|
NASCAR Natalie
Turn 4 Transitions
by Natalie Anthony
2/12/2008
Pepsi 500
August 31, 2008 (Sunday) - 8:00 pm - ESPN
Two and then their through
Did anybody notice that the last three races before the chase have and will be night races? I know that Richmond has always been a night race, but have the fall Bristol and California races been under the lights in the past? I personally like the transition because drivers are faced with a bigger battle because practice and qualifying are under the natural rays of the sun and the actual race is seen under artificial light. Thank goodness it is Labor Day weekend, or NASCAR nation would be dog tired on Monday.
Front Line Finishers that will establish a place in the Chase
Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards have great racing history at the Auto Club Speedway, but both drivers already are in the chase.
Jimmie Johnson
Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 4th
If Jimmie duplicates his finishes the last two times he raced at California, he will be mathematically placed into the 3rd or 4th position in the chase depending on the outcome of other driver points. During the spring race this season, Jimmie finished 2nd to Carl Edwards and for the race last September, Jimmie was the race winner and Carl Edwards finished 2nd. Jimmie has the best average finish of active drivers at 6.4.
Jeff Burton
Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 5th
Jeff can definitely bring home a Top 10 this Sunday, and the points should put him ahead enough to ensure him a spot for the chase. Jeff had a Top 5 in September of last year, but missed a Top 10 in February by two spots.
Tony Stewart
Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota
Point Standings: 6th
Team mate Kyle Busch has already slotted a spot for the chase two races ago, now Tony has a chance this weekend to clean up and keep his 4th place spot and just have some fun next weekend and not worry about getting into the chase anymore. Tony finished 7th this past February.
Kevin Harvick
Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 8th
Ok, Kevin doesn't have a win to his name this season and he is in the running for the chase. Kevin's history at ACS is not so nice, but he did break into the Top 10 in February. If Kevin has issues this race, he always has Richmond next Saturday and that seems to be one of Kevin's signature tracks.
Matt Kenseth
Roush Fenway Racing - Ford
Point Standings: 10th
Matt definitely knows how to play clean up at the end of the pre-chase season. Matt finished in the Top 10 last fall and in the fifth position this past February. Matt has been to victory lane twice at ACS and is looking for another chance to take the checkered flag. If Matt does fall short some how this weekend, than his 10th place standing right now may put him in jeopardy for the Richmond race and the last race of the chase.
Last Lap Challengers for the Chase
Kasey Kahne
Gillett Evernham Motorsports - Dodge
Point Standings: 14th
Kasey got a raw deal last weekend at Bristol thanks to some really avoidable situations by other drivers and spotters, but don't count Kasey out until the math tells you. Kasey does have a little something to smile about this Sunday. The last two races at California resulted in Top 10's for both races. Kasey just needs to be solid for the next two races. Don't forget Kasey did get his first win at Richmond, which is next on the Sprint Cup Series schedule.
Brian Vickers
Red Bull Racing - Toyota
Point Standings: 16th
Brian's dream about making it into the chase may be something that is just a dream, but what is unknown to many; Brian seems to like running Cali because he finished 8th last season during the fall race and 11th this past February. Brian just might sneak his way into the chase. I don't mind if he does, as long as he doesn't bump Kasey Kahne out of the way.
Martin Truex Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Incorporated - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 17th
With Martin's contract at DEI extended, he can focus on sliding his #1 car into the chase. It may be a long shot for Martin, but don't give up until they make you. A lot can happen in 500 laps and luck can change its mind whenever it wants to.
Bottom 35 Feeders who never had a chance in the Chase
Reed Sorenson
Chip Ganassi/Sabates Racing - Dodge
Point Standings: 31st
Guess what? Young Mr. Sorenson will be making a move over to the Kahne, Sadler, and hopefully Carpentier stable next season with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. I guess NASCAR wants to put all the cute drivers on one team. When Chad McCumbee moves up to the Cup Series full time, I hope Ray Evernham and George Gillett considered him for GEM too.
