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October
27, 2009
500 Laps Down 1101 to Go
Making the Grade- Martinsville 2
By Dennis Michelsen
The so-called experts called Martinsville one of two
"Wild Card" races in the Chase. Since Jimmie Johnson
had won five of the last six races there it was more of a
wild card for the guys chasing him in the Chase than for the
No. 48 team. They are 500 laps closer to their fourth straight
championship after the Tums 500 and next week should be the
biggest test. Now there are only 1101 victory laps left in
the season!
Race
Grade A:
We need more short track racing in NASCAR's elite division!
Throw away the term aero tight for the day and let the best
drivers in the world beat and bang for 500 laps. This is what
NASCAR racing is all about but somewhere along the line we
forgot about the short tracks in favor of speed. Hopefully
NASCAR will never make the worst mistake ever and leave the
sport's roots behind! Martinsville gives us a great race almost
every time.
F for
Michael Waltrip
It was a tough week for Michael Waltrip. Coming so close
(Within 2/100ths of being legally intoxicated) to being busted
for drunk driving after bashing into a motorcyclist started
his week and as usual he crashed on the track as well. Luckily
they do not allow motorcycles on the track during a race!
D for
Sam Hornish Jr
Just how many times can one driver spin in a race? Sam
Hornish is trying to come up with an answer for that question
almost every week! Thankfully the car knows when to give it
up and stop working before Sam gets too dizzy!
C for
Kurt Busch
The week before at Charlotte Kurt Busch was overheard
on his scanner frequency screaming at his Crew Chief for not
getting the car to drive to his liking. After he missed his
pit box ending his chances at a better finish at Martinsville
I wonder if his Crew Chief was yelling at him?
B for
Jimmie Johnson
All it will take for Jimmie Johnson to win his fourth
straight championship is avoiding an "F" grade the
next four weeks. At Martinsville Jimmie Johnson raced smart
and came up one spot short of the win. Enjoy your extended
celebration Mr. Johnson you have deserved it!
A for
Denny Hamlin
This has been a year of great highs and horrible lows
for Denny Hamlin. Three wins in one season is a new career
high. Starting the first two Chase races in a horrendous fashion
was a nasty low. But this team showed at Martinsville that
they are one of the best combinations in NASCAR racing by
beating the best of the best!
Extra
Credit for Kyle Busch
Trading paint with Carl Edwards so often after starting
in the back of the field made Kyle Busch's finish even more
amazing. If this team and driver ever figures out how to salvage
the bad days they might be able to derail the Jimmie Johnson
express! We have not seen the last win from Kyle Busch and
the N0. 18 team this season.
Join
Mike Harper and the THUNDER CREW for the best coverage of
racing from ARCA to NASCAR! The fun starts at 8pm ET and you
don't want to miss the "Monkey Butt Award." DIRTY
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mafia gets things kicked off tonight at 6pm ET!
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