Ricky Craven
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Ricky Craven
Ricky Craven is one of a select group of drivers to have won races in each of NASCAR's Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Trucks series. Craven also won Rookie of the Year honors in the Cup, Busch and Busch North circuits, becoming the first to earn the honor in three major NASCAR touring series.Send Ricky a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast. |
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J.J.'s underrated, while Kyle's underappreciated November 20, 2009
Jimmie Johnson doesn't get the credit he deserves, while Kyle Busch gets credit for the wrong reasons.
Johnson's Texas finish delivered loud statement November 12, 2009
By staying in his car after wrecking, Jimmie Johnson signaled to his team and the competition that he's no quitter.
Searching for compliments November 5, 2009
There was no shortage of mail following this past weekend's race at Talladega. Unfortunately, none of it was complimentary.
Tolerating Talladega October 29, 2009
The style of racing at Talladega is an accepted oddity in the sport.
Time to give Johnson credit he deserves October 22, 2009
Nobody knows drivers better than drivers. Maybe everyone else should give Jimmie Johnson the same credit.
First five Hall of Famers on and off the track October 15, 2009
The first five inductees into NASCAR's Hall of Fame weren't just great for NASCAR, they're good people, too.
Reward determination, not mediocrity October 8, 2009
Getting rid of the five-point bonus for leading a lap would encourage better racing.
Favorite Car Syndrome is a good affliction October 1, 2009
Ever since teams began building multiple chassis, drivers have their favorites, which can work to their advantage.
Martin offers Montoya a teachable moment September 24, 2009
Instead of complaining, Juan Pablo Montoya needs to learn from last Sunday's race at New Hampshire.
Drivers ready to chase a dream September 18, 2009
You have to earn your way at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which is why it's a good place to start the Chase.
Waving the Checkers: Hamlin, Vickers are for real September 14, 2009
Denny Hamlin and Brian Vickers cannot be overlooked as title contenders.
Busch holds all the cards September 10, 2009
Kyle Busch is 37 points outside of the Chase, but he's the one who will dictate what others bubble drivers do in Richmond.
Waving the Checkers: Breaking axles September 7, 2009
Jimmie Johnson and Brian Vickers didn't do anything wrong at Atlanta other than be aggressive.
The Martin-Busch advantage September 3, 2009
If they make the Chase, Mark Martin and Kyle Busch would be battle tested.
Mailbag: Car vs. Driver August 27, 2009
Readers sound off on the idea that the Car of Tomorrow isn't hurting Sprint Cup racing.
Waving the Checkers: Busch will be Chasing August 24, 2009
Kyle Busch and Mark Martin have the speed to make NASCAR's playoffs.
CoT has purified NASCAR August 20, 2009
The Car of Tomorrow has done exactly what NASCAR hoped – it's put winning in the drivers' hands.
Waving the Checkers: Vickers' fuel for thought August 17, 2009
There's a reason why Jimmie Johnson ran out of fuel at Michigan and Brian Vickers didn't.
How drivers shake off a big wreck August 13, 2009
Big wrecks may seem jarring to fans, but many race car drivers forget about them right after they happen.
Waving the Checkers: Stewart goes to school August 11, 2009
Tony Stewart put on a road-racing clinic Monday at Watkins Glen.
Breaking down the bubble boys August 6, 2009
Six drivers remain on the bubble. Who's in and who's out?
Waving the Checkers: Pocono August 4, 2009
Denny Hamlin dug deep into his reserve for the confidence necessary to snap a 50-race winless streak.
Signing for the times July 31, 2009
The connection between drivers and fans is crucial for NASCAR's survival.
Waving the Checkers: Indianapolis July 27, 2009
Jimmie Johnson didn't have the best car at Indianapolis, but he managed the race better than anyone.
Is Bobby Labonte Hall worthy? July 23, 2009
Readers wonder if any active drivers outside of Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Tony Stewart are Hall of Fame worthy.
Among active drivers, who's Hall worthy? July 16, 2009
Four drivers are virtual locks for NASCAR's Hall of Fame.
