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Nationwide Series: The crown jewel of Ford Championship weekend

By
SM Staff
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Ford Championship weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway is arguably the biggest weekend of the NASCAR season. This this the weekend they crown the national series champions.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is the elite series of NASCAR and usually gets the majority of the attention. This weekend the points gap between first and second in the series is wide enough that the leader, Jimmie Johnson, has to only manage a 23rd place finish to clinch his sixth series championship. Not that finsihning 23rd among the world’s best drivers is easy, but with Johsnon’s performance this season and for the last several seasons, it is like kicking a fifteen yard field goal – Not a guarantee, but not exactly a nail biter.

The Camping World Truck Series which many opine has the best competition on track. Firday nights Ford Ecoboost 200 solidifies that opinion. Truly an impressive display of racing talent and competition that NASCAR should be proud of. The championship, however, was basically sewed up before the race. Matt Crafton only had to start the race to clinch the title.

The NASCAR Nationwide Series is widely considered a developmental series, though NASCAR states that it is not. It is actually a stand-alone series, and actually the No. 2 form of motorsports in the United States. Even with these numbers, the series still plays second fiddle in realm of public opinion form the NASCAR community.

This weekend, however, the Nationwide Series has a lot to be proud of. The championship battle is the closest among the three series. The profiles of the two contenders are, to say the least, completely different. Sam Hornish is 34 years old, has three Indycar championships, and is currently in a position where he may need this championship to assist him in landing a sponsor to keep him in NASCAR for 2014. Austin Dillon, is a young-gun driver, with a racing pedigree, one Camping World Truck Series championship in the bank, and pretty much has his future already planned out thanks to the fact that his grandfather is Richard Childress, owner of an elite NASCAR team. That fact also drives him to prove himself as a driver to help quiet the critics who feel he is getting a free ride.

In addition to the driver’s championship, the manufacturer’s championship is so close that it will come down to who wins – Ford or Chevy. Not only is it a classic Ford vs. Chevy battle, but even more tantalizing – if Toyota wins, it could come down to an unprecedented tie-breaker possibly going down to which car has the most fourth place finishes.

Finally, let’s not forget the fantastic owner’s championship battle as well. Roger Penske’s No.22 and Joe Gibbs No. 54 are separated by only four points. A battle that is so important that Penske added an additional car this weekend. Defending Sprint Cup Series champion, Brad Keselowski, will drive the No. 48 Discount Tire Ford in the Ford Ecoboost 300. This entry could be to just assist Joel Logano, who is driving the No. 22 or it could be to just play mind games with the No. 54 driver, Kyle Busch. Busch recently made contact with Keselowski in a Nationwide race crashing him and being less than apologetic about it. This move may have Kyle looking over his shoulder wondering of payback is coming. That could give Penske the edge they need to secure the title.

With so many dramatic storylines, series director, Wayne Auton, has plenty to smile about as he closes his first season with the series. His Nationwide Series is definitely the crown jewel of the Ford Championship weekend. The green flag will fall on the Ford Ecoboost 300 at 4:30 pm local time.

Ryan Blaney Accomplishes Another Milestone

By
SM Staff
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Photo Credit: Kirk Schroll

Ryan Blaney has flattered many in NASCAR this season. The 19-year-old was sworn into the sport by his father Dave Blaney and eventually hooked a ride with Brad Keselowski Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

The 2013 expectations were certainly set higher for Blaney as he had the past knowledge. They were accomplished after he won at Kentucky Speedway in June, and beat out Darrell Wallace Jr. and Jeb Burton to win the Sunoco Rookie of The Year award.

By winning ROY Blaney becomes the youngest driver to win the award at 19-years-old.

“I knew going into this year with Jeb and Darrell and German running, it was going to be really tough,” Blaney said. “All the rookie guys this year were really good, really good drivers and in really good equipment. And when you combine the two, it has good results.”

