2016 Darlington Paint Scheme Power Rankings

By Richard Tix


It's Darlington week during Labor Day weekend again. Last year NASCAR brought Darlington back to it's traditional Labor Day weekend and the teams brought back the retro feel by feeding us ton's of throwback paint scheme's.

Behind the Wall followed suit and gave readers a Throwback Paint Scheme Power Rankings. So, for the second straight year lets break down the Darlington Throwback schemes. Disclaimer, this is all based on opinion (like many lists are). This year we will do a top 16. One: because so many great schemes came out and Two: because the Chase consists of 16 drivers and it's the best way to fit in all my favorites.


1) Greg Biffle - Hooters

When this paint scheme first dropped I had already started this list (head starts are nice when you're busy with a real life job, not just a blog...). When the Hooters scheme dropped I immediately had to think about where it landed because I knew I held it highly. I originally had it two or three, but then it was announced that the famed "Underbird: would be added to the front it edged out Tony Stewart's throwback. Everything about this scheme is perfect including Hooters coming back for a one off race. Nice work RFR and Hooters, NBTW approves.


2) Tony Stewart - Coca-Cola



When this car was reviled it automatically shot up the list I was keeping in my head. Everything about it screams perfect throwback. SHR/Tony Stewart/Coca-Cola made the old school look first run by Bobby Allison from 1970-73 work perfect on the Gen-6 (Inclduing 1971 and 1972 Southern 500 wins). The simple lines work perfect and when I think old school NASCAR I think of colors like this. The number font is great (but the 12 looks better in the stylized font) and Coca-Cola is a great sponsor (plus the original). Oh, and man the engine CC on the hood, its a thing of beauty. - NASCAR.com story on the revile and car


3) Kevin Harvick - Busch



A throwback scheme to the 1979 Daytona 500 run by NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough, count me in as a fan. The Busch scheme gets extra points for the gold number/rim combo. Plus, it's always nice when a team can use the same old school sponsor that was originally on the car. SHR takes the top two spots in this ranking after underwhelming on the No. 41 and No. 10. - More on the 1979 Cale Yarborough look on NASCAR.com


4) Dale Earnhardt Jr/Jeff Gordon - Nationwide



The "Gray Ghost" is back again. Dale Junior hinted at this being his scheme for awhile before officially releasing it in mid April. It's a classic NASCAR look from Buddy Baker and his scheme from 1980 when he won the Daytona 500. I am a huge fan of this scheme (I even have a shirt of it I picked up while at the All Star Race). It would have landed a bit higher is he hadn't already used a Gray Ghost look a few years back. - More on Gray Ghost on DaleJr.com


5) Kyle Busch - Interstate Battery



What is more 90's NASCAR then Dale Jarrett and Interstate Batteries? Sure, you could make a case for Bobby Labonte and Interstate Batteries after Dale, but play along here. This is biased of me (but what rankings isn't?). The 90's look on Jarrett and Labonte's Interstate Battery cars are some of my favorite. Mostly because it was an iconic look in the time frame I started watching as a young kid. Past that, the colors pop while the black gives it an intimidating look. The Interstate logo at the time was perfectly overlaid on the scheme which is an added bonus. - More on the Dale Jarrett scheme on NASCAR.com


6) Casey Mears - Geico



Black, Gold, with a small pop of red. Everything about Mears throwback for Darlington says NASCAR roots. So, with no surprise the scheme is a tribute to Smokey Yunick who was one of the most innovative crew chief's in NASCAR history. The car just seems to pop and stick out with the black and gold combo that was used on Smokeys cars including for Curtis Turner in 1977 who won the pole for the Daytona 500. Between the ingenuity of the man behind the car and the way he pulled it off, this is a top 6 throwback. I will say, the silver "bumper" is a cool idea, but I don't think they pulled it off on the Gen 6. Without it, I may have moved the Smokey Tribute car a bit higher. - More on the Smokey car on NASCAR.com


7) Matt Kenseth - Tide

JGR, Kenseth, and Tide came in strong to screw up my rankings. I figured I wouldn't have to make a ton of changes to the top 10 so I started my rankings two weeks before Darlington, then this happened. Tide makes a one race return which is enough to get this car into the top 10 (props to Tide and JGR). On top of that, this is one of the classic NASCAR looks of all time. I did doc it a bit because GoFast Racing already ran this one last year (Ricky Craven with a correct number) and the yellow stripe is curved wrong. Seriously, its curved wrong.... Three different versions have seen this livery and they changed the yellow stripe curve? Weird miss, but it won't get in my top five for those two reason's. Still, huge props to get Tide back for a race. Top 10 is impressive in such a stout year for throwbacks let alone 6th overall.


8) Carl Edwards - Arris



We have perfect throwback colors in a car/s above. We have perfect early childhood NASCAR memories in a car above. Now we have perfect timing on a throwback in a car. What a better time for JGR to bring back a Tony Stewart throwback then in his last season and last trip to Darlington. The other part of this scheme keeping it higher is the fact that they very successfully used current sponsor Arris on the hood and almost made you think it was Home Depot. Seriously, that part of the car was very well done and might get overlooked. It's JGR 25th anniversary year and showing off Smokes 1999 rookie year scheme at the Southern 500 was a home run. If it wasn't for the "perfect" storm (timing with Stewart's retirement) this scheme would have fallen a few extra spots. - More on the Stewart tribute on NASCAR.com


