With all eyes set firmly on the United States for this weekend's F1 Grand Prix, I hope to see a few of our European friends join us regulars in having an All-American weekend. Switch from motor-sports to auto-racing, get into the spirit(s), and enjoy the final races of the NASCAR season with us.
So to get you up to speed and in the mood, I recommend turning up your speakers and opening the following link in a separate window as a musical accompaniment whilst you read through this here OP.
LET'S DO THIS.
Miami Nights: The Ballad of Beavis Kawolski
Here we are then; the culmination of a madcap season. All three series going down to the wire, with incidents in Phoenix affecting all the major players. A season-long battle comes down to this...
Where are we racing?
It's a 1.5 miler, variable banking of18-20 deg with 1780ft straightaways banked at 4 deg.
Width of 50ft and pit speed at 45mph.
Enough measurements. Music is playing. Where's the beef?!
"It's a shame and an embarrassment..." -Brad Keselowski.
Does this count? I'm sure Juan will get the beef out at his post-race Miami crib pool-party BBQ.
The real beefs however, we'll have to wait and see. Does everyone play nice after last weekend's WWE style smack-down? Or will someone execute final revenge to right the wrongdoings of a season?
Hey, wrongdunners? Don't **** with the leaders please.
Does NASCAR let one have at one? Do they play hide-the-flag? Or will it be I got your cautions right here, boys and throw yellows for every missed gearchange off the re-start and hot-dog wrapper in the joint? Just to show they care and are paying attention.
It all lies ahead.
Let's Talk Cup
The Ford 400. Sunday November 18, approx 3:16pmET
NSCS Qualifying Friday November 16, approx 6:10pmET
Entry List http://www.jayski.co...tead-Entry-List
The More You Know...
#2-Brad Keselowski leads five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion #48-Jimmie Johnson by 20 points going into Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Keselowski clinches his first NASCAR Sprint Cup championship with a finish of 15th or better; or 16th and at least one lap led; or 17th and the most laps led, even if Johnson wins and leads the most laps. All other drivers have been eliminated from championship consideration. (courtesy Jayski)
Jimmie's on the back foot. Will Five-Time make it six?
Or do we want Kawolski to drive into the sunset in one blazing fast last hurrah for Dodge?
If I had money, it'd be on BK. I believe he'll be a 3 or 4 time Champion by the time his career is over. He's good for NASCAR. Square head and all.
(Are you still rocking out to Europe? Top marks then.)
Let's Talk Nationwide
The Ford EcoBoost 300. Saturday November 17 approx. 4:45pmET
NNS Qualifying Saturday November 17, approx 11:35amET
Entry List: http://www.jayski.co...tead-Entry-List
The More You Know...
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who leads by 20 points over second-place Elliott Sadler, and 25 points over third-place Austin Dillon, will clinch the NASCAR Nationwide Series driver championship with a finish of 16th or better; or 17th or better with at least one lap led; or 18th or better with most laps led at Homestead. In the owners championship battle, the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota guarantees a clinch of the title with a finish of 28th or better; or 29th or better with at least one lap led; or 30th or better with the most laps led. The #18 currently leads the #6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford by 33 points. (courtesy Jayski)
Hey. Wake up.
It's kinda like that, isn't it? Certainly not the most entertaining of any Stock-Car series this year. The Top 5 has been set since pretty much June, and there's only been small jiggling at the bottom half of the Top 10. Overall, there was disappoint.
Ok, there is a little drama worth watching I guess. Sadler slipped further back after another Phoenix brainfart and is driving for RCR one final time.. Dillon The Elder and very probably Pop-Pop are hoping for a Stenhouse on Sadler disaster. Ask Scott Speed. Ricky ain't above it.
Speaking of Stenhouse, I believe he'll take his second consecutive title, and the crowd will go mild...
Bring on Buescher, Bayne and Pastrana in 2013 I say.
Let's Talk Trucks
The Ford EcoBoost 200. Friday November 16, approx 8:00pmET
NCWTS Qualifying Friday November 16, approx 4:35pmET
Entry List: http://www.jayski.co...homestead-entry
The More You Know...
Now we're talking!James Buescher has an 11-point lead over Timothy Peters heading into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series finale, and a 12-point lead over Ty Dillon. Buescher guarantees himself his first championship with a finish of 7th or better with no laps led; or 8th or better with one lap led; or 9th or better with the most laps led. The clinch scenarios for the NCWTS owners championship is the same, with Buescher's points-leading #31 leading Peters' #17 by 11 points. (courtesy Jayski)
For me some of the best racing in NASCAR this year. 15 different race winners in 21 races (how you like them apples, F1?) 8 different first-time series winners. Add to the fact that series' journeymen Hornaday and Bodine have experienced some seriously junk-ass luck, and not as many glory-hunting Cup drivers dominating this year, and we've had what's turned into a proper, focused battle of the young guns.
As it should be.
Only 12 points separates the Top 3 and the Championship lead has changed numerous times over the last 8 weeks. Even Coulter (-29) and Kligerman (-37) are mathematically still in it. I'd be happy to see either one of the top 2 guys take the Title. Dillon The Younger is an obvious exception.
So who are your picks for each series?
Wasn't that a sweet guitar solo?
Got a special hex lined up?
What will you be cooking/munching on/drinking?
And most importantly....pants/no pants?
It's nice to be back.
Discuss.