Who’s Hot and Who’s Not in NASCAR: Pocono – Watkins Glen Edition
The return to Pocono Raceway had it all: widespread pitting strategies, tire-care issues, a high-energy finish and even a Big One. It was the ideal … Continue Reading
The return to Pocono Raceway had it all: widespread pitting strategies, tire-care issues, a high-energy finish and even a Big One. It was the ideal … Continue Reading
In all seriousness, there wasn’t much for Bobby Labonte to smile about in 2012, as has been the case for the last several years for a former Cup champ who’s now almost a decade removed from victory lane.
There were a few typical Martinsville skirmishes on Sunday. Kurt Busch called Kevin Harvick “half-assed” when Harvick refused to cut him some slack as Busch wanted to move into the bottom groove and Harvick got into him instead spinning him around. Johnson was upset with Mears after Mears got into his right front, wrenching the steering wheel from his hands, though no damage was done. Montoya was upset with Johnson, who shoved his way underneath the No. 42 in the closing laps, sending him up the track.
Jimmie Johnson had the dominant car once Mark Martin was speared by the pit wall opening in a scary, mid-race crash. But as J.J. was strolling to what would have been his series-leading fourth victory, a valve spring failed with less than 15 miles left to run. That handed Greg Biffle Christmas in August, gift-wrapping him a second victory after a green-white-checkered finish and a pesky push from Michigan native Brad Keselowski.
Which of the smaller teams has been most impressive in 2012 and why?
If there was a prize for tenacity, Kurt Busch would have been in victory lane to receive it.
He didn’t end up in victory lane, but Martin Truex Jr. has been knocking on that door for weeks and it won’t be long now for the Mayetta, N.J. native.
Did You Notice? That as we transition from Phoenix to Sin City, there’s no need for some teams to play craps in Vegas?
JTG Daugherty Racing is entering the 2012 season with higher expectations than ever.
2011 was more of the same, with just two top 10s and only six laps led for Bobby Labonte, who’s running like he’s long past his prime.