NASCAR Thread.

[TS]

On the Nopi show on Speedchannel, they said his name was Chris Cook. I don't know, never heard of him.

Me either.

 

[WallRunner]

All I can find...

http://www.nascar.com/drivers/dps/ccook00/cup/index.html

From,
Chris.

 

[CAMikaze]

Say guys, what was your favorite NASCAR Road Course Race? I don't exactly have a favorite, but I'm curious to know what you guys think.

It's a toss-up between Infineon and The Glen for me.

 

[kart racer]

The Glen for the big boys,loved the race at Montreal and hope they add it to the Nextel season.(not a chance)

 

[GT4 defistation]

I hope they add Mexico City to the Nextel(soon to be Sprint) Cup Schedule. Also Montreal like kart racer said.

 

[JohnBM01]

I'm just curious... define "gold old boy" when it comes to NASCAR. Some of you talked about that when it comes to open-wheel stars racing in NASCAR. So define "good old boy" in this respect.

 

[TS]

I define it as a guy from the south racing in NASCAR who likes to drink beer, race (duh), fish/hunt, and enjoys a good 'pissing' contest of sorts.

 

[RACECAR]

I usually have thought of "Good Old Boys" as Guys from the South who think they or anything american is superior over anything non-american and don't like when people of other races come over on their soil. At least thats the attitude I've seen towards the mostly foreign open-wheel drivers coming to NASCAR as well as Toyota's full time cup/busch program and JGR's switch to Toyota for '08.

 

[WallRunner]

My Dad.

(He dislikes toyota, is okay with the foreign guys, doesn't drink much beer, but has southern views)

From,
Chris.

 

[RACECAR]

Before we kick the year off for the 2008 Nascar season, I have something thats been bothering me for a while and I would like to get off my chest:

What is it with some of you people and you unreasonable dislike towards NASCAR? The only excuses I seem to see is that either its because they are "turn left all day" or "its for rednecks" or "For those of you that watch real motorsports and not Nascar" or "it doens't require skill". Apparently, Indy cars turning left all day is exciting, but not stock cars? Obviously a sport where foreign drivers and americans from places other then the south is for rednecks? A sport that features Short tracks, Mile and a halves, Intermiates, superspeedways and road courses that Purpose built race cars compete on isn't a motorsport? So trying to nevagate a track while inches off someone else's bumper without wrecking yourself doesn't require skill? And even more annoying is the fact that you guys even have the most pathetic nerve to post this in a thread about the sport you don't like. What point is there to post your "Nascrap" BS in a NASCAR oriented forum? I'm gonna clear this up:

1. Nascar IS a Motorsport. Any sport that has vehicles production based or exotic, Purpose built for racing of modified for racing is considered Motorsports so don't make that childish excuse.

2. Do you people even look at Nascar? You must not to make the stupid assumption that they only turnleft if you don't see that Indy cars also turn left and that Nascar has Road courses not just speedways. And don't give me that crap that they only have two road courses as the cup series isn't the only Nascar series around. Does the road races at Mexico city and Montreal ring a bell? I'll bet that you guys didn't even know about Lime Rock Park and The California Roval either.

3. I would really love to see you guys drive these cars before making the rather foul assumption that this isn't a motorsport and it doesn't require skill. Racing at high speed no matter what car your driving takes skill. Driving itself takes skill therefore anything sport where you do something dangerous like this takes alot more skill then you can imagine.

You don't like Nascar, it simple then: Don't Post!
Your unreasonable dislike isn't welcome here so take it elsewhere.


With that said, Lets begin!

 

[TS]

Pre-season testing from Daytona starts Monday!

 

[01GTP]

Say guys, what was your favorite NASCAR Road Course Race? I don't exactly have a favorite, but I'm curious to know what you guys think.

I seem to remember some thing about a race where the 24 car limped across the finish line or was pushed off track by Harvick on the last corner. I think that was at the Glen a couple of years ago. That would be my favorite race.
No offense to the Gordon fans. Just noticed this thread today and will be back in the future for sure. And I agree with post #490.

