Matt's Thread of Racing...

[NewYorkSpider]

The only downside is some races that go from day to night. On the other hand though, Daytona already has a night race, so the 500 should be a day race. It does suck that the last race of the season won't be under the lights though.

The 500 was one of those races that went from day to night. I always like night races. Having the biggest race of the season do that is special IMO. The last race not doing that is ridiculous.

In another piece of news that I forgot, there's a tire test taking place in Richmond that is testing a larger tire. It's one and half inches wider and taller than the current tire, and runs on a 17 inch rim as opposed to 15. I doubt it'll make a HUGE difference, but it could improve the COT and make it easier on the drivers.

They said if they change, it could improve corner speed. I'm real interested in this.

Wow, I didn't expect to predict the top 4 AND the winner. Go me. [/ego boost]

Well done. It's fun to predict stuff and then brag about it.

 

[El_Citrus]

The 500 was one of those races that went from day to night. I always like night races. Having the biggest race of the season do that is special IMO. The last race not doing that is ridiculous.

Yeah, I'll admit that it's cool seeing the 500 end under the lights. Come to think of it, Daytona should be the only exception to this uniform start time rule so that it can still end under the lights. The July race used to be during the day anyway, although that may have been before the lights were installed. The Miami race NEEDS to be under the lights, even if it ends on a Saturday night.

They said if they change, it could improve corner speed. I'm real interested in this.

Apparently Jack Roush said that it wasn't going to happen and that it would be too expensive, or something to that effect. I'd like to see it and see what it does, personally.

Well done. It's fun to predict stuff and then brag about it.

I was pleasantly surprised.

Onto the Chase, it looks like that, barring some major poor finishes, that it's down to basically 5 drivers. I'm still HIGHLY impressed with Montoya, who I think will have a legit shot at the title at Miami. It's a shame for Montoya that there isn't a road race during the Chase. It's something I've always kinda wished for so that all types of tracks are represented: Superspeedway, Cookie-Cutters (Mile and a half ovals), short tracks (Although they need more than just Martinsville), and road racing. Oh well.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Onto the Chase, it looks like that, barring some major poor finishes, that it's down to basically 5 drivers. I'm still HIGHLY impressed with Montoya, who I think will have a legit shot at the title at Miami. It's a shame for Montoya that there isn't a road race during the Chase. It's something I've always kinda wished for so that all types of tracks are represented: Superspeedway, Cookie-Cutters (Mile and a half ovals), short tracks (Although they need more than just Martinsville), and road racing. Oh well.

I think they need to look at some different tracks during the chase. Homestead should remain the final race since racing starts in Florida and ends in Flordia. Plus, they normally have good weather that time of year. I think Bristol being added is a must. Richmond is a good track, but should stay as the final regular season race. Watkins Glen could be added. I'm not a big fan of Dover. They should take that race out. Phoenix doesn't really generate a lot of excitement. Here's what I'd like to see

#1. New Hampshire
#2. Watkins Glen
#3. Kansas
#4. California
#5. Lowes
#6. Bristol
#7. Talladega
#8. Martinsville
#9. Texas
#10. Homestead

 

[El_Citrus]

I really like that schedule, NYS. I'd like to see almost half of the Chase races be at night, with the variety you described, although I don't know about Bristol/Dega/M-ville since that's an awful lot like the regular season schedule. I'd have Bristol be about third, with Dega fifth or sixth. *Shrug* If only.

 

[Tex]

i work at many races. i worked new hampshire, all the daytona races, ive got talladega in few weeks, and then homestead later on too. i work for US Smokeless Tobacco. any of yall ever been in the Skoal tents? well ya i help run those haha. just thought id throw that out there. hell ive prob met some of yall before if yall have come in before.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

I really like that schedule, NYS. I'd like to see almost half of the Chase races be at night, with the variety you described, although I don't know about Bristol/Dega/M-ville since that's an awful lot like the regular season schedule. I'd have Bristol be about third, with Dega fifth or sixth. *Shrug* If only.

Kansas and California need to be one after the other. It makes the travel easier going to Kansas, then to California. They could go California then Kansas like they do to start the season(California to Las Vegas). Then you could have a grouping of east coast tracks.

i work at many races. i worked new hampshire, all the daytona races, ive got talladega in few weeks, and then homestead later on too. i work for US Smokeless Tobacco. any of yall ever been in the Skoal tents? well ya i help run those haha. just thought id throw that out there. hell ive prob met some of yall before if yall have come in before.

I haven't been to a race in 6 years(Dover). I've been meaning to get to Watkins Glen since it's less than 2 hours away. I've been to Martinsville, Bristol and Dover.

