NASCAR notebook: Harvick knows he needs to ?pick it up?

photo: Getty Images
 
 
MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Kevin Harvick, while continuing to say that he would “keep doing what we’re doing,” addressed the difficulty of competing against a champion who never “does what he’s been doing “ during the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
 
Jimmie Johnson has won a record four straight titles and seems headed for a fifth. Harvick led the point standings during most of the regular season. With the final races about to unfold, Harvick is third, 77 points behind Johnson.
 
“Well, the first five races didn’t match up well for us,” said Harvick. “Look at the average finishes. Look at what happened in the past. We’ve been above average for us. The next five races are good for us.
 
“I’m not saying we don’t need to win. We have to win some races. You have to beat the ‘48’ because they do get better in the Chase. Those include winning races and running up front.”
 
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STICKY SITUATION– Team Red Bull has three drivers for 2011. Unfortunately, it plans only to field two cars.
 
Some reports have indicated that Scott Speed, driver of the team’s No. 82, has been told he is out. General manager Jay Frye denied that assertion and suggested that some hedging of bets is involved.
 
Kasey Kahne is climbing into the No. 83, which he will drive next year (though possibly with a “4” on its sides), and the substitute driver he is replacing, Aric Almirola, takes over his old ride at alleged Richard Petty Motorsports.
 
Frye said Brian Vickers’ recovery is on schedule but admitted there’s still concern over his health. The apparent policy is to keep Speed under contract until the team is certain he won’t be needed.
 
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WILDFIRE-- The process that prematurely moved Kahne to Team Red Bull played out in less than a week, leaving rumors in its wake.
 
Kahne admitted he was troubled by suggestions that he quit on his former team.
 
“That part has been difficult,” he said. “That’s their opinion, and they can say what they want. I’ve always tried to mind my own business. I’m definitely not a quitter. I’ve done a lot for that company for a long time. We’ve gone our separate ways. I’ve done a lot for that company and it’s done a lot for me.
 
“It’s not the way we wanted it to end, but I hope Bud does great.”
 
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SURE IT’S FUN--Jimmie Johnson said, “When things start clicking and you’ve got the car right, this place can be a lot of fun.”

The joy is undoubtedly enhanced by Johnson’s top-five finishes in five of the past eight races.

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