Make the racing better. That seems to be what NASCAR is locked into and bless ‘em for trying. Outside of running all the races at Daytona, Talladega and Bristol, it is a challenge. The good old days had winners taking the flag by laps, not seconds, so no solution can be found there.
A new rules package is being looked at, one that might allow a car to catch an opponent, get up beside him, or her, and actually make a pass. That should not be a problem this Sunday at Sonoma. Unlike their Formula One counterparts, these boys, and girl, will use a fender to gain an advantage and cause things to happen. If you want nice clean racing where speed is king, watch the ponies. If you want excitement, you might want to catch the action on the asphalt from California.
Our Hot 20 heading to Sonoma include…
1. Jimmie Johnson – 4 WINS (506 Points)
What makes Jimmie so appealing? All those NASCAR penalties they keep fighting.
2. Kevin Harvick – 2 WINS (576 Points)
15 races, 1200 laps led. I think Harv likes being champion.
3. Kurt Busch – 2 WINS (426 Points)
Once upon a time missing three races killed a season. Times have changed.
4. Martin Truex Jr. – 1 WIN (561 Points)
Got the win, all he needs now is a new contract. A sponsor not named Visser would sure help.
5. Joey Logano – 1 WIN (520 Points)
Joey Sharkgano?
6. Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 1 WIN (508 Points)
First me, now Junior. Yes, all the good ones are now taken.
7. Brad Keselowski – 1 WIN (480 Points)
Does Penske lose both of its drivers in Sharknado 3?
8. Matt Kenseth – 1 WIN (456 Points)
Ross gives Pops a Top Ten on a Father’s Day outing in Chicago.
9. Denny Hamlin – 1 WIN (412 Points)
Denny is part of the council. Does that mean he knows Gandalf and Gimli?
10. Carl Edwards- 1 WIN (401 Points)
Last year he gave everybody the gears as he went left and right to victory at Sonoma.
11. Jamie McMurray – 454 POINTS
With the Truex victory, Mac is now the best without a win…something he has not done since 2010.
12. Kasey Kahne – 447 POINTS
Outside of Bristol and Talladega, worst finish is 17th, best is fourth. At least he is consistent.
13. Jeff Gordon – 434 POINTS
Top Ten at Sonoma…darn near a guaranteed result.
14. Paul Menard – 421 POINTS
The Chase is the goal, and as it appears Crew Chief Justin Alexander is a problem solver…
15. Aric Almirola – 401 POINTS
Feels Bowyer’s breath behind him as they take on a track where success has remained elusive.
16. Ryan Newman – 400 POINTS
His odds on Sunday are as bad as Junior, Kenseth, and Hamlin…but they already have their wins.
17. Clint Bowyer – 388 POINTS
If there is a track the gent can make up some ground, it is this one.
18. Kyle Larson – 361 POINTS
He may appear to be 13, but he turns 23 in a month.
19. Danica Patrick – 357 POINTS
Just when I start thinking of her as just a driver…I catch her Instagram photos.
20. Greg Biffle – 351 POINTS
Instagram or not, I view the Biff as just a driver. Trust me.