 

[El_Citrus]

Kansas and California need to be one after the other. It makes the travel easier going to Kansas, then to California. They could go California then Kansas like they do to start the season(California to Las Vegas). Then you could have a grouping of east coast tracks.

Very true. I just wouldn't like having short track races so close together.


This week at Lowe's, Johnson is SHOCKINGLY on the pole. I don't see much changing this week with Hendrick's dominance, but I can't choose between Johnson, Martin, and Gordon. We'll see how it plays out.


More random news from Jayski:

The innaugural class for the Nascar Hall of Fame has been announced: Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty, Junior Johnson, Bill France Sr. and Jr. These first few classes are going to be filled with big names since guys like Pearson, Roberts, and Allison didn't even make the list this year.

People aren't expecting Kevin Harvick to be with RCR after next season, especially after his prerace comments last week. I think DEI/Gannassi might try and sign him next year, or even Gibbs if he wants a fourth team.

The Nationwide COT Mustang was debuted a couple days ago. I think it looks good and will make racing safer in the series, at least. Hopefully the racing improves some, although the economy and monetarily struggling series has me worried about implementing a new car. Here's a link to the #16. http://www.jayski.com/schemes/2010/nationwide/16nationwide.htm

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Johnson should win tomorrows race baring a mechanical failure or wreck. He's basically dominated all the practice sessions.

They got the HoF class almost right. I thought David Pearson should have been the 5th selection.

Harvick has had good success with his own race team. I wouldn't be surprised to see him take it to cup or join Stewart/Hass racing. I doubt he would join with EGR. Remember, he called Teresa Earnhardt a deadbeat owner. There will be plenty of other rides for him to choose from.

The new Nationwide COT looks great. It will be good to see them get a safer car out there.

 

[El_Citrus]

I too think this is Johnson's race to lose right now, but as you said, a mechanical failure or wreck can change everything.

I too thought Pearson should have been in the inaugural class, with Bill France Jr on next year's, but we know he's getting in next year anyway.

I thought of Harvick joining Stewart/Haas, but I think Stewart will have better free agents to choose from next year than Harvick. Maybe RPM if Kahne leaves?

Random note: I'm liking the slightly tweaked paint scheme Dale Jr. will be running next year.

 

[Ace of Knaves]

Jenson Button F1 World Champion!! Yea lads, REAL racing

 

[BlackLantern]

so Bob Griese was suspended for 10 days due to his taco comment about Montoya

 

[El_Citrus]

He deserves his suspension, but at least he apolgized for it.

I was very impressed by Hamlin's win Sunday, especially since it's a home track to him, but Johnson again finishes second and has nearly locked up this Chase and his fourth Championship. For Martin, Stewart, or Gordon to have a chance, Johnson WILL have to wreck, and wreck early.

I don't think I can predict who will win this race at Dega. The best prediction I can make would be Stewart.

Random note: My name's on the front of Jr.'s car this week under the right headlight, even though the names are so tiny they'll never translate on camera. (Not a fan of Jr., but my brother told me to do it, and it's amusing).

 

[BlackLantern]

yes he deserved it, but **** no to apologizing

 

[NewYorkSpider]

I was very impressed by Hamlin's win Sunday, especially since it's a home track to him, but Johnson again finishes second and has nearly locked up this Chase and his fourth Championship. For Martin, Stewart, or Gordon to have a chance, Johnson WILL have to wreck, and wreck early.

Johnson will hang out in the back early. He did that last year.

I don't think I can predict who will win this race at Dega. The best prediction I can make would be Stewart.

The Gibbs cars have been pretty good on Super Speedways this season. I wouldn't be surprised to see Kyle Busch or Hamlin in victory lane. Watch out for David Ragan. He's my darkhorse.

Random note: My name's on the front of Jr.'s car this week under the right headlight, even though the names are so tiny they'll never translate on camera. (Not a fan of Jr., but my brother told me to do it, and it's amusing).

My name will be on there too. I'm on the left side of the car looking at it from the front. My name will be where it says "Dew".

 

[NewYorkSpider]

NASCAR made this one hell of a boring race. Congrats to McMurray on the win. And congrats to Jimmie Johnson on a 4th consecutive championship.

 

[El_Citrus]

I completely agree, NYS. It's sad when the only highlight is Newman's wreck, although the last 15-20 laps sounded great on the radio, but honestly, it's almost like they should just make these superspeedway races 50 laps.

Am I crazy for thinking Nascar should just mandate a smaller engine for Talladega/Daytona in order to lower the HP while getting rid of the restrictor plate?

I don't want to give up on Martin's dream season, but at this point, Johnson has this championship wrapped up barring the most significant meltdown in Nascar history.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

From all the interviews I've seen today, drivers weren't pleased with NASCAR's decison about bump drafting. Most of the drivers were afraid to do anything today. Having them riding around in a straight line like that wasn't racing. I understand Nascar's point of view about it, but you have to let these guys race. After Newman's wreck, he gave an interview and basically said "Nascar trusted drivers like Petty, Pearson and Yarborough(sp?), but they can't trust us". I've seen almost every restrictor plate race in the last 10 years. Drivers are always cautious in the beginning of the race. It's not like they want to wreck out 10 laps in.

Going to a smaller engine should be looked at. I doubt that it would happen though.

 

[El_Citrus]

They trusted guys like Petty and Pearson also because they didn't have to worry about them running in a pack of thirty cars side by side, nose to tail since there was no restrictor plate and the draft was a tool, not a neccessity, and throttle control was still a strategy at these tracks.

I really wish Nascar would mandate a smaller engine, since it would slow the cars, but allow the throttle control needed. Unless I'm missing something about how the 350 CC engines are CRUCIAL to these cars, a smaller overall engine should help solve Nascar's problem instead of adding a new rule year after year to Dega and Daytona. Restrictor plates, double yellow line, super-small fuel cells, limited bump drafting. They're treating the symptoms, not the disease.

 

[Alex The Great]

Ugh, that rule by nascar was baaad. These new cars can really handle Bump Drafting in the corners, you just have to do it right. You saw the race in April, cars were going nose to tail all the way around without getting loose. The wrecks all happened on the straights. So that rule was really useless, if anything, it made the race worse. I felt like cussing at the screen when I saw all the cars going single file. I know there trying to play it safe but come on, that rule made them cowards. And that's saying something considering it's Talladega.

But the racing was great at the end, 2 cars go airborn, fun stuff.

 

[TMC1982]

http://sportsmediawatch.blogspot.com/2009/10/nascar-ratings-hit-season-low.html

NASCAR's television ratings sank to its lowest ratings of the season last Sunday.

Sunday's Tums Fast Relief 500 drew a mere 2.9 rating and 4.7 million viewers on ABC, down 12% and 9%, respectively, from a 3.3 and 5.2 million last year, and the lowest rated, least-viewed NASCAR race of the season -- on broadcast or cable.

This marks the lowest rated NASCAR race on broadcast since at least '05, and one of the lowest (if not the lowest) rated NASCAR races on broadcast since '01.

Additionally, this is the lowest rated Tums Fast Relief 500 since the race moved to broadcast in '02. Ratings and viewership for the race have declined each year since 2005.

So far this season, 29 NASCAR races on FOX, TNT, ESPN and ABC have averaged a 4.1 rating and 6.7 million viewers, down 9% in ratings and viewership from a 4.5 and 7.3 million for the comparable races last year. That excludes the Coca Cola 600, Pennsylvania 500 and Heluva Good! at the Glen, each of which was postponed due to rain.

Of those 29 races, 23 have had a decline in ratings compared to last year.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

They trusted guys like Petty and Pearson also because they didn't have to worry about them running in a pack of thirty cars side by side, nose to tail since there was no restrictor plate and the draft was a tool, not a neccessity, and throttle control was still a strategy at these tracks.

I think what Newman was trying to say was that NASCAR didn't have to make up rules every single race when something went wrong. He's basically saying NASCAR needs to hold their hand during these races cause they don't trust them. Now NASCAR has another problem. Aggresive bump drafting down the straightaways. It caused two massive wrecks with 5 laps to go.

I really wish Nascar would mandate a smaller engine, since it would slow the cars, but allow the throttle control needed. Unless I'm missing something about how the 350 CC engines are CRUCIAL to these cars, a smaller overall engine should help solve Nascar's problem instead of adding a new rule year after year to Dega and Daytona. Restrictor plates, double yellow line, super-small fuel cells, limited bump drafting. They're treating the symptoms, not the disease.

I don't know too much about engines in NASCAR, but I was reading about the Camping World Trucks Series not using restrictor plates. They use a tampred carburetor spacer for those races. I'm not sure why the Sprint Cup Series couldn't do that. It would restrict the power for superspeedway races.

Ugh, that rule by nascar was baaad. These new cars can really handle Bump Drafting in the corners, you just have to do it right. You saw the race in April, cars were going nose to tail all the way around without getting loose. The wrecks all happened on the straights. So that rule was really useless, if anything, it made the race worse. I felt like cussing at the screen when I saw all the cars going single file. I know there trying to play it safe but come on, that rule made them cowards. And that's saying something considering it's Talladega.

