Monday, February 25, 2008

Auto Club 500 Recap


Winner: Carl Edwards

Recap: It is only fitting that the completion of Monday's race ended under caution after Dale Jarrett's Toyota spun out on the final lap. A race that began on Sunday almost immediately with a bang after Denny Hamlin's car made an unscheduled pit stop with the wall on lap 16. Hamlin complained the track wasn't ready for action and less than 10 laps later Casey Mears found his car resting on its side with Sam Hornish, Jr.'s #77 Dodge lodged on the side proving Hamlin’s point. (Both Mears and Hornish were unable to continue onto Monday.) NASCAR tried maybe too diligently to get the race in on Sunday but as the raindrops fell and the track failed to hold back the weepies, it was obvious the race was going to have to be postponed. So less than 12 hours after NASCAR officially postponed the race (2 AM/est Monday morning) it was smooth sailing for the drivers especially for the Roush Fenway and Hendrick cars. Although should that be that big of surprise? The two stables have dominated in the passed 10 races here. While Kyle Busch made an appearance at the front of the field, it was Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards battling for the lead with Edwards checking out as the laps wore down.

Race Results Points Standings

Surprises: Brian Vickers may finally prove his decision to leave Hendrick was the right one after posting an 11th place finish. Vickers is holding the final Chase spot in this early season, but if this team can continue to make races, he should be able to finish well within the top 20 in points by seasons end.

Disappointments: I'm not sure who is more to blame on this one, but it was obvious the track was not ready to race and the fact that NASCAR forced 43 drivers to go out on that track was irresponsible. Just look at Casey Mears' car sitting next to Sam Hornish, Jr.'s flaming car. Then to top it all off, they waited until 11 PM local time to finally call the race. That's not fair to the race fans that waited all day to see a race. It was waste of their time and energy. If you can get the race in fine, but if the track is leaking, you should probably hold out until it dries completely.

Photos

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

No comments: