NASCAR sent a strong statement on the 12th of November 2012. That was the day after the Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). If a punishment is handed down on Monday and not a Tuesday, NASCAR is taking the situation seriously.
The four people that were punished on Monday were the 15 cup crew chief Brian Pattie, 24 cup crew chief Alen Gustafson, 24 cup driver Jeff Gordon and 2 cup driver Brad Keseloski. Also the punishment affected Rick Hedrick as he is the owner of the 24 cup car.
Brian Pattie, cup crew chief on the 5 Hour Energy Toyota Camery is on probation until December 31, 2012. NASCAR sited that the crew chief violated sections 12-1 and 9-4A of the 2012 rulebook. 12-1 states actions detrimental to stock car racing. 9-4A states at all events, crew chiefs assumes responsibility of his driver, car owner and team members. Pattie was fined $25,000 and is on probation until December 31, 2012.
Micheal Waltrip Racing (MWR) issued a stament on the punishment: "The goal of Michael Waltrip Racing is to be a championship-level organization, both on and off the track," MWR said in a statement. "The on-track incident ... was extremely disappointing and brought raw emotions of a long and hard championship battle to the surface. Though we generally cannot control certain actions on the track, the unfortunate reactions off the track Sunday did not live up to the professional standards in which Michael Waltrip Racing expects all of its representatives to live by. We commit to our sponsors, our manufacturer, our fans and NASCAR that we will do so in the future."
Alen Gustafson, cup crew chief for the 24 DuPont/Drive to End Hunger/Pepsi Max Chevy Impala was found to be in violation of 9-4A in the 2012 rulebook. 9-4A states at all events, crew chiefs assumes responsibility of his driver, car owner and team members. Gustafson was placed on probation until December 31, 2012.
Jeff Gordon, driver of the number 24 DuPont/Drive to End Hunger/Pepsi Max Chevy Impala is on probation until December 31,2012 for violating rule 12-1 of the 2012 rulebook. 12-1 states actions detrimental to stock car racing. The 24 driver was fined $100,000 and lost 25 driver points. Car owner, Rick Hendrick, lost 25 owner points as well.
Jeff Gordon issued a statement on the punishment he received: "I take responsibility for my actions on the race track," Gordon said. "I accept NASCAR's decision and look forward to ending the season on a high note at Homestead."
Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) issued a statement on the punishment the 24 team received: "I've always respected Jeff for standing his ground," Hendrick said. "We also respect that NASCAR needs to police the sport and send a message when situations like this occur. It's been a great year, and we're going to put our focus on finishing in a positive way this weekend."
Brad Keseloski, driver of the number 2 Miller Lite Dodge was fined $25,000. NASCAR cited 12-1 and 20-6.7A in the 2012 rulebook. 12-1 of the 2012 rulebook states actions detrimental to stock car racing. According to the 2012 rulebook. 20-6.7A states, cars and drivers will not be permitted to carry onboard computers, automated electronic recording devices, electronically actuated devices, power distribution modules, power conditioners, micro-processors, recording devices, electronic digital memory chips, traction control devices, digital readout gauges and the like, even if inoperable or incomplet.
MWR is not appealing the decision handed down by NASCAR. HMS is not appealing the decision handed down by NASCAR.
All of the above information came from http://www.nascar.com/news/121112/jgordon-bkeselowski-cbowyer-crew-chief-penalties/index.html
I think NASCAR made a statement by issuing the punishments on Monday. Think about it. There have been many punishments this season but how many were issued on Monday? Maybe two at most and that includes this one. NASCAR usually hands down punishments on Tuesday.
Left Lane- Fast Lane Blog
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Finger Lakes 350 at the Glen
Here is starting line up for the Sprint Cup race:
- Juan Montoya
- Kyle Busch
- Jimmie Johnson
- Brad Keselowski
- Marcos Ambrose
- Ryan Newman
- Tony Stewart
- Clint Bowyer
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Jamie McMurray
- Michael McDowell
- Jeff Gordon
- Regan Smith
- Joey Logano
- Greg Biffle
- Dale Earnhardt Jr
- Sam Hornish Jr.
