Dale Jr back in Victory Lane!!!

It's hard to believe its been 76 races since Jr last won a Cup race. Well, it's hard for most to believe, anyway. My opinion, it was a matter of time. This whole season proves that you can be the best driver, but in the end, it's really the team that matters. Before his win this Sunday, Jr was sitting comfortably in 3rd in the Chase for the Cup. His latest win is just icing on the cake. Mark my words, Jr will win the Championship this year, and much of the credit will have to go to his new owner, Rick Hendrick. It will also come as no surprise to me if Jr, Johnson and Gordon finish in the top 5 this year. 

What was old is new again at Thompson...

It's rather appropriate heading into the weekend where NASCAR drivers are complaining the Pocono 500 is too long, boring and just plain antiquated, Thompson Raceway officials have announced plans for a  Thursday, June 19th, 75 lap Whelen Modified feature that is sure to bring some excitement to eastern Connecticut.  Yeah, I have to agree, Pocono is not much to get fired up over. It's a long, flat, triangular track that will have the field spread out before I can get to my second helping of nachos (complete with a dollop of Daisy and Newman's Own Pineapple Salsa). But, Thompson's decision bring back this "shoot out" format (it's been 23 years since the mods have run a 75-lap feature at Thompson) is a welcomed change for the media, drivers and yes even the fans. The 150 lap features makes for a very, very long night at the track. Don't get me wrong, I love the 150's and the 300 at Thompson. But spending upwards of 9 or 10 hours at the track on a week night is too much, especially if you have kids. Keep the longer races to the weekends and Thompson has a winning formula.  

Edwards and Busch Impressive

As impressive as Kyle Busch has been this season (4 wins) if I had to pick the best driver so far, it goes to Carl Edwards. He is doing everything he can to get back in the battle for the top spot. Edwards is sitting in 4th place, 377 points behind Busch. Edwards would be in 3rd if he wasn't docked 100 points earlier this season. And look who is creeping back into the hunt...yup, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, 6th and 7th in points, respectively. It wasn't too long ago many were wondering if the Hendrick superstars were going to show up at all this year. I still like Dale Earnhardt Jr. to pull off the championship. Although, he has yet to win a race this season, he is hanging around in 3rd.
This weekend we head to Pocono. Remember, TNT has the race coverage.