Third top-five finish; 2nd in points

A good day for Ryan Newman

As Ryan Newman was introduced at Sunday's NASCAR event, the Auto Club 400 in California, who would have thought he would have such a great run?

Newman started in the 9th position and finished 5th.

Of the five races this season, Newman has finished in the top 10 for four of them, three of which were in the top five! 

Newman's third top-five in California this weekend, catapulted him into 2nd in the points' standings.

Newman was fast!

Not only did Newman run in the top 10 all day, but got out in front and led laps. One of those was the fastest lap of the afternoon. He was clocked at 180.737 mph.

The only one who had a better day than Ryan Newman was Kevin Harvick

Harvick breathed life into a race that was pretty much lifeless for 400 miles. The race had been 500 miles before the decision was made last year to shorten the event. At almost the last moment, on the last lap, Harvick pulled around the outside of Jimmie Johnson just in time to meet up with the checkered flag. It was a beautiful thing to watch, giving a whole new complexion to the afternoon. 

Harvick now stands in 9th place in the driver points' standings.  

*My thanks to my friend Jerry Connor for the photo

California Dreaming

I've resisted talking about the last race at Kansas. It was hard to watch Ryan Newman struggle from his 30th place start only to finish 22nd. Toward the end of the race he was doing much better, but time seemed to run out.

This seems to happen quite often to this team. From fastest in practice, to 30th place to losing two places in the championship points standings.

The #39 team may not show consistent results, but there is consistency in the effort that goes into it.

I continue California dreaming since that is the next race in the circuit. It is not Newman's favorite track as he has stated many times. Mine either because the race can be flat-out boring.

Newman's qualifying run got shuffled into a 37th starting spot, but as he was 8th fastest in practice, I'm looking for a happy Happy Hour. And there is always the chance that the car will be fast at the start of the race.

Since this is California, I have a crocheting project all lined up and ready to go, so I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

Go Ryan!