Then again, how does a team that was
performing so poorly to start 2005, rebound just like that? "At the start of the 2005 season, we were trying some different
things with the car to try to pick up some speed here and there," Kenseth said. "Obviously, it wasn't working. That’s
why they went back to what used to work and they carried that strategy the rest of the way out in 2005. To get into “The
Chase,” Matt and his No. 17 Dewalt Tools Ford team finished 11th or better in 10 of those last 12 races which included
a dominating victory at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Kenseth also averaged 146 points per race which would give him an average
point’s race finish of seventh in those 12 events. He would end up seventh overall in points by the time the 2005 season
ended.
Now with 16 races in the book this
2006 season, Kenseth is on the other side of the spectrum compared to how last year was going. Matt sits second in points
for the moment keeping Jimmie Johnson in range, just 101 points back. He has two wins so far this year and at this time last
year, Kenseth had nada in the win column. His chances of getting into “The Chase,” are in pretty good shape, but
they know that they are not permanently in yet. Work is still left to be done, but they are happy with where they are at right
now.
However, Kenseth and the rest of the
circuit roll into Florida
this weekend for Saturday night’s Pepsi 400 at Daytona and Matt is completely optimistic about his chances of actually
winning there. “I’ve been looking forward to this race for awhile. We’re bringing the same car we ran there
in the 500 and it was probably the best car I’ve ever had at Daytona,” stated Kenseth earlier this week.
Even with Daytona coming up this weekend,
Kenseth and company are looking at the big picture as well. Though it’s still a long way off, Kenseth could be on the
horizon of picking up his second Nextel Cup Championship in 2006 if things continue like they have so far. (Actually, when
Kenseth picked up his first title, it was the Winston Cup Championship.)
Questions, Comments;
Email Kevin
The views and opinions in this article are that of the writer and not necessarily that of SCR
2006 StockCar Review.
