Full Throttle

Not the normal squeal mind you, but those that catter-wall constantly and place all blame on their “favorite” NASCAR stars tire problems at the Akron doorstep of Goodyear.

Several wrecks during practice (including Kurt Busch that sent the #2 to the back of the field) were blamed on tire failure. A competition yellow flag was waved early so crews could check tire wear.

But teams were forewarned; Goodyear general manager Stu Grant said several teams were found to be running their left fronts (Hello J.J.) with less than the recommended air pressure and cautioned them against it. It makes you wonder what happened to the mandated minimum pressure rule that was imposed at Charlotte last year. Gone? Ignored? Just what is the deal?

The race was dominated early by pole sitter Jeff Burton, leading six times for 87 laps, but he faded late to finish 12^th.

The day belonged to Jimmie Johnson. After surviving his blown tire on lap 39 and a very liberal application of 200mph tape he made steady progress to the front finally taking the lead for good with 9 laps remaining. Johnson’s victory is his fourth for the 2006 season, his 22^nd career win in 168 races and he lengthens his Nextel Cup points standings lead.

Could the day have been any worse for Evernham Motorsports? Kasey Kahne was sailing to a top ten but took one of the hardest hits of the year on the last lap. Contact with the outside wall shortened his Dodge by 4 feet. Kahne dropped from the “annoited ones” and 35 points out of tenth.

At the other end of the field was Jeremy “Lame Duck” Mayfield’s 41^st accident hampered finish that sees the #19 team dropping out of the top 35 in the car owner standings. Ray was asked about the possibility of placing a ringer in the car for Watkins Glen next week: “I’m going to get together tomorrow with all the other parties and make a decision,” Evernham said. “We’ve just got to sit down and figure it out.” Not much to figure out Ray. Mayfield qualed in 32^nd at Infineon in June.

All the usual ringers are probably signed at this point and newcomer Max Papis is taken, so Ray better get on the horn quick.

Dale Jr. had the understatement of the day after a pit strategy aided 6^th place finish: “I’d love to have a better car so we don’t have to make those kinds of calls,” he said. “We need to do better and get better cars. We can’t make the Chase with 30th-place race cars.” Junior languished in the low thirties most of the day but stayed out under the last caution to salvage a good finish and squeak into the top ten.

The bottom of that top ten is a jumble isn’t it? Arguably the sports three biggest stars sit in the 8, 9 and 10 holes. And all three, Gordon, Stewart and Earnhardt Jr., are within a very cozy 15 points from each other. With Kahne dropping four spots to 11^th and only 34 from tenth spot.

Next week is Watkins Glen. All three are par excellance on the twisty bits but… June’s Infineon race may hold a clue. Gordon won that event from the 11^th hole. Stewart and Earnhardt both struggled. Smoke qualed 12^th but limped home in 28^th. Junior had the worst day starting and finishing 26^th.

Tony Stewart is the defending Champ at the Glen. Earnhardt finished 10^th and Gordon 14^th.

We shall see. Should be an interesting week.

Watkins Glen, Indianapolis, NASCAR, NEXTEL Cup, Jimmie Johnson, Sports, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle