Motorsports FanHouse

Talladega Marred by Early 13-Car Wreck

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: A.J. Allmendinger, Brian Vickers, Casey Mears, Clint Bowyer, David Gilliland, Jamie McMurray, Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, Mark Martin, Scott Riggs, NASCAR Crashes, Sprint Cup

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) --The "Big One" hit early at Talladega Superspeedway.

A massive 13-car accident just seven laps into Sunday's race at Talladega Superspeedway took out race favorites and left it open for an unlikely winner to emerge from the field.

The accident started just seven laps into the race near the front of the field when Matt Kenseth appeared to make contact with series points leader Jeff Gordon.

The bump made Gordon's car slide toward the top of the track, and the drivers running around them couldn't avoid the wreck.

"It was a little bit of aggressive driving, but everybody's jockeying for position here in the early laps," Gordon said. "I got squeezed and didn't have anywhere else to go. I saw an opening, went for it, and it closed up in a hurry."

Six of the drivers caught up in the wreck are Chase for the championship contenders. They are Gordon, Kenseth, Kurt Busch, Kasey Kahne, Clint Bowyer and Mark Martin, winner of last week's race at Phoenix.

"It's Talladega. You expect it," Gordon said. "You just hope to survive it."

Kevin Harvick, Casey Mears, Jamie McMurray, Scott Riggs, AJ Allmendinger, David Gilliland, and Brian Vickers were also involved.

"How could it not happen," Martin said. "It's not guys losing control of their cars. It's so many in such a wad that you can't help but move up or down on each other and it starts a wreck."

DYST V3 test

LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers watches as Mo Williams #2 takes a shoe to the face by Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers after a steal in the closing seconds of the first half at The Quicken Loans Arena on February 8, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (David Liam Kyle, NBAE/Getty Images)

David Liam Kyle, NBAE/Getty Images

Brazil's Diogo (L) vies for the ball with Paraguay's Hernan Perez during their U-20 South American Championship football match in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela on February 8, 2009.(Juan Barreto, AFP/Getty Images )

Juan Barreto, AFP/Getty Images

A Dalmatian looks at its handler as a judge goes to touch the dog during the first day of the 2009 Westminster Dog Show in New York February 9, 2009.(Lucas Jackson, Reuters)

Lucas Jackson, Reuters

Denver Nuggets forward Chris Anderson touches his head during a time out in the first half of their NBA basketball game with the New Jersey Nets in East Rutherford, New Jersey February 7, 2009. (Ray Stubblebine, Reuters)

Ray Stubblebine, Reuters

Margarita Marbler, of Austria, skis to a bronze medal finish the ladies moguls freestyle FIS World Cupskiing qualification at Cypress mountain in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009. (Jonathan Hayward, The Canadian Press/AP)

Jonathan Hayward, The Canadian Press/AP

West Virginia guard Darryl Bryant (25) is fouled by Providence guard Jeff Xavier (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Morgantown, W.Va. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009. West Virginia won 86-59. (Don Wright, AP)

Don Wright, AP

Missouri's DeMarre Carroll, top, celebrates the Tigers' 62-60 win over Kansas in Columbia, Missouri, Monday, February 9, 2009. (Rich Sugg, Kansas City Star/MCT)

Rich Sugg, Kansas City Star/MCT

David Clarkson #23 of the New Jersey Devils fights Erik Reitz #4 of the New York Rangers during their game on February 9, 2009 at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey (Al Bello, Getty Images)

Al Bello, Getty Images

Driver Patrick Sheltra (60) begins to spin coming out of the fourth turn during the ARCA 200 auto race in Daytona Beach, Fla. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009.

Darryl Graham, AP

Spain's Nuria Llagostera Vives serves the ball, in this multiple exposure, to Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic during their Fed Cup tennis match in Brno February 7, 2009.

Petr Josek, Reuters

NASCAR issued a stern warning before the race, telling the drivers to avoid aggressive driving, which is common at Talladega but policed heavily for safety precautions.

Race director David Hoots warned drivers at the prerace meeting to show caution on the track.

"If you're thinking you're getting ready to get too close to crossing over this line then draw back," he said.

Several teams were in the garage trying to repair the cars and get them back on the track and get in more laps in the 500-miles race. Others, like Martin, had already called it a day.

Harvick returned about 50 laps later. Gordon, the points leader, and Kahne also returned.

"Everyone's trying to position themselves," Harvick said. "I don't think it's anybody's fault."

