Watkins Glen
Last week at the Pocono Raceway’s Pennsylvania 400 was shrouded in tragedy as tragedy struck fans as a thunderstorm came through and a lighting strike caused the death of one fan and injured nine more. The storm also led to a shortened race, but of course that is of lesser importance. The storm and its aftermath has NASCAR examining its severe weather policy.
The race was won by Jeff Gordon, who crossed the finish line first for the first time this year. Is this the latest he has won a race since he joined NASCAR? I may have to look later to see. Anyway he benefited from the bad luck of others at the track.
The race was shortened to 98 laps due to the storm. But equally as important was the actions of his teammate Jimmie Johnson, who helped him in an unexpected manner by causing a pileup that included Matt Kenseth, Denny Hamlin and several other cars. This opened the hole that enabled Gordon to grab the lead.
The win provided a big boost for Gordon’s chances to participate in the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship, although it is still too early to say if he will make it. The rest of the top five was filled in by Kasey Kahne, Martin Truex Jr., Brad Keselowski and Tony Stewart.
This week: Fingers Lake 355 at the Glen
It is back to the road courses this week, something that probably cheers Jeff Gordon as he has been traditionally strong at this type of race and still needs help getting into the chase. Held at Watkins Glen International the 2.45 mile course features seven turns over its route.
In other news it looks like a week after gaining approval for next year’s models, one of the major car companies, Dodge, has opted out of the NASCAR season in 2013. In some ways it is not a surprise, although I feel that it is a pity, since its one customer, Penske Racing, had said it was moving to Ford next season.
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Broadcast
12 pm ET ESPN
Sprint Cup Top 10
1) Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2) Matt Kenseth -5
3) Greg Biffle -6
4) Jimmie Johnson -8
5) Martin Truex Jr. -50
6) Tony Stewart -53
7) Brad Keselowski -54
8 ) Denny Hamlin -61
9) Kevin Harvick -63
10) Clint Boyer -65
Nationwide
Elliot Sadler is back on top, in more ways than one. He captured the victory flag at the US Cellular 250 last week and that win pushed him back into a stronger lead points position in the Nationwide Series. He appeared to have a dominating car from the little I saw of the race and he led for 60 laps but had to regain the lead numerous times to get the win.
Over the course of the race he was strongly challenged by Justin Allgaier, who finished in second, Allgaier’s best finish of the season, and a result that helped him stay a strong contender in the Nationwide Series. The top five was filled out with Sam Hornish Jr. in 3rd followed by Michael Annett and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Zippo 200 at the Glen
This Week: Zippo 200 at the Glen
This week the Nationwide drivers will also be tackling the road course at Watkins Glen in the Zippo 200 at the Glen. When Sprint challenged the road course in Sonoma earlier in the season Nationwide went elsewhere but this time fans of the sport can go to one site to watch both races.
Broadcast
Aug 11, 2pm ET ABC
Nationwide Cup Standings
1) Elliott Sadler
2) Austin Dillon -18
3) Ricky Stenhouse Jr. -21
4) Sam Hornish Jr. -34
5) Justin Allgaier -78
