From the June, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider
Last Week's Headlines
I know what you're thinking, why is NASCAR at a road course? Because road courses do not offer up the same passing lanes as an oval track, some NASCAR fans are bored by road course racing. What these fans fail to recognize is that road course races help vindicate NASCAR drivers to the rest of the racing world.I find it interesting to see how the gun-slinging road course mercenaries like Boris Said stack up to the NASCAR Nextel Cup regulars like Jeff and Robby Gordon. Make no doubt about it, the gunslingers come to Infineon Raceway hungry! Many see the typical NASCAR driver as a lame duck maneuvering blindly through the twists and turns of the course waiting to be overtaken by an aggressive Boris Said with a "nothing to loose" attitude.
Despite the expert talent of the hired help, it always seems the top NASCAR regulars always prevail. Yesterday's Dodge/Save mart 350 was no exception. The last portion of the race was completely dominated by NASCAR drivers Terry Labonte, Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart. While Boris Said flirted with the top 5, he and the other road course veterans never challenged for the lead.
Other notable finishers were Carl Edwards (6th) and Greg Biffle (4th). Each needed solid finishes to make a run at the top 10 in points. Biffle currently sits in 9th place and Edwards is 73 points out of 10th.
Terry Labonte posted a team best 3rd place finish for Hall of Fame Racing. By using clever pit strategy, Terry worked his way to the front. He held the top position for 16 laps before succumbing to race winner Jeff Gordon. Labonte was passed late in the race by Ryan Newman, but managed to hold onto the 3rd place before crossing the start finish/line for the final time.
| See complete 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Race Schedule |