 

[Earth]

A little something to get ready for the season that starts in 1 month

Crank It Up

 

[TS]

What do you guys take of all the Toyota's being very fast in Daytona testing? Do you think they'll be competitive this year? If so, how competitive? (winning races, making the chase, etc.)

 

[TwinTurbos94]

Now that JGR has turned Toyota, they are going to be heavily competitive.

 

[RACECAR]

A little something to get ready for the season that starts in 1 month

Crank It Up

Awesome. I can't wait.

What do you guys take of all the Toyota's being very fast in Daytona testing? Do you think they'll be competitive this year? If so, how competitive? (winning races, making the chase, etc.)

I think its a huge step forward for them. We kind of got a taste of their potential at Talladega last year and I think it'll be good with JGR now onboard and making the chase should be by a huge margin easier.

 

[01GTP]

A little something to get ready for the season that starts in 1 month . Crank It Up

Thanks, I needed that.

 

[WallRunner]

A little something to get ready for the season that starts in 1 month

Crank It Up

Funny thing is, that sounds almost nothing like the cars really do sound like there, it's a sound that can only be described by hearing it live, extremely loud and eardrum-piercing with every drop of every piston...

Does anyone think I should go ahead and make a 2008 thread and have this one closed, or just keep it here?

From,
Chris.

 

[somebody]

As there are less than 500 posts in this thread I wouldn't worry about starting a new thread.

 

[TwinTurbos94]

now there's 500!


I can't wait for the new year to start!

 

[WallRunner]

now there's 500!


I can't wait for the new year to start!

That was the 500th reply, this is the 500th post

From,
Chris.

 

[RACECAR]

Some interesting stuff I found. First is something from Brian France:

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said Monday that the sanctioning body’s theme for 2008 will be “back to basics,” with minimal changes and disruptions to the sport long-time fans know.
France, who launched a bold series of initiatives when he took over the reins of the organization in 2003, said Monday that he plans to stay the course this year.
“I think what I hope you'll take out of today is we're getting back to the basics,” France said on the opening day of the annual Sprint Media Tour presented by Lowe’s. “We're going to try to minimize the change going forward as best we can and focus on what we've always focused on, which is the best product in the world.”
Among the myriad changes ushered in during France’s regime have been two changes to the point system, two name changes for NASCAR's top division, one name change for its AAA division and another pending in 2009 for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Then there’s the addition of Toyota and an influx of open-wheel drivers while Southern drivers are dwindling rapidly.
Those changes and the perception that the sport was moving away from its roots had left many longtime fans disillusioned, which was reflected in struggling TV ratings and disappointing attendance at some tracks last season. France was adamant Monday that NASCAR had gotten the message.
“Our sport is strong. We're determined to make it stronger and maintain the intense commitment of our generations of loyal fans,” France said. “We'll continue to grow and evolve. We'll always be mindful of our past. And at last month's season-ending awards ceremony in New York, our guest speaker Tom Brokaw called NASCAR the greatest American sport. That was one hell of a compliment. Of course, I agree with Tom.”
In stark contrast to recent years, when France’s annual Media Tour address would focus on the future, this time he concentrated much more in the past, singling out Martinsville Speedway, Darlington Raceway and Richmond International Raceway, three of the oldest tracks in NASCAR.
“Right from the start, my grandfather, Big Bill, and my father Bill Jr. had a vision for this sport,” said France. “It was an ambitious and forward-thinking vision. Both of them had fundamental principles they relied on to run NASCAR. One of those principles was improve the sport and build the fan base all across America. And we're proud of that and we're proud of our growth. We certainly are proud we've been able to attract new fans virtually every year NASCAR has been in existence. But we're also proud of those fans who have been with us for many decades.”