Waving the Checkers: Chicagoland July 13, 2009
Mark Martin has the experience and the speed to win it all in 2009.
NASCAR can't afford Kyle Busch to change July 9, 2009
Kyle Busch's win-or-bust attitude is an approach NASCAR can't afford him to lose.
Waving the Checkers: Daytona July 6, 2009
Neither Tony Stewart nor Kyle Busch did any wrong in the Coke Zero 400. It was just restrictor-plate racing.
Firecracker 400: The racer's race July 3, 2009
The July race in Daytona is a tougher race to win than the Daytona 500.
Waving the Checkers: New Hampshire June 29, 2009
Joey Logano's inexperience makes his win at New Hampshire quite an accomplishment.
Not just any other race June 25, 2009
To get off to a solid start to the Chase, drivers would be wise to take some gambles in Sunday's race.
Waving the Checkers: Sonoma June 22, 2009
Kasey Kahne went against conventional wisdom at Sonoma and won.
Road racing is a state of mind June 19, 2009
Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon head to Infineon Raceway thinking they can win, but most drivers don't.
Waving the Checkers: Michigan June 15, 2009
Mark Martin proved that experience trumps youthful exuberance.
Double-file the way to go June 11, 2009
Double-file restarts will avert unnecessary incidents like the one that took Kyle Busch out of the Daytona 500.
Gentleman Johnson best in the biz June 3, 2009
Jimmie Johnson wins races without ruffling feathers, which only speaks to his brilliance.
Waving the Checkers: Dover June 1, 2009
Jimmie Johnson's clinic at Dover showed why he's a three-time defending champion.
Mutual respect key to reviving Junior May 29, 2009
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has to have complete faith in Lance McGrew, or the crew chief change won't do anything.
Waving the Checkers: Coca-Cola 600 May 26, 2009
David Reutimann took a gamble that others weren't willing to take, and he was rewarded for it.
Five thoughts entering the Coke 600 May 22, 2009
Junior fans need to relax and Tony Stewart deserves even more credit than he's getting.
Waving the Checkers: All-Star race May 18, 2009
Good decisions on and off the track led to Tony Stewart's victory in the Sprint All-Star race.
For some, All-Star is only a test May 15, 2009
Struggling drivers can use Saturday night's All-Star Race to get ready for next weekend's Coca-Cola 600.
Waving the Checkers: Darlington May 11, 2009
Both the young and the old were impressive Saturday night in Darlington.
Warning: Respect the Lady May 7, 2009
There's always a winner at Darlington, but no one ever leaves claiming victory over The Track Too Tough To Tame.
Waving the Checkers: Richmond May 3, 2009
It's time to give Kyle Busch for what's in his noggin. He's showing smarts of a seasoned NASCAR veteran.
Edwards, Junior itching for Richmond April 30, 2009
After a wild weekend at Talladega, Carl Edwards and Dale Earnhardt Jr. might want to arrive at Richmond a little early, but for different reasons.
Waving the Checkers: Talladega April 27, 2009
There's a simple explanation for the frequency of big wrecks at Talladega. Drivers are forced to take risks.
Playing the Talladega mind game April 24, 2009
Qualifying at Talladega is one of the easiest things to do in NASCAR. However, racing there is an entirely different animal.
Waving the Checkers: Phoenix April 20, 2009
Mark Martin's victory in Phoenix was good for NASCAR.
Phoenix throws a knuckleball April 17, 2009
Phoenix International Raceway has a way of frustrating drivers, even those who do well.
Waving the Checkers: Texas April 6, 2009
With Jeff Gordon's victory at Texas, he and his team can now concentrate on bigger and better things.
CoT highlights driver talent April 2, 2009
The Car of Tomorrow has put the competition back in the hands of the drivers, and that's a good thing.
Waving the Checkers: Martinsville March 30, 2009
Jimmie Johnson showed how patience can pay off with a trip to victory lane.
