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Handicapping the Chase – Johnson Again

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SM Staff
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It’s not easy to handicap the 2011 Chase field. In fact, my opinion is that Jimmie Johnson will win his sixth consecutive championship. That isn’t going to be popular with most of you, but it’s so obvious that it jumps out to me. There is no one to challenge the team of Jimmie and Chad. Each and every challenger has weaknesses that the Lowe’s team does not have. It’s almost that the Chase was designed around the No. 48 team. You might say they’ve figured it out and no one else has, yet there is hope for someone else to take the crown, no matter how slim that hope is.

[media-credit name=”Brad Keppel” align=”alignright” width=”225″][/media-credit]Let me preface this by saying that I don’t care who wins the championship. In fact, it has never been important to me. Individual races and the number of wins have always been the measuring point for a successful season. Unlike football, baseball, and basketball, NASCAR depends on individual races. The stick and ball sports look toward the Super Bowl, the World Series and the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, and for some reason, NASCAR headed in that direction in 2004. The result has been an emphasis on the championship instead of individual races. It took me several weeks to realize that David Pearson won the 1969 Championship and even when I found out, I didn’t really care. NASCAR created this championship frenzy to emulate the stick and ball sports. I find that hideous. Forever, the championship, whether it was the individual track championship or the Cup championship was an afterthought to who did what on what day. The championship was a mere bonus at the end of the season. Then came the trips to New York and now Las Vegas. Win Daytona? No big deal. Win Indy? No big deal, but the championship? Big deal.

NASCAR has tried to change this with rules. Seeing that the Chase format was somewhat flawed, they added two more drivers (many think this is so that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. could somehow be included) and tried to give a bonus to winning, but the truth remains, this Chase was made for Jimmie and Chad. Only one short track, interestingly one that Johnson dominates, and the rest, with the exception of Dover, that are very similar. Sure, you have Talladega and Martinsville, but why is Daytona, Darlington, and Bristol not included, at least for the historical significance if not the variety of tracks?

All that said, here what I think about the Chase contestants:

1. Kyle Busch – He has never shown that he can compete at the highest level when things are on the line. Young as he is, he will have other chances, but the engine failures will make him less than a favorite. He may prove me wrong, but the No, 1 position gives us no reason to believe that he will not see the gremlins that have haunted him all year.
2. Kevin Harvick –The bad summer was swept away from the minds of many by his win at Richmond. The struggles may continue in a bad year for Richard Childress Racing.
3. Jeff Gordon – Despite his success in winning races this year and strong runs, the record shows that his team falters at the end of races. Gordon is a favorite, as a legend should but, I just don’t think it’s going to happen for him. I may eat my words and crow tastes pretty good.
4. Matt Kenseth –The creator of the Chase will do what he always does—run solidly and contend, but is this team a championship team? As usual, he shined during the early season and ran strong throughout the series, but can he maintain the consistency and win a race or two in the final ten races.
5. Carl Edwards –After a torrid start, Edwards became the guy who either finished second or had problems. One wins tells me that there is work to be done. Can this team rise to the occasion? After his contract problems were solved, he regressed in performance. Can this team rise to the occasion?
6. Jimmie Johnson – Johnson flew below the radar most of the season. Like Edwards, he won only one race, but the tracks left are Johnson’s type of tracks. If he wins a couple of races, it’s game over. If he continues to battle with Kurt Busch, it may put him and Chad off their game, but I doubt that. I see no reason why they can’t repeat for a sixth time.
7. Kurt Busch – See No, 6 above. The Penske Dodges have been potent, and the former champ is a worthy adversary. But will the feud be a major distraction?
8. Ryan Newman – With one win, Newman comes into the Chase as an afterthought. I see no reason he can win without multiple wins, and I don’t see that in the cards.
9. Tony Stewart – A horrible season continues. The former champ got in because so many didn’t do well this season. I would say no chance, but you never know. He has to win and win some more.
10. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. – NASCAR got their wish for Junior to be included in the Chase. NASCAR’s Most Popular Drive may keep many interested in the final ten races, but with no wins and lackluster performances, I can’t see a way for him to win this championship. Prove me wrong, Dale.
11. Brad Keselowski – A hot finish to the regular season, with some wins got Keselowski into the championship drive, but truth be known, it was the perfect storm. If he can continue the last few weeks, he can be a contender, but for some reason, I don’t see that as coming true.
12. Denny Hamlin – After a runner-up season in 2010, Hamlin made it into the Chase in last place. With the engine problems outlined above and his best tracks behind him, I expect Hamlin to be less than a worthy adversary.

The way I look at it, it looks like Old Five Time will become Old Six Time. The regular season was just a tune-up for the Chase. As it has been for the last five, or six years.

ARCA: Max Gresham and Mason Mingus and Ready For Salem Speedway

By
SM Staff
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Max Gresham is ready to get back behind the wheel of an ARCA Racing presented by Menards series car as he will team up with Venturini Motorsports for the Ford Dealers Fall Classic at Salem Speedway in Indiana.

