The Frontstretch: Monster Mashes Some Chasers Hopes by Dennis Michelsen -- Monday September 25, 2006

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Monster Mashes Some Chasers Hopes

Dennis Michelsen · Monday September 25, 2006

 

Pace Laps
Brooke Hogan did an excellent job on the National Anthem much to my surprise.

Welcome back Benny! Benny Parsons never sounded so great Sunday at Dover.

NASCAR was smart to do the hurry up mode to beat the rain.

Race Grade A
Despite not having that many passes for the lead, this was an exciting race. The multi-groove thing finally came into play late in the race, setting up a classic Dover dash for the lead with Kenseth up high and Burton down low! Now, if we could just get TNT to take those commercial breaks earlier instead of ruining the flow in the last 150 laps every race!

F for Kasey Kahne's Luck
After battling his way into the Chase, his title hopes went up in "Smoke" at Dover. Nothing worse than one of your best friends wrecking you out of the race in the playoffs!

D for Pat Tryson's Decision
Mark Martin was well back in the running order when the caution flag flew and some teams stopped. Originally the team was talking on the scanner about a fuel only stop but at the last minute they decided to stay out. That decision was a risk-reward nightmare! Had they pitted for fuel only (And they knew this before it was time to pit since only a few cars stayed out in front of them) they would have come out in fifth place instead they re-started fourth. This one position would cost them two laps later on!

C for Robbie Reiser's Decision
The simple rule when you are a Crew Chief is not to lose the race for your driver. Matt Kenseth had the strongest car and should have pitted. Taking a chance on fuel mileage with a car that would be ill handling and in the middle of a race for the lead was a silly move. When you have the fastest car don't let a lack of fuel beat you!

B for Martin Truex, Jr.
Truex Jr has been lost in the crowded field of rookies this season. Denny Hamlin understandably has gotten all the ink but Martin Truex, Jr. has kept himself out of trouble and had a decent rookie season. It is just his luck to be compared to a guy that is NOT having a typical rookie season!

A for Jeff Burton
Cue the tears for wife Kim! It has been 176 races since Jeff Burton last won a race, but he sure has been close this season. Bouncing back from the controversy last week over alleged "designer rims" at NHIS, RCR came back to sweep the race weekend again!

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