| View From The Flagstand: Atlanta |
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Written by Gene Haddock
Tuesday, 07 September 2010 11:48 |
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Gene Haddock
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What a Smoke filled View we had this week on the flagstand. With Tony Stewart's win at Atlanta Sunday night, he continued his streak of at least one win in each year he has competed in the Cup series. He also has scored more driver points than anyone over the last three months.
CHECKERED FLAG
Of course Stewart gets this one with little competition. Different cars seemed strong at different times, but Stewart's was fast all race long.
GREEN FLAGS
Jeff Burton gears up for the Chase with a strong late run to finish 4th. Both Busch brothers overcame adversity to pocket top finishes. Kyle was 5th, Kurt was 6th. Funny talkers, Juan Montoya (9) and Marcos Ambrose (10) had nice results. Reed Sorenson (14), Regan Smith (17), and Bill Elliott (23) all had lead lap finishes.
YELLOW FLAG
Kevin Harvick suffered from driver error while Denny Hamlin had an engine malfunction after leading large chunks of the race. With just one race left before the Chase, now is not the time for these gremlins to affect these stout competitors.
RED FLAG
This business where a driver gets loose, then because that slowed him down, he gets hit unintentionally from behind. Twice recently the driver getting loose has come back and wrongly taken revenge on the innocent driver who hit him. Kyle Busch did it to Brad Keselowski in a NNS race at Bristol two weeks ago, now Kasey Kahne costs Ryan Newman several positions with his wrongly blamed payback.
BLACK FLAG
Everyone not named Jarrett, Petree, or Bestwick on ESPN's broadcasts. Seriously, Marty Reid is pathetic. Does he even watch the racing, or is another genius telling him what to say via earpiece? It's almost enough to make me miss Bill Weber. Almost.
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 September 2010 13:23 ) |
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| Right Sides Only: Atlanta |
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Written by Gene Haddock
Friday, 03 September 2010 13:30 |
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Gene Haddock
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Let's get it started, Labor Day in the Dirty South. College football kicks off this weekend, baseball races are tightening up, and the Chase starts in two weeks. The smell of Fall is in the air... well, maybe not yet, but it's rounding turn four.
National Lampoon's Vacation
The rumors of Wal-Mart coming to NASCAR as a primary sponsor on Jeff Gordon's HMS Chevy just will not go away. Wally World even went so far as to issue a press release last week stating that they were not coming to NASCAR. Of course that did nothing to dispel the rumors.
Used Cars
Fan favorite, Elliott Sadler says that he is close to announcing where and what he'll be driving next year. Apparently he won't be at RPM, and may not even be in a Cup car. Sources have him driving a Camping World Series truck for Kevin... er, Delana Harvick full time next year.
Back to the Future
Some long-time race fans remember back when the second Atlanta race of the year was also the season finale. Labor Day meant the Southern 500 in the stifling heat of Darlington. Both races were a milestone, something to be conquered. Now they have been moved around on some network's dartboard, and are both run at night. Change isn't always a good thing.
Atlanta Assumptions
Dale Earnhardt Jr won the pole at AMS back in March. That is all.
Bobby Labonte's six wins here are the most among active drivers. Define active?
Rusty Wallace and Jeff Gordon made their first career starts at Atlanta, while Richard Petty and Harry Gant, among others, made their final starts here.
At least eight different bands are performing at AMS over Labor Day weekend. Foreigner and Drivin' and Cryin' are among them, but do yourself a favor and check out Colt Ford, what a show!
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 05 September 2010 11:55 ) |
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| 13 Year Old Racer Dies at Indy |
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Written by Gene Haddock
Tuesday, 31 August 2010 15:13 |
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Gene Haddock
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At age 13, Peter Lenz became the youngest competitor to die at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday. He fell off his motorcycle during a warmup lap and was ran over by a 12 year old boy.
The outcry from those that would protect us from ourselves has already begun, even though Peter's father has stated that Peter died doing what he loved.
Some are already saying that the parents can't be trusted with insuring their children's safety, that it is society's job.
At first glance, this looks very bad, and, certainly, it is a tragedy. But where do we draw the line? At least 22 high school football players have died in the U.S. in the past ten years. Each one was tragic, no doubt, but where are the calls for society to police the parents and coaches of this sport?
What about the thousands of teens killing themselves on our highways each year? No uproar for them? Yet, one, well experienced racer dies, and the inquisitions begin.
What is the answer? Surely there are parents who knowingly, or unknowingly, force their sons and daughters to partake in dangerous activities. Where does society, or government, step in and say, "Enough." Or, should they ever step in where there is no clear mistreatment towards the youths?
