Behind the Wall: Matt Kenseth

Showing posts with label Matt Kenseth. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

2016 NASCAR Driver Spotlight Review: Matt Kenseth

Matt Kenseth 2016 Review

By Richard Tix

2016 Preview Article

Season Grade: B-

Season Preview: "Over his career Matt Kesneth has been Mr. Consistent so it is hard not to imagine him posting pretty close numbers to his average. I do not think he will get another 5 wins in 2016, but I do think multiple wins is likely. 2-3 wins, 10-12 top 10's, and 18-19 top 10's is right about where I have Kenseth in 2016. All of those numbers are a bit down from 2015, but I think he will advance further just by not having issues and run in's with Joey Logano."

Season Review: Two wins, Eight top 5's, and 19 top 10's aren't too far off from what I thought Kenseth's season would look like. Again, it isn't too hard to predict with a guy like Kenseth because he has been one of the most consistent drivers throughout his career.

He also advanced further in the Chase, but again, easy prediction given how it ended in 2015. 2015 was still hands down a better season overall then this past year was, though. Kenseth was bad fast all year in 2015 and in 2016 he was only that fast in spurts and couldn't consistently compete with Harvick, Truex, and Ky Busch.

However, Kenseth was still a contender to win his second Championship late in the season because of his consistency and the fact that Joe Gibbs Racing brought some of the fastest cars to the track week to week.

Overall, he underwhelmed just a bit with his overall statistics as he is aging and sliding past his prime and he didn't make the Final Four again, so it was a good but not great season for the No. 20 team. I was also a bit disapointed to see the fued with him and JoLo dwindle, but hey, that's just me.

Previous Driver Spotlights

Thursday, January 21, 2016

2016 NASCAR Driver Spotlight Preview: Matt Kenseth

Matt Kenseth 2016 Preview

By Richard Tix

2015 Review

Matt Kenseth Career Paint Schemes

It is January 2016 and I think it is time to move on from the Kenseth v JoLo incident in 2015. However, even though it is time to move on does not mean that incident and the outcome did not define most of his season.

It really is unfortunate that many will remember the season because of that, but it is what the new Chase is. In the end though, he had a very productive season that started to heat up right around the time Kyle Busch came back. He ended up with 5 wins, 12 top 5's, and 20 top 10's. He now has 12 wins in three years with JGR.

Going forward it looks like the two drivers will put it behind them, but that all could be offseason talk. One thing is for sure, Kenseth is ready to get 2016 started.

Bold Predictions/2016 Season Expectations:

Over his career Matt Kesneth has been Mr. Consistent so it is hard not to imagine him posting pretty close numbers to his average. I do not think he will get another 5 wins in 2016, but I do think multiple wins is likely. 2-3 wins, 10-12 top 10's, and 18-19 top 10's is right about where I have Kenseth in 2016. All of those numbers are a bit down from 2015, but I think he will advance further just be not having issues and run in's with Joey Logano.

Previous Driver Spotlights

Friday, December 18, 2015

2015 Driver Spotlight Review: Matt Kenseth

Matt Kenseth 2015 Review

By Richard Tix

2015 Preview

Season Grade: B+

Season Preview: "I do believe Kenseth will bounce back (in a way). I think he gets back on the win board, but his overall consistency may be a bit down. I think some early season adjusting may take place at JGR to the new Camry's and four team set up. I think he is in line for 2-3 wins, 10-11 top 5's, and 18-21 top 10's which are all a bit down from 2014 (except wins). As always, he will be expected to make the Chase at least, and possibly be a title contender."

Season Review: Bounce back, that is one way to put Kenseth's 2015 season. He passed my expectations in almost every category by finishing with 5 wins, 12 top 5's and 20 top 10's. However, the main point of Kenseth's 2015 season will always be remembered as him v Joey Logano.

Really is was the big factor in deciding the fate of his season and finishing 15th in points. Overall, it was a fantastic season by him and the #20 crew, but it is hard to look past everything that happened on the track not involving wins, top 5's, and top 10's.

In the end, Kenseth would still have come up short of the end goal, but many people will still cling to what if's. Instead, Kenseth needs to focus on moving onto 2016 and a fresh start as he could be a ttitle contender again.

Previous Driver Spotlights

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

2015 Pit Road Week 23: Michigan

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Pure Michigan 400

By Richard Tix

Another successful trip to Michigan International Speedway is in the books for NASCAR Behind the Wall. Once again the experience was top notch. The MIS staff was friendly and helpful and Roger Curtis brought it when he packed the house (it was a nice sized crowd on Sunday).

