1. Chase Elliott- Might've not won the race, but sure did have the truck to beat. Elliott led two times for 109 laps. Had a shot to move Sauter out of the way at the end but raced him clean. Great driving by Elliott today. This should help him more for the Cup race tomorrow.
2. Johnny Sauter- If you think of it this way, Sauter kind of stole a win away from Elliott. Didn't necessarily have the winning truck, ran in top 5 for most of the race. With help of pit strategy late in the going, the field was shuffled up with Sauter having a bit advantage on Elliott. Sauter took the lead again with 25 to go and never looked back.
3. John Hunter Nemechek- After being knocked out of the chase last weekend at Talladega. Nemechek had a strong showing by finishing in the top three. His two tire strategy almost paid off, had the caution not come out in the last remaining laps.
4. Christopher Bell- Bell gave a decent showing today by coming home in fourth. Was quiet most of the day.
5. Timothy Peters- Just like Bell, Peters didn't show much today, but came home in the top 5. This was just a good points day, which might help him to the final four.
Honorable Mention- Austin Hill- Hill did an impressive job today by placing his no.20 Ford in the 10th position, his career best.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Johnny Sauter Holds Off Chase Elliott To Win Texas RoadHouse 200 at Martinsville
The Round of 6 began today at Martinsville Speedway. Out of the six drivers, one of them was looking to lock themselves in the final four at Homestead.
Chase Elliott and Daniel Suarez led the field to green. Elliott easily got out in front and led lap 1, with Suarez slipping back to third, and Cole Custer taking the second position. Custer reeled in Elliott and took the lead on lap 11. Elliott fell back to third, with Johnny Sauter passing him for second. Eventually, Sauter took the lead from Custer on lap 28. Right before the caution clock expired, Josh White and Kyle Donahue spun in turns 1 and 2 to bring out the first caution on lap 49. Leaders hit pit road, with Elliott regaining the lead by winning the race off pit road.
Restart lap 57, Elliott and Custer led the field to into turn 1. Elliott once again, jumped ahead with the lead. Elliott with a strong truck held the lead until lap 107, when the second caution came out for Spencer Gallagher, who blew a right front tire and hit the wall. The leaders made their scheduled stops, with Elliott still in the lead after pit stops.
The race went back green on lap 115, Elliott got the advantage down the backstretch, but Custer followed closely behind in second. The race went clean and green until lap 148, when Tommy Joe Martins went spinning around in turn 2, to bring out the third caution of the race. Leaders hit pit road once more, this time though, John Hunter Nemechek and Cameron Hayley took two tires, and won the race off pit road. More strategy was being played as, Daniel Hemric and Kaz Grala stayed for track position.
Hemric and Grala led the field to restart on lap 155, Grala slipped up with older tires, and this let Hemric easily maintain the lead., Although, Nemechek who had two fresher tires than Hemric, took the lead away with less than 45 to go. Just 7 laps later, Harrison Burton making his truck debut, went spinning around in turn 1. Replays show, Timothy Peters gave Burton a tap behind, which caused him to spin out. Burton made no contact with the wall, but went a lap down in the process.
Restart with 31 to go, Nemechek hung onto the lead, with a hard charging Elliott in second. When the race hit the 25 to go mark, things got a little bit dicey. Johnny Sauter took the lead away from Nemechek, but the caution came out for Ben Kennedy spinning in turn 1, then got hit from John Wes Townley. With the help of replays, Ben Rhodes gave a bump to Kennedy, thus sending Kennedy around in the process.
With 19 to go for the restart, Sauter maintains the lead on the backstretch. Elliott followed closely behind in second. Elliott then, continued to run Sauter down hard, and raced him clean for the last remaining laps. Sauter eventually, held off the hard charging Elliott to win the Texas RoadHouse 200 at Martinsville Speedway.
This was Sauter's second win of 2016
With this win in the Round of 6, Sauter is now locked in the final four championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Sauter led twice for 50 laps.
There were 5 cautions for 33 laps, with 5 leaders among 6 lead changes.
Chasers Results
(1st)- Johnny Sauter
(4th)- Christopher Bell
(5th)- Timothy Peters
(8th)- William Byron
(17th)- Matt Crafton
(18th)- Ben Kennedy
Next race: Friday November 4th, 2016, LongHorn 350 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Chase Elliott and Daniel Suarez led the field to green. Elliott easily got out in front and led lap 1, with Suarez slipping back to third, and Cole Custer taking the second position. Custer reeled in Elliott and took the lead on lap 11. Elliott fell back to third, with Johnny Sauter passing him for second. Eventually, Sauter took the lead from Custer on lap 28. Right before the caution clock expired, Josh White and Kyle Donahue spun in turns 1 and 2 to bring out the first caution on lap 49. Leaders hit pit road, with Elliott regaining the lead by winning the race off pit road.
Restart lap 57, Elliott and Custer led the field to into turn 1. Elliott once again, jumped ahead with the lead. Elliott with a strong truck held the lead until lap 107, when the second caution came out for Spencer Gallagher, who blew a right front tire and hit the wall. The leaders made their scheduled stops, with Elliott still in the lead after pit stops.