- Carl Edwards
- Kevin Harvick
- Kasey Kahne
- Scott Speed
- Paul Menard
- Denny Hamlin
- Matt Kenseth
- Boris Said
- Bobby Labonte
- Kurt Busch
- Jeff Burton
- Aric Almirola
- Casey Mears
- Dave Blaney
- David Ragan
- Brian Vickers
- David Gilliland
- Landon Cassill
- Joe Nemechek
- J. J. Yeley
- Josh Wise
- Stephen Leicht
- Chris Cook
- Jason Leffler
- Travis Kvapil
- Patrick Long
At 1:10 EST the command to fire engines was given. Within 6 mins the 43 cars will go on track for the parade laps. In today's race there is no one that had to go home as all that came to the track made the race. However Travis Kvapil will be starting in the rear as he missed the driver meeting. He qualified 42 so it's not really a big deal.
The green flag flies at 1:25EST. The leader of the first lap is the 18 of Kyle Busch. In second is the 42 of Juan Montoya.
The 55 of Brian Vickers is to the garage on lap 1. The 55 is out of the race as the engine blew up. The 55 will finish 43rd in the race.
The top 10 cars are Kyle Busch, Juan Montoya, Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson, Marcos Ambrose, Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Clint Bowyer, Martin Truex Jr, Jeff Gordon on lap 5. Kyle Busch has led every lap thus far. Could the 18 team go back to victory lane at this track, first time since 2008? We'll know in 85 laps.
The 32 of Boris Said brought out a huge smoke on turn one. No yellow and we are still green flag racing. David Regan got into the back of Boris Said. The 32 driver told his team that he has no brakes.
The 5 driver of Kasey Kane is telling his team that his a/c unit is not working and is pushing smoke into his face. Kasey unhooked the hose on the helmet. He has no A/C.
First on pit road is the Ryan Newman. 4 tires fuel on lap 17. The leader is Kyle Busch. Most teams are staying out, as they are not letting other teams decide their strategy.
Media said there was a yellow flag on lap 18 for Jason Leffler but there is not. He went into the gravel pit. He was the only involved. Pit road speed is 40 miles per hour. DO NOT SPEED or it will destroy not only your day but also destroy your strategy.
After 20 laps: (18) Kyle Busch, (42) Juan Montoya, (2) Brad Keselowski, (9) Marcose Ambrose. These are the top four. We are still green flag racing; no yellow flags.
We have a yellow flag out for the 1. Hit the guardrail in turn 1. Jamie McMurray had a tire going down and hit the gardrail. He is on his way to the garage. As we are under yellow, the left rear tire just fell off Kurt Busch's car. Some how he he making his way to the pits on 3 tires. He is going to the garage.
Juan Montoya wins the race of pit road. Kyle Busch comes off the pits in 2nd. Both will be starting 6th and 7th respectively. While we were in the yellow flag pit stops, the 14 team received a punishment for taking equipment out of the pit box. Tony Stewart will be starting at the tale end of the longest line.
The 20 team is keeping a close eye on Joey. They changed a rear shock as Joey thought it was broken. The shock specialist isn't sure what is wrong. Not something that Jason or any Joey Logano fan wants to hear. Keep you all updated as the story comes out.
The pole sitter Juan Montoya comes to the pits on lap 32 says that something is broken. He says that he tried to turn but he couldn't. The team has the hood up. Juan is on his way to the garage. If anything is known, it will be updated here.
Joey is in the garage. The team ripping the car apart to fix the car. The team has to attach a new rear axel to the car. Joey stated to the media that he could feel something break 10 laps before the yellow came out. Not the day Joey, the Home Depot wanted today.
Lap 35 already where has this race gone. Top five cars are Brad Keselowski (2) Marcos Ambrose (9) Jimmie Johnson (48) Martin Truex Jr. (56) Kyle Busch (18).
Sounds like the 15 of Clint Bowyer could be going to the garage soon as he has radioed to his team that he doesn't have any breaks. The team is running to the garage waiting for their driver.
