Cathleen Moncsko, Official Fan Reporter
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Race Recaps!
November 1/15
Martinsville
Practice 1: 3rd
Qualified: 11th
Practice 2: 18th
Practice 3: 3rd
Finished: 32nd
Race Winner: Jeff Gordon
The paper clip, in my opinion is the best short track NASCAR goes to. I love this track. It’s where I went to my first cup race. I love eating the famous Martinsville hot dogs, the best tasting hot dog you can get at a track and also the cheapest. I am so thankful to be able to go to this race, the last race i get to go to this year. I was excited to be at the track, and see some good ole short track racing, but a little sad that it will be the last time I'll get to see Jeff Gordon race live.
The race started off great for Brad, and he quickly made it to the front. Once he got to the lead, he stayed in the top 5 most of the day. Unfortunately his luck did not last long. He had a bad restart with his teammate Joey Logano, and ended up breaking a tie rod, and ended up wrecking hard with Matt Kenseth, and Kurt Busch. Brad ended up finishing the race 32nd, 10 laps down. This was not the best day for Bad Brad, but he is still in the chase, and i believe Texas and Phoenix will be great for Brad.
Seeing Jeff Gordon win at Martinsville was a little emotional for me. I know I'm not a huge fan of Jeff Gordon anymore, but he was my first favorite driver. I am sad he is retiring, but seeing him win one last time, and being there makes me happy. I am currently editing the thousands of pictures i took for Charlotte and Martinsville. Being at the start finish line for Martinsville, and getting to see victory lane and getting those last photos of Jeff Gordon, is something i will cherish forever. I am glad i got to see Jeff’s last ride at Martinsville.
November 8/15
TEXAS
Practice 1: 1st
Qualified: 1st
Laps Lead: 312
Finished: 2nd
Race winner: Jimmie Johnson
Texas has seen some fights over the years, especially between chase drivers. Last year we saw a fight between Bad Brad and Jeff Gordon, thanks to Harvick for the push. A few years ago it was Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton. Can we see another fight today? How will Erik Jones do filling in for the suspended Matt Kenseth? Can Brad win his way into the final 4?
First caution of the day came out on lap 10, for Joey Logano who spun from a blown lift rear tire. Brad is leading. Shortly after on lap 24, caution for Ryan Blaney, who hit the wall after a right front tire blew. Brad is running 2nd. Twelve laps later on lap 36, caution for Kevin Harvick blowing a tire. Brad is the leader. On lap 48, Dale Jr blows a right front tire, no caution and Brad is still leading. A few laps later, on lap 51, caution for Tony Stewart wrecking and Brad is still the leader. The race went green for awhile till lap 101 when a caution came out once again, this time for Kyle Larson who blew a left rear tire on the 42 car, Brad is leading. He was having a nice battle with Kyle Busch for the lead. Then on lap 150 a caution came out for debris. Brad is currently leading. Shortly after, on lap 168, Dale Jr spins, caution. Brad is the leader. Then on Lap 197, caution for Trevor Bayne who blew a right rear tire, Brad is still leading. It looks like tires are still an issue. The race goes green for a while, then on lap 281, Kevin Harvick has a flat right rear tire. No caution, Brad is still leading. Finally on lap 309: Caution for debris, Brad is still leading. Unfortunately, Brad got passed with 7 laps to go from Jimmie Johnson, and finishes second. Brad needs to win a race to move on to Homestead for the championship 4. This was a great race for the blue Deuce, sadly the W was taken away from a non chaser.
Season Review
Brad finished 7th in championship standings.
The 2015 race season may be over, and the champion was crowned. A legend said his goodbyes to racing full time. This year I was able to go to 9 races which was the most I've ever gone to in one year, and i got to see yet another driver win his last race of his career. This year I've grown a ton and I'm thankful for getting to share my passion for this sport with all of you.
This season was not as good as Brad hoped for but he still got a win, and almost made it to the final round in the chase. Sadly team Penske did not make it to the Championship 4, but over all they had a great season. I think next year will be a great year for them, with this season being so competitive. I look forward to the 2016, which is only 2 months away. I think its going to be hard to get use to Jeff Gordon not being in the 24, but it will be great to see Chase in that car.
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November 1/15
Martinsville
Practice 1: 3rd
Qualified: 11th
Practice 2: 18th
Practice 3: 3rd
Finished: 32nd
Race Winner: Jeff Gordon
The paper clip, in my opinion is the best short track NASCAR goes to. I love this track. It’s where I went to my first cup race. I love eating the famous Martinsville hot dogs, the best tasting hot dog you can get at a track and also the cheapest. I am so thankful to be able to go to this race, the last race i get to go to this year. I was excited to be at the track, and see some good ole short track racing, but a little sad that it will be the last time I'll get to see Jeff Gordon race live.
The race started off great for Brad, and he quickly made it to the front. Once he got to the lead, he stayed in the top 5 most of the day. Unfortunately his luck did not last long. He had a bad restart with his teammate Joey Logano, and ended up breaking a tie rod, and ended up wrecking hard with Matt Kenseth, and Kurt Busch. Brad ended up finishing the race 32nd, 10 laps down. This was not the best day for Bad Brad, but he is still in the chase, and i believe Texas and Phoenix will be great for Brad.
Seeing Jeff Gordon win at Martinsville was a little emotional for me. I know I'm not a huge fan of Jeff Gordon anymore, but he was my first favorite driver. I am sad he is retiring, but seeing him win one last time, and being there makes me happy. I am currently editing the thousands of pictures i took for Charlotte and Martinsville. Being at the start finish line for Martinsville, and getting to see victory lane and getting those last photos of Jeff Gordon, is something i will cherish forever. I am glad i got to see Jeff’s last ride at Martinsville.
November 8/15
TEXAS
Practice 1: 1st
Qualified: 1st
Laps Lead: 312
Finished: 2nd
Race winner: Jimmie Johnson
Texas has seen some fights over the years, especially between chase drivers. Last year we saw a fight between Bad Brad and Jeff Gordon, thanks to Harvick for the push. A few years ago it was Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton. Can we see another fight today? How will Erik Jones do filling in for the suspended Matt Kenseth? Can Brad win his way into the final 4?
First caution of the day came out on lap 10, for Joey Logano who spun from a blown lift rear tire. Brad is leading. Shortly after on lap 24, caution for Ryan Blaney, who hit the wall after a right front tire blew. Brad is running 2nd. Twelve laps later on lap 36, caution for Kevin Harvick blowing a tire. Brad is the leader. On lap 48, Dale Jr blows a right front tire, no caution and Brad is still leading. A few laps later, on lap 51, caution for Tony Stewart wrecking and Brad is still the leader. The race went green for awhile till lap 101 when a caution came out once again, this time for Kyle Larson who blew a left rear tire on the 42 car, Brad is leading. He was having a nice battle with Kyle Busch for the lead. Then on lap 150 a caution came out for debris. Brad is currently leading. Shortly after, on lap 168, Dale Jr spins, caution. Brad is the leader. Then on Lap 197, caution for Trevor Bayne who blew a right rear tire, Brad is still leading. It looks like tires are still an issue. The race goes green for a while, then on lap 281, Kevin Harvick has a flat right rear tire. No caution, Brad is still leading. Finally on lap 309: Caution for debris, Brad is still leading. Unfortunately, Brad got passed with 7 laps to go from Jimmie Johnson, and finishes second. Brad needs to win a race to move on to Homestead for the championship 4. This was a great race for the blue Deuce, sadly the W was taken away from a non chaser.
Season Review
Brad finished 7th in championship standings.
The 2015 race season may be over, and the champion was crowned. A legend said his goodbyes to racing full time. This year I was able to go to 9 races which was the most I've ever gone to in one year, and i got to see yet another driver win his last race of his career. This year I've grown a ton and I'm thankful for getting to share my passion for this sport with all of you.
This season was not as good as Brad hoped for but he still got a win, and almost made it to the final round in the chase. Sadly team Penske did not make it to the Championship 4, but over all they had a great season. I think next year will be a great year for them, with this season being so competitive. I look forward to the 2016, which is only 2 months away. I think its going to be hard to get use to Jeff Gordon not being in the 24, but it will be great to see Chase in that car.
Send Me a Tweet: @CMoncsko5955
Image Courtesy: GettyImages
Race Recaps!
September 22/15
Chase Race Number 1
Chicagoland: MYAFIBRISK.COM 400
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2015
Practice 1: 3rd
Qualified : 3rd
Practice 2: 5th
Happy Hour: 2nd
Finished: 8th
Winner : Denny Hamlin
Chicagoland speedway, Chase race number 1 for the 16 chasers. Brad Nation is ready for a repeat of last year and see Brad in victory lane. Can Brad repeat???
