Katie's Komments: 10&11th Edition

Brad Keselowski’s Comments: Earlier in the week, reigning Sprint Cup Series Champion Brad Keselowski made some comments about Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing that weren’t taken lightly by, well, anyone. Keselowski accused HMS and JGR of stealing Penske Racing’s top employees, which is why the two teams are so much better. His comments drew out statements from all three major organizations, including Roger Penske himself. Keselowski was called out on his misguided and misjudged comments and even fellow drivers were taken aback by his remarks. I only have one thought on this matter; when will Bad Brad learn to keep some of his opinions to himself? They are bound to get him in major trouble someday.

Tony Stewart’s Win: Well, he did it. Tony Stewart broke his early season slump and came out on top at Dover just a few weeks ago. Stewart led only three laps the entire race; the last three. But, that’s all that matters, right? The real question is, what does Stewart’s win mean for his organization and teammates? Ryan Newman has been out-performing his two teammates most of the season but has quite a few DNFs on his plate. Danica Patrick is struggling in her first season in the Sprint Cup Series and has only finished in the top-20 twice. Hopefully this win at Dover is enough to light a fire under the entire Stewart-Haas organization and we can really see some great finishes out of all of their drivers this summer.

5-Time: He won 5 consecutive Sprint Cup Series Championships and it looks like he may just add a sixth title on top of that this season. Jimmie Johnson added a third win at Pocono to his season statistics and is now more than a full race ahead of second place Carl Edwards in points standings. Although the points will reset once the Chase starts, is this all an indicator of what is to come for the last ten races in the season? Can anyone contend with the No.48 team? The only other driver with three wins this season is Matt Kenseth, but with his unreliable Toyota engine, he is more than 100 points behind Johnson with three DNF’s to Johnson’s zero. Mr. 5-Time is looking to complete his six-pack, and he just might do that in 2013.

The Loss of a Racer: Earlier this week, the racing community lost one of their own when Jason Leffler was involved in a horrific crash at a dirt track in New Jersey. Leffler was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Following Twitter and Facebook that night as the event unfolded, I was taken aback by the amount of people sending thoughts and well wishes to Leffler and his family. Racing, no matter what form or level, is one big family and when that family is hurt or loses someone, they band together to make something so strong, nothing can penetrate it. When is was announced that Leffler had to life insurance, leaving his 5-year old boy Charlie with little, two charity funds were set up in Charlie’s name. NASCAR and IndyCar drivers alike came together to start a charity to raise money for Charlie and Leffler’s family, donating items to be auctioned off. Hats and memorial stickers are being made and proudly worn this weekend at Michigan and Milwaukee and fans are even asking where they can purchase them. In light of this awful tragedy, one thing became perfectly clear, the racing community may have its flaws and fights, but we stand as one when it really counts. We will miss you LEFturn.