Jimmie Johnson: The New Top Driver To Boo?

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.

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Perhaps I’m the only one to notice this, maybe not. However after an impressive show of wheelmanship yesterday at Martinsville, and holding off 4-time Cup Champion (boss, and teammate) Jeff Gordon while he has his fist solid on the chrome horn, it was apparent as he stepped out of the car. The “Boos” flew, as Johnson racked up yet another win this season.

OK, he’s been getting the boo’s for a while. Anyone care to remember back at Indy last August? When Johnson had won, and accidentally dropped the flag on his victory lap? He got out of the car, picked it up, and as he was heading back to the car almost got hit from behind by a chucked beer can. And not an empty one at that, as it sprayed over the track when it came crashing down. Bet you didn’t read about that anywhere, did you? Think I’m kidding? Find a replay of that race and you’ll see I’m not.

Something that I find ironic in this situation is that Sunday during driver interviews Jimmie’s “boss”, Mr. Gordon, wasn’t the recipient near to the extent of even a season or so ago. It’s been a slowly progressing trend, one that is difficult to gage from week to week, and one that needs to be looked at over time.

Are we seeing a changing of the guard here folks? Is Jimmie the new “man to hate”? That would seem to be the case, yes indeed.

So the question that comes to my mind is why? Why were people so pissed off last July at Chicago when Gordon accidentally got into Kenseth, yet are now pissed off that Gordon didn’t dump Johnson to win Martinsville? I just don’t get it.

So back to my question of “why”? What has Jimmie done to earn the negative attention? OK, he drives for Hendrick Motorsports and some fans believe that NASCAR has this big conspiracy going in favor of Hendrick (and Dale Junior, Roush, or anyone that is successful so it seems). OK, Jimmie is the reining series Champion. Yet even Kurt Busch didn’t receive this much attention. So what gives?

Here’s how I see it, plain and simple. He’s a winner, and he’s supposed to be. He’s in top equipment, with a top team, in the stable of a top owner, and driving the top make in the series. He’s supposed to be good. It’s expected. And apparently, being good when you’re supposed to be is the credentials for you getting the boos as he and Gordon have. I guess people just don’t like winners that are supposed to be winners. They like the guys who aren’t necessarily supposed to be the top dog, yet become the top dog. Or so it seems. A shame, really. Hell, people used to boo Dale Earnhardt too. Yet we forget that now when he’s not here.

And on that note I’ll leave it in the hands of Mr. Earnhardt, who once said that if it’s cheers or boos, as long as the fans are making noise you don’t have anything to worry about. When the stands are silent, then you can worry.

I’m paraphrasing, but that’s the words of wisdom he passed along.

Sometimes, people just don’t like a winner.

3 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Drivers, Hendrick Motorsports #24, Hendrick Motorsports #48, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Martinsville, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Teams, Tracks





Trackback URL for: Jimmie Johnson: The New Top Driver To Boo?

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Monday April 2, 2007
1:33pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but here’s my take on this. But first, let me say this is nothing against Greg Biffle. He’s the unfortunate innocent party in this new Roush Debacle. As you know, here a Thunder Lounge we don’t necessarily dislike any driver. The few exceptions to the rule being Todd Bodine, and on occasion a love to hate Mr. Flip-Flop’s opinions.

So when NASCAR drew the line at 4 Cup teams per stable, Roush was grandfathered into the mix with a clause that essentially said they had to whittle down to 4 teams as soon as possible, once a sponsorship or driver contract had come to the end of its terms.

OK, so let me see here. Since then Roush has replaced Mark Martin, and Greg Biffle is flying new colors this season as well. Not too long ago, NASCAR must have saw the light and made a firm date of “no later than the 2010 season” for the ol’ Cat in the Hat to whittle his stable down by one team, unless contracts dictated a sooner date.

So let me see here if I get this right. Essentially Jack is either playing NASCAR for a fool, or he’s playing favorites amongst his Roushketeers. Perhaps a little of both.

Greg apparently has another year left on his contract after this season, and Ameriquest has opted to not renew for 2008. So here Geoff Smith is trying to not only broker a new contract for Biffle, but a new sponsorship contract as well. So we are already up to the third opportunity for Roush to comply with the NASCAR mandate. Anybody see anything wrong with this picture here? Anybody want to call shenanigans yet?

