Post by Blaise Zebrataur on Jan 20, 2015 18:00:10 GMT -5
From NASCAR.com:
For the first time since 1988, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will be making a return to Australia for the second event at the Calder Park Thunderdome. With an amazing ten thousand people on hand for the two practices it is obvious NASCAR has made the right choice. Points leader Carl Edwards, who is winless this season, was excited to come to Australia for the first time "I've been so excited to come to Australia for the second event at this track." he said in the conference room "I remember the first event where it was a battle between Neil Bonnett and Bobby Allison, hopefully we give the fans a great show as well."
Here are some noticeables:
For the first time, Phoenix Racing and owner James Finch will race at Calder Park and after a disappointing finish of 33rd, Kurt Busch will be looking to rebound as Finch announced that Bobby Hamilton Jr. would not be driving in this event and called long time NASCAR veteran Bill Elliott in the car. "I feel Bill worked really well with us in the past, and he had a free weekend so hopefully he can make a good effort."
For the first time since 1993, Jimmy Means will be competing in a Sprint Cup Series event...however it will be a non-points event. "I feel with our Nationwide program doing well, that we should make an attempt in the Cup Series." said Means a NASCAR veteran who has competed in 455 events. "I don't expect to get a Top 20, but if we can get a Top 30 maybe we'll see about entering some point races in the future."
And finally, the big news story of the week is Jerry Nadeau. Since his accident back in 2003, Nadeau has been fighting for his life to survive and to one day return to the Sprint Cup and race again, slowly regaining feeling back in his arms and his injuries healing up, Nadeau was cleared by NASCAR one week ago and got a standing ovation from the crowd as he drove out onto the track during practice. "To actually get out on the track with other drivers was amazing. I knew the first step was to see how I feel after the first lap, and if that went well then I knew I'd be ok" On his first lap out, Nadeau put down a speed of 154.214. "I have to thank God for getting me to this point and I have to thank all the fans for their support as well as Hermie Sadler for giving me the car and sponsorship for this event. I hope to make everyone proud come race day."
Here are the betting odds for the Steakhouse 200:
Jeff Gordon-5-1
Carl Edwards: 4-1
Martin Truex Jr.-4-1
Jimmie Johnson-3-1
Kurt Busch-2-1
