Momentum Building Jimmie

Same result, different race.

One week on from a relative snooze-fest at California that Jimmie Johnson dominated, the rain-delayed Richmond race was a great spectacle, even if the result was the same. After the farcical nature that Formula One is turning into as of late, Nascar is a breath of fresh air for me.

All eyes were on the battle for the final Chase berth. David Ragan looked feisty in his late charge for the final spot. The youngsters chances took a crippling blow when his car went into a half spin, compounded by team-mate Kenseth doing a synchronised spin, clattering his team-mate. His car badly damaged, Ragan fought on admirably and with some great choice strategy kept him in the hunt till late. Eventually the #6 drifted back, ending his Chase dreams. Regardless, it has been a stunning end of the season for Ragan, who according to reports will have UPS sponsorship next year.

Kasey Kahne, Dodge’s only chance of making the Chase also failed in his attempt. Kahne was anonymous all race long. After a bright mid-season, two terrible finishes in the last few races put an end to the fan favourite’s hope.

Going into the Chase, it is the crème de la crème. Three cars are supplied by the top teams – Joe Gibbs, Hendricks, Childress and Roush. Defending champion Johnson is peaking at the right time now and has all the momentum going into Loudon this coming weekend. Busch and Edwards, current favourites need to pull up their socks now that we are getting into the final stages of the season.

It will be interesting to see the mindset at Loudon. How will the championship contenders play it and, more importantly, who of those who have been experimenting the last few weeks have found the right formula.

While I think there are only three choices for a champion, the format of the Chase does allow for the unpredictable. Clint Bowyer was last year’s Cinderella story, winning his first career race at the start of the Chase, eventually finishing third.

Business is just about to pick up.