First caution came out on Lap 3, AJ Allmendinger and Denny Hamlin spin, Brad in 6th. It was a long green flag run till lap 123 when caution came out for debris, Brad in 12th. Then on lap 130, Austin Dillon blew a tire and hit the wall, Brad in 10th. On the restart, Jimmie Johnson made contact with Kevin Harvick. Kevin was feeling out the tires till lap 135. Then, Kevin Harvick hit the wall, Brad was in 13th. Then we got another long green flag run. On lap 190: 3rd Green flag pits stops were happening, only 7 on the lead lap. Finally a caution on lap 192, 5th caution for debris in Turn 4. After pit stops Brad was running 5th. Then on lap 197,18 cars took the wave around. 9 cars back on the lead lap. As they ran Brad was 7th in points. Then on lap 257,caution for debris in turns 1 and 2, Brad was in 12th. He finished 8th. Another top 10 finish for Brad, good way to start the chase! On to New Hampshire for race number 2!
Radio:
Brad saying he can’t turn, car is undriveable .
This is one way to solve the restart problem, Just don’t have any.
Richmond: Federated Auto Parts 400
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2015
Practice 1: 3rd
Practice 2: 9th
Qualified: 3rd
Finished: 8th
Winner: Matt Kenseth
Who would make the chase? Richmond was the last race of the regular season. Short track racing at its best, who would be able to tame Richmond, and who would keep their tempers cool? Would there be fights? How would Jeffrey Earnhardt do in his first career start?
The race started with what seemed to be a long green flag run, till lap 40, when a caution came out for oil on the track from the 98, and the 78 in the wall. Brad was 3rd and Jeffrey was 42nd. Then on lap 98 came a caution for Debris in turn 1. Brad 1st, Jeffrey 41st. Shortly after on lap 112, caution was out for the 46 of Michael Annett. Brad in 7th, Jeffrey in 41st. 100 laps later on lap 211, caution for debris, Brad, 6th. Jeffrey, 40th. Then we had another long green flag run till lap 290, caution for debris. Brad was in 4th, Jeffrey was in 41st. During this caution the 95 car hit the safety truck under caution and Brad K got a speeding penalty. The last caution came out on lap 375, caution for debris. Brad was in 10th and Jeffrey was still 40th.
Brad finished 8th, and the chase was set. Jamie McMurray made the chase for the first time. Jeffrey did very well for his first cup race. It was not the finish he'd hoped for but he kept the car in one piece and finished every lap of the race. I'm so proud of him. Richmond may not have brought Brad a repeat win, but Brad still did well, and is locked into the chase. Next week is chase race number 1, can Brad repeat and lock his way into the next round?
Darlington: Bojangles' Southern 500
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2015
Throw back weekend for NASCAR. I was lucky enough to go with a group of my friends. This was Chase Elliott's last start in the 2015 NASCAR sprint cup series. Chase won Darlington last year in the Xfinity series. I believed he would have a good night, but only if he could tame the Lady in Black. This track has been called Too Tough to Tame, or the Lady in Black. Chase was doing a throw back scheme to honor his father, Brad was doing a Bobby Alison scheme.
The race did not start very good for Chase. He was involved in the first caution, and his night did not finish the race. Brad on the other hand lead the most laps. He kept his car clean and out front most of the night. I believe if it was not for that late caution Brad would have won, or at least fought for the win. Brad finished 2nd, Chase finished 41st, and only completed 227 laps out of 367. Brad led 196 laps. The Darlington race had a record number of cautions, 18 for 89 laps and was also the longest race of the year. It was even longer then the Coca-Cola 600.
Bristol: Irwin Tools Night Race
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2015
Practice 1: 9th
Practice 2: 16th
Qualified: 6th
Finished: 6th
Winner: Joey Logano
The short track of Bristol is always a good race to help people get into the chase. Well its more of a wild card race that can help decided if you make the chase or not, depending on if you can survive 500 laps.
Brad's intro song was "Drop It Like Its Hot". The race started with staying green till lap 50, when the caution came out for debris, Brad was 9th. Then on lap 110, Matt Kenseth was smoking and brought his car behind the wall. Brad was 10th. Shortly after, on lap 124, Kyle Larson lost his front left wheel and caution came out for a 3rd time. Brad was 12th. Not long after that, on lap 146, caution came out for AJ spinning. Brad was running 6th. The race took a long green flag run for 100 laps before caution came out on lap 250 for debris. Brad was 13th and Dale Jr was the lucky dog. For another 100 laps the race stayed green till lap 359 when caution came out for Kyle Larson. Brad was 8th. A few laps later, lap 367, caution was out for David Ragan. Brad was 5th. Brad spun the 15 of Clint Bowyer. Then on lap 383, caution was out for Ricky Stenhouse Jr hitting the wall. Brad was in 5th position. The last caution of the night came out on lap 429, caution for debris. Brad was 3rd until he took the lead because he did not pit. However, Brad finished the race in 6th. Not a horrible night for the Blue Deuce.
New Hampshire: 5-Hour Energy 301
Date: Sunday, July 19, 2015
Start: 10th
Pit Stall #: 9 sandwiches between 51 (front) and 46 (back).
Brad made a comment after final practice Saturday that the 19,18, 4 were the cars to beat this weekend. Domination takes cycles. Right now the Gibbs cars are dominant but Penske will rise again. Brad won this race one year ago. Would he have the car to take to victory lane today?
Brad started the race moving up to 6th before the first caution came out on lap 22 for debris in turn 2. He restart 10th and started moving up, by lap 41 he got up to 7th and 6 seconds back from the leader. Brad took the lead on lap 67. Then on lap 89 Brad made a green flag pit stop from the lead, he came out of the pits 12th. He moved all the way up to 2nd. The second caution came out for debris in turns 3 and 4, the 7 car of Alex Bowman caught on fire on pit road. Brad restarted as the leader. On lap 117 caution came out again for debris on the front straightaway. Brad stayed out. On lap 134, Brad said the car was loose on entry but tight in the center of the corner. Then on lap 188, caution came out again for debris in turn 3. Brad was running 5th. The green flag did not stay out long before the caution came out on lap 199, Brad was up to 2nd. The green flag waved for about 50 laps before caution returned for oil on the track. Brad pits from 2nd, gets 2 tires and fuel. Brad ends up finishing 2nd. Hard fought for Brad to bring it home in 2nd today. So close to that win!
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September 22/15
Chase Race Number 1
Chicagoland: MYAFIBRISK.COM 400
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2015
Practice 1: 3rd
Qualified : 3rd
Practice 2: 5th
Happy Hour: 2nd
Finished: 8th
Winner : Denny Hamlin
Chicagoland speedway, Chase race number 1 for the 16 chasers. Brad Nation is ready for a repeat of last year and see Brad in victory lane. Can Brad repeat???
First caution came out on Lap 3, AJ Allmendinger and Denny Hamlin spin, Brad in 6th. It was a long green flag run till lap 123 when caution came out for debris, Brad in 12th. Then on lap 130, Austin Dillon blew a tire and hit the wall, Brad in 10th. On the restart, Jimmie Johnson made contact with Kevin Harvick. Kevin was feeling out the tires till lap 135. Then, Kevin Harvick hit the wall, Brad was in 13th. Then we got another long green flag run. On lap 190: 3rd Green flag pits stops were happening, only 7 on the lead lap. Finally a caution on lap 192, 5th caution for debris in Turn 4. After pit stops Brad was running 5th. Then on lap 197,18 cars took the wave around. 9 cars back on the lead lap. As they ran Brad was 7th in points. Then on lap 257,caution for debris in turns 1 and 2, Brad was in 12th. He finished 8th. Another top 10 finish for Brad, good way to start the chase! On to New Hampshire for race number 2!
Radio:
Brad saying he can’t turn, car is undriveable .
This is one way to solve the restart problem, Just don’t have any.
Richmond: Federated Auto Parts 400
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2015
Practice 1: 3rd
Practice 2: 9th
Qualified: 3rd
Finished: 8th
Winner: Matt Kenseth
Who would make the chase? Richmond was the last race of the regular season. Short track racing at its best, who would be able to tame Richmond, and who would keep their tempers cool? Would there be fights? How would Jeffrey Earnhardt do in his first career start?
