The Busch brothers are from Las Vegas. I think. Would have to look that up to confirm. Are they better at Vegas? Don’t know. Would also have to look that up.
Anyway, NASCAR’s at Las Vegas today:
Where It Is:
Las Vegas. Not the coolest track in the world, which is a disappointment. If there were ever a place to try to actualize those Mario Kart boxes that give drivers bonuses when they drive through them, it was the city built on games of chance.
When It Is:
Hmm…according to my YAHOO SPORTS APP™, they’re firing up the engines around 6:00 PM Central.
What It Is:
The first race of the Round of 12, and the only one that doesn’t have the potential to be a complete disaster for anyone and everyone involved, considering the next two are at Talladega and the Charlotte Road Course, respectively.
How to Watch:
NBCSN, friends. Which, as we learned last week when we finally watched a race, is terrible at broadcasting a NASCAR race.
Standings Coming In:
The standings reset after the Round of 16, but Kevin Harvick did get more playoff points from his win at Bristol, so they don’t look identical to how they looked entering the playoffs:
1. Kevin Harvick (67 points)
2. Denny Hamlin (48 points)
3. Brad Keselowski (35 points)
4. Joey Logano (22 points)
5. Chase Elliott (21 points)
6. Martin Truex, Jr (16 points)
7. Alex Bowman (9 points)
8. Austin Dillon (5 points)
9. Aric Almirola (5 points)
10. Kyle Busch (4 points)
11. Clint Bowyer (4 points)
12. Kurt Busch (1 point)
Who’s Under Pressure:
Ehh, mainly those guys from Bowman down. Don’t want to dig yourself a hole this week. Winning would be groovy and make the next two weeks a lot more relaxed, but Harvick will probably take care of that.
Who’s the Favorite:
I’m seeing Keselowski, Logano, and Truex as co-favorites at +500, with Harvick and Hamlin close behind at +600 and +800. They’ve got the eliminated Ryan Blaney up there too, at +900, so maybe this is a good track for Penske?
Any Beef?
Not that I’m aware of. Still hoping for a Truex/Elliott blowup but that possibility seems to be fading fast.
How Should NASCAR Rig It? Slash What Does NASCAR Want to Happen?
I don’t have a great idea for this week, but what if the Busch brothers were running first and second towards the end of the race and then wrecked each other? Seems like that could be a good storyline. Let Keselowski win or someone like that.
