NASCAR Thread.

[RACECAR]

Well done to Montoya as well, is it possible to win the Sprint Cup without winning a race?

While its not entirely impossible, its high unlikely with the winning percentage that is often put in the chase.

Well done to Montoya, but man, when will the 42 catch a break and win a race!!

The 42 vs. The Hendrick Motorsport Organisation!

Sure looks to be shaping that way.

 

[Earth]

Anyone catch the point in the Cup race at the end when NASCAR threw the caution for debris? Did they show the debris on tv? I didn't exactly catch it if they did, but trying to decide if Kasey Kahne is blowing hot air, or if NASCAR had something up their sleeve...

Yes, they showed the debri (one of the few times they do), but it didn't look like anything they should have thrown the caution for.

I was sitting there waiting in the last 25 laps for them to throw a caution. I knew it would happen.

It wouldn't surprise me if that piece of debri was there for a very long time and NASCAR knew about it but didn't throw the caution until late in the race for an exciting finish.

NASCAR can run a long race relatively caution free if they want to. Indianapolis this year is a good example. There were water bottles all over the track and all sorts of debris but because they wanted to give the fans alot of green flag running after what happened last year they didn't throw the caution flags.

NASCAR is stuck now. They've spoiled the fans for a very long time with these late race cautions. If they stop with the debri cautions its going to take your average NASCAR fan a long time to realize not every race is going to finish with double file restarts with 2 laps to go. Sometimes the winner can win by 5 or 10 seconds. NASCAR dug itself a deep hole. It's going to be hard to get out.

Sad though because I think the racing is good enough and doesnt need these fake caution flags

 

[nissan tuner]

I hope JPM wins the championship without winning a race. Then NASCAR would do away with this silly chase format and use a sensible points system.

Something like the Motogp points setup wouldn't be too bad

 

[Kingofweasles]

Kenseth only won one race in '03, very early in the season. then we got the Chase in '04.

And Benny Parsons won the 'Cup back in '73 with only one race win too.

 

[Pescara for GT5]

And Benny Parsons won the 'Cup back in '73 with only one race win too.

More like 1/4 of a win because of how points counted back then.

 

[TS]

Anyone catch the point in the Cup race at the end when NASCAR threw the caution for debris? Did they show the debris on tv? I didn't exactly catch it if they did, but trying to decide if Kasey Kahne is blowing hot air, or if NASCAR had something up their sleeve...

I don't blame NASCAR for doing it, races at California get really, really strung out after 20 laps and get boring, yet they wonder why the race never sells out.

Yup, pretty much. Shows a lot about IRL when they just ran their last race without a caution.

The IRL race at Homestead was good though, the fuel strategy towards the end just added to the drama!

Yes, they showed the debri (one of the few times they do), but it didn't look like anything they should have thrown the caution for.

I was sitting there waiting in the last 25 laps for them to throw a caution. I knew it would happen.

It wouldn't surprise me if that piece of debri was there for a very long time and NASCAR knew about it but didn't throw the caution until late in the race for an exciting finish.

NASCAR can run a long race relatively caution free if they want to. Indianapolis this year is a good example. There were water bottles all over the track and all sorts of debris but because they wanted to give the fans alot of green flag running after what happened last year they didn't throw the caution flags.

NASCAR is stuck now. They've spoiled the fans for a very long time with these late race cautions. If they stop with the debri cautions its going to take your average NASCAR fan a long time to realize not every race is going to finish with double file restarts with 2 laps to go. Sometimes the winner can win by 5 or 10 seconds. NASCAR dug itself a deep hole. It's going to be hard to get out.

Sad though because I think the racing is good enough and doesnt need these fake caution flags

This. 👍

 

[RVDNuT374]

I hope JPM wins the championship without winning a race. Then NASCAR would do away with this silly chase format and use a sensible points system.

Something like the Motogp points setup wouldn't be too bad

Or how about we go back to the old points system, but with an extra 30 points and more money for a race win? That way, there will be a lot less "points racing" and hopefully better competition. Unfortunately, as long as Jimmie *myownerandcrewchiefsleepwithnascar* Johnson keeps winning championships, it will never happen.

 

[RACECAR]

NASCAR can run a long race relatively caution free if they want to. Indianapolis this year is a good example. There were water bottles all over the track and all sorts of debris but because they wanted to give the fans alot of green flag running after what happened last year they didn't throw the caution flags.

NASCAR is stuck now. They've spoiled the fans for a very long time with these late race cautions. If they stop with the debri cautions its going to take your average NASCAR fan a long time to realize not every race is going to finish with double file restarts with 2 laps to go. Sometimes the winner can win by 5 or 10 seconds. NASCAR dug itself a deep hole. It's going to be hard to get out.