Blaney clinched the award at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday. Despite being outlasted by Kyle Busch in the closing lap, Blaney made a hard charge to finish second. Burton finished third after rebounding from hitting the wall.

“It just didn’t work out, man, but it was cool to race back up through there,” Burton said. “I mean, we passed 22 cars in five laps. We were digging, about seemed like six-wide. That’s what it’s about.”

Both Blaney and Burton with a lot of legacy to their name will return to the CWTS next season, remaining with the same teams. They won’t be racing for the ROY award; they’ll be chasing the elusive CWTS championship.

“It feels good,” Blaney said. “It’s always nice to know your plans for next season before the offseason. You know, you kind of relax and really have fun with your guys to try to practice up for next year, so I think we’re just going to come back 10 times stronger next year.”

Most of Blaney’s success was met inside the CWTS ranks but in Kentucky Speedway during the NASCAR Nationwide Series event he met yet another milestone. He took Roger Penske’s No. 22 Ford to victory lane earning himself his first NNS win.

Consistency Crowns Crafton Champion

By
SM Staff
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Credit: Chris Graythen/NASCAR via Getty Images

It may not be the most popular storyline describing Matt Crafton’s incredible season, but it is the most accurate.

Crafton had been nothing but consistent throughout the year. He put together strong and decent enough finishes in order to take the championship by almost a full race. This kind of performance hasn’t been seen before, making Crafton’s title run the more unique.

Recalling Daytona, Matt Crafton wasn’t on the pre-season favorites list. Mediocre seasons have made up most of the CWTS veteran’s career. No one thought to expect more out of him this year. Everyone basically wrote him off. He was the only one who could prove the doubters wrong and he did in commanding fashion.

Which of Crafton’s miraculous stats could tell the story of his season? His streak of top 10 finishes which began in Daytona and lasted until Chicagoland in September? His finishing every single lap the Truck Series turned in 2013? Maybe his taking the title by over 40 points? Each of these describes the work of a champion who fought long and hard for his glory. Crafton is one of the most deserving champions NASCAR has seen in years.

Putting together a season close to perfect is very difficult. Crafton skimmed the line of having a perfect season when he crossed the line at Homestead-Miami. His stats listed above look like ones out of a video game. They seem too good to be true. However, they are as authentic as authentic gets. Crafton earned each one of his accomplishments. Every lap he turned took him one step closer to achieving the one thing that has eluded him for so long: The championship.

It may have taken many years, but Crafton is finally on top of the CWTS. He put hard work in year after year and finally, the ultimate result prevailed in 2013. Crafton’s now a champion. No one can take that title from him. This was a year of redemption for Crafton as he showed everyone what he is capable of. He may not have been a favorite coming into this season, but he most definitely will be in 2014.

Busch wins at Homestead; Crafton captures series title

By
SM Staff
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Credit: Robert Laberge/Getty Images

Matt Crafton captured the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) title on Friday night at the series season ending race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Crafton entered Homestead with a 46-point lead over Ty Dillon and all he had to do was start the race to win his first championship in 13 seasons.

Crafton had front end damage from a late wreck, but the 37-year old the Tulare, Calif.-native drove his ThorSport Racing No. 88 Menards Toyota Tundra to a 21st-place finish and captured the title by 40 points over second-place Ty Dillon.

Crafton won one race (Kansas), captured seven top-five finishes, 19 top-10 finishes in 22 races and held onto the series points lead since the fourth race of the season.

“It’s an honor to be able to drive this Menards Toyota Tundra,” said Crafton.  “To be able to do this for Duke and Rhonda Thorson (team owners) that have been doing this for 18 years, and to give them their first championship and me driving for them for 14 years.”

“These guys are the ones that work so hard.  I’m just the one that gets to celebrate and look like the hero because I got to drive a great truck all year.” Crafton added.

Despite winning the championship, the series owners’ championship went to Kyle Busch on a tiebreaker.

