DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The strong 2008 seasons by Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch (from Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota, respectively) has made this year's Manufacturers' Championship one of the most heated — and coveted — in history.
With three races remaining in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, only five points separate the top three in the Manufacturers' Championship standings.
Chevrolet took the lead for the first time in 22 races after Jimmie Johnson's second-place finish at Atlanta. Chevrolet, with 198 points, now leads Toyota by one point and Ford by five. Dodge, with 138 points, is 60 points out.
"Several teams have made it a point to say that they'll do everything they can to 'get the next spot' if it means moving Chevy further ahead in the manufacturers' points race," said Pat Suhy, GM Racing NASCAR Group Manager. "I know they'd go for it anyway, but it feels good to know that they're thinking of us at the same time as they are themselves."
Kyle Busch, in winning eight races during the 26-race regular season, put Toyota in prime position to win the Manufacturers' Championship in only its second season.
"The competition between four manufacturers is one of the reasons we decided to become involved in NASCAR, and there's undoubtedly a huge sense of pride in earning the Manufacturers' Championship, especially with the intense level of competition in the series," said Lee White, president and general manager of TRD, U.S.A.
Ford entered the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup trailing Toyota by 18 points. But three wins in seven Chase races have cut the deficit by 13.
"It's obviously been one of the most competitive seasons, in terms of manufacturers that NASCAR has seen in many years," said Doug Hervey, North American Operations Manager, Ford Racing Technology. "Fortunately for us, we've got three race tracks coming up where our teams really excel, especially Homestead Miami Speedway, so we're optimistic about our chances of coming back and winning the manufacturers' championship."
Source: NASCAR
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Fantasy Report: Dickies 500
There's only three races left in the 2008 season and Carl Edwards isn't going out without a fight. While Johnson still has the edge, Edwards has to really capitalize in the last few races to have a shot at the championship — and hope that Johnson finishes terribly. We'll all know soon enough. Onto the picks:
Brandon's picks:
Jeff Burton✔, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr.✔, Mark Martin✔, David Ragan, Ryan Newman, Travis Kvapil✔ and AJ Allmendinger.
Erik's picks:
Jeff Burton✔, Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman✔, Jamie McMurray✔, David Ragan, Bobby Labonte, Paul Menard✔ and David Reutimann.
Use 'em, if you got 'em: If you still have Johnson and Edwards available put at least one of them in this weekend. Johnson has the best average here but only has one win to Carl Edwards' two. I would still think that Johnson is the favorite but if Edwards' ride is anything like it was this past weekend then he'll be hard to beat. Of course, I give this advice and I can't use either driver — I'm putting in Jeff Burton.
Honorable mentions: Burton has 2 wins and 7 top tens at Texas and could be an excellent pick this weekend. Matt Kenseth has also done very well here in the past with a win and 5 top five finishes and after looking strong in Atlanta he might have a shot at the checkered flag this weekend. Don't ever count Mark Martin out either. Even though he's heading to Hendrick Motorsports in 2009 the veteran is still looking to post his first win of 2008.
The unpredictable: What can you say? This stuff is hard. We've said time and time again that what might seem like a lock can quickly deteriorate into a 40th or worse finish. I had a pretty bad week in Atlanta and dropped to 6th spot. I'm hoping to have a solid finish this weekend even though I'm going to have to pick my drivers well before any practice or qualifying since your humble narrator will be spending the weekend in New Orleans.
Good luck race fans!
Brandon's picks:Jeff Burton✔, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr.✔, Mark Martin✔, David Ragan, Ryan Newman, Travis Kvapil✔ and AJ Allmendinger.
Erik's picks:
Jeff Burton✔, Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman✔, Jamie McMurray✔, David Ragan, Bobby Labonte, Paul Menard✔ and David Reutimann.
Use 'em, if you got 'em: If you still have Johnson and Edwards available put at least one of them in this weekend. Johnson has the best average here but only has one win to Carl Edwards' two. I would still think that Johnson is the favorite but if Edwards' ride is anything like it was this past weekend then he'll be hard to beat. Of course, I give this advice and I can't use either driver — I'm putting in Jeff Burton.
