It was a big advantage to be the lone speed in that race.

Fatman herds the pack illegally.
He is riding the car... steering's a little loose.
Steward's inquiry DQed him.
He was the lone speed in the race.
So the ride was a bad one.
For all concerned.

That pic was cropped. Here is the original pic...

Juding the field Smarty Jones faced is infinitely easier after the race. It's tough to pass judgment on this group until we see them shake-out down the road. As of right now, they aren't turning heads, but things change.