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Thursday, June 27, 2013

Tweets of the Week Kentucky

It's been awhile for Tweets of the week. Lets take a look at a few Tweets from Sonoma, Kevin Harvick at Yankee Stadium, Keselowski on TV, Kentucky weather outlook, a few leading up to Kentucky and some driver Tweets you may have missed (plus an old Hamlin/BK tweet where they get into a "measuring" battle).
















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Michael Waltrip Racing: Creating a Contender

The Nascar world runs around Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, mix in a little Roush Fenway and Richard Childress Racing, and then you are left with Penske, Stewart-Haas, and Michael Waltrip Racing picking up the scraps. That isn't even mentioning Richard Petty Motorsports, Furniture Row, or any other small team trying to just get a mention.

I bring this up because one team really seems to be making strides and could possibly start to push towards the top in the next few years. That team is the before mentioned Michael Waltrip Racing. MWR has come a long way from their start and it has shown the past few seasons.

Last season MWR finally got a driver into the Sprint Cup Chase for the first time and it happened to be a case of the doubles. That's because after Clint Bowyer clinched MWR's first berth Martin Truex Jr ended up also getting in. It seems like last year was a huge coming out party at MWR. This coming out party was largely due to the season its drivers had.

Last season was Clint Bowyers first season with Michael Waltrip and he had the best season of his career thus far. In 2012 Bowyer finished the season runner up to first time Champion Brad Keselowski. Roger Penske has been a long time owner who has paid his dues and 2012 was his first ever Sprint Cup Championship, proving how hard it is to establish a team in Nascar. In 2012 Bowyer also posted 3 Wins, 10 Top 5's, and 23 Top 10's which were all career best for him. This season Bowyer has gotten off to a hot start and sits 3rd in the standings yet he has not found a win in 16 races.

In 2007 Martin Truex Jr won the first race of his career and this past weekend at Sonoma he finally notched his second. Also in 2007, MWR started to really get the ball rolling. MWR was one of the first 3 car teams to adapt to the new Toyota cars and have stuck with them since. Not only is Truex the latest winner this season but he also is sitting in an alright position to make his second straight Chase appearance. Matter of fact, Truex may not have the points that Bowyer has but he has an important win so far in 2013. Truex is sitting 10th in points through 16 races and is also coming off his best season in his career much like Bowyer.  He may not have posted a win last year but he tied his career high of Top 5's (7) and notched a career best 19 Top 10's on his way to a 12.1 average finish position. He didn't fair too well in the Chase where he finished 11th overall but it was his first taste of the big show.

Truex has long been regarded as a driver with tons of potential but just hadn't quiet tapped into it yet, but last season he showed a glimpse of it. After the win at Sonoma some people now think he could make a run while he is in the peak of his career. 

MWR has Truex and Bowyer who both could be hitting hot stretches in there careers behind the wheels of there Toyota Camry's so Michael has got to be happy. The question is, can MWR take the next step and become a title contender in the near future or even as early as this season?

Last year Roger Penske finally got his long awaited title, and in 2011 driver/partial owner Tony Stewart broke an 11 year streak of Hendrick, Gibbs, or Childress Champions with a Stewart-Haas Championship. From 1993-2010 only Robert Yates fielded a driver (Dale Jarrett) to beat one of the big three. (A look at the History of Sprint Cup Champions and Team Owners)

No one who knows Nascar will argue money wins races in Nascar (Which has lead to many years of research, development, and learning curves), and with that statement that Hendrick and Gibbs are tier one on that list (Childress riding shotgun) but with recent success of two non big three teams could MWR's time be now to break through? When thinking about that, also take this into account, those big three have owner's who are not getting any younger. To take a longer look into that check out this Fox Sports article that takes a look at the new demographic of Nascar and its owners. In my opinion I think that Michael Waltrip Racing is starting to turn a corner and will start to be a force for the next decade. Who else will step up as owners start to age and the cost of getting into Nascar keeps getting steeper and steeper?


  • Martin Truex Jr- Sign's with MWR in 2010
    • 124 Races. 1 Win. 15 top 5's. 45 top 10's. (With MWR)
  • Clint Bowyer- Sign's with MWR in 2012
    • 52 Races 3 Win's. 15 top 5's. 32 top 10's. (With MWR)
**I do realize MWR also fields the #55 (Mark Martin) every week but he is just coasting through his time at MWR anyways**

Take a look at this weeks Driver Spotlight that happens to be on Martin Truex Jr
Also take a peak at last weeks Power Rankings and this Weeks Kentucky Preview!
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Driver Spotlight: Martin Truex Jr

Nascar Behind the Wall Driver spotlight: Martin Truex Jr. This segment will be a short article about where each driver is right now during the 2013 season. At the end of the season I will review some of the more interesting stories from Driver Spotlight

Last time we took a look at a Nascar driver it happened to be the other Jr, Dale Earnhardt Jr that is (Check out Driver Spotlight: Dale Earnhardt Jr). This time around we will take a look at Nascar's most recent winner.

I don't always like to spotlight the driver that just won, but in this case when you go 218 straight races without a win you deserve to get a mention. The last time Truex won I had just finished my first year of College, the 35W bridge collapsed (I live in MN so this was very very sad and hit home), the Mitchell Report was released, and the SA Spurs defeated the Clevlend Cav's and Lebron James. His streak was so bad that at the beginning of this season he made the top spot in my "We're Going Streaking" article.

That man has some patients, but oh how sweet that win at Sonoma must have been. Last season it really looked like Truex was settling back in having his best season of his career. He finished 2012 with 7 top 5's and 19 top 10's and had an average finish of 12.1. He also made the Sprint Cup Chase for the first time since 2007 when he had his last win.

Truex finally got that monkey off of his back at Sonoma which comes as a big relief. Now he can
focus on closing out another run at a Chase berth. The win at Sonoma will go a long way in helping him get into the Chase. That all important win could come handy if he needs it but, but as of now he also sits in 10th in the standings.

What I think will be interesting to watch the rest of the way is not only if he can close out a Chase spot but if he can find a way to have his first season with multiple wins? He has had so many races already just this season where he has been a contender that it is possible he notches another one. Maybe at the end of this season I will take a look back at this article and not only find that he made the Chase but got an extra win or two along the way.

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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Week 17 Preview

Kentucky Speedway

Well Nascar is going back to a track where drivers will only make left turns, a place where Nascar has only ran two times at, Kentucky. Well there is little data this week on this track as we have only had two winners, Brad Keselowski last year and Kyle Busch in Kentuckys inaugural race.

