2016 NASCAR Week 21 Preview: Pocono

Pennsylvania 400

Pocono Raceway

By Richard Tix

Last time NASCAR took a trip to Pocono Raceway the weather forced them to move the rained out race to Monday. Coincidentally, I also started my new position at work that same Monday which meant I caught none of the race. Nothing. Not on TV, not on the radio, not on twitter, not on any racing app, nothing. 

But, sometimes weather and more importantly life gets in the way of our favorite hobby's and passions. These things tend to happen more and more over the Summer months or weekend Saturday night races for many fans.

The night race in NASCAR started as a nice switch up, it was something of a spectical for fans used to daytime NASCAR racing. A few spots on the calendar a year made it a special event worth tuning into. Just like when NASCAR was booming and added a bunch of 1.5 mile tracks during its heyday, the night race was over expanded and lost its luster. All of this being much the same as the luster of Indy has worn off, things need to be looked at to make night racing more significant again. Taking a few off the schedule might be the start of things. 

While I miss many Saturday night races, this weekend is a Sunday day race and I will be in Northern Minnesota. I will pop in and out to catch some of the race, but again life is going to get in the way of racing and I am ok with that. 

Hopefully you'all enjoy the race and this time around we don't get rained out. Unlike Indy, Pocono has made a nice comeback as of late and put on some good shows so this weekend I have an optimistic outlook. Pocono always has the possibility of being a fuel mileage ending, but it always seems to catch your attention (unless you're that fan that always has to complain unless its a win by less then 0.5 sec. Don't be that guy!). So, strap in and forget that we normally turn left four times, its the "Tricky Triangle."

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

The Good

• Kyle Larson- Larson has already been running better in the second half of this 26 regular season stretch, now he gets one of his better tracks in Pocono. In his five starts he has one top 5, two top 10's, and average finish of 9.4, and no finishes higher then 12th. Could this weekend be his first NASCAR Cup win?
• Jeff Gordon- Welcome back to the review Gordon! Filling in for Dale Earnhardt Jr again this week, Gordon brings in a career of accomplishment at Pocono to the No. 88. Six wins, 20 top 5's, and 32 top 10's in 46 career starts.
• Brad Keselowski- I am not sure any current driver has been better then BK has at Pocono in the last few stops here without winning (he has one win here in 2011). He has come close (losing to Junior after running out of fuel late) but he hasn't closed. This weekend might finally be the time to get another Pocono win.

The Middle

• Denny Hamlin- Chance to be a front runner? Check. Chance to finish 15th-20th? Also check. Denny was much better at Pocono earlier in his career then he has been lately, but anything is possible with how strong JRG has been.

The Bad

• Kasey Kahne- Not many times does a driver with two wins at a specific track get on my "bad" list, but somehow bad luck follows Kahne at Pocono. Wrecking more often then winning in his last 14 races, Kahne is the dark horse in this group to pull out a top 5.
• Jamie McMurray- 27 career Pocono starts, zero top 5's and seven top 10's. Not numbers to go crazy over if you're a JMac fan this weekend.
• Paul Menard- Just like JMac Menard has yet to finish in the top 5 at Pocono in his career. 22 starts and only two top 10's means it could be another rough weekend for the No. 27.

About the Track: Pocono Raceway

Track Stats

• Of current drivers (full time), Denny Hamlin has the most wins (4). Gordon is filling in and has 6.
• Of current drivers (full time),  Kurt Busch has the most top 5's (12)
• Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin have the most Pole's of current drivers (3)
• Jeff Gordon has the most career Pocono wins (6) followed by Bill Elliott (5)
• Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon have the most career Pocono top 5's (20)
• Ricky Rudd has the most career Pocono starts (55) followed by Mark Martin (54)
• Of drivers with at least 10 Pocono starts, Davey Allison has the best average finish (9.8 in 13 starts).
• A Pocono race has been won from the Pole 15 times in 76 Cup races
• Chevy has won the last 7 of 8 races 8 of the last 11. Including Dale Earnhardt Jr sweeping in 2014.
• The furthest back anyone has started and won was 29th in 2005 when Carl Edwards won in the first Pocono stop of the year

Track Info

• Surface: Asphalt
• Length: 2.5 Miles
• Banking
• Turn 1: 14 degrees
• Turn 2: 8 degrees
• Turn 3: 6 degrees

2016 Pocono NASCAR Schedule

Pennsylvania 400

By Richard Tix

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

Friday July 29, 2016

• 11 a.m.-12:25 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series first practice- NBCSN
• 12:30-1:55 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series first practice- FS1
• 3-3:55 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice- FS1
• 4:15 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying- NBCSN

Saturday July 30, 2016

• 9:05 a.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying- FS1
• 11 a.m.-12:20 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice- NBCSN
• 1 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Pocono Mountains 150 (60 laps)- FS1

Sunday July 31, 2016

• 1:30 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pennsylvania 400 (160 laps)- NBCSN

2016 NASCAR Pit Road Week 20: Indianapolis

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Crown Royal Presents The Combat Wounded Coalition 400

By Richard Tix

Last year at this time the review was about the same: "Kyle Busch Dominating." That's because Rowdy just wrapped up three straight wins after his trip to victory lane at Indy last year at this time. This year he didn't come into the race dominating, but left it with that feeling.

Why? Well because from start to finish Rowdy was the class of the field. All in all no one could really challenge him. No surprise strategy. No late cautions. Nothing. The No. 18 team was on top of it all day.

Past the winner, the story lines get short quick. Jeff Gordon filled in for Dale Earnhardt Jr who is getting over concussion symptoms and Tony Stewart made his last (or we think it is) Indianapolis start in the Cup series. Both shared some special moment's after the race which will be burned into our NASCAR memories.

After that? Nothing much to talk about except that IMS and the Cup series is continuing a run of terrible races here. Look, I am all on board with strategy of all kinds (I've expressed it many times its all part of racing), but IMS has been long single file drawn out lines for years now. To make it worse, green flag runs are normal. If it wasn't for two cars (both the Penske No. 2 and No. 22) then the strategy of 40 cars wouldn't have even produced a story early on.

Those two decided to try and stretch fuel windows and cut down on a stop. Almost everything needed to go perfect, but at least it gave a drama-less race something to watch for. 

The real issue at IMS is, their is nothing that can save it. The racing is what it is here and most likely will always stay the same. Not every race is drama filled as I have mentioned before, but when year after year we get no action from a race it gets hard to bare. In the end all we are left with is nostalgia and the tradition of winning such a prestigious (yet boring) race. Sometimes that has to be enough in the world of racing because there is no puzzle piece to fit into place for IMS. It is what it is so we have to try and enjoy what is here, tradition and a tough race to get all the way through.

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 20 (Week 19)

1. Kyle Busch (LW-3)- The No. 1 spot continues to rotate. This time Rowdy takes it after a dominating win at IMS. Four top 10's in the last five races including a win and a runner up finish at Daytona. Finish: 1st
2. Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- Add yet another top 10 to his season performance. That is now a season leading 16th top 10. Finish: 6th
3. Joey Logano (LW-4)- Both the No. 2 and No. 22 were not the fastest guys on the day, but both teams played strategy and it paid off with a decent finish for JoLo. Finish: 7th
4. Brad Keselowski (LW-2)- See above but insert the strategy didn't pan out. Really neither early strategy played out, but BK ended up getting caught up in a wreck where Carl pushed the corner. The No. 2 had an ok day going, but nothing more. Finish: 17th
5. Matt Kenseth (LW-6)- Last week I watched other sites post Kenseth down near 12th (seriously!?!). After a win Kenseth came back and helped JGR go 1-2-4 to finish Indy. Finish: 2nd
6. Tony Stewart (LW-7)- Smoke had a pretty good car all day but it was apparent that it wouldn't be enough to touch Kyle Busch. It was still a solid run for a guy just needing to get hot at the right time. Finish: 11th
7. Kurt Busch (LW-5)- I have praised Kurt all seaosn for his consistency but where has that gone? Three times in his last four races he has finished outside the top 15. Finish: 16th
8. Martin Truex Jr (LW-10)- It's been an up and down year for Truex. Good runs, bad runs, runs that were good and NASCAR decided to drop the hammer on a rule. Martin has seen it all. Finish: 8th
9. Carl Edwards (LW-8)- Did anyone struggle as much at Carl did getting into a corner? Everyone thought it was just because he was on the outside, but then he caused a wreck on a restart while on the inside and we found out he was pushing the corner all day. Amazing how well he ran while having a poor handling car. Finish: 35th
10. Denny Hamlin (LW-NR)- Welcome back to the rankings Denny. It has been awhile, but we have not forgotten you. Hamlin has had some poor finishes (33, 37, 31, and 39) this season that is holding his consistency back. Finish: 4th
11. Kyle Larson (LW-NR)- After a two race stretch with unimpressive finishing results, Larson finally catches a break again. He actually finds himself right in the thick of the Chase race after a top 5 at IMS (16th in points). Finish: 5th
12. Jimmie Johnson (LW-NR)- It's crazy that JJ has been out of the top 12 for so long, but then again its crazy Sunday was his first top 10 in seven races and his second in eleven. Finish: 3rd

Dropped Out: Greg Biffle (LW-9), Ryan Newman (LW-11), and Jamie McMurray (LW-12)

Just Missed: Austin Dillon

2016 NASCAR Week 20 Preview: Indianapolis

Crown Royal Presents The Combat Wounded Coalition 400

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

By Richard Tix

The year was 2005. Two weeks before NASCAR headed to Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tony Stewart had won at NHMS and then Kurt Busch won at the Tricky Triangle. Tony Stewart came into the race trailing Jimmie Johnson by 66 points.

