Rookies need to step up
Dario Franchitti has been really solid in the Nationwide Series, but he's struggled with the new car here in the Sprint Cup Series. I'm a little disappointed, I thought he'd be better than he is right now.
I think Patrick Carpentier showed us something the other day in Atlanta, he had his back against the wall but got up on the wheel and qualified for the race. It's a shame he had issues at Daytona and qualifying was rained out at California, because he might have been the rookie that stepped out ahead of the pack by now.
| Speed Mail Jeff Hammond |
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Sam Hornish Jr. impressed with his top-15 finish at Daytona, but he has not been nearly as good since then, finishing 25th or worse in the three races since.
And when I look at Regan Smith, I hear what Mark Martin says -- that he is one race from breaking out, but somebody needs to figure out what's going on over there before it's too late for this young man. I've seen moments where he can drive the wheels off something and get the job done. But for whatever reason — whether it's the chemistry within the group, the intimidation of driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc., the people around him or something else — he's not. He should be better than these other Cup rookies, at least he knows the racetracks and it's not the first time he's been around these heavy cars.
The best thing I can say boys and girls is that playtime is over, it's time to get serious.
FOX race analyst Jeff Hammond led Darrell Waltrip to two of DW's three Winston Cup championships as his crew chief. They also teamed to win the 1989 Daytona 500.
For autographed copies of Jeff Hammond's book "Real Men Work in the Pits" plus magnets, hats and more, check out www.dwstore.com.
For photos and appearances, visit Jeff's web site www.jeffhammond.com.
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