A few quick notes on Kentucky Speedway. In the two years since the Sprint Cup series started running here no driver has posted two top 5's and only 5 drivers have posted two top 10's (Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, and Jeff Gordon). Also only 5 guys have led double digit laps total in two races (Kyle, Keselowski, Johnson, Hamlin, and Kurt).  Well lets get into it and take everything with a grain of salt (Leaving out Best Chance Forecast this week with little data). Here is a look at 2012 and 2011 race results at Kentucky Speedway.

2012 winner Brad Keselowski

The Good:
  • Brad Keselowski- BK not only one here last year but in the 2 year history he has the best average finish of 4.0. BK has also lead 147 of 535 laps which is second only to Kyle. This is a track that really helped him get going for the Chase last year. Also note, he has won here in Nationwide with a 3.6 average finish in 5 races.
  • Kyle Busch- The only other winner at Kentucky also gets the second spot this week. Not just because he has won here but he has lead 243 of 535 laps here which is 45.5% of the career laps here.
  • Kasey Kahne- Lots of other guys can be listed on here, but my last guy I will highlight it Kahne because he loves tracks like this. He has been fast this year and I think he has a chance at a win this Saturday. He did finish 13th in 2011 and 2nd last year so he also has a good track record here as well.
The Middle:
  • Carl Edwards- Well with only two races here a lot of guy fit the mold of being in the middle, but I like Carl to stay on his good pace this season with another strong finish at Kentucky. He has only posted a 5th and 20th place finish (last year) so his two races were up and down.
The Bad:
  • Clint Bowyer- Do I think he will finish poor this Saturday? No. But in the only two races here has he had a top 15? No. I think he will improve his bad runs here but the fact is in little data he has a 25.5 average finish. I think top 12 is right where he will find a home.
  • Jamie McMurray- Same average finish as Bowyer but I think he could again finish outside the top 15. He has struggled to find consistency so it could be another rough day for Jamie.
Kyle Busch win's first Sprint Cup race at Kentucky in 2011
Its a short article with little stats so I will add in some thoughts:
  • Who I like for the win the weekend?
    • Kasey Kahne
  • Dark Horse who I like for the win?
    • Joey Logano- He has a good track record in Nationwide and is having a nice 2013.
  • Other top contenders?
    • Kyle Busch-If he can keep the car from spinning he should be up front
    • Brad Keselowski- Won here in both series.
    • Jimmie Johnson- Every week he can contend
  • Who needs it most?
    • Brad Keselowski- Needs his season to turn around, almost out of a Chase spot with no win.
    • Denny Hamlin- Honorable mention. DH needs a win this week otherwise he may pack it in soon so he doesn't risk it.
  • What big name guy do I think will struggle?
    • Tony Stewart- I don't know why, I just have a gut feeling he will struggle this week after a frustrating Sonoma race.
  • My top 5 in no order:
    • BK, Kyle, Kahne, Kenseth, and Kurt Busch
  • Rounding out the to 10:
    • Jimmie Johnson, Hamlin, Logano, Gordon, and Edwards
Alright folks that's it for this weeks Kentucky Speedway preview! Check back for updates on other articles and new posts. If I find time either this week or next week I will be writing a "halfway" article that will look at the last 9 or 10 races before we reach the Chase. Have a great week guys.
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Monday, June 24, 2013

Pit Road Week 16

Sonoma Raceway 2013

Martin Truex Jr has not won in 218 races, 218! So can anyone tell me they saw this coming at Sonoma this past Sunday? Truex not only won but he was leading by over 5 seconds when Juan Pablo Montoya ran out of gas while in 2nd place.

Not to take away from Truex but I also have to mention AJ Almendinger notched his first win in Nationwide after Penske gave him a second chance at Road America on Saturday. So Truex's win couldn't have come at a better time when two guys had things to get off there shoulders.

This weeks review will be short and sweet as I had to get updates through my phone for just about all the race. If you missed the action as much as I did here is a look at the final results at Sonoma.


Rising, Coasting, and Falling Drivers After Sonoma Raceway

Rising:
  • Martin Truex Jr- As if breaking a 218 win less streak wasn't enough to land him on this part of the list, he now looks to be in better position to make the Chase back to back years.
  • Jeff Gordon- After only being a part of what seemed like opening ceremonies at MIS last week Gordon rallied to a 2nd place finish. He still has work to do though and really needs a win.
  • Kurt Busch- Well if this season wasn't already a roller coaster, just go back and look at Sonoma and it will sum it up. He was bad fast, but he was bad fast on pit road as well (two speeding penalties). Still had a great day but hasn't found the formula to win yet.
Coasting:
  • Carl Edwards- Carl notched a top 5 with a 3rd place finish and made up a little bit more ground on JJ for the top spot.
Falling:
  • Brad Keselowski- Well each week he doesn't get a win makes his road even more stressful this season. He did run up front some Sunday and even lead some laps but a poor finish in the 20's ruined what he had going.
  • Juan Pablo Montoya- I can't say he didn't have a good day, and if the race was 2 laps shorter he would be on the rising list with a 2nd place finish, unfortunately for JPM he ran out of gas and fell way back. He needs road course wins to stay anywhere in talks this year.

Pit Road (Week 16 Power Rankings)
  1. Jimmie Johnson (LW-1)- Come on guys, who else could be number one? I've seen Carl jumped to #1 on Power Rankings stating he has caught up in points and the 9th place finish after hitting the wall last week late. 9th is a good spot for JJ who isn't amazing at going right in Nascar and last week he could have won.
  2. Kevin Harvick (LW-2)- Speaking of a good finish for someone who doesn't dominate at road courses Harvick will take his 10th and move on to next week.
  3. Clint Bowyer (LW-6)- 2012 Sonoma winner Bowyer finished 5th during a very consistent year for the #15 team.
  4. Greg Biffle (LW-7)- Quiet but got the job done, nice 8th place finish for the Biff.
  5. Carl Edwards (LW-9)- Finally relevant again, Carl finished 3rd.
  6. Tony Stewart (LW-5)- Rough day for Smoke that breaks his hot streak, no one saw it coming at Sonoma.
  7. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-8)- A guy who hates seeing Sonoma on the schedule, Jr finished 12th and if you ask him he would take that every single time he turns right in a Sprint Cup Car.
  8. Matt Kenseth (LW-3)- Feast or Famine, Sonoma was a good day to start but he really fell off in the end.
  9. Kyle Busch (LW-4)- He has been a main stay in the rankings but he has been all over the place, including around and around on Sunday. Rough day for Rowdy.
  10. Kurt Busch (LW-12)- Making his way up again, after falling back. Sound familiar? Seems like Kurt likes to go fast, on ever part of the track. He still finished 4th.
  11. Loey Logano (LW-10)- Moves down a spot but overall had a good race. He finished 11th and has had a great 2013 campaign.
  12. Kasey Kahne (LW-NR)- Kahne can thank BK for falling off during Sonoma. BK was up front but Kahne was the guy who finished up there (6th). He has another fast car and stayed out of trouble this time.
Dropped Out: Brad Keselowski
Just Missed: Jeff Gordon, Martin Truex Jr (Sorry Martin), Paul Menard.