The wreck in April was a result of miscommunication between the drivers. Kenseth tried to leave room on the bottom for Montoya. Kenseth then went up a little and got into Jeff Gordon, who didi't have any room to go up since Robby Gordon was there.

But the racing was great at the end, 2 cars go airborn, fun stuff.

I'm not sure why 2 cars going airborn is fun stuff. You and I had this disscusion before.

http://sportsmediawatch.blogspot.com/2009/10/nascar-ratings-hit-season-low.html

Ratings will continue to decline as long as Johnson as his huge point lead.

 

[El_Citrus]

I think what Newman was trying to say was that NASCAR didn't have to make up rules every single race when something went wrong. He's basically saying NASCAR needs to hold their hand during these races cause they don't trust them. Now NASCAR has another problem. Aggresive bump drafting down the straightaways. It caused two massive wrecks with 5 laps to go.

Yeah, I understand what Newman was trying to say, it's just that circumstances were a bit different back then to where Nascar didn't have to worry about cars banging each other's back bumper off all around the track. I wouldn't be surprised if "aggressive" bump drafting on the straightaways will be "monitered" at Daytona next year.

I don't know too much about engines in NASCAR, but I was reading about the Camping World Trucks Series not using restrictor plates. They use a tampred carburetor spacer for those races. I'm not sure why the Sprint Cup Series couldn't do that. It would restrict the power for superspeedway races.

I think the spacers limit HP, but not as much as the restrictor plate does, hence why the Nationwide Series still uses the plates. The trucks are basically boxes on wheels, so the huge hole they punch in the air is what helps slow them down more than the other series. I COULD see Nascar implimenting a tapered spacer IF they mandated a smaller engine, but of course, that won't happen anytime soon. The smaller engine could be more of a complication as far as figuring out gear ratios and the cost of building/tuning the engines, plus pssibly modifying the engine compartment in order to hold the smaller engine, but it would be a much better solution than what they're doing right now. [/minirant]

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Yeah, I understand what Newman was trying to say, it's just that circumstances were a bit different back then to where Nascar didn't have to worry about cars banging each other's back bumper off all around the track. I wouldn't be surprised if "aggressive" bump drafting on the straightaways will be "monitered" at Daytona next year.

I'm sure NASCAR is going to look into something. Drivers and fans are frustrated with what they saw yesterday. Jimmie Johnson wants to lower the banking in the corners so you use the breaks. Jimmie has an excellent point here, but the fans aren't going to like it.

I think the spacers limit HP, but not as much as the restrictor plate does, hence why the Nationwide Series still uses the plates. The trucks are basically boxes on wheels, so the huge hole they punch in the air is what helps slow them down more than the other series. I COULD see Nascar implimenting a tapered spacer IF they mandated a smaller engine, but of course, that won't happen anytime soon. The smaller engine could be more of a complication as far as figuring out gear ratios and the cost of building/tuning the engines, plus pssibly modifying the engine compartment in order to hold the smaller engine, but it would be a much better solution than what they're doing right now. [/minirant]

The Nationwide Series uses restrictor plates and the spacer. That's why they don't go as fast as the Sprint Cup Series. I haven't seen too many of those cars get airborn. Kenseth's wreck in Talladega was a result of getting turned sideways too quickly and not air getting under the car. The rear wing on the Sprint Cup car needs to be looked at too. It's acting as a lifter when the car gets turned around backwards. That's why Edwards' and Newman's car went airborn.

 

[El_Citrus]

The Nationwide Series uses restrictor plates and the spacer. That's why they don't go as fast as the Sprint Cup Series. I haven't seen too many of those cars get airborn. Kenseth's wreck in Talladega was a result of getting turned sideways too quickly and not air getting under the car. The rear wing on the Sprint Cup car needs to be looked at too. It's acting as a lifter when the car gets turned around backwards. That's why Edwards' and Newman's car went airborn.

Yeah, I meant to mention that the Nationwide cars use both the spacer and the plate; damn grammar. I DO think that the wing needs to be looked at. There are rumors that the COT could be modified this offseason. I'd like to see the front of the car become flatter and do away with the splitter, or at least those easily breakable attachments, along with a modification to the wing to potentially help keep the cars on the ground.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

The fact that Robin Pemberton compared NASCAR to a marathon race has to be a joke.

He also said that this was no different from other Talladega races. Was he even watching the race?

Sunday's race had 58 passes for the lead among 25 drivers within the shifting parallel lines of cars.

And most of these happened when the cars made green flag pit stops.