Kyle Busch used the high line to win at Dover.
Dover wrapped up the Round of 16 for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Following the checkered flag at Dover International Speedway, the field for the Round of 12 was set.
Presently, four drivers will race for pride and wins, as the championship is no longer within grasp for Kurt Busch, Kasey Kahne, Austin Dillon, and Ryan Newman. As for the remaining 12, it’s time to hit the gas and make the Round of 8.
On The Gas…
5) Clint Bowyer – The Stewart-Haas Racing driver has not had the season he hoped for as he returned to a top ride, but Dover has to be a good sign for Bowyer as he came home sixth. Even with a loose lug nut and $10,000.00 fine, Bowyer and team still must be smiling.
4) Jimmie Johnson – It wasn’t win number 11 for the seven-time champ at Dover International Speedway, but it was a step in the right direction. Ultimately, Dover showed that the No. 48 Lowes Chevy has speed and can compete for a win. Johnson has to be the only driver that doesn’t win but has people talking about a driver that they must watch out for.
3) Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – Survival was the name of the game for Stenhouse. After smacking the wall early and having to fight back to stay on the lead lap, Stenhouse and crew used some late-race strategy to stay just far enough ahead of Ryan Newman.
2) Kyle Busch – With a dramatic last lap pass, Kyle Busch erased a four-second deficit throughout the final green-flag stretch and secured his second straight win. With added bonus points, Busch now looks to be a strong candidate to upset Martin Truex Jr and his championship hopes.
1) Chase Elliott – Even though Elliott left Dover without the checkered flag, he made it clear he will win soon and he is not going away soon. Elliott may have been extremely hard on himself, but no one doubts his ability. He just has to learn from Dover and store that in the memory banks.
Those are your fast five from Dover, they were all on the gas and running from the Monster Mile. Now, who was slowed up and stuck in Miles’ grasp?
On The Brakes…
5) Kevin Harvick – Harvick had speed as demonstrated in practice and early in the race. That was the good. However, pit road problems continue to plague the driver of the No. 4 Ford. A loose wheel put Harvick down and out of contention for the win.
4) Denny Hamlin – Mechanical failures are rare in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series anymore, especially for big teams like JGR. Unfortunately for Hamlin, it was a broken axle that took him out of contention and hoping for better in the Round of 12.
3) Round of 16 Eliminated Racers – Kurt Busch, Kasey Kahne, Austin Dillon, and Ryan Newman all needed to leave Dover with a win in the hopes of moving on. However, all four had fans wondering how on earth they managed to win one and even make this playoffs.
2) Ryan Blaney – If the young driver of the No. 21 hopes to make it to the Round of 8, Dover has to be a reminder of what not to do. After dominating on Saturday in the Xfinity race, Blaney was barely noticeable on Sunday as he managed a “forgettable” 23rd place finish.
1) Ryan Newman – Newman needed a strong run in hopes of staying alive in the playoffs. The problem for Newman, just like most of this season, was they lacked speed. Newman did manage a lot of TV time as his No. 31 Chevrolet fought the leader to stay on the lead lap. In the end, Newman would have an impact on the final outcome, but not for a win.
It’s now full speed ahead as we roll in to Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the Round of 12. Drivers will be on the gas in hopes of scoring that important win.
With Talladega on the horizon, drivers will sleep easy with a race at home in Charlotte.
