Chad Knaus penalized big by NASCAR for illegal C-posts, Hendrick plans to appeal

We all knew the 48 team was going to get penalize, but we didn’t think it was going to be this big! NASCAR just handed out a hefty punishment for both Chad Knaus and his car chief Ron Malec for illegal C-posts on Jimmie Johnson’s Daytona 500 car. Both Knaus and Malec have been suspended for 6 races, Chad has been fined $100K, and both have been put on probation until May 9^th. If you ask me, I think this is a tad too harsh. NASCAR had said that the C-posts weren’t how they were supposed to be, but not by much. How does fractions of an inch or whatever it was amount to that big of a penalty? I’ve been thinking about this and thinking about what went through NASCAR’s mind when they came up with this punishment for Knaus and Malec? Cheating down solve anything, especially when you get caught. This is Chad’s first offense and I don’t think it’s going to be his last. Chad is always known for trying to find something new and NASCAR not liking it.

When I started this, I was thinking about the fan. What did the fans think? How did the fans react about the penalty? A lot of people were happy that Chad got punished so much. Others, not so much. So, to see exactly what they thought, I took it to twitter and Facebook and this is what I got.

@nascarlinds99_5 I think that the previous infractions may have played a part in the harshness, the repeat offender piece

‏@GERI13FAN I believe it's fair no worse than handed 2 MWR on windshield issue.Chad repeat offender, 4x I think, almost match champ # lol

‏ @denver2u Even tho NASCAR says differently, I think the penalties are harsher due to his past behavior..ie..told JJ to wreck car at Deg

Elizabeth Hickman I think if Chad wants to try something new with the car, he should contact NASCAR first and then see if they approve or disapprove I respect Jimmie but Chad is just fishy. I understand that he wants to push the limit in order to get an edge on the competition, but after all the times he's been caught...guy just needs to chill. He's smart no doubt but cheating gives you a bad reputation

Sarah Lingerfelt Same story, different year. Unless NASCAR or Rick comes down harder, its going to continue to happen

Christie Mack See I think he shouldn't have been fined...idk I'm sorta with Kyle petty on this. They went there to see what they could get away with. It didn't help them in anyway. However, it scares the other teams so they won't do it. And I'm with y'all I don't like Chad. Never had and don't think I ever will.

Courtney Cloutier I'm iffy...like part of me thinks it is a way too harsh penalty but then the other part is like he has done this before

@Timmycrews79 i think it was stupid that they fine him. they should have checked the 42car out more

@smokinace88 it’s bull crap! Clint Bowyer fails after his car was on track telling you they must have done something after the car passed. As for the 48 car it never was on track and they fixed the parts NASCAR told them to and passed so the penalty's is wrong!

Everyone has a right to their own opinion. Here is mine. Yeah, Chad screwed up. Was it worth it? Probably not. Was the punishment fair? Absolutely not. Yeah, NASCAR had to issue a penalty. Was it the right one? What did they use to make their decision? Just what happened during Speed Weeks? His other offenses? We’re probably never going to know what they used to make the final decision. I’m glad that Hendrick plans to appeal. They could lose or they could win. We just have to wait and find out. Both Chad and Ron will be at Phoenix this weekend as the 48 team comes into the race 70 points out of first and 23 points in the hole. If they win the race and lead the most laps, they will still be behind. Good luck 48 team. You’re going to need it.

Why Kenny Francis is my favorite crew chief

Kenny Francis has held quite a few different jobs in NASCAR, but the most important one so far is being Kasey Kahne’s crew chief. Kasey and Kenny have been together since Kasey’s breakout 2006 season, where Kasey and Kenny went on to win a season high of 6 races and finished 8^th in the final standings. After the 2006 season, something went wrong. No, it wasn’t how Kasey was racing or how Kenny was calling the race. It was the unstable ground that these two were on. Evernham Motorsports, with all their merges, almost screwed Kasey and Kenny.

But, in 2010, Kasey got a dream ride; driving for RickHendrick. Now, the question that was on everyone’s mind, not just the Kasey fans, was if Kenny was going to head to Hendrick with Kasey. How could he not?
Hendrick is the best team in NASCAR. Such a great opportunity for both! Later that year Kenny made a decision. He was going to leave Richard Petty Motorsports and head to Hendrick with Kasey in 2012.

What about 2011? Kenny andKasey headed to the now dissolved Red Bull Racing for one year. Kasey finishedout the 2010 season at Red Bull and without Kenny. 2012 is going to bring so much to the table for both Kasey and Kenny. So much opportunity to shine and show the skeptics that they can win races and compete for championships.

Now on to what this is really all about. Ever since Kenny was paired with Kasey in 2006, I’ve been a fan. Kenny and Kasey work so well together. It’s amazing really, how well they work together. You don’t see that kind of relationship between drivers and their crew chiefs anymore.