9) Jeffery Earnhardt - CorvetteParts.com/Keen Parts



Jr Nation may come after me for having this one so low (that's because most of Jr Nation was first Dale Sr fans). However, the 1981 Dale Earnhardt throwback is still easily a top 10 scheme for Darlington weekend and one of the better throwback scheme's one could have. Its also an added bonus to keep the scheme in the family. The colors will always be an amazing combo and the stripe fade is a great touch. What bring's it down a touch? Dale Junior running the exact throwback in Xfinity a few years back (then Nationwide) and the fact that they could have done more with the numbers (match the old three better stylistically). Overall, nice job GoFast Racing/Keen Parts. - More on the Earnhardt throwback on NASCAR.com


10) Trevor Bayne - Advocare



My first thought when this was the scheme chosen by RFR? "Hey, that was one of my first 1:24 scale NASCAR die-cast's!" My early collection consisted of a bunch of Jeff Gordon and Richard Petty cars, this Mark Martin Valvoline run in 1996 and 1997, and a Bill Elliott car. My 1:64 was a bit more well rounded, but for the bigger versions this was one of my favorites. Over time the scheme has aged well. RFR and Advocare brought it back which marks back to back years of Mark Martin throwbacks and back to back years Trevor Bayne made this Power Rankings. Well done RFR, now if you could just turn the on track finishes around. - Another look of the Mark Martin throwback on NASCAR.com


11) Jamie McMurray - Mac Tonight (McDonalds)



Speaking of die-casts of my youth, add in this McDonalds scheme to the Mark Martin one above. This "Mac Tonight" scheme run by Bill Elliott in 1997 is a classic for how off the wall it was. Nothing brings me back to childhood more then NASCAR, McDonalds, and Die-Casts. Let's also note J-Mac running a Mac Tonight scheme, perfect! - More on NASCAR.com


12) Matt DiBenedetto - Orange Crush



This is secretly one of my favorite scheme's of the weekend that may not get the credit it should. So, secret is out! Unlike all of the above, this scheme isn't actually based on a car from a past era, but rather a whole "new" scheme where the sponsor is throwing it back. The lines are fairly simple which was a staple of older schemes. Meanwhile Orange Crush really gave it an old school feel with old script and throwback logo's. The perfect numbers are what puts this one over the top (as well as my love for Orange and Blue). - More about Orange Crush and the throwback scheme on NASCAR.com


13) Ryan Blaney - Quick Lane



We are at No. 13 and have yet to hit a weak point in the list, that's pretty amazing. If you add in fire suits to the equation then Blaney and his ride would gain a few spots. Wood Brothers really can do no wrong when it comes to throwing a car's paint scheme back in time, heck every week they run a classic! This time the Wood Brothers chose to go with the 1976 Mercury Montego that David Pearson made famous by winning 10 races in 1976 including the Southern 500. I will say the red by the headlights doesn't work like it did on the Mercury which held it back a bit (like the bumper on the No. 13), but I do appreciate the attempt to replicate what was on Pearson's ride. - More on the David Person throwback on NASCAR.com


14) Denny Hamlin - Sport Clips



This years Denny Hamlin throwback is better then what Sport Clips gave us last year for the Southern 500. It's tough to go wrong with Red, White, and Blue. The gold numbers on the side are a fantastic and I can dig the clean lines. Overall its a nice classic feel which points out the fact that clean lines are king (in my opinion) when throwing it back. - More on NASCAR.com


15) Aric Almirola - STP



Look, I love the King. My brother who loves NASCAR and got me into it as a young kid is much older then me and was a Richard Petty fan, so I followed suit. But, I think if the throwbacks weren't Petty STP car's every year I would find myself putting them higher. The colors are classic and iconic in NASCAR. Not many times does a color become iconic in sport, but STP and Petty did just that. The 1979 throwback is still fantastic, hence why it made the list, but I downgraded it because it feels like we have seen it before. The slight paint scheme changes back when car bodies changed more often are more noticeable then on the Gen 6 every year. - More on NASCAR.com


16) Brad Keselowski - Miller Lite



Team Penske/Miller Lite came up with a fresh "new" old school look. Personally, I love this scheme, but in a class of so many good one's this slipped a bit. It's original yet has a classic feel. The lines are simple and flowing and work with the Gen 6 (because it isn't based off an old scheme). When it comes to original throwbacks, this one is up there with the "Orange Crush." Miller Lite did well with the stylistic font and the baby blue, white, and accent gold that resemble their 1972 designs. Trust me, this will look good under the Darlington lights. - More on NASCAR.com


Extra Credit: AJ Allmendinger - Kroger



Considering this scheme came off of a 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo it works pretty well. Once again, I absolutely love the colors. Any time you can use red, blue, or white (or all of them) and add in gold, well it's pure throwback gold. JTG went back and will honor 1975 rookie of the year Bruce Hill. IN the end, its the gold number on the side that gets this care on the list for me, 100% love them. - More on jtgdaughertyracing.com com

Extra Credit Two: Jimmie Johnson - Lowes



Another look at a Dale Earnhardt throwback this season. This time to his first season which also included David Pearson subbing for him. The colors and lines are simple which really works. The style and numbers are nice and everything looks good. For me, it's just not amazing compared to how much I love the others. Still, nicely done. - More on NASCAR.com

Extra Credit Three: Michael McDowell - Thrivent



The No. 95 will be throwing it back Darlington weekend to a 1973 scheme driven by Richard Childress. What I love: how simple the scheme is. The silver numbers. The font on the quarter panels that match the old "Kansas Jack" style. What I wish they added/changed: The Thrivent logo is too large for my taste. You can barely tell a racing strip continues to the hood. I also which they would have added in some of the blue that was normally run by Childress that season. Thrivent said the red worked better with them, but I think some blue accent would have worked nice. - More on NASCAR.com


Just Missed: Chase Elliott, Regan Smith, Austin Dillon, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr (See them here)
Totally Missed the Mark: Danica Patrick, Kurt Busch, Martin Truex Jr, and David Ragan

2016 NASCAR Week 24 Preview: Michigan

Pure Michigan 400

Michigan International Speedway

By Richard Tix

One of my favorite times of the year! The regular season is winding down. Football is almost back (love me some college football). It's fantasy football (yes, I am a huge fan of fantasy football). Oh, and it's MIS week in August which means I will be heading to the Irish Hills once again!

