Like a hex on an otherwise fine-tuned stock car, NASCAR road races can screw up the best of seasons.
Drivers love ovals. The whole circuit is based on left turns. But NASCAR throws in two road races every season on the 36-race schedule. The first banks Sunday at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. The race, with a green flag at 1 p.m., airs on TNT.
Sonoma runs 218.9 miles, with 1.99-mile laps navigating 12 tight turns. It’s a complex course and can throw any driver off his mojo.
When Tony Stewart traveled to Sonoma last year, he was leading the season standings. After a second-place finish at Sonoma, he sank all the way to sixth by the end of the year.
It’s similar to how Larry Walker used to sit out games when lefty Randy Johnson pitched against the Rockies. Walker knew three at-bats could get a batter out of sync, put a hole in his swing. Same with road racing.
“I needed to refresh my memory about Infineon because there are so many nuances to the different corners,” Regan Smith, driver of the No. 78 car for Denver-based Furniture Row Racing, said on his website. “I really don’t know what to expect this weekend.”
What Smith should expect is a kooky race. Jeff Gordon has a Cup-leading nine road course wins, including five at Sonoma. But he hasn’t led a single lap there since 2006. And Kasey Kahne, who won last year, had finished 31st, 41st, 31st, 23rd and 33rd in his previous five trips.
In other words, anything goes.
“I remember when regular Cup drivers would not have many kind words to say about the two road races each year,” Smith said. “But the more they raced on the road circuits, the better they liked it, and the better they drove. Right now, I am some place in the middle.”
Sunday’s start at Sonoma will be just the third road race for Smith, and first since 2007. Three years ago, he qualified 10th at Watkins Glen but finished 37th with a busted ride. He was 30th at Sonoma in 2007.
“I like the challenge of the road races,” Smith said. “I grew up karting. But in reality, I do lack seat time.”
This season, Smith is surviving. He ranks 29th in the season standings. He finished as high as 14th (at Atlanta in March) and started as high as 11th (at Daytona in Week 1).
“Not too long ago our goal was a top 20,” Smith said. Right now that goal has changed to top 15s.”
WHAT WE’D LIKE TO SEE
Ready, set, spike.
Volleyballers will flock to the mountains this weekend for Vail’s King of the Mountain Open beach volleyball tournament. Some 400 teams in more than 25 divisions will compete.
But the best time might just be watching — fans hang out for free.
The tournament runs today through Sunday at Vail Athletic Field. See for complete information.
AROUND TOWN
City Open tops in tennis.
Now in its 94th year, the Denver City Open tennis tournament remains one of the historic markers for court supremacy in the Rocky Mountain region. The long-standing showdown, which draws elite players, starts today at the Denver Tennis Club with lower division pairings.
Along with the Colorado State Open and the Boulder Open, netters from around the country continue to test their skill on state courts.
The three-headed series — not officially connected — starts with the Denver Open. And again this year, there’s a strong field.
Littleton’s Cory Ross, a former prep standout at Kent Denver who has nearly dominated the local courts for several years, is the top seed in the men’s open division. Wisconsin’s Mallory Voelker, an all-Sun Belt player as a senior at the University of Denver in 2008, is the player to beat in the women’s open bracket.
Open divisions start Tuesday. Championship rounds play June 27.
STAY ON THE COUCH
U.S. takes on “guarantee.”
The Americans get a second crack at World Cup group play this morning, when the U.S. takes on loud- mouthed Slovenia at 8:30 a.m. on ESPN and KCEC-50.
Slovenia’s Andrey Komac guaranteed a victory over the Americans this week. To which U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard retorted: “A lot of boxers talk too. And (then) they’re looking up at the lights . . . trying to figure out how they got there.”
But today’s U.S. match won’t be the only one in the next few days with Americans.
Roger Espinoza, a 2005 graduate of Regis Jesuit, plays for Honduras. After he graduated, he played at Ohio State and is on the MLS roster at Kansas City.
Honduras fell in its opening game Wednesday, 1-0 to Chile. But Espinoza and crew are back in action Monday at 12:30 p.m. when they face Spain on ESPN.
GET OFF THE COUCH
Fishing for youngsters.
The skies are bright. The streams are running well. It’s high time for fly-fishing.
For the youngsters, this weekend will set up some great opportunities to learn about angling.
The High Plains Drifters club will hold a kids day at 9 a.m. Saturday, near Chatfield Reservoir. Instruction features teaching casting, tying flies and leaders and includes lunch. Check for information.
Bass Pro Shops in Denver also will host kids on Saturday, teaching them how to set up a rod and reel, choose baits and tie knots with hooks and casting for different fish. Call 720-385-3600 for information.
Also find these events:
• Introduction to fly-fishing, 10 a.m. Flies & Lies, 8570 Colorado 67, Deckers, 303-647-2237, reservations required.
• Free fly-fishing clinics. Orvis Englewood, 9615-A E. County Line Road, 303-768-9600.
