NASCAR week in review

Image
  • NASCAR moves to prohibit confederate flags at all events and will no longer require personnel to stand during National Anthem. Photo by Associated Press
    NASCAR moves to prohibit confederate flags at all events and will no longer require personnel to stand during National Anthem. Photo by Associated Press
Body

    Wednesday night NASCAR unloaded the haulers at Martinsville Speedway. As has been the case in the last few races there was no practice or qualifying. By luck of the draw Ryan Blaney ended up with the pole position.
    Martinsville Speedway has been hosting NASCAR races since the 1940’s, but last night was a first as the race was held under the lights. Only drivers from the Xfinity and Gander series have experience driving the track at night while the regular Cup series drivers were left out in the dark.
    The majority of the race was pretty much typical short track frustrations  with some bumping and pushing and the track never really developing a second groove. Everybody was trying to circle the bottom all night and avoid getting pushed to the outside.
    Stage one saw Joey Logano take the lead coming up from a 10 starting spot with Clint Bwyer close behind. After pit stops retiring great Jimmy Johnson took command and the stage win as Ryan Blaney emerged with a strong car and finished second.
    The final stage, Martin Truex Jr. found his way to the front and never really seemed to be threatened.  Truex has now won 4 of the last 6 races held on short tracks. Ryan Blaney again had a strong showing in this stage finishing second, but unable to run the leader down. Brad Keselowski, who finished third, continued his string of top 10 finishes now up to six races in a row. When Truex Jr. crossed the line at the end of the night only 14 cars remained on the lead lap.
    Sunday the series headed south to Homestead and the tropical heat of Florida. After numerous weather delays Denny Hamlin became the first driver this season to win both stages and the race. He led 137 laps. Chase Elliott came in second after having his momentum slowed by a lap down Joey Logano.
    Dale Jr. returned to the track Saturday to drive the Hellmans  #8  in the Xfinity Hooters 250 and finished in fifth place.
    NASCAR announced this week that a limited number of spectators will be allowed at some upcoming races. The Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead- Miami Speedway will allow up to 1,000 armed service members to attend the race. Then Talladega Superspeedway will let 5,000 spectators in the stands while also allowing limited motorhome spots outside the track for the GEICO 500.
    Wave Bye Bye as NASCAR announced two new policies saying there is no longer a requirement to stand during the national anthem and prohibiting confederate flags at all events,
    “Bringing people together around a love for racing and the community it creates...The display of the confederate flag will be prohibited from all NASCAR events and properties..”
    Gander Outdoor driver Ray Ciccarelli said he will quit the series due to the direction NASCAR has taken saying, “...(expletive) one group to cater to another...”
    Cup drivers Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano, and Bubba Wallace have ended their relationship with Beam Designs, a well respected racing helmet designer, over comments made on social media concerning NASCAR’s new policies.
    Ongoing drama - Chase Elliott and Joey Logano who wrecks who next? Denny Hamlin and Cory Lajoie in twitter war