Week 23 Preview

Michigan International Speedway: Pure Michigan 400

Last time in Michigan we saw Roush Racing continue its dominance at the track in Brooklyn, MI when Greg Biffle won for the 4th time in his career.  Biffle is second only to Mark Martin (5) in career wins for active drivers at MIS.  Now going back in August we will get to see if Roush and Biffle can keep it going and make it three in arow.

Also, as always, the story in Michigan will be can Nascar's most popular driver finally get back into the win column for the first time this season? Michigan has been a place that Jr has looked good at and had chances to win in his last 10 starts, so he will be looking to break out of the good category and enter the great with a win.  Take a look back at last years results from the August race here and also this years June race here.

Biffle won back to back. Last August and also this June.

*A look at last June's Week 15 Preview (Michigan)*

The Good:

• Greg Biffle- Well he has to be mentioned right away. He has two straight wins, 4 career wins, and an average finish of 8.3 in his last 10 at MIS (best of any current driver in the last 10). Best Chance Forecast: He should be considered a contender again this weekend. Should find a way into the top 10 at the worst.
• Carl Edwards- Edwards was the Pole winner here in June so he knows how to be fast around MIS.  In his last 10 starts here he has one (36th in 2011) time where he was worse then 12th. He also has 7 top 10's. Best Chance Forecast: Not normal to start this list with two Ford's, but this is the one track they have been good at. Another top 10 isn't out of the question.
• Matt Kenseth- A former Ford car driver rounds out the list this week. Kenseth has 6 top 10's in his last 10 races at MIS including finishing 6th in June (4 of those top 5's). Best Chance Forecast: Well another guy taking a likely top 10 finish in this weeks Good category.

The Middle:

• Clint Bowyer- What is more middle of the road and consistent then 7 top 10s in 10 races but no top 5's? Well in this addition of Week Preview for MIS nothing. He has three straight 7th place finishes and before that two straight 8th place finishes. 5 straight top 10's for Bowyer here and he needs it to get out of his two race slump.

The Bad:

• Jimmie Johnson- Last time this was a reach in the Bad category, this time it gets a little more legit. He fiinished 28th in June and last August he finished 27th. That's back to back bad finishes and that doesn't seem to happen to JJ at any track.
• Kasey Kahne- He seems to find bad luck a lot at MIS and it hasn't helped his average finish position in his last ten (19.7). MIS is the kind of track that Kahne can finish really well at because he is fast week by week. If he stays out of trouble he could find another win.

Looking for a Long Shot?

• Joey Logano- I am on the JoLo bandwagon, but if you read NBTW regularly you may know that. I am still in the small group that thinks he will get a win this year, and at one point I thought it would be before the Chase started. Well I always like going out on a limb when picking my weekly winner so I'm taking Joey. He has been on a hot streak and he is due.

Need More?

• Pure Michigan 400 Entry List
• Austin Dillon stepping in at Michigan for SHR

Well that's it for this weeks preview. I am not sure how late the review will be back as I will be at this race and not back until Monday. Do, however, check out my Twitter for updates from the track. Also, you can check out June's Preview and Review from Nascar Behind the Wall earlier this year.  

Week 22 Preview

Watkins Glen 2013

Well folks this upcoming weekend Nascar turns right -did you hear that Juan Pablo Montoya?- you have a chance. (Sorry JPM fans, but the fact is he hasn't won on a left turn only track in Nascar).  Weeks at road courses always seem to bring some excitement to the series. The excitement comes from the fact that Nascar fans only get to see these Gen 6 cars go right twice a year and also because road courses can bring unlikely winners.

Watkins Glen could end up effecting the Chase by giving a guy in the top 20 a chance to steal a victory and have a chance at a WC spot (especially with the unknown outcome of what Tony Stewart's season holds after he broke his leg on Monday). So take a look at last years Glen results here and notice that Marcus Ambrose is your back to back race winner.


The Good:

• Marcus Ambrose- Well we have to start with the Australian on this list because 1) he doesn't find himself on it very often and 2) he has won the last 2 races here.  Also in 5 career starts at the Glen he has an average finish of 2, SECOND! On top of that he hasn't finished outside the top 3 yet. 
• Brad Keselowski- This can be taken with a grain of salt because BK only has 3 starts here, but he has finished 2nd the last two times out. The first time he started 32nd and ended up finish 20th so he did improve and maybe showed he started his learning curve the first time out.
• Kyle Busch- 8 Starts at the Glen and 7 top 10's. Similar to BK his only poor finish was his first career race here in which he finished 33rd. He also has a win here in 2008 when he started from the Pole.

The Middle

• Carl Edwards- He has a career of quality finished at Watkins Glen and finished inside the top 14 7 of his 8 starts (the other was a 19th place finish in his first career start here). Problem is his last two here were the other two not top 10 finishes he has had (14th and 12th).

The Bad:

• Kurt Busch- When you think of Kurt you think of a wheel man, a guy who gets after it and lays it all out there. That is Kurts problem at the Glen, he has been boom or bust. While he does seem to find his way to the front, at the end of many races he finds himself in the 30's with a beat up car half running. 
• Dale Earnhart Jr- Jr just doesn't like to go right, that's all that's to it. He can, but stats show that he typically struggles. If he comes home with a top 15 he should be happy and move on to the thought of winning at Michigan.

More coverage:

• Watkins Glen Paint Preview
• Stewart's Injury
• Pit Road Week 21 (With Power Rankings)

Well hope you are ready to take some right turns at the Glenn this weekend! Check back early next week after the race for a Watkins Glen Review with Power Rankings. Also next week Nascar heads to Michigan and as do I. I should get a preview out early on and if you follow me on Twitter you can follow along while i'm at the track.

Week 20 Preview

Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2013

Nascar breaks from another bye week and heads to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 20th Sprint Cup running.  Last time here Jimmie Johnson crossed the fame bricks in first and also has 4 times in the last ten races at IMS. The two previous years at IMS has brought surprise winners in Paul Menard and Jamie McMurray. So the question is who will win in 2013, a favorite or a surprise winner?

With the race to get into the Chase heating up a surprise win could throw a huge curveball towards drivers on the edge of getting it, unless that is, the winner happens to be one of those guys already on the edge. Lets get right into the Good, Middle, and Bad drivers at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the last 10 races. If you need to take a peak at last years results look no further, IMS 2012.


The Good:

• Tony Stewart- Well this is a track Smoke considers his home track and it always means a bit more to him when he wins here. For Smoke, he has had those special moments two times in the last ten races here. He also has 8 top 10's and 5 top 5's while finishing in 10th in 2012. Best Chance Forecast: A track favorite and a potential summer run, look for Smoke to finish top 5 if not compete for a win if he is fast in qualifying.
• Jeff Gordon- This list could not leave off Gordon, who has one win in the last 10 (but 4 career wins here). He is tied with JJ for most wins at IMS. Best Chance Forecast: Looking for some consistancy I think Gordon can find a way into the top 10 and hang near the top 10 in points.
• Greg Biffle- Biffle's last five finishes at IMS? 3rd, 7th, 3rd, 4th, and 8th. Not too Shabby for the Biff. Add in he has a 12.1 average finish position in the last 10 starts here and you have a quality start. Best Chance Forecast: I doubt he will win, but look for him to be up front and finish top 10.

