NASCAR Thread.

[RACECAR]

Sadly, this (along with Watkins Glen) are the most exciting Cup races I look forward since its always unpredictable. I wathed every practice session, Qualifying and damn near all the race(had to miss some for GP2 race earlier and to check the AC). I'm impressed at how the filed handled themselves in the first two turns every restart, Excellent:tup: I applaude everyone for making it through without throwing someone in the kitty litter as I was worried they were gonna do that with the new Double File Restarts.

 

[Ian Poole]

Montoya is 12th now, in the chase

I thought he was eleventh

Congrats to Kasey, means I don't have to buy Earth a beer

 

[CodeRedR51]

From one of NASCAR's best courses they race on... to one of the most boring tracks on the calendar. The left-and-right boys will now return left by going right to New Hampshire International Speedway.

Agreed. New Hampshire is pretty boring. I have plans this weekend, so I will probably miss it and it won't be that big a deal. I'll just watch the highlight shows on sunday night.

 

[TS]

I wish people would get off Dale Jr's back. He's having a tough season. And no, he is not a bad driver. For whatever reason he is struggling, but it's not talent. Let's not forget all the success and wins he had with DEI

He had a good run today before someone spun him out

He'll pick it up, just needs to correct whatever is wrong

The pressure that the fans put on him to win with Hendrick is probably getting to him, other than the crew chief swap the team is exactly the same as last year, when he was 2nd or 3rd in points and looked like a contender for the championship.

 

[TS]

Well it looks like RPM will be switching manufacturers after all.

Sirius Speedway has learned that Richard Petty Motorsports will begin fielding Toyotas for driver #9-Kasey Kahne in mid-August, with at least part of the team remaining in Dodge livery for the time being. Published reports this week claimed the team will begin fielding Toyotas for Kahne at Chicagoland Speedway on July 11, but an RPM source speaking on the condition of anonymity tells Sirius Speedway that the change will not happen until team officials are able to hammer out a financial settlement with their current manufacturer. “Dodge owes the team a ton of money, and they’re trying to negotiate some kind of settlement right now,” said one source. “Until that’s done, the team cannot make a move. Once the settlement is signed, you’ll see Kasey Kahne in a Toyota.” RPM’s familiar #43 – driven by Reed Sorenson – will remain in Dodge livery for the foreseeable future. A decision on future manufacturer affiliations for the #19 and #44 cars -- driven by Elliott Sadler and AJ Allmendinger – is pending.

 

[RACECAR]

Can't say I didn't see that coming.

 

[CAMikaze]

From one of NASCAR's best courses they race on... to one of the most boring tracks on the calendar. The left-and-right boys will now return left by going right to New Hampshire International Speedway.

If it's still there, you think they should ask to change the race at NHIS to the road course configuration?

 

[JohnBM01]

Hell, if possible, they should run at Lime Rock Park. Hey, it's a short track (my idea of a short track, anyways). Because what the heck else interesting of a race track is there in the American Northeast? NASCAR (then) Busch raced there once. They could expand the pits to have 43 cars. It's Martinsville with a twist... MANY twists!

I've only seen the NHIS road course once featuring AMA Superbike back in 1999 or so. I'm not really sure that would be possible for NASCAR. Still, Loudon is boring. Yet the same people call Pocono boring. Maybe it is, but at least Pocono is a different kind of oval.

 

[RACECAR]

Hell, if possible, they should run at Lime Rock Park. Hey, it's a short track (my idea of a short track, anyways). Because what the heck else interesting of a race track is there in the American Northeast? NASCAR (then) Busch raced there once. They could expand the pits to have 43 cars. It's Martinsville with a twist... MANY twists!

Interestingly enough, the Camping World East Series still races there.

 

[Studentdriver]

If I had to pick another road course for the series, I think I would go with Mid-Ohio. It's a good length, has alot of variety in its corners, and is fairly isolated in relation to other Sprint Cup tracks.

 

[mwoodski]

Road America.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Road America.