Johnson had just come off an 8 win 2004 season and was looking to finally get his first Championship. Little did we know as NASCAR fan's that he was going to soon take over the sport. At the time it was Tony Stewart who was one of the one of the bigger deals in NASCAR after winning his first Championship in 2002.

IMS had always been called home by Tony Stewart and he spent six season's trying to get a win at the Brickyard. Well, 2005 was finally the year he got the monkey off of his back. After Jimmie Johnson wrecked late in the race Tony Stewart took over the lead from Kasey Kahne and lead the final 10 laps to his first win at Indy. 

Sometimes in NASCAR moment's are ingrained in our head. Many times a race fly's by and we forget even key details. In a season of 36 races, those types of moments tend to happen. But, IMS 2005 was one of those ingrained moments. Smoke and team climbing up the fence to celebrate with fans. Kissing the bricks. The emotion in victory lane. For years and years moment's like 2005 at IMS will stick in fans memories so I can only imagine what Stewart feels heading into what might be his final race at IMS.

Stewart went on to win at Watkins Glen the following week (three wins in four races) and put an even bigger gap on Johnson. Stewart never really did look back on his way to his second NASCAR Cup Championship, meanwhile Johnson slipped farther and farther back. However, 2005 was the last time for a long stretch that anyone touched what Johnson was about to do. 

Many more Smoke moments continued over the years after that first IMS win, including a second IMS win and a Championship as a driver/owner, but none would top one last win at IMS. It would be the perfect place for Smoke to capture that illustrious win No. 50 in what has been an impressive career.

Indy has lost some of it's early luster (or at least that's how it feels to most), but Tony Stewart winning might bring some of those moment's back to a unique NASCAR track in need of glory moments in 2016.  

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

The Good

• Tony Stewart- No, the last few years haven't been good here for Smoke, but right now he is starting to heat up and do you want to bet against a hot Tony Stewart? One last fence climb (maybe he shouldn't...) would be nice to see.
• Kyle Busch- Last years winner brings some nice stats to IMS. In 11 starts he has nine top 10's and four top 5's to go along with that win. He has finishes first or second three out of the last four races here.
• Matt Kenseth- Kenseth doesn't have a win at IMS like the two above, but he still has some impressive numbers. Ten top 10's and seven top 5's in his 16 career races here.

The Middle

• Carl Edwards- Eleven career starts and only three of those finished up as top 10's (one top 5). However, he has nine top 15's in that same time.

The Bad

• Martin Truex Jr- Want a guy who might jump off this list with a good finish Sunday? Truex is your guy. However, his career at IMS has been underwhelming as a whole (one top 5 and two top 10's in eleven starts).
• Dale Earnhardt Jr- 16 career starts at Indianapolis and Junior only has five top 10's and one single top 5. The upside? Three of those top 10's and that sole top 5 came in the last four races here.
• David Ragan- Three top 20's in nine starts is nothing to be proud of for Ragan. None of those have come since leaving the RFR No. 6. 

About the Track: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Track Stats

• A race has been won from the Pole three times in 22 NASCAR races (Newman 2013, Jimmie Johnson 2008, and Kevin Harvick 2003).
• Chevy had won the last 12 races and 16 of 21 races total before Kyle Busch (Toyota) won last year. Ford- 3, Pontiac- 1, Dodge- 1, Toyota- 1
• Jeff Gordon won the Inaugural Cup race in 1994
• Most cautions was 13 in 2004
• Gordon has the most career wins here with 5. Jimmie Johnson is next in line with 4
• 13 drivers have won at Indy including 9 that only won once.
• Only four drivers have multiple wins (Gordon, JJ, Tony Stewart, and Dale Jarrett).
• Gordon also has the most poles (3), top 5's (12), and top 10's (17) of any driver.

Track Info

• Surface
• Asphalt
• Length
• 2.5 miles
• Banking
• Turns: 9 degrees
• Straights: 0 degrees

2016 Indianapolis NASCAR Schedule

Crown Royal Presents The Combat Wounded Coalition 400

By Richard Tix

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


Tuesday July 19, 2016 (Eldora)

• 6:30-7:55 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series first practice
• 9-9:55 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice

Wednesday July 20, 2016 (Eldora)

• 5:15 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying- FS1
• 7 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series First Qualifying Race (10 laps)- FS1
• 7:09 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Second Qualifying Race (10 laps)- FS1
• 7:18 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Third Qualifying Race (10 laps)- FS1
• 7:27 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Fourth Qualifying Race (10 laps)- FS1
• 7:36 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Fifth Qualifying Race (10 laps)- FS1
• 8:15 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Last Chance Qualifying Race (15 laps)- FS1
• 9 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Aspen Dental Eldora Dirt Derby (150 laps/40-50-60)- FS1

