2012 Sprint Cup Series race reviews and results

[Garrett Duke]

Thanks for the response Hoss .

[RogerDuke]

Hopefully for Ragen's sake next year will be better for him, but the only way that I can see that happening is if he got a new ride. One with more money behind it.

I am looking forward to fantasy NASCAR...espcially with you in it.

I'm not sure if I'll root for anybody. I may just focus on my fantasy team. It seems like a lot of people are doing that since fantasy sports have become popular. Since I'm so devoted to teams from Pittsburgh I'll always be loyal to them but I have no loyalties in NASCAR so maybe I'll just focus on beating Garrett. I'd better start learning more about NASCAR before next season if I'm going to take on that lofty goal.

[Garrett Duke]

I'm not sure if I'll root for anybody. I may just focus on my fantasy team. It seems like a lot of people are doing that since fantasy sports have become popular. Since I'm so devoted to teams from Pittsburgh I'll always be loyal to them but I have no loyalties in NASCAR so maybe I'll just focus on beating Garrett. I'd better start learning more about NASCAR before next season if I'm going to take on that lofty goal.

No favorite driver? Who ever heard of such a crazy thing? LOL - just joking. Though personally, don't know if I'd be a fan of NASCAR if it wasn't for Jeff Gordon or having a favorite driver(s) to follow.

Being into fantasy sports, can see how it would be interesting to just follow the players or drivers in your fantasy teams. Guess that way you wouldn't have to worry about what to do when your fantasy team/driver/player play your team and what not...but personally, don't know if I could do that. I'll be a fan of Chicago Sports til the day I die (All except for the White Sox...too big of a Cubs fan to be a fan of their cross town rivals). As for NASCAR Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson will always be my favorite, when that dreadful day comes and both aren't in racing no longer, then my loyalties will probably go to another Hendrick driver. If Hendrick closes up ... well don't know what I'll do.

As far as fantasy goes...love how it gives me more teams, players, drivers to follow. It broadens my following span -especially in NASCAR. Instead of just watching and worrying about where my Hendrick boys are racing, I am looking out where my fantasy drivers are at as well...though as in all other sports, I'd rather have Jeff Gordon or JJ or Jr or Kahne win than a fantasy driver (if they are not on my fantasy team.) My personal favorites are always #1 before my fantasy teams and players.

Guess I am going to have to watch what I write on here when it comes to NASCAR info...Roger may just use it agaisnt me next year. LOL. I never knew anyone who's goal was to beat me... Should make for a great fantasy NASCAR season!

[Garrett Duke]

Well the Tallede...I mean Phoenix race just got over. Though by the looks of the end of the race, one would think it was Talledega. My emotions are all over the place right now - but will attempt to keep them under control.

Jimmie Johnson came into the race number one in points but left number two in points due to a tire sending him into the wall...and to the garage for 38 laps.

Phoenix was Kyle Busch's show as he led the most laps but came home third when Kevin Harvick won the race when he drove past him on a restart.

But I don't think this race will be remembered by any of that. I think it will be remembered by Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer. Jeff Gordon had run top ten all day until with five laps to go or so Clint Bowyer (for the THIRD time this year) got into Jeff Gordon to wreck him. Two laps to go, Jeff gets black flagged before Jeff Gordon gets his retaliation and runs Bowyer into the wall (Joey Logano got caught up in it) and the race was red flagged to clean up - with only one lap to go. Race red flag...and Clint Bowyer's team runs over and starts attacking Jeff Gordon and his crew. Bowyer climbs out of his car and runs over to Jeff Gordon. Gordon was quickly escorted to his garage before they all were called to the hauler...hauler had to be guarded by the police who would later escot him from the hauler.

Personally, I am not for retaliation...am still surprised that he did this...but after being wrecked by the SAME driver, (Jeff would've won at Martinsville in the spring race except Bowyer wrecked him and JJ on the last lap), well Jeff has had enough. As I said, I don't go for retaliation, but will back Jeff a hundred percent on this after how Clint has raced him this year.

