Fourth Leg Of A Three Legged Stool?

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Was Casey Mears in a hole from the start? We’re not questioning Hendrick Motorsports’ dedication to their teams (at least not with Casey) but looking back over the past decade, the performance of the 25 has been spotty at best. With many changes taking place in that time span, in both driver and team, it’s easy to see that a possible answer is a lack of continuity. Then again, if it were that easy, Hendrick would have fixed it a long time ago.

As the 5, 24 and the 48 continue to run far above the 25 we can only wonder what is going on. Many will tell you that the 25 is flat out cursed, their luck loans from the bank rarely meeting approval. So far the 2007 season for Casey Mears is no exception. New driver, new crew chief, and several other changes bring the 25 team a fresh start but the end results have been dismal thus far. However, the dedication of Hendrick to the 25 team has never been stronger.

Continuing analysis of the past decade of the 25 team, their “best years” surprisingly came with Brian Vickers in 2005 and 2006. They finished 17th and 15th, respectively, their best showing since 2001 when they finished 18th. All the while the 5, 24, and starting with Johnson’s rookie season in 2002 the other teams have flourished.

So what’s the deal? It’s been said many a time that the 25 has been the R&D entry that feeds information up the food chain. We won’t argue that, but with Casey’s ties to Hendrick and the family that should no longer be the case. That being said, it’s a transition year for the 25 as they move into a different role/capacity in the stable.

In the big picture of things, I’d consider being in the top 25 by Homestead a success. Granted it isn’t good compared to where the other 3 will most likely finish up, but under the circumstances it isn’t a wash. There are many adjustments being made, such as Casey adjusting to the set-ups and the team adjusting to what Casey needs in a set-up, as well as the team building cohesion and trust. It’s rare these things can happen overnight, The Zippy/Stewart or Knaus/Johnson instant combinations are exceptions, and not the rule. Hendrick is willing to give that team the time it needs to come up to speed, and their luck so far in 2007 can’t go on forever, can it?

2 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Casey Mears, Drivers, Hendrick Motorsports #25, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Teams





Trackback URL for: Fourth Leg Of A Three Legged Stool?

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Friday May 4, 2007
10:49am CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Being out of Championship Provisionals, Dale Jarrett is now in the same boat as any other “Go or go home” team. Being 72 points out of 35th, and considering the competition in front of him, the road ahead looks pretty bumpy. Jarrett has been in all 9 races thus far, but only 3 of those have been on his own accord. It won’t surprise me if he misses the show this weekend, to be honest.

Now we have to look at the other side of the fence. Granted competition in the back of the pack is fierce. Only 2 cars have not competed in all 9 races, Nemechek and Sauter both have 8, but are in the safety of the Top 35. All other teams have participated in all 9 events. DJ is only 1 of 2 cars (Riggs being the other) not in the Top 35 and to have been in all 9 events this season. Riggs won’t be there for long, most likely, so what’s DJ to do? He’s had 9 races to get it done, but the mission hasn’t been accomplished.

This isn’t just a Dale Jarrett problem. There isn’t a Toyota in the Top 35 at all, but of all the Toyota’s DJ is the front runner (as of Talladega) by 43 points over Dave Blaney. Had Blaney not missed Talladega, it may be a different story. Had Dale Jarrett not had the provisionals, it would be a different story. But we have what we have, and it’s shaping up to be and interesting qualifying session.

So from here, DJ has to step it up. The question is, can he do it? At this point, it isn’t a question of ability it is a question of equipment. With a new crew chief, Matt Borland is no longer with MWR, I wonder if it will make a difference. It may, it may not. Something happened, but what? Did MWR get scared? Was there internal conflict? We may never know.

2 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Dale Jarrett, Drivers, Michael Waltrip Racing #44, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Teams, Tracks





Trackback URL for: Can DJ Step It Up?