The race started with what seemed to be a long green flag run, till lap 40, when a caution came out for oil on the track from the 98, and the 78 in the wall. Brad was 3rd and Jeffrey was 42nd. Then on lap 98 came a caution for Debris in turn 1. Brad 1st, Jeffrey 41st. Shortly after on lap 112, caution was out for the 46 of Michael Annett. Brad in 7th, Jeffrey in 41st. 100 laps later on lap 211, caution for debris, Brad, 6th. Jeffrey, 40th. Then we had another long green flag run till lap 290, caution for debris. Brad was in 4th, Jeffrey was in 41st. During this caution the 95 car hit the safety truck under caution and Brad K got a speeding penalty. The last caution came out on lap 375, caution for debris. Brad was in 10th and Jeffrey was still 40th.
Brad finished 8th, and the chase was set. Jamie McMurray made the chase for the first time. Jeffrey did very well for his first cup race. It was not the finish he'd hoped for but he kept the car in one piece and finished every lap of the race. I'm so proud of him. Richmond may not have brought Brad a repeat win, but Brad still did well, and is locked into the chase. Next week is chase race number 1, can Brad repeat and lock his way into the next round?
Darlington: Bojangles' Southern 500
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2015
Throw back weekend for NASCAR. I was lucky enough to go with a group of my friends. This was Chase Elliott's last start in the 2015 NASCAR sprint cup series. Chase won Darlington last year in the Xfinity series. I believed he would have a good night, but only if he could tame the Lady in Black. This track has been called Too Tough to Tame, or the Lady in Black. Chase was doing a throw back scheme to honor his father, Brad was doing a Bobby Alison scheme.
The race did not start very good for Chase. He was involved in the first caution, and his night did not finish the race. Brad on the other hand lead the most laps. He kept his car clean and out front most of the night. I believe if it was not for that late caution Brad would have won, or at least fought for the win. Brad finished 2nd, Chase finished 41st, and only completed 227 laps out of 367. Brad led 196 laps. The Darlington race had a record number of cautions, 18 for 89 laps and was also the longest race of the year. It was even longer then the Coca-Cola 600.
Bristol: Irwin Tools Night Race
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2015
Practice 1: 9th
Practice 2: 16th
Qualified: 6th
Finished: 6th
Winner: Joey Logano
The short track of Bristol is always a good race to help people get into the chase. Well its more of a wild card race that can help decided if you make the chase or not, depending on if you can survive 500 laps.
Brad's intro song was "Drop It Like Its Hot". The race started with staying green till lap 50, when the caution came out for debris, Brad was 9th. Then on lap 110, Matt Kenseth was smoking and brought his car behind the wall. Brad was 10th. Shortly after, on lap 124, Kyle Larson lost his front left wheel and caution came out for a 3rd time. Brad was 12th. Not long after that, on lap 146, caution came out for AJ spinning. Brad was running 6th. The race took a long green flag run for 100 laps before caution came out on lap 250 for debris. Brad was 13th and Dale Jr was the lucky dog. For another 100 laps the race stayed green till lap 359 when caution came out for Kyle Larson. Brad was 8th. A few laps later, lap 367, caution was out for David Ragan. Brad was 5th. Brad spun the 15 of Clint Bowyer. Then on lap 383, caution was out for Ricky Stenhouse Jr hitting the wall. Brad was in 5th position. The last caution of the night came out on lap 429, caution for debris. Brad was 3rd until he took the lead because he did not pit. However, Brad finished the race in 6th. Not a horrible night for the Blue Deuce.
New Hampshire: 5-Hour Energy 301
Date: Sunday, July 19, 2015
Start: 10th
Pit Stall #: 9 sandwiches between 51 (front) and 46 (back).
Brad made a comment after final practice Saturday that the 19,18, 4 were the cars to beat this weekend. Domination takes cycles. Right now the Gibbs cars are dominant but Penske will rise again. Brad won this race one year ago. Would he have the car to take to victory lane today?
Brad started the race moving up to 6th before the first caution came out on lap 22 for debris in turn 2. He restart 10th and started moving up, by lap 41 he got up to 7th and 6 seconds back from the leader. Brad took the lead on lap 67. Then on lap 89 Brad made a green flag pit stop from the lead, he came out of the pits 12th. He moved all the way up to 2nd. The second caution came out for debris in turns 3 and 4, the 7 car of Alex Bowman caught on fire on pit road. Brad restarted as the leader. On lap 117 caution came out again for debris on the front straightaway. Brad stayed out. On lap 134, Brad said the car was loose on entry but tight in the center of the corner. Then on lap 188, caution came out again for debris in turn 3. Brad was running 5th. The green flag did not stay out long before the caution came out on lap 199, Brad was up to 2nd. The green flag waved for about 50 laps before caution returned for oil on the track. Brad pits from 2nd, gets 2 tires and fuel. Brad ends up finishing 2nd. Hard fought for Brad to bring it home in 2nd today. So close to that win!
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Image Courtesy: Nascar.com
Kentucky: Quaker State 400
Started: 2nd
Finished: 6th
Race Winner: Kyle Busch
August 14/15 Brad is a pro when it comes to Kentucky Speedway. This is his race to lose. Brad won the previous night’s race, the Kentucky 300. Brad is the defending race winner from a year ago.
Brad led the first lap, and by lap 10 he has a 10 second lead on Jeff gordon. On lap 20, caution for Josh Wise who hits the wall after wrecking with JJ Yeley. This happened right in front of the leaders. Lap 31, competition caution. Brad pits for four tires, fuel, and a adjustment. He will restart 11th and the first car who took four tires. Then on lap 81, caution comes out again, this time for Paul Menard, No free pass since the 27 was the free pass car and they caused the caution. Debris in turn 4, Brad took 4 tires and fuel, he lost a spot on pit road and is running 3rd. Shortly after, on lap 99, caution came out again, for Kurt Busch who spun. Brad Stays out and grabs the lead. Then on lap 122 caution comes out for Yeley hitting the wall in turn 4, Brad had a 2 second lead over Kyle Busch. Brad pits from the lead and comes out 10th. On the restart he goes three wide up top to get back up front, He jumps up to 7th. While running 5th on lap 136, caution comes out for the 6th time of the night, this time for Dale Jr hitting the wall. Dale jr says he has no breaks. A few laps later on lap 143, caution for the 26, and Tony Stewart spins behind the wreck. Brad restarts 3rd. Then on lap 152, caution out again for debris in turn 4, Brad was running 8th, after he pitted he will restart 18th. On lap 187, caution flies for the 9th time, debris in turn 2, Brad will restart 15th. Brad moves all the way up to 7th by lap lap 204, when caution comes out again. Danica Patrick spins with help from Dale Jr, who has no breaks. Brad will restart 6th. The 11th caution flew on lap 220, for Kyle Larson who hit the wall. Brad stays out and will restart 5th. Brad finishes 6th. Not a bad night for the Bad Brad. Congrats to Kyle Busch.
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Started: 2nd
Finished: 6th
Race Winner: Kyle Busch
August 14/15 Brad is a pro when it comes to Kentucky Speedway. This is his race to lose. Brad won the previous night’s race, the Kentucky 300. Brad is the defending race winner from a year ago.
Brad led the first lap, and by lap 10 he has a 10 second lead on Jeff gordon. On lap 20, caution for Josh Wise who hits the wall after wrecking with JJ Yeley. This happened right in front of the leaders. Lap 31, competition caution. Brad pits for four tires, fuel, and a adjustment. He will restart 11th and the first car who took four tires. Then on lap 81, caution comes out again, this time for Paul Menard, No free pass since the 27 was the free pass car and they caused the caution. Debris in turn 4, Brad took 4 tires and fuel, he lost a spot on pit road and is running 3rd. Shortly after, on lap 99, caution came out again, for Kurt Busch who spun. Brad Stays out and grabs the lead. Then on lap 122 caution comes out for Yeley hitting the wall in turn 4, Brad had a 2 second lead over Kyle Busch. Brad pits from the lead and comes out 10th. On the restart he goes three wide up top to get back up front, He jumps up to 7th. While running 5th on lap 136, caution comes out for the 6th time of the night, this time for Dale Jr hitting the wall. Dale jr says he has no breaks. A few laps later on lap 143, caution for the 26, and Tony Stewart spins behind the wreck. Brad restarts 3rd. Then on lap 152, caution out again for debris in turn 4, Brad was running 8th, after he pitted he will restart 18th. On lap 187, caution flies for the 9th time, debris in turn 2, Brad will restart 15th. Brad moves all the way up to 7th by lap lap 204, when caution comes out again. Danica Patrick spins with help from Dale Jr, who has no breaks. Brad will restart 6th. The 11th caution flew on lap 220, for Kyle Larson who hit the wall. Brad stays out and will restart 5th. Brad finishes 6th. Not a bad night for the Bad Brad. Congrats to Kyle Busch.