Clint was seven or so points behind Jimmie Johnson in points to be third in points when this happened. Now Kasey Kahne is third. Hate it for Clint for him to be taken out of the championship hunt like this and am sure NASCAR will take that into consideration when they hand out their penalties.

If that wasn't enough, once they go green flag, Jeff Burton went up and wrecked Danica Patrick who leaked oil over the track.. But since they were white flag, NASCAR di dn't throw a caution causing a lot of good cars to wreck crossing the finish line.

Here is the finish line up:

1 Kevin Harvick

2 Denny Hamlin

3 Kyle Busch

4 Kasey Kahne

5 Ryan Newman

6 Brad Keselowski

7 Greg Biffle

8 Kurt Busch

9 Paul Menard

10 Mark Martin

11 Carl Edwards

12 Juan Montoya

13 Jeff Burton

14 Matt Kenseth

15 Bobby Labonte

16 Aric Almirola

17 Danica Patrick

18 Marcos Ambrose

19 Travis Kvapil

20 Tony Stewart

21 Dale Earnhardt Jr.

22 Casey Mears

23 Jamie McMurray

24 Regan Smith

25 Landon Cassill

26 Dave Blaney

27 Joey Logano

28 Clint Bowyer

29 Timmy Hill

30 Jeff Gordon

31 Sam Hornish Jr.

32 Jimmie Johnson

33 David Ragan

34 David Stremme

35 Stephen Leicht

36 David Gilliland

37 Josh Wise *

38 Michael McDowell

39 Joe Nemechek

40 David Reutimann

41 Mike Bliss

42 Jason Leffler

43 Martin Truex Jr.

Well we have one more race at Homestead next Sunday where the championship trophy will be handed out to the number one in points. Clint Bowyer wouldn't deny it and his crew cheif has said they will get back next week. Personally am worried about that...will let y'all know what penalties will be handed out when they hand 'em out or I find out about it. Probably Tuesday.

All I can say right now...this 24 and 48 fan is NOT happy with today's race.

[HossC]

Because there was a green-white-checker finish with a couple of extra laps it allowed Jimmie Johnson to overtake David Ragan. Poor Roger just can't catch a break this year .

[Garrett Duke]

Because there was a green-white-checker finish with a couple of extra laps it allowed Jimmie Johnson to overtake David Ragan. Poor Roger just can't catch a break this year .

Yeah poor Ragen...poor Roger. Guess I kinda over looked that with all that had happened. Still can't believe...

[RogerDuke]

Wow...High drama at NASCAR.

Thanks for the update Garrett. I'm sorry to hear things didn't go well for you.

[Garrett Duke]

Wow...High drama at NASCAR.

Thanks for the update Garrett. I'm sorry to hear things didn't go well for you.

Yeah a lot of NASCAR drama today...drama I could definately live without. Thanks Roger.

[Garrett Duke]

Well first of all, for anyone who follows the Nationwide Series (y'all tell me if you want me to post results for that series...I can make a topic for that series as well...) today was their last race. Dale Earnhardt Jr's driver, Ragen Smith won the race. While Jack Rousch's driver, Ricky Stenhouse Jr won the championship by 23 points over Elliot Sadler thanks to Sadler's late race accident last week. Ricky Stenhouse Jr will be taking over Matt Kenseth's 17 car next year (also for Jack Rousch).

Meanwhile the Sprint Cup Series' last race is tomorrow at Homestead - Miami. Dang, where has the season gone? Seems like it just started - NASCAR by far must have the shortest season...ever! LOL. I say that jokingly, I know their season is longer than most and going about nine month long...or short if you are me. Just can't believe at this time tomorrow, the champion will be crowned and my NASCAR withdrawl will officially start (it has already unofficially started...).

Here is the starting line up for the Sprint Cup Series...