Nascar Sprint Cup Standings
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Saturday, June 22, 2013

Week 16 Preview

Sonoma Raceway 2013

It's Saturday and I am watching the Nascar Nationwide race at Race America, so whats a better time to finally get to this weeks Pocono Preview? Since this is such a late article this week I will make it short and sweet, kind of makes sense when Nascar only makes two trips to tracks with right turns.

Last year Sonoma brought a surprise winner in Clint Bowyer and in 2011 Kurt Busch notched a win, whats in common? Both are still looking for a win in 2013. It wont be easy though, in the last 11 races at Sonoma we have had 10 different winner's. The only repeat winner in that time frame is one of the guys who use to dominate this course, Jeff Gordon.

But it seems Nascar has taken more interest into running these road courses and guys have tried to become more well rounded which will make this week at Sonoma a good one, especially because anyone can get that all important win. So who will it be? Lets look at Good, Middle, and Bad Drivers at Sonoma in the last 10 races.


The Good:
  • Jeff Gordon- Lets just start with this stat, 20 career races at Sonoma and 16 top 10's. That means Gordon is almost a lock this weekend. He has 7 straight appearances in the top 10 and really the only thing that stops him is bad luck finishes of 37, 37, and 33rd. His other finish outside the top 10? 11th. Best Chance Forecast: Well heck, top 10. Gordon needs to get a win here and start getting hot, like Smoke just did.
  • Tony Stewart- Speaking of Smoke he is also pretty good at Sonoma. Last time around he finished runner up to Bowyer. Best Chance Forecast: Another top 10 to keep his hot streak alive.
  • Clint Bowyer- He may have been a surprise to win it, but his career finish position average in 7 races at Sonoma is 9.7 (2nd to Jeff Gordon) and he has 5 top 10's. Best Chance Forecast: He has been consistent this year so another top 10 looks likely.
  • Marcus Ambrose- The Aussie is known to excel on road courses and won the Pole last year, he ended up 8th. In his 5 races at Sonoma only his first start has he not finished in the top 10 (transmission problem). Best Chance Forecast: I would say we have another top 10 contender on Sunday, and needs a win to turn his season around.
The Middle:
  • Ryan Newman- Well Newman isn't amazing at Sonoma, but he finds ways to finish well. His Career Average finish position is 6th of current drivers yet he has zero wins, 2 top 5's and 5 top 10's (11 races). His problem, the last four races here his best finish is 16th. Could be trending down just like his season has.
The Bad:
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr- Well Jr Nation can take a break this week and not have to get all worked up, because he most likely will not fight for a win. Crazier things have happened but in his 13 starts at Sonoma not once has he finished in the top 10. All he needs to do is find a nice spot in the top 15 and call it a day til next week.
  • Matt Kenseth- With his feast or famine season this isn't where Kenseth would like to be. In 13 races he just one ups Jr with one top 10 finish. He is another guy who will be happy with a top 15 to not loose too much ground. At least he has just a few wins to fall back on (Sorry Jr Nation).

Better late then never right? Well lets get ready for right turns and a bunch of TNT commercials this weekend! I may miss some of Sundays race so the review may be short and sweet as well this week but I will be checking Twitter and Nascar online to stay tuned as much as possible! Lest have a good race.
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Sunday, June 16, 2013

Pit Road Week 15

MIS: Quicken Loans 400

Last August Nascar and I left Michigan with Jack Roush winning another race at MIS. Once again this year Ford and Roush leave with another win. Actually if was Ford's 1,000th career win. Leaving MIS this June we also leave with the same winner as last August, Greg Biffle.

Biffle had been struggling with consistency (as had most Ford cars) early in 2013 but after leaving Pocono in 2nd and now a win at Michigan he has put himself in the middle of the Chase run. With the win it looks more and more like he could get a WC spot if he doesn't finish in the top 10 in points which just takes a spot away from a non winner (which happened to be my topic of discussion this week in "Race For a Win: Part One and Two"

Take a look back at the full race results from the Quicken Loans 400 at MIS. If you haven't also take a look back at Race For a Win: Part One and Part Two, and also Heating up from last week.


Rising
  • Marting Truex Jr- Still a long way off of being back into contention for the Chase after two horrible weeks in arrow, Truex started a turn around in Michigan with a 3rd place finish. Only thing is, he didn't realize he finished top 3 and had to call in for his post race interview!
  • Greg Biffle- You have to love how this team has kept fighting this season. I even thought they were going to continue there struggles, but mostly because the Ford cars have been so far behind. So far I am wrong and after his 2nd place finish at Pocono he now got his first win of 2013 and Fords 1,000th in Nascar. That's back to back wins at MIS for the Biff.
  • Kevin Harvick- Really he can't rise too much farther, but since the ASR his finishes look like this (1st, 8th, 9th, and 2nd this week). He is one of the hottest drivers right now and he is doing it quietly, just think if he gets red hot by Chase time?
  • Honorable Mentions- I have to add this week because one: Danica finished 13th and in front of boyfriend Ricky and two: Austin Dillons 11th place finish was the first time he has finished higher then 24th in the Sprint Cup.
Coasting
  • Tony Stewart- You get hot like this and you get to be in the Coasting section (where its either a guy in the middle coasting, or someone hot coasting). I could have put Harvick here, but gave him a rising spot because he has been doing it quietly. Everyone in Nascar knows where Smoke has been. He (5th) and Danica (13th) made sure Stewart-Haas had another good outing on Sunday.
Falling
  • Denny Hamlin- Tough day for DH, and unfortunately it might be the end of his Chase chances. I was a little skeptical as it was and that's why he has been in and out of the Power Rankings. But this 30th place finish puts him almost too far out to make up ground.
  • Kasey Kahne- He has now run into a stretch like Brad Keselowski ran into where nothing can go right even when you have a good car. He possibly had the best car on the weekend but he smacked the wall very early ending his day.
  • Jeff Gordon- See above. Gordon went down even earlier then Kahne. He is in 11th in points but does not have a win which means he has work to do.

