Pace Laps
Can we have an Army band for the National Anthem every race please?
Welcome back, Benny! You’re much appreciated; any race with Benny in the booth is so much better!
Yates on the front row at a plate track, some things never change!
Race Grade: A
While this is NOT real racing, Talladega is sure an exciting event! This year featured over 60 lead changes, with 40 of them legitimate green-flag passes on the track. Now, if we can just get NASCAR to not play GOD with the results… we will be OK.
F for the Mystery Debris Caution
WOW… so it was just a coincidence that the caution flew when Dale Earnhardt Jr. needed to get the “Lucky Dog” pass? Come on, NASCAR, your credibility is going away fast with moves like that!
D for Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon Whining
Guys, we know you are upset but if either of you had won the race, you wouldn’t be whining afterwards. Those non-stop whines are annoying and show that you are both poor sports!
C for David Stremme
The cool Camo artwork on the front of the car must have been the reason they didn’t mention Stremme all day on NBC. In what has been a long and difficult rookie season, Stremme had an excellent day at Talladega until just 16 laps to go, when the big wreck reared its ugly head. In typical rookie fashion, it seems Stremme has had strong runs but just can’t finish the deal.
B for Mark Martin
Coming through with a strong performance at one of Martin’s least favorite tracks in the middle of all the hoopla over his new ride was amazing! It will be interesting to see the tearful farewell when Martin wins the title before departing Roush Racing after almost 20 years!
A for Brian Vickers
A first winner is a first winner, no matter how that victory comes to you. The last-lap spin of teammate Johnson was just one of those “racing deals,” but will that be the impetus behind Hendrick Racing firing him sooner?