Normally the August race at MIS is the only race I make every year. I've went over this, but being in Minnesota makes it hard to make a bunch of races. This year I did make Charlotte with the same group of friends that I will be in Michigan with.




**This section is just a quick look at some of Cup drivers latest finishes. This is not a tool for fantasy purposes and NBTW only is looking at end results. No deep statistic's are involved, but rather it is just a quick way to get ready for the race and get caught up on who has finished well at each track**

The Good

• Joey Logano- JoLo has seven straight top 10's here at MIS. Two of those ended up wins (2013 and earlier this year). Both wins Joey started on the pole, so that is something to watch.
• Kevin Harvick- Six top 10's in his last seven races. He actually had four straight second place finishes in that time and also five second place finishes out of six. Crazy he didn't win a single one of those. 
• Brad Keselowski- MIS is BK's hometown track (born in MI), but it is still one he hasn't won at. But, he does have five straight top 10's and seven top 10's in his last ten. In that same ten race stretch he hasn't finished higher then 13th. Can he finally win at home?

The Middle

• Paul Menard- In Menard's last eleven races here he has actually ran very well. From 2013-2015 he had a stretch with four straight top 10's (three straight top 5's). He normally get's overlooked, but he has a nice upside at MIS.

The Bad

• Kurt Busch- Kurt does have three career wins at MIS, which is very good. However, in between those wins he hasn't done as much. In between his 2007 win and his 2015 win he had three top 10 finishes in 14 races, rough.
• Kyle Busch- This almost never happens, both Busch brothers in the "Bad" category. Some bad luck has followed him at MIS, but at some point it weigh's on you. HIs last top 10 here was the first MIS stop in 2013 which is seven races ago. 
• Trevor Bayne- In 11 career races here, Bayne only has one top 10. On top of that he only has three top 15's.

About the Track: Michigan

Track Stats

• Cale Yarborough won the first race at MIS in 1969 and also two of the first three.
• The furthest back a driver has started a race from and won was 32nd in 2009 by Mark Martin.
• A MIS race has been won 20 times from the Pole position including the last race in 2015 at MIS by Matt Kenseth and earlier this year by Joey Logano.
• A MIS race has been won from the pole five times in the last seven races
• Most cautions was 10 in 2006 and the race was won by Matt Kenseth. This is also the only MIS race that had double digit cautions in 89 races.
• David Pearson has the most career MIS wins with 9. Cale Yarborough follows with 8
• Cale Yarborough has the most top 5 finishes with 21 followed by Richard Petty and Jeff Gordon (19).
• Mark Martin has the most career top 10's with 31, followed by Bill Elliott with 29.
• David Pearson has 10 career Poles at MIS (Cup leading)

Track Info

• Length: 2 miles
• Banking
• Turns: 18 degrees
• Start/Finish: 12 degrees
• Backstretch: 5 degrees

2016 Michigan NASCAR Schedule

Pure Michigan 400

By Richard Tix

**All Times are Eastern Time Zone (ET)**

Friday August 26, 2016

• Noon-1:25 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series first practice- NBCSN
• 1:30-2:25 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series first practice- FS2
• 4-4:55 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice- FS2
• 5:15 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying- NBCSN

Saturday August 27, 2016

• 8:30-9:25 a.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice- CNBC
• 9:45 a.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying- FS1
• 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice- CNBC
• 1 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Careers for Veterans 200 Presented by Cooper Standard and Brad Keselowski's Checkered Flag Foundation (100 laps)- FS1

Sunday August 28, 2016

• 2 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 (200 laps)- NBCSN

2016 Week 23 Pit Road: Bristol

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Bristol Motor Speedway

By Richard Tix

This week the review and power rankings are going to be short and sweet. It's a busy time at Behind the Wall. All weekend I had Fantasy Football drafts, Tuesday I have a Twins game, and then Thursday I leave for Michigan International Speedway. So, I do not have much to say about Bristol except rain once again ruined our plans and we had to put it off until Sunday. That really sucks for fans that showed up and couldn't make Sunday. Now, I am already crossing my fingers we stay dry this weekend!