Pit Road (Week 15 Power Rankings)
  1. Jimmie Johnson (LW-1)- Well he had a very late race tire go down, but really how does he fall from #1 when he was going to try and push Biffle for the win? Still running scary good.
  2. Kevin Harvick (LW-2)- Harvick moved up to the runner up spot, or the #1 spot other then the guy in another league, last week and wasn't giving it back this week. Solid 2nd place finish give him 5 straight top 10's in point races.
  3. Matt Kenseth (LW-3)- Kenseth finished MIS with a 6th place finish. He was towards the front most the day but really didn't challenge for a win. After 3 races 15th or worse this finish couldn't have come at a better time.
  4. Kyle Busch (LW-4)- Well this is the same top 4 as last week. But who would I really change, maybe flip flop Kyle and Kenseth, but either way they have both been feast or famine this season so one will flop back down or run up top soon.
  5. Tony Stewart (LW-7)- Well he is making an unbelievable run to the top and into Chase contention. This week he followed up his 4th place finish with a 5th. That's 3 top 5's in the last 3 races for Smoke. He is on one of those Summer runs.
  6. Clint Bowyer (LW-4)- This is the kind of consistency a driver needs to win the Chase, but he is missing those dominating performances that Champions need. On Clint's side, he still has time to find those this season. Finished 7th at MIS this Sunday.
  7. Greg Biffle (LW-12)- Biffle is making a run like Smoke did. He took that runner up at Pocono and one upped it at Michigan with a win. He is now in the top 10, plus he has an important win that maybe key if he hovers from here on out.
  8. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-5)- Well Jr falls but it was not his fault. Jr had a great car Sunday and if it wasn't for so many hot drivers around him he wouldn't be so far down. Why is that? Well before his engine blew he was leading the race with a 5 second lead on JJ in 2nd and looking fast, plus he won the June race last year in a Super Hero car (Dark Knight Rises).
  9. Carl Edwards (LW-8)- Falling a spot after getting the Pole and finishing 8th (his first top 10 in 4 races) Carl is just in the unlucky spot of everyone getting hot. He has been searching for some consistency he has lacked since the season started.
  10. Joey Logaon (LW-10)- JoLo once again ran a solid race and finished 10th. I still will hold onto the idea he has ran good enough to find a win this season, his last 4 have all been top 10's.
  11. Brad Keselowski (LW-NR)- Well BK finds himself back in the Power Rankings after dropping out last week. This season has been a roller coaster ride that he knows wont help him win back to back Championships but the last 3 have been promising. This week he finished 12th after running out of fuel on the last lap but had a top 5 car. Still needs better finishes and a win or two.
  12. Kurt Busch (LW-9)- Kurt gets to hang on to the last spot only because he was fast again Sunday. He was a victim of a slippery start to the race on Sunday and slid into the wall. He never recovered and finished 35th. He still is on the hunt for wins week to week which is most likely the only way he gets into the Chase.
Dropped Out: Kasey Kahne
Just Missed: Martin Truex Jr

Missed the Preview, take a look back here.

Well Nascar is heading out of one of the fastest tracks on the schedule until August when I will be attending and going to a place where they make RIGHT turns, Sonoma. Check out some past articles to hold you over until the Sonoma Preview and possibly a Driver Spotlight this week if I can find time!
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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Week 15 Preview

Michigan International Speedway: Quicken Loans 400
Start of the 2011 Fall MIS race
Nascar leaves the Tricky Triangle and heads to Michigan International Speedway for the first time this season (the second one in August I will be attending and have since 2006). This track is still the only track I have been too and is always a good time. But, onto the product on the track.  Jimmie Johnson may have just won at Pocono and was also very good at Dover but he has never won in 22 tries at Michigan.

That leaves the door open for other drivers to get a win on this very fast 2 mile oval. This week I have articles on 2013 season win less drivers and who will get one this year and it seems that many of them will have a chance this weekend. Guys like Biffle, Gordon, Jr, Newman, and Kurt Busch all have multiple wins at MIS and non of them have a win in 2013.

I think this years race could bring a 2013 season first time winner and also some very fast racing with the new Gen 6 car. Take a look back at last years June results at MIS. Lets get on to the Good, Middle, and Bad Drivers in recent races at MIS.


The Good:
  • Greg Biffle- Lets start here, he drives for Roush. Now Fords have had a slow start to the 2013 season but if there was a time to get it going it would be a Jack Roush car at MIS speedway. In the Biff's last 10 he has 1 win, 5 top 5's and 6 top 10's. Best Chance Forecast: I like Biff to find another top 5, but until Ford shows they have figured it out I can't say he is a clear cut favorite to win.
  • Carl Edwards- Look above at what was said about Biffle, then apply to Carl. His stats look about the same, 1 win, 5 top 5's and 7 top 10's. Best Chance Forecast: Same as Biffle, top 5, but if Fords were to find another win, a Roush car at MIS is the place.
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr- Enough Ford's already. Jr's last Cup win was a year ago at MIS when he was in his last very long win less streak. This year he is trying to put together a run that will put him in good shape for his first title run. Best Chance Forecast: I don't know why but I think another average top 10 finish is in store for Jr. (I could be wrong, he is driving another movie aspired paint scheme this weekend like his MIS win last year)
The Middle
  • Denny Hamlin- The middle man this week is actually also a good bet to win at MIS. He does have 2 wins in the last 10 races here, but he also only has a average finish of 15. He has been a feast or famine driver at MIS as of late so he will either push for the win or have troubles. Look for the former this weekend.
The Bad
  • Jimmie Johnson- This is a reach, JJ isn't bad at MIS, but the fact that JJ has been so good at most tracks leave me wanting more. (So no mistake, he is a still a good option if you are looking at it for a fantasy option). JJ's average finish leaves something to be desired (15.7 in the last 10) and he only has 4 top 10's in the last 10 (2 top 5's). Also note, he has yet to win at MIS in his career.
  • Paul Menard- Lets get to a guy who really hasn't been good at all at MIS. Menard has two top 10's and 1 top 5 in his last 10 races here. Not only that his average finish is way down to 21.6. If he wants to hang around the Chase talks he will have to figure it out at MIS this Sunday.
  • Marcus Ambrose- He is a guy I just had to get in this article. He could also be considered in the "Laying Low" section with his teammate Almirola because his last two were finishes of 9th and 5th. Other then those two finishes Ambrose has struggled at MIS. Maybe he has figured it out though, so he could be a sleeper.
  • Kurt Busch- In Kurts last 10 races here he has run into some bad luck and it has resulted in an average finish of 21.6 with 2 top 10's and 1 top 5's. But Kurt has been fast this year and he does know how to go fast at MIS, in the last 10 he has 2 poles in his name.
Laying Low
  • Ryan Newman- His last 10 numbers do not look very overwhelming, actually they don't look good at all. But if you check out Newman's last 4 starts at MIS and there is hope (8, 15, 5, and 6). He could have a chance to sneak up on the field this weekend, hopefully he doesn't "run" into Gilliland though.
  • Aric Almirola- Aric only has two career starts at MIS but I think this is the kind of track that he could excel at the more and more he runs it. Last year he finished 17th and 20th and this he has a chance to improve on that. I think he can pull off a top 15 and maybe even get back in the top 10.

