June 20, 2007
By Chuck Abrams

Chuck Abrams

Prior to the race at Michigan, I read some observations about how Michigan can produce some pretty boring races.

That seemed a bit odd to me because the track is big, wide and has multiple grooves for what you would think would be some great side-by-side racing. My most significant memory of Michigan related to Ernie Irvan’s tragic accident in 1994.

Unfortunately, the drivers or teams don’t seem to care about that. Maybe it was the cars that we race these days. Maybe it was because no one cared. Whatever the reason, it sure was not very exciting unless you were Carl Edwards.

Only 9 cars on the lead lap at the end? Were there that many bad teams? How did they all miss the set up so badly? Obviously, there were a few mishaps that caused cars to be laps down, but this was ridiculous. A race like this is a sure way to send the ratings into the tank.

On the positive side, Carl ended his winless streak and his motorcoach driver is now able to shave his yeti-like beard. Personally, I can’t wait to see Carl get too old to do his backflip. That was cool when it was more spontaneous a couple of years ago.

Martin Truex Jr. had another great finish. In fact all of the DEI cars were in the top 12. How is that suddenly all possible? Seems like a really odd coincidence with the whole Dale Jr. affair and it’s timing.

And Casey Mears also had another good finish after winning his first race. Is it really possible that Truex and Mears found their mojo at the same time? Only time will tell.

Other bright spots were Jamie Mac and Kevin Harvick both finding the top-10 again.

And perhaps one of the brightest spots was the number of Toyota’s that made the race and the machine of Michael Waltrip, not only leading a lap but finishing in the top-10, with Reutimann finishing 15th. Waltrip actually has the opportunity for the 55 to make 2 races in a row this week at Sonoma for the first time this season.

And even though many teams found themselves a lap or more down, Hamlin and Johnson moved up a spot in the standing as Kenseth took a tumble. Dale Jr. found himself once again in the top-12 Chase positions, thanks to Ryan Newman, Mark Martin and Kurt Busch having problems.

Watch positions 8-16 for all the drama you will need over the next 11 races. And it would not be a stretch to say there may be some more shifting after the race at Sonoma.

Many fans do not enjoy the road races but I have to say I have always enjoyed them. If you need reasons to watch this weekend, try these on:

1..The first road race with the Car Of Tomorrow
2..Former F1 and Indy star Montoya racing on what could be called “his turf”
3..Guys like Stewart and both Gordon’s defending “their” turf *
4..Martin Truex – he won the first Busch road race in Mexico
5..Denny Hamlin has shown to be rather adept at road racing
* Jeff Gordon could have a sub if his wife gives birth

Michelle Theriault Stafford, CT race update

Returning to her home track, Michelle and Team Glock were looking to build on momentum and put on a good show for family and friends but some bad racing luck continued to plague her.

Theriault ran in the top-20 during both practice sessions and ultimately qualified 17th. Running well and staying in contact with the leaders, the 37 Team Glock Chevy started overheating. Then the engine problem got worse and the motor finally quit on lap 115. “…unfortunately she was just out there riding around but she kept her car clean and out of trouble.” Said her biggest supporter and mother Denise. “But that’s racing, I know -- and I am optimistic that her next couple of races will be successful.”

Michelle has fallen to 14th in the standings with her last two finishes but the team is prepared and all eyes are on the ball. She is still only 21 points behind in the "Rookie of The Year" standings. While she may not catch leader Joey Lagano, a top-5 in the ROTY is not out of the question if they can turn their luck around.

Next up, the Busch East Series stays in the northeast at Loudon, NH. This track is a one-mile track and the largest of the season so far for the series. 125 laps here will be a good test for all the teams and hopefully collect Theriault her 3rd top-10 of the year.

Let me know your thoughts on this or any other racing topic.

Drive fast, turn left and keep the shiny side up.

Feel free to send Chuck your thoughts on this and other race topics at his forum at www.turnleftracing.com/forums or email him at Insider Racing News and at Turn Left Racing.

The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN.