By John Schutt –
Nascar Monster Energy, AAA 400 Drive for Autism, Dover International Speedway, Dover, Del., Sunday, May 6.
Kyle Larson won the pole position, however, his car failed three pre-race inspections and he had to start in last place. Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex, Jr. started on the pole positions. Kevin Harvick won all three stages of the race and led the most laps with 201. Following Harvick was Clint Bowyer in second place, Daniel Suarez in third, Martin Truex, Jr. in fourth, and Kurt Busch in fifth.
Brad Keselowski led much of first stage and second stage, but Harvick got by him to win both stages.
Kyle Busch was a factor and in the top five for most of race until his driveshaft broke on lap 232.
There was a 50-minute rain delay in the last stage with Bowyer in the lead. When the rain cleared and track was dried off, the race was in the pits with Bowyer and Harvick in the lead. Bowyer was the only car that had a chance to overtake Harvick. However, Harvick pulled out to a strong lead and finished 7.450 seconds ahead of Bowyer.
It was Harvick’s fourth victory of the season and second career victory at this track.
Stewart-Haas Racing had three Fords finish in the top five.
Nascar Monster Energy, Geico 500, Talladega Superspeedway, Lincoln, Ala., Sunday, April 29.
Joey Logano won his first race this season and broke a losing streak of 36 races. He beat out fellow Ford driver Kurt Busch by just 0.13 seconds for the victory! Following was Chase Elliot in third place, Harvick in fourth, and Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. in fifth.
It looked as if Keslowski had the car to beat when he won the first and second stages. However, eventual winner, Logano, took second in both stages.
This race is known for The Big One, a major wreck. This year’s Big One came on lap 166 when Jimmie Johnson spun in turn three and hit teammate William Byron and 11 others were involved in the melee, including race-favorite Keselowski.
Logano stayed safe through the chaos and fought off Kurt Busch for the victory.
Kyle Busch had pit penalties which helped break his winning streak of three races.
Fords controlled this race with four of the top five positions.
Logano has won six races at Talladega’s 2.66 mile tri-oval.
