2007 Dodge Dealers 400 at Dover International Speedway:
The 2007 Dodge Dealers 400 at Dover International Speedway is one of the races that often gets overlooked on the Chase for the Cup schedule. It's not a flashy race but more of a 400-mile grind. Drivers will battle the race track for the first 3/4 of the race and then turn up the heat for the final 100 laps.
Martin Truex Jr. won here in June can he complete the season sweep of the Monster Mile?
Tickets:
Speedway ticket office 302-734-RACE or 800-441-RACE
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:
Clint Bowyer moved from twelfth in points up to fourth with his big win in New Hampshire. There was very little movement in the Chase last week as the top seven were all Chasers.
Kurt Busch was the biggest loser last week. Busch's engine problems cost him a good finish and he fell seven spots in the points to twelfth.
The top twelve:
- Jimmie Johnson -0
- Jeff Gordon -0
- Tony Stewart -10
- Clint Bowyer -15
- Kyle Busch -35
- Martin Truex Jr. -40
- Matt Kenseth -54
- Carl Edwards -63
- Denny Hamlin -82
- Kevin Harvick -88
- Jeff Burton -91
- Kurt Busch -102
Storylines:
The big story this week is that some of the biggest Silly Season pieces have fallen into place. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has announced that his new Hendrick Motorsports ride will be the #88 and will be sponsored by Mountain Dew, AMP energy drink and the National Guard. Junior's former sponsor Budweiser will be on Kasey Kahne's Evernham Motorsports #9 beginning in 2008.
Media Coverage:
TV: ESPN Sunday, September 23rd, 1:00PM Eastern.
Radio: MRN and SIRIUS Satellite
Actual Race: 1:40PM Eastern
Posted Awards:
$5,132,767
Last Year:
Last year Matt Kenseth dominated most of the day. However, late in the race Kenseth's tires had faded and he was battling a push. His car just did not want to turn. Jeff Burton was running second and clearly had the faster car. Burton closed the gap and started working to get past Kenseth for the win.
Lap after lap Jeff Burton was able to get under Kenseth for the lead. However, Kenseth had just enough to hold Burton behind him. This great battle lasted for more than twenty laps. Then finally, with just five laps to go Matt Kenseth slipped and Jeff Burton was able to get past cleanly for the the win.
Predictions:
Matt Kenseth and his Roush Fenway Racing team has long had Dover figured out. Kenseth finished fifth here in June. Last year Matt Kenseth dominated most of the day but old tires caused him to give up the win late in the race. Matt Kenseth has to be considered one of the favorites on Sunday.
I have to go with a sentimental favorite for my backup pick this week. Mark Martin has a great history at Dover. Mark has four career wins in Dover and finished a strong seventh here earlier this year. Combine that with the fact that he is now teammates with the June winner of this race and you have a convincing combination.
