2018 NASCAR Pit Road 3: Las Vegas

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

By Richard Tix

What We learned. What We Saw. What We Heard.

What We Learned: NASCAR Didn't Seem to Test Pit Guns Enough

• NASCAR on Fox showed the new connector piece on the pit gun hoses that is supposed to help with the durability of the connection nut on the guns. It was nice to see NASCAR fixing part of the gun issue, but it also pointed out how obvious not enough testing was done prior to the season. I mean, how can something so simple not be tested before the year starts? I know some things are a learning curve, but this seemed so simple that is each team was able to test this system each for a a few days worth of testing it would have come back as an issue and a solution... Then again, I don't know how much they really tested, so maybe I am way off, but it seemed like an issue that would have been caught early in testing.

What We Saw: More Kevin Harvick Dominance

• Just like at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Kevin Harvick spent most of the day up front. It's the second race in a row where Harvick put a beat down on the field. Heck, the dominance was so big that Reddit found photo's of the No. 4 car where it looks like part of the rear window caves in when the car is at speed (and they look legit). Whatever the team is doing, it's working because they have two wins and have led almost half the laps this season.

What We Saw: Not Enough of the Field

• Seriously, I am convinced NASCAR on Fox doesn't know what to do when a driver is dominating a race. One driver dominating happens and there is nothing NASCAR or the broadcast can do to stop it, it happens. However, when it happens the broadcast could use that time to make a race unique. Most of the day they spent time focusing on the lead car (Harvick) or the couple cars unsuccessfully tracking him down. They could have easily used that time to rundown the field, including cars that normally don't get a ton of time on air. 1) it would avoid the fact that a driver is dominating which upsets the fan base thinking its a terrible race. Spend some time on the front, but in the middle of the race work through the crowd. 2) It helps show if the rest of the field is fighting for spots and actually passing. We knew no one was passing Harvick, but how about guys trying to get into the top ten? Were guys moving up the field? Without social media it was tough to tell what else was happening Sunday throughout the field.

Pit Road Power Rankings: Week 3 (Week 2)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-1)- Harvick has made it clear he is at the top all by himself. He has been so good he has social media complaining of utter dominance and has reddit trying to figure out "how?" He has lead almost 50% of the last this season (395).
2. Joey Logano (LW-3)- JoLo and NASCAR completely forgot about the word "encumbered" entering the season and it's showing. JoLo has three top tens to start 2018 (only driver to do that) and led 25 laps on Sunday.
3. Martin Truex Jr (LW-4)- Truex Jr. has back to back top fives since Daytona yet people aren't talking about him like last season. Remember, he started slow early last year too and then he dominated stages week after week. It might be tougher this year with Fords like Harvick, JoLo, and BK stepping up.
4. Brad Keselowski (LW-5)- BK had another strong car on Sunday, but it wasn't near as good as Harvick's. BK also had a mini meltdown, which was out of the ordinary for him.
5. Ryan Blaney (LW-8)-Blaney racked up more points on Sunday finishing third after starting on the pole. He is continuing his breakout from last season.
6. Kyle Busch (LW-7)- Kyle led 10 laps, finished second, and gathered the 5th most points on Sunday. He is now 5th in season points with a top five and two top tens.
7. Denny Hamlin (LW-2)- Hamlin was having a quiet day inside the top ten (with a top ten car) until he got a speeding penalty and basically ruined his day. Still, the No. 11 team has been a top ten team all year.
8. Kyle Larson (LW-9)- Larson spent some time near the front, finished well, but still didn;t lead a lap.Just like last year, the No. 42 is the head of the Chevy class.
9. Paul Menard (LW-NR)- It's been refreshing to see Menard running near the top ten weekly. It's also nice to see the Wood Brothers have a smooth transition from Blaney to Menard.
10. Austin Dillon (LW-11)- AD hasn't been great but also hasn't been bad since his Daytona 500 win. Finishes of 14th and 13th aren't terrible considering no one in a Camaro has really been running well.
11. Chase Elliott (LW-9)- Chase has been the best running HMS driver this season, but that isn't saying a ton. This past weekend Kurt Busch lost it and took out Chase when Chase was hanging around the top ten. Elliott should be fine, but HMS has to start worrying soon.
12. Erik Jones (LW-NR)- Quietly Erik has put up a respectable 11th place finish (last week) and 8th place this past weekend. Part of that has been due to him qualifying 8th, 10th, and 9th so far this season.

