NASCAR on TV this week

Kyle Larson

The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2014 Duck Commander 500 at Texas

Amy Henderson

On a weekend when, once again, rain changed the game, in the end, the real game changer was Kurt Busch’s blown tire just before the white flag. At first, many questioned the caution as it appeared that Busch had gotten his slowing car onto the apron, but television replays showed that the left rear tire on the No. 41 came apart, shredding the car’s quarterpanel. Debris quickly spewed all over the asphalt, and some made its way onto the racing surface. The caution was a good call, and it set up a green-white-checkered run that a year or two ago would have been much different.

The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2014 Auto Club 400 at Fontana

Amy Henderson

It may not have affected everyone, but Denny Hamlin’s sinus infection certainly impacted the No. 11 team, who had to make a driver change at the 11th hour as Hamlin was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Sam Hornish Jr. was already on hand for Matt Kenseth, whose wife Katie is due to give birth to the couple’s third child, but wound up in Hamlin’s seat instead after doctors advised the driver to sit the race out. His vision was getting affected, to the point he failed a “follow the finger” test and was actually losing sight in one eye.

Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2013 Sprint Unlimited at Daytona

Mike Neff

On lap 16, Tony Stewart attempted to change lanes and make a move on race leader Matt Kenseth. While he wasn’t cleared by his spotter, Stewart chose to shift down low which resulted in his left rear corner making contact with the right front of Marcos Ambrose. Stewart’s car got out of shape, made contact with the apron and sent a shower of sparks over several cars that were pursuing him. Jimmie Johnson checked up in the high line, which caused Denny Hamlin to make contact with the five-time champ, turning him down in front of the oncoming pack and ultimately taking out one-third of the field. The accident eliminated defending champion Kyle Busch, two-time Unlimited champion Jeff Gordon, 2006 winner Denny Hamlin and 1999 winner Mark Martin. Just like that, the field was reduced by one-third, many contenders sat idle in the garage and the drafting – along with the racing – became a shell of its former self.

Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead

Mike Neff

Jeff Gordon was among the drivers who pitted on a quick caution on lap 155. In the end, it resulted in the No. 24 having enough fuel to make it to the finish when Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. had to pit from the front of the field. Gordon ended the night taking the first win for Hendrick Motorsports at Homestead-Miami Speedway while his teammate Jimmie Johnson sat in his car in the garage, having lost the championship due to a faulty rear end.