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Talladega Marred by Early 13-Car Wreck originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lap 19 Carnage Takes Several Contenders

Geoffrey Miller — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: Elliott Sadler, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Scott Riggs, NASCAR Crashes, NASCAR Videos, Denny Hamlin, Sprint Cup

Because a wreck like this in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series must be revisited, we'll start with the video:

The whole mess started when, as you saw, Elliott Sadler dropped down coming off turn 2 across the nose of David Gilliland in the No. 38. Sadler spun into the wall and stopped sideways across the track in Sunday's Best Buy 400 at Dover.

Tony Stewart couldn't slow down quick enough and slammed into Sadler's front-end. Both cars then blocked the entire race track as Denny Hamlin slid into the mess with Scott Riggs, Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne, Bobby Labonte and others getting a piece of the mess.

Hamlin and Sadler both retired from the race after the accident, Dale Earnhardt Jr. came back on track ten laps down, and Tony Stewart returned to run another 183 laps in the event.

The wreck likely was multiplied by the fact that drivers did expect the carnage to sweep to the bottom of the track as it usually does at Dover. Instead, the track remained blocked and drivers coming off turn 2 just simply couldn't see down the straightaway until it was too late.

Harvick, Hamlin, Stewart, and Earnhardt Jr. all dropped in the Top-10 of the Sprint Cup point standings due to the accident, which did cause a 15-minute red flag. The rest of the race, impressively enough, had just four more cautions with few wrecks.

Lap 19 Carnage Takes Several Contenders originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wednesday Not Good for Haas-CNC Racing

Geoffrey Miller — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Scott Riggs, Lowes Motor Speedway, Sprint Cup

They probably knew it was coming, but probably not to this extent.

Haas-CNC Racing, which fields NASCAR Sprint Cup cars No. 66 and No. 77, had more than just a book thrown at them Wednesday as NASCAR levied the penalties for rear-wing mount infractions stemming from last weekend's race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

The penalties, for both teams, included:

150 Driver points from Johnny Sauter and Scott Riggs
150 Owner points from the No. 66 and No. 70
Six week suspensions from Sprint Cup Series racing for both crew chiefs and car chiefs
$100,000 fine for crew chiefs "Bootie" Barker and Dave Skog, each
Both race cars will not be returned after NASCAR confiscated them Friday at LMS

I think you can call that getting the entire library thrown at you.

In all, having rear-wing brackets that weren't correct -- Barker maintains he's used them all season -- just cost the team roughly a three-quarters of a million dollars.

I understand NASCAR's desire to clean up the sport and prevent teams from skirting the rules, but costing a team $750,000 seems a little overwhelming, considering the stats the Haas-CNC teams have put together in 2008.

Riggs has a best start of 7th this season with a best finish of 16th, while Jeremy Mayfield (who was canned from the ride earlier this season) only finished a high of 16th with a best start of 23rd. At Lowe's, the cars had qualified 13th (Riggs) and 43rd (Sauter).

In comparison, Dale Earnhardt Jr. had a similar violation in 2007 with his No. 8 car that cost them 100 driver and owner points, $100,000, and a six-week suspension. The car was returned.

Going overboard, though, might be NASCAR's best answer to putting away concerns of cheating, whether its minor or major.

Wednesday Not Good for Haas-CNC Racing originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 28 May 2008 19:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASCAR Crash Video of the Week: M'Ville

Geoffrey Miller — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Scott Riggs, Martin Truex Jr., NASCAR Crashes, NASCAR Videos, Sprint Cup

Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway saw its share of spins and wrecks to contribute the races 18 cautions.

Aside from Matt Kenseth's antics, the biggest crash of the day involved 5 cars early in the 500 lap event. The melee, shown below, involved Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte, Aric Almirola, Scott Riggs, and Martin Truex Jr.

Almirola slid the nose of his No. 8 coming off of turn four into Bobby Labonte on the outside, turning the No. 43 and blocking the track for the rest of the field. Riggs then gets turned by Gordon as the accordion effect takes shape, damaging the nose of the No. 24.

Gordon seemed to have suffered the most damage from the incident though it was repairable and didn't end up hurting his chances at a solid finish. The No. 24 finished 2nd to eventual race winner Denny Hamlin.

Wrecks like that are one of the reasons why I love racing Martinsville at so much. Because of the low speed, many accidents can have little damage, and even if some damage occurs, the aerodynamic problems won't kill a drivers chances to win.

