Nationwide Series at Bristol: Developing Development Series Finally?

by Charlie Turner

Thanks for stopping by OnPitRow.com and the Bench Racing with Steve and Charlie blog. The best NASCAR and IndyCar news and opinion, exclusive pictures and video. I'm Charlie Turner. Follow me on Twitter @onpitrow

August 21, 2009 9:49 pm UTC No Comments

Watching tonight’s Food City 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

Maybe this old Grand National Series is returning to what a whole bunch of NASCAR fans seem to at least think that they remember. A driver development series.

We spoke with NNWS Director Joe Balash On Pit Row a few weeks back and Joe indicated that was a goal of his.

And even though Carl Edwards is battling David Ragan with a green, white checkered finish about to happen, the days of fields full of Bushwackers seem past.

The GWC finish got short circuited when several cars got together back in the pack, giving Ragan his second Nationwide win. Edwards came second and Brad Keselowski got by Kevin Harvick for third.

That still sounds like the Buschwackin’ days, but the race didn’t seem so.

For one thing, Ragan and Keselowski ARE still developing drivers. Early on, the Kez got into Penske young gun, Justin Allgaier, cutting the no. 12′s tire and ruining what might have been Justin’s first win. He had the car. He has the talent too.

There are still plenty of Cup drivers competing in the junior series. But talented Michael Annett was top ten, and fast. Michael McDowell was 10th. Matt Carter, son of long time NASCAR team owner Travis Carter, finished 12th, on the lead lap, in a one-off start that I hope leads to more. Matt was ARCA RE/Max Rookie of the Year in 2008 and needs a break.

The presence of the Sprint Cup guys make it a tough place to win. But developing talent should rise to the top. That’s what happened with Keselowski. His talent earned him a big break with J R Motorsports in 2008, which led to more opportunities with Hendrick Motorsports. Today he signed a contract with Penske Racing to drive full time in Cup.

But he honed his chops in the Nationwide Series the last two years, competing with the big boys.

Photo credit: Round girl Jen by BethAnne Heisler for OnPitRow.com

Filed under: Brad Kesolowski, Bristol Motor Speedway, David Ragan, Justin Allgaier, NASCAR, Nationwide Series, Penske Racing

Tagged with: Food City 250, J R Motorsports, Justin Allgaier, matt carter, Michael Annett

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