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NASCAR Natalie
Turn 4 Transitions
Natalie Anthony
11/01/2006
Dickies 500
Ya know what their thinkin', but man don't your wish they could say it?
If every driver had the opportunity to tell it like it is, we would have a far more interesting race. Not that a NASCAR race needs anymore excitement. Unfortunately for viewers, drivers don't get to exercise their First Amendment right when it comes to controversial opinions they have about other drivers, officials, or anything else NASCAR related. They get the "Don't say it" or "Watch what you say", from their crew chiefs, owner, sponsors, personal assistants, and anyone else who has their best interest at heart. The drivers really have to be careful every time they talk on the radio and to the media. Who gets fined thousand of dollars and a loss in points for saying a swear word? Maybe they can opt for the soap eating penalty. There should be a lot of tongue biting this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway (Texas). This track has a lot of similarities to Atlanta Motor Speedway, so the action that you saw last weekend is close to what you will witness this weekend.
The Checkered Four
(Current point standings)
Jimmie Johnson (2nd) Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet - What the heck does Tony Stewart have under the hood of that #20 car. Man, he is fast. Oh well, I'll just keep doing what I am doing and when the media interviews me, I just say that Tony had a better car in the center of the turns and I was really loose all race in between turns 3 and 4. Yeah, that sounds good. Luckily for me, I run better at Texas than Tony, so I don't have to think of an excuse as to why he was better than me. This will be my 7th start and I have 2 Top 5's and 5 Top 10's. If Kasey wins, I will most likely come in 2nd and I can say something about the high line being too loose for me.
Denny Hamlin (3rd) Joe Gibbs Racing - Chevrolet - I'm going to be Raybestos Rookie of the year and I my have Play Station to thank. Why don't I have the same set up as my teammate Tony Stewart? I know that Joe Gibbs likes him more than me, but I'm going to be rookie of the year. It doesn't matter, I kick butt at Texas and when I win, Joe will like me more. It is my rookie season and I have the best average at Texas. I have raced there 2 times, (35 times on my Play Station) and I have a Top 5 and 2 Top 10's.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (4th) Dale Earnhardt Inc. - Chevrolet - I was so toying with Jeff Gordon at Atlanta. I let him pass me and gave him a lot of room because that's what really good drivers do, but as soon as he did, bam right back at cha' slower Chevy. You bunch of babies. You didn't need new tires to finish the race. Why oh why did I stay so high at the pit road entrance? Oh well, that's the last time the leaders juke me. See that point's leader Matt Kenseth, I still beat you and you had fresher tires. Who's the man? Dale Jr. is. Just wait until Texas; I will be the one everybody follows to the pits because I rock there. I have 8 starts and I have won there unlike Matt Kenseth or Jimmie Johnson. And I have 3 Top 5's and 6 Top 10's. Man, I'm good. No wonder I'm the crowd favorite.
Kasey Kahne (9th) Evernham Motorsports - Dodge - David Stremme, a Top 35 was your most concern during the race, Cmon! I said it was all my fault and that I am really sorry that I damaged your owner's point standings. What was I thinking? I am in the chase for the Nextel Cup and I was in 4th place and made a mistake and took the #40 out of the Top 35. I shake my head and I think it is completely ridiculous. Drink a couple Coors Lite and get a life David. One race is not going to solidify your owner's points and if you had done your job this entire season, you wouldn't be in this position. Don't blame me because you don't know how to drive. I can totally come back this race. Texas is another intermediate track where I rule and another opportunity for me to take the checkered flag. I might have screwed up my chances for the chase, but that's not going to stop me from dominating Texas. Rookies in the back of the pack, stay out of the way while I lap you.
Underdogs
(Current point standings)
Casey Mears (14th) Chip Ganassi Racing - Dodge - Juan Pablo Montoya…That's my #42 car you are driving. Get out. Ooh and you got an 11th place finish in the Busch race. It's a Busch race, wait until you drive in the Nextel Series, than we will talk about how well you are driving. Whatever, I'm just glad I'm changing teams next season. I mean who wants to be overshadowed by a Formula One driver who gets all the attention. I should run pretty good at Texas. I have 5 starts there and an average finish of 11th spot. Yeah, I definitely can finish in the Top 15. Hopefully in the Top 10, so I can rub that in Juan's face. If it weren't for the free pass for drivers a lap down, I would never run on the lead lap.