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Pocono
Practice 1: 7th
Qualified: 7th
Practice 2: 14th
Happy Hour: 16th
Finished: 17th
Winner: Martin Truex Jr
July 12/15 What turn 4? The Tricky Triangle where all 3 corners are different and you have to find a way to get your car to handle good in all 3. This year we have to deal with big bumps in turn 2. Some drivers are complaining about the bumps. How will the Bumps treat the blue deuce?
Lap 20, Brad pits for the first time for four tires and fuel. Brad was running 7th. Then on lap 50, first caution of the day for debris, Brad is 31st. Caution came out again on lap 69, for Ricky Stenhouse jr wrecking, Brad is up to 14th. Then on lap 87, caution came out again, this time for Jimmie Johnson who blew a tire and hit the wall. Brad is 15th. 7 laps later, lap 94, Alex Bowman spins in turn 3, Brad is up to 6th.
The 2 car finished 17th. Congrats to Martin Truex Jr on winning this race.
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Practice 1: 7th
Qualified: 7th
Practice 2: 14th
Happy Hour: 16th
Finished: 17th
Winner: Martin Truex Jr
July 12/15 What turn 4? The Tricky Triangle where all 3 corners are different and you have to find a way to get your car to handle good in all 3. This year we have to deal with big bumps in turn 2. Some drivers are complaining about the bumps. How will the Bumps treat the blue deuce?
Lap 20, Brad pits for the first time for four tires and fuel. Brad was running 7th. Then on lap 50, first caution of the day for debris, Brad is 31st. Caution came out again on lap 69, for Ricky Stenhouse jr wrecking, Brad is up to 14th. Then on lap 87, caution came out again, this time for Jimmie Johnson who blew a tire and hit the wall. Brad is 15th. 7 laps later, lap 94, Alex Bowman spins in turn 3, Brad is up to 6th.
The 2 car finished 17th. Congrats to Martin Truex Jr on winning this race.
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Image Credit: Ford.com
Dover
Practice 1: 27th
Practice 2: 15th
Qualified: 19th
Finished : 12th
Winner: Jimmie Johnson
July 12/15 Dover, “The Monster Mile” - one mile of concrete, that is a self cleaning track. This track seems to bite drivers really hard. yet one driver in today's field is going for 10 Miles, the monster trophy. Will Brad Keselowski get bitten by Miles, or will he tame the Monster mile?
This race went green for the first 74 laps, till we got a caution for debris. Brad was 20th and about to pit. On lap 90 Brad says that his car tries to spin out when he tries to pass someone. Caution came out again on lap 163, for Ricky Stenhouse Jr who got into the wall hard. Brad was running 15th. Caution came out again on lap 173 for Trevor Bayne, Micheal Annett and Justin Allgiar wreck, Brad was 13th. Brad finished 12th, and he lead 28 laps. This was not the best day for Brad but at the same time it was not his worst.
A top 15 is a great way to stay up in points.
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Practice 1: 27th
Practice 2: 15th
Qualified: 19th
Finished : 12th
Winner: Jimmie Johnson
July 12/15 Dover, “The Monster Mile” - one mile of concrete, that is a self cleaning track. This track seems to bite drivers really hard. yet one driver in today's field is going for 10 Miles, the monster trophy. Will Brad Keselowski get bitten by Miles, or will he tame the Monster mile?
This race went green for the first 74 laps, till we got a caution for debris. Brad was 20th and about to pit. On lap 90 Brad says that his car tries to spin out when he tries to pass someone. Caution came out again on lap 163, for Ricky Stenhouse Jr who got into the wall hard. Brad was running 15th. Caution came out again on lap 173 for Trevor Bayne, Micheal Annett and Justin Allgiar wreck, Brad was 13th. Brad finished 12th, and he lead 28 laps. This was not the best day for Brad but at the same time it was not his worst.
A top 15 is a great way to stay up in points.
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Image Credit: Motorsport.com
Kansas
Practice 1: 7th
Practice 2: 9th
Qualified : 3rd
Finished: 7th
Winner: Jimmie Johnson
July 12/15 Kansas, the home state of Clint Bowyer, and considered the home track for Carl Edwards and Jamie McMurray. This race tends to go green and be a fuel mileage race. Rain seems to like to follow NASCAR, and this race was no different. The Sponge Bob Square Pants 400 got delayed because of weather. The race had a few cautions.
The race started, but a spin on lap 3 for JJ Yaley, then a competition caution on lap 25, Brad was 8th. Then on lap 98, Red Flag for RAIN! Sometimes I think Mother Nature hates NASCAR. Brad was running 6th. When the race restarted 3 hours later, we did not stay Green for long. Caution came out on lap 120 for David Ragan who spun, gets stuck in the mud in the middle of the Sponge Bob race logo on the grass, with his Sponge Bob car. It was picture perfect. Brad was running 3rd. Then eight laps later, Matt Kenseth's engine blowing up and spinning out. Brad is leading the race. On lap 184, Caution again for Clint Bowyer who got spun by Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Brad is 2nd. The last caution of the race happened on lap 195, for Eric Jones, Brad 8th. The race goes green till the end, fuel mileage racing. Jimmie Johnson wins his 3rd race of the season and Brad finishes 7th.
Overall, this was not a bad race for Brad - he lead some laps and finished a top 10.
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Practice 1: 7th
Practice 2: 9th
Qualified : 3rd
Finished: 7th
Winner: Jimmie Johnson
July 12/15 Kansas, the home state of Clint Bowyer, and considered the home track for Carl Edwards and Jamie McMurray. This race tends to go green and be a fuel mileage race. Rain seems to like to follow NASCAR, and this race was no different. The Sponge Bob Square Pants 400 got delayed because of weather. The race had a few cautions.
The race started, but a spin on lap 3 for JJ Yaley, then a competition caution on lap 25, Brad was 8th. Then on lap 98, Red Flag for RAIN! Sometimes I think Mother Nature hates NASCAR. Brad was running 6th. When the race restarted 3 hours later, we did not stay Green for long. Caution came out on lap 120 for David Ragan who spun, gets stuck in the mud in the middle of the Sponge Bob race logo on the grass, with his Sponge Bob car. It was picture perfect. Brad was running 3rd. Then eight laps later, Matt Kenseth's engine blowing up and spinning out. Brad is leading the race. On lap 184, Caution again for Clint Bowyer who got spun by Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Brad is 2nd. The last caution of the race happened on lap 195, for Eric Jones, Brad 8th. The race goes green till the end, fuel mileage racing. Jimmie Johnson wins his 3rd race of the season and Brad finishes 7th.
Overall, this was not a bad race for Brad - he lead some laps and finished a top 10.
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Picture Perfect - Image Credit: SB Nation
Talladega
Practice 1: 14th
Practice 2: 14th
Qualified: 15th
Finished: 21st
Race Winner: Dale Earnhardt Jr
July 12/15 Talladega, home of the Big One. A race when we do not just wonder if a big wreck will happen but when will it happen. It is also known for its infield party. Some day I will have to go to a race here and experience the infield for myself. Will Brad make it through the Big Wreck? Can Brad be a repeat winner? He did win here back in October.
First caution of the race was lap 19, when Brian Scott blows an engine and spins, collects Michael Waltrip. Brad was running 9th. Then on lap 47, The Big One happens, involved is Trevor Bayne, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Kasey Kahne, Landon Cassile and others. In total, 14 cars were involved, Brad is 22nd, and we had an 11 minute red flag to clean up the wreck. Caution flew once again on lap 55, for debris. Brad was running 26th. 35 laps later the caution flew again, this time for Brendan Gaughn who blew a tire and hit the wall, Brad is 9th. Then on lap 115 caution came out again for debris in turn 3 and the start finish line, Brad was running 7th. On lap 155, Brad says he would really like a Miller Lite on this next pit stop, he is running 11th. One lap later caution flew once again for Austin Dillon who blew an engine and his car catches on fire; Brad just pitted so he is 30th. After the leader pits Brad is 7th. Sadly, the rest of the race goes single file till the last lap, Brad ended up finishing 21st.
Congrats to Dale Earnhardt Jr on winning your 6th race at Talladega! This race had a great crowd and the weather was perfect.
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Practice 1: 14th
Practice 2: 14th
Qualified: 15th
Finished: 21st
Race Winner: Dale Earnhardt Jr
July 12/15 Talladega, home of the Big One. A race when we do not just wonder if a big wreck will happen but when will it happen. It is also known for its infield party. Some day I will have to go to a race here and experience the infield for myself. Will Brad make it through the Big Wreck? Can Brad be a repeat winner? He did win here back in October.
