NASCAR Fans......

[LacesOut]

There used to be some NASCAR talk in this forum. Where did it all go?? Have you people lost interest in the Chase, since it's basically the #20 cars to lose it? I still think Biffle, JJ, and Newman have a chance. And it may end just like last season, coming down to the last race at Homestead, actually coming down to the last few laps or so. At least the #97 won't repeat.

This past weekend at Atlanta was a very good race, IMO. Except for Edwards winning. lol I really like that track also, it comes across on TV well. Nice to see the #24 and #8 have some success this late in the season.

[89Hen]

Have you people lost interest in the Chase, since it's basically the #20 cars to lose it?
That, and the fact that the 8 and 24 aren't in the chase. :(

[Hansel]

As a Roush racing (or Ford in general) fan, I have been enjoying the chase, I am hoping Stewart F's up in one of the next races though to make it interesting, especially since Roush cars excel on 1.5 mile tracks.

PS Atlanta is a fun track, went to the spring race there in 02, Dick Trickle got in to a wreck right in front of our seats and busted some hoses, and I actually got sprayed by some fluid by Dick Trickle, no *****ting. :)

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I watched 80% or more of the last few races since i went to Dover in Sept. Atlanta is probably the first race in 2 or 3 months i saw less than 50% of. Sunday was too nice of a day to spend indoors IMO. I think Stewert will win the title, he deserves it. The main problem i have with the chase is the tracks are too boring at the end. They go from 1.5 mile Kansas to 1.5 mile Lowe's, then a nice change of pace to Martinsville, then to cookie cutter Atlanta to cookie cutter Texas. It's like watching the same race for over a month. They need to get more variety of tracks in the chase to make it legit. Dover, NHIS, Phoenix, Dega, and Martinsville are different if nothin else, even Homestead is a good track now. I think they should switch the Lowe's race and Richmond and maybe Sears Point with Kansas.

[Hansel]

I watched 80% or more of the last few races since i went to Dover in Sept. Atlanta is probably the first race in 2 or 3 months i saw less than 50% of. Sunday was too nice of a day to spend indoors IMO. I think Stewert will win the title, he deserves it. The main problem i have with the chase is the tracks are too boring at the end. They go from 1.5 mile Kansas to 1.5 mile Lowe's, then a nice change of pace to Martinsville, then to cookie cutter Atlanta to cookie cutter Texas. It's like watching the same race for over a month. They need to get more variety of tracks in the chase to make it legit. Dover, NHIS, Phoenix, Dega, and Martinsville are different if nothin else, even Homestead is a good track now. I think they should switch the Lowe's race and Richmond and maybe Sears Point with Kansas.
I would love to see Bristol in the chase

[LacesOut]

Bristol would be friggin awesome in the Chase!! I agree though, too many cookie cutter 1.5 mile tracks in the Chase. But remember they have to have these last few races in mostly moderate to warm climates. I'm just glad Dover is in it and that I get to see it in September.

Can't stand the track at Phoenix. And the Homestead one is just ok IMO, but since it's the last race of the year, it's a must watch for me.

Hansel!!! You owe me a new keyboard for spitting Pepsi onto it for your comment: I actually got sprayed by some fluid by Dick Trickle, no *****ting. LMAO

[89Hen]

I actually got sprayed by some fluid by Dick
:confused:

[UNHWildCats]

Bristol would be friggin awesome in the Chase!! I agree though, too many cookie cutter 1.5 mile tracks in the Chase. But remember they have to have these last few races in mostly moderate to warm climates. I'm just glad Dover is in it and that I get to see it in September.

Can't stand the track at Phoenix. And the Homestead one is just ok IMO, but since it's the last race of the year, it's a must watch for me.

Hansel!!! You owe me a new keyboard for spitting Pepsi onto it for your comment: I actually got sprayed by some fluid by Dick Trickle, no *****ting. LMAO

oh come on it was fun having a late season New Hampshire race in 2001 :-p

[LacesOut]

oh come on it was fun having a late season New Hampshire race in 2001 :-p


Did it snow?????

[FightinBluHen51]

As a Roush racing (or Ford in general) fan, I have been enjoying the chase, I am hoping Stewart F's up in one of the next races though to make it interesting, especially since Roush cars excel on 1.5 mile tracks.

