NASCAR
Martin Truex Jr. Gets 2nd Pocono Win After Timely Caution
Coming into the 400 mile race at Pocono Raceway, all eyes were on 2 drivers. Kyle Busch, the winner of last week’s Coca-Cola 600, and Kevin Harvick were each the prerace favorites. However, Martin Truex Jr. and Furniture Row Racing secured the victory. This win did not come easy for the 78 though, as a long pit stop early in the race sent Truex back to 14th. In the end though, a timely caution flag meant that Truex earned his 2nd Pocono win.
Early Race Favorites-A Tale of 2 Drivers for the Championship?
Although Ryan Blaney started on the pole, it was Kevin Harvick dominating the early laps at Pocono. In 34 prior starts, Harvick had yet to get a Pocono win. Harvick took the lead for the first time on lap 12, and would go on to lead a race-high 89 laps. Lap 44 saw Martin Truex Jr. catch Harvick after green-flag pit stops, and go to the lead. Truex would hold off Harvick to win Stage 1, his 3rd stage win of the year.
Another cycle of green flag pit stops midway through Stage 2 saw Harvick retake the lead. Much like other races this season, the first 2 stages of Pocono were run with no caution flag periods. Harvick would handily win Stage 2. This stage win was integral to Harvick, as he and Busch are now tied with 25 Playoff bonus points.
Late Race Rash of Cautions Help Some, Hurt Others
Lap 126 was the first caution of the day for any on-track incident, as Derrike Cope spun after contact with Kyle Larson. Consequently, this ended up being a real race defining moment. Under pit stops, Kevin Harvick lost the lead, as he was blocked in by Ryan Blaney. This gave the lead to Kyle Busch, who would hold position on the restart. On this same restart, Truex passed Harvick for the runner-up spot.
With 20 laps to go, a caution came out for debris, while Busch was out front. Busch would come to pit road, while Truex, Harvick, Chase Elliott, and Kyle Larson all stayed out. They would occupy the top 4 positions for the restart.
With advantages from clean air and the preferable outside line for restarts, Truex was unbeatable. 2 more late race cautions would come out for incidents, but Truex never lost the lead. He would get his 2nd career Pocono win over Kyle Larson by 2 seconds. Busch, Harvick, and Brad Keselowski rounded out the Pocono top 5.
The remainder of the top 10 from Pocono included Ryan Blaney, Aric Almirola, Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano, and Chase Elliott.
Championship Preview From Pocono?
With the Pocono win, his 2nd of 2018, Martin Truex Jr. has certainly reestablished himself as a championship co-favorite. Harvick still has a series-high 5 wins, and Busch has 4 victories. These 3 drivers have been the fastest and most consistent all season long. In addition, Harvick, Busch, and Truex are currently seeded 1-2-3 in the Playoff standings. However, 4 teams will make the Championship Finale in November at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kyle Larson may just be that 4th man heading to Homestead. Larson was very fast and made some daring moves throughout the race in Pocono, eventually winding up with a 2nd place finish. The Ganassi driver has 3 2nd place efforts this year, along with 9 top 10s. Only time will tell if Harvick, Busch, Truex, and Larson are able to all make it to the Championship 4.
How to Watch the Next Race
Up next for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is the FireKeepers Casino 400 from Michigan International Speedway. Kyle Larson won this race a season ago, and is looking for his 4th-straight Michigan win. Can the 42 park it again in victory lane? Find out on Sunday, June 10 at 2 PM EST. Coverage will be on Fox, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
