By John Schutt
NASCAR Monster Energy Series, Go Bowling at the Glen, Watkins Glen International, Watkins Glen, N.Y., Sunday, Aug. 4.
Two Chevys from Hendrick Motorsports Racing, driven by Chase Elliott and William Byron, started on the pole. The race was won by Elliott who stole the show and led 80 of the 90 laps of the 2.5-mile road course. Following Elliott were Martin Truex, Jr. in second place, Denny Hamlin in third, Eric Jones in fourth, and Ryan Blaney in fifth.
In the first lap, Kyle Busch spun out and did a 360° spin in his car and moved into the back of the field. A few laps later Byron was unhappy with Kyle Busch’s driving style and intentionally hit the back of the No. 18 car. However Byron’s front end ended up with most of the damage.
Elliott won stage one over Hamlin.
Kyle Larson took an early lead in stage two, but after a few laps Elliott was up front again.
In last lap of stage two Aric Almirola spun out and Elliott won under caution.
There were many spin-outs and blown tires in stage three.
With 28 laps to go Kyle Busch, who was never a factor in the race, rammed the side of former-teammate Daniel Suarez. Suarez retaliated and hit the back of Busch’s car which sent him in a spin on turn one.
Most of this race the only driver to challenge Elliott was Truex, Jr. who finished approximately one-half-a- second behind Elliott.
NASCAR Monster Energy Series, Gander RV 400, Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pa., Sunday, July 28.
It was Kevin Harvick’s race to lose when he won the pole and led most of stage one. However, experienced race champion, Hamlin, proved him wrong and took his fifth victory at Pocono Raceway. Following were Eric Jones in second, Truex, Jr. in third, Byron in fourth, and Kyle Larson in fifth.
Kyle Busch got around Harvick a the end of stage one with Joey Logano close behind in second place.
Kyle Busch led much of stage two until he went in for fuel with two laps to go and Jimmie Johnson took the lead and the victory for stage two.
In the final stage, Ricky Stenhouse wrecked which set up a Green White Checker finish for Hamlin.
It was Hamlin’s 34th career victory and third victory this year.