The above being the case, and three neglected opportunities to comply, what’s going on here? Roush may very well be the biggest independent influence in NASCAR. He’s built a powerhouse that commands respect of his accomplishments no matter what your personal opinion is. Yet, is he “above” NASCAR?

He’s going to have to pick one team, and soon, to begin phasing it out of operations. The likely scenario is a partnership or an under the table deal with Yates, where if need be Roush is running that team but under a different stable. It would be a Yates team, but Roush would foot the bills and whatever else on the side if need be.

The question is, who will it be? Greg doesn’t seem likely, and you know Carl isn’t going anywhere. The rookie isn’t a safe bet, else he wouldn’t have been hired unless his contract is the same length as AAA’s sponsorship. Matt? OK, yeah, right. Roush give up his Championship team? Not hardly. That leaves Jamie, at the moment.

It’s no secret that the performance to date has been very “Un-Roush” like. Last year was dismal for McMurray, but then again, Roush struggled as a whole with the new Fusion. So the blame isn’t squarely on the 26 team, and so far this season things are picking up in that department so far. So what about David Ragan then? I’ll give a thumbs up for improvement at Martinsville this past Sunday, in comparison to last October, and at least he’s not being told to skip Texas. However with him being the new face in the crowd, does that limit his credentials in the stable? Obviously Jack doesn’t think so, and knows it would be an uphill battle to bring out the kid’s potential. What it very well may come down to is performance between the 26 and 6 teams. He who finishes best, keeps his Roush logo on his fire suit.

Not a position I’d want to be in, then again I wouldn’t want to be a TV reporter either. (Note: TV reporter comment just to give Jay a laugh.)

So what’s the deal going on here? Is it Roush playing favorites, acting as his Roushketeers are above the “law”, or what?

Could it be that he’s holding out as long as possible, playing Russian Roulette instead, and whoever comes up comes up?

I don’t think so. Roush isn’t dumb, folks. He has something up his sleeve, and that you can be sure of. Trying to guess their next move is like trying to predict a winner on Sunday. You can guess, but until it happens you just don’t know. Some obviously guess right, and some don’t.

Kind of reminds you of how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop, huh?

Maybe Mr. Owl has an answer for the Roush Camp too.

Share your thoughts!.

Filed Under: Carl Edwards, Damn Good Points, Drivers, Greg Biffle, Jamie McMurray, Matt Kenseth, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Roush Racing #16, Roush Racing #17, Roush Racing #26, Roush Racing #99, Teams





Trackback URL for: Jack Roush Playing Favorites Amongst His Roushketeers?

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Saturday April 7, 2007
3:07pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

I’ll keep this short, and slightly bitter, and then it’s back to the race.

Dear ESPN,
I sure hope from here on out you plan to extend the same courtesy to NASCAR that you extended to tennis earlier this afternoon. The cutoff move to an infomercial for the Bristol race was disgusting, and an event that should not be repeated. Let alone should have happened in the first place.

So, the next time race coverage of a NASCAR sanctioned event would run over, you’d better show it. Else I can only imagine the backlash from fans. It wouldn’t be pretty, that’s for sure.

Your return to coverage was a welcomed one in your replacement of NBC. One that looked promising from the start. You screwed the fans with the Bristol deal, a move not recommended to repeat. Screw us once, shame on you. Do it twice, shame on us.

/R

Luke

Share your thoughts!.

Filed Under: Busch Series, Damn Good Points, Nascar, Nextel Cup, The Soapbox





Trackback URL for: ESPN: Show NASCAR The Same Courtesy

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Tuesday April 10, 2007
3:21pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Copyright © 2004 - 2007 | Thunder Lounge | All rights reserved
Content may not be distributed or republished without permission.

And we’re not kidding. If you’re republishing our content, without our explicit written permission, we will pursue a course of action.

Apologies to our readers, but some idiots out there just don’t get it.

Back to the show.

3 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Busch Series, Craftsman Truck Series, Damn Good Points, Nascar, Nextel Cup, The Soapbox





Trackback URL for: A Word To The Wise

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday April 11, 2007
12:19pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

OK, so you’ve read the headlines about Mikey’s little incident by now. Unless of course, as Marc says, you’ve been vacationing with Martha. So we won’t delve into the specifics, or why it took so long for the Highway Patrol to show back up after trying the first time. Another story, another time.