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 23 (Week 22)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-4)- Big win for a team coming off a rough finish last week. Finish: 1st
2. Joey Logano (LW-3)- Stayed out of major trouble late in the race to still lock in another top 10. Finish: 10th
3. Kyle Busch (LW-1)- Kyle was dominate early until a late wreck ruined his whole day. Not much you can do when it piles up at Bristol. Finish: 39th
4. Denny Hamlin (LW-6)- Hamlin has really been making a move lately. He now has five straight top 10's. Finish: 3rd
5. Brad Keselowski (LW-2)- A trend that will follow below, BK was in a wreck late at Bristol. Finish: 33rd
6. Carl Edwards (LW-11)- Edwards is starting to turn it around and step one was staying out of most of the trouble Sunday. Finish: 6th
7. Tony Stewart (LW-6)- It was a cool celebration to see Smoke as an owner out there with race winner Kevin Harvick. Finish: 30th
8. Matt Kenseth (LW-7)- Every week at least one JGR car has to have some rough luck, this time it was Kyle and Matt. Finish: 37th
9. Chase Elliott (LW-12)- It was only a top 15, but it was much needed for Chase on his Chase hopes. He led a few laps on Sunday as well. Finish: 15th
10. Kyle Larson (LW-9)- Back to back tough finishes for the No. 42. He went from Chase outsider to "man he needs a win to make the Chase" fast. Finish: 24th
11. Jimmie Johnson (LW-NR)- JJ gets back on track, finally. It's been awhile since he has graced the top 12. Finsih: 7th
12. Kurt Busch (LW-8)- Somehow Kurt is 3rd in overall points, but it doesn't feel like it. It's been a rollercoaster season and Bristol was a low. Finish: 38th

Dropped Out: Martin Truex Jr

Just Missed: Austin Dillon and Jamie McMurray

2016 Bristol NASCAR Schedule

Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race

By Richard Tix

**All Times are Eastern Time Zone (ET)**

Wednesday August 17, 2016

• 9:30-10:25 a.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series first practice- FS1
• 11:30 a.m.-12:25 p.m.:NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice- FS1
• 4:45 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying- FS2
• 8:30 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series UNOH 200 (200 laps)- FS1

Thursday August 18, 2016

• 1-2:25 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series first practice- NBC Sports App
• 3:30-4:25 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series final practice- NBC Sports App 

Friday August 19, 2016

• 10-11:25 a.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series first practice- NBC Sports App
• 12:30-1:55 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice- NBC Sports App & USA
• 3:15 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying- NBC Sports App
• 5:45 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying- USA
• 7:30 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series Food City 300 (300 laps)- USA

Saturday August 20, 2016

• 8 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race (500 laps)- NBCSN

2016 NASCAR Week 23 Preview: Bristol

Bass Pro Shops/NRA Night Race

Bristol Motor Speedway

By Richard Tix

NASCAR Opinion:

After Watkins Glen was over the temperature ran hot for a few drivers. Kyle Larson and Martin Truex Jr both went for a spin late in the race and neither was happy because it was caused by another driver and not sell inflicted. Kyle Larson had much more to loose while trying to get a spot in the Chase off of points.

Meanwhile, Truex received a rare apology from Brad Keselowski right after the race, yet still took to Twitter to complain about the Penseke driver. He should be upset, BK did get into him late in the race but Truex didn't help himself on the day. Truex had a chance to go for the win but wouldn't move a "JGR Teammate" so he was stuck racing for second with the rest of the field.

WGI has turned into the old short track scene where moving someone is the way to go, especially with the race winding down. Truex is almost always a very clean and respectable driver, but some moments call for a little more aggression if you want to be a Cup Champion (I know, I know it can be done in other ways, but WGI is an aggressive track). Kyle Busch might have looked at moving someone in that position as well as a few other, more aggressive drivers.

In the end it was a tough time right after the race for Truex and I am sure he reacted with emotion on Twitter even after BK gave his apology and took blame. The nice thing? We get a week to cool down and move on until we get to Bristol where anyone can move anyone if they really want to intact "payback."

Race Preview:

Moving onto the next race on the schedule, Bristol. Motor. Speedway. It's Bristol Baby! If a driver has been waiting for payback, Bristol could be the place it happens (though I doubt much plays out this week). Just four races left before the Chase starts so I expect drivers to play if safe unless they're already down and out and just riding around looking for a "Kenseth Moment."

Earlier this year Carl Edwards came, dominated, and conquered Bristol. Edwards took the trip to victory lane after leading 276 laps which was the most on the day (Kenseth lead 142 but was caught up in a wreck).

Joe Gibb's Racing will once again be the team to beat at Bristol this week, which will continue a 2016 trend. Kyle Busch (5 Bristol wins), Matt Kenseth (4 wins), Carl Edwards (4 wins), and Denny Hamlin (1 win) have all won here and bring 14 total wins to BMS. By contrast, the rest of the current drivers have 20 total wins here.

So, really the story of BMS will be can NASCAR beat JGR?




**This section is just a quick look at some of Cup drivers latest finishes. This is not a tool for fantasy purposes and NBTW only is looking at end results. No deep statistic's are involved, but rather it is just a quick way to get ready for the race and get caught up on who has finished well at each track**

The Good

• Carl Edwards- JGR was mentioned above, but out of the bunch Carl has been the best as of late. He has two wins since 2014 at BMS (five races) and started worse than 3rd only once (2014 when he started 12th and won the Fall stop).
• Joey Logano- JoLo's first seven starts and his last eight starts are completely different. First seven starts: zero top 10's, one top 15, and three top 20's. His last eight: two wins, three top 5's, five top 10's, and seven top 20's.
• Matt Kenseth- Matt's dominance here at BMS has been speradic at best, but when he is on he is on. He has two wins in his last six races here. That is a win from Kenseth or Edwards in four of the last six races. Actually, all three of these drivers have combined for the last six wins at BMS.

The Middle

• Too Many to Focus on One: Ricky Stenhouse Jr (Avg finish of 11.9), Clint Bowyer (five top 10's in last nine. Back to back top 10's), and Ryan Newman (Four top 10's in last Seven races. Three straight top 10's).

