Fixing California from a Californians point of view

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.

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The Overview

It’s been said season after season. California’s broke, and it needs fixed. Band-aid after band-aid has been erratically placed over wounds which needed major surgery. We’ve harped and harped on this and that, even when it had merely a lone date in the spring amongst exciting tracks the likes of Talladega and Richmond.

Jaws dropped when that date was moved to the second race of the year, and them getting the Labor Day nod. OK, that’s pretty tame since all hell broke loose, and it’s still quite the sore spot in many a fans heart at the loss of the Southern 500’s tradition.

As everyone else is throwing their two cents onto the fire and kicking them while they’re down, I have went to the source, the California race fans, in search of why they aren’t heading out to the track. The answers are surprising, or maybe not so much to the trained eyes and ears, but my own solution is something worth your consideration.

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Filed Under: California, Nascar, Sprint Cup, Tracks

Tagged As: California Fiasco, California Solution



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By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Monday February 25, 2008
3:11pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

About flippin time is right.

About flippin time someone won out in California.

About flippin timethe weather took a back seat to racing.

About time for a lot of things, but I’ll cut it at this. About time the racing was worth watching at this southern California track.

It wasn’t a perfect show, and yeah there is room for improvement. Isn’t there always, though?

However, love or hate this car, we saw again that it’s racy. It’s nice to see these cars around each other for lengths of time without one driver or another losing it. All seeping water aside.

One thing prevalent in this race, of many, is that this is the house of Roush. What looked last night to be the Gordon Show, turned a tick to Johnsonville, but the Roushketeers didn’t flinch. Had the race continued last night the outcome would be anyone’s guess. But it didn’t, so end of that story.

Another lesson here is that Roush has their act together with the car now, and they’re getting better. Further still, is that Hendrick is still as strong as ever. While taking home half the trophies this season seems out of the question, as the competition is much stiffer this season thus far, you can bet they’ll take home a fair share before the season is over.

Now it’s on to the Nationwide race, where a historic moment has a chance to take place. That moment being that for the first time, a driver could leave the weekend behind and sit atop all 3 Series points. Trucks, Nationwide, and Sprint Cup. That driver is Kyle Busch.

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Filed Under: California, Carl Edwards, Drivers, Nascar, Roush Racing #99, Sprint Cup, Teams, Tracks

Tagged As: Carl Edwards, Cousin Carl, Hendrick Motorsports, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, kyle busch, Roush Fenway Racing, Roushketeers



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By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Monday February 25, 2008
11:15am CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

David Poole hit the nail on the head, as he often does when it comes to tough questions. Like him or not, this piece nails it.

David raises the same questions, that we previously discussed, in terms of California, weather, attendance and whether or not this is working out. Also drawing the same path through the dots to recall that the reasons currently present in California were the beginning of the end for Rockingham. It’s not necessarily the track, but as I’ve said before it’s the weather.

The L.A. market (which is what California targets, some 60 miles west or so) is something that the kind providers of the funding that helps put the sport on the track want to be in. Naturally, in terms of business, it makes sense. What doesn’t make sense completely is the consistent lack of a quality product.

California has a place on the schedule. The question however, is how often and when?

Prior to having a second date awarded, the race was later in the spring and the results (while still not great) were better. Or so it would seem. Let’s go with that it presented a better opportunity to draw a crowd.

Yesterday the competition for attendance at events in the market was high. There was plenty to do. Then again, most of those events only had to dish out about 25% (or less) of the number of tickets as compared to the Cup event.

But hey, one bright shining star of hope has emerged for fans sitting at work with ticket stubs from the Nationwide event this weekend. Bruton Smith and the kind folks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway have been kind enough to give anyone with a ticket stub from the California Nationwide race a $25 ticket to the Nationwide race this coming weekend.

Needless to say, the weather looks beautiful for this coming weekends events, with highs around 70. Sounds better than the 40’s, doesn’t it?

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Filed Under: California, Las Vegas, Nascar, Tracks

Tagged As: California, Las Vegas, Rain Delay



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By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Monday February 25, 2008
12:48am CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

So it’s approaching 1:30am in Charlotte. Does anyone care at this point, aside from the minimal few diehard fans still up, and those still at the track?

Let’s be honest here. Anyone that was watching, went to bed quite a while ago. Those on the west coast are just now turning in, recently turned in, or are heading that way soon. The majority gave up long ago.

As we tick off the 4th hour of the red flag delay, and enter into the 5th, how much is too much? Does anyone at this point really care anymore tonight?

