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NASCAR Natalie
Turn 4 Transitions
by Natalie Anthony
2/22/2007
Auto Club 500
Welcome to the checkered flag in California
On a D-shaped oval asphalt raceway, clean air on my car
Warm smell of rubber, rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a checker flag
My hands grew heavy and my sight grew keen
I had to race for the win…
So I called up the Crew Chief,
Please tell me my time
He said, “We haven’t had the fastest lap here since 1999”
And still the voice of my spotter was calling from far away,
You are three wide on the inside
And I just heard him say...
Welcome to the checkered flag in California!!!
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely race
I’m livin’ it up with the checkered flag in California
Mirror on my windshield,
The Gatorade on ice
And he said “We are winners here of our own device”
And in the winners circle
They gathered for the celebration
They drenched me with their chilling drink
But they still can’t kill my motivation
Last thing I remember
I was doing donuts in the grass
I had to find my passage back
To the place I’ve never been before
Congrats, said the official
We are authorized to inspect your car
You can check in any time you win,
But you have to pass the bar
The Checkered Four
(Current point standings)
Carl Edwards (24th) Roush Fenway Racing - Ford – Have you heard that Carl’s Motor Coach driver has not shaved since Carl’s last win. Dude has got to look like a ZZTop reject by now. It is funny too that Carl is a member of the Gillette “Young Guns”. Well, hopefully with Carl’s success at this track, razors will be in his driver’s future. Carl has a Top 5 average with 5 starts at California Speedway and one win.
Jimmie Johnson (37th) Hendrick Motorsports – Chevrolet – Even though Jimmie got some tough love from Daytona, he will be very happy coming to California. Who wants to come off a championship with a visit to the garage? Well, Jimmie definitely will finish in the Top 10, if not the Top 5. With 8 starts a twin average of 4 Top 5’s and Top 10’s; he is good to go.
Denny Hamlin (28th) Joe Gibbs Racing – Chevrolet – He is no longer considered a rookie and can’t rely on rookie excuses. Denny got the cold shoulder from Daytona, but his past experiences will not let him down here. Just like his rookie contenders from last year, he has raced here twice, but both times he has finished very well. I guarantee a Top 10 for Denny. This will be a nice start to clean the slate and avoid the proverbial sophomore slump.
Mark Martin (2nd) Ginn Racing – Chevrolet – I know, everybody who has watched NASCAR for the last two decades would have wanted him to win the Daytona 500. I happen to be one of them. I cheered for him up until the checkered, but Kevin Harvick had the better car. Mark can redeem himself for his new owner by giving them another Top 5. This season is going to be so phenomenal for Mark, that he might want to rethink his shorten season.
Underdogs
(Current point standings)
Clint Bowyer (17th) - Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet - In College, they call it hazing, but in NASCAR restrictor plate racing, they call it the "Big One". Clint's fire breathing overturned wreck on the last lap and finishing in 18th upside down over the finish line was awesome. That is what fans expect at a restrictor plate race. Clint can relax this weekend and expect to finish well in the Top 15 right side up. He has been to Cali twice and finished inside the Top 10.
Jamie McMurray (29th) Roush Fenway Racing – Ford – I can say it over and over again, but if Jamie could at least finish a race, he could do great things for Roush Fenway Racing. But every time he gets close; BAM! Jamie is either in the wall or spinning wildly. And, I swear he is rarely at fault. Jamie has only one win under his belt, but this season is going to be a different story. Jamie has been to California Speedway 7 times and still finishes in the Top 10. He is an under dog because of his previous bad luck, but hopefully he will be in the checkered four really soon if he can keep his car in one piece.
Most likely to be a lap down
(Current point standings)
Greg Biffle (25th) Roush Fenway Racing – Ford – People said that Greg’s 2005 season was a bad one. Well, what about 2006? He got shafted again. Greg is a great driver and suffers from bad engines or just bad days. He is another Roush Fenway driver that is due for what he has been owed for several seasons. Unfortunately, I don’t think that Greg’s 2007 season is going to start out strong at California
Scott Riggs (42nd) Evernham Motorsports – Dodge – Well, he made the Daytona 500, but lady luck stuck him in the garage early. At least he has more points starting out this season then he had last season. But, guess what? This race will be another bad one because Scott is still running with a new crew chief due to Evernham’s little indiscretion before the last race. Hard knocks? You bet.
