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NASCAR Natalie
by Natalie Anthony
11/7/2007
Checker Auto Parts 500
Second to Done
With Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) hosting the second to the last race in the chase, I am really not sure what to expect. At least the top two drivers in the point standings will be driving hard, but playing it safe to remain up top and only worry about finishing better than the other one. The rest of the pack will (with respect to chase contenders) be driving like there is no tomorrow. They really have nothing to loose and most of them have a solid ride next year. One thing I definitely do see happening this Sunday, there will be a lot of intense battles for position and maybe one or two big name drivers will be spending the end of the race as a spectator.
The Checkered Four
(Current point standings)
Jimmie Johnson (1st) Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet – Jimmie, I know that each win for you is just another notch in your NASCAR belt because you have had your way with a lot of the tracks this year, but if you find yourself at an advantageous point in the chase, could you please take second spot and give the other 42 drivers a chance? Well, for the 48 fans, Jimmie does clean up nicely when he races at Phoenix. With the best average finish of 7.3 and a whopping 6 Top 10’s put of 8 races, there may be no wonder why the fans of the multi-colored rainbow car may be sitting a little on edge this weekend.
Jeff Gordon (2nd) Hendrick Motorsports – Chevrolet – I bet the 7th place finish at Texas behind teammate first place winner Jimmie Johnson put a real bad taste in Jeff’s mouth. I can’t deny the try, but the finish was pretty dry compared to the point’s leader. Because of that last mediocre finish and that fact that the chase is really on fire, is the reason why Jeff will try to put the chase back in his favor. Yes, Jimmie is better at PIR, but Jeff is more determined to put his teammate behind him in points just like one race ago. Jeff did win the race here in April.
Tony Stewart (6th) Joe Gibbs Racing – Chevrolet – I swear and I don’t do that too often, that Tony will make the next two races something to take notice of. If anybody is do for something great, it is Tony the Tiger. Tony may not be showing the same stuff he brought back in the later races in 2006, but as I am sure he would agree, things change. Tony has raced at PIR 11 times and smiles widely at his 5 Top 5’s and 7 Top 10’s. No wonder he is a happier driver later in the season.
Kevin Harvick (8th) Richard Childress Racing – Chevrolet – There is no rhyme or reason to the way Kevin’s season is going. I can’t even begin to try and formulate a plan for his success at some tracks and his distress at others. Kevin is a diamond in the rough. Don’t ever count him out as not being spectacular and don’t count him in as being the next shining new light. Kevin is what he is. Kevin is a two time champion at PIR and did manage to take the lead in the last lap back in November of 2006. It is hot at Phoenix and Kevin could be hotter this Sunday.
Underdogs
(Current point standings)
Matt Kenseth (10th) Roush Fenway Racing – Ford – Was it just me, or did Matt seem to loose his nerve when last year’s champion gave him a run for him money at Texas? I bet me and about 90% of NASCAR nation were waiting for a driver outside Hendrick Motorsports to drive for the win, just like Matt. Matt does pretty well at PIR, but because of his choking issues, he doesn’t get to ride up front in my article. Matt finished 5th at PIR in April.
Bobby Labonte (19th) Petty Enterprises – Dodge – I have more respect for Petty Enterprises than any other driving organization expect for my coveted Evernham Gillett Motorsports (Proud owner of Kasey Kahne) or the legendary Dale Earnhardt Enterprises (Dale Earnhardt Sr. – greatest driver there ever was). Did Bobby receive a free get into the Top 35 in owner’s point’s card? He has been driving the decals off the #43 this year. Bobby has 3 Top 5’s and 9 Top 10’s out of 17 starts. Unless something crazy happens, Bobby should finish in the Top 10.
Most likely to be a lap down
(Current point standings)
Clint Bowyer (3rd) Richard Childress Racing – Chevrolet – It is fantastic that Clint showed that he can hold his own against more experienced drivers, but we all knew that there would be no fairy tale ending for him. Especially at this Phoenix, Clint will not be able to gain too many more points to keep his spot at 3rd in the points. This will be his 5th start at PIR and with only one top 10 on his resume at this track; I don’t see him doing much better than 20th.
Ryan Newman (14th) Penske Racing – Dodge – I was pushing for Ryan to win last weekend at Texas anytime he was in the Top 5. Ryan has seemed to put the issue of just being a pole sitter behind him and is trying to prove that he can run fast during all the laps of a race. I don’t think that will do much for him on Sunday since out of 10 starts, Ryan has 2 Top 5’s and Top 10’s.
Track Stats
Phoenix International Raceway (Avondale, AZ)
Checker Auto Parts 500
November 11, 2007 (Sunday) – 3:45 pm - ABC
(Sister Flat Tracks – Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Pocono, & New Hampshire)
Subway Fresh Fit 500
(April 21, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jeff Gordon
2. Tony Stewart
3. Denny Hamlin
4. Jimmie Johnson
5. Matt Kenseth
6. Jeff Green
7. Kyle Busch
8. Bobby Labonte
9. Johnny Sauter
10. Kevin Harvick
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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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