Talladega Results

So it was a loooong drive home today. After a good home cooked breakfast from Grandma May (90 years old this week!) we loaded Mack in the car and departed at about 11:00 from my folks. Thanks to the Sirius radio in Vicki's car I was able to catch the Cavs Game AND most of the race.

We listened to the Cavs victory via the "Wizards Radio Network." I have got to tell you, you do not get the full effect of Washington's distaste for anything "Cleveland" until you listen to their home radio douchebags. They were crying about every freaking call and every play. Their big beef this game was that a foul that was originally called on Lebron got switched to someone else. They claimed this changed the whole game and that they would have won if the refs had not charged the foul to someone else. Then they went on about the conspiracy theory that the NBA wants Lebron to make it to the finals again. Idiots. What about the Wizards, huh? Maybe they should score and rebound. Ever think that might help them win against the Cavs. My other favorite moment was after a dunk by Lebron, the one guys says in a monotone " That guy is...... a pretty good player" as if he was trying sooo hard not to say what a spectacular play he just saw.

At any rate, it was tough to listen to, but it was my only option. Once that was over Vicki allowed me (yes, she allowed me as in she hates NASCAR on the radio and in an effort to make all passengers comfortable I offered NOT to listen on the drive, but I did anyway) to listen to the Race. I tuned into Tony Stewart's in-car broadcast which was pretty cool. Its the MRN broadcast, just like normal, except when anyone on the 20 team keys the radio the broadcast cuts out and you hear the radio chatter. It was interesting, except not too much happened to Tony while I was in the car. Of course, 30 seconds after I get home was another story.

So i caught the end of the race. Pretty good action today. Of course, I abhor seeing the 18 in victory circle, ESPECIALLY after he dropped below the yellow line to pass for the lead. I ran the tape back. OK, MAYBE the 48 came down a little to block and the 18 had to drop down a little, but the move he made that forced the block WAS BELOW THE LINE! Of course, NASCAR isn't going to take away the win. They will just say he was forced down, but c'mon guys. If I can see that using my DVR, certainly you can with all of your technology that my ticket prices pay for.

JP Montoya kept the sheet metal guys for about 15 teams in solid job security this week. So did Junior. That cat reallllly wants to get back into winning form. I almost took him this week, but took the 20 instead. My bad. Anyway, at least I still have the 88 available for next week at Richmond, where he has had some past success.

OK, Without further ado, here are the standings, pending further review by NASCAR:

1. Kenny - 43 total (used - 11,48,99,24,9,16,18,17,88) - 3 today
2. Jon - 62 total (used - 20,48,31,24,29,88,99,18,41) - 38 today
3. Joe - 88 Total (used - 11,31,99,20,19,88,18,9,55) - 3 today
4.Wingman - 98 total (used - 78,12,31,11,07,24,18,48,20) - 18 today
5. Shaffer - 112 total (used - 78,12,88,99,07,24,18,48,20) - 18 today
6. Shaw - 119 total (used - 24,20,29,2,17,11,9,48,88) - 12 today
7. Tony - 126 total (used - 78,12,17,20,99,24,18,48,88) - 18 today
8. TBA - 130 total (used - 7,12,99,41,29,17,18,24,88) - 20 today
9. PT - 147 total (used - 20,12,16,48,31,24,18,99,41) - 38 today
10. Inskeep - 156 total (used - 78,12,99,48,16,18,24,11,88) - 18 today
11. Susie - 157 total (used - 78,12,99,8,9,1,18,24,88) - 18 today
12. Scott - 162 total (used - 2,12,16,11,29,48,18,17,88) - 39 today
13. Wayne - 166 total (used - 31,12,99,11,18,24,48,5,88) - 17 today
14. Shane - 190 total (used - 78,12,99,8,48,24,18,11,88) - 18 today
15. Hau-Ling - 268 total (used - 20,17,88,7,5,11,2,24,6) - 38 today

So as you can see I did not rearrange anything yet as far as the order of the standings. 2 reasons, 1: I accidentally erased TBA's text message and don't know who he wanted, so I am giving him a chance to let me know; and 2: I want to verify these scores based on NASCAR's final results, which should come out on Tuesday. With the mess at the end of this race, there is no telling how it will end up shaking out. OK, just got TBA's text so that part is fixed. I will go ahead and set the preliminary results for you cause I'm nice.

Regardless, it looks like a 2 person race. Kenny should take over the lead with a 19 point advantage over Jon. No one else is in striking distance (the most points you could make up in a week is 42, so anyone with 85 points or more is just playing for position)

I gotta tell you, I like Kenny's chances. Based solely on who he has left available to use that Jon does not tells me its going to be tough to catch him. Kenny has taken the lead getting good finishes out of sleepers like Biffle and Kahne. This weeks pick for Jon really hurt him. Jon is going to have to make one hell of a pick and hope Kenny falters. Ken still has guys like Stewart, Burton and Harvick to fall back on and all he needs is a 19 place finish or better from whoever he chooses to seal the deal. JON - DON'T TELL KENNY WHO YOU ARE PICKING BEFORE THE RACE!!!!!

