NASCAR Thread.

[RACECAR]

Suddenly, Stewart-Haas is the new powerhouse in Nascar. I wouldn't be one bit surprised if Harvick went over there. He would definately have a much better package then he has right now with RCR. However, I'd rather Danica stay in Indycar as she finally has developed some consistantcy to win her a championship the way she has performed and if she were to sign with a team like Ganassi, it'll only get better.

 

[SR-71_Blackbird]

Tony and Harvick are great buddies, so I wouldnt doubt he goes into Hoosier Haas Racing. Danica also has the choice to run for USF1, which may not pay as much but will for sure elevate her in international motorsports more than indi and nascar.

 

[TS]

I think Harvick is just threatening to leave just to see if RCR starts to pick up performance, really not the best way motivate the team when they're thinking that they may be working with a new driver in the future.

 

[Northstar]

Suddenly, Stewart-Haas is the new powerhouse in Nascar. I wouldn't be one bit surprised if Harvick went over there. He would definately have a much better package then he has right now with RCR. However, I'd rather Danica stay in Indycar as she finally has developed some consistantcy to win her a championship the way she has performed and if she were to sign with a team like Ganassi, it'll only get better.

I think they are the powerhouse since they are essentially Hendrick's 5th and 6th cars. However I don't see them starting a 3rd team until they get the 39 fully sponsored.

I also agree about Danica, I don't think she would want a "what if" in her career.

Also, anyone find it odd that the top 2 teams in the IRL can't even compete in NASCAR.

Edit to avoid double post:
Just saw this on Jayski.

NASCAR: Mayfield again tests positive for meth: NASCAR says Jeremy Mayfield has again tested positive for methamphetamine and wants the federal judge who lifted the driver's drug suspension to reinstate the ban. The positive result from a July 6 random test was included in a U.S. District Court filing Wednesday. The filing includes an affidavit from Mayfield's stepmother, who claims she personally witnessed the driver using methamphetamine at least 30 times over seven years. NASCAR says in its filings that the "A" sample had levels of methamphetamine consistent with habitual users who consume high doses. The filing also claims Mayfield and his attorneys have failed to select a qualified laboratory to test the backup "B" sample.(Associated Press)
AND The general manager of Jeremy Mayfield's race team says he has left the organization because he doesn't believe Mayfield Motorsports will return to the race track. Bobby Wooten says he was the last remaining employee. The team was started this season, and Mayfield said in court documents he had to lay off 10 employees since NASCAR suspended him in May for failing a random drug test. A federal judge has lifted that suspension, but Mayfield did not bring the #41 Toyota to the track in the two races since he was reinstated. Wooten says he does not believe Mayfield has any interest in resurrecting the team.(Associated Press)(7-15-2009) Comment here

I really have to question the judge that overturned his suspension.

 

[RACECAR]

Also, anyone find it odd that the top 2 teams in the IRL can't even compete in NASCAR.

I've noticed too, which is why I've said that they really should just leave Nascar as they clearly can't compete with the likes of Hendrick.

 

[TS]

Am I the only one that thinks the Mayfield story is starting to get old? He failed the drug test, NASCAR suspended him and he didn't like their decision. Everything beyond that shouldn't be media fodder. This something that NASCAR should keep hush-hush about because if the court rules in Mayfield's favor, NASCAR's drug policy and rules are going to be frowned upon in the future.

It's not exactly necessary for Mayfield to publicly bash NASCAR and its policies simply because their tests prove that he (allegedly) is a drug user. There's no need for his step-mom to go against him and tell NASCAR of his (alleged) drug use, no need for Jeremy to call out his step-mom on national radio accusing her of murdering his father which (allegedly) provoked his drug use.

IMO this is private issue between only Jeremy Mayfield and NASCAR, the f-ing media doesn't need to stick their nose in it and make matters worse for both parties. I'm sure NASCAR and Mayfield both want to have this issue settled as quickly and as privately as they possibly can. There's no way that they're both going to get what they want, somebody will leave the trials unhappy, but that's life, you don't always get what you want.