Laguna Seca.

 

[TS]

I hate to break up the talks of road courses, but I found a pretty interesting article about Brad keselowski's future in Sprint Cup, as well as rumors regarding Earnhardt/Ganassi Racing:

So we're all on Brad Keselowski watch from now until he reveals his plans for 2010. Until then the question remains which "Inn" will bossman Rick Hendrick ultimately find room for Special K to race in the Sprint Cup Series?

Behind Door 1 — Stewart-Haas Racing: Tony Stewart has changed his tune since Richmond, but why screw up a good thing at SHR?

Behind Door 2 — Phoenix Racing: With Hendrick equipment, James Finch has already proved he can put Keselowski in Victory Lane.

Behind Door 3 — JR Motorsports: Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been apprehensive about expanding to Sprint Cup, but without factory support for the Nationwide Series now might be the time.

Kelley Earnhardt, president of JRM, said the company is "currently searching for partners to sponsor" the two existing Nationwide teams. Earnhardt added that if a Cup team was to operate out of JRM it is her "understanding of the rules that Rick could not own any more Cup teams," so the venture would have to be solely owned by Dale Jr.

But Earnhardt did not deny an interest in continuing the company's relationship with Keselowski, who is currently third in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

"If there is an opportunity to run Brad Keselowski in the Cup Series, that is something we want to seriously consider at JRM," Earnhardt said. "Obviously, that takes sponsor dollars as well as the need to structure our organization to perform at the Cup level.

"If we do move to the Cup series with Brad, we would also continue to field a full-time Nationwide program. Hopefully, we will know the direction in the next month or so."

Overheard in the garage

Once Martin Truex Jr. announces that he's driving for Michael Waltrip Racing next month, where does that leave Earnhardt Ganassi Racing? With Juan Pablo Montoya — most likely the latest newcomer to the Chase.

But after GM dramatically reduced its assistance to EGR last week, is now the time that Chip Ganassi bolts to Toyota? One hot rumor swirling around the garage was a partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing to run Montoya in a fourth car similar to the situation that Marcos Ambrose has with MWR.

On Sunday, JGR president J.D. Gibbs said, "No, no, no...," but my guess is his bottom line could say "yes".

Watercooler talk

# Does anyone find it curious that after Dodge cut funding from Richard Petty Motorsports and dumped the majority of their resources into Penske Racing that it was Kasey Kahne in Victory Lane and his teammates AJ Allmendinger and Eliiott Sadler finishing seventh and 10th, respectively?

 

[Northstar]

Who calls Keselowski Special K?
1)SHR-Seems to be the best fit assuming they can get sponsorship wrapped up for the 39 and Keselowski.
2)Phoenix-Not really sure how they would do, Talladega was more "Right place at the right time"(as it normally is) than actually winning.
3)Kind of the same boat as SHR, might take loger for success though.

I think a 4th option could be added as well.
4)Red Bull-There are rumors they could switch to Chevrolet with Hendrick backing. He could replace Speed or they could form a 3rd team.

Also I think some teams are jumping ship too soon as it seems Toyota is starting to do the same thing(they will be cutting Truck and Nationwide support).

 

[Ian Poole]

If I had to pick another road course for the series, I think I would go with Mid-Ohio

Good choice, plenty of long straights, plenty of twists and elevation changes

What about Road Atlanta as a shout? Most of the NASCAR teams road course test there, Hendrick and RCR are the main ones so it would seem like a good choice

 

[Clark]

I'd love to see them at Sebring...

