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NASCAR Natalie
by Natalie Anthony
6/27/2007
Lenox Industrial Tools 300
Wanted - Crew Chief
Immediate opening for full-time position as a NASCAR crew chief.
Able to work efficiently on altering a stock car without detection, call all the shots from a pit box, deal with arrogant drivers, no math skills required; let the gas gods figure out the fuel tank. Substantial pay is offered by the team owner in order to compensate for hefty fines laid down by NASCAR in the event the stock car does not pass inspection and you get suspended for following direct instructions. In addition, be prepared to be switch to another team member without notice or be transferred to an entirely different team without cause.
I really do wonder how many teams will not pass inspection this weekend for the Lenox Industrial Tools 300 hosted by New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS). I am willing to wager that the total will be zero, due to the fines handed down to Hendrick Motorsports. I don’t think anybody has the guts to test the sanctioning body of NASCAR. The next step in penalties might be parking the driver’s ride.
The Checkered Four
(Current point standings)
Jeff Gordon (1st) Hendrick Motorsports – Chevrolet – Even though Jeff will be without his crew chief for the next 6 races he shouldn’t have any problems running up front at NHIS. Jeff has rocked the pole more times (5) than any other active driver including Ryan Newman and is one win (3) shy of tying Jeff Burton with the most wins. If you look at Jeff’s success last weekend at Sonoma, he can overcome any kind of adversity.
Denny Hamlin (2nd) Joe Gibbs Racing – Chevrolet – Finally, Denny has another opportunity to make it into the Top 5 and it isn’t at a track like Pocono. It seems like Denny doesn’t have to distinguish between the two because he finishes just as well at both. Denny has a Top 5 and a Top 10 out of 2 starts at New Hampshire.
Jeff Burton (4th) Richard Childress Racing – Chevrolet – Did you see Jeff sneaking up in the point standings? No, well you won’t see him up front until towards the end of the Lenox 300 this Sunday either. The last 2 times at NHIS, Jeff has finished in the 7th position both times. That gives him 4 wins, 7 Top 5’s and 11 Top 10’s total. Jeff will make your life easy if you pick him this weekend.
Kevin Harvick (8th) Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet – Man, his car maybe ugly, but you will be looking at it a lot this race. Ronald McDonald resembling or not the driver of the #29 car Kevin Harvick finished 5th in the July race and finished first for the September race. Kevin can’t go up any farther, so he is just going to have to duplicate.
Underdogs
(Current point standings)
Martin Truex Jr. (11th) Dale Earnhardt Incorporated – Chevrolet – Martin is having an up and down season thus far. In the last 3 races before the Toyota/SaveMart 300 he had finished in the Top 5. He doesn’t have the consistency yet of veteran drivers because he finished 24th last weekend, but he is working towards it. Martin broke into the Top 18 last July and followed that up with a 22nd place finish in September at NHIS. With his program this season, I think that he will definitely improve his finishes by at least making it into the Top 15.
J.J. Yeley (18th) Joe Gibbs Racing – Chevrolet – Another last season rookie driver that has seemed to find a little something is his driving program this season. J.J. has had a bit more luck at NHIS than most sophomore drivers. He has had more starts (3), but has backed that up with almost 2 Top 10’s (8 & 12), which he received last season.
Most likely to be a lap down
(Current point standings)
Clint Bowyer (9th) Richard Childress Racing – Chevrolet – Clint looked really good last season, and was almost in the shadow of Denny Hamlin, but this season hasn’t seemed to show him the success that Denny has gotten. Clint is 9th in the point standings, which is very impressive, but with his record at NHIS he maybe dropping a spot. Clint’s best finish here is 24th.
Jamie McMurray (14th) Roush Fenway Racing – Ford – I think Jamie’s crew chief might be looking for a new job. How can a driver loose so many positions because your crew chief can’t do simple math. Jamie went from 1st to 37th and lost his chance of taking the checkered flag during last weekend’s race. Well, don’t worry about Jamie this weekend, because he is going to be having the same kind of luck or the same kind of instructions from the all powerful pit box. Jamie averages a finish of about 22nd for his eight times to NHIS and that ain’t too good.
Track Stats
New Hampshire International Speedway (Loudon, N.H.)
Lenox Industrial Tools 300
July 1, 2007 (Sunday) – 1:00 pm - TNT
(Sister Flat Tracks – Indianapolis, Phoenix, Las Vegas & Pocono)
Lenox Industrial Tools 300
(July 16, 2006)
Top 10 Results
1. Kyle Busch
2. Carl Edwards
3. Greg Biffle
4. Mark Martin
5. Kevin Harvick
6. Denny Hamlin
7. Jeff Burton
8. Kasey Kahne
9. Jimmie Johnson
10. Scott Riggs
Sylvania 300
(September 17, 2006)
Top 10 Results
1. Kevin Harvick
2. Tony Stewart
3. Jeff Gordon
4. Denny Hamlin
5. Brian Vickers
6. Elliott Sadler
7. Jeff Burton
8. J.J. Yeley
9. Dave Blaney
10. Matt Kenseth
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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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