2008 SPRINT CUP RACE 14: Pocono 500

TNT took over broadcasting the Sprint Cup races for six races starting with Pocono. For qualifying, Kasey Kahne got his first Cup pole of the season beating out Jimmie Johnson. In the first leg of the race, Kahne battled with Johnson, but he was forced to drive through the field after getting a penalty for leaving the pits missing some lug nuts. His team made a late change to their pit stop plan and made a mistake driving off when the call was to take four tires instead of two. Due to that being an early pitstop, Kasey Kahne would have plenty of time to get back to the front if his car was good enough. There was a brief rain delay that occured before halfway but it was just a passing shower and the race got back underway. Jimmie Johnson in the meantime was able to get out front to lead laps but people like Brian Vickers and 2006 Pocono sweep driver Denny Hamlin had their share out front. Kyle Busch had problems all day and finally his day ended when he spun out late in the race. Busch finished 43rd. That late caution played into Kasey Kahne's hands to catch up with the leaders after coming through the field as a result of the penalty. Brian Vickers was leading the race at that point, but with Kahne back in touch as a result of the caution, Vickers got passed soon after and Kasey drove off to his second Cup points win of 2008, winning from the pole. Even though Vickers fell short, he got his best finish in the Red Bull #83 car so far. Jimmie Johnson was out of the picture due to taking a risky pit strategy earlier on that only got him to 6th at race end. Four Chevrolets, two Dodges, two Fords, and two Toyotas got Top 10 finishes.

The Top 10:
1. #9 Kasey Kahne (Dodge)
2. #83 Brian Vickers (Toyota)
3. #11 Denny Hamlin (Toyota)
4. #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Chevrolet)
5. #31 Jeff Burton (Chevrolet)
6. #48 Jimmie Johnson (Chevrolet)
7. #17 Matt Kenseth (Ford)
8. #2 Kurt Busch (Dodge)
9. #99 Carl Edwards (Ford)
10. #8 Mark Martin (Chevrolet)

Cup now heads to Michigan for Father's Day weekend.