Roush rules
So writes Dustin Long in today's paper:
Roush's domination surprises because it has lasted a year and shows no sign of ending.Secrets often have short lives in the Nextel Cup garage. If NASCAR isn't displaying a team's creative work for others to copy, then teams parked beside each other steal one another's ideas.
Offseason personnel moves also mean a team's secrets switch rides.
None of that has slowed Roush so far -- and that could spell trouble for others.
Just for emphasis, a handy chart after the jump ...
We were tight on space, so I condensed the graphic that Dustin filed into its essence: Since the spring 2005 race at California, there have been 18 non-plate Cup races at tracks 1.5 miles and longer. You know, Fontana, Vegas, Atlanta, Michigan, etc. etc.
Roush has put at least four of his five drivers in the top 10 in NINE of those 18 races. In all 18 of those races, at least 2 Roush cars made the top 10, and at least one made the top 5. The worst Roush finish at those tracks: 5th.
Say what you want about Roush, but that cat knows how to get around those tracks.
Here's the full graphic if you think you can handle such things:
CATCH US IF YOU CAN
A look at Roush Racing’s success on non-restrictor plate ovals 1.5 miles and larger since last season
DATE/SITE/ROUSH CARS IN TOP 10/TOP ROUSH FINISHER
Feb. 2005/California/4/Greg Biffle, 1st
March 2005/Las Vegas/3/Kurt Busch, 3rd
March 2005/Atlanta/3/Carl Edwards, 1st
April 2005/Texas/2/Greg Biffle, 1st
May 2005/Charlotte/2/Carl Edwards, 3rd
June 2005/Pocono/2/Carl Edwards, 1st
June 2005/Michigan/4/Greg Biffle, 1st
July 2005/Chicago/3/Matt Kenseth, 2nd
July 2005/Pocono/3/Kurt Busch, 1st
Aug. 2005/Indianapolis/2/Matt Kenseth, 5th
Aug. 2005/Michigan/4/Matt Kenseth, 3rd
Sept. 2005/California/3/Greg Biffle, 2nd
Oct. 2005/Kansas/4@/Mark Martin, 1st
Oct. 2005/Charlotte/4/Kurt Busch, 2nd
Oct. 2005/Atlanta/4/Carl Edwards, 1st
Nov. 2005/Texas/4@/Carl Edwards, 1st
Nov. 2005/Homestead/4#/Greg Biffle, 1st
Feb. 2006/California/4/Matt Kenseth, 1st
# Roush cars took top four spots
@ Roush cars took top three spots
Comments (4)
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No arguing the past success.
I'm counting on a year's experience for the 5 & 25 turning the tide a little bit.
Plus you can never rule out Gordon even though he admitted he was junk at times this past weekend.
Any hey, the 48 always runs goods with illegal parts and is never parked.
Plus I'm also liking what I see out of Burton, I'm not sold on the DEI cars yet.
On the Dodge side, I'm starting to think Kurt Busch might have his head screwed on straight this year and I may have to eat my words about not making to the end of the year with Penske. And I think Mears may actually do something this year. They have to get that nose on their car worked out though
Posted on February 28, 2006 12:20 PM
Definitely some surprises - Mears is the biggest so far. Check back with him in April.
Early contenders: Jeff Burton (there have been multiple No. 31 sightings) and yeah, Kurt Busch.
No real disappointments yet. I'm sure Biffle hates where he is in points (last among drivers in two starts,) but that's more bad luck than bad driving or bad pitwork or bad planning.
Posted on February 28, 2006 8:04 PM
Kurt Busch = meh. His head may be screwed on straight but his ears are covering his brain. His car got worse and worse as California went on, not a good sign.
Posted on February 28, 2006 10:32 PM
Wow Matt you really have let go of Kurt Busch.
Our roles have reversed from a year ago.
Posted on March 1, 2006 3:25 PM