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday May 9, 2007
1:33pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Wow. It’s Wednesday already! Between tornadoes, flash floods, and all the other stuff on my plate, where does the time go?

So there’s this “rumor” trying to be pushed by the Winston-Salem Journal, but I don’t see anyone really biting on it. Can’t say I blame them. After all, Dale Junior at Hendrick Motorsports? That’s a little far fetched.

Not saying it may not be true to some extent, but we’ll get to that.

For the record, the main points of this post will discuss the current contact negotiations, adding fuel to its fire with the DEI/RYR merger discussion reports, Junior’s future home, why Hendrick won’t be it, and where he may very well (and should) end up.

So here we go with more what if scenarios, about Junior and his contract negotiations. To further complicate the situation, and perhaps it makes matters worse, is the recent media blitz of the DEI/RYR talks about combining forces to fight the beast.

To even further heat it up, Robert Yates being a staunch Ford team, and DEI being up on their contract with Chevy. Ford won’t let RYR go, as RYR is a big piece of their engine puzzle. Pretty much, if you run a Ford you’re running a Roush-Yates engine. Something the Ford camp isn’t willing to sacrifice. Not to mention that Yates is Ford’s #2 rooster in the hen house. Not a bad spot to be in, under any manufacturer. Heck, even the power of Gibbs is third in the chain behind Hendrick and RCR. Granted, that isn’t saying much since there isn’t a really true pecking order, but you get the point.

Now to even further the fuel to the fire, standing at at least a 6 alarm call, is Dale Junior himself. He flat out said he’ll be driving a Chevy next season. Junior gets what Junior wants, else they who want Junior don’t get what they want. I guess being the name that he is carries that much weight, and it should unless he’s tearing up the motor coach after finding brown M&M’s in the bowl. Or maybe finding Bud Light instead of the real McCoy in the cooler, so to speak.

So this article, and one previously (that I don’t have the link to offhand at the moment) is trying to mention that Junior could potentially head to Hendrick’s umbrella. I think that is ridiculous. Their “source” claims he’s leaning towards Hendrick, after looking at what both Hendrick and RCR have to offer. I’m calling shenanigans, and a very clever media ploy. A media ploy to either put pressure on DEI, or throw the hounds off the trail and give them something to talk about. To me, the Hendrick rumor looks to be intentionally made into more than it is, for the sake of exposure and pressure.

I won’t say that it isn’t possible. Hell, anything is these days. If you told me 18 months ago that DJ would be in a Toyota, I’d have said you were nuts based on how tightly DJ was integrated into the Ford camp. So yeah, I’m not always right, but I can only call it like I see it at the time.

It is probably likely that indeed there has been talks with Hendrick. But look at what’s on the table right now. Hendrick has 4 teams already. They support MB2, for example, but can you see Junior going there even if it was in name only and Hendrick was doing all the work? Um, no. So Hendrick would have to bump someone from its current stable over to MB2. Not either of their Champs, so it would have to be Casey of Kyle. Think that will happen? It’s not a likely move.

Seen it speculated that he could move JR Motorsports up to Cup, but give me a break. Junior isn’t “dumb”, and knows that would be career suicide. Not that Dale Jarrett’s fans don’t love him, but do you think they like to see him running in the back or not at all? It takes a lot to run in Cup, and it would kill Junior’s hopes of a title.

Through it all, there is only one logical choice. I’ve said it before, again, and again. I’ll say it now, too.

Richard Childress Racing.

If Junior wants a Championship, that’s the only path to it.

Hendrick could do it, no doubt, but there just isn’t the room there. Their drivers are under contract, and Junior isn’t for 2008. Yet. The driver at Hendrick would have to “agree” to step over (in name, most likely) to one of the satellite teams. Can’t say any of them would be willing, knowing what they have right now might not be there.

Richard Childress Racing.

You want this sport to come to life, there you go. Dale Junior was destined for that spot at RCR from the time Dale signed with RCR “back in the day”.