Juan Pablo Montoya
Chip Ganassi/Sabates Racing - Dodge
Point Standings: 21st
I hope Juan wasn't expecting to rally through the ovals and make it into the chase his first full time season. If only the entire season could be a road course. Juan is working on his fourth attempt at the 2 mile track and working on making his first Top 10. Juan's best finish was 20th at the February race this season.
Track Stats
Auto Club Speedway (Fontana, CA) - ACS
Pepsi 500
(Sister Tracks - Lowe's, Texas, Homestead-Miami, Kansas
Dover, Chicagoland, Michigan, Darlington, & Atlanta)
Sharp Aquos 500
(September 2, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Carl Edwards
3. Kyle Busch
4. Jeff Burton
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
6. Martin Truex Jr.
7. Matt Kenseth
8. Brian Vickers
9. Kurt Busch
10. Kasey Kahne
Auto Club 500
(February 24, 2008)
Top 10 Results
1. Carl Edwards
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Jeff Gordon
4. Kyle Busch
5. Matt Kenseth
6. Martin Truex Jr.
7. Tony Stewart
8. Kevin Harvick
9. Kasey Kahne
10. Ryan Newman
Post questions & comments to:
NASCARNATALIEANTHONY@yahoo.com
|
|
Our latest Cheat Sheets updated constantly through September.
|
|
|
class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr1')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Report: Signs Point Toward LT Joining Jets
(3/14 11:10 AM PT)
The Facts:
According to three people with knowledge of the process, Tomlinson has decided to become a New York Jet. "It's 100 percent," one source said. "Done deal." Tomlinson is expected to announce the decision today or tomorrow.
Diehards Line:
Union-Tribune staffer Kevin Acee stressed, however, that a decision has not yet been officialy made. Tomlinson also visited the Minnesota Vikings last week, spending two days in Minneapolis before going to New York. He returned to San Diego on Saturday. ... Stay tuned.
|
class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr2')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Browns, Jake Delhomme Agree To 2-Year Deal
(3/13 2:54 PM PT)
The Facts:
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cleveland landed its second QB of the week, this time Delhomme.
Diehards Line:
Per Schefter, the two sides agreed to a two-year deal. The next question is what becomes of Brady Quinn? Browns President Mike Holmgren said on Friday that Quinn's future with the club depended on the acquisition of another QB. Now they have one -- although Delhomme won't be handed the starting job. So the bigger question, it seems, is whether Quinn will be in the mix with Delhomme and fellow newcomer Seneca Wallace. ... No matter the final field, Holmgren said he hoped that a starter would be named some time before training camp. "I'm going to kind of set the table, and then it's really Coach (Eric) Mangini's call," Holmgen said.
|
class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr3')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Seahawks Add Veteran TE Chris Baker
(3/13 1:26 PM PT)
The Facts:
Having lost out on former Patriots TE Benjamin Watson on Friday, the Seahawks reached agreement with another former Patriots TE, Baker on Saturday, a league source said.
Diehards Line:
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Baker will sign a two-year, $4.75 million deal that includes $2.75 million in the first year with the Seahawks, according to the source. Seattle was anxious to upgrade its tight ends behind talented youngster John Carlson. Now that it has, New England doesn't have a proven TE on its roster.
|
class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr4')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">LT Heading Home To Consider Decision
(3/13 8:21 AM PT)
The Facts:
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, as he mulls his choice between the Jets and Vikings, Tomlinson now is flying back to San Diego where he'll be free to think it through.
Diehards Line:
Tomlinson remained in New York a little longer than planned due to flight schedules. He had previously told the Vikings he would be returning to San Diego to consider the decision and news that he would remain in New York last night fueled speculation the Jets were closing in a deal. This after previous reports suggested the Jets would really have to wow Tomlinson, who really liked what he heard in Minnesota. With most observers speculating the Jets won't offer LT more than the 2-year, $5-million Thomas Jones got in Kansas City, Minnesota might have the advantage. ... Either way, stay tuned.
|
class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr5')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Javon Walker Still Wants To Play
(3/13 7:22 AM PT)
The Facts:
Walker was released by the Raiders earlier this week, but he says he isn’t done with the NFL. “The NFL is all about what have you done for me lately, and you know, I haven’t done anything lately,” Walker admitted. “But (I’m) just (looking for) somebody who’s going to dig down deep and say, ‘Let’s take a look and see what this kid can do.’”
