2015 Pit Road Week 31: Kansas

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Hollywood Casino 400

By Richard Tix

This week NASCAR was at Kansas for another huge race in the Chase. This round the first two races are huge because the third and final race is Talladega where anything can happen. Well, once again Joey Logano came out the winner so 11 drivers are still worried about there status for next round. Some drivers just need to stay away from the trouble, but most of them will have to push to the front, which should make for a crazy plate race.

But, before we hit the preview lets take a look at the latest Power Rankings after Kansas Speedway.

2015 Hollywood Casino 400 Full Results

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 31 (Week 30)

1. Joey Logano (LW-2)- Back to back wins in the second round of the Chase. Now only two drivers will advance at most by a win after Talladega and 6 will get through on points (or 7 if no new winner). Finish: 1st
2. Denny Hamlin (LW-3)- Hamlin followed up his 4th place finish last week with a runner up finish this week. He just needs to steer clear of any terrible finishes at Talladega. Finish: 2nd
3. Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- Harvick has three non top 10 finishes in five Chase races in 2015. That is not good, yet he is still hanging around and that has to worry other drivers. Finish: 16th
4. Carl Edwards (LW-4)- 11 of Carls 13 top 10's this season have come in the last 14 races, not a bad time to have such a quality run. Finish: 8th
5. Kurt Busch (LW-7)- Back to back top 10's for the first time since race 19 and 20, Kurt picked a good time to do it. Finish: 6th
6. Brad Keselowski (LW-6)- BK took the pole, led some laps, but then settled into the top 10. This round he now has back to back 9th place finishes to give him a shot to advance. Finish: 9th
7. Kyle Busch (LW-9)- He is still outside looking in (9th in points), but only by 6 points. Kyle and JGR have been too good to count him out just yet. Finish: 5th
8. Jeff Gordon (LW-8)- Before the Chase things looked bleak for Gordon, but he is hanging in there for now. His back to back top 10's give him a chance to advance on points. Finish: 10th
9. Martin Truex Jr (LW-5)- He is 8th on points right now and needs to keep it clean at Dega to have a shot. That's a lot of pressure to advance. Finish: 15th
10. Ryan Newman (LW-10)- As I said last week, he will need more to advance this year. He just isn't getting the top 10's he was consistently getting last Chase. Finish: 11th
11. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-11)- Last round Jr was almost cut, this round he has dug an even bigger hole and might need a win to get out of it. Finish: 21st
12. Matt Kenseth (LW-12)- Kenseth is in the, he needs to win, category. He was going for it at Kansas, but so was Joey. That is just hard racing. Kenseth will need to do the same but come out the other end this weekend. Finish: 14th

2015 Pit Road Week 16: Sonoma

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Week 16: Toyota Save Mart 350

By Richard Tix

NASCAR headed into Sonoma with a ton of questions. Would an underdog win? Would someone steal a Chase spot? Can AJ Allmendinger get another road course win?

Well, AJ won the Pole and it looked possible all of those questions would be answered. Until Sunday came around and Kyle Busch won the Toyota Save Mart 350. Now, we have even more questions to be answered. Will Kyle sweep in and steal a Chase spot after sitting out with an injury for 11 races? Kyle got the win, but he now needs to make up ground and get into the top 30 in points to make the Chase. Can Kyle make up the points difference? Will someone else steal a win later at Watkins Glen?

As it stands right now Kyle Busch has 125 points and is 136 points behind Cole Whitt who has 261 and is 30th in points. Kyle now has 10 races left to make up those 136 points before the Chase, keep in mind Justin Allgaier is sitting at 260 points, so Kyle has to catch an pass both.

It wont be an easy thing to do, but it will be a fun story line to watch down the stretch. 

Onto the Power Rankings. Let's check out the movers and shakers this week:

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 16 (Week 15)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-2)- Harvick notched another top 5 on the season which is a Cup leading 11. He now has 11 top 5's and 14 top 10's in 16 races. Its another great start for Harvick, but he hasn't been seeing Victory Lane lately. Finish: 4th
2. Jimmie Johnson (LW-3)- Not a lot of movement with these top guys. JJ once again had a strong weekend where he lead 45 laps (most by any driver on Sunday) and finished in the top 10. Finish: 6th
3. Kurt Busch (LW-6)- Who is second behind Harvick in laps lead in 2015? Thats right, its Kurt in 3 less races than most other drivers. Again on Sunday he lead 43 laps, which was good for second most on the day. Finish: 2nd
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-5)- Jr is having another good run in 2015, but gets overlooked because guys like JJ, Harvick, Truex, and Kurt are doing even better. Don't count him out of the title hunt just yet. Finish: 7th
5. Joey Logano (LW-4)- Three straight top 5's for Logano, maybe I am being too tough on him? It's a really strong stretch for him, but he still has only lead 7 laps in those three races, many of the guys above him can say more than that. Finish: 5th 
6. Martin Truex Jr (LW-1)- Rough day for Truex. Seems like the only way to hold him back right now is for him to be involved in a wreck. Well, he doesn't have to worry about that for now after getting his win at Pocono. Finish: 42nd
7. Jamie McMurray (LW-7)- Now that Truex Jr got his win in 2015, McMurray is the next driver up to be underrated on the season and win-less. He currently is 7th in points and has been sitting in the top 9 for 8 races. Maybe his time to come is this weekend at Daytona? Finish: 11th
8. Kasey Kahne (LW-10)- Kahne hasn't been terrible this year, be he also hasn't been amazing. Instead, he has been pretty consistent and on Sunday he added a top 10 to that list of consistency. Finish: 8th
9. Brad Keselowski (LW-8)- BK has sat 6th in the points standings for 7 straight weeks. In that time it has been tough to know what you will get from him. He has 3 top 10's in that time, but also 3 finishes of 17+ (the other finish was 12th, right in the middle). Finish: 19th
10. Clint Bowyer (LW-NR)-Bowyer makes a stop on the NBTW Power Rankings and it has been awhile. Clint's 3rd place finish was his first top 5 of the season and his third top 10 in the past four races. He seems to be picking up a bit of steam lately. Finish: 3rd
11. Matt Kenseth (LW-9)- Kenseth is behind win-less drivers like Kahne and McMurray and almost behind Kurt Busch (who sat out three races). It hasn't been a strong season for the #20 team, but at least they have that one win to get them to the Chase. Finish: 21st
12. Paul Menard (LW-NR)- Menard has been in and out of these bottom spots for mush of the season. He just keeps hanging around. He has been in the top 16 in points ever since the third race of the year and lately he has been hanging around the top 12. He may not get a win, but he might put himself in position for a spot on points. Finish: 13th

Dropped Out: Jeff Gordon (LW-11) and Denny Hamlin (LW-12)

Just Missed: Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson

Honorable Mention: Sam Hornish Jr (10th place) and Tony Stewart (12th place)

No one correctly picked Kyle Busch to win this weekend at Sonoma. It has been a rough few weeks for me getting the word out to vote on winners, but this week we had an ok showing, just no lucky guesses. This weekend we head for Daytona on Fourth of July Weekend for the Firecracker 400 (Coke Zero 400). Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Holiday weekend! Check back in for the entry list a preview! As always, thanks for checking out NASCAR Behind the Wall!

2015 Week 11 Pit Road: Kansas

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Week 11: SpongeBob SquarePants 400

By Richard Tix

This week NASCAR Behind the Wall will be keeping the review short and sweet for this past weekends Kansas race. Most of that had to do with I missed a good chunk of the race for the first time in 2015 and I don't want to sit here and feed you crap.

Once again mother nature tried to ruin everyone's night for the Cup race on Saturday night. All week NASCAR fans follow the weather especially when we get early week reports of rain, this week was no different. The race got started on time, but most of us watching the radar could tell it was only a matter of time before the rain caught up with NASCAR.

Once the rain hit fans and drivers sat, waiting, and waiting to get going again. Eventually late in the evening NASCAR got the track dry and started back up.

Late in the race NASCAR had a caution with about 8 to go for a late restart. Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr gambled and decided to stay out. Both drivers had wins already and are pretty much locks to make the Chase, so why not?

It ended up paying off for JJ in a big way as he held off a late charge by Harvick for the win (Harvick had two fresh tires). 

Once again, Kansas showed that JJ and Harvick are at the top of the pack when it comes to 1.5 mile tracks right now. Everyone else is just fighting for spots behind them. This week NASCAR has a "bye" week as we head to Charlotte for the All Star Race. JJ will take his Kansas win to a track and race that he has been down right dominate in the past at. 

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 11 (Week 10)