Next week - Richmond on Saturday night. I will be with Ken and Jon at a party where I am sure the race will be on and the center of attention. Side bets anyone?

Next session will start in 3 weeks. I plan to improve things a bit. Look for a clearer standings report, and some scoring adjustments to give a bigger advantage to race winners and a bigger disadvantage to non-reporters. Also may toy with some other ideas, but I will run them past you before implementing. Also, I am more than happy to expand. Spread the word to anyone who may be interested in joining up.

Later

PT

Tally picks

Sorry folks, I am up at my folks this weekend. I will update the picks / standings as soon as I get home this afternoon. I'm torn between the 88 and the 20. I have both guys remaining. I think the 88 is due and this is his sort of racetrack, but Smoke has a tendency to push aside contraversy and perform. On the other hand, it is Talladega where losers like Brian Vickers has a victory based on drafting. It could be anyone. Jeez, Stremme is in - he could win this race.

I will be listening over the 6 hour drive home on Sirius thanks to Vicki's new car, but it won't be the same.

Brienne Davis

So, Scott re-discovered this photo that he took last year at MIS while we were there for the race in June:



It turns out this woman, Brienne Davis, was killed earlier this month in an auto accident (read about it here). Its a great photo, and maybe one her family hasn't seen, so Scott is diligently working to try to make contact with someone who might like to have it. Although the reach of this blog is obviously not long enough to connect with the family of this woman, if anyone knows anyone who knows anyone who may know someone, let me know.



It may just be a random photo from a race to you or I, but it may mean alot more to this woman's family and friends.

Phoenix Results

We has some serios shakeups this week thanks to what was apparently a power steering line on the #12. The rocketman was among the fastest in all 3 practices and took the pole, but couldn't keep the Alltel Dodge in the running. With a 43rd finish and a lot of default picks this week, those folks who aren't making picks are finally getting their just due.

I didn't see much of the race, unfortunately, due to my first experience with Guitar Hero III, so I have little to say today. Here you go!

1. Jon - 24 total (48 car at phoenix)
2. Kenny - 40 total (48 car at phoenix)
3.Wingman - 74 total (12 car at phoenix)
4. Joe - 85 total (31 car at phoenix)
5. Shaffer - 88 total (12 car at phoenix)
6. Tony - 102 total (12 car at phoenix)
7. Shaw - 107 total (20 car at phoenix)
8. PT - 109 total (12 car at phoenix)
9. TBA - 110 total (12 car at phoenix)
10. Scott - 123 total (12 car at phoenix)
11. inskeep - 138 total (12 car at phoenix)
12. Susie - 139 total (12 car at phoenix)
13. Wayne - 149 total (12 car at phoenix)
14. Shane - 172 total (12 car at phoenix)
15. Hau-Ling - 230 total (17 car at phoenix)

Joe has made a big leap in the last 2 weeks, and Kenny is eyeing Jon's #1 position. At this point, only Ken and Jon have avoided disaster, and we only have 3 races to go. It may very well come down to who doesn't pick a wrecked driver in the next 3 weeks.

Don't forget - it's 2 weeks before the next race - this time its DEGA!

pohenicks picks

Got company over so this wil be a quick post - Here are the picks so far:

Jon - 48
ken - 48
Wayne - 12
Mike - 12
Dave Shaw - 20
Joe - 31
hau-Ling - 17
Scott - 12
TBA - 12
PT - 12

Clutch and Kamchatka at Peabody's

Please, Gizoogle Me...

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Results after Texas

Yeah Carl, we know. You can do a back flip. Thanks.

This week it seemed qualifying was more interesting than the race. Fox showed the Mcdowell wreck more than any singe race incident. With minimal cautions and a 200 mph mile and a half track, we wound up with competitive cars strung out over about 4 laps. Zzzzzzzzzzz. Edwards was clearly the class of the field, which paid off for 8 of our 15 entries this week. Especially lucky were those who did not report selections. Since he started 2nd and virtually everyone in the league already using the 88 (only two remain after this week - myself and Wingman) , many defaulted to the 99 car for this week.

Scott and I both selected the #16 on hunches. He started 16th and made it up to 4th for a long run, but engine failure ruined his day and ours. Lucky for me I was able to watch the #31 climb the leader board and wind up with a 6th on a Bowyer/Hamlin run-in. There he goes again, destroying things.

Edwards stunk up the show again, did his back flip, yada, yada, yada. No one will ever remember this race. It will never be on "Back in the Day with Dale Jr." It won't come up in the season summary shows. It was an uneventful, un-notable win for the #99. What will be remembered is Texas in 08 was the first true test of the new car platform's safety equipment, the safer barrier, and the HANS device. Oh, and the 'plump' chick who gave the command to start engines. I had a "I relate to you" moment watching Jimmy Johnson laughing at her. You could see his "I picked on fat chicks like you in grade school" smirk through his helmet on the in-car as he fired his engine.

