2017 NASCAR Pit Road Week 31: Talladega

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Alabama 500

By Richard Tix

2017 NASCAR Week 31 Power Rankings after Talladega

Pit Road Power Rankings: Week 31 (Week 30)

1. Martin Truex Jr (LW-1)- Everyone gets a pass at Talladega, including the best team in 2017. Truex might just go into Kansas and grab another win on the year.
2. Kyle Larson (LW-2)- After such a cluster, Larson can take a safe 13th place finish onto Kansas and the next round. 
3. Chase Elliott (LW-3)- Chase made his move late and Suarez was late to fill the hole. I get it, it was aggressive, but who wouldn't be? Suarez shouldn't have been clear to come down so I don't blame it on the No. 24.
4. Brad Keselowski (LW-9)- How BK made it through a few of those wreck and to the end unscathed is beyond me. He now has five career wins at Talladega and is locked into the round of eight.
5. Denny Hamlin (LW-5)- Hamlin was one of about three cars to not be involved in an incident heading into the last restart, amazing. This round he has finishes of 6th and 4th and should move on.
6. Matt Kenseth (LW-6)- 9th, 3rd, 11th, 11th, and 14th are Kenseth's playoff finishes. Yet, he finds himself at the moment on the outside looking in because of his regular season and lack of playoff points (3 playoff points. 10th in points).
7. Kevin Harvick (LW-10)- It's weird, Harvick is fourth in points but doesn't feel safe for the next round yet. He actually has a 22 point lead on 9th so he should be ok, but anything can happen.
8. Kyle Busch (LW-4)- What a round difference makes. Kyle can't catch a break right now, but luckily we're heading to Kansas and he has been very good here lately (five straight top 5's including a win).
9. Jimmie Johnson (LW-8)- JJ is currently sitting 8th, and would be moving onto the next round, however he will need a strong run at Kansas to make sure he advances.
10. Ryan Blaney (LW-11)- Blaney is actually in a transfer spot by 9 points over Kyle Busch and two points over Jimmie. Luckily the No. 21 has shown speed at 1.5's, unlucky he is up against Kyle Busch and JJ and only two of them get a spot in the next round.
11. Jamie McMurray (LW-7)- Did I jinx JMac? He was out before most of the craziness started after wrecking. This comes just a week after having back to back nice finishes. 
12. Ricky Stenhouse Jr (LW-12)- I'm not sure Ricky will be able to get it done at Kansas to move on, but it was a nice run to get here.

2017 NASCAR Pit Road Week 6: Martinsville

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

STP 500

By Richard Tix

This week's intro will be short and simple. It's been one heck of a week here on the NBTW side of things and the rest of the week isn't looking much better so to get things out this week everything might be a little shorter and a little sweeter.

Martinsville was one heck of a race. If you didn't enjoy the race on Sunday you may never enjoy a race, ever (or you only enjoy races where your driver does well). It had bumping, passing, and a fight for the lead late. I can only imagine one way that Sunday could have been better and that is if the late BK vs Rowdy battle happened with 10 to go instead of 50-60 to go. That's it...

NASCAR now heads to Texas, but don't work folks, we get back to short track racing right after that!

Pit Road Power Rankings: Week 6 (Week 5)

1. Brad Keselowski (LW-2)- What a day for the No. 2. Fast early, speeding penalty, and then a fight for the win. This team has taken to stage racing very well.
2. Kyle Larson (LW-1)- Alright, a hiccup is bound to happen. Larson had some short speed but once that was done he was stuck in traffic.
3. Chase Elliott (LW-3)- Another solid day and a big step at a Martinsville track that has eaten him up before. They're the class of HMS right now.
4. Kyle Busch (LW-5)- Strong car, but BK was better on this Sunday. Fun battle for the lead, though.
5. Joey Logano (LW-6)- Same as his teammate, strong car, fought through adversity, quality finish.
6. Martin Truex Jr (LW-4)- The 78 was strong once again. The finish wasn't what they wanted, but they have been fast.
7. Clint Bowyer (LW-12)- A top ten after his first top five in a long time. How about this: throw out Daytona and he hasn't finished worse than 13th yet.
8. Ryan Newman (LW-NR)- Decent top ten run on a forgettable day.
9. Kevin Harvick (LW-7)- The early season struggles are weird, but I fully expect a bounce back soon.
10. Jamie McMurray (LW-8)- What a strange call to not come in. It's a shame because this team was fast early.
11. Denny Hamlin (LW-11)- Another Martinsville wheel hop.. That is all.
12. Erik Jones (LW-NR)- Nice run for a rookie here at Martinsville. He has five top fives in six races including 8th and back to back 12th place finishes in his last three.