The race went back green on lap 115, Elliott got the advantage down the backstretch, but Custer followed closely behind in second. The race went clean and green until lap 148, when Tommy Joe Martins went spinning around in turn 2, to bring out the third caution of the race. Leaders hit pit road once more, this time though, John Hunter Nemechek and Cameron Hayley took two tires, and won the race off pit road. More strategy was being played as, Daniel Hemric and Kaz Grala stayed for track position.
Hemric and Grala led the field to restart on lap 155, Grala slipped up with older tires, and this let Hemric easily maintain the lead., Although, Nemechek who had two fresher tires than Hemric, took the lead away with less than 45 to go. Just 7 laps later, Harrison Burton making his truck debut, went spinning around in turn 1. Replays show, Timothy Peters gave Burton a tap behind, which caused him to spin out. Burton made no contact with the wall, but went a lap down in the process.
Restart with 31 to go, Nemechek hung onto the lead, with a hard charging Elliott in second. When the race hit the 25 to go mark, things got a little bit dicey. Johnny Sauter took the lead away from Nemechek, but the caution came out for Ben Kennedy spinning in turn 1, then got hit from John Wes Townley. With the help of replays, Ben Rhodes gave a bump to Kennedy, thus sending Kennedy around in the process.
With 19 to go for the restart, Sauter maintains the lead on the backstretch. Elliott followed closely behind in second. Elliott then, continued to run Sauter down hard, and raced him clean for the last remaining laps. Sauter eventually, held off the hard charging Elliott to win the Texas RoadHouse 200 at Martinsville Speedway.
This was Sauter's second win of 2016
With this win in the Round of 6, Sauter is now locked in the final four championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Sauter led twice for 50 laps.
There were 5 cautions for 33 laps, with 5 leaders among 6 lead changes.
Chasers Results
(1st)- Johnny Sauter
(4th)- Christopher Bell
(5th)- Timothy Peters
(8th)- William Byron
(17th)- Matt Crafton
(18th)- Ben Kennedy
Next race: Friday November 4th, 2016, LongHorn 350 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Get To Know ESPN Announcer Allen Bestwick
My weekly series of questions continues this week with ESPN sportscaster Allen Bestwick. Bestwick called races for Motor Racing Network, TBS, NBC/TNT sports, then covered races on ESPN from 2007-2014. Shortly after ESPN's NASCAR run ended in 2014, Bestwick transitioned to calling IndyCar races and sporting events.
1. How did you get your start in broadcasting?
Allen: My public high school, Coventry RI High School, had a radio club that I joined. That turned into an actual FM radio station at the school. Began broadcasting high school football, basketball, and baseball games plus being a disc jockey while still in school.
2. You've called NASCAR races over the years, now call IndyCar races, and sporting events. How was that transition for you? And how do you juggle between two totally different sports?
Allen: I'm a fan of all sports, my wife says the only thing that ever comes on our TV is the 11pm news and sporting events. I watch hours of game tape, read all I can on whatever my next event is, and study, study, study!
3. How much do you prepare before you call a sporting event? For example, stats, player info, opponents.
Allen: You can not read and watch in advance of an event. while there are tons of notes written, they are like studying because you almost NEVER look at them during a broadcast. It's like an oral quiz for 3-4 hours.
4. What's the most exciting part of calling a broadcast?
Allen: Unlike writing, when you do a broadcast there's no backspace key, no spellcheck, no editor to fact-check what you say. You think it, say it a split-second later and it's out there for the world to consume and criticize. That's like walking an electronic tightrope for hours at a time with no net. The focus needed to get it almost-always right is intense. I love it!
5. How nerve-wracking was it to call your first Indy 500, a few years ago?
Allen: No it was not nerve wracking, it was a blast. It's an event I have truly loved since I was a kid and to finally get the chance to work it was so much fun! Bucket list stuff.
6. Most exciting race you've called?
Allen: Really hard to pick one, there have been so many. But Dale Earnhardt Junior's win at Daytona in July 2001 had many things wrapped into one: the first race of NBC's new contract, the drama of the race, no matter who won, and the emotion of Junior winning the first race at Daytona after his Dad's passing... hard to top.
7. Name one talent you have which no knows about?
Allen: Sadly, there isn't one! I can't cook, paint, sing, etc. I'm a broadcaster... it's who I am and what I do, and you can see and hear that all the time.
8. Day or Night Events? Day. Just a "work" thing, it's nice to have an afternoon event and be able to have a normal dinner or travel home afterwards versus hang around all day, work at night (without eating dinner), and then spend the next day traveling home. But I will do either day or night shifts, gladly!
9. Is there a sporting event that you would like to announce for, that you haven't got too yet?
Allen: I've been blessed to do many great events over many years, but there are still plenty that I would gladly do. Rose Bowl, Stanley Cup Playoffs, LeMans, Olympics, etc.
10. Finally, if you weren't a broadcaster, what would your career choice be?
Allen: NO IDEA! This is all I've wanted to do since I was a kid. I just can't imagine not having had that dream come true.
1. How did you get your start in broadcasting?
Allen: My public high school, Coventry RI High School, had a radio club that I joined. That turned into an actual FM radio station at the school. Began broadcasting high school football, basketball, and baseball games plus being a disc jockey while still in school.
2. You've called NASCAR races over the years, now call IndyCar races, and sporting events. How was that transition for you? And how do you juggle between two totally different sports?
Allen: I'm a fan of all sports, my wife says the only thing that ever comes on our TV is the 11pm news and sporting events. I watch hours of game tape, read all I can on whatever my next event is, and study, study, study!
