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NASCAR Natalie
Turn 4 Transitions
by Natalie Anthony
3/5/2008
Kobalt Tools 500
March 9, 2008 (Sunday) - 1:30 pm - FOX
No pain, no gain; seriously
Last week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, drivers and fans alike witness what looked like more of a demolition derby race than a NASCAR race. I don't think I can count on two hands the number of drivers that spent time up against the wall in practice or during the race. There are so many factors to be blamed for these wrecks and everyone has a finger pointed at someone else, but don't expect this track to be the only track that feels adversity. Since Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon both felt the pain from wrecks at LVMS, the track is getting extra negative attention. Keep in mind though, that the two drivers mentioned are not as young as they used to be and things hurt easier and longer than even a few years ago. Sure, a few things can be addressed, but nothing that is going to change drastically. Sorry Jeff and Tony, the NASCAR series is not equipped to put up cotton barriers.
Front Line Finishers
Carl Edwards
Roush Fenway Racing - Ford
Point Standings: 1st
Man, if Carl pulled off his thrice win at Atlanta this weekend that would be nice. What is not so nice for me as a NASCAR fan is that Carl's wins seem to be so easy for him. I like to see a race where drivers are battling for every position before they take the checkered flag. Either there is no driver that can match Carl's talent when he is at the top of his game, or maybe everybody else is troubled by the hype that follows Carl to some of his best tracks. Oh well, lets see what happens this Sunday. Carl is ranked first for best average finishes and has 6 Top 10's out of 7 starts. And with two wins at AMS, Carl is poised to get another great finish.
Jeff Burton
Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 7th
Jeff has raced at AMS for a long time. Not as long as some of the other active drivers, but Jeff has been here 27 times and each time he goes out to race, he is always in contention for the win. Last year he pulled off a 5th, 4th place finish in the two races that run at Atlanta. Usually Jeff runs the entire race without complications or incidents.
Jimmie Johnson
Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 14th
I bet every time Jimmie thinks about how his performance has been thus far, he gets nauseous. It kind of like being a straight 'A' student and suddenly you are getting 'C's' and everyone of your peers is judging you because you were so perfect before. Jimmie has guilt and performance anxiety. Don't worry Jimmie; you will be back on the honor's list in no time. Jimmie has 4 wins at AMS and got two of them last year. Don't call it a come back, but Jimmie is on his way back to the front.
Reed Sorenson
Chip Ganassi Racing- Dodge
Point Standings: 18th
Well, well. Got another young, up and coming driver that has shown a lot of consistency this season. Reed is starting to resemble one of those drivers who after years of struggle, has finally taken control of his career and gotten comfortable with his job. Reed has a lot more ups and downs to come, but look for him on the up this year. Reed has a Top 5 and 3 Top 10's out of 6 starts and he got 2 of those Top 10's last year at Atlanta.
Last Lap Challengers
Brian Vickers
Red Bull Racing Team - Toyota
Point Standings: 13th
In the length of time that I have been involved with NASCAR, there are only few drivers that come to mind that have had and have to work extra hard and extra long to get their feet wet in NASCAR. Brian is definitely a driver in the Cup series who is giving it his all and his success at some of the tracks are showing his hard work. Brian finished 10th last October at AMS and holds 3 Top 10's out of 9 starts. Brian is already 13th in Cup points and the only place he is going; is up.
Clint Bowyer
Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 23rd
If you have noticed, every Richard Childress driver has made it into the countdown of best to worst this week, but each in a different category. RCR is so inconsistent this season. Clint better hope that he can continue the success he as had at AMS from last year with two 6th places finishes. Otherwise, he will be brining up the back of the pack with teammate Kevin Harvick.
Bottom 35 Feeders
Kevin Harvick
Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 5th
Kevin is an incredible driver, but he just needs to face the fact that some tracks just give him flack. A driver does not have to dominate every track, but that does put a damper on things if he wants to be a Cup champion. You have to be consistent throughout the season at every track. Kevin's best finish at AMS was first place way, way back in 2001.