Track Stats
California Speedway (Fontana, CA)
Auto Club 500 Presented by Q
February 25, 2006 (Sunday) – 3:00 pm - Fox
(Sister Tracks – Lowe’s, Texas, Homestead-Miami, Kansas
Dover, Chicagoland, Michigan, Darlington, & Atlanta)
Auto Club 500
(February 26, 2006)
Top 10 Results
1. Matt Kenseth
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Carl Edwards
4. Kasey Kahne
5. Jeff Burton
6. Jamie McMurray
7. Casey Mears
8. J.J. Yeley
9. Mark Martin
10. Kyle Busch
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Our latest Cheat Sheets updated constantly through September.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr1')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Steven Jackson Setting Modest Goals, Looking For More
(5/12 12:21 AM PT)
The Facts:
Last June, Jackson announced he was shooting for 2,500 total yards from scrimmage. He wound up with about half that, rushing for 1,002 yards and adding 271 receiving yards in 12 games. He missed four games with injuries, and the Rams tumbled to 3-13 and last place in the NFC West. "My goal right now until (training camp in) July is to (learn) this offense, so I can play fast," Jackson said. "When I'm playing fast, I know what I'm doing."
Diehards Line:
Assuming he -- and his offensive line -- avoid the injuries that caused so many problems last year, Jackson, heading into the final year of his rookie contract, figures he can rebuild his stats and enhance his bargaining power at the same time. A monster season would push Jackson, 24, even further up the potential-earnings chart, and he's counting on putting up big numbers. "Well, we all know what happens in a contract year: you ball out," he said with a laugh. "So, I expect to."
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr2')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Michael Turner Among Falcons On The Mend
(5/11 12:24 PM PT)
The Facts:
Several veteran players recovering from injuries took part in the Falcons' first mandatory mini-camp on Saturday. Turner (shoulder) participated in most drills after being medically withheld from a voluntary mini-camp in April.
Diehards Line:
Turner had surgery on the shoulder earlier this year and is expected to be fully recovered before training camp. ... Meanwhile, QB D.J. Shockley and WR Brian Finneran, both trying to make comebacks from season-ending knee injuries, went through the majority of the dual practice sessions. For Finneran, who wore a heavy brace on his right knee, just going through a non-contact practice is a huge step. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in consecutive years during practice. He last played in 2005.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr3')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">GM Disappointed, But Not Ready To Bail On Cedric Benson
(5/11 12:22 PM PT)
The Facts:
GM Jerry Angelo expressed disappointment that Benson put himself in a situation last weekend that resulted in his arrest near Austin Texas, but Angelo said the team isn't rushing to judgment in the case and that he expects Benson to be at training camp competing for the starting job in July. "The thing that I am most disappointed in is the fact that he put himself in a position to be the victim," Angelo said.
Diehards Line:
Coming off arguably the worst of his three disappointing seasons with the Bears, Benson was expected to face an uphill battle for playing time against second-round pick Matt Forte even before the legal problems. Benson is still in the process of rehabbing the latest injury, but he hopes to be 100 percent healthy by the start of camp July 23.As reported in this week's Fantasy Notebook, there has been speculation that the Bears might release Benson, but Angelo dashed those rumors. "There's no plans to cut him," the Bears' GM said.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr4')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Saints' Interest In Jeremy Shockey Ongoing
(5/11 11:16 AM PT)
The Facts:
The talk of the Saints' interest in acquiring Shockey is seemingly never-ending. When asked about whether or not improving depth at tight end is a priority in the offseason, HC Sean Payton said, "If the right player was available and we felt like he could come in an compete with the guys we currently have on our roster, than we'd be interested in doing that."
Diehards Line:
In light of Payton's comment, it might be worth noting a Newark Star Ledger report this morning in which Giants OC Kevin Gilbride's said he's not sure if Shockey will play another down for the Giants or if he'll be traded. "It's so nebulous right now. I just have no idea what's going to happen," Gilbride said. Gilbride said he has spoken to Shockey recently, but wouldn't say what the TE's feelings were. The coach also suggested the team's improvement with Shockey on the sidelines late last season had more to do with Steve Smith's presence than Shockey's absence.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr5')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Torry Holt Unsure About Long-Term Future With Rams
(5/11 11:15 AM PT)
The Facts:
On Saturday, in his first comments to St. Louis reporters since the end of the 2007 season, it was clear that Holt is taking a realistic view about his future with the Rams. "I have this year and next year, and hopefully I can finish those years out," Holt said. "Then, I'll see where I'm at. I'll see where I'm at physically. I'll see where I'm at emotionally, financially."
