2007 Autism Speaks 400 presented by Visa:
NEXTEL Cup races at Dover International Speedway are always unique. Sometimes we see a fuel mileage event, sometimes it's a side-by-side battle for the win. No matter how the race plays out one thing is consistent. 400 miles on the concrete oval can be a grueling event.
Tickets:
Speedway ticket office 302-734-RACE or 800-441-RACE
Buy online from TicketsNow (direct link)
The Track:
Dover Downs is a high-banked one-mile concrete oval. The high-grip surface lets drivers really get aggressive and push the car, but at the expense of tire wear.
On a typical race day in Dover you'll see a number of different strategies play out. The race can be won by charging hard all day, by laying back and saving your tires for the end, or even by playing the fuel mileage game. You just never know what Dover will bring.
Race Distance:
400 Laps = 400 Miles
The Big Picture:
Jimmie Johnson cut into Jeff Gordon's point lead last week but Gordon is still the leader coming into Dover. The battle for the twelfth and final Chase spot is still hot as Dale Earnhardt Jr. has moved up to thirteenth, just thirteen points behind Jamie McMurray.
The current top twelve:
- Jeff Gordon -0
- Jimmie Johnson -132
- Matt Kenseth -207
- Denny Hamlin -239
- Jeff Burton -344
- Tony Stewart -391
- Kevin Harvick -506
- Carl Edwards -507
- Kurt Busch -519
- Clint Bowyer -543
- Kyle Busch -562
- Jamie McMurray -601
Storylines:
First is big news out of the Craftsman Truck Series where Tyler Walker has been suspended indefinitely for violating NASCAR's substance abuse policy. The 27 year old Walker was currently 22nd in Truck Series points and had one top ten so far this season in his Bill Davis Racing Toyota.
On the brighter side of NASCAR, this week's race is the Autism Speaks 400. It is nice to see a major sponsor like Visa give up the prime naming rights to encourage Autism awareness. NASCAR is full of caring people benefiting great charities.
Media Coverage:
TV: Fox Sunday, June 3rd, 1:00PM Eastern.
Radio: MRN and SIRIUS Satellite
Actual Race: 1:40PM Eastern
Posted Awards:
$5,781,700
Last Year:
The 2006 event featured a great finish as Matt Kenseth charged from third to the win in the final eight laps. Leader Jamie McMurray was working well in lapped traffic but couldn't hold off the faster Kenseth.
Predictions:
Last year Matt Kenseth won the spring race and was leading late in the fall race before Jeff Burton was able to get past him for the win. Kenseth often runs well in Dover and makes a solid top pick to win this weekend.
My backup pick goes to a Hendrick Motorsports driver. If I could I would pick them all and call it a day. Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch and Casey Mears could all find their way to Victory Lane this weekend. I am going to pick Kyle Busch as my backup pick this week.
Kyle finished fifth here last June plus he picked up the win in the Car of Tomorrow race in Bristol. Dover shares a lot of characteristics with Bristol as both are high-banked concrete ovals. Kyle Busch will be a factor on Sunday.
