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NASCAR Natalie
Turn 4 Transitions
by Natalie Anthony
4/18/2007
Subway Fresh Fit 500
Third time’s a charm…in the dark?
This weekend at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) the Subway Fresh Fit 500 features the third time that the NASCAR nation will be subjected to the Car of Tomorrow. By now, most of the drivers have come to grips with the new car. However, PIR is throwing a little something different into the mix by having the COT’s run under the lights for the first time ever. NASCAR will be making history this Saturday. Strange things happen when the lights go out and luckily for the NASCAR Nextel cup drivers, last week had the cursed Friday the 13th. Nothing creepy will happen this Saturday except maybe some driver will win the race that didn’t dominate the whole race and the finish will come down to two drivers battling it out towards the start/finish line side by side.
The Checkered Four
(Current point standings)
Jimmie Johnson (4th) Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet – Clearly Johnson has had no problem over coming the new COT with a win at Martinsville and with a small amount of oops last weekend; he will recover and finish in the Top 5. Jimmie’s average finish at PIR is around the 7th position and being 4th in the point standings he will be driving to put his car owner (Jeff Gordon) behind him and take the lead in the points.
Carl Edwards (8th) Roush Fenway Racing – Ford – I can’t guarantee any gymnastics this Saturday, but Carl will surely be putting on a more dynamic show by placing in the Top 10. The Office Depot sponsored #99 driver has raced at PIR 5 times with 2 Top 5’s and 4 Top 10’s.
Mark Martin (11th) Ginn Racing – Chevrolet – Mark may be enjoying his new found time off at home with the wife and kids, but how much is he going to beat himself up in Richmond if he makes it into the Top 12 in points? I guess the best way to improve your point standings is to reduce the number of races you drive. Mark will be finishing well again this weekend. He has raced at PIR a whopping 21 times and of course has the most Top 5’s (8) and the most Top 10’s (14).
Tony Stewart (9th) Joe Gibbs Racing – Chevrolet – The best thing about Tony is his ability to not give a hoot about almost anything during a race. That man will drive his car into the ground to get a better finishing position and this weekend at PIR will be no exception. Get to close to ‘smoke’ and you could get burned. After having a lot of afflictions at Texas last weekend, Tony is definitely going to make his mark again in a more positive fashion by finishing in the Top 10. Tony has pocketed a win at Phoenix, and out of 10 starts has 4 Top 5’s and 6 Top 10’s.
Underdogs
(Current point standings)
Brian Vickers (37th) Red Bull Racing – Toyota – Even though Brian has been around for awhile I am constantly trying to categorize him as an up and coming driver. Well, he is not new, but I still think that he is up and coming. His worst finish at PIR is 26th; otherwise he is a solid Top 15 with his 6 runs there. Brian hasn’t quite broken into the Top 10 at Phoenix, but has managed to do it twice this season. Maybe Toyota didn’t pick a complete list of non-finishers to promote the manufacturer. Did I write that out loud?
Martin Truex Jr. (18th) Dale Earnhardt Incorporated – Chevrolet – I was little worried about Dale Earnhardt’s decision to move Martin over to the Cup with his poor performance last year, but Truex has definitely changed my mind. He had an engine issue at California and a pretty bad run at Bristol, but besides that he has had 3 Top 10’s in the last 7 races. Nice improvement for the #1. Martin has had 2 runs at Phoenix and finished 12th and 22nd. Unquestionably, going for another Top 15 this race.
Most likely to be a lap down
(Current point standings)
Casey Mears (31st) Hendrick Motorsports – Chevrolet – I don’t think even his affiliation with Hendrick Motorsports can save him at Phoenix. Casey has been here 6 times and has nothing to show for it. 20th is his best position at PIR and that is really nothing to talk about. I am not sure how many times Casey will be in my “likely to suck column”, but I am guessing it is going to be a lot.
Scott Riggs (35th) Evernham Motorsports – Dodge – It is not just Scott that is going to have a bad night at Phoenix; it could possibly be the whole Evernham business. I couldn’t begin to guess what the issues that are going on are, but, I’m sure, even his team mate Kasey Kahne, who has been a favorite to win at a few of the tracks that NASCAR has already visited, is going to be facing hard times. Scott has had even more trouble and will not be seeing his bad luck streak letting up at all at PIR. This will be Scott’s 6th attempt at the mile track and he hasn’t even broken into the Top 10. His best attempt was 14th in 2004.