NASCAR Crash Video of the Week: M'Ville originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carpentier to Help Riggs Prepare for Leaving EMS

Geoffrey Miller — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:37:00 EST

Filed under: Elliott Sadler, Kasey Kahne, Scott Riggs, Dodge, Nextel Cup, Busch Series, NASCAR Silly Season, Gillette-Evernham Motorsports, Car of Tomorrow, Chase for the Sprint Cup

Candian Patrick Carpentier sat on the pole and finished 2nd in his first-ever NASCAR race at Montreal last Satuday.

This Sunday, he's expecting to sport Valvoline colors for Evernham Motorsports.

Because the No. 10 that Scott Riggs usually campaigns is out of the top-35 in owner points, Ray Evernham decided that putting in a road course guru might be beneficial.

Evernham has already made it quite clear in early July that he doesn't see Riggs as part of the long-term future, anyways.

Evernham said negotiations to extend the contract of Scott Riggs, who has missed the past two races and is 36th in points, continue. But he wasn't quite as adamant that Riggs will be a part of the organization in 2008 as he was three weeks ago.

"He's a good little guy," Evernham said. "I just feel bad for what's going on with him."

There's so many things demeaning with that statement, and not the least of it is the diss on Rigg's height.

Riggs hasn't especially gotten a fair shake of it this season, seeing as how bad the Evernham team has run this season. Obviously, he's not the only one not driving fast enough when Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler can only muster 27h and 23rd, respectively, in the point standings.

Carpentier does deserve a shot at Watkins Glen this week because he proved to be no stock-car slouch at Montreal. One more left turn in a late right-hander, and Carpentier takes the 'W' on the heels of Kevin Harvick spinning behind him.

Carpentier to Help Riggs Prepare for Leaving EMS originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tallglassofmilk Accepts The Blaniac Challenge

tallglassofmilk — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Brian Vickers, Scott Riggs, NASCAR Fans, Dave Blaney

I really have nothing against Dave Blaney. Really, I don't. He just happens to be that guy sitting in the hot seat right now. Nothing personal ... except that I personally have never been impressed by him.

No, I haven't followed his whole career--my only frame of reference is the Nextel Cup Series. No, I've never met him personally so I don't know what a great guy he is, or how nice his parents are ... but even if I did I might still feel the same about his driving.

Some fans are taking this personally.

The Blaniacs have taken me to task for my criticism of Blaney's inability to close and for questioning his ability to take advantage of recent situations he's found himself in.

For daring to doubt his talent, I've been issued a challenge:

"If you are so sure he has no talent, let's make a friendly wager of $100.00, if he finishes the season outside of the top 35, you get my hundred bucks, if he finishes inside the top 35, you make a check out to VJGC....and in the memo put, "KTF Blaniacs."

For the record, I never said he had no talent, I just said his talent hasn't impressed me. The passion of his fans, however, has.

As such, I accept their challenge, with modifications.

If Blaney finishes out the season with the #22 in the top 35 in owner points, I will make a donation of $35 to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. For each additional position claimed in the standings, I will add another $10, so the higher he finishes, the higher the amount.

My challenge to the Blaniacs: Make me a Blaney fan by the end of the season so that I'm happy losing the bet and not actively rooting against him (and the charity).

'Til then ... Brian Vickers, Scott Riggs, Bill Elliott, Johnny Sauter and Jeff Green (you guys are killing me) have a new cheering section!

Previously on Fanhouse
Blaney Steals Ginn's Gift to Wood Brothers
Blaney Blows the Lead, Not A Finisher
Blaney on Pole and Other Toyota Qualifying Surprises

Tallglassofmilk Accepts The Blaniac Challenge originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Junior Scores First Pole in Five Years

tallglassofmilk — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 01:34:00 EST

Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne, Scott Riggs, Dale Earnhardt Inc., NASCAR Awards, NASCAR Sponsors, Dave Blaney

Dale Earnhardt Jr. scored his first pole in five years ... on the third day of the eighth month. 8-3=5 Is it a sign he should drive the #5? I don't know, but a reader told me the fans were discussing it on the The Pit Board.

On the Pocono Racway tri-oval no less, where he's only had only one top 5 starting spot in 15 races and has never had a win.

Unfortunately, right after qualifying, the #8 team managed to push the Budweiser Chevrolet off the scales smack into a Gator vehicle smashing the front end in--nothing they could have done to stop it. Hmmm. Just what we need ... more fuel for the conspiracy theorists.