Short and sweet March 26, 2009
NASCAR's foundation was built on short tracks like Martinsville Speedway. Unfortunately, there aren't many tracks like it left on the schedule.
Waving the Checkers: Bristol March 23, 2009
There is a method to Kyle Busch's madness, but he's toeing a fine line.
It's good, it's bad … it's Bristol March 19, 2009
A lap around Bristol Motor Speedway can be the most fun thing in racing, and it can be the most treacherous, too.
Time to recharge and regroup March 12, 2009
Yes, it's early, but the off week couldn't have come at a better time, especially for drivers on the top-35 bubble.
Waving the Checkers: Atlanta March 9, 2009
Kurt Busch did his part on the track, but crew chief Pat Tryson's call to pit late in the race made the difference.
Good starts lead to good finishes March 5, 2009
Going to Atlanta, Clint Bowyer can afford to swing for the fences, while Mark Martin must be more conservative.
Waving the Checkers: Las Vegas March 2, 2009
Kyle Busch's spin in Saturday's Nationwide Series race contributed to his win on Sunday.
Eyes in the sky February 26, 2009
Overlooked in the talk of Matt Kenseth's blistering start is that he's got his old spotter back. Why does that matter?
Waving the Checkers: California February 23, 2009
Don't underestimate Matt Kenseth's advantage on pit stops.
2009 begins now February 19, 2009
The Daytona 500 is the biggest race of the year, but to win a championship you have to be good at tracks like Auto Club Speedway.
How to lose the Daytona 500 February 13, 2009
There are more ways to lose the Daytona 500 than there are to win NASCAR's biggest race.
Glass half full February 5, 2009
Layoffs and bailouts have dominated headlines, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to cheer for in '09.
It's all about speed November 17, 2008
Earning bonus points is the clearest indicator of a championship-caliber team, and Jimmie Johnson had the edge of Carl Edwards.
Johnson and Co. perfect perfection November 14, 2008
To win a Cup race, you need have a nearly perfect day. To win three straight titles, that takes perfection to a whole new level.
Season too long? Eliminate testing November 7, 2008
Dale Earnhardt was right that the NASCAR season is too long, but not because there are too many races.
How Kyle lost his mojo October 31, 2008
Momentum is a difficult thing to explain, but it's real and it's the difference between winning and losing.
Leave the Chase alone October 24, 2008
The Chase for the Sprint Cup format works and any modifications to it now would only further discredit its legitimacy.
Martinsville is NASCAR October 16, 2008
If NASCAR were a college course, then "Short Tracks" would be required reading and Martinsville would be "Racing 101."
Waving the Checkers: Burton impresses October 12, 2008
Jeff Burton proved he can race with Jimmie Johnson and Greg Biffle, while Carl Edwards has to keep his focus on the prize.
Johnson now the hunted October 10, 2008
As contradicting as that may sound, Jimmie Johnson having a cushion at this point in the schedule might actually work to his disadvantage.
Waving the Checkers: Experience matters October 6, 2008
The mistake Regan Smith made wasn't passing Tony Stewart under the yellow line. It came earlier than that.
Homefield advantage? Readers reply October 3, 2008
What did you think of Ricky Craven's idea of a homefield advantage in the Chase?
Waving the Checkers: Kansas September 29, 2008
Watching Carl Edwards chase Jimmie Johnson on Sunday got Ricky Craven to thinking about comparisons.
Chase needs a homefield advantage September 26, 2008
The best performer during the regular season deserves more than they currently get. So what can NASCAR do?
Always a threat September 18, 2008
If there's one thing we've learned this season, it's to never count out Kyle Busch.
Championship breakdown: The sleepers September 6, 2008
They might not be in the Chase yet, but Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon could still play a roll in the Chase, Ricky Craven says.
Chase chances: Experience matters August 29, 2008
They have only one win between them, but a group that includes Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Greg Biffle have experience on their side.
Waving the Checkers: Rivalry in the making? August 25, 2008
If there's to be a rivalry between Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards, the action needs to be take on the track, not into a microphone.
