Here it goes...
Ken:
I predict that this coming Sunday you will be watching one of the last of the Rockingham Fall races. Within the next two years I believe we will see “The Rock’s” Fall date transferred to another track, most likely to a new Meadowlands track if the ISC/Donald Trump partnership is picked to build the new facility. That duo has to be the leading contender for the new project. I also believe that, depending on the outcome of the litigation in Texas and if NASCAR loses the case or a settlement is agreed to, the Fall Rockingham date could even go TMS as a 2nd race date.
Well enough for speculation, and on to the race prediction. My two favorites are “Tony the Tiger” and “DJ.” Dale Jarrett has the best average (150.92) at “The Rock” over the past 6 years including a win at this race two years ago. Except for a blown engine in the Spring race this year, “DJ” has a string of 12 straight Top 10s…very impressive.
Tony’s record is almost as impressive over his 7 attempts at the track. Seven races, 7 Top 12s. Tony has progressively gotten better since his 1999 rookie year where he earned 2 12th place finishes. Since 1999 he has three 4th place and two 7th place finishes. Additionally, Tony has the opportunity to put the nail in Mark Martin’s and Jimmie Johnson’s WC Championship hopes this weekend. Furthermore, if he wins at “The Rock” he will pocket a record $300,000 in bonus money. Lastly, and probably most important in Tony’s mind, I think he would like to shut up those in the media who have been accusing him of “points racing.” I give the nod to “Tony the Tiger” closely followed by “DJ.”
1. Tony Stewart
2. Dale Jarrett
3. Matt Kenseth – Should follow up his Spring win with a Top 6 finish
4. Bobby Labonte – 1 win, 5 Top 5s, 7 Top 10s and 11 Top 20s in 13 races
5. Kurt Bush – The Rock is not one of his best tracks but this kid is on a roll
Possible Top 5/Top 10 breakthroughs: Matt Kenseth (won in the Spring), Jeff Gordon, “Little E” (only because he’s on a roll, not due to his previous performances at “The Rock”), Ricky Craven (Rockingham is arguably his best track), Ward Burton and Ryan Newman (he will be heard from again before the end of the year).
Ken Shafer
SideWays:
Well me and the boys at the shop are still pitching. Seems we’re not hittin’ them outta’ the park but we are getting a few hits! With the onslaught of so many potential drivers that could win at anytime, choosing one is downright awkward!
Almost half of the starting field is a serious contender from week to week with another 10-12 highly likely. When you factor in all these rain shortened events everybody on the lead lap is in contention! Don’t know how many times that has happened in the past but it’s sure the case this year!
Well it’s on to the “Rock” for a second visit. This is an event I see going away in the near future. I believe NASCAR is going to have to take away one event each at Rockingham and Darlington. There is too much pressure being applied for a second event at Texas and the first event at Kentucky.
OK this track is like a bad marriage. Just when you think you have things under control things change. The track has so many different personalities it should be named Sybil.
Past performance is not always an indication of future results but we’ll go with a proven contender.
Johnny Benson in his first win!
Don:
My recent picks have not been too hot so picking Rockingham may be totally foolish. Based on recent performances I am really going out on a limb this time.
1. Joe Nemecheck-The team has really turned around and Nemecheck runs well here.
2. Jimmie Johnson-Must have a good run to stay alive in the points.
3. Bobby Labonte-Runs well here
4. Robby Gordon-This track is suited to his driving style.
5. Tony Stewart-Playing it safe?
Don
Heather:
Only 3 races to go, which means I’ll [thankfully] only be wrong 3 more times this year. I predict race winners about as well as Ms. Cleo predicts the future. The odds of me picking who will be standing in Victory Lane on Sunday at Rockingham are about as good as the possibility that I might spontaneously combust while walking down the street – in other words, zilch.
So who am I picking to win at Rockingham this weekend??? Tony Stewart. He’s going to win the championship, he might as well win this race, too.
Beth:
What a turn the points race took last week at Atlanta. I guess I
should say *Turn(s) aka Spins. It's going to be hard for Johnson
to make up those points he lost unless Stewart has trouble. As for
this week, who knows what will happen! We visit Rockingham this
week with just 2 weeks to follow afterward. Who do I think will
do well at Rockingham? Well you can't go wrong with the record Dale
Jarrett/Jeff Gordon/Rusty Wallace have there, so you have to keep
them in the mix. Tony Stewart has never won here, and this is one
place he would like to tame, so don't forget about him either.
Dark
horses that could suprise us all are Nemecheck (who had a great run
at Atlanta), Steve Park (yeah some of you may think I'm crazy) and
Kenny Wallace (He loves "The Rock")
I'm going to pick Rusty this
week cause of his history at the track, and his need to get "that
win to keep his streak alive". This seems like the most logical place
for him to get that win. I expect to see Dale Jarrett do well, and
my sentimental favorite Steve Park to have a good run.
More importantly,
lets just hope no matter who wins that we have a safe and competitive
race. Take care and enjoy the weekend.
Rob:
Let's go with the sentimental favorite. Steve Park. He needs a good run, and he runs good there.
2nd place will be Mark Martin as he gains points and
Look for Dale Jarrett in a strong 3rd.
Alison:
Tony Stewart is smelling that trophy and I think he will get that much closer with a win Sunday
Mikey has to bounce back at some point and get a second place run.
and Ryan Newman should come home in 3rd.
Lisa:
The Rock
I do believe there will be another new name engraved on The Rock
this year. But who's?? So many good drivers haven't won here yet,
and of course we have the unbelievable rookie class that haven't
even raced here yet.
Whatever happens, I will be there to see it. By the time this is
posted, I will be at the campground waiting for a full fun-filled
(and from the weather report, COLD) weekend of racing to start.
I'm going for the trifecta this weekend, and here are my picks.
Michael Waltrip, winner of the Busch Race
Dale Earnhard Jr's Crew, winner of the Pit Crew Competition.
Tony Stewart, new name on The Rock
UPDATE: The staff predictions have raised a total of $ 145.64 in
October
for Colton's charity, The Foundation for Fighting Blindness. Also
in October, I'm donating $51.60 in honor of Jason Jarret, and his
fine third place finish in the 2002 ARCA standings. The season to
date total is $559.84. Those pennies sure add up! My thanks to
all who are participating.
LAST WEEK"S WINNER- The Handyman (again!!):
Three to go who knows. I just do not think this is a rookie track but starting pos. makes a difference.
1-88
2-24
3-6
4-18
5-25
Good luck to all of the pickers from The Handyman.
It isn't too late to get your predictions in. Send an e-mail to "My Prediction" . Put the winning driver prediction in the subject and put your prediction for 2nd place in the body of the e-mail. You may be on our expert panel for the next race.