Honorable mentions: Burton has 2 wins and 7 top tens at Texas and could be an excellent pick this weekend. Matt Kenseth has also done very well here in the past with a win and 5 top five finishes and after looking strong in Atlanta he might have a shot at the checkered flag this weekend. Don't ever count Mark Martin out either. Even though he's heading to Hendrick Motorsports in 2009 the veteran is still looking to post his first win of 2008.
The unpredictable: What can you say? This stuff is hard. We've said time and time again that what might seem like a lock can quickly deteriorate into a 40th or worse finish. I had a pretty bad week in Atlanta and dropped to 6th spot. I'm hoping to have a solid finish this weekend even though I'm going to have to pick my drivers well before any practice or qualifying since your humble narrator will be spending the weekend in New Orleans.
Good luck race fans!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Fantasy Report: Pep Boys Auto 500
The action is heating up as 'The Chase for the Cup' draws closer to an end. In race seven of the Chase drivers will handle the high speeds of Atlanta Motor Speedway in the Pep Boys Auto 500.
Here are the picks ...
Erik's picks:
Jeff Burton✔, Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman✔, Jamie McMurray✔, David Ragan, Bobby Labonte, Paul Menard✔ and David Reutimann.
Brandon's picks:
Tony Stewart✔, Carl Edwards, Juan Pablo Montoya✔, Mark Martin✔, Kasey Kahne, Elliot Sadler, Paul Menard✔ and Michael Waltrip.
Jimmie Johnson all the way: I think its safe to say Johnson might have the Cup locked up — unless he gets lost on the way to every track for the rest of the season. Even then I think he might find a way to win. If you have him left on your fantasy roster this is a great time to use him. There have been seven season sweeps at Atlanta and one of those by Johnson in 2007. He also has an average finish of 9th at Atlanta. If weather becomes a factor at Atlanta this could play in Johnson's favor once again. If qualifying gets rained out he would sit the pole and 55 races have been won from the first five starting positions.
Long shot: This week my long shot is Bobby Labonte. He leads the active list of drivers with six career victories at Atlanta. He also holds the track record. If he qualifies well then I will put him in. Being out of contention for a top five finish in the fantasy standings I don’t think it will really hurt me that much.
Good luck this week!
Here are the picks ...
Erik's picks:Jeff Burton✔, Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman✔, Jamie McMurray✔, David Ragan, Bobby Labonte, Paul Menard✔ and David Reutimann.
Brandon's picks:
Tony Stewart✔, Carl Edwards, Juan Pablo Montoya✔, Mark Martin✔, Kasey Kahne, Elliot Sadler, Paul Menard✔ and Michael Waltrip.
Jimmie Johnson all the way: I think its safe to say Johnson might have the Cup locked up — unless he gets lost on the way to every track for the rest of the season. Even then I think he might find a way to win. If you have him left on your fantasy roster this is a great time to use him. There have been seven season sweeps at Atlanta and one of those by Johnson in 2007. He also has an average finish of 9th at Atlanta. If weather becomes a factor at Atlanta this could play in Johnson's favor once again. If qualifying gets rained out he would sit the pole and 55 races have been won from the first five starting positions.
Long shot: This week my long shot is Bobby Labonte. He leads the active list of drivers with six career victories at Atlanta. He also holds the track record. If he qualifies well then I will put him in. Being out of contention for a top five finish in the fantasy standings I don’t think it will really hurt me that much.
Good luck this week!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Rocket Racing League to take off
FAA Approves Rocket Races
SPACE.com — Rocket-powered racers received the go-ahead this week from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to soar at over 20 venues across the United States.
This certification marks the first time ever that the FAA has approved a production-scale rocket-powered aircraft for exhibition flights, the Rocket Racing League announced on Tuesday.
The league formed in 2005 to promote aerial NASCAR-style racing, and currently has a roster of six teams under title sponsor DKNY, a New York City-based men's sportswear line that is also backing the Bridenstine Rocket Racing Team headed by former U.S. Navy jet pilot Jim Bridenstine.
