Behind the Wall: 2015 Pit Road Week 17: Daytona

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Week 17: Firecracker 400

By Richard Tix

Sunday July 6th marked the return of NASCAR on NBC. It also marked the latest finish for a Cup race in 2015. After a lengthy rain delay cars finally got back on the track to get the race in on early Monday morning. Many people had to go to bed and missed the race, but those of us who could stay up got to see some decent racing.

For the most part, it was a Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr dominated morning. The Hendrick cars were once again strong all day and that proved true when Jr brought home the win. No disrespect to Jr, but the big headlines were the fans who stuck it out and the big wreck that had fans worried for Austin Dillon's safety.

Many people in the social media world were ranting and complaining over the race being held on Sunday and not Saturday. Now, I understand a Saturday night race gives you more options to run Sunday, but there was no way NASCAR wanted to compete with an American Holiday on the 4th. Plus, in a non football season, the thought of a Sunday Night Prime Time Race seemed to good of an opportunity to pass up. So, I do not blame NBC for giving it a try. When all is said and done, weather was the real issue.

As for Dillon, he was the focus of the final big one Monday morning during the closing lap. His car got flipped up into the catch fence and was ripped apart in a matter of milliseconds. Fortunately, Dillon and all the fans near escaped with mostly just scraps and bruises. It was a horrible incident, but it shows just how far NASCAR has come in terms of safety.

Remember, NASCAR (and racing in general) is a dangerous sport. We can (and should) continue to do all we can to improve safety, but at no point will the sport of racing ever be completely safe. Things happen and accidents like this are just part of life and the risks we take as drivers, fans, and humans. Let this be just another reminder in the world around you that any moment something could happen that you have no control over. Let those you love know and make sure to live life to the fullest.

Now, onto a less serious note, the Power Rankings. Oh, and if you missed it check out some of the photos after the rankings.

Jimmie Johnson (LW-2)- JJ finished in the top 10 for both races at Daytona International Speedway this year. That is 5 top 5's in his last 6 races at Daytona including two wins, maybe others should be paying attention? Finish: 2nd
Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- That is two straight races where Harvick didn't lead a lap. He only has three races in 2015 that he did not lead a lap during and Daytona was two of them (Sonoma the other). Finish: 4th
Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-4)- In his last 9 races Jr has yet to finish outside 14th, has 5 top 10's, 5 top 10's, and 2 wins. Yes, it is time to start the, "can Dale Jr win a Championship finally," hype. Finish: 1st
Kurt Busch (LW-3)- The top 4 drivers just keep remaining the same week after week. Right now, these guys are top of the class with a few nipping right below. Again, all four finished top 5 and all managed to stay out of trouble at Daytona. Finish: 5th
Jamie McMurray (LW-7)- Eh. That's kind of JMac's Firecracker 400 in a nutshell. He ran in the top 15 most of the race, but was never truly a threat to win and ended up finishing about where he ran. Finish: 15th
Kasey Kahne (LW-8)- Kahne gets to move up even after his wreck because he was one of the early contenders in the race. A Hendrick engine up front was a theme on the night, but Kahen got caught up and ruined his night. Finish: 32nd
Joey Logano (LW-5)- The second Daytona race of 2015 wasn't as kind to JoLo. He seemed to be kind of like a pinball during the race, but gutted it out for an ok finish. Finish: 22nd
Martin Truex Jr (LW-6)- Truex had a strong car go to waste when he got caught up in a wreck. The #78 team does have the win under there belt now, so this just takes a hit on the amount of car depth they have, and they wont worry about the points. Finish: 38th
Clint Bowyer (LW-10)- Anyone going to give Clint some credit for three straight top 10's? Oh, you didn't know he had three straight? Give him some love. They haven't been pretty, but he is still fighting to give himself a chance. Finish: 10th
Ryan Newman (LW-NR)- After a rough patch, the consistent Newman has now posted back to back top 10's while only leading one lap in those two races. Finish: 8th
Matt Kenseth (LW-11)- The last two drivers on this list this week are hanging on by a thread. Really, they're just lucky no one else is getting hot at the moment. Kenseth flashed moment of having a top 5-10 car, but got caught up in a wreck. Finish: 23rd
Brad Keselowski (LW-9)- Meanwhile, BK had an ok car but never held track position. He seemed to find the middle of every wreck and he was left trying to find his way out. In the ned he didn't find his way out. Finish: 29th