1. Clint Bowyer- Took the lead in his No. 07 BB&T Chevy just before theyellow flag with two laps left in “regulation” and survived the green-white-checker finish score his second career Sprint Cup Series victory Saturday night at Richmond. As a result, Bowyer is up to fourth in the point standings and his Richard Childress Racing teammates are right there with him in the Top 5. Championship contenders? You can bank on it.
2. The Rivalry- Kyle Busch v. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – With a breathtaking move, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch split Denny Hamlin late in the race as they both caught a glimmer of hope for victory. Junior and Rowdy were racing hard and clean until one Big Mo’ with three laps to go when the No 18 slid into and turned the No 88 ending Junior’s hopes for a win and drawing the wrath of Jr. Nation. This rivalry is now boiling, look for payback, and remember that AMP and M&M’s don’t go all that well together.
3. Denny Hamlin- Was putting on a clinic at his hometown track Saturday night as he set a track record for most laps ever led at Richmond (381) until a slow leak in his right front tire ruined his night. Hamlin clearly tried for a caution to avoid going a lap down but NASCAR was hip to his plan and parked him for a two lap penalty. Hamlin finished 24th , but to dominate an impound race like he did was impressive. A nod must go to his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Tony Stewart who quietly finished fourth.
4. Mark Martin- Driving the same No 8 Army Chevy he drove at Phoenix, Martin ran second much of the night and raced hard at the end to finish third. With the success he has been enjoying driving part time, I think Martin has paved the way for a new kind of “retirement” for drivers. Another nod must also go to his Dale Earnhardt Inc. teammate, Martin Truex, Jr. who had a strong run and finished fifth.
5.Jeff Gordon – Started dead last and was lapped early, but Gordon and his No 24 Dupont Chevy team showed tremendous perseverance throughout the night and ended up with a ninth place finish. Even with all his struggles this year, Gordon sits only six points out of 12th in the Sprint Cup standings. That is not a good sign for the competition.
NOT
1. Jimmie Johnson- The Sprint Cup Champion is still not in good form as he ran mid-pack most of the race, was lapped halfway through and then got wrecked “pretty damn bad” in the “big one” according to his crew chief, Chad Knaus. Johnson finished 10 laps down in 30th and fell two spots in the points to seventh. If this is the best they’ve got, there will be no three-peat.
2. Michael Waltrip – Spent much of the race kissing the outside wall until he finally knocked a screw loose, wrecked Casey Mears, and then proceeded to ram the No 5 car all the way down the backstretch in a fit of insanity. NASCAR parked Waltrip for the rest of the race. I would expect penalties and a trip to his anger management consultant later this week.
3. Patrick Carpentier – The former open-wheel star had a promising start from the fourth spot but couldn’t hang with the leaders. Carpentier was holding his own until he became the ping-pong ball portion of the wreck started by JJ Yeley on lap 230. Carpentier took several hard licks as he got hit on all sides but also had to put up with DW calling him “Pat”…if that’s not a bad day, I don’t know what is.
4.Kurt Busch – The No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge left the track on the back of a wrecker after more bad luck. Kurt Busch had worked his way up to 12th before getting caught in the “big wreck” resulting in his second DNF and falling to 24th in the point standings. Saturday’s finish had to Taste Awful and was certainly Less (ful) Filling.
5. Matt Kenseth – Another driver sorely in need of some good racing luck, Kenseth was also caught up in the “big wreck” Saturday night at Richmond. He avoided a DNF but ended up 65 laps down in 38th and fell to 22nd in points. Now that Robbie Reiser got Carl Edwards solidly in the Top 12 its time to come save his little buddy.
My weekly picks are dedicated to the memory of Cindi Redding who was respected and loved by all who knew her, especially her friends in the FOXSports.com community.
Kyle had every right to the spot he3 was in Junior came down on Kyle the got loose. Kyle did not give any groud because the spot was his from turn two. Junior spun himself out by being so aggressive. The what you get as his old man would say rubbin is racin. Kyle had the best car at the end and Junior cost him the win.
Ibleedblue - you must have watched a different race because the replay clearly showed Kyle turning up into Jr. That aside, I doubt that these tow will have an on-going fued -- this is just Fox Sports' way of stirring up a controversy where there is none.
I can understand Kurt having some problems because other than Newman's 500 win and Montoya's 2nd at Dega, Dodge really isn't competing week-to-week. But, Geez, did Matt Kenseth fall off a turnip truck this offseason? They are completely out to lunch. Edwards is a threat every week, Biffle is solid and even David Ragan runs pretty well. Hard to figure...maybe he has been hanging out with Jamie McMurray too much.
Well, as usual Kristen, I give you a perfect 10 again this week. Great work is the norm for the Queen of NASCAR bloggers.
