NASCAR - Phoenix Subway Fresh Fit 500

Phoenix Racing wasn't so bad. A lot better than last week. There was racing to be found.  A few cautions at the beginning and middle of the race and just one more coming with only 3 laps to go. Carl Edwards broke a 70 race winless streak and lead 122 laps, catapulting him into 11th in the Race for the Chase. Did not forget how to do his back flips either. The mile track seemed to be a little better for these Generation 6 cars. A few popped tires caused most of the cautions. The cars seem to come apart quite easily as proved again this week with the Danica Patrick wreck... She blew a tire and David Gilliland ran up over her and both cars seemed to just break apart. This may be what NASCAR needs to look into also.

Congratulations Carl Edwards!!! You held your own the last few laps of the race even though the threat of running out gas loomed in the back of your mind. Good to see that signature back flip. You still got it. I enjoyed watching the race today, there was a lot of passing and some good racing. It could get just a tad bit better, with a little more bumping and pushing but I will always enjoy racing.

Top Ten Recap:
1. Carl Edwards - started 15 - up 19 positions to 11th
2. Jimmie Johnson - started 3 - remains in First
3. Denny Hamlin - started 8 - up 9 positions to 4th
4. Brad Keslowski - started 11 - up 1 position  to 3rd
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - started 21 - remains in Second
6. Clint Bowyer - started 13 - up 5 positions to 5th
7. Matt Kenseth - started 9 - up 15 positions to 18th
8. Tony Stewart - started 6 - up 14 positions to 23rd
9. Jeff Gordon - started 5 - up 11 positions to 8th
10. Jeff Burton - started 20 - up 13 positions to 15th

Race for the Chase Recap:
1. Jimmie Johnson - finished 2nd
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - finished 5th
3. Brad Keslowski - finished 4th - up 1 position
4. Denny Hamlin - finished 3rd - up 9 positions
5. Clint Bowyer - finished 6th - up 5 positions
6. Greg Biffle - finished 17th
7. Mark Martin - finished 21 - down 4 positions
8. Jeff Gordon - finished 9th - up 11 position
9. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - finished 16th - up 2 positions
10. Aric Almirola - finished 15th - up 2 positions
11. Carl Edwards - WINNER - up 19 positions
12. Marcus Ambrose - finished 18th - up 5 positions

Positions change a lot the first few races of the season. Only 3 positions remained the same this week, Jimmie Johnson in first, Dale Earnhardt Jr. in second and Greg Biffle in 6th.
Danica Patrick finished 39th dropping her out of the top ten down 15 positions to 22nd
Ryan Newman finished 40th dropping him out of the top ten down 15 positions to 20th
Michael McDowell lost the most, not racing he dropped 18 positions to 26th

Next Race - Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Kobalt Tools 400 - March 10, 2013 - 4pm est

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