Posted 7/14/2008 @ 5:31:00 am by dalejrandnascar.com

(Compliments of Chris Graythen)

Dale Jr. really could have used the second practice at Chicago. He started on the out side pole because qualifying was rained out, then struggled all day to get the car dialed in. There were very few cautions until 50 laps to go, but he managed to move from 30th to 16th, maintaining 2nd place in points.

There was some good racing under the lights for the first time in Chicago, but it was obvious from the beginning that track position would be the key. Carl Edwards enjoyed it, until his bad luck returned. Jimmy Johnson enjoyed it until the last caution. Kyle Bush enjoyed it most of the day. His complaining while back in traffic was reminiscent of Jeff Gordon not too long ago.

In fact, Kyle Bush reminds me a lot of Jeff Gordon. Both came into the sport at a young age, but with years of experience. They stepped into good equipment with established teams. Had Kyle waited a year to mature, he might still be at Hendricks, but he’d still be winning this year. I remember Jeff Gordon tearing up equipment in his early years. They both have a lot of talent, though charisma seems to take longer to acquire.

Tony Stewart’s announcement was one of the worst kept secrets in the garage. I’m happy for him and hope it works out at Stewart Haas Racing. I’m betting Zippy follows when his contract expires. I think he’s every bit a Chevy fan as Tony. Any rumors about J.J. Yeley after filling in as Tony’s relief driver?

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