Several Drivers Had Impressive (and Somewhat Surprising) Performances at the Glen

There was alot of action during yesterday’s Finger Lakes 355 at the Glen. Trust me when I say that. I was there.

Now that the smoke has settled and Marcos Ambrose walked out of the Glen with the victory, its time to look back at a few drivers who had impressive (and somewhat surprising) finishes.

Ever since Hornish took over the role as driver of the #22 Penzoil Dodge from AJ Allmendinger, he has not had a top-5 (or a top-10 for that matter). This was until yesterday. Despite battling a tight-handling race car for much of the race, Sam was able to work his way up through the field and score his first top-5 in the Sprint Cup Series this year. Even though he is good on road courses, its good to see him start having success on the track.

Historically speaking, Watkins Glen has not been a good track for Clint Bowyer. In 7 starts at the Glen, Bowyer’s best finish was 9th back in 2009. Bowyer hung around the top-15 for most of the race, but cautions and pit strategy netted him a top-5 finish (5th). With a win at Sonoma and a top-5 finish at Watkins Glen, Clint Bowyer is continuing to solidify himself as a “road course ringer”.

Like Clint Bowyer, New York native Regan Smith hasn’t had much success at Watkins Glen International. In 4 starts at the track, Smith has finished outside the top-20. This time around, Smith had better luck. After qualifying 13th, Smith drove at his own pace all race long and earned himself a top-10 finish, finishing in 9th place. Anytime Regan Smith finishes in the top-10, its always a good thing.

I know some of you will probably like “why do you have Scott Speed in your list”? The reason why I have him in my list is for one reason only. Speed finished in the top-20 driving for an underfunded team. Anytime a underfunded team can bring home a top-20 finish is pretty darn impressive.

Who do you think had an impressive (but surprising) performance at the Glen yesterday? Let us know in the comment section below!