“It’s kind of aggravating because we wanted the owners’ championship as well, but it happens.” Crafton said.

Busch won the race, capturing his fifth win of the season, and secured the championship tie-breaker with more wins than Crafton.

“It means a lot.  Man, this is so much fun to come out and race, for one, to win races, two, and to contend for owner’s championships. It’s big for us.  I can’t say enough about this team.” Busch said.

Ryan Blaney finished second, Jeb Burton third, Brendan Gaughan fourth and Ron Hornaday Jr. rounded out the top-5.

Dillon finished second in the series standings, James Buescher third, Johnny Sauter fourth and Jeb Burton ended up fifth.

Donovan McNabb Ignorantly Claims Jimmie Johnson Is Not An Athlete

By
SM Staff
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Photo Credit: USA Today Sports

The huge smiles on the faces of NASCAR fans across the country following the epic CWTS season finale were quickly replaced by looks of utter bewilderment and complete disgust.

What caused such a drastic and sudden change in emotions? Well, it was the result of retired NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb’s ignorant statement regarding five-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson on Fox Sports Live after the race. McNabb said “Do I think he’s an athlete? Absolutely not.” He then went on to say, “He sits in a car and drives. That’s not athletic.”

It didn’t take long for social media and Twitter specifically to explode with irate race fans and members of the racing community slamming McNabb to the ground for his comments.

NASCAR Nation Reacts

Jimmie Johnson: The debate continues… Everyone is entitled to an opinion. #DriversAreAthletes

Kyle Larson: “Donovan McNabb is a moron. Says Jimmie Johnson isn’t an athlete because he doesn’t do anything active, just drives a car….I’d like to see him drive a stock car for 500 miles.”

“Donovan McNabb must be mad he never won a championship and Jimmie just keeps winning them over and over again.”

Ricky Stenhouse Jr: “Wow Donovan McNabb really? Got to b an idiot. I’d like to see him keep up with Jimmie Johnson in a workout. And drive our cars for 500miles.”

Jeff Burton: We need a cup owner to provide a current car, go to Bristol,put McNabb in for 500 laps by himself. Then ask if drivers are athletes #educate

Jeff Gordon: 20+ yr debate. @NASCAR driver athlete? Never met a “athlete” who actually drove a racecar that doubted it. Care to take a ride Donovan?

Sherry Pollex (MTJ Girlfriend): “Wow McNabb just said Jimmie Johnson isn’t an athlete on Fox Sports 1. Ummm what?!! The guys a machine. #smdh #cantfixstupid”

DeLana Harvick: “Hearing people “discuss” our sport who have no freakin clue what they’re talking about is awesome…”

Jeffrey Earnhardt: “Can we find a way to put Donovan McNabb in a racecar for saying Jimmie Johnson isn’t a athlete? Anyone’s thoughts?”

The terms Donovan McNabb, #NASCAR & #PeopleMoreAthleticThanDonovanMcNabb quickly began trending nationwide on Twitter. Later, Fox Sports Live tweeted “Any race fans on Twitter tonight? Tough to find a more passionate fan base!” My favorite tweet of the night came from @TheMiniChad who said “well done Donovan McNabb – you did something we all thought impossible. you brought every nascar fan on twitter come to JJ’s side!”

Here is full video of the that statement that has the racing community so angry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWVmEvgByto&feature=youtu.be

This isn’t McNabb’s first NASCAR related blunder either. Earlier this year, he mistakenly congratulated Danica Patrick on her Daytona 500 victory when she had in fact, only earned pole position for the race proving that this guy has no prior knowledge of the sport and therefore, shouldn’t be talking about it on national television. Then there was the infamous Golden Tate incident a couple years back as well.

McNabb Responds To NASCAR Nation’s Anger: “Glad to see that you are watching Fox Sports Live. If you have any questions to what I said, look up the word and you will have your answer.”

