Gordon Outweighs Edwards On Penalty Wednesday

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.

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NASCAR handed out, or handed back if you prefer, points a plenty this afternoon.

In an unprecedented move, NASCAR not only swiped the recent standard of 100 driver/owner points, 6 week vacation and $100,000 fine for the crew chief (Bob Osbourne) for the #99 Office Depot team, but they also took back the 10 bonus points Carl Edwards had obtained for the seeding of the Chase.

Roush Fenway Racing President Geoff Smith commented from Vail, Colorado that RFR would be getting their ducks in a row over the next week to decide whether or not to appeal the penalty.

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Filed Under: Carl Edwards, Daytona, Drivers, Las Vegas, Nascar, Robby Gordon, Robby Gordon Motorsports #7, Roush Racing #99, Sprint Cup, Teams, Tracks

Tagged As: Carl Edwards, Cousin Carl, NASCAR Penalties, Robby Gordon



Trackback URL for: Gordon Outweighs Edwards On Penalty Wednesday

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Monday March 3, 2008
12:52am CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Well, it was almost like deja vu as Carl Edwards led the last lap for the second week in a row.

After much impending anticipation, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series made it to Las Vegas. After the fiasco in Fontana last week, it was definitely a welcomed weekend where weather wasn’t an issue, and the racing was anticipated to be really good.

It wasn’t bad, however as a colleague pointed out, I was left with a slight empty feeling. To me it felt like the guys we’re leaving something on the table, for lack of a better term. I reflect back to comments about the tires, a lack of overall grip, and the term cautiously aggressive comes to mind.

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Filed Under: Carl Edwards, Drivers, Hendrick Motorsports #24, Jeff Gordon, Joe Gibbs Racing #20, Las Vegas, Nascar, Roush Racing #99, Sprint Cup, Teams, Tony Stewart, Tracks

Tagged As: Carl Edwards, Cousin Carl, Jeff Gordon, Las Vegas, Post-Race Inspection, Tony Stewart



Trackback URL for: Deja Flippin Vu, Almost

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Thursday February 28, 2008
2:20pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

With every advancement in dates for a NASCAR track, someone loses out. Las Vegas hosting two races per season would not be an exception to this. In order for the folks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to benefit from a second date, someone will lose out. More than just one “someone” as well.

As it stands now, that potential loss lies at the feet of SMI’s recently purchased New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which is unfortunate.

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Filed Under: Las Vegas, Nascar, New Hampshire, Sprint Cup, Texas, Tracks

Tagged As: Bruton Smith, Las Vegas, New Hampshire, SMI, Texas



Trackback URL for: The Pitfalls Of A Second Date At Las Vegas

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Tuesday February 26, 2008
10:44am CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

We all know Bruton Smith bought New Hampshire, renamed it to fit within the SMI namig Scheme (New Hampshire Motor Speedway), changed the logo, and is spending money in addition to the $340 million price tag for the track.

What has run rampant since is that Bruton Smith didn’t necessarily buy the track, but bought the two coveted Cup dates that it had for the sole purpose of moving one of those dates to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Oh, that would be $170 million for each Cup date, if you’re counting.

Was it worth it for SMI, and will it be worth it for Las Vegas in return? It very well could be, and a profitable move at that.

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Filed Under: Las Vegas, Nascar, New Hampshire, Sprint Cup, Tracks

Tagged As: Bruton Smith, Las Vegas, New Hampshire, SMI



Trackback URL for: Why A Second Date At Las Vegas Will Work

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



Trackback URL for: Poole hits nail on the head

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Thursday January 31, 2008
2:02pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Kyle Busch took a moment to talk to the media while attending this weeks test session at Las Vegas Motor Speedway about several little tidbits. Among those were communication amongst his team and with his teammates, how the car was handling overall, and competing against Hendrick with a new manufacturer.

It will take some getting used to hearing and saying the #18 M&M’s Camry. Although, funny as it is, in the image attached to this article there’s a funny resemblance between Kyle and an old picture of Elliott. Not a whole lot, but a little bit. Maybe it’s the eyes and the angle, I don’t know.

