*Sigh*
Well, we knew this was coming...
I realized pretty early on during qualifying today that it could come down to either Michael or David making the race. And it did.
For a few seconds I was terrified that David - by either an order or by his own choice - would purposely DNQ himself, but then I stopped and thought about it. First of all, Michael isn't that type of person or team owner, and secondly Ty Norris, who I've noticed has seemed to have taken David under his wing, wouldn't allow that to happen. Thirdly, I don't believe David is that type of driver. Outside the car he may be preciously goofy and nervous, but once he's in the car he turns into a calculating wheelman. Michael didn't hire him to not give it his all and Domino's and Burger King didn't sponsor him to DNQ. David did his job, and even though it meant bumping his boss out of the race, he had to do it.
DJ had his own problems during qualifying, like not having a car capable of making a time. Apparently the UPS Camry could not get out of first gear, so he made two embarrassingly slow circuits around California trying to get up to speed. Another Champion's Provisional used - only 4 left. I think it's about time DJ pulls out that awesome UPS truck and sneaks that onto the track!
Brandon also DNQed, but not for lack of effort. This CJM Racing team is trying so hard! It hurts because I know Brandon has all the potential to be a NASCAR star, and I was interested in DW's opinion on him today. Basically he remarked with some confusion that one second he was an up-and-coming driver with a CTS victory under his belt, and then he's out of a ride (thanks a lot, Hammond). My feelings exactly. These teams are always looking for the next big star when they're right in front of them! I just want to slap them across the face and scream, "Hello!! Brandon Whitt!!"
The DEI boys of Dale Jr. and Martin ran two fast laps, resulting in a 5th and 7th starting spot, respectively. Paul Menard also made the race unlike last weekend, which is great!
Kurt qualified 18th and Casey will take the green in 10th (which is really good considering he struggled mightily in practice!).
Other notable happenings are that Brian Vickers was the fastest star car and the second fastest Toyota behind Dave Blaney. I'm really happy that Brian made it! Actually, I'm happy for all the drivers who made it. John Andretti! He took that underfunded #37 and put it in the field. I really can't stand when fans laugh at the drivers that go home, especially when they are fans of a driver who needs to make it in as well. It's funny because some Michael fans laughed at Red Bull Racing, Paul Menard and Jeremy Mayfield because they DNQed for Daytona. Are they laughing now that karma has come back and bit them? It sucks when your driver DNQs, doesn't it?
I feel that Michael is in trouble now. He's got the biggest points hole ever to climb out of. Not to sound like I have no faith in him, but I'm thinking he won't make it into the top 35 this season. But I'm an MWR fan, too, so if Michael can't be guaranteed in I want David and DJ to be guaranteed in. MWR is Michael's future.
I realized pretty early on during qualifying today that it could come down to either Michael or David making the race. And it did.
For a few seconds I was terrified that David - by either an order or by his own choice - would purposely DNQ himself, but then I stopped and thought about it. First of all, Michael isn't that type of person or team owner, and secondly Ty Norris, who I've noticed has seemed to have taken David under his wing, wouldn't allow that to happen. Thirdly, I don't believe David is that type of driver. Outside the car he may be preciously goofy and nervous, but once he's in the car he turns into a calculating wheelman. Michael didn't hire him to not give it his all and Domino's and Burger King didn't sponsor him to DNQ. David did his job, and even though it meant bumping his boss out of the race, he had to do it.
DJ had his own problems during qualifying, like not having a car capable of making a time. Apparently the UPS Camry could not get out of first gear, so he made two embarrassingly slow circuits around California trying to get up to speed. Another Champion's Provisional used - only 4 left. I think it's about time DJ pulls out that awesome UPS truck and sneaks that onto the track!
Brandon also DNQed, but not for lack of effort. This CJM Racing team is trying so hard! It hurts because I know Brandon has all the potential to be a NASCAR star, and I was interested in DW's opinion on him today. Basically he remarked with some confusion that one second he was an up-and-coming driver with a CTS victory under his belt, and then he's out of a ride (thanks a lot, Hammond). My feelings exactly. These teams are always looking for the next big star when they're right in front of them! I just want to slap them across the face and scream, "Hello!! Brandon Whitt!!"
The DEI boys of Dale Jr. and Martin ran two fast laps, resulting in a 5th and 7th starting spot, respectively. Paul Menard also made the race unlike last weekend, which is great!
Kurt qualified 18th and Casey will take the green in 10th (which is really good considering he struggled mightily in practice!).
Other notable happenings are that Brian Vickers was the fastest star car and the second fastest Toyota behind Dave Blaney. I'm really happy that Brian made it! Actually, I'm happy for all the drivers who made it. John Andretti! He took that underfunded #37 and put it in the field. I really can't stand when fans laugh at the drivers that go home, especially when they are fans of a driver who needs to make it in as well. It's funny because some Michael fans laughed at Red Bull Racing, Paul Menard and Jeremy Mayfield because they DNQed for Daytona. Are they laughing now that karma has come back and bit them? It sucks when your driver DNQs, doesn't it?
I feel that Michael is in trouble now. He's got the biggest points hole ever to climb out of. Not to sound like I have no faith in him, but I'm thinking he won't make it into the top 35 this season. But I'm an MWR fan, too, so if Michael can't be guaranteed in I want David and DJ to be guaranteed in. MWR is Michael's future.