Juan is in the garage. He tells the media that it is a read track bar arm. The team is trying to fix the problem so he can get back out. "It's been a tough year." Juan's words not mine.
The 51 team is back on track 9 laps down.
We are halfway. There are 29 on lead lap. 3 cars 1 lap down 12 cars off track or out of the race.
Lap 48 Brad Keselowski is leading with Kyle Busch in 2nd postion. Will Kyle have enough time to get to the lead and win? 42 laps and we will know the answer to this.
When Kasey Kahne was last on pit road for service he speed on pit road. Just served his pass threw. He is now the last car on the lead lap on lap 52.
The 20 team is done. The team is back at pit road packing up the pit stall. Not what any team wanted to do while the track is still hot. Joey is back on the track 19 laps down.
The Denny Hamlin brings out the 2nd yellow flag. Fire under the hood. He is done. At least he did not hit the guardrail this year. Another TRD engine bites the dust.
Martin Truex Jr had to come to pit road while the yellow was out. He was out of gas. He got 4 tires and full of fuel. He will start and the tale end of the lead lap cars.
Winning the race off pit road is Kyle Busch. Second off pit road Matt Kenseth. The leader is Brad Keselowski on lap 60. Kyle has been told by Dave Rogers to start saving him some fuel.
Third yellow is out for Jason Leffler. Reports are that he has lost his engine. Rain is coming to the track. Could this race be rain shortened like last week? Stay tuned.
As the yellow comes out, The 18 crew chief tells his driver he doesn't need to save fuel any longer. They are now good on fuel. The next 24 laps will be a wild one.
The rain has stopped and the cars are going racing with 23 laps to go. Brad Keselowski is leading. Tony Stewart in 2nd, Clint Bowyer 3rd Kyle Busch 4th Marcos Ambrose 5th.
Forth yellow is for Tony Stewart. He hit the guardrail at the pit entrance. This is NOT what the 14 team wanted to see. Tony did not have any help in this caution he went around all by himself.
Keselowski is leading with Marcos Ambrose in 2nd and Kyle Busch in 3rd. Will the leader come from the top 3? In 16 laps we will find out. Kyle is told under yellow to keep saving fuel.
Green flag back in the air. Kyle took the lead back with 16 laps to go. Can he hold on to the lead? We will find out in 16 laps.
The battle for 2nd position is heating up with 10 laps to go between Brad Keselowski and Marcos Ambrose. Who will end up with the position? We will know in 10 laps.
The 18 driver went sliding through oil. He was the leader. He led the most laps today.
The winner is Marcos Ambrose. Kyle Busch finished 7th.
Wild Card holders right now are Kasey Kahne and Ryan Newman.
Any other time NASCAR would have thrown the yellow flag and we would have gone to a Green-White-Checkered finish attempt Number 1. Drivers were telling NASCAR that there was oil on the track but because NASCAR could not see it they did not throw the yellow.
This will be something that fans will be talking about until next weeks race at MIS.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
PA 400 August 5, 2012
Here is the starting line up for todays race:
- Juan Pablo Montoya
- Denny Hamlin
- Paul Menard
- Kasey Kahne
- Marcos Ambrose
- Kurt Busch
- Matt Kenseth
- Dale Earnhart Jr.
- Ryan Newman
- Jimmie Johnson
- Regan Smith
- Greg Biffle
- Aric Almirola
- Joey Logano
- Martin Truex Jr
- Jamie McMurray
- Carl Edwards
- Mark Martin
- Clint Bowyer
- Kyle Busch
- Kevin Harvick
- Landon Cassil
- Jeff Burton
- David Reutimann
- Sam Hornish Jr.
- David Gilland
- Jeff Gordon
- Tony Stewart
- Casey Mears
- Mike Bliss
- Brad Keselowski
- David Ragan
- Scott Riggs
- Josh Wise
- J. J. Yeley
- David Stremme
- Travis Kavpil
- Joe Nemechek
- Bobby Labante
- Bobby Sorenson
- Jason White
- Tony Raines
- Mike Skinner
The scheduled time to start was 1 20 EST however it is raining hard and all activities, which include driver intros and opening ceremonies. As it stands right now 2 30EST will be the opening ceremonies and thirty minutes later the track should be try. However, there is another rain cell moving toward the track.