Dropped Out: Clint Bowyer (LW-10) and Kurt Busch (LW-12)

Just Missed: Aric Almirola and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Team Power Rankings

1. Stewart Haas Racing (LR-6)- Harvick is the head of the class with two wins meanwhile Kurt Busch, Aric Almirola, and Clint Bowyer all have a top ten and are inside the top 13 in points. Harvick is the main reason SHR tops this list.
2. Team Penske (LR-3)- From top to bottom, the three Penske cars have been fast in 2018 but have yet to win. The win column and losing to Harvick is the only reason the "Captains" team is in second and not first through three races.
3. Furniture Row Racing (LR-1)- Truex Jr. has two straight top five finishes and looks to still be strong heading into 2018.
4. Joe Gibbs Racing (LR-2)- Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin have been running well and finishing that way, but Jones and Suarez have struggled when it comes to finishing. However, both young drivers have done well in flashes.
5. Wood Brothers Racing (LR-8)- The transition from Young Ryan Blaney to Veteran Paul Menard has been seamless so far this season. Menard is consistently running in or near the top ten and has finishes of 6th and 9th (last year Menard had three top tens).
6. Chip Ganassi Racing (LR-5)- Kyle Larson has been fast, but Jamie McMurray has been a bit hidden. Part of it could be the learning curve of the Camaro, only time will tell.
7. Richard Childress Racing (LR-7)- RCR started out with a win at Daytona, got a front row start at Atlanta, and have both drivers in the top 14. If Chevy gets rolling, RCR might be in place to get both drivers into the Playoffs again in 2018.
8. Team Hendrick Motorsports (LR-4)- RCR only got the nudge over HMS because of the Daytona win, but don't let that diminish how much Hendrick has been struggling. Chase Elliott has been a bright spot but even he has had his struggles. JJ did show a nice fight at LVMS.
9. Roush Fenway Racing (LR-9)- Stenhouse Jr has actually run some decent races, but the finishes haven't been there. Wait until some short tracks come around and RFR might be pulling off more top fives this year.
10. Richard Petty Motorsports (LR-12)- The runner up finish at Daytona was nice and helped bring some spotlight back to RPM, but since then they have struggled just like 2017. 
11. JTG-Daugherty Racing (LR-NR)- Chris Buescher has run pretty well so far in 2018, especially considering how far behind JTG seems to be. AJ has been quiet, but did notch a top ten at Daytona.
12. Front Row Motorsports (LR-NR)- Michael McDowell had his time to shine at Vegas when they used a different strategy and spent time leading the race (11 laps) and then his motor blew... It was still nice to see some spotlight on them.

Dropped Out: Germain Racing (LR-10) and Leavine Family Racing (LR11)

2017 NASCAR Pit Road Week 1: Daytona

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Daytona 500

By Richard Tix

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series rings in its new sponsorship with the No. 41 Monster Energy Stewart Haas Racing Ford Fusion in Victory Lane. No, really, you can't even make that up or script it even better.

Oh, and before you go all conspiracy theory -- I know some of you already have somehow decided it was rigged -- NASCAR can not script 35 of 40 cars getting in a wreck and somehow Kurt Busch keeps it together enough to get to Victory Lane. Even if they wanted to, they couldn't script it that he gets the lead on the very last lap or goes through the grass earlier in a wreck but the splitter doesn't come flying off.

But, here we are with a Monster Energy car in Victory Lane in a Monster Energy sponsored series, pretty cool. You know what's even cooler? The post race emotion when Tony Gibson was interviewed on his box on pit road. Man, he showed every emotion he had in his body and laid it on the line which was fantastic to see.

After a week of working and fighting for every second of speed, it paid off for the No. 41 team and to see Tony show us all what it meant to him and his friends and family was great. 

When it comes to the race it had a lot of just about everything. The race started out clean and organized after a weekend filled with beat up and flying cars/trucks. Then stage right comes JGR and the Toyota crew that started bringing us plenty of strategy to gnaw on. We had lead changes and some close calls, and eventually the cautions started to act up. Once they started it was like a leaky faucet that just couldn't be turned off -- folks, that's plate track racing if you haven't noticed.