3. How much do you prepare before you call a sporting event? For example, stats, player info, opponents.
Allen: You can not read and watch in advance of an event. while there are tons of notes written, they are like studying because you almost NEVER look at them during a broadcast. It's like an oral quiz for 3-4 hours.
4. What's the most exciting part of calling a broadcast?
Allen: Unlike writing, when you do a broadcast there's no backspace key, no spellcheck, no editor to fact-check what you say. You think it, say it a split-second later and it's out there for the world to consume and criticize. That's like walking an electronic tightrope for hours at a time with no net. The focus needed to get it almost-always right is intense. I love it!
5. How nerve-wracking was it to call your first Indy 500, a few years ago?
Allen: No it was not nerve wracking, it was a blast. It's an event I have truly loved since I was a kid and to finally get the chance to work it was so much fun! Bucket list stuff.
6. Most exciting race you've called?
Allen: Really hard to pick one, there have been so many. But Dale Earnhardt Junior's win at Daytona in July 2001 had many things wrapped into one: the first race of NBC's new contract, the drama of the race, no matter who won, and the emotion of Junior winning the first race at Daytona after his Dad's passing... hard to top.
7. Name one talent you have which no knows about?
Allen: Sadly, there isn't one! I can't cook, paint, sing, etc. I'm a broadcaster... it's who I am and what I do, and you can see and hear that all the time.
8. Day or Night Events? Day. Just a "work" thing, it's nice to have an afternoon event and be able to have a normal dinner or travel home afterwards versus hang around all day, work at night (without eating dinner), and then spend the next day traveling home. But I will do either day or night shifts, gladly!
9. Is there a sporting event that you would like to announce for, that you haven't got too yet?
Allen: I've been blessed to do many great events over many years, but there are still plenty that I would gladly do. Rose Bowl, Stanley Cup Playoffs, LeMans, Olympics, etc.
10. Finally, if you weren't a broadcaster, what would your career choice be?
Allen: NO IDEA! This is all I've wanted to do since I was a kid. I just can't imagine not having had that dream come true.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Opinion: Joe Gibbs Racing's Strategy Paid Off
Coming out of Talladega, no one is talking about Joey Logano's victory. There is however, lots of conversation about JGR's strategy that paid off, by staying in the back for most of the race. Sure, if you're a fan for any of these drivers, then you might be a little disappointed about the finish. But it's about the bigger outcome for Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch. That outcome is the championship.
Race fans are furious that Edwards, Kenseth, Hamlin, and Busch are moving on to the round of 8. The reason is simple. Their strategy worked out the way it was supposed too. If race fans put their shoes in the drivers mind, then they would probably think about the same thing, that the JGR drivers did yesterday.
Put it this way. Would you rather be wrecked out, and not being able to compete for the championship at Homestead? Or, would you rather play it safe, and still have a shot at the championship later down the road? JGR played it safe, therefore, they have another shot to make it to the final four. Since this chase concept came out in 2014, at least one JGR driver has made it to Homestead for two consecutive years. Denny Hamlin in 2014 and Kyle Busch in 2015. Now, most likely, one of those four drivers will be in the final four in 2016. Although, nothing is a given in today's world of NASCAR.
Take Martin Truex Jr for example. He wasn't really in a must-win situation yesterday, but he needed to have a good day, in order to move on. Truex ran hard, and his motor blew up in the middle of the race. Dropping him in contention for the championship, to being eliminated any chance to compete for his first title. Brad Keselowski is another example. Not really in a must-win situation either, but needed some good fortune to fall his way yesterday. What happened? Blew a motor while running second in the race. He also ended his title hopes.
So that goes back to JGR's strategy game plan. They played it safe by not running as hard like other chasers were. If you had a 25 plus point lead over 8th, why risk it?
In conclusion, if I were a driver that had a big point lead over the cut off line, then I would not risk being eliminated at all. Like Kyle tweeted out this morning, "don't hate the player.... hate the game."
Race fans are furious that Edwards, Kenseth, Hamlin, and Busch are moving on to the round of 8. The reason is simple. Their strategy worked out the way it was supposed too. If race fans put their shoes in the drivers mind, then they would probably think about the same thing, that the JGR drivers did yesterday.
Put it this way. Would you rather be wrecked out, and not being able to compete for the championship at Homestead? Or, would you rather play it safe, and still have a shot at the championship later down the road? JGR played it safe, therefore, they have another shot to make it to the final four. Since this chase concept came out in 2014, at least one JGR driver has made it to Homestead for two consecutive years. Denny Hamlin in 2014 and Kyle Busch in 2015. Now, most likely, one of those four drivers will be in the final four in 2016. Although, nothing is a given in today's world of NASCAR.
Take Martin Truex Jr for example. He wasn't really in a must-win situation yesterday, but he needed to have a good day, in order to move on. Truex ran hard, and his motor blew up in the middle of the race. Dropping him in contention for the championship, to being eliminated any chance to compete for his first title. Brad Keselowski is another example. Not really in a must-win situation either, but needed some good fortune to fall his way yesterday. What happened? Blew a motor while running second in the race. He also ended his title hopes.
So that goes back to JGR's strategy game plan. They played it safe by not running as hard like other chasers were. If you had a 25 plus point lead over 8th, why risk it?