Nonetheless, I'm sure Junior celebrated with a few Buds tonight and is totally stoked about winning another Bud Pole Award before he passes the Bud (Light) sponsor torch to Kasey Kahne at the end of the season.

Kahne's teammate, Scott Riggs, was once again the highest qualifier of those racing in on time.

Losers of the Week (DNQs)
#49 Mike Bliss (12), #84 AJ Allmendinger (13), # 37 Kevin Lepage (16), # 78 Kenny Wallace (12)

Pennsylvania 500 Race Lineup

Junior Scores First Pole in Five Years originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 04 Aug 2007 01:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicagoland Pole Goes to Mears

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:59:00 EST

Filed under: Casey Mears, Michael Waltrip, Jeff Gordon, Greg Biffle, Scott Riggs, Jamie McMurray, Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, Nextel Cup, Michael Waltrip Racing

Casey Mears posted Friday's top qualifying lap at Chicagoland Speedway to take the pole for Sunday's USG Sheetrock 400.

Mears start at the front will be the eighth time this season that a Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet has started from that position. Jeff Gordon, who starts 11th, tallied the other seven, including five official poles.

The remaining events had qualifying rained out, thus the field was started by owner points.

The pole was the third of Mears' career in a season that has seen a steady rise since a rough start -- capitalized by his win in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. He starts Sunday's race 19th in points after hovering on the top-35 bubble before Charlotte.

Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Newman, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mark Martin round out the top-5.

Scott Riggs missed yet another race in his Evernham Motorsports entry, while Michael Waltrip Racing will be represented by Waltrip and teammate David Reutimann. Riggs' misfortune isn't looking good, especially with the team owner not exuding much confidence.

For last week's winner Jamie McMurray, what a difference a week makes. The No. 26 Roush Ford will start behind teammate David Ragan and next to other teammate Greg Biffle in 34th.

Chicagoland Pole Goes to Mears originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not Qualified to Run the Longest Race on the Circuit

tallglassofmilk — Fri, 25 May 2007 02:29:00 EST

Filed under: Brian Vickers, Dale Jarrett, Michael Waltrip, Scott Riggs, Toyota, NASCAR Sponsors

"I pity the other competitors the day [Michael Waltrip] makes the race, because he's going to have some pent-up frustrations. He wants to race. That's not relevant. He's ready."
~ Ty Norris, General Manager, Michael Waltrip Racing

I pity the fool who thinks Michael Waltrip might ever qualify for a race--and yet I never stop hoping he does.

It was another tough qualifying day for the Coca-Cola Racing driver, the only one of thirteen not representing their soft drink sponsor in its title race. Waltrip and MWR driver David Reutimann both hit the wall in qualifying [video] and failed to make the show. The Coca-Cola 600 will be Waltrip's 11th consecutive DNQ and Reutimann's fourth.

Poor Mikey. On the upside, Dale Jarrett, who is just inside the top 35 this week, qualified a season best 23rd.

Other Losers of the Week (DNQs)
Paul Menard (4), Ward Burton (7), Kevin LePage (10), Mike Bliss (8)

Made the Show
Dave Blaney was the best of the worst today getting a starting spot on the fourth row for the #22 Caterpillar Toyota, the manufacturer's only entry in the top 10.

Bill Elliott, who's racing to get the Wood Brothers/JTG Racing #21 Ford from 39th into the top 35, didn't need a championship provisional--he raced his way into the 22nd starting spot. Given their positions in the standings, with Menard and Waltrip on the sidelines this weekend, the #21 team stands to gain one spot just by starting the race. Awesome.

Scott Riggs will start 15th and Jeremy Mayfield 24th in his fourth race of the season. Brian Vickers starts 26th with his Red Bull teammate, A.J. Allmendinger, two rows behind in 29th.

Kenny Wallace avoided his fifth DNQ and kept Menard out by .08 seconds to start in the 43rd spot. It's his lowest starting position of the season ... but I bet if you when they ask him about it he'll say he's just happy to be in the race. As well he should be. Just ask Waltrip.

