Picks/Atlanta/SundayNight
 

You get a few extra hours to choose this week due to this being Labor Day weekend.... and my birthday weekend!!! Thursday, September 1, I turn 22!!! Mayeb you guys can give me a happy birthday by letting me have another win?

Points, Introductory, Congratulatory Remarks, MCF NASCAR Fantasy Thoughts

This topic gets a longer title every week, doesn't it? I'd like to congratulate 03JGMonte on his second win in a row!!!!!

zJerry extended his lead in Segment 3, and KidSpace is moving up in the points overall!!!


1) Cowboy6622 2341 Leader
2) montecarlo3831 2305 -36
3) JuniorCar 2294 -47
4) KidSpace 2288 -52
5) 77GP 2266 - 75
6) zjerry 2261 -80
7) RocknSS04 2252 -89
8) lougreen03 2182 -159
9) BocaReject 1009
10) 03JGMonte 908
11) nichols2k 723
12) silverfish 689
13) Teacher 583
14) carlm54stl 374
15) LnLSS06 190
16) bblackstone 92
17) Nocturnx 85
18) jcoeracing 84
19) odessadude 73
20) dustybird3 34


Segment 3

1) zjerry 678 -Leader
2) KidSpace 637 -41
3) 03JGMonte 635 -43
4) Cowboy6622 597 -81
5) Teacher 583 -95
6) montecarlo3831 556 -122
7) lougreen03 550 -128
8) nichols2k 527 -151
9) RocknSS04 523 -155
10) JuniorCar 517 -161
11) 77GP 490 -188
12) silverfish 361
13) LnLSs06 190
14) bblackstone94
15) jcoeracing 84



It seems like we all come and go. Some of the regulars, like Chris (montecarlo3831), Brent (JuniorCar), and Jerry (77GP) have had some bad luck in Segment 3. I collapsed after taking the Segment 1 win and ahd a terrible segment 2, yet I've recovered in segment 3 to take the points lead. KidSpace and zJerry lackluster in the first 2 segments, yet they've come alive and are rising through the ranks in Segment 3! Who can keep thier momentum going at the right time? Could get interesting on this forum come Homestead....

There are a few of us hungry for wins!! My heart goes out to Wayne, RocknSS04, who hasn't won a race all year despite being in all of them. I haven't won since Bristol in March. I don't think Junior Car, Chris, or Jerry, 77GP have won since May. We're struggling here!!! And I personally think Atlanta is one of the greatest tracks we run... sure hate that it lost a date. I'd love to win this one!

Atlanta History

This track opened in 1960 and looked a lot like Homestead today.. it took on the "Charlotte" double dog leg look in the mid 90's. Didn't really effect the racing.

Two clips... this first clip, I think you guys may find how legendary annoucner Chris Economaki calls the opening of the race... he's sitting in a convertible behind the field and their car chases the field as the race opens...

1969 Atlanta 500 - YouTube


Plus, one of the most eventful races in NASCAR history.. . I believ eBrent went to this race in 1992? Or his family? I know he's mentioned the race where Petty retired, and Allison, Elliott, and Kulwicki battled for teh championship....

1992 Hooters 500 - INTRO, START, PETTY CRASH, ALLISON CRASH - YouTube


Atlanta Recently, Disclaimer on Recommendations

This track is slick, with a worn surface, and it tends to be hard to predict. Kurt Busch is the only really dominant driver... I remember Jeff Gordon saying one year that he thought he wuodl go a lap down and 50 laps later thinking he could win the race. Last year, Stewart had a dominant car... and Hamlin blew an engine. It's hard to say how this thing will go down really... but I'll do my best to analyze this thing.

Hendrick Motorsports

Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson are on top of their game right now... and they might be experimenting with this 1.5 miler. I think these two guys will be some solid picks going into Atlanta.

Mark Martin and Dale Jr. are long shots.. especially Martin. Martin etiher needs a spotter or a vision check, he's run over people at least 3 times this year. Dale Jr. could pull off a good run I believe, and it would be cool to watch him break a winless streak down south.

Childress Racing

I'm not really looking out for nay of htese guys this week. Kevin Harvick hasn't had much momentum going since about Daytona... don't know what happened here. Bowyer and Burton haven't shown much to impress me... Menard is in that million dollar thing, but I woudl be shocked if he got it.

