyer - finished 2nd - up 1 position

3. Jimmie Johnson - finished 36th - down 1 position

4. Kasey Kahne - finished 21st - down 1 position

5. Greg Biffle - finished 5th - up 2 positions

6. Denny Hamlin - finished 24th - down 1 position

7. Matt Kenseth - finished 18th - down 1 position

8. Kevin Harvick - finished 8th

9. Tony Stewart - finished 17th

10. Jeff Gordon - WINNER - up 1 position

11. Martin Truex Jr. - finished 6th - down 1 position

12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 10th

 

 

Congratulations to Brad Keslowski, our little polack, great racing to win your first Sprint Cup Championship.... Way to go!!! Joining Jeff Gordon in winning a championship in just your 3rd full season.


Next Race - Daytona International Speedway - The Shootout - Saturday - February 16, 2013 - TBA -
90 Days and counting
Banquet - Las Vegas - November 30, 2012 - 8 pm on Speed Channel

Have a Nice Night
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR - Chase Race #9 - Phoenix

NASCAR - Phoenix - First thing I must say about this race is NASCAR was very inconsistent in throwing the yellow flag. Two miscues in the throwing of the yellow flag late in the race cost a lot of teams wrecked race cars. No flag was thrown when Jeff Gordon hit the wall and put parts over the track, that flag could have preventing Jeff from wrecking Clint Bowyer. Then during the green, white checkered run, they again failed to throw the yellow when Danica Patrick got spun by Jeff Burton on the front stretch as the leaders took the white flag, getting as low as she could on the track the officials still let them race for the checker even though the track was covered with oil, wrecking cars as they crossed the finish line. Ryan Newman who finished 5th sat in the middle of the track, wrecked, just pass the finish line. Jeff Gordon admitted openly that he was after Clint Bowyer, said he had had enough and reached his limit. Both teams are on hot seat right now as to what NASCAR is going to do about the fighting incident. Personally I don't think anything should be done, let them race and fight. They certainly are not going to lose any fans from it, probably going to gain a few.

Congratulations Kevin Harvick!!! Where did he come from? is back. Staying out of trouble all race and playing some pit strategy Kevin drove the #29 Bud car home with just a little bit of gas left.
Bring him up 3 positions to 8th place in the points. Was a tough race for the Chasers today only 5 of the 12 finished in the top ten. Jimmie Johnson blew a tire and hit the wall, finishing in 32nd., Clint Bowyer was wrecked by Jeff Gordon, who wrecked himself also. Clint finishing 28th and watched his championship hopes die. Jeff Gordon finished in 30th. Martin Truex Jr. had engine problems very early in the race finishing 43rd. Tony Stewart hit the wall giving him a 20th place finish. Matt Kenseth just muddled his way to 14th and Dale Earnhardt Jr. just couldn't find the right set up finishing 21st.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Kevin Harvick - started 19 - up 3 positions to 8th
2. Denny Hamlin - started 3 - up 2 positions to 5th
3. Kyle Busch - started 1 - remains in 13th
4. Kasey Kahne - started 4 - up 1 position to 3rd
5. Ryan Newman -started 12 - remains in 14th
6. Brad Keslowski - started 14 - up 1 position to Leader
7. Greg Biffle - started 20 - up 3 positions to 7th
8. Kurt Busch - started 6 - remains in 25th
9. Paul Menard - started 7 - remains in 16th
10. Mark Martin - started 10 - remains in 26th

Chase Championship Race:
1. Brad Keslowski - finished 6th - up 1 position
2. Jimmie Johnson - finished 32nd - down 1 position
3. Kasey Kahne - finished 4th - up 1 position
4. Clint Bowyer - finished 28th - down 1 position
5. Denny Hamlin - finished 2nd - up 2 positions
6. Matt Kenseth - finished 14th - down 1 position
7. Greg Biffle - finished 7th - up 3 positions
8. Kevin Harvick - WINNER - up 3 positions
9. Tony Stewart - finished 20th - down 1 position
10. Jeff Gordon - finished 30th - down 4 positions
11. Martin Truex Jr. - finished 43rd - down 2 positions
12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 21st

Again this week every position in the chase changed, with the exception of Dale Jr. This is going to be one hell of a finish in Miami next week. Don't miss it.

Final Race: Homestead-Miami Motor Speedway - Ford EcoBoost 400 - November 18, 2012, 2pm est

Have a Wonderful Week
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR - Chase Race #8 - Texas

Texas was an exciting race, green flag racing and cautions in clumps. Brad Keslowski gave it everything he could, opting for two tires at the end of the race put him up front but with three restarts within 40 laps and two of the them coming within the last 10 laps he just couldn't hold up to Johnson's 4. The last 10 laps proved to be nail biting and exciting, Keslowski trying to hold off Johnson for first place, leaned on Johnson hard, rubbing and racing, but when the choice came to wrecking Johnson and maybe himself, Brad opted to race clean and came in second behind Johnson and dropping another 5 points to 7 points back from the top spot.

Congratulations Jimmie Johnson!!! Starting from the pole, leading the most laps, dominating most all the race, and finishing top seed to top it all off. Extending his points lead to 7, the next 2 races are crucial. They should be very exciting racing, with the points lead so close, there is no room for error on either teams part.
Denny Hamlin's luck has run out, with a 20th place finish, his hopes are pretty much diminished. Kasey Kahne had a strong running car, but a late race flat tire. rendered him a 25th place finish.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Jimmie Johnson - started 1 - remains Chase Leader
2. Brad Keslowski - started 8 - remains in 2nd
3. Kyle Busch - started 3 - remains in 13th
4. Matt Kenseth - started 10 - up 3 positions to 5th
5. Tony Stewart - started 21 - up 2 positions to 8th
6. Clint Bowyer - started 4 - remains in 3rd
7. Dale Earnhardt - started 19 - remains in 12th
8. Kurt Busch - started 18th - remains in 25th
9. Kevin Harvick - started 23 - remains in 11th
10. Greg Biffle - started 2 - down 1 position to 10th

Chase for the Championship:
1. Jimmie Johnson - WINNER
2. Brad Keslowski - finished 2nd
3. Clint Bowyer - finished 6th
4. Kasey Kahne - finished 25th
5. Matt Kenseth -finished 4th - up 3 positions
6. Jeff Gordon - finished 14th
7. Denny Hamlin - finished 20th - down 2 positions
8. Tony Stewart - finished 5th - up 2 positions
9. Martin Truex, Jr. - finished 13th - down 2 positions
10. Greg Biffle - finished 10th - down 1 position
11. Kevin Harvick - finished 9th
12. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - finished 7th

Next Race - Phoenix International Speedway - AdvoCare 500 - Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 2pm est.