First caution of the race was lap 19, when Brian Scott blows an engine and spins, collects Michael Waltrip. Brad was running 9th. Then on lap 47, The Big One happens, involved is Trevor Bayne, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Kasey Kahne, Landon Cassile and others. In total, 14 cars were involved, Brad is 22nd, and we had an 11 minute red flag to clean up the wreck. Caution flew once again on lap 55, for debris. Brad was running 26th. 35 laps later the caution flew again, this time for Brendan Gaughn who blew a tire and hit the wall, Brad is 9th. Then on lap 115 caution came out again for debris in turn 3 and the start finish line, Brad was running 7th. On lap 155, Brad says he would really like a Miller Lite on this next pit stop, he is running 11th. One lap later caution flew once again for Austin Dillon who blew an engine and his car catches on fire; Brad just pitted so he is 30th. After the leader pits Brad is 7th. Sadly, the rest of the race goes single file till the last lap, Brad ended up finishing 21st.
Congrats to Dale Earnhardt Jr on winning your 6th race at Talladega! This race had a great crowd and the weather was perfect.
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Image Credit: Butch Dill/AP
Richmond
Brad Keselowski Chase Elliott
Practice 1 1st 21st
Practice 2 15th 27th
Qualified 7th 16th
Finished 17th 16th
May 8/15 Richmond, normally a night race, but thanks to rain not this time. Short track racing for the second week in a row. Will there be any paybacks from last week? How will Chase do in his 2nd cup start? Guess we will have to wait to find out.
Lap 5, Danica Patrick spins, no caution. Brad running 7th and Chase 14th. On lap 51, Competition caution, Brad 4th and Chase 19th. After pit stops, Brad still 4th and Chase dropped to 21st. While under caution, Brad says the pace car is spitting out stuff, and his crew says its steam. Caution came out again for Joey Gase on lap 128, Brad was running 7th and Chase 19th. Caution came out again on lap 137, Josh Wise stalled going into turn 1 on the restart. Chase was 21st and Brad 7th. Then on lap 163, Caution flew again for Josh Wise for a blown engine. Brad was running 3rd and Chase 18th. Halfway through the race, Brad is running 2nd, and Chase 18th. Lap 255 Brad says he thinks he lost a cylinder or something, Brad is running 3rd and Chase 11th. Then on lap 269, Caution for Brett Moffet who was very slow and hit the wall, Brad is leading, Chase 15th. On lap 350, Caution for debris, Brad 3rd and Chase 12th. Caution came out 9 laps later on lap 359, for Tony Stewart who made contact with Dale Jr, and wrecks. Brad was running 11th and Chase 15th. Then on lap 368, Caution for Jeb Burton, Chase running 14th and Brad 13th. Brad says engine temps starting to climb, Brad wants to pit. He comes out of the pits in 17th.
Congrats to Kurt Busch, and welcome to the Chase.
Chase did a great job keeping the car clean. He got as high as 5th. Even Mr. Hendrick said he was doing a great job, running lap times as fast as the leaders, and did a great job driving up the field to 5th.
I am very proud of Chase.
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Brad Keselowski Chase Elliott
Practice 1 1st 21st
Practice 2 15th 27th
Qualified 7th 16th
Finished 17th 16th
May 8/15 Richmond, normally a night race, but thanks to rain not this time. Short track racing for the second week in a row. Will there be any paybacks from last week? How will Chase do in his 2nd cup start? Guess we will have to wait to find out.
Lap 5, Danica Patrick spins, no caution. Brad running 7th and Chase 14th. On lap 51, Competition caution, Brad 4th and Chase 19th. After pit stops, Brad still 4th and Chase dropped to 21st. While under caution, Brad says the pace car is spitting out stuff, and his crew says its steam. Caution came out again for Joey Gase on lap 128, Brad was running 7th and Chase 19th. Caution came out again on lap 137, Josh Wise stalled going into turn 1 on the restart. Chase was 21st and Brad 7th. Then on lap 163, Caution flew again for Josh Wise for a blown engine. Brad was running 3rd and Chase 18th. Halfway through the race, Brad is running 2nd, and Chase 18th. Lap 255 Brad says he thinks he lost a cylinder or something, Brad is running 3rd and Chase 11th. Then on lap 269, Caution for Brett Moffet who was very slow and hit the wall, Brad is leading, Chase 15th. On lap 350, Caution for debris, Brad 3rd and Chase 12th. Caution came out 9 laps later on lap 359, for Tony Stewart who made contact with Dale Jr, and wrecks. Brad was running 11th and Chase 15th. Then on lap 368, Caution for Jeb Burton, Chase running 14th and Brad 13th. Brad says engine temps starting to climb, Brad wants to pit. He comes out of the pits in 17th.
Congrats to Kurt Busch, and welcome to the Chase.
Chase did a great job keeping the car clean. He got as high as 5th. Even Mr. Hendrick said he was doing a great job, running lap times as fast as the leaders, and did a great job driving up the field to 5th.
I am very proud of Chase.
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Chase Elliott and myself
Its Bristol BABY!
Practice 1: 3rd
Qualifying: 2nd
Practice 2: 19th
Happy Hour:
Winner: Matt Kenseth
April 30/15 Bristol, the last great Colosseum. Short track racing at its best, this half mile track is one of my favorite races to watch every year. Even the threat of rain will not ruin the fans from going to Bristol. How will Bristol treat Brad Keselowski? We will find out soon.
Rain, rain and more rain. The race started an hour later than it was scheduled. It did not stay away for long, but it did not come soon enough for Brad. Brad spun on lap 18, taking out his own teammate Joey Logano. Then the rain came back and the race was red flag till 6:50 pm Eastern. They only got 22 laps down before the rain came. Brad restarted the race 42nd and 8 laps down.
Caution flew again on lap 60, Brad was still 42nd. On lap 167, caution came out for a weeper ( water coming up out of the track or safer barrier) in turn 2. Brad was running 40th. Lap 250, half way, Brad is 41st, 18 laps down. 14 laps later, caution for rain again. Red Flag comes out Brad is 41st still. Luckily, the rain did not last long and we did not lose the track. We went back to green 10 minutes later. Caution came out shortly after, this time for Kurt Busch getting into Jimmie Johnson, Brad was still 41st on lap 279. Thirty laps later Jimmie Johnson wrecks Jeb Burton, who gets into David Ragan. Kevin Harvick loses control trying to avoid the 18 of David Ragan and runs into him, Brad still 41st but about to gain a few more spots. Then on lap 343, caution came out for debris. Brad is now 38th. Lap 367, caution out for Landon Cassil hitting the wall head on, Brad 37th. Green flag waved again and lasted 100 laps without a caution till lap 476, when we had a big wreck. Clint Bowyer, Jamie McMurray hit the wall, others were involved. Shortly after, Tony Stewart gets into Kasey Kahne and spins him out, taking Aj Allmendinger with him. Then on lap 493, we had another big wreck involving Carl Edwards, Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish, Paul Menard and Justin Allgiar. Brad finished 35th. Congrats to Matt Kenseth.
Short track racing is always fun to watch. Drivers tempers get the best of them, which makes it highly entertaining. Richmond is next, will there be pay backs?
Driver quotes
David Ragan: Sometimes when you're racing with squirrels, it's going to get nuts!
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Practice 1: 3rd
Qualifying: 2nd
Practice 2: 19th
Happy Hour:
Winner: Matt Kenseth
April 30/15 Bristol, the last great Colosseum. Short track racing at its best, this half mile track is one of my favorite races to watch every year. Even the threat of rain will not ruin the fans from going to Bristol. How will Bristol treat Brad Keselowski? We will find out soon.
Rain, rain and more rain. The race started an hour later than it was scheduled. It did not stay away for long, but it did not come soon enough for Brad. Brad spun on lap 18, taking out his own teammate Joey Logano. Then the rain came back and the race was red flag till 6:50 pm Eastern. They only got 22 laps down before the rain came. Brad restarted the race 42nd and 8 laps down.