The question is, what does this mean for Michael personally, and what does this mean for Michael Waltrip Racing.

This will depend on where you sit, and a personal reflection or opinion. You should make your own determination on it.

If you hate Toyota, Waltrip, both, or more then you’re going to be more harsh in your opinion. You’ll criticize his actions, and rip the reports apart to find fault and point fingers.

From the other standpoint, you almost empathize with the guy and see this as adding insult to injury. No pun intended, granted the injuries [reported] were very minor. You’ll most likely feel for Michael, and wonder (again) just how much worse it can get.

Then, you may share our opinion of it.

Let’s look at the situation. Here you have a guy that’s started up his own three car team, has big time sponsors, a former Cup Champion on your driver payroll, the so-called “flagship” team for a new manufacturer (like them or not), and yet hardly a thing to show for it.

You have a driver and “CEO” that’s probably been putting in 16 to 18 hour days and then some for a long time trying to make things work and get better. While there have been some positives, they do fail to outweigh the negatives.

So what could this latest “incident” be caused by? Sure, there are the literal actions which lead to the accident. However, the real contributing factor started long ago and finally culminated into a resulting sleep depraved person who nodded off at the wheel.

Accidents happen to the best of us. If you say one hasn’t happened to you, I’ll call shenanigans.

The problem and difference is, when it happened to you you probably weren’t of a “celebrity” status and it wasn’t blasted all over the media. If it can happen to Brian France, it can happen to anybody. There are no favorites in this game.

The question is, why run home vice calling the fuzz? Well, there may be several answers to that. I’ll go with the no harm, no foul method, and add in the “fear” of it being blown out of proportion. If it were me, and living out where I do, had a similar thing happened I probably would have finished walking down the section to the house too. That’s just how things happen out in the country. Unless you damage someone else’s stuff, of course. The you get the truck, tractor, or whatever and drag it home and call a body shop the next day.

Is it technically the right thing to do? By definition probably not. But it happens, and more times than you’ll ever find out about too.

So the next thing you have to look at, is that being a person of “celebrity” status and a role model position as well, did he do the right thing? Had the authorities been called immediately upon arriving at the premises, perhaps. Taking a short stroll, as compared to the usual marathon distance or even a 5k, may have given him the time to personally reflect on the stupidity of the actions leading up to the incident. Granted, I’m sure that Nextel phone wasn’t far away, but could the reason for not calling have been born out of fear? The fear of exactly what is happening now across the media. Welcome to the Shriner’s MWR Traveling Circus, Act III.

But does this hurt or tarnish Michael, or MWR? Some will try to, some will try salvage operations, and some will simply go, “Damn, talk about bad luck!”

To be honest, I believe that the only effect of this is a personal one. It’s not related to the team or business. It’s him personally, and personally facing an embarrassing moment and another kick from the President of the Luck Bank when Michael is down. Trying to avoid that, he made a personal error, because potentially the reward outweighed the risk.

Granted, we don’t have all the facts yet. We may never have them to pick apart and analyze. However, before placing personal judgment, how about taking that walk from the scene to the house in his shoes first.

Share your thoughts!.

Filed Under: Drivers, Michael Waltrip, Nascar, Nextel Cup





Trackback URL for: It Happens To The Best Of Us

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Tuesday April 17, 2007
1:31pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

You know, some people out there are just plain idiots. We’re talking major, or wish they were major, media outlets and their ridiculous love affair with Dale Junior. They love to write about him, at times they love to hate him, then there are the times they want to bring out the big guns to pop a fly on the wall. It’s no wonder that half the crap you folks write is a distant memory by the time the ink dries on the worthless rags you write for.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a one-sided opinion on the Lounge, but every now and then a driver gets beat up in the press over something so stupid that we need to take a stance. Not to back away from a neutral position, but when something isn’t right, someone should say so. So we’ll continue.

What is the damn deal here with beating up Dale Earnhardt Jr. for hopping into the #5 of Kyle Busch to finish out the race at Texas last Sunday? It’s nothing but selfishly trying to grab a few readers, and smells worse than a rotten jar of Jay-Bee’s. Granted that jar of Jay-Bee’s still works, and maybe even better. Granted your readers ain’t biting on the stench you’re slinging out, unlike ol’ Mr. Whiskers that’ll snatch up the mouthful of Jay-Bee’s quicker than a Texas twister snatchin’ up some poor guy’s trailer.