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take Care
 Barbara

NASCAR - Race Chase #7 - Martinsville

Martinsville Speedway the 7th race in the chase. I was actually there watching the race today and am just getting home. I will recap it all for you tomorrow. I have listed my weekly list of winners and who is where in the points. Thank you for reading.

Had a good time at the race yesterday in Martinsville, right up to the last lap, when Jimmie Johnson won the race LOL... Seats were at the start/finish line, 2 rows up and only about 15 feet, yes 15 feet off the track, up close a personal and my favorite place to sit. The closer I am to the track the better, I love the smells, the wind, the sounds and the rubber off the tires literally flying at you. My son bought me the tickets for my birthday. The only down fall was because of the haulers in the infield we could not see the backstretch, but there was a big TV right in front of us, so we didn't miss much and there is nothing like watching the cars come down the front stretch straight at you and then watching them dive into turn 1 as they disappear out of sight. NASCAR racing is the best.
Congratulations Jimmie Johnson!!! started first, finished first. Dominate car all day. Very pushy all day long, nearly putting out three different cars. Putting you in the lead for the Chase at the moment, but watch your back because Brad Keslowski is very, very hungry for a Championship. Every Chase driver changed positions this week, with the exception of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and they thought Talladega was going to change up things. Martinsville proved to be a dilemma for 5 of the Chase drivers, Denny Hamlin, finishing in 33rd, had issues with his car, stopping in the middle of the track right at the start/finish, luckily everyone drove around him. Kevin Harvick, finishing 32nd, (as Darrell Waltrip would say ) blowed up. Tony Stewart, finishing 27th,  just couldn't get the car to handle the way he wanted. Martin Truex Jr., finishing 23rd,  never recovered from a pit road penalty and Dale Earnhardt Jr., finishing 21st, after a late race spin.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Jimmie Johnson - started on pole - up 1 position to Leader
2. Kyle Busch - started 3 - remains in 13th
3. Kasey Kahne - started 15 - up 1 position to 4th
4. Aric Almirola - started 10 - remains in 21st
5.Clint Bowyer - started 8 - up 1 position to 3rd
6. Brad Keslowski - started 32 - down 1 position to 2nd
7. Jeff Gordon - started 11 - up 2 positions to 6th
8. Brian Vickers - started 2 - up 1 position to 35th
9. Bobby Labonte - started 17 - remains in 24th/
10. Greg Biffle - started 30 - up 2 position in 9th

Race for the Championship:
1. Jimmie Johnson - WINNER - up 1 position
2. Brad Keslowski - finished 6th - down 1 position
3. Clint Bowyer - finished 5th - up 1 position
4. Kasey Kahne - finished 3rd - up 1 position
5. Denny Hamlin - finished 33rd - down 2 positions
6. Jeff Gordon - finished 7th - up 2 positions
7. Martin Truex, Jr. - finished 23rd - down 1 position
8. Matt Kenseth - finished 14th - up 1 position
9. Greg Biffle - finished 10th - up 2 positions
10. Tony Stewart - finished 27th - down 3 positions
11. Kevin Harvick - finished 32nd - down 1 position
12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 21st -

Next Race - Texas Motor Speedway - AAA Texas 500 - Sunday, November 4, 2012, 2pm.

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR - Chase Race #6 - Kansas

Chase Race #6 Kansas - coming down to the wire with just 4 races left, points are getting tight and every lap counts. Brad Keslowski finished ahead of Jimmie Johnson but only by one position and because Jimmie lead a lap and Brad did not, Brad did not make up any ground lose last week at Charlotte. Kansas was littered with a record 14 caution flags, due mostly to popped tires causes cars to go into the wall, at the same time the race has some long green flag runs. The leader, whoever it was, seemed to pull away from the rest, clean air worked the best. Proven by Jimmie Johnson when he got caught on a yellow flag after making a green flag pit stop. Rendering him to the back of the pack and thus spinning out and damaging his car, even though this did not stop him or his crew to stay on the lead lap and still finish in the top ten.

Congratulation Matt Kenseth!!! A win truly deserved, after having trouble a couple of times during the race, the last time scraping the wall with just 47 laps left to race. Great driving. Martin Truex Jr. had a strong car, coming up fast just not enough laps left to catch you. Kasey Kahne had the fastest car at the end of the race but lost spots during the caution when he shut his car off and had trouble getting it restarted losing  4 positions and not able to make them back up. Greg Biffle had trouble again this week, being one of the cautions after popping a tire and hitting the wall hard. Greg was the only chaser, besides Dale Earnhardt Jr. to finish lower than 13th. Dropping him 5 positions in the points to 11th.
Dale Jr.  who sat out again this week after suffering a concussion at Taladega two weeks ago, seems to be on the mend and is scheduled back at Martinsville next week, pending tests be done on Monday and Tuesday.
Even though you didn't hear much about them during the race two drivers not in the chase made a great showing today. Paul Menard had a strong 3rd place finish and Regan Smith, subbing for Dale Jr. finished in 7th after starting 39th, good going Regan!.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Matt Kenseth - started 12 - up 2 positions to 9th
2. Martin Truex Jr. - started 16 - up 1 position to 6th
3. Paul Menard - started 14 - remains in 16th
4. Kasey Kahne - started 1 - remains in 5th
5. Tony Stewart - started 33 - up 1 position to 7th
6. Clint Bowyer - started 3 - remains in 4th
7. Regan Smith - started 39 - remains in 23rd
8. Brad Keslowski - started 25 - remains the Leader
9. Jimmie Johnson - started 7 - remains in 2nd
10. Jeff Gordon - started 19 - up 1 position to 8th

Chase for the Championship:
1. Brad Keslowski - finished 8th
2. Jimmie Johnson - finished 9th
3. Denny Hamlin - finished 13th
4. Clint Bowyer - finished 6th
5. Kasey Kahne - finished 4th
6. Martin Truex Jr. - finished 2nd - up 1 position
7. Tony Stewart - finished 5th - up 1 position
8. Jeff Gordon - finished 10th - up 1 position
9. Matt Kenseth - WINNER - up 2 positions
10. Kevin Harvick - finished 11th
11. Greg Biffle - finished 27th - down 5 positions
12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Did not start

Next Race - Martinsville Speedway - Turns Fast Relief 500 - Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 1pm est

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR Chase Race #5 - Charlotte

Good Morning All.

I apologize for not have my blog done last night. My youngest son got married yesterday one reason I would miss a race.

Congratulations Joseph and Amanda - Love you!!!

I missed all but the last 25 laps of the race. I will not comment on the race as I don't know really know what happened. I know it came down to fuel mileage again. Michael Waltrip Racing had all 3 of his cars in the top 10.
Get well soon Dale Earnhardt Jr., first time an Earnhardt has not been on the track since September 3, 1979, 33 years.



