Biffle Embarrasses the Field at pocono
Greg Biffle's Winning Pit Stop. Photo Courtesy NASCAR Media
Greg Biffle said he was embarrassed by the performance of his No. 16 Ford in the early going of the Sunoco Red Cross 500 at Pocono Raceway today. But by the end of the race it was Biffle embarrassing the rest of the field by opening up a 5 second lead over 2nd place Tony Stewart.
“This one’s for Jack,†Biffle said as he streaked toward the checkered flag. Team owner Jack Roush was injured in a private jet crash earlier this week.
This was one of those races where just when you think you have everything figured out, everything changed.
Greg Biffle never had a winning car until the final pit stop, when he took 2 tires to gain track position. Jeff Gordon, who looked to have the car to beat at that point took 4 tires and re-started 13th. Gordon was never a factor after that.
But it was Sam Hornish who almost walked away with the victory after staying on the track during the final round of pit stops and inheriting the race lead. The race was red flagged for rain with Hornish being shown as the race leader. It looked for a while like the race would be called. But the rain stopped in time and racing resumed.
Elliott Sadler has Engine Problems
Elliott Sadler's Engine
It was Elliott Sadler and Kurt Busch who were caught in the big wreck today. Sadler took one of the hardest hits NASCAR has seen in a long time, crashing his No. 19 straight into the corner of steel and earth reinforced guardrail. The impact was so violent that the engine was ripped from his car and landed several hundred feet down the racetrack. It was almost surreal when the car was towed back to the garage by one tow truck, and then a few minutes later along comes another wrecker carrying the engine.
After climbing from the car with a dazed look on his face Sadler had to lie down on the race track to catch his breath. Eventually he got up and walked to the waiting ambulance under his own power.
As much as anyone wants to complain about the COT — I have to remember that the reason for it is driver safety. Without that car Elliott Sadler does not walk away.
Busch Angry with Johnson
Kurt Busch later blamed Jimmie Johnson for starting the wreck. “Jimmie drove through us,†said an angry Busch.
Jimmie Johnson looked to have the car to beat early in today’s race. Johnson led 96 laps – more than any other driver — but he and Chad Knaus got behind on adjustments to the car as the race progressed and saw what had been a dominating performance turn into a struggle to keep up.
Usually the No. 48 team is the master of keeping up with the race track. But not today.
A Nice Crowd
The grandstands and campgrounds at Pocono were jam packed today. A nice turnaround from last week at Indy. It’s time for NASCAR to re-think holding races at tracks that don’t support it. The fans have spoken with their race tickets.
Have Your Say
I’d like to know what your thoughts are on today’s race. What did you see and how did you feel about it? Your opinion counts – so have at it.
Elliott Sadler is Back
Elliott Sadler Back in the 19 Car
On the heels of yesterday’s announcement that the merger between Gillette Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises was a done deal it was announced that Elliott Sadler would be back in the No. 19 Dodge for 2009 after all.
This is a pretty strange story that started just after Christmas when Tara Ragan, the business manager for A.J. Allmendinger, said that Allmendinger would drive the No. 19 next year after finishing the season in GEM’s No. 10 car.
The story got even stranger when Elliott Sadler’s attorney filed an order in Superior Court – not asking for money – but demanding that Sadler drive the car.
We will probably never get the full story from GEM on exactly what happened, or why it was handled this way, but it appears that one of two things happened.
Either GEM backed down when Sadler threatened legal action, or GEM was simply using Allmendinger as a bargaining chip to gain concessions from Sadler.
Tom Redden, the CEO of Gillette Evernham Motorsports, indicated there issues between Sadler and the race team that have now been resolved. “We have our differences. But we get those settled and resolved and we move on. We had some differences with Elliott, but we’re a family and we have everything resolved,” said Redden on Sirius Radio’s ‘The Morning Drive’ Friday.
If I were Kasey Kahne I’d be looking for a ride in another car right now. At least to keep the options open.
Now it’s Allmendinger who is once again looking for work. Although GEM has promised him a part-time 8 race deal, and has indicated a full time ride might be available if a sponsor could be found.
Elliott Sadler Fired by GEM
Elliott Sadler Replaced by Allmendinger at GEM
Elliott Sadler has been released by Gillett Evernham Motorsports from the No. 19 Sprint Cup Dodge for 2009. Sadler will be replaced by AJ Allmendinger.
Allmendinger was hired by GEM to finish the final 5 races in the 2008 season replacing Patrick Carpentier in the No. 10 Dodge. He was able to improve the No. 10 cars performance, though he never scored a top 10 finish in those 5 races.
“They asked AJ to do a job, and he exceeded their expectations,” said Tara Ragan, Allmendinger’s business manager.
I knew that Allmendinger would find a ride — he’s an extremely talented driver. I’m just disappointed that it came at Elliott Sadler’s expense.