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NASCAR Natalie
by Natalie Anthony
6/19/2007
Toyota/SaveMart 350
Everyday is a winding road
Do you think the COT has met its match with Infineon Raceway (IR)? The COT has been good on the ovals, but this Sunday in Sonoma could bring new light to the new, kind of broken in stock car. We are about to break into a new era for the split, winged stock car. New territory will be discovered and more history will be made. I can’t foresee what we should expect, but make sure you are watching the race this Sunday or either TiVo it and pretend you witnessed NASCAR history.
Don’t forget, Kasey Kahne and his friends will be racing Wednesday June 27, 2007 at the Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PA. Al the proceeds from the race will benefit the Kasey Kahne Foundation. Tickets are still available for the race and if you are interested call 717-697-5000 or visit www.williamsgrove.com for more information.
Just a fast fact, Michael Waltrip finished 10th at Michigan International Raceway. Wow!!!
The Checkered Four
(Current point standings)
Ryan Newman (15th) Penske Motorsports – Dodge – Can a driver like Ryan redeem himself any more this season? Ryan has been on a rocket ship towards self preservation. I couldn’t be happier about his success and just like in 2005; it gives me great angst when he is knocked off a pole. Ryan has no poles at IR, but he finishes better than any other active driver (7.8). Out of 5 tries he has 2 Top 5’s and 4 Top 10’s. Dude, does it get any better? Only if it was Newman Raceway.
Jamie McMurray (14th) Roush Fenway Racing – Ford – My daughter (Valon) has great respect for Jamie not only because he is cute, but she is more than excited that he has been so successful this season. And she has just cause. Not only has Jamie picked up his game, but he has also given rise to the reason why so many lady fans cheer his name. Jamie has been given a special pass this season and has used it wisely. Last weekend he finished in the Top 10 and at a road course he is ranked 7th in average finishes. Jamie has been to IR 4 times and closed each race in the Top 15. The last race here he finished 2nd.
Boris Said (50th) No Fear Racing – Ford – Who said? Boris said. This man has the fullest and finest head of hair in NASCAR and boy can he drive a road course. You ask anybody about who drives the winding roads of Infineon or Watkins Glen the best and the first name you will hear back is Boris. DirecTV NASCAR HotPass knows who to watch this Sunday. Look for Boris on channel 796 for an all access pass to what a road course driver can offer.
Ron Fellows (No Standing) Chevrolet – Ron only spends his time in NASCAR on the road courses. Talk about isolating your skills. Ron is pretty much a wild car; I mean card. Either he finishes in the Top 10 or in the Top 30. You are taking a gamble by picking Ron, but it is a good gamble. Ron really knows how to get around road courses as long as a teammate doesn’t take his line.
Underdogs
(Current point standings)
Ricky Rudd (33rd) Yates Racing – Ford – Ricky is one pole (4) shy of tying Jeff Gordon for the most poles at Infineon. However, he has more Top 5’s (10) and more Top 10’s (11) than Mr. Jeff Gordon. Ricky may be a newly out of retirement driver, but he does know how to drive on a road course.
Martin Truex Jr. (10th) Dale Earnhardt Incorporated – Chevrolet – Martin has definitely dialed into what it takes to make a NASCAR champion. His momentum in the last couple of races will surely play a part into what he can give us this weekend. Martin has only been to IR once, but he finished in the Top 15. Given his recent success, please look for the #1 car to be at least in the Top 10.
Most likely to be a lap down
(Current point standings)
J. J. Yeley (18th) Joe Gibbs Racing – Chevrolet – J.J. in another driver besides Mr. Truex Jr. that has stepped up his game this season. Last weekend’s race left me bored and shocked with the outcome of underrated drivers. Even though J.J. finished 28th this past Sunday, he has been pumping up his game and has been a force to be reckoned with. Mr. Yeley has succumbed to Sonoma with a 38th place finish his first try.
Kasey Kahne (28th) Evernham Motorsports – Dodge – It pains me to put Kasey under this category, and I hate to say it, but he brought it upon himself. Or maybe Dodge brought it upon him. Both ways, give the #9 just a few laps and he will be down. It is a hard road ahead to even think of Kasey having a chance to get into the Top 12 in the points standings. Kasey has made many turns at IR (3 Starts) and he twinned 31st and topped out at 41st. Kasey, I will never give up on you!
Track Stats
Infineon Raceway (Sonoma, CA)
Toyota/SaveMart 350
June 24, 2007 (Sunday) – 5:00 pm - TNT
(Sister Road Courses – Watkins Glen)
Toyota/SaveMart 350
(June 25, 2006)
Top 10 Results
1. Jeff Gordon
2. Ryan Newman
3. Terry Labonte
4. Greg Biffle
5. Kurt Busch
6. Carl Edwards
7. Jeff Burton
8. Elliott Sadler
9. Boris Said
10. Jimmie Johnson
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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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