Track Stats
Phoenix International Raceway (Avondale, AZ)
Subway Fresh Fit 500
April 21, 2007 (Saturday) – 8:00 pm - FOX
(Sister Flat Tracks – Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Pocono, & New Hampshire)
Subway Fresh 500
(April 22, 2006)
Top 10 Results
1. Kevin Harvick
2. Tony Stewart
3. Matt Kenseth
4. Carl Edwards
5. Clint Bowyer
6. Kasey Kahne
7. Jimmie Johnson
8. Bobby Labonte
9. Jeff Burton
10. Jeff Gordon
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Our latest Cheat Sheets updated constantly through September.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr1')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Marvin Harrison Denies Involvement In Shooting
(5/13 12:31 AM PT)
The Facts:
Harrison assured the Indianapolis Colts he was not involved in a shooting last month in his hometown of Philadelphia. Owner Jim Irsay said Monday he hopes that's the case. "At this point I'm keeping my fingers crossed," Irsay said. "We've done everything we could do in our diligence to try to discern what happened. He said he was not involved in that shooting and. ... The authorities have said there is nothing imminent."
Diehards Line:
Irsay said the Colts' security department has been in contact with NFL security in Philadelphia as well as with Philadelphia law enforcement. ... To review: A gun that Harrison owned has been linked to the shooting in which a man suffered a gunshot wound to his hand and a small boy was cut on the face by flying glass from a windshield. Six of the bullet casings found at the April 29 shooting near Harrison's car wash were from his gun, ESPN's Sal Paolantonio reported last week. But Harrison is not considered a suspect at this time.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr2')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Terrell Owens Happy With Situation In Dallas
(5/13 12:21 AM PT)
The Facts:
Owens' contract situation has been a backburner subject this offseason, as the team has dealt with the draft, getting Zach Thomas and Pacman Jones in the fold, and working on extensions with unsigned, but protected veterans Marion Barber and Ken Hamlin. So could there be a problem, with the star receiver's deal expiring at the end of the season? Owens says no.
Diehards Line:
"I definitely want to end my career with the Dallas Cowboys, and go into the Hall of Fame as a Dallas Cowboy," Owens, who told DMN staffer Albert Breer that he's got "3-5 years" left in the game, said. He also mentioned that getting a ring is what really matters at this stage of his career. And he believes the group to get it done in 2008 is there. "No doubt," Owens said. "The makeup is there. ... We're a step closer every year. We're ready."
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr3')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Patriots Meet With Kevin Jones; Nothing Imminent
(5/13 12:18 AM PT)
The Facts:
Last week, New England very quietly hosted a visit -– and no team can do things as quietly as the Patriots -- with Kevin Jones, whom Detroit released in March.
Diehards Line:
According to NFL Network insider Adam Schefter, Jones appears to be a couple of months away from recovering from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered late last season, but he is far enough along that the Patriots brought him in for a look. Schefter believes there are teams that think Jones will be able to contribute in training camp, others wonder if he will miss the start of the season due to his knee injury.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr4')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Randy McMichael Happy With New OC
(5/13 12:16 AM PT)
The Facts:
No Rams player may be more excited about Al Saunders being OC than McMichael. "As soon as I found what was going on and they had hired coach Saunders, I got really excited," McMichael said. "This is the kind of offense that I have dreamed my whole career of playing in."
Diehards Line:
Saunders has a reputation for making the tight end an integral part of his passing attack. Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez averaged 80 catches per season in his six seasons with Saunders calling the offensive plays. Under Saunders, Washington's Chris Cooley caught 57 passes for 734 yards and two touchdowns in 2006 and 66 passes for 786 yards and eight touchdowns in 2007. "He said the funniest thing to me the first time I met him," McMichael said of Saunders. "He said, 'I've had a Pro Bowl tight end eight straight years."' Now, the pressure is on McMichael to keep that streak going.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr5')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Roddy White Skips Final Workout With Sore Hamstring
(5/12 7:24 PM PT)
The Facts:
White was held out of practice Monday after a slight hamstring problem Sunday afternoon. "Roddy tweaked his hamstring," HC Mike Smith said. "It's just precautionary. We don't want to put ourselves in a position with a guy this time of year that may hurt himself more by going out there."
Diehards Line:
White said he's been working hard to stay healthy with the offseason weight program and looks forward to building on his career season from 2007. "I'm getting a lot more comfortable," he said. "I just have to go out there and continue to work hard and continue to get better every day. If you ain't getting better, you're getting worse." We're looking for White to continue getting better, but much of his success will depend on the team's quarterback.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr6')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Robbie Gould Signs 5-Year Extension With Bears
(5/12 6:32 PM PT)
The Facts:
Gould on Monday signed a five-year contract extension with the Bears that runs through the 2013 season. Terms were not disclosed.
