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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
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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">Ben Roethlisberger Won't Request Further Reduction
(9/3 12:41 AM PT)
The Facts:
Roethlisberger and team president Art Rooney II will meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell Friday morning in New York, but they will not be politicking to have his suspension reduced beyond two games, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has learned.
Diehards Line:
Reports have suggested that Rooney is accompanying Roethlisberger to the meeting to have his suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy reduced from six games to three games. But that is not the case. "That door is not open," a source who is familiar with the meeting told Post-Gazette Gerry Dulac. ... This news comes after a number of observers suggested that such a request might not go over well with Goodell -- the sole arbiter of Roethlisberger's fate.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr2')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Report: Michael Bush Could Miss Up To Six Weeks
(9/2 8:00 PM PT)
The Facts:
Based on what information is available regarding the fractured thumb of RB Michael Bush, Tribune staffer Jerry McDonald reports it’s highly unlikely Bush will be ready to play in the opener and could miss up to a quarter of the season or more.
Diehards Line:
HC Tom Cable confirmed the thumbe was fractured and said on Monday “he’ll need a procedure on it, and whether that keeps him out or not remains to be seen.” Cable has since declined to discuss the injury and wouldn’t confirm the surgery had taken place. McDonald, however, consulted with an othepedic surgeon familiar with the procedure who suggested a 4-to-6 week recovery period. If Bush were to be out four weeks from the time of surgery, he would be available to practice for the in the days preceding the Houston Texans game on Oct. 3 in Week 4. Six weeks would mean Bush could be ready to face the 49ers on On Oct. 6 in Week 6. ... Stay tuned. We'll continue to watch for more on this one.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr3')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Report: Big Ben To Request 3-Game Suspension
(9/1 3:55 PM PT)
The Facts:
In their meeting scheduled for Friday, Roethlisberger's representatives plan to ask commissioner Roger Goodell to reduce the six-game suspension by at least three games, bringing along team president Arthur J. Rooney II to the New York meeting to support the QB's case.
Diehards Line:
Goodell has made it clear he would consider reducing the length of the suspension if Roethlisberger complied with a number of league imposed conditions, including a comprehensive behavioral evaluation, and stayed clear of any other off field problems. As ESPN's Sal Paolantonio notes, most observers believe Goodell has had in his mind all along to reduce the suspension by two games to four. But Roethlisberger's attorney, David Cornwell, is expected to ask for a greater reduction in the suspension. ... Stay tuned. Some reduction seems all but certain. It'll be interesting to see how Roethlisberger's request is met by the commissioner.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr4')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Redskins Place Malcolm Kelly On IR
(8/31 11:54 AM PT)
The Facts:
HC Mike Shanahan said the team will place injury-plagued WR Malcolm Kelly on injured reserve Tuesday, ending the third-year player's season because of a recurring hamstring problem.
Diehards Line:
Kelly, who practiced just three times during training camp and the preseason, suffered a setback during Monday's workout, his first since July 30. Further evaluation showed that he would likely miss six weeks, Shanahan said. The Redskins could have released Kelly Tuesday, reaching an injury settlement. By putting him on injured reserve, they retain his rights for the future. Shanahan, though, made it clear that Kelly is guaranteed nothing with the Redskins -- even after his hamstring heals.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr5')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Buccaneers Release Derrick Ward
(8/31 11:03 AM PT)
The Facts:
The Buccaneers have cut Ward and WR Terrence Nunn. HC Raheem Morris announced the roster moves after Tuesday's practice.
Diehards Line:
Morris said that Ward, who signed to a lucrative, four-year, $17 million deal in 2009, didn't fit the long-term plan for the Buccaneers. Second-year pro Kareem Huggins, a 2009 undrafted free agent out of Hofstra, beat out Ward for the backup spot to starter Carnell "Cadillac" Williams. In three presesaon games Huggins has run for 97 yards on 19 carries (5.1 average) with two receptions for 16 yards. Huggins brings more speed and big-play ability to the Buccaneers backup running back position.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr6')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Owen Daniels Officially Off The PUP List
(8/30 8:14 PM PT)
The Facts:
The Texans announced Monday that Daniels has passed a physical and has been removed from the active/Physically Unable to Perform list.
Diehards Line:
This allows Daniels to resume practicing with the team less than two weeks before the regular-season opener against Indianapolis. While that's good news, we'll remind you that HC Gary Kubiak said on Sunday the best-case scenario for Daniels, coming off a torn ACL, is probably that he plays 15-20 snaps against the Colts in Week 1. Those who are able might want to watch his progress this week before investing on draft day.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr7')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Michael Bush To Have Surgery; Could Play Week 1
(8/29 7:10 PM PT)
The Facts:
Bush will undergo surgery on his broken left thumb Monday and could be back in time for the season opener.Bush broke the thumb when he was hit on the hand by a helmet on his final carry Saturday night against San Francisco.
Diehards Line:
HC Tom Cable said Sunday there was a "good chance" Bush would be ready to play Sept. 12 in Tennessee and that he would likely not need a cast on the finger. ... Bush led the team with 589 yards rushing last season and was expected to do even more this season now that Justin Fargas has been released. Bush and Darren McFadden will share the bulk of the running load this season, although both have now been hampered by injuries in the preseason.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr8')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Jason Campbell's Wrist Injury Of More Concern Than Shoulder
(8/29 7:09 PM PT)
The Facts:
Campbell's stinger that knocked him out of the exhibition loss to the 49ers does not appear to be serious, HC Tom Cable said. But Campbell hurt his right wrist on the previous series in the game, which is more of an immediate concern. He underwent an MRI on Sunday and will be evaluated again later this week.
Diehards Line:
"Usually I recover pretty fast," Campbell said after the game. "Right now there's no timetable. The thing is just to improve and continue to keep getting better. We don't know the timetable or anything, but at the same time, I haven't really missed any time before. ..." Campbell led Oakland to a touchdown on the opening drive for the second straight week, completing all four of his passes for 67 yards. But the Raiders did not get another first down with Campbell in the game.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr9')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Ben Roethlisberger To Meet With Goodell Next Week
(8/29 5:45 PM PT)
The Facts:
According to FOXSports insider Jay Glazer, Roethlisberger will meet with commissioner Roger Goodell following next Thursday's pre-season game. Goodell will make a final determination on Roethlisberger's suspension, which currently stands at six games. It could be reduced to four.
Diehards Line:
The report indicates that Goodell will inform Roethlisberger and the Steelers of his decision in advance of the regular-season opener. There have been indications -- including comments by Goodell suggesting that Roethlisberger has gone above and beyond in his efforts to meet the requirements necessary -- the suspension will indeed be reduced. ... Stay tuned. We'll be obviously be watching for the official announcement.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr10')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Rams Place Donnie Avery On IR
(8/29 5:44 PM PT)
The Facts:
The Rams announced that Avery, who suffered a torn ACL in last Thursday's win over the Patriots, has been placed on the injured reserve list.
Diehards Line:
The move, which officially ends Avery's season, comes as no real surprise. HC Steve Spagnuolo made no secret of the fact it was a season-ending injury on Friday. The only real question remains unanswered, however: Who replaces Avery as the starter opposite Laurent Robinson? Danny Amendola and Mardy Gilyard were the first candidates mentioned by the coach, who also suggested Keenan Burton as a possibility. Others on the roster included Brandon Gibson, Danario Alexander, Dominique Curry, Jordan Kent and Brandon McRae.
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