Kobalt Tools 500 Qualifying Update

Atlanta Motor Speedway -- 03/8/2009

Author: Becca Gladden

Published: Saturday Mar 7 2009 10:34pm

How many different ways can drivers describe the lack of grip they’re experiencing at Atlanta this weekend? Let’s see - today I’ve come across … treacherous, white-knuckle, wild, slippery, nasty, slipping-and-sliding, slick, very slick, very very slick, very very low grip – well, you get the picture.

While a few drivers say they’re enjoying the race conditions, most, it seems, would give just about anything for a little (okay, a lot) more grip.

One driver who fits in the former category is Carl Edwards, and understandably so. Along with having won three times in his nine Atlanta Cup starts, Edwards ran in the top 10 in all three practice sessions leading up to Sundays race - the first on Friday and two on Saturday. He topped the chart in Happy Hour Saturday, though he qualified a disappointing 29th.

Maybe it’s Edwards’ attitude that’s helping to make him so fast here in Atlanta while others are grousing about the racing conditions. “I think there are gonna be a lot of people with their hands full, and, in a way though, that’s kind of what makes it fun,” Edwards said. “You come to a place like this and there are gonna be guys who get the setup right and who can drive it and feel good, and there will be guys who are out to lunch, and there will be guys in-between working on it all day. I think that’s fun. I think that’s part of the sport.`

Meanwhile, Edwards’ Roush-Fenway teammate Greg Biffle was the only driver to run in the top 10 in both Saturday practices and also qualify in the top 10. Biffle paced the morning practice, ran 6th in Happy Hour, and qualified 5th. Other fast drivers in Happy Hour included Kasey Kahne, Denny Hamlin, Jamie McMurray, Jeff Gordon, and the front row starting duo of Mark Martin and Kurt Busch.

Though some fans are desperately hoping to see someone other than Kyle Busch in Victory Lane Sunday, Busch’s performance in Saturday’s truck race, which he won despite having lost third gear, coupled with his win last week in Vegas and last year in Atlanta, provide more than enough proof that he will be hard to beat again this week.

If you’re a believer in omens, you might take into consideration the fact that Jimmie Johnson has the race’s title sponsor, Kobalt Tools, on the hood of his car this week. That race-sponsor/title-sponsor pairing has proven to be a good luck charm for Johnson in multiple wins at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Kobalt Tools are sold exclusively at Lowe’s.

Look for the lack of grip to continue as a major topic Sunday, with very few drivers really pleased with their car’s handling. “The key for success at Atlanta is getting the car where it drives off (the corner) really well,” said Kurt Busch’s crew chief Pat Tryson. “I don’t think anybody’s car is going to turn as good as they want it to. You’ll see cars sliding around in the corners, so if you can get on the gas and drive off, get down the straightaways, that’s where the advantage will be.”

One other note: Martin Truex Jr., who qualified 23rd and ran 15th in Happy Hour, was treated in the emergency room Saturday afternoon for a kidney stone. Team officials report that Truex is expected to start the race Sunday, but the situation is still fluid at press time. Truex is currently 26th in points.

Oddsmakers' favorites:

Carl Edwards +465
Kyle Busch +485
Greg Biffle +650
Jimmie Johnson +750
Jeff Gordon +805

A couple of long shots to watch:

Tony Stewart +3000
Clint Bowyer +5000

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User	Comment
OGr8ty8	I like Carl Edwards` comments regarding the work it takes to race. Yes, some drivers really have their hands full while others have gotten their cars into shape and are ready to go. I really enjoy his attitude. He doesn`t seem to go off the deep end so much as some others.
NapaFave55	I`m glad Martin Truex, Jr. came through his medical condition and was able to race on Sunday. Passing stones can be very painful and it was great that he didn`t let it get him down once the event had passed; no pun intended.
Karlee	I meant my money was on Edwards for Sunday`s race because of Saturday`s performance. Busch won instead, but I thought Edwards handled it really well.
Karlee	Evidently Pat Tryson`s advice worked for Busch. To hell with 3rd gear! My money was on Edwards.He had a great attitude towards the challenge with grip and it probably helped him focus more than others.
Cal	That seems like a good idea 2nd, if you can spread the bets it might end up being better for you in the end. Imagine if all 4 cashed in the money you could have on the side for some goodies you might be eying out on.
RaceFan88	I think the loss of grip is a worthy complaint that ought to be considered when thinking about safety and tire wear. I can see where the drivers have all types of strong adjectives to use for how the track here in Atlanta feels when they`re out there driving. Hopefully, it improves in the future.
FastTrack	I threw down some cash on Clint Bowyer this weekend just in case something weird happens and he pulls a win out of this butt. If he does I stand to make a killing, and if he does not by safety bets will cover the loss.
2nd Place	I feel these odds are right on. The problem with watching so professional odds makers is in not knowing that they are in this to make money. That is why I stay with a couple trusted sites to place my bets and talk the talk of the scene. With that said I am still diversifying my risk by betting on the top 4 drivers this weekend.
brix12	Poor Martin Truex, I`ve heard that he complained of discomfort and pain during practice and they had him checked out right away. I hope he recovers soon because he`s scheduled to start the race this Sunday.
ryder_29	I`ll be watching Carl Edwards, the fastest man in the final practice to win the Atlanta race. If not him, then I`ll switch to the pole-sitter, Mark Martin.
Tetchie	Something must have inspired Carl Edwards to win the race and he looked great in practice this week. I`ll pick him to win the race in Atlanta.
jade06	I`ve always thought that lack of grip is one of the greatest downfall for NASCAR drivers out there when driving at the Atlanta track. It is always a part of the sport in racing.