If Brad Was a Monster

Big Bad Brad won the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship, the first of what should be many of his career. However, there are many, many similarities from the 2012 season, and how the 2014 Chase has started.

Before we jump into the similarities, what is the biggest difference from 2012 and now? The format of the chase and how to win. Back in 2012, the person with most points won the championship, but in 2014, there are three “rounds” and the highest finisher takes all at Miami Homestead. One thing is for sure, the 2014 Chase will keep you on your feet.

Back in 2012, BK won the opening race at Chicagoland Speedway. Despite starting in 25th position this year, the outcome was the same.

Now for the similarities. In 2012, Brad won a total of five races and so far in 2014, he has matched that and looking for more. But here is where the similarities really show up. In 2012, Brad started the Chase as the top-seed with his three race wins for the first 26 races, while this season, his four race wins had him parked atop the standings heading into the Challenger round.

Back in 2012, BK won the opening race at Chicagoland Speedway. Despite starting in 25th position this year, the outcome was the same – standing in victory lane. With the new format of the Chase, Brad automatically secured him a place in the Contender Round which includes Kansas, Charlotte and Talladega.

In the second race of the Chase, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Brad claimed a top-10 finish in 2012 (6th) as well as a seventh place finish last week. Despite leaving Loudon in 2012 in second place, Brad left NHMS in 1st last week.

Starting in a similar position to 2012 – in the top-10 – Brad has his hopes set high to lift up Miles holding his Wurth die-cast on Sunday at the conclusion of the AAA 400.

Brad races at Dover this weekend, a track he has won at before, including the Fall race in 2012. He started from the pole in the 2014 Spring race and finished second, however, in this race last year, BK finished a disappointing 37th. Looking for his second Monster the Miles trophy and fourth top-5 in the last five races at the track, Brad and the No. 2 Crew are ready for the 1-mile concrete Monster on Sunday, Sept. 28.

I know that the No. 2 Team Penske crew will win their second championship this year, but watching how he does it will be Wurth it!