Now let’s be reasonable here. This is becoming a big issue because of the notes about DEI and RYR having discussions. If Junior gets what he wants out of the contract, majority ownership of DEI, then it’s a moot point. There would most likely be no merger with RYR since they won’t be switching away from Ford.

Would they have to, and would DEI have to switch to Ford though? Maybe not. Enter the COT, CORN, or whatever you want to call it now.

There is even less of a manufacturer difference in it, and I’d be willing to bet that a Ford team and a Chevy team could work together on darn near everything, motors excluded. The question with that is, would the manufacturers bite off on it? If it means benefits all around, and keeping ahead of the eventual Toyota plan when it gets off the ground in upcoming years, they may if they see it as a big threat.

Dale said he wanted things wrapping up or wrapped up in May. The 600 will be over before you know it, and considering that Dale Junior had no idea that DEI was having discussions with Robert Yates Racing, what does that tell the public about DEI’s concern for the negotiations with Junior? True or not, it sends a message that they are already proceeding on their given path. This path being presented between the lines in the media doesn’t seem to include Junior. You would think that if they were going to give over the reins of DEI, that he would at least have been advised of the discussions, not blindsided by them.

In the end, there really is only one logical decision for Junior to make. Richard Childress has always had his back, and will no matter the decision. Tony Eury Jr. will get all the help and support he needs on his end, which he isn’t really getting now (unless Jr gets control and makes it happen), and Junior will get all the help and support he needs as a driver.

A red, and sometimes black, #3 Budweiser Chevy. Now won’t that bring up some emotions and make for some headlines? Dale Junior is the only one that could pull it off, and it would be one heck of a “feel good” story. Not to mention that it would literally be something that would make ya feel good. A Dale Earnhardt fan or not, and newbies don’t count, seeing Dale Junior pull out for the Bud Shootout in that car would be something spectacular.

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Filed Under: Dale Earnhardt Inc #8, Dale Earnhardt Junior, Drivers, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Teams





Trackback URL for: Dale Junior And Hendrick? Gimmie A Break!

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Thursday May 10, 2007
12:33pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Dale Junior will not be racing under the DEI banner come 2008. To be honest, this shouldn’t be a big surprise.

Dale Earnhardt Jr did not say where he was heading, or what he would be doing starting next season. Only that he will not be returning to DEI

Dale Jr wants to drive for a top tier team, would then consider a second tier team. Finally, it would be the last option to create his own team but if need be they have the time to do it.

Dale Jr says that his vision and DEI’s visions were the same in the long term. [Duh. Win races and Championships.] What the big issue was was how to get there. At 32, Dale said this was the age that his father made his final career decision. Junior projected the impression that he knew it was time to crap or get off the pot.

Junior did not knock DEI. He feels very strongly about the company, and that yes it will become the Championship capable organization his Dad envisioned. Problem being that it’s going to take a few years, the right people, and the right decisions to get it there. Something that he just didn’t feel he could wait on if you read between the lines.

Speaking of reading between the lines, it really seems the big sticking issue was ownership. He said that while the effort was 10 times what it had been in previous contract negotiations, they just couldn’t come to terms. He didn’t want to discuss technical details, but he did say that the two parties offers/desires weren’t even close.

Dale Jr also said that he had sought advice from many people about this, and he even called Darrell Waltrip last night and asked him to fly in to the shop this morning to help calm him down in this difficult decision. DW was present, for the record.

You know, they always say that NASCAR is one big family. DW, love him or not, showed by his actions that this is still true today. Also furthering this was that Junior said he had talked to a lot of friends, from the top of NASCAR, to owners like Rick Hendrick and Richard Childress, to other drivers like Dale Jarrett, Jeff [Gordon], and Bobby Labonte. On the track it one thing, but off the track there is still that big sense of family.

Before we get into more opinion, the rest of the facts presented are this.

