One thing you can say about the Auto Club 400, it was short.
Tony Stewart (pictured) got the victory by virtue of being out in front when NASCAR decided enough was enough at lap 129. Stewart guessed right when he had the option to pit under caution five laps earlier. He chose to stay out, while other notables such as Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin went in. Had the rain held off, Johnson and Hamlin would have been the geniuses. But the rain came down and the race was called
Kobalt Tools 400
by Ronald A. Rowe March 15th, 2012 | NASCAR, Sprint Cup Series
Unlike last year, when Tony Stewart waiting until the Cup Chase to really turn things up, the champ is starting strong in 2012. Stewart's car had more muscle than Jimmie Johnson's on the final restart of the Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That victory marks 14 seasons in a row that Stewart has won at least one race, but never has he racked up a win so early in the year. Stewart's hot streak, extending back to last season, includes six wins in the
Subway Fresh Fit 500 2012
by Ronald A. Rowe March 8th, 2012 | NASCAR, Sprint Cup Series
The story didn’t quite play out the way it does in the movies for Kevin “The Closer” Harvick. In second place with one lap to go, Harvick appeared to have race-leader Denny Hamlin right where he wanted him. The two were so far out in front of everyone else that it was down to a two man race as they came to the white flag.
Then it happened. Harvick, who knew he was cutting it close, ran out of gas. Hamlin cruised to an easy win; Harvick coasted across the
Then it happened. Harvick, who knew he was cutting it close, ran out of gas. Hamlin cruised to an easy win; Harvick coasted across the
2012 Budweiser Shootout
by Ronald A. Rowe February 21st, 2012 | NASCAR, Sprint Cup Series
NASCAR’s 2012 season certainly didn’t take long to get warmed up. We went from zero to awesome in one race. Kyle Busch almost wrecked -– by all measure should have wrecked -– twice in the second stanza of the Budweiser Shootout. Twice he slid toward the infield, car sliding wildly. Twice he somehow managed to right the vehicle and avoid certain disaster. And once –- once is all it took –- he executed a perfect pass with perfect timing to cross the finish line 13/100th of a second ahead of a shocked
NASCAR Update 12_18_12
by Ronald A. Rowe December 20th, 2011 | NASCAR
There were a few minor developments this week in NASCAR, which is about all we can hope for in the long, sad offseason.
Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Jason Ratcliff will be the new crew chief for the #20 car. Ratcliff is moving up within the JGR organization after 7 years on the Nationwide tour.
He's moving into the spot vacated by Greg Zipadelli, who jumped ship last week for a position with Stewart-Haas Racing. The position of "competition director," specifically. Whatever else may be involved in that title, Zipadelli will have the honor of serving as crew chief for a
Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Jason Ratcliff will be the new crew chief for the #20 car. Ratcliff is moving up within the JGR organization after 7 years on the Nationwide tour.
He's moving into the spot vacated by Greg Zipadelli, who jumped ship last week for a position with Stewart-Haas Racing. The position of "competition director," specifically. Whatever else may be involved in that title, Zipadelli will have the honor of serving as crew chief for a