Which side is Joey Logano in this new series by Stephen Conley? (Photo Credit: Jose L. Acero Jr./TPF)
After a race weekend in Las Vegas that saw a brand new aero package in the Cup series, it seems like a perfect time to roll out our new weekly series called The Good, The Bad and the Rollback Riders.
This feature will take each series that raced over the weekend and put one driver and/or team in to one of those categories. The Good, well, that is self explanatory, the bad, that could be back luck or mediocre finishes, and the “Rollback Riders,” which, well, that’s anyone that needed assistance back to the garage, or a forgettable performance.
With all three series in action we start with…
The Good:
Monster Energy Cup Series
It would be easy to go with the winner, but we’re going with the winner’s car: Ford. It’s been a tremendous start for the new Ford Mustang. Not only with back-to-back wins thanks to Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, but half of the top-10 in both new aero races.
Xfinity Series
Ross Chastain – After having such high hopes during the off season and having them crushed, Chastain continues to show why he was chosen for a top ride. He has a competitive fire and continues to push towards the front. A solid top-10 for Johnny Davis has Chastain looking “good.”
Gander Outdoors Truck Series
Brett Moffitt – The Champ is showing why he has the big trophy at home. After a crash at Daytona, it’s been nothing but solid finishes that point towards victory lane. A runner-up behind Kyle Busch, it’s not bad, considering if one of the greats suffered that fate.
The Bad:
Monster Energy Cup Series
Jimmie Johnson – The guy has had so much success, so it’s hard to feel bad for him. But, after another dismal performance at Las Vegas, you have to wonder: can they get back to Victory Lane?
Xfinity Series
Tyler Reddick – Certainly, the defending NXS champ was one of two drivers that could stay with Kyle Busch. At times, he could chase him down. Reddick pushed a little too hard, looped it, and took out the other driver that could run with Busch in the form of Christopher Bell. A forgettable weekend for both drivers.
Gander Outdoor Truck Series
Grant Enfinger – Strategy did not play out for “The Finger” in the Strat 200. Leading by over 20 seconds with 19 laps to go, Enfinger had to pit for fuel and gave the lead back to Kyle Busch, which is something no one wants to do.
The “Rollback Riders”
Monster Energy Cup Series
Kyle Busch – He may not have been on the wrecker, but his post-race interview would have given you the impressing that he was.
“We would have won if I hadn’t screwed up,” Busch said.
A speeding penalty derailed Busch’s chances for a weekend sweep. Or, maybe it was all of the fans asking him to autograph brooms that brought down the negative mojo.
Xfinity Series
Brandon Jones – After a savage hit while running close to the front of the field at the end of the Boyd Gaming 300 in Las Vegas, Jones is still wondering if it was a dream or if he never left North Carolina. Or, maybe he’s just hoping it was a dream and he’s ready to try again in Phoenix. The rollback drivers were busy collecting that car.
Gander Outdoor Truck Series
Austin Hill – The high of a win at Daytona will only last so long. Hill was brought back down to earth, like so many are in Las Vegas. Just 82 laps for Hill before the engine in his Toyota went south for the winter.