I gave Mayfield the benefit of the doubt when this whole thing started, but now this whole issue has gotten out of hand and I really can't favor either side with all the media attention turning this situation into a soap-opera rather than keeping it in perspective as a private issue between Mayfield and NASCAR.

/rant

 

[LancerEvo7]

^Agreed. This was blown out of proportion. Big time.

 

[Northstar]

Am I the only one that thinks the Mayfield story is starting to get old? He failed the drug test, NASCAR suspended him and he didn't like their decision. Everything beyond that shouldn't be media fodder. This something that NASCAR should keep hush-hush about because if the court rules in Mayfield's favor, NASCAR's drug policy and rules are going to be frowned upon in the future.

It's not exactly necessary for Mayfield to publicly bash NASCAR and its policies simply because their tests prove that he (allegedly) is a drug user. There's no need for his step-mom to go against him and tell NASCAR of his (alleged) drug use, no need for Jeremy to call out his step-mom on national radio accusing her of murdering his father which (allegedly) provoked his drug use.

IMO this is private issue between only Jeremy Mayfield and NASCAR, the f-ing media doesn't need to stick their nose in it and make matters worse for both parties. I'm sure NASCAR and Mayfield both want to have this issue settled as quickly and as privately as they possibly can. There's no way that they're both going to get what they want, somebody will leave the trials unhappy, but that's life, you don't always get what you want.

I gave Mayfield the benefit of the doubt when this whole thing started, but now this whole issue has gotten out of hand and I really can't favor either side with all the media attention turning this situation into a soap-opera rather than keeping it in perspective as a private issue between Mayfield and NASCAR.

/rant

The thing is though is it seems both parties are trying to get it out in the media, when one side says something the other side counters. Both sides want to embarrass the other side as much as possible.

You can't get mad at the news for reporting the news whether you like it or not.

As for Mayfield, he tested positive twice, how can you still think he is innocent?

 

[TS]

The thing is though is it seems both parties are trying to get it out in the media, when one side says something the other side counters. Both sides want to embarrass the other side as much as possible.

You can't get mad at the news for reporting the news whether you like it or not.

As for Mayfield, he tested positive twice, how can you still think he is innocent?

IMO I think NASCAR were surprised that Mayfield was taking them to court instead of just accepting his suspension, you can't fault him for defending his innocence. I don't think either side is trying to embarrass the other, they're both standing their ground, NASCAR is defending their drug policy and Mayfield is defending his sobriety.

I'm not saying he's innocent, but I think NASCAR is trying to portray Mayfield as if he were a hardcore junkie, I don't buy his stepmom's story that he had been using meth since '02, he had to have been tested at least once every year, but never tested positive.

Regardless of how this debacle turns out, NASCAR is going to have to make a lot of changes to their drug policy, so that something like this never happens again.

 

[JohnBM01]

Do any of you have any predictions for the Brickyard 400 this weekend? Call me crazy, but I think Tony Stewart will win. Safe bet for this Indiana native(?)?

 

[CodeRedR51]

My top contenders:

1) Jimmie Johnson (practiced ok, will be there on race day)
2) Mark Martin (fastest in both friday practice sessions)
3) Tony Stewart (not that great in practice, he'll be there at the end)
4) Carl Edwards (same as Johnson)

My under dog for the weekend: Jeff Burton. As long as he can stay out of trouble...

 

[TS]

Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin

 

[Studentdriver]

Next weekend?

 

[CodeRedR51]

Next weekend?

Yes. I didn't realize until this afternoon that the cup cars are off this weekend.

 

[JohnBM01]

Rowdy Busch got it done at Gateway Saturday Night. The Las Vegas boy, Kyle Busch, won this one.