The rule package on this February Sunday afternoon wouldn't have mattered, the gimmick of plate racing will lead to these types of races from time to time. Yet, each year no matter the rules, cars, or anything else, fan's go the easy route and blame it on whatever recent change NASCAR has made. That's a simple mind blaming changes on something after one race without really taking it in fully and seeing it play out at different types of tracks.

That's because no one want's to really point out it's more based on the nature of plate racing and not the current scoring option chosen by NASCAR, Monster, its drivers, and it's teams. Daytona and Talladega are two huge names on the NASCAR schedule to outside fans so actually partially blaming something only found at those track's is the hard thing to do so why not take the easy way out?

Look, I still enjoy the heck out of plate racing, but I understand the race right now is more gimmick then skill. Yes, skill is needed to navigate and make your way to the front. Yes, tons of skill goes into understanding aero on these tracks and knowing how to use it to your advantage. But, that's a huge but, at any moment 15 cars can be taken out by the simplest move and take all that knowledge and skill right out of the race. The percentage odds of that happening at a plate track compared to other tracks is just so much higher that it's hard to judge a new rule or package solely on this race.

So, sit back and enjoy Atlanta next week. Let the point system and new rules really set in before attacking media members with tweets complaining about NASCAR and what they did this time to screw up the sport.

Now, enough about plate racing because we will put it behind us for a few weeks, lets get into this weeks Behind the Wall Power Rankings! Oh and one last thought about the upcoming season after Daytona -- more GRONK in NASCAR!

Pit Road Power Rankings: Week 1 (Preseason)

1. Joey Logano (LW-3)- JoLo had a rough start as he hit pit road early, but he fought back and gave himself a shot late in the race. He finished second in the second stage and was part of the last group standing in the closing laps.
2. Kevin Harvick (LW-5)- Guess who's fourth in points after only completing 197 of 200 laps? Yeah, this team will love the stage points because of how consistently fast they are week in and week out.
3. Kurt Busch (LW-11)- What a win. Tony Gibson showed just how much the Daytona 500 means to him and his team. Kurt put on the perfect move at the perfect time in what was an entertaining 500.
4. Chase Elliott (LW-6)- For awhile it looked like it was Elliott's to lose, and in the end it was. He had an issue late and was mysteriously holding the high line -- instead of the low line. Either way, he was impressive all weekend long and will take lessons learned with him to Atlanta.
5. Kyle Busch (LW-2)- The Toyota's were on their own strategy from the start but because of how things played out we never got to see how it would fully work out. Unfortunately for Kyle he randomly lost a tire and took a bunch of guys with him.
6. Ryan Blaney (LW-17)- Wow, was Blaney impressive all day. Heck, Ryan showed he was ready in year two all weekend. He couldn't get a late push tp help him get to Kurt's back bumper, but he still displayed some impressive moves.
7. Jimmie Johnson (LW-1)- Well, JJ's week could have gone better. It's like everyone said "lets take out JJ this week in Daytona."Just like that David Ragan, Trevor Bayne, and Jamie McMurray took care of business. JJ will be back in Atlanta.
8. Kyle Larson (LW-8)- What could have been. Larson moved his way up front only to come up short on fuel late that had him fall way back. 
9. Denny Hamlin (LW-9)- Another Toyota caught up in a bunch of messes, DH and team still fought through and came away with the ninth most points even after only finishing 199 laps.
10. Kasey Kahne (LW-16)- At one point Kahne fans were breathing more heavily yet trying to act like they weren't noticing it in case they would jinx him. Well, it didn't work, but it was still refreshing seeing him in a spot to contend late in the race.
11. Martin Truex Jr (LW-4)- After that horrid start to the race it was impressive to see the No. 78 up front with that right front taped up and a chance to win.
12. Brad Keselowski (LW-7)- A fast car all weekend with some nice stage points, BK couldn't escape all of the wreckage and eventually got caught up.

2016 NASCAR Pit Road Week 21: Pocono

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Pennsylvania 400

Photo: Joseph Ressler

By Richard Tix

Let's start out this weeks review with a huge shout out to NASCAR Cup rookie Chris Buescher and his first career Cup win on Sunday Monday. Everyday those guys on that Front Row team get up and work their butts off to put a car on the track for Chris. Day in and day out, long hours, all to just get to the track.

Well on any given Sunday Monday they are supposed to have a chance, right? Well, normally its tough for a small team to legitimately have a shot let alone a rookie on a small team, but after a rain out on Sunday and weather threats all day Monday the hard work by the team and strategic calls all payed off in a big way. Give it to this team and all the work they put in, they deserve a moment in the spotlight. 

