Sunday Drivers: Dancing Helio 3^rd at Tennessee Indy, Haas jail for taxes just as he announces new racing team

By David Mirsky

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 7/14/08 — NASCAR’S Kyle Busch extended his point lead for this year, winning his 7^th race of the season by edging out current Champion Jimmie Johnson on the last 3 laps of the race. The Lifelock.com 400 from Chicagoland Raceway, just outside Chicago hosted Saturday’s Sprint Cup race that saw multiple lead changes throughout this race. Carl Edwards led the race, Jimmie Johnson led the race but it came down to a green and white checkered flag and a smart re-start by Busch to edge Johnson out for the win.

Two-time Sprint Cup Champion, Tony Stewart announced this week that he will be leaving Joe Gibbs Racing, after nearly 10 years together, to form Stewart – Haas Racing. Stewart has bought into Haas racing, assuming 50% ownership. Gene Haas, Haas Racing’s principal could not be at this week’s announcement, as he was starting his two-year incarceration for tax evasion.

Dario Franchitti was offered a chance by Chip Ganassi to drive in the lower division of NASCAR since Ganassi could not secure the kind of major sponsor needed for the top division. You’d have to think Franchitti and Ganassi would part ways soon after that lame offer. Franchitti, an INDY 500 winner, and series champion should be getting offers from other teams. He’s one of the better drivers anywhere, and a true winner.

Scott Dixon will maintain his INDY car point’s lead having won Saturday’s Firestone Indy 300 in Knoxville Tennessee. The race saw an early finish due to heavy rain showers that shortened the race by about 20 laps. Looking like most of the season’s finishes, the podium included Scott Dixon, Dan Wheldon who finished in 2^nd place, and “Dancing with the Stars” finalist Helio Castroneves in 3^rd place. Danica Patrick managed a 5^th place finish. Only 18 of the 24 cars that started the race, finished. Mid Ohio hosts next week’s race.

This week, the Formula 1 tour makes its way to Hockenheim, Germany for the German Grand Prix. Practice begins on Thursday.

Casey Skinner has won the FIM German Grand Prix in the 500cc class on his Ducati.