Does Bristol sweep mean RCR is back on top?

By Rea White - Associate Editor
Monday, March 17, 2008
$util.encode.html($content.photo.alt)

Streeter Lecka
Getty Images

Jeff Burton's win at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday may have been greeted with teasing from his teammates, who finished second and third, but it appears to be a signal that Richard Childress Racing is back in top form.

Burton has generally shrugged off comments about the impact he’s had on the organization and its resurgence since he joined it in 2004. At that time, the group that won six NASCAR Cup championship with the late Dale Earnhardt was struggling in the standings.

But by last season, all three RCR drivers were in the championship chase, and now they're off to another strong start to the season.

Burton may not take credit for RCR's turnaround, but his teammates are happy to have him at least share in a part of it. Kevin Harvick refers to him as the “calm reason” between him and teammate Clint Bowyer.

For his part, Burton says the team's success is a reflection on its maturity.

While some may have said that he stole Sunday's victory after Harvick made contact with Tony Stewart challenging for the win, Burton
simply pointed out that he’d put himself in position. That’s what it takes in Sprint Cup racing – being in position to challenge for the win week to week.

The fact that his team has been in position is what has Burton so optimistic about 2008.

“We did the little things right,” the native of South Boston, Va., said. “And that’s the sign of a team that’s mature. That’s the sign of a team that’s ready to take advantage of situations. That’s what I’m proud of.”

All three RCR drivers have enjoyed a strong start to the season. After his 20th career win, Burton is fourth in the standings, Harvick fifth and Bowyer ninth as the series prepares for its first break of the year.

Team owner Richard Childress credits that strongt start to a variety of factors.

The crew chiefs – Scott Miller with Burton, Todd Berrier with Harvick and Gil Martin with Bowyer – and engineers have the cars in top form and everyone is working well together. That’s what landed RCR its historic first 1-2-3 finish. And that’s what is making it competitive early this season.

“We’re looking for all the areas we need to improve in, us as a team,” Childress said.

That includes more team meetings, more work to understand the model formerly known as the car of tomorrow and being the frontrunner in some technological advancements.

They’re not talking about championship runs yet, however. Burton points out there are 21 races until that field is set, though he admits that it’s starting to take shape right now.

Right now, RCR is the only team with three drivers in the top nine, a statistic that is drawing some comparisons to the Hendrick
Motorsports group that dominated 2007.

So has RCR become the team to watch and caught that group?

“We’ll talk about that in December,” Burton said. “I can assure you that the 24 [team of Jeff Gordon] didn’t run the way today that you normally see them run here. You wake the sleeping giant, they’re going to be hard to beat. There’s no getting around that.

“We can answer that question in November. We can’t answer it today.”

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: All comments are subject to filtering for language, and libelous content. Comments are intended to encourage spirited debate and discussion about the subject matter contained within the articles and ARE NOT intended for personal or demeaning attacks directed at other users. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate. Users who violate this policy may be banned from posting comments on the site.

Comment Preview

Nov 15, 2009 at 3:01 AM
You said:

You must login before you can post comments or rate content.

If you don't have an account you can create a free one here.

2009 Sprint Cup Race for the Chase Standings

Driver Standings after the Dickies 500

1 Jimmie Johnson 6297
2 Mark Martin -73
3 Jeff Gordon -112
4 Kurt Busch -171
5 Tony Stewart -178
6 Juan Pablo Montoya -236
7 Greg Biffle -247
8 Denny Hamlin -322
9 Ryan Newman -324
10 Kasey Kahne -399
11 Carl Edwards -440
12 Brian Vickers -520

More by this Author

NASCAR Schedules

abc

Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500

Phoenix International Raceway
03:30 PM, 11/15/2009

Poll PositionView All

Which NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner from the past two seasons is most likely to earn his first victory of 2009 in the remaining races?

Promotions

  • Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!

  • Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.

  • Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.

  • Make weekly pics for the Chase and be entered to win weekly SPEED Merchandise.

NASCAR Community Join the Community

In the Forums View All

Presented by

Don't have an account yet?

Insiders Guide to NASCAR

Register with SceneDaily.com and get access to the following features:

  • FREE Insider’s Guide to NASCAR (available as a PDF download)
  • Daily NASCAR news updates delivered directly to your e-mail
  • Pre-race and Post-race emails delivered each race week
  • Ability to comment on blog and news articles
  • Information on new website features and upcoming contests
Create my Account

Login

Forgot Password?
Login or Create an Account