NASCAR: New Hampshire Post-Race Grades
By Dustin Smith
#4 through #1
A. Brad Keselowski drove his Team Penske Ford to a 4th place finish at Loudon on Sunday. This result means Brad can rest easy at Dover knowing he is on to the Round of 12. Keselowski has posted 6th and 4th place finishes through the first two races and will certainly be a driver to keep your eye on as these playoffs go.. No. 2. Team Penske, Ford. BRAD KESELOWSKI (4TH)
Winner, winner, lobster dinner for Kyle Busch and team. In another dominant effort, it was Busch who crossed the finish line first at Loudon. Although he won and is on to the second round, fans should still expect him to try to win at Dover this weekend.. No. 18. Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota. KYLE BUSCH (3RD). A+
A. Another driver who punched his ticket to the second round is Kyle Larson. Larson finished in 2nd at New Hampshire and with his 5th place finish at Chicagoland, he will represent Chip Ganassi Racing in the Round of 12. Larson is another driver who should be a favorite to go a long way in these playoffs, if not win the whole thing.. No. 42. Chip Ganassi Racing, Chevrolet. KYLE LARSON
Furniture Row Racing, Toyota. MARTIN TRUEX JR. (1ST). A. Finally, there is Martin Truex Jr. Despite being slightly involved in the Kevin Harvick wreck, he still managed to finish fifth. The Chicagoland winner continues to make 2017 a statement year for the Furniture Row Racing team.. No. 78
More from NASCAR
- NASCAR Cup Series: New team set to compete in 2024
- NASCAR: Will Kevin Harvick’s major record ever be broken?
- NASCAR: Surprising name continuously linked to new seat
- NASCAR driver at risk of missing the Daytona 500?
- NASCAR set for rare appearance last seen 13 years ago
The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will travel east to Dover Delaware to close out the first round of the playoffs. With only eight positions remaining, we could see anything from a driver sitting in 5th or 6th place be eliminated due to a crash or engine failure to another Kyle Busch-like dominant performance.
The two drivers with the toughest road ahead of them, Kurt Busch and Kasey Kahne will almost need to win to get into the Round of 12. Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott just need to do what they’ve been doing and finish in the top 15 to be safe.
Next: Dale Earnhardt Jr. supports National Anthem protestors
Dover is yet another mile-long short track with danger around every turn. Will Kasey Kahne or Kurt Busch have monster days and make the next round? Or will we see one of the other drivers outside of the playoffs take home the trophy? Will this be the race Kevin Harvick gets back at Austin Dillon? All of this will be answered on Sunday at the Monster Mile.