NASCAR 2015 Episode 11 Recap: Kansas

NASCAR 2015 Episode 11 Recap: Kansas

What went down: In typical Jimmie Johnson fashion, Jimmie Johnson stole a win that wasn't his. This is why he's a six-time champion and others have none.

Kansas Speedway's spring night race became yet another race this season to be affected by rain, with the race being halted around 90 laps in when thunderstorms hit the track. Thankfully, the storms rolled through quick, allowing the race to resume at 11p.m. Eastern, so as not to interfere with Mother's Day the following day.

Prior to the delay, Jimmie Johnson could be seen sliding sideways through turns 3 and 4, nearly wrecking if not for a spectacular save. And while he was struggling, Martin Truex Jr. was dominating. 

It was by far the best performance in the incredible turnaround season Truex is experiencing in 2015. He not only led the majority of the race, but was putting a butt-kicking on the field, leading by 6 seconds at one point. However, much like the last time Truex dominated a race at Kansas, the final pit stop would be his undoing.

Since the track was recently repaved, tires do not wear out quickly and thus a two-tire change can be just as efficient as a four tire change. Heck, even no tires will suffice for a time. And Johnson and Co. realized this. 

The final caution with ten laps to go brought most to pit road, save for Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports teammates Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon, both of whom were having mediocre nights. They stayed out and Johnson was able to make the lack of a pit stop work, leading the last ten laps (the only laps he led all night) and held off Kevin Harvick for the win.

What it means for Johnson: The win marks his third of the season, all on 1.5 mile tracks, and his third career Kansas win, tying him with Jeff Gordon for the most. This is also his 73rd career win and he now sits atop the points thanks to having the most wins this season.

What it means for everyone else: Though Martin Truex Jr. scored his 10th top-10 in 11 races this season, it was an opportunity lost. Yes, Truex will probably make the Chase regardless due to his high point total, but after dominating, taking home the win and the automatic ticket to the Chase would've been ideal.

Joey Logano may have had the best car towards the end of the race, but never got a chance to flex his muscle due to multiple penalties on the night. He'd be pushed to the back, only to fight to the front, and he ultimately finished 5th.

18-year-old Erik Jones, subbing for Kyle Busch, was about to have an incredible first start. He was running inside the top-10 most of the night and making it look easy, until he got loose coming off of turn 4 and slapped the wall, end his first career Sprint Cup start early.

Not sure why I have to keep mentioning it, but yeah, Kevin Harvick scored another frickin' top-2 finish. That's 8 out of 11 races this year. That's all.

What’s next: It's All-Star week, baby! Everyone goes back home to Charlotte for two weeks and gets to enjoy the million dollar exhibition race this weekend.