November 15, 2017 News

NASCAR Talk: Matt Kenseth Wins At Phoenix, Chase Elliott Bumps Denny Hamlin, And More

Photo credit: Instagram

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway gave fans some of everything. There were winners and losers at Phoenix like with every race, but this time drivers had more on the line than taking a simple L. For five drivers an opportunity to race for the championship was at stakes and as we all knew going into the race only one driver would emerge victoriously.

The saga continued for Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin at Phoenix and fans had a lot to say. Some fans chalk it up as hard racing and others as payback. During this week’s Twitter chat fans debated whether or not Elliott putting Hamlin into the wall was payback or hard racing. Fans also chimed in on Elliott coming so close to winning another race, but not being able to seal the deal. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, as one fan put it, “Matt Kenseth was triumphant in his penultimate race.” During our weekly Twitter chat, fans also predicted who will be the next Monster Energy NASCAR champion.

Below are links to our top Twitter questions this week and also a few responses. Every Monday, we will host a #NASCARTalk Twitter party at 12:00 PM PST / 3:00 PM EST. Join us for some NASCAR talk. Have something to say? We would love to hear from you! Join the conversation on our next Twitter chat and tweet us a comment.

Question 1:

Q1: The Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin saga continued at Phoenix. Was it payback or hard racing? #NASCARTalk

— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) November 13, 2017

Answers:

A1: I think it was a bit of both. It resulted in some damn good racing in the final stage. I loved it!

— Kenneth Lee (@FrontRowKenny) November 13, 2017

A bit of both. Chase wasn't trying to wreck Denny imo, but wanted to make his point that he's still upset about Martinsville. He raced Kenseth clean, so it was definitely personal though.

— Jason Rodgers (@JRodgers_9) November 13, 2017

Both. Extra hard racing due to Martinsville. Think it will continue for awhile

— Michael Jay Husmann (@MoparMJ8) November 13, 2017

Payback. Chase crowded Denny into the wall.

— #TheRobster (@TheRobster2014) November 13, 2017

It was almost as good as a win. Almost.

— Rob Fish (@ElwoodBluez) November 14, 2017

It was both but I don't think Chase would have squeezed Denny into the wall had Martinsville not happned.

— Jonathan Thiebaud (@Jtbaud249) November 13, 2017

It was a solid mixture of both he said he was going to talk e Hamlin like he'll race him and that's what he did but he had to have Martinsville on his mind most of that race because that was the knockout punch

— Benjamin Paulson (@BenjaminPaulso8) November 13, 2017

a little bit of both.

— Patrick R. Dron (@patrickdron78) November 13, 2017

Question 2:

Q2: “What will it take for Chase Elliott to win?” via @ScottyStyles29 #NASCARTalk

— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) November 13, 2017

Answers:

Probably the new car & a little mentality shift. He's like Truex at the beginning of his career. Another aside, the car NAPA sponsors hasn't won bunches of races with any of its drivers since the Truck series.

— Renee (@rb218) November 13, 2017

A2: Learning how to seal the deal. He certainly has the pace to win, but hasn't been able to finish races. Also, he doesn't need to let all the heartache impact his confidence. Forget about the past because every race is a new beginning. I think he'll win races soon. #NASCAR

— Daily NASCAR Scoop (@NASCARDaily) November 13, 2017

Final 4…2 Toyotas…2 Fords… Chevy got a lotta work to do from now until the Daytona 500

— Can't Keep the Money (@DonDelarente) November 13, 2017

Just knowing how to close out a race and knowing what it takes to finish tire management good setup and a little luck

— Benjamin Paulson (@BenjaminPaulso8) November 13, 2017

The 9 car

— Bill Steinbach III (@bill_steinie3) November 13, 2017

A2: I think he's close. May have over driven his tires getting around Denny and Kenseth. No doubt he had a fast car.

— Charlie Bowles (@CharlieBowles6) November 13, 2017

Question 3:

Q3” As @TheDingoDude put it, “Matt Kenseth was triumphant in his penultimate race.” Share your thoughts. Will we somehow see him behind the wheel next year? #NASCARTalk

— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) November 13, 2017

Answers:

Unfortunately this is Matt's last full yr in a Cup car. Thankfully he got to experience another win before he was done

— ryan goodrum (@ryan_goodrum) November 13, 2017

no I think he'll really "take a break" or step away next year. but we'll see what happens in 2018.

— Patrick R. Dron (@patrickdron78) November 13, 2017

A3: Tbh I'm not sure. Would be nice if a competitive team without 4 cars found sponsorship to enter the Daytona 500 with Kenseth in a non charter car. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if Homestead is Kenseth's final career start. #NASCAR

— Daily NASCAR Scoop (@NASCARDaily) November 13, 2017

I really hope he gets a ride,can’t believe they couldn’t sort the 77 for him somehow!?,very sad when you see him consistently up the front in races?!

— Darran Lester (@daz2278) November 13, 2017

I hope ta hell MK gets a ride. Reality is, none really available. Maybe a Daytona 500 ride? Hope something comes up for him. He's got lots left in the tank. #NASCARTalk

— GraydonBunn (@SmoothOper88or) November 13, 2017

The win was awesome but no, I don't see him in car next yr unfournatly. There just aren't any good rides available.

— Jonathan Thiebaud (@Jtbaud249) November 13, 2017

Question 4:

Q4: We typically focus on Cup talk, but @NASCARDaily wants to know who you got to win the Truck and Xfinity title? #NASCARTalk

— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) November 13, 2017

Answers:

Bell and Byron.

— Kolbs (@88SpeedFreak) November 13, 2017

@XFINITYRacing will by @WilliamByron @NASCAR_Trucks will be @CBellRacing

— Bill Steinbach III (@bill_steinie3) November 13, 2017

The 3 B's… Bell, Byron, Busch!!!

— MO_Outlaw41 (@MO_Outlaw41) November 13, 2017

Easy! @DanielHemric wins the Xfinity Championship.

Trucks? Maybe Bell.

— Daniel Hemric-The 2017 Xfinity Champion- Francisco (@FHenriques19) November 13, 2017

Byron & Bell

— M.A. (@MAH_2414) November 13, 2017

Question 5: Who will be the next Monster Energy NASCAR champion? Tell us what you think.

Q4: Who will be the next Monster Energy NASCAR champion? Tell us what you think. #NASCARTalk

— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) November 13, 2017

This is Q5 not Q4.

— All Turns No Brakes (@turnsnobrakes) November 13, 2017

Answers:

Well look at my twitter name. That’s a dead giveaway haha! Honestly what Harvick said at Charlotte stuck with me. Truex can win all those races and it comes down to one race to finish better than 3 drivers. Harvick also has the best avg finish of the four too

— HarvickWillWinHomestead30 (@ScottyStyles29) November 13, 2017