Rusty Reckons: Power Rankings Part 2

Well, another six races have come and gone and we are now officially 1/3 of the way through the season. As I sat down to pen this installment of Rusty's power rankings, I began to think about the good ole days of the sport, when brawn seemed to reign over brains, and TV deals didn't matter as much. Lucky for me and some of the more traditional fans, though, there are a few peeks at some of those old traditions in NASCAR lately, and this power rankings reflects just that.

Photo: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images

1. Happy Harvick - Last time out, I highlighted the resurgence of the entire RCR team. Well, ole Happy must be reading HHR, cause he's gotten even better since then. At Talladega last month, he broke his two year winless streak, not having found victory lane since Daytona in 2007. In fact, since a 13th place at Phoenix, Harvick hasn't finished outside the top 10 and has led at every race except Texas and Dover. Harvick's contract at RCR is up at the end of the year, and after Shell/Penzoil announced it was moving to Penske just a few weeks ago it looked like he might be saying goodbye to the only team he's ever known at the Cup level. However, with his recent success on the track, a deal with RCR should be inked in the coming weeks.

Getty Images

2. Hamlin's knee surgery - The joke's always been that NASCAR is a backwards redneck sport, and maybe there's some truth to at least the first part of that. In most other sports, a torn ACL will sideline a player for months if not end a career. Not for Denny Hamlin. After winning at Martinsville, Hamlin had surgery to repair the ACL he tore playing pick-up basketball in January. He was right back in the car two shorts weeks later in Phoenix. That first race back was a struggle, and Hamlin wheeled the car home in 30th. Since then, though, he's been on a tear. The FedEx #11 found victory lane one week later in Texas, and has since rattled off a fourth and 11th place finish before finding completing the sweep at Darlington two weekends ago. It was the first sweep at Darlington in 17 years. Apparently, even with a recovering knee, the 'Lady in Black' is not 'too tough to tame' for the boy from Rusty's neck of the woods (Chesterfield, yee haw!).

3. The #3 back on the track - Well, we've been waiting for almost 10 years. Ever since the horrific tragedy at the Daytona 500 in 2001 where we lost Earnhardt, every fan has speculated about if/when we might see the #3 back on the track. The next week after the tragedy, Earnhardt's team and car were back on track, but with a new number and driver (the #29 piloted by Happy Harvick). Not having the 3 on the track is like college basketball without Dick Vitale. Yeah, it's a little more peaceful and quiet, but it just ain't right. But now, the 3's going to be back, even if for just one short race. Junior's going to get behind the wheel of a car with his daddy's number on the side, and even his old paint scheme on the hood. The Nationwide race at Daytona this summer will feature the legend's son driving the Wrangler #3 in a partnership with JR Motorsports, RCR, and Earnhardt Gnassi racing. And as far as this old purist is concerned, that's pretty dadgum awesome!

4. Talladega spring race - Dubbed "the most competitive race in NASCAR history", the boys in Alabama put on quite a show last month. After the asphalt debacle at Daytona, plate track fans like yours truly were hoping for a better race at Dega, and boy did the Aaron's 499 deliver. By the time the race was over, a series and track record 88 lead changes had been recorded, and those were just measured at the line. All across the track, the total probably approaches 200 over the course of the 499 mile race. To top it off, the race was won with the #29 using one of the most recognized moves in NASCAR, the sling-shot. Harvick kept tucked in behind race leader Jamie McMurray until just at the right moment, before pulling out and passing him for the win. A little shake . . . and bake! How's your mind? Blown!?! Ricky would be proud.

5. Sibling rivalry - The story of Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon is made for a Hallmark Channel special. A few years back, a little unknown guy named Jimmie went to one of the most winningest drivers in NASCAR to ask some advice. Instead of advice, he got an offer to come drive the 48 with Hendrick Motorsports. Since then, the 48 team has emerged as one of the most dominant in the history of the sport. During all this time, Gordon and Johnson have maintained one of the best friendships in the garage. However, with the 48 struggling since the re-introduction of the spoiler back to the car, things have gotten heated between these Hendrick brothers. A minor fracas at Texas turned into a downright hullabaloo at Talladega, when the 48 and 24 seemed to be playing bumper cars on the track. With Happy, Smoke, and Kurt Busch on their best behavior, NASCAR is in need of some 'drama' and feuding. Jimmie and Jeff are providing just that, and maybe even more.

