RaceTown Atlanta A Hit For the Whole Family

With improving weather over the weekend fans from all over took in the interactive street festival RaceTown Atlanta and everyone I talked to seemed to enjoy it.

There were giveaways, food, games, and the opportunity to get up close to some of the great showcars of the likes of Tony Stewart, Jeff Burton and Jamie McMurray to name a few.

As I reported earlier, Kasey Kahne was onhand to kick off the activities with an autograph session.

Fans could play some pit crew games, and try the products these drivers promote. I was able to pick up a t-shirt from Crown Royal, a couple key chains and a travel coffee mug from NAPA.

In the past this event was held in Downtown Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park, this year it was moved to Atlantic Station. This allowed fans to make a day of it shopping and trying out the neighborhood restaurants.

Thanks to the Atlanta Sports Council for putting it on.

Johnson Wins in Atlanta: On Gordon's Heels

Jimmie Johnson has moved to within nine points of leader Jeff Gordon in his persuit of a second straight Nextel Cup Championship.

Johnson held on Sunday in Atlanta for the victory over Carl Edwards and Gordon ended up in seventh.

Three races remain and it is now certain it will be either Gordon or Johnson hoisting the trophy at the end of the season.


2007 Standings Behind
1. Jeff Gordon (24) -
2. Jimmie Johnson (48) -9

Weather Holds Off For Race Activities

A morning drizzle gave way to dry overcast conditions then some sun as Friday practice, and Friday night qualifying too place.

Friday morning hundreds of fans stood in line for a chance to meet and receive an autograph from Kasey Kahne at RaceTown Atlanta where he was appearing from McDonalds.

The McDonalds exhibit also featured a #35 Bobby Hamilton Jr. car and free McDonald's coffee giveaways.

Craftsman Truck Series practice went on as schedule Friday as did Nextel Cup practice and qualifying.

And Then There Were Three

The three drivers remaining with a chance to win the season long points NASCAR Nextel Chase:


Nextel Cup
2007 Standings
Behind
1. Jeff Gordon (24) -
2. Jimmie Johnson (48) -53
3. Clint Bowyer (07) -115

Bowyer right now is hanging by a thread, he needs a win this week in Atlanta.

Big Weekend on tap for ATL

Four races remaining, and for the last weekend in October NASCAR heads south to Atlanta Motor Speedway. 3 drivers still have a chance, will Atlanta help sort this mess out?

On Friday, The Atlanta Sports Council is putting on a nice race festival at Atlantic Station in Atlanta on Friday and Saturday. Information can be found on the Atlanta Sports Council's website lnked above. Hours are 11am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday. Showcars, exhibits, merchandise and Kasey Kahne is scheduled to be there on Friday as well. The best part about this street festival is that itis FREE!

I'll be there and will provide a full recap on it with pictures and reports.

Johnson Cuts Into Gordon's Chase Lead

Jimmie Johnson won another exciting race and cut into Jeff Gordon's lead as the Chase for the Championship heads into its home stretcch.

Johnson held off Ryan Newman and Gordon for his 7th victory of the season.

Johnson now trails his Hendrick teammate by 53 points heading into this weeks race in Atlanta.

Off to Martinsville

Five races to go and this week finds us heading to Martinsville for the Subway 500.

While many say it is a two horse race at this point don't tell that to Clint Bowyer or especially Tony Stewart.

Historically Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart have fared well at Martinsville.

This should all make for an exciting race on the .53 mile oval. Look for a Chevy to win at Martinsville, the only non Chevy winner in the past 10 races was Rusty Wallace in 2004, in a Dodge.

Rick C. Limpert is a columnist for Nothin' But NASCAR He is an Atlanta based freelance writer and photographer for over 8 years covering Sports and Events all over the world. His works have been featured in numerous print and online publications.

Gordon Wins at Charlotte: Extends Lead

Jeff Gordon earned his sixth win of the season and more importantly increasd his lead in the season long Chase to 68 points over rival and fellow teammate Jimmie Johnson.

Clint Bowyer finished second at Charlotte and remained third in the Chase standings, 78 points behind Gordon.

Chase standings:
1) #24-Jeff Gordon 5880
2) #48-Jimmie Johnson 5812, -68
3) #07-Clint Bowyer 5802, -78
4) #20-Tony Stewart 5682, -198
5) #99-Carl Edwards 5640, -240
6) #5-Kyle Busch 5600, -280
7) #2-Kurt Busch 5565, -315
8) #29-Kevin Harvick 5552, -328
9) #11-Denny Hamlin 5531, -349
10) #31-Jeff Burton 5514, -366
11) #1-Martin Truex Jr. 5502, -378
12)#17-Matt Kenseth 5438, -442

Are More Foreign Drivers Coming to NASCAR?

Juan Pablo Montoya, Jacques Villeneuve, and who may be next? Are we going to need a phonetic pronunciation guide to follow a NASCAR race in 2008 and beyond?

I don't think so, but what you are going to see are more foreign drivers testing the pavement of NASCAR tracks all around the U.S.A. Blame a great open wheel driver like Montoya showing that he can compete a little and drivers in other classifications all over the world have taken note.

Villeneuve was competitive amid much talk at Talladega. On the horizon, watch for Mr. Ashley Judd, Dario Franchitti to dive in and test the waters soon. There are a slew of other drivers including some F1 drivers who could be swayed to come stateside.

And don't think Toyota is going to count on established American drivers forever. At the first sign that a Japanese driver can make a statement in stock car racing he will be here working on his southern drawl. Japanese athletes have made an impact in Major League Baseball and NASCAR may be their next battle station.

With the money and prestige that is now in NASCAR and especially The Nextel Cup the world has taken notice, and current drivers must do the same.

Gordon Takes Talladega and Points Lead

Jeff Gordon passed Jimmie Johnson on the final lap and won at Talladega on Sunday. Gordon takes the current lead in The Chase Championship with six races remaining. Gordon worked the draft after spending part of the race in the back of the pack, and he patiently waited his turn and passd his teammate on the final lap.

Johnson finished second and Dave Blaney had a strong effort to finish third.

In a side note, Tony Eury Jr. worked his last race as crew chief for DEI. He is moving to Hendrick Motorsports early to get ready for Jr's joining Hendrick after this season.

The One Thing That is Certain at a NASCAR Race is Uncertainty

A few examples of questions that needed to be asked before, during, and after the race on Sunday.

1) The Chase Drivers. Who will seperate themselves from the pack going into the final 10 races?

2) Can Stewart repeat at Kansas?

3) Will we race again? Drivers waited during almost 3 hours of delay for rain.

4) What will the weather be like when we go green again?

5) Will we be able to complete the race? Drivers were not only racing the other cars, but also racing darkness, and NASCAR officials that had to make a decision on how many laps were they going to run.

6) Who won the race? Greg Biffle was declared the winner, but other drivers including Jeff Gordon consider Clint Bowyer the winner after the questionable finish.

7) Who is the favorite in The Chase now? Stay tuned, I bet something wierd happens.