Stewart Smoked Up Atlanta/Top Ten Chase Spots Clinched

After several rough restarts and being shuffled back into the field, Tony Stewart was able to rally back during the last restart to capture the checkered flag for the Emory Healthcare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. "I didn't hit a restart all night until right there at the end," Stewart said. "I've never been so happy with a win in my life."

The Chevy Office Depot #14 Pit Crew provided an awesome pit stop that allowed Stewart to leave pit road right behind Carl Edwards which placed him back up front for the contention to win. As a result along with pure determination, Smoke was able to celebrate his first victory of the 2010 season.

It is hard to believe that it has taken this long for Stewart to win one race considering that last season he went to victory lane four times (for points races) - Pocono, Daytona, Watkins Glen and Kansas - plus won the All Star Race as a new driver/owner. This was definitely refreshing to watch because he is one of the most talented drivers in the series.

Additionally, the top ten spots for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase have been clinched:

1. Kevin Harvick
2. Jeff Gordon
3. Kyle Busch
4. Carl Edwards
5. Denny Hamlin
6. Tony Stewart
7. Jeff Burton
8. Matt Kenseth
9. Jimmie Johnson
10. Kurt Busch

It will be interesting to see how these drivers will race next week in Richmond. Will they go all out for the win? Are they going to try some new set ups? Do you think some of them will play it safe?

Until next time...Gear Up, Strap In For A Thrillin' Ride

*The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer*

PHOTO FROM www.zimbio.com

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Austin Dillon – Pickin’ Em’ Up & Puttin’ Em’ Down in Iowa

Austin Dillon, grandson of NASCAR great Richard Childress, showcased his Camping World truck team’s tremendous strength and his pure driving talent by capturing the checkered flag for the Lucas Oil 200 held at Iowa Speedway.

It was quite evident in the grandstands that a majority of the fans came out to not only witness some great racing but to see if the black #3 Bass Pro Shop Chevrolet could hold off some fierce contenders for the win. After all - he was starting on the pole and had the privilege of bringing the field down to the green flag.

His race dominance on the track proved to be both entertaining as well as rewarding for the fans and his race team. Dillon led for a total of 187 laps and set sail on a hard charging Johnny Sauter during the last two laps of the extended race.

There have been some mixed feelings about Austin driving the black #3 because it is a reminder of Dale “The Intimidator” Earnhardt, Sr. Granted, I started watching this sport and fell in love with the fast paced action because of “Big E”; however, I think it is a welcome sight to see a young talent driving his heart out because he has racing in his veins and respects what that number represents to a majority of the racing community.

"It's pretty awesome. Like I've said from the beginning of the year, I wanted to do it for the fans, too. I know they want to see it out front," Dillon said. "I'm glad to sit in the No. 3. It's my favorite number to run, and hopefully I can run it for a long time."

It will definitely be interesting to follow the successful career of this young driver and witness if he will be the one to bring the #3 back to the track on a more consistent basis in one of the other racing series such as Nationwide or Sprint Cup. Time will definitely tell and all eyes will be watching to see what happens.

Once again, congratulations to Austin Dillon and Richard Childress Racing!

Until next time…Gear Up, Strap In For A Thrillin’ Ride

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images

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Danica Patrick – Back to NASCAR

Danica Patrick will be returning to compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series on June 26 in the New England 200 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. This is considered to be one of the most anticipated events to occur in the Nationwide Series because there are a lot of fans awaiting her return. Her focus has been on her Indy ride so now she will have to shift gears, which I am sure that she will do with passion and excitement.

There are constant discussions in regards to the exposure that this talented driver has been gaining even before she participated in her first NASCAR-sanctioned race. Danica has been placed under a closer microscope and I believe there are a number of reasons why she is being so closely watched this season:

1. Fans and skeptics want to see how well or not so well she will do in her quest to compete on both the IndyCar and Nationwide levels during the same season.

2. She was courted and signed to drive for the most popular NASCAR driver at JR Motorsports. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt definitely have an eye for scouting talent and utilizing their exceptional marketing skills. We know that the Earnhardt camp and their actions are always being held under public scrutiny whether good, bad or indifferent.

3. Driving talent – she is not lacking in that area; however, it is going to be an interesting process witnessing her progress throughout the remainder of her approved NASCAR events. She has held her own for the select few races that she has competed in thus far this season.

Will she successfully finish most of the remaining races? Will she be able to beat and bang with the best of them, if/when necessary? Can she keep switching gears when she has to compete in the IndyCar and Nationwide Series races back to back?

Time will tell and the proof will be on the track.

Until next time…Gear Up, Strap In For A Thrillin’ Ride

*The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer*

PHOTO FROM NASCAR MEDIA 

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