Caution flew again on lap 60, Brad was still 42nd. On lap 167, caution came out for a weeper ( water coming up out of the track or safer barrier) in turn 2. Brad was running 40th. Lap 250, half way, Brad is 41st, 18 laps down. 14 laps later, caution for rain again. Red Flag comes out Brad is 41st still. Luckily, the rain did not last long and we did not lose the track. We went back to green 10 minutes later. Caution came out shortly after, this time for Kurt Busch getting into Jimmie Johnson, Brad was still 41st on lap 279. Thirty laps later Jimmie Johnson wrecks Jeb Burton, who gets into David Ragan. Kevin Harvick loses control trying to avoid the 18 of David Ragan and runs into him, Brad still 41st but about to gain a few more spots. Then on lap 343, caution came out for debris. Brad is now 38th. Lap 367, caution out for Landon Cassil hitting the wall head on, Brad 37th. Green flag waved again and lasted 100 laps without a caution till lap 476, when we had a big wreck. Clint Bowyer, Jamie McMurray hit the wall, others were involved. Shortly after, Tony Stewart gets into Kasey Kahne and spins him out, taking Aj Allmendinger with him. Then on lap 493, we had another big wreck involving Carl Edwards, Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish, Paul Menard and Justin Allgiar. Brad finished 35th. Congrats to Matt Kenseth.
Short track racing is always fun to watch. Drivers tempers get the best of them, which makes it highly entertaining. Richmond is next, will there be pay backs?
Driver quotes
David Ragan: Sometimes when you're racing with squirrels, it's going to get nuts!
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Texas
Practice 1:
Practice 2:
Qualified: 3rd
Finish: 5th
Winner: Jimmie Johnson
April 17/15 Texas - the race weekend where cowboy hats, boots and Big belt buckles are worn and fire does not always happen just in victory lane. This place may be known for cowboy hats and shooting guns in victory lane, or people getting in fights. Just like what we saw in a fight after the race between Jeff Gordon and Brad Keselowski, with the pressure of the chase. But this was not the first fight that has happened there and surely it will not be the last. Will we see another fight after this race? We will find out soon.
Brad Started 3rd, and he stayed 3rd till lap 67 when he had to make an unscheduled pitstop for a loose wheel. He went down a lap and was running 27th. Luckily for Brad, the field made green flag pitstops and he got his lap back and got to lead some laps. He took the lead on lap 82. On lap 108, caution came out for debris, this was good for Brad because he would have had to pit again soon, he was running 2nd. Lap 171, caution flew again for debris, Brad was 3rd. Caution flew again on lap 227, this time for Matt Kenseth spinning, and Paul Menard blew an engine, Brad was running 7th. Then on lap 250, caution for Michael Annett hitting the wall, Brad was running 8th. Caution came out 10 laps later for Justin Alligair, Brad 9th on lap 260. The last two cautions of the race were for debris on lap 297 and 308, Brad was running 13th and 9th.
Brad made a late race run to finish 5th. Brad is 4th in points. It might not have gone the way we wanted but it was a nice top 5. Now let's see how Bristol treats the number 2 team.
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Practice 1:
Practice 2:
Qualified: 3rd
Finish: 5th
Winner: Jimmie Johnson
April 17/15 Texas - the race weekend where cowboy hats, boots and Big belt buckles are worn and fire does not always happen just in victory lane. This place may be known for cowboy hats and shooting guns in victory lane, or people getting in fights. Just like what we saw in a fight after the race between Jeff Gordon and Brad Keselowski, with the pressure of the chase. But this was not the first fight that has happened there and surely it will not be the last. Will we see another fight after this race? We will find out soon.
Brad Started 3rd, and he stayed 3rd till lap 67 when he had to make an unscheduled pitstop for a loose wheel. He went down a lap and was running 27th. Luckily for Brad, the field made green flag pitstops and he got his lap back and got to lead some laps. He took the lead on lap 82. On lap 108, caution came out for debris, this was good for Brad because he would have had to pit again soon, he was running 2nd. Lap 171, caution flew again for debris, Brad was 3rd. Caution flew again on lap 227, this time for Matt Kenseth spinning, and Paul Menard blew an engine, Brad was running 7th. Then on lap 250, caution for Michael Annett hitting the wall, Brad was running 8th. Caution came out 10 laps later for Justin Alligair, Brad 9th on lap 260. The last two cautions of the race were for debris on lap 297 and 308, Brad was running 13th and 9th.
Brad made a late race run to finish 5th. Brad is 4th in points. It might not have gone the way we wanted but it was a nice top 5. Now let's see how Bristol treats the number 2 team.
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Cathleen with Brad Keselowski
Martinsville (the Paperclip)
Chase
Qualified 27th
Finished 38th
Brad
qualified 11th
finished 2nd
April 11/15 The 6th race of the 2015 is here at the paper clip. This is the race that Chase Elliott will try to make for his first career start. Lucky for Chase the rain stopped in time for Practice and Qualifying to be had so he can make the race. Brad Keselowski was looking to get back to back wins and looking for his first Martinsville grandfather clock. I was lucky enough to be able to go to this race and witness Chase’s first race in person.
Brad started the race 11th, while Chase started 27th. On lap 12, caution flew for Trevor Bayne spinning in turn 1 and 2; Brad was 12th and Chase was 23rd. Lap 21, caution flew again for another Roush Fenway driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr who spun in turns 3 and 4, Brad was 12th and Chase was 19th. Lap 55, the 3rd caution flew, this time for JJ Yaley spin and Chase gets some damage getting into the 55 on the restart, Brad was 15th and Chase dropped to 35th. Lap 73 caution for debris from Chase Elliott's car, Chase goes to the garage. Then on lap 95, caution for Alex Kennedy spins off turn 4. Brad 7th and Chase 43rd (off the track). Lap 143, Chase comes back on track, 70 laps down, Brad running 4th. Lap 164, Ricky Stenhouse Jr spun again in turns 3 and 4, Brad 2nd and Chase 43rd. Caution on lap 182 for debris, Harvick blew a tire, Brad 5th and Chase still 43rd. Lap 206 Ricky spins again, Brad running 3rd and Chase still 43rd. Joey Logano and Michael Annett spins on Lap 218, Brad was 5th and Chase was still 43rd. On lap 228 - Big Wreck - Dale jr, Paul Menard, and others involved, Brad running 2nd and Chase running 43rd at the moment. Then on lap 269, Justin Algiar spins in turns 3 and 4, Brad was still running 2nd and Chase Elliott moved up to 42nd. Brad takes the lead on lap 301 from Kevin Harvick, Chase was running 41st. On lap 355, Annett hits the wall, Brad 9th and Chase 41st. Lap 433, Carl Edwards spins in turn 4, Brad 5th and Chase 39th.
Brad raced hard to try to pass Denny Hamlin for the win, but just could not get it done. Congrats to Denny Hamlin for your first win this season, and welcome to the chase.
Chase Elliott fought hard all race, it may not have been what we were looking for but I am very proud of him and the whole 25 team. For his first start at Martinsville, he did a great Job, and I am glad that I was there to see it in person.
Things I noticed at the race:
Richard Petty and Richard Childress are the only team owners watching the race from the top of the team haulers.
Brad K said on lap 185: Is it hard for everyone to keep tires?
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Chase
Qualified 27th
Finished 38th
Brad
qualified 11th
finished 2nd
April 11/15 The 6th race of the 2015 is here at the paper clip. This is the race that Chase Elliott will try to make for his first career start. Lucky for Chase the rain stopped in time for Practice and Qualifying to be had so he can make the race. Brad Keselowski was looking to get back to back wins and looking for his first Martinsville grandfather clock. I was lucky enough to be able to go to this race and witness Chase’s first race in person.
Brad started the race 11th, while Chase started 27th. On lap 12, caution flew for Trevor Bayne spinning in turn 1 and 2; Brad was 12th and Chase was 23rd. Lap 21, caution flew again for another Roush Fenway driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr who spun in turns 3 and 4, Brad was 12th and Chase was 19th. Lap 55, the 3rd caution flew, this time for JJ Yaley spin and Chase gets some damage getting into the 55 on the restart, Brad was 15th and Chase dropped to 35th. Lap 73 caution for debris from Chase Elliott's car, Chase goes to the garage. Then on lap 95, caution for Alex Kennedy spins off turn 4. Brad 7th and Chase 43rd (off the track). Lap 143, Chase comes back on track, 70 laps down, Brad running 4th. Lap 164, Ricky Stenhouse Jr spun again in turns 3 and 4, Brad 2nd and Chase 43rd. Caution on lap 182 for debris, Harvick blew a tire, Brad 5th and Chase still 43rd. Lap 206 Ricky spins again, Brad running 3rd and Chase still 43rd. Joey Logano and Michael Annett spins on Lap 218, Brad was 5th and Chase was still 43rd. On lap 228 - Big Wreck - Dale jr, Paul Menard, and others involved, Brad running 2nd and Chase running 43rd at the moment. Then on lap 269, Justin Algiar spins in turns 3 and 4, Brad was still running 2nd and Chase Elliott moved up to 42nd. Brad takes the lead on lap 301 from Kevin Harvick, Chase was running 41st. On lap 355, Annett hits the wall, Brad 9th and Chase 41st. Lap 433, Carl Edwards spins in turn 4, Brad 5th and Chase 39th.