Getting down to business, Kyle made mention that communication amongst his team and across teams was really well. Having already been friends with teammate Denny Hamlin helped on that front, and he made note that the more challenging line of communication would be with Stewart. However, he reports that all is well on that front and that things are really gelling in the Gibbs Camp.

Speaking with regards to the car, he notes that it’s improving. He discussed a few issues with it as well, like losing down force and becoming a little loose behind other cars. While there are still issues with the car, these teams will get it figured out. They are professionals after all, and the more they work and play with it, the better it will become.

Kyle seems to think that while Toyota will be stronger than in its inaugural season, he sees the Gibbs Camp leading the way and being the Toyota’s that can keep pace with Hendrick Motorsports. While test data is just that, it would seem that JD and Co. are playing well in the new sandbox. Not only have they appeared strong, which they should, but there has been a noticeable improvement amongst all of the Toyota’s as well.

Today marks the first of a two day test session at California, and if the previous two tests are any indication, look for Gibbs and their Toyota brethren to continue to draw attention.

Photo Credit: NASCAR.com

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Filed Under: Drivers, Joe Gibbs Racing #18, Kyle Busch, Las Vegas, Nascar, Sprint Cup, Teams, Tracks

Tagged As: joe gibbs racing, kyle busch, testing, toyota



Trackback URL for: Kyle Busch, Testing Vegas

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





Trackback URL for: 2008 Sprint Cup Testing Schedule

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday November 7, 2007
8:53pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Menard To Get New Crew Chief

So it looks like Paul Menard is going to get a new Crew Chief for 2008, as Dave Charpentier moves up to become the Technical Director at DEI. Well, if the rumors are to be believed.

The only question I have, is how long will it take for the #15 to fall out of the Top-35? Lest we forget that if it weren’t for the Ginn Fiasco, they wouldn’t be in the Top 35 as they were the beneficiary of Sterling Marlin and his effort in the #14.

You know, there’s a reason that a lot of drivers/teams in the garage make comments over the radio about Paul Menard. To be honest, if you thought Tony Stewart was off his rocker or out of line on his Sirius show a couple weeks back, you’re sadly mistaken. He is far from the only one out there with those feelings. Nothing against you personally Paul, you’re a great guy, but could you be over your head a little bit here?

So, WTF is going to save the #15 from the Top-35 cut-off in 2008?

New Hampshire Gets A Facelift?

DW seems to think that New Hampshire could be ripped up and the resulting reconstruction could end up the product of Richmond and Bristol gettin’ it on.

That’s right, a 3/4 mile, high banked short track. Maybe not 36 degrees, but far from 12 or 14 we would imagine.

On top of that, expanding the current 100,000 or so capacity as the stadium builds around it.

While that would be pretty darn cool, is it really something that could happen?

New Hampshire has sold out 26 consecutive dates. Not many tracks can boast consecutive numbers like that. Richmond can, and I’m pretty sure Bristol is in the ballpark as well, but the question at hand is how fast will that number continue to increase?

Here’s the deal.

The majority of speculation is that one of the New Hampshire dates will be petitioned to be moved to Las Vegas for the 2009 season. Most likely the one in September. You know, the date that has kicked off the Chase since its inception in 2004.

However, we have another problem here. The fall date at Texas also coincides with the opening weekend of deer season in Texas. What’s a good ol’ boy to do?

Further speculation is that if the date is moved from New Hampshire to Las Vegas, then in turn Las Vegas and Texas could swap dates. Which would run the schedule out like Las Vegas, Phoenix, Homestead, with a Texas sized party to kick the whole Chase off.

Then again, maybe New Hampshire keeps both dates? While Las Vegas is a great facility, Bristol makes more revenue. If New Hampshire did get a facelift, while it would take some time to build up the capacity, it could generate more revenue than Vegas. Interesting thoughts all around, that’s for sure.

So, WTF is going to happen with New Hampshire?

Speaking Of Racing, Where’s The Leader?

“I’m a hundred miles away, son.”

That’s exactly what the leaders were saying at Texas this weekend. It was almost a given that if you got the lead, you’d end up with a 20+ car length advantage.

