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As we approach this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen, let’s rewind 12 years to the thrilling finish of the 2012 Finger Lakes 355 at The Glen, a race renowned for one of the most chaotic conclusions in NASCAR Cup Series history.
Kyle Busch had established a solid lead and seemed to have the race under control with just seven laps remaining, but things quickly took a turn for the unexpected. Dale Earnhardt Jr., the championship point leader heading into the race, lost control of his No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet while running in 10th place, spinning out at the exit of the inner loop.
“I just got in the corner and made a mistake, that’s basically all there was to it,” Earnhardt commented after the race. “Just overdriving the car.”
Despite Earnhardt’s spin, no caution was thrown, and after he pitted for fresh tires and re-entered the race, it still appeared that Busch would glide to victory. The driver of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing M&M’s Toyota Camry held a lead of over 2.1 seconds ahead of Marcos Ambrose, who was in second place with four laps to go, while Brad Keselowski trailed closely behind in third.
However, with only two laps left, it seemed as though every car on the track suddenly lost grip simultaneously. Ambrose fell out of position, allowing Keselowski to overtake him for second place, while Busch struggled with control, leaving him vulnerable as Keselowski and Ambrose quickly closed the gap.
Dale Jarrett and the ESPN broadcasting team began speculating whether Busch was running low on fuel, experiencing a tire issue, or encountering another mechanical problem. During the final lap in the esses, Keselowski made contact with Busch, resulting in the No. 18 car spinning out of the lead. While Busch’s chance for victory had vanished, the battle for the win was just heating up.
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As they entered the inner loop, Ambrose accelerated in pursuit of Keselowski, but his No. 9 car struggled for traction, nearly resulting in a spin. After managing to regain control, Keselowski seemed to encounter an issue while exiting the inner loop, allowing Ambrose to reclaim the lead.
Approaching Turn 7, Keselowski overshot his brakes and made additional contact with Ambrose. He managed to draw alongside Ambrose in Turn 8 but lost control and slid off the track. Ambrose crossed the finish line, claiming his second and final victory in the NASCAR Cup Series. Meanwhile, as Ambrose celebrated with the checkered flag, Jeff Gordon, a contender for the championship, spun out behind them.
It was a thrilling conclusion, the kind that raises goosebumps, and as the drivers navigated their cooldown lap back to the pit road, the ESPN commentary team, led by Allen Bestwick, struggled to comprehend the chaotic events they had just witnessed.
What had happened to Busch’s No. 18 car, enabling Ambrose and Keselowski to close in on the two-second gap within a single lap? What was the dynamic between Keselowski and Ambrose? Amidst the flurry of questions, Vince Welch managed to interview Dave Rogers, the crew chief for Kyle Busch, who shed some light on the situation.
“The 47 had a mechanical failure. You could see him smoking as he passed by,” Rogers informed Welch. “He broke down and spilled oil all over the track. This caused us to slide on the oil, allowing the No. 2 car to catch up to us and race us hard. It was a solid performance by them. Kyle put in a great effort.”
Rogers emphasized that there had been no issues with the No. 18 car, which led to the dramatic unraveling in the closing laps of the race.
“No, it’s just that there was oil everywhere on the racetrack, making it extremely difficult to manage,” Rogers stated, disappointment evident in his tone.
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“I was the first to slip on the oil when I let Brad pass,” Ambrose remarked. “The situation only deteriorated further, and it was evident that the car was remaining out there because the oil was shifting around the race track. At that juncture of the race, you must take your chances and commit, and unfortunately, Kyle faced bad luck. However, it was fantastic racing alongside Kyle and Brad. They’re truly the best competitors to race with; it was an absolute blast. That’s how racing should be, and we successfully brought the No. 9 Stanley Ford into victory lane.”
Ambrose acknowledged that Busch was likely to win as he had exhausted his tires while attempting to carve his way back through the field after his pit strategy was disrupted by the timing of the cautions during the race.
“I had completely burned everything up. Our plan was to make three stops. Then, suddenly, the caution came out, and we had to pit, coming out in ninth or tenth place, or something like that, and I burned my tires trying to get back,” Ambrose explained. “You just need to embrace Lady Luck when she shows up, and it was our day.”
The oil on the track was so intense that Keselowski genuinely thought it was Busch ahead of him who was leaking oil onto the track.
“The 18 was leaking fluid pretty significantly. The track had zero grip. When I caught up to him, he had leaked oil back into [Turn] 1 and missed the turn because he was skidding on his own oil,” said Keselowski. “I got underneath him heading into [Turn] 2, but we all ended up slipping on his oil. I clipped him, and it spun him out. I hate to say it, but there was nothing I could do. It was just a massive oil slick under his car, and I feel terrible about that.”
Despite feeling remorseful for spinning Busch from the lead, Keselowski’s demeanor brightened as he recounted the final lap’s battle against Ambrose.
