October 22, 2008
By Chuck Abrams
Jimmie Johnson got his sixth win and increased his led to a triple digit lead over everyone else in the Chase for the Championship.
So you wonder if Johnson will three-peat? It sure seems like a forgone conclusion the way the 48 team is running right now.
Johnson not only won from the pole, that was set by points after qualifying was rained out, but he led the most laps in a dominating performance. Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards are the only two drivers that really challenged Johnson at all, but they were never really a threat. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. finished the race second but he was never really a threat to beat Johnson ether. Aric Almirola led several laps early but that was early.
Kurt Busch had probably the best radio conversation all day when after blowing another right front tire, he asked if he could “park it”. He was told that was not a possibility and that he just needed to find what it took to finish the race. He then retorted that he hoped he did not get hurt, thank you very much.
Once again, Jamie McMurray was running well only to fall victim to another mechanical failure. Other good runs were had by Brian Vickers, Casey Mears, Clint Bowyer, Martin Truex, Jr., David Ragan and Juan Pablo Montoya.
Matt Kenseth somehow managed a top ten finish even though he got turned around earlier in the race. Bill Elliott finished with a top 15 proving he can still drive even on one of the toughest tracks on the circuit.
Now the Cup drivers return to Atlanta, one of the fastest tracks on the circuit and one where Jimmie Johnson does very, very well. Carl Edwards was leading the spring race when he had mechanical problems. He could cut into Johnson’s lead if that same fate does not befall him this weekend. If Johnson does not have bad luck, he looks to maintain his lead if not pad it more. Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton and Edwards are the only drivers that have a shot at Johnson with just a few races left. Sorry for all the other fans, but that is the way it is.
Goodyear is bringing a new tire this weekend to Atlanta but rain is forecast for Friday most likely wiping out qualifying. With cool weather and a green track, let’s hope that Goodyear brought a tire for the weather as well as the track. If not, look for an angry Smoke and the high probability of a lot of wrecks.
On another topic, can you believe Johnny Benson might actually win a NASCAR title? That is so cool for him and his team. And can you believe that as the Craftsman Truck Series points leader -- he is struggling to find a sponsor? That is just insane. The CTS offers some of the best racing action and has a growing fan base. But economics are the lifeblood of racing these days. Let’s hope some company out there sees the value of CTS racing and what a great spokesperson Benson is.
Drive fast, turn left and keep the shiny side up.
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