From the August, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider
Who's Hot?
While it would be easy to name the winner of the Allstate 400 and current point's leader Jimmie Johnson the man (which he is), I think it's important to note the not-so obvious. Richard Childress Racing is making a massive resurgence in 2006 and is giving the Hendrick Motorsports and Roush Racing teams a new competitor each Sunday.Not since the days of Dale Earnhardt has RCR had the success it's seeing in 2006. In yesterday's Allstate 400, both Kevin Harvick and rookie Clint Boyer finished in the top 4. Let's not forget Jeff Burton who led the most laps of the day but got shuffled back in pit stops late in the race to finish 12th. Sunday's successes were not a one week miracle. For much of this season, both Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick have been in the top 10 in points. Currently, the drivers sit 3rd and 4th in the points.
Is the resurgence of RCR one of the greatest comebacks in NASCAR's history? Not at all! Richard Childress Racing has always been a quality team with quality drivers and sponsors. It just so happens that in the ultra competitive world of NASCAR, teams have to constantly evolve to stay on top. Following the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt, there was an internal reluctance at RCR to change the way things were done in the past. It took the hiring of an outspoken, veteran driver like Jeff Burton to come in and shake things up. And my, what a difference that has made!
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