|
HOME
> INSIDE NASCAR
April
17, 2007
Only
the Bumps are Smaller in Texas
Making the Grade-Texas Spring Events
By Dennis Michelsen
Busch
Race-Texas Motor Speedway
1. Matt Kenseth
2. Denny Hamlin
3. Carl Edwards
4. Casey Mears
5. David Ragan
6. David Reutimann
7. Kyle Busch
8. Kurt Busch
9. Paul Menard
10. Jeff Burton
F
for Steve Wallace
This is one young gun that might have benefited from one
more full season on the ARCA RE/MAX circuit. After the
race Steve said he would just go out and learn by tearing
up equipment. The only problem with that strategy is that
teams without such deep pockets as his Dad Rusty will
also be paying the costs too!
D
for ESPN Announcers
Whether it was the fact that the regular announcers were
taking the week off or some other reason, ESPN took a
slide backwards with their race coverage on Saturday at
Texas. So many changes occurred and not only did the announcers
not tell us, but they seemed not to know either!
C
for Jason Leffler
Usually the top non-Cup driver earns a "B"
on "Making the Grade." This week, however, the
best run by a non-Cup driver was 13th place. Jason Leffler
still earns the mention but loses one full letter grade
this week.
B
for David Ragan
This talented rookie on both the Cup and Busch circuits
earned his first career pole position in Busch competition
this weekend. Even more impressive is the fact that Ragan
stayed in the hunt for the win all day too!
A
for Matt Kenseth
Sure hope everyone enjoyed their free fries from Arbys
again this week. We might see a potato shortage if Matt
Kenseth can get better luck to go with his talent and
great team! This week Matt rallied from an early flat
tire and spin to grab the win.
Nextel
Cup-Texas Motor Speedway
1. Jeff Burton
2. Matt Kenseth
3. Mark Martin
4. Jeff Gordon
5. Jamie McMurray
6. Greg Biffle
7. Martin Truex Jr
8. Juan Pablo Montoya
9. Denny Hamlin
10. David Stremme
F for Kyle Busch
When the yellow flag comes out it is time to slow down
Kyle! The speed graphs on the Fox 3D told the tale on
this one. After Tony Stewart spun out Dale Earnhardt Jr
was quick to slow up but got run over by Kyle Busch. In
an ironic twist of fate Junior ended up driving the No.
5 car since Kyle left the track early.
D
for NASCAR Scheduling
Am I the only NASCAR fan that remembers the whole concept
of second round qualifying? It wasn't that many years
ago that the slowest cars on Friday had a shot at qualifying
again on Saturday morning. Why can't NASCAR use this same
philosophy when regular qualifying is rained out? Let
the cars that aren't locked in by the Top 35 Rule to qualify
for a chance to start at the back of the pack!
C
for Johnny Sauter
This team has fought hard to remain in the top 35 this
season. Despite having some damage after an early wreck
at a track where aerodynamics rule, Johnny Sauter managed
to bring his car home to a 22nd place finish.
B
for Mark Martin
No rust on this veteran just because he took three weeks
off! Mark Martin is still hanging on to a place in the
Chase for the Championship despite missing two weeks of
racing. If that doesn't convince you how strong Ginn Racing
is nothing will!
A
for Jeff Burton
I still don't understand why Jeff Burton doesn't have
a Kleenex sponsorship! Perhaps if JB continues his strong
season and wins three or four more he will. Richard Childress
Racing is definitely back to stay thanks to Jeff Burton.
Tuesday
on Race Talk Radio
8 pm Eastern-ASALMS Radio and Down on the Farm-Each
week the best in minor league racing is profiled including
the news from the cars and stars of the ASA Late Model
Series. Host Dennis Michelsen interviews the drivers,
series promoters, and others making news at local short
tracks all over the country.
This
Week's Guests
Matt Prieur-The Voice of the ASA Late Model Series
Cody Smith-ASALMS Driver of the Week
Alan Dietz-Review of the UARA Race at Kenly, NC
Caylie Duncanson-Future Stars in Racing Driver
9pm Eastern-Inside the ARCA RE/MAX Series-Host
Mike Harper brings you the news from inside the ARCA RE/MAX
Series. Since 1953 the Automobile Racing Club of America
(ARCA) has featured some of the best stockcar racing in
the country! Meet the drivers making news in the ARCA
RE/MAX series every Tuesday night.
This
Week's Guests
Cale Gale-ARCA and NASCAR Busch Series driver
Chris Knight-Our ARCA Insider from Catchfence.com
|