Friday July 22, 2016

• 12-1:25 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series first practice- NBCSN
• 1:30 p.m.-2:55 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series first practice- NBCSN
• 3-3:55 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series final practice- NBCSN
• 4-5:25 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice- NBCSN

Saturday July 23, 2016

• 11:45 a.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying- NBCSN
• 1:45 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying- NBCSN
• 3:30 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series Lilly Diabetes 250 Heat #1 (20 laps)- NBCSN
• 4:25 p.m. (approx): NASCAR XFINITY Series Lilly Diabetes 250 Heat #2 (20 laps)- NBCSN
• 5:05 p.m. (approx): NASCAR XFINITY Series Lilly Diabetes 250 Main (60 laps)- NBCSN

Sunday July 24, 2016

• 3 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crown Royal Presents The Combat Wounded Coalition 400 at the Brickyard (160 laps, 400 miles)- NBCSN

2016 NASCAR Pit Road Week 19: Loudon

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

New Hampshire 301

Photo: Daniel Shirey Getty Images

By Richard Tix

Big news hit going into the weekend that Dale Earnhardt Jr would be skipping New Hampshire Motor Speedway because of concussion symptoms. It was the best move as a driver and human for Dale and it was good to see a driver and doctor take action (it was Dales decision coming from Doctor advice).

This day in age we now know the seriousness of head injuries in sports. However, it hasn't been deeply looked into in the NASCAR world and sometimes even seems completely overlooked in an age where NASCAR tries to pride itself on driver safety.

With so many hard wreck's it wouldn't surprise me on the season that at least a handful of drivers drive a race or two with a concussion or at least concussion symptoms. So, it was nice to see Dale very aware of how serious this really can be.

Junior will eventually get a waiver for his injury (and if he doesn't NASCAR is absolutely crazy since they gave them for far more), but the points hole may start to turn up the pressure. 

Here at Behind the Wall we hope Junior gets better soon and the symptoms don't trail him in the remaining years of his career. It's really a tough situation but it let Alex Bowman get a shot again at NHMS and it might give NASCAR fans another chance to watch Jeff Gordon this week at Indy.

Get well Junior, now onto this week's power rankings.

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 19 (Week 18)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-3)- Maybe as a BK fan I am just hard on him, but I am giving Harvick the nudge this week all on his season long consistency. If you take out the Coke Zero wreck (39th), he would only have one finish outside the top 15 all year (17th at Martinsville). On Sunday he grabbed his sixth top 10 in the last 10 races. Finish: 4th
2. Brad Keselowski (LW-1)- NHMS is one of BK's better track's so missing out on a top 10 is a move that moves him off of first for the moment. But, he does have 3 wins, six top 5's, and eight top 10's in the last 10 races (including 10 top 15's). Finish: 15th
3. Kyle Busch (LW-6)- Rowdy might be back and ready to get on a roll to head into the Chase again. He has three top 10's in the last four races and had one of the best cars on Sunday. Finish: 8th
4. Joey Logano (LW-5)- Following up his early wreck last week at Kentucky, JoLo got back on his top 10 run with his sixth in the last seven. Finish: 3rd
5. Kurt Busch (LW-2)- A bit of a fall from grace lately. Kurt was one of the most consistent drivers this season at one time but lately that has fallen apart a bit. However, both Daytona and NHMS involved wreck's which can't be overlooked. Finish: 22nd
6. Matt Kenseth (LW-8)- Win number two for Kenseth in 2016. Thats nor back to back NHMS wins and three in the last six stops here. He did fail post race tech and if he hadn't he may have jumped another spot or two. All in all it's worth it at this point since it may just be 15 points and a CC fine. Finish: 1st
7. Tony Stewart (LW-10)- What a run. The spot in the rankings started as novilty in his final season, but it is now 100% legit as he keeps cruising. He was the highest finishing non caught cheating care on Sunday. It was his third top 5 of the season and he now has a win, three top 5's, and four top 10's in his last five races. Finish: 2nd
8. Carl Edwards (LW-4)- Two finishes of 20th or worse in his last three. Getting caught in the wrong place at the wrong time hasn't helped. Finish: 20th
9. Greg Biffle (LW-11)- The Biff is on a roll right now, but he will need to continue that roll right into victory lane if he wants to make the Chase. Right now the three straight top 10's are a breath of fresh air. Finish: 5th
10. Martin Truex Jr (LW-7)- Since his win at Charlotte he has just two top 10's and three top 15's in six races. Finish: 16th
11. Ryan Newman (LW-NR)- It was a slow start to 2016 for Newman, but things are starting to turn around and not many people are noticing it. He has three top 10's in the last four races and in the last nine races he has seven top 15's in nine races (16th and 18th the other two). Finish: 7th
12. Jamie McMurray (LW-NR)- It's rough timing for the Dale Earnhardt Jr news because Jamie McMurray has started his roll. He only has five top 10's this season but he has two of them in back to back weeks. Finish: 6th

