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NASCAR Natalie
Turn 4 Transitions
by Natalie Anthony
4/25/2008
Aaron's 499
April 27, 2008 (Saturday) - 2:20 pm (ET) - FOX
Driver Dominance
Kyle Busch. Dominance is a word for this driver that I think doesn't really grasp the nature of his talent. It's too weak. It doesn't encompass the true ability of a guy that has the potential to do it all. There is a downside to this dominance however. I am referring specifically to Kyle's reign in the Craftsman Truck and Nationwide Series. Predictability in racing is extremely boring. It was fun for awhile when Kyle was struggling in the Nationwide series and was contemplating maybe not running a full season. I personally was pulling for him to win one and get his confidence back. Now he has three wins in a row and his latest one was on a road course where he usually doesn't run well. All I wanted was for Kyle to be the points leader in all three NASCAR series at one time. What I did not want or expect was for those Truck and Nationwide races to make me want to change the channel.
Front Line Finishers
Kevin Harvick
Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 5th
Kevin's performance at Talladega is very consistent. I like the finishes he brings home every time he races in Alabama. Kevin has 3 Top 5's and 7 Top 10's out of 14 starts. His worst finish ever was 32nd in 2001.
Tony Stewart
Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota
Point Standings: 7th
The break down for Tony at Talladega goes like this: Tony finish in the Top 5; Tony finishes in the Top 25 or around there. I am not saying that Tony is either on it or not, I am saying that he will be upfront on the last lap or in the middle of the pack on the last lap.
Kurt Busch
Penske Racing - Dodge
Point Standings: 16th
Maybe this Sunday in Alabama, Kurt can be the Busch that everybody is watching and talking about. Kurt season so far hasn't been the best or worse, but he hasn't done much of anything since Daytona. Kurt is ranked 1st for the best average finish (10.0) at TSS. His last seven races resulted in 7 Top 10 finishes. Kurt really knows how to handle this track.
Jeff Gordon & Jimmie Johnson
Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 13th & 4th
Both Hendrick boys finished the Aaron's 499 in April and the UAW-Ford 500 in October 1st and 2nd respectively. A one, two finish, twice in a row is enough for me to include them this week. I would have included Dale Earnhardt Jr. for this race as well, but it is a restrictor plate race and you already know that he runs well at these tracks. Don't you?
Last Lap Challengers
David Gilliland & Travis Kvapil
Yates Racing - Ford
Point Standings: 21st & 24th
I was always under the assumption that when David took over the #38 ride after Elliott Sadler moved to GEM that David's success at Talladega was due to Elliott's old car. Not true at all. David and Travis might not be rising to the top of the NASCAR crop each race, but they do fair pretty well at this restrictor plate track. Well, at least compared to a lot of other drivers they do. David is boasting a Top 5 and a Top 10 out of 4 starts at TSS. Travis has stayed under the Top 20 for his three starts at this track.
Bottom 35 Feeders
Kyle Busch
Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota
Point Standings: 2nd
I spot light Kyle at the top of the article and than put him down in the gutter at the bottom. There is a reason for it and it is because Kyle is really bad at Talladega. Look at last year alone, he finished 37th and 36th for the races in the spring and fall. Kyle's best finish for his career so far at TSS is 11th and that feat is surrounded by a bunch of 30's or worse. It is uncharacteristic of this amazing driver, but the results don't lie.
Greg Biffle
Roush Fenway Racing - Ford
Point Standings: 10th
Greg momentum this season is truly been up and down. He has a couple good races and follows that by a couple of bad ones. Two weeks ago at Phoenix he finished 9th and two races before that he finished 20th and 39th. Talladega is going to be a downer for Greg. He has been to this track 10 times and his best finish was 13th back in 2005.
Track Stats
Talladega Superspeedway (Talladega, AL) - TSS
Aaron's 499
(Sister Restrictor Plate Tracks - Daytona)
Aaron's 499
(October 7, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jeff Gordon
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Kurt Busch
4. David Gilliland
5. Jamie McMurray
6. Kevin Harvick
7. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
8. David Stremme
9. Ryan Newman
10. Martin Truex Jr.
UAW-Ford 500
(April 29, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jeff Gordon
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Dave Blaney
4. Denny Hamlin
5. Ryan Newman
6. Casey Mears
7. Kurt Busch
8. Tony Stewart
9. Tony Raines
10. Reed Sorenson
Reader Board
"Is Boris Said a really vengeful drive on the track when he has a score to settle?"
Misty - Colorado
I haven't read, heard, or seen anything to prove that he was. If you are referring to the situation with Boris Said and Marcus Ambrose last weekend for the Nationwide series in Mexico City, I think that Boris was showing emotion to the fans and letting Marcus know that he was very unhappy. Boris Said is running a very limited schedule this season and is looking for more sponsorship. Having a DNF for a race really puts him behind his goal to become full-time. In defense of Marcus Ambrose, he really does seem like an honest and real person driver. He would never race anybody dirty. Sometimes accidents do happen.
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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