Midwest Madness in Ohio
May 21, 2006
What can you say when Funny Car maestros Force and Capps are both out in the first round at Columbus?
When Pro Stock’s Allen Johnson not only gets his first career low-qualifier position, but then keeps barreling through rounds and gets his first hole shot win of the year before the dream dies in the semis of the 42nd annual Pontiac Performance Nationals?
When Luigi Novelli, the “Rod Father,” gets into the show, beats Bob Vandergriff, Jr. and then gives Brandon Bernstein some excitement before losing in the second round?
Hornish Hits Wall and Thiago Fills Field
May 21, 2006
The Indy 500 Pole-winner spins during the last day of qualifications and rookie Thiago Medeiros survives the bubble.
Jimmie Johnson Survives All-Star Challenge
May 21, 2006
Jimmie Johnson, driving a car sponsored by the same corporate sponsor that paid for naming rights at the track, dominated the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge after other leading cars crashed out. Johnson led 32 of the 90 laps in the race, dodging crashes that took out other cars while leading. Johnson’s win paid a total of $1,055,007. Kyle Petty, after being voted into the race in an online promotion, finished eighth, earning a large donation for his Victory Junction Gang Camp.
Riggs Transfers to the All-Star
May 20, 2006
Scott Riggs won the pole Friday evening for Saturday’s NASCAR NEXTEL Open and took advantage of clean air to take his No. 10 Dodge to an unchallenged win over Jeff Green’s No. 66 Chevrolet. Riggs’ win will take a transfer to the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star race, as will Kyle Petty, after winning the fan vote to determine a second transfer driver.
“Heck of a Day” for Hornish, Penske on Pole
May 20, 2006
Team Marlboro/Penske’s Sam Hornish, Jr. flirted with 230 mph in practice, then went out and made a mark no one could match for pole.
Charlotte Weather Rules
May 20, 2006
The NASCAR NEXTEL Open start was delayed by about two hours, thaks to a rainstorm over Lowe’s Motor Speedway that started just as the driver introductions began. Track drying activities have been completed and drivers are back in their cars. We’ll be back at the finish of the race with a complete story on the race. The race winner will transfer into the NEXTEL All-Star race later this evening.
Some “New” Faces Are Number One Qualifiers
May 20, 2006
Who the heck is that guy?
This season we’ve been wondering about the disappearance of familiar winner’s circle faces like that of defending event champion Tony Schumacher, but this weekend he’s finally back up at the podium as Top Fuel low qualifier at the 42nd annual Pontiac Performance Nationals in Columbus, Ohio.
Schumacher’s US Army team was hungry for this, and now they want a Sunday win. Commented Schumacher, “Being No. 1 is a really big deal for the crew guys. They want to make sure we’re in the Bud Shootout. That’s a big-money deal and we’re the defending champs now so it’s important to be in the field solidly. Every time you get a low qualifier you’ve just gained the most points possible at a single race for that deal, so yeah, it’s important. Just ask my guys.”
Max, It Really Is Time For You To Go!
May 20, 2006
Many fans and involved parties in F1 have long called Max Mosley, the controversial and dictatorial leader of FIA, “Mad”. He is obviously working hard to live up to his growing reputation and nick name
Wilson On Provisional Pole
May 20, 2006
The Brit sensation was fastest in round 1. He only had to beat 16 other cars, however, as Champ Car once again can only muster a 17 car field in Monterey.
Simmons Smacks SAFER on Eve of Qual’ys at Indy
May 19, 2006
Crash-Prone Rookie Collects Self and Car Without Injury
by Allan Brewer
allan@fastmachines.com