| Gasoline Alley, Yard of Bricks and Fast Laps | | Written by Charlie Turner on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 | Can anyone stop Kyle Busch from running away with the 2008 Sprint Cup Series championship? That’s the question I read and heard most during the, so-called, week off just passed.
It’s the same question that was on most lips this time last year as the Cupsters cruised into Indy. The difference is that in 2007, the can’t miss winner was – Jeff Gordon. How’d that work out?
The guy who won the ‘07 Cup was the same one who kissed the Bricks at Indianapolis – immie Johnson. In fact, taking the checkered flag at the Brickyard has been a good predicter of that year’s champ. Six of the winners in the fourteen year history of the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard have gone on to win the series the same year.
Now six out of fourteen isn’t all of them. But if Kyle Busch wins this week at Indy, my money goes on him in the Chase for sure.
Chase these four, sharp, flat lefties as you wait for the the Greatest Spectacle in… oh… sorry… The Brickyard 4… what, it’s not that either? Here is your weekly Fast Lap assignment.
1. Jeremy Mayfield’s PR guy has been working overtime this week trying to get his boy on owner’s lips for some of the openings for 2009. As a car owner would his good outweigh his bad?
2. Matt Kenseth won the race at his hometown track-Slinger Speedway in Wisconsin on the off weekend. Other drivers spread themselves around the country doing the same thing to relax. As a car owner wouldn’t you be a bit worried?
3. Is this year’s rookie pool disappointing and who is your Rookie of the Year candidate now?
4. Does NASCAR belong at Indy?
Remember, no more than 100 words per answer. We will be using the best stuff ON PIT ROW and in a new, regular video segment on Bench Racing with Steve and Charlie.
If you would like to leave your comments and thoughts, please visit the Fast Lap blog at ON PIT ROW. |
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| Shockey Comes Marching In | | Written by Matt Falkow on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 | The now former-New York Giant TE Jeremy Shockey had been disgruntled for much of last season. The Giants squeaked into the playoffs, then shocked the world by winning the Super Bowl. They did all that while Shockey was on the shelf. Perhaps he felt unwanted, perhaps he wanted a bigger role in the offense, perhaps he felt left out… either way, he finally got his wish and was traded to New Orleans yesterday.
So, how will he fit in with the Saints? First, let’s take a look at his game. Shockey is a high-energy guy. When his head is straight on the field, he can be a game-changer. He's a big solid red zone target, but also does damage between the 20's. He has proven to be injury-prone, but a change of scenery may be what he needed. Shockey now goes to a pass-happy offense with a proven WR in Marques Colston, a top-notch QB in Drew Brees, and a solid rushing attack. Shockey also reunites with former coach Sean Payton. On paper, this appears to be a perfect match. The Saints passing game gets that much better, which should help open up the run even more. If Shockey can keep his attitude in check, he'll do just fine down in the bayou.
As for fantasy impacts, bump Shockey up a bit, however, keep an eye on his health status. If he plays 13 or more games, he should finish as a Top 10 tight end without a doubt. Don't worry about him eating much of Colston's stats. He may steal a TD or two in the red zone, but Colston is still an upper-tier receiver. Drew Brees should have already been high on your board – Shockey makes him a tad more attractive. TE Eric Johnson's stock goes way down, and last season’s Giants rookie (postseason) sensation TE Kevin Boss should now be on your radar. |
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| Taylor Dances His Way to D.C. | | Written by Matt Hinzpeter on Monday, July 21, 2008 | After months and months of speculation, six-time Pro Bowler and 2006 Defensive Player of the Year DE Jason Taylor was traded to the Washington Redskin for two draft picks. Taking into account Taylor’s extensive resume, it is tough to think that a 2009 2nd Round pick and a 2010 6th Round pick would be sufficient compensation for the services of the veteran defensive end. Nevertheless, there is more to this deal than just face value – as Executive VP of Football Operations for the Dolphins, Bill Parcells, rids himself of another distraction (something that he has been attempting to do since he got there)… while Taylor, looking to finish out his career as strongly as he started it, joins a team making strides to better itself. In addition, the ‘Skins fill a huge void in their defense, as both starter DE Phillip Daniels and depth guy DE Alex Buzbee will not be available for the 2008 season.
