Bristol: It’s Called Thunder Valley For A Reason
Tuesday, August 29th, 2006 12:34pm CDT
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.
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[thumb:207:l:s=1:l=x]Wow. Finally being able to scratch Bristol off the “attended” list was simply incredible. If you have the luck of season tickets, that’s one thing. However for the rest of us not so fortunate, and not being drawn in the “lottery”, it’s a struggle that usually requires a well funded trip to either acquire tickets online from auction or scalping sites or the traditional roadside “Joe”. Fortunately even the sun can shine on a dog’s backside once in a while. Right place, right time, and a dance with Lady Luck.
With the exception of Watkins Glen, it was the last track back East left on the list. I’d say east of the Mighty Mississippi, but Michigan, Kansas and Chicago have still yet to be tamed. However I’m sure that the list will dwindle with time. The list has tracks scratched off that no longer have any NASCAR dates at all, although in my personal opinion it is a tragic loss of great racing surfaces. Back to what we’re here to discuss. Bristol.
The race itself was actually rather tame for the night race. Attribute that to what you will. Be it NASCAR with a stern warning, the pressure to bring it home to stay in the hunt for the Chase, or just a simple rare occurrence. Heck, the Busch race had more cautions. Many a driver “had it coming”, yet nobody “got it”. The Edwards/Junior thing wasn’t an issue going into the race. Carl knew NASCAR would be watching. However there were still many a drive that was most certainly a little nervous before the green flag, and rightfully so. Yet either the opportunity didn’t present itself or something else factored in.
Regardless of this, it didn’t take away from the experience. Not to mention that even though the race was “tame” in some aspects, when was the last time you saw so many passes on the outside at Bristol? The racing itself was really good, although the normal beating/banging/rubbing/spinning wasn’t as prevalent.
So, the nickname is Thunder Valley. It most certainly is appropriate, although I didn’t have any personal doubt. The roar of the “Thunder” there is something that cannot be described, as hard as I may try. I’ve been fortunate enough to hear a lot of “Thunder” at many tracks. Each track has its own distinctive sound and Bristol is no exception. Some may be similar, but each is their own. Even amongst the cookie cutters, although the difference is much less.
To sum it up, it is just something you have to hear for yourself. It’s incredible, and words just can’t do it justice.
Filed Under: Nascar, Nextel Cup, Tracks
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As I, you seem to be the “outlier,” in noticing the outside passing and a generally neutral critique of Bristol.
The amount of whining and complaining is everywhere this week.
And BTW there are other ways to get a Bristol ticket. Not that I recommend them, I’m just saying is all!
Marc said this on August 29th, 2006 at 10:52 pm
Yes, yes it has. I’m right there to say it was a “tame” race for Bristol. But, it also wasn’t a “bad” show either. Outside passing a Bristol? Kenseth did it Friday night and people’s jaws just dropped. Leaving a “What the hell was that?” expression on their face.
We’re not talking about swinging out and around a slow lapper. That’s a norm. We’re talking about competitive passes, and door to door racing for position for laps at a time. Sure, there were a few bumps and rubs. After all 8 wheels turn better than 4, but the hype was that there were a lot of paybacks coming and it was going to be an “action” night. It wasn’t, with less cautions and caution laps than the Busch race the night before.
It was still good racing, just not typical. A similar event happened in 2004 if I recall correctly.
I had a blast though, and I’ve got a ton of writing to do about it as well. Oh yes, and one does happen to include the person you asked about previously, but not in the light you were hoping.
Luke said this on August 30th, 2006 at 7:15 am