Thank you Jimmy Johnson. Thank you for giving me something to remember about this race.

Here are this weeks results / standings:

1 - Jon - 23 total ([41]5/[18]4/[99]1/[88]3/[29]2/[24]2/[31]6)

2 - Wingman - 31 total ([20]3/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5/[07]3/[11]1/[31]6)

3 - Kenny - 39 total ([88]9/[17]5/[18]11/[16]4/[9]7/[24]2/[99]1)

4 - Shaffer - 45 total ([20]3/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5/[07]3/[99]9/[88]12)

5 - Tony - 59 total ([88]9/[48]2/[18]11/[24]5/[99]18/[20]5/[17]9)

6 - PT - 66 total ([41]5/[99]1/[18]11/[24]5/[31]1/[48]4/[16]39)

7 - TBA - 67 total ([88]9/[24]3/[18]11/[17]8/[29]2/[41]/36/[99]1)

8 - Shaw - 86 total ([88]9/[48]2/[9]6/[11]15/[17]10/[2]33/[29]11)

9 - Joe - 79 total ([55]29/[9]9/[18]11/[88]3/[19]21/[20]5/[99]1)

10 - Scott - 80 total ([88]9/[17]5/[18]11/[48]13[29]2/[11]1/[16]39)

11- Inskeep - 95 total ([88]9/[11]41/[24]35/[18]1/[16]4/[48]4/[99]1)

12 - Susie - 96 total ([88]9/[24]3/[18]11/[1]21/[9]7/[8]42/[99]1)

13 - Wayne - 106 total ([88]9/[5]42/[48]29/[24]5/[18]19/[11]1/[99]1)

14 - Shane - 129 total ([88]9/[11]41/[18]11/[24]5/[48]20/[8]42/[99]1)

15 - Hau Ling - 192 total ([6]42/[24]3/[2]38/[11]15/[5]42/[7]40/[88]12)

Today's 6th from Burton is Jon's worst finish of the year. Every league we have, he dominates. Everyone from 6th down has had at least one bad finish, much like my 39th from Biffle this week. Right now it looks like a 2 man race, unless they have bad days too.

See you next week!

"Five. Five Dollar, Five Dollar Foot Loooonggg"

I can't get this song out of my head!



I also want Toyota to explain this 6-speed tranny they have in their full size truck. I'm not sure this is a phrase that will sell trucks to manly men. OK, maybe some men that aren't so manly.

Picks For Texas

here is who has who. I still haven't decided, but I will prior to the race and get it posted. I am seriously leaning toward the #16 right now, but I am still tempted by the #88. One 3 times at this track has the winner come from farther back than 10th (Biffle starts 16th), but at the same time, only once has the winner started on the pole. I am torn.

UPDATE - final picks are as follows......

Here you go:

Jon - #31 Jeff Burton
Wingman - #31 Jeff Burton (I guess we won't be seeing Wingman taking over the lead today)
PT - #16 Greg Biffle
Shaffer - #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Kenny - #99 Carl Edwards
Es Scott - #16 The Biff
Tony - #17 Matt Kenseth
TBA - #99 Carl Edwards
Dave Shaw - #29 Kevin Harvick
Joe Yu - #99
Inskeep - #99
Susie - #99 (default)
Wayne - #99
Shane - #99 (default)
Hau-Ling - #88

Lots of Carl Edwards fans today, but mostly from the bottom of the pool. This is either a chance to play some catch up, or proof as to who is really better at this game. We shall see.

30 minutes to race time!

Don't pick McDowell, but pick someone before the drop of the Green

Michael Mcdowell (of ASR'08 fame) took a tumble on Friday. This wreck is freaking unbelievable. Easily the worst I've seen in years, and maybe the worst I can remember. On the bright side, he walked away. On the other hand, he is definitely not proving that working out on ASR'08 makes a Cup driver out of you.

If you watch the replay carefully, you see the car get just a snitch loose, the back gets away and then... he commits the cardinal sin of wrecking. The car was past saving and he turned the wheel to the right, which in turn sent him into the wall almost perpendicular for a massive hit. It looks to me like he is still a little behind the car. By "behind" I speak in loose aviation terms for being essentially one step behind the movement with the reaction. Before McDowell realized the car was lost, he was still thinking "I can save this." If he is to survive the mile-and-a-half tracks, he needs to catch up to the control.

The race starts at like 1:30 9or at least to coverage does. Get me your picks before the start.

Personally, I am torn between 2 drivers this week. Junior has been coming on strong and having good top 10 finishes and is likely due for a win, but my gut says Biffle. He is tough at this track and has been very consistent over the first 6 races. I dunno. This will be a late call for me.

Look for the selections during the race and the standings after.

Later

PT