STOCK CAR PIT PASS - Race News Without A Restrictor Plate

October 2 , 2007

Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Making the Grade-Kansas
By Dennis Michelsen
Rain delays, drama, and controversy added a movie-like script to Sunday's adventure at Kansas Speedway known as the Life Lock 400! If the rain had not stopped in time Tony Stewart would have grabbed the win and a comfortable lead in the Championship Chase. Instead the track dried up in time for Greg Biffle to grab a controversial win and for Stewart's Home Depot car and championship hopes getting the hook.

Nextel Cup-Kansas

1. Greg Biffle
2. Clint Bowyer
3. Jimmie Johnson
4. Casey Mears
5. Jeff Gordon
6. Kevin Harvick
7. Reed Sorenson
8. Elliott Sadler
9. Kasey Kahne
10. Dale Earnhardt Jr

F for Greg Zipadelli
The smartest Crew Chief in the business took a gamble that didn't pay off on Sunday. The television view of that left front wheel well showed that the damage would most likely be terminal for the Home Depot Chevy but Zippy decided not to give up track position. This could end up costing Stewart a championship.

D for NASCAR Officiating
Once again NASCAR showed a lack of consistency in applying their own rules. When Juan Pablo Montoya's tire exploded in front of the leaders NASCAR was slow to throw a caution flag hoping to get the last few laps in as darkness fell. Also when Tony Stewart's car started smoking profusely the black flag should have been thrown! Finally NASCAR seemed confused when Greg Biffle's winning car slowed to less than pace car speed at the end of the race.

C for Michael Waltrip Racing
MWR deserves credit for getting all three teams into the race again this week. But finishing 26th, 30th, and 31st is not the kind of result Toyota expected from this team when they signed onboard for 2007 and beyond.

B for Clint Bowyer
As he was dazzling dirt racing fans in the area Clint Bowyer often drove past the Kansas Speedway during its construction. Way back when Clint could not have even imagined racing at the brand new super speedway someday. But over the weekend Bowyer posted two podium finishes in front of the home crowd and sits third in the Championship Chase!

A for Greg Biffle
There is no doubt that Greg Biffle is the most talented driver NOT to make the Chase for the Championship this season! (Sorry Junior fans) This team has been hot down the stretch and hoped to build momentum for the 2008 season!

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.

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.