The final checker flag of NASCARs regular season flew at Richmond International Raceway Saturday Night and it belongs to hometown favorite, Denny Hamlin. Hamlin, who started on the pole, led 189 laps on Saturday night en route to his third win of the season but it was guys battling for the final spots of The Chase who stole the show.
Ohh, You Almost Had It: Kasey Kahne did everything he could in what essentially was a win to get in race for him. A late caution and the decision not to pit to get four tires while running in the Top 5 could be having the driver of the Farmers Insurance Chevrolet second guessing himself the rest of the year.
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| Denny Hamlin takes the checkered flag in the Federated Auto Parts 400 Photo Credit: Chris Grayhen |
No Retirement Gift For You: Much like Kahne, Newman found himself outside the Top 16 in points and after his car failed post race inspection last weekend, he was docked a extra 15 points. He drove his Richard Childress Racing Chevy through the field using the bumper a few times. That was until he used it on Tony Stewart and Tony didn't take to kindly to that driving across the bumper of Newman's car and causing a multi-car crash that brought out the red flag. Newman was very out spoken of Stewart "You've got somebody old like that retired (should be retired) the way he drives. It's just ridiculous." Said Newman.
Sigh of Relief: It's been a long five weeks for rookie, Chris Buescher. After outsmarting the field en route to a victory at Pocono in a race that was called short due to weather. The team had to first get into the Top 30 in points to be Chase eligible and then had to stay there. That's exactly what he did Saturday night finishing 24th on Saturday night when David Ragan, the driver he was racing for 30th in points finished 34th.
The Chase Field is Set: Heres how The Chase field will look heading into Chicagoland Speedway this week. Get those brackets in!
My Thoughts: The race was what it was. There really wasn't anytime I was left wondering if a guy would race into the Top 16. With that being said, I'm looking forward to a excellent Chase this year. I will have my Chase preview and predictions up this Thursday night after attending The Chase Media Day in Chicago!
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