In terms of fantasy value in IDP leagues, Taylor has consistently been a beast since stepping onto the field in 1997. To me, playing in the NFC East now slightly upgrades Taylor’s value. Though teams like Philadelphia and Dallas may throw the occasional wrinkle into their schemes, the NFC East is fairly “vanilla” for the most part compared to the AFC East. New England always has beasts on the front line, while Buffalo and the NY Jets are making huge leaps forward in the trenches. When I think of the NFC East, I think of slower and less agile offensive tackles who will be forced to block Taylor, a speedy outside pass-rusher. And you better bet that Taylor’s versatility to play as a stand-up end makes his arrival into the NFC East very scary for opposing offensive linemen. |
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| Povetkin Knocks Out Sykes in Four | | Written by Jim Cawkwell on Sunday, July 20, 2008 | | Only one round earlier than predicted here at FIO, Alexander Povetkin knocked out New Yorker Taurus Sykes in the fourth round of their fight. It was often a messy encounter, with Sykes seeming intimidated by Povetkin and unwilling to press forward. Povetkin seemed to do damage with every attack he launched, as he sought to keep his title shot against Wladimir Klitschko alive. Looking disinterested in trying to win the ifght, Sykes went down after a quick barrage of shots from Povetkin in the fourth round. Sykes' acting job did not conceal the fact that he stayed down on purpose, leaving the referee no choice but to count him out and ensure that Povetkin is the next fighter to challenge for Klitschko's championships. |
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| Fedor Destroys Sylvia in Seconds | | Written by Jim Cawkwell on Sunday, July 20, 2008 | | Another man that many MMA insiders and fans feel is the best fighter in that discipline is former PRIDE heavyweight champion, Fedor Emilianenko. Though Emilianenko does not compete within the heavyweight ranks of the UFC, it is generally understood that he is the best heavyweight in mixed martial arts. Last night, he faced former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia, headlining a solid night of action presented by Affliction. The fighters touched gloves to start the match and in no time at all, Emilianenko was all over Sylvia with left and right hands. within seconds, Sylvia hit the canvas and Emilianenko too his back and proceeded to cinch in a rear naked choke, forcing Sylvia to tap. The match lasted only 36 seconds. |
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| Silva KOs Irvin in One | | Written by Jim Cawkwell on Sunday, July 20, 2008 | | Brazilian MMA star Anderson Silva is considered by many as the top pound-for-pound MMA fighter in the world. The world got a chance to see why last night on free television, as he headlined a UFC fight night against James Irvin. Stepping up to the light heavyweight class for the first time, Silva was not expected to have things all his own way against a heavy handed fighter in Irvin. However, it proved to be a short contest, as Irvin made the mistake of leading with a low kick which Silva caught before delivering a stunning straight right hand, putting Irvin on the ground. Silva ended the fight seconds later with several more hard right hands that left Irvin in visible distress. New UFC light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin was at octagonside for the fight. |
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| Calzaghe - Jones First, Then Pavlik? | | Written by Jim Cawkwell on Thursday, July 17, 2008 | | First came the excellent news that Joe Calzaghe will continue fighting after his bout with Roy Jones in October. Now we have the prospect of Calzaghe perhaps looking to fight Kelly Pavlik next year. We shouldn't be surprised to hear this kind of thing from Calzaghe - I think his later career has come to embody the older lion that enjoys taking on the younger stock. the problem for that younger stock is that Calzaghe, so far, has beaten them all. It's always been said on these pages that Calzaghe has no reason to retreat from a Pavlik fight because Calzaghe has all the tools in place to win that fight, and win it in style. Win, lose or draw, Calzaghe will not be in any worse shape in 2009 for having fought Jones, so a Pavlik fight could be the last hurrah in Calzaghe's career. If it happens, and Calzaghe were to beat Pavlik, who is going to deny him his due credit then? |
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| We Get Bluegrass Fast Laps for a Change | | Written by Charlie Turner on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 | Two weeks off until the Cupsters resume at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
That was a hell of an end to the Lifelock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Kyle Busch once again won the last lap dash to the checkered flag. This time he bested his old teammate, Jimmie Johnson. It was impressive.
