I’m not sure that NASCAR knew that the results of the new point system rules, along with adjustments to the Gen 6 car would result in such great theater after just three weeks but they seem to have hit it out of the park. This week’s race in Las Vegas was very important for NASCAR as it is one of many of the 1.5 mile cookie cutter tracks that dominate the circuit. The car and the added incentive to win were again instrumental in bringing an entertaining race to NASCAR fans.
The adjustments NASCAR has made to the Gen 6 cars made it much easier to pass, much easier to race side by side, and more importantly, the best cars found their way at the top of the field. Last season any car (whether it was a good car or not) that found itself in front in clean air was nearly impossible to catch. It resulted in some of the dullest races in NASCAR memory. Some races could be described as unwatchable.
Now before we get carried away, Gene Stefanyshyn, NASCAR’s Vice President of Innovation and Racing Development, warned that one show won’t be a true barometer of the changes made to the rules package. “We can’t jump too quickly and say that this is the answer,” Stefanyshyn said. “Some teams will take some time to figure it out. I think the aero piece of it, it’s pretty much set. It’s just a matter of getting the driver to find the limit and feeling comfortable with the aero.
What we know so far is that through three races it has provided fans with exciting races. On Sunday, the fans in the nearly full grandstands of Las Vegas Motorspeedway were witnesses to that fact. They witnessed Kyle Busch, after a long pit stop, storm his way through the field passing car after car. They witnessed Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gordon pass cars to get to the front of the field. They witnessed a variety of pit stops, but in the end 4 tires were still faster than 2 and clean air didn’t make you invisible.
Oh there were groans in those grandstands when their hero Dale Earnhardt Jr., ran out of fuel on the last lap thus allowing Brad Keselowski to overtake him for the win. Because of NASCAR’s new point system, Earnhardt was racing for the win and the heck with points. Junior found enough fuel in the car to finish in 2nd and further secure his place in the 2014 Chase. Brad Keselowski joins the winner of last week’s race, Kevin Harvick , in the driver’s seat for the 2014 Chase.
Earnhardt, holding a bottle of his sponsor Mountain Dew after the race said, “That’s all we needed was 16 ounces.” Keselowski benefited from Earnhardt’s misfortune but the day was all about the new and improved NASCAR.
It looked for a while that Kevin Harvick may have had the car to beat until he had a wheel hub go on the #4 car while running in 2nd place, ending any chance he had to win back to back races. Keselowski, knowing that Earnhardt could be short on fuel, was able to push Earnhardt hard enough where Earnhardt was not able to save fuel.
Keselowski, coming off just a horrible season, sent notice that he’s to be reckoned with this season. But the news wasn’t all good for many of NASCAR’s stars. Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, and Tony Stewart all finished well back in the field, continuing their miserable start to the season. Eventually these guys will figure it out and we’ll see them racing up front in no time.
Following Keselowski and Earnhardt were Paul Menard, Joey Logano, and Carl Edwards. Jimmie Johnson finished 6th, Jeff Gordon 9th, Kyle Busch 11th and Danica Patrick finished a hard fought 21st.
NASCAR’s report card thus far should read, “A” for Daytona, Phoenix , and Las Vegas. I can’t wait to see the cars with the new rules perform at Bristol. Should be a blast!
My predictions for Bristol:
1) Kyle Busch
2) Matt Kenseth
3) Brad Keselowski
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