Anybody that isn't sure the Chase for the Sprint Cup isn't intense didn't watch the events unfold last evening.
During a restart with 62 laps remaining in the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Brad Keselowski and Matt Kenseth got together as Kenseth attempted to pass Keselowski out the outside. The contact sent Kenseth into the wall, damaging his car and causing him to fall a lap down.
With a few laps remaining, a caution gave Kenseth the free pass. Keselowski claims while Kenseth was making his lap up intentionally drove his car into Keselowski's, causing damage to his car.
On an ensuing restart, Keselowski and Denny Hamlin got together, causing Hamlin to get loose and lose several positions.
The race ended, and on the cool down lap, Hamlin and Keselowski tangled on the track. Both drivers headed towards the pits, where Keselowski ran into Matt Kenseth's car. Kenseth claims he had already unbuckled his seat belt and removed some of his safety equipment.
Hamlin was visibly upset as he exited his car, and was greeted by members of his crew andseveral NASCAR officials. Words were exchanged with Keselowski, and Hamlin threw a towel towards him. Hamlin was escorted to his hauler. Keselowski headed to his hauler, where he was chased and run into by Kenseth. It took several crew members and Officials to separate the two drivers.
Kenseth and Keselowski are both on the verge of not advancing to the next round of the Chase. Both drivers were fighting for every position they could get. Every point could make the difference between advancing and missing out on a chance at the Championship. So both drivers were frustrated at their finishes.
It's obvious that the pressure is on every driver involved in the Chase. The only two that are smiling at the moment are Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick, who both will advance due to race wins during this round of the Chase. Keselowski and Kenseth let their emotions get the best of them. In the good ole days of NASCAR, that is how drivers would settle it - in the parking lot after the race!
It would be too early to speculate if NASCAR will issue any penalties as a result of this duel, but with their "boys, have at it" mantra over the last few seasons, nothing will probably come out other than a small fine and probation.
All it means is there's going to be several desperate drivers at Talladega, and tempers may flare again. I can't wait.
During a restart with 62 laps remaining in the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Brad Keselowski and Matt Kenseth got together as Kenseth attempted to pass Keselowski out the outside. The contact sent Kenseth into the wall, damaging his car and causing him to fall a lap down.
With a few laps remaining, a caution gave Kenseth the free pass. Keselowski claims while Kenseth was making his lap up intentionally drove his car into Keselowski's, causing damage to his car.
On an ensuing restart, Keselowski and Denny Hamlin got together, causing Hamlin to get loose and lose several positions.
The race ended, and on the cool down lap, Hamlin and Keselowski tangled on the track. Both drivers headed towards the pits, where Keselowski ran into Matt Kenseth's car. Kenseth claims he had already unbuckled his seat belt and removed some of his safety equipment.
Hamlin was visibly upset as he exited his car, and was greeted by members of his crew andseveral NASCAR officials. Words were exchanged with Keselowski, and Hamlin threw a towel towards him. Hamlin was escorted to his hauler. Keselowski headed to his hauler, where he was chased and run into by Kenseth. It took several crew members and Officials to separate the two drivers.
Kenseth and Keselowski are both on the verge of not advancing to the next round of the Chase. Both drivers were fighting for every position they could get. Every point could make the difference between advancing and missing out on a chance at the Championship. So both drivers were frustrated at their finishes.
It's obvious that the pressure is on every driver involved in the Chase. The only two that are smiling at the moment are Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick, who both will advance due to race wins during this round of the Chase. Keselowski and Kenseth let their emotions get the best of them. In the good ole days of NASCAR, that is how drivers would settle it - in the parking lot after the race!
It would be too early to speculate if NASCAR will issue any penalties as a result of this duel, but with their "boys, have at it" mantra over the last few seasons, nothing will probably come out other than a small fine and probation.
All it means is there's going to be several desperate drivers at Talladega, and tempers may flare again. I can't wait.
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