Hanahan,
Isn't it amazing how people on both sides, Jr. Nation and Rowdy Nation have to blame someone for what was truly just a racin' deal by two hard charges going for the win with the laps winding down. Give me more of racing like that EVERY week.
ibleedblue & Jr88fan- You guys are definitely making my point that the rivalry is HOT! I am not sure there will be payback but definitely watch for it! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Gambit- JJ and crew definitely need to get on the stick. They are not horrible but they are definitely not championship material right now. Glad to hear today was a good day!! Hope it continues...
Dwindy- Sheesh your right about the Pedigree! I should have used that...Either way, dog food or M&M's taste horrible wtih AMP! LOL If your expecting a HMS driver, dont put your $ on Jr, he has never done that well at Darlington...unfortunately!
Tez- The only explanation I can come up with is the loss of Reiser, they were doing fine in the beginning but WAY off now. He had a great streak going of being in the Chase too.
Hanahan- Thank you! :)
Moseby- Like I said above to Tez, the only thing I can come up with is the loss of Reiser? Dodge is definitely struggling and Kurt just cant get a lick of luck on the track either.
I think that Dale Jr wouldv'e had no problem wining the race, when he had over a sec. lead on Kyle. If Denny wouldv'e went in the pits when he knew his tire was going down. Figure that out Jr had a good lead then Denny makes the causion happen. I find that a little odd.
Lori- For you I am sure he was! Although he was awful quiet most of the day! LOL I hope they get that alternator problem fixed. I might have a Stewart connection...will foxmail you about it!
Hoosier- Whew, came back with a perfect score this week! Thanks! I gotta agree, racin' was great this weekend at the end (Hamlin dominating was a bit boring!) and the "rivalry" between the fans will definitely be good for NASCAR.
24gp- Perhaps Jr could have won if Hamlin would have pitted but who knows? I disagree strongly that Hamlin stayed out to help Kyle, he stayed out to try to save HIMSELF pure and simple. If he pitted he was down at least a lap probably 2, if he got the caution (without the penalty) he would have stayed on the lead lap. The guy had to be heartbroken and scrambling for anythign to save his finish. I mean look at Dega, Kyle and Denny didnt work well together at all! Ultimately it did help Kyle but I bet he wasnt calculating that.
Thanks for coming by...
jmayer- Good God Mikey appeared to lose his mind! I loved the quote by JJ about it. Good to see you!
Hoosier....good to see you're back, and straightening out these NASCAR newbs. Just look at the 1st and 3rd comments on this page. Two average people saw the exact same replays, yet have the exact opposite opinion of what took place. Amazing.
Hanahan,
Thanks. I love having the time to comment when I can but it's only temporary. We've been getting rained out too much. This week I'm running Fri. and Sat. nites if the weather stays dry and the car holds together but there's always tons of work to do after a double weekend so I may be scarce around here again next week. Doesn't matter though because you see what's really going on and seem to deliver your wisdom much less harshly than I which means it is more respected and listened to anyway. I'm just here to back YOU up, not the other way around. :-) Kristen is absolutely 100% correct about the Hamlin deal. I've written that as a comment several times over the past few days but, of course, she is sweet about it and I am a ####.
HR13 ~ just as Kristen mentions the 'rivalry' in her blog ... I'm glad you hang out around here. We have our own rivalry ... makes it more interesting. Good day!
Ahh shucks Lori. And I had come to believe you despised me. I know we disagree about your favorite driver but only partially. I do respect his talent, his charity work, and his improved maturity. As for you, I respect your intellect and your passion. I'm glad you don't totally hate me. You've made my day.
Kristen and Gunny,
I agree, Kristen had a GREAT teacher not just a good one and I know she has to be pleased with how well Kristen has stepped in to try to fill her shoes. We miss you Cindi and you are in our thoughts far more than you probably realize. Even with Kristen's awesome work it's not the same without you. Rest well in God's loving care and be sure to greet each of us if we are granted admission some day. I know I'll recognize your beautiful smile.
Big Ears Bush took out Jr. and his hard bump on Hamlin probably caused the flat. I respect his talent, but his actions on the track should be penalized. At the rate he is going, he will either kill another driver or himself within 2 years. Somebody like Tony Stewart should take him to the woodshed and beat some sense inti him.
I am a bit surpirsed that Mark Martin keeps racing so well, when he doesnt even race in every event.
Was neat to see Clint Bowyer get his second Cup win...even if I wasnt even thinking he was a contender til the end.
What we have here with NASCAR is a failure to excite. Except for the Mike Waltrip and Mears issues, the big one, and the Kyle and Dale soap opera this race was a sleeper.
At least that brought excitement to the race. We need more excitement and controversy.
