We learned after the attack on the US on 9/11 of the role of sports in providing a temporary distraction for those facing heartbreak. Today I offer the people of the City of Boston my thoughts and prayers as I write this week’s NASCAR article…
A rather lackluster event will be known for what occurred before and after the race. For most of the night this was a three-car race between Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr. and Jeff Gordon until the 24 car burned a wheel hub with 24 laps to go and his night was finished. From then on it was a Busch vs. Truex race, with Busch taking full advantage of his #1 pit stop to win the NRA 500 Saturday night on the pavement of the Texas Motor Speedway.
Penske Motor Sports cars driven by Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano failed the pre-race inspections. Prior to the race NASCAR confiscated both the #2 and #22’s car’s rear end housing. Joey Logano just barely made it on the track before the race began as he was late getting his car through inspection after having to change the rear end housing on the #22 Ford. Both cars were non- factors for the win, but Logano did manage a very good fifth place finish, while defending Sprint Cup Champion Keselowski finished a respectable ninth. If history is any indication, look for Keselowski and Logano to be handed stiff penalties in the next few days.
The problem NASCAR had with both cars was with the rear end tow and skew. NASCAR Vice President of Competition, Robin Pemberton said, “It’s not something that was in the spirit of the rules”, and then he declined to offer anything further. Keselowski was irate after the race, fearing he’ll be spending a few weeks without his Crew Chief, Paul Wolfe. I suspect they’ll be lighter in the pocket and have points taken away as well in the coming days.
It was a typical “people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones” moment for Keselowski. Last season Keselowski accused Jimmie Johnson and his team of manipulating the rear end housing of his old Generation 5 car to give that car an unfair advantage. Johnson’s team was never found in violation of the rear end housing, and the new Generation 6 car was supposed to end the ability of teams to adjust the rear end, thus equalizing the field. Saturday night, Keselowski took to the offence when he was notified of NASCAR’s investigation.
Keselowski went on a rampage after the race; “I don’t have a lot of good things to say right now. I take that back. I have one good thing to say and that was my team’s effort in fighting back with the absolute bull sh** that’s been the last seven days in this garage area.” Keselowski continued, “There is so much stuff going on that you guys have no (f bomb) idea”. Keselowski went on to complain about how his team has been treated by NASCAR but failed to offer any examples of the mistreatment.
Roger Penske, the popular and likable owner of the two cars, was more diplomatic in his reaction to the events. “NASCAR didn’t like what they saw and made us take it off. “Whatever NASCAR decides to do we have to deal with it. Our guys are innovative. We’re looking at the rules, looking at areas where we may be able to get an edge”. Penske denied violating any rule, saying, “I don’t think there is anything we did wrong.”
Keselowski and Logano were not the only drivers who ran into problems with the law. Second place finisher, Martin Truex Jr.’s #56 car failed post-race inspection. The driver of the Michael Waltrip Racing’s Toyota Camry had an issue with the height of his car which was reported to be too low. Some cash and some points may be deducted from the 56 team this week as well as the Logano/Keselowski team.
The NRA-sponsored race was also marred with tragic news. A fan committed suicide in the infield of the Texas Motor Speedway. Kirk Franklin, 42, died after shooting himself during the NRA 500 on Saturday night. Franklin was involved in a verbal altercation with other race spectators prior to the suicide, said a Fort Worth Police Department Spokesman. Franklin’s body was found in the back seat of a truck.
My predictions for the race at Kansas Motor Speedway:
- Kevin Harvick
- Clint Bowyer
- Jeff Gordon
Feel free to give me a follow on Twitter – @JimLaPlante, as well as the site – @LastWordOnSport.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? Find more info at our “Join Our Team” page.
Photo Credit: PJstar.com, CC
