From the August, 2007 issue of Stock Car Insider
Centurion at the Glen at Watkins Glen International Recap
Who said road course races were boring?!?!?! Yesterday's Centurion at the Glen turned out to be one of the most exhilirating races in recent weeks. From Dale Earnhardt Jr blowing an engine and Jeff Gordon losing it going into Turn 1 while leading the race with 2 laps remaining, to the altercation between Kevin Harvick and Juan Pablo Montoya fans were left thoroughly entertained!Perhaps one of the most exciting portions of the race was the last lap with the ever aggresive Carl Edwards challenging Tony Stewart for the win. So aggresive was Carl that he blasted through a turn and into the gravel stops. Fortunately for Carl, he carried enough momentum to get him past the gravel and still finish in the top ten.
In the end, the race at the Glen had little impact on the points race, but it provided awesome entertainment for those of us watching at home.
Other drivers to note:
Points leader, Jeff Gordon, was about to capture his 5th win of the season when with 2 laps remaining, he lost control of his car going into Turn 1. In the end, Gordon finished in 9th place and still sits firmly atop the points standings.
Jimmie Johnson turned in a queit and unexpected top 5 finish. Road courses don't rank high the reigning Nextel Cup champion's list of favorite tracks. However, Johnson raced converative and consistant enough to finish in 3rd and maintain his 7th place standing in the points.
Tony Stewart must love the heat of summer. Perhaps because it goes hand-in-hand with his knickname, "Smoke". In the past 4 races, Stewart has rattled off 3 wins including a win in yesterday's Centurian at the Glen.
Carl Edwards owes a lot of thanks to Boris Said. Several years ago, Jack Roush made a deal with Boris to supply him with cars for his own team in exchange for Boris mentoring the Roush drivers. It appears that Carl graduated the head of Boris' class. At the end of the race yesterday, Tony was having to fend off a hard-charging Edwards who finished in 8th after spinning out trying to catch Tony. Edwards moved up a spot in the points as a result, and now sits in 5th place.
| See complete 2007 NASCAR Schedule |
