From the August, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider
Last Week's Headlines
I must admit last week's Sharpie 500 was void of the excitement that typically is showcased at Bristol races. There were no last lap passes, no bump and runs, and to our knowledge no punches thrown at the end of the race. Is this a sign that NASCAR has reigned in the drivers and their emotions too much? I think so.Bristol usually produces a few good feuds of the same quality as the Jerry Springer show. The 1/2 mile, high-banked track has been likened to the Coliseums of Roman times. NASCAR fans flock to Bristol to see the carnage and the drama on showcase. NASCAR must realize that its primary allure is the bumping and grinding and the hot tempers that are not seen in other top-level racing circuits.
None-the-less, there was still some good clean racing and entertainment to be had in the Sharpie 500. The top ten drivers further distanced themselves from the rest of the pack. Currently, there are 90 points separating 10th from 11th place. This may not seem like a big differential; but given that there are only 3 races remaining before the field for the Chase is set, it may seem insurmountable to the 11th place driver, Kasey Kahne.
The smartest move of the day award is shared by the famous the two closest friends in NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Carl Edwards. Both started deep in the pack after horrible qualifying attempts. In an early sequence of pit-stops, each elected to stay out to gain track position. Despite running on old tire, both hung around in the top ten until the next caution flag when the entire field pitted. This allowed them to stay in the top ten and get in pit-stop sequence with the other leaders.
Biggest mover of the day was Mark Martin. Instead of securing his spot in the Chase, Mark slid to 10th place in points with a 28th place finish at Bristol. The veteran driver has his work cut out for him if he plans on qualifying for what will be his last Chase.
| See complete 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Race Schedule |