Hoosier- well said, we all miss Cindi around here!
jaxon- First off, its BUSCH and secondly, personal attacks on the drivers is very unsporting and in bad taste. Clearly by your comment you do not respect his talent. Kyle was not reckless with his driving in the least on Saturday nor is he any more a danger to others than any of the rest of them. I dont get all the venom towards Kyle saying he is dangerous???
Gerrel- Me too (re: Mark) but he is driving Jr's cars and Jr was always strong at Richmond and Phoenix in his DEI rides. Nothing against Marks talents but it is amazing he is able to compete at such a high level part time! I picked Bowyer on my fantasy team as a complete guess, so I was thrilled! LOL
Photo- Thanks big guy...good to see your feeling better. I have to agree the first part of the race was a snooze fest with Denny dominating but certainly picked up there at the end! :)
Kristen, great list! Ya knocked it out of the park again! One of the best Richmond finishes in recent memory. I think a true rivalry has emerged. It's going to be interesting for the next month or so!
Johnson is not in good form but the rest of the drivers were in the wrong place and are having bad luck. Kennseth has not done anything all year and he too is a former champion. What is the matter do you not like JJ.
jon- Thanks...it was definitely one of the best finishes and I think there will be a true rivalry between Jr and Rowdy. It has been brewing since Jr took Kyle spot at HMS but its not in full swing!
Noahspop- You'll be getting more in 3 days!
June- JJ is not in good form as our reigning Champ and for how much he dominated last year. He is falling in the standings and needs to put together some strong finishes soon if he wants to compete with RCR and Gibbs. I had JJ on the hot list before, its a race by race basis! So please keep reading!
Kev- *HOPEFULLY* you read this on the main NASCAR page along with the photos. It is duel posted b/c in the past you couldnt put comments on the photo one and it is technically my blog entry. Thanks for coming by!
Hi Kristen! What is missing from the Phoenix pics????? ;) Next time! :))
Just to expound on the Numero Uno Caliente -- it would probably do the rest of the pack well to keep an eye in all mirrors for Mr. Bowyer or they will all likely be looking at his tail as he takes the checkers again. Don't know about Pedigree, M&Ms & Amp (possibly in an emergency) but I'm certain victory is sssuhhhwEET -- & addictive. ;) That kid is SBD, too!
Cheers! :))
Note: Regarding JJ -- sorry, but K is right on the money -- and I'm THE JJ fan. ;)
Perhaps Kyle should change his sponsor to Pop Rocks -- now THAT would be funny! ;)
Hi! Great blog. I've gone back and read a bunch and they're all great. I'm sooooo glad I came here and left the other blogland places behind. So many intelligent rational people around, the crazies are easier to ignore!
I've said the same thing about Hamlin as well in one of my blogs and in more than a few comments, no one seems to wanna listen to it though. I guess that passion for your driver must come with rose #### glasses for more than a few people!
Hey Meerkat buddy! Good to see you around these parts...I *love* the idea of Kyle changing his sponsor to Pop Rocks! Now that is funny! Cheers right back at ya.
Sweetk- Welcome to the fox blogs and thanks for reading and commenting, I am glad you like them! I dunno what it is about passion, I guess it blinds ya! Look forward to reading your work.
I think you need to find a new job because you're really bad at this one.HMS is still the better team and they have some of the best drivers.Just because they did not win does not mean put them on your not list.And why would a reporter have a hot or not list .Kids do but you are reporter and not kids so lose that kid list.And report on all the drivers do just pick the ones you like and say things bad about the others.Wrecks happen drivers have bad times but they are all good some have big mouths they need to keep closed at times but they are all out there doing their best.Report that.Not your silly list.Or find a job on kid TV.
If U pay attention to personalities like I do, U will sense that Gordon is jealous of Junior...........he rarely mentions Junior when he is interviewed about rivals.........and he didn't do the teammate thing with Junior when he had the chance in Daytona.......why not draft Junior and wind up second?.........or maybe take a chance to power by him in the end?.........I know why and have known for a long time.......Gordon, although a good race car driver is a ####.!!!!
Dale Jr is hot? Come on please. Now he is whining about no one running with him. The only reason he has won a race this year is because of rain. Casey Mears take heart. Drivers seem to do better when they leave Hendrick.
In regaurd to Dale Jr. being the pied piper we allknow Dale is a great driver in the draft an so do the other drivers around him so why would they wana give the guy the oppertunity to whip up on them ~ personally form me to Dale dude you need to get your freak on and start kickin some serious #### round these tracks I know iknow you image dont worry JR.Nation is behind you go take those races away from those other wana be's go get em Dale
A rare SF NASCAR fan who loves her Arizona Wildcats as well. By day, a well respected Psychologist, on weekends "Start Your Engines!!"
Winner of the 2007 "Miller Lite Next Great Sportswriter" Contest and contributing writer on FOXSports.com .
