Pete Pistone distributes this week’s checkered and black flags following the weekend of racing at Kansas Speedway.
Checkered Flags
Chase Elliott
He’s won three times in the last 11 races and Sunday Elliott took advantage of an opportunity presented to capitalize. A pit road speeding penalty from a dominant Kevin Harvick opened the door and Elliott kicked it down for career Cup win number four.
Kyle Busch
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has completely turned around his Cup Series fortunes at Kansas Speedway. What was once one of Busch’s most challenging tracks has become a place where he’s flourishing and he did so again Sunday with a runner-up finish.
Kyle Larson
Another week where Larson rallied from adversity to finish strong. He‘s made a living out of starting from the rear of the field as he was forced to do this week after an accident in practice damaged his primary car. While he missed out on advancing in the Playoffs, Larson finishing third Sunday was an impressive performance.
Stewart-Haas Racing
Not the best day overall at Kansas by any means especially in light of last week’s Talladega performance. But when the checkered flag flew SHR owned half of the spots in the Round of 8 and continues its march toward a potential championship.
John Hunter Nemechek
The potent Chip Ganassi Racing entry paid dividends to a talented young driver again on Saturday. Ross Chastain scored his first career Xfinity Series win earlier this season behind the wheel and in Kansas it was Nemechek’s turn to visit Victory Lane.
Black Flags
Kevin Harvick
It’s hard to find fault anytime this season with Harvick but he’s squandered two opportunities in recent weeks to add to his win total. A dominating effort in Kansas went for naught after Harvick was pegged for his first pit road speeding penalty of the season eliminating him from a potential victory.
Stewart-Haas Racing
But Harvick was not alone in the SHR camp with uncontrolled tires and pit road speeding penalties also impacting Kurt Busch and Aric Almirola. Clint Bowyer barely escaped NASCAR’s wrath with a near uncontrolled tire penalty as well. Mistakes will cost someone a title and the margin for error will only increase as Homestead-Miami Speedway draws closer.
Chip Ganassi Racing
While Larson deserves a checkered flag for his performance the CGR organization needs to tighten things up. Too many challenges have put Larson behind the 8-Ball this year and overall the team needs to figure out a way to create more consistent speed and competitive race cars.
Xfinity Series Playoff Drivers
Half the Xfinity Series Playoff field was in trouble before half a lap was run in Saturday’s Kansas Lottery 300. Justin Allgaier took blame for losing control and starting the melee that before it was over impacted Christopher Bell, Cole Custer and Austin Cindric’s title hopes.
Daniel Hemric
The Richard Childress Racing driver was in the thick of a hard fought battle with John Hunter Nemechek before finally settling for a second place finish. However post-race inspection found Hemric’s car did not meet minimum height requirements and an L-1 penalty of ten driver points this week will significantly impact his Playoff aspirations.
The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Motor Racing Network.
