Aaron’s 499 Race Review
by Virginia Vroom of Predictem.com
This years race at Talladega turned into one of the most exciting races in recent history. The first half started out a bit dull, but the second half was filled with excitement and talent like we havent seen in a long time. It came as no surprise, though, as the Nationwide Series race on Saturday was another great one and was just a hint of what was to come for Sunday.
The big one happened because of Bobby Labonte. I hate saying that because hes a veteran and a great guy, but even though it looked as if Tony Stewart may have been the culprit, upon closer investigation, it was clear that Labonte slid up the track ever so slightly. But that was certainly enough when you running at speeds near 200 mph. Labonte got loose, skirted up the track and ended up facing the rest of the drivers as they all began to pile on top of each other. Stewart hit the wall for the second time of the race and was probably happy to see his day come to an end. He had been fighting the handling on his car after cutting a tire down earlier in the race, and it was a run that we typically do not see from this driver at this track.
Jr. led for a total of 46 laps and had a good car but again just faded back. Towards the closing
laps, we saw Jimmie Johnson along with Michael Waltrip leading the race.
It was good to see Mikey up front again, and this sure was the place that
Id expect to see him leading; however, he was shuffled back as was Johnson
when Busch received a push from Montoya and Gordon. This was perhaps the
first Talladega race the Montoya finished without being completely torn
apart. Gordon had a great run going and the potential to win the race.
BUT, as is consistent with his driving on restrictor plate tracks, he
decided to go up high and contend with Busch for the win. He should have
known better as no one went with him and he was quickly thrown to the
back, making this weekend another disappointing points race.
Kyle Busch was your winner and a very grateful one at
that. He first thank Jeff Gordon and Juan Pablo for their help and acknowledged
that he would not be able to win without them. He was tasteful and gracious,
something that I am not used to seeing with him. It seems as though his
switch to Gibbs racing is doing him well. Hes been successful in all three
series this year, and has the potential to win all three, something that
any driver should envy.
Your top ten finishers were:
1. Kyle Busch
2. Juan Montoya
3. Denny Hamlin
4. David Ragan
5. Brian Vickers
6. Travis Kvapil
7. Casey Mears
8. Ryan Newman
9. Clint Bowyer
10. Dal Earnhardt Jr.
There were some changes among the top twelve in points as well this week. From the results, the new top twelve looks like this:
1. Jeff Burton
2. Kyle Busch
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
4. Denny Hamlin
5. Jimmie Johnson
6. Kevin Harvick
7. Clint Bowyer
8. Greg Biffle
9. Tony Stewart
10. Carl Edwards
11. Ryan Newman
12. Juan Montoya
This weekend, were heading to Richmond International Raceway. Its the only three-quarter mile track on the circuit. Its also one of the best short track races you will see. Stay tuned for your preview!
