Crystal Titus
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FireKeepers Casino 400
June 10, 2018
Michigan International Speedway
Brooklyn, Michigan
60, 60, 80= 200 laps
Rain, rain, rain, more rain, we want to see a race. As driver intros began just before the rain began to fall I parked my walker, bags, and self on the pit patio, under the suites. I was in the perfect spot behind the No.14 pit stall. It was also the same pit stall that the No.3 Xfinity car of Austin Dillon had won from on Saturday, during that rain shorted race. I wished the team luck beforehand.
I was at the race in Martinsville for the win. Then I was in the stands for the good run at Atlanta, Talladega, and then the not so good days at Charlotte. Last week in Pocono was a good day until the end. We needed a good race Sunday even with the rain.
NASCAR called for a competition caution on lap 25. As driver introductions concluded, along with the prayer and anthem, the rain began to fall. We would end up with a 2.5 hour rain delay before getting the command to start engines. By the looks of the radar, it would be a race to halfway which was the end of Stage 2, also known as lap 120.
Clint Bowyer qualified in the 12th position, however, he would start in the 9th position due to three of the Joe Gibbs Racing cars starting from the rear for failing pre-race inspection. By lap 3 he was up to the 6th position. From the beginning, Fords were looking strong as the first seven cars were all Ford.
The 1st caution would fly on lap 25 for the competition caution, Bowyer would be scored in the 5th position. Bowyer would hit pit road for four tires and restart in the 6th position on lap 29.
The 2nd caution would fly on lap 36 for the No.38 of David Ragan, and the No.43 of Bubba Wallace. Bowyer would restart in the 6th position on lap 39. The Wheelman would race his way up to the 3rd position with 11 laps to go in stage 1.
The No.6 car of Matt Kenseth would bring out the 3rd caution on lap 56. This caution would set up a one-lap shootout to the end of stage caution. The race would restart on lap 59.
When the 4th caution flag flew on lap 60 signaling the end of Stage 1, Bowyer would be scored in the 3rd position gaining 7 bonus points. Bowyer would pit under caution for four tires and fuel. He would be ready for the lap 66 restart, due to other strategies playing out ahead of him.
The 5th caution would come out on lap 67 for the No.19 of Daniel Suarez spinning. Bowyer would restart on lap 68 in the 4th position. During the caution, Bowyer was wondering why it was taking so long. He asked, “Still not one to go? What the (explicit)?” The team would inform the driver that a big storm was around 17 miles out from the track. By lap 72 Bowyer would race his way up to the 2nd position behind teammate, race leader No.4 Kevin Harvick.
Kyle Larson in the No.42 car would bring out caution flag No.6 on lap 87. As the teams were now preparing to just make it official on lap 120. Crew chief Mike Bugarewicz made a brave decision to pit from the 2nd position and take only right side tires and fuel. Bowyer wanted no adjustments. He would be ready for the race restart from the 3rd position. This would be a big chance but it had not really hurt a few others who tried it on the last runs. Stewart-Haas Racing was quick on the round of pit stops as they were in the top 3 positions, Harvick, Kurt Busch, and Bowyer.
The 7th caution would come on lap 120 signaling the end of stage 2. The race was official now if the rain would come. Bowyer was scored in the 2nd position gaining 9 points. Before hitting pit road Bowyer and the team would discuss what to do. Due to the impending weather and situation at hand, Bowyer could not really help Bugarewicz with making the calls. The driver said, “Can’t help ya there. Make the best call.”
Bugarewicz would call for another two-tire stop. He would lead the field out of the pits, however, the No.95 of Kasey Kahne was scored in first as he had not pitted yet. The rain was getting closer for the race restart on lap 126. During the caution laps the drivers, including leader Bowyer, would say, “It's raining hard here boys.”
Wheelman would joke on the radio that it was funny about him screaming the rain was coming down as the leader. He also told spotter Brett Griffin, “Get your clothes off, and start dancing.” Talking about doing a rain dance. If they lost the track, it would take too long to dry it so the best choice would be to call it since the storm would stick around.
The 8th caution would fly on lap 129 for the No.17 spinning, but also rain. NASCAR would call all drivers down pit road, however, apparently, some would think that they were supposed to stay out and that NASCAR would throw the checkers to end it. The other half of the field would follow the pace car down pit road. NASCAR would call the race official reverting to the time the caution came out just before the pace car and confusion.
CLINT BOWYER WINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNS!
I made my way to the makeshift Victory Lane to try and take some pictures. While celebrating in Victory Lane, before the crew left to tear down the pit box, front tire carrier Josh Sobecki gave me a Victory Lane hat. There is nothing better than a Busch Beer soaked Victory Lane hat from your favorite driver team on race day. Totally made the rainy day that much better. I am completely thankful for the track family connections I have made.
Another two week winning celebration for Bowyer this year. He did not have to wait out another grueling 109 race winless streak. On to Sonoma in two weeks where Bowyer’s car will be the one that Tony Stewart won in in 2016 and Bowyer finished 2nd in last year.
A quote from Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
"We won the last time we had Haas Automation with VF-1 on the hood of this Ford Fusion, and this car was so fast today. One, two, three finish for Stewart-Haas Racing. Unbelievable. It took something crazy on a restart to be able to get Kevin (Harvick). That was a gutsy call."
"When we went out there on two tires; I looked in the mirror and I was so far ahead of everybody else I was like, ‘Oh man, we are in trouble!’ The rain came just in enough time. I was trying to hold him off. I was cutting him off and taking his line away pretty bad. If it wasn’t for a win you wouldn’t be doing that. He was so much faster than me in one and two. I got down in three and just had to take his line because that bear was coming.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Shop here now for Clint Bowyer gear!
June 10, 2018
Michigan International Speedway
Brooklyn, Michigan
60, 60, 80= 200 laps
Rain, rain, rain, more rain, we want to see a race. As driver intros began just before the rain began to fall I parked my walker, bags, and self on the pit patio, under the suites. I was in the perfect spot behind the No.14 pit stall. It was also the same pit stall that the No.3 Xfinity car of Austin Dillon had won from on Saturday, during that rain shorted race. I wished the team luck beforehand.
I was at the race in Martinsville for the win. Then I was in the stands for the good run at Atlanta, Talladega, and then the not so good days at Charlotte. Last week in Pocono was a good day until the end. We needed a good race Sunday even with the rain.
NASCAR called for a competition caution on lap 25. As driver introductions concluded, along with the prayer and anthem, the rain began to fall. We would end up with a 2.5 hour rain delay before getting the command to start engines. By the looks of the radar, it would be a race to halfway which was the end of Stage 2, also known as lap 120.
Clint Bowyer qualified in the 12th position, however, he would start in the 9th position due to three of the Joe Gibbs Racing cars starting from the rear for failing pre-race inspection. By lap 3 he was up to the 6th position. From the beginning, Fords were looking strong as the first seven cars were all Ford.
The 1st caution would fly on lap 25 for the competition caution, Bowyer would be scored in the 5th position. Bowyer would hit pit road for four tires and restart in the 6th position on lap 29.
The 2nd caution would fly on lap 36 for the No.38 of David Ragan, and the No.43 of Bubba Wallace. Bowyer would restart in the 6th position on lap 39. The Wheelman would race his way up to the 3rd position with 11 laps to go in stage 1.
The No.6 car of Matt Kenseth would bring out the 3rd caution on lap 56. This caution would set up a one-lap shootout to the end of stage caution. The race would restart on lap 59.
When the 4th caution flag flew on lap 60 signaling the end of Stage 1, Bowyer would be scored in the 3rd position gaining 7 bonus points. Bowyer would pit under caution for four tires and fuel. He would be ready for the lap 66 restart, due to other strategies playing out ahead of him.
The 5th caution would come out on lap 67 for the No.19 of Daniel Suarez spinning. Bowyer would restart on lap 68 in the 4th position. During the caution, Bowyer was wondering why it was taking so long. He asked, “Still not one to go? What the (explicit)?” The team would inform the driver that a big storm was around 17 miles out from the track. By lap 72 Bowyer would race his way up to the 2nd position behind teammate, race leader No.4 Kevin Harvick.
Kyle Larson in the No.42 car would bring out caution flag No.6 on lap 87. As the teams were now preparing to just make it official on lap 120. Crew chief Mike Bugarewicz made a brave decision to pit from the 2nd position and take only right side tires and fuel. Bowyer wanted no adjustments. He would be ready for the race restart from the 3rd position. This would be a big chance but it had not really hurt a few others who tried it on the last runs. Stewart-Haas Racing was quick on the round of pit stops as they were in the top 3 positions, Harvick, Kurt Busch, and Bowyer.
The 7th caution would come on lap 120 signaling the end of stage 2. The race was official now if the rain would come. Bowyer was scored in the 2nd position gaining 9 points. Before hitting pit road Bowyer and the team would discuss what to do. Due to the impending weather and situation at hand, Bowyer could not really help Bugarewicz with making the calls. The driver said, “Can’t help ya there. Make the best call.”
Bugarewicz would call for another two-tire stop. He would lead the field out of the pits, however, the No.95 of Kasey Kahne was scored in first as he had not pitted yet. The rain was getting closer for the race restart on lap 126. During the caution laps the drivers, including leader Bowyer, would say, “It's raining hard here boys.”
Wheelman would joke on the radio that it was funny about him screaming the rain was coming down as the leader. He also told spotter Brett Griffin, “Get your clothes off, and start dancing.” Talking about doing a rain dance. If they lost the track, it would take too long to dry it so the best choice would be to call it since the storm would stick around.
The 8th caution would fly on lap 129 for the No.17 spinning, but also rain. NASCAR would call all drivers down pit road, however, apparently, some would think that they were supposed to stay out and that NASCAR would throw the checkers to end it. The other half of the field would follow the pace car down pit road. NASCAR would call the race official reverting to the time the caution came out just before the pace car and confusion.
CLINT BOWYER WINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNS!
I made my way to the makeshift Victory Lane to try and take some pictures. While celebrating in Victory Lane, before the crew left to tear down the pit box, front tire carrier Josh Sobecki gave me a Victory Lane hat. There is nothing better than a Busch Beer soaked Victory Lane hat from your favorite driver team on race day. Totally made the rainy day that much better. I am completely thankful for the track family connections I have made.
Another two week winning celebration for Bowyer this year. He did not have to wait out another grueling 109 race winless streak. On to Sonoma in two weeks where Bowyer’s car will be the one that Tony Stewart won in in 2016 and Bowyer finished 2nd in last year.
A quote from Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
"We won the last time we had Haas Automation with VF-1 on the hood of this Ford Fusion, and this car was so fast today. One, two, three finish for Stewart-Haas Racing. Unbelievable. It took something crazy on a restart to be able to get Kevin (Harvick). That was a gutsy call."
"When we went out there on two tires; I looked in the mirror and I was so far ahead of everybody else I was like, ‘Oh man, we are in trouble!’ The rain came just in enough time. I was trying to hold him off. I was cutting him off and taking his line away pretty bad. If it wasn’t for a win you wouldn’t be doing that. He was so much faster than me in one and two. I got down in three and just had to take his line because that bear was coming.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Shop here now for Clint Bowyer gear!
Celebrating in Michigan. Image: Crystal Titus
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FireKeepers Casino 400 Preview
June 6, 2018
Michigan International Speedway
Brooklyn, Michigan
Sunday, June 10, 2018
60, 60 , 80= 200 laps
Michigan International Speedway is nestled in the Irish Hills of Michigan. The track is a 2 mile D-shaped oval. This year the track is celebrating 50 years of racing. MIS is also known as the sister track to Texas Motor Speedway and this track was also used as a baseline for Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA.
The track was built in 1967 and then purchased by Roger Penske in 1972. During Penske’s time of ownership, he revamped the track many times, calling the track simply "Michigan Speedway". When the track was purchased by ISC in 1999, this purchase resulted in the merger of Roger Penske Motorsports International with International Speedway Corporation. The name of the speedway went back to the original Michigan International Speedway.
This is a track that has not always been friendly to Clint Bowyer. This week, he will once again be sponsored by Haas 30 years of the VF1.
Bowyer has 24 starts at MIS. He has qualified as high as 3rd and as low as 35th. He has 1 top 5, 11 top 10s and 1 DNF. Bowyer has 1 win under his belt this season and has another one coming soon. We do not need another parts failure or missed shift towards the end of the race like last week. We need a good top 10 this week. The team and driver need the morale to pick up after last week.
NOTE: If you are going to be around the track this week, let me know. I will be in the pits and on the pit patio this weekend. Send me a tweet @CrystalDTitus and maybe we can trade hellos. Also, if I hear anything about a Bowyer appearance I will be sure to tweet it out. LET'S GO BOWYER!
Bowyer is enjoying some time at home this week, working on the farm. Here is a tweet he shared this morning.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Shop here now for Clint Bowyer gear!
June 6, 2018
Michigan International Speedway
Brooklyn, Michigan
Sunday, June 10, 2018
60, 60 , 80= 200 laps
Michigan International Speedway is nestled in the Irish Hills of Michigan. The track is a 2 mile D-shaped oval. This year the track is celebrating 50 years of racing. MIS is also known as the sister track to Texas Motor Speedway and this track was also used as a baseline for Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA.
The track was built in 1967 and then purchased by Roger Penske in 1972. During Penske’s time of ownership, he revamped the track many times, calling the track simply "Michigan Speedway". When the track was purchased by ISC in 1999, this purchase resulted in the merger of Roger Penske Motorsports International with International Speedway Corporation. The name of the speedway went back to the original Michigan International Speedway.
This is a track that has not always been friendly to Clint Bowyer. This week, he will once again be sponsored by Haas 30 years of the VF1.
Bowyer has 24 starts at MIS. He has qualified as high as 3rd and as low as 35th. He has 1 top 5, 11 top 10s and 1 DNF. Bowyer has 1 win under his belt this season and has another one coming soon. We do not need another parts failure or missed shift towards the end of the race like last week. We need a good top 10 this week. The team and driver need the morale to pick up after last week.
NOTE: If you are going to be around the track this week, let me know. I will be in the pits and on the pit patio this weekend. Send me a tweet @CrystalDTitus and maybe we can trade hellos. Also, if I hear anything about a Bowyer appearance I will be sure to tweet it out. LET'S GO BOWYER!
Bowyer is enjoying some time at home this week, working on the farm. Here is a tweet he shared this morning.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Shop here now for Clint Bowyer gear!
Gettin it done son!□ pic.twitter.com/UTsoETFk4w
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) June 6, 2018
Pocono 400
June 3rd, 2018
“Tricky Triangle”
Pocono Raceway
LongPond, PA
50,50,60 = 160 laps
Battle of the Beers Busch Light Edition
Clint Bowyer qualified in the 9th position for Sunday’s race at the Tricky Triangle in the No.14 Busch Light car. It was the battle of the Busch Beers with teammate No.4 Kevin Harvick in the Busch Beer car. The No.14 on the top of Bowyer’s car would be bright orange to differentiate between the cars.
Bowyer was informed by his spotter Brett Griffin that he ran the fastest lap of the field on lap 6. Just before the 1st round of green flag pit stops on lap 16 the team informed the driver, “You’ve got a lot of speed.” His Busch Light car was looking really good, he was scored in the 6th position.
On lap 20 Bowyer was up to 4th. The Busch cars were both in the top 4 and looking good. Crew chief Mike Bugarewicz would inform Bowyer to make his green flag pit stop on lap 25, for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment.
Segment 1 was pretty quiet for the No.14 team. The team told Bowyer, “You look good everywhere man.” He was running in the 5th position.
The 1st caution of the race would fly on lap 50 signaling the end of Segment 1. Bowyer would be scored in the 4th position, gaining 7 bonus point. Under caution on lap 52, Bowyer would hit pit road for four tires, fuel, and adjustments to finish his loose-handling conditions. He would be ready for the lap 56 restart from the 6th position.
Spotter Brett Griffin informed Bowyer on lap 60, “You’re better than that 18 (Kyle Busch), be patient.” He was scored in the 4th position. The 2nd round of green flag pit stops began around lap 79. Bowyer informed his team, “ Really, Really Loose. Don’t know what the (explicit) we did.” Griffin replied that all drivers were talking about loose conditions. Bowyer would hit pit road on lap 78 for his green flag stop. The team told him to back up his entry into the tunnel turn to help with his handling.
The No.14 Busch Light car was up to the 3rd position again with 10 laps remaining in Segment 2, on lap 90. Lap 100 would bring out the 2nd caution flag of the race signaling the end of Segment 2. Bowyer would be scored in the 3rd position gaining 8 bonus points. In the pits, under caution, he would lose a few positions and start in the 7th position. Bowyer would inform the team, “A little bit of rain down here.”
Bowyer was expecting the pressures to build and handling to improve in Segment 3. He was ready for the lap 107 restart in the 7th position. He would work on his turns and on lap 118, they would tell him, “The last one was a really good tunnel there, bud.”
The 3rd caution of the race would fly on lap 124 for the No.99 car of Derrick Cope getting help from the No.42 car of Kyle Larson and spinning out. Bowyer narrowly missed the accident, with help for spotter Griffin. He would lose one position on pit road. The No.14 would lose one position on pit road. He would fall back to 11th on the restart.
On lap 139 the 4th caution of the race would fly for a debris caution. It seemed as though a heel bootie from a driver’s shoe was tossed out onto the track. Bowyer was scored in the 10th position. The team would call him down pit road under caution for tires and fuel. On lap 143 he would restart in the 11th position. The driver almost sounded dejected but also joked on the radio, “You can thank Derrick Cope for this mess.”
With 14 laps remaining the 5th caution flag flew for the No.11 of Denny Hamlin and the No.88 of Alex Bowman. Hamlin got loose and collected Bowman. Bowyer was scored in the 8th position as he had gained two positions during the short run between cautions. He was ready for the restart with 10 laps to go in the 8th position.
The 6th caution would fly immediately as the No.20 of Erik Jones would spin. Bowyer would restart in the 7th position with 7 laps to go. However, he would have transmission or clutch issues dropping him straight back to the 20th position.
Clint Bowyer finished 20th.
Race Winner Martin Truex Jr.
Bowyer is currently 6th in the point standings.
A quote from Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“I’m sick to my stomach. I let my team down today. We had a fast Busch Light Ford and completely blew it. Missed a shift on the final restart and ruined our day.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Shop here now for Clint Bowyer gear!
June 3rd, 2018
“Tricky Triangle”
Pocono Raceway
LongPond, PA
50,50,60 = 160 laps
Battle of the Beers Busch Light Edition
Clint Bowyer qualified in the 9th position for Sunday’s race at the Tricky Triangle in the No.14 Busch Light car. It was the battle of the Busch Beers with teammate No.4 Kevin Harvick in the Busch Beer car. The No.14 on the top of Bowyer’s car would be bright orange to differentiate between the cars.
Bowyer was informed by his spotter Brett Griffin that he ran the fastest lap of the field on lap 6. Just before the 1st round of green flag pit stops on lap 16 the team informed the driver, “You’ve got a lot of speed.” His Busch Light car was looking really good, he was scored in the 6th position.
On lap 20 Bowyer was up to 4th. The Busch cars were both in the top 4 and looking good. Crew chief Mike Bugarewicz would inform Bowyer to make his green flag pit stop on lap 25, for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment.
Segment 1 was pretty quiet for the No.14 team. The team told Bowyer, “You look good everywhere man.” He was running in the 5th position.
The 1st caution of the race would fly on lap 50 signaling the end of Segment 1. Bowyer would be scored in the 4th position, gaining 7 bonus point. Under caution on lap 52, Bowyer would hit pit road for four tires, fuel, and adjustments to finish his loose-handling conditions. He would be ready for the lap 56 restart from the 6th position.
Spotter Brett Griffin informed Bowyer on lap 60, “You’re better than that 18 (Kyle Busch), be patient.” He was scored in the 4th position. The 2nd round of green flag pit stops began around lap 79. Bowyer informed his team, “ Really, Really Loose. Don’t know what the (explicit) we did.” Griffin replied that all drivers were talking about loose conditions. Bowyer would hit pit road on lap 78 for his green flag stop. The team told him to back up his entry into the tunnel turn to help with his handling.
The No.14 Busch Light car was up to the 3rd position again with 10 laps remaining in Segment 2, on lap 90. Lap 100 would bring out the 2nd caution flag of the race signaling the end of Segment 2. Bowyer would be scored in the 3rd position gaining 8 bonus points. In the pits, under caution, he would lose a few positions and start in the 7th position. Bowyer would inform the team, “A little bit of rain down here.”
Bowyer was expecting the pressures to build and handling to improve in Segment 3. He was ready for the lap 107 restart in the 7th position. He would work on his turns and on lap 118, they would tell him, “The last one was a really good tunnel there, bud.”
The 3rd caution of the race would fly on lap 124 for the No.99 car of Derrick Cope getting help from the No.42 car of Kyle Larson and spinning out. Bowyer narrowly missed the accident, with help for spotter Griffin. He would lose one position on pit road. The No.14 would lose one position on pit road. He would fall back to 11th on the restart.
On lap 139 the 4th caution of the race would fly for a debris caution. It seemed as though a heel bootie from a driver’s shoe was tossed out onto the track. Bowyer was scored in the 10th position. The team would call him down pit road under caution for tires and fuel. On lap 143 he would restart in the 11th position. The driver almost sounded dejected but also joked on the radio, “You can thank Derrick Cope for this mess.”
With 14 laps remaining the 5th caution flag flew for the No.11 of Denny Hamlin and the No.88 of Alex Bowman. Hamlin got loose and collected Bowman. Bowyer was scored in the 8th position as he had gained two positions during the short run between cautions. He was ready for the restart with 10 laps to go in the 8th position.
The 6th caution would fly immediately as the No.20 of Erik Jones would spin. Bowyer would restart in the 7th position with 7 laps to go. However, he would have transmission or clutch issues dropping him straight back to the 20th position.
Clint Bowyer finished 20th.
Race Winner Martin Truex Jr.
Bowyer is currently 6th in the point standings.
A quote from Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“I’m sick to my stomach. I let my team down today. We had a fast Busch Light Ford and completely blew it. Missed a shift on the final restart and ruined our day.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Shop here now for Clint Bowyer gear!
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Pocono 400 Preview
June 1, 2018
“Tricky Triangle”
Pocono Raceway
Long Pond, PA
Sunday, June 3rd, 2018
50,50,60 = 160 laps
Track Size: 2.5-mile Tri-oval
Banking:
Turn 1: 14 degrees
Turn 2: 8 degrees
Turn 3: 6 degrees
The “Tricky Triangle” is nestled in the Pocono Mountains, in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. This track is one of the few tracks left on the circuit not owned by Speedway Motorsports Inc, or International Speedway Corporation. It is owned by the Igdalsky Brothers, formerly owned by the Mattioli family.
This week Clint Bowyer is in the Busch Light Beer paint scheme. He has a competition with teammate Kevin Harvick in the No. 4 whom will be driving the Busch Beer car. The Pocono track is special for the 14 crew, as crew chief Mike Bugarewicz grew up just 20 minutes from the track.
Clint Bowyer has 24 starts at the Tricky Triangle. He has no wins (yet), 2 top 5s, 10 top 10s and no DNFs. He has qualified as high as 2nd and as low as 42nd. The last time the Cup Series raced at Pocono, Bowyer had a 6th place finish.
It would be cool to see Bowyer win the battle of the Busch beers.
Here is a quote from Bowyer's Stewart-Haas pre-race report:
“Pocono is a really tough track with three different turns,” he said. “I want to make sure we qualify well so we can get a good starting position and pit stall. Winning in Pennsylvania with Buga would be cool. He’d be thrilled. Heck, so would all of us.”
A quote from Bugarewicz on Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing pre-race report:
What are some of the ways you and Clint Bowyer are better in 2018?
“I think one of the biggest things we just worked on was our relationship together. I think, even myself at times, I would question myself. ‘Am I doing the right things, am I doing the right things to help him, am I making the right calls, am I doing the right things to the cars?’ You’re always going to do that until you prove yourself out again and you’re always running good and got the chance to compete for wins."
"Like I said, last year there were some weeks that, man, we really felt that way. We had some really good days going. And other times, you know, not so much. And we’re wondering, ‘Are we doing things wrong or what’s going on?’ But this year, you know, coming out of the box, it’s all changed. It’s all been fast, it’s all been confidence in us working together, and literally just like talking a lot and just really talking about how we’re going to be better and what we need to do, being a bigger team.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Shop now for Clint Bowyer gear!
June 1, 2018
“Tricky Triangle”
Pocono Raceway
Long Pond, PA
Sunday, June 3rd, 2018
50,50,60 = 160 laps
Track Size: 2.5-mile Tri-oval
Banking:
Turn 1: 14 degrees
Turn 2: 8 degrees
Turn 3: 6 degrees
The “Tricky Triangle” is nestled in the Pocono Mountains, in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. This track is one of the few tracks left on the circuit not owned by Speedway Motorsports Inc, or International Speedway Corporation. It is owned by the Igdalsky Brothers, formerly owned by the Mattioli family.
This week Clint Bowyer is in the Busch Light Beer paint scheme. He has a competition with teammate Kevin Harvick in the No. 4 whom will be driving the Busch Beer car. The Pocono track is special for the 14 crew, as crew chief Mike Bugarewicz grew up just 20 minutes from the track.
Clint Bowyer has 24 starts at the Tricky Triangle. He has no wins (yet), 2 top 5s, 10 top 10s and no DNFs. He has qualified as high as 2nd and as low as 42nd. The last time the Cup Series raced at Pocono, Bowyer had a 6th place finish.
It would be cool to see Bowyer win the battle of the Busch beers.
Here is a quote from Bowyer's Stewart-Haas pre-race report:
“Pocono is a really tough track with three different turns,” he said. “I want to make sure we qualify well so we can get a good starting position and pit stall. Winning in Pennsylvania with Buga would be cool. He’d be thrilled. Heck, so would all of us.”
A quote from Bugarewicz on Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing pre-race report:
What are some of the ways you and Clint Bowyer are better in 2018?
“I think one of the biggest things we just worked on was our relationship together. I think, even myself at times, I would question myself. ‘Am I doing the right things, am I doing the right things to help him, am I making the right calls, am I doing the right things to the cars?’ You’re always going to do that until you prove yourself out again and you’re always running good and got the chance to compete for wins."
"Like I said, last year there were some weeks that, man, we really felt that way. We had some really good days going. And other times, you know, not so much. And we’re wondering, ‘Are we doing things wrong or what’s going on?’ But this year, you know, coming out of the box, it’s all changed. It’s all been fast, it’s all been confidence in us working together, and literally just like talking a lot and just really talking about how we’re going to be better and what we need to do, being a bigger team.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Shop now for Clint Bowyer gear!
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Coca-Cola 600
Sunday, May 27th, 2018
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Concord, North Carolina
100,100,100,100= 400 laps or 600 miles
Clint Bowyer qualified 28th in the Haas "30 years of the VF1" Ford. He was ready to settle in for the long 400 laps at Charlotte. The beginning laps of the race were pretty quiet on the radio. By lap 20, Bowyer had settled into the 21st position. The 1st caution would fly for the No. 3 car of Austin Dillon having a right rear tire issue on lap 35. By lap 37, Bowyer told his crew that it felt like there was too much air in the tires and that the front won't turn. They would make a great flag pit stop from the 19th position. After the pit stop for air and chassis adjustments, Bowyer would restart in the 15th position.
The team gave the driver a good pit stop and Bowyer worked his way up to the 13th position on lap 42. By lap 63, Bowyer informed his crew, “I'm getting loose in and about wrecked right there.” He was scored in the 11th position.
The 2nd caution of the race was brought out on lap 83 for the No. 4 of teammate Kevin Harvick cutting a tire down and then ending his day early. Bowyer would be asked to pit from the 10th position on lap 84 after he informed his crew that his tire pressures were still too high and he needed more grip. The crew would make adjustments on the stop. He would be ready for the restart on lap 86 from the 9th position. Great pit stop boys!
Segment 1 coming to a close on lap 100 would bring out caution No. 3, with Bowyer scored in 7th picking up 4 bonus points. He told the crew his car was loose. He would pit for four tires.
The No. 24 of William Byron would bring out the 4th caution on lap 116. The race would restart on lap 119. It would not take long before the 5th caution flag flew for a four-car accident in turn 4 involving the No. 48 of Jimmie Johnson, the No. 22 of Joey Logano, the No. 11 of Denny Hamlin, and the No. 20 of Erik Jones. However, Stage No. 2 was pretty quiet for the driver of the No. 14 car. On lap 150 he was racing in the 9th position and his team was happy with the lap times.
By lap 182, Bowyer was up to the 7th position and his crew and fans had faith he could make it up to the 6th position by the end of the stage. Having faith never hurt, because Bowyer was up to 5th on lap 190.
Caution No. 6 would fly on lap 200, signaling the end of Segment 2. Bowyer would be scored in 5th, gaining 6 bonus points. Bowyer would hit pit road under caution for four tires and adjustments to help with rear grip. Another great stop by the 14 team and he was ready for the restart on lap 207 from the 4th position. With just under 200 laps to go in the longest race of the year, Bowyer turned into a cheerleader for his team, “We just need to keep digging here, and stay patient.” After the restart, he fell back to the 6th position, and he informed his crew, “I’m just holding on.”
Grey Gaulding in the No. 23 car having problems would bring out the 7th caution on lap 227. Chris Buescher in the No. 37 would bring out the 8th caution on lap 260 for tire trouble. Kyle Larson in the No. 42 car would bring out the 9th caution on lap 274 for tire problems. Ryan Blaney in the No. 12 would bring out the 10th caution on lap 283 for oil on the track and his car going up in flames.
The 11th caution would fly on lap 300 signaling the end of Segment 3. Bowyer would be scored in the 20th position, as the handling on his car had gone away again. Under caution, the crew performed major chassis adjustments. Bowyer would be ready for the restart on lap 307 from the 21st position. The changes greatly helped the handling on his car, as he had made his way up the 14th position by lap 315. He informed the crew, “Whatever we did to the car, it’s a lot better.”
Bowyer would make his final green flag pit stop of the race with 53 laps remaining. After the pit stop, he cycled his way up the 12th position. The race stayed green and Bowyer finished 12th when the checkers flew on lap 400. Way to turn a potentially bad day into a better day.
Race Winner Kyle Busch
Clint Bowyer is currently 8th in the points.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“It’s frustrating. You come here and it’s a long race, and what a weird race. It was like we had track position and cars were way back and laps down and then all the wrecks opened the door for them to get the laps back. Then we lost track position on tires there and kind of halfway got it back, but it was just a frustrating weekend altogether, really.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Shop now for Clint Bowyer gear!
Sunday, May 27th, 2018
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Concord, North Carolina
100,100,100,100= 400 laps or 600 miles
Clint Bowyer qualified 28th in the Haas "30 years of the VF1" Ford. He was ready to settle in for the long 400 laps at Charlotte. The beginning laps of the race were pretty quiet on the radio. By lap 20, Bowyer had settled into the 21st position. The 1st caution would fly for the No. 3 car of Austin Dillon having a right rear tire issue on lap 35. By lap 37, Bowyer told his crew that it felt like there was too much air in the tires and that the front won't turn. They would make a great flag pit stop from the 19th position. After the pit stop for air and chassis adjustments, Bowyer would restart in the 15th position.
The team gave the driver a good pit stop and Bowyer worked his way up to the 13th position on lap 42. By lap 63, Bowyer informed his crew, “I'm getting loose in and about wrecked right there.” He was scored in the 11th position.
The 2nd caution of the race was brought out on lap 83 for the No. 4 of teammate Kevin Harvick cutting a tire down and then ending his day early. Bowyer would be asked to pit from the 10th position on lap 84 after he informed his crew that his tire pressures were still too high and he needed more grip. The crew would make adjustments on the stop. He would be ready for the restart on lap 86 from the 9th position. Great pit stop boys!
Segment 1 coming to a close on lap 100 would bring out caution No. 3, with Bowyer scored in 7th picking up 4 bonus points. He told the crew his car was loose. He would pit for four tires.
The No. 24 of William Byron would bring out the 4th caution on lap 116. The race would restart on lap 119. It would not take long before the 5th caution flag flew for a four-car accident in turn 4 involving the No. 48 of Jimmie Johnson, the No. 22 of Joey Logano, the No. 11 of Denny Hamlin, and the No. 20 of Erik Jones. However, Stage No. 2 was pretty quiet for the driver of the No. 14 car. On lap 150 he was racing in the 9th position and his team was happy with the lap times.
By lap 182, Bowyer was up to the 7th position and his crew and fans had faith he could make it up to the 6th position by the end of the stage. Having faith never hurt, because Bowyer was up to 5th on lap 190.
Caution No. 6 would fly on lap 200, signaling the end of Segment 2. Bowyer would be scored in 5th, gaining 6 bonus points. Bowyer would hit pit road under caution for four tires and adjustments to help with rear grip. Another great stop by the 14 team and he was ready for the restart on lap 207 from the 4th position. With just under 200 laps to go in the longest race of the year, Bowyer turned into a cheerleader for his team, “We just need to keep digging here, and stay patient.” After the restart, he fell back to the 6th position, and he informed his crew, “I’m just holding on.”
Grey Gaulding in the No. 23 car having problems would bring out the 7th caution on lap 227. Chris Buescher in the No. 37 would bring out the 8th caution on lap 260 for tire trouble. Kyle Larson in the No. 42 car would bring out the 9th caution on lap 274 for tire problems. Ryan Blaney in the No. 12 would bring out the 10th caution on lap 283 for oil on the track and his car going up in flames.
The 11th caution would fly on lap 300 signaling the end of Segment 3. Bowyer would be scored in the 20th position, as the handling on his car had gone away again. Under caution, the crew performed major chassis adjustments. Bowyer would be ready for the restart on lap 307 from the 21st position. The changes greatly helped the handling on his car, as he had made his way up the 14th position by lap 315. He informed the crew, “Whatever we did to the car, it’s a lot better.”
Bowyer would make his final green flag pit stop of the race with 53 laps remaining. After the pit stop, he cycled his way up the 12th position. The race stayed green and Bowyer finished 12th when the checkers flew on lap 400. Way to turn a potentially bad day into a better day.
Race Winner Kyle Busch
Clint Bowyer is currently 8th in the points.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“It’s frustrating. You come here and it’s a long race, and what a weird race. It was like we had track position and cars were way back and laps down and then all the wrecks opened the door for them to get the laps back. Then we lost track position on tires there and kind of halfway got it back, but it was just a frustrating weekend altogether, really.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Shop now for Clint Bowyer gear!
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Coca Cola 600
May 27th, 2018
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Concord, North Carolina
100,100,100,100= 400 laps or 600 miles
Charlotte Motor Speedway is located right in the backyard of Race City USA, a.k.a. Mooresville, North Carolina. The track sits right on the line of Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties in North Carolina. It is known as the home track for almost all of the NASCAR teams. The track is commonly just called Charlotte because it is the biggest city nearby. The track length equals a total of 1.5 miles. This is the longest race of the year as it goes for 600 miles. 400 Laps. There will be four, 100 lap segments.
Clint Bowyer has 24 starts here. He has qualified has high as 4th and as low as 39th. He has one win, scored in October of 2012. Clint has only one DNF in Charlotte, and 5 top 10 finishes.
This race is a great salute to all forms of military servicemen and women. Bowyer will have Terry Wagner’s name on his car this weekend. Wagner's family is from Pelzer, South Carolina, roughly 20 minutes from where I live. Wagner, 28, was killed in Baghdad, Iraq in 2007, along with two others. He was on his second tour when an explosive improvised device detonated near their vehicle. He came from a military family background. May God Bless the Wagner Family. Thank you Terry Wagner and Family!.
Quotes from Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing Pre-race report:
What are your thoughts on the service of your grandfather and others in the military?
“I never got to meet him but I’ve seen a lot of letters from the President, medals and all these awards that he got. I have the highest respect for him and every soldier who has served this country. I love getting to meet them when they come to the track and I like getting to meet their families and just tell them thank you. We owe so much to everyone who’s served and we will always remember the ones who have given their lives. I love that we’ll honor them this weekend at Charlotte.”
Do you notice the extra 100 miles in the Coca-Cola 600?
“It just depends on how your ole’ hot rod is, how your night’s going. The Coca-Cola 600 can be one of those deals where you feel like you could’ve gone another three or four hours, or it’s one of those where it’s like, ‘My God, is this thing ever going to end?’ You hope it’s the way I was describing before. You hope it’s, ‘This is easy,’ and wish it’d lasted a couple more hours.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
May 27th, 2018
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Concord, North Carolina
100,100,100,100= 400 laps or 600 miles
Charlotte Motor Speedway is located right in the backyard of Race City USA, a.k.a. Mooresville, North Carolina. The track sits right on the line of Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties in North Carolina. It is known as the home track for almost all of the NASCAR teams. The track is commonly just called Charlotte because it is the biggest city nearby. The track length equals a total of 1.5 miles. This is the longest race of the year as it goes for 600 miles. 400 Laps. There will be four, 100 lap segments.
Clint Bowyer has 24 starts here. He has qualified has high as 4th and as low as 39th. He has one win, scored in October of 2012. Clint has only one DNF in Charlotte, and 5 top 10 finishes.
This race is a great salute to all forms of military servicemen and women. Bowyer will have Terry Wagner’s name on his car this weekend. Wagner's family is from Pelzer, South Carolina, roughly 20 minutes from where I live. Wagner, 28, was killed in Baghdad, Iraq in 2007, along with two others. He was on his second tour when an explosive improvised device detonated near their vehicle. He came from a military family background. May God Bless the Wagner Family. Thank you Terry Wagner and Family!.
Quotes from Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing Pre-race report:
What are your thoughts on the service of your grandfather and others in the military?
“I never got to meet him but I’ve seen a lot of letters from the President, medals and all these awards that he got. I have the highest respect for him and every soldier who has served this country. I love getting to meet them when they come to the track and I like getting to meet their families and just tell them thank you. We owe so much to everyone who’s served and we will always remember the ones who have given their lives. I love that we’ll honor them this weekend at Charlotte.”
Do you notice the extra 100 miles in the Coca-Cola 600?
“It just depends on how your ole’ hot rod is, how your night’s going. The Coca-Cola 600 can be one of those deals where you feel like you could’ve gone another three or four hours, or it’s one of those where it’s like, ‘My God, is this thing ever going to end?’ You hope it’s the way I was describing before. You hope it’s, ‘This is easy,’ and wish it’d lasted a couple more hours.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
All-Star Race
Saturday, May 19th, 2018
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Concord, North Carolina
30, 20, 20, 10 = 90 laps
Clint Bowyer and his team qualified 3rd for the All-Star Race. This race is a big "no points" race, for $1 Million. During the qualifying laps, the driver must come down pit road and make a four-tire pit stop. The pit stop, like any other, can make or break you. The No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Fan Club team had a great stop. Spotter Brett Griffin said on the radio, “You basically just say, WTF the first 30 laps because you can't pit. You only have 3 sets of tires.”
The 1st caution flag would fly for teammate No. 41 Kurt Busch. He had a tire issue and needed to fix the rear quarter panel. The No. 14 stayed out on the track. Griffin reported the rain was gone. Bowyer informed the team, “310 water (temperature). I don’t know. I don't think this (explicit) is running.” The race would restart on lap 5. As the race continued on, Bowyer would get caught in the middle on the track without someone to help push him from behind, thus creating the funnel effect. Bowyer would funnel back to the 14th position.
The 2nd caution would fly on lap 30, signaling the end of the first segment. Bowyer needed major changes to free up his car and fix the tight condition that dropped him back to the 18th position. He would restart the race in the 18th position on lap 32. On lap 40, Bowyer informed the team, “It's out of control. Well this is fun, not how I saw this night going.” He sounded so dejected on the radio. “This ain't (explicit) racing. Wide (explicit) open driving like a bunch of idiots.”
Segment 2 of the race would be fairly quiet and not much was said on the radio. As lap 50 brought out the 3rd caution flag signaling the end of the segment, Bowyer would still be scored in the 18th position.
Caution No.4 would fly on lap 54 for the No. 95 of Kasey Kahne having problems. Bowyer was still in the 18th position. His car just would not do anything. Being that his car was not working well, the team pitted and would stay out under the end of the stage caution. On lap 69, Crew Chief Mike Bugarewicz told Bowyer, “We’re gonna pit here and put a lug nut on it so we don't get a penalty.” Griffin replied, “Do we even get paid 10 grand for running this race?” Bowyer would restart in the 11th position.
The 5th caution on lap 75 involving the No. 14, the No. 41 of Kurt Busch, the No. 18 of Kyle Busch, the No. 78 of Martin Truex Jr., the No. 17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr, and the No. 2 of Brad Keselowski, would end Bowyer's night early. Bowyer finished 19th as a result of the crash.
Race Winner Kevin Harvick
A quote from Clint Bowyer's Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“That was so frustrating tonight. The minute you got bogged down, you were all the way to the back again. We just got caught up in the wreck when someone hit us”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Saturday, May 19th, 2018
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Concord, North Carolina
30, 20, 20, 10 = 90 laps
Clint Bowyer and his team qualified 3rd for the All-Star Race. This race is a big "no points" race, for $1 Million. During the qualifying laps, the driver must come down pit road and make a four-tire pit stop. The pit stop, like any other, can make or break you. The No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Fan Club team had a great stop. Spotter Brett Griffin said on the radio, “You basically just say, WTF the first 30 laps because you can't pit. You only have 3 sets of tires.”
The 1st caution flag would fly for teammate No. 41 Kurt Busch. He had a tire issue and needed to fix the rear quarter panel. The No. 14 stayed out on the track. Griffin reported the rain was gone. Bowyer informed the team, “310 water (temperature). I don’t know. I don't think this (explicit) is running.” The race would restart on lap 5. As the race continued on, Bowyer would get caught in the middle on the track without someone to help push him from behind, thus creating the funnel effect. Bowyer would funnel back to the 14th position.
The 2nd caution would fly on lap 30, signaling the end of the first segment. Bowyer needed major changes to free up his car and fix the tight condition that dropped him back to the 18th position. He would restart the race in the 18th position on lap 32. On lap 40, Bowyer informed the team, “It's out of control. Well this is fun, not how I saw this night going.” He sounded so dejected on the radio. “This ain't (explicit) racing. Wide (explicit) open driving like a bunch of idiots.”
Segment 2 of the race would be fairly quiet and not much was said on the radio. As lap 50 brought out the 3rd caution flag signaling the end of the segment, Bowyer would still be scored in the 18th position.
Caution No.4 would fly on lap 54 for the No. 95 of Kasey Kahne having problems. Bowyer was still in the 18th position. His car just would not do anything. Being that his car was not working well, the team pitted and would stay out under the end of the stage caution. On lap 69, Crew Chief Mike Bugarewicz told Bowyer, “We’re gonna pit here and put a lug nut on it so we don't get a penalty.” Griffin replied, “Do we even get paid 10 grand for running this race?” Bowyer would restart in the 11th position.
The 5th caution on lap 75 involving the No. 14, the No. 41 of Kurt Busch, the No. 18 of Kyle Busch, the No. 78 of Martin Truex Jr., the No. 17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr, and the No. 2 of Brad Keselowski, would end Bowyer's night early. Bowyer finished 19th as a result of the crash.
Race Winner Kevin Harvick
A quote from Clint Bowyer's Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“That was so frustrating tonight. The minute you got bogged down, you were all the way to the back again. We just got caught up in the wreck when someone hit us”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
KC Masterpiece 400
Saturday May 12th, 2018
Kansas Speedway
Kansas City, Kansas
80, 80, 107 = 267
Clint Bowyer’s team had issues getting through pre-qualifying inspection for Saturday night’s, KC Masterpiece 400 at Kansas Speedway. The No.14 Ford Fusion was unable to post a qualifying time and would be forced to start the race at his home track from the 33rd position. Okay, so no worries, we trust our driver. He can put on a show. Due to rain on Saturday morning there would be a competition caution on lap 30, no refueling could be done until then.
On the pace laps for the race spotter Brett Griffin told Bowyer that their friend in Oklahoma, Blake (country music singer Blake Shelton) texted him and joked Bowyer qualified about as good as he did at Kansas. Bowyer laughed. The car looked good in the early laps as he quickly raced his way up to the 16th position by lap 10.
He would continue to pick his way around cars, although it was also kind of hard to make a good pass. At the time the 1st caution flag waved on lap 30 for the competition caution, he was scored in the 12th position. He would pit under caution for four tires, fuel, and a small air adjustment, ready for the race restart on lap 36 in the 16th position.