Brad raced hard to try to pass Denny Hamlin for the win, but just could not get it done. Congrats to Denny Hamlin for your first win this season, and welcome to the chase.
Chase Elliott fought hard all race, it may not have been what we were looking for but I am very proud of him and the whole 25 team. For his first start at Martinsville, he did a great Job, and I am glad that I was there to see it in person.
Things I noticed at the race:
Richard Petty and Richard Childress are the only team owners watching the race from the top of the team haulers.
Brad K said on lap 185: Is it hard for everyone to keep tires?
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Auto Club Speedway
Practice 1 : 4th
Qualified: 8th
Practice 2: 7th
Happy hour: 8th
Race winner : Brad Keselowski
Auto Club Speedway has been one of Brad's worst tracks that we go to. Brad tweeted this before the race:
@keselowski, "Feel like today is the today we break our @ACSupdates curse. We've had good speed here the last few years and again this year." When I read this tweet I started. I thought well, we might have a shot against Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick but it would have to play out with a gamble. Roger Penske is on Brad’s pit box and said on the radio to have good luck today. Brad said, thanks boss, glad to have you with us today.
Brad slowly moved up in the beginning and stayed in the top 5, on lap 21 David Ragan spun out with some help from Jeff Gordon. After green flag pitstops and a caution for debris, Brad was running nicely in the top 10. Lap 98, caution for Sam Hornish who hits the wall, after making contact with Trevor Bayne. Sam’s spotter took the blame for the wreck since he said Sam was clear before he ran into Bayne. The rest of the race was full of cautions for debris or green flag runs, and Brad ran anywhere from 10th to 2nd, before the last restart. Green flag checker, the last restart of the race, Brad gets a good start and passes Kurt Busch to take the lead, He may have only led one lap but that was the lap that pays.
Congrats to Brad on your first Win of 2015!
Random radio conversations from the 2 team, lap 102:
Brad says: ice cream and pie in one day… that's one hell of a day
Joey Myers says: I got to talk fast cause s&$* happens
Brad: every lap he driving like he going to see Jesus ( talking about Kevin Harvick)
Brad said: Hey, we won a race before easter!
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Practice 1 : 4th
Qualified: 8th
Practice 2: 7th
Happy hour: 8th
Race winner : Brad Keselowski
Auto Club Speedway has been one of Brad's worst tracks that we go to. Brad tweeted this before the race:
@keselowski, "Feel like today is the today we break our @ACSupdates curse. We've had good speed here the last few years and again this year." When I read this tweet I started. I thought well, we might have a shot against Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick but it would have to play out with a gamble. Roger Penske is on Brad’s pit box and said on the radio to have good luck today. Brad said, thanks boss, glad to have you with us today.
Brad slowly moved up in the beginning and stayed in the top 5, on lap 21 David Ragan spun out with some help from Jeff Gordon. After green flag pitstops and a caution for debris, Brad was running nicely in the top 10. Lap 98, caution for Sam Hornish who hits the wall, after making contact with Trevor Bayne. Sam’s spotter took the blame for the wreck since he said Sam was clear before he ran into Bayne. The rest of the race was full of cautions for debris or green flag runs, and Brad ran anywhere from 10th to 2nd, before the last restart. Green flag checker, the last restart of the race, Brad gets a good start and passes Kurt Busch to take the lead, He may have only led one lap but that was the lap that pays.
Congrats to Brad on your first Win of 2015!
Random radio conversations from the 2 team, lap 102:
Brad says: ice cream and pie in one day… that's one hell of a day
Joey Myers says: I got to talk fast cause s&$* happens
Brad: every lap he driving like he going to see Jesus ( talking about Kevin Harvick)
Brad said: Hey, we won a race before easter!
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Phoenix International Speedway
March 20/15 The temperatures are hot in the Phoenix desert. Brad Keslowski knows his way around this 1 mile track. Last year he won the pole and finished 3rd that day. Will the desert heat cause tempers to flare, or will Brad Keslowski keep the haters at bay and find his way to Victory Lane?
Practice 1: 2nd
Practice 2: 2nd
Happy hour: 7th
Qualified: 6th
Racing at Phoenix, this race is known for long green flag runs and fuel mileage, yet some times the race is full of cautions. This race got a caution on lap two for Jimmie Johnson spinning Brian Vickers. Brad did not get a great start to the race and fell back to 10th by the time of the caution. Lap 16, Brad moved back up to 6th. On lap 52, running 2nd, Brad says he feels a vibration and in the entrance of 1 and 2 is good but the car is loose in turns 3 and 4. On lap 67, caution flew again. He was 2nd, he told Paul Wolf that he needs help on entry, if he could get into turns 3 and 4 better he could bring back up the track bar. He lost one spot on pit road. On lap 71, during restart the bottom lane did not get moving and Brad lost a spot to Kasey Kahne and dropped to 4th. Then on lap 86, Kurt Busch passes him and he falls back to 5th.
Lap 116, caution for Sam Hornish, Brad was running 4th when he entered the pits. After taking two tires, a wedge adjustment and fuel, he came out first. Brad then lead 52 laps before Kevin Harvick passed him for the lead on lap 172. On lap 180, caution for Dale Jr blown tire and wrecks, Brad then pits from second and gets four tires and fuel and leaves the pits 4th. Lap 202, caution for debris, but he does not pit, and on lap 227 another caution for debris. He pits for 4 tires and loses 14 spots and drops to 17th. Most everyone ahead of him only took 2 tires. When they took the green flag, Brad quickly started moving up till on lap 136 caution flew once again, this time for Tony Stewart who spun, Brad moved up to 12th. Lap 295, caution flies again for another Stewart Haas driver, Danica Patrick. Brad was 6th. He moved up to 5th on the restart before getting passed by Kurt Busch. Brad finished 6th. Kevin Harvick wins his 4th straight Phoenix race.
Brad raced clean and stayed out of trouble and moved up to 9th in points, gaining 7 spots. Over all it was not a bad day for bad Brad and the yellow and black number 2.
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March 20/15 The temperatures are hot in the Phoenix desert. Brad Keslowski knows his way around this 1 mile track. Last year he won the pole and finished 3rd that day. Will the desert heat cause tempers to flare, or will Brad Keslowski keep the haters at bay and find his way to Victory Lane?
Practice 1: 2nd
Practice 2: 2nd
Happy hour: 7th
Qualified: 6th
Racing at Phoenix, this race is known for long green flag runs and fuel mileage, yet some times the race is full of cautions. This race got a caution on lap two for Jimmie Johnson spinning Brian Vickers. Brad did not get a great start to the race and fell back to 10th by the time of the caution. Lap 16, Brad moved back up to 6th. On lap 52, running 2nd, Brad says he feels a vibration and in the entrance of 1 and 2 is good but the car is loose in turns 3 and 4. On lap 67, caution flew again. He was 2nd, he told Paul Wolf that he needs help on entry, if he could get into turns 3 and 4 better he could bring back up the track bar. He lost one spot on pit road. On lap 71, during restart the bottom lane did not get moving and Brad lost a spot to Kasey Kahne and dropped to 4th. Then on lap 86, Kurt Busch passes him and he falls back to 5th.
Lap 116, caution for Sam Hornish, Brad was running 4th when he entered the pits. After taking two tires, a wedge adjustment and fuel, he came out first. Brad then lead 52 laps before Kevin Harvick passed him for the lead on lap 172. On lap 180, caution for Dale Jr blown tire and wrecks, Brad then pits from second and gets four tires and fuel and leaves the pits 4th. Lap 202, caution for debris, but he does not pit, and on lap 227 another caution for debris. He pits for 4 tires and loses 14 spots and drops to 17th. Most everyone ahead of him only took 2 tires. When they took the green flag, Brad quickly started moving up till on lap 136 caution flew once again, this time for Tony Stewart who spun, Brad moved up to 12th. Lap 295, caution flies again for another Stewart Haas driver, Danica Patrick. Brad was 6th. He moved up to 5th on the restart before getting passed by Kurt Busch. Brad finished 6th. Kevin Harvick wins his 4th straight Phoenix race.
Brad raced clean and stayed out of trouble and moved up to 9th in points, gaining 7 spots. Over all it was not a bad day for bad Brad and the yellow and black number 2.
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Kobalt 400
March 12/15 Brad Keselowski rolls off 11th for his 200th cup start in the Kobalt 400 today. He is no stranger to victory lane in Las Vegas, being the defending race winner from a year ago. Will the 2 team play their cards right in Vegas and have the gamble pay off?
