Author’s note: “It wasn’t going to be just the biggest post-9/11 sporting event. It was going to be the biggest gathering of people yet.” Those words are inscribed on a display at the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City. They were uttered by then president and CEO of Dover Motor Speedway, Denis McGlynn who spoke as NASCAR made its return following the tragic day to Dover on September 23, 2001. 21 years later, the NASCAR Cup Series completed its second consecutive race on 9/11 at Kansas Speedway. And 21 years later, it is still a day we will never forget, nor quit praying for those affected.
Top Dog: Michael McDowell
2022 has been a career year for Michael McDowell, who has a career-best 11 top 10s. Once again, he exited the race at Kansas Speedway as the top dog. However, it came on a day where several underdogs showed speed but caved to the attrition of the event.
The opening stage of the race was fairly quiet for McDowell, who started 23rd and struggled to find pace early, though he was able to move through the field to a 14th-place finish in the stage.
After observing earlier two-tire strategy from Austin Dillon and Alex Bowman, crew chief Blake Harris made the call to go with two tires to begin stage two. The strategy arguably worked better for McDowell than Bowman and Dillon, lining him up in second while gaining valuable track position. The 37-year-old kept his car inside the top 10 for most of stage two before fading to 17th by stage end.
.@Mc_Driver pits his No. 34 @WISE_FAST_EV Ford for 4 tires and ⛽️. No adjustments on this stop as Michael continues to battle in the Top-10. pic.twitter.com/hPh25kmkgZ
— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) September 11, 2022
Despite efforts to re-attain the speed found in stage two, McDowell was unable to drive back into the top 10, running outside the top 15 for most of the remainder of the event. As the checkered flag flew, his green and black machine crossed the line in 16th. While it wasn’t the top 10 McDowell was seeking, it was his 17th top 20 of the season.
That’s a wrap on 400 miles at Kansas @WISE_FAST_EV | #CITGARD pic.twitter.com/kiRlvuBO69
— Front Row Motorsports (@Team_FRM) September 11, 2022
Underdog Highlights
It has been a solid couple of weeks to be Noah Gragson. He has also had two fruitful 9/11 weekends between 2021 and 2022, as he won the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Richmond Raceway on the date a year ago. After winning an amazing Xfinity finish at Darlington…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Frontstretch…