Joe Gibbs Racing

Denny Hamlin did exactly waht he needed to do last week... I was not expecting him to run top 10 AT ALL!! I was amazed. Plus, Kyle Busch is good on the bigger tracks right now, winning Kentucky and Michigan. I think Kyle coudl be a great pick... Denny maybe a good pick depending on how he does in practice. Joey did good in Bristol, but he hasn't impressed me too much this year yet. He got hot at the end of last year, so lets see. I think Busch is the only guy I'll be picking from this pack this week.

Stewart Haas

Those guys ran badly at Bristol... lucky to get the poll. Stewart admitted they would be wasting a chase spot, so as far as I can tell, he's beaten himself this year. If there is a glimmer of hope for Stewart, it's Atlanta.. he's won ehre several times. However, this year, I consider him a long shot. He is the defending race winner too!

Roush Racing

Ragan and Biffle are off the map to me....

Kenseth and Edwards on the other hand are in heaven... they're both great drivers at this track, Roush is a 1.5 mile cookie cutter company, so this track is right up their alley. this is the perfect chance for this team to squeeze off another win before goign to Richmond, hwere this team isn't that hot. Look out for these guys this week!

Michael Waltrip Racing


Yeah, I'm giving David Reutimann a long shot... he's good at 1.5 mile tracks... at night. Yeah, weird, he ran good here last yea,r won Chicagoland... 1.5 milers at night! Still, Im' not picking him though.

Red Bull Racing

Kasey Kahne is good here... haven't seen much from him lately, but he might squeeze off a victory for a team that is struggling to stay on the map next year.

Petty Motorsports

Ambrose is good here, and running for a million bucks!!! The Petty cars are good on 1.5's, just like Roush. I wouldn't be too shocked to see a Petty car run good. allemendinger isn't too bad either, ya know...

Penske

Brad K. is on fire and is undeniable right now. He's running for a million bucks, he's on fire, he wants to be in the top 10 in points, and he's going for a win! Remember, he was runnign top 5 when Edwards put him in the fence here a couple years back....

Kurt Busch has a few wins here recently... at day time. I think the Double Deuce is one to watch out for this week.

Long Shots

Montoya ran good here for a while... not expecting it though, the team is just terrible this year. Jamie Mac is having a few decent runs, but I'm not expecting him to run top 10 at Altanta, but will throw it out there as a possiblity.. .just not expecting it. Martin Truex is running okay lately too... but he's not a consistent contender yet.


Good Picks/BAd Picks/ Long Shots

Good:
Jeff Gordon
Jimmie Johnson
Carl Edwards
Matt Kenseth
Kyle Busch
Brad Keselowski
Kurt Busch

Long Shots
Childress drivers
Tony Stewart
Denny Hamlin
Marcos Ambrose
Kasey Kahne

Bad:

people you expect to run bad




Enjoy Atlanta this upcoming Sunday night! I'll be making some picks after watching some practice adn qualifying. At this track, I don't think qualifying will be as important as Bristol. The practice session where the cars are in race trim will be something to watch out for though.

Here's my pick's
1) Jeff Gordon
2) Carl Edwards
3) Jimmie Johnson

Im gonna go with

Gordon
Keselowski
Johnson

You msut be one of those "If you find something that works, you stick with it" people.... worked in Bristol, stick with those three!

Well with the way keselowski is running it be hard not to pick him & these guys are running good lately so ima stick with em till they fail me lol

Came across an interesting stat.... Kevin Harvick pickers beware (77GP...), he has not posted a Top 5 since June. Will that change in Atlanta, where he got his first win 10 years ago?

Why Junior is a good pick:
- He has won there
- His second best track (Bristol is #1) for average finish (@12.5)
- In 23 starts at Atlanta he he only 2 DNF's
- Aside from the 2 DNF's, Junior has only once finished of the lead lap (1 lap down) since 2001 (career completion 99.4%)

I totally agree that Pony Stewart is defeating himself this year. He been totally negative. Back in NewHampshire the guy was in tears over finishing second.

Kyle Busch
Keselowski
Johnson

For Bristol being his best track, Jr. only ran 16th there alst week... will give you the benefit of the doubt since it is the new surface now though.

However, that hot opener to the season has cooled down. I'd like to see Jr. run well, but I just don't think it is happening....

If anyone is interested by the way, this is my car in NASCAR 2011.

