Saturday, May 19, 2012

Rating the All-Star Race: 4 Stars ****

NASCAR’s all-star’s fired up for an intense 90 laps Saturday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway in what might have been the best race of the season. That said, Jimmie Johnson once again to the drama out of the end and ran away to grab his third all-star win. Still, the All-Star Race gets a 4 Star Rating.
Fans have waited pretty much all season for a race where the drivers really got after it and raced hard for every spot. Boy, we certainly had that Saturday night. This race had by far more three-wide racing and hold-your-breath moments than there has been in any race this season outside Daytona and Talladega.
This race might have been considered for a five-star rating, but Johnson took any drama out of the finish.
Plus, the All-Star Race also showed that NASCAR can have a good race without wrecks. All of the complaints about the lack of wrecks had begun to get a little ridiculous. Hopefully people understand after watching this race that we don’t have to have cautions for a good race.
Sure, the segments meant the drivers had to race hard only 20 laps at a time, but they also weren’t content to ride around all night. The drivers certainly were up on the chip a little more Saturday night than for a normal race, but there can be full 500-mile races that have more green-flag action than what we’ve seen lately.
A couple of additional factors may have played into why this was such a good race.
First, the race was at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which is an excellent track for NASCAR racing. Drivers can race side by side, but the track is also narrow enough that it creates very tight situations. The high side in Turns 1 and 2 creates a great run down the backstretch, but a car on the low side in Turns 3 and 4 can hang on and actually come out of the turn with the lead. Having those options is critical to a good race.
Second, NASCAR shortened the side skirts on the sides of the cars to take away some downforce. That is a factor that will take a few more races to determine how much it affects the cars, but early indications are it helped take some of the stability out of the cars to allow for more movement throughout the field.
The format changes by adding a segment also worked out very well. Even though the winners of each segment dropped to the back until the end, the other 17 or 18 cars raced plenty hard to fill the action. Plus, Johnson might have very well kicked butt all night if he had stayed up front.
Anyway, congratulations to Johnson and the #48 team. Although many people can’t stand their success, Johnson is the Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt or Jeff Gordon of this era. He and Hendrick Motorsports are putting up historic numbers that will become the standard for future generations.
Hopefully the All-Star Race is a sign of things to come. It has been a quiet start to the season, but the last couple of weeks have been better.
Now once we get through this week, one of the best racing weekends of the entire year is upon us. Almost every big-time racing series has a great race on Memorial Day weekend.
So stock up on some good food and have a great week, everybody.

47 comments:

  1. I guess that we didn't watch the same race, the format sucked, and racing with the COT is flat out boring. The "clean air" has really given the car out front a huge advantage, give me back the old style cars/racing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. 4 stars??? Are you serious? That was as terrible as all the mile and a half stuff has been this year. Awful format, no fight for the win, the winner hanging out at the back for most of the race. When Greg Biffle blowing up is the highlight of the night you know it was a stinker.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You have lost it. This was as boring as it gets. The format allowed the winner to save his car compared to everyone else and then gave him a starting advantage. A final pit stop that involved no strategy. This was not worth $0.20 much less the price of admission. What a gagger!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow! What race did you see? Surely you must have been in attendance at the track. The broadcast I tried to watch was like a giant commercial with some racing thrown in to change it up a little between the same commercials being replayed for the hundredth time. Totally Waltrip, they finally got Mike Joy sounding as confused as the blabber brothers

    ReplyDelete
  5. I give it 4 Stars out of 10! As has been said, what race did you watch?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Folks, besides a closer finish, what more do you want? The field was in a restrictor-plate type pack most of the night, often three-wide several rows deep. Keseloski won segment 3 by. 006 of a second. Sorry there wasn't a wreck, but you have to understand that there can be good racing without a wreck.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. None of these commenters said that they wanted a wreck. The problem was the whole sandbag strategy. That's just lame. A terrible format choice. Clean air was waaay too important- even a decent handling car in the front is going to check out. The racing in the rest of the pack was good though surprisingly courteous for a non-points race. But yeah the sandbagging- though a loophole in the rules, I lost respect for all 3 of those drivers that did it. And a huge mistake on nascar's coming up with this exploitable format. Changes are def needed to it for next year or I won't even bother watching.