Dropped Out: Daniel Suarez (LW-10) and Ryan Blaney (LW-9)

Just Missed: Austin Dillon, Jimmie Johnson, A.J. Allmendinger, and Matt Kenseth

2017 NASCAR Pit Road Week 2: Atlanta

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500

By Richard Tix

To repave or not to repave? That was the big storyline all weekend at every NASCAR level, that was until a late caution mixed with a dominate car getting a speeding penalty made everyone forget about the surface of Atlanta Motor Speedway.

I am staying mum on the repave issue since I like the current surface and the fall off it gives, but also can see the side of wanting/needing a new surface. So, with that said I will move along and let social media hash that topic out.

As for the race, this years current old surface gave us ton's of comers and goers everywhere but in front. The pack had a bunch of passing and the few restarts we had lead to a bunch of three wide's and movers and shakers during those restarts. However, most of the day was headlined by Kevin Harvick having a dominate car up front, all alone, with a five plus second lead for much of it.

I heard every excuse and complaint trying to blame NASCAR for a race being dominated by one guy, however I want to tell you this: races being dominated by one guy have always happened and always will happen from time to time. I mean on Sunday that No. 4 was just hooked up and no one could touch him. Kevin Harvick was truly running his own race out there for 90% of the race.

The thing is in sports, you can't leave (or stop watching) until the very end because the unexpected will happen every time you count it out. Sunday it happened to be a late caution when Austin Dillon couldn't get it to pit road -- or didn't try hard enough, which ever you believe. On top of that, a guy who had been perfect ALL DAY LONG became imperfect in the most important moment and was caught speeding on pit road during the last stop. That driver was obviously Kevin Harvick and it eventually lead to him not winning a race he lead 292 laps in.

During that moment everyone starting up front on what became the final restart of the day knew they finally had a shot to win at Atlanta because Kevin Harvick wasn't up there with them. Kyle Larson grabbed the early lead after that restart but eventually Brad Keselowski put enough pressure on him and took the lead from him when Larson tried out the high line instead of hooking the bottom. Would it have played out different if he held the bottom? Maybe, but maybe not. One thing is for sure, both Kyle and Brad had great cars on Sunday and only got overlooked because Harvick was just that much better then the field.

At the end of the day it's who is leading the last lap that counts. BK got a trip to Victory Lane, five playoff points for winning the race, and Harvick still had a fantastic day in the points standings as well as collecting two playoff points for winning stages one and two. AMS showcased a stage format that rewarded the best drivers for the entire day as well as the winner when all was said in done. 

Pit Road Power Rankings: Week 2 (Week 1)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-2)- He lead staged one and two and a total of 292 laps on Sunday, but it came down to a speeding penalty late in the race to determine his fate. It was the No. 4 teams to lose on Sunday and unfortunately for them that happen, yet they still lead NASCAR in points after two races.
2. Brad Keselowski (LW-12)- BK was a top five car early, had right front issues, rotated back into the lead, then out of the lead, then back to a top five car, and then the hunter when reeling in Larson late. BK and the No. 2 had one heck of a day and it ended in a trip to VL.
3. Kurt Busch (LW-3)- Not his day on Sunday, yet they hung up in the top ten most of the day and finished it off with a 7th place finish. SHR has shown a strong start to 2017.
4. Chase Elliott (LW-4)- His trip to Victory Lane is coming, and probably coming soon. He has been strong to start this season. Too bad he couldn't have locked in his first win at his home track of AMS.
5. Joey Logano (LW-1)- JoLo also had an up and down day like his Penske teammate. Joey rebounded with a 6th place finish after being a couple laps down earlier.
6. Kyle Larson (LW-8)- Chase may finally get his first win, but the way things are looking Larson may get his next win soon as well. He had the lead late before BK took it from him.
7. Kasey Kahne (LW-10)- Quietly Kahne is having a nice start to 2017. Sunday the No. 5 team fought from being lapped all the way back to a top five.
8. Kyle Busch (LW-5)- Not his day, the No. 18 tea, hasn't shown it's dominance like last season. However, they did fight back from being lapped and finished 16th and on the lead lap.
9. Martin Truex Jr (LW-11)- The 78 seemed quiet all day even though he had a running average of 7th and ran 323 of 325 laps in the top 15. Maybe they will make more noise next week after a good 8th place finish at AMS.
10. Ryan Blaney (LW-6)- Another day full of rough luck, this time an early tire issue. They fought all day to gain ground and eventually finished 18th and the first car a lap down. Better days should be coming for this No. 21 team.
11. Trevor Bayne (LW-NR)- Hey, RFR looks sporty so far this year and leading that crew is the No. 6. No, really. Bayne has a 10th and 11th place finish already this year and spent most of Sunday in the top ten.
12. Matt Kenseth (LW-NR)- Two speeding penalties in the first (I believe) stage, multiple laps down, and this team fought back to a 3rd place finish. Seriously. I couldn't leave a team that did that off this weeks top 12.