Kenny is my favorite crew chief for many reasons. You’ll never see Kenny crack under pressure. Kenny is so calm and collected; you would never really know what he’s thinking. He has such a good way of hiding that. He doesn't let anything faze him. Even when he’s happy, Kenny keeps all his emotions in check. One of my favorite things about Kenny is when he‘s talking to Kasey on the radio and he says things like ‘Go
hard.’ makes me take in a completely different way. It’s very funny. I love how he works with Kasey. Even though he’s a crew chief, he still thinks like an engineer. He has an engineer’s brain and the brain of a race. Kenny spent his early years as a racer from Florida, but decided to pursue a job other than
racing.

Kasey and Kenny are a lot alike. Kasey and Kenny don’t do a lot of talking, so I think that’s how Kenny knows how to work with Kasey so well. I think that’s how Kenny knows how to talk to Kasey. They learn so much from each other and it’s great to listen to them talk on the radio or interact before a race. I don't think people know how much Kasey and Kenny are alike. They never really been ones to talk a lot. They are both quiet guys and I think that's how Kenny knows how to work with Kasey. They've never gotten mad at each other, which is a really good thing.

Kenny is probably one of the most UNDERRATED crew chiefs in the garage and one of the smartest too. There are a lot of people in the Hendrick camp that are thrilled to have Kenny on the team. Chad Knaus is excited to learn different things from Kenny. As I recall, Chad called himself a Kenny Francis fan. Who wouldn’t want to be a Kenny Francis fan? I am super confident about the 2012 season for Kasey and
Kenny. With Hendrick equipment and the insight from the other crew chiefs, 2012 may very well be the start of an amazing partnership with Kenny Francis and Hendrick Motorsports.

An 81 race winless streak snapped at PIR

Kasey Kahne is a winner in the Cup Series again, snapping a career long 81 race winless streak this weekend at PIR. Kasey, who failed to make the Chase this season, has been on fire during these final races, firing off finishes of 12^th, 15^th, 4^th, 2^nd, 4^th, 25^th, 3^rd, and his first win since 2009. Kasey’s finish of 25^th was his worse finish since September, when he was wrecked out of the Richmond race, finishing 38^th.

Title contenders Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart finished right behind him in second and third respectively. Coming into the race at Phoenix, Carl Edwards had a three point lead over Tony Stewart. Coming out, Carl has a three point lead over Tony. Carl and Tony were the only ones mathematically still in it to win the championship, meaning Jimmie Johnson wasn’t going to win his 6^th straight championship.

Kahne, who is making the jump to Hendrick Motorsports, has one race left with Red Bull Racing, Homestead-Miami. After a not so good regular season, Kasey surged in the Chase. Going into the last race of the season, Kasey Kahne has earned the third-most points behind Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart and has an average finish of about 7^th.

Kahne Nation came into full force after the race. Watching Kasey win that race on Sunday had to be one of the best feelings to have as a Kasey Kahne fan.

But Sunday wasn’t just about Kasey Kahne’s win. One of the biggest stories coming out of Phoenix is that Jimmie Johnson will NOT win a 6^th consecutive championship. Everyone has been eliminated from the Chase except for Carl and Tony. Vickernism came back when Brian Vickers wrecked Matt Kenseth. They go back to Martinsville when Vickers’ car became a demo car after a demolition derby. He had a few run-ins with Matt Kenseth, basically taking Matt out of the championship hunt. Vickers’ 2012 future is still unknown since Red Bull Racing is closing its doors after 4 full seasons in the Cup series. Cole Whitt made his Cup debut with RBR, finishing 25^th.

Who has the most momentum going into the final race in the Chase? Carl Edwards? Tony Stewart? Kasey Kahne? How will Homestead fair for the drivers? How will this race impact the championship? How will the other racers race the final two Chase drivers? Will Tony Stewart wreck Carl Edwards if he had the chance? Will Carl do the same? You’re just going to have to watch to find out.

Silly season keeps getting sillier

Everyone knows that this time of the season is where contracts gets signed, drivers move to different teams, and drivers just lose their rides. When you thought nothing could top last year’s big silly season story (Kasey Kahne signing a contract with Hendrick Motorsports), we get plenty this season. The biggest free agent was Carl Edwards. He didn’t know if he wanted to stay with current team Roush Fenway Racing or move to a different team. Joe Gibbs Racing was seeking interest with Edwards, even a rumor came about that Carl was going to take over the 20 car, moving Joey Logano to a fourth car. Eventually, Carl re-signed with Roush.

So, the biggest free agent after that was Clint Bowyer. Clint bowyer started his Cup career with Richard Childress Racing after Clint got a phone call from Childress at the body shop where he worked back in Emporia Kansas. Earlier this season, Clint had said that he wanted to finish his career with RCR. But, that all change when it was announced that Clint was leaving RCR and going to MWR (Michael Waltrip Racing).