Dropped Out: Chase Elliott (LW-9) and Kyle Larson (LW-12)

Just Missed: Denny Hamlin, Austin Dillon, and Jimmie Johnson

2016 NASCAR Loudon Entry List

New Hampshire 301

By Richard Tix

The official entry list for the New Hampshire 301 at NHMS (From: Jayski.com)

2016 NASCAR Week 19 Preview: Loudon

New Hampshire 301

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

By Richard Tix

It's almost race weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. That means we are already through 18 week's and have just eight more races to go before the 2016 Chase. We know guys like Brad Keselowski (4 wins), Kyle Busch (3 wins), Jimmie Johnson, and Carl Edwards (both 2 wins) are in. Plus, everyone else with a win should be a lock (even Tony Stewart should stick in at least 30th place in points).

However, with the last eight races approaching quickly the last five spots are going to start taking shape.

Chase Elliott is the first guy in the points standings without a win. He has 492 points and currently sits 8th overall in front of 2016 winners like Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth. He is almost a lock to get the top non points spot (if he doesn't win) as he has a 29 point lead on the next highest non win driver and that's after a few tough races in a row.

Ryan Newman is the next guy up in the points Chase (or fight for a win to get in). He has been his usual self in this Chase Era that started in 2014. Knocking off consistent finishes to constantly be hanging around in the points. At 463 points he only has a two point cushion on Dale Earnhardt Jr and three points on Austin Dillon.

Those three have the safest spot to make it without a win (assuming Chase Elliott is already locked in on points), but one or two back races can really hurt your spot in the standings if others take advantage. After Dillon their is a 21 point gap until Jamie McMurray who hasn't been all that consistent this season and holds the final spot as of now.

The shocking part is Trevor Bayne is only 10 points behind JMac and the 16th spot. Now, understand that as soon as a driver not ahead of them in the standing's wins they will automatically get pushed farther down (think AJ Allmendinger at Watkins Glen).

So, will the points bubble get smaller this weekend? Most likely a driver with a win in 2016 will win the New Hampshire 301 (Keselowski, Kyle Busch, or maybe Kenseth?). But, don't count out Larson, Newman, and Dillon who have all had some success here.

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

The Good

• Brad Keselowski- BK has been one of the most consistent drivers at NHMS for a few year now. He has lead at least one lap in nine straight races. He also has lead at least one lap in ten of his thirteen career starts here.
• Matt Kenseth- Kenseth won the second race here in 2015 and also had a top 10 the first time around. His average finish of 12.5 is good for fourth best among active drivers. 
• Jimmie Johnson- JJ hasn't won here since 2010, but he still has 19 top 10's, 10 top 5's and 3 wins in his 28 career NHMS starts. He does have six top 10's in his last eight races here.

The Middle

• Denny Hamlin- Hamlin can be really good here (two wins and seven top 3 finishes). He also can have some average runs (only two top 10's in the last six races here).

The Bad

• Danica Patrick- Im giving Danica the biggest break of the three because she only has 6 career starts here, but those six still hasn't been great. Only one top 20 and three top 25's in those same six races for Danica.
• Paul Menard- Zero top 10's in 18 career NHMS starts says it all. Only three top 15's and seven top 20's in that same stretch make matters worse.
• Jamie McMurray- His last six at NHMS has been better (mixed in two top 5's), however he only has six top 10's and four top 5's in 26 career starts. 

About the Track NHMS

Track Stats

• Rusty Wallace won the first race at Loudon in 1993. He started 33rd
• Most cautions was the second race at Loudon, 1994, 17 for 78 laps. Ricky Rudd won the race
• In 1999 Jeff Burton won after starting 38th (farthest back a winner has started)
• A Cup race at Loudon has been won from the Pole position five times (Newman-2011, Clint Bowyer-2007, Kevin Harvick-2006, Newman-2002, and Jeff Gordon-1998)
• Ryan Newman has won the Pole at Loudon an astounding 7 times in his 26 starts
• 4 current full time drivers have 3 total wins at Loudon (Newman, Johnson, Stewart, and Ku Busch)
• A Chevy has not won a race at Loudon in 7 straight starts
• Jeff Burton has the most career wins at Loudon (4)
• Jeff Gordon has the most career top 5's (16) and top 10's (23).

