Going into Phoenix the stats favored Carl Edwards in NASCAR‘s Kobalt Tools 500. But those were the stats, as related to Phoenix before the track repaving/reconfiguration. Coming into the new configuration, I wasn’t sure what to expect. So we waited, and watched.
As the race started, David Ragan and Regan Smith were the participants of the first altercation on the third lap of the race. You can see that the racing line is finite and there is very little, if any room for error in turns three and four.
Though it was thought it would be a single line track early on, an occasional contender made the outside line work. And early on, the championship focus being on Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards, Stewart was in front of Edwards.
Early leaders on lap 20 included Matt Kenseth, Stewart, Martin Truex Jr., David Reutimann and Marcos Ambrose.
Stewart took the lead on lap 38… by passing on the outside.
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Early I wrote about NASCAR headed to Phoenix. I touched on the reconfiguration variable banking of the track and its effects it could have on the racing. My buddy Leon, from Working on my Redneck, sent me a note in my comments section from that article and I thought I’d share the insights he left for me, with you guys, my readers!
Bruce,
Just thought that I would give you an update. After walking over to the race track Weds. the new racing facility looks fantastic. The new dogleg is banked and looks like it will add some “raciness” for Sat. and Sun. this weekend! It appears that PIR has been busy trying to “rubber up” the track. Hopefully, it won’t be a one groove race this weekend!
I can’t wait to see some practice laps for Nationwide Thurs. morning, as well as check out my new seat in the Allison Tower Sec11 up in row 45. The seats are about 1/3 of the way thru turns 1 & 2!
Pray for the forecast of rain to be in error!!!!! I can’t wait to feel the thunder of 38,000 HP this weekend!
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That sounds like it’s going to be a fun weekend for Leon!
