Even Matt Makes Mistakes

Normally one of NASCAR’s smoothest, smartest, most calculating drivers, Matt Kenseth made a rare mistake when his No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota broke loose into a spin on the opening lap of Sunday’s race at Pocono. Kenseth rallied to finish ninth, but others caught up in his open-lap miscue were not so fortunate. Among them was Aric Almirola, who missed seven races earlier this season while recovering from a compression fracture in his back. “My feelings are hurt,” Almirola said after his first-lap exit from Sunday’s race. “My back is fine, though.” Although able to salvage a better day than Almirola at Pocono, Kenseth is in the most precarious of positions as he currently holds down the final transfer spot for the playoffs. Meanwhile, the veteran driver is also still searching for a ride for 2018. Is the uncertainty about next year starting to take a toll on Kenseth? Could be.