The Rusty Old Jalopy award: And finally the award for what's been smelling up NASCAR like my daughter's stinky diapers, Stewart Hass Racing. Last year was the first year for Tony Stewart's newly formed team, and it was quite a success. Both cars made the Chase, and Smoke was able to find victory lane 4 times. While the #39 piloted by Ryan Newman was never the first to take the checkers, it wasn't due to the team's failure but rather a streak of some really rotten luck. Take note Earnhardt Jr. fans, he might not be the only one who needs a rabbit's foot from time to time. In 2010, though, both the #14 and #39 are struggling and currently sit outside the crucial top 12. Stewart has only had 4 top 10 finishes in the 14 car, and has finished 23rd or worse 5 out of the last 7 races. Newman's finishes have fared slightly better, and he's even won a race, but a very slow start has hampered the 39 team, and they are still 13th in points, out of the top 12.

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Rusty Reckons: New Year's Resolutions 2010

With a little over a week till the green flag drops on the 2010 NASCAR season, Rusty has emerged from his winter slumber to pontificate on the goings on and what's in store for the coming year. I've also emerged to shovel the nearly 2 feet of snow on the back deck! Tonight we'll get our first taste of racing this year with the preseason Bud Shootout. Even though the rumblings of NASCAR don't make national headlines, there are big changes already in store for stock car enthusiasts this year. So, without further adieu, let's begin to fill your heads with the ramblings of a true wanna-be redneck.


One of the biggest changes for this coming year is the addition of a pretty face. After having a bit of a mediocre career in IRL (let's be honest, she's only had 1 win in 5 seasons), racing's #1 sex symbol is coming to stock car. Danica's now going to really show what she's got behind the wheel of JR Motorsports #7 Chevrolet, owned by none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr. In her first year in NASCAR, Danica's only going to be running 13 races in the Nationwide series, but she'll be sure to turn the heads of a few beered up infield hooligans . . . including yours truly.

But, speaking of Junior . . . mark my words, Dale Jr will go winless again in 2010. Until NASCAR shortens the race or goes back to the old system, NASCAR's most popular driver is going to continue to struggle 'closing the deal'. Coffee and trophies go to closers, sorry June bug. Junior's got the talent and equipment, but for whatever reason, he's not found his groove or been able to keep up with the changes to the sport. A few years back in a different points system with the older car, I think he could have really been a perennial championship contender. Regardless, the stands will still be filled with more 88 fans at Daytona and Talladega this year than anything.


Chad Knaus gets jealous of Jimmie's new found fame and the 48 team finally shows they are human.

Over the last four years, Chad, Jimmie, and the 48 team have been heads above the rest of the competition. Watching the other 42 drivers try to compete against the 48 was like watching an arthritic one legged dog try to win a butt kicking contest. You rooted for that old mutt, but you just knew it wasn't going to happen. Well, this year the one legged dog's going to win. It took four years, but I think Jimmie's hit his peak. Even people outside of NASCAR are recognizing the soften spoken clean cut guy from California.

JJ wins AP's Man of the Year. This means he's only got one way to go, down. He won't slip far and he'll finish in the Top 5 in points, but no 5-peat for Jimmie.

That ugly wing stuck on the back of an otherwise sweet looking race car is going the way of the dodo.

Since going to the COT, fans and drivers alike have fussed about the tricked out looking rear wing on the back of the new race car. It's made the cars more squirrelly and thus, according to some people, made for less passing. So, the big boys up in the tower listened. NASCAR is working with a few teams next month to test a spoiler similar to the one used on the old car. The goal is to get a little more downforce on the cars and hopefully make for better racing. Rusty thinks this is a great idea, but we'll have to wait and see how it transpires.

Unlike previous years, I'm not going to be making any wild predictions on who's going to win the title. I think there are several strong contenders, including Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart. Carl's been close several times, and if it wasn't for the 48 team would have at least 1 title already if not two. Since I'm thinking the 48 isn't going to win it this year, I could easily see the 99 taking the crown. Don't count out Tony though. Stewart had an amazing year last year with his upstart race team. Many people thought he would struggle including yours truly, but he proved us all wrong. If he can avoid a sophomore slump of sorts, he should be at the front and challenging for his third career championship come November.

Last year was a good year, but this year's going to be great (as long as you aren't a Junior fan). So, stock the fridge, get some bean dip, and let's get ready for another season of the world's best stock car racing series.

Hammer down!!!!!

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Rusty Reckons: The Chase Rundown Part 6

Well, it's finally here. The Chase for the Nextel Cup, NASCAR's version of a playoff system. To help you prepare for the 10 week showdown, Rusty's going to give you a run down of each of the 12 drivers in the Chase, this week. Included in that ranking will be the Rusty's Power Ranking, my own personal index of who's got the best shot to win the title.