 

[TS]

NASCAR announced the addition of “Double-File Restarts – Shootout Style” throughout each race for the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Beginning next weekend at Daytona International Speedway, the first- and second-place cars will line up side-by-side as the green flag is displayed for each restart.
The NASCAR Nationwide Series will use the same double-file restart format as NASCAR Sprint Cup. The race leader will have the option to restart on the inside or outside lane. The second-place car then restarts next to the leader. Regardless of the leader’s starting position, cars in odd-number positions (3rd, 5th, 7th places, etc.) will restart on the inside lane, while those in even-number positions (4th, 6th, 8th places, etc.) will restart on the outside. All restarts will use the same format regardless of the number of laps remaining in the race.
\ The first-place car will continue to control the timing of restarts in a designated zone on the track, while the rest of the cars are to stay in line until they reach the start/finish line. The first eligible car a lap or more down will continue to earn one lap back following a caution, which is known as the “free pass.” Also, the “free pass” will remain in effect the entire race instead of being eliminated with 10 or fewer laps to go in the event.
Lapped cars choosing to remain on the track will be “waved around” the caution car and will restart the race in respective track position, thereby picking up a lap on the leader, provided the leader also pits. This will also remove lapped cars from behind the pace car, allowing the leaders to take the green without interference.(NASCAR PR)(6-26-2009)

The NNS race at Daytona just got more interesting!

 

[RACECAR]

Finally. Its only only a matter of time before the Trucks get it and even better is they'll also have the regular pit road rules back once they do.

 

[Northstar]

Speaking of the truck series.

The future of NASCAR's Truck tour in doubt? Promoter Bruton Smith and NASCAR president Mike Helton are reported to be meeting Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway over the uncertain future of NASCAR's Truck series, with increasing speculation that the tour – 25 races this season, on 16 Sprint Cup tour tracks and seven other tracks – will be severely cut next season. Indeed even the survival of the Truck series, which was created in 1995 by the late Bill France Jr. as a budget-priced 'proving ground' for new car owners, new sponsors and new drivers, has been questioned. General Motors, Ford and Dodge have all withdrawn financial support of the Truck tour and the Nationwide tour, leaving only Toyota officially involved. Toyota officials have reportedly decided to drop their financial support too, though Toyota racing boss Lee White insists no decision has been made. One suggestion to help save the Truck series has been for the four NASCAR car makers to work together to design an inexpensive 'spec' Truck engine, to cut costs. Another suggestion has been a 'common' engine for all three NASCAR touring series.

 

[TS]

The problem with the Truck series is that it no longer showcases what it was intended to do (according to the above article), instead of it being sort of a "feeder" series like the nationwide series, it has instead become a place where older drivers who don't want to race 36 times per year go and dominate.

 

[LancerEvo7]

That wreck was Kyle Busch's fault. He could have lifted and not hit Truex. Now 5+ cars are wrecked. The commentators were fast to take blame off him though.

 

[TS]

that wreck was kyle busch's fault. He could have lifted and not hit truex. Now 5+ cars are wrecked. The commentators were fast to take blame off him though.

+1

 

[JohnBM01]

"The best thing since sliced bread" won at NASCAR's most boring course. Congratulations to Joey Lagano.

 

[Earth]

Its a shame to see races stolen by rain, but its something we have to deal with, too bad its happened 3 times already this year

 

[TS]

"The best thing since sliced bread" won at NASCAR's most boring course. Congratulations to Joey Lagano.

Boring?

NO disrespect John, but if you thought today's race was boring, there's something wrong with you.

Its a shame to see races stolen by rain, but its something we have to deal with, too bad its happened 3 times already this year

A win is a win, be it by having the fastest car or by strategy and luck.

In the end, Logano gets the trophy, the money, his name in the books and the glory of being the only teenager to win a cup race.

 

[Northstar]

A lot of first time winners this year.
00-David Reutimann
09-Brad Keselowski
20-Joey Logano

Funny thing though is that you could argue that none were legitimate wins, two were by rain and one was at Talladega where it is mostly about being in the right place at the end.

Tony Stewart also got a first win as an owner and over all for SHR.

 

[Magnethead794]

here's what i'm hearing from the news stream..one of my co-workers from racing for the win is buddies with sone of the SPEED gang...

Truex and Keselowski are the 2 hot seats right now. Wherever truex goes, bass pro is apparently under contract with TRUEX, NOT the team, so they go with him. Keselowski has squat for money- godaddy doesn't have the money (their CS is in america...not asia). And right now, money talks, so truex is the better deal.

