-
Bowyer
NASCAR was forced to use rain tires for the first time ever in a Cup event on Sunday. The conditions were not as bad as the Xfinity race on Saturday, but did add to the excitement. Clint Bowyer had a strong car all day, but lost his power steering late in the race a nightmare on a road course. At the end of the race he climbed out of the car and collapsed to the ground beside it worn out from exhaustion. Kyle Busch the defending series champion was eliminated from playoff contention and still has not won a race this season which would be the first in 15 years of posting at least one win. Chase Elliott has to be the new King of Road Racing as he won his fourth straight event on a road course on Sunday.
Talladega still continues to be in the news as the double yellow line rule played a major part in the finish of the race. Chase Elliott appealed his penalty and was moved back up to a fifth place finish. Matt DiBenedetto was moved from second to the last car on the lead lap putting him in 22nd spot. Denny Hamlin’s move below the line while gaining spots seems to have been totally ignored by NASCAR and he remains the race winner. The best solution to address this problem in future races is what Dale Jr. said, “Why do we even need this rule?”
Kentucky it seems will now be the forgotton child as Jayski.com reported SMI may be putting a billion dollars into Atlanta Speedway and the area surrounding it. Kentucky will be the only SMI track not hosting a race next year.
Clint Bowyer in surprise news announced his retirement from NASCAR and will now move into the booth at Fox Sports to be paired with Jeff Gordon. This leaves a big question at Stewart- Haas of who will take over the #14. Chase Briscoe or Kyle Larson would seem to be the logical choices.
Alex Bowman made big news when it was announced he would be moving to drive the #48 car left vacant by Jimmie Johnson.
Hailie Deegan will be moving up from ARCA to drive the #17 Ford truck for DGR at Kansas. This will be the 19 year old first venture into the NASCAR national divisions.
Matt DiBenedetto will remain with the #21 Wood Brothers Racing next year.