“I’m excited to go back to Salem,” Gresham said. “It’s been a good track for me. I won a pole at Salem in my first ever ARCA race and we ran really well this past spring in the No. 25 Venturini car. I like going back to tracks where I have run well in the past. It’s great when you go with a team like Venturini Motorsports because they always run well there too. My Venturini Motorsports teammate, Brennan Poole, won the spring race at Salem. Hopefully, we can go in and get my first win in ARCA this season with them this weekend.”

Gresham hasn’t found the winning success like his teammate Poole, however he has come close. In Jne, Gresham finished second at Michigan International Speedway and last month, finished sixth at Pocono Raceway after winning the pole.

“I for sure love the high banks and high-speed race tracks,” Gresham added. “They tend to suit my style and things seem to work out for me at them. It’s a lot of fun to throw an ARCA car right up against the wall at a place like Salem. It’s definitely a challenge, but when the race is over, you think ‘wow, that’s a lot of fun.’ Salem is a challenge, but it’s really enjoyable.”

Despite the lack of ARCA starts this year, Gresham has been busy as he drove the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to a fifth-place finish in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event at Greenville-Pickens Speedway last weekend, holds a 65-point lead in that division’s championship standings.

With no pressures of having to work about the points, Gresham only has one thought on his mind.

“The expectations are the same as they always are,” Gresham said. “Billy Venturini and his guys are going up there to win. That’s what they do and that’s what I am going to try to do for them.”

Meanwhile for Mason Mingus and Win-Tron Racing, a good run is the key for their effort as Mingus will be making his first ever ARCA Racing Series start.

“I have heard a lot about Win-Tron racing and seen that they have had a very good track record in the past,” he said. “That helps me to have confidence that I will be able to adjust very quickly because they will have a good car when they show up to the track. I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”

This 16-year-old does come with experience as he has raced in the Champion Racing Association Super Late Model Series and is a former winner at Salem Speedway in the Ken-Ten Series in June 2010.

Salem Speedway definitely ranks near the top of the list of my favorite tracks to race at,” the Brentwood, Tennessee native said. “I have only been able to race at Salem one time, but I had a lot of success there. It is a very tough track to race on but as long as we are able to save tires and have a consistent car it is a lot of fun.

“Being that this will be my first time in an ARCA car it will be a big learning experience. I intend to be patient throughout the race and take opportunities when they come. Although it will be a different experience than driving a late model I will do everything I can to be competitive enough to win the race.”

Win-Tron Racing this year has ran with a mixture of drivers as Mingus marks the fifth different driver to drive the No. 32 Champion Brands Toyota Camry this year.

“It’s always exciting to bring a driver to ARCA for the first time,” Win-Tron Racing co-car owner Nate Thiesse said. “Mason comes to our team on the heels of a healthy season in the CRA Super Late Model Series and an extensive resume that resonates back years. Obviously, his experience at Salem will play into our advantage initially as far as him getting up to speed, but he’s up against some competition he’s never had to face before and a car he is unfamiliar with.

“Despite those scenarios, there is potential for him to earn a lot of respect and potentially gleam in the limelight. While we know that our team is capable of winning races, we haven’t set our expectations that high for Mason. We just want him to learn, have fun and hopefully we’ll leave somewhere inside the top-10. If we can do that, we’ll consider the weekend a great success.”

While they are just looking to have a good solid night, a win is something that is very well possible.

“We’re not saying that Mason can’t win the race on Saturday night,” Thiesse added. “We just don’t want to put that kind of pressure on him in his first race. Salem though is a track where strange things have happened and a place that has bred first-time winners, so anything is possible. The biggest goal for this weekend is for him to be safe, have fun and bring the car home in one piece.”

The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers ARCA Fall Classic by Federated Car Care (200 laps / 111 miles) is the 17th of 19 events on the 2011 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards schedule. Practice begins Saturday, September 17 with an hour and a half practice session planned from 1:05 p.m. – 2:35 p.m. Menards Pole by Ansell qualifying is slated to begin at 4:00 p.m.

The field will take the green flag later in the evening at approximately 7:15 p.m. The event will not be televised but race coverage including live timing and scoring throughout the 1,329th race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards since it was formed in 1953 will be available through the ARCA Racing Network (ARN) online at arcaracing.com presented by ARCANation.com. All times are local.

Talladega Superspeedway Hosting NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Autograph Session on Saturday, Oct. 22

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SM Archive
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Kansas Speedway Extends Ticket Office Hours

By
Ed Coombs
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KANSAS CITY, Kan. (Sept. 15, 2011) – As the days to the Hollywood Casino 400 weekend count down, Kansas Speedway is extending its office hours for race fans wanting to purchase tickets for the Kansas Lottery 98.9, Kansas Lottery 300 and the Hollywood Casino 400.

Starting this Saturday, Sept. 17, the Kansas Speedway Ticket Office will be open from 9 AM – 3 PM. The following Saturday, Sept. 24, the Ticket Office will also be open from 9 AM – 3 PM. On Oct. 1 (Saturday) and Oct. 2 (Sunday) the Ticket Office will be open from 9 AM – 3 PM each day for fans wanting to purchase tickets.

