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closeRaceday | Richmond 400
JIM UTTER, jutter@charlotteobserver.com
Friday, May. 04, 2007
JIM STEWART 400
Where: Richmond (Va.) International Raceway
When: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Saturday.
Weather: High about 73 with a 40 percent chance of evening showers.
TV: Coverage begins at 7 p.m. on Fox.
Radio: Motor Racing Network
Race distance: 400 laps or 300 miles.
Track length: Three-quarter-mile.
PRACTICE UPDATE
Scott Riggs led the way during Friday’s only practice session with a lap at 123.581 mph, a good sign since Riggs has struggled to get back into the Top 35 in car owner points. Rookie David Ragan was second fastest, Dave Blaney third, Reed Sorenson fourth and reigning Cup champion Jimmie Johnson rounded out the top five.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1. Hendrick Motorsports has swept the first three races this season the “car of tomorrow” has been used. There’s little reason to doubt it will be a factor again.
2. Joe Gibbs Racing has had the best cars with the fewest wins in the first three COT races. Denny Hamlin, in particular, has led 372 laps in the three races, with a pair of third-place finishes to show for it.
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been running much stronger lately and just in time to try to repeat his victory at Richmond a year ago. That win was also Earnhardt Jr.’s last win in the Cup series.
OBSERVER PICKS
David Poole
DENNY HAMLIN – Hendrick drivers can't win ALL the car of tomorrow races.
Jim Utter
JEFF GORDON – He’s won two in a row, why not three?
ELEVATORS
UP: MARK MARTIN
The man is absolutely giddy over his partial schedule. That excitement should find its way to Victory Lane soon.
UP: JAMIE McMURRAY
He’s making noise this season for all the right reasons.
DOWN: CASEY MEARS
Needs a strong performance this week or risks dropping out of the Top 35 in car owner points.
Briefly
• UNC Charlotte plans to spend at least $6 million to boost its N.C. Motorsports and Automotive Research Center, the Charlotte Business Journal reported this week. The money will be used to expand facilities, staff and equipment.
• Seven-time Cup champion Richard “The King” Petty will join Queen Elizabeth II today as a guest for the running of the 133rd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.