Scott Riggs
Haas CNC Racing - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 28th
Scott has been kicking up the dust lately in the NASCAR series. Scott lost his ride last year from Gillett/Evernham Motorsports, but quickly found another one at Haas. His momentum may slow down at this track because of his lack luster results at Atlanta (1 Top 10 out of 7 starts), but don't expect that to get him down. Keep watching him this season, he may surprise you.
Track Stats
Atlanta Motor Speedway (Hampton, GA) - AMS
(Sister Tracks - Lowe's, California, Homestead-Miami, Kansas Dover, Chicagoland, Michigan, Darlington, & Texas)
Kobalt Tools 500
(March 18, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Tony Stewart
3. Matt Kenseth
4. Jeff Burton
5. Juan Pablo Montoya
6. Clint Bowyer
7. Carl Edwards
8. Martin Truex Jr.
9. Reed Sorenson
10. Mark Martin
Pep Boys Auto 500
(October 28, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Carl Edwards
3. Reed Sorenson
4. Matt Kenseth
5. Jeff Burton
6. Clint Bowyer
7. Jeff Gordon
8. Kurt Busch
9. Kasey Kahne
10. Brian Vickers
Reader Board
"If NASCAR thinks that Carl Edwards was really cheating last weekend at Las Vegas for his lid from his oil tank being off or whatever, will they take the win away from him?"
Tina - Louisiana
No, NASCAR will not take the win away. However, they may fine the Roush Fenway team driver and owner points and possibly monetary fines as well if it is deemed that he was in fact cheating. The infraction is minimal at best and it is so far fetched to assume that Carl Edwards would risk penalties on something so ridiculous and petty.
Post questions & comments to:
NASCARNATALIEANTHONY@yahoo.com
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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">Marvin Harrison Denies Involvement In Shooting
(5/13 12:31 AM PT)
The Facts:
Harrison assured the Indianapolis Colts he was not involved in a shooting last month in his hometown of Philadelphia. Owner Jim Irsay said Monday he hopes that's the case. "At this point I'm keeping my fingers crossed," Irsay said. "We've done everything we could do in our diligence to try to discern what happened. He said he was not involved in that shooting and. ... The authorities have said there is nothing imminent."
Diehards Line:
Irsay said the Colts' security department has been in contact with NFL security in Philadelphia as well as with Philadelphia law enforcement. ... To review: A gun that Harrison owned has been linked to the shooting in which a man suffered a gunshot wound to his hand and a small boy was cut on the face by flying glass from a windshield. Six of the bullet casings found at the April 29 shooting near Harrison's car wash were from his gun, ESPN's Sal Paolantonio reported last week. But Harrison is not considered a suspect at this time.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr2')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Terrell Owens Happy With Situation In Dallas
(5/13 12:21 AM PT)
The Facts:
Owens' contract situation has been a backburner subject this offseason, as the team has dealt with the draft, getting Zach Thomas and Pacman Jones in the fold, and working on extensions with unsigned, but protected veterans Marion Barber and Ken Hamlin. So could there be a problem, with the star receiver's deal expiring at the end of the season? Owens says no.
Diehards Line:
"I definitely want to end my career with the Dallas Cowboys, and go into the Hall of Fame as a Dallas Cowboy," Owens, who told DMN staffer Albert Breer that he's got "3-5 years" left in the game, said. He also mentioned that getting a ring is what really matters at this stage of his career. And he believes the group to get it done in 2008 is there. "No doubt," Owens said. "The makeup is there. ... We're a step closer every year. We're ready."
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr3')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Patriots Meet With Kevin Jones; Nothing Imminent
(5/13 12:18 AM PT)
The Facts:
Last week, New England very quietly hosted a visit -– and no team can do things as quietly as the Patriots -- with Kevin Jones, whom Detroit released in March.
Diehards Line:
According to NFL Network insider Adam Schefter, Jones appears to be a couple of months away from recovering from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered late last season, but he is far enough along that the Patriots brought him in for a look. Schefter believes there are teams that think Jones will be able to contribute in training camp, others wonder if he will miss the start of the season due to his knee injury.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr4')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Randy McMichael Happy With New OC
(5/13 12:16 AM PT)
The Facts:
No Rams player may be more excited about Al Saunders being OC than McMichael. "As soon as I found what was going on and they had hired coach Saunders, I got really excited," McMichael said. "This is the kind of offense that I have dreamed my whole career of playing in."
