Welcome, to this week's episode of Southern Speed. This week the West Coast Swing comes to an end in the desert at Phoenix. Time to turn the key, and flip the switch, as we dive into today's episode.
Snap-on's Lineup
Chase Elliott
Chase's stats at Phoenix, don't tell the full story. Chase had 2 top 10s at Phoenix in 2016. In 2017 Chase led 106 laps, en route to a 12th place finish, before leading 34 laps in the Fall, en route to a 2nd place finish. In 2018, Chase managed a 3rd in the Spring, before leading 16 laps in the Fall, before being caught up in a late wreck. Chase finished 14th in this race, after jumping the initial start, and spinning. In the Fall, Chase was running inside the top 5, before losing a tire, and crashing. Chase starts from the pole, and looks to end his Phoenix woes today.
Brad Keselowski
An odd pick to this list, Keselowski has never won a Cup race at Phoenix, but that doesn't mean he doesn't perform well there. Brad has led 166 circuits around Phoenix, to go along with his 6 top 5s, 10 top 10s, in 21 starts. Brad can lead laps, and run inside the top 10, so look for Brad to collect those stage points, and a nice top 10 finish today. Brad starts from the 14th position.
Ryan Blaney
I'd be a fool, if I didn't add Blaney to this list. Screwed out of 2 wins, and a runner-up finish. Blaney finished 3rd in both Phoenix races last year, and enters this race the points leader, and signed a contract extension with Roger Penske Friday. This 12 team is riding high. If this team doesn't have more bad luck in the final 10 laps, Blaney could be the one celebrating Victory Lane today. Blaney rolls off 5th.
Denny Hamlin
Denny won at Phoenix in the Fall, and has some of the best Phoenix stats of all the drivers in the field. 2 Wins, 13 top 5s, 17 top 10s, 821 laps led, 1 DNF, in 29 starts. Denny is a surefire contender today, as he starts off from the 3rd spot.
Kyle Busch
The Candyman, Kyle Busch has been making Phoenix his playground lately, with an average finish of 1.5 in the last 4 Phoenix races. With 3 Wins, 11 top 5s, 21 top 10s, 1,190 laps led, 1 DNF, in 29 starts, Kyle is without a doubt one of the best at Phoenix. Busch hasn't finished outside the top 7, in the last 9 Phoenix races. Busch looks to add to those amazing Phoenix stats, as he rolls off 10th.
Analysis
1 Mile Oval
312 Laps/312 Miles
2019 Winner: Kyle Busch
Pole Winner: Chase Elliott
Stage 1: 75 Laps
Stage 2: 75 Laps
Stage 3: 162 Laps:
Forecast: 74 Degrees, 0% Chance of precipitation, 12 MPH wind gusts
The Trends: Let's take a look at the trends, Mike. The average final cautions in the last 9 Spring Phoenix races came with 36 to go.
Predictions
Stage 1 Winner: Denny Hamlin
Stage 2 Winner: Joey Logano
Race Winner: Chase Elliott
Manufacturer Winner: Chevrolet
Garage Pick: Erik Jones
Cautions: 8
DNFs: 4
Leaders: 10
Lead Changes: 15
Bold Prediction: A JGR car will DNF
Epilogue
Well ladies and gentlemen, that about wraps up this week's episode of Southern Speed. See y'all later, and DFTBA
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