Track Info

• Surface- Asphalt and Granite
• Length- 1.058 miles
• Banking
• Turns- variable, about 12% grade
• Straight- 1 degree

2016 NHMS NASCAR Schedule: New Hampshire 301

New Hampshire 301

By Richard Tix

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

Friday July 15, 2016

• 11:30 a.m.-12:55 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series first practice- NBCSN
• 1-1:55 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series first practice- NBCSN
• 3-4:25 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series second practice- NBCSN
• 4:45 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying- NBCSN

Saturday July 16, 2016

• 10-10:55 a.m: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series second practice- CNBC
• 11:15 a.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying- NBCSN
• 12:30-1:25 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice- NBCSN
• 4 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series AutoLotto 200 (200 laps)- NBCSN

Sunday July 17, 2016

• 1:30 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series New Hampshire 301 (301 laps)- NBCSN

2016 NASCAR Pit Road Week 18: Kentucky

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Quaker State 400

AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley

By Richard Tix

Fuel mileage. It's such a common phrase when it comes to everyday life. Maybe you don't talk about it everyday but it is always around you. Truck commercials talking about Mile Per Gallon. Car's trying to be the most efficient at saving fuel. Heck, many people buy their car's just for the MPG it gets.

Yet, when it comes up in our favorite sport it becomes an outrage. NASCAR Sprint Cup cars run on Sunoco Race Fuel, yet if a finish comes down to fuel mileage the racing community comes to a frenzy.

Did you know that in any given moment during a NASCAR Sprint Cup race a member of the team might be calculating fuel? From lap 1- 300 (or however many are in a specific race), guys on the crew are asked to check out the fuel situation. Whether it be for a specific run, or just to change a pit window for the end of the race, fuel is a key aspect of racing.

I mean, why wouldn't it always be a fuel mileage race? Don't they run on fuel the whole race? 

I have been saying this forever but fuel mileage, tire management, pit stop times, caution timing, etc are all part of racing. So are 8 sec leads, wins on green flag runs, photo finishes, last lap passes, green white checkers, all racing.

You see, not every week can be a perfect photo finish with three lead changes in the last two laps. We can't always have door banging down the front stretch across the finish line. You know why? Because racing is just that, racing. No one can tell you how a given race will play out because racing has so many factors and strategies going on at once. 40 teams all with a different idea of how the race will play out down the stretch, yet no one really knows until those checkers fly if they made the right call.

That's what makes racing so great. Every strategy is what makes racing and is exciting in it's own way. The fact that people were upset about a "fuel mileage" race in one of the more exciting fuel mileage ending's is shocking to me. Then again, NASCAR can never please all it's diverse fans even if it is just common place to have cars with fuel in them have a fuel strategy.

Oh and hey by the way, Brad Keselwoski won on Saturday night. That is back to back for the 2012 Cup Champion. 

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 18 (Week 17)

1. Brad Keselowski (LW-4)- Brad, Paul, and team are one of the best in NASCAR when it comes to fuel strategy late in a race. I mean, really, why not chance it with three wins and the lead? They gambled and just by an ounce it paid off. That's win number four on the season which gives BK the top Chase spot at the moment. Finish: 1st
2. Kurt Busch (LW-2)- He may have been jumped in the standings, but make no mistake Kurt is still one of the most consistent drivers of 2016. He has the most top 10's (15) through 18 races on the season. Finish: 4th
3. Kevin Harvick (LW-3)- Harvick was one of the best cars of the night, but fuel strategy ruined his chance at a win. A late yellow would have changed everything and Happy might have been the one in victory lane. Finish: 9th
4. Carl Edwards (LW-5)- The slightest difference in Saturdays race for BK would have resulted in a win for Carl. Edwards was next in line if Keselowski actually ran out and it stayed green. Finish: 2nd
5. Joey Logano (LW-1)- One of many victims of early wrecks, JoLo didn't have the longest night (52 laps). Finish: 39th
6. Kyle Busch (LW-7)- An ok night resulted in an ok finish. However, all of these finishes are putting that bad four race stretch behind the 2015 Sprint Cup Champion. Finish: 12th
7. Martin Truex Jr (LW-9)- What a weird and frustrating night for Truex. I will not go into the situation in full as I missed the call, but he still came storming back in impressive fashion. Finish: 10th
8. Matt Kenseth (LW-11)- It's been a few weeks since we talked about Kenseth in a good light. Saturday night at Kentucky was a better overall run as of late and was one of his best in awhile. He ran on average in the top 5 and had a nice finish. Finish: 8th
9. Chase Elliott (LW-8)- Kentucky is a spot I thought Chase could bounce back at and then he got into an inccident with the 3 and 21. He still has plenty of cushion on the first non win Chase spot. Finish: 31st
10. Tony Stewart (LW-12)- Not sure if you have been paying attention (joke), but Smoke now has three top 10's, two top 5's, and a win in his last four races. His finish was better then his overall race Saturday, but it's the finish that counts. Finish: 5th
11. Greg Biffle (LW-NR)- It's a miracle! Biffle's name in the NBTW Power Rankings again. It's been awhile for the Biff so its nice to see him have a few good runs. He now has back to back top 10's (which are his only two of 2016). Finish: 6th
12. Kyle Larson (LW-6)- Larson ran better then he finished, but in racing that is going to happen. I gave him a break from dropping out because he has earned it with better runs and because not a ton of guys deserve a top 12 right now. Finish: 19th