1. Jimmie Johnson (LW-2)- It is time, its hard to dethrone Harvick from the top spot when he finishes second and leads more laps then JJ, but look at JJ's finishes since his win at Texas. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st. The #48's 1.5 game is on right now. Finish: 1st
2. Kevin Harvick (LW-2)- Maybe this move is just for the sake of switching things up? But really, its like a 1a an 1b situation, as both are on top of there game. Finish: 2nd
3. Martin Truex Jr The 9th place finish was somewhat disappointing after how well he was running mid race. At one point it looked like he had the car to beat and he may finally get one in 2015. Finish: 9th
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-5)- The late gamble didn't pay off for Jr like it did for JJ, but it was still a good call. Jr brought the 88 home in a top 5 spot with others around him with fresher tires. Finish: 3rd
5. Kurt Busch (LW-4)- Kurt lead 20 laps on the night but during the last restart wasn't in a great spot to get to the front for a win. It's still a fresh start in 2015 compared to 2014, but he will need to work on late race finishing. Finish: 8th
6. Jeff Gordon (LW-6)- Gordon finished top 5 after not leading a lap and running the race in an average position of 10th. It was a good finish for the #24 team that is still looking for a win. Finish: 4th
7. Joey Logano (LW-7)- JoLo is on a better pace in 2015 then he was in 2014 and he finished 4th in 2014. His big problem, Harvick and JJ are on a tear. Finish: 5th
8. Matt Kenesth (LW-10)- Kenseth just keeps hanging around this year while JGR smooths things over. Kenseth has been the best guy at JGR this season, but it isn't saying much. Finish: 6th
9. Ryan Newman (LW-9)- Seriously, Newman is up to 13th in the points. He maybe fine after all even if he doesn't win. 9 top 12's and 7 top 10's in 11 races. Finish: 10th
10. Brad Keselowski (LW-11)- His bad luck streak ended in Kansas, but that didn't mean he had luck on his side. He had a good car that lead 43 laps but was too far out on the last restart to make a move and JJ and Harvick were just stronger. Finish: 7th
11. Jamie McMurray (LW-8)- JMac is on a list of guys who are running well but have yet to get a win. It seems like more and more drivers are just getting quality finishes and will try and make it on points. Worked for Newman, might work for JMac as well. Finish: 13th
12. Aric Almirola (LW-NR)- Speaking of quality finishes week after week, Aric is stitting 11th in the points while being overlooked. That's because he 7 top 15's and 10 top 20's in 11 race's, but zero top 10's. That's good enough to get you into the Chase, but would be an early drop out. Finish: 11th

Dropped Out- Paul Menard

Just Missed- AJ Allmendinger

Honorable Mention- Greg Biffle (RFR top 15!!!! 13th)

Jeff with his 3rd of the year, first since Martinsville

Back to back weekends for NBTW

2015 Week 10 Pit Road: Talladega

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Week 10: Geico 500

By Richard Tix

This past weekend NASCAR headed away from the short track and instead hit it's second superspeedway of 2015, Talladega. For many fans Talladega is a race circled on the calendar. For hardcore fan's they like that the race can bring unexpected winners, like underdogs and rookies. For novice fan's who catch a handful of races each year they come for the tracks atmosphere and the fact that they might see the "big one."

No matter what, Talladega has something for some fan out there which makes it an attraction each time NASCAR stops here.

This past weekend again brought the excitement of what might happen because of last years new Chase rules. Would an underdog driver come in, steal a win, and possibly even a Chase spot? The weekend kicked off with a fan favorite winning the Pole, Jeff Gordon. Then we watch guys like Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Dale Earnhardt Jr lead a bunch of laps.

In the end a few guys up front also gave us the story line of the underdog. Ryan Blaney (part time driver in the Wood Brothers #21) was in the top 3. Also, Sam Hornish Jr and Paul Menard were lurking in the top 10. All this time it was two of the top dogs in Cup up front, JJ and Jr. 

Dale Jr lead the pack around as the laps wound down and every fan (hardcore or novice) was waiting for the drivers to make there move. 15 laps left....Nothing. 10 laps left....Nothing. 5 laps left.....Nothing. 3 laps left.....Still nothing.

With about a lap and a half left Denny Hamlin dropped out of line....Nothing. Barely anyone went with him and it was too late. In the end one of the best cars on the day won, Dale Earnhardt Jr. 

It was a big moment for Jr Nation, but left many fans (even some from Jr Nation) wondering why no one went? The worst part about it was the fans attacking NASCAR and also NASCAR's rule package. Some not realizing it was the same package that they were happy with last year at Talladega (fans, NASCAR hasn't changed the superspeedway package from 2014 to 2015).

But, fans again are placing blame in the wrong place. It wasn't NASCAR who didn't get the drivers to go and form another line, it was the drivers. No driver was willing to go because they thought they would be left out to dry. That might have been the case, but then why weren't teams and spotters trying to work out deals with others? Why were no alliances made? 

Instead they road around in single file and didn't challenge Jr much. But, sometimes that is racing. We don't always get the exciting finish and there is nothing you can do about it. But, to blame NASCAR is a bit crazy.

If NASCAR threw a fantum yellow for debris to pack them up again, the same fans would be upset and claiming "WWE, thats all NASCAR is today." Its what NASCAR has to deal with day to day, a no win situation. Sometimes there is nothing NASCAR can do to a car package or the points to get them to choose to push for a win when they're sitting in 5th and don't think anyone would go with them. Folks, its racing....

