It was stated last week that anything could happen at Daytona, and that the Underdog could rise above. Usual suspects running up front on NASCAR’s most famous track..and then the rains came. A difference in pit strategy and fear of the race going back green, a most fortunate team decided to wait it out. Young Justin Haley was that driver, his first career Cup Series victory in a handful of starts. Where do we go from here? Tonight we head to Kentucky, and the last 1.5-mile track before the Playoffs.
Here’s what to look for:
Daniel Suárez – Very happy with the speed of my @haas_automation Ford Mustang today, we will try to maintain the track position and get a 🏆 #SuarezNation #BuschPole (Source: @Daniel_SuarezG)
–Daniel Suarez was our quickest on Friday, he’ll roll of 1st tonight. He’s only had two starts here, an 18th and a 15th respectively. Suarez should turn in a better effort today with the aid of those Ford engines, but they race for a reason.
Aric Almirola – Proud to wear the @TDJF gloves at @KYspeedway to support @DaleJr, @AmyEarnhardt & @NationwideKids & their work to help kids everywhere. My race-worn gloves will be signed by both Dale Jr & me & will be auctioned off after the race. Bid here: http://www.NASCARFoundation.org/DaleJr . #NCHGloves (Source: @Aric_Almirola)
–Aric Almirola makes it an all Stewart-Haas front row, strong in Practice and backs it up with P2 at Q-time. Those Fords are looking beefy this week, all four SHR cars (along with Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer) will start in the Top 7.
Kyle Busch – RACEDAY w @mmschocolate 📺 NBCSN 🕰 7:30 PM ET. (Source: @KyleBusch)
–Kyle Busch touts our best average finish here (5.0), finishing outside of the Top 10 one time. That was a 12th back in 2016, but among the other races he’s recorded six Top 5s. Pretty good average here, Rowdy should be tough to beat.
Martin Truex Jr. – Kentucky has been great to us the past 2 years. Excited to be back! @AutoOwnersIns #TeamToyota (Source: @MartinTruex_Jr)
–Martin Truex Jr. has claimed victory at the last two Kentucky races, looking for a third straight tonight. He’s one of the favorites, no doubt; Truex will start 8th.
Team Penske – That’s a wrap on qualifying from @KySpeedway! 3rd: @keselowski / @DiscountTire 11th: @joeylogano / @shellracingus 15th: @Blaney / @deximaging #NASCAR @FordPerformance (Source: @Team_Penske)
–Brad Keselowski has three Wins here in eight attempts. A 39th in 2017 knocked him down the list a little bit by average (11.4), but he bounced back with a 3rd in 2018. It’s been three years since he’s visited Victory Lane, wouldn’t you say he’s due?
Kentucky Speedway – (Don’t say it) (Don’t say it) (Don’t say it) (Don’t say it) (Don’t say it) (Don’t say it) (Don’t say it) (Don’t say it) (Don’t say it) (Don’t say it) (Don’t say it) (Don’t say it) (Don’t say it) WE GOT HORSES AT THE TRACK! #QS400 | #ThisIsSPARTA | #NASCAR (Source: @KySpeedway)
Coverage of the race starts on NBCSN at 7:30pm, green flag scheduled for 7:46pm.
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