Congratulations to Boy Racing Inc on capturing yet another Conway NASCAR League championship. Although Big Boy and Lil Boy formally tied, we will have to look back in the records to award an actual winner, but as they are from the same racing family, it is all good.
Several racers had great seasons, most notably Pamela's Pistons and The Big Lebowski, who led the most laps. It was an ejoyable season and we look forward to 2013.
In the NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase final race, with five time champion Jimmie Johnson having some mechanical issues, Brad Keselowski drove his #2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger to the 2012 Sprint Cup Championship.
This was the first championship for Keselowski, who now joins 2000 Sprint Cup Champion Bobby Labonte as the only drivers to win both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Championships.
Brad is a neat guy and well deserving, as is his car owner, Roger Penske. Close many time, particularly with Rusty Wallace as a driver, this is the first NASCAR championship for the Captain.
The #48 Lowes Chevrolet team of Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus were very gracious in defeat.
Congratulations to Roger Penske and Brad Keselowski!
Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski/photo @Kenny_Wallace
Information regarding our awards presentations, which will take place in January, will be forthcoming.
In both the Sprint Cup Series, and the Conway NASCAR League, we have been sleeping along, but by the time we got to Phoenix, boy howdy did things heat up.
Jimmie Johnson, in a mind boggling lack of team character, slipped up and tattooed the wall, giving Brad K a big leg up in the championship. But Keselowski had to dodge, pun intended, the melee caused by four time champ Jeff Gordon.
Gordon has simply had enough of Clint Bowyer, and took him out on the track. An old fashioned brawl broke out in the garage area, and it certainly was exciting. Have a recap:
NASCAR hit Gordon pretty hard in penalties from his actions, and they should have.
I am sure I join many of you who are fans of Gordon, but think I should be parked for 2012, not necessarily for his altercation with Bowyer, but for impacting other drivers on the track, in this instance, Joey Logano and Aric Amirola, who had good runs ruined.
Did I mention I had Logano, running fifth?
Meanwhile, in the Conway NASCAR League, The Big Lebowski had been checking gauges hoping to bring home his first championship, but a late caution turned the tables, and now we got a green white checker for the championship.
Ford Racing teammates Big Boy and Lil Boy got out of the pits ahead of The Big Lebowski, and now lead the championship by five points heading into the finale in Homestead. Team Taser and Pamela's Pistons round out the top five, and all are within 18 points and can win it. Lucky Penny has a mathematical chance, but not much of one.
The Blue Deuce won the week, followed by Team BC, SPC Racing and Jims Juggs, no doubt all heavily influenced by SPC's law firm research arm. Fuller's Fast Track was fifth.
The top six all jumbled, but Burke Fullers Fast Track were the only gainers of 4 or more. The Gas Man, Glynn and especially GRR88, down 9 spots, went for broke and failed, slipping down the scoring pylon.
It should be a very interesting weekend, on and off the track.
The Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway culminates the season on Sunday afternoon. Remember Stewart and Edwards last year? Wow?
Brad Keselowski need to finish 15th to win it no matter what Johnson does, and you know Johnson and the 48 team will come to win.
Qualifying is Friday at 6:10PM on Speed TV. Happy Hour practice is Saturday from 3-3:50PM. They will put the field under green Sunday at 3:15PM EST for the championship.
Good luck to all the championship contenders and hope all us bystanders have good runs in prep for the 2013 season!
Jimmie Johnson, in his quest for a sixth championship, won at Texas Motor Speedway and leads the point standings with two races to go.
The Big Lebowski continues to lead the Conway NASCAR League, but Pamela's Pistons is charging fast.
Pamela's Pistons won the week, followed by Lucky Penny and Hog Smoke Racing. A whole bunch of racers tied for fourth.
Cosmo D was the only big gainer, while Luckydog and Chevys Intimidators fell a few spots.
Pamela's Pistons jumped three spots and is 13 points behind The Big Lebowski. Big Boy and Lil Boy, who tied for fourth place this week, are tied for third 23 points back. Lucky Penny is 27 back.
This week we are in Phoenix at Phoenix International Raceway for the running of the AdvoCare 500.
Jimmie Johnson won at Martinsville last weekend, and has taken command of the championship point standings. Could Johnson win an unheard of sixth championship?
Team Taser won the week, followed by Jims Juggs, Glynn, URBANSGATORS and Budah!
There were few racers who picked up a bunch of spots, but Luckydog and Man In Black Racing grabbed at least 4 spots. North 79 Liquor, Lisa Las Vegas and CosmoD lost engines.
The Big Lebowski is edging closer to their first championship, with the Ford Racing group of Big and Lil Boy grinding gears trying to run him down. Team Taser is charging and Pamela's Pistons if within range.
It is recognized that under the current point structure it is hard to catch up, so those in high speed pursuit will have to be at the top of their game.
This week we are in Texas to run the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Jimmie Johnson is on the pole, and Brad K was fastest in final practice.
The Grand Marshal for the race it the cast of the new Dallas TV show, including Larry Hagman. Green flag at 3:16PM.