Need more?
Nascar Behind the Wall Recent Articles:
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Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Race For a Win: Part Two

In part one I looked at the win less drivers in 2013 who have a good chance to make the Chase with or without a win. In part two I will look at a few more drivers who have not found a win in 2013. These drivers however will most likely need at least one win this season to make the Chase. So lets get on with it and dive right in.

**If you missed it, check out Race For a Win: Part One here**

Denny Hamlin

Well Denny Hamlin finds himself in this situation by chance, bad luck, or whatever you want to call it. His back injury left him sitting on the sidelines being a cheerleader for part of the early season and it left him falling farther and farther back. DH needs to get into the top 20, stay there, and get a few wins to try and nab an WC spot.

A Look Ahead: Lucky for Denny he has won a bunch of races over the past few seasons. He has been racing pretty well since coming back from his injury but that will mean nothing if he doesn't finish first a few times. Nascar has two trips to Loudon (NH) that will be on DH's radar (2 wins, 7 top 5's, 10 top 10's in 14 career races). In fact, Hamlin only has one bad finish, 29th in 2011, at Loudon. The other 3 finishes not in the top 10 were 14th, 15th, and 15th. Unfortunately only the first trip can help his bid at the Chase. Keep an eye on Kentucky as well, as I think it will be a wild card for every driver since it will only be the third time Nascar has raced there.

Will he get a win in 2013?
  • As strong as JGR has been, and the fact that DH has been very good when he is in the drivers seat leaves me saying yes. He will be a favorite at Loudon which is within the next 5 races and has a chance in 3 races at Kentucky. If he gets one in the next 5 he has a great chance at the Chase with ATL, Bristol, and Richmond all races he could get another late season win (before the Chase).


Kurt Busch

Kurt is in a place where he can drive all out every week, and that is exactly the style he likes. He has to get wins and he knows it. Kurt has been consistent enough to stay in the top 20 as of late but he will be a guy going for one of two WC spots.

A Look Ahead: Well Kurt has won at Sonoma and even had a 3rd place finish with Phoenix Racing last year. Sonoma is the huge wild card race because guys like Ambrose and JPM come into play there. But also guys like Gordon and past winners have a chance to steal one. Kurt doesn't have to rely on a road course though when he has places like Bristol and ATL in the future.

Will he get a win in 2013?
  • I would love to say yes, and there is a chance, but so many guys will be pushing for one it will be very tough. If he has a shot look at either Atlanta or a late season win at Bristol where he use to be a top contender.


Aric Almirola

Here is a tough guy to call for the 2013 season. Its only Almirola's second full season but he has shown in stretches he can be consistent this season. I am not sure it will be enough to crack the top 10 though with so many guys in the middle of the pact fighting to get in. Almirola still doesn't have his first career win either, so its a tough road ahead.

A Look Ahead: This season has looked like the year he could get his first win though. Richmond and Daytona were good finishes for him this year and are both tracks Nascar will get back to before the Chase starts. He has had a short career so it is tough to point out spots, but I think he could make a good run at one of the Michigan races, if not both. He seems to run well at 1.5's as well so he will have some chances down the stretch.

Will he get a win in 2013?
  • I predicted he would get one when he was on his top 10 run this season and I will stick by that. I am not sure when his first career win will come but other then Richmond and Daytona I would say watch out for him at the fast Michigan. He is still a long shot to get one though and an even farther long shot to get the WC spot.


Joey Logano

More top 5's (4) and half as many top 10's (6) as in 2012 (in less then half the races). JoLo has looked more comfortable with his new team and new teammate in 2013.  Joey has had some stretches this season where he has looked just as fast as guys like Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson, but he also had some stretched where he has struggled. Up and downs like that are not how you make or even win the Chase but JoLo still has a chance to get a WC.

A Look Ahead: Like I mentioned, he has been up front and looked tough in a few early season races this year, so in the back half he may have a chance to steal a few. The tough part is figuring out where? He has also been up and down at most the tracks in his career while trying to figure each one out. The next time Nascar visits Pocono or Charlotte JoLo will need to strike.

Will he get a win in 2013?
  • Well he has been so good in a few races to think he wont get a win. Pocono, Charlotte, or possibly Daytona could be the remedy. I think he could find a win somewhere but I don't think he can steal a WC spot.



Ryan Newman

This has been quite the season for Newman. Last week at Dover he made no friends when getting impatient with Gilliland and they weren't even fighting for a top 15 spot. He also could be looking for a ride next year and has been dealing with the drama of Danica and a slumping Smoke.

A Look Ahead: Well it looks like Stewart-Hass may have turned a corner. Smoke seems to be out of his slump which takes all the talk about whether he can handle a 3 car team with Danica on it out of the question. This past week 2 SHR cars made the top 5. The past three seasons Newman has stolen a win, but just one win each year. Loudon is the track that you have to watch for him to get one, he has 3 career wins there.

Will he get one in 2013?
  • He could be the driver that needs it the most. On a struggling team and the possibility of not having a major ride next year puts him the front runner to show what he has left. He has only finished in the top 10 in the standing twice since 2006 so he should be hungry. Unfortunately I don't think he will get one, but may come close.



Martin Truex Jr

Martin Truex Jr has not won a race since 6/4/07 at Dover so why is he on this list? Well because he is due and also because just a few short weeks ago he was 9th in points. Then he had an engine blow and followed that up with a weekend struggle at Pocono. He now finds himself a ways out looking in. That means breaking his win less streak is all the more important.

A Look Ahead: I will start with a look back first: He has 22 top 5's (6 of those 2nd place finishes) since his last win and 64 top 10's.  A place like Bristol could be what he needs. He can beat and bang to find a way to win his 2nd career race (His last 4: 12th, 11th, 3rd, and 2nd). Unfortunately for Truex the place he got his only career Nascar win will fall during the Chase so if he gets one it would have been too late for the #56 team.