The Middle:

• Jimmie Johnson- Ok, ok, I know many people have them on there hot list, as is the smart choice and idea. But, I also want to point out his last three and bad luck that seems to follow him here. He does have a win in his last 3 but he also has finishes of 19th and 22nd, both races he finished on the lead lap. Also, in his last ten he has finishes of 39, 38, 36th all bad luck. With how good he has been you can bet he will be up front, and probably finish top 10, (and may deserve a spot in the Good category) but I also feel I have to inform the public JJ isn't transparent to bad luck.

The Bad:

• Kurt Busch- Well Kurt's last 5 starts here go a little like this: 36, 21, 10, 27, and 40th. Not so hot for a driver trying to get the one car team into the Chase. If any year was the year to bounce out of that funk this would be the one.
• Joey Logano- Well JoLo only has 4 starts here at IMS and they have brought mixed results. Normally you would think the first races would be learning curves and the next couple better. Well here are his finishes starting with his first in 2009: 12th, 9th, 25th, and 33rd last year. Last year he didn't finish on the lead lap but it still isn't the greatest stat line to have right now.
• Martin Truex Jr- 8 starts and one top ten. The upside to Truex's stats? That top 10 came just last year with an 8th place finish. Maybe he is figuring it out here? If not he has a 21.5 average finish position in his last 10 races that says he may struggle.

Who I like for the win this weekend?

• Tony Stewart. Its summer, he has to catch fire eventually right?

Dark Horse?

• Greg Biffle. Yeah he is part of my Good section, but who is really picking the Biff to kiss the bricks?

Hope everyone enjoy/enjoyed Eldora (depending on when you read this). Lets get ready to cross the bricks.

Week 19 Preview

New Hampshire Motor Speedway: Summer Race

Ten straight races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway without having a repeat winner. That is a pretty good streak and I would guess that it will end this weekend. Drivers like Kasey Kahne, Jimmie Johnson, Clint Bowyer, Greg Biffle, Denny Hamlin, and Tony Stewart (to name 6 of them) have been winners in the last 10 in Loudon.

So who will win this week at NHMS? Two other guys who have won here in the last 10 races -Kurt Busch and Joey Logano- could really use there first wins of 2013 this week to help there Chase chances. Another guy, Mark Martin, would love to get one last win a his career dwindles down. This week in Loudon Nascar should have plenty of excitement. Take a look at last years Summer race which had Kasey Kahne finishing in Victory Lane.


The Good:

• Jeff Gordon- Gordon has been good at NH, actually what I mean to say is very good. His worst finish in the last 10 races here is 15th. Yet he doesn't have a victory here in those 10 races. He does however have 6 top 10's and 4 top 5's. (Finishes outside the top 10: 11th, 15th, 14th, and 11th). Best Chance Forecast: I would say he is almost a lock for the top 10 if he stays out of trouble.
• Denny Hamlin- The latest winner at NH (Fall Race), Denny has also come 2nd or 3rd 4 times in the last 10 races. That means he notched a post race interview (for a top 3 finish) 50% of the time. Best Chance Forecast: Well he is out of Chase contention, but I think he is a front runner this weekend to make sure no one forgets about him.
• Clint Bowyer- Bowyer hasn't been amazing here -5 top 10's in the last 10 races- but in his first year with MWR he finished 3rd and 4th. If you add that with the fact that he is running well again this year with MWR and you have the makings of a good finish. Best Chance Forecast: I think Clint can notch a top 10 this weekend and stay put in the standings.

The Middle

• Brad Keselowski- Well BK hasn't been amazing here so he ends up stuck in the middle. He is the guy I targeted this week though because his last 3 starts here have come to the tune of 6th, 5th, and 7th. Everything before that wasn't too hot.

The Bad

• Matt Kenseth- Well one of the best drivers and story's of 2013, Kenseth hasn't had much luck here in Loudon. In his last 10 starts at NH he has one, yes one, top 10.
• Jamie McMurray- Well McMurray has been getting on a mini roll as of late, but that could come to an end at NH. McMurray has the same story as Kenseth, one top 10 in his last 10 starts here. 
• Kyle Busch- Well Kyle lands here not because he only has 3 top 10's in his last 10 races here. The real reason behind it is that none of those 3 top 10's were in his last 4 starts in Loudon. He has been fast this year so he has a chance to break that slump.

I will take a few stabs at some questions this week again (Haven't got a Favorite or Dark Horse winner in two weeks, I'm due):

• Who I like to win this weekend?
• Denny Hamlin- DH has hit too many walls and pushed too far down not to make a triumphant return at some point.
• Dark horse I like for the win?
• Brad Keselowski or Ryan Newman- I have two and that's because I didn't want to pick Newman back to back weeks. Newman has a win at NH while with Stewart-Haas and 6 top 10's in 8 races. BK meanwhile has been good in his last 3 and at some point you would think he could put together a good run (then again, maybe not).
• Where do I have Danica finishing? (Because every article has to mention here right?)
• Had her 24th last week (finished 14th) but at least 7 guys like Gordon and Kenseth had troubles, I should have given her the benifit of it being Daytona. This week she has no luxury and has never driven Cup here, 27th place finish.

Well that's it for this weeks preview. Check back in later to Nascar Behind the Wall, their should be a Half Season Review posted with a look similar to the Quarter Season Review from earlier this season. Also if you missed it take a look at the latest Power Rankings after Daytona.

Pit Road Week 18

Daytona International Speedway: Fourth of July Weekend

Well Daytona is a place where drafting and staying out of trouble is key and Saturdays winner did just that. Well it seems like Jimmie Johnson didn't need to draft all night -he was that dominate- but he did stay up and out of trouble.

Most of Saturday night was dominated by Johnson and he didn't look back. One week after Matt Kenseth took the season lead in wins Johnson came storming back tying him and showing why I thought some sites were crazy for not having JJ #1 in there rankings. Onto the Rising, Coasting, and Falling drivers this week. Take a look at Saturdays results from Daytona here.


Rising:

• Casey Mears- Well this finish maybe short lived for Mears, but it is his first top 10 this season. That top 10 was almost wiped out on the last lap but he ran the wall to the finish line for a 9th place finish.
• Tony Stewart- Much needed after a few down races, Smoke got back on track with a runner up finish. He is now back up to the top 10 in the standings and maybe this is his hot streak that he is known for?
• Kurt Busch- Another week and another fast race for Kurt. He wound up finishing 6th which is his third top 10 in arrow and fourth in five races. He is now up to 9th in the standings.
• Jamie McMurray- Back to back top 10's for McMurray. He may not have much of a shot at the top 10 but if he can muster a win one of these weeks he could push for a Wild Card spot.

Coasting:

• Clint Bowyer- I may as well rename this section Clint Harvick group.  Seems like every week they just keep notching consistent finishes and it will be interesting to see if either gets hot during the Chase. This is Bowyers third straight top 5.

Falling:

• Jeff Gordon- It seems like bad luck is finding Gordon this year. He found it again at Daytona this week and ended up 34th. Luckily for him he still has a shot if he can get it going.
• Paul Menard- Two weeks and two bad finishes in arrow. Menard went out early at Daytona and now he is sitting right in 20th position in points which makes his road very tough the rest of the way.

