The last few weeks seems as though the biggest race in NASCAR isn't to beat the other drivers, but more about racing to beat Mother Nature. Two of the last three races have been marred with rain, forcing postponements and upset fans.
It was unfortunate that the first race of the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup had to suffer this fate, but it made for an exceptional way to begin the title hunt after all. Sure, it came down to fuel mileage, but it also made for a lot of drama to begin the Chase. Drivers that are competing for the title were the dominant drivers of the day. Unfortunately for many, the amount of fuel in the tank was what made the biggest difference.
The dominant drivers such as Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth ran dry on the final lap, coasting across the line.
Kenseth was hit the hardest as he ran out and got a push by another driver to finish the race. However, NASCAR prohibits one driver from assisting another across the line should they run out of fuel on the final lap. Kenseth originally had a finish in the top-10, but NASCAR dropped him to 21st in the final running order due to that violation.
Other drivers one wouldn't expect to stretch the fuel, at least in some aspects, had strong runs. Drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Brad Keselowski all managed top-five finishes, which help their standing in the Chase.
But the one driver that had saved enough fuel to go the distance was a driver that was 0-for-26 during the regular season.
He's now 1-for-1 in the 2011 Chase as it was Tony Stewart getting his first win of the season. Having already seen teammate Ryan Newman get his only win of the season, and doing it from the runner-up spot, Stewart has been eager to win, and even was to the point of not considering himself a top contender for this year's championship.
Maybe he should reconsider that statement.
One thing that shouldn't be reconsidered was the pick of two writers. They each added a win onto their season total, and have leaped to the top of the standings. All the craziness at the finish have dramatically changed how everyone is standing in the points (except for the author who's still in the basement).
Here's where everyone is standing after Monday's rain-delayed Geico 400:
Michael Hirshbein (2062) Tony Stewart WON (6)
Misan Ayuka (2056) Tony Stewart WON (4)
Christopher Leone (2049) Brad Keselowski finished fifth (3)
Ryan O'Hara (2047) Carl Edwards finished fourth (2)
James Broomhead (2046) Brad Keselowski finished fifth (2)
Kara Martin (2044) Carl Edwards finished fourth (1)
Sal Sigala Jr. (2036) Matt Kenseth finished 21st (4)
Kelly Crandall (2029) Jeff Gordon finished 24th (3)
Billy Fellin (2026) Jeff Gordon finished 24th (2)
Rob Tiongson (2026) Jeff Gordon finished 24th (2)
Dustin Parks (2024) Matt Kenseth finished 21st (0)
Next Race: The second race in the Chase used to be the first. It's time for another trip up north and another visit to the "Magic Mile" in New Hampshire.
The question becomes who can make up ground, or who will gain more.
Writers, the second race in the Chase is the Sylvania 300. It's a new week, and everyone must have new picks. Your choices are due by Thursday, September 22, at 10 p.m. ET.
Written by:
