The starting grid is set following a weekend of practice, qualifying and the “bump day” for the Indianapolis 500. However, the “bump day” could have simply been labeled “Qualifying, The Sequel”. There were 9 spots to fill out the starting grid and 9 teams/cars going for it so there would be no actual “bump” from the race.

The top tier has shaped up as a veteran vs veteran for race teams. The top six qualifiers filling out the first and second rows are from the Penske and Andretti teams. These same teams fill out the top four spots in the points coming to Indy with Penske at 1-2 while Andretti is in at 3-4.

Will Power has dominated with Verizon/Penske Chevrolet bringing 3 wins of the 4 races along for the ride. Team mate Helio Castroneves is 2nd in points winning that 4th giving Penske a season sweep so far. (more…)

The NASCAR season is well underway. A look back from the Easter break after Martinsville shows the points are beginning to stack up with familiar names but the order is shaken a bit from what we may have come to expect. Greg Biffle is on top. He has always been in the group as a contender but riding this momentum of early season points is likely to fade unless there is a win coming. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is right there in the second slot, also without a win, and just six points off. Defending Champion Tony Stewart has two wins out of six races (plus a bonus of one of the Gatorade Duals) and is in the third position chasing 12 points. Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex, Jr. share the same 12 point deficit.

NASCAR is shaping up to generate some momentum for the fans as well. The drama of Jimmie Johnson penalties while still able to fight back to the tenth points slot is amazing. Jeff Gordon is 90 points back which is uncommon. Kurt Busch is fighting bad press from last season and bad luck for this one.

Those are just a few of the possible drama lines for fans to chat over. There are many more on tap and still to come. (more…)