You may not see it this way, but teams view any win as a win and in the same light. In racing win's come in every way including because of the weather. That team gambled and put themselves in a good spot at that moment. Was it luck? Was it strategy? Was it smart? Yes to all of the above, but so is any other win. When a driver dominates by 10 sec to a win some luck still plays a part because at any given time a lapped car could come down on that race winner and ruin his day. A cut tire. A debris caution late. Anything. A bit of luck always plays in, but that doesn't downplay how much work a team puts in weekly to get just one chance at a moment like yesterday. That No. 34 team put themselves in that spot and deserve that win.

Buescher now has a chance at making the 2016 Sprint Cup Chase (currently 6 points outside of 30th place). Before we move deeper into the win, lets also give a shout out to Regan Smith for being at the right place to end the race (finished 3rd) and notching his first top 5 of 2016.

I also think NASCAR deserves a huge shout out this week as well. This isn't a common theme, but when it is earned it needs to be noted. Sports have to deal with the weather dealt to them and NASCAR did a wonderful job. On Monday they had plenty of time to call the race early, but they stuck it out and gave fans a chance to see a full race (what we all watch and pay for). 

NASCAR and Pocono even gave out and advanced tornado warning (one wasn't even issued by the National Weather Service) so that fans could get to safety "if" severe weather popped up. It was a smart and safe call since they were trying to hold on as long as they could, yet making sure everyone makes it home. 

In the end it was inevitable they had to call the race. The fog didn't dissipate in time before the next set of heavy rain showers came in. So, we are left with an underdog winner with his first sweet trip to victory lane. I for one am looking forward to watching the battle he and his team have ahead of them to get into the top 30. It truly will make watching battles throughout the field more entertaining. 

Its also a battle worth watching for guys trying to get in on points like Elliott, Blaney, Larson, McMurray, Dillon, Newman, etc. If he can get into the top 30 and stay there then one more spot is picked from under them. It will also be interesting how Watkins Glen picks shakes out next weekend. If A.J. Allmendinger can pull off another heroic underdog win then it will really shakes things up in the Chase picture.

As if it wasn't already, next week will be must watch TV as well as the other four regular season races that remain after WG. The pressure will continue to mount week in and week out until the last ten races where everything changes.

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 21 (Week 20)

1. Kyle Busch (LW-1)- Kyle holds on this week because last week was just so dominate. It doesn't hurt he notched another top 10 this week at Pocono. Finish: 9th
2. Kevin Harvick (LW-2)- Harvick had a great car Monday but we will never know if it was a winning car because of the weather. Monday was his fourth straight top 10. Finish: 4th
3. Brad Keselowski (LW-4)- Would BK's fuel strategy he was on have been enough to win? Again, we will never know but if anyone knows how to stretch it it is the No. 2 team. Finish: 2nd
4. Joey Logano (LW-3)- One of the best cars on the day, JoLo had contact with the No. 24 when Chase got a little too aggressive and drove a bit over his head. He gets a break this week after looking like the winning car most of the day. Finish: 37th
5. Tony Stewart (LW-6)- This is a fun run. Boy I thought the first week I put Smoke on here it was for the "good ole times." Well, he has legitimately started a trend towards a Chase push. Finish: 5th
6. Matt Kenseth (LW-5)- After a hot three races run Pocono was disappointing for Kenseth. JGR is still the class of NASCAR at the moment so he shouldn't worry too much. Finish: 17th
7. Kyle Larson (LW-11)- How fun was Larson v Dillon while it lasted? Larson v Dillon, Larson v Elliott, those things have one thing in common, Larson. Larson is going to eventually collect some wins, he just has to finish off "all the ways Larson can lose a race," first. Finish: 6th
8. Kurt Busch (LW-7)- Rough to drop a spot after a top 10, but Kurt just hasn't been the same lately. Maybe they're saving something for the Chase? Maybe they're testing some for the Chase? Whatever it is they lost the consistency that got them on top of the standings. Finish: 10th
9. Carl Edwards (LW-9)- It doesn't feel like Carl has collected the 5th most points so far in 2016, but he has. On Monday he picked up his first top 10 in his last three races. Finish: 8th
10. Denny Hamlin (LW-10)- Hamlin was one of the three JGR cars to notched a top 10 on Monday. It was his third straight, but I just don't feel he is all the way there yet. Finish: 7th
11. Austin Dillon (LW-NR)- AD gets to jump back into the top 12 after his run at the front with Larson. He has five straight season's finishing 16th or better, four of those 13th or better, and two of those top 10's. Finish: 13th
12. Martin Truex Jr (LW-8)- Not a fun day for the No. 78 team on Monday after grabbing the weekend pole at a track Martin has run well at. The plus side? They got a head start out of town. Finish: 38th