Dropped Out: Jimmie Johnson (LW-7) and Denny Hamlin (LW-9)

Just Missed: Clint Bowyer, Jamie McMurray, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

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 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)

2016 NASCAR Pit Road Week 3: Las Vegas

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Kobalt Tools 400

Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images

By Richard Tix

NASCAR headed West after it's first stop at a 1.5 mile track when they visited Atlanta Motor Speedway for the second race of 2016. After Jimmie Johnson won the first race of 2016 with the new low downforce aero package many fans and drivers were excited to see it at work again.

The second test of 2016 was Las Vegas Motor Speedway, but the car wasn't the only test.

Weather may have played the biggest factor on the race all day and gave us the largest storyline to follow as the race pushed forward. The day started with Kurt Busch on the pole and a competition caution because of rain fall overnight and into Sunday morning. 

On top of the rain that may have washed some of the rubber away, wind gusts of 40-45 miles per hour before the green flag also played a huge factor. The ever changing wind gusts made it tough on drivers and teams alike. Drivers were left in the dark anticipating gusts while also trying to avoid any type of debris that the wind was blowing around.

After taking turns of Kurt Busch, Joey Logano, and Jimmie Johnson leading big chunks the race was weaning to a close. That was, until a mini sandstorm raised up and put a short halt to the race. Once we got going Kyle Busch bolted out front on a late restart against Joey Logano to a padded lead.

AP Photo/Isaac Brekken

Meanwhile, the once struggling Brad Keselowski was having a tough time in third getting around his teammate Joey Logano. After Brad took a lead earlier after a risky green flag pit stop move that had him sideways on the side skirt before pit entrance he was caught speeding on another stop. He worked his way up, needed cautions to save fuel, and had a legit shot to catch Kyle, that was if he could get around his own teammate.

Joey made him earn it, but once BK got around him it didn't take long for him to catch the 2015 Sprint Cup Champion. Kyle was starting to loose time on his laps and the faster No. 2 was there to take his lead. Once out front, the only thing to stop him would have been a caution that never came.

After a full season in 2015 where those late cautions seemed to come and take wins from a dominate Keselowski and White Deuce, this one didn't get away from him. After the race it still seemed  like drivers were having a positive response to the new areo package and Keselowski seemed to be very genuine about how much it takes to win these races with this new package (which echo's what Jimmie and others had said last week).

The verdict is still out on the new package, but if you listen to just the drivers they would have you believe it is passing all the marks compared to the recent tries by NASCAR. Its refreshing to see them praising a car instead of being mute and not answering any questions about it in fear of saying something too negative. The first step in my opinion is a success and the true test will be to continue minor tweaking with driver and Goodyear input to put the perfect package and tire on each week at each unique track.

*2016 Kobalt Tools 400 Results

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 3 (Week 2)