But I get the feeling that Johnson is taking the measure of the Shrub. Dialing in, along with the best crew chief in the business, Chad Knaus, the #48 Lowes Chevrolet for when it really counts. The last ten races. The Chase to the Sprint Cup. Just like 2007. Can’t hardly wait, myself.
Until then, we’ll have to cope. Cope with unrelenting silly season stuff. Wade through a hip-deep slop of rumors about who will drive for whom. And in what car, painted in whose colors.
Enough for now. Watch the Craftsman Trucks and the ARCA RE/MAX cars at Bruton’s new baby, Kentucky Speedway, this weekend. And maybe sip on a Bourbon while thinking about these four, fast left handers.
1. Is Kyle Busch’s seventh win good for racing like Tiger Woods winning every week is good for golf?
2. How did the TNT coverage stack up to the Fox coverage
3. Should Kyle Petty take a full time broadcast gig in 2009, if offered?
4. Over or under-Michael Waltrip Racing will field two and a half cars in 2009.
It’s the Fast Lap and these questions will be a big part of this week’s ON PIT ROW. The best answers and comments will be considered for a brand new video segment OnPitRow.com. So don’t hold back. Kyle Busch doesn’t.
If you would like to leave your comments and thoughts, please visit the Fast Lap blog at ON PIT ROW. |
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| Diaz-Katsidis is On | | Written by Jim Cawkwell on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 | | Mere months ago, both Juan Diaz and Michael Katsidis were undefeated and two of the real stars of boxing, coming into their own as feature attractions. You wouldn't think they had each lost in dramatic, grueling fights, and that they are both on the comeback trail. You wouldn't think that because in their first fight since their respective first defeats, they've signed to fight one another. True to the outstanding character of both fighters, they will not spend the next year rebuilding their self esteem, hoping to convince the boxing world that they are worth another title shot. These two fighters want to come back in a big way, and though they are only 135-pounds, what is likely to go down between them will be of heavyweight proportions. Katsidis has one of the most extraordinary fighting hearts in the business, always ready to come forward and able to absorb masses of punishment in order to land his own punches. In his last fight, though he eventually lost to Joel Casamayor, Katsidis' proved that his power can drastically change a fight, when he sent Casamayor out of the ring with a barrage of shots. Diaz is a classic volume puncher relying on stamina and workrate to win fights. Before losing to Nate Campbell, Diaz had unified all but one of the lightweight titles and was emerging as the dominant fighter in the division. The fight will happen on September 6th. |
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| Lacy's Lost His Marbles? | | Written by Jim Cawkwell on Saturday, July 12, 2008 | | Sometimes a loss is inflicted upon a fighter in such spectacular fashion that he never gets over it. It's no surprise that Jeff Lacy disappeared after his humiliating first defeat; but it's disturbing to hear that along with his unbeaten record, Lacy seems to have lost his sense of perspective, if not his common sense altogether. Lacy does deserve some credit for boosting Joe Calzaghe's reputation for being the one to push the fight and concede ground in order to make the fight happen. But there is little sense in Lacy's statement that he is gearing his career towards a rematch with Calzaghe, and that he was caught on an off night by the Welshman. The most amazing version of Lacy imaginable would have to get lucky in order to beat Calzaghe. Lacy felt crushing disappointment because of the loss; but Calzaghe was class all along, and Lacy should understand that instead of refusing to accept that he could never hope to compete with Calzaghe. Lacy's intentions to rematch Calzaghe seem so much more delusional against the backdrop of reality in which Calzaghe will retire after his fight with Roy Jones. And as for Lacy himself, he doesn't even want to fight Jermain Taylor. Lacy's comments seem to portray a fighter that let a loss destroy his confidence to the point of practicing utter denial, instead of learning from it and becoming a better fighter. |
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