Motorsports

Engine latest woe for rookie Reutimann

David Reutimann's sometimes stifling sense of self-deprecation is unusual among drivers. But an already agonizing rookie season in Nextel Cup is unlikely to allow his mood to lighten much anytime soon.

By BRANT JAMES
Published April 30, 2007

TALLADEGA, Ala. - David Reutimann's sometimes stifling sense of self-deprecation is unusual among drivers. But an already agonizing rookie season in Nextel Cup is unlikely to allow his mood to lighten much anytime soon.

It took another cruel twist Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. The 37-year-old Zephyrhills native raced his No. 00 Toyota near the lead three times and was in position for his best career finish - perhaps in the top three - when a blown motor relegated him to 32nd place. It ruined what could have been a landmark result for both the scuttling Toyota and Michael Waltrip Racing.

Reutimann, who has had to qualify on time for every race and has missed three, was third with just four laps left.

"To be honest, I was sitting up there just waiting for something to happen, " said Reutimann, 32nd or worse in all six starts this season. "I didn't know if somebody was going to run over me or if something was going to break. Things were going too good all day long, you hate to look at it that way, but that's Talladega."

The pack of Denny Hamlin, Jamie McMurray, Reutimann and Greg Biffle agreed to stay in line after MWR general manager Ty Norris said on the team radio that pulling out of the draft to try to win was unwise. Reutimann had little help until his cousin and spotter, Shawn, secured a deal to keep the status quo.

"Before with Denny in the lead I wasn't that worried because I had Reutimann behind me and I felt like he would push me, " McMurray said. "I didn't feel like he was really going to try to go for a win. He acted like he was pretty content just where he was at."

UP AND DOWN: Hendrick Motorsports has won six of nine races this season and five of the past six.

Still, Sunday was mixed. On Lap 125, Casey Mears was rear-ended into the wall near pit road by teammate Jimmie Johnson. Their teams did not communicate well enough about a supposed move together to the pits.

"I was waving off down the backstretch and thought it was pretty clear that I was coming in, " said Mears, who remained 35th in owner points after finishing 39th. "I know that Jimmie wouldn't mean to do something like that."

On Lap 131, Kyle Busch hit the wall hard for the second straight day and finished 37th.

MERGER? Dale Earnhardt Inc. has held preliminary talks about possibly merging with Robert Yates Racing and leaving Chevrolet for another manufacturer, including Ford, DEI executive team member John Story confirmed to NASCAR Scene.

SAVE IT: Dale Earnhardt Jr. was not pleased with less than 10 laps left when he was told to conserve fuel under caution.

Earnhardt Jr.: "What? We still don't have gas mileage figured out? Three (expletive) cautions and a pit stop and I still might not make it?"

Crew chief Tony Eury Jr.: "You might. ... We figure for 188 (laps) and not 191 (because of the green-white-checkered finish)."

He made it, finishing fifth.

[Last modified April 30, 2007, 00:21:48]