Sofa Sideline – Jarrett Wins; Rudd Loses
It was good to see Dale Jarrett back in winning form, and congratulations
go out to him for picking up the win last weekend at Pocono Raceway. But, one has to feel bad for Ricky Rudd, who, once again, was
the man to beat.
Rudd took the lead from Jeff Burton on lap 179, and it appeared no one
would catch him, but a few laps later, the right rear started to go down.
The tire went totally flat causing Rudd to go into the wall; bringing out
a late race caution. As he says “That’s two weeks, three weeks – I don know
I lost count, that something has happened,” said Rudd. One can understand the dejection; particularly if this truly
does turn out to be his final season.
Talk about bad luck, or no luck at all; when is it going to stop for
Bobby Labonte. Ten laps had not
even passed in the race when he radioed in that he was stuck in high gear;
couldn’t downshift; made for a very long day.
The attrition rate was so high, however, that he actually wound up
finishing 25th. It was a
tough day for many, but its way past time for things to turn around with the 18. Maybe this week, in Michigan?
Jimmie Johnson; what can you say. I
guess I am beginning to believe the “cartoon” where it’s implied that he
got all Jeff’s equipment this year. The
underlying current suggests that the focus is intentionally being turned toward
the younger driver as a means to deflect focus from Jeff’s personal situation.
That may very well be the case; one can only speculate. However,
what is evident is the fact that Johnson has top-notch equipment; not bad, not
bad at all for the new kid on the block.
Mark Martin; well he finished second, and he ran his “typical” race;
clean driving, leads a few laps, shows up at the end.
I received a bunch of email regarding my column where I said he was
aggressive in Charlotte; that’s racin, no doubt, but this week looked more
like the norm.
Ryan Newman – continues to have bad luck; got tangled up with Kurt
Busch, who also had a tough day; catching the wall earlier in the day. Someone has suggested that maybe it’s just the luck of the
12 car; maybe so, but the 97 appears to be starting a pattern as well.
Both of these young drivers are really good, aggressive drivers that are
fun to watch; hopefully there will be future wins for both.
Sterling Marlin – continues to lead the points race; managed a fourth
place finish at Pocono. It’s
looking more and more like his consistency is going to be what will be the
deciding factor in the race for the championship.
He’s the man to beat, as I think those behind him will continue to
shift positions in the standings.
Other Notes:
I was out of town last week; unfortunately, unable to “work” the race
in Nashville. I listened to it on
the radio; sounded like a decent race – with Jack Sprague bringing home the
win and picking up the Gibson guitar.
I hope to be back for the next two events, and look forward to seeing
“the gang.”
I would like to take a moment to express a few words of sympathy to a new
friend who is a representative for NASCAR at many events. His mother recently passed away.
Although there are no “right” words; we just send along our thoughts
and prayers to him and his family.
One more thing:
Being an old “New York Giant” fan, I can’t seem to help but be
rubbed wrong by the thought of Jerry Jones entering into the world of NASCAR.
We Giants fans (and I guess Washington, too) never liked Dallas for
various reasons, but personally, the way things ran; everything seemingly based
on profit alone, just never sat right. Rumor
has it that the deal is not done; that Jones wants to sign the likes of Tony
Stewart. One can’t even imagine
what that relationship would be like.
A friend said “Jones probably won’t be involved in the business that
much.” I said; that may be true,
unless of course, the team didn’t win; didn’t make enough money; you might
see some involvement then?
I don’t know; once a Giants fan, always a Giants fan, I guess.
That’s it for now.