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...rsontorino.jpg

Compare to Pearson's '68 Torino!

http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/...27_FRONT_1.jpg

Looks good, i havnt figured out how to get my number to show up on mine lol it always stays the car color lol

You have to create it as a decal. The icon is what your car shows up as on hte track map while racing.

Aahh ok lol now i got it lol thanks, i dont play nascar much lol

I think Junior could have run better at Bristol if he needed to. But what he needed was a solid finish and to capitalize and Pony's and Bowyer's bad nights. He very much needed to not do what Martin did, but they were both racing with different agenda.

Duane, weren't you the one to point out that the Bristol Night Race sucks now because the Chase has too many driver in cautious-mode?

Junior could continue to lay off at Atlanta, but he just about has it locked in now...

I dont' know if I pointed that out or not... I pointed out that it sucks due to the new banking a couple of times. Well, doesn't suck.... went from a great race to just a good race though.

And I've heard othersp oint out that the chase froces you to sometimes points race at Bristol. And I do remember hearing Jr. on the radio asking where Clint and Tony were to find out they were like 30th and 32nd, 4 laps down at the time.

Im deff not a fan of the whole points racing so u can stay in the top 10 in points cuz it does ruin a race i think cuz everyone is too cautious, should put the already boring races for the last 4 if there gonna do that so it wont make the real fun races a snooze fest but im also not a fan of run a lap & park it to me thats dumb cuz it takes away from ppl who actually would race (not well but they would race)

Hi Everyone, I still don't know who to guess for the Race :(
I would love to see Dale Jr win, or Joey L., or someone that really needs a win that has been having bad racing luck...I do think there will be many driver's gambling & going 4 it, + the drivers going 4 the Million $'s : )
Will Tony make the chase ? ? Brad ? it's going to be a fight 4 each spot this weekend...There's many that are desperate 4-Sure 4- a `Win : )
I just hope I can listen to the Race Sunday night :thumbsup:
I will post my picks b-4 the race...Good Luck 2 everyone :)

im goin with


1) johnson

2) ky.busch

3) ku.busch

Well Duane, you got me, Gotta stand by my man Harvick. I hope the Johnson picks has a fail boat image this week for you guys. i was going to pick him but since it is evident most will. I will pass. I have dropped from having the lead(only to be stricken from me for one reason or another LOL) to fifth place overall and I am not a happy camper, I think my problem is going against the grain as I am again this week.
1. Harvick:congrats:

2. Dale Jr. :rotfl:

3. Jeff Gordon :thumbsup:

Will this be me at the end of the race
:facepalm:
We will see how this goes. Good Luck everyone. Why doesn't anyone pick Labonte. At one point he owned this joint if I remember correctly.

Love the commentary, guys! Practice is this evening, qualifying tomorrow sometime.

Speaknig of mother nature changing her mind, I was sitting aroudn the house this morning, checked the weather, storms were coming.. .wasn't supposed to rain until Monday here!!! They blew over pretty quick, but still.

anyone see this.......

NASCAR drivers decline White House invite due to scheduling

Hmm that is interesting & the media will prob blow it all up

Most of those guys met the President in '09... maybe he's not a friendly host? Hmmmmm. American media loves this crap though.



Anywho, Maybe Carl Edwards is too busy trying to keep Aflac on for the races that Fastenal won't sponsor next year? Maybe they're all oging ot go party up Dale Jr. signing a 5 year extension with Hendrick?

It also looks like David Ragan may be in troubel for sponsors... UPS wants to discontinue 36 race sponsorship in favor of sponsoring Edwards for a handful of races (rumor says, but in NASCAR, lots of rumors come true), so if no one will sponsor him, I wouldn't be surprised if an announcement of Bayne or Stenhouse coming to Cup turns up.....

My picks are

Harvick
Hamlin
Biffel

Getting close to the green flag...& I still don't know who to guess/pick...I must think (but, I can't :( 2 tired this morning: ) Below is something to check `out if interested.
http://i.cdn.turner.com/nascar/dam/a...omepage-t2.jpg...Hi MCF from `Dale Jr..Just signed a 5 year contract..? WoW
264
Junior expresses relief with contract, Chase
http://i.cdn.turner.com/nascar/dam/a...omepage-t2.jpg178

Report: UPS cutting back sponsorship of No. 6 car
Outa $'s, outa GoPower :eek: Oh `No :eek:

Alright gentlemen, I think I'm ready to do this....

