2015 Pit Road Week 25: Darlington

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Bogangles' Southern 500

By Richard Tix

I missed this weekends race which was more than disappointing, but sometimes life gets in the way (actually weather). Every Memorial and Labor Day I go camping with a bunch of family members. Normally on race day we bike into town and find a small local bar to watch the race at. Well, this weekend the rain hit hard and hit often. We would have drove there, but lets just say at that time of the day we ran out of sober drivers. So, I was banished to watching on my phone via twitter and other apps.

Therefore, the review will be short and almost non existent. What I did hear from social media was that most of the fans enjoyed the new low down force package and tires to match. I have been saying for awhile now NASCAR needs to continue going the way of the low down force package but they need to be track specific. One package does not fit all. I am also in favor of more short tracks (cut a few two stop 1.5's out) and any track with unique characteristics (like Darlington). 

Anyways, it was good to hear fans enjoy the product on the track. What I didn't enjoy was once again some fans going after drivers because of there physical looks. With school starting today almost everywhere, it was something you might here at a middle school. Comments about teeth or looking like a specific animal. It was downright embarrassing. 

I will not tell you how to run your twitter or life, but just take a minute to remember someone on the other side of that social media screen is also a human. I think it gets lost on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Google + (among others) that we are all humans. The personal touch gets lost in cyber space and people think it is ok to go back to being a lost 13 year old who doesn't know any better.

Anyway's, lets move onto this weeks NASCAR Power Rankings.

2015 Bojangles' Souther 500 Full Results

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 25 (Week 24)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- Another race another top 5. Its pretty much the story of Harvick's 2015 season. Top 5's in the first 9 Chase races will lock him into a finale spot, so no worries there. Finish: 5th
2. Joey Logano (LW-2)- JoLo had a top 5 car all night and was in line to contend for the win. He came up short, but he has been on a great streak lately and just in time for the Chase. Finish: 4th
3. Brad Keselowski (LW-4)- BK had the car to beat Sunday night. He won the pole and then led 196 laps on the night, but a late caution and pits took his lead and he couldn't get it back. Finish: 2nd
4. Kyle Busch (LW-3)- Kyle is locked into the Chase and he has only run 14 races. He has 4 wins, 5 top 5's, and 8 top 10's in those 14 races. Finish: 7th
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-5)- Jr was the highest finisher to have not lead a lap (the top 7 all led at least 3 laps). He has been the consistency king lately, but just hasn't pushed for many wins. It is coming if HMS gets back on track and he continues to run like this. Finish: 8th
6. Carl Edwards (LW-7)- I won't lie, I am a bit disappointing a non retro paint scheme won on Sunday, but that's not to take anything away from getting to see a back flip. Carl now has 7 top 10's in his last 8 races. He and JGR are onto something. Finish: 1st
7. Denny Hamlin (LW-10)- Hamlin's 3rd place finish was his third top 5 in a row. Hamlin led the second most laps on the night (57) and had one of the better cars behind BK on the night. Finish: 3rd
8. Matt Kenseth (LW-6)- Two rough races in a row for Kenseth (42nd and 21st). It isn't a big deal as he locked himself into a top spot with 3 wins, but it finishes like this will hurt if they happen in the Chase. Finish: 21st
9. Jimmie Johnson (LW-8)- Once again, no one is talking about JJ and are talking about what is wrong with the #48? Well, he still has 4 wins and is fifth in points.... Yes, he is held to a high, high standard. He has hit some bumps, but HMS in general is in a rut, not just JJ. Finish: 19th
10. Kurt Busch (LW-12)- Kurt was very consistent upon his return, but lately it has been a roller coaster. Well, on Sunday he was towards one of the peaks with a top 10 finish and starting 2nd. Finish: 6th
11. Clint Bowyer (LW-9)- Bowyer could have used a better finish Sunday to feel even safer going into RIR. If no new winner behind him in the points wins, he should be in the Chase. Also worth mentioning, RIR is one of his better tracks so he could seal the deal with his own trip to Victory Lane. Finish: 17th
12. Kyle Larson (LW-NR)- This spot won't mean much if he doesn't win at RIR. He has been one of the biggest disappointments of 2015. Since Indy he has been much better, but its too little too late without a win. Finish: 10th

Dropped Out: Ryan Newman

Just Missed: Jamie McMurray and Aric Almirola

Another week and another no show on the predictions segment. No one picked Carl Edwards, though some (myself included with Hamlin), predicted other JGR teammates. Check back for the NASCAR TV Schedule and Entry List today, plus tomorrow the RIR preview will be ready! Thanks for Checking out Behind the Wall!