Lead Lap's NASCAR News » Pepsi 500

Chase Picture Taking Shape

Michael J Smith — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:26:14 +0000

With the end of the Pepsi 500 from Auto Club Speedway, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Jeff Burton all clinched spots in the Chase. And, with their second- and fourth-place finishes respectively, Greg Biffle and Kevin Harvick will secure their spots in the Chase just by starting the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 from Richmond International Raceway.

Ryan Newman finished the race 16th, and has been elminated from contention for the Chase. He is 200 points behind Clint Bowyer, who is in 12th place. Brian Vickers has been all but eliminated from contention, as well. He had a top 5 run going until mistakes on pit road cost him. He ended up 12th. He is currently 190 points behind 12th place. All Bowyer has to do is start next week’s race, and Vickers will be eliminated.

David Ragan and Kasey Kahne are still battling Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, and Clint Bowyer for spots in the Chase.

Johnson Wins Pepsi 500

Michael J Smith — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:06:48 +0000

Jimmie Johnson led 228 of 250 laps at the Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway, showing everyone he is ready for the Chase and that he should not be counted out as a championship contender.

At one point, Greg Biffle, who was running second to Johnson, had a piece of debris on his nose. His crew chief approached Chad Knaus and asked if Johnson would drop back, allowing Biffle to get on his rear bumper, which would remove the air holding the debris on the nose, knocking it off.

Knaus, of course, said no.

Johnson, Biffle, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, and Matt Kenseth are your top 5.

Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, Kyle Busch, David Reutimann, and Clint Boyer rounded out the top 10.

Notables: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (11th), Brian Vickers (12th), David Ragan (13th), Jeff Gordon (15th), Ryan Newman (16th), Jeff Burton (17th), and Tony Stewart (22nd).

Skinner To Replace McDowell In MWR's 00

Michael J Smith — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:07:28 +0000

Veteran driver Mike Skinner will replace Michael McDowell in Michael Waltrip Racing’s No. 00 Toyota for the next three races, starting at this week’s 3M Performance 400 from Michigan International Raceway.

Skinner will evaluate the team, suggesting ways to improve its on-track performance. Skinner will also drive the car in the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, and the Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway (California).

Team owner Waltrip said:

Michael Waltrip Racing is fully committed to our sponsors, the success of our race teams and ensuring Michael McDowell, Josh Wise, David Reutimann and I have the necessary tools to succeed as drivers.

Waltrip hopes that Skinner will be able to provide similar insights that he used earlier in the season when he drove five races for Red Bull Racing in the No. 84 usually driven by AJ Allmendinger. Skinner’s presence helped the team improve.