The return to Daytona in July is the unofficial halfway point of the season, because it is the first time during the year that NASCAR makes a second trip to a track. Â That becomes common through the months of July and August, as places like Pocono, Michigan and Bristol get their second helping of NASCAR.
It’s a chance for teams to go over their notes from those tracks and get ready for the second attempt at victory.
The problem with that is obviously the track can and normally is a lot different. Â Pocono is a good example, because even with such a short period between races, the spring race is a lot different than the summer race. Â The asphalt holds more heat, meaning the track is looser, and handling characteristics constantly changing.
Bristol is a lot different for the simple fact the second race they hold is done under their lights, so the track has a lot more grip, even for concrete.
The unofficial halfway point of the season is also a time to reflect on what has occurred this season, which is unbelievable from many aspects. Â On one hand, it started out with the driver that is calling it a career at the end of the season simply unable to start the season because of a back injury. Â He came back, battled through, and somehow was able to muscle his way to victory, literally, a week ago. Â His finish on Saturday night was sub-par, but he earned enough points to put him into the top-30 in the standings, meaning that win means he’s in the Chase. Â Although the issue still remains as he needs to stay in that position, the win does give him more security in that if he’s right there, he will compete for a championship.
NASCAR also introduced the new lower-downforce aerodynamic package at all tracks outside of the plate speedways, and it has been welcomed with open arms and intense competition.
Although it has shown success, things were changed and even improved at one race, when the splitter and spoiler were altered. Â It produced a lot of handling troubles, but also put the driver back into emphasis in the race. Â That package is being tested out again at the next event, with likely similar results despite the track size being smaller, and done on new pavement.
We’re at the halfway point of the long schedule, and at the moment 11 of the 16 driver Chase Grid is set, but with two and a half months remaining before the Chase begins, anything can, and will change.
The fireworks are set to go off to determine who will go after a title, just as the fireworks are set to be lit at celebrations across the area over the next few days.
Happy 4th of July everyone.
RESULTS:  1-Keselowski  2-Kyle Busch  3-Bayne  4-Logano  5-Stenhouse Jr.  6-Larson  7-Dillon  8-Biffle  9-Bowyer  10-McDowell
NOTABLE FINISHES:  17-Hamlin  21-Earnhardt Jr.  23-Kurt Busch  25-Edwards  26-Stewart  28-Kenseth  29-Truex Jr.  35-Johnson  39-Harvick
CAUTIONS: Â 5 for 28 laps. Â Laps:Â 22-25Â (Competition);Â 91-101Â (#78,10,24,7,20,27,44,4,16,15,23,31,1,42,48,34,88,35,5,46,98,83Â Accident-T1);Â 131-134
(Debris-FS); 150-154 (##14, 21, 6, 13, 19 Accident-T1); 156-159 (#21, 19, 32, 47 Accident-FS).
LEAD CHANGES:  26 among 13 drivers.  G. Biffle POLE; C. Edwards 1-8; B. Keselowski 9-21; D. Ragan 22; R. Smith 23; B. Keselowski 24-28; G. Biffle 29; B. Keselowski 30-51; M.
Truex Jr. 52; B. Keselowski 53-64; D. Hamlin 65; C. Mears 66-67; K. Harvick 68; C. Bowyer 69; Kyle Busch 70-71; B. Keselowski 72; Kyle Busch 73-75; J. Logano 76; D. Hamlin 77-82; B. Keselowski 83-98; T. Stewart 99; J. Logano 100-104; B. Keselowski 105-131; Kyle Busch 132-138; B. Keselowski 139-140;
Kyle Busch 141-144; B. Keselowski 145-161.
TIME OF RACE: Â 2 Hrs, 40 Mins, 38 Secs.
AVERAGE SPEED: Â 150.342 MPH
MARGIN OF VICTORY: Â 0.159 Seconds
CHASE GRID: Â 1. Keselowski-551 (Points), 3 (Wins); 2. Kyle Busch-492, 3; 3. Edwards-527, 2; 4. Johnson-475, 2; 5. Harvick-565, 1; 6. Kurt Busch-545, 1; 7. Logano-531, 1; 8. Truex Jr-482, 1; 9. Hamlin-446, 1; 10. Kenseth-443, 1; 11. Stewart-212, 1; 12. Elliott, -83 (From 1st-Harvick); 13. Dillon, -131; 14. Earnhardt Jr, -132; 15. Newman, -140; 16. Blaney, -156.
