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