The Bad

• Kyle Busch- Don't bet on this one coming true...However, it must be noted Rowdy only has one top 10 in the last five races. Bad luck aside, most of his wins came from 2007 to 2011 and he only has three top 10's since.
• Kasey Kahne- Bristol used to be a much better track for Kahne, but his last four have produced lack luster results. Four straight races with zero top 15's and only two top 20's can be improved upon. 
• Martin Truex Jr- 21 career BMS starts and only two top 5's, that's it. Only eight top 15's and 12 top 20's in that same time. His three Furniture Row starts have been 29th, 28th, and 14th.

About the Track: Bristol

Track Stats

• Cup has run 111 total races at Bristol since 1961.
• Richard Petty ran the most career races at Bristol: 60.
• Darrell Waltrip has the most career Bristol wins: 12. Rusty Wallace, Dale Earnhardt, and Cale Yarborough follow with 9 each.
• Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip are tied for the most career top 5's with 26.
• Richard Petty has the most career top 10's with 37.
• Mark Martin and Cale Yarborough are tied for the most career Poles with 9.
• Of current drivers. The Busch Brothers, Kyle Busch, and Kurt Busch have the most wins with 5.

Track Info

• Surface
• Concrete
• Length
• 0.533 miles
• Banking
• Turns: 26-30 degrees
• Straights: 6-10 degrees

2016 Week 22 Pit Road: Watkins Glen

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Cheez-It 355 at the Glen

Photo: NASCAR via Twitter

By Richard Tix

Monday mornings are never a man's best friend. After a weekend (for most) and a race on Sunday (most of the time), Monday hit's us all hard. Even if you enjoy your job, the thought of not having a full day to enjoy on your own for five full week days can drive a man crazy.

What is worse then Monday? A Monday to start an off week in NASCAR. After Watkins Glen NASCAR takes a week off before heading to Bristol August 20th. Hopefully they drivers and teams enjoy some much needed time off while we put in our time. They all deserve it in a NASCAR season that I would bet makes a man on a Cup team go crazy. 

They spend countless hours everyday working on cars, strategy, and fine tuning skills. All this in a season that last from February to November (and that's only counting the racing season and not the preseason work they put in).

So hopefully the drivers and team members enjoy their time while we try and pass the time until Bristol.

The upside to all of this is that when they come back we head into crunch time before the Chase. Bristol, Michigan, Darlington, and Richmond are the only thing between us and the 2016 Sprint Cup Chase. So many story-lines are starting to really pick up steam and are worth watching for the next four races. During those next four races we will take a look pre-race to review how it has played out.

Chris Buescher's Quest for the 2016 Chase

• Even after a disappointing race where he finished 30th, Buecher picked up three points on 30th place (David Ragan). Ragan was also part of a wreck and finished the race in 33rd. Ragan now has 295 points while Buescher sits at 292 total. The first time we went to Bristol this year Chris finished 21st and David finished 39th after engine issues.

The Chase for Points

• Every race that passes relieves some pressure for the guys without a win but on top of the points standings, but it adds in more pressure towards the bottom. Right now NASCAR has 12 winners. 11 winners in the top 30, one outside the top 30. So, if we ended today five non win drivers would get in, but if Buecsher gets into the top 30 that number reduces to four. So, how do we stand and who is in trouble? Newman currently leads the non win pack at 562 points. Elliott (-1 from Newman), Dillon (-2), McMurray (-12), and Larson (-42) follow behind. The top two or three guys should feel safe week to week, but with four races nothing is for sure right now. CGR is really in a hard spot here being 15th and 16th in. They passed the first scare when AJ Allmendinger didn't win at WG and moved the number to four in on points and potentially three when/if Buescher gets to the top 30. But if a new non winner pushes the number down both CGR cars could be the big losers. Next in line is Bayne (-8 behind 16th), Kahne (-11 behind 16th), and Blaney (-18 behind 16th).

The Chase for a Win

• The last guys above (Bayne (-8 behind 16th), Kahne (-11 behind 16th), and Blaney (-18 behind 16th)) need to start looking at needing a win to get in. Buescher holds the key for everyone, but if he makes the top 30 these guys will drop further down the standings, making a win even more important. The rest of the guys in the standings on down to 30th including Dale Earnhardt Jr (concussion) are also in a huge need of a win. If someone does pull it off it also will change the outcome of the above topic "The Chase for Points."

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 22 (Week 21)