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 10 (Week 9)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- For the first time in a few weeks it was a tough decision at #1, yet in the end it was still clear Harvick was #1. Even after a day he was involved in a wreck early his pit crew fought back and he hung around. Finish: 8th
2. Jimmie Johnson (LW-2)- JJ is on a pretty good run since his win at Texas (hasn't finished worse than 3rd). It's a weird strong run for JJ as much of the focus is on Harvick and he is being overlooked. Finish: 2nd
3. Martin Truex Jr (LW-8)- Speaking of overlooked, Truex may have broke his top ten streak at Bristol but has got right back on it. He now has top tens in 9 of 10 races and looks to be in a good spot to make the Chase with or without a win. Finish: 5th
4. Kurt Busch (LW-4)- Kurt missed three races and is above guys like Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, and Greg Biffle in points. Sunday he once again was a good pusher at a superspeedway but faded to an alright finish. Finish: 12th
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-9)- The short track swing wasn't what Jr wanted (finishes of 36th, 16th, and 14th) but he found what was missing at Dega. When he got out front he didn't look back much. Finish: 1st
6. Jeff Gordon (LW-5)- Gordon has run very well this year, but unlike in 2015 the standings and results don't show it. He is actually behind Aric Almirola by one point in the standings and Aric has zero top 10's (Gordon has 6). Finish: 31st
7. Joey Logano (LW-3)- JoLo is still one of the top 4 or 5 contenders so far this year, but what has happened to his luck recently? Sunday it happened again (though it happens to many at tracks like Dega). He was close to getting back on the lead lap, but didn't have enough time. Finish: 33rd
8. Jamie McMurray (LW-7)- JMac is hanging tough in 2015 after a quality 2014 season. Will Ganassi bring him back in 2016? But, enough of that...At Dega he once again looked strong but just didn't have the car or help to win. Finish: 11th
9. Ryan Newman (LW-12)- Take out his point deduction and Newman has finishes of 10, 3, 3, 5, 12, 5, 11, and 7. His only two bad finishes were 38th at Daytona and 27th at Martinsville. He is doing just what he did in 2014 and is back to 14th in the standings. Finish: 7th
10. Matt Kenseth (LW-6)- After a hot streak on the short tracks Kenseth came back down to earth where he couldn't get in a good spot to finish the race which resulted in a poor finish. Finish: 25th
11. Brad Keselowski (LW-11)- BK had a strong car again on Sunday and stayed up in the top 5 most of the day. With under 50 left he got shuffled to the back and couldn't find another line to make up ground. That's three tough finishes in a row where he had a fast car. Finish: 22nd
12. Paul Menard (LW-NR)- Menard only has two top 10's (both top 5's) this season, but this Sunday was one of them. Even with lacking top 10's, Paul is still 11th in points. Finish: 3rd

Dropped Out: Kasey Kahne (LW-10)

Just Missed: No one really

Honorable Mention: Ryan Blaney (4th), Josh Wise (10th), Cole Whitt (13th), JJ Yelly (14th), and Alex Bowman (16th)

Thanks for checking out NASCAR Behind the Wall this week. Check back in for this next weekends TV/Race Schedule, entry list, and race preview!

2015 Week 9 Pit Road: Richmond

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Week 9: Toyota Owners 400

By Richard Tix

NASCAR finished up its three out of four race short track stretch at Richmond on Sunday. After a rain delay canceled everything for the Saturday night race it was moved to Sunday at 1 pm ET where we got everything in.

The three short tracks left the door open for some other teams and drivers that have found the speed on the 1.5's yet in 2015. As it turned out two JGR drivers pulled off W's at short tracks (Hamlin and Kenseth) which will give them some time to find some more speed on larger tracks. 

So, the short track swing provided us with some big Chase implications. On top of those two drivers getting a win, Kurt Busch won on Sunday after missing three races to start the season. NASCAR gave him a Chase exception so he is now pretty much locked to get into the Chase. The only difference between he and the two JGR drivers that win is that he has been pretty good on the 1.5's so far this year. The win for Kurt was popular for many and also unpopular for many. With everything he has gone through this season many were either on his side or against him so it was a headline win for NASCAR.

NASCAR now heads to Talladega which can be another wild card track. Many times the big wreck plays into the outcome and a little guy can pull off the upset. That will be the biggest story line this weekend. But, we will touch on that in the preview, lets move onto the Power Rankings.