The misconception that racecar drivers aren’t athletes has been an issue for a while. The problem is people have literally nothing to compare it to except for driving a street car on the highway at 60mph which obviously takes very little effort. In reality, there are no similarities between driving a street car and a racecar other than the fact they both have steering wheels and pedals. I’ve been in a racecar at speeds upwards of 170mph and let me tell you, there are no comparisons whatsoever to what you feel in a street car.

Is it a coincidence that arguably the fittest driver in the garage is the most successful? No, it is not. It’s a sport that requires you to endure temperatures similar to that of the Sahara Desert inside the cockpit. You need to have reflexes on par with a fighter pilot’s and an endurance that rivals an Olympic track runner. In a race, one needs to maintain an extremely high level of alertness for three to four consecutive hours while at the same time fighting G-forces that are constantly pulling your arms down and putting a fair amount of pressure on your chest and legs.

Oh, and occasionally fighting the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning as well. You hang onto 3,000 pound machines that are about as controllable as an incensed bull, inches away from your closest competitor and knowing very well that any lapse in judgement could spell the end of your day, possibly your career and in the most severe circumstances, your life. There are no errors or fouls allowed in NASCAR; you must be perfect at all times or face catastrophic consequences.

The hand-eye coordination needed to control the car at the absolute edge of its capabilities and at breakneck speeds is just like the hand-eye coordination needed to hit, catch and throw a ball except for the obvious fact that the stakes are much higher at 200mph. How about breaks? In football, plays last no longer than a few seconds and baseball players get to sit on a bench for about half the game. In NASCAR, you’re only break usually is a few minutes worth of caution.

Lets focus on physical toughness now. We’ve seen drivers race with broken ribs, concussions, dislocated shoulders, faces swollen to the point where they can’t see and a multitude of other injuries while some players in other sports sit out due to a sprained thumb. Drivers have collapsed following races due to sheer exhaustion on numerous occasions and you are going to try to tell me that it takes no physical effort to race in NASCAR?

If NASCAR drivers aren’t athletes, then I don’t know what an athlete is.

Jimmie Johnson’s Training Routine: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9984515

Via @TheStrengthGuys
Via @TheStrengthGuys

Kyle Busch wins Ford EcoBoost 200; Matt Crafton Crowned Champion

By
SM Staff
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Photo Credit: Noel Lanier

With 18 laps to go, Kyle Busch would take the lead from Austin Dillon and set sail. He would then hold off Brendan Gaughan on three different green-white-checkered attempts to win the Ford EcoBoost 200.

It marks Busch’s fifth win of the season and gave Kyle Busch Motorsports the owners’ championship in a tie-breaker with the No. 88 ThorSport Racing truck.

“It means a lot to Kyle Busch Motorsports, myself, my wife and most importantly all of our employees,” Busch commented after the race. “It’s so much fun to come out here for one to race, but two to win races and have some fun. Thanks to our sponsor for their support. I can’t say enough for this team and Rudy and the guys that he had to work with this year including Hackenbract, Bloomquist and especially Jones last week. Without that win, we wouldn’t have had a chance to win it this week.”

The pair tied after Matt Crafton finished 21st with the tie-breaker coming down to wins. Busch had five wins this season – Charlotte, Dover, Bristol, Chicago and Homestead. A sixth win came for the No. 51 ToyotaCare Tundra last weekend with Erik Jones taking the win.

Crafton only had one win on the season – Kansas – but it was enough to hand him the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver’s championship. By starting the race, Crafton clinched the title.

“It’s been so cool,” Crafton said. “Menards, Duke and Rhonda Thorson and everyone that makes it possible. It’s an honor to get these guys the championship after all their hard work.

“I can’t say how much the whole year means to us. The last couple of months has been a huge burden on my shoulders just trying to sleep at night.”

Crafton ran inside the top 10 early on, though a poor pit stop due to a hung lugnut put him back in traffic. Caught in the midst of three and four-wide racing, Joey Coulter would come up across Crafton’s front bumper with two laps to go, causing Crafton to hit the wall. Crafton said after the race that he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time when it came to the wreck.