Pit Road Week 18 Power Rankings

1. Jimmie Johnson (LW-1)- Well he dominated all night at Daytona and he will keep dominating the top spot in the Power Rankings until otherwise noted. He may keep the top spot until the rankings are reset for the Chase unless he hits a real rut.
2. Kevin Harvick (LW-2)- 7 straight races where Harvick has finished in the top 10. Yes I said 7. That's back to the ASR so yeah he will sit second fiddle to JJ.
3. Clint Bowyer (LW-3)- Well another top 5 in Bowyers consistent season. The top 5 at Daytona is Bowyers 6th top 10 since the ASR.
4. Kyle Busch (LW-5)- Kyle got caught up on the last lap wreck at the line but still finished 12th. Since the ASR he has 3 top 5's and 4 top 10's.
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-6)- JR stayed out of trouble (or away from Danica) on the last lap and got himself a nice top 10 (8th). He now finds himself back in the top 5 of the Power Rankings but a win would be nice.
6. Matt Kenseth (LW-4)- Well he had a rough finish after getting caught up in a wreck but so did a good amount of other drivers. He still has a car week after week that can contend.
7. Kurt Busch (LW-10)- Kurt finished 6th at Daytona and he also moved into the top 10 in the Sprint Cup Standings
8. Greg Biffle (LW-9)- Moving up yet a bad finish? Daytona took a lot of drivers for a loop but don't take this the wrong way, Biffle is still trending the wrong way on the season as of late.
9. Carl Edwards (LW-7)- See Biffle, then add it to Edwards. Carl isn't falling on the season though as Biffle is, but he has a rough week.
10. Joey Logano (LW-8)- JoLo was another guy caught up this week and he gets a one week pass because he had been so hot.
11. Ryan Newman (LW-NR)- Well Newman hasn't been amazingly hot, but he has had a consistent stretch here that is worth a bottom spot (10, 14, 15, 18, and 5th).
12. Tony Stewart (LW-NR)- Well it is only one finish, but his runner up spot does look nice after he had struggles the past few weeks. Smoke can fall right out of these rankings as easy as he got in if he doesn't show some consistency.

Dropped Out: Kasey Kahne (LW-12) and Martin Truex Jr (LW-11)
Just Missed: Jamie McMurray and Ricky Stenhouse Jr

This week Nascar heads to New Hampshire (Loudon). Later this week Nascar Behind the Wall's Loudon Preview will be up and I will try and take a stab at the "Halfway Review" that will take a look at how drivers are stacking up for the run at the Chase.

Week 17 Preview

Kentucky Speedway

Well Nascar is going back to a track where drivers will only make left turns, a place where Nascar has only ran two times at, Kentucky. Well there is little data this week on this track as we have only had two winners, Brad Keselowski last year and Kyle Busch in Kentuckys inaugural race.

A few quick notes on Kentucky Speedway. In the two years since the Sprint Cup series started running here no driver has posted two top 5's and only 5 drivers have posted two top 10's (Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, and Jeff Gordon). Also only 5 guys have led double digit laps total in two races (Kyle, Keselowski, Johnson, Hamlin, and Kurt).  Well lets get into it and take everything with a grain of salt (Leaving out Best Chance Forecast this week with little data). Here is a look at 2012 and 2011 race results at Kentucky Speedway.

2012 winner Brad Keselowski

The Good:

• Brad Keselowski- BK not only one here last year but in the 2 year history he has the best average finish of 4.0. BK has also lead 147 of 535 laps which is second only to Kyle. This is a track that really helped him get going for the Chase last year. Also note, he has won here in Nationwide with a 3.6 average finish in 5 races.
• Kyle Busch- The only other winner at Kentucky also gets the second spot this week. Not just because he has won here but he has lead 243 of 535 laps here which is 45.5% of the career laps here.
• Kasey Kahne- Lots of other guys can be listed on here, but my last guy I will highlight it Kahne because he loves tracks like this. He has been fast this year and I think he has a chance at a win this Saturday. He did finish 13th in 2011 and 2nd last year so he also has a good track record here as well.

The Middle:

• Carl Edwards- Well with only two races here a lot of guy fit the mold of being in the middle, but I like Carl to stay on his good pace this season with another strong finish at Kentucky. He has only posted a 5th and 20th place finish (last year) so his two races were up and down.

The Bad:

• Clint Bowyer- Do I think he will finish poor this Saturday? No. But in the only two races here has he had a top 15? No. I think he will improve his bad runs here but the fact is in little data he has a 25.5 average finish. I think top 12 is right where he will find a home.
• Jamie McMurray- Same average finish as Bowyer but I think he could again finish outside the top 15. He has struggled to find consistency so it could be another rough day for Jamie.

Kyle Busch win's first Sprint Cup race at Kentucky in 2011

Its a short article with little stats so I will add in some thoughts:

• Who I like for the win the weekend?
• Kasey Kahne
• Dark Horse who I like for the win?
• Joey Logano- He has a good track record in Nationwide and is having a nice 2013.
• Other top contenders?
• Kyle Busch-If he can keep the car from spinning he should be up front
• Brad Keselowski- Won here in both series.
• Jimmie Johnson- Every week he can contend
• Who needs it most?
• Brad Keselowski- Needs his season to turn around, almost out of a Chase spot with no win.
• Denny Hamlin- Honorable mention. DH needs a win this week otherwise he may pack it in soon so he doesn't risk it.
• What big name guy do I think will struggle?
• Tony Stewart- I don't know why, I just have a gut feeling he will struggle this week after a frustrating Sonoma race.
• My top 5 in no order:
• BK, Kyle, Kahne, Kenseth, and Kurt Busch
• Rounding out the to 10:
• Jimmie Johnson, Hamlin, Logano, Gordon, and Edwards

Alright folks that's it for this weeks Kentucky Speedway preview! Check back for updates on other articles and new posts. If I find time either this week or next week I will be writing a "halfway" article that will look at the last 9 or 10 races before we reach the Chase. Have a great week guys.

Week 16 Preview

Sonoma Raceway 2013

It's Saturday and I am watching the Nascar Nationwide race at Race America, so whats a better time to finally get to this weeks Pocono Preview? Since this is such a late article this week I will make it short and sweet, kind of makes sense when Nascar only makes two trips to tracks with right turns.

Last year Sonoma brought a surprise winner in Clint Bowyer and in 2011 Kurt Busch notched a win, whats in common? Both are still looking for a win in 2013. It wont be easy though, in the last 11 races at Sonoma we have had 10 different winner's. The only repeat winner in that time frame is one of the guys who use to dominate this course, Jeff Gordon.

But it seems Nascar has taken more interest into running these road courses and guys have tried to become more well rounded which will make this week at Sonoma a good one, especially because anyone can get that all important win. So who will it be? Lets look at Good, Middle, and Bad Drivers at Sonoma in the last 10 races.


The Good:

• Jeff Gordon- Lets just start with this stat, 20 career races at Sonoma and 16 top 10's. That means Gordon is almost a lock this weekend. He has 7 straight appearances in the top 10 and really the only thing that stops him is bad luck finishes of 37, 37, and 33rd. His other finish outside the top 10? 11th. Best Chance Forecast: Well heck, top 10. Gordon needs to get a win here and start getting hot, like Smoke just did.
• Tony Stewart- Speaking of Smoke he is also pretty good at Sonoma. Last time around he finished runner up to Bowyer. Best Chance Forecast: Another top 10 to keep his hot streak alive.
• Clint Bowyer- He may have been a surprise to win it, but his career finish position average in 7 races at Sonoma is 9.7 (2nd to Jeff Gordon) and he has 5 top 10's. Best Chance Forecast: He has been consistent this year so another top 10 looks likely.
• Marcus Ambrose- The Aussie is known to excel on road courses and won the Pole last year, he ended up 8th. In his 5 races at Sonoma only his first start has he not finished in the top 10 (transmission problem). Best Chance Forecast: I would say we have another top 10 contender on Sunday, and needs a win to turn his season around.