The drivers have been on again, off again for half a day, and the level of fatigue (from mostly sheer boredom) has to be setting in. At this point, I would have to ask the question, “Is this safe?”

There is one thing to be sure of at this point. They’d damn well better go racing after all of this, and it better make the distance.

On a more serious note, Casey Mears is quite alright after one heck of an accident. Thank you H2O.

Casey hit one of the weepers, creepers, or whatever you want to call it, and lost his car up the track. He almost had it saved, then hit the marbles and junk up by the wall. Thus causing a chat with said wall, a spin back across the track, a brief conversation with Dale Jr., before coming to rest along the outside wall. Oops! Just a second here, Sam Hornish Jr. has something to add to the conversation here. Wrinkled hood and all, neither saw it coming. Hornish couldn’t stop, see, or steer by that point, and he lifted Casey’s back end up in the air, rolling his car over a time and a half to finally come to rest on the passenger side.

Both drivers we unharmed, out of their cars under their own power, treated and released from the infield care center. Heck, Casey’s probably crawling into bed in Charlotte by now. At least close to it.

Now hurry the hell up, and let’s race.

Update:

Nope. I guess nobody cares. Even NASCAR. After keeping what few were left hanging on their seats, they call it a day at 2am EST.

Gee, thanks.

Back at it at 1pm EST tomorrow I guess.

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Filed Under: California, Casey Mears, Drivers, Hendrick Motorsports #5, Nascar, Sprint Cup, Teams, Tracks

Tagged As: Casey Mears, Rain Delay, Sam Hornish Jr



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By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Friday February 22, 2008
12:58pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Not to take a potshot at a track while it’s down, but even the locals in southern California will tell you that this is one of their rainy seasons. What really chaps my hide is the “reasoning” for giving California Speedway this particular date over Rockingham. Put aside that The Rock was being eliminated from the schedule, as it was sold to SMI by ISC in lieu of further legal proceedings, and get back to basics here.

The reasoning was that the weather in Rockingham was less than desirable at the end of February. Cold, rain, you name it. I won’t disagree that it could be downright chilly in those grandstands, with hot chocolate being a big seller on occasion. However, that being that case, it would seem logical that California’s current spot in February could be one hindrance to their lack of performance in the ticket office. In a market that big it should be selling out. Out of 20 million people, or however big the market is that they are claiming, you tell me you can’t get 0.45% (less than one-half of a percent) of the market area interested? To me, that doesn’t compute at all.
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Filed Under: California, Nascar, Sprint Cup, Tracks

Tagged As: California Speedway, Low Attendance, Ticket Prices, Track Weather



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By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday January 2, 2008
12:12pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

NASCAR recently released the 2008 Sprint Cup testing schedule, so here it is. Those taking notes will immediately notice some interesting tidbits coming up that differs significantly from previous years.

For the folks at home that may not keep up with the testing procedures and policies, these are the “official” tests hosted by NASCAR at Sprint Cup sanctioned tracks.

We already know about the first obligatory session. If not, it’s time to crawl out from under that rock. (That’s a joke, or an attempt at one, so feel free to laugh and at least make me feel better.)

January 7-9: Daytona Preseason Thunder (Jan 10th saved as a rain date.)
Teams finishing in odd numbered points positions in the 2007 Nextel Cup Series.

January 14-16: Daytona Preseason Thunder (Jan 17th for rain.)
Teams finishing in even numbered points positions in the 2007 Nextel Cup Series, plus new entries.

January 28-29: Las Vegas Motor Speedway

January 31- February 1: California Speedway

March 3-4: Phoenix International Raceway

May 27-28: Pocono Raceway

September 23-24: Lowe’s Motor Speedway

There you have it folks. That’s the “sanctioned” tests. Notable are the moving of Lowe’s to September, and the addition of Pocono in May. Last year it was Dover instead of Pocono, which was canceled due to weather.

Welcome to 2008, folks. It’s going to be a great year all around.

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Filed Under: California, Charlotte/Lowe's, Daytona, Las Vegas, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Phoenix, Pocono, Tracks





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By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Monday February 26, 2007
8:24am CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Or perhaps more fittingly it should be Kensethville, CA after Matt Kenseth cleaned house on Saturday and then again on Sunday. And weren’t there some fans worried about Roush?