Crafton would drive his wrecked No. 88 Menards Toyota Tundra to the 21st spot, coming up just shy of the owner’s title.

After making a charge late at Busch off the final corner, Ryan Blaney would finish second and win the 2013 Rookie of the Year title. At the age of 19 years old, Blaney becomes the youngest driver to win the award in the CWTS.

Blaney led the first half of the race after winning the pole, though got into the wall with 41 laps to go while leading, causing him to have to make a late race charge.

“What coulda been? We had a great Cooper Standard Ford and led a bunch of laps,” Blaney said of his night. “I just lost concentration for a couple laps and got into the wall. You’re on the edge, running half an inch off the wall and got in there. I apologize for that. I tried to get Brendan (Gaughan) going  on the restart and lifted him up – sorry about that. If I could’ve got by him sooner, I may have had a shot.”

Brendan Gaughan, who finished fourth in the race, had a different take on the final restart.

“We kept spinning tires on the restart,” Gaughan commented. “He lifted me up there – I get he was trying to push me, but he’s young and there’s a difference between pushing and lifting me up.”

Jeb Burton finished third overall, capping off a solid rookie season that was highlighted by his win at Texas Motor Speedway.

Ron Hornaday rounded out the top five as he was up fighting for the lead in the late going. Hornaday drove the No. 34 for Turner-Scott Motorsports after he was let go from NTS Motorsports following last weekend’s race at Phoenix International Raceway.

“This is so cool to have friends like Mr. Turner, Turner-Scott Motorsports, Smokey Mountain Snuff and guys like Mr. Hendrick to build the motor,” Hornaday said. “When you go to get into the truck and you have five crew chiefs there, it means a lot. Hopefully we can work out something for later.”

John Wes Townley finished sixth followed by German Quiroga, Ross Chastain, Timothy Peters and last year’s race winner Cale Gale.

Lap by Lap: Ford EcoBoost 200 won by Kyle Busch

By
SM Staff
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Photo Credit: Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Kyle Busch would hold off Brendan Guaghan on the three different Green-White-Checkereds to win the Ford EcoBoost 200 and the owner’s championship for Kyle Busch Motorsports.

Meanwhile, Matt Crafton would start the race and clinch his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship.

 

Lap 1 Blaney pulls ahead going into turn one

Lap 3 Blaney leads Sauter Ty Dillon Austin Dillon Piquet Crafton KyBusch Buescher Gale Paludo

Lap 5 Crafton by Piquet; Burton, Townley and Hornaday by Paludo

Caution for debris

Restart lap 9 Sauter grabs the lead off of turn two. Blaney and Austin Dillon side-by-side for second.

Lap 10 Sauter leads ADillon Blaney Crafton TDillon Busch Piquet Buescher Gale and Hornaday….Blaney grabs second off of turn four

Lap 11 Crafton passes Austin Dillon for third. Blaney takes the lead back from Sauter in turns three and four while Ty Dillon grabs fourth from Austin.

Lap 12 Buescher by Piquet followed by Burton and Gale

Lap 14 Blaney leads Sauter Crafton TDillon ADillon KyBusch Burton Buescher Piquet Hornaday

Lap 16 Piquet by Buescher for eighth

Lap 17 Ty Dillon by Crafton for third

Lap 18 Hornaday passes Buescher for ninth

Lap 19 Blaney leads Sauter TDillon Crafton KyBusch ADillon Burton Hornaday Piquet Gaughan

Lap 27 Blaney leads Sauter TDillon Busch Crafton ADillon Burton Gaughan Buescher Hornaday

Lap 29 Ty Dillon and Sauter side-by-side for second. Dillon grabs the spot heading into turn one as Busch takes third from Sauter off of turn two.

