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Who's having a surprisingly poor start, and why?

Sporting News, The, May 6, 2005 by Lee Spencer

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Change might be good for some, but so far it hasn't been for Earnhardt, a Chase favorite entering the season. Whether it's the changes NASCAR made to the aerodynamics package and tires or the changes Dale Earnhardt Inc. made by swapping teams and cars with the No. 15, Earnhardt still isn't up to speed. He's not comfortable with the cars or how they handle. "I can drive the cars if they handle good," Earnhardt says. "What (NASCAR) took away, we have to gain it back in the fabrication department.... We're starting to understand that. I reckon we didn't do our homework." Earnhardt says the team's development staff lacks depth, but a solid bond is forming among Earnhardt, his new team and new crew chief Pete Rondeau. The total package needs time to evolve, but Earnhardt now has three top 10s in the past four races. Rondeau's background as a driver will push him to work overtime with Earnhardt until they get it right.

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MATT KENSETH His results and position in the standings do not reflect the strength of his cars or the team. At Daytona, Kenseth broke an engine 34 laps into the race. Kenseth tangled with Jeff Gordon at California, damaged a fender and eventually cut a tire. Tire problems hurt Kenseth at Atlanta and Bristol, and he was 42nd at Phoenix. Kenseth has picked up his qualifying efforts, and even with personnel changes, the No. 17 is running as strong as ever. This team is too good to stay stalled. JAMIE McMURRAY Expected to be in the top 10 easily, McMurray is finding it tough to pass because of the effects the new aero package has on his Dodge's balance and grip. Most of his results have been decent, but not finishing at Daytona has been difficult to overcome. The team experimented with a different setup at Atlanta but still hasn't found the comfort zone McMurray needs. RICKY RUDD The early absence of crew chief Fatback McSwain because of back surgery slowed the team's progress. "It's like playing football with your backup quarterback," Rudd says. A 25-point fine at Daytona followed by an engine failure at California set Rudd back. Adjusting to the tires has been a challenge, too. BOBBY LABONTE He has had the worst luck of any driver in 2005. His season started with a sour engine at Daytona and has continued to deteriorate with DNFs at Las Vegas, Atlanta, Martinsville and Texas. Veteran Busch Series crew chief Steve Addington adds stability, but he'll have to be one heck of a cheerleader to boost morale. MICHAEL WALTRIP With his job on the line, Waltrip is under tremendous pressure; breaking engines in the first two races made it worse. But crew chief Tony Eury Jr. says the team has made adjustments--such as having the nose down farther and the tail up higher--that fit Waltrip's driving style. Finishing second at Phoenix shows the changes are starting to pay off. CASEY MEARS He says the back end of the car is still unstable, but with savvy crew chief Jimmy Elledge, Mears shouldn't struggle for long--if the pit crew comes together.

KASEY KAHNE During his rookie season Kahne displayed incredible potential, so why the sophomore slump? "It goes back to the tires and spoilers," Kahne says. He's still searching for aero balance and trying to get a feel for his oar in traffic. Last season, the team tested early and often to give Kahne a better feel for the tracks. This season, with limited practice at the track because of the new impound rules, less experienced drivers are at a clear disadvantage.

BUSCH DISH

Martin Truex says he was "flattered" by the attention he received regarding his uncertain status for next season. Dale Earnhardt Inc. has not yet signed him for 2006, leading to speculation he would leave the organization. His buddy, teammate and owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr., spoke with Truex last week and says he's "confident" Truex will drive DEI's No. 1 Chevrolet as a Nextel Cup rookie next season. > Keep an eye on Ashton Lewis in the No. 25 Ford. After dabbling in the Busch Series, Lewis started racing full time in it in 2002. Driving the No. 25 and having brother Charlie as crew chief gives Lewis the best shot for success he has had. > Is there more to Carburetorgate than meets the eye? Johnny Sauter and his No. 1 Dodge were disqualified at Texas after a postrace inspection uncovered a Nextel Cup-sized carburetor, which is illegal in the Busch Series. Conspiracy theories say the incident was a NASCAR sting operation to catch a crooked prerace inspector. Regardless, crew chief Joe Shear was suspended for four weeks, a punishment garage observers thought was lenient and an attempt to keep the matter under wraps. Team owner James Finch has said he will appeal. > The career of former truck series mainstay Jon Wood, 23, has taken off in the Busch Series in the No. 47 Ford. Crew chief Jay Guy is providing the direction needed by Wood, a third-generation racer. > Boston Reid was grateful to return to the seat of the No. 5 Chevrolet last weekend at Phoenix. He says racing on a more regular basis will give the team the momentum it needs to get better. Blake Feese is the team's other driver.

Who's having a surprisingly poor start, and why?

Sporting News, The, May 6, 2005 by Lee Spencer

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