Results From Loudon - Camping World 301

     Jimmie spins early with way too low air pressure and then wrecks just a few laps later and crashes out of the race.  Now it's an exciting race, because that means that someone other than the 48 is going to win.  Joey Logano blames ancient racer Morgan Shepherd for his wrecking out.  But the story of the day was Brad Keselowski dominated, leading 138 of the 305 laps, winning over Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson. 
     The second half of the Nascar pool kicked off with a frustrating start.  Picking, which was supposed to be easy, with the technology we have today, went horribly wrong when John was not receiving the texts right away, James' group texting was maxing out and Mark (who was away on vacation) couldn't wait around for the lagging response times.  But we managed to get through it and we have our new line-ups.  Maybe a fluke, but my guys finished 1st, 6th and 7th taking top score this week.  James with a 111 had second high.  Already, Brian's lead is cut by 20 points after one race.
     Half pool news,  looks like it will just be John M, myself, Janice, Debbie, Rich and John L in the half pool this second half.  No one else responded with their picks.  Very disappointing, as I was hoping to expand every year to more and more contestants. 
     If I find a good online Nascar pool, I will let everyone know to sign up for that for the 2015 season.
Good luck to all in the second half,
Paul

Results From Daytona - Coke Zero 400

   Wow, what can you say about that race.  Postponed from a night race to an afternoon race.  Slick track, massive big ones, a roll-over and the 43 in winners circle for the first time since 1999 and ironically 30 years to the weekend since Petty's 200th and final win.  Unfortunately, rain finally halted the race 48 laps from the original 160, and handed Almirola the win.  Lots of good cars were involved in two separate wrecks and left some low income teams scrapping it up out front.
    That it is it though for the first half and thanks to those wrecks, Brian and Mark had pretty crappy weeks and allowed the field to close up some.  Picking will be on Friday the 11th at 6:00 via group text.  Colleen will be picking first, followed by John, Gary, myself, James, Mark then Brian.  Have the standings ready to go in front of you so we can make this as painless as possible.
    Congratulations to Colleen, who hangs in there to win the first half pool, by a hefty margin over me.  Mark with a big run, claims 3rd and new-comer Rich S takes the final money spot.
    Anyone who wishes to get in the half pool for the second half needs to have their completed picks in by the 12th.  No entries accepted after that, especially incomplete picks.  I only have four entries so far (and that includes myself).  If I don't many more, there will be no half pool for the second half.
    Thank you to all who entered and good luck next half,
Paul

Flashback Friday - Cale Yarborough - Hardee's

    The #29 Car owned by Cale Yarborough and driven in 1988 by both Cale (10 races) and Dale Jarrett.

Results From Kentucky - Quaker State 400

    Brad Keselowski and Team Penske dominated this race.  Kind of predictable early.  Junior and team did make that car better and finishing fifth was a big accomplishment.  Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson with right front tire issues ended their day early.  Ryan Newman was a shocking third.  I still say he is done and just riding out his career the way Burton did in this same car.   Big pool news, Brian in first, but losing a few points to Mark and James with a big week gains some too.  I am screwing myself Gary falls two to 6th.
     In the half pool, I fell three spots to 6th but kept my other pool in 2nd, striking distance from Colleen (22 points ahead).  Those newbies John L and Rich now up to 3rd and 4th.  Tight from 3rd to 7th place.
    
     Also, for those that read this, moving the picking for the second half to Friday night at around 6.  Have your cell phone on, I will be group texting this time around.  I will send out one text to confirm this later and on Friday, if you do not respond I will pick for you.

Thanks and enjoy the race from Daytona on Saturday night,
Paul