Okay, so that takes care of 2 drivers. What about the rest?

Let’s talk about Mark Martin. Currently driving for Hendrick Motorsports, Mark’s future in the sport looked cloudy. Kasey Kahne is taking over the 5 car in 2012, leaving Mark out of a ride. What is he going to do? Was he going to go back to where everything started, the Nationwide series? Everything seemed to be falling apart for Mark, until…this. This weekend, it was announced that Mark Martin was going to be the driver of the 00 car for MWR for a limited schedule. 25 races over the next two seasons to be exact. But, wait? Doesn’t David Reutimann drive the 00 car?

Not anymore. It was also announced that David Reutimann would not return to MWR after the 2011 season. Now Reutimann is out of a ride.

Silly season is a way for owners to look for new talent and for drivers to look at new opportunities. Some drivers don’t get as lucky as other drivers. The only thing a ride-less driver to do is find a ride.

IZOD Indy Car Series loses one of their own, Dan Wheldon

Not much good can be said about what has happened in Las Vegas today. Dan Wheldon, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, died after suffering major injuries in a crash 13 laps into the last race of the 2011 season. Two drivers were going for the Championship, Dario Franchitti and Will Power; Danica Patrick was saying farewell to the sport, Dan Wheldon was going for the $5 Million, and 34 drivers going for a trophy.

Wheldon, a two-time Indy 500 winner, had gone into the catch fence head first. His and 14 other cars, Will Power’s including, were mangled on the back stretch. Crews scrambled to get the drivers out of their cars and the cars off the track. Cars were airborne, on fire, losing parts and pieces. The wreck took out almost half the field. Four of the 15 drivers involved in the wreck were transported to the local hospital: Pippa Mann, JR Hildebrand (JR lost the Indy 500 to Wheldon after crashing coming to the checkered flag), Will Power (He had gone later after complaining about lower back pain), and Wheldon, who was airlifted by helicopter.

Dario Franchitti clinched the championship, but no one was in the mood to celebrate. One of their own’s future was unknown at that point. Everything was uncertain. The uncertain condition of Wheldon. The uncertain condition of the race. What was going to happen to the rest of the race?

About two hours after the wreck, officials went into the Media Center to announce that Dan Wheldon had passed away at the hospital. This new rocked the social media world. Just like that, Wheldon was gone. Officials cancelled the rest of the race. The drivers decided to give Wheldon a 5-lap tribute. (here’s the video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2PMUNsuZWA)

Today was a sad day for only the Indy Car Series, but for the whole racing world in general.

Here’s what the fans had to say about Dan Wheldon:

Steph Piech first Indy Car driver i ever rooted for when i first started watching the series a few years ago! He seemed like a great guy... smile on his face... down-to-earth. it just seems like a dream :-/ i wish this was just some cruel joke and that he'd be racin' next year... :'-(

Larry Spencer III Hell of a driver, a class act

KristenKahne4 He inspired me. I cannot believe this is how it ended. It isn't supposed to go like that

kchamber2121 Dan Wheldon was an amazing race car driver and I had chills when he won the Indy 500. a truly wonderful driver and person

babbzabbz I keep thinking...what if that had been Johnson last night. :( So saddening.

nascarsweetie99 I didn't watch Indy races a lot. But I will always remember his smile and joy. He truly appreciated all that he had.

Courtnieebaby24 He will always be a champion. His family especially his two sons gained a guardian angel today <3 <3

cmmack426 he was a great guy, saw him win at Indy and no one booed, he was a loving father and husband and he will be missed

LeBron James: R.I.P to Indy Car Driver Dan Wheldon! Dies In 15-Car Crash At Las Vegas Race #tragedy. You'll be missed from Sports

Jerry Rice: My condolences goes out to the family of Dan Wheldon.

Reba McEntire: My heart and prayers go out to Dan Wheldon's family and everyone in the racing community. My heart hurts.

Kurt Warner: My heart & prayers go out 2 family & friends of Dan Wheldon who was killed 2day in a LV crash! That God b with u during this difficult time!

God may have taken you from us early, but you will always be in our Hearts, Dan Wheldon. You will be missed. As a final farewell, I will leave you with the words of Marty Reid.

'Many people ask me why I always sign off Till We Meet Again, because goodbye is always so final. Goodbye Dan Wheldon.'

What a Difference a Year Makes: Spotlight on Ricky Stenhouse Jr

What can I say about Ricky Stenhouse Jr. that hasn’t been said already? From being so close to losing his ride in his rookie year to being the series points leader with 10 races to go his sophomore year is incredible. Ricky’s whole career did a complete 180 when Ricky came back to racing in July of 2010 when he finished 3^rd. Ricky went on to win the Rookie of the year honors by a slim margin over Brian Scott. This year, Ricky is leading the points standings by a slim 5 points over former Cup driver Elliott Sadler.

