The spin seen round the NASCAR world

RICHMOND, VA - SEPTEMBER 07: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota, spins in front of Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's American Heritage Chocolate Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 56th Annual Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway on September 7, 2013 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
RICHMOND, VA - SEPTEMBER 07:  Clint Bowyer, driver of the #15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota, spins in front of Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's American Heritage Chocolate Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 56th Annual Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway on September 7, 2013 in Richmond, Virginia.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
RICHMOND, VA – SEPTEMBER 07: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota, spins in front of Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s American Heritage Chocolate Toyota, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 56th Annual Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway on September 7, 2013 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The controversy began brewing even before the winner of Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup series Federated Auto Parts 400 entered victory lane, because more was on the line than just another race win. The 12 driver field was set for the 2013 NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup. While six drivers came in locked in and at least two others knowing that simply finishing would get them in, several spots were up for grabs.

Joey Logano and Jeff Gordon were battling for a spot while Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Newman were also contesting a spot.

A caution with seven laps to go set up a final three lap dash. It not only decided a winner, Carl Edwards, but sealed the fate of Gordon and Newman. Both of whom fell short of making the Chase. MORE>>>

Greg Engle
About Greg Engle 7421 Articles
Greg is a published award winning sportswriter who spent 23 years combined active and active reserve military service, much of that in and around the Special Operations community. 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.