Dale Junior is on the table here. No other persons are involved. Not Martin Truex Jr, nor Tony Eury Jr. Junior says that those folks and the folks on his team will make their own decisions, and that he will support them 100 percent.

Dale Jr is not interested in expanding JR Motorsports to support him, either in Busch or Cup. He wants to be the Cup driver, not the Cup owner moving forward. Although he did say it was an option if need be.

He does not know where he will be going. The only reason for this big announcement was that they knew that a decision of this magnitude would not be kept secret for long, and they wanted to keep the rumors out of the media. Not only for the fans, but for the team and the sponsors as well.

Junior did not say if any sponsor would follow him. There still needs to be talks in regards to that.

Also discussed was his car number, ol’ number 8. He admitted that would most likely stay at DEI, that he would try to work something out, but it wasn’t likely.

He also said that he was going to listen to anyone who wanted to talk, but also said he preferred it was a Chevy. Not necessarily because of Chevy’s dominance, but that he just feels more comfortable in a Chevy.

Again, he said he has nothing on the table for 2008, yet.

So that’s the basics of it, in a nut shell. He said a lot, answered a lot of questions and the whole event took almost an hour.

So now we know that he will not be returning to DEI, what’s the deal?

Obviously the reports of running for his own JR Motorsports team with Martin Truex are false. His leaning towards Hendrick were false. Confirmation of heading to RCR wasn’t given. He just simply doesn’t know.

Junior did talk directly to his fans though. He said he knew some of them would be ticked, but asked for their support as he made this decision in regards to his driving career. Thinking he has let the Junior Nation down, by not being in the position in his career to bring home that big Cup trophy.

Heck, I won’t lie. I think Junior is making the decision that is best for himself, his career, and his family. Exactly what he said he wanted to do. It was a good decision, thus far. And I think part of it is that he wants to become his own entity. Not driving for his Dad’s team, and having an occasional press jockey attack his credibility as having a free ride. He wants to drive on his own merit, and prove himself at a new level.

From here, there are tons of options. He said he would listen to anyone that wanted to talk. I’m sure Mikey’s blowing up the lines at the moment, but let’s face reality here. Jr loves Chevy’s. He even said recently that it would take a huge pile of money to get him out of one, the likes of which aren’t present in NASCAR. Which, essentially, is saying you can’t buy me out of a Bow Tie.

With that in mind, what are the options here?

Speed began floating the rumor that Gibbs isn’t happy with the 18, and may be looking to make changes. Great, here goes Silly Season into full swing now. JJ out a Gibbs, Jr in? So and so might be out, Jr in? They’re coming. You know they are. We’ll just have to deal with it.

Junior said his first option would be a top tier team. OK, there are 3 top tier Chevy teams. RCR, Hendrick, and Gibbs.

Hendrick:

• Already at 4 teams
• All drivers signed through at least 2008

Gibbs:

• Stewart and Hamlin not going anywhere
• Speeds pushing a rumor about the #18 already
• Gibbs only has three cars, one below the limit

Richard Childress Racing:

• Only has three of 4 cars allowed
• Solid off track relationship
• Deal would be “as easy as a handshake”
• All the things Jr is looking for, would be offered (support, etc)

So from those comparisons, facts only, only Gibbs or RCR has an apparent available opening.

From the second tier teams, other than DEI, there is Ginn Racing. They only have two cars full time, and an occasion third as Smith competes on occasion when Mark is in the #01. Spot open, but the competition side doesn’t look as appealing as RCR or Gibbs. Granted, Mark Martin could be up towards the top if he wasn’t taking so many “vacations”. But, that’s what Mark wanted and his sticking to it had to be tough when Bristol was coming up.

Who else is really out there? Hall of Fame Racing? An option, and I’m sure Aikman would need new drawers if Junior said OK. But, while the team and effort over there may produce a good environment, competition is sub-par at best. Junior said DEI would take longer than he wanted to wait, at this point without being the Head Honcho, so HoF isn’t really realistic either.