Chase chances: Top four August 22, 2008
With the Chase for the Sprint Cup looming, Ricky Craven breaks down the potential field, beginning with the top four.
Busch's advantage August 15, 2008
Drivers have a few tools to give them an edge over their competitors and nobody is doing a better job with those tools as Kyle Busch.
Waving the Checkers: Three stars August 11, 2008
Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart and Marcos Ambrose were most impressive in Sunday's Centurion Boats at The Glen.
Craven delivers the mail August 9, 2008
It's been awhile, so Ricky Craven decided to open up his mailbag.
Waving the Checkers: Edwards makes luck August 4, 2008
Carl Edwards may have used pit strategy to win at Pocono, but there was more to it than just luck.
Righting what went wrong August 1, 2008
What can NASCAR do to avoid a repeat last Sunday's debacle at the Brickyard? Ricky Craven has two suggestions.
Blame the car July 28, 2008
It's not just crew chiefs who are trying to figure out the Car of Tomorrow. It's a challenge for the tire manufacturer, too.
Indy takes a little extra July 25, 2008
Winning at Indianapolis is meaningful because of the history of the track, but also because it's the most difficult race to win.
How to make better racing 101 July 18, 2008
If NASCAR wants to make the racing better, it should consider a simple rules change.
Johnson still the man to beat July 14, 2008
Kyle Busch is having a breakout season, but he still has to unseat Jimmie Johnson to win the title.
Good to the finish July 11, 2008
Tony Stewart and Joe Gibbs have nothing to gain by giving anything less than 100 percent from here on out.
Toughest series in the world July 3, 2008
In NASCAR, you have to be good on short tracks, road courses, 1.5-mile tracks and superspeedways – and that's hard to do.
Chasing the Chase June 27, 2008
The top 12 is pretty much set, but one driver is poised to make a serious run.
Logano ready for the big leagues June 27, 2008
He may only be 18, but Joey Logano has already proven he's beyond the learning curve of the Nationwide Series.
Double duty takes too much time June 23, 2008
Kyle Busch has the talent but not the time to be successful in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide series.
Dale Jr. earned it June 16, 2008
Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s victory at Michigan takes the pressure off, which will be crucial if he's going to contend for the title.
Why Kahne's a contender June 13, 2008
Two wins prove Kasey Kahne is back, but that's not all that impresses Ricky Craven.
Waving the Checkers: Kahne rolls, Kyle slips June 9, 2008
Kasey Kahne's recent run has him looking like a championship contender.
Adding races makes sense June 7, 2008
Instead of moving races from one track to another, why not add more races?
Busch’s Dover win had championship value June 2, 2008
Kyle Busch is quickly growing into not just a race-winning driver, but a championship-winning one.
NASCAR says no more crab walking May 29, 2008
How will drivers adapt to the new car now that NASCAR has outlawed extreme sideways set ups?
Why inexperience helps with the CoT May 22, 2008
Young drivers may have an advantage in the CoT because they don't have any old habits to break.
All-Star race a perfect storm May 15, 2008
Kyle Busch won't win 10 races this season, but he will win the All-Star race.
Why is Darlington so tough to tame May 8, 2008
Ricky Craven explains how one lapse of concentration at Darlington can end your day.
Implications of pending free agency May 2, 2008
Tony Stewart won't be distracted by his plans for the future, but his team could be impacted.
Mailbag: Hail to the troops April 24, 2008
Readers chime in on NASCAR safety and Ricky Craven's trip to Afghanistan.
Deep impact April 17, 2008
As it turns out, the new car and the SAFER barriers won't just save lives, they very well may save careers.
Inside the cockpit April 3, 2008
It's easy to watch a basketball game and see a player's ability, but how can you distinguish one driver from another?
Waving the Checkers: Manufacturing parity March 31, 2008
After Chevrolet dominated the CoT races in 2007, parity has arrived in 2008.
A war story March 21, 2008
Ricky Craven tells the story of his trip to Afghanistan and how it changed his perspective.
Waving the Checkers: Racing ahead March 17, 2008
How did Jeff Burton pull off a victory at Bristol? Ricky Craven explains.