Then some very interesting words from Felix Sabates:

Felix Sabates, the always colorful and outspoken co-owner of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, said Monday that he’s not worried about the long-term commitment of Chrysler LLC to NASCAR Sprint Cup racing through its Dodge brand. But he is concerned about the cost of racing and how much it might escalate now that Toyota is a player in NASCAR’s top division.
Chrysler, which went private in 2007 after a split with former parent company DamlerChrysler, has undergone a massive program of cost-cutting. Last February, the automaker announced it was eliminating 11,000 jobs and two months ago, Chrysler said it would cut an additional 8,500 to 10,000 hourly workers. Also slated to be axed are 4,000 salaried and contract jobs.
Whether or not Chrysler will even survive as an independent automaker is a hotly debated topic in financial circles these days. “It will take a radical change in Chrysler’s business model to make it successful,” analyst John Casesa told the New York Times last week. “This company is too small and too limited in resources to be a competitive automobile producer, especially in a world that wants cleaner and more efficient cars.”
Corporate pressures aside, Sabates said he’s satisfied with the support his Dodge team gets from Chrysler. “I know a little bit about what some of the other teams get (in support from their manufacturers),” Sabates said. “Dodge is pretty competitive. Their CEO (Bob Nardelli) is from Home Depot and as long as they’re healthy, they are going to be in the sport.”
As for Toyota, Sabates admitted he is concerned. After struggling to even make races in their debut Cup season of 2007, Toyota sent shock waves through the garage by luring away Joe Gibbs Racing from the Chevrolet camp for a multi-year deal. In the process, Toyota inked JGR’s satellite team, Hall of Fame Racing, as well.
So instead of having seven cars, only one of which was in the top 35 in owner points and therefore locked into races, Toyota will begin 2008 with 11 cars – more than one-fourth of the field – and five teams locked into the top 35. Many expect that balance of power in the Sprint Cup series will shift accordingly.
“They had lousy teams overall, but if Toyota had great teams like at Gibbs, look out,” Sabates said. “Because they are going to kick a lot of butts this year. Because knowing that when Japanese decide they are going to do something – that’s what I did all my life, I dealt with the overseas markets – once a Japanese company like Toyota, which is a great company, decides they are going to be a predominant force, whatever money they’ve got to spend, they are going to spend and they’ll do it with reckless abandon until they win.”
That does not sit with Sabates. “I’m afraid of them. If they had Gibbs and Hendrick, they’d be undefeated. They’d win all 36 races.”
Sabates’ partner, Chip Ganassi, said he’s not ready to concede anything to Toyota just yet. “They’ve got to run the races yet, you know what I mean? A lot can happen,” Ganassi said. “Now, granted, I think they’re going to do better this year. They better be because they made a big effort to move up their teams and everything and they’ve done that. As a group, anyone who thinks Toyota isn’t going to do better than last year is sadly mistaken, but I don’t think we’re giving them the Sprint Cup yet.”

 

[01GTP]

I have to agree with Mr. Sabates that the Toyota camp should do better with JGR. What can you expect from a new auto maker with new teams in NASCAR. The biggest hurdle is almost over with the provisional deal. New teams, no provisionals. Hence the need for championship drivers. This year may be different, not that the out of top 35 are qualifying together, but at the end of the session. It is usually the late runners that are the fastest on most days, obviously depending on conditions. I hope no one wins more than 3 races this year as a driver. And with less changes this year the Hedricks cars will most likely be even better as they seemed to be years ahead already with the COTaday.

 

[RACECAR]

I have to agree with Mr. Sabates that the Toyota camp should do better with JGR. What can you expect from a new auto maker with new teams in NASCAR. The biggest hurdle is almost over with the provisional deal. New teams, no provisionals. Hence the need for championship drivers. This year may be different, not that the out of top 35 are qualifying together, but at the end of the session. It is usually the late runners that are the fastest on most days, obviously depending on conditions. I hope no one wins more than 3 races this year as a driver. And with less changes this year the Hedricks cars will most likely be even better as they seemed to be years ahead already with the COTaday.

OH I agree about Toyota's strenth now that they are with JGR, but I found it interesting that he said he was afraid of them. You don't hear that very often from anyone.

 

[TS]

But he is concerned about the cost of racing and how much it might escalate now that Toyota is a player in NASCAR’s top division.

Quoted for truth.

As the legendrary pro wrestler Ric Flair has said, "In order to be the man, you gotta beat the man."

Right now Hendrick Motorsports is the man, and Toyota Racing Development wants to be the man. And the only way they know how to beat the man is by spending money. Lots of it. I just hope it doesn't get to be like F1 (no disrespect) where you're nothing unless if you have billions of dollars (not millions).