Then there’s the folks that think Junior’s going to head to Hendrick just from jumpin’ in that seat. Come on people. Did common sense just walk out the door for a vacation? Hello, there’s no room there.

Here’s the plain and simple truth. Nothing more, nothing less.

A) Team Chevy. With a new kid on the block, every point counts. Granted it wasn’t a teammate by owner, but it sure was by manufacturer.

B) Junior’s got friends everywhere. You think they refer to the garage area as a big family for nothing? When someone needs help back there, and you can help, you do it.

C) Hello, Junior’s in a big contract negotiation if you haven’t heard already. Why pass up the opportunity to hop into someone else’s stuff, and see what it’s got? OK, so it was torn up. That’s OK though. Junior’s driven his stuff in a similar condition, and there are some comparisons which can be made. One of which that he commented on was how smooth the steering was, and he said he could tell it was a pretty hot car before the accident. There you have it. Now he knows a little bit, granted not a lot but a little bit, about some of the quality of equipment which isn’t from his current provider in DEI. Not talking teams and their effort, but the equipment results from having the backing, additional equipment, and R & D to put into the effort. By the way, Jr., I hear Cal Wells has got a Chassis Dyno up for grabs.

D) He’s a racer, and Ken Schrader always sums it up best when he tells the story about how you could put wheels on a popsicle stick (or hot dog) and these guys would be out there to race it.

That’s all there is to it, really. No need to whine, cry, or call Junior stupid because of “What if he misses the chase by 3 points behind Kyle Busch”, or “What if he misses the title by 3 points to Kyle Busch”, or any of that crap. And it is crap.

So next time you want to pick on someone, do for them screwing up. Don’t just sit there and jump all over someone for doing not only what was a favor and helping hand, but for doing what was right.

/rant

4 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Dale Earnhardt Inc #8, Dale Earnhardt Junior, Drivers, Hendrick Motorsports #5, Kyle Busch, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Teams, Texas, The Soapbox, Tracks





Trackback URL for: Back Off Junior’s Sack, Flacks…

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Sunday April 22, 2007
10:20am CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

With a win (finally, they’re saying) at Phoenix last night, Jeff Gordon accomplished several things.

First, he put win number 76 in the books which moves him into a tie with Dale Earnhardt on the all-time win list. Something that the team has been chasing since Chicago last July.

Second, he knocked Phoenix off the list of tracks where he had never visited Victory Lane. The “never won at” list is now down to two tracks, Texas and Homestead, which don’t appear to be coming off the schedule anytime soon. Next crack at either one will come in November, and if current season performance is an indication then Gordon may very well have a chance to scratch another track off the list. However there is still a lot of racing left to go.

Finally, yet another record/history entry as Jeff Gordon became the first person to win a Cup race at Phoenix from the pole. Speaking of poles he’s now at 59, which is a modern-era record.

So, onto the topic at hand. The competition has their eyes on Gordon, and rightfully so. You can’t deny the guy has talent. Early on, that talent was enhanced as Ray Evernham put together the “Rainbow Warriors” and they became a serious threat week in and week out. Earning positions on the track and on pit road, Jeff was quite the happy camper on the track. He was also quite happy and content off the track, which enhanced his on-track performance.

Enter a bitter divorce and an unhappy/distracting personal life, and it showed on the track. Coupled with set-up issues, and what appeared to be a lack in team cohesion, and it made for some tough seasons. Well, tough for a driver that had seen so much success up to that time frame.

Enter Steve Letarte. As Robbie Loomis stepped aside during the 2005 Chase, Steve Latarte stepped up to the challenge. Rebuilding the team that was once a threat every time the car came off the truck. It’s an on-going challenge, but thus far it has been successful. In 2006 Gordon saw a turn-around year. Performance was up across the board, and confidence and spirits were building strength within the team.

Hi there, Ingrid. As well known and publicized, Jeff met super model Ingrid Vandebosch, which turned into an engagement and finally marriage last year. Now, as a little racer is on the way, Jeff Gordon is happier than he has possibly ever been in his racing career. This is why the garage is watching Gordon. When he’s happy in his personal life, it carries over to the track.

