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NASCAR Natalie
by Natalie Anthony
8/2/2007
Please calm the winds of change
Pennsylvania 500
There have been so many changes going on in NASCAR lately that it is almost impossible to keep on top of everything. If you don’t read NASCAR’s website or subscribe to NASCAR Illustrated or NASCAR Scene you are going to be completely dumb founded when you watch the race this Sunday at Pocono Raceway (PR). First of all, DEI and Ginn Racing merged and left Sterling Marlin and Joe Nemechek out to dry. Secondly, Evernham Motorsports is almost done completing a deal with Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett. Gillett will receive majority ownership of the team. Thirdly, JR Motorsports merged with Hendrick Motorsports in the Busch Series. Fourthly, Kyle Busch looks like a shoe in for Dale Earnhardt Jr’s replacement at DEI/Ginn Racing. And fifthly, will any team independently owned merge with someone else and will all drivers whose contract ends at the end of this season find a new team, so we can get back to racing.
The Checkered Four
(Current point standings)
Jeff Gordon (1st) Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet – Teflon Jeff GorDon. Is it just me or is Jeff really untouchable this season? Jeff drives every race like he is the only one on the track. Well, Jeff really knows how to go solo at Pocono. Jeff won the June race here and finished 3rd for the last Pennsylvania 500 in July 2006. Besides that, he has a remarkable 14 Top 5’s and 20 Top 10’s out of 29 races. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what Jeff will do this Sunday.
Denny Hamlin (2nd) Joe Gibbs Racing – Chevrolet – I thought the 3rd time would be a charm for Denny, but unfortunately Denny was denied his Pocono right and finished 6th his last time here. He or Joe Gibbs can’t complain about that finish since Denny still holds the best finishing average (2.7) out of all the active drivers at PR. Even if he is kept from the checkers first again this weekend, Denny will not finish far behind.
Tony Stewart (5th) Joe Gibbs Racing – Chevrolet – Did I call it last weekend or what? I knew Tony had what it took to kiss the bricks again. Just like last season, Tony is making a late start with his success at the race tracks and Pocono should prove no differently. The last 2 races at PR, Tony finished 7th and 5th; respectively.
Kurt Busch (13th) Penske Racing – Dodge – Kurt will be turning 29 this Saturday and maybe looking at getting a little something extra for his birthday this Sunday from Pocono. I expected Kurt to do a little bit better than finishing 16th in the Pocono 500 in June. But since he has about a 50/50 finishing average at PR, Kurt is either on it or not at all. However, because it is his special weekend, I will give him another chance in the checkered four and he can bring me home at least a Top 10.
Underdogs
(Current point standings)
Martin Truex Jr. (11th) DEI/Ginn Racing – Chevrolet – Martin is very impressive at Pocono. He has only been here 3 times and he has gotten much better each time out. First time at PR, Martin finished 24th and then went on later that year in 2006 to finish 10th. Earlier this year he came in 3rd. Next stop 2nd or 1st.
Bobby Labonte (20th) Petty Enterprises – Dodge – It is really nice to see Bobby back on the list again. Bobby has been racing at Pocono for the last 14 years and the worst place he has finished here so far out of 29 races is 37th and that was due to an engine problem. Bobby’s 3 wins here trumps that. Bobby finished 19th in June and 8th last July. Look for him to finish this Sunday somewhere in between that.
Most likely to be a lap down
(Current point standings)
Juan Pablo Montoya (18th) Chip Ganassi/Sabates Racing – Dodge – I personally think that PR is just too weird of a track for JP to get control over. Pocono Raceway doesn’t have the normal design of most tracks since it is a tri-oval and really doesn’t have the typical 4 turns. Juan visited PR for the first time this past June and finished an ok 20th, but raced uncomfortably for the whole 106 laps.
Reed Sorenson (24th) Chip Ganassi/Sabates Racing – Dodge – Is it ironic that 2 of the Ganassi/Sabates teammates are running side by side in the will not do well category. Reed rocked the Busch series a weekend ago at Illinois. Good for him, but the Cup series ain’t the Busch series. Reed has been to PR 3 times and can’t even get close enough to smell at Top 20.
Track Stats
Pocono Raceway (Long Pond, PA)
Pennsylvania 500
August 5, 2007 (Sunday) – 2:00 pm – ESPN
(Sister Flat Tracks – Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Phoenix, & New Hampshire)
Pennsylvania 500
(July 23, 2006)
Top 10 Results
1. Denny Hamlin
2. Kurt Busch
3. Jeff Gordon
4. Brian Vickers
5. Kevin Harvick
6. Jimmie Johnson
7. Tony Stewart
8. Bobby Labonte
9. Jeff Burton
10. Martin Truex Jr.
Pocono 500
(June 10, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jeff Gordon
2. Ryan Newman
3. Martin Truex Jr
4. Casey Mears
5. Tony Stewart
6. Denny Hamlin
7. Mark Martin
8. Kyle Busch
9. Matt Kenseth
10. Clint Bowyer
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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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