However, that is where most of the enjoyment ended on race day. NASCAR was trying out its second High Downforce Package at MIS and it was, well, a drag. It didn't help facilitate passing and most of the day was single file racing with Matt Kenseth leading the way time after time.

Matt Kenseth was the top of the class all day, so nothing you can do to take the win from him, but it seemed to be too easy for the leader to pull away every restart. So, high downforce isn't the answer (most of us thought that, but now we know for sure).

I am glad NASCAR gave it a shot because they're doing it for the fans, drivers, and product. So, before going off on how terribe it is just understand they had to give it a shot. That being said, I hope this is the last time NASCAR tries this high downforce package. Not many people I came accross enjoyed the product it produced.

The most telling sign had to be was when drivers were asked about it post race and most either talked about something else (Harvick) or said something like it is NASCAR's decision, we just have to drive it (Keselowski). Some didn't even comment at all which say it all.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone at MIS and track president Roger Curtis for housing such a great event. It really is more than a race when you go to Michigan and they invite you like family. If you have yet to go, get your schedule opened up for next June, August, or both!

Pit Road Power Rankings (Week 22)

Kevin Harvick (LW-2)- Harvick has three more top 5's and top 10's than the next closest driver (Logano). He has lead a lap in the last five races and 20 of 23 laps. That is how often he is up front. Those kinds of stats could make it a cake walk for him to get to the final four. Finish: 2nd
Kyle Busch (LW-1)- He put himself in a whole after he spun in practice and had to go to the back up car. Before that, he qualified 6th and had a great car all weekend. Unfortunatly, track position was key so he never could get close enough. His run all the way up the field was impressive and about the only passing we saw all day. Finish: 11th
Matt Kenseth (LW-4)- I jumped him up this list a few weeks ago and got a lot of flack for it, well how about now? He has six straight top 10's including two wins, and four top 5's. He dominated on Sunday after leading 146 of 200 laps. I have said it for a few weeks now, but JGR is on fire right now. Finish: 1st
Joey Logano (LW-3)- Tough crowd, second in points and 4th in the Power Rankings. But, these are not based solely on where a driver is in points (I also want to mention many of the top 4 are interchangeable right now and you can make a case for any of them). Finish: 7th
Brad Keselowski (LW-5)- Fan or not, that MGD throwback scheme was sharp and would have looked nice in VL. BK really only had a top 10 car all day and that's where he finished. Finish: 9th
Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-9)- Hendrick and Co didn't have the best day on Sunday, the lone bright spot was Jr. It wasn't a great day, but it was another quality day to get him onto Bristol. Finish: 10th
Carl Edwards (LW-8)- If you need any evidence past Kenseth and Busch winning for a JGR resurgence, just look at Carl's fight back. He started the year off very slow and he now has five top 10's in six races (the other being a 13th place finish). Finish: 6th
Jimmie Johnson (LW-6)- It was a long day for JJ at MIS this past Sunday. He overshot his pit stall once and then spun in turn four. He will bounce back, but he has looked human in 2014 and 2015. Finish: 39th
Kyle Larson (LW-11)- His top 15 finish is not going to move him up these rankings fast, nor do they help him in his Chase hopes, but it also is a sign of a bit more consistency. Finish: 13th
Kurt Busch (LW-7)- Kurt just hasn't seemed to be contending for wins as often as he was when he first came back and was on fire. However, he is still getting top 10 finishes. That wasn't the case on Sunday where he had a rough run. Finish: 20th
Paul Menard (LW-12)- Menard is doing enough, but he also isn't doing too little. Right now he would make the Chase, but in no way will he move on if he continues to just get top 15 finishes. He needs to find a bit more to find some extra top 10's along the way. Finish: 12th
Ryan Newman (LW-NR)- He is doing it again.... Only four top 5's, but if he runs this consistent he could still get to the last eight, with a shot at a final four again. His 16 top 15's and 19 top 10's are keeping him from dropping out of the Chase picture. Finish: 8th

Dropped Out: Clint Bowyer

Just Missed: Denny Hamlin

Honorable Mention: Austin Dillon (2nd)

Monday, August 3, 2015

2015 Pit Road Week 21: Pocono

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Windows 10 400: Week 21

By Richard Tix

This week NASCAR headed to the Tricky Triangle for the second time this season. Pocono traditionally hasn't always given fans the most exciting finish and normally we end up getting a good ole strategy/fuel strategy race.

