Wild card and Michigan.

FenderBumper

FenderBumper

The "good old days" ??
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This whole wild card thing is getting crazy. I always knew it would, but the players are surprising.

Who would have thought Denny would be banking on a wild card spot? That seems to be his plan, because he has traded speed for reliability by demanding TRD engines. It's clear Denny isn't thinking about a win, he want's pointsto stay ahead of...

Bowyer and Biffle, and even Menard. If Bowyer wins, Denny get's knocked out of the chase. He is just 16 points ahead of Biffle, but a win for the bif could jump him ahead.

Menard is less of a threat at 27 points back, but he will be going all out for a win. If he does, Denny is out.

Denny is even in danger from Stewart, who could win but drop out of the top 10.

Then there is Ragan. He is fast on these wide open tracks, as are the Fords. If Ragan can keep from melting down any further and get a win, he would be back in the top 20 and in the chase. If Dave does get in position to win, I expect him to do something REALLY stupid to let it slip away.
 
If I'm reading this correctly, remember what they say about counting chickens ;)
 
#17D500winner said:
With one glaring omission but no big deal. Carry on :)
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I left a lot out, so feel free to start typing. There are about 30 different ways these 2 spots can be decided, so let us know what you're thinking.

Apparently, I was way off about TRD engines lacking speed. They had a decent showing.
 
FenderBumper said:
I left a lot out, so feel free to start typing. There are about 30 different ways these 2 spots can be decided, so let us know what you're thinking.

Apparently, I was way off about TRD engines lacking speed. They had a decent showing.
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I guess I would toss Keselowski into the mix.

I think that the only JGR car with the TRD engine is the #11 and yeah, he qualified well. Hamlin also gets around Michigan rather well.
 
#17D500winner said:
I guess I would toss Keselowski into the mix.

I think that the only JGR car with the TRD engine is the #11 and yeah, he qualified well. Hamlin also gets around Michigan rather well.
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Yeah, Kez is the guy who caused some of these problems for Denny, but he's pretty solid for the chase. I think he could get into the top 10, but I'm going to wait until it seems more likely before going through the mess that would create. Such as, Denny gets MUCH more secure in the WC spot.

How screwed up would it be if Denny is leading the race and his TRD engine blows up?
 
There really are some interesting possibilty's going into this weeks race you covered them very well butt there could be some other surprise's.
Somethings to think about are:

It's the American Automakers Home Track so the Fords and Chevy's will be on the chip. Toyota loves to be a Spoiler though.

Michigans well known as a Fuel Mileage track...and there's some Gamblers in the Hunt.

Michigans tough on engines and some of the boys will really be leaning on them this week hopeing for that Win that will lock them in or get them a WildCard!

Wide open racing 3 and 4 wide with very few cautions....you never know when that mysterious Phantom Yellow might show up will it Hurt you or Save Your Butt!

I can't wait :D
 
FlFlash said:
There really are some interesting possibilty's going into this weeks race you covered them very well butt there could be some other surprise's.
Somethings to think about are:

It's the American Automakers Home Track so the Fords and Chevy's will be on the chip. Toyota loves to be a Spoiler though.

Michigans well known as a Fuel Mileage track...and there's some Gamblers in the Hunt.

Michigans tough on engines and some of the boys will really be leaning on them this week hopeing for that Win that will lock them in or get them a WildCard!

Wide open racing 3 and 4 wide with very few cautions....you never know when that mysterious Phantom Yellow might show up will it Hurt you or Save Your Butt!

I can't wait :D
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Then comes Bristol......

I think Kez will race smart and safe the next 2 weeks and then go all out at Atlanta after he's locked in. If he has a shot at a win, he'll go for it, but he and Paul won't be taking any big risks.
 
FenderBumper said:
Then comes Bristol......

I think Kez will race smart and safe the next 2 weeks and then go all out at Atlanta after he's locked in. If he has a shot at a win, he'll go for it, but he and Paul won't be taking any big risks.
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Take a look at Brad's average finish at MIS. He just hasn't done well up here.
 
The Michigan Track and the Fontucky Track are both notorious for being hard on valve trains due to the sustained RPMs, so it's possible that anyone could blow up. And you're right, FB, Denny blowing up would be cruel and unusual punishment!

The new FORD engine seems to be pretty durable and since it is more efficient cooling-wise, or so has been reported anyway, they can run with a smaller grille opening and get more speed.

I really want to see a FORD in victory lane - and one FORD in particular:

The Number NINE!!

Go, Marcos!
 
Smoke14 said:
Take a look at Brad's average finish at MIS. He just hasn't done well up here.
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I don't pay too much attention to his past stats. Things tend to get distorted when you drive for 4 different CC's in 18 month's, especially with an inexperienced driver. He is also hitting some tracks for just the second time in his career. Add in the fact that Paul is new to cup.

Pocono - never finished better than 20th before winning.
Indy - finished 19th before finishing 9th this year.
Watkins Glen - 20th before getting the 2nd this year.
Sonoma - 35th, then 9th this year.
 
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