At 2 47 EST the engines were brought to life. The rain delay was 1 hr 25 minutes long. Do not forget at lap 20 there is a competition caution for the rain.
Tony Rains will start in the rear due to an engine change. He is starting in the 42nd position so it wasn't a big deal for him to move.
The green flag was shown at 2 58 EST. The leader of the first lap is #11 of Denny Hamlin. The lead has gone back and forth between the #11 and #42 for the past 3 laps.
The #20 of Joey Logano has moved up 4 spots since the green flag fell and finds himself in the top ten in 10th.
The #88 of Dale Earnhart Jr. just took over the 3rd position for the #51of Kurt Busch on lap 6.
We are 13 laps from the competition caution.
The #88 of Dale Earnhart Jr battling with the #42 of Juan Pablo Montoya for potion on the tack, which is 2nd. Dale Earnhart Jr has the position.
A competition caution, is when NASCAR put a yellow out so crews can look at the tires. If a caution flies before the competition, then all teams can do is add fuel and change tires. We are 7 laps from the competition caution.
On lap 13 the #88 of Earnheart Jr team takes the lead. The #11 of Denny Hamlin is in second and the 42 is in third. The 88 driver has also has the fastest lap thus far at 172 mph.
The battle for the 15th position is heating up. The #55 of Mark Martin and #20 of Joey Logano. The #20 is blocking the #55 as he has the postion. This keeps going until the #55 takes the position on lap 16.
Caution came out for the #18 Kyle Busch hitting the wall. The #18 team is heading to the garage. This is the the competition yellow.
The leader off pit road is the 1 of Jamie McMurray. Rounding out the top 5 are Mark Martin, Brad Keselowski, Michael McDowell and Casey Mears.
Green flag goes back in the are on lap 23.
Brad Keselowski is now up to P2 and chasing Jamie McMurray down in P1 on lap 24.
They continue to do work to the #18 machine in the garage. Updates will continue.
Jimmie Johnson just drive around Mark Martin on lap 26 to take 7th position on the track.
The #48 moved up to 4th on the track and is going after 3rd. The lead just changed and the new leader is Earnheart Jr. as Brad had to pit.
Kurt Busch and the Joey Logano are battling for 20th postion. Joey has it and Kurt wants it.
Joey's team is complaining that the car is not turning in at all and tell his crew chief that he doesn't understand how hard it is to drive. Jason Radcliff responds 'I can see how hard it is. You're losing positions.'
The 48 team is having a real head scratcher at the moment. The driver reported to the crew chief, Chad Knaus, that the switch turned off when he went to turn one of the knobs. Chad Knaus' responce, "We'll take care of it at the next pit stop."
The 18 is on his way back to the race track. The pit crew has been sent back to pit road. The 18 has tires back on the machine and getting gas in the car. Next few laps he should be back on track. When he returns back on track, he will be 23 laps down.
Dale Earnhart Jr is on the way to the garage on lap 51. He has a broken transmission. Dale Earnhart Jr is out of the car and now in the Sprint Cup series there is no one that has completed every lap.
When the green flag stop finish the leader will be the 48. There are 29 cars on the lead lap. The lucky dog postion is 47 team. This is as of lap 59.
All the teams are looking at the radar as there is more rain coming. We are not at half way down right now. Looks like the rain could be at the track in the next half of an hour.
Juan Pablo Montoya and Kurt Busch are battling for postion on the track the #51 has it and #42 wants it. The postion is 20th postion. Kurt is now going after Joey and the 20 car on the track for the 19th postion.
Teams have now informed the drivers that the rain is coming. We are 15 laps from half way.
Thus far in the race, Jeff Gordon's team has picked up 24 postions and is now in 5th postion.
The #88 team is back on the track at lap 69 18 laps down.
The 20 team made a scheduled pit stop at lap 70. Four tires fuel and a air pressure adjustment. He goes back on the track in 29th position.
