Rain. Usually, that would mean a long delay before we see some action if we wind up seeing any at all, but not before we interview every driver at the track. Then, there are those who like to record the race on television, but fail to allow for an eight-hour delay.
Still, rain at Watkins Glen means racing. Take off the slicks, replace them with rain tread, and off they go. There is a possibility of rain, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. is among those who would not mind using the wipers. Of course, you just got to know that come Sunday the sun shall be shining.
You also know that, barring a fuel mileage, heartbreaking finish, Kyle Busch will hit the Top 30, and the Top Two on this list on Sunday. Until then, here are our Hot 20 coming into Watkins Glen…
1. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 4 WINS (713 Points)
To all the Johnson haters out there…Jimmie invites you to kiss his…
2. KEVIN HARVICK – 2 WINS (780 Points)
Engine department thought the 400 mile Pocono event was a 20 lap feature. They bad.
3. DALE EARNHARDT JR. – 2 WINS (717 Points)
I wonder how much space the new NASCAR “at track” superstore has devoted to one guy?
4. MATT KENSETH – 2 WINS (662 Points)
It is amazing what one can accomplish when one has fuel…and others do not.
5. KURT BUSCH – 2 WINS (620 Points)
Another free agent at the end of the season, but don’t expect him to go anywhere.
6. JOEY LOGANO – 1 WIN (734 Points)
I am not a fan of Joey Logano. He is not a fan of Ron Thornton, whoever he is.
7. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 1 WIN (694 Points)
Could not save enough fuel to sweep Pocono, but should do well at the Glen.
8. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 1 WIN (681 Points)
So THAT is the reason the crew chief stays up on the box.
9. DENNY HAMLIN – 1 WIN (614 Points)
Erik Jones will arrive full-time in Cup in 2017. Who departs Gibbs’ operation to make room?
10. CARL EDWARDS – 1 WIN (553 Points)
A dirty low down bottle tossing varmint? Say is isn’t so.
11. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 631 POINTS
Winning is so over-rated, as he will prove again this Sunday.
12. JEFF GORDON – 617 POINTS
40+ points up on Bowyer, so why in hell are some saying this has been a disappointing season?
13. PAUL MENARD – 591 POINTS
His dad is the richest person in Wisconsin. I’m not even the richest person in my household.
14. RYAN NEWMAN – 584 POINTS
The last of his four Top Fives was back in April. That has to change.
15. CLINT BOWYER – 574 POINTS
Calls everyone Boss these days, as you never know who his Boss might be next season.
16. KASEY KAHNE – 559 POINTS
The only sponsor who should have a real problem with Donald Trump is Great Clips.
17. ARIC ALMIROLA – 534 POINTS
Almirola? Isn’t that a great ice cream flavor?
18. GREG BIFFLE – 502 POINTS
First four races at the Glen, he averaged a 35th place finish. Since then, 15th. He got better.
19. KYLE LARSON – 485 POINTS
Just turned 23, so not quite a grey beard yet. Come to think of it, not quite ready for a beard yet.
20. AUSTIN DILLON – 484 POINTS
He did not win, but having a Tennessee Titan cheerleader in your corner is not exactly a loss.