1. Kyle Busch (LW-1)- The consistency Rowdy has had lately is just too much to lose the top spot. In his last seven he has a win, two top 5's, six top 10's, and a 12th. Finish: 6th
2. Brad Keselowski (LW-3)- 28 laps led were the most on the day and his average running position was 6th. Yes, he got into Truex and the No. 78 team should be upset, but BK did take the blame and it was a late race situation. Every driver is at fault at some point. Finish: 3rd
3. Joey Logano (LW-4)- JoLo almost looked like he was going to repeat as WG winner, but Hamlin closed the door. The No. 22 team only has one win in 2016. Crazy. Finish: 2nd
4. Kevin Harvick (LW-2)- Harvick lost the standings lead to BK after being involved in a late wreck. Tough luck during a season he hasn't been caught up in much rough luck. Finish: 32nd
5. Tony Stewart (LW-5)- This isn't just for novelty, Smoke is putting him in position to be a Chase threat for the Championship. SHR has shown they have the equipment and now Smoke is reminding us he is kind of good at this racing thing. Finish: 5th
6. Denny Hamlin (LW-10)- It's been a good season, he just won, and he is climbing the power rankings, but... But, his two wins on the season are Daytona and Watkins Glen. Win's are wins, but if I am picking a final four that reason above will have me leaving him out right now. Finish: 1st
7. Matt Kenseth (LW-6)- A nice top 10 at a track where he only holds a handful of top 10's. Nice way to leave road courses behind if you're Kenseth. Finish: 10th
8. Kurt Busch (LW-8)- 
9. Kyle Larson (LW-7)- The ending for Larson (and Truex) is just a script of hard racing at road course racing. It's what makes it fun, but also frustrating when you're having a good day like Kyle. Finish: 29th
10. Martin Truex Jr (LW-12)- See Larson above. Sucks when you have raced clean all day for that to happen late. BK made a mistake but I will say it did look like Truex may have been getting a bit loose already, BK just made it happen. Martin rallied to finish well. Finish: 7th
11. Carl Edwards (LW-9)- When a team has four drivers like Busch, Kenseth, Hamlin, and Edwards someone has to have a down week, right? Most have them have had low points in the season. The last six races would be considered a down point for the No. 19. Finish: 15th
12. Chase Elliott (LW-NR)- That finish was needed for the No. 24 team. One: AJ Allmendinger didn't win so its another race down without a new winner. Two: the got a nice finish at a road course to help them in the standings. After a nightmare run at Pocono that left with cloudy weather, the Chase forecast looks a bit better this week. 

Dropped Out: Austin Dillon (LW-11)

Just Missed: Trevor Bayne

2016 NASCAR Week 22 Preview: Watkins Glen

Cheez-It 355 at the Glen

Watkins Glen International

By Richard Tix

NASCAR Opinion: 

Hot Take: Sporting events cost money.

Any sport has it's cost and we should all know that. However, year after year the complaint that going to the track is too expensive gets brought up and the incorrect fact that tickets are too expensive gets throw out there.

Sure, maybe for you it's too expensive. We all come from different backgrounds and all make different incomes. But, sports are a luxury, not a given. Going to sporting event's all comes down to priorities. Would your rather save some money, watch it on TV, and use that money on something else you need (not want)?

It is 100% understandable if you do not have the means to go to a race, not everyone can do every event. Life isn't fair and most of us have to work to make a living let alone go to a race.

I make one race a season so I know the struggles first hand. Being in Minnesota makes it a tough task to go anywhere at the Cup level for cheap. However, costs can be cut in places as long as we realize ticket prices aren't the issue.

Many tracks have inexpensive ticket options just for people who complain about prices, yet they continue to complain... Heck, most of these seats are even pretty good views at each track. Ive heard MIS, LVMS, Auto Club, and more all make deals to get fans to the track.

Complaining about money is the easy way out. If you just enjoy it better on TV, fine. Can't afford it this year because funds got tight, fine. Just lost the love of the sport, fine. All of that happen's, but don't use ticket prices as an excuse.

Compared to other sports NASCAR ticket prices are pretty inexpensive (think NFL, NHL, NBA, Soccer. The MLB might be an exception in some cities). Upper level tickets for the Vikings are normally around $50 for the highest seats (NFL), same with the Wild (NHL). Once we hit the new football stadium those prices may jump more for the Vikings. 

Add in the fact that a beer or even pop (soda) is around $7-7.50 at these stadiums and things add up fast. Parking in a downtown area is normally $10-15 (Vikings games used to get hiked up to $20 for a lot 3/4 miles away).

Point being, sports are expensive.

In NASCAR most tracks let you bring in coolers full of beer or pop (soda) and any kind of food you would like. Seriously, tell that to a sports fan who attends NBA/MLB/NHL/NFL games who doesn't follow NASCAR and hasn't been to a track. I bet the flip out with how awesome it is you can bring in a 12 pack, pop (soda), chips, sandwiches, ANYTHING YOU WANT. Tracks miss out on a ton of revenue on concessions just to get you there, but you want to complain.

"Hotel's in the area jack up prices." Sure they do. If one of your busiest weekends is a NASCAR weekend and you have an area with high demand and small quantities to give up you would capitalize. Nothing NASCAR or the tracks can do about supply and demand of hotel accommodations. Maybe they could create their own line of hotel chains (not likely folks), but even then the market wouldn't change much during these weekends.

NASCAR may not be able to do anything, but you can! Maybe you have friends or relatives in the area (we have friends about 45-55 min away from MIS). That's a small option for many people, but I have more. Stay farther away from the track. Many times you can make an easy 1 hour, 2 hour drive into the track and save a ton of money on hotels. Like camping? Maybe rough it for a few nights at a campground. It saves a ton of money and even gives you an extra experience that might bring some fun memories.

In the end everything still cost's money and you as a fan have to deal with it. Tracks have tried making cheap ticket packages, but the fan looks past this and moves onto the next thing to complain about. If you want to go bad enough you will make away or understand maybe it's not meant to be for that event. But, just realize in life nothing is free and life is not fair. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy things, you just have to start looking at it in another perspective. Make it happen or move along and enjoy it another way, folks!

Race Preview:

That was a long rant with a lot of opinion tied in, remember we all have opinions and most of them are not wrong. Just remember if you want to make it happen their are ways to get there. But, its race 22 and we have some actual takes on racing action this week to talk about.

Last week Chris Buescher won and put everyone on blast. Now, if he makes it to the top 30 he will steal a Chase spot. Good for him and good for Front Row. Other drivers/teams not already locked into the Chase have a five race warning call which starts this weekend.

