Las Vegas Schedule | Starting Lineup
There are a number of stories to follow during Sunday’s Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
New Rules
The next step in the introduction of this year’s dramatically different new Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series rules package takes to the track in Sunday’s race. In addition to the lower horsepower and other body modifications used last week in Atlanta, cars have aero ducts installed that have made a significant aerodynamic impact in both practice and qualifying. Tighter packs especially after restarts will make the draft an important element in determining Sunday’s race winner. So far, Austin Dillon has been the fastest in both practice sessions with the rules package.
Final Practice Speeds | Pit Stall Assignments
Drivers Face Unknowns
Because of the rules and the limited practice time due to Saturday’s rain, drivers enter Sunday’s race with a litany of questions and some concerns. Many will no doubt take a cautious approach in the early portions of the race as they try to understand just how cars will handle and react in racing conditions. But if Friday’s qualifying session is any indication, intensity will definitely pick up as the checkered flag nears.
Las Vegas Paint Schemes | Las Vegas Driver Averages
Ford Transition to the Mustang
Last week Ford drivers took five of the first ten finishing spots in Atlanta led by Brad Keselowski’s Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 victory. It was a successful intermediate track debut for the new Mustang body style and a boost of confidence for the manufacturer about the transition. There are four Mustangs starting in the top 10 Sunday in Vegas as the Ford stable looks to continue its early season momentum.
Hendrick’s Struggles
Last week was a forgettable afternoon in Atlanta for the entire Hendrick stable with Alex Bowman’s 18th-place finish the best of the four car organization. It was another reminder of how much the group struggled the year before despite Chase Elliott’s three wins. Jimmie Johnson starts ninth in Las Vegas on Sunday with Bowman 11th, Elliott 12th and William Byron 20th. Hendrick can’t afford another overall bad outing like Atlanta on Sunday.
Rookies Shine
This year’s Cup Series Rookie of the Year battle is shaping up to be a good one between Daniel Hemric and Ryan Preece, both who have been impressive in the first two races of the year. The freshmen drivers have looked pretty sporty in Vegas with Hemric starting fifth on Sunday. Preece will take the green flag 24th, but despite the poor qualifying effort has shown his car does have speed.
