Pocono Raceway
GoBowling.com 400
By Richard Tix
Last time NASCAR was at Pocono
Dale Earnhardt Jr stole a win late in the race from Brad Keselowski who was worried about his engine over heating. This is the second track that NASCAR revisits this season (Daytona was the first). Much of this review will be a lot like the last, because drivers career stats have only been increased by one race here. We will take into consideration how drivers ran last time around though, as it could lead to another good day.
The Good, Middle, and Bad
(This is just a review of each drivers recent past performance, generally about 5-10 past races)
The Good
- Jeff Gordon- JG is a repeat driver on this list from earlier this year. He gets back on the good list after picking up an 8th place finish Week 14. With how well 2014 has gone for Gordon and after last weeks win I would expect him to compete for a win.
- Jimmie Johnson- Another repeat driver from Week 14, JJ finished 6th after starting 20th the first time around. In 2013 he swept the Pocono poles while finishing 1st and 13th.
- Brad Keselowski- Last time he had arguably the best car but when the race was winding down he got trash on his grill. Dale Jr was in the right place at the right time and took advantage. BK has back to back top 10's and 3 top 10's in the last 4 races here (2 top 5's). He has also won at Pocono in 2011.
- Extra Credit- Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman
The Middle
- Kevin Harvick- Harvick was in this spot last time I previews Pocono and a 14th place finish didn't change that. From last preview," In his last 9 starts at Pocono he hasn't finished worse then 17th but also hasn't finished better then 4th. In his last 10 he has only led a lap in one race (2010) and it was only 5 laps. Harvick may have a decent finish here, but contending for the win maybe asking a bit much." Again, he didn't lead a lap last time here so that stat holds true.
The Bad
- Aric Almirola- Though not terrible, Aric has only two top 20's in his five starts at Pocono (18th and 20th). He may not be in line for a 30th place finish (hasn't finished worse then 28th) but he also may not find the top 15.
- Josh Wise- In his last 4 starts at Pocono Wise hasn't finished above 34th. With a few new sponsors on the season lets see if it can get him going for at least a top 30 performance.
- AJ Almlmendinger- His last 3 finishes: 21st, 33rd, and 33rd. He hasn't been consistent here but he is in the best ride he has had for a little while.
Track Stats
- Richard Petty won the first race at Pocono in 1974. He also won 2 of the first 3.
- Tim Richmond won three straight Pocono races (1986-1987). Won 4 career Pocono races.
- Carl Edwards won in 2005 from 29th position, the furthest spot back someone has won from.
- 6 straight different drivers have won at Pocono
- Chevrolet has won 4 straight Pocono races (Earnhardt, Kahne, Johnson, and Gordon)
- Most cautions was 13 in 1990 (winner Harry Gant) and 2005 (winner Kurt Busch)
- Race has been won from the Pole 6 times in the last 17 races.
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