Once again, Bowyer’s car would be fast, he would race his way into the top 10 by lap 48. His radio would be pretty quiet as the race progressed. The 2nd caution of the race would fly at lap 80, signaling the end of the first segment. Bowyer would gain 1 bonus point, and inform his team that the car was too loose into the turns. He would hit pit road under caution for four tires, fuel, and the team would remove some brake tape, to help cool down his glowing brakes. He would restart the race in the 11th position on lap 88.
On lap 113 he made the pass for the 8th position. He informed the team, “I don’t know what I did, but I burnt the right rear off.” Tire and car problems were starting to begin, but he would hold on as green flag pit stops began on lap 121. Bowyer’s crew would bring him down pit road on lap 123. He needed some changes as his car was getting loose towards the end of the run.
The 3rd caution would fly on lap 180 signaling the end of segment two, Bowyer would be scored in the 8th position, gaining 3 bonus points. Griffin joked, “100 to go in the race.” Bowyer responded with, “ Good update man, solid!” Once the race restarted things continued to go south for Bowyer, on lap 180 he told his crew, “I don't know boys, I’m in trouble.” He had slipped back to the 11th position. Spotter Griffin asked, “Whatcha got going on?” Bowyer responded with, “I’m loose as (explicit). What do you think I’ve got going on?” He was trying to make his way back to the top 10. He informed the team on lap 207 that his romance was over. This was not the time to give up, there was still 60 laps remaining in the race. Green flag pit stops began around lap 210.
Caution No.4 would fly on lap 236 for the No.88 of Alex Bowman, and the No.19 of Daniel Suarez. Bowyer was scored in the 11th position. He would pit under caution for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment. He would restart the race with 25 laps remaining from the 11th position. The No.12 of Ryan Blaney and the No.42 of Kyle Larson would bring out the 5th caution on lap 248 as they were racing hard. The No.14 was scored in the 9th position. He would pit again under caution of four tires and fuel, and restart in the 10th position. The top 6 cars stayed out or took two tires under caution. There were only 15 laps remaining in the race.
As the race restarted and the field went into turn one and two there was a big wreck that happened and took out multiple cars: the No. 1 of Jamie McMurray, No. 6 of Matt Kenseth, No. 13 of Ty Dillon, No.14 of Clint Bowyer, No. 24 of William Byron, No. 31 of Ryan Newman, and No.37 of Chris Buescher. It looked as though Byron got sideways and collected Bowyer, and then went up into the air and landed on top of Newman, everyone was just collected in the mess.
A 13 minute and 13 second red flag would be displayed for cleanup. Bowyer was able to drive back to the pits. The team hoped to make repairs and keep going as they would be on the 6 minute clock when the red flag was lifted. Bowyer said, “(Explicit), didn’t take out anyone we were racing.” Griffin looking at the bigger picture said, “We can probably get up to the 14th (position).” Bowyer said he tried to give him room, because he knew he was coming, however he still got nailed. He was scored in the 17th position.
When the red flag was lifted and the crew could get to work making repairs, he would be able to restart the race in the 15th position, one lap down to the leaders.
Bowyer finished in 15th position, one lap down. Not the finish he wanted for the home track, but we will take a top 15. We will take it and head back home to Charlotte.
Race Winner Kevin Harvick
Bowyer is currently 6th in the point standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing post race report:
“It was a solid run. All weekend long it was just not our weekend. We had tech issues and didn’t get to qualify. We started in the back and got up through there pretty good, but then kind of stalled out. We got wrecked there. I was trying to get us up in the top five and got wrecked there. That’s just part of it, I guess.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Saturday May 12th, 2018
Kansas Speedway
Kansas City, Kansas
80, 80, 107 = 267
Clint Bowyer’s team had issues getting through pre-qualifying inspection for Saturday night’s, KC Masterpiece 400 at Kansas Speedway. The No.14 Ford Fusion was unable to post a qualifying time and would be forced to start the race at his home track from the 33rd position. Okay, so no worries, we trust our driver. He can put on a show. Due to rain on Saturday morning there would be a competition caution on lap 30, no refueling could be done until then.
On the pace laps for the race spotter Brett Griffin told Bowyer that their friend in Oklahoma, Blake (country music singer Blake Shelton) texted him and joked Bowyer qualified about as good as he did at Kansas. Bowyer laughed. The car looked good in the early laps as he quickly raced his way up to the 16th position by lap 10.
He would continue to pick his way around cars, although it was also kind of hard to make a good pass. At the time the 1st caution flag waved on lap 30 for the competition caution, he was scored in the 12th position. He would pit under caution for four tires, fuel, and a small air adjustment, ready for the race restart on lap 36 in the 16th position.
Once again, Bowyer’s car would be fast, he would race his way into the top 10 by lap 48. His radio would be pretty quiet as the race progressed. The 2nd caution of the race would fly at lap 80, signaling the end of the first segment. Bowyer would gain 1 bonus point, and inform his team that the car was too loose into the turns. He would hit pit road under caution for four tires, fuel, and the team would remove some brake tape, to help cool down his glowing brakes. He would restart the race in the 11th position on lap 88.
On lap 113 he made the pass for the 8th position. He informed the team, “I don’t know what I did, but I burnt the right rear off.” Tire and car problems were starting to begin, but he would hold on as green flag pit stops began on lap 121. Bowyer’s crew would bring him down pit road on lap 123. He needed some changes as his car was getting loose towards the end of the run.
The 3rd caution would fly on lap 180 signaling the end of segment two, Bowyer would be scored in the 8th position, gaining 3 bonus points. Griffin joked, “100 to go in the race.” Bowyer responded with, “ Good update man, solid!” Once the race restarted things continued to go south for Bowyer, on lap 180 he told his crew, “I don't know boys, I’m in trouble.” He had slipped back to the 11th position. Spotter Griffin asked, “Whatcha got going on?” Bowyer responded with, “I’m loose as (explicit). What do you think I’ve got going on?” He was trying to make his way back to the top 10. He informed the team on lap 207 that his romance was over. This was not the time to give up, there was still 60 laps remaining in the race. Green flag pit stops began around lap 210.
Caution No.4 would fly on lap 236 for the No.88 of Alex Bowman, and the No.19 of Daniel Suarez. Bowyer was scored in the 11th position. He would pit under caution for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment. He would restart the race with 25 laps remaining from the 11th position. The No.12 of Ryan Blaney and the No.42 of Kyle Larson would bring out the 5th caution on lap 248 as they were racing hard. The No.14 was scored in the 9th position. He would pit again under caution of four tires and fuel, and restart in the 10th position. The top 6 cars stayed out or took two tires under caution. There were only 15 laps remaining in the race.
As the race restarted and the field went into turn one and two there was a big wreck that happened and took out multiple cars: the No. 1 of Jamie McMurray, No. 6 of Matt Kenseth, No. 13 of Ty Dillon, No.14 of Clint Bowyer, No. 24 of William Byron, No. 31 of Ryan Newman, and No.37 of Chris Buescher. It looked as though Byron got sideways and collected Bowyer, and then went up into the air and landed on top of Newman, everyone was just collected in the mess.
A 13 minute and 13 second red flag would be displayed for cleanup. Bowyer was able to drive back to the pits. The team hoped to make repairs and keep going as they would be on the 6 minute clock when the red flag was lifted. Bowyer said, “(Explicit), didn’t take out anyone we were racing.” Griffin looking at the bigger picture said, “We can probably get up to the 14th (position).” Bowyer said he tried to give him room, because he knew he was coming, however he still got nailed. He was scored in the 17th position.
When the red flag was lifted and the crew could get to work making repairs, he would be able to restart the race in the 15th position, one lap down to the leaders.
Bowyer finished in 15th position, one lap down. Not the finish he wanted for the home track, but we will take a top 15. We will take it and head back home to Charlotte.
Race Winner Kevin Harvick
Bowyer is currently 6th in the point standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing post race report:
“It was a solid run. All weekend long it was just not our weekend. We had tech issues and didn’t get to qualify. We started in the back and got up through there pretty good, but then kind of stalled out. We got wrecked there. I was trying to get us up in the top five and got wrecked there. That’s just part of it, I guess.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
“It was a solid run. All weekend long it was just not our weekend. We started in the back and got up through there pretty good, but then kind of stalled out." @ClintBowyer finishes 15th in his No. 14 @Haas_Automation Ford Fusion. https://t.co/jBvoEM4X4Z#SHRacing10Yrs pic.twitter.com/laATC5fD7X
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) May 13, 2018
KC Masterpiece 400 Preview
Saturday May 12th, 2018
Kansas Speedway
Kansas City, Kansas
80, 80, 107 = 267
Kansas Speedway is a 1.5 mile tri-oval track. The turns are 17-20 degrees of banking, 9-11 degrees on the front stretch, and then 5 degrees on the back stretch. The track is located 15 miles west of downtown Kansas City, Kansas. The Speedway is just over 100 miles from Clint Bowyer’s hometown of Emporia, Kansas.
Though it is his home track it has not been friendly to him. Bowyer has 19 starts at the speedway on a NASCAR level. He has 2 top 5s, and 6 top 10 finishes with the highest being 2nd back in 2007. He has finished as low as 40th due to an accident October of 2015. He has also had an engine failure at Kansas. He has qualified as high as 3rd and as low as 33rd.
Here is to hoping that he can have a solid day in Kansas, this weekend. He will start 33rd, after failing to pass pre-qualifying inspections.
It’s Mother’s Day Weekend, so look for one of the best parts of the year, driver’s mothers will be giving the command engines like usual. Watch out for weepers in the track and potential weather again, there were strong storms moving through Friday morning.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing pre-race report:
“I’m partial because it’s my home track, but I think that area has become so much fun for the drivers, crews and families because of that racetrack. You have a casino, shopping, soccer complex, baseball and an unbelievable world-class racetrack. There is just so much to offer there in Kansas City.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Saturday May 12th, 2018
Kansas Speedway
Kansas City, Kansas
80, 80, 107 = 267
Kansas Speedway is a 1.5 mile tri-oval track. The turns are 17-20 degrees of banking, 9-11 degrees on the front stretch, and then 5 degrees on the back stretch. The track is located 15 miles west of downtown Kansas City, Kansas. The Speedway is just over 100 miles from Clint Bowyer’s hometown of Emporia, Kansas.
Though it is his home track it has not been friendly to him. Bowyer has 19 starts at the speedway on a NASCAR level. He has 2 top 5s, and 6 top 10 finishes with the highest being 2nd back in 2007. He has finished as low as 40th due to an accident October of 2015. He has also had an engine failure at Kansas. He has qualified as high as 3rd and as low as 33rd.
Here is to hoping that he can have a solid day in Kansas, this weekend. He will start 33rd, after failing to pass pre-qualifying inspections.
It’s Mother’s Day Weekend, so look for one of the best parts of the year, driver’s mothers will be giving the command engines like usual. Watch out for weepers in the track and potential weather again, there were strong storms moving through Friday morning.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing pre-race report:
“I’m partial because it’s my home track, but I think that area has become so much fun for the drivers, crews and families because of that racetrack. You have a casino, shopping, soccer complex, baseball and an unbelievable world-class racetrack. There is just so much to offer there in Kansas City.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
"...I want nothing more than to be able to win in front of my hometown crowd." - @ClintBowyer pic.twitter.com/it3i2wwksw
— Kansas Speedway (@kansasspeedway) May 12, 2018
AAA Drive for Autism 400
May 6, 2018
Dover International Speedway
Dover, Delaware
120,120,160 = 400 laps
Dover International Speedway aka The Monster Mile. Dover, Delaware. The speedway is a one mile, concrete oval. The banking of the track is 9 degrees on straightaways and 24 degrees in the turns.
Clint Bowyer has 24 Cup series starts. He has 1 win at Dover. He has 2 top 5s, 13 top 10s and no DNFs. His starting positions are all over the board, starting as high as 2nd and as low as 42nd.
One thing to watch out for is when Miles the Monster strikes. Dover may be a self-cleaning track, but when Miles strikes he may take most of the field out together. So as long as Bowyer keeps the nose out of trouble he will be fine. He is pretty good at Dover!
Bowyer qualified 12th for Sunday’s Drive for Autism 400 at Dover. It would not take the monster long to strike as the first caution would fly on lap 5 for the No.34 of Michael McDowell. The race would restart on lap 8. On lap 20 the 2nd caution flag would fly for the No.72 car of Corey LaJoie, who had an engine expire. Miles the Monster must not have liked his engine.
The No.14 would pit under caution for four tires and fuel. He informed his crew that something may be loose on the car. He would pit again on lap 24 to correct the loose wheel, caused by another faulty air gun. The No.14 would restart the race on lap 26 from the 36th position, one lap down.
By lap 46 he would be scored in the top 20. He was the 2nd fastest car on the track behind his teammate Kevin Harvick on lap 65. Bowyer would inform his crew on lap 83, he was “too loose in (the corner).” He would be scored in the top 10 on lap 97. As Stage one came to a close on lap 120, bringing along the 3rd caution, Bowyer gained spots up to the 7th position as other cars ran out of fuel. The No.14 team would gain 4 bonus points. He would pit for four tires and fuel. The race restarted on lap 128.
On lap 134 he informed the team that his car “Took off way too tight” but that as the run would go on the car would come back to him. The 4th caution flag would fly on lap 153 for the No.99 of Derrike Cope spinning out and hitting the wall. The No.14 was running tight. He would pit for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment. The team had a great stop.
The 5th caution would fly on lap 240 signaling the end of Stage two. Bowyer would be scored in the 5th position, gaining another 6 bonus points. Under caution he would pit for four tires, fuel, and adjustments to help with the loose-handling conditions. The team would gain him one spot on pit road and he would be ready for the restart on lap 247 in the 4th position.
On lap 254 the No.51 of Cody Ware would bring out the 6th caution after dancing with the Monster in Turn 4. The race would resume under green flag conditions on lap 260. It was looking like another great day for Stewart-Haas Racing, all four cars were in the top 10. Bowyer would like the feeling of his car and continue working his way to the front.
Fluid on the track would bring out the 7th caution flag on lap 272, as the No.18 of Kyle Busch lost a drive shaft from his car. There was a fun conversation between Bowyer and his spotter Brett Griffin on the radio. Both were quoting Kenny Rogers and it was great. The race restarted on lap 281, with Bowyer scored in the 6th position. Bowyer would make the pass for 2nd on lap 284. He would then make the pass for the lead on lap 297.
Rain would be looming around the track bringing out the 8th caution on lap 316. A shower passing over would also bring out a Red Flag lasting 41 minutes and 1 second. The race would resume under green flag on lap 326. As the race resumed Bowyer’s car was really loose. He would fall to second behind his teammate Kevin Harvick.
Clint Bowyer finished 2nd.
Race winner Kevin Harvick.
Bowyer is currently 4th in the championship points.
However, there would be a penalty handed down to the No.14 team the following Tuesday for a rear window bracket failure.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
May 6, 2018
Dover International Speedway
Dover, Delaware
120,120,160 = 400 laps
Dover International Speedway aka The Monster Mile. Dover, Delaware. The speedway is a one mile, concrete oval. The banking of the track is 9 degrees on straightaways and 24 degrees in the turns.
Clint Bowyer has 24 Cup series starts. He has 1 win at Dover. He has 2 top 5s, 13 top 10s and no DNFs. His starting positions are all over the board, starting as high as 2nd and as low as 42nd.
One thing to watch out for is when Miles the Monster strikes. Dover may be a self-cleaning track, but when Miles strikes he may take most of the field out together. So as long as Bowyer keeps the nose out of trouble he will be fine. He is pretty good at Dover!
Bowyer qualified 12th for Sunday’s Drive for Autism 400 at Dover. It would not take the monster long to strike as the first caution would fly on lap 5 for the No.34 of Michael McDowell. The race would restart on lap 8. On lap 20 the 2nd caution flag would fly for the No.72 car of Corey LaJoie, who had an engine expire. Miles the Monster must not have liked his engine.
The No.14 would pit under caution for four tires and fuel. He informed his crew that something may be loose on the car. He would pit again on lap 24 to correct the loose wheel, caused by another faulty air gun. The No.14 would restart the race on lap 26 from the 36th position, one lap down.
By lap 46 he would be scored in the top 20. He was the 2nd fastest car on the track behind his teammate Kevin Harvick on lap 65. Bowyer would inform his crew on lap 83, he was “too loose in (the corner).” He would be scored in the top 10 on lap 97. As Stage one came to a close on lap 120, bringing along the 3rd caution, Bowyer gained spots up to the 7th position as other cars ran out of fuel. The No.14 team would gain 4 bonus points. He would pit for four tires and fuel. The race restarted on lap 128.
On lap 134 he informed the team that his car “Took off way too tight” but that as the run would go on the car would come back to him. The 4th caution flag would fly on lap 153 for the No.99 of Derrike Cope spinning out and hitting the wall. The No.14 was running tight. He would pit for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment. The team had a great stop.
The 5th caution would fly on lap 240 signaling the end of Stage two. Bowyer would be scored in the 5th position, gaining another 6 bonus points. Under caution he would pit for four tires, fuel, and adjustments to help with the loose-handling conditions. The team would gain him one spot on pit road and he would be ready for the restart on lap 247 in the 4th position.
On lap 254 the No.51 of Cody Ware would bring out the 6th caution after dancing with the Monster in Turn 4. The race would resume under green flag conditions on lap 260. It was looking like another great day for Stewart-Haas Racing, all four cars were in the top 10. Bowyer would like the feeling of his car and continue working his way to the front.
Fluid on the track would bring out the 7th caution flag on lap 272, as the No.18 of Kyle Busch lost a drive shaft from his car. There was a fun conversation between Bowyer and his spotter Brett Griffin on the radio. Both were quoting Kenny Rogers and it was great. The race restarted on lap 281, with Bowyer scored in the 6th position. Bowyer would make the pass for 2nd on lap 284. He would then make the pass for the lead on lap 297.
Rain would be looming around the track bringing out the 8th caution on lap 316. A shower passing over would also bring out a Red Flag lasting 41 minutes and 1 second. The race would resume under green flag on lap 326. As the race resumed Bowyer’s car was really loose. He would fall to second behind his teammate Kevin Harvick.
Clint Bowyer finished 2nd.
Race winner Kevin Harvick.
Bowyer is currently 4th in the championship points.
However, there would be a penalty handed down to the No.14 team the following Tuesday for a rear window bracket failure.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
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GEICO 500
April 29, 2018
Talladega Super Speedway
Talladega, Alabama
55,55,78= 188 laps
Clint Bowyer qualified 8th for the Geico 500. Near the beginning of the race he ended up having to pit early on lap 15 for a cut tire. This would make him two laps down for a good portion of the race. He would gain a lap back on lap 47, back to one lap down to the leaders. On lap 55 at the end of Stage 1 he was scored in 30th position one lap down.
Stage 2 was rather quiet for Bowyer as he was still one lap down. By the stage end on lap 110, he was still scored in the 27th position, one spot shy of getting the free pass and returning to the lead lap.
Luck would finally be on Bowyer’s side at the beginning of Stage 3. A caution would fly on lap 127, giving the No.14 team the free pass. With 30 laps remaining in the race on lap 158, he would be scored in the 9th position. However, luck would run out as the “Big One” would strike on lap 166, claiming the No.14 in the big mess and ending his day.
Bowyer would finish in the 31st position.
Race Winner Joey Logano.
Bowyer is scored 4th in the championship points.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“I don’t know if he got loose or was trying to get in a hole, but the 48 (Jimmie Johnson) wasn’t clear and wrecked a bunch of us. That was just kind of par for our day. It started when we locked the right-rear wheel up somehow coming to the pits and flat spotted that and had to come back in. We finally got two laps back, I got one lap back and then finally got on the lead lap, and then we wrecked. Par for the course.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
April 29, 2018
Talladega Super Speedway
Talladega, Alabama
55,55,78= 188 laps
Clint Bowyer qualified 8th for the Geico 500. Near the beginning of the race he ended up having to pit early on lap 15 for a cut tire. This would make him two laps down for a good portion of the race. He would gain a lap back on lap 47, back to one lap down to the leaders. On lap 55 at the end of Stage 1 he was scored in 30th position one lap down.
Stage 2 was rather quiet for Bowyer as he was still one lap down. By the stage end on lap 110, he was still scored in the 27th position, one spot shy of getting the free pass and returning to the lead lap.
Luck would finally be on Bowyer’s side at the beginning of Stage 3. A caution would fly on lap 127, giving the No.14 team the free pass. With 30 laps remaining in the race on lap 158, he would be scored in the 9th position. However, luck would run out as the “Big One” would strike on lap 166, claiming the No.14 in the big mess and ending his day.
Bowyer would finish in the 31st position.
Race Winner Joey Logano.
Bowyer is scored 4th in the championship points.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“I don’t know if he got loose or was trying to get in a hole, but the 48 (Jimmie Johnson) wasn’t clear and wrecked a bunch of us. That was just kind of par for our day. It started when we locked the right-rear wheel up somehow coming to the pits and flat spotted that and had to come back in. We finally got two laps back, I got one lap back and then finally got on the lead lap, and then we wrecked. Par for the course.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
The things we do for our kids! Cash and all his classmates raised a bunch of money for their preschool so we had a racing day. Thanks @StewartHaasRcng for bringing up a show car for them to see. Lots of pictures and hilarious questions. He even made me wear fire suit. □ pic.twitter.com/NPOYUY1QcC
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) May 2, 2018
Toyota Owners 400
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Richmond Raceway
Richmond, VA
100,100,200=400 laps
Clint Bowyer qualified in the 16th position for Saturday night's race at Richmond Raceway. This week he was sponsored by Ford’s Hall of Fans. On the parade laps spotter Brett Griffin asked, “Do you watch the Xfinity Race?” Bowyer responded with, “A little bit.” Griffin informed him, “The groove came in, in 3 and 4.”
The race started off with a fast pass and everyone was pretty quiet on the track, By lap 14 the No.14 was still riding around the 14th position. He would eventually break into the top 10 on lap 55. His lap times were looking great on the long run. Griffin would commend his driver on lap 73 as he made the pass on teammate No.4 Kevin Harvick, “Clear high, nice work.” Bowyer was scored in the 8th position.
As the green flag run continued, his car was getting better and better. Bowyer was making up a lot of time on the track. He was looking good to gain bonus points at the end of the stage.
With the 1st caution flag waved on lap 100, signaling the end of segment one, Bowyer was scored in the 5th position gaining 6 bonus points. He pitted under caution to the attention of his crew chief Mike Bugarewicz, for four tires, fuel, chassis and right-side air pressure adjustments. He would be ready for the lap 111 restart in the 5th position.