The Middle:

• Ryan Newman- Well Newman isn't amazing at Sonoma, but he finds ways to finish well. His Career Average finish position is 6th of current drivers yet he has zero wins, 2 top 5's and 5 top 10's (11 races). His problem, the last four races here his best finish is 16th. Could be trending down just like his season has.

The Bad:

• Dale Earnhardt Jr- Well Jr Nation can take a break this week and not have to get all worked up, because he most likely will not fight for a win. Crazier things have happened but in his 13 starts at Sonoma not once has he finished in the top 10. All he needs to do is find a nice spot in the top 15 and call it a day til next week.
• Matt Kenseth- With his feast or famine season this isn't where Kenseth would like to be. In 13 races he just one ups Jr with one top 10 finish. He is another guy who will be happy with a top 15 to not loose too much ground. At least he has just a few wins to fall back on (Sorry Jr Nation).

Better late then never right? Well lets get ready for right turns and a bunch of TNT commercials this weekend! I may miss some of Sundays race so the review may be short and sweet as well this week but I will be checking Twitter and Nascar online to stay tuned as much as possible! Lest have a good race.

Week 15 Preview

Michigan International Speedway: Quicken Loans 400

Start of the 2011 Fall MIS race

Nascar leaves the Tricky Triangle and heads to Michigan International Speedway for the first time this season (the second one in August I will be attending and have since 2006). This track is still the only track I have been too and is always a good time. But, onto the product on the track.  Jimmie Johnson may have just won at Pocono and was also very good at Dover but he has never won in 22 tries at Michigan.

That leaves the door open for other drivers to get a win on this very fast 2 mile oval. This week I have articles on 2013 season win less drivers and who will get one this year and it seems that many of them will have a chance this weekend. Guys like Biffle, Gordon, Jr, Newman, and Kurt Busch all have multiple wins at MIS and non of them have a win in 2013.

I think this years race could bring a 2013 season first time winner and also some very fast racing with the new Gen 6 car. Take a look back at last years June results at MIS. Lets get on to the Good, Middle, and Bad Drivers in recent races at MIS.

The Good:

• Greg Biffle- Lets start here, he drives for Roush. Now Fords have had a slow start to the 2013 season but if there was a time to get it going it would be a Jack Roush car at MIS speedway. In the Biff's last 10 he has 1 win, 5 top 5's and 6 top 10's. Best Chance Forecast: I like Biff to find another top 5, but until Ford shows they have figured it out I can't say he is a clear cut favorite to win.
• Carl Edwards- Look above at what was said about Biffle, then apply to Carl. His stats look about the same, 1 win, 5 top 5's and 7 top 10's. Best Chance Forecast: Same as Biffle, top 5, but if Fords were to find another win, a Roush car at MIS is the place.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr- Enough Ford's already. Jr's last Cup win was a year ago at MIS when he was in his last very long win less streak. This year he is trying to put together a run that will put him in good shape for his first title run. Best Chance Forecast: I don't know why but I think another average top 10 finish is in store for Jr. (I could be wrong, he is driving another movie aspired paint scheme this weekend like his MIS win last year)

The Middle

• Denny Hamlin- The middle man this week is actually also a good bet to win at MIS. He does have 2 wins in the last 10 races here, but he also only has a average finish of 15. He has been a feast or famine driver at MIS as of late so he will either push for the win or have troubles. Look for the former this weekend.

The Bad

• Jimmie Johnson- This is a reach, JJ isn't bad at MIS, but the fact that JJ has been so good at most tracks leave me wanting more. (So no mistake, he is a still a good option if you are looking at it for a fantasy option). JJ's average finish leaves something to be desired (15.7 in the last 10) and he only has 4 top 10's in the last 10 (2 top 5's). Also note, he has yet to win at MIS in his career.
• Paul Menard- Lets get to a guy who really hasn't been good at all at MIS. Menard has two top 10's and 1 top 5 in his last 10 races here. Not only that his average finish is way down to 21.6. If he wants to hang around the Chase talks he will have to figure it out at MIS this Sunday.
• Marcus Ambrose- He is a guy I just had to get in this article. He could also be considered in the "Laying Low" section with his teammate Almirola because his last two were finishes of 9th and 5th. Other then those two finishes Ambrose has struggled at MIS. Maybe he has figured it out though, so he could be a sleeper.
• Kurt Busch- In Kurts last 10 races here he has run into some bad luck and it has resulted in an average finish of 21.6 with 2 top 10's and 1 top 5's. But Kurt has been fast this year and he does know how to go fast at MIS, in the last 10 he has 2 poles in his name.

Laying Low

• Ryan Newman- His last 10 numbers do not look very overwhelming, actually they don't look good at all. But if you check out Newman's last 4 starts at MIS and there is hope (8, 15, 5, and 6). He could have a chance to sneak up on the field this weekend, hopefully he doesn't "run" into Gilliland though.
• Aric Almirola- Aric only has two career starts at MIS but I think this is the kind of track that he could excel at the more and more he runs it. Last year he finished 17th and 20th and this he has a chance to improve on that. I think he can pull off a top 15 and maybe even get back in the top 10.

Need more?

• MIS paint Scheme's
• MIS Quicken Loan's 400 Entry List
• Latest news from MIS

Nascar Behind the Wall Recent Articles:

• A Race For a Win: Part One
• A Race For a Win: Part Two
• Heating Up

Week 14 Preview

Pocono Raceway: Party in the Poconos

Welcome Tony Stewart to Chase consideration. He spent 13 weeks in no mans land with everyone coming down on him and wondering what was going on. Then, suddenly, he won at Dover and everything changed, or it did for this one week at least.

This week Nascar heads to the tricky triangle for the first of two trips in 2013 season. I have to admit Pocono is not one of my favorite tracks but some drivers might disagree with me as will be revealed in the Good, Middle, and Bad section in the preview. If you want to check out Nascar's first trip results in 2012 to Pocono check it out here.

The Good:

• Jeff Gordon- In the last 10 trips to Pocono Gordon is one of two drivers to have more then one win here. He also has 7 top 10's (second only to JJ) and 3 top 5's. He is also the win's leader of current drivers with 6 career trips to victory lane. Gordon was the last driver to win here. Best Chance Forecast: I think he can compete for a win and he will need it, but not as much as DH.
• Denny Hamlin- The other driver to have multiple win's at Pocono in the last 10, DH. He also has 5 top 10's to add to that, all of which were top 5 finishes. Best Chance Forecast: Well he had some struggles last time at Pocono, but those wins and top 5's are hard to look past. He needs it the most, he could compete for a win.
• Tony Stewart- Smoke has the second best average finish in the last 10 races here (9.3). To go along with that he also has a win, 6 top 5's, and 7 top 10's. After getting a slump busting win at Dover Pocono is just what he wants to see. Best Chance Forecast: I think Smoke can add a top 10 to his list after last weeks win, but last time I said that he finished poorly (take it with a grain of salt).
• Also in the mix- Joey Logano (fast, 2 poles, 1 win in last 10), Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson

The Middle:

• Clint Bowyer- Clint has 6 top 10's and 1 top 5 in the last 10 races at Pocono but no wins. In fact, in 14 career starts on the triangle he has no wins with 7 top 10's and 1 top 5. Last year though he did finish in the top 10 both times so he could be getting it going at Pocono.

