From the August, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider
Last Week's Headlines
Any race at historical Indianapolis Motor Speedway is special, and yesterday's Allstate 400 was no exception. The last 5 of 8 NASCAR winners at the "Brickyard" have gone on to win the Nextel Cup championship. Jimmie Johnson can only hope that history rings true and that his win at Indy will help cap off a near perfect season for the #48 Lowe's team with a championship.Jimmie's win yesterday wasn't easy. Early race tire troubles moved Johnson way back in the field of 43 drivers. Patiently, Johnson weaved his way back to the front. Late in the race, Jimmie claimed the lead only to relinquish it on second to last caution of the day. Jimmie restarted 8th after taking 4 tires in the caution and made quick work of the 7 cars in front of him who either took 2 tires on the final stop or didn't stop at all.
One of those drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr, made the most tactical move of the day by deciding to stay out on the second to last caution. He restarted 2nd, and was able to hold on with a 6th place finish. That move put Jr in 10th place in points and a potential qualifier for the Chase for the Championship. If Earnhardt had stayed out, he would have finished in the high 20's and possibly low 30's; a finish that low would have completely wiped out his chances of qualifying for the Chase.
Other drivers to note from yesterday's Allstate 400 were Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, and Clint Boyer. All three Richard Childress Racing drivers posted strong finishes and helped secure Burton (3rd) and Harvick's (4th) positions in the points standings.
Jeff Gordon had a rough day that started early with mechanical problems. The 4-time Cup champion managed to battle back and finish 16th. The 16th place finish moved Gordon up to 8th in points.
| See complete 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Race Schedule |