 

[RACECAR]

Qualifying was crazy, Reed and Brad were actually tied for a new track record(at least according to the timing and scoring). Pole ended up going to brad because of the higher points position. Hated that Reed couldn't catch Kyle though, I was rooting the entire time. Also, found out Brad Coleman is a Houston Texas native so chalk up another driver from Texas (along with Houston based sponsor Ruby's Barbeque sauce).

 

[TS]

Qualifying was crazy, Reed and Brad were actually tied for a new track record(at least according to the timing and scoring). Pole ended up going to brad because of the higher points position. Hated that Reed couldn't catch Kyle though, I was rooting the entire time. Also, found out Brad Coleman is a Houston Texas native so chalk up another driver from Texas (along with Houston based sponsor Ruby's Barbeque sause).

If only Coleman had that ride full time.

 

[RVDNuT374]

Do any of you have any predictions for the Brickyard 400 this weekend? Call me crazy, but I think Tony Stewart will win. Safe bet for this Indiana native(?)?

I predict another weekend of tire failures, despite Jeff Gordon saying the issues are gone. If this is the case, Nascar better look at another tire supplier for 2010 such as Hoosier, Michelin, or Bridgestone. As for race winners: Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch (if he doesn't take himself out), Jimmie Johnson, and Jeff Gordon.

 

[Studentdriver]

I predict another weekend of tire failures, despite Jeff Gordon everyone saying the issues are gone.

Good luck with that.

 

[RACECAR]

I predict another weekend of tire failures, despite Jeff Gordon saying the issues are gone. If this is the case, Nascar better look at another tire supplier for 2010 such as Hoosier, Michelin, or Bridgestone. As for race winners: Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch (if he doesn't take himself out), Jimmie Johnson, and Jeff Gordon.

Clearly, you haven't paid much attention. As Studentdriver just pointed out, everyone has said the tire issues are gone. Tony Stewart even encouraged everyone to come to the race. Not much optimism from you I see.

 

[SR-71_Blackbird]

Tire issues were explained earlier this year. GY was making tires that would work for all 3 series. This upset the Car of Today with its lower DF but higher weight. The trucks and nationwide had great runs though. Now GY makes tires for the COT and just gives the trucks and nationwide the same tire with the thought that they have enough DF to make it work.

Idont know why nascar is not popular in france. I mean all they do turn left...

 

[TS]

I think Formula 1 probably has something to do with NASCAR not being popular in France and most of Europe for that matter.

 

[MatskiMonk]

Might fancy Montoya as an outside bet for this weekend, he's done some tyre testing this year at Indy already IIRC, so he should have confidence with the tyre situation. He's been fast at Indy before and the whole 42 team seems to be gathering momentum at the moment. As a side note his 42 Target Chevrolet will be sporting a 'retro' livery echoing Montoyas Indy 500 win in 2000.

 

[RACECAR]

Might fancy Montoya as an outside bet for this weekend, he's done some tyre testing this year at Indy already IIRC, so he should have confidence with the tyre situation. He's been fast at Indy before and the whole 42 team seems to be gathering momentum at the moment. As a side note his 42 Target Chevrolet will be sporting a 'retro' livery echoing Montoyas Indy 500 win in 2000.

I think so too, he did well in his first cup race at Indy, Started 2nd and finished 2nd and with that tire testing he did, he'll be very likely one of cars from the get go. Can't wait to see his paint scheme, been a while since I've seen it.

 

[MatskiMonk]

I think so too, he did well in his first cup race at Indy, Started 2nd and finished 2nd and with that tire testing he did, he'll be very likely one of cars from the get go. Can't wait to see his paint scheme, been a while since I've seen it.

 

[JohnBM01]

That Target ride for Montoya looks sweet. Very reminiscent of his (then) CART days. He won at Indy with an Indy car. Now, he needs to do this in a stock car. This... you know what? I think JPM should stick with this car all season. That's classic!

 

[Northstar]

Some news that I just read.

