NASCAR Cup Series

Ragan on racing at Pocono Raceway: “We had a pretty good car in June at Pocono and tracks like that are always good to go back to when you are having a strong season."

Over the previous weekend in Indianapolis we witnessed the emotional joy of another first time winner during the NASCAR Sprint Cup's 2011 season.

Here is what was surprising and not surprising from the 18th annual Brickyard 400 presented by BigMachineRecords.com:

Perhaps it was caught up in the commotion of Paul Menard’s first victory.

There are times when everything just comes together. Sunday was one of those times, as ESPN began their portion of the season with the best broadcast of the year.

Once again, NASCAR went to the hollowed grounds of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and I find myself agreeing with Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Dave Blaney piloted the No. 36 Big Red Chevrolet from the 33rd starting spot this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

(For each of the 36 races during the 2011 Sprint Cup season, TUMS will provide a brief historical recap of a moment when a team fought back to overcome an obstacle, one that can easily be described as a TUMS “Fights Back Fast” Moment. This week, the focus is on Pocono Raceway).

Being one of the oldest tracks on the NASCAR circuit, there is always a great amount of prestige in taming the 1.54-mile lightning-fast Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Regan Smith, driver for the Denver-based Furniture Row Racing team on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Wednesday afternoon's (Aug. 3) Major League Baseball game between the Colorado Rockies and Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field.