From the March, 2007 issue of Stock Car Insider
Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway Recap
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| There is no doubt the smaller 18 gallon fuel cell mandated by NASCAR for the 2007 Nextel Cup races in Atlanta played a huge factor in yesterday's race. The smaller cell meant more pit stops to cover the 500 mile race. Just ask Jeff Gordon what affect more pit stops had on his outcome. After having what was one of the strongest if not the strongest car on the track at Atlanta, Gordon's crew had to contend with a broken piece of sheet metal every time they changed the right front tire in the pits. On Jeff's second to last pit stop, the sheet metal won and the #24 car found itself a lap down. Jeff was able to rebound and salvage a 12th place finish. His Hendrick teammate, Jimmie Johnson, was seemingly immune to trouble at Atlanta. The reigning champion picked up his second win of the season by passing rival Tony Stewart with three laps to go. The win moved Johnson to 4th in points, 28 behind leader Mark Martin. Other top drivers faired as follows: After starting the season horribly at Daytona, Tony Stewart has clicked off 3 straight top 10's in a row. Atlanta was the first time this season that Stewart had a chance to win. The former champion simply did not have enough to hold off Johnson at the end and finished in 2nd place. The darling of NASCAR, Kasey Kahne, is still struggling. After finishing in 39th place at Atlanta, Kahne's average finish is 30th. The #9 Dodge team finds itself a long way from the success it had last year. Mr. Consistency, Mark Martin, finished in 10th place and posted his 4th top 10 of the 2007 season. The semi-retired driver sits in first place, 8 points in front of Jeff Gordon. Unfortunately, Mark's run will end next week at Bristol where he plans to watch the race from his home. Juan Pablo Montoya is proving that he is a fast learner when it comes to oval track racing. The former F1 star finished in 8th place in Saturday's Busch race, and topped that with a 5th place finish in Sunday's Cup race.
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