“Then it came down to racing a full lap against Marcos. I went into the oil and slipped“`html
Jimmie Johnson secured a third-place finish, trailing behind Ambrose and Keselowski, while Clint Bowyer and Sam Hornish Jr. completed the top five in the race.
Despite being spun into the grass during the final lap, Busch managed to come home in seventh place. He exited his vehicle and hurried away from the track without speaking to the ESPN broadcasting team.
Following the dramatic conclusion at Watkins Glen, Keselowski went on to clinch the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series championship after a fierce battle with Johnson.
Earnhardt Jr. finished in 28th place, which caused him to drop from the points lead to fourth in the championship rankings. Post-race, Earnhardt was vocal about his frustration regarding the lack of a yellow flag on the last lap, citing excessive oil on the track.
“…I got back on the track, and then there was oil everywhere from somebody, everywhere. You couldn’t see it, but it was everywhere,” Earnhardt stated. ”So, you didn’t know where to run. I saw the leaders were coming, and I was trying to get out of the way and they were in oil, I was in oil, and then I witnessed everything that unfolded in front of me. It was just a bad situation. I think the track shouldn’t have oil on it. I don’t know. It was unfortunate that they allowed it to finish with all that oil on the track. I really didn’t like that because it resulted in a messy finish.”
Entering the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs (formerly known as the Chase for the Cup), Earnhardt was positioned seventh in the championship standings. However, he sustained a concussion from a severe crash during a Goodyear tire test at Kansas Speedway, and he attempted to compete through the injury during the Playoffs.
Following a crash at Talladega that resulted in a 30th-place finish, Earnhardt experienced worsened concussion symptoms, prompting him to step out of his No. 88 car for two races throughout the Playoffs. Consequently, he ended the season ranked 12th in the championship standings.
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Reliving the Thrilling Finish: The 2012 Finger Lakes 355 at Watkins Glen
The Race Overview
The 2012 Finger Lakes 355 at Watkins Glen International was a memorable event in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, showcasing a blend of skill, strategy, and nail-biting competition. Held on August 12, 2012, the race took place on the iconic 11-turn, 2.45-mile road course in Watkins Glen, New York. This race marked the first road course event in the latter half of the NASCAR season, drawing significant attention from fans and drivers alike.
Key Highlights
- Juan Pablo Montoya secured the pole position.
- Montoya completed a lap in an impressive time of 69.438 seconds.
- The race featured intense battles among top drivers like Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski.
- The event was characterized by numerous lead changes and strategic pit stops.
Race Dynamics
The race began with Montoya leading the field, but it wasn’t long before the dynamics shifted. Drivers faced challenges from the tight turns and elevation changes that Watkins Glen is known for. The competition was fierce, with drivers jockeying for position throughout the race.
Strategic Pit Stops
One of the defining moments of the Finger Lakes 355 was the strategic use of pit stops. Teams had to make critical decisions regarding tire changes and fuel management to gain a competitive edge:
| Driver | Lap of Pit Stop | Tire Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Pablo Montoya | Lap 35 | 4 tires |
| Jimmie Johnson | Lap 33 | 2 tires |
| Brad Keselowski | Lap 36 | 4 tires |
Thrilling Battles on the Track
The closing laps of the race delivered edge-of-the-seat excitement as the leading contenders engaged in fierce competition. Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski exchanged positions multiple times, showcasing their driving prowess and tactical acumen.
The Final Laps
As the race approached its conclusion, the tension mounted. With only a few laps remaining, Montoya faced pressure from behind. The crowd watched in anticipation as Johnson and Keselowski closed in, hoping to capitalize on any mistake. However, Montoya’s experience shone through as he expertly navigated the track, maintaining his lead.
Post-Race Reactions
Following the race, emotions ran high as drivers and teams reflected on their performances. Montoya was ecstatic about his victory, which marked a significant achievement in his NASCAR career. Fans celebrated the thrilling finish, highlighting the unpredictability of road course racing.
Driver Statements
- Juan Pablo Montoya: “This win means a lot for my team and me. We worked so hard to get here.”
- Jimmie Johnson: “I gave it my all, but the strategy just didn’t play out in our favor today.”
- Brad Keselowski: “It was a great race. We pushed hard, but Montoya was just too strong today.”
Fan Experience and Engagement
The Finger Lakes 355 provided an unforgettable experience for fans, who filled the grandstands to witness the action firsthand. The picturesque backdrop of Watkins Glen added to the allure of the event, making it a favorite among racing enthusiasts.
Tips for Attending NASCAR Events
- Arrive Early: Get to the track early to secure a good parking spot and enjoy pre-race activities.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring water and snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day.
- Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones: The roar of the engines can be intense; protect your ears!
- Engage with Other Fans: Share your excitement and experiences with fellow fans to enhance your race day.
Conclusion of the Event
The 2012 Finger Lakes 355 at Watkins Glen not only delivered thrilling action but also served as a testament to the skill and strategy involved in NASCAR racing. With its dramatic twists and turns, the race remains a significant highlight in the NASCAR calendar.
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