JOLIET, Ill. – If the war of words is any indication, the advent of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs brings out the persnickety side of the drivers involved.
In a Friday tweet, Brad Keselowski bemoaned what he perceives as Toyota’s performance advantage over the Fords and Chevrolets in the field. That earned the driver of the No. 2 Team Penske Ford a lot of return fire from the Toyota camp. After qualifying second to Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch, Toyota driver Denny Hamlin couldn’t resist a foray into the fray.
“I’d like to know what Toyota is paying Brad, because he is their best spokesman,” Hamlin quipped. “I need more money for my PSA. If you’re shopping for a midsize sedan, get the unfair advantage – get a Toyota.”
Indeed, Camry drivers led both Saturday practices, with Martin Truex Jr. topping the morning session and Kyle Busch recording the fastest lap in Happy Hour. But there was a good mix of car makers on the speed chart.
Ford driver Ryan Blaney was second in Saturday’s first session, and Chevy driver Chase Elliott was third. In final practice, Chevy driver Austin Dillon was second to Busch, with Keselowski in third.
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
- NASCAR to debut new short track package at Phoenix - February 28, 2023
- The Wrench Who Stole Racing - December 16, 2022
- Matt DiBenedetto’s excellent run comes to abrupt, violent end - February 17, 2019