An earlier debut of the rocket-powered racers used a liquid oxygen and kerosene engine designed by XCOR Aerospace. However, the DKNY Bridenstine Rocket Racer that received recent FAA approval for public demonstrations is equipped with liquid oxygen and alcohol engines produced by Armadillo Aerospace.
"I would like to personally thank the FAA for their assistance through this process," said Granger Whitelaw, Rocket Racing League co-founder and CEO. "This historic moment was built upon the unprecedented cooperation between our company, Armadillo Aerospace, and the FAA."
He added that the League plans to confirm its venues for the 2009 exhibition season, before kicking off an official race season with 10 rocket racers in 2010.
Read more >>
Video of the RRL inaugural flight
Rocket Racing League's Web site
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Fantasy Report: Tums QuikPak 500
With my hopes for at least a second place finish in our Fantasy league quashed by last weekend's dismal showing from my drivers I have no choice but to keep on truckin' and see how well I can finish. It's pretty funny to think that I was really trying last week and ended up getting fewer points than Erik who was trying to pick losers. Just goes to show how much of a roll of the dice this thing truly is. Well, we're in Martinsville this week ... onto the picks:
Brandon's picks:
Jeff Gordon✔, Denny Hamlin, David Ragan✔, Kasey Kahne✔, Ryan Newman, Juan Pablo Montoya, David Reutimann✔ and Aric Almirola.
Erik's picks:
Jeff Gordon✔, Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman✔, Jamie McMurray✔, David Ragan, Juan Pablo Montoya, Paul Menard✔ and David Reutimann.
Better than most: Look to Hendrick Motorsports for this week's locks. With 8 poles and 7 wins at Martinsville, Jeff Gordon will likely have a strong showing. His teammate Jimmie Johnson has one pole and 4 wins here. While Gordon's team has been getting better recently, if I had to bet I would say that Johnson might have the better shot at winning this weekend. Mark Martin has also been a top finisher and winner here but he won't be racing this weekend — Aric Almirola will be in the driver's seat.
High expectations: I have high hopes that my B drivers can do well this weekend. They were really my only sources of points last week. I think that David Ragan will continue his hot streak and Kasey Kahne will be able to capitalize on his second-place finish at Lowe's coming into this weekend. I'll likely start which ever one of my C drivers does better overall during practice and qualifying, which is usually the case.
Good luck!
Brandon's picks:Jeff Gordon✔, Denny Hamlin, David Ragan✔, Kasey Kahne✔, Ryan Newman, Juan Pablo Montoya, David Reutimann✔ and Aric Almirola.
Erik's picks:
Jeff Gordon✔, Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman✔, Jamie McMurray✔, David Ragan, Juan Pablo Montoya, Paul Menard✔ and David Reutimann.
Better than most: Look to Hendrick Motorsports for this week's locks. With 8 poles and 7 wins at Martinsville, Jeff Gordon will likely have a strong showing. His teammate Jimmie Johnson has one pole and 4 wins here. While Gordon's team has been getting better recently, if I had to bet I would say that Johnson might have the better shot at winning this weekend. Mark Martin has also been a top finisher and winner here but he won't be racing this weekend — Aric Almirola will be in the driver's seat.
High expectations: I have high hopes that my B drivers can do well this weekend. They were really my only sources of points last week. I think that David Ragan will continue his hot streak and Kasey Kahne will be able to capitalize on his second-place finish at Lowe's coming into this weekend. I'll likely start which ever one of my C drivers does better overall during practice and qualifying, which is usually the case.
Good luck!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Fantasy Report: Bank of America 500
Lowe's Motor Speedway is where NASCAR heads this week as The Chase for the Cup draws closer to the end. After my horrendous fantasy showing at Talladega this past weekend I am going to try something a little different. I figure I am already out of winning so why not have some fun.
During the Kansas race Brandon and I were talking about how much fun reversing the rules of fantasy racing would be. To pick the drivers who are going to finish closest to the back. It would give racing fans a chance to cheer on some of the other guys who don’t always make it to victory lane. In honor of my total debacle that is fantasy racing 2008 I am going to pay homage to the racers I believe will finish in the rear of the pack this week at Lowe's. It is going to be fun to root for the underdog. Who knows — they might even win!