Sad though because I think the racing is good enough and doesnt need these fake caution flags

You have more faith then I do. Personally, I think the racing died in 2007(minus the spectacular finishes at the restrictor plate tracks). Other then Infineon and Dover, It was a Hendrick Jaggernaut. 2008, it was a three team show: Roush, Gibbs and Hendrick. 2009 looks like another Hendrick year and its most likely best to just say "congrats Mr Hendrick, you got another championship" at this point with only six races to go. In Nationwide, its Gibbs doing the same thing, Majorily with Kyle Busch. Its nothing more then a show. Only thing that has kept me glued to the TV for it is the fact these aren't the crappy COTs and the only reason Cup even has any relevence for me is because Montoya is actually in the chase and appears to be the only non Hendrick supported car that can actually keep up. The moment he is out of title contention, I'm through with Cup as it'll be another Hendrick wipeout. I'm through with Nationwide once the new car is fully implemented because the racing will be even worse then with Cup. And of course it looks like I might as well forget even mentioning the Trucks because its Hornaday's title no matter what anyone does.

If you've seen the ARCA race Sunday, that in my opinion is real Stock car racing (minus the Lucky Dog crap).

 

[L_Hamilton]

You have more faith then I do. Personally, I think the racing died in 2007(minus the spectacular finishes at the restrictor plate tracks). Other then Infineon and Dover, It was a Hendrick Jaggernaut. 2008, it was a three team show: Roush, Gibbs and Hendrick. 2009 looks like another Hendrick year and its most likely best to just say "congrats Mr Hendrick, you got another championship" at this point with only six races to go. In Nationwide, its Gibbs doing the same thing, Majorily with Kyle Busch. Its nothing more then a show. Only thing that has kept me glued to the TV for it is the fact these aren't the crappy COTs and the only reason Cup even has any relevence for me is because Montoya is actually in the chase and appears to be the only non Hendrick supported car that can actually keep up. The moment he is out of title contention, I'm through with Cup as it'll be another Hendrick wipeout. I'm through with Nationwide once the new car is fully implemented because the racing will be even worse then with Cup. And of course it looks like I might as well forget even mentioning the Trucks because its Hornaday's title no matter what anyone does.

If you've seen the ARCA race Sunday, that in my opinion is real Stock car racing (minus the Lucky Dog crap).

This is what I'm thinking in my head but, after so many years of watching all top 3 Nascar divisions, I won't stop watching it till I die or move out the country. And maybe then I'll still be going to Nascar.com every once in a while to keep up with it. But besides whatever happens, I'll still be coming back to watch the race the following week.

 

[MatskiMonk]

“It’s frustrating when you’re leading and pulling away and they say `debris caution,”’
third-place finisher Juan Pablo Montoya said after the race.

“It could be simple, or it could be a screw. In Bristol, I had a flat tire from a washer, you know, with 20 laps to go. What can you do? Nothing. It is what it is.”

JPM sums it up pretty well really. Debris cautions may seem a waste of time, but if a washer can cut the tyre and ruin the race? nobody wants that!

I also disagree about changing the points system/chase format. I think it works pretty well, but I've only ever known NASCAR with this format, so...

 

[Jetboy.]

NASCAR should go back to basics. This is what a Stock Car should look like! Then make the same modifications on the Mustang and Camaro. Simple as that! 👍

One, that's gorgeous. Two, it's entirely possible. The Nationwide series late next year, for four races, are going to use Mustang-bodied Stock Cars. News just released today, I believe. Linky With Info.

Not bad, if I say so.


Cheers,
Jetboy

 

[Northstar]

So all the cars will be the new ones or just the Roush ones?

 

[Jetboy.]

Not sure, I posted to test the waters if anyone else here knew. Guess I'm the first.. From what I gather, all of the cars will go Mustang for the four races, just Roush was the featured builder for the interview, with plans to go full out Mustang in 2011. There's another link that stated Dodge was going to debut the Challenger alongside it. I can't wait for the collectible merchandise.


Cheers,
Jetboy

 

[TS]

Nationwide COT will run 4 races next year, I think both Richmond races, Loudon and the July race at Daytona

Ford, Chevy and Dodge have already decided on what models they're racing (Mustang, Camaro and Challenger respectively), but Toyota haven't.

 

[Pescara for GT5]

Nationwide COT will run 4 races next year, I think both Richmond races, Loudon and the July race at Daytona

Ford, Chevy and Dodge have already decided on what models they're racing (Mustang, Camaro and Challenger respectively), but Toyota haven't.

Toyota doesn't have an equal to those cars in America.

 

[TS]

Toyota doesn't have an equal to those cars in America.

I know that, but what are they gonna do, stick with the Camry?

 

[Jetboy.]