I'm all for less government, but an investigation of the sanctioning body for this motorcycle race may well be warranted.
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 31 August 2010 19:41 ) |
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| View From The Flagstand: Bristol |
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Written by Gene Haddock
Sunday, 22 August 2010 05:51 |
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Gene Haddock
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| The View from Bristol was definitely clouded by towering, smokey, victory donuts. Mmmm, victory donuts. History was finally made as Kyle Busch pulled the hat trick,and won all three races in one weekend. He's been close before, yet never nailed it down until now.
CHECKERED FLAG
Do you think that, maybe, Kyle Busch has Bristol figured out? He won all three of NASCAR's major touring series' races here this week, and has won three of the last four Cup races here. Winning three in one weekend, The Kylefecta, may never be duplicated, and one day folks will reminisce and tell the kids about the time that jerk did it.
GREEN FLAGS
David Reutimann held off Jamie McMurray in a battle for second. A bit of a surprise there, and no doubt aided by several top guns having issues on the night. Cint Bowyer (4), and Kasey Kahne (5) rounded out the top-5. Ryan Newman and Juan Montoya had a dog fight for sixth place, with Newman holding on until the checkered flag flew.
YELLOW FLAGS
Did these pretty boys forget that Bristol is a short track? Jimmie Johnson pulls up into Montoya's left front fender, and thinks that JPM is just going to back off? Ain't happenin'. In the NNS race, Kyle Busch was hit by Brad Keselowski after getting himself loose right in front of Keselowski. Instead of accepting even partial blame, Busch ran him down and dumped him in the next turn.
Maybe we should give the driver's decisions a pass at Bristol? Things happen in eyeblink quickness when you're making laps in 16 seconds. This claustrophobic environment, where the car is virtually up on its side most of the time, can not be conducive to sound judgments. It brings out the worst in the best. That's why we love it.
RED FLAG
The pre-race shows. An hour and half for the Nationwide pre-race show? Really? Who thought the lame blacksmith opening bit on Saturday was worth airing twice, in less than an hour? At least they had a huge talking point before the Cup race, Kyle vs Kez, which they then proceeded to pound into the ground. Lone bright spot was Dale Jarrett saying if he were Keselowski he would punch Busch in the nose and tell him, "Now we're even." Funny stuff, DJ.
BLACK FLAG
NASCAR's points system. Among the 12 drivers now in the Chase, half of them do not have a win this season! While four others who have fought for a win, have their noses pressed against the window looking in. The ten point bonus for winning a race is a joke. They don't get it unless they make the Chase. So, half of them merrily row along, points racing, satisfied to merely make the Chase.
After 24 races here are some of our playoff pretenders....
Clint Bowyer, zero wins, four top-5s.
Matt Kenseth, zero wins, five top-5s.
Jeff Burton, zero wins, four top-5s.
Tony Stewart, zero wins, six top-5s.
Carl Edwards, zero wins, five top-5s.
Jamie McMurray, TWO WINS, SEVEN top-5s. Uh, scratch that, J Mac is not currently in the Chase!
Should NASCAR go to an F-1 type system? Twenty points for first, counting down to one point for 20th place? No points for 21st or lower?
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 August 2010 22:36 ) |
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| Right Sides Only: Bristol |
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Written by Gene Haddock
Thursday, 19 August 2010 14:53 |
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Gene Haddock
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| Bristol. Night. Race.
Possibly the three most exciting words in NASCAR. Certainly three of the most anticipated. We recently suffered through Michigan and Pocono, now it's time to go racing, and determine who makes the Chase.
Southbound
There are just three races left until the playoff Chase begins. Bristol, Atlanta, and Richmond. Three of NASCAR's legacy tracks, with each having at least fifty years of hosting Cup races. These last three races of the regular season are all night races. In fact, they are the last races of the year that will actually start in the darkness. Next weekend is the last off weekend of the year for the Sprint Cup boys.
Can't You See
Some of the worst kept secrets in NASCAR were formally announced this week. Marcos Ambrose is going to drive the RPM #9 Stanley Tolls Ford next year and beyond. Budweiser has tapped Kevin Harvick and his RCR #29 Chevy to sell their suds for the near future. Look for Mobile 1 to make the change from Penske to the #14 of Tony Stewart beginning next season.