Onto our picks …
Erik's picks:
Kurt Busch✔, Clint Bowyer, Dave Blaney✔, Robby Gordon✔, David Gilliland, Reed Sorenson, Michael Waltrip✔ and Paul Menard.
Brandon's picks:
Carl Edwards✔, Jeff Gordon, David Ragan✔, Kasey Kahne✔, Mark Martin, Elliot Sadler, Travis Kvapil✔ and David Reuitmann.
SMART MOVES: If you are looking to get points this week Kasey Kahne is a great move. He has won three of the last five races at Lowe's. If you still have him left on your roster, Jimmie Johnson is a powerhouse as this track. Since 2003, he has had five wins at Charlotte. I think Brandon has selected great drivers for this week and has a great opportunity to move into the second place spot in our fantasy league. Good luck to you B! Watch out for my underdogs though.
During the Kansas race Brandon and I were talking about how much fun reversing the rules of fantasy racing would be. To pick the drivers who are going to finish closest to the back. It would give racing fans a chance to cheer on some of the other guys who don’t always make it to victory lane. In honor of my total debacle that is fantasy racing 2008 I am going to pay homage to the racers I believe will finish in the rear of the pack this week at Lowe's. It is going to be fun to root for the underdog. Who knows — they might even win!
Onto our picks …Erik's picks:
Kurt Busch✔, Clint Bowyer, Dave Blaney✔, Robby Gordon✔, David Gilliland, Reed Sorenson, Michael Waltrip✔ and Paul Menard.
Brandon's picks:
Carl Edwards✔, Jeff Gordon, David Ragan✔, Kasey Kahne✔, Mark Martin, Elliot Sadler, Travis Kvapil✔ and David Reuitmann.
SMART MOVES: If you are looking to get points this week Kasey Kahne is a great move. He has won three of the last five races at Lowe's. If you still have him left on your roster, Jimmie Johnson is a powerhouse as this track. Since 2003, he has had five wins at Charlotte. I think Brandon has selected great drivers for this week and has a great opportunity to move into the second place spot in our fantasy league. Good luck to you B! Watch out for my underdogs though.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Rule clarification regarding passing at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — At yesterday's Drivers Meeting, NASCAR reiterated the rule about passing under the yellow line and provided the same information to all drivers and crew chiefs in a hand out, as we've done in past Daytona and Talladega races. The verbatim language is:
"This is your warning: race above the yellow line. If, in NASCAR'S judgment, you go below the yellow line to improve your position, you will be black-flagged. If in NASCAR's judgment you force someone below the yellow line (in an effort to stop him from passing you), you may be black-flagged."
"During the last lap of yesterday's race at Talladega Superspeedway the driver of the No. 01 violated NASCAR policy by driving under the yellow line to improve his position," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "In NASCAR's opinion he was not forced below the yellow line. NASCAR correctly took immediate action to enforce the policy by penalizing the No. 01 and scoring the No. 20 as the race winner."
Helton continued, "Since the end of the race there has been some confusion as to what is allowable during the last lap at Daytona and Talladega. To be clear, as we go forward, there will be no passing under the yellow line at any time during NASCAR races at Daytona or Talladega, period. This includes any passing below the yellow line near the start/finish line on the final lap," said Helton.
"This is your warning: race above the yellow line. If, in NASCAR'S judgment, you go below the yellow line to improve your position, you will be black-flagged. If in NASCAR's judgment you force someone below the yellow line (in an effort to stop him from passing you), you may be black-flagged."
"During the last lap of yesterday's race at Talladega Superspeedway the driver of the No. 01 violated NASCAR policy by driving under the yellow line to improve his position," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "In NASCAR's opinion he was not forced below the yellow line. NASCAR correctly took immediate action to enforce the policy by penalizing the No. 01 and scoring the No. 20 as the race winner."
Helton continued, "Since the end of the race there has been some confusion as to what is allowable during the last lap at Daytona and Talladega. To be clear, as we go forward, there will be no passing under the yellow line at any time during NASCAR races at Daytona or Talladega, period. This includes any passing below the yellow line near the start/finish line on the final lap," said Helton.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