By lap 131 Bowyer would take over the 4th position, informing his pit crew he was tight in the center of the turns. He would be stalking the top 3 cars on the track. Wheelman would take over the 3rd position on lap 140, he was only 1.4 seconds behind the leader, teammate No.41 Kurt Busch.
The No.18 of Kyle Busch was the 2nd place car, he was also the next mouse in Bowyer’s game of Cat and Mouse. Bowyer made the pass on the inside on lap 151. Tony Stewart, Bugarewicz, and Griffin would all discuss how the brakes on the No. 14 were looking. He would have his eyes set on taking the lead from Ku. Busch.
On lap 169 Bowyer would be the new leader! It’s so nice to see him leading again and running super strong. He will be a contender the rest of the year. The No.22 of Joey Logano would pass Bowyer for the lead on lap 193. Bowyer would inform his team that the car was very loose.
The 2nd caution of the race would fly on lap 200, this would signal the end of segment two. Bowyer would gain 9 bonus points, as he was scored in the 2nd position. He would pit under caution for four tires, fuel, and adjustments to help with rear grips. The No.14 would be ready for the race restart on lap 211 from the 3rd position.
Owner Tony Stewart would come over the radio and tell spotter Brett Griffin, “I want you preaching at him, take care of it, particularly these first 30 laps.” Once again the race would be fairly quiet and on lap 250, he would be scored in the 2nd position. Bowyer would make the pass again for the lead. His crew would remind him to take care of the tires.
The No.14 had stretched the lead to a 1.6 second cushion. Bugarewicz would call the No.14 to pit road, for his first green flag stop of the race on lap 273. This stop would entail four tires, and fuel. The race would start to heat up with another teammate battle, Kevin Harvick would began to battle Bowyer, with just under 100 laps remaining in the race. The 2nd position would be at stake. Griffin informed the Wheelman, “Looking low, Harvick,” as the No. 4 would steal the 2nd position from the No.14. Both drivers had the eyes set on the leader, the No.78 of Martin Truex Jr. They would continue to trade the 2nd and 3rd positions back and forth.
On lap 332 Bowyer edges past Harvick in the battle for the lead before the crew calls him to make his 2nd green flag pit stop. With only 50 laps remaining, on lap 350 Bowyer is scored once again in the 2nd position.
The 3rd caution flag of the race would fly on lap 353. The No.12 of Ryan Blaney, No. 17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr, and No.72 of Cole Whitt would tangle in turn 4. Bowyer would hit pit road on lap 356 under caution from the 2nd position for adjustments to help tighten the car, as well to help him take off better. He would restart 4th on lap 361.
Bugarewicz would be a cheerleader for his driver and team, “Go get us this win.” The green flag would not last long, and as the saying goes, “Cautions breed cautions.” It is a short track Saturday night.
The 4th caution of the race would fly on lap 369 for fluid on the race track, Bowyer would be scored in the 6th position. The race would restart on lap 379, he was in the 8th position. On lap 390 caution flag No. 5 would fly for the No.38 of David Ragan hitting the wall in turn 3. The race restarted on lap 395, Bowyer scored in the 7th position.
This green flag run would only last two laps as the 6th caution flag would fly on lap 397, setting up green white checkered finishing. The No.17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr would hit the wall and leave debris on the track. Bowyer would stay out on the track and restart the race in the 6th position.
Bowyer finished in the 9th position.
Race winner Kyle Busch.
Clint Bowyer is currently 3rd in the point standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing, post-race report:
“We had a really good car; it’s just frustrating there at the end. All hell breaks loose. We lost a couple of spots on pit road, and that gets you back and then you get on the outside and get stuck behind somebody that spun their tires and you knock the front fender in on the 24 because he spun his tires. The next thing you know you’re tenth, thinking, ‘Boy, how did this night go to ruin so fast?’ Then it’s just beating and banging and everybody dive-bombing on the bottom. It’s a shame that a good, positive night ends up being like that, but that’s racing at this place. If we could have maintained that top-two or -three, I think we could have stayed up there.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Richmond Raceway
Richmond, VA
100,100,200=400 laps
Clint Bowyer qualified in the 16th position for Saturday night's race at Richmond Raceway. This week he was sponsored by Ford’s Hall of Fans. On the parade laps spotter Brett Griffin asked, “Do you watch the Xfinity Race?” Bowyer responded with, “A little bit.” Griffin informed him, “The groove came in, in 3 and 4.”
The race started off with a fast pass and everyone was pretty quiet on the track, By lap 14 the No.14 was still riding around the 14th position. He would eventually break into the top 10 on lap 55. His lap times were looking great on the long run. Griffin would commend his driver on lap 73 as he made the pass on teammate No.4 Kevin Harvick, “Clear high, nice work.” Bowyer was scored in the 8th position.
As the green flag run continued, his car was getting better and better. Bowyer was making up a lot of time on the track. He was looking good to gain bonus points at the end of the stage.
With the 1st caution flag waved on lap 100, signaling the end of segment one, Bowyer was scored in the 5th position gaining 6 bonus points. He pitted under caution to the attention of his crew chief Mike Bugarewicz, for four tires, fuel, chassis and right-side air pressure adjustments. He would be ready for the lap 111 restart in the 5th position.
By lap 131 Bowyer would take over the 4th position, informing his pit crew he was tight in the center of the turns. He would be stalking the top 3 cars on the track. Wheelman would take over the 3rd position on lap 140, he was only 1.4 seconds behind the leader, teammate No.41 Kurt Busch.
The No.18 of Kyle Busch was the 2nd place car, he was also the next mouse in Bowyer’s game of Cat and Mouse. Bowyer made the pass on the inside on lap 151. Tony Stewart, Bugarewicz, and Griffin would all discuss how the brakes on the No. 14 were looking. He would have his eyes set on taking the lead from Ku. Busch.
On lap 169 Bowyer would be the new leader! It’s so nice to see him leading again and running super strong. He will be a contender the rest of the year. The No.22 of Joey Logano would pass Bowyer for the lead on lap 193. Bowyer would inform his team that the car was very loose.
The 2nd caution of the race would fly on lap 200, this would signal the end of segment two. Bowyer would gain 9 bonus points, as he was scored in the 2nd position. He would pit under caution for four tires, fuel, and adjustments to help with rear grips. The No.14 would be ready for the race restart on lap 211 from the 3rd position.
Owner Tony Stewart would come over the radio and tell spotter Brett Griffin, “I want you preaching at him, take care of it, particularly these first 30 laps.” Once again the race would be fairly quiet and on lap 250, he would be scored in the 2nd position. Bowyer would make the pass again for the lead. His crew would remind him to take care of the tires.
The No.14 had stretched the lead to a 1.6 second cushion. Bugarewicz would call the No.14 to pit road, for his first green flag stop of the race on lap 273. This stop would entail four tires, and fuel. The race would start to heat up with another teammate battle, Kevin Harvick would began to battle Bowyer, with just under 100 laps remaining in the race. The 2nd position would be at stake. Griffin informed the Wheelman, “Looking low, Harvick,” as the No. 4 would steal the 2nd position from the No.14. Both drivers had the eyes set on the leader, the No.78 of Martin Truex Jr. They would continue to trade the 2nd and 3rd positions back and forth.
On lap 332 Bowyer edges past Harvick in the battle for the lead before the crew calls him to make his 2nd green flag pit stop. With only 50 laps remaining, on lap 350 Bowyer is scored once again in the 2nd position.
The 3rd caution flag of the race would fly on lap 353. The No.12 of Ryan Blaney, No. 17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr, and No.72 of Cole Whitt would tangle in turn 4. Bowyer would hit pit road on lap 356 under caution from the 2nd position for adjustments to help tighten the car, as well to help him take off better. He would restart 4th on lap 361.
Bugarewicz would be a cheerleader for his driver and team, “Go get us this win.” The green flag would not last long, and as the saying goes, “Cautions breed cautions.” It is a short track Saturday night.
The 4th caution of the race would fly on lap 369 for fluid on the race track, Bowyer would be scored in the 6th position. The race would restart on lap 379, he was in the 8th position. On lap 390 caution flag No. 5 would fly for the No.38 of David Ragan hitting the wall in turn 3. The race restarted on lap 395, Bowyer scored in the 7th position.
This green flag run would only last two laps as the 6th caution flag would fly on lap 397, setting up green white checkered finishing. The No.17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr would hit the wall and leave debris on the track. Bowyer would stay out on the track and restart the race in the 6th position.
Bowyer finished in the 9th position.
Race winner Kyle Busch.
Clint Bowyer is currently 3rd in the point standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing, post-race report:
“We had a really good car; it’s just frustrating there at the end. All hell breaks loose. We lost a couple of spots on pit road, and that gets you back and then you get on the outside and get stuck behind somebody that spun their tires and you knock the front fender in on the 24 because he spun his tires. The next thing you know you’re tenth, thinking, ‘Boy, how did this night go to ruin so fast?’ Then it’s just beating and banging and everybody dive-bombing on the bottom. It’s a shame that a good, positive night ends up being like that, but that’s racing at this place. If we could have maintained that top-two or -three, I think we could have stayed up there.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Collecting stage points and leading laps!! We keep this up and we’ll win some more this year. Car was awesome on a long run. Was shaping up to be a helluva race between the 78, 4, and us until the caution came out and all hell broke loose. Then it’s dive bomb city from there!
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) April 22, 2018
Toyota Owners 400 Preview
April 19, 2018
Richmond Raceway
Richmond, VA
Saturday April 21, 2018
100,100,200=400 laps
Richmond Raceway is a short track that measures 3/4th of a mile. It is a D-shaped oval. Clint Bowyer will be sponsored by Ford Hall of Fans this week. He has 23 Cup Series starts at Richmond. He has started as low as 39th and as high as 3rd. The Wheelman knows how to find victory lane at Richmond, as he has grabbed 2 wins in his 23 starts. However, he has also finished as low as 43rd. The 43rd place finish was a result of a DNF. He has led a total of 348 laps. Bowyer loves Richmond, he has 4 top 5’s, and 12 top 10’s.
With the equipment he has from Stewart-Haas Racing, as well as one short track win already this season, I look for him to stay up towards the front of the field. He comes from a short track background, he can get it done. If we should find him in Victory lane after the race, be ready, he will throw a heck of a party with the fans afterwards.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing Pre-race report:
“It’s just a perfect racetrack,” he said. “It’s always been that way. Ever since I started in the Xfinity Series with Richard (Childress), it’s always fit my driving style. It’s that short track and I’ve always said that I wish we had four or five of these all across the country. They certainly hit the mark when they were making Richmond. I have a lot of fun there – pre-race and everything else. The fan base there has always been good. It’s a good vibe and a good feel for a racetrack being that it kind of reminds you of pulling into the old fairgrounds at a dirt track. There are houses across the street and this is what short-track racing is all about right here.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
April 19, 2018
Richmond Raceway
Richmond, VA
Saturday April 21, 2018
100,100,200=400 laps
Richmond Raceway is a short track that measures 3/4th of a mile. It is a D-shaped oval. Clint Bowyer will be sponsored by Ford Hall of Fans this week. He has 23 Cup Series starts at Richmond. He has started as low as 39th and as high as 3rd. The Wheelman knows how to find victory lane at Richmond, as he has grabbed 2 wins in his 23 starts. However, he has also finished as low as 43rd. The 43rd place finish was a result of a DNF. He has led a total of 348 laps. Bowyer loves Richmond, he has 4 top 5’s, and 12 top 10’s.
With the equipment he has from Stewart-Haas Racing, as well as one short track win already this season, I look for him to stay up towards the front of the field. He comes from a short track background, he can get it done. If we should find him in Victory lane after the race, be ready, he will throw a heck of a party with the fans afterwards.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing Pre-race report:
“It’s just a perfect racetrack,” he said. “It’s always been that way. Ever since I started in the Xfinity Series with Richard (Childress), it’s always fit my driving style. It’s that short track and I’ve always said that I wish we had four or five of these all across the country. They certainly hit the mark when they were making Richmond. I have a lot of fun there – pre-race and everything else. The fan base there has always been good. It’s a good vibe and a good feel for a racetrack being that it kind of reminds you of pulling into the old fairgrounds at a dirt track. There are houses across the street and this is what short-track racing is all about right here.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Food City 500
Sunday, April 15, 2018 (Completed Monday, April 16, 2018)
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Tennessee
125, 125, 205 = 500 laps
Somewhere, Mother Nature is sitting on her throne looking over her map of the world at events going on. She sees the race track and a NASCAR race that is supposed to happen and, with a flick of the wrist she says, “Oh look a NASCAR race, we need rain, we need inclement weather. Good luck NASCAR community!” So with the thought of the wet weather forecast in mind, everyone was looking ahead for what Monday’s weather might be. The schedule was also moved up an hour to a 1:00 pm start time for Sunday.
Clint Bowyer qualified in the 14th position for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, in the No.14 Haas Automation Demo Day Ford Fusion, for Stewart-Haas Racing. At Bristol, the drivers get to choose theme songs for their driver introduction. This year the fans got to vote for songs. The fans chose a very fitting song for Bowyer by Hank Williams Jr., “A Country Boy Can Survive.”
When the race started, of course it did not take long for the 1st caution flag to fly. The front stretch would collect the No. 9 of Chase Elliott, No. 24 of William Byron, No. 78 of Martin Truex Jr., No. 19 of Daniel Suarez, No. 47 of AJ Allmendinger, No. 15 of Ross Chastain, No. 34 of Michael McDowell, No. 38 of David Ragan, and the No.66 of Chad Finchum. Bowyer would avoid the wreck and restart in the 9th position.
The 2nd caution would fly on lap 17 for the No. 47 of Allmendinger, and the No. 1 of Jamie McMurray tangling up in turn two. The race would restart on lap 23. Bowyer would get pushed to the top line and drop like a rock through the field back to the 18th position. The green flag would not last long, as rain was in the area, bringing out the 3rd caution on lap 47. This caution would bring out the first red flag delay that would last 25 minutes. When the red flag was lifted, he hit pit road under caution for four tires, and fuel, ready for the race restart on lap 60 in the 19th position. This was also considered the competition caution.
A wreck involving the No.17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr, No. 20 of Erik Jones, and No. 22 of Joey Logano in turn four would bring out the 4th caution flag, on lap 62. The race restarted on lap 68.
Caution No. 5 would fly on lap 119 for a wreck in turn 3 involving the No. 12 of Ryan Blaney, No. 1 of McMurray, No. 37 of Chris Beuscher, No. 38 of Ragan, No. 51 of Harrison Rhodes, and the No. 6 of Trevor Bayne. The caution flag would bring out the 2nd red flag of the race. Bowyer informed his team on lap 119, “We are too hard on the right rear.” Crew chief Mike Bugarewicz and Bowyer discussed making major changes once the red flag was lifted. He was scored in the 15th position. When the red flag was lifted, he would stay on track and restart in the 2nd position. They had decided major changes would happen during the end of stage break. The race restarted on lap 125 only to bring out the 6th caution flag as the 1st Segment came to a close. He was scored in the 3rd position, gaining 8 bonus points.
When the race resumed on lap 127, the field would once again be racing towards another rain storm possibility. The 7th caution flag of the race would fly on lap 155 for the No. 6 of Bayne in turn four. The 3rd red flag of the race would be displayed for rain on lap 165, lasting for 25 minutes. Drivers were told to stay in their cars for this caution. Bowyer was scored in the 19th position. The race would resume on lap 170.
Caution No.8 would fly on lap 204 again for rain. This would bring out the 4th red flag of the race. The decision was made to run the rest of the race on Monday at 1:00pm.
Monday’s weather was just as iffy as Sunday’s. As of 11:00 am at the track, there was sleet falling. As the drivers were supposed to report to their cars at 12:45 pm for the 1:00 pm start time, the sleet had turned to snow. It would flip flop between snow, sleet, and rain. When the race finally got back underway closer to 1:30 pm, Bowyer would restart in the 16th position. There were still 49 laps remaining in Segment 2. Just before the green flag flew for the day, Bowyer radioed to his crew, “It’s sleeting again.” The race restarted on lap 215, with Bowyer scored in the 17th position.
The 9th caution of the race would fly on lap 250, signaling the end of segment 2. Bowyer hit pit road under caution from the 13th position and informed his team the car was still loose. The crew administered chassis and air pressure adjustments. He also let the team know that he was blowing the tires off after 10 to 15 laps. He would restart the race in the 9th position on lap 261. The radio would be fairly quiet except for the banter of weather starting up again at different points. On lap 319 Spotter Brett Griffin would inform Bowyer that he was making the fastest lap times on the track. He was scored in the 8th position.
The No.42 car of Kyle Larson would bring out the 10th caution flag on lap 324. Larson was leading and the No.31 of Ryan Newman tapped him. Bowyer was scored in the 8th position. He would inform the team that his car was not as loose as it had been previously. He would be ready for the lap 330 restart in the 7th position. He would lose a few positions by the time the 11th caution flag would fly on lap 355 for the No.55 car of Reed Sorenson. Bowyer would be scored back in the 11th position. The race returned to green flag conditions on lap 365. He would stay out on the track.
The 12th caution would fly on lap 390 for a wintery mix falling from the sky. Bowyer was mired in the 11th position. On lap 435, the No.14 reentered the top 10. He was on old tires and running great lap times once again. The 13th caution of the race would fly on lap 470 for the No.2 car of Brad Keselowski. Bowyer was scored in the 9th position.
He would finish in the 8th position.
Race Winner: Kyle Busch
Clint Bowyer is currently 4th in the point standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“It was a long weekend. We weren’t very good all weekend long and just kept working on it. We were smart with the race. Early on there was a lot of trouble yesterday and even more today. It was just a weird weekend. I mean, the weather just capped off everything else that was going on. It seemed like the VHT, for whatever reason, a little bit different this time than it’s been in the past. Our tires seemed like they were a little bit different than what we’ve had, for whatever reason. It was a weird weekend, so I’m glad with a top-10.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Sunday, April 15, 2018 (Completed Monday, April 16, 2018)
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Tennessee
125, 125, 205 = 500 laps
Somewhere, Mother Nature is sitting on her throne looking over her map of the world at events going on. She sees the race track and a NASCAR race that is supposed to happen and, with a flick of the wrist she says, “Oh look a NASCAR race, we need rain, we need inclement weather. Good luck NASCAR community!” So with the thought of the wet weather forecast in mind, everyone was looking ahead for what Monday’s weather might be. The schedule was also moved up an hour to a 1:00 pm start time for Sunday.
Clint Bowyer qualified in the 14th position for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, in the No.14 Haas Automation Demo Day Ford Fusion, for Stewart-Haas Racing. At Bristol, the drivers get to choose theme songs for their driver introduction. This year the fans got to vote for songs. The fans chose a very fitting song for Bowyer by Hank Williams Jr., “A Country Boy Can Survive.”
When the race started, of course it did not take long for the 1st caution flag to fly. The front stretch would collect the No. 9 of Chase Elliott, No. 24 of William Byron, No. 78 of Martin Truex Jr., No. 19 of Daniel Suarez, No. 47 of AJ Allmendinger, No. 15 of Ross Chastain, No. 34 of Michael McDowell, No. 38 of David Ragan, and the No.66 of Chad Finchum. Bowyer would avoid the wreck and restart in the 9th position.
The 2nd caution would fly on lap 17 for the No. 47 of Allmendinger, and the No. 1 of Jamie McMurray tangling up in turn two. The race would restart on lap 23. Bowyer would get pushed to the top line and drop like a rock through the field back to the 18th position. The green flag would not last long, as rain was in the area, bringing out the 3rd caution on lap 47. This caution would bring out the first red flag delay that would last 25 minutes. When the red flag was lifted, he hit pit road under caution for four tires, and fuel, ready for the race restart on lap 60 in the 19th position. This was also considered the competition caution.
A wreck involving the No.17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr, No. 20 of Erik Jones, and No. 22 of Joey Logano in turn four would bring out the 4th caution flag, on lap 62. The race restarted on lap 68.
Caution No. 5 would fly on lap 119 for a wreck in turn 3 involving the No. 12 of Ryan Blaney, No. 1 of McMurray, No. 37 of Chris Beuscher, No. 38 of Ragan, No. 51 of Harrison Rhodes, and the No. 6 of Trevor Bayne. The caution flag would bring out the 2nd red flag of the race. Bowyer informed his team on lap 119, “We are too hard on the right rear.” Crew chief Mike Bugarewicz and Bowyer discussed making major changes once the red flag was lifted. He was scored in the 15th position. When the red flag was lifted, he would stay on track and restart in the 2nd position. They had decided major changes would happen during the end of stage break. The race restarted on lap 125 only to bring out the 6th caution flag as the 1st Segment came to a close. He was scored in the 3rd position, gaining 8 bonus points.
When the race resumed on lap 127, the field would once again be racing towards another rain storm possibility. The 7th caution flag of the race would fly on lap 155 for the No. 6 of Bayne in turn four. The 3rd red flag of the race would be displayed for rain on lap 165, lasting for 25 minutes. Drivers were told to stay in their cars for this caution. Bowyer was scored in the 19th position. The race would resume on lap 170.
Caution No.8 would fly on lap 204 again for rain. This would bring out the 4th red flag of the race. The decision was made to run the rest of the race on Monday at 1:00pm.
Monday’s weather was just as iffy as Sunday’s. As of 11:00 am at the track, there was sleet falling. As the drivers were supposed to report to their cars at 12:45 pm for the 1:00 pm start time, the sleet had turned to snow. It would flip flop between snow, sleet, and rain. When the race finally got back underway closer to 1:30 pm, Bowyer would restart in the 16th position. There were still 49 laps remaining in Segment 2. Just before the green flag flew for the day, Bowyer radioed to his crew, “It’s sleeting again.” The race restarted on lap 215, with Bowyer scored in the 17th position.
The 9th caution of the race would fly on lap 250, signaling the end of segment 2. Bowyer hit pit road under caution from the 13th position and informed his team the car was still loose. The crew administered chassis and air pressure adjustments. He also let the team know that he was blowing the tires off after 10 to 15 laps. He would restart the race in the 9th position on lap 261. The radio would be fairly quiet except for the banter of weather starting up again at different points. On lap 319 Spotter Brett Griffin would inform Bowyer that he was making the fastest lap times on the track. He was scored in the 8th position.
