It was once again Kyle Busch who won at Bristol Motor Speedway last weekend in the NASCAR Nationwide series. That isn’t much of a change but the NNS points changed as they head in to California and Auto Club Speedway.
Reed Sorenson who was the leader coming into BMS had engine issues and finished 34th, while new points leader Jason Leffler netted his third top 10 finish in eighth.
Leffler has a two point lead over Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. in second.
As we head into ACS the series has yet to see a regular win a race this season and that needs to change. Last weekend we saw Stenhouse who earned the pole have a solid day up until pit road penalty under green cost him a chance for the win.
The series regulars have fast cars it is just a matter of not making mistakes to cost them wins or solid finishes.
Stenhouse will be looking to rebound after a disappointing race at BMS he is coming to ACS where Roush Fenway Racing has owned this track.
In his last two races at ACS, Stenhouse hasn’t found much success. His best finish was 29th last fall and 39th in this race a year ago.
Stenhouse though isn’t the same driver he was a year ago. He has run well since the second half of last season.
After a tough race last weekend, Stenhouse could be the one to watch on Saturday. He has had fast cars now it’s a matter of him putting it all together.
The last couple weeks I have been banging on the Kenny Wallace drum. I thought for sure he would have a better car last weekend at BMS, but they struggled.
This weekend he heads to ACS and looking to continue his climb in the top 10 of the standings. Like Stenhouse his best finish at this track in 2010 came in the fall race.
Wallace has a eighth place finish in 2005 and that is his best finish at ACS since then.
He has run well this season on intermediate tracks and that could continue this weekend. The multi grooved track means a lot of opportunity for passing.
Wallace hasn’t led a lap this season but he has a solid 16th place average finish and has shown if they can get the car right they can run with the top teams in the series.
Carl Edwards has a six race top five finish streak at ACS heading into the race on Saturday. My drivers to watch this weekend are Edwards, Aric Almirola and Stenhouse.
The Royal Purple 300 is Saturday at 5:30 ET on ESPN.
photo:jrmracing.com
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