Could something be worked out where Hendrick does everything for the cars, but the banner is still Ginn? An under the table deal, if you will? Literally, it could probably be pulled off and written as an open door philosophy between the teams. But, let’s face it. The current dominant teams at Hendrick have been working together for a long while. They’ve been building for a long time, and they are reaping the benefits of a long line of people in the right place. Rick’s done it with his dealerships, and that same philosophy has served him well in NASCAR. The #25 being the exception, but it has a much higher turn-over rate thus far as compared to the other three teams. Building that success takes time, and not to mention it would be shady. Pushing the gray areas of the mysterious rule book it one thing. Publicly pushing the known four team rule would be suicide, and not something Rick Hendrick would ethically want to do. So, cut that option.

So, realistically, unless Dale Junior really wants to try and start his own effort or help someone start one, it’s Gibbs or RCR as the best looking options at this point. Granted, as Silly Season 2007 was officially kicked off at 11:am EDT this morning, who knows what could happen. If I were a betting man, I’d still put my money on RCR. But that’s my logic talking, and not Junior’s. Although he did say that it was a logical option.

I wonder if this perhaps wasn’t an opportunity to let other teams show him what they have to offer? He knows, while maybe not on paper, what he would have at RCR. Maybe he’s letting the other teams have a chance, and giving notice that if they can put something good on the table that they may have a shot? This way, he can make an informed career decision?

Final thoughts on this for now, even though I have a lot more swimming in the ol’ noggin’ right now, is this.

As past results have shown, when an announcement like this has been made, the remainder of the season has been less than stellar in terms of performance. Dale Jarrett, McMurray, Kurt Busch, and Sadler in recent years and many before then as well. Although, this whole announce sooner rather than towards the end of the season has become more prevalent in the last several years. Blame marketing on that one, as well as the even more urgent need to be competitive in the following season and the earlier you can start the better.

So, just moving up into the last Chase eligible spot after Richmond (13^th in owners points), what’s that going to do to the rest of the season?

On top of that, how do we know it wouldn’t have happened anyway? At least to some degree, anyway.

Junior says he knows the history of announcements like this, and is dedicated to his team and himself to mash the gas and race. Then again, that’s what all his predecessors making similar announcements have said as well. We’ll just have to see what happens.

Share your thoughts!.

Filed Under: Dale Earnhardt Inc #8, Dale Earnhardt Junior, Drivers, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Teams





Trackback URL for: Dale Earnhardt Junior Speaks: So Long DEI

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Friday May 11, 2007
11:15pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

The question isn’t where Denny is sending the trophy. Like you really needed to ask. VT is a given.

The question isn’t whether Mark would have had a shot, had there been a few more laps or that final caution not come out.

Since NASCAR has decided to police “rough driving”, they have seemed to be a little more lax in the Busch series. With all the beatin’ and bangin’ going on this evening, not that that is a bad thing so follow along, I’m wondering what’s going to be the stance tomorrow night for 500 miles of “dump truck” racing?

Will NASCAR overlook such things as Stewart rubbing Newman until his left rear pops, as they did this evening, or will they call foul? Not saying that Newman was innocent here, or taking Stewart’s side either, but giving an example of some of the rubbing that was going on all night. Not that it should stop. It was refreshing to see some racing, without drivers being called aggressive or getting an opportunity to wave to the crew while passing by at a much reduced speed.

The question being raised is has NASCAR backed off on their aggressiveness, and finally decided to just let these guys get out there and race? I guess that we’ll know that answer some 24 hours from now. In the meantime, here’s to hoping it’s a good show.

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Filed Under: Busch Series, Darlington, Nascar, Tracks





Trackback URL for: Busch Race At Darlington Raises Question

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Sunday May 13, 2007
11:48am CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Well, I was bored to tears last night. But apparently I wasn’t the only one with a severe case of boredom due to rain.