Not Qualified to Run the Longest Race on the Circuit originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 25 May 2007 02:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Truex, Sauter Advance in Nextel Open; Montoya Wrecks Big

Geoffrey Miller — Sat, 19 May 2007 20:40:00 EST

Filed under: Carl Edwards, Scott Riggs, Martin Truex Jr., Lowes Motor Speedway, NASCAR Crashes, Nextel Cup

Carl Edwards looked like a shoe-in for tonight's Nextel All-Star Challenge after leading 36 of 40 laps during the Nextel Open. Then, Martin Truex Jr. showed up. And Johnny Sauter.

Edwards finished 3rd in the race, leaving Sauter and Truex to earn automatic bids into the All-Star race.

Sauter came from nearly two seconds back with 12 laps to go to catch Truex, but Truex had other plans. Instead of getting passed by Sauter's No. 70, the No. 1 car made it around Edwards with a three-wide move after Sauter looked low.

David Ragan spun during the start of second segment and collected Reed Sorenson.

Carl Edwards won the incident-filled first segment after leading all 20 laps -- eight ran under green. Ten cars were involved in wrecks.

Juan Pablo Montoya got the first segment off to an inauspicious start after causing multi-car pileup off of turn 2. Montoya started 5th on the grid and took Dave Blaney's spot on the start on a three-wide move. Montoya had too much momentum and lost the car up the race track.

"I had a really good start under Blaney. As soon as a I went to pick up the gas, it spun out," said Montoya.

The incident took out Gilliland, Joe Nemechek, Paul Menard, Jon Wood, A.J. Allemendinger and Scott Riggs. Paul Menard didn't seem too pleased.

"Juan went three-wide right way. These tires are so hard you can't be doing that," said Menard.

Mike Bliss brought out the second caution after spinning off of turn 2 and collecting Boris Said. The 3rd caution flew when Elliott Sadler slid into the turn 3 wall and Jeff Green later cut through the infield grass after contact with Jamie McMurray.

Truex, Sauter Advance in Nextel Open; Montoya Wrecks Big originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 19 May 2007 20:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Qualified to Tame the Lady In Black

tallglassofmilk — Sat, 12 May 2007 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Brian Vickers, Dale Jarrett, Michael Waltrip, Scott Riggs, Darlington Raceway, Nextel Cup, Ricky Rudd

Leader of the Outside the Top 35 Pack
Kenny Wallace raced his Furniture Row #78 Chevrolet into the show for the seventh time this season. He will start 6th tonight at Darlington Raceway, matching his best qualifying effort of the season last week in Richmond.

Good thing, too, because Kenny really wants to race in Charlotte and now he gets another chance to remind fans to vote for him:

"The 'Vote for Kenny' campaign has grown its own legs and developed into a huge deal. I am very appreciative to Furniture Row for being such a supportive sponsor by getting behind the 'Vote For Kenny' campaign. I don't think that many other sponsors, if any at all, would give up the hood of their racecar for a weekend to promote voting their driver into the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge. Being voted into this race would be a huge deal, not just for me, but for my Furniture Row Racing team too!"

Following The Leader
Ken Schrader also starts in the top 10 in the 8th position. David Reuitmann starts 14th.

Both Red Bull racers are on track this weekend for just the second time this season, the first being Bristol. Brian Vickers starts in the 15th spot and A.J. Allmendinger starts 20th.p>Paul Menard starts 23rd in his eighth race of the season, Dave Blaney starts 27th and Ricky Rudd 40th.

Kevin LePage will start his first race of the season after attempting to qualify for 9 of the previous 10 races.

Losers of The Week (DNQs)
Scott Riggs, who has been outside the top 35 since the beginning of the season, failed to qualify for his first race in 2007 in Darlington.

Michael Waltrip (10), Jeremy Mayfield (8), Mike Bliss (7), Dale Jarrett (2), Ward Burton (6)

Qualified to Tame the Lady In Black originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 12 May 2007 16:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racing Their Way Into Richmond: Riggs and The Rest

tallglassofmilk — Sat, 05 May 2007 03:10:00 EST

Filed under: Casey Mears, Dale Jarrett, Michael Waltrip, Scott Riggs, Nextel Cup

Scott Riggs will start 3rd Saturday in Richmond, his best start of the season and the best of those drivers sitting outside the top 35 who had to race their way in.

Riggs' qualifying effort for the Crown Royal Presents The Jim Stewart 400 marks the fifth consecutive race the 36th points position holder has qualified for on time. With only seven points to gain on Casey Mears, he's likely to move into the top 35 this week.

Dave Blaney, who added his name to the 2007 DNQ list last weekend in Talladega, will start 10th Saturday.