Dropped Out: Jimmie Johnson (LW-12)

2016 NASCAR Pit Road Week 10: Talladega

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Geico 500

Photo: Jonathan Ferrey Getty Images

By Richard Tix

"Demolition derby." I missed the race and kept up to date on my phone on Sunday but if fan's had one phrase to use for the Geico 500 I think demolition derby would some it up. 35 cars were involved in some kind of incident on Sunday which means only five cars were left clean.

One of those cars was Brad Keselowski who had arguable the best car of the day. The more concerning thing was how many big wrecks happened. Chris Buescher and Matt Kenseth both took off like planes on Sunday in two different incidents. 

Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images

Truth be told I missed Buescher's wreck and still haven't seen a highlight of it but I did see Kenseth's. Sometimes cars just get turned a certain way that flaps just can't stop the car from getting lift. That isn't to say we shouldn't look further into NASCAR safety, but I think sometime's its just the nature of racing at high speeds.

The fact that Dega and Daytona are what some fans always ask for (close side by side racing all race long), but then they also say they hate what Dega has become rubs me the wrong way. The simple nature of Dega with restrictor plates, tight action, and the dependency on draft are what create a feeling of pressure to push to the front. At some point all of these guys think "it's go time" and that's when things get crazy. 

Sometimes guys will sit back and it ends up being too late to "go." In those cases the wrecks and action are a bit more laid back, but sometimes things happen like Sunday. Everyone want's to go at the same time and the smallest little mistake causes a huge wreck. Unlike at other tracks, those little errors when we have little margin for error create huge messes. 

We still have two superspeedway tracks left on the season. Lets see how they play out before we jump to conclusion that this will always happen. Not that I don't want to look for safer ways to run these races, but this has been the beast that is superspeedways for a long time now.

2016 Geico 500 Results

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 10 (Week 9)

1. Kyle Busch (LW-2)- Take out the wreck at Bristol and Kyle Busch has two wins and four top 2's in four races (Bristol he finished 38th with his wreck). So far in 2016 he has been the Harvick of last year (but remember Harvick lost the Championship to Kyle). Finish: 2nd
2. Carl Edwards (LW-1)- It was Talladega so a ton of these guys will be getting a slide this week in the rankings. Carl is one of those guys. He did have three straight dominate races before Sunday. Finish: 35th
3. Kevin Harvick (LW-3)- Just based on points (no wins included) Harvick is still your 2016 points leader. That is mostly because he is still notching top 10's and hasn't had a single finish higher then 17th. Finish: 15th
4. Kurt Busch (LW-7)- Kurt now has four straight top 10's and somehow escaped the poor finish at Dega crew. It still seems that he is just a step behind when it comes to winning, but I think most teams are other than JGR. Finish: 8th
5. Jimmie Johnson (LW-4)- JJ has two wins and is fourth in overall points (not including the wins). He might be having the best season behind anyone at JGR (Harvick is in that discussion as well). Finish: 22nd
6. Chase Elliott (LW-11)- First, can we talk about how good Chase has been so far in his rookie season? He now has six top 10's and three top 5's. Next can we talk about how good he is at superspeedways already? He has taken both poles (Daytona and Talladega) and for most of both races didn't look like a rookie out there. The top of these rankings are top heavy, but if he keeps putting himself in a place to win late in the race then he could get to the top 5. Finish: 5th
7. Brad Keselowski (LW-10)- BK is now the fourth driver to notch multiple wins and only the second non JGR driver to do so. Sunday was his fourth Talladega win which is also the location of his first career win. Finish: 1st
8. Joey Logano (LW-6)- JoLo ran most of the day in the top 10 but faded and then was involved in a late wreck ruining his day. On another note, he and Kenseth stirred the pot again just before NASCAR heads to Kansas where this all started in 2015, fun! Finish: 25th
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-5)- Weird season for Junior. Both superspeedway races he was involved in a wreck and finishes 36th or higher. I think "Amelia"may finally be put to rest after two bad outings to start 2016. Finish: 40th
10. Martin Truex Jr (LW-8)- Truex hasn't been as good as he finished 2015 or as great as he started 2016 but in the last few races he has shown some life of consistency. Finish: 13th
11. Trevor Bayne (LW-NR)- I think this is a Behind the Wall first, Bayne cracks the top 12. Since Texas (four races) he has three top 15's, two top 10's, and a top 5. That doesn't even mention that his lone finish outside the top 15 was a 17th place finish at Richmond. It very early, but he is currently 16th in points. 
12. Jamie McMurray (LW-NR)- Sunday was McMurrays first top 5 of 2016 and only his second top 10. He does have eight finishes of 17th or better in ten races, though. The full speed just isn't there right now and not sure if it will be, but this consistency may still get him a Chase spot like in 2015. Finish: 5th