Non-compete clause March 13, 2008
Competing tire manufacturers wasn't a good idea before and it's not a good idea now.
Busch's big adjustment March 10, 2008
Kyle Busch didn't just win Sunday's Kobalt Tool 500 on talent alone. Ricky Craven explains he used his head, too.
Sitting in the rain ... February 25, 2008
Ricky Craven offers his thoughts on the rain-delayed Auto Club 500.
CoT spells story of the year February 21, 2008
The full-time introduction of the Car of Tomorrow has changed the way teams and drivers approach their jobs.
Waving the Checkers: Daytona 500 February 18, 2008
Teammwork trumped speed in this Daytona 500, while Kyle Busch gave fans a reason to watch.
Craven: Living a dream February 15, 2008
Ricky Craven realized a dream when he made it into the Daytona 500.
Waving the Checkers: Bud Shootout February 11, 2008
There was plenty to be impressed by in the Bud Shootout, including the new car.
First glimpse February 9, 2008
The Bud Shootout offers the first chance to really determine who will be a factor in the Daytona 500.
Readers want to know January 25, 2008
Our expert empties his mailbag before heading off on his annual snowmobile ride.
Great expectations January 18, 2008
How will Dale Earnhardt Jr. fare in 2008? Will Joe Gibbs Racing's transition to Toyota be smooth.
The starting point December 16, 2007
Many deserve to be in the Hall of Fame, but there would be no Hall of Fame without the sport's founder, Bill France Sr.
Four to remember November 28, 2007
Watching things from the couch, instead of the cockpit, Ricky Craven picks his four favorite races of 2007.
Making the grade November 23, 2007
It's report card time for the 12 drivers in this year's Chase for the Nextel Cup.
Waving the Checkers: Homestead November 19, 2007
There's a big difference between consistency and winning.
Looks familiar November 15, 2007
The similarities between Jeff Gordon in 1998 and Jimmie Johnson this year are striking.
Risking it all, and winning November 8, 2007
Jimmie Johnson may be making things look easy, but there's a whole lot more to it.
Endurance sport October 25, 2007
NASCAR's 36-race season tests drivers patience.
Let the discussion begin October 17, 2007
Ricky Craven responds to readers emails regarding his choice for best driver he ever competed against.
Waving the Checkers: Lowe's October 14, 2007
Field needs good showing at Martinsville or Jeff Gordon will lap the pack for another Chase title.
The best ever? October 10, 2007
The best Ricky ever competed against combines consistency, natural talent and the mastery of fundamentals.
Talladega test October 3, 2007
Talladega's history of being unpredictable adds to its allure.
Opposite directions September 27, 2007
Carl Edwards' penalty is another example in the ongoing struggle between officials and team engineers.
Embracing the underdog September 20, 2007
Many believe Clint Bowyer now is a title favorite. That status may not suit him well.
Waving the Checkers: Loudon September 17, 2007
There are many ways to lose a Cup race. Clint Bowyer avoided them all in stepping up at New Hampshire.
Chase knowledge September 12, 2007
Plenty is known about the 12 Chase drivers, but the question of who will win it all this season remains.
Chase for the Nextel Cup preview September 11, 2007
Ricky shares driver breakdowns and predictions in our Chase video segments.
Playing it 'safe' September 5, 2007
A conservative strategy isn't necessarily a good one for Kevin Harvick at Richmond this weekend.
Good, bad and ugly August 29, 2007
Many drivers gave the repaved Bristol high marks. Many NASCAR fans, however, weren't as approving.
Riding momentum August 23, 2007
It's hard to bet against the series' hottest drivers as the Chase for the Nextel Cup nears.
COT is A-OK August 16, 2007
With a resilient car and exciting finishes, NASCAR has hit the mark with the Car of Tomorrow.
Waving the Checkers: Watkins Glen August 13, 2007
The dreaded wheel hop bit both Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon, but they still put on a great show.
