Open Race Thread: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 – Auto Club Speedway

To the surprise of many, rain has held off at Auto Club Speedway and it appears that we’ll start the Auto Club 400 without any major delays. Will the stars and cars of the Sprint Cup Series run the full distance or are they racing to halfway?

Matt Kenseth has been the driver to beat at Fontana over the years, having won three times, most recently in 2009. With Roush showing improved horsepower in the early going, this race may favor the driver of the Roush-Fenway #17. Kenseth qualified in position 15 – solid by Kenseth standards.

His most common challenger at Auto Club Speedway has been Jimmie Johnson. Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus are riding an emotional high after having their NASCAR penalties reversed by a final appeals session on Tuesday. Johnson’s 25 lost points has been restored and the five-time champion now rests in 11^th in the championship standings.

Like Kenseth, Johnson is also a multi-time winner at Fontana, most recently visiting victory lane in 2010. He has four victories overall and will start from the 10^th position.

The race will be televised on FOX and with the action getting called by Mike Joy, Larry McReynolds and Darrell Waltrip. A starting lineup can be found after the jump and we’ll see you in the comments section.

See you there!

Starting Line Up by Row