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NASCAR Natalie
Turn 4 Transitions
by Natalie Anthony
3/13/2008
Food City 500
March 16, 2008 (Sunday) - 2:20 pm - FOX
Standing up for the masses
Tony Stewart may verbally attack other drivers about their actions during a race and a lot of people think that he should tone down his attitude. However, when it comes to his opinion about things that affect every driver at a track, his voice should be heard loud and clear. The great Dale Earnhardt made several stands in NASCAR throughout his legendary career to protect and help the drivers of the sport and younger and older drivers alike respected him for it. It is time that a driver such as Tony Stewart stand up for his peers and become the father figure of racing in the Cup series. Goodyear, listen and listen good.
Front Line Finishers
Kyle Busch
Joe Gibbs Racing- Toyota
Point Standings: 1st
Last season, I thought that Kyle was going to end up being an arrogant risky driver that everyone hated. Usually younger brothers follow the path of their older brothers, but just as Kurt has matured (I give thanks to his wife), so has little brother Kyle. I am sure Kyle hates to be compared to his brother so much, but they do in fact share the same parents and grew up together. Kyle won the spring race at Bristol and took home the 9th place finish in the fall. Look for Kyle to keep the points lead and lets see if he can be the first driver in history to lead all three racing series in NASCAR.
Greg Biffle
Roush Fenway Racing - Ford
Point Standings: 2nd
I think Greg is really trying to get in good with Jack Roush and make his presence known so that when Jack makes the big decision next year, Greg won't be a candidate for getting the boot. Regardless of who is kicked out of Roush Fenway Racing, that driver will have a ride the very next week. Greg however, is making sure he is not singled out. Being the runner up in points thus far and coming off a 4th place finish last weekend at Atlanta, Greg is going to be on top again this weekend. Greg finished 5th in the spring and 10th in the fall last season at Bristol.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 6th
I don't know a single fan who would not cheer for Dale Jr. if he was in contention for the win or just fighting to get into the Top 5. His presence in NASCAR is unprecedented except of course for his untouchable Dad's reputation. I know that a lot of fans transferred their loyalty to Jr. when Sr. died, but I also know that Dale has captivated a lot of them on his own. They will be a cheering sea of green at Bristol for Dale who finished in the Top 10 his last two races here.
Carl Edwards
Roush Fenway Racing - Ford
Point Standings: 17th
All Carl wanted to do last Sunday was to win the race and show everybody in the NASCAR world that he is a straight up driver and has no need to cheat. Denied. Carl is an amazing racer and doesn't need any added pick up to win a race. Carl might just make this race at Bristol his 3rd win of the season. Carl finished first for the fall race and missed the Top 10 in the spring race by two spots. Just wait Carl; you will get your vindication.
Last Lap Challengers
Kasey Kahne
Gillett Evernham Motorsports - Dodge
Point Standings: 7th
Kasey was the only driver in the Cup Series to have 3 straight Top 10's until last weekend's race at Atlanta. He dropped 4 places in the point standings, but this Sunday at Bristol, Kasey should be able to battle and win some of his points back. Kasey finished 2nd last August at BMS and usually finishes around the Top 15 if he doesn't get involved in a wreck.
Clint Bowyer
Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 16th
Although I misjudged his teammates last weekend at Atlanta, I did however correctly predict that Clint was going to make a good show for the race. The same will occur this weekend at BMS. Clint finished in the Top 10 his last two races here and with a little more experience, he can be a regular contender for the checkered flag.
Bottom 35 Feeders
Martin Truex Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Incorporated - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 11th
Everybody said that Martin would be the new lead driver at DEI, but he will not shine as bright as the driver who shares the company name. I don't know who decided that Dale Jr. could ever be replaced, but they are sorely mistaken. Martin needs to focus on driving and not on filling someone else's shoes. Martin's best finish at Bristol was 11th last August, and the rest of his finishes out of 4 starts did not even come close to the Top 10.
Reed Sorenson
Chip Ganassi Racing - Dodge
Point Standings: 22nd
I really thought Reed was going to drive away last Sunday with a Top 10, but maybe I am putting too much emphasis on his driving ability too early this season. It looks like perhaps he is going to run either really good at a track or finish outside the Top 35. This weekend at Bristol is going to be one of the bad races for Reed. He has competed at this track 4 times and only recorded a best finish of 15th place last August.
Track Stats
Bristol Motor Speedway (Bristol, TN) - BMS
Food City 500
(Sister Short Tracks - Dover, Martinsville, Phoenix, &Richmond)
Food City 500
(March 25, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Kyle Busch
2. Jeff Burton
3. Jeff Gordon
4. Kevin Harvick
5. Greg Biffle
6. Jeff Green
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
8. Clint Bowyer
9. Jamie McMurray
10. Casey Mears
Sharpie 500
(August 25, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Carl Edwards
2. Kasey Kahne
3. Clint Bowyer
4. Tony Stewart
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
6. Kurt Busch
7. Ryan Newman
8. Bobby Labonte
9. Kyle Busch
10. Greg Biffle
Reader Board
"What do you think the reason is behind Ryan Newman's success this season?"
Dan - Indiana
I don't know of any significant changes to his team or his teammates programs.
However, with the one, two finish at Daytona for Penske Racing, maybe the drivers are starting to run together as a fluid unit. Maybe the addition of Sam Hornish Jr. has shaken things up a bit and got the whole organization excited. Ryan Newman is 4th in point standings and has finished in the Top 15 every race this season.
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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