The Bad:

• Kyle Busch- Kyle does have 3 top 10's (which were 3 top 5's) in the last 10 races, but his average finish at Pocono in that span is 18.4. If he is not hot, he is way off at Pocono so it is a real toss up with him this week.
• Jamie McMurray- Where has McMurray been the past few weeks? Well this week may not get better, in his last 10 he only has 2 top 10's at Pocono.

Laying Low:

• Mark Martin- Well he has been very quiet as of late, and Pocono is just in time. Last season he finished runner up and 12th. He could maybe make a run towards the front.
• Marcus Ambrose- Last season he turned in finishes of 13th and 10th at Pocono. This season he is in desperate need of a good finish so anywhere near the top 10 would be a good start.
• Ryan Newman- His last four races at Pocono have been pretty good. Good enough to earn him a 8.0 average finish position. (6, 12, 5, and 9th).

Still need more Nascar heading up to Pocono?

• Paint Scheme's for this weekend
• Pocono Entry List
• TDR Engine talk on Nascar.com
• Pocono by the Numbers

Week 13 Preview

Dover International Speedway

Well Nascar is heading to Dover, the Monster Mile, where many drivers are coming to a cross road. How will they handle the pressure as we get closer every week to the 10 race Chase? Is Tony Stewart going to make a push and find a win or two to get a Wild Card spot? Can Brad Keselowski end his bad luck string that has taken him from defending Champ to a driver on the verge of missing the Chase? Can Denny Hamlin miss part of the season, fall out of the top 20, and then come back and get a Chase berth? Well Dover will start to answer these question's and most likely bring up even more stories to follow in 2013.

As for last week, Kevin Harvick kept his hot streak going and notched his second win of the 2013 season. At the same time Kasey Kahne finished 2nd for the 3rd time on a 1.5 mile track this season. Last season Dover brought us winners of Jimmie Johnson (Fall) and Brad Keselowski (Spring). BK could definitely use the win and a shot of confidence that they can get through a race without something happening to them. Meanwhile Johnson has been unstoppable at Dover in the last 10 races and most of his career. Check out last years Fall results here.

Good, Middle, and Bad Drivers at Dover

The Good:

• Jimmie Johnson- Surprise, Surprise JJ made the good list once again. But really, of current drivers, he has 7 Monster Mile Wins, the next closest is 4 (Gordon and Martin). Best Chance Forecast: He has been good here in the past. He did qualify poorly so there is a chance someone can steal one from him. Top 10 should still be easy.
• Matt Kenseth- If it wasn't for Johnson Kenseth would be one of the most dominant drivers at Dover in the last 10 races. In the last 10 he has 8 top 10's and all of them were to 5's! He also has 1 win in the last 10 here. Best Chance Forecast: The way the last 10 have gone here and how good he has been this year it is hard to not say top 5.
• Carl Edwards- Carl also has 8 top 10's in the last 10 starts at Dover but only 5 of those are top 10's. Pretty good numbers at the Monster Mile but in the last 10 he doesn't have a win, will he get his second of the season? Best Chance Forecast: I think he has a great shot at the top 5 and maybe he can contend for a win.
• Notables: Kyle Busch and Mark Martin

The Middle:

• Kevin Harvick- Lots of drivers to choose from in the middle at the Monster Mile in the last 10 races, but I'm highlighting Harvick. 5 top 10's, 1 top 5, and an average finish of 13th puts him towards the top drivers in the last 10 races in finishing position. So what's missing? Well he doesn't have a win, not only in the last 10 races, but in his career. So with his season on the uphill swing could he get his first at Dover?

The Bad:

• Dale Earnhardt Jr- While his career at Dover hasn't been too bad, the last 10 starts here have been a different story. A fourth place finish is his only top 10 finish in the last 10 at Dover. Add that with the fact that in those 10 he has an average finish of 19.5 and it equals a lot of work to do on the Monster Mile.
• Juan Pablo Montoya- Good news for Jr, he isn't JPM. Juan's loan top 10 in the last 10 races was also a fourth place finish but his average finish is even worse then Jr's (24.2). At least Jr has had a good season, Juan will need a lot of help to turn his around this weekend.

Laying Low:

• Denny Hamlin- It is tough to say DH is ever laying low, but if you just looked at his last 10 at Dover he only has 3 top 10's and a top 5. His average finish is a dismal 21.2 in those 10 races. But he has been hot since returning to the track and if you look past those numbers you will see potential to break out. His last 6 here go like this (8, 18, 18, 16, 9, and 4).
• Jeff Burton- Last year didn't go so well here for Burton, but in the last 10 he has 4 top 10's, 2 top 5's, and an average finish of 12.4. So was last year the start of his old age slump or can he find it one last time at Dover? I think the former may be the case, but either way keep an eye on him for one last run at glory.
• Greg Biffle- This season has been so tough for the Biff he found his way on this list. In his last 10 he has 4 top 10's, 3 top 5's, 1 win, and the 4th best average finish among current drivers (11.8).

More on Dover?

• Dover Qualifying results.
• Pit Stall Selections
• Dover Schedule and Stats

Well late is better then never! Check out the review and some older Driver Spotlights while you are at it! Enjoy the race this Sunday and check back for a review sometime early next week!!

Pit Road Week 12

Charlotte Motor Speedway: Coca-Cola 600

This is not only a late Pit Road article for Nascar Behind the Wall but also will be a short one. I am going to skip right to the updated Power Rankings. Reason behind that is I was out of town with friends and family for Memorial weekend and only caught about 50 laps of the Coca-Cola 600. Instead of writing up some BS about the Rising, Coasting, and Falling drivers I am going to just update the Rankings bye the articles I have read and how the drivers final results were. So on to the rankings and on to the Monster Mile this week! Check out the Coca-Cola 600 Results here.

**Keep in mind these Rankings only include points races so their is no consideration from the All-Star Race**


Pit Road (Week 12 Power Rankings)

1. Matt Kenseth (LW-1)- He did finish the night in 15th, but he also led 112 laps on the night. Between him or Jimmie Johnson I will stay with last weeks number one.
2. Jimmie Johnson (LW-2)- Late race wreak that had him spinning off the track sent him back to a 22nd place finish. He was having a solid night before that happened. He has been unstoppable at the Monster Mile so he may climb back to number 1 soon.
3. Carl Edwards (LW-3)- Carl has been a mainstay at the top of the Power rankings. He didn't do enough to move past the bad finishes of Kenseth or JJ but his 11th place finish also didn't move him down. The top 3 guys in the Power Rankings all have a good track record at Dover in the last 10 races.
4. Kevin Harvick (LW-7)- Harvick has been hot as of late and is having a pretty solid season. He is now up to 7th in the Points Standings with 2 wins in 2013
5. Clint Bowyer (LW-5)- Clint stays put after notching another top 10 finish (8th). He sits 4th in the points and has 6 top 10's this year.
6. Kasey Kahn (LW-8)- Kahne comes up as the Brides Maid again at a 1.5 mile track. He has been good but just not good enough to squeak out the wins at those tracks this year. He has 5 top 5's which ties him with Kyle Busch for the second most on the season.
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-4)- Well Jr makes a fall this week due to trouble at Charlotte, but mostly because other drivers around him got hot. Its just a tough 3 through 7 but he may stay down this way with Dover not being kind to him in the last 10 races there.
8. Denny Hamlin (LW-NR)- After being out with his injury, Denny has made a strong run back with 3 straight top 10's (2 of the top 5's). He also makes his way back on the Power Rankings with slumping drivers all around.
9. Kyle Busch (LW-8)- Caught up with a camera hitting his car and then having engine problems (nothing to do with the camera problem) Kyle had another weekend where he can not wait to leave.
10. Kurt Busch (LW-NR)- Well Kurt has found himself back on the Power Rankings in 2013 with a 3rd place finish at Charlotte. That would be two top 5's in a row and three top 10's in his last 5 races. Every race that goes bye the Furniture Row team gets better and looks more and more like they will find a win (which could mean a Wild Card spot).
11. Martin Truex Jr (LW-12)- Who hung on with all the newcomers taking up spots? Truex did with his 9th place finish. He actually has made a case to be higher on this list but its tough going. Another solid finish at the Monster Mile and he will make a dramatic jump. He is still 9th in points and has 5 top 5's in 2013
12. Ryan Newman (LW-NR)- Well Newman marks the 3rd driver who wasn't ranked after out last race that made this weeks Rankings. That is how bad the slumping (and crashes) seemed to have affected the guys down here on the bubble. Newman the only halfway bright spot this season at Stewart-Hass finished 6th at Charlotte.

