From the September, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider

Stock Car Insider - September 11th Issue

Upcoming Events in the World of NASCAR

Well folks, the NASCAR version of the playoffs is here. We are gearing up for a 10-week showdown that features a star-studded cast of drivers (unless your fans of Tony Stewart), and promises to be one of the greatest finales to a NASCAR season in its rich history.

The first stop on the playoff rotation is New Hampshire International Speedway. NHIS is a challenging, flat 1.058 mile oval track. Four drivers in the Chase, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, and Jeff Gordon average a top 13 finish at the track. Of all current drivers with 2 or more career starts at New Hampshire International Speedway, Ryan Newman has had the most success. In 8 starts, Ryan has an average finish of 8th.

Also expect the following drivers to do well next week:

Jimmie Johnson - Average Finish 9th
Matt Kenseth - Average Finish 11th
Mark Martin - Average Finish 12th
Jeff Gordon - Average Finish 13th

Next Week's Schedule:

Nextel Cup: @ New Hampshire International Speedway
9/15/06 - 03:10pm NASCAR Nextel Cup SYLVANIA 300 Qualifying
9/16/06 - 11:05am NASCAR Nextel Cup SYLVANIA 300 Practice
9/17/06 - 01:30pm NASCAR Nextel Cup SYLVANIA 300

Busch Series off until September 23rd at Dover International Speedway

Craftsman Truck Series: @ New Hampshire International Speedway
9/15/06 - 02:00pm NASCAR Nextel Cup New Hampshire 200 Practice
9/16/06 - 09:30pm NASCAR Nextel Cup New Hampshire 200 Qualifying
9/16/06 - 02:15pm NASCAR Nextel Cup New Hampshire 200

See complete 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Race Schedule

Who's Hot?

Kevin Harvick's toothy grin was the focus of everyone's attention after winning the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Saturday night. Before Saturday, what people haven't noticed is Harvick's consistent pursuit over the last 10 weeks that secured his place in the Chase for the Nextel Cup Championship.

Over the past 10 races, Harvick has turned up the heat. His average finish over that stretch is 6th with his worst finish being 15th at California. No driver (including Mr. Consistency himself, Matt Kenseth) has performed at such a high level. A lot of people are wondering if this is the year that Jimmie Johnson finally breaks through to win his first championship. After last night, I think we should all be wondering if this is the year that Kevin Harvick will bring Richard Childress Racing it's first championship since the days of Dale Earnhardt.

Shop for Kevin Harvick Merchandise

Who's Not?

The world of NASCAR is so competitive and dynamic that last year's top 3 finishers in the Chase for the Championship (Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle, and Carl Edwards) did not even qualify for this year's Chase. While I could dedicate this week's Who's Hot section to all 3 drivers, I'd prefer to focus on only one.

Heading into the Chevy Rock & Roll 400, there was very little talk of Tony Stewart not making the Chase. Tony was locked in the 8th position, and only needed a 16th place finish to secure his spot in this year's Chase. No problem for a 2 time defending champion, right? Oh how we were wrong!

Tony's weekend was in danger from the start. "Smoke" wrecked his car in the practice session, and had to move to an older back up car. The costly mistake meant Tony had to start at the rear of the field. In the world of short track racing, the rear of the field is the last place you want to start from.

Tony struggled for most of the night, and made it as high as 14th place before going a lap down to finish 18th. The dismal finish left a usually outspoken Stewart sullen, and left only to ponder what may be in 2007.

Shop for Tony Stewart merchandise

Change the Chase! Please!!

The Chase for the Championship is upon us, and I can't wait! The last several weeks of racing have proven to be some of the most boring I've ever seen. While the new Chase format is sure to make the final 10 races of the season exciting, it's qualifying format leading up to the final 10 races forces teams to make conservative decisions that virtually erase the passion that has made NASCAR one of America's top sports.

We NASCAR fans are conservative by nature. The last thing we want to see is our favorite driver being a courteous Boy Scout out on the track. We want to see him hang it out there, and drive on the brink of disaster. We want to see them, in the words of the great Charlie Daniels, "drive it like their hair's on fire and their asses a' catchin!"

In the good 'ole days, drivers drove to win races, not championships. To keep the competition level high, and the excitement unparalled, NASCAR needs to look at adding big incentives for winning races. The current format for the Chase is a step in the right direction at creating the season-ending drama that is present in every other major sport. However, some much needed tweaks are required to give the fans a reason to tune in to races leading to the Chase.

See complete 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Race Schedule