Auto Club Race Review and Analysis
California Dreaming! The Nascar Cup Series paid a visit to Auto Club Speedway. Located in Fontana, California this five groove race track put on quite a show. Kyle Larson takes home the checkered flag in Nascar’s return to Auto Club Speedway. Larson records his 1st win of the season today and 17th overall in his career. Larson now joins Austin Cindric as the only two drivers locked into the playoffs.
(Nascar's five wide saulte to the crowd pre race)
Heading into today there were a lot of uncertainties. Tires, next-gen car issues and track conditions all factored into today’s race. A lot of cautions surrounding tire issues headlined today. Many drivers and teams faced this issue, this could lead to concern as the season goes on. A prime example of this was from Tyler Reddick’s issue. Reddick was having a career day by leading a good portion of today’s race. Hardship hit his team as a tire went down during the final stage, ultimately taking him out of contention for the race win. A gut wrenching moment for Reddick and the number 8 team.
( An overview look of Auto Club Speedway)
Great racing was on display all afternoon. Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez and Austin Dillion all battled it out to the finish. Each driver showed great action until Larson’s momentum pushed him past Suarez. Larson started in the back due to an unapproved adjustment during pre race inspection, after today’s 200 laps he won. A great day for Larson and the number 5 team overall.
(Kyle Larson taking the checkered flag in Fontana, California)
Driver’s who had great days included Erik Jones, Austin Dillion, Chase Briscoe and Tyler Reddick until his incident. All drivers showed consistent speed throughout the top 10 as the day went on. Auto Club Speedway overall had a great return to the Nascar schedule. Suarez finished 2nd, Jones 3rd and Dillion 4th. This is great to see new faces up front week end and week out with the new next-gen car. Nascar wanted to show parody with this new car and they’re showing it. 9 different teams filled out the top 10 today, which is good to see. The next-gen car faced many issues today, but all in all is starting to pay dividends. For example spins and wrecks in practice and qualifying happened on Saturday. With the last generation car you didn’t see that. Drivers asked for an on edge car where it’s a challenge to drive. With spins and wrecks as a result, they sure are getting what they asked for.
( Larson celebrating post race)
In my opinion today was solid. A lot of action was on display throughout the afternoon. The next-gen car had good moments but also bad moments today. I feel like tires are becoming an issue, with them falling off and blowing out. Hopefully Nascar addresses this issue and comes up with a plan very soon. Lastly, after a two year absence due to California Covid restrictions and the struggle of the pandemic, Auto Club Speedway was not too shabby in its return. Overall, I would give today’s action a 9 out of 10. As a plus, Matt Kenseth was a pretty good guest analyst in the broadcasting booth this afternoon along side Mike Joy and Clint Bowyer. It should be interesting these next two weeks as Danica Patrick is set to appear at Las Vegas and Phoenix in the booth in the next two weeks.
( Larson with the Wise Power 400 trophy post race)
Continuing the west coast swing will be Las Vegas Motor
( All images credited to https://www.foxsports.com/nascar/cup-series.)
For next week's race information please view the link down below:
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