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 9 (Week 8)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- Another race and another second place finish for Harvick. He did only led 2 laps on Sunday (which was almost a season low. Daytona he led zero laps). Finish: 2nd
2. Jimmie Johnson (LW-2)- JJ didn't lead a single lap on Sunday but did bring his #48 car from 36th to the front. It was just a really strong points day for that team. Finish: 3rd
3. Joey Logano (LW-4)- Other then Kurt Busch JoLo was really the only other one to led any laps on Sunday (BK lead 9 and JMac 4). JoLo took his 94 led laps on his way to a top 5 finish. Finish: 5th
4. Kurt Busch (LW-9)- Kurt was hands down the best car on Sunday. JoLo had a decent car early and Harvick was strong throughout, but Kurt was just on it. He has just been lacking the finishing stretch each week and this week he got it. Finish: 1st
5. Jeff Gordon (LW-3)- Gordon has 6 straight top 10's, so sorry he isn't higher Gordon fans. The one thing he still lacks is a 2015 win. On Sunday he averaged a 8th place running position and then finished in that exact spot. Finish: 8th
6. Matt Kenseth (LW-8)- The short track stint has been a breath of fresh air for the 20 team. 4th, 1st, and 7th on the three short tracks in the last four races. Those finishes gave them some time to figure out there 1.5 program. Finish: 7th
7. Jamie McMurray (LW-10)- At one point JMac looked to have a car capable of getting and beating Kurt. After some rough luck to start the race he made his way back to the front. Finish: 4th
8. Martin Truex Jr (LW-7)- Rough spot for Truex after notching a top 10 and moving down a spot this week. Nothing against him, he is part of a quality top 12 that has been putting together pretty consistent numbers. Finish: 10th
9. Dale Eanrhardt Jr (LW-5)- Back to back finishes ofr 14th or higher for Jr and the 88. Worse yet, his average running position on Sunday was 14th. At times on Sunday he said he loved the car on the long run, but could never really get the track position he needed. Finish: 14th
10. Kasey Kahne (LW-11)- 2015 has been a step in the right direction, but he still isn't threatening to win enough as he would like. Kahen has only lead laps in two races this season (Martinsville and Texas). Finish: 6th
11. Brad Keselowski (LW-6)- Just one week after BK had a pretty good car and took himself out early (Bristol) he once again had some rough luck. BK had a top 5 car when he lost a cylinder, yet he stayed up front for awhile until yellows started to hit. Finish: 17th
12. Ryan Newman (LW-12)- Newman is already back up to 15th position in the standings after NASCAR reduced his penalty. Don't look now but he could put himself in a spot to get into the Chase again on points. Crazy... Finish: 11th

Dropping Out: No one

Just Missed: Kyle Larson and Clint Bowyer

Honorable Mention: Chase Elliott (16th) and Justin Allgaier (18th)

Power Rankings Notes:

• No one dropped out of the top 12 this weekend but we did have some movers in the middle of the rankings. The top stayed strong with Harvick, JJ, JoLo, and Gordon all continuing strong streaks. The big mover was Kurt Busch as he not only won, but put together a full race. JMac also moved up as he has been showing some strong runs this year. Unfortunatley for guys like Jr and Jr (Dale and Martin) strong runs by guys around them moved them down a few even then they had decent runs on Sunday as well. The middle of the rankings is very strong so the guys from 4 to 10 are very interchangeable. 

No one picked Kurt Busch this weekend so no one is getting added to the season long prediction leaderboard. This week NASCAR heads to Talladega Superspeedway where just about anything can happen. Will an underdog steal a win and a Chase spot? Thanks for checking out NASCAR Behind the Wall. Check back later for the TV Schedule and Entry List for this weekend!

2015 Week 8 Pit Road: Bristol

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Week 8: Food City 500

By Richard Tix

This week NASCAR was at Bristol for some short track action. Bristol was the first stop of back to back stops of short track action before Richmond. This week I will be keeping the review part of this article short and sweet, unlike the actual race that took up the whole day.

Most of us knew going into Sunday morning the race was going to be threatened by rain. The race started out postponed by the rain in the morning. Just as one rain cell was moving out most fans could see that another cell would be moving in shortly after and if NASCAR started the race not much would get done. 

Well, NASCAR decided to start anyways and as it turned out, they got a whole 23 laps in. It seemed like the 23 laps could have waited until after the second rain cell. It really looked like that cell would have a larger clearing behind it and 23 laps only took about 10 min.

Either way, things got going early and Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano got together early and ruined there night. Once racing got back going strange things didn't stop. Denny Hamlin didn't get back in his car (neck spasms) and Erik Jones made his debut in a Cup car. Also, Kurt Busch's CC didn't come back either (kidney stones). 

In the second half of the race Jimmie Johnson made a strange move that was more desperate than he normally gets and it started a wreck. Somehow, most involved didn't incur heavy damage but it did hurt Harvick enough he was done competing for the night.

In the end it came down to a bunch of guys who did not have a win in 2015 and it was looking more and more like a first time winner would pull off the win at Bristol. With Matt Kenseth leading a small pop up shower came in and NASCAR went under the red flag again.

NASCAR would get back going for a G-W-C and Kenseth held onto the lead and the win. It was Kenseth's first win int he New Chase Era and the first time he can say he is an almost lock to make the Chase.

