Entering the race at Phoenix, the focus was on the top two in the points standings. Two weeks ago, the gauntlet was thrown down between Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards.
Last week the gauntlet became bigger, while the points gap became smaller.
Sunday's action was great, as the new surface at Phoenix led to some exciting racing in many different forms. But in the end, it was still all about the two drivers battling for a title. When the checkered flag waved, both drivers had been victorious, as neither gained nor lost any ground. The difference between first and second after Texas was three points, with Edwards holding the lead.
Because of Stewart leading the most laps, but Edwards finishing two positions ahead, the gap remains three points.
The battle will come down to the final race of the season, however more on that later.
One driver that took a lot of attention away from the title race was the man in victory lane. The late-season charge for Kasey Kahne has paid off as he finally got his long-wanted win for Team Red Bull. With this organization leaving at season's end, and no buyer for the team as of yet, many questions still remain as to where the employees will go, if they have anywhere to go.
But this gives the entire team a great outlook, as it is just the second win for Team Red Bull since they entered NASCAR in 2007. But Kahne made a vow to do everything he could to get a win for the team before he left for his Hendrick Motorsports ride in 2012.
On this day, he lived up to that.
At the same time, he gave one writer yet another victory on the season. With 11 writers picking nine different drivers, things have changed in the points. Some were good, some were alright, while others would much rather forget Phoenix ever happened.
Here is a look at where everyone stands following the Kobalt Tools 500:
James Broomhead (2326) Kevin Harvick finished 19th (3)
Michael Hirshbein (2319) Jimmie Johnson finished 14th (6)
Misan Ayuka (2318) Brad Keselowski finished 18th (4)
Rob Tiongson (2312) Kasey Kahne WON (4)
Dustin Parks (2308) Jimmie Johnson finished 14th (1)
Kelly Crandall (2308) Brad Keselowski finished 18th (5)
Billy Fellin (2303) Kyle Busch finished 36th (3)
Kara Martin (2302) Kurt Busch finished 22nd (1)
Christopher Leone (2301) Carl Edwards finished second (4)
Sal Sigala Jr. (2278) Jeff Gordon finished 32nd (5)
Ryan O'Hara (2268) Tony Stewart finished third (2)*
*Out of title contention
NOTE: Writer in last place did send in his pick for the race last week at Texas, however it arrived a day late and after last week's pool picks were posted.
NEXT RACE: It has come down to three points, two drivers, and one race to decide one championship. Every other driver in the 2011 Chase is out of contention, including the man that has won the title the last five seasons.
In the Pool, 10 writers still have a chance to mathematially win the championship. Some it will take a miracle, while others may use strategy to get it done. Only seven points separate first and second, while only 17 separate the top six.
One race will decide NASCAR's Sprint Cup Champion, and one race will decide the winner of the Fan Vs. Fan Victory Pool for 2011.
Writers, I am giving you an extended deadline this week to get your picks in, as this is going to be an imprtant race for everyone involved, and every writer deserves to have their name with a driver next to it (plus because of my work schedule, I am working early on the posting day).
So, please have your picks for the final race of the year, the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, submitted by 12 NOON E.T. on Friday, November 18.
Written by:
