Phoenix Weekend

Hey folks! Here's my take on Phoenix race weekend.  NASCAR used a different qualifying format called knockout qualifying. In the final round, the best 12 of the previous session compete for the pole.  The Trucks were off this weekend.




Saturday was rainy in Phoenix, but the Nationwide still was able to race. The field was one short of a full field.  Our ABC didn't show it live and when they showed the tape, the Cup race was on.  I got the Nationwide results off the Internet, though.  Kyle Busch was the winner of the rain shortened by 32 laps race with 155 laps led followed by Kevin Harvick with 4 laps led, pole-sitter Brad Keselowski with 9 laps led, Kyle Larson and Matt Kenseth. Rounding out the top-10 were Elliot Sadler, Trevor Bayne, Regan Smith and rookies Chase Elliot and Ty Dillon.  The top-3 Nationwide drivers of this race happen to be the top-3 in points as well.  Though this is early, if they stay on this track (I like puns), they could be in  a championship battle. Trevor Bayne, the biggest if's second in points now and I hope he can stay healthy and in contention all year. I believe he can and based on what he's said this year, championship contention's his goal.  This race was Cup driver dominated, which bothers some people.  The Nationwide drivers say the Cup drivers limit their wins, but think it makes them better to race the best.  Some can run in Cup races at times, but others can't "do a Bayne" as I call it. 


Sunday was the Cup race. No rain at race time for this one.  Kevin Harvick was the winner with 224 laps led, followed by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., pole sitter Brad Keselowski with 3 laps led, Joey Logano with 71 laps led and Jeff Gordon with 4 laps led. Rounding out the top-10 were Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman with 6 laps led, Carl Edwards with 1 lap led, Kyle Busch and Jamie McMurray. Danica Patrick hit the wall, but was able to continue after she made a pit stop and got her car patched up.  Some other drivers wrecked but were able to continue as well. Morgan Shepherd, an old guy racer, failed to qualify last week, but raced 28 laps of this race before he had brake issues. Jr. maintains his points lead, so my dad's happy.


Come back next week to see my take on Vegas.