Dropped Out: Denny Hamlin (LW- 9) and Matt Kenseth (LW-12)

Just Missed: Austin Dillon

2015 Pit Road Week 5: Auto Club

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Week 5 Auto Club 400

By Richard Tix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 5 (Week 4)

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

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

Just Missed: Aric Almirola and Carl Edwards

Back to back for the first time in 2015

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

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

2015 Pit Road Week 3: Las Vegas

Weekly Review and Power Rankings

Week 3 Kobalt Tools 400

By Richard Tix

After winning Pole Qualifying on Friday it finally looked like Jeff Gordons 2015 luck would turn around. That was until he and Danica got into it during Saturdays final Cup practice moving Gordon into a back up car and the rear of the field.

That left the door open early for Joey Logano when the green flag dropped and he took advantage. JoLo held the lead going into a lap 25 competition caution (new Goodyear tires was the reason for the comp caution). Dale Earhnardt Jr won the race off of pit road with Joey following but when it went green JoLo took the lead back. 

Joey held the lead from laps 1 through 42 until Jimmie Johnson took the lead from him. The first green flag stops came around lap 73 while JJ was still leading. After the green flag stops cycled through JJ took the lead back but then the second caution of the day dropped on lap 80 for debris.

The green flag dropped on lap 86 with JJ leading but on lap 91 Harvick took the lead and didn't look back. More green flag stops came around lap 128 and Brad Keselowski lost a tire into the infield while pitting. JoLo stayed out during the cycle and the yellow eventually came when he was pitting (BK's tire). Once back to green Harvic again took the lead early until Martin Truex took it from him on lap 146, but Harvick quickly fought back and once again took the lead a few laps later.

A few other cautions came out late in the race when JJ had a tire go down (twice), but the same story stayed true with Harvick retaining the lead. The last bit of gambling and hope for other drivers was when Newman, Keselowski, and a few others stayed out on the last green flags stops hoping for a caution that would never come. All the guys who stayed out eventually had to make green flags stops leaving Harvick out front with Truex the only one with a shot. In the next Martin Truex Jr just didn't have enough to catch Harvick who was just too strong all day and brought it to VL.

Next week NASCAR heads to Phoenix where Kevin Harvick has been almost unbeatable. So, if you take the roll of top 2 finishes Harvick is on and his recent domination of Phoenix, can anyone stop him from going back to VL next week?

Pit Road Power Rankings Week 3 (Week 2)

