Ryan Newman's resurgence at Charlotte doesn't much register on the Richter Scale. Ryan has often qualified well, only to finish back in the pack. Remember, it's 600 miles at this race. If the #12 bunch has finally learned how to avoid an engine blow up, then they'll find themselves in contention at the race's end. If not, Ryan can look forward to another SSDD finish (in the garage under repair. Anybody (and I do mean anybody) but Jimmie Johnson. - Spydertrader
IRL Series Indy 500 currently under its second Rain Delay. - Spydertrader <img src=http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1481689>
IRL Series Dario Franchitti has won the 91st Indianapolis 500, which ended after 166 laps due to rain. - Spydertrader <img src=http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1481770>
NASCAR Cup Series As Jeff Gordon gets K.O.'d early, Casey Mears plays the fuel gamble and grabs his first Cup Series Victory at Charlotte. - Spydertrader <img src=http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1481868>
Two odd races. Indy is stopped early, then the 600 turns out to be a fuel economy run. I bet the 20 could have made it to the end. The 18 did. The Chase guys couldn't risk running out of gas and turning a top ten into 25th. As you predicted Spyder, Newman, really all the Dodge guys except for Petty, blew up. Penske must be livid over the results of his team. I predict heads roll in the offseason if they don't pick it up. Kurt Busch suddenly can't stay out of the wall, and Newman has done nothing.
WTF was that 'racing in the rain' crap at Indy? I thought for sure Mr. Ashley Judd would spin out with all that rain falling. Last time Indy had that much rain, Noah built himself a boat. Although, the added precipitation did create a rather nice interview opportunity with Ashley in that rain-soaked skimpy dress. <img src=http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1481915> With respect to the Coke 600, any other time, I'd be 'tossing empties' at the TV set during a 'fuel economy' win, but not this time. The late race caution added a much needed dose of drama to the whole deal. Hell, Kyle Petty almost won! Ya' just gotta' love that. <img src=http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1481917> No doubt Pasta Boy could have made it. However, with Gordon's early departure, the whole picture changed. Everyone had to consider points racing with such an opportunity available to play 'catch-up' - with the Points Leader headed home 4 hours earlier than anticipated. No doubt Penske is ready to fire everyone from drivers down to the guy who mows the lawn. Ryan and Kurt had the cars to beat early on. Of course, Ryan once again shows his true colors and fades with each passing lap. Ever since Kurt had his ears tucked, he hasn't done squat. I think Rusty slapped a course on the boy to make sure the Blue Deuce would never again enjoy the kind of success enjoyed during Rusty's tenure. Even Kurt has no idea why he can't find Victory Lane (O.K., Except for last week, when his own brother took him out. ) Ryan, on the other hand, simply continues his trend of starting strong but finishing weak. The year of Hendrick Motorsports continues unabated as well. Gordon gets caught up in "one of them racin' deals" and heads home early. Kyle Busch, in an effort to mimic his brother, can't stay out of the wall - and finishes 100 laps down. Johnson mucks up the pit stop. Who would have thought Mears would find Victory Lane in what essentially is the R & D Car. Good for Casey!! After all this, Gordon's 41st place finish still keeps him out front by 132 points in the Championship. - Spydertrader
Petty brings home best finish since Dover in 1997. Third-place finish moves the driver up to 26th in points. "Finally the sun shined on us," [Richard Petty] said. "Or I guess it was the moon shine." - Spydertrader <img src=http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/attachment.php?s=&postid=1482226>