1. Joey Logano

2. Marcos Ambrose

3. Brad Keselowski

4. Carl Edwards

5. Aric Almirola

6. Clint Bowyer

7. Martin Truex Jr.

8. Kyle Busch

9. Mark Martin

10. Jimmie Johnson

11. Matt Kenseth

12. Kasey Kahne

13. Greg Biffle

14. Jamie McMurray

15. Jeff Gordon

16. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

17. Sam Hornish Jr.

18. Paul Menard

19. Ryan Newman

20. Trevor Bayne

21. Juan Montoya

22. David Stremme

23. Kevin Harvick

24. Regan Smith

25. Michael McDowell

26. Kurt Busch

27. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

28.Casey Mears

29. Mike Bliss

30. Landon Cassill

31. Dave Blaney

32. Bobby Labonte

33. Jeff Burton

34. David Ragan

35. Tony Stewart

36. Josh Wise*

37. David Reutimann

38. Travis Kvapil

39. J.J. Yeley Chevrolet

40. David Gilliland

41.Denny Hamlin+

42. Ken Schrader+

43. Scott Riggs

Did Not Qualify

44. Reed Sorenson

45. Stephen Leicht*

46. Jason Leffler

47. Joe Nemechek

+ Set by Owner Points

* Denotes Rookie

Fingers crossed that ALL of our drivers will have a fun and safe race tomorrow and that all the drama has evaporated over this past week.

Right now Jimmie Johnson is twenty points behind Brad Keselowski. According to the broadcasters during the race last week, Jimmie Johnson needs to lead the most laps and to win the race and for Brad Keselowski to finish 16th or worse for tomorrow's race.

[LizzyJackson-Davenport]

just an update here Garrett Joey Logano is starting at the back of the pack after crashing with Biffle and Hamlin. He had to switch to his back up car and that makes him go to the back.

Ambrose will be first and Keselowski will be starting second.

[Garrett Duke]

just an update here Garrett Joey Logano is starting at the back of the pack after crashing with Biffle and Hamlin. He had to switch to his back up car and that makes him go to the back.

Ambrose will be first and Keselowski will be starting second.

Thanks Lizzy for the update...you are more up to date on it than I am. Happy for Ambrose to be starting at number one...he deserves a good break. As for Keselowski...hmmm just say I am a Jimmie Johnson fan. As Darrell Waltrip says on Facebook...I'm just sayin'. LOL It should be interesting to see who has the better race today between Keseowski and JJ and who is handed the championship trophy after today's race.

Always feel bad for the winner of Homestead because their win always seemed to be shadowed over by whoever wins the championship...the championship driver seems to get the more publicity and the bigger spin outs and so forth...

[Garrett Duke]

Wel there is 38 laps left of the season and this fan is NOT happy. Will write later...

[Garrett Duke]

Wel there is 38 laps left of the season and this fan is NOT happy. Will write later...

Well I don't even know where to start with my post race review right now...I am so mixed with emotions right now I got a headache.

For the most part, the race was very uneventful...expected for Homestead. Two debri cautions and one for Nationwide Series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr wrecking..

Jimmie Johnson came in twenty points behind Brad Keselowski and it went back and forth through out the race. Until during a routine green flag pit stop, the 48 crew forgot to put on a lug nut and had to go back in...then came out only for him to have engine problems to send him into the garage...

To give Brad Keselowski the 2012 NASCAR championship...Jimmie Johnson finishes third in points as Clint Bowyer got his wish to finish second in points. (Clint Bowyer is 39 points behind Keselowski and JJ is 40 points behind Keselowski).

Well Jeff Gordon had to finish ahead of Martin Truex Jr by five points today...with twenty laps to go or so, race leader Kyle Busch and Truex Jr had to pit...handing the lead over to JEFF GORDON. Oh and by the way, Clint Bowyer was behind Jeff Gordon, but never gave him much of a battle. JEFF GORDON WENT ON TO WIN HIS FIRST RACE AT HOMESTEAD...JEFF GORDON'S 87TH CAREER NASCAR WIN! Not only that, Jeff Gordon won with his 20 year special Dupont car. (Being a huge JEFF GORDON fan, I was yelling and screaming. Surprised the neighbors didn't come and see what was wrong. LOL)

Love how classy Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus are as well as Jeff Gordon to congrutulate Brad despite losing the championship.