Thus far in 2007, it certainly has. Add into the mix much improved communication within the team and between all of the Hendrick teams, improved R&D and engineering, and who knows what else is going on in the Hendrick stable, and there you have it. Not that Hendrick was having struggles. There’s thirty some teams out there that would “love to have their problems”. I’m sure Michael Waltrip and the rest of the Toyota camp would be quite happy to have those worries.

Gordon’s always been a streaky driver. Capable of popping off a few wins over a short period of time. The old momentum theory definitely applies to Gordon, and he’s building that momentum early on in the season.

Now where the Gordon fans may need to worry, or where others may find relief. Gordon looked to be on a much similar roll in 2005. That is until his rendition of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” should have been taken out with the trash, which in turn should have proceeded directly to the nearest landfill without passing Go and collecting $200. It was all downhill from there.

For the Gordon fans, don’t get discouraged. The team is much stronger, the support much better, and your driver much happier. For non-Gordon fans, you have your hope as well. However, the garage doesn’t seem to be taking any chances at this point.

2 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Drivers, Hendrick Motorsports #24, Jeff Gordon, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Phoenix, Tracks





Trackback URL for: Garage Keeping Eye On Gordon

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday April 25, 2007
11:32am CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Following last Saturday night’s event at Phoenix, Tony Stewart finished a strong 2nd. A position that 41 other drivers would have been ecstatic with. Well, not our ol’ buddy Flip-Flop here. Smoke was downright smoked after getting smoked with a dozen laps to go as he was passed for the lead which had only taken with a ballsy move a lap prior. It may have been a good points day, but according to Zippy [crew chief Greg Zipadelli] the team is feeling incredible internal pressure as they feel they should have had 4 or 5 victories this season but as a team haven’t capitalized.

Needless to say, Stewart left the facilities without a word to the media. He also failed to follow a NASCAR mandate where the top 3 finishing drivers have a mandated post-race media obligation in the media center, leaving his other two competitors (Gordon and Hamlin) to fend for themselves and answer “Where’s Tony” questions.

OK, so the guy was upset. We’ll give him that. He’d fought hard all night, and got beat. With a competitive nature that’s inherent in racers, it’s understandable to be upset over it. However, in the big picture he had a good night. Again, one that 41 other teams would have been thankful for if they couldn’t have had the top spot.

So enter the controversy with him ducking the NASCAR mandated post-race circus. With NASCAR being so focused on being in front of the media and getting attention, you’d think they would have threw a fit and brought down the wrath in the form of 12-4-A [Actions Detrimental To Stock Car Racing]. Yet, they won’t be doing so. Instead, they’ll be talking to Stewart and reminding him of his post-race obligations.

To be honest, we’re cool with that. But…

If this situation involved a different driver, usually one from the Hendrick camp, you would see the internet blasted with cries of favoritism and NASCAR conspiracy.

Since we like to pick on our ol’ buddy Flip-Flop here, we’ll make the cry for shenanigans just to stir it up a bit. Not necessarily because it’s a conspiracy. Just because 12-4-A is 12-4-A. Whether it’s tarnishing the image of NASCAR on the track during the race, pushing the gray areas of the law Rulebook, or making a “not so family oriented” comment (or gesture in Juan Pablo Montoya’s case) during an interview/media coverage; A violation which is “detrimental to stock car racing” is just that.

By blowing off the media, Stewart portrayed an “I don’t respect NASCAR” attitude. Whether intentional or not. Had he or any of the top 3 drivers jumped out of the car and been physically ill, and literally unable to meet these obligations that is one thing. But after a short 312 mile stint at Phoenix, and the “new and improved” fitness and health of Tony, he wasn’t dehydrated or anything of the sort. He was just flat out pissed, blew it off and we’ve seen nor heard any information to the contrary.

With his actions and portraying this attitude Saturday night, it indeed sent a signal to the media of a lack of respect for NASCAR. Intentionally portrayed or not, that’s the message received. A message that NASCAR doesn’t like, and responds with 12-4-A and a little monetary reminder that the driver needs them and not the other way round.