Got That Right
NASCAR debuted next year's schedule this week. Fontana loses a race, so thousands of empty seats will only be noticed once next year instead of twice. Chicagoland gets the first Chase race. It's the week before the NFL starts, and, of course, the Cubbies will have been mathematically eliminated for months by then, so no major league competition. Bet they still won't sell out. Also, Atlanta gives one of its race dates to Kentucky.
Bristol Bounce
This will be Bristol's 100th Cup race. There have been 38 different winners in those 100 races.
Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, and Elliott Sadler all will drive in all three major NASCAR series this weekend at Bristol.
Clint Bowyer is sponsored by Hamburger Helper, and Ryan Newman by Wix Filters, at Bristol.
The #4 Chevy of Morgan-McClure Motorsports attempts its first start of 2010 with Kevin Lepage driving. It was 20 years ago this month, here at Bristol when Ernie Irvan gave MMM their first win.
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 22 August 2010 12:34 ) |
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| Right Sides Only: Michigan |
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Written by Gene Haddock
Friday, 13 August 2010 13:36 |
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Gene Haddock
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Michigan? Again? Come on, it may be exciting. Dale Jarrett won his first Cup race there in a paint swapping duel to the checkered flag against Davey Allison. That was almost 20 years ago, so they're due for a close finish. Right?
Diff'rent Strokes
After announcing, four months ago, that he would be in a HMS ride in 2012, Kasey Kahne will drive a Toyota for Red Bull Racing in 2011. It's still undecided which RBR car, 83 or 82, he will drive next year. Other unknowns are if Scott Speed will return to the #82, or if Brian Vickers health issues will allow his return to the #83. When he finally gets in a HMS Chevy in 2012, Kahne will have driven a different make of car, each year, for four straight years.
Facts of Life
Drivers David Stremme and Boris Said along with crew chief, Frankie Stoddard all quit the Latitude 43 team earlier this week. Stremme and Said both pulled no punches when they called team owner, Bill Jenkins, a deadbeat who has not paid them.
Empty Nest
Like the race tracks themselves, the attendance at the NASCAR Hall of Fame is running at about 50% of projections. I raised my eyebrows months ago when they predicted 800,000 visitors in the first 13 and half months. That would be over 2,000 a day. Every day. That figure has now been readjusted to slightly over 400,000. If the current pace continues. They may want to hire Robert Gibbs to peddle their fish.
Dallas
Last year is now just a bad dream at RCR. Kevin Harvick is still leading the points, Jeff Burton is a shoe in for the Chase, and Clint Bowyer is knocking on the door. As reported here weeks ago, Budweiser is bringing the big Clydesdales to RCR, and Paul Menard is bringing Daddy's money to a fourth car at RCR next year.
Michigan Meanderings
Jack Roush was released from the Mayo Clinic this week. He's listed as 'doubtful' for MIS.
Jimmie Johnson is 0-17 at Michigan.
David Pearson has the most poles (10), and the most wins (9) here.
Elliott Sadler's RPM Ford will be Petty Blue this week. Special promo for the Racing in America exhibit at the Henry Ford museum in nearby Dearborn.
I will be in the garages and media center at Darlington this Saturday for the truck race. Look for live updates and pics.
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 17 August 2010 14:07 ) |
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| NFL Picks 2010 |
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Written by Gene Haddock
Friday, 06 August 2010 06:49 |
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Gene Haddock
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The waiting is the hardest part. Well, the waiting is almost over, Mr Petty. That most joyous time of year is sweeping in on us. That time of year when we're all 12 years old again, and everyone's favorite team is Super Bowl bound, this year, for sure!
Yes, the NFL regular season is about a month away, and I'm calling out ALL the SRM writers to join me each week for the second season of SRM Pro Picks. I'll post the five most interesting games of the week, with the Vegas line. Just leave your picks, against the spread, as a comment on the post each week.
All the readers are invited to drop their picks, too. Smack is welcome, and highly encouraged. I have some sports figures lined up as celebrity guest pickers for a few weeks this year, and I'm looking for more. It would be nice to have a different celeb each week. So, call your boys.
Congratulations to SRM's inaugural NFL Pimp of Picks..... Chris Humpherys! The Sports CHump was unmerciful last year, and, most likely, has been cycling his PEDs in preparation for this season. Bring it on!
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 06 August 2010 17:02 ) |
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| Right Sides Only: Watkins Glen |
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Written by Gene Haddock
Thursday, 05 August 2010 10:57 |
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Gene Haddock
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| After a wet and wild weekend in Pocono, the racers stay up yonder way when they shake it down at Watkins Glen. If Pocono's backstretch seemed dangerous, get a load of the crash barriers at the Glen. Piles of old tires are considered state of art impact absorption at this road course. Same thing we used on the go-kart tracks decades ago.