The No.42 car of Kyle Larson would bring out the 10th caution flag on lap 324. Larson was leading and the No.31 of Ryan Newman tapped him. Bowyer was scored in the 8th position. He would inform the team that his car was not as loose as it had been previously. He would be ready for the lap 330 restart in the 7th position. He would lose a few positions by the time the 11th caution flag would fly on lap 355 for the No.55 car of Reed Sorenson. Bowyer would be scored back in the 11th position. The race returned to green flag conditions on lap 365. He would stay out on the track.
The 12th caution would fly on lap 390 for a wintery mix falling from the sky. Bowyer was mired in the 11th position. On lap 435, the No.14 reentered the top 10. He was on old tires and running great lap times once again. The 13th caution of the race would fly on lap 470 for the No.2 car of Brad Keselowski. Bowyer was scored in the 9th position.
He would finish in the 8th position.
Race Winner: Kyle Busch
Clint Bowyer is currently 4th in the point standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“It was a long weekend. We weren’t very good all weekend long and just kept working on it. We were smart with the race. Early on there was a lot of trouble yesterday and even more today. It was just a weird weekend. I mean, the weather just capped off everything else that was going on. It seemed like the VHT, for whatever reason, a little bit different this time than it’s been in the past. Our tires seemed like they were a little bit different than what we’ve had, for whatever reason. It was a weird weekend, so I’m glad with a top-10.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
How do you not fist pump @BillGoldburg during driver intros. It was our big shot!!! Come on man! □ pic.twitter.com/zuxqHU4sqj
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) April 15, 2018
Food City 500 Preview
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Tennessee
125, 125, 205 = 500 laps
Track Length: 0.533-mile concrete oval, concrete racing surface is 40 feet wide
Degree of banking in corners: Variable, 24 to 28 Degrees
Degree of banking in straights: Variable, 6 to 10 Degrees
Straightaways: 650 feet
Thunder Valley, NASCAR Cereal Bowl, call it what you will, it's Bristol, baby! Nestled in the mountains of Bristol, Tennessee, Bristol Motor Speedway is the track that is a test of endurance for drivers, with 500 laps of short track beating and banging.
Clint Bowyer has 24 starts at Bristol. He has started as high as 3rd and as low as 40th at Bristol. Though he has qualified all over the board, Bowyer has finished between 3rd and 38th. He has 7 top 5’s, 11 top 10’s, and 2 DNFs. It doesn’t matter where he starts. If he can keep his nose clean, he can have a great finish on the track. At barely over a half mile long, Bristol is a tough place to not get caught up in someone else's mess.
Bowyer loves Bristol, so here is to a great weekend at the shortest track on the circuit. Weather could pose an issue this weekend, though, so keep an eye out.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Tennessee
125, 125, 205 = 500 laps
Track Length: 0.533-mile concrete oval, concrete racing surface is 40 feet wide
Degree of banking in corners: Variable, 24 to 28 Degrees
Degree of banking in straights: Variable, 6 to 10 Degrees
Straightaways: 650 feet
Thunder Valley, NASCAR Cereal Bowl, call it what you will, it's Bristol, baby! Nestled in the mountains of Bristol, Tennessee, Bristol Motor Speedway is the track that is a test of endurance for drivers, with 500 laps of short track beating and banging.
Clint Bowyer has 24 starts at Bristol. He has started as high as 3rd and as low as 40th at Bristol. Though he has qualified all over the board, Bowyer has finished between 3rd and 38th. He has 7 top 5’s, 11 top 10’s, and 2 DNFs. It doesn’t matter where he starts. If he can keep his nose clean, he can have a great finish on the track. At barely over a half mile long, Bristol is a tough place to not get caught up in someone else's mess.
Bowyer loves Bristol, so here is to a great weekend at the shortest track on the circuit. Weather could pose an issue this weekend, though, so keep an eye out.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
O’Reilly Auto Parts 500
April 8th, 2018
Texas Motor Speedway
Fort Worth, TX
85, 85 ,164 = 334 laps
Oval: 1.5 miles
Width: 58 feet (minimum)
Turns: 750-foot radius
Banking: 24 degrees in turns, five degrees in straightaways
Front stretch: 2,250 feet long
Backstretch: 1,330 feet long
Fun Fact: Texas Motor Speedway has enough permanent lighting to illuminate 11 NFL stadiums.
Clint Bowyer has 24 starts at Texas. He has qualified as high as 3rd and as low as 36th. He has 2 DNFs. He has finished as high as 2nd and as low as 38th. He has 11 top-10 finishes, and 3 top-5 finishes. Clint has led a total of 85 laps.
Clint Bowyer qualified 3rd for Sunday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. 2 of his 3 teammates would start on the front row, the No.41 of Kurt Busch, and the No.4 of Kevin Harvick. This would be the first time in 10 year history of Stewart-Haas Racing that the team would start 1-2-3.
It would not take long for the first caution to fly, on lap 2 the No. 88 of Alex Bowman clipped the apron, damaging the No. 19 of Daniel Suarez, No. 3 of Austin Dillon, and the No. 21 of Paul Menard. Clint would be scored in the 2nd position. The race would go back to green on lap 6. He would not get a good restart and would start losing positions. By lap 25 he would inform his crew that the rear grip was going away. The No.14 car was scored in the 5th position.
The first round of green-flag pit stops began around lap 44. Bowyer would hit pit road for tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment to help with the loose-in condition. He was running in the 7th position on lap 58, when he radioed in, “ I don’t have any rear grip compared to the cars I’m racing. I’m fine by myself, but not around other cars.”
Caution No.2 would fly on lap 80 for the No.78 car of Martin Truex Jr blowing a tire and hitting the wall. Bowyer was scored in the 6th position. The track would remain under caution and this caution would also give us the Lap 85 ending of Segment 1. Bowyer would gain 5 extra bonus points. He would make his way down pit road on lap 86 for tires, fuel, and more adjustments to help with the loose conditions. He told his crew that he about went around two or three times. The No.14 would restart the race on lap 89 in the 9th position. He made his way back up to the 7th position by lap 110.
The 3rd caution would fly on lap 128 for the No.42 of Kyle Larson. Bowyer informed his team that the car was much better, as he had raced his way up to the 5th position. He would pit for four tires, fuel, and a few more adjustments. He would restart the race on lap 133 from the 4th position. That stopped helped the car a ton, as he began running very fast lap times. He was the happiest he had been so far.
The end of segment 2 would bring out the 4th caution on lap 170. Bowyer was scored in the 5th position gaining 6 more bonus points.
The restart would not last long as the 5th caution would fly on lap 179 involving the No.2 of Brad Keselowski, No.3 of Austin Dillon, No.10 of Aric Almirola, No.11 of Denny Hamlin, No. 38 of David Ragan, and the No.48 of Jimmie Johnson. After the restart and as the run progressed, Bowyer would move in to the 4th position on lap 186, informing the crew that his car was pretty tight. On lap 218, spotter Brett Griffin said, “You are consistently second or third quick. Sometimes quickest.” Bowyer responded that, the car was still a little tight. However, the crew expected no adjustments during the upcoming stop as Bowyer was running 3rd. It seemed as though his car was coming to him.
Green-flag pit stops would be upon the field once again as Bowyer made his way down pit road on lap 232. However, the 6th caution flag would fly on lap 235 as the No.21 of Paul Menard would have problems. Bowyer would be scored in the 5th position once again on lap 250, as the 7th caution flag would fly for an incident with the No.6 of Trevor Bayne and the No.95 of Kasey Kahne.
The No.14 team would make another routine pit stop on lap 290. The 8th and final caution flag of the race would fly on lap 304 for the No.31 of Ryan Newman. The race would restart with 25 laps to go.
Bowyer would finish in the 9th position.
Race Winner Kyle Busch.
Bowyer is currently 6th in points standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“Man, we had a fast hot rod today. At the beginning we were great by ourselves, but we just couldn’t get near other cars because we were so loose in traffic. The guys worked on it and got me pretty good. We got blocked and pushed high on a restart and lost a lot of positions and just didn’t have enough time to make it up. It was tough out there today. There weren’t very many people making up any ground after a few laps.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
April 8th, 2018
Texas Motor Speedway
Fort Worth, TX
85, 85 ,164 = 334 laps
Oval: 1.5 miles
Width: 58 feet (minimum)
Turns: 750-foot radius
Banking: 24 degrees in turns, five degrees in straightaways
Front stretch: 2,250 feet long
Backstretch: 1,330 feet long
Fun Fact: Texas Motor Speedway has enough permanent lighting to illuminate 11 NFL stadiums.
Clint Bowyer has 24 starts at Texas. He has qualified as high as 3rd and as low as 36th. He has 2 DNFs. He has finished as high as 2nd and as low as 38th. He has 11 top-10 finishes, and 3 top-5 finishes. Clint has led a total of 85 laps.
Clint Bowyer qualified 3rd for Sunday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. 2 of his 3 teammates would start on the front row, the No.41 of Kurt Busch, and the No.4 of Kevin Harvick. This would be the first time in 10 year history of Stewart-Haas Racing that the team would start 1-2-3.
It would not take long for the first caution to fly, on lap 2 the No. 88 of Alex Bowman clipped the apron, damaging the No. 19 of Daniel Suarez, No. 3 of Austin Dillon, and the No. 21 of Paul Menard. Clint would be scored in the 2nd position. The race would go back to green on lap 6. He would not get a good restart and would start losing positions. By lap 25 he would inform his crew that the rear grip was going away. The No.14 car was scored in the 5th position.
The first round of green-flag pit stops began around lap 44. Bowyer would hit pit road for tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment to help with the loose-in condition. He was running in the 7th position on lap 58, when he radioed in, “ I don’t have any rear grip compared to the cars I’m racing. I’m fine by myself, but not around other cars.”
Caution No.2 would fly on lap 80 for the No.78 car of Martin Truex Jr blowing a tire and hitting the wall. Bowyer was scored in the 6th position. The track would remain under caution and this caution would also give us the Lap 85 ending of Segment 1. Bowyer would gain 5 extra bonus points. He would make his way down pit road on lap 86 for tires, fuel, and more adjustments to help with the loose conditions. He told his crew that he about went around two or three times. The No.14 would restart the race on lap 89 in the 9th position. He made his way back up to the 7th position by lap 110.
The 3rd caution would fly on lap 128 for the No.42 of Kyle Larson. Bowyer informed his team that the car was much better, as he had raced his way up to the 5th position. He would pit for four tires, fuel, and a few more adjustments. He would restart the race on lap 133 from the 4th position. That stopped helped the car a ton, as he began running very fast lap times. He was the happiest he had been so far.
The end of segment 2 would bring out the 4th caution on lap 170. Bowyer was scored in the 5th position gaining 6 more bonus points.
The restart would not last long as the 5th caution would fly on lap 179 involving the No.2 of Brad Keselowski, No.3 of Austin Dillon, No.10 of Aric Almirola, No.11 of Denny Hamlin, No. 38 of David Ragan, and the No.48 of Jimmie Johnson. After the restart and as the run progressed, Bowyer would move in to the 4th position on lap 186, informing the crew that his car was pretty tight. On lap 218, spotter Brett Griffin said, “You are consistently second or third quick. Sometimes quickest.” Bowyer responded that, the car was still a little tight. However, the crew expected no adjustments during the upcoming stop as Bowyer was running 3rd. It seemed as though his car was coming to him.
Green-flag pit stops would be upon the field once again as Bowyer made his way down pit road on lap 232. However, the 6th caution flag would fly on lap 235 as the No.21 of Paul Menard would have problems. Bowyer would be scored in the 5th position once again on lap 250, as the 7th caution flag would fly for an incident with the No.6 of Trevor Bayne and the No.95 of Kasey Kahne.
The No.14 team would make another routine pit stop on lap 290. The 8th and final caution flag of the race would fly on lap 304 for the No.31 of Ryan Newman. The race would restart with 25 laps to go.
Bowyer would finish in the 9th position.
Race Winner Kyle Busch.
Bowyer is currently 6th in points standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“Man, we had a fast hot rod today. At the beginning we were great by ourselves, but we just couldn’t get near other cars because we were so loose in traffic. The guys worked on it and got me pretty good. We got blocked and pushed high on a restart and lost a lot of positions and just didn’t have enough time to make it up. It was tough out there today. There weren’t very many people making up any ground after a few laps.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
If Spring doesn't show up soon, we're unleashing @ClintBowyer on it. So there. □□#OReilly500 pic.twitter.com/Dwv5Azj0hD
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) April 9, 2018
STP 500
Monday, March 26th, 2018
Martinsville Speedway
Martinsville, Virginia
130, 130, 240 = 500 laps
First Win After a 190-Race Winless Streak
Snow! Snow! Go Away! We really want to race Sunday. The tail end of a NorEaster storm was set to cause problems in Martinsville, Virginia. Impending weather of up to a foot of snow was set to hit Saturday afternoon, and hit it did. The Nascar Camping World Truck Series race was red flagged and all track activity was canceled for Saturday just 24 laps into the 250 lap race.
Qualifying for the Cup series would be set by owner's points. At least 8 inches or more of snow was dropped on Martinsville overnight and into Sunday morning. This was more than the area was anticipating, and due to emergency personnel being needed elsewhere away from the track, NASCAR and Martinsville Speedway made the call at 7am, Sunday morning. The truck race would run at 11am Monday morning. The Cup race would run at 2pm on Monday. NASCAR called a lap 50 competition caution for the Cup race.
Clint Bowyer was set to start the race from the 9th position. He would move his way into the 8th position by lap 10. He would lose the 7th position to teammate Kevin Harvick on lap 26. On lap 30 Bowyer reported he brushed the wall, and that his car needed more forward drive. He had lost another position and was back in the 9th position. By the 1st caution on lap 50, the competition caution, Bowyer was scored in the 10th position. He would pit for four tires, fuel, and adjustments to help create more rear grip. The race would restart again on lap 55. After making changes to his car during the pit stop, the No. 14 Haas Automation Ford started to come to life, he broke the top 5 on lap 94.
The 2nd caution flag would fly on lap 130, signaling the end of segment one. Bowyer would be scored in the 5th position gaining 6 bonus points. He would pit under caution for four tires, fuel, as well as an air pressure adjustment to help with forward grip towards the end of the run. His crew would get him off pit road in the 5th position ready for the restart on lap 140. Bowyer would work his way, picking through the top 5 and claim the 3rd position on lap 176. He would continue his charge to the front making the pass for 2nd on lap 195, he was 2 seconds behind the first place car.
Bowyer would be scored in the 2nd position at the time of the 3rd caution signaling the end of segment two. He would gain another 9 bonus points. This 2nd place stage finish was only bettered by his winning the 2nd segment last July in Pocono. He would pit to the attention of the crew and crew chief Mike Bugarewicz. I almost had a mini heart attack in the stands, as the scoring pylon was trying to fix itself. I almost thought the 14 had come out of the pits in the 10th position.
I was like what happened? There was not any word about it on the radio. Then I realized it had fixed itself and he was scored in the 3rd position only losing one position on pit road. The crew would inform him that he was short on fuel to the end by 3 gallons. This was almost heart breaking. His car was looking better and better with each run. However, it’s a short track, a lot of things can happen. He should be able to pit before something bad happens and he runs out of gas. The race would restart on lap 270.
The No.14 would be fast as it would only take Wheel Man 15 laps, and on lap 285, he would take the lead. Of course with Bowyer taking the lead, I was in the stands super excited, but reminding myself there was still over 200 laps remaining in the race. It was a short track, a lot could happen, and we were 3 gallons short on fuel. I had faith in the team that it would be ok, but it’s a short track.
As he began to pull away from the field, he quickly led more laps at Martinsville than he had in the past three seasons combined. By lap 322 he would extend his lead over 2nd place driver Kyle Busch to over one second. He would be quiet on the radio as he was concentrating and trying to work his way around lapped track, as well as lapping other lead lap cars.
The 4th caution of the race would take place on lap 385 for the No.1 car of Jamie McMurray would end up spun around and in the outside wall. Bowyer would ask for no changes. The crew would give him a good clean money stop with just four tires and fuel. This would take away the short of fuel factor. The field, as well as, Bowyer would be good to go until the end.
He would narrowly beat the No.18 of Kyle Busch off of pit road. That dodged two bullets, now he needed to dodge a third bullet and get a great restart on lap 390. He got the restart he needed. He was consistently a tenth to a tenth and a half quicker each lap. Spotter Brett Griffin was talking through the traffic.
From the stands, once lap 450 hit, I honestly could not breathe. I was still telling myself that it was a short track and there were still 50 laps to go, a lot could still happen. He would get stuck briefly behind a few lapped cars and second place car would close in some on him, and then he would pull away again. It was a game of give and take.
It had been 190 races since Bowyer had last won, in October 2012 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. I was at the race and it was emotional for me, seeing as it was the first time I had been able to watch him in person go to Victory Lane. He had a good chance to break this losing streak here, and I was right here not far away from the start/finish line for it.
On lap 475 there were 25 laps to go. Bowyer was still leading and it did not look like any other car on the track had anything for him. I was in literal tears in the stands, on top of having trouble breathing. Again, I still told myself, although it doesn’t look like anyone else had anything for his car. It was still a short track with 25 laps to go, a lot could still happen. But, he wanted that Martinsville clock.
Five laps to go and he still had a lead. It almost looked like he might get caught due to some lap traffic. However, the way his car was there was not a chance. The white flag was in the air. I was trying to take pictures from the stands, as well as a video. My article needed some good pictures. I was in tears. Barring a last lap wreck this race was Bowyer's. The 190-race losing streak was gone. Coming out of turn four the No.14 takes the WINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN - He finally has a Martinsville Clock.
Clint Bowyer lead 215 laps. He is in the All-Star Race. He is in the Playoffs for the first time since 2015. Here is to more wins this year. Bowyer is back, with the right equipment.
During the victory celebration he got the checkered flag. As he turned to walk back to his car, to move it to the start/finish line for Victory Lane, his wife, kids, and brother were coming towards him down the front stretch. His 3 year old son Cash Bowyer started to run towards him as he started running towards his son. This moment was enough to break down.
He is the first driver to win in a Ford, Chevy, and Toyota in the Monster Energy Cup Series.
Bowyer is currently 8th in the point standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing Post Race Report
“This is a place where I’ve gotten so close. I wanted to win this grandfather clock (trophy) so bad. I got so close back in 2012. Obviously, Harvick came on strong at the end of last year, but it was a learning year for our team, the 14 bunch."
"For whatever reason, it felt right driving up here. It’s such a cool place to be able to drive up through the countryside on a two-lane road and think about the race. I told my son this morning, I was like, ‘Dammit, we’ve got to get our picture in victory lane.’ He told me he wanted a checkered flag."
"Let me tell you something, Gene Haas, Tony Stewart, to give this old dog a fresh chance and fresh blood with a new opportunity. Finally, to get the 14 in victory lane is just a weight off the shoulders. It’s been a long time. You start to question if you can get it done or not. To have it come at this place meant a lot."
"This place is an acquired taste. When I first got here, I was a duck out of water just like everybody else who starts here, at first. I learned from Jimmie Johnson and learned from Jeff Gordon – sometimes the hard way – but, nonetheless, I learned over the years and finally put it to good use. To keep Kyle Busch, one of the best in the business, behind you in those closing laps, the nerves were through the roof."
"It’s unbelievable how it all came true and to have everybody here. The dirt boys, they had a good weekend, and I told them guys to come up here and that we were gonna have a good one. Mobil 1, the technology they gave us is second to none. It’s awesome. To watch those Haas F1 cars run as good as they did this weekend, and then all four of our Stewart-Haas cars had a good weekend, so it was a great weekend for the Stewart-Haas company.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Monday, March 26th, 2018
Martinsville Speedway
Martinsville, Virginia
130, 130, 240 = 500 laps
First Win After a 190-Race Winless Streak
Snow! Snow! Go Away! We really want to race Sunday. The tail end of a NorEaster storm was set to cause problems in Martinsville, Virginia. Impending weather of up to a foot of snow was set to hit Saturday afternoon, and hit it did. The Nascar Camping World Truck Series race was red flagged and all track activity was canceled for Saturday just 24 laps into the 250 lap race.
Qualifying for the Cup series would be set by owner's points. At least 8 inches or more of snow was dropped on Martinsville overnight and into Sunday morning. This was more than the area was anticipating, and due to emergency personnel being needed elsewhere away from the track, NASCAR and Martinsville Speedway made the call at 7am, Sunday morning. The truck race would run at 11am Monday morning. The Cup race would run at 2pm on Monday. NASCAR called a lap 50 competition caution for the Cup race.
Clint Bowyer was set to start the race from the 9th position. He would move his way into the 8th position by lap 10. He would lose the 7th position to teammate Kevin Harvick on lap 26. On lap 30 Bowyer reported he brushed the wall, and that his car needed more forward drive. He had lost another position and was back in the 9th position. By the 1st caution on lap 50, the competition caution, Bowyer was scored in the 10th position. He would pit for four tires, fuel, and adjustments to help create more rear grip. The race would restart again on lap 55. After making changes to his car during the pit stop, the No. 14 Haas Automation Ford started to come to life, he broke the top 5 on lap 94.
The 2nd caution flag would fly on lap 130, signaling the end of segment one. Bowyer would be scored in the 5th position gaining 6 bonus points. He would pit under caution for four tires, fuel, as well as an air pressure adjustment to help with forward grip towards the end of the run. His crew would get him off pit road in the 5th position ready for the restart on lap 140. Bowyer would work his way, picking through the top 5 and claim the 3rd position on lap 176. He would continue his charge to the front making the pass for 2nd on lap 195, he was 2 seconds behind the first place car.
Bowyer would be scored in the 2nd position at the time of the 3rd caution signaling the end of segment two. He would gain another 9 bonus points. This 2nd place stage finish was only bettered by his winning the 2nd segment last July in Pocono. He would pit to the attention of the crew and crew chief Mike Bugarewicz. I almost had a mini heart attack in the stands, as the scoring pylon was trying to fix itself. I almost thought the 14 had come out of the pits in the 10th position.
I was like what happened? There was not any word about it on the radio. Then I realized it had fixed itself and he was scored in the 3rd position only losing one position on pit road. The crew would inform him that he was short on fuel to the end by 3 gallons. This was almost heart breaking. His car was looking better and better with each run. However, it’s a short track, a lot of things can happen. He should be able to pit before something bad happens and he runs out of gas. The race would restart on lap 270.
