NASCAR: Kenseth 9th In Playoff Opener, Rises To 9th In Standings

Matt Kenseth of Cambridge rises to ninth in the playoff standings of NASCAR’s top series. He started the Monster Energy playoffs in 15th place — but Kenseth jumped six spots after taking ninth in Sunday’s ten race playoff opener, the Tale of the Turtles 400 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois. Kenseth, who still hasn’t won a race this year, says he was disappointed that he didn’t “pass a soul all day” but as he put it — “If you’re just worried about getting to the next round, it was a decent day.” Non playoff drivers Paul Menard of Eau Claire took 14th and Beloit born Danica Patrick finished 18th. Martin Truex, Junior won the race and he leads the playoff standings with Kenseth 63 points back.