Would be amusing if they try to cross over to the Lexus IS-F. Wonder if there's any loophole at all... Meanwhile, does anyone have anything on the other big Japanese companies and their possible involvement?


Cheers,
Jetboy

 

[CodeRedR51]

I thought Chevy said they were going to stick with the Impala?

 

[RACECAR]

I know that, but what are they gonna do, stick with the Camry?

From the first test car pictures I saw, it looked like a Camry. I defintely don't see anything else Toyota could use, unless they somehow make a Toyota branded version of the Lexus LF-A.

 

[Northstar]

They have released the first pics of the RPM Fords.Link

Feels very weird seeing the #9 on a Ford again.

 

[LancerEvo7]

^^2000GT or Celica? Those seem somewhat muscle-ish.

 

[Northstar]

Only problem is neither are in production, although the Scion tC does have the style that could fit.

 

[TS]

They have released the first pics of the RPM Fords.Link

Feels very weird seeing the #9 on a Ford again.

White budweiser scheme ftl.

Only problem is neither are in production, although the Scion tC does have the style that could fit.

That would work.

 

[LSX]

The 5 to go into the new NASCAR hall of fame are...

Some names you might recognize are.

Richard Petty
Dale Earnhardt Sr.
Junior Johnson

Then of course there are...

Bill France Sr.
Bill France Jr.

Really? Not one of the countless great drivers that could have taken their place for an honest spot in the hall of fame? I know this was decided by voting but really...

Bill France Sr. started NASCAR, but does that really qualify for a hall of fame spot? Bill France Jr., he just inherited the sport and turned it into a major powerhouse. I really think the first 5 voted into the hall of fame should have been DRIVERS, who proved themselves on the track, not people who worked in the board room. I suppose Brian France, the current CEO of NASCAR will be voted in the next class right?

40% of the Nascar hall of fame is made up of the same family that still controls NASCAR. Let's just make the sport even more of a joke please?
BTW, Brian France was fully pushing for the other two Frances to make it in.

Some drivers who deserve a spot much more than the Frances...

Cale Yarborough
David Pearson
Buddy Baker
Darrell Waltrip
Dale Jarrett
Joe Weatherly
Benny Parsons
Bill Elliot
Ricky Rudd
Terry Labonte
Bobby Allison
Jeff Gordon
Jimmy Johnson
Mark Martin
Many many more...

And people that are not drivers who deserve it MUCH more than the Frances!

Multiple Championship winning crew cheifs.
Ray Evernham
Chad Kinaus
Kirk Shelmerdine
Andy Petree
Dale Inman

I know that BF SR brought about NASCAR, but whats the point of a hall of fame that does not reward for on track or on pitlane? That's where the achievements come from! What are we going to let the guy that paints the designs on the infield grass in next? The Frances make the stage for the events, the guy painting the grass sets up the stage. This whole thing is just stupid...

Our races can be jokes because of "cautions", the racing can be a joke because the cars all look the same and won't drive. The hall of fame is even a joke now because we can't have only first class drivers in it. Why can't this sport do or have anything credible anymore? The drivers are better than that, I know that the fans are too. Do you really think fans would have voted them into the HOF?? Hell no, not a chance, they don't care about them and neither do I!

Sorry enough of that, I just can't believe it...

 

[TS]

I was utterly shocked when Pearson wasn't voted in.

2nd most wins all-time, just as legendary as the other drivers voted in. What were the voters thinking?

 

[Pescara for GT5]

I don't exactly agree, I would have chosen David Pearson, Joe Weatherly, Fireball Roberts, Dick Hutcherson, and Curtis Turner, those are in my opinion the 5 best drivers to ever step into a Nascar Stock car.

 

[Northstar]

I think they should have done 10 for the first couple classes. Although there are plenty of other things for tourists to see, most will wait until there are a decent number of people in the hall.

 

[LSX]

I don't exactly agree, I would have chosen David Pearson, Joe Weatherly, Fireball Roberts, Dick Hutcherson, and Curtis Turner, those are in my opinion the 5 best drivers to ever step into a Nascar Stock car.

Exactly, my point was not trying to list best drivers ever, just successful drivers and people that actually competed on track or in the pit lane to do great things. Not the people who ran the sport. It's a slap in the face to any great driver who ever did anything in NASCAR.

 

[Pescara for GT5]

Exactly, my point was not trying to list best drivers ever, just successful drivers and people that actually competed on track or in the pit lane to do great things. Not the people who ran the sport. It's a slap in the face to any great driver who ever did anything in NASCAR.

I agree, but hey, what happened happened, and we can only hope for a better class next year.

 

[Earth]

Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin on the front row again. Montoya struggles a bit, qualifies around midpack.

I've been a Martin fan for 18 years now, I'm hoping he can slay the giant that is Johnson and save NASCAR from a 4-peat that can only hurt the sport