The season seems to be cranking up for the Ford badge. The Penske Racing Ford badge, specifically.
Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano have traded off starting positions in the front row, finished in the top 5 and have put one of their Fords into Victory Lane.
The previous week at Phoenix, Keselowski was on the pole with Logano on his wheel. This week at Vegas Logano was on the pole with Keselowski on the wheel. Both finished in the top for both of these races with BK taking the win in the most recent Kobalt Tools 400.
It should also be noted Keselowski finished 3rd at the Daytona opener while Logano was just outside of the top 10 at 11th. The season has opened well for the Penske Fords with Keselowski off to a quick points chase showing, perhaps, that his 2012 championship has the possibility of a repeat.
Yes… It is way too soon for that. However, he seems to be trying to make the point early.
Keselowski, by the way, also won the Nationwide Series race at Vegas on Saturday…
Sidestepping a bit to Dale Earnhardt, Jr. we also see a push to grab the early momentum. His win at Daytona followed by a 2nd at Phoenix and another at las Vegas has kept his points fueled to the top position. At Vegas, the win was all there for Jr. except for a thimble full of fuel. On the last lap to the checkers his engine went thirsty and Keselowski blew by for the win. It was a pit gamble in Vegas and the cards didn’t hold for the win but three races in and on top of the points is still a good start to the season. Good as it may be, there are plenty chasing close in the top 5 to make that position everything but certain.
Then again, that is also what makes racing something to watch. Who wins, who gains, who falls off…
Right now Dale Jr. is on top but those Penske Fords are on his bumper and not letting off. It’s quite possible the fuel which spilled out for the 88’s final pit might have been enough to extend that cushion but we’ll never know, will we…?
The upcoming schedule offers some possible shakes in the standings. Virginia racing has a tendency to tumble the numbers. Bristol is up first and has a history of heating tensions that can be carried along through the season. They bounce out to California and return to Martinsville to run tight once again.
Three races in and the season has offered much to talk about and keep the fans’ eyes on the race. Qualifying has changed. The “Chase” has changed. Many of the drivers and teams have changed.
Time to go racing and catch some of the early season drama!