      Delete
  7. The race I saw was 4 stars for sure! On a scale of 1 to 50!

    ReplyDelete
  8. The four stars you are talking about must of been from getting hit on the head. The format was really stupid. The winners of each segment should of been able to do something on their cars on last pitstop. Why have a pitstop and not do anything? Junior couldn't even put on new tires. It was all set up to be a race on pit road for the lead again. You want a good race, then give most of the payout to the lap leaders without NASCAR's manipulations of the rules,etc.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I liked the race overall, but agree that Johnson stunk up the show at the end. I think the simple way to fix it for next year is line up the four segment winners at the front by how they finish segment four. That way they have to at least race each other to get ahead of each other and hopefully keep them trying to win that fourth segment still. Also, make a mandatory 4 tire pitstop before the last segment. And ultimately, the last segment should be 20 laps like the rest of the segments so the guys have a little more time to battle.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The event was over-hyped, the pre-race show was silly, the format encouraged segment winners to hang out back, the racing was bland....just another week in this year's version of NASCAR. Four stars??? More like four naps.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your telling me that an "All-Star" race that allowed the 48 to buff the fenders to clean them off is a race? Where the segment winners were bored until the final 10 laps because they cruised in the back until those laps was exciting? It was an embarrassment!

    ReplyDelete
  12. 4 stars???? oh yeah 4 out of 100,now I will buy that, I DVRed the the whole night from 7pm until end and watched the complete show and races in exactly 28 minutes, now that is exciting, what a joke

    ReplyDelete
  13. The format overall wasn't terrible (the sandbagging was lame but was what the rules allowed for). But racing at the 1.5 - 2.5 mile tracks (except for the plate races) are just plain BORING. Move this race around, there are a number of good tracks within a couple hours of Charlotte to keep this an almost-home type of event and still have racing at good tracks (Richmond, Bristol, Martinsville, Rochingham & North Wilkelboro are all relatively close).

    ReplyDelete
  14. 4 stars is a bit generous.

    ReplyDelete
  15. If some one wants to be updated with hottest technologies afterward he must be
    go to see this website and be up to date every day.
    My blog : www.daily-wet-tshirt.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Can I simply say what a relief to uncover somebody that genuinely knows what they're talking about on the web. You definitely know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people need to read this and understand this side of your story. It's
    surprising you aren't more popular because you certainly have the gift.
    Look into my web-site ; http://www.teenpornsexpussy.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. After I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I get four emails with the same
    comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that
    service? Kudos!
    Also visit my web blog - Free Teen Porn

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for the good writeup. It in fact used to be a entertainment account it.
    Glance complex to more introduced agreeable from you!

    By the way, how could we be in contact?
    My website :: http://www.daily-wet-tshirt.com/blonde-avril-sun-toys-her-pussy-gets-drilled-and-eats-big-cock/

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello, its good piece of writing on the topic of media print,
    we all be familiar with media is a wonderful source of information.
    Here is my homepage www.partygalleries.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Link exchange is nothing else however it is only placing the other
    person's website link on your page at proper place and other person will also do similar in support of you.
    my website :: teenpornsexpussy.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. fantastic issues altogether, you just received a emblem new reader.
    What would you recommend in regards to your post that you simply made a few days in the past?
    Any certain?
    Check out my web-site : Free Teen Porn

    ReplyDelete
  22. It's a pity you don't have a donate button!

    I'd certainly donate to this fantastic blog! I guess for now i'll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
    I look forward to new updates and will talk about this website with my Facebook group.
    Talk soon!
    Also visit my weblog - Mic / Microphone

    ReplyDelete
  23. I used to be able to find good info from your blog posts.
    Feel free to visit my blog post :: lanautica

    ReplyDelete
  24. Malaysia & Singapore & brunei best internet blogshop for
    wholesale & supply korean accessories, earrings, earstuds, necklace, rings,
    bracelet, hair & trinket add-ons. Offer 35 % wholesale markdown. Ship Worldwide
    Visit my homepage ... ohio unemployment