Mayfield working on 'big' sponsor deal, seeking ride: Jeremy Mayfield, who says he's "80% there" on getting a major sponsorship deal that might enable him to once again drive in the Sprint Cup Series, isn't on the entry list for Sunday's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. But that doesn't mean he won't be at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend. Mayfield spoke by phone Tuesday morning, prior to meeting his legal team to discuss his ongoing court battle over NASCAR suspending him from competition as either an owner or a driver as of May 9, due to a positive result for methamphetamine in a random drug test taken May 1 at Richmond International Raceway. "I'd like to come to Indy just to come watch, and to try to get a ride," Mayfield said. "We're working on sponsorship deals as we speak and I'm telling you, if this works out, it's going to be big. And what's funny is, it could be big in all kinds of different ways, and all I needed was [NASCAR's] support, and to work with me on this. They could have had races sponsored and tracks sponsored and I could have been with one of their big teams with a big sponsor and I guess they don't want that, because I didn't need them to get it." NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said that he is "unfamiliar with the possible sponsor opportunity" that Mayfield references. Yet, Mayfield's description of the company he's talking to was vivid. "Sounds like a union, doesn't it?" Mayfield said. "Imagine if they got involved, and they're behind me 200 percent right now. America's not about a dictatorship no more and it never was."

He sounds like the guy who is all talk and no show. Plus, who is going to sponsor someone that "allegedly" took meth.

DeWalt will not return to the #17 team in 2010: Roush Fenway Racing was informed today that DeWalt Power Tools will not renew its sponsorship of Matt Kenseth and the #17 team for the 2010 NASCAR season. “We would like to thank DeWalt for serving as a great partner for the past 10 years,” said Roush Fenway President Geoff Smith. “During that time we have seen great success for both their company and marketing program, as well as with Matt on the race track. They will always be remembered and honored as the sponsor of Jack Roush’s first Sprint Cup Championship team. Despite this success – in the face of the significant world-wide economic decline in the construction industry – DeWalt’s decision to not return is not a great surprise to us. Fortunately, we have several great companies interested in taking over and we expect to begin finalizing those sponsorship arrangements in the very near future. All of us at Roush Fenway Racing remain committed to keeping the #17 DeWalt car running up front, winning races and to put them in a position to contend for a second championship this season.”(Roush Fenway Racing)(7-23-2009)

This is sad to see as I always like the DeWalt schemes. I don't think they will have a problem finding a replacement though.

Ganassi to Gibbs? The latest rumor is that Chip Ganassi somehow will merge his Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing team [Chevy's w/#1-Truex Jr. (leaves end of 2009) and #42-Montoya] with Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota's w/#18-Busch, #11-Hamlin, #20-Logano], possibly eliminating another owner.(SPEEDtv/Jimmy Spencer)(7-23-2009)

I could see this move since they have been rumored to be switching to Toyota anyways. Plus this would give Gibbs his 4th team with Montoya.

It would also finally give Montoya a chance to drive some top tier equipment.

 

[TS]

If ESPN has done anything good for NASCAR the last couple years, it has to be revamping Jayski's silly season site!

 

[Northstar]

I thought taking coverage away from TNT/NBC was a plus.

Also, I like the new Jayski already, it doesn't feel like a site from the 90's anymore.

 

[Austin343]

I thought taking coverage away from TNT/NBC was a plus.

I can't say I agree because I don't have cable and can't watch races on ESPN or TNT. Still, I would have agreed with your sentiment if I could watch the races, because NBC/TNT can be fairly sloppy sometimes. However, I would have disagreed if you said that about five years ago when Allen Bestwick was still the play-by-play announcer. I really miss the days when he was in the broadcast booth, because nobody these days except Mike Joy is nearly as good as he was. 👎

By the way, what the hell was Brad Keselowski doing tonight in the Nationwide race? I obviously couldn't watch the race, but in all three or four highlight videos in which he appears, he's driving way over his head and almost looks like he's trying to crash other cars. Congratulations to Carl Edwards to making a clean pass (something that most drivers couldn't seem to do ) for the win over Kyle Busch. 👍