Last year, Stewart-Haas Racing elected for short run, qualifying pace throughout the Vegas playoff weekend. They’d qualify 1-2-3-4 as a result. But, the clean air didn’t help as three of the four would finish 13th or worse.

This past spring weekend, SHR went for good all around speed. Harvick, was quickest on the 10 lap average report in final practice. Aric Almirola was third and second on five lap speeds, first and 10th on 10 lap averages and sixth on 15 laps. Clint Bowyer was also sixth and fifth on five lap runs and sixth on 10 laps.

Unfortunately, the long run pace to go with the short run speed didn’t help. Harvick, despite leading a race-high 92 of 267 laps was their top finisher in eighth. While he led all of those laps, his car faded as a run went on, which was surprising. He was third in Stage 1 and sixth in Stage 2.

Almirola, was only 21st in the spring race while Bowyer was 12th. Rookie Cole Custer was only 19th.

8-12-19-21. Not a good day for SHR.

Now, where do they stand for this weekend. Almirola may have three top 10 finishes in his last five Vegas starts but only 13th and 21st respectively the last two tries. Bowyer, has finished 18th or worse in seven of his last 10 Vegas starts with a best result of 10th during that span. He’s not led a Vegas lap since 2012 and has no top five finishes in his last 13 Vegas starts overall. 

Harvick has playoff points to give him cushion, but Almirola and Bowyer may enter the two scary races of the Round of 12 in a hole. 

They do have momentum too though. Almirola had a top 10 in all three races in the opening round. Bowyer, has four top 10s in his last six starts on the season too. Harvick, won two of the three first round races.