By John Schutt –
NASCAR Monster Energy Series, Pocono 400, Pocono Raceway, Long Pond Pa., Sunday, June 2.
The race was at the only triangle-shaped track in the Nascar Cup series. Different set-ups, unlike any other track are required for the race cars to handle properly.
William Byron won the pole position and took the early lead. However, second pole starter, Kyle Busch, who led most of stage two, came back to win the race in stage three. Following Kyle Busch in second place was Brad Keselowski, Eric Jones in third, Chase Elliot in fourth, and Clint Bowyer in fifth.
Kyle Busch led most of stage two until three laps to go when Larson took the lead and won stage two after Martin Truex, Jr.’s engine died.
Stage three was lead by Kyle Busch over Kevin Harvick who has yet to win a race this year.
With 13 laps to go, Harvick’s car was taken to the garage with engine problems.
With six laps to go Keselowski got up to second place, but Kyle Busch kept a gap to stay in the lead for the victory!
Kyle Busch has 55 NASCAR Cup victories, the most victories over other Cup drivers this season.
Nascar Monster Energy Series, Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C., Sunday, May 26.
This race was run late Sunday afternoon after the Indy 500 race in Indianapolis, which was won Simon Patanode, in a Roger Penske car.
It looked as if Penske was going to get the daily double when his driver, Joey Logano, came up one car short in second place over winner Truex, Jr.. Following Truex, Jr. in second place was Logano, Kyle Busch in third, Chase Elliott in fourth, and Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. in fifth.
Because of the race’s 600-mile length, it was divided into four stages. William Byron started on pole, but after five cautions in the first stage and second stage, Brad Keselowski came out on top and won both stages.
Early in third stage Kurt Busch hit his brother’s car, Kyle Busch. Elliott took over the lead after the Busch incident and Kyle Busch continued with minor repairs.
Truex, Jr. beat his Joe Gibbs teammate, Kyle Busch, for the third stage victory.
With approximately 80 laps to go in the final stage, Larson, Austin Dillon, and Ryan Blaney collided and caused a seven-car wreck, which took out Bowyer.
With only nine laps to go Keselowski had a tire blowout which allowed Truex, Jr. to stay in the lead.
It was Truex, Jr.’s third victory of the season and 22nd Nascar Cup series victory.