NASCAR's Swing and a Miss

As the “Talking Heads’ once sang, “Same as it ever was.” That might be an adequate description of today’s NASCAR race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. You could also use the word, disappointing.

Perhaps fans, media and dare I say NASCAR had too high of expectations for the new racing package in its debut at Las Vegas. But thru these eyes, it sure looked like what we have seen so many times, only slower.

Joey Logano, last seasons Champion and now one of NASCAR’s biggest stars took home the checkered flag after fending off his Penske Racing teammate, Brad Keselowski. Arguably the fastest car found their way at the top of the leaderboard. The Penske drivers were followed by Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch.

The Fords, who are now driving the new Ford Mustang, have started this season without missing a beat after dominating last years season. Logano and Keselowski gave us some exciting late race action in an otherwise ho hum afternoon.

Many expected (pointing finger at himself) attrition, multiple lead changes, and a bunched up field. What we saw was what we’ve often seen at these intermediate tracks. A spread out field with few lead changes. Attrition? Not including the stage cautions, the entire race was run under the green flag.

Look, its way to early to give up on this new package. NASCAR deserves credit for trying to create a more compelling product. Just in this case its “Big Swing” turned out to be more of a dribbler down the third base line.

Most of us expected different from what we saw. It was disappointing except if you were driving a Penske Ford.

Hero's: Joey Logano, Penske Racing, Kurt Busch, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.

Zero's: Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR's new racing package, Ryan Newman

Thanks for reading. Listen to the NASCAR Report on The Frank Truatt Morning Show on WTBQ, 1110am, 93.5fm or online at WTBQ.com. Follow me on twitter @Jimlaplante.