Dropped Out: Brad Keselowski (6th), Jeff Gordon (10th), and Aric Almirola (11th).
Just Missed: Joey Logano

Well onto the Monster Mile where many drivers will be looking to get back on track while getting pushed all around the track.

Week 12 Preview

Charlotte Motor Speedway: Coca-Cola 600

Well Jimmie Johnson started the two week Charlotte visit with his forth All-Star win in his career. That fourth win is now a Nascar record which broke him away from Jeff Gordon (both had 3 All-Star wins before Saturday) and the late Dale Earnhardt. Now can Johnson get the win that really matters this next Saturday and catch back up to Matt Kensth in season wins, who was also this weeks driver in Driver Spotlight?

During the All-Star race is seemed like maybe Jimmie Johnson is finding his Charlotte groove that he had back in the mid 2000's (Won 5 of 6 races from 2003-2005). Unlike that run, the last 9 races at Charlotte have resulted in 9 different winners including Kasey Kahne (Spring) and Clint Bowyer (Fall) last year.

With that many different winners it seems that the chances of a repeat driver in the 10th race is likely, but who will it be? Johnson has 6 career wins, Jeff Gordon 5, and guys like Jeff Burton (3) and David Reutimann (1) even have recent wins. So lets get on with it, the Good, Middle, and Bad drivers at Charlotte Motor Speedway. If you need a look back, check out the Spring 2012 results here.


The Good:

• Kyle Busch- I will take this even after he looked like he would win all night at the All-Star race. I will take this even though he has yet to win at Charlotte in 18 starts. In the last 10 races during a points race, Kyle has 9 top 10's and 7 top 5's. Best Chance Forecast: It isn't a long shot, yet it is because he hasn't won here yet, I'm taking him for the Win.
• Kasey Kahne- 10 races here and only one driver has won more then one race, that's Kahne. Winning last year and in 2008 Kahne also has 7 top 10's and 5 top 5's in the last 10. Best Chance Forecast: As long as he and Kyle are not running one and two at the races end (never know who will spin out, always seems to be Kasey) then he should be looking at a top 5 with a shot at winning.
• Joey Logano- Who has the best average finish position of current drivers here? Well of course Joey Logano. Though he only has 8 career starts at Charlotte his average finish of 10.1 give him 3rd best in the last 10 races. Best Chance Forecast: Sliced bread was runner up at the All-Star race and has had a pretty good season less the penalty, I think he can find another top 10 and might run top 5.
• Runner ups- Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle

The Middle:

• Jimmie Johnson- Jimmie just won the All-Star race which is now a Nascar record 4th time, and he has 6 career wins at Charlotte Motor Speedway which is the most among current drivers yet he is in the middle class? Well his last 10 have produced a 17.5 average finish. He does have 4 top 10's with 3 of those being top 5's in his last 10. Johnson showed in the All-Star race he may have regained his grasp on the track.

The Bad:

• Dale Earnhardt Jr- I know Jr Nation won't like this, but stats are stats. In his last 9 races (missed last years Chase race) he has an average finish 22.4. He also starts on average in 18.4 position which is part of the problem. Only 3 top 10's in those last 9 means Jr needs to turn it around here. Lucky for him he has had a good year of turning it around other then some bad luck here and there.
• Paul Menard- Six drivers down that average finish position list is Menard (24.3). In his last he has only placed in the top 10 once and that was 2010. In those 10 races he has only finished better then 20th 3 times! Not a good sign for Paul this weekend.

Laying Low:

• Kurt Busch- I am not sure he is every laying low anymore, but Kurt is one of 9 drivers to have a win in the last 10 races (2010). 4 top 10's and 3 top 5's in the past 10 races here he could find his first win on the 2013 season and make getting into the Chase that much closer. Also not he ran well in the All-Star race and has been hot this season just about everywhere.
• Martin Truex Jr- This is a bit of a long shot when in his last 10 he has an average finish of 18.9 and only two top 10's but last season he finished 12th and 10th so I think he has it in him to find the top 10. Still probably wont be a factor to win though.
• Tony Stewart- Yeah he has been demoted to the part of a "laying low" driver. His last 10 here do not look pretty (1 top 10) so this is a risky pick, but it's they laying low section so I can take as many long shots as I want. I feel like I need to tell myself again and again this is a past champion and he knows how to race. Anyways, if you take out the last 10, he has 18 races with 11 top 10's, 6 top 5's, and a win.

Still want more? Well check out some quick links to other articles:

• Nascar Paint Scheme's for Charlotte Motor Speedway
• By The Numbers Charlotte from Nascar.com
• Charlotte Entry List
• Want more blog action? Check out SportsGuy7's Blog, including Fantasy previews and a Top 10 Power Rankings for Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Week 10 Preview

Talladega Superspeedway

Nascar is officially through a Quarter of the 2013 season! 9 races into the season and Nascar heads to Talladega for the first of two times (the next during the Chase). As Nascar left Richmond International Raceway Kevin Harvick finally got hot and into the top 5 for the first time this year with a late race Win.

Some bad luck and bad nights hit some drivers hard in Richmond which could end up being a huge misstep in a Chase spot run with Dega next on the list (known for getting into trouble). Last year's Talladega winners come into this week on different terms. In the Spring race Brad Keselowski got his second career win at Talladega (the other his first ever career win in 2009) and needs to bounce back after he lost a cylinder late in the race at Richmond. On the other hand, Matt Kenseth who was the winner at Dega during the Chase has been on a hot streak again.

Yet both drivers need a good finish this week because both have faced the wrath of Nascar and run into penalties that make every misstep even larger. Here is a look at the Spring race results at Talladega.


The Good:

• Brad Keselowski- BK needs a good week that is mistake free to get past all the bad luck he has been through. Every since Nascar came down on Penske he has seemed to have some bad luck but for the most part fight through it. In his 8 starts he has a 12.2 average finish (best of current drivers), 2 wins, 3 top 5's, and 6 top 10's. Best Chance Forecast: BK has to run into some good luck some where right? Top 5 with a good shot at getting his first win of the season.
• Clint Bowyer- In the last 10 races at Talladega Bowyer has not only the most top 10s (7) but the best average finish (10.5). Add in two wins in his last 5 and you have the ingredients for a good track. Best Chance Forecast: Another top 10 should be a no brainer, a chance at a win is possible.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr- Even though his last 10 races have been just average at Talladega (4 top 10's and no wins) Jr has a long history of great driving here. If you add up the fact he knows the track well and he has a hot start to the 2013 season I think it is safe to say he should have a good weekend. Best Chance Forecast: I'm thinking he will find his way to the top 10, and may find a top 5.