With a year under their belt with the Fusion, Roush Racing (OK, Roush Fenway Racing) is pulling their act back together. Granted that’s what a few media folks tauted about Yates during Speedweeks, but we refrained from such comments stating that we’re going to give it until later this spring. Of course, that was a good move on our part as RYR didn’t look too good this week.

While Roush is far from the position RYR is in, they were noticeably off their dominant position of 2005 in 2006. Again, we attributed this to the switch to the Fusion. With California being on of the “specialty” tracks, of Roush, their strong runs on Sunday were an indication they were getting things at least rolling in the right direction. We’re still not going to call them “back to 2005″ stature yet, as they also ran well in this even a year ago, but it was a sign and a piece of the puzzle. Had they run poorly, their stability would have most assuredly come into question.

In what was perhaps “Revenge of the NASCAR gods”, Kevin Harvick was the only car late in the going that had a shot and was better than Kenseth. However when Greg Biffle and David Reutimann got together with just under 10 to go, with Harvick beating down the door of the path to Kenseth and a possible close finish, NASCAR put out the red (as is usual procedure in that instance). Coming down the back stretch to take the green for what would be the final time, Harvick’s front left tire went down. Be it from hitting debris or his loan from the 1^st National Bank Of Luck running out, Kevin hit pit road from the second spot as the field came to the green. Leaving his teammate in 2nd followed by Jeff Gordon. Jeff got around Burton, but didn’t have anything for Kenseth.

Call it irony, or the “NASCAR gods” making things right (in some fans eyes), but Kenseth cruised unchallenged to the checkers to make for his 15th Cup win. With the drama of Speedweeks, it was an emotional victory for Matt. One that had water backing up in his eyes. Oh, that’s right, it was “debris” that was choking him up in his post race interview.

So now we head into an off weekend for Cup, while the Busch Series travels down south of the border for the third time, and we get ready around the Lounge for a “big” weekend of our own.

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Filed Under: California, Drivers, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Richard Childress Racing #29, Roush Racing #17, Teams, Tracks





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By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Sunday February 25, 2007
8:53am CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Is anyone surprised by this? Jeff Gordon being on top at California? You shouldn’t be surprised that he’ll pace the field to the green today, not being the only driver with multiple wins (3) at the track, and a record there that speaks for itself. Then again, overall, it’s tough to find a track where this guy hasn’t had success. What the team has to face now is that no California winner has ever come from the pole. If the Truck or Busch race are any indication, don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.

Mark Martin looked to have the truck race wrapped up Friday night, yet some “inconvenient” contact from Hornaday on the second to last restart put Mark through the grass and opened the door for Skinner to sneak into Victory Lane to give Toyota their second piece of hardware in a row.

Then we have Mr. Roboto here. Patience and keeping up with the track conditions made for yet another Kenseth Busch win. His 22nd win, in 200 starts, in the series came without too much fanfare. Jeff Burton had a pretty fast car, as did Kyle Bush as well. In the end though, clean air and good calls kept Matt in the hunt as he walked off with the win. The only challenge coming from Casey Mears, in the 24’s first appearance in Busch Series competition since 2002, and while Mears made the charge, he needed another 5 to 10 laps. But he was coming though, and it at least provided a little hope of a battle to the checkers. In the end though, Katie was sending text messages on her way to greet Matt in Victory Lane. The interesting battle was actually behind Kenseth as Burton, Edwards, Mears and Bush battled for the spots behind Kenseth. Allowing Kenseth to pull out to a little over 2 seconds, Mears finally broke through and cut Kenseth’s lead in about half in 10 laps. Give or take.

Then we have Mr. Waltrip waiting at the gate. With only one car left to qualify, he was sitting on the bubble Friday afternoon. The remaining car? David Reutimann in Michael’s own #00 entry. One has to wonder what the call is there. Team orders? Do your best and let the chips fall as they may? Both cars having to make it in on speed, one was going home. Reutimann put it in the show, sending his boss to the house for the first time this season and putting the team orders rumor to bed. Unless the team orders are to do your best and let the chips fall where they may.

Toyota again put half its cars in the show. Blaney was guaranteed with owners points from last season, Jarrett used his 2nd provisional, Brian Vickers put his Camry in 15th, and then Reutimann. Essentially the same lineup from Toyota as last week, just swap Waltrip for Vickers.

I don’t see Vickers missing too many shows this season. He’s always been rather good in qualifying, and was at Daytona as well. However, as we all know, Daytona 500 qualifying is its own beast.

