Happy Hour Recap - Clint Bowyer speeds his way to the top

Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR

"Happy Hour" was indeed a happy one for Clint Bowyer, driver of the No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet, who topped the speed charts at the conclusion of today's final practice at Kansas Speedway. Bowyer's time was 31.814 seconds with a speed of 169.737. Previously, he ran in second (31.125/173.494) and then 12th (31.944/169.046) in the first two practice sessions.

Bowyer will roll off the grid for tomorrow's Hollywood Casino 400 in the 24th position and I anticipate that he will have a great race tomorrow because his team has definitely found the speed that is needed to get around Kansas Speedway competitively.

However, I wouldn't count out the Roush Fenway Racing drivers because three of their cars will be starting the race in the top 5 - Biffle, No. 16 Sherwin-Williams Ford (Pole), Edwards, No. 99 Aflac Ford (P2) and Kenseth, No. 17. Crown Royal Ford (P4). Additionally, the Penske cars were strong at this track in the June race and will probably be again even though they are both starting outside the top 10. Keselowski will roll off the grid in 12th while Kurt Busch will roll off in 17th, which is within striking distance of moving forward quickly with the right speed and strategies.

Top 10/NSCS Final Practice:

1. Clint Bowyer (31.814/169.737)
   
2. David Ragan (31.960/168.961)
   
3. Matt Kenseth (31.982/168.845)
   
4. Jimmie Johnson (32.005/168.724)
   
5. Mark Martin (32.115/168.146)
   
6. Carl Edwards (32.168/167.869)
   
7. Marcos Ambrose (32.276/167.307)
   
8. Jamie McMurray (32.293/167.219)
   
9. Jeff Burton (32.306/167.152)
   
10. Ryan Newman (32.313/167.115)

The 11th Annual Hollywood Casino 400 is scheduled to be televised tomorrow on ESPN at 2 p.m. ET.