PS Atlanta is a fun track, went to the spring race there in 02, Dick Trickle got in to a wreck right in front of our seats and busted some hoses, and I actually got sprayed by some fluid by Dick Trickle, no *****ting. :)
How'd you like that let by for 5 bonus points from Jr. to his good friend Smoke? :D

[UNHWildCats]

Did it snow?????

i dont recall but i dont think so. was prolly chilly though

[LacesOut]

As a lifelong NASCAR fan, I HATE the Chase.


Reasons being??? I'm just curious.

[Georgia Griz]

They go from 1.5 mile Kansas to 1.5 mile Lowe's, then a nice change of pace to Martinsville, then to cookie cutter Atlanta to cookie cutter Texas. It's like watching the same race for over a month. They need to get more variety of tracks in the chase to make it legit. Dover, NHIS, Phoenix, Dega, and Martinsville are different if nothin else, even Homestead is a good track now. I think they should switch the Lowe's race and Richmond and maybe Sears Point with Kansas.

I admit that they need more track variety in the Chase, but I don't necessarily think that you can call Atlanta Motorspeedway a cookie-cutter. It's a good bit faster than all but Charlotte, and it has more racing grooves than any of the other Chase tracks. It might look similar, but it races completely different.

[grizbeer]

I think if they mix up the tracks more during the chase they will need to also change the points for the chase drivers - too much out of your control can happen at a place like Bristol, they would need to award points to chase drivers based on their finish relative to other chase drivers.

I hate the fact that Talladega is a chase race now for this reason - JJ and RN slip up and 1/2 the field is out. Wrecks are part of racing, but if you get too many tracks like this you could have a champion who never finished in the top 10.

If I was in charge (and I'm not) I would have 2 divisions (say Sprint and Nextel). The season would still start with the Daytona 500, then split into 2 series. Each series would start 25 cars, and visit each track 1 time. 1 would be a Saturday night race, the other a Sunday, or occasionally a Sunday night race. There would be 25 tracks on the schedule that get 2 races. The top 10 in each series after the first 25 races would combine for a 5 race shootout (with only those 20 cars).

This would solve a couple of issues - 1) too many cars on short tracks like Bristol, 2) each track would get more cup races, or a coveted playoff race, 3) even though there would be fewer races for any particular driver, there would be more races overall, allowing more tracks to have races (like bringing back Rockinham, or adding Seattle), 4) since each driver would race at every track (although only once) fans would still get to see their favorite driver at their track, and 5) having fewer races per year would save money for the teams, and 6) instead of splitting the broadcast season into 1/2, each network would broadcast 1 division, then bid for the rights to the playoffs.

I also think Nextel made a big mistake by not changing the championship name to Nextel Ring instead of Nextel Cup (get it ring, ring?).

[LacesOut]

Only three more races. I hate when NASCAR season ends! But fortunately it comes back so fast. February is just right around the corner.

How about a race at Fontana or Watkins Glen for the Chase??

[LacesOut]

It just seems to me that it takes the motivation away from the other 32 drivers to compete in those last ten races. Those races become exhibition for the other drivers. That makes the races less exciting, IMHO.


I see your point, and I agree.

But what it also does for the other 30+ drivers is, IMO, it allows them to race for the win, as opposed to the normal weekly points racing that they all normally do. They can tie that right foot to the throttle/accelorater (sp?) and just GO GO GO, they can take two tires instead of four on a late pit, I guess what I'm saying is that their race day strategy can change since they are not in the Chase.

[LacesOut]

That's good in theory, but I haven't seen that happen these last two seasons on the track. And while we're on the topic, I HATE THE NAME NEXTEL CUP!!!! I don't smoke cigarettes, but I was perfectly happy and used to Winston Cup, and they had to go and f' up a good thing.


I know what you mean, it's seems to be the same names in the Top Ten every week!!

For me, I like Nextel Cup. Don't know why, I just do. Seems more...modern, in a way. I'm sure it ruffles the feathers of the old school NASCAR purists. And I'm a non smoker also.

[Hansel]

How'd you like that let by for 5 bonus points from Jr. to his good friend Smoke? :D
IMO they need to change that rule, something like 5 or 10 laps lead for bonus points, so they have to earn it instead of pitting a lap later during a yellow

[Hansel]

:confused:
Are you missing a smiley or are you serious :p

DT went into the corner and lost it, we had seats about 2 rows from the fence, DT must have busted a coolant line or something (I am far from a mechanic), got hit with a couple of drops of a hot but innocuous fluid :)

[ngineer]

Spending hours watching cars driving in a circle in the same manner seen on Philly's Schuylkill Expressway?

[Hansel]

Wow, what a finish today, Edwards was racing like he had a rocket up his ass

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Wow, what a finish today, Edwards was racing like he had a rocket up his ass

I wish Martin was able to hold him off but once Edwards got around Kenseth with 3 to go Martin was sitting duck.

[bobcatfan06]

Edwards had a REALLY good car today. I know at one point during the final push he was doing 181. That is insane. I know it's Texas but still. Wow. For some reason I like Carl Edwards. I think more of just because he is a class act than anything. I also like Tony Stewart so go figure.

Speaking of the race, my stepsister was in a condo above turn 4 with her boyfriend's grandpa. I'm gonna kill the kid next time I see him for not taking me.

[UNHWildCats]

I think if they mix up the tracks more during the chase they will need to also change the points for the chase drivers - too much out of your control can happen at a place like Bristol, they would need to award points to chase drivers based on their finish relative to other chase drivers.

I hate the fact that Talladega is a chase race now for this reason - JJ and RN slip up and 1/2 the field is out. Wrecks are part of racing, but if you get too many tracks like this you could have a champion who never finished in the top 10.

If I was in charge (and I'm not) I would have 2 divisions (say Sprint and Nextel). The season would still start with the Daytona 500, then split into 2 series. Each series would start 25 cars, and visit each track 1 time. 1 would be a Saturday night race, the other a Sunday, or occasionally a Sunday night race. There would be 25 tracks on the schedule that get 2 races. The top 10 in each series after the first 25 races would combine for a 5 race shootout (with only those 20 cars).

This would solve a couple of issues - 1) too many cars on short tracks like Bristol, 2) each track would get more cup races, or a coveted playoff race, 3) even though there would be fewer races for any particular driver, there would be more races overall, allowing more tracks to have races (like bringing back Rockinham, or adding Seattle), 4) since each driver would race at every track (although only once) fans would still get to see their favorite driver at their track, and 5) having fewer races per year would save money for the teams, and 6) instead of splitting the broadcast season into 1/2, each network would broadcast 1 division, then bid for the rights to the playoffs.

I also think Nextel made a big mistake by not changing the championship name to Nextel Ring instead of Nextel Cup (get it ring, ring?).

Interesting that I saw your post, because I am putting together a detailed plan that im gonna email to NASCAR that would run 2 groups for the first 26 races excluding Daytona 500 and the All star race with the top 10 in each group advancing to the chase and the rest relegated to the second series for the foinal 10 races.

My plan calls for each group to be at diff tracks on weekends one group racing on saturday and the other on Sunday, thus expanding to 72 race dates to increase revenue that would be shared with race teams to make teams more competitive.

This also adds the possibilty of more tracks with the same length schedule, such as Mexico City, Canada, Washington state and NY state when the 2 later get new tracks built.

It would also change the points scheme a lil bit most notbaly requiring a driver to lead atleast 5 lapsto get bonus points to try and cut down on teammates letting teammates lead a lap for bonus points.

[LacesOut]

I missed this race. Freakin' Edwards! How does he win two races in a row!! I don't like him, he's a big dork.

Still think it's the #20 cars to lose.

Two races left.

Phoenix then Homestead. Don't like either track but I'm not missing these last two races.

[grizbeer]

I missed this race. Freakin' Edwards! How does he win two races in a row!! I don't like him, he's a big dork.

Still think it's the #20 cars to lose.

Two races left.

Phoenix then Homestead. Don't like either track but I'm not missing these last two races.Edwards Mom is hot! I like Edwards, but it would take some pretty bad luck for Tony not to win now.

Funny how you watch something on TV, and you think it's one thing and it turns out it is something completely different. When Mark and Tony made contact I swore Tony had moved up the track into Mark, but afterwards Tony said Mark apologized for getting into the 20. I would have sworn it was the other way around.