Wrecking Ball
The Midwest Roadside Safety Facility at the University of Nebraska has confirmed, via his onboard 'black box', that Elliott Sadler's impact at Pocono is now the hardest ever recorded in NASCAR. Higher than Kyle Petty's 80 Gs recorded in 2003 at Bristol. They didn't release the exact number of G-forces to the public, but they stated that Sadler's is now the highest. Petty hit a concrete wall, driver's side first. Sadler plowed into a steel guard rail, with a dirt berm behind it, head on. More than 80 Gs?
Born to Run
Dale Earnhardt Jr makes his 500th start in a NASCAR sanctioned event this Sunday. He'll be making start 385 in Cup , and he has 115 in the NW series. Dale Jr actually has more NASCAR wins than Sr did at the same age, when you combine Cup and NW victories. Kurt Busch makes his 350th career start here at the Glen, also. Busch has four more Cup wins, and one more championship, in one less season than Jr has.
Born in the USA
NASCAR started as, and has always been a "Southern" sport. Right? Not so fast, a look at the entry list for Watkins Glen reveals only nine drivers raised in the South out of the 46 entered in the race. Three Virginians lead the way, Denny Hamlin, Elliott Sadler, and Jeff Burton. Two more from Florida, David Reutimann and Joe Nemechek. Although, I wouldn't consider either one Southern, as their families moved down here "from off".
Other Southerners include, Arkansas' Mark Martin, Bobby Labonte of Texas, David Ragan from Georgia, and North Carolina's Dale Earnhardt Jr. I won't look it up, but I'd venture a guess that North and South Carolina are one, two in Cup wins, and they now have one full time driver between them! Alabama is probably high on that win list also, and they have no drivers on the entry list.
Racing in the Street
The two road courses on the Cup schedule always bring out the so-called road racing aces. This week we have Ron Fellows, the best of these aces here at the Glen, in TBR's #36. No start and park this week, I'm sure. PJ Jones, on the other hand, probably will S & P the #07 for RGM. Max Papis in the Germain #13, and Patrick Carpentier in the #26 are two other fine ringers entered this week.
Glimpses from the Glen
Looking for help on your fantasy team? Jimmie Johnson has not won here. Twice already this year he has won on tracks that he had not previously.
Tony Stewart is riding a six race streak of finishing 1st or 2nd at the Glen.
Richard Petty had 11 straight top-2 finishes at Richmond back in the early 1970s.
Four winners here have rolled off from 13th spot at the start. Tied for second most after the 9 winners that sat on the pole.
Alabama's own, Bo Bice will sing the National Anthem, and give a concert prior to Sunday's race. Then, it's back to the State Fair circuit, fo Bo, fo sho.
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 August 2010 11:36 ) |
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| View From The Flagstand: Pocono |
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Written by Gene Haddock
Tuesday, 03 August 2010 07:29 |
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Gene Haddock
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Thankfully we did not have the View this week that Elliott Sadler had. Instead, we had our usual wet time on the Flagstand in Pocono. The rains stayed away long enough to insure that we would not have a surprise winner, and the final top-10 looked like a Chase preview.
CHECKERED FLAG
Greg Biffle seems to be returning to form, as he persevered and was strong at the end for his first victory in almost two years. It was also Ford's first win since last October, and their first non-restrictor plate win since race two of 2009. Biffle's team owner, Jack Roush missed the race, as he's still hospitalized after a hard plane landing in Wisconsin.
GREEN FLAGS
As previously mentioned, the top-10 were all Chase regulars, Mark Martin (7), and Martin Truex (9) being the only ones not already in the Chase top 12. Sam Hornish came home 11th after staying out during the last caution. Hornish led 9 laps as he prayed for the rain that never fell hard enough. Shoutout to Paul Menard (13) and David Ragan (14). Maybe they're getting the hang of this finishing thing?
YELLOW FLAGS
For at least the third time in just over a year, Jimmie Johnson has barreled right through Kurt Busch. Sunday, going down the backstretch, JJ "bump drafted" Busch out of the race. That is, if you call lifting someone's rear wheels off the asphalt "bump drafting". There seems to be a sense of entitlement among the HMS drivers, particularly JJ and Jeff Gordon. A, "I'm a four-time champ. I can just knock anyone out of my way, but don't even think of doing it to me." Eight titles does earn some entitlements, I suppose.