Every driver has had 21 races to race their way in, so I don't want to hear Buescher doesn't deserve a spot, he does if he passes all the required rules (top 30). No, we do not need to change the format because of this. Every sport has an underdog story even in the playoffs. The NBA lets in 16 teams and normally only four of those have a legit shot to win. But, it creates some great opening round drama. Similarly, the NCAA Basketball tournament is filled with Cinderella lore. In the end "natural selection" takes over and the strong teams almost always prevail, but sports are sports because unpredictability is key.

NASCAR now has that and it adds some great feel good stories for teams that never get noticed. Do you think FRM and other small teams don't work there butts off with a smaller budget then the "big boys?" Night in and night out those guys work there tails off and deserve some pay off. Let there hard work pay off for once and enjoy the first three races in the Chase.

WG now gets even more focus because another underdog win will put more pressure on guys relying on the points bubble. If A.J. Allmendinger comes out strong early guys in the field like Larson, Elliott, Newman, and McMurray (among others) will start pressing. It will bring out the best or worst in each driver as they need to perform there best under pressure.

In the end, every driver has 26 races to race there way in. Plain and simple you need to win to have a chance in the Championship anyways. Strategy, good luck, bad luck, fast cars, crap cars, and even weather will make 16 teams a Chase team or not. Every driver/team with a win will have deserved it because racing is sport, and sport is unpredictable. Enjoy the moments and just remember that it's not like these teams didn't realize that any week something like Chris Buescher winning couldn't throw a wrench in there plan.

**This section is just a quick look at some of Cup drivers latest finishes. This is not a tool for fantasy purposes and NBTW only is looking at end results. No deep statistic's are involved, but rather it is just a quick way to get ready for the race and get caught up on who has finished well at each track**

The Good

• Kyle Busch- In 11 starts at WG Rowdy only has two non top 10's. One was his first Cup start here and the other his car was beat up (2014). The other nine races he has two wins, five top 5's, and nine top 10's. Yeah, he can wheel it at WG.
• Brad Keselowski- Some of the classic racing footage from recent races involves BK. BK v Kyle Busch and BK v Ambrose were two very fun races. Yet, BK hasn't won here while coming in second three times.
• Kyle Larson- Larson's first Cup start at WG actually resulted in a better finish then his second, but last year was arguably the better run. Last year he had an average running position of 11th and spent 80% of the race in the top 15, while finishing 12th. He could be an underdog worth watching on Sunday.
• Extra Credit- A.J. Allmendinger

The Middle

• Tony Stewart- In the three races from 2011-2015 (missed 2013 and 2014) Smoke has one top 20 (19th). It hasn't been good, but what has during that time? Before that he was one of the best drivers at WG. What will we get Sunday? I lean towards the old Smoke with the way he has been driving lately.

The Bad

• Paul Menard- I will give Menard this, he has two top 15's and three top 20's in his last four starts at WG, but the rest hasn't been pretty. 12 career starts and no top 10's. 
• Greg Biffle- Up and down is how to describe the Biff's performance at WG. He has four top 10's in 13 starts here, but also five finishes of 30th or higher.
• Kasey Kahne- Not a single top 10 finish in 12 tries for Kahne at WG. He also only has four top 15's and seven top 20's in that same time.

About the Track: Watkins Glen International 

Track Stats

• Three straight years the race was won from the Pole (1993-95) and all three years Mark Martin was the winner.
• Mark Martin has the most top 5's (12) and most top 10's (16) by any driver.
• Tony Stewart has the most career wins (5).
• Tim Richmond won the first race after NASCAR came back to the Glen (ran races in '57, '64, and '65) in 1986 beating out Darrell Waltrip. Part of his 7 win 1986 season.
• Steve Park won in 2000 after starting 18th, which is the farthest back a winner has started. Steve Parks only other Cup win was at Rockingham. Watkins Glen was his first.
• Geoffrey Bodine's last career win was at Watkins Glen in 1996 (18 career wins).
• Robby Gordon's final career win was also at the Glen in 2003. Where he first won Sonoma first and then finished the Road Course sweep in 2003 at Watkins Glen. 
• The race has been won from the front row 11 times (Pole 9 times) in 32 NASCAR races.
• A race has been won only 12 times out of 33 races after starting outside of the top 5 (Most recently 2014-AJ Allmendinger 6th and 2015-Joey Logano 16th) and 9 times after starting outside the top 10. 

Track Info

• Surface 
• Asphalt and concrete
• Length: 3.40 miles
• Turns 11

2016 NASCAR Watkins Glen Entry List

Cheez-It 355 at the Glen

Photo: Mel Evans | The Associated Press

By Richard Tix

The official entry list for the Cheez-It 355 at the Glen (From: Jayski.com)

2016 Watkins Glen NASCAR Schedule

Cheez-It 355 at The Glen

By Richard Tix

**All Times are Eastern Time Zone (ET)**

Thursday August 4, 2016

• 1-2:25 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series first practice
• 3:30-4:55 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series second practice

Friday August 5, 2016

• 10-10:55 a.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series final practice- NBCSN
• 12:30-1:55 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series first practice- NBCSN
• 3-4:25 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice- NBCSN
• 4:45 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying- NBCSN

Saturday August 6, 2016

• 12:15 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying- CNBC
• 2 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series Zippo 200 at The Glen (82 laps, 200.9 miles)- CNBC

Sunday August 7, 2016

• 2:30 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Cheez-It 355 at The Glen (90 laps, 220.5 miles)- USA 

2016 NASCAR Pit Road Week 21: Pocono

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Pennsylvania 400

Photo: Joseph Ressler

By Richard Tix

Let's start out this weeks review with a huge shout out to NASCAR Cup rookie Chris Buescher and his first career Cup win on Sunday Monday. Everyday those guys on that Front Row team get up and work their butts off to put a car on the track for Chris. Day in and day out, long hours, all to just get to the track.

