Asterisk Mark Report – Pocono

Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch – Last year at Pocono, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch crossed the finish line in 1st and 2nd. In the official results column though you’ll see an ugly 35th and 36th. During post-race inspection, NASCAR DQ’ed both of them for having a piece of clear tape on their front bumpers under the wrap.

Ross Chastain – Ross Chastain had a hot rod last year at Pocono and if a late caution didn’t come out while he was leading, he may have very well won. In the race, Ross Chastain started in the rear of the field, won Stage #2, led 16 laps, was the leader on lap 142 under caution but then during that restart when he chose to start in the outside lane, Hamlin raced him hard and the #1 got into the wall which doomed him to a 32nd. In terms of speed stats, Chastain ranked 3rd for Total Speed Rankings and Green Flag Speed.

William Byron – William Byron was a top five contender last year at Pocono but finished a misleading 12th. In the race, Byron finished 6th in Stage #1, 5th in Stage #2, was running in 4th on lap 120 but then on lap 125 he got an equipment interference penalty which led to his misleading result.