Will he get one in 2013?
  • I was pulling for him every week he was close early this year, but I just am not sure he has enough strong tracks left before the Chase. He could steal one during the Chase which would be bittersweet if he makes a run back in the point.
**Update 6/25/13: Well I have to say I was wrong about him pulling one out before the Chase, but in any case I will happily be wrong when I was pulling for the guy to snap out of it. It took 218 races but he finally got to taste sweet victory (In the form of wine this time). Now the question since he makes it off this list, will he get another one and will he make the Chase? The win makes it more and more likely but the last 10 races before the Chase will be heated.**

Well that gets a majority of the guys who will have a shot at a win in 2013. As statistic's go there are not enough races for all these guys to get wins. The guys like BK, Gordon, and Hamlin may steal more then one leaving guys like Almirola and Newman, and Truex left waiting for next year. Plus, wild cards like JPM (Sonoma, Watkins Glenn, Indianapolis), Marcus Ambrose (Road Courses), and Paul Menard (Indianapolis) all have a shot at a win in 2013. So who will get one in 2013 and better yet who will get a few and steal a WC spot and have a shot to get hot in the Chase?
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Monday, June 10, 2013

Race For a Win: Part One

Well another week and another Jimmie Johnson win. Past that last statement, this article will not talk about Jimmie Johnson again. This article instead will take a look at all the drivers looking to find a win still in 2013 and with that a possible birth into the Chase.

Dover brought Tony Stewart back into the talks of the Chase after a dismal start to the season, the win didn't just give him a shot at the WC, but he is already in 13th place in the standings which means he has a great shot regardless.

So with Smoke leading the way, which other drivers haven't notched there first win of the 2013 season but need to? I will take a look at those drivers and when or if they will find a win in 2013.

**First part of a two part series. The first I take a look at the guys who have a good shot at getting into the Chase without a win. The second will be guys who almost HAVE to get a win or two to get a WC spot.**

Brad Keselowski

Well lets start out with the win less drivers with the guy who finished 2012 as Nascar's newest Champ. BK has been through it all this season but has yet to find his way back to Victory Lane, but he still sits 9th in the points just hanging on. If there is a list of who needs a win the most he would be on it.

A Look Ahead: Well this next week Nascar heads to BK's home track, Michigan International Speedway, where his last three starts have been promising (2nd, 13th, 3rd). He may have a chance to get going at Michigan but he has had better luck ever season in the August race. The newer Kentucky track is where BK needs to take advantage of the other drivers. He and Kyle Busch are the only two drivers to have a win at Kentucky (BK's other finish is 7th).

Will he get one in 2013?
  • I think it is hard to bet against the former Champ. Tracks like Kentucky, Bristol, or even the second stop at Dover should all be places he runs strong.


Dale Earnhardt Jr

Second guy on the list is Jr, we get to him early in this list because his last win was in the June Michigan race in 2012. Last year he broke his long win less streak at this track and in the past has run well at MIS. He has been hot this season (not as hot as last year to this point) and is almost a lock for the Chase.

A Look Ahead: Well he does run well at MIS so this week should be a good week to watch and see if JR Nation gets to rejoice again like one year ago, but he also has a chance with the second trip to Daytona coming up. He has two runner up finished in the last 3 trips to Daytona including this years 500.

Will he get one in 2013?
  • I hate to say in Jr Nation but I just am not sure he will. Last year he had a great season, even better then this one, and he managed one win. He does have the benefit of running for Hendrick so I wont count him out. Look out at the afore mentioned and also maybe the second trip to Martinsville.


Greg Biffle

Let's move on to Biff, the guy who came second to JJ at Pocono. He has not been on many peoples radar in 2013, as has been the case with a lot of Ford drivers. Luckily for Biffle he is heading to a track this next week that he has won at. Actually Biffle, along with Jr, won at Michigan last year (and has 3 career wins).

A Look Ahead: As mentioned, Michigan is a track Biffle could have a shot at if he is truly figuring out this new Ford. Last year he also finished 4th in the June race at MIS. Biffle also has 2 career wins at Kansas which is in the near future. Biffle most likely will have some strong runs at 1.5 mil tracks so he could bust out then.

Will he get one in 2013?
  • If you look at the past 6 season Biffle has gone every other year notching 2 wins or no wins. This would be one of those years falling on a zero win year. Will he follow that pattern? I am not sure he will get one, but mostly because Ford's have just been a step behind the Chevys and Toyotas.
  • **Update 6/16/13: Well the week the articles come out one driver checks his name off the board. Biffle and Ford get out of there 2013 slump at a Michigan track where Fords (namely Jack Roush Fords) have found good success. Now the question is, well Biffle find another win to makes sure he gets into the Chase?**


Clint Bowyer

A guy running as consistent as Bowyer doesn't need to worry about wins, but try telling a driver he doesn't need to win to get into the Chase. Bowyer is upset every week he doesn't get a win so 2013 hasn't been his year. In 2012 he finished the year having a very strong Chase and it has followed this season.

A Look Ahead: Well Sonoma is coming up soon and last year he snuck out a win there. In his 7 career starts at Sonoma he has 5 top 10's, 4 top 5's and a that win in 2012. I would say he will be a front runner or needs to be. In 2012 he also notched a win at Richmond and has a history of running well there.

Will he get one in 2013?
  • Considering only once in the last 6 season Bowyer hasn't notched a win, 2009 being the year he didn't, I think its safe to say he will get one in 2013. I think he has a chance to get real hot and find a few wins this year like he did last year (3).


Jeff Gordon

Gordon is on the boarder of needing wins to get in the Chase or being able to without one (or more).  He made the first list because I have about 5 or 6 more drivers who almost certainly need the wins to get into the Chase. For Gordon, long gone are the days where he could strike for double diget wins in a single season.  Last season he had 2, Pocono which Nascar was just at and the last race of the 2012 season, Homestead.

A Look Ahead: Gordon was runner up 4 other times in 2012 and most of those came down the stretch. Places like the second trip to Dover, Pocono, and Richmond are all tracks I can see Gordon getting a win at. Also to add to that list a place like Atlanta where Nascar visits once and Gordon has finishes of 2nd (2012) and 1st (2011) in the last two could mean a visit to Victory Lane.

