Notebook: Bristol is a Childress kind of track

            BRISTOL, Tenn. – Two years ago, Richard Childress Racing reached a pinnacle in the race still known as the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

            Jeff Burton won. Kevin Harvick finished second. Clint Bowyer was third. All three drove for Childress. All three still do. All three are ranked in the top six of the current point standings, entering the season’s fifth race. Harvick is the leader.

“For me, it’s all about consistency,” he said. “It’s not to be consistently 30th, but it’s taking a 30th-place car and finishing 10th to 15th with it. You have to capitalize on every opportunity and just be solid. You don’t have to win every race, but you just have to be consistent week in and week out, and we’re doing that.”

            Surprise, surprise – What driver has an average finish of 6.5 at Bristol Motor Speedway?

            Why, Marcos Ambrose, of course.

            His NASCAR driver rating, based on a complicated formula, is 108.2, the best of any Sprint Cup driver. Ambrose, who is 28^th in the point standings, could use a lift.

“We’ve had two great races at Bristol and it’s one of my favorite tracks on the circuit, but it’s tough,” said Ambrose. “It’s going to be a big, grinding match out there. There’s going to be trouble on the track somewhere, but you hope that you’re not part of it.

“If you are in the middle or closer to the back, you will take chances that you would not normally take. That’s a recipe for disaster.”

            Speaking of driver ratings – Even though Jimmie Johnson is fourth in point, he’s first in driver rating at 110.7. In fact, Johnson’s teammate, Jeff Gordon, ranks second at 104.1, though he is 11^th in points.

            The point leader, Harvick, has a rating of 104.0.

            A breed apart – According to a news release, among the activities enjoyed by Scott Speed during the off week was: “Visited the hair salon for a black dye job with blue chunks.”

            It’s perfect for Bristol’s spring fashion season.

            Head for the mountains – Between them, the Busch brothers have won eight Cup races at Bristol. Kurt has won five times, Kyle three, and Kyle won both BMS races last year.

            Jeff Gordon, by the way, also has five victories at the .533-mile oval.

You may contact Monte Dutton at mdutton@gastongazette.com.