The Middle:

• Matt Kenseth: The guy I will go with this week out of the many drivers to choose from, Kenseth. In the last 10 he has led the second most laps, has a win and 2 top 5's (both last year) but his average finish over those 10 is 21st. 2 of the races he didn't finish because of a crash but something has to give. Best Chance Forecast: the fact that last year he had two top 5's including a win here, plus he has been hot this season, makes me think he can turn around his mediocrity at Talladega.

The Bad:

• Marcus Ambrose- All the way down there at 25.1 average finish position in the last 10 races it Ambrose. In 8 races he has 1 top 5 and that is it (first career start at Dega). He had a rough week last week and Dega will do him no favors, he will have to earn it.
• Jamie McMurray- One driver who has a career win at Dega (in the last 10) who hasn't done well most of the time here is McMurray. He has an average finish of 22.5 in the last 10 with only two top 5's (win and runner up). If you exclude those 2 good races, he has only finished inside the top 16 once in the 8 other races.
• Tony Stewart-Smoke is another driver who has a win in his last 10 races at Dega but overall hasn't had much luck. Only 2 top 10's in that span and an average finish position of 21.4. It doesn't look good for him heading into Dega cold in 2013, but maybe this is the kind of spot where he will surprise?

Laying Low:

• David Ragan- In the last 10 races at Talladega David Ragan had 5 top 10's, yes I said 5. His average finish of 14.1 is 6th best of current drivers in the last 10 (4th best if you take out 1 race drivers Mike Bliss (10) and Kenny Wallace (12). Last year his finishes were 7th in Spring and 4th in the Fall. Not too bad for a guy running on a small team.
• Jeff Burton- Right behind Ragan in average finish in the last 10 is Burton (14.2). He has 6 top 10's and 3 top 5's in those 10 races. He also has posted 3 straight top 10's (3rd, 10th, and 10th).
• Travis Kvapil- Big time sleeper alert. Last year with BK racing Kvapil finished 16th in the Spring and 8th in the Fall. In his 7 career starts at Dega he has 2 top 10's and a pole so anything is possible.

You can be good or bad, hot or cold and it could all change in one lap when Nascar heads to Talladega. When will the big one happen? Who will be a part of it? Dega brings hope to drivers who need to get on a roll because if they stay in one piece and away from the big crash they could have a chance.

Need more? Check out these links and articles:

• Track Details: Talladega
• Talladega Paint Schemes
• Denny is going to start at Dega
• Aaron's 499 Entry List

Tweets of the Week: Richmond

This week Tweets of the Week will focus on my stats for Richmond. Mixed in a few interesting Tweets from #NFB, Nascar drivers, and teams.

You don't know how many times I've thought that. “@churulz3: @keselowski I hope to God they never paint your car brown.”
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) April 24, 2013

Keselowski's Redd's Apple Ale car for this weekend #NASCAR twitter.com/NASCARFanatics…
— NASCAR Fanatics #NFB (@NASCARFanatics) April 23, 2013

Love when people tweet,"FYI guys, @kurtstemper is not the real account". Was it the (parody) written in the profile or the duck tape?
— Burt Kush (@KurtsTemper) April 24, 2013

Unfortunately I won't be racing this weekend at Richmond. It kills me to not be in the car for my team and... twitpl.us/t/9JT
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) April 24, 2013

Penske Racing appeal regarding recent penalties to Nos. 2 and 22 teams/drivers to be held on Weds., May 1.
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) April 23, 2013

The Husky Tools Toyota Camry sure looks good covered in confetti!!! #NASCAR twitter.com/JoeGibbsRacing…
— Boris for JGR (@JoeGibbsRacing) April 21, 2013

Following an impressive 6th-place finish, @keselowski presents the #2 car for post-race inspection. #nascar #stp400 twitter.com/nascarcasm/sta…
— nascarcasm (@nascarcasm) April 21, 2013

#29 Kevin Harvick is driving the Bell Helicopters, Chevy, in Richmond this weekend. #NASCAR twitter.com/NASCAR_World/s…
— The NASCAR World (@NASCAR_World) April 24, 2013

I know Joey felt bad but he doesn't have to keep falling in the points on my count :) #seeyasoon
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) April 21, 2013

@keselowski's last 30 races - 24 Top 10's, only 2 finishes worse than 15th
— Jeremy Workman (@BraKez2) April 21, 2013

I saw ths in a catalog... If it has tires or testicles, its gonna give you trouble. LMAO !!!!
— Petty 43showcar #NFB (@Petty43ShowCar) April 24, 2013

@rcr31jeffburton last 3 @ririnsider 29, 31, but a 6th place finish the last time Nascar was at Richmond. #NASCAR #NFB
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 24, 2013

@55markmartin and @jeffgordonweb both have 5 poles @ririnsider. (54 and 40 career starts). Will one of them take the lead? #NASCAR #NFB
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 24, 2013

@jimmiejohnson has 4 top 10s in the last 7 races @ririnsider In 2007 and 08 he had a stretch of 3 wins in 4 races. #NASCAR #NFB
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 24, 2013

@jeffgordonweb has 9 top 10s in the last 12 starts @ririnsider. 6 of those top 5's. #NASCAR #NFB
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 24, 2013

7 top 10s in the last 10 races @ririnsider. Who is on the streak? Well @55markmartin is! #NASCAR #NFB
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 24, 2013

Carl Edwards has led the most laps in the last 4 races @ririnsider (330) 2nd most @kylebusch (267), 3rd @dennyhamlin (240). #NASCAR #NFB
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 24, 2013

No one has more then 2 top 5's in the last 4 races @ririnsider but #smoke does have 4 top 10s. #NASCAR #NFB
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 24, 2013

Best driver last year @ririnsider? Probably #Smoke Best Avg finish last yr of 3.5/ Two Top 5's and 133 laps lead #NASCAR #NFB
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 23, 2013

@clintbowyer has 2 wins and 8 top 10s in 14 races @ririnsider with an avg finish of 9.6 #NASCAR #NFB
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 23, 2013

16 races and and avg finish of 5.4, thats @kylebusch for ya. 13 to 10's amd 12 top 5's as well #NASCAR #NFB
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 23, 2013

4 active guys tied with 3 wins @ririnsider, #smoke, @jimmiejohnson, #Jr, and #TerryLabonte. #NASCAR #NFB
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 23, 2013

Active driver with the most @ririnsider wins? That would be @kylebusch #NASCAR
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 23, 2013

14 races (DH) compaired to 40 (Gordon). DH has lead 1390 laps compaired to JG's 1415.DH has lead almost 25% of the laps he has raced in #RIR
— Richard Tix (@UNC_Coastin) April 23, 2013

Week 9 Preview

Richmond International Raceway

Nascar leaves Kansas behind in the wind (better yet leaves the wind in Kansas) until the Chase. Now we head to Richmond International Raceway for the second night race of the 2013 season. After the race at Richmond Nascar will officially be done with 25% of the season and we can take a look at early season standings. Until then lets focus on this Saturday!

Seven of the past eight winners have been driving Toyota when visiting Victory Lane, including Kyle Busch four times. The previous six races, all Chevy. Ford has not had a driver take there car to Victory Lane in 14 races, or since 2005 (Kurt Busch). Will car manufacturer have anything to do with Saturdays race or are these just fun facts? We will see, but Kyle Busch has won the Spring trip to Richmond four straight times. Here is a look at last years Spring race and last years Fall race.