1. Kevin Harvick (LW-3)- He has been just as good if not better in 2015 as he was in 2014 and if you have a short memory he won the Championship in 2014. Its scary, really. Once he got the lead on Sunday no one could really challenge him except for a few trying a gamble. Finish: 1st
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr (LW-4)- Once again he was strong on Sunday, but just couldn't get the win. Its coming if he keeps having strong cars like he has started in 2015. Just think, he and Greg only have three Cup races together in 2015. Finish: 4th
3. Joey Logano (LW-2)- Its starting to be a theme to see JoLo qualify up front and then watch him jump out front early. Unfortunatly it has also been a theme that he falls off a bit once he loses the early lead. No matter, this team is already locked into the Chase. Finish: 10th
4. Martin Truex Jr (LW-5)- The feel good story so far in 2015 continues for another week. This team is really gaining momentum and its perfect for this Colorado team on the West Coast swing. Finish: 2nd
5. Jimmie Johnson (LW-1)- The top guy last week had a strong run until he had a vibration and brought it to pit road. He then went down, hit the wall a few times, and never got back. But lest not over look how strong his car still was. Finish: 41st
6. Brad Keselowski (LW-7)- He has had a pretty decent Penske Ford to start 2015, but not a lot to show for it as he has worked to make it that good each week. Penalties and some early handling issues held him back, but he still managed a decent finish. Finish: 7th
7. Kasey Kahne (LW-6)- A really really strong run was ruined when he ran out of room next to Carl Edwards late in the race. He had a top 5 car all day and most likely would have finished there if not for that run it. Finish: 17th
8. Denny Hamlin (LW-9)- Denny never seemed to have a car to win it on Sunday, but he did have a top 10 car for most of it. He quietly put the 11 in position in the end to finish in the top 5. Finish: 5th
9. Matt Kenseth (LW-8)- Back to back weeks where it was almost like Kenseth was not in the race, yet he came up with a top 10 finish. It might just be a slow start, but the slow start is still resulting in decent runs. Finish: 9th
10. AJ Allmendinger (LW-11)- The other great story so far in 2015, AJ Allmendinger. After a Chase bid last year it really looks like this team is starting to gain momentum on 1.5 mile tracks, which means he may not even need a road course win to get in this year. Finish: 6th
11. Ryan Newman (LW-NR)- Last years target for fans to take out there hatred on the new Chase, Newman again proved consistency will keep you in the game. He tried to gamble late by staying out but no caution came. He still brought home a nice finish. Finish: 3rd
12. Paul Menard (LW-NR)- Menard makes his first appearance in the top 12 after a good run where he started 24th and almost clinched a top 10. Finish: 12th

Just Missed- Greg Biffle and Kyle Larson

Dropped Out- Casey Mears and Clint Bowyer

Well, finally we had more than one person who got it correct (and let me know). Next week I am sure Kevin Harvick will be a popular pick to win back to back races and officially be locked into the Chase. Thanks for Checking out NASCAR Behind the Wall!

2015 NASCAR Budweiser Duel Review

By Richard Tix

After a weekend with the Sprint Unlimited and Daytona Qualifying to get race fans back into full swing, NASCAR dipped into the Duels this Thursday to round out the field for the Daytona 500. After Qualifying NASCAR was hit with a lot of heat on social media about the new group format. So, everything was on the line for amny drivers Thursday night, including some big names. So, who got in? How did they get in? Take a peak at the Duel reviews below if you missed anything Thursday.

Budweiser Duel One

Race Review

Kenseth lead the field to green after taking the Pole in Qualifying last Sunday. MK kept the lead for a good portion of the early laps (32 of 60 laps) and did it while looking just as strong as Saturday night (Sprint Unlimited win). Early on Trevor Bayne and Brad Keselowski followed him around up front and most of the field behind stayed three wide. The big mover early in the race was Dale Earnhardt Jr who started in the back after failing inspection for being to low in qualifying. By lap 12 Jr was up in the top 5 trying to track down Kenseth.

Lap 17 the first duel had its first caution flag fly when Casey Mears engine seemed to blow. It was a rough blow to Mears as his chanced at the 500 literally went up in smoke. Everyone came to pit lane and most teams only took fuel. With a lap 17 caution it meant everyone would be within the pit window and should make it on fuel.

Gordon moved up four spots to take the lead, meanwhile Jamie McMurray was the big mover gaining five spots to fourth place. Gordon led the field to the green on lap 23 and led a lap before Kenseth took the lead back on lap 25. Again, Matt stayed up front and led the field around with a dominant car while most of the field behind stayed three wide.

Lap 27 brought the second caution of Duel one when it looked like Allmendinger went up the track and got into Sauter causing Sauter to spin to the bottom of the track.

The front 11 cars all stayed out (13 total cars stayed out). Everyone who came to pit road took advantage of the pit stop and put on new fresh tires. Kenseth led them back to green again but this time Jr was coming on strong to take the lead. Jr took the lead on lap 36 on the bottom side (led 21 of 60 laps). After Jr held the lead for a bit Kenseth came back strong and took back the lead on lap 39, but the battle wasn't done.

Jr, who looked to have one of the strongest cars all weekend, took the lead back one last time lap 43 (while FS1 went to commercial). A nice surprise all race was Cole Whitt. Whitt stayed in the top 10 most of the second half of the race and stayed out of trouble (eventually raced his way in to the 500).