In conclusion, if I were a driver that had a big point lead over the cut off line, then I would not risk being eliminated at all. Like Kyle tweeted out this morning, "don't hate the player.... hate the game."
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Briar's Top 5 From The Truck Race At Talladega
1. Grant Enfinger- Had a strong truck all day, stayed out of trouble, and was able to bring home his first career win.
2. Spencer Gallagher- Was there at the end of the race to steal the win away from Enfinger. But unable to do so, as Enfinger fended him off.
3. Rico Abreu- Missed the big accident with 35 to go, came home in the third position. Nice effort by Abreu.
4. Christopher Bell- For someone who had a broken shifter, he sure didn't show it, as he finished in the top 5 and moved onto the round of 6th.
5. Ryan Truex- Finished in the top 10 by finishing 8th. A great run by Truex today, who has been decent on superspeedway races.
Honorable Mention- Daniel Hemric- Yes, Hemric is eliminated from competing for the championship, but the effort by him and his crew were unbelievable. After being involved on a lap 42 crash, he suffered minor damage to the vehicle. His crew got him back out there to continue on. Then got involved in the big one on lap 42. This time suffering more damage to his truck. The crew continued to work on it and put him back out there. He finally got his break, with a caution on lap 50, which put him back on the lead lap. Hemric's day most likely ended when being involved in the big crash with 35 to go. He brought out the final caution with 12 to go by spinning out. But with the effort of his crew trying to pull something out of the hat, Hemric came up short by finishing in the 11th position. Solid effort though, for the no.19 Brad Keselowski Racing team, as they tried feverishly to get him the win.
2. Spencer Gallagher- Was there at the end of the race to steal the win away from Enfinger. But unable to do so, as Enfinger fended him off.
3. Rico Abreu- Missed the big accident with 35 to go, came home in the third position. Nice effort by Abreu.
4. Christopher Bell- For someone who had a broken shifter, he sure didn't show it, as he finished in the top 5 and moved onto the round of 6th.
5. Ryan Truex- Finished in the top 10 by finishing 8th. A great run by Truex today, who has been decent on superspeedway races.
Honorable Mention- Daniel Hemric- Yes, Hemric is eliminated from competing for the championship, but the effort by him and his crew were unbelievable. After being involved on a lap 42 crash, he suffered minor damage to the vehicle. His crew got him back out there to continue on. Then got involved in the big one on lap 42. This time suffering more damage to his truck. The crew continued to work on it and put him back out there. He finally got his break, with a caution on lap 50, which put him back on the lead lap. Hemric's day most likely ended when being involved in the big crash with 35 to go. He brought out the final caution with 12 to go by spinning out. But with the effort of his crew trying to pull something out of the hat, Hemric came up short by finishing in the 11th position. Solid effort though, for the no.19 Brad Keselowski Racing team, as they tried feverishly to get him the win.
Grant Enfinger Scores First Career Win At Talladega Superspeedway
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series came to Talladega Superspeedway for their round of 8 elimination race. Where two drivers would be eliminated from The Chase. Those two drivers battling to stay alive were Daniel Hemric and John Hunter Nemechek.
Cole Custer and Grant Enfinger lead the field to green. Enfinger was able to take the lead down the backstretch, and led lap 1, with Timothy Peters following behind in second. The race got off to a calm start, but Crafton went to the back early to stay out of trouble. The first caution came out on lap 13, for chaser John Hunter Nemechek who blew an engine, and ended any hopes to advance to the next round in the chase. Leaders hit pit road for their first stops, which mainly saw them taking fuel only. Brad Keselwski Racing teammates, Tyler Reddick, and Austin Cindric stayed out for strategy, along with Matt Crafton. Timothy Peters and Cole Custer won the race off pit road. Crafton's strategy didn't work out as planned, therefore, he came down to make his stop.
Tyler Reddick and Austin Cindric took the restart on lap 19. Reddick got out in front on the backstretch to lead the outside and inside lane. But Cindric had troubles as he got shuffled in the back. Must win chaser Daniel Hemric, took the second spot, and followed closely behind. 10 laps later, the outside lane leader Timothy Peters started to close in on Reddick, On lap 32, Peters was side by side with Reddick only to take the lead one lap later. Cody Coughlin has issues with his truck as he was off the pace. He eventually, stalled on the backstretch to bring out the second caution on lap 35. Leaders came to pit road, this time Custer won the race off pit road by not taking tires. Matt Tifft was penalized for removing equipment,
Lap 39 restart, Custer and Peters lead the field into turn 1. Both of them battled side by side for a moment, but Peters took the lead away. On lap 42, Peters was leading both of the packs, but on the same lap a caution comes out for a wreck on the fronstretch. Replays show that, Ben Rhodes pushed Byron too hard, and got Townley spinning to cause the melee/ Custer, John Wes Townley, Tifft, Hemric were all involved with some damage. Bryon and Rico Abreu only had minor damage. Christopher Bell came to pit road to fix his shifter which was broken.
Green flag came back out just shortly after halfway. Peters and Byron led the pack of trucks into turn 1. Although, Ben Kennedy with help, took the lead away from Peters on lap 49. Then on lap 50, the fourth caution came out for another wreck on the frontstretch. This caution saw, Dylan Lupton get loose, and turn into the grass on the tri-oval, thus causing a chain reaction. As the 71 of Brandon Hightower, took a hard hit to the wall. Daniel Hemric was able to get his lap back with this caution. Drivers involved were the 07 of Cody Ware, 02 of Lupton, and the 71 of Hightower. Bell came back down pit road to continue to work on his shifter.