Was it the surface? Is the “soon to be extinct” car just that bad in traffic these days? While we have much love for our home track at Texas, the show wasn’t as stellar as it could have been. We’ll leave judgment out of it, and just wonder… WTF happened to the show(s)?

And there you have it. Your WTF’s for this week.

With two weeks to go before the season winds down, we’re going to give a shout out to all those folks that have been working the grind with little downtime since Daytona last February. We, as fans, thank each and every one of you for the job you do to support our sport. From the hauler drivers, to the crew members, to the souvenir drivers/sales folks, to the drivers, and everyone in between we give you a hardy Thunder Lounge salute and thanks.

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Filed Under: Las Vegas, Nascar, New Hampshire, Nextel Cup, Texas, Tracks, WTF? Wednesday's





Trackback URL for: Texas Sized WTF’s

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.

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





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

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Friday March 9, 2007
11:29am CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Las Vegas is a pivot point, and incredibly important this season. More so than any season before it. Granted it’s more pivotal for some teams than others, but regardless of who you run for it still carries more weight than it had.

For starters, we have 18 teams this weekend trying to squeeze into 7 available spots. Yet again, there will be well funded teams that take a long ride back across the country to the shop a few days earlier than they had hoped for. Some of these teams haven’t made a race this season at all (Mayfield and Allmendinger for example), and some have made one of two (Vickers). Note, these are all Toyota teams, but there are other manufacturers in this boat as well. For all of these teams, Vegas is extremely crucial. Right now, the deficit to 35th in owners points is still in sight. After Vegas it will get wider, and wider after Atlanta, and will continue to grow. By the time we get to the end of April, if you have missed more races than not, you can probably kiss the top 35 luxury goodbye and hope for more success in 2008.

Not only for teams that have struggled to make the show, but it’s also crucial for teams which have had lackluster results in the previous two events. Stewart, Dale Jr, Dave Blaney, as well as many others that have had mixed results. Stewie is on the rebound after his DNF in the 500, and his 8th place finish at Fontana bumped him up to 21^st in points. Junior is still stuck back in 41^st (40^th in owners), but only 18 from the top 35.

Dale Jarrett has another problem. Right now he sits inside the top 35, but those don’t take effect until Martinsville. Jarrett has had to use 2 of his available 6 Past Champion Provisionals, and using 5 of them up front will endanger his team later on this spring if he has issues and some poor finishes.

So centering in the middle of the newly anointed Top 35 Fiasco™ is Las Vegas in all of its redesigned glory. If you wish to call it glory, which Tony Stewart doesn’t. Bringing along with it the drama of fighting for a secured starting spot, it’s pivotal.

If you make the show, for starters, you get a leg up on teams that didn’t. Take for example Brian Vickers, he missed the 500 but after making Fontana is 34th in the hunt for starting spots. Note that he gained 19 spots in the hunt. As the races wear on, gains like this aren’t going to be a reality. Right now, at Las Vegas, it’s still possible to get yourself into position. With the next 3 races even, it’s going to become a nightmare.

So here were are, and qualifying is approaching fast. If you’re comfortable right now, you can work a little harder on your race set-up and let the qualifying chips fall where they may. If you’re struggling to make the show, you’ll have to split your practice time to make sure you give yourself the best possibility to make the show. In turn, your race set-up is going to have less time under it, which usually results in less appealing race results. It ends up becoming a vicious cycle. You can’t get your race set-up better, because you miss out on the additional time that teams in the top 35 have the luxury of taking. So if you get into the show, you’re already behind no matter where you start. Cycle repeats. The saving grace is hopefully by the time Martinsville comes due, you’re in the top 35 and can build on it. If you’re close and on the edge, you may find yourself back on the outside of the fence come race day. A painful lesson to swallow, and one that will be leaving a bitter taste in the mouth of sponsors as well.

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Filed Under: Brian Vickers, Dale Earnhardt Inc #8, Dale Earnhardt Junior, Dale Jarrett, Drivers, Joe Gibbs Racing #20, Las Vegas, Michael Waltrip Racing #44, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Team RedBull #83, Teams, Tony Stewart, Tracks





Trackback URL for: Vegas Race Is Pivotal For Teams