Phoenix thoughts and observations

Jimmie Johnson earned his first win of the 2008 season and the first for Hendrick Motorsports Saturday by gambling on fuel mileage at Phoenix in the Subway Fresh Fit 500. He bested Clint Bowyer, the only other driver to take a gamble on fuel mileage, by over 7 seconds to earn his second straight win at Phoenix.

Thoughts and observations

I must admit, that was not the way I expected Hendrick Motorsports to earn their first victory of the 2008 season. Having to resort to fuel mileage is something Hendrick doesn't usually do with its top tier drivers (Johnson, Gordon and now Earnhardt Jr.) but they have done it with guys like Casey Mears last year (who was just trying to win a race).

What a heart breaker that finish must have been for Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Inc. That No. 8 team looked to have the car to beat in the late stages of the race but they just couldn't make it on fuel. That might have been Mark's best shot at winning another race before he finally calls it a career (whenever that may be).

An impressive Dodge front row turned out to be, well, not so impressive by the end of the race. Both Ryan Newman and Elliott Sadler ended up with DNF's after having engine issues. I wonder if Elliott Sadler will ever return to the form he had with Robert Yates those couple of years...

With Chip Ganassi threatening changes within his race teams if things don't change, what happens? Reed Sorenson wrecks, again. While probably not his fault, the fact is he has torn up plenty of equipment. I'm having a hard time figuring out why he still has a ride in the No. 41 frankly.

Another strong run for Jeff Burton as he continues to build a good points lead. If he keeps this up i'd have a hard time betting against him in the later stages of the season.

Speaking of strong runs, Dale Earnhardt Jr. just keeps racking up the top 10's. You've gotta know that a win is right around the corner for Jr. and the No. 88 bunch. Talladega is up next in two weeks, anyone wanna place bets on who the favorite is there?

Not a good week for Matt Kenseth and the No. 17 DEWALT Ford. He sits outside the top 12 in points and really needs a good run in two weeks at Talladega.

Oh, before I forget, FINALLY one of my picks managed to win a race! Am I just that good? No, not really. I just make educated guesses on the facts of the racetrack and who's been good their in the recent past.

Checking on the battle for 35th place in the points, a good run by David Reutimann gets him back into the Top 35 in owner points but punts J.J. Yeley and the No. 96 Toyota out of the Top 35. Everything else pretty much stays the same.