Diehards Line:
Saunders has a reputation for making the tight end an integral part of his passing attack. Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez averaged 80 catches per season in his six seasons with Saunders calling the offensive plays. Under Saunders, Washington's Chris Cooley caught 57 passes for 734 yards and two touchdowns in 2006 and 66 passes for 786 yards and eight touchdowns in 2007. "He said the funniest thing to me the first time I met him," McMichael said of Saunders. "He said, 'I've had a Pro Bowl tight end eight straight years."' Now, the pressure is on McMichael to keep that streak going.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr5')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Roddy White Skips Final Workout With Sore Hamstring
(5/12 7:24 PM PT)
The Facts:
White was held out of practice Monday after a slight hamstring problem Sunday afternoon. "Roddy tweaked his hamstring," HC Mike Smith said. "It's just precautionary. We don't want to put ourselves in a position with a guy this time of year that may hurt himself more by going out there."
Diehards Line:
White said he's been working hard to stay healthy with the offseason weight program and looks forward to building on his career season from 2007. "I'm getting a lot more comfortable," he said. "I just have to go out there and continue to work hard and continue to get better every day. If you ain't getting better, you're getting worse." We're looking for White to continue getting better, but much of his success will depend on the team's quarterback.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr6')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Robbie Gould Signs 5-Year Extension With Bears
(5/12 6:32 PM PT)
The Facts:
Gould on Monday signed a five-year contract extension with the Bears that runs through the 2013 season. Terms were not disclosed.
Diehards Line:
Gould is the most accurate field goal kicker in Bears history among those with at least 50 attempts, having connected on 84 of 99 tries (84.8 percent) in three seasons. In 2007, Gould made 31 of 36 field goals (86.1), including 17 of 18 (94.4) over the final seven games. His only miss during that stretch, a 48-yard attempt, was blocked. Gould also owns Bears records with 26 straight field goals from Dec. 25, 2005-Nov. 19, 2006 and 22 straight games with a field goal from Oct. 23, 2005-Nov. 6, 2006.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr7')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Joe Horn Would Prefer Trade To Reserve Role
(5/12 1:34 PM PT)
The Facts:
Horn said Monday that he would like to be traded instead of remaining with the team as a "just-in-case guy." Horn said he had not approached the team yet about his desire to be dealt but that him and/or his agent would in the near future. When told of Horn's remarks, general manager Thomas Dimitroff said: "He is still part of our team and we still see a future for him here."
Diehards Line:
Horn said that he would be professional for as long as he remains with the Falcons. He said he hopes the Falcons will push to deal him to a team who values him as a contributor. ... During five, just-completed mini-camp workouts -- and during a pre-draft minicamp in April -- Laurent Robinson replaced Horn in the starting lineup alongside Roddy White. Michael Jenkins and rookie Harry Douglas also took reps this weekend, which could have prompted Horn to feel as if he was being pushed down the depth chart. Brian Finneran, Eric Weems and Adam Jennings are also vying to be among the five-to-six wide receivers retained.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr8')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Ravens Mulling Use Of 3-WR Set As Base Formation
(5/12 11:31 AM PT)
The Facts:
One of the questions heading into Ravens mini-camp was the pecking order of the WRs. But Derrick Mason, Demetrius Williams and Mark Clayton aren't battling against each other. They are teaming up in pursuit of a common goal. If this unit plays up to expectations, there is a possibility the Ravens could use three wide receivers as their primary formation. "It's not a possibility. It will happen," Mason said. "Using three wides is not far-fetched with the three guys that we have."
Diehards Line:
Whether it was injuries or just former HC Brian Billick's scheme last season, the Ravens rarely spread out defenses. Of the Ravens' 557 passes thrown last season, only 39 percent came in a three-wide alignment. New OC coordinator Cam Cameron wants to be unpredictable and will change up the formations as well as the personnel groupings. "If we had to start a game today, three wide receivers might be our starting group," Cameron said.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr9')" 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('tr10')" 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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