1. Kyle Busch (LW-2)- Parity. So far that has been how 2016 has started out in the first three races. However, the closest thing to a standout driver so far has been Kyle with his three top 5's. Finish: 4th
2. Jimmie Johnson (LW-3)- JJ had one of the few cars to beat on Sunday at LVMS, but he just had too much ground to make up late. If a caution would have flown, I think JJ would have come away with the trip to victory lane. Finish: 3rd
3. Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- Sunday at Vegas was strange for Harvick and fans. He seemed to be very good, but for once he wasn't the guy to beat all day like he has been the past two years. He seemed like an after thought, though a very good after thought. Finish: 7th
4. Brad Keslowksi (LW-7)- BK soaked in this victory after a drought and a tough 2015 season where he has one win. The question is, will he build on this and collect a few more unlike last season? It was a gutsy win to come back from the penalties and fuel scare late on. Finish: 1st
5. Kurt Busch (LW-6)- Early on the pole winner was the guy to beat. Then he had a pit road penalty and was chasing the front the rest of the day. A win for he and SHR teammate Kevin Harvick seem to be right around the corner (Phoenix anyone?). Finish: 9th
6. Joey Logano (LW-8)- JoLo seemed to be getting killed on every restart which seems to be the story of the day for he and his team. Other then that, he had a very fast car worth a top 5 finish: Finish: 2nd
7. Martin Truex Jr (LW-4)- That was not the kind of day the No. 78 was looking for, however they fought through for a nice finish. These guys look like a team that will eventually get a win soon. Finish: 11th
8. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-11)- Juniors two top 10's in three races might be the quietest two in NASCAR. He hasn't had winning car's the last two weeks, but he is still getting it done with quality finishes. Finish: 8th
9. Carl Edwards (LW-5)- After back 5th place finishes Carl got caught up in a wreck late and it ruined his day. However, once again he had a very tough time getting to the front. The No. 19 has to be the team who has worked the hardest to squeak out two top 5's so far. Nothing has come easy yet. Finish: 18th
10. Austin Dillon (LW-NR)- Is Austin turning the page? He is 9th in points thru three races and had a nice day in Vegas on Sunday. He now has finishes of 9th, 11th, and 5th. Finish: 5th
11. Denny Hamlin (LW-9)- Denny lead a few laps after gambling to stay out front, however it quickly back fired and he lost the same track position he gained. The No. 11 team had to try something as they seemed to be lagging behind most of the day. Finish: 19th
12. Ricky Stenhouse Jr (LW-NR)- Ricky? Ricky Stenhouse Jr? Yes, the man famous for being Danica's boyfriend and not because of being a Nationwide Champion, has cracked the top 12. Ricky has finishes of 10th and 12th in his last two races and is the only real threat so far from RFR. Finish: 12th

Dropped Out: Matt Kenseth (10th) and Chase Elliott (12th)

Just Missed: Ryan Blaney and Kasey Kahne

Pit Road Week 32: Talladega

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Week 32

By Richard Tix

NASCAR went through a huge dilemma after Charlotte. NASCAR had to decide how to come down on drivers that were a part of the fiasco that was the post race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It was a huge decision by NASCAR because one of its best and fastest drivers in 2014 was the major reason everything escalated so quickly (Brad Keselowski).

NASCAR was in a no win situation, however. No matter which way they went with it someone would end up upset. However, even to myself, a BK fan, NASCAR came down too light on the #2. I also think Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth got off too light when they escaped NASCAR's penalties with nothing. 

All of that being said, NASCAR made its decision. If from that point you said you are done with NASCAR, fine, go on your way. Its a legitimate reason since NASCAR has never been consistent when it comes to laying down the law of its rules. Some fans have given up on the grey line of the penalty system, and that's understandable.

But, if you just decided after the race Sunday that you are done just because BK won after the fact then, "bye Felicia." NASCAR may make its mistakes, and I agree BK should have got more, but if you didn't leave when they made the mistake, than why leave now? Because a driver won by its new rules? Because your driver lost and didn't advance?

I expected a huge uproar over the new Chase system because no matter what, a huge part of the fan base would be hit. Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Matt Kenseth all sat in positions where they might miss out on the next round. NASCAR has a lot of fans that follow those drivers. So, with it being Talladega, and it being a new system not every fan has decided there feelings on, it was bound to be a huge issue once the big one happened and the final results were posted. 

The aftermath was indeed huge. BK, who many started to hate, or hate more, after last week ended up winning and advancing (with Kenseth help pushing). Jr, JJ, Kahne, and Kyle Busch all failed to advance. Three Hendrick cars (some of the favorites going in) are out and now NASCAR is down to 8.

Whether you hate it, love it, or still haven't decided yet, the new Chase format was created by NASCAR for you, the fans. They didn't do this format because of themselves, or to stop JJ from getting 7, or any other crazy reason out there that we have all heard. NASCAR made this change because we as a fan base need something. NASCAR can not stand still. If they want to evolve and thrive in the future of sports they need to do so by some changes. Would you rather have exciting racing and drama like we just had on Sunday, or another COT car era?