Kennedy and Gallagher led the field to green with 39 laps to go. Kennedy easily got in front to take the lead, but Enfinger came back to regain his lead. A lap later, Tifft took the top spot, but once again Enfinger chased him down for first. As things started to heat up, a big crash broke out with 35 to go in turn 1. The wreck was caused by Timothy Peters who bump drafted Ben Rhodes too hard, and Rhodes was sent spinning to the outside wall. Therefore, came back down in front of many trucks to cause the pile up. 14 trucks were involved in the wreck, they include, Cole Custer, Dylan Lupton, John Wes Townley, Cody Ware, Austin Cindric, Korbin Forrister, William Byron, Daniel Hemric, Tyler Reddick, Rhodes, Chris Fontaine, and Brandon Brown.
After the big cleanup, the restart came with 27 to go. Enfinger was able to get the advantage down the backstretch. He continued to lead the field, until the sixth caution came out with 12 to go, for Hemric who spun out. Matt Crafton had cylinder issues with his truck.
Enfinger and Peters take the restart with 7 to go, just one lap later, Crafton blew an engine and brought out the caution.
With two to go for the restart, Enfinger had to hold off his GMS Racing teammates. Just before Enfinger won the race, Cameron Hayley was sent spinning to the inside wall before the overtime line.
This was Grant Enfinger's first career NASCAR win.
There were 7 cautions for 33 laps, with 15 lead changes for 9 leaders.
Enfinger led 5 times for 45 laps
Chasers results
(3rd) Timothy Peters
(5th) Ben Kennedy
(6th) Christopher Bell
(7th) Johnny Sauter
(10th) William Byron
(11th) Daniel Hemric
(22nd) Matt Crafton
(32nd) John Hunter Nemechek
Moving on to the Round of 6
William Byron
Christopher Bell
Timothy Peters
Ben Kennedy
Johnny Sauter
Matt Crafton
Eliminated From The Chase
John Hunter Nemechek
Daniel Hemric
Next race: Alpha Energy Solutions 200 at Martinsville Speedway
Cole Custer and Grant Enfinger lead the field to green. Enfinger was able to take the lead down the backstretch, and led lap 1, with Timothy Peters following behind in second. The race got off to a calm start, but Crafton went to the back early to stay out of trouble. The first caution came out on lap 13, for chaser John Hunter Nemechek who blew an engine, and ended any hopes to advance to the next round in the chase. Leaders hit pit road for their first stops, which mainly saw them taking fuel only. Brad Keselwski Racing teammates, Tyler Reddick, and Austin Cindric stayed out for strategy, along with Matt Crafton. Timothy Peters and Cole Custer won the race off pit road. Crafton's strategy didn't work out as planned, therefore, he came down to make his stop.
Tyler Reddick and Austin Cindric took the restart on lap 19. Reddick got out in front on the backstretch to lead the outside and inside lane. But Cindric had troubles as he got shuffled in the back. Must win chaser Daniel Hemric, took the second spot, and followed closely behind. 10 laps later, the outside lane leader Timothy Peters started to close in on Reddick, On lap 32, Peters was side by side with Reddick only to take the lead one lap later. Cody Coughlin has issues with his truck as he was off the pace. He eventually, stalled on the backstretch to bring out the second caution on lap 35. Leaders came to pit road, this time Custer won the race off pit road by not taking tires. Matt Tifft was penalized for removing equipment,
Lap 39 restart, Custer and Peters lead the field into turn 1. Both of them battled side by side for a moment, but Peters took the lead away. On lap 42, Peters was leading both of the packs, but on the same lap a caution comes out for a wreck on the fronstretch. Replays show that, Ben Rhodes pushed Byron too hard, and got Townley spinning to cause the melee/ Custer, John Wes Townley, Tifft, Hemric were all involved with some damage. Bryon and Rico Abreu only had minor damage. Christopher Bell came to pit road to fix his shifter which was broken.
Green flag came back out just shortly after halfway. Peters and Byron led the pack of trucks into turn 1. Although, Ben Kennedy with help, took the lead away from Peters on lap 49. Then on lap 50, the fourth caution came out for another wreck on the frontstretch. This caution saw, Dylan Lupton get loose, and turn into the grass on the tri-oval, thus causing a chain reaction. As the 71 of Brandon Hightower, took a hard hit to the wall. Daniel Hemric was able to get his lap back with this caution. Drivers involved were the 07 of Cody Ware, 02 of Lupton, and the 71 of Hightower. Bell came back down pit road to continue to work on his shifter.
Kennedy and Gallagher led the field to green with 39 laps to go. Kennedy easily got in front to take the lead, but Enfinger came back to regain his lead. A lap later, Tifft took the top spot, but once again Enfinger chased him down for first. As things started to heat up, a big crash broke out with 35 to go in turn 1. The wreck was caused by Timothy Peters who bump drafted Ben Rhodes too hard, and Rhodes was sent spinning to the outside wall. Therefore, came back down in front of many trucks to cause the pile up. 14 trucks were involved in the wreck, they include, Cole Custer, Dylan Lupton, John Wes Townley, Cody Ware, Austin Cindric, Korbin Forrister, William Byron, Daniel Hemric, Tyler Reddick, Rhodes, Chris Fontaine, and Brandon Brown.