So as we head into the afternoon, we’ll have some initial stories to follow. One that deserves mentioning is Roush. Watch that team, and the whole team. McMurray’s always been good here, as have the other Roushketeers. Biffle was taking everyone to school a year ago, until he blew a motor in the closing laps.

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Filed Under: Brian Vickers, Busch Series, California, Craftsman Truck Series, David Reutimann, Drivers, Greg Biffle, Hendrick Motorsports #24, Jamie McMurray, Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Michael Waltrip, Michael Waltrip Racing #00, Michael Waltrip Racing #55, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Roush Racing #16, Roush Racing #17, Roush Racing #26, Team RedBull #83, Teams, Tracks





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By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Thursday February 22, 2007
2:05pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

So here we go again. OK, we’re talking about NASCAR but not the “Stars & Bars” one might customarily associate with it. Granted, as NASCAR heads to California Speedway this weekend you’ll still see find it among the crowd.

When it comes to California, one thing you can count on is seeing numerous Hollywood “Stars” trying to put their mug in front of a camera somewhere. All for the sake of being seen in this “new” and “hip” environment. How many are actually coming to see the race, and would have bought a ticket anyway? It’s forecast to be pretty sunny, so Britney won’t be making an appearance.

So what’s the point of this article? Am I writing it just to be writing something? Nope. No Steve Waid here, and writing out garbage just to be able to put a plug for ourselves at the end. Shameless or not, we don’t need an excuse to remind folks of the various offerings here at the Lounge.

So back to the topic, which aside from a goofy title and a Britney crack (no pun intended), we talking about racing. We’re looking at only 10 cars being sent home this week, as last I looked there were 53 possible convicts on the docket for this weekend.

Who’s in, and who’s out? Well, it’s all about speed on Bud Pole day now. No second chances of racing your way in this week, and from here on out. You either bring it, or pack it up and get off their property.

Jeremy Mayfield was pretty optimistic after being 16th on Sunday for qualifying, and then being booted out through the Duel’s. Such is the magic of Daytona, but now were back to “business as usual” and Speedweeks are becoming a little foggier with each passing day.

Nothing personal against Mikey, but I don’t see the Napa Camry making the show. Reutiman is close call, he was the best of the three, but I’d be willing to place a wager on Toyota not having half their cars in the show. Maybe I’ll be wrong, which is fine for the sponsors, but maybe not. With only 7 open spots to make it in, there’s a lot of teams that will be pushing for the show that knew it and will be bringing their “A game” to Fontana. Knowing their chances out of a 61 car field at Daytona, tell me they haven’t packed a lot into the second week.

These won’t (for the most part) be the casual let downs of small independent teams missing a race. We’re talking big teams, with big budgets and sponsors, packing it up after qualifying is over (possibly waiting for post-qualifying inspection to conclude if they were close to the show) and heading back to the shop. Some of these well funded teams will be doing it for the second event in a row.

And it isn’t going to get any better either. It’s going to be a nail biter for every track on the schedule. The “COT” races will probably be worse, as there are several teams only planning on attempting those events.

The face of NASCAR is changing right before our very eyes. You can’t tell me that a team is going to make it long if half the races they attempt in with a “sooner than hoped for” trip back. It might take some time, but it will balance itself out in the end. And with it, we may lose the small independent teams which once filled up the field and added for an occasional dash of spice here and there.

Anyone care to reflect on a certain race at the Rock, not too long before its unfortunate demise where a certain driver ended up taking out his only car the team had in an “interesting” carnival-style ride along the wall?

Somethings going to give. And unfortunately it will most likely be the weakest link. I can’t see NASCAR cutting the top 35 down to top 20, and that leaves the underfunded teams who are just happy to be there and have something on the fenders fighting for air. Even some of the 3rd/4th tier teams we’ve become accustomed to over the past few seasons aren’t safe. And unless you’re Bill Gates (who needs a punch in the mouth), or of similar stature, you aren’t paying for it out of your pocket. Even Jack Roush had a struggle when Citgo left the 99. It wasn’t pretty, and Jack’s got plenty of skills and finances. At least to the common man. It would seem he could float it some. Then again, anyone of “money” will tell you they “got the bills to go with it”. Which is usually an underlying “code” to tell you to bug off and don’t even think about asking for a Pepsi.

So what we’re left with is a changing face of NASCAR, and one that will be obvious sooner rather than later. The question is, “Who will it be that folds up?”

Stay tuned, we’ll find out in the not too distant future.

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Filed Under: California, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Tracks





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