By Nathan Butler
The NASCAR Nationwide series is coming off a huge momentum swing, after first time NNS winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. proved he has what it takes to be a winner. Every fan who follows the NASCAR Nationwide Series knows that Ricky has the pure talent to be a great racer, but does every fan know he has what it takes to finish the Top Gear 300 from Charlotte on top?
The Top Gear 300 holds 200 grueling laps around this 1.5mile track, something drivers know they must face. As one driver will end up in Victory Lane, they will receive a purse of $1,013,918, which just adds to a more intense and exciting race.
With Trevor Bayne sitting out of today’s NNS race, Roush Fenway Racing was forced to make a decision on who would replace him in the 16 car, they looked to no other than Matt Kenseth. Matt has won 25 races in the NNS, 2 of which came from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. With Ricky Stenhouse Jr. finishing the 2nd practice P1, and Kenseth finishing P3, I believe RFR will once again be tough to beat.
Driver Kimi Raikkonen is making his NNS debut today, something that will have fans glued to their TV sets. Kimi made his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series last week in the NC Education Lottery 200, and finished P15. It will be interesting to see where Kimi will end up, as he has no prior experience in a stock car.
Some fast facts heading into the Top Gear 300:
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C.
Length: 200 laps, 300 miles
Purse: $1,013, 918
2010 Winner: Kyle Busch, NOS Energy Drink Toyota- Time of Race: 2hrs 18mins and 11sec’s. Average Speed: 132.216mph- Margin of victory: 0.112sec’s over Brad Keselowski
2010 Pole Sitter: Carl Edwards, Fastenal Ford- 28.889sec’s. 186.922mph
Radio/Television: Performance Racing Network (PRN) will broadcast the Top Gear 300. ABC will televise the race live. Coverage begins with a pre-race show at 2:00pm (EDT).
Next Race: Chicago- June 4th