Congratulations Clint Bowyer!!!
and Michael Waltrip Racing!!!

 

Top Ten Recap:

 

1. Clint Bowyer - started 4 - up 1 position to 4th

2. Denny Hamlin - started 9 - remains in 3rd

3. Jimmie Johnson - started 5 - remains in 2nd

4. Greg Biffle - started 1 - up 3 positions 6

5. Kyle Busch - started 8 - remains in 13th

6. Mark Martin - started 2 - remains in 25th

7. Carl Edwards - started 15 - remains in 15th

8. Kasey Kahne - started 10 - down 1 position to 5th

9. Joey Lagano - started 12 - up 1 position to 17th

10. Martin Truex, Jr. - started 6 - up 1 position 7th

 

Chase Championship Recap:

1. Brad Keslowski - finished 11th

2. Jimmie Johnson - finished 3rd

3. Denny Hamlin - finished 2nd

4. Clint Bowyer - WINNER - up 1 position

5. Kasey Kahne - finished 8th - down 1 position

6. Greg Biffle - finished 4th - up 3 positions

7. Martin Truex Jr. - finished 10th - up 1 position

8. Tony Stewart - finished 13th - down 1 position

9. Jeff Gordon - finished 18th - down 3 positions

10. Kevin Harvick - finished 16th

11. Matt Kenseth - finished 14 - up 1 position

12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Did not Start - down 1 position

 

 

Next Race - Kansas Motor Speedway - Hollywood Casino 400 - Sunday, October 21, 2012 - 1 pm

 

Have a Wonderful Weekend!!!

 

Take Care

Barbara

Talladega Big One

Could this have been prevented? I would love to hear from everyone on this one. I say it could have been prevented. I'm on my high horse on this one.



Listen up NASCAR!!!

Take away that STUPID yellow line. Where in the world does it make sense to have an "Out of Bounds" on a race track where the cars are going over 200 mph. Here are my thoughts:

Michael Waltrip would have ducked below the yellow line if he knew he would be able to pass Stewart and keep that position. The men are drivers and they are out to win, they are not going to penalize themselves by going below the line. Let's analysis: So far David Regan in 2008 has lost a win because he went below the yellow to cross the finish line. This is what started it all, now none of the drivers are going to go below that yellow line, so they hold their line. Brad Keslowski got his first win in 2009 because he held his line and Carl Edwards went for a wild ride into the fence. Now Michael Waltrip not wanting to be penalized hit the rear of Tony Stewart when Stewart tried to block him and caused a 25 car pile up...

 

Take the Yellow Line away it has been the worse decision you have made NASCAR... Let them race and use the whole track. 

NASCAR Chase Race #4 - Talladega

NASCAR Chase Race #4 - Talladega what can you say. Talladega never disappoints. Racing at its, sitting on the edge of your seat and nail biting best. I love Tallageda it is not short of drama. The big one didn't come until the last lap and what a big one it was. Tony Steward took the blame for it coming down to block the #55 Michael Waltrip and not having enough room, causing a multi-car pile up, taking out many of the Chase contenders. I do not understand how NASCAR is deciding who finished where when the big one happened. How did Jimmie Johnson finish 4 positions ahead of Dale Earnhardt Jr. when Jr. drove Jimmie to pit road. I hope they explain it some where and if someone out there knows where to find that I would be appreciate the link to the website. The drivers avoided the big one even though a few cars got loose and spun around, they didn't collect up anyone. The green, white, checker proved to be the beginning of the big one, with the drivers racing 4 wide all the way around the check after they took the green and still 4 wide when they took the white, it was inevitable that the big one would happen. The Chase Contenders involved were Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Clint Bowyer and Kasey Kahne.

Congratulations Matt Kenseth!!! Making through a few squirrely incidents and saving your car twice to come home with the win, being up front when it counted in front of the wreck. Still an up hill climb to win the Championship, but winning is the way to do it.  Restrictor plate racing seems to be agreeing with you this year, winning at both Daytona and now Talladega.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Matt Kenseth - started 15 - remains in 12th
2. Jeff Gordon - started 6 - up 4 positions to 6th
3. Kyle Busch - started 13 - remains in 13th
4. David Ragan - started 25 - up 2 positions to 27th
5. Greg Biffle - started 5 - up 2 positions to 9th
6. Regan Smith - started 28 - remains in 23rd
7. Brad Keslowski - started 22 - remains in 1st
8. Travis Kvapil - started 36 - remains in 30th
9. Ryan Newman - started 2 - up 1 position to 14th
10 Jeff Burton - started 26 - remains in 19th

Race for Championship
1. Brad Keslowski - finished 7th
2. Jimmie Johnson - finished 17th
3. Denny Hamlin - finished 11th
4. Kasey Kahne - finished 13th - up 2 positions
5. Clint Bowyer - finished 23rd - down 1 position
6. Jeff Gordon - finished 2nd - up 4 positions
7. Tony Stewart - finished 22nd - down 2 positions
8. Martin Truex Jr. - finished 12th
9. Greg Biffle - finished 5th - up 2 positions
10. Kevin Harvick - finished 14th - down 1 position
11. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 21st - down 4 positions
12. Matt Kenseth - WINNER

Lot of change ups in the Chase - Dale Jr. dropping 4 positions with teammate Jeff Gordon gaining 4 positions - how quickly things happen. In contention one week and almost out of it the next.
I took my results off the NASCAR website right after the race, so if they happen to be wrong I will check tomorrow to make sure they haven't changed their minds where everyone finished.

Next Race - Charlotte Motor Speedway - Bank of America 500 - Saturday October 13, 2012 - 7pm
Any other year I would be there but this year my youngest son is getting married to a wonderful girl that day at 4pm and I couldn't talk them into getting married at the track LOL, so I will have to watch the race on TV that night.
Best wishes Joe and Amanda - love you

Have a Wonderful Week All!!!
Take Care
\Barbara

NASCAR Chase Race #3 - Dover

Chase Race #3 Dover... Lots and Lots of green flag racing, very unusual for Dover. No big wrecks that collected the cars on the apron, nothing spectacular. The bad, JJ Yeley hits the wall bringing out the first caution after 69 laps and at the end of green flag pit stops leaving only 6 cars on the lead lap. With only 4 more cautions only 4 more cars got back on the lead. With only the two last caution coming within laps of each other, green flag pit stops happened throughout the race. Fuel strategy came into effect at the end of the race with Brad Keslowski coming out on top. A lot of chase drivers lost out being a lap down throughout the race. Kyle Busch leading the most laps again could not finish in top position due to gas mileage.

