Daytona 500: 1 Day Away

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.

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Jimmie Johnson

• 2007 Stats

  • Organization: Hendrick Motorsports
  • Car Number: 48
  • Crew Chief: Chad Knaus
  • Sponsor: Lowe’s
  • Points: 1st :: 6723 :: –
  • Starts: 36
  • Poles: 4
  • Wins: 10
  • Top 5’s: 20
  • Top 10’s: 24
  • Winnings: $7,646,420

• 2008 Preview

  • Organization: Hendrick Motorsports
  • Car Number: 48
  • Crew Chief: Chad Knaus
  • Sponsor: Lowe’s

Drum roll please…

The 2008 Daytona 500 is just a day away, and we wrap up the past 50 days with our reigning Nextel Cup Champion, who also will be leading the field to the green tomorrow. It should come as no surprise that Jimmie Johnson took the pole for The Great American Race. With that, on with the final post in our countdown to the 50th running of the Daytona 500.

Deja Vu, anyone? That’s what many people had on their mind as Jimmie Johnson tore the Chase up with a record 4 wins in the September “race-off” format introduced in 2004. It was enough to push him ahead of teammate and mentor Jeff Gordon by 77 points when it was all said and done at Homestead and giving Johnson his second Championship in as many years.

What does 2008 have in store for Jimmie Johnson? Who knows at this point. While a repeat title seems unlikely, you never know. You would have to think his luck would run out at some point, and that he wouldn’t “catch as many breaks” when rolling through the pack towards the front. But hey, it’s a toss up at this point and you just can’t even come close to ruling him out as a threat.

Note: information is accurate as of date published. Check Thunder Lounge for additional updates and information.

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Filed Under: Drivers, Hendrick Motorsports #48, Jimmie Johnson, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Sprint Cup, Teams





Trackback URL for: Daytona 500: 1 Day Away

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday February 13, 2008
3:35pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Motors, they are a changin’.

Or was that “times”? Well, that wasn’t the case in Daytona this afternoon.

It would seem that teams running Hendrick engines, at least 6 (includes Nemecheck and Riggs), would be changing engines before the Duel’s tomorrow afternoon.

But wait, we’re not stopping there. Toyota is also have problems with their engines. In fact, the exact same problem. To the extent that TRD is sending new engines straight from California, post haste.

The problem, for you engine techs out there, is that the coating on the cam shaft is coming off, getting on the lifters and filtering through the engine.

Clint Bowyer is also changing an engine today, but it was unrelated to the above problem according to SPEED.

What this means is that the teams who have changed engines prior to their Duel will have to start at the back of their assigned heat. Once the Duel’s have run, all teams may freely make an engine change without penalty.

3 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Casey Mears, Clint Bowyer, Dale Earnhardt Junior, Daytona, Drivers, Furniture Row Racing #78, Haas CNC Racing #66, Hendrick Motorsports #24, Hendrick Motorsports #25, Hendrick Motorsports #48, Hendrick Motorsports #5, Hendrick Motorsports #88, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Joe Nemechek, Nascar, Scott Riggs, Sprint Cup, Teams, Tracks





Trackback URL for: R07 Woes For Chevy’s Top Dogs

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Tuesday November 6, 2007
11:39pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

This should be saved for tomorrow’s WTF, but I couldn’t help it.

So, before we get out of recovery mode from the Texas Sized Thunder at Thunder Lounge this past weekend, I’ll leave you with a simple statement.

“It’s no wonder Kentucky can’t get a race date. Their media can’t even get their NASCAR coverage right, nor do they have a clue.”

In this article, the fish-wrap generator of “Eastern Kentucky” loses all credibility with a simple line. While most of the article is pimping on Bruton Smith and his purchase of New Hampshire, they had to get their own spin on the title hunt in. That’s what killed it.

“Johnson or Gordon have never won at Phoenix but both have had some success as Johnson has a couple of runner-up finishes including last November and Gordon has a trio of third place finishes.”

Notice anything strange there? I do. Hell, if you can’t even keep up with something that happened this season, what good are you? Well, you’re not. To add to that, you’re obviously not even doing your homework when out of your league.

For the record, and we’ll get to it when we get back on track tomorrow, the event at Texas went off like hot cakes off the griddle. One hell of a show, as always.

Share your thoughts!.

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





Trackback URL for: Just a quick poke at Kentucky…

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday October 3, 2007
3:41pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Welcome to the first edition of WTF? Wednesday™.