We are 10 laps to half way. If the rain wants to destroy the rest of the day it can do it after 10 laps.
After Kyle Busch went to pit road for service he speed on pit road. On lap 74 he is serving his pass through penalty. The crew chief, Dave Rogers, told the Kyle Busch that if he does not come this time NASCAR will not score him.
The race leader on lap 75 is Jimmie Johnson with Matt Kenseth, Kasey Kahne, Greg Biffle and Jeff Gordon round out the top 5.
Good news the race is now official. Anything that would prevent this race from going to the end, it will be able to be called official. Bad news rain is 14 miles away about 30 minutes away.
Most of the crew chiefs are telling their drivers to save them some fuel. Rain is now 20 minutes away.
Caution just came out for Kurt Busch. The left front tire blew and Kurt ends up in the wall. Tough break for the Phoenix Racing team. Not the finish the team wanted today.
This changes the pit strategy for all race teams. To pit and not to pit. Most teams do not pit. The 55, 1, 11, 20 29, 22, 43 and 31 all come to the pits to get gas.
This restart Matt Kenseth and Jimmie Johnson will be on lap 90. This lap didn't last long as the Kenseth, Johnson and Denny Hamlin brought us our next caution. Hamlin is done and Kenseth is heading to the pits. New leader is the Jeff Gordon. Can Jeff Gordon hold the lead? Can he win a race this season? Stay tuned.
I have to give credit to all the men and woman who work in race control. Today has rain, the usual nascar transmissions. They do not get enough credit for the job they do from the fans.
The rain is at the track. We are still under caution. All the crew chiefs are putting their notes in a dry place, so they do not get wet. The pace car should be bringing them down pit road as the red flag will be displayed as the rain is picking up.
This time by the cars are being brought back to pit road and the teams are going to cover up their cars. There is a possibility that we could go back. It all depends on how long the rain lasts. When the last car is on pit road, NASCAR will display the red flag.
NASCAR has just called the race. The rain is pouring down. Jeff Gordon is the winner. Dale Earnhart Jr is the points leader.
Pocono Raceway that ten fans have been injured by lightning. One is dead. One critical condition. One in moderate condition. Two with minor injuries. Five were treated at the track.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Brickyard 400 July 29, 2012
Before the green flag fell today, in the driver meeting, NASCAR told the drivers not to push to go past the car in the first position. The NASCAR President told the drivers that if you push this issue on the track, we will be forced to take action. When Mike Helton speaks, everyone listens.
It is a beautiful sunny day in Indy. Who will kiss the bricks? In about 5 hours we will know.
On the pole for this race is the #11 FedEx Racing machine, driven by Denny Hamlin. The crew chief of the #11 is Darian Grub. If Toyota pulls off the win today, it will be the first time that they have ever kissed the bricks.
The starting line up for the Brickyard is as follow:
1- Denny Hamlin
2- Carl Edwards
3- Joey Logano
4- Aric Almirola
5- Greg Biffle
6- Jimmie Johnson
7- Kyle Busch
8- Paul Menard
9- Jeff Gordon
10- Matt Kenseth
11-Ryan Newman
12-Juan Montoya
13-Kurt Busch
14-Regan Smith
15-Kasey Khane
16-Jamie McMurry
17-Martin Truex Jr.
18-Trevor Bayne
19-Mark Martin
20-Dale Earnhart Jr
21-Jeff Burton
22-Brad Keselowski
23- Marcos Ambrose
24-Sam Hornish Jr
25-Casey Mears
26-David Stremme
27-Kevin Harvick
28-Tony Stewart
29-Bobby Labonte
30- Travis Kvapil
31- David Gilland
32-Dave Blaney
33- Clint Bowyer
34- Scott Speed
35- Josh Wise
36- David Ragan
37- Stephen Leicht
38- Landon Cassill
39-Mike Skinner
40-Scott Riggs
41-J J Yeley
42- Ken Schrader
43- Mike Bliss
The green green flag flew around 12:30 local time. (Indy is in Central time). The first lap is led by the #11 team. Top 5 are #11, #99, #48 #16 and #20. Who would be Denny, Carl, Jimmie, Greg and Joey.
