Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The Speeding Bullets: AAA 400



  • Congratulations to Jimmie Johnson for getting his fourth win of the season. He also managed to sweep both of the year's Dover races for the second time in his career. As expected, he dominated from the time the green flag dropped until the checkered flag waved. The only other driver who could have possibly been a threat for the victory was Kurt Busch. The reality is starting to sink in to all of us fans that Jimmie is more than likely going to win a fourth straight championship. His expression in the picture above isn't one of utter excitement like most drivers; he just has a look of plain satisfaction knowing that everything is working out according to plan...
  • Joey Logano's wild ride through the air was like the only exciting part of Sunday's race. His crash looked scarily similar to the one Michael McDowell had in Texas qualifying last season. Tony Stewart appears to be the villain in this incident, but there was absolutely nothing he could do to prevent it because the cause of the wreck was a chain reaction. If anyone takes blame, it should be Bobby Labonte based on my analysis from the replays. This isn't the first time there has been a disastrous multi-car incident at The Monster Mile. I have decided that Dover is Talladega's little brother...
  • Denny Hamlin's 22nd place finish on Sunday made me change my mind about saying that he is a true threat to win this year's championship. Dover has always been a track that trips him up; however, with the top four drivers in points being so consistent each race, perfection is the only way for Hamlin or any other Chaser to stay in the hunt. I know it seems early for me to say this, but I think this year's title has already become a battle between Mark Martin and Jimmie Johnson and possibly Juan Pablo Montoya...
  • While scrolling through this week's results, I found it interesting to look at the different excuses the Start and Parkers used when making their dash for the garage. They tell NASCAR that their machines have everything from electrical to brake to transmission to even overheating problems. Joe Nemecheck went as far as using wheel bearing as his reason a few weeks back at Bristol. Interesting, interesting, interesting...
That's all I have for the Dover edition. The next two races on the schedule are Kansas and Fontana. Expect both of those races to be even more boring than this one. Also, expect pretty much the same finishing order with a tweak here and there...


5 comments:

jmayer1843 said...

Great bullets again! Anytime Johnson dominates, things get boring. If he dominates at Kansas and California, not only will those races be boring but all of the drama will get sucked out of the Chase. That's part of the reason I actually like the Race to the Chase better.

Gene Haddock said...

Good job, Gonger. Why, oh why, is it coming down between JJ and Mark? Aaaarrrggghh!

Could there be two less exciting drivers out there?

jon_464 said...

Gonger, excellent job as usual. I'd love to see JPM be in contention for the title; ANYONE but JJ!! Talladega is the wild card--if JJ and Mark get tripped up and JPM has a strong finish, perhaps even winning, he's got a GREAT look at the title. Neither JJ nor Mark have had great results at Talladega, and Dega is one of JPM's strongest tracks.

Brent said...

jmayer- Thanks. Races are definitley more exciting when Johnson has to work his way to the front.

Gene- Thanks. Even though Mark isn't too interesting of a driver to watch, I like it that he is getting this chance to win it all.

Jon- Thanks. If 'Dega weren't in the Chase, I might go ahead and give JJ the championship. But Talladega is unpredictable race, and that is what makes it so great...

klvalus said...

Nice Gonger...

I dont mind JJ winning a 4th straight - although I know it isnt a popular sentiment it is really impressive to witness his dominance albeit a bit boring at times. While others are anyone but JJ, I am anyone but MM!!

Kurt had something for HMS but not enough...I fear that will be the story of the Chase.