Race day at Fontana was filled with bad news good news stories. As Kyle Busch penned his name as a serious Chase contender, there were many other stories that are worth looking at. Let’s take a look.
Bad news. Former quarterback Donovan McNabb who is now a host of Fox Sports Live made comments several weeks ago saying that NASCAR drivers were not athletes. He was given the VIP treatment on Sunday by Jimmie Johnson and his crew. When asked afterwards what he learned about NASCAR athletes he replied, “Nothin”.
Good news. After Donovan McNabb spent the day being wined and dined by Jimmie Johnson and later telling a reporter that he learned “nothin” that would change his opinion of NASCAR drivers being athletes. When he was told he was not going to make any friends by saying that McNabb replied, “Good. I’m not here to make friends.” Well Donovan, the good news is you didn’t. Jerk.
Bad news. What the heck was Goodyear thinking? 20 laps on a tire and they were shredding away. I don’t remember Goodyear being so unprepared for a race. This was even worse than the debacle of Indianapolis in 2008 which saw a similar crap tire.
Good news. The tire issues created multiple restarts thought the afternoon creating great racing for the sellout crowd at the Autoclub Speedway in Fontana, California. When was the last time we saw 24 cars finish the race on the lead lap? It sure did make for some exciting racing.
Bad news. A week after the ghost caution flag in which NASCAR blamed it on someone leaning on a switch, this race had its own mystery light malfunction. During a caution, a pit road light indicating that pit road was closed was left on until several cars had already passed the commitment line. Among the irate drivers were Brad Keselowski and Jeff Gordon who had to stay out as the pit road light indicated closed as they went by. When the light finally turned green all the other cars pitted, leaving Gordon and others having to pit on the next lap, thus forfeiting their position on the track. Keselowski declined to pit and on the ensuing restart found himself passed by 30-something cars. NASCAR’s explanation this week was the official who is responsible for the light switch got his uniform stuck in something and could not reach the switch in time.
Good news. Brad Keselowski and Jeff Gordon were both able to recover from the NASCAR screw up so it had no bearing on the race. The FOX broadcast team was also quick to look the other way, barely giving the situation a mention as they interrupted a commercial for some race coverage.
Bad news. Sorry Jimmie Johnson fans. Johnson looked like he had the field covered yet again at a track he’s dominated over the years. With his lead over teammate Jeff Gordon expanding, he was met with the Goodyear tire bug forcing him to give up the lead and pit, thus ending any chance for a victory.
Good news. Jeff Gordon fans. Even though Jeff Gordon was feeling a vibration in his car that surely was his own tire issue, he was able to continue racing. It looked like he had the field covered as Johnson had a few laps earlier but with 3 laps remaining, Clint Bowyer spun out bringing about a late race caution.
Bad news. Sorry Jeff Gordon fans. After the restart with Gordon starting in the 7th position, the #24 car went backwards after the restart, and finished a disappointing 13th. Gordon’s restarts have been problematic the last several years. Afterwards Gordon put the blame squarely on his shoulders. “I did a terrible job on the restart.”
Good news. Kyle Busch fans. What’s that saying? One man’s fortune is the others misfortune. Kyle Busch, starting in 5th position on the final race restart, marched his way to the lead and never looked back. The victory catapulted Busch 7 positions in the point standings into the 7th position. His victory all but assured him of being included in the 2014 Chase.
On to the small track that thinks it’s a super speedway. My picks for Martinsville:
1) Jeff Gordon
2) Tony Stewart
3) Kurt Busch
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @Jimlaplante. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Motor Sports writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
Main Photo:
