[rmjvol]

Let's hear what you guys have to say about the upcoming Dodge SaveMart 350 race.

Also, make your race predictions in the official race prediction thread. We have a weekly contest to see who can pick the winners.

Use this thread to discuss the race, why Dodge sponsors it, past Infineon Raceway NASCAR races and anything else about the upcoming Dodge Save Mart 350 race.

[WVGrandma4Kasey]

Riggs injured, Elliott to stand by at Sonoma: Monday, while on vacation with his family in Myrtle Beach [SC, #10-Scott Riggs injured both feet while unloading his jet ski in an oyster bed. The wounds required 12 stitches in the ball of left foot and eight stitches in the right big toe. The injury to Riggs has caused Valvoline Evernham Racing to make back-up plans for this weekend’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race in Sonoma. Ray Evernham and Valvoline Designated Team Owner Jim Rocco have retained former NASCAR champion Bill Elliott to stand by this weekend should Riggs not be able to practice, qualify or race the Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Charger. As things stand today, Riggs will be racing Sunday, according to the team. “Jim and I huddled today with Scott, Bill Elliott, Team Director Rodney Childers and Competition Director Sammy Johns and we are going to Sonoma with the intention of Scott running the full weekend,” Evernham said. “But Bill will be ready for any scenario.”
“I’m going to Sonoma to race,” Riggs said Wednesday. “It was a freak incident at Myrtle Beach. There was no warning about an oyster bed where we unloaded. We’ll see what happens when I get in the race car. I’m going to do what’s best for the team this weekend.” Valvoline Evernham Racing will have updates at Infineon Raceway for the media.(Evernham Motorsports/Clear!Blue PR)(6-22-2006)

[WVGrandma4Kasey]

Driver David Gilliland, who shook the NASCAR world with his improbable Busch Series win at Kentucky last weekend, will now aim to make his first Nextel Cup start this weekend at Sears Point Raceway.

Gilliland, 30, had never finished higher than 29th in his six previous NBS starts. He will be driving for CMJ Racing at Sonoma, a squad that has yet to qualify for a Cup race this season. His Busch win came driving for a different squad, Clay Andrews Racing.

"[The Sonoma race] is something that I've had planned prior," he revealed. "I've had it planned for probably about a month and a half now. We've been working on the car and we're looking forward to really going to Sonoma again; I ran pretty good there in someSouthwest Tour stuff.

"Hopefully, with everything last weekend, we'll be able to go out there [and qualify]," he added.

Gilliland also admitted that his upset win has drawn attention elsewhere in the NASCAR paddock: "We've got a lot of interviews lined up," he said. "You race your whole life for an opportunity and to try and succeed in NASCAR racing. To see it all coming true before your eyes is a pretty amazing sight."

[Smoke842]

Gma, was Riggs barefoot? Is that why he injured his feet?

I love road courses. I think Gordon will be really good. Maybe get the pole. No, sillies, I'm not talking about the 24. We need to talk about the other Gordon. I'm talking about Robby! The 7. Watch for him to be near the front. And hopefully he'll last the entire race.

[car99fan]

I just don't see RG doing too hot. He always seems to fall short, even in road races (Nextel Cup road races that is). It's like he's cursed or something. I think maybe he should stay offroad.

On the other hand, you GOTTA love someone who races everything...like Shrader.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by WVGrandma4Kasey

Driver David Gilliland, who shook the NASCAR world with his improbable Busch Series win at Kentucky last weekend, will now aim to make his first Nextel Cup start this weekend at Sears Point Raceway.

Gilliland, 30, had never finished higher than 29th in his six previous NBS starts. He will be driving for CMJ Racing at Sonoma, a squad that has yet to qualify for a Cup race this season. His Busch win came driving for a different squad, Clay Andrews Racing.

"[The Sonoma race] is something that I've had planned prior," he revealed. "I've had it planned for probably about a month and a half now. We've been working on the car and we're looking forward to really going to Sonoma again; I ran pretty good there in someSouthwest Tour stuff.

"Hopefully, with everything last weekend, we'll be able to go out there [and qualify]," he added.

Gilliland also admitted that his upset win has drawn attention elsewhere in the NASCAR paddock: "We've got a lot of interviews lined up," he said. "You race your whole life for an opportunity and to try and succeed in NASCAR racing. To see it all coming true before your eyes is a pretty amazing sight."

That's just great..... the boy has an impressive run and they want to throw him in a cup car. Just dandy. Why don't they leave him alone, and let him race in the busch series and get things going in the right direction. Then again maybe he will take off in the cup series. car99, where you been hiding at.

[Smoke842]

Originally Posted by car99fan

I just don't see RG doing too hot. He always seems to fall short, even in road races (Nextel Cup road races that is). It's like he's cursed or something. I think maybe he should stay offroad.