I think the race is goign to be in part a big battle between Stewart, Hamlin, and Keselowski. Stewart and Hamlin just want in the chase... Keselowski wants to get into the Top 10 and use those bonus points... and he was running 5th the year Edwards put him in the wall!! Fast in qualifying, fast in final practice.... but practice was in the afternoon, and drivers are saying they don't know what will happen as the night comes on and the track cools off.

But I want guys who are hot right now, and guys who are good at this race track....

Therefore, I want a Chevy, a Dodge, and a Ford....

1) Jeff Gordon
2) Brad Keselowski
3) Carl Edwards

Ford's last! :)

So I haven't won since Bristol in March, but I am currently the overall poitns leader. My birthday was this week, and I won a trophy at an All Ford Show (Top 25) in Henderson ,NC Today..... I'm feeling lucky....

Now that speech was perfect for setting myself up to fall on my own face.

Here's my car and my trophy!

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/e...e/100_1170.jpg

Im ready for this race im feeling a 3rd straight win lol :rotfl: if that happens im goin to vegas lol

Btw how do i get those sweet race win things on my sig?

:rolleyes: Congrat's `Duane, I hope your luck continues this weekend.
Great pic of you & your Torino + trophy :thumbsup: EnJoy the Race & your `Life 4-Sure :)
=========================================
Space Picks
1. Kyle Busch
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Jeff Gordon

I think BradK just snapped his momentum by finishing 7th in last night Nationwide race. Not a terrible finish (especially considering how terrible he was running), but he'd have been better off avoiding Nationwide for a while.
But Carl picked up some momentum. He not hot like he was at the beginning of the year, but he's about to get hot again. Lots of guys have swept Atlanta over the year, and Carl won last night.
I was geared up to pick Martin again. He was fast in practice. And if he ever comes through I want to be on-board! But then he qualified like crap! The car is going away before the race even begins!
And I think Pony & Hamlin need to watch out for Bowyer. Bowyer looked great in the truck race (2nd) and was good in practice. With a win he'll take Hamlin's Chase spot away. He could get Pony's spot without a win.

So I pick:

1. Carl Edwards
2. Clint Bowyer
3. Dale Jr

Brent just dissed Mark Martin for qualifying bad, then picks Dale Jr who only qualified 3 spots better?

The winner out of like the last 10 races came from teh Top 11 too... hecne ,all my picks are from the Top 7!

The difference is that Junior never qualifies well. Martin usually only finishes well when he qualifies well. But no doubt about it - I'm sketchy on my picks...

But the pending rain makes this whole race a crap shoot. Do you think they'll even get it in? If they do it will most certainly be shortened and that throw everyone strategy out the window. The weather is supposed to only get worse over the next few days. How would it affect the Chase if they couldn't get the race in at all? And this whole "Sprint Summer Showdown" is supposed to be settled. I'd really like to see BradK win so a lucky fans life would change and win a million bucks. Not to mention a million for charity. That would be really cool. And rain threatens it all...

my picks

Kyle Bush
jimmy johnson
Carl edwards

1. Jeff Gordon
2. Kyle Busch
3. Brad Keselowski

1. Edwards
2. Kyle Busch
3. Kenseth

also, looks like rain may be in the forecast for this evening.......:thumbsdown:

Rain is part of what kept a lot of fans away from the track for so long.. uncertain weather. Rains a lot there, and there is a drought there this year. If you want to end doughts, you bring a nascar race to teh area. Looking forward to any amount of racing we can get in.... even if we have to run at 2:00 a.m.

EDIT: Just checked ANSCAR.com... already raining. Checked my radar, lots more coming... won't be a race tonight. Maybe tomorrow, probably Tuesday...

The cars are in the garage area, bays down, tarps on the cars, it's raining, everyone has an umbrella, the lenses on the cameras are staying wet... there will not be a race tongiht I don't think. It will be LATE if it is. About to take an evening run....

Gotta be optimistic i wanna see this race run tonight

A comment on NASCAR.com says the latest they will start a race is 10:00 p.m. 75% of the state of GA is covered in rain right now. I just don't see it happening tonight. Tomorriw isn't looking a lot better. Looks like I'll be skipping some class on Tuesday.

And I'm still holding out to crack the first beer (of the day) for when the green flag drops. I can't drink again until it does...

First beer opened NOW!!!!......:congrats:

there ain't gonna be any racing tonight, more rain falling......