Today we look at the #2 position, Tony Stewart.











Tony Stewart - Tony Stewart has been one of the best stories to emerge out of the 2009 season. Smoke took a big gamble by leaving Joe Gibbs, the #20 car, and his long time crew chief Tony Zippadelli last year to form Stewart Hass Racing. A lot of so called experts, including HHR's own Rusty predicted the newly formed team would struggle. Fortunately for Smoke fans, they have proven us all wrong. Tony has spent all year in the top 10 in points. He grabbed the top spot after Dover, and has held on throughout the summer. He's only 2nd to Martin, now because the points realignment gives Martin the advantage with 1 more win than Tony. Since winning at Watkin's Glen in early August, Tony hasn't finished in the top 10 and has only led 2 laps. However, as I said with Johnson, I attribute this to experimentation for the Chase rather than struggling with the racecar.

So, looking forward to the Chase, the prospects for Tony's 3rd championship look good. Tony's not found victory lane at only 2 of the 10 Chase tracks, California and Texas. Among the other 8, he's had 12 wins, 63 top 5's, and 96 top 10's in his career. Impressive numbers to say the least. The Chase also includes a track, Lowe's Motor Speedway, where Tony's already found victory lane this year. Among the other 7 Chase tracks where NASCAR's already visited this year, Tony's had 5 top 5's, led 84 laps, and only finished outside the top 10 once, a 23rd at Talladega. Clearly, when you look at the numbers, Tony's one of the favorites to win it all. I still contend this is Jimmie's championship to lose, but one bad race for the #48 and Smoke will be pouncing, and potentially pouncing for his 3rd title.

Position before Richmond: 1
Rusty's Power Ranking: 2

Tomorrow: #1 Mark Martin

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Rusty Reckons: The Full Range of Southern Experience

The first weekend in May has become an interesting day in the South. From the blue bloods and FFV's to the good ole boys and rednecks, nearly everyone circles this date on the calendar. The first Saturday of May is of course when the pinnacle of horse racing takes place, the Kentucky Derby. No doubt Rusty's co-horts here at HHR will be waxing poetic about the ponies in the bluegrass. Equally important at the other end of the spectrum for NASCAR fans is the race at Richmond. Located in the capital of the old Confederacy, RIR is one of the best and most popular tracks on the circuit.

RIR is a three quarter mile relatively flat tri-oval that makes for some amazing racing. Last week, fans saw cars screaming through over 30 degrees of banking topping 200 mph. This week, RIR presents barely 14 degrees of banking with speeds hitting around 150, but the racing will be no less exciting. The short track at RIR requires an ability to brake into the corner and then get good grip out. Turn 2 is where a lot of the action is, as the groove narrows getting out of the corner and onto the back stretch. It's also not the best place to sit, cause the cars hit the gas there, making the noise in the first few rows deafening (ask Mrs. Rusty if you don't believe me ).



There are three current drivers with 3 wins at Richmond, Stewart, Junior, and Jimmie. I expect to see them continue their success and they should be running near the front, Stewart especially. The driver of the #14 car has been on the cusp of getting his first win for his new team. Richmond might offer him his best shot. Tony typically warms up with the weather. Other drivers to watch include the shrub, hometown favorite Denny Hamlin (shout out to my fellow Chesterfield fella!), and defending race winner Clint Bowyer. While Kyle has yet to win at Richmond, he does have the best average finishing position at just under 7. Hamlin and Bowyer are 2nd and 3rd among active drivers respectively.



So, whether you are watching 20 some horses in Kentucky or over 37,000 in Virginia, it's going to be a fast and exciting weekend for race fans from all walks of life.

JR Prediction

He didn't win at 'Dega, but he sure as shoot came close. Now, he comes to his best track. Junior excells at the three quarter mile short track in Richmond. Last year, if it wasn't for the idiocy of the shrub, he'd would be leading all active drivers with four wins, but rubbin's racing. This week, I expect Junior to be back towards the front. He will lead some laps, a lot of them. Barring anymore unforeseen idiocy, he'll be in the hunt at the end. Last week was the start of something beautiful for the 88 team, and this week it continues.

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Have You Gotten Your BlogsWithBalls Tickets Yet?

2009 NASCAR Season Preview

Rusty Made it to Daytona!

Well, I did it. I can't tell you how, but I was able to sneak into Speedweeks. Rusty's dream since I was a kid has been to be down here for all the hoopla leading up to the 500. This year, not only did I make it, but I'm going to be able to report on the interweb about everything I'm seeing and hearing. And as observation number one, let me say I'm already sick and tired of hearing about that stupid gopher or groundhog or whatever the devil he is.


