Stock Car Insider – April 24th Issue
Upcoming Events in the World of NASCAR
Next week, the Nextel Cup teams will take on the longest track on the ciruit, Talladega Superspeeway. Every week is exciting in the world of NASCAR. However, restricter plate races usually give the fans the most exhilarating show. Watch 44 cars spaced apart by only a few inches traveling at speeds approaching 200mph and you’ll see what I mean. For the entire race, fans will clinch their seats and their beers as they watch for the inevitable “Big One”; the wreck that takes out half the field.
Of the current drivers, the odds on favorite to win is Dale Earnhardt Jr. In 12 starts at Talladega, Jr. has 5 wins.
Other drivers to watch:
Tony Stewart
Kurt Busch
Kevin Harvick
Jeff Gordon
Next Week’s Schedule:
(all times CST)
Nextel Cup: @ Talladega
4/28/06 – 03:05pm Aaron’s 499 Practice
4/29/06 – 10:40pm Aaron’s 499 Qualifying
4/30/06 – 1:10pm Aaron’s 499
Busch Series @ Talladega
4/27/06 – 04:45pm Aaron’s 312 Practice
4/28/06 – 04:05pm Aaron’s 312 Qualifying
4/29/06 – 2:10pm Aaron’s 312
Craftsman Truck Series @ Gateway International Raceway
4/29/06 – 09:00am Dodge Ram Tough 200 Practice
4/29/06 – 03:30pm Dodge Ram Tough 200 Qualifying
4/29/06 – 07:00pm Dodge Ram Tough 200
Who’s Hot?
With Kevin Harvick’s sweep of last weekend, he has put himself almost out of reach in the Busch Series Championship race, and has catapulted himself into the top 10 of the Nextel Cup Championship race. After dismal 2004 & 2005 seasons, many thought his future in Nextel Cup would be uncertain. Kevin’s contract with Richard Childress Racing is up at the end of 2006, and many thought Richard would look for a fresh face to bring success to his ships. However, while Richard was hopping through the jungles of Africa, Kevin was roaring his way to victory lane in Phoenix.
The next stop on the Nextel Cup schedule is Talladega. Expect Kevin to finish well there. In 10 starts, his average finish is 13th.
Who’s Not?
Greg Biffle’s 2006 season is taking baby steps. After starting the season horribly, he has slowly begun to inch his way up the points standings. He currently sits in 21st position and 163 points out of the 10th place qualifying position for the Nextel Cup Championship race. Compare this to last year’s season where Greg Biffle finsihed the season in 2nd place, and I would say he’s thoroughly disgusted.
However, with the abundance of 1 1/2 mile tracks still to race at on the Nextel Cup circuit, don’t count Biffle out! The Roush Racing drivers all excel at the fast-tracks and if any of the drivers ahead of Biffle stumble, expect him to pounce!
Last Week’s Headlines It takes fuel to run at Phoenix!! Just ask Greg Biffle, Mark Martin, and Kevin Harvick. Fuel, or lack of, doomed Kevin Harvick last year as he was set to finish with a top 5 spot. This year, Greg Biffle and Mark Martin both ran out of the liquid gold on the final lap of the Subway Fresh 500. Some of the best action of the day came in the closing laps where Greg Biffle tried to hold of a charging Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick. Biffle’s attempts were undermined when he ran out of gas on the final lap. It was a disappointing ending to a night where Biffle dominated and led the most laps. One thing I find utterly amazing is that Tony Stewart has led every race this year. Currently, Tony sits in 5th place, and has had success at the upcoming tracks on the schedule. I expect Tony to make up ground and position himself to be in the top 3 heading towards the middle part of the season. This article is provided to you by Everything Sports, Inc. http://www.everythingstockcar.com/ is owned and operated by Everything Sports, Inc.
Recap of the 2006 Subway Fresh 500 at