Lap 30 Burton by Austin Dillon for sixth

Lap 32 Gaughan passes Austin Dillon for seventh

Caution lap 41 Joey Coulter goes for a spin. Leaders head down pit road. Blaney leads Ty Dillon, Sauter off pit road.

Restart lap 46 Blaney pulls ahead of the field with Ty Dillon and Crafton in toe

Lap 49 Blaney Crafton TDillon Sauter Busch Burton Buescher ADillon Hornaday Gaughan

Lap 50 Blaney and Crafton are side-by-side for the lead. Crafton takes the lead in turns three and four.

Lap 54 Blaney and Crafton are side-by-side for the lead again

Lap 55 Crafton pulls ahead off of turn two

Lap 62 Crafton and Blaney are side-by-side for the lead

Lap 63 Darrell Wallace Jr. gets into the outside wall in turns two and three. Heavy right side damage. Wallace made contact with Austin Dillon a couple laps earlier, causing slow leak in the tire.

Caution lap 64 for debris as Blaney holds the advantage over Crafton. Leaders head down pit road. Ky Busch leads Blaney Crafton Burton off pit road.

Restart 65 to go Blaney and Busch side-by-side for the lead. Busch with the lead down the backstretch as Blaney and Crafton side-by-side for second

64 to go Crafton runs second while Blaney and Hornaday run side-by-side for third

63 to go Honaday clears Blaney for third and goes inside Crafton for second.

62 to go Three-wide with Blaney, Crafton and Hornaday for second. Blaney back to second ahead of Crafton and Hornaday

60 to go Three-wide for the lead between Busch, Blaney and Crafton. Four-wide as Hornaday joins the battle off of turn two. Busch pulls ahead of Blaney, Crafton and Hornaday

57 to go Blaney and Busch side-by-side for the lead

56 to go Blaney pulls ahead of Busch off of turn two with the lead. Crafton looks underneath Busch for second, but is unable to do it.

55 to go Hornaday goes underneath Crafton for third but Crafton holds on to third off of turn two ahead of Hornaday and Burton

53 to go Burton grabs fourth from Hornaday

52 to go Blaney leads Busch Crafton Burton Hornaday

44 to go Blaney leads Busch while Burton grabs third from Crafton

43 to go Blaney leads Busch Burton Crafton Gaughan Hornaday

Caution 41 to go Blaney gets into the wall to bring the caution out as Busch grabs the lead from him. Leaders head down pit road. Chastain takes the lead ahead of Busch Burton. Chastian takes the lead.

Restart 36 to go Busch pulls ahead as Chastain and Hornaday are side-by-side for second

Caution 31 to go Spencer Gallagher into the wall, Piquet also involved. Gallagher got loose and collected Piquet.

Restart 25 to go Chastain spins his tires as Busch pulls ahead followed by Gaughan Hornaday ADillon Burton and Chastain

24 to go Busch leads as Gaughan and ADillon run side-by-side for second

23 to go Austin Dillon grabs second from Gaughan behind Busch. Dillon inside of Busch off of turn four for the lead

22 to go Austin Dillon grabs the lead off of turn two ahead of Busch while Burton and Gaughan side-by-side for third

21 to go Burton by Gaughan for third. Austin Dillon leads Busch Burton Gaughan Sauter Quiroga Hornaday Chastain Townley Dillon. Ty Dillon by Townley for ninth as Gresham gets into the wall.

20 to go Busch and ADillon side-by-side for the lead. Busch take the lead off of turn four ahead of Austin Dillon Burton and Gaughan

19 to go Dillon goes underneath Busch down the frontstretch for the lead. Dillon takes the lead off of turn two ahead of Busch Burton and Gaughan. Burton and Gaughan side-by-side for third. Burton able to keep the spot ahead of Gaughan

18 to go Busch and Dillon side-by-side for the lead. Busch takes the lead in turn three ahead of Dillon while Burton and Gaughan side-by-side for third. Burton keeps Gaughan behind him

17 to go Dillon underneath Busch for the lead. Busch keeps Dillon behind him

16 to go Burton by Dillon as Dillon gets very very close to the outside wall. Burton underneath Busch for the lead

15 to go Busch leads Burton ADillon Gaughan

13 to go Busch leads Burton ADillon Gaughan Quiroga TDillon Sauter Hornaday Blaney Townley

11 to go Gaughan by ADillon for third. Quiroga grabs fourth ahead of ADillon

7 to go Burton gets into the wall and falls back into the clutches of Gaughan.

