From the July, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider
Last Week's Headlines
There were a number of winners at yesterday's USG Sheetrock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. The principal winner was Jeff Gordon who had the car to beat for most of the day. After starting 13th, Gordon rocketed his way to the front before making a pit stop that would leave him behind the leaders for much of the day. However, when the time was right, Gordon pushed his way to the front and outlasted a gasoline starved field to take the checkered flag.The other big winner of the day was NASCAR's "Car of Tomorrow" set to make its debut next year. The "Car of Tomorrow" has received lots of flack from NASCAR purists who think the car's boxy look and rear-winged spoiler make it even further removed from a stock car. However, NASCAR's intentions in developing this car were to make for better side by side racing.
Future races at Chicagoland, and at every other 1 1/2 mile super speedway, will be more entertaining because the "Car of Tomorrow" will allow the drivers trailing the leader to make runs at the leader. Often times during the USG Sheetrock 400, the car in front wasn't the most powerful or the best handling car on the track. Instead, it had the benefit of breathing clean, less turbulent air. The cars following the leader couldn't make runs or even pass the leader while bouncing around in his turbulent wake. Not until Matt Kenseth was slowed by Casey Mears could Jeff Gordon make his winning move (or wrecking move as some angry fans will call it).
Other key finishes of the day were Tony Stewart (32nd) who slid fast after running out of gas with two laps to go. Matt Kenseth fell on hard times after getting the boot from Jeff Gordon. Shortly after in the ensuing caution, Kenseth also ran out of gas. He was able to recoup, and explode across the start/finish line in 21st place sideways.
Kenseth's finish moved him 48 points out of first place currently occupied by Jimmie Johnson. Jimmie had a non-eventful yet typical day finishing 6th after starting 5th.
The big point’s mover of the day was Jeff Burton who finished in 2nd place. Burton gained 3 spots in the points, and now occupies 4th.
Yesterday’s USG Sheetrock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway marked the halfway point in the 2006 Nextel Cup season. The race featured 18 lead changes between 10 different drivers, and 8 total cautions.
| See complete 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Race Schedule |
