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NASCAR Natalie
Turn 4 Transitions
by Natalie Anthony
5/1/2008
Crown Royal Presents the Dan Lowry 400
May 3, 2008 (Saturday) - 7:00 pm (ET) - FOX
Driver Dominance - It's what makes legends
There are usually only one to two races a year that I really miss my mark and last weekend's race was definitely the first this 2008 NASCAR season. Not only did I miscall the race winner's potential, but I also misunderstood the importance of driver dominance. Last weekend I whined about Kyle Busch's success in the Craftsman's Truck and Nationwide Series. I take it back. I take it all back. After watching ESPN's coverage of Dale Earnhardt Day in North Carolina and watching my Dale DVD, Dale's racing footage, and just remembering all that was great about the driver of the #3 car, I finally understand the making of legend. How much resistance did Dale receive during his legacy? Drivers were intimidated by the way he drove, and usually questioned themselves on the track. As we all know, there is now a driver that really stands out as a racer who shakes things up every race. Kyle is a legend in the making. He is threatening, nerve-racking, menacing; he is everything a competitor does not want to see on the track. His driving has a voice that speaks to other drivers, now Kyle needs to have a voice that speaks to NASCAR. Whoever thought M&M's could be daunting? Dale entered the cup series when he was 24 years old and never let his presence go unnoticed on and off the track. Kyle Busch is right on track to let NASCAR nation know he is a force to be reckoned with and he has four more decades to intensify the sport and win more races.
Happy Birthday Dale Earnhardt - 57 years
Happy Birthday Kyle Busch - 23 years
Front Line Finishers
Kyle Busch
Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota
Point Standings: 2nd
It may not be two wins in a row this weekend for Kyle in the Cup series, but he is sure to get a Top 5. Kyle has 6 race runs at RIR and has an amazing 5 Top 5's and 5 Top 10's. It doesn't get better than that unless he takes the checkered flag every time.
Denny Hamlin
Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota
Point Standings: 4th
I am not sure if Denny has it out for his teammate Kyle Busch, but during last weekend's race at Talladega, it looked like Denny was trying to hang Kyle out of the draft. Denny ranks second in best average finishes (6.5) of all other active drivers. Don't say anything to Denny, but Kyle is ranked first.
Jimmie Johnson
Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 5th
No wonder Jimmie was the Cup champion two years in a row. Jimmie placed first in the two races that are hosted by Richmond International Raceway last season. Jimmie's overall record is not too shiny at RIR, but it seems that he has finally figured out the track.
Kevin Harvick
Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 6th
Kevin should be very happy with the way he finishes races in Virginia. Last season he took home double 7's for the spring and fall race and has 6 Top 10's his last six races.
Last Lap Challengers
Kasey Kahne
Gillett Evernham Motorsports - Dodge
Point Standings: 13th
It is turn around time for my favorite driver. We are starting our 10th race this Saturday at RIR and Kasey really likes running on the ¾ mile track that succumbed to his driving talents and gave Kasey his first win. Kasey knows how to get around the track and should be one of the top ten taking the checkered flag under the lights.
David Ragan
Roush Fenway Racing - Ford
Point Standings: 15th
Jack Roush should be very proud of his scouting abilities when he picked up David Ragan as one of his newest drivers. He might not have the consistency thing down, but David shows up in Top 10's where you don't expect him to be. David was in the Top 3 for the fall race at RIR and since it was only his 2nd run at the track, we should be seeing more great finishes from him.
Bottom 35 Feeders
Juan Pablo Montoya
Chip Ganassi Racing - Dodge
Point Standings: 12th
Let me just say that last weekend's 2nd place finish at Talladega for Juan was a shock. He has improved on his driving skills, but his drafting was borderline dirty. No matter, other drivers will not be able to pay him back for his recklessness this Saturday because he will be in the back of the pack the whole race. Juan's two times out at RIR has resulted in a 26th and 41st place finishes.
Martin Truex Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Incorporated - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 17th
Wow, Martin has been to RIR four times and hasn't even come close to seeing a Top 10. Well, he did finish 15th in the fall race last season, but that is partway to Top 20 too. His first two races at Richmond ended in disaster due to an accident and an engine problem. He has time to improve, but not by this Saturday.
Track Stats
Richmond International Raceway (Richmond, VA) - RIR
Chevy Rock & Roll 400
(Sister Short Tracks - Bristol & Martinsville)
Crown Royal 400
(May 6, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Kyle Busch
3. Denny Hamlin
4. Jeff Gordon
5. Kurt Busch
6. Ryan Newman
7. Kevin Harvick
8. Tony Stewart
9. Clint Bowyer
10.Matt Kenseth
Chevy Rock & Roll 400
(September 8, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Tony Stewart
3. David Ragan
4. Jeff Gordon
5. Johnny Sauter
6. Denny Hamlin
7. Kevin Harvick
8. Kasey Kahne
9. Kurt Busch
10.J.J. Yeley
Reader Board
"When did you become a Dale Earnhardt Fan?"
Walt - Iowa
What is crazy and I hate to admit it, is that I did not even become a huge NASCAR fan until 2004. It is embarrassing to admit, but I have to be honest. Last Christmas, a friend asks me after I received the Dale movie DVD collection as a gift," When did you become a Dale fan?" I thought for a while and after a minute or two, I realized that I could not remember definitively when it was that I actually became a fan of the legendary Dale Earnhardt. I regret it everyday that I was not a NASCAR enthusiast when Dale dominated the sport. Now that I think back about it, if you are a fan of NASCAR, you have always been a fan of Dale. The #3 will always be!
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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