Congratulation Brad Keslowski!!! You go our little Pollack...  Great racing all day, staying in the top 5 for most of the race and using the fuel strategy to your advantage, saving at the beginning of the run, let you run flat out in the end passing Johnson and Hamlin, who had to conserve at the end and still have enough to hold of the charging Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin with just a couple left to go. Putting you in the top position in the chase and giving everyone else something to think about.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Brad Keslowski - started 10 - up 1 position to Leader
2. Jeff Gordon - started 7 - up 2 positions to 10th
3. Mark Martin - started 26 - up 1 position to 25th
4. Jimmie Johnson - started 11 - down 1 position to 2nd
5. Carl Edwards - started 15 - up 1 position to 14th
6. Martin Truex Jr. - started 3 - up 2 positions to 8th
7. Kyle Busch - started 5 - remains in 13th
8. Denny Hamlin - started 1 - remains in 3rd
9. Clint Bowyer - started 2 - up 2 positions to 4th
10. Joey Lagano - started 14 - remains in 18th

Chase Recap:
1. Brad Keslowski - WINNER - up 1 position
2. Jimmie Johnson - finished 4th - down 1 position
3. Denny Hamlin - finished 8th
4. Clint Bowyer - finished 9th - up 2 positions
5. Tony Stewart - finished 20th - down 1 position
6. Kasey Kahne - finished 15th - down 1 position
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 11th
8. Martin Truex Jr. - finished 6th - up 2 positions
9. Kevin Harvick - finished 13th - down 1 position
10. Jeff Gordon - finished 2nd - up 2 positions
11. Greg Biffle - finished 16th - down 2 position
12. Matt Kenseth - finished 35th - down 1 position

Look to the right and I am also keeping track of points without the chase, Jimmie Johnson will take over the lead this week. but Dale Jr. is close behind
Don't know what is going on with Dale Jr. he was doing great and very consistent during the first 26 races and now in the chase he doesn't seem to be getting the same results, like they are trying way to hard.
My second choice for winning though is doing great Brad Keslowski. I just really want to see someone new win this year. Go Brad, keep it up!!!

Next Race, one of my favorites
Talladega Speedway - Good Sam Roadside Assistance 400 - Sunday - October 4, 2012 - 1 pm

Have a Wonderful Week
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR Chase Race #2 - Loudon

Chase Race #2 - Sylvania 300 in Loudon, NH, the Magic Mile. Not real sure why it is called that, I am not a big Loudon fan. They truly need to add banking to this track and more miles. Any way, Darien Grubb seems to the man of the hour. Heading the championship in 2011, he seems to be trying to emulate last's years run with a different driver this year.
Congratulations Denny Hamlin!!! Strong car all race, predicted it and there you stood. Made the right choice in hiring Darien Grubb.
All twelve of the Chase Racers finished in the top 20 Greg Biffle being the lowest finisher in 18th.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Denny Hamlin - started 32 - up 1 position to 3rd
2. Jimmie Johnson - started 20 - up 1 position to Leader
3. Jeff Gordon - started 1 - remains in 12th
4. Clint Bowyer - started 12 - remains in 6th
5. Kasey Kahne - started 6 - remains in 5th
6. Brad Keslowski - started 15 - down 1 position to 2nd
7. Tony Stewart - started 3 - down 1 position to 4th
8. Joey Lagano - started 18 - remains in 18th
9. Brian Vickers - started 4 - up 1 position to 35th
10. Ryan Newman - started 8 - remains in 14th

Race for Chase:
1. Jimmie Johnson - finished 2nd - up 1 position
2. Brad Keslowski - finished 6th - down 1 position
3. Denny Hamlin - WINNER - up 1 position
4. Tony Stewart - finished 7th - down 1 position
5. Kasey Kahne - finished 5th
6. Clint Bowyer - finished 4th
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 13th
8. Kevin Harvick - finished 11th - up 2 positions
9. Greg Biffle - finished 18th - down 1 position
10. Martin Truex, Jr. finished 17 - down 1 position
11 Matt Kenseth - finished 14th
12. Jeff Gordon - finished 3rd

Next Race - Dover Speedway - Dover, DE - AAA 400 - Sunday September 30, 2012 - 1pm est

Have a Wonderfule Week!!!
Take Care
Barbara

Chase Race #1 - Chicagoland

Chase Race #1 - Chicagoland - Lots of green flag racing, but not a lot of racing. Jimmie Johnson was the dominate car for most of the race. Brad Keslowski was the only car that had anything near Johnson's. The last run, Keslowski seemed to have found something, winning by a comfortable margin. A couple of the chase guys had some problems. Jeff Gordon's throttle stuck sending him into the wall, leaving him a 35th finishing position. Matt Kenseth broke a shock off his left front, finishing 18th and Denny Hamlin ran out of gas on the last lap, finishing 16th. Dale Earnhardt Jr. had to start 42nd after an engine change, he had a fast car at the beginnning of the race, pushing him into the 10 ten, the last part the race his car was just average, finishing 8th, his race for the championship is just a race away.

Congratulations Brad Keslowski!!! Strong car all day. Winning the first race of Chase and becoming the Points Leader for the first time in your career. You and your pit crew were right on today, giving you the positions you needed coming off the pits, and your driving like you stole it, put you in the coveted position all 11 other Chase drivers wanted. With 9 more races still to go and 7 of the Chase drivers finishing in the top 10, one bad race could ruin it all. The next couple of race will tell, with Jeff Gordon being 47 points in the hole after his disappointing finish. Kasey Kahne on the other hand moved up the ladder more than any driver today, 6 position putting him 5th in the Chase just 15 points behind. Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth and Denny Hamlin were the big losers, all 3 losing 3 positions in the points.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Brad Keslowski - started 13 - up 3 position to Leader
2. Jimmie Johnson - started 1 - remains in 2nd
3. Kasey Kahne - started 6 - up 6 positions to 5th
4. Kyle Busch - started 21 - remains in 13th
5. Ryan Newman - started 20 - up 2 positions to 14th
6. Tony Stewart - started 29 - remains in 3rd
7. Joey Lagano - started 10 - remains in 18th
8. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - started 4 (43) - remains in 7th
9. Martin Truex Jr. - started 18 - up 1 position to 9th
10. Clint Bowyer - started 9 - remains in 6th

Championship Chase 2012
1. Brad Keslowski - WINNER
2. Jimmie Johnson - finished 2nd
3. Tony Stewart - finished 6th
4. Denny Hamlin - finished 16th - down 3 positions
5. Kasey Kahne - finished 3rd - up 6 positions
6. Clint Bowyer - finished 10th
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 8th
8. Greg Biffle - finished 13th - down 3 positions
9. Martin Truex Jr - finished 9th - up 1 position
10. Kevin Harvick - finished 12th - down 1 position
11. Matt Kenseth - finished 18th - down 3 positions
12. Jeff Gordon - finished 35th

Kyle Busch remains in 13th positions for the racing between the other drivers. Ryan Newman is the closest to him still 41 points behind him. Carl Edwards in 15th 42 points behind.

