It started with a 90-minute rain delay, before the green flag even dropped. Then, right before they were finally about to get it started, the infamous pothole (a la Daytona) reared it's ugly head at the end of pit road, and that took another ten minutes or so to fix. Long story short, the race was two hours late getting started.
But, there were some very interesting moments, some fresh leaders, and a potential new feud could have gotten started.
Denny Hamlin (I hate to say I told you so) took the checkered flag. Kyle Busch was second, Tony Stewart was third, Kevin Harvick fourth, and Jimmie Johnson was fifth. But, one driver who should have been in the top five, was not.
Joey Logano, got spun by Kevin Harvick with one lap to go, bringing out the caution, and setting up NASCAR's sixth Green-White-Checkered of the year. I am not usually one to point fingers, but Logano was hot, I mean HOT, and I don't blame him one bit. When the race was over, he pulled up beside Harvick's car, and got out with the intention of giving Mr. Harvick a piece of his mind, and from the look on his face, possibly an ass-whipping. He was held back, and that's a shame. He's only 20 years old I grant you, but he has to learn to stand up for himself sometime. And this was a perfect opportunity, denied.
What baffles me is Logano, not Harvick, was called to the NASCAR bad boy hauler. HUH? Check out the video of the incident at www.nascar.com/tnt. I don't have permission to use TNT video yet, but I'm working on it.
Sam Hornish, Jr., actually led some laps in this race, and had a shot to win it, until his car faded and got loose on him at the end. That's a shame. Would've been nice to see a new winner for a change. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., started third and finished 18th. The rumor in the garage is, if he doesn't get it together, he'll be out of the 88 next year, and Kasey Khane will be in. Don't be a bit surprised if that happens, folks. And let's not forget the HORRIFIC wreck during the Green-White-Checkered that literally took out half the field. It was nasty and thank God, no one was hurt. Now, on to this week's edition of the RJ's:
THE WHO THE @#$& WAS THAT LEADING? AWARD: Sam Hornish, Jr. Strongest run of the year for that team, and I really would've liked to have seen them bring it home. Great run, Guys.
THE A$$HOLE OF THE RACE AWARD: Kevin Harvick. I like Harvick, but he was totally to blame for ruining Joey Logano's day. That spin could have been 100% avoided, and not hurt Harvick at all.
THE I'M GOING TO KICK HIS @#$&ING A$$ AWARD: Joey Logano. They should've let the kid go and speak his peace. It's about time he stood up for himself, and after his bone-head move, Harvick's got a whoopin' coming, if you ask me.
THE I'M BAAAAACK AWARD: The Pothole. If at Daytona, why not at Pocono? Maybe we could get Mr. Pothole sponsored and have even more commercials during the race.
THE I HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO AWARD: ME!!!! I told ya'll Hamlin was good at this track!!!
On to Michigan next week. My Pick: Jeff Burton. RCR is headed in the right direction and will win some races and contend for a championship. Don't forget, you're always welcome to send in your comments or questions at anytime so we can do some Beatin' and Bangin'! See you at Michigan!!!
Credit Shout Out: Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Sports, and NASCAR.com
I agree, no surprise on Denny winning. I just hope that is luck doesn't turn in the chase like Kyle's did.
ReplyDeleteAs for Joey, I really wanted to see him get in Harvick's face. I am not a fan of Harvick and was so glad to see Joey finally stand up. He went from white bread to wheat bread. You know, a little more substantial that plain old white.
It was unfair that Joey got called to the "trailer". There were so many people holding him back he didn't even get near Harvick. Excuse me Nascar but didn't you say the gloves are off? Oh and Joey's comments about the Delana had me laughing so hard. Can't wait to hear what Harvick has to say about that.....
Was horrified to see that big wreck. So glad everyone was ok. Was glad Newman was able to make it across the finish line.
Kasey's comments were great too. Sorry but Almendinger is a pompous a@@ and Kasey's comments confirm that he is not a team player. Of course that was obvious when he let his PR people spread the rumor that he was taking over Elliott's ride. I hate to see Kasey leaving the #9 but I totally understand why. I love Petty but I am afriad that they are fading to the wayside.
You really think that Jr. could be let go? He is the most marketable driver and I don't see Hendrick letting that get away from them but I do agree that his performance has been pretty bad. Don't think he can blame it on the car's performance anymore.
One last thing, so sad to see that Mark will not be getting that elusive championship. Last year was his best chance.
Unfortunately, Yes, I can see Junior getting let go. It's true that he and Hendrick are long-time close friends, but you have to remember: Hendrick is a bottom line business man. He wants results, and if he doesn't get them from one person, he'll replace them with someone who will.
ReplyDeleteAs you stated, you can't blame his performance on the car anymore. Hendrick has some of, if not the best stuff out there. And Oh, by the way, Junior's contract is up this year. So, unless he steps it up, it's a very real possibility that he could be looking for a job.
Oh, and one more thing, as The Great Rossini predicted in an earlier piece:
ReplyDeleteDon't be a bit surprised if Richard Petty Motorsports folds at the end of this year.