[89Hen]

Are you missing a smiley or are you serious :p

It was just that the line as I quoted it sounded more than, well... odd. :p

As does "got hit with a couple of drops of a hot but innocuous fluid". :p :p

Come to think of it "DT went into the corner and lost it" is kinda funny too. :D

[SunCoastBlueHen]

It was just that the line as I quoted it sounded more than, well... odd. :p

As does "got hit with a couple of drops of a hot but innocuous fluid". :p :p

Come to think of it "DT went into the corner and lost it" is kinda funny too. :D

"huh, huh, huh, huh He said "got hit by hot fluid from Dick after he lost it", huh huhu, huh.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

oops.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Ricky Rudd announced his retirement today after 31 great years in Nascar. My memory only goes as far back as the Quaker State #26 although he did a lot of great things before that. The Nascar i grew up with is pretty much no more. Earnhardt, Waltrip, Elliott, Wallace, Martin, Labonte, Rudd all gone or will be. I'm only 23 but these guys are who i remember, along with Harry Gant, Davey Allison, Alan Kuwicki, Ernie "Swervin" Irvan. The sport just ain't the same.

[LacesOut]

So many changes have come this season, more than I can remember of any other season.

How about Bobby Labonte leaving Gibbs Racing after all these years with them?? Where does he go next year??

[grizbeer]

So many changes have come this season, more than I can remember of any other season.

How about Bobby Labonte leave Gibbs Racing after all these years with them?? Where does he go next year??My money is on the 22 car for Bobby.

[89Hen]

"huh, huh, huh, huh He said "got hit by hot fluid from Dick after he lost it", huh huhu, huh.
Exactly. It doesn't take much to amuse me. :nod: :p

[89Hen]

Ricky Rudd announced his retirement today after 31 great years in Nascar.
Is it just me or did anyone else not realize he hadn't retired a couple of years ago? Mrs. 89 read that out loud on the snail trail last night and I mocked her for needing glasses. :o

[UNHWildCats]

My money is on the 22 car for Bobby.

Don't be surprised if Bobby Labonte ends up in the historic #43 Petty car

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Is it just me or did anyone else not realize he hadn't retired a couple of years ago? Mrs. 89 read that out loud on the snail trail last night and I mocked her for needing glasses. :o

Actually i thought Rudd would return for next year. He's run very well at times this year and i actually thought he had a good chance to win a race. He almost won at Sears Point until Stewert passed him with a couple to go.

[89Hen]

Have you ever watched NASCAR on ESPN Classic? Wow, you don't have to go too far back to see how dinky some of the tracks (stands) were. I watched one from Richmond one time that was from '88 or '89 and I swear there was dirt on the asphalt, metal guard rails instead of a wall and bleachers on one side of the track. It looked ancient to me.

http://rickyruddfans.tripod.com/pict0011.jpg

[LacesOut]

I'm shocked more drivers were not killed or seriously injured back then, 89. I mean compared to all of the safety features now that are in the car and on the track.

BTW, I'm a newbie NASCAR fan, just started paying attention about five years ago or so, when the sport went from the cable tv channels to the mainstream ones like FOX and NBC.

[LacesOut]

Any picks for the race this Sunday??

I'll go out on a long limb and pick a Rousch car. The #17.

[grizbeer]

Any picks for the race this Sunday??

I'll go out on a long limb and pick a Rousch car. The #17.I'll say the 16.

[LacesOut]

I'll say the 16.


Well, that was a wise selection. The #16 finished in second. Led 189 of the 312 laps.

My pick sucked.

At least I didn't pick Kurt Busch like my buddy here at work did on Friday!

[LacesOut]

Final race of the season, at Homestead. Will the #20 hold on?? Can the #48 or #99 pass him in points and win the $5 million and the Cup Championship??


http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/8086/getty17qc.jpg

[putter]

http://www.bustedtees.com/images/boringnascar.117.home_thumb.jpg


Sorry, had to throw this in.. ;)

[LacesOut]

http://www.bustedtees.com/images/boringnascar.117.home_thumb.jpg


Sorry, had to throw this in.. ;)

Hey!!! I just posted that over in the Lounge, in the tee shirt thread! How fuggin' funny.

[putter]

Laces,

That's where I found it and thought it would be funny to post here. Great T-shirt site though.