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 8 (Week 7)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- He lead 184 laps on the night, don't forget that. It's Bristol and anything can happen (which will be a trend for a lot of guys in these rankings this week). Finish: 38th
2. Jimmie Johnson (LW-5)- What A day/night for Johnson. He never lead a lap, started a wreck, yet finished second. Finish: 2nd
3. Jeff Gordon (LW-7)- Up and down day for Gordon. His kids gave a great command to start the race, but it wasn't enough to hold off the rain I guess. Finish: 3rd
4. Joey Logano (LW-3)- Rough day for JoLo as BK got loose and collected him into an early wreck. It cost Joey a quality finish and his top ten streak, but he is already in the Chase so its onto Richmond . Finish: 40th
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-6)- Jr had a tire go down early that put him in a hole. He worked his way out of some of that hole but wasted a quality car because of that early bad luck. He and the #88 team still fought back for an alrigt finish. Finish: 16th
6. Brad Keselowski (LW-2)- BK got loose after the rain start and brought a caution on lap 23. IN the same wreck he collected his teammate JoLo which was a Pensek 1 2 punch. BK did get back out to pick up a few points he would have lost by calling it a day. Finish: 35th
7. Martin Truex Jr (LW-3)- Truex is another driver that saw his top ten streak go up in smoke Sunday night. He still has a great start to the 2015 season and has put himself in a good position for a Chase push. Finish: 29th
8. Matt Kenseth (LW-NR)- Kenseth finally gets to relax and know that he is locked in the Chase. That is the first time he has had that relief in the New Chase Era. Now they cn start to catch up on the 1.5's. Finish: 1st
9. Kurt Busch (LW-10)- Kurt once again started the race on fire like he has been doing in 2015, but again had a disspointing finish. Something he and his team will need to figure out soon. Finish: 15th
10. Jamie McMurray (LW-11)- Not an amazing night by JMac but it wasn't a throw away race either. Gannasi seems to once agian be strong enough to push for a few wins in 2015. Finish: 14th
11. Kasey Kahne (LW-8)- Kahne had a great night going at one time, but bad luck ruined that. The plus side is it looks like he has closed the gap on his Hendrick teammates since last season. Finish: 37th
12. Ryan Newman (LW-NR)-RCR is still fighting his penalty, but Newman looked like he put it in the rear view mirror on Sunday. He didn't have an amazing night but it was the finish that counted. Don't look now but he is back in the top 16 of points. Finish: 5th

Dropped Out: Denny Hamlin (LW-9) and Carl Edwards (LW-12)

Just Missed: Danica Patrick and Aric Almirola

Honorable Mention: Ricky Stenhouse Jr (4th), Justin Allgaier (8th), Austin Dillon (10th), and Brett Moffit (17th)

Full Race Results
2015 Current Driver Standings

ARF was almost right. 

Back to Back weeks for Garry

Michele's Kenseth fandom finally pays off!!

Well thats it for this week. Now NASCAR heads to Richmond for the third short track in the last four races. Richmond is a personal favorite of mine so I am already looking forward to Saturday night. Check back for this weeks race preview laters this week.

2015 Week 7 Pit Road: Texas

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Week 7: Duck Commander 500

By Richard Tix

NASCAR had a week off to let drivers and teams relax and spend time with there family during the Easter weekend, but got right back at it for the season's first Saturday Night race. Some teams used the time to regroup and other's were sent to test at Richmond during the off week but they all gathered back at Texas Motor Speedway to kick off another leg of the season.

Kurt Busch started the weekend off by taking his second pole of the 2015 season in just four races back. He did lead 45 laps on the night but in the end was not a contender in the closing laps. Instead it was a race between Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Joey Logano.

Ironically, all four of those guys have been tough to beat all year. Most of the night it was really who could beat Johnson or Harvick and it came down to both of those driver, but Johnson and the #48 were just too strong. 

It was Johnson's second win of 2015 which locks him in the Chase and also his 5th career Texas Motor Speedway win (first in the Spring). JJ has now won 4 of the last 6 Texas races which has to be the next most impressive run behind Kevin Harvicks run at Phoenix). His 5 wins at Texas is also the most among current drivers (Carl Edwards has 3).

NASCAR is back to short track racing at Bristol this next weekend and then off to Richmond to end out short track leg. So, did anyone take down Kevin Harvick this week and his #1 Power Rankings spot?

