Tony Stewart-Let's be honest we knew Stewart-Haas Racing was going to be good, just not this soon. Tony Stewart made all the right moves and surrounded himself with the best people he could find. The addition of Darian Grubb as crew chief, along with the Hendrick Motorsports alliance, was nothing short of brilliant. This team continues to get stronger and is a legitimate contender for the championship.
Ryan Newman-Even as dismal as the year started, this team found ways to get better and has become as consistent and as solid as their teammate. Even though they've used pit strategy to get them in a position to win a few times, this team found ways to stay up front. If not for getting caught up in wrecks at Talladega and the All-Star Race this team could have easily found themselves in victory lane.
Mark Martin-The rejuvenated and ageless Mark Martin has silenced all critics by coming out and racing like a young gun rather than a 50 year old man. His win at Phoenix made him the oldest driver to ever win a race during the modern era. A couple weeks later Martin found himself in victory lane once again at the Southern 500 at Darlington. If not for bad luck earlier in the season this team could be right up there in the hunt for the point lead.
David Reutimann-On paper it appears the 00 bunch backed their way into a win at the Coke 600; it couldn't be further from the truth. Even though the team was on a bit of a slide coming into Charlotte, Reutimann and company had become one of the most improved and consistent teams of the first part of the year. For a guy who started 2008 in one MWR car and finished in another, it speaks volumes about this team's ability to adapt and run up front.
Biggest Disappointments
Dale Earnhardt, Jr-It goes without saying that this team has officially hit rock bottom. From pit road mistakes to horrendous set-ups, this team is lucky to be in the top 20 in points. Even though it appeared the two "Juniors" were stuck with each other, Rick Hendrick has recently come out and said that changes are coming. Those changes better come quick before it's too late to turn the season around.
Kevin Harvick-Things had gotten so bad with this bunch that Richard Childress had no choice but to split up the successful duo of Todd Berrier and Kevin Harvick. Now, almost a month later, the crew swap has yet to bring the spark Richard Childress and company had hoped for. It's not just the 29 team; the other RCR cars are struggling as well.
Carl Edwards-Looking to build off the success of last year's run at the championship, this team has yet to show the championship form it had during the '08 season. The panic button hasn't been pushed yet because no one really knows what's holding this team back. With Dover and Pocono on the horizon, it could be the jump start to the championship run everyone expected this team to have.
Rain Shortened Races-There wasn't much you could have done to save the Coke 600; but the decision to call the Daytona 500 just after halfway was ridiculous. The biggest race of the year should not be shortened due to weather. They don't call the Super Bowl after the 3rd quarter so don't call NASCAR's "Super Bowl" just after half-way. Its not fair to ask the fans to shell out big bucks for tickets and then give them just a little over half of a race. Quit listening to the TV producers and give the fans what they want...a full race!!
Best Race
Aaron's 499 At Talladega-Even though the "big one" happened during the first 10 laps, and another big wreck in the last 15, the Aaron's 499 still managed 57 lead changes among 25 drivers. Brad Keselowski and Carl Edwards delivered one of the best final laps in the history of the sport. With NASCAR in a bit of a stall, Talladega came along and delivered intense and spectacular racing and helped bring the sport back into the national spotlight.
Worst Race
Food City 500 At Bristol-Goodyear's choice of tire, the most recent repaving job and the track's decision to go to progressive banking has all but killed the racing at Bristol. At first it was thought that multiple racing grooves would be good for the track; in reality its made it harder to pass. Kyle Busch dominated the race by leading 378 of the 500 laps en route to his second victory of '09. The Food City 500 was one of the worst races the track has seen in years.
Best Paint Scheme
Jimmie Johnson's Memorial Day Salute Paint Scheme at the Coca-Cola 600
Worst Paint Scheme
Robby Gordon's findmespot.com Paint Scheme at Bristol
Best Part of Television Broadcast
HotPass on DirectTv-For the lucky ones who happen to be DirectTv Customers you know exactly where I'm going with this. Starting with the 2009 season DirectTv gave customers its NASCAR HotPass package for free. HotPass takes the television broadcast to another level by giving viewers in-car cameras and access to team communications. Even though its hard to hear the spotter chatter over the TV broadcast, its still a great way to watch a race. Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Dale Earnhardt, Jr, Kasey Kahne, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have all been featured on HotPass. Its the closest thing to being at the track and having the Sprint FanView in your lap.
Worst Part of Television Broadcast
Digger-Enough said....
No comments:
Post a Comment