A Bad Decision

It may be more than a formality that Jimmie Johnson will make history this weekend at Homestead. A result better than 36th position on Sunday will see him crowned champion for the third time in a row. But up and down the standings, a number of smaller battles will be fought out. Most enticing of which, will be the battle to remain in the top-35 points.

A few months ago, Red Bull looked like they would easily have both cars in the top-35 going into the 2009. Given how difficult their début season was, an amazing accomplishment for the energy drinks giant. Then they decided to drop AJ Allmendinger.

According to media sources, he was offered only a one year extension to say, you can’t fault AJ for wanting to look for more, even in this difficult economy environment. A driver at his age, he needs stability. A one year deal would see him stuck in the same situation this time next year.

Regardless of whether he took the deal or not, Scott Speed was always going to be in the frame. Maybe signing a one year deal would only delay the inevitable for Allmendinger. Former F1 driver Speed, has spent the year in the ARCA series and raced a number of events in the Truck series, finding success in both.

Still, you can’t help but feel Red Bull are rushing him. You would think they would have learned from Allmendinger’s experience. Thrust straight into a debut team, it was always going to be an uphill climb for him. Even experienced team mate Vickers struggled to make races last year.

The start of year was also a struggle for the likable Californian. After a failure to qualify in the opening races, he was replaced by Mike Skinner, as Red Bull revaluated the program. When he returned at Talladega, it was a different AJ behind the wheel. From there on out, his stock rose by the race. By the time the Nascar circuit left Watkins Glen, he had gotten the #84 within the top-35.

Despite this, Red Bull decided to speed up their plans for 2009. AJ finished his time with Red Bull with a career best 9th at Kansas. He was replaced again by Skinner, before Scott Speed took over. The #84 went from a car capable of running top-20, to scrapping near the back of the pack. With a race to go, the team slid outside the top-35.

As a result, the team has switched their drivers, placing Vickers in the #84 in the hope he can get the car back into the coveted spot. Teams within the top-35 are guaranteed a starting spot in the first five races of 2009, including the showpiece event, the Daytona 500. I’m not much of a fan of the move, but business and racing go hand in hand together in this day and age.

It would be a sore pill to swallow of Marcus Ambrose and the JTG Daugherty Racing team, whom will take over the control of the #47 (formerly the #00) at the end of the year. They currently occupy the 35th position after some sterling performances by the Aussie.

As for Allmendinger, he continues to prove why he was one of the most improved drivers of the year. Finishing out the year driving the #10 for Gillett Evernham, he has consistently been the most competitive driver at the team. Not bad, given that he is not only new to the team, but also adjusting from driving a Toyota all year.

It would be a crying shame for Allmendinger to be on the sidelines next year. A driver of his talent is worthy of any seat.

Top-35 Battle:
33rd - Haas CNC Racing - #66 - 2765pts
34th - Robby Gordon Motorsports - #7 - 2685pts
35th - Michael Waltrip Racing - #47 - 2655pts
36th - Team Red Bull - #84 - 2638pts
37th - Penske Racing - #77 - 2554pts
38th - Gillett Evernham Motorsports - #10 - 2495pts

Busch Title Challenge Back On The Road

Kyle Busch gave us an indication of how complete a racer he is with victory at the Sonoma road course.

The last few weeks have left question marks over Busch’s championship challenge. His attempt at the Triple Crown two weeks ago saw him come home last at Pocono. He followed that up with a top-15 at Michigan. After last week’s event, Busch announced he would give up his pursuit of the three championships.
If this is Kyle Busch focused on one championship, the rest of the field better beware!

I’ve never hidden my admiration for Kyle’s racing this year. When we have seen him, the Las Vegas native has given us a bucketful of excitement. People have criticized him for his pursuit of three championships. Why do that? Here is a guy who wants the race. It wasn’t about the money; it was about that winning feeling. That sort of attitude is waning these days in international motorsport.

When was the last time you saw a drive compete in four races in five days, all in different parts of the country? Sure, it didn’t work out, but his attempt was something to behold. His attention firmly back on the Sprint Cup, Busch made his way up from 30th on the grid to take the lead, cashing in on pitting at the right time. The yellow mixed the field up, pushing the early front-runners down the pack. It was a position that Busch would not relinquish for the rest of the day.

Behind him saw a number of great drives on the day. Australian Marcus Ambrose, who runs in the Nationwide series, took over the #21. He former V8 racer qualified seventh and ran strongly all day long. A move late in the race on McMurray into the turn 11 saw him out-brake the #26 and tag the rear end of Montoya. The Columbian was less than impressed with Ambrose afterwards. Maybe Juan should take it with a grain of salt. He nerfed his team-mate out of the way at Mexico in the Busch series last year.

The last section of the race saw a spate of yellow flags as cars jockeyed for position. David Gilliland came out smiling from it all, finishing second. It’s a fantastic result for the Yates team, who are still out looking for long term sponsorship. Sonoma native Jeff Gordon, who struggled with the car all day, came away with third. Casey Mears brought the #5 Hendricks car home in fifth. It was a strong day for Mears, but according to rumours his good run has come too late. He is expected to vacate the #5 at the end of the year

The race for the Chase is heating up. Matt Kenseth continues his impressive drive to the Chase. His eight place finish saw him slide into the coveted 12th spot. Kevin Harvick slips out, but finds himself only two points outside it. From 12th to 17th, there is just over 100 points separating those who want in the championship challenge.