Read a few message boards, why I have no idea since you have to wade through the conspiracy whiners, then read some links through google and tinkered around a bit. I could have mowed the grass, minus the fact of there still being an inch of water in the yard from the last couple weeks of almost daily rain. That, and it was dark anyway.

I’m not complaining about the rain, for the record, since now my pond is full to the brim after finally giving up the fight late last summer and drying up. Half an acre of water all gone, and the fish with it. Lot’s of full freezers though, but not much fishin’ to be had this year out here.

So as I mentioned I was wandering around google, not particularly looking for anything but I did find some interesting tidbits.

Gibbs, being considered a likely top 3 option for one mister Dale Junior, has said through a GM press release that they would be interested in talking to Dale Jr, but they aren’t comfortable with the sponsorship that would likely bring. The Coach didn’t say it was exactly a deal breaker, but that while he appreciates and respects everything that Budweiser has done for the sport he feels it would be tough to personally get a deal done. The Coach is known and respected for his high moral standards, and dedication to his Christian faith. Not that they couldn’t give Junior what he is looking for competitively, but J.D. Gibbs said that they would focus on what they’re doing and basically just roll with the punches and see what happens.

Unless there is some jacked up reason Budweiser can’t follow Dale Jr, Gibbs isn’t looking like an top option. Not saying that they might overlook it, but don’t count on it.

Bobby Ginn has openly expressed interest, and one piece I read had a great analysis of the Ginn situation with a certain positive aspect of it.

That specifically was the Bobby Ginn has deep pockets, and long arms to match.

Not to mean that he could pay Dale Earnhardt Junior a very pretty salary, although he could, but meaning he has the capability to put money into the program and make it even better than he has so far since his purchase of MB2 last August.

Hendrick is still mum on the deal, and to be honest anything you’re going to read is pure speculation from looking at what is currently known to be a possible opportunity.

Junior wants to take a week or two for himself before he begins listening to teams and offers. Once that happens though, you’ll probably see reports and headlines like “Dale Jr to Team X?” Ignore them. He’ll be visiting a lot of shops, and talking to a lot of folks.

No, we’re not discussing the mounting brackets for the rear wing that NASCAR took from the #8 team. They were taken, but that’s all that’s known. NASCAR is going to talk to Tony Eury Jr this week, but there is a possibility of a penalty. But, stay tuned for more info.

OK, enough about Dale Jr. What else is out there?

The Dover COT test is being moved, no announcement as to when they will reschedule it. It may be the following Monday/Tuesday prior to the 600, or it may be the Thursday before the track opens for the Dover event.

For the first time in 21 years, last time coming at Atlanta for The Winston, we’re going racing on Mother’s Day.

More Junior, more Junior, and did I mention more Junior? I agree it’s the biggest story of 2007 thus far but wow.

Castroneves wins Indy pole by just .06 mph. Wait! That isn’t NASCAR! Although, considering the Indy Qualifying format, that’s pretty darn close on that pole.

Wow, I just found another one, but this one is getting it’s own piece.

So that’s a wrap of my boredom. I think I’ll grab a beverage, finish out Race Day, and get ready for Darlington.

Share your thoughts!.

Filed Under: Dale Earnhardt Junior, Drivers, Nascar, Nextel Cup





Trackback URL for: Rain Delay At Darlington Causes Boredom

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Thursday May 17, 2007
10:21am CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

While the Wood Brothers obviously have high hopes for young Jon, according to the Atlanta Constitution-Journal they are facing the hard facts of life.

Bring out of the top 35 in Owner’s points, they’ve struck a deal that will see “Awesome Bill From Dawsonville” make a brief return to the series. In a Ford, obviously, which he hasn’t done since he moved from his own Bill Elliott Racing over to the #9 for Ray Evernham.

He’ll start with the Coca-Cola 600 a week from Sunday, and has also filed entry for Dover the following week.

