Cup RACE thread --- Bristol

[jaqua19]

How long it takes for a driver to get his first win isn't much of an indicator of future success. There have been plenty of one-win wonders. A better indicator is how long it takes to get the fifth (if ever). I'm not directing this at Gibbs, it's a generalization.

I think we'll see him win more in the next three years than he has the past three.

I agree. He's probably on the cusp of being a real contender, imo.

 

[LewTheShoe]

For the last few races, Harvick has been vocal about Brad K's big problem... poor qualifying, which makes it difficult to rack up stage points. The data absolutely proves Harvick's point. For the first eight races, Kez ranks 22nd in average starting position, and 6th in average finish. That's a huge disparity.

The chart below shows that Keselowski ranks 11th in total points. But if stage points are ignored, Brad is 6th... passing Larson, Byron, Wallace, Bell, and Buescher just by disregarding stage points.

Bottom line: the 6 team has to be better on Saturdays!

 

[StandOnIt]

It also shows why stage points are important. It makes drivers stay up on the wheel. Poor qualifying can be lessened with a good car to start with if a driver blows his qualifying lap, but in Keselowski's case, he doesn't show up with a fast car to start with many times. Almost all of the Fords are in the same boat qualifying except Blaney for the most part.
The Fords and the Yotas are doing better because the Chevys aren't doing that great. It's interesting to see if the bowties will start coming on.