 

[TS]

For those of you that thought Rusty Wallace did a bad job calling the races for ESPN last year, there's good news for you. (sort of)

Former Cup champion Dale Jarrett will replace Rusty Wallace in the booth this season for ESPN's NASCAR coverage, and Wallace will become the lead analyst for the network's studio programs.

Jarrett, who won the Cup title in 1999, will compete in the first five races this season before retiring. It will be a high school reunion of sorts in the booth, with Jarrett, lead announcer Dr. Jerry Punch and Andy Petree -- all of whom attended Newton-Conover High School in North Carolina -- calling the races.

Jarrett was a booth analyst for 10 Nationwide Series ESPN race telecasts last year and worked several Sprint Cup races as a guest analyst on NASCAR Countdown, the program that precedes all NASCAR telecasts.

Wallace, the 1989 Cup champion, will be the analyst for an enhanced NASCAR Countdown. He also will appear on NASCAR Now, ESPN's daily NASCAR news and information show, and will call several race telecasts in place of Jarrett. Wallace, who retired from racing in 2005, was an analyst for ESPN's IndyCar Series coverage in 2006, and moved into the NASCAR booth last season.

"We were pleased to have Dale with us in a limited role last year and look forward to his participation on a regular basis," said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, studio and event production. "Rusty's enthusiasm, team spirit and knowledge make him an invaluable contributor to our coverage. These champion drivers in their new roles add tremendously to ESPN's championship team for our second year back in NASCAR."

Jarrett is not the first in his family to go into announcing after racing. His father, Ned, was a two-time Cup champion was part of ESPN's crew from 1988 to 2000 and became one of the most respected analysts in NASCAR. He offered his son advice when he began dabbling in the booth last season.

"He told me to relax and just talk like I do," Dale Jarrett said last summer. "I think that's the thing I always loved about my dad, he never tried to be somebody that he wasn't. And I can't be somebody else if I tried. So he just told me to relax and have fun with it."

In other moves, Allen Bestwick will host NASCAR Countdown, joining Wallace and analyst Brad Daugherty on the pre-race program.

Nicole Manske has been hired to host NASCAR Now, which returns to the air Feb. 4 on ESPN2, and will share the job with Bestwick and Ryan Burr.

In addition, Shannon Spake was promoted to full-time pit reporter to replace Bestwick. She'll be joined on pit road by returnees Dave Burns, Jamie Little and Mike Massaro.

ESPN will cover all 35 Nationwide Series races this season and the final 17 Sprint Cup races of the season.

Interesting that Punch, Petree and Jarrett all went to the same high school.

 

[toyota_gt1]

My god, ESPN's got almost half of the cup races! What a nightmare even with Jarrett in there.

 

[RACECAR]

Thank Goodness rusty won't be in the booth, but Not Jerry Punch again! Good grief, ESPN! And even worse is that I'm going to be watching five series with him commentating


Random Thought: Is it Just me or is it becoming a fad to hate any driver that either drives aggressive and/or does something that resembles Dale Sr and hate any Nextel Cup champion or any new driver for that matter, that does not reside from the southern states?

 

[01GTP]

Random Thought: Is it Just me or is it becoming a fad to hate any driver that either drives aggressive and/or does something that resembles Dale Sr and hate any Nextel Cup champion or any new driver for that matter, that does not reside from the southern states?

I can only complain about Robby Gordon. He seems to always be too aggressive at the wrong times. Most other drivers can be aggressive without turning the guy in front of them. Besides that I'm cool with most of what goes on.

 

[GilesGuthrie]

Random Thought: Is it Just me or is it becoming a fad to hate any driver that either drives aggressive and/or does something that resembles Dale Sr and hate any Nextel Cup champion or any new driver for that matter, that does not reside from the southern states?

I don't know if it's a new thing, but NASCAR has a reputation for being a bit rough & wild with the body contact, but then there's a lot of whingeing about it afterward. Either biff & take being biffed or drive clean guys. Strikes me that given the nature of the cars, acknowledged physicality is probably the better bet.