Martin Truex Jr. (21st) Dale Earnhardt Inc. - Chevrolet - Why is it lately that every time I run in the Top 15, my car chokes. Shouldn't I have the same tires as my teammate Dale Jr.? His tires didn't blow and mine did. This favoritism thing is really bumming me out. You think, cool, I get to be part of an icon's team and as soon as you get there, not cool, you get leftovers. This will be my 3rd start at Texas, and I have been pretty consistent there. I have a Top 10. As long as my hand-me-down parts hold up, I'll be in the Top 15.
Most likely to be a lap down
(Current point standings)
Kyle Busch (10th) Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet - Who put that wall there? Somebody has been messing with my set up for the last 2 races and making my car really loose. This chase thing is really getting on my nerves. It's too much pressure. At least when I mess up early in the race, everybody pretty much leaves me alone. Since I am completely out of the chase and I stink at Texas, if I run bad on Sunday nobody will care. I really don't like Texas. I've raced there 3 times and I can't do any better than an average Top 25. If I take myself out of the race completely, at least I'll look good hangin' out in the garage with my cool sun glasses. That's what I get for being good lookin'; I have a sun glass company sponsoring me.
Robby Gordon (26th) Robby Gordon Motorsports - Chevrolet - What debris? It wasn't me. I have no idea what you are talking about and why part of my roll cage padding is missing. It is really ironic that a caution came out and I was the first car a lap down. Wow, I must be really lucky. How else can I get a Top 10? Sometimes you have to make your own luck. I just hope the next time I "make my own luck", that NASCAR doesn't implement some new rule because I would never get another Top 10. I am not going to get one at Texas, I'd be lucky if I get a Top 30.
Track Stats
Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth, TX)
Dickies 500
November 5, 2006 (Sunday) - 2:30 pm - NBC
(Sister Tracks - Lowe's, California, Homestead-Miami, Kansas
Dover, Chicagoland, Michigan, Darlington, & Atlanta)
(Tracks in bold represent tracks in the Chase for the Nextel Cup)
Samsung/Radio Shack 500
(April 9, 2006)
Top 10 Results
1. Kasey Kahne
2. Matt Kenseth
3. Tony Stewart
4. Denny Hamlin
5. Kevin Harvick
6. Jeff Burton
7. Scott Riggs
8. Martin Truex Jr.
9. Mark Martin
10. Bobby Labonte
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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">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('tr2')" 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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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr3')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">GM Disappointed, But Not Ready To Bail On Cedric Benson
(5/11 12:22 PM PT)
The Facts:
GM Jerry Angelo expressed disappointment that Benson put himself in a situation last weekend that resulted in his arrest near Austin Texas, but Angelo said the team isn't rushing to judgment in the case and that he expects Benson to be at training camp competing for the starting job in July. "The thing that I am most disappointed in is the fact that he put himself in a position to be the victim," Angelo said.
Diehards Line:
Coming off arguably the worst of his three disappointing seasons with the Bears, Benson was expected to face an uphill battle for playing time against second-round pick Matt Forte even before the legal problems. Benson is still in the process of rehabbing the latest injury, but he hopes to be 100 percent healthy by the start of camp July 23.As reported in this week's Fantasy Notebook, there has been speculation that the Bears might release Benson, but Angelo dashed those rumors. "There's no plans to cut him," the Bears' GM said.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr4')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Saints' Interest In Jeremy Shockey Ongoing
(5/11 11:16 AM PT)
The Facts:
The talk of the Saints' interest in acquiring Shockey is seemingly never-ending. When asked about whether or not improving depth at tight end is a priority in the offseason, HC Sean Payton said, "If the right player was available and we felt like he could come in an compete with the guys we currently have on our roster, than we'd be interested in doing that."
Diehards Line:
In light of Payton's comment, it might be worth noting a Newark Star Ledger report this morning in which Giants OC Kevin Gilbride's said he's not sure if Shockey will play another down for the Giants or if he'll be traded. "It's so nebulous right now. I just have no idea what's going to happen," Gilbride said. Gilbride said he has spoken to Shockey recently, but wouldn't say what the TE's feelings were. The coach also suggested the team's improvement with Shockey on the sidelines late last season had more to do with Steve Smith's presence than Shockey's absence.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr5')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Torry Holt Unsure About Long-Term Future With Rams
(5/11 11:15 AM PT)
The Facts:
On Saturday, in his first comments to St. Louis reporters since the end of the 2007 season, it was clear that Holt is taking a realistic view about his future with the Rams. "I have this year and next year, and hopefully I can finish those years out," Holt said. "Then, I'll see where I'm at. I'll see where I'm at physically. I'll see where I'm at emotionally, financially."