Seeing this is the first year with this points system on the side bar of this block, you will see where I am keeping up with the points WITHOUT  the Chase, and how the championship would turn out without a chase. Will be interesting... Hope you keep reading.

Chase Race #2 - New Hampshire International Speedway - Sylvania 400 -Sunday - September 23, 2012 - 1pm est.

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR - Richmond

Rain Delayed Richmond turned out to be the race everyone thought it would be. With long green flag runs, Denny Hamlin seemed to have the dominate car again, but with the threat of rain there all night long, his strategy and that of Dale Earnhardt Jr. left them with finished out of the top ten. Clint Bowyer had a late race spin bringing out a caution and proceeded to march to the front and stay there for the last 25 laps or so giving him his 2nd win, improving his starting position in the Chase.

Congratulation Clint Bowyer!!! Good racing, sweet night race... glad to see the whole 400 laps run.
Jeff Gordon raced his way into the 12th position. The race for the final position was back and forth all night... Ryan Newman was leading the race at one point, hoping to finish there to put him in the chase, but couldn't  stay there. Kyle Busch has a good car at the beginning of the race, but couldn't seem to get around the track at the end. Jeff Gordon on the other hand, started out horrible, but working on the car all race, had the fastest car on the track at the end of the race and finished 2nd, putting him ahead of Kyle Busch on points.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Clint Boywer - started 4 - up 1 position to 7th
2. Jeff Gordon - started 2 - up 1 position to 12th
3. Mark Martin - started 6 - remains in 26th
4. Tony Stewart - started 28 - remains in 10th
5. Matt Kesnseth - started 1 -  remains in 3rd
6. Jeff Burton - started 20 - up 1 position to 19th
7. Brad Keslowski - started 10 - up 1 position to 5th
8. Ryan Newman - started 14 - up 1 position to 16th
9. Greg Biffle - started 23 - remains the Leader
10. Kevin Harvick - started 13 - remains in 9th

Race for Chase:
1. Greg Biffle - starting 5th in Chase
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - starting 7th in Chase
3. Matt Kenseth - starting 8th in Chase
4. Jimmie Johnson - starting 2nd in Chase
5. Brad Keslowski - starting 4th in Chase
6. Martin Truex Jr. - starting 10th in Chase
7. Clint Bowyer - starting 6th in Chase
8. Denny Hamlin - starting 1st in Chase
9. Kevin Harvick - starting 9th in Chase
10. Tony Stewart - starting 3rd in Chase
11. Kasey Kahne - starting 11th in Chase
12. Jeff Gordon - starting 12th in Chase

Congratulation to the top 12 drivers racing for the Championship

Next Race - Chicagoland - Geico 400 - Sunday - September 18, 2012 - 1 pm est

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR - Atlanta

Night Racing is awesome... All races should be night racing, night time just adds so much more excitement. Let's face it stock car racing was born and raised on Saturday nights. Denny Hamlin had a very dominate car all race. Martin Truex Jr. hated seeing that last caution in which Jamie McMurray hit the wall cutting down a tire and at the same time erasing the lead Truex had over second place. Coming out of the pits in second and spinning his tires on the restart of the Green, white, checkered,  Truex posted a 4th place finish.

Congratulations Denny Hamlin!!! Second win in as many weeks, putting you at the top of the heap when starting the Chase in two weeks, the only two drivers that can take that coveted position from you with a win next week at Richmond would be Jimmie Johnson or Brad Keslowski.
Plenty of racing and passing this race. Long green flag runs at the beginning took a lot of cars off the lead lap, down to 10 cars at one point in the race but with 3 cautions within in 28 laps 22 cars finished on the lead lap.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Denny Hamlin - started 7 - up 1 position to 7th
2. Jeff Gordon - started 5 - up 1 position to 13th
3. Brad Keslowski - started 21 - up 1 position to 6th
4. Martin Truex Jr. - started 28 - remains in 5th
5. Kevin Harvick - started 24 - remains in 9th
6. Kyle Busch - started 3 - up 1 position to 12th
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - started 35 - up 1 position to 2nd
8. Paul Menard - started 18 - up 2 positions to 15th
9. Matt Kenseth - started 4 - up 1 position to 3rd
10. Mark Martin - started 6th - up 2 positions to 26th

Race for the Chase:
1. (5) Greg Biffle - finished 15th
2. (6)Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 7th - up 1 position
3. (7)Matt Kenseth - finished 9th - up 1 position
4. (2)Jimmie Johnson - finished 34th - down 2 positions
5. (9)Martin Truex Jr. - finished 4th
6. (3)Brad Keslowski  - finished 3rd - up 1 position
7. (1)Denny Hamlin - WINNER - up 1 position
8. (8)Clint Bowyer - finished 27th - down 2 position
9. (10)Kevin Harvick - finished 5th
10. (4)Tony Stewart - finished 22nd
11. Kasey Kahne - finished 23rd
12. Kyle Busch - finished 6th - up 1 position

The number in ( ) is where they will start the Chase
With just Richmond left before the Chase the top 9 have secured a position in the chase on points. Tony Stewart has a position in the Chase but must finished 13th or better in Richmond to have a top ten position instead of a Wild Card.
Jeff Gordon, 13th, Marcos Ambrose, 16th, Ryan Newman, 17th and Joey Lagano 18th will be running for the win next week in Richmond anything less will not put them in the Chase. Jeff Gordon the only driver with the outside chance of finishing far enough of Kyle Busch to take over the 12th position..
GOING TO BE AN EXCITING RACE NEXT WEEK. Lots going to be happening all night...

Next Race - Richmond International Speedway - Federated Auto Parts 400 - Saturday, September 8, 2012 - 7pm

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR - Bristol

It was Bristol Baby...

 

Congratulations Denny Hamlin!!! Great Racing!!! love night racing and love Bristol... the track never disappoints... one unusual strategy was Carl Edwards, who ran out of gas with 5 laps left  to go.


Top Ten Recap:
1. Denny Hamlin - started 8 - up 2 positions to 8th
2. Jimmie Johnson - started 37 - up 2 positions to 2nd
3. Jeff Gordon - started 11 - up 1 position to 15th
4. Brian Vickers - started 22 - up 1 position to 35th in only 6 starts
5. Marcos Ambrose - started 9 - remains in 17th
6. Kyle Busch - started 10 - up 1 position to 13th
7. Clint Bowyer - started 23 - up 1 position to 6th
8. Joey Lagano - started 4 - remains in 18th
9. Kasey Kahne - started 22 - remains in 11th
10. Paul Menard - started 7 - up 1 position to 14th

Race for the Chase:
1. Greg Biffle - finished 19th
2. Jimmie Johnson - finished 2nd - up 2 positions
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr  - finished 12th
4. Matt Kenseth - finished 25th - down 2 positions
5. Martin Truex Jr; - finished 11th - up 1 position
6. Clint Bowyer - finished 7th - up 1 position
7. Brad Keslowski - finished 30th - down 2  positions
8. Denny Hamlin - WINNER - up 2 positions
9. Kevin Harvick - finished 15th - down 1 positions
10. Tony Stewart - finished 27th - down 1 position
11. Kasey Kahne - finished 9th
12. Carl Edwards - finished 22nd -

Kyle Busch took over the second wild card spot, moving up to 13th in points after a 6th place finish.