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hello there, I think your blog could be having internet browser compatibility issues.
    Whenever I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it's got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, great blog!
    Review my webpage ; general contractor near orlando florida

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi great blog! Does running a blog such as this take a great
    deal of work? I have absolutely no knowledge of computer
    programming but I was hoping to start my own blog soon.
    Anyhow, should you have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share.
    I understand this is off topic but I simply had to ask.
    Kudos!
    Also visit my blog post ; neucopia review

    ReplyDelete
  27. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video
    to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving
    us something enlightening to read?
    Here is my weblog ; neucopia compensation plan

    ReplyDelete
  28. Your style is unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from.
    Thanks for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I'll just book mark this web site.
    Also see my page: Gambling

    ReplyDelete
  29. whoah this blog is wonderful i really like studying your
    articles. Keep up the good work! You understand, a lot of persons
    are hunting round for this info, you can help them greatly.
    Also see my webpage: Casino

    ReplyDelete
  30. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in
    accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.


    Also visit my site: new releases

    ReplyDelete
  31. Outstanding story there. What occurred after? Take care!


    Also visit my blog post - BMW Z4 Windscreen
    Also see my page > BMW Z4 Windscreen

    ReplyDelete
  32. These are in fact great ideas in regarding blogging.
    You have touched some good points here. Any way keep up wrinting.


    Take a look at my web-site - Baby Monitors
    Also see my web site :: Baby Monitors

    ReplyDelete
  33. I like the helpful information you supply on your articles.
    I'll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am reasonably certain I'll be informed plenty of new stuff right
    right here! Best of luck for the next!

    My web page: job search
    My web page - jobs in uk

    ReplyDelete
  34. I really like what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and
    reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I've added you guys to blogroll.

    Feel free to surf to my website facebook quotes

    ReplyDelete
  35. Having read this I thought it was extremely enlightening.
    I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this content together.

    I once again find myself personally spending
    a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!



    Also visit my web-site: family

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your further post thanks once again.


    Feel free to visit my page; Manchester Health Clinic

    ReplyDelete
  37. I was very happy to uncover this website. I need to to thank you
    for your time for this particularly fantastic read!

    ! I definitely liked every part of it and i also
    have you saved as a favorite to check out new
    stuff on your blog.

    Feel free to visit my web blog; Manchester Health Clinic

    ReplyDelete
  38. I get pleasure from, cause I found just what I used to be taking a look for.
    You've ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

    My web blog - Consultant Appointments Manchester

    ReplyDelete
  39. Does your site have a contact page? I'm having problems locating it but, I'd like
    to shoot you an e-mail. I've got some ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

    my web site: get more youtube views cheap

    ReplyDelete
  40. hey there and thank you for your information – I've definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise several technical points using this website, since I experienced to reload the site many times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I'm complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently
    affect your placement in google and can damage your
    high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Well I'm adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of your respective intriguing content. Ensure that you update this again soon.

    Also visit my webpage increase views on youtube

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I had written and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying
    your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I'm still new to the whole thing. Do you have any recommendations for rookie blog writers? I'd certainly appreciate it.


    Feel free to surf to my webpage ... Arabic Books

    ReplyDelete
  42. Please let me know if you're looking for a article writer for your weblog. You have some really good articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd
    absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.

    Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Regards!


    My website ... Free sex

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hey There. I found your blog the use of msn. That is an extremely well written article.
    I will make sure to bookmark it and return to learn extra of your useful
    info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.


    Also visit my webpage http://sexygirlchat.net

    ReplyDelete
  44. Spot on with this write-up, I really feel this website needs a lot
    more attention. I'll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!

    Feel free to visit my website ... http://www.cuteteenporn.net/top-rated/4.html

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it was
    extremely long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your
    blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I'm still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips and hints for novice blog writers? I'd really appreciate it.



    Feel free to surf to my blog; porn star screen savers []

    ReplyDelete
  46. I have fun with, result in I discovered just what I used to be
    taking a look for. You've ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

    Also visit my site - xvideos [http://viagrapersonalblog.net/]

    ReplyDelete