Each and every year, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers face a host of road course "ringers" -- drivers who do the lefts and rights for a living -- in the two road course events that the series runs.Friday afternoon at Infineon Raceway in California, the Sprint Cup drivers seemed to still get the best of the "pros".
Kasey Kahne -- Kasey Kahne! -- won the pole for Sunday's Toyota/Save Mart 350k with Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte, and Jeff Gordon wrapping up the Top-5.
The highest driver who falls into the "ringer" category is Marcos Ambrose in 7th, though Ambrose is a regular driver in the Nationwide Series. Robby Gordon in 8th could be considered a ringer, but he does run the entire Sprint Cup schedule despite being noted for his road course and off-road driving skills.
Boris Said qualified in 14th while Ron Fellows was the next highest in 22nd. Scott Pruett and Max Papis went 27th and 28th consecutively and Brian Simo wound up 43rd. Brandon Ash failed to qualify.
The road course ringers have long been favorites to win these road course events, but history has proven those instances few and far between. Simply, NASCAR Sprint Cup races are tremendously tough to win in the first place, and then, these road course aces have to deal with drivers who are not afraid to beat and bang.
I'd also have to say that the other major variable for the ringers is the sheer weight of the cars. Sprint Cup stock cars are much, much heavier than typical road course vehicles, making them much harder to sling around the tight corners.
That said, I won't be picking a road course ace Sunday -- the favorites will be up front and easily.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-21-2008 @ 4:21PM
CJ said...
The one thing i think from seeing what roadcourse ringers are replacing regular drivers is that Reed Sorenson being replaced is a tell tale sign that he's probably going to be out after this year. I dont care what he says about he's fine with it, they did the same to David Stremme a couple years ago, and where's he at now? Reed should'nt be having to give up his seat, cause it's crappy equipment, not the driver, and i'd love to see him in the 33 car, i think he has alot of talent and promise. I can tell you, i think they should've put a road course ringer in the 96 car, although i think Yeley sucks and that's pretty obvious when you look at how the 18 car with Kyle Busch is running this year, and they didnt make a change on that team except the driver. I read a blog where someone thought that Gibbs might buy that team to make that 96 car their fourth team, and although i think that's not a bad idea, i'd be suprised if that happen. The only road course ringer that i think that was out there they could've gotten was PJ Jones, but im sure HOF is happy to be heading home right now!
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6-21-2008 @ 7:32PM
Kim said...
I am surprised to see that Boris Said qualified 14th. The little bit of qaulifying I got to watch yesterday, he was the one to beat for the longest time.
Said is a good road course racer and an even better guy. I really wish he would get picked up by a good team. I think he has what it takes and has a huge fan base, yet we don't get to see enough of him on the track. I am sure Boris will make his way through the field fairly quickly and be racing up front tomorrow. JMO
As for the others, I am thrilled that Jimmie qaulified second!
Kim
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