Well on any given Sunday Monday they are supposed to have a chance, right? Well, normally its tough for a small team to legitimately have a shot let alone a rookie on a small team, but after a rain out on Sunday and weather threats all day Monday the hard work by the team and strategic calls all payed off in a big way. Give it to this team and all the work they put in, they deserve a moment in the spotlight. 

You may not see it this way, but teams view any win as a win and in the same light. In racing win's come in every way including because of the weather. That team gambled and put themselves in a good spot at that moment. Was it luck? Was it strategy? Was it smart? Yes to all of the above, but so is any other win. When a driver dominates by 10 sec to a win some luck still plays a part because at any given time a lapped car could come down on that race winner and ruin his day. A cut tire. A debris caution late. Anything. A bit of luck always plays in, but that doesn't downplay how much work a team puts in weekly to get just one chance at a moment like yesterday. That No. 34 team put themselves in that spot and deserve that win.

Buescher now has a chance at making the 2016 Sprint Cup Chase (currently 6 points outside of 30th place). Before we move deeper into the win, lets also give a shout out to Regan Smith for being at the right place to end the race (finished 3rd) and notching his first top 5 of 2016.

I also think NASCAR deserves a huge shout out this week as well. This isn't a common theme, but when it is earned it needs to be noted. Sports have to deal with the weather dealt to them and NASCAR did a wonderful job. On Monday they had plenty of time to call the race early, but they stuck it out and gave fans a chance to see a full race (what we all watch and pay for). 

NASCAR and Pocono even gave out and advanced tornado warning (one wasn't even issued by the National Weather Service) so that fans could get to safety "if" severe weather popped up. It was a smart and safe call since they were trying to hold on as long as they could, yet making sure everyone makes it home. 

In the end it was inevitable they had to call the race. The fog didn't dissipate in time before the next set of heavy rain showers came in. So, we are left with an underdog winner with his first sweet trip to victory lane. I for one am looking forward to watching the battle he and his team have ahead of them to get into the top 30. It truly will make watching battles throughout the field more entertaining. 

Its also a battle worth watching for guys trying to get in on points like Elliott, Blaney, Larson, McMurray, Dillon, Newman, etc. If he can get into the top 30 and stay there then one more spot is picked from under them. It will also be interesting how Watkins Glen picks shakes out next weekend. If A.J. Allmendinger can pull off another heroic underdog win then it will really shakes things up in the Chase picture.

As if it wasn't already, next week will be must watch TV as well as the other four regular season races that remain after WG. The pressure will continue to mount week in and week out until the last ten races where everything changes.

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 21 (Week 20)

1. Kyle Busch (LW-1)- Kyle holds on this week because last week was just so dominate. It doesn't hurt he notched another top 10 this week at Pocono. Finish: 9th
2. Kevin Harvick (LW-2)- Harvick had a great car Monday but we will never know if it was a winning car because of the weather. Monday was his fourth straight top 10. Finish: 4th
3. Brad Keselowski (LW-4)- Would BK's fuel strategy he was on have been enough to win? Again, we will never know but if anyone knows how to stretch it it is the No. 2 team. Finish: 2nd
4. Joey Logano (LW-3)- One of the best cars on the day, JoLo had contact with the No. 24 when Chase got a little too aggressive and drove a bit over his head. He gets a break this week after looking like the winning car most of the day. Finish: 37th
5. Tony Stewart (LW-6)- This is a fun run. Boy I thought the first week I put Smoke on here it was for the "good ole times." Well, he has legitimately started a trend towards a Chase push. Finish: 5th
6. Matt Kenseth (LW-5)- After a hot three races run Pocono was disappointing for Kenseth. JGR is still the class of NASCAR at the moment so he shouldn't worry too much. Finish: 17th
7. Kyle Larson (LW-11)- How fun was Larson v Dillon while it lasted? Larson v Dillon, Larson v Elliott, those things have one thing in common, Larson. Larson is going to eventually collect some wins, he just has to finish off "all the ways Larson can lose a race," first. Finish: 6th
8. Kurt Busch (LW-7)- Rough to drop a spot after a top 10, but Kurt just hasn't been the same lately. Maybe they're saving something for the Chase? Maybe they're testing some for the Chase? Whatever it is they lost the consistency that got them on top of the standings. Finish: 10th
9. Carl Edwards (LW-9)- It doesn't feel like Carl has collected the 5th most points so far in 2016, but he has. On Monday he picked up his first top 10 in his last three races. Finish: 8th
10. Denny Hamlin (LW-10)- Hamlin was one of the three JGR cars to notched a top 10 on Monday. It was his third straight, but I just don't feel he is all the way there yet. Finish: 7th
11. Austin Dillon (LW-NR)- AD gets to jump back into the top 12 after his run at the front with Larson. He has five straight season's finishing 16th or better, four of those 13th or better, and two of those top 10's. Finish: 13th
12. Martin Truex Jr (LW-8)- Not a fun day for the No. 78 team on Monday after grabbing the weekend pole at a track Martin has run well at. The plus side? They got a head start out of town. Finish: 38th

Dropped Out: Jimmie Johnson (LW-12)