Will he get one in 2013?
  • 87 career wins, 301 top 5's, 418 top 10's, and a Hendrick Motorsports car....It's tough to bet against Gordon. In the last four races Gordon does have two 3rd place finishes and has looked poised to be a front runner again. I think he gets at least one this season and will slip into the Chase, but it wont be easy.
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Sunday, June 9, 2013

Pit Road Week 14

Pocono Raceway: Party in the Pocono's 400

Well the "tricky triangle" didn't seem too tricky for Jimmie Johnson and the #48 Hendrick Chevy. JJ finish up his day at Pocono leading 128 of 160 laps and sitting in Victory Lane with his third win of the season. Post race inspection seemed to be more difficult then the actual race for the 48 team but after much talk on Twitter about his car being too light, he still passed in the end.

The day really was JJ's to lose after he had been fast all weekend but it was also a promising day for the Stewart-Haas camp. Smoke got another top 5 after his win at Dover (4th) and for only the second time this season Ryan Newman posted a top 5 (5th).

Also to Jr Nations delight Dale finished up 3rd after having a good day riding up front. Jr just never seemed to have enough for JJ, but neither did the rest of the field. Here are the results of this weeks Party in the Pocono's 400.  Now lets get onto the Rising, Coasting, and Falling drivers after Pocono and Week 14's Power Rankings.


Rising, Coasting, and Falling Drivers after Pocono

Rising:
  • Greg Biffle- Really this maybe a score for Roush, but at the same time Edwards fell apart. Ford cars just seem to be a step behind but on this Sunday Biffle looked good. On the final restart the Biff made a mad run from 4th to the back of JJ's bumper but after that he didn't have enough and Jimmie pulled away. This 2nd place got the Biff back in the top 10.
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr- The latest driver in Nascar Behind the Walls Driver Spotlight series, Jr has been on his second hot stretch of the season. He is still a step behind where he was last year at this time but he has had a good car all season.
  • Jeff Burton- He wont make the Chase, but has anyone noticed how Burton has done since his 3rd place ASR finish? Starting with this week, his past 3 finishes are 11th, 11th, and 12th. It has been a tough season for Burton so to see some good racing out of him is a nice surprise.
Coasting:
  • Denny Hamlin- This weeks lucky driver to be in the middle (or unlucky) is DH. He finished 8th which wasn't bad but DH needs to be bringing winning race cars to the track each weekend. He will most likely need 2 wins (at least one) to get in even if he makes the top 20.
Falling:
  • Kasey Kahne- Very early car troubles left Kasey out of it early at Pocono. He is still in the top 10 in points and should be fine in the long run but this is his second bad finish in a row. Kahne will need a good finish at the 2 mile long Michigan to get it going again.
  • Ricky Stenhouse Jr- Ricky hasn't been amazing this season, but can you believe this weeks 26th place finish is his worst other then his 40th at Texas?  He is right on the top 20 edge for now but needs to start finding some speed to get top 10 finishes.
  • Martin Truex Jr- No one has fallen more then Truex in the past few weeks. Just 2 short weeks ago he was in position for a Chase run. After a 38th place finish at Dover and a 23rd this week he finds himself in 17th.
Newman led 19 laps but couldn't hold off JJ. He finished 5th

Pit Road (Week 14 Power Rankings)
  1. Jimmie Johnson (LW-2)- JJ had a case to be #1 for the past few weeks but I just gave it to Kenseth because neither finished well enough to pull away. Well this week JJ was good beginning, middle, and end. JJ now had a more then dominant car back to back weeks.
  2. Kevin Harvick (LW-3)- Harvick got his 4th top 10 finish in the past 5 races (11th place finish was the only non top 10 in that stretch). Other then JJ Harvick has been the hottest and most consistent driver as of late.
  3. Matt Kenseth (LW-1)- Well I gave Kenseth a longer run then I had to at #1 but it has come to an end. Last week the Toyota engine bug got to the #20, this week a run in with Montoya made a day that was only ok to start with even worse. Both he and JPM stayed out of the wall (and other cars) but Kenseth never made up ground and finished 25th.
  4. Kyle Busch (LW-6)- Kyle finished up 6th at Pocono on Sunday. My math says that is 4 top 10's in the last 5 (including ASR). When Kyle doesn't spin out Kyle and stays on the track he has been fast. He will still need a strong run in the Chase which isn't something he is known for.
  5. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-7)- Jr had a great day again on Sunday which seems to be marking his second good run of the 2013 season (the first being his hot start to the year). Maybe this year Jr wont run into a concussion that stops his hot run in the Chase. He was also this weeks Driver Spotlight which targeted how he has made runs this year.
  6. Clint Bowyer (LW-4)- Well Bowyer has had a great season to date but he had a frustrating Sunday at Pocono. He didn't see much of the front down the stretch this week and ended up finishing the day 15th.
  7. Tony Stewart (LW-NR)- Well unranked to 7th, I wanted to get Smoke in last weeks rankings but lately the middle to lower rankings are packed with guys making runs at the spots. Smoke now has 3 straight top 10's (win, 4th, and 7th) plus if you add the ASR and Darlington he had finishes of 14th and 15th. He may not even need a WC spot if he goes on his patented summer run (13th currently).
  8. Carl Edwards (LW-5)- Well Carl has been the only Ford hanging tough week after week, but he fell off at Pocono and finished 18th. He is starting to fall off as other teams are figuring it out. Can he or any Ford team get it going? Biffle made some progress Sunday.
  9. Kurt Busch (LW-9)- Starting at the ASR 5th, 3rd, 12th, and this week 7th Kurt has got it going. He looked fast at times but never really found clean air up front and by the end of the day just started to cling to where he was.
  10. Joey Logano (LW-10)- Another top 10 from JoLo has his slowly climbing back into the standings (16th, up 2 from 18th). I still this JoLo will push for a win to make the WC spot interesting, but until then he is making some good top 10 runs week after week.
  11. Kasey Kahne (LW-8)- Well this fall isn't all his fault, as he had car problems very early in the race, Kahne is in a mini slump and needs to find his way back out.
  12. Greg Biffle (LW-NR)- Well I am a fan of Brad Keselowski, and he did have a good run going until he lost control of his car (but saved it) and fell back, but he didn't stay up towards the front so the Biff gets the spot. But BK didn't just lose the spot, the Biff definitely earned it as he had a fast car all day and made one heck of a run on the last restart.
Dropped Out- Brad Keselowski (LW-12) and Martin Truex Jr (LW-11)
Just Missed- Denny Hamlin, BK, Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman

Take a look back at this weeks Week 14 Preview
Also look at some previous Driver Spotlights, some recently updated:
If you haven't yet, take a look at this past weeks "Heating Up" Article on the story lines are we get closer and closer to the Chase.