Next Race - Atlanta Motor Speedway - AdvoCare 500 - September 2, 2012  - Sunday Night  Racing 6:30 pm est.

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR - Michigan

Pure Michigan, what a name for this race. Even though I am not a fan of most flat tracks, Michigan is a horse of it's own color. Passing, passing every where, racing for every position on track. With 26 cars left on the lead lap, green flag racing is at it's best. No one seemed to have the upper edge being out front today. Mark Martin had a serious wreck while leading the race. Kasey Kahne tapped him from behind sending the car smashing into the edge of wall. The wall slicing into the car right behind the drivers seat. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne, and Ryan Newman were the only Hendrick engines that made it to the end of the race. Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart all had engine problems, Johnson's coming with just 5 laps left while in the lead.

Congratulations Greg Biffle!!! Nice racing, just being quiet all day, but staying right up there. Just taking one right after the other at the end of the race. Jimmie blew his engine before you could get up there to race him, but you by far had the car to beat anyway. Pushing yourself back into the points lead.  There were a few leaders in race, with the green flag pit stops. Pit stops were crucial a few seconds meant the difference between each position. Great racing. Love It. Next weed Night Racing, can't wait

Top Ten Recap:
1. Greg Biffle - started 13 - up 1 position to LEADER
2. Brad Keslowski - started 19 - remains in 5th
3. Kasey Kahne - started 5 - remains in 11th
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - started 22 - up 1 position to 3rd
5. Marcos Ambrose - started 8 - remains in 17th
6. Carl Edwards - started 2 - remains in 10th
7. Clint Bowyer - started 12 - remains in 7th
8. Ryan Newman - started 15 - remains in 13th
9. Paul Menard - started 10 - up 1 position to 15th
10. Martin Truex Jr. - started 7 - remains in 6th

Race for the Chase
1. Greg Biffle - WINNER - up 1 position
2. Matt Kenseth - finished 17th - up 1 position
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 4th - up 1 position
4. Jimmie Johnson - finished 27th - down 3 positions
5. Brad Keslowski - finished 2nd
6. Martin Truex Jr. - finished 10th
7. Clint Bowyer - finished 7th
8. Kevin Harvick - finished 16th - up 1 position
9. Tony Stewart - finished 32nd - down 1 position
10. Denny Hamlin - finished 11th
11. Kasey Kahne - finished 3rd
12. Carl Edwards - finished 6th

Carl Edwards still remains to be on the outside of the Chase. Ryan Newman holds the second wild card position for the moment but Kyle Busch in 14th in only 11 points behind him, Jeff Gordon in 16th, 30 points behind, Marcos Ambrose in 17th - 44 points and Joey Lagano in 18th - 80 points behind. With just 3 races left all 4 of these drivers are racing not only for points  for another wins, which will give them the spot they so desperately want.

Next Race - Bristol Motor Speedway - Irwin Tools Night Race - Saturday - August 25, 2012 - 7pm

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR - Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen proved to be a pretty good race. Brad Keslowski certainly added to the excitement during this race. Driving as hard as he could, at times it looked like he was "drifting" his car around the corners. Showing no fear, being the young driver he is, he and Marcos Ambrose, a veteran road course racer,  drove that last lap, daring each other to drive just a little harder to slip up, Brad was the first to make that slip and Ambrose drove by and never looked back.
Tony Stewart was the strongest car out there today. Proving that there really is more than a couple of places to pass on the course. After serving a plenty putting him back in 20's he passed his way back to the top ten in about 15 laps...He ran up in 2nd until he spun out, backing into the entrance of pit road and rendering him to a 19th place finish.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. fell out of the points lead after spinning out on oil on the track and flat spotting his tires, forcing him to pit with just 5 laps left in the race and finishing 28th.

Congratulations Marcos Ambrose!!! Awesome ending to a great last lap on a road course. Or to quote Kenny Wallace "An epic ending to a road course race". Will probably not see an ending like that on a road course for a very long time. Both you and Brad ran hard that last lap, Brad made the first mistake and you grabbed hold of the lead.  Giving you the opportunity to make the Chase. Another win in the next four races is a priority to grab a spot.
Top Ten Recap:
1. Marcos Ambrose - started 5 - up 1 position to 17th
2. Brad Keslowski - started 4 - up 2 positions to 5th
3. Jimmie Johnson - started 3 - up 3 positions to 1st
4. Clint Bowyer - started 8 - up 3 positions 7th
5. Sam Hornish Jr. - started 17 - remains in 59th
6. Greg Biffle - started 15 - up 1 position to 2nd
7. Kyle Busch - started 2 - up 1 position to 14th
8. Matt Kenseth - started 24 - down 1 position to 3rd
9. Regan Smith - started 13 - up 1 position to 23rd
10. Martin Truex Jr. - started 9 - down 1 position to 6th

Race for the Chase
1. Jimmie Johnson - finished 3rd - up 3 positions
2. Greg Biffle - finished 6th - up 1 position
3. Matt Kenseth - finished 8th - down 1 position
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 28th - down 3 positions
5. Brad Keslowski - finished 2nd - up 2 positions
6. Martin Truex Jr. - finished 10th - down 1 position
7. Clint Bowyer - finished 4th - up 3 positions
8. Tony Stewart - finished 19th - down 3 positions
9. Kevin Harvick - finished 15th
10. Denny Hamlin - finished 34th - down 2 positions
11. Kasey Kahne - finished 13th
12. Carl Edwards - finished 14th

Ryan Newman has taken over the 13th position putting him in the 2nd wild card spot (12th position)
Carl Edwards is searching for that ever eluding win, or he will not make this years chase.
Denny Hamlin is sitting on the bubble after another bad finish. With 2 wins he might be safe if he drops further down, but there are 4 other contenders beside Ryan Newman, waiting for that second win. Kyle Busch in 14th just 12 points out of 12th, Jeff Gordon in 15th just 16 points away, Marcos Ambrose in 17th, 50 points back and Joey Lagano in 18th, 63 points out. One more win for any of these 5 puts them in. The next 4 races should be exciting ones with so many contending to get into the Chase.

