Tony Stewart was able to pass Carl Edwards on the final restart. The outside move wasn’t as impressive as passing Johnson on the outside at Martinsville, but it was still pretty nifty.
I can’t say that I’m a fan of NASCAR’s selectively allowing the boys to have at it. First, Kyle Busch was allowed to blatantly wreck Elliott Sadler in the CWTS race at Bristol without so much as a public slap on the wrist. Then at Richmond, there were three separate payback incidents handled three different ways.
He may have had to settle for a second-place finish, but David Reutimann did it in fine fashion, beating series champion Jimmie Johnson at the line – a feat that’s hard to lay claim to as Johnson is a bulldog when it comes to protecting a finish. But Reutimann was able to pass Johnson in the tri-oval, and might have had something for race winner Kyle Busch if he’d had a few more laps. Plus, unlike the All-Star event, he didn’t have to endure being called “Rooty-tooty fresh and fruity” from the booth. That’s a bonus no matter where you finish.
Most of the top five was completely predictable, but the driver who finished third was a bit of a surprise. David Reutimann looked like he might have something for Carl Edwards after a charge off the final restart, but could advance no further in the closing laps of what was one of the least exciting All-Star events in recent memory. Darrell Waltrip got a little carried away during the charge, calling Reutimann “Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity,” which was an advertising slogan from International House of Pancakes. Here’s hoping that one won’t stick…
Obviously, the Chicago race was a high point, where David Reutimann ran down Jeff Gordon in the late stages and passed him, grabbing his only victory of 2010.
Here’s my Hot/Not in NASCAR gift from me to you, a guided tour away from all things Chase, FedEx, Lowe’s and Pennzoil into the world of other drivers whose seasons – and coverage – in the minds of many ended weeks ago.
“Hey, we want you involved in NASCAR at a high-end price,” says Mr. Hendrick. “No way!” says Sponsor X. “Cars going around in circles is not our thing, especially with that dollar amount you just threw out.” “OK,” is the owner’s response. “But how about pairing you up with a campaign to end hunger, a positive PR opportunity for your company that comes at a bargain price, maybe a one or two-race sponsorship deal?”
Welcome to Running Their Mouth! Each week, we’ll go through media reports, interviews, PR and all of our own stuff to find the best quotes from the Sprint Cup race, capturing the story of how the weekend unfolded. It’s the most original commentary you’ll ever find: the truth, coming straight out of the mouths of the drivers, crew members and car owners themselves. This week, here’s a sneak peek at what they all were thinking following the TUMS Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway.
It’s the most original commentary you’ll ever find: the truth, coming straight out of the mouths of the drivers, crew members and car owners themselves. This week, here’s a sneak peek at what they all were thinking following the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway:
Welcome, one and all, to this week’s edition of Frontstretch’s Fantasy Insider. The game has completely changed starting this week, as NASCAR’s version of the playoffs begins in New Hampshire.
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