A brief synopsis: Every Wednesday, we’re going to go the extra mile (and possibly throw “the flag”) to ask the all inevitable question that is lurking on everyone’s mind. WTF? If it’s smelling funny, and has to do with NASCAR, we’re going to ask it.

On to this weeks column.

Kyle Bush and his manifold of gold

As you may or may not have heard, NASCAR failed the #5 of Kyle Bush after he swept through (again) to Victory Lane in the Busch Race at Kansas.

They “deemed” his intake manifold to be “illegal”. Yet, here it is Wednesday already and there hasn’t been a word about it since Sunday. WTF?

Hendrick says it’s legit, and that it’s no different than other times. In fact, they even sent one into NASCAR and they inspected it for 2 days earlier last week.

So, what’s “good to go” this week may be “illegal” the next? WTF?

Late this afternoon, NASCAR announced a “fine” of $10,000 for Mike Bumgarner, the crew chief for Kyle Bush in the Busch Nationwide Series for violations found post-race at Kansas.

Bruton Smith “may” build a new “Charlotte”

Bruton wants a drag racing venue at his current location in the capital of NASCAR. Cool, he’s done it at Bristol and Texas to name a few. He gets the required zoning, and begins.

All of a sudden, the City Council (we’re talking Concord, not “technically Charlotte”) decided the other night to overturn the zoning for the area, leaving Mr. Smith in the middle of a project which (currently) can’t be used. WTF?

Supposedly the “City Council” wanted to pull the reins on all the “noise” in the area, as it’s building up around the track in terms of both business and residential neighbors. OK, whatever.

So, Bruton laid out the terms for all to see. If that’s the way it’s going to be, and “noise” is such a concern, I want my tracks together. If I need to relocate my venues to another part of town, I will.

Huh?

Mr. Bruton Smith went on to compare it to a stick/ball team building a new arena in town. It’s still there, just in a different location. This isn’t a ploy or a threat. It’s the facts. If he has to move it to another area of town, he will. He’s already scouting land around the Charlotte area, and I’d bet there’s a few communities welcoming the move with open arms.

So you’ll hear about Charlotte closing, but really it’s just moving to another side of town.

The question is, what would the track be like? Would it mirror the current configuration? Let’s hope not.

Bruton Smith has a few things at his disposal now. He’s got raw data from various sources, and I’d be willing to bet that if indeed a deal can’t be reached, and he does build a new facility, that it will be the best one on the circuit. He knows what is working, and where the future is headed. Expect the facilities to be top notch, and something viable for not only today, but for decades to come.

What about the track itself? Would it be the same thing, or could it be something unique? Here’s a chance to shine. Do something that hasn’t/isn’t being done. Make that track even more special than it already is. 1.5 miles in length? Nah. 2 miles? Maybe, but Michigan and Cali-bore-nia already do it. 1 mile? Dover, New Hampshire. 1.75 miles? 1.25 miles? Hmmm, 600 miles is divisible evenly at 1.25 miles, 1.75 is a tick off, but almost another full lap.

With all the data available, the chance to truly make a “Beast of the Southeast” exists. The fans would dig it (who wants another cookie?), the drivers would dig it, and most of all it would be something different.

We’ll see what happens on that front, but for now in terms of this “out of nowhere” deal, WTF?

Kansas

We aren’t in Kansas anymore, but thoughts sure haven’t left there.

Why was a race that had not a chance of ending before darkness resumed? WTF?

OK, if I had paid to be there, I’d want as much show as possible.

“Technically”, if all the remaining laps went green it could have made the distance. NASCAR isn’t that dumb, so they said we’re going to 225. WTF?

The thing is, when has there been an opportunity to restart a race at all? It would either:
a) go way into the night
b) not enough daylight left, and no lights available
c) wasn’t enough left for it to be worth it.

Kansas was what, 12 or so laps past halfway? NASCAR made the call to continue with as much of a show as possible, which was a good call for fans, just maybe not for your driver. Then again, maybe your driver came out better than if it had been stopped? Then again, the one who would have benefited most from not resuming, ended up with the bonehead move of the race. “Hey Smoke, there’s smoke coming out of your tire.” But, I digress.

Then you have the finish. Biffle cut the motor off coming out of 4 on the final lap, to make sure he had enough fuel to do a burn out. He had half a gallon left, by the way, but NASCAR made him walk over to Victory Lane. WTF? Why couldn’t the guy do a burnout? WTF?

“Da rules” state a reasonable speed, and NASCAR said it was. Some of the competitors didn’t think it was, so they passed under yellow. NASCAR said the field was frozen, so that was that. OK, but also if you pass under yellow, don’t you get a penalty? So if that’s true, and Biffle wasn’t maintaining a reasonable speed (almost half the pace car speed as he crossed the line), then wouldn’t Casey Mears have won with Jeff Gordon finishing second? But, the field was frozen and Biffle maintained a reasonable speed. WTF?

Not even the mighty scoring loops of NASCAR got it right. It had Bowyer listed at 1st, followed by Johnson. Talk about a Charlie Foxtrot drill. Anyone want to wager about a slight modification to the wording in “Da Rules” about this for next season? If there isn’t, we have our last WTF?

2 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Busch Series, Casey Mears, Charlotte/Lowe's, Clint Bowyer, Drivers, Features, Greg Biffle, Hendrick Motorsports #24, Hendrick Motorsports #25, Hendrick Motorsports #48, Hendrick Motorsports #5, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Joe Gibbs Racing #20, Kansas, Kyle Busch, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Richard Childress Racing #07, Roush Racing #16, Teams, The Chase, Tony Stewart, Tracks, WTF? Wednesday's





Trackback URL for: WTF? Wednesday…

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Thursday September 20, 2007
10:52am CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Levi Strauss has put Jimmie Johnson on notice that it will cease its personal endorsement deal with him and cease being the Official Jeans of the team, according to the Sports Business Journal (as reported by Scene Daily).

The report get to a conclusion that supposedly none of this had a thing to do with the fact that Dale Earnhardt Junior has come to the hen house, guns blazzing, and wearing Wrangler’s. Wrangler being Levi Strauss’ biggest competitor.

I’m sorry, but I’ll have to beg to differ on that one regardless of what we’re told to think.

Let’s get some facts out there.

Last fall Levi Strauss, who has been a personal sponsor of Johnson since 2004, re-upped their deal for another 3 years.

Dale Earnhardt Junior recently renewed his contract with Wrangler, citing their acknowledgment of history and relationships.

Let me see here. Something just doesn’t add up folks.

Here’s how I see it. While I’m not Tim (where’s he ran off to, anyway?), this should still make some sense.

This situation is plain and simple.

Even being a sponsor of the reigning Nextel Cup Champion, how can they compete and effectively market their brand when the most popular driver in NASCAR walks in the door wearing the competition? There just isn’t enough room in the hen house on this one folks. Levi Strauss either had an out, or asked for one. Either way, they’re able to walk out of a 3 year deal after completing just a single year of it.

“… Johnson’s business manager told the SBJ that the Levi’s contract had nothing to do with the Wrangler contract.”

Um, right.

“A corporate official told the SportsBusiness Journal that it would be going in a different direction than being the official jeans of the team.”

Really? Is that so?

OK, so when could a company just up and decide to move in a different direction and break an endorsement contract with only reaching the 1/3 mark?

Conclusion:

In summary, Levi Strauss is definitely moving in a different direction, as they stated. They had, or asked for, an out, and have effectively received their break from the contract.

The direction they are moving in is whichever one is farthest from Dale Earnhardt Junior and his Wrangler deal. They just can’t, or don’t want to, compete against their rival apparel maker combined with the most popular driver in NASCAR.

Can’t really say I blame them, but hey, why not pony up the truth instead of all the smoke and mirrors?

4 comments. Add your 2 cents!.

Filed Under: Dale Earnhardt Junior, Drivers, Hendrick Motorsports #48, Hendrick Motorsports #88, Jimmie Johnson, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Teams





Trackback URL for: Did Levi Strauss Get Ticked Off?

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Tuesday June 26, 2007
5:34pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

According to NASCAR, they have made their position clear on playing with the COT and that it is nothing like the previous car what so ever.

Both Johnson and Gordon have been docked 100 points (Driver and Owner), fined $100,000, and their crew chiefs (Letarte and Knaus) have been suspended for 6 events.

The Hendrick teams have been putting in overtime since returning from Sonoma in preparation for this possibility. Their preparation was obviously not in vein.

This marks a new era for NASCAR, and gives the appearance that it is becoming more like the IROC series was. Look at the cars that will roll out at Daytona, and then compare them to the same car at Chicago. If you can’t see an obvious difference in the body, you’re blind as a bat.

However with the COT this isn’t the case. Apparently anything put on it will be considered a NASCAR approved part, and there is no room for ingenuity in engineering. Isn’t that the point? Here’s the rules, now make your car as fast as possible without violating it? The car fit the templates, so where is the problem? What happened to being able to go back and fix it if it wasn’t illegal, and then bringing it back through?

