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NASCAR Natalie
by Natalie Anthony
10/17/2007
Subway 500
Short Track Sweetness
There is something mesmerizing about watching a race on a track that is the distance of a mile or less. Whether you attend the race at Martinsville Speedway (MS) personally or enjoy the coverage on ABC, you will be in a trance for the entire 500 laps, of course with the exception of cautions and commercials depending on your point of view. There is action at every turn and every straight away, and if you don’t pay attention, you will loose the beginning of the lead line and wonder where first place is running. So before you visit the facilities, grab some grub, or rummage through your cooler for another Budweiser (future sponsor of the talented Kasey Kahne in 2008) make a mental note of the leader, reference the scoring tower, or wait for a caution. I, fortunately, will be able to test my hypothesis this weekend for my annual fall trek to that sugary oval of goodness.
Happy belated birthday to Dale Earnhardt Jr. He turned 33 last Wednesday (10/10).
Side note: I would like to thank Ryan Newman for making the last few laps at Lowe’s the most interesting of the race. Sorry it ended badly, but you were so awesome for trying.
The Checkered Four
(Current point standings)
Jeff Gordon (1st) Hendrick Motorsports – Chevrolet – I sound like an audio file stuck in download, but this is yet another track that Jeff has the most wins (7) out of the active driver roster. Every weekend it is getting to the point where if Jeff is in the lead with 10 laps to go, I mentally do something else. I would never leave my TV unattended during the final laps of a race. Just hoping for another driver to make it interesting; that’s all. Yawn, yawn. Jeff is leaving the rest of the track in dirty air, so just pick him.
Jimmie Johnson (2nd) Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet – Jimmie has by far, the best record at MS. Out of 12 starts, he has 7 Top 5’s and 11 Top 10’s. It will definitely be a toss up between the #24 and the #48 in determining who will be the 2007 Nextel Cup champion. Either it will be two in a row for Jimmie or finally number five for Jeff. It took me a race or two last season to figure out what five for five meant.
Tony Stewart (4th) Joe Gibbs Racing – Chevrolet – Tony has something amiss with his end of the season rally. I keep expecting him to throw caution to the wind and do the unimaginable and then nothing. The season is not over yet and Tony still has this race at MS and four more to make it an unforgettable ending. Tony is ranked up there with the other big boys by finishing in the Top 5 seven times and the Top 10 ten times out of 17 races.
Kyle Busch (6th) Hendrick Motorsports – Chevrolet – Kyle might be getting a little rowdy this Sunday. Considering the amount of points he is behind, all bets are off for him trying to be a contender in the chase against his teammates Jeff and Jimmie. Kyle was a good boy at Lowe’s last weekend, but that was just to show good face to new owner Joe Gibbs. If his teammates are nowhere near the Top 5 this Sunday (highly unlikely), some other driver on the track is going to have an eventful race. Kyle has 5 starts with 2 Top 5’s and 3 Top 10’s.
Underdogs
(Current point standings)
Jamie McMurray (19th) Roush Fenway Racing – Ford – It must be Jamie’s style of racing, but I said it before and Jamie has proved it time and time again, when he runs decent he wrecks better. By the grace of the NASCAR gods, Jamie has been lucky enough to avoid being involved in a wreck at MS that last two times he has raced at this track and sported a 9th place finish both times.
Scott Riggs (37th) Gillett Evernham Motorsports – Dodge – Scott has lost five positions in the point standing since last April where he finished 8th, but with his last two Top 10’s at MS, Scott has a good chance of putting the #10 car back into the Top 35 in points and leave his team on a positive note. At least, he will give Patrick Carpentier (Scott’s replacement) a good starting point. Scott was hired to team up with Haas CNC Racing in 2008.
Most likely to be a lap down
(Current point standings)
Greg Biffle (16th) Roush Fenway Racing – Ford – Greg never had a chance this season to make it into the chase. Even though rumors indicate that he will be continuing with Roush Fenway past 2008, I think he needs to look for a new ride. Greg has made some head way through the season, but not enough to stand out. This weekend at Martinsville will be another downer for the “Biff”. Nine starts at MS and not even a Top 10.
Carl Edwards (5th) Roush Fenway Racing – Ford – I bet Carl wishes that Martinsville only came once a year. Carl has raced at MS six times and has not come close to contention for even a Top 10. Being a chase contender looks good on his NASCAR resume, but winning it would be the cat’s meow. Given that this is the six race of the chase and Carl is 5th in points for the chase title, his chance in taking the Nextel Cup smells closer to a cat litter.
Track Stats
Martinsville Speedway (Martinsville, VA)
Subway 500
October 21, 2007 (Sunday) – 1:45 pm - ABC
(Sister Short Tracks – Bristol & Richmond)
Goody’s Cool Orange 500
(April 1, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Jeff Gordon
3. Denny Hamlin
4. Kyle Busch
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
6. Jeff Burton
7. Tony Stewart
8. Scott Riggs
9. Jamie McMurray
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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