The obvious advantage: 6 guaranteed races. With Dale Jarrett having burned up all his freebies, Elliott will make the show.

Provided Elliott gets it back into the coveted Top 35, and there are provisionals remaining, he could very well be the safety net the Wood Brothers have needed. It’s a long way to the Top 35 though, so who knows.

Hello, Newman

While still under contract with Penske Racing South, through 2009, the Winston-Salem Journal seems to think that Newman could be looking for a new ride. This coming at the time the #12 Alltel Dodge Pit Crew was wrapping up a win over the #43 team in the Pit Crew Challenge. Needless to say, it probably isn’t going to get any better as we roll towards Homestead, with just a race over the 2/3 mark remaining in the season. Oh joy.

Get Your Junior Gear Here…

Also, according to the Associated Press, while the so-called “experts” believed there would be a dip in the sales of red merchandise to the Junior Nation, this has yet to happen. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Sales have skyrocketed 107%, according to the report, but who knows if this is temporary or will hold up. Either way, someone’s raking in some cash.

Wrapping it up

So now we’re prepping for the All-Star race this Saturday. The trucks are back on track Friday night, and in a new twist for Saturday the crew chiefs will be running little roadsters around the 1/4 mile front stretch track before the other festivities begin Saturday night. Heck, that might be a pretty cool little show.

6 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Bill Elliott, Charlotte/Lowe's, Dale Earnhardt Inc #8, Dale Earnhardt Junior, Drivers, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Penske Racing #12, Ryan Newman, Teams, Tracks, Wood Brothers #21





Trackback URL for: Thursday Catch-Up: Elliot, Newman, And Some Other Items

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday May 23, 2007
9:11am CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

OK, so it wasn’t Hendrick. It was, yet again, Chevrolet. That’s just how it goes, and looking back there have been times when Ford was stinking it up as well. But, we’re not here to necessarily discuss this.

The All-Star race was far from a spectacular show. It should have been dubbed the All-Star Show, not race. Is this the fault of the drivers or teams? No.

The “show” last weekend was a product of an over cautious tire, one that has little grip on the surface and makes for some pretty loose race cars.

During the All-Star coverage, many, many drivers mentioned this. Some that tend to not mention things like this and just go out and (try to) race. The broadcast team even made mention of it, and “said” it probably wouldn’t be an issue on the series’ return this fall.

If you know your car is loose as a goose, you’re not going to chance wrecking it just to gain a spot. Points on the line or not, a wreck isn’t fun. With the 600 this weekend they have to keep the big picture in mind, knowing full well the demanding physical situation of the longest distance in NASCAR.

On top of all this, four 20 lap heats just didn’t cut it. There is no doubt that this format didn’t work. Perhaps a 20/20/30/40 format might be better, and bringing back the inversion for all segments except the first. Granted, not having a fan vote as we know we are all too predictable on that one. The lottery-style machine used previously would be fine.

All in all, it was a lackluster event. No wonder is wasn’t on a mainstream channel. Not to say Speed didn’t do a good job, but shouldn’t the “All Star” event be on mainstream TV?

2 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Busch Series, Charlotte/Lowe's, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Tracks





Trackback URL for: All-Star Weekend Indicative Of Things To Come In Charlotte?

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Sunday May 27, 2007
10:54am CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

According to Lowe’s Motor Speedway President H. A. “Humpy” Wheeler, attendance for LMS Pole Day has been in steady decline since 2001.

His explanation for this is a combination of the Top 35 being locked in, and a lack of entertainment with current qualifying procedures.

All of this according to an interview with Marty Smith.

I will agree that current qualifying is a little dull in terms of entertainment value. However it probably isn’t a good thing that qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 also takes place on Thursday, either. It sure isn’t helping. Also, since the Top 35 was only implemented last season, while it isn’t helping at the moment, my math would tell me that there was a 5 year decline already in place prior to 2006.

