Saturday, June 10, 2017

Brad Keselowski Makes Last Lap Pass On Kyle Larson For Win At Pocono

Brad Keselowski won the Pocono Green 250 after making a last lap pass on Kyle Larson down the backstretch. It is Keselowski's 35th career win in the Xfinity Series and it snapped a race win-less streak dating back to Texas Motor Speedway in 2015.

Rookie Kyle Benajmin was on the pole, alongside was another rookie Daniel Hemric. 25 laps made up stages 1 and 2, while 50 laps made up the final stage.

When stage 1 began, Benajmin set the world on fire before handing the lead to Brad Keselowski on lap 22, as Benjamin encountered lap traffic. Keselowski went on to win stage 1.

Stage 2 took place on lap 31 with Cole Custer, who pitted toward the end of stage 1 and Benjamin who won the race off pit road on the front row. Custer immediately jumped out front leading for ten laps, until Benjamin re-took the lead on lap 57. Keselowski was able to run down the leaders and take the lead on lap 39. Keselowski once again had a strong performance and went on to win stage 2.

The final stage was set on lap 56 with Benjamin out front. Keselowski resumed the lead on lap 62. He would remain the leader until pit stops started with 36 laps to go. This would begin a series of pit stops and varying strategies. Justin Allgaier and Brendan Gaughan stayed out hoping the race would remain green all the way. However, a caution came out on lap 78 for Brandon Jones, who blew a tire on the frontstretch.

With 16 laps to go for the restart, Custer and Keselowski regained the lead after their pit strategy played out. After the restart, Elliott Sadler pushed Keselowski up the track, causing the 22 (Keselowski) to loose the lead and drop several spots. Thus allowing Kyle Larson to take the lead after that.

Keselowski rebounded and drove all the way up to third. With four laps to go, there was a three way battle for the win. Keselowski was able to get by Allgaier. However, Keselowski had to keep chipping away Larson for the win lap by lap.

Keselowski made a last lap pass on Larson down the back straight. Keselowski held on and won the Pocono Green 250 at Pocono Raceway.

There were six leaders among 13 lead changes, with three cautions for 15 laps.

Keselowski led five times for 29 laps.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series head to Michigan International Speedway Saturday June 17.

No comments:

Post a Comment