Dropper Out: Austin Dillon (LW-10)

Just Missed: Ryan Newman and Trevor Bayne

2016 NASCAR Week 18 Preview: Kentucky

Quaker State 400

Kentucky Speedway

By Richard Tix

Who want's to place a bet that according to Jeff Gluck's twitter pole after this race, that it places as one of the lowest six rated all season (don't get this line, check out the last power rankings)? Another week and another night race. I do enjoy seeing car's under the lights, but prime time races are hard to catch live and seem to have lost their luster.

However, maybe Kentucky can change that trend? Again, my money is on it might not be remembered as one of the better races of 2016. Why? Because Kentucky just repaved it's surface and we know how those first new races typically go, poorly.

I will leave the judgement up to you as I will be in Northern Minnesota this weekend and will have to catch the race via twitter. Hopefully I am wrong and the race out produces expectations!

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

The Good

• Kyle Busch- In five Kentucky races only four drivers posted a top 10 every race and Kyle is one of those guys. Actually, he has two wins and four top 5's in all five Kentucky races. He has been the best driver here since Cup started making a yearly stop.
• Brad Keselowski- BK is actually not one of those four drivers with top 10's in every stop here, but he does have two wins and four top 10's in those five races.
• Matt Kenseth- Kenseth has five top 10's in the first five stops here and a win to go with those. He has the second best average finish behind Kyle Busch (4.6).

The Middle

• Kasey Kahne- Kahne seems like a driver stuck in the middle a lot latetly. Actually, some of his fans would welcome him averaging finishing around 13th right now. Kahne has two top 10's and four top 10's in five races.

The Bad

• Austin Dillon- Everyone has limited data here at Kentucky, so Dillons three career starts here actually falls in line with many other guys (only five Cup races at Kentucky). In those three two of them have been outside the top 20 and none of them were top 15's.
• Tony Stewart- Kentucky's five races just happen to coincide with Smokes poor seasons, so he finds himself down here. Smoke only has two top 15's and three top 20's in five career Kentucky races.
• Greg Biffle- Biffle only has one top 15 and two top 20's in his five career starts here at Kentucky.

About the Track: Kentucky

Track Stats

• Brad Keselowksi (2), Kyle Busch (2), and Matt Kenseth are the only three drivers to win a Cup race at Kentucky.
• Kyle Busch, Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson, and Jeff Gordon have all finished top 10 in each of the four races.
• Ky Busch has lead the most career laps at Kentucky (437) followed by BK (408), and Jimmie Johnson (203).
• Kyle Busch is the only driver to have 4 top 5's in the first five races at Kentucky (four drivers have two). 
• Only 7 drivers have run every lap at Kentucky in the four Cup races.

Track Info

• Surface
• Asphalt
• Length
• 1.5 miels
• Banking
• Turns: 14 degrees
• Tri-Oval: 8-10 degrees
• Straight: 4 degrees

2016 NASCAR Kentucky Entry List

Quaker State 400

Photo: Tommy Grassmann/CIA

By Richard Tix

The official entry list for the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway (From: Jayski.com)

2016 Kentucky NASCAR Schedule: Quaker State 400

Quaker State 400

By Richard Tix

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

Wednesday July 6, 2016

• 1-2:55 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series first practice (Follow live)
• 5-5:55 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series second practice (Follow live)
• 7-7:55 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series final practice (Follow live)

Thursday July 7, 2016

• 10-11:25 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series first practice
• 1-1:55 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series second practice- NBCSN
• 2:30-3:55 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series first practice- NBCSN
• 4-4:55 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series third practice- NBCSN
• 5 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Keystone Light Pole Qualifying- FS2
• 7-7:50 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series final practice- NBCSN
• 8:30 p.m.: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Buckle Up in Your Truck 225 (150 laps)- FS1

Friday July 8, 2016

• 11 a.m.-12:25 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series second practice- (will air taped starting at noon at NBCSN)
• 1:30-2:50 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final practice- NBCSN
• 4:45 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying- NBCSN
• 6:45 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole Qualifying- (watch live on the NBCSports.com
• 8:30 p.m.: NASCAR XFINITY Series Alsco 300 (200 laps)- NBCSN

Saturday July 9, 2016

• 7:30 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Quaker State 400 Presented by Advance Auto Parts (267 laps)- NBCSN

2016 NASCAR Pit Road Week 17: Daytona

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Coke Zero 400

Photo: John Raoux /AP

By Richard Tix

Has the age of the NASCAR Night race passed us by? After every race Jeff Gluck (NASCAR writer for USA Today) runs a poll on twitter on "was it a good race?" The poll is taken after the race and it is always interesting to see the results.