There's 2 things going right now-

Truex takes bass pro to SHR and keselowski sticks with JRM and moves to cup as a satelite team with partial funding between godaddy and wrangler jeans.

Also, there's an odd man out at rousch, if nascar holds the team cap firm..so J-Mac may be without a ride unless rousch pays yates to field one car. Or they could pick up the truex option, putting keselowski at SHR. And Childress has said that he's considering closing down one of the teams because he doesn't have the pocket money since chevy isn't there. So Mears might be back on the round table.

And remember, the 39 is only funded through richmond. Anytime it says haas on the car, tony's spending that much more of his personal money.

 

[JohnBM01]

I didn't say the race was boring (all I've seen were highlights); I was talking about the New Hampshire International Speedway. Speaking of tracks, Daytona is next. A special Independence Day race under the lights- the Coke Zero 400.

 

[RACECAR]

That wreck was Kyle Busch's fault. He could have lifted and not hit Truex. Now 5+ cars are wrecked. The commentators were fast to take blame off him though.

While I partially agree with that, I also partially disagree. He could let off, but at the close proximity the field was at, Kyle would have gotten rear ended by someone else and a Pile-up would have happened still. If anything, a wreck would have happened either way so really he's damned that didn't and would have be damned if he did. I do agree the commentators suck up to him too much, even worse then the ESPN guys do.

here's what i'm hearing from the news stream..one of my co-workers from racing for the win is buddies with sone of the SPEED gang...

Truex and Keselowski are the 2 hot seats right now. Wherever truex goes, bass pro is apparently under contract with TRUEX, NOT the team, so they go with him. Keselowski has squat for money- godaddy doesn't have the money (their CS is in america...not asia). And right now, money talks, so truex is the better deal.

There's 2 things going right now-

Truex takes bass pro to SHR and keselowski sticks with JRM and moves to cup as a satelite team with partial funding between godaddy and wrangler jeans.

I don't think Truex is going to SHR, something strongly tells me he is going to MWR and when that happens, Keseloski would go to SHR.


Also, two questions for you guys:

Ganassi to Toyota?

Do you guys think once EGR folds (which will happen now that Truex is gone along with Bass Pro Shops) that Ganassi will go to Toyota? I think with the relationship going back to the Champ car days as well as their 6 year campaign in The Rolex Sports Car Series with the Lexus Brand, its bound to happen.

When will DEI fold?

When do you guys think DEI will fold? In my honest opinion, I feel they have no hope of surviving beyond 2009 now that Truex is gone. I also feel Almirola won't bring any sponsors to the company and knowing Teresa, she won't care.


And wow, Kyle does something I would have never imagined him doing:

"I've got to apologize to all the guys who got tore up in that melee there, It wasn't meant to happen like that. From my vantage point, the 88 [car of Earnhardt] spun his tires, and I shot for the middle. The middle closed up when the 42 [car of Juan Montoya] came down a little bit, and I pinched myself with the 1 [car of Truex]. I just barely tapped him in the right rear and sent him sideways and spinning down the frontstretch. I hate it for those guys. I don't know if they're in a Chase berth or not, but I hate it for Martin and Jeff Burton and the rest of the guys who got tore up there. My fault on that deal."

I've been very annoyed by Kyle's personality last year and this year, but I actually applaud him doing this as he finally has taken the initiative to take responsibility.

 

[Magnethead794]

Jr also said on the radio that it was his fault for blowing the tires off.

Ganassi to Toyota? Yes. Now if we get the Lexus ES350 or what have you in Cup in a year or two...hmmm.


DEI folding? It's tried to fold twice, but the third time will not be the charm. Junior leaves while Truex and Aric save the day, then ganassi pitches in, but nobody will save it the third time.
Also, rumor mill is that Kasey Kahne may be abandoning ship, but i don't see it happening myself.