Penske has been searching for the championship for two decades (Penske owns Keselowski's car) and finally got it. Penske is the only team who drives Dodge in NASCAR and will be switching to Ford next year. Great for Dodge to step out like that...

Here is the final results:

1. Jeff Gordon

2. Clint Bowyer

3. Ryan Newman

4. Kyle Busch

5. Greg Biffle

6. Martin Truex Jr.

7. Aric Almirola

8. Kevin Harvick

9. Kurt Busch

10. Dale Earnhardt Jr.

11. Paul Menard

12. Carl Edwards

13. Marcos Ambrose

14. Joey Logano

15. Brad Keselowski

16. Mark Martin

17. Tony Stewart

18. Matt Kenseth

19. Jeff Burton

20. Jamie McMurray

21. Kasey Kahne

22. Sam Hornish Jr.

23. Trevor Bayne

24. Denny Hamlin

25. Bobby Labonte

26. Travis Kvapil

27. Landon Cassill

28. Juan Montoya

29. Casey Mears

30. Regan Smith

31. David Ragan

32. Dave Blaney

33. David Gillilan.d

34. David Reutimann

35. J.J. Yeley

36. Jimmie Johnson

37. Ken Schrader

38. David Stremme

39. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

40. Josh Wise *

41. Michael McDowell

42. Scott Riggs

43. Mike Bliss

Well there is exactly 98 more days until the 2013 NASCAR season starts at Daytona next year...my count down is ON as of now. I will post the official points tomorrow when the points will be official. As of right now the points are unofficial and don't want to over lap my review with points. No matter what, Brad Keselwoski is the 2012 season championship.

[RogerDuke]

Congratulations Brad.

And congratulations Garrett for your man finishing off the season on a high note.

Too bad you'll be finishing the season on a low note when I beat you in fantasy NASCAR next season. Only 98 more days!

I hope your headache's gone by now Garrett...

and I hope your neighbor's headaches are gone after hearing you yell so much.

[Garrett Duke]

Congratulations Brad.

And congratulations Garrett for your man finishing off the season on a high note.

Too bad you'll be finishing the season on a low note when I beat you in fantasy NASCAR next season. Only 98 more days!

I hope your headache's gone by now Garrett...

and I hope your neighbor's headaches are gone after hearing you yell so much.

Congrats to Brad first before me, Roger? I am so insulted...no, I am beyond insulted. After all this time you had me fooled into thinking we were friends.

My headache is gone...don't know about the neighbors' though. Am still excited...I can live the next 97 days living off a GREAT win.

Which means there is 97 more days until I can beat you in Fantasy NASCAR...

Edited November 20, 2012 by Garrett Duke

[RogerDuke]

You're right

*hangs head in shame*

Please accept my apology and let me rephrase that.

Congratulations to David Ragan for not finishing last.

Congratulations to Jeff Gordon for finishing first.

Congratulation to Brad Whatshisname for doing good too.

[Garrett Duke]

You're right

*hangs head in shame*

Please accept my apology and let me rephrase that.

Congratulations to David Ragan for not finishing last.

Congratulations to Jeff Gordon for finishing first.

Congratulation to Brad Whatshisname for doing good too.

Well I really know where I rank with you Roger. Hate to be you when it comes time for Fantasy NASCAR...97 more days.

[Skipper Duke]

On 6/9/2012 at 11:39 PM, RogerDuke said:

David Ragen...34th? Shucks, I was hoping he'd have a break-out year but so far he's been struggling.

I'm from Pennsylvania but the Poconos is way over on the other end of the state from where I live on Lake Erie. We went there (for the first time) last year for my wife's 50th birthday but didn't see the triangle track. It's reputation as a tough place to race is certainly well known. I hope all the drivers have a safe race.

As always, thanks for the update Garrett!

Cousin Roger... Wow you posted this on my birthday!