Streak To The Finish...Just The Bare Facts at Martinsville II

Could you feel the love on the track during the Subway 500? Can Jimmie Johnson make a run for the Championship? Will rookie sensation Denny Hamlin be the one to take the title? After Jeff Burtons engine woes, the point standings have really gotten close between the top 8 drivers with only 97 points separating them. There are only 4 races left until the champion is determined. Who shall emerge the victor and who will go home as the 1st place loser? Martinsville showed us the exciting short track racing it is famous for and despite all the cautions; it was an exciting race to watch.

Here are some of the bare facts

1. Another week of disappointment for Ken Schrader and the #21 Woods Brother car. Last week at Lowe’s, the #06, driven by Todd Kluever, spun out and collected Schrader. Ironically, this week, the same #06, except this time driven by rookie David Ragan, ruined what could have been a Top 10 finish for the #21. Hey David, you might want to get on the phone ASAP with Schrader if you ever want a chance to rent out some of his shop space.
2. Great job by Petty teammates Bobby Labonte and Kyle Petty. Labonte finished the race 3rd while Kyle took 10th. It was the first time Petty Enterprises had two cars in the top 10 since Phoenix in 1999, and gave Petty 10 top-10 finishes this year, its highest total since the 1999 season. Way to go Idaho!!!
3. Matt Kenseth takes over the top spot in the standings after Jeff Burtons engine problems. It was said that Matt is not happy about how he got to be sitting in first place but you have to remember this, one persons misfortune is another ones gain.
4. Are people still saying it is too late for Jimmie Johnson? Looks like they are having a change of heart after his back to back wins and now sits only 41 points out of first place. Can this be the year that he will be the bride and not the brides maid?
5. Judge Tony? It seems that during his post race interview, Tony Stewart had some harsh words for rookie David Ragan. Tony believes he should have been black flagged and sat out the rest of the race. He does have a point since Ragan seemed to be spinning around more then driving in a straight line for most of the race. NASCAR officials need to really take a closer look at how these rookie drivers are handling themselves out on the track. Is Jack Roush really serious about putting this kid in the #6 next year? Is there no other talent out there? Have the wells dried up?
6. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. That is Denny Hamlins middle name. The last 5 laps of this race were unbelievable. Denny held nothing back. He was even heard saying on his radio prior to the final restart that "He is mine" speaking of Jimmie Johnson. You have to give the kid an 'E' for effort. Despite beating and banging on the #48, that is short track racing at its best. Heck, Jimmie Johnson even said that was some fun and exciting racing with the #11. Just a little hint to those drivers with the yellow stripe on their bumper, watch the reruns of Hamlins races, you might learn a thing or two or three.
7. What is the problem with Richard Childress? Does he believe his drivers when they say something is not right with their cars? We understand the championship is on the line but would not you rather come in and possibly fix the problem rather then keep the car out on the track till it blows up? Yes Richard you are the owner but you need to have faith in your drivers and your crews.
8. Patience grasshopper, patience. Dale Jr. made a costly mistake by trying to drive under the #9 causing the #8 to settle for a 22nd place finish vice a possible Top 10. It appears that Junior was faster then Kahne but he admitted to just getting too aggressive and pushing his car too much. Credit to Junior for admitting his mistakes instead of pointing the dreaded finger like some other drivers tend to do after a race.
9. The Cingular poll question. Can you tell that Junior is the most popular driver in NASCAR? No need to wait for the results, we know who is going to win.
10. The last four races in the Chase are going to be like the game of chutes and ladders. Just depends on who catches the most chutes.
11. Congratulations to Ken Schrader on his 700th career start. Just a shame a party crasher came along, so to speak.
12. It was great to see Ward Burton back in a race car. He finished 26th on the day. Makes you wonder if he was in some decent equipment, how he may of finished. Is that a hint to Robert Yates Racing? That is for you to decide.
    

Next up is the Bass Pro Shops 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Drivers always love coming to this track due to its high speeds. Dale Jarrett quotes Atlanta like this,

You know when you're going fast at Atlanta because it tends to make you catch
your breath, but it's also a lot of fun.