2015 Pit Road Week 21: Pocono

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Windows 10 400: Week 21

By Richard Tix

This week NASCAR headed to the Tricky Triangle for the second time this season. Pocono traditionally hasn't always given fans the most exciting finish and normally we end up getting a good ole strategy/fuel strategy race. 

This time around Matt Kenseth pulled off the victory for JGR in dramatic fashion, even if it was only because of the last few laps. At the moment, JGR has been the hottest team on the back of Kyle Busch's three straight wins. But, because of how hot Rowdy's run was many of the other guys were being overlooked. Carl Edwards has found some speed at a few tracks, Denny has been consistent, and now Kenseth notched his second victory of 2015. Joe Gibbs Racing just might be getting hot at the right time.

Moving onto the fuel mileage debate in racing. Many fans complain and hate fuel mileage races, which is fair and your opinion. But, to think every race will be a last second last lap pass, or continuous passing is thinking crazy. Racing will always have an element in it that may lead to a fuel race. In fact, fuel mileage racing is always going to be a part of NASCAR and always should be. It is part of the strategy just like taking two tires on a pit stop is.

Sometimes fuel mileage races are more exciting down the stretch than any old race where a guy is out front 6 seconds anyways. The math and engineering that goes into a race that ends up with a fuel mileage outcome is great entertainment too. It is all just how you look at the race that allows you to enjoy every kind of race outcome. So, you can complain all you want but I can guarantee fuel mileage strategy and racing will never go away.

So, who else is climbing the Power Rankings this week? Check it out below.

Week 21 Power Rankings (Week 20)

1. Kyle Busch (LW-1)- Yes, he finished 21st and had a lot of controversial talk surrounding him at the end of the race, but I will give the benefit of doubt this week for Rowdy. He still won the Pole and lead some early laps, plus Harvick also had some rough luck and I can't see putting anyone else up here yet. Finish: 21st
2. Matt Kenseth (LW-7)- Has he been dominate lately? Not really. But, JGR as a whole has been picking up steam and it isn't just Kyle Busch. Kenseth now has four straight top 10's including the win and two top 5's. He is still behind top title contenders like JJ, Harvick, and Kyle but he is closing in. Finish: 1st
3. Kevin Harvick (LW-2)- Were they testing something at Pocono? I would hope so, but at the same time why test something at a non Chase track that really isn't like any of the other Chase tracks? Let's just chalk this one up to bad luck and move on. Finish: 42nd
4. Brad Keselowski (LW-5)- BK had one heck of a day and for once might feel lucky and not disappointing finishing second.  He currently has four straight races with a driver rating of 102 or better. Finish: 2nd
5. Joey Logano (LW-3)- Tough way to go down on a day where he had one of the best cars. But speaking of driver ratings, JoLo has four straight races with a rating of 114 or better. His average running position on Sunday was 3rd, so he will bounce back. Finish: 20
6. Jimmie Johnson (LW-6)- Johnson finished right about where he should have on Sunday. He had a top ten car but just not enough to compete for the win. Then again, all you have to do is put yourself in a spot to win at the end of the race. Finish: 6th
7. Kurt Busch (LW-4)- Add Kurt's name to the list of top 2015 performers that struggled with luck at Pocono. The #41 and #4 will bounce back. Finish: 37th
8. Carl Edwards (LW-9)- Carl's first year with JGR hasn't been a walk in the park, but the #19 is starting to pick up some momentum at the right time. He now has three to 10's in the last four races that includes two poles. Finish: 10th
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-11)- I expect Jr to start climbing back up this rankings, but right now they have just struggled to find consistency amid some bad luck and poor races. I wouldn't count him out because when they're on they're up front. Finish: 4th
10. Jeff Gordon (LW-12)- It was nice to see Gordon bounce back with a good finish after a disappointing final Brickyard 400. The #24 still seems to be a bit away from contending, but they still have plenty of time and we have seen crazier things (Newman in 2014). Finish: 3rd
11. Denny Hamlin (LW-8)- Sunday didn't go Denny's way, but he still has been running better as of late which should give them confidence down the stretch. Remember last year he made a great Chase run so it's now all about preparing for the last ten races.
12. Clint Bowyer (LW-NR)- Not many people have noticed, but Bowyer has two straight top 10's. The second half has been much better for Clint. Since Dover (9 total races) he has 6 top 10's. All of this is important because Clint is one of the bubble drivers trying to make the Chase on points. Finish: 8th

Dropped Out: Martin Truex Jr

Just Missed: Kyle Larson and Paul Menard

Honorable Mention: Greg Biffle (5th), AJ Allmendinger (7th), Tony Stewart (9th), Landon Cassill (14th), and Danica Patrick (16th).

No correct predictions this week. I know I have a lot of Matt Kenseth fans that follow Twitter, but to make it far I have to get week by week predictions. I know that the Matt Kenseth win means more to you than making these standings anyways! But next week tweet me the winner and you can make it!

As always, thanks for checking out NASCAR Behind the Wall and check back in for all of next weekends race information!