| Johnson wins Pocono pole | Friday 8/1, 4:28 PM CT |
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Jimmie Johnson won the pole for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 by a convincing margin of two-tenths of a second. That equals 168.215 mph.
Our View: The No. 48 team worked on qualification trim only, however, and if rain cancels Saturday's sessions, he could be in trouble on race day. Then again, he won the race last week at Indy from the pole, so he will probably be o.k. |
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| N'Wide: Wallace injured? | Friday 8/1, 2:25 PM CT |
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Late in the second practice session at Montreal, Steve Wallace broke a drive shaft and it reportedly slapped his leg. He reported pain over his radio, but it is not yet known how significant the injury is.
Our View: Wallace was fast on the speed chart after winning practice 1 and he was sitting 10th on the afternoon chart. He will have to change transmissions, but the leg injury could be a much greater blow to his chance for a good run. |
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| Ku Busch does not struggle at Pocono | Friday 8/1, 2:09 PM CT |
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In sharp contract to his brother Kyle, Kurt Busch is excellent at Pocono. His average finish of 5.0 during the last six races is the best among drivers outside the top 12 in points and the second best overall. For more stats, check out Streaking at Pocono.
Our View: While Kyle has dominated this season, Busch is in desperate need of a strong finish and this may be his best opportunity to reverse his fortunes. |
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| Chaffin slowest go homer | Friday 8/1, 1:08 PM CT |
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Chad Chaffin posted the slowest time among those required to make the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 on time. His top speed in the No. 34 was 158.050 mph. For the complete speed chart, check out Fantasy Cup.
Our View: Only one car goes home this week, but that is little consolation to the one packing up early. Michael McDowell was the second slowest driver in the field at 162.354. He is also required to make the race on time, but that is a wide margin |
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| Johnson changes transmission at Pocono | Friday 8/1, 1:00 PM CT |
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Jimmie Johnson changed the transmission on his No. 48 Chevrolet between the first practice session and qualification.
Our View: Since he changed the transmission before qualification, he will be able to keep his starting spot for the race. He had the fastest car on the course, however, so one wonders just how much better he might be. |
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| Johnson fastest in Pocono P1 | Friday 8/1, 12:56 PM CT |
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Jimmie Johnson posted the fastest single lap in the first practice session for the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 with a speed of 166.784 mph. For the complete speed chart, check out Fantasy Cup.
Our View: Johnson qualified second here in June and finished sixth and qualification on this tricky triangle is very important. |
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| Kahne very unhappy in Pocono P1 | Friday 8/1, 12:46 PM CT |
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With only minutes remaining in practice, Kasey Kahne was extremely unhappy with his car. He fought a loose condition and was only 42nd fastest. For the complete speed chart, check out Fantasy Cup.
Our View: In his next and final run, Kahne jumped up to 27th, but that was still a disappointing run. |
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| Ky Busch struggles at Pocono | Friday 8/1, 12:33 PM CT |
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Kyle Busch has a comfortable point lead and he will need it. He has the second worst average finish among those in the top 12 with a 22.7. For more stats, check out Streaking at Pocono.
Our View: This June was no better for Busch; he crashed after running poorly in the Pocono 500 and finished dead last in 43rd. |
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| Stewart late to Pocono P1 | Friday 8/1, 11:07 AM CT |
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Tony Stewart missed the beginning of the first practice session at Pocono. While most of the cars rolled onto the track, this driver had not yet signed in at NASCAR's hauler.
Our View: If not for his change in status next year, this would be a non-story, but one has to wonder if his new role as an owner is proving to be a distraction. |
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