The NASCAR Sprint Cup title hopes for Matt Kenseth took a huge hit from the Monster Mile of Dover International Speedway. Kenseth who entered the day as a long shot was 35 points behind Jimmie Johnson.
After getting trapped a lap down when a caution occurred after an early pitstop Kenseth was running in the 14th position at a track which was likely his best in the Chase. Kenseth’s car broke a track bar and hit the outside wall. After repairs were made on pit lane Kenseth returned to the track.
Unfortunately things did not get any better for Kenseth. Once the race resumed under green Kenseth collided with the inside wall severally damaging the left side of the car.
Kenseth’s troubles coupled with the good runs of Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski and Johnson have all but mathamitcally elimiated the 2003 series champion for winning this years championship. Kenseth will leave the No. 17 car and join Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 20 team in 2013.