Diehards Line:
Gould is the most accurate field goal kicker in Bears history among those with at least 50 attempts, having connected on 84 of 99 tries (84.8 percent) in three seasons. In 2007, Gould made 31 of 36 field goals (86.1), including 17 of 18 (94.4) over the final seven games. His only miss during that stretch, a 48-yard attempt, was blocked. Gould also owns Bears records with 26 straight field goals from Dec. 25, 2005-Nov. 19, 2006 and 22 straight games with a field goal from Oct. 23, 2005-Nov. 6, 2006.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr7')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Joe Horn Would Prefer Trade To Reserve Role
(5/12 1:34 PM PT)
The Facts:
Horn said Monday that he would like to be traded instead of remaining with the team as a "just-in-case guy." Horn said he had not approached the team yet about his desire to be dealt but that him and/or his agent would in the near future. When told of Horn's remarks, general manager Thomas Dimitroff said: "He is still part of our team and we still see a future for him here."
Diehards Line:
Horn said that he would be professional for as long as he remains with the Falcons. He said he hopes the Falcons will push to deal him to a team who values him as a contributor. ... During five, just-completed mini-camp workouts -- and during a pre-draft minicamp in April -- Laurent Robinson replaced Horn in the starting lineup alongside Roddy White. Michael Jenkins and rookie Harry Douglas also took reps this weekend, which could have prompted Horn to feel as if he was being pushed down the depth chart. Brian Finneran, Eric Weems and Adam Jennings are also vying to be among the five-to-six wide receivers retained.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr8')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Ravens Mulling Use Of 3-WR Set As Base Formation
(5/12 11:31 AM PT)
The Facts:
One of the questions heading into Ravens mini-camp was the pecking order of the WRs. But Derrick Mason, Demetrius Williams and Mark Clayton aren't battling against each other. They are teaming up in pursuit of a common goal. If this unit plays up to expectations, there is a possibility the Ravens could use three wide receivers as their primary formation. "It's not a possibility. It will happen," Mason said. "Using three wides is not far-fetched with the three guys that we have."
Diehards Line:
Whether it was injuries or just former HC Brian Billick's scheme last season, the Ravens rarely spread out defenses. Of the Ravens' 557 passes thrown last season, only 39 percent came in a three-wide alignment. New OC coordinator Cam Cameron wants to be unpredictable and will change up the formations as well as the personnel groupings. "If we had to start a game today, three wide receivers might be our starting group," Cameron said.
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr9')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Steven Jackson Setting Modest Goals, Looking For More
(5/12 12:21 AM PT)
The Facts:
Last June, Jackson announced he was shooting for 2,500 total yards from scrimmage. He wound up with about half that, rushing for 1,002 yards and adding 271 receiving yards in 12 games. He missed four games with injuries, and the Rams tumbled to 3-13 and last place in the NFC West. "My goal right now until (training camp in) July is to (learn) this offense, so I can play fast," Jackson said. "When I'm playing fast, I know what I'm doing."
Diehards Line:
Assuming he -- and his offensive line -- avoid the injuries that caused so many problems last year, Jackson, heading into the final year of his rookie contract, figures he can rebuild his stats and enhance his bargaining power at the same time. A monster season would push Jackson, 24, even further up the potential-earnings chart, and he's counting on putting up big numbers. "Well, we all know what happens in a contract year: you ball out," he said with a laugh. "So, I expect to."
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class="headline" onClick="expanddiv('tr10')" style="cursor:hand; cursor:pointer" onmouseover="window.status=' ';return true">Michael Turner Among Falcons On The Mend
(5/11 12:24 PM PT)
The Facts:
Several veteran players recovering from injuries took part in the Falcons' first mandatory mini-camp on Saturday. Turner (shoulder) participated in most drills after being medically withheld from a voluntary mini-camp in April.
Diehards Line:
Turner had surgery on the shoulder earlier this year and is expected to be fully recovered before training camp. ... Meanwhile, QB D.J. Shockley and WR Brian Finneran, both trying to make comebacks from season-ending knee injuries, went through the majority of the dual practice sessions. For Finneran, who wore a heavy brace on his right knee, just going through a non-contact practice is a huge step. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in consecutive years during practice. He last played in 2005.
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