The battle for the 4th place on lap 7 was between the #16 and #18. Kyle got around Greg rather easily. Kyle used what he learned in the Nationwide race the day before early in this race.
The #99 is off the pace, just lost the 3rd place to the #18 on lap 13. Carl is talking to his team about the loss of power. The team is confused as to what is going on. "Let's figure it out. We need to get all the points we can get." The hood is up on the 99 and the pit crew is trying to diagnose what happened. Keep you updated.
The battle for 2nd is heating up on lap #16. #48 and 18. Kyle has been told by his crew chief, Dave Rogers that he is fast. Keep it up. Kyle keeps P3 for the time being.
The #99 team tells Carl to pit so they can change the plug wires. The reason the #99 team believes he is down on power is he has a blocked cylinder. The team also tells Carl that they would rather change the plug wires under caution-- more time to work on the car. The #99 team is 2 laps down.
After the 1st round of green flag pit stops, Jimmie Johnson has the lead followed by Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch. Denny had lead the race until the pit road. The race off pit road is how Jimmie and the #48 team took the lead.
On lap 41 the caution comes out for the first time. The #93 brings it out for damage on the right front tire. Reasons to have the right front go out is for not using the fans correctly. Lucky dog is the #83 . First off the pit road is #11. #48 and #18. The #18 had a trail of black smoke as he make his way out.
On lap 47, second caution is out for Bowyer's spin. He has damage on the left. rear. The crew chief told the team to keep an eye on the spoiler-- do not get it damaged. Unknown who got the lucky dog on this caution.
Update on the 99 team. Under the first caution, the 99 team changed the plug wires. The car is now back to 100%. Carl is 4 laps down in 35th position.
The leader is Jimmie Johnson and the 48 team. He has a 2 second lead over the 2nd place car. He has had this lead since the first caution off pit road. The #2 team led one time but had to go to the pits.
With the second green flag stop cycling trough, the #2 is leading with Jimmie in second and Jeff Gordon in third. While on green flag stops, the #51 of Kurt Busch had to return to the pits because his pit crew missed a few lug nuts.
This race is now official. If NASCAR decided to end the race they could as it has gone half way. For those that are new to this sport, you take the total laps in the race divide by 2 and that will give you half way. If weather comes and the race can not be finished and they are at half way then they will decide if they should call it.
I will also explain to the new people what a caution is and how you can get back on the lead lap. Caution in NASCAR's eyes is anything that could hurt competation. This could be debris, a crash or oil on the track to name some. If you are not on the lead lap, you stay out and pit when the leaders are done on pit road. If you are the first car a lap down, you get what is called the lucky dog. This means you get a lap back and you could get back on the lead lap if you were -1 lap down. There is a wave around as well. If you decide not to pit you can go around the pace car. This sometimes gets you back on the lead lap but not always.
On lap 93 we are under caution for the #13 of Casey Mears spins and it's the wall. He is on his way to the garage. Race off pit road is the #78 team. The lucky dog will be #83. After all the lead lap cars leave the pits, all crew chiefs tell their drivers to save them some fuel.
The 100 lap restart, #2 slipped backwards. He went from first to sixth. The new leader is the #78 team. Second is Jimmie Johnson.
The manufactures in the top 5 are chevy, chevy, toyota, chevy,toyota. The teams are the #78, the #48, the #18, the #24 and the #11 teams. Toyota has never kissed the bricks will this be the year that is broken? 54 laps we will know for sure.
Kyle Busch is now the second car on the track. He is hunting Jimmie Johnson down on lap 108. The third team-#24- is having trouble. This time water temps are at 260. Jeff Gordon has been told that when the water temp gets to 300 to let the crew chief know.
On lap 123 the #31 of Jeff Burton brought out the third yellow for having a tire going down, front right. There is tire debris all over the track now. NASCAR will send the track officials to go pick up the debris.
Pit road will be open this time by on lap 126. The first five off pit road are Greg Biffle, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnheart Jr. The 51 of Kurt Busch heads to the garage. The 31 team also takes Jeff Burton's car to the garage. On the pit stop Greg Biffle is the only car with two tires; everyone one else took four tires.
