Matt's Thread of Racing...

[NewYorkSpider]

He could've pretended to smash the guitar. Kyle is such a talented driver. His attitude is where I dislike him.

 

[El_Citrus]

I actually really liked TNT's coverage of the closing laps of today's race with listening to how Stewart was changing his driving, although they skipped his burnout at the end. Great win for Tony, as I honestly didn't expect him or Newman to be so successful this season.

As for the shootout restarts, it looks like it was handled really well. Racers didn't have to deal with lapped traffic, lapped cars now have a bit more strategy involved with the wave-around rule, and drivers at the back of the lead lap are penalized during fuel mileage races by having to start behind the lapped cars if they stop at the last minute to top off on fuel (Whew, that last bit was difficult enough to explain). Anyway, basically, I approve of the shootout restarts, and can't wait to see it at a short track.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

TNT has the best coverage. It's kinda sad since they have a total of like 6 or 7 races. Congrats to Tony on the win. First driver/owner to win a race since Ricky Rudd in 1997.


The restarts were a WHOLE lot better. That last restart, Kahne restarted in like 8th and worked his way up to 2nd. He probably would have only got to 5th or 6th if they had it the other way. I'm interested as well to see who it works at a short track and Infineon/Watkins Glen.

 

[El_Citrus]

I'm not sure if the wave-around will work at the road courses since they don't use the free pass there either, but it wouldn't hurt to try it once and see if it can work. I personally love the new restarts so far and can't wait to see more of it.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

For some reason I like Matt Kenseth this week. He won at California which is a similar track to Michigan. All the Roush drivers should be a threat.

 

[El_Citrus]

I'm picking Roush drivers as well to win this weekend. I think after the nationwide race Carl had tonight in Kentucky, he'll throw down a win this week, although this could be a chance for a guy like David Ragan.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

A great ending to a boring race. What are the odds that 1st and 2nd place drivers would run out of gas on the final lap. Congrats to Mark Martin. Seeing him this excited in victory lane really puts a smile to my face.

 

[El_Citrus]

Those two debris cautions were more "Boring race" cautions than for actual debris on the track. Michigan always has relatively boring racing because of the wide grooves until the final laps, which is what we got today. That was so awesome watching Martin riding around on cruise control, letting those youngin's use up their gas while he saves enough to coast to victory. I think just about everyone is rooting for Mark to win the championship this year, and I hope he finally gets his championship, and maybe his Daytona 500 next year.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Just saw that Johnny Benson had a pretty bad crash in a SuperModified race. Hope he gets well soon. I've always respected Benson.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Now that was an exciting race. Congrats to Kasey Kahne.

 

[El_Citrus]

The double file restarts weren't a downside at all during the race, as everything was bunched up anyway. I agree, very exciting race.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

I can't wait for Daytona. Imagine a green-white-checkerd at that race with the double-file restarts.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Congrats to Joey Lagano. Hate rained shortened races, but it's a part of the strategy in this sport. Daytona next Saturday night. I can't wait.

 

[BlackLantern]

NASCAR needs to straighten out this tv coverage...they are big enough now where they can put the tv rights up for an exclusive bid

 

[NewYorkSpider]

NASCAR has been on Turner Sports for over 30 years. They're always going to get a race.

 

[El_Citrus]

I didn't even get to see the race, but congrats to Logano none the less. Daytona this coming weekend, yeah!

 

[NewYorkSpider]

There were some nice battles for the lead. Gordon and Kurt Busch were racing each other hard.

I like how one fan on Dave Despain's TV show WindTunnel said " NASCAR fixed this race with their late start time. They knew that Joey Lagano was going to win this race" Seriously? It's not like NASCAR knows exactly when it's going to rain.

 

[El_Citrus]

Yeah, I've heard some people grumble about some of the convenient events that have taken place in Nascar. I remember Jim Rome mentioning Petty getting his 200th win at Daytona with Reagan in attendance was just a tad convenient, or that a fight breaks out on the first televised Daytona 500, but really, any sport has those "convenient" moments. Boston coming from 0-3 to beat the Yankees and win their elusive World Series, Jerome Bettis getting his first Super Bowl ring in his final season in his hometown of Detroit, the Celtics and Lakers returning to prominence in back to back years right after a referee scandal.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Kinda feel bad for Greg Biffle. Wrecked in practice and will go to a backup car. The only practice he's gonna get is qualifying since it's an impound race.

I honestly believe Dale Jr will win Saturday night. Just have that feeling.

 

[Alex The Great]

Daytona should be an exciting race with the new rule, can't wait

 

[Soundwave]

Kinda feel bad for Greg Biffle. Wrecked in practice and will go to a backup car. The only practice he's gonna get is qualifying since it's an impound race.

I honestly believe Dale Jr will win Saturday night. Just have that feeling.

Agreed on Jr. Despite his struggles he is still considered one of, if not the best, plate racers in the garage.

 

[BlackLantern]

can Mayfield just shut his cakehole and serve his suspension?

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Can't wait to hear the Kyle Busch interview. Glad he's ok after that hard hit in the wall. Congrats to Stewart.

 

[Marx]

Holy crap! What a finish to a race! I'm glad that everyone seems to be ok!

 

[Nivek]

Great finish, can't say I blame Stewart for pushing Busch out of the way.