What if someone comes through and their car is a tick low in one corner because a bolt wasn’t tightened enough? Previously, they could fix it and come back through. The tech process is not just an approval process, but a process where it can sometimes help a team avoid a serious issue and subsequent wreck.

So as NASCAR welcomes in an era they will no doubt taut as the era of diversity, thanks to Montoya pulling it off at Sonoma, they also seem to be saying goodbye to the past and the ability for teams to play within the rules to make their car better than their neighbors.

Yet, why wasn’t the #5 or #25 involved in this issue?

To me this is simple. Their cars that they brought had already been raced previously. The #24 and #48 were both new cars that had not been on the track yet. So, it comes down to when and how the body was fabricated.

Unfortunately, NASCAR is also in the position of damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Had there been no additional penalties, they would be criticized by those who don’t understand as showing Hendrick favoritism. Then on the flip side, they open themselves to criticism where they are apparently taking away any areas for the teams to work in.

Certainly if one thought they were skirting a gray area, then would they really put it right in plain view to anyone with two eyes who could see it? I don’t think so, Tim.

So where is the line? NASCAR is obviously drawing it in the sand, so we’ll see what happens from here on out.

Join the discussion.

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





Trackback URL for: Gordon And Johnson Penalized: Crew Chiefs Out For Six

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Friday June 22, 2007
2:23pm CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Just revealed on NASCAR Live on Speed, in pre-inspection both the #24 and #48 failed to fit the “grid” that NASCAR uses as its template check. You know, that big claw looking thing.

Neither team will be allowed to practice or qualify, and NASCAR will be meeting with the teams to discuss what they will be allowed to participate in this weekend.

Both will start from the back at the pack, 41st and 42nd respectively.

The cars did not conform to “Da Rules”, apparently the issue was with the left front fenders. The template fit the check points, but it was something to do with what was going on in between those particular points and that the fenders were slightly “bowed” out a bit. You may draw a comparison to that whole “X” template thing that a few cars were hit on last season.

As of this post, both cars were in the process of going back through tech. The #48 has made it past “the claw”, and the #24 was still working on it.

What is not known at this time is penalty assessments, or anything else.

I’m sure the rumors and whatever will be flying, as well as the Hendrick “Hater-Aid” as well.

Share your thoughts!.

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





Trackback URL for: Johnson and Gordon Fail Infineon Inspection Grid

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Monday April 2, 2007
11:25am CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

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.

2 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 March 19, 2007
8:39am CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Wow. Where did this week go? I have no idea. Last I checked it was Tuesday, and now it’s Monday already. This sucks not only for our dear readers, but for myself as well. There was a lot of issues I, of course, had comments for last week. However we’ll move forward and try this again.

So by now you know Jimmie Johnson went back to back, passing Stewart with a couple laps to go yesterday at Atlanta, and sailing off into the sunset. Not a huge surprise, but a feat worthy of respect with the closeness of competition these days.

Johnson also, as the title implies, helped to make first time NASCAR history. It started Friday night with Skinner, Jeff Burton kept it alive Saturday, and Jimmie sealed the deal Sunday. Of course we’re referring to the first time ever that all three of the NASCAR top series had back to back winners. Skinner won the truck race at Fontana, and Burton also won last weekends Busch race at Las Vegas. And you thought Montoya’s top 5 was something.

Speaking of things Ganassi, not a bad effort thus far in 2007. Too bad that heading into the final race of guaranteed starts from the 2006 owners points that Robert Yates can’t yet say the same. We’re not officially calling the struggle yet, but it sure is shaping up to be. But hey, they’ll always have the front row at Daytona. Right?

So while you’re probably more worried about your canned pet food at the moment, and I’m thankful I use the non-tainted stuff, there’s folks out there with much bigger worries on their shoulders. Toyota, for starters, and it’s even poorer than expected start to its Cup debut.

After Atlanta, in the 2007 Owners Points battle, the lone Camry in the top 35 is Dale Jarrett by a scant 18 points. Next comes Blaney at 45 points out of the coveted Top 35. One small positive note in all their struggles is Vickers. He’s the next spot behind Blaney and 75 points out of the running. He’s also missed 2 of the 4 races thus far, only making the show in Fontana and Atlanta. That’s translating to a positive how, you ask? To still be that close in the hunt, and only making half the events to date, it means he’s ran “respectable” in those two events on average. Something Dale Jarrett and Dave Blaney who have had twice the opportunities to score points can’t say.