Rough road August 8, 2007
Comfort is key as Chase hopefuls try to negotiate the twists and turns of Watkins Glen on Sunday.
Pocono pressure August 1, 2007
Few would claim a Pocono race as being the biggest on the schedule, but it is the most important this weekend.
Waving the Checkers: Brickyard July 30, 2007
After his second win in as many races, the wind clearly is at Tony Stewart's back.
Big brick house July 25, 2007
Indianapolis Motor Speedway's own history make this weekend's race one of the biggest in NASCAR.
Making the cut July 12, 2007
Cookie-cutter tracks can put on good shows, but there may be too many of them on the schedule.
Daytona again July 6, 2007
The Cup season begins at Daytona, but at Saturday night's race there will be an entirely different experience.
Sending the message June 27, 2007
NASCAR is using penalties to tell teams what not to do with the Car of Tomorrow, but is that a good idea?
Next stop June 20, 2007
Leaving Hendrick Motorsports puts Kyle Busch's future in doubt, but he still can be a superstar in NASCAR.
Big mo June 18, 2007
After winning at Michigan, Carl Edwards has plenty of momentum. Dodge, on the other hand, does not.
Junior achievement June 13, 2007
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has the talent to win a championship. Moving to Hendrick could help him do just that.
Man of influence June 7, 2007
Bill France Jr. had a positive impact on all in NASCAR, including Ricky Craven.
Maymentum May 30, 2007
A strong month of May can bode well for a driver's Chase hopes. So who's looking as the month ends?
Waving the Checkers: Charlotte May 28, 2007
Jimmie Johnson having the car to beat at Lowe's is no surprise. The team beating itself, on the other hand …
Five to remember May 23, 2007
What are Ricky Craven's five favorite races? Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 is one that makes the list.
Tough tires May 21, 2007
The hard tire compound used at Lowe's this weekend caused many problems for the field.
All-Star excitement May 16, 2007
NASCAR's all-star race can bring out the best and worst in its drivers.
Iconic places May 11, 2007
Darlington Raceway may be the Fenway Park of NASCAR – and both hold plenty of meaning for Ricky Craven.
Chasing May May 2, 2007
This month is when the NASCAR season starts to shape up – and would-be Chasers start to step up.
Long shots April 26, 2007
The small team in NASCAR perhaps is the biggest underdog in all of sports.
Where there's Smoke … April 18, 2007
Tony Stewart isn't enjoying himself, but being booed by fans is just a price of success.
The Gordon Rules April 11, 2007
Despite finishing second at Martinsville, Jeff Gordon has the experience and passion to challenge Jimmie Johnson for the Nextel Cup title.
Stock car Cinderella? April 9, 2007
The Chase format allows for an underdog champion like the Masters. One driver in particular has the best shot to be NASCAR's Zach Johnson.
Ratings game April 4, 2007
Now that the Car of Tomorrow has enjoyed a strong debut, it's time to break out the scorecard.
Setting the grid March 28, 2007
NASCAR now will use this year's owner points to set the field, but some tweaks should be made to the system.
Looking forward March 22, 2007
Change isn't always easy in NASCAR, but the Car of Tomorrow is a step forward.
Welcome site March 15, 2007
A rough 400 miles at Las Vegas leaves drivers and teams happy to reach Atlanta this weekend.
Team trouble March 7, 2007
What happened between teammates Scott Pruett and Juan Pablo Montoya in Mexico City is nothing new.
Early break March 2, 2007
There are benefits to having a weekend off, but NASCAR would be better-served to give teams a break later in the season.
In the pits February 28, 2007
A driver can gain or lose plenty of track positions during pit stops. Just ask Tony Stewart.
Taking the checkers February 26, 2007
Matt Kenseth and the 17 team got the job done Sunday, but that wasn't the only story in California.
Back on track February 23, 2007
Drivers put Daytona in the rearview mirror this weekend as NASCAR finds some normalcy in California.
Tony's time February 17, 2007
Tony Stewart is off to a fast start. Expect him to keep rolling to a Daytona 500 win and another Cup title.
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