Beginning the race, his car was really loose. He was slowly moving up and solidly in the top 10. After the competition caution, he moved up to 4th. He dropped to 5th on the restart and was complaining about the car being too loose on entry which deterred him from moving up. Lap 100, he was 8th and still extremely loose. Lap 132, during green flag pitstops, he ended up leading a few laps before he pitted. When he came in to pits on lap 137, he ended up getting a pit road penalty for having a tire get away and stop in the grass, which put him one lap down in 18th. On lap 172, he became the lucky dog when he caught a caution for Jimmie Johnson's blown tire. He started moving back up through the field with some help from a few cautions and pitstops. He got back the lead on lap 245 during green flag pitstops again, but only for a few laps. He came out of the pits 9th with about 20 to go.
He ended up finishing 7th, 16th in driver's points. With his solid top 10 finish he moved up 6 places in points.
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March 12/15 Brad Keselowski rolls off 11th for his 200th cup start in the Kobalt 400 today. He is no stranger to victory lane in Las Vegas, being the defending race winner from a year ago. Will the 2 team play their cards right in Vegas and have the gamble pay off?
Beginning the race, his car was really loose. He was slowly moving up and solidly in the top 10. After the competition caution, he moved up to 4th. He dropped to 5th on the restart and was complaining about the car being too loose on entry which deterred him from moving up. Lap 100, he was 8th and still extremely loose. Lap 132, during green flag pitstops, he ended up leading a few laps before he pitted. When he came in to pits on lap 137, he ended up getting a pit road penalty for having a tire get away and stop in the grass, which put him one lap down in 18th. On lap 172, he became the lucky dog when he caught a caution for Jimmie Johnson's blown tire. He started moving back up through the field with some help from a few cautions and pitstops. He got back the lead on lap 245 during green flag pitstops again, but only for a few laps. He came out of the pits 9th with about 20 to go.
He ended up finishing 7th, 16th in driver's points. With his solid top 10 finish he moved up 6 places in points.
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Daytona & Atlanta
March 3/15 Chase started 35th at Daytona, starting next to rookie Daniel Suarez. He was staying in the back to miss the big one. Unfortunately, that did not work out as planned. He did have a pit road issue in the beginning of the race. He ended up being caught up in one of the late race cautions, with his teammate Regan Smith.
For the first time in his career, Chase did not finish the race. He ended up finishing 28th, and 20th in points. Congrats to Ryan Reed on his first Career victory.
Atlanta motor speedway, Chase’s home track, and a redemption race for Chase. He started the race 9th and moved up quick. He was running 6th on lap 30 and with 60 laps to go he was running 3rd. After a bad restart, Chase ended up finishing 5th.
He moved up in points to 9th, from 20th.
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March 3/15 Chase started 35th at Daytona, starting next to rookie Daniel Suarez. He was staying in the back to miss the big one. Unfortunately, that did not work out as planned. He did have a pit road issue in the beginning of the race. He ended up being caught up in one of the late race cautions, with his teammate Regan Smith.
For the first time in his career, Chase did not finish the race. He ended up finishing 28th, and 20th in points. Congrats to Ryan Reed on his first Career victory.
Atlanta motor speedway, Chase’s home track, and a redemption race for Chase. He started the race 9th and moved up quick. He was running 6th on lap 30 and with 60 laps to go he was running 3rd. After a bad restart, Chase ended up finishing 5th.
He moved up in points to 9th, from 20th.
Send Me a Tweet: @Cmoncsko5955
Change is Good
Feb 20/15 It’s the week of the Daytona 500, but we already knew that as diehard fans. Our Super Bowl is this Sunday, which feels like forever ago since the last race at Homestead.
Chase Elliott may not be in the 500 but he will be racing this Saturday in Xfinity. When Jeff Gordon made his announcement a few weeks ago that this is his final full time season, everyone knew that meant Chase will be replacing him, but no one knew what Chase’s number would be. As excited as I am about next year, this year will be just as good as he will be making 5 starts in the number 25. In a few weeks, Chase will be entering his first cup race at the Historic Martinsville, and I will be there. I am so excited to be there at his first cup race.
Check out pics of Chase from the NASCAR Fan Day at the Hall of Fame Jan 31th.
Send Me a Tweet: @Cmoncsko5955
Feb 20/15 It’s the week of the Daytona 500, but we already knew that as diehard fans. Our Super Bowl is this Sunday, which feels like forever ago since the last race at Homestead.
Chase Elliott may not be in the 500 but he will be racing this Saturday in Xfinity. When Jeff Gordon made his announcement a few weeks ago that this is his final full time season, everyone knew that meant Chase will be replacing him, but no one knew what Chase’s number would be. As excited as I am about next year, this year will be just as good as he will be making 5 starts in the number 25. In a few weeks, Chase will be entering his first cup race at the Historic Martinsville, and I will be there. I am so excited to be there at his first cup race.
Check out pics of Chase from the NASCAR Fan Day at the Hall of Fame Jan 31th.
Send Me a Tweet: @Cmoncsko5955
About Me,
Feb 11/15 In early 1993, my Dad was flipping through channels on our tv and stopped on the channel with a bad wreck at Talladega. It was the the last lap of the race. Rusty Wallace flipped. His car was destroyed. He gets out of the car fine. Dad and I were hooked. At the age of 4, I began cheering for cars that I thought were pretty, so Jeff Gordon and the Rainbow warriors were my team. Racing became something my dad and I watched together.
In 1997, my family moved to Raleigh, North Carolina and started making trips down to the race shops in Charlotte. I got to meet a few drivers, like Richard Petty. We even went to a few of the previews in Winston Salem where I was up close to my favorite driver - Jeff Gordon and also Dale Earnhardt. My love for Jeff Gordon changed in 1999 to the rookie Tony Stewart. I just grew out of my love for the 24 rainbow car after I met him. Daytona 2001 changed my love for the sport once again. When Dale Earnhardt died I cried. I thought about stopping watching racing but I just couldn’t. Dale Jr became my favorite but I did not watch every race like I used to. In 2003, My dad took me to Darlington for the practice and qualifying. My first time at the track and man, did it bring me back to the fan I was when I was little. Since then I watch every race I can.
In 2004, I went to my first race, the Historic Martinsville. That race I saw Rusty Wallace compete hard with Jeff Gordon and Dale Jr for the win. I sat in a 1 hour red flag because the track was coming apart. During that time, I shot my first photos of Kasey Kahne. Seeing the man who got me hooked, win his final race, at my first race, was just perfect. Now I go to 8 races a year, head to toe in Kasey Kahne gear, except for Xfinity series where I'm either in Chase Elliott or Jeffrey Earnhardt gear.
I have many favorite drivers, and not all of them are on one team. But I’m the happiest when Kasey or Chase take the lead.
Send Me a Tweet: @CMoncsko4n5
Feb 11/15 In early 1993, my Dad was flipping through channels on our tv and stopped on the channel with a bad wreck at Talladega. It was the the last lap of the race. Rusty Wallace flipped. His car was destroyed. He gets out of the car fine. Dad and I were hooked. At the age of 4, I began cheering for cars that I thought were pretty, so Jeff Gordon and the Rainbow warriors were my team. Racing became something my dad and I watched together.
In 1997, my family moved to Raleigh, North Carolina and started making trips down to the race shops in Charlotte. I got to meet a few drivers, like Richard Petty. We even went to a few of the previews in Winston Salem where I was up close to my favorite driver - Jeff Gordon and also Dale Earnhardt. My love for Jeff Gordon changed in 1999 to the rookie Tony Stewart. I just grew out of my love for the 24 rainbow car after I met him. Daytona 2001 changed my love for the sport once again. When Dale Earnhardt died I cried. I thought about stopping watching racing but I just couldn’t. Dale Jr became my favorite but I did not watch every race like I used to. In 2003, My dad took me to Darlington for the practice and qualifying. My first time at the track and man, did it bring me back to the fan I was when I was little. Since then I watch every race I can.
In 2004, I went to my first race, the Historic Martinsville. That race I saw Rusty Wallace compete hard with Jeff Gordon and Dale Jr for the win. I sat in a 1 hour red flag because the track was coming apart. During that time, I shot my first photos of Kasey Kahne. Seeing the man who got me hooked, win his final race, at my first race, was just perfect. Now I go to 8 races a year, head to toe in Kasey Kahne gear, except for Xfinity series where I'm either in Chase Elliott or Jeffrey Earnhardt gear.
I have many favorite drivers, and not all of them are on one team. But I’m the happiest when Kasey or Chase take the lead.
Send Me a Tweet: @CMoncsko4n5