On the Right Track
A NASCAR BLOG BY Jeff Gluck
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Hornish didn't blow any opportunities
Mar
14
BRISTOL, Tenn. – Chris Carrier, the crew chief for Sam Hornish Jr., was asked a tough question during a radio show appearance the other day.
The interviewer wanted to know how Hornish and the No. 77 Penske Racing team blew their opportunity to stay in the top 35 in owner points.
Carrier was mystified and a bit steamed. Sure, teammate Kurt Busch had given the No. 77 his owner points from last season to ensure Hornish would make the races.
But Carrier pointed out a fact that might be surprising to some: Even without Busch's help, Hornish would have qualified for every Cup race so far.
At Daytona, he would have made the race via a transfer spot. He eventually finished 15th in that race, which would have locked him into the California race when it was rained out.
Then, Carrier said, Hornish's speed at both Las Vegas and Atlanta would have locked him into the show even if he were outside the top 35.
So even though Hornish will need a good run at Bristol to make sure he's guaranteed a starting spot for the next race at Martinsville, the team hasn't blown any opportunities.
The interviewer wanted to know how Hornish and the No. 77 Penske Racing team blew their opportunity to stay in the top 35 in owner points.
Carrier was mystified and a bit steamed. Sure, teammate Kurt Busch had given the No. 77 his owner points from last season to ensure Hornish would make the races.
But Carrier pointed out a fact that might be surprising to some: Even without Busch's help, Hornish would have qualified for every Cup race so far.
At Daytona, he would have made the race via a transfer spot. He eventually finished 15th in that race, which would have locked him into the California race when it was rained out.
Then, Carrier said, Hornish's speed at both Las Vegas and Atlanta would have locked him into the show even if he were outside the top 35.
So even though Hornish will need a good run at Bristol to make sure he's guaranteed a starting spot for the next race at Martinsville, the team hasn't blown any opportunities.
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Comments
1 response to "Hornish didn't blow any opportunities"
Julie Luoma said:
Mar 15, 2008 at 10:20 AMOf course he did. They may have been opportunities that he could have created for himself, but they were opportunities, none-the-less.
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