Behind the Wall this week:
  • "Race For a Win" a two part series looking at this seasons win less drivers. Who and When will your favorite driver get a win?
  • Also next week Nascar heads to Michigan for its annual June race where Dale Earnhardt Jr broke his win less streak last year. He also doesn't have a win since then so maybe he can get it going at MIS again. Take a peak back for new articles and next weeks Michigan Preview!
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Thursday, June 6, 2013

Driver Spotlight: Dale Earnhardt Jr

Nascar Behind the Wall Driver spotlight: Dale Earnhardt Jr. This segment will be a short article about where each driver is right now during the 2013 season. At the end of the season I will review some of the more interesting stories from Driver Spotlight



Well Nascar is officially through 13 points races in the 2013 season and Dale Earnhardt Jr looks to be
in a pretty safe spot in the Sprint Cup Standings (6th). Since 2006 when he finished 5th in the points standings Jr has had only 2 wins and made the Chase 3 times. That is 3 Chase appearances in 6 seasons, or for you math majors 50% of the time. Those are not numbers many fans of Jr Nation like to see or hear about.

Lucky for Jr, and his loyal following, he is having his one of his better seasons since then (last year at this point was better, see below). He already has 8 top 10's in 2013 which ties his total from 2010 and is more then 2009 (5). He has 3 top 5's which is the same story as the top 10's (tied 2010 total and more then 2009). So it is pretty easy to say after having a pretty good season last year until a concussion held him back in the Chase, that Jr has regained some form.

The big spotlight for Jr this season is will it all come together or will it just be another "good" and not great season.

Let's break down this season so far because when broken down Jr hasn't been near as consistent as he would like.

The first 5 races:
  • Well Jr was all the talk when the 2013 season got off to a hot start.  Not only was there some great racing and great story lines going on, but Nascar's most popular driver was on fire. In the first 5 races Jr finished in the top 10 every time and had 3 top 5's.  As a fan of Nascar anyone had to enjoy seeing that because lets face it, fan or not, when Jr is doing well everything is more interesting.
Next 5 races:
  • The next 5 races couldn't have been any more opposite then how he started the season. He had one top 10 in those 10 races and was completely out of the spotlight. In those 5 races his average finish position was a dismal 19.2.
Last 4 races (ASR included):
  • Even though the ASR didn't involve points I did include it in this spotlight because it brings it closer to splitting the season so far 5, 5 and 5. Jr hasn't quite got back to the form he was in to start 2013 but in his last 4 he has 3 top 10's. He has been very quiet during this stretch but he has been getting valuable points and staying in contention for the Chase.
Jr has 8 Top 10's and 3 Top 5's in 2013 through 13 races
Really 2013 has been the tale of two Dales. Something Jr will have to figure out when he gets to the Chase is how to stay consistent. If he enters the Chase on one of his "hot" stretches then Jr Nation may finally get to rejoice and Jr may finally get that coveted Championship.

A comparison to his 2012 season start:

Season 2013 2012
Races 13 13
Wins 0 0
Top 5's 3 5
Top 10's 8 10
Average Finish Position 13.5 7.85


So the big question is, can Jr get hot at the right time, during the Chase and make a bid at his first ever Sprint Cup Title? Also a side note to keep and eye on, can he get a Win in 2013? He is on a current streak of 32 races since his last win at Michigan International Speedway last season.

Hopefully for Jr Nation I come back to this article at the end of the season praising how good of a Chase Jr had while he went on to his first Championship, but it also just could be a dream. Only time will tell.

**Update 6/16/13: Heading into Michigan on 6/16 it looked like Jr was getting on a roll again and might get his first win of 2013. Jr had a fast car and even lead some laps at MIS. While he had a 5 second lead on JJ his blew an engine that ended his day and his bid at a 2013 win at MIS in the June race just one year since his last win.**

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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Week 14 Preview

Pocono Raceway: Party in the Poconos
Welcome Tony Stewart to Chase consideration. He spent 13 weeks in no mans land with everyone coming down on him and wondering what was going on. Then, suddenly, he won at Dover and everything changed, or it did for this one week at least.

This week Nascar heads to the tricky triangle for the first of two trips in 2013 season. I have to admit Pocono is not one of my favorite tracks but some drivers might disagree with me as will be revealed in the Good, Middle, and Bad section in the preview. If you want to check out Nascar's first trip results in 2012 to Pocono check it out here.


The Good:
  • Jeff Gordon- In the last 10 trips to Pocono Gordon is one of two drivers to have more then one win here. He also has 7 top 10's (second only to JJ) and 3 top 5's. He is also the win's leader of current drivers with 6 career trips to victory lane. Gordon was the last driver to win here. Best Chance Forecast: I think he can compete for a win and he will need it, but not as much as DH.
  • Denny Hamlin- The other driver to have multiple win's at Pocono in the last 10, DH. He also has 5 top 10's to add to that, all of which were top 5 finishes. Best Chance Forecast: Well he had some struggles last time at Pocono, but those wins and top 5's are hard to look past. He needs it the most, he could compete for a win.
  • Tony Stewart- Smoke has the second best average finish in the last 10 races here (9.3). To go along with that he also has a win, 6 top 5's, and 7 top 10's. After getting a slump busting win at Dover Pocono is just what he wants to see. Best Chance Forecast: I think Smoke can add a top 10 to his list after last weeks win, but last time I said that he finished poorly (take it with a grain of salt).
  • Also in the mix- Joey Logano (fast, 2 poles, 1 win in last 10), Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson
The Middle:
  • Clint Bowyer- Clint has 6 top 10's and 1 top 5 in the last 10 races at Pocono but no wins. In fact, in 14 career starts on the triangle he has no wins with 7 top 10's and 1 top 5. Last year though he did finish in the top 10 both times so he could be getting it going at Pocono.
The Bad:
  • Kyle Busch- Kyle does have 3 top 10's (which were 3 top 5's) in the last 10 races, but his average finish at Pocono in that span is 18.4. If he is not hot, he is way off at Pocono so it is a real toss up with him this week.
  • Jamie McMurray- Where has McMurray been the past few weeks? Well this week may not get better, in his last 10 he only has 2 top 10's at Pocono.
Laying Low:
  • Mark Martin- Well he has been very quiet as of late, and Pocono is just in time. Last season he finished runner up and 12th. He could maybe make a run towards the front.
  • Marcus Ambrose- Last season he turned in finishes of 13th and 10th at Pocono. This season he is in desperate need of a good finish so anywhere near the top 10 would be a good start.
  • Ryan Newman- His last four races at Pocono have been pretty good. Good enough to earn him a 8.0 average finish position. (6, 12, 5, and 9th).
Still need more Nascar heading up to Pocono?
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