Dover, Sonoma, and Auto Club all received 90% or better in approval, while the ASR, Coca-Cola 600 (both Charlotte), Kansas, and Texas were all 50% or below (all night races).

This weekend the Coke Zero 500 rounded out the night races so far of 2016 with only a 52% approval rate. So, what was interesting is when Jeff tweeted out the list with a far right column on if it was a day or night race. The five night races all go 52% or worse by the fans on Twitter, while the worst day race was Michigan with a 68% approval rating.

Has NASCAR lost it's touch on Saturday night racing? I for one enjoy the occasional night race, but I'll be honest many of them are hard to catch live. Summer evenings on the weekend are valuable time with friends and family. Look, I love NASCAR, but when it comes to making memories with my friends and family, they come first, always.

Photo: Chris Trotman

Sunday's are normally a much quieter time where many folks are happy to sit back and relax to watch a race (and maybe get some yard work in). In the USA we have been groomed to sit in front of a TV on Sundays (Sunday morning cartoons, NFL, NASCAR, etc). So, asking fans to take 3 hours out of a Sunday isn't as much to ask as a Saturday is. Heck, I bet people would have rated Daytona better if it was on a Wed. night (just ask Brad Keselowski and Dale Earnhardt Jr how they feel about a schedule mix up).

Maybe it's time to start looking into reviewing a few night races and moving them to new times (Sunday afternoon? Week night?). I have been in favor for a few years now of at least trying a weeknight race. During the NFL season it gives viewers something to watch during the week, a stand alone sporting event not competing with the NFL Sunday.

Maybe it works, maybe not, but it's worth trying once at the rate Saturday night races are going.

Oh, and Brad Keselowski won on Saturday.. Right now he is one of the best plate racers driving and it was a nice site to see him enjoy a win with his daughter in VL.

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 17 (Week 16)

1. Joey Logano (LW-3)- Oh, how I hate power rankings after plate tracks. Wrecks ruin days but it's tough to count too much against a guy for getting in a wreck at Daytona. Just ask Kurt Busch... Well, JoLo pushed his teammate and Kurt to finish out the race and take a weak week 17 No. 1 spot. Finish: 4th
2. Kurt Busch (LW-2)- Just ask Kurt how he feels about the guy ahead of him in the rankings this week... If it wasn't for Joey moving him Kurt would have had a nice finish and most likely the top spot this week. Finish: 23rd
3. Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- Another guy done in by a wreck. Not a ton to say about many of these guys. They have been the best drivers all year and wrecks happen all too often at these tracks. Finish: 39th
4. Brad Keselowski (LW-7)- BK finally got the Daytona bug off of his back. Some of us (me included) have noticed how well BK normally runs at resrictor plate tracks, but it is in full focus after his Firecracker 400 win on Saturday. Finish: 1st
5. Carl Edwards (LW-4)- Add Carl to the list involved in some sort of wreck on Saturday night. Interestingly Jeff Gluck's poll of the weekly races all have night races rated the worst...Finish: 25th
6. Kyle Larson (LW-8)- Larson was actually a guy to keep it mostly clean on Saturday and it paid off with another nice finish. He is putting it together, but its looking more and more like he will still need a win to get in. Finish: 6th
7. Kyle Busch (LW-10)- Kyle was a legit challenger to BK's win on Saturday. He hung out front with him a ton and even lead a few laps. Rowdy has started to turn it back around in his last two races. Finish: 2nd
8. Chase Elliott (LW-5)- This is the first time in a few weeks that Chase actually fell outside the top 5 on the NBTW rankings. However, a road course and plate track back to back is nothing to freak out about. Lets see how he bounces back this weekend. Finish: 32nd
9. Martin Truex Jr (LW-6)- Truex spent some time up front early but ended up being a part of the biggest wreck of the night like many others. Finish: 29th
10. Austin Dillon (LW-NR)- Austin started the race in the top 10 (6th) and ended it right about where he starter. Dillon has been a pretty good plate racer so it isn't a hug surprise to see a top 10 at Daytona. Finish: 7th
11. Matt Kenseth (LW-9)- Once again, another victum of the biggest wreck of the night, Kenseth just tried to salvage the race. It's dissapointing too, because he normally ends up being a factor at the front towards the end of plate races some way or another. Finish: 28th
12. Tony Stewart (LW-12)- For old times, Smoke is keeping his last spot in the rankings. To be honest, not a lot of guys are worthy of the 12th spot after a wreck filled Daytona, so Tony gets to keep the spot dispite a poor run. However, his finish still left him in the top 30 so he is in the Chase as of this race. Finish: 26th

Dropped Out: Jimmie Johnson (LW-11)