What a way to end the regular season. The Richmond International Raceway isn't called "Racing Perfection" just to give it a catchy nickname. The action on Saturday night provided the perfect ending to the 26-race regular season for the Sprint Cup Series.
Multiple cautions, mand torn up race cars, and of course some very hot tempers made up the 400-lap race.
At the end of it all, it was a driver who struggled during the summer that ended up victorious. He wasn't Mr. "Where'd He Come From" but instead he was the dominant car for the entire race. The No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet of Kevin Harvick found it's groove early, and never let it go. But, the pit crew was what won the race.
The last caution meant new tires, and the crew got the lead after losing it on the track to Jeff Gordon. But, the restart was what brought victory as he scooted away from the field to take the checkered flag, his fourth of the 2011 season.
The win also put him in a tie with Kyle Busch in victories this season, meaning both he and Busch enter the 2011 Chase with the same amount of points. However, because Busch had more top-fives through the first 26 races, he is the leader beginning next week.
As for the writers, their regular season ended with no one achieving victory at Richmond, however a big congratulations to Sal Sigala Jr. of 3Wideand1ToGo.com, as he is the regular season winner for 2011, finishing ahead of Speedway Media's Kelly Crandall.
However, the writers now take all their wins, and they now are reseeded for the final 10 races. Here's a look at the 2011 Fan Vs. Fan Victory Pool Chase standings after the Wonderful Pistachios 400:
Michael Hirshbein (2015) Kyle Busch finished sixth (5)
Sal Sigala Jr. (2012) Kyle Busch finished sixth (4)
Kelly Crandall (2009) Kyle Busch finished sixth (3)
Christopher Leone (2009) Matt Kenseth finished 23rd (3)
Misan Ayuka (2009) Carl Edwards finished second (3)
James Broomhead (2006) Denny Hamlin finished ninth (2)
Billy Fellin (2006) Kyle Busch finished sixth (2)
Ryan O'Hara (2006) Jeff Gordon finished 3rd (2)
Rob Tiongson (2006) Jeff Gordon finished second (2)
Kara Martin (2003) Denny Hamlin finished ninth (1)
Dustin Parks (2000) Denny Hamlin finished ninth (0)
Rookie to the pool Michael Hirshbein has rode a wave of success this year, favoring the younger Busch brother for 24 of the 26 races. However, starting next week, he will only be allowed to choose him once in 10 races.
For the final 10 races in the Chase, the biggest rule change is that each week, the writers MUST choose a different driver. There will be no doubling up choices in the Chase, which will make things interesting each week. The points will be distributed same as before, but not once will a writer choose a driver twice in the Chase.
The excitement of the Chase has begun, and it kicks of next week.
Next Race: The first race of the 2011 Chase will begin with a bang, as it's the newest track to become part of the Chase for the Cup.
It's not a short track, but the track is hosting it's first race of the year. Next up for NASCAR is a trip to the Windy City and the Chicagoland Speedway. It's another 1.5-mile track, but it does have some differences between the previous tracks on the circuit. It's the newest race in the Chase, and will provide much excitement to begin the title hunt.
Writers, your picks for the Geico 400 at Chicagoland are due by 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 15.
AUTHOR NOTE: Picks will be posted Thursday night as I am on the road Friday to go to Indiana, so it is critical that they are in on time.
Also, if you need to be reminded of the rules for the Chase, I will gladly email it.
Finally, I have a spreadsheet set up for all the picks during the 10-race Chase. If you need reminded of your picks at any time, as it is common to forget at some points, let me know. I will also use this should you send me a duplicate pick from earlier in the Chase, and have you send me a new choice.
Good luck, and let's get this Chase off to a roaring start.
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