The No.14 would be fast as it would only take Wheel Man 15 laps, and on lap 285, he would take the lead. Of course with Bowyer taking the lead, I was in the stands super excited, but reminding myself there was still over 200 laps remaining in the race. It was a short track, a lot could happen, and we were 3 gallons short on fuel. I had faith in the team that it would be ok, but it’s a short track.
As he began to pull away from the field, he quickly led more laps at Martinsville than he had in the past three seasons combined. By lap 322 he would extend his lead over 2nd place driver Kyle Busch to over one second. He would be quiet on the radio as he was concentrating and trying to work his way around lapped track, as well as lapping other lead lap cars.
The 4th caution of the race would take place on lap 385 for the No.1 car of Jamie McMurray would end up spun around and in the outside wall. Bowyer would ask for no changes. The crew would give him a good clean money stop with just four tires and fuel. This would take away the short of fuel factor. The field, as well as, Bowyer would be good to go until the end.
He would narrowly beat the No.18 of Kyle Busch off of pit road. That dodged two bullets, now he needed to dodge a third bullet and get a great restart on lap 390. He got the restart he needed. He was consistently a tenth to a tenth and a half quicker each lap. Spotter Brett Griffin was talking through the traffic.
From the stands, once lap 450 hit, I honestly could not breathe. I was still telling myself that it was a short track and there were still 50 laps to go, a lot could still happen. He would get stuck briefly behind a few lapped cars and second place car would close in some on him, and then he would pull away again. It was a game of give and take.
It had been 190 races since Bowyer had last won, in October 2012 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. I was at the race and it was emotional for me, seeing as it was the first time I had been able to watch him in person go to Victory Lane. He had a good chance to break this losing streak here, and I was right here not far away from the start/finish line for it.
On lap 475 there were 25 laps to go. Bowyer was still leading and it did not look like any other car on the track had anything for him. I was in literal tears in the stands, on top of having trouble breathing. Again, I still told myself, although it doesn’t look like anyone else had anything for his car. It was still a short track with 25 laps to go, a lot could still happen. But, he wanted that Martinsville clock.
Five laps to go and he still had a lead. It almost looked like he might get caught due to some lap traffic. However, the way his car was there was not a chance. The white flag was in the air. I was trying to take pictures from the stands, as well as a video. My article needed some good pictures. I was in tears. Barring a last lap wreck this race was Bowyer's. The 190-race losing streak was gone. Coming out of turn four the No.14 takes the WINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN - He finally has a Martinsville Clock.
Clint Bowyer lead 215 laps. He is in the All-Star Race. He is in the Playoffs for the first time since 2015. Here is to more wins this year. Bowyer is back, with the right equipment.
During the victory celebration he got the checkered flag. As he turned to walk back to his car, to move it to the start/finish line for Victory Lane, his wife, kids, and brother were coming towards him down the front stretch. His 3 year old son Cash Bowyer started to run towards him as he started running towards his son. This moment was enough to break down.
He is the first driver to win in a Ford, Chevy, and Toyota in the Monster Energy Cup Series.
Bowyer is currently 8th in the point standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing Post Race Report
“This is a place where I’ve gotten so close. I wanted to win this grandfather clock (trophy) so bad. I got so close back in 2012. Obviously, Harvick came on strong at the end of last year, but it was a learning year for our team, the 14 bunch."
"For whatever reason, it felt right driving up here. It’s such a cool place to be able to drive up through the countryside on a two-lane road and think about the race. I told my son this morning, I was like, ‘Dammit, we’ve got to get our picture in victory lane.’ He told me he wanted a checkered flag."
"Let me tell you something, Gene Haas, Tony Stewart, to give this old dog a fresh chance and fresh blood with a new opportunity. Finally, to get the 14 in victory lane is just a weight off the shoulders. It’s been a long time. You start to question if you can get it done or not. To have it come at this place meant a lot."
"This place is an acquired taste. When I first got here, I was a duck out of water just like everybody else who starts here, at first. I learned from Jimmie Johnson and learned from Jeff Gordon – sometimes the hard way – but, nonetheless, I learned over the years and finally put it to good use. To keep Kyle Busch, one of the best in the business, behind you in those closing laps, the nerves were through the roof."
"It’s unbelievable how it all came true and to have everybody here. The dirt boys, they had a good weekend, and I told them guys to come up here and that we were gonna have a good one. Mobil 1, the technology they gave us is second to none. It’s awesome. To watch those Haas F1 cars run as good as they did this weekend, and then all four of our Stewart-Haas cars had a good weekend, so it was a great weekend for the Stewart-Haas company.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
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STP 500 Preview
March 22, 2018
Martinsville Speedway
Martinsville, Virginia
Sunday, March 25th, 2018
130, 130, 240 laps = 500 laps
Completed: 1947
Track Length: 0.526 miles
Shape: Oval
The Martinsville Speedway is commonly known as the “Paper Clip”. There are pit boxes on the front stretch and also on the back stretch. Pit road being laid out this way is what gives the track its nickname. It is the only track that has hosted a Cup series race since the beginning of the Cup series in 1949. It is NASCAR’s shortest track on the circuit. Notably, the track recently announced that they will be adding LED lighting next year for a night time race.
Clint Bowyer has 24 starts at Martinsville. He has qualified as low as 42nd in his first start there (spring, 2006) and as high as 3rd (spring, 2009). Bowyer has no Cup series wins at the track but would love to add a Cup series Martinsville Grandfather Clock to his trophy case. He does have one 2nd place finish, back in April of 2013. He has 4 top 5’s, and 12 top 10 finishes, but has also finished as low as 43rd. He has recorded only 2 DNF’s out of his 24 attempts, that 43rd place finish being one of them. Bowyer has led a total of 356 laps at Martinsville. His No. 14 Ford Fusion will be sponsored by Haas Automation this weekend.
This weekend could have some delays with it, as there is the tail end of the most recent nor'easter winter storm passing over Martinsville. It looks like a snow shower Sunday morning, turning into a nice afternoon for the race. If you are going to the track, be careful and dress warmly. Watch out for icy roads. Here is to hoping Bowyer can find victory lane this weekend.
I will be at the track with live updates, so pay attention to all of the Ladies of Speed social media accounts for track side updates. @CrystalDTitus is my twitter account, or @LOSdotOrg on all social media platforms.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
March 22, 2018
Martinsville Speedway
Martinsville, Virginia
Sunday, March 25th, 2018
130, 130, 240 laps = 500 laps
Completed: 1947
Track Length: 0.526 miles
Shape: Oval
The Martinsville Speedway is commonly known as the “Paper Clip”. There are pit boxes on the front stretch and also on the back stretch. Pit road being laid out this way is what gives the track its nickname. It is the only track that has hosted a Cup series race since the beginning of the Cup series in 1949. It is NASCAR’s shortest track on the circuit. Notably, the track recently announced that they will be adding LED lighting next year for a night time race.
Clint Bowyer has 24 starts at Martinsville. He has qualified as low as 42nd in his first start there (spring, 2006) and as high as 3rd (spring, 2009). Bowyer has no Cup series wins at the track but would love to add a Cup series Martinsville Grandfather Clock to his trophy case. He does have one 2nd place finish, back in April of 2013. He has 4 top 5’s, and 12 top 10 finishes, but has also finished as low as 43rd. He has recorded only 2 DNF’s out of his 24 attempts, that 43rd place finish being one of them. Bowyer has led a total of 356 laps at Martinsville. His No. 14 Ford Fusion will be sponsored by Haas Automation this weekend.
This weekend could have some delays with it, as there is the tail end of the most recent nor'easter winter storm passing over Martinsville. It looks like a snow shower Sunday morning, turning into a nice afternoon for the race. If you are going to the track, be careful and dress warmly. Watch out for icy roads. Here is to hoping Bowyer can find victory lane this weekend.
I will be at the track with live updates, so pay attention to all of the Ladies of Speed social media accounts for track side updates. @CrystalDTitus is my twitter account, or @LOSdotOrg on all social media platforms.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Auto Club 400
March 18, 2018
Auto Club Speedway
Fontana, California
60, 60, 80 laps = 200 laps
Clint Bowyer qualified 26th for Sunday’s Auto Club 400 at Fontana, due to a large portion of the field not passing pre-qualifying inspection in time, Bowyer included. This was not a true test of his qualifying position. His car was much better than where he would start. There was also a bit of rain at the track. However, it was not enough to warrant a competition caution.
On lap 1 Bowyer’s car would take off like a rocket and he would go from the 26th position to the 16th position. In the early laps of the race he would inform his team that his car was junk in turns 3 and 4. He had fallen back two positions to 18th on lap 10. Spotter Brett Griffin would inform the team that Bowyer was so late getting back on the gas in turn 1 and 2 from the center off.
Green flag pit stops came upon the field on lap 27. Bowyer pitted for four tires and fuel. The crew made big adjustments to help his car turn. The 1st caution of the race flew on lap 37 as the No. 4 car of Kevin Harvick slid across the back stretch due to contact with the No. 42 car of Kyle Larson. Bowyer seemed to have his handling issues fixed and was turning top 10 lap times. He inquired about the caution, “Who had trouble?” Spotter Brett Griffin answered, “4 side drafting the 42.” Bowyer pitted for four tires and fuel under the caution. He was ready for the race restart on lap 40 in the 17th position. Bowyer would break into the top-10 for the first time in the race on lap 56.
The 2nd caution flew on lap 60, signaling the end of the first segment. He was scored in the 9th position, gaining 2 bonus points. The team pitted under caution and the crew made air and wedge adjustments to help the car turn better. Bowyer was ready for the race restart in the 15th position, after leaving the pits in the 6th position. The race restarted on lap 67.
The second stage began and the No.14 Rush Truck Centers Ford Fusion began to come to life. Bowyer raced his way back to the top 10 by lap 77. The crew constantly told him that his lap times were fast. By lap 88, the second round of green flag pit stops had begun. Bowyer hit pit road from the 9th position for adjustments to help his car turn into the corners. He was still pretty happy with his car at this point. As the field cycled through, he remained in the 9th position.
The 3rd caution flew on lap 110 as the No. 6 car of Trevor Bayne hit the wall. Bowyer pitted under caution from the 9th position for an air and wedge adjustment. He would be ready for the race restart on lap 113 from the 11th position. This run was a short 7 laps as the field was racing to the end of the 2nd segment. The 4th caution flew on lap 120, signaling the end of segment 2. Bowyer was again scored in the 9th position, gaining 2 more bonus points. He would restart the race on lap 126 from the 10th position. The driver reported to his pit crew that he had contact with another car. The crew responded that the damage was not much, however.
The 5th caution flew on lap 128 for the No. 38 car of David Ragan scrubbing the outside wall. Bowyer was scored in the 7th position, his highest position of the day. He pitted again under caution for four tires and fuel. The race would restart on lap 131, with Bowyer scored in the 10th position.
On lap 160, the No. 14 Ford Fusion would pit under green once again. Bowyer needed some help with the front end, still scored in the 9th position. The field cycled through green flag pit stops, and his crew informed him to take care of his tires. Bowyer continued to ride around in the 9th position as the race closed in on the final laps. With less than 10 laps remaining in the race, the driver felt like he had a tire going down as he dropped back two positions to 11th.
Bowyer would hold on to his tires and finish in the 11th position.
Race Winner Martin Truex, Jr.
Clint Bowyer is currently 9th in the point standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing Post Race report:
“We got really lucky to finish this race today. That tire was coming apart, and I didn’t think we had any chance of making it to the checkered flag – but it did. We wanted more than 11th and, at times today, we were really good. We got some stage points, but we have some work to do. We’ll be ready for Martinsville.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
March 18, 2018
Auto Club Speedway
Fontana, California
60, 60, 80 laps = 200 laps
Clint Bowyer qualified 26th for Sunday’s Auto Club 400 at Fontana, due to a large portion of the field not passing pre-qualifying inspection in time, Bowyer included. This was not a true test of his qualifying position. His car was much better than where he would start. There was also a bit of rain at the track. However, it was not enough to warrant a competition caution.
On lap 1 Bowyer’s car would take off like a rocket and he would go from the 26th position to the 16th position. In the early laps of the race he would inform his team that his car was junk in turns 3 and 4. He had fallen back two positions to 18th on lap 10. Spotter Brett Griffin would inform the team that Bowyer was so late getting back on the gas in turn 1 and 2 from the center off.
Green flag pit stops came upon the field on lap 27. Bowyer pitted for four tires and fuel. The crew made big adjustments to help his car turn. The 1st caution of the race flew on lap 37 as the No. 4 car of Kevin Harvick slid across the back stretch due to contact with the No. 42 car of Kyle Larson. Bowyer seemed to have his handling issues fixed and was turning top 10 lap times. He inquired about the caution, “Who had trouble?” Spotter Brett Griffin answered, “4 side drafting the 42.” Bowyer pitted for four tires and fuel under the caution. He was ready for the race restart on lap 40 in the 17th position. Bowyer would break into the top-10 for the first time in the race on lap 56.
The 2nd caution flew on lap 60, signaling the end of the first segment. He was scored in the 9th position, gaining 2 bonus points. The team pitted under caution and the crew made air and wedge adjustments to help the car turn better. Bowyer was ready for the race restart in the 15th position, after leaving the pits in the 6th position. The race restarted on lap 67.
The second stage began and the No.14 Rush Truck Centers Ford Fusion began to come to life. Bowyer raced his way back to the top 10 by lap 77. The crew constantly told him that his lap times were fast. By lap 88, the second round of green flag pit stops had begun. Bowyer hit pit road from the 9th position for adjustments to help his car turn into the corners. He was still pretty happy with his car at this point. As the field cycled through, he remained in the 9th position.
The 3rd caution flew on lap 110 as the No. 6 car of Trevor Bayne hit the wall. Bowyer pitted under caution from the 9th position for an air and wedge adjustment. He would be ready for the race restart on lap 113 from the 11th position. This run was a short 7 laps as the field was racing to the end of the 2nd segment. The 4th caution flew on lap 120, signaling the end of segment 2. Bowyer was again scored in the 9th position, gaining 2 more bonus points. He would restart the race on lap 126 from the 10th position. The driver reported to his pit crew that he had contact with another car. The crew responded that the damage was not much, however.
The 5th caution flew on lap 128 for the No. 38 car of David Ragan scrubbing the outside wall. Bowyer was scored in the 7th position, his highest position of the day. He pitted again under caution for four tires and fuel. The race would restart on lap 131, with Bowyer scored in the 10th position.
On lap 160, the No. 14 Ford Fusion would pit under green once again. Bowyer needed some help with the front end, still scored in the 9th position. The field cycled through green flag pit stops, and his crew informed him to take care of his tires. Bowyer continued to ride around in the 9th position as the race closed in on the final laps. With less than 10 laps remaining in the race, the driver felt like he had a tire going down as he dropped back two positions to 11th.
Bowyer would hold on to his tires and finish in the 11th position.
Race Winner Martin Truex, Jr.
Clint Bowyer is currently 9th in the point standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing Post Race report:
“We got really lucky to finish this race today. That tire was coming apart, and I didn’t think we had any chance of making it to the checkered flag – but it did. We wanted more than 11th and, at times today, we were really good. We got some stage points, but we have some work to do. We’ll be ready for Martinsville.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Auto Club 400 Preview
March 16, 2018
Auto Club Speedway
Fontana, California
Sunday March 18th, 2018
60, 60, 80 laps = 200 laps
Track Length: 2 miles
Shape: D-shaped oval
Banking in the turns: 14 degrees
Track Width: 75 feet wide plus 15 foot apron
Clint Bowyer has 17 starts at Fontana and, out of those 17 starts, he has compiled 3 top 5’s, and 8 top 10’s, while only recording 1 DNF. He has qualified as high as 3rd (2006 fall and 2010 spring) and as low as 32nd (2006 spring), with his average starting position being around 14th. He has led a total of 47 laps at this west coast track. While his average finish is also around the 14th spot, he finished 3rd here last year. So far this year Bowyer has had some great runs. We look for him to get in to victory lane soon. This week his sponsor will be Rush Truck Centers.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
March 16, 2018
Auto Club Speedway
Fontana, California
Sunday March 18th, 2018
60, 60, 80 laps = 200 laps
Track Length: 2 miles
Shape: D-shaped oval
Banking in the turns: 14 degrees
Track Width: 75 feet wide plus 15 foot apron
Clint Bowyer has 17 starts at Fontana and, out of those 17 starts, he has compiled 3 top 5’s, and 8 top 10’s, while only recording 1 DNF. He has qualified as high as 3rd (2006 fall and 2010 spring) and as low as 32nd (2006 spring), with his average starting position being around 14th. He has led a total of 47 laps at this west coast track. While his average finish is also around the 14th spot, he finished 3rd here last year. So far this year Bowyer has had some great runs. We look for him to get in to victory lane soon. This week his sponsor will be Rush Truck Centers.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
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Ticket Guardian 500
March 11, 2018
ISM Raceway
Avondale, AZ
75,75,162 = 312 laps
Clint Bowyer qualified 19th for Sunday's race in his Haas Automation No.14 Ford Fusion. It rained, imagine that. Wait, what, rain in the desert, oh yeah NASCAR race. The saying goes if you need rain just have a NASCAR race. There was rain the night before and the morning of the race, warranting a competition caution on lap 35.
Bowyer had moved up to the 15th position by lap 19. His radio was fairly quiet in the early going of the race. The 1st caution would fly on lap 25 for the No.72 car of Corey LaJoie blowing up. Bowyer had lost one spot and was scored in the 16th position. NASCAR informed the crews that this caution would count as the competition caution. Bowyer would hit pit road for four tires and fuel, and no other adjustments. Bowyer would inform his crew on lap 28, “We are pretty good. Obviously loose, but other cars are coming to us.”
Crew chief Mike Bugarewicz told his driver on lap 45, “You are really good here, we’ll get more on the long runs.” Bowyer was scored in the 13th position. His radio was quiet once again. He was quietly working his way up through the field. With 7 laps remaining in segment one, Bowyer was scored in the 11th position. He informed his team he was a little loose rear grip wise, and that the rear tires had burnt off.
The 2nd caution of the race would fly on lap 75 signaling the end of segment one. Clint was just shy of breaking into the top 10 before the caution. He would hit pit road under caution asking for a tear off and a water bottle. He would restart 12th on the lap 83 restart.
On the restart spotter Brett Griffin told the team that Bowyer had gotten into the No.1 of Jamie McMurray and lost the white letters on the right front tire. By lap 99 the No.14 would enter the top 10 for the first time of the race.
The 3rd caution of the race would fly on lap 121 for the No.42 of Kyle Larson spinning. Bowyer was scored in the 10th position. He would inform his crew that he might have minor front fender damage from contact with another car. The team also reversed the air changes from the last stop, as well as, gave him four tires and fuel when he hit pit road under caution. He would be ready for the lap 126 restart in 9th position.
The 4th caution of the race would fly on lap 143 for the No.37 car of Chris Buescher getting into the wall. There would only be a quicky yellow, as he was able to drive to pit road. The No.14 was still scored in the 9th position. He would inform the crew under caution on lap 148 that his car was still a bit loose. He would pit for four tires and fuel. The race would go green for one lap, racing for the end of segment two at lap 150.
Caution flag No.5 would fly on lap 150 signaling the end of segment two. Bowyer would be scored 9th. The team chose not to pit under the stage caution and he moved up to the 4th position for the lap 163 restart. He was as fast as the leader, his teammate Kevin Harvick, and holding his own in the 4th position still on lap 182.
Caution flag No. 6 would fly on lap 190 for the No.21 car of Paul Menard having problems. The No.14 was still scored in the 4th position. He would pit under caution for four tires and fuel. Bowyer would inform the team he was making time up in turn three and four, but struggling in turn one and two. He would be ready for the restart on lap 198 from the 12th position.
The No.14 was the fastest car on the track on lap 223. He had moved back into the top 10, running top-5 lap times. He would be on a mission to get through the field as he would race his way to the 7th position by lap 243. He was turning really good lap times, catching the leaders. The wheelman was up to 7th by lap 250.
Green flag pit stops would be upon the field at lap 255. He would continue trying to catch the field, however he would be stuck around the 7th position. Bugarewicz would remind him, with 25 laps remaining in the race, that he was at the point in the run where his car took off in the last green flag run. Bowyer would gain one more position by the end of the race.
Bowyer finished 6th to race winner Kevin Harvick..
Clint Bowyer is now 9th in points.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“It was a solid day. We just have to get better as a team. I buried us a little bit in qualifying. It was a good run for us; a good run for Stewart-Haas Racing. We weren’t very good here last year. We sucked as a matter of fact, so that is a breath of fresh air after stubbing our toe last week. Having a good run today is definitely some positive mojo going.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
March 11, 2018
ISM Raceway
Avondale, AZ
75,75,162 = 312 laps
Clint Bowyer qualified 19th for Sunday's race in his Haas Automation No.14 Ford Fusion. It rained, imagine that. Wait, what, rain in the desert, oh yeah NASCAR race. The saying goes if you need rain just have a NASCAR race. There was rain the night before and the morning of the race, warranting a competition caution on lap 35.
Bowyer had moved up to the 15th position by lap 19. His radio was fairly quiet in the early going of the race. The 1st caution would fly on lap 25 for the No.72 car of Corey LaJoie blowing up. Bowyer had lost one spot and was scored in the 16th position. NASCAR informed the crews that this caution would count as the competition caution. Bowyer would hit pit road for four tires and fuel, and no other adjustments. Bowyer would inform his crew on lap 28, “We are pretty good. Obviously loose, but other cars are coming to us.”
Crew chief Mike Bugarewicz told his driver on lap 45, “You are really good here, we’ll get more on the long runs.” Bowyer was scored in the 13th position. His radio was quiet once again. He was quietly working his way up through the field. With 7 laps remaining in segment one, Bowyer was scored in the 11th position. He informed his team he was a little loose rear grip wise, and that the rear tires had burnt off.
The 2nd caution of the race would fly on lap 75 signaling the end of segment one. Clint was just shy of breaking into the top 10 before the caution. He would hit pit road under caution asking for a tear off and a water bottle. He would restart 12th on the lap 83 restart.
On the restart spotter Brett Griffin told the team that Bowyer had gotten into the No.1 of Jamie McMurray and lost the white letters on the right front tire. By lap 99 the No.14 would enter the top 10 for the first time of the race.