Next Race - Michigan International Speedway - Pure Michigan 400 - Sunday, August 19, 2012, 12 pm. est.

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR - Pocono

Pocono seemed a little different today, maybe because the track was green, maybe because the drivers raced as if every lap would be the last, or maybe???? who knows, it made for a decent race. There was passing all the way around. Only 4 cautions littered this race the last being the end of the race after 98 laps. The rain shortened race proved to be a blessing to Jeff Gordon giving him a win and a berth in the Chase after this race. With only 5 races left, this should give the #24 team the momentum the need to get themselves in the top 10.

Congratulations Jeff Gordon!!! You put yourself in the perfect position when the rains came. Jimmie's little wiggle that caused the 3rd caution, taking out Matt Kenseth and Denny Hamlin and putting himself and Greg Biffle back in the pack, gave you the the opening you needed to scoot through the mess and land in the top position. Celebrating with your family added even more.

Kasey Kahne finished the race with flat tire, taking the chance the rains would come and secured himself a 2nd place and gaining 2 positions in the Chase putting him in 11th. Brad Keslowski took the chance also, but his was fuel landing him a 4th place finish also gaining 2 positions into 7th.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kenseth both had problems. Dale Jr. had transmission issues, rendering him to the garage for 18 laps and breaking his streak of finishing every lap of every lap. He did not get a DNF however. Finishing 32nd he lost points but did remain the leader.
Matt Kenseth was involved in the 3rd caution of the race. Jimmie's wiggle took out Matt, finishing in 17th he held onto 2nd in the points only 5 behind.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Jeff Gordon - started 27 - up 2 positions to 13th
2. Kasey Kahne - started 4 - up 2 positions to 11th
3. Martin Truex Jr. - started 15 - up 2 positions to 5th
4. Brad Keslowski - started 31 - up 2 positions to 7th
5. Tony Stewart - started 28 - up 2 positions to 6th
6. Ryan Newman - started 9 - remains in 14th
7. Carl Edwards - started 17 - remains in 12th
8. Clint Bowyer - started 19 - remains in 10th
9. Regan Smith - started 11 - remains in 24th
10. Marcos Ambrose - started 5 - remains in 18th

Race for the Chase:
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 32nd
2. Matt Kenseth - finished 17th
3. Greg Biffle - finished 15th
4. Jimmie Johnson - finished 14th
5. Martin Truex Jr. - finished 3rd - up 2 positions
6. Tony Stewart - finished 5th - up 2 positions
7. Brad Keslowski - finished 4th - up 2 positions
8. Denny Hamlin - finished 29th - down 3 positions
9. Kevin Harvick - finished 17th - down 3 positions
10. Clint Bowyer - finished 19th
11. Kasey Kahne - finished 2nd - up 2 positions
12. Carl Edwards - finished 7th

Jeff Gordon gained 2 positions putting him in 13th position after WINNING today's race. He is also the second wild card, knocking Carl Edwards out of the chase.

Next race: Watkins Glen International - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at the Glen - Sunday, August 12, 2012 - 12pm est.

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take care
Barbara

NASCAR - Indianapolis

Indianapolis Brickyard 400 had some good racing today. Lots of passing and some fast cars. Jimmie Johnson dominated this race with a great car on rail. Matt Kenseth had a problem towards the end of the race rendering him a 35 place finish and losing the lead in the Chase. Dale Earnhardt Jr. had a good car all day and came from 20th to 4th, continuing his awesome year and putting him in the Lead 14 points in front of Matt Kenseth.

Winning the Brickyard 400 - $430.00.00
Kissing the brick with your daughter -
PRICELESS

Congratulations Jimmie Johnson!!! You had by far the car to beat. Once out front there was no looking back. Very smooth driving throughout the race. Getting to "kiss the bricks" for the 4th time, tying Jeff Gordon and Rick Mears. With the added extra special moment of you and your daughter kissing them bricks, just precious.
 Brad Keslowski had a strong car, hoping to sweep Indianapolis, after winning the inaugural Nationwide race here at Indy.





Top Ten Recap:
1. Jimmie Johnson - started 6 - remains in 4th
2. Kyle Busch - started 7 - up 2 positions to 11th
3. Greg Biffle - started 5 - remains in 3rd
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - started 20 - up 1 position to the Lead
5. Jeff Gordon - started 9 - up 2 positions to 15th
6. Denny Hamlin - started 1 - remains in 5th
7. Ryan Newman - started 11 - remains in 14th
8. Martin Truex Jr. - started 17 - up 1 position to 7th
9. Brad Keslowski - started 22 - up 1 position to 9th
10. Tony Stewart - started 28 - down 1 position to 8th

Race for the Chase:
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 4th - up 1 position
2. Matt Kenseth - finished 35th - down 1 position
3. Greg Biffle - finished 3rd
4. Jimmie Johnson - WINNER
5. Denny Hamlin - finished 6th
6. Kevin Harvick - finished 13th
7. Martin Truex Jr. - finished 8th - up 1 position
8. Tony Stewart - finished 10th - down 1 position
9. Brad Keslowski - finished 9th - up 1 position
10. Clint Bowyer - finished 15th - down 1 position
11. Kyle Busch - finished 2nd - up 2 positions
12. Carl Edwards - finished 29 - down 1 position

Carl Edwards would lose his twelfth position with no wins. Kasey Kahne in 13th place would be the first wild card with 2 wins and Kyle Busch in 11th now, would be the second wild card. Wins mean a lot right now for getting into the chase. With only 6 races left until the Chase all the drivers will be driving for a WIN.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been strong about every race, the only driver this year to finish every race on the lead lap. Steve Latarte has been really good for Dale Jr. Taking over the lead in the Chase is a big boost for the team. Keep up the good work #88 team, looking good.

Next Race: Pocono Raceway - Pennsylvania 400 - August 5, 2012 - 12pm EST

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take care
Barbara

NASCAR - Loudon

What can I say about this race, when out front cars are awesome.  Miscommunication between Denny Hamlin and Darien Grubb cost Hamlin his third win and a top spot in the Chase. Only asking for "tires" Darien thought Denny meant he wanted 4, rendering him back to the 13th spot on the restart. He was by far the fastest car on the track, just running out of laps to catch Kasey, finishing in 2nd.
With the exception of Denny Hamlin who could pass at will, Loudon still does not have a lot of passing and racing. Don't know what is going on this year, but it seem whatever car is up front, it runs away. Clean air seems to be what these fuel injected engines thrive on.

Congratulations Kasey Kahne!!! You made it look easy... Running a consistent race and capitalizing on the mistake Denny Hamlin made in the pits. Gaining 4 positions in the Chase.  With two wins and making your way into the 12 now you have a strong position for being one of the wild card cars in the Chase.