Diehards Line:
Holt went on to explain: "Then, if they would like to do something here, I'll consider it. If not, then I'll have the option to go and explore and give my services somewhere else." Holt raised eyebrows three weeks ago when he talked about reuniting with his brother Terrence -- a safety for the Panthers -- when the final two years of his contract were up. To a degree, it was clear Holt was joking, particularly the remark about "resigning" from the Rams. But he admitted Saturday that if he moves on, Carolina will definitely be the first choice. Still, Holt fully plans to play out the remaining two seasons on his current contract.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr6')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Darren McFadden Showing Off Speed, Versatility
(5/11 12:20 AM PT)
The Facts:
McFadden practiced in his No. 20 jersey, showing speed and burst in both rushing attempts and pass routes. "It's so easy for him to run really fast," HC Lane Kiffin said. "He's running by people and it doesn't look like it's really hard to do. Reggie (Bush) was that way. They don't even have to go to the next level until they really need it."
Diehards Line:
As Chronicle staffer David White pointed out, contact isn't allowed in off-season workouts, so plays were whistled dead when tackles seemed imminent -- not that many defenders on hand looked capable of doing so in an open field. Meanwhile, Oakland Tribune beat man Jerry McDonald notes that McFadden caught a number of passes in Saturday's workouts -- both out of the backfield and while split out wide. He even lined up at QB taking shotgun snaps less than 24 hours after Kiffin cautioned about throwing too much at the rookie too soon.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr7')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Matt Ryan Starting At Bottom Of Depth Chart
(5/10 4:31 PM PT)
The Facts:
The Falcons just finished the first of five mini-camp practices and Ryan made his debut -- as the third-team quarterback. This veteran coaching staff is going to make him earn his stripes. So, for now, he worked behind Chris Redman and Joey Harrington and rotated with D.J. Shockley.
Diehards Line:
The Falcons have yet to tip their hand when it comes to the approach they'll take with Ryan. He could start, or the coaching staff could make him earn his way up the depth chart. But as the AJC notes, the offense is new and Redman, Harrington and D.J. Shockley don't have a big head start on the rookie. That could emerge as a determining factor in the staff's strategy.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr8')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Mario Manningham Slowed By Injured Hip Flexor
(5/10 2:57 PM PT)
The Facts:
Manningham and QB Andre' Woodson were sidelined by injuries Saturday during the New York Giants' mini-camp for rookies and free agents. A third-round draft pick from Michigan, Manningham suffered a hip flexor on his left side running a pull-up pattern early in the morning workout. Woodson pulled a quad muscle in his left leg.
Diehards Line:
Manningham said the injury happened because he did not run his pattern right. "It ain't nothing bad or serious," Manningham said. "If it was serious I would not be walking. ..." HC Tom Coughlin said Manningham, the third-round pick from Michigan, "showed some flashes" before the injury.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr9')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Chris Perry Ready To Contribute
(5/10 9:16 AM PT)
The Facts:
HC Marvin Lewis said Sunday that Perry will be available Tuesday when the team begins voluntary on-field work. Perry was placed on season-ending injured reserve in 2007 after sustaining a serious ankle injury Nov. 26, 2006.
Diehards Line:
According to Enquirer staffer Mark Curnutte, the reason the Bengals didn't take a running back in last month's NFL Draft wasn't because they wanted to sign Shaun Alexander, who had been released by Seattle. The reason is that Perry appears to be healthy and ready to play this year. ... The Bengals want Perry to return to the role he occupied in 2005, when he played in 14 games with two starts and had 51 receptions and a 4.6-yard rushing average as Rudi Johnson's backup. To do so, of course, Perry would have to avoid the kind of injuries that have limited him just 9one full season in four years as a pro.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr10')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Kyle Boller Running With First Team; Flacco Impresses
(5/10 1:15 AM PT)
The Facts:
Boller got most of the work with the first team but looked shaky during team drills. He threw two interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown by the defense.
Diehards Line:
According to ESPN.com's James Walker, rookie Joe Flacco shared secondary reps with Troy Smith and didn't disappoint. The rookie first-round pick showed off his arm strength with several nice deep balls, including one that connected with receiver Mark Clayton for a touchdown. He also threw crisp slants and check downs to running backs. ... All indications are Boller will be the opening day starter but don't be surprised if the new staff pushes Flacco into the lineup as quickly as possible.
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