On lap 120. Joey Logano and Matt Kenseth were involved in this caution. Matt's car is on fire and Joey's car he's nursing back to the pits with a tire that is about to shed apart. Tough day for both the #20 and #17 teams.
The cars that were involved in this latest yellow is Joey Logano (#20), Matt Kenseth (#17), Trevor Bayne (#21) and Bobby Labante (#47). The points leader (#17) will take a huge hit in the points. Joey was battling with Trevor for 21st position on the track. Joey is taking his Dollar General car to the garage. Tough break for the team today.
The chase is on for the lead with 17 laps left in the race. The leader is Jimmie Johnson and the second place car Kyle Busch is reeling him in. This is one of the best battles building on track. Who will win? Who will kiss the bricks?
The winner of the Brickyard 400 is Jimmie Johnson and the 48 team. 18 team finished second. Third was the 16 team. 88 team finished 4th and rounding out the top 5 was 24 team. This is the ninth time in the Brickyard history that Hendrick Motorsports is kissing the bricks.
It is a beautiful sunny day in Indy. Who will kiss the bricks? In about 5 hours we will know.
On the pole for this race is the #11 FedEx Racing machine, driven by Denny Hamlin. The crew chief of the #11 is Darian Grub. If Toyota pulls off the win today, it will be the first time that they have ever kissed the bricks.
The starting line up for the Brickyard is as follow:
1- Denny Hamlin
2- Carl Edwards
3- Joey Logano
4- Aric Almirola
5- Greg Biffle
6- Jimmie Johnson
7- Kyle Busch
8- Paul Menard
9- Jeff Gordon
10- Matt Kenseth
11-Ryan Newman
12-Juan Montoya
13-Kurt Busch
14-Regan Smith
15-Kasey Khane
16-Jamie McMurry
17-Martin Truex Jr.
18-Trevor Bayne
19-Mark Martin
20-Dale Earnhart Jr
21-Jeff Burton
22-Brad Keselowski
23- Marcos Ambrose
24-Sam Hornish Jr
25-Casey Mears
26-David Stremme
27-Kevin Harvick
28-Tony Stewart
29-Bobby Labonte
30- Travis Kvapil
31- David Gilland
32-Dave Blaney
33- Clint Bowyer
34- Scott Speed
35- Josh Wise
36- David Ragan
37- Stephen Leicht
38- Landon Cassill
39-Mike Skinner
40-Scott Riggs
41-J J Yeley
42- Ken Schrader
43- Mike Bliss
With this race 160 laps, the crew chiefs will have to be on top of their calls. If they mis calculate one call, it could cost the team the win and the chance to kiss the bricks.
The green green flag flew around 12:30 local time. (Indy is in Central time). The first lap is led by the #11 team. Top 5 are #11, #99, #48 #16 and #20. Who would be Denny, Carl, Jimmie, Greg and Joey.
The battle for the 4th place on lap 7 was between the #16 and #18. Kyle got around Greg rather easily. Kyle used what he learned in the Nationwide race the day before early in this race.
The #99 is off the pace, just lost the 3rd place to the #18 on lap 13. Carl is talking to his team about the loss of power. The team is confused as to what is going on. "Let's figure it out. We need to get all the points we can get." The hood is up on the 99 and the pit crew is trying to diagnose what happened. Keep you updated.
The battle for 2nd is heating up on lap #16. #48 and 18. Kyle has been told by his crew chief, Dave Rogers that he is fast. Keep it up. Kyle keeps P3 for the time being.
The #99 team tells Carl to pit so they can change the plug wires. The reason the #99 team believes he is down on power is he has a blocked cylinder. The team also tells Carl that they would rather change the plug wires under caution-- more time to work on the car. The #99 team is 2 laps down.
After the 1st round of green flag pit stops, Jimmie Johnson has the lead followed by Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch. Denny had lead the race until the pit road. The race off pit road is how Jimmie and the #48 team took the lead.
