The skies grew cloudy as the sunset in Richmond. The drivers walked a runway during introductions I believe. I glanced up an saw it a couple of times, but if I continued to look I’d end up looking at Rutledge Wood which immediately caused me to look elsewhere. I find him so thoroughly boring and aggravating simultaneously. It would be grand if NBC overhauled their broadcast crew in the off-season and found (and hired) some talent. That group they have now can easily be described as a hot mess. The stages for tonight’s race 100-100-200. Kevin ‘Happy/KHarv’ Harvick (4) has the pole. ‘Dastardly’ Denny Hamlin (11) had outside pole.
The cars have rolled onto the track. Regan Smith (95) is subbing again for Kasey Kahne. Kasey indicated – at last week’s Indy Car race finale that he hoped to be back in the car next week – but it depends on what his doctors say. He experiences a very high heart-rate when he gets hot.
Regan and David ‘Thrilla from Unadilla’ Ragan (38) will start at the rear of the field. Kyle Busch (18) and Daniel Suarez (19) will start at the rear of the field due to pre-race inspection violations.
Martin Truex Jr (78) takes the lead from ‘Happy’ on lap 41 of 400.
Restarting on lap 110 of 400 with stage winner Martin Truex Jr out front and KHarv alongside.
The 48 of Jimmie Johnson penalized for speeding on pit road and will start at the back of the lead lap cars. Erik ‘Da Brat’ Jones (20) got a stop-and-go penalty for taking equipment out of the pit box.
The second stage ends just like the first with the 78 and 4 at the front of the field.
Restarting on lap 210 with Chase Elliott (9) and KHarv up front.
Brad ‘It’ Keselowski (2) takes the lead from Chase, who’s sparking in the turns, on lap 213.
Chase Elliott passed ‘It’ on lap 243 of 400.
Penalties under green flag pit stop for Joey Logano (22) and Paul Menard (21). Menard had a commitment cone violation. Logano had an uncontrolled tire.
Kyle ‘KyBu’ Busch (18) has taken over the lead on lap 286 of 400.
Caution on lap 325 of 400 for Jeffrey Earnhardt (96) spinning into the wall in the midst of green flag pit stops.
There were 13 cars on the lead lap at the time of the caution.
Restarting on lap 332 of 400 with Kyle Bush and Kevin Harvick at the front of the field.
‘Not a lot of action on the racetrack’ one of the MRN guys. Amen. This has been as boring as last night’s race was entertaining.
Lap 341 of 400 ‘It’ takes over the lead from KyBu.
Lap 363 of 400 KyBu takes the lead back from ‘It’.
On lap 390 there are 17 cars on the lead lap.
KyBu takes the white flag, then the checkered shortly thereafter. Career fan 50.
Congrats to Jimmie Johnson and the 48 team on the 8th place finish.
Motorsport News:
- Bell Holds Off Chastain, Earnhardt Jr. to Win XFINITY Playoff Opener.
- Greg Hodnett killed in sprint-car crash at BAPS Motor Speedway in Pennsylvania.
- Unlawful death lawsuit against NASCAR champion Stewart dismissed.
- NASCAR president Brent Dewar steps down, successor appointed.
- NASCAR Silly Season: Ryan Newman to drive No. 6 Roush Fenway Ford in 2019.
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants to race again in 2019 after finishing 4th in Richmond.
- NASCAR names Steve Phelps as new president.
- Ryan Newman joins Roush Fenway Racing for 2019.