The Chase format is the last thing I will attack NASCAR for. In an age where they can't keep a car the same from year to year, ever evolving rules and regulations, sponsors leaving, and inconsistency, I don't think NASCAR hit too far from the bulls-eye on the Chase format. However, you can have your opinion, but I think it is a step in the right direction.

This new format brings excitement to the casual fan, it brings elimination that breads drama, it helps excite a sponsor base that needs to be rejuvenated to bring some new sponsors back in. You may think it is just France trying to ruin the sport, but in this case I think the Chase was to help get some fans back.

The problem is, NASCAR fans don't take to change very well. Everyone saying, "now my driver is eliminated." Well, at this time in last years Chase format we would only have about 4 or 5 contenders anyways, now we have 8 all equal. In the olden days before that, the Championship would be all but decided (maybe down to 1-3 drivers with a real chance). Everyone wants to award the best driver all season, but then complain how boring the racing is? Come on, we would already know our Champion with 4 races left most likely every single season.

Oh, and in every other sport, all of them, the best team in the regular season doesn't always win. That's what is great about sports. In the end, everyone gets a shot. If you struggle during the season, there is still something to fight for at the end of the season. At some point a shocker or upset happens, that's why I love sports in general, the underdog has a chance no matter how many chips are stacked against them. Yet, in most season's the cream of the crop fight to the top, because they fought thorough adversity and hardship. It will be that much more satisfying when your driver wins (or for the actual team that wins). Championships are about team building and finding a strength when the chips are against you, and it is so much more satisfying when you have to really work for it all the way down to the last race. 

However, everyone has and is entitled to there own opinion. If you came here to read the same old opinion as everyone else, or just the popular opinion, I am sorry your not going to get it. I am always open to hearing everyone's opinion, because a lot of times there are very valid points you don't see. Everyone has there own perspective on a given issue, and that is what is great about sports and great about the NASCAR community. I just plead to the NASCAR community to not just abandon something you care about so much because of an outcome. NASCAR is trying to make the sport a better and more exciting product, if we continually abandon the sport or threaten to NASCAR will keep making changes and never settle on a product that truly works. I think this Chase needs to be given a chance at the very least or we will force NASCAR to change again, and possible screw it up more. 

Geico 500 Full Race Results

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 32 (Week 31)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- A lot of big shuffles up towards the top of the rankings this week. Because of Talladega, Havick's 9th will keep him in the number 1 NBTW Power Rankings spot for now. He has been fast all year and is still a favorite to win the title.
2. Joey Logano (LW-2)- His top 10 streak ended at Dega with an 11th place finish, but only because he tried to help BK win and advance by pushing BK and then blocking the field. You may not like Joey or BK, but wouldn't you like to have a teammate help like that for you when you most need it?
3. Ryan Newman (LW-6)- Yes, its Newman in his highest spot on the season going into the final four races. Newman has reeled of four straight top 10's just when he needed it. Ryan had a shot at the end of the race, but BK had his teammate Joey Logano (won at Kansas) to help him seal a victory. However, Newman said whats more important is a win in the next three races.
4. Brad Keselowski (LW-10)- Last week he was almost dead in the water after his total mess of Charlotte. This week he was up front all day and when it counted had his teammate there to help push him to the win to advance. BK wasn't exactly smart at Charlotte, but it was nice to see him admit his downfalls as a driver and human in VL, another emotional finish just like CHA (doesn't correct everything at CHA, obviously).
5. Matt Kenseth (LW-9)- Lots of big movers this week. 1, because drivers got eliminated. 2, because a lot of top drivers didn't finish that well since most were just trying to survive. Kenseth moved on in part by his 2nd place finish. He actually helped push BK on the final lap, but it was obviously because it was his best chance to win. Crazy as this still seems, he is looking for his first win of the season.
6. Jeff Gordon (LW-4)- Gordon is the lone Hendrick car standing after Talladega. His impressive 2014 season continues onto Martinsville. He finished 26th, but the only thing that the #24 team cares about is that they're still alive.
7. Carl Edwards (LW-5)- Yes, Carl Edwards is still in the Chase! To me its crazy because he has had such a quiet season, but he is getting it done when he needs to (including two top 10's this round). 
8. Denny Hamlin (LW-7)- DH had back to back top 10's in the last round before his 18th place finish at Dega. What matters, he and fellow JGR teammate Matt Kenseth move on to the final round before Miami.
9. Kyle Larson (LW-13)- Kyle Larson retains the top spot he can possible get and moves up because of another elimination round. From here on out it will be the top 12 rankings. Non Chase drivers can only make it as high as 9th until Miami, where they can get as high at 5th. Larson finished 17th, which was his first Chase race finish outside the top 10.
10. Kyle Busch (LW-3)- After a roller coaster regular season, Rowdy had only finished in the top 10 in the Chase leading up to Talladega. Then, he ran into bad luck when he checked up for another wreck (or bad luck ran into him). Kyle looked like he was in good position to advance onto the next round until the wreck ruined his day. 
11. Kasey Kahne (LW-8)- Kahne finished 12th on Sunday, but came up short in the big picture and didn't advance. He only had one top 10 in this round, which really seemed to be what did him in.
12. Austin Dillon (LW-NR)- Dillion's average finish on the season is 16.7. In his six Chase races he has an average finish of 14.16 including four top 15's and one top 10. 