Anybody seen the recent NAPA commercial with Sammy Hagar in the closet? You know, the one where Mikey and DJ are walking though the hall at “Michael Waltrip Racing” and you hear Sammy jammin out with the “slightly different” version of his classic “I can’t drive 55″. Then Mikey opens the closet door and asks if he could turn it down a little bit, and Sammy snaps right back with “Can you drive a little faster”?

Could this be the sign that NAPA is digging its heels in and trying to make the best of a start-up situation? That’s the way I see it, to use Tim’s line, and although the results are obviously less than they had hoped for they can still make due with some creative advertising. Every little bit helps at this point.

If things keep going the way they have been, Toyota better hope Vickers makes it in this week at Bristol. A decent finish could squeak him into the Top 35 for Martinsville, and he could end up the lone Camry in the show thereafter. We say thereafter since that could be, and most likely will be, the last time DJ is eligible to use the Champions excuse (er, provisional) this season. Having used 4 so far, the trend would be one more at Bristol and Martinsville and then with his trend in Owners Points he’d be on the outside looking in.

The only salvation for struggling teams at this point is that now it’s time to put the COT on the track to race. Some say that the playing field will be leveled with it initially. While this is true to some extent, since nobody has raced it in an actual event yet, you can still expect the cream to rise to the top. Your bigger organizations have been working on it for quite a while now, as they have the resources and capabilities, while smaller operations have had to put more focus on the first for races of the season.

One thing is for certain though as we head to the mountains of Tennessee. All bets are off.

Share your thoughts!.

Filed Under: Atlanta, Brian Vickers, Dale Jarrett, Drivers, Hendrick Motorsports #48, Jimmie Johnson, Michael Waltrip, Michael Waltrip Racing #44, Michael Waltrip Racing #55, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Team RedBull #83, Teams, Tracks





Trackback URL for: Johnson Makes History With Back To Back

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Monday March 12, 2007
10:21am CDT
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Let’s see, the track was repaved and has come under praise and criticism. Check. Goodyear took a beating over the tire for being too hard and causing safety concerns instead of increasing safety. Check. Tons of entries, 11 went home. Check.

Yet, Jimmie Johnson still finds Victory Lane for the third time in a row. Perhaps the phrase that refers to the cream rising to the top in the face of adversity isn’t too far fetched after all. These drivers are professionals, and they adapt and overcome. Yes, even Stewart.

Dale Earnhardt Junior did run well, yet wasn’t a threat for the win. However, as they said they would, they turned their season around and not Junior is solidly in the current Top 35 for Owners Points. He’s not out of the woods yet though.

Jeff Gordon had yet another good run, and that team is building momentum. With 2 Top 10’s to start the season, and now add a Top 5 to that with his 2^nd place run at Vegas where’s he’s struggled for the last few years, that team is building a roll already. The Richard Childress cars are as well, even though Bowyer hooked out and Harvick wasn’t in tip top shape. Bowyer ran well, and just lost it. Harvick never had a competitive car, but Jeff Burton was there all day until electrical problems dropped him back late in the going.

Yet in the end, bad pit stops and a penalty couldn’t keep Johnson from taking his 3^rd in a row at Las Vegas.

One thing we are left with is wondering how a few more months will effect the track. We’ll see when the Trucks make their visit later this year, and when Cup comes back next season. As with any new track, it just needs a little seasoning on it.

While some may consider the next big hurdle in recently paved tracks to be Charlotte, we would disagree. Charlotte was breaking itself in last fall, and another 7 months should bring it in to reasonable again. The next big challenge will be one of the critical races of the year. Bristol and the Sharpie 500 in August. They’ll be ripping into the concrete as soon as the checkers fly in just under 2 weeks, and have even given Speed’s Victory Lane the opportunity to cover it during their post-race show. We’re also talking concrete here, not asphalt. It’s going to make for an interesting countdown to the Chase, that’s for sure.

So as we leave the sounds and faces of Las Vegas behind and head to Atlanta, what have we learned?

1. Jimmie has two “houses”. The second being a vacation home.
2. Professionals can do their job, even under adverse conditions.
3. Las Vegas in time should provide decent racing.
4. Again, that well funded teams are riding home before the checkers fly.

That’s pretty much the deal. Once Goodyear backs the tire off to a “normal” compound, and the track gets a little time under its belt with mother nature, all should be well.

Share your thoughts!.

Filed Under: Drivers, Hendrick Motorsports #48, Jimmie Johnson, Las Vegas, Nascar, Teams, Tracks





Trackback URL for: Johnson Sparks Deja Vu In The Nevada Desert