On lap 41 the caution comes out for the first time. The #93 brings it out for damage on the right front tire. Reasons to have the right front go out is for not using the fans correctly. Lucky dog is the #83 . First off the pit road is #11. #48 and #18. The #18 had a trail of black smoke as he make his way out.
On lap 47, second caution is out for Bowyer's spin. He has damage on the left. rear. The crew chief told the team to keep an eye on the spoiler-- do not get it damaged. Unknown who got the lucky dog on this caution.
Update on the 99 team. Under the first caution, the 99 team changed the plug wires. The car is now back to 100%. Carl is 4 laps down in 35th position.
The leader is Jimmie Johnson and the 48 team. He has a 2 second lead over the 2nd place car. He has had this lead since the first caution off pit road. The #2 team led one time but had to go to the pits.
With the second green flag stop cycling trough, the #2 is leading with Jimmie in second and Jeff Gordon in third. While on green flag stops, the #51 of Kurt Busch had to return to the pits because his pit crew missed a few lug nuts.
This race is now official. If NASCAR decided to end the race they could as it has gone half way. For those that are new to this sport, you take the total laps in the race divide by 2 and that will give you half way. If weather comes and the race can not be finished and they are at half way then they will decide if they should call it.
I will also explain to the new people what a caution is and how you can get back on the lead lap. Caution in NASCAR's eyes is anything that could hurt competation. This could be debris, a crash or oil on the track to name some. If you are not on the lead lap, you stay out and pit when the leaders are done on pit road. If you are the first car a lap down, you get what is called the lucky dog. This means you get a lap back and you could get back on the lead lap if you were -1 lap down. There is a wave around as well. If you decide not to pit you can go around the pace car. This sometimes gets you back on the lead lap but not always.
On lap 93 we are under caution for the #13 of Casey Mears spins and it's the wall. He is on his way to the garage. Race off pit road is the #78 team. The lucky dog will be #83. After all the lead lap cars leave the pits, all crew chiefs tell their drivers to save them some fuel.
The 100 lap restart, #2 slipped backwards. He went from first to sixth. The new leader is the #78 team. Second is Jimmie Johnson.
The manufactures in the top 5 are chevy, chevy, toyota, chevy,toyota. The teams are the #78, the #48, the #18, the #24 and the #11 teams. Toyota has never kissed the bricks will this be the year that is broken? 54 laps we will know for sure.
Kyle Busch is now the second car on the track. He is hunting Jimmie Johnson down on lap 108. The third team-#24- is having trouble. This time water temps are at 260. Jeff Gordon has been told that when the water temp gets to 300 to let the crew chief know.
On lap 123 the #31 of Jeff Burton brought out the third yellow for having a tire going down, front right. There is tire debris all over the track now. NASCAR will send the track officials to go pick up the debris.
Pit road will be open this time by on lap 126. The first five off pit road are Greg Biffle, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnheart Jr. The 51 of Kurt Busch heads to the garage. The 31 team also takes Jeff Burton's car to the garage. On the pit stop Greg Biffle is the only car with two tires; everyone one else took four tires.
On lap 120. Joey Logano and Matt Kenseth were involved in this caution. Matt's car is on fire and Joey's car he's nursing back to the pits with a tire that is about to shed apart. Tough day for both the #20 and #17 teams.
The cars that were involved in this latest yellow is Joey Logano (#20), Matt Kenseth (#17), Trevor Bayne (#21) and Bobby Labante (#47). The points leader (#17) will take a huge hit in the points. Joey was battling with Trevor for 21st position on the track. Joey is taking his Dollar General car to the garage. Tough break for the team today.
The chase is on for the lead with 17 laps left in the race. The leader is Jimmie Johnson and the second place car Kyle Busch is reeling him in. This is one of the best battles building on track. Who will win? Who will kiss the bricks?
The winner of the Brickyard 400 is Jimmie Johnson and the 48 team. 18 team finished second. Third was the 16 team. 88 team finished 4th and rounding out the top 5 was 24 team. This is the ninth time in the Brickyard history that Hendrick Motorsports is kissing the bricks.
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