Monday, September 23, 2013

Pit Road Week 28 (Post Chase Race #2)

New Hampshire (Loudon) Chase Race #2

Well I have been on vacation and out of town the past two weekends so Nascar Behind the Wall has gotten, well, behind. Hopefully I can get back on track for the rest of the Chase season starting with the Power Rankings after New Hampshire. So lets get right into it, also take a look at the race results here.

Pit Road Week 28

  1. Matt Kenseth- Coming into the Chase Kenseth was having a boom or bust season. After two Chase races he is having a boom start. Kenseth is hoping the bust doesn't come next, but so far he is the clear cut leader after starting with back-to-back wins.
  2. Kyle Busch- Well, Kyle just can't find the win, but if you aren't going to win coming in second will help. Kyle should also be happy he has started this Chase out well, because he has a history of running well during it.
  3. Jimmie Johnson- Back to back top 5 finishes has JJ still in the hunt. He is only 18 points behind Kenseth in the points but will need to keep running this well and hope for a slip up to add to his title resume.
  4. Greg Biffle- I gave the Biff the nod over Carl and Harvick because of the strong run at NH. He finished 3rd after a disappointing 16th in the Chases opening race. Biffle hasn't been that impressive this season but maybe he has saved the best for last.
  5. Carl Edwards- Carl got a top ten finish (9th) one week after finishing one spot outside the top 10 in the first Chase race. 
  6. Kevin Harvick- Harvick is right on the edge of drivers who still have a small shot at the title. He will need to go on a good run but we have seen that this year so anything is possible.
  7. Jeff Gordon- Gordon had a real shot at winning at NH and making a huge jump in the standings, instead he finished 15th and is on the border of being out of contention.
  8. Kurt Busch- Kurt is the last guy in the standings that I think has any shot of making a run at the title (though a very small shot). After Kurt (and Gordon 2 points behind) I don't believe anyone has a chance. Kurt has been fast but can it all come together in the last 8 races?
  9. Dale Earnhardt Jr- Well this spot doesn't matter, because I don't think anyone down here will make an 8 race push, but Jr just made a run up front and finished 6th just one week after having a very rough day. These guys down here are just looking to get it going and carry into 2014 on a good note.
  10. Ryan Newman- Newman followed a top 10 with an uninspiring 16th place finish. Newman is just looking to next year by now as he is on his way out.
  11. Clint Bowyer- See Newman (minus the on his way out). After the last race before the Chase fiasco Clint just doesn't have it going.
  12. Joey Logano- One of the hottest drivers before the Chase, JoLo had a bad luck start and only a top 15 this week (14th). Back to the drawing board at Penske.
  13. Kasey Kahne- Kasey took a second half of the race spin and ended up 37st, ending any thought of a title run in 2013.

Nascar now heads to Dover International Speedway where Tony Stewart stole a win earlier this year. Race three is going to be a huge race for the top 3 drivers (Kenseth, Busch, and Johnson) as if one falters it will open up the door the rest of the way. 

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