SM Staff

From late-arriving pit crews to the second time around for the Cup Series at the mile track in Loudon, New Hampshire, here is what was surprising and not surprising from the second Chase race, the Sylvania 300.

Those on the verge of writing off Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s chance for the Sprint Cup Series championship, he wants you to think again. Sure, he knows he hasn’t been as strong as his No. 88 National Guard / Diet Mountain Dew Chevrolet team was before the summer months started.

On Monday, Joey Saldana was released from his driving duties with the No. 9 Great Clips / Sage Fruit / ASE sprint car for Kasey Kahne Racing, but will complete the remaining races on the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series 2012 schedule in the car.

Following early race contact between Jeff Hanley and George Wilson, Hanley would have to restart at the rear of the field. However, Hanley would work his way through the field and take the victory.

The 2012 Sprint Cup Series season started with a running tally of how many races Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin would win. A simple bet amongst outsiders interested to see how Stewart would do with new crew chief Steve Addington, while his championship winning crew chief from last season, Darian Grubb, joined Hamlin at Joe Gibbs Racing.

Hamlin came from the 32nd starting position to the lead before the 100th lap had been run. Hamlin led 193 of the 300 laps in route to his fifth win of the season and the 100th win all-time for Joe Gibbs Racing, becoming only the sixth team in NASCAR Sprint Cup history to reach 100 victories.

Everyone has them; they could be superstar athletes or everyday people. I have been privileged enough to meet three of my idols over the past month. Every encounter I was star struck. Talking to someone that you admire, care for and respect creates an incredible feeling inside of you. I have felt that feeling inside of me three times in the past month. Incredible. That’s how I describe every meeting.

As the green flag flew on the Sylvania 300, Hamlin who had to start 32nd after a poor qualifying effort wasted no time making his way through the field finding himself in the Top 15 before the competition caution at lap 40.

When it came to the end of the OSCAAR Modified feature at Sunset Speedway, it'd be Gary McLean once again going for victory lane as he did earlier this year at Sunset.