This time around Matt Kenseth pulled off the victory for JGR in dramatic fashion, even if it was only because of the last few laps. At the moment, JGR has been the hottest team on the back of Kyle Busch's three straight wins. But, because of how hot Rowdy's run was many of the other guys were being overlooked. Carl Edwards has found some speed at a few tracks, Denny has been consistent, and now Kenseth notched his second victory of 2015. Joe Gibbs Racing just might be getting hot at the right time.

Moving onto the fuel mileage debate in racing. Many fans complain and hate fuel mileage races, which is fair and your opinion. But, to think every race will be a last second last lap pass, or continuous passing is thinking crazy. Racing will always have an element in it that may lead to a fuel race. In fact, fuel mileage racing is always going to be a part of NASCAR and always should be. It is part of the strategy just like taking two tires on a pit stop is.

Sometimes fuel mileage races are more exciting down the stretch than any old race where a guy is out front 6 seconds anyways. The math and engineering that goes into a race that ends up with a fuel mileage outcome is great entertainment too. It is all just how you look at the race that allows you to enjoy every kind of race outcome. So, you can complain all you want but I can guarantee fuel mileage strategy and racing will never go away.

So, who else is climbing the Power Rankings this week? Check it out below.

Week 21 Power Rankings (Week 20)

Kyle Busch (LW-1)- Yes, he finished 21st and had a lot of controversial talk surrounding him at the end of the race, but I will give the benefit of doubt this week for Rowdy. He still won the Pole and lead some early laps, plus Harvick also had some rough luck and I can't see putting anyone else up here yet. Finish: 21st
Matt Kenseth (LW-7)- Has he been dominate lately? Not really. But, JGR as a whole has been picking up steam and it isn't just Kyle Busch. Kenseth now has four straight top 10's including the win and two top 5's. He is still behind top title contenders like JJ, Harvick, and Kyle but he is closing in. Finish: 1st
Kevin Harvick (LW-2)- Were they testing something at Pocono? I would hope so, but at the same time why test something at a non Chase track that really isn't like any of the other Chase tracks? Let's just chalk this one up to bad luck and move on. Finish: 42nd
Brad Keselowski (LW-5)- BK had one heck of a day and for once might feel lucky and not disappointing finishing second. He currently has four straight races with a driver rating of 102 or better. Finish: 2nd
Joey Logano (LW-3)- Tough way to go down on a day where he had one of the best cars. But speaking of driver ratings, JoLo has four straight races with a rating of 114 or better. His average running position on Sunday was 3rd, so he will bounce back. Finish: 20
Jimmie Johnson (LW-6)- Johnson finished right about where he should have on Sunday. He had a top ten car but just not enough to compete for the win. Then again, all you have to do is put yourself in a spot to win at the end of the race. Finish: 6th
Kurt Busch (LW-4)- Add Kurt's name to the list of top 2015 performers that struggled with luck at Pocono. The #41 and #4 will bounce back. Finish: 37th
Carl Edwards (LW-9)- Carl's first year with JGR hasn't been a walk in the park, but the #19 is starting to pick up some momentum at the right time. He now has three to 10's in the last four races that includes two poles. Finish: 10th
Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-11)- I expect Jr to start climbing back up this rankings, but right now they have just struggled to find consistency amid some bad luck and poor races. I wouldn't count him out because when they're on they're up front. Finish: 4th
Jeff Gordon (LW-12)- It was nice to see Gordon bounce back with a good finish after a disappointing final Brickyard 400. The #24 still seems to be a bit away from contending, but they still have plenty of time and we have seen crazier things (Newman in 2014). Finish: 3rd
Denny Hamlin (LW-8)- Sunday didn't go Denny's way, but he still has been running better as of late which should give them confidence down the stretch. Remember last year he made a great Chase run so it's now all about preparing for the last ten races.
Clint Bowyer (LW-NR)- Not many people have noticed, but Bowyer has two straight top 10's. The second half has been much better for Clint. Since Dover (9 total races) he has 6 top 10's. All of this is important because Clint is one of the bubble drivers trying to make the Chase on points. Finish: 8th

Dropped Out: Martin Truex Jr

Just Missed: Kyle Larson and Paul Menard

Honorable Mention: Greg Biffle (5th), AJ Allmendinger (7th), Tony Stewart (9th), Landon Cassill (14th), and Danica Patrick (16th).

No correct predictions this week. I know I have a lot of Matt Kenseth fans that follow Twitter, but to make it far I have to get week by week predictions. I know that the Matt Kenseth win means more to you than making these standings anyways! But next week tweet me the winner and you can make it!

As always, thanks for checking out NASCAR Behind the Wall and check back in for all of next weekends race information!