Hey everyone. Ever had one of those stretches where things got so crazy you just couldn’t seem to focus on anything? Just had that. The past two weeks have been a bit of a blur, considering there were three guests over. However, this past weekend was pleasant, because I got to go to the Daytona race. Ironically, the Xfinity race was the one to be rained out this year, and the result was a double race day for me and my father. Finally the rain was on my side. I love Daytona, especially when the rain’s on my side. Anyway, with so much to cover, I am once again bringing in my two amigos, Michael and Robert. I always thought Summer vacation would be luxurious, but I wasn’t exactly right on that one. It’s been tricky to find time to write. How I dream of the day where I do this for a living. Anyway, let us begin.

Me: Ok, first off, glad to see you again.

Robert: Same.

Michael: Missed you to man.

Me: All right then, first off, Kevin Harvick won Sonoma and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. have won since my last article. Harvick won in a fuel mileage race at Sonoma, claiming his first win of the year. Stenhouse claimed his second of the year, in a thriller at Daytona. Thoughts?

Robert: Well, first off, congratulations to both. Harvick has been close this year, but never had things go his way. He finally got that win, but in a race where he definitely didn’t have the dominant car. As for Stenhouse, he proved his Talladega win was no fluke, and has secured himself firmly in the Chase.

Michael: Both races were very big for the teams, and both were thrilled by their victories. But Stenhouse’s win was particularly big. Not only was it just his second win, but it came on the biggest stage in Nascar, at Daytona. His obvious elation was also an enjoyable sight.

Me: Indeed, it was quite the sight, especially when he climbed on his roof and jumped around. So, another interesting thought, the top-10 at Daytona had the most unlikely array of competitors. Among them were Ty Dillon, David Ragan, Michael McDowell, and others. Also, Clint Bowyer finished second, which he also did at Sonoma, making it his third runner up of 2017. Other than Bowyer, the competitors out front were there mostly due to the wild wrecks that have plagued the restrictor-plate tracks this year. Any other thoughts on that?

Michael: Well, I find it enjoyable. In just three races on the plate tracks, we’ve had more wrecks than we’ve seen in recent years. It’s been very exciting, and the fans are loving it. I don’t think Nascar should make any changes, although they probably will, to make more money, knowing them.

Robert: Haha. You’re probably right. But, I am particularly intrigued to see how this effects the Chase race at Talladega. I’m not sure who will still be in the Chase when that start’s, but assuming it is our normal front runners, they are most likely concerned. Drivers like Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Larson, and Jimmie Johnson have all struggled on the plate tracks this year, and playoff points or not, they are going to have to worry about being caught in one of the wrecks. They better not do what the Joe Gibbs drivers did last year, or they’ll be in some trouble.

Me: Agreed. I was there, and that was awful. So, the Chase picture has continued to clear up slightly. Stenhouse is one of the few 2 time winners this year, locking himself in the chase. It is clearly a year where you need two wins to be secure in the playoffs. Right about now, there is pure turmoil on the Chase bubble. What are you guys thinking.

Robert: Well, Joey Logano isn’t happy. His encumbered win is killing him. Not only is he no longer locked in the playoffs, but the pure momentum break of his loss has dropped him from fifth in the playoffs, to out. And he just keeps falling. The 22 team is in freefall, and I think it is a realistic possibility that Logano finds himself outside the playoffs come the end of Richmond.

Michael: To be totally honest, this may be a good lesson for Logano and his team. In the mean time, drivers behind and just ahead of him are laughing with joy. Matt Kenseth and Bowyer are both clawing to stay ahead of Joey, and they’re doing pretty well. And right behind Logano are Daniel Suarez and Eric Jones. Both are running very well, and closing the gap on Logano. And should one of them win, that could be the KO punch for Logano. And with tracks such as Watkins Glen and Pocono coming up, drivers like Jones, Suarez, and others like AJ Allmendinger, Chris Buescher, Ty Dillon, and Trevor Bayne to win, and take yet another spot away from Joey. This is the ultimate test for Logano and the 22 team. Are they as good as everyone thinks, or is that just the equipment they have?

Me: So neither of you see Logano making it in?

Robert: Nada.

Michael: Not likely.

Me: Ok then. Kentucky this weekend. This has been quite the race the past couple years, which has been a pleasant surprise. Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Larson have been dominant at them this year, but Kentucky is a track neither has been impressive on. Who wins?

Michael: Well, it’s hard to bet against Kyle Busch. He’s on fire, and Kentucky has been a playground for him. Busch is easily a favorite.

Robert: Not wrong. However, I’m watching Chase Elliot. He was very fast here last year, and Ryan Blaney accidentally tagged him while wrecking. Elliot has been a formidable threat on the 1.5 mile tracks this year, so I see that continuing. He’s got to win eventually, right?

Me: I can’t disagree with either of those. I personally could pick either, but Busch does seem a bit more of a threat. But, who knows. This year has been crazy, and I have no idea who’s going to win this year. So, that’s the end of this week’s article, and hopefully I’ll be able to make it back next week. Although, I have another busy week, this time with some Vacation Bible School volunteering. And no, Michael and Robert aren’t helping me.

Robert: Heard that.

Me: So anyway, see you guys soon. And, as always, let’s go racing!