**A refresher of how the rankings have been working all Chase. Only Chase drivers are in the top 8 (or remaining drivers). When we are down to four, the top four will be made up of the remaining Chase drivers. Once you are eliminated you are fed to the dogs and can drop anywhere from 9th to out of the rankings (See Dale Jr and JJ). So, for the next three races spots 9-12 are open to any NASCAR Cup driver. Spots 1-8 will be only Chase drivers (and they wont drop out of the top 8 no matter how bad they're doing). 

Victory Lane

 

Nice prediction Donna!

Six times BK has won, six times Dave has been in the newly named Victory Lane on NBTW

Well, Will got it right last week.... This week, well I am not sure this qualifies?

As always, thanks for checking out NASCAR Behind the Wall. If it wasn't for NASCAR and it's fans this wouldn't be as much fun! Come back and check out the Entry List, TV Schedule, and Martinsville Preview later this week! 

Ahead of the Learning Curve

Team Penske Tries to Stay in Front of the Pack

By Richard Tix

Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano and Team Penske have started out the 2014 NASCAR season better then anyone could have expected. I think if you ask both drivers they would both look at you and say that it has been a dream first three races.

After just three races Brad Keselowski is all but locked into the Chase after a win at Las Vegas. "It's just such a reliever for everyone on the team to get that win in early, and be able to enjoy the races and opportunities that we have instead of being stressed out about them," Keselowski said. "You know, I think if anything it actually lends itself to better racing." This being said after the Vegas race this past Sunday. It should give the #2 team the freedom to take a few extra chances, sort of like what Dale Earnardt Jr did at the end of the race when he ran out of fuel.

The past two weeks, Vegas and Phoenix, have had starting front row's of Brad and Joey. Brad Keselowski won the Pole over Joey at Phoenix and the two flip flopped at Las Vegas. The Team Penske Fords have been locked in to start the 2014 season, which comes as a relief after the 2013 season seemed to be a tough year for all Ford manufactured teams.

So far team Penske (the #2 and #22) have a combined 5 Top 10's, 5 Top 5's, 2 Poles, and 1 win in 3 races. The only non top 10 (or top 5 for that matter) was Joey Logano's 11th place finish at Daytona. I would say that is a start any team owner would be proud of. 

Combined the two Penske drivers have an average finish of 4.33. Both drivers have also led a lap in each race to start the season. The two drivers have also seemed to figure out the new qualifying system fast. In the two knock out style qualifying attempts this year Team Penske has won both Poles (Daytona qualifying was run as it has in the past, non knock out style). 

"It gets crazy out there," said Logano, who earned his eighth career pole at Las Vegas "I think it's way cooler than old-style qualifying, don't get me wrong. It's awesome. We're all learning right now. It's all new to us, but we're having fun with it. I enjoy it. I think it's cool."

And obviously he and Team Penske have figured it out and been ahead of the curve, "That's the whole point of this," Logano said  "A lot more preparation goes into it, a lot more communication between myself, my spotter, my crew chief. Not really about our race car, but how are we going to go out there, and what's our game plan? Every time we've had a game plan going into it, it's changed so far. At least we're pulling audibles and they're working."

If Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, and Team Penske can stay ahead of the learning curve they could put themselves into a good position to make a Championship push. One thing is for sure, racing well early in the season sure will take some pressure off of you. Winning early should give you extra time to work out all the kinks and learn what gambles may and may not work. Guys who have a win early can start to look deeper into Chase strategies for track that they visit during the last 10 races. 

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