Stock Car Insider - June 19th Issue

Upcoming Events in the World of NASCARthe race fast, Kahne suffered a setback while pitting
Next week, the NASCAR Nextel Cup teams headunder green on lap 51; the pitstop put Kahne down in
west to the golden state of California to race in the38th position. However, by lap 90, Kahne had
Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway. Infineonrocketed back up into the top 10 for good. In the
Raceway is one of two road courses on theend, the race was determined on pit road as Kasey
NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit that helps add anotheredged out Carl Edwards by a foot for the win.
dimension to an already challenging schedule. NASCARYesterdays performance is an indication that not only
is the only American series that offers upKasey Kahne has arrived but so has Evernham
superspeedway, short track, and road course racing.Motorsports. Finally, Evernham Motorsports has a
The grueling 1.99 mile road course of Infineon is adriver in the top 3 who poses a serious threat every
challenge to both drivers and cars alike. The trackweekend.
offers up 12 turns and varrying elevetaion changes.Shop for Kasey Kahne Merchandise
Often times, even the most skilled road-courseWho's Not?
drivers suffer setbacks due to transmission or otherI hate to pick on the wounded, but Tony Stewart is
mechanical failures. Expect to see drivers lose gearsbeing tagged this week in the Who's Not section.
as they down and up shift their 3000lb, 850Through no fault of his own, Tony was spun into the
horsepower rockets around the track.turn 3 wall on lap 22 in a race-ending wreck. The
Next week at Infineon, expect Jeff Gordon &wreck raises several serious questions, 1) Did the
Tony Stewart to battle it out. Of the current drivers,wreck further irritate the already injured shoulder of
both Gordon and Stewart rank in the top 5 forTony 2) is Tony feeling somewhat gun shy after
career finishes at road course events.having multiple hard wrecks in the last several races
Also expect the following drivers to do well nextand 3) is Tony's, as well as his team's, confidence at
week:a level where it needs at this point in the season?
Other drivers to note:With only 10 races left before the Nextel Cup
Mark Martin - Average Finish 9thChampionship field is set, the competition from
Kevin Harvick - Average Finish 13thpositions 6-13 is heating up. It is critical for the drivers
Robby Gordon - Average Finish 14thcurrently in the top 10 to perform consistently. That
Next Week's Schedule:means no more 30+ place finishes for Tony. Ever
Nextel Cup: @ Infineon Raceway (all times in EST)since the All-Star break, Smoke has slowly begun
6/24/06 - 2:10pm NASCAR Nextel Cup Dodge/Saveslipping down the points standings. He currently is in
Mart 350 Practice6th place with only a 132 point cushion between him
6/23/06 - 07:05pm NASCAR Nextel Cup Dodge/Saveand the 11th place driver, Jeff Gordon.
Mart 350 QualifyingIf Tony doesn't start finishing like the Tony of old, he
6/25/06 - 03:40pm NASCAR Nextel Dodge/Savemay end up on the outside looking in when the
Mart 350Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship begins.
Busch Series: @ The Milwaukee Mile (all times inShop for Tony Stewart merchandise
Central)Last Week's Headlines
6/24/06 - 12:00pm NASCAR Busch Series AT&TYesterday's win at Michigan in the 3M Performance
250 Practice400 proved that Kasey Kahne is the man when
6/24/06 - 05:05pm NASCAR Busch Series AT&Tstarting out front, and that he's not Wicked Witch of
250 Qualifyingthe West. While everyone was running for cover as
6/24/06 - 08:05pm NASCAR Busch Seriesthe rain-ending downpour started, Kasey strolled
AT&T 250happily down pit-road soaking up every last drop. To
Craftsman Truck Series: @ The Milwaukee Mile (allKasey, after narrowly beating Carl Edwards off of
times in Central)pit-road, I'm sure the rain felt like sun shining on a
6/23/06 - 01:00pm NASCAR Craftsman Truck Seriesperfect day.
TOYOTA TUNDRA MILWAUKEE 200 PracticeYesterday was also a strong day for two drivers
6/23/06 - 05:30pm NASCAR Craftsman Truck Serieslooking to qualify for the Chase for the Championship,
TOYOTA TUNDRA MILWAUKEE 200 QualifyingGreg Biffle and Carl Edwards. Both finished in the top
6/23/06 - 08:15pm NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series5 boosting Greg Biffle into the top 10, and Carl within
TOYOTA TUNDRA MILWAUKEE 20085 points of 10th.
See complete 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series RaceAnother big mover of the day was Dale Earnhardt Jr.
ScheduleJr had one of the strongest cars of the race, and at
Who's Hot?some points the strongest. In the end, Earnhardt
If you're a gambling junkie, I have a tip for you! Betfinished 3rd and moved up into 4th place in the points
on Kasey Kahne whenever he wins the pole. In thestandings.
modern era of NASCAR, how often does the poleJeff Gordon improved his chances for qualifying for
sitter win the race? Not often! Just ask Ryanthe Chase for the Championship by finishing in the
Newman. However, Kasey Kahne has been able totop 10 and moving to within 11 points of the 10th
win multiple times starting from the pole.place standing. Expect Jeff to continue to better his
Rain-shortened or not, Kahne had the car to beatchances at making the top 10 with a strong finish at
yesterday in the 3M Performance 400. After startingInfineon Raceway next week.