The Sprint Cup Series returned to the Southeast Sunday for what was set up to be a great weekend of racing, and for the most part, it was pretty good. However, things could have turned out better than they did. The Atlanta spring race gets a 3 Star Rating.
Kasey Kahne and Kurt Busch, the past two winners at Atlanta coming into Sunday’s race, once again had the best two cars throughout the day. But, the #2 machine was better on short runs and was able to hold off a late scare from Juan Pablo Montoya. This race proved the #2 team is once again going to be a championship contender. Overall, all three of the Penske cars had very strong runs Sunday. Unfortunately, only one came home with a good finish.
That leads us into the overriding topic of the day: Carl Edwards’ payback to Brad Keselowski with two laps to go. Early in the race Edwards moved low in Turn 1 but Keselowski was there and tapped Edwards, sending him up the track and into Joey Logano. Edwards’ car was severely damaged and had to go to the garage for extensive repairs. Once he did come back out, he was focused solely on the red #12 car of Keselowski. While the television cameras showed two attempts at a wipeout, Keselowski said there were three. Anyway, Edwards ran up under Keselowski and sent him flying into the wall. Had this been five years ago, the last time Edwards had that paint scheme on his car, Keselowski would have been killed. It is unbelievable he came out of that crash unhurt. Thankfully, the new car has a larger cockpit and the roof and window area didn’t crush him.
Also, if there was any doubt whether or not the wing should come off the car, Sunday’s wreck answered those questions. In every other bad wreck with the COT, there has been some other factor that could take the blame. Not this time. First, this was not a restrictor plate race, so the cars were not running too close together in large packs. Second, the roof flaps deployed perfectly, yet the car took off. With the old car, the flaps would have kept the car on the ground, and a spoiler would deflect air down instead of having a space for it to get under the wing and lift the back of the car off the ground.
Now NASCAR has the biggest decision of the season in its hands. Suspend Edwards? Let’s look back at a similar situation. In 2008 at Richmond, Casey Mears ran Michael Waltrip into the wall in Turn 4. Waltrip then slammed into the back of Mears and pushed him all the way down the front stretch into the Turn 1 wall. In that situation NASCAR parked Waltrip for the rest of the race and that was the extent of the penalty. Also, that night Waltrip was several laps down to the leaders. If NASCAR does suspend Edwards, of the severity of the crash should not be a factor. His intent, while out of line, was to spin Keselowski out, not send him flying upside down into the wall.
This was a flagrant foul by Edwards and he was kicked out of the race. If NASCAR does decide to suspend him, will this curb the “Have at it boys” racing that NASCAR has been banking on to breathe life back into the sport? This is certainly not what NASCAR had in mind and Edwards did not do this because the rules were relaxed, but the fear of suspension could make someone think twice when deciding whether or not to bump a car out of the way. Also, if NASCAR does suspend Edwards, it will ruin his season and he can kiss his Chase hopes goodbye. In other sports a suspension does not ruin a player’s season, it is just a bump in the road.
At this point Edwards understands the severity of his actions, as that was likely not a pleasant meeting he had with the NASCAR officials inside the big yellow truck. The picture in my mind is Edwards walking into a room with one dim light hanging behind Mike Helton, Robin Pemberton and John Darby as they sat in three chairs glaring at Edwards as he walked in. Edwards looked like a kid who had just punched his brother right in front of his parents and knew a big punishment was coming and had no valid excuse.
While all of the crash aftermath will be interesting to follow over the next two weeks, it did ruin what was possibly going to be another fantastic Atlanta finish. Montoya was gaining on Busch and I believe he would have at least caught him before the checkered. Montoya may not have made the pass, but it would have been exciting.
Anyway, after a week off the series heads to Bristol of all places. There is no reason not to be excited about that race. There hasn’t been this much bad blood flowing through the sport in years, especially heading to a short track. Enjoy the week off everybody and get ready for three weeks of side-by-side beating and banging.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Rating the Shelby American: 2 Stars **
Plenty of energy surrounded the Las Vegas Motor Speedway throughout the weekend and the weather Sunday was perfect. However, the race was a bit of a letdown as Jeff Gordon dominated and should have won the event going away, but instead the default winner rolled into Victory Lane. While there were good parts to the weekend, the race gets a 2 Star Rating.
So much for Jimmie Johnson waiting until the Chase to get things fired up. He is now on pace to win 24 races this season. The COT was supposed to create parity? Wait, a COT with a spoiler was supposed to create parity, or maybe Johnson is just really good. Anyway, Johnson and the #48 team continue to prove it is the Petty, Earnhardt, Gordon, etc. of this generation. As much as everyone hates it, Johnson’s dominance is remarkable. Maybe for once the Chase will actually hurt Johnson because at this rate he could have a hefty points lead come September.
As this is the Monday Morning Crew Chief post of the week, it would be fitting to second guess a decision made Sunday, and this one is pretty obvious. Steve Letarte’s decision to go with two tires on the final pit stop cost Jeff Gordon the win. When both Gordon and Johnson were on the same set of tires, they ran similar lap times and the #48 was doing its best just to keep within striking distance. When Gordon took two tires, the race was over. Gordon probably had the stronger car, and did hold onto the lead for several laps before Johnson could make the pass (during a commercial). It’s hard to find possible reasons for taking only two tires in that situation. Had the #24 gone with four tires, there is a very good chance it would have beat Johnson out of the pits anyway. Looks like Gordon passed on the lucky horseshoe to Johnson around 2002 or so.
However, Gordon’s domination of the event did serve notice that he will once again be in the running for the championship as the season winds down toward Homestead. He hasn’t dominated an event like that since the early part of last decade in a few races at Dover. But, back in those days he finished off the deal and won the race. That is where things have changed.
OK, enough of Hendrick Motorsports talk. There were other things that made this a less-than-stellar event. Friday, the entire TV compound went down so viewers missed the last half of qualifying, one that included Kurt Busch setting a new track record. Then Sunday, the caution lights malfunctioned twice, bringing out two unnecessary cautions. However, I suppose this is better than debris cautions. So far, only one debris caution on the year in the Sprint Cup Series. Thank you NASCAR.
Next week the series comes back to the Southeast to run at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This is always one of the better tracks on the circuit and, with the progress Goodyear has made in the tires, this could be the best spring race at Atlanta since the COT was introduced.
Although Johnson is winning everything right now, Kevin Harvick has been right behind him in the past two races. He could well be a factor again this week as he had a car capable of winning the Labor Day race at Atlanta in 2009. Have a fantastic week everybody.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Rating the Auto Club 500: 3 Stars ***
An odd day in Southern California for the second race of the season included lots of green flag racing, a touch of rain, and the default winner. Add it up and this race gets a 3 Star Rating.
He just keeps on keeping on. Jimmie Johnson and the #48 team put a scare into the rest of the field and the entire NASCAR fan base as he came back strong in California after having mechanical issues in Daytona. The fantasies of Speedweeks are gone. Jimmie Johnson is still good and Dale Earnhardt Jr. still has a lot of work ahead of him.
Besides Johnson, there was actually a decent mix of cars up front throughout the race. The Richard Childress Racing cars picked up where they left off at Daytona and had the best overall day of any organization. Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer look to have things turned around after last year’s debacle. I don’t like to make rushed statements after only two races, but something out of their control is going to have to happen to keep any of the RCR cars out of the Chase.
Also, the battles between Johnson and Harvick throughout the race were fun to watch. Had Harvick not pushed the envelope too far there at the end, he may have been celebrating in Victory Lane. I don’t understand why he felt that move had to be made coming out of Turn 4. Johnson was intentionally running the high line because he saw Harvick coming up there, yet instead of cooling his jets and waiting another lap or two, Harvick decided the move had to be made right there. Yes, he had an awesome run there, but he had gained on Johnson so much in the last few laps, he probably was going to be able to make the pass anyway if he had just been a bit more patient. Instead, Johnson goes on to easily capture win #48.
As for the crazy weather, could it be that the target on NASCAR’s back has moved? After dealing with major rain issues the past two seasons, a potential race-ending storm moved just north of the speedway, with only a momentary pause for a brief shower. Darrell Waltrip summed up NASCAR fans’ frustrations with rain as he saw the storm barely miss the racetrack and Mike Joy said someone’s garden was getting soaked.
“I don’t care about the man’s garden,” he said. "I just don’t want my racetrack wet.”
This marked the third year in a row that one of the first two races of the season has been affected by rain, but it also caused the least amount of delays out of the three years. There was also only one debris caution. While there should not be any debris cautions in racing, this is still better than the last few years. At one point NASCAR was looking for debris but actually kept their finger off the button and allowed the race to continue. Remember, 55 mph is not what fans come to watch. The 190-200 mph speeds are what get them excited.
Next week the series rolls into Las Vegas, always one of the more interesting races of the year. Bruton Smith has put loads of money into the facility and it has paid off. The cars are always on edge at this track, especially coming out of Turn 4, similar to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Have a good week everybody. Just remember, a NASCAR race awaits when it is over.
He just keeps on keeping on. Jimmie Johnson and the #48 team put a scare into the rest of the field and the entire NASCAR fan base as he came back strong in California after having mechanical issues in Daytona. The fantasies of Speedweeks are gone. Jimmie Johnson is still good and Dale Earnhardt Jr. still has a lot of work ahead of him.
Besides Johnson, there was actually a decent mix of cars up front throughout the race. The Richard Childress Racing cars picked up where they left off at Daytona and had the best overall day of any organization. Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer look to have things turned around after last year’s debacle. I don’t like to make rushed statements after only two races, but something out of their control is going to have to happen to keep any of the RCR cars out of the Chase.
Also, the battles between Johnson and Harvick throughout the race were fun to watch. Had Harvick not pushed the envelope too far there at the end, he may have been celebrating in Victory Lane. I don’t understand why he felt that move had to be made coming out of Turn 4. Johnson was intentionally running the high line because he saw Harvick coming up there, yet instead of cooling his jets and waiting another lap or two, Harvick decided the move had to be made right there. Yes, he had an awesome run there, but he had gained on Johnson so much in the last few laps, he probably was going to be able to make the pass anyway if he had just been a bit more patient. Instead, Johnson goes on to easily capture win #48.
As for the crazy weather, could it be that the target on NASCAR’s back has moved? After dealing with major rain issues the past two seasons, a potential race-ending storm moved just north of the speedway, with only a momentary pause for a brief shower. Darrell Waltrip summed up NASCAR fans’ frustrations with rain as he saw the storm barely miss the racetrack and Mike Joy said someone’s garden was getting soaked.
“I don’t care about the man’s garden,” he said. "I just don’t want my racetrack wet.”
This marked the third year in a row that one of the first two races of the season has been affected by rain, but it also caused the least amount of delays out of the three years. There was also only one debris caution. While there should not be any debris cautions in racing, this is still better than the last few years. At one point NASCAR was looking for debris but actually kept their finger off the button and allowed the race to continue. Remember, 55 mph is not what fans come to watch. The 190-200 mph speeds are what get them excited.
Next week the series rolls into Las Vegas, always one of the more interesting races of the year. Bruton Smith has put loads of money into the facility and it has paid off. The cars are always on edge at this track, especially coming out of Turn 4, similar to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Have a good week everybody. Just remember, a NASCAR race awaits when it is over.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Rating the Daytona 500: 4 Stars ****
An interesting day in Daytona kicked off the 2010 season. While the racing was very good, the unfortunate breaks during the day to fix holes in the track kept this from being an epic 500. Therefore, the Great American Race gets a 4 Star Rating.
A huge congratulations should go out to Jamie McMurray. What an emotional victory for him. Coming off a sub-par run in the Roush #26, he went back to what is now Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and won the biggest race of them all. It’s easy to forget that McMurray was a regular Chase contender during his days in the #42 in his first run with Chip Ganassi because the drought at Roush from 2006 to last year’s Talladega fall race was so bad. Now, McMurray is on top of the sport and it is great to see a driver so thrilled to win the Daytona 500. I said earlier this week that it was great to see the emotion from the drivers during the Duel races, and McMurray’s excitement after winning the race was priceless. It is fun to see someone accomplish something so great and be so excited about it afterward.
As for the rest of the race, there was pretty good racing throughout, and not one debris caution. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for California next week, but no debris cautions during Speedweeks for the Sprint Cup Series. It was certainly nice to have the race start earlier, and what a beautiful day it was. They could not have asked for anything more. A perfect blue sky with no clouds made this feel like a classic race. And it would have been had the pothole not developed in turn two.
Just once can we have a Daytona 500 without any interruptions? Last year it was rain, this year it was track damage caused by too much rain. I’m not going to blame the track, NASCAR or anybody for that matter; it is just unfortunate that the hole developed during the big race. Why couldn’t this have happened the day before? It still would have screwed up the Nationwide or truck race, but unless Danica’s car was hurt by it, not nearly as many people would have been so upset.
Before we go, a few other drivers should be congratulated on good runs.
With Richard Petty Motorsports merging with Yates and moving to Ford, it looked like the organization was headed down a path of inconsistency and constant turnover. However, on Sunday A.J. Allmendinger was leading the Daytona 500. Yes, it was early and yes, he wrecked later in the race, but he had a good car and his charge to the front was as strong as Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s run on the final lap, plus it was cool to see the #43 out front at Daytona.
Next, Earnhardt Jr. gave McMurray a run for his money on the last lap of the race. Whether you are a fan or a hater, your heart had to be in your throat as you saw Jr. pull down from the top line and slice his way up to second on the backstretch. I disagree with those who say he may have won if there was one more lap, but it was reminiscent of his father’s final win at Talladega in 2000 when he came from 18th to the lead in the final five laps.
So, the big letdown begins. California is next week. Man, Rockingham was (and is) such a good track, even if it did rain every other year. Anyway, it will be interesting to see who unloads well out west because we will really find out who has the power under the hood without the restrictor plates. Have a great week!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Dueling in Daytona = Great Racing
Saturday was a great day of racing, but it is hard to compete with the two greatest Duel races of all time.
It had been a while since we had seen a true photo finish in a NASCAR race, and then all of a sudden we got two of them in one day. Unbelievable. The rule changes combined with competitive racing and a little bit of luck made Thursday truly a great day for NASCAR.
Every year in the weeks leading up to the Daytona 500, the television crews tell us the Duel races are going to be some of the most intense racing of the season. While often that is true, those races seem to be forgotten quickly as everyone moves onto the 500 and the races that follow. These past two races should not have that same fate. If someone comes up and asks why so many people get a kick out of watching cars drive around in circles for hours on end each weekend, just show them Thursday’s two races.
It was almost surreal to watch that second race come down to the final lap and look exactly like the first race. During race one I did a double take to make sure the race was really as exciting as I thought it was, and then to have the next one finish the same way was almost over the top.
Plus, there was as much emotion in those two races as I have seen in NASCAR in a long time. Both drivers who made the race and those who just missed were both in tears at the end of the day. Max Papis’ interview after racing his way in through the first race summed up what Speedweeks is all about.
"I'm so happy right now for this GEICO Team and I'm so proud of what we've accomplished," he said with tears flowing down his cheeks. "This is special and it's huge for our sponsor GEICO and for this Germain Racing team. We've all worked so hard and it paid off today. It's really great and I feel speechless. I don't even know what to say. I just know that my father is looking down right now and he's proud of what we've done here today. We're going to be racing in the Daytona 500!"
And how about Michael Waltrip, sitting there in the Hollywood Hotel watching the second race after he had crashed in the first Duel with his Daytona 500 hopes riding on every move made in those final laps.
"I know I had an interest in what was happening for myself ... but I've never seen anything more exciting in my whole life than that (race)," he said. "The race for the win, those guys mixing it up, that's hard. If you don't like that, then you need to become a fan of a different sport because that right there is as good as it gets."
Overall, Thursday provided some fantastic entertainment. There is nothing else on television that can compare to the drama that is seen in all sports, and NASCAR is no exception. Casey Mears was one of the drivers who lived that drama and came oh so close to making the big race.
"I thought we had a pretty good car but we just couldn't get any help out there to draft up in the field," he said with moist eyes. "It's disheartening but this team will keep working hard and I'm confident we can get things on the right track. But it would certainly have been nice to be in the Daytona 500."
If there were questions about the excitement level in NASCAR, the Duel races – at least for one day – showed why fans all over the country get fired up when the gentlemen start their engines on Sunday afternoons. Enjoy the Great American Race everybody!
It had been a while since we had seen a true photo finish in a NASCAR race, and then all of a sudden we got two of them in one day. Unbelievable. The rule changes combined with competitive racing and a little bit of luck made Thursday truly a great day for NASCAR.
Every year in the weeks leading up to the Daytona 500, the television crews tell us the Duel races are going to be some of the most intense racing of the season. While often that is true, those races seem to be forgotten quickly as everyone moves onto the 500 and the races that follow. These past two races should not have that same fate. If someone comes up and asks why so many people get a kick out of watching cars drive around in circles for hours on end each weekend, just show them Thursday’s two races.
It was almost surreal to watch that second race come down to the final lap and look exactly like the first race. During race one I did a double take to make sure the race was really as exciting as I thought it was, and then to have the next one finish the same way was almost over the top.
Plus, there was as much emotion in those two races as I have seen in NASCAR in a long time. Both drivers who made the race and those who just missed were both in tears at the end of the day. Max Papis’ interview after racing his way in through the first race summed up what Speedweeks is all about.
"I'm so happy right now for this GEICO Team and I'm so proud of what we've accomplished," he said with tears flowing down his cheeks. "This is special and it's huge for our sponsor GEICO and for this Germain Racing team. We've all worked so hard and it paid off today. It's really great and I feel speechless. I don't even know what to say. I just know that my father is looking down right now and he's proud of what we've done here today. We're going to be racing in the Daytona 500!"
And how about Michael Waltrip, sitting there in the Hollywood Hotel watching the second race after he had crashed in the first Duel with his Daytona 500 hopes riding on every move made in those final laps.
"I know I had an interest in what was happening for myself ... but I've never seen anything more exciting in my whole life than that (race)," he said. "The race for the win, those guys mixing it up, that's hard. If you don't like that, then you need to become a fan of a different sport because that right there is as good as it gets."
Overall, Thursday provided some fantastic entertainment. There is nothing else on television that can compare to the drama that is seen in all sports, and NASCAR is no exception. Casey Mears was one of the drivers who lived that drama and came oh so close to making the big race.
"I thought we had a pretty good car but we just couldn't get any help out there to draft up in the field," he said with moist eyes. "It's disheartening but this team will keep working hard and I'm confident we can get things on the right track. But it would certainly have been nice to be in the Daytona 500."
If there were questions about the excitement level in NASCAR, the Duel races – at least for one day – showed why fans all over the country get fired up when the gentlemen start their engines on Sunday afternoons. Enjoy the Great American Race everybody!
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