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Different Lady in Black - Making the Grade Darlington
5/13/08: SOZ Studios, MI - By Dennis Michelsen "DMIC" (RaceTalkRadio.com)
Can't Goodyear make tires somewhere between rocks and marshmallows? One of the things that makes a race at Darlington interesting is watching great drivers manhandle their cars on worn tires. That element was removed this year with the new pavement and the hard tires used. This was not the Lady in Black we have come to know and love. No it wasn't as bad as having the Southern 500 shipped out west. But it was a very different racing experience for fans. One thing did not change though…this track is still too tough to tame, which is why it always needs to be on the NASCAR schedule.
Race Grade B+
The plot changes and sub-plots made this an interesting affair with the Lady in Black as usual. But the new pavement and hard tires ruined some of the enjoyment of watching the best drivers in the world hanging on to their cars on worn out rubber. It was a good thing that Kyle Busch was sent to the back of the pack so another sub-plot kept our attention.
F for Lug Nut Gluer on the No. 18
Maybe it was a bad tube of adhesive but whatever the reason the No. 18 team came close to throwing away a victory by bad lug nit management. Although when this is the only thing you can find all season to criticize this team about the No. 18 team is having one heck of a season!
D for Roush Racing's Loose Wheels
While the No. 18 team was fighting lugs that fell off during pit stops, the Roush-Fenway camp was dealing with lugs that loosened up during green flag racing. When it is more than one team having the problem on more than one set of tires it is not a case of getting the lugs tight. Something was up with the spacers or studs being used by Roush-Fenway racing!
C for Bobby Labonte and the No. 43 Team
The No. 43 team does not have a top ten finish all season but their consistency is pretty remarkable. Perhaps this team along with others needs to be graded on a curve more and more. The top four teams in NASCAR are dominating as usual but it has been a long time since Petty Enterprises has been in that group. Seven top 20 finishes in 11 starts is worth a "C" grade for the season as well as the race.
B for David Ragan
David Ragan is quietly putting together a vastly improved season. Once again at Darlington Raceway Ragan showed that he is getting the knack of this thing called Cup racing! His third top ten of the season was enough to push him into 12th place in the Chase for the Championship. Could his first win come soon at the World 600?
A for Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch is giving writers fits wearing out the thesaurus this season! How many ways can you say superlistically fantastic? Some drivers get the job done with finesse. Kyle Busch gets the job done by racing harder than anyone else in the series! Will his style win championships? Stay tuned and hang on tight as Kyle Busch continues to entertain!
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