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Key Takeaways: Michigan
By Kenny Bruce | Published: August 29, 2016 7
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BROOKLYN, Mich. -- How much can change in the space of a single day, a single event? NASCAR fans had to look only at Sunday's Pure Michigan 400 Sprint Cup Series race to get an idea of the impact. Kyle Larson became a first-time winner in the series, and earned a Chase berth to boot. Chris Buescher avoided near disaster to maintain his playoff hopes. Say goodbye to the Irish Hills. It's on to Darlington.
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Hendrick has the horses
Chase Elliott equaled his best career finish with a runner-up at Michigan while Jimmie Johnson led 37 laps. Kasey Kahne ran in the top 10 before winding up 14th and Alex Bowman was impressive before electrical issues hindered the No. 88. The showing was overall solid, but it was also with a rules package earmarked for '17. A better indication of gains the organization has or hasn't made will come in the following weeks when teams switch back to the ’16 base package. Johnson says the group's hard work is starting to pay off. Only time, and results, will tell.
Chase Elliott equaled his best career finish with a runner-up at Michigan while Jimmie Johnson led 37 laps. Kasey Kahne ran in the top 10 before winding up 14th and Alex Bowman was impressive before electrical issues hindered the No. 88. The showing was overall solid, but it was also with a rules package earmarked for '17. A better indication of gains the organization has or hasn't made will come in the following weeks when teams switch back to the ’16 base package. Johnson says the group's hard work is starting to pay off. Only time, and results, will tell.
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Chase Field changes
Kyle Larson's victory at Michigan was big since it was the 24-year-old's first in Sprint Cup competition. It was bigger because it earned the Chip Ganassi Racing driver his first trip to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Three-time series champion Tony Stewart also formally clinched a spot with his 21st-place finish. With 13 winners and only two races remaining to set the field, at least one driver will make the Chase based on points. Only 12 points separate Chase Elliott, Austin Dillon and Jamie McMurray, with Ryan Newman now 15 points outside the cutoff.
Kyle Larson's victory at Michigan was big since it was the 24-year-old's first in Sprint Cup competition. It was bigger because it earned the Chip Ganassi Racing driver his first trip to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Three-time series champion Tony Stewart also formally clinched a spot with his 21st-place finish. With 13 winners and only two races remaining to set the field, at least one driver will make the Chase based on points. Only 12 points separate Chase Elliott, Austin Dillon and Jamie McMurray, with Ryan Newman now 15 points outside the cutoff.
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Looking for a spark
What was thought to be a faulty spark plug wire nearly cost Chris Buescher his stay inside the top 30 in points and a Chase appearance. The Front Row Motorsports entry developed problems early, but Buescher was able to soldier on after numerous attempts at repairing the No. 34 Ford and finished 35th.However, it was his second finish of 30th or worse since winning his first career race at Pocono. Similar setbacks at either Darlington or Richmond could cost him and the team dearly as he’s 30th in points and only seven points ahead of David Ragan.
What was thought to be a faulty spark plug wire nearly cost Chris Buescher his stay inside the top 30 in points and a Chase appearance. The Front Row Motorsports entry developed problems early, but Buescher was able to soldier on after numerous attempts at repairing the No. 34 Ford and finished 35th.However, it was his second finish of 30th or worse since winning his first career race at Pocono. Similar setbacks at either Darlington or Richmond could cost him and the team dearly as he’s 30th in points and only seven points ahead of David Ragan.
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Harvick still solid
Former series champ Kevin Harvick continues to keep his name in the title picture, registering his sixth top-10 finish in the last seven races with a fifth-place run at Michigan. He'll head to Darlington, where he has one career win, still atop the points standings for the second week in a row. Harvick led 33 laps at Michigan and the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet team didn't beat itself, something others failed to avoid. It's the kind of consistency that can carry Harvick deep into the Chase.
Former series champ Kevin Harvick continues to keep his name in the title picture, registering his sixth top-10 finish in the last seven races with a fifth-place run at Michigan. He'll head to Darlington, where he has one career win, still atop the points standings for the second week in a row. Harvick led 33 laps at Michigan and the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet team didn't beat itself, something others failed to avoid. It's the kind of consistency that can carry Harvick deep into the Chase.
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Second verse, same as the first?
Toyota teams were better this time around at Michigan with Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Carl Edwards seventh and Denny Hamlin ninth, but the group's '17 package still has plenty of room for improvement. Officials with the automaker feel good about the remainder of '16 and the road to the championship at Homestead. And with good reason. Toyota teams won at six of the eight tracks that will see a return visit during the Chase -- Loudon, Dover, Charlotte, Kansas, Martinsville and Texas.
Toyota teams were better this time around at Michigan with Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Carl Edwards seventh and Denny Hamlin ninth, but the group's '17 package still has plenty of room for improvement. Officials with the automaker feel good about the remainder of '16 and the road to the championship at Homestead. And with good reason. Toyota teams won at six of the eight tracks that will see a return visit during the Chase -- Loudon, Dover, Charlotte, Kansas, Martinsville and Texas.
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The return of four-time
After a one-week hiatus, four-time series champion Jeff Gordon will return to the Hendrick Motorsports No. 88 Chevrolet while driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to recuperate from concussion-like symptoms. It will be the fifth start for Gordon with the team and will come at Darlington, where he has seven career victories. Gordon finished 11th in his most recent start this season, at Bristol. Earnhardt Jr. is expected to be re-evaluated by doctors next week after which Hendrick officials will determine who will be in the car at Richmond.
After a one-week hiatus, four-time series champion Jeff Gordon will return to the Hendrick Motorsports No. 88 Chevrolet while driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to recuperate from concussion-like symptoms. It will be the fifth start for Gordon with the team and will come at Darlington, where he has seven career victories. Gordon finished 11th in his most recent start this season, at Bristol. Earnhardt Jr. is expected to be re-evaluated by doctors next week after which Hendrick officials will determine who will be in the car at Richmond.