CONCORD, N.C. – The countdown is on to the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
There are only nine races left until NASCAR’s “playoff” races begin, and every weekend from now until then is crucial. This weekend NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers are heading to the Bluegrass State to battle for a win at Kentucky Speedway.
The Sprint Cup Series has been racing at the 1.5-mile tri-oval since just 2011, but in the last four years there have been many memories made.
Before the green flag drops and 400 miles are raced, let’s take a look at three memorable Hendrick Motorsports moments from Kentucky.
June 30, 2012- Kasey Kahne was in his first season driving for Hendrick Motorsports when he hit the track for his second start at Kentucky Speedway. Kahne qualified his No. 5 Chevrolet SS in the 19th position, where he would start the race. He patiently and carefully raced his way up the pack for the duration of the event. When the checkered flag waved after 267 laps, Kahne brought home a career best second-place finish from the tri-oval.
June 30, 2012 – There is no better place to start a race than out front and Jimmie Johnson certainly knows that. After posting a qualifying speed of over 181 mph, Johnson was the fastest of the field and grabbed his first pole position at Kentucky Speedway. That was his first of four pole awards for the 2012 season. Johnson went on to lead 21 laps of the race and eventually crossed the finish line at the tri-oval sixth.
June 30, 2013 – Dale Earnhardt Jr. had yet to start on the front row in 2013, but that all changed when he went to Kentucky. Earnhardt posted a qualifying speed of over 183 mph that landed him the pole position to start the race. He led 10 laps and had a tough battle to finish the race 12th, just behind teammate Kahne.