After the big cleanup, the restart came with 27 to go. Enfinger was able to get the advantage down the backstretch. He continued to lead the field, until the sixth caution came out with 12 to go, for Hemric who spun out. Matt Crafton had cylinder issues with his truck.
Enfinger and Peters take the restart with 7 to go, just one lap later, Crafton blew an engine and brought out the caution.
With two to go for the restart, Enfinger had to hold off his GMS Racing teammates. Just before Enfinger won the race, Cameron Hayley was sent spinning to the inside wall before the overtime line.
This was Grant Enfinger's first career NASCAR win.
There were 7 cautions for 33 laps, with 15 lead changes for 9 leaders.
Enfinger led 5 times for 45 laps
Chasers results
(3rd) Timothy Peters
(5th) Ben Kennedy
(6th) Christopher Bell
(7th) Johnny Sauter
(10th) William Byron
(11th) Daniel Hemric
(22nd) Matt Crafton
(32nd) John Hunter Nemechek
Moving on to the Round of 6
William Byron
Christopher Bell
Timothy Peters
Ben Kennedy
Johnny Sauter
Matt Crafton
Eliminated From The Chase
John Hunter Nemechek
Daniel Hemric
Next race: Alpha Energy Solutions 200 at Martinsville Speedway
Friday, October 14, 2016
Briar's Top 5 From The Kansas 150
1. Chase Briscoe- Briscoe with another win to end the dominating season. Involved in a crash with minor damage was able to rebound, and score his sixth win of the year. He also earned Cunningham Motorsports its first championship.
2. Austin Cindric- Also involved in the incident with Briscoe, who also suffered minor damage, came back to finish second.
3. Michael Self- Third place for the rookie driver tonight in his first start at Kansas Speedway. Not to shabby for the rookie.
4. Noah Gragson- Also making his first ARCA start for Venturini Motorsports, finished fifth in his debut tonight. Stayed out of trouble, and did what he needed to do, in order to gain approval to race at superspeedways next year for Kyle Busch Motorsports.
5. Brandon Jones- Jones had an up and down night at Kansas. From suffering a right rear tire to rebounding for a fourth place finish. Nice comeback for driver of the number 8 machine.
Honorable Mention- Ty Majeski- Majeski made a big save by avoiding the pileup in turns 3 and 4. Majeski went to the high side and barely escaped the melee. Nice driving by Majeski and the famous Roulo Brothers team.
2. Austin Cindric- Also involved in the incident with Briscoe, who also suffered minor damage, came back to finish second.
3. Michael Self- Third place for the rookie driver tonight in his first start at Kansas Speedway. Not to shabby for the rookie.
4. Noah Gragson- Also making his first ARCA start for Venturini Motorsports, finished fifth in his debut tonight. Stayed out of trouble, and did what he needed to do, in order to gain approval to race at superspeedways next year for Kyle Busch Motorsports.
5. Brandon Jones- Jones had an up and down night at Kansas. From suffering a right rear tire to rebounding for a fourth place finish. Nice comeback for driver of the number 8 machine.
Honorable Mention- Ty Majeski- Majeski made a big save by avoiding the pileup in turns 3 and 4. Majeski went to the high side and barely escaped the melee. Nice driving by Majeski and the famous Roulo Brothers team.
Chase Briscoe Ends Dominating Season In Victory Lane
The ARCA Racing Series season finale took place at Kansas Speedway tonight. Qualifying was cancelled due to mist in the morning, and with practice replacing that session. Therefore the field was set by owner points and that meant Chase Briscoe was on the pole.
The Kansas 150 shortly got underway, with Briscoe and Dalton Sargeant leading the field to green. Briscoe was able to get the lead in turn 3 and lead lap 1. Just a few laps later, Sargeant's car was off the pace, due to the car shutting off. He was able to get it refired though, but loosing several positions in the process. Then the first caution came out on lap 13 for the 73 of Dale Shearer, who spun coming off of turn 4 onto pit road. During the caution, Gus Dean, Mason Mitchell, Sargeant, and Bret Holmes came down pit road for pit strategy.
Restart lap 18, Briscoe and Townley were on the front row, but Briscoe took the lead down the backstretch. On lap 22, Townley started to close in on leader Briscoe. Although, that lead would stabilize during the race. On lap 39, the 7 of Codie Rohrbaugh came down to pit road for problems with his machine. Then two laps later, the caution comes out for Brandon Jones, who cut down a right rear tire before turn 1. Most of the leaders pitted under the yellow flag.
The race went back green just before halfway on lap 49. Things got dicey in turn 2 as Briscoe got loose and slid up the track. Then on the backstretch a big crash happened with several cars involved, including the 2016 champion Chase Briscoe. Replays show that, Briscoe made contact with Cindric, and then the 22 of Myatt Snider. After that, Snider spun around in turn 4, and with nowhere to go, more drivers were collected. Involved in the wreck were Kyle Weatherman, Bret Holmes, Gus Dean, Morgan Baird, Myatt Snider, and Mike Bashman. Snider had heavy damage along with Holmes, and therefore, was unable to get back into the race.
Restart lap 55, Sargeant and Townley led the field into turn 1. Sargeant took the advantage by getting the lead. But just two laps later, the fourth caution came out for Gus Dean, who made contact with the wall in turn 1.
