Power 10 For Las Vegas, Mar. 2

It took 24 hours to get the race in California completed, yet we still don’t have a good idea of who will be strong this season and who won’t.  If it wasn’t a water-induced crash, it was poor track conditions.  I don’t think the new car had much of a weekend, either, as the racing was not as close as we were led to believe it would be.  Not bad if you’re an Edwards fan, though.

Edwards Wins Rain Soaked Race In California

Nearly 23 hours after the green flag was supposed to drop in Fontana, Carl Edwards cruised to a nearly four second victory over Jimmie Johnson.  The race had been red flagged over night due to rain and water seeping onto the track through cracks.  Rain wrecked havoc on the entire weekend.

Power 10 For California, Feb. 24

Restrictor plate racing is behind us, for now.  The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NSCS, now moves to Southern California.  The racing is different, and so will be the results.  Some teams will be consistent, as they will be anywhere, others not.

Rocket Launches At Daytona

Ryan Newman helped Roger Penske get a large monkey off his back Sunday at Daytona.  Newman gave Penske his first win on a restrictor plate race.  In the process, he picked up his first win in over two years and his first Daytona 500.

Jacques Villeneuve, One And Done

Bill Davis Racing today suspended its relationship with Jacques Villeneuve for the foreseeable future.  After failing to make the field for the Daytona 500, ending in a crash in his Gatorade Duel on Thursday, BDR has decided that for the immediate future Truck veterans Mike Skinner and Johnny Benson will pilot the number 27 Toyota.  Jacques entered the season with high hopes and expectations, though many speculated that if he wasn’t successful, he may decide to go elsewhere.

Junior and Toyota Win Duels

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. won his Gatorade Duel yesterday, extending his rise back to the top after joining Hendrick in the off-season.  He led a majority of laps, coming from the back after an engine change the day before.  I would suppose this would solidify his fan base, especially those who were unhappy at his becoming a teammate to Jeff Gordon.  His two wins this week make him a favorite to win the Daytona 500 on Sunday.

Engine Woes At Daytona

The camps of Hendrick and Gibbs are experiencing engine woes at Daytona.  The two major teams have had to replace engines prior to today’s Gatorade Duels, causing them to start from the rear of their respective fields.  The culprit appears to be lifters.