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NASCAR Natalie
Turn 4 Transitions
by Natalie Anthony
4/10/2008
Subway Fresh Fit 500
April 13, 2008 (Saturday) - 8:00 pm (ET) - FOX
Triple Flippin' Threat
For a guy driving in the Sprint NASCAR Cup Series circuit without his regular crew chief, missing a whole bunch of points, and scarred as a fraud, Carl Edwards seems to be making the best of it. As it stands right now, Mr. Edwards will be leading the chase after Richmond with 15 extra points for three wins so far this season. The first win after the Roush Fenway team was accused of cheating didn't really erase the scarlet C on the hood of the team's reputation, but two wins does give vindication. The slate is wiped clean and Carl can go on to win more races this season without the shadow of guilt or remorse over his shoulder.
Our hearts and prayers are with the family of Brienne Davis, who was one of NASCAR's full-time female inspectors that lost her life April 8, 2008.
Front Line Finishers
Kevin Harvick
Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 2nd
Kevin hasn't really attracted much attention this season so far, but how do we explain that he is 2nd in points? When did this happen? Not only that did that shock me, but his teammate Jeff Burton is 1st and his other teammate Clint Bowyer is in11th for points standings. RCR is sneaky. I don't think Kevin has enough to take away first from Jeff, but he definitely will not be dropping in points. Kevin is tied with Jeff Burton and Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the most wins (2) at PIR and likes racing up front every time he is in Arizona.
Kyle Busch
Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota
Point Standings: 3rd
Finally, Kyle made it into Victory lane in the Nationwide Series last weekend at Texas. I guess now Kyle may rethink abandoning the series full-time and continue to try to be the series champion at the end of 2008. Kyle is beginning to be considered one of those drivers that you can pick almost every weekend and know that he is bound to finish no worse than the Top 10. Kyle did just that the last two races at PIR.
Tony Stewart
Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota
Point Standings: 5th
With the raging success of his teammate Kyle Busch, it seems as though Tony has cranked his game up a bit. Tony was in contention for the win last weekend at Texas, but came in 4 spots behind Kyle for a 7th place finish. Tony has a bit more success at PIR than his newest teammate with an average finish of 9th place, but definitely expect all the JGR drivers to finish in the Top 10.
Jeff Gordon
Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 14th
I can bet cold hard cash that Jeff will not duplicate the disaster he had last weekend at Texas. I don't know how something so promising can go so bad. Jeff has had astonishing success at PIR. Jeff has run 18 races and has 15 Top 10's to go along with a win and 8 Top 5's. Let give another Hendrick teammate the chance to spend the race in the garage this weekend.
Last Lap Challengers
Brian Vickers
Red Bull Racing Team - Toyota
Point Standings: 18th
I think Brian and his team are single handedly shaking the dust off the Red Bull team and taking them to a whole new level regardless of what JGR is doing with Toyota. I actually picked for my fantasy league last weekend at Texas. Brian stands to finish in the Top 15 this weekend at Phoenix.
Bobby Labonte
Petty Enterprises - Dodge
Point Standings: 21st
I hope the recent talk at Petty Enterprises doesn't distract Bobby at PIR this weekend. Bobby's track stats at PIR are running in the 50/50 range. Bobby either comes in at a Top 10 or a Top 20. Either way, not too bad of a pick.
Bottom 35 Feeders
Elliott Sadler
Gillett Evernham Motorsports - Dodge
Point Standings: 20th
I would hate for Elliott's teammate Kasey Kahne to have to carry the organization for the majority of the season while the highly accepted Patrick Carpentier finds his racing wings and Elliott Sadler just doesn't seem to find anything. Don't get me wrong, I like all the GEM drivers, but Elliott needs to get more than one Top 10 out of 12 starts at Phoenix.
Jamie McMurray
Roush Fenway Racing - Ford
Point Standings: 25th
I hope I am not jinxing Jamie for the race this weekend by putting out of the Top 35. Jamie has been doing so much better these past couple weeks and I would hate for him to have to climb that points standing ladder all over again. PIR is not the best track for Jamie. He has raced at the mile track nine times and his best finish was 12th in 2002. Not to mention the last two races at PIR resulted in twin 23rd finishes.
Track Stats
Phoenix International Raceway (Avondale, AZ) - PIR
Subway Fresh Fit 500
(Sister Flat Tracks - Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Pocono, & New Hampshire)
Subway Fresh Fit 500
(April 21, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jeff Gordon
2. Tony Stewart
3. Denny Hamlin
4. Jimmie Johnson
5. Matt Kenseth
6. Jeff Green
7. Kyle Busch
8. Bobby Labonte
9. Johnny Sauter
10. Kevin Harvick
Checker Auto Parts 500
(November 11, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Greg Biffle
3. Matt Kenseth
4. Tony Stewart
5. Ryan Newman
6. Kevin Harvick
7. Martin Truex Jr.
8. Kyle Busch
9. Jeff Burton
10. Jeff Gordon
Reader Board
"Do you have any idea when A.J. Allmendinger is going to return to the Sprint Cup Series?"
Jason - Michigan
It looks like we will be seeing him ride in his #84 car at Talladega Superspeedway next weekend.
Post questions & comments to:
NASCARNATALIEANTHONY@yahoo.com
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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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