Michigan has always provided us with a race that is fast, high anxiety, and usually comes down to either fuel mileage or a car simply dominating.
The race today really wasn't that. For the entire race, there were many drivers that had the potential to be victorious, only to have it slip away for some unforseen reason. It happens to the best of drivers, as was obvious today.
Both Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards found issues, with Hamlin having a rough meeting with the outside wall and Edwards having an engine issue early in the race. The two drivers who were heavy favorites coming in found themselves finishing 35th and 36th.
But, the battle for the lead was a big one among no less than five drivers. Greg Biffle looked like the guy to beat early, but when he was in traffic he couldn't do much else.
Jeff Gordon looked like a guy to beat for a while, but eventually finished in sixth. Matt Kenseth also had the appearance to bring Ford another win, but he got caught in a huge battle for the green-white-checkered, and faded back to the 10th position.
The man that did find the victory, brought the win to the Japan-located Toyota brand in an area where the "Big 3" rule the auto industry.
The winner...Kyle Busch.
It was his fourth win of the season, easily securing his spot atop the standings. Not only that, but he is the first driver to officially clinch his spot in the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup. Right now, he is the heavy favorite not only to lead going into the Chase, but also to be the champion.
Speaking of leads, we have a new leader in the points for the Fan Vs. Fan Victory Pool. Not only that, but three writers have secured another victory for the year. It's the second consecutive week multiple writers secure another win before the Chase.
Here's a look at our 11 writers and where they now stand following the Pure Michigan 400:
Sal Sigala Jr. (787) Kyle Busch WON (4)
Kelly Crandall (773) Matt Kenseth finished 10th (3)
Michael Hirshbein (772) Kyle Busch WON (5)
James Broomhead (769) Carl Edwards finished 36th (2)
Christopher Leone (756) Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 14th (3)
Billy Fellin (747) Denny Hamlin finished 35th (2)
Ryan O'Hara (733) Denny Hamlin finished 35th (2)
Kara Martin (699) Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 14th (1)
Rob Tiongson (698) Kyle Busch WON (2)
Misan Ayuka (692) Matt Kenseth finished 10th (3)
Dustin Parks (689) Carl Edwards finished 36th (0)
Next Race: It's now going from high speeds and sweeping corners to high banks and close quarters. Not only that, but it's a quick turnaround for NASCAR.
All three series are competing next weekend, and it's appropriate because NASCAR is bringing all three series to the most popular weekend for fans. Like the slogan goes, "There's racing, then...there's Bristol."
Celebrating it's 50th anniversary, the Bristol Motor Speedway plays host to the one race every year that fans flock to, and possibly the loudest weekend of the entire year. They don't call this 0.533-mile, concrete monster "Thunder Valley" because of potentially scary weather. This track, with 43 cars in such a tight space, it's incredibly loud.
Writers, this week is potentially a make-or-break race for many drivers. Make your picks carefully, as your choices for the Irwin Tools Night Race are due by Thursday, August 25, at 10 p.m. ET.
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