From the July, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider
Last Week's Headlines
Who can argue with NASCAR’s new championship format now? Not only has the new Chase for the Championship created a playoff atmosphere for the final 10 races of the season (where in previous years ratings and fan’s interest waned), it’s had the same effect on the races leading up to the 10 cut-off point.Why else would you spend several hours on a summer Sunday afternoon watching Wally Dallenbach stutter while watching a race at New Hampshire’s flat 1-mile oval? I must admit I’m partial to the Fox broadcasting personalities, and while I recognize the challenge of racing on a basically flat, sharp-turned track it still makes for boring racing.
Nonetheless, the drama is intensifying leading up to cut-off race at Richmond International Raceway on September 9th. Some of the top driver’s in NASCAR are sitting on the “bubble”, and may not qualify for the Chase for the Championship. This includes former champions Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and the fan favorite Kurt Busch. Other talented and fan-favorite drivers at risk of not qualifying for the final 10 races are Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards.
Speaking of fan favorites, the ever popular (can you hear my sarcasm) yet talented Kyle Busch dominated New Hampshire when it counted and took the checkered flag on lap 308 of the Lenox Industrial Tools 300. With the win, Kyle took advantage of poor finishes from Dale Earnhardt Jr and Tony Stewart and jumped 4 spots in the points to 4th place.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. suffered from engine problems and dropped out of the race on lap 135. The poor finish dropped Jr. 4 positions in the standings to 7th place. Tony Stewart’s run-in with Ryan Newman on lap 91 dropped him to 11th in points.
In all there were 11 cautions and 11 lead changes in yesterday’s Lenox Industrial Tools 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway.
| See complete 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Race Schedule |
