Several drivers could use a win at Sonoma
SONOMA, Calif. – When NASCAR debuted a win-and-you’re-almostassuredly-in-the-postseason system in 2014, road course races became an immediate source of intrigue.
A driver especially gifted in the rigorous discipline, so went the theory, could exploit one win from the non-ovals that dominate the schedule to emerge as an unlikely postseason qualifier.
In practice, that theory was tempered because Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers as a group have progressed greatly on road courses the past decade. And the fabled road course ringers sometimes employed as specialists were never as successful as their legend would suggest.
Then A.J. Allmendinger won his only Cup race at Watkins Glen in 2014 to qualify for the playoffs. There’s a wrinkle. Even so, entering Sunday’s race at Sonoma Raceway, there is less of a chance of a surprise driver wresting away a victory and playoff spot than there is an established all-around performer.
Part of the reason in this unusual season in which 10 different drivers have won in 15 races, is that numerous drivers who would historically have had multiple wins remain winless. But of course, there’s a few variables, here, too.
Kyle Busch: The 2015 series champion has not won since the Brickyard 400 last July. He’s finished second twice. He’s led the second-most laps in the series. He’s fumed, roiled and keeps getting close. Third in points, Busch won at Sonoma in his title season and he would be no surprise to claim a first victory for himself and Joe Gibbs Racing this weekend.
Joey Logano (with an asterisk): last season.
Kevin Harvick: Still winless since StewartHaas Racing switched to Ford this season, the 2014 series champion has never won at Sonoma but has been close on numerous occasions. He finished third twice and second in 2007 and led 23 laps in 2014 before a wreck relegated him to 20th noon (FS1), practice, 3:30 p.m. (FS1); Saturday, qualifying, 11:45 a.m. (FS1); Sunday, race, noon (FS1). Outlook: Kyle Larson last week picked up his second win of 2017 in Michigan after surviving three late restarts. Larson has also finished second five times this season along with a runnerup showing in the All-Star Race. … Despite all that, Larson is just five points clear of Martin Truex Jr. atop the standings. Kyle Busch is third — but he’s 130 points behind Larson. … Ricky Rudd won the first Cup race held at Sonoma in 1989.
INDYCAR FORMULA ONE
Track: Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan. Schedule: Sunday, 5:30 a.m. (NBCSN) Outlook: The series returns to Baku for the second straight season. … The track is known as the fastest street circuit on the schedule. … Lewis Hamilton cuts Sebastian Vettel’s lead to 12 points after winning in Montreal.
OTHER RACES
NHRA: Summit Racing Equipment Nationals, Ohio. Sunday, finals (3 p.m., FS1) Xfinity: American Ethanol E15 250, Newton, Iowa. Friday, practice, 11 a.m. (FS1), practice, 2 p.m. (FS1); Saturday, race, 5:30 p.m. (FS1). Camping World Truck: M&M’S 200, Newton, Iowa. Friday, practice, 9:15 a.m. (FS1), race, 5:30 p.m. (FS1).