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NASCAR Natalie
Turn 4 Transitions
by Natalie Anthony
5/2/2007
Crown Royal/Jim Stewart 400
Cinco de Mayo – COT of the fourth
The Mexican militia battled the French on the 5th of May a really, really long time ago and now the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series drivers will be battling the COT at Richmond International Raceway (RIR) under the lights. Saturday marks the 4th time these drivers will be riding in the new stock car. Chevrolet and for that matter, Hendrick Motorsports have been dominating every race this season, except for Matt Kenseth’s Ford. And since this weekend could place another Hendrick car up front, one thing needs to be said. Enjoy your Cerveza this Saturday and please don’t give all us red-necked, truck driving, mechanic working, beer drinking, trailer livin’, happy go lucky, NASCAR loving fans a bad name by throwing your unloved beer cans on the track.
The Checkered Four
(Current point standings)
Kyle Busch (8th) Hendrick Motorsports – Chevrolet – Even though I haven’t found that special place for Kyle in my heart, I did really feel for him last weekend in Talladega. Boy could not keep his car off the wall or his wheels on the ground for that matter. Kyle will be making his 5th start at RIR and every time he drives this three quarter mile track he has recorded a Top 5. It doesn’t get any better than that. Well, it does, but not for Kyle.
Clint Bowyer (11th) Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet – Clint and Denny Hamlin have been to Richmond the same amount of times (2) and Denny does have a better record, but Clint has been trying really hard this season and will do just as good as or better than Denny this Saturday. Clint almost has 2 Top 10’s, but with a 12th place finish last fall he just fell a little short. You can’t expect Denny to do better than Clint for every race.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (13th) Dale Earnhardt Incorporated – Chevrolet – Even though Talladega had a predominantly large sea of red showing support for Dale Jr., every time I have been to Richmond, I see red. Could be for Dale Jr. or could be for Kasey Kahne, but I’m not making that distinction. This is another track that Jr. will get the fans standing on their feet. I think the only thing better for Dale than plate tracks would be figure 8 tracks or a short track. Dale has tied Tony Stewart with the most wins (3) at RIR and except for 6 times out of 15 tries has he finished inside the Top 10. Dale also has 7 Top 5’s.
Mark Martin (17th) Ginn Racing – Chevrolet – Mark’s bringing the 01 back. Mark has impressive stats at RIR. He has been to this track more times than the newer drivers (42), but every other time (23) he nails a Top 10. I have always said he is consistent, but at this track he proves his numbers.
Underdogs
(Current point standings)
Jimmie Johnson (4th) Hendrick Motorsports – Chevrolet – I know the man has won the most races this season and was the Nextel Cup champion last season, but this short track hasn’t been one of Jimmie’s best. The last two times at Richmond he has finished outside the Top 10 and he has had only 1 Top 5 and 1 Top 10 out of 10 starts. He will do better than most, but don’t lay too much money on the Lowe’s Chevy for this race.
Kasey Kahne (31st) Evernham Motorsports – Dodge – I know Kasey has had a really bad start to the season, but don’t give up on him just yet. Kasey’s first ever win (May 2005) came at a night race right here in Richmond and he just might be able to pull at least a Top 15 this Saturday. Kasey came in 3rd for the fall race and a depressing 34th for the spring race; however he does usually pull out an average of 16 or better at RIR. Every driver gets psyched when they race at a track that brought them their first checkers.
Most likely to be a lap down
(Current point standings)
Martin Truex Jr. (15th) Dale Earnhardt Incorporated – Chevrolet – DEI is home of the Jrs. But Richmond doesn’t see it that way. Both times Martin has come to RIR he has either had an accident or an engine failure. Back in the fall he finished 43rd and didn’t even get change from the purse winnings. Martin deposited $0 into his bank account.
Casey Mears (35th) Hendrick Motorsports – Chevrolet – I think Jimmie Johnson still has a bad taste in his mouth for the 25 car from the last time at Talladega and consequently took it out on innocent Casey. Casey isn’t going to feel any love from his teammates just yet. He needs to earn the respect first. Richmond will provide him the track to do so, but with Casey’s past history, he will not be up front with Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch or Jimmie Johnson. Casey has raced at RIR 8 times with no Top 5’s and no Top 10’s.
Track Stats
Richmond International Raceway (Richmond, VA)
Crown Royal/Jim Stewart 400
May 5, 2007 (Saturday) – 7:00 pm - FOX
(Sister Short Tracks – Bristol & Martinsville)
Crown Royal 400
(May 6, 2006)
Top 10 Results
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2. Denny Hamlin
3. Kevin Harvick
4. Greg Biffle
5. Kyle Busch
6. Tony Stewart
7. Carl Edwards
8. Ryan Newman
9. Sterling Marlin
10.Clint Bowyer
Chevy Rock & Roll 400
(September 9, 2006)
Top 10 Results
1. Kevin Harvick
2. Kyle Busch
3. Kasey Kahne
4. Dave Blaney
5. Mark Martin
6. Greg Biffle
7. Ken Schrader
8. Matt Kenseth
9. Jeff Burton
10.Scott Riggs
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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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