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 7 (Week 6)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- One time, just one time in 2015 has Harvick finished outside the top 2. But this week at Texas Harvick got back on the top 2 streak after leading a second best 96 laps. Finish: 2nd
2. Brad Keselowski (LW-2)- Both Penske cars have been strong to start the year just like 2014. Noth are still looking to find a bit more to catch Harvick, but lucky for them so are the Hendrick cars. BK fought back after he messed up on a pit stop and was penalized (It's confirmed the Orange Cone is still alive). Finish: 5th
3. Martin Truex Jr (LW-3)- Truex's finish to 2014 gave a lot of #78 fans optimism heading into 2015, but not many thought he would start out the season with 7 straight top 10's. He only has one top 5, but on this pace he can make the Chase and then anything can happen (example: Newman in 2014). Finish: 9th
4. Joey Logano (LW-4)- JoLo's top 10 streak to start 2015 continues (7 races). He also has lead a lap in 6 of 7 races this season. On top of that, he only has one start outside the top 10 (13th at Fontana). Finish: 4th
5. Jimmie Johnson (LW-12)- Two wins and still JJ is in 5th.... It's rough going this year to climb to the top as some of these other guys have been just way to consistent to knock down a notch. As of right now the top 6-8 drivers are all strong contenders week to week so this is no knock against JJ. Finish: 1st
6. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-9)- Speaking of strong contenders, Jr has been good week after week. Does everyone remember last year when Harvick was one of the fastest drivers week to week but bad luck and pit mistakes cost him consistency? Jr hasn't been as strong as Harvick in 2014, but he has been very, very good thus far if you take out some rough luck. It was also Kevin and Childers first year together.... Finish: 3rd
7. Jeff Gordon (LW-7)- After a slow start finish wise, that also had some bad luck, Gordon and Gustafson seem to be on to something. They have 4 straight top 10's but haven't cracked the top 5 yet. Finish: 7th
8. Kasey Kahne (LW-10)- If you take the wins out of the Chase standings then Kahne is 5th in total points. That is a 180 from last year's run where he needed a last second win at Atlanta to get into the Chase. Finish: 8th 
9. Denny Hamlin (LW-8)- Denny Hamlin seems to be a bit stronger in 2015 then he was most of 2014 (JGR in general seems that way). After a win heading into NASCAR's first break, Hamlin came back out and had an ok run at Texas. One of the biggest things that seems to still be nagging him is his starting position. Finish: 11th
10. Kurt Busch (LW-5)- Kurt has been strong since coming back this year and it is refreshing to see after a rough first season with SHR in 2014. He took the pole for Saturday night but wasn't in position to finish the race. Finish: 14th
11. Jamie McMurray (LW-NR)- JMac has a top 5 and three top 10's in his last four races. He had a strong car Saturday at Texas and found himself towards the front when the race was winding down. He also lead a few laps on his way to another top ten. Finish: 6th
12. Carl Edwards (LW-NR)- Carl takes his JGR teammate Matt Kenseth spot in the rankings this week. It's actually Carl's first time back in the top 12 since the start of the year. Texas also happened to be his first top 10 of 2015. Finish: 10th

Dropped Out: Matt Kenseth (LW-6) and Ryan Newman (LW-11)

Just Missed: David Ragan

Honorable Mention: Ricky Stenhouse Jr (Finish: 15th), Greg Biffle (Finish: 17th), and Trevor Bayne (Finish: 18th)

2015 Pit Road Week 5: Auto Club

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Week 5 Auto Club 400

By Richard Tix

Let's start with the good first. The Auto Club 400 was sold out on Sunday and for good reason. The past few years this warn out racing surface at Auto Club has given NASCAR fans some of the best racing and finishes of the season.

Once again this past Sunday didn't disappoint. Most of the weekend it was the Kurt Busch show. After returning to the track last week at Phoenix and impressing early he continued to do so by being the fastest in every practice, happy hour, and the Cup qualifying at Auto Club.

It all set up for a Kurt Busch dominating day at Fontana. He did lead a bunch on the day and was also a favorite most of the day while running the same car set up as teammate Kevin Harvick, but eventually some others got in on the deal, including Harvick himself. 

Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth from JGR both finally showed some life while running up front and challenged both SHR cars during the middle of the race. Denny did it by getting the lead and staying out front in "clean air." Meanwhile Kenseth held the lead several different times because of having a front pit stall and fast stops. 

Eventually it came down to the SHR show again during the closing laps while Kurt and Kevin fought for the lead. A few late cautions for debris packed the cars back up and fans got a bunch of wild restarts. I have to say the restarts at Auto Club have been some of the best in NASCAR lately.

Because of those cautions the gamble of four tires for Brad Keselowski on the first of the two (cautions) paid off. BK came out of no where on the last Green White Checker to pass Kurt Busch for the lead. Kurt tried to drive it in hard late, but couldn't get to BK. It eventually helped put Kurt in the wall and Harvick finished second (to extend his streak). 

It wasn't a race where the best car won, but that is racing sometimes. What id known is BK is pretty much in the Chase and SHR's #41 and #4 will have something strong week after week.