Diehards Line:
Holt went on to explain: "Then, if they would like to do something here, I'll consider it. If not, then I'll have the option to go and explore and give my services somewhere else." Holt raised eyebrows three weeks ago when he talked about reuniting with his brother Terrence -- a safety for the Panthers -- when the final two years of his contract were up. To a degree, it was clear Holt was joking, particularly the remark about "resigning" from the Rams. But he admitted Saturday that if he moves on, Carolina will definitely be the first choice. Still, Holt fully plans to play out the remaining two seasons on his current contract.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr6')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Darren McFadden Showing Off Speed, Versatility
(5/11 12:20 AM PT)
The Facts:
McFadden practiced in his No. 20 jersey, showing speed and burst in both rushing attempts and pass routes. "It's so easy for him to run really fast," HC Lane Kiffin said. "He's running by people and it doesn't look like it's really hard to do. Reggie (Bush) was that way. They don't even have to go to the next level until they really need it."
Diehards Line:
As Chronicle staffer David White pointed out, contact isn't allowed in off-season workouts, so plays were whistled dead when tackles seemed imminent -- not that many defenders on hand looked capable of doing so in an open field. Meanwhile, Oakland Tribune beat man Jerry McDonald notes that McFadden caught a number of passes in Saturday's workouts -- both out of the backfield and while split out wide. He even lined up at QB taking shotgun snaps less than 24 hours after Kiffin cautioned about throwing too much at the rookie too soon.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr7')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Matt Ryan Starting At Bottom Of Depth Chart
(5/10 4:31 PM PT)
The Facts:
The Falcons just finished the first of five mini-camp practices and Ryan made his debut -- as the third-team quarterback. This veteran coaching staff is going to make him earn his stripes. So, for now, he worked behind Chris Redman and Joey Harrington and rotated with D.J. Shockley.
Diehards Line:
The Falcons have yet to tip their hand when it comes to the approach they'll take with Ryan. He could start, or the coaching staff could make him earn his way up the depth chart. But as the AJC notes, the offense is new and Redman, Harrington and D.J. Shockley don't have a big head start on the rookie. That could emerge as a determining factor in the staff's strategy.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr8')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Mario Manningham Slowed By Injured Hip Flexor
(5/10 2:57 PM PT)
The Facts:
Manningham and QB Andre' Woodson were sidelined by injuries Saturday during the New York Giants' mini-camp for rookies and free agents. A third-round draft pick from Michigan, Manningham suffered a hip flexor on his left side running a pull-up pattern early in the morning workout. Woodson pulled a quad muscle in his left leg.
Diehards Line:
Manningham said the injury happened because he did not run his pattern right. "It ain't nothing bad or serious," Manningham said. "If it was serious I would not be walking. ..." HC Tom Coughlin said Manningham, the third-round pick from Michigan, "showed some flashes" before the injury.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr9')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Chris Perry Ready To Contribute
(5/10 9:16 AM PT)
The Facts:
HC Marvin Lewis said Sunday that Perry will be available Tuesday when the team begins voluntary on-field work. Perry was placed on season-ending injured reserve in 2007 after sustaining a serious ankle injury Nov. 26, 2006.
Diehards Line:
According to Enquirer staffer Mark Curnutte, the reason the Bengals didn't take a running back in last month's NFL Draft wasn't because they wanted to sign Shaun Alexander, who had been released by Seattle. The reason is that Perry appears to be healthy and ready to play this year. ... The Bengals want Perry to return to the role he occupied in 2005, when he played in 14 games with two starts and had 51 receptions and a 4.6-yard rushing average as Rudi Johnson's backup. To do so, of course, Perry would have to avoid the kind of injuries that have limited him just 9one full season in four years as a pro.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr10')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Kyle Boller Running With First Team; Flacco Impresses
(5/10 1:15 AM PT)
The Facts:
Boller got most of the work with the first team but looked shaky during team drills. He threw two interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown by the defense.
Diehards Line:
According to ESPN.com's James Walker, rookie Joe Flacco shared secondary reps with Troy Smith and didn't disappoint. The rookie first-round pick showed off his arm strength with several nice deep balls, including one that connected with receiver Mark Clayton for a touchdown. He also threw crisp slants and check downs to running backs. ... All indications are Boller will be the opening day starter but don't be surprised if the new staff pushes Flacco into the lineup as quickly as possible.
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