Montoya flipped a bird to someone he thought was a friend when horsing around, but it happened to be live TV, and he gets a $10k reminder. So disrespecting NASCAR by blowing off a mandated media gig post-race is less disrespectful to NASCAR and stock car racing? I don’t think it is, and so NASCAR has dropped the ball. Even if it were $5k, or half that, it would still be something. Although considering a bird cost $10k, $15 probably wouldn’t have been out of line. It’s not like he wasn’t aware of the surrounding circumstances, so it was deliberate.

As a NASCAR driver, you have a responsibility. Several, in fact. They just come with the territory, and it’s part of the job. Just like any other job on the planet, they all have certain responsibilities. From the fry cook at your local burger joint, to Steve Jobs running Apple (we like Apple, if you haven’t figured it out yet), to anyone else employed around the world. Whether it’s for someone else, yourself or whatever. If you have a job, you have a responsibility. You think the losing coach of the Super Bowl or the NBA Finals wants to sit down with the media after the game? No but they still do it regardless because it’s part of the job, and not every aspect of any job is always roses and happy happy, joy joy.

No matter which driver it is, the post-race media center interview for the top 3 is a known part of the job. From Derrike Cope trying to make a couple races a year, to Kevin Harvick, to Jeff Gordon, to Kenny Wallace and yes, even Tony Stewart.

Really there are two parties to question here. Stewart for blowing it off, and NASCAR for their response. Folks in the media that were sitting in the media center should have questions too. They had content to write for whomever they write for, and in general quotes from the top 3 are expected. So they were unable to deliver on that, so shouldn’t they have questions as well? Don’t they deserve an answer?

Could it be that Stewart was afraid he would say something “stupid” again, and have it follow him around in the media for weeks like his recent “retirement” comment at Texas? If that’s the case, it still doesn’t make it right and is no excuse. Any driver out there has been “groomed” for the media in one way or another. At the very least, they know to keep answers short if in a pressure situation.

Is it really that hard? For Stewart, who sometimes lets his emotions get the best of him, it certainly seems so. He does bring a passion and fire to the sport. The sport needs that. It needs passionate drivers, who aren’t emotional robots. It also needs drivers who are responsible enough to fulfill their obligations.

4 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Drivers, Joe Gibbs Racing #20, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Phoenix, Teams, Tony Stewart, Tracks





Trackback URL for: Stewart Being Shown Favortism

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Friday April 27, 2007
6:46pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

NASCAR isn’t like “Pro” Wrestling. NASCAR is like a woman. Free to change its mind at any time, for any reason. Oh, and they’re always right.

NASCAR had a change of heart, for the better, today when they called Mr. Flip-Flop Stewart to the hauler at 6am sharp this lovely Friday morning at Talladega. For the record, it wasn’t for Frosted Flakes, Cheerios, or my famous 6am Bloody Mary starter either. The conversation left Tony Stewart saying, “It’s a little tender for me to sit down right now.”

As well it should be. It should still be felt when you are fulling your obligations on the track Sunday as well.

Stewart, again, has also lived up to his [well deserved] Thunder Lounge nickname as well.

From Stewart…

Tuesday:

“The thing with the media is they think it’s our obligation to do those things,” Stewart said. “It’s a privilege that they get to (talk to us). That’s the way it’s always been. Maybe it is in some of these other guys’ contracts, but it is not in my contract that says I have to go do any interviews after the race is over.”

Friday:

“It is in my contract.”

Tuesday:

He said skipping the press conference was his way of getting even with NASCAR over what he considered unfair officiating.

“NASCAR is the ones that always ask us to go to the media center, so instead of doing what they wanted, they don’t do what we want to do and run the race fair,” he said. “So why would I go to the media center and make them happy?”

Friday:

“I didn’t realize it was a requirement that I had to go to the Media Center.”

OK, we’ll leave it at that. Either way, no matter the driver, the right thing was done by NASCAR.

The only remaining question is why Juan Pablo Montoya got the reminder through the wallet, for “greeting” someone he thought was a friend but it was live TV, yet Flip-Flop here did it to Johnson at Atlanta in March and Carl Edwards last summer at Pocono. Both were televised as well.

Hmmm. I wonder what’s up with that?

Sources, since someone will wonder:
NASCAR, NASCAR, ESPN, NASCAR, SPEED TV’s NASCAR Live.

2 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Drivers, Joe Gibbs Racing #20, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Phoenix, Talladega, Teams, Tony Stewart, Tracks





Trackback URL for: Bad Monkey. Bad, Bad Monkey.