A.J. Allmendinger, the top qualifying rookie, starts 13th in his third race of the season, his first at Richmond International Raceway.

David Reutimann, the only Michael Waltrip Racing driver in the show this weekend, starts 14th for the second consecutive week--his highest for the season.

Ward Burton makes his 5th start and Kenny Wallace his 6th in 25th and 26th positions respectively.

NCTS driver Johnny Benson qualified 31st in his first Cup effort since 2005.

Losers of the Week (DNQs)
Brian Vickers (6), Ken Schrader (3), Michael Waltrip (9), Jeremy Mayfield (7), Dale Jarrett (1), Kevin LePage (9) and Mike Bliss (6).

Racing Their Way Into Richmond: Riggs and The Rest originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Sat, 05 May 2007 03:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You Can't Go to Talladega Without...

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:07:00 EST

Filed under: Scott Riggs, NASCAR Crashes, NASCAR Videos, Talladega Superspeedway, Busch Series

As both the Busch Series and the Nextel Cup Series head to central Alabama for this weekend's races at Talladega, it's quite often a necessity to reminisce on some incredible crashes from the track.

This gem comes from the 2002 Aaron's 312 Busch Series race. 13 cars were left on track after this wreck to duel it out for another 100 laps. The wreck was started by Shane Hmiel (who interestingly enough was banned from NASCAR forever a while back for substance abuse) after he got a run on Scott Riggs in the yellow Nesquick car. The impact spun around Riggs in front of the entire pack, and carnage ensued.

You've gotta love some of the commentary from the FOX booth on this one. First, just as the wreck is happening, Darrell Waltrip is saying "Rut-roh!" and then later (with credit to a poster on Youtube) Larry McReynolds says "people cars driving under cars" at about the :32 mark in one of the better crash analysis quotes of all time.

Enjoy.

You Can't Go to Talladega Without... originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Riggs' Strong Effort Keeps Him Around

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 21:40:00 EST

Filed under: Scott Riggs, Nextel Cup

Scott Riggs knows what it feels like to miss a race. After all, he missed the biggest one two years ago at Daytona to lead off the 2005 campaign. Thursday afternoon, however, Riggs drove like a man that didn't want to feel that way again.

Coming into Saturday night's race, Riggs sits 36th in owner points meaning he had to qualify on speed. And boy, did he.

Riggs was 20th quick in pre-qualifying practice, but the cooler track temperatures really provided some extra grip for the Evernham Dodge in the qualifying session. The Valvoline car posted a time that was nearly six-tenths of a second faster than his best practice time and in doing so, grabbed the 4th spot on the grid. That translated to a speed average gain of nearly three miles an hour. Riggs was gettin' it done.

"It was a good lap for us. We really didn't know what we had to be honest with you. We knew we had a pretty good car and knew when the sun went down there was pretty good grip out there, but I think I still left about a tenth on the track. I was just trying to be careful and hit my marks," said Riggs.

Failing to make the show is something that definitely shouldn't happen for the Evernham team, but they've struggled mightily this season. Kasey Kahne flirted with falling out the top-35 but has kept his position. Elliott Sadler leads the team in 16th spot in part because he has completed all but 9 laps this season.

The strong qualifying effort has a doubly good effect on Riggs. Not only does he make the show, but he's got good track position to start the race.

"We've got track position, and that's something I've never had here because I haven't qualified well. Now that we've got good track position, hopefully we can have a good race," said Riggs.

That track position is something Riggs needs to turn into results this weekend at Phoenix to get back into the top 35.

Riggs' Strong Effort Keeps Him Around originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 21:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASCAR FanHouse Power Rankings: Texas

Geoffrey Miller — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Jimmie Johnson, Elliott Sadler, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Jeff Burton, Scott Riggs, NASCAR Power Rankings, Nextel Cup

The Nextel Cup boys return to the track this weekend in the Lone Star State at Texas Motor Speedway. Kasey Kahne won last year's event, and another this weekend would get his terrible start for the 2007 campaign somewhat turned around. Coverage of Sunday's Samsung 500 starts live on FOX at 1:30pm/ET.

1. Tony Stewart. - He was on fire here a few years ago -- literally. This weekend Smoke returns to victory lane in a performance that will put the troubles of Bristol very, very distant in the rearview mirror.

2. Jeff Gordon. - The 24 car has never seen victory lane at Texas, and this weekend will be no different. A solid run will keep the points lead in hand, however.

