Here it goes...
Ken:
In my weekly column I referred to picking a winner at a restrictor plate race is much akin to trying to pick the winning numbers in the “Power Ball Lottery.” Unfortunately, I meant it.
I can remember a few years back that with about 5 laps remaining at Daytona I had 4 out of the top five drivers on my team and my 5th driver was 10th. Then the “Big One” happened and I ended up with my highest driver finishing about 10th and scored my worse total points for a race ever (it’s still a record low), somewhere around 320 for 5 drivers. That was the day I learned the hard way to HATE restrictor plate races.
As usual, I have my favorites but with the very good chance of another “Big One,” Brett Bodine may have about as much chance winning as any of the favorites. NASCAR must have been smoking “funny cigarettes” when they thought up the idea that the smaller fuel cells would solve the bunching problem. It may help during the race but a late yellow inside of 20 laps will negate any value received from it during the race. Here goes nothing:
1. Dale “Jr.” - He has won the last two races at “Dega” and he has finally gotten “Hot.” I don’t know if any driver has ever won three races in a row at a track but “Jr.” has a chance this weekend. The DEI boys have really figured out restrictor plate racing. “Jr.” is also one of the “No Bull” drivers which is a lot of incentive.
2. Ryan Newman – Also one of the “No Bull” drivers and 2nd places are getting old.. I don’t think he will win but as long as his engine doesn’t go south as it did in the Spring, he will be there at the end of the race.
3. Jimmy Johnson – Like Newman, he’s for real and he’s now in the race of life…The WC Championship
4. Rusty Wallace - Not a No Bull Driver but Rusty and Penske South really are on a roll.
5. Tony Stewart – I don’t think (I hope I’m wrong) that the Pontiacs are strong enough to win but Tony the Tiger will find a way to squeeze out a top five. He’s the closest ever to a Winston Cup Championship and competition makes him run and get his juices flowing.
Possible Top 5 breakthroughs - Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin and Jeff Green although Roush better get a handle on their engine problems from last week.
Ken Shafer
SideWays:
Well me and the boys took a “header” into la-la land picking Kurt Busch last week. This slip of mental gymnastics cost us dearly. We weren’t the only ones but somehow that doesn’t lessen the sting.
On to Talladega which is Indian for “Forty-three strongest horses run for big wampum(this year stop for water more often)”…. At least that’s what it says in my press guide. Right next to the announcement on smaller fuel cells and the safety innovations for this race. Course we just got changes to pages 26 (a)(2) thru 27 (T), which relates to foreign owned companies with manufacturing facilities in the U.S…. Right!
While it may seem stupid and somewhat counterproductive to pick against the DEI cars, the cooperation that has been the hallmark of the #8 and #15 cars in the past, in our opinion, is gone. That went out the window at Daytona in July. If we’re wrong about this they should rule. We don’t think we’re wrong so we’ll look elsewhere for a winner.
There again if we thought Andy Petree could make a car idiot proof we’d pick the “red headed strangler”. He’s shown signs of greatness but things like the walls and other cars seem to get in the way!
There is one fellar that has been hanging around for a couple of weeks …a fellar that seems to have a changed attitude and agenda…a fellar who, we think will win the championship! A fellar whose Indian name is “lots of smoke mean fire not out”…… We’ll take the “Rushville Rocket”!
Heather:
While Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon both have a lot of momentum going for them right now, how can you possibly not pick Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win at Talladega this weekend? He’s pretty much the only driver who even likes the place, and has a great record there. Plus, he’s going for the “No Bull 5” million dollars, and he’ll be hard to beat.
So my pick to win Talladega is Dale Earnhardt Jr. – but I bet that Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon will both avoid the “big one” and end up finishing in the top 5 as well.
Don:
As we head to Talladega my sphincter muscles are already taking a grip on my seat cushion. While NA$CAR thinks they have the answer in thirteen gallon fuel cells, I anticipate the worst possible outcome. I'll watch because I can not watch a race at this awesome facility. For those so inclined, it's time to say a few prayers and not trust to luck.
All factors being equal, here are my picks:
1. Mikey Waltrip- I don't think Mikey will be an absolute team player and will go for it.
2. Jimmie Johnson- What can I say about this kid?
3. Ryan Newman- Ditto
4. Junior- The rookies will hang him out to dry
5. Joe Nemecheck- The twenty five team is coming together and Joe is hongree.
Don
Rob:
Ah yes, plate racing. Like my good friend Scott says, "It's like staring at the TV waiting to see someone get hit in the head with a baseball bat. You know its going to happen. You know it will be ugly, yet you find yourself glued to the screen waiting for it.
I can predict the ARCA race for you, CHASE MONTGOMERY. The Cup race will be a crap shoot, however, I feel pretty confident that whoever I pick will be the first one out.
Hoping that isn't true, I will go with Tony Stewart for the win
Jr 2nd
and Kenny Wallace and Carrot Top in 3rd
Alison:
Come on Mikey!! This is your chance to shine. Don't push Jr across the line, take the win yourself!!
Mikey first
Mark Martin reataking the point lead in 2nd and
Dale Jr 3rd after being shuffled on the last lap.
Lisa:
I'm going to pick Dale Jr. this week
LAST WEEK"S WINNER- Rex Casner:
With the new fuel cell rule I look for some problems trying to get in the pits at the same time as someone you may have made a deal with. However, if your leading the race you should have little problems and as dominating as DEI has been I see them leading most of the way and pitting together for sure. I’m not a great Earnhardt fan but it’s hard to deny his dominance at restrictor plates.
Therefore I see Jr and Mikey up front again. I do not see Jr’s ego allowing Mikey to steal his headlines again. I see Jr 1st, Mikey 2nd, J Gordon 3rd, DJ 4th. Also, don’t be surprised if the rainbow figures out a way to steal the victory. After all, it is crunch time isn’t it? And there’s also no denying this man’s record under pressure.
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