2020 NASCAR Preview: Week 3 – California

Last week the boys took to Las Vegas in a hotly contested battle for the Pennzoil 400 trophy.  In the end, Joey Logano rose above the rest and defended his 2019 Win.  Differing pit strategies made for some intense drama (and new names up front), and left Logano’s teammate Ryan Blaney with the points lead.

Here’s what to look for:

My god!! You’re the last person I needed to see that. 🖕 https://t.co/FeLa3vvbd2

— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) February 29, 2020

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-Clint Bowyer won the Pole on Friday, pretty quick lap around the 2-mile track.  He’s yet to win here, but this is as good a chance as any.  Coming off a 38th place finish last year, literally any result in today’s race (save the last position) will be better.

19 years ago I took the checkered here for the first time. Never could have imagined where that would lead. Today could be the day we go get that 🏁 again #OneFinalTime pic.twitter.com/JjwIjtU1RH

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) March 1, 2020

-Jimmie Johnson will start Outside Pole, just shy of Clint Bowyer’s time.  He knows his way around here, 6 Wins in 25 starts and a 7.6 average finish, his best of any track, and tops among active drivers.  His last victory came here back in 2016, and today marks his final start there.

Enjoying the West coast weather ☀️ pic.twitter.com/7r9OvIAxrt

— Samantha Busch (@SamanthaBusch) February 25, 2020

-Kyle Busch earned his 200th Win in NASCAR (Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks combined) last year at this race, his 3rd checkered flag since 2013.  Busch will start way back in 17th today, but he’s best among drivers over the last ten races here with an 8.8 average finish.

All smiles on the grid. 😁@chaseelliott will be the 20th car to make a qualifying lap. pic.twitter.com/gn9KiTPIGO

— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) February 29, 2020

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-Chase Elliott is 2nd over the last ten races, sporting a 10.8 average.  He’s got just four starts here, and his best (6th) came in 2016.  His three races after that have all fallen in double digits (10th through 16th), but he’s been lookin’ pretty solid so far this Spring.

P6 in qualifying at @ACSupdates today. Always good to start up front and we know our @SmithfieldBrand Mustang has speed. Looking forward to having that speed for 200 laps tomorrow. 🤙😎#SmithfieldRacing pic.twitter.com/MBROehqg4C

— Aric Almirola (@Aric_Almirola) March 1, 2020

-Aric Almirola is driving a car aligned with Clint Bowyer (1st) and Kevin Harvick (5th).  He hasn’t won here yet, but his last race was better than any before that.  Finishing 9th last year, he bettered his 2018 attempt (12th) in his 2nd year with Stewart-Haas Racing.  He’ll roll off 6th today, seeking his best Fontana result to date.

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Alright, our resident chef has whipped up something new.  Another bullseye from my gal, hitting the mark perfectly.  Today, we present to you..

Auto Club Sandwiches!  YES, Club sandwiches, inspired by the Bel-Air Club Sandwich but differentiated for our own enjoyments.  I’ve never had a Club with an egg on there, so pretty awesome.  They called for Gruyere, we went with the more accessible Jarlsberg Swiss.  Dumped the aioli (trashed it), and went our own directions.  Four thumbs up!

💜💛 pic.twitter.com/BgCzi4BK8i

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 29, 2020

Coverage of the race starts on FOX at 3:30pm, green flag scheduled for 3:46pm.