Sargeant and Townley again were on the front row for the lap 64 restart. Sargeant got out in front, while Briscoe and Townley battled side-by-side for second. Just when it looked like it was Sargeant's race to win, his car lost power with 24 to go while leading. This gave the lead back to Briscoe, with Townley following close behind. Then with 10 to go, Cindric passed Townley for third, and started to close in on the race leader. But Briscoe fended off Sargeant to score his sixth win of the year and his first at Kansas Speedway.
This was Briscoe's 6th win of the year and his first at Kansas Speedway.
Cunningham's first championship in the ARCA Racing Series
The 2016 ARCA Racing Series season is now over with Chase Briscoe crowned as champion. The series returns to Daytona in four months to open the 2017 season.
Race Results
(1st)- Chase Briscoe
(2nd)- Austin Cindric
(3rd)- Michael Self
(4th)- Brandon Jones
(5th)- Noah Gragson
(6th)- Matt Kurzejewski
(7th)- John Wes Townley
(8th)- Shane Lee
(9th)- Tom Hessert
(10th)- Mason Mitchell
(11th)- Ty Majeski
(12th)- Dalton Sargeant
(13th)- Josh Williams
(14th)- A.J. Fike
(15th)- Thomas Praytor
(16th)- Chris Bailey Jr.
(17th)- Ed Pompa
(18th)- Mike Bashman
(19th)- Eric Caudell
(20th)- Kevin Hinckle
(21st)- Brad Smith
(22nd)- Morgan Baird
(23rd)- Mike Senica
(24th)- Con Nicolopoulos
(25th)- Gus Dean
(26th)- Bret Holmes
(27th)- Myatt Snider
(28th)- Kyle Weatherman
(29th)- Nick Higdon
(30th)- Dale Shearer
(31st)- Tom Berte
(32nd)- Codie Rohrbaugh
(33rd)- Mark Meunier
(34th)- Wayne Peterson
The Kansas 150 shortly got underway, with Briscoe and Dalton Sargeant leading the field to green. Briscoe was able to get the lead in turn 3 and lead lap 1. Just a few laps later, Sargeant's car was off the pace, due to the car shutting off. He was able to get it refired though, but loosing several positions in the process. Then the first caution came out on lap 13 for the 73 of Dale Shearer, who spun coming off of turn 4 onto pit road. During the caution, Gus Dean, Mason Mitchell, Sargeant, and Bret Holmes came down pit road for pit strategy.
Restart lap 18, Briscoe and Townley were on the front row, but Briscoe took the lead down the backstretch. On lap 22, Townley started to close in on leader Briscoe. Although, that lead would stabilize during the race. On lap 39, the 7 of Codie Rohrbaugh came down to pit road for problems with his machine. Then two laps later, the caution comes out for Brandon Jones, who cut down a right rear tire before turn 1. Most of the leaders pitted under the yellow flag.
The race went back green just before halfway on lap 49. Things got dicey in turn 2 as Briscoe got loose and slid up the track. Then on the backstretch a big crash happened with several cars involved, including the 2016 champion Chase Briscoe. Replays show that, Briscoe made contact with Cindric, and then the 22 of Myatt Snider. After that, Snider spun around in turn 4, and with nowhere to go, more drivers were collected. Involved in the wreck were Kyle Weatherman, Bret Holmes, Gus Dean, Morgan Baird, Myatt Snider, and Mike Bashman. Snider had heavy damage along with Holmes, and therefore, was unable to get back into the race.
Restart lap 55, Sargeant and Townley led the field into turn 1. Sargeant took the advantage by getting the lead. But just two laps later, the fourth caution came out for Gus Dean, who made contact with the wall in turn 1.
Sargeant and Townley again were on the front row for the lap 64 restart. Sargeant got out in front, while Briscoe and Townley battled side-by-side for second. Just when it looked like it was Sargeant's race to win, his car lost power with 24 to go while leading. This gave the lead back to Briscoe, with Townley following close behind. Then with 10 to go, Cindric passed Townley for third, and started to close in on the race leader. But Briscoe fended off Sargeant to score his sixth win of the year and his first at Kansas Speedway.
This was Briscoe's 6th win of the year and his first at Kansas Speedway.
Cunningham's first championship in the ARCA Racing Series
The 2016 ARCA Racing Series season is now over with Chase Briscoe crowned as champion. The series returns to Daytona in four months to open the 2017 season.
Race Results
(1st)- Chase Briscoe
(2nd)- Austin Cindric
(3rd)- Michael Self
(4th)- Brandon Jones
(5th)- Noah Gragson
(6th)- Matt Kurzejewski
(7th)- John Wes Townley
(8th)- Shane Lee
(9th)- Tom Hessert
(10th)- Mason Mitchell
(11th)- Ty Majeski
(12th)- Dalton Sargeant
(13th)- Josh Williams
(14th)- A.J. Fike
(15th)- Thomas Praytor
(16th)- Chris Bailey Jr.