Top Ten Recap:
1. Kasey Kahne - started 2 - up 4 positions to 12th
2. Denny Hamlin - started 3 - up 2 positions to 5th
3. Clint Bowyer - started 5 - up 1 position to 9th
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - started 9 - remains in 2nd
5. Brad Kesloswski - started 22 - down 1 position to 10th
6. Jeff Gordon - started 8 - remains in 17th
7. Jimmie Johnson - started 7 - remains in 4th
8. Kevin Harvick - started 12 - remains in 6th
9. Greg Biffle - started 11 - remains in 3rd
10. Ryan Newman - started 6 - up 1 position to 14th

Race to the Chase
1. Matt Kenseth - finished 13th
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 4th
3. Greg Biffle - finished 9th
4. Jimmie Johnson - finished 7th
5. Denny Hamlin - finished 2nd - up 2 positions
6. Kevin Harvick - finished 8th
7. Tony Stewart - finished 12th - down 2 positions
8. Martin Truex Jr. - finished 11th
9. Clint Bowyer - finished 3rd - up 1 position
10. Brad Keslowski - finished 5th - down 1 position
11. Carl Edwards - finished 18th
12. Kasey Kahne - WINNER - up 4 positions

Kyle Busch - 13th will be in the Chase and Carl Edwards with no wins with be out...
Ryan Newman in 14th and Joey Lagano in 16th are biting at the heals to be a wild card to the chase only 11 and 13 points behind Kasey, every position from now to the chase is crucial, watching this part of the chase should prove to be very interesting.

Next Week the Cup guys have the week off.
Nationwide Series is in Chicago for the STP 300 at 2 pm est. Sunday, July 22, 2012
Camping World Truck Series is also in Chicago for the American Ethanol 225 at 7:30pm est Saturday, July 21, 2012

Next Cup Race - Indianapolis Speedway - Crown Royal presents the "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 at the Brickyard - Sunday July 29, 2012 - 12pm est.

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR - Daytona

Daytona night racing is some great racing. I didn't watch alot of the race because I was spending some quality with my sister-in-law and her hubby and my nephew and his new bride. We had the pleasure of being at their wedding. There are not too many things I will miss a race for, but marriage of a close relative in one of them. Congratulations David and Whitney...  It was a beautiful ceremony on the beach. We had a great time... Love you guys...

We did get the see the last 20 laps of the race and excitement was the name of the game during those last 20 laps... Let's see we saw Brad Keslowski spin out all by himself... 2 multi- car  wrecks, the first taking out 2 of the Gibb Racing teammates, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch... the second taking out Greg Biffle, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and many others. Daytona is always an exciting race... I love how much racing goes on all during the racing and you never know what is going to happen.. Daytona never disappoints...

Congratulations Tony Stewart!!! You made those last couple of laps exciting ones... the pass you made on Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle was awesome.. you made it look easy...  the last big one happened behind you, while you were taking that checkered flag.. Looking good with 3 wins, securing you a spot in the chase...


Top Ten Recap
1. Tony Stewart - started 42 - up 4 positions to 5th
2. Jeff Burton - started 20 - up 2 positions to 18th
3. Matt Kenseth - started 1 - remains the Leader
4. Joey Lagano - started 19 - up 2 positions to 14th
5. Ryan Newman - started 2 - remains in 15th
6. Brad Keslowski - started 9 - up 1 position to 9th
7. Carl Edwards - started 12 - remains in 11th
8. Michael Waltrip - started 28 - up 5 positions to 39
9. Bobby LaBonte - started 41 - up 1 position to 24
10. David Reutimann - started 39 - up 1 position to 33

Race to the Chase
1. Matt Kenseth - finished 3rd
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 15th
3. Greg Biffle - finished 21st - up 1 position
4. Jimmie Johnson - finished 36th - down 1 position
5. Tony Stewart - WINNER - up 4 positions
6. Kevin Harvick - finished 23rd
7. Denny Hamlin - finished 25th - down 2 positions
8. Martin Truex, Jr. - finished 17th
9. Brad Keslowski - finished 6th - up 1 position
10. Clint Bowyer - finished 29th - down 3 positions
11. Carl Edwards - finished 12th - remains in 11th
12. Kyle Busch - finished 24th - remains in 12th

Joey Lagano in 14th place with 1 win, holds a position in the Chase

Next Race - New Hampshire Motor Speedway. - Lenox Industrial Tools 301 - Sunday, July 15, 2012, 12 pm est

Have a Wonderful Week
Take Care
Barbara

NASCAR - Kentucky

The second race at Kentucky, not bad, some fuel mileage strategy which always makes the end of the race interesting. Brad Keslowski had a strong car and finished with a comfortable 3 second lead over Kasey Kahne. If Kasey had about 4 more laps Brad would have had his hands full. Having a tire problem early in the race, Kasey fought his way back to the front, finishing second. Lot's of just racing.

Congratulations Brad Keslowski!!! 3 wins heading for the chase gives you an almost guareented spot.

Great racing, strong car all the ingredients needed for a win. Tony Stewart had problems tonight with his acceleraton, rendering him a 32nd finish, dropping him 4 position in the Chase. Carl Edwards had to stop for gas, while running 3rd, finishing 20th.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Brad Keslowski - started 8 - remains in 10th
2. Kasey Kahne - started 19 - up 3 positions to 14th
3. Denny Hamlin - started 3 - up 3 positions to 5th
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - started 7 - up 1 position to 2nd
5. Jeff Gordon - started 9 - remains in 18th
6. Jimmie Johnson - started 1 - up 1 position to 3rd
7. Matt Kenseth - started 20 - remains Leader
8. Martin Truex Jr. - started 10 - up 1 position to 8th
9. AJ Allmendinger - started 16 - remains in 23rd
10. Kyle Busch - started 2 - reamins in 12th

Race to the Chase
1. Matt Kenseth - finished 7th
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 4th - up 1 position
3. Jimmies Johnson - finished 6th - up 1 position
4. Greg Biffle - finished 21st - down 2 positions
5. Denny Hamlin - finished 3rd - up 3 positions
6. Kevin Harvick - finished 11th
7. Clint Bowyer - finsihed 16th
8. Martin Truex Jr. - finished 8th - up 1 position
9. Tony Stewart - finished 32nd - down 4 positions
10. Brad Keslowski - WINNER
11. Carl Edwards - finished 20th
12. Kyle Busch 0 fnished 10th

Kasey Kahne as moved into one of the wild card positons this week. In 14th he is the highest ranking driver with a win. Carl Edwards would be out and Kasey in.

Next race - Daytona International Speedway - Saturday, July 7, 2012 - 6:30 pm - Night racing!!! Love it!!!

Have a Wonderful Week!!!
Take Care
Barbara