Now, onto the not as good part of this review. Let me start by saying we all have opinions and it should be this way, that's what makes us human. Not everyone's opinion will and should ever be the same. This all being said because many fans do not like Brad Keselowski. While I am a fan, I will respect others fans opinion of him.

Hate him, dislike him, think he is unintelligent, think he is ugly, or think he is a terrible driver, that's fine because its all your opinion. But, going on social media and spewing vulgar about him because you can sit behind your computer, smart phone, tablet, etc is pathetic. No one really wants to hear your crap except for those other "fans" that are so tough to sit behind a social media platform to cuss out drivers.

Dale Earnhardt would want to slap you in the face for your stupid comments. Social media is a gift for many fans who may never get a shot at meeting there favorite driver or celebrity and might get to interact with them, yet you go about calling people horse face and jacka$$ because you're stuck in second grade.

I just draw a line and can not respect anyone who has to do this. Many fans hate BK and I have had some great conversations with them because they do not have to stoop that low, I respect that. Down the road when you actually have something intelligent to say about the sport I automatically right it off because of how childish you act towards drivers and there livelihood. So stop hiding behind that screen and act like a human. 

BK isn't the only one either. Both Busch brothers get plenty of heat, as does Bowyer and many others. The second grade look really doesn't look good on you. The even better part is when a "fan" attacks a driver, the driver responds, and the "fan" immediately turns into a little tiny mouse the size of an ant. Saying "oh, I wasn't serious. I totally respect the way you drive" (or some total BS thing because a driver responded to them). These moves, when you get down to it, are a total call for attention. 

The sad thing is the ones who need the attention are the ones saying it. Look in a mirror and act like a human.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled power rankings. There is a whole lot of parity in the top 12 and guys can almost be placed anywhere (after Harvick). 

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 5 (Week 4)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- He didn't win, but he was strong all day and looked like he would push Kurt for the win, that is until BK stole it. Harvick lead 34 laps on the day but seemed a bit more human this week even though he extended his streak. Finish: 2nd
2. Kurt Busch (LW-NR)- This might be the first time in NBTW Power Rankings history that I jumped someone from "just missed" all the way to second. But the thing about Kurt is, he has been the only one to look as strong as Harvick since his return. Even though BK won and has been good, Kurts two race run has been impressive enough to make the leap. Finish: 3
3. Brad Keselowski (LW-4)- Brad and Paul Wolfe took four tires on a late caution that looked to place them with a top 10 finish, but with how the race played out it actually put them in a spot with a huge advantage. Finish: 1st
4. Martin Truex Jr (LW-3)- Truex's top 10 streak to start 2015 continues. After a season full of disappointing finishes in 2014 its refreshing to see the #78 team up front again. Finish: 8th
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-8)- I know it was a harsh drop last week, but he gets a big jump back up this week. Jr has been good, but I haven't seen great just yet. If he keeps stringing up top 10's he will eventually get that win in 2015. Finish: 6th
6. Joey Logano (LW-2)- First race of the season where JoLo didn't lead at least a lap. In fact, he had lead at least 31 laps in every race so far. It was a mediocre day but the team still finished inside the top 10. Finish: 7th
7. Ryan Newman (LW-5)- All Newman does is sneak up on you and finish in the top 10. Since his rough outing at Daytona he has done that every race. He already has 3 top 5's after a season in which he totaled 5. Finish: 5th
8. Jimmie Johnson (LW-8)- JJ already has a win, has been running pretty well, and is 8th? Ironically he is also 8th in points this week. It just shows how much parity is in NASCAR right now past Harvick. Finish: 9th
9. Paul Menard (LW-11)- Before Auto Club Menard had four finishes in a row of 14th or better, but no top 10's. Paul left ACS with his first top 5 of the season. He has started out 2015 solid. Finish: 4th
10. Matt Kenseth (LW-10)- The #20 pit crew really killed it on Sunday. Numerous times they put Kenseth up front with his great pit spot with no one in front of him. Kenseth had a good car but it just couldn't keep the lead from the 41 and 4 and eventually broke an axle during a pit. Finish: 31st
11. Kasey Kahne (LW-6)- Pretty quiet day for Kahne overall. His average running position was 17th and thats right where he finished. Finish: 17th
12. Jeff Gordon (LW-NR)- Back in the power rankings after being on the outside looking in for a few races, Gordon has put together quiet back to back top 10's. Sunday he was never really a front runner but still got a good finish. Finish: 10th

Dropped Out: AJ Allmendinger (LW-9) and Kyle Larson (LW-12)

Just Missed: Aric Almirola and Carl Edwards

Back to back for the first time in 2015

I'm giving Dave a pass here. He always votes BK and voted (almost) every week last year.

That's it for this week's review. Thanks for checking out NASCAR Behind the Wall!