So lets get on with the Good, Middle, and Bad drivers at Richmond International Raceway.

Kyle Busch RIR Win in Spring of 2012

The Good:

• Kyle Busch- Kyle has 16 career starts at Richmond, he also has 13 career top 10's. Better yet, 13 of those top 10's were top 5 finishes! Boy oh boy has Kyle been good here. He has the most wins of current drivers (4) and best average finish (5.4). Best Chance Forecast: A hot start to 2013 and a hot track for Kyle, safe to predict a top 5.
• Clint Bowyer- Two career wins at Richmond, including the last trip here, and 8 top 10's (14 career starts) has Bowyer looking good this weekend. Also think about this, he missed out on a top 10 four times while finishing 12th. Best Chance Forecast: Top 10 is defiantly in the future if he runs like he can at Richmond.
• Tony Stewart- How this season has gone I don't think Smoke should be mentioned anywhere until he proves us wrong, but this is history. And Smoke has four straight top 10's including two top 5's last season. He also has won here in the past (3 times) but none since 2002. Best Chance Forecast: Danica and Ryan Newman finish ahead of him. Being serious, its too hard to predict Smoke this season. Look for a possible top 15.

The Middle:

• Jimmie Johnson- Once again I will keep the middle ground drivers list short. JJ is good just about every where so it isn't a stretch to put him on this list. Hasn't won at Richmond since 2008 and has to 30+ finishes since then. Best Chance Forecast: Top 10 isn't out of the question for JJ.

The Bad:

• Paul Menard- 12 starts, no top 10's and an average finish of 27.1 is not what Menard wants to see. He has been the surprise of the early 2013 season and will have to figure something out this time around to avoid a huge slip up.
• Martin Truex Jr- Truex has 14 starts at Richmond with two top 10's and a top 5 but that seems like such a long time ago. Truex has had back to back good weeks, but his last five at Richmond look like this: 21st, 25th, 30th, 27th, and 22nd.
• Joey Logano- 8 starts and JoLo has one top 10 (a top 5), everything else has been just plan bad at Richmond. He will have to do better then his 30th and 24th finishes last year to get out of the hole that has been created for him.

Laying Low:

• Ryan Newman- The only Stewart Haas driver worth talking about right now, Newman has a career average finishing position of 11.6. He has 13 top 10's in 22 career starts at Richmond. Newman may go into the weekend quiet and finish is making up points on 12th position (24 behind right now).
• Mark Martin- Mark has 30 career top 10s at Richmond, but he is not a young pup anymore. Yet he still has three straight top 10's and 7 in the last 10 races. Not too bad for an old guy. Look for him to make a good run Saturday, but most likely end up short of the win.

Lets get ready for an exciting weekend! Check back for new updates and for even more and a bunch of extra stats for the Richmond weekend follow me on Twitter.

Some extras so you get enough info through the week:

• Yahoo article on Matt Kenseth and his Kansas issue: Here
• Nascar.com Fantasy Preview for Richmond: Here
• Get your Richmond car paint scheme's Here
• Nascar.com Up to Date Standings (Since mine are not updated yet) Here

Pit Road: Week 8

Kansas Speedway

This past Sunday Nascar visited Kansas Speedway for the first time this season. Kansas brought us our third two time winner of the season (Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch) and now Matt Kenseth. It was pretty much a Matt Kenseth kind of day. He lead early and often and found his way back up front at the end of the day.

Some other drivers made some noise, some for good others for bad. Kyle Busch was part of the latter after starting the day out early spinning and causing the first caution and then later loosing control and getting hit by Joey Logano (when he couldn't get out of the way) ending his day. On the other end, Brad Keselowski went through just about everything a driver could and found his way to a 6th place finish.

Anyways lets get on with it (chances are you watched the race). Here is the full results of the STP 400 at Kansas. Now the Rising, Coasting, and Falling Categories.

Rising:

• Matt Kenseth- After back to back weeks of finishing just outside the top 10, Kenseth gets his second win of the season. Very strong race this past week for Kenseth
• Jamie McMurray- McMurray finished up quietly in 7th place on Sunday and is still sitting 11th in the standings.
• Aric Almirola- He just notched his second top 10 finish in a row (8th) and is still making a run at the Chase (13th).

Coasting:

• Kasey Kahne- Set it on cruise control, Kahne made his way back into the top 5 again (4th time this season)
• Clint Bowyer- Seems like every other week he is in the hunt for a top 5 (actually check out his finishes and other than a 6th at Phoenix its true.

Falling:

• Kyle Busch- Kyle just had a rough weekend in Kansas. I don't think the stay in the falling category will last too long though.
• Joey Logano- Wow has it been a long fall for JoLo. First he goes from in the Chase to 14th after the Penske penalties. Then he drops from 14th to 20th after he and his spotter made the wrong call on where Kyle's car would be. He needs a good finish to get going and save his hot start and chances at the Chase.

Ouch. twitter.com/addicted2energ…
— Avery Hage #NFB (@addicted2energy) April 21, 2013

Pit Road (Week 8 Power Rankings)

1. Jimmie Johnson (LW-2)- Not a long fall from the top spot for JJ. He Had his moments at Kansas but at the end of the day didn't have enough for Kenseth or Kahne, finishing 3rd.
2. Brad Keselowski (LW-3)- Almost put Kahne here, but like I said about Kahne last week, this is the race that makes Champions. He started out 33rd and had early struggles that put him down laps, almost made it back just to stay a lap down, then made it back towards the front. Guess what happened next? Yeah part of his car ripped off. Well it didn't stop BK he made his way to a 6th place finish.
3. Kasey Kahne (LW-4)- Kahne got back to his hot streak that was off set by a 11th at Texas. Kahne, just like last time Kenseth won, had a winning car but just didn't have enough. (Finishing 2nd)
4. Kyle Busch (LW-1)- Rough, rough week for Kyle. But I can not look past his hot start to the 2013 season and drop him any farther. We will see how he handles this set back.
5. Matt Kenseth (LW-8)- Kenseth make a big jump again this week after his second win (He made this jump last time too). Last time he won he followed by a 35th place finish that hampered his run up the Power Rankings, will he change it this time around?
6. Greg Biffle (LW-5)- Not a great showing by the Biff at Kansas, he finished 19th, but that came after three straight top 10's. Needs to get back going to stay near the top 5.
7. Carl Edwards (LW-7)- Carl not with the best finish at Kansas (17th) but he still sits 6th in the points and has a good chance at a Chase spot early in 2013.
8. Clint Bowyer (LW-9)- Bowyer got his 3rd top 5 of the season at Kansas (Home) and will look to get some more consistency going.
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-6)- You can breathe Jr Nation. He is still 5th in the points, and sits great on the season, but this is about who is hot, and well, Jr hasn't been. He really has had some bad luck the past three weeks, but the tune of 24th, 29th, 16th just wont cut it too much longer.
10. Paul Menard (LW-NR)- The 10th spot was a tough one, but I went with the guy who just finished 10th at Kansas. If you are counting that's four top 10's on the season. Menard is also 10th in points if you are wondering.

Dropping out- Joey Logano (LW-10)
Just Missed- Aric Almirola, Kevin Harvick, Jamie McMurray, Jeff Gordon, and Martin Truex Jr

Next week's Power Rankings should be interesting. So many drivers are right on the cusp of being in and guys like Jr and Edwards just need one great finish to jump back up to the top 5.