3. Elliott Sadler. - Remember that Sadler was in victory lane at TMS in 2004 while driving for another team. Look for the 19 to be up front again this weekend as Sadler continues his pursuit to make the Chase.
4. Jimmie Johnson. - He is driving with the same brutal consistency as last year and a top-5 at Texas is expected.

5. Matt Kenseth. - The past two short track races have been a struggle for this team to run consistently up front, but Texas is playing right back in to Kenseth's hand. The DeWalt crew will have the Fusion tuned up nicely for the series' return to the 1.5 milers.

6. Carl Edwards. The flipper's last win in Nextel Cup competition came at Texas a year and a half ago. This team is improving, Carl is on fire in the Busch Series, but this team still has work to do to get to victory lane.

7. Jeff Burton. - Simply put, you can't deny that Burton will be in the top 10 this weekend. He is just that consistent this year.

8. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - With contract issues creeping back into the picture for Junior, it's tough to think he won't be a little sidetracked with media questions this weekend.

9. Kyle Busch. - Kyle would just look funny in a cowboy hat and two six-shooters. Almost as funny as Greg Biffle. The sun protection for Shrub would be nice, though.

10. Mark Martin. - He's baaaaaaack! And you thought Martin fell off the side of the world after missing two races. Nah, that 01 car will be tough this weekend.

Wildcard. Scott Riggs. - Riggs ran seventh last year in the spring race at Texas, with much of that day spent in the top 5. A strong run is not of the picture, and a win? Well, tell your friends you heard it on FanHouse first.

Longshot. Kasey Kahne. - What a different a year makes. 30 positions in points, actually, for the 9 team. Kahne desperately needs to finish well Sunday, otherwise this season is going downhill fast. Sometimes, necessity brews results. It also brings aggressiveness that can end a day in the turn 2 wall.

NASCAR FanHouse Power Rankings: Texas originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From an Owner's Standpoint: Outside Looking In

Geoffrey Miller — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Brian Vickers, Dale Jarrett, Michael Waltrip, Scott Riggs, Crew Chiefs, Nextel Cup, Michael Waltrip Racing

After Bristol, the teams in the Top 35 in owner points were locked in. Here's the ones who are out.

SURPRISES:

Evernham Motorsports - EMS driver Scott Riggs did make Daytona this year, and yet, he's not locked in for this week's race at Martinsville. Sitting 39th in points, Riggs has had 2 DNFs this year. He did have a strong run early at Bristol, but had trouble that knocked him out of contention. Also, another EMS driver -- you know, the one who is stalked by those middle-aged women? -- is barely inside that Top 35 barrier. Kasey Kahne hasn't run much better than his Valvoline counterpart.

Michael Waltrip Racing - For a start-up team, the first 5 weeks of this season couldn't have worse. Among the 3 teams, none are in the top 35. Waltrip hasn't made a race since Daytona, Jarrett has only made one race on speed [before getting booted by Kenseth early], and Reutimann's crash at California was awfully ominous. And oh yeah, cheating scandal was just icing on the cake. The team has the funding, but where's the speed?

Bill Davis Racing - Dave Blaney has shown some flashes of speed this year in different races, but they never seem to be consistent runs. They might have been in the top 35 if Blaney would have been a little more wise at Daytona driving through pit road and then clipping Ken Schrader. BDR is looking for another run this season where Blaney finished 4th, 9th, and 12th consecutively between Richmond and Dover last year.

EXPECTED:

Wood Brothers/JTG - Despite their alliance with Roush-Yates engines, this team sits 40th in owner points. Right now, they just don't have the speed or luck, but this team should be in the top-35. The switching of Schrader and Jon Wood for ten races is only going to hurt this team in the owners points, and I'm still yet to see Nextel Cup Series talent from Jon Wood.

BAM Racing - They have just really struggled since Schrader left the team two years ago. It's been a revolving door of drivers and now Mike Bliss is trying to will this car to the front, but the lack of multi-car support leaves this team at the bottom.

Team Red Bull: Brian Vickers has got to be loving the paycheck, but you wonder if he likes watching the race from home. He has run decently in the races Red Bull has made this year, and he got caught up in an unfortunate wreck at Atlanta. Vickers will evantually show brilliance from this team, but don't expect Allmendinger to last all season, much less into next year. He should have had a lot more seat time in the Truck and Busch series before Cup.

From an Owner's Standpoint: Outside Looking In originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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