Race Weekend Central

Mark Martin

Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 AAA Texas 500

Mike Neff

During the seventh caution flag of the night, Brad Keselowski took two tires on his pit stop to regain lost track position while Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch took four. That got Kes the lead, for a series of restarts but kept what was likely the fastest car from having the speed to pull away. While Busch faded into the background, that decision would ultimately result in Johnson and Keselowski finishing first and second.

What’s Vexing Vito?: Not Dale Earnhardt Jr. Taking a Concussion Break

Vito Pugliese

The news this week that Dale Earnhardt Jr. was sitting out the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte came as a total shock to those in the sport and fans alike. Despite being in the midst of a title fight, and heading to what is essentially his home track, Junior pulled the plug and opted …

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Fan’s View: Who Finished in the Top 12 & Aren’t Even in NASCAR’s Chase

Frontstretch Staff

Brad Keselowski won and Jeff Gordon appeared late in the running to almost give him some competition. There is nothing very stunning about the major headline for Sunday’s running of the AAA 400. You won’t even be surprised at the finishing order of the rest of the Chasers. The race was, well, kind of everything …

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Thinkin’ Out Loud: 2012 Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan

Mike Neff

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.

The Big 6: Questions Answered After the 2012 Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan

Amy Henderson

If Michigan proved anything, it was that the best car doesn’t always win. Ask Jimmie Johnson. But if you have a great car, you can sometimes still make a statement, regardless of what the results sheet says. This week, Sam Hornish Jr. did just that, though he wound up 12th when the smoke cleared. Hornish, who is contending for the Nationwide Series championship, made the decision to stay in Montreal until the conclusion of that race, forgoing all practice for the Sprint Cup race (Parker Kligerman practiced and qualified the No. 22.). Starting at the back on Sunday, Hornish made quick work of most of the field, despite his lack of practice, charging to the front and looking like his lightning-fast No. 22 would be a contender for the win.