It was Matt Kenseth’s day today at Michigan International Speedway as he took the GFS Marketplace 400 by a diminishing 6/10’s of a second over Jeff Gordon. Kenseth’s win was his third of the season and 13th of his Nextel Cup career (he’s now tied for 46th on the all-time win list with Dick Rathman and Tim Richmond). Win #93 for Roush Racing was worth $221,091 from the over $5M in posted awards.
Kasey Kahne (4th) had his best finish since he won here in June.
Travis Kvapil (21st) had his best finish since he was 21st here in June.
Michael Waltrip (23rd) had his best finish since he was 23rd at Infineon in June.
Derrike Cope (34th) had his best finish since he was 33rd at Martinsville last October (only six races).
Hermie Sadler (35th) had his best finish since he was 32nd at Martinsville last October (only seven races).
STREAKIN….Denny Hamlin has 5 Top-10’s in a row. Tony Stewart has 4 Top-10’s in a row.
This Week’s Elevator….UP: Operator of the Week is Tony Stewart (+30), followed by Jamie McMurray (+23) and Reed Sorenson (+20). DOWN: The Big Dropper was Jeff Burton (-41), followed by Kyle Busch (-28 ), Kurt Busch (-24), and Ryan Newman (-21). Burton was just one off the all-time record… the most you can fall is 42 spots in this game.
Hermie Sadler led a lap today for the first time since he led one lap at Talladega in October of 2004. He’s the 45th different driver to lead a lap this season….last year’s number was 51.
Elliott Sadler accomplished Job 1 today for Evernham Motorsports. They’re back in the Top-35 in Owner Points and will be exempt for next week’s event (and we know how just one slip at Bristol in qualifying could mean the end of your weekend). Sterling Marlin and the #14 team are now out and must time in next week. They’re just 22 points behind the #45 team of Kyle Petty and may want to consider staying out to get some of those valuable bonus points. Kyle leads Sterling by 15 points in that category….and we’re getting to where that can make the difference over whether you race or not.
Jimmie Johnson’s lead (that’ll be down to 5 markers plus or minus in three weeks) is down to 58 over Matt Kenseth after today. The top three look safe for the “Chase”, but 4th to 11th is separated by only 138 points with three to go. Johnson and Kenseth can clinch next week, btw. Jeff Gordon (9th to 6th) made the best move forward today, while Jeff Burton (4th to 9th) fell the most spots.(Stock Car Fans.com)(8-20-2006)
