As the boys and girl venture to Pocono for their second visit to the venue in 56 days, there are some things that matter and some that do not. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s recovery from his concussion issues matters, him making the Chase does not in comparison. Kevin Harvick is missing his crew chief after some lug nuts went AWOL at Indianapolis. With a win and the points lead, it does not matter.
XFINITY races do not matter, but they matter enough to Brad Keselowski to head out to Iowa to be the lone Cup representative. Camping World truck racing does not matter, it appears, in the land of hockey, curling, and Don Cherry. Danica Patrick matters to women, to sponsors, and to folks who just like attractive people, but buried once again 24th in the standings despite some good equipment, she does not matter on the track.
Pocono matters to Kasey Kahne, Trevor Bayne, and Ryan Blaney if they wish to keep their Chase hopes viable. It matters to Jamie McMurray and Kyle Larson, who do not want themselves finishing behind that trio to find their own positions threatened.
Live event attendance does not matter, as only 50,000 bothered to turn out to the Brickyard last weekend. It still might matter for those at home, as it seems NBC was pleased with its ratings. Imagine the savings if pro sport venues did not have to put in seating, concessions, or parking, as we all watched the action from our living rooms. Many of us are already doing that. You would think that would matter enough to some.
To that end, I have my own concession, private washroom facilities, a comfortable chair, a big screen television, my remote control, and our Hot 20 going into Pocono. What more do I need?
1. BRAD KESELOWSKI – 4 WINS (647 Pts)
Watkins Glen testing crash appears to have knocked Cup’s big dog all the way to Iowa.
2. KYLE BUSCH – 4 WINS (601 Pts)
Best damn driver in NASCAR today…and Keelan Harvick would agree.
3. CARL EDWARDS – 2 WINS (593 Pts)
It can be fun to chase your car up the hill, except when other drivers catch it first.
4. JIMMIE JOHNSON – 2 WINS (552 Pts)
#2 in merchandise sales. You know who is #1.
5. MATT KENSETH – 2 WINS (545 Pts)
Top five are locked into the Chase.
6. KEVIN HARVICK – 1 WIN (671 Pts)
No lug nuts, no crew chief. It appears that is how NASCAR rolls.
7. KURT BUSCH – 1 WIN (627 Pts)
Shares record for running every lap for opening 20 races of a season. Pocono would be 21.
8. JOEY LOGANO – 1 WIN (606 Pts)
Some say maturity is the biggest reason Kyle is where he is today. There may be hope for Joey.
9. MARTIN TRUEX JR. – 1 WIN (573 Pts)
The last three winners at Pocono are Kurt, Matt, and this guy.
10. DENNY HAMLIN – 1 WIN (542 Pts)
Lending his support to West Virginia, the land of coal and way too much water.
11. TONY STEWART – 1 WIN (317 Pts)
Will he and Jeff Gordon take another final lap around Pocono, too?
12. CHASE ELLIOTT – 525 PTS
Some claim he is experiencing rookie growing pains. If he is, I think he can tough it out.
13. AUSTIN DILLON – 520 PTS
If GM Goodwrench would only come back, my NASCAR jacket would again be contemporary.
14. RYAN NEWMAN – 507 PTS
Secret to success at Pocono? Stay the hell away from Edwards.
15. JAMIE MCMURRAY – 496 PTS
I have been blamed for driving at Indianapolis. No, that was Jamie in the No. 1 in overtime.
16. KYLE LARSON – 472 PTS
Target leaving IndyCar, though Larson’s sponsorship good through 2017.
17. KASEY KAHNE – 462 PTS
38 major brands backed NASCAR drivers at Indianapolis…but All-State is not among them.
18. DALE EARNHARDT JR. – 461 PTS
It is going to take time to return, it is going to take a win to make the Chase…if there is time.
19. TREVOR BAYNE – 458 PTS
No more room for error or misadventure. The time is now.
20. RYAN BLANEY – 450 PTS
Also said to be experiencing rookie growing pains. Okay, he might need some relief.