The 3rd caution of the race would fly on lap 121 for the No.42 of Kyle Larson spinning. Bowyer was scored in the 10th position. He would inform his crew that he might have minor front fender damage from contact with another car. The team also reversed the air changes from the last stop, as well as, gave him four tires and fuel when he hit pit road under caution. He would be ready for the lap 126 restart in 9th position.
The 4th caution of the race would fly on lap 143 for the No.37 car of Chris Buescher getting into the wall. There would only be a quicky yellow, as he was able to drive to pit road. The No.14 was still scored in the 9th position. He would inform the crew under caution on lap 148 that his car was still a bit loose. He would pit for four tires and fuel. The race would go green for one lap, racing for the end of segment two at lap 150.
Caution flag No.5 would fly on lap 150 signaling the end of segment two. Bowyer would be scored 9th. The team chose not to pit under the stage caution and he moved up to the 4th position for the lap 163 restart. He was as fast as the leader, his teammate Kevin Harvick, and holding his own in the 4th position still on lap 182.
Caution flag No. 6 would fly on lap 190 for the No.21 car of Paul Menard having problems. The No.14 was still scored in the 4th position. He would pit under caution for four tires and fuel. Bowyer would inform the team he was making time up in turn three and four, but struggling in turn one and two. He would be ready for the restart on lap 198 from the 12th position.
The No.14 was the fastest car on the track on lap 223. He had moved back into the top 10, running top-5 lap times. He would be on a mission to get through the field as he would race his way to the 7th position by lap 243. He was turning really good lap times, catching the leaders. The wheelman was up to 7th by lap 250.
Green flag pit stops would be upon the field at lap 255. He would continue trying to catch the field, however he would be stuck around the 7th position. Bugarewicz would remind him, with 25 laps remaining in the race, that he was at the point in the run where his car took off in the last green flag run. Bowyer would gain one more position by the end of the race.
Bowyer finished 6th to race winner Kevin Harvick..
Clint Bowyer is now 9th in points.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s Stewart-Haas Racing post-race report:
“It was a solid day. We just have to get better as a team. I buried us a little bit in qualifying. It was a good run for us; a good run for Stewart-Haas Racing. We weren’t very good here last year. We sucked as a matter of fact, so that is a breath of fresh air after stubbing our toe last week. Having a good run today is definitely some positive mojo going.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Ready for anything □#TicketGuardian500 pic.twitter.com/zB3YOSeFme
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) March 11, 2018
Ticket Guardian 500 Preview
March 8, 2018
ISM Raceway
Avondale, AZ
Sunday March 11, 2018
75,75,162 = 312 laps
Completed: January 1964
Distance: 1 mile
Shape: Oval
Banking (variable): 10°-11° in Turns 1-2
10°-11° in Backstretch
Dogleg
8°-9° in Turns 3-4
3° on the frontstretch
9° on the backstretch
Frontstretch Length: 1,179 feet
Backstretch Length: 1,551 feet
Pit Road Length: 1,140 feet
Clint Bowyer will be sponsored by Haas Automation this week. He has 25 starts at Phoenix International Raceway. He has qualified as high as 6th and as low as 35th. He as finished as high as 2nd place and as low as 40th. He has 6 top-10 finishes, and 2 top 5s, with 3 DNFs.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
March 8, 2018
ISM Raceway
Avondale, AZ
Sunday March 11, 2018
75,75,162 = 312 laps
Completed: January 1964
Distance: 1 mile
Shape: Oval
Banking (variable): 10°-11° in Turns 1-2
10°-11° in Backstretch
Dogleg
8°-9° in Turns 3-4
3° on the frontstretch
9° on the backstretch
Frontstretch Length: 1,179 feet
Backstretch Length: 1,551 feet
Pit Road Length: 1,140 feet
Clint Bowyer will be sponsored by Haas Automation this week. He has 25 starts at Phoenix International Raceway. He has qualified as high as 6th and as low as 35th. He as finished as high as 2nd place and as low as 40th. He has 6 top-10 finishes, and 2 top 5s, with 3 DNFs.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
.@ClintBowyer arrives at @ISMRaceway with momentum after running well in the season’s opening 3 races. With SHR riding a string of wins heading into the weekend, Bowyer hopes he can add his name to the team's 2018 victors list at Phoenix. https://t.co/o2ciQ9Cjgy#NASCARGoesWest pic.twitter.com/0wEBH3HwK3
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) March 6, 2018
Pennzoil 400
March 4th, 2018
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
80,80,107= 267
Clint Bowyer qualified the One Cure Ford Fusion in the 11th position for Sunday's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. By lap 10 he had raced his way up to the 9th position and was quiet on the radio, until he informed the team, "Can't roll the center." His car continued to give him problems as it was really loose on lap 17.
He was complaining of no rear grip like most of the other drivers on the track. Bowyer was back into the 10th position again. On lap 33 he also informed the team, "Can't run in the center at all, like yesterday." Green flag pit stops were upon the field and he needed some help. He would hit pit road on lap 38 for four tires, fuel, and adjustments to help his car in the center of the corners.
The 1st caution of the race would fly on lap 80 signaling the end of stage one. Bowyer was scored in the 14th position. During the stage caution, Bowyer pitted, for the crew to make major adjustments to help with the handling. He only lost one position on pit road. The caution was elongated by two laps to allow the track clean-up crew to clean up tire debris from someone who lost a tire under the stage caution. Bowyer would restart the race on lap 88 from the 15th position. There were only 16 cars left on the lead lap.
Just before the next round on green flag pit stops, Bowyer told crew chief Mike Bugarewicz, “I can’t hold any speed across the center.” He would call the No.14 Ford Fusion to pit road under green flag conditions on lap 121. Bowyer was running in the 14th position at the time. When Bowyer left pit road he questioned about all the lug nuts. Bugarewicz informed him, “Definitely got all 4 tight.” Bowyer said, “Okay, you sure?” Bugarewicz told him, “As far as we can tell.”
As the laps ran on Bowyer still felt that something was wrong with the car. He informed the crew, "I'm going to have to come here, get ready." The left side tires were giving him a fit. He had to hit pit road on lap 134. Spotter Brett Griffin told him, "You're on your own for a couple of laps, I'm going to talk to Fedewa." Timmy Fedewa is teammate Kevin Harvick, the race leader's, spotter. He wanted to inform the 4 team what was wrong with the 14 team, as well as, to see if the team could help them out of going any more laps down. After Bowyer pitted Bugarwicz told him, "Definitely, left rear was loose there bud." He was running in the 21st position one lap down.
The 2nd caution flag would fly on lap 160 signaling the end of the second stage. Bowyer was scored in the 20th position one lap down. He was the 2nd to the last car one lap down. The driver was not happy at all. "It's a shame, (explicit). We just got the car to where it was waking up," the crew chief said as he was trying to be a cheerleader for the team. Bowyer would restart in the 18th position on lap 166.
The 3rd caution would fly on lap 176 for the 1 car of Jamie McMurray hitting the wall in turn 3. Bowyer was scored in the 19th position. He would hit pit road under caution in the 20th position, still one lap down. His spotter warned him that the field would race pretty hard on the restart and tear things up. Bowyer would restart in the 17th position on lap 182. He was the third car in line to earn the free pass.
Almost immediately after the green flag flew the 4th caution flag came out. The 41 of Kurt Busch and the 9 of Chase Elliott got tangled together. Bowyer was not happy, screaming explicit words as he acquired some damage on the right front quarter panel of his car. On lap 185, after looking at the front-end damage, the crew tells Bowyer that it "isn't that bad". They would make repairs when pit road was opened.
Bowyer was in 15th position and would use 1:45 minutes of their 6-minute caution clock. The winds at the track had shifted causing speedy dry at the track to become an issue, flying around. He would restart in the 19th position on lap 193. He was fifth in line for the free pass.
On lap 217 with 50 laps remaining, some cars were making their final green flag pit stops. The No.14 One Cure team was staying out on the track hoping to catch a caution. This would put them back on the lead lap and give the team the break they needed. However, this, unfortunately, didn't happen. Bowyer was on the lead lap in the 11th position on lap 230. He would have to make a pit stop on lap 247 for fuel and right side tires. He would end up stuck 2 laps down in the 18th position.
Bowyer would finish 2 laps down in the 18th position.
Race Winner Kevin Harvick.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing Las Vegas post-race report:
How important is consistency?
“I said it all offseason – what we have to do is get more consistent. Over the course of my career, that’s kind of what’s kept me in the game – consistency – and last year we were spraying it all over the place. We’d have a good run and back it up with a bad one or two bad ones and then a good one. We were all over the place. At Daytona, we dropped a cylinder and everybody was dejected and bummed out, and we went to Atlanta and SHR unloaded four fast cars and did a great job as a company. That’s what it takes. You’ve got to be able to unload good cars and then work together to fine-tune them to make them good for the race and enjoy that strength in numbers.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
March 4th, 2018
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
80,80,107= 267
Clint Bowyer qualified the One Cure Ford Fusion in the 11th position for Sunday's race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. By lap 10 he had raced his way up to the 9th position and was quiet on the radio, until he informed the team, "Can't roll the center." His car continued to give him problems as it was really loose on lap 17.
He was complaining of no rear grip like most of the other drivers on the track. Bowyer was back into the 10th position again. On lap 33 he also informed the team, "Can't run in the center at all, like yesterday." Green flag pit stops were upon the field and he needed some help. He would hit pit road on lap 38 for four tires, fuel, and adjustments to help his car in the center of the corners.
The 1st caution of the race would fly on lap 80 signaling the end of stage one. Bowyer was scored in the 14th position. During the stage caution, Bowyer pitted, for the crew to make major adjustments to help with the handling. He only lost one position on pit road. The caution was elongated by two laps to allow the track clean-up crew to clean up tire debris from someone who lost a tire under the stage caution. Bowyer would restart the race on lap 88 from the 15th position. There were only 16 cars left on the lead lap.
Just before the next round on green flag pit stops, Bowyer told crew chief Mike Bugarewicz, “I can’t hold any speed across the center.” He would call the No.14 Ford Fusion to pit road under green flag conditions on lap 121. Bowyer was running in the 14th position at the time. When Bowyer left pit road he questioned about all the lug nuts. Bugarewicz informed him, “Definitely got all 4 tight.” Bowyer said, “Okay, you sure?” Bugarewicz told him, “As far as we can tell.”
As the laps ran on Bowyer still felt that something was wrong with the car. He informed the crew, "I'm going to have to come here, get ready." The left side tires were giving him a fit. He had to hit pit road on lap 134. Spotter Brett Griffin told him, "You're on your own for a couple of laps, I'm going to talk to Fedewa." Timmy Fedewa is teammate Kevin Harvick, the race leader's, spotter. He wanted to inform the 4 team what was wrong with the 14 team, as well as, to see if the team could help them out of going any more laps down. After Bowyer pitted Bugarwicz told him, "Definitely, left rear was loose there bud." He was running in the 21st position one lap down.
The 2nd caution flag would fly on lap 160 signaling the end of the second stage. Bowyer was scored in the 20th position one lap down. He was the 2nd to the last car one lap down. The driver was not happy at all. "It's a shame, (explicit). We just got the car to where it was waking up," the crew chief said as he was trying to be a cheerleader for the team. Bowyer would restart in the 18th position on lap 166.
The 3rd caution would fly on lap 176 for the 1 car of Jamie McMurray hitting the wall in turn 3. Bowyer was scored in the 19th position. He would hit pit road under caution in the 20th position, still one lap down. His spotter warned him that the field would race pretty hard on the restart and tear things up. Bowyer would restart in the 17th position on lap 182. He was the third car in line to earn the free pass.
Almost immediately after the green flag flew the 4th caution flag came out. The 41 of Kurt Busch and the 9 of Chase Elliott got tangled together. Bowyer was not happy, screaming explicit words as he acquired some damage on the right front quarter panel of his car. On lap 185, after looking at the front-end damage, the crew tells Bowyer that it "isn't that bad". They would make repairs when pit road was opened.
Bowyer was in 15th position and would use 1:45 minutes of their 6-minute caution clock. The winds at the track had shifted causing speedy dry at the track to become an issue, flying around. He would restart in the 19th position on lap 193. He was fifth in line for the free pass.
On lap 217 with 50 laps remaining, some cars were making their final green flag pit stops. The No.14 One Cure team was staying out on the track hoping to catch a caution. This would put them back on the lead lap and give the team the break they needed. However, this, unfortunately, didn't happen. Bowyer was on the lead lap in the 11th position on lap 230. He would have to make a pit stop on lap 247 for fuel and right side tires. He would end up stuck 2 laps down in the 18th position.
Bowyer would finish 2 laps down in the 18th position.
Race Winner Kevin Harvick.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing Las Vegas post-race report:
How important is consistency?
“I said it all offseason – what we have to do is get more consistent. Over the course of my career, that’s kind of what’s kept me in the game – consistency – and last year we were spraying it all over the place. We’d have a good run and back it up with a bad one or two bad ones and then a good one. We were all over the place. At Daytona, we dropped a cylinder and everybody was dejected and bummed out, and we went to Atlanta and SHR unloaded four fast cars and did a great job as a company. That’s what it takes. You’ve got to be able to unload good cars and then work together to fine-tune them to make them good for the race and enjoy that strength in numbers.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Holy struggle! @BugaMike14 and the guys brought a good car. Weekend was pretty smooth sailing till today. Had to swing hard on the adjustments and finally got it to turning pretty good, then the wheels fell off...downhill from there! Silver lining take away is the Fords are fast
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) March 5, 2018
Penzoil 400 Preview
March 1, 2018
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Sunday, March 4th, 2018
80,80,107= 267
Track Length: 1.5 miles (267) laps
Banking on the Front Stretch: 9 degrees
Banking on the Back Stretch: 9 degrees.
Front stretch length: 2275 ft.
Back stretch length: 1572 ft.
Clint Bowyer has a new sponsor this week. It is “One Cure.” One Cure is a program that Colorado State University’s Animal Cancer Center works with. Not only are they doing good to help animals, they are also using their research on cancer in dogs and other animals, to help people. This is the first race of many this year with this sponsor on the hood.
He has 12 starts at Las Vegas. He has 1 top 5, 4 top 10s, and no DNFs. He has finished as low as 36th. He has qualified as high as 2nd and as low as 36. He has led a total of 17 laps.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway has not been particularly good to Bowyer. So here is hoping the momentum from Atlanta helps. We know he has a good car. He can finish strong, and hopefully in Victory Lane. He may have finishes all over the board, but we have faith in him that he can run well. He is a very talented driver.
A quote from Clint Bowyers Stewart-Haas Racing, Las Vegas race advance:
“This is a real honor to carry the One Cure paint scheme and spread the word on all the good work Colorado State’s Flint Animal Cancer Center is doing,” Bowyer said. “Anyone who knows me or hangs around me knows how much I love animals, whether it’s our dogs or farm animals. So, helping animals is important to me but, when you can take what you know from animals and translate it to us humans, that’s just amazing and important for all of us.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
March 1, 2018
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Sunday, March 4th, 2018
80,80,107= 267
Track Length: 1.5 miles (267) laps
Banking on the Front Stretch: 9 degrees
Banking on the Back Stretch: 9 degrees.
Front stretch length: 2275 ft.
Back stretch length: 1572 ft.
Clint Bowyer has a new sponsor this week. It is “One Cure.” One Cure is a program that Colorado State University’s Animal Cancer Center works with. Not only are they doing good to help animals, they are also using their research on cancer in dogs and other animals, to help people. This is the first race of many this year with this sponsor on the hood.
He has 12 starts at Las Vegas. He has 1 top 5, 4 top 10s, and no DNFs. He has finished as low as 36th. He has qualified as high as 2nd and as low as 36. He has led a total of 17 laps.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway has not been particularly good to Bowyer. So here is hoping the momentum from Atlanta helps. We know he has a good car. He can finish strong, and hopefully in Victory Lane. He may have finishes all over the board, but we have faith in him that he can run well. He is a very talented driver.
A quote from Clint Bowyers Stewart-Haas Racing, Las Vegas race advance:
“This is a real honor to carry the One Cure paint scheme and spread the word on all the good work Colorado State’s Flint Animal Cancer Center is doing,” Bowyer said. “Anyone who knows me or hangs around me knows how much I love animals, whether it’s our dogs or farm animals. So, helping animals is important to me but, when you can take what you know from animals and translate it to us humans, that’s just amazing and important for all of us.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
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Folds of Honor / QuikTrip 500
February 25th, 2018
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton, GA
85,85,155 = 325 laps
Rain, rain, rain, please go away. We want the race ran on Sunday. The race was supposed to start at 2:00 pm eastern time. However, with the threat of rain, it was moved up to 1:00 pm. The rain had other plans. It was 2:30 pm before driver introductions would start. The green flag would fly right around 3:00 pm. I was at the track and praying the race would get in because we didn't want to have to drive three hours on Monday back to the track, but we would do it if we had to.
Clint Bowyer qualified in the 9th position for Sunday’s QuikTrip Folds of Honor 500 in the No. 14 Haas Automation Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Fusion. The team expected the car to be better on the long runs for the race. On lap 14 Clint had made his way up to the 7th position. Spotter Brett Griffin would tell him he was the fastest car on the track by a tenth of a second on the last lap.
The 1st caution flag would fly on lap 30. This would be the competition caution. The No. 14 would be scored in the 7th position. He asked for no adjustments on the pit stop under caution, so he acquired four fresh tires and fuel. He would restart in the 12th position on lap 34. Bowyer continued to march his way towards the front as the green flag run commenced. On lap 62 and scored in the 4th position, his crew chief Mike Bugarewicz told him, “H*** of a lap. You are way faster than anyone else.” He would take over the 3rd position on lap 66. He would take over the 2nd position on lap 75 as his crew chief would commend him again.
The 2nd caution would fly on lap 85 signaling the end of segment one. Bowyer would gain 9 bonus points as he was scored in the 2nd position. Stewart-Haas Racing were in the top two positions on the track. There would be a total of 17 cars on the lead lap, 18 cars with the lucky dog. Under the caution the driver of the No.14 would ask for no changes, a windshield tear off, and a water bottle. He would leave pit road in an intense three-wide battle, settling for 2nd position, for the lap 92 restart. The team would say that they still needed to get better to beat teammate Kevin Harvick.
On lap 99 Bowyer would be scored in the 7th position reporting, “It’s definitely looser for some reason.” The radio would be pretty quiet as he would fluctuate between 7th position and 8th position, as this green flag run moved along. He would make a green flag pit stop for four tires and fuel around lap 128.
The 3rd caution would fly on lap 158 for the No.48 car of Jimmie Johnson spinning on the backstretch. Under caution, he would pit for an air adjustment from the 8th position on the track. He would be ready for the lap 163 restart in the 10th position. The next run on the track would be short as there were only 7 laps left in the second stage.
The 4th caution would fly on lap 170, signaling the end of segment 2. The No.14 car would be awarded 3 points, for being scored in the 8th position. On lap 171 Bugarewicz would say, “We have a good day going here and still a lot of laps left to race them.” Clint would restart 8th on lap 177.
On lap 200 Bowyer had raced his way up to 5th position. His spotter informed him there were light rain sprinkles reported on the spotters stand. As I was in the stands I could attest to this, there were light sprinkles, however, they were not enough to stop the race at all. Griffin warned Bowyer of a car potentially blowing up in front of leaders. He was currently in the 5th position, on lap 203.
Thankfully, there was not a blow up happening yet. The rain also stopped by lap 206, however, it looked like another storm was about 45 minutes away from the track. Once again Bowyer had fallen back to the 7th position, for a while.
The next round of green flag pit stops would happen around lap 252 and he would pit from the 3rd position for four tires and fuel. He would once again fall back to 6th position. The crew would inform him on lap 270 if he pitted again, just yet, he would be a few laps short on fuel to the end. He was back up to the 3rd position as others had to pit already on lap 280. He would hit pit road under green on lap 286 for four tires and fuel.
On lap 296 the 5th caution flag would fly as the No.6 car of Trevor Bayne blows an engine big time. The blown engine causes the No.43 of Bubba Wallace to get into the back of the No.17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Bowyer was scored in the 5th position. He would pit under caution on lap 300 for tires and fuel and asked for no other changes. The crew would tell him if the caution came back out they would pit again for tires. He would restart the race on lap 304 still in the 5th position.
The No.14 had a great restart and moved right up to the 3rd position. He was looking for anything he could use to get around the No.2 of Brad Keselowski and battle Kevin Harvick for the lead. Sitting in the stands my nerves were shot. It was a chance to win this if he could get up there and battle for it. If not, a great top 5 would boost the morale of the team. There would be great things from the No.14 team this year.
As the final laps wound down pretty quickly, Clint was still running strong in the 3rd position. Bowyer would finish 3rd.
Race Winner Kevin Harvick
Currently 5th in the point standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer, Stewart-Haas Racing post race report:
“It’s a fun racetrack. There aren’t many places left that can put on a show like that and be able to race all over the place, so I just appreciate this place. I appreciate Harvick’s speed. He was so fast. Man, I’m telling you our Haas Automation Ford was good all weekend long. All of our Stewart-Haas cars were fast. That’s a credit to everybody’s hard work over the offseason, and it paid dividends here tonight.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
February 25th, 2018
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton, GA
85,85,155 = 325 laps
Rain, rain, rain, please go away. We want the race ran on Sunday. The race was supposed to start at 2:00 pm eastern time. However, with the threat of rain, it was moved up to 1:00 pm. The rain had other plans. It was 2:30 pm before driver introductions would start. The green flag would fly right around 3:00 pm. I was at the track and praying the race would get in because we didn't want to have to drive three hours on Monday back to the track, but we would do it if we had to.
Clint Bowyer qualified in the 9th position for Sunday’s QuikTrip Folds of Honor 500 in the No. 14 Haas Automation Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Fusion. The team expected the car to be better on the long runs for the race. On lap 14 Clint had made his way up to the 7th position. Spotter Brett Griffin would tell him he was the fastest car on the track by a tenth of a second on the last lap.
The 1st caution flag would fly on lap 30. This would be the competition caution. The No. 14 would be scored in the 7th position. He asked for no adjustments on the pit stop under caution, so he acquired four fresh tires and fuel. He would restart in the 12th position on lap 34. Bowyer continued to march his way towards the front as the green flag run commenced. On lap 62 and scored in the 4th position, his crew chief Mike Bugarewicz told him, “H*** of a lap. You are way faster than anyone else.” He would take over the 3rd position on lap 66. He would take over the 2nd position on lap 75 as his crew chief would commend him again.