Humpy suggests running qualifying in four 15 minute sessions, 25% of the field at a time, fastest speeds overall do the deed. There is a hint of canning the Top 35 rule as well.

I disagree, in part.

The Top 35 needs to go. It’s too much.

I do think that a few teams should be locked in. Let’s face it. We need sponsors in NASCAR. In return, those sponsors need some sort of a guarantee that they are investing their marketing dollars wisely. However, 35 is just too large.

So, overall, here is what I feel would be pretty darn cool.

Increase The Field To 45

Increasing the field by 2 cars really isn’t that big of an addition. It just rounds out the numbers a little better. Plus, there isn’t a risk of a short field and needing a filler any time soon. Adding 2 additional spots would also help ensure that down the road as well.

Lock In The Top 15

Locking in the Top 15 is plenty. Enough to give some sponsors (and teams) some breathing room, but it isn’t overkill. I think Top 20, or Top 25 would still be pushing the limit. Plus, with 45 cars, that’s only 1/3 of the field.

Run Qualifying Heat Races

Pretty similar to what Humpy had in mind, with 4 qualifying sessions, then again, maybe run 2 heats instead like for Daytona. It would add some excitement for sure. Then again, with either heats or sessions, there is always the possibility of an accident. If run in sessions though, an accident would have much less impact than it would if it were heat races.

I can’t say that there is any one good answer, or that NASCAR has any plans to do anything about any of it. Humpy seems to think that NASCAR will be making some sort of change for 2008.

The only question is, will it be for the better or the worse?

Join the discussion.

Filed Under: Charlotte/Lowe's, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Tracks





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By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Thursday May 31, 2007
12:49pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Toyota: When Having 5 out of 7 Cars Miss The Show Just Isn’t Enough…

Yep, that was a smart-ass remark. Hey, I’m entitled on occasion. Right? (Crickets chirp…)

So I’m reading through a little article about NASCAR tire-testing rules, and Owners responses and the testing this week at VIR. Consider it a bunch of complaints that Goodyear’s aren’t available outside of race weekend stops.

What is intriguing, is the last four paragraphs which have absolutely nothing to do with tires, testing, or anything else the article would lead you to believe it contains.

It talks about Toyota, and their attempts to lure Gibbs, Penske, and Robert Yates to their stable for 2008.

The teams being approached in such a fashion was confirmed, according to the article, and it seems legitimate.

Well now, is that so? So much for Toyota’s standpoint of not trying to buy off current teams to get them under the banner with a big “T” on it.

What is seems to come down to is that if you can’t compete with what you have on a consistent basis, throw money at people who are already competitive to try and make things look better.

It appears that Gibbs isn’t really interested, although it notes they haven’t told Toyota “no” yet, but it does specifically mention that Yates is listening, and throws out the bone that Penske is one of the largest Toyota dealers in the world.

Continuing, it mentions of a possible merger between Penske and Michael Waltrip Racing. Come again? Penske joining forces with MWR? By my math, that’s 5 teams so someone would have to go.

Mikey backing out of the seat? DJ “fed up with this” already? This is pure crazy right here, but stranger things have happened.

Gibbs would be nuts to move away from the bow tie, Penske hops around so it may not be out of the question considering the existing ties, but Yates? Talk about a blow to Ford in the big picture of things.

However, at least Yates has a positive out of this. They can’t run much worse than they have been. Then again, with no Toyota’s currently in the coveted Top 35, maybe they could. Blaney is in 36th (92 points out) and Vickers is in 39th out by 214 points.

On the other hand, Ricky is in 31st, and Gilliland is in 34th. So it could be worse, but not by much. I’ll admit that the offerings from Toyota probably sound pretty good in terms of their dedicated support and sharing of information.

I will note though, that the willingness of Yates to listen is speculation, as noted in the article. The only thing I’ll remind you of is the old saying, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”

4 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Nascar, Nextel Cup





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