On the other hand, you GOTTA love someone who races everything...like Shrader.

Gordon almost won a road race last year, can't remember what happened, why he didn't win. I know what you mean, something always happens. Remember when his battery caught fire a few years ago at a road course? That was really strange. Oh wait, I think it was a tv camera or something, not the battery.

[LSC9901]

My view is that Robby is a fair to midland driver but he just doesn't have all those necessary pieces together to make a great team. One car teams just aren't doing it that much anymore. I'm not in favor of multi car teams but that is where all the wins/points are today. Sponsors want to see their name in victory lane and when they don't they lower the amount of money they pour into that blackhole called NASCAR.

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Sponsors want to see their name in victory lane and when they don't they lower the amount of money they pour into that blackhole called NASCAR.

If that's the case, then Napa should give Mikey about $100 a week.

[Nevadastars]

I just thought of one thing that could be a big factor in the race.............hot weather! I have been to that track numerous times, and it can get extremely warm and uncomfortable. In fact, Northern Ca. is going through a BIG heat wave right now. I'm going to Sacramento tomorrow (Sat.), where the forecast is for 110!
The track is closer to the coast, but I'm betting its going to be at least in the mid-high 90s for the race.
http://www.weather.com/outlook/recre...76?from=search

[candlejack]

Infineon Raceway...sorry, I can't stand the new sponsor of that racetrack. I'm from the "old school" that knew that track as " Sears Point". I have lived in the NOCAL area for my entire life and that is one of the things that pi** me off about corporate sponsorship of sporting venues, I include " Candlestick Park" in this.

Enough of that, now, about the race. Yes, I know that the #20 won the race last year. Don't care. He is not completely healed up yet. Doing both left and right turns are going to put a different strain on him. I don't think # 20 will do that well this time. Despite my predictions, Robby Gordon will do very well, if not win.

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by candlejack

Infineon Raceway...sorry, I can't stand the new sponsor of that racetrack. I'm from the "old school" that knew that track as " Sears Point". I have lived in the NOCAL area for my entire life and that is one of the things that pi** me off about corporate sponsorship of sporting venues, I include " Candlestick Park" in this.

I agree 1000%! I lived in the Sacramento area most of my life, and went to my first race at SEARS POINT in 1979 (Motorcycle roadrace) when there was only one very small grandstand, no bridges and everyone sat on the hillsides. We moved from the area to rural Nevada last year because of insane devopment going on.

One thing that really bothers me about all this corporate crap is they act like it has always been called Infineon.........just like they say Dale Earnhardt had 7 Nextel Cup Championships! AAAAARRRRRHHHHHH! Here is a link Nascar.com's history of "Infineon". Nowhere does it mention it ever being called Sears Point.
http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/spr/index.html

[candlejack]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

One thing that really bothers me about all this corporate crap is they act like it has always been called Infineon.........just like they say Dale Earnhardt had 7 Nextel Cup Championships! AAAAARRRRRHHHHHH! Here is a link Nascar.com's history of "Infineon". Nowhere does it mention it ever being called Sears Point.
http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/spr/index.html

Thank you Nevada! Senior has never won the NEXTEL championship, he has won the Winston Championship. Shoot, Matt Kennesth won th FINAL Winston Championship. Tony has one NEXTEL and one Winston as far as I am concerned.

[Smoke842]

Originally Posted by candlejack

Infineon Raceway...sorry, I can't stand the new sponsor of that racetrack. I'm from the "old school" that knew that track as " Sears Point". I have lived in the NOCAL area for my entire life and that is one of the things that pi** me off about corporate sponsorship of sporting venues, I include " Candlestick Park" in this.

Enough of that, now, about the race. Yes, I know that the #20 won the race last year. Don't care. He is not completely healed up yet. Doing both left and right turns are going to put a different strain on him. I don't think # 20 will do that well this time. Despite my predictions, Robby Gordon will do very well, if not win.

Yes, Nevada and Candlejack, it's still Sears Point to me too! I get confused, Infineon, let's see is that the CA track or the road race? I have to stop and think. Candlejack, I don't remember who you picked to win. Go Robby! Even if he doesn't win, I have to give him some recognition so you guys don't forget about him. He's a road racing ace! Now after everything I've said I hope he doesn't fall on his face.

[WVGrandma4Kasey]

HO Ho my boy in the #2 Dodge is on the pole. Sorry lilsexy go look at stewie's picture. Gilliland made the race. And I'm so proud of Kasey ,6th, Boris taught him good.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/5724658

NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
Dodge/Save Mart 350
Qualifying Order
Infineon Raceway - Sonoma, Calif.