Infineon/Milwaukee Qualifying
Jess
CUP RESULTS
1. Kasey Kahne
3. Kurt
15. Dale Jr.
23. Casey
25. Martin
26. Brian
35. Michael
42. David
Well, not all that stellar among our heroes besides Kurt! It's really, really hot in Infineon this weekend, adding more difficulties to an already tough road course. It's been amazing to watch these cars run around the track - they hit the tiniest bit of rumble strip or yank the wheel a little hard and two tires come right off the ground.
None of the MWR cars qualified well despite Michael McDowell being quick in first practice. It makes me angry seeing David struggle because he should have had experience at this track last season...but he was taken out of the car. Now he's at a huge disadvantage compared to most of the field. Every point is vital and he's fighting to keep a sponsor, so it's very frutrating seeing him have a hard time. To make it worse, he crashed his primary car in second practice today. He only made one lap in the backup car before having to go to Milwaukee, but Chris Cook jumped in and put the #44 up to 25th on the speed chart. Hopefully he found something good that will help David tomorrow.
NATIONWIDE RESULTS
1. Brad Keselowski
5. David
12. Scott
Our Nationwide boys are good, huh?
David made it to the Dream Machine just in time! It was pretty fun watching him jump out of the helicopter and run to the car - and to top it off he made an absolutely awesome lap! Mike Skinner rocked both practices and he must have put a great setup in that baby.
But everything is put back into perspective...I turned on Nationwide qualifying as NHRA quals were going off the air. I learned about an accident that occured and by the tone of the commentator's voice it was clear it was very bad. When Nationwide time trials were almost over Jerry Punch told us that Scott Kalitta, a two-time champion, had died in the crash. Now I'm watching his competitors talk about him and fight back tears and it makes me appreciate NASCAR and how they strive for the safety of the drivers we love, the drivers we don't like so much, and for some fans the drivers they claim to hate. Racing is dangerous and we as fans should never forget that. Some fans can't say a good thing about NASCAR's governing body - they call it NA$CAR, they say all NASCAR cares about is the sport as entertainment, they say all the drivers are robots because of NASCAR. I say: shut your mouth and take another look. NASCAR is the HANS device, NASCAR is the SAFER barrier and the new car, the speed limit and the helmets on pit road, the catch fence that keeps the cars from flying into the grandstands. NASCAR cares for these drivers, crews and the fans. Yes, they care about us, too. I believe all racing series want everyone to be safe, but NASCAR has gone beyond the minimum. For that I'm truly grateful.
Scott Kalitta will be in my heart and thoughts, along with his family, friends and fans.
1. Kasey Kahne
3. Kurt
15. Dale Jr.
23. Casey
25. Martin
26. Brian
35. Michael
42. David
Well, not all that stellar among our heroes besides Kurt! It's really, really hot in Infineon this weekend, adding more difficulties to an already tough road course. It's been amazing to watch these cars run around the track - they hit the tiniest bit of rumble strip or yank the wheel a little hard and two tires come right off the ground.
None of the MWR cars qualified well despite Michael McDowell being quick in first practice. It makes me angry seeing David struggle because he should have had experience at this track last season...but he was taken out of the car. Now he's at a huge disadvantage compared to most of the field. Every point is vital and he's fighting to keep a sponsor, so it's very frutrating seeing him have a hard time. To make it worse, he crashed his primary car in second practice today. He only made one lap in the backup car before having to go to Milwaukee, but Chris Cook jumped in and put the #44 up to 25th on the speed chart. Hopefully he found something good that will help David tomorrow.
NATIONWIDE RESULTS
1. Brad Keselowski
5. David
12. Scott
Our Nationwide boys are good, huh?
David made it to the Dream Machine just in time! It was pretty fun watching him jump out of the helicopter and run to the car - and to top it off he made an absolutely awesome lap! Mike Skinner rocked both practices and he must have put a great setup in that baby.
But everything is put back into perspective...I turned on Nationwide qualifying as NHRA quals were going off the air. I learned about an accident that occured and by the tone of the commentator's voice it was clear it was very bad. When Nationwide time trials were almost over Jerry Punch told us that Scott Kalitta, a two-time champion, had died in the crash. Now I'm watching his competitors talk about him and fight back tears and it makes me appreciate NASCAR and how they strive for the safety of the drivers we love, the drivers we don't like so much, and for some fans the drivers they claim to hate. Racing is dangerous and we as fans should never forget that. Some fans can't say a good thing about NASCAR's governing body - they call it NA$CAR, they say all NASCAR cares about is the sport as entertainment, they say all the drivers are robots because of NASCAR. I say: shut your mouth and take another look. NASCAR is the HANS device, NASCAR is the SAFER barrier and the new car, the speed limit and the helmets on pit road, the catch fence that keeps the cars from flying into the grandstands. NASCAR cares for these drivers, crews and the fans. Yes, they care about us, too. I believe all racing series want everyone to be safe, but NASCAR has gone beyond the minimum. For that I'm truly grateful.
Scott Kalitta will be in my heart and thoughts, along with his family, friends and fans.
