Guest Author - Monica OŽNeal
Sony HD 500, Sunday, September 4, on NBC HDTV at 7 pm EST
Bud Pole Qualifying: Saturday, September 3, on SPEED at 5:20 pm EST
Last years winner: Elliot Sadler
Nextel Cup Track Qualifying Record: Kyle Busch, 188.245 mph, February 2005
The History: This is the second year for a fall race at California Speedway. The first race run here was in the spring of 1997 with Jeff Gordon as the winner.
The Track: A real work of beauty, this 2 mile D shaped oval sits in the SAn Bernardino foothills with its 14 degree banking in the turns. Even though during the pre-race show the networks like to pretend they are in Hollywood, the California speedway is not even located in Los Angeles County. It is in fact in San Bernardino County some 40 miles east of LA, in the city of Fontana. It was built on the property of an old steel mill. Two years ago, Victory Lane was moved towards the infield. This was a huge disappointment to fans that enjoyed the ceremonies from the grandstands at the Start/Finish line for the first six years of racing at the speedway. This weekend it will be moved back to its original spot, right were it belongs.
The Tradition: The previous years winner is inducted into the speedways Walk of Fame when he puts his footprints, signature and raised bronze picture into the concrete sidewalk just outside gate 12 of the speedway. There is a ceremony the day before the race.
My Personal Prediction: My family will spend too much money on the mid-way. It will be very chilly as the sun goes down and the wind starts blowing down the 15 freeway, where the speedway sits in its path. My kids will then complain.
My Race Prediction: Dale, Jr. needs to win this one or he is definitely done for the year. He could, his best finish here is 3rd. Rusty Wallace has been a contender week in and week out this season. He is my sentimental favorite along with Mark Martin this year. Jeff Gordon thinks this is his track and who can argue? He has won three races here and finished in the top 10 five out of nine races. Jimmie Johnson would like to win another one on his home track. Also watch Tony Stewart (I would love to see him climb the fence, in person)
Also this weekend:
NASCAR Busch Series 200 at California, Saturday, September 3, 8:35 pm EST on NBC
No trucks this weekend, boo hoo...
