Pocono: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Busch Brothers Showdown pt. 2?

The drivers of the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup are preparing to take on the Tricky Triangle this Sunday. Who’s tricks will land them in Victory Lane? And who will get tricked by this track?

Green Flag at Pocono. Photo courtesy of (Photo courtesy of NASCARmedia.com/by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images).

This weekend has the potential for another Busch Brothers Showdown. Kyle Busch has seen the good, the bad and the ugly at this track. He has an impressive record of three wins, five top-fives and six top 10s. However, those successes are also mixed with some accidents, engine failures, and finishes below 30th. Kurt Busch has a similar history to his brother’s. Kurt also has three wins, along with 11 top fives and six top 10s.

Aside from both of the Busch Brothers, Martin Truex Jr. could be a promising contender for this weekend’s race. Truex has two wins, three top fives, and five top 10s. However, his two most recent finishes were 35th and 15th.

Ryan Blaney has a decent history in his short three years of racing at Pocono. His three years include one win and two top 10 finishes.

One of Denny Hamlin’s four wins at Pocono. Photo courtesy of NASCAR.

Chances for Revivals

Denny Hamlin had outstanding statistics in his earlier years of racing at this track. Perhaps he can rekindle his success this weekend. Hamlin has won at the Tricky Triangle four times, however, his most recent win was in 2010. Aside from his wins, Hamlin has six top fives and seven top 10s.

Brad Keselowski, who closes out the top five in points standings, has had success here. Keselowski has one win, nine top fives and one top 10 at this track.

Jimmie Johnson’s rough day in Pocono in 2017. Photo courtesy of NASCAR.

Finally, one must not give up on seven-time champion, Jimmie Johnson. Johnson is currently standing outside of the playoffs, however, a miracle and a broken winless streak could provide redemption. Although his best finish in the past three years is eighth, Johnson has a pretty successful history at Pocono, where he has three wins, eight top fives, and eight top 10s.

Upcoming

Pocono Raceway, is a 2.5-mile triangular track located in Long Pond, PA. The first and final practice will be on Saturday at 9:05 a.m. and 11:05 a.m. ET respectively. The Gander RV 400 will take place on Sunday, July 28 at 3:00 p.m. ET.