Denny Hamlin did a NASCAR version of a spin and win today and captured his first ever NEXTEL Cup victory at Pocono Raceway in the Pocono 500. Hamlin led all but one lap of the first 51 when he lost a left rear tire going into the tunnel turn. After managing to keep it off both walls, his crew did yeoman’s work both keeping that car on the lead lap and keeping it fast and that was all he needed as he went on to register a dominant victory. Denny led 6 times for 83 laps and posted a 1.328 margin of victory. It was the third win this season from the pole (Kasey Kahne’s done it twice), the 9th different winner of the season, and the 170th different driver to capture a win in NASCAR’s top division. Win #49 for Joe Gibbs Racing was worth $220,100 from the over $4.8M in posted awards. All kindsa pit problems today…..speeding penalties, cars falling off jacks. A sharp contrast from the FedEx Crew…..
Kurt Busch (2nd) had his best finish since he won at Bristol in March.
Tony Stewart (3rd) wins the “guttin’ it out award” this weekend.
Tony Raines (16th) had his best finish since he was 13th at Homestead in November of 2003! (only 21 races)
STREAKIN….Greg Biffle has 5 Top-10’s in a row.
Matt Kenseth has 8 Top-10’s in the last 9 races.
Jeff Burton has 8 Top-10’s in the last 9 races.
Jimmie Johnson has 6 Top-10’s in the last 7 races.
This Week’s Elevator….UP: Operator of the Week is Clint Bowyer (+21) followed by Matt Kenseth (+20). DOWN: The Big Dropper was Jeff Gordon (-28 ), followed by Sterling Marlin (-26), and Casey Mears (-21). A rather slow day in the “Shaft”
Jimmie Johnson’s lead is now down to 48 markers after today. Jeff Gordon falls below the “Stayin’ Alive” line as winner Denny Hamlin moves into the select company of the “Chase”. Scott Riggs (25th to 21st) and Brian Vickers (26th to 22nd) made the best advances today, while Jeff Green (22nd to 26th) went in the opposite direction.(Stock Car Fans)(6-11-2006)