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Monday April 30, 2007
12:32pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

The “what if” scenarios from last week after Jeff Gordon won at Phoenix from the pole have come true. What if he passes Dale Earnhardt, at Talladega where he was so good and to top it off on his birthday? The answer came raining down from a few fans, who decided to ignore not only the tracks warnings but those from Dale Junior as well, as beer cans and other items flew down from the stands as Jeff Gordon took the checkers (under caution after a wreck during a green/white/checker finish) late yesterday afternoon.

It’s a shame, really. A shame that a few individuals can’t get over it and have to act like a 3-year old. A thumbs up goes out to the folks at Talladega for adding the additional security and at least making some arrests. Yet these same “fans” wonder why the world has a certain image of what a NASCAR fan is. Thanks for the stereotype ya jackasses.

So as the conclusion was drawing near, I was curious as to the last time there was not only back to back wins from the pole, but by the same driver. After all, it is a rare occurrence considering the closeness of the competition these days. To satisfy curiosity, here’s the scoop.

Last time there was back to back wins from the pole:
6/11/2006: Denny Hamlin won from the pole at Pocono.
6/18/2006: Kasey Kahne won from the pole in a rain shortened run at Michigan.

Last time the same driver went back to back from the pole:
6/27/2004: Jeff Gordon won from the pole at Sonoma/Infineon.
7/03/2004: Jeff Gordon won from the pole at Daytona.

Interesting stat, to say the least.

Something we commented on recently was why the garage was keeping an eye on Gordon, and his being so happy in life off the track. Backing this up was Rick Hendrick last night on Speed’s Victory Lane, when Herman brought the subject up.

Speaking of Hendrick, Jack Roush isn’t exactly pleased that so far Hendrick Motorsports is showing early dominance of the season. Jack flat out said he’d have to do some undercover investigating into how the organization is testing, where they’re testing, and what tires they’re using.

Hey Jack, just be happy it isn’t your “good buddies” from Toyota stinking up the show. It could be worse, you know.

We’re not denying the dominance of the bowtie this season thus far. Far from it. However just as last year there seems to be the same old problems. Well not problems, but the same situations.

With the Ford camp, they just haven’t got the handle on the Fusion yet. To put it frankly, it’s still kicking their butts. It was supposed to be “as good” off the shelf as a tweaked up Taurus, yet since its inception it has failed to produce the results of the Taurus. They had more time and engineering into the Taurus, which now a lot of that information is no longer any good. The Fusion simply needs more time, and they’re fresh out with the COT coming and possibly coming full time a year earlier than originally expected.

Then there are the Dodge guys. Evernham being the Dodge flagship, they’re getting their butts kicked with the new nose that the Dodge teams lobbied so hard for last season. Yet, Ganassi has shown improvement, and Penske is showing a slight improvement over last season as well. Did Evernham “hit” on something last year that’s not making it through tech this season? Daytona proved to be one case where certain things got them a monetary reminder, but is there something else going on behind the scenes? If there is, it wouldn’t be the first time Ray’s been advised not to bring something back to the track.

Then there is Toyota. New manufacturer, two car styles to keep up with, no data from previous years to work with, and to top it off the competition is closer than ever. Not the best time to try and get into NASCAR at the Cup level, and while hindsight is 20/20, it probably would have been a more wise decision to phase in with the COT.

Finally, we have Chevy. What’s going on there? Setting aside the COT for a moment, the Monte Carlo hasn’t seen the changes that Ford or Dodge have in their cars. Data from last year, the year before, etc., is still relevant. More data to pull from, plus having half the field with your symbol on the hood equates to more information and better odds of performance.

I don’t see it as an advantage for Chevy, they just haven’t fixed what wasn’t broken, or tried to improve something that maybe didn’t need it yet.

Another twist to this, is a “what if” game. What if Chevy took notes of how Toyota shared team information and then implemented something similar? I don’t think Zippy knows what Knaus puts under the car, but what if there was “certain” elements and data available through Chevy? More so than there has been in the past, in order to get a leg up on the new manufacturer? It’s a possibility, and one to take under careful consideration.

Share your thoughts!.

Filed Under: Drivers, Hendrick Motorsports #24, Jeff Gordon, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Talladega, Teams, Tracks





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