30 Degrees of Banking

NASCAR Nuggets: Sonoma

By Ryan Frisco

Photo Cred www.yahoosports.com

The Victor: The last time Martin Truex, Jr. won a race, I was still in high school. Since then, I've graduated college, gotten a real job, gotten married and had a son.  Needless to say, it's been a while for Martin, and victory in the rolling hills of Sonoma couldn't be sweeter. A track where he has performed well the last 5 years before running into trouble, the breakthrough second career victory is finally in hand.  Now the wins can start flowing.  I have a feeling the nickname The 'Other' Junior will soon wear off and Truex, Jr. becomes a valid title contender.

The First Loser: Hmm, I'm pretty sure we've had Jeff Gordon in this segment before this year.  Again, oh so close!  If not for that totally ridiculous ill timed pit stop right as the caution came out, I'd say Gordon would have been the one sipping wine in victory lane.  As it fell, Gordon had to fight his way back from 38th on a ROAD COURSE to finish second.  I'd say a win for him given the situation.  Jeff is inching closer to that Top 10 in points, and oh so close to a win.  I'd say we'll be calling his name in the Victor column before the Summer's out!

Photo Cred www.speedtv.com

Tough Luck: Three guys on Sunday had great cars but ran into hard times in Sonoma.  Kyle Busch's day just never seemed to go right.  A speeding penalty on pit road and more than one spinout caused by someone else resulted in a 35th place finish.  Tony Stewart was in prime position in the last quarter of the race before a spin relegated him to 28th.  Juan Pablo Montoya, the king of road racing, dominated the Top 5 for much of the race. Sitting in second place with 2 laps left, his car ran out of gas and he fell from runner up to 34th.  Chase hopes are looking slim for him.

Pat on the Back: Gotta hand it to a few guys again.  Kurt Busch finished fourth.  He runs so well in underfunded cars.  Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards both finished in the Top 10...at Sonoma!  They aren't known for running well there.  Marcos Ambrose went home 7th, which is expected for him here, but still good for the man from Down Unda'.

The standings are crowded from 10th to 20th, and races before the Chase are dwindling.  Guys have to start making their moves soon to stand a chance.  On to Kentucky next week!...yeah, I can't even fake that I meant that excitement.  More on that this weekend...