Michael Does it Again!

By Keith Ott

  NO!  Not THAT Michael.  This Michael defines the term “Racer.”

Michael Schumacher again proved himself the world’s best Formula 1 driver by winning the Chinese Gran Prix.  If you’re going to retire this is the way to go.  Young, extremely rich and potentially with your 8^th  World Championship.  Did anyone else notice the reporter doing starting grid interviews juke out his cameraman?  It was a move an NFL running back would have been proud to claim.  He went right, left, right again and the camera guy lost him and did spins.  Except for, of course, Michaels, it may have been the move of the race.

In my weekly Chase “Real Points” elimination we say goodbye to Kasey Khane.  That leaves us with 8.  On the bubble…Jimmie Johnson.  Another interesting “Real Points” factoid is that Tony Stewart is currently 7^th in real points and only 39 points out of 5^th.  This is why NASCAR bumps their totals up so high.  It would be embarrassing for a non-selectee to pass most of the chosen ones.    http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/data/standings_whatif.html

Mark Martin is making “consistency” a four letter word. BTW, If he does “consistence” his way to a title with no wins, then how would it be any different than Kenseth’s “Coma for the Cup” run in 2003? He spent another day running safely in circles, did nothing up front, never led a lap and I wouldn’t even have known he was in the race except for the finish. Pick up the pace Mark. Make me at least believe you belong in the Chase.

That’s about it for Kansas. I hate when fast tracks turn into fuel mileage gambles. So, it’s on to Talladega and a new surface for race 4 of the Chase. I didn’t hear any predictions from Stewart so the drivers are safe next weekend. But, time is running out and some of these Chase drivers better throw a bit more caution to the wind. They already get to sit at the head table. Now is the time to work for a better chair.