Anyway, as all of you NASCAR fans get ready for your big 500 parties, Rusty's gonna try and get the real scoop from Daytona, and tell it like it is.

First, though, thought I could take a minute to give you a few predictions about the season. Namely, who's hot, who's not, and who might just barely scrape by this coming year.

So, without further adieu, and back by popular demand, here's Rusty's predictions for 2009.

Green Green Green

Hendrick Motor Sports - Rick Hendrick has put together NASCAR's version of the dream team for 2009. With four-time champion Jeff Gordon leading the way, Hendrick now has Gordon, reigning champ and three-peat phenom Jimmie Johnson, fan favorite Dale Jr., and the newest old addition, the sports elder statesmen and perpetual bridesmaid, Mark Martin. Even with Gordon unable to find victory lane, and Jr only finding it once on a fuel gamble, HMS had a strong 2008. With the addition of Martin, and Jimmie showing no signs of letting up, Hendrick is going to be the team to beat week in and week out, this year. They've already begun to prove it. All 4 have posted in the top 12 on the speed charts with the old fart even qualifying for the front row. In years past, after a strong showing in Daytona, HMS can tend to get off to a slow start, but don't let that fool you. When it comes crunch time, and in the biggest races, the #5, #24, #48, and the #88 will be in the hunt. And they may for the first time qualify every driver for the Chase.

Jamie McMurray - This might come as a surprise to a lot of folks, but Jamie Mac got HOT at the end of the season, and I ain't talking about looks. In the last six races of the season, the driver of the #26 only finished outside the top 10 once (38 at Martinsville). At the very end of the season, he rattled off three consecutive third place finishes. Roush is no slouch, and while Kenseth or Edwards might get all the glory, don't forget the #26 is the last Roush team to win a championship, as the #97 driven by Kurt Busch in 2004. Whether or not last year's momentum can be carried into this year is the real test, but look for Jamie Mac to continue to surprise people in 2009. DARKHORSE BABY!!!!

Yellow's Out

Tony Stewart - Predictions about Tony Stewart are going to run the gamut, this year. In 2008, Tony parted ways with the team, sponsor, and crew chief that got him two NASCAR championships (Gibbs, Home Depot, and Tony Zipadelli). He teamed up with Hass to form Stewart Hass Racing, and then lured Ryan Newman over to join his new two car team. He'll drive the #14 sponsored by Old Spice and Office Depot, while Rocket Newman's slated to drive the Go Army #39. Some people think Smoke's going to blossom since he'll be in complete control, while others think he's gonna struggle like most first time owners. Ole Rusty's not so sure, either way, but is pretty sure it'll be a roller coaster ride. He won't go winless, but Newman will. He will have some rough times, and he'll have a streak once or twice where he will look unstoppable. Ultimately, the move will be a good one, but it's going to take a season or two to iron out the kinks. Look for the #14 to struggle to make the Chase. He'll be a bubble team come August/September, but might be able to squeeze into it with a strong finish at Richmond. Barring that, Tony's going to be on the outside looking in.

Red Flag

Michael Waltrip - 2008 was not pretty for the two-time Daytona 500 champion, and Rusty's pretty sure 2009 might be even worse. The driver of the #55 Napa Toyota only saw two top 10 finishes last season; a runner up finish at Dover, and a 10th place finish at New Hampshire. Waltrip has struggled mightily since coming over to Toyota and forming his own team two years ago. He's even failed to qualify a few times. Ever since he crawled from his roof hatch during his last victory burnout in Alabama, a host of things has kept Waltrip from victory lane. Though lately, a vast majority of those "things" could be blamed on sub-par equipment. With tougher economic times now a reality, a owner driver situation like Waltrip's for a team already struggling might just prove untenable. Rusty would hate to see the affable and always marketable Waltrip not behind the wheel, but I can see the writing on the wall. I think this might be the end of the Waltrip legacy.


Tomorrow: Rusty Razzes the Rookies

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Rusty Reckons: 2008 in Review

Well, the long marathon of the 2008 NASCAR season has come to a close. As good ole Rusty predicted at the start of the chase, Jimmie's done the unthinkable and won a record tying third consecutive Nextel Cup. He now joins Cale Yarborough as the only driver to ever win three consecutive titles. Now, the sport has changed so much since the mid-70's, that it's hard to draw any real comparisons, but we can take note that none of the greats, not Earnhardt, not Gordon, not Pearson, not even Petty won 3 consecutive titles. Jimmie has. That, my friends, is a dynasty.

So, while Jimmie's down in Miami showering himself in champagne and lug-nuts, let's look back on some highlights and low lights from 2008.

Biggest Surprise: Kyle Busch. Ole shrub shocked the world with the uber-dominance of his race cars during the first 26 races. Once the heat was on, he seemed to pull a Tony Romo and choke up big time, though. I think I even saw his rear tire changer crying in the corner last week; "that's my driver, man, that's my driver." But for the regular season he did seem to be the car to beat every week, and I don't think anyone could have predicted that.

Sad to see ya go: Dale Jarrett. In 2008, DJ climbed out of the racecar and up into the zoo of the broadcast booth. Now, I've seen some cheesy commercials, some of which worked, some didn't. DJ's UPS farewell commercial was pretty sweet, though. What's even sweeter is I really doubt he's gonna Favre-it-up in 2008 and drive for some rink-dink team (sorry Jets fans). Classy guy, Rusty's gonna miss'em.

Biggest Disappointment: Jeff Gordon. Rusty thought Jeff was going to get his fifth title this year. He was hot at the end of 2007. He NEVER, before this year, went win-less in a season. Well, screwed that one. Don't reckon you'll be coming to Rusty for stock tips, either. BUY BUY BUY, boys!

Awesome-ist Race: It's a tie! Budweiser Shoot-Out & Smoke's win at 'Dega. Well, you had to know that Rusty was going to be a homer and pick a Junior moment, right? JR's win at the first race of the year, the non points paying Budweiser Shootout, was not so much a win as a statement. JR's move to Hendrick put a tremendous amount of pressure on the driver of the 88 car. He answered all those questions by coming out and winning the first time in an HMS seat, at Daytona, in prime-time! Smoke's win at 'Dega this fall equals it in awesomeness. Stewart seemed destined to always be a bridesmaid at Talladega, finishing second more times than I can count. In the last race in Alabama as the driver of the 20 car, he finally got that monkey off his back. Yeah, JR got caught up in the big one, but Tony won, and it was awesome!

Biggest Change for 2009: Tony Stewart. Smoke's leaving Joe Gibbs racing in 2009 to form his own team with Rocket Ryan Newman. Tony's been with his crew chief, Tony Zippersomethingorother, from the beginning. They've won 2 titles, and been in the hunt nearly every year. It'll be weird next year not having the two of them together. Kinda like Smokey with no Bandit, Luke with no Bo, or ham with no burger. Smoke, no Zippy. That's a tough ham bone to gnaw on.

And lastly,

Rusty's "throw your remote at the TV" moment: Richmond in May. JR's win-less streak stood at exactly 2 years, and with the same number of laps remaining, the shrub punted JR from the lead. Clint Bowyer won. Just a few days later, Rusty flew to Las Vegas and tried to jump in that big water fountain. Lucky for his fans on the inter-web and his momma, he was talked down by a Michigan fan. If only the Michigan fan would have known what awaited the trombones come fall . . . but I digress.

2008's been quite a season. In just a few short months, we'll be starting to get geared up for Daytona and the beginning of the 2009 season. Till then, y'all have fun with the football, and Rusty will see ya on the other side of Santa.

Wave Bye Bye, Smoke

Big news in the world of NASCAR today.

Stewart to leave JGR, join Haas CNC as part owner

Smoke is leaving Gibbs and going to try and strike it out on his own. While it's official that Smoke is climbing out of the #20 Home Depot Toyota, it's still just speculation about what he'll be driving next. Rumors are that he's going over to Haas as a majority owner/driver. Even more rumors say he might be bringing ole Ryan "Rocket" Newman with him from Penske.

This is huge, y'all!!!! Tony was the leader of the pack at JGR, but 2 moves this past off-season have dealt a serious blow to that leadership post. First was the deal struck with Toyota. Smoke's a Chevy man, just like ole Rusty, and something tells me he just ain't diggin a Camry. Second reason is the Shrub. For whatever reason, and Rusty still ain't figured it out, the Shrub is a maniac this year, and I think it's taken some shine off of Tony. Denny is a hot young driver, but he still allowed Tony to bask in all his glory. Shrub just takes it away.

So, with Tony gone, where does that leave JGR? Apparently, Joey Logano, the next Jeff Gordon (HA!) is a shoe-in for the 20 car. He's a young kid, though. JGR would go from a team led by a 2 time champion veteran of the sport, to 2 guys who aren't old enough to buy a Budweiser. Scary thought if you ask me.

Well, whatever. I'm sure old Smoke will still make a good drafting partner for my boy June-bug no matter what team he's driving for.