Ricky went into Iowa back in May winless and ready to get that off his back. That’s exactly what he did. Ricky led the most laps and beat his teammate, Carl Edwards, to win his first NASCAR Nationwide Series victory. Ricky led the most laps at LOR, only to be passed on one of the final restarts by winner Brad Keselowski and runner-up James Buescher to finish third.

Ricky would have redemption the follow weekend and the track he scored his first career victory a few months before. Ricky beat Carl again, but this time just a little differently. Here’s the finish:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tonqUmFDcDA

Ricky’s been in a tight points battle with Elliott Sadler and Reed Sorenson for most of the season. Out of the three, Rick has the most victories with 2, Reed Sorenson has a victory, and Elliott Sadler is the only one of the three with no victories.

Let’s compare 2010 to 2011:

Ricky finished the 2010 season with 3 top 5’s, 8 top 10’s and 5 DNFs. 2010 was a roller coaster of a season, being benched after wrecking a few racecars. Ricky used this time to really put his career in perspective. Ricky came back to the series and scored a top 5, finishing third. After that, Ricky caught and passed Brian Scott for the Rookie of the Year honors. He had an average start of 14.2 and an average finish of 19.4.

In 2011, Ricky has excelled and now is just 10 races away from possibly his first NASCAR championship. So far, after 25 of 35 races, Ricky has two wins, 3 poles, 10 top 5’s, 17 top 10’s and had completed almost 99% of the laps this season. He has an average start of 7.5 and an average finish of 10.2. Such a MAJOR improvement from a year before.

Here’s what I think about Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Ricky is a talented driver. Can he drive a racecar? Of course he can, better than a lot of the guys he’s racing again. Can he win the championship this year? I think so. Ricky has prove to all the haters and skeptics that he can pull himself out of that hole he dug himself into last year. Ricky can run with the best. I am 100% sure that Ricky Stenhouse Jr. can win the championship and be good Cup drive in the near future. I can say that a year ago, I wasn’t a big fan of Ricky. Look at what a year does. I am on the Stenhouse Jr. fan train I don’t think this girl will be getting off anytime soon.

David Ragan finally a Sprint cup winner

Last night, David Ragan redeemed himself for his mistake that cost him the Daytona 500 in February. Last night, we saw the two-car drafting again. It proved to be helpful and hurtful. Both Trevor Bayne and points leader Carl Edwards were two of the drivers who fell victim of the tow-car draft. Bayne suffered the most after contact with drafting partner Brad Keselowski, sending Bayne into the outside wall after further contact with the 33 car of Clint Bowyer, who crashed on the last lap. Carl Edwards had gotten spun out by teammate Greg Biffle, getting enough damage to take out the crush panel.

For people who don’t know, the crush panel is on the car to prevent the exhaust from the car to go inside the car. Without the crush panel, your whole car will fill up with carbon monoxide. Most cars have blowers which blow cool air into their helmets. Those blowers have carbon monoxide filters. Carl Edwards didn’t have a blower in his car. Without that blower, Carl potentially put his health in danger while driving the racecar.

Most of the race was pretty uneventful. We saw a lot of lead changes and two-car drafts, seeing Ryan Newman up front the most. When you look at the two-car drafting teams, you saw the obvious team-ups like: Kahne and Vickers, Ragan and Kenseth, Logano and Kyle Busch, Harvick and Menard, Bowyer and Burton; and then we saw some not so obvious team-ups: Hamlin and Newman, Stewart and Gilliland, Keselowski and Biffle (both lost their drafting partners early), Kurt Busch and Smith. In the final laps, both Joey Logano and Kasey Kahne had lost their drafting partners, so what did they do? They teamed up together. They did fairly well considering that they finished 3^rd and 4^th, respectively, with Kahne pushing Logano to the finish.

Some people still don’t like the two-car draft. I think it makes for more exciting racing instead of all 43 cars under a blanket. Two-car drafting allows you to make up time on the track fast. Look at Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon. With about ten laps to go, they were deep in the field. A handful of laps later, they were both in the top-ten, fighting to get the lead. They both crashed out though. See? Exciting racing!

David Ragan was there from the drop of the green flag to the checkered. He raced like a veteran and he won, with the help of teammate, 2003 NASCAR Cup champion Matt Kenseth. Matt pushed him to the victory, just like David would have done for Matt if the roles were reversed and in the Nationwide race the night before, Joey Logano getting the push from teammate Kyle Busch.

David has had so much heartbreak and he has struggled the last few years, but with this win, I think David saved his job. UPS is in a contract year and if David doesn’t perform, UPS may not come back. I think this win will help propel David farther and help keep UPS on board for a few more years. With his win, David is squarely in the top 20 in points and has the second wild card spot for the chase.

Congratulations David! You earned it!