NASCAR is set to race at Las Vegas for the first time in 2019. The third race of the season looks like an interesting one as the Monster Energy Cup Series is starting to take shape. Ford Performance cars look forward to taking 2 out of the first 3 races of the season. Nonetheless, anything can happen at Vegas. The All Out Sports Network brings you the preview for the Pennzoil 400.
Closer-Ish Racing
Last week saw the debut of most of the new rules package for 2019. This includes similar spoilers to the ones used in 2013 and, new tapered spaced engines. The new rules are aimed to create closer racing and it (sort of) did at Atlanta. Brad Keselowski got the win, but the finish was not all that close. Sure, the new rules do create closer racing, nevertheless, they are far off from giving fans tight finishes at the finish line like in 2004/05. NASCAR hopes to make one more leap in terms of entertainment in the form of aeroducts. Aeroducts will be first implemented at Cup level this Sunday. They have been part of the Xfinity Series since 2017 and drivers seem to like them.
The Pack Leaders
Kevin Harvick won the pole for Sunday’s race. Number 4 will start the race alongside Denny Hamlin who qualified second. Hamlin will be followed by teammate Kyle Busch in the 18 car. Qualifying did not go as well their fellow teammate Martin Truex Jr. as he is set to start at the 23rd spot.
Drivers To Watch Out For
Joey Logano: Logano knows very well how winning at Las Vegas feels. He has won both the March and the September race at this track. His car has been one of the best at the track in the early stages of the season. Nonetheless, he has not won yet as he came up short of the top 10 at Atlanta and had a top 5 finish at Daytona. Having him at victory lane would be good for the race due to his relationship with the race’s sponsor.
Kyle Busch: Las Vegas’ hometown hero could very well be the winner at the end of 400 miles. Busch runs extremely well at grippy such as Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The younger of the Busch brothers comes to Las Vegas after signing a contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing.
The Underdog
Aric Almirola: The number 10 car has turned a completely different beast ever since Almirola took over for Danica Patrick. He does not come to Sin City as one of the favorites, but he has everything to win. The Stewart-Haas driver finished 7th at Atlanta after a solid race. He had a good run for the most part of the Daytona 500 until the big one ended his race. His consistency will land him in victory lane this season. The Pennzoil 400 might just be his first season win.
Where To Watch
Live race coverage begins at 3:30 PM E.T on FOX and PRN.