The third and final caution came with 9 to go when Trevor Bayne spun by himself while next to Larson (seemed like aero). Bayne tapped Larson, but Larson seemed to come out alright and his car was fine. Kenseth and BK pit after falling back some late in the race while racing the bottom line that lost momentum.

The duel got going again with 5 to go as Jr brought them to green . Joey Logano and Jeff Gordon tried to make a move late on Jr, but Jr stayed low on turn 4 to cut the draft and bring the #88 to the start finish line winning the first Duel and locking himself into the 2015 Daytona 500.

Duel One Results

1. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2. Jeff Gordon
3. Joey Logano
4. Tony Stewart
5. Clint Bowyer
6. Kevin Harvick
7. Kasey Kahne
8. Jamie McMurray
9. Landon Cassill
10. Cole Whitt
11. Paul Menard
12. Michael McDowell
13. JJ Yeley
14. Michael Annett
15. Kyle Larson
16. Ty Dillon
17. Matt Kenseth
18. Justin Marks
19. Brad Keselowski
20. Aric Almirola
21. Ron Hornaday Jr.
22. Trevor Bayne- Crash
23. AJ Allmendinger (DNF)- Crash
24. Johnny Sauter (DNF)- Crash
25. Casey Mears (DNF)- Engine

Didn't get into the 500 from this group:

• Ron Hornaday Jr
• Justin Marks

Budweiser Duel Two

Race Review

After an interesting duel one where a few storylines came up with who is on the bubble duel two started and ended with even more fireworks. Jimmie Johnson brought everyone to the green and Kyle Busch took the lead early. Josh Wise never got out to the pack as he had car troubles on pit road (will miss the 500).

Kyle Busch took that early lead all the way to lap 20 where NASCAR had its first caution in the second duel. Before the caution most of the field was two wide with Carl Edwards and Martin Truex Jr following Kyle. The Caution came out as David Ragan spun as he got loose while near Justin Allgaier. Ragan ended up going a lap down.

The whole field came to pit road for the first caution. Carl Edwards (who reported brake issues early) slid through his pit box, meanwhile JGR teammate and leader Kyle Busch was caught speeding on pit road. He came out first but had to serve a drive through penalty that sent him to the back.

JJ and Austin Dillon took over the front row and on the restart JJ took the lead (lap 25). JJ kept the lead while staying out front and dominating. In the mean time Truex, Carl, and Kurt fought behind him trying to gain an advantage. Kyle Busch also started to make his come back from the back of the field (4th by lap 36).

Lap 36 brougt the second yellow of the duel when Jeb Burton got into Hornish (who also took out Alex Bowman). The caution put Ragan back on the led lap and new life to make it into the 500. JJ again led us to green after the caution with Truex following but soon fading to the back when he lost the draft.

With the main pack set, it looked like if everyone stayed clean that entire pack would be in the 500. Even the broadcast made mention of this, which must have been the jinx because Denny Hamlin got too close to Danica Patrick in the corner and lifted, which got Danica loose and started a chain reaction that resulted in a GWC. At that time it looked bleak that Danica would be able to make it back, but she ended up with very little damage.

When the GWC flew Danica and Kurt Busch (who was in the back because of a penalty for going below the double yellow on a pass) made a move towards the front of the main pack and both ended up making the 500. Still, no one had enough for Jimmie Johnson who's car looked as strong if not stronger than Matt Kenseths Sprint Unlimited car.

All in all the second duel brought the fireworks to end the night and leave fans waiting for this Sundays Daytona 500.

Duel Two Results

1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Kyle Busch
3. Carl Edwards
4. Greg Biffle
5. Martin Truex Jr.
6. Reed Sorenson
7. Ryan Blaney
8. Mike Wallace
9. Justin Allgaier
10. Danica Patrick
11. Ryan Newman
12. Kurt Busch
13. David Gilliland
14. David Ragan
15. Austin Dillon
16. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
17. Brian Scott
18. Denny Hamlin
19. Michael Waltrip
20. Bobby Labonte (DNF)- Crash
21. Sam Hornish Jr. (DNF)- Crash
22. Jeb Burton (DNF)- Crash
23. Alex Bowman (DNF)- Crash
24. Josh Wise (DNF)- Car

Did not get into the 500 from this group:

• Alex Bowman
• Josh Wise
• Jeb Burton
• Brian Scott