(17th)- Ed Pompa
(18th)- Mike Bashman
(19th)- Eric Caudell
(20th)- Kevin Hinckle
(21st)- Brad Smith
(22nd)- Morgan Baird
(23rd)- Mike Senica
(24th)- Con Nicolopoulos
(25th)- Gus Dean
(26th)- Bret Holmes
(27th)- Myatt Snider
(28th)- Kyle Weatherman
(29th)- Nick Higdon
(30th)- Dale Shearer
(31st)- Tom Berte
(32nd)- Codie Rohrbaugh
(33rd)- Mark Meunier
(34th)- Wayne Peterson
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Briar's Top 5 From The DC Solar 350
1. Tyler Reddick- After missing The Chase this year, Reddick went out and proved to everyone not to count him out. Even when he's not in The Chase. Reddick led 5 times for 70 laps to score his third career win. Impressive for the young 20 year old.
2. Daniel Hemric- Needed a solid finish after having a bad week at New Hampshire last Saturday. Hemric did just that by finishing second and gained a few points. Will need another strong finish at Talladega, or win the race to advance in The Chase. Good effort for Hemric, though, tonight.
3. Cole Custer- Custer had a great night by finishing third. Something this team needed after missing The Chase due to the Canadian incident with John Hunter Nemechek.
4. Christopher Bell- After not having third gear, he was able to rebound and finish in the top 10. Great effort by Bell and the no.4 team.
5. William Byron- Had a solid night by finishing 6th. The rookie continues to impress in 2016.
Honorable Mention: Grant Enfinger- Despite not being talked about, Enfinger showed a good performance by finishing 10th.
2. Daniel Hemric- Needed a solid finish after having a bad week at New Hampshire last Saturday. Hemric did just that by finishing second and gained a few points. Will need another strong finish at Talladega, or win the race to advance in The Chase. Good effort for Hemric, though, tonight.
3. Cole Custer- Custer had a great night by finishing third. Something this team needed after missing The Chase due to the Canadian incident with John Hunter Nemechek.
4. Christopher Bell- After not having third gear, he was able to rebound and finish in the top 10. Great effort by Bell and the no.4 team.
5. William Byron- Had a solid night by finishing 6th. The rookie continues to impress in 2016.
Honorable Mention: Grant Enfinger- Despite not being talked about, Enfinger showed a good performance by finishing 10th.
Tyler Reddick Scores Upset Win At Las Vegas
The second truck chase race took place today in the DC Solar 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Timothy Peters was on the pole and two time champion Matt Crafton started along side.
Chaser Results
(2nd)- Daniel Hemric
(4th)- Ben Kennedy
(5th)- William Byron
(6th)- Christopher Bell
(7th)- Johnny Sauter
(8th)- Matt Crafton
(9th)- Timothy Peters
Timothy Peters and Matt Crafton led the field to the start. Peters got out in front with a push behind from Ben Kennedy. As Peters was able to led lap 1, Crafton suddenly started to drift back early in the run. With a strong truck, Kennedy took the lead from Peters on lap 14. Crafton continued to slide back all the way to 12th on lap 16. Cole Custer in the top 5 at the time became a factor, and followed in hot pursuit. Tyler Reddick also came in the battle by trying to pass Kennedy for the lead. Both battled side-by-side until lap 33, as Reddick took the lead away from Kennedy. Reddick stayed in the lead until a caution came out for the caution clock on lap 37.
All the leaders came down pit road to make adjustments, took four tires, and fuel. Ben Kennedy regained the lead by winning the race off pit road. Reddick followed in second, Hemric was third, Peters in fourth, and William Byron rounded out the top 5. Matt Crafton continued to have troubles as he was penalized for an uncontrolled tire. He would be sent to the rear.
Restart on lap 43, Kennedy and Reddick led the field into turn 1. Christopher Bell had troubles on the restart as he might've missed a shift. Later in the race, FS1 reported "that he may have lost third gear." With the action picking up, teammates Hemric and Reddick battled side-by-side for the lead. Reddick was able to fend off his teammate. A few laps later, a caution came out on lap 49 for Wayne Edwards who brushed the wall off of turn 4. During the caution, Christopher Bell came onto pit road to fix his transmission issues. He also reported that "he was missing third gear."
Reddick and Hemric led the field to green on lap 55. Hemric took the lead on lap 58, and held onto it, before the caution clock expired on lap 93. This would bring out the third caution of the night. The leaders made their stops and Reddick won the race off pit road.
The green flag came back out with 47 to go. Reddick and Hemric once again was battling for the lead. This time Reddick pulled away with the high line momentum off turn 4. Hemric started to slip back just a tad, therefore allowing Custer to take second position. Custer made a charge for the lead, but was unable to do so in the process. Hemric rebounded and took second place back from Custer.
Then with 30 laps to go, Custer, and Hemric made it a three truck battle for the lead. Custer and Hemric traded spots once more, but Hemric got the upper hand with 27 to go. Hemric then started to close in on the leader with 20 laps to go. Hemric tried all he could in the remaining laps, but Tyler Reddick held off his teammate to win the DC Solar 350 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
This was Reddick's first win of the year, therefore, ending a win less drought that dated back to Dover 2015.
There were 3 cautions for 14 laps.
The race had 5 leaders among 12 lead changes.
Reddick led 5 times for 70 laps.
Chaser Results
(2nd)- Daniel Hemric
(4th)- Ben Kennedy
(5th)- William Byron
(6th)- Christopher Bell
(7th)- Johnny Sauter
(8th)- Matt Crafton
(9th)- Timothy Peters
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series takes two weekends off, before heading to Talladega, where the round of 8 will end, and two drivers will be eliminated from title contention.
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