Top 35 will be close after Bristol with some Big surpises

The Top 35 is very close. Some drivers can't afford to get caught in an accident or have a bad points day at Bristol:
Newman, Logano & Mark Martin are the biggest names sitting in jeopardy. Menard, Speed & Almirola are already on the outside and must fight their way inside. Gilliland still has to qualify on speed alond with Kvapil at Bristol.

30) #34-Andretti/Earnhardt Ganassi: 336 +59
31) #77-Hornish/Penske Racing: 328 +51
32) #39-Newman/Stewart Haas: 324 +47
33) #20-Logano/Gibbs Racing: 321 +44
34) #71-Gilliland/TRG: 301 +24 [new team]
35) #5-Martin/Hendrick: 286 +11
36) #8-Almirola/Earnhardt Ganassi: 277, 11 out of 35th
37) #82-Speed/Red Bull Racing: 256 -30
38) #98-Menard/Yates Racing: 238 -48
39) #28-Kvapil/Yates Racing: 214 -72

Predictions: Newman & Martin find a way to stay inside the Top 35, Logano gets a Bristol beat down and JGR finds itself in a bad situation having to qualify on time. The last time JGR had this situation, FedEx was placed on Bobby Labonte's ride after Leffler failed to qualify and opened the door for Denny Hamlin to take over. Could Joey be the next bust, and follow Casey Atwood as overated?

If Joey starts missing races, look for JGR to put Joey in a Nationwide ride and open auditions for the Cup ride...lots of decent drivers would love a shot at that #20 Toyota.

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Permalink Reply by Matt on March 9, 2009 at 1:33pm

Well said Keith.

Nevermind the fact Atwood was long gone before Kahne stepped foot into Evernham. Atwood was shuffled from the #19 to the #7 Ultra Motorsports team for 2002, and Mayfield took over the 19. Bill Elliott moved over for Kahne in the #9 in 2004.

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Permalink Reply by Bigzoom on March 9, 2009 at 12:59pm

Not to mention the scene where they show the fans....that was like 500...the Planet is rocking over 2,200+

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Permalink Reply by Keith on March 9, 2009 at 1:33pm

And for all the knock about Lagano, he was ahead of Robby until sent into the wall by none other than Tony Stewart.

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Permalink Reply by TOG on March 9, 2009 at 1:41pm

I found one of your marbles...

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Permalink Reply by James Tallant on March 9, 2009 at 2:22pm

Didnt we get a preview of the protege last year in those cup races? He might blossom later but he has not impressed as of yet. All the talent that was out there (for the #20) for the JGR gang to put all the eggs in one basket with this kid might just turn them into a struggling go or go home team for 2009...IMO. It was pretty funny to see that sweet punt move by Smoke, after all, if you come off a corner 30 mph slower than the car behind you, you get moved, lol...

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Permalink Reply by James Tallant on March 9, 2009 at 2:59pm

I agree, I just remember J.J. Yeley was performing similarly and was considered one of the most untalented in the field, I see the reasoning to put Logano in the 20 but he gets no breaks in my book just because hes a rookie...It is the CUP series, lol!

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Permalink Reply by Turtle7 on March 9, 2009 at 2:16pm

Well at least Robby got some pit coverage yesterday... The gas can and the full 'Lagano'. Maybe the heads are looking for Robby to be the Cinderella story for 09.

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Permalink Reply by Bigzoom on March 9, 2009 at 9:06pm

There's no inside news on Joey here, just an opinion....as for Khane in for Atwood, I meant Atwood was the face of Everhamn's team, the next big star, the hot young rookie...then nothing in the Cup series.

I think Joey is talented, but I've seen this show before, too much expectations.

IMO- I don't think JGR & Home Depot will be real patient if he starts missing races, JGR had no problem getting rid of anyone else before that couldn't deliver, see no reason Joey would be given a free pass.

Bristol will be a hard race for Joey, the highest finish for a rookie in the spring Bristol race the last 2 years was 26th.