6 to go Gaughan passes Burton for second

5 to go Burton gets into the wall once again as Quiroga and both Dillons slip by Burton. Caution for debris.

Restart 2 to go Busch leads ahead of Gaughan and Qurioga. Gaughan ahead of Quiroga. Wreck down the backstretch as Coulter and Crafton come together in the wreck. Newberry also involved.

Restart second attempt at a GWC. Busch leads ahead of Gaughan as…….Caution.  Sauter goes for a spin after getting loose while underneath Dillon. Ty Dillon has to give up his spot as he has a flat right rear tire.

Restart Busch leads as Gaughan and Blaney battle for second. Couple trucks get into the wall off turn four.

Final lap

Kyle Busch wins. Blaney Burton Gaughan Hornaday Towley Quiroga Chastain Peters Gale.

Matt Kenseth wins the pole for Ford EcoBoost 400

By
SM Staff
-
Photo Credit: Noel Lanier

In the battle for the championship, give round one to Matt Kenseth as he scored his third pole of the season on Friday afternoon at Ford EcoBoost 400. The 41-year-old lapped the Homestead-Miami Speedway track in 30.394 seconds to take the top spot.

Kenseth comes into the final race of the season sitting second in points behind Jimmie Johnson. Johnson can clinch the championship by finishing 23rd or better. However, if Johnson finishes 24th or worst, the door opens up for Kenseth to take the title. Johnson qualified seventh.

Kurt Busch posted the second quickest lap behind the wheel of his No. 78 Furniture Row/Denver Mattress Chevrolet. This marks Busch’s final start with the Furniture Row Racing team as he moves to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014.

Penske Racing teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski qualified third and fourth, respectively. Denny Hamlin rounded out the top five.

Kevin Harvick, who has a slim chance to win the championship should he win the race while Johnson finishes last and Kenseth struggles, qualified in the sixth positon. Johnson qualified seventh followed by Martin Truex Jr., Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Elliott Sadler.

CHEVY NSCS AT HOMESTEAD: Kurt Busch Qualifying Press Conf Transcript

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SM Archive
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Ryan Blaney wins Ford EcoBoost 200 pole at Homestead-Miami Speedway

By
SM Staff
-
Photo Credit: Noel Lanier

With his second pole of the season, Ryan Blaney would sit on the 21 Means 21 Pole for the Ford EcoBoost 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The 19-year-old will be looking for his second career win tonight behind the wheel of his No. 29 Cooper Standard Ford for Brad Keselowski Racing.

ThorSport Racing’s Johnny Sauter qualified second for his ninth top 10 in 2013 behind the wheel of his No. 98 Nextant Aerospace/Curb Records Toyota.

Richard Childress Racing’s Ty Dillon qualified third for his 17th top 10 start this season behind the wheel of his No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Tractor Boats Chevrolet.

In first start for NTS Motorsports after running for Turner-Scott Motorsports all year, Nelson Piquet Jr. qualified the No. 9 GunBroker.com Chevrolet in fourth.

Ross Chastain rounded out the top five as his 2014 plans are up in the air currently with it already stated that he will not be at Brad Keselowski Racing in 2014.

2012 Series Champion James Buescher qualified sixth followed by Austin Dillon, Matt Crafton, Cale Gale and Miguel Paludo. When Crafton takes the green flag tonight, he will officially clinch the 2013 Championship.

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