The 2nd caution would fly on lap 85 signaling the end of segment one. Bowyer would gain 9 bonus points as he was scored in the 2nd position. Stewart-Haas Racing were in the top two positions on the track. There would be a total of 17 cars on the lead lap, 18 cars with the lucky dog. Under the caution the driver of the No.14 would ask for no changes, a windshield tear off, and a water bottle. He would leave pit road in an intense three-wide battle, settling for 2nd position, for the lap 92 restart. The team would say that they still needed to get better to beat teammate Kevin Harvick.
On lap 99 Bowyer would be scored in the 7th position reporting, “It’s definitely looser for some reason.” The radio would be pretty quiet as he would fluctuate between 7th position and 8th position, as this green flag run moved along. He would make a green flag pit stop for four tires and fuel around lap 128.
The 3rd caution would fly on lap 158 for the No.48 car of Jimmie Johnson spinning on the backstretch. Under caution, he would pit for an air adjustment from the 8th position on the track. He would be ready for the lap 163 restart in the 10th position. The next run on the track would be short as there were only 7 laps left in the second stage.
The 4th caution would fly on lap 170, signaling the end of segment 2. The No.14 car would be awarded 3 points, for being scored in the 8th position. On lap 171 Bugarewicz would say, “We have a good day going here and still a lot of laps left to race them.” Clint would restart 8th on lap 177.
On lap 200 Bowyer had raced his way up to 5th position. His spotter informed him there were light rain sprinkles reported on the spotters stand. As I was in the stands I could attest to this, there were light sprinkles, however, they were not enough to stop the race at all. Griffin warned Bowyer of a car potentially blowing up in front of leaders. He was currently in the 5th position, on lap 203.
Thankfully, there was not a blow up happening yet. The rain also stopped by lap 206, however, it looked like another storm was about 45 minutes away from the track. Once again Bowyer had fallen back to the 7th position, for a while.
The next round of green flag pit stops would happen around lap 252 and he would pit from the 3rd position for four tires and fuel. He would once again fall back to 6th position. The crew would inform him on lap 270 if he pitted again, just yet, he would be a few laps short on fuel to the end. He was back up to the 3rd position as others had to pit already on lap 280. He would hit pit road under green on lap 286 for four tires and fuel.
On lap 296 the 5th caution flag would fly as the No.6 car of Trevor Bayne blows an engine big time. The blown engine causes the No.43 of Bubba Wallace to get into the back of the No.17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Bowyer was scored in the 5th position. He would pit under caution on lap 300 for tires and fuel and asked for no other changes. The crew would tell him if the caution came back out they would pit again for tires. He would restart the race on lap 304 still in the 5th position.
The No.14 had a great restart and moved right up to the 3rd position. He was looking for anything he could use to get around the No.2 of Brad Keselowski and battle Kevin Harvick for the lead. Sitting in the stands my nerves were shot. It was a chance to win this if he could get up there and battle for it. If not, a great top 5 would boost the morale of the team. There would be great things from the No.14 team this year.
As the final laps wound down pretty quickly, Clint was still running strong in the 3rd position. Bowyer would finish 3rd.
Race Winner Kevin Harvick
Currently 5th in the point standings.
A quote from Clint Bowyer, Stewart-Haas Racing post race report:
“It’s a fun racetrack. There aren’t many places left that can put on a show like that and be able to race all over the place, so I just appreciate this place. I appreciate Harvick’s speed. He was so fast. Man, I’m telling you our Haas Automation Ford was good all weekend long. All of our Stewart-Haas cars were fast. That’s a credit to everybody’s hard work over the offseason, and it paid dividends here tonight.”
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Photo credit: Crystal Titus
Folds of Honor / QuikTrip 500 Preview
February 21, 2018
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton, GA
Sunday February 25th, 2018
The Atlanta Motor Speedway is just south of Atlanta, Georgia. It is a 1.54 mile quad-oval. This is a fast track that everyone looks forward to. The racing surface will bring good three, four, and possibly five wide racing. The racing surface is 50-60ft wide.
Clint Bowyer has 17 starts. No wins, no top 5s, and 5 top tens. He also has 2 DNFs. Qualifying wise he has started as high as 5th and as low as 30th.
Let’s put Daytona behind us. Atlanta is a new week. Here is to a great race, however, rain may pose an issue. The sponsor on the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Fusion will be Haas Automation.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
February 21, 2018
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Hampton, GA
Sunday February 25th, 2018
The Atlanta Motor Speedway is just south of Atlanta, Georgia. It is a 1.54 mile quad-oval. This is a fast track that everyone looks forward to. The racing surface will bring good three, four, and possibly five wide racing. The racing surface is 50-60ft wide.
Clint Bowyer has 17 starts. No wins, no top 5s, and 5 top tens. He also has 2 DNFs. Qualifying wise he has started as high as 5th and as low as 30th.
Let’s put Daytona behind us. Atlanta is a new week. Here is to a great race, however, rain may pose an issue. The sponsor on the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Fusion will be Haas Automation.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
"It’s crazy how worn out the track is, but that is what makes for good racing and it lets us put on such a great show for a long time.” @ClintBowyer looks forward to heading to @AMSUpdates for this weekend's #FOHQT500. https://t.co/1P9SxMExMu#SHRacing10Yrs pic.twitter.com/rtCGzRqtPo
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) February 21, 2018
Daytona 500
February 18th, 2018
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona, Florida
60, 60, 80 Laps
Clint Bowyer qualified in the 10th position for Sunday’s Daytona 500 in the number 14 Rush Truck Centers Ford Fusion for Stewart-Haas Racing. On lap three spotter Brett Griffin could be heard on the radio, “Three wide, three wide, you’re on top, ain’t no way to get out.” I was already in knots watching this, knowing that a big wreck could happen at any time.
The 1st caution would fly on lap 8 for the 72 car of Corey LaJoie, blowing an engine. Clint was scored in the 11th position. Under caution he would wait a lap after the others pitted, and then would pit for fuel and a right rear tire adjustment to help with grip. He would be ready for the lap 12 restart in 30th. Bowyer didn’t get tires on the pit stop. He was pretty happy with the car as he was waiting patiently to try and not get caught in a big wreck. He would scream into his crew, "Loose in, for sure," on lap 28.
Bowyer would manage to make the bottom line of the draft work for him as he would begin picking up spots quickly. Griffin was apparently having a good time on the spotters stand as he began to sing, "They see me rollin'!" It was great comedic relief. Bowyer responded a couple laps later on lap 31 with, “These cars are starting to become a handful," as he continued to ride around towards the back of the pack.
The 2nd caution flag flew on lap 50 for the 18 car of Kyle Busch as he cut a tire down and spun through the grass. The 1 car of Jamie McMurray also had a tire cut, though he made it to pit road. The 14 car was scored in the 25th position. On lap 52 he would hit pit road to the attention of crew chief Mike Bugarewicz and the crew. They would make major changes to help with more rear grip. Bowyer asked his spotter, “What happened to Busch?” Griffin responded with, “Blew another tire.” The 14 was ready for the lap 55 restart in the 20th position due to the first ten cars on the track not pitting.
This green flag run would be a short one. The first “Big One” would strike on lap 59 bringing out the 3rd caution of the race. This would also signal the end of the first segment. There were nine cars involved, the 24 car of William Byron, 20 of Erik Jones, 13 of Ty Dillon, 19 of Daniel Suarez, 48 of Jimmie Johnson, 17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr, 12 of Ryan Blaney, 78 of Martin Truex Jr, and the 42 of Kyle Larson. On lap 62 spotter Brett Griffin would try and calm Bowyer, “Patience, patience, patience, patience...if we can get this car to the end we can win this thing.” The 14 car would restart in the 9th position on lap 66.
Caution number 4 would fly on lap 93 for a tire coming apart on the back stretch. Bowyer informed his crew, “Man, I'm swatting flies I'm so loose.” He would pit for fuel, tires, and adjustments to help with the handling of the car. The race would return to green on lap 98.
The 5th caution would not be very far behind as the second “big one” would hit the field, on lap 102. The 9 car of Chase Elliott would spin and hit the outside wall really hard. The 7 of Danica Patrick was involved also, ending her final NASCAR race early. The 34 of Michael McDowell, 4 of Kevin Harvick, 78 of Martin Truex Jr, 2 of Brad Keslowski, and 95 of Kasey Kahne would also be involved.
Thankfully, Bowyer would miss the big wreck. However, he reported he might have engine issues and would hit pit road. Not a good sign we wanted to see in the first race of the year with his hood up on pit road. The team did not see any visible evidence of issues. On lap 140 he would report the engine was officially down a cylinder. He would hit pit road again under caution for repairs. The crew would change the spark plugs and wires, and the 14 would return to the track ready for the race restart on lap 109. He would be down two laps scored in the 27th position.
The 6th caution of the race would fly on lap 120 signaling the end of segment two. Bowyer would be running 2 laps down in the 27th position. Crew chief Buga would say, “We will come out of here and regroup for next week.” The race would restart on lap 127. The 14 car took the wave around under caution and gained a lap back. Bowyer, even being down a cylinder, tried to be a cheerleader of the team as it was Daytona and things could be crazy. He said, "If this doesn't blow up we can run in the top 10.” He was scored in 24th position, down one lap.
He would pit under green on lap 154 for fuel and two tires. The race would be pretty quiet. Cars would get dicey at times but everyone was riding around the track until lap 190. With 10 laps remaining in the race the 24 of William Byron had a tire go down and he would spin. The race would restart on lap 193.
The race looked like it might go green to the end but who was it kidding. After all, this is Daytona and one more big wreck was bound to happen. Just before the white flag there was the final big wreck. This would be the 8th caution and the largest wreck of the day. The 41 of Kurt Busch, 78 of Martin Truex Jr, 32 of Matt DiBenedetto, 17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr, 62 of Brendan Gaughan, 12 of Ryan Blaney, 88 of Alex Bowman, 31 of Ryan Newman, 00 of Jeffrey Earnhardt, and 7 of A.J. Allmendinger.
Bowyer would be scored in the 15th position one lap down going into overtime. He would finish in the 14th position.
Winner Austin Dillon.
Clint Bowyer is currently 15th in the points.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing post race report:
“Our plan was working. A lot of cars we knew we had to beat were out of the race. We had hung back working on our handling and just waiting to the end of the race. I kept telling my guys to stay patient, there were going to be more wrecks. Sure enough that’s what happened, and we avoided any damage, but when I got on the brakes hard something happened, because we were now down a cylinder. We tried, but there was no way to fix it. We went back out there and were pretty decent, considering. Now we’ll focus on Atlanta."
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
February 18th, 2018
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona, Florida
60, 60, 80 Laps
Clint Bowyer qualified in the 10th position for Sunday’s Daytona 500 in the number 14 Rush Truck Centers Ford Fusion for Stewart-Haas Racing. On lap three spotter Brett Griffin could be heard on the radio, “Three wide, three wide, you’re on top, ain’t no way to get out.” I was already in knots watching this, knowing that a big wreck could happen at any time.
The 1st caution would fly on lap 8 for the 72 car of Corey LaJoie, blowing an engine. Clint was scored in the 11th position. Under caution he would wait a lap after the others pitted, and then would pit for fuel and a right rear tire adjustment to help with grip. He would be ready for the lap 12 restart in 30th. Bowyer didn’t get tires on the pit stop. He was pretty happy with the car as he was waiting patiently to try and not get caught in a big wreck. He would scream into his crew, "Loose in, for sure," on lap 28.
Bowyer would manage to make the bottom line of the draft work for him as he would begin picking up spots quickly. Griffin was apparently having a good time on the spotters stand as he began to sing, "They see me rollin'!" It was great comedic relief. Bowyer responded a couple laps later on lap 31 with, “These cars are starting to become a handful," as he continued to ride around towards the back of the pack.
The 2nd caution flag flew on lap 50 for the 18 car of Kyle Busch as he cut a tire down and spun through the grass. The 1 car of Jamie McMurray also had a tire cut, though he made it to pit road. The 14 car was scored in the 25th position. On lap 52 he would hit pit road to the attention of crew chief Mike Bugarewicz and the crew. They would make major changes to help with more rear grip. Bowyer asked his spotter, “What happened to Busch?” Griffin responded with, “Blew another tire.” The 14 was ready for the lap 55 restart in the 20th position due to the first ten cars on the track not pitting.
This green flag run would be a short one. The first “Big One” would strike on lap 59 bringing out the 3rd caution of the race. This would also signal the end of the first segment. There were nine cars involved, the 24 car of William Byron, 20 of Erik Jones, 13 of Ty Dillon, 19 of Daniel Suarez, 48 of Jimmie Johnson, 17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr, 12 of Ryan Blaney, 78 of Martin Truex Jr, and the 42 of Kyle Larson. On lap 62 spotter Brett Griffin would try and calm Bowyer, “Patience, patience, patience, patience...if we can get this car to the end we can win this thing.” The 14 car would restart in the 9th position on lap 66.
Caution number 4 would fly on lap 93 for a tire coming apart on the back stretch. Bowyer informed his crew, “Man, I'm swatting flies I'm so loose.” He would pit for fuel, tires, and adjustments to help with the handling of the car. The race would return to green on lap 98.
The 5th caution would not be very far behind as the second “big one” would hit the field, on lap 102. The 9 car of Chase Elliott would spin and hit the outside wall really hard. The 7 of Danica Patrick was involved also, ending her final NASCAR race early. The 34 of Michael McDowell, 4 of Kevin Harvick, 78 of Martin Truex Jr, 2 of Brad Keslowski, and 95 of Kasey Kahne would also be involved.
Thankfully, Bowyer would miss the big wreck. However, he reported he might have engine issues and would hit pit road. Not a good sign we wanted to see in the first race of the year with his hood up on pit road. The team did not see any visible evidence of issues. On lap 140 he would report the engine was officially down a cylinder. He would hit pit road again under caution for repairs. The crew would change the spark plugs and wires, and the 14 would return to the track ready for the race restart on lap 109. He would be down two laps scored in the 27th position.
The 6th caution of the race would fly on lap 120 signaling the end of segment two. Bowyer would be running 2 laps down in the 27th position. Crew chief Buga would say, “We will come out of here and regroup for next week.” The race would restart on lap 127. The 14 car took the wave around under caution and gained a lap back. Bowyer, even being down a cylinder, tried to be a cheerleader of the team as it was Daytona and things could be crazy. He said, "If this doesn't blow up we can run in the top 10.” He was scored in 24th position, down one lap.
He would pit under green on lap 154 for fuel and two tires. The race would be pretty quiet. Cars would get dicey at times but everyone was riding around the track until lap 190. With 10 laps remaining in the race the 24 of William Byron had a tire go down and he would spin. The race would restart on lap 193.
The race looked like it might go green to the end but who was it kidding. After all, this is Daytona and one more big wreck was bound to happen. Just before the white flag there was the final big wreck. This would be the 8th caution and the largest wreck of the day. The 41 of Kurt Busch, 78 of Martin Truex Jr, 32 of Matt DiBenedetto, 17 of Ricky Stenhouse Jr, 62 of Brendan Gaughan, 12 of Ryan Blaney, 88 of Alex Bowman, 31 of Ryan Newman, 00 of Jeffrey Earnhardt, and 7 of A.J. Allmendinger.
Bowyer would be scored in the 15th position one lap down going into overtime. He would finish in the 14th position.
Winner Austin Dillon.
Clint Bowyer is currently 15th in the points.
A quote from Clint Bowyer’s, Stewart-Haas Racing post race report:
“Our plan was working. A lot of cars we knew we had to beat were out of the race. We had hung back working on our handling and just waiting to the end of the race. I kept telling my guys to stay patient, there were going to be more wrecks. Sure enough that’s what happened, and we avoided any damage, but when I got on the brakes hard something happened, because we were now down a cylinder. We tried, but there was no way to fix it. We went back out there and were pretty decent, considering. Now we’ll focus on Atlanta."
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
Lap 52 No 14 crew makes major adjustments during pit stop to give Clint Bowyer more rear grip. P25 pic.twitter.com/f2TpcEqBVQ
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) February 18, 2018
Can-Am Duels 150
February 15th, 2018
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona, Florida
60 Laps
Clint Bowyer qualified 8th for the Duel. He would have the Rush Truck Centers paint scheme this week. On the parade laps Bowyer radioed into spotter Brett Griffin that pit road speed would be 4500 rpm, and 2nd gear. On lap 3, Griffin could be heard saying, “Nose to tail everywhere.” The field was two by two all the way. Bowyer would inform the crew he was loose on lap 4.
Lap 10 and he was still “pretty loose”. The crew told him they would make some changes during the pit stop, whenever it would be. On lap 11 the 1st and only caution flag would fly for the 20 car of Erik Jones, 32 car of Matt DiBenedetto, 42 car of Kyle Larson, and the 9 car of Chase Elliott, having problems on the back stretch. Jones would be running just in front of Bowyer who was running 10th. That was way too close for comfort to watch. Bowyer would be scored in the 8th position on the lap 14 restart.
Spotter Griffin could be heard a lot on the radio saying, “Clear low if you need it, clear in the middle.” Two wide and, sometimes, three wide was heart wrenching. It was not as bad in the Duel as it will be in the 500.
On lap 24 Bowyer informed the crew, “Can’t push very good.” Bowyer and his teammate Kevin Harvick would be sitting in 3rd and 4th position ready to pounce and make their way to the front. Bowyer would tell the crew that he didn’t think the car was good at pushing others. However, the changes on the last stop helped the loose handling. He was still running 4th on lap 30. Lap 45 he would be scored in the 3rd position. On lap 46 he told spotter Griffin to inform Harvick’s spotter Timmy Fedewa, "Whenever he's ready." They were talking about when Harvick is ready to make the move that Bowyer is ready to go with him. They both need to be patient and go when the time is right.
Clint Bowyer would finish 4th.
Winner Chase Elliott.
During his TV interview Bowyer would say, “It’s hard to show how big a handful the cars are.” I, personally, was thrilled the audience had the chance to see a TV interview with Bowyer. It was great to see, for once.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
February 15th, 2018
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona, Florida
60 Laps
Clint Bowyer qualified 8th for the Duel. He would have the Rush Truck Centers paint scheme this week. On the parade laps Bowyer radioed into spotter Brett Griffin that pit road speed would be 4500 rpm, and 2nd gear. On lap 3, Griffin could be heard saying, “Nose to tail everywhere.” The field was two by two all the way. Bowyer would inform the crew he was loose on lap 4.
Lap 10 and he was still “pretty loose”. The crew told him they would make some changes during the pit stop, whenever it would be. On lap 11 the 1st and only caution flag would fly for the 20 car of Erik Jones, 32 car of Matt DiBenedetto, 42 car of Kyle Larson, and the 9 car of Chase Elliott, having problems on the back stretch. Jones would be running just in front of Bowyer who was running 10th. That was way too close for comfort to watch. Bowyer would be scored in the 8th position on the lap 14 restart.
Spotter Griffin could be heard a lot on the radio saying, “Clear low if you need it, clear in the middle.” Two wide and, sometimes, three wide was heart wrenching. It was not as bad in the Duel as it will be in the 500.
On lap 24 Bowyer informed the crew, “Can’t push very good.” Bowyer and his teammate Kevin Harvick would be sitting in 3rd and 4th position ready to pounce and make their way to the front. Bowyer would tell the crew that he didn’t think the car was good at pushing others. However, the changes on the last stop helped the loose handling. He was still running 4th on lap 30. Lap 45 he would be scored in the 3rd position. On lap 46 he told spotter Griffin to inform Harvick’s spotter Timmy Fedewa, "Whenever he's ready." They were talking about when Harvick is ready to make the move that Bowyer is ready to go with him. They both need to be patient and go when the time is right.
Clint Bowyer would finish 4th.
Winner Chase Elliott.
During his TV interview Bowyer would say, “It’s hard to show how big a handful the cars are.” I, personally, was thrilled the audience had the chance to see a TV interview with Bowyer. It was great to see, for once.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
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Daytona 500 Preview
February 15-18th, 2018
Daytona, Florida
Daytona Track Facts:
2.5-mile tri-oval runs 40 feet wide with 12- to 30-foot apron turns.
In the turns, the banking is 31 degrees.
Pit Road is 1,600 feet long, 50 feet wide.
Can-Am Duel 150s
60 Laps = 150 miles
Daytona 500
60, 60, 80 = 200 laps
Clint Bowyer begins his second year with Stewart-Haas Racing in the number 14 Rush Truck Centers Ford Fusion. During qualifying for the Can-Am Duels on Sunday, February 11th, Clint qualified 16th.The front row was set for the 500 during this round of qualifying. The pole went to Alex Bowman and outside pole to Denny Hamlin.
Bowyer will compete in the 2nd Duel starting in the 8th spot. He still has a good chance at a favorable starting spot for the Daytona 500.
He has 24 starts at Daytona with 4 top 5 finishes, 12 top 10s, and 4 DNFs. Bowyer has led a total of 157 laps. He has started as high as 3rd and as low as 37th.
Here is to looking forward to a great 2018 with SHR.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
February 15-18th, 2018
Daytona, Florida
Daytona Track Facts:
2.5-mile tri-oval runs 40 feet wide with 12- to 30-foot apron turns.
In the turns, the banking is 31 degrees.
Pit Road is 1,600 feet long, 50 feet wide.
Can-Am Duel 150s
60 Laps = 150 miles
Daytona 500
60, 60, 80 = 200 laps
Clint Bowyer begins his second year with Stewart-Haas Racing in the number 14 Rush Truck Centers Ford Fusion. During qualifying for the Can-Am Duels on Sunday, February 11th, Clint qualified 16th.The front row was set for the 500 during this round of qualifying. The pole went to Alex Bowman and outside pole to Denny Hamlin.
Bowyer will compete in the 2nd Duel starting in the 8th spot. He still has a good chance at a favorable starting spot for the Daytona 500.
He has 24 starts at Daytona with 4 top 5 finishes, 12 top 10s, and 4 DNFs. Bowyer has led a total of 157 laps. He has started as high as 3rd and as low as 37th.
Here is to looking forward to a great 2018 with SHR.
Follow and chat with me here: @CrystalDTitus
That moment when you see the □ and you know you've won the biggest race of the year. The #Daytona500. There's nothing like it! Get your tickets today at https://t.co/n81ul3ABhB.#SHRacing10Yrs pic.twitter.com/43UJppi0d3
— Stewart-Haas Racing (@StewartHaasRcng) February 15, 2018