Diehards Line:
Kid? Multiple injuries have kept Walker from regaining the form he demonstrated while catching 69 passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns with the Broncos in 2006. But Walker claimed during a Friday appearance on NFL Network that after several surgeries — including an experimental procedure on his right knee — he’s 100 percent healthy and ready to play for whatever team is willing to give him a chance. It's safe to say Walker's big-money days are a thing of the past, but that doesn't mean he won't get that chance (any more than getting a chance means Walker will take advantage of it).
|
class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr6')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Wes Welker Also Recovering From Torn Rotator Cuff
(3/12 11:08 PM PT)
The Facts:
Welker is not only recovering from torn ligaments in his left knee but also had a torn rotator cuff.
Diehards Line:
Welker was already facing the most challenging offseason of his career. A source close to the situation told ESPN's Mike Riess that the star wideout is attacking his rehabilitation as would be expected, with a full head of steam. Of course, the shoulder is the lesser of his worries as some observers believe the reconstructed knee will keep Welker from being a factor in New England's offense until as late as November. ... Stay tuned, however; we will still continue to follow up throughout the offseason.
|
class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr7')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Browns Release TE Steve Heiden
(3/12 11:07 PM PT)
The Facts:
After an injury plagued 2009 and the signing of Ben Watson, the Browns move on, releasing Heiden on Friday.
Diehards Line:
Heiden thrived as the team’s second tight end behind the oft-injured Kellen Winslow. After appearing in every regular season game in 2002, Heiden continually improved statistically each year through 2005, when he pulled down 43 receptions for 401 yards, his career peak. But his numbers have been in decline since then, hitting a low point last season when he only appeared in seven games, and finished the season on the injured reserve.
|
class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr8')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">LaDainian Tomlinson Staying In NY Overnight
(3/12 3:33 PM PT)
The Facts:
Tomlinson's meeting with the New York Jets is turning into a sleepover. Tomlinson spent a healthy portion of Friday at the Jets' training facility in Florham Park, N.J. He will dine Friday night with GM Mike Tannenbaum, HC Rex Ryan and other Jets personnel.
Diehards Line:
As ESPN.com's Tim Graham notes, that doesn't necessarily mean a contract for the free-agent running back is in the offing, but the longer he's exposed to the Jets' sales pitch, the better their chances of signing him will be. ... Per Graham, Tomlinson is staying overnight because there were no flights for him to return to the West Coast after dinner. His morning itinerary hasn't been settled, but Graham wouldn't be surprised if the Jets took advantage of the chance for more face time.
|
class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr9')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Bengals Sign WR Chris Davis
(3/12 3:32 PM PT)
The Facts:
The Cincinnati Bengals have already signed WR Antonio Bryant, and they considered signing Terrell Owens. Today they signed a wide receiver with a slightly lower profile. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Bengals have signed Davis, a former Titan.
Diehards Line:
Davis has caught seven passes for 69 yards in his NFL career. He might be most notable for being arrested for DUI last year. Davis was waived by the Titans a few days after the arrest, then brought back in November, then released again.
|
class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr10')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Larry Johnson Signs With Redskins
(3/12 2:29 PM PT)
The Facts:
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, there's a new RB in Washington. The Redskins reached agreement with Johnson on a three-year deal.
Diehards Line:
Johnson has been visiting Washington the last two days and team officials were pushing hard to keep him there. The team has been seeking a veteran tailback who could complement Clinton Portis. Mission accomplished. "Obviously I've watched him from afar for years," HC Mike Shanahan said of Johnson prior to the signing. "I'm a big fan of his. ..." Johnson, 30, has encountered problems off the field, but on it, he has managed to post two 1,750-yard rushing seasons. The next question will be figuring out how Shanahan plans to split the workload between Portis and Johnson. We'll be watching for more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
