Burton Could Be Peaking At The Right Time
Wednesday, August 9th, 2006 8:00am EDT
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.
[thumb:347:r:s=1:l=x]Jeff Burton is the most improved driver of 2006. Considering that Richard Childress Racing is the most improved organization in 2006, it’s only a fitting piece to the puzzle. In a points system that rewards consistency over the long haul, Jeff Burton has his act together in what could be his best season ever come Homestead.
“But his performance at Indy was a disaster!” We can hear the shouts. Yes, it was disappointing. After leading the most laps in an event since Phoenix in 2001, Burton had one of (if not the) best cars since he stunk up the show and lead every lap at New Hampshire in 2000. Burton didn’t forget how to drive, he just needed the right equipment to suit his style. Finally RCR has their program on track, and not only is Burton drastically improved, but the results of Kevin Harvick and rookie Clint Bowyer also show that RCR is on the path to regaining their once infamous strength as a top tier organization.
Most certainly it was disappointing to the #31 team to come home in 15th, and not even be in contention at the end, after their performance through lap 110 of Sunday’s event at Indy. However as bad as the car became, and according to Burton they believe a spring collapsed or something strange because the change was like night to day and instant, Burton still brought the car home in the top 15. Something that wouldn’t have been expected or most likely even considered a year ago.
Speaking of the top 15, it’s something Burton hasn’t finished out of since his 6th place run at Texas back in April. That’s 15 straight races. For the entire season, Burton’s only finished outside the top 15 a mere 4 times. Not too bad in the improvement department, and he seems to be getting better every week.
For Burton, RCR, and their fans this peaking couldn’t come at a better time. Based on Jeff’s past performance this year, he’ll be solidly in the Chase come the checkers at Richmond. In terms of consistency, the tracks in the Chase are quite suited to Burton and his style. With the point differences being reset within the top 10, it could be just what the doctor ordered for Burton, as he quietly flies under the radar and isn’t perceived as a threat for the title. However, Nascar still isn’t all about winning. Even with the Chase format. It’s still about how consistent you can be over a period of time. With the Chase it’s how consistent can you be to make it into the Chase in the first place, and then how consistent you can be over the final 10 races. While the odds are in Johnson’s favor at the moment, nobody in the top 10 is out of it come Loudon.
A Champion without a win? The cries for more points for a win would ring even louder than they do now. However, for Burton, it’s only a matter of time. Until then he’ll stay the course and be as consistent as ever, which will very likely have him knocking on the door come Homestead as one of the contenders to hoist the third Nextel Cup.
Filed Under: Damn Good Points, Nascar, Nextel Cup
Trackback URL for: Burton Could Be Peaking At The Right Time
Loading...