RED FLAG
Elliott Sadler's horrific crash that somehow, with dozens of cameras, and nine in-car cams, ESPN still missed. This wreck was an ultimate test of the COT, the new seats, belts, and HANS device. It seems that they all passed with honors. Sadler was uninjured after coming to a sudden stop, head-on, at 180 MPH. Since Sadler is the biggest driver in Cup racing, I'm wondering if his size helped him escape internal injuries, or if his mass increases that chance? Any doctors, engineers, or crash scene re-creators want to weigh in on that one?
BLACK FLAG
Just one day after Greg Biffle said that someone was going to get killed on Pocono's backstretch, Sadler's car was destroyed by an inexplicably designed, deathtrap of a guard rail along that backstretch. Pocono should not be allowed any more races until the grassy area alongside the track is paved over, or at least, graded down to a level surface. No excuse in 2010 for cars to be going 200 mph... TWO feet from a cow pasture!
All metal guard rails must also be replaced with SAFER barriers, not just at Pocono... but at every track that wants to remain on NASCAR's schedule. Including this week's track, Watkins Glen. The Glen is still using metal railings and rubber tires from the 1960s as crash barriers.
Now is not a great time for track owners to be sinking millions of dollars into safety upgrades, but the drivers should be NASCAR's first concern. Based on past performance, don't expect anything to happen overnight.
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 03 August 2010 12:27 ) |
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| Right Sides Only: Pocono |
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Written by Gene Haddock
Thursday, 29 July 2010 05:31 |
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Gene Haddock
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Pocono again, already? If we must endure two races at Pocono, and Michigan, must they both be scheduled just weeks after the first one? Give us a little time to forget the last snoozer. What? $50,000? For telling the truth? C'mon NASCAR, I suppose I have to take a drug test, too?
Just kidding. I'm an independent contractor. Just like the drivers that NASCAR is fining and drug testing. Guess they're only "independent" for insurance and IRS purposes. Oh, and to keep the unions out.
Zip It
It was learned this week that NASCAR has secretly fined Ryan Newman and Denny Hamlin for making disparaging remarks about NASCAR. One of them reportedly was clipped for fiddy Gs. NASCAR thinks it's okay because the major sports leagues routinely fine players and coaches for blasting umpires and referees. One big difference you Daytona desk jockeys, those "big league" sports go public with the who, why, and how much.
Wheels of Fortune
Marcos Ambrose is leaving JTG Daughtery Racing at season's end. It's hard to believe that he didn't already have another ride lined up when he quit the #47 team. So, look for him in the RPM #9 next year. If RPM still exists, that is. With Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, and probably Paul Menard leaving them, RPM may not recover, as they're also losing sponsors, Budweiser and Menards being the largest.
Paul Menard may take his never ending funds to RCR, or move up to the #9 car at RPM. Bobby Labonte brings his past champ's provisional to #47. HMS still hasn't found a one year ride for Kahne. Owner, Rick Hendrick recently said that it was Mark Martin's decision whether, to stay in the #5 next year, or let Kahne get in it. Way to apply the pressure, Rick.
To the Penthouse
Just one year ago RCR was on the brink of implosion. None of their three drivers made the Chase. Top gun, Kevin Harvick wanted to jump ship. Major sponsor, Shell-Pennzoil gave their notice. Oh, what a difference a year makes. Harvick leads the points, with two wins, also. Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer are in the Chase, as of now. The big news is that Budweiser is bringing the bucks to Harvick's #29 car next year. The happy get happier.
Seven Lives Left
He's done it again. Eight years after landing upside down in a lake, Jack Rousch made a hard landing with his company jet in Wisconsin. Rousch is hospitalized in serious but stable condition. Get well quick, Jack. We want you back up there asap.
Clear All Around
Kyle Busch recently dumped his spotter, Jeff Dickerson. Dickerson had been spotting for Busch for several years. Jeff Gordon's #24 team snapped Dickerson up this week. Crew Chief, Steve Letarte seems to think that a great spotter will end Gordon's 49 race winless streak. Oh, that's all he needs? Junior, hear me out.
Pocono Passes
Denny Hamlin is going for a third straight win here.
PJ Jones is in the #7 for Robby Gordon this week. Could he be any worse?
Jeff Gordon and Hamlin both have four wins here. Bill Elliott has five.
The CW Trucks and ARCA cars have preliminary events at Pocono on Saturday. it's the first time for the trucks here.
Kahne gets in the #18 truck for KBM here. Kahne is undefeated in his two career truck starts.
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 29 July 2010 10:29 ) |
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