Fans will also have the opportunity to pick up their Will Call tickets during any of these times.

Kansas Speedway’s ticket office will also continue its regular office hours, Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 5 PM. Fans can also purchase race tickets by calling 866.460.RACE (7223) or by logging onto www.kansasspeedway.com.

Parking is always free at Kansas Speedway and fans can bring in one 14x14x14-inch soft-sided cooler with their favorite food and beverages.

Gil Martin Named The WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Race in Richmond

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SM Archive
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Chase Races Also Vital for Smith, Furniture Row Racing

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SM Archive
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No. 11 of Canadian Tire Series Schedule: Komatsu 300 at Riverside International Speedway

By
SM Staff
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Scott Steckly (right) signs autographs with Andrew Ranger
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For race no. 11 of the 12 race schedule, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series will be heading to Riverside International Speedway in Antigonish, Nova Scotia for the Komatsu 300 presented by Wilson Equipment on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 4:30 p.m. AT. This marks the series’ fifth visit to the 0.333 mile oval that has been designed based upon Bristol Motor Speedway’s configuration.

In the past, weather has been a factor as the race has been postponed a day twice in the previous four events.

Like last week at Barrie Speedway, everybody will have their eyes on the championship battle between Scott Steckly and DJ Kennington. Steckly, who won the championship in 2008, currently leads the points, 69 points over defending series champion Kennington after the Wild Wing 300 last Saturday.

Steckly has ran decent on the 0.333-mile oval in the past, scoring a second place finish last year. Before that, he only had one other top-10 at Riverside, which came in 2007 with a sixth place finish. He has also led a total of 182 laps at Riverside.

In contrast, Kennington won last year’s race and finished third in his track debt in 2007. He has led a total of 194 laps, also.

Other drivers who have won at Riverside include Mark Dilley, Andrew Ranger and Don Thomson Jr.

Coming off his third career win at Barrie Speedway, Dilley is looking for another solid weekend to possibly crack the top five in points. He won the inaugural series race at Riverside in 2007 and has since finished fourth, third and eighth.

Thomson Jr. won at Riverside in 2008 while finishing third last year. Thomson is looking for his eighth series win and is hoping experience from leading 53 laps at Riverside over the years will help.

Ranger, who has been running a limited schedule this year, is not scheduled to participate in this weekend’s action.

While everybody will have their eyes on the point standings and the lead pack, another battle going on is the Rookie of the Year battle. Currently, L.P Dumoulin leads Isabelle Tremblay by two points, John Farano by seven and Steve Mathews by 13. According to the mathimatics of the award, all of these drivers have a possibility to still win it.

The rookie points system is a simple one. The top-finishing rookie driver earns 10 points, the next collects nine points and so on down the line to one. Should there be more than 10 rookies in the field no driver earns less than a single point.

Originally this year, Dumoulin was only going to run the road courses, though the rookie standings have him now running the final oval events of the year.

“(Oval racing) is really different from road courses,” the Trois-Rivieres, Quebec native. “The driving style and car setups are nothing alike, but I enjoyed it. All of the teams have been really helpful with information. That was a big help.”

Meanwhile for Tremblay, it has been something that’s been on her mind all year.

“That was one of our goals from the beginning,” Tremblay, who scored her best career finish of eighth at Mosport earlier this year, said. “We’re in good position to win it with a little luck.”

NCAT: Frustrations Take Over Barrie Speedway, Penalties Handed Down

By
SM Staff
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NASCAR announced that two NASCAR Canadian Tire Series drivers and three crew members have been penalized as a result of rules violated at Barrie Speedway on September 10thafter racing was over.

J.R. Fitzpatrick and Kerry Micks were found in violation of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock-car racing – aggressive driving and excessive speed on pit road after the race) of the 2011 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series rule book.  They are both on probation for the final two races of schedule and remain on probation till September 28, 2011. Both drivers sped down pit road after an on-track altercation on the final lap where Micks spun out Fitzpatrick due to earlier contact.

Matt Vanderwal, crew chief for Don Thomson Jr. was found in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock-car racing – involved in an altercation (fighting) in another competitor’s pit area) and 9-4 (the crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members). Vanderwal has been fined $500, suspended from the final two races and placed on probation until December 31, 2011.

Josh Turner, crew member for No. 3 of Jason Hathaway, and Chad Turner, crew member for Don Thomson Jr., were both found in violation of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock-car racing – involved in an altercation (fighting) in another competitor’s pit area). Both have been fined $500, suspended from the final two races and placed on probation until December 31, 2011.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series returns to the track this weekend for the Komatsu 300 presented by Wilson Equipment at Riverside International Speedway in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Martinsville Speedway Unveils New Ticket Office Hours

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SM Archive
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CROWD-FAVORITE ACTS RETURN TO THUNDER VALLEY MAYHEM, SUPER CHEVY SHOW SEPT. 23-25

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SM Archive
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